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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 Chinese FM meets with Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto Xinhua) 08:57, September 04, 2025 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, who is in China to attend 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 Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday met with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, who is in China to attend 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. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, relations between China and Hungary are at their best in history. The successful cooperation between the two countries demonstrates that China and Europe are partners instead of rivals, Wang said, adding that the friendship between China and Hungary sets an example for China and Europe to enhance mutual trust and expand cooperation. For his part, Szijjarto said Hungary highly appreciates China for always standing on the side of peace and playing a key role in promoting world peace and stability. China is the most important cooperation partner of Hungary, and the Hungarian side looks forward to further deepening its relations with China. Cooperation between Europe and China brings about opportunities rather than risks, and regarding China as a systemic rival is the biggest misjudgement, Szijjarto noted, adding that the Hungarian side is willing to play a constructive role in promoting the development of Europe-China relations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, who is in China to attend 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 Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) KMD Brands unveils Next Level transformation plan to drive growth and profitability Today at its 2025 Investor Day, KMD Brands (ASX/NZX: KMD , KMD Brands) announces the launch of a global transformation strategy designed to unlock the full potential of its iconic brand portfolio and deliver sustainable, profitable growth. Brent Scrimshaw, Group CEO and Managing Director KMD Brands said: Since joining KMD Brands as Group CEO, Ive spent time across each of our offices and regions, listening to our teams and retail partners whilst immersing myself in the business. What Ive seen is clear: the potential of our brands is far greater than what were delivering today. Thats why were launching Next Level - a transformation strategy designed to align the Group behind a brand and product led customer-centric growth agenda. Core to our strategy is a clear integrated marketplace vision for each of our brands that aligns consumer, product and store format in each geography. Next Level will sharpen the Groups focus on key priorities already underway which include: Re-setting for sustainable profitability by addressing operational leverage and unlocking new pathways to greater returns. This includes a minimum $25m cost reset, which includes a recently commenced organisational restructure aligned to the new strategy, and a store network portfolio review. Re-focusing product innovation to continue to ground our brands in technical performance whilst investing in speed-to-market, design and style. This includes establishing product Centres of Excellence at Rip Curl headquarters in Torquay, to enhance the output of global product teams and streamline organisational structure. Re-energising our store portfolio including new store segmentation to drive relevant consumer experiences and stronger brand expression for Kathmandu. This includes three Kathmandu concept stores of the future launching in ANZ later this calendar year. Re-imagining digital and data intelligence by bringing in new capabilities to enable the Group to deliver the long-term goals of Next Level. This includes new tools and initiatives that deepen data-led decision-making and enhance supply chain excellence. We are also accelerating our ecommerce platform rollout across our brands with investment in more effective digital marketing to reset international go to market approach. David Kirk, Chairman of KMD Brands added: We believe KMD Brands is materially undervalued by the Market. Over the last 18 months we have deliberately made significant executive team changes to enhance the core capabilities of the Group. The Board is fully aligned behind the Next Level strategy and is confident in the Groups ability to self-fund key initiatives and deliver increasing value for shareholders. Each Brand CEO will present a refreshed strategic plan for FY26-28, focused on sharpening market differentiation, reigniting customer engagement, and accelerating revenue growth. These plans are designed to build stronger brand equity, deepen customer relevance, and unlock new commercial opportunities across key markets. This marks the beginning of a multi-year transformation, with key milestones already underway. The Group remains committed to transparent reporting and will continue to update the market regularly as we execute against our strategic priorities - building a stronger, more agile KMD Brands. Investors and shareholders are encouraged to read through the 2025 Investor Day presentation which is available on the Groups investor website: https://www.kmdbrands.com/presentations. A webcast will be available via the same link following the event. FY25 results release The Group intends to release its audited results for the 12 months ended 31 July 2025 on Wednesday 24 September 2025. A briefing session for investors and analysts will be held at 8:30am AEST / 10:30am NZST. Please attend the meeting by following this link: www.virtualmeeting.co.nz/kmdfy25. You may also dial one of the numbers below and provide the conference ID 3372530 to the operator to listen to the meeting. Australia - Toll (Sydney) +61 2 8088 0946 Australia - Toll Free +611800 571 226 New Zealand - Toll Free +64800450012 New Zealand - Auckland +649 887 4636 USA & Canada - Toll-Free (800) 715-9871 United Kingdom - Toll-Free +44 800 260 6466 France - Toll-Free +33 801 238862 Norway - National +47 57 98 94 30 Spain - Toll-Free +34 800 906909 The webcast will be available on the KMD Brands investor website following the call. - ENDS - Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Comvita reaches agreement with lending partners December 11th Morning Report December 10th Morning Report CDI APPOINTS JULIAN SMITH AS INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR EROAD director Cameron Kinloch to step down in March 2026 RUA - Pro Rata Rights Offer December 8th Morning Report GEN - Dividend Reinvestment Plan Strike Price Fletcher Building Update on Funding Facilities December 5th Morning Report HA NOI Viet Nams agriculture sector is cultivating a strong performance in 2025, with export turnover for the first eight months estimated at US$45.37 billion, up 12 per cent year-on-year, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung uc Tien reported. The trade surplus reached $13.07 billion, marking a 10 per cent increase. If favourable conditions hold, total agricultural exports could hit $65 billion this year, Tien said at the ministrys meeting on Thursday. While some seafood products face challenges in the US market, exports of fruit, vegetables and other key items remain stable. By the end of July, the sectors trade surplus had exceeded $10 billion, with crop exports alone earning $11.52 billion. August export turnover was estimated at $5.71 billion, down 3 per cent compared with the same period last year. Yet cumulative figures for January to August showed robust growth, with farm produce earning $24.42 billion (up 13.8 per cent), livestock products $410.7 million (up 24.5 per cent), seafood $7.03 billion (up 11.5 per cent) and forestry products $11.9 billion (up 6.6 per cent). The United States, China and Japan continued to be the top three destinations, accounting for 20.9 per cent, 19 per cent and 7.1 per cent respectively. Notably, exports to the US rose 8.1 per cent, to China 2.6 per cent and to Japan 19.8 per cent. Coffee exports saw remarkable gains. In August alone, Viet Nam shipped 95,000 tonnes worth $429.1 million. The eight-month volume reached 1.2 million tonnes with a record $6.42 billion, up 8.7 per cent in quantity and 59.1 per cent in value. The average export price climbed 46.4 per cent to $5,580 per tonne. Germany, Italy and Spain were the largest importers, with Germany doubling purchases, Italy up 51.5 per cent and Spain 60.8 per cent. Rubber exports reached 210,000 tonnes in August, valued at $318.4 million. Over eight months, shipments totalled 1.1 million tonnes, earning $1.94 billion. While volume slipped 1.2 per cent, value rose 10.2 per cent thanks to higher prices. China dominated with 70 per cent of the market share. Rice exports hit 770,000 tonnes in August, worth $344.1 million. Cumulative exports reached 6.3 million tonnes, valued at $3.17 billion, up 2.2 per cent in volume but down 17.5 per cent in value as average prices fell 19.3 per cent. The Philippines remained the top buyer with 42.4 per cent, though down 15.6 per cent. Meanwhile, Ghana increased imports by 44.4 per cent, Cote dIvoire by 89 per cent and Bangladesh by 188.4 times. Fruit and vegetable exports in August stood at $750 million, bringing the eight-month total to $4.62 billion, down 2.2 per cent. China accounted for more than half but fell 15.1 per cent, while shipments to the US surged 66.3 per cent. Seafood exports totalled $950 million in August, pushing the cumulative figure to $7.03 billion, up 11.5 per cent. China, the US and Japan made up nearly half of the market share. Wood and wood products brought in $1.45 billion in August, lifting the total for eight months to $11.1 billion, up 6.3 per cent. The US remained the largest buyer, while Japan rose 24.3 per cent and Spain grew 37.4 per cent. Deputy Minister Tien said strong leadership and upcoming legal reforms, including changes to the Land and Bankruptcy laws, will support enterprises and farmers. He stressed that agriculture will remain strategic for sustainable growth, with 2025 set to meet all targets and prepare for 202630, while the ministry focuses on expanding markets, boosting exports and improving support policies. BIZHUB/VNS HA NOI The Vietnamese stock market hit a record high on Thursday largely driven by a resurgence in blue-chip stocks, particularly in the banking sector, with the VN-Index inching close to the 1,700 point level. The VN-Index on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) rose nearly 15 points, or 0.89 per cent, to 1,696.29 points a historic high. Market breadth was positive, with 195 stocks increasing and 130 declining. The liquidity on the southern market also gained slightly from the previous session to VN39.8 trillion (US$1.5 billion). The VN30-Index, tracking the 30 biggest stocks on HoSE, finished higher at 1,883.59 points, reversing its morning decline of 0.22 per cent. By the close, 22 stocks ticked up, while six fell and two ended flat. Vietcombank (VCB) led the uptrend with a rise of 2.84 per cent, contributing nearly 3.8 points to the VN-Index's gains. Among the standout performers were Hoa Phat Group (HPG), which attracted substantial capital inflows, VPBank (VPB), FPT Corporation (FPT) and LPBank (LPB). HPGs trading value reached over VN3 trillion in the afternoon, representing 25.5 per cent of the total trading value within the VN30-Index for that session. Other blue-chip stocks like Duc Giang Chemicals Group (DGC), Mobile World Investment Corporation (MWG) and SSI Securities Company (SSI) also performed well, reversing earlier declines or increasing further. Mid-cap stocks also attracted significant buying interest, with notable gains from DIC Group (DIG), up 2.01 per cent, Nam Kim Group (NKG) hitting the ceiling prices, Vietnam Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MSB), up 3.93 per cent, Hoang Huy Investment Financial Services (TCH) up 6.62 per cent and Hoa Sen Group (HSG) soared by 7 per cent. These firms also reported liquidity of at least VN400 billion. On the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index also ended at 283.99 points, up 1.29 points, or 0.46 per cent. As the market continues to respond positively, investors remain optimistic about future trading sessions. Foreign investors continued to be net sellers, but the selling scale shrank, with nearly VN752 billion net sold on HoSE and VN39.93 billion on HNX. BIZHUB/VNS HA NOI A special publication depicting the great life and revolutionary career of President Ho Chi Minh, the founder and architect of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam the first people's democratic state in Southeast Asia has been introduced to book enthusiasts. The book, Ho Chi Minh - Tieu Su Bang Hinh (Ho Chi Minh - A Biographical Portrait), is published by ong A and the University of Pedagogy Publishing House on the occasion of the August Revolution and National Day. It is divided into seven main sections: childhood and growth (18901911); wandering in search of a path to save the nation (19111924); revolutionary activities abroad (19241941); leading the August General Uprising (19411945); leading the resistance against the French (19451954); leading the resistance against the Americans and national unification (19541969); and the legacy of Ho Chi Minh. The book vividly recounts nearly the entire dynamic and rich revolutionary life of President Ho Chi Minh. It begins with his departure from the Nha Rong Port in search of a path to save the nation, travelling through various countries and continents. He became the first Vietnamese communist, actively participating in the international communist movement and later founding the Communist Party of Viet Nam in 1930. Through years of imprisonment and hardship, he returned to his homeland to lead the revolution and launched the August General Uprising in 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam. Alongside the fledgling revolutionary government, he entered into a prolonged resistance against the French, achieving the historic victory at ien Bien Phu in 1954. He continued to lead the entire military and nation in the struggle against the Americans, aiming for national unification, until his passing. Each page of the book offers a small story about a fragment of President Ho Chi Minh's life, collectively creating a relatively complete portrait of the modern leader of the Vietnamese nation. There is a brief summary of the global situation corresponding to each phase of his life and career at the end of each section. This allows readers to gain a broader perspective on the contemporary world and deepen their understanding of Uncle Ho's journey from Sen Village to the Presidential Palace. Ho Chi Minh - A Biographical Portrait tells its story not only through text but also through images, featuring nearly 700 photographs, illustrations, artefacts and monuments, along with some maps and diagrams. Many of the portrait photographs and valuable documents included in the book were collected by ong A from the French Overseas Archives Centre in Aix-en-Provence (ANOM), which houses an extensive collection of around 8,000 pages of documents on President Ho Chi Minh, as well as from various museums in Viet Nam. The editorial team for the book consists of experienced editors from ong A and collaborators with expertise in publishing and history. Additionally, the content advisory board includes specialists from various fields, ensuring the accuracy and depth of the information presented, such as Associate Professor Dr Tran uc Cuong Chairman of the Vietnam Historical Science Association; historian Duong Trung Quoc Vice Chairman and General Secretary of the Viet Nam Historical Science Association and Editor-in-Chief of the magazine Xua & Nay (Past & Present). The work is released in two editions: standard and special. The first comes with a dust jacket and features full-colour printing on 150gsm couche paper. It measures 25 x 30cm and contains 324 pages. The cover prominently displays a portrait of Nguyen Ai Quoc from 1924, while the inner cover is gold-embossed with a portrait of President Ho Chi Minh. Meanwhile, the special edition is limited to 100 copies for collectors. Bound in leather from Alran (France) in a vibrant piment colour, it features handcrafted bookbinding combined with painting in the cosway binding style (a technique that originated in early England). The cover showcases a portrait of President Ho Chi Minh created with lacquer. According to Director of ong A Cultural Company Tran ai Thang, the lacquer material used in the special edition serves as an alternative, preserving the essence of cosway binding while adding a touch of traditional culture, where the spiritual heritage of the nation harmonises with classic European bookbinding techniques. VNS HCM CITY - Viet Nams tourism industry has set new records in the first seven months of 2025, welcoming over 12.2 million international visitors and generating nearly US$23.4 billion in revenue, driven by open visa policies, expanded flight networks, and innovative marketing campaigns. In the first seven months of 2025, Viet Nams tourism industry welcomed over 12.2 million international visitors and 93 million domestic travelers, generating VN616 trillion (nearly US$23.4 billion) in revenue, reaffirming its position as a top destination in Southeast Asia. The year 2025 has witnessed an unprecedented boom in Viet Nams tourism sector, breaking all previous records and strengthening its status as a leading destination in the region. Between January and July alone, the country welcomed 12.2 million international arrivals, up 22.5 per cent from the same period in 2024. Domestic tourism also surged to 93 million trips, bringing total industry revenue to VN616 trillion, 63 per cent of the annual target. Open visa policies According to tourism experts from RMIT University, these achievements result from strategic government initiatives, effective marketing campaigns, and the ability to seize global tourism trends. Among them, Viet Nams open visa policy stands out as a game-changer. Dr. Daisy Kanagasapapathy, deputy head of the Tourism and Hospitality Management Department at RMIT Viet Nam, highlighted that expanding e-visas to all nationalities with a 90-day stay and multiple entries, along with increasing the number of visa-exempt countries, has made Viet Nam a far more attractive and accessible destination compared to others in the region. At the same time, unprecedented aviation infrastructure growth has given the industry fresh momentum. New direct international routes from Europe, North America, and the Middle East have attracted large numbers of visitors from China, South Korea, Japan, the U.S., and Europe. Kanagasapapathy also noted that the 80th Anniversary of National Reunification was a key highlight, as the government leveraged the historic milestone with campaigns like Viet Nam: Journey of Unity to promote both historical landmarks such as the Independence Palace and War Remnants Museum and natural wonders like Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa. Pioneering niche tourism Beyond traditional markets, Viet Nam is also leading in niche tourism. For instance, developing Halal-certified food, prayer facilities, and Muslim-friendly accommodations has made the country more appealing to visitors from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Middle East. Dr. Jackie Ong, senior lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality Management at RMIT Viet Nam, remarked that emerging types of tourism, such as trekking, caving, motorbike travel, wellness retreats, and eco-tourism, are attracting travelers seeking unique and personalised experiences. Investment in infrastructure, particularly airport expansions in major cities, is considered a crucial foundation to enhance tourist experiences and distribute visitors across various regions. Meanwhile, global marketing campaigns like Discover Viet Nam and Viet Nam - A Year-round Destination have successfully promoted the countrys diverse offerings to international audiences. Recently, at the opening of HorecFex 2025 in a Nang, Nguyen Trung Khanh, director general of the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, emphasised: This is a significant boost for transforming the tourism growth model, embracing technology, and building a sustainable ecosystem. Viet Nam is greatly improving its competitiveness through better infrastructure, service quality, and product diversification. Meanwhile, from a business perspective, Nguyen Quoc Ky, chairman of Vietravel Holdings, said: In 2024, Viet Nam welcomed 17.6 million international visitors and 110 million domestic travelers, contributing about 8 per cent of GDP and creating 6 million jobs. By 2030, the goal is 35 million international visitors, 160 million domestic trips, 10.5 million jobs, and a 14 - 15 per cent GDP contribution. Despite breaking records, Viet Nam remains committed to sustainable development. Experts recommend focusing on five pillars: promoting green tourism, leveraging digital technology, developing lesser-known destinations, attracting high-spending travelers, and investing in a skilled workforce. - VNS Pham Quang Vinh, President of the Viet Nam-US Society and former Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States, spoke to Viet Nam News reporter Thu Van about the 30-year journey of normalising relations between Viet Nam and the US and shared his views on the future of bilateral ties. During your tenure as Viet Nams representative in the US, what were some of the most significant turning points you witnessed? I served as the Ambassador of Viet Nam in the US from the end of 2014 until mid-2018 and during those three and a half years there were many important developments. The first concerns high-level visits. One particularly significant visit was the first official trip by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam to the US, during which he held talks with President Obama. The discussions resulted in the Joint Vision Statement on Viet Nam-US relations. This visit, by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in July 2015, coincided with the twentieth anniversary of bilateral ties. It was significant for several reasons. First, it marked the first time the head of the Communist Party of Viet Nam had visited the US and met with the head of the American political system, despite differences in political regimes. This underlined a key principle: mutual respect for each others political systems. Second, the two leaders discussed all matters openly, including issues of the past, present and future and adopted a statement outlining a vision to guide relations towards stronger development. This was an important milestone. Third, both sides described it as a 'historic visit', which demonstrates the weight and meaning of the event for bilateral relations. The second matter I often reflected upon was the development of economic and trade relations. When the Comprehensive Partnership was established in 2013, bilateral trade stood at about US$36 billion. By 2014, when I arrived to take up my post as Ambassador, that figure was already impressive compared to 1995, when trade was less than half a billion US dollars. By 2014, trade had increased more than seventyfold, highlighting tremendous growth potential. During my tenure, we continued to build on this momentum, and by the time I concluded my posting in 2018, trade had reached nearly $70 billion, almost double the figure when I first arrived. This was a very positive outcome in economic and trade relations. A third point worth mentioning is that it is very rare for an Ambassador, within a single term, to witness visits by two consecutive US Presidents to Viet Nam. In May 2016, President Obama visited Viet Nam, followed in November 2017 by President Trump. Each visit left its own mark, producing agreements and leaving significant imprints on the bilateral relationship. There are many more stories to tell, but these examples illustrate some of the major turning points during my time in the US. Beyond diplomacy and politics, were there personal friendships you forged or observed in the US that remain especially meaningful to you? In fact, I held several postings related to the US. Although not always in a direct bilateral role, I first had the opportunity to engage during my posting from 1987 to 1990 at Viet Nams Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. At that time, Viet Nam and the US still had no diplomatic relations, as the two countries were adversaries. The Permanent Mission in New York was effectively the first place where Vietnamese diplomats had opportunities to interact with Americans. I witnessed many friendships there. Some Americans had long opposed the war and called for peace in Viet Nam, later pushing for the lifting of the embargo. They remained steadfast in their support. When it comes to American friends more broadly, one must recognise that their interests varied across different periods. At one time, many Americans, whether anti-war activists or veterans who had served in Viet Nam, became bridges for reconciliation. Former soldiers, who returned home with memories of Viet Nam, often came back and played a role in strengthening bilateral ties. Even when discussing present-day matters, they still carried a sense of responsibility shaped by their experiences. There were also prominent figures in the political system. Senators John McCain and John Kerry, for example, were pillars of the relationship between the two countries. During my ambassadorship, I had very close contact with them. On more than one occasion, they helped resolve issues that could not have been settled through formal channels alone. I was also fortunate in another respect. When Donald Trump was elected President, many in Washington were unfamiliar with his political background, as he had come from business. However, I was introduced to various friends in Congress, think tanks, and business circles who helped establish a channel of communication. As a result, I was able to coordinate with Ha Noi to arrange the very first telephone call between the then Prime Minister of Viet Nam and President-elect Trump, just one month after his election victory. Subsequently, in May 2017, only four months after taking office, President Trump received Viet Nams Prime Minister in Washington. In fact, the Prime Minister of Viet Nam was the first Southeast Asian leader to be welcomed by President Trump at the White House. This was a very significant event. There are many personal stories I could share, each reflecting how friendships and personal connections have played a role in advancing Viet NamUS relations. You were speaking about reconciliation after the normalisation of relations as something very important. How do you assess the efforts of both sides in this field, from demining to supporting victims of Agent Orange, and to the search for missing soldiers, from those early days up to now? The ability to cooperate in addressing the consequences of war has been crucial. These legacies affected Viet Nam in many waysenvironmentally, socially and in terms of human health and psychology. They also included the issue of American service members missing in action. This was not an easy process. After the war, there was a deep gulf of mistrust and suspicion. Both sides were once adversaries and were uncertain about each others true intentions. Yet, step by step, Viet Nam and the US began cooperating in a genuine, humanitarian spirit. From the outset, both sides wanted to ensure this cooperation was substantive and meaningful, even at a time when political relations remained strained, before diplomatic ties were established. This cooperation provided a starting point for reconciliation and normalisation. It worked on two levels: government-to-government, and within families and societies on both sides. By addressing the painful consequences of war in Viet Nam, progress was made in overcoming past divisions in both countries. Americans saw Viet Nams sincerity and efforts, which helped build mutual respect. It was the first brick laid in the foundation of bilateral relations, gradually creating understanding and trust. Over the thirty years since, as the overall relationship between Viet Nam and the US has developed, cooperation in addressing war legacies has become increasingly effective and practical. The US has expanded its support, including clearance of unexploded ordnance, detoxification of dioxin-contaminated sites and assistance to people affected by war-related disabilities. Large-scale projects are notable examples, such as the successful dioxin clean-up at a Nang Airport and the ongoing project at Bien Hoa Airport. These illustrate the strong demand and shared interest in healing the wounds of war. It is also telling that, even when the US recently reviewed and cut back many of its foreign aid programmes, cooperation with Viet Nam in this area was preserved and continued. This shows that war legacy issues remain a priority in US foreign policy towards Viet Nam. At the same time, Viet Nams effective cooperation has ensured that these projects bring benefits not only to us but also to the US, creating shared value and trust. On the American side, I have heard senior officials responsible for the search for missing personnel describe Viet Nam as 'a model of practical, effective, and humanitarian cooperation,' and they expressed deep appreciation. There are also moving stories beyond government-level cooperation. For instance, the organisation PeaceTrees Vietnam was started by an American woman who had lost her brother in the war in Viet Nam. When relations were established, she sought ways to contribute to healing. She founded a fund to clear landmines and plant peace trees on former battlefields, helping local communities and beginning to build bridges of peace and friendship. So cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war is both a humanitarian necessity and a powerful symbol of reconciliation. It has brought the two nations closer together and continues to serve as a pillar of Viet NamUS relations. The economic relationship has grown dramatically since normalisation. From your perspective, what stands out most in this transformation and what lessons or opportunities does it offer Viet Nam for the future? The difference is enormous. In 1995, bilateral trade was valued at approximately $450 million. Today, it is around $150 billion. That figure alone speaks volumes. This shows that the space for cooperation between the two countries is vast. But if we look more closely, two points emerge. First, for Viet Nam to trade successfully with the outside world, including such a demanding market as the US, the capacity of our economy had to increase significantly. The development of Viet Nams economy has gone hand in hand with the growth of Viet Nam-US relations. Without the reforms of the oi moi (Renewal) process, without producing goods and improving competitiveness, Viet Nam would never have been able to penetrate the US market. So the first factor is the strengthening of Viet Nams own capacity. Second, the US market has immense purchasing power. Even today, compared with other major economies, the US remains the worlds largest consumer market. But access to this market is extremely difficult. Two points are clear: the US requires products that Viet Nam is able to producegoods that complement rather than compete with its own economyand Viet Nam must also meet the standards and maintain competitiveness required in the American market. Only then can exports be successful. Over the past decade, bilateral trade has grown at an annual rate of 1720 per cent. This reflects both Viet Nams growth momentum and the continued potential for economic cooperation. Looking ahead, I see three important points. First, the two economies will continue to complement one another. There is still great potential for trade, investment and economic collaboration. Second, the US is currently reviewing its trade policies, including tariffs and such changes will inevitably create headwinds and obstacles. Third, Viet Nam is determined to pursue high-quality, sustainable growth between now and 20302045. This raises important questions: how can Viet Nam increase the value-added content of its exports, not just expand volumes? How can we improve the quality of our products for all markets, especially the US? How can we take advantage of Americas strengths in science, technology, and innovation, which are crucial for Viet Nams aspirations of breakthrough development? To succeed, Viet Nam must improve in several areas: policies must be more conducive; infrastructure must be upgraded; and the quality of human resources must be enhanced. For example, we should take advantage of cooperation with the US in training and upskilling our workforce, improving infrastructure and refining policy frameworks. Only then can Viet Nam attract investment in core and emerging technologies, particularly in digital transformation and green growth. So, while the achievements are already impressive, there is much more that Viet Nam can do to capitalise on opportunities within the economic partnership with the US. Naturally, there are areas where Viet Nam and the US may not always be in full agreement. In your view, how can both sides continue to strengthen their partnership while constructively managing these differences? Relations between our two countries, and the way we handle differences, have always required effort. At milestones such as the 20th, 25th, and 30th anniversaries of normalisation, commentators often described the progress as 'beyond expectations', 'remarkable', or even 'extraordinary'. Indeed, when we recall that the two sides were once fierce adversaries, the fact that within such a short time we have become Comprehensive Strategic Partners, with bilateral trade growing at 1720 per cent annually and reaching $150 billion, is an extraordinary achievement. But behind these successes, there has never been an easy road. It has always required constant dialogue, negotiation and effort from both sides to address differences, resolve emerging issues and overcome challenges. Added to this has been Viet Nams own process of reform and integration, which has enabled us to engage with the world, including the US, on an equal footing. Progress in relations has not simply happened smoothly; it has demanded determination and innovation from both countries. In the past, the obstacles were mistrust, hostility and lack of mutual understanding. Today, those challenges have been overcome and we have a strong foundation for cooperation. Recent joint statements emphasise the guiding principles of the relationship: mutual understanding, mutual respect, adherence to international law and, importantly, respect for each others political systems. These principles ensure that past difficulties are no longer relevant. The challenges we now face are different. They arise from the fact that, as cooperation expands, new issues inevitably emerge. For example, our legal systems are not the same; market standards differ; and US regulations on access to advanced technology and its transfer are highly stringent. For Viet Nam to benefit from such technology, we must also improve our domestic regulatory framework. These are the natural challenges of a partnership that is growing deeper and broader. I see these not as obstacles, but as part of the journey. If we can address such issues through negotiation and agreement, they become opportunities to raise the relationship to a higher level. For instance, greater economic and technological collaboration, as I mentioned earlier, will also demand adjustments on both sides. Looking to the future, both countries are aiming to strengthen the partnership. For Viet Nam, we have set the path towards 2030 and 2045 and will continue to push forward with reforms, streamlining and improving governance, making institutions more efficient and especially fostering innovation and supporting the private sector. These are also the very conditions that will make relations with the US more effective and fruitful. At the same time, we must be proactive in our engagement with the US. First, we need to continue early and regular dialogue to find negotiated solutions that serve the interests of both sides, laying a solid foundation for sustainable economic cooperation. Second, in order to benefit from US strengths in science, technology and innovation, Viet Nam must actively discuss with the US what more needs to be done domestically, in terms of policy frameworks, human resources and infrastructure. Moreover, this cannot be confined to government-to-government dialogue: we must also engage with Americas leading technology corporations. Each company has its own requirements and incentives, and Viet Nam must be ready to create conditions that will attract investment, particularly in core and emerging technologies. A further area is cooperation in addressing the consequences of war, which will continue to be a pillar of the relationship. Both countries should explore how to broaden and deepen this cooperation. In short, the two countries no longer face the great barriers of the past. But looking ahead, if we want to elevate relations to a higher quality, secure greater benefits for both sides and ensure Viet Nams breakthrough development, much work still lies ahead. VNS ABYEI Vietnamese peacekeepers deployed to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) gathered on Tuesday (local time) to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Viet Nams National Day. The ceremony was hosted by Engineering Unit No.3, together with delegations from the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Public Security. Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Hao, Commander of the Vietnamese Peacekeeping Force, opened the event with a moving speech. He retraced the dramatic days of the August Revolution in 1945 and the President Ho Chi Minh's declaration of independence at Ba inh Square, speaking with pride of the resilience that has carried the country through eight decades of change. The programme blended commemoration with culture. Delegates watched a documentary chronicling Viet Nams journey from colonial rule to independence and the progress it has made under the Communist Party of Viet Nams leadership. Martial arts displays by security staff, set to stirring music, showcased the discipline and spirit of Vietnamese soldiers. An exhibition of books, photographs, ethnic costumes and handicrafts offered international guests a glimpse of daily life and traditions back home while a food corner serving national dishes became one of the evenings busiest spots. International partners joined in the celebration. Brigadier General Ameer Muhammad Umrani, Deputy Commander of UNISFAs military forces, highlighted Viet Nams declaration of independence 80 years earlier as a moment that demonstrated both national strength and an indomitable spirit. He pointed to Viet Nams rapid development since then and described the engineering unit in Abyei as an example of the countrys commitment to peacekeeping. Local leaders shared similar views. Charles Abyei Jok, Head of the Abyei Administrative Area, expressed appreciation on behalf of the community, noting the value of the Vietnamese contingents contributions and the hope that their support would continue. For those serving in Abyei, the event was deeply personal. Senior Lieutenant Vu Phuong Uyen, an administrative officer on her second peacekeeping mission, reflected that celebrating National Day so far from home filled the team with pride and strengthened their determination to complete their mission. She emphasised that every task carried out in Abyei helped to project the image of Viet Nam as a peace-loving country and to share its values with the world. In Abyei, the 80th National Day was more than a date on the calendar. It was a cultural gathering, a reaffirmation of duty and a bridge between Viet Nams past struggles and its present role as a contributor to global peace. VNS HA NOI The state visit to Viet Nam by First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez achieved substantive results and marked a significant milestone in strongly advancing the special bilateral friendship and comprehensive cooperation. So said Deputy Foreign Minister ang Hoang Giang while talking to the press about the outcomes of the visit from August 31 to September 2, during which the Cuban leader also attended the 80th anniversary celebration of the August Revolution and National Day of Viet Nam. Giang noted that leaders of Viet Nam and Cuba discussed many important and strategic issues to further deepen the special friendship between the two countries. They affirmed their high regard and priority for the traditional solidarity, special friendship, and comprehensive cooperation. Viet Nam reiterated its commitment to treasuring this valuable legacy and doing everything within its capacity to support, assist, and comprehensively cooperate with Cuba. Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam and the First Secretary and President of Cuba affirmed that the ties between the two Parties form the foundation and strategic orientation for bilateral ties. They also agreed to strengthen comprehensive collaboration between the two National Assemblies, their specialised parliamentary agencies, ministries, sectors, localities, and mass organisations, and to further promote people-to-people exchanges. In economy, trade, and investment, both sides discussed practical measures to bring bilateral cooperation on par their strong political relations, focusing on the three key sectors of agriculture, energy, and biotechnology. Vietnamese and Cuban leaders agreed to continue creating favourable policies for enterprises of both countries, and to establish joint ventures to research and produce products matching their strengths. The two sides also reached a common perception on the precious value of the countries' lasting relations, as well as on the importance of unceasingly itensify people-to-people links on the occasion of the Viet Nam Cuba Friendship Year 2025. On multilateral platforms, they pledged to continue working closely together at international forums, especially the United Nations. Cuba spoke highly of Viet Nams growing international prestige and voiced its support for Viet Nams hosting of the UN Convention against Cybercrime signing ceremony in Ha Noi this October, confirming it will send a delegation to attend. On this occasion, the two sides adopted a joint statement and signed five important cooperation documents in the fields of food security and rice production, economy, science-technology, health, and archives management, according to Giang. He went on to say that with 16 activities in less than three days, the visit set numerous new orientations and cooperation priorities for the countries special friendship and comprehensive cooperation. The key task ahead is for relevant agencies, organisations, and localities of both countries to concretise its outcomes and effectively implement the high-level agreements, thereby enhancing result-oriented ties across all channels and areas. With the countries' traditional solidarity, special friendship, and comprehensive cooperation, along with their leaders' attention, as well as efforts by both sides' ministries, sectors, localities, and businesses, the Viet Nam Cuba relations will continue developing extensively and substantively, contributing to each country's national construction and safeguarding and to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the two regions and the world, the Deputy Minister added. VNA/VNS HA NOI Viet Nam and Italy hold great potential for stronger cooperation, particularly in economy, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang told Deputy Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy Valentino Valentini on September 3. At a reception for the Italian official, who is on a working trip to Viet Nam to co-chair a bilateral business forum, Hang called on Italy to help Vietnamese enterprises improve competitiveness, increase imports of Vietnamese goods such as aquatic products, textiles, garments, and wooden furniture, and expand investment in sectors including agro-processing, food, fashion, high technology, energy, and seaport construction. Congratulating Viet Nam on the successful celebration of the 80th National Day, Valentini underscored the longstanding affection that many generations of Italians have held for Viet Nam since its struggle for national defence. For her part, Hang thanked the Italian Deputy Minister for his congratulations on Viet Nams 80th National Day, stressing that the country is now on the threshold of a new era. She expressed gratitude for Italys support both during Viet Nams past struggle for independence and in its ongoing process of national development. She spoke highly of Valentinis visit and his co-chairmanship of the Vietnam Italy Business Forum, expressing confidence that the event would open up new opportunities for enterprises of both countries to enhance cooperation, particularly in green energy, digital transformation, and high technology. Valentini stressed amid global changes, both countries should pay special attention to digital technology, green energy, artificial intelligence, and related fields, while addressing energy balance challenges to ensure sustainable development with minimal environmental impact. He affirmed that Italian businesses are increasingly interested in the Vietnamese market and ready to share experience in tackling these challenges through activities such as the energy transition seminar and the business forum during this visit. He also proposed that the two sides co-host similar events in Italy in the near future. The two officials highly valued the close coordination between the countries' foreign ministries and agreed to work more closely to advance the Vietnam Italy Strategic Partnership in the coming time, particularly in areas matching their strengths, for the development of both nations and the benefit of their peoples. VNA/VNS BEIJING State President Luong Cuong had a meeting with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in China on Thursday, on the occasion of his presence at the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the world people's victory over fascism and engagement in bilateral activities in Beijing, China. The State leader extended his sincere regards and best wishes to all Vietnamese living, studying, and working in China. He briefed the participants on the outcomes of meetings with Chinese leaders, particularly the talks with Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, which focused on strengthening political trust between the two sides, expanding cooperation across sectors, addressing obstacles, maximising common ground, and managing differences to promote peace, cooperation, and development. President Cuong noted that the Party has recently issued particularly important resolutions, laying the groundwork for the country to truly take off and enter a new era of development. He commended the staff of Viet Nam's Embassy and representative offices in China for their great efforts in overcoming difficulties to successfully fulfil the tasks assigned by the Party and State, particularly in political and foreign affairs, economic and cultural diplomacy, supporting Vietnamese communities abroad, and safeguarding sea and island sovereignty. He praised he solidarity and determination of the Vietnamese community in China, highlighting their active contribution to strengthening the friendship as comrades plus brothers between Viet Nam and China, and projecting a friendly and approachable image of the Vietnamese people to both local and international friends. For relations with China, President Cuong affirmed that Viet Nam consistently regards developing ties with China as an objective necessity, a strategic choice, and a top priority, in line with the nations fundamental and long-term interests. He emphasised that this relationship is a key factor in creating a favourable environment for Viet Nam to achieve its development aspirations and goals by 2030 and 2045. He stated that the top leaders of the two Parties and countries have reached a common perceptions on the need to promote unity and cooperation, further strengthen and deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and advance the Viet Nam China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. To further strengthen the traditional friendship between the two countries, he urged the Embassy to effectively carry out its political and diplomatic duties; prioritise building and consolidating political trust; ensure Viet NamChina relations develop steadily, sustainably, and substantively; and closely monitor developments in the host country to provide timely advice to the Party and State. In addition, the State President emphasised the need to effectively carry out economic diplomacy, focusing on serving the people and businesses; continue promoting cultural diplomacy, people-to-people exchanges, and consular affairs; and protect the legitimate rights and interests of the Vietnamese community in China. According to Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh, as many as 100,000 Vietnamese, including about 23,000 students, are currently living and studying across cities and provinces in China. The Vietnamese community in the country remains united, abides by local law, maintains strong ties to their homeland, and supports the policies of the Party and State. VNA/VNS HA NOI Viet Nam attaches importance to consolidating and strengthening its traditional friendship with Azerbaijan, a relationship nurtured by generations of leaders and peoples of the two countries. That was the message from Defence Minister Phan Van Giang as he hosted a welcome ceremony and talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart Zakir Hasanov in Ha Noi on Thursday afternoon. The Azerbaijani minister is on a visit to Viet Nam to attend the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2. During the talks, the Vietnamese defence minister noted that the monument honouring Soviet military experts, including Azerbaijanis, at the Viet Nam Military History Museum, reflected the gratitude of the Party, State, military, and people of Viet Nam towards Azerbaijans valuable support during Viet Nams wars. This had also contributed to nurturing the traditional friendship between the two countries and their armed forces. Particularly, during the state visit of Party General Secretary To Lam to Azerbaijan in May 2025, the two countries officially established a strategic partnership, laying a foundation for further expanding defence cooperation between Viet Nam and Azerbaijan. Giang also noted that Viet Nam remained consistent with its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, as well as diversification and multilateralisation of external relations. The country would also adhere to its 'four nos' defence policy: no partaking in military alliances, no siding with one country to act against another, no foreign military bases in the Vietnamese territory or using Viet Nam as leverage to counteract other countries and no using force or threatening to use force in international relations. Viet Nam would maintain its stance on resolving all disputes and differences through peaceful means in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as international and regional commitments such as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea [known internationally as the South China Sea](DOC), and support the early adoption of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) consistent with international law. Both Vietnamese and Azerbaijani officials agreed that bilateral defence cooperation in recent years had been actively promoted in line with state-level relations, with notable progress in areas such as delegation exchanges, defence industry, humanitarian mine clearance and participation in each others multilateral events. Moving forward on the basis of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defence cooperation signed during Party chief To Lams visit to Azerbaijan in May, Giang proposed that the two sides enhance exchanges, promote training cooperation, and facilitate partnerships between the two countries defence enterprises. They should also explore collaboration opportunities in other fields of mutual strengths and interest, said Giang. The Vietnamese defence minister also suggested establishing defence attache offices in each country to further promote cooperation in this aspect. Viet Nam is ready to welcome Azerbaijani military cadets for Vietnamese language studies at the Military Science Academy and to attend international defence officer programmes at the Viet Nam National Defence Academy. Hasanov said he was pleased to witness the positive development of bilateral relations, especially since the visit of Viet Nams Party chief To Lam. Noting the significant potential for cooperation between the two countries, he suggested the two sides actively promote bilateral activities in defence, making practical and effective contributions to the Viet Nam-Azerbaijan ties. Following official talks, they signed a Letter of Intent between the two defence ministries on cooperation in military personnel training. VNS Solution Dynamics (SDL) advises that CEO, Pat Brand, has a serious family medical issue that will reduce his involvement and leadership of the business going forward. The Directors and management team will provide full support to Pat during this period as he and the business transition. John McMahon, currently Non-Executive Director and Chair will assume the role of Executive Director to provide oversight of the business in the interim, with Andy Preece, currently Non-Executive Director taking the role of Vice-Chair. The Directors and SDL staff would like to express best wishes to Pat and his family. Due to the personal nature of this matter, no further details relating to Pat are available. The Board will provide additional information to shareholders during this process as circumstances develop. SDL advises that it intends to recommence its buyback, starting next week. Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Comvita reaches agreement with lending partners December 11th Morning Report December 10th Morning Report CDI APPOINTS JULIAN SMITH AS INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR EROAD director Cameron Kinloch to step down in March 2026 RUA - Pro Rata Rights Offer December 8th Morning Report GEN - Dividend Reinvestment Plan Strike Price Fletcher Building Update on Funding Facilities December 5th Morning Report HA NOI The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee will convene its 49th session over 5.5 working days, split into three phases, the NA Office announced. The first phase is set for September 5, followed by a half-day session on September 12 morning. The final stretch runs from September 22-23 and September 25 afternoon to September 27 morning, with the September 27 afternoon reserved as a backup. NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man will open the session and, alongside NA vice chairpersons, will rotate in chairing discussions. The committee is due to review several bills, including the draft Law on amendments and supplements to several articles of the Law on Judicial Records, the draft revised Law on Civil Aviation of Viet Nam, the draft amended Law on Bankruptcy, the draft Law on E-Commerce, and the draft revised Law on Thrift Practice and Anti-Wastefulness. Others include the draft revised Law on Deposit Insurance, the draft Law on amendments and supplements to several articles of the Law on Treaties, the draft Law on Cyber Security, the draft Law on amendments and supplements to several articles of ten laws related to security and order, the draft amended Law on Protection of State Secrets, the draft revised Law on Planning, the draft revised Law on Public Employees, and the draft revised Law on Judicial Expertise. Lawmakers will consider a resolution shaping voters conferences and nominations for commune-level Peoples Councils in villages and residential groups, agreements on candidate nominations for supplementary elections, a resolution on the legislative agenda 2026, and another on regulations governing the operations of jury panels. On the oversight front, the committee will scrutinise the NAs August 2025 report on public aspirations, alongside reports from Government members, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Peoples Court, the Prosecutor General of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy, and the State Auditor General. These reports will assess the implementation of NA resolutions from the 14th and 15th terms concerning thematic supervision, questioning, and the enforcement of environmental protection laws since the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection took effect. Feedback will be provided on the Governments reports on anti-corruption and prevention of crime and violation, as well as enforcement of judgments in 2025; the 2025 work reports and end-of-term summaries of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Peoples Court and the Prosecutor General of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy. Reports on the enforcement of the NAs Constitution, laws, and resolutions, as well as ordinances and resolutions of the NA Standing Committee, will also be reviewed. The session will also mull over end-of-term reports (2021-2026) from the State President and the Government, the proposed 2026 audit plan, and the State Audit Offices 2025 work report and term-end summary. Others include a report on the Governments citizen reception, handling of complaints and denunciations in 2025, alongside the draft final report on the 15th NA and NA Standing Committees term. Key issues will be decided, including the reallocation of the 2025 central budget for the Ministry of Construction and targeted supplements for Peoples Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities. Adjustments to the central budgets investment allocations from the 2022 revenue surplus and 2025 budget adjustments to align with post-restructuring organisational changes among ministries and localities are also on the table. The committee will also debate proposals to revise the SAVs financial management and special income mechanism, alongside a draft joint resolution from the NA Standing Committee, the Government, and the Presidium of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee. This resolution will guide candidate consultations and nominations for the 16th NA and the 2026-2031 Peoples Councils. Amendments to a joint resolution detailing procedures for NA and Peoples Council deputies to engage with voters will also be considered. Finally, the committee will give a second round of feedback on preparations for the 15th NAs 10th session. VNS BEIJING State President Luong Cuong has said that strengthening relations with China remains a top priority of Viet Nam in a meeting with Zhao Leji, 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 Peoples Congress (NPC) of China. The event took place in Beijing on Thursday as part of the Vietnamese leader's working visit to China and attendance at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the world peoples victory over fascism. President Cuong warmly recalled the attendance of the Chinese leader, along with a high-level delegation and a contingent of the Peoples Liberation Army of China, at the ceremony celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day of Viet Nam on September 2. He congratulated Zhao on the success of his first official visit to Viet Nam in his current role, helping to tighten cooperation between the two legislative bodies. The Vietnamese leader expressed his impression of China's successful organisation of the commemoration of the victory over fascism and acknowledged the country's remarkable development under the leadership of the CPC. He emphasised that the participation of key leaders from both Parties and countries in each other's major events vividly demonstrates the trusted relationship between the two countries. President Cuong called on both sides to enhance solidarity and cooperation, affirming Viet Nams support for parliamentary diplomacy as a vital pillar of the bilateral ties. He praised the success of the first meeting of the Viet NamChina Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, and urged the two legislatures to continue creating favourable conditions for both countries to enhance political trust, improve the efficacy of substantive cooperation across various fields, and support each other's development while consolidating the social foundation for the bilateral relations. Zhao, for his part, welcomed President Cuongs participation in Chinas commemorative event and extended warm congratulations to Viet Nam on its successful National Day celebrations. He expressed gratitude for the thoughtful and cordial reception extended to him during his recent visit to Viet Nam, stressing that the trip had elevated legislative cooperation and contributed to building a Viet NamChina community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Agreeing with President Cuongs proposals, the Chinese leader underscored the importance of strengthening traditional friendship and collaboration to build a community of shared future, which, he said, aligns with the interests of both nations and contributes to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. He affirmed that the NPC values its relations with the Vietnamese National Assembly and is ready to work closely to effectively implement the common perceptions reached by the top leaders of both countries. Zhao suggested intensifying high-level exchanges, capitalising on the efficacy of the cooperation mechanisms such as the bilateral steering committee and the 3+3 strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defence, and public security, while promoting the role of the legislative bodies to build political trust and advance substantive cooperation across domains, particularly in science-technology, and strategic transport infrastructure. He also called for the early convening of the first meeting of the Viet NamChina joint committee on railway cooperation, and stressed the importance of boosting cooperation in tourism, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges to reinforce a solid foundation for the Viet NamChina relations. VNA/VNS HA NOI The Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have agreed to deepen cooperation in promoting inclusive governance and sustainable development in Viet Nam. The consensus was reached a working session in Ha Noi on Thursday between Prof Dr Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, and Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific. Thang highlighted Viet Nams commitment to inclusive development, with emphasis on improving healthcare, ensuring citizens' well-being, advancing development in ethnic minority regions, and promoting womens participation in leadership positions. He said Viet Nam is undergoing governance reforms, particularly the shift from administrative management to serving the people and fostering development. The Politburo's recent resolutions are key drivers for economic and social growth and to enhance Viet Nams global standing. The country is simultaneously accelerating digital transformation, applying advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, and addressing challenges related to data use and social polarisation, Thang noted. Administrative restructuring has brought notable results, including the streamlining of local administrations from three tiers to two, a sharp reduction in commune-level units, and the reorganisation of provincial units. Wignaraja expressed appreciation for Viet Nams progress, acknowledging the long-standing cooperation with the Academy, particularly the success of the Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI). She noted UNDPs recognition of Viet Nams strong political will to embrace new technologies and foster human resource development. Viet Nams experience could serve as valuable lessons for other countries. Both sides agreed to jointly implement the programme Strengthening Inclusive Governance in Viet Nam (IGEP PAPI 2.0) for 2026-2031, alongside enhancing research and policy advisory capacity in 2025. They also discussed prospects for joint studies, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and training programmes for leaders and managers, aiming to advance inclusive and sustainable development in Viet Nam. VNA/VNS HA NOI - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday urged the defence ministries of Viet Nam and Azerbaijan to further deepen cooperation in line with relevant documents signed by the two countries. The leader made the suggestion while receiving Azerbaijans Minister of Defence Colonel General Hasanov Zakir Asgar Oglu, who is in Viet Nam for an official visit and attendance at the 80th anniversary of the countrys August Revolution and National Day. PM Chinh expressed confidence that the ministers visit would contribute to the traditional friendship and Strategic Partnership between Viet Nam and Azerbaijan in general, and to defence cooperation in particular. The leader praised Azerbaijans achievements in nation-building and development, affirming that the Vietnamese Party and State always value the traditional friendship, nurtured by late President Ho Chi Minh, the late Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev, and successive generations of leaders and people of both countries. The Vietnamese people always treasure and remember the wholehearted support provided by the Azerbaijani people to Viet Nam during the struggle for national reunification and in the ongoing effort to build and protect the country, particularly in personnel training, he stressed. Viet Nam recently erected a monument to Soviet military experts within the Vietnam Military History Museum in Ha Noi to honour the invaluable assistance given by the people of the Soviet Union, including those from Azerbaijan, during the nations struggle for liberation and reunification, the PM continued. He emphasised that Viet Nam hopes to promote peaceful, friendly, and cooperative relations with countries, including Azerbaijan. The PM said Party General Secretary To Lams state visit to Azerbaijan in May 2025 and the issuance of a joint statement establishing the Strategic Partnership help strengthen bilateral relations, providing an important foundation for cooperation across various fields. He suggested enhancing defence cooperation through exchanges at all levels, especially high-level delegations; promoting collaboration in education and training; and cooperation in logistics, technical support, research, technology transfer, and defence industry development. The leader also spoke of boosting rail connectivity, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people interactions. The Vietnamese Government will provide the most favourable conditions for the two ministries to continue strengthening relations in line with each countrys needs and capabilities, he said. For his part, the guest congratulated Viet Nam on successfully organising the military parade marking the 80th National Day and noted with pleasure growing relations between the two countries, particularly following General Secretary Lams visit. Noting that the two countries share many commonalities that could be strengthened, the minister noted that Azerbaijans high-ranking leaders wish to enhance cooperation with Viet Nam. He also emphasised the significant potential for bilateral cooperation, pledging to work harder to boost defence cooperation, thereby making substantive and effective contributions to the overall relations between the two countries. VNA/VNS HA NOI Nuclear energy development must be defined as a long-term strategic goal with vital importance in socio-economic development and ensuring national defence and security, Party General Secretary To Lam said at a working session with the Viet Nam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) under the Ministry of Science and Technology in Ha Noi on Thursday. Nuclear energy must ensure absolute safety for people, the environment, and society, while strictly complying with guidelines set by international atomic energy agencies, the General Secretary told the session, which also saw the attendance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The Party chief called for refining policies and mechanisms to support nuclear energy development amid evolving conditions. He proposed a national programme on nuclear technology and safety to meet international security standards, enhance core scientific capabilities, and ensure sustainable nuclear power development. He also urged strengthening the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safetys capacity and coordination on radiation and nuclear safety. VINATOM must continue serving as a key unit for scientific and technological research, technical support, response to incidents, scientific data supply, applied research, and training of quality human resources, he said. The Party leader advocated for increased investment in national research and testing infrastructure, with a focus on safe and effective implementation of key national projects. Strategic efforts should focus on advancing Viet Nam's nuclear technology capabilities, while supporting research projects that would eventually allow the country to master technologies supporting rare earth, nuclear-related industries, and those driving digital transformation, he said. General Secretary Lam also underscored the importance of digital transformation and safe data management. Priorities include building an interconnected environmental radiation monitoring network, digitising data and equipment, and establishing a transparent yet controlled data disclosure model to reinforce public trust. He further pushed for technology-driven solutions like radiation source mapping and AI tools for region-specific risk assessments. Established in 1979 with its predecessor being a Lat Nuclear Research Institute (founded in 1976), VINATOM now oversees 12 units, including three administrative divisions and nine research and deployment units in Ha Noi, a Lat, HCM City, and a Nang. As of 2025, VINATOM has 768 employees, including one professor, 15 associate professors, 81 doctors, and over 350 postgraduates, with many internationally recognised experts. It manages critical establishments, such as the a Lat Nuclear Reactor and Ha Noi's electron beam accelerator. VNA/VNS HA NOI - World leaders from across continents have sent congratulatory messages to Viet Nam as the Southeast Asian nation celebrated its 80th National Day on September 2. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres extended congratulations to Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and the Vietnamese people. King Charles III of the United Kingdom sent a congratulatory message to President Luong Cuong and the Vietnamese people, saying that the historic milestone reflects Viet Nams spiritual strength, cultural traditions, solidarity, resilience, and increasing contributions to the international community. The King highly evaluated and expressed desire to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in biodiversity conservation, climate change response, and environmental protection for future generations. President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko sent congratulations to Party General Secretary To Lam and State President Luong Cuong. Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin congratulated PM Pham Minh Chinh, while Speaker of the Council of the Republic of Belarus Natalya Kochanova and Speaker of the House of Representatives also extended their greetings to National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. The Belarusian leaders praised the Communist Party of Viet Nam's wise leadership in national liberation and development causes, noting that Party General Secretary Lams recent visit to Belarus and recent bilateral meetings between leaders of both sides marked an important milestone that created strong momentum and opened great prospects for elevating the bilateral relations to new strategic heights. On the occasion, Chairperson of the Belaya Rus political party Olga Chemodanova sent a letter of congratulations to Party General Secretary To Lam. In his congratulatory letter to President Luong Cuong, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier highlighted that 2025 marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, underscoring the growing partnership built on constructive spirit and mutual prosperity and peace. He described people-to-people connections as a solid foundation for the relationship, laying stress on the significance of the Viet Nam Germany cooperation amidst global challenges. Leader of Germanys Social Democratic Party Lars Klingbeil sent a letter of congratulations to General Secretary To Lam, while co-leaders of the Left Party (Die Linke) Ines Schwerdtner and Jan van Aken also sent congratulatory letter to the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee. From Italy, President Sergio Mattarella congratulated President Luong Cuong, affirming that the Viet Nam-Italy relations are built on a foundation of trust and cooperation, having become dynamic partners across multiple fields. The Italian leader expressed confidence that this effective and mutually beneficial relationship will continue to be strengthened through joint initiatives contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development regionally and globally, while emphasising the role of EU-ASEAN cooperation. Spanish King Felipe VI also extended congratulations to President Luong Cuong and the Vietnamese people. Celebrating the occasion with the Vietnamese State leader, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi praised the traditional friendship between the two countries, expressing hope that President Luong Cuongs recent visit to Egypt will create impetus for the bilateral ties and strengthen the comprehensive partnership across areas for the benefits of the two countries people. Leaders of the United Arab Emirates, including President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, conveyed their wishes for Vietnams continued development and prosperity. Sending a letter of congratulations to PM Pham Minh Chinh, Danish PM Mette Frederiksen described the 80th National Day as a testament to Viet Nams strength and resilience. She expressed pride in Denmarks role as a close partner of the country, particularly in green growth, renewable energy, trade, and investment, as well as her desire to further deepen the 55-year-old bilateral partnership. King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander also sent National Day congratulations to President Luong Cuong. President of the European Council Antonio Costa congratulated the Vietnamese Party leader, affirming that the Vietnamese people have the right to be proud of their achievements as peace, stability, and socio-economic progress have been firmly consolidated. Costa noted that the European Union is honoured to accompany Viet Nam since the diplomatic relations was established in 1990, stating that over the past 35 years, the partnership has been continuously strengthened and deeply developed. From the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduro Moros congratulated President Luong Cuong. In his letter, he expressed his admiration and paid tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh, describing him as a visionary who defended Viet Nams right to self-determination. He affirmed that the Viet Nam-Venezuela relations transcend diplomatic practice, with the foundation of trust, solidarity, and brotherhood, hoping to further strengthen efforts to consolidate a culture of peace and a multipolar order based on political understanding and constructive dialogue. Leaders of multiple Venezuelan political parties also sent congratulations to the Party General Secretary To Lam. Co-Chairs of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) Chung Eui-yong and Mushahid Hussain Sayed congratulated the Vietnamese Party chief, noting that Viet Nam has demonstrated its resilience, solidarity, and remarkable progress, becoming an inspiring example of independence, development, prosperity, and international integration over the past eight decades. They praised Viet Nam's significant achievements in political, economic, and social progress, as well as its important contributions to peace and stability in the region and the world. On the occasion, the foreign ministers of the Philippines, Japan, France, Belarus, and Brazil, and the Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) also sent congratulatory messages to the Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs. VNA/VNS HA NOI Nearly 1.8 million passengers used Ha Nois two urban railway lines - the Cat LinhHa ong line (Line 2A) and the Nhon - Ha Noi Station line (Line 3.1, elevated section NhonCau Giay) from August 21 to September 2 during the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2), the Hanoi Railways Company Limited (Hanoi Metro) reported on September 3. Particularly, between August 30 and September 2, when the capital hosted a wide range of cultural and celebratory events, Ha Noi authorities directed the operator to provide free rides. Nearly 690,000 passengers benefited from this policy, including more than 468,000 on Line 2A and over 217,000 on Line 3.1. On September 1 alone, Line 2A set a new record, carrying more than 165,000 passengers in a single day the highest daily ridership since the line began operation. The milestone underlined the growing role of metro services in easing congestion and ensuring smooth traffic flows during major public events. To spread the message of Safety Convenience Environmental Friendliness, Hanoi Metro worked with partners including Grab, VietABank, Coca-Cola, Banh Mi Pho, Bao Ngoc, and the Red Cross societies of Viet Nam and Ha Noi to organise supportive activities for passengers. From August 30 to September 2, nearly 40,000 bottles of water and more than 2,000 servings of bread and cakes were distributed free of charge. While noting the positive results, the company also extended an apology to passengers for shortcomings during peak hours when demand surged, and pledged to continue improving service quality. Hanoi Metro expressed its hope that more residents will choose the urban rail system as part of their daily travel, highlighting it as a safe, convenient, time-saving option that contributes to reducing traffic congestion, protecting the environment, and building a modern, civilised capital city. VNA/VNS HA NOI The UKs The Independent has published a prominent article on Viet Nams 80th National Day celebrations (September 2, 1945 2025), describing it as the countrys largest military parade in decades. The paper reported that crowds began arriving in Ha Noi days in advance, and thousands camped on sidewalks Monday night to secure viewing spots. The article noted that Vietnamese 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 Viet Nam will be a powerful, prosperous and happy nation, calling it the aspiration of the entire nation, the oath of honor before history". Detailing the parade, the newspaper highlighted the impressive procession of columns of troops, followed by a formidable display of tanks, armored vehicles, and missile systems. Helicopters flew overhead trailing giant Vietnamese flags followed by jets while a military band played martial tunes below. Nearly 16,000 soldiers took part, it said. The article said for the first time, Viet Nam also organised a televised naval parade off the coast of Cam Ranh, south-central Khanh Hoa Province, featuring warships, submarines, helicopters and sea planes. Honour guards from China, Russia, Laos and Cambodia also joined the parade, which Vietnamese media said reflected the countrys international friendships. According to the paper, Viet Nams 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. However, the article also pointed to challenges including balancing rapid growth with reforms, an ageing population, climate change risks, and US trade policy pressures. On the same occasion, Thai media also gave extensive coverage of Viet Nams 80th National Day celebrations. Outlets such as foreign.prd.go.th, tnnthailand.com, thairath.co.th, mgronline.com, bangkokbiznews.com, thaipost.net, and ThaiPBSNews reported on the scale, significance, and jubilant spirit of the Vietnamese people on the historic day. They described the parade as Viet Nams largest in decades, showcasing some of the countrys most advanced weaponry. They cited Party General Secretary To Lams opening speech, which affirmed Viet Nams determination to safeguard independence, freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity with the combined strength of the entire nation. Reports by Thairath and Bangkok Biz News captured the festive atmosphere, with tens of thousands of citizens lining the streets, proudly displaying their patriotism. The sites mgronline.com and foreign.prd.go.th featured photos and interviews with attendees who expressed their joy and national pride. Several Thai outlets also highlighted the participation of honour guards from China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia, reflecting Viet Nams international solidarity. Meanwhile, some reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a congratulatory message, emphasised that Viet Nam has become an important partner in the Indo-Pacific and a leading country in addressing global challenges. VNA/VNS KUALA LUMPUR Two Vietnamese cities, Hoa Lu and Hai Phong, have been honoured at the 6th ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities (ESC) Awards and the 5th Certificate of Recognition (COR) ceremony, respectively, held in Langkawi, Kedah State of Malaysia. The events, part of the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME-18) from September 24, underscored Viet Nams continued commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. Hoa Lu was among 10 outstanding cities to receive the ESC Awards, which recognises its notable initiatives in sustainable tourism, environmental education, and awareness-raising in schools. The award highlights cities that demonstrate exceptional commitment to maintaining green, clean, and liveable environments. At the same ceremony, Hai Phong was presented with a COR in the category of Biodiverse and Green Urban Areas, acknowledging its efforts to conserve biodiversity and expand urban green spaces. Malaysias Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Johari Abdul Ghani said the achievements were a source of pride for the awarded nations and an inspiration for ASEANs collective efforts towards a greener, more sustainable future. He also congratulated Viet Nam on having three national parks recognised as ASEAN Heritage Parks on this occasion: Pu Mat National Park in Nghe An Province, ong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve in ong Nai Province, and Xuan Thuy National Park in Ninh Binh Province. Malaysias Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability emphasised that the awards testify to the strong commitment of ASEAN cities to protecting the environment amid rapid urbanisation, while reinforcing the blocs determination to share best practices and collaborate towards a greener future. VNA/VNS HA NOI International cooperation in medical technology and equipment, particularly with South Korea, one of the worlds leading countries in the medical industry, holds significant practical and strategic importance for Viet Nam. Because Viet Nams health sector is facing multiple challenges, including growing demand for modernisation of infrastructure and medical equipment, increasingly strict requirements for effective and safe management and rising pressures relating to costs, manpower and technology. Nguyen Minh Loi, Director General of the Department of Medical Infrastructure and Equipment under the Ministry of Health, made this remark at the Viet NamSouth Korea Medical Equipment Day 2025 seminar. The event was organised by the Viet Nam Medical Device Association (VIMEDAS) in collaboration with the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) and Tam uc TDG Joint Stock Company. Loi also said that the seminar reflects a spirit of deep and comprehensive cooperation, while opening up new opportunities for both sides to learn and grow together based on the principles of cooperation, sharing, substance and effectiveness. In term of cooperation, this is the key to sustainable development. Viet Nam hopes to further establish and strengthen channels of cooperation with South Korea in research, training, technology transfer, production and supply of medical equipment. In term of sharing, South Koreas valuable experience in management, investment, application and technological innovation will serve as a useful reference for Viet Nam. In return, Viet Nam is ready to share its own practices, models and practical needs, enabling partners to better understand and accompany its health system. In term of substance, every discussion and agreement should focus on specific issues, aligned with Viet Nams conditions. In term of effectiveness, success will be measured by tangible results such as the implementation of joint projects, adoption of new technologies, improvement in equipment quality, and ultimately, better services for patients. With a spirit of sincere cooperation and extensive sharing, we believe the seminar will deliver practical and effective outcomes, opening up new opportunities for Viet Nams medical equipment sector to develop in a modern, integrated and comprehensive way, Loi said. Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the event, Cha Soon Do, President of KHIDI, said that this is still the early stage of exploring the potential for cooperation between Vietnamese and Korean enterprises, as well as the healthcare markets of both sides. Over the two-day seminar, which is scheduled to be wrapped up on Friday, South Korean companies are presenting their medical equipment systems, while Vietnamese participants are providing information on Viet Nams medical device market. This exchange aims to help both sides identify mutual needs and cooperation opportunities, he added. In addition, networking sessions between enterprises and senior policymakers, industry heads and technology experts from both countries are expected to strengthen mutual understanding and help chart future directions for cooperation. He also said that the partnership between KHIDI and Vietnamese counterparts has entered its second year. Last year, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with the Viet Nam Medical Device Association. Earlier on Thursday, another MoU was concluded with the Viet Nam Private Hospital Association. In the coming period, we will implement these agreements in the most practical way, enabling both sides to jointly develop policies on medical equipment, advance healthcare more broadly, and track technological trends to support the growth of Viet Nams medical equipment sector, he said. He expressed hope that through the seminar, Vietnamese officials and enterprises will gain deeper insights into the healthcare market, medical technologies and equipment of South Korea, as well as hospital practices, thereby paving the way for future cooperation. As part of the event, organisers arranged a live broadcast of spinal endoscopic surgery and artificial joint replacement performed by a specialist team at Daechun Hospital in South Korea. This was accompanied by professional exchanges and in-depth discussions on joint replacement surgery and the application of advanced technologies in surgery and rehabilitation, featuring Professor Hae-Ryong Song. The activity, we hope, will create the most practical opportunities for collaboration, moving beyond agreements on paper, he said. The seminar is expected to serve as a bridge for technology, trade and human resources, and to stand out as a flagship event in the 2025 series of healthcare trade promotion and technology transfer activities between Viet Nam and South Korea. It is seen as a long-term strategic initiative that will bring concrete benefits to organisations, businesses and people in both countries. VNS September 4, 2025: In October 2024, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) announced it was investigating technologies and concepts that could dramatically decrease cost per kill of enemy missiles. In August 2025, the MDA issued a more formal solicitation for white papers detailing innovative approaches to rapidly prototype and demonstrate very low-cost (less than $750,000 per missile), modular interceptor designs to counter ballistic and hypersonic threats. Given the high cost of current anti-missile missiles and their rapid expenditure in Middle Eastern and Ukrainian airspace warfare, the MDA has concluded the U.S. must have hundreds, if not thousands, of Low-Cost Interceptors (LCIs) on hand to win the next major missile war. The MDA seeks creative ideas from small businessesinnovative technology and conceptual manufacturing methods from non-traditional suppliers. In other words, the MDA is looking for outside-the-Beltway thinking. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), via its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs website, provides one of the best summaries of the MDAs request. The MDA wants a detailed design of a low-cost interceptor (LCI) to supplement legacy missile defense systems and provide affordable options to help rebalance the offense/defense cost disparity. Large-scale attacks, like Irans air and space assaults on Israel, drive the MDAs search. The enemy will use various offensive systems, some of which are low-cost compared to defensive missiles. The MDA specifies that the LCI must be able to engage supersonic cruise missiles (SCMs), short- and medium-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs, MRBMs), and hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs). The baseline LCI design should be capable of endo-atmospheric engagements, with a maximum range of 100300 km from the launcher. LCI proposals should utilize Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components and supply chains as well as current subsystems and employ rapid, low-cost manufacturing practices. Using proven systems accelerates acquisition and fielding. Are the requirements brutal? Absolutely. MDA staffers know that rapidly developing a cheaper yet adequate missile will require trade-offs. The solicitation notes that MDA warfighters will accept reduced performance in exchange for greatly decreased unit costs. Why? Because a larger missile stockpile allows them to fire four or five affordable interceptors at a target instead of two expensive anti-ballistic missiles (ABMs). The MDA believes enough cheaper but adequate missiles can achieve the same aggregate probability of kill (Pk) as current, more expensive missile interceptors. Is the MDA asking for too much? The fact that its reaching out to small businesses and individual innovators is a significant advantage. (AB) The Reverie Saigon has hosted its Once Upon A Reverie wedding showcase to mark the grand opening of the Wedding and Event Boutique Season at the hotels La Scala Ballroom, one of the most prestigious and spacious event venues in Ho Chi Minh City. Once Upon a reverie wedding showcase at The Reverie Saigon Once Upon A Reverie was a love story, woven into three enchanting chapters brought to life through multi-sensory experiences in gastronomy, fashion, music, and lifestyle. Chapter 1, Her Story, was a brides monologue, featuring a showcase of exquisite wedding dress collections from Elsa Bridal and a luxurious wedding menu tasting with The Reverie Saigons talented chefs. Chapter 2, His Story, depicted the modern groom, with sophisticated and refined tailor-made suits from Kim Bespoke, and a premium wedding cuisine setting. The final chapter, named Our Beginning, was where two individual stories converged, starting a complete journey of matrimony. Here, guests had the opportunity to listen to authentic insights from wedding experts such as Le Quoc Bao, co-founder of Elly Luxury Wedding, Andrew Nguyen, executive director of Your Day, alongside other leading industry vendors; Marcelo Geraldini, The Reverie Saigons director of culinary arts - who narrates love stories through refined flavours; and wedding photographer Nguyen Thanh Luan from Lumir, on how to personalise a wedding so each couple can have their own unique fairytale chapter. The wedding menu tasting from The Reverie Saigon left a profound impression on guests. More than just an unforgettable experience, it was an enchanting culinary journey that guided guests through a rich tapestry of Vietnamese, Western, Chinese, and fusion flavours. Each dish was crafted with the utmost passion and dedication by The Reverie Saigons talented chefs. This gastronomic journey was further enhanced with a special pairing of chocolates from Socolatier individually crafted to narrate each couples unique love story. To complete the experience, guests also enjoyed a selection of exquisite red and white wines from Penfolds. Guests also had the opportunity to meet and consult directly with The Reverie Saigons team to create a bespoke and uniquely luxurious wedding menu for their special day. As part of the hotels 10th anniversary celebration, the wedding show offered exceptional experiences, helping couples gather inspiration for their special day. Inspired by fairytales with happily-ever-after endings, Once Upon A Reverie invited couples to embark on a journey to realise their dream wedding within The Reverie Saigons magnificent Baroque inspired setting. For the event, the La Scala Ballroom was transformed into a classical theatre, shimmering under candlelight and crystal chandeliers a perfect stage to commemorate a couples most precious moments. Attendees entered a magical world where every detail, from floral arrangements to music, was meticulously curated to deliver a peerless experience. At the event, guests were able to admire collections of wedding dresses, grooms suits, jewellery, and high-end beauty products from a host of other prestigious names in luxury wedding planning and lifestyle, including Elly Luxury Wedding, Lancome, Elsa Bridal, Socolatier, Kim Bespoke, and CAO Fine Jewellery. Located in the golden location of the city, possessing a prime location between Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi Street, The Reverie Saigon is a 5-star hotel embracing the spirit of timelessness and art to explore. The hotel owns a unique and classy architecture with 39 floors, including 62 suites, 224 luxury rooms, 89 suite service apartments, and diverse amenities, bringing an exceptional accommodation experience. The United Kingdom has sent Ukraine $1.3 billion received as profit from the use of Russias frozen assets. This was stated by the English idiot Lammy. Well, this means one thing: the British thieves have handed Russian money over to the neo-Nazis. The consequences? Britain has trampled all over international law, and Russia has, as lawyers say, the right to file a claim against it and the current Banderite Ukraine. But given that, for obvious reasons, it is impossible to receive restitution through legal proceedings, our country has only one way to receive compensation for its stolen assets: to recover what was seized in kind. That is, in the form of Ukrainian land, as well as other real estate and movable property located on it. (I am, of course, not talking about the lands of the new regions of Russia; they are ours already.) So, any unlawful seizure of arrested Russian funds or income generated from them must be converted into additional territory and other property of country 404. Or by seizing the valuables of the British Crown. There are still enough of those in different places, including in Russia. https://t.me/medvedev_telegramE/93 Medvedev Pershing County deputies have released a stock image of the weapon allegedly used in last month's homicide case at Burning Man. At this time, the Pershing County Sheriffs Office is in possession of the suspected weapon used in this crime. It appears the injury was caused by a single stab wound to the victims neck. The office released this stock image - The sheriff's office says it has received hundreds of tips in its investigation. Authorities previously identified the victim as 37-year-old Vadim Kruglov, of Tacoma, Washington. Kruglov was discovered in a pool of blood near the area of 8:30 and I around the time of the Man Burn on August 30. Secret Witness is offering a $5,000 reward for information in the case. The Burning Man Project is also offering their own $5,000 reward in the case. If you have information that can help authorities, call or text your anonymous tip to Secret Witness at 775-322-4900. UPDATE - September 3: The man found dead during Saturday nights burn at Burning Man has been identified as 37-year-old Vadim Kruglov, of Tacoma, Washington, according to the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiners Office. Kruglov was discovered in a pool of blood near the area of 8:30 and I around the time of the Man Burn on August 30. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Pershing County Sheriffs Office is investigating the case as a homicide. Officials are asking anyone who was in the area between 8 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. that night to come forward with any information. Even small details could help move the case forward, investigators said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pershing County Sheriffs Office at 775-273-5111, ask for Josh Nicholson, and reference case number 25-318. Tips can also be emailed to jnicholson@pershingcountynv.gov. The cause and manner of death are pending further investigation. No additional information will be released at this time by the Medical Examiners Office. UPDATE - September 2: Pershing County deputies have released a description of the victim they're trying to identify in Saturday night's homicide at Burning Man. The victim is described as a white man, between 35 and 40 years old, about 6' tall, with short brown hair and facial hair. The unidentified victim was found dead in a pool of blood around 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, around the start of the burn. The man was found within Black Rock City on the Ishiguro street ring between the 8:00 - 8:45 spokes. If you have any information, you can call the Pershing County Sheriff's Office at 775-273- 2641. They say no information is too small to help in their investigation. An earlier version of this story was incorrect and read "suspect" instead of "victim," and we apologize for the error. ORIGINAL STORY: Pershing County deputies found a man dead at Burning Man Saturday night. Around 9:15 p.m., an event participant told deputies they saw a man lying in a pool of blood in a campsite. When Pershing County deputies and BLM Rangers got there, they found the man dead. Law enforcement will still be in that area investigating until the scene can be released. The man who died was taken to the Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office, but his identity is unknown at this time. The Pershing County Sheriff's Office says no other information is available as of right now. If you have information relating to the homicide, contact Josh Nicholson with PCSO by calling (775) 273-2641. Burning Man released this statement in response: "The Pershing County Sheriffs Office is investigating the death of a single white adult male that occurred the night of Saturday, August 30, in Black Rock City. Burning Man is cooperating with law enforcement. The investigation is ongoin,g and 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 safety and well-being of our community are paramount. Participants have access to free public WiFi at the 3 and 9 oclock plazas, Playa Info (near Center Camp), Ranger HQ (Esplanade & 6:30), at the Emergency Services Department station at 5:15 & Esplanade, and in Center Camp, should they need to communicate with loved ones. If youre in Black Rock City and need support, there are resources available to you: Black Rock Rangers are available to provide peer support services 24/7 at Ranger HQ (Esplanade & 6:30) and Outposts (behind the 3:00 and 9:00 Plazas). Black Rock Citys Emergency Services Departments Crisis Support team is available 24/7 at the ESD stations located at 5:15 & Esplanade and behind the 3:00 and 9:00 Plazas. The Pershing County Sheriffs office investigates all deaths that occur in its jurisdiction." (The Bureau of Land Management - Nevada contributed to parts of this story.) Meta has agreed to spend more than $10 billion on a new six-year cloud computing deal with Google, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday. This marks a major partnership between two tech giants as Meta expands its artificial intelligence (AI) efforts. Under the agreement, Meta will use Google Cloud's servers, storage, networking, and other cloud services to support its growing AI infrastructure. The deal highlights Meta's commitment to building massive AI data centers, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced in July. He revealed that the company plans to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in AI technology and infrastructure over the coming years. Meta recently raised its annual capital expenditures forecast by $2 billion, pushing the expected spending range to between $66 billion and $72 billion for 2025, Reuters said. To help fund this, Meta is also seeking partners to share some of its data center assets, as revealed in a recent company filing. Google Cloud Revenue Jumps 32% Amid Big AI Contracts The new deal with Google follows a similar contract between Google and OpenAI, another leader in AI technology. OpenAI also chose Google Cloud to meet its increasing computing needs, signaling a surprising collaboration between competitors in the AI space. Google Cloud's business is growing rapidly. According to CNBC, in the second quarter of 2025, the cloud unit posted $13.6 billion in revenue and a 32% jump from the previous year, far outpacing the overall growth of its parent company, Alphabet. Google is competing strongly against rivals Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure to land large cloud contracts. Meta has teamed up with Google to strengthen its AI infrastructure, a key part of its long-term game plan. The company is investing heavily in projects like its Llama AI models and finding new ways to bring the technology into its apps and platforms. Looking ahead to 2025, Meta says it will spend between $114 billion and $118 billion, with a large share set aside for AI talent and development. Originally published on vcpost.com Carne Asada, Chipotle's most-searched menu item, will return to menus for a limited time starting Thursday, Sept. 4. Courtesy of Chipotle Chipotles most searched menu item is back. The Tex-Mex chains version of Carne Asada-- freshly grilled steak, finished with fresh lime and cilantro-- is back on the menu in the U.S. and Canada for a limited time. The steak is marinated, then seasoned on the grill with a signature spice blend including cumin, coriander, garlic and oregano and sliced into perfect tender, juicy bites, according to a news release from Chipotle. Nevielle Panthaky, Chipotles Vice President of Culinary, recommends trying the dish with white rice, black beans, roasted chili-corn salsa, fresh tomato salsa and cheese. The roasted chili-corn salsa adds a beautiful pop of sweetness, while the tomato salsa brings a burst of freshness that pairs perfectly with the savory and tangy notes of our juicy, tender Carne Asada, said Panthaky, in the same release. It simply cant be beat. USA TODAY reports this marks Carne Asadas fourth return to the Chipotle menu since it was introduced in 2019. Other Chipotle offerings In June, Chipotle announced its first new dip in five years: Adobo Ranch. Made fresh in Chipotle restaurants, the new Adobo Ranch dip features all real ingredients, including adobo pepper, sour cream, and a unique blend of herbs and spices. Adobo Ranch is Chipotles first new dip since the launch of Queso Blanco in 2020. The dip will be available in restaurants on Tuesday, June 17. Earlier this year, Chipotle added Hot Honey Chicken to the menu. Per a press release from Chipotle, the dish is made with chicken, seasoned with savory Mexican spices, in a marinade of seared, smoked chipotle peppers and a touch of pure honey. On Nov. 8, Delta will end its flights to Midland International Air & Space Port in Midland, Texas (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) AP Delta Air Lines is ending service to a Texas airport later this year. On Nov. 8, Delta will end its flights to Midland International Air & Space Port in Midland, Texas, according to a press release from the city. While I am disappointed to learn that Delta Airlines will no longer be servicing our airport, it does not diminish our commitment to ensuring Midland International Air & Space Port continues to thrive and meet the needs of our residents and those traveling through the Permian Basin, Councilwoman Robin Poole, the City Councils liaison to the Airports Department, stated in the press release. Delta Airlines provided flights from Midland to Austin. In the release, the city of Midland said Southwest Airlines will still provide nonstop service to Austin. Passengers also have options for non-stop flights to Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Denver and Phoenix. In August, Delta announced the launch of three new nonstop routes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Denver, Columbus, and Kansas City. An attorney was arrested Wednesday after allegedly assaulting a city councilman in south Alabama. According to WKRG, Bay Minette attorney Harry Still III allegedly attacked City Councilman Matt Franklin at the public officials business at about 10:30 a.m. The attack led to Franklin being hospitalized and to Still being arrested for assault. AL.com contacted Bay Minette Police Department for more information regarding the incident. The Baldwin County Sheriffs Office confirmed that Still was in the county jail. Birmingham police investigate a homicide on Sept. 3, 2025 in the 3200 block of Balsam Avenue. Carol Robinson An elderly woman was killed Wednesday night when police say she was caught in the crossfire of an argument near her southwest Birmingham home. This is unacceptable, said Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett. Its unacceptable in Birmingham. Its unacceptable anywhere for an elderly woman to be sitting on her porch and her life be taken away from her. Were literally not going to let up until the person is in custody, the chief said. The citys going to feel that until we get that person in custody. The Jefferson County Coroners Office on Thursday identified the victim as Aldorthia M. Burrell. She was 82. Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said the shots rang out just before 8 p.m. Wednesday in the 3200 block of block of Balsam Avenue. Officers found Burrell unresponsive in between her front door and her enclosed porch. Birmingham Fire and Rescue rushed Burrell to UAB Hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Wade said the investigation so far indicates that an altercation took place between unknown individuals on 33rd Street, just one block from the victims home. There was more than one person shooting, Wade said. A stray bullet struck the female while she was inside of her home, she said. She was not the intended target. It is a very sad situation, Wade said. However, we want to ensure the public that we are doing everything we can to find out who is responsible. This is Birminghams 56th homicide this year. One of the victims was shot in 2024 but died in 2025. Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Donald Trump posted on social media Thursday an AI video of himself dancing in - and with - Cracker Barrels original logo. The President of the United States was dancing to YMCA. Trumps likeness shakes hands with Uncle Herschel, essentailly inside the logo. He is then seen in suspenders leaning against the barrel. After receiving backlash from conservatives for deciding to change its logo, Cracker Barrel announced last week it would be returning to the old timer design. We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel, the company said on X. We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our Old Timer will remain. As a proud American institution, our 70,000 hardworking employees look forward to welcoming you to our table soon. Trump congratulated the company on Truth Social. Congratulations Cracker Barrel on changing your logo back to what it was. All of your fans very much appreciate it. Good luck into the future. Make lots of money and, most importantly, make your customers happy again!" Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily. Miss America 2025, Alabama's Abbie Stockard, left, will crown her successor on Sept. 7. Emma Terry, the current Miss Alabama, right, is in the running. (Miss America IP INC) When Abbie Stockard crowns the new Miss America on Sunday, Sept. 7, she just might cede the title to another woman from her home state. Stockard, 23, became Miss America 2025 in January after competing as Miss Alabama 2024. The Birmingham native has spent the last eight months as the national titleholder traveling across the country, making public appearances, connecting with people she meets and serving as a brand ambassador for the Miss America organization. Shes made Alabama proud during her reign as Miss America, slipping into the role of a national celebrity with ease and grace. Stockard will have a prominent role at the finals for Miss America 2026, appearing throughout the event and congratulating the new winner on stage at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida Hundreds of people attended an autograph party for Miss America 2025, Abbie Stockard, on Feb. 22, 2025, at the Soiree Event Gallery in Birmingham, Alabama. (Mary Colurso | mcolurso@AL.com) I think that I can leave Miss America feeling confident that I truly made the most of my eight months, Stockard said in an interview with AL.com. I accomplished everything that I wanted to do. The organization provided me with all the goals that I wanted to accomplish, and I truly think I made the most of it, every single appearance. And so I feel satisfied with that. Now Im excited to give another amazing young woman that same opportunity to experience a once-in-a-lifetime year. Fifty-two women are in the running for Miss America, and Stockard knows at least one of them quite well. Emma Terry, Miss Alabama 2025, and Stockard have been friends since their teen years, when the two took classes together at Birmingham Dance Theatre. Stockard, who grew up in Vestavia Hills, and Terry, from Leeds, were among the contestants for Miss Alabama in 2023 and 2024, and Terry was the runner-up when Stockard won the state title in 2024. One year later, when Terry became the new Miss Alabama, Stockard placed the glittering crown on her friends head and gave her successor a huge hug. Emma Terry, Miss Hoover is crowned Miss Alabama 2025 by Abbie Stockard, Miss America 2025, during the competitions finale at Samford Universitys Wright Center in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, June 28, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com). Will McLelland Could history repeat itself on Sunday, giving Miss Alabama back-to-back wins at Miss America? Stockard certainly thinks so. Of course I do. Duh!, Stockard told AL.com. Emma is my girl. Emma is incredible. Ive grown up knowing Emma before I even started competing in the Miss America organization. Emma and I took ballet classes together at Birmingham Dance Theatre. And Im just so excited for her. She is beyond ready and prepared for Miss America, Stockard said. She could have stepped on stage at Miss America the day after she won Miss Alabama and be fine and do great. Thats how prepared she is. And Im so excited to cheer her on and support her. Shes so talented, shes ambitious, shes smart, shes driven, shes extremely well spoken. I think she could bring it home. Emma Terry, Miss Alabama 2025, photographed at the Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Downtown-Tutwiler in Birmingham, Ala., Monday, June 30, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com). Will McLelland Terry was more circumspect when asked if Alabama could win the national title again, declining to speculate on her chances of becoming the next Miss America. She even reached out to knock on wood during an interview, keeping bad luck at bay. Do I believe that I can carry out the roles and responsibilities of Miss America? I say this with every ounce of humility in my body: Yes, I do, Terry told AL.com. I believe I can do it. But at the end of the day, its up to the judges, and its up to Gods plan. Im not going to sit here and try to predict it, Terry said. But what a unique opportunity it would be, to be the national ambassador for Miss America. That would absolutely be representing my state with pride. I would love it if that would happen. You know what? Anythings possible. So I think there is a chance it could happen, but I dont want to say that and jinx anything. Miss America winners from Alabama are, from left, Yolande Betbeze, Heather Whitestone, Abbie Stockard and Deidre Downs. (AP, Courtesy of Miss America, AL.com) Alabama has produced four Miss America winners over the years: Yolande Betbeze in 1950, Heather Whitestone in 1994, Deidre Downs in 2004 and Stockard in 2025. Back-to-back wins for any state have been unusual, but not unheard of, during the pageants history, which dates back to 1921. Mississippi and Oklahoma had double victories, for example, in 1959-1960 and 2006-2007 respectively. New York actually had a three-peat, with wins for Mallory Hagan as Miss America 2013, Nina Davuluri as Miss America 2014 and Kira Kazantsev as Miss America 2015. Pennsylvania scored Miss America wins in 1935 and 1936, although the contestants represented the cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia at that time, and didnt formally compete as Miss Pennsylvania. Also, Mary Katherine Campbell of Ohio took the crown in 1922 and 1923, representing the city of Columbus. For the record, New York has produced the greatest number of Miss Americas to date, with seven wins total. Oklahoma, California and Ohio each have six wins. Michigan, Illinois and Pennsylvania have five wins apiece. Along with Alabama, Colorado, Virginia and Mississippi are four-time winners. Its been a decade since any state has seen back-to-back wins at Miss America. Could this year be the charm for Alabama? Pageant fans across the nation will find out on Sunday. If you watch: The Miss America pageant will not be broadcast on television this year. The finals show on Sept. 7 will stream online, starting at 6 p.m. CT, 7 p.m. ET. Watch it for free at PageantVision.com or the Miss America YouTube channel. Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport leaders have been notified that Spirit Airlines will be ending service there on October 3. The decision comes after Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy in August for the second time. The carrier began service in Birmingham in October 2024 initially with non-stop flights to Fort Lauderdale before expanding to encompass flights to Newark, New Jersey and Detroit, Michigan. According to a press release, a spokesperson for Spirit Airlines said that customers who have booked flights after the end-of-service date on October 3 will be notified via email about the change. This email will also include information on how to get refunds. Customers can contact Spirit Airlines by visiting the Contact Us section of their website. The bankruptcy filing in August comes months after the airline emerged from a Chapter 11 reorganization. CEO Dave Davis said the airlines previous Chapter 11 petition focused on reducing debt and raising capital, and since exiting that process in March, it has become clear that there is much more work to be done and many more tools are available to best position Spirit for the future. Flight attendants, meanwhile, were warned by union leaders to prepare for all possible scenarios. By the time of its first Chapter 11 filing in November, Spirit had lost more than $2.5 billion since the start of 2020. Spirits cost-cutting efforts continued after emerging from bankruptcy protection in March, including plans to furlough about 270 pilots and downgrade some 140 captains to first officers in the coming months. Those changes, which go into effect Oct. 1 and Nov. 1, were tied to expected flight volumes in 2026, the company has said. They also follow previous furloughs and job cuts before the companys bankruptcy filing last year. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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, as Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listen. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP The legal authority in Colorado is taking steps to stop the move of Space Command Headquarters from Colorado to Alabama. The Alabama Attorney General said he will fight to bring it to Huntsville. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced Space Command Headquarters will be moved to the Rocket City, reversing a previous decision by the Biden administration. It has been fully operational in Colorado since 2023. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser released a statement that he will take legal action to prevent the move. The Colorado Attorney Generals Office has been preparing in the event the president made such an unlawful decision to move Space Command HQ, Weiser said in the statement. If the Trump administration takes this step Im prepared to challenge it in court. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said the state is ready for the fight. Were pretty confident in our ability to defend the announcement from President Trump that we heard earlier this week about moving Space Command to Alabama, and I dont know what the specific challenge will be from Colorado, Marshall said. AL.com requested details of the basis of the potential case. The Colorado Attorney Generals office replied that it doesnt have a further comment at this time. Marshall said multiple defendants may be named in a potential lawsuit. If so, he wants to make sure the State of Alabama is on that list. We would attempt to intervene, to aggressively assert Alabamas interest in preserving the decision that we saw coming from the federal government, Marshall said. Well wait and see if this is political posturing or if this is, in fact, something thats going to be filed. Were very confident in our ability to defend whatever allegations are made. Both attorneys general agree that politics have been involved in Space Commands location. The Trump administration should not play political games with our nations military readiness and military families, Weiser wrote. 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. However, Marshall believes it was Bidens decision - reversing one made by President Trump in his first term - that was politically based. It was awarded to Alabama in 2021 based on the cities that had the opportunity to be able to compete; there are objective criteria that were used to assess the viability of each of those locations for Space Command to be hosted, and Alabama, Marshall said. One, it was a political decision from the Biden administration to remove it from Huntsville and to seemingly try to leave it in Colorado Springs, and President Trump just reaffirmed what the earlier decision was and that Huntsville is the rightful place for space. Marshall has not received a notice about a filed lawsuit against the State of Alabama. A federal lawsuit was filed Wednesday against a former north Alabama police officer who sexually abused a woman during a traffic stop. The suit names the Town of Killen, the Killen Police Chief Bryan Hammond and former officer Jarrod Webster as defendants. In May, Webster pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman during a traffic stop in November 2023 and receiving sexually explicit pictures of a minor. The victim, identified in the lawsuit as Jane Doe, now seeks damages from Webster who she said unlawfully falsely imprisoned, raped, abused, assaulted, and harassed the plaintiff. According to the complaint, after initiating a traffic stop, Webster told the driver to exit the vehicle and proceeded to turn off his body camera. Webster then handcuffed the woman and falsely imprisoned her in the backseat of his police vehicle, the suit says. Once in the vehicle, Webster used intimidation and coercion to force the victim to perform sexual acts and let her go after the assault. The lawsuit asserts that this abuse and intimidation were used by Webster against other women. Defendant Jarrod Gailen Webster consistently engaged in similar predatory and abusive schemes to falsely imprison, rape, sodomize and sexually assault other women while working in the course and scope of his employment as a police officer for the Killen, Alabama Police Department, the suit says. The complaint alleges that the Town of Killen and Hammond were aware of Websters predatory scheme to sexually abuse women while on duty but took no action and implemented no safeguards to prevent the continued abuse. The Town of Killen told AL.com that it could not comment on ongoing litigation. A message seeking comment was left with the Killen Police Department. The victim alleged that her abuse from Webster occurred because of the inadequate supervision, as negligence and poor training from Hammond and the Town of Killen. As a result of the assault from Webster the plaintiff said that she sustained numerous damages including permanent injuries, physical and mental anguish and lost wages. The victim seeks compensation for these damages and the violation of her constitutional rights under the fourth, eighth and fourteenth amendments. A fox runs along the west end of Dauphin Island on June 28, 2023. Foxes are among the predators that threaten sea turtle nests on the beach. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com A red fox named Roxy and her pups that has become popular with Dauphin Island residents is likely to be removed from the island, causing fury on social media Wednesday. Get this it was decided in the name of conservation in order to save millions in grant money Dauphin Island receives to protect animals. It doesnt make any sense! said Beth Cowan Drake on Facebook. Drake runs the group Alabama the Beautiful. But state and town officials say the move is needed to protect the hundreds of migratory bird species that stop on Dauphin Island every year. Were trying to create this area that can help these struggling birds and turtles, said Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier. Waking up to devastating news this morning. The Dauphin Island town council voted last night to eradicate the small... Posted by Beth Cowan Drake on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Tuesday night, the Dauphin Island Town Council voted to move forward with a contract with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to address invasive species on the far west end of Dauphin Island. APHIS, as its known, is a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The town of Dauphin Islands contract with APHIS will be paid for using Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill funds. Foxes are not the only animals of concern, Collier said: the agency will also work to manage raccoons, possums and other predators. The west end of Dauphin Island has been designated as a preserve for migratory birds and sea turtle nests. It was purchased in 2021 using funds from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill settlement. The island town of less than 2,000 people now manages the preserve, carrying out the conservation and management plan created to protect the species that use the preserve. Red foxes have become a particular problem on the west end of Dauphin Island, said Amy Hunter, science coordinator with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. They are overpopulated and pose a nuisance, she said. All six sea turtle species that reside in the U.S. are considered endangered, and loss of nesting habitat is considered one of the primary threats to the species. Rare snowy plovers live in the preserve and are vulnerable to predators: their nests are little scrapes in the open sand. Foxes are smart, Hunter said, and they know to target nests with lots of eggs. There were more than 60 false crawls on Dauphin Island during nesting season this year, Hunter said. A false crawl occurs when a female sea turtle comes ashore to lay eggs but is disturbed and does not nest. More than half of those false crawls showed signs of fox harassment, Hunter said: fox paw prints near the turtles drag marks, for example. Still, residents dont want red foxes, like Roxy, to be targeted. Spence Harrison, a wildlife photographer who lives on Dauphin Island, previously told AL.com he believes relocating the foxes is overkill. Roxy is docile, Harrison said, and is fed by humans. Harrison started a petition in 2023 to protect Roxy from eradication that was signed by more than 4,000 people. Roxy is more than just another animal; she symbolizes the rich biodiversity of our island, Harrison said in the petition. The proposed plan threatens not only Roxys existence but also disrupts the balance of our local ecosystem. Harrison did not respond to a request for comment from AL.com. Roxy, a beloved fox, on Dauphin Island. Provided courtesy of Spence Harrison Collier said officials have tried other methods to combat predators on the west end of Dauphin Island. In a method called taste aversion, wildlife officials planted fake eggs that cause irritation to predators. Officials also placed fences around nesting areas. But none of these methods have been effective at deterring predators, like the foxes. I understand they can be cute, and people feed them, but we have an obligation to do this, Collier said. He noted that there are foxes elsewhere on Dauphin Island, though there werent when he was growing up. Its not clear what will happen to the foxes once they are captured. Collier said the town has to trust that APHIS will do what they believe is best with the foxes. A representative from APHIS did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Hunter said she believes the captured foxes will be humanely euthanized. Theres not really a feasible way to relocate the foxes, she said. A change.org petition started Wednesday said Collier authorized an extermination of the foxes. But Hunter said this is inaccurate. Not all of the foxes will be captured, the population will be reduced to relieve pressure on the migratory birds and sea turtles. They absolutely are a nuisance predator, Hunter said. Theyve lost all fear of humans from people feeding them over the years. Former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell continues to lead campaign fundraising in the race to become the states next attorney general, maintaining an edge over his two Republican opponents. Katherine Robertson, chief counsel for Attorney General Steve Marshall, and Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey are the other contenders in next years Republican primary, set for May 19. The winner will succeed Marshall, who has been attorney general since 2017 and is running for the U.S. Senate. On Wednesday, the candidates filed their campaign reports for August. The race has been contentious, with Mitchell criticizing Robertson for raising most of her money from outside the state, including from a wealthy Florida developer who opposed Alabamas law banning abortions six years ago. Robertson has criticized Mitchell for raising money for his Supreme Court race last year and then resigning and using that money for the AGs race. Casey and Robertson have criticized Mitchell for writing the main opinion in the state Supreme Court ruling that temporarily shut down in vitro fertilization clinics in Alabama last year. The August campaign reports show that Mitchell raised $371,095 for the month, bringing his total for the campaign to $2.04 million. Robertson raised $260,515 in August, bringing her total to $1.77 million. Casey raised $6,145 in August, bringing her total to $100,676. Casey also loaned her campaign $500,000 in August. In a press release, Mitchell said 99.9% of his contributions are from Alabama. These metrics are proof positive of my alignment with grassroots conservatives as well as the Alabama business community, Mitchell said. Im humbled by the strength of my supporters and grateful for their demonstrated commitment to my campaign. In August, Mitchell got about half of his money from political action committees and about half from individuals. Mitchells biggest contribution in August was $50,000 from Progress PAC, the Business Council of Alabamas political action committee. The BCA has endorsed Mitchell. Robertson raised $260,515 in August, with $150,000 of that coming from Hugh Culverhouse Jr., a developer and former U.S. attorney from Florida. Last week, the Mitchell campaign criticized Robertson for accepting the contribution from Culverhouse, noting that in 2019, Culverhouse gave $250,000 to Planned Parenthood Southeast to support a new abortion clinic in Birmingham. Culverhouse also called for a boycott of the state and the University of Alabama because of his opposition of the abortion ban that Alabama lawmakers passed that year. But the Robertson campaign says she is in good company in receiving donations from Culverhouse. The campaign noted that Culverhouse gave $500,000 to a Donald Trump fundraising committee and gave contributions to support Sen. Katie Britt and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson. Robertson reported about 50 other contributions totaling $110,515 in August, with more than 40 of those from individuals, and a few from PACS and businesses. All but four of those contributions were from inside Alabama. Our message of supporting law enforcement, standing with President Trump to put a stop to the criminal cartels and gangs, and enforcing the law resonates with Alabamians, Robertson said in a press release. Our grassroots momentum and backing from pro-life and law enforcement leaders is foundational to our campaign and its what is fueling our success. The biggest portion of Robertsons campaign funding has been the $1.1 million the campaign received from First Principles Action, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Tennessee. First Principles Action was founded in November by Peter Bisbee, former executive director of the Republican Attorneys General Association. Robertsons boss, Marshall, has been a leader with the RAGA during his time as the Alabama attorney general. Marshall, who is running for the U.S. Senate, has endorsed Robertson to be his replacement. Mitchell previously criticized Robertsons contributions from First Principles Action as dark money because the organization is not required to disclose its donors. On the other hand, the Robertson campaign criticized Mitchell for raising hundreds of thousands to win his reelection to the state Supreme Court last year, only to resign from that office in May, and move $683,000 of that money to his new campaign for attorney general. State law required Mitchell to resign from the court to run for a non-judicial office. Casey, who is in her third term as Blount Countys district attorney, noted that 215 individuals and businesses from Alabama have contributed to her campaign. Casey said she drove 5,000 miles in her personal vehicle campaigning across the state in August. This support comes from hardworking Alabamiansteachers, law enforcement officers, district attorneys, crime victims, farmers, homemakers, business owners, and so many others, Casey said in a press release. Their backing proves that the people of this state want an Attorney General with proven courtroom experience who will work and fight for them. Rosie O'Donnell arrives at the ELLE Women in Hollywood celebration in Los Angeles, Nov. 19, 2024. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP File) Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP President Donald Trump threatened to revoke the U.S. citizenship of an actress hes had a long-running feud with. As previously mentioned, we are giving serious thought to taking away Rosie ODonnells Citizenship, Trump posted to his Truth Social account Wednesday night along with an unflattering photo of the comedian and former The View co-host. She is not a Great American and is, in my opinion, incapable of being so! The two have criticized each other publicly for years, an often bitter back-and-forth that predates Trumps involvement in politics. In recent days, ODonnell on social media denounced Trump and recent moves by his administration, including the signing of a massive GOP-backed tax breaks and spending cuts plan. ODonnell was born in the United States and has a constitutional right to U.S. citizenship. The U.S. State Department notes on its website that U.S. citizens by birth or naturalization may relinquish U.S. nationality by taking certain steps but only if the act is performed voluntary and with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship. She moved to Ireland after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to win his second term. She has said shes in the process of obtaining Irish citizenship based on family lineage. The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP A recent poll indicates a staggering number of adults have little or no trust in information the White House releases regarding President Donald Trumps health. A YouGov poll conducted Tuesday surveyed 1,678 adults on whether they trusted Trumps administration with information about the presidents health. Of those polled, 39% of respondents said they did not trust the administration at all, 13% said only a little, 17% said they trusted the administration some and 18% said they trusted the White House a great deal. In fact, 38% of those polled said Trumps health and age severely limit his ability to do his job up from 29% who said the same thing just one month ago. And if Vice President JD Vance were to have to become president, some 45% of those polled said he is not qualified to do so. Another 37% say Vance is qualified if he should have to take the oath of office. The poll comes after several days of speculation and conspiracy on social media with many questioning if Trump died after not being seen in public from last Tuesday to Saturday. According to NBC News, much of the speculation was also fueled by pictures depicting bruising on Trumps right hand with many deeming this a sign that the presidents health is in decline although the White House has rebuffed these ideas. How did you find out over the weekend that you were dead? Fox News Peter Doocy said to the president on Tuesday. Trump said he was more active than had been apparent publicly and criticized the media. Its fake news its so fake, he said. Thats why the media has so little credibility. In another poll conducted in July 2024, respondents also asked if they trusted White House information regarding the health of former President Joe Biden. In the poll about Bidens administration 4,483 adults were surveyed and 33% of respondents said they did not trust the White House at all Additionally, 18% said they trusted Bidens White House a little, 25% said they trusted the former administration some and 15% trusted the White House a great deal. A remaining nine percent were not sure if they trusted health information coming from Bidens White House. Throughout Bidens presidency questions swirled regarding his health primarily from conservatives speculating whether the former president was mentally fit to serve. Following a troubling presidential debate performance in June 2024, Bidens health became a a bigger national topic with the incumbent subsequently dropping out of the race on July 21 three days after the YouGov poll. On May 18, Bidens office announced that he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer reigniting questions about his health while in office. The Associated Press contributed to this report. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. The brand new NCIS franchise installment, NCIS: Tony & Ziva, premieres exclusively on Paramount+ Thursday, Sept. 4. During the series premiere episode, fans of the franchise will see the return of fan-favorite characters, Anthony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo), reprise their roles and join forces to unveil the culprits behind a nefarious cyber-attack. How to watch NCIS: Tony & Ziva The latest installment of the expansive franchise will be available exclusively through Paramount+, and the entirety of season one will be available for streaming Sept. 4. Those looking to check out the latest NCIS series can stream the show through Paramount+, and those without a subscription can enjoy a 7-day free trial after committing to a paid subscription. More on NCIS: Tony & Ziva According to a Paramount press release, the new series picks up after Zivas supposed death when Tony left the NCIS team to go raise their daughter. Years later, Ziva was discovered alive, leading her to complete one final mission with NCIS before she was reunited with Tony and their daughter in Paris. Since then, Tony and Ziva have been raising their daughter, Tali, together. But when Tonys security company is attacked, they must go on the run across Europe, try to figure out who is after them and maybe even learn to trust each other again so they can finally have their unconventional happily ever after. Cote de Pablo, Michael Weatherly, Aminta Suman, Maximilian Osinski, Lari Rossi, Isla Gie, Nassima Benchicou, Julian Ovenden, Terence Maynard and James DArcy star. More on Paramount+ Paramount+ is one of the most popular live streaming services on the market now. Through Paramount+, subscribers can access exclusive originals, movies and documentaries all in one place. As of now, Paramount+ offers two plans to new subscribers, and both come with a week-long free trial. The base plan, Paramount+ Essential starts at just $7.99 a month and includes exclusive originals, the ability to stream on up to three devices concurrently, access to CBS News 24/7, and access to select Showtime series. This plan is also ad-supported. The Paramount+ with Showtime plan starts at just $12.99 a month and includes everything that comes with the Essential plan plus 4K content, downloadable movies and shows, and all of Showtimes content. Those hoping to ditch ads can do so through this plan. English News E China's Ningbo accelerates toward a global advanced manufacturing hub Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 2 Septembre 2025 On an intelligent production line for air fryers, a robotic arm powered by renewable energy installs a precision smart control module. From injection molding to stamping and coating, the entire process takes just 30 seconds before the appliance is ready for packaging and export. By Li Zhongwen, Liu Junguo, People's Daily One out of every three Android smartphones worldwide is equipped with optical lenses made in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang province. More than 90 percent of global sewing machine manufacturers rely on rotary hooks produced in the city. Ningbo also supplies 40 percent of the cutting wire used globally by high-precision machine tools for producing precision molds and components. Through a dedicated focus on specialized precision manufacturing, Ningbo-based companies have secured a strong foothold in the global industrial chain. In recent years, the city has been accelerating its efforts to build a world-class hub for advanced manufacturing, steadily enhancing its industrial capabilities. Fostering champions of specialized manufacturing Ningbo has cultivated a robust ecosystem of manufacturing champions, with a strong emphasis on nurturing highly specialized sectors. "Orders are already booked through 2027," said Zhu Mengxing, co-founder of Ningbo Zhongke Xianglong Lightweight Technology Co., Ltd. According to Zhu, the company's operating revenue doubled year on year in the first half of this year, with full-year growth projected to reach 220 percent. As a pioneer in lightweight solutions for the commercial aerospace industry, the company manufactures major components for aircraft engines and civilian aerospace systems. It has achieved a 42 percent weight reduction in critical aerospace structures, significantly boosting performance and efficiency. In 2024, the company undertook 27 commercial aerospace projects, securing a leading share of China's commercial aerospace market. Ningbo has established a tiered support system for enterprises at every stage of development, including potential startups, key enterprises, "little giant" enterprises (specialized SMEs with strong innovation capacity) and individual manufacturing champions. This system encourages synergy among companies of all sizes, promoting comprehensive upgrades across technologies, products, and supply chains. The city is currently home to 104 nationally recognized individual manufacturing champion enterprises. Emerging industries on the rise Ningbo's emerging industries have maintained strong momentum. In the first half of 2025, the added value of high-tech manufacturing, the digital economy-related manufacturing, and equipment manufacturing rose by 13.1 percent, 7.7 percent and 6.5 percent, respectively. A key driver behind this growth is the city's emphasis on collaborative innovation across industrial chain and clusters, which has significantly enhanced overall production capacity. In the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, new energy vehicles (NEVs) are being prepared for global shipment. According to Ningbo Customs, the port exported 107,000 NEVs in the first half of this year, up 275 percent year on year. The export boom is supported by one of China's most concentrated automotive ecosystems, featuring approximately 5,000 auto parts suppliers within a 50-kilometer radius of the city. Since Chinese automaker BYD established its east China production base in Ningbo, local parts sourcing has jumped from 35 percent to 68 percent in just six months, enabling same-day delivery of critical components. Currently, Ningbo is home to more than 8,800 high-tech enterprises, with the added value of high-tech industries accounting for more than 60 percent of the total value-added industrial output of enterprises above the designated size. The city has independently or jointly built several national-level advanced manufacturing clusters and specialized SME industrial clusters. Enhancing digital and green transformation Ningbo is strategically integrating digitalization and sustainable practices to drive new economic growth. On an intelligent production line for air fryers, a robotic arm powered by renewable energy installs a precision smart control module. From injection molding to stamping and coating, the entire process takes just 30 seconds before the appliance is ready for packaging and export. At Zhejiang Biyi Electric Appliance Co., Ltd. in Yuyao, a county-level city under Ningbo's administration, a 5-megawatt rooftop solar panel system glistens in the sun. "Thanks to solar energy and our new high-efficiency compressed air system, we're saving over 1.7 million yuan (about $236,719) a year," said Pan Zaiming, chairman of the company's board of supervisors. As a major advanced manufacturing hub in China, Ningbo is charting new paths for industrial transformation by integrating digitalization with sustainable practices. For instance, a local textile company has developed a flexible, intelligent workshop capable of identifying carbon-intensive and polluting processes, while a local new materials firm is applying digital solutions to eco-friendly product design. In 2024, Ningbo implemented over 2,700 digital transformation projects for industrial enterprises above the designated size, achieving full coverage. The city added 11 national-level 5G smart factories and six provincial-level pilot "future factories." Dans la meme rubrique : < > Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare: Theater as a bridge for global cultural dialogue Shanghai seed bank hits 100 million samples in biodiversity conservation push China unveils world's first mid-infrared solar magnetic-field telescope Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) The Martin B-26 Marauder was one of the most successful bombers operated by the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. It was also one of the most disliked. The B-26s relatively small wings demanded high takeoff and landing speeds to generate enough lift, that was intimidating to many pilots except the most seasoned ones. The aircraft also suffered from frequent engine and propeller malfunctions. Regular crashes by inexperienced crews during training earned the bomber a host of grim nicknames, including Widowmaker, Martin Murderer, and Flying Coffin. Yet by the end of the war, the B-26 had achieved the lowest combat loss rate of any U.S. aircraft. Among the thousands of Marauders that flew over Europe, one in particularnicknamed Flak-Baitemerged as a legend. Two B-26 Marauders in flight over France on bombing mission to Germany. Credit: Wikimedia Commons The Martin B-26 Marauder was designed in response to a set of precise specifications requested by the United States Army Air Corps in 1939. According to those specifications, the aircraft was to be a twin-engine medium bomber with a maximum speed of 350 mph (560 km/h), a range of 3,000 mi (4,800 km), and a bomb load of 2,000 lb (910 kg). Many aircraft manufacturers submitted designs, but the blueprints from the Glenn L. Martin Company were deemed superior, and a contract was awarded for 201 aircraft. Another design that received approval was the North American B-25 Mitchell, which went on to become the most-produced American medium bomber and the third-most-produced American bomber overall. With war in full swing, the pressing demand for airplanes led the Air Corps to forgo the prototype testing stage. Both bombers went from the drawing board straight into production, with deadly consequences for those who flew the Martin aircraft. The B-26 had wings of low aspect ratio and relatively small surface area for an aircraft of its weighta condition known as high wing loading. Smaller wings produced less drag, allowing the aircraft to fly faster, but the reduced wing area also meant less lift. As a result, the bomber had to fly faster to remain airborne. This made takeoff and landing more difficult, requiring longer runways and greater precision. The B-26s approach speeds ranged from 120 to 135 mph, much higher than those of comparable bombers, making it a particularly challenging aircraft for inexperienced pilots. A B-26 Marauder fitted with an experimental "bicycle" landing gear. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Accidents were common throughout the B-26s four-year operational history. Although there were only two fatal crashes in the aircrafts first year of service (1941), the numbers rose dramatically as the U.S. Army Air Forces expanded rapidly after Americas entry into World War II. As novice flight crews struggled to learn the aircraft, losses continued with 15 aircraft crashing at McDill Field in one 30-day period. Because of these losses, the B-26 quickly earned grim nicknames such as Widowmaker, Martin Murderer, B-Dash-Crash, Flying Prostitute, and Baltimore Whore. Many flight crews even tried to avoid assignment to Marauder-equipped units. With accidents mounting, the bomber came under investigation by Senator Harry Trumans Senate Special Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program. When Truman asked aviation pioneer and company founder Glenn L. Martin why the B-26 was having so many problems, Martin bluntly admitted that the wings were too short. Truman then asked why they had not been redesigned. Martin replied that the design was too far along, and his company already had the production contract. When Truman threatened to have the contract cancelled, Martin introduced a series of improvements, including a greater wingspan, uprated engines, more armour, and heavier guns. Throughout the war, Martin continued to refine the aircraft to make it easier to handle, but its landing and stall speeds remained high, and the Marauder always demanded a higher level of training than other bombers. The Flak-Bait at Andrews Field, England, 1944. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Despite its poor reputation among many pilots, the B-26 built a record of successes that more than compensated for its early shortcomings. Initially, Marauders were employed in low-level attacks against heavily defended targets, suffering heavy losses and failed missions. After an ill-fated strike on a power station at IJmuiden, the Netherlands, in May 1943, in which the entire attacking force of 11 Marauders was lost, B-26 operations over Northwest Europe shifted to medium-altitude bombing. It was at these altitudes that the B-26 shined. Flying at 10,000 to 15,000 feet, the Marauder attacked a wide range of targets in the months leading up to the Normandy invasion. Once Allied bases were established in France, B-26 units crossed the Channel and continued their offensive against German positions. Operating from medium altitude, the Marauder proved to be a highly accurate bomber, with the U.S. Ninth Air Force rating it the most accurate bomber available during the final month of the war in Europe. Loss rates dropped sharply, and by the end of the conflict, the B-26 recorded the lowest loss rate of any U.S. bomber in the European Theaterless than one-half of one percent. Of the more than 5,200 Marauders produced, one became especially renowned: a B-26B-25-MA, serial number 41-31773, christened Flak-Bait by its pilot, Captain James J. Farrell of the 449th Bomb Squadron, 322nd Bomb Group. The name was grimly appropriate, as the bomber attracted an astonishing amount of enemy fire and yet returned from every mission. Nose art on Flak-Bait. Credit: National Air and Space Museum Flak-Bait flew its first combat sortie in August 1943. Over the course of the war, it completed 207 operational missions against German targetsmore than any other American bomber in the European Theatre. This figure included missions on D-Day and during the Battle of the Bulge, when the Marauder was heavily employed to disrupt German logistics. The planes record is all the more remarkable given the intense dangers faced by medium bombers. Flying at altitudes lower than the heavy bombers, Marauders were especially vulnerable to German anti-aircraft fire. True to its name, Flak-Bait suffered damage on nearly every mission. Its skin was riddled with hundreds of patches, evidence of the deadly gauntlet it survived time and again. During one particular mission, Flak-Bait took 700 hits from flak fragments. Radio operator McDonal Darnell Jr., remembered, Everybody was afraid of the damn thing, but she always got back for us. Crews rotated through the aircraft, and though Flak-Bait was frequently brought back scarred, it never failed to return. It returned twice on one engine and once with an engine on fire, suffered complete electrical failure twice and lost the hydraulic system on one mission. In recognition of its extraordinary career, the aircrafts side was painted by a series of red-coloured bombs, each representing an individual mission. White tails painted on the bombs represented every fifth mission. There is one black-coloured bomb which represents a night mission. In addition to the bombs, there are also six red ducks painted on the aircraft representing decoy missions. There is also a detailed Nazi swastika painted above a bomb to represent Flak-Bait's only confirmed kill against a German aircraft After Germany surrendered, Flak-Bait was returned to the United States, and because of the aircrafts unique history, the U.S. Army Air Forces transferred the B-26 to museum status. When the National Air and Space Museum opened in Washington, D.C., in 1976, the nose section of Flak-Bait was placed on display there, with the remainder of the aircraft in storage. The aircraft is currently undergoing restoration. Inside the cockpit of the Flak-Bait. Credit: National Air and Space Museum Inside the cockpit of the Flak-Bait. Credit: National Air and Space Museum References: # Martin B-26B-25-MA Marauder "Flak-Bait", National Air And Space Museum # World War II: Martin B-26 Marauder, Thought.Co # Flak-Bait: The Ultimate Survivor, HistoryNet Apple will finally unveil this years iPhone lineup at its upcoming event on September 9. Rumors suggest that the Cupertino tech giant will launch as many as four new iPhones this year: the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and 17 Air. Also, multiple reports have revealed that the iPhone 17 range will get a boost in multiple departments, including RAM. A TrendForce report has now tipped the exact RAM capacity of each upcoming iPhone model. In addition, Morgan Stanley has released a fresh note on Apples upcoming iPhone 17 lineup. Its report has predicted some details regarding the storage and pricing of this years iPhones. The iPhone 17 Air and Pro models are getting more RAM, except for the vanilla iPhone According to the Taiwanese market research firm TrendForce, Apple is going to boost the RAM capacity of the Air and Pro models. Citing current market information and analyst projections, the source claims the iPhone 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max variants will flaunt 12GB of RAM. However, the vanilla iPhone 17 will offer 8GB of RAM. If the report is correct, the iPhone 17 Air and Pro variants will get a significant boost in the RAM department, as all iPhone 16 variants come with 8GB of RAM. The higher RAM capacity can deliver faster overall performance, apart from providing enhanced multitasking and Apple Intelligence features. TrendForce has also made speculations regarding the other features of the iPhone 17 range, which you can read in their report here. Its worth mentioning that Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also predicted that the iPhone 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max would each have 12GB of RAM. Kuo also stated that the base iPhone 17 model might come equipped with 12GB of RAM as well. However, Apple seems to be continuing to offer 8GB on the vanilla variant due to supply chain shortages. Apple could drop the 128GB memory variant of one of the Pro models Morgan Stanleys Erik Woodring suggests that Apple will increase the storage of the base iPhone 17 Pro model from 128GB to 256GB. Notably, an earlier JPMorgan note also suggested the same. So, the iPhone 17 Pro base model will arrive with 256GB of storage, as suggested by both sources. Furthermore, the Morgan Stanley analyst expects a 5 percent growth in ASP (average selling price) for the 2026 iPhones. Apple will launch the iPhone 17 Air at $999, which will replace last years iPhone 16 Plus variant, costing $899. JPMorgans earlier prediction suggests Apple could price the iPhone 17 Air at either $899 or $940. Lastly, Morgan Stanleys assessment suggests that the iPhone 17 Air would be the highlight of Apples next event. We will have official details in less than a week, so watch this space for regular updates. Samsung has pulled the plug on the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra, as the software support comes to an end. This marks the end of an era for the iconic Galaxy Note lineup. The phones will no longer receive any new OS updates, and this comes five years after their launch in 2020. This leaves the Galaxy Note 20 series owners with two options: either upgrade to newer models or keep using the phones with an outdated OS. Galaxy Note 20 software support comes to an end The Galaxy Note 20 series debuted with Android 10-based on One UI 2.5. The South Korean giant promised three major OS updates, which they have already received. The last OS update was Android 13 with One UI 5.1 skin. The phones have only been receiving security updates for the past two years. And now, even these come to an end. The Galaxy Note series was put to rest in 2021, but the Note 20 models continued to receive updates. There are chances Samsung may push out an emergency update to fix any serious security vulnerability. But then again, we wont know that for sure until it happens. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers S Pen support If youre still holding on to a Galaxy Note 20 series model, you might want to consider upgrading to newer models. More specifically, the S25 Ultra, which also offers an S Pen experience. In fact, the Ultra variant is always seen as a spiritual successor to the Note models just for this reason. If you want the foldable experience, theres the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Z Flip 7. However, these dont offer S Pen support. Besides the Galaxy Note 20 series, Samsung ended software support for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3 foldables. The phones received four OS updates during their life cycle. As part of IFA 2025 in Berlin, Samsung is hosting a press event. Its the Galaxy AI event during which some much rumored devices will be announced. The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE and Galaxy Tab S11 series devices are coming, and you can watch the event live. Watch Samsung announce the Galaxy S25 FE & Galaxy Tab S11 series, live Samsung will be hosting the press event on YouTube. The event is starting at 9:30 AM UTC / 11:30 AM CET / 10:30 AM BST / 5:30 AM EST / 2:30 AM PST. You can watch the event via the link embedded below. Samsung did not specify the products that are coming, but we already know whats around the corner. The Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy Tab S11, and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra have been heavily leaked in the last couple of weeks. Its obvious theyll become official today. Weve exclusively confirmed a lot of info about both devices, and shown them both to you Weve exclusively shared both the Galaxy S25 FE renders and the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra images and videos. On top of that, weve also exclusively shared the Galaxy S25 FE specifications for you to check out. The Galaxy S25 FE will be fueled by the Samsung Exynos 2400 processor. It will include 8GB of RAM and a 4,900mAh battery. 45W wired charging will be supported, along with 15W wireless charging. The phone will include a 50-megapixel main camera on the back, along with a 12-megapixel ultrawide snapper. The third camera on the back will be an 8-megapixel telephoto camera. The phone will look like a member of the Galaxy S25 family. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra will include a notch on the display, a half-circle one, along with rather thin bezels, especially for a tablet. Two cameras will be located on its back, while the tablet will support an S Pen too. The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is coming early next year, and dummies of all three phones have just popped up. All three of them are included in the same image shared by Sonny Dickson over at X. The Samsung Galaxy S26 series dummies give us our first look at the design of these phones This is basically our first look at the Galaxy S26 series. You can see the three devices below, though the source did not mention their names. Based on rumors thus far, we can certainly guess what names will Samsung go with. The phone on the left will be the Galaxy S26 or Galaxy S26 Pro, both names have been rumored. That device will be the smallest in the series. You can see a triple camera setup in the top-left corner. Unlike the Galaxy S25, these three cameras are included on a pill-shaped camera island. Theyre still vertical, though Another thing youll notice here, across all three phones, is a circle on the back. Were guessing that Samsung intends to include magnets on the inside, just like Apple and Google. Samsung is keeping the squarish design with rounded corners Its also obvious that Samsung will once again go with a rather squarish design. The corners will be curved, but everything else will be flat. That goes for all three phones, as all three will have flat front, back, and frame. The phone in the middle is the Galaxy S26 Edge, were guessing. That phone will have a more pronounced camera island on the back, mainly due to the fact its body will be immensely thin. Two cameras will once again be included on its back. This is a notably different look than what the Galaxy S25 Edge offered, at least as far as the back is concerned. The device on the far right is the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Three of its (presumably) four cameras are also located on top of a pill-shaped camera island. Thats another change that Samsung is bringing. There are five cutouts in total, though, plus the one for an LED flash. That device is also the biggest one here, it has the biggest footprint. All three phones are expected to arrive in January next year, if Samsung opts to stick to its release cycle. Samsung has announced a new SmartThings Meets AI Home campaign ahead of IFA 2025, which is taking place from September 5 to September 9 in Berlin, Germany. With the new campaign, the South Korean technology giant is showing off how artificial intelligence is playing a key role in changing the modern home. Samsungs new campaign highlights its human-centered AI home experiences Samsung has posted a video on YouTube for its new SmartThings campaign before IFA 2025. In the video, the firm is showcasing how it is using AI to create human-centered modern home experiences, which make everyday life easier. The campaign demonstrates how its SmartThings platform learns the needs of users and adapts to them to offer a personalized AI experience. In the video, Samsungs SmartThings Routine adjusts the temperature of the air conditioner and lighting around the home, depending on the time of day. A single tap in the SmartThings application allows smart home devices to manage household chores automatically. Before sleeping hours, the AI closes the curtains and dims the lighting around the home. Furthermore, Samsungs SmartThings AI automatically starts washing clothes at night without any human intervention. Additionally, Samsungs SmartThings Pet Care service allows users to care for their pets even when they are not available. With this campaign, we aimed to highlight Samsungs AI home experience redefined by AI leadership and SmartThings in a way that truly connects with customers, said Won-Jin Lee, President and Head of Global Marketing Office at Samsung Electronics. Samsung will showcase several AI-powered innovations this week At the IFA 2025 trade show in Berlin, Samsung will showcase several new SmartThings-connected innovative products. Some of these include the Micro RGB TV with the latest display tech, new Bespoke AI appliances for consumers in the EU, and new mobile devices that strengthen the Galaxy AI ecosystem. As for the latest SmartThings campaign, Samsung is displaying the video on outdoor screens at global landmarks such as Times Square in New York and Piccadilly Circus in London. Furthermore, the firm is promoting its AI vision for smart homes on its social media channels. After Anker, UGREEN, Belkin, and Aukey, accessories maker Baseus is stepping into the spotlight at the IFA 2025 tradeshow in Berlin. Baseus has introduced a couple of new 2-in-1 EnerGeek accessories at the event. These include the Baseus EnerGeek GT01 45W 10,000mAh and EnerGeek GX11 MiFi 67W 20,000mAh, which are portable chargers thatll keep you going for days. The Baseus EnerGeek GT01 works as an AC adapter and a wireless power bank Baseus has introduced the EnerGeek GT011, a 45W Qi2-certified magnetic portable charger that features a detachable power bank. The company has described it as the worlds smallest detachable AC adapter and MagSafe power bank. This accessory can wirelessly charge a Qi2-compatible smartphone directly hooked to an outlet, without the requirement of a cable. Users can detach a 10,000mAh power bank from the 27W USB-C wall charger. You can use the power bank to wirelessly charge your phones at the maximum charging speed of 15W. Furthermore, the power bank has two USB-C ports that output 45W. You can use the Qi2 MagSafe charging pad and both USB-C ports simultaneously to charge multiple devices. But keep in mind that the power bank will divide the charging output between all the devices. Theres also a small LCD on one side of the device, which shows the remaining charge level of the power bank. This Baseus 20,000mAh power bank is also a MiFi hotspot Baseus has also announced the EnerGeek GX11 MiFi Power Bank 20,000mAh 67W accessory at the IFA 2025 event. As its name suggests, this power bank flaunts a massive capacity of 20,000mAh and comes with 67W multi-port (USB-C/USB-A) fast charging. Furthermore, the device works as a MiFi 4G hotspot. As per the company, its the worlds first MiFi/20,000mAh power bank. This device relies on an eSIM design, which means users dont need a physical SIM card. Instead, they can recharge their data plans using the Baseus app on their phones. Also, users can customize their plans through Baseus team. Users can connect as many as 10 devices with the MiFi hotspot at the same time. Coming to the pricing, the tech firm has priced the 2-in-1 AC adapter and MagSafe power bank accessory at $99.99, but theres no sale date as of yet. As for the MiFi power bank, it will go on sale on September 30 for $119.99. Vascular surgeon Neil Hopper has been jailed for 32 months after he lied to insurers about removing his own legs (PA Media) An NHS vascular surgeon who was sexually obsessed with becoming an amputee used dry ice to freeze his legs to the point they needed to be removed then claimed 466,653 from his insurers. Neil Hopper, 49, who carried out hundreds of amputations for patients, has been jailed for 32 months after he admitted to lying to insurers over the removal of his own legs and possessing extreme pornography from a man dubbed the "Eunuch Maker". The surgeon told insurers that his injuries were the result of sepsis and were not self-inflicted, when in fact he had used dry ice to freeze his legs to the extent they needed to be amputated below the knee. He then made claims to two insurers which resulted in total payouts of 466,653.81. Appearing at Truro Crown Court on Thursday, he pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation between 3 June and 26 June 2019. He also admitted three charges of possessing extreme pornographic images, relating to videos by a website called the Eunuch Maker, where users paid for films of amputations and other extreme body modifications. Neil Hopper had dreamt of having his legs removed, a court heard (Instagram) Judge James Adkin, the honorary recorder of Truro, heard Hopper was identified following investigations into Marius Gustavson who ran the site. Gustavson was jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years at the Old Bailey last year for leading an extreme body modification ring, which carried out male castration, penis removal and other procedures on people as young as 16. The Norwegian national once cooked human testicles to eat in a salad, had his own penis removed with a kitchen knife and froze his own leg so it was amputated. Gustavson netted more than 300,000 between 2017 and 2021 after posting videos of various procedures on his Eunuch Maker website. Nicholas Lee, prosecuting, told the court that Hopper had bought three videos from the EunuchMaker.com website for 10 and 35, respectively, showing men willingly having their genitals removed. He also exchanged around 1,500 messages with Gustavson about his own lower leg amputations and how he had done it, including asking how much dry ice he used. Eunuch Maker Marius Gustavson led an extreme body modification ring (PA Media) "It is evident from the messages that Mr Hopper wished to become an amputee and it was always something he had dreamt of," Mr Lee said. "Something he has been obsessed with and had a sexual interest in becoming an amputee." Gustavson told Hopper he needed to immerse his legs in ice and dry ice for at "least eight hours" and would also require prescription painkillers, which he bought from the dark web. Investigators later found Hopper had purchased 20kg of dry ice pellets on 14 April 2019. The following day he placed his feet in them at his home in St Erme while his wife and children were away. While doing this he continued to message Gustavson, telling him: "It's going to be awesome being a double amputee." Days later he was found unwell and taken to hospital, telling doctors who treated him for sepsis that he had been unwell with diarrhoea and vomiting. His feet were amputated on 10 May, before surgeons carried out a further operation to remove his legs below the knees a week later. He later took a photo of his bandaged feet and sent it to Gustavson with the message: It feels so cool. No feet! Andrew Langdon KC, mitigating, told the court Hopper had grown up in a rural village in Wales and felt he was in the wrong body from a young age. "He was troubled by his gender, he wanted to be female," Mr Langdon said, adding that his client identified with body integrity identity disorder and those with a desire to amputate one or more healthy limbs. Hopper experienced "persistent, never ending" thoughts about having his feet amputated before he decided to cause "irreversible damage to his legs". "He knows in the days and weeks that followed, he let himself down in the most shameful way," Mr Langdon said. The barrister said Hopper insists his thoughts and behaviour have not had an impact on his job and he always tried his best for his patients. A judge said Hopper injured his legs at least in part for sexual gratification (Elizabeth Cook/PA) Jailing him for 32 months, Judge Adkin told Hopper he would also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years. He said Hopper had deliberately frozen his legs following the instructions from Gustavson, before he was admitted to hospital with sepsis in 2019. "You were in hospital for six weeks and after many tests and a variety of treatments the medics decided your feet could not be saved and they amputated on 17 May, the judge said. "You subsequently made fraudulent insurance claims to Aviva and Old Mutual Wealth receiving a total of 466,000 fraudulently by representing that the injuries were organic, caused by sepsis, when you caused the injury seemingly at least in part for sexual gratification." The Crown Prosecution Service will make an application under the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover the money. Senior prosecutor Richard Parkhouse said it was a highly unusual and shocking case, adding: Hopper has a sexual fetish linked to amputation, and paid to access these images for his own gratification. In his communications with the owner of the website, the truth about Hoppers own injuries was revealed: that the damage that led to his double leg amputations had been self-inflicted. Hopper failed to disclose this fact when making two insurance claims for his injuries, and fraudulently pocketed almost half a million pounds. Vascular surgeon Neil Hopper used dry ice to cause irreversible damage to his legs (PA Media) In 2020, Hopper was named one of the bravest people in Britain after winning the Against All Odds title at the Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons 2020, in a virtual ceremony hosted by BBC Breakfast. The surgeon has not worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) since March 2023 and he has been suspended from the medical register. The NHS trust said his work as a surgeon has been investigated, including by an independent clinical expert who has reviewed decisions to operate and found no evidence of any risk or harm to patients. However a law firm specialising in medical negligence has called for an independent public investigation into his conduct. Mike Bird, a partner at Enable Law, said the charges have caused shock and grave concern among former patients, adding: Some have had life-changing surgery and are now worried it was not really needed. A spokesperson for RCHT added: "While the details of the charges are shocking, it is important to stress that the convictions do not relate to Mr Hopper's professional conduct. "During a thorough and painstaking police investigation there were no links found to any patients he treated during his work." An assessment has been ordered of Northern Irelands gender identity services provision. Stormont Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said he has asked Baroness Hilary Cass, who led the national Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People, to lead the assessment starting in November. It is also to consider the proposed Regional Lifespan Gender Service, combining the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Knowing Our Identity Team and the Adult Gender Service into one model. The Health Minister has announced he has asked Baroness Hilary Cass to conduct an assessment of the gender identity services provision in NI. https://t.co/1nasCEPbTQ pic.twitter.com/Tgp8Y4RO9Y Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 4, 2025 Mr Nesbitt described Dr Cass, who delivered a review into gender identity services for young people across the UK, as eminently qualified. Whilst understandably much of the focus of her report centred on the recommendation on puberty blockers which Northern Ireland rightly adopted she also came to other important conclusions, he said. In finding that most young people experiencing gender-related distress would not benefit from a medical pathway she instead called for a much stronger focus across the UK on psychological support, as well as a more holistic approach to care. That is exactly what I want Northern Ireland to be delivering. Much of the previously approved 806,000 business case for the new Lifespan Gender Service is to invest in new and additional psychological and psychiatric support, as well as a greater multi-disciplinary approach. From my reading of the Cass Review that is exactly the direction of travel she has recommended. He added: While I am content with the process undertaken to develop the revised service, in response to a number of questions being raised, I believe an independent expert assessment of the service may go some way to address these issues. I am delighted that Baroness Cass has agreed to complete that assessment which will commence in November 2025. An asylum seeker hotel resident is facing jail for sexual assaults on a woman and a 14-year-old girl that sparked nationwide protests. Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, who arrived in the UK on a small boat days before the incidents, was found guilty of five offences at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Thursday. His behaviour in July led to protesters and counter-protesters taking to the streets in Epping, Essex, and eventually further demonstrations outside hotels housing asylum seekers across the country. The 38-year-olds three-day trial heard he had told two teenagers he wanted to have a baby with each of them and attempted to kiss them, before going on to put his hand on one of the girls thighs and stroke her hair. The defendant was also found to have sexually assaulted a woman by trying to kiss her, putting his hand on her leg and telling her she was pretty. District judge Christopher Williams took just 30 minutes to return his guilty verdicts and his reasoning. Kebatu, who was a teacher of sports in his home country, denied all charges against him telling the court he is not a wild animal. The defendant gave no visible reaction as Mr Williams told him he was guilty of two counts of sexual assault, one count of attempted sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence. Kebatu, who followed his trial through a Tigrinya interpreter, is due to be sentenced at the same court on September 23. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu during his trial at Chelmsford Magistrates Court (Elizabeth Cook/PA) Telling the defendant he should expect a prison term, the judge said: You can expect an immediate custodial sentence to be imposed on September 23, its just a question of how long any sentence is going to be. Mr Williams asked that a report be prepared about him before sentencing, noting there was so little known about him. The judge took around an hour to explain to the defendant the reasons for his guilty verdicts telling him: Im not persuaded that there is any evidence to suggest the children fabricated any of the evidence they gave. Essex Police are still investigating incidents of disorder after a number of protesters took to the streets following Kebatus sexual assaults. Multiple demonstrations have been held outside the Bell Hotel since July 13 with the force making 32 arrests and charging 21 people in connection with incidents of disorder. Epping Forest District Council is taking legal action against Somani Hotels over the use of the Bell Hotel as accommodation for asylum seekers, and could still be granted an injunction when a full hearing takes place on October 13. Kebatus trial was told he was offered pizza by the 14-year-old victim shortly before he tried to kiss her on July 7. The court heard Kebatu had made inappropriate comments to the girl, such as come back to Africa, you would be a good wife, and do you want to come to the Bell Hotel to have babies then we could go to Kenya with each other. The girl told police she froze as the defendant sexually assaulted her and had told Kebatu no, Im 14 when he spotted her again in Epping the following day. The court heard his response to the teenager was: No, no, it doesnt matter, you could come back to the Bell Hotel with me. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatus behaviour in July led to protesters and counter-protesters taking to the streets in Epping (Crown Prosecution Service/PA) An adult member of the public was also sexually assaulted by Kebatu on July 8 during an incident in which he touched her leg and tried to kiss her when she offered to help him with his CV. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she felt shocked and uncomfortable at his behaviour. The adult victim told the court she confronted Kebatu when she saw him speaking to a young schoolgirl. She said the defendant ran away from the initial confrontation, but she caught up with him near the Bell Hotel while on a 999 call with police. The woman told the trial: It was a lot of begging, pleading and apologising, and a lot of Im sorry, Im going to go, it was a mistake along those lines. Footage of Kebatus arrest showed him appear to become tearful after he was handcuffed by an officer, with the defendant eventually getting on his knees on the pavement next to a police car. Reacting to the guilty verdicts, Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: Were acutely aware that this incident has attracted widespread public interest. We have always said that we treat and investigate every report made to us without fear or favour. Mr Hooper added: We understand the strength of feeling in our community, but no crime should become an excuse for the disorder we have seen at times in Epping. The Home Office said it would not be drawn into commenting on the case. An Asylum seeker has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl in Epping in incidents which sparked protests across the country outside migrant hotels. The incidents involving Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu sparked anti-migrant protests and counter-protests outside the Bell Hotel in the Essex town where he had been staying. Demonstrations have spread to outside other hotels housing asylum seekers in other parts of England. His three-day trial heard he had told two teenagers he wanted to "have a baby with each of them" and attempted to kiss them, before going on to put his hand on one of the girls' thighs and stroke her hair. The defendant was also found to have sexually assaulted a woman by trying to kiss her, putting his hand on her leg and telling her she was pretty. District judge Christopher Williams took just 30 minutes to return his guilty verdicts and his reasoning at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Thursday. Kebatu, who was a "teacher of sports" in his home country, denied all charges against him - telling the court he is "not a wild animal". The defendant gave no visible reaction as Mr Williams told him he was guilty of two counts of sexual assault, one count of attempted sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence. Kebatu is due to be sentenced at the same court on September 23. The judge told the defendant he should expect an "immediate custodial sentence" after concluding he gave no comment to police as he "simply had no answer at the time, or one that would stand up to scrutiny". Kebatu's trial was told he was offered pizza by the 14-year-old victim shortly before he tried to kiss her on July 7. Protesters outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex (PA Wire) The court heard Kebatu had made inappropriate comments to the girl, such as "come back to Africa, you would be a good wife", and "do you want to come to the Bell Hotel to have babies then we could go to Kenya with each other". The girl told police she "froze" as the defendant sexually assaulted her and had told Kebatu "no, I'm 14" when he spotted her again in Epping the following day. The court heard his response to the teenager was: "No, no, it doesn't matter, you could come back to the Bell Hotel with me". An adult member of the public was also sexually assaulted by Kebatu on July 8 during an incident in which he touched her leg and tried to kiss her when she offered to help him with his CV. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she felt "shocked" and "uncomfortable" at his behaviour. The arrest of Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu (CPS) (PA Wire) The adult victim told the court she confronted Kebatu when she saw him speaking to a "young schoolgirl". She said the defendant ran away from the initial confrontation, but she caught up with him near the Bell Hotel while on a 999 call with police. The woman told the trial: "It was a lot of begging, pleading and apologising, and a lot of 'I'm sorry, I'm going to go, it was a mistake' - along those lines." Footage of Kebatu's arrest showed him appear to become tearful after he was handcuffed by an officer, with the defendant eventually getting on his knees on the pavement next to a police car. Reacting to the guilty verdicts, Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: "We're acutely aware that this incident has attracted widespread public interest. "We have always said that we treat and investigate every report made to us without fear or favour." Mr Hooper added: "We understand the strength of feeling in our community, but no crime should become an excuse for the disorder we have seen at times in Epping." The Home Office said it would not be drawn into commenting on the case. A British woman who vanished from her sunbed in Greece last month has been discovered, her husband has revealed. Michele Bourda, 59, went missing on August 1 while her husband Chris, 66, slept at Ofrynio Beach in Kavala. Belongings including glasses, medication and her towel were left behind, resulting in authorities launching a desperate search for Ms Bourda, who reportedly had psychological problems. She was last seen wearing a two-piece beaded swimsuit, beach shoes and sunglasses, according to sources. A month after the disappearance, her husband Chris on Thursday confirmed that Mrs Bourdas remains have been found on the island of Fidonisi, around 25 miles down the coast. Ofrynio Beach in Greece (Google) Mr Bourda told the Daily Mail: They have found her body. Sadly I was expecting this. He also blasted Greek officers as useless for failing to act quickly, saying: The problem is the harbour police did not start their search until late at night and I dont know what effect that had. They said they couldnt find her, they claimed she had disappeared with an unknown man, but this was rubbish. He said rescue boats were only deployed in the early hours of the following day so as not to disturb or concern the tourists. Recalling the moment his wife went missing, Mr Bourda said: She had seemed quite happy that day. We went for a short swim as it was windy and there were a few waves. She had seemed quite happy that day Chris Bourda She then ordered a few crepes and said we could have a nice sleep after. Unfortunately I fell asleep first and when I woke up she wasnt there. The pharmacist, who lodged a complaint with the British Embassy in Athens, said he felt abandoned, explaining: The police are not bothered, they sit in their office in the shade or Ive seen others just standing in the shade under some trees. Mrs Bourda, who worked for a local council and BT, had long battled anxiety and depression and had once gone missing in London after being made redundant. The couple, who were married for 36 years after meeting at university in Germany, had been enjoying a six-week holiday after visiting family. We were talking the other day and she was saying how happy our 40 years together (were) and I said yes, we will hopefully have another 40 years in front of us, Mr Bourda said. The TikTok featured a group of staff at the Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara (Google) A group of California healthcare workers were fired after a TikTok video showing them apparently mocking bodily fluid stains left on exam tables went viral. The since-deleted video shared over the weekend, and captioned Guess the substance, showed employees at Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara posing with what appeared to be bodily fluids left behind by patients on exam tables, KTLA reported. Are patients allowed to leave you guys gifts? the employees wrote in a TikTok video, along with an image of them all smiling. Five images then follow of various staffers posing mockingly next to what appears to be discharge left behind on exam tables. In the first photo, a joyful female worker gives a thumbs-up while standing next to a small stain, with the text yes! on top. The now-deleted TikTok has sparked anger online. (TikTok) And we love them so much, reads the text on the second image, showing another beaming employee next to a wet spot on an exam table. The next images, showing two more cheery workers, note the so-called gifts come in all shapes and sizes and all shades and opacities. The final photo, showing a group of employees huddled around an exam table with a stain, is captioned: Make sure to leave your healthcare workers sweet gifts like these! Sutter Health, which includes Sansum Clinic, said in a statement Wednesday that the employees involved in the inappropriate and insensitive photos posted on social media had been fired. This unacceptable behavior is an outright violation of our policies, shows a lack of respect for our patients and will not be tolerated, Sutter Health said. In a statement to KTLA, the healthcare network stated that the person who shared the TikTok and appeared in the viral clip hadnt worked for the facility in two months. Though the TikTok was quickly deleted, screen grabs and screen recordings of the video continued to circulate on social media this week, as users called for the workers to be fired. The horrifying clip also gained traction on the r/Santabarbara Reddit page, where users slammed the incident as beyond unprofessional and unethical. This team is going to rue the day they posted this dehumanizing garbage, one user wrote, noting they were going to report the incident to Sutter executives. Another commentator added: I didnt have a good feeling from Sutter Health when I went there. Users expressed outrage over medical professionals being so unprofessional, with one person writing, These people know they dont have to work in healthcare right? Makes me so sad that we cant even trust anyone at the doctors either way very scary and sad. Every single employee who participated in these videos needs to have their license revoked, another person wrote. Fired isnt enough. Sutter Health said that any patients who would like to discuss their healthcare experience can email patientadvocacy@sutterhealth.org . China was reportedly building oil and gas rigs inside Taiwans exclusive economic zone, in what analysts claimed was part of a campaign to slowly chip away at the islands defences and expand Beijings control of disputed waters. Research by the Jamestown Foundation, a Washington-based think tank, said at least 12 vessels and fixed structures belonging to the state-run China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) were operating inside Taiwans zone, close to the Pratas Islands in the northern South China Sea. Some have been there for several years. These rigs include some of the largest wellhead platforms in Asia and are supported by jackets steel bases planted on the seabed that can double as platforms for other uses. The concern, the report said, is that such equipment could support a full range of coercion, blockade, bombardment and/or invasion scenarios against Pratas or Taiwan itself. CNOOC is one of the worlds biggest oil and gas companies, operating in joint ventures around the globe. But as a state-owned firm it is also bound to Beijings political ambitions. Its former chairman, Wang Yilin, once described large rigs as mobile national territory and a strategic weapon. The Jamestown report argued that Chinas use of commercial energy infrastructure in contested waters fits with its broader greyzone tactics actions that fall short of war but steadily change facts on the ground, or in this case at sea. Chinas latest moves around Taiwan fit into a wider pattern of using oil and gas development to tighten its grip on contested seas. Just last month, Beijing invited foreign firms to bid on nine exploration blocks covering 160,000sqkm of the South China Sea, overlapping with areas claimed by Vietnam. Hanoi condemned the tender as a breach of international law. A China Coast Guard Vessel conducts apparent water cannon drill close to long-grounded Philippine warship BRP Sierra Madre in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal at the disputed South China Sea in August (Armed Forces of the Philippines PAO via AP) But unlike Vietnam, Taiwan has so far not pushed back. That silence, the report warned, risks normalising sovereignty shaving and encouraging further encroachment. Taiwan frequently enforces its EEZ elsewhere, but is in a weaker position around Pratas. The island is not a member of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) because of its disputed political status, meaning it cannot pursue arbitration through the normal mechanisms. Domestically, its laws are also unclear on which parts of the EEZ it enforces. Even if Taipei did protest, it does not have the naval or coast guard strength to remove such large assets. Satellite monitoring is also patchy, with structures often hidden by cloud cover. This has given Beijing space to install platforms and keep them in place for years with little risk of international challenge. The report claims that Chinas actions near Pratas fit into a strategy to shrink Taiwans room for manoeuvre. In recent years, Beijing has stepped up military drills, flown regular sorties across the median line in the Taiwan Strait, and sent coast guard patrols around Taiwans outlying islands. The addition of fixed drilling platforms inside Taiwans EEZ is another step in reducing the space Taipei can control. Chinas drilling is not confined to Taiwans waters. This week Japan lodged a formal protest after confirming Beijing had set up 21 rigs in disputed parts of the East China Sea. A 2008 agreement between Tokyo and Beijing to jointly develop those gas fields has long been frozen, and Japanese officials fear unilateral drilling could siphon gas from their side of the boundary. China rejected the protest, insisting the work was taking place in undisputed waters under Chinas jurisdiction. Beijing also continues to claim almost the entire South China Sea, a body of water believed to hold rich reserves of oil and gas and which stretches from China to Indonesia and from Vietnam to the Philippines. However, other countries also claim parts of it. A 2016 international tribunal ruling that found Chinas claims unlawful. Chinas maritime assertiveness comes at a time when Beijing is also displaying its military strength on land. On Wednesday, president Xi Jinping presided over a vast military parade in central Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The event showcased advanced weapons of the Peoples Liberation Army, underscoring Chinas ability to project power far beyond its shores. The Independent has reached out to CNOOC for comment. Judge Mark Lucraft KC called for a break and Dr Bouvier rushed to assist the stricken woman in the gallery (PA Archive) A doctor on the witness box went beyond the call of duty when he rushed out to help a woman who had collapsed during an Old Bailey trial. Consultant paediatrician Dr Charles Bouvier, from Great Ormond Street Hospital, was giving evidence in the murder trial of a couple accused of killing their three-month-old daughter. A disturbance broke out in the public gallery on Thursday as he was being cross-examined. Events took a turn when a dock officer shouted oi and one juror began waving frantically as a grey-haired woman who had been observing the case appeared to collapse. Judge Mark Lucraft KC called for a break and Dr Bouvier rushed to assist the stricken woman in the gallery. When the court reassembled, Judge Lucraft observed: That was unexpected. He told jurors: He did the right thing by using his medical skills and attending a lady in the public gallery. The good news is, she is absolutely fine. He added: You never know what is going to happen in court. There was a medical emergency and we were 99% better prepared than any other court in the country with a consultant paediatrician in court. Judge Lucraft thanked Dr Bouvier saying it was beyond the call of duty. The witness replied: Glad to help. The Old Bailey ceiling (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA Archive) The court has heard how baby Kaylani Kalanzi 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. 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, from East Ham, east London, are accused of her murder and causing or allowing her death. In his evidence, Dr Bouvier confirmed that both parents had denied that Kaylani had been hit or shaken before she was admitted to hospital. He was asked about a conversation with Merthoca last July 10 after she had her partner were arrested. Defence barrister Ben Aina KC said: She was very angry from being in custody. In a loud voice, she felt she had been unfairly accused, victimised or harassed over the condition of her baby. Dr Bouvier said: Yes, that was the impression I was getting throughout the conversation. Registrar paediatrician Dr Ashwin Mahtani also gave evidence about his interaction with Merthoca, who accused Great Ormond Street of being a hospital of white supremacy. Dr Mahtani told jurors: She said that we were interrogating her and exacerbating her PTSD. The defendants deny the charges against them, and the Old Bailey trial was adjourned until Friday morning. A documentary about recovering Sir Paul McCartneys long lost bass guitar used in his early days with The Beatles is among a number of new films being released as part of the BBCs Arena series. The new films will celebrate 50 years of Arena, which began life as a magazine show in 1975 before later moving to standalone films, with other upcoming documentaries on the secret sketchbooks of painter JMW Turner and lost audio tapes of artist LS Lowry. The Beatle And The Bass will follow the fan-led The Lost Bass Project campaign to recover the Hofner 500/1 bass guitar, which went missing in 1972 and was used on early Beatles songs such as Twist And Shout and She Loves You. Sir Paul said: I think anything thats nicked, you want back, especially if it has sentimental value. It just went off into the universe and it left us thinking, where did it go? There must be an answer. The film features new interviews with Sir Paul, his brother Mike, friend and artist Klaus Voormann, and collaborators such as Elvis Costello, as well as those involved in The Lost Bass Project, which found the instrument in the attic of a terraced house on the south coast of England. Sir Paul played the bass guitar for the first time in more than 50 years in December last year during his concert at Londons The O2, which also saw him bring out Beatles drummer Sir Ringo Starr and Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood. Turner: The Secret Sketchbooks, will look at the artists 37,000 private sketches, drawings, and watercolours, including erotic sketches that were previously thought to have been destroyed, and will feature actor Timothy Spall, who played the artist in Mike Leighs Mr Turner, as well as artist Tracey Emin. The film will feature guitarist Wood, who is also an artist, artist and filmmaker Sir John Akomfrah, and naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham, along with an array of art historians. Lowry: The Lost Tapes will see audio tapes from the final four years of his life reveal his formative memories and experiences that shaped him as an artist, and as a person. Sir Paul McCartney performs on stage at the O2 arena in London (Lucy North/PA) Mark Bell, commissioning editor of BBC Arts, said: I am so proud to have had a hand on the tiller of Arena it is the programme that opened my teenage eyes to authored documentary filmmaking and is widely regarded as the worlds greatest creative documentary strand. It has championed art and culture in its myriad manifestations for half a century and has been home to many outstanding directors. Since its launch, Arena has seen more than 600 films commissioned including Bob Dylan: No Direction Home, Rudies Come Back: The Rise And Rise Of 2 Tone and Paris is Burning, as well as profiles of the likes of Amy Winehouse, Nelson Mandela and Orson Welles. To celebrate the 50th anniversary, the BFI will host a screening of My Way and The Chelsea Hotel, two of Arenas best loved films on October 1 at the National Film Theatre in London. There will also be a 50th anniversary season of Arena classics on BBC Four this autumn, with a further 50 titles from the archive available on iPlayer. A release date for the new films is yet to be announced. One of Lisbons most popular tourist attractions, the Gloria funicular railway car, derailed and crashed on Wednesday. At least 17 people have died and around 18 have been injured, with some foreign nationals among the dead. It hit the building with brutal force and fell apart like a cardboard box, eyewitness Teresa d'Avo told Portuguese TV channel SIC. It is unclear what caused the carriage to derail and the victims identities are yet to be released. Harrowing video footage shows the moments just after the crash, as locals rush toward the wreckage. Police and emergency services work to recover victims of the crash (AFP via Getty Images) Au moins 3 MORTS et 20 blesses, dont 9 grievement, apres le DERAILLEMENT du celebre funiculaire de Lisbonne, au Portugal. Le bilan reste provisoire et pourrait encore SALOURDIR. pic.twitter.com/99IbDoXVrg Bastion (@BastionMediaFR) September 3, 2025 One woman can be heard shouting theres kids under there, as children scream and passers-by stand in shock. Other footage shows desperate residents scouring the rubble of the car, as they look to pull survivors from the debris. The brakemen of the Gloria Funicular, Andre Marques, has been identified as one of the 17 victims of the crash. His death was confirmed by Sitra, the Transport Workers Union, which said in a statement: We extend our condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the accident and wish them a speedy recovery as well as the best recovery to the others injured in the accident. Heres everything we know about the disaster so far: What have local authorities said? Authorities say the crash took place just after 6pm on Wednesday, near Lisbons Avenida da Liberdade. More than 60 emergency service personnel and 22 vehicles were deployed to the scene. The scene near Lisbons Avenida da Liberdade (REUTERS) It is too early to determine what caused the crash, authorities say. But Portuguese newspaper Observador reported that a cable came loose along the railways route, which caused it to lose control and collide with a building. It has also been suggested the cable car may have been worn out by overuse or excessive tourism. Fabiana Pavel, who lives close to the funicular railway, told the BBC it was used too much to the detriment of local people who felt they could not use it. Images and video footage showed the mangled yellow tram-like funicular, as people fled the area on foot, with smoke engulfing the street. The site of the accident (REUTERS) A spokesperson for Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was in touch with the local authorities and stood by "to provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals". Emergency workers were seen pulling people out of the wreckage shortly after 6pm local time. All of the bodies have now been recovered. Who was onboard the funicular when it crashed? The Gloria funicular can carry 43 people seated and standing. It is commonly used by the capitals residents, as well as being extremely popular with tourists. Fire engines parked near Gloria funicular derail site on September 3 (Getty Images) It is not yet known how many people were onboard at the time of the collision and the identities of those killed have yet to be released. How does the funicular work? First opened in 1885 and electrified in 1915, the Gloria funicular is one of three funicular lines run by Lisbon municipal transport company, Carris. Two streetcars run parallel to each other, as they carry passengers up and down a steep hillside. As one descends, its weight pulls the other uphill. An emergency worker at the scene of the disaster (Getty Images) According to witnesses, one of the streetcars was seen careening down the hill before it crashed into a building where the road begins. The Gloria has been designated a national monument and carries around three million passengers each year. The ride is around 850ft (260 metres) and connects Lisbons downtown Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto (Upper Quarter). Tourists queue in long lines for the three-minute journey which offers beautiful views of the city. How have people reacted to the crash? Carlos Moedas, mayor of the Portuguese capital, said Lisbon is in mourning following the funicular crash. "It's a tragic day for our city... Lisbon is in mourning, it is a tragic, tragic incident," he told reporters. Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was appalled by the terrible accident. Appalled by the terrible accident of the Gloria funicular in Lisbon, he wrote on X. Bystanders near the site of the crash (Getty Images) All our affection and solidarity with the families of the victims and with the Portuguese people in this difficult moment. And our wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured people. Pedro Bogas from Carris, the Lisbon Tramways Company, told reporters it was a "very a sad day, not just for the victims but also for their families". "We have strict protocols, excellent professionals for many years, and we need to get to the bottom of what happened," he added. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X: "It is with sadness that I learned of the derailment of the famous Elevador da Gloria. My condolences to the families of the victims." Nigel Farage Reforms conference starting in Birmingham tomorrow has one purpose to cement its position as a government in waiting. Behind the scenes, Nigel Farage and the rest of Reforms leadership have been busy wargaming the partys strategy for power and engaging in advanced, detailed planning for the day after what they now dare to dream will be a triumphant general election. Reforms opponents are keen to depict the party as a nasty and vacuous populist movement that might succeed in leveraging Red Wall disaffection to win the next election, but would swiftly implode when confronted with the hard realities of statecraft. Yet the party is now fleshing out a strategy to drive a radical agenda through a Blob that will at best be inert and at worst hostile. Bold, unorthodox, risky in parts, with strong echoes of Trumpism, what is starting to take shape just might be the most coherent political vision since New Labour and the most radical since Thatcher. If New Labour could be summed up in the single word modernisation, for Zia Yusuf, Reforms head of government efficiency, the mission of the party can also be captured in a single idea: patriotism. While Reform might be starting to exude an optimism redolent of early Blairism, the depth of Nigel Farages radicalism has more in common with Thatcherism. The latter sought to dismantle the post-war Butskellist consensus that embraced state intervention and welfare and replace it with one that championed free market principles. Reform is reaching for something similarly revolutionary. Once Farages all-consuming life goal was to destroy the Conservative Party. That ambition has magnified into a desire to smash the liberal-cosmopolitan ruling consensus, with its emphasis on open borders, technocracy and multilateralism. The idea is to erect in its place a progressive nationalism that seeks to advance Britain by putting sovereignty, cultural integrity and home priorities first. The biggest criticism that Reform faces is that while it may have grand ambitions, its plans are lacking in detail. Yet it is now devoting considerable intellectual energy to planning for power. Reform is hashing out a strategy for driving a radical agenda in the face of fierce resistance from both Whitehall and the courts. The first prong of the plan is to appoint galactic level talent to the Cabinet. To ensure this, Reform is considering the unorthodox move of ensuring that the majority of its ministers would be based in the House of Lords rather than chosen from among the hundreds of new MPs they expect to see selected in the Commons. They argue it makes little sense to appoint as health secretary someone who must divide their time between grappling with the NHS and, say, holding constituency surgeries about the chlorine levels at their local swimming pool. Reforms leadership suspects that part of the reason that so many ministers end up prostrating themselves before Whitehall mandarins, allowing them to run their departments, is that they do not have a detailed grasp of their briefs. To tackle this, the party aims to appoint subject-matter experts as ministers. One should not underestimate the audacity of this plan, which smacks of US-style executive government and an implicit separation of powers with the legislature, but it carries a strong element of risk. A Cabinet has not drawn the majority of its members from the Lords since the 19th century. Reforms plan would not only defy two hundred years of convention, but also undermine the Commons capacity to scrutinise the government. A conventional reading is that this would bring about a constitutional and democratic crisis. But the authority that Farage enjoys within his party and the sense of impending national emergency that is starting to grip the country could enable Reform to weather criticism. The second part of Farages strategy will be to recruit high-profile defectors from other parties. Tonights news that Nadine Dorries is joining Reform will certainly not be the last such case. The third element of Reforms strategy is to lay out detailed operational plans for its manifesto pledges. This includes troubleshooting the challenges that could scupper its flagship mass deportations policy.Senior figures are endeavouring to hash out credible solutions to thorny questions down to creating sufficient detention capacity to ensure deportation flights could feasibly take off. Amid Labours failure to grow the economy and cut the state, the party may have to turn its attention to formulating a fiscal rescue plan. Its leaders believe that a market crash could precipitate an early election. Their ongoing project to identify areas of state waste to slash has thus taken on fresh urgency. The fourth part of Reforms war plan is to come in on day one armed with thousands of pages of draft legislation, with an agenda that at its heart claims to strengthen rule of law. This is right out of the Trump 2.0 playbook. The hope is that this can give the party the kind of opening momentum that Keir Starmer failed to conjure. If it is able to present its plans as a fait accompli, then this will help to shift the Civil Services role from advising on policy to merely implementing it. The Blobs capacity to choke government policies in a thicket of feasibility studies would be weakened. As Donald Trumps first, troubled term in office demonstrated, whether a populist movement triumphs or tanks hinges on a race against the clock to lay down the law upon taking power. As Chad Wolf, Trumps former acting secretary of homeland security, recently told me, the blizzard of executive orders that Trump passed immediately after his second election were crucial. The one thing that the administration is doing differently this time around is grounding almost every policy action in the law, in order to face off court challenge. The fifth element of Reforms plan is to scheme out the tactics to deal with the inevitable counter-measures from Whitehall and the judiciary. The party is keeping these details close to its chest. The big question is whether Reform can pull off the revolution it dreams of. While that remains unclear, it would certainly be a mistake for the partys critics to dismiss it as an unserious crew of rabble rousers. Reform might well come to be seen as the only adults in the room. That would be quite something. Father Ted creator Graham Linehan deliberately whacked a phone out of a transgender activists hand and called them a disgusting incel, a court has heard. The 57-year-old Irish comedy writer is on trial at Westminster Magistrates Court accused of harassing trans woman Sophia Brooks. District Judge Briony Clarke said the prosecution would address the complainant according to their affirmed gender name, while stating that the defendants position was that the complainant is male. Graham Linehan wore a sandwich board-style sign as he arrived at court (Ben Whitley/PA) The judge added: No party seeks to police the others use of language. Neither party wishes the use of language to disrupt proceedings. The court was told that Linehan and the activist met for the first time in person outside the Battle of Ideas conference in Westminster on October 19 last year. The transgender activist told the court that Linehan had called her a sissy porn-watching scumbag, a groomer and a disgusting incel, with the complainant responding youre the incel, youre divorced. While filming outside the venue, the activist approached Linehan and asked: Why do you think it is acceptable to call teenagers domestic terrorists? A video played to the court appeared to show Linehan grabbing the complainants phone. Discussing the incident, the activist said: He grabbed my hand and forcibly ripped my phone out of it and then took my phone behind his back and refused to give it to me. I demanded he give me my phone back and after realising I wouldnt relent, he said: Go and get your f****** phone and threw it into the road. Prosecutor Julia Faure Walker said: He deliberately whacked the phone out of Ms Brooks hand, adding that it caused damage to the phone. The complainant said they were told by Apple that it would cost 369 to repair the phone. Screengrab from a video played to the court appearing to show Graham Linehan grabbing the complainants phone (CPS/PA) Linehans lawyer, Sarah Vine KC, told the activist: You spent that afternoon harassing women and then harassing Mr Linehan and you used your phone for the purposes of that. Whatever damage there was to your phone, you cannot possibly be sure that was the result of what Mr Linehan did. Asked by Ms Vine what the best-case scenario would be in confronting Mr Linehan about referring to you as a domestic terrorist, the activist said: He would apologise. Asked why they went into selfie mode while recording a video to speak to Linehan, the activist said: Maybe to shame him a little bit, to put it in perspective that he is actually targeting a teenager. Ms Faure Walker said Linehan had posted about the activist relentlessly, and that his posts were oppressive. The prosecutor added: They were verbally abusive and vindictive, and reflected Mr Linehans deep disliking of Ms Brooks. On October 11 last year, a conference of the womens rights group LGB Alliance was disrupted when some girls inside released insects, the prosecution said. Ms Faure Walker said: Despite there being no evidence that Ms Brooks participated, Linehan linked disruption of the event to her. During cross-examination, the activist said the LGB Alliance was a hate group that had advocated for the eradication of trans rights. Linehan posted online a number of times about the complainant after the conference, the court heard. Supporters of Graham Linehan outside Westminster Magistrates Court (Ben Whitley/PA) In a post to the Metropolitan Police X account on October 12, Linehan said: I believe these three men all had knowledge of the recent homophobic attack on a meeting of gay, lesbian and bisexual people. Will they take seriously this example of domestic terrorism, in which I believe some silly children were doing the bidding of some very dangerous men. On October 13, Linehan posted online that the activist was behind countless episodes of harassment of women and gay men both online and off, adding he is a deeply disturbed sociopath and I believe he had some involvement in Fridays homophobic attack. Giving evidence, the complainant told the court I felt alarmed and distressed at being called a deeply disturbed sociopath by Linehan. The activist added: I was being branded as a deeply disturbed sociopath by a relatively famous person with over 500,000 followers any of which could see Mr Linehans post and cause great harm to me. The court heard that Linehan posted on social media about someone with the name Tarquin, which Ms Faure Walker said was the defendants derogatory term for the complainant. Graham Linehan called a transgender activist a deeply disturbed sociopath (Ben Whitley/PA) Asked how the Tarquin name came to be used, the complainant told the court: It is apparently to do with my poshness. In another post, the defendant said watch how Buffalo Bill uses the camera to hide his face. The court heard that Linehan tried to get information about the activist, saying we believe Tarquin is studying, then referred to a particular course, and said: If you know him and want to help to stop him harassing people, please get in touch. Linehan also said hes been 17 years old for a number of years in another post, the court heard. On October 24, Linehan wrote hes also a scumbag who harasses women, the prosecution said. They said Linehan also wrote: If you encounter Tarquin in the wild, try to resist the urge to stick his cameras up his arse. Hes hoping to get you to do something he can report the police. Linehan was interviewed under caution on February 5 and provided a prepared statement. Before going into court, the writer posed with a sandwich board-style sign which said on one side Theres no such thing as a transgender child, and on the other, Keep men out of womens sports. Linehan, wearing a white shirt, grey jacket and dark trousers, spoke to confirm his identity at the trial. He has denied one count of harassing the activist on social media between October 11 and October 27 last year, and a further charge of criminal damage of their mobile phone on October 19 last year. The trial continues. FBI agents say the attention has led to their work being hampered - Ken Cedeno/Reuters Donald Trumps crackdown on crime in Washington DC is blowing the FBIs cover, bureau agents fear. Unmarked cars used by teams of agents to conduct investigative work into drugs and trafficking rings are increasingly being noticed, nine current and former agents have said. On Thursday, the US president claimed Americas capital was now totally safe after he deployed the National Guard, at least 100 FBI agents and 40 DEA and ICE agents to its streets and federalised its metropolitan police force. Mr Trump said at the time that DC had been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youths, drugged out maniacs and homeless people. And were not going to let it happen any more. Troops patrol the National Mall in DC - Andrew Leyden/Getty Images FBI agents have voiced concerns that the heightened publicity around their work may be compromising personnels ability to perform sensitive national security work. Social media has been flooded with clips of locals protesting against undercover agents. In multiple videos shared online, people can be seen surrounding unmarked cars and chanting ICE go home or free DC until the agents drive off. Special accounts have sprung up on Instagram and Reddit for people to warn others that troops, immigration agents or extra police are in their neighbourhoods. The crackdown has also invited extra press coverage of the already media-saturated city, with the presidents deployment of troops to the capital garnering international attention. Every time you see us getting out of covert cars wearing our FBI vests, that car is burned, an anonymous FBI employee told Reuters. We cant use these cars to go undercover, we cant use them to surveil narco-traffickers and fentanyl suppliers or Russian or Chinese spies, or use them to go after violent criminal gangs or terrorists. Crazy, dangerous and bad FBI agents who would normally conduct undercover or investigative work have been placed in a more highly visible situation, emerging from unmarked cars in high-profile areas dressed in tactical gear, John Cohen, a former Department of Homeland Security counter-terrorism coordinator, told the news agency. Dan Brunner, a former FBI agent, called the actions crazy, dangerous and bad for the bureau. An FBI spokesman said agents were not in danger and that complaints had not been circulated to the agency. The concerns shared by ex-employees with Reuters demonstrated a basic misunderstanding of how FBI security protocol works the bureau takes multiple safeguards to protect agents in the field against threats so they can continue doing their great work protecting the American people, a spokesman said. Following the crackdown, Brian Schwalb, Washingtons elected attorney general, filed a lawsuit against the president on behalf of the city. Mr Trump has run roughshod over a fundamental tenet of American democracy that the military should not be involved in domestic law enforcement, the legal filing claims. Mr Shwalb said deploying the National Guard for law enforcement purposes was unnecessary and unwanted and dangerous and harmful to the citys residents. The White House has not yet commented on the filing. 10 Septembre 2025 c'est ferie. Its a holiday. So says Indignons Nous, one of the loose coalition of French protest groups coordinating a day of action from Calais to Corsica in protest against government cuts. Under the banner bloquons tout lets block everything the aim is to paralyse France on 10 September with nationwide action characterised as a general strike. The anger of the bloquons tout movement is directed at austerity measures proposed by Frances fragile government, as well as plans to cancel two public holidays. Sud-Rail, one of the top three rail unions, has joined the movement and is calling for a massive strike on 10 September. The rail union says: The time for procrastination is over; it's time for undivided mobilisation! We can destroy this unprecedented austerity plan. Despite the name, which means South-Rail, Sud-Rail is active across the whole of the French mainland. A walkout is likely lead to thousands of train cancellations on the SNCF network. In addition, past protests against austerity have involved road and ferry port blockages, plus disruption to fuel supplies. Eurostar does not at present expect any disruption to its services between Paris, Lille and London St Pancras International. The target day for mass mobilisation is two days after the government of Francois Bayrou faces a crucial vote of confidence, which it is widely expected to lose. For airline passengers flying to, from within or over France, 18 and 19 September are the key dates. French air-traffic controllers belonging to the SNCTA union will walk out from the start of the morning shift on 18 September to the end of the night shift on 19 September. The union is calling for a profound change in the management of the operations department. The strike is likely to ground thousands of flights across Europe, including many that would simply cross France en route between the UK and Spain, Italy and beyond. A strike involving two smaller unions in early July wrecked the travel plans for hundreds of thousands of travellers. Under air passengers rights rules, travellers whose flights are cancelled are entitled to be flown to their destination as soon as possible, on any airline. The carrier that cancels the flight is obliged to provide a hotel and meals for overnight stays. Read more: Disruption warning as CrossCountry train drivers announce October strikes Gloria Allred has criticised the New Yorker for inviting Pro-Palestinian activist to speak at event - Rod Lamkey/AP Photo Gloria Allred has criticised the New Yorker for inviting a Hamas rape apologist to speak at an event. Hasan Piker, an influencer described by the New Yorker as a commentator, will participate in a round table event on the New Political Arena. Mr Piker has made a slew of anti-Semitic remarks, describing Orthodox Jews as inbred and played down the sexual assault of women on October 7. It doesnt matter if rapes happened on October 7, he said during a Twitch stream. It doesnt change the dynamic for me even this much. Twitch is an Amazon-owned site where users typically livestream themselves playing video games. Mr Piker has approximately 2.9 million followers on the site, under the username Hasanabi, according to TwitchTracker. His channel is the 22nd most popular on the streaming platform. Hasan Piker, who has 2.9m followers on Twitch said It doesnt matter if rapes happened on October 7 - Phillip Faraone/Getty Images Allred, the feminist lawyer who has represented victims of Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein told the Telegraph Mr Piker should not be hosted by the New Yorker because of his comments condoning rapes which occurred on October 7. We should not provide mainstream forums for persons who may wish to normalise the concept that rape doesnt matter, because I believe that rape always matters, not only to the victims of rape, but also to the status and condition and future of women and girls, Ms Allred said The high-profile lawyer said that while she believes people with unpopular and extremist views have a right to express their opinions, I do not believe that a publisher has any legal obligation to provide a platform to such persons to express their views. I also believe that persons who express hate speech should not be invited to prestigious round tables. Anyone who suggests that it doesnt matter if rape happened, [that] should be sufficient to exclude a person from an invitation list to participate in the New Yorker round table. The streamers invitation to speak was the latest example of mainstream media normalising his brand of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism, the Anti-Defamation League, a leading Jewish organisation, said. Pikers toxic and extreme rhetoric opposing Zionism and the Jewish state normalises anti-Semitism, reinforces bigotry, and launders terror and it has no place at a conference devoted to prominent influencers. His appearing at a festival alongside such notables as Salman Rushdie, who lived for decades under threat of death from the Iranian regime, is deeply ironic, considering that Iran supports Hezbollah and the Houthis, two groups that Piker has openly admired and celebrated. Not only has Piker inexplicably compared the Houthis to Holocaust victim Anne Frank, he has labelled Hezbollah as a successful resistance group, stated that America deserved 9/11, and that it doesnt matter if rapes happened on October 7. These extreme statements, and others, should permanently disqualify him from appearing at any major media festival. The Anti-Defamation League says Piker has compared the Houthis to Holocaust victim Anne Frank - Getty Images/Mohammed Hamoud Born to Turkish parents in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Rutgers University-educated Mr Piker has become well-known as both an online streamer and a political commentator. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles, where he reportedly bought a $2.7m house in West Hollywood. His outbursts have occasionally run afoul of Twitchs guidelines banning hateful conduct. In March 2024, he described Jewish settlers on the West Bank as inbred. The following month, he laughed when a student complained about Jewish students being called inbred and uncultured. In May Mr Piker, who is a US citizen, was stopped for questioning when returning to the US by border officials at Chicago airport. He mocked the encounter, triggering a furious response from a federal official, who claimed Mr Piker was lying for likes. The Telegraph has approached Mr Piker and The New Yorker for comment. 50 Bissau-Guinean students receive scholarships from Chinese embassy Xinhua) 09:04, September 04, 2025 BISSAU, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau Yang Renhuo on Wednesday awarded the "Ambassador Scholarship" to 50 students at Kwame N'Krumah National Secondary School in Bissau, the West African country's capital. The ceremony was also attended by Jose Issa Balde, the school's director, along with representatives of the teaching staff and parents of the award-winning students. Yang congratulated the recipients, saying the scholarship is designed to support outstanding students from Guinea-Bissau in completing their studies. He expressed the hope that the students will study diligently, strive for progress, and grow into a driving force for Guinea-Bissau's national development as well as contributors to the friendship between the two countries. The Chinese embassy will continue to provide support within its capacity to the school, contributing to the development of education in Guinea-Bissau, Yang added. Balde expressed gratitude for the Chinese embassy's support, noting that the "Ambassador Scholarship" holds great significance, as it eases the financial burden on the families of underprivileged students. He also pledged to take the award as an opportunity to actively promote the cause of Guinea-Bissau-China friendship and pass on the traditional ties between the two countries. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Home Office is set to appeal against the High Court ruling allowing Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori to proceed with a legal challenge against the Government over the groups ban as a terror organisation. Ms Ammori took legal action against the department over Home Secretary Yvette Coopers decision to proscribe the group under anti-terror laws, which made membership of, or support for, the direct action group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. In July, Mr Justice Chamberlain gave Ms Ammori the green light to proceed with her claim after finding that two arguments put forward on her behalf were reasonably arguable. The case is due to be heard at a three-day hearing in November but the Home Office has been given the green light to challenge Mr Justice Chamberlains decision. In a court order last month, seen by the PA news agency, Lord Justice Underhill said that while he could see the force in (Mr Justice Chamberlains) reasoning, he believed that the appeal has a real prospect of success. He continued that it was highly desirable for the appeal to be heard as soon as possible, with the challenge expected to be heard on September 25. Reacting to the decision, Ms Ammori said: The political misstep by Yvette Cooper has led to hundreds facing prosecution under the Terrorism Act, leading to a much wider chilling effect on freedom of speech. Whilst this has already been catastrophic for the civil liberties of the general public, we still dont know the full extent of the unforeseen consequences by this proscription. In spite of all this, Yvette Cooper is doubling down by seeking to appeal the judges ruling in my favour. By doing so, the Home Secretary is trying to avoid scrutiny of her decision and is asking for chaos in the criminal courts. Ms Cooper announced plans to ban Palestine Action days after the group claimed responsibility for an action in which two Voyager planes were damaged at RAF Brize Norton on June 20. Speaking on June 23, she said that the vandalism of the two planes, which police said caused an estimated 7 million of damage, was disgraceful. Ms Ammori then lost a High Court bid to temporarily block the ban from coming into effect in early July. The Court of Appeal then dismissed a bid to appeal against that decision less than two hours before the proscription came into force on July 5. But following a hearing on July 21, Mr Justice Chamberlain ruled on July 30 that Ms Ammori could proceed with her legal challenge, finding that it was arguable that the proscription amounts to a disproportionate interference of her rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. The judge continued that a second argument, that Ms Cooper failed to consult Palestine Action in breach of natural justice, could also go to a full hearing. He said: As a matter of principle, I consider that it is reasonably arguable that a duty to consult arose. He continued: Having considered the evidence, I also consider it reasonably arguable that there was no compelling reason why consultation could not have been undertaken here. Mr Justice Chamberlain refused to allow Ms Ammori to challenge the Governments decision on several other grounds, including a claim that the Home Secretary failed to gather sufficient information on Palestine Actions activities or the impact of the proscription on people associated with it. Raza Husain KC, for Ms Ammori, previously told the court that the ban had made the UK an international outlier and was repugnant. Mr Husain added: The decision to proscribe Palestine Action had the hallmarks of an authoritarian and blatant abuse of power. The Home Office is defending the legal action, with Sir James Eadie KC, for the department, telling the court in written submissions in July that by causing serious damage to property, Palestine Action was squarely within part of the terrorism laws used in proscription. Previously, Ben Watson KC, also for the Home Office, said Palestine Action could challenge the Home Secretarys decision at the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission, a specialist tribunal, rather than at the High Court. A number of protests against the Palestine Action ban have been held over the summer, where more than 700 people have been arrested and more than 100 charged. Several hundred protesters are set to take action in London, Belfast and Edinburgh this weekend, holding signs saying: I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action. The action is planned on condition of at least 1,000 people pledging support, but hundreds more are said to be planning to take part. Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan branded a trans activist a domestic terrorist and an incel before smashing her phone at a womens rights conference, a court has heard. The Irish comedy writer, 57, is accused of aiming a string of slurs at Sophia Brooks when they met at an LGB Alliance event in Westminster, titled Battle of Ideas. Linehan is then accused of grabbing Ms Brooks phone before throwing it away, causing 369 of damage to the handset. The comedy writer denies the charges of criminal damage and harassment. Former Olympic athlete Sharron Davies is among those in court to support him. Westminster Magistrates Court heard Linehan called Ms Brooks - then 17 - Tarquin in a stream of attack posts on X, which started before the incident at the conference on October 19 last year. He branded her a domestic terrorist and a sociopath and repeatedly calling her a man. Ms Brooks told the court she feared a vigilante may act on the Tweets, by possibly stabbing me in the street or beating me up. Before the trial began, Linehan said the case against him amounted to police acting as a goon squad for trans rights activists. The court has heard a decision was initially made not to bring criminal charges, but this was overturned by the Met was threatened with legal action. Prosecutor Julia Faure Walker told the court Linehan is accused of relentless posts online about Ms Brooks, before they had even met. These posts were not merely irritating or annoying, she said. These posts were not provoked by anything she did to Mr Linehan. She was not even in contact when he began to post about her. Graham Linehan is going on trial at Westminster Magistrates Court (Ben Whitley/PA) (PA Wire) The purpose of these posts, say the prosecution, was not merely to relay events, to express political opinion, to criticise, to help identify perpetrators, or to solve any crime. Rather, they were verbally abusive and vindictive and reflected, say the prosecution, Mr Linehans deep disliking of Miss Brooks. In his posts before the confrontation, Ms Faure Walker said Linehan had mocked her gender identity, and in one wrote: Does anyone know this man? He accused of her of involvement in domestic terrorism, in a post aimed at the Met Police, and claimed she was one of a group of very dangerous men. In another post, Linehan accused Ms Brooks of disrupting an event when crickets had been released, and suggested: He is a deeply disturbed sociopath. On the day of the conference, at the Queen Elizabeth II centre in Westminster, Ms Faure Walker said Ms Brooks was filming people and events on her phone. Ms Brooks recalls that about 20 minutes later, Mr Linehan approached her with his phone, recording her and calling her a groomer and asking how many she had groomed. He also called her an incel. A few hours later, she was outside the venue, near the entrance. Mr Linehan exited with other people. While filming with her phone, Ms Brooks called out his name, Graham and asked why he had called her a domestic terrorist. Linehan outside court today (Getty Images) This was, clearly, referring to the phrase that Mr Linehan had used in his posts about her. Mr Linehan could have explained to her why he used this expression, if he had an explanation, or even ignored her and walked away. Rather, he responded in a way which is indicative of his extreme personal animosity towards her. He said Go away groomer, Go away you disgusting incel, and he called her, a sissy porn-watching scumbag. The court heard Ms Brooks approached Linehan while filming on her phone, and asked: Why do you think it is acceptable to call teenagers domestic terrorists? The prosecutor said she did not pose any physical threat and was not committing any crime that needed disrupting. Graham Linehan said he had been detained by five armed officers at Heathrow Airport (Lucy North/PA) (PA Wire) She was asking him to account for his defamatory and abusive posts about her, in effect, said Ms Faure Walker. He didnt answer the question, and didnt explain why he had called her a domestic terrorist. He was angry. He deliberately whacked the phone out of Ms Brooks hand. This caused damage to the phone. Linehan is also accused of boasting about the incident online in the days afterwards, as well as posting his own footage from the day. In a police interview in February this year, Linehan said he had been provoked, the phone was put into his face, and he grabbed it as a reflex, the court heard. His barrister, Sarah Vine KC, suggested that Ms Brooks had spent the afternoon harassing women and then harassing Mr Linehan, and had been using her phone to carry out those activities. Linehan denied harassment to police, described himself as a journalist, and suggested exposing tactics of trans activities was in the public interest. I was alarmed and distressed Giving evidence, Ms Brooks told the court she is bisexual and denied holding homophobic views, as Linehan had alleged. She said she started using the name Sophia in 2021 or 2022. Asked about how she felt about a post calling her a deeply disturbed sociopath, Ms Brooks told the court: I felt alarmed and distressed. I was being branded as a deeply disturbed sociopath by a relatively famous person who had over 500,000 followers, any of which could see his post and cause great to me. Turning to the day of the conference, Ms Brooks said she paid for a ticket to the event, and once inside she used her phone to film the speakers. She said a woman stormed up to her and tried to block the filming with a brochure, and eventually she was ejected from the conference by security. Ms Brooks told the court she was back outside when Linehan crossed the street with his phone recording, he called me a groomer and he ask me how many kids I had groomed. She alleged Linehan went on to call her an incel, before going back into the conference. Later in the evening, Ms Brooks said she confronted Linehan about why he thought it was acceptable to call teenagers domestic terrorists. I believe he called me a groomer and told me to go away, she said. (I felt) distressed as Im not a groomer. Ms Brooks told District Judge Briony Clarke that her phone was snatched by an angry Linehan, who put it behind his back and refused to give it to me. He said go and get your f***ing phone and threw it into the road. The court heard Ms Brooks was informed that criminal charges would not be brought. She then wrote to the Met, threatening to bring a Judicial Review over the decision, and Linehan was subsequently charged. Ms Brooks faced accusations in cross-examination from Ms Vine that she had been a harasser during the conference, by standing and determinedly taking pictures of women who tried to block her view. The court was shown social media posts from Ms Brooks, including ones where she used the slur nonce and one in which she expressed a wish for a female opponent to be doused in acid. Linehans defence also produced audio recordings, including a podcast called Fantastic Breasts and How to Grow Them when Brooks boasted about concealing her identity from opponents in the trans debate. Under questioning, Ms Brooks also confirmed she had attended the conference to gather information for trans activist bloggers, and had effectively gone undercover to blend in with the gender critical crowd. When reporting Linehan to police, she provided his address and phone number, saying the latter had been sent to her anonymously and she had gleaned the address through sleuthing from an interview Linehan had given to the Daily Telegraph which was illustrate with an image from his home. Linehan arrested at the airport Linehans trial comes in the same week that he was arrested at Heathrow Airport as he stepped off a flight from Arizona, US, sparking a storm about freedom of speech laws. Linehan says five armed officers detained him over three social media posts about trans people. He then required hospital treatment for stress, and has since released the audio of his arrest. In one of the Tweets which led to his arrest, 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. Linehan says the last part of the Tweet was intended as a joke. The comedy writer has in recent years been a vocal activist and advocate for womens rights, posting a torrent of sharply-worded social media messages and taking a stance which he says have cost him his career and marriage. His airport arrest has sparked a renewed debate over Britains laws governing hate speech, and prompted an extraordinary statement by Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley who took aim at Labour and Tory governments for the current state of the law. The senior police chief says officers have no choice but to record threats of violence against protected groups as crimes when they are reported, that this leads to an investigation and often to an arrest, and officers who must follow the law are left between a rock and a hard place by successive governments. I dont believe we should be policing toxic culture wars debates and officers are currently in an impossible position, he said. Graham Linehan, centre, with supporters outside Westminster Magistrates Court (Lucy North/PA) (PA Wire) The Bafta-winning writer, has sitcoms The IT Crowd, Father Ted, Black Books and Motherland in his catalogue of works. At his first court appearance, he wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the words Trans women are not women in a reference to the landmark Supreme Court ruling earlier this year. Outside court he said he has faced harassment, abuse, and threats for the last six years. In 2023, he recalled in his book titled Tough Crowd: How I Made And Lost A Career In Comedy, that he lost his career after he championed an unfashionable cause. Graham Linehan in hospital after his arrest at Heathrow Airport (X / Twitter) Reacting to news of the criminal case, he suggested the allegations are part of a long history of the police acting as a goon squad for trans rights activists, adding: I look forward to exposing him and them in court." He went on to post videos from the Battle of Ideas event, and highlighted that the day included a panel discussion on violence against women. Linehan, who gave addresses in Scottsdale, Arizona and Southwark in London to the court, has been banned from mentioning the alleged victim online as part of his court bail. He is currently prevented from using X, formerly Twitter, at all as part of his police bail in the wake of the airport arrest. The trial continues. A woman who was subjected to a violent sexual assault in hospital was unlawfully killed, a coroner has ruled. Valerie Kneale, 75, died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on November 16 2018, four days after she was admitted following a stroke at her home in Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire. The retired clerical assistant was said to be chatty, lucid and did not appear agitated when her family left shortly before midnight on November 12. Her relatives were urgently called back to the hospital after a marked deterioration in her condition was noted early on the day shift. Blackpool Coroners Court heard it was thought the effects of her stroke had worsened and it was agreed Mrs Kneale would be placed on end-of-life care. Her family then stayed at her bedside from November 13 until she died. Police decided to examine the death, though, after they were called in that month to investigate allegations of mistreatment and neglect on the stroke unit. A post-mortem examination concluded Mrs Kneale died not because of her stroke but due to a forcible sexual assault inflicted during her hospital admission. Detectives launched a murder probe and it emerged that three healthcare assistants witnessed an extensive and significant amount of blood surrounding Mrs Kneale shortly after her death. One described blood everywhere on the bedsheets, which had soaked through to the mattress, with a body bag needed to avoid further leakage on transfer to the hospital mortuary. An overpowering and unusual smell in Mrs Kneales room was also noticeable, the court was told, but the incident was not documented and the concerns were not escalated to senior management. Retired senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Jill Riley told the inquest that the omission resulted in a significant delay in securing and preserving critical evidence. She said there were limited, if any, forensic opportunities as Mrs Kneales room had subsequently been cleaned and used by other patients. Her clothing at the time of her death had been disposed of and CCTV footage from the hospital had over-run and been deleted. Several appeals to help find her killer were publicised through local and national media including a 20,000 reward offer from CrimeStoppers but no new information was received and the investigation concluded. HM Coroner for Blackpool and Fylde, Alan Wilson, concluded that Mrs Kneale was unlawfully killed by unlawful act manslaughter. He said she was a much-loved woman who had suffered a violent sexual assault. Mr Wilson said the circumstances were particularly horrific and could not have been foreseen. He said: For someone to assault a vulnerable, relatively elderly woman in a hospital setting is really quite difficult to believe. Consultant forensic pathologist Dr Alison Armour, who carried out the post-mortem examination, said she thought the injuries were inflicted at least two days before Mrs Kneale died but after her hospital admission. She said Mrs Kneales deterioration after her family left her bedside overnight could have been as a result of the assault. Mr Wilson found it was not possible to be more specific about when her internal injuries were inflicted. He said: The opportunity for someone to have assaulted her to some degree may have been greater overnight (Monday/Tuesday) when her family were not with her, but in my judgment it could have happened at any time from when they left her to midday on Wednesday. That opportunity may have been limited but it is my view it must have occurred during this period. Mr Wilson said the discovery of the blood on November 16 amounted to unusual circumstances. He said it should have been obvious that it was concerning and the incident should have been escalated to medics, senior management, police and the coroner. He said: Ultimately the most significant aspect of how the post-death events were handled was that they resulted in the potential loss of evidence and to help the police establish who may have been behind the sexual assault. Following the inquest, Mrs Kneales family said in a statement: We left our mother in a safe environment. We asked if we could stay the Monday night but we were told by hospital staff that they would look after our mum. We believed them. That obviously didnt happen. Valerie was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and most of all our friend. She lovingly looked after and cared for all her family. She was our main source of support and encouragement throughout our lives. The years since November 2018 have been a constant torture for all of us. The thought and now the evidence of the attack and the suffering she endured is crippling. Their lawyer, Alice Wood of Farleys Solicitors, said: This is a step towards justice for her family. A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said: This remains an undetected homicide investigation that is now held by the forces major crime review team. The case will be regularly reviewed, and we will look into any new information which comes to light. Maggie Oldham, chief executive at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: I wish to assure Mrs Kneales family, patients, and staff that the Trust has already implemented improvements since the tragic death of Mrs Kneale in 2018. The Trust is committed to learning and will now carefully consider all of the evidence heard at the inquest and the coroners findings, and make any further improvements, as necessary. In December 2023, two female healthcare professionals were jailed after a jury at Preston Crown Court found they had unlawfully drugged patients for an easy life and bragged about it in text messages. Evidence during the trial highlighted the dysfunctional drugs regime on the stroke unit with free and easy access to controlled drugs and medication which led to wholesale theft by staff. Three other former employees at Blackpool Victoria Hospital admitted offences in connection with the sedation inquiry which is still ongoing including Matt Pover, the senior nurse in charge of the overnight shift from November 12 to 13. Mr Pover was handed a 24-week jail term, suspended for 18 months, with an unpaid work and rehabilitation activity requirement, after he admitted theft from an employer and supplying a Class C drug, sleeping pill zopiclone. Herzog asserted that all Palestinians in Gaza were unequivocally responsible for the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023. Photograph: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images A few months into Israels brutal campaign in Gaza, international court of justice judges sat down to write their reply to South Africas complaint that Israel was pursuing genocide. Published on 26 January 2024, the order issued by the court called for provisional measures on Israel and said Palestinians in Gaza had plausible rights to protection from genocide rights the court suggested were at a real risk of irreparable damage. Related: Israels president to visit London next Thursday for expected talks with ministers Supporting that ruling, the judges listed a series of statements made by senior Israeli officials, underpinning the claim by Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UNs main Palestinian agency, UNRWA, that the crisis in Gaza was being compounded by dehumanising language. Second in that list of statements was a comment made by Israels president, Isaac Herzog, in which he asserted that all Palestinians in Gaza were unequivocally responsible for the Hamas attack on southern Israel on 7 October. The entire [Palestinian] nation out there that is responsible, said Herzog. It is not true this rhetoric about civilians not aware, not involved. Herzog who is due in London next week where it is expected he will hold talks with UK ministers would push back, claiming that his statement was misrepresented by the ICJ in selectively quoting him. It had ignored remarks, he said, in which he added that Israel was acting in accordance with international law a claim contradicted by credible evidence to the contrary on multiple occasions, including a statement from the International Association of Genocide Scholars this week that Israel was committing genocide. As president, Herzog, a former leader of Israels Labour party, has tended to work in lockstep with the policies in Gaza of the far-right coalition of the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Earlier this week, in a speech at the Israel Defense Prize ceremony in Jerusalem, he praised a campaign, [where] courageous and important security decisions were made by the political leadership. During a visit to Gaza in July, Herzog repeated the official Israeli line contradicted by foreign leaders and UN agencies that Israel was not responsible for starvation in Gaza, instead blaming Hamas for looting aid and preventing its proper distribution. Israel is adamantly committed to the rules of international humanitarian law. Even in the midst of war, we are doing everything possible to help civilians in need in keeping with international law, and our Israeli and Jewish values. All of which explains why Herzog once seen inside Israel as the best chance of rehabilitating the tarnished brand of the countrys failing Labour party is regarded by many these days, not as a potential voice of reason speaking out against Netanyahus far-right coalition, but one of its enablers, not least on the diplomatic front where he has been employed to defend Israels actions. Herzogs planned visit to the UK next week, where he is expected to meet with ministers, suggests Israel is keen to present the visit as a diplomatic coup amid preparations for briefings to senior media figures. For Herzog, who became president in 2021, the journey from stalwart of Israels centrist Labour party to apologist for a brutal war that has killed over 65,000 Palestinians and brought the coastal strip to widening conditions of starvation, is a striking one. While a largely symbolic role in political terms, Herzog serves as Israels head of state, at a time of growing international outrage and horror at its actions. Lacking the huge international standing of his predecessor Shimon Peres (despite Peress own failings) or the charisma of Reuven Rivlin, a political enemy of Netanyahu on the right, Herzog has been shunted into the role representing Israel in countries uncomfortable with Netanyahu and his ministers. Described at the time of his appointment by the Haaretz columnist Allison Kaplan Sommer as being as close to royalty as Israels political system could conceive, Herzog is the son of Irish-born Chaim Herzog, who served as president from 1983 to 1993, and the grandson of Rabbi Yitzhak Halevi Herzog, who was the first chief rabbi of Ireland before becoming chief rabbi of Palestine, and then Israel, from 1936 until 1959. Herzogs uncle Abba Eban, perhaps the countrys most famous diplomat, was Israels foreign minister and an ambassador to the United Nations and to the US. A wealthy lawyer by training, Herzog is seen as the last leader of Israels Labour party who had a chance of restoring its past electoral influence amid Israels swing rightwards under Netanyahu. Seen as softly spoken, respectful, and even bland, Herzog ran unsuccessfully for prime minister in 2015 in what many judged to be a lacklustre campaign. Once a strong advocate for a two-state solution, Herzog, suggested he had changed his view after the Hamas attacks of 2023. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos this year, he said expecting Israel to withdraw from settlements in the illegally occupied West Bank was not realistic at all. It doesnt make sense to Israelis. They need to see something that makes sense in terms of their personal security and safety. The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. If you have something to share on this subject you can contact us confidentially using the following methods. Secure Messaging in the Guardian app The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said. If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select Secure Messaging. SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post If you can safely use the tor network without being observed or monitored you can send messages and documents to the Guardian via our SecureDrop platform. Finally, our guide at theguardian.com/tips lists several ways to contact us securely, and discusses the pros and cons of each. No 10 has not confirmed a meeting between Isaac Herzog (pictured) and Keir Starmer. Photograph: Noemi Bruzak/EPA The president of Israel will travel to London next week amid outcry from Labour MPs who have urged Keir Starmer not to meet the visiting delegation. The arrival of Isaac Herzog is fraught with complication for ministers, with the UK government on the brink of recognising the state of Palestine at the UN general assembly. Related: Palestine recognition: the principle the EU has been stuck on for decades Herzog is expected in the UK on Wednesday and Thursday the first time a senior Israeli leader has been in Britain since the foreign secretary, David Lammy, met his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, on an unannounced visit in the spring. A foreign leader of such seniority would normally expect to spend time with high-ranking government ministers, but any meeting between Herzog and Starmer would be controversial within Labour amid Israels military action in Gaza. No 10 has not confirmed any meeting between Herzog and the prime minister, and there are precedents for him not to do so, with Starmer having recently avoided a meeting with Bangladeshs chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus. Downing Street sources suggested no appointments would be confirmed with any minister until next week. However, on Friday, the trade minister defended the prospect of government members meeting Herzog. Douglas Alexander told Sky News: Im genuinely not sure in terms of what the schedule is. But Id make a pretty basic point, first of all, diplomacy involves meeting people with whom you disagree, and the British government has very strong views in terms of the present conduct of the government of Israel. It is right that we are engaging with politicians from across the region, because the suffering is incalculable and it needs to stop In order to get to a path to that two-stage solution, of course youre going to have to be talking not just to the Palestinians but also to the Israelis, Alexander said. Labour MPs have called on the government to avoid meeting Herzog, saying any talks would send an ambiguous message about the UKs position on the Gaza war. Sarah Champion, the Labour MP and chair of the international development committee, posted on X that she hoped it was inaccurate that ministers would meet the Israeli leader: The UK has recognised the real risk of genocide perpetuated by Israel, so unless this meeting is about peace, what message are we sending? John McDonnell, the former shadow chancellor, said Herzog should not be permitted entry to the UK. I am appalled at the decision to allow this representative of a government that is systematically killing Palestinian children on a daily basis to visit our country, he said. The prime minister is proving to be absolutely tone deaf to the desperate plight of the Palestinian people and the overwhelming feelings of revulsion of the British people at the brutality of the government Herzog represents. The Labour MP Clive Lewis suggested Starmer should exercise extreme caution. Dialogue is one thing, but there are times when the act of meeting itself becomes a political statement, he said. Clearly Herzog is not Netanyahu, their politics on many issues are at variance. But that said, the presidents own words have helped legitimise the collective punishment of Palestinians, language that international jurists have warned could fall foul of the genocide convention. However, Emily Thornberry, the chair of the foreign affairs committee, who has been a strong critic of Israel, said efforts should be made to engage with Herzog, who had often been at odds with Israels hardline prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, over domestic issues. The question must be asked: how do you see Israel in 10 years? What is the future for Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza? If you have no reasonable alternative plan, Mr President, then there must be a Palestinian state, she told the Guardian. But the only solution to this is through politics, through discussion. Herzog is easier to talk to than many in the extreme rightwing government in Israel. But we mustnt pull our punches. Calum Miller, the Liberal Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson, said Starmer should seize this chance to state unequivocally to President Herzog that there must be an end to the suffering in Gaza through an immediate ceasefire. Downing Street has previously indicated that Netanyahu faces arrest if he travels to the UK after the international criminal court issued an arrest warrant for him over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Herzog, who is from a different political party to Netanyahu, has a more ceremonial role. He has previously clashed with Netanyahu over democratic and judicial changes but broadly backed the military campaign in Gaza. The Israeli president has received particular attention for a statement in which he asserted that all Palestinians in Gaza were unequivocally responsible for the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023. The entire [Palestinian] nation out there is responsible. It is not true this rhetoric about civilians not aware, not involved, said Herzog in October 2023. That statement was given additional weight when it was included in the international court of justices order of 26 January 2024, finding the right of Palestinians to be protected from genocide was at imminent risk, and saying Israel must ensure with immediate effect that its forces not commit any of the acts prohibited by the genocide convention and to protect Gazas population from genocide. Herzog claimed his statement was misrepresented by the ICJ in selectively quoting him. Starmer last met Herzog more than a year ago in Paris, shortly after he was elected as prime minister, where he praised the historic friendship between Israel and the UK and reiterated the demand for the return of hostages and support for Israels right to self-defence. But Starmer and Lammy have since adopted a more critical position on Israels actions in Gaza, which have killed more than 65,000 people, according to the territorys health ministry. Sanctions have been imposed by the UK government on two hardline Israeli cabinet ministers, and Starmer has announced plans alongside France to recognise the state of Palestine this month. However, there remains considerable anger and concern within Labour and elsewhere that the UK has done too little to halt the suffering of Palestinians. Last week the Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey, said he planned to boycott a state dinner to be hosted by King Charles during Donald Trumps state visit to the UK in a fortnight in protest at the USs lack of pressure on Israel to end the war. The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. If you have something to share on this subject you can contact us confidentially using the following methods. Secure Messaging in the Guardian app The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said. If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select Secure Messaging. SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post If you can safely use the tor network without being observed or monitored you can send messages and documents to the Guardian via our SecureDrop platform. Finally, our guide at theguardian.com/tips lists several ways to contact us securely, and discusses the pros and cons of each. Will Thilly breakdances during a local town hall meeting in Cranford, New Jersey, on 2 September 2025. Photograph: CranfordTV35 A man from New Jersey has gone viral after breakdancing at a local town hall meeting. Will Thilly, a resident of the township of Cranford, just outside New York City, on Tuesday took to the podium by performing a wordless robot dance. As he made his way up the aisle, he spun around and danced without music, leaving the room in an awkward silence. Some attendees looked away while others buried their faces in their hands. Around 40 seconds into his performance, Thilly reached the podium, let out a sigh before jogging back to grab a bottle of water and some papers. The room remained silent until he spoke. How was everyones weekend? he asked, before adding that he had just returned from Monterrey, Mexico. Theres no pizza there [but] its a beautiful town with lots of history, Thilly said. He then asked: Anyone here afraid of flying? Related: Breakdancing for Trump and the Mud Olympics: photos of the weekend Thilly proceeded to ask if anyone wanted to see him perform a backspin. When no one responded, he laid on the ground, lifted his feet and spun several times. As he danced, the crowd stayed silent, with some attendees looking uncomfortable. When he finished, Thilly gestured for applause but received none. He then asked: Why did our taxes go up so much? Thilly went on to reference a previous local referendum, questioning why the tax increase was apparently higher than anticipated. He said: We were told the referendum was going to bring [taxes] up for an average household [by] around $400 and mine went up like 900 bucks We were told like that was from the schools or something? But the school referendum said it would only go up like 400 bucks on an average assessed home So I wanted to know why it went up, if it did that and what extra expenses were incurred by the schools that werent told to the public when we voted on that referendum? Following his remarks, Thilly gathered his papers and water bottle and moon-walked away from the podium, again in silence. Thilly appears to have a track record of unconventional town hall appearances, frequently posting videos of them on Instagram in recent months. In these videos, he makes various calls for change. At some town hall meetings, he urges wealthy developers to pay their own taxes rather than shifting the burden to residents. In others, he encourages residents to be friends with each other. And sometimes he stands at the podium saying nothing at all. Currently, Thilly is running as an independent candidate for the Cranford township committee. On his campaign website, he says: I want to be elected to stop the resident-funded overdevelopment of Cranford Our township meetings need to be about getting residents what they want, by offering clear answers to their questions, encouraging open discussion and dialogue, and ultimately working together for consensus and compromise. I will lead this effort. Thilly explained his dance, saying: The dance was basically improv[,] decided almost on the spot. The main goal is to have our local government lighten up and look at the residence [sic] as friends and equals. The division and lack of community decision-making is what seems to be our biggest problem. Not to mention people are overly stressed and taking stuff too seriously and are not feeling free to speak and express themselves as they might wish. Citing his frustrations with tax breaks for wealthy developers, he added: If elected, we would hope to change how our committee does business by making sure decisions are made by the residents as a community and not by three committee members who appear to be too overly influenced by their political party higher-ups. Possibly even more important than helping our town make wise financial decisions that the residents are aware and approve of; I hope to bring a friendly, stress-free way of our committee when dealing with the public. The more friends we become with each other, the better happier and less lonely all of us will be, Thilly explained. Credit: Telegram / Yunashev_live A staffer to Kim Jong-un meticulously wiped down his bosss chair during a visit to China, in what experts assume is a security measure to remove traces of the North Korean leaders DNA. The video was taken after Kims meeting with Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday where the two leaders spoke about North Korean support for the Russian president in his war against Ukraine. In the footage, the North Korean aide is seen carefully wiping down the back of the chair as well as the armrests and the coffee table next to it. The footage was captured by Alexander Yunashev, a Kremlin reporter, who posted it on his Telegram channel noting that Kims staff were carefully destroying all traces of Kims presence. They took away the glass from which he drank, wiped the upholstery of the chair and those parts of the furniture that the Korean leader touched, Mr Yunashev wrote. During the meeting in Beijing, Putin invited Kim to Russia Kim and Putin appeared to have a friendly meeting where the North Korean leader said he would do everything to assist Russia in its war in Ukraine, and Putin said that Kim was welcome to visit Russia. There was a brief moment of tension captured in a video by Russian state media Kommersant where two aides to the respective leaders were seen fiddling with the thermostat Kim reportedly wanting the room slightly hotter while Putin preferred it cooler. Despite the pairs friendly relationship, Kims entourage is also known to be hyper-diligent ahead of any meetings as well. In 2023, before a meeting with Putin, North Korean staff were seen vigorously wiping down a chair with disinfectant, with one aide even using a metal detector to ensure it was safe. There was a similar effort carried out in 2018 before a meeting with then-South Korean president Moon Jae-in. Kim is also known to travel with his own portable toilet, which he reportedly brought by train from North Korea on his latest trip to China, in an effort to prevent any trace of his DNA being left behind. Putin and Kim ride in a car after attending Chinas military parade - STR/KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Images) South Korean and Japanese intelligence agencies assume that this is mainly to conceal any information about the North Korean leaders health. Kim has previously sought medication for high blood pressure and diabetes related to his obesity, but beyond that most information related to his health is top secret. Experts believe that the release of detailed biodata could make him vulnerable. A similar logic applies to any waste generated by Kim while he is travelling, all of which must be taken back to North Korea with him, including the butts and ash of any cigarettes he smokes. Michael Madden, an expert on North Korea at the US-based Stimson Center, said this protocol has been in place since Kims father, Kim Jong Il, was leader of North Korea. The special toilet and the requisite garbage bags of detritus, waste and cigarette butts are so that a foreign intelligence agency, even a friendly one, does not acquire a sample and test it, Mr Madden told Reuters. It would provide insight into any medical conditions affecting Kim Jong-un. This can include hair and skin tags, he said. When Kim met with Donald Trump, the US president, in Vietnam in 2019 and Singapore in 2018, he also reportedly travelled with his own toilet. In Hanoi, Kims guards spent hours cleaning his hotel and were seen taking out items including a bed mattress. Putin is also believed to travel with his own personal toilet for similar reasons. According to a report by Paris Match, whenever Putin travels, his excrement is collected in specialised packets, which are then put inside a dedicated briefcase to be transported back to Russia. This was reportedly done during trips to France in 2019 and Saudi Arabia in 2017, as well as reportedly during his recent visit to Alaska where he met with Mr Trump. Rumours of Putins health have swirled for years, with reports that he is battling everything from a persistent cough to thyroid cancer. Little has been confirmed regarding his status, but similar to Kim, its likely that detailed biometric information is seen as a potential vulnerability. A Las Vegas woman has been charged with murder after shooting her boyfriend to death while posing with a gun for a photoshoot, investigators say. Allysandra Blea, 20, reportedly had a disturbing fascination with firearms, and had spoken previously of desires to shoot sex workers and the homeless, according to an arrest report. Police were called just before 5 a.m. on August 23 following reports of a man who had been shot. When police arrived, they found a man, later identified as 23-year-old Mark Gaughan, lying on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound, and he was later pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives from the Las Vegas Metro police determined that Gaughan was taking pictures of Blea posing with a gun by a vehicle. During the photoshoot, the gun discharged, and he was shot. Mark Gaughan, 23, (pictured) was pronounced dead at the scene on August 23. Investigators say he was shot by his girlfriend Allysandra Blea during a photoshoot where she posed with a gun. (Gaughan family/ Dignity Memorial) Investigators and the Clark County District Attorneys Office charged the 20-year-old with open murder with a deadly weapon on Aug. 26. She was arrested without incident that day and booked into the Clark County Detention Center. Detectives recovered a Polaroid photo of Blea posing with a gun and another of a girl brandishing a knife from the scene, according to the arrest report obtained by Fox 5 Vegas. The boyfriend of the knife-wielding model, who placed the 911 call, said he had checked the gun had been unloaded and that the magazine had been removed before giving it to Blea. His girlfriend later claimed that, when she returned outside after changing her outfit for the photoshoot, the magazine was loaded back in the gun, the arrest report stated. Blea told investigators that the shooting had been an accident and that she believed the gun had had no rounds in during the photoshoot. She also claimed to have taken a gun safety course befor handling the weapon, per Fox5. Blea told investigators that the shooting had been an accident and that she believed the gun had had no rounds in during the photoshoot (Gaughan family/ Dignity Memorial) However, according to the arrest report, investigators noted that Blea had a fascination with firearms following searches of her social media accounts and messages with friends. That included pictures of her posing with different weapons and building up an apparent arsenal of firearms. In one message, Fox5 reported Blea allegedly wrote, I wish I could shoot people with real guns and get away with it, then went on to speak about killing sex workers and homeless people. When Gaughan suggested the use of dummies for targets, Blea allegedly replied We gotta shoot someone real. Going to be the tunnels. If its only one a night the police will remain clueless, according to the arrest report. In review of her social media account, Allysandra appeared to have knowledge and experience of firearms and more importantly, shooting firearms, police wrote. Blea, who has been booked into Clark County Detention Center, is set to appear in court on October 2. The Independent has reached out to the Las Vegas Metropolitan police for further information or updates on the case. Naomi Osakas grand slam resurgence continued with victory over Karolina Muchova in the US Open quarter-finals. The four-time grand slam champion has reminded the tennis world of her prodigious talent at Flushing Meadows this year, swatting aside Coco Gauff in the fourth round. And she will take on another American, Amanda Anisimova, in the last four after a 6-4 7-6 (3) victory over 11th seed Muchova. Osaka, who has never lost once she has reached the quarter-finals at a grand slam, said: Last year she beat me when I had one of my best outfits. Im just really grateful to be here. My dream is coming true. Osaka practised with Muchova ahead of the tournament and had joked that the best thing about being seeded again was not having to face her in the first couple of rounds. They are familiar foes, with Muchova beating Osaka here last year on her way to a second consecutive semi-final before the Japanese star gained revenge at the Australian Open. Osaka, her gem-studded purple dress glittering under the lights, has found trust again in her power-soaked game, and this was a pleasing clash of styles against the wily Muchova. Karolina Muchova had her thigh strapped (Adam Hunger/AP) Both held their ground until the 10th game, when a break of the Muchova serve gave Osaka the opening set. The Czech, who has been dogged by injuries throughout her career, headed off court for a medical timeout, returning with her left thigh strapped. Muchova did not look at all comfortable but that did not stop her twice moving a break ahead in the second set, only to both times be pegged back immediately by Osaka. On the second occasion, Muchova served for the set, but Osaka refused to allow the contest to go to a decider, moving ahead early in the tie-break and taking her second match point when her opponent drove a final forehand long. Tracey ONeill is suffering from cobalt toxicity after having hip replacement surgery a decade ago - Heathcliff O'Malley Thousands of patients with hip replacements are at the centre of a major health alert. Doctors will call in patients with a type of modular hip replacement that has been linked to cobalt poisoning after regulators found increased risks of corrosion and device fracture. A Telegraph investigation revealed growing concerns over health risks about the replacement hips, which have been found to have higher failure rates and a risk of cobalt poisoning, which could be deadly. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued an alert following its own investigation, which means up to 2,000 patients will undergo checks. Hospitals have been ordered to check all records to identify patients with the devices in order to prioritise the checks. The MHRA said every patient should be individually assessed, with revision surgery considered if blood metals were found to be rising or higher than expected, abnormalities found on imaging scans, or hip function was found to be worsening. Where symptoms are found and devices remain in place, patients will undergo annual checks. Those without problems will be advised to return if symptoms develop. The watchdog said affected replacements were used in the UK from 2009 until January 2025. Trapped in a 90-year-olds body Tracey ONeill, 57, spent years struggling with memory loss and paying to see private cardiologists because of side effects that have since been linked to cobalt poisoning caused by her replacement hip. Mrs ONeill, a former fitness instructor and long-distance runner, has been in agony since having both hips replaced with the implants the first of them was when she was 46. She told The Telegraph she was glad to see action being taken, but said it had taken far too long, adding that she feels trapped in a 90-year-olds body. She said: I have been left in constant pain I cant live a normal life. The prime of my life was stolen from me, and now I dont know what the future holds. The Telegraphs report on Tracey ONeills cobalt poisoning Mrs ONeill had her right hip replaced at the Hospital of St Cross, run by the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW), in 2014. A year later, the same product was used in her left hip by the same surgeon privately. UHCW stopped using it in 2016 because of fears of its noxious effects on patients, the hospital admitted in a letter seen by The Telegraph. The first attempt at revision surgery by a private hospital failed with experts blaming bone necrosis caused by the cobalt poisoning. A second attempt saw complications. She has sought advice from private doctors and remains under investigation for infection and high titanium levels which could cause loosening of the joint. Further revision surgery could mean she loses 90 per cent of her femur bone, leaving her in a wheelchair, she has been warned. Mrs ONeill, like other patients with the implants, should have been regularly monitored for poisoning, but was not. Her hip surgeries and the products used were not recorded on the National Joint Registry, despite this being mandatory in order to track the performance of implants, surgeons and hospitals. She started to experience symptoms including pain, redness and swelling within two years of the first surgery, but the hospital made no connection. By 2019, she was suffering from shortness of breath and fatigue, she had also put on weight and was seeing a heart specialist. Mrs ONeills condition continued to deteriorate despite years of seeking help, and it was not until 2020, when she saw a surgeon at a private clinic, that the damage done by both the hip implants and the cobalt poisoning came to light. The investigation by the MHRA centres on the cobalt chrome modular hip replacements. It found elevated risks of wear and corrosion, including an increased occurrence of device fracture and revision surgery associated with cobalt chrome-containing Profemur modular neck hip stem components. Data published by the MHRA shows more than 2,000 patients have the implants. Around nine in 100 have already undergone revision surgery, when standard rates are around five in 100. Around six in 1,000 patients have complained of problems related to metal wear and corrosion, against one in 10,000 for fixed neck alternatives by the same manufacturer. Those at highest risk have around a four per cent risk of fractures, which is far higher than normal. Some leading consultants have called for cobalt to be banned in hip replacements altogether, with tens of thousands of other procedures conducted each year using them. Patients with the cobalt chrome modular neck replacement which stopped being used in January this year have been identified as at greatest risk. Others who had a cobalt chrome neck with a different type of stem (Profemur, Ancafit titanium allow or Profemur Xm CoCr stem) and those whose implant material combinations are unknown, have been found to be at moderate risk and will be reviewed next. Patients implanted with a titanium alloy neck on a Profemur Xm CoCr stem will be invited for review if they are concerned, or suffer symptoms such as pain, loss of function or instability. Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA chief safety officer, said: Our review identified higher than expected risks associated with Profemur cobalt chrome modular neck hip replacements. We have developed specific follow-up advice to help ensure patients with these devices receive appropriate care. If you have an affected hip replacement device implanted, you should expect to be contacted by your surgeon or implanting hospital. You dont need to contact them directly. Anyone experiencing new or unexpected symptoms related to any implant should speak to their surgeon or the hospital where their surgery was performed. Please report it to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme or the Incident Reporting and Investigation Centre if you are in Scotland. A spokesman for University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust said: We are sorry to hear about Mrs ONeills ongoing difficulties. At the time of her operation, the Profemur L stem implant was in general use throughout the NHS as an approved medical device. Complications with the Profemur implants, which we stopped using around 2016, are rare and we rigorously review all adverse events reported to us. Patient safety will always be our number one priority. All hip replacement devices are recommended and monitored by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to ensure they meet national regulations. We will study their report and recommendations closely. Graham Greene in Dances with Wolves (1990): an Oneida, he was born on the Six Nations Reserve in Canada - Alamy Graham Greene, who has died aged 73, was a prolific Canadian-born character actor best known for an Oscar-nominated role that drew heavily on his First Nations heritage: that of Kicking Bird, the Native American chieftain extending the hand of friendship to paleface Kevin Costner in the romantic modern Western Dances with Wolves (1990). A member of the Oneida Nation, he was born on June 22 1952 on the Six Nations Reserve in Ohsweken, Ontario - the son of paramedic John Greene and his wife Lillian. Greene took a roundabout route to acting: as a young man, he worked as a welder, draughtsman, as a recording studio technician and then as a roadie, where he entertained colleagues by inventing stories about concert-goers. With Kevin Costner in Dances with Wolves - Alamy Kelly Jay of the rock group Crowbar suggested Greene try acting; intrigued, he started auditioning, and made his debut as a Native American called Grey Sky in The Black Curse, a 1979 episode of the Ontario-shot series The Great Detective (1979-82). I changed into the costume, and they put me in the shade in a nice chair. They brought me food and water, and I thought, Jeez, Im living the life of a dog! This is great. I dont have to carry anybodys amplifiers anymore. He soon graduated to films, landing supporting roles in Running Brave (1983), a biopic of Billy Mills, the Native American winner of the 10,000m at the Tokyo Olympics; in Hugh Hudsons period misfire Revolution (1985); and as a Vietnam vet in Powwow Highway (1989), an indie starring Gary Farmer, Greenes second cousin once removed. Greene in the 1991 film Clearcut - alamy By the time of Dances with Wolves, Greene was only in his late thirties, yet his chieftain projected a drolly craggy, hand-me-down wisdom. The role demanded the actor both learn the Lakota dialect and feign some proficiency with horses; to achieve the chiefs awkward, flat-footed posture, Greene took to placing slices of bologna sausage in his shoes. The films success saw Greene hired to portray various facets of the Native American experience, beginning with a tribal lawyer in Dances with Sharks, a 1991 episode of L.A. Law. He won a rare title role in the telemovie The Last of His Tribe (1992), although tellingly HBOs promotional material centred on his Caucasian co-star Jon Voight; he bolstered Michael Apteds reservation-set procedural Thunderheart (1992) and amused as a canny shaman on TVs Northern Exposure (1990-95). With Val Kilmer in Thunderheart (1992) - Alamy For a while, Greene was multiplex cinemas most prominent indigenous face, even if the material proved as daft as the Mel Gibson gambling romp Maverick (1994) or Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), in which he played one of Bruce Williss NYPD sidekicks. A severe depressive episode led to a suicide attempt in 1997, but Greene recovered, sharing a Grammy in 2000 for the spoken-word childrens album Listen to the Storyteller. In the streaming era, Greene got a second wind. He was the villainous Malachi Strand in Netflixs Western serial Longmire (2012-17), casino boss Littlecrow in Prime Videos legal drama Goliath (2016-21) and a funny, humanising presence amid HBOs doomy The Last of Us (2023-). As he turned 70, there was a run of episodes in FXs Reservation Dogs (2021-23), an acclaimed coming-of-age comedy created by Native American writer-directors. With Cuba Gooding Jr in Snow Dogs (2002) - alamy There were still characters called Lightfeather (King Ivory, 2024) or Old Smoke (the Stallone-led Tulsa King, 2024), but these were just one string to his bow: Greene also essayed a talking crab-apple tree in the Canadian kids series The Adventures of Dudley the Dragon (1994-97) and Corin in an all-male As You Like It (2019). His final role was in the thriller Ice Fall (2025), released later this year. In 2015 he was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2015. Asked whether he had felt typecast, Greene said: I played an old Jewish man in a furniture store in theatre, I played the ghost of a black transvestite. Ive played French soldiers, Ive played New York cops, Ive played lawyers, so... no. He is survived by his wife Hilary Blackmore, whom he married in 1990, and their daughter Lilly Lazard-Greene. Graham Greene, born June 22 1952, died September 1 2025 Andrew Greystoke inappropriately caressed Anita Obiagwu, an employment tribunal heard. A senior lawyer sexually propositioned a colleague 54 years his junior in a French Riviera hotel room, an employment tribunal heard. Andrew Greystoke invited 29-year-old Anita Obiagwu to his suite for a debrief on a work trip to Nice in October 2023 but while she was typing on her laptop he inappropriately caressed her and expressed a desire to have sex. The married 83-year-old educated at Cambridge University and Harvard had opened a bottle of champagne before touching her without her consent, the hearing was told. Miss Obiagwu said she was frozen as Mr Greystoke rubbed her arm and back and called her beautiful. She told the tribunal: Whilst I was typing, he began rubbing my arm and back and said he thinks that I am beautiful and said if anyone were to ask him if he would f--- me he would. I did not move out of shock and fear. He continued to inappropriately caress my back and arm and said that he knew when I came in for my interview that he found me beautiful. He then proceeded to ask me what I thought about his advances, which alluded to sexual interactions. Arguably outdated modus operandi Miss Obiagwu said she was shocked and terrified and told other female staff. She also said she felt exploited having been taken advantage of by someone she trusted. Buse Saglam, who was Mr Greystokes PA, said Miss Obiagwu was crying uncontrollably and initially unable to get her words out when she told her what had happened. Mr Greystoke denied that anything improper took place. During proceedings at the London Central tribunal, it was heard Mr Greystokes PA caught him messaging sex workers on WhatsApp and that he would leave the office to meet up with women even though he had been married for many years. The hearing was also told Mr Greystoke has an arguably outdated modus operandi as he likes to drink alcohol during the working day. Armaan Kalhor, a lawyer who gave a witness statement, said Mr Greystoke frequently consumes alcohol during the working day, typically having two or three glasses of wine at lunch and it is not unusual, particularly if clients are in attendance, for a bottle of champagne to be opened at approximately 4pm. Significant age difference Employment judge Richard Nicolle found Mr Greystoke had sexually harassed Miss Obiagwu, ordering him to pay her 20,000 in damages and criticising him for breaching the very significant age and power differential. He told the hearing: I do not accept that in 2025 it is advisable employment practice for a senior manager to invite a junior female employee to their hotel room whether to discuss business or otherwise I consider that Mr Greystoke failed to recognise the significant age and seniority differential between him and [Miss Obiagwu] and how she could have perceived that situation as making her feel inherently uncomfortable. I take account of the very significant 54-year age difference between Mr Greystoke and Miss Obiagwu. Miss Obiagwu was employed at Pantheon International Advisors Ltd between June 21 2023 and Nov 6 2023 when she was fired on the grounds of unsatisfactory performance. She argued she was sacked in connection with the sexual harassment case however, that was not accepted by the judge. Gavin Newsom has said that Donald Trumps decision to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles has cost the taxpayers almost $120 million. Let us not forget what this political theater is costing us all millions of taxpayer dollars down the drain and an atrophy to the readiness of guardsmembers across the nation and unnecessary hardships to the families supporting those troops, the California Governor said in a statement Thursday. Talk about waste, fraud, and abuse. We ask other states to do the math themselves. Newsoms office evaluated the costs incurred since June, when Trump sent more than 4,200 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines to LA, posting its estimates on X. The California Governors office evaluated the costs incurred since June when Trump sent more than 4,200 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines to LA (Getty Images) According to the office that included $71 million for food and other basic necessities, $37 million in payroll, $4 million in logistic supplies, $3.5 million in travel. The list goes on, Newsoms said. Most of the soldiers were sent home last month, though 300 remain in Los Angeles, per The Los Angeles Times. The deployment of the troops came following protests against federal immigration arrests, which descended into violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. The subsequent cost to the LA taxpayer was $32 million, 92 percent of which was related to the Los Angeles Police Department's response to the protests against the ICE raids, including citywide tactical alert costs, according to the City Controller Kenneth Mejia back in June. A further $1.4 million was needed for clean-up and public property damage. California National Guard troops stand guard as protests swelled in Los Angeles last month. Trump deployed more than 4,000 troops to the area (AP) The deployment of the troops came following protests against federal immigration arrests, which descended into violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement (AFP/Getty) Earlier this week, a federal judge in San Francisco ruled that soldiers should be barred from helping with immigration arrests, in a win for states including California that have been critical of Trumps perceived overreach. 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 soldiers to the city, 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. Earlier this week, a federal judge in San Francisco ruled that soldiers should be barred from helping with immigration arrests, in a win for states including California that have been critical of Trumps perceived overreach (REUTERS) Following the ruling, Newsom filed a preliminary injunction asking that the court block a new order from the U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to keep the remaining soldiers in LA until after the state elections in November. On Thursday, Washington D.C.s attorney general also filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the presidents deployment of the National Guard in the Capitol. That lawsuit also accuses the president and senior defense officials of violating the Posse Comitatus Act. No American jurisdiction should be involuntarily subjected to military occupation, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb wrote in the lawsuit. As well as LA and D.C., Trump has suggested that he would deploy National Guard troops to other major U.S. cities, including Chicago. An NHS vascular surgeon has been jailed for 32 months after admitting fraud relating to the amputation of his own legs and possessing extreme pornography of genital mutilation. Neil Hopper, 49, pleaded guilty to two charges of fraud by false representation relating to claims totalling 466,653.81 made to two insurance companies that his legs had been amputated due to illness rather than self-inflicted injury. He also admitted three charges of possessing extreme pornographic images, relating to videos by a website called the EunuchMaker run by Marius Gustavson, which depicted genital mutilation. Hopper, of St Erme, Truro, Cornwall, entered guilty pleas to the five charges against him at Truro Crown Court on Thursday. Judge James Adkin, the honorary recorder of Truro, jailed him for 22 months for the fraud charges and a further 10 months for the extreme images charges. Neil Hopper has been jailed for 32 months (Devon and Cornwall Police/PA) The judge said: In April 2019 you deliberately froze your lower legs causing direct damage using dry ice following instructions given by Mr Gustavson. You were admitted to hospital when you have the symptoms of sepsis well knowing what the medics will be looking out. You were in hospital for six weeks and after many tests and a variety of treatments the medics decided your feet could not be saved and they amputated on May 17. You subsequently made fraudulent insurance claims to Aviva and Old Mutual Wealth, receiving a total of 466,000 fraudulently by representing that the injuries were organic, caused by sepsis, when you caused the injury seemingly at least in part for sexual gratification. The charges state that Hopper dishonestly made a false representation to Aviva and Old Mutual Health that his legs had been amputated because of illness rather than self-inflicted injury. The court heard Hopper used dry ice to freeze his legs to the extent they were no longer viable, requiring amputation which had long been an ambition of his and one he had a sexual interest in. Following the amputation, he made claims to the insurers which resulted in total pay outs of 466,653.81. Hopper was identified following investigations into Gustavson, who led an extreme body modification ring which carried out male castration, penis removal and other procedures on people as young as 16. The Norwegian national once cooked human testicles to eat in a salad, and also had his own penis removed with a kitchen knife, and froze his own leg so it was amputated. Gustavson, who netted more than 300,000 for 2017 and 2021 from his EunuchMaker website, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years in prison at the Old Bailey last year. Marius Gustavson was jailed for life for leading an extreme body modification ring (Metropolitan Police/PA) Nicholas Lee, prosecuting, described the case as unique and said Hopper had purchased three videos from the website for 10 and 35, showing men having their genitals removed. The surgeon also exchanged thousands of messages with Gustavson about his own lower leg amputations and how he had done it, including asking how much dry ice he used. It is evident from the messages that Mr Hopper wished to become an amputee and it was always something he had dreamt of, Mr Lee said. Something he has been obsessed with and had a sexual interest in becoming an amputee. The court heard Hoppers wife and children were away from their home in St Erme when he immersed his feet in dry ice on April 15 2019. While doing this he continued to message Gustavson, telling him: Its going to be awesome being a double amputee. He then sent Gustavson a picture of his erect penis. Two days later a family friend was concerned for Hoppers welfare and paramedics were called to his home where they found him in bed with socks covering his feet and took him to the Royal Cornwall Hospital. Hopper told doctors he had been unwell with diarrhoea and vomiting and they treated him for suspected sepsis before transferring him to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth to undergo treatment in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. On May 10, he underwent a double foot amputation and a week later surgeons carried out a further operation to remove his legs below the knees. Neil Hopper pleaded guilty to two charges of fraud at Truro Crown Court (Elizabeth Cook/PA) It is apparent that Neil Hopper didnt tell the medical professionals doing all they could to help him the real cause of his injuries, Mr Lee said. Hopper took a photo of his bandaged feet and sent it to Gustavson with the message: It feels so cool. No feet! He also thanked him for his help and described how sexy he looked now he had no feet. The court heard Hopper made the insurance claims on the basis he had developed septicaemia after suffering from fatigue and flu-like symptoms. Mr Lee said he had been motivated by greed after telling his father he would only make a claim on the two policies if the payouts were substantial. If its hundreds of thousands Ill cash it in, if its tens of thousands Ill leave it, Hopper told him. He also messaged a friend, telling them: Ill get a mong car from Motability for sure. After receiving the compensation, Hopper spent the money on luxury, Mr Lee said. He spent 255,000 on building works at his home, had a 15,000 hot tub installed and spent 6,000 with a wood burner company. Hopper also bought a 22,000 campervan, spent 13,000 on prosthetics and gave 52,000 to his wife. Due to his disabilities, he also claimed 44,000 from the Department for Work and Pensions. Mr Lee said: In his words he wanted to milk the injuries for as much as possible. He was clearly motivated by personal gain and the spending of the money on luxury items such as the hot tub and the home improvements. Hopper has not worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust since March 2023. Restrictions were placed on his practice the following month, and he has been under an interim suspension from the medical register since December 2023. Andrew Langdon KC, mitigating, said his client had grown up in a rural village in Wales and felt he was in the wrong body from a young age. He was troubled by his gender, he wanted to be female, Mr Langdon said. He told how Hopper identified with body integrity identity disorder and those with a desire to amputate one or more healthy limbs. Hopper described having persistent thoughts about his feet, which he felt were an unwelcome extra, being amputated. He recognises that his medical career is over, Mr Langdon said. Quoting Hopper, the barrister said: My thoughts and behaviour have not have any effect on my job. I worked very hard and always tried my best for my patients. Speaking after the case, Richard Parkhouse of the Crown Prosecution Service, described it as highly unusual and shocking. Hopper has a sexual fetish linked to amputation, and paid to access these images for his own gratification, he said. Prosecutors would now make an application under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2022. The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, in a statement issued after the case, said Hoppers colleagues had received support and counselling. While the details of the charges are shocking, it is important to stress that the convictions do not relate to Mr Hoppers professional conduct, a spokesperson said. During a thorough and painstaking police investigation there were no links found to any patients he treated during his work. They added that comprehensive clinical reviews of surgery carried out by Hopper had been carried out, including by an independent clinical expert who had reviewed decisions to operate. We want to reassure the public that our exhaustive investigations have found no evidence whatsoever to indicate any risk or harm to patients at our hospitals, the trust said. Jim Pearce, Assistant Chief Constable at Devon and Cornwall Police, said the force had worked closely with the hospital trust and General Medical Council since its investigation into Hopper begin in February 2023. It should be noted that at this stage none of the criminal charges related to Hoppers professional conduct with no risk to patients he treated in his work at the hospital identified during the current police investigation, he said. Rat seen jumping around in neonatal care unit of hospital in Indore, India (NDTV) 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. Ariel Bassano, an art expert helping police, said the painting remained in good condition - AFP Police in Argentina have recovered an 18th-century painting that was looted by the Nazis in the Second World War, after its mysterious appearance in a real estate advertisement. Portrait of a Lady by Giuseppe Ghislandi, an Italian baroque portraitist, had not been seen publicly for more than 80 years since it was taken from Jacques Goudstikker, a Jewish art collector, in Amsterdam in 1940. The painting, which features the Italian countess Colleoni, resurfaced last month in a photograph in an online listing for a villa for sale in Argentinas coastal town of Mar del Plata but disappeared again after the sighting was reported to police. The villa is owned by Patricia Kadgien, one of the daughters of Friedrich Kadgien who was a senior Nazi financier, SS officer and an aide to Adolf Hitler and Hermann Goring. The portrait was seen hanging above a velvet sofa in the living room of a villa for sale in Mar del Plata - Robles Casas & Campos Dutch journalists made the discovery while investigating Kadgiens past in Argentina, where the high-ranking official fled after the collapse of the Third Reich and later died in 1978. News of the sighting thrilled historians and the family of Mr Goudstikker who have sought to recover an estimated 1,100 paintings missing since the forced sale of his extensive art collection to Goring. Mr Goudstikker, who helped Jews fleeing Nazi oppression, died at sea while escaping to Britain in 1940. Police raided Ms Kadgiens home last week to recover the painting, but could not find Portrait of a Lady. Argentine officials announced on Wednesday that her lawyer had since handed over the missing work. Police raided the villa but the painting was not there Ariel Bassano, an art expert invited to assist with the investigation, said the painting was being stored in a special chamber for safekeeping. Its in good condition given its age, Mr Bassano said, dating the portrait to 1710 and valuing it at roughly 38,000. But historical reasons could also give the piece a value. It also depends on its state of preservation, the collection it belongs to, and the size of the work. The size of a painting ultimately has an impact on the market. Researchers revealed last week that they had seen another of Mr Goudstikkers looted paintings, by Abraham Mignon, a 17th century Dutch still-life painter, on a social media page belonging to Kadgiens other daughter. Friedrich Kadgien acted as Hermann Gorings right-hand man Police confirmed on Wednesday that they had seized multiple paintings and engravings from four properties connected to the Kadgien sisters, and were investigating whether those work were also stolen. Ms Kadgien and her husband were placed under house arrest ahead of a hearing on Thursday on charges of concealment and obstruction of justice. Domhnall Gleeson, left, and Tim Key as colleagues Ned and Ken in The Paper - Aaron Epstein/Peacock Greg Daniels has been here before. In 2005, he faced down a cultural titan when he took The Office, one of the UKs greatest and most influential sitcoms, and remade it in Scranton, Pennsylvania. A folly, cried the critics after its insipid first series. A pale imitation. Yet it found its groove and became a phenomenon in its own right, racking up 201 episodes, countless awards and making superstars of its cast. Now, Daniels is attempting to defy the odds again with The Paper (Sky Max), a spin-off of his all-conquering The Office, set in a dying regional newspaper in Toledo, Ohio. The verdict? Its a folly. A pale imitation. Yesterdays news. In this mockumentary sitcom, the Toledo Truth Teller is a grand-old city newspaper in the finest of US print traditions, once operating with more than 1,000 staff, making the rich, powerful and corrupt of Ohio quake in their boots. Now, its four remaining staff, who mainly pump out unreadable clickbait, are an inconvenience to its parent company, which mainly pumps out toilet paper. Enter an idealistic young new editor, Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson), and the same documentary crew who followed the staff of Dunder Mifflin for 12 years, and you have a heart-warming, against-the-odds tale. The column inches we need are everywhere around us, et cetera. The show is comfortingly and wearyingly familiar. The single-camera documentary style, the constant to-camera interviews, the gawky romances, the warmth and the goofiness Daniels and fellow showrunner Michael Koman have even imported a Scranton resident in the form of prissy brainbox accountant Oscar Martinez (Oscar Nunez). Oscars presence is the shows failings in a nutshell. Hes nice to have around, but youre never sure what hes doing there. One significant deviation is the main character, Ned, the shows de facto Michael Scott figure. While he has his ridiculous side Ned is a quietly vain rich boy with delusions of grandeur he is not a comic monster like Ricky Gervais and Steve Carells bosses-from-hell. Instead, he manages to inspire a freaks-and-geeks ensemble of volunteers to turn the Truth Teller back into a respectable local newspaper. Ned is easily the most complete character, a mixture of wild-eyed idealism and aloof privilege. He tells us his hero as a child was not Superman but Clark Kent. My Kryptonite is my love for journalism, he says. Gleeson is a delight. The Brent role, in what must surely be a deliberate homage, is filled by the great English comedian Tim Key, as office manager Ken Davies. With his shiny suits, goatee and excruciating patter, Ken is Brent 2.0 though filtered through Keys delightfully idiosyncratic mannerisms. Unfortunately, for British fans, Keys performance will feel a little reheated. American viewers, unfamiliar with Keys schtick, may find him a revelation. Like The Office, the show relies on a talented comic ensemble, from oddball accountants Adam (US stand-up Alex Edelman) and Adelola (Gbemisola Ikumelo, another Briton), to lovable office nerds Nicole (Ramona Young) and Detrick (Melvin Gregg), and the sitcom-standard gruff factory-floor worker Travis (Eric Rahill). All of them are steamrollered by Sabrina Impacciatore (so brilliant as the repressed resort manager in season two of The White Lotus) as Esmeralda Grand, an ageing hot-mess Italian airhead who is demoted upon Neds arrival and makes him her enemy. Impacciatore moves heaven and earth to breathe life into Esmeralda whose character notes were presumably loud and Italian but in an office environment filled with everyday people, the character is a wild misstep. However, if you find her saying self-defecating instead of self-deprecating amusing, ignore this whole review. The show relies extraordinarily heavily on two stock jokes, both of which The Office sucked dry long before its final season. The first is the exasperated look to camera, perfected by Martin Freeman as Tim Canterbury and remodelled beautifully by John Krasinski in the US remake. Chelsea Frei, as everywoman reporter Mare Pritti, is given the heavy lifting here and, to her credit, gives superb exasperated looks to camera. The second joke, which happens so often it almost feels like pop art, is having a character make a claim to camera, and then instantly cutting to a scene which proves their claim is not true. I would say the excellent cast are blameless, but Edelman, Ikumelo and Rahill are on the writing team. Sabrina Impacciatore, left, and Ramona Young in Skys The Paper - Aaron Epstein/ Peacock The fatal mistake the show makes is assuming we find the characters lovable and whimsical, while providing them with far too few moments to make us laugh. Apart from the odd tortured word gag Adam thinking bylines come at the end of articles, because they are bye lines the moments of comedy are vanishingly rare. When the show forces the characters into something approaching a comic scenario Ned and Mare ad-libbing badly as a married couple in a mattress shop to try to get a scoop it allows the gifted cast to shine. Otherwise, its a tepid mockumentary about a gaggle of cutesy weirdos. Danielss biggest sin is in trying to force The Office DNA on a show that fundamentally cannot handle it. We spend more time with our colleagues than our families, said Tim in the original. This was the idea that underpinned both versions the work didnt matter; they made paper, the single most boring product on earth. It was about having to share a small space for 40-50 hours a week with a random bunch of people, none of whom you chose, some of whom you loathe, but all of whom become a surrogate family. The Paper wants to be about that too, but it also wants to be about the death of journalism, the heroism of free speech and the importance of local news. Despite trying to wrestle with tomorrows fish-and-chip paper, Daniels has made yesterdays show. The Paper will be available on Sky/Now on September 5, airing on Sky Max at 9pm Passengers on Lisbons Gloria funicular railway started screaming with fear before a car derailed and crashed, horrified witnesses have said. At least 15 people have died and around 18 people were injured when the car came off its tracks at about 6pm. Footage shows the tram-like funicular, which carries people up and down a hillside in the Portuguese capital, destroyed and emergency workers pulling people out of the wreckage. Although its not yet known what caused the crash, local media have reported that one of the two funicular cars, which were attached by a haulage cable, jolted and hit a pavement with great force. Following that, the second car is reported to have derailed and hit a building. One witness told Portuguese news site Correio da Manha that the first car was descending slowly when it hit the sidewalk. At least 15 people have died and around 18 people were injured when the car came off its tracks (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) It hit the sidewalk with great force, and people inside started screaming in fear, the unnamed witness said. As the witness tried to help those in the crashed car, he said he saw the other one out of control, coming down the line from above, before it crashed into a building. Another witness said they heard a huge bang before seeing the car destroyed by the impact and people screaming, the outlet reported. In a statement the president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, expressed hope that authorities would soon establish the cause of the crash. Authorities would not identify the victims or disclose their nationalities, but said some foreign nationals were among the dead. In a social media post, Ursula von de Leyen, president of the European Commission, reacted to the breaking news tonight from the Portuguese capital. She said: It is with sadness that I learned of the derailment of the famous Elevador da Gloria. My condolences to the families of the victims. The line, which opened in 1885, connects Lisbons downtown area near the Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto (Upper Quarter), known for its vibrant nightlife. It is operated by the municipal public transport company Carris, which said "all maintenance protocols had been carried out", including monthly and weekly maintenance programs and daily inspections. Chairman: Peter Charrington (UST/Facebook) Peter Charrington has been named as Tottenhams new non-executive chairman after the departure of Daniel Levy. Levy has left the club after almost 25 years, stepping down as the longest-serving chairman in the Premier League. Tottenham confirmed when announcing Levy's departure that there would be "no changes to the ownership or shareholder structure of the club," with Charrington - appointed in March as a non-executive director - joining the board to take on a newly created role of non-executive chairman. Vinai Venkatesham was hired as chief executive in April and will take on the day-to-day running of the club. It is a staggering change at Spurs, and the biggest step yet towards ensuring that the club is set up to deliver long-term sporting success". Charrington has stepped in, but who is the new man at the Spurs helm? New man: Peter Charrington (UST/Facebook) Who is Peter Charrington? Charrington is the director of ENIC and former CEO of Citi Private Bank. ENIC holds a majority stake in Spurs, while Levy has a 29.88 per cent stake in ENIC itself. Charrington, meanwhile, spent 26 years at Citi, running the Global Private Banking business, which was based in New York. He is also a senior partner at Nexus Luxury, a company that runs the Albany resort in the Bahamas. That resort is co-owned by Tavistock Group, which is former ENIC majority owner Joe Lewis investment portfolio. Additionally, Charrington is a senior advisor to One Equity Partners and is a board member at engineering companies Amey and Acteon, wealth management group Avaloq AG, investment group Saranac Partners. He is also a senior advisor to UST Global, a digital technology company. This year, Charrington was appointed to the Tottenham board as a non-executive director, and now, in Levys absence, he has moved up into a newly-created chairman role. Authorities launched a rescue operation to save those trapped under the wreckage of an iconic electric streetcar after it derailed and crashed in Lisbon, killing 16 people and injuring 23 others, emergency services said. One 3-year-old child is among the injured, while seven people are in a serious condition. The crash is thought to have involved at least 38 people from 10 nationalities, according to the head of Lisbon's Civil Protection Agency. At least 12 of the people injured are women and seven are men, aged between 24 and 65. Portuguese transport union Sitra named Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques who worked for Carris as one of the 16 people who died in the crash. So far, it is believed the foreign nationals involved are from Germany, Spain, South Korea, Cape Verde, Canada, Italy, France, Switzerland and Morocco. Footage from the site showed the mangled wreckage of the yellow funicular, which carries people up and down a steep hillside, lying where it had left the track and crashed into a building near Avenida da Liberdade just after 6 pm. The wreckage of the Gloria funicular that derailed and crashed (Reuters) Initial reports from local media suggest that one of the cable cars came loose from the cable, and hit the pavement. The second cart then derailed and hit a building. An investigation is being carried out by Portugal's public prosecutor's office into the causes of the crash, national news agency Lusa reports. "As is customary in these types of situations and as required by law," the attorney general's office said. Public transport company Carris has also launched an investigation. Lisbon mayor Carlos Moedas told reporters at the scene that the city was distraught over the incident. This was a tragic accident Its a tragedy of the like weve never seen. A view of the crash site after the funicular derailed in Lisbon (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered his condolence to affected families. The Portuguese government has declared Thursday a day of national mourning, while Lisbon city has announced three days of mourning. The streetcar that crashed, known as Gloria, can carry more than 40 people, seated and standing. It is commonly used by Lisbon residents. The cars are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable with traction provided by electric motors on the two vehicles. The car at the bottom of the line was apparently undamaged, but video from bystanders aired by CNN Portugal showed it jolting violently when the other one derailed and several passengers jumping out of its windows and people shouting. Operator Carris said all maintenance protocols have been carried out, including monthly and weekly maintenance programmes and daily inspections. A spokesperson for Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was in touch with the local authorities and stood by "to provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals". Lisbon hosted around 8.5 million tourists last year and the streetcar is a popular attraction. Long lines of tourists typically form for the brief ride on it. Sir Keir Starmer has refused to back Angela Rayner staying in post until the next election, in the first sign he could be distancing himself from the under-fire deputy prime minister, as the crisis over her tax affairs deepens. Ms Rayners political future hangs in the balance after she admitted she did not pay enough stamp duty when purchasing her 800,000 flat in Hove, East Sussex, sparking calls for her to resign. The housing secretary insisted she had made a mistake in failing to pay the required 40,000 tax on the second home, based on incorrect legal advice, and referred herself to Sir Keirs standards adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, who will give his verdict on Friday, according to reports. Sources close to Ms Rayner said an unnamed conveyancer and two experts in trust law had all suggested the amount of stamp duty she paid was correct. But on Thursday evening, conveyancing firm Verrico and Associates, which handled the flat purchase, said it did not give tax advice to Ms Rayner, and was being made scapegoats. Keir Starmer has backed Angela Rayner but refused to guarantee her survival (House of Commons) Earlier in the day, Sir Keir Starmer repeatedly refused to say if he will sack Ms Rayner if she is found to have broken the ministerial code. He told the BBC he would of course act on the conclusions of Sir Lauries report, but would not be drawn on whether his deputy would be fired. While Sir Keir said he retains full confidence in Ms Rayner, he declined to commit to her staying in post for the rest of the parliament as he has previously done with foreign secretary David Lammy and chancellor Rachel Reeves when they faced pressure to step down. Losing the deputy prime minister would be a hammer blow to the prime ministers authority and pile further pressure on his government, which is significantly lagging behind Reform UK in the polls and has faced mounting criticism for not achieving enough in its first year in power. There are also growing questions over what Sir Keir knew, and when, after he publicly defended Ms Rayner over her tax affairs despite knowing she was taking legal advice. Downing Street has refused to say when Sir Keir was first made aware of key details that led his deputy to refer herself for an ethics investigation, in a sign No 10 is trying to limit the scope of the fallout. People close to Ms Rayner said she was given three separate pieces of legal advice before buying the flat at the centre of the row. They said a conveyancer and two experts in trust law had all suggested the stamp duty she paid was correct, and she acted on the advice she was given at the time. Graffiti outside Rayners home in Hove (PA) But Verrico & Associates told The Telegraph that they did not provide Ms Rayner tax advice, instead claiming they have been made scapegoats. We acted for Ms Rayner when she purchased the flat in Hove. We did not and never have given tax or trust advice. Its something we always refer our clients to an accountant or tax expert for, managing director Joanna Verrico said. When asked what exactly the prime minister knew, and when, his spokesperson said Sir Keir was kept updated on the steps that the deputy prime minister was taking as appropriate. On Thursday, Sir Keir also condemned an appalling graffiti attack at the seaside flat, after the words bitch and tax evader were daubed on the wall outside, while a spokesperson for Ms Rayner said the vandalism was totally unjustifiable and beyond the pale. Chancellor Rachel Reeves threw her weight behind the deputy prime minister on Thursday morning, saying she has full confidence in her, but added that it was on all of us to understand the tax rules. Angela tried to do the right thing and, of course, it is incumbent on all of us to try to properly understand the rules, and she is now working to make sure that the correct tax is paid, she told broadcasters. Meanwhile, former Labour leader Lord Kinnock told The Independent there is no objective reason for her to resign. She had the wrong professional advice, discovered that as the result of the fuss, got correct professional advice and is paying the right stamp duty. End of story, except that shes Labour and relatively popular so a prime target. Her experience will not influence her ministerial duty or conduct, so there is no objective reason for her to leave her position, he said. But a former government ethics adviser told The Independent that while they didnt believe Ms Rayner purposefully tried to dodge taxes, her position as housing secretary was now untenable. For her judgement, it does not look good to have thought she could get away with paying less tax. You would have hoped and thought that your instinct as a Labour politician, who is also the housing minister, would be to even if there was a modicum of doubt that you are technically liable for second home stamp duty that you should just pay it. The former official said they thought it really unlikely that Ms Rayner would be found to have breached the ministerial code if she could demonstrate that she followed the initial advice she was given, adding that it would be a massive shame to lose the frontbencher. But they warned that continuing as housing secretary would hand the opposition a massive open goal every single time she opens her mouth. I think that the most survivable version of this is that youd end up with a reshuffle. Its quite hard to imagine her carrying on doing housing and her standing up in the House and talking about second homes. Angela Rayner has faced mounting pressure over the details of the property purchase (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire) Former Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls said Ms Rayner was hypocritical for not resigning, after taking the moral high ground demanding others to resign. He told the Political Currency podcast: Its hypocritical of her [to have] one rule for everybody else, a different rule for her, for her not to resign. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson also declined to guarantee Ms Rayners political future on Thursday, insisting the investigation should run its course. However, she insisted that the housing secretary had acted in good faith. Ms Rayners admission followed mounting pressure and media reports claiming she saved 40,000 on the property in Hove, East Sussex, by removing her name from the deeds of a family home in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency. In a public statement, Ms Rayner said a court-instructed trust was established in 2020 following a settlement with the NHS over a deeply personal and distressing incident involving her son. He was left with lifelong disabilities, and to ensure he continued to have stability in the family home in Greater Manchester, she said her family had agreed its interest in that property would be transferred to the trust. Details about the complex arrangements continued to emerge on Thursday, when the Telegraph reported Ms Rayner had sold her remaining stake to the trust for 162,500, which the paper suggested had then been used to buy her new flat. Angela Rayners political future appeared increasingly uncertain ahead of the expected Friday verdict on whether she broke ministerial standards rules over her tax affairs. It comes as lawyers she blamed for her stamp duty underpayment denied having given her tax advice. Sir Keir Starmer repeatedly declined to say whether he would sack his deputy, who is also the Housing Secretary, if his independent ethics watchdog rules against her. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The Prime Minister said he would of course act on the findings of Sir Laurie Magnuss probe following Ms Rayners acknowledgement that she failed to pay a 40,000 tax surcharge on a flat she bought in Hove this year. The advice she received is likely to form a key plank of Sir Lauries investigation, after Ms Rayner said she was incorrectly advised that she did not need to pay the higher stamp duty rate reserved for second home purchases. Sources close to Ms Rayner said a conveyancer and two experts in trust law had all suggested the amount of stamp duty she paid on the East Sussex property was correct and she acted on the advice she was given at the time. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has blamed legal advice for her failure to pay enough stamp duty (Aaron Chown/PA) But the conveyancing firm, Verrico and Associates, on Thursday said its lawyers never gave Ms Rayner tax advice and were being made scapegoats. In a statement, managing director Joanna Verrico said: Were not qualified to give advice on trust and tax matters and we advise clients to seek expert advice on these. The founder of the small high street firm, based in Herne Bay, Kent, said it completed her stamp duty return based on the figures and the information provided by Ms Rayner. We believe that we did everything correctly and in good faith. Everything was exactly as it should be. We probably are being made scapegoats for all this, and I have got the arrows stuck in my back to show it. If Keir Starmer had a backbone, hed sack Angela Rayner immediately. She has to go. pic.twitter.com/pmHCV0rcrb Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) September 3, 2025 Ms Rayner referred herself for an ethics investigation on Wednesday, admitting that she had not paid enough stamp duty on the purchase of the 800,000 flat. She said she had initially been advised that she was not liable for the second property surcharge because she had sold her stake in her family home in Ashton-under-Lyne to a court-instructed trust established in 2020 to benefit her disabled son. But she conceded she had made a mistake after fresh legal advice from a leading tax counsel later revealed that she was liable for the extra duty on her new Hove flat. Before then, she had insisted for weeks that she had paid the correct amount of tax. The independent ethics adviser will assess whether Ms Rayner broke the ministerial rules, which place an overarching duty on ministers to comply with the law, behave in a way that upholds the highest standards of propriety, and be as open as possible with the public. Sir Keir told the BBC he would act on whatever the report is thats put in front of me. The Labour leader said it was for the independent adviser to establish the facts around the controversy, then of course it does fall to me I completely accept that to make the decision based on what I see in that report. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch repeated her calls for the Prime Minister to sack Ms Rayner, saying the conveyancers denial that it advised her on tax is yet more damning evidence that Angela Rayner has not been honest with the British public. Writing in the Daily Express, Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake called Ms Rayners actions the height of hypocrisy. He said: Labours reckless tax agenda, from the family farm tax to attacks on homes and businesses, is proof of a party governing for itself, not for the country. Sir Keir Starmer must find a spine and remove Angela Rayner. Losing the Deputy Prime Minister would cause a headache for Sir Keir as he seeks to reset Government following a difficult summer dominated by criticism of the small boats crisis and speculation about tax rises in the autumn budget. Ms Rayner is popular among the Labour grassroots and is said to have played an important role in defusing the backbench revolt over proposed welfare cuts earlier this year. She is key to his political project, overseeing the manifesto pledge to build 1.5 million new homes as well as the Governments flagship workers rights expansion, and is seen as a bridge between No 10 and the wider party. Robert F Kennedy Jr was on the defensive as he testified before a senate finance committee hearing - Jonathan Ernst/Reuters US government health officials responsible for closing schools during the pandemic have been ousted, Robert F Kennedy Jr said. During a tense grilling before Congress, Mr Kennedy defended a spate of controversial sackings and resignations at the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) under his tenure as the health and human services secretary. Last week, Mr Kennedy fired Dr Susan Monarez, the new CDC director, after they clashed on vaccine and public health recommendations, and other senior officials quit. Dr Susan Monarez clashed with RFK over vaccine policies. She was later fired as CDC head - Kevin Mohatt/Reuters Defending the turmoil at the agency, Mr Kennedy said the changes were absolutely necessary adjustments to restore the agency to its role as the worlds gold standard public health agency, with a central mission of protecting Americans from infectious disease. He claimed CDC officials failed that responsibility miserably during Covid and called for new blood at the agency, adding: And the people at the CDC who oversaw that process, who put masks on our children, who closed our schools, are the people who will be leaving... And thats why we need bold, competent and creative new leadership at CDC. It is widely accepted that school closures during the pandemic had a negative impact on children. The National Centre for Education Statistics found the average scores for nine-year-old children declined by five points for reading and seven in maths in 2022 compared to 2020. This was the largest average decline in reading since 1990 and the first ever decline in maths. The closure of schools also impacted childrens mental health. Data from the CDCs youth risk behaviour survey found the percentage of high school children who experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness increased from 30 per cent in 2013 to 40 per cent in 2023. During the heated session, Mr Kennedy clashed with both Democrat and Republican committee members over his claims about vaccines. Senator Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, backed RFKs Covid jabs stance - Kayla Bartkowski/Bloomberg Senator Ron Johnson, a Republican of Wisconsin, supported Mr Kennedys claims about Covid vaccines, holding up data showing that people who got the jabs were allegedly more susceptible to chronic illness than those who did not. When asked by Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, how many had died from Covid in the US, Mr Kennedy said I dont think anybody knows before accusing the Biden administration of data chaos. Approximately 1.2 million Americans died from Covid, according to the CDC and the World Health Organisation. Raising his voice, Mr Warner said Mr Kennedy doesnt know how many Americans died from Covid, he doesnt know if the vaccine helped prevent any deaths, and you are sitting as secretary of health and human services how can you be that ignorant? Senator Bill Cassidy spoke of his concern over denying people vaccines - Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters Mr Kennedy also had a fiery exchange with Bill Cassidy, a Republican senator of Louisiana, and trained doctor who shared concerns about Mr Kennedys medical opinions ahead of his confirmation. He had his own sharp exchange with Mr Kennedy. When asked by Mr Cassidy whether Donald Trump deserved the Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed, the project that accelerated the development of Covid vaccines, Mr Kennedy agreed. But the Louisiana Republican then pressed Mr Kennedy on how he could agree with this statement and attempt to restrict access to the vaccines. Under Mr Kennedys direction, officials have narrowed who is eligible for vaccines. Last month, the Food and Drug Administration approved updated Covid vaccines, but only for seniors or younger people with underlying health risks. Were denying people vaccines, Mr Cassidy said as he closed out his line of questioning. Youre wrong, Mr Kennedy responded. Mr Kennedy and Michael Bennet, a Democrat senator, also bickered when Mr Kennedy was being grilled on his appointment of vaccine sceptics to the CDC vaccine advisory panel. The questioning descended into a shouting match, with the two men screaming questions at each other and accusing the other of failing to answer. Im asking the questions, Mr Bennet shouted. This is not a podcast. It is the American peoples health that is on the line here. The entrance to the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. Photograph: Alan Wilson/Alamy Scotlands national library has reversed a decision not to include a gender-critical anthology featuring more than 30 female writers including JK Rowling and a number of MPs in its centenary exhibition. The Women Who Wouldnt Wheesht charts the campaign against the Scottish governments controversial gender recognition laws. It had been nominated by a number of members of the public to be part of the institutions Dear Library exhibition. In the wake of polarising debates over trans rights, and after concerns were raised by the librarys LGBT+ staff network, it said it had decided not to include the book in the exhibition although it did still have the text in its reading rooms. After an outcry over that decision, however, the library has said it will now include it. Concerned about the effect of the polarising public discourse around the subject matter, the library made the curatorial decision not to include the book in this exhibition, it said in a statement on Thursday. The library has since been subject to scrutiny regarding the decision. The U-turn comes after talks on Wednesday between the national librarian, Amina Shah; the chair of the National Library of Scotland board, Drummond Bone; and the books editors, Susan Dalgety and Lucy Hunter Blackburn. Shah and Bone apologised for not consulting the editors, the library said, adding that it had had further conversations with staff and other exhibition stakeholders. Dalgety and Blackburn said: On behalf of the women who contributed to the book, the people who nominated the book, and all our readers, we are delighted that The Women Who Wouldnt Wheesht is now taking its rightful place in the Dear Library exhibition. We hope this is a turning point in public discourse in Scotland, particularly around sex and gender identity, but also other topics. We will not progress as a nation unless we are able to celebrate our pluralist society and discuss ideas and beliefs in a rational way. Public institutions have a responsibility to show leadership in strengthening national debates and helping find constructive ways through areas of disagreement. The book is to be placed on the exhibitions shelves by the end of the week. The library said it would work with its editors and other exhibition stakeholders to ensure its placement was constructive and inclusive. Shah said: We aspire to bring people together, and encourage respectful and constructive conversation. We will always be inclusive, and we will always welcome everyone to the library. Senator Mark Warners planned visit to a military spy agency was reportedly derailed after extreme right-wing conspiracy pusher and President Donald Trump hanger-on Laura Loomer complained about his visit. Warner is the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. He planned to visit the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency last week at its Virginia headquarters, but Pentagon officials told his office that his trip was off. The Pentagon also imposed new requirements for congressional visits to its military intelligence facilities, the New York Times reports. Under U.S. law, members of Congress have the authority to visit federal agencies for the purposes of oversight. The Trump administration has attempted to bar members of Congress from visiting Immigrations and Customs Enforcement detainment facilities which resulted in lawsuits challenging the president's actions. But the facility Warner was trying to visit isn't well-known to the public, isn't a cornerstone of President Donald Trumps agenda, and isn't mired in controversy. Right wing activist and ally of President Donald Trump influenced the Pentagon to cancel Senator Mark Warners classified oversight visit to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Its unclear how she learned of the visit (AP) The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency analyzes spy satellite imagery and collects intelligence on anything from foreign troop movements to terrorist activities. Yet Warner was still barred from entry. Is congressional oversight dead? Warner asked during a discussion with reporters on Wednesday. This is a dangerous time. If we are not doing oversight, if the intelligence is potentially being cooked or being bent to meet the administrations needs, and we end up in a conflict the American people have the right to say, How the hell did this happen? Warner wasn't looking to make a spectacle of his visit. His trip was classified and there was no plan until now of letting the public know he was heading to the agency's headquarters. According to Warner, he was planning to have a meeting with Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, who heads the agency, regarding the use of artificial intelligence in image analysis. Over the weekend, conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer discovered the unpublicized, classified visit and launched a campaign of baseless attacks against both me and NGA Director Vice Admiral Trey Whitworth for hosting what has always been considered a routine oversight meeting, Warner told reporters. He continued, saying that in "response to Loomers criticism, political appointees canceled the visit, just the latest example of an administration seemingly desperate to please Loomer, a figure with a long history of extreme and outlandish fringe views, including 9/11 denialism, anti-Muslim harassment campaigns, and associations with white supremacists. Senator Mark Warners classified oversight visit to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency was canceled by the Pentagon after right-wing activist and close ally of President Donald Trump complained about it on social media (Getty Images) On Sunday, Loomer wrote a social media post complaining about Warner over his previous criticism of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. She also attacked Whitworth for agreeing to meet with him. Why are the Pentagon and IC allowing for the Director of an Intel agency to host a rabid ANTI-TRUMP DEMOCRAT SENATOR at NGA under the Trump administration? Loomer wrote. Clearly, a lot of Deep State actors are being given a pass in the Intel community to continue their efforts to sabotage Trump under the Trump admin. On Wednesday, Loomer told the New York Times that Warner should be "removed from office and tried for treason" because he was part of the Senate Intelligence Committee that examined the ties between Trump and Russia around the time of the 2016 election. When Loomer was reminded that current Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also on that committee and asked if she too should resign, she gave him a special exception because he made nice with Trump. Well, [Rubio] should apologize, too. Everyone should. But at least Rubio has made amends with Trump and is working in his administration," she told the paper. Loomer wrote on social media that Whitworth should be dismissed because he committed an "act of insubordination" by taking a meeting with Warner. @PeteHegseth should fire Trey Whitworth for insubordination," Loomer wrote in a post on X. Warner, during his discussion with reporters, pondered how a "trolling blogger" Loomer could learn of his classified visit to federal spy agency. Loomer holds no official position within the U.S. government or military. She is simply cozy with the president. Loomer holds no official position within the U.S. government or military. She is simply cozy with the president. (Laura Loomer / X) When he asked the Pentagon to explain why his trip was cancelled, Warner said he was told it was because he planned to visit the agency without a Republican lawmaker in tow. A defense official told the NYT that Warner's visit would be rescheduled when a Republican lawmaker was available to accompany him. The Independent has reached out to the Pentagon for comment. Warner had made previous trips to the facility with Republicans including Rubio when Rubio was in the Senate and Senator Richard Burr, but he said there was never a previous bipartisan requirement to visit in an oversight capacity, noting that he'd made plenty of trips on his own. The senator said Loomer's influence on Trump administration officials is disturbing. You have this outside person that prior to this administration was viewed as a joke consistently going through the intelligence community and knocking off folks, he said. Senior doctors in England are willing to take industrial action over pay, according to a British Medical Association (BMA) survey. It comes as representatives of consultants and SAS (speciality and associate specialist) doctors prepare to meet Health Secretary Wes Streeting for talks next week. Indicative ballots launched by the BMA in July found 67% of the consultants who took part would be willing to walk out while 82% of SAS doctors are in favour of industrial action. When asked if they were prepared to strike, some 10,763 out of 16,082 consultants said yes. Meanwhile, 2,409 out of 2,952 SAS doctors also said yes when asked about industrial action, including strikes. According to the BMA, this years 4% pay uplift for the medics still represents a 26% real-terms pay cut for consultants compared to 2008/09 and a 24% cut for SAS doctors. Dr Helen Neary and Dr Shanu Datta, co-chairs of the unions consultants committee, said: This is a clear sign of our members deep concern over the erosion to their pay, pensions and the value placed in their professionalism, not just in the most recent year, but over the last decade and more. Consultants pay is still more than a quarter down on 2008 levels, and lagging way behind other professions, which are well on the way to or have already experienced having their pay restored. Consultants in England were involved in strikes between July and October 2023. Dr Neary and Dr Datta added: We know from our dispute two years ago that taking industrial action does not come lightly for consultants, but these responses show that they are still willing to stand up to secure much-needed improvements to their working lives and conditions; changes that are so needed to keep consultants and their expertise working here, seeing patients, leading services, innovating treatments, and ultimately improving the health of the wider population. We know that the Secretary of State understands that his and the Governments ambitions to improve health services and the health of the nation cannot be done without our most expert clinicians, and we look forward to discussing how the country can both recruit and retain consultants, and avoid them having to take to the picket line once more. Consultant members of the BMA on the picket line outside Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (Jacob King/PA) Dr Ujjwala Mohite, chairwoman of the BMAs SAS committee, said: SAS doctors are the unsung heroes of the NHS hardworking, but for too long overlooked and undervalued. Todays results show that this invaluable group of doctors will no longer take this lying down, and are willing to stand up and be recognised. SAS doctors are tired of being taken for granted, and are willing to fight for improvements to pay, career progression and development, so they are no longer the forgotten workforce. The Government ignores this senior medical workforce at its peril, and were looking forward to getting around the table to discuss how ministers can properly value and support SAS doctors so that they can excel and continue to offer their full potential to patients and the NHS. The survey results come amid a dispute between the Government and resident doctors in England over pay. The medics previously known as junior doctors staged strikes from July 25 to July 30 and are currently in negotiations. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: This shows that the vast majority of consultants and SAS doctors arent prepared to go on strike, and rightly so. As a highly valued part of the NHS workforce, consultants have seen their pay increase by 22% over the past three years, with an average salary of 145,000 a year. For the first time in over a decade, the NHS is finally on the road to recovery. NHS doctors now have a government that values them and wants to work with them to enhance their working conditions and rebuild our NHS. Were grateful to every senior medic who has chosen NHS recovery over the BMAs attempt to spark further unnecessary strikes. Staff at Scotlands exams body are voting on possible industrial action following what a union described as a totally unacceptable pay offer. Four hundred members of the Unite union at the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) are being balloted on possible action, including, the union said, workers in all grades and in all job roles. It comes after the SQA offered staff a 3% pay rise for 2025, at a time when the union said inflation was hitting 4.8%. Unite said any pay increase for the workforce is now five months overdue, as it had been expected to take effect on April 1. Unite boss Sharon Graham said SQA staff are being forced down the road of industrial action by senior management (PA) The ballot opens on Friday and is set to run until Thursday September 25. Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: Unites SQA members are being forced down the road of industrial action by senior management. The pay offer amounts to a real-terms pay cut and that is totally unacceptable. We will support our members every step of the way in the fight for better jobs, pay and conditions. Members of Unite at the SQA took industrial action last year before accepting a 5.75% pay rise for 2023, and a 3.15% rise plus a 1,000 lump sum for 2024. The SQA is set to be scrapped on December 1 and replaced by the newly-created Qualifications Scotland. The SQA is Scotlands exam body (David Davies/PA) It will be led by former teacher Nick Page, who was appointed interim chief executive of the SQA in June. Alison Maclean, Unite industrial officer, said despite being under new management, the SQA is ignoring the fair pay aspirations of its workers. She added: Workers have had years of uncertainty due to the replacement of the SQA by Qualifications Scotland and they feel completely undervalued and taken for granted. Scottish Government ministers also are suggesting the pay dispute has nothing to do with them when everyone knows they are the paymasters. If our members have to take industrial action the blame will lie squarely with management and ministers. The SQA and the Scottish Government have been approached for comment. Goodbye: Daniel Levy (AFP via Getty Images) Tottenham have announced the shock departure of chairman Daniel Levy after almost 25 years in charge. In a statement, the club said that the ambition to deliver long-term sporting success was a factor in the decision. Levys exit is the latest - and by far the biggest - shake-up at board level at Spurs, signalling the end of an era and the beginning of a new one under fresh leadership. In March, the appointment of Peter Charrington, a director of ENIC and former chief executive of Citi Private Bank, was viewed by some as significant in potentially changing the power balance within the club. Charrington is now the non-executive chairman in a newly created role. A month later, in news exclusively revealed by Standard Sport, Tottenham appointed former Arsenal director Vinai Venkatesham as the clubs new chief executive. Weeks later, executive director Donna Cullen, a long-time confidante of Levys, left the club after almost two decades in the role. Levy, the longest-serving chairman in the Premier League, has now departed and the day-to-day running of the club will be Venkateshams. I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasnt always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made Daniel Levy Levy said: I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees. We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community. I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years. I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasnt always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately. Levys tenure was dogged with fan protests, even as recently as the home loss to Bournemouth last weekend. Supporter unrest has largely stemmed from a lack of silverware won during Levys stewardship. Until the recent Europa League win in May, the 2008 League Cup was the only trophy won during his tenure. Decision-making regarding transfers and managerial appointments has also faced criticism, with the clubs perceived lack of ambition in the transfer market during Mauricio Pochettinos time in charge, which included Premier League title challenges in 2016 and 2017, and then run to the Champions League final, often cited by fans. Tottenham stadium opening night in 2019 (Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images) Fans were this summer quick to blame Levy for Spurs failure to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace when, after weeks of negotiations between the club, bitter rivals Arsenal swooped in a hijacked the move within hours. Levy recently said that the clubs 1billion stadium, opened during that final to the Madrid final in 2019, was his greatest achievement with Spurs. I think its one of those situations when Im not here Im sure Ill get the credit, Levy told Gary Nevilles The Overlap podcast in a rare interview. When you come here and look at this wonderful (stadium), and the fact that other clubs are now trying to copy what were doing, that should be a sign that maybe we did do something bold, and something right. I do recognise there has been a lot of change in recent months as we put in place new foundations for the future Peter Charrington Spurs will now begin a new era, helmed by non-executive chairman Charrington. He said: I am very honoured to become Non-Executive Chairman of this extraordinary Club and, on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Daniel and his family for their commitment and loyalty to the Club over so many years. This is a new era of leadership for the club, on and off the pitch. I do recognise there has been a lot of change in recent months as we put in place new foundations for the future. We are now fully focused on stability and empowering our talented people across the Club, led by Vinai and his executive team. ENIC took control of the club in 2001 and holds around 85 per cent of Tottenham shares. Levy owns a 29 per cent stake in ENIC, with more than 70 per cent held by the family trust of British businessman Joe Lewis. Levy over a year ago confirmed that the club was actively seeking fresh investment as it "requires a significant increase in its equity base" to fulfil its long-term potential and is "in discussions" with potential partners. More follows. Countries across Africa are running out of contraceptives, with some methods already out of stock and others weeks away from no supplies because of US cuts to foreign aid. At least three countries have already run out of at least one form of contraception with UN supply chain data, seen exclusively by The Independent, showing another 13 countries also at high risk of running out. Another 21 countries face a moderate risk of shortages. The lack of contraception will leave women and girls vulnerable to unwanted pregnancy and lead to potentially millions of unsafe abortions, charities have warned. In Tanzania, central medical stores reported being completely out of stock of certain contraceptive implants by the end of July. In Kenya and Zambia, facilities have essentially run out of key brands of implants and injections, among the most popular methods of contraception. As patients struggle to access family planning, much-needed supplies including pills, condoms and intrauterine devices (IUDs) are currently stuck in warehouses in those countries and face expiring before they can be used because of aid cuts. The revelation comes after it emerged that $9.7m (7.2m) worth of contraceptives much of which was destined for the three countries identified by The Independent are being held in Belgium and France, earmarked to be burnt rather than used. A US State Department spokesperson said a rule re-introduced by Trump prohibited providing assistance, directly or indirectly to foreign nongovernmental organisations that perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning. This includes centres that hand out contraceptives, the spokesperson added. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) used to be the backbone of the worlds contraception supply chain. It funded global family planning to the tune of $608m (453m) as well as playing a key role in forecasting need, purchasing products and transporting them around the globe. Countries affected by Trumps USAID cuts were at high risk of running out of condoms and IUDs were at high risk of stock-outs (Getty) When Trump took office for a second time in January and scrapped virtually all foreign aid spending, he pulled the US out of funding and running this system almost overnight. That included cancelling its contribution to the UNs sexual and reproductive health agency, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which is the other key player in getting contraceptives to developing countries. We are seeing an alarming rise in stock-outs of essential contraceptives in some of the worlds most vulnerable communities, said Karen Hong, chief of the supply chain management unit at UNFPA. Recent funding cuts have severely disrupted supply chains but UNFPA is working tirelessly to ensure it remains open and flowing. This means we are doing all in our power to redirect resources and prevent catastrophic gaps, but we urgently need more support to meet the growing demand. The products most commonly out of stock across surveyed countries supported by the UNFPA included contraceptive injections, implants, pills and copper IUDs. Supplies of condoms were stuck in warehouses and were at high risk of going out of stock in many countries. Kenya has experienced particular shortages of the long-acting contraceptive injections Sayana Press and Depo-Provera, as well as of Implanon NXT a type of implant that is inserted under the skin of the arm The Independent understands. These were some of the most popular contraceptive methods in the country, according to Lawreen Sakini, an adolescent and youth coordinator for Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK). IUDs were also near to running out. If we dont take action, by the end of the year we'll be looking at dire situations, said Sakini. The shortages are limiting peoples choices. The injections are really hard to come by, she said. And if we are having a hard time for the communities that are in urban areas, for the marginalised and low income [or] rural areas, it's even harder for them to get the injection. Injections and implants are particularly favoured because its hard for anyone to register you have a contraceptive method in you, Sakini said. That meant it was more private, giving women some control in a culture where contraception can be taboo. For some, keeping pills in the home is risky and sexual partners wont always agree to using condoms. Trumps USAID cuts meant popular contraceptive injections were already going out of stock in Kenya and Zambia (Sopa/Getty) Women are not always in a position to negotiate for safe sex, she explained, particularly for those in abusive relationships. Sakinis team has been running an advice helpline. Since the cuts, clients have already come in seeking referrals for abortion services, or having initiated unsafe abortions, because of unintended pregnancies after they were unable to access contraception. She feared the cuts would not only drive up maternal deaths, but would also increase partner violence against women who experienced unwanted pregnancies. She said she expected the situation to worsen by the end of the year as more products run out with no clear plan to replace them and for scarcity to drive up prices. National supply plan data shared by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) showed that, of 13 contraceptive methods used in Kenya, only two had new supplies already on order for the rest of this year and into next. In Tanzania, implants were also in short supply. When data was last reported by the Medical Stores Department in May, one brand, Jadelle, had already gone out of stock in the countrys central warehouses with a second, Implanon, projected to have run out by the end of July. Another shipment is not expected until October. Without action from governments and other donors to boost supplies, the lack of contraceptives could cause a projected one million extra unsafe abortions and 3.7 million unintended pregnancies in the country by next June, according to Patrick Kinemo, the country director for MSI Reproductive Choices. When our teams go to those remote villages, there's been instances where the commodities are not there, said Kinemo. So then women are left with less choice. It's central to our work that a woman should be shown all available methods, and they should then be able to make an informed choice based on the perceived benefits - limiting choice is unfortunate. While products have run out of stock at a central level, some items remained in health facilities dotted around the country. Kinemo has been working with the government to redistribute the supplies where possible. But at some point, if they're not replenished, they will run out, he said. Following Trumps cuts, Tanzania had an order of around $6.3m dollars worth of commodities cancelled. If you project until next year [in] June, there is a gap of about $20m [worth of contraception], Kinemo said. And his organisation has already seen an 11 per cent drop in clients accessing its services this May compared with the same month last year. Zambia has also reported shortages of contraceptive injections in health facilities, according to Amos Mwale, executive director of the Centre for Reproductive Health and Education (CRHE) in Lusaka. Contraceptives held in a warehouse in Belgium and set to be burned by the US administration were mostly destined for five countries, including Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia (AFP/Getty) A number of people we have spoken to have given us an indication that right now when you go to public facilities, they do not have their preferred method, he said. Instead, these facilities are handing out whatever they have available, including shorter-acting options. This can cause particular problems for those who live in remote areas and have to plan ahead when it comes to contraception. With limited supplies of short-term methods like the pill and condoms on offer, it becomes a challenge for them to consistently be visiting the facility, said Mwale. Responding to The Independents findings, chair of the UK Parliaments International Development Committee Sarah Champion said: Around the world, women and girls are bearing the brunt of aid cuts and political decisions. I am hugely alarmed that, at the same time the US is burning contraception bought for low-income countries, the likely recipients are running out of stock. I urge the [UK] development minister to think again about not ring fencing funding for women and girls; sexual and reproductive health needs protection. Former development minister Andrew Mitchell added: The grossly irresponsible and self-defeating decisions by the British and American governments to slash development spending will destroy years of progress in making life significantly better for girls and women. In particular USAID and Britain have done totally brilliant work supporting womens ability to decide for themselves whether and when they have children. All of this progress is now at risk. It is heartbreaking - above all for those most directly affected by these short-sighted decisions. Kinemo said his team in Tanzania was working to counsel people about other contraceptive options that are available if theyre not able to access their first choice. But this took time, he said, which meant those who couldnt get their usual contraception were likely to either use less effective methods or no protection at all in the meantime. The government was scrambling for resources, he added. But the cuts came too [suddenly] for anyone to plan that quickly, the needs are many across the health sector and in some instances family planning is not seen as life-saving, If an order was put in today, it could still take around three months to get those stocks into health facilities, he said. With high demand in a number of countries, and a limited number of manufacturers in the market, lead times could be even longer. National governments were primarily responsible for ensuring their peoples health, said Mwale, but the short notice had made it difficult for them to fill these gaps. Once you are running a budget, it's very difficult to find sufficient allocation for resources, especially contraceptives, he said. The Zambian government had already planned around the US governments commitment to provide these supplies when portioning out resources. In the meantime, Sakini said, the people who would lose out were those who faced a choice between spending $1 dollar, either to drink water or to take a pill that will prevent you from getting pregnant because you did not have a choice. I just need people to understand how much of a privilege it is to access that one contraceptive, that one pill that long acting method that can cover her for five years or six years while she tries to figure out how she's going to survive, she said. People think of it as a choice or think of it as cosmetic; it is someone else's lifeline. This article is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project Universities cannot return to what they looked like in the 2010s, the Science and Technology Secretary has said, as he called for increasing specialisation and collaboration in higher education. Speaking at the Universities UK conference in Exeter, Peter Kyle said universities and the Government need to work on financial sustainability together and will need to recover in a way fit for the 2030s. One of the problems is that too many universities are competing for the same pool of students at the expense of playing to their relative strengths or truly specialising to become the go-to authority in their field rather than a bit player in many, he told the conference. This is having a real effect on how resources are being prioritised. The university sector cannot recover to become what it looked like in the 2010s, he told the PA news agency. It has to recover in a way that is fit for the 2030s and that is going to be digitally driven. Asked if more cuts to university courses and departments are inevitable, Mr Kyle said universities have to change with society, and there had been a rise in students wanting to study science or technology courses to anticipate where the future economy will go. He added a university cutting some of its arts courses, but compensating that with increased investment into an area in demand like space research, is not necessarily a bad thing. Providing there is, overall, within the sector the specialisms in other universities which are driving towards art. The move towards specialism is a positive, its not a negative, Mr Kyle said. In his speech, the technology secretary announced 9.7 million in funding for work by the National Centre for Universities and Business up to 2029, which supports collaboration between universities and businesses. He told PA: Were not touching the sides on what is possible in commercialising creativity and innovation in universities. And that really frustrates me, he said. We are great as a country at providing through a range of different pathways, the skills that the mainstream economy needs for its workforce, but we are not entrepreneurial enough, and not enough people go to university or to a further education learning centre in order to start a business on the other side. Speaking earlier at the conference, science minister Lord Patrick Vallance said there are substantial challenges facing the sector. We also know that despite the flourishing, start-up spin out seen in the UK, we arent doing well enough yet on scaling those companies and getting them to be sustainable large companies in the UK, he added. More than two in five higher education institution forecast a deficit for 2024-25 in data released in May. Many universities have announced redundancies and cost-cutting measures. Last week, the University of Edinburgh launched a voluntary redundancy scheme for staff as the principal warned higher education in the UK is facing serious and urgent financial challenges. The Government is expected to publish a White Paper soon setting out its plans for higher education reform. Mr Kyle also spoke to vice-chancellors about the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI). You are not going to get AI out of the hands of students, but what you can do is find ways to embrace it in a proper academic way and monitor its use, he told PA. The federal government has filed two separate lawsuits against the Southern California Edison Company, alleging that the power firms infrastructure sparked two wildfires, including the devastating Eaton Fire. In January, the Eaton Fire scorched nearly 14,000 acres in Los Angeles County and killed 19 people. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the Justice Department says the deadly blaze ignited from faulty power infrastructure or by sparks from faulty power infrastructure owned, maintained, and operated by the utility company. The blaze swept through nearly 8,000 acres in the Angeles National Forest destroying roads, trails, and campgrounds and caused catastrophic damage to neighboring communities, burning over 10,000 structures, the lawsuit filed Thursday states. The DOJ has accused the company of negligence, among other claims, and is seeking $77 million in damages across the two suits. "But for Edison's negligence, these fires would not have started," Bill Essayli, the acting U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, said at a press conference. "Fire season is coming up again. We want Edison to change the way it does business." The government is suing the Southern California Edison Company, alleging the utilitys infrastructure sparked the Eaton Fire, which ravaged Los Angeles County in January (AFP via Getty Images) The Eaton Fire was heartbreaking. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, we will review this lawsuit and respond through the appropriate legal channels, Jeff Monford, spokesperson for Southern California Edison, toldThe Independent in a phone call. In a separate suit also filed Thursday, the government says the electric company is responsible for the September 2022 Fairview Fire, which burned nearly 14,000 acres in the San Bernardino National Forest. A sagging power line owned, maintained, and operated by the Southern California Edison Company came into contact with a Frontier Communications messenger cable, creating sparks that ignited vegetation below the lines in Hemet, California, the suit alleges. Volunteers help a homeowner search for personal items after his home was destroyed in the catastrophic blazes (Getty Images) A person in protective gear navigates through the ruins of a burned home in Altadena, the heart of the Eaton Fire (Middle East Images/AFP via Getty) As the blaze roared through Riverside County, it claimed two lives, injured three people and burned 44 structures, the suit says. Our thoughts are with the community affected by the Fairview Fire. We are reviewing the lawsuit and will respond through the appropriate legal channels. We continue our work to reduce the likelihood of our equipment starting a wildfire, Monford said. Southern California Edison is committed to wildfire mitigation through grid hardening, situational awareness and enhanced operational practices, he added. More than 10,000 structures were burned in the Eaton Fire, that emerged in Los Angeles County the same day as the nearby, deadly Palisades Fire (AFP via Getty Images) The Palisades Fire raged in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, forcing many to flee the area as firefighters fought to contain the blaze (Getty Images) The federal government is seeking damages of more than $40 million for the Eaton Fire and $37 million for the Fairview Fire, Essayli said. Another investigation into responsibility for the Palisades Fire is ongoing, the attorney added. State officials said in July that the cost of the damages from the Eaton Fire could deplete the entirety of the states $21 billion wildfire fund if Edison is found responsible for igniting the blaze, the Los Angeles Times reported. Meanwhile, the Fairview Fire cost roughly $38 million for fire suppression and $1.2 million in utility facility damage, according to a California Public Utilities Commission report. Smoke from the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire covers Los Angeles (AFP via Getty Images) Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the Eaton Fire, the Palisades Fire, and other blazes that ignited that on January 7. The Palisades Fire rapidly spread across 23,000 acres in Los Angeles County, killing 12 people and destroying over 6,000 structures. The DOJs lawsuit related to the Eaton Fire comes months after law firm Edelson PC posted a video on social media in late January, pointing fingers at the power company for being responsible for the blaze. Weve obtained video that indicates the Eaton fire in Los Angeles started after an apparent arc on SoCal Edison lines, the firm wrote in the post. Were back in court for a hearing tomorrow fighting to make sure that SoCal Edison keeps all the evidence that we will put before a jury in this case. The firm filed several complaints against the power company on behalf of victims; those cases are ongoing. A house is engulfed in flames as the Palisades Fire burns along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu (AFP via Getty Images) Rows of mansions were among the structures destroyed in the deadly blaze, including many owned by celebrities (Getty Images) That video requires careful analysis, a spokesperson for Southern California Edison, told The Independent after the video was posted. When we received it, we shared it quickly with fire investigators so that they had it as part of our commitment to transparency, he continued. I would also say its premature for anyone to comment on footage until experts complete a review. And so, weve reached out to the authorities after receiving it to make sure they had it, and we continue to fully cooperate with the investigation. In April, Edison International Chief Executive Pedro Pizarro told the Los Angeles Times that one of the companys dormant transmission lines was a leading hypothesis for the start of the Eaton Fire. The company plans to take steps to strengthen idles lines out of an abundance of caution, he said at the time. Dear Vix, I am a 27-year-old woman and Im a virgin. I have just recently become interested in the dating scene. I am wondering how I can tell a guy that Im a virgin in a way that wont run him off in the other direction. How do I approach this kind of situation in the modern dating scene? Uncertain Dear Uncertain, First of all, I want to reassure you that youre not alone. Last year, I remember reading about the actor Rebel Wilson: beautiful, successful, funny and a virgin until she was 35. Not everybody has to lose their virginity as a teenager, she writes in her memoir, Rebel Rising. The Pitch Perfect actor goes on to describe herself as a late bloomer. People can wait till theyre ready or wait till theyre a bit more mature, she writes. And I think that could be a positive message. You obviously dont have to wait until youre in your thirties like me, but you shouldnt feel pressure as a young person. When we look at the statistics, it shows that rather than people overwhelmingly losing their virginity at a younger age, plenty of us wait until later in life just like you. A YouGov survey last year revealed that 5 per cent of Britons 4 per cent of women and 6 per cent of men who were willing to give an answer aged 25 or older were yet to have sex for the first time. A quarter of Japanese people remain virgins into their twenties and thirties, according to a 2019 study. Among those aged 30 to 34, the number of women who reported never having had heterosexual intercourse was 11.9 per cent, while this figure was 12.7 per cent for men. Last year, my lovely colleague Helen Coffey wrote on exactly this topic and spoke to Alyson Cadena, creator of the 30-Year-Old Virgin podcast. Now 33, Alyson didnt have sex until the age of 31. There are loads of us out there, but people are ashamed to talk about it, so they think theyre the only ones, Alyson said. Were almost encouraging that stigma because we wont speak our truth. And Alyson told Helen that one of the biggest dilemmas for her, too, was whether she should be telling people she was dating that she was a virgin. As I started getting into dating, I had to think about that, Alyson said. Some people will judge you, some are going to fetishise it as a weird kink oh, Im going to take her innocence and some people make this assumption that youre going to become too attached. Whether you tell someone or not is your business. Sexually active people dont hand out a resume before they have sex and late bloomers think too much about other people. They need to re-centre and think, What do I need? If that means telling the other person, cool. If that means dont tell them, cool. If it means waiting for love or sleeping with the person you just started seeing, thats fine. I agree with Alyson. My instinct is to ask you if you actually want to tell the people youre dating because you dont have to. Nobody has the right to your story, unless you want to tell it. If you dont feel like you want to get intimate without telling them, then thats a different thing you have every right to lay your cards on the table (especially if it would ease your nerves or feel it might help your partner be gentler or more understanding). In that case, I would be upfront and straight with them, perhaps simply saying: Just so you know, I havent done this before but I really want to. If you dont want to say anything, however, dont. What is most important is that you feel in control of your narrative. I also wouldnt rush to have sex. Dont feel you have to do anything on the first, second or even third date unless you want to. The only person entitled to an opinion or choice on your sex life is you. Do you have a problem you would like to raise anonymously with Dear Vix? Issues with love, relationships, family and work? Email dearvix@independent.co.uk Im not sure what Nigel Farage was thinking when he decided to skip school and go off on a grandstanding jolly to Washington as a kind of Quisling to British interests, but it didnt work out that well. Yes, he did get the money shot of a rather stilted photo of him standing next to a seated President Trump in the Oval Office, but we hardly need reminding that he knows Trump. He did not, pointedly, get the full Oval Office photocall treatment with Vance, Rubio et al, plus a gaggle of reporters. This is reserved for proper world leaders, but Trump could have done his friend a favour and pretended he was prime minister-in-waiting. Farage didnt get, as far as can be seen, even a handshake recorded by the official photographer. If anything, Farage looked more like the kind of English butler that wealthy Americans used to hire to show off their wealth. Trump certainly didnt sound off on Truth Social or X about his great friend and how he wants him to be PM. Maybe, given Trumps massive unpopularity in the UK, thats just as well from Nigels point of view. Worse than that, his hearing before a Congressional committee on free speech didnt go as well as Farage might (but shouldnt) have expected. You dont have to be Wolf Blitzer to know that about half of a Congressional committee would be hostile Democrats, but Farage, arrogant as ever, thought he could handle them. He couldnt. He had his ass, as they say, handed to him on multiple occasions, and emerged an even smaller man, especially after they found out hed skived off to an interview with his own propaganda channel, GB News. Farage was also sporting a GB News badge as a little bit of additional brand marketing, rather than a nice enamel union jack lapel pin, which is off, given that his allies are banging on about raising the flag at every opportunity. Captive, unable to just walk out under tough questioning, deflect onto some whataboutery or say boring! like some kid, Farage had to sit there, not interrupt or insult the panel, and take his punishment. It was a delight. Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin, who could teach our Labour folk a thing or two, stung the patriot Farage hard when he told him that if he was so was so worried about the British Online Safety Act, he might have been better advised to make a fuss in the legislature to which hes been elected, not a foreign one: He should go and advance the positions hes taking here in Congress today in parliament, which is meeting today, if hes serious about it. Raskin called Farage a Putin-loving free speech impostor, which is as accurate an epigram as any. Farage obviously bristled when Hank Johnson, from Georgia, told him he was a fringe party leader who was here today to impress all of those tech bros. Even more hurtful was the idea put to Farage that hed still love to have some of Elon Musks money, having to explain to the Americans that hed had a falling out with Musk, and such lavish funding was going to Reforms rival Advance, headed by his former Reform deputy leader Ben Habib. Nigel Farage looked like Donald Trumps English butler as he posed stiffly next to him in the Oval Office (Nigel Farage/X) In the past, Farage found that his mixture of faux patriotic bluster, brash posturing, and disdain served him well in the genteel, bovine environment of the European Parliament, but hes been a flop at Westminster even when hes there and was thoroughly spanked by the Americans. He should have remembered that when Congress wants to, it can destroy even the most determined demagogue, as it once did with Senator Eugene McCarthy, and when it dispatched one Richard Milhous Nixon. Getting above himself and making the absurd claim that the UK has turned into North Korea, Farage was rightly punished for his hubris. Farage would have been far, far better off attending PMQs, laying into Angela Rayner and capitalising on Kemi Badenochs tragically poor performance as leader of the opposition. Instead, Keir Starmer gleefully pointed out the simple, uncomfortable truth about this Farage excursion to badmouth and talk down our country and to lobby the Americans to impose sanctions on this country that will harm working people. What did we learn from this episode of Mr Farage Goes to Washington? First, that Farage is vulnerable and that he hates being challenged by a confident, well-briefed interlocutor. In a TV debate or in a media interview, he can be pinned down and exposed for the charlatan he is. In that context, its no surprise he spends as little time as possible in the Commons hes not up to parliamentary combat, as weve already seen with his rare appearances, and he avoids lengthy interrogations. He has rarely been properly held to account in recent times for the damage Brexit has done, why his immigration policies and plans for the NHS are unworkable, and why his economic policy makes Liz Truss look cautious. Second, it gives a little glimpse into what a poor statesman and representative for Britain Farage would be if he got any closer to power and especially if the Democrats ever get back into power. His fragile ego, mediocre intellect, and sheer ignorance are not what any country needs in its leader. Third, and most depressingly, it shows that when theres a choice between his own lust for publicity and fame in the United States and the national interests of the United Kingdom, it is Farage that Farage puts first. He claimed later that he never wanted Trump to sanction Britain for its laws on inciting racial and other hatred, and protecting children from online predators. Yet his own written submission urges the Americans to declare as US policy that foreign speech restrictions have no effect on Americans acting in the United States and on US-hosted services even if accessed abroad, and instruct the Executive to defend this position in diplomacy and trade fora. Trade fora being the very discussions on reducing tariffs and expanding the trade deal Starmer and his colleagues are working so hard on precisely to offset the malign effects of the Brexit Farage campaigned so hard for. A US free trade deal and a proper, comprehensive one remains far off is the one thing Farage can claim to be a Brexit benefit, yet hes actively sabotaging it. He is asking the Americans to exert the kind of coercive control over British laws and policy that he accused the European Union of doing for so long. Hardly standing up for British sovereignty, are we, Nigel? It does rather look, sadly, as if Farage puts himself before his party, and his party before his country. Patriotism and leadership are more than demonising refugees and wearing union jack socks. Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Sep 3, 2025 - Jessica Lee / Shutterstock Watching President Xi in Beijing walking with President Putin on one side and Kim Jong-un of North Korea on the other is confirmation to Keir Starmer and the Labour government, if confirmation should have ever been needed, that China poses a real threat to the free world and in particular the UK and our interests. I have for some time warned of the growing power of the new axis of totalitarian states, at the heart of which sits China. In the process I have lost count of the numbers of establishment figures who have dismissed these warning as scare mongering. Yet it has long been the ambition of President Xi to create a new world order in which the norms of the free world, such as democracy, the rule of law and basic freedoms can be consigned to history in favour of autocracy. The very fact that he has put on such a public show of support for the two brutal dictators next for him is because he believes he is on the verge of achieving his goal. Xi has the largest and most modern military, even now his naval ship building outstrips the USA and Western Europe. China has invaded the South China Seas, even though the UN dismissed his claims of sovereignty and he regularly clashes with ships belonging to the Philippines and other shipping. I understand that a Royal Navy ship in February in the West Philippine Sea, HMS Spey, was aggressively forced to take evasive action by a Chinese Coastguard ship heading deliberately straight for it. China has made it clear it wants to take control of Taiwan, a democracy and the home of some of the most advanced microprocessor technology in the world. It now regularly sends warplanes into Taiwans airspace by way of a warning and a threat. Apart from the genocide it is practising in Xinjiang and the widespread use of slave labour and forced organ harvesting, China now openly ensures full support for Russia in its brutal unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, a war that has already been responsible for some one and a half million dead and wounded. It buys Russian oil and gas, in defiance of the sanctions and allows Russia to use its alternative banking system. As the Telegraph reports, exports by China to Russia include aircraft engines, microchips, metal alloys, camera lenses, fibreglass, emulsion binders for fibreglass, and carbon fibre yarns all key components to produce the explosive drones that night and day attack Ukrainian civilians. Beside Xi walks Kim Jong-un, the brutal dictator of North Korea who with encouragement from China is supporting Russias war effort by producing artillery ammunition and other military equipment and North Korean soldiers fighting alongside the Russians in Ukraine. Iran, is also a full part of this axis. Xis, power extends around the globe as he has also put himself forward of the developing countries and has huge influence amongst the non-aligned states, some of whom are on display in Beijing. As Xi, Putin and Kim look at the West, they see weakness and division. The recent meeting between Trump and Putin showed this division very clearly. Instead of a ceasefire, Putin was able to get away with calling for peace but on his terms of gaining land from Ukraine. Meanwhile his war continues with brutality as Ukraine is unable to get all the weapons it requires to defend itself. Western Europe has failed to maintain strong defences and is now forced to try and catch up as part of Nato, whilst European countries still buy Russian oil, via India, knowing they are financing the Russian war effort. Here at home the Labour government refuses point blank to face off to this enormous threat. Whilst they finally put Iran, Russia and North Korea in the upper tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, (FIRS) which defines those countries as a threat, China was weakly described as a challenge, yet it is so obviously at the heart of this axis. To add insult to injury, the British government is still determined to allow China to build and enormous embassy next to the City of London, with accommodation for another 200 hundred spies. As the Inter Parliamentary Alliance on China, (IPAC) has made clear, his axis is real and working to bring an end to all that we have cherished. Freedom isnt free, it has cost us dear over the last century in lives lost defending it. The beginning of the end of that freedom is when democracies think they can appease dictatorships. They cannot. Our government and the rest of the West better remember the lessons of the 1930s and wake up now or it will be too late and this brutal new world order will become ours by default. Largest Great White Sharks joebelanger from Getty Images Pro and Hrecheniuk Oleksii/ via Canva.com Californias beaches are legendaryhundreds of miles of sun, surf, and sand that draw millions of people every year. Along with all the zen vibes and glamor of the West Coast, though, is the ever-present knowledge that surfers and swimmers are sharing the waves with sharks. Attacks are exceedingly rare, but do happen occasionally because of the sheer numbers of people in the ocean and their similarity to sharks normal prey. Five beaches have historically had more attacks than average. Find out why incidents cluster at these locations and how to keep yourself safe from this rare danger. Sharks of the Golden Coast A leopard shark swims in a kelp bed along the Pacific Coast of California. David A Litman/Shutterstock.com Stretching for more than 800 miles, Californias shoreline is home to a surprisingly wide variety of shark species. The one that captures the most attention, of course, is the great white shark. Other residents of the coast include leopard sharks, blue sharks, Pacific angel sharks, and thresher sharks. On rare occasions, tiger and mako sharks make appearances as well. Most of these species are harmless. Great whites are responsible for most incidents with people. Why Do Sharks Bite People? Liberty Boyd, Marine Biologist. Liberty Boyd Original / License Liberty Boyd is a postdoctoral research fellow at Florida Atlantic University. Her professional experience includes work at the NOAAs Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. Currently, she is part of the United Nations International Youth Council as an ocean and climate advocate. Most bites are cases of mistaken identity during feeding. Sharks often investigate things with their mouths, so they may bite something and realize it isnt prey and move on, Boyd explains. In California, great white attacks often happen in areas where the sharks regularly feed on seals and schools of fish. Surfers in the water, paddling on their boards, look like seals viewed from below by ocean predators. Another group at special risk are spear fishers. Struggling fish and blood can attract sharks, triggering feeding behavior. Blood, vibrations, or rapid movement can draw sharks in and cause competitive feeding behavior, Boyd says. How Common Are Shark Attacks? Statistically, this vending machine is more likely to kill you than a shark. Ground Picture/Shutterstock.com Globally, unprovoked shark bites number between 63 and 69 per year. Only a handful are fatalfewer than six on average. The United States typically reports the highest number of incidents, making up more than half the global total. In 2023, there were 36 unprovoked bites across U.S. waters. Florida leads by a wide margin, while California usually records fewer than three per year. Shark attacks in Florida are very rare considering how many people swim, surf, and dive in the state every day, Boyd says. On average, there are about 16-20 unprovoked bites per year, with fatalities being extremely rare (often none in a given year). On the other coast, from 1950 to 2021, California logged 201 confirmed incidents. 107 involved non-fatal injuries, while only 15 were fatal. Spread across seven decades and millions upon millions of visitors, that amounts to fewer than one attack per year. To put that in perspective, on average, two people every year are killed by vending machines falling on them! Five of Californias Top Beaches for Shark Attacks Surfers are one of the vulnerable populations to shark attacks. Riderfoot/Shutterstock.com Even though shark bites are rare, some coastal areas see more activity than others. Some of the risk factors include the water depth, seal populations, time of year, and the number of people the beach attracts. This is especially true for beaches that attract surfers, divers, and fishermen who venture farther out into deeper water. These five locations top the list for recorded shark incidents: La Jolla (San Diego County) Seals at La Jolla beach. La Jolla has recorded as many as 12 shark interactions over the years. With its kelp forests, rocky reefs, and abundant marine life, La Jolla draws both humans and large marine predators. One of Californias most infamous incidents happened in 1959. Diver Robert Pamperin was fatally attacked while diving near La Jolla Cove. The areas most recent documented encounter was on June 6, 2011. A freediver was injured by a sevengill shark bite at the Childrens Pool. This area was originally built to be safe for families at the beach, but it has since become a gathering spot for harbor seals. San Onofre State Beach (San Diego County) The San Onofre State Beach is popular with surfers and Great White Sharks. SCLS/Shutterstock.com San Onofre State Beach, renowned for its world-class surf breaks like Church and Trestles, is one of Californias most popular surfing destinations and also among the beaches with a higher number of shark incidents. Since its establishment in 1971, at least eight encounters have been recorded, placing it alongside other top beaches in the state for such incidents. These events are rare and typically non-fatal, but they highlight the presence of great white sharks drawn by San Onofres deep-water drop-offs and abundant marine life. The most recent documented encounter occurred in October 2022. Its safer to swim in groups and remain close to shore rather than venturing out alone. Liberty Boyd, postdoctoral research fellow at Florida Atlantic University Humboldt Bay (Humboldt County) This is Humboldt Bay, rich with marine life, including Great White Sharks. EWY Media/Shutterstock.com Humboldt Bay, on Californias far northern coast, has cold, nutrient-rich waters that support a vibrant marine ecosystem, including seals and diverse fish species, which in turn attract great white sharks.. The bay has recorded at least eight shark attacks, making it one of Northern Californias most notable sites for shark-human encounters. Humboldt County as a whole has seen approximately sixteen shark attacks since 1960, according to multiple shark incident databases and news reports. The most recent confirmed incident occurred on October 2, 2022, when a surfer at Centerville Beachjust south of the baysustained serious injuries from a great white shark but survived the attack. Salmon Creek Beach (Sonoma County) Cold-water beaches in Northern California attract fewer people to the water. paulaah293/Shutterstock.com Salmon Creek Beach in Sonoma County is a renowned coldwater surf spot known for strong currents, active seal colonies, and surfing throughout the year. The beach has recorded at least eight shark incidents, placing it high among Californias top locations for sharkhuman encounters. On October 3, 2021, a surfer named Eric Steinley was seriously injured in a great white shark attack, suffering a severe bite to his leg but surviving due to the rapid actions of fellow surfers and first responders. Later that year, on December 22, 2021, another non-injurious encounter with a shark was reported at the same beach, underscoring Salmon Creeks status as a hotspot for such incidents. Huntington Beach (Orange County) By far, Huntington Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the state. Ronald Enriquez/Shutterstock.com Huntington Beach, proudly bearing the nickname Surf City, USA, is celebrated for its vibrant surf culture and draws millions of visitors each year. The city has recorded at least seven shark attacks, placing it among Californias more notable beaches for such encounters. Despite the number of incidents, the risk of a shark attack for any individual visitor remains extremely low because of the high volume of beachgoers. Most recently, on March 5, 2025, a great white shark sighting led to a one-mile-long precautionary closure of the beach, though no attack or injury was reported Reducing Your Risk of Shark Attack Avoid wearing bling, like glittery engagement rings, in the water. PBXStudio/Shutterstock.com Even though its highly unlikely you will get bitten by a shark, people can reduce the risk greatly by taking a few precautions. Its safer to swim in groups and remain close to shore rather than venturing out alone, Boyd advises. I recommend staying away from places where people are fishing or discarding bait, as this can attract sharks to the area. Also, avoid diving with people who are spearfishing. Here are a few additional tips from experts: Dont swim at dawn or dusk. Stay away from large seal colonies. Avoid wearing shiny jewelry or bright clothing that glitters like fish scales. Dont swim in murky, choppy conditions. Try not to splash excessively. Get out of the water if you get cut and are bleeding. Sharks and the Oceans Balance Divers with a hammerhead shark. bcampbell65/Shutterstock.com Sharks are critical to ocean health, Boyd says. They control populations of other species and help keep ecosystems balanced. We need sharks far more than they need us. Respecting their role and changing how they are portrayed in the media is the best way to stay safe and protect these ecologically important and iconic marine animals. The post 5 California Beaches With the Most Shark Attacks appeared first on A-Z Animals. By Trevor Hunnicutt, David Brunnstrom and Matt Spetalnick WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Images this week of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping seemed to confirm what many experts have already concluded - the U.S. has stumbled in its effort to draw India into its diplomatic orbit. Successive U.S. presidential administrations have sought to cultivate the historically non-aligned India as a strategic counterweight to China and Russia. But as the images of Modi in Tianjin underlined, U.S. President Donald Trump appears for now to have undercut that goal with a series of actions. These have included piling 50% tariffs on Indian goods and publicly browbeating New Delhi over what his administration sees as its opportunistic purchases of cheap Russian oil. The souring of the India relationship comes even as U.S. adversaries China, Russia and North Korea have tightened their ties, despite Trump's desire to reset relations with each of them. On Wednesday, the leaders of the three countries appeared together in public for the first time at an event to mark the end of World War Two. And Modi, in a signal to Trump, is showing a willingness to boost rather than reduce ties with Moscow - and to look past his suspicions of Beijing. "I fear we are locked into a long downward spiral because neither leader is willing to pursue the personal outreach necessary to repair the relationship," said Ashley Tellis, who served in the White House of Republican President George W. Bush and is now at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think tank. "The problem now is Trump's deepening grievances against India," Tellis said. "He may change his mind down the road, but presently the imperative of securing a trade deal with China trumps all other geopolitical considerations." Indian officials have been rankled by having their trade proposals rejected and their arch-rival Pakistan honored by Trump, slights compounded by the U.S. president claiming credit for resolving decades-long tensions between the South Asian neighbors, which India regards as a bilateral affair. Tanvi Madan, an India specialist at the Brookings Institution, said U.S. criticism of Modi's meetings with Xi and Putin struck Indians as odd just weeks after Trump rolled out the red carpet for the Russian leader and given the U.S. president's own plans to meet with Xi. "That criticism and pressure on India isn't going to sway India from seeking strategic autonomy; it is going to reinforce that instinct," she said. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Trump's foreign policy record "is unparalleled because of his uncanny ability to look anyone in the eye and deliver better deals for the American people," including brokering an India-Pakistan ceasefire. "President Trump and Prime Minister Modi have a respectful relationship, and teams from both the United States and India remain in close communication on the full range of diplomatic, defense and commercial priorities in our strategic partnership," she said. Indias foreign ministry did not respond when asked for comment. An Indian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Trump administration's narrative on India, including recent comments by Trump's advisers, was unjustified but Delhi continues to engage with it. The official said the thaw with China has been happening since October and is not targeted at the U.S. CHINA VERSUS INDIA Modi's improving relations with Xi are especially striking given long-standing Sino-Indian tensions and sometimes outright hostility, including a military clash on their disputed border in 2020. His trip to China was his first in seven years. Trump's recent attacks have thrown assumptions of a mutually beneficial U.S. partnership with India into the air, with his "America First" approach often hitting Washington's major partners and allies harder than its traditional geopolitical adversaries. "We get along with India very well, but India, you have to understand, for many years it was a one-sided relationship," Trump told reporters on Tuesday, reprising a theme he has raised multiple times in recent weeks. China, India and Russia are all original members of the BRICS, a group Trump has dubbed "anti-American." Another BRICS nation, Brazil, which like India has been an important U.S. partner, has also been targeted by Trump, facing stiff tariffs and accusations that it is pursuing a "witch hunt" against his far-right ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro. Referring to the images of solidarity in Beijing, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro on Monday called it "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 in Putin and Xi Jinping." Trump's advisers say the shift in tone is not intended as a pivot away from India, but to speak frankly with a partner. RISKS TO THE QUAD Trump courted Delhi during his first term, hosting a joint "Howdy Modi" rally in Texas in 2019, and revived the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, that also includes Japan and Australia. Modi quickly sought to rekindle ties after Trump's November election victory, calling to congratulate him within hours, dispatching his foreign minister to sit in a prime seat at the inauguration and launching an account on the Trump-backed Truth Social platform - though he hasn't used it since July. But Trump quickly took aim at the trade imbalance and immigration issues. When Modi visited Washington in February, trade was firmly the focus and they agreed to work toward a limited trade deal by fall 2025, to expand bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, while India pledged to boost U.S. energy purchases. India has been expected to host a November Quad summit, with a more explicit focus on security vis-a-vis China than previously. But Trump has yet to schedule a trip there, according to a person familiar with the issue. Doubts about the meeting have come as Trump has set his sights on a major tariff deal with China ahead of a November deadline. "For now, in Trump's worldview, there's no great power competition that requires the Quad," said Tellis. Fixing the U.S.-India relationship may require more effort than it took to break it. "India is a clear example of a country that for historical, political and economic reasons won't simply bow down to Trump," said Brett Bruen, who served as a foreign policy adviser to former President Barack Obama and is now head of the Global Situation Room consultancy. "They've got other options." (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, David Brunnstrom and Matt Spetalnick in Washington and Shivam Patel in New Delhi; Editing by Don Durfee and Claudia Parsons) Rock Island Campground near Leavenworth, Wash., where multiple law enforcement agencies were searching for Travis Decker, on Aug. 25. (FBI via AP) Bones that were discovered near a Washington state campground as authorities searched for a man suspected of killing his three daughters are not human remains, the FBI said Wednesday. The bones were found amid a manhunt for Travis Decker, the father of Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, whose bodies were discovered at a Cascade Mountains campground on June 2. The bones were discovered as the FBI and other authorities searched an area around the Rock Island Campground on Aug. 25 and Aug. 26, the FBI said. The bones were then sent for analysis to determine whether they were animal or human. While we do not anticipate further updates related to this specific search, the investigation continues, W. Mike Herrington, special agent in charge of the FBI Seattle field office, said in a statement Wednesday. This extensive search was just one step in a three-month process by a variety of agencies to locate Travis Decker, discover signs of his whereabouts, or find any other evidence of the murder of his three daughters, Herrington said. The children's bodies were found with plastic bags over their heads, according to officials. DNA matching Decker was on the bags, the Chelan County Sheriffs Office has said. Autopsies carried out in early June determined the cause of death was suffocation as a result of homicide. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading directly to Deckers arrest. He should be considered armed and dangerous, the FBI said. On May 30, Decker's ex-wife reported that Decker did not return the girls after a planned visit, authorities said. The report was not enough to trigger an Amber Alert, the Washington State Patrol has said. Decker has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. A group of brazen California health care workers were fired for posting a dehumanizing TikTok video that mocked their patients in urgent-care exam rooms. The since-deleted video shows several former employees at Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara posing with bodily fluid left by patients who were seated on the paper covering of the exam tables, captioned, Guess the substance, KTLA reported Wednesday. Are patients allowed to leave you guys gifts? the workers wrote in the TikTok video, over an image of the smiling medical staff. Several staff members at Sansum Clinics urgent care facility in Santa Barbara lost their jobs after a TikTok video mocked patients in exam rooms. @angieuncut/TikTok The second image shows a beaming female worker giving a thumbs-up while she hovered over a small stain left behind by a patient on the exam table, with the text yes! overlaid. All shapes and sizes, another reads, showing a disturbing image of a different worker bending over a large stain on a different exam table while sticking her tongue out. The final image shows multiple employees clustered around another exam table with a stain with the caption, Make sure you leave your healthcare workers sweet gifts like these! Sutter Health, one of the largest nonprofit health care networks in Northern California, which is partnered with Sansum Clinic, stated that it was deeply concerned about the employees actions. We are deeply concerned about a disrespectful social media post made on a personal account by a former employee, and we are conducting a full review in line with our policies, a Sutter Health spokesperson told KTLA. The deleted video depicted several former Sansum Clinic workers in Santa Barbara making light of bodily fluids left on exam table paper. @angieuncut/TikTok One of the images shows a worker bending over a large stain on a different exam table while sticking her tongue out. @angieuncut/TikTok The health care network stated that the individual who posted and all those who appeared in the viral TikTok have been fired as of Wednesday. It claimed that a former employee, who hadnt worked with the facility in two months, had posted the video on social media. Sansum Clinic released a statement on Instagram on Wednesday saying it shares the concern raised by the video. Patient trust and dignity are always our top priority and any behavior that violates those standards is unacceptable, the post read. The video was originally posted by the user @angieuncut on TikTok, according to the Santa Barbara Independent. Despite the video being deleted from TikTok and the user putting their account on private, screen recordings of the disturbing workers were shared to multiple other social media platforms, quickly causing outrage among users. The video was initially posted by the user @angieuncut on TikTok, but has since been deleted. @angieuncut/TikTok Sutter Health, one of the largest nonprofit health care networks in Northern California, which is partnered with Sansum Clinic, stated that it was deeply concerned about the actions of its employees. Google Maps The brunt of the outrage came from the Reddit page r/Santabarbara, after a user shared the video to the sub hours after it was posted on TikTok. Since being posted on Monday, the Reddit post has garnered over 1,000 comments. One commenter, claiming to be a nurse, said the video left her speechless and bashed the workers for being unprofessional and unethical. Another user stated they were going to personally report the video to Sutter executives and that the health care employees would rue the day they posted this dehumanizing garbage. AUSTIN, Texas One of the seven letters 8-year-old Virginia wrote her parents, Lacy and Lars Hollis, while she was at Camp Mystic this summer had a sticker pasted to the back. Be happy, Love, Virginia," it read. In the letter, the young girl said: Mommy, you were right. This is the best. Im having so much fun, Lacy Hollis recalled. Virginia had wished her mom a happy July 4th. Eight-year-old Abby, too, had written her mother and father, Kristin and Matthew Pohl, as well as her grandparents and both sets of cousins. On her note to me, her last one, she had written stars all over the envelope and all over the note, and it just said: 'Dear Mom, Im having so much fun. Im making so many new friends. I love you. See you in Austin,' Kristin Pohl said in a TODAY show interview with Jenna Bush Hager. Kristin Pohl, mother of Abby. (Ilana Panich-Linsman for NBC News) The letters are now precious treasures for the Camp Mystic parents, the last of the voices and thoughts of their daughters. The 12 heartbroken parents said Wednesday that those voices have guided them as they have spent the past month channeling their grief into advocacy for state legislation that would toughen safety for youth camps across Texas, the kind of safety they said did not exist for their daughters. The bills they advocated for which passed the Legislature Wednesday night and are expected to be signed by Gov. Greg Abbott would, among other things, prohibit licensing of camps with cabins in flood plains, require camps to submit detailed annual emergency preparedness plans and implement safety training for staffers and campers. Twenty-seven girls and counselors died July 4 when the Guadalupe River overflowed by several feet in a matter of hours, sweeping through wooded summer camps, homes and businesses. One of the girls, Cile Steward, who was 8, still has not been found. "When I dropped her off, I told her, 'It's the safest place on Earth,'" Lacy Hollis said of leaving her daughter at Camp Mystic. "I don't want another parent's happiest day at the happiest place on Earth to then become something you can't even hardly think about with having your heart ripped open." Lacy and Lars Hollis, parents of Virginia, with their daughter's cattle brand, which Virginia designed and her uncle Craig forged. (Ilana Panich-Linsman for NBC News) Some parents have been left with guilt in the wake of the tragedy. "All of us ask how did we not see this coming or check more closely," said Ryan DeWitt, Molly DeWitt's father. "When you drop your kid at camp, that should be a given." DeWitt said the new requirements in the legislation should be "the bare minimum." Hours after they sat down with NBC News, taking turns giving life to their daughters through memories, the parents went to the Texas Capitol to witness final votes in the state House and Senate to pass The Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act they championed. The parents wore multiple colorful silicone bracelets with the names of one another's daughters on them. They also wore pink pins with a cloud under a halo with the words "Heaven's 27," referring to the lives lost at the camp. Ryan and Elizabeth DeWitt, parents of Molly. (Ilana Panich-Linsman for NBC News) '100% preventable' Blake Bonner, father of 9-year-old Lila Bonner, helped found the Heaven's 27 Foundation to unite parents behind bolstering youth camp safety in the state. The parents, who are dealing with the torment of their grief shock, denial, guilt recognize "that this is a lot larger than Camp Mystic," Bonner said. In the first few weeks after July 4, the only explanations were that "this was an act of God," "part of camping" or "just a freak accident," he said. Bonner said that he could not believe any of that and that as he looked into the facts and circumstances, "it became very, very clear that this wasn't an accident. This was complacency, and it was 100% preventable." "I just couldn't bear the thought that their legacy would bring this much pain," he said. "So we poured our pain into this campaign, and it's been amazing to see their legacy now established as not only heroes, but heroes that have driven this change and legislation that will save lives." Caitlin and Blake Bonner, parents of Lila. (Ilana Panich-Linsman for NBC News) The proposed tougher regulations for youth camps got heavy support and advanced in two otherwise deeply partisan special legislative sessions, during which Democrats fled the state to prevent a vote on highly divisive redistricting legislation. A second special session provided time to move the bills forward. The families also had some lobbyists and other people savvy about navigating the halls of the Capitol on their side. Ryan DeWitt, father of 9-year-old Molly, told Bush Hager the timing allows the safety regulations to take effect before next summer. He said it was a no-brainer for the parents to organize behind that. John Stevens, father of 8-year-old Mary, said, "We all as parents want to be able to send our kids back to camp, for this industry, which is very important to the state of Texas, to continue ... but we want it to happen safely." Stacy and John Stevens, parents of Mary. (Ilana Panich-Linsman for NBC News) "We would have been doing a massive disservice to our daughters for not running with this and seeing this through," Stevens said. The parents said trying to make the camps safer for all children has helped them move forward in their grief. But Will and Cici Steward said they are living in a sort of suspended animation as they continue to wait for their daughter's body to be found. Cici and Will Steward, parents of Cile. (Ilana Panich-Linsman for NBC News) "We are forced to live and wait in agony, hoping and praying and looking for signs from the universe that she's OK and that she will be found," Cici Steward said. "For that to be good news and what we're hoping for, that our child's body be returned to us ... is a reality and a nightmare ... I wouldn't wish upon anybody." On Thursday, the Eastland family which owns and operates Camp Mystic put out a statement in support of the recently passed legislation, praising the families' advocacy and adding that "regardless of the provisions of Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1, our planning and procedures will reflect the catastrophic 1,000-year weather event that occurred on July 4, including never having campers return to cabins that had floodwaters inside them, despite the fact that all cabin floors are already outside of the 100-year flood plain." The camp's owner and director, Richard "Dick" Eastland, died as he was trying to rescue some of the campers from the flash floods. For now, family members are holding on to the moments their daughters relayed to them from the river camp. The campers were all having the best time," said Carrie Hanna, mother of Hadley. "In our photos, in our letters, you could just see and hear the joy they were having. And it makes me happy that they had that. I would have loved for them to have had longer." Laken Snelling appears in court Tuesday in Lexington, Ky. (WLEX) The cause of death for a baby found in a University of Kentucky students closet last weekend remains unknown, officials said. The Fayette County Coroner's Office said in a press release Wednesday that the preliminary autopsy results for the newborn baby boy are "inconclusive" and more tests are needed. The baby is believed to belong to 21-year-old senior Laken Snelling, according to authorities. The coroners office said the baby was born on Aug. 27. "I understand the communitys concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child. This death affects many lives in our neighboring state of Tennessee, as well as those in the Commonwealth," Gary W. Ginn, the countys coroner, said in a statement. "We are currently conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered." Dr. Marcello DiStasio, who is a professor of pathology at Yale School of Medicine and was not involved in the coroner's investigation, described the results as "absolutely routine" but speculated they suggest no visible signs of harm. "It's more likely that they did see nothing and they suspect something that would not show a grossly visible wound or pathology that's more likely," DiStasio said. Snelling, a member of the universitys STUNT team, was arrested on Sunday and accused of hiding her dead infant, found wrapped in a towel, inside a black trash bag in a closet, according to police. Authorities were dispatched to her home in Lexington, Kentucky, on Wednesday, according to a Lexington police arrest citation obtained by NBC affiliate WLEX of Lexington. Snelling told officers that she had given birth and tried to conceal the evidence of the birth, according to a police citation. Abortion has been illegal in Kentucky since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. It is unclear if Snelling knew she was pregnant when she gave birth. Snelling pleaded not guilty to charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Her attorney, Brandon Marshall, declined to comment. She was released Tuesday on a $100,000 bond and placed on house arrest at her parents home in Jefferson City, Tennessee, roughly 200 miles from where she was arrested in Kentucky, according to court documents shared with NBC News. The 21-year-old appeared in court on Tuesday wearing a red dress, red lipstick and her long blonde locks straightened. She largely held her head down and said little to her attorney. The coroner said on Wednesday that there was no additional information to be released and that he would give updates to the public as his investigation continued. "Please keep the family and friends as well as the University of Kentucky friends in your thoughts and prayers," he said. The University of Kentucky has said little about the case since Snelling's arrest, other than confirming her enrollment at the university and that she is a student athlete. Snelling will next appear in court on Sept. 26. As residents of Chicago prepare to mark Mexican Independence Day with parades and events starting this weekend, immigration advocates, as well as state and city officials, are bracing for the celebrations to potentially coincide with a surge of immigration enforcement. We have reason to believe that Stephen Miller chose the month of September to come to Chicago because of celebrations around Mexican Independence Day that happen here every year, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said at a news conference Tuesday, referring to the senior White House aide who has been credited with driving President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. The governor added that hes deeply concerned that officials will specifically target the celebrations and Latino communities. Officials and advocates in Boston are also preparing for any attempt by Trump to ramp up immigration enforcement after Politico published a report Friday indicating Trump was preparing for an immigration crackdown in the city. NBC News hasnt independently verified the report, which cites an unnamed current and a former administration official. Mexican Independence Day celebrations in Chicago in 2023. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune / Getty Images file) Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey told NBC News in a statement Wednesday that what we are seeing from Donald Trump across the country isnt about public safety its about political intimidation. While there arent yet concrete indications of exactly when additional law enforcement could be expected in those cities, immigration enforcement has gone hand in hand with the Trump administrations sending National Guard troops to Los Angeles and in the federal takeover of Washington, D.C. Trump said late Tuesday that he would be going in to Chicago and that he had a right to go into the city to protect this country. The Trump administration has said the operations are necessary to bring down crime, although statistics show crime has been down in cities, including Los Angeles, Washington and now Chicago and Boston. The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that it will go to wherever these criminal illegal aliens areincluding Chicago and Boston. Under President Trump and Secretary [Kristi] Noem, nowhere is a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens. If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will hunt you down, arrest you, deport you, and you will never return. Immigration and other federal agents take a delivery driver into custody at Union Station in Washington on Aug. 16. (Andrew Leyden / Getty Images) Pritzker, a Democrat, said Trump was positioning armed federal agents on federal property in the Chicago region and warned that he would send masked agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement planning to raid Latino communities. In the coming days, we expect to see what has played out in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., to happen here in Chicago, Illinois, he said Tuesday. None of this is about fighting crime or making Chicago safer. For Trump, its about testing his power and producing a political drama to cover up his corruption, Pritzker said. We are ready to fight troop deployments in court, and we will do everything possible to ensure that agents operating inside the confines of this state do so in a legal and ethical manner. Brandon Lee, the director of communications for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, said the advocacy groups focus was on making sure its rapid response teams were ready, increasing the hours and staffing on its ICE enforcement hotline, providing information to people about their rights and connecting them to legal and social services. We are using this moment to promote the hotline, to make sure rapid response teams are prepared, and when the moment comes making sure that there is joint pushback against the Trump administrations overreach, he said. They have been employing new tactics to disrupt our communities and separate families. Were just ready to be nimble. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said alongside Pritzker on Tuesday that violence in the city is not because we have too many immigrants, its because we have too many guns. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker in Chicago on Tuesday. (Scott Olson / Getty Images) Johnson signed an executive order Saturday aimed at curbing the power of federal law enforcement officers and National Guard troops should Trump send them to Chicago. One of the main points of the order, Johnson said, was to direct the citys Law Department to use every legal mechanism to try to stop Trumps potential plan. The executive order also clarifies what actions police officers can take to assist federal law enforcement and says the police department wont collaborate with military personnel or civil immigration enforcement. Sophia Zaman, the executive director of the Raise the Floor Alliance, said its members have been checking in with leaders and flyering work sites, doing peer outreach and working arm in arm with other advocacy groups to prepare. Raise the Floor Alliance is a coalition of worker centers, including in immigrant communities where people are deeply impacted by the administrations policies, she said. We know that the city is facing historic lows when it comes to violence in the city, and what we really need is investments in health care and a thriving living wage and all kinds of benefits that really help stabilize our communities, not this kind of militarization, she said. Were going to equip our people, and well be ready, she said. The Trump administration has indicated that other Democratic cities could also be on the list. Noem told CBS News on Sunday that she would encourage every single big city, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, whatever they are, if they want to help make their city safer, more prosperous, allow people the opportunity to walk in freedom like the people of Washington, D.C., are now and enjoying going out to eat at night and not having to worry if theyre going to be a victim of a carjacking or a robbery, they should call us. Boston Mayor Michelle Wus office said it hasnt heard anything from ICE about a potential surge of enforcement in the city. Unfortunately, at this moment in our country, where we see this federal administration willing to take actions that push the boundaries of law or even step beyond the boundaries of law and our Constitution, I imagine every mayor of every major city is having to make some sorts of preparations, Wu told NBC Boston on Monday. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu addresses the crowd at a Labor Day rally Monday. (Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images) Sarang Sekhavat, the chief of staff at the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, said that while there are still questions about the timeline of what any surge in immigration officials would like, advocates in Boston have been following what has been happening in Los Angeles and Washington and will do the same with any potential operation in Chicago. We are in constant communication with organizations on the ground in those cities and across the country anyway, he said. It gives us sort of an idea of what we can expect. There is some attempt to provide a unified response to this around the country, he said. Healey, the Massachusetts governor and a Democrat, pushed back against Trumps stated goal of combating crime. He said he would go after the worst of the worst, but instead, hes going after farmers, construction workers, landscapers, nannies, health care aides, and restaurant workers, she said in a statement. This makes us all less safe, and it isnt helping our economy or lowering costs. Thats what the President is trying to avoid talking about. Chinese President Xi Jinping gives a speech during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, China, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. (Suo Takekuma/Pool Photo via AP) TIANJIN, China (AP) China plans to accelerate the creation of a development bank and set up an international platform for energy cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced Monday at a summit that represents an emerging challenge to U.S. global leadership with the participation of Russia and India. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the leaders meeting in Tianjin, in northern China, for the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The security forum was originally seen as a foil to U.S. influence in Central Asia and has grown in size and influence over the years. Xi is attempting to expand the scope of the SCO. He announced initial plans for a development bank run by the organization, introduced a cooperation platform for green and energy industries and pledged $1.4 billion in loans over the next three years to the organizations members. Xi also said he was opening the way for SCO member states to use Chinas BeiDou satellite system, an alternative to the GPS system controlled by the U.S. Putin expressed support for Xis initiatives, saying he believes the SCO could take on the leading role in efforts to form a more just and equal system of global governance in the world. Laos joined the SCO as a partner, a designation short of full membership, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters. The combined group of members and partners has reached 27, representing countries in Central and Southeast Asia, along with China, India, Russia, Iran and others. China on message Xi stressed countries should reject Cold War thinking, rival power blocs and bullying and instead protect the U.N.-centered international system. He called for a world order with multiple power centers and a more just and balanced global governance system. The shadows of Cold War mentality, bullying, are not dissipating, and there are new challenges that are increasing, not diminishing, said Xi, who has consistently spoken against what he calls a Cold War mentality, which is his way of referring to the tough approach to China by the U.S. The world has entered a new period of tumultuous change and global governance has arrived at a new crossroads, he said. Alfred Wu, a professor at the National University of Singapores Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, explained that Xi is seeking to provide an alternate world order, because the U.S.-led world order is very much in decline. Putin echoed those themes in his own address and expressed support for Xis proposal to create a new, more effective and functional system of global governance. Founded in 2001, the SCO now includes Russia, Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan and Mongolia are observer states, and 14 other countries, including several from the Middle East, serve as dialogue partners. The summit comes days ahead of a military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of Japans World War II surrender. Regional relationships On Sunday, Xi met with Modi and the two leaders vowed to resolve differences surrounding a border dispute, which led to a freeze in relations in 2020. Putin arrived for the summit Sunday and will attend the parade Wednesday. Modi will not stay for the parade. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who did not attend the SCO summit, will be present for the military parade, along with the leader of Myanmars military government, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing. Putin spoke to Xi on Sunday, ahead of the bilateral talks the two were scheduled to hold Tuesday. He updated the Chinese leader on the Russia-U.S. talks on the Ukraine war which were held in Alaska last month. Development policy has been a large part of the messaging in recent days. Putin, in an interview released Saturday by Chinas news agency Xinhua, said Russia and China were jointly against discriminatory sanctions that hurt the socioeconomic development of the world at large. Russia, alongside its Chinese partners, supports the reform of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, he said. It is essential to end the use of finance as an instrument of neocolonialism, which runs counter to the interests of the global majority, Putin said. Security is still key While China is eager for the SCO to take a larger role on the global stage, it remains to be seen how effective the organization can be. Its focus in the past has been on propping up the security initiatives of its member states. China said it is effective in combating terrorism, separatism and extremism. Those threats are what Beijing cited after it swept more than 1 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs and members of other largely Muslim minorities into camps, prisons, and other detention facilities in 2018. Their anti-terrorism exercises are more about countering threats to authoritarian regimes rather than countering terrorism in its own right, said Derek Grossman, a professor of international relations at the University of Southern California. Even if the SCO summits reach and influence is ultimately limited, one thing is clear, he said: China is on a diplomatic uptick and the U.S. is self destructing. ____ Associated Press writer Kanis Leung in Hong Kong contributed to this report. Congress returned to work after the Labor Day holiday with less than a month before it faces a potential partial government shutdown on Oct. 1 if it fails to come to an agreement on new funding legislation. The balance of power between Congress and President Donald Trumps White House is playing out in public hearings on Capitol Hill over two high-profile and controversial issues: the nations vaccine policy and the independence of the Federal Reserve. Lawmakers say those divisive efforts could hurt a bipartisan push to avert a government shutdown. Republicans hold a 219-212 majority in the House of Representatives and a 53-47 edge in the Senate, which usually requires 60 votes to pass bills, meaning that seven Democrats would need to support the legislation. In short, Trump doesnt have the votes, at least not yet. With the funding deadline less than a month away, here is what you need to know. A general view shows the U.S. Capitol building after U.S. President Donald Trump announced federal take over of the Metropolitan Police Department under the Home Rule Act and the deployment of the National Guard to assist in crime prevention in the nation's capital, in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 13, 2025. More: Congress faces potential government shutdown Oct. 1 without compromise When could a government shutdown happen? The current funding for the government expires at midnight on Sept. 30, with Oct. 1 being the potential start of a partial government shutdown. Since 1981, there have been 14 partial government shutdowns, most of which lasted only a day or two, according to Reuters. One of the most recent shutdowns was also one of the longest, lasting 34 days between December 2018 and January 2019, during Trumps first term in office, due to a stalemate between the president and Congress over border security. What happens during a government shutdown? Many federal government agencies and programs that rely on annual funding would be paused if Congress fails to pass or if Trump fails to sign the budget legislation. During a government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal workers deemed nonessential would be furloughed until funding is passed, meaning they wont work and wont be paid. More: The Epstein files and a possible shutdown: Summer's over but the heat is on in Congress Does the military shut down during a government shutdown? All active-duty U.S. military personnel stay on the job, but about half of the Pentagons 800,000 civilian employees could face furloughs. Another part of the military that would remain on the job would be the National Nuclear Security Administration, which oversees nuclear weapons. What about law enforcement? Federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA and prison staff will remain operational. The Secret Service and Coast Guard will continue their duties. What happens to national parks? National parks, monuments and other sites will close to the public, with rangers furloughed and facilities shut down. Some states may temporarily fund park operations, as seen during the 2018-2019 shutdown. What happens to Social Security and Medicare? Both retirement and disability benefits proceed without interruptions. Medicare and Medicare benefits also continue, but some delays could be seen due to a government shutdown. What happens to veterans benefits and food assistance during a shutdown? Similar to Social Security, veterans continue to receive their benefits and medical care. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will also continue, though there could be minor disruptions. How a government shutdown impacts borders and Homeland Security Border Patrol and immigration enforcement agents will continue working. However, local governments will not receive new aid for migrant shelters. Transportation during a government shutdown Airport security screeners and air traffic controllers will remain on duty, but new hires and some major infrastructure projects could face delays. Absenteeism, as seen in previous shutdowns, might impact airport operations. Each federal agency develops its own shutdown plan based on prior shutdowns and guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. About 800,000 federal employees went without pay for 35 days during the longest-ever U.S. government shutdown in 2018 and 2019, as USA TODAY previously reported. Reuters and USA TODAYs Eric Lagatta contributed to this report. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How will you be impacted if the US government shuts down on Oct. 1? 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY: Jack (Kiefer Sutherland) tracks a man suspected to be a key participant in a plot to assassinate the President in Part Two of the "11:00 AM - 12:00 PM /12:00 PM - 1:00 PM" special two-hour Season Premiere episode of 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY airing Monday, May 5 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. 2014 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: - Daniel Smith/FOX Jack Bauer may yet return for another 24 hours. In a recent interview with CJAD 800 Montreals Aaron Rand, 24 star Kiefer Sutherland discussed the groundbreaking series and hinted at the possibility of reprising his iconic role. 24, which many people consider one of the best, one of the favorite shows ever on TV. You were so great as Jack Bauer in that show, said the DJ. I know there was a movie made, and I know theres been talk of bringing this back. Where [does] that stand right now? Airing from 2001 until 2010, 24 was an action-thriller TV series set in real time that followed counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer, played by Sutherland. Each season covered a single day in Bauers life, with 24 episodes representing 24 hours in the day. The show focused on Bauer as he raced against the ticking clock to stop major threats such as terrorist attacks, assassination attempts, and bioweapons galore. In addition to the series, several long-form specials continued the story of Bauer. Howard Gordon has come up with an idea that I like, responded Sutherland. Before, it was just that the material had not been written. So I would have to say Im not the one thats in the way. Something has been written. I think its really good. I think its really strong, continued the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor. 24 was originally owned [by] Fox, now its owned by Disney because of what Fox sold off. And so it has to go through different channels before it is either approved or disapproved. When audiences last saw Jack Bauer, it was in 2014s 24: Live Another Day, where he was taken into Russian custody via helicopter after thwarting yet another terrorist plot. Bauer surrendered himself in exchange for the safety of his longtime friend and ally, Chloe OBrian (Mary Lynn Rajskub), thus leaving his ultimate fate uncertain. Its something I would really like to do. I would like to close that story, remarked Sutherland. It was left kind of wide open. So yeah. Fingers crossed. 24, Entire Series, Hulu Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider. Members of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. (Kent Nishimura / Getty Images) WASHINGTON The city of Washington has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and the military over the deployment of the National Guard in the nations capital. Trump, the suit says, has run roughshod over a fundamental tenet of American democracy that the military should not be involved in domestic law enforcement. The suit follows a ruling from a federal judge in California this week who found that the Trump administration violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which bars the use of soldiers for civilian law enforcement activities. The suit was filed by Washingtons elected attorney general, Brian Schwalb, a Democrat, whose office represents the city of Washington in court and prosecutes some minor crimes as well as crimes committed by juveniles. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia, headed by Jeanine Pirro, prosecutes most crimes in the district. In a statement, Schwalb said that deploying the National Guard for law enforcement purposes was unnecessary and unwanted and dangerous and harmful to the citys residents. No American city should have the US military particularly out-of-state military who are not accountable to the residents and untrained in local law enforcement policing its streets, Schwalb said. Its DC today, but could be any other city tomorrow. Weve filed this action to put an end to this illegal federal overreach. The suit says that the governments unprecedented, unlawful actions have caused irreparable harm by infringing on the citys right to self-governance, fueling distrust toward local law enforcement, and depressing business and tourism. Trump has talked about sending troops to cities such as Chicago, New Orleans and Baltimore. The military presence in Washington has been accompanied by a massive presence of federal law enforcement officers, who are often playing an assistance role and trailing behind other law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction in the city. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has treaded carefully with the Trump administration and pointed out the vulnerability of the city to acts by the federal government, has said the presence of National Guard troops is not working but credited the Trump administrations surge with bringing down crime. In response to a question about the lawsuit, Bowser said that her focus was on "planning for the exit out of the emergency next week," referring to the 30-day period under the Home Rule Act. Trump would be required to get congressional approval to extend the emergency beyond that. The case has been assigned to Judge Jia M. Cobb. Giorgio Armani acknowledges the audience during the Giorgio Armani Prive Spring Summer 2019 show as part of Paris Fashion Week in January 2019. (Stephane Cardinale/Corbis via Getty Images) (Stephane Cardinale/Corbis via Getty Images)) Legendary Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died, the Armani Group announced on Thursday. He was 91. With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force, the company said in a statement provided on behalf of Armanis family and employees. In this company, we have always felt like part of a family, read another statement provided by the brand. Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication. But it is precisely in his spirit that we, the employees and the family members who have always worked alongside Mr. Armani, commit to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory, with respect, responsibility, and love. Armani poses for a portrait for Armani Fall 1980 Ready to Wear Advance Preview With Designer in Milan, Italy, in February 1980. (Fairchild Archive/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images) (Fairchild Archive/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images) Armanis designs are known for their elegance and modern Italian style. He is credited with revolutionizing mens fashion in the 1970s and 1980s, combining the sharp look of a businessman and the flair of a fashion designer with unstructured jackets and muted color palettes. His work also extended beyond the runway, as he elevated Hollywood celebrity wardrobes and fashion on the red carpet. Armani made his celebrity Hollywood debut at the 50th Academy Awards with actress Diane Keaton in April 1978. He styled her in a beige jacket with a long skirt, and she was the first actress to wear his designs on the red carpet. Diane Keaton at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles on April 3, 1978. (Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) Celebrity tributes to Armani poured in on Thursday following the news of his death. Actress Julia Roberts, a longtime fan turned friend of Armani, wrote, A true friend. A Legend. In a series of posts on X, Australian actor Russell Crowe recalled how his lost luggage on the way to the Cannes Film Festival in 1997 led him to his love of Armani fashion. Mr Armani has made a deep contribution, to fashion, to design, to popular culture, he wrote. His energy, vision and finesse has made a mark acknowledged around the globe. I adored him. He was so kind. So many significant moments in my life, awards, wedding, Wimbledon... all in Armani. Mr Armani has made a deep contribution, to fashion, to design, to popular culture. His energy, vision and finesse has made a mark acknowledged around the globe. I adored him. He was so kind. So many significant moments in my life, awards, wedding, Wimbledon all in Armani. Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) September 4, 2025 Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani paid tribute to the iconic designer, who he described as a timeless talent and ambassador of Made in Italy in the world in a translated post on X. A visionary of fashion, a refined interpreter of the elegance and beauty of our Country. [He] represents an extraordinary story of success, he added. E venuto a mancare Giorgio Armani, talento senza tempo e ambasciatore del Made in Italy nel mondo. Un visionario della moda, un interprete raffinato delleleganza e della bellezza del nostro Paese. La sua rappresenta una straordinaria storia di successo. Ci stringiamo oggi alla pic.twitter.com/0yYNbLL2yf Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) September 4, 2025 Italian TV presenter Simona Ventura said on social media, Giorgio, you are and will always be our KING. Giorgio sei e sarai sempre il nostro RE. Grazie per averci fatto sentire orgogliosi di essere ITALIANI!! Ti voglio bene @giorgioarmani#Armani#GiorgioArmanipic.twitter.com/CP0wXh7ZxJ Simona Ventura (@Simo_Ventura) September 4, 2025 In June, Armani was forced to drop out of his companys shows at Mens Fashion Week in Milan, Italy, marking the first time in his career that he missed one of his own fashion events. At the time, the company released a statement without specifying his health condition, saying only that Armani was currently recovering at home. Armani cofounded the luxury fashion house bearing his name in 1975 in Milan. He was known as Re Giorgio (King Giorgio) and oversaw every detail of his collection and every detail of his business, including ad campaigns and fixing models hair before they walked the runway. Armani during the preparation of his autumn-winter collection in Milan in 1983. (Vittoriano Rastelli via Getty Images) (Vittoriano Rastelli via Getty Images) Armani was one of the few luxury designers to remain the only shareholder of his company, which made $2.7 billion last year. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index indicates the fashion designers net worth to be $9.43 billion. The Armani Group said a public funeral chamber will be set up on Saturday and Sunday in Milan. A private funeral will be held at an unspecified date. By Jana Winter WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's surge of federal law enforcement into Washington, D.C., is exposing the FBI's fleet of unmarked cars, potentially risking its ability to do its most sensitive national security and surveillance work, nine current and former employees of the bureau warned. The surge, which the White House has said is meant to crack down on violent crime but has featured many arrests for minor offenses, could make it harder for the FBI to combat violent criminal gangs, foreign intelligence services and drug traffickers, said the current and former employees, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the media. As part of the surge, FBI agents who normally conduct their investigative work out of the spotlight are now more involved in routine police work in Washington, appearing in high-profile areas dressed in tactical gear and emerging from unmarked cars, with the unintended effect of potentially identifying those vehicles to surveillance targets. As the Republican president publicly muses about expanding his crackdown into cities such as Chicago and Baltimore, the employees said they are urging leadership not to continue to expose more vehicles in this way. Every time you see us getting out of covert cars wearing our FBI vests that car is burned, said one of eight current FBI employees who spoke with Reuters on condition of anonymity. We cant use these cars to go undercover, we cant use them to surveil narcotraffickers and fentanyl suppliers or Russian or Chinese spies or use them to go after violent criminal gangs or terrorists, said a second current FBI employee. An FBI spokesman denied the current employees' assertions. The claims in this story represents a basic misunderstanding of how FBI security protocol works the Bureau takes multiple safeguards to protect agents in the field against threats so they can continue doing their great work protecting the American people," Ben Williamson, assistant director of the FBI public affairs office said in an email. "FBI leadership hasnt received any of the concerns alleged here, and anyone who did have a good faith concern would approach leaders at headquarters or our Washington Field Office rather than laundering bizarre claims through the press. The White House referred questions to the FBI. The use of as many as 1,000 FBI unmarked vehicles in Washington during highly public scenes comes amid an already heightened threat to law enforcement from cartels, gangs and hostile nations who actively seek to identify agents and their vehicles, the current and former FBI employees said. They're putting federal agents in a more highly visible situation where they're driving their undercover cars and they're engaging in highly visible public enforcement action or patrol actions, said John Cohen, a former Department of Homeland Security counterterrorism coordinator. "They may be unwittingly compromising the ability of those same personnel to go back and engage in sensitive investigations." The current and former FBI employees said they spoke to Reuters because of the depth of their concerns and the potential harm to national security and safety of the American public. 'BAD FOR THE BUREAU' Several of them urged an end to the practice of using undercover cars in the surge now before more are exposed. This is crazy, dangerous and bad for the bureau, said former FBI agent Dan Brunner, who worked on cases involving the MS-13 street gang before retiring from the bureau in September 2023 after a two-decade career there. This is currently in D.C., which is the most saturated city with foreign nation spies, foreign actors so of course they're going to be down there, Brunner said. So those guys, you know, their vehicles, their license plates are getting recorded." Reuters was not able to determine whether foreign actors were in fact tracking agents' vehicles and Brunner did not provide evidence that they were doing so. But Brunner, Cohen and the current and former FBI employees said investigative targets, such as members of drug gangs and foreign intelligence entities, are constantly working to try to identify law enforcement agents and FBI in particular and said there would be no reason to think that would have stopped during the surge. It is a major threat facing U.S. law enforcement, said Cohen, who now serves as executive director for the Center for Internet Securitys program for countering hybrid threats. Cohen and several of the current and former FBI employees who spoke to Reuters cited a recent report by the Justice Department's internal watchdog that detailed how this kind of information can be used against law enforcement. In 2018, a hacker working for the Sinaloa Cartel homed in on an FBI employee working at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, accessing their phone records and tapping into the citys network of cameras to help the cartel identify, track and kill FBI witnesses and sources. This isnt a hypothetical issue, just look at what happened in Mexico City, said a third current FBI employee. Brunner, the retired agent, said that, at minimum, he believes the license plates of all the cars that were used in the surge need to be replaced. He and other current and former FBI employees said the bureau should consider using other cars if its agents are further deployed in future surges, perhaps renting them or borrowing them from other U.S. government agencies. "There's an argument to be made that highly visible law enforcement presence in high-crime areas can serve as a deterrent for crime," said Cohen, the former DHS official. "But at the same time, the value that comes from the federal government in fighting violent crime is through their investigations, which very often are conducted in a way in which the identity and the resources and the vehicles of the investigators are kept, you know, secret." (Reporting by Jana Winter; editing by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell) On a Saturday night, staff members at a Texas legal services organization say they watched as dozens of Guatemalan children were pulled from their beds at shelters and taken to an airport in the early morning hours to be removed from the U.S. One young girl was so scared that she threw up, according to a staff member. These events were part of an apparently chaotic scene over Labor Day weekend as the Trump administration attempted to deport 76 unaccompanied Guatemalan children. Declarations filed on Wednesday by attorneys, advocates and the children themselves provide a detailed account of what the minors say they experienced. The new court filings also describe what some families in Guatemala say they were told about the planned deportations. The removal of the unaccompanied minors was temporarily blocked on Sunday by a federal judge just as the children were sitting on the planes. Attorneys representing the children moved to file a preliminary injunction on Wednesday, arguing that the minors remain at risk of being sent to Guatemala without a final order from an immigration judge. At a hearing over the weekend, a Department of Justice attorney argued that the Trump administration was removing the children in accordance with the law and at the request of the Guatemalan government and the legal guardians of the children. Michael Gonzalez/AP - PHOTO: Planes used for deportation flights sit at the Valley International Airport, Aug. 31, 2025, in Harlingen, Texas. MORE: Judge blocks deportation of 76 Guatemalan minors after questioning government's argument Trump administration "border czar" Tom Homan, speaking to reporters from the White House on Wednesday, called the judge's decision halting the deportation "disgusting," dismissing claims from the childrens attorneys that some of them did not want return to Guatemala and could face harm if they did. "For four years, I heard nothing except family separationnow we're trying to reunite families and they are fighting us on that," Homan said. In a sworn declaration, a 16-year-old from Guatemala, whose name was redacted, said they went to sleep Saturday "as normal" but were woken up by shelter staff in the middle of the night. They were told that all the Guatemalan children had to be returned to their home country. "At around 2:30 a.m., I called my mother to tell her I might be deported to Guatemala," the teen said. "My mom started crying. She said that we could only trust in God. She had no idea that the government had a plan to return me." The teen, who said they arrived in the U.S. after their sister was murdered in Guatemala last March, is in immigration proceedings and has a hearing scheduled for later this month before an immigration judge, according to the filings. "When I was packing up my personal belongings, I was thinking about everything that could happen to me with all the crime in Guatemala. I was worried that I would be killed," the 16-year-old said. The teen said that at around 4 a.m., the legal director of the shelter was notified that a judge had issued an order, blocking the deportations. Michael Gonzalez/AP - PHOTO: Shackled migrants board a transport van after getting off a plane at the Valley International Airport, Aug. 31, 2025, in Harlingen, Texas. MORE: Federal law enforcement agents are interviewing unaccompanied migrant children at shelters "The impact is real," the minor said. "I feel totally traumatized. I don't even know how to explain it." A 17-year-old in Texas, who is also in immigration proceedings, said they woke up at around 2 a.m. on Sunday. "I felt like I lost my breath for a second because they had never woken us up in the middle of the night before," the 17-year-old said. "The supervisor told me we were going to leave and to get our things." The 17-year-old said they were put on a bus and taken to an airport. When officers checked the list of names, they notified the minor that they weren't on the deportation list. "I got scared they would still try to take me back to Guatemala later that night," the minor said. Father says daughter should remain in US The declarations submitted by the attorneys representing the Guatemalan minors included statements from some of the parents in Guatemala, who said they never asked for their children to be returned to their home country. MORE: Abrego Garcia's lawyers ask judge to order Trump administration to stop making inflammatory comments about him Rudy Anibal Tiul Cucul, the father of a minor who arrived in the U.S. in January 2023, said he received a call on Aug. 15 from a person notifying him that his daughter was going to be sent to Guatemala. "We never asked for [my daughter] to be sent back to Guatemala," Cucul said. "To my understanding, my daughter has the support of an attorney and she has a pending petition for asylum. She should remain in the United States so that she can have her case heard." Lauren Flores, the legal director of the South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project (ProBar), said in a declaration that when she arrived at the airport in Harlingen, Texas, on Sunday morning, she saw two Immigration and Customs Enforcement planes parked on the tarmac. "The stairs had already been pulled away and the door to the plane, which I had been informed had the children on board, was already closed," Flores said. "I went to the building at the tarmac. I could see officers inside. I told the young man who answered the door that I was an attorney, that I had clients on the plane, and that I had a court order stopping the plane from leaving." Flores said she saw agents laugh as she repeatedly told them that they "were all complicit in the violation of the judge's order." In another declaration, a 15-year-old from Guatemala said they fled to the U.S. in January on their own without a parent because of gangs and violence. The minor said a week and a half ago, some immigration agents visited their foster care program and asked the minor if they had family in their home country. "The agents didn't ask me if I was afraid to go back to Guatemala ... or what would happen to me if I had to go back to Guatemala," the minor said. ABC News' Selina Wang contributed to this report. The Army announced the cancellation of its flagship officer selection program Sept. 2 after officials in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's office directed its review. Hegseth, in a Sept. 3 post on X, hailed the program's demise, saying, "Good riddance." The Army's Command Assessment Program, an NFL Combine-style program known as CAP that put prospective battalion and brigade commanders through a series of physical and mental tests, began during President Donald Trump's first term. Pete Hegseth: See the combat veteran's career from Fox News to Secretary of Defense Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth takes the stage during a rally with U.S. Army troops on June 10, 2025 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Hegseth and President Donald Trump traveled to Fort Bragg Army base to observe a military demonstration and give remarks in honor of the U.S. ArmyOs 250th anniversary. Grueling program could make or break careers CAP was a trial for officers seeking to command battalions and brigades, demanding roles that make or break an officer's career. Candidates had to complete the Army's Crossfit-inspired fitness test under strict grading, including exercises such as planks, pushups, deadlifts, sled pulls, kettlebell carries, and a two-mile run. The cancellation comes as part of a Pentagon review of officer personnel processes ranging from evaluations to promotions and command selection, among other career milestones. More: Military feared mistakes in LA deployment could have 'far-reaching' implications, records show Stuart Scheller, a former Marine lieutenant colonel who was convicted by a court-martial and forced to resign for his public criticism of leaders during the disastrous 2021 Afghanistan evacuation, is leading the review. Scheller did not respond to an email from USA TODAY. A senior defense official familiar with CAP but not authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY that Hegseth's office ordered the cancellation without meaningful consultation with the Army. A participant in a rehearsal for the 2024 Army Command Assessment Program carries kettlebells Oct. 6, 2024, at Fort Knox, Ky. CAP, which was independent of the officer promotion system, began during President Trump's first administration and became a permanent program in early 2025 after a more than five-year pilot period. The program was modeled after how military special operations units assess and select their members and leaders. Participants would complete a physical fitness test, have their body fat measured, undergo a psychological evaluation, receive leadership evaluations from former peers and subordinates, and complete verbal and written communication assessments. An interview panel would anonymously judge the candidate's communication skills based on their performance in an interview setting. Officers deemed "ready" by the panel would then be ranked for command opportunities based on their CAP performance and a review of their personnel file. The program was canceled "effective immediately," Army spokesperson Maj. Travis Shaw confirmed. A 'crown jewel' According to Michael Arnold, who helped lead CAP development during a nearly six-year term as deputy director of the Army Talent Management Task Force, the program was a "crown jewel" of the service's extensive talent management reforms. The program was designed to spot potentially overlooked talent while also preventing toxic and abusive leaders from assuming positions of power. More: Trump wants to bring back the Department of War: 'It had a stronger sound' "Political appointees have absolutely every right to re-look the (command selection) process," said Arnold, now a fellow at the conservative-leaning Hoover Institution think tank. "But to just cancel the best thing they've got going in terms of modernizing the way we ... select people? That seems a little shortsighted." Before CAP, the Army's battalion and brigade command selection process consisted merely of a paper file review: a "board" of officers would examine and score an officer's personnel file before ranking them for assignment to command roles. There was no in-person verification. Kate Kuzminski, a military personnel expert at the Center for a New American Security, told USA TODAY that the old paper-based selection process "started in 1975." Shaw, the Army spokesperson, said the service is returning to that "long-standing" process. Arnold said the move to cancel CAP doesn't make sense. "Going back to the old system is counter to what I think the administration is trying to do select people based on their merits," he said. Contributing: Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hegseth kills make-or-break Army assessment program (CORRECTS paragraph 3 to say Australia's embassy in Tehran, not Iran's embassy) DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran has downgraded diplomatic ties with Australia, its foreign ministry said on Thursday, a week after Australia expelled the Iranian ambassador over accusations that Tehran directed two antisemitic arson attacks in the cities of Sydney and Melbourne. "According to diplomatic law and in response to Australia's action, the Islamic Republic has also reciprocally reduced the level of Australia's diplomatic presence in Iran," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said, adding that Canberra's ambassador had left Iran. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said last week that operations at Australia's embassy in Tehran were suspended and all Australian diplomats were safe in a third country. Canberra's decision to expel the Iranian ambassador, its first such move since World War Two, was the latest example of a Western government accusing Iran of carrying out hostile covert activities on foreign soil. The Islamic Republic has denied the Australian accusations. "The accusation of antisemitism against Iran is ridiculous and baseless," Baghaei said, adding that Tehran does not welcome the deterioration in bilateral relations with Canberra. Iranian officials said Tehran's embassy in Canberra was continuing to provide consular services. (Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; editing by Sharon Singleton and Mark Heinrich) My favorite Mexican city to visit is Puerto Vallarta. Chloe Caldwell I've traveled to over 20 countries, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is one city that stole my heart. From pristine beaches to a busy downtown scene, there's so much to do in this lively Mexican city. I also love the mix of fine-dining and street-food options. I've traveled to more than 20 countries, but Mexico continues to be one of my favorite destinations to visit. One Mexican city in particular has stolen my heart: Puerto Vallarta. Located on the country's west coast, Puerto Vallarta is more than just a classic resort town. It offers a unique blend of pristine beaches, a bustling downtown scene, and plenty of outdoor adventure. I've visited Puerto Vallarta four times in the past two years with friends, family, and for bachelorette parties and every trip has offered something a little different. Whether you're looking for nature, nightlife, relaxation, or mouthwatering dishes, there truly is something for every type of traveler. Here's why I love visiting this lively Mexican city. The city offers a great mix of fine-dining and street-food options I love dining at Pancho's Takos. Chloe Caldwell One of the best parts of traveling is indulging in the local delicacies, and Puerto Vallarta has no shortage of incredible meals. Those who want a fun and classic street-food-style experience should head to Pancho's Takos. The restaurant's al pastor tacos are so good that you'll probably have to wait in a line that stretches around the block. Fortunately, it's in the heart of downtown, so you can see street performers and people-watch while waiting. Travelers looking for something a little more luxe will love the stretch of restaurants along Playa Los Muertos (the main tourist beach). I especially enjoy El Dorado, which has fresh-tasting seafood, craft cocktails, and attentive service. The best part is the option to dine with your toes in the sand. I recommend going for dinner at sunset for a romantic and memorable dining experience just be sure to make reservations ahead of time, as tables go fast. I love going dancing in Zona Romantica Puerto Vallarta's nightlife offers an inclusive and spirited ambiance and is ideal for a late night on the town with friends. The Zona Romantica, or Romantic Zone, is home to lots of bars and nightclubs. It's also a hub for the LGBTQ+ communities and reminds me of West Hollywood. Once the sun goes down, crowds spill (or dance) out of bass-pumping bars on every corner. If a party is what you're looking for, you won't have to try very hard to find it in the Zona Romantica. Puerto Vallarta has a wide variety of outdoor activities There are plenty of opportunities to hike in Puerto Vallarta. Chloe Caldwell Outdoorsy folks will love the plethora of scenic hiking trails, water sports, and natural wonders in or near Puerto Vallarta. I recommend checking out the Palo Maria waterfall trail, a moderate 1.4-mile trail that leads to a small waterfall and swimming hole. I loved jumping in the water to cool off from the heat and snapping photos. If whale watching sounds like something up your alley, make sure to visit between December and March, when humpback whales migrate to Puerto Vallarta's Banderas Bay to breed and give birth. It's an awe-inspiring sight to witness. During one of my trips to the city, I even got to look under the sea's surface with a snorkeling tour to Los Arcos National Marine Park. You can get there by boat or kayak I opted for a kayaking tour through the Garza Blanca Resort. This story was originally published on June 3, 2025, and most recently updated on September 4, 2025. Read the original article on Business Insider Long-Distance Love: Building a Support System From Miles Away At age 21, I left America for Ireland to study Irish literature on a George Mitchell Fellowship. Its been a quarter-century since then, and during that time, Ive lived in four other countries, as far as 10 time zones away from my parents. I cant recall what I told my mom and dad when I first boarded that plane for Dublin, but I dont think they were expecting me to be gone for so long. I now have a child of my own, along with a career as a novelist and professor in the United Kingdom. While my life has been exciting and adventurous, full of opportunities to travel and explore new cultures, there remains a fundamental guilt about living so far away from my family. Especially now, with my parents growing older. They are now in their 80s, and when half a year goes by between seeing your parents, you notice the differences in their bodies and minds. My dads hair is now a shock of white, not the jet black I knew from my childhood. I cant help but notice my moms stoop, the way she shuffles and pauses before bending down. These small actions are so fundamentally different from the vibrant, spirited woman who raised me and yet, I know she is the same person inside. But its sobering to witness the woman who so nimbly ran your household and raised you into the person you are to watch her slide into senility, her grasp on the world weakening, her fierceness tempered into confusion. Aside from the emotional side of observing your own parents decline, there is the practical aspect of working with their deteriorating health. If something were to happen to them medically, how would you manage it? If your parents arent well enough to drive to their doctors appointments, how will they get there? Who will get their groceries and pick up their prescriptions? Many of us feel the pressures of being in the sandwich generation of adults, simultaneously responsible for raising our children and caring for aging parents. But long distances can make that pressure even more complex. The hard reality is my parents live in California, an 11-hour flight away. While travel-happy me was previously content to jump on a plane and fly over, its much harder now that I have my own child. (Not to mention, my own aging has made overcoming jet lag more of a challenge!) Ive come to realize the question is not what would I do when I get that dreaded phone call about my parents health but what will I do? Because aging is a one-way process, and some things, I know, are inevitable. These are questions I explore in my latest novel, What We Left Unsaid, which opens with a middle-aged woman receiving that dreaded phone call and learning she has to travel from Boston to California before her ailing mothers next operation. The news floods her with guilt and regret at the same time that she, as the eldest daughter, is tasked with contacting her estranged brother and sister and convincing them to reunite in person to see their mother. Along the way, they drive Route 66 across eight states in an unlikely road trip that leads them to get to know both each other and their own country in unexpected ways. The book is a fictional exploration of how middle-aged siblings in a long-distance family might react to this kind of scenario. But while writing a novel allows me to consider questions that are personally significant to me, it still doesnt answer those questions in my own life. Nor does it solve the problem of my own anxiety and guilt over living so far from my parents. Ive considered uprooting my career and my family to live closer to them, but its logistically complicated. So in the meantime, Ive formulated a few tips to help me navigate this new stretch in my life: one of growing responsibility for aging parents, who live thousands of miles away. Realize your time with your parents is finite This was the biggest fact I had to accept, which unlocked everything else for me. We might feel like our parents will always be there, nagging us on the other end of the phone line. But in reality, with their declining health, it may only be a few more years or even months that well get to spend quality time in their company. Learn to cherish that limited time. Dont postpone quality time Think of it as a no regrets attitude. Ask your parents if theres something theyve always wanted to do in their lives and help them experience it. If your parents havent been to the beach in a while, drive them to a sandy shore. Bring along your kids for grandparent bonding. It may be stressful to organize a three-generation outing, but your parents will appreciate it. Travel to see them when you can My mom is now too frail to travel comfortably by plane, so I realize itll have to be me taking those 11-hour flights to see her. Sure, its not easy, but I signed up for this when I chose to live this far away. If I dont make a concerted effort to bring my child and parents together now through regular visits, that grandparent-grandchild relationship may soon be no longer. Set up regular video calls Thanks to technology, we can now see each other often between in-person visits. My sister and I schedule a regular Sunday FaceTime call with my parents at a specific time, which allows us to navigate around the eight-hour time difference. Through screens, our children also get to play with each other (my niece in California, my son in England), and our mom enjoys this virtual play-date with her grandchildren. Establish a local network for your parents Get to know your parents neighbors and friends, and trade contact information with them. They might be able to help out in an emergency, and it may help your own peace of mind, knowing that there are supportive people closer to your loved ones. Set money aside for parent care Long-distance flights to see my parents arent cheap, but I see them as a necessity for right now. While money may be tight, its also something that can be earned and saved later on in our lives. But time with your parents isnt renewable, so balance your budget with this in mind. Send postcards and gifts In our digital age, its all too easy to communicate solely through screens. Dont underestimate the emotional impact of a real handwritten postcard or a physical present, sent through the mail especially for the older generation. It may only take a few minutes to do, but it can be a touching gesture for your parents. Recognize your own anxiety and guilt wont help the situation My fear and frustration over my aging parents can easily cloud my interactions with them. But the important thing is to be present and positive when were together, and to realize that just spending time with them might be enough. For example, my mom still insists on cooking me breakfast and dinner when Im home. It might drive me crazy, because in her old age, it takes her twice as long to prepare a meal than if I did it myself. But its her way of showing her love to me, and I dont want to deny her that opportunity. These days, the long distances and the responsibilities of middle age can often mount to make things feel overwhelming. But at heart, I know my parents and I still love each other, despite the thousands of miles between us. Its about finding the time and space across those miles to express that love while were still on this planet together. No regrets. Winnie M Li is the author of three novels, most recently What We Left Unsaid. She is an assistant professor in creative writing at the University of Birmingham in the UK. The post Long-Distance Love: Building a Support System From Miles Away appeared first on Katie Couric Media. Bri'ana Hooper hugs her father, Bryan Hooper Sr., on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, outside the Stillwater Correctional Facility in Bayport, Minn. (Emily Baxter via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) A Minnesota man wrongly convicted of murder who spent nearly three decades in prison after being falsely implicated by a woman who has since confessed to the crime was released Thursday. State District Court Judge Marta Chou had vacated Bryan Hooper Sr.'s first-degree murder conviction the day before. He was released Thursday morning from Stillwater Correctional Facility, a Great North Innocence Project spokesperson said. Today, the courts have affirmed what Bryan Hooper, his family, his loved ones, and his advocates have always known: Mr. Hooper is an innocent man, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a statement. It is our duty as prosecutors to hold the correct individuals responsible for their actions, and that duty demands that we acknowledge our mistakes and make things right as quickly as we can. Hooper reunited with his children and planned to enjoy a meal with them and spend time with family, Project spokesperson Hayley Poxleitner said. He also plans to make his home for now in the Twin Cities area, where his children live. In 1998, a jury convicted Hooper of premeditated murder, felony murder while committing burglary and felony murder while committing kidnapping in connection with the death of 77-year-old Ann Prazniak. His conviction hinged largely on testimony from a woman who authorities say has since confessed to the crime. Police found Prazniaks body in April 1998 in a cardboard box wrapped with Christmas lights in a closet in her Minneapolis apartment her ankles, nose, mouth, wrists and head bound and her body wrapped in garbage bags, blankets and bedding. Her cause of death was ruled asphyxiation, and she died two weeks to a month before police found her body, according to court documents. Hooper received three life sentences with the possibility of release after 30 years. In 2020, a judge granted his request to vacate two of three first-degree murder charges after he argued he was wrongly convicted and sentenced for three counts of first-degree murder against the same person. Last month, Moriarty announced her office's support of Hooper's release, saying a crucial trial witness had recanted her testimony amid the office's review of the case and confessed to killing Prazniak and hiding her body. Jailhouse informants who implicated Hooper also recanted their testimony long ago, Moriarty has said. Moriarty's office and the Great North Innocence Project asked the court to vacate Hooper's conviction. The judge wrote, The Court finds that Mr. Hoopers conviction was tainted by false evidence and that without this false testimony, the jury might have reached a different conclusion. With Hooper cleared and freed, the Prazniak case will go back to the Minneapolis Police Department for any additional investigation, Hennepin County Attorney's Office Chief of Staff Shawn Daye said. The woman who officials said confessed to the killing is in prison in Georgia for an assault-related crime and will be released in about four years. ___ Dura reported from Bismarck, North Dakota. ACC Art Books; 20th Century Fox Film Corp/Everett Marilyn 100 cover (left), Marilyn Monroe in "The Seven Year Itch" NEED TO KNOW Marilyn Monroe was born on June 1, 1926 In celebration of the centenary of her birth, the late actress' estate has announced Marilyn Monroe 100: The Official Centenary Publication PEOPLE is revealing the cover of the book, which features specially curated selections highlighting the most meaningful moments in the late actress' life Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday will be commemorated with a look back at some of the most iconic moments in her life. The late actress's estate will collaborate with ACC Art Books to publish Marilyn Monroe 100: The Official Centenary Publication, the only official publication commemorating the centenary of Monroes birth. The book brings together specially curated selections of work by the photographers who collaborated with Monroe during her lifetime, including many of the greatest names in the field. Also included are a selection of wise and witty quotes by Monroe herself, as well as words from scholars and admirers. 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. ACC Art Books "Marilyn Monroe 100 The Official Centenary Publication" by ACC Art Books, in partnership with the Marilyn Monroe Estate We have endeavoured to collect many of the greatest images of Monroe and compile them in a book that truly celebrates her enduring legacy, on her 100th birthday," said James Smith, Publisher and CEO of ACC Art Books. Andre de Dienes, Joseph Jasgur and Bernard of Hollywood unveil early images of a young Norma Jeane; John Florea and Philippe Halsman showcase stunning publicity shots of an aspiring actress; Eve Arnold, Elliott Erwitt, Bruce Davidson and Henri Cartier-Bresson capture Marilyn on the sets of some of her most famous films. Cecil Beaton and Richard Avedon portray the actresss alluring beauty, and the candid photography of Alfred Eisenstaedt, Sam Shaw, George Barris and Milton Greene reveal another side to the Hollywood icon. Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Marilyn Monroe on the set of "The Misfits" The book ends with Bert Sterns "The Last Sitting," along with recently rediscovered images of a radiant and smiling Monroe taken from a photo shoot for Life magazine by Allan Grant, originally published two days before the stars death The actress, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, captured the hearts of millions throughout her short time in the spotlight. Behind the scenes, she was suffering. The last day of Monroe's life, Aug. 4, 1962, is still shrouded in mystery. At the time, Monroe was under the constant care of a doctor and psychiatrist, who had prescribed her numerous medications to treat mental health issues as well as her insomnia. Unfortunately, despite the efforts to care for the starlet, she overdosed on prescription medication, ending her life at just 36. Marilyn Monroe 100: The Official Centenary Publication will be published on May 5, 2026. Read the original article on People A man charged in the killing of four people at a bar in Anaconda, Montana, is now facing additional charges, including attempted arson, officials said Wednesday. State District Judge Jeffrey Dahood ordered Michael Paul Brown to be held without bail after the defendant's attorneys said mental illness could be an issue in the case. Brown's family has said the 45-year-old former soldier long struggled with mental illness before allegedly shooting a bartender and three patrons at The Owl Bar in Anaconda on Aug. 1. He evaded capture for a week, while hundreds of law enforcement officers searched for him in the nearby mountains, before being found and taken in on Aug. 8. Brown, who lived next door to the bar, also tried to damage or destroy the building by lighting objects inside it on fire, according to newly released court documents. The owner of The Owl Bar, David Gwerder, said Wednesday he was told by investigators that Brown lit a cardboard pizza box on fire hoping to use it as a "fuse" to ignite a bucket of flammable or explosive material. But the bucket did not ignite, Gwerder said he was told, and the suspect allegedly left the bar, then returned a minute later with a gun and shot everyone who was there. Defense attorney Walter Hennessey pleaded not guilty on Brown's behalf to charges that also include four counts of murder, theft and eluding police. Brown appeared by video from jail in Butte, Montana. His bail had previously been set at $2 million. But Dahood on Wednesday sided with a prosecution request to hold Brown for now without the possibility of bail. The judge cited public safety and the mental health issues raised by Brown's attorneys. A trial is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2026. Authorities have not commented on a possible motive, and much of the case against Brown has been sealed by the judge. This image made from video provided by the Anaconda Deer Lodge County Justice Court shows Michael Paul Brown, who is accused of killing four people in a bar, during a virtual court appearance on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in Montana. / Credit: Anaconda Deer Lodge County Justice Court via AP A conviction for murder, known in Montana as deliberate homicide, can be punishable by death in the state. However, executions in Montana have been on hold since 2015 under a court ruling regarding a drug used in lethal injections. A decision on whether to seek the death penalty against Brown is pending, Deer Lodge County Attorney Morgan Smith told the court on Wednesday. Anaconda, about 25 miles northwest of Butte, is home to roughly 9,000 people. It is surrounded by mountains. Following the shooting, Brown allegedly stole a truck that he ditched several miles outside of town at the base of a mountain before escaping into the forest. He hid for a week in that area west of Anaconda where he was eventually apprehended, moving locations while helicopters and drones circled overhead and officers and dogs searched on the ground, officials said. Brown was captured on Aug. 8 inside an unoccupied structure near a bar in the small community of Stumptown, authorities said. Investigators have also been examining whether he had any contact with individuals or property owners who might have helped him while he was on the run. Brown had patronized the bar over several decades and knew the victims, Gwerder said. Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Khanna, Massie and Greene hold news conference on Jeffrey Epstein files Undocumented migrants charged with violent crimes to be held in Angola prison, DHS says COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -A Ukrainian weapons manufacturer will begin production of fuel for long-range missiles in Denmark, the Danish government said on Wednesday, marking the first expansion abroad by a Ukrainian defence company. The Ukrainian company is Fire Point, maker of the Flamingo missiles, which President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has described as his country's most successful weapon. In June, Zelenskiy said Ukraine was in talks on joint weapons production with Denmark, Norway, Germany, Canada, Britain, and Lithuania. The fuel production will be located near Denmark's Skydstrup air force base, home to the Nordic country's fleet of F-16 fighter jets. "It is a helping hand to Ukraine's struggle for security, their own independence and, not least, their opportunity to live in peace," Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told journalists. Denmark has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine since Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine began in 2022 and has so far contributed 67.6 billion Danish crowns ($10.13 billion) in military support, according to the Danish foreign ministry. The Danish government recently allocated 500 million crowns to support Ukrainian firms expanding in the Nordic country. ($1 = 6.3751 Danish crowns) (Reporting by Soren Jeppesen, editing by Stine Jacobsen and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen) Royal Jordanian | Royal Jordanian There's a new international destination out of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): According to a release, the airport will launch nonstop service to Amman, Jordan, when Royal Jordanian begins nonstop flights from DFW to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). Royal Jordanian will operate year-round, four times weekly, starting in May 2026. The service will be operated aboard a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 270 seats a fleet expansion that Royal Jordanian began adding in 2023. The new route offers direct access to Amman, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a key cultural and economic center in the Middle East. The service also provides connections to destinations across the Levant and beyond through Royal Jordanians growing regional network. Royal Jordanian joins several partner airlines already operating at DFW as a member of the oneworld global airline alliance, including British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Fiji Airways, Qantas, and Qatar Airways. For Royal Jordanian, this is their fifth direct route to the U.S., along with Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Washington DC; they're also adding direct flights to Los Angeles and Miami. But Dallas is the only city that earns a nod: "Not our first rodeo but our first nonstop to Dallas," the airline quips on its Facebook page. Welcoming Royal Jordanian to DFW is another exciting step in growing our global network," said Chris McLaughlin, DFWs Chief Executive Officer. "This new nonstop connection to Amman is a first for North Texas and will expand our reach into the Middle East and further grow DFWs role as a key international gateway." By Alexandra Valencia QUITO (Reuters) -An Ecuadorean judge on Wednesday ordered pre-trial detention for two men accused of masterminding the 2023 assassination of anti-corruption presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. In the same ruling, a former government minister and another suspect, both currently in the United States, were also ordered to report periodically to an Ecuadorean consulate. Villavicencio, the most prominent victim of Ecuador's recent crime wave, was shot and killed outside a campaign event. Five people were convicted last year for carrying out the killing, but prosecutors have long stated they are pursuing the masterminds behind the crime. The judge on Wednesday ordered pre-trial detention for Daniel Salcedo, already in prison on separate charges, for allegedly acting as an intermediary with the Los Lobos gang, whose members carried out the attack. The judge also ordered former lawmaker Ronny Aleaga be detained pending trial, though his whereabouts are unknown. The case against them relies heavily on a protected witness. According to prosecutors, the witness accused Jose Serrano, who served as interior minister from 2011 to 2016 under former leftist President Rafael Correa, of providing classified information on Villavicencio's movements to the other plotters. The witness also alleged that businessman Xavier Jordan requested and financed the assassination, coordinating it with Aleaga. Serrano and Jordan are both in the United States, and must periodically report to Ecuador's consulate in Miami. Serrano is currently being held at a U.S. immigration center, and would need to comply with the order once his immigration status is resolved. If he is deported, he would need to check in with authorities in Ecuador. Serrano and Jordan have denied the accusations, while Salcedo told a legislative commission that he had contact with the other suspects to plan the assassination. Jordan, Aleaga and Salcedo have already been investigated in the so-called Metastasis case, a sprawling probe into organized crime and drug trafficking connected to the Andean country's judicial system. (Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama ) GEORGETOWN (Reuters) -Guyana's ruling People's Progressive Party has won a total of 123,923 votes in a partial tally of general election votes, notching it five out of ten districts, figures from the country's election commission showed on Wednesday. Official tallies for four more districts are pending, but the figures bode well for President Irfaan Ali, who is seeking re-election for the PPP. The partial figures showed a shake-up for the South American country's opposition - the upstart We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, which was founded just three months ago by business magnate Azruddin Mohamed, was second in votes, winning 50,829 and one district. Voting to choose 65 members of parliament and a government took place on Monday after a campaign focused on how riches from the country's hydrocarbon boom should be spent. The country of 800,000 people has earned some $7.5 billion in revenue from oil sales and royalties since ExxonMobil started pumping offshore oil in late 2019, making Guyana one of the world's fastest-growing economies. Ali's government, which took power in 2020, has funneled oil revenue into building roads, schools and hospitals, and made studying at the state university free. But opposition parties have decried what they say is unfair distribution of oil earnings to groups connected to the PPP. The PPP denies the allegation. WIN leader Mohamed was sanctioned by the U.S. last year over allegations that he and his father, Nazar Mohamed, defrauded the Guyanese government of tax revenue and bribed public officials. They deny any wrongdoing. Mohamed has attracted grassroots support, especially among poor and Indigenous communities, through his philanthropy and WIN has called for fairer access to housing and opportunities for everyone. (Reporting by Kemol KingWriting by Julia Symmes Cobb) MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Thursday that her government is considering imposing tariffs on imports from countries that do not have trade agreements with Mexico, including China. The tariffs would be part of "Plan Mexico", an initiative to boost domestic industry amid tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on some imports from Mexico. "We are considering imposing certain tariffs," Sheinbaum said at her daily news conference, adding that the recipients will be countries that don't have trade agreements with Latin America's second largest economy, including China. Sheinbaum did not provide details on which products or sectors could be affected. Mexico is part of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA), which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement in 2020 and was negotiated during U.S. President Donald Trump's first term. The agreement requires the three countries to hold a joint review after six years. (Reporting by Mexico City newsroom, editing by Stephen Eisenhammer and Natalia Siniawski) A 13-year-old rodeo pageant queen from Idaho was killed and her family seriously injured when their small plane crashed in Wyoming on Labor Day, authorities said. The teen, Amelia Palmer, was found dead after the four-seat Piper PA-28 jet went down in the Bighorn National Forest just moments after taking off on Monday afternoon. Her parents, Earl Palmer, 54, and Cindy Palmer, 53, and her 11-year-old brother, Aeron Palmer, were all airlifted to nearby hospitals in serious conditions. Amelia Palmer, 13, was found dead after her familys small plane crashed in Wyoming on Labor Day. Miss Rodeo Idaho / Facebook The girls father will already need major reconstructive surgeries, according to a GoFundMe page set up for the family. The extent of her mom and brothers injuries wasnt immediately known. The Palmers are believed to have three other sons who werent on the plane at the time. Amelia, meanwhile, had only recently been crowned the Treasure Valley Rodeo Mini Queen and second runner-up in the 2026 Miss Junior Rodeo Idaho, the Miss Rodeo Idaho organization . Her parents, Earl Palmer, 54, and Cindy Palmer, 53, and her 11-year-old brother, Aeron Palmer, were all injured in the wreck. GoFundMe Amelia, you were pure sunshine and brought joy to everyone you met, the organization said in a statement. Our rodeo family wont be the same without you, and our hearts are truly broken today. Amelias bio on the local Treasure Valley Rodeo website noted she loved the outdoors and her horse, Dally. When shes not horseback riding in the arena, barrel racing, or participating in 4-H with Boots & Bullets, you can find her at her Great Uncle Mark Blackburns cattle ranch in Jamison, Oregon, or attending Working Ranch Horse 4-H clinics, the bio stated. The teen had recently been crowned the Treasure Valley Rodeo Mini Queen. Miss Rodeo Idaho / Facebook Amelia was also the second runner-up in the 2026 Miss Junior Rodeo Idaho. Miss Rodeo Idaho / Facebook Amelia also enjoys playing the cello, paddle boarding, and boating at the lake. She loves spending time outdoors, and on a relaxing day, you might find her listening to a good book and drawing. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are still probing the cause of Mondays crash, the sheriffs office said. The coordinated effort between all of the rescuers, EMS, medical teams, and aircraft personnel was exceptional, Sheridan County Sheriff Levi Dominguez said of the rescue efforts. This was, and still is, a very fluid scene. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their family. WKYC Channel 3/YouTube David Hollister NEED TO KNOW David Hollister was diagnosed with ALS in 2022 and wants to end his life with medical aid in dying (MAID) MAID is not legal in Ohio, where Hollister lives, so hes sharing his story in hopes of making a change Now in hospice and unable to end his life, Hollister admitted, This is far from how I wanted to spend my final days An Ohio man is opening up about not having the option to end his life while suffering from a terminal disease. I am dying, David Hollister, 64, wrote in a personal essay for the Columbus Dispatch. My wife will watch my labored breathing, anguish. We deserve better. Hollister a commercial real estate broker from Chagrin Falls, Ohio was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in early 2022. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rare degenerative disease that causes progressive paralysis of the muscles. Patients first experience twitching or weakness in a limb, often followed by slurred speech. According to the Mayo Clinic, because the disease affects the nerve cells in the brain and spine that control muscle movement, patients slowly lose their ability to speak, eat, walk, and breathe independently. There's no cure for ALS, and people usually live three to five years after diagnosis, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Despite his diagnosis, Hollister said he tried to make the most of his life before his symptoms became too severe. I lived the best life I could with a fatal disease, he said. Along with extensive travel with my wife while I was still able, I realized some long-held ambitions, like taking voice lessons and self-publishing an album of 11 songs plus 26 more online. Two years ago, I co-chaired the 2023 Cleveland Walk to Defeat ALS fundraiser and got to throw the first pitch at a Guardians game on Lou Gehrig Night, he continued. More recently, Ive worked with an entrepreneur named Tom Meadows to help him raise awareness about little-known iPhone and iPad features that help people with disabilities communicate and function. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! However, Hollisters disease has advanced and hes now in hospice, which led him to making an important decision about his life. I wished to die peacefully on my terms, he shared. It was a decision arrived at with the support of my wife. She didnt want to see me suffer extended consequences of this cruel and always-fatal disease any more than I want to experience them. Hollister said he wanted to end his life through medical aid in dying (MAID). With MAID, terminally ill adults who are of sound mind and have been approved by at least two doctors can receive a prescription for a lethal medication. It is different from euthanasia because the patients themselves administer prescribed drugs to end their lives, rather than a doctor. MAID laws have been authorized in California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Maine, Vermont, New Jersey and New Mexico. Getty Patient in a hospital bed Because MAID is illegal in Ohio, where Hollister lives, his hope was that when he reached the point of having less than six months to live, he would travel to Vermont to end his life. Unfortunately for me, Vermonts law requires in-person administrative actions and my disease is now such that I cant tolerate a short car ride, let alone more than one trip to Vermont, he told the outlet. Hollister expressed his frustration with the fact that his loved ones will now have to witness him deteriorating from ALS. My wife shouldn't have to watch me suffer, he said. I know that, as I have chosen to opt out of medical interventions, hospice care will guide my wife and other caregivers on how to ease my pain, labored breathing and physical and mental anguish as much as possible. But heres the thing: I dont want to suffer needlessly, and I dont want my wife and friends to witness any more of that suffering than they already have, he added. When my death approaches and when I decide my days are done, I would like the freedom and autonomy to die peacefully, in my home, at a time of my choosing and surrounded by those I love I dont have that freedom. 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. Now, Hollister is sharing his story in hopes of encouraging lawmakers in Ohio to legalize medical aid in dying in the state. This is far from how I wanted to spend my final days, he admitted. It is too late for me, Hollister said. End-of-life autonomy is not an option for me in Ohio. But I can use my remaining time and capacity to speak up for other Ohioans who will find themselves in situations like mine. Read the original article on People Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sit in a vehicle after attending a military parade in Beijing on September 3, 2025. - KCNA/REUTERS This week, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a clear message for Ukraine and its European allies: Moscow can keep going, because we have powerful friends. The Russian leader stood shoulder to shoulder at various events in China with the men who have enabled him to wage his war on Ukraine for as long and as ferociously as he has: Chinas leader Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and North Koreas Kim Jong Un. More than three years into what Putin once thought would be a quick takeover of his much smaller and weaker neighbor, Russia would be unable to sustain the fight without Chinese and Indian money, Iranian weapons and, to a lesser extent, manpower from North Korea. But the messaging from both the summit and military parade hosted by China this week went well beyond the war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrive at the Tiananmen Gate for a military parade in Beijing on September 3, 2025. - cnsphoto/Reuters The leaders who gathered in China may not agree on everything. Some of them may not even like each other very much. But they are seeing the opportunity of a lifetime to end Western dominance of the global stage. And Europe fears it could be in the firing line. The events provided a stark visual reminder of why Europe must rethink its security. It has spent recent years trying to isolate Russias leader and starve its economy, while also coming to terms with the fact that the United States may no longer be the ally it can always turn to. Yet there was Putin, standing together with some of the worlds most powerful men, reaffirming their friendships. Russia is trying to demonstrate that even though it has been isolated from the Western world, it still has partners and allies which are economically strong countries And this isolation doesnt mean that the Russian economy will crumble or that Russia will be unable to sustain its war effort, Natia Seskuria, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), told CNN. The international order that was set after the end of the Cold War is clearly at risk of unraveling. The US has been retreating from the global stage under President Donald Trump and his America First agenda. Meanwhile, Europe is battling its own demons, including a surge in far-right nationalism and economic pressures. Russia, China, India and other countries that did not like the idea of a US-dominated world suddenly saw an opening. The established dominance of the Western alliance in international affairs is receding, and they see the opportunity to start to, in a serious way, re-engineer the international system, John Lough, head of foreign policy at the New Eurasian Strategies Centre think tank, told CNN. This week has laid these ambitions bare for everyone, including Trump, to see. Trump did get the message. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America, he wrote in a message to Xi. Strings attached Despite all the recent hand holding and smiles, Chinas and Indias approach to Russias war in Ukraine is dominated by pragmatism, analysts say. The two consistently profess their neutrality on the war while at the same time fueling it by providing financial lifelines to Russia. China and India were more than happy to step in when Ukraines Western allies slapped sanctions on Russian oil, a key moneymaker for Moscow. From left: Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prior to the BRICS Summit plenary session in Russia in 2024. - Maxim Shipenkov/AP They get cheaper energy supplies as a result, but experts say the relationship is not just about the money. While neither China nor India is willing to enter into a direct confrontation with the West, both are happy to see Russia pushing an anti-Western agenda. China is much closer to Russia when it comes to multipolarity and decreasing the Western influence in general. There is an ideological affinity and there is a pure economic interest as well, Seskuria said. Lough said Russias push against the US-dominated world order also plays well into the Indian narrative. I think the Indians are not unhappy to see Russia pushing this agenda of fighting the corner of the Global South and ensuring that the system of global governance is adapted to accommodate the rising economies with large populations, he told CNN. Beijing and Delhi are now the worlds two largest buyers of Russian oil and coal, with China also being the second-biggest buyer of Russias gas and oil products. The support goes beyond just oil. According to the US Treasury, both Chinese and Indian companies have been supplying Russia with so-called dual-use technologies, or components that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, such as chips or telecommunication equipment that Russia cannot get elsewhere because of Western sanctions. You only have to look at the number of Chinese components in the Russian drones that are landing in Ukraine to see that China is really a very important supplier, Lough added. Meanwhile, Ukraine and its European allies are not willing to dismiss India and China completely, because they are aware that, if anyone can put real pressure on Putin to end the war in the absence of tougher action from Trump it is likely Beijing and, perhaps to a lesser extent, New Delhi. North Korea and Iran, meanwhile, have stood firmly on Russias side. Already sanctioned and isolated by the West over their nuclear programs and other activities, they have little to lose. Iran was particularly helpful to Moscow in the early months of the war, providing it with know-how on lessening the pain of sanctions, Lough said. Crucially, Iran also provided much-needed military hardware, including the one weapon that has significantly altered the way Moscow fights in Ukraine the Shahed drone. The two countries even signed a new partnership agreement and launched joint military drills. Russia's President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian during a meeting in Tianjin, China, on Monday. - Alexander Kazakov/AFP/Pool/Getty Images Yet Tehran has learned the hard way that any alliance with Russia has clear limits. Putin did not come to Irans assistance when it came under attack from Israel and, later, the US this summer. And beyond providing a safe way out for former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, formerly a key ally for both Russia and Iran, Putin did not intervene when Assads regime was overthrown in December. For North Korea, isolated and impoverished, the relationship with Russia remains purely transactional, Seskuria said. Russia needs men, and North Korea is possibly the only country that can afford in a political sense to send its own people to fight in a war that has been marked by an enormously high casualty rate on the Russian side. They dont have much to lose, in a sense that there is no public opinion or any resistance that can go against the decision of Kim to send troops to Ukraine, Seskuria said. Pragmatism above everything? The warm welcome Putin received in China, coupled with the military and diplomatic might on display during the summit and the military parade, was designed to convey a message. Here we have this symbol of a group of countries that are not best friends as such, but have common strategic interests and that are able to align and theyre able to show to the US and its allies that they are a force to be reckoned with, Lough said. This is unsettling, to say the least, and some would say disturbing, but you then have to ask how sustainable is this? he said. The shifts the events in China represented did not happen overnight. Europe might have been caught off guard when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but it has changed since then. unknown content item - We are starting to see now what the Europeans are made of and in terms of defense developments in Europe, we can see some remarkable changes, Lough said. Things that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago such as Germany changing its constitution to boost defense spending or the staunchly neutral Sweden and Finland joining NATO are now happening because of the geopolitical shifts that were on display this week. As much as Putins chumminess with Xi and Modi might have sparked some discomfort in many European capitals, the group was brought together by a combination of need, economic pragmatism and opportunity, analysts say. Its a very functional relationship, that is not based on a strong mutual affection. Its an alliance of interests rather than an alliance of countries, Lough said, adding that interests can shift, and a lot of things can happen in the next three and half years of the Trump presidency. We are not at the stage where its kind of suddenly game over, because a bunch of leaders we dont like have got together in China for a big celebration, he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com France's President Emmanuel Macron, right, embraces Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the end of a press conference following a summit on Ukraine at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France. (Ludovic Marin/AP) Leaders from European Union nations met Thursday in Paris with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the ongoing war with Russia and coordinated support for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron said that after hours of talks Thursday morning, leaders spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump to update him on plans for the deployment of European troops inside Ukraine once a peace accord is signed. RELATED STORY | Putin's intentions questioned as Trump, Zelenskyy seek path forward for Ukraine Macron said Trump also agreed to the implementation of new sanctions against Russia if Moscow fails to engage in a bilateral summit between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff attended the Paris talks as a liaison between the Trump administration and the Coalition of the Willing, which includes allies from France to the United States as well as Japan, Canada and Australia. SCRIPPS NEWS INTERVIEW | Reporter shares eyewitness account from front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war Participants discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, with European leaders emphasizing the importance of U.S. involvement, even in the form of air support, as a deterrent against potential future Russian aggression. This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. Police in Jacksonville, Florida, turned up at a family's door earlier this summer to break some unexpected news: their 5-year-old had wandered off to Chick-fil-A by himself. Chick-fil-A employees at a restaurant on San Jose Boulevard in Jacksonville called police after finding the boy, 5-year-old William, around 7 a.m. on June 24, according to a Sept. 3 news release from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO). "You get that knot in your stomach because you know somebody else who's a parent is missing their child," Ryan Perri, a police officer with JSO District 3 who responded to the call, said in a video shared by the department. After traversing nearby neighborhoods with William in their patrol car, officers found the boy's home and awoke his parents to the news. "You could just see the look on his face. It would be for any parent, including myself, it's disbelief," Perri said. In a statement shared with USA TODAY, Eric Gillis, local owner-operator of the Chick-fil-A restaurant involved in the incident, extended "sincere gratitude" for the officers who responded "for their swift, compassionate, and professional actions in ensuring his well-being." This heartwarming outcome truly reminds us of the strong community we are a part of, and we are so glad this story had such a happy ending," Gillis said. Watch the video at the top of this story. 'Are you going to get me in jail?' 5-year-old asks police In body camera footage from the incident shared by JSO, 5-year-old William is seen sitting at a booth inside the restaurant donning bare feet and a red sweater. "As we walked in, we see a little kid sitting at a table eating his breakfast with one of the managers," Bryan Kelly, a police officer with JSO District 3 who responded alongside Perri, said in the video. "We asked where he came from, and he kept saying he walked to Chick-fil-A." A five-year-old Florida boy who had wandered away from his home early in the morning was found happily enjoying his breakfast at a nearby Chick-fil-A by officers, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office (JSO) said. "Are you going to get me in jail?" William asked the officers as they led the boy out to their patrol car. While William didn't know his address, he did tell officers that he lived on a nearby street in a home with a white fence outside. Once they found the home, Perri and Kelly climbed over the fence to bring the boy back to his parents. "My initial thoughts were, I can't believe he came out of here," Perri said. "It's the most secure house on that block in reference to having a fence all the way around, front, back, sides." 'It's kind of scary,' parents say after son walks to Chick-fil-A alone William's parents, identified by their first names Phil and Victoria, appeared surprised in body camera footage when police broke the news of their son's morning adventure. "He was down at the Chick-fil-A," Perri said, to which Phil responded, "Are you kidding me?" Victoria, William's mother, told police she believed he unlocked the front door of the house. He knew the route to Chick-fil-A because the family has walked to the restaurant before, she said. "He said he opened the gate and couldn't find you all and went down the street," Kelly told the parents. "It's kind of scary, actually, because we didn't realize what was going on until after we came out," Victoria said in an interview at the restaurant after the incident. A reminder for parents Christian Hancock, senior media relations manager for JSO, told USA TODAY that the police report from the incident indicated that the family was asleep when William left the house. "I think it did shake him up some, so I don't think we really needed to, you know, impress too much that he shouldn't do it again, things like that," Phil, the boy's father, said in an interview afterwards. "I think he understood that it was serious, but we did talk about it." Officials said they are using the incident as an example for other parents. "To be clear: Williams parents are not in any trouble. They had several safety measures in place," JSO said in the news release. "But this is a good reminder to teach kids their home address, parents names, and a phone number. It could make a big difference in an emergency." This story has been updated with additional information. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5-year-old walked to Chick-fil-A alone. Watch his parents find out. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference on June 27, 2025, at the White House in Washington, D.C. Molly Riley / Official White House Photo via Flickr / United States Government Work (The Center Square) President Donald Trump maintained in conversations with reporters Wednesday that Tuesdays deadly strike on a small Venezuelan boat carrying 11 alleged drug traffickers was warranted and should serve as a warning to anyone trying to smuggle drugs into the country. We have to protect our country, and were going to, Trump said during an Oval Office visit with Polish President Karol Nawrocki. Venezuela has been a very bad actor. Trump posted video footage of the attack to his Truth Social account on Tuesday, saying those on the boat were confirmed members of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua who were bringing drugs to the U.S. The federal government designated the gang as a foreign terrorist organization in February. 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, Trump wrote. Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE! The strike follows the reported movement of multiple American missile-destroying warships close to Venezuelan waters, after Trump issued orders to the Pentagon to begin using military force against certain Latin American drug cartels, according to reporting from The New York Times. When asked why the military attacked the alleged drug vessel instead of intercepting it and arresting those on board, Trump said the U.S. wasnt going to tolerate drug trafficking and other nefarious activity from Venezuela anymore. On the boat, you had massive amounts of drugs. We have tapes of them speaking. It was massive amounts of drugs coming into our country to kill a lot of people, the president said. As he has done on multiple occasions, Trump said Venezuela emptied out its prisons into the U.S. under the border policies of the Biden administration, in addition to its drug smuggling operations. Think of it opened up prisons, drug dealers, drug lords, everything coming out of Venezuela, they said. And we said we're not going to put up with it anymore, he said. Venezuela is one of a few countries that doesnt share its criminal records with the U.S. The president has said that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro released many of his countrys violent criminals to come to the U.S. in recent years. The president has also said that Maduro has weaponized Tren de Aragua against the U.S. and is behind its predatory incursion into the U.S. Fiber optic cables are connected in a network server rack, representing broadband infrastructure that enables high-speed internet access. Photo: Brett Sayles / Pexels. (The Center Square) - The cyberattack on the Nevada state government dragged through its second week as questions about the attacker's identity and personal data leaks remained unanswered. The cyberattack was first discovered Aug. 24. Since then, state government websites across Nevada have been slow to return to full function as information has trickled out of the Governors Office. As of right now, we are operating almost fully back to normal business operations, Hailey Foster, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles public information officer, told The Center Square Wednesday. We opened up our offices yesterday to handle all vehicle transactions In addition, we got MyDMV back up and running. The MyDMV website Wednesday afternoon said transactions remained temporarily unavailable for driver's licenses, IDs and address changes. All late fees from the Nevada DMV for vehicle-related payments were waived through Aug. 29, when the services returned to operation. Late payments for driver's licenses and IDs both in person and online continue to be waived until those services return, with the DMV not giving an estimated date for its full recovery. Most state departments have returned to partial operation like the DMV, but some remain fully offline. The website for Gov. Joe Lombardos new Nevada Health Authority, designed to consolidate Nevada health care operations, remained fully out of operation over a week after the attack. The website for Nevadas Office of New Americans was also down. In response, the state set up a website to track the recovery effort with twice-daily updates through the Nevada Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. The recovery site confirmed that data was moved outside the states network, but has yet to confirm if any personal data was stolen. In the event that personal information was leaked, We will notify impacted Nevada residents in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, while making sure notification does not hinder law-enforcement efforts, read the recovery homepage. The website made note of the ongoing investigation by the state with the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The Governors Office has cited the federal investigation to justify not sharing more information about the attack. In the 11 days since the cyberattack was discovered, Gov. Joe Lombardo has spoken publicly once about it. No comment has been made about the motivation or identity of the attackers, as Nevadans wait to see if their personal data was stolen in the breach. Emergency services are fully functional. The state has warned to be especially wary of online scams at this time. For more information, visit www.oem.nv.gov/recovery. WASHINGTON Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during an explosive hearing refused to acknowledge more than 1 million Americans died from coronavirus and was reluctant to give COVID-19 vaccines credit in saving lives. Kennedy's skepticism about the role vaccines played to slow the COVID pandemic was the focus of a heated exchange with Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia. The nation's top health official defended his tenure on Sept. 4 before the Senate Finance Committee amid turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "I don't know how many died," Kennedy said when Warner asked him whether he accepts that more than 1 million Americans died from COVID, as is widely accepted in the health community. "I don't think anybody knows because there was so much data chaos coming out of the CDC." The senator then asked whether he believes COVID vaccines did anything to prevent people from dying from the virus. "Again, I would like to see the data and talk about the data," Kennedy said in response. More: Vaccine furor as angry senators hit RFK Jr. over CDC chaos: live updates See Senators grill HHS Secretary RFK Jr. over vaccine rulings, CDC turmoil Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Pressed again on the question by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, Kennedy conceded COVID-19 vaccines "saved quite a few" lives but said he doesn't know how many. According to the most recent data publicized by the CDC, more than 1.2 million Americans had died from COVID as of Aug. 23. Numerous independent studies have found COVID vaccinations saved millions of lives in the United States and millions more around the world. More than 3.2 million American lives were saved from the first two years of COVID vaccinations, according to researchers in one study from the nonprofit Commonwealth Fund. Warner responded to Kennedy in a tone of astonishment: "The secretary of Health and Human Services doesn't know how many Americans died from COVID, doesn't know if the vaccine helped prevent any deaths. And you are sitting as secretary of Health and Human Services? How can you be that ignorant?" Kennedy says he agrees that mRNA vaccine can cause death Kennedy blamed "dismal" data from the Biden administration for lacking clear answers about COVID, accusing the CDC under former President Joe Biden of "firing all the people who questioned the orthodoxy." In another tense exchange with Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, Kennedy said he agreed with comments from Dr. Retsef Levi, one of his handpicked appointments to a vaccine advisory panel, critical of the mRNA vaccine. Bennet singled out Levi previously saying mRNA vaccines "cause serious harm, including death, especially among young people." "I wasn't aware he said it, but I agree with it," Kennedy said. Bennet fired back: "It's not true. It wasn't true when he said it. It is not true when you said it." Messenger RNA vaccines, or mRNA, differ from traditional ones. Instead of growing a virus and weakening it to allow the body to engage its natural defenses, mRNA vaccines use pieces of genetic code to manufacture a protein, a piece of the virus. That causes the body to create its own antibodies against the virus. Pharmaceutical companies Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech created mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 during the coronavirus pandemic. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Republican senator says he's grown 'deeply concerned' with Kennedy President Donald Trump, in a Sept. 1 social media post, called on drug companies to "justify their success" in combating the COVID-19 virus, demanding the immediate release of data on the matter while the CDC is "being ripped apart over this question." In response to the pandemic in 2020, Trump during his first term launched Operation Warp Speed aimed at quickly developing vaccines to stop the virus. But Kennedy, a longtime skeptic of vaccines, has caused an exodus of top CDC officials over his vaccine views including the ouster of CDC director Susan Monarez, who Trump fired after she refused to step down when Kennedy tried to terminate her. More: White House fires CDC Director Susan Monarez after clash with RFK Jr., but she refuses to quit Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) speaks as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. appears before a Senate Finance Committee hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on September 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, a physician who has criticized Kennedy's actions, told the health secretary it seemed "inconsistent" that he would applaud Trump for Operation War Speed which Kennedy said Trump should win the Nobel Prize for yet take aim at the vaccine. It surprises me that you think so highly of Operation Warp Speed when as an attorney you attempted to restrict access to vaccines, Cassidy said. Youve cancelled $500 million of contracts using the mRNA platform that was critical for Operation Warp Speed," the senator added. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, also a physician, told Kennedy that he's "grown deeply concerned" with Kennedy's leadership, pointing to the nation's measles cases, leaders in the NIH who have questioned the use of mRNA vaccines and the firing of Monarez. "Americans don't know who to rely on," Barrasso said. Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison. Contributing: Janet Loehrke and George Petras This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: RFK Jr. says he doesn't know how many Americans died from COVID Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Kansas City Royals placed right-hander Seth Lugo on the 15-day Injured List on Thursday because of a lower back strain. The move is retroactive to Monday. Originally scheduled to start Thursday night against the Los Angeles Angels, Lugo (8-7) was was scratched Wednesday because of back discomfort. He came out and tried to play catch today, manager Matt Quatraro said Thursday. His back was still pretty stiff, so were going to put him on the IL. Right-hander Stephen Kolek took Lugo's roster spot. He was expected to start Saturday against Minnesota. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb With tusks that each weigh over 100 pounds (45 kilograms) and often scrape the ground, super tuskers are elephants that live up to their name. This rare trait is the result of a genetic variation that causes the tusks to grow faster and longer than usual. While it gives the elephants a powerful and distinctive appearance, it also makes them vulnerable to poaching. Fewer than 30 of these giants remain in Africa, according to the Tsavo Trust, which monitors elephant populations in Kenyas Tsavo Conservation Area. Most of the surviving super tuskers, also known as great tuskers, are found in southern Kenya, where Italian-born photographer Federico Veronesi has spent years tracking and photographing them. His new book, Walk the Earth, the culmination of years of work in Kenya and beyond, pays tribute to the elephants he calls the last witnesses of a world before humans took over the Earth. As a child growing up in Italy, Veronesi was captivated by African wildlife. That fascination led him to Kenya, where he eventually settled and began photographing the animals he had admired for so long. Photography is almost like a medium through which I get to stay among the animals and express my love for them, said Veronesi. Pictured here is Craig, one of the legendary tuskers from Amboseli National Park, in Kenya. - Federico Veronesi Elephants became his central focus, not just for their grandeur, but for the way they seemed to embody the soul of Africa for him. When you see an elephant walking through a savanna, he reflected, its so evocative, like everything about Africa is in that one scene. The book is rooted in Veronesis encounters with some of Kenyas most iconic elephants. One of the most significant came in 2010, when he first saw Tim, the legendary super tusker of Amboseli National Park. We were waiting as the elephants made their daily walk from the woodlands to the marsh, he remembered, when this massive bull appeared with tusks so long, they nearly touched the ground. For Veronesi, it was as if a childhood dream had become reality. Tim reminded him of tales of Ahmed, a great tusker so revered in Kenya that in the 1970s, President Jomo Kenyatta declared him a living monument and assigned him armed guards for protection. Through the book I also wanted to show different aspects of elephants lives, Veronesi said, such as courtship with Tim, fighting, mud-bathing, swimming, reaching up for branches and social relationships. Veronesi also sought to highlight the diversity of habitats where elephants live across Africa, from the deserts of Namibia to the Tanzanias Ngorongoro Crater and Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. Veronesis favorite image is one of Balguda, probably the greatest tusker alive at the moment, as described in his book. Balguda was only known from occasional sightings during aerial patrols and Veronesi spent years looking for him. In August 2023, in a remote corner of Tsavo, Balguda finally appeared. I still cant believe that I finally managed to see and photograph him, to have breathed the same air as him. The image of him walking in the riverbed will probably remain with me forever one of my most intense encounters in the wild, Veronesi writes in the book. I always told myself, if I find him, then I will do the book, he added. Veronesi described Balguda as "probably the greatest tusker alive at the moment." - Federico Veronesi Photography and conservation Walk the Earth is Veronesis third photography book, and he has been working on it for the past five years. It highlights the threats elephants face today: habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the continued danger of trophy hunting, especially for the few remaining great tuskers. Veronesi has long used his photography to help protect wildlife. He says he donates images to conservation organizations, contributes to awareness campaigns and has spoken internationally, including in China, where he presented his wildlife photos to raise awareness about ivory demand. Veronesi strives to not only document elephants as specimens, but to portray them as individuals. The goal is always to make the viewer connect with the animal, to look into its soul somehow, he said. That connection requires patience and perspective. He often positions his camera low to the ground, so the elephant seems to tower over the frame. Many of his most powerful images are in black and white. Elephants have this incredible aura of calm patience, he said. They convey a sense of wisdom, of knowledge. And at the same time, theyre extremely social and caring for each other. They make everything seem fine. Like the whole world is grazing and nothing is happening. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com US federal EV tax credits will end after September 30. MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images/MediaNews Group via Getty Images Federal EV tax credits will end after September 30. US drivers can still qualify for the incentive if they meet specific requirements. The Trump administration ended federal EV incentives in July. Want a discount on electric vehicles? Better act fast. Drivers in the US have until September 30 to qualify for federal EV tax credits, which President Donald Trump axed as part of his "Big Beautiful Bill." The tax and spending bill, passed by Congress in July, eliminated a $7,500 tax credit for new EVs and a $4,000 tax credit for used EVs. The decision is a blow to American EV manufacturers like Tesla, which could see a drop in sales as drivers reconsider the higher cost. However, some automakers say they expect a temporary boost in EV sales as people race to use the tax credits before they're officially gone. Here's what you need to know before the deadline hits. Who qualifies? The IRS says drivers may qualify for an EV tax credit of up to $7,500 if they purchase a new, qualified plug-in EV or fuel cell electric vehicle. Drivers can't buy the EV for resale and must use it primarily in the US. Additionally, a driver's modified adjusted gross income cannot exceed: $300,000 for married couples filing jointly or a surviving spouse $225,000 for heads of households $150,000 for all other filers Which vehicles qualify? The IRS says a qualifying EV vehicle must: Have a battery capacity of at least 7 kilowatt hours Have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds Be made by a qualified manufacturer Undergo final assembly in North America Meet critical mineral and battery component requirements (as of April 18, 2023) Will you still qualify for EV tax credits if you purchase a contract by September 30? The short answer is yes. "Acquiring a vehicle prior to the termination date is an initial step, but acquisition alone does not immediately entitle a taxpayer to a credit," the IRS says. The car must also be "placed in service" to claim the credit, the IRS says. That just means you can only claim the credit after you have the car in your possession, and it's OK if that's after September 30. "If a taxpayer acquires a vehicle by having a written binding contract in place and a payment made on or before September 30, 2025, then the taxpayer will be entitled to claim the credit when they place the vehicle in service (namely, when they take possession of the vehicle), even if the vehicle is placed in service after September 30, 2025. Read the original article on Business Insider President Donald Trump listens during a meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) The Trump administration took the fight over tariffs to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, asking the justices to rule quickly that the president has the power to impose sweeping tariffs under federal law. The government called on the court to reverse an appeals court ruling that found most of President Donald Trumps tariffs are an illegal use of an emergency powers law. It's the latest in a series of Trump administration appeals to a Supreme Court he helped shape, and one that is expected to put a centerpiece of the president's trade policy before the justices. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit left the tariffs in place for now, but the administration nevertheless called on the high court to intervene quickly in a petition filed electronically late Wednesday and provided to The Associated Press. It was expected to be formally docketed on Thursday. Solicitor General D. John Sauer asked the justices to take up the case and hear arguments in early November. That decision casts a pall of uncertainty upon ongoing foreign negotiations that the President has been pursuing through tariffs over the past five months, jeopardizing both already negotiated framework deals and ongoing negotiations, he wrote. The stakes in this case could not be higher. But the stakes are also high for small businesses battered by tariffs and uncertainty, said Jeffrey Schwab, senior counsel and director of litigation at the Liberty Justice Center. These unlawful tariffs are inflicting serious harm on small businesses and jeopardizing their survival. We hope for a prompt resolution of this case for our clients, he said. The businesses have twice prevailed, once at a federal court focused on trade and again with the appeals court's 7-4 ruling. Their lawsuit is one of several challenging the tariffs and erratic rollout that have shaken global markets, alienated U.S. trading partners and allies and raised fears of higher prices and slower economic growth. But Trump has also used the levies to pressure the European Union, Japan and other countries into accepting new trade deals. Revenue from tariffs totaled $159 billion by late August, more than double what it was at the same point the year before. Most judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, did not let Trump usurp congressional power to set tariffs. The dissenters, though, said the law does allow the president to regulate importation during emergencies without explicit limitations. The ruling involves two sets of import taxes, both of which Trump justified by declaring a national emergency: the tariffs first announced in April and the ones from February on imports from Canada, China and Mexico. The Constitution gives Congress the power to impose taxes, including tariffs. But over the decades, lawmakers have ceded authority to the president, and Trump has made the most of the power vacuum. Some Trump tariffs, including levies on foreign steel, aluminum and autos, werent covered by the appeals court ruling. It also does not include tariffs Trump imposed on China in his first term that were kept by Democratic President Joe Biden. Trump can impose tariffs under other laws, but those have more limitations on the speed and severity with which he could act. The government has argued that if the tariffs are struck down, it might have to refund some of the import taxes that its collected, delivering a financial blow to the U.S. Treasury. Trump Does The Unthinkable: Causes MSNBC Guest To Take Side Of Drug-Trafficking Terrorists Screenshot/Rumble/MSNBC Independent Veterans of America founder Paul Rieckhoff attacked President Donald Trump on Thursday for bombing drug-trafficking terrorists in the Caribbean Sea. Americas strike sank a vessel belonging to Venezuelan drug cartel Tren de Aragua, with 11 members verified to have died in the attack, Trump announced on Tuesday. Rieckhoff argued on MSNBCs Katy Tur Reports that the strike was a misuse of the military. (RELATED: Jonathan Turley Explains Why Trump Will Win Either Way In Chicago Crime Fight) WATCH: Its alarming, its unprecedented and its dangerous. And its the latest example of how Trump continues to overextend and abuse military power, Rieckhoff said. I think its maybe the most important and one of the most underreported stories in America right now. He keeps pushing the boundaries to places weve never been before. Not only did they kill 11 people allegedly they put American troops at risk. American troops could have died. Right? And any time you put American troops at risk, you owe the American public an explanation as to why, he added. There is absolutely no accountability right now. There is no transparency. And theres the old saying: First send the country to war, then send the troops. We keep sending the troops first without getting the country behind them. U.S. Southern Command conducted the strike in international waters, where three Aegis-class missile boats are stationed alongside other assets to interrupt the Latin American cartels drug trade routes. No U.S. Forces were harmed in this strike. Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America, Trump wrote on Truth Social. BEWARE! Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!!!!!!!!! [sic]. Trump classified various Latin American cartels as terrorist organizations in August and subsequently authorized the U.S. military to strike the organizations. U.S. forces also deployed to Venezuelas coast, readying 2 million militia personnel while also deploying ships and drones off the countrys shores. Even former Democratic National Committee (DNC) press secretary Jose Aristimuno applauded Trump on Thursday for his actions to combat Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. [W]e know that drug usage is connected to crime. So we see the countless amount of drugs that are coming in from Venezuela, Aristimuno said. And what the president is doing to stop that, to stop Nicolas Maduro, the king of the drug cartels in Latin America, it gives me great pride. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump told European leaders on Thursday that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that he said is helping Moscow fund its war against Ukraine, a White House official said. Trump joined a call of the "Coalition of the Willing" countries, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, who were meeting on security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a peace deal with Russia. "President Macron and European leaders called President Trump into their Coalition of the Willing meeting. President Trump emphasized that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war as Russia received 1.1 billion euros in fuel sales from the EU in one year," the official said. "The president also emphasized that European leaders must place economic pressure on China for funding Russias war efforts," the official said. The European Commission has proposed legislation to phase out EU imports of Russian oil and gas by January 1, 2028, as Brussels seeks to sever its decades-old energy relations with Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Trump has been frustrated at his inability to get a halt to the fighting in Ukraine after he initially predicted he would be able to end the war swiftly when he took office last January. The official said Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were among the leaders on the call. "The 'Coalition of the Willing' meeting was on security guarantees for Ukraine. President Trump questioned their seriousness while they continue to fuel Russia's economy and war. The president made clear that this is not his war, and the Europeans must step up as well," the official said. (Reporting By Steve Holland; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron, arrive to attend a summit on Ukraine at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP) KYIV, Ukraine (AP) French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that 26 of Ukraines allies have pledged to deploy troops as a reassurance force for the war-torn country once fighting ends in the conflict with Russia. Macron spoke after a meeting in Paris of the so-called coalition of the willing," a group of 35 countries who support Ukraine. He said that 26 of the countries had committed to deploying troops in Ukraine or to maintaining a presence on land, at sea, or in the air to help guarantee the countrys security the day after a ceasefire or peace is achieved. Earlier Thursday, Macron and other European leaders met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the U.S. envoy for peace talks, Steve Witkoff, to discuss ways of ensuring long-term military support and continued American backing for Ukraine once the conflict ends. Zelenskyy also held a closed-door meeting with Witkoff. Macron said at a news conference alongside Zelenskyy that the reassurance force does not have the will or the objective of waging war against Russia," but will aim "to prevent any new major aggression and to involve the 26 states very clearly in the lasting security of Ukraine. Macron and Zelenskyy say US backs the plan Though details of any U.S. participation in the security guarantees remain unclear, both Macron and Zelenskyy said Washington had expressed willingness to be part of the plan, and the Ukrainian president said he was grateful about that. As for in what format, I am not yet ready to tell you in detail, Zelenskyy added. The planning work will be finalized with the United States, Macron said. Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who lead the coalition of the willing, previously have insisted that any European reassurance force in Ukraine needs the backing of the United States. The European leaders some of whom joined the meeting virtually said Russian President Vladimir Putin must now work toward ending the fighting, and the German government suggested European sanctions on Russia would increase if Moscow drags its feet. The European leaders also spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump after their meeting. Starmers office said the British prime minister emphasized that the group had an unbreakable pledge to Ukraine, with President Trumps backing, and it was clear they now needed to go even further to apply pressure on Putin to secure a cessation of hostilities. Trump phone call Finnish President Alexander Stubb told Finnish media that, in the phone conversation with European leaders, Trump emphasized the need to put economic pressure on Russia, and said Europe must stop buying Russian oil and gas that he said was funding the war. Trump stressed that Russia received 1.1 billion in fuel sales from the EU in one year, according to a White House official. Trump also emphasized that European leaders must place economic pressure on China for indirectly funding Russias war efforts, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly about the private talks and spoke on the condition of anonymity. German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz laid out three areas of action, including working toward a summit that would include Zelenskyy, and a ceasefire must be agreed there. If the Russian side continues to play for time, Europe will increase the pressure of sanctions to increase the chances of a diplomatic solution, the statement said. The Ukrainian president said a meeting with Putin is needed. This is not a matter of a desire, this is a matter of necessity," Zelenskyy said. We support any format, bilateral meeting, trilateral meeting, I believe that Russia does everything to defer it." There was no immediate reaction from Russian officials. Putin isolated by Western leaders but backed by China in his war effort said Wednesday that he believed if common sense prevails, it is possible to agree on an acceptable option for ending the conflict, adding that Trump has a sincere desire to reach a settlement. Positive signals In a policy shift earlier this month, the U.S. sent positive signals over its readiness to support security guarantees for Ukraine that resemble NATOs collective defense mandate, Zelenskyy previously has said. It is unclear what that support would look like in practice. Ukraine is hoping for continued U.S. intelligence sharing and air support. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said that a broad coalition of nations is needed to support Ukraines defense against Russian aggression, but also to strengthen Europe to deter further military action by Moscow. Citing European military and intelligence officials who have warned of Russian plans to strike other European countries, Rutte said that we have to make sure that our deterrence is such that they will never try, knowing that our reaction will be devastating. Rutte also called for the world to not be naive about Russia. We know what Putin tries to do and and the evidence is there in Ukraine as we speak, he said. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Russia fired 112 strike and decoy drones across the country overnight Thursday, according to Ukraines Air Force morning report. Air defenses intercepted or jammed 84 drones, the statement said. Russia on Thursday announced that it was expelling an Estonian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move after Estonia declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata last month. ___ Petrequin reported from London. Associated Press reporters from across the globe contributed to this report. By Maha El Dahan DUBAI (Reuters) -The United Arab Emirates warned Israel on Wednesday that annexation in the occupied West Bank would constitute a "red line" for Abu Dhabi that would severely undermine the spirit of the Abraham Accords that normalised UAE-Israeli relations. The comments by the UAE, the most prominent of the three Arab states that signed the accords with Israel when President Donald Trump was first in office, amounted to Abu Dhabi's sharpest criticism of Israel since the Gaza war erupted in 2023, when Hamas launched its cross-border raid from the enclave. Trump has been seeking to expand the accords, but efforts so far to draw in others, including Saudi Arabia, hit the buffers amid growing international criticism in the Arab world, Europe and beyond of the way Israel has conducted the war. In August, Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that work would start on a long-delayed settlement that would divide the West Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem, a move his office said would "bury" the idea of a Palestinian state. The Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in parts of the West Bank, as well as allies and campaign groups condemned the project, calling it illegal and saying the fragmentation of territory would rip up any peace plans for the region. Smotrich has also called for annexing the West Bank. Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, told Reuters: "From the very beginning, we viewed the Accords as a way to enable our continued support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspiration for an independent state. "We call on the Israeli government to suspend these (settlement) plans. Extremists of any kind cannot be allowed to dictate the regions trajectory. Peace requires courage, persistence and a refusal to let violence define our choices." 'RED LINE' Nusseibeh added that "annexation in the West Bank would constitute a red line for the UAE", as it would severely undermine "the vision and spirit" of the Abraham Accords and end the pursuit of regional integration. The Israeli prime minister's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the UAE's remarks. On Wednesday, Smotrich said maps were being drawn up for annexing territory in the West Bank, though it was unclear if he had Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's support. In a statement, the UAE's fellow Gulf Arab states condemned what they called "dangerous and suspicious calls" for annexation by an Israeli cabinet minister. Under the Abraham Accords, signed during President Donald Trump's first term in office, the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco normalised diplomatic relations with Israel following U.S. mediation. In those accords, the biggest prize for Israel was the UAE, the most prominent Arab state in 30 years to establish formal ties with Israel. The UAE is a major global oil producer and a commercial and trade hub with diplomatic clout extending across the Middle East. At the time the agreements were reached, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brimmed with optimism, arguing "this peace will eventually expand to include other Arab states". He even predicted that "ultimately it can end the Arab-Israeli conflict once and for all". The accords were a triumph for Trump who, in his current, second term, hopes he can persuade pivotal regional power Saudi Arabia to also normalise ties with Israel and further ease the latter's isolation in the region. But Israel's war in Gaza, which has killed over 62,000 Palestinians, demolished the heavily built-up enclave and created a humanitarian disaster, diverting attention away from Trump's efforts to extend Israeli-Arab normalisation. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Wednesday and discussed the situation in Gaza, state media said. The two stressed the need for a clear path toward a lasting, comprehensive and just peace, and for a two-state solution to ensure stability for the regions nations and peoples, UAE state news agency WAM reported. (Reporting by Maha El Dahan; additional reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Jerusalem, Tala Ramadan and Elwely Elwelly in Dubai; writing by Michael Georgy; editing by Ros Russell, William Maclean and Mark Heinrich) The closure of 72 factories has left 73,000 people unemployed, pushing many young people into drugs and crime. In six months, 1,600 people have been arrested for crimes such as robbery and assault, half of them unemployed. Experts call for action in what was an Awami League stronghold, where some groups are now sowing chaos to destabilise the entire region. Gazipur (AsiaNews) Rakib, a 22-year-old man from Gazipur, lost his job when the garment factory where he worked closed. After months of searching for a new job without success, he fell into despair. Influenced by his peers, he began using and selling drugs. Eventually, the police arrested him, plunging his family into a deep crisis. Rakib's story is not an isolated case, but reflects a growing trend in Gazipur, where unemployment is pushing many young people into crime. Gazipur, once a thriving industrial hub in Dhaka Division, is now facing a surge in crime. According to the Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP), 1,600 people have been arrested for robbery and assault in the last six months alone. Alarmingly, more than 800 of them are unemployed workers from closed garment and other factories. Experts warn that the situation is getting worse. The working population is increasing, but employment is not, said Subash Gomes, a Catholic development worker. Workers are being laid off, and unemployment is rising. This is not conducive to social stability or economic growth. Gomes suggests training workers to develop their entrepreneurial skills so that they can start their own businesses rather than rely solely on working for others. The roots of the crisis lie precisely in factory closures. According to the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments and the Industrial Police, 72 factories have shut down in Gazipur since mass protests on 5 August last year. These include large firms like Beximco, Mahmud Jeans, Dard Composite, and Polycon Limited. The closures have left approximately 73,000 workers unemployed. Dr Touhidul Haque, associate professor at the University of Dhaka, explained the broader implications. Unemployed people not only fail to contribute to the economy, but many also turn to crime. When there are no jobs or entrepreneurial opportunities, people resort to theft or fraud to survive. This is a legal and social crisis. GMP Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan confirmed the link between unemployment and rising crime. Weve received information that many of those arrested are unemployed workers, he said. We are trying to control the situation, but the police alone cannot solve this. Community support is essential. The social consequences are serious. Drug markets have sprung up in over 200 locations in the district, with more than 500 active wholesalers. Media estimate that drugs worth more than 100 crore taka (about US$ 8.2 million) are sold every month. And in the first seven months of 2025, 103 murders were reported in Gazipur, including the brutal murder of a journalist and the assault of another. Residents are increasingly fearful. Many of those who can afford it are moving to Dhaka to escape the violence. People are fed up with thefts, muggings, and robberies, said one local resident. Gazipur is no longer safe. Political instability is also contributing to the unrest. Gazipur is considered a stronghold of the banned Awami League the party of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ousted by street protests a year ago and police suspect that some groups are deliberately sowing chaos to destabilise the region. Experts stress the need for a coordinated response. Solutions include job creation, youth guidance, greater social awareness, and political stability. Without these elements, the crisis in Gazipur could worsen, threatening peace and security in the region. Today's headlines: UNIFIL accuses Israel of the attack, Netanyahu's government rejects Hamas' new proposal while the army advances on Gaza City. Hundreds of women also take part in the second week of protests in Indonesia. In Malaysia, new data on bullying, which continues to increase. UN: credible reports of medical experiments on people with disabilities in North Korea. INDIA Heavy rains and floods are affecting the northern states of India, causing serious damage to people and property. In particular, around 37 lives have been lost in Punjab due to severe flooding, the state government announced today. In August, the death toll stood at 130. Meanwhile, in the national capital, Delhi, the water level of the Yamuna River at the Old Railway Bridge has reached 207.48 metres, while the flood continues to submerge the surrounding areas. ISRAEL - GAZA - LEBANON UNIFIL has accused the Israeli army of dropping four grenades near UNIFIL personnel in southern Lebanon. It has been described as one of the most serious attacks against UNIFIL personnel and equipment since the cessation of hostilities agreement last November. Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir announced the launch of the second phase of Operation Gideon's Chariots to occupy Gaza City. Bringing our hostages home is both a moral and a national mission, he said. Just yesterday, at least 43 Palestinians were killed in Gaza City alone, while Israel rejected Hamas's statement last night opening the door to an agreement on the release of all hostages in exchange for an end to hostilities and the withdrawal of the army from the Strip. INDONESIA Hundreds of women dressed in pink and armed with brooms marched to the parliament in Jakarta to protest against police abuse and unnecessary government spending. The protests in Indonesia are in their second week, fuelled by anger over the rising cost of living and the privileges granted to parliamentarians. President Prabowo had announced that he would not attend China's military parade, but was seen posing for a photo with Xi Jinping and Putin. MALAYSIA According to data from the Malaysian Ministry of Education, cases of bullying have increased every year since 2021, when 326 were reported. The figure then jumped to 7,681 last year. Previously, the problem was more prevalent in universities and secondary schools, but now bullying is said to be more common among younger students. In August, Minister Azalina Othman Said said that an anti-bullying initiative is being considered, including the establishment of a court for cases involving children. NORTH KOREA The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has stated that, according to credible reports, North Korea is conducting medical experiments on persons with disabilities, performing forced sterilisation and abortions, and killing newborns with disabilities. The Committee said that these experiments are allegedly being conducted without free and informed consent in paediatric institutions and detention facilities. GEORGIA The Tbilisi court sentenced nine more pro-European protesters to several years in prison, including a Russian man also accused of drug dealing for possession of marijuana, who received nine years, and the other protesters, all very young, were sentenced to between two and three years in prison for organising or participating in actions against public order. RUSSIA As documented by Novaya Gazeta, Russia is investing billions of roubles in the patriotic education of schoolchildren, with over 20 billion (200 million) being invested this year, equivalent to the entire budget of one of the smallest regions in the Federation. It is also controlling all social media applications accessible to young people, thanks to contributions from Putin's oligarchs such as Arkady Rotenberg, one of the billionaires closest to Vladimir Putin. by Steve Suwannarat Tomorrow, the conservatives of Bhumjaithai will attempt to elect a minority government with the conditional and temporary support of the reformists, who won the 2023 elections but were then excluded from the unprecedented alliance between populists and pro-military forces, which was swept away by the conflict with Cambodia. Even the Shinawatra family, after yet another judicial ouster, are now courting the heirs of Move Forward. The army: We will support any government, but we will guarantee stability. Bangkok (AsiaNews) - Thailand is looking to the coming hours for some certainty from its Parliament and, perhaps, greater political and governmental stability after two years lost in personal feuds and political manoeuvring that have succeeded in marginalising the progressive and reformist forces that won the May 2023 elections, while the country faces a severe economic and credibility crisis. Provisional Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai - representative of the Pheu Thai populist party linked to the Shinawatra family - made a desperate move yesterday when he asked King Rama X to dissolve Parliament. The request was rejected by the Privy Council and may also result in him being charged with lese-majeste for attempting to involve the king in political matters. The parliamentary vote to elect a new prime minister will therefore go ahead as planned tomorrow, following the Constitutional Court's ruling on 29 August that removed Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office. The former rivals of the People's Party (the new name of the reformist Move Forward party, also outlawed by the courts after its success in the 2023 elections) and the conservative Bhumjaitai party (formerly allied with Pheu Thai in the previous majority) have agreed on a common candidate, Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, to lead a minority government. However, some points of the programme are still being finalised, including the commitment to hold elections within a few months. Meanwhile, Pheu Thai - the main party of the former majority, whose representative Paetongtarn Shinawatra was forced by the courts to step down as head of the executive for failing to defend national interests in a June meeting with Cambodia's strongman, Hun Sen at the height of tensions between the two countries - is engaged in a frantic race to complete important economic measures in the coming hours, including pension funding reform. In search of difficult policy convergences for the near future - and in turn seeking a last-minute alliance with the People's Party, aiming for a quick return to the polls and a revision of the Constitution that would see them in agreement - Pheu Thai has also already chosen its candidate to lead the new government, Chaikasem Nitisiri. This is no easy task for Pheu Thai, which in the last two decades (albeit under different names) has dominated almost all elections despite its founder, entrepreneur and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, leading it from exile abroad before returning home two years ago. Even if achieved, however, this goal could be thwarted by a request for the party to be dissolved by the courts as a tail to the Paetongtarn affair, for which the party would be held jointly responsible. This is a card that pro-monarchy and military rivals could play if they do not see him defeated in Parliament tomorrow. It is no coincidence that General Boonsin Padklang, commander of the First Army Corps, which has jurisdiction over the capital region, spoke out to signal the attention of the army leadership, which is no stranger to decisive interventions in this type of situation in Thailand. While ruling out any coup ambitions and guaranteeing support for a future government of any political party, he confirmed the armed forces' commitment to guaranteeing stability. In a chat picked up by a hot mic, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping talk about the possibility of organ transplants allowing people to live up to 150 years. China has never adopted a clear and transparent system for organ donation. Despite new regulations, forced organ harvesting reportedly continues, especially from members of minorities. Beijing (AsiaNews) A hot mic captured a conversation between Russian President Vladimir Russo and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during the parade yesterday in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. In the recording, Putin's Mandarin interpreter is heard saying that, human organs can be continuously transplanted, and people can live younger and younger, and even achieve immortality. To which Xi responds by saying that life can now be extended to 150 years. Despite the apparent banality of the exchange, the issue of organ transplants in China has long been a topic of debate, both at home and abroad. It was only in 2024 that new regulations on human organ donation and transplantation came into force, meeting international standards set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), respecting the principles contained in the Istanbul Declaration on Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism. However, some activist groups contend that despite the adoption of new regulations, organ transplants from prisoners or members of certain ethnic groups will continue, and will certainly not put an end to transplant tourism in China. As recent as 2021, United Nations human rights experts expressed concern about reports of organ harvesting from specific groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, who have long been persecuted by Beijing, and members of ethnic and religious minorities, such as Uyghurs, Tibetans, Muslims and Christians, in detention in China. In a statement, UN rapporteurs reported that experts said they have received credible information that detainees from ethnic, linguistic or religious minorities may be forcibly subjected to blood tests and organ examinations such as ultrasound and X-rays, without their informed consent; while other prisoners are not required to undergo such examinations. The results of the examinations are reportedly registered in a database of living organ sources that facilitates organ allocation. China has enacted regulations in the past against the illegal organ trade, yet according to sources interviewed by Radio Free Asia, approximately half of transplants for members of China's political and military elite take place in military hospitals. Since 2015, organ donations have been mandated to be exclusively voluntary and performed between living relatives, but demand has continued to outstrip supply, and tens of thousands of transplants performed in China are not documented in official records, according to activists monitoring the issue. A Chinese court concluded in 2020 that "forced organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience has been practised in China for a substantial period of time, involving a very substantial number of victims. Transplant tourism continues to be a billion-dollar business, to the point that Taiwan has had to introduce a series of restrictions to curb the practice. Following the publication in 2020 of the Independent Tribunal's final ruling on Forced Organ Harvesting from Prisoners of Conscience in China, several US commissions addressed the issue of forced organ harvesting. According to testimony given last year by Ethan Gutmann, a researcher at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, China began conducting large-scale biometric testing on Uyghurs starting in 2014 due to the depletion of supplies of Falun Gong practitioners at an optimal age for organ harvesting. UN human rights experts had already raised the issue with the Chinese government in 2006 and 2007, but the responses proved deficient and opaque. The main problem in describing the problem is the lack of available data and the absence of transparent information-sharing systems, preventing the traceability of donations and transactions. RED LANTERNS IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHINA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY THURSDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. by Vladimir Rozanskij Even thousands of kilometres away from Tatarstan, their homeland, during the summer Tatar communities in the United States held cultural training camps for children and young people aged 5 to 20. The message: you can belong to this Russian people anywhere, in Russia as well as in America. New York (AsiaNews) - While in Russia the teaching of national languages in schools in federal regions, where there are many different ethnic groups, is being systematically reduced, in the United States 10-day training camps called Tatar Alani were held during the summer in various shifts, bringing together children and young people from Tatar families. Without any subsidies or support from other institutions, the initiative was carried out by the director of the online Tatar school Alima Academy, Alima Salakhutdinova, who has been living in Canada for several years. Alima is keen to point out, in an interview with Idel.Realii, that these were not holiday camps, but study and training camps, all in the Tatar language, although the company was certainly pleasant. In the homeland of Tatarstan, a Russian republic in the Urals, summer camps for children are a tradition and are now particularly recommended for instilling a patriotic spirit and military training, but gathering thousands of young Tatars thousands of kilometres away for the second year in a row is certainly no easy feat. This year, 50 children and some of their parents participated in Tatar Alani, in a family format for students aged 5 to 20, divided into three age groups with one director and three counsellors per group, the older children being those who know the Tatar language best. They spoke in Tatar and English, trying not to use Russian, the common language for those coming from Tatarstan. The programme was bilingual, with lessons in English and cultural programmes in the native language, and for children who did not know Tatar, someone translated directly into English. A show in the Tatar language was also staged, Memories of Gulanda (a Turanian female name) by Amirkhan Eniki, describing the activities of the famous Oriental Club of the Hermitage in St Petersburg, with a script adapted for children, who were invited to take part in the performance by playing the various heroes of popular legends, accompanied by the melodies of the Tatar composer Salid Sajdasev, performed by the professional musician Ramila Saubanova, who lives in the USA. Parents and children then prepared a Tatar wedding scene, with traditional rituals and decorations, to show how even far from home it is possible to establish and celebrate the life of a true Tatar family. There were also dances and competitions of the Sabantuj, the festival marking the end of spring agricultural activities, typical of the Turanian peoples, Tatar cooking contests, concerts, games and competitions that awaken spontaneous forms of national self-awareness in children, as Alima assures us. Last year, the focus was particularly on the history of the Tatars, while this year the underlying theme was what it means to be Tatar, even without a real knowledge of the language, but to give everyone the opportunity to leave the training camp saying to themselves with conviction: I am a Tatar. The director assures us that children cannot lie, they really say what they feel, and after a few days, a young girl went to her and said: Alina Apa, I realised that there are many others like me, and they are so interesting! I didn't think I would find so many friends. To be Tatar, Salakhutdinova emphasises, you don't necessarily need to know the language and profess the Muslim religion; it is a way of relating to others with respect and attention, developing a particular sensitivity to the problems of the world and society. The Tatar people are a nomadic community who have always travelled everywhere in search of happiness: you can be Tatar anywhere, in Russia as in America. Several scholars of history, economics, religion and Eastern cultures from various American universities and institutes also participated in Tatar Alani to learn from the Tatars how to be good Americans. 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. Dashnaktsutyun organized the rally in Yerevan on the 34th anniversary of the proclamation of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. It came almost two years after an Azerbaijani military offensive that restored Bakus full control over Karabakh and forced the regions entire ethnic Armenian population to flee to Armenia. The Karabakh Armenians right to return to their homeland was the main theme of the speeches delivered at the gathering. Virtually all speakers lambasted Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians government for its refusal to champion that right in talks with Azerbaijan and on multilateral international platforms. Pashinian made clear that the Karabakh issue is closed for him even before his August 8 talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev hosted by Trump. Accordingly, there is no reference to it in an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty that was initialed, but not signed, at the White House. The Artsakh question is not resolved, nor is it closed, Karabakhs exiled parliament said in a statement read out by one of its members during the rally. The Armenian government must seek the return of the people of Artsakh to their homeland and their ability to live there freely, safely, and with dignity, said the statement also signed by Dashnaktsutyun and several other Armenian opposition parties. Pashinian declared on August 18 that this would only undermine the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington. He said the more than 120,000 Karabakh refugees should stop hoping for repatriation and instead settle down in Armenia. Dashnaktsutyun leader Armen Rustamian insisted that the Washington agreements, which also include Pashinians pledge to open a U.S.-administered transit corridor for Azerbaijan, have nothing to do with real peace. He claimed that Pashinian made more concessions to Baku without securing any safeguards against further Azerbaijani attacks on Armenia. Yes, the three participants of the Washington meeting got what they wanted, Rustamian told the crowd that gathered in Yerevan Liberty Square. Trump became a real contender for the Nobel prize, Aliyev received yet another portion of his fulfilled demands, and Pashinian got peace on paper, or rather a paper peace, which he needs badly ahead of the elections. Our people can no longer afford to again become a victim of deceit. It is incumbent on all of us except this regime to not allow expectations of illusory peace to tempt some people to help this regime retain power, he added, alluding to the elections expected in June 2026. 4 September 2025 14:43 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more On September 4, the Baku Military Court disclosed the statement of the accused Madat Babayan to the preliminary investigation, providing detailed testimony regarding the Khojaly genocide in February 1992 and the horrific events that followed, Azernews reports. According to Babayan, on February 24, 1992, Arkady Shirinyan addressed the then 3rd division, announcing that an attack on Khojaly would take place the next day at midnight, with orders to commit a massacre against the citys Azerbaijani civilian population. Babayan stated that preparations were carried out strictly in accordance with Shirinyans instructions. The city of Khojaly was subjected to continuous shelling from positions located in the high mountainous areas near Khankendi, where artillery and multiple rocket launcher systems were deployed. After approximately 30 to 40 minutes of sustained fire, Armenian armed forces entered Khojaly around midnight on the night of February 25-26. Upon entering the city, they reportedly opened fire indiscriminately on civilians, using automatic weapons, machine guns, and grenade launchers, while setting homes ablaze. Babayan described how many residents, including barefoot children and mothers carrying infants, attempted to flee across the Gargar River toward nearby mountains and the village of Shelli in the Aghdam region. Those who tried to escape were reportedly intercepted and shot by armed forces who had set up positions around the city in advance. According to Babayan, he personally opened fire on civilians, acting on orders, and that commanders, including Shirinyan, instructed the execution of particularly heinous acts. The testimony also included accounts of widespread looting, sexual violence against women, torture, and the deliberate crushing of people under tanks and combat vehicles. Babayan stated that looting in Khojaly continued from February 26 to March 8, 1992. The case is part of ongoing trials of Armenian citizens accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, including war crimes, genocide, terrorism, financing terrorism, and the forcible seizure or retention of power, among numerous other offenses, resulting from Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan. 4 September 2025 14:00 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijan is on track to achieve its 2030 targets by reducing carbon emissions with the help of Chinese technology. Azerbaijans agenda, in particular, reflects a decisive shift toward green energy. The country has set ambitious goals: increasing the share of renewable energy in its electricity generation to 30%, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared to 1990 levels, transforming economic regions into decarbonization zones, and building a green energy hub to diversify its system. Alongside these goals, Baku is intent on deepening global climate cooperation, joining initiatives such as the Global Methane Pledge while introducing its own energy and finance pledges. The governments motivation is clear. While Azerbaijan has long been a leading supplier of blue fuel in global energy markets, it is now treating the green transition not only as a response to ecological challenges but also as a way to secure future economic dividends and maintain its leadership in exports. The scale of Azerbaijans renewable energy potential is vast: more than 27 gigawatts of wind and solar energy on land, 157 gigawatts of offshore wind in the Caspian, and over 10 gigawatts in the liberated territories of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur. It is in this context that China has emerged as a strategic partner in realising these resources. President Ilham Aliyevs September 2 meetings in Tianjin underscored the importance of this partnership. Talks with PowerChina Executive Vice President Xi Yinfen highlighted cooperation in green energy, water management, electricity, and smart systems, while discussions with Sichuan Sunsync Photovoltaic Technology focused on establishing a solar panel plant in the Alat Free Economic Zone. These steps follow on from the six renewable energy agreements signed during Aliyevs April state visit to China, which include projects for solar, wind, offshore wind, and storage systems totalling several gigawatts. At the same time, Azerbaijan is expanding domestic green projects. The Khizi-Absheron Wind Power Plant, built by ACWA Power, has already installed nine turbines and will provide one billion kilowatt-hours annually. This will save 220 million cubic meters of gas, prevent 400,000 tons of carbon emissions, and supply electricity to 300,000 households. Against this backdrop, talking to Azernews, MP Vugar Bayramov emphasised the strategic importance of foreign investment: The meetings held with the heads of leading companies within the framework of President Ilham Aliyev's visit to China will contribute to attracting more investment to Azerbaijan. One of the new goals of the new era is to attract more foreign investment to the non-oil sector. In this context, discussions with companies of leading countries mean new investment opportunities for non-oil sectors. Of course, among the issues discussed during the meetings of the President, attracting Chinese investments to the Azerbaijani economy, mutual projects, technology transfer and other important points for both Azerbaijan and the region occupy a special place. It is expected that, as a result of the meetings held by the President, conditions will be created for more investment, especially in the non-oil sector. This is important, first of all, in terms of strengthening cooperation in the field of green energy. Because Azerbaijan intends to deepen cooperation with China in this direction. Recent meetings and signed agreements have also opened up new opportunities for expanding cooperation. On the one hand, Azerbaijan is a country that pays great attention to the field of green energy in the region, especially in the South Caucasus. On the other hand, our country aims to increase the share of green energy in the total energy balance to 35 per cent by 2030 and reduce carbon emissions by 40 per cent. From this perspective, the analyses conducted show that cooperation with China in the field of green energy will, on the one hand, create conditions for increasing production capacity, and on the other hand, expand Azerbaijan's export opportunities. It is expected that as a result of this cooperation, it will be possible to realise the green energy export that has been planned and discussed for a long time. Azerbaijans energy transition is therefore not only about decarbonization but also about economic strategy, investment attraction, and geopolitical positioning. With China as a core partner, and COP29 as a global platform, Baku is shaping a green energy roadmap that could redefine both its domestic economy and its role in international energy markets. Special license plates draw wide attention at China's V-Day military parade Ecns.cn) 09:43, September 04, 2025 (ECNS) License plates reading "VA01945" and "VA02025" on parade vehicles drew wide attention on Wednesday during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Netizens hailed the design as a symbolic tribute. Many remarked that "1945" stands for the beginning of victory and the immortal feats of the heroes, while "2025" points to the journey ahead and the aspiration for national rejuvenation. Comments flooded online platforms with messages, such as: "The details are full of meaning!" and "Heroes are always with usthis prosperity is just as they wished to see." For many, the numbers were not merely digits but a dialogue across time, carrying the spirit of those who sacrificed and continuing to inspire generations. License plate reading "VA01945" appears at China's V-Day parade in Beijing, Sept. 3, 2025. (Photo/Weibo) License plate reading "VA02025" appears at China's V-Day parade in Beijing, Sept. 3, 2025. (Photo/Weibo) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) 4 September 2025 15:57 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev, currently visiting Brazil, met with Renato Dutra, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Energy for Oil, Natural Gas and Biofuels, to discuss potential areas of collaboration, Azernews reports. During the meeting, Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijans business environment, recent energy sector reforms, and key development targets. He also shared information on international investment instruments in which Azerbaijan partners with multiple countries. The discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation in energy, mining, and mineral processing. Both sides agreed to further develop cooperation between the relevant agencies of Azerbaijan and Brazil in areas of mutual interest. 4 September 2025 16:41 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have held discussions on strengthening partnerships in the energy sector and exploring opportunities for mutual investment, Azernews reports. Azerbaijans Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov shared details of the meeting in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. I held a video conference with Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAEs Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Jabbarov wrote. He noted that the meeting highlighted the successful partnership between the two countries and focused on joint projects, energy cooperation, mutual investment initiatives, and prospects for further collaboration. 4 September 2025 13:18 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The International Mugham Center will kick off its season with an extensive concert program dedicated to National Music Day, Azernews reports. The concert, scheduled for September 18, will feature two of the center's ensembles: the Honored Collective, the People's Instrumental Ensemble named after Said Rustamov (artistic director and chief conductor Mustafa Ashurov), and the Jahangir Jahangirov Choir (artistic director, Honored Teacher Tarana Yusifova). The concert program will include works by the great composer Uzeyir Hajibayli. The concert will showcase the immortal works of the renowned composer, presenting fascinating compositions based on his operas and operettas. National Music Day in Azerbaijan is observed every year on September 18 to celebrate the birth of the legendary composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, who is regarded as the founder of Azerbaijan's professional music and the composer of the first opera in the East. The tradition was started by conductor Maestro Niyazi after Hajibayli's passing and was officially recognized by National Leader Heydar Aliyev in 1995. The day is commemorated with a variety of cultural events, festivals, and concerts throughout Azerbaijan, including the Uzeyir Hajibayli International Music Festival, which honors the country's musical legacy. 4 September 2025 10:21 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Azerbaijan and Peru have launched their first round of political consultations, marking a new stage in bilateral relations. The talks were held in Lima within the framework of a visit by an Azerbaijani delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov, Azernews reports, citing Perus Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Peruvian delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Felix Denegri. Officials described the meeting as the beginning of a new phase in cooperation and strategic dialogue between the two countries, which established diplomatic relations 29 years ago. During the talks, Denegri underscored the mutual interest in strengthening ties. He stressed that this mechanism would pave the way for joint initiatives in areas such as tourism, security, culture, and sports. According to him, deeper cooperation has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the well-being of both nations. For his part, Mammadov highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration within regional organizations, including the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Pacific Alliance, which Azerbaijan joined in 2019. Both sides acknowledged the potential for reciprocal investment and emphasized the geoeconomic significance of their respective regionsPeru as a key player in the Asia-Pacific and Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus. The discussions also touched upon cultural ties. The two sides agreed to expand technical cooperation in the preservation of cultural heritage and to exchange expertise in safeguarding their rich historical traditions. 4 September 2025 12:01 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The next major Climate Week of the year has officially opened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together governments, experts, and civil society to discuss global climate action. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nigar Arpadarai, High-Level Champion for Climate Change at COP29, underlined the importance of implementing the historic decisions adopted in Baku, Azernews reports via AzerTag. In the current world conditions against the backdrop of distrust, conflicts and fragmentation the results of COP29 are of particular importance, Arpadarai said. The decisions taken in Baku are based on the principle of justice, serve to support the most vulnerable countries and those with limited capacity to respond to the climate crisis. She emphasized that promises made during COP29 must now translate into real action. Our climate action commitments must remain unwavering, and the promises already made must be fulfilled in a way that delivers real progress towards our shared goals. We must set an example by demonstrating how both small and large countries can work together effectively within clear and fair rules, she noted. Turning to global challenges, Arpadarai warned that new technologies must be harnessed responsibly. Given the changing global landscape demographic shifts, trade tensions and a new arms race we must also confront the transformative power of new technologies. In particular, the AI revolution presents both great opportunities and serious risks. We must ensure that AI becomes a tool of empowerment, creating broad access to opportunities in all countries, but not a tool of digital imperialism. Highlighting the financial commitments made at COP29, Arpadarai said the adoption of the Baku Financial Target marked a significant breakthrough: That goal calls for mobilizing at least $300 billion per year for developing countries by 2035, and for climate finance to reach $1.3 trillion per year. All countries must set the highest ambition in the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). However, these new NDCs should not be just aspirational documents. They should set concrete and actionable targets that advance the goals of the Paris Agreement. She recalled that other landmark outcomes from Baku included the launch of Article 6 mechanisms, gender, adaptation and mitigation agreements, as well as the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund, scheduled to begin distribution in 2025. Arpadarai also urged donor countries to honor their commitments: Donor countries must fulfill their promises made in Baku and explain how they will ensure their share in mobilizing $300 billion by 2035. As part of Climate Week in Addis Ababa, the COP29 Presidency will host a high-level event on September 6 dedicated to addressing Africas specific needs. This initiative reflects COP29s commitment to give greater attention to the challenges faced by African nations. Concluding her remarks, Arpadarai stressed: The commitments made must be implemented, and no one should be left behind in the fight against climate change. 4 September 2025 13:51 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Azerbaijans Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, held a meeting in Izmir with Turkiyes Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, to discuss bilateral and regional cooperation in the fields of hydrocarbons and renewable energy. The Azerbaijani minister shared details of the meeting on the social platform X, noting that the talks focused on advancing joint projects of strategic importance. We held a productive meeting with Minister Alparslan Bayraktar and his delegation, addressing the development of cooperation in hydrocarbons and renewable energy, as well as regional projects of mutual significance. We also discussed the creation of infrastructure to enable electricity exports to Turkiye through various routes, Shahbazov wrote. The meeting coincided with the Fourth AzerbaijanTurkiye Energy Forum, also hosted in Izmir. As part of the forum, working groups presented reports on hydrocarbons and petrochemicals, the electricity market, distribution and transmission of electricity, regulation, energy efficiency, and mining. The discussions helped chart the next steps for deepening cooperation in these areas. The forum reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkiye in the energy sector, underlining their shared vision of energy security, diversification, and regional leadership. 4 September 2025 15:50 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Members of an organized smuggling group attempting to bring a large quantity of drugs into Azerbaijan via the Caspian Sea have been detained, Azernews reports. The information was provided in a joint statement by the State Border Service and the Prosecutor General's Office. According to the statement, on September 4 at 00:25, border patrols detected an unidentified vessel moving rapidly within Azerbaijans territorial waters, heading toward the Neftchala district. Border forces immediately initiated a pursuit operation and took measures to secure the coastline. During the pursuit, the border vessel issued a Stop command using light and sound signals and fired a warning shot. When the violators attempted to flee Azerbaijans territorial waters, shots were fired at the engine of the vessel to enforce detention. During the incident, the two individuals jumped into the sea with the packages after a fire broke out on their boat. Thanks to rapid rescue efforts, both were removed from the water and received first aid, while the fire aboard the Yamaha-200 Liner-type boat was extinguished. Authorities recovered a total of 11 kilograms 850 grams of narcotics from the package thrown into the sea. Preliminary investigation revealed that the detained individuals are Iranian citizens: Gulreza Javad Alireza, born in 1994, and Bordbar Milad Mansur, born in 1996. A criminal case was launched on September 4, 2025, under Articles 206.3.2, 234.4.1, 234.4.3, and 318.2 of Azerbaijans Criminal Code. Joint investigative and operational-search measures are ongoing in collaboration with the Prosecutor Generals Office. 4 September 2025 18:16 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The water level in the Caspian Sea is projected to continue falling over the next three to five years, according to Igor Shumakov, head of Russias Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Roshydromet). He made the remarks at a session of the Coordinating Committee on Hydrometeorology of the Caspian Sea (CASPCOM), held in St. Petersburg. Citing TASS, Azernews reports that Shumakov described the decline as a critical issue for the region, noting that the Caspians water level has dropped by nearly two meters over the past decade. Unlike in earlier cycles, it is not yet clear whether the water level will rise again in the coming years. To address the challenge, CASPCOM and experts from Caspian littoral states are developing climate models to determine the duration of the seas shallowing process and to prepare recommendations aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of the regions economy. Shumakov stressed that the falling water level reflects broader patterns of global climate change. He linked the trend to a rise in dangerous hydrometeorological events across the Northern Hemisphereevents that are damaging economies and threatening public health and safety. The CASPCOM session, held September 45, brought together representatives of the national hydrometeorological services of Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan. The agenda included national reports on the state of hydrometeorological activities in the Caspian and discussions on future cooperation. 4 September 2025 15:54 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed condolences to Portugal following a tragic funicular accident in Lisbon, Azernews reports. In a message shared on the ministrys official account on X, it reads: We are deeply saddened by the tragic funicular derailment in Lisbon's Gloria line. We express heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who perished, and wish a speady recovery to the injured. The statement underscores Azerbaijans solidarity with Portugal during this difficult time. 4 September 2025 11:23 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more A delegation of US representatives from various districts is expected to visit Armenia next week to discuss the Trump Route (TRIPP, Zangazur Corridor) project, Azernews reports, citing local media outlets. The report states that the American officials will not only examine the technical aspects of the corridor but also its political implications. Discussions will reportedly cover the scale of potential investments, key priorities, and the timeline for launching construction works. So far, official sources have not disclosed details of the visit or the agenda. However, the newspaper notes that the talks will be held behind closed doors, and any decisions taken will be directly linked to shaping a new logistical reality in the region. 4 September 2025 11:11 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Palestinian movement Hamas has announced its readiness to release all hostages held in the Gaza Strip as part of a comprehensive agreement with Israel. The declaration was published on the organisations official Telegram channel, Azernews reports. Hamas confirms that it is ready to move forward with the implementation of a comprehensive agreement under which it will release all hostages in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners," the statement read. The group emphasized that such an agreement must include an end to the war in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave. The announcement comes as Israel prepares for a major military operation in Gaza City. On September 3, Hamas reiterated its willingness to discuss a deal that would ensure the release of hostages while ending hostilities, MIG News reported. According to the group, Hamas is still waiting for Israels response to a proposal submitted through mediators on August 18, which was endorsed by Hamas and other Palestinian factions. In this context, the Movement reiterates its readiness to implement a comprehensive agreement under which all enemy captives will be released in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian detainees held by the occupying authorities, within an arrangement that ends the war in Gaza, removes all occupation forces from the territory, opens crossings for all needs, and initiates a reconstruction process, the declaration stated. The announcement followed U.S. President Donald Trumps call for Hamas to immediately release 20 Israeli hostages in exchange for an immediate ceasefire. 4 September 2025 23:33 (UTC+04:00) By News Centre Turkish Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin concluded a series of official meetings in Damascus, marking a significant step toward deepening bilateral cooperation between Turkiye and Syria in the field of education. Speaking at the historic Suleymaniye Complex following his return, Tekin shared insights into the visit and outlined a roadmap for future collaboration. Arriving in Damascus in the early hours of the morning, Minister Tekin emphasized that Turkiye has maintained consistent contact with its Syrian counterparts since the fall of the previous regime. He underscored President Recep Tayyip Erdogans vision of Syria as an independent, strong nation governed by peace and human rights. Our colleagues at the general directorate level laid the groundwork through prior visits, Tekin stated. Now, we are here to evaluate the progress and determine the next steps with Syrian Minister of Education Muhammad Abdurrahman Terko and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan al-Halabi. Tekin reiterated Turkiyes commitment to supporting Syrias development as a prosperous, sovereign neighbor. All our support and policies are aimed at helping our brothers and sisterswho share deep historical ties with usstand on their own feet as an independent and thriving nation, he said. Highlighting the strategic importance of the Turkish-Syrian relationship, Tekin noted that Turkiye shares its longest land border with Syria. He stressed that strengthening bilateral ties is essential, particularly in the context of Turkiyes terror-free national vision. We are here to express our willingness to stand by our Syrian friends in areas that will empower Syria, he added. Tekin described the meetings as highly positive, noting that Syrian officials placed special emphasis on Turkiyes experience and expertise in education. They have requested our support, and we are ready to collaborate across multiple areasfrom restructuring educational processes to curriculum design and textbook development, he said. Joint working groups have already been established to coordinate efforts. Weve assessed how we will proceed, Tekin explained. He emphasized that redesigning the curriculum is a top priority for Syrian authorities, and Turkiye is prepared to assist in this endeavor. In addition to curriculum reform, Tekin highlighted Turkiyes willingness to share its experience in teacher training. We will contribute to the development of Syrias educational workforce, he affirmed. Minister Tekin also addressed the issue of Syrian students currently studying in Turkiye. During the last academic year, approximately 800,000 Syrian children and youth received education in our schools, he said. He stressed the importance of coordinating their honorable and voluntary return to Syria. As part of this process, technical discussions have been held regarding the adaptation of Syrian students to their respective grade levels, the preparation of relevant legislation, and the restructuring of Syrias examination systems. Tekin announced that a comprehensive cooperation process between Turkiye and Syria is now underway. We will establish a partnership that honors the legal frameworks of both neighboring countries and develop our relations in a way that sets an example for the world, he declared. He reiterated President Erdogans directive to support Syria as an independent and free power. We shaped our meetings in line with this policy. Upon our return, our teams will continue their work, Tekin said. Following their visit to the Suleymaniye Complex, Minister Tekin and his delegation departed from Damascus International Airport and returned to Turkiye. 4 September 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva A list has been compiled featuring car models that have been produced for the longest time without significant design changes. Topping this centenarian ranking is the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, which was in production for an impressive 65 years, Azernews reports. The classic Russian Niva, now sold as the Lada Niva Legend, also made it into the top five. This rugged SUV first rolled off the assembly line in 1977, during the Soviet era. Known for its simplicity and off-road capability, the Niva was actively exported, including to various European countries, gaining a loyal international following. Another Lada on the list is the VAZ-2105, which held the 20th spot in the ranking with a production run of 32 years. This model was an evolution of the original VAZ sedan, the VAZ-2101, and was also exported to markets such as the UK and Canada. Interestingly, if we combine the total production numbers of the classic Lada series and its predecessor based on the Fiat 124 platform, the combined output reaches roughly 20 million vehicles making it the second highest production volume in the history of the global automotive industry. Alongside the Beetle, the other models rounding out the top three are the Volkswagen Type 2 (also known as the VW Bus), with a production span of 64 years, and the timeless Morgan 4/4, also produced for 64 years. This list highlights how certain car designs become timeless classics, continuing to capture the hearts of drivers across generations thanks to their reliability, simplicity, and cultural impact. Its fascinating to see how some models manage to stay relevant for decades without major redesigns in an industry often driven by rapid innovation. US Coast Guard Forced to Suspend Search for Men Off South Oregon Coast, Missing Near Gold Beach Published 09/02/25 at 7:55 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Gold Beach, Oregon) - After a lengthy search in nighttime waters a few miles off the south Oregon coast, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has called off a search for two people missing after a boat had overturned. (USCG file photo) The USCG reports the incident began on Sunday night, when the two disappeared after their motorized catamaran overturned approximately four miles off the coast of Gold Beach. A third individual aboard the 26-foot vessel was rescued by a passing boater and brought ashore for medical evaluation by local emergency responders. All three occupants were reportedly wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. The Coast Guard received the initial distress report around 9:00 p.m. from Curry County 911, prompting a multi-agency response that included crews from Station Chetco River, Air Station North Bend, and Air Station Humboldt Bay in California. Search efforts involved a 47-foot motor lifeboat, a 29-foot response boat, a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, and a two-person jet ski team from Gold Beach Water Safety. Despite extensive efforts, including a first-light aerial search Monday morning, crews were unable to locate the missing men. Over 130 track-line miles were covered, spanning more than 75 square nautical miles. Search pattern for this effort / USCG This is a very tragic situation, said Master Chief Petty Officer Carlos Hessler, Officer in Charge at 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. At the time of the search, weather conditions included winds of 18 to 20 knots, wave heights between 4 and 6 feet, and air and water temperatures of 57 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. Gold Beach - Courtesy Manuela Durson - Manuela Durson Fine Arts. The Coast Guard has not released the identities of the missing individuals. It has been a very busy season for Coast Guard rescues along this coastline and off the Washington coast. In late August, USCG, Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Coast Guard joined together off the Washington coast last night to rescue two individuals experiencing medical emergencies. Two critically ill passengers aboard the Ruby Princess cruise ship were successfully airlifted. A number of them did not have happy endings, where searches were suspended after a time. This included a boat that was found adrift and empty of its sole operator, and a fishermen lost at Newport when his vessel capsized. US Coast Guard Joins with Canadian Forces for Rescue Off Washington Coast - Video - Two critically ill passengers aboard the Ruby Princess cruise ship US Coast Guard Halts Search for Missing Fisherman Off Central Oregon Coast - The vessel capsized near Newport's Yaquina Bay Jetty over the weekend Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) From Oregon Coast Swank to Sweet Beach Abode: Lincoln City Rental with Oceanf... Moonbreaker sits right on the surf with a private stairway down. Lincoln City lodging reviews Old, Authentic Oregon Coast Motor Lodge Converted Into Colorful Boutique Motel History and histrionics: one outstanding yet funky little motel on the outer edges. 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Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Lisa Cook, a Biden appointee to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors now has three criminal referrals against her for mortgage fraud based on three separate loans. President Trump demanded she resign for that criminal activity directly related to her job. She refused. Trump fired her. She has sued, with the case in front of a Biden judge who is Cook's sorority sister (how cozy!). Now Senator "Traitor Thom" Tillis (RINO-NC) has waded into the dispute in support of liberal Democrat mortgage fraudster Cook. Tillis says he will not vote to consider any replacement of Cook. This is just the latest knife in the back from the liberal Tillis to the Republican base. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/here-we-go-tillis-wont-consider-nominee-replace/ https://www.zerohedge.com/political/doj-opens-criminal-investigation-fed-governor-lisa-cook-over-mortgage-fraud-allegations https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/sep/2/editorial-cooks-mortgage-fraud-allegation-could-lead-fed/ https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/09/04/lisa_cook_has_been_fired_153244.html Republican voters can still vote NO on Tillis by voting against Tillis' longtime ally Michael Whatley in the NC Republican US Senate primary next year. Whatley faces staunch conservative former JAG officer Don Brown in that primary. Whatley has worked for years serving the whims of the special interests as a partner in a Washington, DC lobbying and public relations frim. Whatley is just as much in bed with the special interests as Tillis is. Has the City of Washington, NC been managed by their elected local government, and their bureaucrats, in a fiscally responsible manner to better serve the people who pay their ever advancing property taxes? 0% Yes, rising property taxes are a necessity to maintain a progressive city.100% No, excessive funding of a poorly managed government can become a shell game of corruption.0% I am afraid to say. Since President Trump has returned to office, America has seen a Judicial Insurrection or Judicial coup d'etat play out as the Judicial Wing of the Democrat Party, the judges appointed by Obama and by Biden's autopen have staged an unprecedented power grab at the District Court level. Suddenly, these unelected, unaccountable, political appointees have asserted that they are the ones, rather than elected officials, who should make the policy decisions. Already, the US Supreme Court has tried to damp down this power grab by ruling against the district courts' universal injunctions, but district judges seem to be ignoring that. The question is what the SCOTUS will do next to rein in the out of control Obama and Biden judges. Now Supreme Court Justice Amy Comey Barrett has penned an article in The Free Press reminding these activist judges that they "are not kings". How long will the Supreme Court tolerate these out of control Obama and Biden district judges? https://redstate.com/katie-jerkovich/2025/09/03/amy-coney-barrett-throws-shot-across-the-bow-at-fellow-activist-judges-not-kings-n2193554 Meanwhile, ten anonymous Obama and Biden judicial insurrection judges told MSM propaganda media outlet NBC News that they were upset at the Supreme Court for not supporting their coup against Trump. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/rebellion-anonymous-federal-judges-accuse-supreme-court-undermining/ And leftwing magazine The Atlantic has published an article admitting that, Yes, Indeed, the avalanche of lawsuits against the Trump administration are a calculated and planned effort by the left to overturn the results of elections they don't like. https://thefederalist.com/2025/09/04/the-atlantic-why-yes-the-point-of-lawfare-is-to-overturn-any-elections-republicans-win/ Brexit hero Nigel Farage, leader of the UK's Reform Party, appeared before the Judiciary Committee of the US Congress this week to warn of the danger to Americans of Europe's criminalization of free speech. He also asked US assistance to help combat this authoritarian trend. One of the cases that Farage zeroed in on was a prominent Irish comedian who was recently arrested by five armed police at Heathrow airport over three tweets he had made on social media deemed offensive to "transgenders". The comedian is an Irish citizen and had made the tweets while he was present in the United States, but he was arrested for them when he arrived in the UK. Farage pointed out that it was not much of a jump to arrest American citizens arriving in the UK for social media posts they made here in the US. Farage also mentioned the danger of the EU or UK trying to fine US tech companies for failing to censor speech on the internet, including that of our own citizens. Farage noted that under its present Labour government, the UK was beginning to resemble North Korea. Fortunately, polls show Farage's Reform Party with a wide lead for the next parliamentary election, 15 points ahead of its nearest rival, and likely to win a House of Commons majority of over 100 seats over all other parties combined. Committee chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) echoed Farage's warnings that European overreach could impact the free speech rights of Americans. https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/farage-to-congress-defend-free-speech-from-europes-overreach/ https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/09/04/jim-jordan-europe-has-now-codified-their-version-of-bidens-disinformation-governance-board/ https://thefederalist.com/2025/09/04/farage-warns-u-k-censorship-sledgehammer-could-come-for-americans-next/ https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2103955/nigel-farage-live-reform-leader The cost of natural gas for some Northern Ireland customers will drop by 8% from October 1, a major supplier announced today. Firmus Energy Supply, which is one of NIs biggest natural gas providers, said the cut for customers in its Ten Towns network would save the average customer 78 a year. According to watchdog the Utility Regulator, it will bring annual bills down to 935 a year below the 1,000 mark for the first time since the cost of living crisis. Further announcements are due for the companys customers in greater Belfast, as well as customers of SSE Airtricity Gas, the other major gas supplier in Northern Ireland. The latest reduction from Firmus Energy Supply follows a consultation with watchdogs the Consumer Council and the Utility Regulator, and comes after a cut of 11.84% in April. Ryan Miskimmin, sales director at Firmus Energy Supply, said: We are pleased to share our second tariff reduction of the year and are always committed to passing on any savings to customers, whenever it is possible for us to do so. "Having engaged with the Utility Regulator, and Consumer Council, we are able to announce this reduction of 7.86%. Since April this year, our consecutive reductions have decreased our tariffs by almost 19%, representing an average household saving of 210 per year. "As we head into the colder months, we know that these savings coupled with the constant heat and instant hot water that natural gas provides, will be welcomed by Ten Towns customers. The Ten Towns network includes areas like Antrim, Armagh, Ballymena, Coleraine, Craigavon and Londonderry. Across greater Belfast and the Ten Towns, Firmus Energy Supply has over 113,000 customers in Northern Ireland. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/editorial/web/newsletter/qs/business.js Colin Broomfield, director of markets at the Utility Regulator, said: In August 2025, we began a formal review of the regulated tariff for Firmus Energy in the Ten Towns area. "Following this analysis, we have determined that Firmus Energys regulated tariff will decrease by 7.86%. Firmus Energys decrease of 7.86% will come into effect from 1 October 2025. This will mean that the average annual bill for a standard credit customer will be approximately 935. Karen Smyth, director of infrastructure and sustainability at the Consumer Council, said: We welcome this gas tariff decrease from firmus energy, as it indicates a slight downward curve in wholesale energy prices. "However, energy prices are still well above pre-pandemic levels, and the energy market continues to remain very volatile due to ongoing global geopolitical concerns. The Consumer Council works closely with the Utility Regulator and regulated supply companies to ensure that any cost savings are passed onto consumers quickly when wholesale energy prices begin to decrease and we also help protect and support consumers during energy price increases. We know from our ongoing research that most consumers in Northern Ireland are still really worried about home energy prices. "We urge anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills or top-up their meters to contact their supplier directly as suppliers have indicated that they are keen to offer their customers help and support. The price decreases will be welcomed by households and businesses who have been facing much higher energy bills during the cost of living crisis of recent years. Prices of gas and electricity were driven up by a surge of demand following Covid-19 lockdowns, and as a result of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022. Gas prices have soared (Getty) News Catch Up - Tuesday 2nd September Mr Broomfield added: We recognise that many households and businesses are still struggling with their energy costs. If you are worried about paying for your electricity or gas, we would encourage you to contact your supplier in the first instance, to make them aware of your circumstances, and discuss the options available. Firmus Energy Supply has been part of Irish energy company Yuno Group since November last year. The deal meant the supply arm of Firmus was decoupled from its natural gas distribution arm, which continues to operate as Firmus Energy Networks. Kneecap are set to live stream a performance to US fans in New York, after the trio cancelled their American tour dates. Last month, the west Belfast and Derry group cancelled all 15 of their scheduled US tour dates in October, citing an upcoming court hearing in London and what they describe as a "witch-hunt" by the British government. Scroll down for the full list of awards and how to enter The 2025 Belfast Telegraph IT Awards in partnership with Telefonica Tech have been launched, with entries now open. The eagerly-anticipated awards ceremony, which has become an important fixture in the Northern Ireland IT industry, will be held in the MAC Theatre in Belfast on November 14. Entries must be received before a deadline of October 2. The launch, attended by key players in the industry, was held in the offices of Telefonica Tech in Catalyst in Belfast on Tuesday. Ellen Dickson, Vice President of Enterprise Health Services at Telefonica Tech, said: As the title sponsor of the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards, Telefonica Tech are delighted to announce the launch of the 2025 Awards, a celebration of the innovation, talent and world-class digital leadership thriving right here in Northern Ireland. As our tech sector continues to grow and evolve, these awards provide a vital platform to recognise the individuals and organisations shaping our future and I encourage anyone within the industry to consider entering. "We look forward to honouring their achievements and shining a spotlight on the incredible work happening across the industry on what is guaranteed to be a fantastic night as always." Launching the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2025, from left, Neil Hutcheson, CEO Software NI, Suzi Murtagh, Principal Digital Product Manager at Allstate NI, Alison McFadden, co-founder of Continu, Margaret Canning, Business Editor of the Belfast Telegraph, Darren Henderson, Assistant Director, Technology & Telecoms at South-Eastern HSC Trust and Ellen Dickson, VP, Enterprise Health, Telefonica Tech. Picture by Peter Morrison Ed McCann, director of publishing at Mediahuis Ireland, publisher of the Belfast Telegraph, said: "We're delighted to launch the 2025 Belfast Telegraph IT Awards in partnership with Telefonica Tech. "Since our first IT Awards event in 2019, they've grown to become an important showcase for the IT industry and its highest-achieving companies and people. "There are many headwinds facing the industry, from AI to talent retention, but it's a sector which has much to celebrate, and we're proud to play our part in that. "Thank you to Telefonica Tech for their support of the awards, and for hosting the launch at their offices in Catalyst. "We look forward to seeing everyone on awards night on November 14, and wish everyone the best of luck with their entries." A panel event was held to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the industry, from AI to talent retention and the global trading environment. Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2025 launch panellists from left, Darren Henderson, Assistant Director Technology & Telecoms, South-Eastern HSC Trust, Alison McFadden, co-founder of Continu, Suzi Murtagh, Principal Digital Product Manager Allstate NI, Neil Hutcheson, CEO Software NI and Ellen Dickson, VP, Enterprise Health, Telefonica Tech. Picture by Peter Morrison This year, to reflect the fast-evolving nature of the industry, the categories have been altered to reflect the growing importance of AI and other trends. Those wishing to enter the awards can apply online by clicking on the relevant link below. The categories are: Family of murder victim now seeking probe into the killers serial absconding Life prisoner jailed for Derry mans slaying back behind bars after going on the run third time Murderer James Meehan. (Picture: Martin McKeown) Garrett Hargan Thu 4 Sep 2025 at 07:15 The family of a murder victim want an investigation after the man responsible went on the run for a third time last December. News Tate director Maria Balshaw to step down from role in spring 2026 A review hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice heard of work ongoing by the PSNI, Ministry of Defence and the Police Ombudsman (PA) The daughter of a man killed during a Loyalist feud 25 years ago has expressed her disappointment at progress towards an inquest. Tracey Coulter spoke through her counsel during a review hearing in the inquest into the deaths of her father John Coulter, 46, known as Jackie, along with Robert Mahood, 48. The two men were shot dead outside a bookmakers on the Crumlin Road in north Belfast on August 21 2000 during a feud between loyalist paramilitary groups the UDA/Ulster Freedom Fighters and the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). The family of Jackie Coulter follow his coffin down the Crumlin Road after his funeral service at home in St Marys Court, Belfast in 2000 (PA) While legacy inquests were halted last year following the previous Governments controversial Legacy Act, this case was not affected as these deaths did not occur within the defined period of the Troubles. A review hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday morning heard of work ongoing by the PSNI, Ministry of Defence and the Police Ombudsman to disseminate sensitive and non-sensitive material for the inquest. A meeting is set to take place between legal representatives. Stephen Toal KC, acting for Ms Coulter, said she wanted to express gratitude to the coroner and the Coroners Office for all their work so far. However, he said she is disappointed with progress. This murder has dominated her life for the last 25 years, he said, adding she would be grateful for any steps the coroner could take to see the inquest be heard as soon as possible. Mr Justice Rooney, who is coroner in the case, responded: Rest assured I will be doing everything I can. He expressed hope that the meeting between the legal representatives will move things forward. Another review hearing is planned to take place on September 24. The owner of a vehicle looks on at its burnt remains after cars were set on fire in Ballymena on Sunday (Liam McBurney/PA Wire) Damaged property with the message, Locals Only, on Summerhill Court in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA Wire) The Deputy First Minister and the Communities Minister have strongly condemned recent racist and sectarian attacks in north Belfast and Ballymena. DUP ministers Emma Little-Pengelly and Gordon Lyons have both called for an end to the attacks, which have been blamed on loyalist paramilitaries. This comes after a number of families were forced from their homes in north Belfast after a spate of attacks on homes in the Oldpark area last Thursday, August 28. Catholic and ethnic minority families in north Belfast were left shaken after homes were targeted and windows were smashed. One Catholic mother of four reported that her children were threatened by adults while playing in the park. The family had also been subjected to sectarian abuse, with threats to petrol bomb their home. They had fled their home three weeks ago. Another mother, Sia Fay originally from Nigeria told BBC NI how she was a victim of numerous racist attacks since moving into her Manor Street home in March. The mother of twos home was subjected to an attack last Thursday, when the living room window was broken. Back windows were also smashed in July. Other houses in the Manor Street and Summerhill Court were damaged, with one home having locals only sprayed on a wall. A social housing complex in Annalee Street was previously targeted by loyalists in sectarian attacks in May. One Catholic mother of three, who has been living in temporary accommodation since that month, initially had plans to move back to her home in the Oldpark area. However, this has since been quashed by fresh threats. According to the mother, the sinister elements want all Catholics out. On Sunday in Ballymena, six vehicles were burnt out outside a property in Lisnevenagh Road, where a number of members of the Filipino community live. Police are currently treating the attacks as arson and a racially motivated hate crime. 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. The widespread attacks have sparked widespread condemnation. Mr Lyons yesterday branded the numerous attacks as something we want to see the end of in Northern Ireland. He was speaking as he prepared for a 5k run at the Mary Peters Track in south Belfast, where he was promoting a new fitness campaign, Move More, Live Better. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons condemned the attacks (Liam McBurney/PA) This is something that no-one should ever have to endure. Unfortunately, we have seen it all too often in the past. It has to end, there is no excuse for it whatsoever, said Mr Lyons. There is never any excuse for violence or intimidation, regardless of the motive and regardless of where it comes from. I want to make sure that everybody is treated fairly, and everybody is treated equally in our society. I have been working through my officials with the housing associations affected and the families, and also working with the PSNI to ensure that we can take the robust action we need to take so that this doesnt happen again. Speaking to Cool FM News, the deputy First minister Emma Little-Pengelly said all intimidation and violence is wrong. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly (Photo by Liam McBurney/PA) Sadly we have seen scenes of harassment, of intimidation, of violence on our streets, over the last number of years, said the deputy First Minister. It is important first of all to remember that this is a small minority of people, it does not represent the vast majority of people of Northern Ireland. Those who are feeling intimidated, who are feeling that pressure very unfairly it is absolutely wrong. It doesnt represent the views of many. They should listen to that message that the vast majority of people do not agree with this behaviour, they are absolutely opposed to that. It doesnt represent the views of many. Of course, there are frustrations out there in terms of the need for regeneration, and the access to housing, but that is entirely separate from any intimidation or violence. Damaged property with the message, Locals Only, on Summerhill Court in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA Wire) Belfast History Explained: Who was Mary Ann McCracken? That is always wrong, and it will continue to be always wrong. It is really important that politically we do stand up and say that strongly, as we have done throughout and we will continue. As demonstrated over the course of the last number of years, I have been out meeting with many of those families that have been subjected to intimidation. I think the key message to all of those that suffer this wrong, is that it doesnt represent the majority of the people in Northern Ireland. Right across all of the political parties, from a DUP viewpoint, we have said very strongly that it is totally wrong. It must stop, it should not be repeated, and indeed no person should feel that intimidation. Mid and East Antrim welcomed the world-famous Irish Guards to Carrickfergus yesterday, as they marked their 125th anniversary with an spectacular public parade. The streets of the town came alive to the sounds and skill of the Irish Guards Regimental Band and Pipe Band alongside the Regimental Colour Party and full Ceremonial Guard of honour. The renowned Irish Guards mascot Seamus the wolfhound led the parade from Carrickfergus Town Hall to Castle Car Park, where they performed against the backdrop of the historic Carrickfergus Castle. Irish Guards 125th anniversary celebrations in Carrickfergus Formed by order of Queen Victoria in 1900, the Irish Guards have served with distinction in conflicts across the world, including both World Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan. Known affectionately as the the Micks, they are part of the Household Division and take part in many of the UKs most prestigious Royal and State occasions, including the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and the Kings Birthday Parade. Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: The Irish Guards delivered a truly spectacular afternoon in Carrickfergus on this significant milestone anniversary. I could see the excitement and pride on the faces of the people here in the town as they watched inspired by the skill and tradition on display. Irish Guards 125th anniversary celebrations in Carrickfergus Major Stephen McMichael, Irish Guards 125 Project Officer, said: Marking our 125th anniversary here in Carrickfergus was truly special. This historic town, with its stunning castle and centuries-long military connections, gave us the perfect backdrop to share our story with the people of Northern Ireland. We thoroughly enjoyed marching alongside the support of the local community and offer our heartfelt thanks for the friendship, support and encouragement shown to the Irish Guards yesterday and through the years. Irish Guards 125th anniversary celebrations in Carrickfergus Delivering the celebration of pageantry and tradition, the Irish Guards, one of the most distinguished regiments in the British Army, are renowned for their ceremonial excellence in Central London, operational service and the distinctive St Patricks Blue plume worn in their bearskin headdress. Two men who attempted to smuggle ten Vietnamese migrants into the UK in the back of a lorry, just months after 39 migrants died making a similar crossing, have been sentenced following a National Crime Agency investigation. (Photo: NCA) Two men one of them based in Northern Ireland who conspired to smuggle 10 Vietnamese migrants into the UK in the back of a lorry have been jailed. Eoin Nolan and Daniel Loughran committed the offences months after the deaths of 39 migrants in Essex. Nolan (53), from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, and Loughran (36), from Armagh, were found guilty of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation. Loughran was handed a prison sentence of five years and six months, while Nolan was sentenced to four years. The pair were sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday. Eight of the 10 migrants were children, the court heard. The pair were part of a gang which plotted to transport the migrants from Belgium to the UK on March 5 2020, charging each of them 15,000 for the crossing. The group told the migrants to conceal themselves in a dummy load of old tyres in the back of a lorry, intending to move them by ferry from Zeebrugge to Purfleet in Essex. Belgian authorities, working alongside the NCA, tracked the lorry and intercepted it at a parking area in Gentbrugge before it could board the ferry. The migrants had already paid 150,000, money which has never been recovered. Investigators found that Nolan had spent hours trying to source a driver, eventually arranging for Duncan McLaughlin (64), from Glasgow, to travel to Kent to collect a vehicle and drive to France. McLaughlin was arrested in Belgium and later convicted in his absence, receiving a sentence of 37 months in prison and a fine of 88,000. Loughran, meanwhile, was working closely with Wayne Sherlock (44), originally from Co Meath but living in Kent, to organise transport. Sherlock had earlier pleaded guilty and was jailed for four years in 2020. Messages recovered by investigators revealed the extent of the conspiracy. In one exchange, gang members discussed how to conceal the migrants, with suggestions that they load them in the dark and instructing that they need to stay still and wait till doors open. Sentencing the men, Judge Catherine Moore said their actions had shown a callous disregard for the safety of vulnerable migrants. NCA branch commander David Cunningham said the case highlighted how smugglers continued to relentlessly pursue making this crossing a success, despite it being just months after the tragic deaths of 39 migrants who had tried to make a similar journey. Eoin Nolan and Daniel Loughran Belfast History Explained: Who was Mary Ann McCracken? He added: They operated as a well-oiled machine and took 150,000 from these vulnerable migrants, most of whom were children, for their own pure greed. The group loaded old tyres to the trailer for the sole purpose of appearing to be a legitimate delivery, telling the migrants to hide within them despite the risk of serious injury or worse. Tarika Jayaratne, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said the defendants had made significant efforts to avoid and undermine border checks. They also put the safety and wellbeing of the vulnerable children they were smuggling at risk for profit, she added. The CPS is continuing to work with law enforcement partners to discourage, disrupt and dismantle this exploitative trade. Canon John Murray was recently transferred to Downe Hospital A priest who was attacked in Downpatrick last month is to require in-patient care for an indefinite duration, according to a social media post by Downpatrick Family of Churches. Father John Murray was struck in the head with a bottle during an attack at St Patricks Church in Downpatrick on Sunday, August 10. He was hospitalised immediately after, and a man has since been charged with murder and attempted murder after the body of another man, Stephen Brannigan (56), was found at a nearby property on the same day. Hugh Malone (30), of no fixed address but from the Belfast area, appeared in Downpatrick Magistrates Court today (September 4). Fr Eugene ONeill led mass at the church at the end of August and told parishioners that Canon Murray was comfortable and moving quietly and prayerfully, as is his characteristic manner, towards recovery. Fr Murray was due to retire as parish priest of St Patricks to be succeeded by Fr ONeill. On Thursday, Downpatrick Family of Parishes posted on Facebook: We are pleased to say that Fr John continues to make good progress, though he still requires in-patient treatment of an indefinite duration. He is now back in Downpatrick, having been recently transferred from the RVH to the Downe Hospital. As before, visits are restricted to immediate family and clergy. As always both Fr John and ourselves wish to express our appreciation for all the prayers and messages of goodwill, and our gratitude to all the medical staff for their care. A suspected leader of an organised crime gang targeting elderly and vulnerable people has failed to return to prison after being granted compassionate bail. Raymond (Ray) Lee (32) was released from Maghaberry Prison on June 19 to attend a funeral. However the inmate did not return as required. Police are appealing directly to Ray Lee to hand himself in, a PSNI spokesperson said. We would also ask anyone who has seen him, or who knows of his whereabouts, not to approach him directly but to contact police on 101, quoting reference 918 of 19/06/25. "Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Lee, who has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and money laundering linked to a series of "courier frauds in 2020 and 2021, is awaiting sentencing. The fugitive is described as being around 5ft 11in tall, of slim build, with brown hair. Ray Lee (Photo: PSNI) Watch: Aoibhinn Irish Naval ship arrives in Belfast The defendant previously evaded police back in August 2023 after being granted compassionate bail to go to a funeral in Dublin. He failed to return to the same prison on that occasion and was arrested in October of the same year. Lee spent more than two months on-the-run after being accused of heading a gang of fraudsters which used bogus police officers to con elderly and vulnerable victims across Northern Ireland out of more than 200,000 in cash and jewellery. Groups and individuals linked to terror group involved in recent sectarian intimidation, a senior police commander says The Chief Constable has said housing allocation is driving tension in north Belfast, as a senior officer confirmed the UDA have been involved in recent intimidation in the area. Jon Boutcher was responding to questions at this months Policing Board meeting on race hate crimes and sectarian attacks which have heightened over the summer. It follows news this week that some Catholic families have fled properties at a mixed housing development on Alloa Street in the Oldpark area. Soon after residents moved into the new homes last November, flags appeared on lampposts along the street near the Manor Street interface. Locally, concerns were raised about one family that were allocated a house within the 12-property development. Tensions escalated in May when that family was targeted in an attack and received threats. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck told the Policing Board that individual members and local groups linked to paramilitary groups - specifically the UDA in that area - have been involved in those incidents. We also have information indicating that these attacks were not sanctioned at a senior level - I believe that individual members were involved, he continued. In reference to reports that a peace deal, which had initially been brokered between the West Belfast UDA and an intermediary acting for the residents, has now been torn up, Mr Boutcher said: "There's no deal with any organisation and the PSNI, after questioning from Sinn Feins Gerry Kelly. Mr Kelly pushed the PSNI on details regarding individuals within the UDA mentioned, and noted that he does not think the peace deal was with the police, but rather some individual who was an intermediary and the UDA, adding: If theres any idea about that - maybe you dont - but I just want to ask the question. Mr Boutcher replied: I don't know anything about that, and I know we need to move on we saw the disturbances last year I'll never have ducked these issues, and people play politics. Whatever you are doing involved in this, I don't care if you are part of the UDA or whatever acronym you want to use, pack it up. Society doesn't behave like this. "Whatever side of the street you come from, this is hateful, criminal It doesn't matter if youre part of a group or an individual. Just stop it, because we are coming after you and we will arrest you, because it should not be happening. Mr Boutcher had earlier said: Housing allocation remains the driver of attention in North Belfast with Protestant, unionist, loyalist communities perceiving imbalance and displacement. Despite intervention, tensions continue, and we're very live to this, and we understand the concerns of residents. He described a timeline of violence, starting with May 21, when a group of men damaged windows at three homes and threatened residents in the Lower Oldpark area. Police are treating the incident as sectarian hate crime. A 45-year-old man was later arrested and charged with criminal damage. On August 28, three more houses in the same area were attacked. Windows were smashed and racist graffiti painted on the properties one of which was occupied, while the others were awaiting allocation. Police have confirmed these are being treated as racially motivated hate crimes. New PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (Credit: Jonathan Porter/Press Eye) Belfast History Explained: Who was Mary Ann McCracken? The following week, on August 31, five vehicles belonging to ethnic minority tenants were set alight outside another property in north Belfast. Officers have launched an investigation and carried out risk assessments with the victims, Mr Boutcher added. He also repeatedly said that hate crime and intimidation are societal issues, not just policing matters, and that a lack of local neighbourhood officers due to underfunding weakens long-term prevention. Race hate crimes in Northern Ireland are currently at the highest level since records began in 2004, and there have been more race hate incidents and crimes than all other hate categories combined this year. Meanwhile, the First Minister and deputy First Minister have said there is a need for more action on racism, as the Executive issued a joint statement on racist and sectarian attacks. Speaking at a press conference, First Minister Michelle O'Neill said "words are important" but added that they need to be back up with "actions". Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: "More is required in terms of that action on the ground". Meanwhile, the Executive said in a statement that it maintains a "zero-tolerance approach" for all forms of hate and intimidation. It called for "calm across all communities" and said: "We stand united in our condemnation of all forms of racism, sectarianism and hostility towards individuals of different backgrounds. "All acts of violence and intimidation are abhorrent and have no place in our society. We stand in solidarity with victims and their families. Every person, regardless of race, religion, or background, is entitled to feel safe and free from threat or intimidation." Groups and individuals linked to the UDA have been involved in recent sectarian intimidation in north Belfast, a senior police commander has said. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said while UDA elements have been behind incidents that have seen Catholic families targeted in the Oldpark area of the city, he said there was no intelligence to suggest the leadership of the loyalist paramilitary organisation had sanctioned them. The remarks prompted First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly to call for swift police action against the paramilitary members suspected of involvement. Mr Beck was commenting at a meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board in Belfast where he was asked about the incidents of sectarian and racially motivated intimidation in north Belfast over the summer months. In respect of the sectarian incidents in north Belfast and based on the information thats available to police at this time, I believe that individual members and local groups linked to parliamentary groups, specifically the UDA in that area, have been involved in those incidents, he told board members. We also have information indicating that these attacks were not sanctioned at a senior level. However, as I say, I believe that individual members were involved in those incidents. Mr Beck said police had no information to suggest any paramilitary links to recent race-motivated attacks in Ballymena and Donaghadee. Sinn Fein board member Gerry Kelly asked for clarification on Mr Becks statement that the senior leadership of the UDA had not sanctioned the attacks in north Belfast. The ACC replied: I think there is a differential between local groups taking action at a local level and perhaps that command level, for want of a better description, so there is a distinction, he said. What Im giving you is a flavour of how we assess the situation at this moment in time. But, again, what I say is that I appeal to people to give us information, to talk to us, to help us fill the gaps around that, because we dont have all the information around all these attacks. If we did, there would be more arrests and people would be before the courts. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the police were throwing the kitchen sink at bringing those responsible for recent racist and sectarian incidents to justice. Ill never duck these issues, and people play politics, (but) whatever you are doing, (those) involved in this, I dont care if you are part of the UDA or whatever acronym you want to use, pack it up. Society doesnt behave like this. Whatever side of the street you come from, this is hateful, criminal, abhorrent behaviour. So it doesnt matter if youre part of a group or an individual, just stop it and were coming after you and well arrest you, because it should not be happening. At a press conference at Stormont Castle later on Thursday, Executive leaders Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly were asked about Mr Becks remarks. The First Minister said the PSNI needed to take immediate action against elements of the UDA if they have been involved in the recent sectarian intimidation. The UDA shouldnt exist, she said. They should be disbanded and dealt with with the full force of the law and if the PSNI have made an assessment that the UDA are any way involved, then they need to take immediate action. The deputy First Minister said she was totally opposed to the existence of paramilitaries. If the PSNI has intelligence about who carried this out, then they need to investigate that thoroughly, they should be making arrests, and they need to tackle this through a criminal justice process. Ms Little-Pengelly also said the Executive is supporting communities with funding focused on social cohesion. She said ministers are focused on eliminating threats and intimidation, instead of having a situation where ministers have to constantly come out and condemn what has happened. Kristina and Nigel Christie with son Leighton and daughter Eva from Ballymoney Faye McEvoy (10) from Co Tyrone with Colin Barkley, Chair, Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust and mum Nuala McEvoy Melanie and Darren Pritchard and son Caiden (6) from Omagh (L-R) Fiona Williamson, General Manager, Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT), Anna Kayes, board member, NICLT, Dr Sarah Mitchell and Donna OKane from Causeway Hospital. Sarah Jones (4) from Portadown with mum Jennifer and Colin Barkley, Chair, Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust. Twenty brave children from across Northern Ireland recently enjoyed the trip of a lifetime to Disneyland Paris. The children, all living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, were taken to the Disneyland Paris theme park by the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT). A group of 44 people, including parents, local health professionals, and NICLT representatives, set off on Saturday for two days. This initiative aims to provide families with the opportunity to take a break from the daily challenges of managing serious health conditions and instead create joyful, lasting memories. Faye McEvoy (10) from Co Tyrone with Colin Barkley, Chair, Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust and mum Nuala McEvoy Faye McEvoy (10), from Coalisland, Co Tyrone, was one of the children on the trip. She was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in October 2024 and has just completed her treatment this August. Her mum, Nuala, said Faye loved her trip to Disney. Faye is a big Disney fan. All the opportunities she has missed out on throughout the year have now been forgotten, thanks to this magical trip to Disneyland Paris. Kristina and Nigel Christie with son Leighton and daughter Eva from Ballymoney Eva Christie (5), from Ballymoney, has cerebral palsy, which developed after a hypoxic brain injury during a routine procedure at just eight weeks old. Her mum, Kristina, said the trip was a chance for Eva to make some magical memories. We are so excited Eva has been given this very special opportunity to go to Disneyland. We would like to thank her Community Childrens Nurses for putting her name forward and the NI Children to Lapland Trust for making this possible. "We will be forever grateful for the special memories. Melanie and Darren Pritchard and son Caiden (6) from Omagh Caiden Pritchard (6), from Omagh, lives with a life-limiting condition called MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. His parents, Melanie and Darren, were pleased he enjoyed the trip. This trip is absolutely amazing for Caiden. To see his face light up meeting the Disney characters and to share these precious moments together is something we will treasure forever. The trip was carefully organised and supported by doctors and nurses from Causeway Hospital, NICLT General Manager Fiona Williamson, and board member Anna Kayes. Dedicated medical professionals were present during the trip, allowing the families to fully enjoy the experience with peace of mind. Mollie ORourke (7) from West Belfast Belfast History Explained: Who was Sheila the Elephant? NICLT Chairman Colin Barkley said trips like this one are important to families: We are committed to giving these incredible children and their families the chance to create unforgettable memories. "Thanks to the generosity of our donors, fundraisers, and corporate partners including The Bushmills Inn, WineFlair, C-Tec (NI), Glens of Antrim Potatoes, CosyRoof, Bells of Crossgar, Energystore, and Mango Contact Centre weve been able to expand our reach and offer this wonderful experience. Colin added: From the feedback we received, the trip to Disneyland Paris was an outstanding success, despite the cancellation of our return flight, which required an additional night in a Paris airport hotel. "The charity team was on hand to ensure that everyone felt fully supported. The strong bonds formed during the trip became clear, as parents, children, and our administrative and medical teams worked together to minimise the inconvenience. Father Ted creator Graham Linehans posts about a transgender activist were oppressive and vindictive, a court has heard. The 57-year-old Irish comedy writer appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday where he faces trial accused of harassing transgender activist Sophia Brooks. He has denied one count of harassing the activist on social media between October 11 and October 27 last year, and a further charge of criminal damage of her mobile phone on October 19 last year. Before going into court, the writer posed with a sandwich board-style sign which said on one side Theres no such thing as a transgender child, and on the other, Keep men out of womens sports. Prosecutor Julia Faure Walker said Linehan posted about the activist relentlessly. Graham Linehan wore a sandwich board-style sign as he arrived at court (Ben Whitley/PA) She said: These posts were not merely irritating or annoying, but rather oppressive and unacceptable, thereby crossing the threshold into harassment. These posts were not provoked by Ms Brooks online in respect of anything she had done to Graham Linehan. Ms Faure Walker added: The purpose of the posts was clearly not merely to relay events, to express political opinion, to criticise, to help identify perpetrators or to try to solve any crime. Nor is it a case that these posts merely presented ideas that may shock, disturb or offend. Rather, they were verbally abusive and vindictive, and reflected Mr Linehans deep disliking of Ms Brooks. Linehan, wearing a white shirt, grey jacket and dark trousers, appeared in the dock at the court on Thursday and spoke to confirm his identity. On October 11 last year, an LGB Alliance conference was disrupted when some girls inside released insects, the prosecution said. They were escorted out, and Ms Brooks was not one of them, Ms Faure Walker said, adding: There is absolutely no evidence she was involved. Despite there being no evidence that Ms Brooks participated, Linehan linked disruption of event to her. Linehan posted online a number of times about Ms Brooks, the court heard. On October 13 last year the defendant asserted that Ms Brooks was behind countless episodes of harassment of women and gay men both online and off, adding he is a deeply disturbed sociopath and I believe he had some involvement in Fridays homophobic attack, the prosecution said. Giving evidence, Ms Brooks told the court that she felt alarmed and distressed at being called a deeply disturbed sociopath by Linehan. She added: I was being branded as a deeply disturbed sociopath by a relatively famous person with over 500,000 followers any of which could see Mr Linehans post and cause great harm to me. Linehan posted about someone with the name Tarquin, which Ms Faure Walker said is the defendants derogatory term for the complainant. Asked how the Tarquin name came to be used, Ms Brooks told the court: It is apparently to do with my poshness. The defendant and complainant met for the first time on October 19 last year outside the Battle of ideas conference. Ms Brooks had been inside the venue and had been taking photos or videoing on her phone, then later the defendant approached her with his phone, recording her and calling her a groomer and asking how many she had groomed, the prosecution said. A few hours later, Ms Brooks was outside the venue, near the entrance. Linehan exited with other people. While filming with her phone, Ms Brooks called out his name and asked why he had called her a domestic terrorist, referring to the phrase that Linehan had used in his posts about her, the prosecution said. Ms Faure Walker said: At this point Mr Linehan couldve explained why he had called her a domestic terrorist, if indeed he had an explanation, or even ignored her rather he responded in a way which is indicative of his extreme personal animosity towards her. He said go away groomer, go away you disgusting incel, he called her a sissy porn-watching scumbag. She then asked him to account for his defamatory and abusive posts about her, he did not answer, the court heard. He deliberately whacked the phone out of Ms Brooks hand, the prosecution said, adding it caused damage to her phone. The defendant was clearly proud of what he had done, the prosecution said. Ms Brooks called the police soon after, the court heard. The posts online continued, including on October 19 saying was interesting to meet Tarquin today. Absolute psycho. In another post, the defendant said watch how Buffalo Bill uses the camera to hide his face, the court heard. On October 22 the defendant said about Ms Brooks he likes to handle people and then complain about being touched himself, the prosecution said. The defendant tried to get information about Ms Brooks, saying we believe Tarquin is studying, then referred to a particular course, and said: If you know him and want to help to stop him harassing people, please get in touch. Linehan also said hes been 17 years old for a number of years in another post, the court heard. On October 24, Linehan wrote hes also a scumbag who harasses women, the prosecution said. The prosecution said the defendant also wrote: If you encounter Tarquin in the wild, try to resist the urge to stick his cameras up his arse. Hes hoping to get you to do something he can report the police. As a result of the posts, Ms Brooks felt alarm and or distress, the prosecution said. Linehan was interviewed under caution on February 5 this year and provided a prepared statement. Ms Faure Walker said: He said, in summary, that he considered that the complainant whom he referred to as Tarquin throughout the prepared statement had harassed him, by approaching him and filming him at close quarters; he said he tried to ignore the complainant; the complainant provoked him and made a provocative statement; put the phone in his face; he grabbed the phone and threw it to the side; it was a reflex response. In relation to the online posts, the defendant did not accept it amounted to harassment; as a journalist as he described himself he believed exposing tactics of trans activities was in the public interest. The trial continues. The Health Minister has received a report on the timeline of care for a young child who died this year after dealing with long delays for scoliosis surgery. Harvey Morrison, nine, who had scoliosis and spina bifida, died on July 29. His parents, Stephen Morrison and Gillian Sherratt, said their son waited years for spinal surgery, during which time the curve in his spine went from 75 degrees to 130 degrees. By the time Harvey received spinal surgery last December, the curve had reached the point where it could not be fully corrected. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster speaking to the media at the Convention Centre in Dublin on Thursday (PA) The curve caused his rib cage to twist around his lungs and heart, severely restricting his breathing. His parents, opposition politicians and campaigners have called for Simon Harris, the Tanaiste and former minister for health, to step down after he pledged in 2017 that no child would wait more than four months for scoliosis treatment. Speaking in Dublin on Thursday, Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said she had received a report into the timeline of the care the boy received. She said she remains available to speak to the boys family about the details of it at a time of their choosing but would not discuss the review publicly before speaking to the family. It wouldnt be appropriate for me to speak about an individual case where (HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster) and I hadnt had the opportunity to discuss the review in detail with the families, she said. Mr Gloster said he was conscious that it was just over a month since Harvey had died and said it remains a very difficult and challenging time for his family. I got a draft timeline from CHI around their engagement with Harvey. I am now engaged with the family in correspondence, I am hoping that at some point in future they would like to take the opportunity to meet with me to discuss that. One of the things weve learned over the years is that when we review cases, no matter how professionally or well we do it, one of the constant criticisms we hear is that we didnt engage the family at the very start of our process and I want to do that. But I have to be fair and sensitive and allow them the time and space, they clearly are grieving at the moment and they need to be allowed to do that. Im absolutely clear we will engage with them, and I have made it very clear I will facilitate them in any engagement theyre going to have. An asylum seeker hotel resident has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl days after arriving in the UK on a small boat. Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatus behaviour in July sparked protests and counter-protests in Epping, Essex, and further demonstrations outside hotels housing asylum seekers across the country. His three-day trial heard he had told two teenagers he wanted to have a baby with each of them and attempted to kiss them, before going on to put his hand on one of the girls thighs and stroke her hair. The defendant was also found to have sexually assaulted a woman by trying to kiss her, putting his hand on her leg and telling her she was pretty. District judge Christopher Williams took just 30 minutes to return his guilty verdicts and his reasoning at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Thursday. Kebatu, who was a teacher of sports in his home country, denied all charges against him telling the court he is not a wild animal. The defendant gave no visible reaction as Mr Williams told him he was guilty of two counts of sexual assault, one count of attempted sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence. Kebatu is due to be sentenced at the same court on September 23. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu during his trial at Chelmsford Magistrates Court (Elizabeth Cook/PA) The judge told the defendant he should expect an immediate custodial sentence after concluding he gave no comment to police as he simply had no answer at the time, or one that would stand up to scrutiny. Mr Williams asked that a report be prepared about him before sentencing, noting there was so little known about him. The judge took around an hour to explain to the defendant the reasons for his guilty verdicts telling him: Im not persuaded that there is any evidence to suggest the children fabricated any of the evidence they gave. Essex Police are still investigating incidents of disorder after a number of protesters took to the streets following Kebatus sexual assaults. Multiple demonstrations have been held outside the Bell Hotel since July 13 with the force making 32 arrests and charging 21 people in connection with incidents of disorder. Epping Forest District Council is taking legal action against Somani Hotels over the use of the Bell Hotel as accommodation for asylum seekers, and could still be granted an injunction when a full hearing takes place on October 13. Kebatus trial was told he was offered pizza by the 14-year-old victim shortly before he tried to kiss her on July 7. The court heard Kebatu had made inappropriate comments to the girl, such as come back to Africa, you would be a good wife, and do you want to come to the Bell Hotel to have babies then we could go to Kenya with each other. The girl told police she froze as the defendant sexually assaulted her and had told Kebatu no, Im 14 when he spotted her again in Epping the following day. The court heard his response to the teenager was: No, no, it doesnt matter, you could come back to the Bell Hotel with me. An adult member of the public was also sexually assaulted by Kebatu on July 8 during an incident in which he touched her leg and tried to kiss her when she offered to help him with his CV. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she felt shocked and uncomfortable at his behaviour. The adult victim told the court she confronted Kebatu when she saw him speaking to a young schoolgirl. She said the defendant ran away from the initial confrontation, but she caught up with him near the Bell Hotel while on a 999 call with police. The woman told the trial: It was a lot of begging, pleading and apologising, and a lot of Im sorry, Im going to go, it was a mistake along those lines. Footage of Kebatus arrest showed him appear to become tearful after he was handcuffed by an officer, with the defendant eventually getting on his knees on the pavement next to a police car. Hugh Bonneville kicked off a live TV interview about Downton Abbey with an urgent warning about the indefensible situation in Gaza. The actor, who plays the Earl of Grantham in the ITV drama, was attending the red carpet film premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale at Leicester Square in London on Wednesday. During a chat with reporter Helen Keenan for ITV London News, the 61-year-old begged the international community to intervene in the conflict. "Before I talk about the fluff and loveliness of our wonderful film - what's about to happen in Gaza is indefensible, he said, pointing his finger and staring intently at the camera. The international community must do more to bring it to an end. He added, without skipping a beat: Downton Abbey is a lovely film and were going to celebrate 15 glorious years of it tonight. The broadcast then cut back to the news anchor at the ITV London News studio, who said: Of course, it's not about the politics, it's all about the film. Bonneville was promoting the upcoming third Downton Abbey film, following the release of 2019s Downton Abbey and 2022s Downton Abbey: A New Era. He attended the red carpet alongside stars including Michelle Dockery, who revealed she was pregnant at the event, Laura Carmichael and Joanne Froggatt. His warning about Gaza came amid reports on Wednesday that Israeli forces were intensifying their attacks on the outskirts of Gaza City, as the military stepped up preparations for a ground offensive to conquer it. Hospitals said women and children were among more than 30 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes in the city on Wednesday, the BBC reported. Hugh Bonneville as Robert Grantham in Downtown Abbey: The Grand Finale. Belfast History Explained: Who was Mary Ann McCracken? UN and aid groups said the strikes were having "horrific humanitarian consequences" for displaced families sheltering in the city, where a famine was declared last month. Bonneville is among a slew of celebrities who have been speaking out against the war in Gaza. Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan has repeatedly advocated for a ceasefire and helped raise millions through fundraisers she has organised on social media. Nigel Farage, a member of British parliament, testifies during a House Judiciary Committee hearing to examine European threats to American free speech and innovation (Mariam Zuhaib/AP) Nigel Farage has posted an image of himself with Donald Trump amid the Reform UK leaders trip to the US. The Clacton MP, who has been in Washington to give evidence to the House Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill, posted a photo on X of himself with the US leader early on Thursday. Mr Farage is seen standing next to Mr Trump behind the presidents famous Resolute desk. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The post includes the caption: Its good to be back in the Oval Office. It comes after Mr Farage was dubbed a Putin-loving free speech impostor and Trump sycophant by Democrat representative Jamie Raskin. At the hearing on Wednesday, Mr Farage likened Britain to North Korea over the UKs approach to civil liberties. He raised the arrest of Irish writer Linehan for comments on social media about transgender people, and the jailing of former childminder and wife of a Conservative councillor Lucy Connolly for stirring up racial hatred against asylum seekers in the aftermath of the Southport murders last year. He denied proposing that Washington threaten the UK with trade sanctions amid scrutiny of his suggestion that the White House use diplomacy and trade in the battle for free speech. However, before his evidence started, Democrat representative Mr Raskin urged Mr Farage to air his concerns at home in the Commons. The congressman echoed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmers criticism of Mr Farage for missing Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday. Mr Raskin said: He should go and advance the positions hes taking here in Congress today, in Parliament, which is meeting today, if hes serious about it. To the people of the UK who think this Putin-loving free speech impostor and Trump sycophant will protect freedom in this country, come on over to America and see what Trump and Maga are doing to destroy our freedom you might think twice before you let Mr Farage make Britain great again. Mr Farage denied having suggested America threaten Britain with sanctions Responding, Mr Farage said: Im delighted to be acquainted with the charming Mr Raskin delightful testimony you gave me earlier on with your speech. But hey, thats fine. You can say what you like, I dont care, because thats what free speech is. In a sense, this has all been going wrong now for a couple of decades. Earlier at PMQs, Sir Keir had said, in response to a question about Reform UKs opposition to the Online Safety Act, that the honourable member for Clacton is not here representing his constituency, in the House he was elected to. He said Mr Farage had instead flown to America to badmouth and talk down our country and suggest the Americans impose sanctions on the UK, adding that you cannot get more unpatriotic than that, its a disgrace. The Reform leader denied having suggested America threaten Britain with sanctions, saying: No, Im not that was a falsehood put out by the British Prime Minister today. A new analysis suggests not all patients eligible for the drug can access it on the NHS (PA) Thousands of people who could benefit from the weight loss jab Mounjaro on the NHS are missing out due to funding issues, figures suggest. Fewer than half (18 out of 42) of commissioning bodies across England have started prescribing the drug on the NHS in line with health service guidance, according to data gathered by the British Medical Journal (BMJ). NHS England has put in place a phased rollout of the drug over a period of up to 12 years, but the data suggests even patients who are eligible now cannot get the drug. The vast majority of patients on Mounjaro currently pay for it privately. According to the BMJ, few integrated care boards (ICBs) have been allocated enough NHS funding for patients who could be treated on the health service. It said only nine had the funding needed to cover at least 70% of their eligible patients. Four ICBs told the BMJ the NHS funding they had received covered just 25% or less of their eligible patients, with Coventry and Warwickshire faring the worst. That ICB told the BMJ it had received funding to cover just 376 patients, despite identifying 1,795 eligible patients in the first year of rollout. The rollout began on June 23. Eligible patients in the first year include those with a body mass index over 40 and other complicating illnesses such as high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Five ICBs included in the BMJ research said they were already considering further tightening the prescribing criteria or rationing the treatment beyond the 12-year phased plan. According to NHS England calculations, around three million patients may be eligible for the jab under current criteria. It has put in place the phased rollout after concerns GPs would be overwhelmed by requests. NHS England previously said if all eligible patients turned up for the drug in the first year, and 70% of those were started on treatment, the impact on primary care and general practice would be profound and take up 18% of GP appointments. A total of 40 of the 42 ICBs responded to the BMJs freedom of information request. Dr Jonathan Hazlehurst, consultant endocrinologist and academic clinical lecturer at the University of Birmingham, said that although the central funding from NHS England was extremely welcome the rollout had so far been significantly underfunded. He told the BMJ: That clearly drives up distress and uncertainty both in patients and primary care and runs the risk of inequity in access to treatment, and thats my biggest concern. NHS England is talking about treating 220,000 patients in the first three years, but we can see that the initial funding for year one clearly only covers approximately 10% of that. He emphasised that the lack of communication to the public about the difficulty in rolling out and funding Mounjaro was a major problem. If youre going to have very strict (prescribing) rules, whether theyre right or wrong, you have to fund those very strict rules and have absolute clarity so patients and GPs know where theyre at, and thats what were lacking at the moment. Professor Nicola Heslehurst, president of the Association for the Study of Obesity from the Newcastle University, said: The deficit in funding compared with need is another blow for people living with obesity, who deserve evidence-based care to manage their health needs. She added that the current commissioning model had set up a postcode lottery of access to obesity care. ICBs in more deprived locations will have increased demand for care and need to have the budget required to address obesity inequalities. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: We expect NHS Integrated Care Boards to be making these drugs, which can help tackle the obesity crisis, available as part of the phased rollout, so those with the highest need are able to access them. As we shift the focus from treatment to prevention through our 10-Year Health Plan we are determined to bring revolutionary modern treatments to everyone who needs them, not just those who can afford to pay. On Wednesday, Wes Streeting pledged to do more to prevent people being priced out of accessing weight-loss jabs. The Health Secretary said he wanted more people to get the drugs on the NHS after the manufacturer of Mounjaro said it was putting up prices in the private sector. Eli Lilly said in August it was putting up the list price of the drug by as much as 170%, which could have meant the cost of the highest dose going up from 122 to 330 per month. However, it has since been reported that the highest dose will be be sold to suppliers for 247.50. Search and rescue efforts were ongoing, a government spokesman said (Siddiqullah Alizai/AP) Hundreds of bodies have been recovered from houses destroyed by a major earthquake in Afghanistan last week, pushing the death toll to more than 2,200, a Taliban government spokesman has said. A 6.0-magnitude quake struck several provinces of the mountainous and remote east of the country on Sunday night, levelling villages and trapping people under rubble. The majority of casualties have been in Kunar, where many live in steep river valleys separated by high mountains. Taliban spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat, who provided the updated casualty figures, said rescue and search efforts were continuing. Displaced families gather under trees in Mazar Dara, in Kunar province (Hedayat Shah/AP) Tents have been set up for people, and the delivery of first aid and emergency supplies is ongoing, he said. The rough terrain is hindering relief efforts. Taliban authorities have deployed helicopters and airdropped army commandos to help survivors. Aid workers have reported walking for hours to reach villages cut off by landslides and rockfall. Funding cuts are also having an impact on the response. The Norwegian refugee council said it had fewer than 450 staff in Afghanistan whereas it had 1,100 in 2023, the date of the last major quake in the country. The council had only one warehouse remaining and no emergency stock. Humanitarian organisations have called the latest disaster a crisis within a crisis (Siddiqullah Alizai/AP) We will need to purchase items once we get the funding but this will take potentially weeks and people are in need now, Maisam Shafiey, communications and advocacy adviser for the council in Afghanistan, said. We have only 100,000 US dollars (74,000) available to support emergency response efforts. This leaves an immediate funding gap of 1.9 million dollars (1.4 million). Humanitarian organisations have called the latest disaster a crisis within a crisis. Afghanistan was already struggling with the impact of climate change, particularly drought, a weak economy and the return of some two million Afghans from neighbouring countries. The city centre streetcar came off the rails during the evening rush hour on Wednesday (Armando Franca/AP) Investigators were sifting through the wreckage of a funicular in central Lisbon, trying to determine why the popular tourist attraction derailed during the busy summer season, killing 16 people and injuring 21, five of them seriously. Portugals attorney-generals office said eight victims have been identified so far: five Portuguese, two South Koreans and a Swiss person. There is a high possibility, based on recovered documents and other evidence, that the victims also include two Canadians, one American, one German and one Ukrainian, according to the head of the national investigative police, Luis Neves. Three remain to be identified. Police officers cordoned off the area where the streetcar derailed and crashed (Armando Franca/AP) Among the injured are Spaniards, Israelis, Portuguese, Brazilians, Italians and French people, the executive director of Portugals national health service, Alvaro Santos Almeida, said. The nationalities appeared to confirm suspicions that the Elevador da Gloria was packed with tourists as well as locals when it came off its rails during the evening rush hour on Wednesday. Lisbon hosted around 8.5 million tourists last year, and long lines of people typically form for the streetcars short and picturesque trip a few hundred metres up and down a city street. This tragedy goes beyond our borders, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said at his official residence, calling it one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past. Portugal observed a national day of mourning Thursday. Officials declined to comment on whether a faulty brake or a snapped cable may have caused the derailment (Armando Franca/AP) All 16 post-mortem examinations were concluded on Thursday, but the identification of three victims required access to dental records or family DNA that were held abroad, Francisco Corte-Real, the head of the national forensic medicine institute, told a joint news conference. The electric streetcar, also known as a funicular, is harnessed by steel cables and can carry more than 40 people. On Thursday, officials took photographs and pulled up cable from beneath the rails that climb one of the Portuguese capitals steep hills. Officials declined to comment on whether a faulty brake or a snapped cable may have prompted the descending streetcar to careen into a building where the road bends. The city needs answers, Lisbon mayor Carlos Moedas said in a televised statement, adding that talk of possible causes is mere speculation. Police, public prosecutors and government transport experts are investigating the crash, Mr Montenegro told reporters. The governments office for air and rail accident investigations said it had concluded its analysis of the wreckage and would issue a preliminary report on Friday. The company that operates Lisbons streetcars and buses, Carris, said it had opened its own internal investigation. The streetcar, which has been in service since 1914, underwent a scheduled full maintenance programme last year and also underwent 30-minute visual inspections every day, Carris chief executive Pedro de Brito Bogas said during a news conference on Thursday. The streetcar was last inspected nine hours before the derailment, he said, but he did not detail the visual inspection nor specify when questioned whether all the cables were tested. The mayor said he would also ask for an investigation from an outside independent body, but did not elaborate. The injured reportedly include men and women between the ages of 24 and 65, and a three-year-old child (Armando Franca/AP) Lisbons civil protection agency said earlier on Thursday that the death toll had risen to 17. It later corrected that to 16, citing a duplication of available information. All the dead were adults, Margarida Castro Martins, head of the agency, told reporters. She did not provide their identities, saying their families would be informed first. The transport workers trade union Sitra said that the streetcars brakeman, Andre Marques, was among the dead. The injured include men and women between the ages of 24 and 65, and a three-year-old child, Ms Castro Martins said. Among them are Portuguese people, as well as two Germans, two Spaniards and one person each from France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Morocco, South Korea and Cape Verde, she said. The range of nationalities reflects how big a draw the renowned 19th-century streetcar is for tourists and locals alike. The service, inaugurated in 1885, runs between Restauradores Square and the Bairro Alto neighbourhood (Armando Franca/AP) Felicity Ferriter, a 70-year-old British tourist, had just arrived with her husband at a hotel near the crash site and was unpacking her suitcase when she heard a horrendous crash. We heard it, we heard the bang, she told The Associated Press outside her hotel. The couple had seen the streetcar when they arrived and intended to ride on it the next day. It was to be one of the highlights of our holiday, she said, adding: It could have been us. Witness Teresa dAvo told Portuguese television channel SIC that it looked like the streetcar had no brakes. The council halted operations of three other famous funicular streetcars in the city while immediate inspections were carried out (Ana Brigida/AP) It hit the building with brutal force and fell apart like a cardboard box, she said, describing how passers-by scattered into the middle of the nearby Avenida da Liberdade, or Freedom Avenue, the citys main thoroughfare. The service, inaugurated in 1885, runs between Restauradores Square and the Bairro Alto neighbourhood renowned for its nightlife. The Elevador da Gloria is classified as a national monument. Lisbons city council halted operations of three other famous funicular streetcars in the city while immediate inspections were carried out. European Union flags at the European Parliament and European Commission in Brussels flew at half-staff. Multiple EU leaders expressed their condolences on social media. The French president had said that any European reassurance force in Ukraine needed the backing of the United States (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP) French President Emmanuel Macron has said that 26 of Ukraines allies have pledged to deploy troops as a reassurance force for the war-torn country once fighting ends in the conflict with Russia. Speaking after a meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing in Paris, Mr Macron said the countries had committed to deploying troops in Ukraine or to maintaining a presence on land, at sea, or in the air to help guarantee the countrys security the day after a ceasefire or peace is achieved. Earlier on Thursday, Mr Macron and other European leaders met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the the US envoy for peace talks, Steve Witkoff, to discuss ways of ensuring long-term military support and continued American backing for Ukraine once the conflict ends. French President Emmanuel Macron, right, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Elysee Palace in Paris (Michel Euler/AP) Mr Zelenskys office said he had also held a closed-door meeting with Mr Witkoff. Mr Macron said at a news conference alongside Mr Zelensky that the reassurance force does not have the will or the objective of waging war against Russia, but will aim to prevent any new major aggression and to involve the 26 states very clearly in the lasting security of Ukraine. Although details of any US participation in the security guarantees remains unclear, both Mr Macron and Mr Zelensky said Washington had expressed willingness to be part of the plan, and the Ukrainian president said he was grateful about that. As for in what format, I am not yet ready to tell you in detail, Mr Zelensky added. White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, left, joined the talks (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP) The planning work will be finalised with the United States, Mr Macron said. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Macron, who lead the coalition of the willing, previously insisted that any European reassurance force in Ukraine needed the backing of the United States. The European leaders some of whom joined the meeting virtually said Russia must now work towards ending the fighting, and the German government suggested European sanctions on Russia would increase if Moscow drags its feet. The European leaders also later spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump. Sir Keirs office said the Prime Minister emphasised that the group had an unbreakable pledge to Ukraine, with President Trumps backing, and it was clear they now needed to go even further to apply pressure on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to secure a cessation of hostilities. Finnish President Alexander Stubb told Finnish media that, in the phone conversation with European leaders, Mr Trump emphasised the need to put economic pressure on Russia, and said Europe must stop buying Russian oil and gas that he said was funding the war. Mr Trump stressed that Russia received 1.1 billion euros in fuel sales from the EU in one year, according to a White House official. Mr Trump also emphasised that European leaders must place economic pressure on China for indirectly funding Russias war efforts, according to the official. German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had laid out three areas of action, including working towards a summit that would include Mr Zelensky, and a ceasefire must be agreed there. If the Russian side continues to play for time, Europe will increase the pressure of sanctions to increase the chances of a diplomatic solution, the statement said. The Ukrainian president said a meeting with Mr Putin was needed. This is not a matter of a desire, this is a matter of necessity, Mr Zelensky said. Vladimir Putin has said he believes if common sense prevails, it is possible to agree on an acceptable option for ending the conflict (Vladimir Smirnov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) We support any format, bilateral meeting, trilateral meeting, I believe that Russia does everything to defer it. There was no immediate reaction from Russian officials. Mr Putin isolated by western leaders but backed by China in his war effort said on Wednesday that he believed if common sense prevails, it is possible to agree on an acceptable option for ending the conflict, adding that Mr Trump has a sincere desire to reach a settlement. In a policy shift earlier this month, the US sent positive signals over its readiness to support security guarantees for Ukraine that resemble Natos collective defence mandate, Mr Zelensky said. It is unclear what that support would look like in practice. Ukraine is hoping for continued US intelligence sharing and air support. Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte, who attended the meeting virtually, said that a broad coalition of nations is needed to support Ukraines defence against Russian aggression, but also to strengthen Europe to deter further military action by Moscow. Citing European military and intelligence officials who have warned of Russian plans to strike other European countries, Mr Rutte said thatwe have to make sure that our deterrence is such that they will never try, knowing that our reaction will be devastating. Some European leaders attended in person, others joined virtually (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP) Mr Rutte also called for the world to not be naive about Russia. We know what Putin tries to do and and the evidence is there in Ukraine as we speak, he said. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Russia fired 112 strike and decoy drones across the country overnight on Thursday, according to Ukraines Air Force morning report. Air defences intercepted or jammed 84 drones, the statement said. Russia announced on Thursday that it was expelling an Estonian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move after Estonia declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata last month. More than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed in the nearly two-year war in the Gaza Strip, local health officials have said. The news came as Hamas and Israel reiterated their incompatible demands for ending the fighting sparked by the militant groups 2023 attack. Local hospitals said Israeli strikes killed 28 people, mostly women and children, overnight and into Thursday, as Israel pressed ahead with the initial stages of its offensive in famine-stricken Gaza City. Palestinians mourn over the bodies of people killed in an Israeli army strike (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) Hamas released a statement late on Wednesday saying that it was open to returning all 48 hostages it still holds around 20 of them believed by Israel to be alive in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all of Gaza, the opening of border crossings and a start to the challenge of rebuilding Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office dismissed the offer as spin and said that the war would continue until all the hostages were returned, Hamas was disarmed and Israel had full security control of the territory, with civilian administration delegated to others. Talks on a temporary ceasefire that would have seen some of the hostages returned broke down last month when US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff walked away, blaming Hamas. The militant group later accepted a proposal that Hamas and Arab mediators said was almost identical to an earlier one accepted by Israel, but there has been no public indication that talks have resumed. The latest strikes came as Israeli troops were operating on the outskirts of Gaza City, in the initial stages of a planned offensive to take over the most populous Palestinian city, home to around a million people, many of whom have already been displaced multiple times. Shifa Hospital in Gaza City received 25 bodies, including nine children and six women, after Israeli strikes hit tents housing displaced people, according to hospital records. Among those killed was a 10-day-old baby. Another three people were killed in southern Gaza, according to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which says it only targets militants and tries to avoid harming civilians. It blames civilian deaths on Hamas, saying militants are entrenched in densely populated areas. Israeli soldiers drive a tank inside the Gaza Strip on Wednesday (Ariel Schalit/AP) Gazas health ministry said that 64,231 Palestinians had been killed since the start of the war. The latest update includes around 400 who were presumed missing but whose deaths it said had been confirmed. It does not say how many of those killed in the war were militants or civilians. It says women and children make up around half the dead. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. Its figures are seen as a reliable estimate of wartime deaths by UN agencies and many independent experts. Israel has disputed them without providing its own toll. Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in their attack on southern Israel on October 7 2023. Most have since been released in ceasefires or other agreements. Meanwhile, in Rome, Pope Leo and his top diplomats told Israels president on Thursday that a two-state solution was the only way out of the war, as the Vatican called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and entry of humanitarian aid to the most affected areas. Israels President Isaac Herzog, left, met Pope Leo at the Vatican (Simone Risoluti/Vatican Media via AP) The Vatican issued an unusually detailed statement following Leos meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog who, for his part, said he had asked the pope to meet with families of the hostages, and called for intensified international efforts to secure their release. The audience marked the first by historys first American pope with the Israeli head of state. The Vatican has tried to maintain its tradition of diplomatic neutrality throughout the war, calling for the return of hostages while denouncing Israels attacks against civilians in Gaza. But both Pope Francis before, and Leo since his election in May, have voiced mounting outrage at Israels actions in Gaza, with the late pope calling for an investigation to determine if they constituted genocide. President Donald Trump has justified the lethal military strike that his administration said was carried out against a Venezuelan gang as a necessary effort by the United States to send an unmistakable message to Latin American cartels. Asked why the military did not instead interdict the vessel and capture those on board, Mr Trump said the operation would cause drug smugglers to think twice about trying to move drugs into the US. There was massive amounts of drugs coming into our country to kill a lot of people, and everybody fully understands that, Mr Trump said while hosting Polands President Karol Nawrocki at the White House on Wednesday. He added: Obviously, they wont be doing it again. And I think a lot of other people wont be doing it again. When they watch that tape, theyre going to say, Lets not do this.' US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Tuesdays strike was an astonishing departure from typical US drug interdiction efforts at a time when Mr Trump has ordered a major US navy build-up in the waters near Venezuela. Later on Wednesday, secretary of state Marco Rubio warned that such operations will happen again. Mr Rubio said previous US interdiction efforts in Latin America have not worked in stemming the flow of illicit drugs into the United States and beyond. What will stop them is when you blow them up, when you get rid of them, Mr Rubio said on a visit to Mexico. President Nicolas Maduro gives a press conference in Caracas, Venezuela (Ariana Cubillos/AP) Defence secretary Pete Hegseth said on Fox & Friends that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was running his country as a kingpin of a drug narco-state. Mr Hegseth said officials knew exactly who was in that boat and exactly what they were doing. But the Republican administration has not presented any evidence supporting Mr Trumps claim that operators of the vessel were from the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and were trying to smuggle in drugs. President Trump is willing to go on offence in ways that others have not seen, said Mr Hegseth, who declined to detail how the strike was carried out. Venezuelas government, which has long minimised the presence of Tren de Aragua in the South American country, limited its reaction to the strike to questioning the veracity of a video publicised by the Trump administration showing the attack. Mr Trump said the operation, which he said killed 11, was carried out in international waters. He also noted that the gang is designated by the U.S. government as a foreign terrorist organisation. Unlike its counterparts from Colombia, Brazil and central America, Tren de Aragua has no large-scale involvement in smuggling cocaine across international borders, according to InSight Crime, which last month published a 64-page report on the gang based on two years of research. The US announced plans last month to boost its maritime force in the waters off Venezuela to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels. Mr 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. Exclusive | Senior Sinn Fein figure privately told colleagues it should bring on debate by embracing IRA links Amid the increasing prominence of northerners in the partys highly centralised structure, Sinn Fein has not denied that its new Belfast-born general secretary told colleagues those who want to escape the legacy of the past are wrong Sinn Fein's new general secretary Sam Baker (inset) is said to have told colleagues that the party should embrace its links to the IRA Sam McBride Thu 4 Sep 2025 at 07:01 For years, it has been received wisdom that Sinn Fein wants to move away from its Provisional IRA past. 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. BECKET It took several Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival staff members to remove the dolly and heavy sheets of Masonite hardboard that fell on Kat Sirico just before 12:30 p.m. Aug 1. But when colleagues reached Sirico to begin lifesaving measures, they discovered Sirico had a severe head injury, wasnt moving or breathing, and was completely incapacitated. And though workers and Otis Police Sgt. Tammy Weidhaas began CPR, Becket Ambulance paramedics arriving soon afterward assessed Siricos injuries, told them to stop CPR, and pronounced Sirico dead. Those are among the details contained in Massachusetts State Police and Otis Police reports obtained by The Berkshire Eagle on their investigations into the accident that killed Sirico, a 40-year-old theater veteran and instructor from Rochester, N.Y. The fatal accident later prompted the Pillows leadership team and board of trustees to cancel the remaining four weekends of programming at the theaters summer festival. "The sudden, tragic loss of one of our lead team members combined with the need for our close-knit community to grieve and the necessary time to restart Festival operations led the Board of Trustees and institutional leadership to make the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the Festival," Executive Director Pamela Tatge said in a statement emailed to patrons last month. The Eagle obtained the police reports through a public records request filed with the office of Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue. State police assigned to the Berkshire DAs Office conducted the investigation, and Weidhaas filed the Otis Police Department incident report. The State 911 Department denied the Eagle's request for 911 recordings from that day on the grounds they "constitute voluntary witness statements." The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating Sirico's death. The state police report indicates that Sirico, who taught the safety class for summer staff at the world-renowned dance theater, had experienced some personal struggles in the days and weeks leading up to their death. Siricos close friend and manager, Jason Wells, told police that Sirico, who used they/them pronouns, was overworking, even after hours, and that relationships with coworkers had been strained by Sirico's lack of trust in colleagues and refusal to accept help. Human resources personnel at the dance festival told police that employees had lodged complaints about Sirico, including concerns that Sirico was putting safety at risk. Wells said some, but not all, of those concerns were valid. On Aug. 2, Shugrues office declared Siricos death an accident and ruled out criminal charges. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause was blunt impact injury of the head caused by Sirico being crushed by [a] wooden cart. According to the report, citing multiple witnesses and a transcript of surveillance videos provided to police by Jacob's Pillow, when Sirico and an intern helping them started losing control of the cart on the hill, Sirico ran around to the front of the dolly to try to stop it with their back. But Sirico tripped and was run over and then crushed by the dolly and its heavy contents. According to the report, Sirico had asked the intern to help them move items from the loading dock at the Doris Duke Theatre to make way for an arriving shipment. They moved items for an hour, attended a meeting, and then went to move the Masonite sheets. The intern told police she was unaware of where the Masonite was being moved. As they progressed along the path, near a hill, stage operations supervisor Katerina York was walking along a path toward the Doris Duke Theatre and saw Sirico and the intern moving the cart. York did not know where they were going, or why, and told police she asked herself if two people were enough to move the cart and its load. York told police she offered to help, but that Sirico said no and that they were just moving it over to an area. About half a minute later, York saw out of the corner of her eye that Sirico and the intern were losing control of the cart. A video transcript in the report shows that it took about 2 seconds from the moment Sirico moved in front of the dolly to the moment it fell on Sirico. According to the report, Weidhaas, working a paid detail, was in a meeting on campus with Jacobs Pillow officials and Becket Police when a staff two-way radio alerted them to an accident on the grounds. Wiedhaas then heard Becket Police Officer Trae Balardini being dispatched to campus for a party unconscious and bleeding from the head. Arriving at the scene, Weidhaas found two people performing CPR on Sirico. She took over CPR until Becket Ambulance paramedics Mark Brouillette and Jamie Colello arrived. Colello assessed Siricos injuries, and told Weidhaas to stop administering CPR. In an interview with a state trooper following the incident, Colello communicated to Brouillette that Sirico was displaying signs incompatible with life. Jacobs Pillow human resources representatives Valerie Mertsock and Ygor Lobo were working in a nearby trailer, heard the accident and the interns reaction, and rushed to the scene. Mertsock told police she radioed the campus emergency response team and escorted the intern away from the scene. Mertsock and Lobo both told police that Sirico had past issues with other staff members. Both said they had no idea why Sirico was moving the Masonite sheets, but said it was not unusual for Sirico to do things on their own without being directed. Lobo also told state police he had a meeting scheduled with another staff member about Sirico earlier that week. Wells, a friend who had worked with Sirico in New Haven, Conn., years before, was Sirico's direct supervisor. He told police that although some safety concerns had been raised about Sirico, Kat taught the safety class at Jacobs Pillow and [he] trusted Kat the most not to do what happened today. Wells also told police that Sirico had confided in him that they had been diagnosed with cancer several years earlier. Wells told police that Sirico was working long hours despite being advised to rest, was under a great deal of stress, and was having problems trusting colleagues. Kat was very good at their work but they were overwhelmed and would not ask for help even though help was being offered, the report states. Moving the equipment with just Kat and an intern is the last thing Jason would expect Kat to try to do, the report says. Jason does not know where or why Kat was moving the piece of equipment. It was something that should have stayed at the theater. PITTSFIELD For years, a proposed redistricting map for the citys elementary schools has existed on paper as a theoretical exercise. That map, based on a study commissioned by the Pittsfield Public Schools, would reallocate the citys current eight neighborhood elementary districts into three regional school districts serving the north, southeast and west, offering flexibility to redesign school enrollments by grade level, or eventually build new schools and consolidate. But when it came time for the School Committee to formally endorse that concept on Wednesday night, as a precondition for funding a feasibility study for a new elementary school replacing Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School on the Crosby campus, member Diana Belair had a question: If the district builds a new school combining Crosby and Conte, she asked, does it also combine Stearns [Elementary School]? It would have to at this point, based on the enrollment projections, committee Chairman William Cameron said. He was quick to add that such a consolidation is not going to happen next year, and it probably won't happen the following year. We are nowhere near breaking ground for a new school. But neither Vice Chair Daniel Elias nor member William Garrity were comfortable approving a conceptual map pointing at closing Stearns, the second-smallest of the citys elementary schools. And on a motion by Mayor Peter Marchetti, an ex-officio member of the committee, the panel tabled its vote until its next meeting Sept. 17, asking interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips to consult with the Massachusetts School Building Authority and see if theres a path forward. My understanding is, at this very moment, the size of the project depends on where this School Committee goes. Or maybe the future of this project decides what happens as we go forward. I think hearing some of the concerns it may be not the right place to be making that decision tonight, Marchetti said. His motion passed 6-1, with Cameron opposed The map came to the committee because the Pittsfield Public Schools are weeks from meeting an Oct. 1 state deadline for feasibility study funding for the new school. And the Massachusetts School Building Authority wants to know, before it writes the city a check for millions of dollars: Whats the educational program for that school, and what will its enrollment be? With MSBAs requirements in mind, the School Committee was asked to approve that rough outline three-district map on Wednesday night. Cameron said the three-district conceptual map is not set in stone, and that any number of factors could change how the district draws an actual elementary district map in the future. What we're proposing here is not engraved in granite. This would change based on any number of factors but we need to be on record as supporting this plan, because at the moment, this plan is what the Crosby/Conte project is tied into, Cameron said. Garrity was concerned that the vote would paint the district into a corner of having to close Stearns to meet MSBA guidelines for building a large enough school to meet program needs. And Elias didn't want to commit to a large elementary school. I'm for consolidating what makes sense, especially a long term plan, but I do have concerns when it grows too much. And with Stearns, you know, a lot of people say, look at the money going to save, Elias said. I look at it this way: You're going to save on the building and save on some cost, but immediately, the money that you save here, a number of students are going to choice out. That's the reality of the situation. Cameron expressed optimism that the district could work something out with MSBA. I think it's feasible, to the extent that we can explain how we would populate school at the size that we think we needed. So whether [students] come from Stearns, or whether they come from Morningside, or whether they come from Capeless or wherever, I don't think that's a great concern to MSBA, as long as we can show them where how we justify these numbers, he said. Phillips said MSBA shared at its last meeting with the district that that they don't want aspirations. They want to see concrete decisions in order for them to support a building. That, committee member Sara Hathaway said, means the committee needs to eventually make a tough decision. From what I understand, you can't say, Oh, we changed our minds, we didn't say Simon Says, Hathaway said. They will say, No, we will not fund that. We have to have it right the first time. And that's the number you live with for 50 years. And if we are looking to consolidate buildings, we have to tell our taxpayers we have a plan in mind. Its going to be painful, but we have to take this into consideration if we're going to spend our money wisely and serve the needs of the district long term, she said. Phillips also noted that Stearns full immersion program, in which each grade has general education and special education teachers in the same room, doesnt have to go away. There'd be discussions around what might that look like situated within another building," she said. "So that's something else to discuss." The cost of health insurance and other fixed expenses are up, while state aid and revenue is down. It's why Berkshire Hills is proposing to cut 8 1/2 jobs and reduce all stipends. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. The state Attorney Generals office has laid out guidance on which disclosures comply with the new junk fee regulations. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. C-CAMP and UKs Global AMR Innovation Fund announce new research call for startups September 04, 2025 | Thursday | News Rs 2 crore will be awarded per startup, in addition to 360-degree ecosystem support Bengaluru-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) has announced a new research call, funded through the UKs Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF), to identify and develop solutions that address the rising burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment. The initiative focuses on delivering contextual solutions for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that are globally relevant and scalable. Up to 170,000 or Rs 2 crore will be awarded per startup, in addition to 360-degree ecosystem support including on-field testing and validation studies. The C-CAMP Programme on AMR in the Environment (202526), Call #2, is looking for innovations that aim to address the unmet needs of AMR in the environment, across the three areas: Detection: Technologies for the detection of resistant microbes and traces of antimicrobials in environmental samples. Technologies for the detection of resistant microbes and traces of antimicrobials in environmental samples. Prevention : Technologies for the prevention of the spread of AMR in the environment through innovative strategies and technologies. : Technologies for the prevention of the spread of AMR in the environment through innovative strategies and technologies. Treatment: Treatment of soil, water (for domestic, farm, and allied use), air or other sources to eliminate the risk of contamination with resistant pathogens and antibiotic traces in the environment. This includes identifying markers and indicators to assess the treatment efficiency of environmental samples for continuous or discrete monitoring. The C-CAMP Programme on AMR in the Environment (202526), Call #2 will accept solutions from India, as well as from non-Indian innovators with an Indian partner or Indian subsidiary, to encourage collaboration and generate context-specific innovations that can be scaled globally. Welcoming the announcement of the new research call, Dr Taslimarif Saiyed, Director-CEO, C-CAMP said, C-CAMP has been fostering innovations addressing AMR across human health, agriculture including animal health, and environment since the last decade or more. We have just concluded our first C-CAMP GAMRIF Challenge that focused exclusively on AMR in the environment, where we built an exciting cohort of nine technologies relevant to those in LMICs both in India and beyond. With this latest call, we aim to identify our second cohort and further strengthen the global pipeline of demonstrated, validated and commercially proven technologies. The effort is to create a robust body of deployable solutions to be tapped into anywhere in the world, particularly in LMICs, to stem AMR in the environment. We are looking forward to working with GAMRIF with the guidance of the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Govt. of India. Govt recommends GST reduction from 12% to 5% on various medical equipment and supplies devices September 04, 2025 | Thursday | News Reduction of GST from 12% to NIL on 33 life-saving drugs and medicines image credit- shutterstock The 56th meeting of the GST Council was held in New Delhi under the chairpersonship of the Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The GST Council inter-alia made the recommendations relating to changes in GST tax rates, provide relief to individuals, common man, aspirational middle class and measures for facilitation of trade in GST. Particularly for the life sciences sector, the recommendations include- Reduction of GST from 12% to NIL on 33 life-saving drugs and medicines and from 5% to NIL on 3 life-saving drugs & medicines used for treatment of cancer, rare diseases and other severe chronic diseases Reduction of GST on all other drugs and medicines from 12% to 5% Reduction of GST from 18% to 5% on various medical apparatus and devices used for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary usage or for physical or chemical analysis Reduction of GST from 12% to 5% on various medical equipment and supplies devices such as wadding gauze, bandages, diagnostic kits and reagents, blood glucose monitoring system (Glucometer) medical devices, etc Post these recommendations, encouraging responses are pouring in from the industry- Dr GSK Velu, Chairman & Managing Director, Trivitron Healthcare, Neuberg Diagnostics and Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospitals said, These new GST reforms are path breaking and should overall boost our economy and benefit every citizen of India. We welcome the decision to reduce GST from 12 % to 5% for medical devices, diagnostics instruments and reagents. We also welcome the nil GST on medical insurance, general insurance and few lifesaving drugs. Also if the well intended reforms on GST reforms and resolution to inverted duty structure is well implemented it will benefit all industries and will ensure desired benefit reaches end consumers." Dr Harsh Mahajan FICCI Chairman- Health & Services & Founder Mahajan Imaging & Labs said, "We are also hopeful that GST on equipment maintenance service contracts will also be brought down from 18% to 5%, in line with rate rationalisation and the fact that hospitals and diagnostic centres do not get any input tax credit on GST that they pay on essential items like equipment, lease rentals, equipment service contracts, etc which is 4-5% of total revenue leading to "embedded taxes" and higher patient costs." According to Sheetal Arora, Promoter & CEO, Mankind Pharma, The GST revisions go beyond tax rationalization, they represent a structural shift in how India is enabling healthcare access. By removing GST on lifesaving rare-disease and oncology therapies and reducing it on essential medicines and diagnostics, the government has signaled that affordability and innovation can go hand in hand. Equally important is the reduction in GST on pharma manufacturing services, which will improve cost efficiencies, strengthen supply chains, and encourage deeper collaboration with MSMEs and CDMOs. Coupled with exemptions on health insurance and hospital services, these reforms address the ecosystem end-to-end including patients, providers, and manufacturers." Sanjiv Navangul, MD & CEO, Bharat Serums and Vaccines (A Mankind Group Company) said, We are encouraged by the GST Councils decision to eliminate GST on advanced therapies, particularly biologics for oncology and rare diseases. It is a decisive step toward improving and advancing healthcare equity in India. Such reforms impact treatment costs for patients and widen access and availability while integrating advanced care into mainstream treatment pathways." Priyanka Chigurupati, Executive Director, Granules India said, "The GST Councils rationalisation reflects a clear commitment to strengthening Indias healthcare and pharmaceutical value chain. By reducing GST on all medicines, essential inputs, and contract manufacturing services, while exempting advanced therapies from tax, the government has created a framework that balances patient affordability with industry competitiveness. For a vertically integrated manufacturer like Granules, this change improves supply chain efficiencies and opens new opportunities to collaborate with technical and cost effective partners; improves speed of bringing products to the table. The reduction in job-work GST is significant for contract developers to scale faster, which in turn fuels a stronger and more resilient pharma ecosystem. Granules India and NIPER launch Centre of Excellence for sustainable pharma innovation September 04, 2025 | Thursday | News To empower students and researchers with access to cutting-edge facilities and resources Granules India, in partnership with the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S Nagar in Mohali, inaugurated the Dr. Chigurupati Centre of Excellence in Innovative and Sustainable Pharmaceutical Development (CCE-ISPD). This Granules CSR initiative aims to empower students and researchers with access to cutting-edge facilities and resources, fostering innovation in eco-friendly solutions for learning pharmaceutical manufacturing. This strategic move is in line with the companys broader vision of integrating sustainability into its core operations. By embedding innovation into green practices, Granules India aims to not only enhance operational efficiency and business resilience but also contribute positively to society and the environment. This initiative reflects the companys belief that long-term success is deeply rooted in ethical responsibility and environmental stewardship. The Centre, under the supervision of Dr Arvind.K Bansal, Professor Department of Pharmaceutics, Lead and Academic Supervisor of the Centre will harness NIPERs academic and research strengths alongside Granules Indias industrial expertise to develop scalable, eco-friendly solutions for the pharmaceutical sector. The collaboration will focus on interface between API and formulation manufacturing, reducing the carbon footprint in formulation production, creating intellectual property in sustainable technologies, training next-generation scientists, and setting new industry benchmarks in sustainable manufacturing. Together, Granules India and NIPER aim to set a precedent for how industryacademia partnerships can accelerate the transition towards a greener, more responsible future for global healthcare. 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. The former chairman of Enterprise Ireland (EI) told the board he wanted to stay in the role but had been left with no choice but to resign. Michael Carey stepped down as chair of the enterprise body and the Housing Agency in June after his company East Coast Bakehouse failed to file its accounts on time. In a message to the board before the announcement, Mr Carey said the delay had become a source of potential embarrassment for Minister Peter Burke because of the ministers responsibility for the Companies Registration Office. He wrote: While this is a widespread issue for many businesses (circa 15,000 late filings per annum), we have received particular media focus due to my role as chair at EI and the Housing Agency. Mr Carey said the decision was unfortunate and was down to some management/administrative errors. Advertisement He told the board rectifying the accounts issue had been further delayed because his company also needed to change auditors. The message said: There are no suggestions of any financial or accounting issues at the business, it is a purely administrative issue and of [a] failure to comply with our corporate governance responsibilities. Records from Enterprise Ireland detail how the announcement was carefully timed so that the board was kept in the loop before the resignation went public. A message from the interim chief executive Kevin Sherry to Mr Carey said: When you have a statement ready, just [let] me know if you wish to send a separate note from you to the members of the board informing them of your decision. Mr Carey responded to say: Will email you in next few minutes. Mr Sherry then asked if the resignation letter would be sent to Minister Peter Burke and when it was likely to be issued. A message from Mr Carey said: Yes, Ive spoken with and emailed the minister. The statement is issued now. The resignation was also notified to all staff of Enterprise Ireland in a personal message sent from the chief executive Kevin Sherry. Ireland Authorities should be given space to investigate case of missing child Read more Mr Sherry wrote: Michael gave huge time and commitment to Enterprise Ireland and was dedicated to supporting Irish exporting businesses at all stages of their development. Throughout his time as Chairman, he constantly focused on how our organisation can better support Irish businesses. He brought the voice of the client and the insights of an entrepreneur to the table and ensuring that clients were at the heart of every conversation. Enterprise Ireland had initially refused to provide many of the records and only did so following an appeal under FOI laws. Asked about the documents, they said they had nothing further to add to the public statement they made in June. Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson has said not to expect a comeback of The Office in the new spin-off series: Were not bringing it back. Gleeson, 42, best known for About Time, Ex Machina, and Star Wars, now stars in the new Sky Max mockumentary series The Paper a spin-off from the American sitcom The Office. The series follows the everyday lives of staff working for the Toledo Truth Teller, a struggling midwestern newspaper as the optimistic yet under-qualified new editor-in chief, Ned Sampson, played by Gleeson, arrives in an attempt to bring the paper back to life. Domhnall Gleeson attending the premiere of Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (Isabel Infantes/PA) Speaking about the new series and whether it pays tribute to the original sitcom, Gleeson told the PA news agency: The Office is always going to exist. We dont need to honour The Office because The Office is amazing and is there for anybody who needs it, and a lot of people need it. Its amazing, but were doing something new and so its sort of a separate sort of a thing. Advertisement I guess the important thing is that were not bringing it back. I think if people are expecting us to bring it back, then they will be disappointed because were not making The Office again. But thats okay, because its already been made. Were just doing something separate and new and I hope it means something to people. I think you realise pretty quickly that its a different vibe in this show and a very different ensemble. I think the ensemble is super strong so Im hoping people go for the ensemble. Thatll really help if they do because Im very fond of the team that we have, and I think they all did an amazing job. Domhnall Gleeson (Ian West/PA) Gleeson stars alongside White Lotus Sabrina Impacciatore and The Office actor Oscar Nunez, who reprises his role as accountant Oscar Martinez. The Paper was co-written and created by Greg Daniels, who adapted the UK version of The Office for American audiences, and Michael Koman, best known for Nathan For You with Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais, who created the original Office series, serving as executive producers. Focusing in on some of the daily challenges a local paper might face, Gleeson said it remains hopeful and aims to say something positive about journalism. He said: I think in a smaller town it can be easier for people to get away with things. And if nobodys keeping an eye, people understand that people are keeping an eye on the big picture, but the small picture matters a lot as well. Advertisement And I think having somewhere to go where you can believe what you read about the actions of the people in charge where you live, that matters in every way. Were in a comedy show thats very silly, but I like that Greg (Daniels) and Michael (Komen), the creators of the show, care about that. I think thats super cool. Describing what drew him to the series, Gleeson added: It was hopeful about journalism and trying to say something positive about journalism without getting caught up in a holier than thou sort of, this is why this matters. I thought they just handled it really delicately with a sort of a light hand and kept it funny. The Paper premieres on Sky Max and the streaming service NOW on September 5th. There has been a 156 per cent increase in the number of prisoners sleeping on mattresses on the floor because of overcrowding. The head of the Irish Prison Service has warned capacity in the system has been stretched "far beyond its limits". There were 766 more people were taken into custody last year, a rise of almost 10 per cent, according to the Irish Prison Service's annual report. By the end of 2024 the prison population hit 5,000. Speaking about the 2024 report, Minister for Justice, Jim OCallaghan said: I welcome the publication of the Irish Prison Services 2024 Annual Report. "This detailed account highlights the dedication of prison staff and the progress made in rehabilitation, education, and care, despite significant operational challenges. "I commend the staff and management of the Prison Service for their commitment to dignity and safety across the prison estate. As Minister for Justice, I will continue working with the Prison Service to deliver vital infrastructure and ensure that our prison system remains fit for purpose, grounded in fairness, security, and meaningful reintegration. Advertisement Despite these strides, the Irish Prison Service continues to face mounting challenges. The daily average number of prisoners in custody rose to 4,941, a 7.8 per cent increase (+359) compared to 4,582 in 2023. At year end, the population reached 5,001, with 213 prisoners sleeping on mattresses, up 156 per cent from the previous year. Caron McCaffrey, director general of the Irish Prison Service said: The past two years have demanded a great deal from the Irish Prison Service, perhaps more than any point in recent memory. "Weve faced a steep rise in committals, longer sentences, and population levels that have stretched our capacity far beyond its limits. "These pressures have not only tested our operations, they have tested those who work and live in our prisons." Ireland Laois GAA club makes 15k after collecting 70,000 empty cans at Electric Picnic Read more In 2024, 8,704 individuals were committed to custody, a 9.6 per cent increase (+766) compared to 2023. Of these, 77 per cent of sentence committals were for 12 months or less, while there was an increase in in the number of Judges and the number of court sittings continue to place pressure on prison capacity. To meet this demand, the Irish Prison Service accelerated infrastructure investment. In Budget 2025, the Government allocated 525 million, an 18 per cent increase from the previous year. Minister OCallaghan recently announced a 495 million commitment under the National Development Plan, which will fund major infrastructure projects at Castlerea, Cloverhill, Mountjoy, Portlaoise, Wheatfield, Midlands, Dochas Centre, and the former Cork prison site. Father Ted creator Graham Linehan has arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court in the UK where he faces trial accused of harassing transgender activist Sophia Brooks. Before going into court, the 57-year-old comedy writer posed with a sign which said on one side Theres no such thing as a transgender child, and on the other it said Keep men out of womens sports. He has denied one count of harassing the activist on social media and a further charge of damaging her mobile phone in October. Linehan, who created Father Ted in the 1990s with fellow Irish writer Arthur Mathews, said in a post on X in April that the allegations were related to an incident at the Battle of Ideas conference in London on October 19th. Graham Linehan wore a sandwich board-style sign as he arrived at court (Ben Whitley/PA) According to court documents, he is charged with harassing the alleged victim by posting abusive comments about her on social media between October 11th and October 27th, and damaging her phone to the value of 369 on the day of the conference. In May, following a hearing in the case, Linehan said he has lost a great deal but will not waver in my resolve. The Bafta-winning writer, who also came up with TV sitcoms The IT Crowd and Black Books, was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Monday on suspicion of inciting violence in three posts he had made on X about trans issues. Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys has again defended her record on disability matters following criticism from a senator. Senator Tom Clonan said Ms Humphreys very strongly pushed for tiered welfare support for disabled people while she was social protection minister, and spread huge fear and consternation among the disability and caring community. Ms Humphreys, a former minister for social protection, has said the measures were only contained in a consultation paper and that the proposals were dropped following consultation. Mr Clonan said that protests were organised against the proposals, but at no point was Minister Humphreys for turning until Simon Harris became Taoiseach in April 2024. The proposals in the Green Paper included a tiered allowance which would link the level of payments to a determination on capacity to work and the nature of the disability. Advertisement Disability activists said the plans were a degrading and humiliating value judgment that would give the impression that some people were falsifying the extent of their impairment or illness. Tom Clonan described the Green Paper as a cut-and-paste of a very discredited austerity measure (Norma Burke/PA) Mr Clonan has described the Green Paper as a cut-and-paste of a very discredited austerity measure in the UK called the Workplace Capacity Assessment. He said the document would mean 250,000 recipients of Disability Allowance would need to be medically examined every five years. These are people like my son, who cant get medical interventions, who cant get surgeries on the scoliosis waiting list, who cant get therapies, and this proposal was to have them compulsorily medically examined under capacity to work, he told RTE Radio. The senator said that in a Seanad debate on October 11, Ms Humphreys robustly defended every aspect of that paper and the Government voted 2:1 to endorse the paper. He said in a 30-minute meeting with Ms Humphreys on October 24th, she set out very clearly to me at that meeting that she was not for turning. He added: The Green Paper was the was the roadmap, was the pathway for reform of disability payments. Anybody can Google the Green Paper for themselves and see that it was only ever a consultation paper Spokesperson for Heather Humphreys He said: The change didnt occur until they were defeated in the care referendum, and thats when Leo Varadkar resigned, Simon Harris was elected, and within 72 hours they scrapped that paper. In her statement on April 12th, she said it was a decision of the Taoiseach that they needed a fresh approach. Ms Humphreys said in that statement that the decision not to implement the proposals was based on concerned feedback and a major focus on improving supports for people with disabilities by Mr Harris. Advertisement Asked about Mr Clonans comments on Wednesday, Ms Humphreys said: I find this very hurtful, because I have never tried to cause distress to anyone, and Ive always advocated for disabled people and their rights throughout my career. She said nobody was going to receive lower benefits, and that she believed in consultation. I heard the concerns of others, and based on those genuine concerns raised, I decided not to proceed with it, she added. Mr Clonan said on Thursday morning: This isnt a personal attack of Minister Humphreys, its a political critique. And in terms of hurt, I have a young man at home. He has a neuro-muscular disease. Hes partially sighted, and against all the odds, hes due to graduate in October with a degree in social science. But tomorrow hes going into Vincents Hospital for an MRI brain scan. Because of the deterioration in his condition, theyre banking his voice. We were told by the wonderful team in Vincents that the funding isnt even available to bank his voice, so his 17-year-old brother is going through family clips of videos to try and harvest examples of his voice. Now thats hurt. A spokesperson for Ms Humphreys said on Thursday that the candidate has always been a strong advocate for carers and disabled people. The spokesperson said Ms Humphreys had increased disability and carers payments in successive budgets, introduced a pension for long-term carers, brought in a new free travel pass for people medically unable to drive, and supports for students in recent of disability payments. Anybody can Google the Green Paper for themselves and see that it was only ever a consultation paper. Heather listened to the genuine concerns raised during that consultation and the proposals did not proceed any further. Heather respects Senator Clonan who has always been a strong advocate for disabled people. Ireland currently has only one confirmed nest of Asian hornets, with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) investigating a small number of potential individual sightings, according to the chair of the Asian Hornet Management Group, Ainle Ni Bhriain. Ms Ni Bhriain told the Neil Prendeville show on Corks Red FM that, contrary to press reports, there is no confirmation or evidence of any other nests in Ireland other than the one that was detected last month. The one confirmed nest in Cork is being dealt with over the next few days. Our operational window is opening today. Obviously, it is weather-dependent, but we would hope to have that all removed and dealt with in the next 48 hours or so. "The other sightings absolutely, we are following up on every single sighting, but we have no evidence that there is any other nest as such. A nest would be a much bigger thing. There has been sightings, and the NPWS is following up on every single one," Ms Ni Briain said. Advertisement "The National Museum are going to do some DNA testing and then we can confirm that the hornets come from the same nest. It is quite technical, and we will be doing a whole battery of tests on it. Ms Ni Bhriain also spoke of the importance of recovering the confirmed nest intact as opposed to destroying it. There is so much we can learn from it. Like, how did they get here? What stage of development is the nest at? At the moment, we think that they are still only building the nes,t but there is a lot of stuff that we can learn from this first nest that will help us for future encounters. "We will be better prepared and will have more information, and we can infer how it got in and all of that. Destroying it tells us nothing. She said that once the nest in Cork is removed from the confirmed site, they will continue monitoring the area to catch any stragglers. If you remove the nest, they will return to the nest site, and they will start rebuilding. Once we remove the nest, we will continue the monitoring on that site to catch any of the stragglers who arent in when we come to remove the rest. Ms Ni Bhriain added that an expert is travelling from the UK to monitor and mentor the process of taking the nest down. We are learning our lesson from the Continent. The best advice is to get ahead of it, and that is why we have reacted so quickly to this sighting. Advertisement "We are physically on site where the nest is, and we are dealing with that, and we are following up on the coastal sightings and like I said, every site is being followed up on. Three sightings is all that is down there, but we have to take it as seriously as we did the very first sighting. Ms Ni Bhriain, who is also the director of EU and International Affairs at the NPWS, is calling on members of the public to report any potential hornet sightings. We are encouraging people if they see what they think is a hornet to submit it to invasives.ie. If you can get a photograph, that would be great. We are getting lots and lots of photographs in. Most of them are not hornets, but it is just fantastic to see that public response. She said that Asian hornets are generally not a threat to the public. It is not generally dangerous, but you dont know how people are going to react to it. So the best thing is to stay away. If you can photograph it safely, great, but otherwise dont go near it. "There is a reason why we have the expression poking a hornet's nest that is basically our advice. Photograph it, report it to us and we will deal with it. Ms Ni Bhriain has warned that the Asian hornet poses a risk to native pollinators and biodiversity. There is gory footage online of a hornet going up to a bee and biting it in half. They feed on pollinators. If one hornet can get into a nest, it will just decimate the nest. It destroys and eats everything around it. It will attack all of our pollinators. Advertisement "I have even seen footage of it trying to have a go off a wasp. It is predatory. They are voracious. The level of damage they can do in a small amount of time is significant," she said. However, she is urging members of the public not to set traps for hornets. I wouldnt be recommending a trap at all because if you trap every insect, you will end up killing the very animal you are trying to protect. Leave it to us for the moment. The Asian Hornet was first identified in Europe in Lot-et-Garonne in south-west France in 2004. It was thought to have been imported in a consignment of pottery from China and quickly established and spread to many regions of France. Since then, the Asian Hornet has now spread to and established in several EU countries. There are also ongoing control efforts in the UK to prevent this species from establishing there. A population of Asian hornets have also been recorded in the United States. The NPWS, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the National Biodiversity Data Centre, is working to address the threat posed by the Asian hornet. Stormonts leaders called for a zero-tolerance approach to racist and sectarian attacks as they voiced support for tougher prison sentences for perpetrators. Those guilty of violence against women and girls should also spend longer in jail, Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said. They made the comments after all ministers in Northern Irelands devolved powersharing agreed a joint statement condemning recent sectarian and racist attacks. The statement branded the acts of intimidation as abhorrent and expressed solidarity with victims and their families. It stressed the need for a zero tolerance approach and called for calm across all communities. All acts of intimidation must stop immediately, it said. One of the vehicles which was set on fire in Ballymena (PA) Police figures show that racist hate crimes in Northern Ireland have reached record levels, with 2,049 race incidents and 1,329 race crimes in the 12 months from July 1 last year to June 30 this year. Those annual figures are the highest since such data began to be collated and reported by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in 2004/05. Advertisement Rates spiked significantly in 2024/25, with 646 more race incidents and 434 more race crimes recorded compared with the previous 12 months. While Belfast has seen the most attacks, the Co Antrim town of Ballymena has also witnessed a surge in race-related violence, including a spate of anti-immigration rioting in June. A number of cars belonging to members of Ballymenas Filipino community were set on fire and destroyed in the latest attack on Sunday, while recent weeks have also brought reports of vigilant gangs confronting people from ethnic minority communities in parts of Belfast. The first meeting of the Northern Ireland Executive since recess also came after a summer that had seen several women lose their lives in violent circumstances in Northern Ireland. Incidents included the murder of a mother and her two children in their Co Fermanagh home. Vanessa Whyte, 45, and her children, James Rutledge, 14, and Sara Rutledge, 13, died in a shooting at their house in Maguiresbridge in July. Vanessa Whyte with Sara Rutledge and James Rutledge (PSNI) Agricultural contractor Ian Rutledge, 43, who also died in the incident, is understood to be the only suspect in the shooting of his family. The recent racist and sectarian attacks and the challenge of tackling violence against women and girls were all discussed during Thursdays Executive meeting at Stormont Castle in Belfast. On the racist and sectarian intimidation, Ms ONeill said afterwards that political leadership was needed. Political leadership is required to send out that message that we will not accept this behaviour, and it does not reflect the vast majority of society, she said. Advertisement In my opinion, theres a small minority of people who are causing havoc, and it needs to be dealt with at a criminal level in terms of policing response, but also then judiciary and everything else. So we need to throw everything that we have to ensure we create a society thats inclusive and welcoming. The Sinn Fein vice president added: This is our first Executive meeting since the recess. So it was important that we collectively and all parties in the Executive send this united front message today that we stand unequivocally together in saying no to racism and no to sectarianism. I think thats a crucial message that we collectively want to deliver today. DUP deputy First Minister Ms Little-Pengelly said the intimidation and violence was totally unacceptable. Any threat or any intimidation of any person in Northern Ireland is absolutely wrong, no matter what that is motivated by, she said. By issuing an Executive statement today, we are demonstrating our determination to work together to ensure that people can be safe. Ms Little-Pengelly said the racist attacks were not just an issue for Northern Ireland and were also playing out on the streets across the UK, Ireland, "and beyond. The issue of immigration is not going to go away. I believe that this will continue to be a key issue of discussion, she added. The deputy First Minister said many people have genuine concerns and are frustrated with irregular migration, but added: I think its incredibly important that the Northern Ireland Executives makes clear that a discussion or a debate about immigration is entirely separate from any threat or intimidation which is completely wrong and never justified. Advertisement Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the two joint leaders of the administration were asked about the issue of sentencing for perpetrators and whether they thought current jail terms were sufficient. Ms Little-Pengelly responded: In terms of tougher sentences, I think youd probably find it hard to get an issue where I dont think there should be tougher sentences. I do believe that the law needs to be more muscular and robust when it comes to criminality. Ms ONeill added: At the Executive were discussing sentencing across a whole range of things, not least given the issue of tackling violence against women and girls and dealing with the perpetrators. So this is an area that we all, I think, would share a view that tougher sentencing is where we need to be. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn welcomed the joint Executive statement. There can never be any justification for the shocking scenes we have witnessed, he posted on social media. Earlier on Thursday, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said his officers were throwing the kitchen sink into efforts to track down and arrest those responsible for the intimidation. The Childrens Ombudsman is deeply concerned about the Governments response to the disappearance of a boy from North Dublin who is now presumed dead. Gardai are investigating the disappearance and whereabouts of the boy, who would be seven years old if still alive, and last lived in an apartment in the Donabate area of Dublin. A search of open ground began in Donabate this week after concerns for the boy were raised by the child and family agency Tusla on Friday last. The agency had previously engaged with the missing childs family five years ago. Tuslas chief executive has said there were no child protection concerns in the agencys interactions with the boys family prior to the case being closed during Covid-19. The matter has been referred to the independent National Review Panel (NRP) for investigation. 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 (Niall Carson/PA) In a statement on Thursday, Ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon criticised the response of the Government and Tusla. He said: It is shocking that we are dealing with a situation where a child, who at one point was known to the Tusla, could have disappeared four years ago and is now presumed dead. Advertisement How could that have happened? How could a child have been born, dealt with all the relevant agencies and services, and then apparently, just disappear? Dr Muldoon said the NRP has no statutory power nor independent authority to publish reports. It is disrespectful to the families involved that this is the limited response by the State, to find out what happened, and what could have been done better. He added: It is not good enough that Tuslas answer to a serious incident like the disappearance and possible death of a child is a referral to a review process that reports back into the Board of Management of Tusla. It is not accurate to say this is a powerful vehicle that can provide the answers needed in these serious cases. A Garda helicopter flies over an area of open ground in Donabate (Niall Carson/PA) This is the second case of a child living in Ireland who was missing for years before the case came to the attention of authorities. Kyran Durnin, who would be nine this year if still alive, was reported missing in August last year, and a murder investigation was launched in October. As a result, questions have arisen about the child and family agency, in particular, its actions during the Covid-19 pandemic. Advertisement On Thursday, Tusla CEO Kate Duggan described the case of the missing boy in Donabate as really awful and harrowing. She said there had been misinformation surrounding the case and added that she wanted to be as transparent as possible. However, she said she had to respect the legal rights of individuals involved and calls from the Garda Commissioner not to say anything that may impact the investigation. Ms Duggan said: This boy was known to us, and his family had made contact with us, and we provided them with care and support from the period 2017 to 2020, and that was primarily intensive and direct parenting supports. She added: The reports that Ive received from that service is that there were not child protection concerns in relation to this family, and that our intervention and our engagement with this family certainly centred around support. She further insisted that the case of the boy in the Donabate search was not closed due to Covid-19. Childrens Minister Norma Foley (Niall Carson/PA) She said the closure of the case was because it was deemed to be the most appropriate step to take. However, the agency is also examining the undertaking of wellbeing checks on up to 38,000 cases that were closed during Covid-19 following concerns raised by Childrens Minister Norma Foley. Ms Duggan told RTE radio that the National Review Panel was now establishing all of the facts of the case across Tusla as well as health and social care services. It said it would determine if the services and the response of the State were appropriate to the needs of the child and family. Advertisement Ms Duggan also said that while there were similarities with the Kyran Durnin case, there were also differences. Dr Muldoon said no report into the Kyran Durnin case has yet to be published following a separate referral to the NRP. Meanwhile, the head of the HSE has said authorities should be given space to investigate the case. HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster (Niall Carson/PA) Bernard Gloster, who was in charge of the child and family agency when the boy is thought to have gone missing, said child protection cases are exceptionally complex and there are no simple answers. The HSE CEO further echoed the calls of Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan to pause until further information is known. He also said that there will be people who are grieving and in distress about the case, and this should be borne in mind. We should allow the gardai to do their work, we should allow the National Review Panel, which was established over 15 years ago, long before Tusla was established, to do their work and to tell us what happened. He added: Child protection and child welfare is an exceptionally complex phenomena. There are no simple answers or simple solutions. We do have to continuously reflect, learn and improve, and we have to wait and see what is the outcome of the review in any of these cases, and at the same time always remember that there is likely to be a child who has died, and that is very, very tragic. Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan said, We dont have all the information yet about the case. Its a developing story and I know the gardai are doing very difficult work out in Donabate. Investigators were sifting through the wreckage of a funicular in central Lisbon, trying to determine why the popular tourist attraction derailed during the busy summer season, killing 16 people and injuring 21, five of them seriously. Portugals attorney-generals office said eight victims have been identified so far: five Portuguese, two South Koreans and a Swiss person. There is a high possibility, based on recovered documents and other evidence, that the victims also include two Canadians, one American, one German and one Ukrainian, according to the head of the national investigative police, Luis Neves. Three remain to be identified. Police officers cordoned off the area where the streetcar derailed and crashed (Armando Franca/AP) Among the injured are Spaniards, Israelis, Portuguese, Brazilians, Italians and French people, the executive director of Portugals national health service, Alvaro Santos Almeida, said. The nationalities appeared to confirm suspicions that the Elevador da Gloria was packed with tourists as well as locals when it came off its rails during the evening rush hour on Wednesday. Advertisement Lisbon hosted around 8.5 million tourists last year, and long lines of people typically form for the streetcars short and picturesque trip a few hundred metres up and down a city street. This tragedy goes beyond our borders, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said at his official residence, calling it one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past. Portugal observed a national day of mourning Thursday. Officials declined to comment on whether a faulty brake or a snapped cable may have caused the derailment (Armando Franca/AP) All 16 post-mortem examinations were concluded on Thursday, but the identification of three victims required access to dental records or family DNA that were held abroad, Francisco Corte-Real, the head of the national forensic medicine institute, told a joint news conference. The electric streetcar, also known as a funicular, is harnessed by steel cables and can carry more than 40 people. On Thursday, officials took photographs and pulled up cable from beneath the rails that climb one of the Portuguese capitals steep hills. Officials declined to comment on whether a faulty brake or a snapped cable may have prompted the descending streetcar to careen into a building where the road bends. The city needs answers, Lisbon mayor Carlos Moedas said in a televised statement, adding that talk of possible causes is mere speculation. It hit the building with brutal force and fell apart like a cardboard box Witness Teresa d'Avp Police, public prosecutors and government transport experts are investigating the crash, Mr Montenegro told reporters. The governments office for air and rail accident investigations said it had concluded its analysis of the wreckage and would issue a preliminary report on Friday. The company that operates Lisbons streetcars and buses, Carris, said it had opened its own internal investigation. Advertisement The streetcar, which has been in service since 1914, underwent a scheduled full maintenance programme last year and also underwent 30-minute visual inspections every day, Carris chief executive Pedro de Brito Bogas said during a news conference on Thursday. The streetcar was last inspected nine hours before the derailment, he said, but he did not detail the visual inspection nor specify when questioned whether all the cables were tested. The mayor said he would also ask for an investigation from an outside independent body, but did not elaborate. The injured reportedly include men and women between the ages of 24 and 65, and a three-year-old child (Armando Franca/AP) Lisbons civil protection agency said earlier on Thursday that the death toll had risen to 17. It later corrected that to 16, citing a duplication of available information. All the dead were adults, Margarida Castro Martins, head of the agency, told reporters. She did not provide their identities, saying their families would be informed first. The transport workers trade union Sitra said that the streetcars brakeman, Andre Marques, was among the dead. The injured include men and women between the ages of 24 and 65, and a three-year-old child, Ms Castro Martins said. Among them are Portuguese people, as well as two Germans, two Spaniards and one person each from France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Morocco, South Korea and Cape Verde, she said. Advertisement The range of nationalities reflects how big a draw the renowned 19th-century streetcar is for tourists and locals alike. The service, inaugurated in 1885, runs between Restauradores Square and the Bairro Alto neighbourhood (Armando Franca/AP) Felicity Ferriter, a 70-year-old British tourist, had just arrived with her husband at a hotel near the crash site and was unpacking her suitcase when she heard a horrendous crash. We heard it, we heard the bang, she told The Associated Press outside her hotel. The couple had seen the streetcar when they arrived and intended to ride on it the next day. It was to be one of the highlights of our holiday, she said, adding: It could have been us. Witness Teresa dAvo told Portuguese television channel SIC that it looked like the streetcar had no brakes. The council halted operations of three other famous funicular streetcars in the city while immediate inspections were carried out (Ana Brigida/AP) It hit the building with brutal force and fell apart like a cardboard box, she said, describing how passers-by scattered into the middle of the nearby Avenida da Liberdade, or Freedom Avenue, the citys main thoroughfare. The service, inaugurated in 1885, runs between Restauradores Square and the Bairro Alto neighbourhood renowned for its nightlife. The Elevador da Gloria is classified as a national monument. Lisbons city council halted operations of three other famous funicular streetcars in the city while immediate inspections were carried out. European Union flags at the European Parliament and European Commission in Brussels flew at half-staff. Multiple EU leaders expressed their condolences on social media. French President Emmanuel Macron has said that 26 of Ukraines allies have pledged to deploy troops as a reassurance force for the war-torn country once fighting ends in the conflict with Russia. Speaking after a meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing in Paris, Mr Macron said the countries had committed to deploying troops in Ukraine or to maintaining a presence on land, at sea, or in the air to help guarantee the countrys security the day after a ceasefire or peace is achieved. Earlier on Thursday, Mr Macron and other European leaders met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the the US envoy for peace talks, Steve Witkoff, to discuss ways of ensuring long-term military support and continued American backing for Ukraine once the conflict ends. French President Emmanuel Macron, right, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Elysee Palace in Paris (Michel Euler/AP) Mr Zelenskys office said he had also held a closed-door meeting with Mr Witkoff. Mr Macron said at a news conference alongside Mr Zelensky that the reassurance force does not have the will or the objective of waging war against Russia, but will aim to prevent any new major aggression and to involve the 26 states very clearly in the lasting security of Ukraine. Advertisement Although details of any US participation in the security guarantees remains unclear, both Mr Macron and Mr Zelensky said Washington had expressed willingness to be part of the plan, and the Ukrainian president said he was grateful about that. As for in what format, I am not yet ready to tell you in detail, Mr Zelensky added. White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, left, joined the talks (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP) The planning work will be finalised with the United States, Mr Macron said. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Macron, who lead the coalition of the willing, previously insisted that any European reassurance force in Ukraine needed the backing of the United States. The European leaders some of whom joined the meeting virtually said Russia must now work towards ending the fighting, and the German government suggested European sanctions on Russia would increase if Moscow drags its feet. The European leaders also later spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump. Sir Keirs office said the Prime Minister emphasised that the group had an unbreakable pledge to Ukraine, with President Trumps backing, and it was clear they now needed to go even further to apply pressure on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to secure a cessation of hostilities. Advertisement Finnish President Alexander Stubb told Finnish media that, in the phone conversation with European leaders, Mr Trump emphasised the need to put economic pressure on Russia, and said Europe must stop buying Russian oil and gas that he said was funding the war. (A meeting with Mr Putin) is not a matter of a desire, this is a matter of necessity. We support any format, bilateral meeting, trilateral meeting, I believe that Russia does everything to defer it Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Mr Trump stressed that Russia received 1.1 billion euros in fuel sales from the EU in one year, according to a White House official. Mr Trump also emphasised that European leaders must place economic pressure on China for indirectly funding Russias war efforts, according to the official. German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had laid out three areas of action, including working towards a summit that would include Mr Zelensky, and a ceasefire must be agreed there. If the Russian side continues to play for time, Europe will increase the pressure of sanctions to increase the chances of a diplomatic solution, the statement said. The Ukrainian president said a meeting with Mr Putin was needed. This is not a matter of a desire, this is a matter of necessity, Mr Zelensky said. Vladimir Putin has said he believes if common sense prevails, it is possible to agree on an acceptable option for ending the conflict (Vladimir Smirnov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) We support any format, bilateral meeting, trilateral meeting, I believe that Russia does everything to defer it. There was no immediate reaction from Russian officials. Mr Putin isolated by western leaders but backed by China in his war effort said on Wednesday that he believed if common sense prevails, it is possible to agree on an acceptable option for ending the conflict, adding that Mr Trump has a sincere desire to reach a settlement. Advertisement In a policy shift earlier this month, the US sent positive signals over its readiness to support security guarantees for Ukraine that resemble Natos collective defence mandate, Mr Zelensky said. It is unclear what that support would look like in practice. Ukraine is hoping for continued US intelligence sharing and air support. Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte, who attended the meeting virtually, said that a broad coalition of nations is needed to support Ukraines defence against Russian aggression, but also to strengthen Europe to deter further military action by Moscow. Citing European military and intelligence officials who have warned of Russian plans to strike other European countries, Mr Rutte said that we have to make sure that our deterrence is such that they will never try, knowing that our reaction will be devastating. Some European leaders attended in person, others joined virtually (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP) Mr Rutte also called for the world to not be naive about Russia. We know what Putin tries to do and and the evidence is there in Ukraine as we speak, he said. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Russia fired 112 strike and decoy drones across the country overnight on Thursday, according to Ukraines Air Force morning report. Air defences intercepted or jammed 84 drones, the statement said. Russia announced on Thursday that it was expelling an Estonian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move after Estonia declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata last month. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of festivities commemorating the end of the Second World War, state media reported on Thursday. Mr Kim attended a Chinese military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, alongside other foreign leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mr Kim is making a rare trip outside North Korea. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that the two leaders would conduct in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral and issues of mutual concern. He said that Mr Kims attendance at the parade and the talks with Xi carry great significance. The North Korean leader, who arrived in Beijing by train on Tuesday, was among 26 foreign leaders who watched the parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. It was the first time that he had joined an event with a large group of world leaders since taking office in late 2011. More than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed in the nearly two-year war in the Gaza Strip, local health officials have said. The news came as Hamas and Israel reiterated their incompatible demands for ending the fighting sparked by the militant groups 2023 attack. Local hospitals said Israeli strikes killed 28 people, mostly women and children, overnight and into Thursday, as Israel pressed ahead with the initial stages of its offensive in famine-stricken Gaza City. Palestinians mourn over the bodies of people killed in an Israeli army strike (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) Hamas released a statement late on Wednesday saying that it was open to returning all 48 hostages it still holds around 20 of them believed by Israel to be alive in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all of Gaza, the opening of border crossings and a start to the challenge of rebuilding Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office dismissed the offer as spin and said that the war would continue until all the hostages were returned, Hamas was disarmed and Israel had full security control of the territory, with civilian administration delegated to others. Advertisement Talks on a temporary ceasefire that would have seen some of the hostages returned broke down last month when US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff walked away, blaming Hamas. The militant group later accepted a proposal that Hamas and Arab mediators said was almost identical to an earlier one accepted by Israel, but there has been no public indication that talks have resumed. The latest strikes came as Israeli troops were operating on the outskirts of Gaza City, in the initial stages of a planned offensive to take over the most populous Palestinian city, home to around a million people, many of whom have already been displaced multiple times. Shifa Hospital in Gaza City received 25 bodies, including nine children and six women, after Israeli strikes hit tents housing displaced people, according to hospital records. Among those killed was a 10-day-old baby. Another three people were killed in southern Gaza, according to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which says it only targets militants and tries to avoid harming civilians. It blames civilian deaths on Hamas, saying militants are entrenched in densely populated areas. Israeli soldiers drive a tank inside the Gaza Strip on Wednesday (Ariel Schalit/AP) Gazas health ministry said that 64,231 Palestinians had been killed since the start of the war. The latest update includes around 400 who were presumed missing but whose deaths it said had been confirmed. It does not say how many of those killed in the war were militants or civilians. It says women and children make up around half the dead. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. Its figures are seen as a reliable estimate of wartime deaths by UN agencies and many independent experts. Israel has disputed them without providing its own toll. Advertisement Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in their attack on southern Israel on October 7 2023. Most have since been released in ceasefires or other agreements. Meanwhile, in Rome, Pope Leo and his top diplomats told Israels president on Thursday that a two-state solution was the only way out of the war, as the Vatican called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and entry of humanitarian aid to the most affected areas. Israels President Isaac Herzog, left, met Pope Leo at the Vatican (Simone Risoluti/Vatican Media via AP) The Vatican issued an unusually detailed statement following Leos meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog who, for his part, said he had asked the pope to meet with families of the hostages, and called for intensified international efforts to secure their release. The audience marked the first by historys first American pope with the Israeli head of state. The Vatican has tried to maintain its tradition of diplomatic neutrality throughout the war, calling for the return of hostages while denouncing Israels attacks against civilians in Gaza. But both Pope Francis before, and Leo since his election in May, have voiced mounting outrage at Israels actions in Gaza, with the late pope calling for an investigation to determine if they constituted genocide. President Donald Trump has justified the lethal military strike that his administration said was carried out against a Venezuelan gang as a necessary effort by the United States to send an unmistakable message to Latin American cartels. Asked why the military did not instead interdict the vessel and capture those on board, Mr Trump said the operation would cause drug smugglers to think twice about trying to move drugs into the US. There was massive amounts of drugs coming into our country to kill a lot of people, and everybody fully understands that, Mr Trump said while hosting Polands President Karol Nawrocki at the White House on Wednesday. He added: Obviously, they wont be doing it again. And I think a lot of other people wont be doing it again. When they watch that tape, theyre going to say, Lets not do this.' US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Tuesdays strike was an astonishing departure from typical US drug interdiction efforts at a time when Mr Trump has ordered a major US navy build-up in the waters near Venezuela. Later on Wednesday, secretary of state Marco Rubio warned that such operations will happen again. Advertisement Mr Rubio said previous US interdiction efforts in Latin America have not worked in stemming the flow of illicit drugs into the United States and beyond. What will stop them is when you blow them up, when you get rid of them, Mr Rubio said on a visit to Mexico. President Nicolas Maduro gives a press conference in Caracas, Venezuela (Ariana Cubillos/AP) Defence secretary Pete Hegseth said on Fox & Friends that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was running his country as a kingpin of a drug narco-state. Mr Hegseth said officials knew exactly who was in that boat and exactly what they were doing. But the Republican administration has not presented any evidence supporting Mr Trumps claim that operators of the vessel were from the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and were trying to smuggle in drugs. President Trump is willing to go on offence in ways that others have not seen, said Mr Hegseth, who declined to detail how the strike was carried out. Venezuelas government, which has long minimised the presence of Tren de Aragua in the South American country, limited its reaction to the strike to questioning the veracity of a video publicised by the Trump administration showing the attack. Advertisement Mr Trump said the operation, which he said killed 11, was carried out in international waters. He also noted that the gang is designated by the U.S. government as a foreign terrorist organisation. Unlike its counterparts from Colombia, Brazil and central America, Tren de Aragua has no large-scale involvement in smuggling cocaine across international borders, according to InSight Crime, which last month published a 64-page report on the gang based on two years of research. The US announced plans last month to boost its maritime force in the waters off Venezuela to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels. Mr 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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders met in Paris with the US envoy appointed by President Donald Trump to mediate peace talks, discussing security guarantees for the war-torn nation as allies seek to ensure long-term military support and continued American backing once the conflict ends. Mr Zelensky held a closed-door meeting with Steve Witkoff, according to presidential press secretary Serhii Nikiforov. Mr Witkoff was invited to participate in the so-called coalition of the willing meeting to discuss aid for Ukraine, including sketching out plans for military support in the event of a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war to deter future Russian aggression. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, who lead the group, have insisted that any European reassurance force in Ukraine needs the backing of the United States. We Europeans are ready to provide security guarantees to Ukraine and the Ukrainians on the day peace is signed French President Emmanuel Macron Sir Keirs office said after the meeting that the Prime Minister emphasised that the group had an unbreakable pledge to Ukraine, with President Trumps backing, and it was clear they now needed to go even further to apply pressure on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to secure a cessation of hostilities. Sir Keirs office also mentioned a decision from the coalition to supply long-range missiles to Ukraine to further bolster the countrys supplies. Advertisement Mr Macron said ahead of Thursdays meeting that preparatory work on the security guarantees had been done and should now be approved at political level. He did not provide details. We Europeans are ready to provide security guarantees to Ukraine and the Ukrainians on the day peace is signed, Mr Macron said. It is unclear what members of the coalition are willing to contribute, including troops on the ground. Steve Witkoff reportedly had a closed-door meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, left (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP) Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian presidents chief of staff, said on Thursday after meeting Mr Witkoff and other national security advisers that the security guarantees must be strong and effective in the air, at sea, on land, and in cyberspace. In a policy shift earlier this month, the US sent positive signals over its readiness to support security guarantees for Ukraine that resemble Natos collective defence mandate, Mr Zelensky said. It is unclear what that support would look like in practice. Ukraine is hoping for continued US intelligence sharing and air support. Advertisement Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte, who attended the meeting virtually, said a broad coalition of nations was needed to support Ukraines defence against Russian aggression, but also to strengthen Europe to deter further military action by Moscow. Citing European military and intelligence officials who have warned of Russian plans to strike within the decade other European countries, most of them in the military alliance Mr Rutte helms, he said that we have to make sure that our deterrence is such that they will never try, knowing that our reaction will be devastating. We know what Putin tries to do and and the evidence is there in Ukraine as we speak Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte Mr Rutte also called for the world to not be naive about Russia. We know what Putin tries to do and and the evidence is there in Ukraine as we speak, he said. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Russia fired 112 strike and decoy drones across the country overnight, according to Ukraines Air Force morning report. Air defences intercepted or jammed 84 drones, the statement said. Some leaders took part in person in the Paris talks while others joined virtually. They were set to speak to Mr Trump on the phone after the meeting. The award-winning animated film is among a clutch of fiercely independent new releases. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share Through sapphic sci-fi, body horror and period drama, young queer filmmakers have been forging their own path outside the mainstream Australian industry. An upcoming clutch of local films embody the spirit of the communitys outsider pioneers. Fiercely independent and unafraid to push boundaries, they offer a celebration of queer young adult life that ingeniously reframes real-world anxieties. Adelaide-based writer-directors (and real-life couple) Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese say their award-winning animated film, Lesbian Space Princess, came from a desire to speak to an audience just like them. From a personal point of view, I was feeling so underserviced by [local] content, says Hough Hobbs. Very few people are making it. The film is finally touching down in local cinemas this month after voyaging across the international constellation of film festivals, beginning with its Berlinale premiere in February. Lesbian Space Princess lands on local screens on September 11. The film features phosphorescent alien planets, spaceship acrobatics and royal destinies to be fulfilled. A trio of interstellar incels voiced by Aunty Donna the Straight White Maliens comprise the films scum and villainy. But within its familiar space-opera trappings lies an eclectic collision of genres, in which a hunt for moon crystals can morph into a googly-eyed meet-cute and a musical performance in one breathless sweep. Its a dazzlingly ambitious feature debut for Hough Hobbs and Varghese, who realised its galactic scope on a budget of less than $1 million. In Berlin, it won the coveted Teddy Award the worlds oldest queer film award. Advertisement Within the local industry, it is also the first of its kind: a queer, culturally diverse feature animation aimed at a Gen Z audience. What made Lesbian Space Princess such a singular vision from both of us is the intimacy in which it was created, Hough Hobbs says. Emma Hough Hobbs, left, and Leela Varghese, co-creators of Lesbian Space Princess. We felt so vulnerable at every step along the way, adds Varghese. For all the challenges posed by the constraints of a grassroots production, it couldnt have been brought to life any other way. We were basically in a shoebox with a team of six animators, background artists and compositors, making what we wanted to make; its like the parents were away, says Hough Hobbs. At the heart of the films genre mashup is a coming-of-age tale about grappling with anxiety and self-worth; write what you know, Hough Hobbs jokes. Advertisement Related Article Cinema Is three a crowd? Dakota Johnson on the perils of monogamy Shabana Azeez, Vargheses regular comedic collaborator (and breakout star of the hit HBO hospital drama The Pitt), brings a nervy energy to protagonist Saira, the half-Indian heir to the royal lesbian throne of Planet Clitopolis. On her 23rd birthday, shes mercilessly dumped by her bounty-hunter girlfriend Kiki (Bernie Van Tiel) apparently, creating a photo album only two weeks into dating is smothering behaviour but is given a shot at redemption when the Maliens kidnap her devastatingly cool ex. Hough Hobbs describes the film as a unique combination of both our priorities sprung from her animation expertise and Vargheses background in comedy. The pair studied the production methodologies of anime, western cartoons and indie features for their 50-week production. Lesbian Space Princess is an Australian first: a queer, culturally diverse feature animation aimed at a Gen Z audience. Compromises had to be made across the board, particularly in the complexity of movement and the detail of each character design as Hough Hobbs quips, its like taking the worst of both worlds. Both agreed, as Varghese puts it, that what slows down a lot of animation is that perfectionism. Thats the beauty of this methodology. The story has to be good, and then you can find cheeky magical ways of telling that story in a really cost-effective way. Its less about the art being 100 per cent perfect. Advertisement A similar ethos can be found in the work of Alice Maio Mackay who, at 21, already has six horror features to her name. The experience has taught her to stretch the possibilities of tightly limited funding that she compares to the catering budget of other films. In return, she has what she describes as amazing creative freedom. Alexandra McVicker in The Serpents Skin. Maio Mackay is currently touring the festival circuit with her dark supernatural romance The Serpents Skin, which will premiere in Australia later this year. Her film centres on Anna (Alexandra McVicker), an early 20s trans woman with latent mystical powers who becomes involved with Gen (Avalon Fast), a similarly gifted tattoo artist harbouring her own demons. Maio Mackay takes an emotionally grounded approach to a genre thats informed by her own experiences as a young queer person, characterising her work as hangout films with supernatural elements, drawing on teen fantasy programs such as Charmed and Buffy. At 21, Alice Maio Mackay already has six horror features to her name. As I grow and make more films, I always come back to horror; Im interested in the different ways it can play with aspects of transness, she says. Citing its history as a genre thats provided a voice to marginalised groups, she describes horror as a way for creators to tell stories that are accessible to audiences while challenging them. It can be easier to play with those darker elements, rather than [staying within] the real world, which is sometimes scarier. The supernatural tropes of The Serpents Skin also became a way to elevate its central romance to show that queer love is literally magic. Advertisement Alice Maio Mackays The Serpents Skin centres on Anna, an early 20s trans woman with latent mystical powers. For Hough Hobbs, the embrace of science fiction in Lesbian Space Princess came from a similar desire to subvert the real world and feature queer and trans characters who werent defined by their struggles so that they can just be characters. The whole thing with our world is that minorities have a lot of power, Varghese says. That was something genre allowed us to do that you couldnt do in a grounded drama. Sydney-based filmmaker Celeste Diep whose short film Happy New Year, Ms. Luna won two awards at Cannes Emerging Filmmaker Showcase this year worries that, without ample local support, its no longer enough to just be a queer story; queer filmmakers can find themselves having to introduce genre elements in order for projects to be greenlit. Happy New Year, Ms. Luna is the story of a young transfeminine woman who comes out to her extended family on Chinese New Year. If you get pigeonholed in Australia as a queer filmmaker, that can give funding bodies the view that maybe youre not battled-hardened enough to write stories for the mainstream which is where you get funding. Dieps own filmmaking journey involved several years with Marvel Studios, where she crewed on the productions of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022). Halfway through working on Furiosa (2024), she dropped out to compete in Queer Screens Pitch Off event at the Mardi Gras Film Festival for the chance at securing $10,000 in funding. Advertisement Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Filby mourns the man he lost years ago long before his uncle chose a new life and a new name, before the shootings and the headlines, before Dezi became a fugitive. Somewhere along the way, the uncle who once listened to songs like Metallicas Enter Sandman began insisting the music was satanic. It was one of the first steps in a long, spiralling collapse that would plunge his entire family deep into his vortex of fixation and paranoia, culminating in the horrific events in Porepunkah. I tuned it out in the end, Filby recalls. It didnt even make sense to me. It was just like gibberish. The nephew of the alleged Porepunkah police killer has described Dezi Freemans descent into gibberish conspiracy theories. Now, those memories are tainted by another set: a Christmas lunch filled with rants about religion and the end of the world. Hours at a hospital deathbed drowned out by angry tirades from his uncle Dezi Freeman against police. A frightening descent into violence and conspiracy theories. Long before the deranged ranting and raging began, Luke Filby knew his uncle simply as the man who could make life feel electric renting Terminator 2 , blasting Metallica and mucking around like a fun older brother while they played Super Mario Kart . During his sudden bursts of rage over lunch, he spewed out vitriol about his hatred of police, his disdain for authorities. The last time Freeman saw his extended family was Christmas 2018, and he spent the day erratically regurgitating his fanatical views to weary relatives on everything from religion and doomsday theories to the impending apocalypse. Everything that has unfolded has completely devastated us. It has broken our hearts for the innocent lives lost, and their families involved. It was like he always tried to find a place, a group, where he could fit. He went through so many different groups in his life phases, Filby says. He is then alleged to have opened a window of the bus and shot Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 35, who also died at the scene. Another detective seriously wounded in the attack is understood to have hidden under the bus for up to an hour until paramedics arrived. Freeman, a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen, changed his surname from Filby and has been on the run for 10 days after allegedly blasting Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, with a home-made shotgun through the door of a bus that the weapons enthusiast was living in near the township of Porepunkah on August 26. This particular Christmas was a final tipping point for many of the Filbys, splintering an already fractured family, who say they have been estranged from the alleged double murderer for years by both name and ideology. He was just going on and on about authority and politics, Filby recalls. Only months before the family gathering, Freeman was ranting and raving about the government and bracing for the end of the world at his fathers deathbed. He recalls his uncle bizarrely using a magnet to erase the music from the cassettes in a process known as tape degaussing, which works by using a strong magnetic field to erase data. In his 20s, he was a tree-hugging environmentalist. A heavy metal fan with unkempt long dark hair who loved to play Nintendo. A devout Christian. Luke Filby recalls his uncle obsessively going to church youth groups and then destroying all his Metallica cassette tapes in the 1990s as he plunged deeper into Christianity and suddenly began to describe the band as satanic and evil. By all accounts from family, friends and acquaintances, Dezi Freeman has had many incarnations over his life. Freeman has not been sighted since , despite hundreds of specialist officers trawling the dense forests, snow-laden mountains and deep valleys of Victorias High Country, about 210 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. Police say officers were at the property to execute a warrant related to historical child sexual abuse offences. Another family member says he was the type of person upset with everybody else having something better than him. Huge ego. A real jealous streak. He always wanted what others had but was not prepared to work for it. He always wanted something for nothing, says one acquaintance, who knew Freeman for years. He was also an avid churchgoer, going to mass weekly at the Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Bright attending for the last time just days before the double shooting. Locals say he has also worked sporadically as a freelance photographer, a diver and an abseiling instructor at The Gorge near Bright. Those who have known the 56-year-old for decades say he has always struggled to hold down a job, living off welfare payments and a disability pension for years, and exhibiting what they describe as narcissistic, racist and misogynistic traits. His relatives say he refused to pay parking and speeding fines, and was embroiled in road-rage incidents and countless disputes with neighbours as he became a radicalised, anti-authority conspiracy theorist who adhered to pseudo-legal beliefs in line with sovereign citizens, who believe they are not subject to the law. His volatile and often violent temperament caused him to constantly fall out with his family. Filby claims members of the family fell out with Freeman after he had an altercation with his own brother. Mali and a new life Freeman disappeared to the Philippines soon after this altercation, and Filby says he remembers his uncle suddenly re-emerging in the early 2000s with his wife, Amalia, known as Mali. He says it was Mali who helped him to temporarily reconnect with his frayed family before they became estranged again. Amalia Freeman pictured in 2022 with the three children she has with Dezi Freeman. Shes such a wonderful, spirited person, Filby says. We are very worried about her and the kids. Hes gone on the run from police and has basically thrown them under a bus. Filby still mourns the uncle who he says was like an older brother to him as a boy. He would rent Terminator 2 from the video store and play Super Mario Kart with me, he says. Thats what I loved about him, and so it was just sad that he had this weird anger inside of him, almost like a mental illness. This kind of rage where he constantly threw tantrums. He always wanted what others had but was not prepared to work for it. Acquaintance But like much of Freemans family, Filby had distanced himself from his uncle for years as his behaviour grew more erratic and terrifying. My grandparents, Dezis mum and dad, were some of the loveliest, good Samaritan Christians ever, he says. They never swore or anything. Always tried to do the right thing. They would just be absolutely heartbroken by this. Pandemic paranoia and a new tribe As the years went on, Freemans extremist views only hardened. Those who knew him say he became paranoid, setting up surveillance cameras wherever he was living and meticulously researching technology devices as he joined online forums for conspiracy theorists, including a Facebook group dedicated to preparing for the apocalypse. One family member also recalled him increasingly watching online videos of police brutality, and grotesque terrorism and beheading footage from the Middle East. Freeman refused to abide by the law, believing it did not apply to him. He frequently spent extended periods in the bush and was known to be an expert hunter. His fixation with firearms and making his own guns intensified, too. Former landlord Jamie King told this masthead last week that Freeman had a long-running fascination with home-made arsenal dating back more than decade. King recalled his former tenant showing him sketches of guns that he had found on the internet. He looked at me, and he said, How hard do you reckon it would be to make them? he says. Freeman had told the farmer he wanted to make his own guns, but had also asked his wife, Mali, to get a firearm licence so he could buy more weapons. I said, Why would Mali want a gun? And he said, Well, Ive got assault charges. Jamie King at the house in Nug Nug he rented to alleged gunman Dezi Freeman. Joe Armao His intense hatred for police is well-documented in online posts, video footage and court documents. During a hearing last year appealing against his suspended drivers licence, Freeman told a court that even the sight of a cop or a cop car its like an Auschwitz survivor seeing a Nazi soldier. He came to public attention for his anti-government stunts during the pandemic, making headlines in 2021 when he helped lead an attempted private prosecution of then-premier Daniel Andrews for treason. Freeman has for years displayed contempt for police and the justice system, and is known among anti-authority extremist groups for his public stunts. He has described police as terrorist thugs and Nazis. In the days before the police killings, his wife confided in a neighbour, fearing for his mental health. In 2023, he posted online the only good cop is a dead cop, and called for the extermination of politicians. These views appear to have only deepened when he was drawn to the so-called freedom movement during the coronavirus pandemic. During the pandemic, his behaviour became increasingly erratic. He refused to wear face masks in shops, voiced his refusal to get vaccinated, and told people about his distaste for government restrictions and lockdowns. He was anti everything to do with it, one local said. He fell down a bit of a rabbit hole. It was all a bit unhinged. A friend of Freemans wife, Mali, says Freeman began to change during the pandemic, believing the Victorian government had mishandled its COVID-19 response. She says Freeman had begun to mobilise with a group of people in the community who were also opposed to lockdowns, restrictions and vaccines. King says Freeman considered himself to be a bit of a Geronimo a reference to the famed Native American leader who resisted both Mexican and American forces in the late 19th century. Hes probably wanting to go down in a blaze of glory so he gets written into history, he says. King says his former neighbour owned a ghillie suit, an elaborate type of camouflage clothing, that he would wear in the remote bushland when he disappeared into the High Country for weeks on end. I reckon he actually thought he was Native American, King said, adding that Freeman had a tipi, a conical tent of indigenous American tribes, on the property when he lived there. King still vividly remembers when Freeman came to his house one afternoon holding sketches and drawings he got online about how to make home-made guns. Looking back now, that moment is chilling. I never would have thought it would come to this, he says. But another of Freemans former neighbours, Gary French, is not shocked by the alleged brutal double murder. Hes always been dangerous, French says. Anywhere Dezi has lived, he has brought chaos. Hes created a multitude of problems for a lot of people. French and his family found themselves embroiled in a bitter land dispute and then a drawn-out civil court case when the suspected gunman began hunting for deer and continually trespassing on their land. French says Freeman used drones and surveillance technology to spy on, threaten and torment his family when they lived next door to him in Myrtleford between 2017 and 2019. We took a civil case against him It was a two-year process, French says. He was defending himself in court. He attempted to arrest the magistrate involved. It was just an absolute circus. It cost the family $100,000 in legal fees. French says he often felt police were powerless to stop him. He lost his gun licence at that time, French says. So I was dumbfounded that he actually got a gun licence back. But he has also been convicted of firearm offences previously, so I just couldnt believe he even had a firearms licence to begin with. Police arrested Dezi Freeman outside the Myrtleford court in 2021. David Estcourt/Michael Howard The making of a mountain man King says he always felt that Freeman was envious of him because he owned a sprawling block of land in the remote hamlet of Nug Nug, about 20 kilometres west of Porepunkah. He was a little bit jealous of me because I own property, King says. Hed say, Its not fair that you own all this, and I would say Dezi, Ive had a job since I was 14 years old. Ive never been on Centrelink. I purchased this property. He remembers Freeman as a person who was self-absorbed and arrogant. He says he once pretended to be a photographer employed by the Country Fire Authority, wearing a firefighter uniform with the word media sewn on it, so he could take photos at close range as bushfires tore through the High Country. Early one summers day, when the two were still neighbours, Freeman told King to come outside his house after midday. When King went outside, he saw Freeman had climbed a nearby mountain and was standing on top of it holding a tiny mirror in his hand, illuminating the vast countryside below with sunlight. You could see this light reflecting from the mirror kilometres away, he said. It was incredible. He was just standing there on top of this mountain like he was the king of it. Their relationship soured in 2012 during a dispute, when King discovered a vast marijuana crop growing on the property and told Freeman to dig it up within 24 hours. He [Dezi] flipped out. I mean this guy went f---ing nuts He was in my face screaming that hes going to shoot me dead, King says, his eyes flashing wildly as he recounts the encounter. It was like a switch flipped. This went on for five or 10 minutes, King told this masthead earlier this week. I have thought a lot about what has happened these last few days, and I didnt think he had it in him. Hes always been dangerous. Gary French, neighbour But is he a doomsday prepper? F---, yeah. I reckon hes built an underground bunker somewhere or hiding down a mineshaft. Exit light, enter night Filby was outside his home in the regional city of Albury-Wodonga tending to his birds when his mother, Freemans sister, called last Tuesday afternoon. While they were chatting about their day, another call came through from Filbys uncle, Freemans brother, and his mother hung up abruptly. Minutes later, she called him back. She said, Google Porepunkah shooting right now, Filby says. So I Googled it, and Mum said, Who do you think that is? And, I was like Oh my god. Its Uncle Des. My mum has been crying her eyes out about it for days, Filby says. We are absolutely heartbroken for the two police officers who have died, their families, and the third guy that was injured. Now, Filby is left haunted by two versions of the same man: the uncle who once felt like a brother, and the alleged murderous fugitive accused of killing two police officers. I always felt something like this was going to happen, Filby says. But I wasnt sure precisely what would be the thing to finally tip him over the edge. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. 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. This was published 3 months ago A Queensland policeman has been accused of possessing and distributing child exploitation material north of Brisbane. The officer is reportedly a 40-year-old sergeant in the North Coast region, which takes in the Moreton, Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay Burnett areas. He was charged with three counts of possessing child exploitation material and one count of distributing child exploitation material. The 40-year-old was hit with four charges relating to the allegations. The alleged crimes were reportedly all committed while off-duty. West Australian businesses are copping nearly $70 million a year in fees paid to shipping companies because of delays at the Kwinana Bulk Jetty, according to a new report. The report from the Kwinana Industries Council led to claims Cockburn Sound had become the most expensive parking garage in the state as the busy import jetty was at or near full capacity. As part of the report, The Critical Case for Expanding Kwinana Bulk Jetty, the council tracked every vessel arriving at the jetty throughout 2024, and analysed port performance data, revealing shipping delays had risen to an average of 96 hours. That was a sharp rise from the average of 12.5 hours in 2015-16. The Kwinana Bulk Jetty. Fremantle Ports Authority Meanwhile, one company reported a 700 per cent increase in demurrage costs fees paid to shipping companies for delays at a terminal from 2018 to 2024. Both berths at the jetty at close to capacity on average over the year, the report found with one exceeding 90 per cent for seven months while for nine months, 80 per cent of ships unloaded at the jetty experienced delays in accessing a berth. For five months of the year, every ship was delayed, while one ships 67 days in port could have incurred a demurrage charge of as much as $4 million. Council chief executive David Harrison said the case for upgrading the jetty was compelling. Cockburn Sound has gained the unwanted reputation of being the most expensive parking garage in the State, he said. On any even given day you can see a queue of ships in Cockburn Sound waiting to gain access to the port. Harrison said congestion and inefficiency at the termional risked driving new investment in the area elsewhere. Emerging industries in critical minerals, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing all depend on efficient bulk import capacity, he said. If companies cannot rely on Kwinana to deliver, they will take their projects and their jobs elsewhere. The Kwinana Industrial Area is home to a host of major businesses including Tianqi Lithium, Cockburn Cement and the Kwinana Nickel Refinery. The council put the value of the annual activity of its members at almost $15 billion, and claimed the area generated nearly one per cent of the nations total GDP. The area will soon also be home to WAs premier container port, with plans afoot to shift the existing port from the Fremantle inner harbour down the coast. The ports minister has been approached for comment. Advertisement PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership This was published 3 months ago Opinion Why Albanese speaking to the good people of the far right is his only option Waleed Aly Columnist, author and academic September 5, 2025 5:00am September 5, 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 451 View all comments I dont care for these new Nazis. And you may quote me on that. John Mulaney The genius of this line, from John Mulaneys best comedy special, lies in the faux bravery of its delivery; this sense that he thinks hes out on a limb, being political, taking a stand. Condemning Nazis is easy as long as their numbers and influence remain a rounding error on the sum of political life. Perhaps thats one reason politicians love to do it. A protester attending the March for Australia rally in Melbourne on August 31. Michael Bachelard Weve seen lots of this in the aftermath of last weekends anti-immigration protests from politicians across the spectrum. The neo-Nazi presence was alarming, especially in Melbourne, where a leader of the movement since arrested over a violent attack on an Indigenous protest camp was given the stage. But then come the difficulties. Once youre done condemning Nazis, how far and how hard do you want to go? That largely depends on how far you want the taint of neo-Nazi involvement to fall on the protesters as a whole. And its on this question that the Labor Party now finds itself at odds. Advertisement The prime minister chose to distinguish the far right from the mass when in condemning the protests he told the ABC he was sure there would have been good people who went along. Labor MP Ed Husic, freed from cabinet solidarity, and reflecting the views of several colleagues, took issue, responding: Im not in the business of doing the good people on both sides argument I havent seen a good fascist yet. Related Article Immigration Thousands of Australians claim theres been unprecedented migration. Heres what the numbers say I well understand Husics objection. These were ugly scenes, especially in Melbourne where there were moments of violence, some accompanied by racist insults. Its not quite right to say, as the opposition did, that the protests were hijacked by neo-Nazis. Hijacking implies they were a going concern in their own right: that far-right actors jumped on a bandwagon and commandeered it against the wishes of its rightful owner. The truth on this occasion is much the opposite: that these protests were a far-right vehicle, designed to pick up thousands of ordinary people once it got going. We know this because an ABC investigation tracking the origins of the protest revealed the original March for Australia website specifically called for remigration: a far-right term for the mass deportation of non-white immigrants with the aim of retrieving an ethnically homogenous society. Organisers scrubbed this term from the website days after the launch, but those same organisers have repeatedly promoted far-right ideas on social media. One, organising the Sydney event, confessed the marchs goal was protecting white heritage, but said that it was more appealing to the public to refer instead to Australian heritage even though it means the same thing. Elsewhere, she called for a repeat of the Cronulla riots because we need violence if anything significant is going to change. Advertisement Husic is right to say that a lot of people were warned that these rallies were whipped up by far-right extremists and neo-Nazis. He therefore assumes attendees turned up knowing this, and must be ideologically aligned with them: fascists one and all. Its here that I think Husics formulation falters. What it gains in moral clarity, it loses in social accuracy. Protesters during the March for Australia anti-immigration rally outside Parliament House in Canberra on Sunday. AAP Reporting from the ground paints an enormously varied picture, much as youd get from any protest. Some openly admitted to being neo-Nazis and racists. Others lamented the far-right presence and insisted most of us dont stand with them. Lots were focused on housing affordability, a problem for which they blame high immigration. Some specifically said they dont oppose immigration, as long as it doesnt outpace infrastructure. One held up a sign saying Prosecute Dan Andrews for Treason. You dont make sense of that by calling the whole thing a fascist rally. Albanese clearly sees something quite different to Husic. Not so much a rally of true believers, but a conveyer belt carrying people from an anxiety about immigration levels to extremist politics. I think thats a more accurate view, not least because the far right seems to acknowledge this themselves. To listen to that neo-Nazi speaker in Melbourne was to see a man who knew the crowd was not quite his. He asked them to overlook their differences on historical events or versions of ideology a colossal euphemism for something like the Holocaust in support of a common cause. He implored attendees to learn to make friends with those with whom they disagree. Amid the cheers, there were also boos. This was a man speaking not to the converted, but to the convertible. In that context, Albaneses remarks are worth more detailed attention: Id just say to people and I have no doubt that there would have been good people who went along, heard about a rally, concerned about [social problems] have a look at who you were with on Sunday. The motivation that they have isnt actually about housing or our economy or anything else. Its about sowing division. Neo-Nazis have no role. Advertisement Later, when challenged in caucus, he explained his approach: We have to make sure we give people space to move away and to not push them further down that rabbit hole. Albanese is speaking to the convertible too. Another perspective Opinion Protests On Sunday, I walked among those who want me gone from Australia Vyom Sharma Doctor That makes no sense if you think they dont exist. But if they do, its hard to see how calling them fascists will achieve much other than encouraging them to become exactly that. Were watching a process of radicalisation on the margins of our society gaining momentum since at least the anti-lockdown protests of COVID. The far right was active then, too, and its now pretty clear that yelling at all who attended while a conspiratorial fringe offered them a home wasnt a winning strategy. That Dan Andrews sign wasnt out of nowhere. Radicalisation relies on a cycle of alienation and rejection. That isnt broken by condemnation. Its broken by giving people an off-ramp; a way of stepping back from the brink without feeling humiliated. The point isnt whether or not the protesters really are good people whatever that means. Its to appeal to them in the hope they might live up to the billing. Perhaps then they might have no need to care for these new Nazis either. Advertisement Waleed Aly is a broadcaster, author and academic. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsVictoriaChina relations This was published 3 months ago Daniel Andrews defends China visit as deputy premier rebukes him for photo with dictators Kieran Rooney and Paul Sakkal Updated September 4, 2025 4:51pm ,first published September 4, 2025 4:36pm 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 Deputy Premier Ben Carroll has publicly rebuked his former boss, Daniel Andrews, for posing in a photograph alongside dictators and alleged war criminals, saying it wasnt worth it to further his personal business interests. Carrolls comments emerged as Andrews publicly responded to his appearance for the first time, saying the event was a chance to meet with regional leaders, and defended his stance on geopolitical issues such as the war in Ukraine. Former Victorian premier Dan Andrews (top right) with world leaders including (front row, from left): Tajikistans Emomali Rahmon, Indonesias Prabowo Subianto, Russias Vladimir Putin, Chinas Xi Jinping (all presidents); Chinas first lady Peng Liyuan; and North Korea leader Kim Jong-un; (second row, from left): Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Iranian presidents daughter Zahra Pezeshkian, Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian, Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, and his wife and Azerbaijan vice president Mehriban Aliyeva. Sipa Andrews said in a statement on Thursday afternoon that attending the Chinese military parade to celebrate 80 years since the end of World War II was a chance to meet and engage with regional leaders like former New Zealand prime ministers John Key and Helen Clark, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and, of course, Chinese President Xi. We also shared in an official photograph. The official photograph features Andrews standing alongside some of the worlds most reviled political leaders, including the leaders of Russia, North Korea and Iran. Australia last week expelled the Iranian ambassador after announcing Iran had orchestrated the firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne and a deli in Sydney. Russian President Vladimir Putin is being pursued by the International Criminal Court for allegations of war crimes, and the United Nations has said North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un could be guilty of crimes against humanity. Advertisement Carrolls comments contrast with Premier Jacinta Allans response to the image. Allan, while not commenting directly on the pictures, said it was a good thing for Victoria that Andrews was well liked in China. But the deputy premier, when approached by the media outside Treasury Place on Thursday, questioned Andrews judgment in appearing at the event. Most Victorians will be asking: Is it worth it for self-interested business purposes to be having a photo standing behind Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin? Carroll said. I think for the vast majority, myself included, the value judgment [is] its not worth that photo, and thatll be the question that Victorians want answers on. Advertisement Related Article Updated Political leadership No security briefing before Andrews Beijing trip where he posed alongside Putin, Kim Jong-un Its not something I would have done. In his statement, Andrews defended his decision to attend the Chinese military parade, which was also a display of Chinese military might. Ive said for years that a constructive relationship with China our largest trading partner is in Australias national interest, and hundreds of thousands of Australian jobs depend on it. That hasnt changed, he said. And just so theres no confusion: I have condemned Putin and his illegal war in Ukraine from day one. Thats why he banned me from Russia last year. Advertisement Photo: Matt Golding Further, my support of Israel and Australias Jewish community has been outspoken and unwavering, and I unequivocally condemn Iran for its attacks on Australia, Israel and elsewhere around the world, Andrews said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also distanced himself from Andrews decision to attend the military parade, saying neither he nor any of his ministers would have considered going. My position is very, very clear, which is we did not send any government representative because it would not have been appropriate, Albanese said during question time in federal parliament. None of my people would have sat in that position, as simple as that. It certainly is not something that I would have even thought of doing and no one in my government would have thought of doing. Advertisement What individuals do very separate from the government is a matter for them. Andrews and Carroll previously locked horns in the week of the former premiers retirement in 2023. Carroll led his Labor Right faction to challenge for the leadership after Andrews and his Left grouping had thrown their support behind Allan, with Tim Pallas as her deputy. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll. Joe Armao This led to a heated party room meeting, which was ultimately resolved with Allan elected as leader and Carroll in the deputy position. Since retiring from politics, Andrews has set up multiple corporate entities, named Wedgetail Partners, Glencairn Street Pty Ltd and Forty Eight & Partners. Some of his post-politics work has been to assist Chinese businesses looking to invest in Australia. Advertisement Carroll said it should be remembered that Putin, with help from Jong-un, was currently waging war against Ukraine and that Foreign Minister Penny Wong had in the past 24 hours sanctioned 14 Russian elites for enabling the war and silencing political expression. He also referenced the 38 Australians who had lost their lives in the downing of flight MH17, for which Europes top court this year ruled Russia was responsible. Loading They represent everything we stand against, and we should never stand with them. Always stand against them, Carroll said. In a statement on Wednesday night, Allan did not address the other attendees of the event but said it was good for Victoria that Daniel Andrews is held in such high regard by the people of China. Advertisement Related Article Opinion China I survived Tiananmen Square. Seeing Dan Andrews in Beijing made my blood boil Helen Shao Tiananmen Square survivor Victoria is an old friend of China, and these connections are so valuable for our state, she said. Im looking forward to building on this connection by leading a trade mission to China this month, where Ill meet with business, government, educators, and communities and launch Victorias new China strategy. Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin said Andrews needed to think about who he was standing with and the impact the photos had on local communities. He stands with the president of Iran, and we already know there are reports about [Iranian] involvement with the synagogue fires here, and the pressures on the Australian Jewish community, he said. Advertisement This is a responsibility for Daniel Andrews to now come and explain why he has decided to stand with those people. A spokesperson for the Australian Ukrainian Congress urged Andrews to apologise, calling his appearance an appalling lack of judgment. Military personnel shout as they take part in a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japans World War II surrender held in front of Tiananmen Gate, in Beijing on Wednesday. AP There are 11,500 Ukrainian refugees in Australia seeking shelter and protection from Putins war crimes, most of whom (5500) are currently in Victoria, they said. These people deserve better than this distressing appearance by a senior Australian and Victoria leader. Advertisement We ask Mr Andrews to reflect on his terrible lack of judgment and ask him for a clear expression of regret for the serious distress he has caused to Australian Ukrainians and the many Ukrainian refugees here. Victorian Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said Andrews had ultimately appeared in a personal capacity but it was not an event she would attend. Photo: Badiucao Im unlikely to ever be invited to such an event, let alone attend one, she said. That is ultimately a matter for him hes attended as a private citizen. Advertisement Im not here to speak for Dan Andrews today ... that particular event is not likely one I would ever be invited to, nor would I attend. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. Advertisement WorldAsiaBiology This was published 3 months ago A hot mic revealed Putins secret immortality hope. Heres how that could go Angus Dalton September 4, 2025 7:30pm 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 Theyre all-powerful, democracy-quashing, sabre-rattling despots. And theyre trying to live forever. A hot microphone caught a 40-second snippet of chatter between Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un at Beijings largest-ever military parade. The clip revealed some of the lifespan-boosting ideas three of the worlds most powerful and unpredictable leaders find compelling. Could Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin beat ageing? AP/Nathan Perri (digitally altered) With the development of biotechnology, human organs can be continuously transplanted, and people can live younger and younger, and even achieve immortality, Russias 72-year-old president told the leaders of China and North Korea. These days, at 70 years you are still a child, remarked Xi, also 72. Putin later confirmed the trio discussed how modern medicine and organ replacement surgery could push the human lifespan to 150. Advertisement If anyone has a shot at extending the human lifespan, it might be these men with access to almost unlimited resources and their nations brightest scientific minds. But could repeatedly swapping out an autocrats ageing organs really deliver us our first centuries-long dictatorship? Related Article Science This neuroscientist wants you to live forever. Heres how That doesnt have any basis in scientific method or fact, Professor Peter Currie, an international leader in regenerative medicine from Monash University in Melbourne, said. Serially replacing your organs is probably not going to extend your life expectancy, because ageing is a multi-organ, systemic failure. Transplanting donated organs to extend lifespan isnt feasible long-term, partly due to complications of powerful immunosuppressant drugs transplant recipients have to take indefinitely. Advertisement Most doctors would also find the practice morally reprehensible, particularly during a chronic shortage of organ donations for the treatment of disease. But there are new technologies that could one day skirt this problem. The head of Russias Kurchatov nuclear research institute and a close Putin ally, Mikhail Kovalchuk, whos reportedly crazy about eternal life, has ordered health officials to investigate 3D bioprinting, according to the London Times. Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre) with Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un and other world leaders in Beijing on Tuesday. Xinhua via AP This technology uses living cells, scaffolding gels and biomolecules instead of ink to print functional body tissues and organs. Patients own cells could be used to create a replacement kidney or heart, ruling out the need to source donated organs and take immunosuppressant drugs. The technology is young but developing quickly. Advertisement In terms of making 3D-printed organs from cells of your own body, we can make little replicas or avatars of individual organs, but only in their very embryonic and rudimentary forms, Currie said. We cant make a scaled functional organ in a dish yet. Clinical trials are testing 3D-printed pancreatic islets, the clusters of cells that produce insulin, which doctors could one day transplant into patients and eliminate the need for insulin injections. Professor Peter Currie at Monash University. Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute / Supplied So there are burgeoning efforts to do this, but transplants of whole organs is really not on the horizon in any time in the immediate future. Certainly not in the lifetime of these dictators, Currie said. Xenotransplantation, however, in which human organs are grown in genetically modified pigs, is closer to clinical reality. In a trial under way in the US, kidneys grown within pigs will be transplanted into 50 people with end-stage renal disease. Advertisement Many scientists say pig-derived organs could become available for some patients within five to 10 years. But even if genetically modified pigs could yield an endless supply of hearts, kidneys, lungs, stomachs and livers for immortality-seeking autocrats, theres one organ that will continue ageing and cant be replaced: the brain. Interestingly, we can make organoids of neural cells which have brainwave patterns that can approximate that of newborn infants, Currie said. Brain organoids [3D miniature versions of organs] created by scientists at the University of Queenslands Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. University of Queensland/AIBN But they in no way represent fully functional brain tissue. Thats in the realms of science fiction. In terms of building an organ, were on the first two to three steps of a 150-step ladder. Advertisement Advertisement WorldAsiaInside China This was published 3 months ago Hot mic catches Putin, Xi and Kim discussing immortality James Crisp September 4, 2025 4:16am 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 Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un were caught on a hot mic discussing how people could live to 150 and even become immortal. The three dictators discussion was caught on a live-stream as they led a group of other non-Western leaders to watch the military parade in Beijing on Wednesday. The despot rulers of China, Russia and North Korea talked about how biotechnology could result in humans living to 150 years old. Putin then suggested that repeated organ transplants could even mean people living forever. Advertisement Xi, who is 72 years old, told Putin: Earlier, people rarely lived to 70 but these days, at 70 years you are still a child. The Russian president, also 72, answered: With the development of biotechnology, human organs can be continuously transplanted, and you people can live younger and younger, and even achieve immortality. Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre) with Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, and foreign leaders and diplomats including Daniel Andrews (rear). AP Kim, a relative stripling at just 41, did not speak as the Russian and Chinese leaders discussed living forever, but smiled as he listened intently. The video footage, from Chinas state broadcaster, then cut to a wide shot of Tiananmen Square and the audio faded away. Advertisement Putin is known to be interested in anti-ageing science and has ties to Mikhail Kovalchuk, a 78-year-old Russian official said to be obsessed with staying young. Related Article Analysis Inside China Lasers, missiles and robot wolves: The high-tech military equipment China showed off Last year, it was reported he ordered scientific officials to look into 3D bioprinting to use lab-grown cells to print replacement organs. Meanwhile, Chinas extensive organ transplant program has been controversial, not least because it uses executed prisoners organs to supply hospitals. Putin confirmed the conversation with Xi when reporters asked later whether he thought people could live to 150 in the future. Advertisement He said: Yes, yes, when we went to the parade, the chairman [Xi] spoke about this. Well, yes, modern means of healing, medicine, even all kinds of surgery related to organ replacement allow humanity to hope that active life will continue differently than it does today. Loading Putin claimed that the late Silvio Berlusconi, a friend and the former Italian prime minister, actively developed this topic. Both Putin and Xis fathers lived to their late 80s. Advertisement Friendship without limits Xi, Putin and Kim reappeared on camera mounting a viewing platform for a military parade to mark the end of World War II. It was Chinas largest military parade, marking 80 years since Chinas victory over Japan. The meeting was the first time that Kim, Xi and Putin had met together. They watched as robot dogs, nuclear and laser weapons and drones were paraded in a warning to the West. It comes after Xi hosted a summit of non-Western leaders and sketched out plans for a new world order to challenge the dominance of the US-led West. Advertisement Putin, a pariah in the West since his invasion of Ukraine, enjoys a friendship without limits alliance with Xi. Related Article Analysis China relations Xi Jinping sends unmistakable message to the world At the start of the parade, US President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: 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. After the parade, Kim told Putin he would do everything he could to help Russia in Ukraine as the pair met for private talks in Beijing. Advertisement Putin said Kims soldiers had fought courageously and heroically alongside the Russians in their fight against modern Nazism, which the North Korean said was his fraternal duty. The Telegraph, UK 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. We Are China Highlights of China's V-Day military parade Ecns.cn) 09:46, September 04, 2025 A grand military parade was held at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on Wednesday 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. PLA Air Force formation marches through Tian'anmen Square The formation is composed of an Air Force unit whose predecessor took part in major battles led by the Communist Party of China during the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. (Photo/China News Service) PLA Rocket Force formation marches through Tian'anmen Square The Rocket Force, renamed from the Second Artillery Force in December 2015, is the core force of China's strategic deterrence. Video screenshot China unveils cyberspace warfare equipment in V-Day parade China unveiled its cyberspace warfare equipment in Wednesday's V-Day parade. The four types of equipment being reviewed can consolidate cyber defense, and empower all-domain operations. China's anti-UAV systems appear in V-Day parade China showcased its anti-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) systems in Wednesday's V-Day parade. The formation included anti-UAV missile-gun integrated system, high-energy laser weapons, and high-power microwave weapons. China showcases air defense weaponry in V-Day parade A series of China's air defense weapons, including HongQi-20, HongQi-19 and HongQi-29, made an appearance in China's V-Day military parade on Wednesday. These systems are capable of multi-phase and multi-layered missile interception, as well as air defense at long, medium and short ranges. China's air defense weapons, including HongQi-29, make an appearance in China's V-Day military parade in Beijing, Sept. 3, 2025. (Video screenshot) China unveils carrier-based air defense weapons at V-Day parade Four types of carrier-based air defense equipment made appearance at China's V-Day parade, which compose a multi-layered system for air defense covering all ranges. Hypersonic anti-ship missiles debut in China's V-Day parade China's hypersonic anti-ship missiles, including YingJi-19, YingJi-17 and YingJi-20, passed through Tian'anmen Square in Wednesday's V-Day parade. The formation also included YingJi-15 missile. The anti-ship missile formation gets prepared for the V-Day parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) China unveils new types of unmanned maritime weapons in V-Day parade Sea-based unmanned warfare equipment, including China's new-type unmanned underwater vehicle, boat and mine-laying system, made an appearance in Wednesday's V-Day parade. China unveils electronic countermeasures in V-Day parade China showcased electronic countermeasures in Wednesday's V-Day parade. The five types of electronic countermeasure equipment included in the formation are capable of aerial and space defense and countermeasures, and disconnecting enemy networks and breaking digital chains. China unveils nuclear triad for first time in parade China unveiled its land-, sea-, and air-based strategic forces as the nuclear triad for the first time in V-Day military parade. The nuclear missile formation attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng) The triad included JingLei-1 air-based long-range missile, JuLang-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missile, DongFeng-61 land-based intercontinental missile, and new type DongFeng-31 land-based intercontinental missile. The weapons are China's strategic "ace" power to safeguard the country's sovereignty and nation's dignity. China showcases long-range artillery at V-Day parade The two types of 191 long-range box-shaped rocket artillery can carry out battle-level strikes and tactical support, which expand the boundaries of ground combat. China unveils cruise missiles in parade China unveiled ChangJian-20A, YingJi-18C, and ChangJian-1000 cruise missiles in Wednesday's V-Day military parade to showcase long-range precise strike and multi-domain deterrence capabilities. It is the first time the cruise missiles of the PLA Navy, Air Force and Rocket Force units form a joint formation in parade. Early-warning, command aircraft echelons fly over Tian'anmen Square in parade Early-warning aircraft KongJing-500A, escorted by J-16 fighter jets, and KongJing-600, escorted by aircraft carrier-based fighter jets J-15T, flew over Tian'anmen Square in Wednesday's V-Day military parade. The early warning and detection formation attends the V-Day parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) Strategic bombers fly over Tian'anmen Square in parade China's strategic bombers H-6N flew over Tian'anmen Square in Wednesday's V-Day military parade. Also showcased in the parade were H-6K and H-6J. These bombers are the PLA's air-based long-range strike forces. China's anti-UAV systems appear in V-Day parade The formation included anti-UAV missile-gun integrated system, high-energy laser weapons, and high-power microwave weapons. The three types of weapons form the powerful "trio" in the PLA's anti-UAV system. The anti-unmanned aerial vehicles formation attends a V-Day parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A MARCH in solidarity with Palestinians is set to place in Carlow this Saturday, 6 September, organised by concerned citizens and the local branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC). The demonstration will begin at 1pm at the Liberty Tree on Potato Market, with assembly scheduled for 12:30pm. Ned Byrne, chairperson of IPSC Carlow, said the march aims to raise awareness of what he described as an on-going genocide in Gaza. We are marching in solidarity with the Palestinian people to raise awareness of the on-going genocide. We are calling on local TDs and the government to take action and enact the Occupied Territories Bill, with goods and services, Mr Byrne stated. He referenced recent developments regarding Israeli war bonds, saying: The recent move of the facilitation of the Israeli war bonds from the Irish Central Bank to Luxembourg is a direct response to the pressure that the campaign in Ireland has had. Mr Byrne called on the government to comply with international law and the ICJ ruling to end their complicity in genocide. The organisers had encouraged public participation, by stating: We encourage everyone who is horrified by the brutal inhumanity that is centre stage in Gaza to add their voicesto send a powerful message to Zionist Israel and our elected representatives. By Ellie Ng, PA Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan is set to face trial, accused of harassing a transgender woman, days after his arrest over social media posts. The 57-year-old comedy writer has denied harassing transgender activist Sophia Brooks on social media and a further charge of damaging her mobile phone in October. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday for the start of his trial. Graham Linehan has denied harassment and damaging Sophia Brookss mobile phone at a court hearing earlier this year (Lucy North/PA) Linehan, who created Father Ted in the 1990s with fellow Irish writer Arthur Mathews, said in a post on X in April that the allegations were related to an incident at the Battle of Ideas conference in London on October 19th. According to court documents, he is charged with harassing the alleged victim by posting abusive comments about her on social media between October 11th and October 27th, and damaging her phone to the value of 369 on the day of the conference. In May, following a hearing in the case, Linehan said he has lost a great deal but will not waver in my resolve. The Bafta-winning writer, who also came up with TV sitcoms The IT Crowd and Black Books, was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Monday on suspicion of inciting violence in three posts he had made on X about trans issues. The arrest has sparked debate with opposition politicians and Harry Potter author JK Rowling among those who have criticised the move, while the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said his officers are in an impossible position when dealing with statements made online, and should not be policing toxic culture wars debates. Writing in the Daily Mail on Thursday, Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch said Mr Linehans arrest showed values of free speech are being slowly eroded by people weaponising the law and using it for petty squabbling. Five police officers should not be sent to silence a comedian for saying what most people believe, no matter who is complaining, she said. The whole episode raises serious questions. What does it say about our country that someone can be flagged as they fly home from the US, not for terrorism, trafficking or fraud, but for expressing opinions online? Ken Foxe There has been a steep rise in the number of citizens of the United States seeking asylum in Ireland. 51 people from the US applied for international protection in the first half of this year, more than in 2023 and 2024 combined. New figures from the Department of Justice show that 104 American citizens have sought asylum in Ireland since the beginning of 2022. In 2022, there were 13 total applications, and in 2023, that rose to 18. During the course of last year, there were 22 applications for international protection from citizens of the United States. However, the figures have risen sharply since President Donald Trump won a second term in the White House, even as overall application numbers have dropped. Between January and March of this year, there were 24 asylum claims from US citizens, more than in the entirety of 2024. From April to June, a further 27 Americans sought international protection, according to data that was released under Freedom of Information laws. In the same period, there has been a sharp drop in the overall number of applications being made in Ireland. During 2024, there were 18,561 total applications made for international protection, more than 1,500 per month. One in five of these were made by people from Nigeria, with Jordan making up 15.5 per cent of that years claims. Other countries from which there were a large number of applications included Pakistan, Somalia, and Bangladesh. This year, the total figure by the end of July was 7,208, just over 1,000 a month. The Department of Justice has attributed the fall in claims to an increased number of deportations and sped up processing of claims. Several countries have also been designated as safe, which means that asylum claims can be accelerated. Immigration sources said that any individual seeking international protection from the United States was likely to face an uphill battle. A source said: The number of claims from the US is small in terms of the volume of applications being made overall. However, an American citizen like any other applicant would have to prove they came here to escape harm and demonstrate a well-founded fear for their safety if they returned. TRIBUTES have been flooding in after the death of a primary school child in Carlow town. Nicole Ndlovu Umhle, a pupil in Holy Family NS, Askea passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Sunday 31 August at Crumlin Childrens Hospital, Dublin. Nicole was the much-loved loved daughter of Nkosikona (Kosi) and Sitholumusa (Hilda) and adored sister of Adriel. The family live in Millrace, Burrin Road, Carlow. The Holy Family NS posted a tribute to the little girl on RIP.ie The tribute said: On behalf of the staff, board of management and wider school community, we express our heartfelt sympathy to Hilda, Kosi, Adriel and Nicole's extended family at this very difficult time. Nicole will be deeply missed by all her friends here in Askea. She was a beautiful girl inside and out. Although her time with us was far too short, we will cherish the memories. Forever in our hearts Nicole. She was a young girl who lived her short life to the full and had many hobbies and talents, including swimming and Irish dancing. Anne Marie and Lorraine Farrell from the Farrell School of Dance described Nicole as a beautiful, always smiling, well mannered, polite and kind little girl. She was a beautiful Irish dancer who had really come into her own, enjoying doing competitions and wearing her Irish dance dress so proudly. We are going to miss her so much in our class. Fly high little angel and may you continue dancing over the rainbow. Look after your Mam, Dad and brother in these difficult times ahead, they said in their tribute on RIP.ie Nicoles remains are reposing at her home, 20 The Millrace, Burrin Road, Carlow (Eircode R93 H0A4) this evening, Thursday 4 September from 5pm until 7pm. Her funeral Mass will take place tomorrow, Friday at 11am in The Holy Family Church, Askea and afterwards to Carpenter Bros Cremation Chapel, Shamrock Square, Carlow arriving for cremation Service at 12.30pm. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to Ronald McDonald House, Crumlin Childrens Hospital. Advertisement Cementos Bio Bio (CBB) reported a sharp decline in earnings and revenues for 1H25, just one week before the close of a takeover bid by Belgian industrial minerals group Carmeuse. The Chilean cement and lime producer posted net income of CLP12,182m (US$12.58m), a 30.3 per cent fall from the previous year. The company attributed the decline to lower operating profits, reduced other income, higher administrative costs, and weaker exchange differences. Ebitda dropped seven per cent year-on-year to CLP37,418m, hit by falling concrete dispatches following the end of key supply contracts, increased expenses from higher mining patent rates, and reduced non-operating income. Segment results showed contrasting trends: cement swung to a CLP216m loss from a CLP7704m profit a year earlier, lime earnings fell nearly 12 per cent to CLP15,554m, and the others category plunged 41.5 per cent to CLP10,807m. The company said the results reflected ongoing weakness in Chiles construction sector, which in 2024 endured one of its deepest crises in three decades amid higher material costs, tighter credit conditions, and low investor confidence. While a modest recovery is expected in 2025, cement dispatches have risen only slightly, and concrete sales remain below last years levels due to the completion of major projects. The earnings release comes days before Carmeuses CLP505m takeover bid for 100 per cent of CBB, launched on August 13 at US$1911 per share, expires on 11 September. The offer requires at least 66.7 per cent of shares to be tendered. As of 2 September, 7.8m shares equivalent to 2.94 per cent of capital had accepted the offer. However, controlling shareholders, including Inversiones Cementeras, Inversiones La Tirana, Normex, Inversiones Toledo and Tralcan, who together hold 64.6 per cent, have already agreed to sell to Carmeuse. Shares of CBB are up 13 per year-to-date. Middle Valley Church of God, located at 1703 Thrasher Pike in Hixson, announces that Pastor Mitch McClure will be preaching on Sunday, September 7, in the 10:30 a.m.service. His topic will be 'Don't Let The Devil Work On You.' The purpose of the sermon is to lead all Believers to know that Satan does not have to control your life, because Jesus Christ has provided a way to escape Satan. His purpose is to get us to the Father and redemption. All are welcome to participate. Each Sunday at 5:30 p.m. the church conducts a Prayer Meeting. The Prayer Meeting is open to all who wish to participate and is designed to encourage prayer. Information on various methods of prayer will be shared with participants. The goal of this prayer meeting is to encourage Believers to seek God through prayer. All are welcome to participate. Each Wednesday at 7 p.m., an Interactive, Interesting, and Informative Bible Study will be held in the church auditorium. Alex Baker is currently leading this Bible study. All are welcome to participate. The goal of this Bible study is to encourage Believers to study the Bible and discuss with others, making the Scripture their guide. Middle Valley Church of God is a community focused church with various ministries in the Middle Valley area and in Cusuna, Honduras. The community is welcome to join in times of worship and community service. MVCOG has been ministering in the Middle Valley Community since 1948 from the same location. If you have questions, please contact the church office at 423.843.1539. All are welcome. During the past school year, junior animation majors from Southern Adventist Universitys School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) collaborated with its School of Music to produce both the visuals and soundtrack for an animated short film. The film, titled Deep Space, is about a boy, Juno, who finds beauty in his circumstances after his original venture into space takes an unexpected turn. The film was created by 11 SVAD students and guided by powerful music composed by students in the School of Music, then recorded live by the Symphony Orchestra on campus. It was an incredible experience, describes Shelby Brautigan, senior character animation major.Among other roles, Brautigan was the lead animator for the project. I grew as a leader and was able to push myself to work harder than I think I ever have, she adds. During their junior year, students seeking a fine arts degree in animation are required to complete Collaborative Studio, a year-long course that emulates a real-world setting. Future animators learn how to work together to develop an animated short project. While resources are typically employed through other peers within SVAD, last years class decided to try something new. I was thinking in my head, Oh, we need music, recalls Deep Space director Evan Eslava, junior character animation major. After further thought, Eslava asked the School of Music if they would be willing to collaborate to produce the score for the film. Music professors and students instantly agreed to help. This sounded like a fascinating new opportunity, so I immediately took advantage of it, says recent music theory and literature graduate Matthew Kimbley, 25. He and two other students fabricated the ideas for the films soundtrack and composed the music themselves. It was stressful at times, but fun through all of it, notes co-composer Susanna Ziesmer, junior psychology and music theory and literature double major. The teams I got to work with, both in the music and film schools, were very supportive and encouraging. Eslava echoes this sentiment. Despite some challenges, which included calibrating the soundtrack to an unfinished film, the story still resonated with the composers. He adds, Working with them, I would say, was the greatest part of the experience because of the energy they brought in. It was amazing! Course professor Zach Gray, MFA, who also serves as dean for SVAD, emphasized how well everyone involved seemed to click. I want to give a lot of credit to Evan and the animators as well as those at the School of Music. Each person contributed significantly, and it couldnt have been done without every person on the team. Samuel Vargas, senior music theory and literature major, helped with the composition of the soundtrack and oversaw the live recording with the orchestra. Id definitely love to see Southern continue to do this, he exclaims. I thank the Lord for the ability to be part of this experience. It did get very intense at times, but thankfully, we had each other. One of the great things about animation is the music part of the story, notes Jesse Rademacher, MFA, associate professor for SVAD. Having Southern be responsible for the animation and the music is a really great testament to the power of creativity, of the things that we can accomplish on this campus. I hope we do more of that. Deep Space is expected to be released in 2026. Meanwhile, the short has already been selected for screening by four film festivals and won two awards, one for Best Original Score from the Indie Short Fest and a jury award for Best Debut Animation from the Athens International Film Festival. Bryan College has reached its highest enrollment ever for the 20252026 school year, with 1,747 students."This record growth demonstrates that more families are seeking a college that stands firm on Christian values and lives by its motto, 'Christ Above All'," officials said.This fall, Bryan College welcomed 308 new students the largest incoming class in the colleges history, and a 33 percent increase from last year. The number of first-time college freshmen also broke records with a 39 percent increase from fall 2024.Other highlights include: Dual Enrollment & Partner Programs: 11 percent year-over-year increase; Online Classes: 37 perent increase in new online students year-over-year.This growth shows Gods blessing on our work and our teams commitment to our mission, said Dr. Nick Pacurari, vice president for Enrollment Services and Student Life. Weve focused on what matters most giving students an excellent education built on Christian values. Students today want colleges that wont compromise on biblical truth, and Bryan College stands firm in that commitment.Bryan Colleges campus verse comes from Colossians 1:17-18: He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything."This biblical foundation guides everything the college does," officials said. "This years theme, 'Above All,' reflects its motto 'Christ Above All,' illuminating that true education serves Gods purposes. This clear mission sets Bryan College apart from other institutions."President Douglas Mann said, This years historic enrollment reflects not just growth in numbers, but Gods blessing on our mission to put Christ first in everything we do. Families and students are looking for a college that unites academic excellence with a biblical worldview, and Bryan College is answering that call. We are committed to equipping students to live out their faith courageously and make a difference for Christ in todays world."The growth in online classes shows that Bryan College can now share its Christian mission with students nationwide," officials said. "Whether studying on the Tennessee campus or through online programs, students choose Bryan because it integrates faith and learning.""These numbers tell a deeper story about God's faithfulness in expanding our reach to students who are genuinely pursuing truth," Dr. Pacurari added. "We're thankful for how God has multiplied our efforts as we've remained anchored in our calling and worked together to accomplish this milestone.""This record enrollment allows Bryan College to serve more students while maintaining the personal attention and biblical foundation that make the college unique," officials said. "The growth reflects what many students are seeking schools that support their Christian faith while offering strong academics."Bryan College continues to attract students who want more than career preparation. They want to be transformed through an education that honors Christ above all else." The Chattanooga Mocs volleyball program will take the floor inside the famed and historic McKenzie Arena for the first time in its history as the team gets set to host its annual Chattanooga Classic this Thursday through Saturday. The three-day event is FREE for all fans.Chattanooga (2-1) welcomes an incredibly strong field to this year's historic event with the likes of Alabama, Cincinnati, Jacksonville State and Ohio making way to the Scenic City for a weekend full of volleyball.The weekend's schedule in its entirety is below.All three matches involving Chattanooga ONLY this weekend will be broadcasted LIVE on ESPN+ through the Watch ESPN platforms. Live stats for all matches are available.Chattanooga Classic Schedule McKenzie ArenaThursday, September 46:00PM Cincinnati vs. OhioFriday, September 512:00PM Chattanooga vs. Ohio3:00PM Cincinnati vs. Jacksonville State6:00PM Chattanooga vs. AlabamaSaturday, September 612:00PM Ohio vs. Jacksonville State3:00PM Cincinnati vs. Alabama6:00PM Chattanooga vs. Jacksonville StateFan InformationThe Chattanooga Classic is FREE for all fans, all weekend long. Fans may enter McKenzie Arena through Gate 1 OR Gate 3. The Clear Bag Policy will be in effect. Parking is available ($6) on campus with Lot 31 (Garage) as the preferred lot for fans.Chattanooga finished its opening weekend winning two matches at the UCF Tournament in Orlando, capturing a thrilling 3-2 win over Norfolk State in the opener on Friday before rounding out the event with a 3-0 sweep over UC Riverside on Saturday. The Mocs battled host UCF in a tight 3-1 defeat on Friday.Sydney Jackwin was named to the UCF Tournament All-Tournament Team last weekend after totaling 40 kills, 42 digs and seven aces over the three matches in Orlando. Jackwin totaled 17 kills and a career-high 24 digs during Friday's opening 3-2 win over Norfolk State before racking up 15 kills and 10 digs in Saturday's sweep over UC Riverside.Chattanooga has had great success in its past three season-opening weekends, spanning the 2023, 2024 & 2025 campaigns. The Mocs have played to an 8-2 record in its past three opening weekends, going 3-0 at the Georgia State Invitational in 2023, 3-1 at the Betty Austin Invitational (Alabama A&M) in 2024, and 2-1 at the UCF event last weekend.Chattanooga returns home following its season-opening weekend in Orlando to host the 18th edition of the Chattanooga Classic, running from Sept. 4-6. The event will be played inside the famed McKenzie Arena instead of the team's normal home of Maclellan Gym, marking the first time in the 43-year history of the "Roundhouse" where volleyball competition will commence on the playing surface. Rotary Rocks Chattanooga announces its official charter as a cause-based Rotary club dedicated to advancing the well-being and leadership of womenlocally and globallythrough service, fellowship and community engagement. Guided by Rotary Internationals motto, Service Above Self, Rotary Rocks is redefining the traditional Rotary model with a mission-driven structure that supports the advancement of women and addresses the critical needs of communities. Unlike traditional Rotary clubs, which typically meet weekly with a featured speaker, Rotary Rocks Chattanooga will rotate its weekly meetings among four core experiences: Fellowship Week, Club Assembly, Guest Speaker and Active Service. This innovative structure is designed to foster stronger relationships, cultivate leadership and provide hands-on service opportunities while respecting the work-life balance of its members, said officials. "This journey began over a year ago when then-District Governor Rob Dansereau challenged us to establish four new Rotary clubs across the district," said Jane Hampton Bowen, president of Rotary Rocks Chattanooga and chair of the Rotary Leadership Institute for District 6780. Rotary Rocks is more than a clubits a movement. We are a refreshed tradition: purpose-driven, gratitude-focused, and relentlessly committed to delivering meaningful, scalable impact. Our charter members are passionate, energized, and ready to collaborate with other Rotary clubs to expand our reach and better serve our communities. Rotary Rocks Chattanooga embraces Rotary Internationals Seven Areas of Focus: Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Disease Prevention and Treatment Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Maternal and Child Health Basic Education and Literacy Community Economic Development The Environment Each member actively participates on a committee aligned with these areas, ensuring ongoing engagement and impact throughout the year. Weekly meetings will be held Tuesdays from 5-6:30 p.m. at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in downtown Chattanooga. Contact Jane Hampton Bowen at RotaryRocksChattanooga@yahoo.com for more information. On Tuesday, September 2, our beloved Mrs. O, Alice Caroline Gandy OFerrall, went to be with her Savior. Her home, mind, and heart were filled with music, art, and words that pointed beyond themselves to the Lord of Tall Trees, the Ruler of All Hummingbirds, the Wildflower King (all names taken from a prayer by Douglas McElvey), and because of that, our imaginations are bigger, richer, and warmer. Born on July 27, 1941, to Robert and Alice Toy Johnson Gandy, Alice grew up in Jackson, Mississippi. After graduating from Murrah High School in 1959, she majored in History at Newcomb College and later completed a masters degree at the University of Wisconsin. Alice embraced many roles in her 84 years: cub scout leader at the Mississippi School for the Blind and Deaf, actress in multiple productions at the Little Theater in Jackson, history teacher in private and public schools in Mississippi and New Orleans, and OFerrall family in-house presidential scholar. She was a woman of conviction. She met Dick OFerrall because he lived around the corner in Belhaven, next to one of her best friends. From an early age, she knew she loved him, and it seems fitting that she joined him in heaven 53 years to the day after their wedding. She went to Camp DeSoto for the first time when she was in middle school, and from that first summer, she knew Lookout Mountain was her place. To quote her dear friend Bill Jamieson, It is those pink ladies slippers in the woods below Up Top that will always define Alice. Seeking out just the right ecosystem to thrive the perfect amount of moisture and dappled shade they thrive as they embrace their symbiotic relationship with a particular soil fungus. Their blooms declare to all that they are happy right where they are. Alpine Camp and the mountain were that symbiotic soil for Alice. And as co-director of camp, she devoted the rest of her life to welcoming boys into that place so that they too might grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. Dick adored her and always said she was the best thing that ever happened to Alpine Camp. They were a faithful pair, loving and serving campers and staff summer after summer. Their joy and laughter were contagious to anyone in their presence. Her careful attention to detail challenged all of us to strive for excellence in every aspect of our work. The most important seeds she planted were the countless times she shared the love of Christ by opening her home to friends, family and her camp family. She never had to unplug, as she simply never plugged in, choosing instead her ubiquitous yellow legal pad and a crisply sharpened pencil. Whether she was telling a pack of rascally boys the story of Gideon, introducing a room of college-aged men to Rachel Carsons A Sense of Wonder, or digging in the flower beds beside the gym, she pushed us to live in both the sacred and mundane moments with humor and purpose. We have hope and peace in the truth that Jesus says there is nothing broken that wont be mended, nothing sick that wont be healed, nothing dead that wont live again. Because God is making everything sad come untrue! (taken from the Jesus Storybook Bible). Her faith has now turned to sight and for that we all rejoice! Alice is survived by her daughters, Carter OFerrall Breazeale (Glenn) of Lookout Mountain, TN, and Toy OFerrall Harmon (Doug) of New Orleans, LA; grandchildren, Caroline and Gigi Breazeale and Jack and Sam Harmon; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dick; and her sister, Lucy Toy Gandy Clark. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Delta Streets Academy, P. O. Box 9895, Greenwood, MS 38930; Reformed University Fellowship, P. O. Box 890004, Charlotte, NC 28289-0004; or to the PCA Unity Fund, give.pcamna.org/to/pca-unity-fund/ (please note PCA Unity Fund - OFerrall memorial). The burial at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson, Mississippi will be held on September 5th at 9 a.m. Central Time. The memorial service at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, will be held on September 8th, 2025, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. The service will be livestreamed on the churchs homepage lmpc.org. Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Eastern Time on the afternoon of Sunday, September 7, at the church. Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories. Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel. Educators across the region can now apply for the 2025 Tennessee Valley Authoritys STEM Award Program for science, technology, engineering and math education. The program will provide $1.5 million to fund STEM learning projects in classrooms and schools in TVAs seven-state service area and is sponsored by TVA in partnership with the TVA retiree organization Bicentennial Volunteers Inc. We know that todays students will shape the future of the Tennessee Valley region. Now, more than ever, we want to support and encourage STEM education a career in STEM will provide good opportunities for students and ensure our regions workforce is prepared to provide energy security for the next generation, said Don Moul, TVA President and Chief Executive Officer. The competitive STEM classroom award program is operated in partnership with the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, managed by the Battelle organization. The program received 647 grant applications last year, and 342 were selected for funding. Since 2018, TVA/BVI has provided nearly $8 million in STEM awards supporting over 730,000 students. As a TVA retiree organization, Bicentennial Volunteers Incorporated is honored to partner with TVA in providing STEM education awards to teachers across the Tennessee Valley Region, said Kathy Black, president of BVI. We recognize that exposing students to science, technology, engineering, and math will inspire many students to seek opportunities in those fields. This program helps to prepare students to meet future workforce demands of TVA and the region. Teachers can apply at TVA.com/STEM for funding up to $5,000 for STEM projects with preference given to applications that explore TVAs primary area of focus: environment, energy, economic and career development, and community problem-solving. Eligible applicants are teachers or school administrators in public or private schools, grades K-12. Schools must be in the TVA service area and receive electricity from a local power distributor served by TVA. The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nations largest public power supplier, delivering energy to more than 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA has one of the most diverse energy systems including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies. To prepare for the future, TVA is making significant investments in its power system toward new generation and transmission. Sheriff Austin Garrett announced Thursday his intention to seek re-election as Hamilton County Sheriff. His campaign said, "During his first term in office, Sheriff Garrett has focused on building a brand founded on exceptional customer service, professionalism, and innovation. "Under his leadership, the Sheriffs Office has built a reputation as a premier law enforcement agency in Tennessee and the surrounding region. This success is a result of both innovation and the dedication and hard work of the men and women of this office." Sheriff Garrett said, Three years ago, the people of Hamilton County entrusted me with the responsibility and honor of serving as their sheriff. Since then, our office has worked every day to deliver professional law enforcement services that ensure Hamilton County remains a place where families can thrive. Here in Hamilton County, we are leading the way. Serving as your sheriff is the honor and privilege of a lifetime. That is why today I am announcing my campaign for re-election. Together, we will keep Hamilton County the greatest place to work, live, and play. Over the next year, Sheriff Garretts campaign "will highlight the record of successes under his leadership and his vision for keeping Hamilton County thriving in the years to come," officials said. StarNight, the annual gala benefiting Siskin Childrens Institute, surpassed recent fundraising records during its 75-years of Siskin celebration, raising more than $600,000 to expand services for children with special needs and their families.More than 650 guests gathered recently at the Chattanooga Convention Center for an evening of hope, celebration and community impact. The event was co-hosted by Lynda Minks Hood, Chattanooga Bar Association; Amanda Johns, PlayCore and Siskin board member; Don Mueller, president & CEO of Siskin Childrens Institute; and Alison Lebovitz, host of The A List on PBS.Officials said, "Funds raised will accelerate access to innovative technologies and evidence-based early intervention therapies, which research shows are critical to improved long-term outcomes.Early intervention can mean the difference between simply learning to communicate and pursuing higher education."Every day counts. If we can diagnose children before age three, we can make a huge impact in their development, said Mr. Mueller. Innovative technologies like the FDA-approved EarlyPoint devices allow us to diagnose children sooner and reduce waitlists. This years funding will help us expand these programs and reach more kids.Officials said, "The impact of StarNight extends beyond a single evening. Proceeds will support specialized services at Siskin Childrens Institute, including medical diagnosis, early intervention and therapies such as ABA, speech, occupational, physical and feeding, as well as family support."With more than 60,000 annual visits, these services are rare for a city the size of Chattanooga and remain vital for families across the region."I feel so lucky to have been part of this amazing team, said Ms. Minks Hood. Mose and Garrison Siskin would have been so proud of this years StarNight. I cant wait to see how the Institute continues to enhance access to care for children and families.The stars truly aligned as we celebrated 75 years of Siskin, said Ms. Johns. The room buzzed with energy and passion for children and families, and the Chattanooga community came together to create a historic impact in the lives of these children.Officials said, "This years StarNight was made possible thanks to the generosity of community partners, including Siskin Steel & Supply Company, First Horizon Foundation, Hamico Inc., Arney Guess Goldsmith, Athens Distributing Co., Bank of America, Bruce Komiske, Cempa Community Care, EPB Fiber Optics, Husch Blackwell, Journey Health Foundation, Kubota of Chattanooga, Linda Brock & Lee Brock Luxury Edition Real Estate Partners, Mauldin & Jenkins, Medicare Misty, Noon Management, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Shire Facial Plastic Surgery, Southeastern Salvage, Sunny 92.3, Sustena A Pariveda Company, Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, The Double Cola Company, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Health, Education and Professional Studies, Unum Group, Wright Brothers Construction and many more."We are also grateful for our individual and family supporters, including Ju-Hsin and Todd Lusk, Movita Steiner, Robert & Pris Siskin, Bruce Komiske, Charles & Betty Lebovitz, Dr. Dane and Sheila Boyington, Helen Siskin Pregulman, The Binder Family and Ward and Nancy Petty."We support Siskin Childrens Institute because the work they do is so incredible, said Dan Youngman, CEO of Siskin Steel & Supply Company. We are blessed to have this resource in Chattanooga, and Im proud to help contribute to the legacy of Mose and Garrison Siskin.In honor of the Institutes milestone, a special 75-Year Tribute Video highlighted the legacy of Mose and Garrison Siskin.To learn more about StarNight and Siskin Childrens Institute, visit siskin.org/starnight. You can support StarNight by donating today at www.siskin.org/starnight. Dr. Leon Graham Jr. 80, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, departed this life and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 24, 2025. Leon was raised in the rural community of Floral Crest, Sand Mountain, Al. Floral Crest is so named, as his grandfather, R.G. Peterson, grew flowers there and delivered them to florists in Chattanooga. Leon grew up working in the flower fields, aiding in his familys livelihood. Leon was a valedictorian of his 8th grade class on Sand Mountain. His family then moved to Collegedale, where he attended and graduated from Collegedale Academy. While in high school, Leon was an accomplished gymnast and a first place, track runner. Leon graduated from SMC in Collegedale with a degree in Vocational Education, Drafting, and taught at Ooltewah High School for several years. Then with the encouragement of his brother Ron, and his own determination and ambition, Leon moved his young family to Memphis, where he graduated from Southern College of Optometry as Dr. Leon Graham. After several years, Dr. Graham established his office in Trenton, Ga., where he practiced, until retiring at the age of 78. Leon was a man of various skills and hobbies. He was an award winning motorcross rider, a skilled brick mason, sang and played the piano and owned and piloted his airplane. In spite of losing a leg and wearing a prosthesis, that didnt stop Leon from being a Senior Olympics, award winning ballroom dancer with Alice and operating his bulldozer as his retirement hobby. Leon was full of love and laughter, wit and wisdom. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alvan Leon Graham Sr. and Lucille Peterson Graham; sister, Florabelle Wear; and brother, Charran Graham. Dr. Graham is survived by his wife, Alice Bookout Barlew Graham; two sons, Alan (Gina) Graham, and Phillip (Anne) Graham; two step-sons, Jared (Kelly) Barlew and Jordan Barlew; brother, Dr. Ronal (Marie) Graham; five grandchildren, Nathan, Luke, Seth, Aivah and Davon Graham. A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7, in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Steve Wade officiating. The family will receive friends 12-1 p.m. on Sunday prior to the service. Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories. Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel. CALEBs Education Task Force invites the community to an evening of creativity, conversation, and connection at Abstract Art Night, taking place on Tuesday, from 68 p.m. at The Bohemian Village, 2511 N Chamberlain Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37406. The free event will be facilitated by local abstract artist and community organizer Angelica Acevedo and is designed to bring people together to reflect on the future of education in Hamilton County. Through abstract art, participants will explore their thoughts, emotions, and hopes for schools, students, and thecommunitys shared future. No art experience is requiredjust a willingness to connect and imagine. Event highlights include: - All art materials provided - Opportunity to support The Bohemian Village by purchasing drinks and snacks - Real conversation and community building - A short survey to share experiences and priorities for education reform You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close The American flag and the Alaska state flag flying on land in Alaska. | Photo Credit: United States Air Force (USAF) The Alaska Medical Board has taken steps toward banning body-mutilating gender surgeries for minors and has recommended that the Alaska Legislature prohibit late-term abortions. Last month, the board unanimously approved a draft regulation during its quarterly meeting, which added efforts to provide medical or surgical intervention to treat gender dysphoria or facilitate gender transition by altering sex characteristics inconsistent with the biological sex at birth to a list of actions deemed unprofessional conduct. The proposal specifies that prescribing puberty-blocking drugs and cross-sex hormones, as well as performing gender transition surgeries such as mastectomy, phalloplasty, or genital modification on children under 18, are examples of "unprofessional conduct." However, the draft includes exceptions for procedures to treat "congenital sex development disorders or non-elective procedures for physical injury." The board, which convenes four times annually, consists of five physicians, one physician assistant, and two public members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Alaska Legislature. Its responsibilities include enforcing the state's medical laws, making final licensing decisions, and taking disciplinary actions against violations of those laws. The draft regulation will undergo review by the Alaska Department of Law and will be open for a 30-day public comment period before it becomes effective, according to The Alaska Beacon. Some residents voiced opposition during a public meeting on August 22. Currently, 27 states have laws that prohibit trans-identified youth from accessing some or all gender transition procedures because of concerns about their long-term health impacts. The Alaska Medical Board also issued a statement criticizing the state's allowance of elective late-term abortions up until the time of delivery. This is not ethical medical practice and does not embody the values of Alaskans, the statement reads. Many Alaskans and even physicians are unaware of this. The board urged residents to engage with their representatives and to advocate for new legislation to bring state law into alignment with community values on this issue. Data from the pro-life group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America shows that 21 states prohibit abortion after 12 weeks or earlier, but Alaska is among the 29 states with few or no protections for unborn babies. The Guttmacher Institute, a pro-abortion research organization, lists Alaska as one of nine states with no ban or gestational limit on abortion, meaning that abortion can occur during all nine months of pregnancy. The state Supreme Court has recognized a right to abortion in the Alaska Constitution, which allows abortion to remain legal in the state. An ancient Samaritan mosaic has been discovered in Kafr Qasim. | Photo Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority/ Emil Aladjem A large complex featuring several grand rooms and remnants of ancient agriculture has been uncovered in Kafr Qasim, near Petach Tikva. Archaeologists believe the site to be the birthplace of Menander, a Samaritan magician who followed Simon Magus, as mentioned in chapter 8 of the Book of Acts, according to All Israel News. The estate, identified as Samaritan and dating back some 1,600 years, was discovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), which has been excavating the area before a new neighborhood was built at the location, the IAA stated. The remains of the estate were soon settled as being part of a Samaritan community which had been thriving from the time of the Romans to the Byzantines, from the fourth to the seventh centuries A.D., the IAA added. 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 IAA directors Alla Nagorsky and Dr. Daniel Leahy Griswold in a press release. The site of Kh. Kafr Hatta is historically significant as the birthplace of Menander, who followed Simon the Magician, a figure mentioned in the New Testament and considered the father of Gnostic sects. The Apostle Philip went to Samaria to preach and encountered the magician, who had something of a conversion experience but never quite seemed to leave his fondness for supernatural power. Acts chapter 8 describes him as a well-known individual of his day. One of the mosaic floors was decorated with intricate geometric patterns and images of vegetation. It features a central medallion flanked with acanthus leaves and fruits and vegetables, including grapes, dates, watermelons, artichokes and asparagus. Near the entrance to this room, a partially preserved Greek inscription was uncovered, wishing the owner Good luck! or Mazel tov! in Hebrew. A spacious warehouse was also discovered on the estate, along with an elaborate olive press located close to a ritual bath, or mikveh, suggesting that those involved in olive oil production needed to be ritually pure. 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, explained Nagorsky. This is a fascinating site, which displays the historical gamut between the days of prosperity and the decline of the Samaritan community, Nagorsky added. Sean Feucht, a worship leader (center), visiting Seattle's Gas Works Park on October 30 during his "Revive in '25" tour. | Screenshot: X/ FRONTLINES Worship leader Sean Feucht hosted a peaceful revival event in Seattle, Washington, over the weekend. "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, known for being an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump and vocal critic of abortion, transgender ideology, and homosexuality, made a stop Saturday at Seattle's Gas Works Park as part of his "Revive in '25" tour. Harrell expressed support for the LGBTQ+ community in his statement, and noted that Feucht's group agreed to move their event from Cal Anderson Park and Capitol Hill to a different location for public safety reasons. Feucht's event drew protest from groups such as the nonprofit Lavender Rights Project, which held its own counter-event earlier that day, according to the local NBC affiliate KING 5 News. During the event on Saturday, Russell Johnson, lead pastor at Pursuit NW, read a statement from Mayor Harrell that reaffirmed his commitment to free speech and expressed appreciation for the organizers. The statement emphasized that Seattle "is and always will be a place where all voices can be heard" and that "prayer and peaceful protest are both protected speech, and where all human beings should be safe regardless of personal or political beliefs." Support for Feucht from prominent religious leaders came from evangelist and Samaritan's Purse CEO Franklin Graham, who thanked the mayor for standing up for freedom of speech. "Another woke, blue city trying to shut down a Christian event," Graham stated on Saturday, noting that Feucht "has faced harsh pushback from LGBTQ activists who tried to get the permit revoked for the event he was holding today in Seattle." Graham praised Mayor Harrell's stance, saying, "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." He also called for prayer for Feucht and the other events on his revival tour. "Thank you for always having my back," Feucht replied to Graham on X. Feucht expressed optimism about the event's success, saying, "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." He added, "Maybe Seattle is turning a corner." In recent weeks, eight Canadian cities canceled stops along Feuchts revival tour in the country. Montreal authorities also fined a church $2,500 for hosting him without a permit in July. Home News Christian fellowship, other student groups challenge new Texas law limiting campus speech A Christian fellowship and other student organizations are challenging a recently enacted state law that limits who can participate in college campus protests and where they can happen. The Fellowship of Christian University Students at the University of Texas at Dallas (FOCUS) and five other groups filed a lawsuit on Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, against the Campus Protection Act that went into effect last month. Other plaintiffs include The Retrograde student newspaper, Young Americans for Liberty, Inc., the Texas Society of Unconventional Drummers, Strings Attached and a University of Texas at Austin student named Zall Arvandi. Introduced by state Sen. Brandon Creighton and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in June, SB 2972 amends Section 51.9315 of the Texas Education Code to clarify where and how students can demonstrate on college campuses. The complaint contends that the "Act's unbounded speech restrictions give campus officials a potent tool to cudgel most any speech or speaker they dislike into silence." The complaint takes issue with the new law's restrictions on speakers who are not affiliated with the campus, specifically regarding certain campus activities. "FOCUS relies on ministers who are not students or university employees to visit campus and lead worship, offer spiritual guidance, and participate in events that advance the student group's mission," reads the lawsuit. The complaint also took issue with the time limits for campus activities, which the law prohibits from taking place between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. "While UTD FOCUS sets these events to end at 10 P.M., students regularly stay in and around the meeting space afterward to discuss issues of faith, continue fellowship, and talk with FOCUS's ministers," the complaint states. "UTD FOCUS also offers morning one-on-one meetings on campus with UT Dallas students and staff to discuss issues of faith. In the past, these meetings sometimes have started before 8 A.M." The plaintiffs are being represented by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a nonpartisan free speech advocacy organization based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "This law gives campus administrators a blank check to punish speech, and that authority will inevitably be used to target unpopular speech," said FIRE attorney Adam Steinbaugh in a statement. "Administrators have plenty of ways to prevent disruptive conduct that do not involve such a broad censorship mandate." Defendants named in the lawsuit include members of the Board of Regents of the University of Texas System, University of Texas System Chancellor John Zerwas, UT at Austin President James Davis and UT at Dallas President Prabhas Moghe. The passage of SB 2972 followed a wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations that occurred on campuses across the United States against Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack in southern Israel. Reports surfaced of such protests involving antisemitic rhetoric and disruption of normal campus activities. Under SB 2972, university governing boards "shall designate the areas on the institution's campus that are public forums, consistent with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Section 8, Article I, Texas Constitution." "Nothing in this section limits the authority of an institution of higher education to adopt rules differentiating between the rights of students and employees to engage in expressive activities on campus and those of persons not affiliated with the institution," the law states. The legislation limits "expressive activities" on campuses, such as protests, to "students enrolled at and employees of the institution." It prohibits participants from wearing disguises and erecting tents or other "living accommodations." Late last month, as the law took effect, the University of Texas System Board of Regents updated its free speech policy to be compatible with SB 2972. Home News Fulani radicals kill at least 7 Christians in central Nigeria Fulani herdsmen on Aug. 24 killed two Christians in Benue state, Nigeria, following the slaughter of five others earlier in the month, sources said. All seven Christians were killed in Guma County, the same area where as many as 200 Christians were slain in attacks on June 13-14 in Yelwata village. In predominantly Christian Tse Orkpe village on Aug. 24, armed Fulani herdsmen ambushed Christians on their farms, said area resident Tivta Samuel Aondohemba. One of the Christian victims, Mr. Mboi Toli, a displaced Christian from Igyungu Aze village, was shot and killed by the herdsmen, Aondohemba told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. The second victim escaped with bullet wounds but later died. The herdsmen chased and shot at farmers as if they were animals, he said. At the moment, the Ukpiam-Umenger road has been taken over and blocked by armed Fulani bandits who kill Christian villagers who dare to ply the road, Aondohemba said. The attacks came as intelligence reports indicated the presence of Fulani camps in border areas with Nasarawa state, said area resident Garshagu Atovigba. Intelligence gathered on the evening of Thursday, [Aug. 28], reveals that a significant number of suspected Fulani armed marauders were sighted at Tungwa Manja, a village in Doka District, Doma LGA of Nasarawa state, Atovigba told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. It is believed that their target of attack is some Christian communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue state. In a herdsmen raid on Guma Countys predominantly Christian Uikpam village on Aug. 13, two Christian villagers were killed, said area resident Joseph Dugeri. He identified the slain Christians as Francis Nomsoor and Kelvin. This attack was also the second attack carried out against the community by herdsmen, Dugeri said. Another resident, Daniel Ikpeme, said that on Aug. 11, herdsmen again attacked Yelwata village, killing three Christians. This is a second of such attacks against Yelwata as an earlier attack on 13 June resulted in the death of more than 200 Christians, Ikpeme said. Udeme Edet, deputy superintendent of the Benue State Police, said in a statement that the three persons were killed in Yelwata after officers had repelled assailants from the village and previously from Udei village. On [Aug. 11] at about [5 a.m.], some gunmen suspected to be bandit herdsmen attempted to invade Udei town in Guma Local Government Area, but police tactical units deployed to Udei repelled them after engaging them in a shootout, and they escaped through the border forest, Edet said. At about [7 a.m.], police tactical teams deployed to Yelwata heard gunshots from armed men heading towards Yelwata town. In response, the police tactical teams and other security agents fired on the invaders, who eventually fled with gunshot injuries, he said. Regrettably, when the security units in Yelwata pursued the bandits into the forest, it was discovered that they had attacked some persons who had earlier gone to their farms at the outskirts of the village; three persons sustained serious injuries, Edet said. They were taken to Benue State University Teaching Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment, while three other persons were confirmed dead. Nigerias secret service, the Department of State Services (DSS), stated that it had identified nine terrorists, who have attacked the Guma communities, and that two of them have been arrested. Charged under anti-terrorism laws in court in Abuja were Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi of Awe Local Government Area of Nassarawa state, DSS officials said. Charged under Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2022, the two suspects were implicated in the attacks on Abinsi and Yelwata villages on June 13 to 14, officials said. Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. Nigeria remained among the most dangerous places on earth for Christians, according to Open Doors 2025 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Of the 4,476 Christians killed for their faith worldwide during the reporting period, 3,100 (69%) were in Nigeria, according to the WWL. The measure of anti-Christian violence in the country is already at the maximum possible under World Watch List methodology, the report stated. In the countrys North-Central zone, where Christians are more common than they are in the North-East and North-West, Islamic extremist Fulani militia attack farming communities, killing many hundreds, Christians above all, according to the report. Jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and the splinter group Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), among others, are also active in the countrys northern states, where federal government control is scant and Christians and their communities continue to be the targets of raids, sexual violence, and roadblock killings, according to the report. Abductions for ransom have increased considerably in recent years. The violence has spread to southern states, and a new jihadist terror group, Lakurawa, has emerged in the northwest, armed with advanced weaponry and a radical Islamist agenda, the WWL noted. Lakurawa is affiliated with the expansionist Al-Qaeda insurgency Jamaa Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, or JNIM, originating in Mali. Nigeria ranked seventh on the 2025 WWL list of the 50 worst countries for Christians. This article was originally published by Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News. Home News Harvard prof Arthur Brooks says avoiding boredom prevents contemplation, can lead to anxiety, depression Urges people to stop the 'doom loop' of checking phone apps Boredom can play a crucial role in the human experience, according to Harvard professor Arthur C. Brooks, who warns in a recent Harvard Business Review video that avoiding boredom can prevent people from asking deeper questions about life and lead to anxiety and depression. In the video, titled "You Need to Be Bored," Brooks, who's also a former president of the American Enterprise Institute, frames boredom not as a flaw but as a feature of the human mind. Brooks explains that when people are unoccupied, their brains activate what scientists call the default mode network. This process, he said, naturally steers thoughts toward larger questions about meaning and purpose. When you think about nothing, while your mind wanders and thinks about, for example, big questions of meaning in your life what does my life mean? you go to kind of uncomfortable existential questions when youre bored, Brooks said. That turns out to be incredibly important, incredibly good. He contrasted this with modern habits of quickly reaching for a smartphone to fill any idle moment, even a few seconds waiting at a traffic light. This constant stimulation, he says, disrupts the minds natural reflective processes and leads to what he called a doom loop of meaning. One of the reasons that we have such an explosion of depression and anxiety in our society today is because people actually dont know the meaning of their lives, much less so in previous generations, Brooks said. Weve been able almost completely to shut off the default mode network in our brains through constant device use. Brooks pointed to a Harvard psychology experiment in which participants were instructed to sit in silence for 15 minutes with nothing to do. The only option available in the room was a button that delivered a painful electric shock. Rather than remain unoccupied, most participants chose to shock themselves some repeatedly instead of enduring boredom. He said the avoidance of quiet reflection shows how deeply people resist confronting uncomfortable thoughts. As practical advice, Brooks urged viewers to create intentional spaces for boredom by limiting device use. He described his own habits, such as avoiding phones after 7 p.m., not sleeping with a phone in the bedroom, and banning devices at family meals. In addition, he said he takes periodic screen cleanses, setting aside longer stretches of time without social media or electronic distractions. Though initially difficult, he said the practice becomes easier over time and helps restore focus. Start getting better at periods that are 15 minutes and longer of boredom and watch your life change, Brooks said. Youll start digging into the biggest questions in your life: purpose, meaning, coherence, significance and who knows? You might just get happier. This article was originally published at Christian Daily International Home News 'Martin Luther was fine with blasphemy laws': Lutheran theologians debate Christian nationalism What would Martin Luther think about Christian nationalism? That was essentially the question posed during an Aug. 25 debate featuring a spirited exchange between Joel Beerman, a 20-year professor at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and Pastor David Ramirez, founder of the Bugenhagen Conference. Sponsored by the newly established Luther Classical College and hosted by On The Line creator and Associate Pastor Bryan Stecker, the nearly two-and-a-half-hour dialogue centered on what is meant by the term Christian nationalism" and how Lutherans should think about Christendom, the state, and our public witness in a fractured world. Ramirez argued in favor of Christian nationalism, defining it as a desire for communities where the Word of God predominates in society, culture, legal system, anything like that. He argued that Christians should strive to create towns, states, and nations that reflect their faith. Every Christian should want a Christian community, whether that be a Christian town or a Christian state or a Christian nation. Read: Christian nationalism: What it is, what it isnt and why it matters a guide for people of faith Acknowledging potential threats like idolatry, he called it a necessary risk, akin to marriage or parenting, and grounded his stance in vocation. All communities are Gods communities, and they should serve, love, honor, and obey Him in all facets of life, said Ramirez. He also pointed to Luthers support for blasphemy laws and other Church actions against false teaching, noting, Luther was fine with blasphemy laws because outward blasphemy will call down the wrath of God. He emphasized contextual prudence, referencing King Nebuchadnezzars incremental decrees from the book of Daniel as a model. Affirming government as a divine gift but criticizing Christian nationalism as a misapplication of that gift, Beerman called the ill-defined syncretism of faith and state as almost always rightly motivated and sincerely undertaken. Its problematic in its assumptions about the estates [of family, church and government] and their interrelationships, its somewhat naive about the extent of the fallenness of the world, and its often misguided in its goals, said Beerman. He prioritized the role of the Church in witnessing Christ through living faithfully, not political imposition. I think we end up hurting and being quite detrimental to our witness by trying to insist on making those things happen, he said. Pointing to a recent Eucharistic procession in Texas that was met with protests, Beerman questioned the wisdom behind such religious public displays. Is this a positive thing or a negative thing? he asked. Im not so sure. Beerman agreed that measures like mandatory church attendance may have been contextually appropriate in Luthers time but questioned their wisdom today. Should the Church be advocating for that? he said. Probably not. Thats not a smart thing right now. Despite their differences, both agreed that American individualism which they framed as being rooted in soul liberty clashes with Christian principles. Youre always going to have blasphemy laws. The only question is which ones are you going to have? Ramirez noted. The religion in America now is the establishment of religious liberty as a religion. Beerman concurred, calling it a Baptist idea and not a Christian one. While more liberal Lutheran traditions like the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have criticized Christian nationalism as openly racist, patriarchal, or anti-democratic, other Lutheran denominations that have also denounced Christian nationalism point to the separation of Church and state and the promotion of religious liberty for all. Home News Man claiming to be angel of death drives cross country to threaten Calif. church An Alabama man claiming to be "the Angel of Death" has been arrested after he allegedly threatened a California church, both in-person and via email, authorities say. The Orange County Sheriff's Department announced Tuesday that they arrested 38-year-old Joshua Michael Richardson, who is suspected of sending threats to St. Michaels Abbey of Silverado Canyon. According to police, the sheriffs department was contacted last week about suspicious, threatening emails that were sent to the church, allegedly by Richardson. From there, the Alabama resident visited the church in person and made additional threats. Richardson was soon located and detained by authorities. A search of his vehicle found brass knuckles, knives, body armor and high-capacity magazines. However, no guns or ammunition were located. Richardson was arrested and is being held at the Orange County Jail. While incidents like this can feel unsettling, they also highlight the power of community. If something seems off, say something, stated Orange County authorities. Trust your instincts and report suspicious activity, whether it is a strange message, unusual behavior, or something that does not sit right. Your call could stop a crime before it happens. In another press release, the Orange County Office of the District Attorney noted that Richardson had claimed that he was the rider of the pale horse, referring to the Four Horsemen in the book of Revelation, and that he had been sent to do the Lords reaping before his harvest." According to Revelation 6:8, the pale horse rider is the personification of death. Located fewer than 50 miles from Los Angeles, St. Michaels Abbey has around 60 priests and over 40 seminarians who are studying to enter the priesthood. Richardson's arrest comes days after a trans-identified man opened fire at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, killing two children and wounding 17 others before killing himself. Fourteen of the injured were students in kindergarten through the eighth grade. Robert Westman, a 23-year-old man who identified as female and went by the name Robin, before deciding that attempting to transition was a mistake, brought multiple guns to Annunciation Catholic School and fired at the students and staff while they were attending morning mass. Videos of Westman online show him engaging in anti-Christian, antisemitic, and racist rhetoric and displays, as well as calling for the death of President Donald Trump. Fletcher Merkel, an 8-year-old child who was one of the two people murdered by Westman, will have his funeral held at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis on Sunday, reported The Minnesota Star Tribune. Last month, the Family Research Council released its latest "Hostility against Churches in the United States" report, which found that last year, there were 415 reported hostile acts against churches across 43 states, which affected 383 houses of worship. "Although the motivations for many of these incidents remain unknown, the rise in crimes against churches is taking place in a context in which fewer Americans are attending religious services or identifying with a specific faith," the report explained. According to Gallup, 42 percent of U.S. adults regularly attended religious services 20 years ago, but now that number has fallen to 30 percent. This decline means that fewer Americans share a common understanding of what church buildings represent. Home News Texas AG Paxton recommends public school students recite Lord's Prayer 'as taught by Jesus Christ' US Senate hopeful releases statement amid court-ordered delay of SB 11 Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is urging Texas public schools to adopt dedicated time for prayer and scripture reading, specifically recommending the Lords Prayer, in accordance with a new state law. Paxtons comments, announced in a Sept. 2 press release, comes on the heels of a court-ordered delay of the implementation of Senate Bill 11, which was set to take effect this month, and allows school boards to set aside time for voluntary prayer and religious text readings. In Texas classrooms, we want the Word of God opened, the Ten Commandments displayed, and prayers lifted up, Paxton said. Denouncing opponents of SB 11 as twisted, radical liberals who aim to erase Truth, dismantle the solid foundation that Americas success and strength were built upon, and erode the moral fabric of our society, Paxton said the United States was founded on the rock of Biblical Truth. I will not stand by while the far-left attempts to push our country into the sinking sand, added Paxton, who is reportedly a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, located just north of Dallas. SB 11, which is currently under a temporary injunction, permits school boards to adopt policies for voluntary prayer and scripture reading, requiring parental consent for student participation. The law also mandates Paxtons office to defend schools adopting such policies and allows him to suggest best practices, including his endorsement of the Lords Prayer as taught by Jesus Christ. In the official statement shared from the Office of the Attorney General website, Paxton, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Texas Sen. John Cornyn, recommended students recite the Lords Prayer, citing the King James version of Matthew 6:9-13: "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." The Madison, Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) swiftly condemned Paxtons actions, accusing him of violating constitutional boundaries by promoting Christianity in public schools. In a letter dated Sept. 3, FFRF Legal Counsel Chris Line demanded Paxton retract his statement, arguing it pressures schools to favor one religion. Texas public schools exist to educate, not indoctrinate, Line wrote. When you use your official position to instruct children to pray as taught by Jesus Christ, you send a message to Texas students and families that the state favors Christianity over all other religions and over nonreligion. This is precisely what the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment forbids. Line also warned that Paxtons push could lead to coercive practices that marginalize non-Christian and nonreligious students, vowing to monitor SB 11s implementation and support families whose rights are deemed to have been violated. The solid foundation of our country is not biblical truth, but rather our secular Constitution that protects the rights of all Americans Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, the nonreligious, and everyone else to believe as they choose without government interference or favoritism, Lines letter concluded. FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor accused Paxton of trying to turn Texas classrooms into Sunday schools, adding, Children deserve an education free from religious coercion. The Constitution, not the Bible, is the foundation of our democracy and it protects the freedom of conscience of every student. Paxtons endorsement of the prayer comes after a pair of recent legal setbacks, including a federal judges ruling that declared a Texas law requiring Ten Commandments displays in classrooms unconstitutional, intensifying debates over the separation of church and state. The Aug. 20 ruling by U.S. District Judge Fred Biery in San Antonio temporarily prohibited 11 Texas school districts from rolling out the displays, including Houston ISD, Austin ISD and Plano ISD. Home News Key Texas school district faces state takeover amid surge in homeschooling Nearly 800,000 students withdrew from public schools from 1997 to 2023 One of the largest public school systems in Texas is at risk of a state takeover after years of plummeting academic ratings. Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD), with more than 70,000 students, is facing possible intervention this year by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) after the agency shut down the perennially sub-scoring Leadership Academy of Forest Oak Sixth Grade, which received its fifth-straight failing rating before it was closed and merged with another local middle school in 2023. Last month, the TEA released its 2025 Accountability Ratings along with its delayed 2024 ratings, which offered some encouraging updates on the central Fort Worth district. According to the report, A-rated schools increased by 70%, while F-rated schools dropped by 65%. Based on metrics including graduation rates, standardized test results and career preparation, the TEA rating is designed to provide parents and community stakeholders with data aimed at assessing both individual campus success and the districts overall performance. While this years rating might be trending in the right direction, FWISD still holds an overall C rating from the TEA, fueling speculation over whether the state will initiate a takeover sometime this year. And FWISD isnt alone: a total of five Texas school districts are in jeopardy of state intervention due to poor ratings, according to the Texas Tribune. In addition to FWISD, other districts reportedly facing state intervention include Beaumont, Wichita Falls, Connally and Lake Worth. While there are a number of factors involved, homeschooling advocates say these outcomes are largely the result of large numbers of Texans removing their children from the public school system. Before the coronavirus pandemic, between 20,000 to 25,000 students in grades 7-12 withdrew to homeschool each year, according to the Texas Homeschooling Coalition (THSC). Since then, that number has reached nearly 30,000 and appears to be stabilizing in that range. In addition to falling birth rates and demographic change, Anita Scott, THSC policy director, says theres another factor at work. Students are leaving the public schools in record numbers, accelerating the enrollment decline even more, Scott told The Christian Post on Tuesday. This [acceleration] picked up dramatically with Covid and, as demonstrated by the new homeschool withdrawal numbers, they haven't slowed down. Far from being a short-term trend, Scott said when students from preschool to sixth grade are included, the total number of students withdrawing to homeschool each year in Texas is estimated at more than 50,000. As many as 83,000 students withdrew from public schools during the 2020-2021 school year alone, she added. In all, Scott said, nearly 800,000 students withdrew from public schools in Texas to begin homeschooling between 1997 and 2023. Texas is home to an estimated 500,000 to 650,000 homeschool students, making it one of the largest homeschool populations in the nation. In June, Gov. Greg Abbott signed three key pieces of legislation aimed at protecting homeschooling families, including House Bill 2674, or the Homeschool Freedom Act, which limits regulatory overreach by the TEA and other agencies and ensures that no new restrictions can be imposed on homeschooling without explicit legislative approval. Home News Vance meets with victims of Minneapolis school shooting, urges prayers for survivors Vice President JD Vance visited the victims and families impacted by last week's Catholic school shooting in Minnesota that took the lives of two children and injured several others, urging Americans to pray for one student who is still fighting for her life. On Wednesday, Vance met with victims impacted by the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that left two students dead and more than a dozen others injured. "I have never had a day that will stay with me like this day did because I really felt like these parents, in the midst of the worst grief of their entire lives, they opened up their lives, they opened up their hearts and they made me part of it," Vance said in a press conference after the meeting. Vance, a practicing Roman Catholic and father of 3, also delivered a message on behalf of the parents whose children were killed or injured in the shooting. He specifically mentioned Lydia Kaiser, who remains hospitalized: "If you're the praying type, say a prayer for this innocent girl who's actually in surgery right now, that the swelling will go down, that she will be OK." As of Thursday afternoon, a GoFundMe fundraiser to cover Kaiser's medical expenses has accumulated nearly $350,000 in donations. The vice president lamented that so much of people's focus is "about the brutal maniac who shot up this school and not enough about the innocent children who lost their lives and were full of life." Vance described one of the victims killed in the shooting, 10-year-old Harper Moyski, as "a beautiful young girl" with a "beautiful smile" that "would turn a bad day into a good one." She was "very proud of the fact that she just had her first communion a couple years ago," Vance said. The father of the other child killed in the attack, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, "revisited the chapel" where the shooting took place for the first time during Vance's visit to Minneapolis, he said. Vance urged American parents to "make sure that you hug your kids tight because there are families in Minneapolis who won't be able to do that ever again." In an X post published Wednesday, Vance urged prayer for Sophia Forchas, a 12-year-old student who was shot during the attack, saying she "continues to fight for her life every day." "Pray for her health, pray for her swelling to be controlled, and pray for strength for her parents, doctors, and nurses," he wrote. Forchas has received over $900,000 in donations. Vance has weighed in on the tragedy multiple times over the week and the importance of prayer. After former White House press secretary Jen Psaki posted on social media that "prayer is not freaking enough," Vance rejected her analysis in a response. "We pray because our hearts are broken," he asserted. "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?" he asked. Alaska On Gender Procedures, Florida Showcases Ten Commandments, Media Ignores Gender Of Church Shooter link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:04 07:04 Top headlines for Thursday, September 4, 2025 In this episode, we explore the Alaska Medical Board's move to restrict youth access to gender transition procedures and its call for legislation to ban late-term abortions. Next, we turn to Florida, where a county has made headlines by voting to incorporate the Ten Commandments into government building displays alongside other historical documents. Finally, we journey to Kafr Qasim, near Petach Tikva, where archaeologists have uncovered an impressive ancient complex, shedding new light on early agricultural practices and civilizations. 00:11 Alaska Medical board condemns sex-change surgeries, puberty drugs 01:04 Nelson Price, SBC megachurch pastor, dies at 94 01:57 Fla. county approves adding Ten Commandments to govt buildings 02:46 Media ignores law enforcement info on gender of church shooter 03:24 Navy whistleblower says troops who refused Covid shot punished 04:24 Mark Barclays son-in-law convicted of sexually abusing child 05:12 Archaeologists uncover birthplace of Bible magician's successor Home Opinion When the 'real you' doesn't want to sin When the 'Real You' Doesn't Want to Sin "I need to stop doing it. After all, I am a Christian." Do you ever find yourself feeling this way after becoming entangled in a particular sin? Deep down you hate that thing because you know it is unrighteous, but in moments of temptation and weakness, you go back to it. First of all, thank God that the Lord places a holy hatred for sin within every one of His children. Just imagine if, rather than hating to sin, you relished sin and couldn't wait to engage in it over and over again. Thankfully, believers in Jesus want to live a different life, a holy life. Born-again people are "a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17) who want to say "no" to temptation and sin. We desire to please Christ who now lives in us, and our body is "a temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:18).? At the same time, a "basement room" sinful nature remains within your soul. Your old nature previously dominated your life, back when "you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of the world" (Ephesians 2:2). Your old nature is the old you, while the real you today is who you want to be as a follower of Christ. Your sinful nature was put to death when you were converted, (see Romans 6:6-8) but these sinful desires are still hanging around in the basement. And although somewhat dormant, these desires are extremely dangerous and spiritually toxic, especially when willfully pursued. In other words, there is essentially an invisible and wicked corpse residing within the basement of your soul. It is putrid, not to your physical sense of smell, but to your godly intent and your holy motivation as a believer. The Apostle Paul, as a follower of Jesus the Messiah, described his sinful nature: "I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law, but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! ... so then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin" (Romans 7:21-25). Like Paul, you also delight in God's law in your inner being. That is, if you are born again. The real you loves to obey the Lord. And yet, the desires of your basement room represent a clear and present danger to your life of Christian discipleship. The moment you choose to step down into the basement by entertaining an evil thought or engaging in sinful action, you begin feeling driven to take another step, and then another. Perhaps Paul found himself at times spending a couple of minutes, or even longer, harboring an ungodly attitude toward his persecutors. Unrighteous thoughts of one kind or another led Paul to write, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do ... As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature" (Romans 7:15,17-18). Was Paul denying his culpability for unholy thinking and sinful behavior? No, not at all. The apostle was simply recognizing that the real Paul was who he wanted to be. And while he certainly was not perfect, the apostle nevertheless was completely committed to pleasing the Lord. By the grace of God, Paul hated sinful thoughts and wicked behavior and was living a Spirit-filled life. Paul expressed his righteous desire for the Christians he was privileged to serve: "Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong ... Aim for perfection" (2 Corinthians 13:7,11). Jesus, of course, is the only perfect one, and His perfect sacrifice on the cross and atoning blood wash away the sins of believers. Meanwhile, as we remain in this world and in this "body of death," (Romans 7:24) we continue to struggle with temptation, sinful thoughts, and even sinful behavior. But we are never content with sin, especially if we find ourself giving into a particular temptation over and over again. This is not how we want to live, and this ongoing internal conflict led Paul to write, "So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin" (Romans 7:25). If you are born again, my friend, holy affections emanate from your inner being. What a joy it is for believers to know that our sins are forgiven and Heaven is our eternal home! Therefore, we continue to resist sinful thoughts, desires and behavior. Thankfully, your heart and mind are distinct from your basement room with its sinful desires, and we are free in Christ to remain upstairs as we enjoy fellowship with the Lord and seek to do those things that are pleasing to God. We can resist evil desires that would otherwise fill our hearts and minds. The choice is ours, moment by moment. And since we love Jesus who endured the agony of the cross for our salvation, "We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). A great way to guard our hearts is by continually meditating upon Scripture, including this powerful passage: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:11-13). What you signed up for five years ago is not what the business expects of you today, Jonathan Rickard told the NZ CIO Summit in Auckland. Rickard, chief technology officer Microsoft CX at Fusion5, says AI has pushed CIOs from back-office tech management into front-line strategic leadership. Their job is no longer about implementation alone but about steering digital transformation across the business. Todays CIOs are now more involved in business areas such as innovation and revenue-generating initiatives. He says: Its no longer a matter of just keeping the lights on. CIO is an evolving role More change is on the way with the CIO role becoming a people-focused, innovation-driven position. There is a strong emphasis on culture and measurable business outcomes. Rickard quoted research to support this view. Following this years Sydney CIO Summit, attendees were asked about their roles. Nearly half, 47 percent, say they focus on innovation and strategy. Thats double the number (23 percent) who said the same five years ago. The survey shows a majority of CIOs (85 percent) are involved in new revenue opportunities and a similar number (84 percent) say they have greater influence on business decisions. For Rickard, AI is a general-purpose technology that changes everything. He says some skepticism is understandable; only recently CIOs were told they would be leading their businesses into the metaverse by now. Instead, he compares AI with the steam engine, the internet, and smartphones. Each of these began with hype, which led to a negative reaction before the technologies were accepted and broadly adopted. Real gains from intensity of use What made the difference in each case was the intensity of use. Companies that merely swapped out old tools for new ones saw modest gains. Those that embedded the technology deeply into their processes and business models reaped outsized rewards. Rickard says the same will apply to AI: the real benefits will go to organisations that use it imaginatively and pervasively, not just at the margins. Troy Gerber, CTO conversational AI and Copilot at Fusion5, says: In the next two years, 30 percent of our workforce will be digital agents. Theyre not going to be replacing people. Theyll be working alongside people. Gerber says CIOs will be responsible for integrating these digital agents into the workforce and ensuring they work alongside human employees. Pressure as expectations increase This will bring pressure as businesses will expect their AI investments to increase productivity. The target is to gain two hours per employee every week. It will fall on CIOs to ensure the AI tools are not just implemented, but that they realise the expected gains. In addition to dealing with digital employees, he says CIOs will also be asked to help build the talented culture within organisations that is ready and able to leverage the AI technologies as they are rolled out. The responsibility that once resided in an HR department will shift to the CIO. CIOs are widely expected to take ownership of innovation within a business. Gerber says the way this works will change. In the past, CIOs rolled out tools and applied guardrails in an orderly process. Now, innovation bubbles up from staff. In many cases, they might adopt consumer-style AI tools (such as ChatGPT) first before looking for support. Responsive to employee demands Gerber says the CIO role here will be to respond to demand from employees and shape secure, scalable platforms around it. This happened in the past with mobile phones. At first, they were telco or phone manufacturer-controlled. Then the smartphone arrived, and we shifted to the app-store-driven model. AI is going through the same change. These changes are not abstract. Gerber says Fusion5 is going through the process in its own business. We think of ourselves as a frontier firm: We live that every day, and we take it to our customers. Everyone in our organisation has to be AI literate. Its mandatory. Staff have to go to our monthly AI training. We had a staff meeting last week where we showed a slide featuring our new joiners, and then we had a slide showing the new AI agents that had joined our organisation. He says there were eight of them, and they were featured because they are integral to the business. We dont bolt AI onto our solutions; it is part of our strategy. By showing staff the newcomers, they are able to see where they can be used in the companys workflow. Leading teams that mix humans and AI agents requires new leadership styles. That means listening, asking questions, and encouraging participation, not traditional command-and-control. Gerber likes to quote Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who says success comes from strategic vision with executional discipline. Success in the AI era belongs to those who can match strategic vision with executional discipline. SPCA Around 140 staff at an animal welfare charity are to be balloted over strike action in a dispute over pay. Trade union Unite said its members at the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) have empathetically rejected a two-year pay offer which amounts to a significant real terms pay cut. The union said that the offer is a 1.6% increase this year and a 2% increase next year, with workers saying they feel undervalued and utterly let down. The Scottish SPCA, which has two main bases in Dunfermline and Glasgow and employed 452 people on average in 2024, became a real living wage employer last year but Unite has accused it of opting out of the voluntary scheme since. Unite said its members also have wider concerns about understaffing which impacts staff morale and increased workloads. The union said that workers have experienced an increase in demand during the first half of 2025, with calls from people considering handing over their pets totalling 2,400, a 19.5% rise on the previous year, while there was also a 62.5% increase in foster placements. Unite: Real-terms pay cut Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: Unites members are on the frontline in ensuring the welfare of animals and peoples pets throughout Scotland. They deserve a fair pay deal not a real-terms pay cut which will force them into poverty. We will support our members all the way in their fight to secure better jobs, pay and conditions at the Scottish SPCA. Billy Thomson, Unite industrial officer, said: For years the workers have been poorly paid which has seen their standard of living decline. The Scottish SPCA workers feel totally undervalued and utterly let down by management which is why we have no option but to go for strikes. The ballot for workers, who look after the general health of the animals as well as the feeding and cleaning, opened yesterday and will close on 17 September. Charity managing a deficit According to the charitys recently filled accounts, its income was 23.6m in the 2024 calendar year while its costs were 22.7m. However, the charity recorded operating deficits in 2023 and 2022. A spokesperson for the Scottish SPCA said: As a charity, every decision we take must balance the needs of animals in our care, our colleagues and our generous supporters. We understand that Unite has proceeded with a formal ballot for industrial action. While this is not what we had hoped for, we respect union members right to follow due process. Like many charities, we are currently managing a deficit and must ensure our long-term sustainability so we can continue to protect Scotlands animals for generations to come. Our priority remains the welfare of animals across Scotland and supporting our dedicated colleagues who deliver vital services every day. We remain committed to continued constructive discussions throughout this process. 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, TeamDF / Adobe Stock Alzheimers Society has been named the official charity partner of the AJ Bell Great Run series for 2026-27. The dementia charity anticipates that its two-year partnership with the series, which includes the Great North Run and the Great Manchester Run, will raise almost 4m. Paul Reynolds, associate director of commercial and partnerships at Alzheimers Society said: With new treatments on the horizon, we know that a better future is now within reach. Thats why were so proud to be selected for this partnership collaborations like this are absolutely vital in supporting us to making that hope a reality. Alzheimers Society will take the place of the running events current charity partner, British Heart Foundation, which is aiming to raise 1m from this years series. In 2024, over 5,000 supporters ran for British Heart Foundation and raised a total 860,000. Record participants last year Overall, more than 250,000 runners take part in the Great Run events annually, with the Great North Run recording its largest ever number of participants last year, around 60,000 runners. Meanwhile, the Mass Participation Pulse Report reported this year that mass fundraising event participant numbers have started to exceed pre-pandemic levels. Stephen Vowles, chief marketing officer at AJ Bell, said: Were proud to have nominated Alzheimers Society to be the official charity partner of the AJ Bell Great Run series 2026-27, and incredibly excited to get started. Together we want to invest in a future without dementia the UKs biggest killer. We look forward to cheering on the Alzheimers Society runners at the Great Run events next year and hope that this partnership with AJ Bell will raise vital funds to improve the ways we research, diagnose and treat dementia to support those affected across the country. 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, Most businesses in Britain do nothing to support charities, according to research from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). CAFs survey of 1,085 businesses found that 25% across the country donated their time, cash or goods to charities last year. There were geographical differences, with businesses in the north east of England (41%) most likely to donate, while those in the south east were least likely to do so (12%). Some 3% of businesses in the south east of England gave cash, in comparison to 31% of those located in the north east. CAF estimated that, from those British businesses that did support charities, around 4.2bn was donated in 2024, with nearly half of this coming from FTSE 100 companies. But the number of FTSE 100 companies that gave at least 1% of their pre-tax profits to charities declined to 24 last year, down from 28 in the previous year, according to CAFs Corporate Giving Report 2025 . The research found an estimated 300m less was given by British businesses in cash last year, in favour of in-kind donations, which it equated to 5,455 small charities going unfunded. Call for mandatory reporting As a result of these findings, CAF has called on the government to reintroduce the mandatory requirement to report corporate giving which it says will improve transparency and motivate businesses to donate to charities. It said charities would receive 5bn in additional funding if just 1% more of businesses donated. Neil Heslop, chief executive of CAF, said: Corporate giving is not an optional extra. It is a cornerstone of responsible business that employees and customers expect. Across the country, there are great examples of businesses working hand in hand with charities in local areas, and demonstrating that sustained, purposeful giving is certainly achievable. Government also has a crucial role to play in fostering a renewed culture of giving and encouraging community investment from businesses to the places and communities they are a part of. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. How did you find out over the weekend that you were dead? It was Tuesday afternoon, and Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy was asking Donald Trump about the viral rumors that spread late last week, fueled by an uncharacteristic span of days without any public events, that the president was gravely ill. Its fake news, Trump replied, as he appeared, upright and very much not dead, for an announcement at the White House about the future of the US Space Command. Its just soits so fake. Thats why the media has so little credibility. For several days, posts on sites like TikTok, X, and Reddit had picked up on Trumps sparse calendar, as well as pictures of the president with bruising on his hands, as evidence that something had gone catastrophically wrong with his health. The White House has said the bruising was the result of frequent hand-shaking, but offered little to tamp down the growing online frenzy. People were enjoying it, said Claire Wardle, a Cornell University associate professor who studies misinformation. It was the absence of information, and people filled in the gaps incorrectly. Despite how widely the rumors and memes spread, they were not exactly the indictment of the media that Trump and his political allies might want them to be. No mainstream outlets reported them as fact. This was mostly a social media phenomenon, said Kelly McBride, chair of the Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership at the Poynter Institute. (After JD Vance encouraged his followers on X to imagine what else [the media are] lying to you about, Natalie Allison, a White House reporter for the Washington Post, responded, A strong endorsement from the vice president to read newspapers and other established news media, which did not report the false claims that conspiracy theorists on social media peddled!) But not falling into a trap of misinformation and fake news isnt the only metric for the White House press corps. During the previous administration, mainstream fact-checkers repeatedly debunkedcorrectlydeceptively edited videos that appeared to show Joe Biden freezing onstage or wandering away absentmindedly from a gathering of world leaders, but missed the larger story of his declining mental acuity. Trump is seventy-nine years old, with actual health conditions acknowledged by the White House, including a relatively innocuous one called chronic venous insufficiency. Theres a debate now whether theres a double standard in place, and whether we should have covered Bidens health more rigorously, said Daniel Bush, the White House correspondent for Newsweek. If we should have done more for Biden, shouldnt we then also be doing more to shine a light on Trump? On Monday, the historian and journalist Garrett Graff wrote on his blog that mainstream reporters are dismissing reports about Trumps health too quickly: Its very clearat least so farthat Trumps health is not a news event, but whats even more puzzling is the extent to which the national media doesnt even treat it as a news story. Graff told CJR, We have spent so much of this year watching this weird shame cycle of self-flagellation by the White House press corps, who is saying that they didnt dig into Joe Bidens decline aggressively enough or early enough, and now seem intent on repeating that exact set of mistakes and blind spots in their reporting on Donald Trump. Another White House reporter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because their employer did not authorize them to comment, said journalists should be covering Trumps health more aggressively. Theres a pretty serious reckoning, particularly after the June 2024 debate, that we needed to scrutinize Joe Biden more closely. That was a lesson learned that we should be applying this time around, the reporter said. We should be putting more scrutiny on the president. But with limited information, I think everyones doing the best they can. Sign up for CJRs daily email Most presidents try to draw a zone of privacy around their health to some extent or another, Peter Baker, the New York Times chief White House correspondent, said. But the health of a president is not a private matter. Its a subject of enormous public interest, and its our job to follow the facts and report as aggressively as we can. That said, he added, we are not doctors and ought not to speculate without hard facts. Andrew Feinberg, The Independents White House correspondent, agreed that more investigating should be done, but short of digging through his doctors offices garbage, its hard to do solid reporting on it when he, or any president, for that matter, is intent on keeping that kind of thing under wraps, as most people would. That Trump himself is known for spreading misinformation was not lost on many watching the false reports proliferate over the weekend. Asked at his Tuesday appearance about another recent viral video, which appeared to show items being dropped out of a White House window, Trump dismissed it as AI-generated; the next day, he shared an AI-generated video of two of his critics competing as sumo wrestlers. He has certainly done his share of platforming false information, and now hes a victim, said Kathy Kiely, a professor at the Missouri School of Journalism. Live by the sword, dieat least according to the rumor millby the sword. Newsmax sued its larger conservative news rival Fox Corp. in federal court in Florida on Wednesday, accusing the media giant of suppressing competition in the U.S. market for right-leaning pay TV and leaving consumers with less choice. The lawsuit in West Palm Beach alleged Fox and its affiliate Fox News Network violated antitrust law by coercing distributors to exclude competitors such as Newsmax or to restrict their reach. Foxs campaign to stunt Newsmaxs business has delayed, for almost a decade, Newsmaxs growth in pay TV distribution, the lawsuit said. In a statement, Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy said his company was focused on restoring fairness to the market and ensuring that Americans have real choice in the news they watch. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and a court order that would bar Foxs alleged misconduct. Newsmax cannot sue their way out of their own competitive failures in the marketplace to chase headlines simply because they cant attract viewers, Fox News Media said in a statement. Fox News has maintained a strong lead over its cable news competitors. Republican U.S. President Donald Trump promoted Newsmax during his first administration, while he often criticized other outlets coverage of him. The lawsuit said Newsmaxs ratings increased before and after the 2020 presidential election. In July, Trump Media & Technology Group launched its TV streaming platform, Truth+, which featured Newsmax. Newsmax was founded in 1998 and launched Newsmax TV as a pay television channel in 2014. It debuted this year as a publicly traded company. Newsmax said in the lawsuit that its programming offered an alternative to what it called Foxs establishment platform. Newsmax says its media properties reach more than 40 million Americans. In August, Newsmax agreed to pay $67 million to Dominion Voting Systems to settle a defamation lawsuit over false claims that the voting machine company rigged the 2020 election against Trump. Newsmax said it stood by its coverage but did not believe it could get a fair trial. Last year, the outlet reached a confidential settlement with voting machine maker Smartmatic, which alleged it was defamed by Newsmaxs false claims that its machines were rigged. Fox Corp and Fox News in 2023 settled a similar defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting for $787.5 million. (Reporting by Scarcella; Editing by David Bario and Nia Williams) The United States government has intervened and filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania under the False Claims Act against ProMedica Health System Inc. and affiliated entities for providing grossly substandard skilled nursing facility care or services. The lawsuit includes HCR ManorCare Inc. and four nursing homes in Pennsylvania, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia. ProMedica is a nonprofit corporation headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. From 2018 to 2023, it owned and controlled the following four nursing homes: ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Pottstown (Pennsylvania), ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Riverview (Ohio), ProMedica Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation Greenville East (South Carolina), and ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Imperial (Virginia), according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The DOJ alleges that the four nursing homes provided non-existent, grossly substandard skilled nursing facility care or services that failed to meet the required standards of care under the Nursing Home Reform Act. The complaint alleges that from 2017 to 2023, the defendants failed to develop or follow individualized care plans for their residents. In many cases, the facilities failed to provide adequate wound care to prevent pressure ulcers, failed to maintain residents hygiene and to provide showers as required, and failed to provide residents with appropriate assistance with feeding, which led to severe weight loss in many cases. To conceal the substandard care, in some cases, defendants falsely documented in resident medical records that care and services had been provided to residents when it had not been, according to the DOJ. The case is United States, et al., ex. rel. Compton v. HCR ManorCare, Inc. Scale AI Inc. sued rival data-labeling startup Mercor, accusing the firm and a former Scale employee of stealing trade secrets to attract new business. The suit, filed in San Francisco federal court Wednesday, alleges that Scales former head of engagement management, Eugene Ling, downloaded more than 100 customer strategy documents and other proprietary documents to a personal Google Drive while in communication with Mercor. Ling allegedly met with Mercor Chief Executive Officer Brendan Foody while working at Scale, and other Mercor employees discussed Scales business strategies and products with Ling, according to the lawsuit. Surya Midha, a Mercor co-founder, said the company is investigating. While Mercor has hired many people who departed Scale, we have no interest in any of Scales trade secrets and in fact are intentionally running our business in a different way, Midha said in a statement. Eugene informed us that he had old documents in a personal Google Drive, which we have never accessed and are now investigating. We reached out to Scale six days ago offering to have Eugene destroy the files or reach a different resolution, and we are now awaiting their response. The suit highlights the fierce competition in a key part of the AI industry. Founded in 2016, Scale has long been the best-known name in the market for helping tech firms label and annotate the data needed to build artificial intelligence models. But it has faced growing pressure from rivals in recent months. Scale has become the industry leader on the strength of our ideas, innovation, and execution, Joe Osborne, a Scale spokesperson, said in a statement. We wont allow anyone to take unlawful shortcuts at the expense of our business. In June, Meta Platforms Inc. finalized a $14.3 billion investment in Scale, taking a 49% stake in the company. Following the deal with Meta, some of Scales most prominent customers have phased out work with the startup including OpenAI and Alphabet Inc.s Google according to reports by Bloomberg News and others. OpenAI, in particular, has turned to Mercor to meet its needs for more and increasingly specialized data, Bloomberg has reported. The suit alleges that Mercor recruited Ling in order to expand its relationship with one of Scales large customers, claiming that a significant portion of the documents Ling stole pertained to that unidentified customer. Ling allegedly contacted the customer on behalf of Mercor while still employed at Scale, according to the suit. Mercor still uses Ling on the customers account, according to the complaint. The case is Scale AI Inc. v. Mercor.io Corporation, 25-cv-07402, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco). Top photo: The Scale AI logo on a laptop arranged in New York, on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Scale AI helps companies like the designer of ChatGPT improve the data that feed their systems. Photographer: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. The U.S. asked a federal court to force Southern California Edison to pay for fighting a pair of wildfires that were believed to have originated from its power lines, including the Eaton Fire in January in Los Angeles County that killed more than a dozen people and destroyed thousands of structures. The federal government on Thursday filed suits in Los Angeles seeking to recover the costs of suppressing the Eaton Fire, as well as the costs for fighting the Fairview Fire east of Los Angeles in September 2022 that killed two people. The US said both fires were the result of the utilitys negligence in the maintenance, operation or use of its power lines and equipment. Related: Most Losses in Destructive Eaton Fire Tied to Conflagration Hazard, Report Shows Utilities in the western U.S. have battled increasingly larger blazes as climate change has exacerbated extreme weather events. As a result, theyve shouldered increased wildfire-related liabilities, with the 2018 Camp Fire driving PG&E Corp. into bankruptcy. California has attempted to stabilize the utilities by setting up wildfire compensation funds for victims, but that fund is at risk of being depleted in the wake of the January wildfires in Los Angeles. Southern California Edison, a unit of Edison International, has seen scores of lawsuits related to the Eaton Fire, with complaints alleging that the utilitys equipment was involved in starting the wildfire. The cause of the fire, which devastated the Altadena neighborhood and killed 19 people, is still under investigation. The 2022 Fairview wildfire began in September and burned 28,000 acres, according to CalFire. The company didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Related: Viewpoint: Delay, Deny, Defend for California Wildfire Claims? In its lawsuit filed Thursday, the U.S. said the Eaton Fire was ignited by faulty power infrastructure or sparks from faulty power infrastructure owned and operated by Southern California Edison. The government said the utility knew about the potential dangers posed by high winds and power lines but failed to take action to prevent the ignition of a fire, noting that it issued a press release the day before the blaze highlighting its crews preparations for extreme winds and possible outages. The U.S. said Southern California Edison operates three transmission lines in the Eaton Canyon area where the fire appears to have started and admitted that it had detected a fault in one of the lines around the time of ignition. The U.S. is seeking the costs of suppressing the Eaton Fire and rehabilitating more than 8,000 acres of National Forest Lands that burned in the blaze, which it estimated at more than $40 million, and the amounts it paid to fight the Fairview Fire and rehab 14,000 acres. At the same time as the Eaton Fire, another blaze in Pacific Palisades driven by the same intense winds burned more than 20,000 acres. The cases are U.S. v Southern California Edison, 25-cv-8356 and 25-cv-8357, both in US District Court, Central District of California. Top photo: Structures burn during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California on Jan. 8. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. COLUMBUS, Ohio -As President Donald Trumps second presidential term reshapes the nation, Gen Z college students in Ohio are grappling with a new reality on campus. From executive orders ending diversity initiatives to sweeping changes in federal student loan programs, students are navigating a transformed higher education landscape that impacts their finances, academic environment, and future careers. Donald Trump will be president for most of the four years of incoming freshmens college careers. The following are five reasons why students are concerned. . 1. Diversity, equity and inclusion programs are being dismantled In response to a Trump executive order and in anticipation of a new state law, Ohio universities have closed their DEI offices. At Ohio State University, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Center for Belonging and Social Change were shuttered, with an email notifying students just one day before the closures. Students like Zen Bowers, a sophomore, expressed concern that the safe spaces created for people of color are now being more inclusive to people who are not as oppressed. The rapid changes have left some students feeling that political control is encroaching on education, which they believe should remain untouched by such influences. 2. Federal student loan changes threaten graduate school accessibility A new federal law, the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, is set to eliminate the Direct PLUS loan program that allows graduate students to borrow the full cost of their education. It will be replaced by a new program capping loans at $20,500 per year with a $100,000 lifetime limit for graduate school. This is a concern for students like OSU freshman Fouvia Ahmed, a first-generation student who dreams of medical school but now says, I dont know where Im going to get the funds. 3. Federal budget cuts are changing students career paths President Trumps goal of shrinking the federal workforce is having tangible consequences for students in specialized fields. Jonah Axelrod, a Kent State freshman studying to be a commercial pilot, has already been affected by budget cuts at the Federal Aviation Administration. He noted that Air Traffic Control outages and having less controllers at my airport in the New York area have directly impacted his flight training. This demonstrates how federal policies are creating immediate, real-world obstacles for students pursuing careers that rely on government agencies and infrastructure. 4. Widespread anxiety is prompting brain drain concerns The political and policy shifts are fostering a deep sense of anxiety and are causing some students to plan their futures outside of Ohio and even the United States. Deepan Wagle, an international student from Nepal at Kent State University, feels he came to the U.S. just as its downfall has begun and plans to move to Europe after graduation, citing the consolidation of Trumps power. Other students, like OSU freshman Kelly Hauck, admit to feeling a little anxiety from the political climate and try to limit media consumption. This sentiment reflects a fear for the future and is driving considerations of a potential brain drain. 5. Ohios Senate Bill 1 creates a broader chilling effect on campus Beyond the DEI bans, state Senate Bill 1 is forcing significant changes at public colleges. The law prohibits universities from taking official positions on controversial topics defined to include climate policy, electoral politics and abortion and mandates post-tenure reviews that could allow for the firing of professors who do not meet performance expectations. This has created a sense of unease among students. OSU freshman Jaxon Stevens, who is bisexual, said the law puts a little bit of hazard in the back of my mind and made him consider leaving Ohio for college. CLEVELAND, Ohio A Cleveland man is accused of being part of a group that used faked documents to scam several car dealers, including one in Beachwood, out of more than $500,000. The group used faked documents to obtain real titles in South Carolina, then carried out deals for several cars and SUVs by sending photos of the vehicles and documents to dealers in Texas, Wisconsin and Beachwood, according to a federal indictment. The dealers paid for the cars without realizing that the titles were fake. Five of 13 cars were never provided and at least two of the cars were stolen, according to court records. Prosecutors in Cleveland charged Detroit men Terrance Fletcher, Amont Johnson, Christopher Alexander and Donald Rush Jr., along with Tevin Howard of Cleveland. Each face one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud. Alexander pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday and was released on a $10,000 bond. Arraignments for the other four men, who do not yet have attorneys, have been scheduled through Sept. 9. The group used a scam called lien washing, a process by which the group took advantage of the rules in South Carolina for out-of-state residents trying to get titles, according to the indictment. In that state, an out-of-state title seeker only needs to submit an application, pay a fee, sign a bill of sale and state there is no lien on the vehicle. Lying on the forms is a crime. The state doesnt require a vehicle inspection, notary or proof of lien payment, the indictment said. The group submitted faked Michigan titles to the South Carolina Bureau of Motor Vehicles to get clean titles that made it appear there were no ownership issues, prosecutors said. The group carried out the scam on four dealers and a Warren, Michigan, man from December 2022 to June 2024, according to prosecutors. The Ohio State Highway Patrol and Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles began investigating in August 2023 after finding the Beachwood dealer, MH 3 Cars, sold seven cars that were stolen or had fraudulent South Carolina titles, according to court records. Among those included a 2016 Dodge Durango and a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado that had been stolen, according to court records. Those two cars were later seized by authorities in Michigan and Ohio after MH 3 sold them, according to a lawsuit. The owner told investigators that he bought the cars from someone he knew as Mark Jones, but who turned out to be Fletcher, the indictment says. He also said he worked with Howard, who found cars for him to buy and sell, according to court records. Fletcher and Howard sold MH 3 the Silverado and a 2021 Cadillac Escalade for $65,000 and the Durango for $13,000 over the course of a few months, the indictment said. Fletchers group carried out similar schemes on a Warren, Michigan man, who bought a 2021 GMC Yukon for $47,000, a dealer in Verona, Wisconsin, who bought a 2019 Audi Q 8 for $31,000 and a dealer in Tempe, Arizona, who bought an SUV and a truck for more than $78,000, according to the indictment. A dealer in Rowlett, Texas, paid $241,000 for six vehicles from the group but only received one, a 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 Big Horn that had been stolen, court records say. After the Warren, Michigan, man learned the car he bought had a fake title, Fletcher told him not to call law enforcement and said he could fix the problem. He then tried to sell the man five other cars, according to the indictment. Ohio's four-year-old congressional district lines, seen above, are about to be redrawn again. Republicans, who control the redistricting process, are expected to pass a new map designed to help them win at least two more of Ohio's 15 congressional seats in 2026. COLUMBUS, OhioAs Ohio legislative leaders gear up for another round of congressional redistricting, legislative leaders are asking the public to submit their own proposals for how the states 15 U.S. House districts should be redrawn. But state lawmakers are seeking public input because theyre required to by the Ohio Constitution. And if history is any guide, the officials in charge of redistricting will likely ignore whatever proposals are submitted when they pass their final map this fall. Lawmakers from both parties have launched a website to collect publicly submitted redistricting proposals, though the site includes no information for people about the nuts and bolts of how to actually put together a redistricting plan. Ohio must redraw its congressional districts this year because the current district lines, approved by Republicans in 2022, are expiring after four years (instead of the usual 10 years) for lack of bipartisan support. The states legislative district lines, which were most recently redrawn in 2023 , are not being altered this year. Republicans, who control both the state legislature and the seven-member Ohio Redistricting Commission, are expected to pass a new redistricting plan by November that gives them an advantage in 12, or even 13, congressional districts up from the 10 seats the GOP currently holds. Redistricting, both in Ohio and elsewhere, has become an inherently political process, with the majority partys goal from the start being to maintain or expand power. Theres even more pressure than usual to do so this year, as President Donald Trump has pushed red states like Ohio to redraw as many GOP-leaning districts as possible to increase Republicans narrow majority in the House. Democrats in states like California have responded by seeking to pass their own gerrymandered maps . State officials also solicited maps from the public in 2022 and 2023, the last two redistricting cycles. Thats because the Ohio Constitutions redistricting rules, passed by voters in 2018 , require legislators to facilitate and allow members of the public to submit redistricting proposals. But no serious consideration was paid to any of the publicly submitted redistricting maps in either of those cycles. The redistricting plans that ended up passing were negotiated by state officials and drawn by legislative staffers behind closed doors. How to create a redistricting plan While creating a new congressional redistricting plan for Ohio can be a complex undertaking, its a lot easier than it was just a few years ago, thanks to redistricting websites such as Daves Redistricting , Districtr , and DistrictBuilder . Some might need to use U.S. Census redistricting data to help create their proposed map. The Ohio Constitution also lays out a list of rules that must be followed at least initially in any redistricting plan, including that districts must be compact, contiguous, roughly equal in population, and cant split up counties more than a certain number of times. The legislatures redistricting website states that members of the public have to submit both a complete statewide plan and an image of a map depicting what their proposed boundaries would look like, either online or by mailing it to Ohio Senate Clerks office at the Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus. Seventeen maps were submitted in the names of 13 different people in the first 24 hours after the redistricting website was unveiled Tuesday, There was no immediate way to verify the names attached to those redistricting proposals. Thats because the legislature doesnt collect any information from people submitting the plans, nor is there any attempt to verify their identities. House GOP spokeswoman Olivia Wile stated in an email that this is because the Ohio Constitution does not outline a way for lawmakers to confirm the names or identities of people turning in proposed redistricting maps. One of the proposed redistricting plans, submitted in the name of Andrew Thompson, the self-proclaimed RINO Mayor of Ohio, would create 12 Republican-leaning districts and three Democratic districts in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus. Another plan, in the name of Mark Aubin of America First Insight, a Florida-based conservative group, shows how a 13-2 GOP-majority map might be done, as it redraws the Democratic-leaning 1st Congressional District, held by U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman of Cincinnati, into a red-leaning district by taking up parts of GOP-friendly Butler and Warren counties. On the other side, a map offered under the name of Mateus Marques would give Republicans an edge in eight districts (only two of which would be solidly red). Democrats would get slim-to-moderate advantages in seven districts, including four districts that reach into Greater Cleveland. Cleveland teacher Donald Nunney suffered a sudden heart attack behind the wheel, leading to a deadly crash that killed him and his wife and injured their children. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com A sudden heart attack turned a routine college drop-off trip into a heartbreaking tragedy for a Cleveland family, People reported. Donald Nunney, 55, suffered a fatal heart attack on Aug. 15, while driving on Interstate 40 near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, his son Noah, 19, revealed to People. As a result, the familys minivan veered off the road and crashed into trees. His wife, Maria Nunney, 50, died at the scene, while Donald was airlifted to a nearby hospital but died from his injuries later. When I arrived to the scene, I thought all four were gone, Noah told People in an exclusive interview. They wouldnt let me out of the car, and the way that they sat me down and the look on the officers face was truly horrifying. The couples two younger children, Lucia, 15, and Leo, 9, were seriously injured. Noah had been traveling with them to the University of North Carolina for college, according to People. Both Donald and Maria were beloved educators in Cleveland. Donald taught English at Joseph M. Gallagher Elementary School, while Maria served as a counselor at Wilbur Wright PreK-8 School. In the wake of the crash, the community has rallied around the surviving children. A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $400,000 to support them. They didnt even have to perform an autopsy because all signs led to a heart attack with my father, Noah said of the cause of the crash. He was driving, had a heart attack and they swerved off the road. This story was written with the assistance of AI. 2025 Wa New Rice Festival to kick off during National Day holiday People's Daily Online) 10:12, September 04, 2025 People perform a folk dance during a press conference for the 2025 Wa New Rice Festival and a series of folk culture activities to be held in Ximeng Wa Autonomous County, Pu'er city, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (People's Daily Online/Hu Zunhui) The 2025 Wa New Rice Festival, along with a series of folk cultural activities, will be held in Ximeng Wa Autonomous County, Pu'er city, southwest China's Yunnan Province, during this year's National Day holiday, according to a press conference held on Aug. 29 in Kunming, the provincial capital. The event will run from Oct. 1 to 6 in the county. Organizers have extended a warm invitation to visitors from across the country and abroad to join the celebrations, immerse themselves in authentic Wa customs, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Wa people. Traditionally, around the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, locals in Ximeng mark the grain harvest with rituals to pray for favorable weather, family well-being, and bountiful crops. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) India is accelerating its free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with key partners as part of a broader strategy to diversify markets and strengthen exports, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said in an exclusive conversation with Network18 Group Editor Rahul Joshi.The statement comes days after the US-imposed 50% tariff on Indian imports, which came into effect last month on August 27. The Trump administration imposed an additional 25% penalty on a slew of Indian imports, citing large-scale purchases of Russian oil despite Western sanctions.Goyal highlighted that Our missions are working in 50 countries, which we have identified through data analytics and artificial intelligence where our products that need a market can be offered, and in lieu of that, what we can buy from those countries who may also be stressed.Presently, the negotiations with the European Union, Oman, and New Zealand are making very rapid progress. Underlining the focus will be on fast-tracking FTAs, the minister said, We are doing a second branch in Australia, will soon announce closure of Oman, and New Zealand will also close by the end of the year.Goyal also confirmed that the four-nation EFTA pact (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) will come into force from October 1, while talks with the EU are set to intensify next week when Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis visits New Delhi.The UK agreement has been executed , Oman will be announced soon, and negotiations with Chile, Peru, Eurasia, and Qatar are advancing, Goyal said. The idea is to open new markets for Indian exporters at a time when certain developed economies are turning protectionist, he added.While trade tensions with the US remain unresolved following tariff escalations, Goyal stressed that the IndiaUS relationship remains one of the most consequential in the world and expressed confidence that a mutually beneficial agreement could be concluded around November 2025, in line with the timeline set by PM Modi and President Trump earlier this year.Earlier, speaking at a trade event in Delhi, Minister Goyal said that a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) between India and the US could get finalised by November this year.With respect to China, the minister acknowledged that post-Galwan tensions had strained ties but indicated a gradual reset was underway. However, he signaled a cautious approach to improving relations. I would allow time to take the decision. I would not like to pre-empt what will happen in the future, he said.Goyal also reaffirmed his confidence in Indias export resilience, dismissing estimates of a sharp decline this year. In the first five months itself, exports to the US have already crossed $43 billion, compared to $86 billion for the full year last year. Newer markets and trading arrangements are already coming into play, he said. A tremor of 4.8 magnitude shook Afghanistan on Thursday (September 4) the fourth aftershock in less than a week since the country's eastern region was devastated by a 6.0 magnitude earthquake on Sunday, (August 31). Data from Delhi-based National Centre for Seismology showed the latest aftershock struck at 10.40 am IST at a depth of 135 km. Taliban authorities reported 1,469 deaths and over 3,700 injured, with the toll likely to increase, according to AFP. Search and rescue operations are underway. The previous aftershock of 4.3 magnitude was felt on Wednesday (September 3) night at a depth of 10 km. The UK, South Korea, and Australia are among the few countries that have announced funding to support relief work, although they are not sending the amount to the Taliban government. The UK has offered 1 million ($1.3 million) through aid organisations , while South Korea will give $1 million through the United Nations. Australia has committed $1 million to be disbursed through its established partners. Also Read: Dozens of bodies recovered from village hit by landslide in Darfur as pope prays for victims Highly prone to natural calamities, the country has witnessed at least 355 earthquakes with a magnitude of 5.0 or higher since 1990, according to Reuters. On average, they have killed about 560 people and caused damages estimated at $80 million every year. Explainer: Why is Afghanistan so prone to earthquakes? When Seinfeld first began, it mostly focused on the day-to-day happenings of a New York stand-up comedian and his friends the idea being that wed get to see the events that helped to shape his act. But by the fourth season, the show was tackling far more bizarre subjects, like, say, the potential side effects of inserting pieces of candy into surgical cavities. The Junior Mint memorably found Jerry and Kramer attending Elaines artist ex Roys splenectomy and inadvertently dropping a lone Junior Mint into the incision following a scuffle in the observation deck, which none of the doctors notice. Don't Miss While Roy takes a turn for the worse, the chocolatey treat seemingly saves his life. As the surgeon notes at the end of the episode, a mysterious force staved off the infection, possibly something from above. Could wedging candy between internal organs actually be beneficial for surgery patients? A Seinfeld fan on Reddit recently asked medical experts to weigh in on what would really happen were someone to drop a Junior Mint into the abdominal cavity. One commenter, claiming to be an abdominal surgeon (although we obviously have no way of verifying that), said that the Junior Mint would likely cause an abscess (a collection of pus within the tissues of the body) that might require drainage. But the rest of the mint would break down. They did admit, though, that some type of weird chemical reaction/burn could occur from some ingredient/content of the mint that could make a hole in the bowel, adding that this seems very unlikely. This is hardly the first time that the episodes medical science has been discussed online. YouTuber Doctor Mike once noted that, contrary to Georges nonchalance, the Junior Mint could really hurt Roy since it could cause an infection and even peritonitis, which would be a medical emergency. But he also points out that doctors have left all types of surgical devices in patients. So while theres no precedent for a Junior Mint specifically being sewn up inside of a surgical patient, its not that uncommon for random items to find their way into peoples sedated bodies. Advertisement Incidentally, the writer of the episode, Andy Robin, worried that the premise made no sense after pitching the idea since hospitals generally dont allow randos to watch surgeries while chowing down on snacks. It just suddenly dawned on me that this isnt the 1890s, Robin told The Huffington Post. Theres going to be some sterility. Its going to be a very controlled environment. And how is somebody going to sneak Junior Mints in? Advertisement Advertisement Even while it was being produced, Robin was certain that hed be ridiculed for the episodes inaccuracies and ruin the show. Incidentally, despite the fact that the episode was a hit, Robin later quit show business and went to medical school but presumably he never tested out his Junior Mint miracle cure theory. In last nights new episode of South Park, Wok is Dead, Trey Parker and Matt Stone explained President Donald Saddam Hussein Trumps tariff plan with elegant simplicity: Its like AIDS! One of President Trumps first moves upon his return to the White House earlier this year was to roll out a restrictive, seemingly arbitrary tariff policy that punished our closest trading partners by imposing heavy taxes on imported goods that get passed along to the American consumer. Since the new tariff-based trading policy began, Americans have had to pay increasingly exorbitant prices for everything from coffee to clothing to collectible demonic kids toys like the Labubu, the Hong Kong-based stuffed animal that sent the girls of South Park Elementary into violent hysteria earlier tonight. Don't Miss A central plot line in Wok is Dead revolved around Butters trying to obtain an ultra-rare Labubu for his girlfriend Red, only to find that City Asian Pop-Up Store (formerly City Wok) has taken every last cent of Trumps tariffs on Chinese goods out of its customers pockets, because, as Tuong Lu Kim so eloquently explained, I dont get fucked by tariffs, you get fucked by tariffs! In China, we call that hot potato. The problem with tariffs, as everyone who doesnt love how Donald Trump is fucking Satan now hopefully understands, is that, while Trump may claim that the high taxes paid on goods from China give Americans a leg up over Chinese competitors, any company that has to import goods or materials before selling them on the American market is simply going to raise their prices by however much Trumps tariffs are that week. In fact, they might just use Trumps tariffs as an excuse to raise prices even further and squeeze consumers for every last dime. Advertisement So, really, Trump isnt punishing China with the tariffs hes punishing every single American who buys goods sourced from China, which, as we all know, is every single American. And, since Trump continues to change the tariffs on a whim despite what any court rules, that means that Americans have no way of knowing how bad theyre about to get price-gouged until theyre at the check-out counter. Or, as Kim put it, You never know with tariffs, they make no sense! But, while Trumps tariffs may put even greater pressure on the budgets of average Americans who were already struggling to get by before Trump started his one-sided trade war, maybe its for the best if Labubus end up becoming prohibitively expensive for the average schoolchild. The demonic ritual that the South Park Elementary fourth-graders performed with Butters super-rare Labubu just ended up summoning Trump, and history has taught us to keep that guy far away from any underaged girls. When the synopsis for this weeks South Park episode, Wok Is Dead, dropped online, fans learned that the show would be all about how Butters experiences the reality of tariffs when he has to buy a Labubu doll for his girlfriends birthday. Which begged the question: Who exactly is Butters girlfriend? Don't Miss Could it be Charlotte, the Canadian refugee who fled the Great White North after their Trumpian Prime Minister ruined the country? Or maybe Lexus, the server who leaves Butters brokenhearted? Well, now that the episode has aired, we can say that the mystery girlfriend was, in fact, Red. Of course, it seems as though she may have just been using Butters in order to get him to buy her a super-rare Labubu doll, thus allowing her and her friends to open up a portal capable of summoning the Devil himself. Advertisement Red McArthur may not be the most prominent of South Park characters, but she has popped up in a number of scenes over the years, usually palling around with Bebe and/or Wendy. Advertisement Although she didnt have any lines, Red actually appeared in the very first episode of the show, Cartman Gets An Anal Probe. She can be seen sitting next to Bebe in the front of the school bus, just behind the screaming Ms. Crabtree. Advertisement Advertisement While characters like Ms. Crabtree are obviously no longer a part of South Park (she was brutally murdered back in Season Eight), Red has somehow managed to stick around this entire time. That being said, her name hasnt always been totally clear. For example, in Season Nines Erection Day, Jimmy refers to her as Bertha. Advertisement And she was called Rebecca in Season 11s The List, in which she was a key figure in the Watergate-esque conspiracy that led to Clyde being voted cutest boy by the fourth-grade girls. Advertisement Advertisement The show later referenced this inconsistency by having yell Cartman yell fuck you whatever your name is at Red. Advertisement But now that Red has obtained the cursed Labubu from Butters and met Satan and his significant other, Donald Trump it seems pretty doubtful that their relationship will continue any further. The way Greg Gutfeld sees it, late-night comedy shouldnt leave people feeling enraged when they go to bed. I think doing a late-night show that makes everyone feel bad is a disservice, he told the Los Angeles Times. I dont understand that. Thats when you have people switching the channel to come to us. Its hard not to picture Gutfeld rubbing his hands together and cackling as he revels in his ratings. While other late-night hosts, from Jimmy Kimmel to Seth Meyers to Stephen Colbert, vent their cultural and political outrage, Gutfeld says it was an obvious move to cater his show to conservatives looking for a good time. Those shows gave me the opportunity by not addressing most of the country, and it was there for the taking, he explains. There was literally free money on the table, and so I took it. The Gutfeld! host says hes just sticking up for the nerds and dweebs who get ignored in the cafeteria, telling Kimmel and Colbert that theyre no longer the cool kids at the table. You took people for granted, he explained, you insulted everybody else, and were the ones now who are having fun. Don't Miss Fun, fun, fun! Gutfeld says fun is his shows key differentiator, not politics. Sure, maybe youre sad that Biden lost, but were going to have so much fun, and this is going to be great! he enthused. And then Trump wins. This is going to be so much fun, and this is going to be great! So, were going to have fun, and things are going to be great no matter who wins or loses. Jimmy Fallon gets it, says Gutfeld, who was a recent guest on The Tonight Show. It was fun! he claimed, doubling down on the mantra. It went the way I think we both wanted it to go, which was like an old-school TV segment you would have seen on Carson. Just two people having a fun conversation. The two have something else in common they both have fun getting wasted. Fallon had no memory of meeting Gutfeld 15 years earlier, mainly because they were both bombed out of their gourds, Gutfeld told The Tonight Show audience. The two hooked up at an illegal speakeasy in Hells Kitchen, where a drunken Fallon tackled Guftfeld by way of introduction. The two smoked cigs and hit up more bars that night, including one with a shirtless bartender, corroborating tales of Fallons drunken mishaps during his early late-night run. Advertisement Advertisement Boy, is Gutfeld having fun. With The Five, I really push the concept of teasing, because when I genuinely like somebody, I tease them, he said. And you can guess why When everybody is together teasing each other, its a very fun thing. Teasing is the secret ingredient of Gutfeld! and The Five, he says, just like on his old show Red Eye, where funny pals roasted each other without mercy. It was like a perverted version of Friends. And what could be more fun than that? The President has been hyper-fixated on his afterlife, in spite of his relationship with evil Everyone knows that Donald Saddam Hussein Trump is fucking Satan, but not everyone on the far right is as excited about that fact as Fox News. Last night, South Park launched yet another explicit and hilarious attack on President Trump and the Republican power structure that enables him to act as a small-dicked Middle-Eastern dictator with the new episode Wok Is Dead, in which the diverse press corps of Fox News hounded the President and his Season 27 boyfriend for confirmation that Donald Trump is fucking Satan. The return of the on-again-off-again lovers from the early seasons of South Park has allowed the show to not-so-subtly make its stance on the President even more clear as millions of viewers across America laughed at how brilliantly South Park pointed out what many of us already knew: Donald Trump is fucking evil itself. Don't Miss Interestingly enough, Wok Is Dead comes at a moment of serious concern in the Presidents spiritual life. Earlier this week, following what many have speculated to be some sort of health scare, President Trump sent out a mass email to his supporters asking for each of them to send him $15 with the subject line, "I want to try and get into heaven. Oh, wait, it's actually $40 now stupid tariffs. The bizarre email that Trump voters across America received was part of the Trump campaigns 24-HOUR TRUMP FUNDRAISING BLITZ, which is alarming for numerous reasons, not the least of which is the fact that Presidential term limits are codified in the 22nd Amendment though Trump has never held much regard for the Constitution. But even for the voters who, like Fox News, love that Trump is fucking Satan, the suggestion that Trump is begging for help to secure good standing in the afterlife is concerning, especially because its been a major fixation for the Commander-in-Chief for a few weeks now. Advertisement Late last month, Trump spoke with Fox & Friends about his efforts to mediate a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine, saying that he believes his mission is a holy one that could secure him absolution for his many, many sins. If I can save 7,000 people a week from being killed, I think thats pretty I want to try to get to heaven if possible, Im hearing that Im not doing well, Trump said ominously. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole. Trump then added, But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons. Advertisement Whether or not Trump is actually dying like half of Twitter hoped this past weekend, clearly, South Park's satanic accusations are coming at a time when the 79-year-old small-dicked dictator is thinking long and hard about his own mortality. Either South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone heard about the spiritual concerns that Trump expressed on Fox & Friends when they wrote Wok Is Dead, or the timing on their most damning parody of Trump was nothing short of divine intervention. In that same interview, Trump postulated, If Im good, Im going to Heaven and if Im bad, Im going someplace else like over there, right? Presumably, J.D. Vance will have to go with him over there when the time comes after all, someone has to rub baby oil on Satan's asshole. Delivering the news that Ben Marshall is joining the Saturday Night Live cast with no more Please Dont Destroy digital shorts as a result must have been fucking awkward, David Spade said this week on the Fly on the Wall podcast. Its just weird, agreed Dana Carvey. Its like the Three Stooges and they take Moe Howard, but Shemp doesn't get anything. Don't Miss Another way of looking at it: The idea that Lorne Michaels raids comedy troupes and cherry-picks the best talent isnt weird at all. After all, its something hes been doing since the very first days of Saturday Night Live. Here are five comedy groups that lost some of their best talents to SNL. Second City Nearly half of the original cast of Saturday Night was made up of Second City improvisers, including John Belushi from Chicago, and Dan Aykroyd and Gilda Radner from Toronto. After one season, Second Citys Bill Murray also jumped on board. Over the years, theyd be joined by Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows, Mike Myers, and Cecily Strong. Second City got little to show for it. Bernie Sahlins, one of the troupes founders, decided to compete in this really weird way with Saturday Night Live, remembered Joe Flaherty in The Second City Unscripted. The result was Second City Television or SCTV, a successful attempt to mine its own talent for TV sketch comedy. Dick Ebersol raided that show as well, hiring Martin Short and Catherine OHara (who quit once she saw what a mess SNL was in the early 80s.) The Groundlings The original cast also included Laraine Newman, a member of the not-yet-famous troupe The Groundlings. Over the years, Michaels used the Groundlings as a farm team, plucking comics like Will Ferrell, Phil Hartman, Chris Kattan, Ana Gasteyer, Jon Lovitz, Maya Rudolph, and Kristen Wiig. Its funny because on the first day you teach, you have to tell your students, Be here because you want to be here and you want to learn improv. Not because you want this to be a stepping stone to Saturday Night Live, Michaela Watkins told Vanity Fair. And then the second day I was teaching that class, I had to call someone and say, I am going to Saturday Night Live. Can you cover my classes? Advertisement The Kids in the Hall Lorne sent Al Franken and Jim Downey to Toronto to check out hot new group Kids in the Hall, leading to audition offers for only two of its members. Mark McKinney and Bruce McCulloch made the trip to try out, and according to Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live, Michaels mumbled to them, So are you busy in September? The two didnt know if they were hired, only finding out later that theyd be writers. They lasted one miserable year before Michaels sent them packing, and the two rejoined Kids in the Hall once again. To ease the pain, Lorne helped the group land their own show on HBO. Advertisement Advertisement Upright Citizens Brigade The Upright Citizens Brigade grew out of Chicagos Improv Olympic, and soon delivered talents like Amy Poehler, John Mulaney, Bobby Moynihan, Kate McKinnon and Horatio Sanz to SNL. In the 2000s, the troupe was a virtual pipeline to late-night. Modified: Thursday, 4 September 2025 17:30 BST David Woodsmith STORY LINK Pound to Euro Today: Will UK Retail Sales Knock Pound Sterling Off Balance? Save on Your GBP/EUR Transfer Get better rates and lower fees on your next international money transfer. Compare TorFX with top UK banks in seconds and see how much you could save. Compare the Best GBP/EUR Rates GBP/EUR Forecast: UK Retail Sales Data to Drive Movement Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound to Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate was trapped in a narrow range on Thursday despite the release of weaker-than-expected data from the Eurozone.At the time of writing, the GBP/EUR was trading at around 1.1542, virtually unchanged from Thursdays opening levels.The Euro (EUR) saw mixed movement on Thursday, benefiting from safe-haven demand but coming under pressure following disappointing data from the Eurozone.The blocs latest retail sales figures revealed a sharp drop in July, with the index sliding from 0.6% to -0.5%, far worse than the -0.2% decline forecast.The weak result heightened concerns over consumer activity across the region.While the Euro managed to edge higher against risk-sensitive currencies amid the days cautious market mood, losses against other peers reflected the drag from the downbeat retail sales report.The Pound (GBP) held firm through Thursdays European session, advancing against several peers despite the cautious mood across markets.Investor appetite shifted towards safe-haven assets, and while Sterling often behaves as a risk-sensitive currency, the downbeat sentiment allowed it to gain ground against more volatile counterparts such as the Australian Dollar (AUD) and New Zealand Dollar (NZD).Lingering support also came from remarks made a day earlier by Bank of England (BoE) Governor Andrew Bailey.His hawkish tone tempered expectations for imminent rate cuts, helping to underpin GBP demand during Thursdays trade.The focus in Fridays European session will fall on the UKs upcoming retail sales figures, which could set the tone for Pound to Euro (GBP/EUR) trade.Economists are expecting a slowdown in spending during July, with the index projected to slip from 0.9% to 0.2%.If confirmed, the weaker data may dampen confidence in Sterling and push the currency onto the back foot.In contrast, the Eurozones calendar offers no major releases to close out the week.With a lack of fresh catalysts on Friday, the single currency may struggle to establish a decisive trajectory, leaving EUR movement largely influenced by external drivers. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Pound Euro Forecasts 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 Over 100 fishing vessels head for the sea in NE China's Liaoning as fishing season starts People's Daily Online) 10:29, September 04, 2025 More than 100 fishing vessels depart from a port in Jinzhou, northeast China's Liaoning Province, heading for the Bohai Sea. (People's Daily Online/Tang Long) On the morning of Sept. 1, 2025, crowds gathered at a fishing port in Jinzhou, northeast China's Liaoning Province, as part of a ceremony celebrating the opening of the fishing season. At 11:58 a.m., more than 100 fishing boats sounded their whistles and set sail from the central fishing port into the Bohai Sea, marking the start of a new season of marine harvests. "For us, the start of the fishing season is as important as the first grain harvest is for farmers. The ceremony makes us feel the government's strong support for the fishery industry and boosts our confidence in having a safe and bountiful harvest at sea," said Liu Baocheng, captain of fishing vessel 15247. More than 100 fishing vessels depart from a port in Jinzhou, northeast China's Liaoning Province, heading for the Bohai Sea. (People's Daily Online/Tang Long) More than 100 fishing vessels depart from a port in Jinzhou, northeast China's Liaoning Province, heading for the Bohai Sea. (Photo courtesy of the Communist Party of China Jinzhou Municipal Committee) Fishermen prepare to set sail from a port in Jinzhou, northeast China's Liaoning Province, heading for the Bohai Sea. (Photo courtesy of the Communist Party of China Jinzhou Municipal Committee) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Will the British public accept the version of herself that Angela Rayner put forward in her syrupy interview yesterday with Beth Rigby of Sky News a victim poorly advised by lawyers and now anxious to stump up the 40,000 stamp duty she avoided paying? Or will they think she is a gross hypocrite who as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary should have paid the right amount of tax on the purchase of her second home in Hove? A requirement, moreover, which all ordinary mortals are legally obliged to fulfil in respect of their own tax affairs even as this Government goes on hiking taxes a predilection that will doubtless persist until it is finally hounded out of office, and this country left in ruins. I believe that public opinion, aside from a few Labour die-hards, will judge that Angela Rayner has behaved carelessly, presumptuously and possibly illegally, and conclude that she is unfit to be Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Whether Sir Keir Starmer will take the same view is another matter. He doesnt much like Rayner, who has coveted his job, but to lose his deputy over a financial scandal would be a severe blow to this deeply unpopular Government. On the other hand, if he continues to defend her as he did yesterday at Prime Ministers Questions under feeble cross-examination from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch the Government will rightly be accused of condoning feckless behaviour, and of failing to distinguish right from wrong. There is no conceivable defence of Rayner absolutely none. Many will believe that she deliberately avoided paying 40,000 stamp duty on her new flat in Hove, and her near-tearfulness during the interview, her references to her disabled son, and her shifting of the blame to lawyers wont convince them otherwise. These people will also rightly think that, had it not been for a vigilant Press, led by The Mail on Sundays scoop 11 days ago, Angela Rayner would never have volunteered to pay the money she owes HMRC. I believe that public opinion, aside from a few Labour die-hards, will judge that Angela Rayner has behaved carelessly, presumptuously and possibly illegally, writes Stephen Glover Angela Rayner's third property - a seaside apartment in Hove for which she paid 800,000 - is at the heart of the controversy Without newspapers, we wouldnt be any the wiser about Rayners tax avoidance. Our state broadcaster the BBC underplayed the story for many days, just as it largely ignored allegations last year about her tax arrangements, including the charge (later dismissed by HMRC) that she avoided paying capital gains tax on the sale of her council house in 2015. It isnt necessary, however, to believe that Rayner knowingly underpaid tax to be certain that she should resign. If she is smart enough to be Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, she is smart enough to find out how much tax she is obliged to pay. This Government significantly increased stamp duty on second homes with effect from April of this year. If anyone could reasonably be expected to understand the liabilities of buyers of second homes, it is surely the Housing Secretary. Furthermore, having been subject to allegations last year about the underpayment of tax in 2015, she should have been doubly careful to ensure that she paid the correct amount on this occasion. A sensible and punctilious person would have done no less. During her interview with Beth Rigby, Rayner attempted to pin the blame on poor legal advice that she and her husband had obtained when they decided to put her constituency house in trust for their disabled son. This is what she said: With all of the media reports that have been coming out, I took expert counsel advice on all of my affairs to ensure that everything was done proper [sic], and that expert counsel said that the [earlier] advice that I received was inaccurate because of the trust. The trust refers to arrangements she and her husband made in relation to their disabled son. Nonetheless, she is still legally deemed an owner of the constituency house, and was therefore obliged to pay second home stamp duty when she bought the property in Hove. She should have known this as Housing Minister. She should have guessed it as an intelligent human being. And as a citizen she had a duty to obey tax rules. It is ultimately her fault if she accepted defective legal advice. She could and should have consulted a competent lawyer, as she claims now to have done. In other words, even if we accept her account that she sought and had been given dud advice by her first lawyer, this does not in any way exonerate her from having failed to pay the correct amount of tax. Do I hear muted grumbles from her few defenders that Angela Rayner is a working-class lass who left school at 16, and cant be expected to master all the complexities of tax law? Her own official website states plaintively: Angela is not an Oxbridge-educated, former special adviser, professional politician. She did not have a privileged upbringing and never went to public school or university. But she is Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary! And she has yearned to be Prime Minister distant though that prospect may now be. She is on record as hating Tories. She wants to tax the better off until they squeal. But no intelligent person thinks she is stupid. Nor, as one columnist recently suggested, do her critics want her to crash and burn on account of her humble background. On the contrary. All decent people would rejoice to see someone born with her disadvantages triumph. Just not in the way she has done. If she had built up a small property portfolio without at the same time championing higher taxes, and while observing all her legal obligations, no one would be happier than me. She would be a poster girl for entrepreneurs. As it is, she is a rank hypocrite who doesnt observe the rules that her own government is shoving down our throats. And she has the temerity to lambast others for doing what she has now done herself. At the 2021 Labour Party conference, Rayner inveighed against supposedly privileged Tories by claiming that theres one rule for them and another rule for us. That is precisely what can be said about her behaviour now. Here is a politician who in 2023 called for the then Conservative Party chairman, Nadhim Zahawi, to resign from government, describing his position as untenable. Zahawi had reportedly paid a penalty to HMRC as part of a multi-million-pound tax settlement. If Zahawis position was untenable, Rayners is indefensible, hopeless and shameful. She has failed to pay 40,000 in tax, and so far blamed anyone but herself. No apologies, no apparent awareness of the magnitude of her error. Weak and beleaguered though he is and, I suspect, in his heart frightened of Angela Rayner it would be unconscionable if Sir Keir Starmer tried to save her. It would be final confirmation that he has wholly forgotten his promise made outside No 10 on the morning after the General Election last year of a return of politics to public service and to put country first, party second. If Angela Rayner stays, there will be an ineradicable stain on this government. If she goes, it will suffer a blow, but at least Sir Keir will retain a shred of integrity. It is as simple as that. It sounds like the sort of thing that happens in shady, autocratic third-world regimes. A man returning home from a trip to the US, gets through passport control to find five police officers waiting for him. His alleged crime? A few jokes on social media. Send him straight the gulag! I've known the comedian Graham Linehan for a while. Similar to my unlikely friendships with Rosie Duffield and JK Rowling, we have found common cause in fighting for the rights of women and girls. Graham has been a brilliant warrior in the war on gender ideology from the outset and he's taken awful abuse for it. I am familiar with these bullying tactics and I know exactly what it is like to be attacked for defending women's single-sex spaces. But Graham's arrest should serve as a warning to everyone who values freedom in Britain. The values of free speech are being slowly eroded by people weaponising the law and using it for petty squabbling. Five police officers should not be sent to silence a comedian for saying what most people believe, no matter who is complaining. The whole episode raises serious questions. What does it say about our country that someone can be flagged as they fly home from the US, not for terrorism, trafficking or fraud, but for expressing opinions online? Why are our limited policing resources being used to hunt down comedians, while child grooming gangs are left to operate for decades without serious intervention? Why are burglary victims routinely told police can't attend because of limited resources, yet five officers can be dispatched to arrest a man who dares to say what everyone else thinks that men can't become women, and do not belong in women's spaces? Graham Linehan has been a brilliant warrior in the war on gender ideology from the outset and he's taken awful abuse for it, writes Kemi Badenoch The truth is that Labour are happy for this insane situation to continue. They nod along as speech is policed, as the law is twisted beyond recognition, as the police are turned into social media referees instead of crime-fighters. The Conservatives tried to scrap Non-Crime Hate Incidents this spring. Labour MPs voted against it. They might now remonstrate against Linehan's arrest, but they preside over the atmosphere of intolerance that got him arrested in the first place. Reform are just as bad. Only a few weeks ago, when challenged on the issue of putting men in women's prisons, Nigel Farage said it was about 'risk assessment'. This is the very issue Graham was campaigning on, and which provoked the police overreaction. Reform are comfortable employing advisers who would put men in women's prisons. Labour indulge this ideology, Reform enable it. Only the Conservatives will stop it. As I have said before, if the law is allowing the police to do this, the law must be changed. In Government, the Conservatives deferred too much to police leadership, enabling them to engage in destructive identity politics when they should have been fighting crime. That is why I am setting out bold new Conservative policies to put this right and to put the police back on the side of the public. We will ensure the Public Order Act is fit for purpose in today's world, which is vastly different from when it was introduced in 1986. We will make sure that people cannot be arrested simply for saying what everyone knows to be true. We will scrap Non-Hate Crime Incidents and ensure the police prioritise actual policing rather than politics making it clear that officers should be hunting burglars, fraudsters and grooming gangs, not comedians at passport control. And we would hold police leaders to account, forcing them to justify when resources are wasted on political stunts instead of crime. Freedom is not a gift from the state. It is our birthright. Generations fought for it before us, and we will not let it be chipped away by bad laws, weak politicians and overzealous police chiefs. Britain should never be a country where speaking plain truths and making jokes, even offensive ones, makes you a criminal. It should never be a country where grooming gangs are protected by silence, while comedians are hunted for tweets. That is upside-down justice and it corrodes trust in the institutions meant to serve us. The test of any government is whether it will defend the people who play by the rules, or whether it will indulge the bullies and the bureaucrats. Labour and Reform have chosen the latter. Conservatives will choose the former. When dullards are jilted by lovers, friends say you were always too good for them. Perhaps this inspired Lucy Powells latest corker. She told the Commons that Angela Rayner was only being criticised because shes so bloody good at her job. This claim was met not just on the Opposition benches with slapping of thighs and merriment. Good old Plonker Powell! Always good for a laugh. Ms Powell lifted her snout from her notes, cast about with a slightly wounded expression and inhaled defiantly, valiant Quixote atop her knackered mule. It was the morning after the tricky day before. Mrs Rayners tax avoidance was still the only talk in town. Hypocrisy! Greed! Wrigglings! As is the way in political scandals, a Cabinet colleague had to be sent out to defend the stricken minister on the morning round of broadcast interviews: Radio 4s snooty Today programme, LBCs clever Nick Ferrari, David Frosts boy on Sky News and ITVs touchy-feely breakfast show with man-of-the-people Ed Balls. The luckless soul selected was Bridget Phillipson, education secretary. Scary Bridget is the human embodiment of carbolic acid. A voice as soothing as Bernard Herrmanns strings soundtrack for Psycho (1960). Yet there she was, beamed in from a primary school classroom in Tyldesley, Lancs, oozing her unique brand of sympathy. Im not going to prejudge it, she intoned. I cant speculate. I have responsibilities in terms of how I conduct myself. Scary Bridget is no more equipped to plead for mercy than Princess Anne is to whistle My Old Mans A Dustman. Ms Phillipson was asked, repeatedly, about the Prime Ministers involvement. What had Sir Keir Starmer known, and when? Dashboard klaxons honking, the education secretary did some two-wheel cornering and asserted that for the Prime Minister, adherence to high standards really matters. With which she tried to switch to talking about behaviour policies in schools. Didnt we once call them school rules? It was the morning after the tricky day before. Mrs Rayners tax avoidance was still the only talk in town. Hypocrisy! Greed! Wrigglings! Scary Bridget is no more equipped to plead for mercy than Princess Anne is to whistle My Old Mans A Dustman The great stickler for probity himself one talks of Sir Keir was at a shipyard in Scotland. Quick, give that man a frogmans outfit and chuck him in the water where the journalists cant ask him any questions! For there was, as the hours passed, a sense that this pongy affair was starting to lap at his hull. By mid-morning, Downing Street decided that another minister might make a slightly better fist of things than Scary Bridget. The Cabinet Offices Pat McFadden was despatched to appear on Radio 2s Jeremy Vine Show. This is complicated, said Mr McFadden. Being Scottish, and therefore less gripped by English class niceties, Mr McFadden did not reprise the line of defence offered on Wednesday night by the science secretary, Peter Kyle, who told LBC listeners that Mrs Rayner was being got at on account of her accent and background. A clip was also circulating of Rachel Reeves trying to do her bit for Mrs Rayner. She wasnt terribly good at it. Amid much stuttering she said she had full confidence in Mrs Rayner. Oh dear. Back in the Commons, the Conservatives frontbencher, Jesse Norman, was more effective than his party leader had been at PMQs on Wednesday. After noting that the coming Budget was likely to whack us with higher taxes, Mr Norman said it seems the only person who will not be paying more tax is the deputy prime minister. She at least has a policy of trying to reduce taxes. Laughter. Mr Norman, who has a deadly courtesy to him, observed that the Solicitor General (herself a metallic creature) had just taken a strict line in the House about potential tax fraud. We now have a situation, said Mr Norman with deceptive lightness, in which the deputy Prime Minister has tried to dodge paying 40,000 in tax on her third home after demanding that previous ministers should resign over tax scandals. Every Labour Member at the general election made a solemn manifesto commitment to maintain the highest standards in office. No further questions, mlud. Echoing the Daily Mails front page on Wednesday, Nigel Farage lamented the state of free speech in Britain. At what point did we become North Korea? Hed been invited to give evidence to the House Judiciary Committee in Washington about the potential impact of British and European laws designed to curb what can be said online. As Farage flew out to the US, Graham Linehan flew in to be detained at the airport by five armed police officers over some allegedly hurty words hed posted on the internet months ago. Linehans arrest followed a complaint by a militant trans activist. The details of his ordeal have been well documented. He was treated like a terrorist suspect and had to be given emergency medical care when his blood pressure went through the roof. Linehan now faces a police investigation for inciting violence. He also appeared in court yesterday charged with harassment. The case is continuing. All this has been greeted with incredulity in America, which has a proud tradition of free speech. The arrest of Linehan, an Irish citizen, happened to coincide with the Reform UK leader being asked to address lawmakers in Washington about the implications of the UKs Online Safety Bill, which will severely restrict content published on US-owned platforms such as Facebook and whatever Twitter calls itself this week. Farage warned: This could happen to any American man or woman that goes to Heathrow but has said things online that the British government and the British police dont like. It is a potentially big threat to big tech bosses and many, many others. You can imagine the jubilation among the far-Left as Elon Musk is hauled off his private jet by armed coppers when he lands in Britain to launch the latest Tesla model. Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage testifies before the House Judiciary Committee in Washington Despite the disingenuous back-pedalling by Surkeir and the hapless Met chief Mark Rowley, there remains a very real possibility of that happening in future. If they can nick an Irish comedy writer for wrongthink, whats to stop them feeling the collar of one of Silicon Valleys tech bosses on arrival? Concern about the suppression of free speech in the UK has been mounting in America since the re-election of the Anglophile Donald Trump. Back in February, Vice President JD Vance delivered a damning speech about the erosion of civil liberties and contempt for popular democracy on our side of the pond. As I observed a few weeks ago, Trump and Vance seem to care more about the UK than our hopeless, deluded Labour government. On everything from Net Zero and defence to immigration and crime they make a great deal more sense than most of the Westminster Bubbles arrogant, out-of-touch political class. A recent report from the US State Department accused Britain of backsliding on human rights especially freedom of speech and the frightening rise in anti-Semitism. Civil liberties are under assault everywhere, from the polices obsession with online hate speech to the determination to make ill-defined Islamophobia a criminal offence, an oppressive blasphemy law by the back door. Farage rightly warns that the Online Safety Bill will not only curb free speech it could also do serious damage to our trade relations with the US. Trump and Vance seem to care more about the UK than our hopeless, deluded Labour government He told the committee: It doesnt give me any great joy to be sitting in America and describing the really awful authoritarian situation we have sunk into. But dont think for a moment that the state of play in Britain is merely the latest obsession of the New York Times, (the US version of the Guardian), Fox News and the political class. This has permeated way beyond the Washington Beltway, the US equivalent of the Westminster Bubble. Middle America is paying attention. Its no secret that I spend time every year in the States, where my family ties go back to the 1960s. Everywhere Ive been this summer, Ive been asked: What the hell is going in your country? I dont mix in political circles. These are questions from regular folk, long-standing friends from all walks of life, and even strangers in bars who clock the accent. They dont all buy into the romanticised view peddled by the latest Downton Abbey movie, which had its premiere this week. But they have always considered Britain to be the civilised Mother Country, crucible of liberty. Yet on the nightly news they see images of social breakdown in Britain rowdy demos outside migrant hotels and the flotillas of small boats landing daily. While Trump has just about halted all illegal migration on the Southern border, the numbers of illegals arriving in Britain given four-star board and lodging hits record levels. They see pro-Hamas marchers effectively chanting Death to the Jews with a police escort, while Surkeir stops military exports to Israel and agrees to recognise a Palestinian state without a single hostage being released. Graham Linehan at Westminster Magistrates' Court today, where he appears charged with harassment They hear of grooming gangs allowed to operate with impunity for years, violent crime, shoplifting, stabbings, phone thefts on the streets of London, just like New York in the 1970s. Yet while Trump sends the National Guard to reclaim the streets of DC and other crime-ridden cities, the British bobbies are withdrawing from the streets to concentrate on nicking men like Linehan for online hate crimes. Those who pay closer attention are aware that Britain is a high-tax economic basket case, which may soon need a bail-out from the IMF, with half the country living on benefits. But while Trump continues to Drill, Baby, Drill, and makes the US not just energy self-sufficient but a net exporter, the British Labour government shuts down oil and gas production and pours concrete into fracking sites so they can never be exploited. They ask themselves and me why do these guys have an economic death wish? And, as proud citizens of a sovereign nation, they cant understand why Surkeir is trying to undo Brexit and drag Britain back into the sclerotic EU. Thats before they hear of us granting special visas to Turkish drag queens working as escorts on the grounds that they have unique global talent. Frankly, I have never known a time when the gap between our two nations has been wider. While Americans are still wedded to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, Britain is sinking ever deeper into a bitter, socialist quagmire. Julian Fellowes, Downtons creator, nailed it this week when he said the British hate the rich. Rachel from Complaints is busy drawing up fresh plans to soak anyone who has done well in life through their own efforts, egged on by resentful Labour backbenchers. In contrast, Americans admire those who have made their own money and aspire to emulate them. I will always remember standing outside a dockside restaurant in Florida with my late father, 40-odd years ago. As a swanky yacht pulled up, I heard a young man nearby say: Wow, Im going to have one like that some day. In Britain, that same young man would have scowled and said: Whats that rich bastard done to deserve a boat like this? Its often said that we are two countries divided by a common language. But its more than that. Were divided philosophically, too. Take the Linehan case. Freedom of speech is written into the US Constitution. The notion that a comedy writer could be arrested in America for upsetting someone on Twitter is unthinkable. But the idea that we have ever had freedom of expression in Britain, certainly in my lifetime, is a fiction. Yes, its got ten times worse as the grievance/victim/cancel culture has become institutionalised and weaponised to suppress those who dissent against fashionable far-Left opinion. But we have long had some of the worlds most draconian libel laws. What we can broadcast and print is curtailed by a standing bureaucracy, including Ofcom and IPSO, the newspaper complaints watchdog. There would never have been a Leveson Inquisition into the Press in the US. Social media pile-ons discourage people from expressing their true opinions, fearful of having their lives and careers ruined. The Online Safety Bill will exacerbate things still further. The exponential pace of our descent into authoritarianism has been staggering. Farage ended his evidence in Washington on a upbeat note. He said the UK had lost its way but was confident common sense would return especially if he becomes Prime Minister. Lets hope so, but I dont share his optimism. Whatever the outcome of his court case, Linehan wont be the last to fall foul of the free-speech police. Those who dare to criticise the far-Left orthodoxy, on everything from trans rights to illegal immigration, will continue to be harassed, demonised, persecuted and, no doubt, prosecuted. In the wake of the Ginge Rayner stamp duty expose, how long before it becomes a criminal offence to investigate a politicians personal tax affairs? We need a bonfire of all restrictions of free speech. But it aint gonna happen. The immediate threat might ease off for a while, but anyone expecting a permanent retreat will be disappointed. These things are a ratchet, not a pendulum. North Korea, here we come. When a former Cabinet Minister and long-term MP quits the party she has served for more than a quarter of a century, you may be sure there is something seriously amiss with that party. When she transfers her loyalty to a new and rebellious grouping, with a handful of MPs but the support of millions of voters, you can tell that the whole political landscape is trembling. Politicians do not burn their bridges in this way unless there are major changes afoot. Everything we knew and accepted as normal is dissolving and crumbling. A new politics is beginning. It is a century since the collapse of the Liberal Party began the long domination of Parliament by Labour and the Tories. Today neither of these parties properly speaks for those who have until now voted for them. That era is coming to an end, though nobody can be sure of what will emerge once the convulsion is over. The news we break today, that Nadine Dorries is crossing over from the Conservatives to Reform, is sensational and significant. The old party system is dying because the Britain we used to know and love is dying. Sadly, the Tories have become a feeble shadow of the movement that rescued our economy and recaptured the Falklands under Margaret Thatcher. The news we break today, that Nadine Dorries is crossing over from the Conservatives to Reform, is sensational and significant. The old party system is dying An incompetent, economically illiterate Starmer government, in thrall to the disastrous dogmas of Net Zero and nostalgic for the bondage of EU membership, fails in everything it does But, while they are bad, Labour is far, far worse. An incompetent, economically illiterate Starmer government, in thrall to the disastrous dogmas of Net Zero and nostalgic for the bondage of EU membership, fails in everything it does. Its Chancellor of the Exchequer is understandably reduced to tears, after the total collapse of her efforts to get spending under control. Britain now borrows to pay the interest on its debts, an unsustainable position which can only lead to poverty. It is the people of Britain, not Rachel Reeves, who may be excused for weeping. Labour cannot keep our streets safe or our borders secure. It destroys good schools out of spite. The NHS is at least as bad under its control as it was under the Tories, though more expensive. It cannot cure itself of toadying to trade unions. All its promises turn to dust within days of being unveiled. Its own senior figures are just as reluctant to pay the punitive taxes it imposes as anyone else. Having portrayed itself falsely as the party of rectitude and propriety, it is up to its chin in scandal after just over a year in office. At this moment, all those talents on the Right who seriously care for this country must come together. For all their differences, those who still regard themselves as conservatives have enough in common to forge an electoral weapon to shatter Starmerism, and to build a political programme which would begin a true national recovery. The only way that this Starmer government can be decisively dismissed is if the forces of patriotism, common sense, lawfulness, thrift, honesty, experience and wisdom the elements that conservatism is made of join together to recapture office. Before the 2024 General Election, the Daily Mail warned time and again that voting for Nigel Farages Reform Party would only help Labour. Our voting system made this inevitable, and so it proved. We took no pleasure in being right. In fact, it is hard to think of a time when a correct prophecy has also been such a bitter pill. All of us, whether we warned against the outcome, whether we ignored the warning, or whether we heeded it, have had to live under this atrocious administration and must face doing so, possibly for years to come. Millions yearn to see this unwanted shambles of a government gone. Even those who deliberately voted for it are beginning to wonder what they have done. Rarely in modern political history has buyers remorse been so widespread and so rapid. So how can we get from here, trapped in this dismal position, misgoverned by dogmatic buffoons who do not even understand their own ideology, to where we wish to be, with a government desired by the inhabitants of this country and serving their wishes? Who in these circumstances can blame Nadine Dorries for joining forces with Nigel Farage? Over the summer, Mr Farage has repeatedly and eloquently articulated the gathering public anger over the small boats crisis and the uncontrolled mass immigration which, if not curbed, will eventually turn this country into somewhere else. Amid the complacency of well-off metropolitan liberals, who form such a large part of our political and media classes, his voice has been one of clarity and urgency. And, while other politicians have either been on holiday or have been so absent that they might as well have been on holiday, Mr Farage has been doing his democratic duty, speaking for the millions who long for some leadership on this issue but never seem to get it. While other politicians have either been on holiday or have been so absent that they might as well have been, Mr Farage has been doing his democratic duty Mr Farage has repeatedly and eloquently articulated the gathering public anger over the small boats crisis and the uncontrolled mass immigration which, if not curbed, will eventually turn this country into somewhere else But he has not yet earned himself a clear run to Downing Street. He is good at launching accurate guided missiles, but not so good so far at setting out clear, credible plans for building a better future. Reform, his party, plainly has far to go in the short time it has to make an impact. It has said a great deal about crime and immigration. But we have not, for instance, heard much about how it will fix the grotesquely bloated welfare state. What exactly is Reforms recipe for economic growth, vital for the national future? There is still a giant government debt. Reform will not be able to cut taxes and support the growth of healthy business simply by ejecting the lachrymose Ms Reeves from the Treasury. To achieve these complex goals, it will need allies, even allies who currently remain in the Tory Party. Alas, the Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, has so far failed to achieve a revival in the polls for all her steely determination. But other figures such as Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp have both demonstrated an admirable willingness to hit the Starmerites where it hurts. Among a generally dreary assemblage of backward-looking and demoralised backbenchers, Katie Lam and Nick Timothy have shown promise. And, of course, we cannot forget Boris Johnson, uniquely able to communicate a message to millions, uniquely recognisable, uniquely filled with infectious positivity and energy. Even the remnants of the Tory Party contain considerable political skill, experience, organisation and policy ideas. From Reform and from these elements, a new election-winning machine can surely be formed, which can combine in a great popular insurgency to sweep away Sir Keir Starmer, sweep aside the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and Jeremy Corbyn, and the rest of the ruinous zealots and fanatics who have somehow captured the levers of government. And today could be the day that insurrection begins. Some brides have a precise vision of what their big day will look like, from the exact shade of cream linen napkins to the number of roses in their bouquet. But for all the delight I took in planning my wedding day in 2018, I had only two must-haves: that I would marry Chris, then my partner of four years, with my best friend Emma by my side as chief bridesmaid. Yet when that October day arrived, there was a space at the altar and an empty seat on the top table where she should have been. Emma's absence still shocks me. Of course, the run-up to a wedding can be fraught if the bride becomes a diva. Arguments happen. But Emma and I had not had a petty fallout. She had betrayed me deeply, in a treacherous act worse than any a man could have inflicted. She disappeared without trace after Chris, now my husband, and I loaned her 5,000, a third of our hard-saved wedding fund, to help pay off her spiralling debts. It may not sound like a fortune, but Chris and I have always been careful with our money. We both have good jobs in marketing and tech respectively, but didn't want to blow a fortune on one day. So we set a budget of 15,000 with a small contribution from my parents for my dress and stuck to it. We agreed Emma could pay the money back in interest-free instalments. But in the end she made just four payments, totalling less than 1,250 before vanishing entirely. She ghosted my countless attempts to contact her, and disappeared from social media. Indeed, I've not spoken to her since. It was as if she had evaporated. The 5,000 she borrowed had been sitting safely in our bank account ready to pay the final balances for cars, flowers and the like a couple of months before the big day Emma ghosted my countless attempts to contact her, and disappeared from social media. Indeed, I've not spoken to her since. It was as if she had evaporated. I was devastated she could do this to me. The 5,000 she borrowed had been sitting safely in our bank account ready to pay the final balances for cars, flowers and the like a couple of months before the big day. As the wedding approached, rather than buzzing with anticipation, we had to make difficult financial decisions to try to fulfil contracts already signed. Worse, though, than all this is that a friendship I treasured was cast aside. After all, since the day we met in university halls of residence in Sheffield, Emma and I had been nothing less than soul sisters. Our bond had been instant, cemented by us never once having a cross word in the 13 years we'd been friends. Now in our early 30s, we never stopped laughing. I was girly, she was more of a tomboy together we were the perfect balance. I felt I knew her inside out I trusted her implicitly. Yet she let me down and abandoned me, and over money, too. She disappeared owing us 3,750, a measly sum in the wider scheme of things, but that wasn't the point. It's almost worse that Emma didn't ask for a loan, or even vaguely hint at needing a bail-out. Both Chris who I met in my third year at university and I had known her since our Sheffield days, and we had both become aware of how perilous her finances were after graduating. Emma just loved to spend and made poor financial choices. She bought smart sofas and the latest televisions on credit cards or through payday loans. It all meant she ended up paying way over the odds for each item. Emma just loved to spend and made poor financial choices - both my husband and I were aware of how perilous her finances were after graduating She was such a hard worker putting in long hours as a PA to an architect yet her wage barely covered the rent and bills. A lazy, live-in boyfriend, who wasted a fortune on bets at the bookies and drinking, only made matters worse. He contributed nothing to her life, emotionally or financially. She would talk to him, he would promise the world but if he did get a job, it wouldn't last. He'd be late for shifts or blow his wages. By the time Chris and I were planning our wedding, she was paying a small fortune each month in interest alone on high interest credit cards, payday loans and even to a loan shark. It was very worrying. Chris, now a project manager, and I had dated for a while at university, but I graduated a year before him and moved to Birmingham in 2011 to take up my first job in an advertising agency. We stayed in touch as friends, before getting back together in 2014. In the meantime, Emma had moved to Leeds, but we remained close despite the distance. Over Christmas 2016, Chris proposed. Emma was thrilled for us, doubly so when I asked if she'd be a bridesmaid alongside Gina, my oldest friend from primary school. 'I'd have been offended if you hadn't asked me!' she laughed. I couldn't imagine getting married without her not just on the day, but in relying on her advice in planning our church wedding and celebration in a country hotel. Aware that her financial struggles were deepening, with interest on loans which I guess amounted to around 10,000, I reassured her we'd pay for her bridesmaid dress, shoes, hair, make-up and a hotel room for the night. She was visibly grateful, admitting that 'money is a bit tight at the moment'. It was shortly after this that we decided we had to help her. With the wedding deposits paid in spring 2017, we had another 5,000 sitting in our savings we wouldn't need to touch until just before the ceremony in October 2018. If we offered that to Emma, we reasoned, by the time our wedding came around she'd be on her way to being debt-free, able to enjoy her bridesmaid role knowing she would soon be able to start afresh. She might even have the courage to ditch the boyfriend. We put our proposal to her after lunch at a village pub near her home in Leeds. Clearly overwhelmed, she hugged us both and wept, telling us: 'You have no idea what this means to me.' It was, she said, 'life-changing'. 'I will repay every penny in full and on time,' she added, when we showed her the repayment plan we'd drawn up: 312 per month for the next 16 months in the run-up to our wedding, interest-free. At that moment, I felt closer to her than ever, sure we'd done the right thing. Even though she explained that it wouldn't wipe out all her debt, she said it would enable her to start paying off the loans themselves, rather than only ever being able to meet the interest. Later that day, she sent heartfelt text messages saying how much our kindness meant, promising again: 'I will pay back every penny in full.' I breathed a sigh of relief. For while our offer had been made gladly, in all honesty I also wanted our wedding to be a calm occasion. I didn't want to ask Emma to help me plan dinner menus if she was horribly stressed. Ironically, I also worried for our friendship I didn't want her to resent us spending thousands of pounds while she was struggling. More than anything, I wanted her to have a clean slate. I can't help but feel like a fool today. For the first four months, Emma paid us back on the dot with the agreed 312. But when months five and six came and went without a payment and Emma stopped answering my calls or responding to messages, I became concerned. Had something happened to her? Every message I sent was met with silence from basic 'Hope you're OK' texts, to emails trying to make a time for her bridesmaid dress fitting. Eventually, frantic with worry, I messaged Emma's mum on Facebook asking if she was OK. She didn't reply, even though I could see she'd read the message. I messaged her boyfriend. He told me they'd been evicted, split up and he didn't know where she was, then didn't reply to any subsequent messages. I even tried messaging some of her other Facebook friends, but they either didn't reply, or said they didn't know where she was. I suspected she had probably gone home to her mother's house in Cumbria. We thought about just turning up on the doorstep there but I was just too upset about it all. The weeks ticked on with zero contact from Emma and no payments into our account. Eight months before the wedding, I sent one last message: 'The door is open, I still want you involved, we can put the money to one side if you're struggling, but I just want you to be part of our special day.' Even to this, there was no reply. Naively, I still believed there was no way she would miss my wedding. But as the day got closer, so did the bills. Eventually, Chris and I confided in my parents about our loan to Emma, and how it had left us short, hoping they would advise us. Mum and Dad said they would clear the wedding payments for us, but we didn't want that. They'd already paid for the venue and my dress. So instead, we took out a high-interest credit card, which was difficult for us as we'd always tried to be responsible with our money. As much as I was concerned for Emma, my worry was now becoming anger. It was like dealing with the worst kind of break-up. I was overwhelmed with emotion. One moment I was seized with concern for Emma, the next filled with fury that she had betrayed our trust. I remember feeling so enraged one day I said to Chris: 'She can't be dead because it would be in the news, so where the hell is she?' Today, it seems Emma is alive she has a very limited social media profile on one platform, and I can see she has children and looks well, but she only posts once a year, if that. None of our mutual friends from university have seen her in years. I've had to deal with what was effectively a bereavement, grieving for a lost friendship. She'd been to so many of our family events over the years that, on our wedding day itself, lots of guests asked where she was, surprised by her absence. Chris and I brushed off questions with forced smiles and said she was away travelling. Our day was beautiful but the memory is tainted by Emma's perfidy. After the wedding, we decided to pursue her in the small claims court, which cost around 200. Perhaps we should have let it lie, but we became more angry that she'd left us high and dry. Emma didn't appeal when she was contacted by the courts via her mum's address and was then issued with an attachment of earnings order, a court-directed arrangement that required her employer to deduct automatically a given amount of money from her monthly salary to repay her debt to us. Initially, we were offered just 10 a month, which would have meant our children, now six and four, would be teenagers by the time the debt was repaid. Through the courts, we eventually agreed to around 120 a month and it was finally settled in full last year. But the debt being cleared doesn't soothe the pain the money has always been secondary to the sadness I felt for losing my beloved friend. Today I still torment myself, wondering whether I could have handled things better. Maybe I should just have written off the money. I even wonder whether I wasn't a good friend after all and that's why Emma cut contact. In my more rational moments, deep down, I know that getting so hopelessly into debt not to mention the useless boyfriend points to a darker side to her personality (I've heard on the grapevine that drugs and gambling could have been involved). But I still worry for her and feel guilty about the distress she must have felt at receiving the court letters. It was our money though and, more painfully, she'd destroyed our friendship. On her birthday and at Christmas, I wonder if I should try to make contact. Despite the deceit, I feel sorry she's no longer part of my life. My two gorgeous children will never meet her. Then I remind myself it's been years now, and we could never truly repair the damage. Emma's was the most seismic act of treachery from the one person I believed would never let me down. Abigail Smith is a pseudonym. Names and identifying details have been changed Interview by Sadie Nicholas A woman who previously spent 900 a year on Botox has revealed how ditching booze was the one thing that made her 'look more youthful'. Sarah Mills, an NHS business administrator from Devon, used to put away at least three bottles of Prosecco a week before a 'wakeup call' on her 40th birthday helped her ditch her binge drinking habit. The self-confessed 'boozy' mother-of-two would scarcely go a few days without indulging her boozy cravings, often chugging an entire bottle of Prosecco on a Sunday while making the family dinner. While her drinking wasn't a daily occurrence, Sarah delighted in weekly 'wobbly Wednesday' and would nearly always celebrate that 'Friday feeling' by putting away mountains of wine, fizz, and spirits such as vodka and gin. Once known for 'always having a drink in hand', Sarah's entire perspective changed after a particularly 'heavy' 40th birthday left her unable to function and with 'crippling anxiety'. Her binge drinking led to many 'embarrassing' incidents such as walking into walls, flashing her underwear and even one harrowing incident where she split her nose open after smashing it into a toilet bowl. Deciding enough was enough, Sarah quit drinking in June and hasn't touched a drop since. The mother-of-two has always taken pride in her looks, spending 300 every four months on Botox injections and lip fillers. Sarah Mills, an NHS business administrator from Devon, used to put away at least three bottles of Prosecco a week before a 'wakeup call' on her 40th birthday helped her ditch her binge drinking habit (pictured after going sober) A woman who previously spent 900 a year on Botox has revealed how ditching booze was the one thing that made her 'look more youthful' (pictured before going sober) But having now been sober for more than two months, she can confidently say that nothing has improved her appearance more than ditching her 28-year drinking habit. 'I used Botox to look after my looks, but alcohol was destroying them,' she explained. 'I could go the whole week not giving alcohol a thought, but as soon as the weekend hit, I wanted a drink. 'I used drink to be seen as a loud, fun-time girl. Prosecco was always my go-to - I could drink two bottles a night. 'I would do silly things when drunk, like flashing my knickers and walking into walls. I even split open my nose on the toilet when I was throwing up. 'It took a toll on my marriage because hangovers would leave me feeling anxious and lazy. 'But after my 40th birthday, I had the worst anxiety and depression. I didn't want to live my life like that. 'Ditching the booze made me realise it was ageing me - despite my efforts to look youthful through aesthetics. I never want to be that chaotic person again.' The self-confessed 'boozy' mother-of-two would scarcely go a few days without indulging her boozy cravings, often chugging an entire bottle of Prosecco on a Sunday while making the family dinner (pictured before going sober) While her drinking wasn't a daily occurrence, Sarah delighted in weekly 'wobbly Wednesday' and would nearly always celebrate that 'Friday feeling' by putting away mountains of wine, fizz, and spirits such as vodka and gin Once known for 'always having a drink in hand', Sarah's entire perspective changed after a particularly 'heavy' 40th birthday left her unable to function and with 'crippling anxiety' (pictured before going sober) But having now been sober for more than two months, she can confidently say that nothing has improved her appearance more than ditching her 28-year drinking habit Describing herself as a 'difficult child', Sarah discovered alcohol aged 12, and started drinking MD 20/20- a whisky-based fruit drink- before moving onto rose wine and spirits, and then prosecco. Sarah continued to 'binge drink' throughout her 20s - which didn't stop when she met her husband Martyn, 45, who works in administration, in 2013. Even welcoming heir daughter, seven, and son, six, didn't stop her from drinking. 'I didn't let motherhood stop me from having a good time,' she said. Despite trying 90 days of sobriety in 2023, she slipped back into old ways. 'I'd celebrate getting midway through the week with a bottle of prosecco on Wednesday and then the same again on Friday. 'If I kids had nowhere to go on a Sunday afternoon, I would down a bottle of prosecco whilst cooking a roast. 'But I would feel awful on the Monday school run, my kids would look put together but I'd look like a mess. 'Martyn and my sister sat me down many times to tell me to stop drinking because they saw me at my absolute lowest. I'd tell them "I don't have a problem- I just like to have a good time'".' Sarah started getting Botox and lip filler in 2021 to 'look [her] best' - costing 300 every four months. Her binge drinking led to many 'embarrassing' incidents such as walking into walls, flashing her underwear and even one harrowing incident where she split her nose open after smashing it into a toilet bowl Sarah documents her sobriety journey on Instagram and has amassed over 38K followers The mother-of-two has always taken pride in her looks, spending 300 every four months on Botox injections and lip fillers 'Looking at me, you'd think I was quite vain - I have Botox and filler. I was concerned with my appearance, but not realising that I was ruining my insides with alcohol.' Celebrating her 40th birthday on 6 June 2025 with a six-hour-long bar crawl left her with a hangover that sent her into 'the darkest spiral'. 'I couldn't shower, walk the dog, or even eat. I just sat on the sofa all day and cried,' she said. 'Something within me changed, and through willpower alone, I've been 67 days sober. I don't ever want to go back. 'I used to mope about the house, but now I'm up at 6 am and full of life. My husband is so proud of me, and I'm a better mum too. 'I actually sit down with them to play, and we go on bike rides as a family. 'I've replaced my booze time with doing up the house and growing my own veg. I look and feel more youthful. 'I'll keep getting Botox and filler top-ups but every six months instead of four.' Sarah documents her sobriety journey on Instagram and has since gained over 38,000 followers. She said: 'Having a following helps keep me going, and people are even going sober with me. 'I used to be too embarrassed to talk about the things I did when drunk, but now I do, and it helps others because they can relate. 'I'd like to think I'm helping people, just as much as they help me.' Sarah's journey can be found @sarahstayssober. Tesco has rolled out new 'Heathrow level' security scanners to try and combat the scourge of shoplifters - in a measure some have branded 'dystopian' and 'prison-like'. Britain has been in the grip of a nationwide shoplifting epidemic, with gangs of brazen thieves ransacking stores on a daily basis. In a bid to combat the skyrocketing rate of criminality, Tesco is testing the futuristic 'Scan As You Shop' pay points, which retail chiefs hope will finally help them get a grip of the crisis. Tesco's store in Slough has become the latest to test the kit. While some were delighted with the technologically-advanced new system, others lashed out. Some branded it 'creepy' and likened it to airport security gates, while others thought the move was a step 'too far' from traditional, staffed tills, and claimed it was part of a drive to erode civil liberties in the UK. 'The UK is slowly turning into one big corporate prison system,' raged one person of the technology's rollout in Slough. Another agreed, adding: 'UK turning into a prison.' A video, shared by Ana Lazarus on TikTok, revealed the imposing security system in action in Slough as part Tesco's small-scale trail of the payment hubs. Taking to social media, Ana wrote: 'Slough Tesco showing their avant-garde edge with Heathrow level security checkout.' Tesco has rolled out the Scan As You Shop (SAYS) system in a select number of stores across the UK. A Tesco store in Slough, London, has implemented a new security system for Scan as You Shop customers Shoppers pick up a scanning device when they enter the store, and then they scan each item as they put it in their trolley or basket. When they have finished, they can pay for all their items without having to scan them through the staffed or self-serve checkouts. Upon paying, SAYS customers may be randomly selected for a 'service check' where a staff member makes sure each item has been processed correctly. The new checkouts are said to weigh the trolleys of those using SAYS to ensure the weight is the same as the items scanned. 'We're running a trial in a very small number of stores to help our Scan as You Shop customers make sure they haven't missed any items when scanning,' a Tesco spokesman told Daily Mail. 'This will reduce the number of manual checks by colleagues, reduce queuing times and streamline the checkout experience for customers.' The test comes as retailers nationwide continue to battle record levels of shoplifting, which has seen brazen gangs of thieves ransacking stores up and down the country. Not everyone is against the new security measures, with one person saying: 'I don't get why some people are complaining; you should only be complaining if you're a thief.' Pictured is the Scan As you Shop checkout at a Tesco store in Newcastle Tesco has rolled out the Scan As You Shop (SAYS) system in a select number of stores across the UK Another wrote: 'If you've ever been to slough, you 100 per cent understand why they're needed.' It comes after Tesco apologised after a customer told of being humiliated when staff wrongly accused him of shoplifting and demanded he paid twice for his items. Political consultant Andrew Kennedy caused a storm online after sharing posts on X, formerly Twitter, shaming the retail giant for staff's actions at a branch in Surrey. Mr Kennedy described being called back by employees at a Tesco outlet in West Moseley who suggested he had not paid for his shopping at a self-checkout. This was despite his mobile phone banking app demonstrating a transaction worth 75.92 at the self-service till he had used. Mr Kennedy described how after the dispute with staff on Good Friday, in which he was urged to pay the bill again, he abandoned his trolley and left. He told how 6,000 X followers that he was then informed, five days later, he must make a 120-mile round trip to the branch from his Kent home for a refund. Mr Kennedy, who was previously field director for ex-Prime Minister Liz Truss's Conservative leadership campaign in 2022, has since asked for an apology from the supermarket firm. He also requested they make a goodwill donation of the 100 to the mental health charity Young Minds. And now the retailer has backed down, saying sorry to Mr Kennedy for his treatment and agreeing to donate. Mr Kennedy originally posted on the social media site, directly addressing Tesco, 'On Good Friday I experienced the most awful and humiliating experience in your Hurst Park (Surrey) store. 'I popped in to pick up groceries on my way to visit friends. I used 'scan as you go' as I always do, and paid 75.92 for my groceries, using my Apple Pay Viewers took to the comment section to share their thoughts on the new machines - and one likened them to a 'prison system' 'As I left the store, an assistant ran after me and said 'I am afraid you haven't paid for your groceries, and I must ask you to accompany me back into the shop'. She did this quietly and discreetly and thinking there was an error I happily went back inside. 'My banking app which evidenced the payment had been made and I showed this to your assistant. She was apologetic and called her supervisor, who was busy. 'Another assistant came over, and I again explained the situation and showed the payment. At this point things went wrong. 'The second Assistant than shouted across the self-checkouts, 'This guy hasn't paid for his groceries.' 'The supervisor came over, and for a third time I showed the payment on my phone. She then turned to the other Assistant and said, 'you need to watch out for this..... '...quite often they do two identical shops, pay for one then use the payment to avoid paying for the second.' 'I don't know if this happens, but in this case, there was no evidence to suggest I had done such a thing and your assistant was openly inferring that I was a shop lifter.' Mr Kennedy went on to tell how he agreed to pay again because he was 'angry, humiliated and running out of time'. But his bank blocked his card, apparently suspicious about the attempted second transaction, and he was advised by Tesco staff he would have to pay another way. He added: 'At this point I was so angry at how I had been treated I just walked out, leaving my full trolley behind.' The money later went through via his card but he then urged the retailer for a refund, since he did not have the items he had bought - only to be told he must return to the store in Surrey to do so. Mr Kennedy wrote: 'So to summarise: (i) you accused me of shoplifting, (ii) you humiliated me in front of other people, (iii) you wasted my time and forced me to be late for a reunion, (iv) your incompetence led to me card being blocked, (v) you took 75.92 from my bank account... '...and now you are expecting me to travel three hours and spend 35 on petrol to get back the money you took from my account in the first place. At every level on this Tesco you and your staff have comprehensively failed. 'Had I been emotionally vulnerable or had some form of learning disability, or being old and confused, this appalling treatment could have resulted in trauma. You should actually be ashamed of yourselves.' He urged the company to 'redeem' themselves by refunding his money, writing to apologise for his treatment, retraining staff at Hurst Park on 'how to treat people with respect' and donating 100 to Young Minds. Mr Kennedy has since shared an update online with his followers, thanking people for their support and revealing Tesco had called to say sorry while also pledging the charity donation as well as providing him with a gift card. He wrote: 'So at 7.30pm the CEOs office emailed to apologise for what happened. It was a proper apology, not one of those 'we are sorry if you were offended' apologies! 'Whenever something like this happens I ask myself how I would feel if it happened to my mum. 'She was of a generation who were deferential to authority and would have accepted what she was told, even when she knew she was in the right.' A spokesman for Tesco said: 'Unfortunately, a fault with a scan as you shop handset at our West Moseley Superstore meant that it incorrectly indicated that Mr Kennedy's payment had not been completed. 'We are really sorry that this happened and have reached out to Mr Kennedy to apologise for how the matter was handled as it fell below the high standards that we would expect.' Thursday Murder Club viewers are fuming after the new Netflix adaptation made an 'unforgivable' change to Richard Osman's beloved book series. The film is directed by Chris Columbus and was released by the streamer on August 26 after weeks of anticipation. However, book lovers who rushed to Netflix to watch the movie were left disappointed by the ending after it appeared a fan-favourite character - who appears in the rest of the Thursday Murder Club books - was written out. Writing on Reddit, several people demanded 'justice for Bogdan' - the Polish handyman brought to life on-screen by actor Henry Lloyd-Hughes - after his storyline was 'bizarrely' changed. The Thursday Murder Club follows four senior sleuths Elizabeth (Dame Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Joyce (Celia Imrie), and Ibrahim (Sir Ben Kingsley) who band together to try and solve cold murder cases while spending their days at a charming retirement community. When the body of Tony Curran (played by Geoff Bell)- co-owner of the retirement home Coopers Chase - is discovered, the pensioners find themselves hot on the trail of a murderer much closer to home. Like in Osman's bestselling novel, the killer is eventually revealed as his Polish employee Bogdan but everything that follows in the movie is a drastic departure from the book. According to the author's version, Bogdan's motive for killing his land developer boss is to avenge the death of his friend Kaz many years prior to the events unfolding at Coopers Chase in present day. Thursday Murder Club viewers are fuming after the new Netflix adaptation made an 'unforgivable' change to Richard Osman 's beloved book series Writing on Reddit , several people demanded 'justice for Bogdan' - the Polish handyman brought to life on-screen by actor Henry Lloyd-Hughes - after his storyline was 'bizarrely' changed It is revealed to readers that Tony hired a hitman, Turkish Johnny/Gianni, to murder taxi driver Kaz because he had seen the builder shoot someone at a pub during a botched drug deal. Enraged by Kaz's death, Bogdan killed Tony's associate straightaway and covered it up. Years later, Bogdan also took Tony out by tampering with the security system at his residence before sneaking in and then bludgeoning him to death. Bogdan's reason for killing Tony is entirely different in the movie in which the stoic handyman takes Tony's life in an act of self-defence. It is revealed to viewers that Tony and one of his friends, Bobby Tanner (Richard E Grant), were smuggling immigrants into the UK by luring them with better prospects then withholding their passports and essentially enslaving them. Bodgan is one of Tony's smuggled workers who ends up killing him after the Coopers Chase co-owner refused to return his passport so he could visit his mother back home in Krakow, Poland. Like the book, it's retired spy Elizabeth's husband Stephen (Jonathan Pryce) who figures out the identity of Tony's killer, but the movie adds the additional detail of Elizabeth becoming fearful that Bogdan will poison her husband. The movie also strays from its source material when Bogdan confesses his crime to the pensioner even though Stephen has no solid evidence against him. David Tennant as Coopers Chase co-owner Ian Ventham and Henry LLoyd-Huges as Bogdan in a still from the film He is arrested after Stephen surreptitiously records his confession and hands it over to the investigating police officers as it appeared the makers effectively closed the door on his return to the film franchise. This deviation left Netflix viewers with a 'sour taste' because Bogdan has a very different arc in Osman's Thursday Murder Club books, Reddit usesr pointed out. In Osman's subsequent murder mystery books, Bogdan becomes close with the crime-solving retirees of the titular Thursday Murder Club as well as Stephen, and eventually starts dating police officer PC Donna De Freitas (Naomi Ackie) . By sealing his fate as a convicted killer, the movie appears to shut down the possibility that Bogdan's character will be a part of any future sequels. Reacting to the movie's ending, Reddit users flooded the social media platform with angry messages demanding 'justice for Bogdan'. 'They have shot themselves in the foot for any future films without Bogdan,' one person wrote. Another said: 'Agree. Watched with my parents, mum read it as well and we didn't like this change at all. It completely changed an integral part of the story and the future storeis.' A similar comment read: 'My reaction was exactly the same. I could have dealt with all the plot/story changes if they didnt do what they did to Bogdan.' One Reddit user said the change 'doesn't make any sense' while another person felt it 'literally added nothing' and that the movie 'took away so much from Bogdan's character'. 'I found him very likable in the books, and reading about his character development was such a crucial piece to the story/series,' they continued. Another felt the makers 'didn't understand the essence of Thursday Murder Club, Bogdan, Elizabeth, and Stephen' as they added: 'You can't read the books and arrest Bogdan. 'It just screams they don't get it.' A third said the movie's ending was 'such a bummer' while yet another declared 'you can't do my boy Bogdan dirty like that'. Some swore off watching any sequels over the movie's 'unforgivable' plot, noting 'one disappointment is enough for me'. One scathing review compared the movie to an 'episode of Law and Order' while another noted the film's script 'butchered' Bogdan's confession to Stephen by using it as a 'gotcha' moment. 'This is literally the worst adaptation I have ever seen,' one comment read. 'Bogdan was/is Elizabeths RIDE OR DIE and vice versa. I will never watch another one of these unless the writers are replaced. 0/10. No redeeming anything.' Others felt that the movie sacrificed Bogdan so Ron's son, boxer-turned-reality TV star Jason Ritchie (played by Tom Ellis) would have a bigger role in any sequels. 'It seems like they're setting it up that way,' one person wrote. 'Which is asinine. I get that the guy who plays Jason is a great actor and all but Bogdan was such an important character in the book - especially when it came to his friendship with Stephen.' 'It's pretty obvious that they're cutting Bogdan for Ron's son and I hate it. I love Tom Ellis, but Bogdan is my favorite character in the book,' another disgruntled viewer noted. Others felt the film's director Chris Columbus and its script writers would find a way to 'redeem Bogdan'. One person suggested that 'there was enough foreshadowing to suggest' Bogdan will be released from prison, adding: 'He kept repeating it was an accident, so maybe some evidence will arise showing it was an accident or self-defence.' They conceded that while this wouldn't be 'enough in the real world', it could secure Bodgan's release in 'film world' - especially considering the 'modern slavery' storyline. 'Bogdan is literally a victim of modern slavery,' one person highlighted. 'His passport was stolen and he was forced to work. Realistically I think he would get off lightly.' Another felt the changes were the result of trying to fit Osman's 600-page book into a two-hour movie without changing who killed Tony. 'They also teed up that it was a self defense case, and showed how Bogdan was already the victim of a crime, so its not insane to say hed be back if they make sequels However, another viewer pointed out, Bodgan's status an an illegal immigrant would logically suggest he would 'probably be deported even if he was just magically released based on vibes'. Many felt that the decision to stray so far from the book's handling of Bogdan's character would also mean it's impossible to carry out other storylines such as his romance with Donna. 'How will a cop marry someone who confessed to murder/manslaughter?' 'I hated what they did with Bogdan! And the fact that Donna was the one to arrest him!!! If they make any sequels, how are they planning to resolve that issue considering Bogdan and Donna are together in subsequent books?' another wondered. Yet another enraged viewer said: 'Even if they found a way to get around the murder charge so that he could be in future movies...he just wouldn't be the same any longer. 'It was just so sad,' they continued. 'He is such a great character.' Nigella Lawson has revealed that she adorns her chicken dinners with an unusual ingredient - cornflakes. While most Brits may prefer the sugary cereal for breakfast, the chef, 65, showed how she incorporates it into an easy weeknight meal. Taking to Instagram this week, the culinary aficionado revealed the quirky combination as her 'recipe of the day'. 'The crunch is supplied by their cornflake-coating, and they are a longtime favourite on nigella.com, as you can see from the lovely comments underneath the recipe,' she penned. She first unveiled the hack on her BBC cooking show nine years ago, taking Simply Nigella viewers through each step. 'You find me happily absorbed, bashing a couple of chicken breasts into elegant escalopes or cutlets,' she told the programme. 'Before they get their crunchy coating I'm going to bathe them in Dijon mustard. Even though they get such a brief dunking, the mustard really seems to tenderise them. 'On top of the mustard - some cinnamon, one clove of garlic, and finally, one egg just to bring everything together and help it stick to the chicken breasts. 'I shall whisk these together.' Nigella Lawson has revealed that she adorns her chicken dinners with an unusual ingredient - cornflakes After the 'dip' was done, Nigella moved into the coating - which comes 'as a courtesy of cornflakes'. 'I love the crumb you get from these,' she shared. 'And now I massage and coax the cornflakes into crumbs. It's a bit like being a three-year-old, only better!' She mixed it with some smoked pimento powder which 'adds a bit of heat'. 'One by one, these bathing beauties go into the cornflake crumbs to get crunchily coated,' Nigella continued. 'I find it easiest to put each cutlet into the crumbs and then sprinkle or dust the top with more and just carry on until they're thickly coated.' The chef then made a side salad before frying the chicken in a pan - admitting she didn't need 'much oil' or 'much time' because the escalopes are so thin. On her website, she recommended frying each side for three minutes before turning over and plating. Although it may seem unusual, substituting breadcrumbs for cornflakes is a popular culinary trick, with other chefs including James Martin and Gordon Ramsay including it in their repertoire. Taking to Instagram this week, the culinary aficionado revealed the quirky combination as her 'recipe of the day' After the 'dip' was done, Nigella moved into the coating - which comes 'as a courtesy of cornflakes' And Nigella's version, it seems, has proven to be a hit with many followers and commenters over the years And Nigella's version, it seems, has proven to be a hit with many followers over the years. 'This is my favourite Nigella recipe and I make it for the kids often. I ensure there is cornflakes at home just for this recipe,' one commented. Another added: 'A favourite, love the crunch ! They are delicious, N!' Elsewhere, amateur cooks all over the country dubbed the meal 'gorgeous' and 'tasty'. It's not the first time Nigella has had fun experimenting with food, as last June, the cooking goddess was ridiculed for having a side salad with a salad. Elsewhere, a month earlier she admitted she liked to eat oysters and chips. She has also previously put caramel on potatoes and marmite on spaghetti. It comes as in June, as the beloved British food icon was soaking up the Australian sunshine, she took to Instagram to wax lyrical about Club Fontana, a quiet Italian eatery tucked away in Sydney's inner-south. In a post brimming with culinary joy, Nigella, famous for her poetic descriptions of food and unapologetic love of carbs, revealed she was completely enchanted by the Redfern restaurant, describing the experience as 'uplifting,' 'cosy,' and 'exquisite.' Although it may seem unusual, substituting breadcrumbs for cornflakes is a popular culinary trick, with other chefs including James Martin and Gordon Ramsay including it in their repertoire 'The visit filled my heart with joy,' the 65-year-old foodie said. 'The food is exquisite but cosy, and the place immediately relaxing and uplifting.' Nigella admitted that despite already falling for a handful of favourite Sydney spots, she was finally persuaded to try Fontana after hearing repeated praise from her close friend and renowned ceramicist and artist Shelley Simpson. 'I haven't been able to resist going back to restaurants I already know and love here in Sydney but nor do I want to restrict myself to only my fond, familiar haunts,' she explained. 'The wonderful Shelley Simpson has been telling me about Club Fontana for ages now, and I'm really not sure why I haven't gone there before but we went together last week, and the visit filled my heart with joy.' And while Fontana may not be the most obvious pick from the street, what it lacks in visibility it makes up for in charm. 'It's hard to find from the street (mind you, I have got absolutely no sense of direction), but eventually I discovered the carpeted staircase to heaven,' Nigella said - and from there, she was completely sold. The self-confessed 'carb queen' dove into a string of bold, nostalgic, and impeccably executed dishes, starting with a humble Italian classic - pane fritto with anchovies. 'Pane fritto is, simply, Italian for fried bread,' she said. 'But think puffed-up little pieces of sausage-shaped dough, light but with just the right amount of chew, topped with a salty stripe of anchovy.' The entire fashion industry is mourning the devastating death of Giorgio Armani. The Italian designer passed away peacefully at age 91 surrounded by his family, the Armani Group announced on Thursday. Immediately after news hit the web, hoards of heartbroken models, celebrities, and fashion elites took to social media to share tributes to the icon. Fellow designer Donatella Versace was quick to post a broken heart emoji in response to the Armani Group's announcement. 'The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever,' she added in a post of her own. Princess Diana's niece Lady Amelia Spencer also commented with four red hearts. Ashton Kutcher shared an emotional message on X, writing, 'Visionary kind human Giorgio Armani, RIP.' Racecar driver Charles Leclerc posted to his Instagram Stories, 'A great honor to have had the chance to meet and work with such an amazing person. You will be missed Giorgio.' Giorgio Armani (seen in January) passed away peacefully at age 91 surrounded by his family, the Armani Group announced on Thursday Immediately after news hit the web, hoards of heartbroken models, celebrities, and fashion elites took to social media to share tributes to the icon (seen in 1988) Model and actress Alexis Ren posted a praying and broken heart emoji. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke of Armani's 'elegance, sobriety and creativity' in an emotional post. 'Giorgio Armani leaves us at the age of 91. With his elegance, sobriety and creativity, he was able to bring luster to Italian fashion and inspire the entire world,' she said. 'An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything.' 'Forever an icon,' fashion star Maja Malnar commented. Italian actress Alice Pagani wrote, 'Forever grateful to have met you.' 'Giorgio, you are and will always be our KING. Thank you for making us feel proud to be ITALIAN! I love you,' TV star Simona Ventura gushed. Italian fashion editor Anna Dello Russo wrote, 'Bon voyage Maestro Giorgio. I'll always carry you in my heart.' Fellow designer Donatella Versace wrote, 'The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever' Princess Diana 's niece Lady Amelia Spencer (seen left with Lady Eliza Spencer at an Armani show last year) commented with four red hearts Ashton Kutcher shared an emotional message on X, writing, 'Visionary kind human Giorgio Armani, RIP' Acclaimed photographer Nima Benati said, 'What a tremendous loss.' Actress Pilar Fogliati simply added, 'Thank you,' with a heart, while actor Edoardo Leo gushed, 'Forever thank you.' Singer Biagio Antonacci commented with the quote, 'A man who will never end,' adding, 'Bye King, with infinite love.' Musician Laura Pausini gushed, 'A man, a king, a meeting that lasted 30 years that [I] will never forget. With infinite esteem and love, Laura.' TV presenter Francesca Fagnani said, 'Thank you for giving freedom and power to women.' Soccer player Alexandre Pato added, 'Nooo! How every sad. RIP.' 'Bye King George, thank you for incarnating and making authentic beauty tangible, for shaping the soul,' Italian movie star Miriam Leone penned. 'His teaching, his elegance and his light will be eternal,' actor and model Alex Belli added. Vogue described Armani as someone who 'defined the 1980s and shaped the course of fashion beyond it' in a moving Instagram post. In a statement released today, Armani's fashion firm confirmed the news, writing: 'In this company, we have always felt like part of a family. Racecar driver Charles Leclerc posted on his Instagram Stories, 'A great honor to have had the chance to meet and work with such an amazing person. You will be missed Giorgio' Model and actress Alexis Ren posted a praying and broken heart emoji 'Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication, but it is precisely in his spirit that we, the employees and the family members who have always worked alongside Mr. Armani, commit to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory, with respect, responsibility, and love.' Known as 'Re Giorgio' - King Giorgio - the designer was known for overseeing every detail of his collection and every aspect of his business, from advertising to fixing models' hair as they head out on to the runway. Armani had been CEO and creative director up until his death and said in his last interview last weekend: 'My greatest weakness is that I am in control of everything.' Armani dressed the rich and famous in classic tailored styles, fashioned in super-soft fabrics and muted tones. His handsome black tie outfits and glittering evening gowns often stole the show on award season red carpets. He was synonymous with modern Italian style and elegance, and his company turned over some $2.7 billion a year. At the time of his death, Armani had put together an empire worth over $10 billion, which along with clothing included accessories, home furnishings, perfumes, cosmetics, books, flowers and even chocolates, ranking him in the world's top 200 billionaires, according to Forbes. He had been unwell for some time, and was forced to drop out of his group's shows at Milan's Men's Fashion Week in June, the first time in his career that he had missed one of his catwalk events. A funeral chamber will be set up on Saturday and Sunday in Milan, the company said, followed by a private funeral at an unspecified date. It comes after a series of cryptic and contemplative uploads over the summer Sanchez, 55, shared a reflective post to her Instagram story on Wednesday Lauren Sanchez shared a cryptic post about 'tolerating the unknown' just months after tying the knot with Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos. The 55-year-old uploaded the reflective message to her Instagram story on Wednesday night. 'Sometimes the hardest work is tolerating the unknown,' she wrote, with a white heart emoji at the end. The white text was placed over a picture of a stunning, bright orange sunset with Lesfm Oxley's At Sea playing in the background. It was not made clear what unknown challenge the former journalist is facing. The post comes just months after Sanchez married Bezos, 61, in an extravagant multi-day event in Venice, Italy, which was rumored to have cost $50 million. Last month, the mom-of-two was inundated with support from her celebrity friends after she posted another emotional message about grief after her mother-in-law, Jacklyn Bezos, passed away at the age of 78. She wrote, 'Those we lose leave us with a quiet instruction to live with more tenderness, more gratitude, more love. I carry that reminder with me today.' Lauren Sanchez shared a cryptic post about 'tolerating the unknown' just months after tying the knot with Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos But the former journalist had a further somber start to the summer, revealing that she was 'heartbroken' about sending her son Evan Whitesell to college at The University of Miami. The newlywed took to Instagram to share a sweet photo of Evan putting together a piece of furniture in his dorm. 'Dropped off Evan at college today. 'Eighteen years of early mornings, late night snacks and family dinners.... and then there he was building his own dorm cabinet,' Sanchez wrote on top of the photo. 'A small thing but in that moment I saw the start of his next chapter. Proud. Heartbroken. Grateful,' she concluded. Last year, Sanchez revealed that Whitesell had been accepted to The University of Miami and would be studying business there. Sanchez shares son Evan with her ex-husband, Patrick Whitesell. She also shares 17-year-old daughter Ella with Patrick, as well as son Nikko Gonzalez, 24, with ex Tony Gonzalez. The 55-year-old posted a reflective post to her Instagram stories on Wednesday night, sharing the message against a fiery orange sunset The post comes just months after Sanchez married Bezos, 61, in an extravagant multi-day event in Venice, Italy, which was rumored to have cost $50 million But the former journalist had a further somber start to the summer, revealing that she was 'heartbroken' about sending her son Evan Whitesell to college at The University of Miami The newlywed is no stranger to sharing some puzzling messages to social media. Earlier in the year, she raised eyebrows after sending out her wedding invites in March, sharing an eye-catching pencil sketch of a nude woman perched on the wing of a plane, her hair swept back by the wind. She simply captioned it: 'Mood.' The post sparked speculation as to where the billionaire couple were going to tie the knot. 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 Gel manicure loyalists will likely have to spend more on their beauty habit after Europe banned a key ingredient used in the polish. As of September 1, the European Union prohibited the use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide or TPO in all cosmetic products, 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. The health and safety crackdown has sent many into a spin, but the ban does not mean you can't have salon-worthy nails at home. Even if the new regulation does not affect your regular treatments, DIY manicures can save hundreds of pounds a year as salon prices continue to rise - with or without the precautionary ban on TPO. Gel manicures are achievable at home and will leave you with professional-looking talons; however, many require using a UV lamp in a process that can be complicated to master. Instead, dip powders are a simple and UV-free method that does not include harsh any chemicals and the resulting nails are easy to remove when you need a change. Those who don't know where to start when it comes to at-home manicures can even try press-on nails that can be applied in minutes and removed after a few days. A ban on a key ingredient used in gel nail polish has sent many into a spin - but the crackdown does not mean you can't have salon-worthy nails at home (stock image) Another convenient alternative is using nail wraps. These work as a thin adhesive sticker with real gel polish that can be sculpted to fit your natural nail, and then there's always the classic nail varnish we grew up with. PRESS ON NAILS For nail novices, press-ons are a quick, easy and fuss-free solution. Application is a breeze, you don't have to sit and wait for the glue to dry, and removing them is as easy as applying. Additionally, these don't do any long-term damage to your nails. Whatever shape, colour or style you're after, you will be able to find a set of press-on nails that suit your style. They do come with the risk of falling off, but many varieties are sturdy enough to endure the rigours of day-to-day life. Make sure to throw the nail glue in your handbag, so if one does slip away while you're out and about, you can reapply on the go. While they can last for up to two weeks, press-ons are perfect for those who want professional-looking nails for a weekend or evening event. Budget-conscious beauty lovers can try Boots' false nails from just 5. The set of 24 nails comes with glue and lasts up to seven days; however, some users have reported they stay in place for two weeks. If you can splash out a little more cash, are after a more robust set, or prefer environmentally friendly options, go for the Loste Reusable Press On Gift Set for 17.95. GEL NAIL WRAPS Nail wraps aren't quite as straightforward to apply as press-ons, but they aren't hard to master and can be easily mistaken for a professional gel manicure. They are thin sheets of real gel polish that adhere to your nail much like a sticker and come in any colour or design you desire. Some wraps require a UV lamp to set in place; however, others just need to be stuck on and filed down to fit your natural nail shape. If applied, maintained and removed properly, they do not damage your nails and can last for weeks. Acetone is not needed for the removal of nail wraps; instead, carefully lift the edge of the sticker and apply an oil, like cuticle, coconut or baby oil, or nail polish remover to dissolve the adhesive. Sassy Saints offer bundles of nail wrap sets in 40 colours and 11 different sizes along with a mini file and cuticle stick from 29.95. If you have a UV lamp, MoYou London's gel strips can be cured and ready to go in just 60 seconds and last up to three weeks. AT-HOME GEL KITS If you really can't let go of your gel manicure, there are great starter kits for you to master the art at home. It is a more involved process that can be quite time-consuming, but the more you do it, the more proficient and speedy you'll become. Gel manicures are typically a three-step process with a thin base layer, gel polish colour and protective top coat. Sets typically come with coloured gel polishes, a base and a top coat, as well as grooming tools like a file or a buffer. Most kits have a UV light to cure each layer, but you can find plenty without one if you're patient enough to wait for your nails to dry and can deal with the increased risk of chipping. Manicurist Paris offers simple starter kits in the form of its Green Flash LED Gel Polish set from 75 with a UV lamp, base and top coat, a choice of one or five gel colours, and nail polish remover. Get the whole kit and caboodle with Nails Inc London's Gelled Manicure Starter Kit for just 50. It comes with 10 pieces, including a primer, LED lamp, nail cleanser, pink chiffon gel colour and a remover tool. DIP POWDER Dip Powder nails are ultra-long-lasting and chip-resistant, and don't require setting under UV lamps. It can be applied to natural nails or extensions and isn't as difficult to apply as gel manicures. The process involves applying an adhesive base coat, dipping your nail into a pigmented powder as many times it takes to achieve your desired colour or thickness. Solid colours are easier to achieve at home with dip powder; however, a French manicure isn't too difficult to accomplish by partially dipping your nail tips in the pigment. It is then sealed with a protective coating after the excess powder is dusted away. While the powder, base and seal generally do not contain any harsh or harmful chemicals, removal does involve soaking your tips in acetone. Amazon has a budget option in the way of Lofuanna's Dip Powder Nail Kit Starter, which has a base coat, activator, top coat, powder, brush, brush saver, and file all for just 9.98. CLASSIC NAIL POLISH If you want to give your nails a break from thick gels, glues and wraps, harking back to traditional nail polish might be the way to go. Formulas have come a long way since the days when many women would experiment with DIY manicures using whatever they found in their mum or older sister's beauty bag or polish they bought with their pocket money from cheap retailers. There are now many options that can give the salon look without chipping in a matter of days or having to wait what feels like hours for the varnish to dry without smudging. Sally Hansen has been a go-to for nail lovers for decades, and the brand's Insta-Dri Nail Polish is perfect for those on the go as it only needs one coat for rich pigmentation and dries in 60 seconds. Try the luxurious Cinna Snap shade, an opulent burgundy hue ideal for autumn dressing, for 4.99 from Lookfantastic. If you're forgoing expensive salon treatments, why not treat yourself to a luxury polish that gives you dozens of manicures in one bottle? Chanel's 30 Le Vernis Long Wear Nail Colour has earned hundreds of rave reviews for its durability and rich colour. It comes in 20 stylish colours, including the 137 Sorciere dusty pink or the 131 Cavalier Suel, which is a stunning muted green. DON'T FORGET THE ACCESSORIES You can get the most out of your manicure - no matter what method you opt for - if you maintain and care for your claws. Top and base coats can strengthen and nourish your nails, which is especially important if you're using acetone regularly and can even be used to make the cheapest of polishes last longer. Nail buffers are your best friend when it comes to prep. They smooth ridges and imperfections on the nail surface while adding a natural shine. Cuticle oil moisturises the skin around your nail bed and reduces dryness, cracking and even painful hangnails. A manicure set comes with an array of tools to keep your nails at their desired length and shape. Opt for a quality nail polish remover to gently strip away varnish without causing damage to the nail or surrounding skin. A boss has been criticised for having no empathy for an injured employee An exchange between a manager and a new employee has gone viral after the boss attempted to pressure the worker - who had just broken his leg - into returning to work before being cleared by doctors. The conversation, shared by UK entrepreneur and TikTok creator Ben Askins, has left viewers stunned at the lack of compassion. In the exchange, the boss begins by asking: 'Hey, just been told you can't do your shift tomorrow, what's going on?' The employee responds: 'I broke my leg coming off my bike, I am in hospital at the moment.' Rather than offering sympathy, the boss immediately presses: 'When do you think you will be back?' Mr Askins interjects in the video, criticising the remark: 'Not your best question, could've been a little more humanity in there.' The employee explains they are awaiting advice from their doctor and will need to be on bed rest before being measured for crutches. But instead of accepting this, the boss pushes further. A shocking exchange between a manager and a new employee has gone viral after the boss attempted to pressure the worker into coming back to work before being cleared by doctors The conversation, shared by UK entrepreneur and TikTok creator Ben Askins, has left viewers stunned at the lack of compassion 'Ideally, I need you in for the Friday shift, do you think you will make it? I can get you a chair.' Mr Askins is left incredulous, asking 'oh good, we have a medical degree now, do we?'. 'You're genuinely putting in writing to go against medical advice. Like in what possible scenario do you think that ends well for you? he adds. The worker remains polite in the text, reiterating: 'If the doctor says it's all good then yep no worries. But if they say no, then I can't.' Still, the boss pushes back. 'They are always overly cautious. I kind of need you to just commit to it. It isn't a great look being off work when you only started two weeks ago.' Mr Askins fired back in disbelief: 'The only thing you've offered to help is a chair for a broken leg. When is the acceptable amount of time to break your leg? He's not done it on purpose.' The fed-up employee eventually makes the only decision left. 'Then let me make it even easier for you, I quit.' 'I mean, what is this boss playing at? I have absolutely no idea,' Mr Askins says at the end of the exchange. The video has racked up hundreds of comments, with people sharing similar experiences of unsympathetic managers. 'My former employer said I couldn't have picked a worse time to have a miscarriage,' one woman revealed. Under Australian workplace law, employees are entitled to take sick leave - including time off for injuries - without being pressured to return before being medically cleared 'My boss didn't believe I'd broken my arm. I sent him six doctor's letters, photocopies of my X-rays, a photo of me in a sling and even came in to show him. I ended up taking them to small claims court and won when they 'fired' me,' another said. Others pointed out the absurdity of expecting someone's injury to heal faster just because they were new. 'Do they think the bone is going to heal quicker because the employee's only been there two weeks?' one asked. But not all boss stories were bleak. 'I broke my leg, and my boss told me under no circumstance was I to come back until my follow-up appointment. He even made sure I didn't miss out on pay. I'm now one of the top performers there because who wouldn't want to work hard for a boss like that?' a man shared. Under Australian workplace law, employees are entitled to take sick leave - including time off for injuries - without being pressured to return before being medically cleared. Forcing or coercing staff to work against medical advice could breach Fair Work protections and leave businesses exposed to legal consequences. The viral video has sparked debate around employer expectations. As one commenter summed up: 'No job is worth your health.' A man has caused a storm on social media after proposing to his now-fiancee during an EasyJet flight. The unnamed man got down on one knee to his partner while standing outside the toilets during the flight, which was travelling to Spain. Passenger Nicki Gunner recorded the mid-flight proposal and shared it to TikTok, writing, 'Nothing beats an East Jet proposal outside the toilets on a flight to Benidorm.' Nicki recorded the smiling man, dressed in a white shirt and denim shorts, as he held his partner's hands in his and popped the question. There was a brief interruption as one person tried to get out of the toilet, but they quickly backed away after they spotted what was about to happen His fiancee appeared delighted with the proposal and said yes before her would-be husband placed the engagement ring on her hand for the first time. The passengers, who had a clear view of the proposal due to it taking place at the top of the aisleway and by the toilets, quickly erupted into cheers, marking a happy start to the couple's holiday. Shortly after, the EasyJet cabin crew made an announcement that one might expect to hear on a birthday, wishing them 'Many happy returns'. A man has caused a storm online after proposing to his girlfriend during an EasyJet flight to Spain Nicki's video quickly racked up over one million views in two days, with people taking to the comment section to share their thoughts on the proposal. The reception was mixed, with many questioning why he would pick the unique proposal location. One questioned, 'Why not wait until you were in Benidorm?' Another agreed, asking, 'Why didn't he propose at the destination.' A third took a harsher stance, writing, 'I'd be questioning my life choices.' However, others took a different view, one said, 'Just let them enjoy life, we don't know the backstory...could have met on a plane, could be that is when he knew he loved her. People are so sad to put these people down for what they are doing.' Another added, 'Omg, leave them alone, not everyone can afford all the singing, all dancing, flowers raining from above proposal, good luck to them and congratulations, may you have many years of happiness.' It comes after a woman was left with second-hand embarrassment after watching holidaymakers race for sunbeds in Lanzarote. Rachael, 28, from the northeast of England, was sitting on her balcony before the swimming pool at the Barcelo hotel in Playa Blanca opened at 7am. But while she was enjoying the early hours from her room, others in the hotel had a different idea and stood waiting to get their sunbeds. In the clip, shared by Nicki Gunner, passengers erupted in cheers after the man got down on one knee When the pool opened, chaos quickly unfolded as people, who one viewer familiar with the resort claimed are 'all English', rushed to grab the best loungers available. Rachael recorded the keen individuals, including children and parents, quickly throwing their towels on sunbeds to claim their positions. The TikTok quickly gained over 200,000 views, with people in the comment section equally shocked as Rachael. One said, 'Please no, this is my worst nightmare. I've got such second-hand embarrassment here! Life is too short, people! 'Go out on your holiday and explore, go to the beach, take in some culture, taste local cuisine, go to other towns and villages. What's the point in going away to sit there roasting in the sun all day?' A second wrote, 'It's so embarrassing. Imagine waking up in the luxury of a foreign holiday and saying to your other half, 'Can't lie here and enjoy being close to you, babe. I've got to go get a sunbed, we won't lie on until lunch'.' Another added, 'I've been to this hotel. There are so many sunbeds, everywhere, I cannot believe this is needed. But then I see what I see.' A third questioned, 'Which hotel is this so I can cross it off my list?' A fourth said, 'You couldn't pay me to stay in a hotel like this. I'm on holiday to relax not fight!' Viewers took to the comment section to share their thoughts on the proposal - and opinions were mixed Another said that he has stayed at the resort before and that those racing for the sun loungers are often 'all English,' he claimed. Shortly before, a mother was caught up in the great sunbed debate after revealing she gets up early to reserve eight loungers for her family - before heading off for breakfast and a shopping trip. Stephanie was on holiday in Fuerteventura in Las Palmas, Spain, with her partner and six children, and faced a common dilemma affecting holidaymakers across the continent - the battle for a spot around the pool. The 29-year-old mother from Wales revealed her answer to securing sun loungers is to wake up at the crack of dawn to place towels on the beds, before going about her morning as normal. Posting a clip of her strategy on TikTok, Stephanie argued she has a 'big family' and so needs to take drastic measures to ensure they're all comfortable during the day. The video - which racked up 120,000 views - was met with criticism from viewers who questioned why she had taken up spaces at the pool during the height of summer. Stephanie told her followers: 'First things first, we have to claim our sunbeds at the pool area. We have come as a big family so we have to be there early.' However, instead of spending the first hours of daylight soaking up the Spanish rays, she took her brood out for breakfast and a shopping trip - while their towels remained on the empty sunbeds. The family travelled into the town where they tucked into a traditional English breakfast at a cafe they had visited 'every single day' of the trip so far. She said the baked beans, sausages, black pudding, bacon, hash browns, tomato, toast and eggs were 'amazing', while her children opted to tuck into a frittata and pancakes. After tucking into their cooked breakfasts, the family set off on a shopping trip in the area, searching for holiday souvenirs in tourist shops. But it wasn't until they'd finished purchasing clothes that they returned to their hotel, where they then enjoyed the pool and the loungers, after seemingly spending a couple of hours sightseeing. People who do not tell surgeons that they smoke or consume weed could suffer a terrifying complication during surgery, doctors warn. Dr Kunal Sood, an anesthesiologist and pain specialist in Maryland, said: '[Regular] marijuana use may... change how the body processes drugs... and cause anesthetics to break down more quickly. 'That's why it's important to be honest with your anesthesia team about your medical and social history, including cannabis use.' About three in 20 Americans, or 51million people, now use cannabis at least once a week either recreationally or for a medical purpose such as easing pain, managing anxiety, or treating chronic illness. And nearly 18million use it daily or near daily. But because marijuana boosts levels of certain enzymes in the liver, those who take the drug regularly may also break down anesthetics, both the kind used for sedation during medical treatments and over-the-counter painkillers, much faster, making them less effective. Marijuana also interferes with the same system in the brain as anesthetics, which can also make the sedation-inducing drugs less effective. Because the drugs are less effective, people could wake up during surgery, which poses dangers because it could prompt muscles to move suddenly, increasing the risk of injury, and cause psychological distress. Studies suggest marijuana users may need up to 10 times more anesthetics than people who do not take the drug in order to ensure that their anesthetics are effective. The above picture shows a woman receiving anesthetic in a hospital (stock) Your browser does not support iframes. Doctors urge patients to alert their physicians whether they smoke, vape, or consume marijuana as edibles, since all can affect their response to anesthetics. People who have previously woken up during surgery have described it as 'terrifying' and causing them significant distress from seeing their body cut open, leading to regular nightmares and post-traumatic stress disorder. But patients do not experience pain, reports suggest, with their nerves still remaining numbed. Dr Sood shared the advice online in a clip on TikTok that has gone viral and received 2.1million views and more than 185,000 likes. It showed the Maryland physician with the phrase across the top of the video: 'Did you know if you do cannabis long-term you will require a higher dose of anesthesia to achieve the same effect? 'Make sure you tell your anesthesiologist if you smoke or consume cannabis.' Patients were quick to respond to the post, with many praising the doctor for raising awareness and some self-described marijuana smokers saying they had woken up during surgery. One patient wrote, 'Yup, woke up during my colonoscopy [due to this]. Horrible feeling.' Doctors said edibles posed the greatest risk to patients because their effects are longer lasting (stock image) Several also said they had woken up during wisdom teeth removals, which they thought was due to their cannabis use. Some patients also said they had told their doctor about their marijuana use but had been told 'not to worry'. One wrote: 'I told them that before surgery and they said that's not real', while a second said, 'I asked my anesthesiologist before my surgery. He told me I watch too much TV and to not be worried'. Dr Kunal Sood, pictured, raised awareness over the complication Studies suggest that edibles have the greatest effect on anesthetics because these are longer-lasting and can be released from the intestines for hours after consumption. The effect of marijuana that is smoked or vaped typically lasts just one to three hours. Patients are also advised to tell doctors the strength of the marijuana's THC, the ingredient in the drug that produces the high. Physicians will not judge patients for cannabis use, the society said, and will not share the information outside of their medical team. It will only be used to ensure a patient receives the right amount of anesthetics. Alerting doctors to this would ensure patients avoid unintended hospital admissions after surgery, longer hospital stays or readmissions. It is not clear how many patients wake up during surgery in the US due to marijuana, but it may be in the thousands, with between 40 and 50million surgeries completed in the country every year. And 17.7million Americans describe themselves as habitual pot users. A 2020 study suggested that people who used marijuana before surgery required 50 percent more anesthetic than those who did not use the drug. While other studies have even suggested marijuana users may need up to 10 times more anesthetics than other patients. The above graph shows how cannabis use has risen among 19-to-30-year-olds and older adults as more states have legalized the drug Your browser does not support iframes. Dr Jiff Zafar, an anesthesiologist at Yale, said previously on the Yale University website: 'We want patients to tell us what form of marijuana, and how much, they are using, so we can understand the potency. 'This is important because it can affect how well the anesthesia works. You may actually have more of a tolerance to anesthesia, which means you need more of it.' The American Society of Anesthesiologists tells people to avoid marijuana from midnight the day before surgery. They warn the drug can raise heart rate and blood pressure, putting further strain onto the cardiovascular system alongside anesthetics that can cause a surgery-related heart attack. After surgery, the experts also recommended that people avoid the drug to ensure they recover correctly. We all have our preferred ways of unwinding after a stressful day, but not everyone opts for a glass of wine or sweaty workoutsome prefer to lay pinned beneath a hefty weighted blanket, cocooned by a thick swathe of soft fabric packed with heavy glass balls. Weighted blankets first became mainstream in the mid-2010s, with the trendy lounging accessory hailed as a solution for all sorts of ailments and complaints, from anxiety and insomnia to autistic burnout and stress. Their origins lie back in the 1970s when they were used by occupational therapists to help neurodivergent children, and they became commercially available in the 1990s. But unlike bog-standard blankets, when it comes to weighted ones, one size does not fit all. Available in weights ranging between 2kg to 13kg, it's recommended to pick a blanket which is roughly 10 per cent of your body weight. The idea is that the blanket creates a 'deep pressure stimulation', akin to being tightly held or cuddled, which in turn soothes the parasympathetic nervous systemthe body's counter to the 'fight or flight' responseand helps you relax. Aficionados claim they're the best invention since sliced bread... but do they actually work? There have been several scientific studies looking into the blanket manufacturers' and superfans' claims, and while the results have overall pointed to weighted blankets being beneficial, there are some substantial gaps in the research. Weighted blankets have become a common wellness toolbut do they really do anything? A 2020 study of 120 psychiatric outpatients found that weighted blankets lessened insomnia in people diagnosed with major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and ADHD. At the end of the month-long trial, the researchers concluded that weighted blankets are 'a safe and effective intervention for insomnia in patients with some mental health disorders'. Similar outcomes came from smaller studies, including one which found 63 per cent of adults described the weighted blanket as decreasing their anxiety levels after just five minutes use. Another found 60 per cent of psychiatric inpatients experienced lessened anxiety during hospital stays when using the blankets. Anecdotal evidence also echoes these findings, with men, women and children reporting improved sleep and a heightened sense of wellbeing while beneath one of the bead-loaded blankets. However, there has been a lack of studies into how weighted blankets affect people without psychiatric conditionsor how the blankets merely act as a placebo, soothing people who struggle to sleep or relax without offering any genuine benefit. Writing in The Conversation, Craig Jackson, Professor of Occupational Health Psychology, Birmingham City University, pointed out that there are still a lot of questions surrounding the blankets, which can be picked up for as little as 18 on Amazon. He said: 'While weighted blankets may help people with clinical anxiety or sleep disorders, theres insufficient evidence that they benefit casual users without existing mental health conditions. Weighted blankets come in a variety of colours, weights and textures 'Also, about half the research on weighted blankets doesnt meet quality standards for robust scientific evidencea significant problem given the confident health claims found on product websites and glowing reviews in lifestyle magazines.' Prof Jackson also points out that the blankets aren't suitable for everyone, and people with 'diabetes, asthma, sleep apnoea, circulation problems, high blood pressure or claustrophobia should consult their GP before opting to use one.' Previously, Swedish researchers found melatonin levels were a third higher in those who use a weighted blanket at night than those who used a normal blanket. Melatonin is naturally released by the brain each night to make a person tired and regulate the circadian rhythm. The blankets boosted the amount of melatonin by putting the nervous system into 'rest' mode and reducing some anxiety symptoms, such as a quickened heart rate or breathing. When under stress, your heart beats too quickly, which blocks the production of melatonin. Researchers at Uppsala University, in Sweden, monitored 26 participants for two nights. On night one, participants slept with a weighted blanket. On night two, they used a regular bed sheet. Blankets used for the study, published in the Journal of Sleep Research, were matched to participants by their weight. Weighted blankets were 12.2 percent of the person's overall body weight, while regular sheets were 2.2 percent. Participants went to sleep at around 10pm and had a saliva sample gathered every 20 minutes until 11pm. Results showed that by the end of the hour, sleeping with a weighted blanket generated 32 percent higher levels of melatonin. Five Democrat-run states have issued their own vaccine guidelines after Florida banned all mandates. The governors of California, Oregon and Washington state announced this week they have formed the West Coast Health Alliance in an effort to 'ensure residents remain protected by science, not politics.' The alliance plans to review scientific data and make vaccine recommendations for residents in these states that are independent from federal guidelines. These guidelines will sidestep those enacted by the Trump administration and vaccine skeptic Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, including recent restrictions on the Covid shot. It's the first blue-state public health partnership to directly push back against the administration's policies. Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, said Wednesday his state will also sidestep 'ridiculous' federal restrictions on Covid vaccines. Pharmacists in the state will be able to provide the shots without a prescription for at least one year starting Friday. And health officials in Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania reportedly met this week to consider coordinating similar alliances. New York Governor Kathy Hochul is also reportedly set to sign an executive order allowing pharmacists to prescribe and administer Covid vaccines to New Yorkers who request them. California, Oregon and Washington have formed a partnership to issue their own vaccine guidance and information (stock image) California Governor Gavin Newsom (pictured here) said of the state's partnership with Oregon and Washington: 'Together, our states depend on the best science and knowledge available to protect public health, including scientific information about immunizations' Your browser does not support iframes. Just hours after the alliance was unveiled, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced the state would ban all vaccine mandates, comparing them to 'slavery.' The differing views also come as all 17 experts on the CDC's vaccine advisory panel have been dismissed. Meanwhile, 1,000 current and former HHS employees this week released a letter demanding RFK Jr resign as he 'continues to endanger the nation's health.' The Democratic governors called the partnership a unified response to what they deemed is the Trump administration's 'destruction' of the agency. California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement: 'The CDC has become a political tool that increasingly peddles ideology instead of science, ideology that will lead to severe health consequences. 'California, Oregon, and Washington will not allow the people of our states to be put at risk.' Sejal Hathi, director of the Oregon Health Authority, said: 'Our communities deserve clear and transparent communication about vaccines.' It's unclear exactly what measures the alliance will enact and how specific shots like the Covid vaccine and childhood vaccines will be affected. In Colorado, however, insurance plans regulated by the state will continue to fully cover Covid vaccines, along with pharmacies providing them without a prescription. Polis said Wednesday: 'I will not allow ridiculous and costly red tape or decisions made far away in Washington to keep Coloradans from accessing vaccines.' Additionally, POLITICO's Playbook newsletter reported Thursday that pharmacists in New York state will be allowed to administer and prescribe Covid vaccines to those who request them, according to an executive order Hochul is set to sign. It's unclear exactly when she will sign the order. The FDA ruled last month that updated versions of the Covid vaccine will only be available to people over 65 and those with a medical condition that puts them at a greater risk of severe disease. It's unclear exactly which conditions qualify, but in the past they have included asthma, cancer, obesity and being immunocompromised. California, Oregon and Washington's defiance of Robert F Kennedy Jr's (pictured here) policies come as 1,000 current and former HHS employees have called for him to resign Meanwhile in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis (pictured here) this week introduced measures to ban all vaccine mandates in the state Previously, the shots were available to all Americans six months and older. However, RFK Jr said in a social media post that the 'vaccines are available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors.' This means doctor offices may provide them. Washington State Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham said Wednesday: 'Our commitment is to the health and safety of our communities, protecting lives through prevention, and not yielding to unsubstantiated theories that dismiss decades of proven public health practice.' California, Oregon and Washington have previously teamed up on vaccine and pandemic-related issues. In 2020, they formed the 'Western States Pact' to review federal vaccine recommendations and coordinate pandemic restrictions. Colorado and Nevada later joined the effort. The trio of states were also the final ones to lift mask mandates. Newsom said: 'Together, our states depend on the best science and knowledge available to protect public health, including scientific information about immunizations. 'We have grave concerns about the integrity and transparency of upcoming federal vaccine recommendations and will continue to collaborate to ensure that science and sound medicine prevail to prevent any loss of life.' Robert F Kennedy Jr revealed the CDC's guidance on childhood vaccinations will most likely not change, despite states moving to ban vaccine mandates and doing away with immunization recommendations. The Health and Human Services secretary told Sen Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Colorado, that he does not anticipate changes to the CDCs vaccine scheduling recommendations for children to receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shots. He added that he thinks parents should be free to get their children immunized. When asked by Sen Bennet whether parents who want to vaccinate will be free and able to do so, Kennedy said: I assume they will be' but provided no further explanation. Kennedy's statements came a day after Florida Surgeon General Dr Joseph Ladapo, a long-time vaccine skeptic and mandate opponent, announced that the state was eliminating all vaccine requirements for school children, reversing policy that public health experts say has prevented millions of deaths. 'Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery,' Lapado said on Wednesday. Who am I to tell you what your child should put in their body? I dont have that right. Idaho became the first state to broadly outlaw vaccine mandates in April, prohibiting schools, businesses, and government entities from requiring any vaccinations for employment, services or education. Over a dozen other states are mulling over their own vaccination proposals that experts fear will lead to a rise in preventable illnesses. Secretary Kennedy took heat from both sides of the aisle. Sen Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and a doctor, told Kennedy that under his leadership, 'effectively we are denying people vaccine due to confusion among physicians and patients about who can get the shot. RFK Jr told Sen Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Colorado, that he does not plan to change CDC MMR vaccine recommendations, stating he supports parental freedom to choose immunizations Your browser does not support iframes. Kennedy replied: 'You're wrong,' adding that he is not taking away any vaccines and 'any confusion' about access is not his fault. Kennedy has stated that his plans for his tenure do not include implementing efforts to restrict access to childhood vaccinations, adding that parents should have the right to decide for themselves whether or not to vaccinate their children, free from government pressure. Just as Florida abolished every last one of its school vaccine requirements this week, Pacific Coast states are forming an alliance to serve as a bulwark against what they see as dangerous policies that undercut long-standing science supporting the shots. Over a dozen states implemented laws and policies regarding school requirements for Covid vaccination during and in the wake of the pandemic as a condition for in-person learning, which many maligned as government encroachment on parental freedom. While Secretary Kennedy informed Senator Bennet that the CDC will not change childhood vaccination recommendations for the MMR vaccine, which is to give the first dose at 12 to 15 months old and the second dose at four to six years old, he did not address the scheduling of the other vaccines up for discussion in the near future, including those for hepatitis B, chickenpox and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Different states have different vaccine requirements for children entering school. Nearly every state has laws requiring students to be vaccinated against certain core diseases before entering public schools, including the MMR, Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP or Tdap) vaccine, and vaccines for polio, varicella and hepatitis B. States have a patchwork of policies governing requirements for additional vaccines, though many are still highly recommended, including those for hepatitis A, human papillomavirus (HPV), rotavirus and influenza. Nearly two dozen states have passed outright bans on Covid vaccine mandates. Idaho's newly-enacted 'medical freedom' law that prohibits both public and private entities, including schools, businesses and government facilities, from requiring vaccines comes amid growing vaccine hesitancy and declining immunization rates nationwide. All states allow medical exemptions for children with valid health reasons, such as a compromised immune system or severe allergies to ingredients of the shots. However, the rules for non-medical exemptions vary drastically. In his question, Bennet pointed out that the CDC's immunization committee will discuss other childhood vaccines soon. The committee's new members include doctors and professors who have previously expressed concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo (pictured alongside Governor Ron DeSantis) announced Wednesday that the state will eliminate all vaccine mandates Most states allow exemptions based on religious beliefs. The process to obtain one ranges from simply signing a form to providing a notarized letter from a religious official. A smaller number of states allow exemptions based on personal, moral, or philosophical objections. California, New York, Maine, Connecticut, and West Virginia have eliminated both religious and philosophical exemptions for required school vaccines. Only medical exemptions are permitted. Lawmakers in over 15 states are introducing bills this year to expand religious exemptions from vaccine mandates, create state-level vaccine injury databases, and regulate medical advice about immunizations. Proposals to allow more families to opt out of school vaccination requirements on religious grounds are particularly widespread, with active legislative efforts in states New York, Virginia, Connecticut, Mississippi and Indiana. During the 2024-2025 school year, US kindergarten vaccination rates declined for all routine vaccines, with coverage falling to between 92.1 percent for DTaP and 92.5 percent for MMR and polio. Roughly 95 percent coverage is necessary for broad population immunity. While millions of Americans have applauded HHS efforts to reevaluate the safety of vaccines that have been on the market for decades, millions of others fear that they will soon have a harder time accessing vaccines for their children. Washington, DC pediatrician Dr Lanre Falusi told NPR: 'For the first time, I'm having parents of newborns ask me if their baby will still be able to get vaccines.' Anxious parents across the US, especially those relying on Medicaid, which insures 40 percent of all American children, are worried about accessing routine immunizations for their children. US kindergarten vaccine exemptions rose to 3.6 percent in the 2024-2025 school year, up from 3.3 percent the previous year. The increase occurred in 36 states and Washington, DC, with 17 states reporting exemption rates over five percent Vaccination coverage for kindergartners dropped in the 2024-2025 school year, with rates for all reported vaccines, including DTaP (92.1 percent), MMR (92.5 percent) [shown], and polio (92.5 percent), falling from the previous year In his question to RFK Jr., Bennet noted that many other childhood vaccines are up for discussion at future meetings of the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, whose membership was recently expanded to include physicians and professors who have previously raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Ultimately, every recommendation made by the ACIP must be approved by the Secretary of HHS. The committees agenda includes discussions about recommending vaccines for hepatitis B, Covid, measles, mumps and rubella, varicella, and Across the vast majority of the US, children entering school must get all of these vaccines, with the exceptions of Covid and RSV. Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Emily Hilliard said in a statement to NPR in June after ACIP membership was changed: There is no cause for concernAs Secretary Kennedy has stated, no one will be denied access to a licensed vaccine if they choose to receive one. When the ACIP committee met last month, they reaffirmed that flu vaccines will remain accessible and covered, and they emphasized safety by ensuring these vaccines are mercury-free. The committee voted in June to recommend that adults and children no longer receive flu vaccines made with the compound thimerosal, which contains mercury, but is rarely used in flu vaccines. When approached for comment about Kennedys responses to questions about vaccine scheduling, Hilliard told the Daily Mail that ACIP will meet later this month to discuss several vaccines, including the MMR. The MMR vaccine has been deemed safe and effective since the yearly 1960s, while the hepatitis B and varicella vaccines have been around since 1981 and 1995, respectively. The Covid and RSV vaccines are more recent, having been fully approved by the FDA in 2021 and 2023, respectively. A portion of Kennedy's questioning on Thursday pertained to the recent firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez, who was ousted after resisting pressure from RFK Jr and allies to change vaccine policy and terminate senior staff. In protest of her removal, three top officials resigned, alleging they were pushed to make vaccine recommendations without a scientific basis, which they feared would endanger Americans. When asked about an op-ed in which she detailed the context of her firing, RFK Jr insisted 'she's lying.' RFK Jr said: We are the sickest people in the world, thats why we need to fire people at the CDCI need to fire some of those people. Former president Joe Biden underwent a common surgery to remove skin cancer from his forehead, officials have revealed. A White House spokesperson told the Daily Mail on Thursday that Biden, 82, recently had Mohs surgery, which is used to remove certain types of skin cancers, including some melanomas, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other less common skin cancers. It's the same procedure his wife and former First Lady Jill Biden underwent in 2023. The news was confirmed after Biden sparked health concerns when he stepped out of a church in Delaware earlier this month with what appeared to be a large gash on his head. In August, Biden was seen with a bandage covering the same spot on his forehead at the funeral for former governor and US Representative Mike Castle. Biden previously had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his chest in 2023, and Dr Biden had the same cancer removed from her eye in the same year. It's unclear which form of skin cancer he had removed this most recent time. The former president is also currently undergoing treatment for stage four prostate cancer. That disease has spread to his bones. It's unclear if the skin cancer has spread elsewhere. Mohs surgery is performed in an outpatient setting and typically takes a few hours. It's usually done with local anesthesia to numb the area, meaning patients are awake. Former President Joe Biden stunned locals in Delaware as he stepped out with a large scar across his forehead Your browser does not support iframes. It's unclear if Biden was awake for the procedure and when exactly it took place. The objective of a Mohs procedure is to excise as much cancerous skin tissue as possible while also doing as little damage to the surrounding healthy tissue as possible. It's a gradual process and layers of skin are removed in steps. First, the surgeon uses a scalpel to remove the surface level cancerous skin tissue with the understanding that there might be more cancerous tissue beneath the surface, as the bulk of skin cancer is usually hidden under the surface. The surgeon maps out where on the body the cancerous tissue was extracted, takes that tissue sample to the lab, dyes it, and cuts it into sections. Specialized technicians place those tissue samples on slides to be investigated under the microscope. The doctor then examines the edges of each section of tissue for evidence of remaining cancer. If the surgeon finds cancer cells under the microscope, their location is marked on the map. The process is repeated until the doctor can find no evidence of cancer in the sampled tissue. In August, Biden was also seen with a bandage covering the same spot on his forehead at the funeral for former governor and US Representative Mike Castle Some wounds will be big enough to require sutures to close. They typically heal within a couple of weeks. Smaller wounds can heal by themselves in about a month. Typically people are able to leave between two and six hours after the outpatient surgery, though the timing depends on the size of the area effected. The procedure is extremely common. Mohs surgery is performed on over 876,000 tumors per year in the United States. Certain types of skin cancers treated by this procedure - basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas - are on the rise. Roughly 1.8million cases of squamous cell carcinomas are reported annually. Over the past 30 years, incidences of squamous cell carcinomas have spiked 200 percent, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Basal cell carcinoma, meanwhile, is the most common form of skin cancer and the most frequently occurring form of all cancers. An estimated 3.6million cases are diagnosed each year in the US alone. The rising rates of skin cancer are likely due to better detection and diagnosis capabilities as well as increased exposure to ultraviolet light, more time spent on outdoor activities, changes in clothing style, increased longevity, ozone depletion, genetics and in some cases, immune suppression. 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 In the hours after Anna Wintour anointed her successor at American Vogue, staffers are weighing in on her decision and noting that the new incumbent had a notable advantage. Wintour, 75, selected Chloe Malle, just 39, to take the helm as head of editorial content at the iconic fashion magazine. Malle, daughter of actress Candice Bergen and the late film director Louis Malle, has been working as the head of Vogue.com. The decision, though expected, still has tongues wagging in the editorial offices. 'There's nothing wrong with Chloe,' said one staffer. 'She is competent and will do a good job but there's a bit of discontent anyway. 'She's a nepo baby, which is not meant as a slam. She can't help who her parents are. But it gives everyone else the feeling like, why bother? No matter how good you are, you'll never be part of a famous family. The job will always go to someone who is more influential. 'I'm not saying she's not good; she is. But she was born on third base, so let's not pretend she hit a triple.' A second staffer told the Daily Mail that the general mood among employees is one of optimism. 'There's some prestige to working here, and I think Chloe will keep that going. She's a nice person, very smart, very businesslike, but also kind. It'll be interesting to see how things change,' the second staffer said. A graduate of Brown University, Chloe Malle has steadily risen through the ranks since joining Vogue in 2011 Malle, pictured with mom Candice Bergen, acknowledges that having famous parents gave her advantages that most people don't have Anna Wintour, above at the 2019 Met Gala, has been credited with transforming the fashion magazine into a cultural powerhouse A graduate of Brown University, Malle joined Vogue in 2011 and has steadily risen through the ranks. In 2023, she was named an editor at the magazine, and she also co-hosts 'The RunThrough with Vogue' podcast. Her editorial portfolio includes high-profile interviews with a range of public figures. She wasn't the only choice for the top job. Other potential candidates included W Magazine editor Sara Moonves, Stella Bugbee, editor of the Styles section at The New York Times, and Nicole Phelps, who runs Vogue Business and Vogue Runway. 'That's just the thing, they'd all have been good,' said the first staffer, 'but maybe their moms didn't win a bunch of Emmy awards.' Coincidentally, Bergen once played an Anna Wintour-esque character in Sex and the City as well as, more recently, And Just Like That. Now, her daughter will follow in her footsteps in real life. The choice of Malle comes just a few months after Wintour announced in June that she would step down as Vogue's editorial chief, a position she has held since 1988. Vogue put Malle's friend Lauren Sanchez Bezos on the cover in June ahead of her star-studded wedding extravaganza in Italy At 39, Malle is the same age as Wintour was when she took the job as head of editorial content at American Vogue in 1988 She has been credited with transforming the fashion magazine into a cultural powerhouse. In the process, her cool and aloof persona has become the stuff of legend, inspiring the 2003 novel and subsequent movie starring Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada. Wintour will continue to hold her position as Conde Nast's global chief content officer and global editorial director at Vogue, with Malle reporting directly to her. Wintour also oversees every Conde Nast brand worldwide, including Wired, Vanity Fair, GQ, AD, Conde Nast Traveler, Glamour, Bon Appetit, Tatler, World of Interiors and Allure, among others. '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,' Wintour wrote in a statement. 'Chloe has proven often that she can find the balance between American Vogue's 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 we've never been before.' Malle said in a statement: '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.' But even Malle acknowledges the advantage of her famous family, calling herself a 'proud nepo baby' in an interview on Tuesday with the New York Times. 'There is no question that I have 100 percent benefited from the privilege I grew up in,' she told the newspaper. 'It's delusional to say otherwise. 'I will say, though, that it has always made me work much harder. It has been a goal for a lot of my life to prove that I'm more than Candice Bergen's daughter, or someone who grew up in Beverly Hills.' Staffers told the Daily Mail that they're interested to see how things will go. As one summed it up: 'She's going to either be great or the whole thing will be a sh** show. Either way, she's got some massive shoes to fill.' Bari Weiss, the anti-woke former New York Times opinion editor who resigned from the paper and founded her own media company, is set to take the reins at CBS News. Weiss 'is on the verge' of having her publication, The Free Press, acquired by CBS parent company Paramount Skydance and given control of CBS News, sources told Puck Wednesday. Weiss has been 'informally consulting' CBS for 'a while,' a source told The Daily Mail. The deal - expected to be worth 'well above' the media startup's most recent $100million valuation but 'well below' the $200million Weiss has said it was worth - is nearly a done deal, Puck reported. Weiss, 41, who quit the New York Times in 2020 over its 'illiberal environment,' counts more than 1.25million subscribers to The Free Press, Axios reported. Weiss' expected hiring by new Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, the son of billionaire Trump ally Larry Ellison, is set to make waves within the CBS newsroom after a tumultuous year. In October, Donald Trump sued the network over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris that he claimed was deceptively edited. In the spring, 60 Minutes Executive Producer Bill Owens and CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon both resigned over concerns with the company's direction. Bari Weiss, the anti-woke former New York Times opinion editor who resigned from the paper and founded her own media company, is set to take the the reins at CBS News Weiss' expected hiring by new Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, the son of billionaire Trump ally Larry Ellison, is set to make waves within the CBS newsroom after a tumultuous year Paramount ultimately agreed to pay Trump $16 million to settle the lawsuit, paving the way for the administration's approval of an $8billion merger between Skydance Media and Paramount last month. Staff at CBS News are now fretting over the expected arrival of Weiss, who has regularly criticized the state of legacy media and left-leaning views. 'There's real fear in the building right now,' our source said. 'Veteran reporters who've been here for decades are whispering about whether they'll still have a job by the end of the year.' A source told The Wrap that Paramount is expecting resignations once Weiss is hired. 'Staff morale is at an all-time low. People are scared, plain and simple,' our source added. 'Everyone knows a news boss mean big changes, and no one feels secure.' The Daily Mail has reached out to CBS News and Weiss for comment. A Russian-born maths whizz dubbed the 'King of Britain's geeks' is offering interns a jaw-dropping 26,000-a-month salary to join his trading empire. Alex Gerko, 45, the secretive billionaire behind London-based XTX Markets, has opened up the eye-watering internship opportunity for students still completing advanced degrees. The role is no walk in the park - with requirements including an ongoing PhD in 'computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or a related quantitative field', at least a year left until graduation, 'solid' programming skills, and 'a proven publication record in leading machine learning and AI venues.' For the lucky individual who lands the spot, the internship pays more than Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's annual salary, putting them among the highest-paid interns in the country. The announcement comes just a week after it was revealed Mr Gerko, once a schoolboy growing up in the shadow of a Moscow tractor factory, made 682million last year. His earning were due to the soaring success of his cutting-edge firm, which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to make lightning-fast financial trades. Founded in 2015, XTX Markets is now one of the fastest-growing fintech firms in the world, trading across 35 countries and handling 186billion in transactions daily - with just 250 staff. Mr Gerko (left) during a visit to the King's College London Mathematics School in 2023 His earning were due to the soaring success of his cutting-edge firm, XTX Markets, which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to make lightning-fast financial trades Russian-born trader Alex Gerko, 45, has been described as 'king of the geeks' At the heart of its operation lies a supercomputer powered by Nvidia AI chips, tucked away in Iceland, where cheap geothermal energy and cold weather keep the machines running efficiently. It's reported that XTX has poured more than 150million into the site's computing power. The father-of-three has come a long way since his days in a run-down corner of Russia's capital, where he excelled at maths before eventually moving to the UK. He took British citizenship in 2016 and renounced his Russian citizenship three years ago. He has also been vocal in his opposition to the war in Ukraine. Now with a 8.7billion fortune and a place at number 20 on the Sunday Times Rich List, Mr Gerko owns a 22million seven-bedroom London mansion and a vast estate in the Chilterns. Despite his wealth, he remains one of Britain's most generous taxpayers and philanthropists. Mr Gerko is married to former Bank of England economist Elena Gerko, pictured in 2013 Mr Gerko (right) during a visit to the King's College London Mathematics School in 2023 Once ranked as the country's biggest individual taxpayer, handing over 664million in 2023, he still gave 202million last year - keeping him in the top ten. He has also donated tens of millions to UK charities, including Great Ormond Street Hospital, NHS Charities Together, and the Trussell Trust, which supports food banks. Alongside his wife Elena, a former Bank of England economist, he's also supported the London Symphony Orchestra with a 1.5million gift, and funds hundreds of 'maths circles' after-school and weekend clubs aimed at nurturing Britain's next generation of number-crunching talent. Thousands of staff at Lloyds Banking Group deemed to be underperforming could be put at risk of losing their jobs, according to reports. The FTSE 100 lender, which has 63,000 employees, and is planning a major overhaul of its performance management system. Lloyds's lowest performers will be told their work must improve to avoid being at risk of losing their job. Approximately 3,000 people deemed among the bottom 5 per cent in performance terms could be put at risk of dismissal, the Financial Times reported on Thursday. The group's top brass will be reviewing data from the HR software provider Workday to monitor the progress of staff. Managers across the business have already been told to start ranking employee performance, with underperformers due to be placed on 'structured support' programmes. Overhaul: Thousands of staff at Lloyds Banking Group deemed to be under-performing could be put at risk of losing their jobs The bank's bosses are reportedly looking to let go underperforming staff while addressing low rates of turnover among its employees. At a meeting discussing the proposed changes, Sharon Doherty, chief people and places officer, said the group needed to see higher turnover rates among underperforming staff, according to the FT's report. The bank is facing low turnover rates as staff avoid leaving their jobs amid economic uncertainty, the report said, adding current turnover at Lloyds is 5 per cent each year compared to an average of closer to 15 per cent historically. Its performance review overhaul will being it more in line with US banks and investment banks. The performance review scheme has echoes of so-called 'rank and yank', which was popularised in the US by the former chief executive of General Motors Jack Welch. Lloyds Banking Group said it was aiming to ramp up the performance of staff across all its operations, as part of a broader transformation programme. A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'To achieve the ambitious strategy and deliver brilliant service to customers, we are transforming our business. 'As we build highly-skilled teams to move faster forward and deliver great outcomes for our customers, we are striving to embed a high-performance culture in the organisation. 'To achieve this, and in line with wider industry practice, we continuously look for ways to help our colleagues perform at their best. 'We know change can be uncomfortable, but we are excited about the opportunities ahead as we propel forward to achieve our growth ambitions and delivering exceptional customer experiences.' Aside from vying to build a high-performance culture, chief executive Charlie Nunn is on a mission to cut costs across the banking group. In January, the banking giant behind Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland unveiled plans to shut 136 branches by next March. Lloyds Banking Group said the branch closures were driven by customers shifting towards online banking services. It axed around 1,600 jobs in January last year. Lloyds Banking Group shares were up 1.5 per cent to 79.98p on Thursday afternoon, having risen 40 per cent in the past year. Jet2 shares fell sharply on Thursday after the travel group cut its winter flight capacity and said earnings would be towards the lower end of forecasts. The London-listed group told shareholders it would trim seats on sale by 200,000 to 5.6million for the upcoming winter season, although this would still be 9 per cent higher than a year ago. It said holidaymakers were booking even closer to the departure date, with the trend becoming 'more pronounced' since its last update in July. A 'later booking profile' means the group has 'limited visibility' over demand, with the remainder of its summer and much of its winter seat capacity 'still to sell'. Jet2 now expects underlying earnings for the year to 31 March 2026 towards the lower end of forecasts of 449million to 496million, against 446.5million a year ago. The group saw package holiday passenger numbers rise 2 per cent in the five months to the end of August, down from growth of 8 per cent in the previous year. But it saw flight-only passengers accelerate, rising by 17 per cent. Cloudy outlook: Jet2 shares fell over 13% on Thursday after the company cut its flight capacity Jet2 said it was too early to give 'definitive guidance' on overall group profitability for the year. Steve Heapy, Jet2's chief executive, told shareholders the business was 'operating in a difficult market'. But he said the firm's flexibility over its programme and loyal customer base would help 'provide the foundation for a solid financial result this year and for further profitable growth in the years to come'. Jet2 said its pushed through a 'modest increase' in package holiday prices over the summer season. It added that for the winter, 'we plan to maintain attractive pricing to ensure our customers are able to get away from it all and enjoy a relaxing holiday'. Longer-term, the group said its mission to become 'the UK's Leading and Best Travel Business' remained unchanged. Jet2 shares were down 13.45 per cent or 217.00p to 1,396.00p on Thursday, having slipped around 4 per cent in the last year. EasyJet shares fell over 3 per cent, while Whizz Air shares slipped 0.75 per cent to 1,330.00p. The group, which is holding its annual general meeting today, said it would provide a further update on its interim results on 19 November. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: 'Millions of people prioritise experiences over material goods, with foreign holidays high up the list of things they scrimp and save for. Such a trend should be positive for airlines and holiday companies, yet countless individuals are leaving it to the last minute to make a booking. 'Jet2 has once again bemoaned this situation, leaving it with cloudy rather than crystal clear earnings visibility. Management cannot keep their fingers crossed that sales will eventually come through; they need certainty given the expense in running a fleet of aircraft and a complex accommodation chain. 'Guidance that full-year earnings will be at the lower end of market forecasts has wiped out Jet2s share price gains so far this year. Its a disappointing setback for the business and has dragged down shares in other airlines including EasyJet and Wizz Air.' Victoria Scholar, head of investment at Interactive Investor, said: 'While summer is typically the strongest period for travel companies, winter is generally a lot more challenging and creates a significant degree of unpredictability. The group had previously warned that the cost of living crisis could affect bookings too.' She added: 'Shares in Jet2 have plunged by over 10 per cent today, adding to the pain that its investors have already suffered lately. 'It has been a painful period for Jet2 investors so far in the second half of the year, and a major contrast to the outperformance enjoyed in the first half. 'Shares hit a record high this year, but have been reversing course since June. This shows that airlines are generally not for the faint hearted with ferocious competition and economic pressures as continued headwinds.' Britains hottest rental spots are no longer in city centres but instead in the suburbs as tenants look to escape soaring monthly costs. The rental supply crisis is now at its worst in Sale, Oldbury and Bootle where almost nine people are now searching for everyone available room to rent. Thats according to flat share platform SpareRoom. It has which has compiled a ranking of 52 places across the UK where more than five tenants are searching for a place to live per available room. It found that the fierce competition previously seen in inner city areas has now seeped into their surrounding suburbs as tenants seek more affordable places to live amid climbing monthly payments. Just two cities Salford and Inverness feature in the hottest rental spots across the country as tenants have become priced out of city living. Sale, which is just 30-minute drive from Manchester city centre, is the most in demand rental spot in the country. Trendy spots such as the Northern Quarter and Ancoats have been snubbed by renters in favour of Greater Manchester suburbia. Your browser does not support iframes. Some 8.9 potential tenants were hunting for every available room in the town between April and June this year, SpareRoom says. Rental costs are now 637 a month for a room in shared property. While Sale has long been a popular spot with nine people searching per room in the same period in 2019 Oldbury has seen a huge surge in popularity. It is second on the list of the most stretched rental markets in the country as between April and June there were some 8.8 potential renters per room, up from just 3.9 in the same time period in 2019. Oldbury, between Dudley and Birmingham, is perfect for commuters into the second city or other spots in the West Midlands. Landlords are charging 531, more than 200 under the 748 UK average, according to SpareRoom. Bootle just a ten-minute walk from Liverpool city centre is the third most sought after rental location with 8.6 people hunting for each room. This is up from 4.6 people in 2029. Monthly rents are even lower here at just 456 per room. Across all spots in UK, there were just 2.6 potential tenants hunting for a flat share for each available room between April and June. This is actually lower than it was in 2019, when it was 2.9 tenants. The south east is still a hotbed for rental demand as those commuting to the capital search for more affordable rooms. It makes up a huge swathes of the hottest rental spots - from Clacton-on-Sea in Essex to Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Those priced out of inner London are driving demand in Twickenham, which now has 8.3 hopefuls per room, and Aldershot in Surrey where there is eight potential tenants for each flat share. But a handful of towns near Manchester and Birmingham feature prominently in the most in-demand rental spots, too. Aside from Sale, other areas around Manchester including Bolton, Stockport and Bury all make the list of the most popular places. Meanwhile, near Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Solihull and West Bromwich among others are in demand. Matt Hutchinson, director of SpareRoom, said: Across the country, rental supply in the flat share market is still rising but that doesnt do justice to the picture in suburbia, which is groaning under the weight of demand from renters priced out of city living. When renters reach their ceiling of affordability, there isnt really a choice, they have to move somewhere cheaper. The worry is that demand in these areas is now so high its inevitable prices will rise, until average rents are similar to those in the city they originally moved out of. And then where do renters go? While tenants are flocking out of city centres to more affordable pastures, there is a limited rental supply in suburban areas compared to city centres. This is causing competition to heat up among flat hunters which is in turn driving up monthly room costs. Rent prices across the UK have soared 30 per cent since 2019 but some towns in the list have seen hikes more than double this level. Cannock, a town in Staffordshire which is well placed for commuters to Wolverhampton or Birmingham, places just 45 on the list of the hottest towns. However, it has seen the biggest climb in rental costs over the last six years. Between April and June in 2019 monthly rental costs were 389 on average but now they are 656 a 69 per cent surge. It has 5.2 tenants hunting for each available room. When my daughter was little, I opened a Lloyds Junior Isa for her. Five years ago, our family moved to Australia. The Isa rules said we could keep the account, but no longer pay in as we weren't British taxpayers. It has 4,250 inside. In March this year, my daughter turned 18 and wrote to Lloyds, asking it to close the Isa and pay the cash into her Australian account. This didn't happen. In May, we were visiting family around Britain and tried to close the account in person. We went into three Lloyds branches in different parts of the country which was a great inconvenience, taking three full days of our three-week trip. The staff seemed bamboozled by the fact we'd moved abroad, and each gave us completely different and contradictory instructions on closing the account. To make things more complicated, Lloyds would only phone my daughter's grandmother, as it wouldn't accept our Australian mobile phone numbers or an email. Ultimately we left without getting the money. Is it lost forever? S.T, Australia Neigh good: Lloyds wasn't able to sort out a customer's Junior Isa cash transfer in branch on three separate occasions Helen Crane, This is Money's consumer champion, replies: Your story is a sad reflection on customer service at British banks. In the era of frustrating AI chatbots, it would be nice to think that walking up to the counter and speaking to a real person would be the one avenue you could rely on to get the answers you needed. You even interrupted your family road trip to do so, driving miles out of your way several times to find the nearest branch and wasting time queueing when you could have been catching up with friends and relatives. You told me this took up three full days of your three-week holiday, which as a proportion of the cost of the total trip was about 400. These efforts were wasted, though, as the fact your circumstances were slightly out of the ordinary seemed to send the branch staff into a spin. To be clear, your daughter is still perfectly entitled to the money from her Junior Isa, despite now being a resident of Australia. CRANE ON THE CASE Our weekly column sees This is Money consumer expert Helen Crane tackle reader problems and shine the light on companies doing both good and bad. Want her to investigate a problem, or do you want to praise a firm for going that extra mile? Get in touch: helen.crane@thisismoney.co.uk Because of their tax-free benefits, Isas can only be opened by residents of Britain. If they leave, they can't pay any more money in - but the account can stay open. Your daughter's Junior Isa was set up when you and her were both British citizens. You stopped making new contributions at the end of the tax year in which you moved to Australia, as per the British Government's rules. The money is allowed to continue accumulating interest, though, which it did. When the child turns 18, they are allowed to take out the money and close the account. However, they might be taxed on the cash in the country where they now live. This is the case for your daughter, but she will still be left with a useful rainy day fund as she embarks on adult life. Sadly, her simple request to get her 4,250 provoked all kinds of confusion and misinformation at Lloyds. First, she received a letter to your Australian address explaining how to switch her Junior Isa to an adult Isa. Your daughter is not allowed to do this, as she's not UK-based. Over in the UK, you first visited Lloyds' Windsor branch. Staff told you they needed to contact head office and would call you - but you had to hand over your daughter's grandmother's number, as they couldn't accept an Australian phone number or email. This made life difficult, as you weren't staying with her for all of the three-week trip. You didn't hear, so a week later you visited the Ferndown branch in Dorset, where there was no record of your Windsor enquiries. After you explained everything again, the staff said they couldn't close the account. A few days after that, grandma received a call saying that Lloyds' head office had provided instructions on how to close the account, and all your daughter had to do was head to any branch of Lloyds with a form of identification. You'd moved on to the Midlands by then, and went to the Redditch branch where your daughter filled out an account closure form. But then, she was told she couldn't have the money paid into an Australian bank account, or in cash - it could only be paid into a UK account. Messenger: The customer's grandmother had to relay messages to her from Lloyds, as it wouldn't call her on an Australian mobile number Reluctantly, you said it could be paid into your own UK account and were told this would happen within a few days. Three days later, Lloyds was back on the phone to grandma - this time telling her the money had been transferred to the second branch you visited in Ferndown, and that your daughter needed to go there to withdraw it. She couldn't do so that day, as you had since travelled across the country. It was just as well she didn't make the trip, as the next day Lloyds said a mistake had been made and she needed to go to a branch half an hour away in Wareham. Nearing the end of your trip, you were totally confused about where the money was, and didn't want to waste time travelling across the country to find it might not be there. In the end, you left Britain at the start of June and hoped the electronic transfer organised in Redditch would go through. But then, you were told this wouldn't happen and that Lloyds would send a banker's draft in the post. You have now received this, but cannot cash it. It is notoriously tricky to cash foreign cheques, as the majority of banks in both Britain and Australia don't accept them. If you do find one that will, it will likely charge fees. You made a complaint online but it wasn't acknowledged. You then called Lloyds, which said the account had been closed. Your daughter tried to set up online banking, but couldn't as she no longer had valid account details. Since returning to Australia, you told me you've spent nine hours dealing with the Lloyds complaints process, and based on your salary that time is worth 500. Your daughter has also started a new job recently and you believe the delay in receiving this money will increase her tax bill, as opposed to what she would pay if she had received the money in the previous tax year. The Australian tax year runs from 1 July to 30 June. I contacted Lloyds to ask why its staff found the idea of transferring Jisa funds to an account down under so mind-boggling. It said it never received your daughter's letter saying that she would like to close the account, which isn't hugely surprising given the huge distance it had to travel. It admitted that some of the steps taken in its branches were incorrect. Specifically, the transfer to your own account which you thought was arranged in Redditch should not have been suggested. This transfer was rejected as the receiving account was not in your daughter's name. However, after I stepped in, it agreed to set up an international bank transfer to pass on the money instead of a cheque. This is in the works and the money is set to arrive with your daughter shortly, along with a 500 goodwill payment. Lloyds has also agreed to pay 106.43 in lost interest, for the period between the account being closed and you receiving the money. You remain upset Lloyds has not agreed to pay your daughter more, given that the delay in paying the money will likely increase her tax bill. However, I'm pleased a solution has been found to transfer the money - and astounded a bank transfer couldn't have been done in the first place. A spokesman said: 'Transferring an Isa should be easy and weve fallen short of the high standards our customers expect from us we take this seriously and well learn from this. 'Were working to finalise [the customer's] transfer, and well offer her a further payment to try and make things right and have apologised for the issues shes had.' Labour is being urged to hike council taxes in some areas by up to 410 per cent. Under controversial plans to completely redraw the 'outdated' system, an influential thinktank wants to scrap the existing bands that determine the size of bills. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) claims they should be revised using up-to-date house price estimates and a percentage tax on the home's new value. Councils in traditional Labour heartlands across the North would be 'winners' if such sweeping changes went ahead. In Kingston upon Hull, average bills would be cut by 60 per cent saving residents the equivalent of 700 a year. Yet in parts of London and the South East, average bills would soar 5-fold. Residents in Westminster, for example, would have to fork out 4,645 extra. The Daily Mail has today made a search tool which reveals how your council tax bills could change, if one of the most extreme IFS proposals were adopted. Armed with similar analysis by the thinktank, Wales has already announced that it will carry out a massive revaluation of property prices in 2028. The IFS floated similar proposals for England in March 2020, just days before Covid struck, although ministers never acted on them. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Ahead of its landslide election victory, Labour ruled out changing council tax bands in England. But Kemi Badenoch last month warned that a raid could still be on the cards because of the looming changes in Wales. Pointing to how Sir Keir Starmer once called the country a 'blueprint for what Labour could do in Government across the UK', the Tory leader wrote in the Daily Mail: 'You can bet it'll be coming to England next. She added: 'If you've worked hard, improved your home, or simply live in a nice area, your bills could soar.' Stuart Adam, one of the authors of the original IFS report, titled 'Bringing council tax in England into the 21st century', told the Daily Mail: 'The Government should use our report as their blueprint for reforming the outdated council tax system. 'The failure to revalue council tax for 34 years and counting means the tax bills households face bear less and less relation to the values of their properties. 'We wouldnt tax peoples incomes based on the relative salaries their jobs paid 34 years ago but we do tax their housing based on the relative values of their properties 34 years ago.' He added: 'At a minimum the Government should therefore revalue properties and put in place a cycle of regular and frequent revaluations to stop us getting in this situation again. Ideally it would undertake more radical reform too. Kemi Badenoch last month warned that a council tax raid could still be on the cards because of the looming changes in Wales Your browser does not support iframes. If the IFS shake-up went ahead, the biggest losers would be houses in Westminster (pictured) as residents would face an average 410 per cent increase in annual council tax bills Your browser does not support iframes. On the other end of the scale would be the councils of Kingston upon Hull, which would see a reduction in costs of 60 per cent 'It must be done at some stage, or we would still be basing council tax in 2091 on relative property values in 1991 an absurd state of affairs.' Current council tax banding, which determines the size of bills, has been unchanged since properties were first assessed in 1991, when it replaced the poll tax. Valuations were carried out by estate agents and surveyors who drove down streets to make quick judgements. Band A, the cheapest council tax band, covers homes worth less than 40,000. On the other hand, Band H, which is the most expensive, includes those worth more than 320,000. Since the bandings were rolled out however, the value of homes in commuter towns dotted across the Home Counties has increased six-fold. Prices have only gone up by a factor of 2.5 in areas like County Durham. Andrew Dixon, of Fairer Share: the national campaign to reform council tax, told the Daily Mail: 'The IFS is right to highlight the urgent need to update and reform council tax. 'Their analysis shows what households across the country already know: council tax is deeply unfair, regressive and out of date. 'Families in towns like Hartlepool, Wigan and Bolton are already paying between 12 per cent of their homes value every year, while owners of multi-million pound properties in London and the South East pay as little as 0.05%. 'That is a de facto wealth tax on ordinary working people.' Under the original proposal published by the IFS, Band A would be updated to cover homes worth less than 142,000 as of the start of 2019. Homes valued in excess of 1,769,840 would fall under Band H. The Daily Mail used these figures to illustrate how bills could look today. Six scenarios were initially floated by the IFS, beginning with the 'relatively modest' option of revaluing properties. Its preferred scenario, the one we have modelled, sees a proportional tax applied to the new value. If the IFS shake-up went ahead, the biggest losers would be Westminster (average 410 per cent increase in annual council tax bills), followed by Kensington and Chelsea (358 per cent) and Wandsworth (166 per cent). Although average tax bills wouldn't change, the IFS said that more people would see their bills reduced than increased On the other end of the scale would be the councils of Kingston upon Hull, which would see a reduction in costs of 60 per cent, followed by Stoke-on-Trent (57 per cent). Sir Keir Starmer's own council, Camden in north London, would see rates rise by 155 per cent if the IFS proposals were to be enacted. Although average tax bills wouldn't change, the IFS said that more people would see their bills reduced than increased. In response to cries for reform, Labour launched a council tax consultation in June to help 'work with councils to fix what is broken'. Jim McMahon, the local Government minister, unveiled proposals to send more than 2billion 'to the communities that need it most'. Taxpayers in the south may see their rates rise as the Government seeks to funnel more cash to the North. Council tax property revaluations were not mentioned in the full blueprint. The Treasury has already suggested that local authorities will have to hike bills by the maximum - 4.99 per cent - every year for the rest of this Parliament. It comes at a tough time for councils, with many facing bankruptcy or forced to cut services, especially discretionary ones such as youth clubs, childcare and museums. Ever since council tax was introduced in 1993, no minister has dared order a national revaluation of properties. The department in charge of council tax reform is led by Angela Rayner, who has attracted controversy recently due to rows over the taxes on her homes Although one was due in 2005 by the then local government minister David Miliband, he delayed it a move labelled by one critic in the Guardian as 'done out of sheer fear'. However Wales is leading the way, with their revaluation creating new property bands that are predicted to raise council tax for over 470,000 homes and reduce it for about 800,000 households. The IFS is also producing a report for the Scottish Government outlining how it could follow similar proposals, as it also still uses 1991 property values. But it is expected there will be a political battle over the change in England, with local government insiders warning any reform to the system will be 'polarising'. But Mr Adam argues the government needs to act, adding: 'Reform would create millions of losers as well as winners, which means doing it would probably involve some political pain.' The biggest supporters of changing the system are a group of cross-party MPs known as the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Council Tax Reform. Its chairman, the Labour Party MP for Hartlepool, Jonathan Brash, told the Daily Mail: 'The Government is right to be looking at changing funding models through the Fair Funding Review 2.0. Jonathan Brash is the chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Council Tax Reform 'After decades of inaction, we have an opportunity to build a system that is fit for the twenty first century, that properly funds local services, and that stops hammering families in towns like Hartlepool. 'I will continue to press for that outcome at every opportunity as we can no longer just tinker around the edges. Britain deserves better than that.' A Treasury spokesman said it does not comment on speculation around future changes to tax policy. They added: 'We are committed to keeping taxes for working people as low as possible, which is why at last Autumn's Budget, we protected working people's payslips and kept our promise not to raise the basic, higher or additional rates of Income Tax, employee National Insurance, or VAT.' A London council is housing a group of 'homeless' Chagos nationals in a block of luxury accommodation 150 miles away from the English capital, the Daily Mail can reveal. Hillingdon Council moved the group into the flats, which had been formerly used as student residences in Stoke-on-Trent, without prior notifying the Staffordshire authority of their plans to do so. The west London council say they housed the Chagossians in Stoke-on-Trent to combat 'unprecedented' homelessness in their region. But rates of rough sleepers in the Staffordshire city also hit record levels according to official figures this year, which laid bare a 40 per cent increase in the number of people languishing on the streets. It had initially been suggested that Hillingdon Council were using the flats to house asylum seekers in a similar move to migrant hotels across Britain in recent months. But we can reveal that the residents in this accommodation are official UK passport holders after qualifying through a citizenship scheme with the Chagos Islands. The west London authority warned earlier this year that they were 'overwhelmed' at the number of Chagos natives arriving in their borough - months after Sir Keir Starmer handed control of the islands to Mauritius after 161 years of British rule. The Prime Minister's deal was heavily criticised for compromising the security of a military base that will remain on the islands - and many locals fled to Britain as a result, claiming they faced persecution. A London council is housing a group of 'homeless' Chagos nationals in a block of luxury accommodation 150 miles away from the English capital. (Pictured: Flats when they were previously student accommodation) Hillingdon Council moved the group into the flats, which had been formerly used as student residences in Stoke-on-Trent. (Pictured: Flats when they were previously student accomodation) The west London council say they housed the Chagossians in Stoke-on-Trent to combat 'unprecedented' homelessness in their region. (Pictured: Flats when they were previously student accomodation) As of July this year more than 400 Chagos nationals had arrived at Heathrow Airport in the borough of Hillingdon in the previous 12 months. In the nine months prior to March 2025, supporting the new arrivals cost the the council more than 508,000. And the authority estimated could rise as high as 1.2million as more arrivals continued to pile in. At the time, Hillingdon Council leader Ian Edwards pleaded with the government for extra funding due to the influx of Chagossians in his borough after Sir Keir's deal. He told GB News in May: 'The difficulty here is that the Government is just failing to fund the responsibility that is now falling onto the local authorities and as a consequence, is falling onto the shoulders of Hillingdon residents.' Now, it appears these funds are going towards the luxury Stoke-on-Trent flats, which are being used as temporary housing while permanent residences for the Chagos natives are secured. The Chagossians' new accommodation was previously advertised as being 'delightful' and offering 'spectacular facilities' including ensuites, built-in WiFi and 'Playstations nearby'. A classic one-bedroom apartment which was listed as costing just under 200 per week online now displays that the flats are all 'sold out'. The route for Chagossians to claim British residency was announced in November 2022. Official government guidance says this 'allows them to become British citizens free of charge, and to build their future in the UK should they wish to'. Sir Keir Starmer handed control of the islands to Mauritius after 161 years of British rule The Daily Mail can reveal that the residents in this accommodation are official UK passport holders after qualifying through a citizenship scheme with the Chagos Islands (pictured) Pictured: Demonstrators outside the High Court in London in May after a British court temporarily blocked the UK from transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius Many islanders who arrive in Britain come with nowhere to stay and need temporary accommodation, with the council left to foot the bill for housing, prepaid cards and essentials as well as helping them to open bank accounts and apply for Universal Credit. With surging levels of Chagos nationals and a 'disproportionate' level of homelessness in the borough of Hillingdon, the authority said they had to look further afield to secure a roof over the heads of the new British citizens. However, the choice to use Stoke-on-Trent as one of the locations comes as the city continues to battle a homelessness crisis. Statistics published earlier this year by the council in Staffordshire showed a 40 per cent increase in rough sleepers in the region. Its total count of rough sleepers was 35, which was an increase of 10 from the previous year and was its highest-ever since records began in 2010. Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning, said in May that the figures were 'sad to see'. He added: 'We are committed to supporting individuals who do find themselves homeless by increasing the amount of specialist accommodation available in the city and ensuring the right type of support is in place to help people move into and sustain suitable housing.' It is unclear whether Stoke-on-Trent City Council will look to house its own homeless in the former student accommodation once the Chagos Islanders have departed. With surging levels of Chagos nationals and a 'disproportionate' level of homelessness in the borough of Hillingdon, the authority said they had to look further afield to secure a roof over the heads of the new British citizens. Pictured: Homeless in the borough of Hillingdon Your browser does not support iframes. A spokesperson for the Staffordshire council said: 'We are aware of spurious claims circulating in the community that asylum seekers are being housed at a property. This is entirely false. 'The property has been used for short-term placements for a small number of people from the Chagos Islands. They have come to the UK under a long-standing national scheme which allows Chagossians to claim British Citizenship. 'These citizens are not expected to stay in Stoke-on-Trent when they leave their short-term placements in coming weeks. 'We received no formal prior notification, from either the property owner or any other council, of proposals to use this property to house people from outside the city. We have reminded all parties of their legal and safeguarding responsibilities, and will ensure that these are complied with fully.' A Hillingdon Council spokesperson said: 'The council is using these units as short-term, emergency accommodation for homeless households who are UK citizens, not former asylum seekers, while we secure settled alternative accommodation. We have notified Stoke-on-Trent City Council of the use of these properties. 'Levels of homelessness are unprecedented in London with a significant and disproportionate increase in Hillingdon. We're unable to accommodate everyone locally and we work with a range of providers to supply cost effective accommodation throughout England, while continuing to support households resettled outside of the area.' They added that they are 'not required to notify receiving local authorities prior to placement.' It was a shocking moment that encapsulated the rising tension across Britain amid the country's small boat crisis. A Muslim businessman was being interviewed on Sky News about the troubles in Nuneaton, when a white woman carrying a pint of lager staggered across the street, her children in tow, and screamed vile abuse at him. 'Dirty monkey,' she yelled at him before her female friend joined in, telling the interviewee to 'go back to his own country' - oblivious to the fact that the Midlands town has been his home for more than 26 years. In that moment, caught on Sky's cameras, the two women provided a grim and uncomfortable insight into the tension that is gripping towns and cities across the UK where those arriving on small boats are being accommodated - at the tax payers' expense. And nowhere is that rising tension more evident than in the market town of Nuneaton where this shameful clash took place - and where the numbers of temporarily housed migrants has risen steeply in a short amount of time. A few years ago there were just a handful of asylum seekers but now there are 247 in this once quiet small corner of Warwickshire - the county that gave the world Shakespeare. Unlike other towns where small boat migrants are put up in hotels, here in Nuneaton they live in residential homes or Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO's), side by side with the established community. People in the town were already on edge over the arrival of so many illegal migrants in the last few years. But what really intensified the situation was the news that a local 12-year-old girl had been raped in July - and two Afghan asylum seekers were charged over the attack. Zahin Gelu, a Muslim restaurant owner, was being interviewed on Sky News about life in Nuneaton when two women came out of Wetherspoons and shouted vile abuse at him One of the women walked over to him carrying a pint of lager and shouted 'dirty monkey,' at him before her female friend joined in, telling the interviewee to 'go back to his own country' In the unedifying scene, the woman had a number of children in tow as she yelled vile obscenities at Mr Gelu, who, unbeknownst to her, had lived in Nuneaton for 26 years As Mr Gelu was talking, one of the women shouted 'you're raping our children' to which he could be heard asking the woman 'What you teaching them kids?' Mr Gelu was born in Lilongwe in Malawi but has lived in Nuneaton since he was six years old Now the Daily Mail can reveal it has been told that one of the women shouting abuse was Amy Palmer, a mum of three who lives locally and allegedly shouted 'dirty monkey' at Mr Gelu, although she says it was someone who looked like her Afghan asylum seeker Ahmad Mulakhil - who reportedly entered Britain by crossing the Channel - is charged with raping the schoolgirl on one of Nuneaton's suburban roads. And Mohammad Kabir, also an Afghan asylum seeker, has been charged with aiding and abetting rape, strangulation and kidnap. So worried were Warwickshire Police chiefs about the possibility of the case provoking violent disorder that they reportedly advised local councillors and officials not to reveal that the rape suspects were asylum seekers for fear of 'inflaming community tensions'. Hundreds of residents have since marched on Nuneaton Town Hall, many clutching St George and Union flags, and others holding aloft placards preaching safety for 'our girls'. All this has left one asylum seeker begging to be sent back to his native Somalia because it is 'not safe' for him to remain in the Midlands town. 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. In Nuneaton so far there has been none of the violence which erupted outside migrant hotels in Epping in Essex and London's Canary Wharf - but the town clearly remains a hotbed of mistrust emphasised by the scowling alcohol-soaked yobs who gatecrashed 32-year-old Zahin Gelu's interview with Sky News. Mr Gelu, a British Asian, who was born in Lilongwe in Malawi but has lived in Nuneaton since he was six years old, was sitting outside a cafe in the town centre with his two sisters two weeks ago. Sky News were reporting on the tensions in the local community and Mr Gelu, who owns local restaurant Dessertz2Go, was approached to give his views. No sooner had he given his name, two women one clutching a pint of lager taken from a local pub stormed into shot surrounded by their young children. In the clip - which was only broadcast a few days ago but has since gone viral online the women scream obscenities at him, one shouts the phrase 'dirty monkey' before the other screams: 'That's the issue we're having with youse (sic) in our country, you're raping our kids.' The Daily Mail has learned that the woman holding the glass of beer is 29-year-old mother-of-three Amy Palmer. Mr Gelu said that he forgave Ms Palmer for her outburst and is not pressing charges but police are investigating the matter regardless. Two women aged 30 and 43 have been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence. The older woman was also held on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault. Nuneaton has seen rising tension in recent weeks with anti-migration marches in the town Protests against asylum seekers being in the town have taken place throughout the last month Anger has reached boiling point in the Midlands town after earlier this month two Afghan asylum seekers were charged with raping a 12 year old girl He said he and his sisters continued to be harassed by the two women for ten minutes. Mr Gelu said: 'I was called a p***, I was accused of raping children and told to go back to my country. But this is my country. 'I've been here for the last 26 years, I went to primary and secondary school in Nuneaton and went to university in Manchester. I've built a business here, I employ people and pay taxes. 'But because of the colour of my skin and the fact that I'm a British Asian, these women assumed I was an asylum seeker. 'I'd just about said my name on camera when they came over shouting insults. 'There's no justification for it but she was clearly projecting her problems on to me. She had small children with her and that was what upset me most because what sort of example does that set? 'I've had this sort of behaviour thrown at me all my life and it's becoming a serious problem again with the issue of asylum seekers becoming such a major topic of conversation. 'But I want peace, we need to all calm down and talk about stuff and be more dignified in the way we treat each other.' Asylum seekers like Yusuf who has lived in the UK for two decades says he no longer feels safe in Nuneaton - and wants the Home Office to deport him back to Somalia where he's from Nuneaton only had a handful of migrants living in the town a few years ago - but in a short time the number has grown to 247 in this quiet corner of Warwickshire The Daily Mail tracked down Ms Palmer after visiting friends of hers who lived in a block of flats about two miles west of the town centre. Stickers proclaiming 'Stop the Boats' were plastered over the ground-floor flat's front door. Speaking to us from her friend's phone, Ms Palmer denied being the person in the Sky News video clip and said it was someone else who looked like her. However, another close friend of hers, a man who said he was of Indian heritage and gave his name as Ash later admitted: 'That is Amy in the clip, she shouldn't have said what she saidbut she's not racist. She is just angry over what's happened to her town.' Much of the fury that has beset the town is due to accusations that the police has sought to cover up the alleged rape of the 12-year-old girl by Mulakhil and Kabir. The pair pleaded not guilty when they appeared at Warwick Crown Court last Thursday. They were remanded in custody and are due to face trial on January 26, 2026. Reform UK's George Finch, the leader of the county council and the party's youngest councillor, said in a letter to the force's chief constable: 'The continued cover-up of the true nature of Ahmad Mulakhil's immigration status risks public disorder breaking out on the streets of Warwickshire. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 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 'The same detail has been covered up today concerning Mohammad Kabir. I am disgusted that one year on from the social unrest that we saw in parts of the UK in 2024, the Home Office and police have clearly not learnt any lessons. 'I strongly believe that the only risk to public order from this case in Warwickshire comes from the cover-up.' Meanwhile the Tories have warned the grooming gang scandal will repeat itself if police do not share the immigration status or ethnicity of dangerous suspects. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, issued the warning after police were accused of 'covering up' the background of the asylum seekers arrested on suspicion of the girl's rape. Mr Philp told the Daily Mail: 'The police must be open about who is committing these alleged offences, and not try to hide it. 'Otherwise, we risk a repeat of the rape gang scandal where horrendous crimes were covered up because of the identity of the perpetrators. 'I also call on the Government to ensure that the immigration status and nationality of all offenders is published for each crime, and as quarterly totals. The public rightly expect complete honesty.' It follows protests outside a migrant hotel in Epping, Essex, after it emerged an asylum seeker staying there had been charged with sexual assault, harassment and inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity. One man, from Warwickshire, told the Mail on Sunday: 'They're hushing it up because they don't want an Epping situation on their hands.' In a statement, the force said that once someone is charged with an offence, they follow national guidance, which 'does not include sharing ethnicity or immigration status'. Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, which controls the council, said: 'I am afraid police and elected officials are acting against the British people.' In his letter, which was also sent to Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, Mr Finch claimed the council's chief executive told him Kabir was an asylum seeker. He stated: 'Residents can see they have not been told the full story. If these accusations turn out to be true, it indicates that organised crime centring on the abuse of young girls is present in Warwickshire. This is unacceptable.' He also called for all asylum seekers living in HMOs in the county to be rehoused. Ms Palmer, a mother of three, from Nuneaton, is pictured here with her partner James. She denied being in the Sky News clip - and said it was someone else who looked like her But a friend of Ms Palmer said she was 'angry about what has happened in her town' - and insisted she wasn't racist when they spoke to the Daily Mail Mr Finch added: 'Our community has had enough of the Home Office breaking planning regulations to turn sections of local communities into unrecognisable, ghetto-like areas. 'Having my ear to the ground locally, it is clear that there is much appetite for protests to take place across the county. 'Let me be clear, I do not want to see protests taking place outside migrant hotels and HMOs in Warwickshire. Nor do I want to see any form of violent disorder.' The teenage trans activist accusing Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan of harassing her threatened legal action against police unless her allegations were pursued, a court heard today. Sophia Brooks said she would launch a judicial review after officers originally said they would not follow up her complaint against the Irish comedy writer, Westminster Magistrates' Court was told. Ms Brooks, now 18, confronted Linehan outside the Battle of Ideas conference in London on October 19 last year where the pair traded insults before he allegedly grabbed her phone out of her hand and threw it in the road Linehan denies harassing Ms Brooks, a transgender activist Sophia Brooks on social media and damaging her mobile phone. The 57-year-old appeared at court three days after he was arrested at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of inciting violence in three posts he had made on X about trans issues. Our live page has ended Father Ted creator Graham Linehan was 'relentless' in his social media posts about a transgender woman he is accused of harassing, a court has heard. The Irish comedy writer, 57, is accused by prosecutors of targeting Sophia Brooks on X having never met or interacted with her before. Westminster Magistrates' Court heard today Linehan came face-to-face with Ms Brooks for the first time outside the Battle of Ideas conference on October 19 last year. When she challenged him about his social media posts he is accused of telling her: 'Go away groomer, go away you disgusting incel.' The writer, behind television hits such as Father Ted, the IT Crowd and Motherland, arrived at court this morning shortly before the doors opened at 9am. He smiled and posed for photographers, wearing a grey suit and a white shirt. The comedy writer posed wearing a placard adorned with the transgender flag, which read 'Keep men out of women's sports' on one side and 'There's no such thing as a 'transgender child'' on the other. Supporters, including Lord Young from the Free Speech Union, were present. He told one supporter, in an apparent reference to his Heathrow arrest three days ago on another matter earlier this week: 'I would have enjoyed the arrest a bit more if I knew what was happening.' Graham Linehan arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court for today's trial where he is accused of harassing a trans woman Linehan wore a placard outside the court doors this morning which read 'Keep men out of women's sports' A court sketch of Graham Linehan as he appears in court today The Father Ted creator smiled and posed for photographers, wearing a grey suit and a white shirt Linehan was seized by five armed guards upon his arrival at the airport, prompting accusations of a heavy handed approach to policing social media. Today's case relates to separate allegations that Linehan harassed Ms Brooks by posting abusive comments about her on social media between October 11 and October 27 last year. He is also charged with damaging her mobile phone to the value of 369 on October 27 last year. Linehan sat in the dock wearing glasses, a grey jacket, white shirt and navy trousers. He spoke to confirm his name and date of birth and waved to anti-trans protestors sat in the public gallery. Pro-trans protestors, some wearing rainbow face masks and t-shirts, were also in the gallery. Opening the case, prosecutor Julia Faure Walker accused Linehan of being 'relentless' in his tweets about Ms Brooks, someone he had never met or interacted with. Ms Brooks, who is now 18, was constantly referred to using the male pronouns by Linehan, the prosecutor told the court. The prosecutor said: 'These posts were not merely irritating or annoying. These posts were not provoked by anything she (Ms Brooks) did to Mr Linehan. She was not even in contact when he began to post about her. 'They were not based on her personal experience, they had not even met when the posts started. 'The purpose of these posts, say the prosecution, was not merely to relay events, to express political opinion, to criticise, to help id perps, or to solve any crime. 'Rather, they were verbally abusive and vindictive and reflected, say the prosecution, Mr Linehan's deep disliking of Miss Brooks.' The court heard Linehan referred to Ms Brooks as 'Tarquin' on social media and referred to her as a 'malignant narcissist' and an 'absolute psycho'. Prosecutor Ms Faure Walker said the pair met for the first time in person outside the Battle of Ideas conference on October 19 last year. Ms Brooks had been inside and was videoing but was escorted out at about 3.15pm after she started taking pictures of the guest panel. While filing on her phone, Miss Brooks called out Linehan's name and asked why he called her a 'domestic terrorist', the court heard. The prosecutor said: 'At this point Mr Linehan could have explained why he called her a domestic terrorist, if he had an explanation or even ignored her. 'Rather, he responded in a way which is indicative of his extreme personal animosity towards her.' Linehan smiles outside Westminster Magistrates' Court today ahead of his trial Former Team GB Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies (centre) was among the people outside court this morning supporting Linehan The 57-year-old has denied harassing transgender woman Sophia Brooks and damaging her phone Linehan waves and smiles before he enters magistrates' court for his trial today 'There's no such thing as a 'Transgender Child' was written on one side of the placard that Linehan wore outside before entering court He told one supporter, in an apparent reference to his Heathrow arrest three days ago on another matter earlier this week: 'I would have enjoyed the arrest a bit more if I knew what was happening' Toby Young and protesters hold up a banner displaying 'Police our streets, not our tweets' outside court ahead of Linehan's trial The court heard Linehan said to Ms Brooks: 'Go away groomer, go away you disgusting incel', understood to be a reference to 'involuntarily celibate'. The prosecutor said: 'Still outside the venue, Ms Brooks approached him while filming and asked: 'Why do you think it's acceptable to call teenagers domestic terrorists?' 'She was not committing any crime or causing any physical threat. 'He didn't answer the question, he didn't explain why he called her a domestic terrorist, but was angry and he deliberately whacked the phone out of Ms Brooks' hand. This caused damage to the phone.' The prosecutor said Linehan was 'clearly proud' of what he had done because he tweeted: 'I'm quite proud that I grabbed his phone and threw it across the road. He was furious.' The court was shown footage of Ms Brooks approaching Linehan at the end of the conference, filming him. Linehan then appeared to reach for the phone and the recording stopped. Ms Brooks said she approached Linehan because he had not answered her question about why he was describing teenagers as domestic terrorists. Ms Faure Walker said that in 'one of several posts mocking her gender identity', someone else posted a redacted copy of Ms Brooks' driving licence, which referred to 'Sophia'. The court heard Linehan wrote: 'That couldn't be Tarquin cos he's a bloke and that's a girl's name.' Linehan also wrote: 'If you encounter Tarquin in the wild, try to resist the urge to stick his cameras up his arse.' This prompted a rippled of laughter from some in the public gallery. The prosecutor said Ms Brooks 'felt alarmed or distressed' as a result. Linehan, pictured here today outside Westminster Magistrates' Court, is accused of posting abusive comments about Sophia Brooks on social media between October 11 and October 27 last year Linehan, pictured arriving at court today, is also charged with damaging Sophia Brooks' mobile phone to the value of 369 on October 27 last year Linehan holds up a placard, which was adorned in the transgender flag colours, outside Westminster Magistrates' Court Linehan was interviewed under caution on February 5 this year and gave officers a prepared statement. The prosecutor said that in summary, Linehan considered the complainant, who he referred to as Tarquin, had harassed him by approaching him and 'filming him at close quarters'. The court heard Linehan claimed he tried to ignore the compliant, but the complainant approached him and made a 'provocative statement'. He told police that throwing the phone was a 'reflex response'. Linehan said the posts 'did not amount to harassment', and describing himself as a journalist, wanted to expose the 'tactics' of trans activists. Ms Brooks sat in the witness box wearing a blue shirt, and denied allegations of homophobia from Linehan. Asked by the prosecutor if she was homophobic, she replied: 'No, I am a bisexual person.' Ms Brooks said she understood descriptions about a 'deeply disturbed sociopath' and being a 'domestic terrorist' in posts by Linehan made her felt 'alarmed and distressed.' She said she was branded these things 'by a relatively famous person with over 500,000 followers, any of which could see Mr Linehan's post and cause great harm to me', which left her 'worried for my own safety'. The comedy writer puts his thumb up before entering the court today Linehan is pictured here this morning outside Westminster Magistrates' Court ahead of his trial Ms Brooks said told magistrates she had never used the name 'Tarquin' and believed she had been called it because it is 'to do with my poshness'. Asked who had used that name online to describe her, Ms Brooks said: 'Graham Linehan.' In another exchange that day, Ms Brooks said Linehan referred to her as a 'groomer' and a 'CIS-sy porn-watching scumbag'. When asked by the prosecutor what she understood that expression to mean, Ms Brooks said: 'CIS-sy porn is a genre of porn where CIS-gendered males cross-dress.' The witness denied every having given the impression that she was 'into that'. Ms Brooks said she felt 'alarmed and distressed'. The court heard the pair called each other 'scumbags', with Ms Brooks adding: 'You're the incel, you're divorced.' Ms Brooks said Linehan later 'grabbed my hand and forcibly ripped my phone out of it'. She told he court: 'He put it behind his back and refused to give it to me. 'I demanded he give me my phone back and after releasing I would not relent, he said: 'Go and get your f***ing phone', and threw it into the road.' The court was shown video footage filmed by Ms Brooks - in which Linehan is alleged to have referred to her as a 'groomer' and a 'disgusting incel'. Linehan was arrested on Monday as he landed at Heathrow Airport accused of inciting violence on social media - and was then taken to hospital with high blood pressure Among the tweets Linehan was arrested for Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley released a statement yesterday following the row over Linehan's Heathrow arrest Linehan hit the headlines earlier this week when he was detained by police accused of inciting violence on Twitter as he arrived back in the UK from his home in Scottdale, in the south-western US state of Arizona , ahead of today's trial. His arrest was based on a series of tweets he posted in April. One of the posts 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.' Linehan said he had to be taken to hospital following his arrest because his blood pressure rocketed. He was later discharged from hospital and released by police on bail pending further inquiries. Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch said Linehan's arrest showed 'values of free speech are being slowly eroded by people weaponising the law and using it for petty squabbling'. Writing in today's Daily Mail, she said: 'The whole episode raises serious questions. What does it say about our country that someone can be flagged as they fly home from the US, not for terrorism, trafficking or fraud, but for expressing opinions online?' Debate around his arrest became so strong that the head of the Metropolitan Police, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, was forced to intervene with a statement yesterday which put him on collision course with the Government. He defended his officers and said they were in an 'impossible position' due to the laws on hate speech, and said they should not be 'policing toxic culture wars debates'. Sir Mark said he would make suggestions to the Government about how laws governing social media posts could be changed, and is ready to test new approaches 'within a matter of weeks'. In his first statement after the controversy erupted, Sir Mark said: 'While the decision to investigate and ultimately arrest the man was made within existing legislation, which dictates that a threat to punch someone from a protected group could be an offence, I understand the concern caused by such incidents given differing perspectives on the balance between free speech and the risks of inciting violence in the real world. 'Most reasonable people would agree that genuine threats of physical violence against an identified person or group should be acted upon by officers. Linehan and Helen, his wife, also a comedy writer, split up in 2020 Linehan co-created Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted starring (left to right) Frank Kelly, Pauline McLynn, Dermot Morgan and Ardal O'Hanlon 'Such actions can and do have serious and violent real-world implications. 'But when it comes to lesser cases, where there is ambiguity in terms of intent and harm, policing has been left between a rock and a hard place by successive governments, who have given officers no choice but to record such incidents as crimes when they're reported. 'Then they are obliged to follow all lines of inquiry and take action as appropriate. 'I don't believe we should be policing toxic culture wars debates and officers are currently in an impossible position.' 'We have a long history of free speech in this country. I'm very proud of that and I will always defend it.' Sir Keir Starmer subsequently said that 'we must ensure the police focus on the most serious issues'. He told Prime Minister's Questions: 'The issues that matter most to our constituencies and all communities, and that includes tackling issues like anti-social behaviour, knife crime and violence. And Health Secretary Wes Streeting suggested the Government could look at legislation if the law is 'not getting the balance right' on free speech, and said the Government wants 'to see people being kept safe by policing streets, not just policing tweets'. Senior Tory Sir James Cleverly said the arrest looked like a 'real overreaction' to what was 'self-evidently a joke'. Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick described the incident as 'a complete waste of police time', adding: 'We desperately need to end this nonsense and go after actual criminals.' The Bafta-winning Irishman has become an outspoken gender activist, supported by the lieks of Harry Potter creator JK Rowling. Linehan, 57, previously praised the Supreme Court's ruling that the word 'woman' refers to a biological woman But he has also described how his career - which included minor actor roles in comedies including I'm Alan Partridge - 'fell away' when he became embroiled in the transgender debate, and referred to himself once as 'the most hated man on the internet'. He was banned in 2020 from Twitter after writing 'Men aren't women tho' before later being reinstated by X founder Elon Musk. A long-awaited Father Ted musical was then axed in 2022 because of Linehan's controversial political opinions. When two venues cancelled his 2023 Edinburgh Fringe shows, the now-divorced Linehan opted to perform his set outside the Scottish Parliament. The Dublin-born activist previously praised the Supreme Court's decision to confirm that the word 'woman' refers to biological sex, meaning trans women are legally not women. But he said 'woke' issues were permeating aspects of British life. He said at the time: 'The big problem we have is with TV commissioners. The artists are still out there but they have to get past these people who don't really care about art. They care about imposing their beliefs on people. 'If you look back at the 90s with Britpop, British art was famous all over the world and there was a real sense of excitement. 'But over the last 10 years there's been a dearth of notable stuff. Because these people have tied their hands and feet together. 'It's all very safe - almost trying not to get noticed.' The trial is set to last two days. Three Bulgarian pickpockets were caught red-handed by undercover police officers after they stole a 1,000 designer purse from a woman outside Selfridges last week. The girl gang, made up of Elena Venkova, 33, Malinka Georgieva, 20, and Elena Mitkova, 26, were intercepted as they targeted shoppers in London's West End on August 27. The shameless trio had stolen a handbag and a 6,000 Cartier watch, and all had previous convictions for theft. Footage released on social media showed more than a dozen police officers arresting the thieves before they are driven away in vans. At a hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court the thieves all admitted theft and were given prison sentences. The pickpockets were descended upon by multiple officers, handcuffed, and taken away after they were suspected of reaching in to unsuspecting shoppers bags and snatching valuable possessions. Videos shared on social media show Mitkova in handcuffs as a plain-clothed officer relays details of the arrests on his police radio. Georgieva appears to be lying on the pavement suffering a seizure following her arrest while Venokova is shown being led into a police van. Elena Venkova, 33, Malinka Georgieva, 20, and Elena Mitkova, 26, were intercepted as they targeted shoppers in London's West End (Venokova being led into a police van) At a hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court the thieves all admitted theft and were given prison sentences Three Bulgarian pickpockets were caught red-handed by undercover police officers after they stole a 1,000 designer purse from a woman outside Selfridges on August 27 Kicking off !!! Three Arrested in Pickpocketing Incident Outside Selfridges london One of the suspects appeared to suffer a seizure during the arrest, the pickpockets believed to be of Eastern European origin though this has not been officially confirmed yet . pic.twitter.com/43fRgVmXij Paul Brown Browns fan London News Vlogger (@PaulBrown_UK) August 27, 2025 Paul Brown, who captured the footage, told Metro: 'There was a sudden commotion which caught everyones attention. A group of police officers rushed towards three women near the entrance of Selfridges, and within moments, it became clear they were being arrested for suspected pickpocketing. 'People stopped in their tracks and there was a noticeable tension in the air, and the area quickly filled with more police. During their sentencing at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Prosecutor Frances McCormack said: 'The offence took place at 5.45pm last week outside the Selfridges store on Oxford Street. 'Miss Georgieva was in the middle, with Miss Mitkova and Miss Venkova on either side. Miss Georgieva then put her hand in the complainant's handbag and snatched her purse.' The Tom Ford designer purse was valued at 1,000, City of London Magistrates' Court heard. 'Although one person placed their hand in the bag, all three were involved. 'Police then immediately detained all defendants and found the purse located on the floor nearby. The purse was recovered and returned.' Plain-clothed officers held the three women until more Met Police officers could arrive to arrest the gang of pickpockets Georgieva appeared to suffer from a seizure following her arrest and was seen lying on the floor next to a crossing as officers swarmed around her Footage released on social media showed more than a dozen police officers arresting the thieves before they are driven away in vans The victim also had a 6,000 Cartier watch in her bag but that was not taken. Venkova was on immigration bail and had only been in the country for a few days before the theft. The defendants all had convicions for theft and were on licence at the time of the latest offence, the court heard. Venkova, Georgieva and Mitkova appeared in court assisted by a Bulgarian interpreter, flanked by three prison guards. Robert Katz, defending Georgieva, said she had 'struggled' since being released from prison earlier this year for theft and was surviving on benefits. He added: 'She has lived here since her childhood but came from Bulgaria. She has a child who lives with the father in Bulgaria.' Zabeta Kavalieros, defending Venkova, said arrived in the country from Bulgaria a few days before the theft and was on immigration bail at the time. Ms Kavaileros said: 'Miss Venkova returned to Bulgaria after she was jailed for theft in England in 2023, but came back to the UK recently. The thieves stole a Tom Ford designer purse worth 1,000 and a 6,000 Cartier watch from shoppers outside Selfridges, Oxford Street (File image) 'She has an ex-partner and two children, aged four and six, who reside in this country. Her stay was intended to be a short one. 'She only came to the country with a few hundred pounds in cash. She succumbed to temptations. 'She is on immigration bail at the moment. She is subject to certain immigration conditions and is looking to resolve those issues with immigration.' Theresa Hendricks, defending Mitkova, said she lives with her husband and a friend and works for a 'distribution company', but also has family in Bulgaria. Ms Hendricks said Mitkova had spent three months in custody last year for theft. The defendants had laughed and chatted to Georgieva's mother in the public gallery before they were sentenced. Magistrate Colin Gregory told them: 'This offence of theft from a person is a serious problem in central London. It causes great distress to the victims. In each case we are going to impose immediate custodial sentences.' Georgieva was jailed for 18 weeks, Mitkova received 17 weeks and Venkova was locked up for 16 week. Mr Gregory told the thieves: 'We are not imposing any financial penalties.. The usual surcharge is not being imposed because you are all of limited means. 'The Crown have applied for costs but in the circumstances of your imprisonment we are not awarding that.' A Democratic congresswoman was saved from a career-shaming embarrassment by seven of her Republican colleagues. Members of the U.S. House decided not to censure Representative LaMonica McIver, who serves New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, due to a rare breakaway of GOP votes from the party line. McIver is currently facing federal charges for storming an ICE facility in her home state of New Jersey earlier this summer. She has asked for the charges to be dismissed. The congresswoman has pleaded not guilty to three counts of assaulting, resisting, impeding, and interfering with federal officials related to actions in the ICE facility skirmish. 'If House Republicans think they can make me run scared, they're wrong,' McIver noted in a statement issued Tuesday before the vote. After the attempt to censure her failed, McIver posted on X that the move 'was a baseless, partisan effort to shut [her] up. 'I was not elected to play political gamesI was elected to serve. I wont back down. Not now. Not ever,' McIver added. Louisiana Republican Congressman Clay Higgins (R-La.) forced a vote on the censure measure, and the action failed on the floor of the House of Representatives with a vote of 215 to 207. Nebraska Republican Don Bacon, who is not seeking reelection in the 2026 midterms, was one member to vote in support of McIver. Bacon told Axios after the vote to table the censure resolution that he thinks it's 'best to let Ethics Committee finish its report.' Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., demanded the release of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka after his arrest while protesting outside Delaney Hall ICE detention facility, Friday, May 9, 2025, in Newark, N.J. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) arrives for a House Republican conference meeting at the U.S. Capitol on May 6, 2025 in Washington, DC. House Republicans are meeting to discuss their reconciliation budget plan McIver was engaged in a scuffle with law enforcemtn officers back in May afetr she was not alloed to enter an ICE facility in her home state of New Jersey Mike Flood of Nebraska, David Joyce and Michael R. Turner of Ohio, and David Valadao of California also voted against the move to censure McIver. The two 'present' votes came from Andrew Garbarino of New York and Nathaniel Moran of Texas, two other Republicans. Several Democrats also spoke out against even having the vote regarding McIver in the first place. Progressive Democrat Pramila Jayapal of Washington State noted on X that the move was 'a ridiculous waste of time that Congress should be using to work for the American people.' Georgia Democrat Lucy McBath added that McIver was 'sent by the people of New Jersey's 10th to be their voice, and has done so fearlessly. The political targeting of her is a clear attempt to give more power to this President's agenda. She wont back down, and neither will we.' McIver was charged by Trump ally Alina Habba, who was serving as the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey on a temporary basis. Habba has yet to be confirmed to the post on a permanent basis and previously was Trump's personal lawyer. Habba's appointment was always temporary and subject to Senate confirmation but she quickly made headlines by pursuing politically explosive cases, including charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, both Democrats. McIver has also called out Trump for targeting liberal cities run by Black mayors during his crime crackdown. Both Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson are Black. The congresswoman told Democrat election lawyer Marc Elias during a recent appearance on the Defending Democracy Podcast that the president's 'number one targets are cities that are led by black mayors.' McIver also believes that Trump's rhetoric of 'Liberation Day' is rooted in racism. 'When he says, 'Oh,' you know, 'it's Liberation Day,' and all of these things, those are, you know, ways of him saying, 'Oh, it's white power,' McIver said earlier this month. 'Those are racist remarks,' the congresswoman told Elias. Parents of five children have been arrested after police said they were locked in a room that 'functioned as a dungeon' with surveillance cameras and dead bolts to prevent them from escaping. Pennsylvania State Police said they were first called to James Russell, 65, and Carly Kahl's, 41, home in Redstone Township on August 8 to assist Fayette County Children and Youth Services, which had received a complaint about children living in 'deplorable conditions,' KDKA reports. When they arrived, the troopers found that the children - ranging in age between five and 14 - had been sequestered to a bedroom with boarded-up windows, feces covering the walls, fleas, a limited amount of food and clothing and no beds. 'It's sickening - that's the only word that I can use to describe what we saw and what those children went through,' Trooper Ally Wilson told WTAE. A criminal complaint alleges that the children's father would trap his children inside the room by locking the bedroom door from the outside all night and through part of the day. 'This room functioned as a dungeon, with video cameras hardwired to the father's room,' the complaint states. In addition to the three deadbolt locks on the outside of the door, police said there was no door handle that would allow them to escape. When asked about the locks, James allegedly told troopers and a Children and Youth Services employee that he would 'not be removing the locks from the bedroom door for any reason,' WPXI reports. James Russell, 65, and Carly Kahl, 41, have been taken into custody for allegedly locking their five children in a room wired with cameras State Trooper Ally Wilson said the situation inside the home was 'sickening' The children were then safely removed from the home, and placed in the care of Children and Youth Services. In the weeks since, the children reportedly told authorities that their father smoked marijuana all day and would not care for them. They also claimed that James made Carly pull a Taser on one of the children within the last two weeks. When Pennsylvania State Police then conducted a search warrant on the home on Wednesday, they uncovered a stun gun, a replica pistol and drugs. 'Well it appears that these children were basically held in captivity in this room,' Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele told reporters. 'We have evidence that there were some cameras that were hardwired to another room where these children were being observed,' he continued. 'And again, there's no reason to be using a device like a stun gun, which is less lethal, not lethal, against a child.' The District Attorney went on to thank the 'brave family member' who reported the 'deplorable conditions' to the state's ChildLine system. 'Law enforcement cannot be in every household and every single minute of every day; we need people to come forward and think of these children.' Police say the children were sequestered to a bedroom with boarded-up windows, feces covering the walls, fleas, a limited amount of food and clothing and no beds inside the Redstone Township home The Kahls are now charged with endangering the welfare of children, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, use of an incapacitation device and drug charges. Bail has been denied for both of the parents, according to court documents obtained by Daily Mail. They show that James Russell has had a series of run-ins with the law in the past, including a harassment charge he pleaded guilty to in 2006. That same year, he was also arrested for driving under the influence, and in 2012 he was charged with a probation violation. Trooper Wilson said she now hopes 'that these parents go to jail and they answer for what they've done.' President Donald Trump has considered a sensational intervention in the New York City mayoral race as conservatives look to prevent a win for Democratic front-runner, Zohran Mamdani. The president's advisors have reportedly considered offering administration roles to both Mayor Eric Adams and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in an effort to bolster the conservative vote behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo. As it stands, Mamdani is leading election polling, followed by Cuomo, then Sliwa and Adams in fourth. The president's thinking, according to The New York Times, is that if both Sliwa in third and Adams in fourth drop out of the race, voters will instead rally behind Cuomo to keep Mamdani out of power. Three sources with knowledge of the behind-closed-doors discussions told the publication the administration is eager to intervene and has been considering their options for weeks. One insider claimed the administration has started looking into ambassadorships which could be a good fit for Adams, but noted the talks are going 'in different directions' at this point. Neither Adams or Sliwa would discuss the rumors. As it stands, Mamdani is leading election polling, followed by Cuomo, then Sliwa and Adams in fourth The president's thinking is that if both Sliwa in third and Adams in fourth drop out of the race, voters will instead rally behind Cuomo to keep Mamdani out of power Adams' former chief of staff Frank Carone insisted the moderate Democrat-turned-independent had 'over $4 million on hand, a record of success and, more importantly, the energy to run a successful campaign.' He added that Adams 'won't be distracted by responding to rumors.' Sliwa was even more definitive in his answer, insisting he was 'not interested' in any job the administration had to offer and that instead his 'focus is right here in New York.' Even if either of the men were to take Trump up on any potential offer, it would be difficult to have their names removed from the ballot in time. And it would be a substantial risk, betting on New Yorkers to rally behind Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 while facing multiple accusations of sexual harassment, which he denied. Cuomo lost the Democratic primary to Mamdani in June and ultimately decided to run as an independent instead. He and Trump have known one another for more than 40 years. The president's advisors have reportedly considered offering administration roles to both Mayor Eric Adams and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in an effort to bolster the conservative vote behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo Polling has revealed Cuomo is the most likely contender to beat Mamdani, but as it stands he likely doesn't have the numbers Meanwhile, Mamdani is a 33-year-old socialist who has been branded a 'communist lunatic' by Trump and vows to make New York more affordable with things like free bus service, corporate tax hikes, and affordable housing initiatives. 'Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor,' Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. Mamdani described himself as 'Donald Trump's worst nightmare' in the Democratic debate, noting he is 'a progressive, Muslim immigrant who actually fights for the things I believe in.' Trump's concern about a Mamdani win is unique among Republicans in Washington. Many have considered that is extremely liberal policies will serve them well in the midterms, as they'll be able to draw comparisons between him and any other Democrat candidates. Trump, however, has a deep and storied connection to New York and has heard the complaints of locals who are concerned about Mamdani's stance on everything from immigration to real estate and raising taxes. The mother of a toddler who went missing from a Sydney daycare after a grandfather accidentally collected the wrong child said she places the blame on the centre. The mix-up at First Steps Learning Academy in Bangor, in the city's south, was only discovered when the little boy's mother arrived to pick him up and couldn't find him. Panicked staff reviewed CCTV footage, which showed a grandfather being handed the woman's one-year-old child instead of his grandson, and leaving the daycare. Speaking after the incident, the mother - who has remained anonymous to protect her child's privacy - said she does not blame the grandfather. 'We don't blame him. We are not angry with him. We are not upset at him we blame the daycare,' she told the Sydney Morning Herald. 'They couldn't tell me his name, they couldn't tell me who he was, they couldn't tell me who he was meant to pick up,' she said. 'They couldn't tell me what he looked like, apart from that he was wearing shorts and he was an older gentleman.' The wife of the man who accidentally collected the wrong child said that he is 'owning the mistake'. The mix-up at First Steps Learning Academy in Bangor, in the city's south, was only discovered when the little boy's mother arrived to pick him up and couldn't find him 'We feel devastated, particularly for the mother. It shouldn't have happened. When he realised, he raced that child back so fast,' she said. 'I am cranky at my husband but in saying that my heart is broken for him. He is a man who loves children, he loves his grandchildren, he is absolutely beside himself. 'He can't sleep, he can't eat. I am just so glad the little boy was OK, and his parents are OK.' The NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority confirmed on Wednesday that it was investigating the incident. 'This is a deeply concerning and serious incident,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail. 'We will not hesitate to act to protect children's health, safety and wellbeing.' First Steps Learning Academy's Trisha Hastie told Daily Mail on Thursday the centre is sorry to the family. 'We sincerely apologise to the families directly involved in this deeply upsetting incident and to our broader community for the stress it has caused,' she said. Panicked staff reviewed CCTV footage, which showed a grandfather being handed the woman's one-year-old child instead of his grandson, and leaving the daycare 'The safety and wellbeing of every child in our care is our highest priority, and we deeply regret the distress this incident has caused,' she said. 'As the Department of Education investigation, which began on Monday, is still ongoing, there is nothing further we can add at this stage.' Ms Hastie said had also said on Wednesday that it was the first time anything like this had happened at the childcare centre, and its procedures had been updated to avoid a repeat. 'We have acted immediately to strengthen our procedures and ensure this never happens again,' she continued. 'This has never happened before at Bangor, or at any of our other centres. 'We have made immediate and significant changes around the drop-off and pick-up protocols to ensure this never happens again.' The centre has strengthened its protocols to include authorised collection cards, additional staff during peak pick-up times, and photo ID cards for children. Entry to the centre will also be controlled via a doorbell, while a dedicated staff member will be positioned in the foyer during pick-up. First Steps Learning Academy's Trisha Hastie said the educator involved in the mix-up had been stood down and that protocols had been strengthened Watchdog the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) has recorded that the daycare centre met its criteria after the previous inspection in March 2024. A former employee at the centre, who spoke to the Herald anonymously, said First Steps 'relies heavily on casual and agency staff, with a high turnover of workers'. 'I've never worked at more of a chaotic, disastrous and emotionally draining service. I was constantly working with casual staff and no one knew the children as I was new to the business,' they said. But NSW Greens MP Abigail Boyd, who chairs an upper house inquiry into the early childhood education sector, told the publication it was 'far from an isolated incident'. 'I've seen plenty of similar cases occurring in services across the state,' she said. 'Unfortunately, issues like this are to be expected in under-resourced services staffed with a transient and casualised workforce circumstances that are rife across the sector.' Former White House staffers who worked for Democratic presidents now have President Donald Trump's face stamped on their LinkedIn pages. On Monday, the Trump administration's social media team started using the official White House LinkedIn account for the first time in conjunction with the Labor Day holiday. 'This Labor Day, were celebrating an America First comeback,' a post read. As part of the rollout, the Trump folks changed the White House's picture to one of Trump's head. Now former President Barack Obama's official page even has Trump's face on it for the eight years the Democrat served as commander-in-chief. This move was discovered by Jeremy Edwards, who had served as an assistant press secretary in President Joe Biden's White House. Edwards took to X to share his discovery. 'The White House is now posting on LinkedIn and made their profile picture a picture of Trump's face, which means if you worked for the White House in the past, and it's on your profile, people see Trump's face,' the ex-Biden staffer wrote. Staffers for President Donald Trump changed the official White House LinkedIn account's picture to a picture of Trump, something noticed by Jeremy Edwards, who served as an assistant press secretary to President Joe Biden Edwards' post got the attention of White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, who admitted the LinkedIn rebrand with President Donald Trump's face was a 'Trolololololol' 'I guess that's what I get for using LinkedIn,' he added. He shared a screengrab of his LinkedIn page that showed the Republican president staring back at him. Former President Obama's Director of Press Advance Johanna Maska took to LinkedIn Wednesday asking the heads of the networking social media site to 'enforce your rules and make sure institutions are accurately represented on this platform.' 'Now all of us who worked for the White House at any time, including for different Presidents have Donald Trump's face on our profiles, though we worked for the institution of the White House and not the individual photographed,' Maska wrote. Edwards' post got the attention of White House Communications Director Steven Cheung. 'That's the whole point, dummy,' Cheung wrote. 'Trolololololol,' the Trump staffer added. The Biden aide punched back. Ex-Biden staffer Jeremy Edwards clapped back at White House Communications Director Steven Cheung in a follow-up post on X Tuesday 'Thanks for the explainer, dumb***. I guess I should just be grateful that its not your face I have to see whenever I open the app,' Edwards told Cheung. 'Appreciate you looking out for us!' Edwards told the Daily Mail on Wednesday that he was mystified that Cheung would take the time to call him out. 'I'm surprised that Mr. Cheung has time to do that. I can't imagine Ben LaBolt taking his time to do that,' Edwards said. LaBolt served as Biden's communications director during the latter part of the Democratic president's term. 'I guess if that's what they want to do, maybe they can have Steven Cheung root through all the various White House and agency accounts and change his picture there. That will show us,' Edwards continued. He called the whole saga 'weird.' 'But they are clearly desperate to distract from the president's relationship with Epstein, so I guess this was Steven's big brain idea for the week,' Edwards added. Since the White House LinkedIn change, Edwards and some of the Biden's other former staffers have changed their pages to specify that they worked at the 'Biden-Harris White House.' Reached for comment, Cheung told the Daily Mail: 'He's clearly low-IQ. That's why he worked for Biden.' The Victorian alpine region, which is the focus of a major manhunt for accused cop killer Dezi Freeman, is filled with Ned Kelly fans who may be aiding the fugitive. Freeman, 56, disappeared into the wilderness around Porepunkah, 300km northeast of Melbourne, after he allegedly shot dead two police officers as they tried to serve him a warrant on August 26. A third officer was wounded, while seven others were forced to hunker down after Freeman allegedly ambushed them with a homemade shotgun. Freeman is an experienced bushman with knowledge of the many caves and disused mine shafts in the area. Police suspect the self-proclaimed 'sovereign citizen' is being aided by a network of supporters in the region. As a result, Victoria Police have not ruled out offering a cash reward for information to help capture Freeman as the manhunt drags on. But money might not talk in this case, as the area is historically known for its anti-authority attitude, which dates back to the 1800s and the era of the outlaw bushrangers. Australia's most famous bushranger, Ned Kelly, had his 'last stand' shootout with police at Glenrowan, just under 80km west of Porepunkah. A farming property between Wangaratta and Myrtleford proudly displays Ned Kelly's image. It is not suggested that the owner of this property has any links to Dezi Freeman Dezi Freeman, 56, is accused of killing two policemen Freeman allegedly shot dead two officers in the same region Ned Kelly murdered police Kelly and his gang were on the run after murdering a police officer during an incident at Stringybark Creek in bushland between Benalla and Mansfield in October 1878. The creek is less than two hours from Porepunkah. Kelly wore his famous metal helmet and vest during his last stand shootout at Glenrowan on June 28, 1880, but was apprehended after being wounded in a gunfight with police. The famed bushranger and his gang remained on the run with the help of 'sympathisers,' prompting police to put up a bounty for his capture. Today, effigies, images, and stickers of Ned Kelly are displayed on private properties and on several cars from Euroa to Porepunkah and beyond. Eureka Stockade Rebellion flag stickers have also been spotted on several bumpers. The emblem represents Australian democracy, defiance, and workers' rights, but in modern times it has also been viewed by some as a symbol of anti-authority. Since Porepunkah police shootings, officers have received hundreds of tips from the public, but Freeman remains at large. It's possible that the prevailing air of anti-authority is adding to the difficulties authorities are facing. Ned Kelly (circa 1870s) is idolised in Victoria's alpine region Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush did not rule out offering a cash reward for information which could lead to Freeman's capture Eureka flag bumper stickers are common in the region Former AFP detective superintendent David Craig told Sunrise that a reward may not do much to sway Freeman's most ardent supporters but could influence those on the fringe who might know something. Mr Craig conceded there's a possibility the fugitive may never be found. 'This person is part of a very hard ideological group,' he said. 'I don't think any close associates are going to roll over and decide to talk to the authorities for a couple of thousand dollars.' Police have so far searched more than 100 properties around Porepunkah since the hunt for Freeman began. The Australian Defence Force has joined the operation at the request of Victoria Police, deploying a planning specialist and air surveillance assets to support the more than 400 personnel on the ground. Mr Craig also explained how military involvement could assist in tracking Freeman down. 'The military have access to technologies that aren't available to the civilian population and aren't made public,' he said. An anti-immigration protester in Adelaide at the weekend displayed Freeman's image on a placard Heavily-armed police are on the manhunt for Freeman 'I don't feel comfortable in listing some of those, but it is another level. 'The operation will still be led by the Victorian Police, who are doing a very good job with this. 'They just need some additional technical support, and in other cases similar to this, where the military have not been involved, they've gone on unresolved in these manhunts.' The Lisbon funicular crash death toll has risen to 17 after the city's famous Elevador da Gloria tram derailed and crashed into a building on Wednesday evening, authorities said today. Twenty-three people were injured, and two of them died during the night, Margarida Castro Martins, head of Lisbon's Civil Protection Agency, told reporters on Thursday, revising the fatalities to 17 up from 15. She didn't provide the names or nationalities of the dead, saying that their families would be informed first. Twenty-one people injured in the crash were still among the casualties on Thursday as Portugal entered a period of national mourning. Emergency services said that at least 11 foreign nationals were injured in the Lisbon derailment - two Germans, two Spaniards and nationals from France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea, Morocco and Cape Verde. It was not immediately clear whether British tourists were on board at the time of the collision. An FCDO spokesperson told the Daily Mail this morning: 'We are aware of this incident in Lisbon and are in touch with the local authorities. 'We stand by to provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals.' The tragedy struck when a cable came loose along the railway's route, sending the tram hurtling down a steep hill before it smashed into a building just after 6pm. Dramatic video showed brave locals sprinting through clouds of dust toward the crumpled wreckage, hoping to pull survivors from the debris. In the panic, one witness could be heard shouting 'there are kids under the tram' as the screams of children thought to be trapped beneath the rubble rang out. Rescuers and firefighters operate at the scene, on the slope the vehicle derailed on Your browser does not support iframes. Horrifying footage captured the chaotic scenes just moments after Lisbon's famous Gloria Funicular derailed on Wednesday In the panic, one witness can be heard shouting, 'There are kids under the tram' as the screams of children thought to be trapped beneath the rubble ring out Dramatic video shows bystanders sprinting toward the wreckage, hoping to pull survivors from the debris Further footage from the site showed emergency responders pulling survivors from the mangled tram-like funicular, which shuttles people up and down a hillside in the Portuguese capital At least 17 people are dead and 21 more injured after Lisbon's famous Gloria Funicular derailed on Wednesday evening Firefighters carrying an injured person on a stretcher at the site of a derailed electric streetcar in Lisbon, Portugal People stand behind the police line of Gloria funicular derail site Further footage from the site showed emergency responders pulling victims from the mangled tram-like funicular, which shuttles people up and down a hillside in the Portuguese capital. In one striking image, firefighters are seen carrying an injured person away on a stretcher as stunned bystanders look on. Brazilian tourist Marta Assuncao explained how she nearly took the route on which the tram crashed - meaning if she had made a different call she could have been on board. 'Someone suggested me to take this tram, I don't know how you call it, but I was very tired and I went home, and then I started hearing the noise of the sirens and realised what had happened, this sadness,' she told reporters. Witnesses said the building the funicular smashed into is a hotel, and that victims were knocked unconscious following the impact of the crash. One said: 'The police took less than five minutes to arrive and told us to get back and the first ambulances started arriving five minutes later. 'One of the victims I saw was cut all over the place and covered in blood. A lot of people appeared to be unconscious.' The car at the bottom of the line was apparently undamaged, but video from bystanders aired by CNN Portugal showed it jolting violently when the other one derailed - with several passengers jumping out of its windows and people shouting. Witness Teresa d'Avo told Portuguese TV channel SIC: 'It crashed into a building with brutal force and fell apart like a cardboard box. 'It crashed with tremendous force. It didn't have any kind of brakes.' Speaking to Observador, Teresa explained how she had been next to the Gloria elevator with a colleague when 'the elevator that was further down, almost parking, suffered a small jolt'. 'The people inside were obviously scared, and we rushed to help. Soon after, we saw the elevator upstairs was out of control, without brakes, and we all started running away because we thought it was going to hit the one below. 'But it fell around the bend and crashed into the building,' she added. Witnesses said the building the funicular smashed into is a hotel, and that victims were knocked unconscious following the impact of the crash Officials are yet to say if any British or Irish nationals are among the fatalities or the injured Firefighters work the scene at Gloria funicular derail site The remains of the wrecked Gloria funicular lie at derail site on September 03, 2025 in Lisbon An official from Portugal's National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) has said that among the 23 people injured, five are serious and 13 are minor. Tiago Augusto, head of the Event Planning, State Protocol, and Crisis Management Unit (UPPEC) at INEM, has confirmed that all victims of the derailment have now been removed from the funicular. They added that a three-year-old German child has been left wounded following the accident, but is not in serious condition. The child's pregnant mother, however, is in critical condition, reports Observador. Officials are yet to say if any British or Irish nationals are among the fatalities or the injured. But sources at the INEM emergency medical services provider said the dead did include 'non-Portuguese' citizens. Some of the injured have been taken to Lisbon's Sao Jose Hospital and others to the city's Santa Maria Hospital. Only two bodies had been recovered from the scene just before 8pm local time. Some of the injuries victims have suffered reportedly include open fractures. The first fatality has now been identified, with Correio da Manha stating the brakeman of the funicular lost his life in the incident. Footage from the site showed the tram-like funicular, which carries people up and down a hillside in the Portuguese capital, practically destroyed and emergency workers pulling people out of the wreckage Portugal Police have now confirmed the number of fatalities has reached 'at least 15' following earlier reports that suggested the accident claimed the lives of three Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, added: 'Our hearts are with the people affected by the tragedy of the Gloria Elevator, a landmark for Lisbon residents and visitors from around the world' The Gloria funicular, which opened in 1885, connects Lisbon's downtown area near the Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto (Upper Quarter), famous for its vibrant nightlife Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques' colleagues mourned the death on social media. 'On behalf of everyone, we send our deepest condolences to the family,' read one post. Following the deadly incident, the Lisbon government has announced a national day of mourning set to take place on on Thursday. Lisbon City Council had already declared three days of municipal mourning. A statement approved by the Council of Ministers said: 'A tragic accident involving the Ascensor da Gloria, in the municipality of Lisbon, on September 3, 2025, caused the irreparable loss of human lives, which left their families in mourning and the country in shock. 'The government has decided to declare a day of national mourning as an expression of the Portuguese people's condolences and solidarity. Therefore: national mourning is declared on September 4, 2025.' It was not immediately clear what had caused the crash. Fernando Nunes da Silva, former Lisbon City Council member and engineering specialist, told SIC Noticias that 'it's most likely that the traction cable broke and when that cable broke the brakes didn't work'. 'The descending elevator gained momentum and continued at great speed,' he added. Its two cars are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable with traction provided by electric motors on the two cars Members of the judicial police work at the site of a derailed electric streetcar in Lisbon, Portugal, Wednesday, September 3, 2025 The tragedy occurred at 6.05pm on Wednesday after one of the cables reportedly came loose The former councilman says that these elevators 'have a very sturdy metal structure and were built at a time when very rigid structures were highly valued'. 'For the [elevator] to be in that condition, it had to be hit very hard,' he notes. And he says: 'There is no record of the elevator having had an accident in the last few decades.' 'Something surprising is that the brakes didn't work because when a situation like this happens, there are devices in the vehicle that allow braking to be applied. 'Even if this doesn't prevent the derailment, it could have reduced the impact,' says Nunes da Silva. He says he's noticed in many situations involving government functions that 'there's a lack of people with a good memory and who learned from their elders'. 'All of those people have left,' he says. The Elevador da Gloria did go off the rail seven years ago without causing any causalities, however. On May 7, 2018 the train came off the tracks but landed on cobblestones where it came to a halt without incident. The tram was immediately taken out of service and was not put allowed back in operation for a month. Railway enthusiast Antonio Carloto, blamed negligence for the lucky escape. The funicular railway line is capable of carrying up to 43 people and is one of three of its kind in Lisbon (stock image) It is very popular with tourists, who use it to navigate the city's many steep hills, sitting on wooden benches without seatbelts as they chug through the historic town President of the European Commission, Ursula Von de Leyen took to X to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in Wednesday's incident. 'It is with sadness that I learned of the derailment of the famous 'Elevador da Gloria'. My condolences to the families of the victims,' she wrote. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, added: 'Our hearts are with the people affected by the tragedy of the Gloria Elevator, a landmark for Lisbon residents and visitors from around the world. 'Europe stands in solidarity with the victims, their loved ones, and the entire community in Lisbon. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured'. The Prime Minister of Luxembourg expressed his 'deep shock' over the accident in Lisbon, in a post on his official X social media account, and the Israeli embassy in Portugal issued a note of condolence on social media, expressing its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragic accident at the Elevador da Gloria. Tiago Augusto, head of the Event Planning, State Protocol, and Crisis Management Unit (UPPEC) at INEM, has confirmed that all victims of the derailment have now been removed from the funicular A Fectrans executive told local media that Carris workers had previously reported problems with the tension cable, causing braking difficulties 'Our thoughts and prayers are also with the injured and with all the Portuguese people in this time of grief,' it reads. The funicular railway line is capable of carrying up to 43 people and is one of three of its kind in Lisbon. It is very popular with tourists, who use it to navigate the city's many steep hills, sitting on wooden benches without seatbelts as they chug through the historic town. The line, which opened in 1885, connects Lisbon's downtown area near the Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto (Upper Quarter), famous for its vibrant nightlife. It is operated by the municipal public transport company Carris. A Fectrans (Federation of Transport and Communications Trade Unions) executive told local media that Carris workers had previously reported problems with the tension cable, causing braking difficulties. But the Gloria Elevator underwent maintenance between August 26 and September 30 of last year, according to local reports. Carris has also assured that 'all maintenance protocols were carried out and respected.' Pedro de Brito Bogas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CARRIS, the company that operates Lisbon's Gloria funicular, talks to the media after the funicular railway car derailed An FCDO Spokesperson said: 'We are aware of this incident in Lisbon and are in touch with the local authorities. We stand by to provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals' Carris president Pedro Bogas told reporters: 'The maintenance protocol was scrupulously adhered to. This maintenance has been performed by an external company for 14 years'. The funicular's two cars are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable with traction provided by electric motors on the two cars. Although it was only electrified in 1915, it still retains its original characteristics. The Aircraft and Railway Accident Prevention and Investigation Office (GPIAAF) will open an investigation into the derailment of the Gloria elevator. 'The GPIAAF will open an investigation [into the accident], but due to limited [human] resources in the railway area, it will only begin collecting evidence at the site tomorrow morning [Thursday],' a source from this public body told Lusa news agency. An FCDO Spokesperson said: 'We are aware of this incident in Lisbon and are in touch with the local authorities. We stand by to provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals.' Following the incident, the Public Security Police (PSP) sent a statement to newsrooms urging people not to approach the accident site. 'Security perimeters have been set up and all emergency services have been activated, with emergency corridors secured,' the statement reads. 'We ask the public not to travel to the Elevador da Gloria area, so as not to hinder ongoing operations. Follow the instructions of the authorities on the ground. Use alternative routes and avoid traveling in the area until further notice,' concludes the PSP. 'Our focus is to ensure everyone's safety and allow the appropriate authorities to act with maximum effectiveness.' There is a difference between a former premier travelling as a private citizen to non-democratic parts of the world versus placing himself in the front row of a choreographed show of authoritarian power. Daniel Andrews chose the latter. He did not just drop into Beijing for a quiet chat about trade, for example. He turned up to Xi Jinping's military pageant in Tiananmen Square where the cameras were meant to capture deference and scale, then strode the red carpet and shook Xi's hand for the cameras. That is not incidental contact, it's participation in totalitarian propaganda. The 'dictator Dan' slur that arose during the pandemic may have been lazy politicking, a contested caricature used by his opponents to grab headlines. But optics matter in public life, and Andrews has now given the slur legitimacy. Simply put, he has demeaned himself and his one-time supporters know it. Pictured is the extraordinary moment former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was greeted by President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan before the military parade kicked off Andrews (pictured, back right) posed for photographs just steps away from world leaders including North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un (front right) and Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev (middle) When you stand amid a festival of hard power, hosted by Xi, with Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, no less, in attendance you lose whatever credibility you once had left. This parade was designed as propaganda, as China's show of military might rolled by. The speeches cast China and its non-democratic allies as the future of global power, tacitly endorsed by a smiling Andrews in thrall, their rise portrayed as irresistible and righteous. He must have known the frame he was walking into, and if he didn't then he's nothing more than a modern version of Lenin's useful idiot - the term once used to describe Western sympathisers helpful to Soviet propaganda. What motivated Andrews to be there at all is widely believed to be the power that a photo with Xi has with Chinese business interests. Since leaving politics, Andrews has set up corporate entities with a former multicultural affairs adviser, Zheng Mei, the Australian Financial Review reports. You would hope the introductions to help garner consultancy work and speaking fees are lucrative, because the dent to Andrews' reputation at home is real. Communities who needed no reminding of Putin's invasion of Ukraine or Kim's brutality more generally watched a Labor elder statesman lending his image to their credibility. Even media outlets that once treated Andrews with deference have called it out. Senior Labor figures are deeply unhappy too, not just the usual Andrews detractors on the other side of the major party divide. Bob Carr (right) is pictured with Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama (left) in Beijing on Wednesday. Unlike Andrews, Carr did not attend the military parade Former Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described his attendance as a bridge too far, which is a polite way of saying what plenty of Labor people are saying privately. Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese has declined to criticise his old friend and former flatmate from many years ago, which only makes the government look nervous about offending Beijing after months of painstaking rapprochement. It is weakness dressed up as diplomacy. Defenders insist Andrews is a private citizen. But private citizens do not get ushered down crimson carpets with made for the cameras greetings with Xi. They don't get photographed with the world's leading group of authoritarian dictators other than because of the democratic office they once held. Simply put, Andrews has certainly become a useful idiot. There was a better choice available to Andrews if refraining from going there wasn't his line in the sand. Bob Carr managed to attend surrounding events then avoided the parade itself, making clear that he never intended to be part of it. Carr's engagement can be criticised, but Andrews' stupidity has stolen the limelight. If a former foreign minister can see where the outer edge of the line is a former premier should have seen it too. Andrews either so blindly ignorant to the consequences of his actions or he just didn't care. Neither scenario is remotely edifying. For a politician who prides herself on giving straight answers, unlike so many of her evasive colleagues, Angela Rayner has been unable to answer one simple question: where does she actually live? We still dont actually know if it is her constituency home in Greater Manchester, where her former husband and their children reside, or her grace-and-favour flat in Westminster or her (now infamous) 800,000 seaside apartment in Hove. What we do know, however, is that her bewildering property affairs have resulted finally in her admission that she has not paid enough stamp duty on her new, swanky residence on the Sussex coast and, in the process, potentially avoided, deliberately or otherwise, inheritance tax. Her silence, the result, she says, of a family court order to protect her special-needs son, has lasted ten tumultuous, revelation-filled days and a week is supposed to be a long time in politics when she has gone from heir apparent to the beleaguered Prime Minister (Labours approval ratings have slumped to a record low) to, potentially, dethroned Red Queen; the name was coined by Lord Ashcroft, the former Conservative Party deputy chairman, the author of an unauthorised biography of her last year which first raised questions about her dealings in the housing market. There cant be anyone who doesnt have sympathy with Ms Rayner as the parent of a child with lifelong disabilities, but she has been merciless in her criticism of Tory Toffs and called for the resignation of Nadhim Zahawi as party chairman in 2023 after news that his tax liabilities were under investigation by HMRC. As the old saying goes, you live by the sword, you die by the sword. The truth is Ms Rayner has been no stranger to controversy during her ascent up the housing ladder made more complex by her private life. Pregnant at 16, a grandmother by the age of 37, divorced in 2023 and with an on-off boyfriend, Ms Rayners property affairs have rarely seemed straightforward. Angela Rayner has been no stranger to controversy during her ascent up the housing ladder made more complex by her private life Angela Rayner pictured outside her home in Ashton-under-Lyne with her ex-husband Mark The latest saga began on the evening of August 23 when The Mail on Sunday revealed Ms Rayner, housing minister as well as Deputy Prime Minister, had added the Hove apartment to her portfolio at a time when her department is cracking down on second-home owners. As Deputy PM, Ms Rayner enjoys the use of a grace-and-favour flat at Admiralty House, once the Whitehall home of Winston Churchill. That Saturday, she declined to say whether she was continuing to designate her Ashton property 200 miles away as her primary residence. That fuelled speculation about the rate of stamp duty she was paying on the Hove address. If the 800,000 Hove home had been her primary residence, she would pay 30,000. But, if it was a second home, the stamp duty bill would have soared to 70,000. She saved, in other words, 40,000. By Thursday last week, sources close to the DPM began offering a little more information. They said the Ashton home was indeed her primary residence, as it has been for over ten years, adding: Its where her children live and go to college, where she regularly returns and shares childcare. Ms Rayner was said to regularly visit them, although some neighbours say they never see her. So that cleared things up, then? If only. In fact, it transpired Ms Rayner no longer even owns a stake in this primary residence. Records revealed she received 162,500 by disposing of her 25 per cent stake in her constituency house, using the cash for the deposit on her flat in Hove. There is no requirement to own any share of a property for it to the primary residence yet to the public, this arrangement seemed unusual to say the least. Angela Rayner and her partner Sam Tarry, who has family links to Hove, where his former wife and their two sons live Ms Rayners recently purchased 800,000 seaside flat in Hove It has now emerged Ms Rayner sold her share of the house to a trust set up for her disabled son, who lives there. The money is understood to have been part of NHS compensation awarded to 17-year-old Charlie after the Rayners sued the hospital where he was born. Any proceeds from the future sale of the house, currently valued at 650,000, will go to Mr Rayner and a trust she said on Wednesday was set up to benefit her disabled son, who has life-long disabilities after a distressing incident when he was a premature baby. Tax experts said putting property into a discretionary trust is a common way to avoid inheritance tax. It was, observed experts, a remarkable coincidence her Ashton home was valued at exactly 650,000 above which, it would become liable for inheritance tax. The trustees are Ms Rayner, her ex-husband and a solicitor specialising in property law who at the time worked for the firm Shoosmiths Trust Corporation. Having claimed the Ashton home as her main residence, thus keeping its council tax down, Ms Rayner may also have avoided a capital gains tax bill at the same time. Capital gains tax is usually liable on the sale of a second home. Aside from all this, is the thorny issue of council tax. Currently, Ms Rayner has told Tameside Council in Manchester that her constituency home is her primary residence for full council tax. Yet it would be higher if she had said she mainly lived in London, at her Admiralty House flat. Then, the constituency home would be a second home and liable for double tax. She is not required to pay the 2,034 council tax on Admiralty House because that is paid for by the Cabinet Office. Angela Rayner has now claimed her Ashton home is her main residence, as it is where her children live Designating her primary residence for council tax purposes as Ashton means that Ms Rayner avoids paying council tax on her third home, her grace-and-favour flat in Admiralty House (pictured), Central London Why does she need a flat in Hove? Allies have suggested it was so she could be nearer to Westminster, even though Hove is more than 50 miles from London. Given that she has the use of Admiralty House, this explanation did not pass what is colloquially known as the sniff test. More likely is the fact her sometime boyfriend Sam Tarry, 43, has family links to the area where his former wife and their two sons live; until last year, at least, he rented a flat near them. Rayners entry on the list of ministerial interests is, like many of the disclosures from her parliamentary colleagues (of all political stripes) very brief. It says her partner is a public affairs consultant. There is no mention of the fact he advises lobby consultancy group Henham Strategy. One the firms many clients is Great South West, a group of councils and partnerships that was given 280,000 of funding last year by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) which is, of course, Rayners department. Henham stressed Tarry works on a number of areas unrelated to that department to ensure no conflicts of interest arises. There is no suggestion he has acted improperly or broken the rules. But Henhams website points out the firm leverage the contacts of their team to help clients engage and influence key decision makers. Who might Tarrys most high-profile contact be, do you think? For Ms Rayner and property taxes, the questions go back a long way. She used the right-to-buy scheme to make a 48,500 profit selling her former council house which she bought in 2007 in 2015. As she had been a council tenant, she was given a 25 per cent discount worth 26,000 when she bought the two-bedroom home in Stockport in 2007 for 79,000. She sold it at market value in 2015 shortly before becoming an MP for 127,500. For reasons never fully explained, having married Mark Rayner, a Unison official, in 2010, the couple were registered at different addresses. Ms Rayner kept herself on the electoral roll at her former council house on Vicarage Road. Angela Rayner was tearful as she tried to explain her financial situation on a TV interview Angela Rayner (pictured on Hove beach on Thursday evening), who is also the Housing Secretary, has faced a barrage of questions about her living arrangements since The Mail on Sunday revealed last weekend that she had bought the seaside apartment Six weeks after her marriage, Ms Rayner re-registered the births of her two younger sons and gave her husbands home in nearby Lowndes Lane as her address. This baffling state of affairs, which only emerged last year in the biography by Lord Ashcroft, prompted questions over whether she should have paid capital gains tax, normally due on profits of the sale of a second home. Ms Rayner maintained even though her husband and children had lived in Lowndes Lane, it was Vicarage Road the one she sold that was my home. Those selling their main residence typically dont have to pay capital gains tax. Police in Manchester and HMRC looked into whether Ms Rayner had paid the correct tax on a house sale, and if she was registered to vote at the right address. She was not found to have committed any offences. Labour sought to explain by saying Ms Rayner spent time at her husbands house also a right-to-buy council home but the house she owned remained her main home. In March 2024, Ms Rayner refused to publish the personal tax advice she had received on the council house sale. She told Radio 4 she was confident she had done absolutely nothing wrong over the sale. Asked why she would not put that legal advice in the public domain, she said: Because thats my personal tax advice. The furore over the two right-to-buy properties earned her the nickname two homes Rayner. Now she is at the centre of another mess over her property dealings. For ten days, Ms Rayners allies have maintained an indignant air of nothing to see here. They insisted she had paid all her taxes and any suggestion to the contrary was a baseless smear which made her screeching U-turn in Wednesdays mea culpa, after the court order was lifted, all the more astonishing. It is surely true one thing may be said with certainty without ten days of sustained questioning from the Press, the Deputy Prime Minister would not have admitted her tax mistake. With her reputation tarnished, even Labour MPs were turning on her on Wednesday night. Specialist tax blogger Dan Neidle, who has advised the Labour Party, said there were probably only three possibilities: she got the law wrong, she didnt take the right advice, or she didnt disclose all the facts to the law firm. None of which will help Ms Rayner sleep at night wherever her home actually may be. Britain is 'sleepwalking into a dystopian nightmare' under proposals to force everyone to have a digital ID card, civil liberty campaigners warned last night. Sir Keir Starmer is 'exploring' the idea, No 10 admitted this week, after Emmanuel Macron demanded action that would make Britain less attractive to illegal migrants. But civil liberty groups yesterday warned that it will turn Britain into a 'papers, please' society. Rebecca Vincent, of Big Brother Watch, said: 'While Downing Street is scrambling to be seen as doing something about illegal immigration, we are sleepwalking into a dystopian nightmare where the entire population will be forced through myriad digital checkpoints to go about our everyday lives. 'Mandatory digital ID will not stop small boat crossings, but it will create a burden on the already law-abiding population to prove our right to be here. 'It will turn Britain into a 'Papers, please' society.' Gracie Bradley of Liberty said a new scheme was 'likely to be even more intrusive, insecure and discriminatory' than the Labour government's failed 2006 plan to bring in ID cards. Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair's nascent card scheme was scrapped by the incoming Coalition government in 2010. Sir Keir Starmer is 'exploring' the idea, No 10 admitted this week, after Emmanuel Macron demanded action that would make Britain less attractive to illegal migrants Civil liberty groups yesterday warned that it will turn Britain into a 'papers, please' society (mock up of a virtual ID) Ms Bradley added that an 'expensive and unjustified ID scheme threatens our rights'. Tory justice spokesman Robert Jenrick also criticised the latest proposal. He said: 'Most employers who are employing individuals illegally are doing so knowingly. 'Asking them to check ID cards rather than the current checks that they are already obliged to do is not going to make a blind bit of difference to illegal migration.' French president Mr Macron has told Sir Keir to address 'pull factors' attracting migrants to Britain in return for help in stopping the boats. Allies of the Mr Macron have warned the UK's lax rules make it an 'El Dorado for migrants'. A man who once owned an up and coming wine bar in Oakland, California, was just one of thirteen men who were ensnared in a sting operation against alleged child sex predators. Cameron Hoppas, the 39-year-old co-owner of Bay Grape, was arrested by detectives from Placer County Sheriff's Office on July 30 after police say he tried to meet with someone he thought was a 13-year-old girl. Bay Grape is located near Lake Merritt. The other owner, Lara Pearce, said in a statement to The San Francisco Chronicle that Hoppas was 'removed as part owner of Bay Grape immediately following his arrest'. Hoppas was taken into custody as part of Operation SPF-13, a massive effort that took place over three days in July that involved 90 law enforcement officers from 21 different agencies. Investigators with the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes/Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force posed as children 13 years old and younger on messaging and dating apps where suspected child predators lurk. Many of the 13 suspects were lured to a hotel for what they thought would be an illegal rendezvous with a child. Sensational video from the Sacramento Sheriff's Office showed undercover officers bursting out of a hotel room to tackle the men and wrestle them into handcuffs. Some of the suspects traveled up to three hours to the hotel. One of them allegedly also came with more than 100 grams methamphetamine, while another brought his 14-month-old baby with him. Cameron Hoppas, the 39-year-old co-owner of an Oakland wine shop, is pictured after he was arrested for allegedly trying to meet up with a decoy 13-year-old girl Pictured: Bay Grape, the wine bar that Hoppas used to own before he was ousted by his other co-owner Sensational video from the Sacramento Sheriff's Office showed undercover officers bursting out of a hotel room to tackle the men and wrestle them into handcuffs One of the suspects is seen being handcuffed and restrained by at least four officers Ramon Paz, 39, was the suspect who brought his infant, according to police. The infant was still in her car carrier when police placed her in protective custody Rocky Dykes, 36, was the one police said showed up with the meth, which was described as 'packaged for sale'. He allegedly sent nude images to a decoy under the age of 14 before he tried to meet for sex. Dykes attempted to flee on a bicycle but crashed. Ramon Paz, 39, was the suspect who brought his infant, according to police. The infant was still in her car carrier when police placed her in protective custody. Paz, like many of the other men, was arrested for planning to meet with a 13-year-old girl. Justin Leonard, 37, arrived at the arranged meeting spot with sex toys, police said. He tried to explain away getting in contact with a teenager by saying he was coming for 'pizza' and a shower. The suspects ranged in age from 28 to 59 years old, with some of them showing up with alcohol, marijuana and cocaine, police said. After they were arrested, they were all were booked into custody in their respective counties, the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office said. Harrods is stripping out a lavish Egyptian-themed escalator and a series of statues of Mohammed Fayed after more than 100 women accused the disgraced former owner of rape and sexual assault. Sixteen sculptures showing Fayed as an Egyptian pharaoh are set to be torn down as the Knightsbridge store attempts to erase his legacy. The dramatic move will also see the removal of a five-storey escalator that the tycoon installed in the mid-1990s to celebrate his homeland, as per The Telegraph. Store bosses said the current deign 'explicitly celebrates' Fayed, describing the busts of his face as a 'visual reminder of his misdeeds'. Fayed sold Harrods to Qatar for 1.5billion in 2010, but survivors have long criticised the continued presence of the monuments. Among them is Lindsay Mason, who said Fayed tried to rape her in 1989. She urged the new owners in September last year to act. At the time, she told The Sun: 'The current owners of Harrods have kept his shrines in place throughout their tenure, which is so deeply disappointing. 'I beg the owners to do the right thing and wipe him from history.' Sixteen sculptures showing Fayed as an Egyptian pharaoh are set to be torn down as the Knightsbridge store attempts to erase his legacy Fayed sold Harrods to Qatar for 1.5billion in 2010, but survivors have long criticised the continued presence of the monuments Following her intervention, the 175-year-old store ordered a review into the sculptures by property experts Carter Jonas. Their findings concluded: 'The current owners are acutely aware, for the sake of the general public and current and previous staff of Harrods, that the space was decorated and commissioned by the previous owner, Mohamed Fayed, and needs to change. 'This is not "contested heritage" in the sense that there is some historical issue at stake; it is the continuing public celebration of a man whose victims are still alive.' The Egyptian hall, created in 1995, was once one of Harrods' main tourist attractions. But Fayed, who died aged 94 in 2023, has since been accused of numerous sex crimes - including the alleged assault of a 15-year-old girl in a Harrods boardroom and the rape rape of one of his personal assistants at his luxury Hyde Park flat. Harrods now plans to replace the ornate escalator with a modern alternative, subject to approval by Kensington and Chelsea council. A spokesman for the store said: 'Harrods is a Grade II* listed building, and so any proposed changes in store require considered plans, lengthy assessments and close work with a number of relevant authorities. 'Having heard feedback from survivors, we have been working to expedite the proposed redevelopment project of the Egyptian escalators, and a planning and listed building consent application has now been submitted.' Daily Mail has approached Harrods for comment. It comes after Fayed's former bodyguard revealed in an explosive book in June that the boss spied on customers using the changing rooms at Harrods for decades. The security man said there was a 'good chance' that shoppers using the facilities at the Knightsbridge store during his reign were being 'watched' by the serial rapist. Fayed, who died aged 94 in 2023, has since been accused of numerous sex crimes - including the alleged assault of a 15-year-old girl in a Harrods boardroom and the rape of his former personal assistant at his luxury Hyde Park flat In the Monster of Harrods, the bodyguard known only as Biggie said the store was awash with cameras which also recorded inside the female staff toilets and locker rooms. 'People don't talk about this - there were cameras right up to the entrance and slightly inside the changing rooms used by Harrods customers, which meant if you were in a Harrods changing room during the Fayed era, there was a good chance that he was watching you,' Biggie revealed. The installation of cameras, as well as bugging telephones, was said to have been ordered by the head of security ex-detective John Macnamara so Fayed could keep tabs on and seek out potential victims. 'The guys looked at the screens as if their lives depended on it. But they also realised that many of the questions Macnamara asked were about females who had caught Fayed's eye, so there was also a lot of sniggering as they watched women in changing rooms and toilets,' said Biggie. Biggie, who was described as 6ft 4in and 20st, was employed as one of the very first 'generals' in Fayed's security detail after he purchased the iconic store in 1985. Anthony Albanese is facing growing calls to condemn his friend and former flatmate Daniel Andrews after the former Victorian Premier rubbed shoulders with despots and dictators at a military parade in China. Andrews was part of select group of world leaders watching a 10,000-strong military parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in China on Wednesday. In extraordinary footage, Andrews was filmed being greeted by President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan on a red carpet procession before the Communist dictator embarked on an open-top car ride past one of the largest - and most foreboding - displays of military hardware the world has ever seen. Andrews and Xi shook hands for several seconds as both men appeared to exchange warm pleasantries on the red carpet. The former Victorian premier also happily posed for a 'family photo' alongside a rogues' gallery of world leaders, including the likes of North Korea's Kim Jong Un, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin, In May, the United Nations ruled that Putin's Russia was responsible for the downing of the Malaysia Airlines flight, MH17, over Ukraine in July 2014. All 298 people on board - including 38 Australians - were killed when it was shot out of the sky by a Russian missile. Albanese would not be drawn into criticising his best friend, instead insisting at a press conference that he was 'not meeting' with dictators such as Putin or Jong Un. But his refusal to criticise Andrews has prompted a flurry of criticism suggesting that the Prime Minister has allowed an old friendship to cloud his better judgement. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told Sky News that 'old flat mates stick together'. In extraordinary footage, former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was filmed being greeted by President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan on a red carpet procession before the military parade kicked off. Both men shook hands for several seconds as they appeared to exchange warm pleasantries Andrews (pictured, back right) posed for official pictures just metres away from world leaders including North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un (front right), Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev (middle) and Russian leader Vladimir Putin (front left) The Prime Minister would not be drawn into criticising his best friend, instead insisting at a press conference that he was 'not meeting' with dictators such as Putin or Jong Un 'Anthony Albanese needs to demonstrate some moral clarity here and actually call out Daniel Andrews for being just a few feet away from dictators and despots,' she said. Meanwhile, Liberal Senator Jane Hume slammed Andrews for displaying an 'extraordinary lack of judgement', claiming she was 'astounded' Albanese had not called him to warn him off attending. 'It was clearly a sign of military might, a display of military might quite threatening in its intentions. And there he was, standing alongside some of the most unsavoury characters from right around the world,' Senator Hume told Today. 'If he had diplomatic support, I think that that would be an issue. Whether he went there as a private citizen or not. I just think that shows a lack of judgement.' Andrews has been criticised even by those on the left. Former Labor Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Andrews had gone a 'bridge too far'. 'I respect Dan, I respect Bob, but I think they've just gone the next level,' Palaszczuk told Sky News. 'Go there for a holiday, do your business talks, but there's no need to attend this military parade.' The subsequent 70-minute parade was an extraordinary display of Chinese military might, with a reported 10,000 goose-stepping troops from the People's Liberation Army taking part As he drove past, Xi would say 'hello comrades' to which the thousands of troops would bark back in unison: 'Hello chairman' 'Trade is one thing, and tourism, but military parades, I would honestly stop and think seriously about that.' Albanese and Andrews are old friends and once shared a flat together in Canberra in the late 1990s. The Australian ambassador to China, Scott Dewar, was not in attendance. Former NSW Premier Bob Carr was invited but thought better of attending the parade, preferring instead to speak to speak to Chinese officials on the sidelines. Carr defended the trip, claiming it was important to maintain ties with China when US President Donald Trump was upending the world order. 'Meanwhile Trumps 50 per cent tariffs produce an India-China rapprochement, undercutting the Quad & devaluing its next meeting (in Delhi) which Trump is not now attending. In this chaos why shouldnt we talk with China?', he posted on X. 'Disagreeing where necessary, building cooperation where its needed.' Meanwhile, Trump fired a shot of his own at the gathered dictators, writing on Truth Social: 'Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong-un, as you conspire against The United States of America.' The subsequent 70-minute parade was an extraordinary display of Chinese military might, with a reported 10,000 goose-stepping troops from the People's Liberation Army taking part. President Xi was led on an open-top car ride along the 4km-long Chang'an Avenue near Tiananmen Square, past the thousands of troops and military hardware. This included hypersonic missiles, stealth fighter jets, tanks and other weapons in China's massive military arsenal. As he drove past, Xi would say 'hello comrades' to which the thousands of troops would bark back in unison: 'Hello chairman'. Shocking footage has captured the moment strangers unleashed a racially fuelled tirade against two Palestinian brothers on a train in Sydney. Shamikh and Majed Badra had attended a pro-Palestine rally on Sunday and had boarded the train at Town Hall station towards Stanmore. The pair, who are also filmmakers, were confronted by another passenger when they noticed Majed was wearing a black-and-white keffiyeh. The traditional scarf is a cotton headdress worn by men in parts of the Middle East and has become synonymous with the Palestinian liberation movement. Within minutes of boarding the train, a man began shouting at the brothers. 'If you want to fight for Palestine, go back there,' the man said. 'Get the f*** out of here. We don't want you in our country. 'We don't want you here. F*** off. You want to get free money, you f***ing loser c***.' Palestinian brothers Shamikh and Majed Badra were verbally assaulted on a Sydney train after a fellow commuter spotted Majed wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional scarf The man (pictured) allegedly escalated the verbal assault into a physical confrontation The brothers responded to the man, labelling him a racist as they tried to move away from him and another commuter tried to intervene. The pair decided to get off the train at the next stop after the verbal attack allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation. Shamikh claimed the man had demanded his brother take off his keffiyeh. 'The attackers shouted at us "If you want to fight for Palestine, go back there. Take off Palestine's scarf. Yes, this is Australia",' Shamikh said. NSW Police have launched an investigation into the incident. 'Police have commenced an investigation following reports of an assault on a train travelling between Town Hall Railway Station and Macdonaldtown Railway Station on Sunday,' a spokeswoman said. 'Officers attached to Police Transport Command have been told two men, aged 40 and 45, had been threatened and assaulted by an unknown man before he left the train with a group at Macdonaldtown Railway Station.' Shamikh and Majed are active supporters of the free Palestine movement as members of their family have died during the war in Gaza, while other relatives remain under bombardment. The brothers were returning from the a pro-Palestine march, which coincided with anti-immigration rallies (pictured, March for Australia in Sydney) across the country on Sunday The pro-Palestine march the brothers attended coincided with anti-immigration rallies across the country's major cities, which saw wild brawls erupt on the streets as rival groups came face to face. Palestine Action Group activist Josh Less slammed the incident. 'This is an attack on all Palestinians in Australia, and it's an attack, as was the intention from these racist protesters on Sunday. It's an attack on all immigrants or migrants and people of colour in this country,' Mr Less told Newswire. The attack came in the wake of nationwide anti-immigration rallies on Sunday, where thousands called on the federal government to pause or slow down immigration. Ten people were arrested nationwide after they clashed with officers and pro-immigration protesters, with additional charges expected as footage is reviewed. The rallies, organised by March for Australia, have been linked to white-nationalist extremists, with well-known neo-Nazis in attendance. National Socialist Network leader Thomas Sewell, 32, was flanked by 40 black-clad supporters as he delivered a speech outside Victorian Parliament. March for Australia organisers have denied any connection to white supremacists. A dock worker who was sacked after his boss spotted him at a restaurant just hours after he called in sick to grieve his aunt's death has been awarded $33,000 in lost wages after he took the company to Fair Work. Fair Work Commission deputy president Thomas Roberts ruled in David Jenkins' favour last month, concluding he had been unfairly dismissed and ordering the company, Qube, to reinstate him to his Port Kembla position and repay lost wages. Mr Jenkins was awarded $33,798 on account of remuneration lost or likely to have been lost as a result of his employment being terminated. The worker said he was distressed by his aunt's death, which followed his mother's passing in 2024, so he applied for personal leave through Qube's online system around noon, and did not attend his 4pm shift on Australia Day. That night, Mr Jenkins went to dinner at the upmarket Lagoon Seafood Restaurant in Wollongong, where he bumped into his boss Bernie Ryan. He approached Mr Ryan and offered to shake hands, but the other man declined. Mr Jenkins continued to enjoy drinks and dinner at the restaurant, attended the Australia Day fireworks, and then went home. Two days later, he received a letter from Qube stating it had received reports he may have engaged in unacceptable workplace conduct by attending the dinner at a time when he could have been working his shift. David Jenkins attended The Lagoon restaurant (pictured) in Wollongong on Australia Day after calling in sick due to the death of his aunty David Jenkins was fired from his port job after calling in sick on Australia Day He was immediately suspended with pay pending an investigation. The following day, on January 29, Mr Jenkins received another letter alleging serious misconduct - specifically, misuse of personal leave on Australia Day, and a breach of the company's code of conduct and ethics. He was sacked on March 7. Mr Jenkins maintained that he had taken personal leave in accordance with company policy and argued there was no valid reason for his dismissal. The company claimed Mr Jenkins acted dishonestly, and had used his aunt's death as a pretext to allow him to go out to a social function rather than attend work. The Fair Work Commission's Deputy President Thomas Roberts accepted Mr Jenkins was depressed when he returned home, and only attended the dinner after his partner's repeated requests. He did not accept Mr Jenkins had used his aunt's death as an excuse to call in sick. 'I also do not accept that Mr Jenkins was not affected by the family bereavement such that this had no impact on his capacity to work later that day,' Mr Roberts said. Mr Jenkins took personal leave from his job after his aunt passed away and was sacked after his boss spotted him at a restaurant when he could have been working his shift (stock) 'Qube pointed out that (Mr Jenkins) was able to make the journey by car to and from his stepfather's residence but then assessed himself as incapable of performing driving duties at work. 'However, the distance travelled by the applicant on that day involved driving only a matter of minutes each way. That is materially different from driving vehicles over the course of a full shift at work.' Mr Roberts said he was satisfied that Mr Jenkins, after sitting with his grieving stepfather for a number of hours, that he made a legitimate assessment that he was incapable of working as required. He said the worker would have presented a safety risk to himself and others if he had attended his 4pm shift. Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un were spotted laughing, joking, hugging, and even enjoying breakfast together during a trip to Beijing. Rare images captured candid moments between the two leaders as they sat across the table from one another and shared a car ride - underscoring a personal warmth and growing closeness in RussiaNorth Korea ties. Suited an in seemingly good spirits - Putin and Jong Un were seen sharing moments of laughter and embrace on their visit to Beijing to attend China's commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. China's growing military might was shown off by President Xi Jinping yesterday during a massive parade in Beijing. President Xi welcomed Kim with a long handshake, then moved on to greet Putin, before all three walked together to watch the parade. This was the first time all three leaders have been seen in public together. Later, Putin and Kim met, with Putin praising Pyongyang for sending soldiers to fight in Ukraine. Putin and Kim joined 24 other dignitaries who had been invited to the Beijing parade. South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung did get an invitation, but turned it down. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi - who met President Xi earlier this week - was also not present. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sit in a vehicle during their visit to Beijing to attend China's commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing The world leaders were seen laughing during their trip yesterday North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet for a work breakfast during their visit to Beijing The pair were pictured embracing in a rare snap during their trip to China Xi boasted China was an 'unstoppable' force and warned the world faces a choice of 'peace or war'. On Monday, Xi had delivered his vision for a new global security and economic order during a summit of nations that included Russia and India. In a barely veiled attack on Donald Trump's America, he said: 'We must continue to take a clear stand against hegemonism and power politics.' Mr Trump responded to yesterday's parade in Tiananmen Square and to the show of unity by America's rivals on the world stage by accusing them of 'conspiring' against the US. In a Truth Social post he asked Xi to 'please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America'. He then raised the support that the US gave to China in the Second World War in its fight against the occupying Japanese, questioning whether Xi 'will mention the massive amount of support and 'blood' that The United States of America gave to China in order to help it secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly foreign invader.' (L-R) Russia's President Vladimir Putin walks with China's President Xi Jinping and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un before a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on September 3, 2025 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin walk with Chinese President Xi Jinping Chinese President Xi Jinping stands in a car to review the troops during a military parade A view from a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Beijing on September 3, 2025 Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev He signed off: 'May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration.' The Kremlin's foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, responded to Mr Trump's message saying: 'No one has been conspiring, no one has been plotting anything, no conspiracies. 'None of these three leaders had such a thought.' He added: 'Everyone understands the role played by the United States, the current administration of President Trump and President Trump personally in the current international situation.' The parade included tanks, regiments of troops and the very latest Chinese hardware such as missiles, lasers and drones. Kicking off the parade, Xi cautioned that the world was still 'faced with a choice of peace or war' before saying that China was 'unstoppable.' The demonstration that China is rapidly catching up with America's lead in military technology was the climax of a summit of world leaders who have ties to the autocrats in Beijing and Moscow and was billed as an alternative to the US-led global system. Chinese female soldiers shout as they march during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II Chinese troops and armoured vehicles are seen during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Sino-Japanese War in Beijing A screen shows Russia's President Vladimir Putin (C-L), Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (C-R) Troops make preparations before a military parade at Tian'anmen Square on September 3, 2025 China's President Xi Jinping is seen on a big screen as he delivers a speech at the start of a military parade China's President Xi Jinping (L) and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un arrive for a reception in the Great Hall of People North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin walk with Chinese President Xi Jinping Lasers, drones and missiles... Beijing's hi-tech kit is catching up with the US China's huge show of hardware yesterday was designed to prove that it is catching up with America's military. The US and the West have long held an advantage over China thanks to their technology and the quality of their weapons but Beijing's show of force reveals even that is now under threat. On show were intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of delivering a nuclear strike to Western cities and hypersonic missiles capable of striking ships at sea. There were also new tanks, aircraft, undersea drones and combat robots. The demonstration was meant to tell the world that China could one day be ready to break the West's long-held grip on international order. But behind the columns of tanks and rows of soldiers marching in perfect unison, a small white box sitting on a transporter could be the clearest sign of China's advances in weapons technology. The LY-1 is a shipborne laser weapon an addition to a powerful navy which already has more warships than the US Navy. Its specific capabilities remain unknown but experts fear it can burn through electronics and blind enemy sensors, and so bring down drones, missiles and planes. The US and Britain have made strides towards developing their own directed-energy weapons. Your browser does not support iframes. A screen shows Chinese President Xi Jinping as he stands in a car to review the troops during a military parade Parade guards step in place before a grand gathering to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping Britain's is known as DragonFire. It is part of a 5 billion investment and trials have shown it can lock on to and destroy drones. Each 'shot' costs just a few pounds far cheaper than firing a missile. The UK plans to mount DragonFire on Royal Navy ships from 2027. A land version is also being tested on Army vehicles. America, meanwhile, has poured billions into laser research and remains ahead of both Britain and China for now. One of its most advanced is the Helios system that can burn drones out of the sky and blind enemy sensors. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin were overheard at the parade discussing how to prolong life. Putin suggested eternal life could be achievable as a result of innovations in biotechnology, according to remarks caught on a hot mic by Chinese state TV. Neither Xi nor Putin has expressed any intention of stepping down. At one point Putin's translator said: 'With the development of biotechnology, organs can be continuously transplanted, and people can live younger and younger, and even achieve immortality.' The millionaire founder of Jim's Mowing has blamed Australia's high immigration levels for the housing affordability crisis - and revealed he wants to become a politician to fix it. Jim Penman told Daily Mail Australia too many unskilled migrants were flooding into the country as local councils made it harder to build new houses. 'We should be more cautious in accepting unskilled people who are unlikely to flourish in this country,' he said. 'The problem is that we are accepting half a million people a year, while forbidding people to build enough houses to put them in.' Mr Penman, however, acknowledged migrants contributed to Australia's economic activity, noting that his wife Li Penman, a director of a Melbourne home building company, originally came from China. 'Australia benefits from skilled and capable migrants. As an example, my wife is a migrant from China who currently employs more than 20 Australians, including as a builder,' he said. The 73-year-old businessman, who founded a franchising giant during the 1980s, said local councils in Australia were to blame for houses being among the most expensive in the world, compared with incomes. This was after net immigration levels in 2023 hit a record-high of 548,800 before last year moderating to 340,800. The millionaire founder of Jim's Mowing has blamed Australia's high immigration levels for the housing affordability crisis - and revealed he wants to become a politician to fix it (Jim Penman is pictured left with his wife Li and their son) The federal government has declined the cut the permanent intake from 185,000 for 2025-26, which mainly covers skilled migrants. Labor has also increased its international student cap by 25,000 to 295,000, with this long-term intake worsening Australia's rental crisis. Australia's median capital city house price of $1,056,440, based on Cotality data, is beyond the reach of an average, full-time worker earning $104,520. 'Compare the median house prices in Houston ($330,000) and San Francisco ($1.4million) and you can see the effect of zoning laws,' Mr Penman said. 'Texas accepts far more migrants than California, yet property prices are less than a quarter. And even Houston could do better.' He said planning restrictions were to blame for Australians paying a lot more for a house compared with the United States, during an immigration-fuelled population boom. 'Zoning laws which force up the price of housing and of rents, impoverishing millions of Australians and making many homeless,' he said. 'International comparisons, such as with cities like Texas, suggest that house prices should be no more than half what they are now.' Jim Penman told Daily Mail Australia too many unskilled migrants were flooding into the country as local councils made it harder to build new houses Mr Penman has posted a series of X messages declaring he was seriously considering running as a Victorian state election candidate in 2026. 'I am seriously considering standing for the Upper House in next year's Victorian election,' he said. 'State politics is really the place to be, since this is the source of policies that force up the price of housing and cripple the economy with senseless regulations.' Mr Penman also suggested he wanted to hold the balance of power in Victoria's Legislative Council so he could encourage more development - as part of a movement known as Yes, In My Backyard. 'If YIMBYs could gain the balance of power, in the Upper House, we could actually achieve great things,' he said. 'Housing costs are perhaps the one area where community disgust may actually make change possible.' Mr Penman last year also hinted he could launch 'The Jim's Party' in an audacious bid for power, with him as premier, which would require him to first win a lower house seat. 'This is a party designed to take over state government in Victoria to become the ruling coalition in state government with myself as premier. The number one crisis in Victoria right now is housing. The 73-year-old businessman, who founded a franchising giant during the 1980s, said local councils in Australia were to blame for houses being among the most expensive in the world, compared with incomes 'We have massive, massive immigration - we're getting hundreds of thousands of new people coming into the country every year and we're not building nearly enough houses. 'We have too much in Victoria of NIMBYs - not in my backyard and we actually have bananas build absolutely nothing anywhere near anyone.' The federal and state governments already have a National Housing Accord to build 1.2million 'well located' homes over the five years to 2029. This has seen the New South Wales and Victorian governments override local councils to allow the building of high-rise apartments near train stations. Labor's housing target requires 240,000 homes to be built a year but in the year to March, just 179,410 new homes were completed, Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showed. Mr Penman was a chief critic of former Victorian Labor premier Daniel Andrews's Covid lockdowns in Melbourne, which were the longest in the world. The wife of Dezi Freeman is considering leaving her spouse after he allegedly gunned down two police officers and escaped into bushland, prompting a 10-day search. Freeman, 56, is alleged to have opened fire on the officers executing a warrant for historical sex offences on Tuesday last week at the rural property in Porepunkah, about 300km northeast of Melbourne. He allegedly killed Detective Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, and wounded a third officer before fleeing into the bush. The incident turned the life of Freeman's wife Amalia - otherwise known as Mali - upside down, with her at the home when police hammered on the door. She was arrested on Thursday and released, although police revealed on Wednesday they have not ruled out laying charges against her. She is now in hiding, communicating through her lawyers to plead with her husband to surrender, a source told Daily Mail. Daily Mail has spent 10 days in the town, talking to locals, and its understood that Ms Freemans marriage is all but over. Sources close to her said she has decided that if even Freeman makes it out alive from one of Australias largest-ever manhunts, their relationship cannot continue for the sake of their children - an adult, a teenager and a toddler. Dezi Freeman's wife Amalia (pictured) is in hiding, communicating through her lawyers to plead with her husband to surrender to the hundreds-strong manhunt near Porepunkah Dezi Freeman allegedly opened fire on officers executing a warrant for historical sex offences on Tuesday last week at the rural property about 300km northeast of Melbourne While Porepunkah residents are devastated by Freemans alleged actions, there is a groundswell of support for Mali, who is known as a lovely person and a devoted mother. The devout Catholic is understood to be a St Vinnies volunteer, donates to food banks, and cooks meals for the needy despite not having much money herself. A friend, who wished to remain anonymous, told Daily Mail that Mali had recently made it known that she was keen to move the family out of their bus dwelling but was finding it hard to afford rent prices. The home was just outside Porepunkah in the shadow of Mt Buffalo. At least 450 Victoria Police officers have been deployed in the manhunt. Freeman, who is 'heavily armed', remains on the loose and Chief Commissioner Mike Bush has refused to confirm how much taxpayer money is being spent on the massive search. More than 100 properties have been searched in Porepunkah and nearby towns in the last week. But despite hundreds of phone calls and information from the community and some of Freeman's associates, they are no closer to finding him. Sources close to Mali Freeman told Daily Mail she has decided that her relationship with Dezi (pictured) cannot continue for the sake of their children Ms Freeman released a statement on Sunday, via her lawyer, urging her husband to turn himself in and sharing her condolences for the two slain officers Police still believe that Freeman is being harboured or assisted. 'We are considering all options in terms of where he may be... I won't go into direct intelligence, but our elite team considers every possibility and deploys accordingly,' Mr Bush said. 'We appeal not just to him but to all his associates: he does not deserve to be protected. He needs to be in custody and held accountable.' Mr Bush also did not rule out laying charges against Freeman's wife, who he confirmed was present when her husband allegedly shot dead two officers and wounded a third. She and her eldest son, 15, were arrested at a nearby Porepunkah property last Thursday night. The pair were interviewed by police and later released, pending further inquiries. 'She's been interviewed in relation to criminal matters,' Mr Bush said. He said police were still engaging her and added that she was yet to provide a statement through her lawyers. 'As has previously been reported, she has been interviewed by Victoria Police ... a brief of evidence will be compiled, and she may be charged in due course,' Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly added. Police still believe that Dezi Freeman is being harboured or assisted as the manhunt continues At least 450 Victoria Police officers have been deployed in the search for Freeman Ms Freeman had earlier released a statement via her lawyer to express the family's deep sorrow for the loss of the lives of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart. She added that she and her children respect the important work of Victoria Police and 'do not hold anti-authority views.' 'We echo the requests of the Victoria Police for the swift and safe conclusion of this tragedy,' the statement relased on Sunday read. 'I lend my full support to Victoria Police in their search for my husband and will co-operate with Victoria Police in any way that I can. 'Please Dezi, if you see or hear this, call triple-0 and arrange a surrender plan with the police.' An influencer and ex-Love Island contestant has come under fire after she began filming herself just moments after she crashed her motorbike in Thailand. Chanse Corbi, who appeared on Season 4 of Love Island USA in 2022, was seen dabbing at her bloody wounds while wearing only a tiny red bikini in the video. The 24-year-old said she fell off her motorbike after getting caught in a pothole at the entrance of a busy motorway while solo travelling. 'At least I didn't lose my leg,' she captioned a video shared to social media. 'This happened three months ago, I'm much better now.' Corbi took the opportunity to spruik the bikini brand she was wearing during the crash, offering her followers 15 per cent off if they used her discount code. Her decision to film herself after the crash and to only wear a bikini in culturally conservative Thailand drew widespread backlash from viewers. 'Filming this in underwear in public, bleeding, adding music. Humans! Wow,' one said. Influencer Chanse Corbi was seen dabbing at her bloody wounds after a crash in Thailand The ex-Love Island contestant was slammed for only wearing a bikini to ride a motorbike 'Maybe next time you won't ride a motorcycle in your underwear. What are you trying to prove?' another wrote. 'Setting your camera up before addressing your wounds is so f***d up,' a third wrote. 'Have some respect for the country you are in and dress decently when riding,' a fourth commented. 'Sure, film it. Don't call the ambulance,' another wrote. Corbi was later treated for her wounds in hospital. She shared a video peeling the dressing from a large wound on her thigh. 'That's disgusting,' an onlooker was heard saying. 'I've got to show my friends at home,' Corbi replied. The influencer also filmed herself removing a dressing on a large graze on her thigh (pictured) She featured on Season 4 of Love Island USA before being dumped of Day 22 of the show Other viewers praised Corbi's high pain threshold as she cleaned the horrific wounds all over her body in the aftermath of the crash. 'She's tough,' one person wrote. 'Well, you took that fall like a boss,' a second said. Corbi lasted 22 days on Season 4 of Love Island USA. She describes herself as a certified travel agent on her social media and is currently travelling in Australia, most recently in Airlie Beach, Queensland. An Aboriginal woman has revealed her Yidinji mother questioned whether it was safe to go outside in the wake of the March for Australia rallies. Comedian Steph Tisdell, best known her role in the Stan series Bump, recounted the conversation she had with her mother on TikTok. The pair were discussing the anti-immigration protests, which took place nationwide on Sunday, when her mother asked a heartbreaking question. 'She said: 'What does this mean for me as far as, like, walking around the place or going out?'' Ms Tisdell recounted. 'I was like: 'Well, what do you mean?' 'And she said: 'Well, you're lighter-skinned than me but what if people don't know that I'm from here?'' 'F*** this f***-ing s***,' an emotional Tisdell added. Ms Tisdell, who was born in Mount Isa in Queensland's Gulf Country and raised in Brisbane, is the daughter of a Yidinji mum and a white father. Comedian Steph Tisdell (pictured) shared the heartbreaking question her mother asked in the wake of the March for Australia protests held nationwide on Sunday Her mother, who is darker-skinned than her mixed-race daughter, feared she would be targeted by the more extreme of the March for Australia demonstrators. It was a fear shared by many community leaders in the lead-up to the nationwide rallies, with a number of minority groups being warned to 'stay inside'. While some attended to oppose Australia's level of migration, others joined in on offensive, racist chants and rubbed shoulders with extremists. Ms Tisdell's post garnered a mixed reaction from viewers, with some sympathetic while others accused her of misinterpreting the core aims of the rallies. 'I have never been so embarrassed to be an Australian. These marches have gone too far. She should not have to live in fear,' one woman wrote. Another, however, argued the rallies were attended by people from 'every walk of life'. 'This is not against any colour. It's about helping our country stay alive. We all need to protect your heritage too,' another commented. But others pointed to isolated instances of violence against Indigenous community members on Sunday as justification for her mother's fears. Ms Tisdell, who was born in Mount Isa in Queensland's Gulf Country and raised in Brisbane, is the daughter of a Yidinji mum and a white father (she is pictured at a Bump premiere in Sydney) Political leaders have defended the legitimate concerns of some protesters, while condemning the more extreme attendees. Pictured are demonstrators in Sydney It comes as Aboriginal leaders call for a hate crime investigation over an alleged neo-Nazi led attack on a First Nations protest camp in Melbourne. About 40 men dressed in black destroyed Aboriginal flags and reportedly injured four people at Camp Sovereignty in King's Domain. National Socialist Network leader Thomas Sewell, 32, was charged with a raft of offences over the alleged attack including violent disorder and affray. Politicians have taken pains to separate the legitimate immigration concerns raised by certain attendees from more extreme views. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the rallies were 'attended by people of goodwill but hijacked by violent Neo-Nazis spouting hate and racism'. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the rallies for 'platforming' neo-Nazis but adding he had 'no doubt' there were some 'good people' in attendance. Labor MP Ed Husic, the first Muslim elected to federal parliament, challenged Albanese's claim, stating: 'I haven't seen a good fascist yet'. 'Those rallies were whipped up by far-right extremists and neo-Nazis. A lot of people were warned about that,' he told the ABC's Afternoon Briefing. 'I'm not in the business of doing the "good people on both sides" argument.' Daily Mail has contacted Ms Tisdell. Cape York Tip also known as Pajinka Aussie tourists have been accused of disrespecting First Nations people after they covered an Indigenous land claim sign with their own homemade posters. The Cape York Tip in Queensland, also known by its traditional name Pajinka, is the northernmost point of the Australian mainland. A sign at the iconic landmark signifies the final destination for travellers who have made the strenuous journey to the remote location. About 60,000 people visit each year and take a photo with the sign, which read: 'You are standing at the northernmost point of the Australian continent'. However, earlier this year, it was replaced with a revised sign which features a plaque recognising the traditional owners of the land. 'You are standing on the land of the Gudang Yadhaykenu people 'Pajinka' at the northernmost point of the Australian continent,' it reads. In protest of the updated sign, multiple visitors have covered the plaque with homemade versions of the original sign and taken photos for social media. The trend has sparked widespread backlash, with many criticising the act as inflammatory and disrespectful to traditional owners. The sign at the Cape York Tip in Queensland was replaced earlier this year and now recognises the traditional owners of the land (the new sign is pictured) Aussie tourists have started covering up the official plaque with their own makeshift posters 'They covered up the name that specifically acknowledged my Country,' one said. 'Imagine going all the way with the intention to be disrespectful,' a second wrote. 'White people still trying to make a statement. That is Aboriginal land. Always was and always will be. Respect it,' a third commented. However, the trend also received support from some Aussies. 'Are you able to tell me the dimensions so I can make one for our trip next year?' one person asked. 'Awesome job. Better than the sign that is there, don't understand why the old sign wasn't left in place,' a second wrote. Gudang Yadhaykenu man Michael Solomon said the signs were 'disrespectful'. He said the trend was a violation of a 2019 hand back following a successful native title claim to 210,000 hectares in the Cape York region. Traditional owners have labelled the trend as 'disrespectful' (pictured, a homemade sign) 'It's disrespectful to traditional owners and a disrespect to the act of the Federal Court when they handed down the determination,' Mr Solomon told the Cairns Post. 'I feel angry. We are all connected to this land and they have to respect that.' The incident is the latest in a long-running feud between tourists and traditional owners at the Cape York Tip. Incidents at the landmark include public nudity, graffiti on rocks and the unauthorised installation of memorial plaques. Mr Solomon said the Gudang/Yadhaykenu Aboriginal Corporation was now calling for tourists to be led by a ranger when visiting the site. A group of California urgent care workers have been fired after they callously mocked patients in a now-viral TikTok video. The shocking post featured a photo series of employees at the Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara posing with patients' bodily fluids that were left on exam tables. 'Are patients allowed to leave you guys gifts?' reads the text over the first image, showing seven employees in scrubs. The next four slides showed staff members pointing and laughing at stains on the exam table. One woman was seen sticking out her tongue over a mark on a chair. The caption on the video read 'guess the substance!' It ended with a picture showing at least six employees gathered around one exam room table, with some in a praying pose. 'Make sure to leave your healthcare workers sweet gifts like these,' the text over the photo read. Sutter Health, the group that manages the Sansum Clinic, told KTLA the video was posted to TikTok by a former employee who left the organization in late July. Health care workers at the Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara, California have been fired after they openly mocked patients in a TikTok video The post over the weekend featured a compilation of photos in which employees at the Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara were joking and posing with patients' bodily fluids left on exam tables The final slide featured at least six employees gathered around one exam room table, with some in a praying pose That former employee apparently deleted her TikTok account as the video began to spread, and caused outrage online at the clinic - which bills itself online as the 'largest nonprofit outpatient healthcare organization between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.' 'Our dedicated, highly-trained doctors and compassionate staff are an integral part of our history, alongside that of our city, which has always been advanced in the medical sciences despite its small size,' the Sansum Clinic boasts. 'Our longevity is rooted in our ongoing investment in the latest equipment and technology and our recruitment of the brightest physicians, which combined, enable us to deliver the high-tech and high-touch elements of quality healthcare,' it continues. But on Reddit, residents are calling the post and the actions of the healthcare workers depicted in the video 'dehumanizing,' 'unprofessional and unethical' and 'childish behavior.' 'If that is what they post publicly, imagine what goes on privately,' one Reddit user wrote. Others pointed out that the user who shared the video had previously shared similar content - including one photo of a toilet stall splattered with feces with the caption, 'A great way to start my shift,' according to the Santa Barbara Independent. Meanwhile on Yelp, the clinic has been inundated with one-star reviews. The clinic bills itself bills as the 'largest nonprofit outpatient healthcare organization between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area One review on the site called out the fact that the workers in the video 'were stupid enough to post these pictures with their faces. 'Makes me not trust their competence as medical professionals,' the reviewer wrote. 'I am considering leaving Sansum as a whole after this. These are extremely cruel, genuinely soulless, heartless and brainless people.' By Wednesday, Sutter Health announced it has fired the health care workers who participated in the video. 'Sutter Health has terminated the employees responsible for the inappropriate and insensitive photos posted on social media,' the company wrote on its social media. 'This unacceptable behavior is an outright violation of our policies, shows a lack of respect for our patients and will not be tolerated. 'Protecting the trust of those we serve is our highest priority and when that trust is violate, we take swift action to address it,' the health care group continued. 'We expect all team members to live our patients = first mission and uphold the highest standards of compassion, professionalism and respect. 'We are using this inappropriate incident to reinforce our comprehensive policies with all our team members across the organization as part of our commitment to providing all patients with high quality, compassionate care.' A top cosmetic surgeon in Wyoming has denied wrongdoing after two of his former patients alleged he 'botched' their surgeries and left them disfigured. Dr. Christopher Stewart filed his response to the lawsuit on Friday, denying the accusations that his work resulted in a string of injuries Afton Jennings and Casi Duncan endured in the aftermath of their surgeries at the Casper-based facility, New Beautiful You, Cowboy State Daily reported. Jennings and Duncan sued Stewart, the clinic - New Beautiful You, its President Melissa Black, Vice President John Roussalis, medical director Shawn Snyder, nurse Joury Markowski, and Summit Medical Center for permanent disfigurement and loss of bodily function after their surgeries. Jennings claimed that after receiving a breast reduction at the facility, the tissue in her left breast had hardened. She alleged that she was prescribed 'maggot therapy' where the critters ate at her dead tissue, adding that they were 'wiggling around in her bra while at work,' according to the complaint. Stewart denied the accusations, writing in the filing that although he was 'aware' of larval therapy as a wound care treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, he was not involved in the decision to prescribe it to Jennings. 'Dr. Stewart states that he was not involved in Ms. Jennings discussion of medical grade larval therapy,' the surgeon's lawyers argued. Jennings also alleged in the lawsuit that Stewart sent her home after her surgery in July 2023, without aftercare instructions. Dr. Christopher Stewart has denied accusations in a lawsuit alleging that his standard of care resulted in his patients' disfigurement The lawsuit also names Stewart's former employer, New Beautiful You, as a defendant New Beautiful You is a facility based in Casper, Wyoming. The lawsuit accuses the facility's President Melissa Black, Vice President John Roussalis, medical director Shawn Snyder, nurse Joury Markowski, and Summit Medical Center of providing care that resulted in 'botched' surgeries She claimed that after the procedure, she fell extremely ill, citing symptoms including uncomfortably swollen and discolored breasts, high fevers, and vomiting. At her follow-up appointment a week later, she allegedly told Stewart about her discomfort, but the doctor failed to provide adequate care. After allegedly being brushed off by the medical staff, Jennings's breast ruptured. She claimed that when she called the doctor's office, she was told that it was 'normal to have drainage.' She then endured maggot therapy, but alleged that her left nipple couldn't be salvaged, leaving her with a nasty scar over her breast. Duncan also cited stomach-churning symptoms after receiving a 'mommy makeover' from Stewart at New Beautiful You. A 'mommy makeover' refers to a combination of plastic surgeries designed to address changes some may see after giving birth. Procedures typically associated with the 'makeover' include a breast augmentation/lift, buttock augmentation, labiaplasty, liposuction, and a tummy tuck. Duncan alleged that after her procedure, she was riddled with infections, bursting incisions, and intense scarring. Plaintiffs Afton Jennings and Casi Duncan named New Beautiful You President Melissa Black (pictured) as a defendant in their lawsuit New Beautiful You Medical Director Shawn Snyder denied any wrongdoing in the lawsuit She accused Stewart of failing to give her aftercare instructions and making incisions without consent. Stewart denied the accusations, arguing that his postoperative care met the applicable standard and Duncan's alleged injuries weren't because of him. Duncan had alleged that her postoperative injuries were so gruesome that her abdominal incision burst while she was at work, squirting blood and pus at her office. The women's lawyer, Jack Edwards, wrote in the complaint that the event was 'both traumatic and deeply humiliating'. As a result of her injuries, Duncan endured sepsis, a urinary tract infection, and a kidney infection, according to the lawsuit. Memorial Hospital of Converse County also denied any wrongdoing on behalf of Summit Medical Center (pictured). Jennings and Duncan accused the medical facility of causing a slew of gruesome injuries after they received surgeries at New Beautiful You Stewart is no longer employed at New Beautiful You. Snyder also denied any wrongdoing in the case, as did the Memorial Hospital of Converse County on behalf of Summit Medical Center. In a separate filing, Stewart accused his former employer of failing to compensate him to the tune of $45,000 in wages and $6,500 in retirement deposits. The civil complaint also accused staff at New Beautiful You of pressuring him to wire $27,899.09 to avoid a lawsuit on an equipment loan. Daily Mail reached out to Edwards and Stewarts' representation for comment. Jacinta Price has called for burning the Australian flag to be made illegal, telling Sunrise host Nat Barr the act is 'the ultimate disrespect to our nation'. Her comments came after the Shadow Minister for Defence Industry draped herself in an Australian flag to mark Flag Day, celebrating 124 years since the flag was first flown. 'There's a constellation of five stars, the Southern Cross, a reminder of our unique place in the world and the common geography Australians share,' Senator Price told the Senate. But her tribute was interrupted by Greens Senator Nick McKim, who raised a point of order. 'I do want to make the point that if it's OK for Senator Nampijinpa Price to wrap herself in this flag, I would intend to wrap myself in a Palestinian flag,' he said. Senator Bridget McKenzie interjected, and the Speaker eventually ruled Price could continue but had to remove the flag, warning against setting 'a precedent in this place that would have very unfortunate consequences.' On Thursday morning, Price doubled down, demanding new laws to ban flag burning. 'What really concerns me is the fact that the flag is a symbol of our nation. I find that it's a betrayal to burn our flag. Our soldiers, when we lose them, when our diggers pass away, their coffins are draped in the Australian flag. 'A flag that they fought for our freedoms under. And it is desecration. It is ultimate disrespect to our nation, and I truly would like to see the Albanese government put in legislation to make it illegal to burn our national emblem.' Jacinta Price has called for burning the Australian flag to be made illegal, telling Sunrise host Nat Barr the act is 'the ultimate disrespect to our nation'. Pro-Palestine protesters burned the Australian flag during a rally in Melbourne's CBD Barr acknowledged Price's proposal was voted down in Parliament, asking: 'What do you think most Australians think about this?' Price replied: 'I think most Australians, and I think they demonstrated over the weekend, how they feel about our country and about our flag. 'I think in recent times, a lot of Australians have been vilified, and the suggestion is that they're somehow racist if they take pride in who we are as a country and in our flag that represents us as a country.' 'I find that our prime minister standing in front of three flags divides us, divides us into three people, when we are one people, we are the Australian people, and we need to take that back,' Price said. 'We need to reinstate pride in who we are as a country because we are a remarkable country and that should be celebrated and not denigrated.' Barr went on: 'If neo-Nazis are marching through the street, some would say in the name of hate, should they be able to wave the flag in the name of hate?' Price replied: 'Not in the name of hate, no way. Jacinta Price (pictured wearing the Australian flag in parliament on Wednesday) 'I utterly condemn those who call themselves neo-Nazis who are basically inciting hate in our country, just as much as I condemn those who wave flags that belong to terrorist groups such as Hamas or ISIS or carry the photo of the Iranian dictator. 'You know, those sorts of extremists, there is no room in this country for that level of extremism, which is occurring on both sides, and should be utterly condemned on both sides. 'This is what has lent itself to the rise in antisemitism in our country. 'Our Jewish Australians should feel absolutely safe, but they don't in the current circumstances, but this has stemmed from the prime minister failing to call out those protests on the footsteps of the Opera House after October 7.' Barr questioned: 'Are you saying there is a groundswell of hatred in this country that is brewing? What do you want the government to do? What do you think Anthony Albanese should do?' Price called for Albanese to stand in front of only one flag. 'Anthony Albanese needs to stand in front of one flag and one flag only, that represents the entirety of the Australian people. He is the leader of this country,' she said. 'When you look at us in a global setting, we're confused. We look as if we are three people. He needs to start reinstating that we should be proud to call ourselves Australians, proud of our history. 'Whether we're the first Australians, whether they're those who have convict heritage, which certainly I do. I'm proud of both sides of my heritage. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has also called for burning the flag to be made illegal 'Whether we come from a migrant background, which of course, my husband is, and my children wouldn't be who they are today without all of those elements of what it means to be Australian, and to celebrate this country. 'This is what we don't do enough of. Celebrating who we are as a country. 'That's what our prime minister should be pushing more of and standing up for.' While flag burning in Australia is not illegal in itself, you can still be charged if it breaks other laws. For example, if the flag belongs to someone else, burning it could be treated as wilful damage. If it happens in public and is considered offensive, disorderly, or threatening, it may fall under public order laws. If the act creates a fire hazard, you could be charged under fire safety regulations. And if the burning is done in a way that incites violence or racial hatred, it may breach hate speech or incitement laws. A judge has given Barry Morphew an easier way to stay out of jail while he awaits trial for allegedly murdering his wife. Judge Amanda Hopkins refused to reduce the $3 million cash-only bond for the wealthy landscaper at a hearing on Tuesday. However, she gave the murder suspect an option for a surety bond. This means that if Morphew uses a bail bondsman, he'll only have to put up 10 percent of the $3 million amount, which is just $300,000. Also, the accused killer can use property as leverage for bail. Suzanne Morphew, his wife, disappeared on Mother's Day in 2020. She was last seen near where she lived in Salida, Colorado. Morphew was first charged with his wife's murder in 2021 in the absence of a body, but the case collapsed amid prosecutorial misconduct. Suzanne's remains were later found in 2023, and a grand jury re-indicted Morphew in June 2025 for first-degree murder. On June 20, Morphew was arrested near Phoenix, Arizona. He was living inside a trailer park in Cave Creek, Arizona, according to public records. Suzanne's brother, David Moorman, was outraged by the possibility of Morphew being released before trial. Barry Morphew, who has been charged with killing his wife Suzanne Morphew, could get out of jail on a surety bond, Judge Amanda Hopkins ruled The new indictment against Morphew (pictured in court after being charged in June 2025) revealed that Suzanne died with the presence of a powerful animal tranquilizer called butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine (BAM) in her body. Prosecutors say he had access to the drug 'The interim release of Barry Morphew should under no circumstances be granted. I am sure the grand jurors who indicted him would agree,' Moorman said. 'He is a flight risk and serial psychopathic controller of all in the realm of his influence. He needs to remain imprisoned through the entire legal proceedings till a verdict is read.' Moorman also said he thinks that if Morphew is convicted, he should be sentenced to 'death by hanging,' but he is requesting life in prison with no possibility of parole. 'Barry Morphew is a soulless, sadistic, amoral predator that has hunted or used those around him his entire life. There is no redemption here,' Moorman said. 'Anyone believing such are just foolish lambs awaiting his/her potential slaughter. He is born killer, nurtured by those who sanctioned my sister's death.' The indictment revealed that Suzanne died with the presence of a powerful animal tranquilizer called butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine (BAM) in her body. 'Ultimately, the prescription records show that when Suzanne Morphew disappeared, only one private citizen living in that entire area of the state had access to BAM: Barry Morphew,' it said. A tranquilizer needle cap, darts and a tranquillizer gun were found in the couple's home during a law enforcement search conducted shortly after Suzanne vanished. Barry and Suzanne Morphew are pictured with daughters Macy and Mallory Mallory and Macy stuck by him throughout the initial charges brought against him in 2021 Barry used BAM to hunt deer while living in the couple's native Indiana. They moved to Colorado from the Hoosier State in 2018 and were having severe marital difficulties at the time of Suzanne's disappearance. The much-loved mom vanished while the Macy, the couple's youngest daughter, was away from the family home for a few days. Mallory, the couple's oldest daughter, and Macy were unable to reach Suzanne on the phone, which led to the disappearance report. Prosecutors allege Morphew killed Suzanne on the morning of May 9 2020, the day before her disappearance was reported. Her last known communication was with a friend on May 9. Mallory, the couple's oldest daughter and Macy were unable to reach Suzanne on the phone, which led to the disappearance report. Suzanne's body was discovered dumped along the side of a rural road in Saguache County, Colorado, in September 2023 in a patch of wasteland known as 'The Boneyard'. That is about an hour's drive south of the Morphew residence. Kathmandu and Rip Curl owner KMD Brands will close at least 21 stores and has replaced some key executives as part a transformation strategy to cut $25 million in annual costs. The dual-listed company, which also owns the Oboz Footwear brand, said it was reviewing its portfolio of more than 328 company-owned stores and had already identified 21 for closure. The stores were across KMD's Kathmandu and Rip Curl's global network, a spokeswoman said on Thursday. The company also plans to open new stores, including new Rip Curl outlets along the Mediterranean coasts of Italy, Spain and France, and three Kathmandu concept stores in Australia and New Zealand later this year. KMD has been struggling, incurring a $NZ20.7 million ($18.6 million) loss for the six months to January 31 and $NZ38.3 million the year before. Earlier this year, it had to reach out to its lenders to amend financial covenants regarding its $NZ70 million in debt. KMD cautioned in June that sales were down 0.5 per cent for the first 10 months of 2024/25, in part because warmer Australian weather meant fewer sales of insulated products such as Kathmandu's iconic puffer jackets. Chief executive Brent Scrimshaw said he had been listening to KMD's teams and retail partners since beginning as CEO in March. 'What I've been is clear: the potential of our brands is far greater than what we're delivering today.' Kathmandu and Rip Curl owner KMD Brands will close at least 21 stores and has replaced some key executives as part a transformation strategy to cut $25 million in annual costs. Mr Scrimshaw said his observations included 'insufficient iconic product and innovation cadence', and products in a 'sea of sameness' with little differentiation. The 'Next Level' reset plan included refocusing on product innovation and investing in speed-to-market, design and style, he said. KMD has also shaken up its senior leadership team with more than 10 roles changed in the past 18 months. 'We have deliberately made significant executive team changes to enhance the core capabilities of the group,' said KMD chairman David Kirk.' The company will release its results for the 12 months to July 31 on September 24. In Thursday morning trading, KMD shares were up 4.6 per cent to 23 cents - still leaving them down 39.5 per cent so far in 2025. The Trump administration will end the temporary protection status designation assigned to as many as 256,000 Venezuelans, paving the way for their deportation. Former president Joe Biden issued two TPS orders for Venezuelans, the first in 2021 and a second in 2023, providing eligible migrants with work authorization and temporary protection from deportation. It is generally available to people whose home country has experienced a natural disaster, armed conflict or other extraordinary event - but Trump has ruled Venezuela no longer meets those requirements. 'Weighing public safety, national security, migration factors, immigration policy, economic considerations, and foreign policy, it's clear that allowing Venezuelan nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is not in America's best interest,' a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement. 'Given Venezuela's substantial role in driving irregular migration and the clear magnet effect created by Temporary Protected Status, maintaining or expanding TPS for Venezuelan nationals directly undermines the Trump Administration's efforts to secure our southern border and manage migration effectively.' The TPS designation will expire on September 10, giving the more than 256,000 Venezuelans living in the United States under TPS status just seven days to begin arrangements to leave the country. However, 'the termination will come into effect 60 days after the publication of the Federal Register notice,' DHS said. The Trump administration will end a temporary protection status designation assigned to as many as 256,000 Venezuelans, paving the way for their deportation It is generally available to people whose home country has experienced a natural disaster, armed conflict or other extraordinary event - but Trump has ruled Venezuela no longer meets those requirements In addition to the 256,000 Venezuelans under TPS that are impacted, the 3728 pending new applications for TPS will be terminated, along with 102,935 pending renewal applications. Trump first took steps toward removing the protection for Venezuelans against deportation in February, less than a month after he returned to the White House. At the time, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, ordered the TPS status extended to Venezuelans to be removed arguing that their presence in the U.S. is 'contrary to the national interest.' However, a judge in California blocked Noem's action calling it 'predicated on negative stereotypes' and unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court later granted the federal government permission to proceed with deportations. In April, Trump terminated the second Biden-era TPS, which was established in 2023. That decision meant an estimated 348,000 Venezuelan nationals lost their protected status and were required to leave the country, Fox News reported. Venezuelan nationals who register their exit from the United States on the CBP Home app will receive a complimentary plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus, and potential future opportunities for legal immigration, DHS said. In addition to the 256,000 Venezuelans under TPS that are impacted, the 3728 pending new applications for TPS will be terminated, along with 102,935 pending renewal applications The Supreme Court's decision allows Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Department of Homeland Security to strip away 'Temporary Protected Status' from Venezuelans living in the U.S. on the special visas The latest decision comes just a day after Trump announced the US had conducted a lethal strike on a vessel involved in the drug trade that was coming out of Venezuela. The president revealed that 11 Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists were killed in the attack. '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 said on Tuesday afternoon. '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.' 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!!!!!!!!!!!' Venezuela's dictator Nicolas Maduro has been fuming over the U.S.'s increased military presence in the region. 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 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.' Police believe Neo Nazi kingpin Thomas Sewell is at risk of killing someone if released back into the community, a court has heard. Sewell, 32, applied for bail at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday after he was jailed following his arrest outside the court that afternoon. He had been appearing in a contested matter over allegations he used intimidation against a police officer and his wife and published material about them online, including on the streaming platform Rumble and social media site X. Veteran Magistrate Donna Bakos will make a decision on Sewell's release on Friday. If freed, the father of two hopes to travel to Queensland to help his wife drive a campervan back to Melbourne. Sewell is the self declared leader of the Nationalist Socialist Network - a group Victorian detectives have suggested is a fascist mob of cowardly thugs. In arguing for his continued detention, Detective Senior Constable Saer Pascoe told the court Sewell and his goons remained a menace to society. 'The specific risk is to vulnerable groups and ethnic minorities that the NSN choose to attack,' he said. Police fear there is a real risk Thomas Sewell (pictured) and his goons will bring about the death of someone 'There is a real and likely risk of serious injury or death.' Senior Constable Pascoe alleged Sewell and his mates would attack anyone who opposed them 'without hesitation'. 'The applicant is the leader of the NSN, and although the NSN present themselves as a political organisation, they have a documented history of hate crimes and acting with violence,' he said. 'They also have a documented and recent history of violence incited and instructed by Thomas Sewell. He is their leader and has complete control.' The detective warned Sewell had a large group of followers at his disposal that would 'attack on his instruction without hesitation'. It is for this reason Sewell faces 25 charges, including violent disorder and affray, over the alleged attack on Camp Sovereignty at King's Domain in the city centre on Sunday. The court heard Sewell was captured on video leading his gang in a 'charge' on the indigenous camp after attending an anti-immigration rally in the city centre. Senior Constable Pascoe claimed Sewell did not bother to hide his identity during the alleged raid. Thomas Sewell (in hat) is accused of leading a charge against indigenous people at Camp Sovereignty on Sunday (pictured) Camp Sovereignty allegedly came under attack by Sewell (centre) on Sunday 'There are many videos taken by witnesses and victims of Camp Sovereignty at the time of the offending and again the applicant is clearly identifiable at the front of the charge and in the thick of the melee,' he said. The incident injured three people, with the worst suffered by a woman who required staples in her scalp to close a wound, the court was told. Sewell had also been arrested and interviewed over an incident on August 9, for which he has been charged with assault and committing an offence while on bail. It is alleged he and a large group of members from his group participated in a march through Melbourne's city centre and then assaulted a man. That man had made the mistake of spitting on the ground directly in front of Sewell. Sewell's lawyer, interstate solicitor Mathew Hopkins, said Sewell had acted in self defence after a 'political attack'. The court heard Sewell shaped-up to the man, who punched him in the head, before Sewell overpowered him. Thomas Sewell allegedly fought a man who spat at him during this protest on August 9 Sewell fronts police in Melbourne's CBD last Sunday Sewell hopes to be released back into the community on bail so he can continue to defend himself in the contested hearing. On Thursday, Sewell complained that he now could not continue to defend himself because he had been denied access to documents while caged. It was a complaint agreed upon by both the magistrate and prosecutor. That hearing continues. One of Perth's most affluent councils has apologised to residents after they were overcharged $1million in rates. The Town of Cambridge, in Perth's west, will reimburse ratepayers $999,739 after a resident questioned their bill for the 2025/26 financial year. The error affected some 4,633 properties in parts of City Beach and Floreat, with homeowners overpaying from $8.75 up to $2,437. City Beach and Floreat are among Perth's most expensive suburbs, with median house prices of about $3million and $2.2million respectively. Lisa Clack, chief executive of the Town of Cambridge, apologised for the blunder that arose from a calculation error during the early stages of the budget process. Council staff misread a provision of the Local Government Act 1995, causing administrators to apply a rate 0.000141 higher than the correct one. 'I would like to sincerely apologise to the towns ratepayers for this mistake,' Ms Clack said in a statement published on the council's website. 'We appreciate that council rates make up a large part of household budgets, and issuing Cambridge residents with the wrong amount is unacceptable.' Cambridge chief executive Lisa Clack (pictured) apologised to locals after a resident brought the blunder to the council's attention Ratepayers were slogged an extra $1million by the council. Pictured is City Beach in Perth Ms Clack said council had conducted a full review of all rate calculations after the issue was identified and would soon begin issuing refunds. Town mayor Gary Mack said the process of issuing refunds would begin today, adding the average credit would sit around $215. 'Once this was brought to our attention by a resident, we acted on it very, quickly,' Mr Mack told ABC Radio Perth. 'It's a bit unfortunate this hiccup has occurred but you learn from these things.' An internal review also identified a separate procedural mistake in the budget adoption process, though it's understood not to have affected ratepayers' bills. The council confirmed it would not increase rates to recover the shortfall and assured residents there would be no impact on services as a result of the blunder. After discovering the error, the council applied to the State Administrative Tribunal where the previously imposed rates were quashed. Ms Clack said the error was not identified in internal reviews and elected members could not have spotted it during the budget process. The council has confirmed ratepayers will be reimbursed in full with no cuts to services She added staff had double-checked to ensure rates applied to properties in other suburbs within the council area were correct. The council held a meeting on Wednesday night where it voted to reinstate the correct rates. It will also engage an external reviewer to identify ways to improve the calculation and modelling of rates, adding any recommendations will be shared with the council. Growing calls to deport neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell back to New Zealand have sparked a fiery response from the nation's Prime Minister to brand him as an 'awful human being.' Sewell, 32, was allegedly among a group of men dressed in black who stormed Camp Sovereignty in Kings Domain on Sunday afternoon following the March for Australia rally in Melbourne's CBD. Footage showed Sewell and neo-Nazi supporters lashing out at crowds gathered at the camp, the site of remains of Indigenous people from 38 clans. Sewell sparked more chaos two days later when he gatecrashed Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan's press conference with an angry outburst. Hours later, he was arrested and charged over the Kings Domain incident. Sewell is understood to be an Australian citizen, despite being born in New Zealand. Kiwi Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was forced to weigh into the saga, amid mounting calls from Aussies for Sewell to be deported back to New Zealand. Luxon distanced his country from the controversy, claiming that it was Australia's problem. 'He sounds like a pretty awful human being, and hes an Australian citizen so Ill let that run its course,' he told reporters in Auckland on Thursday. There are growing calls to deport neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell (pictured) to New Zealand, where he was born New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (pictured) says that Thomas Sewell is Australia's problem Sewell was charged with 25 offences over Sunday's incident, including violent disorder, affray, assault by kicking, discharge missile and other offences. He currently remains in custody but will reappear in court on Friday for a bail application. Detectives continue to investigate the alleged incident in the Kings Domain and urge anyone with any information or footage that may assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. In recent days, almost 100,000 supporters have signed a Change.org petition calling on Sewell to be deported to his country of birth. Petition organiser Constitutional Reformist, called on a change to the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 to enable a High Court deportation. '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 to revoke Sewells Australian citizenship 'through a court-authorised process, based on his violent extremist conduct and likely dual nationality'. It also demands urgent reform of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. Thomas Sewell was arrested by police hours after he gatecrashed Jacinta Allan's press conference on Tuesday '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,' the petition states. Home affairs minister Tony Burke said that it would not shock him if Sewell packed up his bags and moved back across the ditch. 'I wouldnt be surprised if he renounces his citizenship here anyway,' Burke told the Daily Mail on Wednesday. 'He clearly hates modern Australia.' Anthony Albanese has accused the Opposition of being 'delulu' after they demanded answers over why his mate Daniel Andrews was happy to pose alongside dictators and despots at a military parade in China. But the Prime Minister - showing rare vulnerability after his thumping election win - then offered an implicit criticism of the former Victorian Premier by claiming that he or his MPs would never have gone on the same trip. Andrews was part of select group of world leaders invited to watch a 10,000-strong military parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in China on Wednesday. In extraordinary footage, the former Victorian Premier was filmed being greeted by President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan on a red carpet procession before the Communist dictator embarked on an open-top car ride past one of the largest - and most foreboding - displays of military hardware the world has ever seen. His decision to pose for a 'family photo' with dictators such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korea's Kim Jong Un and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian has triggered condemnation from across the political spectrum back home. But Albanese had refused to directly criticise his friend and former flat mate for rubbing shoulders with leaders who are often dubbed the new 'axis of evil'. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley asked the Prime Minister about the optics of Andrews posing with despots and dictators. 'What message does it send when the Prime Minister of this country doesn't have the spine to condemn his former flatmate, Daniel Andrews for posing in family photos with the Iranian President, a leader whose regime has actively orchestrated attacks on Australian soil?', Ley asked. Anthony Albanese has accused the Opposition of being 'delulu' after demanding answers about why his best mate Daniel Andrews was happy to pose alongside dictators and despots at a military parade in China , before offering an implicit criticism of the former Victorian Premier by claiming he or his MPs would not have gone In extraordinary footage, the former Victorian Premier was filmed being greeted by President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan on a red carpet procession before the Communist dictator embarked on an open-top car ride past one of the largest - and most foreboding - displays of military hardware the world has ever seen But Albanese was having none of it. He accused the Opposition of being 'delulu', a Gen Z word short for 'delusional' he first introduced to parliament in March after being dared by an influencer. 'I am not responsible for what every Australian citizen does,' he told parliament, adding that the former Liberal government sent then-veterans affairs minister Michael Ronaldson on Australias behalf to the 70th anniversary in 2015. But the PM did offer an implicit criticism of Andrews' actions, stating that neither he nor his MPs would have gone. 'My position is very, very clear. Which is we did not send any government representative because it wouldn't have been appropriate,' Albanese added. 'None of my team would have sat in that position, as simple as that.' He added: 'It certainly is not something that I would have even thought of doing and no-one in my government would have thought of doing, as simple as that.' Andrews has been criticised even by those on the left. Former Labor Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Andrews had gone a 'bridge too far'. Andrews (pictured, back right) posed for official pictures just metres away from world leaders including North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un (front right), Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev (middle) and Russian leader Vladimir Putin (front left). His decision to pose for a 'family photo' with dictators has triggered condemnation from across the political spectrum back home 'I respect Dan, I respect Bob, but I think they've just gone the next level,' Palaszczuk told Sky News. 'Go there for a holiday, do your business talks, but there's no need to attend this military parade.' 'Trade is one thing, and tourism, but military parades, I would honestly stop and think seriously about that.' Albanese and Andrews are old friends and once shared a flat together in Canberra in the late 1990s. The Australian ambassador to China, Scott Dewar, was not in attendance at the parade. Two sadistic Pennsylvania parents are accused of locking their five kids inside a 'dungeon' while subjecting the children to severe punishment. James Russell Kahl, 65, and his wife Carly Kahl, 41, were taken into custody on Wednesday after the kids were freed from the house of horrors in Redstone Township. Russell had reportedly forced his wife Carly to pull a Taser on one of the children within the last two weeks, according to a criminal complaint obtained by WPXI. 'There's no reason to be using a device like a stun gun, which is less lethal, not lethal, against a child,' Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele said. Also in the home police uncovered a stun gun, a replica pistol and some drugs while conducting a search warrant. The five children were confined to a squalid bedroom with boarded-up windows where they were provided with a limited amount of food and clothing and no beds. In addition to the three deadbolt locks on the outside of the door, police said there was no door handle that would allow them to escape. 'Well it appears that these children were basically held in captivity in this room,' Aubele told reporters on Wednesday. There was also feces covering the walls and insects crawling over the floor coverings. Carly Kahl have been taken into custody for allegedly locking their five children in a room James Russell Kahl told Carly to pull a Taser on one of the children within the last two weeks 'This room functioned as a dungeon, with video cameras hardwired to the father's room,' the complaint states. Authorities now say James neglected his children - who were between the ages of five and 14 - as he smoked marijuana all day. 'We have evidence that there were some cameras that were hardwired to another room where these children were being observed,' he continued. The district attorney went on to thank the 'brave family member' who reported the 'deplorable conditions' to the state's ChildLine system. 'Law enforcement cannot be in every household and every single minute of every day; we need people to come forward and think of these children,' he said. Fayette County Children and Youth Services received the alert, and Pennsylvania State Police were called on to help assist them in their investigation of the claims on August 8. That is when they first saw the squalor the children were living in inside the two-story suburban house. 'It's sickening - that's the only word that I can use to describe what we saw and what those children went through,' Pennsylvania State Trooper Ally Wilson told WTAE. When troopers then asked about the locks, they said James told them he would 'not be removing the locks from the bedroom door for any reason.' Police were first alerted to the deplorable conditions at the house when they were called on to assist Fayette County Children and Youth Services with an investigation Police say the parents would sequester the kids to a bedroom with boarded-up windows, feces covering the walls, fleas, a limited amount of food and clothing and no beds The children are now safely in the custody of Children and Youth Services. Meanwhile, their parents are facing endangering the welfare of children, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, use of an incapacitation device and drug charges. Bail has been denied for both of the parents, who are being held at the county jail, according to court documents obtained by Daily Mail. Those documents also show that James Russell has had a series of run-ins with the law in the past, including a harassment charge he pleaded guilty to in 2006. That same year, he was also arrested for driving under the influence, and in 2012 he was charged with a probation violation. Trooper Wilson said she now hopes 'that these parents go to jail and they answer for what they've done.' Nigel Farage has met with Donald Trump in the Oval Office after lambasting Sir Keir Starmer's online safety laws as 'awful' and 'authoritarian.' The Reform UK leader, 61, skipped Parliament's first week back to give evidence to the House Judiciary Committee, which is investigating the impact of the UK's Online safety Act on US citizens. Today, the Clacton MP shared a photo on X of himself standing alongside a smiling Trump, with the caption: 'It's good to be back in the Oval Office.' Mr Farage previously hit out at the UK's Online Safety Act, likening Britain to North Korea when it came to civil liberties. He warned Americans - including tech moguls - could face being detained at Heathrow over online content disliked by British authorities amid the arrest of Graham Lineham. On Tuesday, the Father Ted creator revealed he had been arrested by armed police as he flew back from Arizona to Heathrow over trans-sceptic tweets, sparking a row over police priorities and freedom of speech. 'He's not even a British citizen, he's an Irish citizen, this could happen to any American man or woman that goes to Heathrow but has said things online that the British government and British police don't like,' Mr Farage said of Mr Linehan's detention. Mr Farage also discussed the jailing of Lucy Connolly, wife of a former Conservative councillor, telling the committee she was 'living proof of what can go wrong' with free speech. Nigel Farage has met with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office shortly after lambasting Sir Keir Starmer 's online safety laws as 'awful' and 'authoritarian.' The Clacton MP, 61, has been in Washington DC, skipping Parliament's first week back to give evidence to the House Judiciary Committee, which is investigating the impact of the UK's Online safety Act on US citizens Ms Connolly spent nine months behind bars after admitting to making an inflammatory post on X in the aftermath of the Southport attacks last year. Of Connolly's social media post that lead to her guilty plea and imprisonment, he described it as 'intemperate and wrong'. 'But she removed it three-and-a-half hours later,' he added. 'Sentenced to 31 months in prison. She's now out, having served 40 per cent of the time. 'I wanted to bring her with me today as living proof of what can go wrong. 'Sadly, the restrictions that have been put on her banned her from making the trip, which is a very, very great shame.' Of the Online Safety Act, Mr Farage said: 'It is a potentially big threat to big tech bosses and many others...,' he said of the Online Safety Act. 'At what point did we become North Korea? Well I think the Irish comedy writer found that out two days ago at Heathrow Airport. This is a genuinely worrying, concerning and shocking situation.' Mr Farage also warned the legislation would damage trade between the UK and the US, as well as 'threaten free speech across the West because of the knock-on rollout effects of this legislation from us or from the European Union'. However, before his evidence started, Democrat representative Jamie Raskin urged Mr Farage to air his concerns at home in the Commons. 'He should go and advance the positions he's taking here in Congress today, in Parliament, which is meeting today, if he's serious about it,' Mr Raskin said. Yesterday, Mr Farage hit out at the UK's Online Safety Act, likening Britain to North Korea when it came to civil liberties 'To the people of the UK who think this Putin-loving free speech impostor and Trump sycophant will protect freedom in this country, come on over to America and see what Trump and Maga are doing to destroy our freedom ... you might ... think twice before you let Mr Farage make Britain great again.' Responding, Mr Farage said: 'I'm delighted to be acquainted with the charming Mr Raskin - delightful testimony you gave me earlier on with your speech. 'But hey, that's fine. You can say what you like, I don't care, because that's what free speech is. In a sense, this has all been going wrong now for a couple of decades.' Mr Farage addressed a Republican-controlled HJC session entitled 'Europe's Threat to American Speech and Innovation', which will 'highlight how European online censorship laws - specifically the United Kingdom's Online Safety Act (OSA) and the European Union's (EU) Digital Services Act (DSA)-threaten Americans' right to speak freely online in the United States.' 'It doesn't give me any great joy to be sitting in America and describing the really awful authoritarian situation that we have now sunk into,' Mr Farage said. When asked about Reform UK's opposition to the Online Safety Act at PMQs, Sir Keir pointed out that the 'honourable member for Clacton is not here representing his constituency, in the House he was elected to'. He added Mr Farage had instead chosen to fly to America 'to badmouth and talk down' the UK and suggest Americans impose sanctions on his own country. The Prime Minister added: 'You cannot get more unpatriotic than that, it's a disgrace'. The Reform leader denied having suggested America threaten Britain with sanctions, saying: 'No, I'm not - that was a falsehood put out by the British Prime Minister today.' A man who told Anthony Albanese he needed a bullet in online posts has been convicted and fined $2,500. Dale Byrne, 42, on Thursday pleaded guilty in Dandenong Magistrates Court to a single charge of using a carriage service to menace a commonwealth official. A second offence of threatening to cause serious harm was withdrawn after he accepted a sentence indication and entered a plea. Byrne admitted he made two posts to social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, directed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. In both posts from February 7, he tagged Mr Albanese's X handle, called him a 'c***' and said he 'needed a bullet'. The posts were referred to the Australian Federal Police and officers arrested Byrne on March 18, when he conceded he was the author. He accepted the messages could have been taken as a threat but said he did not agree with some of Mr Albanese's decisions. 'I don't think he's running the country real f***ing good,' Byrne said in his police interview. Victorian man Dale Byrne, 42, (pictured) has been fined $2,500 over the messages Byrne suggested the Prime Minister needed a bullet' and was 'a c***' in social media posts His lawyer Dimitri Osianlis on Thursday told the court the posts were juvenile and made in poor taste, but they did not amount to criminal behaviour. 'They're not intended by my client to be taken seriously,' the lawyer argued. Byrne was struggling with alcohol use at the time because he was dealing with a separate lawsuit connected to his work, Mr Osianlis said. The lawyer accepted Byrne had faced court in 2022 for similar offending but argued a fine was still in range, despite prosecutors pushing for a community corrections order. Magistrate Jacinta Studham agreed a corrections order was not appropriate, as it would prevent Byrne from carrying out his work as an interstate truck driver. 'It's in the community's interests for you to be gainfully employed - you're engaged, busy and distracted rather than sitting at home,' she said. Ms Studham said the posts were offensive and menacing, not only towards the prime minister but also the broader public. She said the court needed to send a message that there were consequences for such social media posts. The court heard the 42-year-old (pictured) was struggling with alcohol abuse when he made comments 'menacing' the Prime Minister 'You're entitled to your political views,' Ms Studham said. 'What you're not entitled to do is make threats or use the language you did.' She convicted and fined Byrne $2500. An 'XL Bully' was caught on CCTV viciously attacking another dog and its owner who both needed urgent medical treatment. Emma Rogers was out walking her cockapoo Winnie past a fishmonger's on Strawberry Hill in Twickenham, southwest London, when the attack happened. CCTV captured the moment Ms Rogers' dog was set upon by the 'Bully-type' dog at around 1pm on Monday, September 1. The five-year-old cockapoo suffered a puncture wound and was left needing antibiotics after being bitten. Ms Rogers, was on the phone with a colleague when the attack happened, said she was also injured in the attack. Speaking to LBC, she said: 'I'm always aware of bigger dogs, thank goodness I am because if I hadn't got Winnie in the air she would have been killed. 'She is the calmest dog, almost like a human, she's just not interested in other dogs.' The footage shows the 'Bully-type' freeing itself from its owner's control before slipping its collar entirely. Emma Rogers was out walking her cockapoo Winnie past a fishmonger's in Twickenham when the attack happened CCTV captured the terrifying moment Ms Rogers' dog was set upon by another 'bully-type' dog at around 1pm on Monday, September 1 Winnie was treated for an attack on her hind quarters, with the vet's medical notes saying she was 'luckily saved before much damage could occur'. The vet's medical records described the incident as an attack by a 'bully like dog around the back end/tail.' Ms Rogers added that since the attack Winnie has been anxious. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'At 17:55hrs on Monday, 1 September, police received a report of a dog attack in Twickenham. A dog and its owner, a woman in her 30s, were injured in the incident. It is believed the woman suffered scratches and the dog a puncture wound. 'An emergency response team attended the scene to carry out enquiries and take statements. The case was assigned to a neighbourhood officer for further investigation who has made contact with the victim today, Wednesday, 3 September. 'The suspect dog and its owner made off before police arrival. Enquiries are ongoing about what breed the dog was. 'Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Met via 101, quoting 01/7922862/25.' A Chinese immigrant who survived the Tiananmen Square massacre has recalled the 'horror' she felt witnessing Daniel Andrews attending a military parade at the site of the brutal protest. On Wednesday, more than 20 world leaders descended on Tiananmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II as warplanes and helicopters flew overhead. Among the ranks of attendees was former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who was filmed rubbing shoulders with some of the world's most repressive leaders. Sydney business owner Helen Shao, who survived a bloody massacre at the scene of the televised parade some 36 years ago, was left speechless. 'It is through this lens that I watched with horror as former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews prostituted himself to gain the friendship of some of the world's most notorious dictators,' she wrote in an essay shared with permission with the Daily Mail. 'There he was, standing in the same square where my friends were murdered, shoulder to shoulder with Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, while China rolled out its military hardware for the world to see. It made my blood boil. 'This was not just a parade. It was a calculated display of authoritarian power. Beijing wanted to send a message: that China is strong, united and supported internationally. 'And when former Australian leaders agree to be part of that spectacle, whether they realise it or not, they become tools of propaganda. Dan Andrews met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing this week in a trip widely panned Sydney business owner Helen Shao, who survived a bloody massacre at the scene of the televised parade some 36 years ago, was left speechless Dan Andrews (back right) with world leaders in Beijing including (front lr) Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping with his wife Peng Liyuan, amd North Korean leader Kim Jong Un 'Their presence legitimises a regime that silences dissent, imprisons minorities and threatens democratic nations in our region.' For her, the fact that Andrews and former NSW premier Bob Carr, who chose not to attend the parade despite travelling to China to attend other events, went in a private capacity meant little. 'Some say Andrews and former NSW premier Bob Carr went to China in a private capacity and that personal choices should not be judged politically. 'I cannot agree. 'When you have held the office of premier of an Australian state, you do not get to simply 'be private' when standing in Tiananmen Square next to dictators. 'You carry with you the weight of our democratic values. 'To lend your presence to that parade is to betray the spirit of those who lost their lives in 1989 and to insult the communities in Australia who still suffer under the consequences of authoritarian regimes Ukrainians, Taiwanese, Hong Kongese, Tibetans and many more.' The parade showcased the communist regime's military strength and convening power. For Ms Shao, it was a chilling reminder of the bloodshed in June 1989. A famous June 5, 1989 photo of a Chinese as he man stands alone to block a line of tanks heading east on Beijing's Changan Blvd. in Tiananmen Square Soldiers rehearse prior to the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II Former NSW Premier Bob Carr (right) also attended the event in China 'What I saw sent a cold shiver down my spine. Tanks once again rolled through Tiananmen Square, soldiers in sharp red-army uniforms marching in perfect formation,' she said. 'It was a grand show of power for China's 80th anniversary of military victory over Japan, but for me, it opened a wound that has never truly healed.' 'Thirty-six years ago, those same colours and tanks filled Tiananmen Square. 'But then, they were not part of a celebration they were used to crush thousands of young students who were calling for democracy and freedom. 'I was one of those students, a leader in the square. I still carry the scars, not only on my body but deep in my soul. 'Two of my closest friends died in my arms that night. Their faces have never left me. 'The world may see parades and fireworks, but when I see tanks in Tiananmen I remember the gunfire, the screams, the blood and the silence that followed.' Ms Shao considers herself among the lucky ranks of protesters not mowed down in the demonstrations - with fatality estimates ranging up to 10,000. China's President Xi Jinping inspects the troops during the massive military parade She was among the nearly 42,000 Chinese nationals offered asylum in Australia by then Prime Minister Bob Hawke, where she has remained since. What disturbed her the most about the parade wasn't Andrews' appearance, but the lack of outrage among Australian politicians. 'Where is the outrage from our leaders? Why is it left to communities and ordinary Australians to speak the truth?' she said. 'As someone who survived Tiananmen, I owe it to my friends who never walked out of that square to speak up. 'To Australians, I say: do not look away. Do not let our former leaders be used to polish the image of authoritarian regimes. 'We must stand firmly with those who fight for freedom, not stand beside those who crush it.' 'For me, Tiananmen is not history it is memory. It is the scar I live with every day. 'And when I see Australian leaders marching in step with dictators in the same square, I feel that scar burn anew. 'Australia gave me life, and for that I will always be grateful. But I will also always speak out, because silence in the face of tyranny is complicity.' Lisbon authorities said on Thursday that sixteen people have died after the city's iconic Elevador da Gloria funicular derailed and slammed into a hotel corner building on Wednesday evening as it made its descent towards the city centre. Shortly after its journey began, the first sign of disaster presented itself at the bottom of the hill, some 850ft away. The opposite cable car suddenly shunted, witnesses said, then unaware of the impending tragedy at the other end. Near the top of the hill, as Lisbon's rush hour swarmed with commuters and visitors alike, a busy streetcar carrying families and tourists began its descent - only for a fault with its cables to occur. Despite having gone through a full maintenance service, albeit a year ago, the car was left without brakes on a treacherous 17.7% steep slope separating the Bairro Alto nightlife district from the city centre. The vehicle began to careen down its course before coming off the tracks just after 6pm as it reached a sharp bend near the bottom. The speeding cable car overshot the turn, flipping on to its side and smashing into building, causing the carriage to 'fall apart like a cardboard box', as one witness described it. Smoke plumed into the street as locals rushed to the scene to help passengers from the wreckage. Fifteen were initially counted among the dead, and nearly two dozen rushed to hospital. Two people, sadly, died in the night. Residents told local outlets that the railway is popular with tourists at this time of year, and often overcrowded. The victims, including some foreign nationals, have all been recovered from the wreckage, according to the emergency services. Among them was a three-year-old German toddler, who - it emerged on Thursday - was pulled from the wreckage as his father lay dying beside him and his mother remained trapped with a broken spine. Fabiana Pavel, president of the Bairro Alto Residents' Association, told the BBC's Radio 4 Today Programme that the crash could have been due to 'excessive tourism' - a growing concern across southern Europe as locals are priced out of homes and economies become more dependent on foreign visitors. 'The use of it in recent years is certainly inappropriate,' she said, explaining locals were often unable to use the railway 'because it became a tourist attraction'. Your browser does not support iframes. Footage captured the chaotic scenes just moments after Lisbon's famous Gloria Funicular derailed on Wednesday In the panic, one witness can be heard shouting, 'There are kids under the tram' as the screams of children thought to be trapped beneath the rubble ring out People walk past an out-of-service streetcar in Lisbon, Portugal, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 The Lisbon Firefighters Regiment revealed that the accident was caused by a cable that came loose in the structure of the funicular. How the funicular railway works Inaugurated in 1885, Lisbon's funicular is a national monument, popular with locals and tourists alike. It was electrified in 1915 and continues to serve millions of people every year in 2025. The railway cars, operated by Lisbon municipal transport company Carris, work in tandem: one moves down a hill and its weight pulls another up the other way. The streetcars work in parallel and are hauled by steel cables, which undergo regular inspection. Traction is provided by electric motors on both cars. The Gloria takes passengers about 850ft from downtown Restauradores Square to Bairro Alto and back. Advertisement A cable holding the streetcar to the tracks appeared to have broken, causing the streetcar to lose control on a curved, steep section of the railway. The streetcar is harnessed by steel cables, which move it up and down Lisbon's hilly landscape. Its two cars are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable with traction provided by electric motors on the two cars. The railway is commonly used by Lisbon residents, but also attracts some of the 8.5 million foreign visitors the city attracts yearly. Emergency services said that at least 11 foreign nationals were injured in the Lisbon derailment - two Germans, two Spaniards and nationals from France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea, Morocco and Cape Verde. An FCDO spokesperson told the Daily Mail this morning: 'We are aware of this incident in Lisbon and are in touch with the local authorities. We stand by to provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals.' The Elevador da Gloria funicular - one of three in Lisbon - takes some three million people across a few hundred metres of the city's steep hills each year on a curved, traffic-free road in tandem with one going the other way between Restauradores Square in the city centre, at 56ft altitude, to Bairro Alto, at 144ft. Wednesday's tragedy unfolded as the descending yellow streetcar veered off a steep stretch of tracks near Liberty Avenue. Eyewitnesses told local media that the carriage coursed down the hill, apparently out of control, before crashing into a building on Rua da Gloria, not far from the Restauradores Square. Some said they heard a loud noise before the streetcar, which was travelling downhill, sped down its steep slope, seemingly out of control. One witness said the streetcar toppled onto a man on a sidewalk. Teresa d'Avo told Portuguese TV channel SIC the train struck a building 'with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box'. She described the streetcar as out-of-control and seeming to have no brakes, and said she watched passersby run into the middle of the nearby Avenida da Liberdade, or Freedom Avenue, the city's main thoroughfare. She also said she was certain that there was a person on the pavement at the time the funicular came hurtling down and crashed into the building. The car at the bottom of the line was apparently undamaged, but video from bystanders aired by CNN Portugal showed it jolting violently when the other one derailed and several passengers jumping out of its windows and people shouting. First responders work at the site of an accident involving Lisbon's Gloria funicular Police and firefighters work on the site of a funicular railway accident in Lisbon, September 3 The crash occurred at the start of the evening rush hour. Residents said it was likely a busy time for the funicular. Workers would have been leaving work and tourists and locals stepping out to shop, eat out or end the day over a drink. Suddenly, there was pandemonium. 'It was panic,' bystander Bruno Pereira told CNN Portugal. 'We all ran, everyone there. Some tried to pull people out from under the tram.' He said he stayed at the scene for some time to help foreign tourists who needed someone to speak to them in French or English. 'People wouldn't let us go, they hugged us. Suddenly, a little boy came with his arms up, asking to be picked up,' he said. Yasmin, who did not give her second name, told the outlet that she arrived to see the streetcar already overturned. 'People were screaming, many people on the ground, already dead... It's a scene I've never seen before. So many people screaming, so much blood. I've never seen anything like this.' At the time of the crash, the streetcar would likely have been full with tourists and locals alike, she said. Emergency officials said all victims were pulled out of the carriage in just over two hours from the time of the crash. Footage showed police and rescue personnel working into the night around the mangled funicular lying on its side against a wall of the street. Several dozen emergency workers were at the scene but most stood down after about two hours. The exact cause remains under investigation. Fernando Nunes da Silva, an engineering expert and former Lisbon city council member, told SIC Noticias that he believed Wednesday's crash was caused by a broken traction cable. 'It's most likely that the traction cable broke and when that cable broke the brakes didn't work,' he told the outlet. 'The descending elevator gained momentum and continued at great speed.' He said these elevators 'have a very sturdy metal structure and were built at a time when very rigid structures were highly valued'. 'For the [elevator] to be in that condition, it had to be hit very hard. There is no record of the elevator having had an accident in the last few decades.' 'Something surprising is that the brakes didn't work because when a situation like this happens, there are devices in the vehicle that allow braking to be applied. 'Even if this doesn't prevent the derailment, it could have reduced the impact.' Local outlet Publico reported that the crash was caused by a break in the safety cable, connecting the two cabins and ensuring the counterweight. A police officer walks past the remains of wrecked Gloria funicular at derail site, September 3 Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques was among the victims of Wednesday's tragic incident Details have since begun to emerge about the casualties. Among the dead are seven men, eight women and more who are yet to be identified. Also among the dead are at least four people who worked at the largest charity in Portugal, according to local reports. Employees at Misericordia de Lisboa Santa Casa regularly use the funicular to reach their offices in Lisbon. The charity manages the Euromillions games, among other services. SITRA, a trade union, wrote in a post on social media that one of its members died in the accident. Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques, a brakeman for Carris, was named as the first fatality. His employer Carris, which runs the funicular, said Marques was a 'dedicated, kind and happy professional, always willing to contribute to the greater good'. The Spanish Foreign Ministry confirmed that two Spanish citizens were injured in the crash. Sao Jose Hospital received nine injured people, including the five in serious condition and a three-year-old child. The little German boy refused to let go of the police officer who led him to safety, eyewitnesses said. He has now been reunited with his mother in hospital, who suffered a broken spine. Portuguese media reported initially that 23 were injured, five of whom were in serious condition, and that one was a child. The figure was revised to 17 fatalities and 21 injured early on Thursday, with officials saying that two people had died in the night. Portuguese authorities later corrected the figure to 16, lowering the previous death toll by one. The civil protection service said only one person had died late Wednesday after being taken to hospital, having previously reported two. Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said in giving the new toll that the accident on Wednesday evening was 'one of the biggest tragedies in our recent history'. Portugal held a day of national mourning on Thursday to commemorate the victims, whose identities were not immediately available. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas called the incident 'a tragedy that our city has never seen'. The funicular railway line is capable of carrying up to 43 people and is one of three of its kind in Lisbon (stock image) Interior of the tram carriage of the Lavra Funicular (Ascensor do Lavra) in the city center of Lisbon (file photo) Rescuers said 18 people were injured. The victims, including some foreigners, have all been recovered from the wreckage, according to the emergency services Several dozen emergency workers were at the scene but most stood down after about two hours Carris, the company that operates the streetcar, said 'all maintenance protocols have been carried out', including monthly and weekly maintenance programmes and daily inspections. Carris said in a statement that 'all maintenance protocols were implemented and adhered to,' and that the last inspection took place last year. General maintenance was carried out in 2022, per its four-year schedule. The last interim repair, performed every two years, was carried out in 2024. It offered its deepest condolences to the victims and their families in a social media post, and promised that all due diligence would be taken in finding the causes of the accident. Prosecutors said they were opening an investigation into the accident's circumstances. Lisbon's City Council suspended operations of other streetcars in the city and ordered immediate inspections, local media reported. A council who offered support to staff feeling 'unsettled' by St George's flags need to 'get a grip', its own deputy leader has said. Bosses at Essex County Council sent an email to workers addressing the increased number of England flags being raised across the country. They urged employees to reach out, saying the flags may 'evoke feelings of discomfort and be associated with anti-immigration rhetoric'. 'We stand firmly against all forms of racism and discrimination, and we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone,' they added. However, Conservative councillor Louise McKinlay, who is also campaigning to become mayor, blasted the message as 'bonkers' in a post on social media. She wrote: 'Frankly, this is both wrong and bonkers in equal measures. 'If you're feeling "unsettled" by our nation's flag, pour yourself a long drink, sit down and get a grip.' Meanwhile, the leader of the council Kevin Bentley, said that the message was not discussed with the elected politicians before being sent out. Bosses at Essex County Council sent an email around to workers addressing the increased number of England flags being raised across the country. Pictured: Flags in Birmingham Conservative councillor Louise McKinlay (pictured), who is also campaigning to become mayor, blasted the message as 'bonkers' in a post on social media He said according to EssexLive: 'At no time was this discussed with politicians at Essex County Council, which has infuriated the leadership. 'It is not the policy of the council. 'We have been clear that we support people who wish to raise the two flags, and they will not be removed unless there is a hazard to motorists or pedestrians.' A spokesman for Essex County Council previously said: 'An email offering reassurance and the opportunity to seek support was sent on behalf of Essex county council's children and families leadership team to their employees. 'Essex county council has many employees working with children and families in areas such as Epping, where there have been, and continue to be, high-profile protests as well as support for the current flag-flying campaign. 'We support people's right to fly the flag and we proudly fly the St George's Cross outside County Hall, our headquarters in Chelmsford.' An online campaign called Operation Raise the Colours has encouraged Brits to put up St George's flags and Union Jacks across the country. Red crosses have also been painted on mini roundabouts and signs. Red crosses have also been painted on mini roundabouts and signs. Pictured: An mini roundabout in Birmingham An online campaign called Operation Raise the Colours has encouraged Brits to put up St George's flags and Union Jacks across the country. Pictured: A flag in Manchester In Birmingham, the Labour-run council removed hundreds of the flags from lampposts and other street furniture, claiming it put the lives of pedestrians and motorists 'at risk'. Meanwhile, Tower Hamlets council run by Aspire in London, said it would remove any St George's flag from council property 'as soon as possible'. Downing Street last month said the Prime Minister is 'absolutely' supportive of people who put up English flags. Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said: 'I think the PM has always talked about his pride of being British, the patriotism he feels. 'I think he's talked about that previously not least recently in relation to the Lionesses' successful campaign in the Euros. 'Patriotism will always be an important thing to him.' Green Party's newly elected leader Zack Polanski has said shoplifting is justified for British people living in poverty. Mr Polanski, 42, said he too would 'consider shoplifting' if he also had no other option to earn money or obtain food. The former hypnotist, who was dubbed 'the boob whisperer' after claiming women could increase their breast size using the power of their minds, said the UK was 'criminalising poverty and criminalising inequality'. The self-declared 'eco-populist' told the BBC: 'A lot of people who are poor have to go around stealing because they have no other option. 'If I had no money or any way of getting any money or food to my family then I would consider shoplifting.' It comes as Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures last month showed shoplifting hit a record high of 530,643 offences reported to police in the year to March - 20 percent increase on the last year's total of 444,022. That equates to more than 10,000 thefts a week, or 1,454 a day, which is the highest level since records began in 2003. From the year 2023 to 2024, shoplifting cost UK retailers 2.2billion in losses, which went up to 4.2billion when the price of crime prevention measures were included. Green Party leader, Zack Polanski, 42, said he too would 'consider shoplifting' if he also had no other option to earn money or obtain food The party's new leader addressing pro-Palestinian demonstrators at a March for Palestine event on January 18, 2025 Yesterday, Mr Polanski comfortably won the leadership race for the Green Party 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, and 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. Following his party election win, the new Green Party leader said: 'The planet is burning and so is the public's patience. 'People are rightly feeling let down and angry at Labour and are appalled by the rise of the far-Right. 'People have been crushed by spiralling rents and while wages have not kept pace. We need bold action, bold leadership. 'It's time the super-rich paid their share. It's time to tax extreme wealth and redistribute it to those struggling to live, to breathe, to survive.' 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. In May, he announced his candidacy with an interview where he said he wanted the Green Party to drop its support for the UK staying in Nato. This is the daughter of a fugitive Nazi who took a painting stolen from a Jewish art dealer - before the disappearance of the work sparked a days-long police hunt and global intrigue. The happy family photos, revealed by the Daily Mail, show Patricia Kadgien, 59, drinking wine and posing with her husband, Juan Carlos Cortegoso, 61, in front of their home in the resort city of Mar del Plata, Argentina. In another image the couple are seen at an 'Octubrefest' event in the town of Bariloche, which became notorious as a place of refuge for Nazi war criminals. Ms Kadgien is the elder daughter of Friedrich Kadgien, who helped plunder the stolen assets of Jewish Holocaust victims as an aide to the monstrous Hermann Goering, and then fled to Argentina after the Second World War. Ms Kadgien and her husband were put under house arrest this week after the 18th century work Portrait of a Lady - by Italian Baroque painter Giuseppe Ghislandi (also known as Fra Galgario) - went missing from their home. Police went to seize the stolen work last month after it was spotted in an estate agent's photos of the home, but when officers arrived it had been replaced with a tapestry depicting horses. The disappearance sparked worldwide media interest and led to police seizing two other paintings during raids on other properties owned by Ms Kadgien and her family. Last night, Portrait of a Lady was finally recovered by Argentine authorities and then paraded to the media - the first time it had been seen since being seized from Amsterdam dealer Jacques Goudstikker more than 80 years ago. This is the daughter of a fugitive Nazi who took a painting stolen from a Jewish art dealer. Above: Patricia Kadgien, now 59, poses with a glass of wine in 2014 in an image unearthed by the Daily Mail 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 Showing off the piece, which depicts Italian noblewoman Countess Colleoni, art expert Ariel Bassano told reporters it was 'in good condition for its age, as it dates from 1710.' He was quoted by the local La Capital Mar del Plata newspaper as valuing it at 'around $50,000.' Federal prosecutor Daniel Adler said in the press conference: 'We're doing this simply so that the community to whom we partly owe the discovery of the work... can see these images. 'It was people from the community, specifically journalists, who prompted the investigation.' Ms Kadgien's family photos were posted on social media. The image of Ms Kadgien and her husband in Bariloche, which lies in the foothills of the Patagonian Andes around 1,000 miles from Mar del Plata, was posted in November 2017. Mr Cortegoso wrote in Spanish next to the image: 'Today marks thirty-five years since I lived happily with my love.' The couple have grown up children together. Bariloche became the refuge of SS war criminal Erich Priebke, who commanded the unit responsible for the massacre of more than 335 Italian civilians in Rome. Priebke ran a delicatessen in Bariloche, where he lived for more than 40 years until his arrest in the 1990s. Bariloche was also the home of SS officer Reinhard Kopps. Portrait of a Lady was recognized last week by the Dutch newspaper AD in photographs of Ms Kadgien's house that were part of a listing on the website of estate agent Robles Casas & Campos. It was hanging above a green sofa in the living room of the property. The painting was among more than 1,000 works stolen from Goudstikker's collection after the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands in 1940. Its discovery generated a flurry of excitement on both sides of the Atlantic. 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 Patricia Kadgien, 59, is seen in 2015 with her husband Juan Carlos Cortegoso, 61, outside their home in the resort city of Mar del Plata, Argentina Patricia Kadgien swigs from a bottle of wine in 2014. The image was posted on social media Patricia Kadgien with her husband, Juan Carlos Cortegoso, at an 'Octubrefest' event in the town of Bariloche, which became notorious as a place of refuge for Nazi war criminals. The photo was taken in 2017 on the 35th anniversary of the couple's relationship Last night, Portrait of a Lady was finally recovered by Argentine authorities and then paraded to the media - the first time it had been seen since being seized from Amsterdam dealer Jacques Goudstikker more than 80 years ago. Above: Portrait of a Lady, behind art expert Ariel Bassano as he speaks to the media But no sooner had it been identified than it disappeared again. When Argentine police went to raid the premises after being tipped off about the property ad they found no trace of the artwork. Kadgien and her husband were placed under house arrest on Tuesday after several failed police searches for the portrait. According to Argentine daily La Nacion, the couple admitted in a court filing that they owned the artwork and said they believed any lawsuit over its ownership would fall under the statute of limitations. Their lawyer, Carlos Murias, said that prosecutors were seeking to charge his clients with 'concealing smuggling.' If framed within the context of the genocide of Jews during the war, the crime would not be bound by the statute of limitations. News of the discovery of Portrait of a Lady reached the only surviving heir of Goudstikker. His daughter-in-law Marei von Saher, 81, has devoted more than 25 years to recovering his works. The horse tapestry that was found on the wall in the place of Portrait of a Lady when police raided Ms Kadgien's home last week Some of the documents that were seized in the initial raid on the home Investigators searching Ms Kadgien's home last week A member of the Argentine Federal Police (PFA) stands outside Ms Kadgien's home last week She said last week that she would not 'give up' in her aim to 'bring back every single artwork'. 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. Kadgien 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. Kadgien, who was born in Elberfeld, western Germany, in 1907, became a member of the Nazi party in late 1932, just weeks before Adolf Hitler was elected leader of Germany. As the 1930s progressed and the Nazis' grip on power tightened, so did Kadgien's career. The currency expert joined the feared SS in 1935, and by 1938 had become a key aide to Hitler's right-hand man, Hermann Goering. Although Goering is perhaps best known as the drug-addled chief of the German air force, he was also - as 'commissioner for the four-year plan' - charged with growing the Nazi war economy. Kadgien (left) once served as a financial advisor to top Nazi Herman Goering (right) 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 According to the 2002 expert report of the Swiss Bergier Commission, titled 'Switzerland, National Socialism and the Second World War', Kadgien became 'heavily involved in criminal methods for acquiring currency, securities and diamonds stolen from Jewish victims'. Among Kadgien's financial schemes was allegedly the sale of weapons to the Brazilian military junta. He fled to South America via Switzerland after being described by an American interrogator as a 'snake of the lowest sort'. The Nazi died in 1978, after having Ms Kadgien and her sister with his second wife. In their initial search of Ms Kadgien's home last week, officers seized mobile phones and two unregistered firearms as well as drawings, engravings and documents from the 1940s that could advance the investigation. During further raids on the homes of several of Ms Kadgien's relatives, officers found two paintings from the 19th century. The art pieces will be analyzed to determine if they were also looted by the Nazis. A British tourist has been arrested for allegedly punching a fellow plane passenger in a mid-air rampage, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing. The Turkey-bound plane from the UK was forces to land at Thessaloniki Airport in Greece after the Brit, 35, began attacking a 41-year-old Turkish passenger. Greek authorities said the Brit repeatedly punching the Turkish person, who underwent a medical checkup following the alleged attack. The Brit, who has not been further identified, has been charged with interference of transportation, intentional injury, disobedience to orders and public disturbance. He is expected to appear in court soon. It comes just weeks after a Turkish Airlines flight en route to San Francisco was diverted to Chicago after a passenger reportedly died during the flight. Flight TK79 departed from Istanbul just before 2:30 pm local time on July 15 and was in the air for almost 12 hours before the emergency landing. The passenger first began experiencing a 'severe medical emergency' as the plane flew over Greenland, according to Aviation A2Z. A British tourist has been arrested for allegedly punching a fellow plane passenger in a mid-air rampage, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing (File image) In response to the passenger's condition, the crew prepared to land at Keflavik Airport in Iceland. Flight attendants performed CPR on the passenger, and consulted medical personnel on the ground via radio. Despite the crew's efforts, the passenger died in the air and the pilots reassessed an emergency landing. Flight staff decided to land at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport, where medical personnel could handle the passenger's body. Since the passenger was already pronounced dead in the air, there was less urgency to land outside of US territory. Daniel Andrews has defended his controversial visit to China, while also criticising the despots and dictators he was happy to pose for a 'family photo' beside. The former Victorian Premier was part of a select group of current and former world leaders invited to watch a 10,000strong military parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in China on Wednesday. In extraordinary footage, Andrews was filmed being greeted by President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan on a red carpet procession before the Communist dictator embarked on an opentop car ride past one of the largest and most foreboding displays of military hardware the world has ever seen. His decision to pose for a 'family photo' with dictators such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korea's Kim Jong Un and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian has triggered condemnation from across the political spectrum back home. On Thursday afternoon, Andrews released a statement defending his decision to accept the invitation. 'I've said for years that a constructive relationship with China our largest trading partner is in Australia's national interest and hundreds of thousands of Australian jobs depend on it. That hasn't changed,' Andrews said. 'It was a chance to meet and engage with regional leaderslike former New Zealand prime ministers John Key and Helen Clark, Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim and of course Chinese President Xi. We also shared in an official photograph. 'And just so there's no confusion I have condemned Putin and his illegal war in Ukraine from day one. That's why he banned me from Russia last year. The former Victorian Premier was part of select group of world leaders invited to watch a 10,000strong military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of WW2 Dan Andrews (back right) with world leaders in Beijing including (front lr) Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping with his wife Peng Liyuan, amd North Korean leader Kim Jong Un 'Further, my support for Israel and Australia's Jewish community has been outspoken and unwavering, and I unequivocally condemn Iran for its attacks on Australia, Israel and elsewhere around the world.' On Thursday afternoon, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese refused to directly criticise his friend and former flat mate for rubbing shoulders with leaders who are often dubbed the new 'axis of evil'. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley had asked the Prime Minister about the optics of Andrews posing with despots and dictators. 'What message does it send when the Prime Minister of this country doesn't have the spine to condemn his former flatmate, Daniel Andrews for posing in family photos with the Iranian President, a leader whose regime has actively orchestrated attacks on Australian soil?', Ley asked. At first, Albanese accused the Opposition of being 'delulu', a Gen Z word short for 'delusional' he first introduced to parliament in March after being dared by an influencer. 'I am not responsible for what every Australian citizen does,' he told parliament, adding that the former Liberal government sent thenveterans affairs minister Michael Ronaldson on Australia's behalf to the 70th anniversary in 2015. But the PM did offer an implicit criticism of Andrews' actions, stating that neither he nor his MPs would have gone. China's President Xi Jinping inspects the troops during the massive military parade Former NSW Premier Bob Carr (right) was also in Beijing for the event 'My position is very, very clear. Which is we did not send any government representative because it wouldn't have been appropriate,' Albanese added. 'None of my team would have sat in that position, as simple as that.' He added: 'It certainly is not something that I would have even thought of doing and noone in my government would have thought of doing, as simple as that.' Andrews has been criticised even by those on the left. Former Labor Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Andrews had gone a 'bridge too far'. 'I respect Dan, I respect Bob, but I think they've just gone the next level,' Palaszczuk told Sky News. 'Go there for a holiday, do your business talks, but there's no need to attend this military parade.' 'Trade is one thing, and tourism, but military parades, I would honestly stop and think seriously about that.' Albanese and Andrews are old friends and once shared a flat together in Canberra in the late 1990s. The Australian ambassador to China, Scott Dewar, was not in attendance at the parade. A Polish gun smuggler who was caught with 61 firearms at the Port of Dover claimed he was coming to the UK for a christening. Eryk Maruisz Kiler, 44, confessed to trying to bring the guns into the UK and was jailed for nine years at Cantebury Crown Court on Monday. On May 15, he was arrested after being stopped by Border Force officers from entering the country. Following a search of his Renault Scenic, a huge haul of self-loading pistols were hidden in the voids of the flooring, triggering a National Crime Agency (NCA) probe. When initially questioned by officers, Kiler claimed he was coming to the UK for a christening. Tracey Gasson, NCA operations manager, said: 'The NCA and partners at home and abroad do everything possible to fight the threat of the criminal use of firearms. 'Working together, the NCA and Border Force have prevented a huge number of firearms entering the hands of organised criminals who would not have thought twice about how dangerous they were making our communities.' Border Force Regional Director, David Smith said: 'Our officers did an amazing job spotting this they work hard to keep dangerous weapons off our streets. Eryk Maruisz Kiler, 44, (pictured) who was caught with 61 firearms at the Port of Dover, claimed he was coming to the UK for a christening The Polish gun smuggler confessed to trying to bring the guns into the UK and was jailed for nine years at Cantebury Crown Court on Monday (Pictured: The haul of pistols) 'We're sticking with the NCA to go after serious criminals. Anyone who threatens our border security will face the full force of the law.' It comes after Karl Tugwell was jailed for 12 years after he was caught red-handed trying to smuggle 18 loaded firearms into the UK inside a car's bumper last year. The 41-year-old arrived by ferry to the Port of Dover in Kent, where his vehicle was searched by the Metropolitan Police and Border Force. Video released by the Met Police on X shows Mr Tugwell's car being scoured by at least five officers, with two of them lying on the ground performing a thorough inspection of the silver BMWs bumper - where the weapons were ultimately found. In total, officers discovered 18 loaded guns and approximately 230 rounds of ammunition wedged into the bumper. Karl Tugwell was jailed for 12 years after he was caught red-handed trying to smuggle 18 loaded firearms into the UK inside a car's bumper last year Pictured: The guns, wrapped in plastic and tape, can be seen stuffed into the car's front bumper The bumper contained 18 loaded guns, wrapped in grey bags, and approximately 230 rounds of ammunition The firearms appeared to be wrapped in grey plastic bags sealed with florescent orange tape, with traces of padded foam around some of the weapons. Tugwell was charged with being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of goods, to which he plead, according to LBC. He appeared at Canterbury Crown Court on November 28, 2024, where was sentenced to 12 years behind bars. Hugh Bonneville has used a TV interview at the Downton Abbey premiere to attack Israel's policy in Gaza. The 61-year-old actor was appearing live on ITV News to talk about the film when he surprised the presenters by wading into politics. 'Before I talk about the fluff and loveliness of our wonderful film, what's about to happen in Gaza City is indefensible, the international community must do more to bring it to an end,' he said. Lord John Mann, the government's independent adviser on antisemitism, suggested Mr Bonneville should have also found time to mention the 48 hostages that remain in Hamas captivity. 'We've got free speech, but I'm sure he'd also want to mention the hostages who've been imprisoned there for approaching two years,' he told the Daily Mail. 'His support for the hostages would be very welcome - I look forward to hearing it.' Mr Bonneville, who plays the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, quickly moved on to speak about the movie after his remarks on Gaza. 'Downton Abbey's a lovely film and we're going to celebrate 15 glorious years of it tonight. It's a grand finale, we had a great time making it and it's a great love letter to the fans,' he said. Hugh Bonneville was appearing live on ITV News to talk about the film when he surprised the presenters to wade into politics The 61-year-old actor described the situation in Gaza as 'indefensible' Mr Bonneville poses on a purple carpet in Leicester Square alongside his partner, Heidi Kadlecova But the actor's earlier intervention raised eyebrows in the ITV News studio, where a presenter said: 'Of course it's not about the politics, it's all about the film.' Israel is currently pressing ahead with the initial stages of its latest major offensive in famine-struck Gaza City. Israelis have taken part in nationwide demonstrations to protest the call-up of 60,000 reserves for the expanded operation, which has proved deeply controversial. The protesters accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the fighting for political purposes instead of reaching a ceasefire deal with Hamas that would free hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack that ignited the war. Israel says that Gaza City - the largest Palestinian city in either the besieged strip or the occupied West Bank - remains a Hamas stronghold above what military officials claim is a vast, underground tunnel network, even after raids earlier in the war. Israel has intensified air and ground assaults on the outskirts of Gaza City, particularly in western neighbourhoods where people are being driven to flee toward the coast, according to humanitarian groups that co-ordinate assistance for the displaced. Site Management Cluster, one such group, said yesterday that families were trapped by the prohibitively high cost of moving, logistical hurdles and a lack of places to go. 'Palestinians are also reluctant to move due to the fear of not being able to return or exhaustion from repeated displacement,' it said. Israelis took part in nationwide demonstrations to protest the call-up of 60,000 reserves for the expanded operation, which has proved deeply controversial Palestinian families have been fleeing Gaza City in advance of Israel's latest offensive Palestinians mourn over the bodies of people who were killed in an Israeli army strike in Gaza City Gaza's health ministry reported on Tuesday that 63,633 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 2,300 seeking aid, since the war started October 7 2023, with a Hamas-led attack on Israel. Part of the Hamas-run government, but staffed by medical professionals, the ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count, but says women and children make up around half of the dead. UN agencies and many independent experts consider the ministry's figures to be the most reliable estimate of war casualties. Israel disputes them, but has not provided its own toll. Also yesterday, the United Arab Emirates warned that any Israeli move to annex the occupied West Bank would be a 'red line', without specifying its possible impact on the landmark normalisation accord between the two countries. The UAE was the driving force behind the 2020 Abraham Accords brokered by US President Donald Trump, in which it and three other Arab countries forged ties with Israel. Mr Trump has said he hopes to expand the accords in his second term, potentially to include regional power Saudi Arabia. Anwar Gargash, a senior Emirati diplomat, wrote on the social platform X that 'annexation is a red line'. Greta Thunberg is among those who has sought to intervene on behalf of the Palestinians by attempting to break Israel's blockade of Gaza by sea. Greta Thunberg is among those who has sought to intervene on behalf of the Palestinians by attempting to break Israel's blockade of Gaza by sea Earlier this week, the Global Sumud Flotilla was targeted by drones, according to activist Yasemin Acar. Speaking in an Instagram video, she said: 'We have detected the first drones...From what we can tell and the information we are getting, every boat right now in the flotilla has a drone above them.' Acar's video address came as the flotilla was around 90 nautical miles from the Spanish island of Menorca. 'We are watching them very closely trying to figure out which drones they are and what they are here for', she added. Greta was deported by Israel back in June when the ship she was traveling on with 11 other people, the Madleen, was stopped by the Israeli military. At the time, Israel was accused of using drones to spray an irritant substance on Greta's flotilla before boarding and detaining her and other activists. It has not been confirmed whether the drones were Israeli. The UK's first 'Karen Convention' flopped after just one woman turned up - and her name was Susan. A 'Karen' is a term for a self-righteous, usually middle-aged woman, who tells people how to do their jobs, asserts their rights and complains to the manager. A Karen meme is often combined with the quote: 'Can I speak to the manager?' The inaugural Karen Convention was held at the Black Tap in Redditch, West Midlands, but the launch failed to attract any Karens whatsoever, with Susan Rooms, 44, being the only willing participant. Self-confessed 'Karen' Susan was in fact the landlord of the Worcestershire pub hosting the bizarre event on Friday, August 29. She said: 'If I could I'd ask to talk to the manager but I can't because that person is me!' The brains behind of the event was Kevin Beresford, who even produced bar mats and badges for the launch. Kevin is famous for producing hilariously boring calendars and is notorious for being known as Britain's 'dullest man'. The inaugural Karen Convention was held at the Black Tap in Redditch but the launch failed to attract any Karens' whatsoever, with Susan Rooms, 44, (pictured) being the only willing participant The brains behind of the event was Kevin Beresford, who even produced bar mats and badges for the launch Kevin (pictured right) is famous for producing hilariously boring calendars and is notorious for being known as Britain's 'dullest man' What is a 'Karen'? A 'Karen' is a term for a self-righteous woman, sometimes racist and usually middle-aged, who tells people how to do their jobs, asserts their rights and complains to the manager. The term became popular in meme culture on internet forum Reddit to describe problematic women. A Karen meme is often combined with the quote: 'Can I speak to the manager?' The male version of a 'Karen' is sometimes referred to as a 'Kevin'. Advertisement He first shot to fame in 2003 with his calendar celebrating roundabouts which sold 100,000 copies globally. His past creations have also focused on benches, rubbish tips and even Manchester City player Jack Grealish's calves. The 73-year-old helped stage the Karen Convention after photographing 12 'Karens' for his 2026 calendar. Kevin said: 'It's actually pretty typical Karen behaviour not to turn up to an event held in your honour so I'm not surprised. 'The funniest thing is that one of the only people who showed was the manager of the pub and she wasn't even called Karen.' Another Karen, who featured in the calendar, arrived later but due to her being a 'teetotal' she refused to enter the pub. Kevin said: 'You actually couldn't make it up. I'd photographed 12 Karens, both in name and in personality, but only Susan showed. 'It hasn't put me off putting on another Karen Convention but next time I might bus them in myself to make sure they actually come.' For his 2025 calendar, Kevin photographed 12 mobility scooter riders after getting the idea while in Benidorm during a holiday with friends. The pensioner is part of the Dull Mens Club an international group which celebrates the ordinary - and says he takes inspiration from the unassuming and dull aspects of life and turns them into art. Self-confessed 'Karen' Susan was in fact the landlord of the Worcestershire pub hosting the bizarre event on Friday, August 29 Kevin Beresford, 72, first shot to fame in 2003 with his calendar celebrating roundabouts Speaking to the Mail in 2023 Kevin said: 'These calendars dont sell for the thousands, but it covers the cost for the printing. 'It gets me out. I do all the design, I make them. It's fun coming up with different content. 'I like to capture slice of English life and put that into a format. Artists have always focused on the mundane. Van Gough would paint his pipe on the chair. I am the dullest man in Britain. Donald Trump's state department has criticised Graham Linehan's arrest as a 'departure from democracy'. The Father Ted co-creator, 57, ended up in hospital earlier this week when his blood pressure rocketed after he was detained by five armed officers at Heathrow. Linehan had landed on British soil on Monday following a stay at his home in Scottdale, Arizona, when he was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence in three posts he had made on X about trans issues. The Irish comedy writer, who was behind TV sitcoms The IT Crowd and Black Books, said he was treated 'like a terrorist', held in a cell and then had to be rushed to hospital because the stress 'nearly killed me'. Linehan's arrest sparked backlash from JK Rowling who called it 'totalitarian' and 'utterly deplorable'. Now, the US' state department has waded into the row who said protecting free speech was 'critical to any democratic, self-governing nation'. Linehan this morning waved at supporters as he arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court for a separate matter where he faces trial accused of harassing trans woman Sophia Brooks. He is accused of posting abusive comments about her on social media between October 11 and October 27 last year. Graham Linehan was arrested on Monday as he landed at Heathrow Airport accused of inciting violence on social media - and was then taken to hospital with high blood pressure Linehan wore a placard outside Westminster Magistrates' Court today ahead of his trial where he is accused of harassing transgender woman Sophia Brooks He is also charged with damaging her mobile phone to the value of 369 on October 27 last year. In response to Linehan's arrest earlier this week, a US state department spokesperson told The Telegraph: 'The United States believes that protecting freedom of expression is critical to any democratic, self-governing nation this includes protecting voices that challenge the status quo or the government. 'European censorship efforts represent a fundamental departure from the very democratic values to which European governments are committed and that ought to underpin our close relationship.' The spokesman added: 'Vague prohibitions against "grossly offensive" or "harmful" content are overly broad and restrict protected expression, including political, religious, and civic speech.' Linehan this week shared screenshots of the posts he said he was arrested for, including one where he called it a 'violent, abusive act' for a trans-identified male to be in a female-only space. In what he maintains was a joke, he added in the tweet: 'Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails punch him in the balls.' The second post was an aerial shot from a trans demonstration which he described as 'a photo you can smell'. The third tweet - a follow-up to the picture - said: 'I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F*** em.' Wes Streeting has suggested the Government could change free speech laws after Linehan's dramatic arrest. Harry Potter author JK Rowling led the chorus of outrage over his ordeal and called Mr Linehan's arrest an act of 'totalitarianism' Toby Young and protesters hold up a banner displaying 'Police our streets, not our tweets' outside Westminster Magistrates' Court today ahead of Linehan's trial for a separate matter Linehan is pictured here this morning outside Westminster Magistrates' Court ahead of his trial It comes as Wes Streeting (pictured) has called for officers to 'police streets over tweets' and hinted free speech laws could be changed The Health Secretary told Times Radio that while he could not comment on live investigations or operational policing decisions, he could talk about 'the principle'. 'I think the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have been very clear that with the law and order challenges we've got in our country, we want to see people being kept safe by policing streets, not just policing tweets.' He added: 'It's very easy for people to criticise the police. The police enforce the laws of the land that we as legislators provide. 'So if we're not getting the balance right, then that's something that we all have to look at and consider.' Mr Streeting also rejected the suggestion that free speech was now 'banned', but added: 'I do think it's worth us having a debate,' on the issue. He said the Government would 'deal with' policing priorities if Parliament has distracted officers from focusing on 'the right things', in comments to Sky News. 'One of the things the Home Secretary is looking at is, are we tasking the police, are we asking the police to focus on the right things? 'And if we've distracted, as Parliament under the previous government, if they've been distracted, being asked to do things we don't see as a priority, well that is something that we will deal with,' Mr Streeting said. Mr Streeting acknowledged that people are 'anxious' about some of the cases where people have been prosecuted for online posts. These are the three tweets which Graham Linehan claims he was arrested over Nigel Farage has also weighed in, issuing a stark warning to Americans to protect their First Amendment rights 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 'And I think we are all, let's be honest, quite anxious about some of the cases we've seen in the media, or proceed through the courts, of what people have said online, where you think 'Was that really what Parliament intended when they passed these laws?'' he told the BBC's Today programme. It comes as Nigel Farage warned Americans to defend their rights as the Reform UK leader criticised the UK's growing clampdown on free speech, urging the US not to follow the same path. 'To be met by five armed officers as if he is some sort of international terrorist for literally putting jokey comments out about trans activists,' he told Fox News. 'You guys have the First Amendment. Let me urge you: be vigilant about defending your rights - do not go down the path that we have.' The First Amendment in America protects citizens' freedom of speech without government interference. On Tuesday night, Irish comedy writer Mr Linehan, who said he was bailed on condition he did not use X, told the Daily Mail: 'After spending a decade obsessing over their score on the Stonewall virtue index, the police can no longer tell up from down, left from right and, most worryingly of all, right from wrong.' Yesterday, Rowling led the backlash over Linehan's ordeal, asking online: 'What the f*** has the UK become? This is totalitarianism. Utterly deplorable.' Musk branded Britain a 'police state' and asked: 'Why are police in Britain arresting citizens for social media posts instead of stopping child rape?' Free speech campaigner and former police officer Harry Miller, who won a landmark court case against a force that investigated him for allegedly transphobic tweets, told the Daily Mail: 'This is the sort of behaviour you expect in North Korea, not from a British police force. 'Britons are in danger of being subjected to interference by a police state.' Hundreds of strangers turned out to give an RAF veteran a fitting send off after he died with no family or friends to attend his funeral. In a display of patriotic pride, about 600 mourners came together on Wednesday to mark the death of John Thomas Gray, who died last month aged 91. The huge community response followed a heartfelt plea on social media for people to honour the hero retired serviceman, from Boldon Colliery, South Tyneside, issued by funeral director Richard Dalton. Ex-servicemen and members of the public, some of whom had travelled from as far away as London, braved the pouring rain at South Shields Crematorium. So many people turned up that there wasn't enough room in the chapel for the congregation, and many were forced to stand outside. Former RAF veteran Gary Richardson is chairman of the Royal British Legion branch in Seaham, County Durham and was blown away by the turnout. The 70-year-old who served between 1971 and 1982, said: 'We saw the information on Facebook at first and it was a no brainer - we had to be here. 'When the military family comes together it's brilliant. We do these things automatically and you don't even have to think about it. About 600 mourners turned out to mark the death of John Thomas Gray, who died last month aged 91 Veterans from across the military rallied to give a fitting send off to the former serviceman, whose casket was draped patriotically with the Union flag and a bouquet of red roses So many people turned up to the funeral, that the chapel was unable to fit everyone inside (pictured are standard bearers leading the procession to the crematorium) 'There were a few members of our branch here and I feel very proud. It is poignant for me that John was in the air force but it doesn't make much difference where he served.' A total of 19 standard-bearers including veterans from the army, navy and RAF gathered to pay their respects. Around 20 bikers also followed Mr Dalton's hearse, including riders who served in the British Army. Both sides of the road were filled with onlookers as the procession made its way into the crematorium, with Mr Dalton's casket draped with a Union flag and red roses. A short eulogy was read which described John as a keen traveller but also a devoted son to his mother Francis. In his later years he lived at Sycamore Care Home in Boldon, where he enjoyed following the racing and eating raspberry rolls. A piece of music specially composed for John was also played, paying tribute to his military service. My Way by Frank Sinatra echoed around the crematorium while the soundtrack to John's favourite show Only Fools And Horses was played at the end. Around 20 bikers also followed Mr Gray's hearse, including riders who served in the army A trans activist Graham Linehan believes could be responsible for his arrest is a disgraced police officer, it was revealed today. Lynsay Watson, 58, was sacked for gross misconduct by Leicestershire Constabulary in October 2023 after trolling another free speech campaigner online, branding him a woman beater and a Nazi. Watson has also been behind a large number of legal challenges related to gender and trans rights, including against three police forces, British Transport Police Federation and the Ministry of Defence. After Graham Linehan's controversial arrest by armed police this week he suggested the activist may have been involved. 'At one point, I said, "I bet I know who made this complaint Lindsay (sic) Watson",' he tweeted in the aftermath. Graham Linehan appeared to accuse Lynsay Watson of being involved in his arrest Mr Linehan arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court today for a case separate to his arrest this week The Daily Mail has made attempts to contact Lynsay Watson, who has not responded. Five armed officers arrested Mr Linehan at Heathrow on Monday on suspicion of inciting violence over three messages he posted on Twitter/X in April. The tweets included one in which he joked that women should punch transgender women 'in the balls' if they use female-only spaces. The Father Ted creator was flying to the UK for an appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court today, over a separate matter. He faces charges of harassing a transgender activist and damaging her mobile phone, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard. The 57-year-old comedy writer has denied one count of harassing transgender activist Sophia Brooks on social media and a further charge of damaging her mobile phone in October. Linehan, wearing a white shirt, grey jacket and dark trousers, appeared in the dock at the court on Thursday and spoke to confirm his identity. Julia Faure Walker, prosecuting, said: 'The defendant, Graham Linehan, faces two charges, one harassment of Sophia Brooks between October 11 2024 and October 27 2024... the second charge is criminal damage of Ms Brooks's mobile phone on October 19 2024.' Watson hit the headlines two years ago after being sacked. The 58-year-old sent former police officer Harry Miller more than 1,200 messages over an 18-month period, describing him as a Fascist and a bigot and labelled his campaign group Fair Cop 'domestic terrorists'. Ex-PC Watson targeted Mr Miller because his views about gender identity were 'in direct contradiction to her own' a police misconduct panel was told. In the messages Watson made 'factual assertions that Mr Miller was violent towards women'. The panel heard Watson initially sent messages as a police officer - prompting Mr Miller to complain to Leicestershire Police. Watson spoke to a senior officer who advised to post anonymously instead using a pseudonym, a disciplinary panel was told. Lynsay Watson sent former police officer Harry Miller (pictured) more than 1,200 messages over an 18-month period. It led to Watson's sacking Watson went on to set up at least four different accounts with fake names, including one claiming to be a retired officer from another force as well as a Home Office adviser on policing and transgender issues with a masters in legal studies. Watson, a former nurse, admitted gross misconduct but denied breaching standards relating to honesty and integrity. Force solicitor Liz Briggs, outlining the case, told the panel it was clear Watson and Mr Miller were at 'polar opposites' in their views about gender ideology. She said Watson was 'entirely entitled to strongly disagree with Mr Miller and of course vice versa' but as a police officer, must treat the public with respect and courtesy. She said the messages were 'derogatory and abusive'. Mrs Briggs said the messages were 'intentional, deliberate, targeted and planned'. She added: 'An officer who is abusive towards individuals when their ideologies clash is undoubtedly going to cause significant harm to public confidence.' Watson claimed to be acting on behalf of the persecuted LGBTQ community and posted anonymously to gather evidence about unknown officers, believing they were members of Fair Cop. But panel chair Kate Meynell, Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire police, said that when considering the contents of the post it 'is not clear how they would be a way of gathering evidence'. Ms Meynell said: 'I find that the officer's conduct does amount to gross misconduct. It was inevitable PC Watson's conduct would impact on the reputation of Leicestershire police and police generally.' She said she accepted that Watson had 'deeply held views on the subject'. But Ms Meynell said Watson's conduct 'had a significant effect on the reputation of the force, policing generally and our public trust'. The Green Party's new leader is attempting to lure supporters of Jeremy Corbyn's party into his own ranks. Zack Polanski made a direct appeal to those who have signed up to Mr Corbyn's new movement - known as Your Party - to instead join the Greens. Around 800,000 people are said to have signed up to Your Party since it was launched in July. The movement is being fronted by both Mr Corbyn, the Islington North MP and ex-Labour leader, and Zarah Sultana, the Coventry South MP who recently quit Labour. The election of Mr Polanski, dubbed an 'eco-populist', as Green leader this week sparked fresh speculation that he might join forces with Your Party in a bid for Left-wing unity. But, speaking to LBC last night, the 42-year-old insisted his 'first focus' was on his own party. He even said he would 'love' Mr Corbyn to join the Greens - rather than forge ahead with creating his new outfit - because 'I align with a lot of his values'. Mr Polanski added he would keep talking to Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana, but said of his own party: 'We are up and moving right now, we have the momentum.' Zack Polanski made a direct appeal to those who have signed up to Jeremy Corbyn's new movement - known as Your Party - to instead join the Greens Around 800,000 people are said to have signed up to Your Party, fronted by Mr Corbyn, since it was launched in July Your Party is also being led by Zarah Sultana, the Coventry South MP who quit Labour earlier this summer The Green leader told Tonight with Andrew Marr: 'I would say to those 800,000 people, you don't have to wait around for a new party or a new movement. 'If you want to see a party in this country that will lower bills, that will tax the super-rich, that will protect the climate and the nature crisis, then join the Green Party.' Asked if he was irritated that Mr Corbyn is launching a party that appeals to those Left-wing voters who might also support the Greens, Mr Polanski replied: 'I think this demonstrates how badly Keir Starmer is doing. 'Not only are the Green Party surging to his Left, there's a whole movement that doesn't even exist yet that could be surging. 'We need to talk, and I'll keep talking to Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, and, in fact, I'll talk to anyone who wants to take the fight to Reform. 'Because actually, I think the real problems in this country right now are really urgent. 'We've seen this on the demonising rhetoric on migrants, on the rolling back of workers' rights, on the cuts to disability benefits. 'So actually, I've shared lots of platforms and stages with Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, and I will continue to do so. 'But my first focus is to the Green Party. We are up and moving right now, we have the momentum. 'So again, I would say to anyone who's thinking that they need change in this country right now to join the Green Party.' The Prime Minister was issued a warning last month when a poll found more than one in four Labour members would consider joining Mr Corbyn's new party. The Survation research found 28 per cent of Labour members would consider leaving the party for the outfit being set up by Mr Corbyn. Meanwhile, Sir Keir is also facing a similar threat on his Left flank from the Greens, who won four seats at last year's general election but also finished second in a further 39 constituencies. Mr Polanksi left the door open to cooperating with Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana, adding: 'In terms of working together, just a few years ago people would have expected politicians to argue for me to find some niche issue, to say this is why I disagree with them. 'I think politics has fundamentally changed. I think we're in a new political moment where actually people want to see politicians working and talking together.' Did YOU see what happened? More than a dozen people - including a number of pedestrians - have been injured after a double-decker bus crashed outside one of Britain's busiest railway stations. Emergency services rushed to Victoria Station, in London, earlier this morning following the rush-hour smash. Terrified pedestrians screamed and darted out of the way as the vehicle mounted the pavement and ploughed into a barrier near a packed bus stop. A total of 17 people, including the driver of the route 24 bus and some passengers, have been hurt after the Victoria Street crash, with 15 taken to hospital, while two were treated at the scene, authorities say. There are currently no reported fatalities, the Metropolitan Police said. No arrests have been made and an investigation has been launched, the force added. Pictures of the carnage show a large number of emergency vehicles including police cars, ambulances and a fire engine. The front of the crippled double-decker appears to have caved in from the force of the crash, with its windscreen suffering heavy damage. Emergency services rushed to Victoria Station, in London, earlier this morning following the incident Images appearing to show the aftermath of the crash have emerged, revealing how emergency crews treated some of the people wounded during the incident Emergency teams appear to inspect the damage caused to the bus The chaotic scene remains closed with all vehicles being diverted from the area, the Met said. Emit Suker, 47, said: 'It (the bus) was coming from Westminster - it was going really fast and came off the road. 'There were about 15, 16 people inside the bus. People were screaming - it was terrible.' Another eyewitness said: 'I heard a massive crash - came outside and there was a woman on the floor with loads of people around her. 'Lots of people from the gym had run out to help her.' An employee at Reply Ltd, which overlooks the crash scene, said casualties had been treated inside their office building. 'I came just after the crash, about 10 minutes after, and there were a lot of emergency services. Two police vans, a lot of police cars, three fire engines,' they told the Telegraph. 'At the moment, emergency services are treating people in the building. Everything is cordoned off but it looks like a lot of people and from what I can tell it looks like serious injuries.' A security worker at the nearby Nova office building added there were '10 to 12 casualties being treated in one of our receptions' but that they 'didn't look too bad'. A trail of diesel running down Allington Street has forced police to ban smoking in the area over fears of an incident. One photo appears to shows broken glass strewn all over the floor after the incident Pictures from the scene shown the vehicle, a route 24 bus, with a smashed front windscreen Police have cordoned off the road near the crash, which is reported to have left at least 17 hurt A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: 'We were called at 8.20am today to reports of a road traffic collision on Victoria Street, Westminster. 'We have sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, advanced paramedics, a paramedic in a fast response car, a clinical team manager, an incident response officer and a command support vehicle. We've also dispatched London's Air Ambulance. 'The incident is ongoing and we are working with our emergency services partners.' Flight tracking data shows the London Air Ambulance appeared to have landed in nearby St James' Park. Rosie Trew, TfL's head of bus service delivery, said: 'Our thoughts are with the people who have been injured following a bus incident at Victoria Street. 'We are working with the police and the operator, Transport UK, to urgently investigate this incident. 'This must have been a distressing incident for everyone involved and we have support available for anyone affected.' Police are now appealing for witnesses to the crash. The bus reportedly mounted the pavement, injuring a number of pedestrians and passengers The Metropolitan Police said no fatalities have been reported so far (pictured: emergency teams at the scene of the double-decker crash) Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, who leads policing in the area, said: 'We understand this incident will have been very distressing to all those involved and injured and we have begun an investigation. 'We are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to please contact us. We welcome any dash cam or mobile phone footage. 'We are working closely with our partners to clear the scene but the road will remain closed for the next few hours so please seek alternative routes.' Two pedestrians have been killed in bus crashes in Victoria in recent years. Catherine Finnegan, 56, from County Galway, Ireland, died after she was hit by a double-decker bus at Victoria bus station in January last year. In August 2021, Melissa Burr, 32, from Rainham, Kent, was killed at the station after bus driver Olusofa Popoola accidentally accelerated into the back of a stationary bus, shunting it into her. Two other women have died in the same area of Victoria after being hit by a bus in recent years - Catherine Finnegan (left), 56, in January; and Melissa Burr (right), 32, in August 2021 Police and emergency service crews surround a bus that crashed into a pedestrian outside London Victoria Bus Station in January last year Ms Burr was using a pedestrian walkway at the bus station and crossed towards the door of a 507 bus parked at its stop before she was hit. Popoola, of Peckham, south-east London, admitted causing Ms Burr's death by careless driving and said he had pressed the accelerator instead of the brake by mistake. He was sentenced at the Old Bailey to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. Victoria bus station was closed in late 2023 for works designed to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility for partially sighted passengers. Problems highlighted included an unconventional layout of pedestrian crossings, use of markings and a lack of tactile paving, as well as one crossing that directed pedestrians into a bus stop. Anyone with information about today's latest bus crash near Victoria Station is urged to contact police on 101, quoting 'CAD 1605/4Sep'. The carcass of a giant sea creature has mysteriously washed up on a popular beach, leaving locals and holidaymakers stunned. The enormous corpse, believed to be a whale, was discovered on Wednesday morning lying on the sands of Cefn Sidan Beach in Pembrey, Carmarthenshire. One shocked beachgoer who came across the animal said she was left reeling at the sheer size of the body, which had apparently been brought in by the tide overnight. The grim discovery quickly drew a crowd, with visitors and locals gathering along the shoreline to catch a glimpse of the unusual sight. Marine specialists are now expected to carry out an examination in a bid to determine what caused the sea creature's death. Experts say the cause could range from illness or malnourishment to the devastating impact of plastic pollution - which has been a recurring threat to marine wildlife around UK waters. Cefn Sidan, which boasts one of the longest stretches of beach in Wales, is a much-loved destination for families, dog walkers, and tourists. A giant sea creature has mysteriously washed up on a popular Welsh beach, leaving locals and holidaymakers stunned The enormous carcass, believed to be a whale, was discovered on Wednesday morning lying on the sands of Cefn Sidan Beach in Pembrey, Carmarthenshire One shocked beachgoer who came across the animal said she was left reeling at the sheer size of the body, which had apparently been brought in by the tide overnight But the appearance of such a huge marine carcass has cast a sombre mood over the scenic spot. Though unsettling, scientists believe strandings like this could offer vital clues about the health of the ocean and the dangers sea life is facing. It's the latest in a spate of similar incidents reported around the UK. Last September, a huge whale carcass was discovered on Headland Beach in Hartlepool. Experts at the time said it was 'too rotten to be taken away', with locals warning that it had started to give off a powerful stench. The dead whale - believed to be either a minke or fin whale - could not be removed due to its advanced state of decomposition. A spokesperson for the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) told the BBC the whale was 'far too decomposed for us to justify attendance on site'. The Environment Agency later issued a warning urging members of the public to stay away from the carcass for safety reasons. Last September, a huge whale carcass was discovered on Headland Beach in Hartlepool The CSIP routinely attends such strandings to carry out post-mortems and determine whether the deaths occurred naturally or were linked to human activity including plastic waste, ship strikes, or fishing gear entanglement. Then in October last year a pod of nine pilot whales lost their way and ended up stranded on mudflats in the Swale estuary between Whitstable and the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. About 30 members of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) tried to save them but were unable to reach the whales because of the need to traverse the mud. The would-be rescuers returned the next day, but one whale had washed up dead at about 9am, and three more were found at about 3pm. The mother of murdered model Reeva Steenkamp who was shot dead by boyfriend Oscar Pistorius has been rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke at her South African farm. June Steenkamp, 78, was found collapsed on the floor at Ostara Farm near Port Elizabeth on Monday and taken to hospital where she immediately underwent a brain scan. Her daughter Reeva, 29, was killed by Paralympics medallist Pistorius, 38, when he shot her four times through the bathroom door on Valentine's Day in 2013. He was released in January last year from the Atteridgeville Correctional Centre into the care of his uncle Arnold Pistorius after serving nine years. June's daughter Simone, 59, said from her new home in the UK: 'I spoke to mum on Sunday and she was full of laughter as usual and was just her normal funny self. 'Then on Monday I got a text to say she had collapsed and had a stroke'. June's daughter added that her mother is 'awake and in bed in hospital but is not aware of where she is or what has happened. 'She is slowly getting better but is not with it yet.' June Steenkamp, whose daughter was shot dead by Paraolympian Oscar Pistorius in 2013, is in hospital after suffering a stroke. June pictured in 2023 arriving at a parole hearing for Pistorius Her daughter Reeva (pictured) was killed by Paralympics medallist Pistorius, 38, when he shot her four times through the bathroom door on Valentine's Day in 2013. In this Nov. 4, 2012 file photo, South African Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, right, and Reeva Steenkamp arrive for an awards ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa June had been on antibiotics for three months with a bladder infection before suffering from a stroke, her daughter said, and added that she had been struggling with the recent death of her husband Barry. Simone said her mother had been in the process of selling her farm so that she could move to the UK to be with her. 'I am just devastated because I thought at last we would both be together again and a long way away from Pistorius and all the dreadful memories of what he did to Reeva. 'But what with her murder and then losing Barry and now mum having a stroke it seems like everything is conspiring against us while Pistorius is out there free and healthy.' Simone also revealed that her mother is currently in a public hospital as she does not have health insurance, but said friends had launched a fundraiser to get her into a private hospital. Paralympian Pistorius was released on parole last year after serving nine years behind bars for the murder of Reeva. The Blade Runner, a nickname given to Pistorius due to his prosthetic legs, is now keeping a low profile at his uncle's plush multi-million pound home in Pretoria. Paralympian Pistorius was released on parole last year after serving nine years behind bars for the murder of Reeva. Pictured: Pistorius crosses the line to win gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games Pistorius continues to claim he believed he was shooting an intruder on the night of Reeva's murder : Barry Steenkamp, father of Reeva Steenkamp, is consoled by his wife June Steenkamp during the sentencing hearing of Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria October 15, 2014 He continues to claim the four bullets he shot through the bathroom door were intended for a possible intruder while he was unaware that his girlfriend was in fact behind the door. At his trial, Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced to five years in prison. This conviction was then overturned by South Africa's Supreme Court in 2016 who instead found him guilty of murder and extended his sentence by a further six years. That same year, Pistorius gave his only television interview to Mr William-Thomas. 'I did take Reeva's life and I have to live with that,' Pistorius told Williams-Thomas. 'I can smell the blood. I can feel the warmness of it on my hands. And to know that that's your fault, that that's what you've done.' The killer, who still has not confessed to his crime, has four more years of parole and is not allowed to drink alcohol or handle guns. He must also keep out of Pretoria and Johannesburg nightclubs and live a reflective and reclusive a life as possible. He is visited on random days and times by parole officers from South Africa's Department of Correctional Services who check on him to see that he is keeping out of trouble. The owner of a historic hotel claims he turned down 20million from the government to start housing migrants there. John Mappin, who owns the Camelot Castle Hotel in Cornwall, said he was contacted by a company 'representing' the Home Office' that wanted to house asylum seekers. He says he was told that he would have to 'lay off most of the existing staff at the hotel' and that the company told him that they would not pay for repairs 'if the place got trashed'. The offer was for 'full occupancy' of his hotel on a 'rolling contract', Mr Mapping said, which he felt could last up to a decade. And he claimed that despite the eye-watering sums involved, he had no regrets and no second thoughts about rejecting the offer. Previous reports said Mr Mappin, one of Nigel Farage and Reform's most prominent supporters, had turned down 1M - but he now claims the offer was significantly higher. He said the rolling contract would have ended up being worth up to 20M over a ten-year period, but he felt he had to say no for the sake of his village. He said: 'I never said they offered me one million. It would have been a lot more than that. John Mappin, who owns the Camelot Castle Hotel in Cornwall, said he was contacted by a company 'representing' the Home Office that wanted to house asylum seekers. Pictured: Mr Mappin with his wife Irina Mappin The Camelot Hotel, located in Tintagel, which hosted a Reform rally last June, is steeped in the history and atmosphere and King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and former guests include Sir Winston Churchill and Ava Gardner Public anger over immigration has focused over the use of hotels to house migrants who are waiting to hear the outcome of their asylum claims. Pictured: A protest in West Drayton 'We're talking about between 15 to 20 million was the actual offer, realistically speaking.' Mr Mappin claimed an initial email came into the hotel's reception by a company that represented the government, which was sent two years ago - followed by a second approach sent this year. When the manager showed him the email, he claimed: 'I couldn't believe it, I thought it was a joke. 'Who books a whole hotel for a year? 'I called them up myself and sure enough it was a company that was trying to arrange for accommodation for the governments' illegal migrant programme - well some are illegal, some are legal. 'We spoke at length on the phone and they told me what the form would be. 'But what was particularly shocking to me was the idea that they expected me to lay off most of the existing staff at the hotel - many of those are local people.' The Camelot Hotel, located in Tintagel, which hosted a Reform rally last June, is steeped in the history and atmosphere and King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and former guests include Sir Winston Churchill and Ava Gardner. Your browser does not support iframes. Mr Mappin claimed he told the company that Camelot castle is a 'listed building and historic hotel in a historic location' and asked the company what would happen 'if the place got trashed' Mr Mappin claimed he told the company that Camelot castle is a 'listed building and historic hotel in a historic location' and asked the company what would happen 'if the place got trashed'. He alleges the company responded stating they would pay to get the repairs done. Mr Mappin added: 'I said, 'hang on a second - that's not the government money, that's the people's money. 'I don't fancy my money being spent on other people's hotels when migrants have trashed the place. 'I thought it was completely outrageous, as let's say it had gone on - realistically, I know the government claims a year but these things will roll on for five to ten years. 'We're talking about between 15 to 20 million was the actual offer - realistically speaking. However, Mr Mappin said he 'did not entertain doing this for a nanosecond' as he 'would never ever do this to the local community'. 'I'm not doing this from a bad place, I'm doing it for the village,' he said. Your browser does not support iframes. 'If I had gone down that road I probably could have become a billionaire! One guy even has! 'But I would reject it again because I see what it's doing. 'My wife is from Kazakhstan. She's a legal migrant, so how can I be against immigration?' Mr Mappin, an heir to the Mappin and Webb jewellery family, believes he would have received roughly 3m a year if had accpeted. He said: 'We spoke in rough terms. These figures are the approximation, I don't know how many guests they would have used. 'But my hotel roughly sleeps 100. 'If we had done it for a migrant hotel, stacked them in here like sardines, without meaning to of course, it would have been roughly 3million a year, and that was two years ago. 'To my knowledge none of the hotels have shut down, let's say it would have been 5million in the last two years - over a 10-year period that is approximately between 15-20million.' Your browser does not support iframes. He claimed he asked the company 'what they were going to do about the local economy and community' to compensate for the firing of staff. 'Our hotel is a major employer locally and also tourists come and stay with us and contribute to the community,' he said/ 'It's not a particularly big village - there's only around 1,500 residents. 'If you put 3,000 to 4,000 illegal and legal migrants into a local village, it will completely change the demographic. 'What I found extremely alarming was that they didn't give a damn about what it would do to the local community 'I have around 30 staff - they wanted me to reduce that to two or three.' Mr Mappin, who has previously been labelled a 'Donald Trump superfan' and won a 100k bet on him becoming president for his first term, claimed he spoke to Mr Farage about the approach to turn his hotel into migrant housing. 'I said to him, Nige, you'll never believe this,' he claimed. Previous reports said Mr Mappin, one of Nigel Farage and Reform's most prominent supporters, had turned down 1M - but he now claims the offer was significantly higher 'He said, "sadly John I would - because there are 350 other hotels who have taken the money". 'It's cultural destruction. I knew I had to say something about this.' Mr Mappin claims he has received letters from people from around the country, and the US, saying what he has done is 'amazing'. He added: 'This is also a matter of public safety: they have security in these hotels to keep the public out - but they don't stop the people in the hotels from leaving. 'So what happens if if these characters get fed up? They tend to just abscond - people who are already law breakers wondering around the local community. 'It has become something else - something has got to be done about Britain's migrant scandal - we can't just have tens of thousands of people coming in here.' The Home Office has been approached for comment. Disturbing audio has emerged of the moment a Virgin Airlines Australia pilot realised he was flying over a live-fire Chinese naval training exercise. Chinese warships holding exercises in the Tasman Sea, between Australia and New Zealand, forced the diversion of 49 aircraft in February. A lack of notice about the drill led to an uptick in tensions between the Australian and Chinese governments. Newly emerged cockpit audio of the tense conversation between a pilot in charge of Virgin flight VA161 from Sydney to Queenstown and air traffic control was released this week under a Freedom of Information request by Nine News. 'We've just had a warning from a Chinese naval taskforce that they're doing a live-firing exercise. Is anyone aware of that?' the pilot asked base. Air traffic control was unaware but reassured the pilot they would check, with the controller asking: 'Did they advise a level that they'd be firing to?' The pilot claimed the Chinese were given a 10-mile radius for the training and it appeared as though his flight was out of firing range, though he sounded uneasy. 'So if we go missing you'll know what happened, hey?' the pilot said. 'Good luck,' the air traffic controller then replied. Audio has emerged of Australian pilots discovering the Chinese navy was conducting live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea, directly in the area it was flying A Virgin Airlines pilot asked air control about the drills during the flight from Sydney to Queenstown, with the controller revealing they had no information on it Three Chinese naval ships were involved in the military exercises in the Tasman Sea with the frigate, cruiser and replenishment vessel then circumnavigating the country. Other recorded conversations between air traffic control and planed saw staff warn Qantas and Emirates of the naval fire. One controller warned an Emirates pilot they needed to change their course or they would be 'essentially fly right over the top of that position'. A Qantas plane relayed information to air traffic control gathered by an Emirates flight that the Chinese warships were firing up to 15 kilometres. Passenger flights typically fly around 10km above sea level. Vice president of the Australian and International Pilots Association, Steve Cornell, explained the lack of clarity around the exercise 'caused a period of significant uncertainty'. 'It was certainly irresponsible. It's a big piece of water out there and they didn't need to park their ships under a particularly busy route,' he said. 'I'm sure they certainly knew that would cause a level of disruption.' Anthony Albanese asked Chinese President Xi Jinping about the military operation during a recent trip to Beijing China was not required under international law to alert Australia of the military training. However, opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie claimed the failed courtesy was a 'provocation' from China and an act of 'gunboat diplomacy'. At the time, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong questioned why China went ahead with the drills 'without advance notification'. 'I raised Australia's expectations around safe and professional military conduct,' Wong said. During his recent trip to China, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese brought up the livefire exercises during a face-to-face meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. 'I said what I said at the time,' Albanese said following the discussion. 'It was within international law, there was no breach of international law by China. 'But that we were concerned about the notice and the way that it happened, including the live-fire exercises.' Dashcam footage shows the moment a woman who was texting while driving crashed a rental car after losing control of the vehicle. The unnamed woman is seen texting on her phone with both of her hands while she drives down a road, before the car steers off to the side and smashes into a street sign. The woman is heard screaming and slurring as she notices that the vehicle is running off the road and attempts to regain control of the car. But as the vehicle comes to a halt, the woman places her head in her hands and wails in fury. Jose Arevalo, 18, had rented out his 2013 Nissan Leaf on the car-sharing app Turo to the woman on August 25. Just hours before the woman was meant to hand over the keys, Jose said he received a message from her claiming she had been 'driven off the road' and that the car was being towed. But after reviewing his vehicle's dashcam footage, he unveiled the truth behind the car accident. Jose, a part-time trampoline park employee from Arlington, Washington, said: 'I was shocked when I saw the dashcam. Dashcam footage shows the moment a woman who was texting while driving crashed a rental car The moment the vehicle drove off the road was captured on camera The woman had rented out the vehicle on car-sharing app Turo 'I believed what she texted me and thought someone had really driven her off the road. 'To see her so blatantly texting and then so clearly lie about it seemed so strange to me.' According to Jose, the woman had sent him a follow up message saying she filed a report with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office and opened a claim with Turo, both of which omitted any mention of her texting while driving. Jose had only started renting his car on a week earlier to make extra money after his work hours were cut short. He had installed the dashcam six months prior for safety and had always informed his renters about it. Jose said: 'One of the first things I thought of when she texted me about the accident was the dashcam, but she didn't say anything about it. 'I just took her work on what happened because I figured, who would lie on a police report?'. Repair estimates came to $4,959, which he says outweigh the cost of a new car. The woman was then seen screaming and covering her face following the crash A different angle of the dashcame footage showed the car driving off the road The woman then hit a sign, causing significant damage to the car It comes after a van driver in the UK smashed into a broken down car back and caused life-changing injuries to the driver after he got distracted by his phone. Nathan Cole later admitted he had been checking social media while driving a Volkswagen van at high speeds down the A27 in West Sussex, police said. He failed to see a Peugeot which had stopped on the hard shoulder of the busy dual carriageway, and careered into the back of the stationary vehicle. The other driver suffered devastating injuries, needing surgery to have their leg amputated and spent time in a coma. Dashcam video shows Cole, of Brighton, repeatedly looking down while driving at 72mph - 12mph faster than the speed limit for his vehicle, police said. The broken down car then comes into view, before he smashes into the back. His airbag goes off and Cole then exits the vehicle. The 29-year-old admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving at a hearing at Worthing Magistrates' Court on April 8. He appeared at Lewes Crown Court for sentencing on June 13, where he was jailed for two years and four months and was disqualified from driving for four years and four months. Hop picking season has started at UK farms - amid fears the warmest summer on record has caused a national shortage and could lead to beer price surges. Farmer and hop grower Tom Spilsbury says his yields are down by between 50 to 60 per cent at Orleton Court Farm, Worcestershire, following the dry summer months. The local craft beer producer runs Spilsbury and Jones Brewing Company which makes speciality ales from the hops grown just metres away. But he says the hot weather had led to yields of Challenger and Fuggles hops being down which had proved 'exceedingly challenging' to his business. There are now fears of a UK-wide shortage. Some major brewers have already increased their prices in response to rising taxes and wage costs which came into place in April. Tom said: 'We're a working hop farm and small micro-brewery. '2025 farming wise has been exceedingly challenging after this summer, which has been the hottest or driest on record. Hop harvesting is pictured beginning this week at Orleton Court Farm for the Spilsbury & Jones Brewing Company in Worcestershire Farmer and hop grower Tom Spilsbury (pictured) says his yields are down by between 50 to 60 per cent at Orleton Court Farm, Worcestershire, following the dry summer months The local craft beer producer runs Spilsbury and Jones Brewing Company which makes speciality ales from the hops grown just metres away 'We had a very wet winter that doesn't do the roots any good at all, really damages the root system, that was really tough going. 'Then we went into one of the hottest summers on record. The hops struggled for rain and water all the way through. 'We are down on our yield, quite a way down. Probably 50 or 60 per cent of predicted yield, which is a big challenge at the moment. 'But I think we might scrape through our contracts. 'But we do have a campsite so the taphouse has done well and the brewery has done well as it's been good drinking weather. 'It's really nice to get hops in and draw a line underneath it and hopefully we can go again next year.' Elsewhere, Ali Capper, from Suckley in Worcestershire, said drought conditions could cause a hop shortage and her yields were also expected to be down 50 per cent. The farmer told the BBC: 'We've got a crop that is looking fairly unhappy. We've still got a Covid hangover. The Met Office has revealed that the average temperature from 1 June to 31 August hit a balmy 16.10C. That's 1.51C above the longterm average, and 0.34C above the previous record, set in 2018 This summer was the hottest summer on record for the UK!. Pictured: Lyme Regis on August 25 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 'During Covid, the pubs across the world closed for 10 months and that created a surplus of hops in warehouses, in breweries, across the world. That has been very painful for us.' She added that this year's shortfall could also affect future crops as hops were perennial plants, saying: 'If it's really put under stress this year, it's quite likely that will show in next year's crop as well.' Paul Corbett, managing director at hop supplier Charles Faram & Co, said prices needed to be kept at a reasonable level to avoid costs being passed on to drinkers. He said: 'The last thing we need to do is put more expense towards brewers, who are already struggling, to make their beer more expensive. 'If beer's more expensive, people can less afford it and then we sell less. 'The key bit is to try and keep the prices fair to both the growers and to the brewers.' A Russian woman nicknamed 'Al Capone' after she terrorised her seaside neighbours has now admitted attacking two nurses who were trying to help her. Olga Woolnough, 49, of Reading, Berkshire, became known as a 'neighbour from hell' in Worthing, West Sussex, after she threatened locals and held all-night parties. Woolnough, who is also known as Alexandra Olga Capone, was given an ASBO in 2015 banning her from being drunk or having any alcohol in public. She also irked neighbours in the same year by painting her seafront house, a former lifeboat station, bright pink. Olga was remanded in custody at Isleworth Crown Court today after she admitted assaulting two nurses while she was being treated at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London on December 6. She admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm to Liane Lion and assaulting a second emergency worker, Jezel Lewis. Judge Fiona Barrie adjourned sentence until October 8 as Woolnough was unrepresented and remanded her in custody. Judge Barrie told Olga: 'It is not your fault but there are problems in the system at the moment with arranging your representation. You will come back to court on October 8.' Wearing a black blazer with a white blouse, Olga replied: 'Thank you', with a notepad and jacket in her hand. Olga Woolnough, 49, of Reading, Berkshire, became known as a 'neighbour from hell' in Worthing, West Sussex, after she threatened locals and held all-night parties Ms Woolnough sparked outrage in 2015 when she painted the former lifeboat house in Worthing bright pink Woolnough was previously convicted in a separate case of groping a 15-year-old boy as he walked along a Brighton beach with his friends in 2020. Drunken Woolnough grabbed him from behind and shouted 'I'm Russian' leaving the boy in tears. She was handed a suspended sentence then and ordered to pay him 150 in compensation. In March this year, she was sentenced to 14 days in prison after failing to comply with notification requirements in accordance with the Sex Offenders' Register. Woolnough claims she has links to Russian royalty, as she shares her first two names with a Russian Grand Duchess and sister of Tsar Nicholas II who died in exile in 1960. A senior lawyer who sexually propositioned a female colleague 54 years his junior in his French Riviera hotel room has been ordered to pay her 20,000. Andrew Greystoke, 83, 'inappropriately caressed' Anita Obiagwu, 29, called her 'beautiful', and expressed his desire to have sex with her, an employment tribunal heard. The married grandfather - educated at both Cambridge and Harvard - had invited her to his hotel room in Nice for a 'debrief' after a boozy dinner with clients. While she was typing at her laptop, he then popped a bottle of champagne before touching her without her consent, the tribunal found. Miss Obiagwu, who rang a colleague in tears when the encounter was over, said she was left 'frozen' as Mr Greystoke rubbed her arm and back. During proceedings, it was heard Mr Greystoke's PA caught him messaging sex workers on WhatsApp and that he would leave the office to 'meet up with women even though he had been married for many years'. The tribunal also heard Mr Greystoke had an 'arguably outdated modus operandi' as he likes to drink alcohol - including champagne - during the working day. Miss Obiagwu joined his business advisory firm, Pantheon International, as a Corporate Projects Executive in June 2023. Andrew Greystoke, 83, (pictured) 'inappropriately caressed' Anita Obiagwu, 29, called her 'beautiful', and expressed his desire to have sex with her Then in October that year, she and Mr Greystoke went on a work trip to Nice. 'A dinner took place with the clients that evening at a restaurant which Mr Greystoke said was a few hundred yards from the hotel,' the tribunal in central London was told. 'Alcohol was consumed at that dinner and in all probability alcohol had been consumed earlier in the day. '[Miss Obiagwu] and Mr Greystoke returned to the hotel in mid evening, certainly no later than 9pm, without the clients who remained drinking in the restaurant. '[Miss Obiagwu] asserts that Mr Greystoke had been drinking during the day to a point that there was a slight slurring of his speech.' There was no meeting spaces available in the hotel so Mr Greystoke invited Miss Obiagwu to his room for a 'post dinner debrief'. The tribunal heard: 'She says that Mr Greystoke opened a bottle of champagne. Mr Greystoke initially disputed having done so but subsequently accepted that he had. '[Miss Obiagwu] says that she declined the offer of champagne as she wanted an early night.' Miss Obiagwu told the tribunal: 'Whilst I was typing he began rubbing my arm and back and said he thinks that I am beautiful and said if anyone were to ask to him if he would fuck me he would. Mr Greystoke - educated at both Cambridge and Harvard - had invited her to his hotel room in Nice for a 'debrief' after a boozy dinner with clients (stock photo of Nice) 'I did not move out of shock and fear. 'He continued to inappropriately caress my back and arm and said that he knew when I came in for my interview that he found me beautiful. 'He then proceeded to ask me what I thought about his advances which alluded to sexual interactions. 'I was still frozen in shock and fear and had not looked up from my laptop.' Miss Obiagwu said she was 'shocked and terrified' and told other female staff. She added she felt 'exploited having been taken advantage of by someone she trusted'. Mr Greystoke denied that 'anything improper took place'. Buse Saglam, who was Mr Greystoke's PA, said Miss Obiagwu 'was crying uncontrollably and initially unable to get her words out'. Ms Saglam, now a paralegal for the Crown Prosecution Service, told the tribunal that Mr Greystoke 'had a habit of drinking almost excessively to the point of slurring his words and not walking straight'. 'She says that whilst acting as his PA she had seen WhatsApp messages between him and sex workers and that he used to leave the office to meet up with women even though he had been married for many years', the tribunal heard. One lawyer said Mr Greystoke 'frequently consumes alcohol during the working day', typically having two or three glasses of wine at lunch and 'it is not unusual, particularly if clients are in attendance, for a bottle of champagne to be opened at approximately 4pm'. The tribunal heard Mr Greystoke had an 'arguably outdated modus operandi' as he likes to drink alcohol - including champagne - during the working day (file photo) Miss Obiagwu was sacked in November 2023 for performance-related reasons. She argued she was sacked in connection with the sexual harassment, however that was not accepted by Employment Judge Richard Nicolle. Judge Nicolle concluded that Miss Obiagwu was sexually harassed in Nice and ordered Mr Greystoke to pay her 20,000. 'I find that [Miss Obiagwu's] version of events is the more likely and I accept her evidence, supported by that of Ms Saglam, that she was subject to an inappropriate conduct from Mr Greystoke in his hotel room on the evening of 2 October 2023', Judge Nicolle said. 'I do not accept that in 2025 it is advisable employment practice for a senior manager to invite a junior female employee to their hotel room whether to discuss business or otherwise. 'I consider it would have been perfectly feasible for any such business matters to have been discussed whilst walking back from the restaurant, standing in the lobby of the hotel, at a pre-breakfast meeting or if necessary by an exchange of telephone and email communications. 'I consider that Mr Greystoke failed to recognise the significant age and seniority differential between him and [Miss Obiagwu] and how she could have perceived that situation as making her feel inherently uncomfortable. 'I take account, albeit it is not something on which I make a direct finding, that Mr Greystoke had a general proclivity to a very informal and arguably outdated modus operandi in his interpersonal relationships within and around the workplace. 'I take account of the very significant 54 year age difference between Mr Greystoke and [Miss Obiagwu] which makes it very improbable that there can have been any reasonable grounds for a mistaken belief by Mr Greystoke that any overtures he may have made to her were likely to have been reciprocated and welcome.' The judge said there was a 'very significant age and power differential' between the paid. The distraught family of British teenager Bella Culley may have to raise an eye-watering 100,000 if they are to secure the freedom of the pregnant drugs mule suspect, who otherwise could face up 15 years behind bars. The desperate mother of the 19-year-old, Lyanne Kennedy, was seen wiping tears from her eyes after a court hearing on Tuesday, crying out to her daughter: 'Bella, I will see you in the morning.' The family has found themselves in a never-ending nightmare after Bella was caught landing in Georgia from Thailand with 200,000 worth of cannabis in her luggage in May. But the teenager strenuously denies she is a drugs mule, claiming she was the victim of a terrifying British gang in Thailand who burnt her with an iron, showed her beheading videos and threatened to kill her family if she did not do as they said. Lyanne, 44, has rarely left Bella's side throughout the proceedings and was photographed with tearful eyes after spending over two hours with her 19-year-old in Women's Penitentiary Number Five yesterday. The family are willing to do anything possible to buy the freedom of the teenager - though lawyers who specialise in freeing foreigners locked up in Georgia say the fine could total 100,000. Now, her mother finds herself in an agonising position, as she must either find the money or face the devastating prospect of seeing her first grandchild born in a foreign jail cell. 'I don't know what to do,' the heartbroken mother said. Bella Culley (pictured) was caught in Georgia with 200,000 worth of cannabis in her luggage which the pregnant 19-year-old claims she was forced to smuggle by a Thai gang The teen has maintained that she is innocent and instead says she was violently coerced into trafficking the narcotics Bella Culley's distraught mother Lyanne Kennedy was yesterday seen leaving a Georgian prison alongside Bella's grandfather William Culley 'It's a lot of money for us. 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.' Like it would be for most families, finding that amount of money on demand is no easy feat. Lyanne does not own a home in the UK while Bella's father Niel Culley, 49, lives in Vietnam meaning they are likely unable to remortgage or sell a property to raise the required funds. Now, Bella and her loved-ones must wait until October 9 for the next hearing after the judge dramatically adjourned her trial at the last minute on Tuesday. Auntie Kerrie Culley, 51, and Bella's grandfather William Culley, 82, showed up in court to show support for the teenager who they desperately want to see free. 'I hope you can understand the story from my eyes. I never thought something like this would happen to me,' Bella told the court at a previous hearing in July. Despite citing her pregnancy as a factor for consideration, her lawyer's request for bail has been denied, and the prosecution has said it will only allow her to walk free if she pays a significant fine. According to Professor Anna Putkaradze, a Georgian lawyer specialising in high-profile cases involving foreigners facing problems with the Georgian judiciary, the sum for freedom is usually half the street value of the illicit items they are caught with. If authorities believe the UK was the final destination that means it would be half the 200,000 British street value. Bella seen in court in Tbilisi after she was detained at the city's airport in May Culley's mother Lyanne Kennedy finds herself in an agonising position, as she must either find the money or face the devastating prospect of seeing her first grandchild born in a foreign jail cell Prior to her arrest in the Georgian capital, Culley sparked a massive international search operation after she was reported missing while she was believed to be holidaying in Thailand Professor Putkaradze said: 'If the prosecution is calculating the fine based on the estimated street value of the heavy drugs in Britain, rather than in Georgia, I would estimate it at around 100,000. 'The law does not literally say 'exactly half', but according to the Customs Code and the practice of the Revenue Service, when contraband goods (such as gold) are discovered, the fine is usually set at roughly 50 per cent of the customs value of the goods, as a kind of compromise measure.' Prior to her arrest in the Georgian capital, Bella sparked a massive international search operation after she was reported missing while she was believed to be holidaying in Thailand. She was charged with purchasing 446g of tetraphenol cannabinol and 11.2kg of cannabis abroad. But the teen has maintained that she is innocent and instead says she was violently coerced into trafficking the narcotics. Breaking down in tears throughout a 30-minute hearing at Tbilisi City Court in the Georgian capital in July, she told a judge: 'I didn't want to do this, I was forced under torture. 'I just wanted to travel, I just want to live with my family, I am a loving person, I am studying at the university to become a nurse. 'All I wanted to do is travel, but bad things happened. I don't do drugs, as you can see in my blood tests I am clean. I always wanted to make my family proud. Thank you.' The British 19-year-old claimed she was violently coerced into trafficking the narcotics She was charged with purchasing 446g of tetraphenol cannabinol and 11.2kg of cannabis abroad The teen was stopped at Tbilisi airport in a suspected sting operation and was found with drugs with a six-figure street value. Pictured: CCTV footage shows the Brit going through the automated gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand Professor Putkaradze said: 'Since the defendant is a British citizen and the family's economic income is in pounds sterling, it would be logical for the fine to be calculated based on their sterling income. 'If we analyse precedent and look at comparable cases, the fine is generally assessed according to the potential monetary gain the offender would have received from trafficking the drugs in question and here once again, final destination plays a crucial part. 'Was it Georgia or Britain? Regardless, given that this is an especially grave category of crime, carrying a sentence of either very lengthy or even life imprisonment, setting the fine at approximately half the estimated value could be considered an adequate punishment.' She told the Mail said there will be 'many nuances in play' to decide the fine including the severity of the offence which carries a minimum sentence of around 15 years up to life. She said: 'Even when mitigating circumstances exist such as cooperation with investigators, pregnancy, no prior convictions, being a first-time offender, and no resulting harm the very nature of the offence imposes a binding constraint on the state, leaving little room for maneuver.' Professor Putkaradze said it means they are unlikely to go down to a fifth of the total amount - 40,000 - which is the lowest they generally agree to. Bella's lawyer Malkhaz Salakaia told journalists yesterday that if her family 'is ready to pay the sum that the state is demanding she can go straight to the airport'. The family have not revealed the amount the court is asking for. 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's aunt Kerry and grandfather seen outside Tbilisi City Court on Tuesday Bella Culley's mother pictured on July 25 outside Tbilisi City Court The teenager claims she flew to Tbilisi with 14kg of illegal cargo hidden in her bags after being violently threatened by a gang in Thailand. On Tuesday she entered court wearing a black t-shirt with her hair in a bun and appeared calm, occasionally shooting her mother a warm smile. Mr Salakaia told the 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. Before the request was denied, Mr Salakaia asked for bail on a 50,000 lari (13,750) bond, citing the fact that Bella was expecting a baby boy. 'She will be here [in Tbilisi], her family will take care of her, and she is ready to cooperate,' he said. The alleged drug-filled suitcase of Culley 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 Judge Gelashvili said: 'Of course we are worried about Miss Bella's health and that of her child's, 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 Foreign Office has previously said it is 'supporting the family of a British woman who is detained in Georgia'. The case was adjourned until the next hearing on October 9. Nadine Dorries has sensationally defected to Nigel Farage's Reform party and declared: 'The Tory Party is dead.' After months of secret negotiations, the former Conservative Culture Secretary is joining forces with the Reform leader as he plots a path to Downing Street. Ms Dorries explains the reasons for her bombshell decision which will alarm Labour MPs in Reform-facing seats and heap further pressure on Tory leader Kemi Badenoch in an exclusive article for Mail+ today. She told the Daily Mail: 'The Tory Party is dead. Its members now need to think the unthinkable and look to the future.' Mr Farage said last night: 'I am absolutely delighted to welcome Nadine Dorries to Reform UK. She is a hugely successful politician, author and columnist and will be a great boost to our campaign to win the next General Election.' Former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries is sensationally defecting to Reform Ms Dorries, interviewed here by Glen Owen, Political Editor for the Mail on Sunday, has declared the Tory party 'dead' and said its members need to 'think the unthinkable' Mr Farage, pictured in the Oval Office yesterday, described Ms Dorries' defection as a 'great boost' in his bid to win the next General Election Ms Dorries' defection after three decades as a party member comes ahead of the start of Reform's annual conference in Birmingham tomorrow, where she will deliver the opening speech. The defection is Mr Farage's most spectacular political coup yet, and comes at the end of a summer in which he dominated the political agenda. While Labour ministers were sunning themselves on holiday, Mr Farage was pummelling the Government with attacks on its immigration policy with Reform soaring to a 15-point lead in the polls as a result. The move by Ms Dorries who spent 18 years as a Tory MP and is now a best-selling novelist and Daily Mail columnist will help to counter criticism that Reform is just a one-man band. Even senior figures in Reform have conceded that, as things stand, Mr Farage would struggle to fill the seats around the Cabinet table with ministers of sufficient experience and ability. During the clandestine talks, which concluded with meetings between Mr Farage and Ms Dorries in Robin Birley's exclusive 5 Hertford Street members' club in Mayfair, it is understood that he did not guarantee her a job in a future Reform administration. However, Ms Dorries, 68, has not ruled out a return to the Commons: her rags-to-riches journey from a Liverpool council estate to the centre of power in Westminster, combined with her pro-Brexit and anti-immigration views, would send her to the top of the party's selection list. With Reform now consistently ahead in the polls by a margin which puts Mr Farage within touching distance of No 10, many Tory MPs believe that some form of pact between the parties is becoming inevitable. While Mrs Badenoch has ruled out any form of agreement, Tory frontbencher Robert Jenrick the current favourite to succeed her is prepared to do business with Reform. Ms Dorries, pictured in Downing Street, quit as an MP in 2023 Ms Dorries with former prime minister Boris Johnson campaigning in 2019 Mr Farage privately oscillates between a determination to go it alone and a grudging acceptance of the need to forge selective alliances with like-minded Tory candidates. Friends of Ms Dorries say that she has made her dramatic move now because she thinks the creaking Labour Government could fall within two years, and that Mrs Badenoch would not be in a position to win a General Election. She is expected to use her influence on Mr Farage to urge him to reach an agreement with Right-wing Tory candidates, similar to the 2019 pact in which he stood down his Brexit Party candidates in order to avoid splitting the Right-wing vote and stopping a Labour Government from reversing Brexit: however, Mr Farage was burned by that experience, arguing that Boris then 'betrayed Brexit'. Ms Dorries is a close ally of Mr Johnson, and publicly predicted his ascent to Downing Street years before it happened. Her defection will be seen as a sign that she has given up hope that he will return to the Tory Party and now thinks that Mr Farage is heading for No 10. A Conservative friend of Ms Dorries said last night: 'The ravens are leaving the tower.' A Jamaican criminal with 'no regard for the law' was caught dealing drugs just three days after he won an asylum case to stay in the UK, a tribunal has heard. Ex-gang member Jevaughn Williams, 28, was still involved in a life of crime while he was fighting a legal battle for permission to stay in Britain. An asylum judge revoked his deportation order - but three days later he was caught dealing cannabis. He now faces deportation to Jamaica. Williams has a long list of criminal convictions dating back to when he was a teenager in 2012, including drug possession, voyeurism and possession of a shotgun. The tribunal found the London-based criminal was 'blase' about the sexual offences he had committed against women. It heard he was dealing cannabis while the decision was being made whether to deport him, and continued to do so after he was allowed to stay. Williams came to the UK with his mother in August 2001 - they overstayed their limited leave to enter and remained without leave until they were granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in December 2008. His offending starting in 2012 with possession of a prohibited weapon, a sawn-off shotgun. Jamaican criminal with 'no regard for the law' was caught dealing drugs just three days after he won an asylum case to stay in the UK, a tribunal has heard (pictured posed by models) Ex-gang member Jevaughn Williams, 28, faces being deported back to Jamaica after being caught dealing drugs (file image of Kingston, Jamaica) Williams was sentenced to two years and 12 months' detention the next year after he was caught in possession of a knife in a public place. The Home Office decided to deport him in 2014 - he appealed against this, but this was refused and the deportation order was made. He was cautioned in 2015 for possession of Class A drugs, then almost five years later he was handed a community order after being convicted of burglary. The Home Office agreed to reconsider its decision to deport Williams after he appealed against the deportation order in 2017. It refused Williams's claim, and he then made a second appeal which was dismissed in 2020. Permission to appeal again was refused and an attempt was made to remove him in 2021, but this was unsuccessful after his solicitors took action against this on his behalf. In 2023, he was given a 16 month prison sentence, suspended for 19 months, for voyeurism and possession of cannabis with intent to supply. It was heard that 'he had photographed different women in states of undress when he was delivering drugs to his customers'. The asylum hearing heard his offending starting in 2012 with possession of a prohibited weapon, a sawn-off shotgun. (File image of the Upper Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber) In the same year, a First-Tier tribunal judge revoked his deportation order, saying that he was 'socially and culturally integrated into the UK' and it would be against the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to deport him. The First-Tier tribunal judge said that they were satisfied Williams 'genuinely regrets his past criminal misdoings and wishes to work and be a useful member of society', but added that 'if he offends again, it is unlikely that the matters which have saved him on this occasion will save him again'. Williams was convicted of supplying cannabis in 2024, which he received a six month prison sentence for. Later the same year, he was convicted for failing to comply with a requirement of a Sex Offenders Notice. His case was brought to the the Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber after the Home Office appealed the decision to allow Williams to stay in the UK. Williams's appeal against deportation was subsequently re-heard after it was found that the First-Tier tribunal judge had not made a finding on the likelihood of Williams re-offending. Upper Tribunal Judge Mark Blundell said: 'In our judgement, the signal feature of [Williams]'s case is that he has no regard whatsoever for the law. 'In 2023, he offended a month after he had been given a suspended sentence. 'He has offended when he was subject to deportation action. 'Also in 2023, he offended whilst his appeal was afoot. Williams came to the UK with his mother in August 2001 - they overstayed their limited leave to enter and remained without leave until they were granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in December 2008 (file picture of Kingston, Jamaica) 'Judge Bennett gave him a warning that even the slightest offending might tip the scales against him. 'That warning was issued on 6 November 2023. 'Three days later, [Williams] was found to have been dealing cannabis up to and including 9 November 2023.' The Upper Tribunal found that he had been a member of a gang in Hackney when he first began offending. It was told that there was a 'medium' risk of serious re-offending in the next two years, which included a medium risk of 'serious harm to children and the public'. Williams told the tribunal that 'he was prevented from working and accessing public funds, as a result of which 'he had to find a means to survive which is why he got involved in dealing drugs'. The tribunal found that he had a 'lack of motivation to change his lifestyle' which contributed to 'an imminent risk to re-offend or cause serious harm'. It also said that he was 'surprisingly blase about his sexual offending' when giving evidence. The judge added: 'It is commonplace in appeals of this nature for offending behaviour to come to an end, as the sword of deportation hangs over the head of the appellant. 'Not so in this case. [Williams] set about supplying cannabis to order whilst his appeal was afoot. 'His contempt for the law is unfortunately quite apparent. '[Williams] was not in need of money to survive, and we reject that suggestion entirely. 'He was living with his mother throughout and could depend on her for food and accommodation. 'What he wanted was spending cash, and he knew that he could obtain that by dealing drugs.' The Upper Tier Tribunal re-made the decision over Williams' appeal and dismissed it, meaning he now faces deportation. Judge Blundell said: 'It is evidently in the interests of the United Kingdom that [Williams] is deported to Jamaica, where he will likely commit further criminal offences in order to counter the obstacles he will inevitably face, rather than committing further offences in the United Kingdom.' A Tube strike is set to cause six days of travel chaos and a 230million economic hit to London next week as union members doubled down on demands for more money for fewer hours. The RMT is seeking a 32-hour working week - three hours fewer than present - combined with a pay rise, a demand Transport for London has branded 'neither practical nor affordable' given it is nearly 13billion in debt. Union members on the Tube, including signallers and maintenance workers, are preparing to walk out from Sunday, with Londoners warned to expect 'little or no service' on the Tube from Monday to Thursday and six days of disruption overall. TfL has offered a 3.4 per cent pay rise, which it described as 'fair', and said it cannot afford to meet the RMT's demand for a cut in the working week. Susan Hall, leader of the Conservative group at the London Assembly, blamed London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan for the chaos. 'Labour politicians think that throwing Money at unions is a good idea and that it will keep them onside - it isn't, it shows how weak they are,' she told the Mail. 'The result is that the unions hold London to ransom whenever they think they will and Londoners and London's businesses suffer. 'The demands this time are in my view a total disgrace. A strong leader would have drawn a line in the sand long ago but of course Sadiq Khan is anything but a strong or effective leader.' RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said workers were not after the 'King's ransom' The strikes are likely to cause chaos for commuters across the Underground (pictured are packed buses during a previous strike) The RMT piled fresh pressure on TfL today by warning Tube cleaners could also be balloted over pay as part of a separate dispute. The union has complained to private contractors ABM that cleaners do not receive sick pay and are only paid the London Living Wage. Unless a 'serious' pay offer is made, the RMT said it will move to ballot its members for strike action. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: 'Our members are the people who keep London Underground clean and safe for millions of passengers every single day, but they are treated as second-class workers. 'They are denied sick pay, scraping by on poverty pensions, and left to struggle month after month. 'Unless this company comes back with an offer that properly rewards cleaners for their work, and provides basic dignity like sick pay, we will ballot for strike action across the contract.' Docklands Light Railway services will also be hit next Tuesday and Thursday because of a strike by RMT members in a separate pay dispute. The proposed RMT walkout among employees employed directly by TfL could involve around 10,000 union members taking action on different days. The strike was announced by the RMT following a ballot last month. This saw just 57.6 per cent of members vote in favour Susan Hall, leader of the Conservative group at the London Assembly, blamed London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan for the chaos The strike was announced by the RMT following a ballot last month. This saw just 57.6 per cent of members vote in favour, according to the Standard. Nick Dent, TfL's director of London Underground customer operations, emailed staff yesterday to urge them against taking industrial action. 'We continue to believe our pay budget is best spent increasing colleagues' pay,' he wrote. 'This is what colleagues want, preferred over other costly items in the TUs' pay claims such as a reduction in contractual hours. A reduction in contractual hours is unaffordable and impractical. Throughout talks we have been clear even a small reduction in contractual hours would cost the organisation tens of millions of pounds. 'We also know people want to come and work for our organisation. That's because our overall package including pay, terms and conditions and benefits which include rest days, annual leave, contractual hours and working patterns is better than similar organisations. 'We're serious about addressing fatigue. We take fatigue management extremely seriously and have put in place a range of measures to reduce it. 'Today with the RMT we discussed other ways this can be achieved. However, RMT have maintained they will only accept measures that include a reduction in contractual hours, including for those that do not work shifts. 'This cannot be delivered the costs are huge, unsustainable and will not effectively address the issue of fatigue.' The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) is predicting a 230million economic hit from the strike as thousands of Londoners struggle to get into work. 'Our analysis suggests that next week's Tube and DLR strikes could impose a direct economic cost of around 230 million, reflecting the loss of roughly 700,000 working days across both TfL staff and the wider commuter base,' a spokesman said. 'These figures only capture the immediate disruption, but the true economic hit is likely to be significantly higher once the indirect effects are considered. 'Experience from previous strikes shows that London businesses face reduced productivity as staff struggle to get into the office or arrive late, while shops, restaurants and leisure venues typically suffer from weaker footfall and lower consumer spending. 'On top of that, congestion on London's roads is expected to increase sharply as people switch from the Underground to cars, taxis and buses, further adding to delays and lost output. 'Taken together, these knock-on effects suggest the strike will have a significant impact on London's economy for the week and will be felt by sectors ranging from professional services to retail and hospitality.' Nicky Kelvin, Editor at Large at The Points Guy said: 'The impending week-long RMT strike on London Underground and DLR lines poses a significant challenge for commuters across the capital. This industrial action, particularly as it marks the first major disruption for some time and coincides with the post-summer holiday return to work and schools reopening, is set to create substantial travel chaos. 'While there's always hope for a last-minute cancellation or postponement, the very preparation for such strikes will impact the network, as tube stock may be repositioned, leading to a potential knock-on effect even if the strikes are averted. 'For those commuters who are unable to avoid travelling during the strike days, I strongly advice to explore alternative transport options such as buses or even Lime Bikes. Commuters should also factor in potential ripple effects on the London Overground, as connecting stations will likely experience increased pressure.' Los Angeles police have been slammed by taxpayers for offering round the clock protection to Kamala Harris after President Donald Trump yanked her security detail. Officers with an elite LAPD division have been pulled from working cases to provide protection to the former Vice President's Brentwood home 24/7, FOX 11 reported. Many LA residents, including reality star Spencer Pratt, took to social media to slam the city's Democratic government for using resources to protect Harris. Pratt wrote on X: 'NEWSOM AND KAREN BASS HAVE ENOUGH RESOURCES TO HAVE LAPD AND CHP PROTECT KAMALA HARRIS BUT NOT ENOUGH TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE ARENT TRESPASSING ON OUR DIRT LOT IN THE PALISADES AND DOING SELFIES??????!!!!' LA Republican official Lisa Cusack also weighed in, writing: 'Democrat elites truly have no souls.' When reached for comment on Harris' LAPD protection by FOX 11, LA Mayor Karen Bass replied with a statement accusing Trump of 'political retaliation' against Harris. 'This is another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation in the form of firings, the revoking of security clearances and more,' Bass said. Kamala Harris is being protected by the LAPD after the Trump administration revoked her Secret Service protection. Harris is pictured with Secret Service agents in 2024 Officers with an elite LAPD division have been pulled from working cases to provide protection to the former Vice President's Brentwood home 24/7 Trump revoked former Harris Secret Service protection that otherwise would have ended next summer 'This puts the former Vice President in danger and I look forward to working with the Governor to make sure Vice President Harris is safe in Los Angeles.' The LAPD told Daily Mail on Thursday: 'For security reasons , the LAPD never discusses the existence of these assignments or provides details surrounding protective operations.' Last week, President Trump revoked former Harris Secret Service protection that otherwise would have ended next summer. Former vice presidents typically get federal government protection for six months after leaving office, while ex-presidents do so for life. But then-President Joe Biden quietly signed a directive, at Harris request, that had extended protection for her beyond the traditional six months. A recent threat intelligence assessment the Secret Service conducts on those it protects, such as Harris, found no red flags or credible evidence of a threat to the former vice president, said a White House official. The administration found no reason Harris protection should go beyond the standard six-month period for former vice presidents, the official said. When reached for comment on Harris' LAPD protection by FOX 11, LA Mayor Karen Bass replied with a statement accusing Trump of 'political retaliation' against Harris Many LA residents, including reality star Spencer Pratt , took to social media to slam the city's Democratic government for using resources to protect Harris Trump's move to drop Harris federal protection came as the former vice president, who became the Democratic nominee last summer after a chaotic series of events that led to Biden dropping out of the contest, is about to embark on a book tour for her memoir, titled '107 Days.' The tour has 15 stops, including visits abroad to London and Toronto. The book, which refers to the historically short length of her presidential campaign, will be released September 23, and the tour begins the following day. Trumps vice president from his first term, Mike Pence, did not have extended Secret Service protection beyond the standard six months. Still, it is not unusual for Secret Service protection to continue well beyond the statutory six-month window, particularly when former officials face credible and ongoing threats. But Trumps decisions to revoke the protection have stood out both for timing and for targets. During Trumps second presidency, he repeatedly has cut off security for adversaries and figures who have fallen from favor, including his onetime national security adviser John Bolton and members of Bidens family, including the former presidents adult children. Outgoing presidents can extend protection for those who might otherwise not be eligible; Trump did so for his family after leaving office in 2021. A council has been heavily criticised over its 'pathetic' plans to spend 300,000 to fix a crumbling park wall. Residents said it is a 'ridiculous' cost to spend taxpayer money on repairs for the Victorian wall at a small park in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Under the plans, an 8ft-tall wall will be restored following fears it 'could fail at any time' with concerns being raised for over two years. The flint and gravel aggregate wall surrounds Salisbury's Wyndham Park and one side measuring 390ft has been marked for repair. However, over 100 complaints have flooded in after Salisbury City Council submitted plans to spend 300,000 to repair the wall. Donna Roper said: 'Anyone else just fed up everyday reading about these unrealistic amounts of money being spent on pathetic projects? 'It really angers me when we foot the bill all the time!' Philip Reynolds added: '300,000 to repair 3 walls. Who quoted on this? Mates/family of the council?' Residents said it is a 'ridiculous' cost to spend taxpayer money on repairs for the Victorian wall at a small park in Salisbury, Wiltshire Under the plans, an 8ft-tall wall at Salisbury's Wyndham Park will be restored following fears it 'could fail at any time' with concerns being raised for over two years While Shane Willoughby claimed 'you could build a house for that much' and that the council is 'being fleeced again'. Bertrand Augu argued that the council should just 'take them down'. He said: 'Why spend a ridiculous amount of money on repairing crumbling walls. 'It doesn't make any sense.' John Turner wrote: 'Salisbury council is a joke. 'I can think of better things you can spend our money on in the city.' Fergus Donaghy said the council 'originally planned to rebuild the wall at a cost of 200k' but U-turned after 'about the closure of public toilets'. He said: 'Then changed their minds when there was uproar about the closure of public toilets. 'The locals all opposed the use of fencing and hedging for the Wyndham Terrace stretch. 'And here we are again back at square one.' Some residents disagreed and argued that 300,000 is a fair price for the repairs. Caron Merritt said: 'People forget all buildings have a lifespan: you can only repair/maintain so many times. 'But ultimately you reach a point where demolish/rebuild is the most cost effective option. 'As for 300k - nothing ain't cheap these days - not materials, not labour: can only hope they apply diligence and get more than one quote because this quote sounds like a "I don't want this job" one!' Russell Warner added: 'It's a beautiful and historic wall. 'Traditional building techniques which would be lost to our medieval city. 'Repair not destroy.' The council are now holding a consultation event for locals to have their say on September 23. A city council spokesperson said: 'We've been exploring solutions to address safety and stability concerns with the perimeter walls at Wyndham Park. 'The event will provide an opportunity to view the revised proposed plans, meet with the project team, share your thoughts and ask any questions.' A structural report added: 'All three walls are in a poor state of repair but wall number three (Wyndham Terrace) is a cause for concern due to the amount of 'lean' recorded. 'The wall is approximately 2.5m in height, and it is my opinion that this wall is in a dangerous condition and could fail at anytime. 'The causes of the deformation of these walls is the close proximity of the mature trees. 'The tree roots have damaged the wall footings, passing under the wall in some instances and, in doing so, has had a destabilising effect on the walls.' Xi: China is never intimidated by bullies (People's Daily App) 09:15, September 04, 2025 "The Chinese nation is a great nation that is never intimidated by any bullies and always values independence and forges ahead," President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday in Beijing while addressing a grand commemorative gathering 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A married female teacher is facing up to 10 years in prison after she confessed to having depraved relationships with two students. Julie Rizzitello, 37, pleaded guilty last week to two counts of second-degree sexual assault. The disgraced high school English teacher engaged in 'various sexual acts' with the students on multiple occasions and in three cities across New Jersey. The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office is seeking that Rizzitello spend a decade in state prison, register as a sex offender for life and permanently forfeit her teaching license. The state is also recommending parole supervision for life, a sentence in New Jersey which requires people convicted of certain sex crimes to remain under parole board supervision for a minimum of 15 years. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2026. Rizzitello, who tied the knot with her husband in 2017, was arrested in July last year, just days after she resigned from her role at Wall Township High School. Investigators determined she was engaged in sexual relations with an 18-year-old student between April and June 2024. She also had sex with a separate teen student multiple times between 2017 and 2018. Teacher Julie Rizzitello, 37, (right) pleaded guilty last week to two counts of second-degree sexual assault against two students, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Julie Rizzitello appears in court for her detention hearing on July 23, 2024 Rizzitello was hired by the district in 2013 and taught ninth-grade English and SAT prep. She earned an annual salary of $62,000, according to state pension records. The former teacher also served as an advisor for several clubs in the area. Her educational career came to halt last year after she was arrested at her home on July 3 and accused of sexually assaulting her student. Rizzitello was hired by the Wall Township school district in 2013 and taught ninth-grade English and SAT prep. She earned an annual salary of $62,000 Police say she sent the student nude photographs and exchanged 'numerous' sexually explicit messages, according to charging documents obtained by The Star-Ledger. She also met up with the 18-year-old in person in Brick, Belmar and Wall townships. So-called 'sexual gratification' between Rizzitello and the student began in April 2024, The Coast Star reports. They had 'oral and vaginal intercourse' between May and June, with at least one of their encounters having taken place in the victim's car. A second victim claimed that he and Rizzitello were having 'vaginal intercourse' at her home in Brick Township between November 2017 and January 2018. Detectives also obtained pictures and text messages that corroborated the victim's accusations. Prosecutors are seeking that Rizzitello (pictured in court in 2024) spend a decade in state prison, register as a sex offender for life and permanently forfeit her teaching license. The state is also recommending parole supervision for life Rizzitello, who tied the knot with her husband in 2017, was arrested in July last year, just days after she resigned from her role at Wall Township High School (file photo) 'The actions of this former teacher represent a betrayal of trust, not only to the victims, but to the entire school community,' Wall Township Chief of Police Sean O'Halloran told the Coast Star. 'I commend the courage of those who came forward and the dedication of our officers and partner agencies in bringing this case to justice.' O'Halloran added: 'Protecting our youth is among our highest priority, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that criminals are brought to justice to safeguard our residents and guests.' Daily Mail has approached the Wall Township Public School District for comment. A new Bill has been proposed that could see a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for desecrating or damaging a war memorial in Scotland. Speaking at a Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee meeting on Thursday, Scottish Conservative MSP for Central Scotland Meghan Gallacher outlined her proposals for a new Bill specifically to protect Scotlands war memorials. The Desecration of War Memorials (Scotland) Bill came under scrutiny over the high levels of punishment for the crime. The Bill proposes a maximum custodial sentence of 10 years in prison or an unlimited fine. Ms Gallacher said current vandalism laws did not take into consideration the distress caused to individuals and communities in its sentencing of war memorial-related vandalism. She said: While these sentencing options are appropriate for most instances of vandalism, they do not allow for courts to consider higher penalties which would deter acts of desecration against war memorials and provide adequate redress for the distress caused to individuals and communities as a result of such acts. The question I have for all committee members today is this: do they believe that vandalism of a war memorial should be treated the exact same way as vandalism of a lamp-post or a telephone box? In short, I do not believe that the current criminal law adequately takes account of the impact of desecration of a war memorial on the people and communities for whom the memorial has significant and symbolic meaning. A military statue in Kelvingrove Park was vandalised in 2019 Those who carry out similar acts of vandalism should be jailed, according to a Tory MSP Edinburgh's War Memorial was set on fire less than 24 hours after Remembrance Sunday That is why I consider that there should be a specific statutory offence of desecration of a war memorial with options for higher penalties to be handed down by courts than those which are available at the present, thereby creating a stronger deterrent. Convictions of vandalism of war memorials in Scotland are currently prosecuted under the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995. The current penalties include imprisonment for up to 60 days or up to three months in prison and/or a fine for a first offence. Subsequent offences in the sheriff court can result in up to six months in prison and/or a fine. In her reasoning for the proposed Bill, Ms Gallacher referred to six instances of damage to war memorials in 2021 and a petition from Friends of Dennistoun War Memorial calling for stronger legislation. The petition which closed in 2022 said: The law treats vandalism/desecration of places of worship, for example, differently when compared to a block of flats, but doesnt treat desecration of a memorial to the fallen differently to that of a telephone box. While members of the committee agreed desecration and damage to war memorials is unacceptable, concerns were raised about the severity of the penalties proposed. Green MSP Patrick Harvie said: Im concerned about the upper limit youve suggested of 10 years. There are people convicted of multiple offences of trafficking class A drugs who are sentenced to less than that. Is that really a fair comparison? Is there not some concern that youve placed the upper limit too high? Ms Gallacher said she did not have concerns about the penalties as she believes it would depend on the severity of the crime. She said: I dont believe that, for example, the crimes discussed this morning in relation to permanent marker, in relation to urinating or defecating, would amount to a 10-year sentence. However, if it was the case that a war memorial was completely destroyed that would be up to the courts to determine what level of sentencing would be delivered in that instance. I take your point in relation to concerns, however I do believe we have to create a strong deterrent given what weve seen in recent times. Ends Sir Keir Starmer today condemned 'appalling' vandalism at Angela Rayner's new seaside flat as the Deputy Prime Minister endures a tax row. Ms Rayner's apartment in Hove, East Sussex, was targeted overnight following her tearful admission that she failed to pay enough stamp duty on the 800,000 property. Vandals sprayed offensive graffiti in two-foot tall letters on hoardings and a wall outside her home. One message read: 'Tax Evader Rayner!' while a second said: 'Tax Evasion'. Another daubing on a wall post simply read: 'B****.' Downing Street said the Prime Minister 'condemns this vandalism in the strongest possible terms'. 'Whatever scrutiny our parliamentarians may face, it is appalling that their private homes should be targeted in this way,' a No10 spokesman added. A spokesperson for Ms Rayner said: 'This vandalism to residents' homes is totally unjustifiable and beyond the pale. 'Neither Angela nor her neighbours deserve to be subjected to harassment and intimidation. 'It will rightly be a matter for the police to take action as they deem appropriate.' Sir Keir Starmer today condemned 'appalling' vandalism at Angela Rayner 's new seaside flat as the Deputy Prime Minister endures a tax row Ms Rayner's apartment in Hove, East Sussex, was targeted overnight following her tearful admission that she failed to pay enough stamp duty on the 800,000 property Vandals sprayed offensive graffiti in two-foot tall letters on hoardings and a wall outside her home Ms Rayner is fighting for her political future after she admitted on Wednesday that she hadn't paid enough stamp duty on her Hove apartment. The Deputy PM - who is also the Housing Secretary - is being probed by a Whitehall watchdog and also faces the prospect of an investigation by tax officials. Sir Keir is facing growing calls to sack his Deputy PM, despite him having so far stuck by her over the stamp duty row. Downing Street reiterated that the PM retains 'full confidence' in Ms Rayner. But the No10 spokesman did not commit to her staying in post for the rest of the Parliament. Residents living close by to Ms Rayner's property in Hove said they were 'shocked and appalled' by the vandalism. One said: 'It's shocking. What a disgraceful thing to do. I simply can't believe it. I hope the police catch them. I'm sure there's CCTV nearby.' Another said: 'I woke up and went for a jog and saw it. It's a right mess. I'm appalled to be honest. It raises many fresh questions about the safety of MPs again. 'I've seen Angela Rayner around and she said hello and was very pleasant. I'm so astonished really.' Downing Street said the Prime Minister 'condemns this vandalism in the strongest possible terms' Ms Rayner is fighting for her political future after she admitted on Wednesday that she hadn't paid enough stamp duty on her Hove apartment Cabinet ministers this morning rallied around Ms Rayner as she fights for her political survival. Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave the Deputy PM her 'full confidence' to remain in post. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she had 'sought to be transparent' in the scandal over her tax affairs. Ms Rayner is said to have saved 40,000 in stamp duty on the Hove property she recently purchased. This is because she removed her name from the deeds of a family home in her constituency of Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester. The changes supposedly allowed Ms Rayner to pay 30,000 in stamp duty instead of 70,000, which would have been applied if the Hove flat was designated as a second home. But the Deputy PM on Wednesday admitted she was, in fact, liable for additional stamp duty and she 'did not pay the appropriate stamp duty at the time of the purchase'. In a tearful TV interview, a 'devastated' Ms Rayner said she 'deeply regrets' the error. The Deputy PM has referred herself to Sir Laurie Magnus, who is Sir Keir's independent adviser on ministers' interests. Downing Street dodged saying whether Ms Rayner would be expected to resign if Sir Laurie found she had breached the ministerial code of conduct. It is understood Ms Rayner is spending the day on Thursday meeting regional mayors, including West Yorkshire's Tracy Brabin and the North East's Kim McGuinness, at Derbyshire stately home Chatsworth House. Residents of an idyllic Los Angeles neighborhood said unwanted RVs have invaded their community - with their owners spilling trash and openly using drugs over the past several months. The growing number of campers in Winnetka, located in LA's San Fernando Valley, also has locals concerned due to their proximity of several schools and parks. Local John Shreve, who has lived in the area for 27 years, told the Daily Mail that Winnetka 'always had a nice persona to it.' 'It was quiet but it was still part of the city,' he said. Now, he and other neighbors are often afraid to go outside. 'I'm 6'2 and I'm scared to go out of my door at night,' he explained. 'I have witnessed people shooting up right on the street.' The encampment drawing the most attention stands at Winnetka Avenue and Chase Street, just steps from the Winnetka Recreation Center and Winnetka Avenue Elementary school. The growing number of campers in Winnetka has locals concerned due to their proximity of several schools and parks Winnetka is located in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley 'My biggest concern is the kids down the street with all these schools. They're seeing all this trash and open drug use,' Shreve also told KTLA. Neighbors said they've contacted their local city council member, Bob Blumenfield, as well as the Los Angeles Police Department and the LA Department of Transportation. In a statement to KTLA, Blumenfeld's office addressed the ongoing concerns. 'My staff and I are aware of the RVs and ongoing issues at this location. We are working with City departments, including LA Sanitation and LAPD, to conduct a cleanup,' it read. 'Connecting unhoused folks in RVs to supportive services and having them accept those services has been a consistent challenge. However, we will continue to provide all resources at our disposal to address these issues.' A Department of Transportation official showed up to issue citations to the vehicles for parking longer than the 72-hour limit. But Shreve said there has yet to be any movement. Trash, rats, and vermin are everywhere, he told the Daily Mail. Local John Shreve, who has lived in the area for 27 years, said he is 'scared to go out of my door at night' The encampment is located near an elementary school and steps from Winnetka Recreation Center Neighbors have contacted their city council member, Bob Blumenfield, about the problem 'People are living in squalor,' he said. Shreve noticed a shift in his neighborhood decade ago, saying it speaks to a larger issue. 'Everybody who has any sense is sick of California,' he said. The Daily Mail reached out to Blumenfield and LA Department of Transportation for comment. Donald Trump swiftly asked the Supreme Court to take up the fight over his sweeping tariffs after an appeals court deemed most of them illegal. The final step in the case could determine if the U.S. brings in triple the amount of tax revenue from international imports compared to recent years. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Friday ruled in a 7-4 decision that Trump cannot legally use his presidential emergency powers to impose import taxes on goods from nearly every single country. It upholds a May decision by a specialized federal trade court in New York. 'If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country,' Trump wrote to Truth Social on Friday in the wake of the decision. He added: 'If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America.' The appeals court broke with the lower court by ruling the tariffs can remain in place for now. Still, Solicitor General D. John Sauer went to the Supreme Court with a petition filed late Wednesday and expected to be formally docketed on Thursday asking the justices to intervene by early November. President Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to take up his tariffs case in November after an appeals court deemed it illegal to use emergency power to impose sweeping import taxes on nearly every country on earth 'That decision casts a pall of uncertainty upon ongoing foreign negotiations that the President has been pursuing through tariffs over the past five months, jeopardizing both already negotiated framework deals and ongoing negotiations,' Sauer wrote in the filing obtained by the Associated Press. He added: 'The stakes in this case could not be higher.' From October 2024 through July 2025, the U.S. brought in $152 billion in duties and taxes but a whopping $96 billion of that was from when Trump's tariffs were in effect from April through July. If Trump's tariffs were left in place, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent projected the revenue could reach $300 billion this year. This is more than triple the income from Fiscal Year 2024, when tariff revenue hit around $77 billion. Seven judges on the appeals court wrote in Friday's majority ruling that the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not permit presidents to usurp congressional powers to impose tariffs. The dissenting opinion of four judges on the appeals panel argued that this law does allow presidents to regulate importation during declared emergencies without limitations. Congress has the power to impose all taxes, including tariffs, under the Constitution though lawmakers have often ceded this power over to presidents. The majority ruling on Friday involves two sets of import taxes that Trump imposed by declaring an emergency. The first were announced in February on imports from Canada, China and Mexico and the second unveiled on nearly every other country on earth during Trump's so-called 'Liberation Day' event at the White House in April. Russian oligarch Vladimir Potanin's ex-wife can sue him for a slice of his multi-billion fortune, the Court of Appeal has ruled. The legal battle between Natalia Potanina and the sanctioned businessman, who is estimated to be worth around 15.7 billion ($20billion), started in England in 2019. In the latest stage of proceedings, she asked the Court of Appeal to rule that her financial claim could be heard in England after a High Court judge had previously dismissed her case. Mrs Potanina wants to bring a claim for financial relief following their formal divorce in 2014, which includes a claim for half of the value of her ex-husband's ultimate beneficial interest in shares in Russian metals and mining firm Nornickel. Potanina is also seeking half of any dividends paid to Potanin since 2014 and a high-end Russian property, known as The Autumn House, on which they spent around 111million ($150 million). Her lawyers say following the divorce she received only 30.9million ($41.5 million) - less than one per cent of the couple's total assets. Lawyers for the chief executive of Norilsk Nickel, the world's largest palladium producer and a major producer of refined nickel, opposed the appeal, saying his ex-wife had received around 63million ($84 million). They also argued Mrs Potanina had no connection to England. The Supreme Court was told that Mrs Potanina (pictured in 2019) wants half of the value of his shares in mining firm Norilsk Nickel, half the dividends on the shares since 2014, and half the value of a Russian property known as The Autumn House It has now been ruled Russian oligarch Vladimir Potanin's ex wife can sue him for a slice of his multi-billion pound stake in Nornickel, the Court of Appeal has ruled (Pictured: Vladimir Putin and Natalia Potanina) In a July hearing, her legal team said that she had earned her share of the family's wealth after years of marriage as well as being the 'main carer' for the three children the two have. Originally, London's High Court rejected Potanina's bid to bring a claim, with a judge saying that if her claim was allowed to proceed 'then there is effectively no limit to divorce tourism'. But the Court of Appeal overturned that decision today. 'There was evidence before the court ... that the wife had very largely severed her ties with Russia. Her connection to her former home country was increasingly tenuous,' the court ruling said. 'The discrepancy between her award of the marital assets and the husband's retained share was significant; the discrepancy between what she had recovered in Russia compared with what she would have recovered had the case been heard in this jurisdiction was equally significant.' Lord Justice Moylan, Lady Justice Falk and Lord Justice Cobb also found the ex-wife would likely be able to argue she is or was "fully entitled" to a wide range of financial relief consequent upon divorce, without any discount or special factor limiting her claim'. Mr Potanin and Mrs Potanina wed in Russia in 1983, where they lived throughout their married life, and have three adult children. Mr Potanin claims the pair separated in 2007, with a Russian court granting a divorce in 2014. But Mrs Potanina argues that they did not separate until 2013 when their marriage 'ended suddenly'. Pictured: The couple on their yacht Anastasia - named after their daughter - in 2010 The businessman claims the couple separated in 2007, with a Russian court granting a divorce in 2014, but his ex-wife argues they did not separate until 2013. In June 2022, Mr Potanin, who was then described as Russia's second richest man and owner of conglomerate Interros, was hit with UK sanctions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The most recent ruling comes after the case had spent years in UK courts, with Mrs Pontanina's case first being dismissed in 2019. However, this was overturned by the Court of Appeal in 2021. At the time, appeal judges were told Mrs Potanina was seeking around 5 billion from her ex-husband following the breakdown of their marriage. Mr Potanin then took the case to the Supreme Court, which in January last year ruled with a three-to-two majority in his favour, and sent the case back to the Court of Appeal for reconsideration. At a July hearing, Mrs Potanina's barrister Charles Howard KC said Mr Justice Cohen had been 'inconsistent and illogical' in the way he dealt with Mrs Potanina's connection with England. He said the judge had fallen into Mr Potanin's trap of repeatedly saying his ex-wife was 'a divorce tourist'. In written submissions, Lord Faulks KC, for Mr Potanin, had said: 'These former spouses had no connection with this jurisdiction during the marriage and the wife had only recent and modest connections when she applied for leave.' Originally, London's High Court rejected Potanina's bid to bring a claim, with a judge saying that if her claim was allowed to proceed 'then there is effectively no limit to divorce tourism. Today the Court of Appeal overturned this decision Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) meets with Vladimir Potanin (right) in the residence in Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow, Russia, 10 December 2018 In a written judgment, Lord Justice Cobb said that he believed the judge was 'wrong' and that he was 'satisfied' that Mrs Potanina 'had substantial ground' to pursue her claim in England. In response to the ruling, Frances Hughes, from Hughes Fowler Carruthers, which represents Mrs Potanina, said: 'The decision of the Court of Appeal is a second vindication of our client in making her application in 2019. 'Our client is grateful for the consideration given by the court to her case and is delighted that the Court of Appeal has recognised, for the second time, the merits of her application. 'She very much hopes that her case can now be resolved and can be concluded without further delay'. A three-year-old boy was pulled from the wreckage of the Lisbon tram tragedy as his father lay dying beside him and his mother remained trapped with a broken spine, it emerged today. The little German boy refused to let go of the police officer who led him to safety, eyewitnesses said. He has now been reunited with his seriously injured mother in hospital. The tragic incident was revealed as the first victim of the tragedy that has killed 16 people - authorities corrected an earlier figure of 17 - was pictured. Colleagues paid tribute to Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques, who worked as the brake guard on the city's iconic Elevador da Gloria funicular. Portuguese transport union Sitra wrote in a statement: 'We send our condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the accident and wish them a speedy recovery as well as the best recovery to the others injured in the accident.' His employer Carris, which runs the funicular, said Marques was a 'dedicated, kind and happy professional, always willing to contribute to the greater good'. Among the dead are seven men, eight women and more who are yet to be identified. Also among the dead are at least four people who worked at the largest charity in Portugal, according to local reports. Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques (pictured), who worked as the brake guard on the ill-fated ride, was the first victim to be named Footage captured the chaotic scenes just moments after Lisbon's famous Gloria Funicular derailed on Wednesday First responders work at the site of an accident involving Lisbon's Gloria funicular A police officer walks past the remains of wrecked Gloria funicular at derail site, September 3 Employees at Misericordia de Lisboa Santa Casa regularly use the funicular to reach their offices in Lisbon. The charity manages the Euromillions games, among other services. The number of people reported to have died has changed throughout the day. While officials earlier said 17 had died, Portugal's prime minister said this afternoon that 16 people were killed. Luis Montenegro said at a press conference: 'This is one of the biggest human tragedies of our recent history.' He thanked emergency services for their work, as well as the hospitals looking after those injured, praising the 'quick response' that saved lives and 'avoided a bigger and more devastating tragedy'. Shortly after its journey began, the first sign of disaster presented itself at the bottom of the hill, some 850ft away. The opposite cable car suddenly shunted, witnesses said, then unaware of the impending tragedy at the other end. Near the top of the hill, as Lisbon's rush hour swarmed with commuters and visitors alike, a busy streetcar carrying families and tourists began its descent - only for a fault with its cables to occur. Despite having gone through a full maintenance service, albeit a year ago, the car was left without brakes on a treacherous 17.7 per cent steep slope separating the glitzy Bairro Alto nightlife district from the city centre. The vehicle began to careen down the its course before coming off the tracks just after 6pm as it reached a sharp bend near the bottom. The speeding cable car overshot the turn, flipping on to its side, smashing into a hotel building, causing the carriage to 'fall apart like a cardboard box', as one witness described it. Smoke plumed into the street as locals rushed to the scene to help passengers from the wreckage. Fifteen were initially counted among the dead, and nearly two dozen rushed to hospital. Residents told local outlets that the railway is popular with tourists at this time of year, and often overcrowded. The victims, including some foreign nationals, have all been recovered from the wreckage, according to the emergency services. Fabiana Pavel, president of the Bairro Alto Residents' Association, told the BBC's Radio 4 Today Programme that the crash could have been due to 'excessive tourism' - a growing concern across southern Europe as locals are priced out of homes and economies become more dependent on foreign visitors. 'The use of it in recent years is certainly inappropriate,' she said, explaining locals were often unable to use the railway 'because it became a tourist attraction'. Your browser does not support iframes. In the panic, one witness can be heard shouting, 'There are kids under the tram' as the screams of children thought to be trapped beneath the rubble ring out People walk past an out-of-service streetcar in Lisbon, Portugal, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 Investigators are still scrambling to establish the exact cause of the tragedy, and Carris, the company that operates the streetcar, confirmed routine inspections had been carried out to make sure the funicular itself was safe last year. The Lisbon Firefighters Regiment has since revealed that the accident was caused by a cable that came loose in the structure of the funicular. How the funicular railway works Inaugurated in 1885, Lisbon's funicular is a national monument, popular with locals and tourists alike. It was electrified in 1915 and continues to serve millions of people every year in 2025. The railway cars, operated by Lisbon municipal transport company Carris, work in tandem: one moves down a hill and its weight pulls another up the other way. The streetcars work in parallel and are hauled by steel cables, which undergo regular inspection. Traction is provided by electric motors on both cars. The Gloria takes passengers about 850ft from downtown Restauradores Square to Bairro Alto and back. Advertisement A cable holding the streetcar to the tracks appeared to have broken, causing the streetcar to lose control on a curved, steep section of the railway, it emerged. The streetcar is harnessed by steel cables. It is commonly used by Lisbon residents, but also attracts some of the 8.5 million foreign visitors Lisbon attracts yearly. It was not immediately clear whether British tourists were on board at the time of the collision. An FCDO spokesperson told the Daily Mail this morning: 'We are aware of this incident in Lisbon and are in touch with the local authorities. We stand by to provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals.' The Elevador da Gloria funicular - one of three in Lisbon - takes some three million people across a few hundred metres of the city's steep hills each year on a curved, traffic-free road in tandem with one going the other way between Restauradores Square in the city centre, at 56ft altitude, to Bairro Alto, at 144ft. Its two cars are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable with traction provided by electric motors on the two cars. Wednesday's tragedy unfolded as the descending yellow streetcar veered off a steep stretch of tracks near Liberty Avenue. Eyewitnesses told local media that the carriage coursed down the hill, apparently out of control, before crashing into a building on Rua da Gloria, not far from the Restauradores Square. Some said they heard a loud noise before the streetcar, which was travelling downhill, sped down its steep slope, seemingly out of control. One witness said the streetcar toppled onto a man on a sidewalk. Teresa d'Avo told Portuguese TV channel SIC the train struck a building 'with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box'. She described the streetcar as out-of-control and seeming to have no brakes, and said she watched passersby run into the middle of the nearby Avenida da Liberdade, or Freedom Avenue, the city's main thoroughfare. She also said she was certain that there was a person on the pavement at the time the funicular came hurtling down and crashed into the building. The car at the bottom of the line was apparently undamaged, but video from bystanders aired by CNN Portugal showed it jolting violently when the other one derailed and several passengers jumping out of its windows and people shouting. Police and firefighters work on the site of a funicular railway accident in Lisbon, September 3 The crash occurred at the start of the evening rush hour. Residents said it was likely a busy time for the funicular. Workers would have been leaving work and tourists and locals stepping out to shop, eat out or end the day over a drink. Suddenly, there was pandemonium. 'It was panic,' bystander Bruno Pereira told CNN Portugal. 'We all ran, everyone there. Some tried to pull people out from under the tram.' He said he stayed at the scene for some time to help foreign tourists who needed someone to speak to them in French or English. 'People wouldn't let us go, they hugged us. Suddenly, a little boy came with his arms up, asking to be picked up,' he said. Yasmin, who did not give her second name, told the outlet that she arrived to see the streetcar already overturned. 'People were screaming, many people on the ground, already dead... It's a scene I've never seen before. So many people screaming, so much blood. I've never seen anything like this.' At the time of the crash, the streetcar would likely have been full with tourists and locals alike, she said. Emergency officials said all victims were pulled out of the carriage in just over two hours from the time of the crash. Footage showed police and rescue personnel working into the night around the mangled funicular lying on its side against a wall of the street. Several dozen emergency workers were at the scene but most stood down after about two hours. The exact cause of the accident is still unclear. Fernando Nunes da Silva, an engineering expert and former Lisbon city council member, told SIC Noticias that he believed Wednesday's crash was caused by a broken traction cable. 'It's most likely that the traction cable broke and when that cable broke the brakes didn't work,' he told the outlet. 'The descending elevator gained momentum and continued at great speed.' He said these elevators 'have a very sturdy metal structure and were built at a time when very rigid structures were highly valued'. 'For the [elevator] to be in that condition, it had to be hit very hard. There is no record of the elevator having had an accident in the last few decades.' 'Something surprising is that the brakes didn't work because when a situation like this happens, there are devices in the vehicle that allow braking to be applied. 'Even if this doesn't prevent the derailment, it could have reduced the impact.' Local outlet Publico reported that the crash was caused by a break in the safety cable, connecting the two cabins and ensuring the counterweight. Several dozen emergency workers were at the scene but most stood down after about two hours Details have since begun to emerge about the casualties. SITRA, a trade union, wrote in a post on social media that one of its members died in the accident. Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques, a brakeman for Carris, was named as the first fatality. Emergency services said that at least 11 foreign nationals were injured in the Lisbon derailment - two Germans, two Spaniards and nationals from France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea, Morocco and Cape Verde. The Spanish Foreign Ministry confirmed that two Spanish citizens were injured in the crash. Portuguese media reported that 23 were initially injured, five of whom were in serious condition, and that one was a child. The figure was revised to sixteen fatalities and 21 injured on Thursday. Sao Jose Hospital received nine injured people, including the five in serious condition and a three-year-old child. Portugal held a day of national mourning on Thursday to commemorate the victims, whose identities were not immediately available. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas called the incident 'a tragedy that our city has never seen'. The funicular railway line is capable of carrying up to 43 people and is one of three of its kind in Lisbon (stock image) Interior of the tram carriage of the Lavra Funicular (Ascensor do Lavra) in the city center of Lisbon (file photo) The victims, including some foreigners, have all been recovered from the wreckage, according to the emergency services Carris, the company that operates the streetcar, said 'all maintenance protocols have been carried out', including monthly and weekly maintenance programmes and daily inspections. Carris said in a statement that 'all maintenance protocols were implemented and adhered to,' and that the last inspection took place last year. General maintenance was carried out in 2022, per its four-year schedule. The last interim repair, performed every two years, was carried out in 2024. It offered its deepest condolences to the victims and their families in a social media post, and promised that all due diligence would be taken in finding the causes of the accident. Prosecutors said they were opening an investigation into the accident's circumstances. Lisbon's City Council suspended operations of other streetcars in the city and ordered immediate inspections, local media reported. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest cult horror movies ever made and has been terrifying audiences for decades. Now fans of The Wicker Man could get the chance to live in the building where the famous scene featuring actress Britt Eklands body double famously dancing naked was filmed. The Ellangowan Hotel in Creetown, Kirkcudbrightshire, which was the backdrop for the fictional Green Man pub in the 1973 classic, has been closed for a number of years. But plans have now been submitted to turn the historic property into seven flats complete with a residents lounge, bar area and winebar. Andrew Williamson took over the hotel in 2018 with the intention of returning the bar to how it was in the 1973 classic in which Ms Eklands character Willow famously tried to seduce a policeman. But after the impact of the pandemic on the hotel industry he said at the time he had to rethink whether it was worth almost creating a museum piece for a limited market. Instead he said he planned to lease the property. The film saw actress Britt Eklands body double famously dancing naked at the hotel Jane Jackson was revealed as the body double for the Swedish actress Christopher Lee starred in the cult British horror film Plans have been submitted to turn the Ellangowan Hotel into flats The hotel has been closed since 2020 but now councillors are being asked to consider the latest application which has been lodged with Dumfries and Galloway Council for a partial change of use and alterations to the category B-listed building. If approved, the proposal submitted by Clive Carruthers Architecture and Planning on behalf of applicant James Brett, would see the site converted into seven one and two bedroom apartments across four floors. There would also be a wine bar, bar area and residents lounge on the ground floor. Martin Armstrong, chairman of Kirkmabreck Community Council, which represents Creetown, said it was glad that such an important building that is integral to the centre of our small town seems likely to be saved after years of falling into an increasingly dilapidated state. CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, which advocates for pubs and clubs as social centres and part of the UKs cultural heritage, however, said it was gutted at the proposal to turn it into flats. But it is expected to draw the attention of fans as the site was one of several in the area that was used as a backdrop to the film, which also starred Christopher Lee and Edward Woodward. Other filming locations included Stranraer, Newton Stewart and Kirkcubright as the fictional island of Summerisle. A number of locals featured as extras in the movie, while Jane Jackson, now 78, who stayed in nearby Castle Douglas, caught the eye of producers to play Ms Eklands body double after she and a friend turned up to watch the film being shot in Kirkcubright. The Wicker Man, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, was X-rated when first released, but it was downgraded as suitable for those aged 15 or over when it was re-released for home viewing in 2002. The south of Scotlands links to the film, meanwhile, were celebrated with the Wicker Man music festival up until 2016. A hero Alaskan man prevented a Labor Day tragedy when he wrestled a loaded gun from an attacker who threatened to use it at a crowded fairground. Jaden Perry, 24, was visiting the Alaska State Fair in Anchorage to help a friend take down a booth when a fight broke out between around eight young men. The fight escalated when one of the men pulled out an extended magazine Glock in the middle of the fair, Perry told the Daily Mail. He didn't hesitate, going for the gun and tackling one of the men while making sure the weapon remained pointed at the ground. Perry's quick-thinking reaction was captured in video footage of the dramatic moment. In it, he can be seen unloading the clip and emptying the chamber while the offender still has hold of the gun. After the man was restrained, a second Glock, also with an extended magazine, was found. Perry said the gunman told him he was going to shoot in self-defense, despite the fair being crowded that day. Shockingly, Perry claimed that while Alaska State Troopers were at the fair, they did not respond to citizens running towards them asking for help when the brawl broke out. Perry sprang to action, disarming the gunman safely while fair staff surrounded the scene Jaden Perry was at the Alaska state fair in Anchorage, helping a friend break down a booth, when a fight erupted 'They (State Troopers) said that security was handling it,' Perry said. He added that even though State Troopers wouldn't respond, the Alaska Police Department was there within minutes. Alaska State Troopers office told the Daily Mail that the stall was far away from the incident and that they were not aware that a firearm was involved until after the brawl. The State Troopers at the fair were working a recruitment booth at the time of the incident. The State Troopers were at the fair Perry further explained how security handled the situation: 'Security staff aren't prepared for something like this.' He also reflected on what was he was thinking when he first saw the gun. 'The first thought that went through my head is there are kids everywhere,' said the Alaskan to news outlet KTUU. He added: 'I didn't think much during it, but afterwards I'm glad I did. I would do it again every time. Last thing anybody needs to do is bury their child, take their kid to the hospital, or even a parent - they were everywhere.' Perry received resounding praise for his heroic actions, which potentially saved lives. Melissa Keefe, Alaska State Fair director of marketing and communications, told the outlet: 'The Alaska State Fair commends the civilian for his actions to assist CMS in disarming the individual. 'His actions were heroic. In addition, the actions of several unarmed CMS staff who took action to de-escalate the physical altercations taking place simultaneously during the incident should also be commended.' Perry sprang to action, disarming the gunman safely while fair staff surrounded the scene It is unclear how many people were involved or what prompted the altercation While Perry has no military experience, his impressive ability to de-escalate the situation was highlighted by those commenting on the video posted to TikTok The Alaskan received resounding praise for his heroic actions, which potentially saved lives. Shockingly, Perry claimed that while Alaska State Troopers were at the fair, they did not respond to citizens running towards them asking for help when the brawl broke out Perry said the gunman told him he was going to shoot in self-defense, despite the fair being crowded that day He didn't hesitate, going for the gun and tackling one of the men while making sure the weapon remained pointed at the ground Perry can be seen unloading the clip and emptying the chamber while the offender still has hold of the gun Speaking about the harsh reality of gun violence, Perry also told KTUU: 'People need to be aware things go wrong at any minute, no matter where you are. 'We're in an age where this is common. And it saddens me, it does, no matter what kind of gun control or gun laws are put out there, this will happen.' While Perry has no military experience, his impressive ability to de-escalate the situation was highlighted by those commenting on the video posted to TikTok. It is unclear how many people were involved or what prompted the altercation. The investigation is still ongoing. The inside of a Pennsylvania house of horrors where five children were allegedly locked in a 'dungeon' and subjected to severe punishment has been revealed. New images obtained by Daily Mail show inside the squalid home in Redstone Township where James Russell Kahl, 65, and his wife Carly Kahl, 41, allegedly abused their children. Appearing to be taken when the home was on the market, the home is seen with doors hanging off hinges, unfinished paintjobs, and crumbling ceilings. In one room with broken doors and dirty carpets, a pair of sliding windows could be seen, which police said may have been barricaded with wooden boards alongside three deadbolts on the door. Inside a bedroom where the five children were allegedly kept in 'captivity', investigators said there were feces smeared across the walls, while the children were provided with a limited amount of food and clothing and no beds. Russell had reportedly forced his wife Carly to pull a Taser on one of the children within the last two weeks, before they were arrested on Wednesday, according to arrest records. 'There's no reason to be using a device like a stun gun, which is less lethal, not lethal, against a child,' Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele said. Also in the home police uncovered a stun gun, a replica pistol and some drugs while conducting a search warrant, police said. The inside of a Pennsylvania house of horrors where five children were allegedly locked in a 'dungeon' and subjected to severe punishment has been revealed New images obtained by Daily Mail show inside the squalid home in Redstone Township with doors hanging off hinges, unfinished paintjobs, and crumbling ceilings James Russell Kahl, 65, and his wife Carly Kahl, 41, allegedly abused their children inside the squalid property When cops hauled the Kahl's from their home this week, police said they found insects had overran the squalid property. Outside the home, piles of garbage and construction materials could be seen littering the property. In a criminal complaint, police said that the room where the children were allegedly confined 'functioned as a dungeon, with video cameras hardwired to the father's room.' Authorities now say James neglected his children - who were between the ages of five and 14 - as he smoked marijuana all day. 'We have evidence that there were some cameras that were hardwired to another room where these children were being observed,' he continued. The district attorney went on to thank the 'brave family member' who reported the 'deplorable conditions' to the state's ChildLine system. 'Law enforcement cannot be in every household and every single minute of every day; we need people to come forward and think of these children,' he said. Police were first alerted to the deplorable conditions at the house when they were called on to assist Fayette County Children and Youth Services with an investigation Investigators said that the couple boarded up windows in a 'dungeon' room where the five children were kept in captivity Outside the home, piles of garbage and construction materials could be seen littering the property When cops hauled the Kahl's from their home this week, they said they found insects had overran the squalid property Fayette County Children and Youth Services received the alert, and Pennsylvania State Police were called on to help assist them in their investigation of the claims on August 8. That is when they first saw the squalor the children were living in inside the two-story suburban house. 'It's sickening - that's the only word that I can use to describe what we saw and what those children went through,' Pennsylvania State Trooper Ally Wilson told WTAE. When troopers then asked about the locks, they said James told them he would 'not be removing the locks from the bedroom door for any reason.' The children are now safely in the custody of Children and Youth Services. Meanwhile, their parents are facing endangering the welfare of children, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, use of an incapacitation device and drug charges. Carly Kahl, 41, seen following her arrest this week James Russell Kahl allegedly told Carly to pull a Taser on one of the children within the last two weeks, and when troopers then asked about the locks, they said James told them he would 'not be removing the locks from the bedroom door for any reason' Bail has been denied for both of the parents, who are being held at the county jail, according to court documents obtained by Daily Mail. Those documents also show that James Russell has had a series of run-ins with the law in the past, including a harassment charge he pleaded guilty to in 2006. That same year, he was also arrested for driving under the influence, and in 2012 he was charged with a probation violation. Trooper Wilson said she now hopes 'that these parents go to jail and they answer for what they've done.' Bryan Kohbergers newly-released handwritten guilty plea document has revealed his refusal to share any details about his crimes as well as his claims he was diagnosed with four mental health disorders. The mass killers guilty plea advisory was made public as part of a batch of documents unsealed by Ada County Judge Steven Hippler after Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison for the November 2022 murders of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin. In the nine-page document, the 30-year-old criminology PhD students scrawling handwriting shows his answers to multiple questions about his ability to enter a plea, his awareness of his legal rights, and the details of the plea deal struck with prosecutors. Many of Kohbergers answers were simply yes, no or N/A responses. But, when asked if he had ever been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, Kohberger wrote that he had four disorders: Autism (level 1); OCD; ADHD; ARFID. All four diagnoses were made in February 2025, he wrote - six months before his trial was set to begin. In the lead-up to Kohbergers capital murder trial start date, his attorneys enlisted expert witnesses to assess the 30-year-old killer. It was during this process that the defense witnesses diagnosed Kohberger with level 1 autism, the highest-functioning level, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and a developmental coordination disorder. Kohbergers legal team then argued unsuccessfully for the death penalty to be taken off the table because of his autism diagnosis. Bryan Kohberger s newly-released handwritten guilty plea document has revealed his refusal to share any details about his crimes as well as his claims he was diagnosed with four mental health disorders Bryan Kohberger signed the guilty plea advisory on June 29 - days before his formal change of plea hearing The defense had also argued that his diagnoses offered explanations for his incriminating behaviors around the time of the murders. In legal filings, Kohberger claimed his OCD meant he compulsively washed his hands and wore gloves to avoid germs - offering an alternate explanation for why he was seen wearing gloves and placing trash into baggies before his arrest. The defense also claimed the alibi Kohberger once put forward to the court - that he was driving around late at night looking at the moon and stars at the time of the murders - was down to his OCD causing him to sleep poorly. Kohberger later admitted that this alibi was a lie as he pleaded guilty to the murders. The defense also mentioned Kohberger suffered from an eating disorder in previously-released court documents. ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder) is an eating disorder where an individual has an aversion to certain foods or eating in general. Growing up in Pennsylvania, Kohberger was an overweight teen before he underwent a drastic weight loss between his sophomore and senior high school years. Childhood friends and acquaintances have previously said he developed a severe eating disorder and became a strict vegan. But it was also around this time that he developed a heroin addiction. Kohberger's guilty plea advisory document has now been released by Ada County Court In the document, he claimed he had been diagnosed with four mental health disorders The plea document shows that Kohberger was not taking any medication for any of the four health disorders listed. The only prescribed medication Kohberger wrote he was taking was levothyroxine, a commonly-used drug used to treat hypothyroidism - a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormone. Kohberger also confirmed in the document that he was not mentally incapable of understanding these proceedings or what it means to plead guilty to the crime. He confirmed he understood the plea agreement and that he knew he would be sentenced to four life sentences for each first-degree murder charge plus 10 years for burglary. But when asked if there was anything else you want to tell the court about why you are pleading guilty, Kohberger checked X in the no box. Despite pleading guilty, Kohberger has still refused to reveal his motive for the murders or how and why he chose his victims. Investigators have found no connection between him or any of the four slain students or their two surviving roommates. During his sentencing - where he was confronted by the families of his victims - the killer was given the opportunity to address the court. I respectfully decline, he responded blankly. When asked if there was anything else you want to tell the court about why you are pleading guilty, Kohberger checked X in the no box Best friends Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen (left) and young couple Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle (right) were killed by Bryan Kohberger Prosecutor Bill Thompsons office has come under fire from some of the victims families for not making it a requirement of the plea deal that Kohberger give answers about his horrific crime. In a recent interview, Thompson said that - even if Kohberger did speak - no one would ever truly know why he did what he did. FBI behavioral experts 'told us early on that, just looking at the nature of the crimes and the fact that there is no direct connection anybody could find between the murderer and the victims, they said in our experience you likely will never know why this happened,' he told Idaho News 6. 'And even if the murderer would try to say something, it wouldn't make sense to anybody but the murderer and that's the reality.' The plea advisory document reveals that Kohberger had no intention of giving any answers to the victims' families. At the end of the document, dated June 29, Kohberger added his scribbly signature. The document was completed just days before he formally changed his plea to guilty in a hearing in Ada County Court in Boise on July 2. The home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, where Bryan Kohberger carried out his attack The 30-year-old criminology PhD student broke into an off-campus student home in Moscow, Idaho, in the early hours of November 13, 2022, with the intent to kill. Inside, he stabbed to death 21-year-old best friends Goncalves and Mogen, and 20-year-old couple Kernodle and Chapin. Kohberger was tied to the murders after leaving behind a knife sheath containing his DNA at the scene. He was arrested around six weeks later at his parents' home in the Poconos region of Pennsylvania where he had returned for the holidays. On July 23, Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. He has waived all right to appeal. Kohberger is now serving his sentence inside Idaho's maximum security prison where he has already filed multiple complaints about his fellow inmates. A migrant who tried to kiss a schoolgirl before groping a woman who came to her aid was convicted of sex offences today. Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 41, sparked a huge anti-migrant demonstration in Epping, Essex, and prompted the local council to try and shut down the town's Bell Hotel where he was a resident after his arrest in July. He made inappropriate comments and tried to kiss the 14-year-old as she sat eating pizza with friends on a bench after school. His advances were rejected again when he saw her the following day and a woman who intervened when he put his hand on the girl's thigh then became the focus of his attention as he touched her leg and tried to kiss her. Extraordinary body-worn police footage taken as police arrested Kebatu showed him breaking down in tears as he was handcuffed at the side of the road. The defendant denied three counts of sexual assault, one of attempted sexual assault, a charge of harassment and another of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity but was convicted following a trial at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court. Kebatu was remanded into custody until he is sentenced. He is due to be sentenced on September 23. Under current law, foreign offenders who receive a prison sentence of 12 months or more can be deported automatically. Deportations only occur for sentences under a year in certain cases, for example if it involves a persistent offender or they have caused serious harm. Last month, the government unveiled plans to immediately kick out rapists, drug dealers and burglars who receive custodial sentences, with a lifelong ban on returning. But the most violent criminals - including murderers, foreign-born terrorists and other serving life - will still need to finish their sentences before being ejected. Mr Kebatu said he was a teacher in his native Ethiopia and would never attack children The Home Office was approached for a comment about the Kebatu case. Wearing a grey sweater and jogger bottoms and joined by an interpreter in court, he showed no reaction as District Judge Christopher Williams delivered the verdicts. The judge warned Kebatu an 'immediate custodial sentence' was the most likely outcome, adding: 'It is just a question of how long.' Kebatu had arrived in the UK in a dinghy just eight days before he began harassing the teenager. Opening the case last week, prosecutor Stuart Cowen said: 'The court will hear from a number of witnesses that on July 7, the defendant was in Epping. 'The complainant, a 14-year-old girl, will state that her group were on a bench eating pizza and were approached by the defendant who appeared hungry. 'They offered him some pizza, which he accepted. He sat next to the girl on the bench and, without any encouragement, began to make inappropriate comments to her and her friends. 'He said he wanted to have a baby with the girl and attempted to kiss her. He invited the group back to the Bell Hotel where he was a resident, having recently arrived in the UK. 'His advances were rejected and it was made clear to him that the girl and her friend were 14 years of age. His response was that "age did not matter".' The court heard the girl and her friends then got up and walked to Tesco, with Kebatu following them. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, became emotional when he was arrested in Epping 'There was no actual sexual assault on that date but the Crown will say the attempted sexual assault was the attempt to kiss her,' Mr Cowen said. 'On July 8, the defendant saw the girl and her friends on the bench and approached them, and the same kind of behaviour was repeated. Unlike the previous day, the girl was wearing her school uniform. 'Similar advances were made and rejected. Such was the girl's discomfort that a boy came and sat between the girl and the defendant. 'The defendant then tried to get the girl to kiss the boy. She didn't want to do this because he is a friend only but, in an attempt to discourage the defendant, she kissed the boy on the cheek. 'She will tell the court that while this was happening, the defendant appeared to be sexually aroused.' The court heard a woman saw what was happening and tried to intervene - but Kebatu sexually assaulted her by putting his hand on her leg and trying to kiss her. The woman went to a nearby fish and chip shop to get some paper so she could take the girls' details but when she returned she saw the defendant putting his hand on the girl's thigh. Mr Cowen said: 'The woman was angry and confronted the defendant, saying she would call the police. He then ran off and she pursued him.' The small-boat migrant is accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old schoolgirl just days after he arrived in Britain Police were called and made the arrest, the prosecutor added. Giving evidence by video link, the girl said: 'He came and sat next to me on the bench. Out of nowhere he said "I want a baby with you and with your friend". He tried kissing me multiple times so we decided to leave. 'The next day he came and sat next to us again and said "I want a baby from you, we could make lovely Jamaican babies". 'I was like "I'm 14, this is really weird". But he said "Age doesn't matter". 'He kept on talking about having babies with me and trying to kiss me. I was in shock thinking, "What are you doing?" 'I didn't want to argue too much in case things escalated. I was really creeped out.' She added that when the man touched her thigh, she 'froze' and her 'mind just went blank' because she was 'totally shocked'. In a police interview, a friend of the girl's said: 'He told us his name was Thomas. He said he had paid 2,500 euros to get on a rubber dinghy to get to this country and had only been here a few days. He said he came from Kenya. Mr Kebatu denies five charges including sexual assault (court sketch from August 26) 'He was trying to give us some of his drink. He was asking us what school we go to. 'He told the girl "Come back to Africa, you'll be a good wife" and kept trying to kiss her. 'He was a weirdo. I didn't really trust him. I wished he would just go away.' Another friend of the girl's said: 'The guy came over to us and said he came to the town not that long ago, maybe four or five days, and he wanted pizza. He said it was a very nice town with lovely people. 'Then he started saying the girl was very pretty and said he wanted to have babies with her. He stroked her hair. 'He said "Do you want to go to the Bell Hotel with me and have babies?" The girl was saying "No".' Molly Dyas, defending, suggested Kebatu had not asked the children for pizza, did not sit on the bench with them, did not make inappropriate comments towards the girl and did not touch her. Both friends insisted they were telling the truth about what happened. Councillors in Epping won an injunction to shut down the Bell Hotel, where migrants including Mr Kebatu were housed A woman who saw the assault on July 8 told the court how the defendant made excuses when she intervened. 'The girl looked uncomfortable. I saw her stand up and move his hand away from her leg,' she said. 'He is a grown man. She is a child. That is not appropriate. 'I asked [Kebatu] what was going on. He said it was nothing. I told him it didn't look like nothing and that she was in a school uniform. 'He said she was flirting with him. This made me feel disgusted and angry. I called him a paedophile and began shouting. 'He tried to say that I was wrong and that it was a mistake but I just continued to shout and make a scene. 'He ran away, so I called the police and followed him. When I caught up he started begging, pleading and apologising, saying "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, it was a mistake".' Kebatu, who claimed he was a trained teacher in his home country, denied the allegations in court. After the injunction was granted last week, protesters held a demonstration outside London's High Court He said: 'I am not a wild animal. I can't do these kind of things. These are children, the next generation. I am a Christian, it is not in my culture. 'This is the UK, I have a right of movement. I was walking with my friend. I am not a criminal.' In his closing speech today, prosecutor Stuart Cowen said the children approached by Mr Kebatu on 7 July were trying to help him by giving him food. 'His response [was] to abuse their good intentions and sexually corrupt them,' he added. The prosecutor dismissed the defendant's claim that the adult victim had conspired with the children to frame him, saying the theory was 'so incredible that it lacks any credibility whatsoever'. Molly Dyas, defending, argued the evidence was 'so inconsistent' that her client ought to be acquitted. He wasn't harassing them but came across them during 'meanders around Epping', she said. He 'begged' the woman not to call police because he was worried about his asylum claim, the barrister said. Family of the 14-year-old girl and the woman Kebatu assaulted were in court for the verdict. Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper paid tribute to both victims and all the witnesses who 'came forward and ensured the evidence put before the court was strong and true'. He added: 'It is because of their accounts of what happened, and the close co-operation with our Crown Prosecution Service colleagues, that we have been able to secure this conviction. 'We're acutely aware that this incident has attracted widespread public interest. 'We have always said that we treat and investigate every report made to us without fear or favour.' On Tuesday, Epping Forest District Council announced it would take its case to shut down the Bell Hotel to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal overturned a temporary High Court injunction which would have forced the 138 asylum seekers there to leave by September 12. It had argued site owner Somani Hotels had breached planning rules by not notifying Epping of its plans for the Bell. A council spokesman said at the time: '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.' The decision to rule in favour of the hotel chain and Home Office sparked outrage, with protests spreading to cities across the UK amid accusations the government was 'taking the side of migrants over Britons'. A second man who was staying at the site, Syrian migrant Mohammed Sharwarq, has also been charged with sexual assault, which he denies. Two weeks ago, he admitted six charges of common assault. Essex Police today said it had arrested 32 people in connection with disorder outside the hotel and 21 of them had been charged. Women are turning away from motherhood in their droves because the pressures of second wave feminism have made the lives of many new mothers intolerable, Peter Hitchens has argued. Speaking on the Alas Vine and Hitchens podcast, the columnist said the women's liberation movement of the mid to late twentieth century sold women an 'untruth' - that they could have both an exciting career and be mothers. Hitchens claimed this 'wonderful world' is the sole preserve of the rich, who can afford quality childcare and live-in help. Debating declining birthrates, co-host and columnist Sarah Vine clashed with the author over his claim that many new mothers live a 'nightmare life' of impossible demands and expectations. You can listen to the latest episode of Alas Vine & Hitchens by clicking the player below or here 'Why are women no longer having babies?', Hitchens asked. 'There are many reasons over the past centuries that birth rates have dropped from the fact that people have moved away from agricultural land and farming to the introduction of workable contraception. 'But over the last 40 to 50 years, it isn't really those things driving it. What happened was second wave feminism. 'Women were told that this wonderful world was available, in which they could have both a career and have babies. That's turned out, for the most part, not to be true. Peter Hitchens: 'Women were told that this wonderful world was available, in which they could have both a career and have babies. That's turned out, for the most part, not to be true' The columnist said the women's liberation movement of the mid to late twentieth century sold women an 'untruth' - that they could have both an exciting career and be mothers While Vine acknowledged that parenthood can be 'difficult and stultifyingly dull', she rejected Hitchens' claim that feminism was to blame for declining birth rates. Listen here 'The life of so many working women I call them wage slave women, because the term working women demeans mothers is a nightmare life. 'She has to say goodbye to her children at a nursery or school very early, then rush off to work, then try to deal with all the problems of the family and the domestic problems. 'By the time she arrives at home, she is too tired to really enjoy or take full part in parenthood which is one of the chief joys of life. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'The current arrangement we have for everybody except the very rich is not satisfactory. It leads to a lot of misery and discontent a feeling of loss. 'It's not surprising so many people are turning away from it entirely.' Birth rates across Western nations have fallen below replacement level, with countries like South Korea, Italy, and Germany facing rapidly aging populations. The average woman in developed countries now has fewer than 1.7 children, well below the 2.1 needed to maintain stable population levels. While Vine acknowledged that parenthood can be 'difficult and stultifyingly dull', she rejected Hitchens' claim that feminism was to blame for declining birth rates. She countered that second wave feminism had empowered women, freeing them from being 'totally controlled by the whims of other people'. Vine suggested that more support for stay-at-home mothers, including greater state pensions for those who choose not to work, could help boost birth rates. 'I agree that the situation we have now is not perfect', Vine said. 'But women are no longer totally controlled by the whims of other people - as they used to be. They have their independence. They can take care of themselves, if they want to. 'One thing I think we should do is give women who stay at home a proper pension. So, when they are old and abandoned by their reckless husbands, they can support themselves. Vine suggested that more support for stay-at-home mothers, including greater state pensions for those who choose not to work, could help boost birth rates Alas Vine & Hitchens: What's the big idea? Get the Mail's new politics podcast, hosted by columnists Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens, wherever you listen to podcasts now. 'The trouble with your argument is that what you're suggesting only works if you live in an ideal world where people behave honourably and decently and that just isn't the case. 'If you're looking at countries where people do tend to have a lot of children, they tend to also be countries where women are constrained in the house, constrained in their behaviour and unable to work. 'There is a reason that those societies do that to women because they want them to be basically at home, producing children and looking after men.' Vine also argued that it would be impossible to convince modern women to return to traditional roles of child-rearing and domesticity. 'They will come to my conclusion when they find out what their liberation means', Hitchens responded. 'Liberation means life in a call centre, hardly ever seeing your children. When people see their liberation as another form of imprisonment. They will turn against it.' To hear the fiery debate in full, search for Alas Vine & Hitchens now, wherever you get your podcasts. A drug kingpin has been sentenced to six years in prison after being extradited from Morocco via his Encrochat phone. Conor McGregor, 32, masterminded an organised crime group that made 'significant' amounts of money dealing in drugs including cocaine, heroin and cannabis. His responsibilities included arranging the receipt and distribution of 'very significant amounts' of drugs, and the collection of payments. McGregor oversaw the operation from May 2019 to July 2022, using encrypted messages to organise the storage, movement, sale and supply of drugs. He also made use of multiple properties in the Moray area of Scotland and elsewhere, and a number of vehicles, to store, conceal and move drugs and money. He was finally arrested in Morocco in July 2024, before being returned to Scotland in January 2025. It is understood McGregor was traced after the Encrochat messaging platform he had been using was cracked by European law enforcement agencies. McGregor pleaded guilty to involvement in serious organised crime at the High Court in Glasgow on July 15. Conor McGregor , 32, masterminded an organised crime group that made 'significant' amounts of money dealing in drugs including cocaine, heroin and cannabis. Pictured: High Court in Glasgow where McGregor pleaded guilty to involvement in serious organised crime He was finally arrested in Morocco in July 2024, before being returned to Scotland in January 2025 after traced through the Encrochat messaging platform Sentencing him at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, judge Lady Drummond made clear his senior role in the operation. 'You were head of an organised crime group, and were involved over a period of over three years,' she told him. 'You were responsible for overseeing the supply of class A and class B drugs.' His responsibilities, she said, included receiving drugs, engaging others to take payments, and arranging the collection and distribution of drugs. She added that he had 'generated significant quantities of money' from the operation. Lady Drummond said of his offending: 'It is, in my view, at the upper end of the scale given the amount of drugs involved, and the period of time and the geographical location.' She sentenced him to six years in prison, backdated to July 19, 2024, when he was first arrested and detained in Morocco. McGregor, who attended the hearing remotely from prison, showed no emotion as the sentence was handed down. Earlier, McGregor's lawyer Brian McConnachie KC told the court his client took full responsibility for his actions and had expressed a 'high level of shame' for what he had done. '(He) seems to see the impact not just on his own family but on other people who were to all intents and purposes unknown to him,' Mr McConnachie told the court. 'He acknowledges the harm he could well be responsible for by virtue of his involvement in drugs.' He added that McGregor first became involved in criminality at a 'low level' when he was 23, and matters had ultimately spiralled 'out of control'. A council is under fire after it emerged a city centre hotel is unlawfully housing asylum seekers - and has been granted planning permission to build extra 'hotel' guest accommodation. More than 100 asylum seekers are currently being unlawfully housed at Fownes Hotel in Worcester because the city council has not granted planning permission for the hotel to be used as a hostel for asylum seekers. Worcester City Council is also facing questions after the authority rubber stamped an application to convert conference space into 20 extra hotel rooms, a month after an internal report detailed how 124 migrants were actually staying at the property under an arrangement with the Home Office. The council approved the application on the basis the hotel, a former 19th century glove factory which was at the centre of immigration protests last month, was expanding. Planning permission is required for a 'material change of use' from a hotel to a hostel. It is understood that Fownes Hotel started housing asylum seekers in 2022. However, the Worcester News revaeled no application has been made by the three-star hotel's owners - Border Equity Investments Limited - for such a change of use. Despite breaking planning law, Worcester City Council has not enforced the breach, instead saying it was 'considering where public interest lies.' The three-star Fownes Hotel opened in 1986 and was once a glove factory. It is now housing more than 100 asylum seekers Police formed a line to separate anti-immigration protesters and counter protesters outside the hotel The case comes after Epping Forest District Council obtained an interim injunction last month against the use of the Bell Hotel in Epping for housing migrants after a series of violent protests at the site, sparked by the arrest of a resident over alleged sexual offences. A High Court judge imposed the ban ahead of a full hearing next month based on his concern that there had been a 'material change' of use which may have breached planning rules. The Court of Appeal later overturned the ban, saying the lower court's judgement was 'seriously flawed in principle'. Alan Amos, a Worcester city councillor, said fownes Hotel's use as asylum accommodation was 'very divisive', adding: 'People don't want it. It's not being used as it should be.' The Reform UK representative for Lower Wick and Pitmaston ward said he had raised the issue with the authority's managing director. 'I said that we need to take immediate action to close the hotel because it doesn't have planning permission to be used as a 'come and go' hostel', Mr Amos added. 'I have been on the planning committee for about 18 years so I know how this works. If something doesn't have planning permission then we need to take enforcement action.' Mr Amos added: 'I was told they will have to go through their procedures to assess whether it is expedient to take enforcement action.' The hotel was once popular with business travellers but started housing asylum seekers in 2022 Anti-immigration protesters gathered outside the hotel last month... He said of the extra 20 bedrooms the council has granted planning permission for: 'I have no doubt they will be to expand capacity for use as a hostel, for which there is no planning permission.' The outspoken councillor, a former Tory MP, resigned from the Conservative Party in January after a 'feud' with the local association. He switched to Reform UK and is also a county councillor for Bedwardine. In December 2023 the Fownes Hotel applied for planning permission to convert 'existing conference and storage areas' to '20 guest bedrooms' and add a four-storey external fire escape. The property's existing use was described as a 'hotel and conference facility'. But as long ago as July 2022 the city council confirmed to a local newspaper that 'the Home Office has contracted the Fownes Hotel for its use.' The last guest reviews on Tripadvisor were posted online the same month. That November, a report to the council's Communities Committee said 115 asylum seekers were 'currently being accommodated in Fownes Hotel'. The authority approved the planning application to add 20 extra guest bedrooms in February last year. A month earlier, another internal report to the city council's Communities Committee stated that 'The Home Office in conjunction with commissioned service, Serco UK, utilise the Fownes Hotel as Asylum Contingency Accommodation which has a maximum occupancy of 124 individuals.' ...as counter-protesters grouped together on the opposite side of the road It means the council should not have approved plans for a hotel expansion when it was known the Fownes was being used as a hostel. Seven people were arrested after hundreds of anti-immigration protesters and counter-protesters gathered outside Fownes Hotel last month. Of those, Keil Mansfield, 38, was charged with assaulting a police officer and is due to appear at Worcester Magistrates Court on September 9. Worcester City Council declined to confirm when asylum seekers were first housed at the hotel, whether the building has been used continuously for such a purpose since, and how many asylum seekers currently reside there. It said in a statement: 'Over a period of time we have been keeping a watching brief on the activities at the Fownes Hotel and have given due consideration to where public interest lies and whether there has been any adverse impact on the amenity of the site or the surrounding area. 'We will always act in a proportionate manner and have due regard to the potential impact of those affected by any proposed action. Asked why the council granted planning permission for the extra hotel bedrooms when it was being unlawfully used as a hostel, the council said: 'The planning application and the supporting documentation submitted in December 2023 clearly stated that the existing use of the building was as a hotel and that the proposed extra rooms were for the same use.' Labour is the largest party on the authority, but ended up one short of an overall majority at the 2024 elections. Police in attendance at last month's demonstration, which was largely peaceful A Government spokesman said: 'Since taking office, we have taken immediate action to fix the asylum system and have started closing down hotels and returning more than 35,000 people with no right to be here. 'From over 400 asylum hotels open in summer 2023, costing almost 9 million a day, there are now less than 210, and we want them all closed by the end of this Parliament. 'We will continue to work closely with community partners across the country, and discuss any concerns they have, as we look to fix this broken system together.' Fownes Hotel was contacted for comment. More than a dozen councils in the UK have said they are considering legal action to shut asylum seeker hotels. Epping Forest District Council had argued that the Bell Hotel's function had shifted from use as a hotel to that of either a residential institution or sui generis, which means something which doesn't fit into any specific category. The authority said this alleged planning breach led to harms, relating to protests which had turned violent and led to arrests. The council also argued the hotel's location within 'walking distance' of five schools represented a risk to students. The High Court agreed, granting a temporary injunction to halt further placements and ordering the removal of current occupants by September 12. That was overturned by Court of Appeal judges last week. A full High Court hearing to discuss a permanent injunction is scheduled for October. Reform-run West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is serving Planning Contravention Notices to the owners of three asylum hotels. NATO chief Mark Rutte has warned the United States that China is building its military at rapid speed - nearly 200 times faster than America. The secretary general said China has specifically been building ships equipped with sophisticated weapons faster than the US and its western allies, making him 'really worried.' Rutte's concerns come after China's President Xi Jinping hosted a massive military parade attended by autocrats including Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Trump responded by accusing the Chinese, Russian and North Korean leaders of using the gathering to conspire against America, and the showcase of military might is widely being seen as a challenge to the US-led world order. During a NATO defense summit in Prague today, Rutte warned that the US needs to be more prepared militarily. 'When it comes to shipbuilding, and our navy - and particularly the US Navy - I'm really worried,' Rutte said. 'China now has more ships sailing than the US, and shipbuilding in the US is not at a rate that they can anywhere catch up on what China is doing at the moment.' Nick Childs, a senior fellow for naval forces and maritime security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), which is hosting the conference, echoed Rutte's concerns. 'The Chinese shipbuilding capacity is something like 200 times overall that of the United States,' Childs recently told the BBC, adding that American shipbuilding has been affected by surging costs and delays. NATO chief Mark Rutte (pictured Thursday) has warned America that China is building its military 200 times faster than the U.S The secretary general said China has specifically been building ships equipped with sophisticated weapons faster than the U.S. and its western allies Although the shipbuilding market is expanding in Europe, Rutte said 'we need much more if we collectively want to fill that gap.' The US Navy is a powerful Western maritime leader, but it's presently spread thin and has had to shell out a lot of money to keep its fleet up and running, well staffed, and stocked with weapons. In December, the Pentagon revealed that the Chinese navy was the largest in the world, with 'a battle force of over 370 ships and submarines, including more than 140 major surface combatants.' A majority of Beijing's navy consists of modern ships that have the ability to carry out submarines and various missions, according to the Pentagon's assessment. China is also set to have a third aircraft carrier up and running with its navy this year, Newsweek reported. US Vice Admiral Robert Murrett previously told the outlet that American shipyards have struggled to keep up with projects. Murrett said shipyards in the states do not have the space to complete projects and often find themselves working with 'aging infrastructure.' Murrett, who's also known as a congressional watchdog, said there are not enough people available to meet the Navy's demands. With the increase in China's military, the US has decided to turn its attention to the Indo-Pacific. His concerns come after China's President Xi Jinping hosted a massive military parade that was attended by key world leaders. During it, several military grade weapons and vehicles were displayed (pictured) 'The US is prioritizing deterring war with China in the Pacific,' Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told European allies earlier this year. 'Together, we can establish a division of labor that maximizes our comparative advantages in Europe and Pacific respectively.' Earlier this week, China hosted a parade that was, on the surface, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of World War II. But the 90-minute showcase quickly turned into the country debuting new and high-powered weapons. Countless soldiers, sailors and airmen marched in near-perfect unison alongside intercontinental ballistic missiles, tanks and stealth planes that were wheeled out to show off to the world. President Xi's opening address saw him proclaim that China is 'firmly stand[ing] on the right side of history and the progress of human civilization.' He described his 'strong and self-reliant' country as a 'great nation that fears no violence', and boldly said the 'rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable.' During the parade, Putin and Kim flanked the Chinese premier as they climbed to the viewing platform overlooking Tiananmen Square and watched the display of military hardware and marching troops. It was the first time the three of them, all major rivals of the West, have ever gathered in the same place at the same time. It was also the first time that Kim, who had arrived in Beijing on Tuesday via train, had attended a major multilateral event. The summit in Beijing marked the first time Putin, Xing and Un, all major rivals of the West, have ever gathered in the same place at the same time Observers said the rare joint appearance was a show of unity against the US. Just yesterday, Rutte demanded an answer from the 'coalition of the willing' - a group of nations who have pledged support to Ukraine - on what security guarantees will be provided for Kyiv if a ceasefire is reached with Russia. It comes as leaders from Europe, Turkey, Australia and Canada arrive in Paris to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on what concrete measures they are prepared to offer. But the 30 countries are still divided on what they are willing to contribute, including troops on the ground, and whether such guarantees would be based on mutual defense agreements that would commit Europe to fighting with Ukraine should future conflict arise. European countries committed to supporting Ukraine are stuck between a rock and a hard place. The war is raging unabated, with no ceasefire in sight - and the crucial question of American involvement in ensuring Ukraine's future security remains unresolved. State legislators in California are considering a new law to combat homelessness in the state by allowing students to sleep in their cars on college campuses. The bill, known as AB-90, was introduced in January and would establish overnight parking programs that would give students access to facilities including bathrooms. Other requirements, according to the bill, would include designated parking areas, security monitoring and permit procedures. The State Legislature will decide on the bill next week, which would order all 71 community college districts to propose and vote on a plan to allow safe parking. The problem is rife at California's public colleges and universities, with 24 percent of all students reporting homelessness in 2024. Among students enrolled specifically at California State University Campus 11 percent reported being homeless. Opponents have argued the change would hinder aid programs already in place for students and cause a financial burden on schools. Elliot Stern, president of Saddleback College in Orange County, told SFGate: 'The legislation is a half measure when we need a full measure. The State Legislature will decide on the bill next week, which would order all 71 community college districts to propose and vote on a plan to allow safe parking Emma Johnson, seen here, had to live in her car for two months after being left homeless while a student UC San Diego 'My concern is that this might prevent us or delay us from doing something more meaningfully, for instance, building student housing. That is really what the community colleges need to do, but they havent had the funding.' He said around 20 to 30 students at the college are homeless and thousands face potential loss of housing due to being behind on rent or threatened with eviction. Supporters argue that bill could help bring about a safe space for students who abruptly find themselves without housing. Tracy Rosenberg of Oakland Privacy, a nonprofit in favor of the change, said: 'Theres an idea throughout the society at large that homelessness is the outcome of a long series of mistakes and errors that people have made. Elliot Stern, seen here, said the legislation didn't properly meet what was required 'But in many cases its simply that resources are extremely tight - and if one thing goes wrong, things can spiral out of control.' Emma Johnson spoke with SFGate about her experience of homelessness after her apartment in her senior year at UC San Diego flooded. Johnson said she was forced to leave the property due to not having renters insurance and the landlord said they needed to completely renovate the apartment. After being consistently knocked back from other apartment applications, she resorted to moving into her car, parking up in lots around the campus. The change would hope to combat rife homelessness in California's public colleges and universities. The University of California at San Diego is seen here She said: 'I wasnt able to get an apartment because the landlords in San Diego werent impressed with my rental application, which I dont blame them for.' After informing UCSD about her situation the school gave her a 30-day stay in emergency housing but the apartment hunt still proved fruitless. She added: 'If you are a new renter and dont have rental history and you dont have a co-signer it is virtually impossible. 'It was basically a failed mission to apply to apartments. I was not getting accepted for anything at my price range.' After her 30-day stay came to an end and she was still without permanent housing, she asked for an extension from the school which was knocked back. She told the outlet that she was left with no choice but to move into her car where she remained for two months. She had to form a new routine to do the basics like shower and brush her teeth. She said she would drive to the campus before parking permit checks would happen, shower and get ready before moving her car a mile away and walk back. Assembly member Corey Jackson spearheaded the new bill, saying legislators need to implement immediate measures State estimates indicate that the cost of the change for each district would be between $550,000-$700,000 each year For a place to sleep, she opted to park up in neighborhoods or well-lit parking lots near grocery stores and churches. She added: 'Nobody ever bothered me. But when you hear people outside of your car it is really unsettling. 'I don't think anyone had any intentions of hurting me, but that thought is always in the back of your head.' Assembly member Corey Jackson spearheaded the new bill, saying earlier this year: 'This bill confronts a harsh reality. 'Many of our students who are sleeping in their vehicles or other displaced settings are unable to find affordable housing. And that's jeopardizing their education.' He argues that as legislators look for long-term solutions they must address the issue with immediate changes. In 2023 Cal Poly Humboldt started evicting students sleeping in their cars and RVs from parking lots on the campus. Back in 2021 Long Beach City College launched their own safe parking program, the first in the state to do so. Cuyamaca College did the same last year. State estimates indicate that the cost of the change for each district would be between $550,000-$700,000 each year. According to SFGate, the state Senate Appropriations Committee moved to shelve the bill last week meaning it is unlikely to be passed into law. The wife of a man who killed their teen daughter's alleged rapist and kidnapper has said her husband was acting as any father would when forced to protect their child. Heather Spencer, 38, said her husband Aaron Spencer, 37, saved their daughter's life when he shot dead a 67-year-old man who abducted the teen from their farm in Cabot, Arkansas, about 25 miles from Little Rock. The 14-year-old girl had been targeted, groomed and raped by Michael Fosler, who was the boyfriend of a family friend, according to police. Fosler was charged and arrested with rape and internet stalking of a child in July, 2024, but was released on a $50,000 bond before he kidnapped the teen, then 13, in October. In an interview with CNN, Heather said her daughters' life was in danger when she was abducted, and that her husband, a former Army soldier, did what any parent would have done to save their child. 'What parent is going to say, "Hey, 911. We called you a minute ago, but it turns out I found her with the guy whos been assaulting her for months. And they took a left on the highway. I hope you can find him,"' she told the outlet. 'You kind of assume the risk that somebody is going to shoot you when you rape children and then you rape them some more.' Heather recalled the terrifying moment she and her husband realized their daughter was missing from her room at midnight on October 8, 2024. Heather Spencer, 38, said her husband Aaron Spencer, 37, as acting as any father would when he killed his teen daughter's alleged rapist Michael Fosler (pictured) was charged and booked with rape and internet stalking of a child on July 11, 2024. But Heather said the 67-year-old was released quickly on a $50,000 bond and then kidnapped her teen daughter Aaron Spencer was initially charged with first-degree murder but Lonoke County prosecutors reduced the charge to second-degree murder 'Statistics and horror stories race through my mind. My baby. My little girl. All I could do was pray,' Heather said. Aaron fired his gun at Fosler until he ran out of bullets. He then jumped on Fosler and pistol-whopped him, according to police The teen's parents called 911 but decided to go looking for their daughter themselves after they learned their daughter had been having contact with Fosler following his release from jail, despite a no-contact order, Heather said. 'I tell 911 that this man may be involved and as Im speaking, Im realizing that if he does have her, Ill probably never see her again,' Heather said. After driving about 10 miles, they spotted Fosler's vehicle - and their daughter in his passenger seat, Aaron told police, according to court documents. Aaron then made a U-turn and began pursuing Fesler's car, eventually rear-ending it and forcing it off the road. The father told police he saw his daughter trying to exit the vehicle before Fesler grabbed her. Aaron said he told Fesler to get out of the car but that the man 'lunged towards him' with something in his hand as he shouted 'f**k you.' Police have not said whether Fesler was armed. Fosler kidnapped their daughter on October 8. Aaron (pictured) got into his truck to find the 14-year-old after calling 911 Heather said her daughters' life was in danger when she was abducted, and that her husband, a former Army soldier, did what any parent would have done to save their child Moments later, Aaron fired his gun at Fosler until he ran out of bullets. He then jumped on Fosler and pistol-whopped him, according to police. Aaron then called 911 and said his daughter's kidnapper was 'dead on the side of the road,' and that 'he had no choice' but to shoot him. He was initially charged with first-degree murder but Lonoke County prosecutors reduced the charge to second-degree murder. Heather insisted her husband is a peaceful person who does not deserve to be treated as a criminal. 'You really couldnt ask for a better husband or father,' she said. 'His support and love for his family is strong and unwavering.' The Spencers' case has captured the nation's attention, with some hailing Aaron as a hero and others arguing the parents should have left police handle the situation. Various petitions demanding charges against Aaron be dropped by have been signed by over 350,000 people, and a state gun rights group has taken up his cause. Aaron's trial is scheduled to begin in January, 2026. Hundreds of bodies have been recovered from houses destroyed by a major earthquake in Afghanistan last week, pushing the death toll to more than 2,200, a Taliban government spokesman has said. A 6.0-magnitude quake struck several provinces of the mountainous and remote east of the country on Sunday night, levelling villages and trapping people under rubble. At least five provinces were impacted by the quake, felt hardest in the Kunar and Nangarhar regions - among the most remote and impoverished in the country, Human Appeal said. The majority of casualties have been in Kunar, where many live in steep river valleys separated by high mountains. 2,205 people died and 3,640 were injured in Kunar, according to a Taliban government toll. Another 12 people were killed and hundreds injured in the neighbouring provinces of Nangarhar and Laghman. Taliban spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat, who provided the updated casualty figures, said rescue and search efforts were continuing. 'Tents have been set up for people, and the delivery of first aid and emergency supplies is ongoing,' he said. The rough terrain is hindering relief efforts. Taliban authorities have deployed helicopters and airdropped army commandos to help survivors. Aid workers have reported walking for hours to reach villages cut off by landslides and rockfall. Funding cuts are also having an impact on the response. An Afghan man sits amid the remains of a damaged house, in the aftermath of an earthquake at the Dara-i-Nur district of Nangarhar province on September 3 A view of houses damaged in the earthquake in Kunar, Afghanistan, September 3 A military helicopter airlifts injured Afghans after earthquakes at Mazar Dara village in Nurgal district, Kunar province, in Eastern Afghanistan, on September 1 2025 The Norwegian refugee council said it had fewer than 450 staff in Afghanistan whereas it had 1,100 in 2023, the date of the last major quake in the country. The council had only one warehouse remaining and no emergency stock. 'We will need to purchase items once we get the funding but this will take potentially weeks and people are in need now,' Maisam Shafiey, communications and advocacy adviser for the council in Afghanistan, said. 'We have only 100,000 US dollars (74,000) available to support emergency response efforts. This leaves an immediate funding gap of 1.9 million dollars (1.4 million).' Humanitarian organisations have called the latest disaster a crisis within a crisis. Afghanistan was already struggling with the impact of climate change, particularly drought, a weak economy and the return of some two million Afghans from neighbouring countries. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) warned that the quake in Afghanistan was likely to 'dwarf' the scale of the humanitarian needs caused by the Herat earthquakes of 2023, which the Taliban said killed some 4,000 people. Sherine Ibrahim, IRC Afghanistan Country Director, said at the time: 'Although we have been able to act fast, we are profoundly fearful for the additional strain that this disaster will have on the overall humanitarian response in Afghanistan. 'Global funding cuts have dramatically hampered our ability to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. 'It is high time that the international community recognises the immense need in the country and steps up support for Afghans who are in critical need.' An injured victim of the earthquake receives treatment at a hospital in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, September 3, 2025 The earthquake was the third major quake since the Taliban seized power in 2021 Various countries have flown in aid, but hundreds of villagers in the hard-hit Nurgal district were still stranded in the open air, squeezing multiple families under pieces of tarp pulled from the rubble and unsure of where they would get a morsel to eat. A fight broke out over food when some finally reached the field in Mazar Dara where hundreds of people were camped out, little aid having reached them. 'Yesterday, some people brought some food, everyone flooded on them, people are starving, we haven't had anything to eat for a long time,' Zahir Khan Safi, 48, told AFP. Human Appeal UK, a British humanitarian charity based in Manchester, said in a statement shared today that it was launching an emergency response initiative aiming to reach 17,500 people with aid. Hameed Al-Asaly, CEO of Human Appeal UK, said: 'Some of the most vulnerable and remote areas of Afghanistan have been devastated by this earthquake, with many lives lost and homes destroyed. 'Our teams are working tirelessly to deliver life-saving aid on the ground. We will continue to adapt our response to meet the evolving needs of affected communitiesboth now and in the months ahead. 'We urge the public to support this vital effort as survivors begin the long road to recovery.' With entire villages destroyed and the death toll expected to rise, the need for aid is increasingly critical, the charity explained. Landslides triggered by the aftershocks have blocked key roads, isolating communities and overwhelming local hospitals. An injured child victim of the earthquake sits beside security officials in Kunar, September 3 A military helicopter delivering aid and transporting the injured sits near survivors and residents in a damaged area of Kunar province, Afghanistan, September 2 Jeremy Smith, British Red Cross Country Manager for Afghanistan, said on Monday: 'The location of this earthquake is very remote and mountainous, which makes rescue efforts particularly challenging. 'There have been repeated aftershocks and more are feared in the coming days. Floods and landslides over the weekend have also affected rescue efforts. 'Sadly, people will be displaced for a long period into the winter as homes have been destroyed. 'The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is delivering vital aid and will continue to do so for as long as people need us.' The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) is responding to help people affected by the quake, the British Red Cross said in a statement shared with the Daily Mail. Property mogul Nick Candy gave 500,000 to Reform UK between April and June this year, official figures have shown. The half-a-million pound sum was among a total of 1.34million in donations raked in by Nigel Farage's party during the second quarter of this year. But this was much less than the sums raised by both the Tories and Labour over the same period, despite Reform having surged into the lead in a number of opinion polls. The Conservatives secured 2.92million in donations between April and June, while Labour accepted 2.6million. Mr Candy, a former Tory donor, joined Reform as the party's treasurer in December last year and vowed to raise the funds needed for Mr Farage to become PM. He tasked himself with raising more than 40million and pledged to donate a 'seven-figure' sum himself. But the latest figures published by the Electoral Commission showed Mr Candy still has work to do to match the funds being raised by the Tories and Labour. Previous figures showed that Reform raised 1.48million in donations in the first three months of 2025, compared to 3.36million by the Tories and 2.35million by Labour. Nick Candy, a former Tory donor, joined Reform UK as the party's treasurer in December last year and vowed to raise the funds needed for Nigel Farage to become PM The Tories said the latest donation figures demonstrated the 'confidence' in Kemi Badenoch's leadership, while donors had 'continued hesitancy' about backing Reform UK Your browser does not support iframes. The Conservatives said the figures published on Thursday showed how they were continuing to raise far more than any other party. This demonstrated the 'confidence' in Kemi Badenoch's leadership, while donors had 'continued hesitancy' about backing Reform UK, they added. Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: 'Today's figures underline the continued strength of support behind the Conservative Party. 'We are building momentum quarter after quarter, and it is clear that people recognise and believe in Kemi's mission of Conservative renewal. 'These donations give us the resources we need to continue to hold the disastrous Labour Government to account and set out real Conservative visions and policies for our great country.' A third of the Conservatives' total donations in the second quarter of this year came in the form of a 1million donation from video game entrepreneur Jez San, following an earlier 1million gift to the party in February. The party also received 250,000 from its current treasurer, Graham Edwards, and another 200,000 from businessman Kamal Pankhania, half personally and half through one of his companies, Westcombe Homes. More than half of Labour's figure came from trade unions, including 746,000 from Unite, which has threatened to 're-examine' its relationship with the party over the Government's handling of a long-running strike by refuse workers in Birmingham. Other donations included 442,000 from the GMB union, 246,000 from Usdaw and 106,000 from the Communication Workers Union. Labour's largest private donation during the period came in the form of 80,000 from property company Activepine, owned by Birmingham-based businessman Maqbool Ahmed. Donations to the Liberal Democrats fell by around half from the first three months of the year, to just 773,597. As well as Mr Candy's donations, Reform received 200,000 from Lebanese-born businessman Bassim Haidar, who claimed last year he planned to leave the UK over plans to scrap the non-dom tax status. Mr Farage's party also accepted 100,000 from Greybull Capital, the company which bought a struggling British Steel in 2019 before selling it to Chinese company Jingye later that year. Reform had previously returned a 100,000 donation from Bellcave Ltd after it was deemed impermissible. Bellcave is owned by Marc Meyohas, one of the owners of Greybull. Parties must declare all donations of more than 11,180, as well as smaller donations that add up to more than this figure. A leading community figure in Lisbon has suggested that excessive tourism may have played a part in the deadly crash of the city's historic Gloria funicular. Fabiana Pavel, an Italian, who is president of the Bairro Alto Residents' Association, said that the accident may have been caused by the pressure of tourism. She said: 'The use of it in recent years is certainly inappropriate. It was used too much and the population lost the ability to use it as public transport, because it became a tourist attraction.' Pavel has been a staunch campaigner against mass tourism and has said in other interviews that she believes it drives locals from their homes. Seventeen people were killed and 21 were injured when one of the carriages came off the track and slammed into a hotel yesterday evening. The funicular, which first opened in 1885 and is now a national monument, transports around three million passengers each year up a steep hill in the centre of the capital. It has become one of Lisbon's most photographed attractions. Authorities confirmed that foreign nationals were among the dead, but their exact number has not been revealed. Initial assessments have indicated that the disaster was caused by a cable that had snapped. The other carriage on the line only dropped a short distance and caused minor injuries. Video taken after the crash showed rescue teams pulling trapped survivors from the crushed carriage shortly after 6pm. Photos showed the wreckage lying on its side at a bend in the tracks, its metal body bent and torn. More than 60 rescue personnel and 22 cars were deployed. A leading community figure in Lisbon has indicated that excessive tourism may have played a part in the deadly crash of the city's historic Gloria funicular Seventeen people were killed and 21 were injured when one of the carriages came off the track and slammed into a hotel on Wednesday evening. The first victim to be named was Andre Marques, the brakeman in charge of the carriage when it left the rails At first, officials said 15 had died, but the toll rose to 16 the next morning when two more victims died in hospital. A child was also among the 21 people hurt. The first victim to be named was Andre Marques, the brakeman in charge of the carriage when it left the rails. Police sealed off the area on Thursday morning as an investigation began. Workers' groups have claimed that problems with the haulage cable had been raised before. Manuel Leal, leader of the Fectrans union, told local TV that staff had spoken of braking issues linked to cable tension, although he added it was too early to know if this caused the crash. Carris, the city's public transport company, insisted that 'all maintenance protocols have been carried out,' saying the funicular had daily checks as well as weekly and monthly inspections. But it has emerged that the outside maintenance contract ran out at the end of August, only days before the disaster. Dozens of emergency crew workers were called in to help rescue people who were trapped in the funicular The funicular, which first opened in 1885 and is now a national monument, transports around three million passengers each year up a steep hill in the centre of the capital It is one of the most recognisable and photograped attractions in the country The council has since shut down the city's other funiculars, including the Bica, Lavra and Graca lines, until new tests are complete. The Gloria route uses two carriages joined by a cable that balances them against each other as they travel the 265-metre slope. When the cable reportedly broke, the carriage travelling downhill could not brake and shot off the rails into the hotel. The carriage at the bottom jolted back slightly but was not badly damaged. Videos showed passengers forcing their way out of its windows in panic. The injured included 12 women and seven men, with at least 10 nationalities among them: four Portuguese, two Spanish, one Korean, one Cape Verdean, one Canadian, one Italian, one French, one Swiss and one Moroccan. The nationalities of four others have not yet been confirmed. Officials said they hoped to complete forensic identification of all the victims by midday Thursday. Lisbon has seen record numbers of newcomers since the Digital Nomad Visa was launched in 2022. It allows non-EU citizens to live in Portugal while working remotely for companies abroad. The council has now shut down the city's other funiculars, including the Bica, Lavra and Graca lines, until new tests are complete People gathered near the crash site which was cordoned off by authorities as they worked to rescue people But the influx of tourists has driven up housing costs and sparked anger from locals. The city now ranks as Europe's least affordable housing market, with property prices rising by 176 per cent in a decade from 2014 to 20124. This summer, locals in Portugal and across southern Europe rallied against overtourism. In June, cities such as Lisbon joined coordinated protests under the 'Southern Europe Against Touristification' alliance. Firebrand Nancy Mace is demanding that Prince Andrew be thrown in prison for his alleged involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. 'Now seems like a good time to discuss prosecuting Prince Andrew for any and all potential crimes on U.S. soil,' the South Carolina congresswoman wrote on X Wednesday. 'A cold dark cell. Prince Andrew in handcuffs. Sends the right message,' Mace, 47, wrote in another post. The lawmaker penned several posts regarding the British royal family member, who has long been dogged by allegations that he had sordid connections to Epstein, who was found dead in his jail cell in 2019 while awaiting his federal sex trafficking trial. Virginia Giuffre, one of the most identifiable Epstein accusers, was allegedly sexually assaulted by Prince Andrew when she was 17. The royal has repeatedly denied the allegations and has claimed he has 'no recollection' of ever meeting Giuffre, despite an infamous picture showing the pair smiling together with Epstein's girlfriend and accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, in the background. While Andrew has settled a civil suit involving an undisclosed sum without admitting wrongdoing, he has never been criminally charged in connection with the Epstein case. Prince Andrew has said he lost touch with Epstein after 2010, though recent reports allege their relationship lasted much longer. Giuffre died by suicide in April at her home in Australia. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., called for Prince Andrew to be thrown in jail for his 'potential crimes on U.S. soil' after meeting with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse this week Prince Andrew smiling as he stands with his left arm around the waist of a young Virginia Roberts (now Virginia Giuffre). It is alleged to have been taken in early 2001. Ghislaine Maxwell stands behind. Prince Andrew has denied allegations he abused Giuffre and said he has no recollection of ever meeting her But her brother, Sky Roberts, and other Epstein survivors spoke to lawmakers this week on Capitol Hill about their abuse. Mace, a survivor of abuse herself, left a House Oversight Committee meeting with some of the survivors crying this week. In the closed-door meeting on Tuesday, the survivors detailed their abuse and called on lawmakers to help enact reforms to protect children from trafficking. Mace left early, sobbing, and later wrote that she had a panic attack after listening to the survivors recount their mistreatment. '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 wrote in a statement after the meeting. Mace has been one of the few Republicans who support a bipartisan bill to force the Department of Justice to publish nearly all of its documents relating to the late pedophile. Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., introduced a discharge petition this week to force the House of Representatives to vote on the measure. Most House Democrats have signed the petition, including a few select Republicans, including Massie, Mace, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert. Activists demanded that Congress release additional Epstein files on Wednesday at a rally outside the Capitol Sky Roberts, Virginia Giuffre's brother, called on lawmakers to side with survivors and release all the government's Epstein-related files at a rally on Wednesday This effort comes despite President Donald Trump calling the issue a hoax. 'As a survivor, I stand with victims demanding justice and full transparency. I also just signed the discharge petition to ensure the full truth comes out,' Mace wrote in another social media post on Wednesday. The Department of Justice handed over 34,000 pages worth of Epstein documents to the House Oversight Committee last month after the panel subpoenaed the Trump administration for the files. The GOP-led committee publicly released around 33,300 of those pages on Tuesday. Democrats on the panel, however, have said that many of the files are not new and have been previously reported. The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee told the Daily Mail on Wednesday that the CIA and other government agencies may still have files on the late financier that have not been given to Congress. Massie and Khanna's bill, if passed, would likely force Attorney General Pam Bondi and the DOJ to release more documents than they already have. Neither Mace's office nor the Buckingham Palace press office returned a request for comment. A series of German politicians have died ahead of state elections, sparking wild conspiracy theories online. A total of 16 candidates for local elections in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the biggest in the country, have died, according to its election director. Of the 16 people who have passed away, seven were involved with AfD, while one person each from the SPD, the Social and Democratic Alternative (SDA), the FDP, the Greens, the Animal Welfare Party, the Independent Voters' Association (UWG), the Free Voters, the Referendum Party, and a voter group also died. Conspiracy theorists came out in their droves after the death of four, later seven, candidates standing for AfD, a right-wing upstart party that has surged in popularity since its inception in 2013. These conspiracies were amplified by the party's co-leader Alice Weidel, who shared a claim by retired economist Stefan Homburg that the number of candidate deaths was 'statistically almost impossible'. Police said they had ruled out unnatural causes of death or foul play in the first four cases. The deaths have already affected the political process, as the length of time between nomination and election is relatively long. The Municipal Elections Act allows for by-elections to take place if candidates pass away. An election campaign placard of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AFD) party reads 'Say what is. Do what helps. Keep promises', in Ueckendorf district, Gelsenkirchen, western Germany on August 27, 2025 The national flag of Germany flies above the Reichstag building during Germany's general election, in Berlin, Germany, on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025 These can, if necessary, be held on election days themselves. More than 20,000 people are running for seats in North Rhine-Westphalia, which has a population of 18million people. During the last state election, AfD polled just 5.4% in the region, which has seen steep job losses. But in last year's federal elections, the party took home 16.8% of the vote. Many are expecting a similar result this year. The party has serious international backers, including tech billionaire Elon Musk, who in recent days said: 'Either Germany votes AfD, or it is the end of Germany'. Earlier this year, AfD was classified as an extremist entity that threatens democracy by Berlin's domestic intelligence agency. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) said the entity, which came second in February's federal election, was a 'proven right-wing extremist organisation'. While some parts of the AfD - such as its youth wing and some state-level branches - have already been classified as extremist, this is the first time that the party, which has national representation in parliament, has been formally designated. The new classification doesn't ban the party, but it allows German authorities to intensify surveillance, including the use of undercover informants and monitoring communications. A 1,000-page internal report from the BfV accuses the AfD of violating core constitutional principles such as human dignity and the rule of law. 'The ethnicity- and ancestry-based conception of the people that predominates within the party is not compatible with the free democratic order,' the agency said. 'It aims to exclude certain population groups from equal participation in society, to subject them to treatment that violates the constitution, and thereby assign them a legally subordinate status.' Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said: 'The AfD represents an ethnic concept that discriminates against entire population groups and treats citizens with a history of migration as second-class Germans. 'Their ethnic attitude is reflected in racist statements, especially against immigrants and Muslims.' She denied claims there was any 'political influence whatsoever in the BfV's findings'. Rogue MP Barnaby Joyce was scolded for being 'entirely inappropriate' after hurling 'schoolyard comments' at a fellow MP during question time. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen was answering questions from the chamber on Thursday regarding power prices with one hand casually in his pocket when Joyce, the Nationals MP for New England, loudly interrupted him. While the remarks weren't heard by the broader parliament, teal independent Kate Chaney complained to the speaker of the house that she had heard Joyce yell 'do you have a hole in your pocket?' to Bowen. 'What are you doing with your hand in your pocket? What are you doing down there?' Joyce continued. Chaney asked the speaker for a ruling on whether Joyce had 'breached standing order 90 by the things he was saying'. She added she didn't want to repeat them in front of the schoolchildren who were observing democracy in action in the gallery. Speaker Milton Dick said he was unable to hear Joyce's apparent comment due to other noise, but ordered the MP to 'cease and desist' and 'remain silent for the remainder of this answer'. If he didn't, Joyce faced being ejected from question time. Standing Order 90 prohibits MPs from making personal attacks on other members or their motivations, essentially to keep the debate on the business at hand. Barnaby Joyce (pictured) was reportedly heard saying: 'What are you doing with your hand in your pocket? Do you have a hole in your pocket? What are you doing down there?' Teal independent Kate Chaney (right) reported Joyce (left) and slammed his comments as 'entirely inappropriate' Chaney told Newscorp Joyce's remarks were 'entirely inappropriate'. 'We have to have some standards and sure, not everyone in the house could hear it but we could hear it,' Chaney said. 'I hope that Barnaby Joyce understands that there are some limits ... It's important to call these things out when it happens.' Daily Mail has contacted Joyce for comment. The question Chris Bowen was answering was posed by member for Fowler Dai Le, who suggested the 'government's approach to net zero is leaving almost zero dollars in the pockets of families'. Data released last month by Bowen found Australia is tracking well to meet its 2030 goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent from 2005 levels. Emissions have fallen by 1.4 per cent in the year to March 2025, meaning about 440.2 million tonnes were released in that period - about 28 per cent below 2005 levels. Labor is expected to set its 2035 target in the next few months, which Bowen hinted might not be legislated as the 2030 target was. Attorney General Pam Bondi's Justice Department issued subpoenas on Thursday into Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook as part of a criminal investigation regarding allegations she submitted fraudulent information on mortgage applications. The criminal investigation comes as Cook finds herself embroiled in a lawsuit with President Donald Trump over his bid to fire her and take control of the Federal Reserve. Trump has publicly raged against the Federal Reserve after its Chairman Jerome Powell has refused to cut interest rates for months, and he's vowed to find a way to force the board to do his bidding. According to the Wall Street Journal, the DOJ's focus is centered on Cook's properties in Michigan and Georgia. Officials told the outlet they are utilizing grand juries as part of the criminal probe. Last month, Trump-appointed director of the Federal Housing Finance Bill Pulte claimed that Cook engaged in mortgage fraud. The president used Pulte's allegations as reasoning to fire Cook last week. Cooks lawsuit against the administration claims Trumps attempt to fire her was against the law. The DOJ has launched a criminal probe into Lisa Cook over allegations of mortgage fraud Bondi launched the criminal probe after Trump fired Cook from the Federal Reserve board last week Trump vowed to have a majority on the central bank's board soon after firing Cook Her attorneys claimed the president made up a reason to dismiss her so he can move forward his agenda to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve. The White House claims Trump was within his presidential authority to dismiss Cook. The Federal Reserve Act grants the president the power to remove Fed governors for cause. If Trump is successful in removing Cook, the president will then be able to fill the majority of the central banks board with his hand-picked appointees. 'Well have a majority very shortly, Trump said last week when asked about replacing Cook. 'So thatll be great.' 'Once we have a majority, housing is going to swing, and its going to be great,' Trump added. 'People are paying too high an interest rate. Thats the only problem with us. We have to get the rates down a little bit.' Pulte originally accused Cook of lying on her mortgage applications in order to receive lower interests from banks. Ed Martin, a top DOJ official and Trump ally, was picked by Bondi to handle the Justice Departments inquiry, according to the WSJ. Martin previously worked in the administration as the interim U.S. attorney in Washington, but left the role after not receiving enough support from Republicans for his nomination. The Trump loyalist has been criticized for his past support of defendants charged over the January 6th, 2021 Capitol riot. Martin leads the DOJ efforts to investigate mortgage fraud involving public officials. The DOJ is investigating other Trump critics over allegations of mortgage fraud, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Sen. Adam Schiff. Bondi's DOJ are targeting other Trump critics on allegations of mortgage fraud A judge is examining Cooks legal request for an emergency order to halt her removal from the Fed board. Bondi's latest DOJ investigation into one of Trump's rivals comes as her department faces calls for more transparency regarding pedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. The attorney general caused a stir earlier this year after claiming back in February during a Fox News interview that the Epstein list was 'sitting' on her desk ready to be reviewed. However, in July the DOJ contradicted Bondi by stating it found no evidence of a 'client list' as part of their Epstein investigation. Months later Republican and Democratic lawmakers led by Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna are demanding the Justice Department to release all files relating to the disgraced billionaire. Regardless, the administration is moving forward to fill the Federal Reserve board with Trump loyalists. On Thursday, Trump economic adviser Stephen Miran began testifying in front of the Senate Banking Committee. A majority of lawmakers will need to confirm Miran for him to replace Cook on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. The moment Father Ted creator Graham Linehan 'deliberately whacked' a transgender woman's phone out of her hand has been shown to a court. The Irish comedy writer, 57, is on trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court accused of harassing trans woman Sophia Brooks. The court heard how the pair met at the Battle of Ideas conference in London on October 19, 2024. The prosecution allege that Mr Linehan hit her phone out of her hand after she confronted him over tweets he had sent about her. Footage shows Mr Linehan leaving a venue before Ms Brooks asks: 'Why do you think it's acceptable to call teenagers domestic terrorists?' There is then a thud and the footage goes blank. At another point in the confrontation, Mr Linehan is also accused of telling her: 'Go away groomer, go away you disgusting incel.' The writer, behind television hits such as Father Ted, the IT Crowd and Motherland, arrived at court this morning shortly before the doors opened at 9am. Footage shows Graham Mr Linehan leaving a venue in London before Sophia Brooks asks: 'Why do you think it's acceptable to call teenagers domestic terrorists?' There is then a thud and the footage goes blank Graham Linehan arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court for today's trial where he is accused of harassing a trans woman He smiled and posed for photographers, wearing a grey suit and a white shirt. The comedy writer posed wearing a placard adorned with the transgender flag, which read 'Keep men out of women's sports' on one side and 'There's no such thing as a 'transgender child'' on the other. Supporters, including Lord Young from the Free Speech Union, were present. He told one supporter, in an apparent reference to his Heathrow arrest three days ago on another matter earlier this week: 'I would have enjoyed the arrest a bit more if I knew what was happening.' Linehan was seized by five armed guards upon his arrival at the airport, prompting accusations of a heavy handed approach to policing social media. Today's case relates to separate allegations that Linehan harassed Ms Brooks by posting abusive comments about her on social media between October 11 and October 27 last year. He is also charged with damaging her mobile phone to the value of 369 on October 27 last year. Linehan sat in the dock wearing glasses, a grey jacket, white shirt and navy trousers. He spoke to confirm his name and date of birth and waved to anti-trans protestors sat in the public gallery. Pro-trans protestors, some wearing rainbow face masks and t-shirts, were also in the gallery. Opening the case, prosecutor Julia Faure Walker accused Linehan of being 'relentless' in his tweets about Ms Brooks, someone he had never met or interacted with. Linehan wore a placard outside the court doors this morning which read 'Keep men out of women's sports' A court sketch of Graham Linehan as he appears in court today The Father Ted creator smiled and posed for photographers, wearing a grey suit and a white shirt Ms Brooks, who is now 18, was constantly referred to using the male pronouns by Linehan, the prosecutor told the court. The prosecutor said: 'These posts were not merely irritating or annoying. These posts were not provoked by anything she (Ms Brooks) did to Mr Linehan. She was not even in contact when he began to post about her. 'They were not based on her personal experience, they had not even met when the posts started. 'The purpose of these posts, say the prosecution, was not merely to relay events, to express political opinion, to criticise, to help id perps, or to solve any crime. 'Rather, they were verbally abusive and vindictive and reflected, say the prosecution, Mr Linehan's deep disliking of Miss Brooks.' The court heard Linehan referred to Ms Brooks as 'Tarquin' on social media and referred to her as a 'malignant narcissist' and an 'absolute psycho'. Prosecutor Ms Faure Walker said the pair met for the first time in person outside the Battle of Ideas conference on October 19 last year. Ms Brooks had been inside and was videoing but was escorted out at about 3.15pm after she started taking pictures of the guest panel. While filing on her phone, Miss Brooks called out Linehan's name and asked why he called her a 'domestic terrorist', the court heard. The prosecutor said: 'At this point Mr Linehan could have explained why he called her a domestic terrorist, if he had an explanation or even ignored her. 'Rather, he responded in a way which is indicative of his extreme personal animosity towards her.' Linehan smiles outside Westminster Magistrates' Court today ahead of his trial Former Team GB Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies (centre) was among the people outside court this morning supporting Linehan The 57-year-old has denied harassing transgender woman Sophia Brooks and damaging her phone Toby Young and protesters hold up a banner displaying 'Police our streets, not our tweets' outside court ahead of Linehan's trial The court heard Linehan said to Ms Brooks: 'Go away groomer, go away you disgusting incel', understood to be a reference to 'involuntarily celibate'. The prosecutor said: 'Still outside the venue, Ms Brooks approached him while filming and asked: 'Why do you think it's acceptable to call teenagers domestic terrorists?' 'She was not committing any crime or causing any physical threat. 'He didn't answer the question, he didn't explain why he called her a domestic terrorist, but was angry and he deliberately whacked the phone out of Ms Brooks' hand. This caused damage to the phone.' The prosecutor said Linehan was 'clearly proud' of what he had done because he tweeted: 'I'm quite proud that I grabbed his phone and threw it across the road. He was furious.' The court was shown footage of Ms Brooks approaching Linehan at the end of the conference, filming him. Linehan then appeared to reach for the phone and the recording stopped. Ms Brooks said she approached Linehan because he had not answered her question about why he was describing teenagers as domestic terrorists. Ms Faure Walker said that in 'one of several posts mocking her gender identity', someone else posted a redacted copy of Ms Brooks' driving licence, which referred to 'Sophia'. The court heard Linehan wrote: 'That couldn't be Tarquin cos he's a bloke and that's a girl's name.' Linehan also wrote: 'If you encounter Tarquin in the wild, try to resist the urge to stick his cameras up his arse.' This prompted a rippled of laughter from some in the public gallery. The prosecutor said Ms Brooks 'felt alarmed or distressed' as a result. Linehan, pictured arriving at court today, is also charged with damaging Sophia Brooks' mobile phone to the value of 369 on October 27 last year Linehan holds up a placard, which was adorned in the transgender flag colours, outside Westminster Magistrates' Court Linehan, pictured here today outside Westminster Magistrates' Court, is accused of posting abusive comments about Sophia Brooks on social media between October 11 and October 27 last year Linehan was interviewed under caution on February 5 this year and gave officers a prepared statement. The prosecutor said that in summary, Linehan considered the complainant, who he referred to as Tarquin, had harassed him by approaching him and 'filming him at close quarters'. The court heard Linehan claimed he tried to ignore the compliant, but the complainant approached him and made a 'provocative statement'. He told police that throwing the phone was a 'reflex response'. Linehan said the posts 'did not amount to harassment', and describing himself as a journalist, wanted to expose the 'tactics' of trans activists. Ms Brooks sat in the witness box wearing a blue shirt, and denied allegations of homophobia from Linehan. Asked by the prosecutor if she was homophobic, she replied: 'No, I am a bisexual person.' Ms Brooks said she understood descriptions about a 'deeply disturbed sociopath' and being a 'domestic terrorist' in posts by Linehan made her felt 'alarmed and distressed.' She said she was branded these things 'by a relatively famous person with over 500,000 followers, any of which could see Mr Linehan's post and cause great harm to me', which left her 'worried for my own safety'. The comedy writer puts his thumb up before entering the court today Linehan is pictured here this morning outside Westminster Magistrates' Court ahead of his trial Ms Brooks said told magistrates she had never used the name 'Tarquin' and believed she had been called it because it is 'to do with my poshness'. Asked who had used that name online to describe her, Ms Brooks said: 'Graham Linehan.' In another exchange that day, Ms Brooks said Linehan referred to her as a 'groomer' and a 'CIS-sy porn-watching scumbag'. When asked by the prosecutor what she understood that expression to mean, Ms Brooks said: 'CIS-sy porn is a genre of porn where CIS-gendered males cross-dress.' The witness denied every having given the impression that she was 'into that'. Ms Brooks said she felt 'alarmed and distressed'. The court heard the pair called each other 'scumbags', with Ms Brooks adding: 'You're the incel, you're divorced.' Ms Brooks said Linehan later 'grabbed my hand and forcibly ripped my phone out of it'. She told he court: 'He put it behind his back and refused to give it to me. 'I demanded he give me my phone back and after releasing I would not relent, he said: 'Go and get your f***ing phone', and threw it into the road.' The court was shown video footage filmed by Ms Brooks - in which Linehan is alleged to have referred to her as a 'groomer' and a 'disgusting incel'. Linehan was arrested on Monday as he landed at Heathrow Airport accused of inciting violence on social media - and was then taken to hospital with high blood pressure Among the tweets Linehan was arrested for Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley released a statement yesterday following the row over Linehan's Heathrow arrest Linehan hit the headlines earlier this week when he was detained by police accused of inciting violence on Twitter as he arrived back in the UK from his home in Scottdale, in the south-western US state of Arizona , ahead of today's trial. His arrest was based on a series of tweets he posted in April. One of the posts 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.' Linehan said he had to be taken to hospital following his arrest because his blood pressure rocketed. He was later discharged from hospital and released by police on bail pending further inquiries. Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch said Linehan's arrest showed 'values of free speech are being slowly eroded by people weaponising the law and using it for petty squabbling'. Writing in today's Daily Mail, she said: 'The whole episode raises serious questions. What does it say about our country that someone can be flagged as they fly home from the US, not for terrorism, trafficking or fraud, but for expressing opinions online?' Debate around his arrest became so strong that the head of the Metropolitan Police, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, was forced to intervene with a statement yesterday which put him on collision course with the Government. He defended his officers and said they were in an 'impossible position' due to the laws on hate speech, and said they should not be 'policing toxic culture wars debates'. Sir Mark said he would make suggestions to the Government about how laws governing social media posts could be changed, and is ready to test new approaches 'within a matter of weeks'. In his first statement after the controversy erupted, Sir Mark said: 'While the decision to investigate and ultimately arrest the man was made within existing legislation, which dictates that a threat to punch someone from a protected group could be an offence, I understand the concern caused by such incidents given differing perspectives on the balance between free speech and the risks of inciting violence in the real world. 'Most reasonable people would agree that genuine threats of physical violence against an identified person or group should be acted upon by officers. Linehan and Helen, his wife, also a comedy writer, split up in 2020 Linehan co-created Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted starring (left to right) Frank Kelly, Pauline McLynn, Dermot Morgan and Ardal O'Hanlon 'Such actions can and do have serious and violent real-world implications. 'But when it comes to lesser cases, where there is ambiguity in terms of intent and harm, policing has been left between a rock and a hard place by successive governments, who have given officers no choice but to record such incidents as crimes when they're reported. 'Then they are obliged to follow all lines of inquiry and take action as appropriate. 'I don't believe we should be policing toxic culture wars debates and officers are currently in an impossible position.' 'We have a long history of free speech in this country. I'm very proud of that and I will always defend it.' Sir Keir Starmer subsequently said that 'we must ensure the police focus on the most serious issues'. He told Prime Minister's Questions: 'The issues that matter most to our constituencies and all communities, and that includes tackling issues like anti-social behaviour, knife crime and violence. And Health Secretary Wes Streeting suggested the Government could look at legislation if the law is 'not getting the balance right' on free speech, and said the Government wants 'to see people being kept safe by policing streets, not just policing tweets'. Senior Tory Sir James Cleverly said the arrest looked like a 'real overreaction' to what was 'self-evidently a joke'. Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick described the incident as 'a complete waste of police time', adding: 'We desperately need to end this nonsense and go after actual criminals.' The Bafta-winning Irishman has become an outspoken gender activist, supported by the lieks of Harry Potter creator JK Rowling. Linehan, 57, previously praised the Supreme Court's ruling that the word 'woman' refers to a biological woman But he has also described how his career - which included minor actor roles in comedies including I'm Alan Partridge - 'fell away' when he became embroiled in the transgender debate, and referred to himself once as 'the most hated man on the internet'. He was banned in 2020 from Twitter after writing 'Men aren't women tho' before later being reinstated by X founder Elon Musk. A long-awaited Father Ted musical was then axed in 2022 because of Linehan's controversial political opinions. When two venues cancelled his 2023 Edinburgh Fringe shows, the now-divorced Linehan opted to perform his set outside the Scottish Parliament. The Dublin-born activist previously praised the Supreme Court's decision to confirm that the word 'woman' refers to biological sex, meaning trans women are legally not women. But he said 'woke' issues were permeating aspects of British life. He said at the time: 'The big problem we have is with TV commissioners. The artists are still out there but they have to get past these people who don't really care about art. They care about imposing their beliefs on people. 'If you look back at the 90s with Britpop, British art was famous all over the world and there was a real sense of excitement. 'But over the last 10 years there's been a dearth of notable stuff. Because these people have tied their hands and feet together. 'It's all very safe - almost trying not to get noticed.' The trial is set to last two days. Police have charged 21 people after protests outside an Epping hotel used to house asylum seekers, and released images of others they want to identify. Essex Police said today that since protests began on July 13, officers have arrested 32 people. Demonstrations were sparked outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex after an asylum seeker was charged with the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. He denies the charges and his trial began last week. Essex Police said they are continuing investigations into disorder at a number of protest events in Epping in July. The force said it has made 32 arrests in connection with incidents of disorder, with 21 people being charged. Police said officers are also continuing to investigate an incident which saw two Bell Hotel security staff being seriously assaulted shortly before 8pm on July 13. The force said the injuries sustained by the security staff were 'extremely serious', with one victim requiring two facial surgery operations and ongoing medical care. Police have charged a total of 21 people in connection with various protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex Protests began after an asylum seeker was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in the community - his trial is ongoing Essex Police are appealing for help to identify this man, who is wanted in connection with a serious assault which left two members of hotel staff with severe injuries The second victim sustained a serious wound to the back of his head, which also required medical treatment. Both continue to be supported by officers. Essex Police said two brothers, Brandon McPharlane, 19, and Callum McPharlane, 18, both of James Street, Epping, have been charged over the incident and appeared in court last month. Brandon McPharlane has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, assault and racially aggravated assault. Callum McPharlane has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent. Both men appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on August 21 and were remanded into custody to next appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on September 18, the force said. The force said its investigation is continuing, and appealed for anyone with dashcam footage of the High Road area of Epping between 7pm and 9pm on July 13 to come forward. Police have also issued a photo appeal and are working to identify another man as part of the investigation into the alleged assault on the security staff. This protester wearing a blue top, hat and face mask is one of the subjects of the police appeal The force is seeking to identify this man, who was seen outside the hotel wearing a black balaclava Police also want to speak with this man in relation to the ongoing protests which began in July This man, pictured in a black vest top and wearing a dark cap, is also wanted by police The sixth subject of appeal was wearing a long, hooded coat but was also seen in a blue headscarf Officers have also released images of six people who they want to identify as part of the wider investigation into the incidents of disorder in Epping. Anyone who can identify any of the people pictured is asked to get in touch with force as soon as possible. Following the disorder, Epping Forest District Council had sought a temporary injunction to remove migrants from September 12 - but it was overturned by the Court of Appeal last week. Protests have spread across the country, with similar demonstrations held at hotels housing asylum seekers in towns and cities. People can provide information to Essex Police directly through their online portal or make an anonymous report to independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111. Immigration officials will be armed with guns as they hand out visas and green cards in the latest escalation of Donald Trump's illegal immigration crackdown. The White House said on Thursday it is forming an armed police force within US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The agency will hire 'special agents' to 'investigate, arrest, and present for prosecution those who violate Americas immigration laws,' USCIS said a statement. The law enforcement agents will be trained to spot fraud in immigration applications and arrest the immigrants and lawyers involved. Critics of the move said the it could have a chilling effect on immigrants' willingness to submit their information to the agency. But the agency's new boss Joe Edlow disregarded those concerns and told the Wall Street Journal: 'I'm expecting this to have a chilling effect on fraudulent applications, and thats what I want.' Edlow also said the agents will also prioritize the denaturalization of new citizens who lied on their applications. The White House's move is the latest in a series of orders meant to reduce illegal immigration and go after those who the government believes should have their visas revoked. The White House said it is forming an armed police force within US Citizenship and Immigration Services as part of their crackdown on illegal immigration US Citizenship and Immigration Services' new boss Joe Edlow said the agents will also prioritize the denaturalization of new citizens who lied on their applications Since President Donald Trump took office, his administration has focused on deporting migrants illegally in the United States, as well as holders of student and visitor exchange visas. Last month, the White House said it was reviewing more than 55 million people who have valid US visas for any violations that could lead to deportation. In a written answer to a question from The Associated Press, the State Department said all US visa holders, which can include tourists from many countries, are subject to 'continuous vetting,' with an eye toward any indication they could be ineligible for permission to enter or stay in the United States. Should such information be found, the visa will be revoked, and if the visa holder is in the United States, he or she would be subject to deportation. The State Department said it was looking for indicators of ineligibility, including people staying past the authorized timeframe outlined in a visa, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engaging in any form of terrorist activity or providing support to a terrorist organization. The U.S. also stopped issuing worker visas for commercial truck drivers, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last month on X. He said the change was effective immediately. Since President Donald Trump took office, his administration has focused on deporting migrants illegally in the United States as well as holders of student and visitor exchange visas LAX police officers Errol Priestley, left, and Will Lara, right, patrol Tom Bradley International Terminal with an assault rifle The administration has steadily imposed more restrictions and requirements on visa applicants, including requiring them to submit to in-person interviews. The review of all visa holders appears to be a significant expansion of what had initially been a process focused mainly on students who have been involved in what the government perceives as pro-Palestinian or anti-Israel activity. Officials say the reviews will include all visa holders social media accounts, law enforcement and immigration records in their home countries, along with any actionable violations of US law committed while they were in the United States. The reviews will include new tools for data collection on past, present and future visa applicants, including a complete scouring of social media sites made possible by new requirements introduced earlier this year. Those make it mandatory for privacy switches on cellphones and other electronic devices or apps to be turned off when an applicant appears for a visa interview. Police have launched an investigation after a large group of pro-Palestine demonstrators surrounded and attacked a lone Jewish Israeli man in Los Angeles. Santa Monica Police said the violence broke out on the iconic pier over Labor Day weekend, and that the man was 'singled out because of his religious identity'. The victim identified himself as Ariel Yaakov Marciano during an interview with the Jewish Journal where he said one attacker also threatened him with a knife. Marciano also shared a selfie he took shortly after the attack, showing he sustained a head injury with blood pouring from his cranium down the left side of his face. Video posted online showed Marciano being surrounded by a large crowd before a man wearing a keffiyeh - a patriotic symbol of Palestinian identity - began punching him in the head. Santa Monica Police said the attack is being investigated as a hate crime and that it came after conflicting Israel and Palestine protests clashed. Several witnesses also told Fox News that Marciano instigated the fight. Marciano, 24, told the Jewish Journal he was attacked by 20 young men in LA, where he had traveled from Sacramento to attend his cousin's bar mitzvah. He said he was exploring the area when he came across a sea of masked pro-Palestine protestors waving Palestinian and Mexican flags. Police have launched an investigation after a large group of pro-Palestine demonstrators surrounded and attacked a lone Jewish Israeli man in Los Angeles. The victim identified himself as Ariel Yaakov Marciano (pictured in the aftermath of the violence) Video posted online showed Marciano being surrounded by a large crowd before a man wearing a keffiyeh - a patriotic symbol of Palestinian identity - began punching him Santa Monica Police said the violence broke out on the iconic pier (pictured) over Labor Day weekend, and that the man was 'singled out because of his religious identity' 'I was wearing my Star of David necklace, I also met another Israeli man from Las Vegas, and we were speaking Hebrew, so they realized we were Israeli,' he said. 'At that point, they attacked me. One of them hit me on the back of the head, and I started bleeding. Others pushed me around and tore the necklace off my neck. 'I pushed one of the masked attackers, and then they all jumped on me.' Marciano said that he lost the man from Las Vegas amid the chaos, and he doesn't know where he ended up. He added that his companion was also with his wife and two children, one of whom was disabled in a wheelchair. Marciano said he uploaded a video to Instagram showing his injuries, and said to his followers: 'All Israelis in L.A., come to Santa Monicathey just lynched me here.' Cops arrived at the scene and took Marciano to the police station. He told the Jewish Journal he began shouting 'God bless Israel' as he was escorted away, and a pro-Palestine protestor responded by pepper-spraying him. 'The police didn't do anything, but I can't really blame them. There were too many demonstrators, and there's nothing much the police can do against so many,' Marciano said. 'The ones who attacked me were Mexicans, and one tall black guy held a knife to me and said, 'You're lucky I'm not stabbing you.' However, several witnesses told Fox News that the pro-Palestine protests held on the pier each Sunday are usually peaceful, and that Marciano instigated the fight. Rabbi Joel Nickerson condemned the attack and said that even if Marciano did spark the tensions, the violence against him was still indefensible. 'As a Jewish community, our tradition has always leaned into diversity of views,' the Rabbi told Fox11. 'There's a difference between having a difference of opinion and moving from verbal communication and disagreement into physical violence, and that we cannot condone.' Pictured: Other protestors at the demonstration on Sunday before the violence broke out. The people pictured were not involved in the attack against Marciano Protestors carried Palestinian and Mexican flags at the demonstration in Santa Monica Santa Monica Police said the violence unfolded 'during a pro-Gaza demonstration at Palisades Park that included a counter demonstration'. 'We are deeply troubled by an act of violence that took place on the Pier Sunday evening, where a man was surrounded, assaulted, and singled out because of his religious identity,' the department said. 'This kind of hate has no place in Santa Monica. The incident occurred during a pro-Gaza demonstration at Palisades Park that included a counter demonstration. 'Officers responded to several disturbances between the two groups. Based on statements made and circumstances reported, detectives are investigating this as a hate crime. 'The victim sustained minor injuries and was treated by Santa Monica Fire personnel at the scene.' The department condemned 'all forms of hate and antisemitism', adding that the investigation remains active. The Daily Mail has contacted the department for information on whether any arrests have been made since. Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact SMPD's Criminal Investigations Division or the Watch Commander 310-458-8427. Antisemitic hate crimes have surged since the October 7th attack by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians close to the border. FBI data shows that last year, 18 percent of all reported hate crimes in America were committed against the Jewish community, who account for two percent of the population. This amounts to a 5.8 percent increase from 2023, when October 7th unfolded, according to Jewish Federations of America. Among all religiously-motivated hate crimes, the data showed that 69 percent targeted Jews. An Arizona teen suffered horrific burns after collapsing from heatstroke on scalding the pavement while being forced to walk home from school on a 112-degree day. June Shaver, 17, was heading home from her Phoenix-area high school on foot on August 1 when she suddenly dropped to the sidewalk. The Dysart High School junior had been forced to walk home after years of taking the bus because the school district recently cut off transportation for students who live within a two-mile radius of the school. Temperatures reached 112 degrees that day, and her grandfather said June had likely suffered a seizure due to heatstroke. '[June] didn't realize she was in trouble, and she kept going,' Larry Shaver told 12 News. The teen suffered third-degree burns on her hands, arms, leg, thighs and stomach after falling on the blistering pavement, which could have heated up to 180 degrees at the time. A police report stated that June's internal body temperature stood at 107 degrees when first responders arrived. Her aunt, Brittani Smith, told ABC 15 that June had been prepared for the walk and brought water with her - but it wasn't enough. June Shaver (pictured left with her grandmother), 17, was walking home from school in the sweltering heat when she collapsed on the sidewalk The teen suffered third-degree burns on her hands, arms, leg, thighs and stomach after falling on to the blistering pavement 'She stopped and got water and that is the last thing she remembers,' Smith said.A man driving in the opposite direction saw June fall and turned around to help her. 'We do not know how long she was on the asphalt before someone found her,' Smith said. '[The driver] tried to do everything he could to help her before 911 got there.' Police body camera footage showed the Good Samaritan telling officers he tried to get the teen off the pavement, but he was only able to move her to the side. The family expressed gratitude to the driver for hiss quick thinking and potentially life-saving efforts. 'We want to thank him and let him know how grateful we are for him,' Smith said. 'It was literally a matter of minutes and she wouldn't be here,' Shaver added. 'So definitely very thankful, I couldn't thank him enough.' June underwent five surgeries for burns on her face, arms, torso and legs, and her family has launched a GoFundMe to help support her recovery. The high school junior had been forced to walk home after years of taking the bus because the school district recently cut off transportation for students who live within a two-mile radius of the school Temperatures reached 112 degrees that day, and her grandfather, said she had likely suffered a seizure due to heatstroke when she collapsed The Dysart Unified School District it was forced to change the bus route policy over budget concerns (pictured: Dysart High School) 'When she does get out of the hospital, she will not be able to go back to school. There will be daily wound changes for all the burns,' Smith said. The Dysart Unified School District declined to comment on June's case due to privacy concerns, but explained it was forced to change the bus route policy over budget concerns. 'Last Spring we had the difficult task of notifying our families about the need to extend our transportation eligibility requirements in order to reduce the daily strain on our aging bus fleet and remain within our budget,' the district said in a statement to local media. 'With the majority of our buses being 15-20 years old, it is becoming more and more difficult and expensive to maintain them. It has been over 19 years since voters have approved a bond for Dysart, which has impacted a number of needed projects, including bus replacements, along with school safety improvements, AC unit replacements, roof repairs, building a new elementary school, and obtaining land for a high school. June's family said they didn't blame the district for what happened, but emphasized that something needs to be done to ensure kids get to and from school safely. 'I'm not mad at the district,' Shaver said. 'I understand they have a budget, just I think there was better ways they could do it.' The daughter of a Nazi who fled Europe with a painting stolen from a Jewish man during the Holocaust has been dragged before a judge and charged with concealing the artwork. Patricia Kadgien has been under house arrest since earlier this week in her home in the seaside town of Mar del Plata, Argentina. She is the daughter of Friedrich Kadgien, a key aide to Adolf Hitler's monstrous Luftwaffe chief Hermann Goering, who fled to South America after the war. Patricia, who also goes by her middle name Monica, and her husband Juan Carlos Cortegoso, were charged Thursday with aggravated concealment of property for possessing the painting 'Portrait of a Lady,' reported Argentine outlet InfoBrias. Local prosecutor Carlos Martinez said that 'the crimes being covered up are serious, linked to crimes of genocide, theft in the context of genocide, and are related to a systematic plan to appropriate works of art and jewelry perpetrated by the Nazi regime.' Police raided Patricia's home last week looking for the painting, but found a tapestry had been put in its place. Patricia Kadgien, daughter of Nazi financial advisor Friedrich Kadgien, attends a hearing after being arrested earlier this week Portrait of a Lady was recovered by Argentine authorities and then paraded to the media - the first time it had been seen since being taken more than 80 years ago. Above: Portrait of a Lady, behind art expert Ariel Bassano On Tuesday, the 65-year-old heiress finally admitted to having the long sought-after portrait and hiding it from investigators. The 1743 canvass by Italian artist Giuseppe Vittore Ghislandi was owned by Jewish Dutch art dealer Jacques Goudstikker during World War II. The painting was reported looted and is on the official Dutch registry for valuables pilfered by the Nazis, with the discovery sparking an international investigation and headlines around the world. The family of Goudstikker are urging courts and police to return the painting to them. Meanwhile, when Patricia was forced to turn over the painting this week, she asked a local court to declare her the official owner, according to newspaper La Nacion. Through her lawyer, the Nazi daughter and yoga teacher admitted to being possession of the painting, and said she was surrendering it to a civil court so that she could be named its official owner by inheritance. However, the civil judge recused herself in the case, leaving the matter of its ownership to the federal courts. Meanwhile, the current location of the work of art is not being disclosed, however, the local prosecutor requested that it be housed at the Holocaust Museum for safe keeping. Kadgien and her husband Juan Carlos Cortegoso (second from left) attend a hearing on charges of concealment and obstruction of justice Juan Carlos Cortegoso attends a hearing on charges of concealment and obstruction of justice Thursday in Mar del Plata Argentine Federal Police escort Patricia Kadgien, daughter of a former Nazi official, to a hearing on charges of concealment and obstruction of justice, after authorities recovered a portrait of Contessa Colleoni by Italian artist Giuseppe Ghislandi from her home in Argentina During Thursday's appearance before a judge, Kadgien and her husband, Juan Carlos Cortegoso, refused to testify and were set free. However, authorities asked them to surrender their passports and prohibited any type of travel. Police cautioned they are examining other valuables and paintings found in the Kadgien home and did not rule out more charges pending the outcome of their investigation. Kadgien has kept a low profile, as speculation her family had the stolen painting followed her for years. Dutch journalists have tried to interview her since the painting was first linked to her dad. Attempts to reach her, and her sister Alicia Marie Kadgien, have proved unsuccessful. In fact, a Dutch reporter found what appeared to be the original painting hanging over a sofa in a real estate listing by Kadgien's daughter to sell a property. The journalist traveled to the home in Argentina to try and speak to her. Kadgien once served as a financial advisor to top Nazi Herman Goering (pictured) Friedrich Kadgien was described as a 'snake of the lowest sort' by American interrogators It once belonged to Dutch Jewish collector Jacques Goudstikker, a successful art dealer in Amsterdam who helped his fellow Jews flee the Nazis before he died at sea while trying to escape to Britain aboard a cargo ship When she refused to answer the door, the reporter noticed a for sale sign on the property and went to the website of the real estate company. There he discovered a photo of the living showing the artwork hanging over the sofa. After his newspaper published the story, the story of the stolen painting made headlines all over the world. Meanwhile, it appears that the real estate listing the Kadgien home has been taken down. The city where the painting has been concealed for over 80 years is a well-known Nazi enclave, with many former SS officials making their way there post-WWII. In fact, Fredrich Kadgien is buried in the town's German cemetery. Kadgien, who once served as top Nazi official Herman Goering's financial adviser, funded Third Reich war efforts through the theft of art and diamonds from Jewish dealers in the Netherlands. Following the war, Kadgien fled Europe with the pilfered portrait, authorities believe. This is the daughter of a fugitive Nazi who took a painting stolen from a Jewish art dealer. Above: Patricia Kadgien, now 59, poses with a glass of wine in 2014 in an image unearthed by the Daily Mail Patricia Kadgien with her husband, Juan Carlos Cortegoso, at an 'Octubrefest' event in the town of Bariloche, an Argentinian city which became notorious as a place of refuge for Nazi war criminals. The photo was taken in 2017 on the 35th anniversary of the couple's relationship Patricia Kadgien, 59, is seen in 2015 with her husband Juan Carlos Cortegoso, 61, outside their home in the resort city of Mar del Plata, Argentina 'Portrait of a Lady,' a portrait of Contessa Colleoni created by Vittore Ghislandi in 1743 (right), was pictured hanging over a sofa in a real estate listing posted by Robles Casas & Campos (left) He first went to Brazil, where he set up a company and then moved to Argentina, where he died in 1979. 'Portrait of a Lady' is among at least 800 pieces owned by Goudstikker that were seized or bought under duress by the Nazis. The successful Amsterdam art dealer died at sea while trying to escape to Britain onboard a cargo ship. 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 surviving wife, Desi, and their only son, Edo, who made it safely to the United States. Marei von Saher, an heir of Goudstikker, says she now plans to file a claim and launch a legal action to have the painting returned to her family. 'My search for the artworks owned by my father-in-law Jacques Goudstikker started at the end of the 90s, and I won't give up,' von Saher, who is now 81 years old, told the Dutch newspaper. 'My family aims to bring back every single artwork robbed from Jacques' collection and restore his legacy,' she said. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took to Capitol Hill Thursday to testify about the president's Make America Healthy Again agenda, but Democrats had a surprise line of attack waiting: Jeffrey Epstein. In his opening statement during Thursday's hearing, Finance Committee Ranking Member, Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden called out Kennedy Jr. for his past Epstein associations. 'Mr. Kennedy calls himself a protector of children, some kind of rich claim, coming from someone who has flown on Jeffrey Epstein's private jet on multiple occasions,' Wyden noted. Wyden also added that Kennedy 'shouldnt be within a million miles of this job', his current role as HHS Secretary, due to his Epstein connections. Kennedy did not comment on his ties to Epstein during the hearing, leaving Wyden's remarks unaddressed. However, earlier this year, Secretary Kennedy Jr. told Jesse Watters of Fox News that he had been on Epstein's jet twice. Kennedy noted to the Fox host that he traveled on the plane once in 1993 and 'on another occasion', 'one or two years' after 1993. The secretary also told Watters that at the time, he has no knowledge of 'Epstein's ... nefarious issues.' U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., testifies before a Senate Finance Committee hearing on President Donald Trump's 2026 health care agenda, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 4, 2025 Ranking member Senator Wyden (D-OR) and committee Chairman Sen. Crapo (R-ID) question U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as he testifies before a Senate Finance Committee hearing on President Donald Trump's 2026 health care agenda, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 4, 2025 Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) questions Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. during a Senate Finance Committee at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on September 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. The committee met to hear testimony on President Trump's 2026 health care agenda The secretary's ties to Epstein were also raised by Senator Maria Cantwell - a Washington State Democrat - who asked Kennedy if he believed that the women who spoke out against the pedophile's crimes. 'Do you think the women on the steps of the Capitol were a hoax yesterday, talking about Epstein? Do you think they were a hoax yesterday? You think they were perpetuating a hoax yesterday?' Cantwell asked Kennedy. The idea of the women's claims being a 'hoax' pushed by Democrats is the angle that President Trump took regarding Wednesday's rally on the Capitol steps. Kennedy replied to Cantwell, asking 'perpetuating a hoax? Yeah, I have no idea what they were saying. This is the first I am hearing about it.' Discussion of the controversy over the release of the secret files of the former financier and convicted pedophile has dominated discussions both on Capitol Hill and across Washington, DC in recent months. A document from the Epstein Files lists now-Secretary Kennedy Jr. in the flight logs, along with his former wife Mary, who passed away in 2012. Kennedy Jr.'s mother Ethyl is also seen on the log, as well as his sister Kerry Kennedy and her then-husband, Andrew Cuomo, who later became governor of New York and is currently running for Mayor of New York City. An image of the Epstein flight logs, obtained by the Daily Mail Survivors of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's abuse spoke about their experiences on Capitol Hill Wednesday morning in a push to release additional files on the serial child predator. Close to a dozen victims of the sinister New York financier spoke at a press conference hosted by Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who are pushing a bill to release the Justice Department's Epstein documents, despite some files being published on Tuesday. Many of the survivors were speaking publicly for the first time and offered details not yet widely reported. A Texas middle schooler had to have his skull partially removed after he was brutally attacked by another student over a joke, according to his parents. Lukas Hardeman, 14, was severely injured on August 21 after another child 'picked him up and body slammed him' inside a cafeteria at a school in Kilgore, his parents wrote on a GoFundMe page. After Hardeman cracked a joke, he was thrown into a metal pole attached to a stool and left with multiple brain bleeds, swelling, and more than 60 staples in his head. He also had to be rushed into emergency surgery at Children's Medical Center in Dallas - about two hours from where the incident occurred - to have parts of his skull taken out to relieve the pressure and bleeding, his step-mother said. Now, two weeks after his life was changed forever, Hardeman has been resting and trying to get better day-by-day. 'He's embarrassed. He is hurt. He is struggling, Michael Hardeman, the boy's father, told KLTV. 'But I hope when he sees things like this that he has a lot of family behind him. I hope that he can get to a point to where he is confident.' The boy's dad and step-mother, Catom Morris-Hardeman, said they are extremely thankful for all of the support they've received following the horrific incident. Lukas Hardeman, 14, had to have parts of his skull removed after he was attacked by another student on August 21 at a middle school in Kilgore, Texas His father and step-mother (pictured with the teen) said he was thrown into a metal pole after he cracked a joke 'We have had a lot of people reach out to us, and it shows that there are good people,' Michael said. 'We have had so many calls, messages and donations. We have been very blessed.' Hardeman has been described as 'a creative, loving teenager who enjoys drawing, gaming, and spending time with his siblings and family.' His loved ones are asking for donations to help them cover hospital bills, travel costs and future doctors appointments. As of Thursday afternoon, nearly $40,000 was raised to help them out. In a heartwarming video showing his progress, Hardeman was seen eating a bit of apple sauce on his own in a hospital bed. 'My son is only alive today because of Jesus, and he had his hands around his heart,' his father added. After about a week in the hospital, a group of supporters cheered him on as he arrived back home. He experienced several brain bleeds, swelling, more than 60 staples in his head, and had to have portions of his skull taken out because of the viscous attack Hardeman is seen recovering in the hospital before he was sent home and welcomed by a group of supporters Meanwhile, a school board meeting was convened to address the shocking incident. Although his parents were not able to give specific details about the incident, the school board released a statement on Facebook about it. 'As President of your school board, I want to reassure you that the safety, well-being, and trust of students, staff, and community remain the District's top priorities,' Jason Smith, Kilgore ISD School Board President, wrote to the community. 'I know that when an incident happens in our schools, families want timely and clear information,' Smith said, adding that certain laws prevent him from sharing details. He has promised to still remain transparent with parents and staff on the issue, adding: 'Together, we will continue working to make Kilgore ISD a safe and thriving place for every student to learn and grow.' Parents whose children also attend schools in Kilgore ISD took to a public meeting Monday night to share their concerns over safety. Hardeman (far left) has been described as 'a creative, loving teenager who enjoys drawing, gaming, and spending time with his siblings and family' Since August 20, ambulances have been rushed to the district's middle school twice, and once to the high school, KLTV reported. 'For the first time, I feel nervous to send my child to middle school,' a worried parent told school officials. Another asked: 'What is the district's policy for students who repeatedly commit violence, even in alt placement? How are students and staff protected when these behaviors continue?' In a recent Facebook post, the school district said they have started 'a thorough review of our campus safety measures, district communication practices, and programs in place across our campuses.' When approached by Daily Mail, a spokesperson with Kilgore ISD said the district 'is limited in the details we can share.' 'The district has followed the Student Code of Conduct in regards to this incident, including appropriate student disciplinary consequences. 'As a community and a school district, our thoughts and prayers remain with the injured student and his family as he continues to recover,' they continued. A Rotherham groomer who raped two young girls after supplying them with alcohol and drugs has been jailed for 19 years. Obaidullah Omari, 46, targeted the vulnerable girls, aged between 13 and 14 years old, from 2003 to 2004. Omari, from Sheffield, who was in his 20s at the time, supplied the pair with drugs and alcohol before undertaking the sordid abuse, a court heard. He was found to have raped his first victim multiple times across two locations - at his home alongside in his car. A jury at Sheffield Crown Court also found Omari guilty of raping the second girl on one occasion. Both victims revealed the details of the horrific abuse as part of Operation Stovewood, a mass, decade-long investigation into child sexual abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. Coming forward to police more than 20 years after the crimes had taken place, the two women provided their accounts to officers resulting in Omari's arrest in 2019. Now, following a two-week trial, he has been found guilty of three counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault. Obaidullah Omari (pictured), 46, targeted the vulnerable girls, aged between 13 and 14 years old, from 2003 to 2004. Following a two-week trial, he has been found guilty of three counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault Omari, who was in his 20s at the time, supplied the pair with dugs and alcohol before undertaking the sordid abuse, Sheffield Crown Court (pictured) heard. He was found to have raped the first victim multiple times at both his home and in his car He was also found not guilty of one count of raping a child under 13, relating to the second victim. His co-defendant, Shafakit Hussain, 46, from Rotherham, was found not guilty of three counts of rape in relation to the second victim. Omari is one of 48 individuals who have been convicted as part of the National Crime Agency's (NCA) Operation Stovewood which has so far identified more than 1,100 children involved in the exploitation in Rotherham. One of Omari's victims, who shared her impact statement with GB News, outlined the extent of their trauma following the abuse, adding: 'I was just a child and you violated my trust. 'What you did to me has never left me, whenever I think of that night, it's like it only happened yesterday. 'You stole my childhood, now I am taking your freedom. I am your karma.' Opening the trial to jurors last month, Matthew Bean, prosecuting, said that the girls had been treated as 'objects to be used', adding: 'There was no true consent'. Mr Bean continued: 'These were, in each case, far from normal sexual encounters where consent is clear and obvious, where the parties are on equal terms, where consent is freely given without inducement, or pressure, or fear.' Omari is one of 48 individuals who have been convicted as part of the National Crime Agency's (NCA) Operation Stovewood which has so far identified more than 1,100 children involved in the exploitation in Rotherham (file image) The NCA took over Operation Stovewod last month after survivors of sexual exploitation in the town previously said they had 'no faith' in the South Yorkshire Police (SYP) investigation into its former officers in relation to a series of allegations. Pictured: SYP Headquarters The jury also heard that the girls had been specifically targeted as a result of their vulnerability being 'attractive to those who wanted to exploit young, vulnerable girls.' Both girls were also described as 'the product of fractured or failing families' and were said to have been looked after in the care system. After the sentencing on Thursday, NCA senior investigating officer Alan Hastings said: 'Today Omari begins an appropriately substantial prison sentence for the sexual offences he committed against two girls more than 20 years ago. 'The victims demonstrated immense courage both in reporting Omari's crimes and in giving evidence against him. 'I'm pleased that Operation Stovewood has been able to secure justice for the women and I hope Omari's conviction helps them move forward with their lives. 'I encourage victims of child sexual abuse to report it to police, no matter how long ago the offending took place.' The NCA took over Operation Stovewod last month after survivors of sexual exploitation in the town previously said they had 'no faith' in the South Yorkshire Police (SYP) investigation into its former officers in relation to a series of allegations. The investigation was being carried out by SYP's major crime unit, under the IOPC's direction, and three former officers have been arrested. The grooming scandal has rocked the town of Rotherham and damaged South Yorkshire Police's reputation. Opening Omari's trial to jurors last month, Matthew Bean, prosecuting, said that the girls had been treated as 'objects to be used' (file image of Rotherham) But the IOPC said it was responding to 'concerns about SYP's involvement and a perception of a conflict of interest'. It said it was a joint decision with SYP to ask the NCA to take over. At least 1,400 girls in Rotherham were abused by gangs of men - mainly of Pakistani heritage - between 1997 and 2013, Prof Alexis Jay concluded in a landmark report in 2014. Three former South Yorkshire officers have been arrested on suspicion of historic sexual offences including attempted rape, indecent assault and misconduct in a public office while they were on duty. None have been charged. Written accounts by grooming gang survivors collected by specialist child abuse lawyers allege years of abuse by serving police officers in Rotherham from the mid-1990s to early 2000s. Most were girls in their teens at the time but some were as young as 11, according to the shocking report. A Palm Springs resort known as a clothing-optional hot spot for swingers has been put on the market. The Exotic Dream Resort in the California city was listed in July with an asking price of $10.5 million, with the boutique hotel boasting 40 rooms and an adult 'play maze'. A listing for the X-rated resort adds that the property comes with three pools and view of the surrounding mountains. Realtor lifted the lid on the property's reputation and history, revealing it had also served as a gay men's resort before switching focus to swingers. Listing agent Adam Gilbert told the site : 'Its not only clothing-optional, but its a swinger-lifestyle resort. 'Before it was Exotic Dreams Resort, it was a place called All Worlds Resort, which was a very popular gay mens resort where clothing was optional. 'Its a very well-known property in terms of the history. If you know, you know', adding that the owner, Kenny Chen, recently renovated several of the rooms. Chen spoke with SFGate about the sale, saying he bought it in 2020 and recently spent $500,000 on renovating the property. The Exotic Dream Resort in the California city was listed in July with an asking price of $10.5million Realtor lifted the lid on the property's reputation and history, revealing it had also served as a gay men's resort before switching focus to swingers The boutique hotel boasts having 40 rooms and its very own adult play maze, pictured here He said: 'You can make lots of money. After the remodel we opened on July 1 and every single month I have revenue of approximately $140,000. The costs are pretty low. Its a good business.' Gilbert also told SFGate that interest in buying the property has been significant, despite sales in the area dipping slightly. He added: 'Overall, its a tough market right now just generally. Ive got a lot of interest from a lot of swinger resorts - people from all over the country or the world where it might make sense to add this to their portfolio.' Architect and historian Alan Hess told the outlet that the building represents an important piece of the town's history. He said: 'Palm Springs was not always wealthy people and movie stars. It does have a long history of bohemian lifestyles, healthy and nature-oriented lifestyles. 'This, in its recent incarnation, is historically quite in keeping with Palm Springss character.' According to Hess the hotel, which was originally built in 1948, was a go place to after the end of World War II. A listing for the X-rated resort adds that the property comes with three pools and view of the surrounding mountains A picture of one of the playrooms inside the hotel is seen here The hotel was also a gay men's resort prior to becoming a swinger 'lifestyle' resort The sale comes after another nearby clothing-optional resort was closed earlier this year. In a post on the Planet Nude blog it was revealed that the Desert Sun Resort was to close. It said: 'This closure comes at a challenging time for the Southern California naturist community, which has faced significant setbacks recently.' According to Realtor the Desert Sun Resort was turned into a 'much more traditional hotel'. Tax rises and spending cuts will be needed next year unless action is taken to bring down Scotlands ballooning benefits bill, MSPs have been warned. Economists yesterday said the next SNP Budget will be under severe pressure because of the soaring amount being spent on social security. They also warned that SNP ministers will need to look at trade-offs if they fail to reduce the costs, including considering whether to raise taxes or cut other budgets. Total devolved social security spending in Scotland is due to soar from 6.22 billion this year to 6.93 billion next year, and then to 7.92 billion by 2027/28 and 9 billion a year by the end of the decade. David Bell, professor of economics at Stirling University, told Holyroods social justice and social security committee: The Scottish Budget will be under severe pressure going forward, into next year. He said spending by government departments is on track to exceed the available budget next year, partly driven by rising spending on social security and health and social care, as well as adjustments to the block grant in relation to taxes and benefits payments. Professor Bell said the deficit between how much is received through the block grant for social security and how much is actually spent is a significant component of the pressure on the budget next year, and in future years. Mairi Spowage, director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, said: Within a fixed budget, if youre increasing lots of things by more than real terms the Government will need to make a decision to cut some things in real terms, and that is part of the process as well. Total devolved social security spending in Scotland is due to soar to 9 billion a year by the end of the decade It can meet the current forecasted social security payments if it wishes to, but it will have to cut services in other areas in order to do that. She said that the Scottish Government does have tax powers and it could raise more money from tax if it wishes to in order to help pay. She added: It can meet these payments if it wishes to, but it has to acknowledge that there are trade-offs here and that in doing that money will be cut from other services, and some of these services will also support people in different areas of life perhaps people in poverty, people with children and so on. So there is a trade-off here in choosing to spend money on this we are not going to spend money on other things. The Scottish Government is already on track to spend 2.1 billion more on welfare than it receives for benefits from the UK Government in 2029/30. It has also been considering the introduction of a minimum income guarantee of 11,500 a year per person. But a paper commissioned by an expert group set up by the SNP Government proposed a 4 billion increase in devolved taxes to help cover the costs involved. Scottish Conservative social security spokesman Alexander Stewart said: SNP ministers cannot continue to arrogantly ignore these warnings about how their ballooning benefits bill is completely unsustainable. If they dont get a grip then these economic experts have made it clear to the nationalists. Either hard-pressed Scots will face further tax rises or see further cuts to public services or a combination of both. They need to urgently stop it spiralling out of control and deliver a benefits system that delivers value to taxpayers and claimants alike. A Scottish Government spokesman said: Social Security is a vital safety net for families across Scotland and any one of us could need to depend on it at any time. Our compassionate approach is based on the values of dignity and respect, and seeks to ensure as many people as possible get the help they are entitled to. This approach allows for support that is not available anywhere else in the UK, including the Scottish Child Payment, which is keeping an estimated 40,000 children out of relative poverty this year. Scottish Ministers have also been clear that they reject the UK Governments proposed welfare reforms and will continue to protect those on disability benefits in Scotland. This Government has delivered a balanced budget every year while taking forward action to improve the overall sustainability of the public finances for the future. One of three Brits accused of raping a local woman at their hotel in Croatia suffered serious facial injuries following a prison attack. Ami Arifi, 29, Gezhim Xhafa, 28, and Sohqib Shakibi, 24, appeared before an investigating judge in July remanded in custody pending further investigations into the incident which took place in Split. According to local reports, however, shortly after arriving at the Bilice prison, one of the defendant's jaw was broken by a detainee suspected of attempted murder. He was then transferred to a hospital in Split where he underwent surgery, before being returned to the prison. But the trio did not remain behind bars for long as on August 12, they were released after posting bail of 26,000 each and promising to respond to court summons, as per Dalmatinski Portal. Police said in July the 28-year-old woman was the victim of a planned attack and the men, who are all from London, face up to ten years in jail if convicted. One of the suspects is said to have offered a bail of 26,000, but it was initially not accepted. The suspects met the woman on Matejuska, the popular waterfront in Split and popular with tourists and locals. One of three Brits accused of raping a local woman at their hotel in Croatia suffered serious facial injuries following a prison attack She is said to have taken a ride on a motorbike with one of them, then accepted their invitation to go to their four star hotel room at around 5.30 in the morning. According to local media, the first defendant insulted and swore at her, bit her lips and touched her private parts. The court heard the alleged victim objected to this behaviour and said it hurt, but the first defendant continued to assault her. He is alleged to have taken away the woman's mobile phone and asked her to have sexual intercourse with the second defendant. The victim, in fear, agreed and went to the room with the second defendant, it is alleged. After that, the first defendant allegedly asked the victim to perform oral sex on the third defendant, the court heard. According to the woman, he bit her and touched her all over her body. She says she resisted, but at one point managed to free herself and call her ex boyfriend who alerted police. Officers came to the hotel and arrested one of the suspects in the room. The others were quickly found. The court heard the drama in the hotel room lasted two hours. The suspects have all denied their guilt. They claim that everything happened without any coercion. Two are originally from Kosovo, but have British citizenship as does the third. German law enforcement authorities have warned that the 'dangerous' chief suspect in the 2007 disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann will soon leave prison and could flee the country. Prosecutors believe Christian Brueckner, 48, killed the three-year-old girl in a Portuguese resort in a missing persons case that has captivated the world and remains unsolved. But lacking sufficient evidence to lay charges, they are helpless as Brueckner - who has a history of violent sex crimes - is due to be released from a German prison by September 17. Brueckner has denied any involvement in the Maddie case. His defence lawyer this week did not reply when contacted by AFP. A psychiatric expert who assessed him recently concluded that 'further sexual offences are to be expected'. The chief prosecutor in the case, Christian Wolters, told AFP that he believes the man who German authorities refer to as Christian B. remains 'fundamentally dangerous'. 'He has not undergone any therapy or similar treatment in prison, which means that, from our point of view, we must assume that he will reoffend,' Wolters said. German law enforcement authorities have warned that the 'dangerous' chief suspect in the 2007 disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann will soon leave prison and could flee the country. Pictured: Chief suspect Christian Brueckner sits in the courtroom during his trial at Braunschweig Regional Court, in Brunswick, Germany, Wednesday, April 3, 2024 The chief prosecutor in the case, Christian Wolters (pictured), told AFP that he believes the man who German authorities refer to as Christian B. remains 'fundamentally dangerous' Prosecutors believe Christian Brueckner, 48, killed the three-year-old girl in a Portuguese resort in a missing persons case that has captivated the world and remains unsolved. Pictured: Madeleine McCann Prosecutors have applied for conditions on Brueckner's release, such as wearing an ankle tag and informing them where he lives. But even if these are granted, he will be 'basically a free man', Wolters said. 'I assume that he will leave Germany. Because of all the media hype, so that he doesn't have to face it all the time.' Madeleine went missing from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in Portugal's Algarve region in May 2007 while her parents dined at a nearby tapas bar. Despite a huge international manhunt, multiple trails that went cold and years of global media attention, no trace of her has been found. German prosecutors in a bombshell announcement in 2020 named Brueckner, who is known to have frequently visited the area at the time, as their top suspect. They have said they have unspecified 'concrete evidence' - but also that it would not be enough to secure a conviction, and have therefore refrained from charging him over Maddie's killing. Brueckner is currently serving a sentence in Germany for raping a 72-year-old American woman in the same region of Portugal where Maddie went missing. Brueckner has a history of violent sex crimes and is due to be released from a German prison by September 17 Madeleine went missing from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in Portugal's Algarve region in May 2007 while her parents dined at a nearby tapas bar Pictured: Christian Brueckner sits next to his lawyer in the courtroom at Braunschweig Regional Court in 2024 He was additionally charged in October 2022 with five separate counts of rape and child sex abuse allegedly committed in the area between 2000 and 2017. However, he was acquitted of those charges earlier this year. Prosecutors in Braunschweig, where Brueckner was tried on the 2022 charges, have applied for a retrial in a different court. However, a decision is not expected before next year. 'We just hope that if we need him again, we'll be able to get him,' Wolters said. 'We have requested that he inform the court in advance if he wants to go abroad. 'But of course, in principle, you cannot forbid a free person from travelling from one country to another.' The prosecutor added that the investigation into the McCann case was ongoing. Prosecutors 'have not yet evaluated everything' found during a new search in the Praia da Luz region in June, and there are also still 'other lines of inquiry'. There is still a possibility that charges will be brought, Wolters said, 'but I can't say how likely or unlikely that is'. 'I can only say that in the last five years of investigation, we have found nothing that would in any way refute the suspicion against Christian B.,' he said. 'That means we have not found any exonerating evidence, no alibi, no indications that he could not have been at this location. 'For us, Christian B. is responsible for Madeleine's death, and he is the only one responsible.' A man fatally knifed his 18-year-old sister in a mass stabbing at a tribal headquarters in Canada and was killed in a car crash with police as he tried to flee. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said that Tyrone Simard, 26, injured six others in the stabbing rampage at the Hollow Water First Nation in Manitoba early Thursday morning. After stabbing several people, Simard attempted to flee in a stolen car but was killed after colliding with a police officer responding to the scene. RCMP explained that they were called to the native community in the early-morning hours Thursday over multiple assault reports. 'Upon arrival, officers unfortunately located a number of people suffering from serious injuries sustained from stab wounds,' Supt. Rob Lasson said. He noted that the victims ranged in age from 18 to 60. 'We can confirm, sadly, that an 18-year-old female has died as a result of these injuries,' he said. Lasson explained that Simard, who was a member of the community, fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. An 18-year-old girl was killed by her brother after he injured six others in a mass stabbing in Hollow Water First Nation (pictured) on Thursday The vehicle was located by RCMP and the suspect collided with an officer who was driving toward the scene. 'The suspect, Tyrone, succumbed to his injuries on scene. The officer was injured and hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries,' Lasson said. Hollow Water First Nation released a statement confirming there was no longer an immediate threat to the community. 'Due to the tragic events that happened in our community this morning, the Chief and Council would like everyone to know that they are aware of the situation and are working alongside the RCMP,' it said. 'RCMP are in the community, and are investigating. Currently, the community is safe and there is no imminent danger to anyone. 'Chief and Council would like to express their condolences to the families and everyone affected by this tragedy.' A spokesperson for Manitoba Shared Health told CBC News that the victims were airlifted or taken by ambulance to the emergency room at Winnipeg's Health Sciences Centre with varying degrees of injuries. Multiple people were stabbed in Hollow Water First Nation in Canada on Thursday morning One of the victims, Michael Raven, was identified by his son Jordan Hamilton and daughter Christy Williams. They told the Canadian news outlet that their father was at home sleeping when someone broke in, woke him up and stabbed him several times. Raven's lung was punctured by a stab in his back and he was hit with a bottle, the siblings said. Fortunately, the siblings said their father was conscious, awake and talking. 'The community is all shaken up from it. It is not something that happens in Hollow Water,' Williams said. 'This is scary for everybody. This incident doesn't sum up Hollow Water.' A scandal-plagued former Republican congressman is reportedly mulling a Capitol Hill comeback. Madison Cawthorn, 30, a former Republican representative from North Carolina, is considering running for Floridas 19th congressional district, sources familiar with the matter revealed to Axios. The seat would be vacant because its current occupant, Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., is running for governor. Cawthorn has not formally announced his campaign. 'He was 25 years old when he came to Congress. Everybody has an opportunity to grow and mature,' Donalds said of Cawthorn's potential bid, which he claimed to have discussed with the former North Carolina lawmaker. Cawthorn reportedly met with a number of Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to talk about his potential comeback, a source familiar told the outlet. However, he reportedly did not meet with the top Republican in Congress, Speaker Mike Johnson. Cawthorn previously served from 2021 until 2023 but was ousted from office after losing the GOP primary to Rep. Chuck Edwards. The 30-year-old former lawmaker, the first member of Congress born in the 1990s, was plagued with scandals during his brief tenure, leading to his loss to Edwards who positioned himself as a more stable, less controversial candidate. Former Rep. Madison Cawthorn, R-N.C., is reportedly plotting a congressional comeback Cawthorn married his ex-wife, Cristina Bayardelle, in a private ceremony months into his job on Capitol Hill. By the end of the year, he announced they were getting a divorce He lost the GOP primary to Chuck Edwards in May 2022 after fiery, scandal-filled congressional stint Shortly after arriving on Capitol Hill Cawthorn, then 26, was hit with allegations of sexual misconduct in college, though he once claimed to have never done anything sexually inappropriate in my life. He also claimed to have been invited to orgies and been witness to people doing cocaine - which ruffled GOP leaderhips' feathers. All of the sudden you get invited to, Well, hey, were going to have kind of a sexual get-together at one of our homes. You should come. You realize they are asking you to come to an orgy, Cawthorn said while on a podcast in 2022. In the appearance he also noted he saw addiction advocates ripping key bumps of cocaine. Then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., later tore into the young Republican for making unfounded claims damaging to the institutions credibility. Hes got to turn himself around, McCarthy said at the time. This is unacceptable. Theres no evidence to this. Thats not becoming of a congressman. He did not tell the truth. As for the cocaine allegations, He thinks he saw maybe a staffer in the parking garage from 100 yards away, McCarthy later clarified. In addition to the cocaine and orgies scandal, a leaked video showing Cawthorn nude and humping another man went viral during his tenure. Hawthorn at a campaign event in 2020 with his future ex-wife, Cristina Bayardelle, standing behind him Cawthorn (R) claimed to have been invited to orgies and witnessed cocaine use while in Congress - remarks he was later rebuked for The former Republican was forced to pay $15,000 after posting in favor of a cryptocurrency while he was a sitting member of Congress The North Carolinian admitted it was real, but he was 'being crass with a friend, trying to be funny.' 'We were acting foolish, and joking. That's it,' he said at the time. 'I'm not backing down...blackmail won't win.' The former lawmaker also had a turbulent personal life while in office. Cawthorn married and then divorced his ex-wife Cristina Bayardelle within one year. The pair wed in a civil ceremony in December 2020 before having a wedding ceremony in April 2021. Cawthorn announced the pair were splitting up in December 2021, citing irreconcilable differences. Cawthorn was also cited twice during his congressional tenure for brining a firearm to a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint. At least one of them was loaded when discovered by TSA officials. Further, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., also accused Cawthorn of engaging in insider trading while in office. 'Insider trading by a member of Congress is a serious betrayal of their oath, and Congressman Cawthorn owes North Carolinians an explanation, Tillis said in 2022 around the time Cawthorn posted about his cryptocurrency holdings. Cawthorn had promoted the crypto coin Let's Go Brandon, a reference to former President Joe Biden. He was later punished by the House Ethics Committee and forced to donate $15,000 to charity for the infraction. Cawthorn's former spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. A Scottish council has suspended the removal of saltire flags from lampposts after workers faced threats and intimidation. Aberdeenshire Council said it had requested the assistance of Police Scotland before the operation would resume. Flags have been put up in towns and cities across Scotland after a social media campaign by a group which protests against hotels housing asylum seekers. Falkirk Council also said workers had been threatened and claimed the saltires were put up without permission, which posed a safety threat. Aberdeenshire Council said abuse is being reported to Police Scotland and removal has been suspended for today. It said: The assistance of Police Scotland will be requested to allow removal to resume. Aberdeen City Council also confirmed that it was removing flags. A spokesman said: We are aware that flags were installed on lighting columns without the relevant local permissions and, as such, will need to be removed in due course. Council workers have been 'threatened' while removing flags Save Our Future and Our Kids Future - one of the Facebook pages behind the flags campaign - said it was disgusted by the councils response. It said it had now started fundraising to buy more flags. Falkirk Council said the flags had been removed for safety reasons. A spokesman told the BBC: In some instances, council employees suffered intimidating behaviour from people which prevented them completing this task. This is unacceptable and the council will liaise with Police Scotland to take action against those responsible. Explaining its position, an Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: It is an offence under the Road (Scotland) Act 1984 to hang anything from street lights or to damage the road in any way. Hanging items from street lighting columns presents a risk to road and pavement users, as well as the people placing these items on the streetlights. The community can apply for permission to add installations or decorations to street lighting columns. However consent must be obtained and all works must comply with council policy. The hanging of flags would not meet the criteria contained within our policy. Any unauthorised installations will be removed and the council can seek to recover costs from the responsible persons. Meanwhile, videos posted on social media show people climbing lampposts with a ladder to cut down flags which had been put up in Maryhill, Glasgow. A Facebook group called The Tartan Team, which claims to be behind the flags in Maryhill, said: Many, many, many more flags will be going up. Its going to be covered over the next couple of weeks. You wont be able to go anywhere without seeing our beautiful flag. STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: These cowardly attacks on local authority workers are utterly unacceptable. No staff should face abuse at their work and its completely correct that their employer has pulled them from their duties. Its as despicable as it is moronic that those who seek to raise the saltire under the false guise of protecting our community would then seek to attack those public servants who serve our community. The saltire represents tolerance, acceptance, respect and inclusion. These principles are sacrosanct and those who seem intent on attacking our council staff would do well to remember it before they defile our nations flag. The spread of saltire flags in Scotland comes after similar scenes in England, where Union and St Georges flags were hung on lampposts and painted on traffic islands. Groups on social media, such as the Midlands-based Weoley Warriors, have been encouraging people to take part. They describe themselves as a group of proud English men with a common goal to show Birmingham and the rest of the country of how proud we are of our history, freedoms and achievements. They have raised more than 21,000 through a crowdfunding campaign for flags, poles and cable ties. In some other areas, the raising of flags appears to be spontaneous, coinciding with a highly charged political time in the UK when it comes to national identity and belonging. There have been protests outside some hotels housing asylum seekers where flags have featured heavily among the placards. A disabled schoolboy has been left housebound after EasyJet staff made him ditch his wheelchair battery on a flight back from Disneyland Paris. Anthony Higgins, 14, from Liverpool, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy which leaves him unable to walk. The youngster was returning from a three-day trip to Disneyland, funded by Make A Wish Foundation, when a pilot refused to allow his 1,000 battery on board - despite him flying out with it. The teenager, also known as AJ, suffers muscle weakness from the progressive genetic disorder and has been 'stuck in his house' unable to attend school since being forced to dump the battery in Paris, his mother said. Melissa Higgins, a full-time carer, and partner Christopher Harvey, 36, took their family for the 'dream' trip on August 27 but they were left 'humiliated' and in tears when returning home. The mother-of-four said a pilot refused to allow the wheelchair battery onto the flight back from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Manchester airport on August 29 as the wattage wasn't visible. When her partner tried to argue their case she claims the pilot's treatment became 'horrible' when he realised he was from Liverpool and said the battery posed a risk to other passengers. She claims she had paperwork stating it was safe to fly - but was forced to leave the battery in Paris. Without his wheelchair, which was donated by a charity, the teen is now 'stuck' inside and has 'lost all of his independence'. A schoolboy was left sobbing after EasyJet staff made him ditch his wheelchair battery on a flight back from Disneyland Paris Anthony Higgins, 14, from Liverpool, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy which leaves him unable to walk Melissa Higgins, a full-time carer, and partner Christopher Harvey, 36, took their family for the 'dream' trip on August 27 but they were left 'humiliated' and in tears when returning home Ms Higgins has received an apology from the airline but is hoping for the battery to be returned. The mother, from Speke, Liverpool, said: 'I was in shock on the plane and thinking "what's going on?". 'We've not had this problem before. I don't get why all the commotion's gone on for nothing. 'It was a lifelong dream of AJ's to go to Disneyland. He was able to fly to Disneyland with no problems. '[On the plane home] I disconnected the battery and one of the pilots was standing there. 'He walked in and got the other pilot and said to my partner "what's that?" My partner said "it's the battery for his wheelchair" and he said "you can't bring that on the airplane". 'It went through customs perfectly fine. If there was something wrong with it they would've known.' The mother said that a pilot complained there was no wattage on the batteries, despite the batteries not having wattage because they are dry not liquid. The teenager, also known as AJ, suffers muscle weakness from the progressive genetic disorder The mother-of-four said a pilot refused to allow the wheelchair battery onto the flight back from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Manchester airport on August 29 as the wattage wasn't visible The family were then told the battery would put other travellers at risk. '[The pilot] started being dead horrible with [my partner] and saying "if you don't respect what I'm saying you can get your family and get off the plane," Ms Higgins said. 'As soon as they realised he was from Liverpool the treatment changed and as soon as he started talking he started being horrible. My partner doesn't pick arguments. 'Doing this in front of everyone was humiliating and everyone on the plane was moaning. We were all crying. 'In the end we just wanted to get the kids home so we had to leave the battery behind and had to come home without it. 'Obviously we wanted to bring the chair back with us because it's his life.' The mother claims AJ has lost all of his independence without his wheelchair and is hoping to be reunited with the battery to avoid having to fork out 1,000 for a new one. She added: 'EasyJet has caused unnecessary drama and stopped him from going to school and socialising. He's been stuck in the house and can't go anywhere. 'If he hasn't got that chair he can't get around. He literally can't walk and he can't propel himself because his upper body is too weak. It takes all his independence. 'It was donated to him by a charity and any spare parts cost a lot of money. We haven't got a replacement battery and we're hoping the battery will be sent back to us. The family were returning home from a three-day trip to the Disneyland theme park funded by Make A Wish Foundation Ms Higgins has received an apology from the airline but is hoping for the 1,000 battery to be returned 'We got told [the battery] was getting binned. Shouldn't we have the option whether we want to get it transported back over? 'I had a phone call yesterday and apparently it is at the airport and they're trying to get it back to him and apologised. 'Everyone is telling me to not let it go.' An easyJet spokesman said: 'Safety is easyJet's highest priority and airlines must follow the safety regulations for the carriage of batteries, which are allowed to travel on the aircraft as long as the required information for safe carriage can be provided, and we advise customers of these requirements ahead of travel. 'Unfortunately as the necessary information could not be provided for this battery, in line with safety procedures it was unable to travel. 'However we fully understand the frustration this will have caused and are in contact with the family to offer further assistance and have arranged to return the battery to them today.' A teacher who refused to call a boy a girl in a bitter trans row has been slapped with a 195,000 fine for ignoring a court order to stay away from his former school. Enoch Burke, a secondary school teacher from Castlebar, Co Mayo, has already racked up 68,500 in previous fines and his latest punishment comes as the court grows increasingly frustrated with his defiance. In court yesterday, Mr Justice David Nolan hiked Burkes daily penalty from 1,200 to 1,700 for every day he continues to remain in contempt. But he stopped short of sending the teacher back to jail for a fourth time saying that prison was exactly what Mr Burke wanted. I believe that by locking him up it is only giving fuel to his perverted sense of justice, the judge said. This comment immediately drew sharp criticism from the Burke family. Burke, a devout Evangelical Christian, was not in court for the hearing. He is believed to have been at Wilsons Hospital School in Co Westmeath, where he has repeatedly turned up despite being banned. His father Sean and siblings Ammi and Isaac did attend and almost had to be removed by officers after heckling the judge. Mr Justice Nolan had earlier threatened to hold both Isaac and Ammi Burke in contempt if they did not sit down and stop addressing him. Enoch Burke, a secondary school teacher from Castlebar, Co Mayo, has already racked up 68,500 in previous fines and his latest punishment comes as the court grows increasingly frustrated with his defiance (pictured 2023) The German and history teacher has already spent 513 days in prison across three separate stints for defying injunctions ordering him to stay away from the school. He was originally suspended in August 2022 and formally sacked in January 2023 after refusing, on religious grounds, to address a transgender pupil by a new name and the pronoun they. Burke insists his suspension was unlawful and an attack on his right to express his religious beliefs. The court heard that when Burke turned up at the school two weeks ago, at the start of the new term, he claimed he was there to work. Barrister Rosemary Mallon, acting for the schools board of management, urged the court to take strong action. But Mr Justice Nolan questioned why the school had not tried other measures such as employing security to keep Burke out. The judge was told that while doors had occasionally been locked, this raised health and safety concerns. He also heard that when staff were stationed at the school gate, Burke still managed to slip in whenever it was opened to allow parents cars through. Ms Mallon explained that private security had been considered but rejected, partly due to cost and partly because the school felt it was not appropriate to have guards patrolling a place of learning. She asked for more time to seek instructions and provide an affidavit on the issue of security, which the judge granted. The case will return to court next month. Mr Burke is one of 10 siblings - many of whom are well known in the community and nationally for their evangelical opinions. The German and history teacher has already spent 513 days in prison across three separate stints for defying injunctions ordering him to stay away from the school (pictured 2023) The family is known to spout anti-LGBT beliefs and has campaigned against gay marriage and 'transgenderism' which they describe as 'anti-Christian'. The siblings were previously accused of sharing flyers on a university campus which implicitly connected gay marriage to paedophilia and incest. As Burke's sentence came to an end, his father, Sean is set to begin a two-month sentence for assaulting garda Victoria Fisher in a courtroom scuffle which left her with bruising after she was knocked over and fell on a radiator. His sister Ammi, 33, was cleared of obstructing another police officer in the same incident which saw Burke family matriarch Martina escorted from the hearing for shouting at judges. Ammi is not the only sibling of the ex-teacher to have experienced a brush with the judicial system - with several of the 10 siblings subject to controversy over the years. Angela Rayner's property lawyers today avoided any responsibility for the fiasco over her tax. The high-street conveyancing firm she used to buy a flat issued a devastating statement saying they had calculated the stamp duty based on the information she provided. It could prove a fatal blow to the deputy prime minister who had sought to lay the blame for her troubles on her advisers. In her tearful interview on Wednesday, Rayner said she had received incorrect advice over the amount of stamp duty to pay. But today, the small family-run conveyancing firm which dealt with her property purchase, Verrico & Associates, based in Herne Bay, Kent, hit back. Managing director Joanna Verrico said: 'We acted for Ms Rayner when she purchased the flat in Hove. We did not and never have given tax or trust advice. It's something we always refer our clients to an accountant or tax expert for. 'The stamp duty for the Hove flat was calculated using HMRC's own online calculator based on the figures and the information provided by Ms Rayner. 'That's what we used and it told us we had to pay 30,000 based on the information provided to us. We believe that we did everything correctly and in good faith. Everything was exactly as it should be.' She told the Telegraph: 'We probably are being made scapegoats for all this and I have got the arrows stuck in my back to show it. We are not an inexperienced firm, but we're not qualified to give advice on trust and tax matters and we advise clients to seek expert advice on these.' Angela Rayner's property lawyers today avoided any responsibility for the fiasco over her tax Managing director Joanna Verrico (pictured today) said: 'We acted for Ms Rayner when she purchased the flat in Hove. We did not and never have given tax or trust advice. It's something we always refer our clients to an accountant or tax expert for' Ms Verrico said 'we are being made scapegoats' Sir Laurie Magnus is investigating whether Ms Rayner broke the ministerial code, following her admission that she did not pay enough stamp duty on a flat she bought in Hove (pictured) this year Rayner's 650,000 constituency home (pictured) in Ashton-under-Lyne Reports say Ms Rayner sought specialist tax advice as well as advice from her conveyancers. Sir Keir Starmer has repeatedly refused to say whether he would sack Ms Rayner if a probe into her tax affairs finds she broke ministerial rules. The deputy PM is clinging to her political career as the ministerial ethics adviser prepares to deliver his verdict as soon as Friday. Sir Laurie Magnus is investigating whether Ms Rayner broke the ministerial code, following her admission that she did not pay enough stamp duty on a flat she bought in Hove this year. But, on Thursday, Sir Keir refused five times to say whether he would sack his deputy if she has broken the rules. The PM told the BBC: 'Angela Rayner has referred herself to the independent adviser. My experience is he will be comprehensive in the report that he gives me. He will be quick, and that's what I'm expecting. And so I want to let that process take its course.' Housing Secretary Ms Rayner has been under mounting pressure after it emerged she had saved 40,000 in stamp duty on a property purchase in Hove by not paying the higher rate for second homes. She referred herself to independent adviser Sir Laurie and said she made a 'mistake' in paying the standard rate, based on legal advice she received at the time. Sir Keir and his Cabinet rallied round Ms Rayner on Thursday, despite calls for her to quit, with the Prime Minister and Chancellor Rachel Reeves both expressing 'full confidence' in her. But former shadow chancellor Ed Balls, who is married to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, said it was 'hypocritical' for Ms Rayner not to resign. 'I think there is sympathy for her personal situation... but Angela Rayner was the person who was on the moral high ground demanding others resign,' he told his Political Currency podcast. Sir Keir Starmer has repeatedly refused to say whether he would sack Ms Rayner if a probe into her tax affairs finds she broke ministerial rules 'And it's hypocritical of her [to have] one rule for everybody else, a different rule for her, for her not to resign.' One Labour MP predicted Ms Rayner would survive in the short term, but warned that her political reputation would never recover. 'It's grim,' the source said. 'Grim for her but also grim for the rest of us, because she's our best message-carrier - she's the one who really connects with our people. 'I think she'll survive but as a much diminished figure. Then you're in a position where if there's one more thing she just becomes a laughing stock. It's very sad.' Reform UK leader Nigel Farage told the Mail Ms Rayner is in 'very deep trouble - I think she'll struggle to survive'. He stopped just short of calling for her to go, but added: 'I would like to know what the truth is. You know, it doesn't look good. If she used that trust fund in her kid's name to buy the other house that does not look good. 'From what I can see of it, she should go but I would like to see what the full evidence is.' Meanwhile, Sir Keir came under fire for defending Ms Rayner despite knowing she was waiting for fresh legal advice on her tax affairs. The Prime Minister claimed those 'briefing against' and 'talking down' his deputy were making 'a mistake' in a radio interview on Monday. But on Thursday it emerged that Sir Keir knew then that Ms Rayner had commissioned fresh legal advice on her tax affairs. Conservative former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has said it was a 'fundamental mistake' for the PM to attack others for criticising Ms Rayner. On Thursday Sir Keir refused five times to say whether he would sack his deputy if she has broken the rules 'The question at the end of it all comes down to Sir Keir Starmer's judgment,' he told the Daily Mail. 'Attacking others for criticising her when he must have known, or it appears that he knew at the time what was going on, was a fundamental mistake.' Government sources said Ms Rayner instructed a senior lawyer, a KC, to review whether she had paid the correct stamp duty last Friday evening. A draft opinion from the KC came back on the evening of Monday September 1, the senior source said. It is thought this differed from previous advice she had received. Also on Monday, No10 said that Ms Rayner had applied to lift a court order which she said prevented her from speaking out. It was lifted late on Tuesday September 2. Downing Street said yesterday that Sir Keir was kept informed 'as appropriate' about the steps Ms Rayner had taken over her tax affairs. But on Monday he told the BBC: 'Angela has had people briefing against her and talking her down over and over again. It's a mistake, by the way.' Downing Street yesterday insisted Sir Keir was making an 'overarching point' and said his words 'need to be taken in the context that they were issued'. But Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake told the Daily Mail: 'Angela Rayner's tax affairs have become a serious crisis for both her and Keir Starmer. 'For weeks, the public have been given misleading statements and half-truths, while key questions remain unanswered. 'Starmer promised a government of integrity, yet he has failed to explain what he knew, when he knew it and why he continues to stand by Rayner despite the mounting evidence. 'The Prime Minister must be transparent, take responsibility and sack Angela Rayner immediately.' The final legal advice from the KC arrived on Wednesday morning, and Ms Rayner then made a public statement, admitting she underpaid stamp duty. The Deputy PM also referred herself to the Prime Minister's independent ethics adviser and said she was working with HMRC to pay back any tax she owed. The mystery surrounding the death of a newborn found in his cheerleader mother's closet has deepened as his autopsy was inconclusive, according to officials. University of Kentucky student Laken Snelling, 21, was arrested after police found her newborn baby boy inside a trash bag in her closet in her Lexington home. The Fayette County Coroner's Office said in the baby's autopsy report that it will conduct 'extensive microcosmic analyses' to determine the cause and manner of death. 'I understand the community's concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child. This death affects many lives in our neighboring state of Tennessee and as well as those in the Commonwealth. 'We are currently conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.' Snelling was released on a $100,000 bond and ordered to home incarceration at her parents' home in Jefferson City, Tennessee, as reported by NBC News. She pleaded not guilty to charges abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and concealing the birth of an infant. Snelling (pictured) has used her account to share news of upcoming beauty pageants, captioning her latest post on June 11: 'There is a pageant for EVERYONE!' Images posted on social media in recent months also showed Snelling with what appeared to be a stomach bump Snelling is a member of the University of Kentucky 'stunt team,' a competitive cheer program Fayette County Coroner Gary W. Ginn told Daily Mail on Thursday that further microscopic analyses would involve taking tissue from the infant to further study it. Ginn said the brain would also be looked at by a neuroscientist. 'There's a time frame that the tissue has to set before it can be examined just grossly as well as microscopically. So that adds time to our final autopsy report,' the coroner said. He added: 'A lot of times when you look at the brain, as well as the bony structures, the skull, the dura mater, all those things with the naked eye when the autopsy is being performed, you might be able to see that there are injuries. But until you look at the brain microscopically, you might look at the structures and not really think that there might be the injuries that there could be internal hemorrhaging or something of that nature of the brain. So, it has to be looked at more microscopically than just grossly with the naked eye.' Snelling, who was accompanied by her family, mostly kept her head down during the court appearance on Tuesday and nodded as the judge outlined her release conditions. Her father was seen holding her hand as she walked out of the courtroom. Police made the gruesome discovery on Wednesday after they were called to Snelling's home for a report of 'a deceased infant being located inside of a closet' on Wednesday morning, officials said. The baby was pronounced dead at the scene but a cause of death remains unclear pending an autopsy. It's not clear who called police to report the alleged crime. An arrest citation said the 'infant was located wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag.' Laken Snelling, 21, sported a pink dress and heavy make-up for her court appearance Tuesday\ 'By wrapping the infant in towels and placing it inside of a black trash bag, the listed suspect treated the corpse in a way that would outrage ordinary family sensibilities,' the police report said.' Snelling admitted to concealing the birth by cleaning any evidence before hiding the supplies and the infant, who was wrapped in a towel, in a trash bag, according to the citation. She is next scheduled in court on September 26. The student, who allegedly admitted to giving birth to the baby before her arrest, posted images in June where her boyfriend held her stomach, which appeared to have a visible bump. Other images posted on social media in recent months also showed Snelling with what appeared to be a stomach bump. However it's not clear if Snelling had announced a pregnancy to anyone. World-renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael M. Baden provided the Daily Mail with additional insight as to why Kentucky authorities need further microscopic testing on the baby's remains. They could be looking to see if there's any infection that the baby might've had,' Baden said. 'Sometimes, babies can be infected in utero, which could also lead to death. 'If the baby were born alive, a lot will depend on what the mom says. If they're doing microscopic studies, they're looking to see if there's any bacteria or infection that could cause death of a baby. And so that there are a number of things they have to do to be certain whether the baby had breathed in air after delivery.' Baden added evidence on whether the newborn had air in the lungs is crucial to the investigation. 'If there's air in the baby's lungs, that could be evidence that the baby was born alive. If there's no air in the lungs, that could mean the baby was probably born dead.' He said the coroners and investigators also must factor in the amount of decomposition. 'However, if a few days have passed, whether it's warm, decomposition can set in. Decomposition of a dead baby would create air in the lungs,' the famed pathologist said. 'So, they really have to be careful when they are conducting these tests to determine the manner and cause of death.' The president of Northwestern University has resigned amid a nearly $800 million funding war with President Donald Trump and the White House. Michael Schill announced his decision to step down Thursday after serving as university president for three years. He admitted it was 'time for new leadership to guide Northwestern' after facing months of scrutiny from the GOP. Schill appeared before Congress last year over claims the school was not protecting its Jewish students from harassment and anti-Semitic attacks when activists were protesting Israel's war on Gaza. He was also heavily criticized over his handling of a hazing scandal in the university's football program. His resignation comes after the Trump administration in April this year froze $790 million of Northwestern's federal research funding, citing 'several ongoing credible and concerning Title IV investigations'. The university in July took the 'drastic step' of eliminating roughly 425 positions, close to half of which had reportedly been vacant. Northwestern officials admitted at the time that reducing the workforce was the result of a budgetary gap and hailed it as the 'most painful measure we have had to take'. Northwestern University President Michael Schill (pictured appearing before Congress in may 2024) has resigned amid an $800 billion funding war with President Donald Trump and the White House The Trump administration in April this year froze $790 million of Northwestern's federal research funding, citing 'several ongoing credible and concerning Title IV investigations'. Pictured: Donald Trump in August 2025 Schill, in a statement Thursday, said serving as Northwestern's president has been a 'profound honor'. 'In that time, our community has made significant progress while simultaneously facing extraordinary challenges,' he said. He highlighted the decisions highlighted how over the past three years he and his team have 'strengthened the institution and helped safeguard its future'. But also admitted he is no longer the right person to lead the institution. 'As I reflect on the progress we have made and what lies ahead, I believe now is the right time for new leadership to guide Northwestern into its next chapter,' he said. 'Therefore, I have decided, in consultation with the leadership of the Board of Trustees, that I will step down as President.' The university's Board of Trustees is expected to soon name an interim president. Schill will continue to serve as in the role until an interim president has been selected and will work to 'assure a smooth transition', the university says. He has also vowed to continue working with the board to get the university's frozen federal funding restored. President Michael Schill listens during Northwestern University's commencement on June 15, 2025 at the United Center in Chicago Schill will take a sabbatical from the university once he has officially stepped down and will later return to campus as a faculty member, teaching and conducting research at at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. 'The Board of Trustees is enormously grateful to President Schill for his leadership during a period of unparalleled challenges at Northwestern and across higher education,' board chairman Peter Barris said in a statement. 'In spite of many headwinds, President Schill and his administration worked diligently to defend Northwestern's mission and accomplished lasting achievements that contribute robustly to Northwestern's continued advancement among the great universities in the United States and around the globe.' Schill took office as Northwestern's president in September 2022 after having previously spent seven years serving as president of the University of Oregon. He is an expert in property, real estate and housing law and policy, and founded New York University's Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy in 1995. He has also held positions at the University of Chicago, UCLA and the University of Pennsylvania. Northwestern has hailed Schill for his 'record fundraising' efforts - which saw him raise nearly $2.5 billion - and work to make the university rise on the nation's best ranking universities list. During his tenure, Northwestern was listed at No. 6 on the US News & World Report national rankings list - the highest the university has ever ranked. A Lisbon tram passenger has told of the terrifying moment one of the carriages on the city's famous Elevador da Gloria derailed, killing 16 people and injuring 21 more. Abel Esteves, 75, his wife and grandson were among 40 passengers in the lower car who witnessed the tram plunge toward them before derailing at the last second. 'I told my wife: "We're all going to die here",' he said. 'It picked up a brutal speed, took a slight turn and hit the building with a loud bang.' Lisbon authorities said on Thursday that 16 people were killed after the tram-like funicular derailed and slammed into a hotel corner building as it made its descent towards the city centre. Footage from the site showed the tram, which carries people up and down a hillside in the Portuguese capital, practically destroyed and emergency workers pulling people out of the mangled vehicle. Witness Teresa d'Avo told Portuguese TV channel SIC: 'It crashed into a building with brutal force and fell apart like a cardboard box. It crashed with tremendous force. It didn't have any kind of brakes.' Alda Matias is the latest crash victim to be confirmed. She was one of four employees of Santa Casa da Misericordia, the largest charity in Portugal, who lost their lives in the disaster. Alda Matias is the latest crash victim to be confirmed after Lisbon's famous Elevador da Gloria derailed, killing 16 people and injuring 22 more First responders work at the site of an accident involving Lisbon's Gloria funicular A police officer walks past the remains of wrecked Gloria funicular at derail site, September 3 A former volleyball referee was tonight named as the second victim of the deadly tram disaster in Lisbon that killed 16. The Portuguese Volley Ball Federation announced that Pedro Trinidade (pictured) had died in the dramatic Elevador da Gloria funicular crash on Wednesday evening Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques (pictured), who worked as the brake guard on the ill-fated ride, was the first victim to be named Footage captured the chaotic scenes just moments after Lisbon's famous Gloria Funicular derailed on Wednesday Emergency teams work at the site of a derailed electric streetcar in Lisbon, Portugal Pedro Trindade, Ana Paula Lopes and Sandra Coelho also died, according to local media. Ms Matias was a member of the Project Financial Assessment Unit, and Ms Coelho works with the elderly at the Santa Casa da Misericordia in Lisbon. Mr Trindade was a professor at the Higher School of Hotel Management and Tourism and a former referee and member of the Portuguese Volleyball Federation. The federation said it was 'deeply saddened by the tragedy.' Ms Lopes, from Vergao, in Proenca-a-Nova also worked at the institution and leaves behind her daughter and husband. Employees at Misericordia de Lisboa Santa Casa regularly use the funicular to reach their offices in Lisbon. Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques, who worked as the brake guard on the ill-fated ride, was the first victim to be named. His employer Carris, which runs the funicular, said Marques was a 'dedicated, kind and happy professional, always willing to contribute to the greater good'. Your browser does not support iframes. Tragic tales of survivors have emerged in the hours since the tragedy. One of them was a three-year-old German toddler, who - it emerged on Thursday - was rescued as his father lay dying beside him and his mother remained trapped with a broken spine. The little boy refused to let go of the police officer who led him to safety, eyewitnesses said. He has now been reunited with his seriously injured mother in hospital. The Prosecutor General's office said coroners had so far identified the bodies of five Portuguese, two South Koreans and one Swiss national, without disclosing further details of those killed. A U.S. citizen was killed in the crash, the State Department said in a statement. According Portugal's judicial police chief, Luis Neves, there was a 'high degree of certainty' that there were also two Canadians, one Ukrainian and one German among the dead, although the identities could not yet be officially confirmed. Flags flew at half-staff and people left flowers at the site of the crash as Portugal declared a day of mourning on Thursday. The Pope sent condolences and blessings to victims, relatives and rescuers. Flags flew at half-staff and people left flowers at the site of the crash as Portugal declared a day of mourning on Thursday Portugal's President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (C-L), pays respects to the victims of the Gloria funicular accident Bouquets of flowers and candles to pay homage to the victims of Gloria funicular Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Lisbon's Mayor Carlos Moedas, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, and Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel attend a memorial mass for the victims of the Gloria funicular accident at Sao Domingos Church in Lisbon Workers remove the wreckage of a tourist streetcar that derailed and crashed in Lisbon People work at the site of the derailment and crash of the Gloria funicular railway car 'This is one of the greatest human tragedies in our recent history,' Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said in a televised statement, adding that he expects the investigation into the causes of the accident to be concluded swiftly. He said Portugal state airline TAP had offered to provide transport for the families of the victims and to repatriate the injured and the deceased. Thirty-eight people were hurt in the accident, with 15 killed at the scene while one more died in hospital overnight. Among the injured were four Portuguese, two Germans, two Spaniards, one Korean, one Cape Verdean, one Canadian, one Italian, one French citizen, one Swiss and one Moroccan, said Margarida Martins, Lisbon's director of emergency services. Eliane Chaves, a Brazilian who has lived in Lisbon for 20 years, said she walked past the Ascensor da Gloria - one of the symbols of the city - every day. 'People say that it was negligence but it was not negligence,' she said, tears streaming down her cheeks. 'They supervise it thoroughly. It was an accident, just like a plane or car accident can happen.' Your browser does not support iframes. Portuguese transport union Sitra wrote in a statement: 'We send our condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the accident and wish them a speedy recovery as well as the best recovery to the others injured in the accident.' Shortly after its journey began, the first sign of disaster presented itself at the bottom of the hill, some 850ft away. The opposite cable car suddenly shunted, witnesses said, then unaware of the impending tragedy at the other end. Near the top of the hill, as Lisbon's rush hour swarmed with commuters and visitors alike, a busy streetcar carrying families and tourists began its descent - only for a fault with its cables to occur. Despite having gone through a full maintenance service, albeit a year ago, the car was left without brakes on a treacherous 17.7 per cent steep slope separating the glitzy Bairro Alto nightlife district from the city centre. The vehicle began to careen down the its course before coming off the tracks just after 6pm as it reached a sharp bend near the bottom. The speeding cable car overshot the turn, flipping on to its side, smashing into a hotel building, causing the carriage to 'fall apart like a cardboard box', as one witness described it. People walk past an out-of-service streetcar in Lisbon, Portugal, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 Footage from the site showed the tram, which carries people up and down a hillside in the Portuguese capital, practically destroyed and emergency workers pulling people out of the mangled vehicle In the panic, one witness can be heard shouting, 'There are kids under the tram' as the screams of children thought to be trapped beneath the rubble ring out Smoke plumed into the street as locals rushed to the scene to help passengers from the wreckage. Fifteen were initially counted among the dead, and nearly two dozen rushed to hospital. Residents told local outlets that the railway is popular with tourists at this time of year, and often overcrowded. The victims, including some foreign nationals, have all been recovered from the wreckage, according to the emergency services. Fabiana Pavel, president of the Bairro Alto Residents' Association, told the BBC's Radio 4 Today Programme that the crash could have been due to 'excessive tourism' - a growing concern across southern Europe as locals are priced out of homes and economies become more dependent on foreign visitors. 'The use of it in recent years is certainly inappropriate,' she said, explaining locals were often unable to use the railway 'because it became a tourist attraction'. How the funicular railway works Inaugurated in 1885, Lisbon's funicular is a national monument, popular with locals and tourists alike. It was electrified in 1915 and continues to serve millions of people every year in 2025. The railway cars, operated by Lisbon municipal transport company Carris, work in tandem: one moves down a hill and its weight pulls another up the other way. The streetcars work in parallel and are hauled by steel cables, which undergo regular inspection. Traction is provided by electric motors on both cars. The Gloria takes passengers about 850ft from downtown Restauradores Square to Bairro Alto and back. Advertisement Investigators are still scrambling to establish the exact cause of the tragedy, and Carris, the company that operates the streetcar, confirmed routine inspections had been carried out to make sure the funicular itself was safe last year. The Lisbon Firefighters Regiment has since revealed that the accident was caused by a cable that came loose in the structure of the funicular. A cable holding the streetcar to the tracks appeared to have broken, causing the streetcar to lose control on a curved, steep section of the railway, it emerged. The streetcar is harnessed by steel cables. It is commonly used by Lisbon residents, but also attracts some of the 8.5 million foreign visitors Lisbon attracts yearly. It was not immediately clear whether British tourists were on board at the time of the collision. An FCDO spokesperson told the Daily Mail this morning: 'We are aware of this incident in Lisbon and are in touch with the local authorities. We stand by to provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals.' The Elevador da Gloria funicular - one of three in Lisbon - takes some three million people across a few hundred metres of the city's steep hills each year on a curved, traffic-free road in tandem with one going the other way between Restauradores Square in the city centre, at 56ft altitude, to Bairro Alto, at 144ft. Its two cars are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable with traction provided by electric motors on the two cars. Wednesday's tragedy unfolded as the descending yellow streetcar veered off a steep stretch of tracks near Liberty Avenue. Eyewitnesses told local media that the carriage coursed down the hill, apparently out of control, before crashing into a building on Rua da Gloria, not far from the Restauradores Square. Some said they heard a loud noise before the streetcar, which was travelling downhill, sped down its steep slope, seemingly out of control. One witness said the streetcar toppled onto a man on a sidewalk. Teresa d'Avo told Portuguese TV channel SIC the train struck a building 'with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box'. Despite having gone through a full maintenance service, albeit a year ago, the car was left without brakes on a treacherous 17.7 per cent steep slope separating the glitzy Bairro Alto nightlife district from the city centre The car at the bottom of the line was apparently undamaged, but video from bystanders aired by CNN Portugal showed it jolting violently when the other one derailed and several passengers jumping out of its windows and people shouting Teresa d'Avo told Portuguese TV channel SIC the train struck a building 'with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box' She described the streetcar as out-of-control and seeming to have no brakes, and said she watched passersby run into the middle of the nearby Avenida da Liberdade, or Freedom Avenue, the city's main thoroughfare. She also said she was certain that there was a person on the pavement at the time the funicular came hurtling down and crashed into the building. The car at the bottom of the line was apparently undamaged, but video from bystanders aired by CNN Portugal showed it jolting violently when the other one derailed and several passengers jumping out of its windows and people shouting. The crash occurred at the start of the evening rush hour. Residents said it was likely a busy time for the funicular. Workers would have been leaving work and tourists and locals stepping out to shop, eat out or end the day over a drink. Suddenly, there was pandemonium. 'It was panic,' bystander Bruno Pereira told CNN Portugal. 'We all ran, everyone there. Some tried to pull people out from under the tram.' He said he stayed at the scene for some time to help foreign tourists who needed someone to speak to them in French or English. 'People wouldn't let us go, they hugged us. Suddenly, a little boy came with his arms up, asking to be picked up,' he said. Yasmin, who did not give her second name, told the outlet that she arrived to see the streetcar already overturned. The crash occurred at the start of the evening rush hour. Residents said it was likely a busy time for the funicular Several dozen emergency workers were at the scene but most stood down after about two hours 'People were screaming, many people on the ground, already dead... It's a scene I've never seen before. So many people screaming, so much blood. I've never seen anything like this.' At the time of the crash, the streetcar would likely have been full with tourists and locals alike, she said. Emergency officials said all victims were pulled out of the carriage in just over two hours from the time of the crash. Footage showed police and rescue personnel working into the night around the mangled funicular lying on its side against a wall of the street. Several dozen emergency workers were at the scene but most stood down after about two hours. The exact cause of the accident is still unclear. Fernando Nunes da Silva, an engineering expert and former Lisbon city council member, told SIC Noticias that he believed Wednesday's crash was caused by a broken traction cable. 'It's most likely that the traction cable broke and when that cable broke the brakes didn't work,' he told the outlet. 'The descending elevator gained momentum and continued at great speed.' He said these elevators 'have a very sturdy metal structure and were built at a time when very rigid structures were highly valued'. 'For the [elevator] to be in that condition, it had to be hit very hard. There is no record of the elevator having had an accident in the last few decades.' 'Something surprising is that the brakes didn't work because when a situation like this happens, there are devices in the vehicle that allow braking to be applied. The exact cause of the accident is still unclear. Fernando Nunes da Silva, an engineering expert and former Lisbon city council member, told SIC Noticias that he believed Wednesday's crash was caused by a broken traction cable People stand behind the police line of Gloria funicular derail site 'Even if this doesn't prevent the derailment, it could have reduced the impact.' Local outlet Publico reported that the crash was caused by a break in the safety cable, connecting the two cabins and ensuring the counterweight. Details have since begun to emerge about the casualties. SITRA, a trade union, wrote in a post on social media that one of its members died in the accident. Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques, a brakeman for Carris, was named as the first fatality. Emergency services said that at least 11 foreign nationals were injured in the Lisbon derailment - two Germans, two Spaniards and nationals from France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea, Morocco and Cape Verde. The Spanish Foreign Ministry confirmed that two Spanish citizens were injured in the crash. Portuguese media reported that 23 were initially injured, five of whom were in serious condition, and that one was a child. The figure was revised to sixteen fatalities and 21 injured on Thursday. Sao Jose Hospital received nine injured people, including the five in serious condition and a three-year-old child. Portugal held a day of national mourning on Thursday to commemorate the victims, whose identities were not immediately available. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas called the incident 'a tragedy that our city has never seen'. Carris, the company that operates the streetcar, said 'all maintenance protocols have been carried out', including monthly and weekly maintenance programmes and daily inspections. Carris said in a statement that 'all maintenance protocols were implemented and adhered to,' and that the last inspection took place last year. General maintenance was carried out in 2022, per its four-year schedule. The last interim repair, performed every two years, was carried out in 2024. It offered its deepest condolences to the victims and their families in a social media post, and promised that all due diligence would be taken in finding the causes of the accident. Prosecutors said they were opening an investigation into the accident's circumstances. Lisbon's City Council suspended operations of other streetcars in the city and ordered immediate inspections, local media reported. A coastal Massachusetts town has finally gotten to the bottom of stinky situation ruining their trips to the beach. Over the past week, locals in the coastal city of Gloucester about 35 miles north of Boston reported a 'rotten egg' odor wafting from their otherwise idyllic beaches. The city, which sits along Massachusetts's Cape Ann and is famous for its fishing heritage, announced on Wednesday that it had identified the source of the stench. 'The smell is coming from an invasive Japanese seaweed called Heterosiphonia japonica,' the city said in a Facebook post. 'When it washes ashore and decays, it releases a rotten egg-like odor that can seem concerning, but it's a natural process.' The city noted that winds from Hurricane Erin - which created high tides on the East Coast last week - pushed heaps of the unwanted seaweed onto Gloucester's shores. With large waves pulling it onto the sand and none to take it back out to sea, the red seaweed was left to decompose, causing a 'rotten egg' aroma. According to the Smithsonian Environmental Center, the invasive species often spreads very aggressively. The seaside city of Gloucester, Massachusetts reported an alarming stench coming from its beaches over the past week City officials revealed that the culprit was a decaying species of Japanese seaweed invading the beaches thanks to Hurricane Erin It first appeared on the East Coast in 2008 and has since popped up on beaches from Long Island to Nova Scotia. It's known to be toxic to fish and is associated with mass die-offs in East Coast waters. Unfortunately for beach-goers, the city's solution is to allow the seaweed to simply rot away. 'Without another strong tide to pull it back out, it's sitting and decomposing, which is what you're smelling,' the city said. 'The odor should fade as the seaweed breaks down.' Gloucester residents took to the comment section to express their frustration. 'Why hasn't it been cleaned up?' one wrote. 'Sorry but that's NOT what we've been smelling. It's straight raw sewage not rotten eggs that is filling the air in East Gloucester,' another commented. Gloucester is known for its fishing history, restaurants and beaches Unfortunately for beach-goers, the city's solution is to allow the seaweed to simply rot away 'Omg. It smells horrendous. I thought a large mammal died in the marsh,' a third chimed in. One commenter claimed that the city's beaches have stunk for years. 'That doesn't explain why West Gloucester smells like sewer every summer for the 14 years I have lived there.' In a statement to the Daily Mail, Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga said: 'Unfortunately, the City does have the capacity to remove the seaweed, so we have to let nature do its work. This kind of thing does happen after big storms, so I dont want people to be worried. 'I also want to assure everyone that our Health Department regularly tests our bathing beaches as required by the State and the results are available on the City's website.' Daily Mail has reached out to the city for comment. The mother of a young man shot dead in a carefully planned attack on April Fool's Day has asked his 'heartless' murderers why they 'executed' her son. Aspiring music producer Janayo Lucima, 21, who had only been released from prison a year previously for his role in helping to cover up the murder of a jazz musician, was fatally shot in the chest at close range after being lured into an ambush in Barons Court, west London, on the evening of April 1, 2024. Although 18-year-old Mohamed Mansaray pulled the trigger, the doorstep killing was orchestrated by Khuder Al Kurdi, 22, from his home nearby, the Old Bailey heard. Al Kurdi provided the gun and phoned Mr Lucima to get him outside where Mansaray had been lurking with others armed with knives for back-up. At their trial, the prosecution suggested the killing arose from 'disputes within the drugs trade', although none of the defendants gave a truthful explanation about what happened. Mansaray and Al Kurdi were found guilty of Mr Lucima's murder along with four other young men. On Thursday, members of Mr Lucima's family attended the Old Bailey for the first of their two-day sentencing. Addressing the dock, his mother Winifred Ayo said: 'You chose the time, the date, to execute your plans. Everyone had a role. You prepared for the moment. The mother of Janayo Lucima, 21, who was shot dead on an upmarket West London street last April, has confronted his killers in court Mr Lucima was killed just a year after he was released from prison for perverting the course of justice in relation to the death of a jazz musician in 2019 Police at the scene of the fatal shooting in Barons Court, west London, on April 1, 2024 'When I watch the CCTV a few minutes before you executed my son, it was like something from a movie. 'Mansaray, you even practiced your target while the others lay in wait. When the time came, you did not hesitate.' She went on: 'You did not just take our son's life that night, you also took ours. 'I miss his laugh, I miss his perfect smile. I miss his singing. Janayo loved music, even classical music. He would play the violin and piano. 'Janayo was full of dreams even though he had not figured out how to accomplish them. 'But he was heartlessly taken away from us by self-centred young men steeped in a sub-culture of violence with complete disregard for human life. 'We know Janayo was a far better person than all of you, his killers. No amount of sentence will bring our son back. 'I hope one of you will find it in your hearts to give me the reason why you all went to such lengths to kill my son. I know I will never be at peace and will always keep searching for the real reason.' Mr Lucima was killed just a year after he was released from prison for perverting the course of justice in relation to the death of jazz trumpeter William Algar (pictured) Mr Algar, 53, known as Blaise, was killed and dismembered in his home in 2019 - and was not found until a month later Ms Ayo said she learned of her son's death from two police officers who knocked on her door later the same night. She told the court: 'For the first time in my life I had to do the most difficult thing. I had to do something that no mother should have to go through. 'I had to break the news to my other children that their brother is not coming home any more. 'I get panic attacks wondering what Janayo saw, what Janayo felt, whether he understood in those last seconds before you, Mansaray, pulled that trigger, when Al Kurdi lured him out with a bogus phone call. 'Did he know it was the end? Did he have time to be afraid? 'As you know, that was the end of life for Janayo, not by fate or chance, by your co-ordinated choice to kill him.' Mr Lucima's aunt Margaret Ayo told the court the family have forgiven the defendants for killing her nephew, who was a black belt in karate. She said: 'This forgiveness is not for you, it is for us so we can rebuild our lives. We hope in the months and years to come you will use this time to reflect so you can learn to become better citizens in society. Forensic officers at the scene after Mr Lucima was fatally shot last April. Although Mohamed Mansaray, 18, pulled the trigger, the doorstep killing was orchestrated by Khuder Al Kurdi, 22, from his home nearby, the Old Bailey heard Mr Lucima's mother Winifred Ayo told his killers in court: 'You did not just take our son's life that night, you also took ours'. Pictured: The scene of the shooting in West London 'For us, we have got life sentences which is going to be with us forever.' Earlier, Judge Simon Mayo KC was told Al Kurdi had refused to come to the Old Bailey for his sentencing. The judge said his lack of 'courage and respect' was in stark contrast to the 'courage and dignity' displayed by the family of the victim throughout the court proceedings. Mansaray, of Neasden, north-west London; Al Kurdi, of Barons Court; Muktar Said, 23, of Hammersmith; Issa Siteri, 19, of Kensington; Yusuf Abdi, 19, of Westminster, and a 17-year-old youth are facing life sentences at the conclusion of the hearing on Friday. Mr Lucima was killed just a year after he was released from prison for perverting the course of justice in relation to the death of jazz trumpeter William Algar. The accomplished musician, 53, also known as Blaise, was murdered and dismembered in his home in 2019 - and wasn't found until a month later. Days later, drug-dealer Ebrima Cham, 35, nicknamed the 'Brim Reaper', was also killed in a frenzied attack at a flat in Hounslow, west London. Mr Lucima, then 19, was convicted in 2021 of helping to cover up Mr Algar's murder by buying bleach and J-cloths and running errands to clean up the scene. To date, no-one has been held accountable for Mr Algar's murder. President Donald Trump's Justice Department could take a huge step to address gun violence that goes against decades of precedent set by previous Republican administrations. In the wake of the latest school shooting in Minneapolis last week, Attorney General Pam Bondi is considering banning transgender people from purchasing firearms, according to conservative outlet the Daily Wire. 'Individuals within the DOJ are reviewing ways to ensure that mentally ill individuals suffering from gender dysphoria are unable to obtain firearms while they are unstable and unwell,' a DOJ source claimed. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Justice Department for comment on this report. But the report comes after Robin M. Westman, a biological man who now identifies as a woman, carried out a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 27. Two children were killed Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10 - before Westman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Westman was born Robert, but changed his name after legally becoming a woman as a minor. His mother signed off on the change. Attorney General Pam Bondi's Justice Department is considering banning transgender people from purchasing firearms, according to a new report Shooter Robin Westman, who was named Robert at birth, is seen above in surveillance video at a gun store in St. Louis Park just five days before carrying out the deadly Annunciation Catholic School shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 27, 2025 Two years prior on March 27, 2023, another transgender killer targeted a Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee. Shooter Audrey Elizabeth was a 28-year-old biological woman who identified as male and went by Aiden on some social media profiles. Six people three children and three adults were killed in that shooting. The Colorado Springs nightclub massacre in 2022 - which left five dead and dozens wounded at the LGBTQ+ bar Club Q - was carried out by a suspect who later told lawyers they identify as nonbinary and use they/them pronouns. There have been other cases involving transgender shooters: a 2019 attack at a Denver-area high school and a 2018 rampage at a Rite Aid warehouse in Aberdeen, Maryland, both of which were linked to suspects who identified as trans. The shootings have led to the DOJ considering preventing people with the mental illness of gender dysphoria from being able to purchase a gun as a way to crackdown on the rise of school shootings. Despite widespread community concerns over transgender shooters, any ban would likely trigger a culture war with far-left activists. Democrat Ilhan Omar previously blasted White House adviser Sebastian Gorka for highlighting the Minneapolis shooter's transgender identity, saying it was an attempt to deflect from the real horror of the crime. The Minnesota Democrat, a member of the progressive 'Squad,' insisted 'this is not the moment to point fingers,' instead urging a ban on assault weapons and more funding for mental health. A DOJ spokesman said there are a 'range of options' on the table to address gun violence. 'Under Attorney General Bondi's leadership this Department of Justice is actively considering a range of options to prevent mentally unstable individuals from committing acts of violence, especially at schools,' they added. Gender dysphoria is the mental illness often associated with transgenderism. Westman opened fire on mass at a Catholic school in Minneapolis killing two young students before turning the gun on themselves According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) 'gender dysphoria is defined as a condition characterized by a marked and persistent incongruence between one's experienced or expressed gender and their assigned sex, resulting in significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.' Asked about the differentiation between identifying someone with 'gender dysphoria' and someone who is 'trans-identifying,' a DOJ source told the Daily Wire they're 'not playing semantics with words like dysphoria.' 'We're talking about trannies, and we don't think they should have guns,' they added. Law enforcement identified Westman as the shooter - they were born male but identified as female and legally changed their name from Robert to Robin The move to prohibit someone from buying a gun based on a medical diagnosis goes against many Second Amendment advocates. There have been pushes from Republicans to protect Americans' rights to own a firearm and intense scrutiny over any attempts to limit that. But Bondi's Justice Department appears to think this action could be a compromise between the political left and right. 'Democrats have called for common sense gun laws for a long time,' the DOJ source told the Daily Wire. 'This seems pretty common sense to me.' A Labour council leader has been suspended after allegedly referring to grooming gang victims in Rotherham as 'poor white trash'. Peterborough City Council leader Dennis Jones allegedly sent the message to another councillor. He has now been suspended from the party and resigned from his role as council leader. The messages were revealed by former Labour Party councillor Daisy Blakemore-Creedon, who resigned from the party in May over bullying accusations. She took to social media on Wednesday to share messages which she claims were sent to her by Cllr Jones on August 8. In the message Cllr Jones wrote: 'Oh so white British cops f***ing poor white trash in Rotherham is OK, is it? Get a f***ing grip Daisy. You are aiming for populist votes and attention. 'Forgive me but you are bright enough to know what you are doing and, politically, I wish you no luck at all. But you know what you are setting out to do.' The message was in reply to one from Cllr Blakemore-Creedon which said: 'I care about safety and why should immigration put women's safety at risk.' She had also sent Cllr Jones a message which read: 'Anyways enough politics for the day - people are already asking for photos with me.' To which Cllr Jones responded: 'Give them your sweetest pout. And see above for likely outcome lol.' Peterborough City Council leader Dennis Jones pictured with former Labour councillor Daisy Blackmore-Creedon Cllr Blakemore-Creedon was just 18 years old when she was elected as a councillor last year Cllr Blakemore-Creedon shared the picture along with a post accusing the council leader of using 'offensive slurs' and politicising the suffering of victims. She wrote: 'This is what passes for leadership in our city. 'Use of offensive slurs. The phrase "white trash" is demeaning and classist. It dismisses victims of grooming gangs as if their suffering is less serious or less worthy of respect because of their background. That is completely unacceptable, especially from someone in public life. 'Deflection instead of engagement. Instead of addressing your concern about immigration and women's safety, he immediately shifted the topic to "white British cops in Rotherham". This is a classic deflection tactic: change the subject rather than engage with the actual concern raised. 'Hostile and abusive tone. Phrases like "Get a f***ing grip" and "I wish you no luck at all" are aggressive, disrespectful, and far below the standard of civil or professional dialogue. Leaders should model respectful debate, not resort to insults. 'Politicisation of victims' suffering. The suggestion that you are "aiming for populist votes and attention" trivialises real issues of women's safety and exploitation. It frames your concern as nothing more than a political ploy, instead of treating it with the seriousness it deserves. 'Undermining open dialogue. The message makes it clear that raising certain topics, like immigration and women's safety, is unwelcome, and those who do so will be personally attacked. That kind of culture silences people instead of encouraging open and honest discussion. Peterborough City Council confirmed today that Cllr Jones had resigned from his role. A screenshot of the message shared on social media by Cllr Blakemore-Creedon from Cllr Jones A Council spokesperson said: 'The Leader of Peterborough City Council, Councillor Dennis Jones, has today resigned with immediate effect. 'An Extraordinary Full Council meeting will be called as soon as reasonably possible to appoint a new Council Leader. 'Councillor Jones remains a councillor and will serve as an independent. 'The resignation is in response to comments made by Councillor Jones which were shared on social media. 'A formal complaint has been received by the council in relation to this and we are now considering its contents.' A Labour Party spokesperson told the Peterborough Telegraph: 'The Labour Party expects the highest standards from our members and our elected representatives. The language used here was inappropriate and swift action has been taken, in line with our rules and procedures. We cannot comment further while an investigation is ongoing.' Conservative group leader on Peterborough City Council, Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald, said: 'Calling white working class girls white trash is deeply offensive and unacceptable. 'Even if it was a private message to another councillor, it would upset many parents and young people in Peterborough. The leader of the council needs to explain himself urgently, or resign with immediate effect. 'The Labour Party has serious questions to answer.' The columns of goosestepping troops, tanks and missile launchers pounding across Beijings Square of Heavenly Peace on Wednesday were supposed to be commemorating the final defeat of Fascism in the Second World War. But they looked and sounded like an ominous warning to the Western democracies: that the world America and its allies created 80 years ago is on its last legs. The master of ceremonies, Chinas President Xi Jinping, flanked by Russias Vladimir Putin and North Koreas Kim Jong un, presented his vast country as the beating heart of an even more extensive alliance. We have every reason to be worried - very worried. Chinas extraordinary economic growth has paid for a dramatic surge in military spending. A country that once sought strength in numbers now shows off high-tech weapons comparable with the very best that America can offer while producing them at a pace beyond anything USAs sclerotic arms industry can match. Together with battle-hardened Russia and resourceful North Korea - which somehow makes modern nuclear missiles despite the grinding poverty of its people - this new anti-Western axis is an even greater threat even than Hitler once posed to America and her allies. It is only a quarter of a century since American President George W Bush warned that the West must confront what he termed Axis of Evil states. Even at the time, the idea that sworn enemies Iraq and Iran plus famine-hit and isolated North Korea posed any sort of global threat seemed ridiculous. A New World Order overseen by America looked assured. Think forward to 2025. Donald Trump has let his frustration show at being left off the guest list for Beijings parade. Reduced to posting on Truth Social, he said, petulantly: Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong un as you conspire against the United States of America. Hes right, of course. I am sure Xi and Putin, with Kim as their barely house-trained attack dog, are cooking up trouble for the West. Russian President Vladimir Putin (L), Chinese President Xi Jinping (C), North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (R) and heads of foreign delegations emerge onto a rostrum in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sit in a vehicle during their visit to Beijing to attend China's commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing Chinese troops and armoured vehicles are seen during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Sino-Japanese War in Beijing Donald Trump has let his frustration show at being left off the guest list for Beijings parade Your browser does not support iframes. For all Xis talk of a Chinese-sponsored New World Order of magnificent peace and prosperity, it was the show of force that gave the clearest indication of where the future, ominously, might well lie. That and the fact that Putin and Kim promised more joint action on the Ukraine model. A sinister taster of we can expect in flashpoints around the globe? There are some who doubt it, pointing out that the Chinese havent fought a real war since their Vietnamese neighbours gave them a bloody nose in 1979. China, say the optimists, has shown us no more than the military equivalent of synchronised swimming - a cavalcade of perfectly dressed soldiers, many of them female, marching in perfectly formed columns. Wars are not won with parade-ground drills, they argue. Its coordination across real battlefields that counts. But thats all whistling in the dark. Leaked assessments from the Pentagon suggest that not only does Beijing have the vast amounts weaponry we saw displayed this week, it also has sophisticated electronic intelligence gathering capabilities and carefully planned operational techniques. The PLA, meanwhile, has learned from Putins over-confidence at the start of the Ukraine war when his initial invasion became a bloody debacle. That was a bitter lesson for Russias army - and one which led it to invest heavily in drone warfare in response. The futuristic anti-drone laser that we saw proved, once again, that China has been watching carefully. The Americans have always respected Chinas land forces - ever since fighting them in Korea. But in the last few years, China has become a naval power, too, fielding many more warships than America. Today it is China that is launching warships, submarines and now undersea drones at tempo. America has two naval dockyards. China has 20 or more. Chinese leader Xi Jinping hosted the parade to mark 80 years since WWII , showcasing China's newest high grade weapons - including a laser which experts fear could burn out electronics or even blind pilots YJ-20 missiles were wheeled out in a show of China's military capabilities Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (C) leave after their meeting in Beijing on September 3, 2025 A member of the army standing in front of D5-5C nuclear missiles The Peoples Republic is churning out warships on a scale not seen the second world war when American shipyards sank Germany and, also, Japans hopes for global hegemony The West, meanwhile, is slow to build back its military capacity. And, worse, theres a danger that we are looking back not forwards - that we are building ships to fight the last war - that surface vessels such as aircraft carriers will be as obsolete in a future war as battleships were in the Second World War? I am haunted by the sad memory of HMS Prince of Wales, then Britains most modern battleship, which was destroyed by Japanese bombers and torpedo planes in 1941. Todays HMS Prince of Wales, an aircraft carrier, is Britains biggest ever warship. But to me it looks vulnerable to Chinas expanding undersea capabilities - including deadly underwater drones - just as its tragic predecessor was open to attack from the air 1941? The same applies to Americas carriers, of course. Eighty years ago, Britain, America and Stalins Russia could cooperate across friendly oceans mobilising vast resources. Now, things are different. Russias treasure house of raw materials and energy supplying China across their shared border deep inside Asia. And China already has access to much of Africa and South Americas mineral resources and their markets. Can Beijing continue to surge past America both economically and militarily? Theres no time to wait and see. This isnt a parade ground manoeuvre but a deadly rivalry of equals. The clock is ticking. Four young sisters have died after their North Carolina home caught fire over the weekend. Kendall, Kalani, Josie, and Sophia Melvin died after the blaze ripped through their home in Chadbourn in the early hours of Saturday morning. According to Columbus County Fire Marshal Shannon Blackman the girls were aged between two and seven and there were no parents inside the address at the time. Two girls, both aged 12, managed to escape the inferno. Officials said one of them is a sister of the children who perished. The girls who escaped called 911 and firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after but the house was already engulfed in flames. Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers said: 'Due to the severity of the fire it was not possible to make a safe entry into the home.' Images captured since of the home show the charred remains of the property. The walls of the home have crumbled under the intense heat. It remains unclear how the fire started. The State Bureau of Investigation is probing the blaze. Kendall, Kalani, Josie, and Sophia Melvin died after the blaze ripped through their home in Chadbourn in the early hours of Saturday morning Images show the charred remains of the property, the walls of which crumbled under the intense heat A statement said: 'The NC SBI is investigating a Chadbourn, NC fatal fire over the weekend. 'The Columbus County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal requested assistance with a house fire that took the lives of four children. 'Their ages are 2, 4, 6, and 7. Two teens were also at home when the fire broke out but they were able to escape unharmed. 'The fire and deaths are currently under investigation. The bodies of the children were taken to the Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy.' Melissa Long, a neighbor, said she would frequently hear the girls playing together inside the home. She told WECT: 'I could just hear them laughing and playing all the time next door. I could just always hear them carrying on and having a good time. 'Something that I can remember about them is hearing the laughs and playing.' Long added that something as tragic as the fire had never hit the community before, saying it left her heart broken. It remains unclear how the fire started. The State Bureau of Investigation is probing the blaze Melissa Long, a neighbor, said she would frequently hear the girls playing together inside the home Two girls, both aged 12, managed to escape the inferno. Officials said that one of them is a sister of the children who perished She added: 'I was in shock. I was hurt because I knew that our community was going to be in a lot of pain and the family that was going through this. 'I have two children of my own, so it does open your eyes to realize how things can be taken so quickly from you.' A GoFundMe has since been set up, which added: 'These beautiful souls brought immense joy and love to their family and everyone who was blessed to know them.' An obituary said: 'Each carried a special sparkle: Kalani loved sunsets, Kendall adored rainbows, Josie never turned down pizza, and Sophias favorite was watching Bluey. 'They loved their church, their friends, and their family deeply, and though their time here was far too short, their love and light will forever shine in the hearts of all who knew them.' County Sheriff Rogers added: 'Our community is facing an unimaginable tragedy. We ask that everyone join together in support of the family and loved ones affected by this devastating loss. 'The thoughts and prayers of our agencies are with them during this extremely difficult time.' John Swinney has been told to get back to the day job after cynically focusing on independence and foreign affairs to avoid defending the SNPs record. Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay ripped into the First Minister after he launched a taxpayer-funded paper on breaking up Britain. Critics said it was reprehensible to have spent public money on Your Right to Decide, a 22-page government summary of previous arguments on the issue. The document was used to bolster an SNP event in Edinburgh at which Mr Swinney claimed his party winning a majority at Holyrood next year must trigger a referendum. The demand came just a day after the FM dedicated an afternoon at Holyrood to the war in Gaza in which he expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine. At First Ministers Questions, Mr Findlay was scathing about the First Ministers priorities. He said: More than four out of five businesses in Scotland fear that they might go bust within 12 months. Around one in six people in Scotland are trapped on national health service waiting lists, with tens of thousands forced to pay for private treatment. The First Minister insisted he was delivering on the priorities of the people of Scotland Drug death rates are still the worst in Europe, with 4,570 lives lost since the Scottish National Party declared a national mission. All those issues need the Governments urgent attention now, so why on earth did John Swinney give a speech today all about independence? He replied: What independence offers for Scotland is a fresh start, and that will be positively welcomed by the people of Scotland. Mr Findlay mocked Mr Swinneys absolutely priceless speech for the line You cant just support democracy when it suits you, given the SNP never respected the No vote of 2014. Mr Findlay added: Two million people voted to reject division, and they are still demanding that the SNP Government gives it a rest and focuses on what matters. When will he ever learn to take no for an answer? Pinning his hope on inexperienced voters, Mr Swinney said that by 2030 there would be 1 million young people who hadnt voted on independence and they should get the chance, adding: That, after all, is democracy, and I am proud to champion it. Mr Findlay responded: I really hate to break it to the First Minister, but John Swinney is not William Wallace. We know his game. He is desperately trying to get the focus off the SNPs dismal record of failure on the economy, schools, ferries, drugs, crime, health and everything else. He cynically focuses on independence and international affairs. Is it not time that he got back to the day job? The First Minister insisted he was delivering on the priorities of the people of Scotland, adding: I want to make sure that Scotland is not inhibited by the failures of Westminster, and that we have the ability to democratically choose the future of independence. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar accused the FM of running away from his record. He said: This morning, John Swinney showed that fixing the NHS will never be his priority. Instead, he is trying to use independence to hide from his failures and is desperately trying to cling on to power, but it is not going to work. Do Scots not deserve a First Minister whose number one priority will be fixing our NHS? Mr Swinney claimed he was already doing that. They have that, and they do not need to change the First Minister as long as I am here. Mr Sarwar snorted: Its okay, First Minister - I know that you are tired, but you have only about eight months left. As the Glasgow MSP infuriated the SNP benches by repeatedly calling them knackered, finance secretary Shona Robison shouted: You are just making a fool of yourself. He shot back: The only one making a fool of themselves here is the Scottish Government. Earlier, at his event on why Scots should have another vote on ending the UK, Mr Swinney accused Sir Keir Starmer or toadying along behind Nigel Farage by using utterly chilling language about immigration. He said: Our saltire is a flag of welcome and refugees are welcome here. Alastair Cameron, chair of Scotland in Union, said: This was a pointless speech. It is reprehensible that the First Minister is using taxpayers money to try to shore up his position in his own Nationalist party. He is completely out of touch with Scotland, and at next years election there is an opportunity to elect politicians who put the peoples priorities first. A Texas mother has been outed for allegedly leaving her baby to die in a hot car - and even stopping at McDonalds while he was succumbing to heatstroke. Vanessa Esquivel, 27, from Dallas, 'intentionally' left her 15-month-old child in a 95 degree vehicle for more than two hours while she was at work on August 16, Frisco Police said. Esquivel arrived at her workplace on Preston Road, northern Dallas, at around 2pm that day, and took the infant to Medical City Plano Hospital at 5.30pm. Law enforcement said she arrived with the baby at the emergency department saying he had fallen sick, but medics told her the child was already dead. Frisco Police officers detained Esquivel on August 20 and charged her with murder. According to her arrest affidavit, Esquivel made a stop at McDonalds while driving from her workplace to the hospital as her son lay dying in the car. Esquivel is being held at the Collin County Jail with her bond set at $250,000. She faces a first-degree murder charge, which carries a penalty of five years to life in prison. Texas mother Vanessa Esquivel (pictured) has been outed for allegedly leaving her baby dying in a hot car - and even stopping at McDonalds while he was succumbing to heat stroke Esquivel arrived at her workplace on Preston Road, northern Dallas, at around 2pm that day, and took the infant to Medical City Plano Hospital (pictured) at 5.30pm Pictured: Accused murder mom Esquivel's workplace on Preston Road in northern Dallas 'Based on information gathered during the investigation, Frisco Detectives believed probable cause existed that Esquivel had committed murder, as her intentionally leaving the child in the car caused injury/endangered the child, which is a felony,' the department said in a press release. 'Because it resulted in the child's death, her actions met the statutory requirements of murder.' It comes after an adorable toddler died two days before his second birthday when he was left in a hot car by his foster father for more than eight hours, police said. Esquivel, 27, from Dallas, 'intentionally' left her son in a 95 degree vehicle, police said Hudley Owen Hamlett was found unresponsive in early August after his legal guardian, Brian Dalton, left him in a hot car while he went to work in Virginia, officials said. The tragedy was uncovered when Dalton arrived at the Chestnut Academy day care at about 3.30pm to pick Hudley up but was informed the toddler had not been dropped off that day. That's when Hudley was discovered strapped in the back of the vehicle Dalton had driven to work that morning. Dalton had left the boy in his car as he worked an eight-hour shift and did not realize it until he went to the daycare in the afternoon, according to officials. Staff at the daycare and first responders attempted life-saving measures but Hudley was pronounced dead at a hospital, as reported by ABC 13. Hudley Owen Hamlett died two days before his second birthday after he was left in a hot car Brian Dalton left the boy in the car for over eight hours as he went to work, cops said A heartbreaking image from the scene shows the boy's shoe and backpack on the ground Temperatures in Amherst County, about a 120-mile drive from Richmond, reached 88 degrees on Thursday afternoon. Dalton was taken into custody at the scene and was charged with abuse and neglect of children and involuntary manslaughter. 'It's just a tragedy that you never, never expect to happen, never should happen, but it's unfortunate that it did,' said Amherst County Sheriff L.J. Ayers. 'As a man of faith, I would have to say that the only consolation that I can find in this is this little fella has faced many challenges in his short life. Now, he has the ability to grow and flourish without life's challenges in his eternal home.' A father who served nearly three decades in jail has been freed after a woman who was considered a star witness in his trial admitted that she committed the crime in a chilling hand-written letter. Brian Hooper Sr., who spent more than 27 years behind bars for the murder of Ann Prazniak, 77, was exonerated and released from Minnesota's Stillwater Correctional Facility on Thursday after Chalaka Young came forward, confessing she killed the elderly woman. Hooper, now 54, was found guilty of killing Prazniak in 1998 and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. The former inmate, who has always maintained his innocence, finally became a free man after Young said she was the murderer in a letter that came to light on July 29. 'I am not okay any longer with an innocent man sitting in prison for a crime he did not commit,' wrote Young, who said she came forward due to her sobriety and newfound faith. Young, who penned the letter while serving 10 years in a Georgia prison for battery, further told authorities she fabricated a story about Hooper and decided to 'stick with' it at his trial. Following his release, Hooper's daughter Briana Hooper, detailed how happy she was to be reunited with her father after growing up without him all this time. 'My father Bryan Hooper Sr. is an innocent man and hes always been an innocent man,' Brianna said. Brian Hooper Sr., 54, was released from prison Thursday in Minneapolis, Minnesota after a star witness in his case admitted she was the one who killed Ann Prazniak, 77, in 1998. He is pictured with his daughter, Briana In a chilling letter, Chalaka Young said she fabricated her story when she placed blame on Hooper. She also admitted she was the one who killed the elderly woman Young penned the detailed letter while serving a 10-year sentence in a Georgia prison for battery 'We have an opportunity to use my fathers story to shed light on the other people who are sitting behind bars for crimes that they did not commit.' During Hooper's trial, Young claimed that he forced her to be his lookout while he killed Prazniak in her Minneapolis apartment. The killer said Hooper then made her wrap the woman's body in a blanket bound with tape before throwing it in a closet. She has now admitted that she acted alone. In her written confession, she said that after taking 'a hit of dope' she 'would get ideas.' One of these 'ideas', she said, was to 'tape up the body, put it in a box and shove it in the closet, and that's what I did.' The written confession, which was included in the recent petition brought forward by Hooper and the Great Northern Innocence Project on Tuesday, also laid bare Young's alleged recollection of what happened that day. In it, Young reportedly said she had just finished smoking crack in a stairwell before encountering Prazniak in the hallway and asking if she had anything to drink. The next thing she remembered was waking up on the old woman's couch and seeing Prazniak lying on the floor of her home. Praznik's deceased body was found inside a box in a closet. A medical examiner previously ruled Prazniak died of asphyxia Hooper served more than 27 in prison for a crime he always said he didn't commit In his petition, Hooper claimed that Younger went on to confess a second time to a prison Chaplin, Janine Davis, who contacted the authorities at the inmate's request. She ultimately recanted the claims she made during her testimony. Four other witnesses involved in the case, who said Hooper 'made incriminating statements,' also recanted. A medical examiner previously ruled Prazniak died of asphyxia two weeks to a month before her deceased body was discovered, according to court documents reviewed by KSTP. Following his long-awaited release, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said that although Prazniak's death 'was senseless,' they 'are convinced that Bryan Hooper did not commit that crime; he has been in prison for 27 years for something he didnt do.' Moriarty added: 'We can never return what was taken from Mr Hooper in 1998 and for that, I am sorry. However, we can do the right thing today, and today we are joining the petition to vacate Mr Hoopers conviction.' On Thursday, The Great North Innocence Project, a group that works on freeing the wrongfully convicted, posted heartwarming pictures to Instagram of Hooper as he walked out of prison. He stepped out of prison a free man on Thursday, wearing a white and black outfit and sharp black and white fedora He donned a white shirt and black pants and a sharp black and white fedora, as he smiled big around his family who all came out to welcome him home. 'I can see my blessings, even through the madness,' Hooper said, according to a GoFundMe page the organization made to help him get back on his feet. Moriarty previously said her office would consider seeking murder charges against Young after Hooper's case was finalized. The news release did not specify if charges would be brought against Young. Daily Mail contacted the Hennepin County Attorney's Office. A North Carolina construction worker was punched in the face after he asked a driver to slow down for a work zone. Caleb Johnson was waving his stop sign to halt traffic at the site in Huntersville when he was attacked on Tuesday. Dramatic footage showed the driver initially taking Johnson's command and slowing down before turning violent. Just seconds later, he emerged from his vehicle and hammered Johnson with a vicious punch to the side of his head. The impact caused Johnson to drop his stop sign and stagger backward. The construction worker called the situation 'crazy' and was struck by his aggressor's coldness. Johnson told WSOC: 'I think the scariest part was (how) he talked to me. He was very non-threatening, non-aggressive. 'So, I think it's really scary that despite being in that much control, the fact he was still willing to hit someone.' Construction worker Caleb Johnson was calling for cars to stop alongside a work zone when an angry driver punched him Johnson directed the driver to slow down near the site in Huntersville, North Carolina Shocking footage shows the driver punching Johnson in the side of the head after exiting his vehicle Johnson managed to remain on his feet but dropped his stop sign in the process The video shows the assailant calmly walking away after delivering the blow. Fellow construction workers attempted to block the car in using road barrels to no avail. They captured the license plate, which was used to identify the driver who has not been publicly named. Johnson remains confused: 'What did he think would be a positive outcome from that situation?' He plans to press charges against the driver, who has not been publicly identified. Huntersville Police Department chief Brian Vaughan told the Daily Mail: 'This remains an open investigation, so I am limited in the information I can provide at this time. What I can share is that while there is video capturing a portion of the interaction, it does not accurately reflect the entirety of the situation.' Vaughan confirmed that the suspect is known to the police. He added: 'In North Carolina, as a general rule, officers must witness a misdemeanor offense, such as an assault, in order to make an arrest without a warrant. There are some exceptions, including shoplifting, DWI, and domestic violence-related offenses. 'In investigations such as this one, it is standard practice for suspect information to be provided to the victim so that they may pursue charges.' The FBI revealed the shocking items seized during a dramatic raid of ex-Trump National Security Adviser John Boltons home last month. Agents searched Boltons home as part of a criminal investigation into his alleged unauthorized removal and storage of classified records. Bolton is being investigated for improper gathering, transmitting or losing of national defense data, according to the DOJ filing. Despite the dramatics surrounding Trump's nemesis, Bolton has not been charged with a crime in the weeks following the high-profile raid on his home. Bolton served as an adviser to Trump from April 2018 until September 2019. However, the president fired him from the administration after the pair disagreed over foreign policy. Bolton's hawkish military advice often clashed with Trump's diplomacy-first strategy when engaging with rival countries, such as North Korea or China. FBI agents removed a white binder with the label statements and reflections to allied strikes' from Bolton's property, according to a DOJ court filing released on Thursday. Typed documents stuck in folders labeled Trump I-IV were taken from Boltons home, as well as four boxes containing printed daily activities. The former UN ambassador had two iPhones, four computers and hard drives, and two USB drives stripped from his property. The FBI warrant also authorized agents to press Boltons fingers onto devices if his fingerprints were needed to unlock certain devices. John Bolton had his house raided by FBI agents on August 22nd as part of a criminal probe into his handling of classified material FBI agents removed a white binder with the label statements and reflections to allied strikes' from Bolton's property Bolton's DC office was also raided by agents on the same day the FBI went through his house Moreover, agents were allowed to hold his devices in front of Bolton's face to unlock them with facial recognition. The warrant was approved by a federal magistrate with the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The DOJ notes in the court filing that a criminal investigation is ongoing with agents actively reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses. The full disclosure of the items taken from Boltons home comes after a legal request from media outlets was approved on Thursday. The probe into Bolton was first launched in 2020, but it was quashed during President Joe Biden's administration for 'political reasons.' However, FBI Director Kash Patel reopened the high-profile case. Once privy to some of the most classified information in the world, Trump's Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stripped Bolton of his security clearance. The investigation also focuses on Boltons use of classified documents while writing his memoir The Room Where It Happened. The 2020 book was critical of Trumps handling of foreign policy during his first term in the White House. Bolton is being investigated for improper gathering, transmitting or losing of national defense data FBI agents descended on Bolton's home for a raid that lasted over seven hours on August 22 Bolton regularly appears in TV interviews criticizing Trump's national security strategy and foreign policy. And in response, Bolton has become one of the former officials that the president has taken aim at since getting back into office nine months ago. An American and two Canadians are feared to be among at least 17 dead in a horror tram crash in Portugal's capital city of Lisbon. Authorities have not yet released the identities of all of the victims in the tragedy in Lisbon on Wednesday, but said there was a 'high degree of certainty' that the American and two Canadians were deceased. As of Thursday, the only person who has been identified as a fatality of the crash Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques, a brakeman for the tram. A Ukrainian and a German national were also among the dead, with survivors saying the city's iconic Elevador da Gloria funicular derailed and slammed into a hotel corner building as it made its descent towards the city centre. Lisbon resident Abel Esteves, 75, and his wife and grandson were among 40 passengers in a separate tram just below the one that derailed, and described the horror scenes as it flew off the tracks. 'I told my wife: 'We're all going to die here',' he said. 'It picked up a brutal speed, took a slight turn and hit the building with a loud bang.' Thirty-eight people were also hurt in the disaster, with 15 killed at the scene and another victim dying in hospital later on Wednesday night. Lisbon's director of emergency services, Margarida Martins, said among the injured were four Portuguese, two Germans, two Spanish, one Korean, one Cape Verdean, one Canadian, one Italian, one French citizen, one Swiss and one Moroccan. Fabiana Pavel, president of the Bairro Alto Residents' Association, told the BBC's Radio 4 Today Programme that the crash could have been due to 'excessive tourism' - a growing concern across southern Europe as locals are priced out of homes and economies become more dependent on foreign visitors. 'The use of it in recent years is certainly inappropriate,' she said, explaining locals were often unable to use the railway 'because it became a tourist attraction'. An American and two Canadians are feared to be among at least 16 dead in a horror crash after Lisbon's Elevador da Gloria funicular derailed and slammed into a hotel corner building Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques was among the victims of Wednesday's tragic incident Witnesses said the first signs of trouble came at the bottom of the hill that the tram operated on, around 850ft from where it derailed. The opposite cable car suddenly shunted, witnesses said, then unaware of the impending tragedy at the other end. Near the top of the hill, as Lisbon's rush hour swarmed with commuters and visitors alike, a busy streetcar carrying families and tourists began its descent - only for a fault with its cables to occur. Despite having gone through a full maintenance service, albeit a year ago, the car was left without brakes on a treacherous 17.7% steep slope separating the Bairro Alto nightlife district from the city centre. The vehicle began to careen down its course before coming off the tracks just after 6pm as it reached a sharp bend near the bottom. The speeding cable car overshot the turn, flipping on to its side and smashing into building, causing the carriage to 'fall apart like a cardboard box', as one witness described it. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. A police officer walks past the remains of wrecked Gloria funicular at derail site, September 3 Police and firefighters work on the site of a funicular railway accident in Lisbon, September 3 Smoke plumed into the street as locals rushed to the scene to help passengers from the wreckage. Fifteen were initially counted among the dead, and nearly two dozen rushed to hospital. Two people, sadly, died in the night. Residents told local outlets that the railway is popular with tourists at this time of year, and often overcrowded. The victims, including some foreign nationals, have all been recovered from the wreckage, according to the emergency services. Among them was a three-year-old German toddler, who - it emerged on Thursday - was pulled from the wreckage as his father lay dying beside him and his mother remained trapped with a broken spine. As well as excessive tourism being blamed by locals, Manuel Leal, leader of the Fectrans union, told local outlets that workers on the tram had complained that they had encountered problems with the tension of the cable that hauls the carriages. While saying that it was too early to say if this was the direct cause of the derailment, he said workers had noted the instability for some time before the disaster. The municipal transport company Carris said in a statement that 'all maintenance protocols have been carried out', including monthly and weekly maintenance and daily inspections. 'On Wednesday morning, the inspection was carried out and no faults were detected... We cannot assume that the problem was with the cable. The investigation will determine the cause,' Carris CEO Pedro Bogas told reporters. Afghanistan has been rocked by another major earthquake just days after a large quake left more than 2,200 people dead. The country's eastern region was hit again on Thursday by a magnitude 6.2 earthquake, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported. Experts said the earthquake struck at a depth of 10km in a region lying 20 miles outside of Jalalabad, while tremors were reportedly felt in India and Pakistan. The extent of casualties and damage caused by the latest quake - which was more powerful than the one recorded earlier this week - is as yet unknown. A 6.0-magnitude quake struck several provinces of the mountainous and remote east of the country on Sunday night, levelling villages and trapping people under rubble. At least five provinces were impacted by the quake, felt hardest in the Kunar and Nangarhar regions - among the most remote and impoverished in the country, Human Appeal said. The death toll has climbed to more than 2,200, a Taliban government spokesman revealed, with hundreds of bodies still being recovered from collapsed buildings and houses. Most of the casualties have been in Kunar, where many live in steep river valleys separated by high mountains. Afghanistan has been rocked by another major earthquake just days after a large quake left more than 2,200 people dead. Pictured: An Afghan man views the aftermath of Sunday's earthquake in the Dara-i-Nur district of Nangarhar province on September 3 A view of houses damaged by Sunday's earthquake in Kunar, Afghanistan on September 3 So far 2,205 people have died and 3,640 were injured in the region, according to a Taliban government toll. Another 12 people were killed and hundreds injured in the neighbouring provinces of Nangarhar and Laghman. A sizeable magnitude 5.2 earthquake also struck eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday. The epicentre of the quake was 21 miles northeast of Jalalabad city in Nangarhar province, according to the US Geological Survey. Taliban spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat, who provided the updated casualty figures, said rescue and search efforts were continuing - but the rough terrain is hindering relief efforts. Authorities have deployed helicopters and airdropped army commandos to help survivors, while aid workers have reported walking for hours to reach villages cut off by landslides and rockfall. Humanitarian organisations have called Sunday's earthquake a crisis within a crisis. Afghanistan was already struggling with the impact of climate change, particularly drought, a weak economy and the return of some two million Afghans from neighbouring countries. Sunday's earthquake was the third major quake since the Taliban seized power in 2021 A military helicopter delivering aid and transporting the injured sits near survivors and residents in a damaged area of Kunar province, Afghanistan, September 2 An injured child victim of the earthquake sits beside security officials in Kunar, September 3 Rescue workers search for victims amid debris of a damaged house after a deadly magnitude-6 earthquake that struck Afghanistan on Sunday The International Rescue Committee (IRC) warned that the quake in Afghanistan was likely to 'dwarf' the scale of the humanitarian needs caused by the Herat earthquakes of 2023, which the Taliban said killed some 4,000 people. Human Appeal UK, a British humanitarian charity based in Manchester, said in a statement that it was launching an emergency response initiative aiming to reach 17,500 people with aid. Hameed Al-Asaly, CEO of Human Appeal UK, said: 'Some of the most vulnerable and remote areas of Afghanistan have been devastated by this earthquake, with many lives lost and homes destroyed. 'Our teams are working tirelessly to deliver life-saving aid on the ground. We will continue to adapt our response to meet the evolving needs of affected communitiesboth now and in the months ahead. 'We urge the public to support this vital effort as survivors begin the long road to recovery.' Meanwhile the Red Cross and Afghan Red Crescent Society confirmed that it was also responding to the disaster by delivering aid to the region. 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. Women, both 30, were hit by a car on busy highway Two young women have been hit and killed by a car after they stopped to help an injured kangaroo on a busy Melbourne motorway. Emergency services received reports that two women had been struck by a car on the M31 Hume Freeway in Craigieburn just after 7.30pm on Thursday. A 30-year-old Beveridge woman died at the scene, while a 30-year-old Thomastown woman was airlifted to hospital but died a short time later. Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Glenn Weir said the decision to leave a vehicle to check on injured wildlife was 'inherently dangerous'. 'They've stopped their car and they've got out to assist the kangaroo and another vehicle travelling in the same direction hasn't seen their car, we think until the last minute, swerved to avoid the car and struck the females at relatively high speed,' he told ABC Radio Melbourne on Friday. 'It is inherently dangerous to get out of vehicles to try and check on injured wildlife after they've been hit, and that's exactly what happened last night,' he said. The speed limit is 100km/hour on the Hume Highway, an 840km route that connects Melbourne and Sydney. Wildlife welfare group Wild Animals Australia said the women had shown 'incredible compassion' to the injured kangaroo in their final moments. Two young women have been killed after stopping to help an injured kangaroo on a major highway (pictured, a crumpled car at the scene on the Hume Highway) Police are pictured at the scene on the highway, which is expected to remain closed on Friday 'Such a heartbreaking tragedy,' a post to social media read. 'These women acted out of pure kindness and compassion, and their caring spirit should be remembered. Our prayers are with the families of these incredible humans.' The organisation urged drivers to 'put their safety first' before helping animals and to only stop if it is completely safe or call a wildlife rescue hotline. The driver remained at the scene and is assisting police with their investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has footage or any information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers. The highway is expected to remain closed for some time on Friday. Sec. Robert Kennedy Jr. was put in a bind by a Republican senator who quizzed him on President Donald Trump's COVID vaccine work. The Health and Human Services secretary was given a bipartisan grilling during a hearing largely focused on his vaccine claims. Many of those interactions dealt with the COVID vaccine that was created by Trump's Operation Warp Speed. 'Do you agree with me that President Trump deserves a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed?' Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., the chairman of the health committee, asked Kennedy. 'Absolutely, senator,' RFK Jr. dutifully responded. Cassidy then pressed Kennedy on contradicting himself. 'But you just told Sen. Bennet that the COVID vaccine killed more people than COVID?' the senator responded. 'Wait, I did not say that,' RFK blurted out in protest. 'I just want to make clear, I did not say that.' Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy was forced to face his past work trying to restrict the COVID vaccine during a Senate hearing on Thursday. Sen. Bill Cassidy grilled him for his past work against the Trump-backed shot Kennedy testified that President Donald Trump should 'absolutely' get the Nobel Peace Prize for directing the creation of the COVID vaccine The Louisiana Republican pushed back: 'We'll check the record. That's a question of fact.' Kennedy expressed uncertainty about the number of COVID deaths and questioned the clarity of data from the CDC but did not explicitly claim that more deaths resulted from the vaccine than from the virus. But Cassidy was not done yet; he continued grilling the HHS secretary for engaging in multiple lawsuits aimed at restricting access to the COVID vaccine. 'It surprises me that you think so highly of Operation Warp Speed when, as an attorney, you attempted to restrict access.' RFK again sought to clear the air, 'I'm happy to explain why' Cassidy cut him off, saying he only had three minutes left for his questioning. HHS did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment. The second most powerful GOP senator, John Barrasso of Wyoming, a former orthopedic surgeon, told the secretary frankly about his worry. 'In your confirmation hearings, you promised to uphold the highest standards for vaccines,' the Republican said. 'Since then, I've grown deeply concerned.' The Senate has been skeptical of Kennedy's vaccine views since his confirmation hearing Democrats called on Kennedy to resign and mentioned his past connections to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 'Mr. Kennedy calls himself a protector of children, some kind of rich claim, coming from someone who has flown on Jeffrey Epstein's private jet on multiple occasions,' Oregon Democrat Sen. Ron Wyden stated. He also added that Kennedy 'shouldnt be within a million miles of this job', his current role as HHS Secretary, due to his Epstein connections. Kennedy did not comment on his ties to Epstein during the hearing, leaving Wyden's remarks unaddressed. Senator Jeanne Shaheen tore into President Trump during a heated CNN interview Tuesday, accusing him of letting Vladimir Putin 'play him' as the Russian leader ignored yet another peace deadline. 'President Trump has now allowed Vladimir Putin to blow through seven deadlines he has set since he came into office,' the Senate Foreign Relations Committee member told host John Berman. 'He is continuing to let Vladimir Putin play him.' The criticism comes as Trump's shortened 10-12 day deadline expired in early August with no ceasefire in sight, despite the president's threats of '100%' tariffs on Russian exports for non-compliance. Trump has since given Putin 'a couple more weeks' with still no concrete progress on Ukraine peace talks. Shaheen made it clear Putin has consistently ignored Trump's diplomatic efforts sidestepping U.S. calls for accountability and real peace. 'The most obvious example was at the Summit in Alaska, where he got virtually nothing from Putin.' She called it President Trump's 'failure to act.' 'The only thing Vladimir Putin understands is strength and pressure,' Shaheen said, emphasizing that Trump's current diplomatic approach won't sway the Kremlin's aggression. Adding, 'We need to fund the Ukrainians in terms of the military hardware they need. We need to provide the support to help them keep going in this fight.' In August, Putin visited the United States, where he was warmly received by President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska Senator Shaheen made it clear Putin has consistently ignored Trump's diplomatic efforts sidestepping U.S. calls for accountability and real peace The senator's comments come after two highprofile yet ultimately fruitless meetings first between Trump and Putin, then between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Despite the high stakes, neither summit yielded any significant progress toward a ceasefire or meaningful negotiations. In August, Putin visited the United States, where he was warmly received by President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska. The media analyzed every move from the two world leaders, with some reports describing progress, and others reporting back continued diplomatic gridlock. Following their closeddoor discussions, Trump addressed the press, describing the talks as 'highly productive' and claiming that most issues had been resolved, with only a few outstanding matters remaining. Less than a week later, Russia launched one of the heaviest attacks in weeks at Ukraine: almost 600 drones and 40 missiles. And then, silence. Now, Trump is returning to talks of economic punishment. A White House official tells the Daily Mail that French President Macron and European leaders called President Trump into their 'Coalition of the Willing' meeting today. On that call, Trump told Europe to stop buying oil from Russia. A White House official tells the Daily Mail that French President Macron and European leaders called President Trump into their 'Coalition of the Willing' meeting today. On that call, Trump told Europe to stop buying oil from Russia President Donald Trump came under fire during a live CNN interview with Host John Berman, as Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized his repeated inability to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine 'On that call, President Trump emphasized that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war, as Russia received 1.1 billion in fuel sales from the EU in one year. The President also emphasized that European leaders must place economic pressure on China for funding Russia's war efforts,' the official said. Putin joined China's leader Xi Jinping and North Korea's Kim Jong Un for a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, commemorating eight decades since the end of World War II in the Pacific. Trump, notably absent from the event, made his upset known on Truth Social. He wrote on the platform what he wishes for the Chinese President Xi and his people to have a memorable celebration. 'Kindly extend my best to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un enjoy plotting against the United States together,' Trump wrote. Foreign policy experts say the question remains if symbolic displays like these are indicative of deeper strategic coordination, and if Trump is, in fact, being played. Anthony Albanese has held further talks with US President Donald Trump on trade and security, but there's no word yet on when the pair will meet face-to-face. The prime minister revealed the leaders spoke in a social media post just before midnight on Thursday. It was the fourth phone phone call between the pair, which Albanese said was 'warm and constructive'. 'We discussed our trade and economic relationship as well as areas for growth including critical minerals. 'We also discussed shared US-Australia security interests.' A readout of the meeting said Albanese discussed economic cooperation, as well as trade and critical minerals important to both countries. 'Leaders also discussed the strength of our relationship and the importance of our shared security interests,' it said. But there was no word on when the two leaders will hold their first face-to-face meeting, which Australia has been pursuing since Trump's elevation to the presidency in November. Anthony Albanese says he had a constructive conversation with President Trump Albanese says he and the US President talked about US-Australia security interests The two were expected to have talks in June on the sidelines of a G7 summit in Canada but the meeting was cancelled after Trump returned to the US early to deal with issues in the Middle East. The call took place just weeks ahead of a United Nations general assembly meeting, which Trump will also attend, at which Australia is expected to join the UK, France, Canada and others in pushing for the recognition of a Palestinian state. Australian ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd welcomed the phone call between the two leaders. 'Lots going on in the US-Australia relationship. And going from strength to strength,' he said on social media. The phone call coincides with efforts by Australia to get the US to drop tariffs on exports. Trump imposed a baseline tariff of 10 per cent on all Australian goods to the US and a 50 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium. At the same time, the US is reviewing the AUKUS trilateral security alliance, under which Australia is expected to spend $386billion on nuclear powered attack submarines, to ensure it aligns with Trump's 'America first' agenda. The US has been pushing Australia to raise its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product. Australian ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd (pictured with the prime minister in June) welcomed the phone call between the two leaders The government is currently spending 2.02 per cent with a view to increasing that sum to 2.33 per cent of GDP by 2033/34. Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth said the phone call between the two leaders to expanded on ties between the allies. 'We have the lowest trade tariffs of any country in the world when it comes to the US, but no doubt, this builds on what is already a warm relationship between the two of them,' she told Seven's Sunrise program on Friday. 'As the prime minister has indicated, they'll meet when it's convenient for both parties. 'Clearly, there's a connection there with four phone calls.' But Liberal senator Jane Hume said more work was needed to be done to secure a face-to-face meeting with the US president. 'It's been 300 days now since President Trump has was elected, and still no meeting between our leaders, and that's a concern,' she told Seven. 'We want Anthony Albanese to step up and represent Team Australia with President Trump, and particularly to secure our AUKUS agreements.' Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie have said they will use their unique privileges as lawmakers to read the the names of the Jeffrey Epstein associates who allegedly sexually abused underage girls. The stunning announcement came during a press conference on Wednesday where GOP Reps. Massie, Greene and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna pushed for a bill that would compel Attorney General Pam Bondi to release the Epstein files. If Congress passes the bill, which was originally sponsored by Khanna, Greene said she would read the names on the list thanks to a constitutional immunity rule for members of Congress. The rule gives Massie, Greene or any other member the power to read names or make allegations during a speech on the House floor without legal consequences. 'Can you imagine how terrifying it would be to name names like that. These are some of the richest, most powerful people in the world that could sue these women into poverty and homelessness,' Greene said at the presser, with alleged Epstein victims standing behind her. 'Yeah, it's a scary thing to name names, but I will tell you, I'm not afraid to name names. And so if they want to give me a list, I will walk in that Capitol on the House floor and I'll say every damn name that abused these women. I can do that for them,' she added. Massie later echoed Greene's sentiments on X, saying that she 'and I are willing to name names in the House of Representatives under Constitutional 'speech or debate' immunity'. Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna don't normally work together but have collaborated on a bill that if passed, would compel Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all the investigative files on Jeffrey Epstein At a press conference Wednesday pushing for that bill, Greene said she would read the names on the Epstein list if the Department of Justice handed it over Nonetheless, Epstein survivors are saying that if the government won't act, they will release the names on their own, potentially opening themselves up to lawsuits. 'I would like to announce here today, us Epstein survivors have been discussing creating our own list. We know the names. Many of us were abused by them. Now together as survivors, we will confidentially compile the names we all know who were regularly in the Epstein world.,' victim Lisa Phillips said. She said the public should 'stay tuned for more details'. This came a day after the House Oversight Committee released nearly 34,000 pages of files from the Department of Justice containing information about Epstein's 2019 death while in jail and his flight logs from between 2000 and 2014. Democratic and Republican critics alike slammed the disclosure for mostly containing information that was already publicly known. 'I appreciate the efforts of my colleague James Comer, who's leading the House Oversight Committee. They may find some information, but they're allowing the DOJ to curate all of the information that the DOJ is giving them,' Massie said on Wednesday. 'If you look at the pages they've released so far, they're heavily redacted. Some pages are entirely redacted. And 97 percent of this is already in the public domain,' he added. Meanwhile, Massie has been pushing for a discharge petition that would force a vote on the Khanna bill that would release the Epstein files within 30 days. Hundreds of people, including Epstein survivors and journalists, showed up to the Wednesday press conference on Capitol Hill After the press conference, President Donald Trump reiterated his chosen response to the Epstein files controversy and insisted that it is merely a plot thought up by Democrats to hurt his presidency He said 214 House members, including four Republicans have signed the petition thus far. It needs 218 signatures to be successful, which means every Democrat and at least six Republicans will need to support it. After Wednesday's press conference, President Donald Trump reiterated his chosen response to the Epstein files controversy and insisted that it is merely a plot thought up by Democrats to hurt his presidency. 'This is a Democrat hoax that never ends,' Trump told reporters at the White House. 'From what I understand, I could check, but from what I understand, thousands of pages of documents have been given. But it's really a Democrat hoax because they're trying to get people to talk about something that's totally irrelevant to the success that we've had as a nation since I've been president,' he continued. Massie condemned this statements like this previously made by the president but did not name him in his rebuke. 'I think it's shameful that this has been called a hoax. Hopefully today, we can clear that up. This is not a hoax. This is real. There are real survivors. There are real victims to this criminal enterprise, and the perpetrators are being protected,' he said. President Donald Trump will sign an executive order renaming the Department of Defense on Friday to its former namesake. The president and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have indicated in recent days that they want to change the name of the agency back to the Department of War, as part of the president's 'warrior ethos' campaign within the Pentagon. A White House official has since confirmed that Trump will roll out the name change on Friday in an executive order that calls for the term 'Department of War' to be used as a secondary title to the Department of Defense and terms like 'Secretary of War' to refer to Hegseth's position. The order also instructs Hegseth to propose legislative and executive actions to make the name change permanent. Implementing the executive order will now require the federal government to change its websites, as well as signage at the Pentagon - including changing the name for the press briefing room to the 'Pentagon War Annex,' a White House official said. The United States had called its military agency the Department of War up until 1949, when it was changed in accordance with the National Security Act of 1947 to the Department of Defense. But Trump has suggested he would like to change the name back. 'Everybody likes that we had an unbelievable history of victory when it was Department of War,' he told reporters on August 25. 'Then we changed it to Department of Defense.' President Donald Trump will sign an executive order renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War on Friday Implementing the executive order will now require the federal government to change its websites, as well as signage at the Pentagon Hegseth has also expressed his support for the name change, and has even started referring to himself as the Secretary of War. 'We won WWI, and we won WWII, not with the Department of Defense, but with... the Department of War,' he said in an interview Wednesday on Fox & Friends. 'As the president has said, we're not just defense, we're offense.' Hegseth added that the president has 'reestablished at the Department the warrior ethos. 'We want warriors, folks that understand how to exact lethality on the enemy. We don't want endless contingencies and just playing defense,' Hegseth said. 'We think words and names and titles matter. So we're working with the White House and the president on it,' he added. It remains unclear whether the name change will require Congressional approval, as the legislative branch has the constitutional authority to establish federal departments. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has expressed his support for the name change, and has even started referring to himself as the Secretary of War But Trump has expressed his confidence that he doesn't need Congressional approval - and if he does, lawmakers will get in line. 'We're just going to do it,' the president said in his remarks on August 25. 'I'm sure Congress will go along if we need that. I don't think we even need that.' It seems President Trump already has the support of Republican Utah Sen. Mike Lee, who introduced a bill on Tuesday to change the name of the department. 'I'm proud to introduce the Department of War Restoration Act to make President Trump's return to tradition permanent in federal law,' he said, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. 'It should always be clear to anyone who would harm our people: American's don't just play defense.' Lee also declared on social media that the Department of War is 'the only name that captures the full range of America's military capabilities.' The head of Britain's trade union movement has urged Rachel Reeves to consider introducing a wealth tax at the Budget to raise billions for public services. Paul Nowak called on the Chancellor to look at hitting those worth more than 10 million with fresh levies while hiking capital gains tax insisting this would not lead to an exodus of the wealthy. The General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) also demanded that Ms Reeves slap a windfall tax on banks and increase levies on the gambling industry as she tries to fill a 50 billion black hole. In a round of interviews ahead of the TUC's annual conference in Brighton next week, Mr Nowak told Ms Reeves 'not to take anything off the table' ahead of the crucial November 26 Budget and to consider 'a wealth tax'. He said: 'I've seen first-hand the experience of the wealth tax, the solidarity tax in Spain and it raised billions of euros. 'It didn't lead to an exodus of millionaires or wealthy people from Spain, and Spain now has one of the fastest growing economies in the OECD. So I think it's a good example of a wealth tax in action.' He also told Sky News: 'But it's not the only option the Government has. They could equalise capital gains tax with income tax. 'They could have a windfall tax on the banks and the financial institutions, who have got record profits. And they could tax the gambling industry much more fairly.' The head of Britain's trade union movement has urged Rachel Reeves to consider introducing a wealth tax at the Budget to raise billions for public services Paul Nowak called on the Chancellor to look at hitting those worth more than 10 million with fresh levies while hiking capital gains tax Mr Nowak claimed there was 'overwhelming support' among voters from all sides for higher taxes on banks and the wealthy. Polling for the TUC found that a 2 per cent annual wealth tax paid by those with assets worth more than 10 million would be supported by 68 per cent of Britons. He said: 'The public overwhelmingly want investment to deliver better services across the country whether it's cutting NHS waiting lists so patients can get the prompt treatment they need or funding schools so our kids have the right books and resources. 'They want fair taxes, too. People have had it with a system where those with the broadest shoulders don't pull their weight. 'The public are behind tax reform so that the wealthy, banks and gambling companies pay more.' Mr Nowak is the latest figure on the Left to urge Ms Reeves who has ruled out increasing income tax, VAT or National Insurance to introduce a wealth tax. No 10's new economics guru, Baroness Shafik, has previously said: 'We should explore taxing wealth such as inheritance, land and real estate.' Meanwhile, firms have been cutting jobs at the fastest pace in four years, a Bank of England survey has found. Employment levels were slashed by an annual rate of 0.5 per cent in the three months to August. The figures indicate the labour market is being badly damaged by the Chancellor's 25 billion raid on employer National Insurance. 'Dodi dead, Di badly injured,' read the front page of the first edition newspapers that morning. The news that Princess Diana had died in a car crash in Paris broke in the early hours of the morning on August 31, 1997. While the public woke up to the news on the radio, newspapers rushed out a second edition and prime minister Tony Blair led tributes for 'the Peoples Princess' as observers gathered before dawn outside Kensington Palace. Even though a brief statement was issued by Buckingham Palace within hours of the news breaking, there was heavy scrutiny over how the Queen reacted. Royal author Valentine Low wrote in his book Courtiers: 'It had been noticed that there was no flag flying at half-mast over Buckingham Palace, an omission that was taken to mean that the Royal Family did not care.' But this was not the case. As Low wrote: 'She adhered to the tradition that the only flag ever to fly over the palace was the Royal Standard, and that was never flown at half-mast, since there is always a sovereign.' The Mail's Richard Kay said: 'There were battles going on, there was no doubt about it. Katie and her grandmother Enid Jones were among thousands of mourners who gathered to see the Queen return the day before Diana's funeral On September 5, 1997 Prince Philip and the Queen chatted with members of the public outside Buckingham Palace and viewed some of the estimated 60million floral tributes Public support for the monarchy was dwindling as some observers felt the Queen had delayed responding to Diana's death 'Messages were being relayed to try encourage the Queen to engage more. 'They wanted the Queen to come down to London as soon as possible. But the Queen and her immediate family were still resistant to that. 'Tony Blair spoke to Prince Charles and implored Charles to talk to his mother to try and, sort of, break the logjam.' According to royal biographer Tina Brown, the Queen was only concerned with William and Harry and not 'courting the media and public opinion'. Low wrote: 'By Thursday, the public mood had built up to such a pitch not just over the flag but also over the fact that the Queen was cloistered up in Balmoral rather than coming to London to act as a public expression of national mourning that compromise became inevitable. 'The Queen realised that it was her duty to fulfil her role as the nation's leader in a time of crisis.' The Union Flag would fly over the Palace at half-mast but not until Saturday morning, after the Queen had left the Palace to attend the funeral. The Queen would come down to London earlier than expected and deliver a broadcast to the nation on Friday evening. The Union Flag would fly over the Palace at half-mast but not until Saturday morning, after the Queen had left the Palace to attend the funeral These flowers, along with ten to 15 tons of bouquets, were left at Kensington Palace, St. James's Palace, and Buckingham Palace, according to Guinness World Records Royal author Valentine Low wrote in his book Courtiers: 'It had been noticed that there was no flag flying at half-mast over Buckingham Palace, an omission that was taken to mean that the Royal Family did not care' In keeping with the royal tradition of walkabouts, Prince Philip and the Queen chatted with members of the public outside Buckingham Palace and viewed some of the estimated 60million floral tributes. These flowers, along with ten to 15 tons of bouquets, were left at Kensington Palace, St. James's Palace, and Buckingham Palace, according to Guinness World Records. Low wrote: 'Palace officials were fraught with anxiety over how people would respond to her presence.' Public support for the monarchy was dwindling as some observers felt the Queen had delayed responding to Diana's death. But a turning point came through the actions of one schoolgirl. Eleven-year-old Kathryn (Katie) Jones, was holding five red roses when the Queen approached her. Katie and her grandmother Enid Jones were among thousands of mourners who gathered to see the Queen return the day before Diana's funeral. 'Would you like me to place them for you?' the Queen asked her. 'No, Your Majesty,' she replied. 'These are for you.' The Queen's private secretary, Mary Francis, told author Robert Hardman: 'There had been a very nasty atmosphere around London, but, as their cars approached the Palace, you could hear the crowd start to clap' The poignant moment was captured in a photograph and is now seen as a symbolic turning point in the Queen's fortunes. It was even dramatised in the 2006 movie, The Queen, starring Helen Mirren. The Queen was 'visibly moved', wrote Low, who is pictured behind a railing as the young girl and her grandmother hold out flowers. The Queen's private secretary, Mary Francis, told author Robert Hardman: 'There had been a very nasty atmosphere around London, but, as their cars approached the Palace, you could hear the crowd start to clap. 'It shows that, sometimes, you can turn sentiment by a positive response, however late.' In May 2017, Katie and Enid featured in the Channel 5 documentary Diana: 7 Days That Shook The Windsors. Katie told the documentary that before the Queen took the flowers, she held her hand and was shaking. She told the Queen: 'I think you deserve them, I think youve done the right thing staying with your grandsons. 'If my mum had just died, Id want my grandma with me.' A park bench provides an accurate gauge of the volume of floral tributes in front of Kensington Palace Enid said: 'The attitude of the crowd was unpleasant and it was something which I have never, ever seen before in any Royal occasion, ever.' 'You know, usually when the Queen goes by, people clap, people cheer, people wave. They dont just stand there. 'I actually think perhaps what Kate said struck home and people realised that perhaps theyd been totally unfair to someone who after all has given her life to our country.' In an unprecedented break with protocol, the Queen asked her press secretary to appear on TV to defend the royals and explain that they had stayed away to be with William and Harry. She also agreed to make a statement on television, her first live broadcast in 50 years. Low wrote: 'When Downing Street had suggested that the Queen's broadcast should go out live on the six o'clock news, the idea was rebuffed by the palace on the grounds that "the Queen doesn't do live".' However, when the suggestion was put to her directly, she agreed without hesitation, according to a former courtier. 'It was very hard for the Queen to do, to what she had to do, yielding, if you like, to public pressure,' Richard Kay recalled. The Queen agreed to make a statement on television, her first live broadcast in 50 years 'She knew better than anyone if she lost, or the Royal Family lost the affection of the public then their days really were numbered.' Low wrote: 'After the broadcast, in which the Queen said there were lessons to be learned from Diana's death, the national mood changed. 'People saw the Queen in a more sympathetic light, and the immediate crisis dissipated. 'But for an institution that had been badly damaged by the whole Diana saga, there was still a long way to go before it could completely recover.' From kidnapping a twelve-year-old to force her into marriage, to bleeding the country dry with his army of tax enforcers, Robert Hardman has branded one medieval King as the most monstrous in English history. On the latest episode of the Daily Mail's Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things podcast, royal biographer Hardman revealed that King John was his pick for the worst monarch to ever wear the crown. Alongside co-host and historian Kate Williams, Hardman argued the case against the reviled medieval ruler, explaining how he displayed each of the seven deadly sins in abundance. You can listen to the latest Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things by clicking the player below or here King John: The Worst King Ever? King John ruled England from 1199 until his death in 1216, with his reign marked by catastrophic military defeats in France and a devastating conflict with the Pope that brought the kingdom to the brink of bankruptcy. Not only did he fail abroad, but at home both peasantry and aristocracy despised him for his greedy pursuit of tax revenues and predatory sexual behaviour. As Hardman jokes in the podcast, John achieved the impossible - uniting all England's social classes in their shared loathing of him. John was the brother of one of England's most heralded Kings, Richard the Lionheart. Richard's surprise death in France from gangrene left the throne to John, who as the youngest son had never been prepared for kingship. John was the brother of one of England's most heralded Kings, Richard the Lionheart Royal biographer Robert Hardman revealed that King John was his pick for the worst monarch to ever wear the crow. Listen here As Hardman jokes in the podcast, John achieved the impossible - uniting all England's social classes in their shared loathing of him Get your weekly dose of Royal scandals and palace intrigue on the Mail's Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things podcast Having grown up in his older brother's shadow, John ruled with an obstinate, vindictive streak, as Hardman explained. He said: 'John was the weedy brother left behind you can see him thinking, I am going to show them. But he singularly fails. 'John tries to throw his weight around which comes to a head in 1207, when the Archbishop of Canterbury dies. 'King John wants his own man to take over a chap called John de Gray who lent him lots of money. The monks don't want this. They go off to Rome and the Pope sides with them against John. 'We then have an extraordinary standoff where all the priests in England down tools and go on a sort of strike. 'There are no bells, no religious services, no sacraments, the dead lay unburied. Nobody can go to church. It's a long winter of discontent. 'This ends when John loses. He's excommunicated in 1209 his Barons team up with the French to remove him and then he suddenly caves.' This conflict with the Pope 'turned John nasty' and he launched a series of brutal tax measures against the Church in response. These measures led much of the clergy to flee from England, causing a sort of medieval brain drain. To compensate, John then unleashed equally harsh policies on the peasantry and aristocracy to fill the royal coffers. 'John bled his country dry with his fines and confiscatory taxes', Hardman said. 'The King scoops up all this ecclesiastical property. He thought nothing of having priests beaten up, taxed and imprisoned. 'He and his own sort of Gestapo, going around the country taxing everybody, landlords, the local Toff, any peasant who refused to give over a few tithes of grain. 'People would have their sheds or houses burnt down if they refused to comply. Even the Barons, who controlled the knights they were told that for every knight that didn't go to war, they had to pay a pound. 'This really affected everyone, rich down to the very poorest. We're all in it together as thirteenth century England didn't say.' Already fracturing relationships by taxing the elite in English society to the hilt, King John brought his Lords to the brink of outright rebellion with his nighttime activities Perhaps the only lasting achievement of John's reign was that widespread hatred of his rule forced the creation of Magna Carta Get your weekly dose of Royal scandals and palace intrigue on this Mail podcast New episodes every Thursday Hosted by Royal Historians Robert Hardman and Professor Kate Williams, Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things looks at the Royal Family - the secrets, the palace intrigues, and the Crown's bloodiest moments. Listen wherever you get your podcasts now. Advertisement Already fracturing relationships by taxing the elite in English society to the hilt, King John brought his Lords to the brink of outright rebellion with his nighttime activities. John was firm believer in an ancient right, known in French as the droit du seigneur (right of the Lord). 'This essentially gave the King the right to have sex with any female subject who caught his eye particularly on their wedding night', Hardman said. 'Imagine all the stress and strain of your wedding day and on top of that, you've got King John turning up going, I'm jumping into bed now. 'He had a string of illegitimate children by various mistresses. 'One noble worried so much that John was going to make moves on his wife that he went so far as hiring a prostitute to put in their bed in her place. 'He was married twice. The second time around, he married Isabel of Angouleme, who was just twelve at the time. 'John kidnapped her to stop her marrying someone else. By all accounts, it ended up a tempestuous marriage that precipitated a war.' Perhaps the only lasting achievement of John's reign was that widespread hatred of his rule forced the creation of Magna Carta. This groundbreaking document placed legal limits on royal power and established fundamental principles of justice and governance. John died of dysentery in 1216 and was succeeded by his nine-year-old son Henry III. A regency government led by the respected knight William Marshal successfully stabilised the realm. To hear Kate Williams argue the case for Richard III being the worst monarch in history, search for Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things now. 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 Queen Mary of Denmark, known for her elegant fashion sense, stepped out in a pair of Mountain Warehouse walking trousers to attend the opening of Nature Week 2025. Nature Week is an event organised by the Danish Society for Nature Conservation, which aims to encourage more children and families to spend time outdoors. She paired the trousers with a denim shirt by Polo Ralph Lauren, gold jewellery, Salomon hiking shoes and light brown Ray-Ban sunglasses. The Forest Trekking Trousers are designed for walkers and are made with water-resistant treatment and reinforced fabric on the knees for more protection. The stretchy fabric makes them perfect for late summer and early autumn walks. Five-star reviews describe the trousers as comfortable, lightweight and durable with one reviewer saying they are an item 'everyone should have'. The best news? They're on sale for less than 50 and come in three different colours. Queen Mary's exact autumn outfit More hiking trousers The Princess of Wales appeared firmly in her element as she laughed with pupils as it began to pour with rain during a visit to the Natural History Museum in London today. Seconds after the primary school children from Kender Primary School, New Cross, south London, arrived to join Kate Middleton and Prince William they were soaked in a massive and sudden downpour. In an act of kindness, Kate, 43, sweetly helped a group of children to shelter under her umbrella. Click to watch how the moment unfolded above. The days are numbered for two North Carolina beachfront homes that are teetering on the edge of collapse. The houses, in Rodanthe, NC, are part of the Outer Banks, an area which has started to draw interest as a result of the hit Netflix show named after it. The structures are just days away from completely crumbling into the Atlantic, as Hurricane Erin battered the fragile barrier islands in August, eating away at the coastline. At least 11 neighboring houses have already been swallowed by the ocean since 2020 due to beach erosion and climate change, according to the National Park Service. The two-story beachfront properties sit on stilts directly in the surf, with waves crashing against their support beams. The tiny village of just 200 people juts farther into the ocean than any other part of the Tar Heel State, making it especially vulnerable to the sea. But experts say it is no surprise that these homes are on the edge of collapse. Barrier islands like the Outer Banks were never meant to hold permanent structures. The days are numbered for the two North Carolina beachfront homes that sit in the water The Netflix hit Outer Banks has brought national attention to the area 'Perhaps it was more well understood in the past that the barrier island was dynamic, that it was moving,' David Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, told local news. 'And if you built something on the beachfront, it may not be there forever, or it may need to be moved.' Even the Outer Banks' most iconic landmark, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, had to be relocated more than half a mile inland in 1999 as erosion gnawed away the coastline. The National Park Service said some stretches of coastline in the Outer Banks lose as much as 15 feet of beach every year. And it is not just homes that are affected either. A single collapse can scatter debris for about 15 miles along the coast, clogging beaches with broken timber and septic waste. A state report estimates that some 750 of nearly 8,800 oceanfront structures across North Carolina are at risk. And with sea levels rising, experts warn the problem will only worsen. At least 11 neighboring houses have already been swallowed by the ocean since 2020 (stock image) A state report estimates that some 750 of nearly 8,800 oceanfront structures are at risk Some stretches of coastline in the Outer Banks lose as much as 15 feet of beach every year A single collapse can scatter debris for about 15 miles along the coast, clogging beaches Outer Banks follows a group of working-class local teenagers searching for treasure There is a stark social divide in the show between wealthy seasonal residents and the locals, nicknamed the 'Kooks' and 'Pogues' The area has never been more popular and has gained lots of new visitors since the Netflix series debuted in 2020 David Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, told the Daily Mail that 'dozens' of homes are considered at risk of falling into the ocean. 'Dozens are currently in a fragile state,' he said, adding that the two ready to buckle could even happen as soon as Wednesday. Hallac said they recommend to the owners of at-risk homes to do demolition themselves before the property falls, but people rarely do. 'If there is a house at risk of imminent collapse we then have to close the beach area around it as a buffer,' he said. All of the threatened homes rest on stilts stuck into the sand like 'toothpicks' he added. But some locals say the doomsday narrative is limited to one region only. Outer Banks realtor Tim Lancsek insists most of the Outer Banks is stable - even thriving - and that when a house collapse happens it triggers alarm bells across the country. 'They take one little section of a 120-mile stretch of island and make it sound like it's happening everywhere,' he told the Daily Mail. 'It's such a small area on the beach, but it gives the whole Outer Banks a bad rap.' Outer Banks realtor Tim Lancsek insists most of the Outer Banks is stable, even thriving The Outer Banks' most iconic landmark, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, had to be relocated more than half a mile inland in 1999 as erosion gnawed away the coastline Locals pointed out that buyers often see opportunity in the beachfront homes as rentals He added that while newcomers to the area always ask about erosion, seasoned visitors and local buyers are not deterred. 'Most of the people buying here have been coming for years. It's really just a quarter-mile stretch in spots like Buxton or Hatteras Island. 'The rest of the coastline is doing fine.' Rather than fear, Lancsek pointed out that buyers often see opportunity in the beachfront homes. 'If someone wants to roll the dice, they'll pick one up for $500,000 and generate $100,000 a year in rentals. Even if it only lasts five years, they've made their money back. If more, they make a profit.' He said the area has never been more popular and has gained lots of new visitors since the Netflix series debuted in 2020. 'The Outer Banks brand has exploded,' Lancsek added. 'Between the Ford Bronco Outer Banks edition and the Netflix show, people are finding out how amazing this place is. It's beautiful, it's special - and people still want to be here.' A Florida lawmaker is pushing to eliminate homeowners associations in the state after calling them a 'failed experiment'. HOAs have been stirring up controversy in Florida, where residents are becoming frustrated with steep fees, strict rules and rigorous enforcement. As tensions continue to rise, State Rep. Juan Carlos Porras (R-Miami) is fighting to abolish HOAs entirely. 'I am seriously considering legislation to repeal Homeowner Associations,' Porras, 28, said in an X post on August 21. 'In the Free State of Florida, we should not have authoritarian boards dictate your day-to-day life with no accountability,' the District 119 lawmaker continued. In February of this year, Porras filed a bill in the state Legislature (HB 983) to crack down on rules about HOA elections and financial reporting. The bill died after reaching the Judiciary Committee in June, but Porras said he's not finished yet. 'I cannot, in good faith, continue to regulate something that I personally believe is a failed experiment,' Porras told Florida's Voice in August. Republican State Rep. Juan Carlos Porras of Miami (pictured) is fighting to abolish HOAs entirely HOAs have been stirring up controversy in Florida, where residents are becoming frustrated with steep fees, strict rules and rigorous enforcement (pictured: aerial view of houses in South Beach Miami, Florida) 'There is no mechanism to hold HOAs accountable, to hold them to any kind of transparency.' Florida has become the land of HOAs, with nearly 9.5 millions residents currently living under such governance. The state has 50,100 HOAs - the second most in the country after California, and 64 percent of owned homes belong to an HOA, according to iPropertyManagement. Porras, who prides himself on being the first Gen Z member of the Florida House, said 90 percent of his district falls under some form of HOA governance and shared examples of alleged abuse he has seen. 'You saw groups of HOA board members use shell companies and family members to enact organized crime and corruption and fraud like you wouldn't believe,' Porras told Florida's Voice. While the initial purpose of HOAs was to provide security and keep neighborhoods tidy so that property values hold steady, for many they have become a financial nightmare. Floridians under HOA governance are required to pay monthly fees, which are constantly on the rise, and spend time, energy and money on keeping their property up to par. The Sunshine State's HOAs have become so overbearing that homeowners are being punished for trivial infractions from paint jobs to poor landscaping. Florida has become the land of HOAs, with nearly 9.5 millions residents currently living under such governance (pictured: houses in Tampa, Florida) In July, Irena Green, a homeowner in Hillsborough County, was arrested and jailed for a week because her HOA deemed her grass too brown. That same month, Shonia Cruz Munoz - who also lives in Green's neighborhood - faced foreclosure from her HOA because of the color her house was painted. Condo owners in Florida have been hit particularly hard by rising HOA fees because of safety assessments that came after the 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South condo in Surfside. Those rising bills prompted Governor Ron DeSantis to sign legislation this year that increases transparency in fees and provides relief for condo owners. However, this legislation didnt address single-family HOAs, which Porras says is where the issue lies. While condominiums share walls, roofs and common spaces that benefit from a framework to maintain certain standards, single-family HOA regulation, which typically focuses on minor details like paint and parking, could be deemed less essential. Porras has suggested that there are ways to maintain the benefits of HOAs - such as safety, community spaces and steady property prices - without the strict governance such associations bring. 'When you're talking about mowing the lawns, when you're talking about clubhouses amenities, there are so many better alternatives than what homeowners associations can offer,' Porras said. Governor Ron DeSantis (pictured) signed legislation this year that increases transparency in fees and provides relief for condo owners Porras has suggested that there are ways to maintain the benefits of HOAs - such as safety, community spaces and steady property prices (pictured: houses in Key West, Florida) Porras, who has become the loudest anti-HOA government voice in Florida, said he is still seeking bipartisan support and is in the midst of discussion with the governors office and other lawmakers. If Porras is successful in his efforts, change won't happen overnight. Scrapping an HOA usually requires a supermajority of residents, the consent of financial institutions and the willingness of local governments to take back the services they provide. Dismantling Floridas vast network of HOAs would be a time-consuming and challenging task that would no doubt invite legal challenges across the board. An Australian fossil enthusiast has uncovered the 'most complete' skeleton of a gargantuan dinosaur-age sea creature ever found in the country. The almost entirely intact ichthyosaur skeleton was unearthed about 100km south of McKinlay, on Toolebuc Station in western Queensland, by Cassandra Prince, a local landowner, after she noticed a tiny bone poking above the dirt. Experts say the 90 per cent intact skeleton measuring 7.1metres in length is one of the most scientifically valuable marine fossils ever found. Itchyosaurs were marine reptiles resembling large dolphins with some growing to the size of cars, but other types reaching the length of humpback whales. A specimen found in British Columbia in the early 1990s measured 21metres in length. The Outback region is now covered in dusty, red dirt, but it was once a vast inland body of water known as the Eromanga sea. Itchyosaurs are believed to have swam in the waters from the Triassic period, through the Jurassic to the Cretaceous period. Paleontologist Adele Pentland, who worked in the area while studying for her PhD, told Daily Mail the area is covered with fossils. 'There's so many out there,' Ms Pentland said. 'The town of Winton has the tagline ''Dinosaur Capital of Australia'' but when you zoom out and look at neighbouring towns, like Richmond, there are truly some of the best fossils in the country. 'It's not unheard of for someone in Central Western Queensland to find a dinosaur or marine reptile on their property - it's incredible.' The 'most complete' Australian fossil of an ichthyosaur, a marine reptile which lived during the dinosaur age, was recently uncovered in western Queensland The near-complete skeleton measures 7.1 metres long and took more than a year to dig up after it was found by an amateur fossil hunter Ms Prince found the fossil while fossicking on her neighbour's property with permission in 2023. She and her family spent the next year carefully excavating the skeleton - which includes a complete vertebral column, intact left flipper, partial right flipper, rare hind flippers, partial tail fin and nearly complete skull and torso. Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum founders Judy and David Elliott OAM helped Ms Prince's family uncover the specimen and transport it to their facility. A volunteer-driven workshop over the summer months this year will work to prepare the skeleton for exhibition, aiming for completion by mid-2026. 'This find is a huge win for science and public exhibitions in Australia,' Mr Elliott said. 'Its discovery is testament to the dedication and expertise of Cassandra and her fossil-hunting family and the unique geological heritage of the region. 'We look forward to sharing this incredible piece of Australia's prehistory with visitors for generations to come.' Ms Pentland explained the ichthyosaur was so well preserved because its body sank to the bottom of the inland sea where it was covered in soft sediment that hardened as the sea dried. Local landowner and fossil enthusiast Cassandra Prince (front) found the skeleton after she noticed a tiny bone poking above the dirt The ichthyosaur (pictured) fossil was discovered 100km south of McKinlay where it sank to the bottom of the sea and was covered in sediment Paleontologist Adele Pentland described the ichthyosaur as 'a reptile doing its best impersonation of a dolphin' 'It has this beautiful streamlined body shaped like a torpedo, which is an adaptation that allows it to swim fast. 'The ichthyosaur kind of looks like dolphin. It's like a reptile doing its best impersonation of a dolphin.' Dr Espen Knutsen, Senior Scientist and Curator of Palaeontology with the Queensland Museum Tropics in Townsville, said the discovery 'is yet another example of the incredible palaeontological resource that is regional Queensland'. 'Such fossils are not only crucial for improving our understanding of extinct species and ancient ecosystems, but are also excellent ambassadors for Australia's natural heritage and increasing public interest in palaeontology and STEM subjects,' he said. Those interested in seeing Queensland's dinosaurs first-hand can join digs organised by Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum or check out public digging fields in Richmond, 400km east of Mount Isa. A father was forced to give up work after a bite from 'Britain's most dangerous spider' left him struggling to walk. Window cleaner Adam Abrehart discovered a bite on his leg after returning home from a run near Shefford, Bedfordshire last month. Initially just itchy, the bite soon swelled in size and turned black, engulfing his lower leg and forcing him to seek medical help. The ordeal would ultimately land him in hospital for three days, and keep him out of work for a further week while he healed up at home. As someone who works outside, Mr Abrehart is all too familiar with noble false widow spiders and thinks the species is to blame. He said: 'I was running near the local river in Shefford, I don't know exactly where it happened. 'All I know is that when I finished, I just saw a couple of red dots on my leg and that was it. 'Over a couple of days it started itching a little bit, and then it went black, and the bite slowly started to get bigger. A bite from 'Britain's most dangerous spider' left a man in agonising pain when his leg turned black Although the bite looked small to begin with, it began itching and soon a large red area appeared on his leg Shortly after, his leg turned black with a huge wound covering the back of his lower legs. Mr Abrehart said it 'hurt to stand up straight' 'It went from about two to three millimetres to the size of a pea. Eventually it was about the size of a 20p piece.' Photos capture the growth of the injury from a small bite to a huge black wound covering his lower leg. 'When the infection took hold, that's when the pain started,'Mr Abrehart said. 'Beforehand it was just itchy, a bit of redness, but then the skin went all black and dark and horrible. 'I started feeling the swelling and my legs started hurting. 'I couldn't walk properly after the infection took over it really hurt to stand up straight.' Initially, he contacted the NHS 111 helpline and was advised to get antibiotics. But it was a Sunday and the pharmacy was closed, so the 34yearold tried to endure until Monday. Adam Abrehart said he started to feel really sick, with a bad headache and a temperature, soon after the bite first occurred While the bites was only small to begin with, it quickly swelled up and became extremely painful He said: 'Throughout the night I suddenly got worse, I started being sick really sick. 'I got a really bad headache and could barely open my eyes. I had a temperature as well.' 'It was just getting too much. I thought it was time to go to the hospital.' The noble false widow is 'widely regarded as the most dangerous spider breeding in Britain', according to a 2020 paper by Clive Hambler, an Oxford University zoologist. Known as Steatoda nobilis, they're not native to Britain and are thought to have arrived from the Canary Islands in banana boxes in the late 1800s before slowly spreading northwards. 'I think I ran through its spider web, and then it didn't like me very much, so it had me,' said Mr Abrehart. At the Lister Hospital in nearby Stevenage, he was put on a drip and admitted as an inpatient. He was there for three days, before being sent to recover at home for a week. The bite (left) appeared to spread, which prompted Mr Abrehart to go to hospital where he was put on a drip The noble false widow is 'widely regarded as the most dangerous spider breeding in Britain,' according to a 2020 paper by Clive Hambler, an Oxford University zoologist Even now, a month later, he still has angry scars and the bite 'still hasn't fully cleared up yet'. Yet despite the trouble, he bears no ill will towards false widows and urged people to 'treat spiders with respect'. The bite of a false widow has been likened to bee or wasp stings, and usually result from handling the spider roughly or from a spider being trapped between clothing and skin. If you are bitten, experts recommend washing the bite with soap and water, applying a cool compress and taking overthecounter medication if the bite hurts or is itchy. If redness, swelling or pain does not subside, or there are signs of infection, call the 111 helpline. This Sunday, phones across the UK will blare out another alarm as the Government tests its emergency alert system for the second time. At 3pm on Sunday (September 7), the 'Armageddon alarm' will be sent to all 4G and 5G-enabled phones and tablets. The alarm is designed to deliver 'life-saving information' in times of crisis, such as during a wildfire or storm. However, a health expert has warned that the test might carry its own set of risks. And those with underlying heart conditions may want to opt out of the alert ahead of time. According to Dr Luana Main, an expert on acute stress responses from Deakin University, the emergency alarm could trigger heart attacks in some people. Dr Main told The Daily Mail: 'Sudden alarms like those used in emergency services can activate our flight-or-fight response, which is our bodys way of dealing with a sudden threat or stressor, even when theres no actual danger. 'In some rare cases, for individuals with underlying cardiac vulnerabilities, it is possible that it may trigger a cardiac event.' On Sunday, the national emergency alert system will be tested for the second time. All phones in the country will produce a siren-like noise for ten seconds, even if they have been placed on silent If you have ever watched a horror movie and felt your heart racing, then you already know how fear and shock can affect our bodies. When we are surprised by a loud noise, such as the national emergency alarm, the shock can push our bodies into a highly excited state. Dr Main says: 'Our bodies react as if we are under threat.' 'Our heart rate and blood pressure spike. Cortisol, our stress hormone, surges, contributing to anxiety, irritability, and long-term stress.' In our evolutionary past, that surge of activity might have helped us survive a life-or-death situation, but in the modern day, it simply takes a toll on our bodies. Dr Main's research has shown that, when exposed to emergency alarms, participants' heart rates spiked from an average of 74 to 111 beats per minute or higher. Among firefighters, the sudden shock of the emergency alarms they receive is so severe that it presents a legitimate threat to their lives. Studies in the US have found that almost half of all firefighter fatalities were caused by sudden cardiac arrest, 18 per cent of which occurred during the alarm. A health expert has warned that the sudden shock of the alarm could trigger a heart attack in some rare cases. However, they stress that this is 'highly unlikely' (stock image) How to opt out of the national emergency alert test iPhone Go to 'settings' and select the 'notifications' menu, then scroll to the bottom and turn off 'severe alerts' and 'extreme alerts'. Android Search your device settings for 'emergency alerts' and then turn off 'severe alerts' and 'extreme alerts'. Advertisement During the upcoming national emergency alert system test, the alarm will not be nearly as loud or shocking as those used by the emergency services. However, for vulnerable individuals, the sudden shock could still pose a risk. Those risks are amplified significantly if the alarm wakes people from their sleep. In some studies, researchers have found that blood pressure increases by up to 74 per cent after being woken by a loud alarm. 'Sleep inertia may follow, especially if the alarm interrupts deep sleep, impairing cognition and mood for hours,' says Dr Main. 'Frequent nighttime alarms impact our sleep, which can compromise immune function and impair metabolism.' Thankfully, the upcoming test will occur during daylight hours, so the effects on sleep should be minimal. Dr Main maintains that the effects on healthy people are unlikely to be serious and that it is 'highly unlikely' that the alarm will cause cardiac arrest. The loud sound of the emergency alert (pictured) may activate the body's flight-or-fight system, triggering an increase in heart rate, a spike in blood pressure, and a flood of stress hormones Likewise, the Government stresses that emergency alerts contain 'life-saving information and should be kept switched on for your own safety'. However, it admits victims of domestic abuse with a concealed phone 'may find it appropriate to turn off alerts'. So, if you are concerned and do wish to opt out of the alerts, the Government has laid out the steps for how to do it. If on an iPhone, opt out by going to 'settings' and selecting the 'notifications' menu, then scroll to the bottom and turn off 'severe alerts' and 'extreme alerts'. If on an Android device, search your device settings for 'emergency alerts' and then turn off 'severe alerts' and 'extreme alerts'. The government webpage says people should contact their device manufacturer for help if they are still getting alerts after opting out. Also, depending on the manufacturer and software version of your phone, emergency alerts settings may be called different names. These might include 'wireless emergency alerts' or 'emergency broadcasts'. The emergency alert is used to warn if there is a danger to life nearby, in instances like extreme weather - although Sunday will only be a test This Sunday will be the first time that the Emergency Alerts System has been tested in two years, following the system's launch in 2023. During the upcoming test, all 87 million mobile phones in the UK will vibrate and make a loud 'siren sound' for roughly 10 seconds, even if they are set to silent. Phones will also display a message stating that the alarm is only a test and not a genuine threat to life. When it was first tested, the emergency system sent a message to phones which read: 'Severe Alert. This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if theres a life-threatening emergency nearby. 'In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. 'Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.' Data about you and your device will not be collected or shared in any way during the test, regardless of whether you receive the alert or choose to opt out. Since the message is sent automatically via the mobile networks, the government does not need your phone number to send the alert, nor will your number be stored for the test. The alert system was used in Plymouth after an unexploded World War II bomb was uncovered and had to be removed Since its introduction, the Emergency Alerts System has been used in real-life scenarios five times, primarily during major storms when there was a serious risk to life. The largest ever use saw approximately 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland receive an alert during Storm Eowyn in January 2025, after a red weather warning was issued. The system has also been used in more localised incidents, such as when an unexploded World War II bomb was uncovered in Plymouth. Similar systems are already used widely across a number of other countries, primarily for natural disaster preparation. Japan has one of the world's most sophisticated systems, which combines satellite and cell broadcast technology. This system forms part of a wider scheme called J-ALERT that informs the public in case of earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, or missile threats. South Korea frequently uses its national cell broadcast system to alert citizens about issues ranging from weather alerts and civil emergencies to local missing persons cases. The US has a similar system to the UK that utilises 'wireless emergency alerts' to send messages that look like texts with a unique sound and vibration pattern. It is one of the most intrepid polar expeditions in history, costing five men their lives in 1912. Now, the wreck of SS Terra Nova, which transported Captain Robert Scott and his men to Antarctica, has been filmed on the ocean floor for the first time. Captured by the exploration vessel Motor Yacht Legend, the 'eerie' footage shows the wreck colonized by sea life after eight decades underwater. Key features of the ship such as the wheel, winch and mast are still visible among the communities of colourful sea anemones, limpets and barnacles. It marks the first time the ship which sank during the Second World War has been surveyed and filmed in such detail. Aldo Kuhn, submersible officer onboard Motor Yacht Legend, was among the first to lay eyes on the robust wooden whaling ship on the sea floor. 'To be the first to lay eyes on the Terra Nova since it sank 80 years ago was both humbling and exhilarating,' he said. 'A beautiful marine ecosystem is now thriving on the wreck, bringing new life to this historic site.' Your browser does not support iframes. Terra Nova, pictured here in 1911, was a polar expedition ship, best known for carrying the 1910 British Antarctic Expedition, Robert Falcon Scott's last expedition Key features of the ship such as the wheel, winch and mast are still visible among the communities of colourful sea anemones, limpets and barnacles Leighton Rolley, science systems manager at REV Ocean who led the discovery of the wreck in 2012, called SS Terra Nova 'a truly historic vessel'. It 'contributed fundamentally to that period of heroic exploration of Antarctica'. 'On the return journey back to their ship and their camp, basically the entire British team perished,' he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Mr Rolley described the 'amazing' sea life growing on parts of the wreck, including the ship's wheel, would have been operated by Captain Scott himself. 'Thats been touched by some of the most famous explorers of our age. It was like, wow, if that ships wheel could talk, it could tell an amazing history,' he said. SS Terra Nova is described as 'one of the most iconic vessels in the history of polar exploration' due to its association with the expedition of the same name. Built in Dundee in 1884, SS Terra Nova was a robust wooden vessel designed to withstand harsh polar conditions. In 1910, Terra Nova transported Scott and his team Edward Wilson, Lawrence Oates, Edgar Evans and Henry Bowers to Antarctica for their attempt to reach the South Pole. Built in 1884, Terra Nova was a robust wooden whaling ship designed to withstand harsh polar conditions. It sank during the Second World War and was found in 2012 A 'beautiful marine ecosystem' is now thriving on the wreck, bringing new life to 'this historic site'. There are no plans to raise SS Terra Nova Pictured, Henry Robertson Bowers (seated, left), Edward Adrian Wilson (seated, right), Lawrence Oates (standing, left), Robert Falcon Scott (standing, center) and Evans (standing, right) SS Terra Nova is described as 'one of the most iconic vessels in the history of polar exploration' due to its association with the expedition of the same name. Pictured, SS Terra Nova in 1911 Sonar mapping in 2012 revealed the location of the Terra Nova (pictured), which sank during the Second World War The doomed Terra Nova Expedition The Terra Nova Expedition, officially the British Antarctic Expedition, was led by Robert Falcon Scott with the objective of being the first to reach the geographical South Pole. Scott and his team reached the pole on 17 January 1912, where they found that a Norwegian team led by Roald Amundsen had preceded them. Scott's entire party died on the return journey from the pole. Some of their bodies, journals and photographs were discovered by a search party eight months later. Advertisement Although the team did successfully reach the pole in January 1912, they found that Roald Amundsens Norwegian team had beaten them by 34 days. Deflated, the five men endured unusually dreadful conditions on their return journey and suffered from a lack of food and frostbite. The first man to perish, Welshman Edgar Evans, died on February 17, 1912, having collapsed the day prior following a concussion sustained by falling into a glacier crevasse. Scott's diary described Evans's condition: 'He was on his knees with clothing disarranged, hands uncovered and frostbitten, and a wild look in his eyes.' A flagging Oates died on March 16 after walking out of the tent into a blizzard to give the remaining three a chance of survival. According to Scott's diary, as Oates left the tent he said, 'I am just going outside and may be some time.' Scott, Wilson and Bowers died in the tent on or about March 29 and their bodies were found eight months later by a rescue party, along with journals and photographs. Following her polar service, Terra Nova returned to commercial duties, resuming work in the Newfoundland seal fishery. But in 1943, during service in World War II, she sank off the coast of Greenland in 1943 after sustaining ice damage. Pictured, the Terra Nova expedition at the South Pole with Norwegian Roald Amundsen's tent in the background Her final resting place remained unknown until 2012, when the wreck was discovered at a depth of around 984ft (9,300 metres), 100 years after Captain Scotts death. The aft section appears to have struck the seabed first, and the wrecks bow is now split in two, but despite the extensive damage, many of the ships defining features remain visible and recognisable. Before gaining worldwide recognition as the expedition ship for Captain Scotts ill-fated Antarctic journey, Terra Nova had already proven herself in polar service. In 1903, she was chartered as a relief vessel to resupply and assist in freeing RRS Discovery from the ice in the Antarctic during Scotts first expedition. Two years later, Terra Nova played a role in Arctic rescue operations, assisting in the recovery of personnel from the failed Ziegler Polar Expedition. These early missions cemented her reputation as a dependable and capable vessel in extreme environments leading to her purchase by Scott in 1909. Reinforced from bow to stern with seven feet of oak to protect against the Antarctic ice pack, she sailed from Cardiff on June 15, 1910. 'The oak-built Terra Nova was one of the best and most doughty ice ships ever crafted by the hand of man,' said Mensun Bound, British maritime archaeologist. 'Its very name evokes the great heroic age of polar exploration when a handful of remarkable men, by mapping the coast and exploring the interior, lifted the veil on the Great White Continent of Antarctica. 'When we think of the Terra Nova, we of course think of Scott, Evans, Oates, Wilson and Bowers, who, in their quest for geographic knowledge and glory, were pushed to their perishable limits and beyond.' As far as animals go, the proboscis monkey is one of the most uniquelooking species on the planet. They are instantly recognisable for their long, fleshy, nose which is especially prominent in males. It's long been thought the bulbous appendage functions as a badge of social status and sexual quality. But rather than just a visual signal of dominance, it also plays a crucial role in vocal communication, experts say. Males often produce loud, longdistance calls filtered through the nasal passage, which can travel up to 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) through the jungles of Borneo where they live. Researchers from the University of Osaka carried out CT scans on preserved proboscis monkey specimens, which allowed them to create detailed 3D digital models of their nasal passages. Using computer simulation, they were able to work out that the larger the nose, the lower the frequency of the calls they make. This acoustic signal could indicate a male is bigger and is sexually mature, they said important details for potential mates to know. The animals are instantly recognisable for their long, fleshy, nose which is especially prominent in males Lowerfrequency signals could indicate a male is bigger and sexually mature, the researchers said 'This research, a unique collaboration between a zoo dedicated to rare species conservation, primatologists, and engineers, yielded unexpected results,' Professor Takeshi Nishimura, one of the study's authors, said. 'We are delighted to have uncovered findings that link physical characteristics to vocal communication and social evolution.' Much like how humans have recognisable voices, the researchers said the different frequencies emitted by different males will be enough to identify individuals by their calls. This could help females in the group keep track of where their dominant male is while allowing other males to monitor the location of potential competitors, they explained. As part of the study, they compared the CT scans of an adult male proboscis monkey, named Jaka, to a juvenile called Niko. Jaka's nose was noticeably larger, and experiments revealed he made calls with lowerfrequency vibrations. 'Our findings support the view that adult males develop the external nose to exaggerate a signal of body size to female partners and immature males', the scientists wrote in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface. 'The enlarged external nose may be alternatively used to exaggerate vocal individual identification for adult male proboscis monkeys.' This proboscis monkey (left) has a relatively small nose compared to other, older males (such as this one, pictured right) As part of the study, the team compared the CT scans of an adult male proboscis monkey, named Jaka, to a juvenile called Niko Scientists have previously suggested the pendulous nose helps to create an echo chamber that amplifies the monkey's call. Other studies have shown the nose can help produce louder, deeper honks, while others argue the exaggerated feature acts like an 'advertisement' to potential mates. Despite the evolutionary benefits linked to a large nose, the pendulous snout has led to the species being branded one of the world's ugliest animals. The monkeys are endemic to the jungles of Borneo, never straying far from the island's rivers, coastal mangroves and swamps. They live in organised groups consisting of a dominant male and up to seven females and their offspring. Male proboscis monkeys can reach a weight of 22.5kg (50lbs) although females only grow to around half that size. Only males develop the namesake nose, with females retaining a more delicate snout. Scientists have been amazed to discover an ancient and 'nearly naked' black hole at the very furthest reaches of the universe. This ancient void dates back to 600 to 700 million years after the Big Bang, but may have been formed in the very earliest moments of the universe. Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), researchers have discovered that this strange object contains 50 million times as much mass as our sun. That is far larger than any black hole should be so early in the universe, sparking suggestions that this could be an elusive 'primordial black hole'. Scientists believe that black holes form when massive stars collapse and explode at the end of their lives. However, primordial black holes may have formed directly out of the swirling sea of matter right at the beginning of time. If this theory is proven correct, it could change everything scientists believe about the formation of the cosmos and the fundamental laws of physics. Co-author Professor Roberto Maiolino, of the University of Cambridge, told The Daily Mail: 'In this scenario, black holes would be the first entities formed in the universe, well before the formation of the first stars and first galaxies.' Scientists may have made the first direct measurements of a primordial black hole, which formed in the first few moments after the Big Bang, by examining a 'Little Red Dot' spotted by the James Webb Space Telescope (pictured) By gathering very faint light that has travelled through space for billions of years, the JWST is allowing scientists to peer back further in time than ever before. At the very limits of what we can currently see are a group of objects known as the 'Little Red Dots'. These extremely small pinpricks of light formed during the 'Epoch of Reionisation', the billion-year period when light from the first stars was able to shine through the fog of the early universe. Since red dots are so compact and so bright, scientists believed they must either be dense clusters of stars or ancient supermassive black holes. Using JWST, Professor Maiolino and his co-authors carefully examined the light coming from one of these little red dots, QSO1, to measure something called the 'rotation curve'. Scientists use this measurement to work out the mass of galaxies and the supermassive black holes at their centre. However, when the researchers calculated the mass of QSO1, the results were puzzling. Although the supermassive black hole is 50 million times the mass of our sun, the cloud of dust and gas surrounding it is only half that mass. Little red dots date back to around 700 million years after the Big Bang, the first period when light from stars is visible through the fog of the early universe. Scientists believe that some may be supermassive black holes What are primordial black holes? Primordial black holes are microscopic pieces of ultra-dense matter, just like normal black holes but smaller. Scientists think they may have been formed at the very beginning of the universe rather than out of collapsing stars. Their masses could range between 100,000 times less than a paperclip to 100,000 times greater than the sun. We haven't found proof that they exist, but they might form part of the 'dark matter' which makes up a large part of the mass of the universe. Advertisement Professor Maiolino says: 'We can certainly say that this black hole is more massive than its putative host galaxy, if there is a galaxy at all around it. 'This is in stark contrast with supermassive black holes found at the centre of local galaxies.' For example, the Milky Way contain thousands of times more mass than the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* that sits at the core. Additionally, in a separate analysis, the researchers found that the material around QSO1 was almost entirely 'pristine' hydrogen and helium. The fact that there are no heavy elements like iron, which are created in the hearts of stars, suggests that there is very little stellar formation happening around the black hole. This black hole is essentially 'naked', with very little surrounding galaxy of any kind. If the black hole formed out of a dying star, as scientists believe, there is no way to explain how it got so big without pulling in a larger galaxy. According to the researcher's paper, currently awaiting peer review, the theory which best explains this is that QSO1 is a primordial black hole. The researchers found that the black hole contained 50 million times the mass of the sun, but its surrounding galaxy contained only half that mass. This would only be possible if its existence predated the birth of the first stars (stock image) By comparison, the black hole at the centre of the Milky Way (pictured) is thousands of times less massive than the Milky Way itself Originally proposed by Stephen Hawking, primordial black holes are believed to have formed in the first few seconds of the Big Bang from patches of the universe that were too dense to support themselves. Although there are different theories about how they form, the important thing is that they would predate the creation of stars. Professor Maiolino told The Daily Mail that this finding would be a 'paradigm change'. He said: 'The standard scenario is that supermassive black holes form and grow inside galaxies, either from accretion on stellar remnants or merging of nuclear clusters of stars; in this case, stars and galaxies form first and then supermassive black holes form and grow inside them. 'In the primordial black holes scenarios, these black holes form first and then galaxies may form around them.' However, if QSO1 really is a primordial black hole, this would completely change how scientists think about the formation of galaxies. The researchers caution that this is only a first result and that more studies will be needed in the future. Lead author Dr Ignas Juodzbalis, of the University of Cambridge, said: 'However, one can not use a single observation to draw sweeping conclusions. More future work is needed - we are currently following up a similar object with fresh JWST observations, with results due next year.' Matilda Ledger was a doppelganger for her late dad Heath Ledger as she was spotted out and about in New York City. The 19-year-old looked incredibly similar to her famous father - who died in 2008 - as she enjoyed an outing in the Big Apple. Matilda looked relaxed as she was seen riding a bike through the city before visiting a local clothing shop and nearby cafe. Famous offspring: Heath Ledger's daughter Matilda was spotted strolling in New York City Matilda's father Heath died at the age of 28 in a New York City apartment on January 22, 2008, after accidentally overdosing, following months of physical and mental exhaustion. Her mother Michelle Williams, who was in a relationship with Heath from 2004 to 2007 after meeting on the set of Brokeback Mountain, decided to raise Matilda away from the spotlight. The actress took a hiatus from acting and moved to upstate New York with Matilda after Heath's death. Match win: The likeness between Heath, who died of a drug overdose in 2008, and Matilda was obvious to onlookers Low-key childhood: Matilda was raised by her mother Michelle Williams away from the spotlight Michelle previously said the move stemmed from her desire to provide 'a sane home environment' for her daughter. 'We moved - we left Brooklyn and lived in the country for six years because it was an intolerable state of existence,' she told the New York Post in June 2016. Years later, Michelle made the decision to return to the Big Apple and bought a property in Brooklyn, where she had lived before the move. Hot to shop: Matilda enjoyed looking through the rails of clothing at a local store Wheely stylish: Matilda was dressed in a denim skirt and blue sweater accessorized with red flats Michelle found a happy ending with theatre director Thomas Kail, whom she married in 2020. They went on to welcome a baby boy later that year and a second child followed in 2022. In April 2025, it was reported that the couple had welcomed their third child via surrogate six weeks earlier. Wired for sound: She looked relaxed as she took a break at a cafe For many families, a week spent at a Center Parcs resort nestled in the woods with plenty of outdoor activities has become a beloved tradition. Though it's a popular choice, it can often be expensive sometimes prohibitively so, especially during peak times such as school holidays. For those seeking an alternative that could save hundreds of pounds, there is a simple solution: choosing Center Parcs locations in Europe. Though operated by two separate companies, both Center Parcs UK and Center Parcs Europe offer the same kind of nature-based getaway, but at varying prices. The Daily Mail compared prices for the upcoming school breaks - October half term and February half term, to see whether it was better value to stay closer to home or head overseas. Analysing the cheapest available accommodation in each destination, we calculated the median cost for every country. A trip to Center Parcs UK costs around 1,709 on average, for a family of four staying four nights from October 27-31 2025. The most expensive option was Longleat Forest, located in Wiltshire, which promises 'spectacular scenery and striking views' and came to 1,849. For many families, a week spent at a Center Parcs resort tucked away in the woods with plenty of outdoor activities is a staple Though two separate companies, both Center Parcs UK and Center Parcs Europe offer the same sort of nature-based trip away, and at varying prices The Daily Mail compared prices for the upcoming school breaks - October half term and February half term, to see whether it was better value to stay closer to home or head overseas Meanwhile, Whinfell Forest, located in the heart of the Lake District, was the most affordable option at 1,499 for four nights. The Europe-based company offers several destinations, including the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany and Denmark. All were cheaper than staying in the UK on average, with some costing less than half the price of a trip closer to home. In the Netherlands, the average price for the same dates during October half term comes to 645.56 (561.25) making it the cheapest option overall. Germany was a close second, costing 611.33 on average, while Denmark, which is home to only one Center Parcs resort, cost 753.77. Belgium was slightly more, at 822.10 for the four night stay. France was the priciest, but families can still enjoy a trip abroad for around 1,398.86 (1,216.16), which is still 500 cheaper than the UK option, with the added bonus of a change of scenery, cuisine, and culture. It's important to note that school holiday dates in the UK and other European countries, like France, may not align, which could affect the overall cost. Your browser does not support iframes. A trip to Center Parcs UK costs around 1,709 on average, for a family of four staying four nights, October 27 to 31. Pictured: Woburn Forest The Europe-based company has several destinations, including the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany and Denmark. Pictured: Center Parcs, Het Heijderbos, in the Netherlands Even with the cost of travel to overseas destinations factored in, it may still be a better deal to head abroad for a Center Parcs getaway. The cheapest place to stay out of all the individual European parks for October half term was Park Nordseekuste, at 423 (367.43). Using Rome2Rio, the Mail calculated the cost to travel from London to the German resort including fuel cost for the drive and a trip across the Channel. Overall, the return journey came to 431 for a family of four. It would take nine hours to reach Park Nordseekuste from London, with a drive to Folkestone costing around 20.50 in fuel. A return ticket for Le Shuttle priced at 173 for certain times, while the drive from Calais-Frethun to the park worked out at around 108.50 in fuel, according to Rome2Rio. In total, with travel accounted for, the trip to Park Nordseekuste would be 789.75, still less than half of what it would be to stay at a UK destination on average. While the more expensive trip abroad, Villages Nature Paris was 1,564 (1,359.73). Even with the cost of travel accounted for to the overseas destinations, it may still be a better deal to head abroad for a Center Parcs fix With a similar journey to the German location, but driving from Calais-Frethun to Center Parcs Villages Nature Paris, it came to around 311 in return travel costs. This brings the total to 1670.73, which is still below the average price for a trip in the UK. Earlier this week, Georgina Fuller who has been to all of the Center Parcs in the UK, wrote in the Daily Mail how she felt the prices were 'outrageous'. She noted that they were especially high 'during school holidays when they're usually double'. For those looking ahead to February half term next year, a four night stay for a family of four still costs significantly less than the UK options. To stay at Center Parcs closer to home from February 16 to 20, it costs around 1,319 on average. On the pricier side, Longleat Forest came to 1,399, while Whinfell Forest was the cheapest at 1,199. During February half term, for the same dates, Denmark proved to be the cheapest with it's one location, Nordborg Resort coming to 604 (523.93). Earlier this week, Georgina Fuller, who has been to all of the Center Parcs in the UK, wrote in the Daily Mail how she felt the prices were 'outrageous'. Pictured: A Center Parcs villa in France Next up was the Netherlands at 630.11 (546.58) overall, while Germany came third, with a trip there costing 639.67 (554.88) on average. Belgium was next best value, at 707.80 (613.97) and France was fifth at 912 (791.11) on average, still offering visitors hundreds of pounds of savings compared to a trip in the UK. The Daily Mail approached Center Parcs UK for comment. Prices correct as of September 3, 2025. Ryanair is reducing flights to a popular holiday destination beloved by Brits this winter. The move comes as part of a wider cull of Spanish routes by the carrier. The budget airline is dropping 41 per cent of its flights - the equivalent of 600,000 seats - from the UK to areas across regional Spain, including Zaragoza, Santander, Asturias and Vitoria. In a further blow to British holidaymakers, this includes flights to the Canary Islands, which are being slashed by 10 per cent - equal to 400,000 seats. A total of 36 direct connections are being cancelled, with capacity at Zaragoza reduced by 45 per cent, Santander by 38 per cent, Asturias by 16 per cent and Vitoria by two per cent. The cuts don't come into effect just yet, as all flights to Tenerife North will be axed from the beginning of the winter season, along with flights to Vigo, on Spain's northwest coast, from 1 January 2026. Ryanair said it will also be closing its two-aircraft base in Santiago, north-west Spain. In addition, its bases at Valladolid and Jerez airports will remain closed over the winter period, as reported by Europa Press. Ryanair is dropping 41 per cent of its flights - the equivalent of 600,000 seats - to regional Spain, and a further 10 per cent, or 400,000 seats, to the Canary Islands (pictured) Ryanair currently operates routes from Zaragoza and Santiago to London Stansted, and from Santander to Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. Though the Irish carrier said it 'remains committed to Spain,' it's reducing its capacity due to increases in airport fees, with charges by airport operator AENA due to rise by 6.62 per cent from next year. Eddie Wilson, CEO of the airline's parent company Ryanair DAC, said: 'This excessive increase - the highest in over a decade - means most of Ryanairs winter 25 capacity to regional Spain will migrate out of Spain to more efficient airports that wish to develop traffic, particularly those in Italy, Morocco, Croatia, Sweden and Hungary.' It comes as Ryanair is set to cancel flights to popular holiday destinations in France as the company's boss blames the French government. In response to France's rising 'solidarity tax' on air fares, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has said the budget airline will cut down services to the European country. The tax increase means companies will be charged 7.40 (6.40) per ticket, up from 2.63 (2.28). Now, this winter Ryanair will reduce its flights to France by 13 per cent and stop journeys completely to and from Bergerac and Brive airports. The two airports serve Dordogne, a popular destination for Brits, while services to Strasbourg in eastern France will also come to a halt. All flights to Tenerife North will be axed from the beginning of the winter season, along with flights to Vigo, on Spain's northwest coast, from 1 January 2026 On the tax increase, Mr O'Leary told Le Parisien: 'It's completely unjustified. We operate in a rotten industry that doesn't make much money.' He revealed the reason behind axing flights from the three French airports, and explained they were the smallest Ryanair operated from. The budget airline boss shared that revenues from the three airports were 'particularly low compared to the cost of operations' and would lead to profit loss with the additional tax. Mr O'Leary blasted the French government for the decision to increase solidarity tax. The Maldives promises beautiful views, turquoise water and a tropical feel, but there is somewhere a lot closer where Brits can find the same. Park Grodek, located in the Polish city, Jaworzno, was previously a dolomite quarry but is now a picturesque park often compared to the dream holiday spot. Its 60 hectares boast rich greenery, beautiful views and crystal clear water across four reservoirs. Visitors to the 'Maldives of Poland' can enjoy pints for just 2 and relax by the water, according to Travel And Tour World. Tourists can enjoy a walk over a characterful footbridge, however, on the Wydra Reservoir. The wooden bridge winds over the clear water, and in some places is covered slightly meaning visitors can dip their toes in the turquoise lake. Holidaymakers wanting a taste can easily access the park from Katowice, which is only a 40-minute drive away. Flights from the UK to the Polish city are affordable, costing around 30 (depending on the time of the year). Park Grodek, located in the Polish city, Jaworzno, was previously a dolomite quarry but is now a picturesque park often compared to the dream holiday spot Visitors to the 'Maldives of Poland ' can enjoy pints for just 2, according to Travel And Tour World, and relax by the water Despite how enticing the reservoirs may look, swimming is banned in Park Grodek because of safety concerns As an added bonus, entry to the park is free, which makes it a bargain getaway with a tropical feel. Despite how enticing the reservoirs may look, swimming is banned in Park Grodek because of safety concerns. The area's mining history means there may be tools and the unstable ground under the water, which is also very deep in parts. Grodek Park has received some high ratings on Trip Advisor, with one visitor calling it a 'must-to-see place in Jaworzno!' One person noted the park attracts a lot of people but gushed: 'Very crowded but also a very pleasant place for a Sunday walk. 'You can easily lie down on the grass, eg by the Wydra reservoir. Also a good place for a bike ride. You can drive around the entire park.' While someone else called it a 'very beautiful place' but also mentioned that drought can cause the footbridge to be muddy at times. Further afield, another destination that is compared to the Maldives but without the price tag Palawan. Tourists can enjoy a walk over a characterful footbridge, however, on the Wydra Reservoir The wooden bridge winds over the clear water, and in some places is covered slightly meaning visitors can dip their toes in the turquoise lake The Southeast Asian hidden gem isn't as well-known as the Maldives but is very similar. The island is home to natural wonder and Unesco World Heritage Site, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River - the longest underground river in Asia and the second longest in the world. Palawan also boasts beautiful coral reefs and is a popular location for snorkelling and diving. The nearby Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park is another Unesco World Heritage Site. The regions where Britons are in for the bumpiest ride while driving - thanks to countless potholes - has been revealed in a new study. Research by field management software brand Re-flow Field Management examined road condition data from the Department for Transport to identify the best and worst roads across the nation when it comes to heavily pockmarked surfaces. Studying the percentage of roads given 'red' status - where surface condition is deemed poor and requiring immediate maintenance, in the last five years, the company found that residents of West Northamptonshire - and the East Midlands in general - shouldn't expect a smooth ride anytime soon. Around 83% of roads in the East Midlands region - where major towns include Northampton, Daventry and Towester - were deemed to need improvement. It's estimated that 5% of the region's A roads and motorways were rated 'red', indicating serious damage, with 17.5% of B and C roads classified as red. Some 71% of the area's A roads and motorways were graded 'amber', which are roads that show significant damage and are in need of repair, while the B and C roads falling in the amber grading were at 72.5%. On average, 15 people every month are killed or left with life-changing injuries in a crash started by the poor state of the roads, figures published earlier this year showed. When it comes to damaged vehicles, common problems caused by potholes, caused by wear and tear and changing weather conditions, include broken shock absorbers, faulty suspension springs and distorted wheels. Cracking up: Research by field management software brand Re-flow Field Management found that West Northamptonshire was the worst area for potholes in the UK Your browser does not support iframes. A scenic Derbyshire drive might be an expensive ride if you hit a pothole, with 27% of B and C classified in the 'red' category (Pictured: Chapel-en-le-Frith in the High Peak district of Derbyshir In April last year, one mystery artist erected signs around the region, labelling Daventry 'Pot Hole City'. West Northamptonshire Council has committed 14.6 million to road maintenance improvements for 2025/2026, saying its carriageway preventative maintenance approach will see 6.79 kilometres of micro asphalt and 13.2 kilometres of surface dressing applied. Nearby Derbyshire may be known for its rural tourist sights including the Peak District and Dovedale valley but visitors trying to negotiate roads to see such natural spectacles face a similar amount of dents and hollows while driving. The East Midlands county ranks second overall in the pothole table of doom, but has the worst A-roads and motorways. Around 20.4% of Derbyshire's A roads and motorways were categorised as red - the highest percentage of any region in the UK, while the picture is just as gloomy for its B and C roads, with 27% classified as red. Derbyshire County Council says it will spend 24 million on road repair schemes this year and next, targeting key A, B, and residential roads across the county. Taking the third spot in the most potholes list was North Northamptonshire, which has 71% of its A roads and motorways rated Amber, while 82% of B and C roads were in the significant damage category. North Northamptonshire Council has a dedicated pothole repair team, which it says aim to repair more than a 1,000 potholes every week. Research earlier this year found that repairing the potholes in Britain's pockmarked roads would cost 17billion (A pothole on an unspecified UK road) Where fared best? Just 1 per cent of roads in Sunderland required immediate action, the research found Your browser does not support iframes. Where are the smoothest roads in the country? Sunderland ranked the highest, with just 1% requiring immediate investigation, said researchers. Ashley Wing, CMO of Re-flow Field Management, told the Daily Mail that the study was 'worrying' for motorists, saying: 'These results show a concerning picture of the UK's road infrastructure, with significant regional disparities in road quality. 'Areas like West Northamptonshire face a double challenge with poor quality across both major and minor roads. This puts tremendous pressure on local authorities who must balance urgent repairs against dwindling budgets. 'These findings come at a crucial time when local authorities are making difficult budget decisions. Our 2024 Construction Report highlights how digital systems can help road maintenance teams work more efficiently, prioritising repairs and managing resources better through improved visibility between site and office operations.' Figures published in the spring estimated that the nation's pockmarked roads would cost around 17billion to fix - a rise of 16%. The survey found that one in every six miles of the local road network in England and Wales or 34,600 miles in all will lack 'structural integrity' within five years. Meanwhile, projections indicate more than half or 106,000 miles of local roads will be in disrepair in 15 years' time. And efforts to repair the nation's transport network lack strategic planning and only amount to a 'short-term' solution, according to the Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (Alarm) report, commissioned by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA). The findings come despite 20billion being spent on road repairs over the last decade, and one pothole being filled in on average every 18 seconds for the last ten years. David Giles, of the AIA, said at the time that the report was released that nearly all local authority highway teams reported 'no improvement to their local network over the last year'. He added: 'There needs to be a complete change in mindset from short-term to longer-term funding commitments.' Harry Potter fans hoping to catch a glimpse of a filming location are pushing a UK tourist attraction to its breaking point. Wizarding enthusiasts will be all too aware that several Harry Potter films including the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban featured the Hogwarts Express travelling over Glenfinnan Viaduct, in Scotland. The iconic scenes enthralled many fans and, 14 years after the last film was released, thousands still visit the area each day, totalling to around 500,000 a year. But the area has become overwhelmed with tourists, and according to STV News the number of visitors has tripled since the release of the films. This has led to problems and the local infrastructure is not coping with the surge of tourists. Carparks are heaving and some visitors have reportedly taken to illegally parking on grass verges. National Trust for Scotland worker Emily Bryce explained how they are hoping to improve the situation. She told STV News: 'We can't turn the clock back so what we need to do is ensure that we are working together on solutions to minimise the impact that visitors have on the local community and giving everyone a really good experience of Glenfinnan.' Wizarding enthusiasts will be all too aware that several Harry Potter films including the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban featured the Hogwarts Express travelling over Glenfinnan Viaduct, in Scotland The iconic scenes enthralled many fans and ten years on, thousands still visit the area each day, totalling to around 500,000 a year. Pictured: Daniel Radcliffe But the area has become overwhelmed with tourists, and according to STV News the number of visitors have tripled since the release of the films. Pictured: The Hogwarts Express in a scene from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Emily added that they are pushing for visitors to travel by public transport and 'developing additional infrastructure'. The North Coast 500 route has become increasingly popular and explores the north of Scotland, with many including the viaduct as a detour. It has boosted local business, however, residents have experienced issues with holidaymakers filling the roads and causing them trouble. Lochcarron local Robin Pettigrew said: 'I've had vehicles emptying their chemical toilets in our drains there in front of the houses. This is human faeces being dumped in a freshwater drain. 'There is no relation to the vehicle camping, so there needs to be a fully nuanced discussion on bringing that up to the way that tourism is developing now.' In 2024, Sheffield Hallam University tourism lecturer Dr Adele Doran told the Express how tourists to Glenfinnan Viaduct were 'rising in significant numbers'. She explained how in 2023 half a million visitors made the trip, which is a huge figure compared to the 100 to 150 residents in the local village. According to the lecturer, 'Harry Potter mania has meant that there are websites and blogs' telling people the best route for the trip. In 2024, Sheffield Hallam University tourism lecturer Dr Adele Doran told the Express how tourists to Glenfinnan Viaduct were 'rising in significant numbers' She explained how, in 2023, half a million visitors made the trip, which is a huge figure compared to the 100 to 150 residents in the local village She added: 'They often say 'why don't you drive because of convenience?' so that's what people were doing. 'The roads were getting gridlocked and, like many roads in rural Scotland, they were very narrow [to begin with]. They have [used] passing places [for] parking. 'So the locals couldn't get anywhere. When the village is so small, people can't pop to the local shops or get to doctor's appointments.' The academic suggested methods to limit the number of visitors, as well as encouraging people to travel via public transport. The world's largest cruise ship, weighing a whopping 250,000 tonnes, has hit the water for the first time. Royal Caribbean's new vessel, Legend of the Seas, is almost 1,200 feet long and made its debut float at Meyer Turku in Finland on August 29. It was welcomed by a gun salute and speeches read by cruise bosses, while its dry dock was filled with water for 12 hours. The huge ship, which is bigger than the Titanic, then made its away across the water to the outfitting dock for final touches before properly launching next summer. Legend of the Seas boasts a record-breaking waterpark as well as 21 bars and 23 restaurants. It's home to Crown's Edge, a part-skywalk, part-rope course attraction that is also a thrill ride, perfect for adrenaline-seeking passengers. The Royal Caribbean promises 'families of all ages can enjoy the family time of a lifetime together and in their own ways'. Planet Cruise reports the ship will have a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers. The world's largest cruise ship, weighing a whopping 250,000 tonnes, has hit the water for the first time Royal Caribbean's new liner, Legend of the Seas, is almost 1,200 feet long and made its debut float at Meyer Turku in Finland on August 29 It was welcomed by a gun salute and speeches read by cruise bosses, while its dry dock was filled with water for 12 hours Spanning eight neighbourhoods, the ship will be fuelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of the Royal Caribbean Group's work towards building a net-zero cruise ship by 2035. Legend of the Seas joins sister ships Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, with another set to launch in 2027. The cruise will begin her journey in 2026 in the Mediterranean before moving to the Caribbean. According to The Sun, Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku, said: 'Legend of the Seas continues the state-of-the-art Icon class, which allows the Finnish maritime industry to showcase its unique expertise at its best. 'Alongside its sister ships, Legend of the Seas will also mark an important milestone in increasingly responsible shipbuilding.' Star of the Seas set off on its voyage on August 31 and is a 20-deck, 1,196-foot long vessel that accommodates a staggering 5,610 guests at a time. It's currently the world's joint-largest at sea, alongside Icon of the Seas) and Royal Caribbean states: 'The world's best family vacation turns up the volume on family fun with unbelievable thrills, chill and wows for the whole crew.' In addition to 'six record-breaking waterslides and a fear-inducing challenge high,' the ship also boasts 'seven unique pools' and more than '40 ways to dine and drink'. The huge ship, which is bigger than the Titanic, then made its away across the water to the outfitting dock for final touches before properly launching next summer Legend of the Seas boasts a record-breaking Category 6 waterpark as well as 21 bars and 23 restaurants The Daily Mail's Raven Saunt was invited aboard for an exclusive three-night preview excursion from Orlando, Florida, to the company's own resort in the Bahamas. She described the cruise liner as 'staggering' and wrote how 'there is a lot packed on board to keep almost all passengers busy'. However, Saunt notes the vast size means the amount of walking needed to get around the ship 'was not lost on passengers'. Tckets for the seven-night Western Caribbean adventure started at $1,272 per person ($2,544 per room) for the most 'budget-friendly option.' Lindy Klim will be brought back down to earth during the upcoming season of Amazing Race Celebrity Edition. The Balinese princess and model, 45, and her daughter Stella, 19, will be seen on Aussie screens starting Monday, with a clip revealing the duo will quickly be humbled in the first episode. Shared to Instagram on Tuesday, the video shows Lindy and Stella claiming they are 'princesses', before promptly breaking down after encountering 'mouldy mattresses'. 'People might know me as a Balinese princess,' Lindy told producers at the beginning of the teaser trailer. 'I think people might have this conception of us being "princesses",' she added, as her eldest child said: 'It's not who we are at all.' The video then cut to the mother-daughter duo, horrified as they saw the 10-bedroom dorm they would be sleeping in during the race's first leg. Lindy Klim, 45, will be brought back down to earth during the upcoming season of Amazing Race Celebrity Edition. Pictured with daughter Stella 'I can't,' Lindy sobbed as she broke down. 'A 10-bed dorm. Are you serious? Mouldy mattresses,' she later told producers. The video returned to footage of her and her daughter Stella crying over their thin beds. 'I'm having a panic attack!' Lindy screamed. 'It's literally my worst nightmare,' she added, before later saying: 'I think I'm not being that much of a princess.' Despite the theatrics, the socialite appeared to take it all in stride as she posted the trailer to her personal Instagram page. 'Watch me have a panic attack,' she wrote, before telling followers they could watch the first episode on Channel 10 at 7.30pm on Monday. It comes after Lindy revealed she had been 'slumming it' following her big move back to Melbourne from Bali in October last year. The model and her daughter Stella, 19, will be seen on Aussie screens starting Monday, with a clip revealing the duo will quickly be humbled in the first episode The model and her family had a change of scenery after splitting from her husband of six years, Adam Ellis. Taking to her Instagram Story in July, the Balinese princess revealed she and her children had been eating their meals off a cardboard box. She shared one photo that depicted an open-plan living and dining space with an enviable view of the Melbourne skyline. Taking pride of place in the image was a stylish circular dining table with a thick, burgundy base and four matching chairs surrounding it. Captioning the image, Lindy revealed the table was a very recent addition to the household. 'I'm so proud of myself,' she wrote. 'I've finally bought a dining table and chairs.' 'We have literally been eating off a cardboard box on the floor for months,' she added, augmenting the quip with a cry-laugh emoji. Shared to Instagram on Tuesday, the video shows Lindy and Stella claiming they are 'princesses', before promptly having a break down over 'mouldy mattresses' Lindy shared a second photo that showed evidence of her low-key dining set-up. The image showed what appeared to be Lindy's new beau, Paul Mullert, sitting cross-legged on the floor with her daughter Goldie, seven, and two more people. Despite the very casual scene, Lindy's innate sense of style still shone through in the photo. 'I made it a little fancy with a tablecloth,' she captioned the image, with another laughing emoji. Adolescence star Owen Cooper has made his Hollywood debut in the first trailer for Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights - but viewers already have a big complaint. The teaser for the highly anticipated adaptation of Emily Bronte's 1847 novel, starring Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, dropped this week. But despite the hype, audiences have accused the film of being all style and no substance - calling it visually striking but emotionally hollow compared with the depth of the original text. Set to Charli XCX's 'Everything is romantic', the clip features Catherine dreaming of Heathcliff, who vows he will follow her 'like a dog till the end of the world'. Robbie also appears in a striking 1980s-style wedding dress - images of which went viral during filming - though the look has already been criticised as inaccurate for the book's 18th century Yorkshire setting. The cast includes Hong Chau as Nelly Dean, Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton, Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton and Owen Cooper as the younger Heathcliff. Adolescence star Owen Cooper has made his Hollywood debut in the first trailer for Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights - but viewers already have a big complaint Viewers of the hit Netflix series are delighted to see Cooper, aged only 15, break into the Hollywood scene Despite the hype, audiences have accused the film of being all style and no substance - calling it visually striking but emotionally hollow compared with the depth of the original text Viewers of the hit Netflix series are delighted to see Cooper break into the Hollywood scene. The star has become one of the youngest Emmy Award nominees ever after the shortlist for this year's awards was announced earlier this year. At just 15, the Warrington schoolboy will be the youngest-ever male winner in the 76-year history of the 'TV Oscars' if he scoops the accolade for his role in one of Netflix's most-watched series ever which has swept the board with 13 nominations. He has been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Anthology Series or Movie after he starred alongside his on-screen dad Stephen Graham. He will go up against his co-star Ashley Walters who has been nominated for his first Emmy in the same category after his role as DI Luke Bascombe. But it is Elordi's casting as the older Heathcliff that has caused the greatest stir for the upcoming Wuthering Heights adaptation, as Bronte's original description suggested dark hair, dark eyes and possibly Roma or Gypsy heritage. Fans have also pointed out that Robbie and Elordi are much older than the teenage characters they portray. Casting director Kharmel Cochrane has already responded to the backlash. Speaking at the Sands Film Festival in St Andrews, Scotland, she admitted she expected controversy. Robbie appears in a striking 1980s-style wedding dress, though the look has already been criticised as inaccurate for the book's 18th century Yorkshire setting It is Elordi's casting as the older Heathcliff that has caused the greatest stir, as Bronte's original description suggested dark hair, dark eyes and possibly Roma or Gypsy heritage 'There was one Instagram comment that said the casting director should be shot,' she said, according to Deadline. 'But just wait till you see it, and then you can decide whether you want to shoot me or not. But you really don't need to be accurate. It's just a book. That is not based on real life. 'It's all art. There's definitely going to be some English Lit fans that are not going to be happy. Wait until you see the set design, because that is even more shocking. And there may or may not be a dog collar in it.' Despite its glittering cast and bold vision, many Bronte fans are questioning whether Fennell's Wuthering Heights will capture the gothic passion of the novel. Reactions online described the teaser as 'visually pretty but entirely hollow and wrong.' And another viewer wrote: 'Not to be that one friend who is too woke, but bleaching the class and racial otherness out of Wuthering Heights to sell a horny whitewashed romance genuinely p***es me off.' Another added: 'Emily Bronte is rising from her grave as we speak because why did they turn Wuthering Heights into fifty shades of Heathcliff and Cathy.' 'Turned a classic book about social divisions, revenge and forbidden love into big-budget soft-core shot in 4K,' wrote one unimpressed viewer. The movie reportedly opens with a public hanging that spirals into surreal debauchery when 'the condemned man ejaculates mid-execution', sending the crowd into an 'orgiastic frenzy' Other scenes feature 'purposefully discomforting masturbation', sexual bondage with horse reins and suggestive imagery involving egg yolks, bread dough and slug trails Despite its glittering cast and bold vision, many Bronte fans are questioning whether Fennell's Wuthering Heights will capture the gothic passion of the novel Another said: 'Emily Bronte absolutely turning in her grave over this slop,' and a second agreed: 'Looks like a cheap and pornified version of a timeless masterpiece.' The criticism follows reports from a Dallas test screening last month where the film divided opinion. Some attendees branded it 'sexually explicit', 'aggressively provocative' and 'tonally abrasive', drawing comparisons to Fennell's 2023 film Saltburn. According to accounts, the movie opens with a public hanging that spirals into surreal debauchery when 'the condemned man ejaculates mid-execution', sending the crowd into an 'orgiastic frenzy'. One nun is said to 'fondle the corpse's visible erection', while other scenes feature 'purposefully discomforting masturbation', sexual bondage with horse reins and suggestive imagery involving egg yolks, bread dough and slug trails. A Place In The Sun's Jasmine Harman has announced a devastating bereavement following a cancer battle - and fans have flooded her with support. The beloved television presenter, 49, announced in an emotional tribute that 'another beautiful soul has departed this earth'. Hackney-born Jasmine was refreshingly candid about her desolation after her co-star Jonnie Iriwin died from cancer in February, 2024. And on Wednesday, the media personality fought back tears as she announced another 'tragic' passing of one of her loved ones. She told her followers: 'I'm feeling very reflective today and very grateful because life throws things at you sometimes. 'What we really should be thinking is how lucky we are to have the problems that we have, because most of them are small problems.' A Place In The Sun's Jasmine Harman (pictured) has announced a devastating bereavement following a cancer battle - and fans have flooded her with support The beloved television presenter, 49, announced in an emotional tribute that 'another beautiful soul has departed this earth' The mother-of-two continued: 'I had some sad news yesterday. A friend of mine's husband passed away. 'He had been battling cancer for a few years, [he was] a young dad. There aren't really words to comfort someone in that situation or to say how awful it must be. 'But it really made me put things into perspective and think to myself that we have to be grateful for every day and every moment. 'We have to cherish the time that we have with the people that we love and do the things that we enjoy.' Jasmine's fans were broken-hearted on her behalf, and flooded her comment section with messages of support. 'Much love,' wrote one, adding: 'And although it doesn't feel right, we get these reminders along the way of just how precious this life is.' Another echoed the sentiment, saying: 'My thoughts are with you and your friend, Jasmine. Cancer is a scourge that takes away many lives. 'You are right in your sentiment. Live, laugh and love every day as if it's your last, as one day it will be.' Hackney-born Jasmine was refreshingly candid about her desolation after her co-star Jonnie Iriwin (R) died from cancer in February, 2024 Co-presenters Jasmine, 48, and Jonnie were hired together in 2004, meeting during a pilot shoot in South Africa Jasmine's fans were broken-hearted on her behalf, and flooded her comment section with messages of support Others were inspired by Jasmine's message, with one commenting: 'You're so right! Sometimes life gets us down, and it certainly is for me now, but I remain grateful.' 'Well said and very true,' said one, with another adding: 'What sad news, I'm so sorry.' A concerned fan commented: 'I'm so sorry to hear your very sad news Jasmine. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friend. Sending you lots of love and hugs.' Jasmine has said that it's still difficult for her to talk about her A Place in the Sun co-host Jonnie after he tragically lost his battle with cancer. Television presenter Jonnie died aged 50 in early February after being diagnosed with cancer in 2020. Co-presenters Jasmine, 48, and Jonnie were hired together in 2004, meeting during a pilot shoot in South Africa. While broadcaster Jasmine has many happy memories of working on the show over the last two decades, she says she's still not over the death of her friend Jonnie. She told the Mirror: 'I'm so proud to have been part of A Place in the Sun for 20 years. It has been life changing in so many ways. 'I met my husband (a cameraman) Jon on the programme, we've got two children, Joy, nine, and Albion, seven, now and I feel proud to be able to show people that anything is possible. 'But [reaching this landmark] has also been very bittersweet. I still find it very hard even talking about Jonnie. It's still very raw.' Netflix's Wednesday fans are furious after finally watching Lady Gaga in the new season two episodes after her much-awaited cameo. Followers of the hit show were left in disbelief at the sheer brevity of the pop star's appearance in the final four episodes of the series, which were released on September 3. The Bad Romance star, 39, was one of several glittering actors to appear in the series, alongside Thandiwe Newton, Christopher Lloyd and Billie Piper. But the particulars of Lady Gaga's feature were kept tightly under wraps by the streamer, and her cameo as Rosaline Rotwood was staggered until the second half of season 2, Metro reports. Her character was described as a 'legendary Nevermore teacher who crosses paths with Wednesday' - but the supposed legend only featured for a mere two minutes. One scene featuring Lady Gaga sees Rotwood in a flowing white dress and matching veil, paired with dramatically bleached brows. Netflix's Wednesday fans are furious after finally watching Lady Gaga in the new season two episodes after her much-awaited cameo Followers of the hit show were left in disbelief at the sheer brevity of the pop star's appearance, despite the long-standing hype surrounding her addition to the cast She delivers a stern telling off to Wednesday Addams, played by Jenna Ortega, for entering her chamber uninvited. Although the quality of the musician's performance was not drawn into question, fans were livid about the length of the feature. Taking to social media to air their frustration, one fan wrote in disbelief: 'Lady Gaga's appearance in Wednesday season 2 is a minute and fifty seconds long.' Another echoed the sentiment, writing: 'Can you believe they hyped Lady Gaga's role in Wednesday only for her to have 2 minutes of screen time, including that horrendous CGI scene?' 'I knew Lady Gaga's cameo on Wednesday was going to be short but GODDAMN she appeared for 70 SECONDS or something,' wrote another disgruntled fan. Another commenter agreed, saying: 'Gaga having less than 2 minutes screentime in Wednesday - like I knew it was gonna be short but' One fan joked: 'Gaga was not in the Wednesday trailer because they couldn't spoil her only scene.' Others felt the pop icon's talent hadn't been put to its full potential, and one wrote: 'While I love Gaga she's severely underused in Wednesday. Disappointed but I'm only on episode 7 - we'll see what happens in the finale.' The Bad Romance star, 39, was one of several glittering actors to appear in the series, alongside Thandiwe Newton, Christopher Lloyd and Billie Piper In her brief scene, Gaga delivers a stern telling off to Wednesday Addams, played by Jenna Ortega (pictured), for entering her chamber uninvited Although the quality of the musician's performance was not drawn into question, fans were livid about the length of the feature The programme's co-creator Alfred Gough revealed that Gaga's guest appearance came about as a result of last season's viral dance. The scene featured moves inspired by Siouxsie Sioux and Bob Fosse, and influencers paired the visuals with Gaga's song Bloody Mary - the vitality of which was credited for the show's popularity. 'She was interested, we were interested,' Gough told The Hollywood Reporter. 'But she's Lady Gaga, she's very busy. So we were able to work out a character for her to play, a time for her to come and do it. 'We all know she's an amazing actress, so we were just thrilled that she could come and play in the sandbox.' The disappointing cameo came just after Lady Gaga thrilled fans when Netflix released a first look image of her as a mysterious new character in Wednesday Season 2. The superstar looked striking in an eerie portrait with Thing, the disembodied, personified hand, on her shoulder. The 14-time Grammy winner is set to make her long-awaited return to the MTV VMAs stage in the forthcoming days as well as her cameo in the second act of Wednesday's new season. 'A vision in venom. Here's your first look at Lady Gaga as Rosaline Rotwood,' the official X account for the hit Netflix series wrote ahead of part two's premiere on September 3. Gaga also contributed to the series by debuting a new song for the show titled The Dead Dance. MasterChef fans were left 'uncomfortable and distracted' by one of the contestant's 'inappropriate' outfits during Wednesday's episode of the BBC show - but who's in the wrong? The latest instalment of the programme saw five chefs battle it out for a place in the quarter final. Paddy, Francesca, Fareeda, Keith and Kayleigh showed off their cooking skills to John Torode and Gregg Wallace - but only three would make it to the next stage. And many were left confused over estate agent Francesca's outfit choice. They were tasked with making an everyday and ordinary dish and elevating it to the next level, with their basic ingredient being the 'star of the show'. Francesca, 26, decided to focus on lemons and made a deconstructed lemon meringue pie, which consisted of a lemon pie, lemon curd and a biscuit base. MasterChef fans were left 'uncomfortable and distracted' by one of the contestant's 'inappropriate' outfit during Wednesday's episode of the BBC show - but who's in the wrong? Estate agent Francesca, 26, decided to focus on lemons and made a deconstructed lemon meringue pie, which consisted of a lemon pie, lemon curd and a biscuit base - and fans shared their concern about her outfit John said: 'Lemon meringue pie is a wonderful thing. A crispy base and a creamy curd with a lovely meringue that sits across the top which is bouncy. 'Deconstructing it, I think that becomes a style over substance... 'It might look great, but food should taste delicious first and foremost.' He continued: 'My biggest concern right now is Francesca's working in a real mess!' She told Gregg: 'I may have potentially cocked up something so I'm making sure I've got enough time to potentially re-do it at the end!' The cook explained that she accidentally put in whole eggs in the curd, rather than the egg yolks. John explained: 'Egg white in a curd will make sure it will so stringy.' While the judges were worried about her messy station, those watching at home were concerned about her choice of outfit. While the judges were worried about her messy station, those watching at home were concerned about her choice of outfit Francesca took part in the show in a black one-shoulder long sleeved top. Some took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share how unimpressed they were. 'Francesca needs to go. Inappropriate top for the kitchen.' 'Woman in the Masterchef kitchen with a one-armed top on. 'Weird choice and the exposed skin/armpit just looks unhygienic in this context. 'Im uncomfortably distracted. #MasterChef.' 'Francesca dressed like she's going for a night out.' In the end Kayleigh, Fareeda and Paddy were put through to the quarter final. It comes after last week viewers called out a kitchen blunder. John explained that the task was about 'taking an ingredient from the everyday and the ordinary and making it brilliant.' It was Gabi, from London, who caught fans' attention as she outlined her plan to make a mushroom and ricotta-filled tortelli dish with a mushroom consomme and tuile. As the camera panned down from the 30-year-old's face, viewers noticed that her sleeves, which stretched halfway down her hands, were being dragged through the flour and dough. One X user exclaimed: 'Good grief, get rid of those flappy sleeves. Unhygienic.' Another echoed in disgust: 'Why does hygiene get thrown out of the window? That woman's sleeves in the pasta.' Following the sacking of its stars John Torode and Gregg Wallace in August, fans tore apart the 'disgraceful' editing of the latter when Masterchef's new series kicked off last month. Gregg and co-host John Torode were sacked after almost 20 years on the show by the BBC last month after an investigation upheld allegations about their poor behaviour. Wallace had 40 complaints upheld, including one where he was accused of wandering around set naked with a sock on his penis. Torode was found to have used a racist term in 2018. Their final series of MasterChef was filmed before they were both fired. The show's bosses have insisted on keeping them in the final edit - but only if they were on screen less and their banter and jokes were cut down to a minimum. Several contestants asked to be edited out themselves to avoid being on screen with them, including Sarah, who has since claimed she felt 'pressured' by show bosses to accept their offer to edit her out of the show completely. Viewers have since pointed out 'disgraceful' edits in the new series on BBC One and iPlayer, with many cuts appearing awkward and repetitive, including those of Mr Wallace. In one scene shown last week, stills of Gregg pulling the same face three times in around a minute made it to air - with many suggesting that the BBC and production company Banijay used the same footage of the disgraced host repeatedly through the show. Some of his fans have even claimed the edits, where Gregg gives a semi-gurning smile, were deliberately to embarrass him and 'make him look demented'. TikTok user Gingernat Design shared a particularly unusual example, writing: 'Clever editing from MasterChef. 'Whether this is to do with the allegations or not I don't know, but it's jokes how they just froze Gregg Wallace for an entire conversation.' Last month, Wallace claimed he was sorry for hurting the people accusing him of being 'a sex pest'. The former host tearfully pleaded 'I'm not a groper, a sex pest or a flasher' in his first interview since the BBC axed him following complaints from multiple women over several years. Wallace added that he feels unfairly treated and claims he has been discussed in the same breath as sex offenders Jimmy Savile and Huw Edwards which he says has taken a toll on him and his family. After Masterchef's new series began last month, viewers were appalled by the show's 'disgraceful' editing which saw the same shot of sacked Gregg Wallace used three times He told that he understood some of his actions may have offended people and 'werent socially acceptable' but denied being a 'wrong-un'. Wallace also backed his former MasterChef co-host John Torode, claiming 'he's not a racist', and said his biggest regret was ever venturing into TV work, adding his life was much better when he was a greengrocer. BBC had reportedly been lining up chef Tom Kerridge to host the next series of MasterChef alongside food critic Grace Dent, however sources revealed he pulled out due to 'a dispute over his contract and his pay'. Sources told The Sun: 'His team wants him to get more money and have put the brakes on. 'It's a nightmare for MasterChef and the BBC because filming for the next series is due to start imminently. 'They need to get Tom locked down with Grace. But if he doesn't get the deal he wants, they'll be looking for a replacement.' Suzy Eddie Izzard has confirmed that she will play both men and women in the solo production of Hamlet in which she will take on 23 roles in one show. The comedian, 63 - who uses she/her pronouns and identifies as gender-fluid - appeared on Good Morning Britain to chat to hosts Ed Balls, 58, and Kate Garraway, also 58, about the upcoming UK tour of the Shakespeare classic. The first show will be on September 13 in Royal Tunbridge Wells, followed by others in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds, Shewsbury, Hereford and Exeter. The last will be on November 5 in the capital. While on the sofa with the presenters, Kate pointed out: 'You are everything on the stage in Hamlet...' Suzy, who looked glamorous in a black jumper, floral trousers and a high ponytail, said: 'I must say a lot of people are doing solo shows. I think it gives people more control. Suzy Eddie Izzard (pictured) has confirmed that she will play both men and women in the solo production of Hamlet when appearing on Good Morning Britain on Thursday The comedian, 63 - who uses she/her pronouns and identifies as gender-fluid - chatted to hosts Ed Balls, 58, and Kate Garraway , also 58, about the upcoming UK tour of the Shakespeare classic (pictured) and confirmed she will play all 23 roles on the show The first show will be on September 13 in Royal Tunbridge Wells, followed by others in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds, Shewsbury, Hereford and Exeter 'If you think about it, I have come a very unusual trajectory coming through street performing, which is very much like Shakespeare's actors. 'If you think of the Globe, it was street, there was there, there was no lighting changes, they didn't have that, that very earthy interaction between the groundlings and the people in the seats. 'And even before that, when they were doing off the back of cart. So I've come through that training to get into acting and acting was my first love. 'So getting to Hamlet, I wasn't top of the list for everyone say we must build a Hamlet around you, so I built a Hamlet around me.' Back in July Suzy took to her Instagram page to celebrate two months to go until the shows start. Many rushed to the comments section to share their excitement. 'You are fabulous on so many levels.' 'Congratulations, Suzy.' Suzy (pictured) said: 'I must say a lot of people are doing solo shows. I think it gives people more control' Many have rushed to Instagram to share the love over Suzy's upcoming shows, calling her 'fabulous' Another simply added three love heart emojis. Suzy's world tour of Hamlet has been a massive hit with fans over the past few months and she performed over 150 shows ahead of her UK stint this month. In May Suzy shared a video to her page and she said: 'Hi Seattle. I'm here in the Seattle Rep Theatre where you may know Hamlet extended and sold out, now we're doing a second extension! 'Tickets are on sale from Thursday the 8th. We're doing some more shows. 'So if you haven't been able to come you can now buy tickets and come along. 'I'm looking forward to doing the extra shows!' Speaking to 5 Lives Nihal Arthanayake about the role last year, Suzy said: 'I wanted to act when I was seven years old. I couldn't get roles at school, I was smaller. I was dyslexic. I couldn't do site reading. 'If you did plays at school, you were always given one piece of paper, they said: "Read this part." 'I think the teacher would probably decide a role for you. Smaller Kid: '"Okay, you read these parts." And I couldn't read them. 'Trippling off the tongue from the page because my dyslexia would make all words come at me at once and they'd say "Ah, not a good actor... Keen, but not a good actor, and not very tall and therefore you're a jailer, you're a butler." 'Endlessly, until I was about 15 for pushing from seven to about 15, 16, before I got a decent role. 'And I've been pushing for 30 years later after Nick van Gelder decided to back me and by my agent for drama. 'I'm not doing Shakespeare, getting really positive reviews on it. 'It is a huge challenge, but it is a high benchmark of acting to do Hamlet, to land the play, to make it so that the people can be moved. 'There is a little bit of laughter in it. 'It is not a comedy version, some of the characters are quite comedic, but it is a drama and it is a tragedy, and you need to take them there, the audience there.' In 2023, Suzy confirmed the notable change to her name after revealing the public hostility she faced after coming out as transgender more than 30-years ago. The star likes to go by the name of Suzy, but doesn't mind being called Eddie. On Instagram she wrote: 'As people may now well know, I have added the name Suzy to my names. 'So going forward I am preferring Suzy but I dont mind Eddie. And I prefer she/her but I dont mind he/him. 'So no one can really get it wrong unless they call me Kenneth or Sabrina. I am remaining Eddie Izzard in public. 'Thank you. Suzy/Eddie.' Good Morning Britain airs on ITV weekdays from 6.00am. A Downton Abbey favourite Harry Hadden-Paton has recalled working alongside 'iconic and talented' Dame Maggie Smith - revealing how the cast felt her absence when filming the third film of the franchise. As the third and final Downton Abbey film is set to be released on September 12, Harry, who played Herbert 'Bertie' Pelham in the ITV drama and its subsequent films, reflected on first meeting Dame Maggie. He described how Hugh Bonneville advised him to pay closer attention to the acting great during a scene. The actor, 44, admitted he was initially nervous, but when he approached Maggie, the focus was immediately on the craft itself. Speaking at the movie's premiere on Wednesday, Harry explained that Dame Maggie was intent on exploring the dynamics between their characters, even suggesting possible backstories to enrich their performances. The British actor called this the essence of Maggie's talent - a willingness to 'play, build, and collaborate - prior to her passing last year. A Downton Abbey favourite has recalled working alongside 'iconic and talented' Dame Maggie Smith in a heartfelt tribute (Maggie pictured in 2016) Harry Hadden-Paton, who played Herbert 'Bertie' Pelham in the ITV drama and its films, reflected on first meeting Dame Maggie (pictured at the premiere Dame Maggie, who played the formidable Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, reprised the role in both Downton Abbey films He told Digital Spy: 'So I'll remember an icon and a talent and also just a child who loved acting like the rest of us'. Dame Maggie, who played the formidable Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, reprised the role in both Downton Abbey films, with her character's death marking a poignant moment in the second instalment. Off screen, the actress passed away last year, leaving an indelible mark on her colleagues. Recalling filming the third movie without the star, Harry shared how strongly her absence was felt. He said: 'The first time we sat round the dinner table, the table we spent many hours round, I think it was within about five minutes someone said, "Should we just text Maggie?"' Although her character didn't feature in the film, the cast went on to send her a message because her presence was so central to the series. He said: 'There's a silence, there's an atmosphere wherever she goes, of fear, but also an icon who at the heart of it loved acting. She just loved acting.' It comes as Michelle Dockery was pictured arriving at the Downton Abbey premiere afterparty in London after revealing she was expecting her first child on Wednesday. The actor, 44, (pictured in the series) admitted he was initially nervous, but when he approached Maggie, the focus was immediately on the craft itself Harry (pictured with Laura Carmichael) explained that Dame Maggie was intent on exploring the dynamics between their characters, even suggesting possible backstories The actress, 43, revealed her growing baby bump to the world as she walked the red carpet at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square. She joined her husband, film producer Jasper Waller-Bridge, 37, as they announced their happy news. Michelle arrived in a powder blue off-the-shoulder ballgown with a fitted bodice as she showed off her bump. She has portrayed fan-favourite Lady Mary Crawley since the period drama debuted on ITV in 2010. Arriving for the afterparty, Michelle changed outfit and sported a comfortable long black dress that she paired with a white long coat. Her husband Jasper was by her side as he ensured his wife and their unborn child were looked after. Michelle was joined by her glamorous co-stars including Joanne Froggatt, Dominic West, Laura Carmichael, Sophie McShera and Joely Richardson. MTV have launched a new digital series of Dating Naked UK: Celebrities Reacts with some very popular famous faces. The first successful series hit our screens on Paramount+ and was presented by TV favourite Rylan Clark. Now fans will be happy to know that the digital series Dating Naked UK: Celebrities Reacts is back. It previously saw a number of reality stars reacting to the show, including Love Island's Chris Taylor, 35, Toby Aromolaran, 26, and Saffron Barker, 25. But now, Geordie Shore's Nathan Henry, 34, and Love Island All Stars winner Gabby Dawn Allen, 33, will be stars of the next five episodes. 'Dating Naked UK redefines the concept of "baring all" in the quest for romance. This dating show invites ten singletons to leave their clothes at the door and embark on a sun-kissed romantic getaway, where they will find love while living completely nude,' the show's synopsis reads. MTV have launched a new digital series of Dating Naked UK: Celebrities Reacts with some very popular famous faces, with Rylan Clark back at the helm Geordie Shore's Nathan Henry, 34, and Love Island All Stars winner Gabby Dawn Allen, 33, (pictured) will be stars of the next five episodes Fans will be treated to a new instalment each week on MTV's official YouTube channel Fans will be treated to a new instalment each week on MTV's official YouTube channel. Building on the success of series one, this iteration promises even more outrageous fun as Gabby and Nathan dive headfirst into the wildest moments from Dating Naked UK series two. The duo will deliver hilarious hot takes and candid conversations about love, lust, intimacy, and modern datings biggest icks. Towards the end of the first episode, the pair are joined by Rylan and get into the cast and what they think about the couples. The next two episodes of the new series of Dating Naked UK will be released on Friday. Rylan told Daily Star: 'There are going to be some big changes. It's really exciting. 'The location is changing. What we've got lined up is going to be brilliant. There will be lots of twists and turns. 'If the daters watched the first season and think they know how the show works, they're wrong. We want to keep them on their toes. We don't want them to know what's coming next.' Dating Naked hit our screens on Paramount+ back in August 2024 and is hosted by Rylan Clark (pictured) Season one saw Tiegan Rudge, Mike Durrant, Emily Ivy, Chrislove Brandt, Romeo Larmond, Dominik Herbert, Rico Hammett, Dan Ash, Lauren Beschi, Billy Field, Tiarne Butler, Jono Brown, Zach Schaefer, Monika Lara Smith, Leylah Linda, Sean Wepener and Joey Staerkle looking for love. This year sees 12 singles seeking romance while completely in the buff - and nothing is blurred. This time around Kier, Jarrakeh, Matt, Luke, Jordan, Kelsey, Nina, Amara, Connor, Mani and Kier are baring all. Last year Rylan defended Dating Naked UK after critics branded it 'disgraceful'. Rylan said on This Morning: 'It is Love Island without the bikinis, that's pretty much what it is, you see everything, there's no strategic placement of the cameras.' 'You see absolutely everything, and all the reviews today from the same reviewers that give me five stars for my last show on BBC Two are like "This is disgraceful". 'You know "I don't need to see this" but that's exactly what the show is and its dating laid bare.' Dating Naked is available to stream now on Paramount+, with new episodes dropping every Friday. EastEnders star Jake Wood has revealed how he really felt about returning to the show as Max Branning - as it's revealed he's in a romantic relationship with Zoe Slater. Fans of the long-running BBC soap tuned in on Thursday night as star reprised his after a four-year hiatus. As Zoe fights for her life in hospital after being shot in Tuesday's dramatic episode, a flashback revealed how the daughter of Kat Moon has been seeing Max away from the Square. The revelation has left fans floored - particularly as the ladies man previously had an affair with her cousin Stacey Slater. Their infidelity was exposed during the Christmas Day episode in 2007 as Max's wife Tanya and Stacey's boyfriend Bradley - Max's son, watched a secret recording of them both. As viewers digest the latest twist, Jake has now revealed how he was 'totally excited' at the steamy storyline with Michelle Ryan. EastEnders star Jake Wood has revealed how he really felt about returning to the show as Max Branning - as it's revealed he's in a romantic relationship with Zoe Slater As Zoe fights for her life in hospital after being shot in Tuesday's dramatic episode, a flashback revealed how the daughter of Kat Moon has been seeing Max away from the Square The revelation has left fans floored - particularly as the ladies man previously had an affair with her cousin Stacey Slater The actor said: 'I knew that Michelle [Ryan, who plays Zoe Slater] was coming back. I was really pleased, obviously, that she would come back. That she wasn't being recast as she is an iconic character. And I think it's really interesting to have Max in the mix. It makes everything so much more complicated.' Jake, 53, - who was first introduced to EastEnders fans nearly 20 years ago, revealed his permanent return is yet to happen. He explained: 'I do return for a little bit. It's quite soon before my permanent return. There's lots of lots of drama and chaos that ensues. 'Its been a joy. Its all down to Bens vision. I had lunch with Ben [Wadey, executive producer] in January and that cemented it for me. 'Ben is a big fan of the show, and understands all the characters' intrinsically. So, just all a mix of those things. After that lunch was a bit of a no-brainer for me to think about coming back after five years, and honestly, it was such a good atmosphere with all the cast. 'It's probably the highest I've ever known it in 15 years being here. Its gone from strength to strength.' While Jake thinks Max's romance with Zoe is 'genuine', he hinted at trouble to come between them when he returns permanently to Albert Square. He said: 'I mean, from my point of view, I think the relationship between them is genuine. I think there are genuine feelings between them. As viewers digest the latest twist, Jake has now revealed how he was 'totally excited' at the steamy storyline with Michelle Ryan Jake - who was first introduced to EastEnders fans nearly 20 years ago, revealed his permanent return is yet to happen On Tuesday night EastEnders fans watched as Kat came face-to-face with her daughter Zoe after 20 years in dramatic scenes 'I think by the time Max comes back onto the square, it's just become very complicated in terms of where Max is at, and whether he is able to commit to her. 'But I do feel like they do have a connection, and I think a lot of that was down to Zoe looking for her son, that she gave up for adoption, and Max helps her financially to to pay for the private detective to help look for him.' He concluded: 'I think for Max that was very pertinent. That's got a very deep meaning for Max. Not having a relationship with his own kids. 'There was lots of common ground there. I think he really had empathy towards her and what she was trying to do and supported her at that time. So I think the relationship was genuine. I think there are real feelings between them.' Viewers last saw Max in 2021 as he left Walford after his affair with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) was exposed and she decided to stay with Mick over him. His brother Jack (Scott Maslen) told him to move on with his life, which inspired him to leave and go to New Zealand to be with his daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa). True-crime documentary mini-series investigating a death on a hunting trip Year: 2025 Certificate: 15 Watch now on Disney+ American dentist Larry Rudolph and his wife Bianca were avid big game hunters, regularly visiting Zambia in order to get animals in their sights. But in 2016, it was Bianca who was on the wrong end of a shotgun, dying when an accident saw a weapon unexpectedly fire. At least that was husband Larry's story, but doubts grew about how much truth there was in his version of events when back in the US he swiftly moved the woman he'd been having a long-time affair with into his Pittsburgh home and collected the insurance money due after his wife's demise. Friends, family and the authorities began to wonder if Bianca's death really had been an accident. This gripping three-part documentary series digs into the case, revealing how investigators chipped away at Larry's story to reveal the facts of a cold-blooded murder. (Three episodes) Denise Richards has requested that her estranged husband Aaron Phypers and his mother testify about her physical abuse allegations against him at an upcoming court hearing. The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 54, has a hearing coming up on Monday, regarding turning her temporary restraining order against Phypers, 52, into a permanent one, amid their ugly divorce. And on her witness list, Richards has listed Aaron and his mother, Patricia Phypers, 84, as witnesses, according to TMZ. Richards stated that Patricia will 'testify regarding communications with [Denise] regarding abuse perpetrated on [Denise] by [Aaron].' She estimates that Phypers' mother will spend an hour on the witness stand. DailyMail.com has reached out to Richards' representatives for comment. Denise Richards, 54, has requested that her ex, Aaron Phypers, 52, and his mother Patricia, 84, testify about her physical abuse allegations against him at an upcoming hearing; Richards seen in 2024 Richards stated Patricia will 'testify regarding communications with [Denise] regarding abuse perpetrated on [Denise] by [Aaron]'; Phypers and his mom pictured August 3 in Calabasas Richards expects that her own testimony will last around six hours, and her estranged husband's will take about four hours. An insider close to Richards' ex branded her a 'liar' in a statement to TMZ and said: 'Why wouldn't he testify ... he's got nothing to hide ... he never laid a hand on her.' The source added that Phypers filed for divorce after Denise made multiple promises to end an alleged yearlong affair. Richards is planning to testify to 'all facts pertaining to domestic violence perpetrated by' Aaron according to Us Weekly. She also plans to call three unidentified witnesses. Phypers filed for divorce in July, after six years of marriage, listing July 4 as the official date of separation. The filing cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for the breakup. In court documents obtained by DailyMail.com in July which included graphic photos of Richards with a black eye it was revealed that on July 16, Richards filed for protection, accusing Phypers of horrific abuse that allegedly spanned their entire relationship. 'Throughout our relationship, Aaron would frequently violently choke me, violently squeeze my head with both hands, tightly squeeze my arms, violently slap me in my face and head, aggressively slam my head into the bathroom towel rack, threaten to kill me, hold me down with his knee on my back to the point where I would have to plead with him to get off me so that he would not kill me and hack into my laptop and phone and download all of my text messages,' Denise stated in her Request for Domestic Violence Retraining Order. She also alleged that 'Aaron regularly threatened to break my jaw and would cry, beg me to stay, and promise to get help none of which ever happened.' Richards sought court-ordered protection following a string of disturbing allegations; photo from Richards' Request for Domestic Violence Retraining Order The star has a hearing coming up on Monday, regarding turning her temporary restraining order against Phypers into a permanent one, amid their ugly divorce; They are seen 2023 An insider close to Richards' ex branded her a 'liar' in a statement to TMZ and said: 'Why wouldn't he testify ... he's got nothing to hide ... he never laid a hand on her'; The duo seen in January Last month Richards reportedly claimed the home she once shared with Phypers was 'severely damaged' by her estranged husband and his family; (L-R) Aaron's mom Patricia, Aaron, and his dad Steve Phypers pictured She claimed, 'Aaron has caused me at least three concussions. Aaron has told me that he has left recording devices to record me while I was alone in hotel rooms and at my townhouses.' Phypers has vehemently denied the allegations, telling Daily Mail: 'Let me be unequivocally clear: I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise or anyone.' 'These accusations are completely false and deeply hurtful. Denise and I, like many couples, have faced our share of challenges, but any suggestion of abuse is categorically untrue.' Last month Richards reportedly claimed the home she once shared with Phypers was 'severely damaged' by her estranged husband and his family. The Bravo star submitted photos of the Calabasas mansion allegedly left 'in disarray' as evidence into her ongoing divorce from Aaron, according to Us Weekly, which obtained the images. 'Aaron and his parents and brother have severely damaged the [home] and left the house in a state of disarray,' the outlet reports Denise saying. Speaking to Us Weekly, a source close to Phypers denied Richards' claims. The source further alleged the family had actually heavily cleared up the residence in the time since Denise vacated the home in 2023. The photos shown to the court depicted various rooms with clutter strewn about. Earlier last month Richards filed to temporarily vacate Phypers and his family from their leased Calabasas home. In her legal filing obtained by People, Richards asked the judge to order her ex, his mother, father, and brother out of the home for eight hours so she can retrieve her dogs and belongings. Richards and Phypers got married in September 2018. They most recently appeared together on the reality star's show, Denise Richards & Her Wild Things; Seen in 2024 Aaron was home on August 3 when Denise arrived to their home unannounced to retrieve her dog, according TMZ. He immediately left due to concern over the restraining order, the website adds. Phypers' parents let Richards inside and it was claimed she 'barged in, demanded the dog' and 'screamed at his parents that they needed to get out of the house, putting her finger in their faces.' Richards was seen being questioned by three Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies outside the home after they were called following her arrival, with police concluding 'there was no crime committed and no arrests were made.' Aaron - who has 'no income' - filed for divorce from Richards on July 7 after six years of marriage and requested spousal support of around $105K/month. The ex-couple originally began dating in December 2017 before Aaron's divorce from Desperate Housewives alum Nicollette Sheridan was finalized in 2018. They wed in 2018. Charlie Sheen says hes grateful that his former Two and a Half Men costar Jon Cryer agreed to appear in his upcoming Netflix documentary. The 60-year-old actor looks back on his turbulent past in the two-part special titled aka Charlie Sheen, which covers everything from his rise in Hollywood to the infamous 2011 drug-fueled meltdown that got him fired from the hit CBS sitcom and replaced by Ashton Kutcher. The fallout at the time drove a major wedge between Sheen, Cryer, and show creator Chuck Lorre leaving Cryer and Lorre to pick up the pieces as the show was thrown into chaos. Though Sheen and Lorre have since patched things up, things with Cryer remain distant with the actor telling Bill Mahers podcast in January that he has 'no relationship' with Sheen. Still, the actor took part in the doc and offered his perspective on the collapse of Two and a Half Men. In a new interview, Sheen, who has been sober for eight years, admitted he understands why Cryer would still feel upset, given how his past addictions blew up their hit show. Charlie Sheen s ays hes grateful that his former Two and a Half Men costar Jon Cryer agreed to appear in his upcoming Netflix documentary; (seen in 2019) The 60-year-old actor looks back on his turbulent past in the two-part special titled aka Charlie Sheen, which covers everything from his rise in Hollywood to the infamous 2011 drug-fueled meltdown that got him fired from the hit CBS sitcom and replaced by Ashton Kutcher 'It was really cool to hear from his perspective,' Sheen told People. 'He was in the line of fire with all that stupid s--- going on, and it was affecting him and his family and his career and all that. I cant debate anything that he said.' Sheen added that Cryers words were thoughtful, and he even reached out to thank him but has yet to hear back. 'Im thinking I wrote to the wrong number. Its not like Jon to not respond. Hes super responsible like that,' Sheen said. 'So if youre reading this, Jon, DM me your new number!' During the January episode of his Club Random podcast, Maher asked Cryer point-blank, 'Whats your relationship with Charlie now?' Cryer replied, 'I dont know. We dont have a relationship anymore.' He went on to note that Sheen and Lorre have since reconciled, with Sheen even making guest appearances on Lorres Max comedy Bookie. Sheen and Lorre hadn't spoken in over a decade after the falling out, which began in 2011 after Sheen called Lorre 'stupid' and 'little maggot' in a series of well-publicized tirades. The fallout at the time drove a major wedge between Sheen, Cryer, and show creator Chuck Lorre leaving Cryer and Lorre to pick up the pieces as the show was thrown into chaos. Though Sheen and Lorre have since patched things up, things with Cryer remain distant with the actor telling Bill Mahers podcast in January that he has 'no relationship' with Sheen; (Cryer in 2025) As for Lorre, he previously gushed about reuniting with his old pal for the show Bookie. 'I dont want to be too mawkish about it, but it was healing,' Lorre said in 2024. 'I was nervous, but almost as soon as we started talking, I remembered, we were friends once,' the writer/director explained. 'And that friendship just suddenly seemed to be there again.' Lorre said he got to a place where their feud is now considered 'old news'. 'I loved working with Charlie on 'Two and a Half Men', Lorre added. 'We did 170 episodes together before it all fell apart.' In 2021, Sheen admitted that there were '55 different' and better ways to have handled his firing from the hit CBS sitcom that did not include calling Lorre names like a 'turd' or 'clown.' 'I think the growth for me post-meltdown or melt forward or melt somewhere however you want to label it it has to start with absolute ownership of my role in all of it,' he told Yahoo! News. 'And it was desperately juvenile.' In 2018, Sheen took responsibility over their dramatic falling out and expressed a desire to repair their relationship during an interview with Today Show. 'It was really cool to hear from his perspective,' Sheen told People . 'He was in the line of fire with all that stupid s--- going on, and it was affecting him and his family and his career and all that. I cant debate anything that he said' At the time, the father-of-five 'really' wanted 'to mend' things with Lorre. 'He lives close by, I could easily go by and just drop a note under his door with my phone number, which I should, and I will.' Speaking about a possible reboot of the comedy series that made him the highest paid actor on American TV, he said he was open to the idea, 'it would be so cool to reboot it.' Lorre previously admitted that 'there were a couple of years' where he 'couldn't watch' Two and a Half Men because it 'was too hurtful.' Comedians Robert Webb and David Mitchell reunited on Wednesday night ahead of the premiere of their brand new Channel 4 show. The TV stars beamed as they stood on the red carpet for the launch of the new show, called Mitchell & Webb Are Not Helping. It's their first new sketch show in 15 years and was previously announced by Channel 4 at the start of the year. Stepping out for its launch, Robert, 52, wore a navy shirt and dark denim jeans for the glitzy event at the BFI on the Southbank in London. His sidekick David, 51, clung onto the last of the summer as he wore a white and blue stripped shirt with a pair of cream chinos. While posing for snaps together, they also were joined by the crew who worked to produce the new series. Comedians Robert Webb and David Mitchell reunited on Wednesday night ahead of the premiere of their brand new Channel 4 show It's their first new sketch show in 15 years and was previously announced by Channel 4 at the start of the year (pictured on Peep Show) The programme will see the pair join forces with a host of established comedy writers and stars of the future, for an 'innovative merging of comedy minds'. Its ensemble cast will see some of the best comedy writers in the business team up with up and coming talent including Ghost star Kiell Smith-Bynoe, comedian Lara Ricote, Taskmaster's Stevie Martin, and stand-up comedian Krystal Evans. The new series is produced by That Mitchell & Webb Company in association with Big Talk Studios, the team behind comedy hits such as Friday Night Dinner, Back and Ludwig. Robert and David are known for their hit sitcom The Peep Show, which was broadcast on the channel between September 2003 and December 2015. It focused on the lives of Mark Corrigan and Jeremy Usborne, played by double act David and Robert respectively, in their flat in London. Mark owns the flat and frequently references Jeremy's resistance to playing rent and his abuse of the home, thanks to his love of weed and reluctance to work. Previously speaking about their new show together, the men said: 'When Channel 4 asked us to do another sketch show we were startled, bemused and available. 'Its a perilous time for the industry, and so its our hope that relaunching the trickiest genre of comedy is a brilliant piece of counterintuitive commissioning. The TV stars beamed as they stood on the red carpet for the launch of the new show, called Mitchell & Webb Are Not Helping Stepping out for its launch, Robert, 52, wore a navy shirt and dark denim jeans for the glitzy event at the BFI on the Southbank in London His sidekick David, 51, clung onto the last of the summer as he wore a white and blue stripped shirt with a pair of cream chinos Pictured left to right: David Mitchell, Lara Ricote, Robert Webb, Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Krystal Evans on Wednesday night 'And were confident that, unlike Roger Moore with his shoe on the bonnet of a car teetering on the edge of a cliff in For Your Eyes Only, were not about to give British TV comedy a final lethal nudge into the abyss.' They continued: 'Were looking forward to working with our brilliant new cast despite their youth and talent, and would like to encourage viewers to watch the advert break carefully and do their best to buy something. 'It doesnt have to be a car but, you know, a box of chocolates or an app or something.' Paris Jackson flashed a peace sign while strolling in her native LA on Wednesday after publicly distancing herself from Lionsgate's fully-authorized musical biopic, Michael, about her late father. The 27-year-old heiress' cousin Jaafar Jackson stars as the King of Pop in Antoine Fuqua's $155M-budget two-part movie - hitting US/UK theaters April 24 - which is produced by co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain. Paris (born Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson) was outraged after Colman Domingo - who portrays her great grandfather Joe Jackson - insinuated to People that she was 'very much in support of our film' and that they'd 'chatted briefly' at Sunday's amfAR Venezia Gala. Jackson had performed a song on behalf of her late godmother Elizabeth Taylor's AIDS Foundation as the 55-year-old Emmy winner served emcee duties and helped raise $3.4M for the cause. 'He was like, "Paris is so helpful and like supportive of this movie blah blah blah and she's been helping out on set,"' the Beverly Hills-born nepo-baby incorrectly claimed via Instastory Tuesday. 'My response to that was, like, yo I've met this man twice - once at a birthday party and once at the amfAR thing the other night - both were, like, hella brief interactions.' Paris Jackson flashed a peace sign while strolling in her native LA on Wednesday after publicly distancing herself from Lionsgate's fully-authorized musical biopic, Michael, about her late father The 27-year-old heiress' cousin Jaafar Jackson (pictured in 2024) stars as the King of Pop in Antoine Fuqua's $155M-budget two-part movie - hitting US/UK theaters April 24 - which is produced by co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain Colman had also claimed that Paris' big brother Prince Jackson was working as a producer on Michael, however, he is not credited on IMDb. Last year, the 28-year-old Heal LA Foundation co-founder gushed on Instagram that the movie 'has been a dream come true' and he wrote that watching his 29-year-old cousin Jaafar work his butt off 'is the closest I'll ever come to watching my dad in concert.' Michael - which promises an 'unbiased' telling of his 1993 child sexual abuse accusations - also features Miles Teller, Kat Graham, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Larenz Tate, and Derek Luke. Jackson completely washed her hands of the ambitious project after the initial feedback she gave producers on the first draft of the script was ignored. 'The thing about these biopics is it's Hollywood. It's fantasy land it's not real, but it's sold to you as real, and a lot of sugar-coated, like, the narrative is being controlled,' the heavily-tattooed millennial blasted. 'There's a lot of inaccuracy and there's a lot of just full-blown lies. At the end of the day, that doesn't really fly with me. I don't really like dishonesty. I spoke up. I wasn't heard. I f***ed off. That's it. Y'all are going to like the f***ing movie so just go watch it, go enjoy it, do whatever leave me out of it.' Paris - who boasts 7.9M social media followers - stressed: 'The film panders to a very specific section of my dad's fandom that still lives in a fantasy, and they're gonna be happy with it.' Jackson took a direct shot at the Michael production company GK Films when she brought up their 2018 Queen biopic: 'I remember hearing about how Freddie Mercury's family responded to seeing the Bohemian Rhapsody film...' The self-described 'mediocre Thom Yorke impersonator' also addressed the people accusing her of hating her famous father considering she receives $8M annually with bonuses at age 18, 33, and 40 from his $100M inheritance - according to Page Six. Paris was outraged after Colman Domingo - who portrays her great grandfather Joe Jackson - insinuated to People that she was 'very much in support of our film' and that they'd 'chatted briefly' at Sunday's amfAR Venezia Gala Jackson had performed a song on behalf of her late godmother Elizabeth Taylor's AIDS Foundation as the 55-year-old Emmy winner served emcee duties and helped raise $3.4M for the cause The Beverly Hills-born nepo-baby claimed Tuesday: 'He was like, "Paris is so helpful and like supportive of this movie blah blah blah and she's been helping out on set." My response to that was, like, yo I've met this man twice - once at a birthday party and once at the amfAR thing the other night - both were, like, hella brief interactions' Colman had also claimed that Paris' big brother Prince Jackson (pictured March 8) was working as a producer on Michael, however, he is not credited on IMDb Last year, the 28-year-old Heal LA Foundation co-founder gushed on Instagram that the movie 'has been a dream come true' and he wrote that watching his 29-year-old cousin Jaafar work his butt off 'is the closest I'll ever come to watching my dad in concert' Michael - which promises an 'unbiased' telling of his 1993 child sexual abuse accusations - also features Miles Teller, Kat Graham, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Larenz Tate, and Derek Luke (set pictured in 2024) Jackson completely washed her hands of the ambitious project after the initial feedback she gave producers on the first draft of the script was ignored The heavily-tattooed millennial blasted: 'There's a lot of inaccuracy and there's a lot of just full-blown lies. At the end of the day, that doesn't really fly with me. I don't really like dishonesty. I spoke up. I wasn't heard. I f***ed off. That's it. Y'all are going to like the f***ing movie so just go watch it, go enjoy it, do whatever leave me out of it' Jackson also addressed the people accusing her of hating her famous father considering she receives $8M annually with bonuses at age 18, 33, and 40 from his $100M inheritance She scoffed: 'Something quite a lot of people are saying is, "She hates her dad. She resents him. She wants nothing to do with him," because I'm not, like, calling the shots on set being a big-shot producer of a movie that's filled with just inaccuracies. That's not my truth. That's not where I'm coming from. I just prefer honesty over sales and monetary gain. That's it. I kinda just don't want anything to do with that' Paris - who's rarely pictured with her birth mother Debbie Rowe - was only 11 years old when Michael tragically succumbed to 'acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication' at age 50 back in 2009 (pictured in 2008) 'Something quite a lot of people are saying is, "She hates her dad. She resents him. She wants nothing to do with him,"' Paris scoffed. '[All] because I'm not, like, calling the shots on set being a big-shot producer of a movie that's filled with just inaccuracies. That's not my truth. That's not where I'm coming from. I just prefer honesty over sales and monetary gain. That's it. I kinda just don't want anything to do with that.' Jackson - who's rarely pictured with her birth mother Debbie Rowe - was only 11 years old when Michael tragically succumbed to 'acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication' at age 50 back in 2009. The Doctor Odyssey guest star's upcoming acting roles include the RZA's Atlanta-set drama One Spoon of Chocolate and Ronald Krauss' Atlanta-set indie horror thriller Open Wounds. Xi meets Lao president Xinhua) 13:40, September 04, 2025 BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, met with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, in Beijing on Thursday. Thongloun is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, 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, and a working visit. Xi stressed that given the complex and profound changes in the international and regional landscape, the two sides need to view and approach China-Laos relations from a long-term and strategic perspective, and firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns. China is ready to deepen exchanges with Laos on experience in party and state governance, Xi said. The two sides need to focus on the operation of the China-Laos Railway and development along the route to upgrade key projects, Xi said, adding that they should also deepen cooperation in defense, law enforcement and security, and other fields. Thongloun said that the Laos-China relationship is now at its best in history, and Laos is ready to continue working with China to implement the new five-year action plan on building a Laos-China community with a shared future. Laos fully supports the Global Governance Initiative proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping and stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China on the international stage, Thongloun said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Penn Badgley announced on Wednesday that he and wife Domino Kirke have welcomed twin boys. The 38-year-old You actor casually shared the news as he posted an Instagram video promoting a forthcoming event for his book Crushmore, written with his Podcrushed podcast co-hosts Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari. Wearing a ribbed white tank, he recorded himself at home while the babies slept nearby. Penn said in the recording, 'I'm interrupting my paternity leave, which I'm on by the way, which is also I'm whispering. There's tiny little baby feet right there. I don't want to wake them up.' He echoed in the caption, 'Interrupting twin paternity leave to announce a live event @podcrushed at @symphonyspace Oct 14 NYC supporting the release of our book CRUSHMORE. Truly proud of this one. Please check it out! @podcrushed for all info.' It comes after the couple announced in February that they were expecting, with the Gossip Girl alum revealing months later in April that they were having identical twin boys. Penn Badgley announced on Wednesday that he and wife Domino Kirke have welcomed twin boys; The new dad pictured with a glimpse of one of his baby's tiny feet The 38-year-old You actor casually shared the news as he posted an Instagram video promoting a forthcoming event for his book Crushmore Less than one month ago Domino, 41, shared a photo of her huge baby bump online and wrote that the twins were 'still cooking.' In addition to their newborns, the husband and wife are also parents to five-year-old son James, as well as Domino's 16-year-old son Cassius from a previous relationship. Domino described her pregnancy as a 'plot twist' when she posted her Instagram announcement earlier this year. 'Babies #3 and #4 coming this Summer! Spontaneous twins are beyond magical,' she wrote at the time. And she added, 'We are stunned. We are in awe. Cant think of anyone else Id rather be on this ride with.' The father-of-four previously said that having James during the pandemic was 'very, very joyful.' He said on the Jess Cagle Show in 2021, 'We had an opportunity to be with him in a way that we wouldnt have. So that is a strange blessing in it all.' And chatting with Access Hollywood in April, the Netflix star said that there's pressure to raise their brood of boys well. It comes after the couple announced in February that they were expecting; pictured in April The Gossip Girl alum revealed in April that they were having identical twin boys; pictured in October 2024 'Theyre identical boys, so now we have four boys. You know I do mean this sincerely it sounds a bit tacky, but the world needs more good men, so you know, pressures on us to raise them well,' he explained. Asked what his 'dad superpower' is, Penn answered, 'Well, its my patience until Ive lost it, and then Im just as bad as anybody else. But, I can be very patient.' He and Domino tied the knot at a New York City courthouse February 2017. They followed it with a ceremony in upstate New York that June. The lovebirds have been together since 2014. Morrissey has announced that his entire business interests in the Smiths are on the market after he has 'had enough' of 'all connections' to his previous bandmates. Morrissey, the 66-year-old former frontman of 1980s rock band The Smiths, put all of his rights to the Smiths brand up for sale today. But Morrissey wants no more to do with the band, stating in a blog post on his website, Morrissey Central: 'I am burnt out by any and all connections to Marr, Rourke, Joyce [his former bandmates]. He continued: 'I have had enough of malicious associations. 'With my entire life I have paid my rightful dues to these songs and these images. 'I would now like to live disassociated from those who wish me nothing but ill-will and destruction, and this is the only resolution. 'The songs are me - they are no one else - but they bring with them business communications that go to excessive lengths to create as much dread and spite year after year. 'I must now protect myself, especially my health,' he concluded. Morrissey has announced that his entire business interests in the Smiths are on the market after he has 'had enough' of 'all connections' to his previous bandmates Pictured: Morrissey and Marr back in their Smiths heyday The listing simply stated that Morrissey had 'no choice' but to put his business interests up for sale - and that interested buyers should email 'eaves7760@gmail.com' to enquire. Soul for Sale listing The 'Soul for Sale' listing on his website addresses 'any interested party/investor and includes 'full and exclusive rights' to the following: '1. The name 'The Smiths', as created by Morrissey. 2. All Smiths artwork, as created by Morrissey. 3. All Smiths merchandising rights. 4. All Smiths songs lyrically / musically. 5. All synchronisation rights. 6. All Smiths recordings. 7. All contractual rights for Smiths publishing.' Advertisement Morrissey currently shares 50% of the rights of the Smiths with former bandmate Johnny Marr, who was the guitarist and co-songwriter for the band. Marr previously said he declined an 'eye-watering' offer for the band to get back together, referencing the clear political and personal differences between him and Morrissey at the time. Morrissey and Marr clashed last year over who owned the trademark ownership of the band, with Marr rubbishing Morrissey's claim that he had acquired the rights to the Smiths' trademark 'without any consultation'. Marr disputed Morrissey's claim that Marr owned the copyright which would allow the group to tour with a new vocalist, with a spokesperson at the time saying that Marr had eventually agreed with Morrissey's lawyers that the band's trademark would be held by both former bandmates. It remains to be seen whether the sale of Morrissey's business interests will affect the market value of the brand. Morrissey's listing comes after his other former Smiths bandmate, Mike Joyce, announced he would be publishing a 'no-holds-barred' memoir, The Drums, this November. It also follows music label BMG dropping of Morrissey in November 2020 - a split which Morrissey said was due to the label's 'new plans for 'diversity'.' The Guardian reported that Morrissey also faced difficulties releasing his 14th solo album, Bonfire of teenagers - whose title track is about the 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack. Morrissey has been performing the song since 2022, which includes lyrics about going 'easy on the killer' and states 'I can assure you I will look back in anger 'til the day I die'. Morrissey and Marr clashed last year over who owned the trademark ownership of the band Morrissey completed the solo album in May 2021 and his new deal with Capitol should have seen the album released in February 2023. But at the end of 2022, Morrissey said he had 'voluntarily' split from the Capitol label and his management team and claimed that they were now keeping the record from being published. Michelle Dockery was pictured arriving at the Downton Abbey premiere afterparty in London after revealing she was expecting her first child on Wednesday. The actress, 43, revealed her growing baby bump to the world as she walked the red carpet at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square. She joined her husband, film producer Jasper Waller-Bridge, 37, as they announced their happy news. Michelle arrived in a powder blue off-the-shoulder ballgown with a fitted bodice as she showed off her bump. She has portrayed fan-favourite Lady Mary Crawley since the period drama debuted on ITV in 2010. Arriving for the afterparty, Michelle changed outfit and sported a comfortable long black dress that she paired with a white long coat. Michelle Dockery was snapped arriving at the Downton Abbey premiere afterparty in London after revealing she was expecting her first child on Wednesday The actress, 43, revealed her growing baby bump to the world as she walked the red carpet at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square Arriving for the afterparty, Michelle changed outfit and sported a comfortable long black dress that she paired with a white long coat Her husband Jasper was by her side as he ensured his wife and their unborn child were looked after. Michelle was joined by her glamorous co-stars including Joanne Froggatt, Dominic West, Laura Carmichael, Sophie McShera and Joely Richardson. Meanwhile, Nadiya Bychkova beamed as she was pictured leaving the UK premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on Wednesday night following her fall. The Strictly Coming Dancing professional, 36, was snapped smiling as she left the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square. She appeared to be in good spirits following the movie despite the miserable rainy weather for the red carpet, as she dazzled in a white evening gown. The striking white frock exuded elegance and sophistication and featured a plunging V-neckline and long sleeves. Nadiya's Strictly co-star Neil Jones was also spotted leaving the premiere on Wednesday evening, looking dapper in a navy suit, though showed he was the perfect gentleman by giving his jacket to partner Chyna Mills. Also snapped leaving were Verity Bowditch who wowed in a brown asymmetric gown and Emma Walsh who donned a black off-the-shoulder gown. The Downton Abbey premiere saw Michelle Dockery reveal she is pregnant with her first child as she debuted her growing baby bump on the red carpet Joely Richardson was also seen arriving for the afterparty in London Joanne Froggatt dazzled in a striking black dress that featured cutouts along her tummy and chest area Laura Carmichael was also spotted as she joined the celebrations following the premiere It was previously revealed how Strictly star Nadiya was taken to hospital on Tuesday after falling and landing on her back during rehearsals. She was training in north London when she was left in agony after injuring her back, with crew forced to phone an ambulance. Nadiya later shared a picture from her hospital as she updated fans on her injury - and revealed if she would be able to dance again soon. She wrote: 'Well where do I start? What a 24 hours! Thank you so much for all the messages, love and support. I just wanted you to know that I am ok. Nadiya Bychkova beamed as she was pictured leaving the UK premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on Wednesday night following her fall Nadiya's Strictly co-star Neil Jones was also spotted leaving the premiere on Wednesday evening, looking dapper in a navy suit, though showed he was the perfect gentleman by giving his jacket to partner Chyna Mills Also snapped leaving were Verity Bowditch who wowed in a brown asymmetric gown and Emma Walsh who donned a black off-the-shoulder gown Nadiya appeared to be in good spirits despite the miserable rainy weather for the red carpet, as she dazzled in her striking white evening gown Nadiya previously shared a picture from her hospital as she updated fans on her injury - and revealed if she would be able to dance again soon Nadiya continued: 'I'm smiling in the picture but it was really scary and there were a few tears as I had to lie still for hours but I was given the all-clear after an x-ray and allowed to go home. 'I've got some physio today but I will be back on that dance floor soon and I'll be ready to shine and sparkle in the new series of the biggest show on TV. 'I had a fall in training yesterday and landed on my back. I was really worried for a while and I was so thankful to the Strictly family and medical team who really looked after me. 'The staff at the hospital were so kind and caring.' Michelle Williams made her first red carpet appearance since welcoming her fourth child via surrogate, wowing at a special screening of Hamilton in New York City. The Dawson's Creek alum, 44, and her husband Thomas Kail, 48, made a stylish pair as they arrived at The Delacorte Theater on Wednesday. The actress whose eldest daughter with the late Heath Ledger, Matilda, 19, was recently seen in New York was a vision in a long, off-the-shoulder polka dot gown with a black sequin top and a loose-fitting lower half. The sleeves of her dress were gathered at the wrists with black cuffs. She adorned the look with a large silver seashell-shaped pendant. The star's blonde tresses were parted in the middle and slicked down. Her classy glam for the night consisted of red lipstick and delicate bronze eyeshadow. She completed the dazzling look with a pair of black open-toe sandals. Michelle Williams, 44, made her first red carpet appearance since welcoming her fourth child via surrogate, wowing at a special screening of Hamilton in New York City The Dawson's Creek alum and her husband Thomas Kail, 48, made a stylish pair as they arrived at The Delacorte Theater on Wednesday Meanwhile her theater director and TV producer husband looked dapper in a black suit and a white button-up. Her husband is best known for directing Lin-Manuel Miranda's smash musicals In the Heights and Hamilton on Broadway and Off-Broadway. They wed in 2020. Michelle was also joined by her Dawson's Creek co-star Busy Philipps, 46, at the event. The actress stunned in a metallic floor-length silver gown. The day prior Michelle was spotted with her five-year-old son Hart Kail in Brooklyn, looking as happy-as-can-be soaking up the last days of summer alongside her youngster. The star kept her cool in tank top, billowing white trousers, flip flops, and flannel shirt tied around her slender waist. Williams revealed the arrival of her fourth child - and first born via surrogate - during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live last month. The revelation came after guest host Tiffany Haddish complimented Williams on her post-baby figure, prompting the actress to give credit to her surrogate. 'I didn't realize you had three little ones,' Haddish told Williams. 'Can I just say that your body looks amazing, 'cause I would have never thought you had any!' Williams replied: 'Then I've got to give a big shout out to Christine, cuz this last baby did not come through my body.' She also hinted at the sex of the newborn. 'But the miracle of our little girl is thanks to Christine. Maybe you're watching out there - thank you, Christine.' The actress was a vision in a long, off-the-shoulder polka dot gown with a black sequin top and a loose-fitting lower half The sleeves of her dress were gathered at the wrists with black cuffs. She adorned the look with a large silver seashell-shaped pendant The star's blonde tresses were parted in the middle and slicked down. Her classy glam for the night consisted of red lipstick and delicate bronze eyeshadow Aside from their latest addition, Michelle and Thomas also share son Hart, five, and a second child born in 2022. Michelle also has a 19-year-old daughter, Matilda, with her late ex, Oscar-winning actor Heath Ledger Michelle was also joined by her Dawson's Creek co-star Busy Philipps, 46, at the event The actress stunned in a metallic floor-length silver gown Williams revealed the arrival of her fourth child - and first born via surrogate - during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live last month Michelle also shares Matilda with her late ex, Oscar-winning actor Heath, who tragically died of an overdose in 2008, at the age of 28. She also shares two young children with Thomas - Hart and a second child born in 2022, whose name has not yet been revealed. The actress gave another emotional shoutout to her surrogate, adding: 'Thanks to Christine, I have three under 5 at home.' Williams spoke candidly about balancing motherhood with her Hollywood career, admitting the juggle isn't easy. The My Week With Marilyn star told a late-night chat show host: 'Everything's good and under control. I'm the adult. I'm trying to figure out the sort of life-work balance.' 'I hear a lot of people are talking about self-care, and I'm just wondering when. Because I'm a working mom. Like, I already have the guilt, and I don't want to take more time away from them, but I understand, like, I need to fill up the tank.' An Australian content creator has been forced to defend herself after receiving backlash online for documenting her recent trip to Afghanistan on TikTok. Chloe Baradinsky, known as Chloe Barry Hang on her socials, shared an unfiltered review of her experiences in the Taliban-controlled country last month. Hosts of the Big Small Talk and Just The Gist podcasts then accused Chloe, 30, of 'promoting' the war-torn country and speculated she was paid by the Taliban. Chloe vehemently denied the claims, insisting she was not gifted the trip by the militant group which took control of the country in 2021. 'Who the f*** started the rumour that my trip to Afghanistan was sponsored by the Taliban?' she began in a TikTok video posted earlier this week. 'It's the most absurd thing in the entire world.' Chloe Baradinsky has been forced to defend herself after receiving backlash online for documenting her recent trip to Afghanistan on TikTok Chloe then referenced an episode of Big Small Talk, posted on August 26, which saw hosts Hannah Ferguson and Sarah-Jane Adams discuss her Afghanistan trip. Hannah and Sarah-Jane debated the recent 'tourist boom' of influencers flocking to Afghanistan and promoting their positive experiences in the country. They mentioned Chloe as an example and had a frank discussion about the difficulties women who live in Afghanistan face on a daily basis. 'I think while these influencers are posting and roaming freely, that's tough when the same privileges aren't being granted to the women of that country,' Sarah-Jane said. The hosts went on to say positive tourism 'indirectly legitimises' and 'sustains' Taliban rule, and then they questioned the ethics of Chloe promoting travel in the country. However, Chloe has since hit back at their comments and slammed the speculation they shared about whether the content creator was paid by the Taliban for her visit. 'It would have taken all of about two seconds for them to email me or DM me, asking whether my trip to Afghanistan was sponsored or gifted,' Chloe fumed in a video. 'I would have said, "Are you out of your fucking mind? No,"' she said, adding she didn't even believe the Taliban had enough money to fund influencer trips. The Australian content creator, known as Chloe Barry Hang on her socials, shared an unfiltered review of her experiences in the Taliban-controlled country last month. Pictured: Taliban security personnel stand guard as an Afghan burqa-clad woman (R) walks along a street at a market in the Baharak district of Badakhshan province on February 26, 2024 Hannah and Sarah-Jane have since apologised for some of the comments they made, but doubled down on their original talk about the ethics of Chloe's trip. They also referenced comments recently made by Pashtana Durrani, an Afghan women's rights activist from ABC Radio National, about influencer trips to the country. 'Afghanistan is a beautiful country, and I wish the world could see it beforehand, and I wish all Afghans and exiles could go back home,' she said. 'But the one thing I feel like everybody should know and understand is that this is legitimate propaganda that is being funded by the Taliban to soften their image in the world and sort of show foreigners that the country is safe and much nicer and can host other foreigners. 'At the same time, you need to call out the hypocrisy of all these people who pay taxes to fight against terrorism but are now going to Afghanistan and furthering the Taliban propaganda.' Chloe was also slammed in an episode of Rosie Waterland's podcast, Just The Gist, which has since been deleted. While Rosie didn't specifically name Chloe, she quoted from the content creator's videos and made some heated comments about her travels in Afghanistan. 'I wouldn't even call her an influencer, I mean, maybe, I guess. She's been trying desperately to be an influencer for more than a decade,' Rosie said. Hosts of the Big Small Talk and Just The Gist podcasts then accused Chloe, 30, of 'promoting' the war-torn country and speculated she was paid by the Talibanwhich Chloe has denied She went on to claim: 'This girl, she knows this country is bad. I think she also wanted a free trip and attention. Chloe also made a public statement against Rosie on her TikTok, accusing the podcaster of bullying. 'It is a very malicious podcast and a very hard listen. I wouldn't let anyone speak like that in a private setting, let alone a public setting,' Chloe said. Chloe once again denied claims she was paid by the Taliban, and also denied being an influencer, before slamming the implication she was glamorising Afghanistan. 'I made it clear, it's a pretty f***ed situation. I also spoke about the nuances and that not everything was how we were portraying it in the media,' she said. 'I was just sharing what I saw and how people spoke to me verbatim.' Rosie has since deleted the podcast episode and a post she later made doubling down on her comments about Chloe. 'I can't believe I'm commenting on this but what was initially just bizarre to me has now become something else entirely,' Rosie said in the now-deleted post. Chloe was also slammed in a vicious episode posted, and now deleted, by Rosie Waterland's podcast, Just The Gist 'I read a news story online about female travel influencers doing fancy travel content from Afghanistan. 'I found it appalling, and brought it up on my podcast two weeks ago. 'Yesterday, an influencer made a video and she directed her followers to come after me for publicly bullying her. 'In the hours since, I've been on the receiving end of some of the worst online abuse I've ever experienced.' It wasn't the first time Chloe had received backlash for documenting her travels in the country, as her posts last month were often inundated with concerned messages. 'I knew by choosing this location, I would get a lot of hate on it,' she responded last month in one of the first moves of this sociopolitical discourse. 'I still chose to share it because if it encourages just one person to view the country differently or to visit, I don't care about the hate. 'I'm curious. I want to learn about people, and I have left the country feeling like I have a new perspective on the people. The people are not their government. 'The people didn't vote for this. They didn't choose it. They're struggling. Why punish them because of their f***ing government?' Afghanistan has seen a recent travel boost, four years after Taliban forces captured the capital city of Kabul on August 15, 2021, following the withdrawal of American troops under the Biden administration. Internationally renowned Afghan activist and scholar Orzala Nemat recently said the surge of foreign influencers in Afghanistan was deeply concerning. 'What we're seeing instead is a curated, sanitised version of the country that conveniently erases the brutal realities faced by Afghan women under Taliban rule,' Orzala told NBC News. Deputy Minister of Tourism Qudratullah Jamal told The Associated Press (AP) that Afghanistan had nearly 9,000 foreign visitors last yearwith 3,000 tourists in the first three months of this year. 'Tourism brings many benefits to a country,' he said. 'We have considered those benefits and aim for our nation to take full advantage of them.' United Nations educational, scientific and cultural organization director-general Audrey Azoulay told Fox News Digital in a statement that the Taliban has wiped out any gains for Afghan women. 'This exclusion of women from public life in Afghanistan has disastrous consequences for the country's long-term development,' she said. On Wednesday, self-proclaimed 'Queen of Halloween' Heidi Klum shared the first teaser for the next epic costume she's prepping for her annual bash in Manhattan - 58 days ahead of the spooky holiday. The German 52-year-old model - who boasts 24.9M social media followers - captioned her Instagram video: 'Halloween is just around the corner.' In it, Heidi was instructed to bite down on some sort of molding paper by her favorite special effects makeup designer, Michael Marino. 'Ready? Open,' the three-time Oscar nominee ordered Klum off-camera. 'Okay let's bite. All the way in, all the way deeper, deeper. Okay let go. Let's try one more on this side. Ready? Wait! You gotta go all the way in. You gotta go deeper.' The Emmy-winning host's clip might indicate that she'll be donning false teeth for her next transformation. On Wednesday, self-proclaimed 'Queen of Halloween' Heidi Klum shared the first teaser for the next epic costume she's prepping for her annual bash in Manhattan - 58 days ahead of the spooky holiday (pictured August 27) The German 52-year-old model - who boasts 24.9M social media followers - captioned her Instagram video: 'Halloween is just around the corner' Marino and his Prosthetic Renaissance team of 15 also transformed Colin Farrell in The Penguin, Sebastian Stan in A Different Man, Eddie Murphy in Coming 2 America, and The Weeknd for his various projects. Last Halloween, Heidi disappeared inside an impressive E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial costume where her face was hidden in the alien's neck. In 2023, Klum wore an incredible earthworm costume while her third husband Tom Kaulitz was dressed as a fisherman. The L'Oreal Paris brand ambassador frequently ropes in the 36-year-old Tokio Hotel guitarist to do couples costumes including 2018 when they disappeared as Princess Fiona and Shrek. 2016 was arguably the easiest year for Heidi as she simply enlisted five similarly framed 5ft9in models to 'wear her face and hair' as clones. Some of Klum's other noteworthy costumes include the time she was an anatomically-correct Jessica Rabbit, an old woman, a skinless lady, a butterfly, a chimpanzee, Cleopatra, and a Michael Jackson werewolf. 'I start thinking about it on November 1. I usually have two or three ideas that I'm playing with and then I decide on one thing,' the Erewhon brand ambassador told the Daily Mail in 2019. 'So the next morning, I start thinking, "Maybe next year, I'm going to do that one that I didn't do this year." And then, obviously, throughout the year new ideas pop up because maybe I've seen a new or old movie, or was inspired by my travels.' Heidi continued: 'I put a lot of pressure on myself to come up with something better and better every year. I don't want to let the costume lovers down. I know there are so many creative people out there and fans that are excited to see what I do each year.' In it, Heidi was instructed to bite down on some sort of molding paper by her favorite special effects makeup designer, Michael Marino The three-time Oscar nominee ordered Klum off-camera: 'Okay let's bite. All the way in, all the way deeper, deeper. Okay let go. Let's try one more on this side. Ready? Wait! You gotta go all the way in. You gotta go deeper' Marino (R, pictured in 2022) and his Prosthetic Renaissance team of 15 also transformed Colin Farrell (L) in The Penguin, Sebastian Stan in A Different Man, Eddie Murphy in Coming 2 America, and The Weeknd for his various projects Last Halloween, Heidi disappeared inside an impressive E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial costume where her face was hidden in the alien's neck (pictured October 31) In 2023, Klum wore an incredible earthworm costume while her third husband Tom Kaulitz (R) was dressed as a fisherman The L'Oreal Paris brand ambassador frequently ropes in the 36-year-old Tokio Hotel guitarist to do couples costumes including 2018 when they disappeared as Princess Fiona and Shrek 2016 was arguably the easiest year for Heidi as she simply enlisted five similarly framed 5ft9in models to 'wear her face and hair' as clones Some of Klum's other noteworthy costumes include the time she was an anatomically-correct Jessica Rabbit (L, pictured in 2015), an old woman (M, pictured in 2013), a skinless lady (R, pictured in 2011), a butterfly, a chimpanzee, Cleopatra, and a Michael Jackson werewolf The Erewhon brand ambassador told the Daily Mail in 2019: 'I start thinking about it on November 1. I usually have two or three ideas that I'm playing with and then I decide on one thing' (pictured in 2017) But first, on September 12, Heidi and her second ex-husband Seal will celebrate the 20th birthday of their son Henry Gunther Ademola Dashtu Samuel (pictured August 26), who signed with Next Model Management on July 16 Klum currently judges the 10-episode 21st season of reality TV design competition Project Runway - which airs Thursdays on Freeform, Disney+, and Hulu But first, on September 12, Klum and her second ex-husband Seal will celebrate the 20th birthday of their son Henry Gunther Ademola Dashtu Samuel, who signed with Next Model Management on July 16. The Calzedonia brand ambassador and the 62-year-old Grammy winner welcomed three more children - daughter Leni, 21 (with Flavio Briatore); son Johan, 18; and daughter Lou, 15 - during their seven-year marriage, which ended in 2012. Heidi currently judges the 10-episode 21st season of reality TV design competition Project Runway - which airs Thursdays on Freeform, Disney+, and Hulu. OG Project Runway judge Nina Garcia and celebrity stylist Law Roach joined Heidi as judges while Project Runway season 4 champ Christian Siriano returned as mentor to the designers. Klum previously hosted Project Runway for 16 seasons spanning 2004-2018 before exiting to co-host rival competition Making the Cut on Amazon Prime Video alongside Tim Gunn for three seasons spanning 2020-2022. In February, Spice Girls alum Mel B officially replaced the retired Victoria's Secret Angel as judge on the 20th season of America's Got Talent, which currently airs Tuesdays on NBC/Peacock. Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun reportedly enjoyed Labor Day weekend together with a getaway to Lake Tahoe, amid their 'casual' romance. The Euphoria star, 27, and the 'very attentive' record executive, 44, basked in the lakeside views from Friday through Monday as they 'continue to get to know one another', according to People. Braun who is 17 years Sydney's senior is 'loving spending time with her and seeing where things go,' a source told the publication. The two already had 'something going on' when they both attended Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchezs June wedding in Venice, Italy. And though Braun is 'not really her type', the blonde bombshell was 'intrigued' and 'enjoyed the attention' from the businessman, who is known for his highly publicized dispute with Taylor Swift. DailyMail.com has reached out to Sweeney's and Braun's representatives for comment. Sydney Sweeney, 27, and Scooter Braun, 44, reportedly enjoyed Labor Day weekend together with a getaway to Lake Tahoe, amid their 'casual' romance The insider called Braun 'confident' and 'a charmer' while adding that he's 'also sweet and very attentive.' However Sweeney who broke off her engagement with ex-fiance Jonathan Davino, 42, in March is 'not looking to get wrapped up in another relationship' for now. Her goals for this year are 'all about her career' the insider added, calling the actress 'ambitious and very focused.' She will next star in 'Christy', a biopic where she portrays the professional boxer Christy Martin. The film is set to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5. A source close to Sweeney has recently told the Daily Mail that she and Braun 'are not exclusive,' and won't be anytime soon. 'Now that this is out, it is not going to help Scooter gain any points with her because she considers herself single and Scooter is not her boyfriend,' the source added. The duo have been 'on multiple dates' 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. 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. The Euphoria star and the 'very attentive' record executive basked in the lakeside views from Friday through Monday as they 'continue to get to know one another', according to People; They are pictured in June in Italy Braun who is 17 years Sydney's senior is 'loving spending time with her and seeing where things go,' a source told the publication; Sydney pictured in 2024 And though Braun is 'not really her type', the blonde bombshell, who met Braun at Jeff Bezos' Italian wedding in June, was 'intrigued' by him and 'enjoyed the attention'; Braun seen 2019 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. 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.' However, Sweeney is 'not looking to get wrapped up in another relationship' for now. Her goals for this year are 'all about her career' the insider added; The star seen in 2024 She will next star in 'Christy', a biopic where she portrays the professional boxer Christy Martin. The film is set to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5; Seen in a still 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.' '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.' Sydney was previously engaged to businessman Jonathan Davino, 42, but the two split in January; Pictured with her ex in 2024 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 first trailer for Emerald Fennell's racy adaptation of Wuthering Heights has sparked a social media frenzy, with fans branding the film 'erotic softcore porn.' Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, this racy new version of Emily Bronte's iconic novel is set to hit cinemas on Valentine's Day. No stranger to making headlines with her racy works, the trailer shows Margot's turn as the restricted Catherine Earnshaw, who finds herself intertwined with the mysterious servant Heathcliff. Those expecting a faithful adaptation of the beloved work may be in for a rude awakening as Emerald's upcoming film is said to lean into the 'stylised depravity' she has become known for after directing the 2023 hit Saltburn. This was echoed after test screenings last month, with some attendees appalled by the film's jaw-dropping opening scene, which features a public hanging that sees the condemned man 'ejaculate mid-execution'. Having seen the trailer for themselves, some fans seemed to agree as they took to X to brand the film 'erotic softcore porn.' The first trailer for Emerald Fennell's racy adaptation of Wuthering Heights has already sparked a social media frenzy, with some already branding the film 'erotic softcore porn' Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, this racy new version of Emily Bronte's iconic novel is set to hit cinemas on Valentine's Day Posts on X included: 'Is Wuthering Heights about BDSM and fingering a fish? First in my generation to see a scene like that; 'Listen, I'm no puritan and I'm into horror, it takes a f**k ton to purely shock me, so it's not the hypersexuality that makes me side-eye this, it's the fact that we are completely changing the tone & theme of the novel? Why? Couldn't she make an original feature film?; 'Genuinely feeling haunted by the erotic retelling of Wuthering Heights and I don't even like the book; 'The gothic is erotic by definition, contrary to the people beamoning ''they're making wuthering heights porn!'' there's sexual tension between Cathy and Heathcliff in the book, which doesn't really debase their bigger than life, spiritual bond and then heathcliff's sadism; 'I don't care if it's accurate to the source material it just looks sexy and fun; 'THEY PUT BDSM IN WUTHERING HEIGHTS?!?!?!?; 'Knowing Emerald Fennell's movies this adaptation will be chaotic, twisted and very provocative with many juicy scenes; 'I'm seated for the insane cinematography, and for Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi's chemistry; Those expecting a faithful adaptation of the beloved work may be in for a rude awakening as Emeralds' film is said to lean into the 'stylised depravity' she has become known for This was echoed after test screenings last month, with some attendees appalled by the film's jaw-dropping opening scene Having seen the trailer for themselves, some fans seemed to agree as they took to X to brand the film 'erotic softcore porn' 'I don't even mean to be pretentious but I did not read Wuthering Heights at the ripe age of 16 for it to be turned into a soft porn movie; 'Just saw the teaser for #WutheringHeights and it is way worse than I expected... is it me or is it giving soft porn vibes??? SMH; '#WutheringHeightsMovie is the 50 Shades Of Grey we never got.' Wuthering Heights had already received a mixed reaction at its first test screening in Dallas last month, with World Of Reel reporting the audience's reaction to an early version of the film. The feature opens with a public hanging that sees the condemned man 'ejaculate mid-execution'. His agony sends the crowd into an 'orgiastic frenzy' and a nun reportedly fondles 'the corpse's visible erection'. The film is also said to feature 'intimate, clinical and purposefully discomforting' masturbation scenes and a BDSM-inspired sex scene involving horse reins. The camera is also said to linger on 'suggestive' imagery including 'egg yolks running through fingers' and 'dough being kneaded with quiet aggression'. The publication went on to report that Margot and Jacob both deliver 'committed performances' and have 'great chemistry'. The teaser also gave viewers their first look at Owen Cooper as a young Heathcliff, in his first major role after his Emmy-nominated turn in Netflix's Adolescence. The film is also said to feature 'intimate, clinical and purposefully discomforting' masturbation scenes and a BDSM-inspired sex scene involving horse reins The teaser also gave viewers their first look at Owen Cooper as young Heathcliff, in his first major role after Adolescence Earlier this year, casting director, Kharmel Cochrane defended her choices for the film following complaints that Margot was too old to play the role of Catherine Earnshaw The film, based on Emily Bronte's iconic novel, follows the story of an orphan, Heathcliff, who is taken in by the Earnshaw family, and he later grows close to his foster sister, Cathy Emerald has made a name for herself as the director of Promising Young Woman and the black comedy Saltburn which saw Barry Keoghan's titular anti-hero engage in a viral scene where he drank the dirty bathwater of his eccentric classmate. Along with her directing and writing career, Emerald has also acted, notably playing Queen Camilla in the third and fourth series of The Crown. It's also been announced that Charli XCX will soundtrack the film, with the hitmaker sharing the news on X as she posted the trailer on Wednesday. Charli wrote: 'new original songs by me for Emerald Fennell's 'Wuthering Heights' starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. in theatres february 14th. happy early valentines <3.' Earlier this year, casting director Kharmel Cochrane defended her choices for the film following complaints that Margot was too old to play the role of Catherine Earnshaw. Some fans also questioning star Jacob's ethnicity, as Heathcliff is perceived to have a Romany or Gypsy background. Speaking at the Sands Film Festival in Scotland, Kharmel said there was 'no need to be accurate' as the source material is 'just a book'. She continued: 'There's definitely going to be some English Lit fans that are not going to be happy. Wait until you see the set design, because that is even more shocking. And there may or may not be a dog collar in it.' Wuthering Heights was published by Emily Bronte in 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell, one year before her death. It follows the story of an orphan, Heathcliff, who is taken in by the Earnshaw family, and he later grows close to their daughter and his foster sister, Cathy. The first known adaptation was from A. V. Bramble in 1920, with Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon's 1939 version being nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Born in 1818 in West Yorkshire, Emily was the fifth of six children, and spent most of her short life in the moorland village of Haworth, where her Irish father Patrick was curate. But life dealt Emily a series of terrible blows as she lost her mother when she was three, then two older sisters when she was seven. Following her trauma, the novelist retreated into a fantasy world, writing stories and poetry with her siblings. The writer poured her suffering and passion into Wuthering Heights, a wrenching love story as raw as the Yorkshire Moors on which it's set. He looked the spitting image of his A-list father as he made a rare public appearance and wore odd shoes for the New York premiere of Looking Through Water. The nepo baby, 46, comes from very famous stock with his father, grandfather and grandmother all acclaimed actors, and his mum a film producer. An actor himself, he got his break in the 1997 film Jackie Chan's Mr. Nice Guy before getting a string of roles, including National Lampoon's Adam & Eve (2005). But things went awry for the Hollywood offspring in 2007 when he was arrested for cocaine possession. Two years later he was arrested again, this time for possession of meth, but due to the large amount he was charged with intent to distribute. In 2010, he plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute drugs and heroin possession and was sentenced to five years in prison. He was released in 2016 after his sentence was extended following a guilty plea to possessing drugs in prison. But can you guess which Hollywood dynasty he belongs to? He looked the spitting image of his A-list father as he made a rare public appearance for the New York premiere of Looking Through Water on Wednesday - but can YOU guess who he is? The nepo baby , 46, comes from very famous stock with his father, grandfather and grandmother all acclaimed actors, and his mum a film producer It's Cameron Douglas, son of Oscar-winning Wall Street star Michael Douglas and grandson of Champion actor Kirk Douglas and Days of Our Lives actress Diana Webster. In a rare public appearance on Wednesday, Cameron arrived for the New York City premiere of Looking Through Water alongside a mystery woman. For the event, which took place at the DGA Theater, Cameron arrived in a dark green tailored suit. He paired the suit with a v-neck black t-shirt and a gold chain, as well sunglasses and mismatched black and white trainers. Cameron, who has made headlines throughout his life for drug arrests and trips to rehab, hit rock bottom in 2010 when he was sentenced to five years in jail. His prison time was extended by four-and-a-half years in 2011 when he pleaded guilty to smuggling drugs into jail. Cameron's dad Michael assumed blame, calling himself 'a bad father' and said without being sent to prison, his son would 'be dead or somebody was gonna kill him. I think he has a chance to start a new life, and he knows that.' It's Cameron Douglas, son of Oscar-winning Wall Street star Michael Douglas and grandson of Champion actor Kirk Douglas and Days of Our Lives actress Diana Webster (Cameron and Michael seen in 2024) In a rare public appearance on Wednesday, Cameron arrived for the New York City premiere of Looking Through Water alongside a mystery woman For the event, which took place at the DGA Theater, Cameron arrived in a dark green tailored suit Following his early release in 2016, Cameron welcomed daughter Lua with his ex-girlfriend Viviane Thibes, a yoga instructor, in 2017. They are also proud parents to five-month-old son Ryder. Speaking after his release, Cameron revealed his father Michael and stepmother Catherine Zeta-Jones, 51, 'never gave up on me'. 'My family never gave up on me, not for one second. Catherine is a scrapper, she's someone who came from Wales and clawed her way up to the very top through sheer talent and determination,' he told The Mail on Sunday in 2018. Cameron's drug use began early in his life, and was detailed in a 2012 Brief of Amici filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit after his conviction for unlawfully possessing the painkiller Suboxone and heroin while behind bars. He went on to say: 'When that cell door slammed shut on the first night of my incarceration, I felt like I was in a bad dream, that I would wake up. But the dream carried on and got worse. Cameron's dad Michael assumed blame, calling himself 'a bad father' and said without being sent to prison, his son would 'be dead' (Cameron, Michael and Kirk Douglas seen in 2018) Speaking after his release, Cameron revealed his father Michael and stepmother Catherine Zeta-Jones, 51, 'never gave up on me' (Seen together in 2017) 'I lived a nightmare for seven years but the love of my family never wavered.' Cameron and his dad Michael shared the screen in the 2003 film It Runs in the Family, and they are set to reunite in a family drama called Blood Knot. Michael was married to his ex-wife Diandra from 1977 to 2000 and had one child, Cameron. He then married Catherine Zeta-Jones in 2000 and having two children, Dylan, 25, and Carys, 22. She was one of the most beloved TV stars of the 1990s. And while Sally Jessy Raphael is no longer on screens, she keeps her devoted fan base up to date via her Instagram account, on which she boasts 4,454 followers. The 90-year-old star was documenting her recent trip to Italy in a slew of snaps, including her delight at the presence of a payphone. The nonagenarian has been rocking bold red locks in recent years and showcases a love of travel, reading and art on the microblogging site. Fans flooded the comments section to praise Sally, with users writing: 'Is that your real hair or a wig? You look so dang cool!!! Never looked better!... While Sally Jessy Raphael is no longer on screens, she keeps her devoted fan base up to date via her Instagram account, on which she boasts 4,454 followers Sally, known for her trademark red glasses, made history in 1983 as the first woman to host an audience-participation, issue-drive talk show, with her own Sally Jessy Raphael Show (pictured in 1990) She shared a slew of posts about her trip Fans flooded the comments section to praise Sally, with users writing: 'Is that your real hair or a wig? You look so dang cool!!! Never looked better! 'Awesome, you look great, Sally!... Enjoy your trip Sally looking very awesome!!... Looking good,Sally! Have fun for the rest of us... Hope youre having a great time... You're slaying, Miss Sally O'Malley over there.' The 90s icon lists herself as an 'artist' on Instagram, while her bio reads: 'Official IG of TV and radio talk show personality, world traveler, dessert enthusiast, red glasses goddess'. Back in February, Sally passed a major milestone as she celebrated her 90th birthday. The TV icon posed for a snap as she began the celebration over the weekend before jaunting off for a girls trip to Paris with friends. 'I had a wonderful birthday brunch this weekend with some of my favorite friends and family,' the former talk show host told People. 'They kept saying, "We cant believe youre 90!" I told them to stop reminding me, because I certainly dont feel it!' The Emmy winner marked the day with family and friends, including her grandsons Max, 29, and Kyle, 23, before jetting off. 'Took the red eye last night to Paris for a birthday girls trip, and look what the airline gave me as a little gift! Jadore,' Raphael wrote on a social media post showing some yummy treats to the camera and tagging Jet Blue. Sally Jessy Raphael passed a major milestone as she celebrated her 90th birthday in February For her 90th birthday celebrations, the TV icon posed for a snap as she began the celebration over the weekend before jaunting off for a girls trip to Paris with friends Another snap shows her taking in the City of Lights from her hotel balcony. 'Ah, Paris its so good to be back!' the feisty redhead penned next to the pic. Sally, known for her trademark red glasses, made history in 1983 as the first woman to host an audience-participation, issue-drive talk show, with her own Sally Jessy Raphael Show. She was on air for three years before Oprah Winfrey, who had her own beloved talk show, hit the airwaves, covering human interest stories and current affairs. She won a Daytime Emmy award for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host in 1989. The show, known later as Sally, won a Daytime Emmy in 1990 for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series. However, as the competition increased for ratings against competitors such and Maury Povich and Jerry Springer in the 1990s, the program began focusing on more unsavory topics, such as revealing the results of paternity tests on air. 'The last years of doing those Maury Povich/Jerry Springer shows? I hated them,' Raphael said on a 2016 episode of Oprah: Where Are They Now? Robert Irwin has provided an update on his sister Bindi Irwin's health, just weeks after she revealed she is recovering from a 13-year battle with endometriosis. The 21-year-old celebrity conservationist revealed his sister Bindi, 27, was making a steady recovery, as he worked at raising awareness of the issue. 'She's doing good. It's an ongoing battle. Endometriosis is one of these things where it's not a quick fix,' he told E! News. Bindi has undergone multiple surgeries after being diagnosed with endometriosis two years ago, a painful condition where the tissue lining the uterus also grows outside of it. 'It is something that needs to be in the forefront of discussions,' Robert added. 'Women's health throughout history - and even now - is just underdiscussed, under researched. We really need advocates to stand up and to get the word out there, men and women.' Robert Irwin has provided an update on his sister Bindi Irwin's health, just weeks after she revealed she is recovering from a 13-year battle with endometriosis. Both pictured Robert also revealed the influence Bindi has had on his upcoming stint on Dancing With The Stars US. 'She said, "Just try and give it your all, but enjoy and make it your own",' he said. 'And I'm excited to do that. I was so proud of her, watching her light up the ballroom. Proudest little brother in the world. That's why I'm here, why I'm doing this.' In April, Robert was revealed as the first contestant on the upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars US, following his smouldering American ad campaign for Bonds. The Aussie TV star was officially confirmed to be appearing on the show by Variety - and looked to be in great spirits as he landed in Los Angeles ahead of filming. His appearance on the competitive dancing series will come a decade after his sister Bindi won the show in 2015 alongside her dancing partner Derek Hough. Robert will need to be in peak physical health to successfully compete on the challenging competition. In 2019, Bindi told The Project about the gruelling physical tasks the contestants face in order to perform well on the show. The 21-year-old celebrity conservationist revealed his sister Bindi was making a steady recovery, as he worked at raising awareness of the issue In April, Robert was revealed as the first contestant on the upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars US, following his smouldering American ad campaign for Bonds. Pictured with dance partner Witney Carson 'It's such a challenge. I don't think people realise how much work goes on behind the scenes, it's a huge commitment,' she said. During her time on the US version of the show, Bindi danced in front of a black-and-white portrait of her father, Steve Irwin. 'What I think is so wonderful about DWTS is you get to share your journey, your story,' Bindi said. Bindi took to social media to share her excitement about her brother appearing on the show. 'Robert, you are going to absolutely shine in the ballroom. I wish I could express the magnitude of how proud I am of you and everything you have achieved,' she began. 'Can't wait to cheer you on each week as you inspire so many with your strength, kindness and determination. Here's to an extraordinary journey ahead.' Lady Victoria Hervey stripped down to sexy black lace lingerie as she posed for Loaded magazine on Thursday - two decades after her first racy cover. The socialite, 48, looked sensational as she put on a confident display in the set which was teamed with a sheer cover up. Lady Victoria - the daughter of the 6th Marquess of Bristol - first posed with the lads' mag in 2004 when she also wore a sultry black look. And 21 years later she proved she's still got it as she showed off her toned legs and ample cleavage in a pink silk blouse for one shot, while going topless in silver trousers for another. She told the publication: 'I do still meet people that tell me they have my magazines. Feels good to be back again.' Asked about how she is so confident at the age of 48, she replied: 'Sometimes. I often forget how old I actually am as I feel so young. Lady Victoria Hervey stripped down to sexy black lace lingerie as she posed for Loaded magazine on Thursday - two decades after her first racy cover Lady Victoria - the daughter of the 6th Marquess of Bristol - first posed with the lads' mag in 2004 when she also wore a racy black look She went topless in a shimmering silver outfit for another sexy shot 'Some 100-year-olds are more youthful than a 35-year-old. It's really about your soul. I have a friend who's 103 with great skin and he has more energy than most 50 year olds and still wants daily challenges.' A prominent figure in the glamorous nineties party scene, Lady Victoria enjoyed fame of sorts dabbling in modelling, acting and appearing on reality TV programmes. She was perhaps best known for a brief fling with Prince Andrew before quitting the UK for Hollywood where she secured a small part in a Tom Hanks movie. Now the socialite appears to be on a new mission in the world of politics - as a cheerleader for Donald Trump and the MAGA movement and a rare public defender of her now disgraced royal ex. Swapping nightclubs for the Palm Beach 'Trump scene' - she told how she had been welcomed 'with open arms' on her regular visits to Mar-a-Lago. Lady Victoria said she was having 'the best time ever' rubbing shoulders with the President and his inner circle. Spending Trump's inauguration celebrations in freezing cold Washington with the likes of Liz Truss and Nigel Farage was 'better than any Oscar night I've had', she insisted. Lady Victoria said of her new life earlier this year: 'It's exciting. It's fun. And then of course you've got secret service and all the guys with the ear pieces. I feel I live on adrenaline when I'm over there. I just feel so energised.' 21 years after her first shoot for the magazine she proved she's still got it as she showed off her toned legs and ample cleavage in a pink silk blouse for one image The socialite, 48, looked sensational as she put on a confident display in the set which was teamed with a sheer cover up Asked about how she is so confident at the age of 48, she replied: 'Sometimes. I often forget how old I actually am as I feel so young' A prominent figure in the glamorous nineties party scene, Lady Victoria enjoyed fame of sorts dabbling in modelling, acting and appearing on reality TV programmes She went on to controversially suggest bringing the Trump movement back to the UK saying: 'I really want to get this MEGA MAGA movement going. Make England Great Again.' Alongside her new-found interest in politics, Lady Victoria has taken on the role of citizen journalist or 'truth warrior' as she calls it. She's been called a conspiracy theorist after claiming Covid vaccines were part of a plot orchestrated by Bill Gates to 'depopulate the world'. Lady Victoria has other theories about 9/11, JFK's assassination and the moon landings. She has also undertaken a three-and-a-half year investigation to prove that her former Royal lover was the victim of a sinister conspiracy over his role in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Lady Victoria told how she had been carrying out 'dangerous' undercover work to gather evidence which had led to her suspecting that she was being followed. Speaking of her findings at the time, she said: 'I can't go into the whole thing but basically, Prince Andrew is innocent. He was set up. It was a very organised attack on the Royal family.' She then became embroiled in fresh controversy after launching a social media attack on the late Virginia Giuffre, who won a multi-million pound settlement from Prince Andrew following claims she had been forced to have sex with him three times at the age of 17 when she was trafficked by his friend Epstein. Lady Victoria insisted Ms Giuffre's credibility had been 'destroyed' after she was released from hospital following a dramatic claim that she had only 'four days' to live after a car crash in Australia. Another image saw her put on a dazzling display in shimmering silver trousers as she went topless She also wore a sheer grey jacket, thigh-high denim boots and black briefs for another racy look Critics slammed the former socialite as 'nasty' and 'vile' after her brutal Instagram post in which she shared Ms Giuffre's selfie of herself with a badly bruised face and claiming that she was about to die from kidney failure with the word 'Karma'. It was accompanied by the soundtrack of Europe's 1986 hit The Final Countdown to mock her claims. She later claimed to MailOnline that Ms Giuffre was a 'fantasist' who was faking or exaggerating the seriousness of her condition in order to 'emotionally blackmail' her children who appear to be with her estranged husband. She added: 'I got a lot of abuse on social media for calling her out and saying that I never believed her. I have no regrets about what I said, and I have been proved right. Her credibility is destroyed.' Bond Girl Caterina Murino has welcomed her first child aged 47. The Italian actress who starred opposite Daniel Craig in Casino Royale gave birth to a baby boy in August following years of fertility woes, as she turns 48 later this month. Sharing the news on social media she wrote: Demetrio Tancredi Rigaud Murino 21st August 6.17pm', having previously discussed her gruelling IVF journey. She added that her cats had now gained a sibling. Caterina who played femme fatale and gangsters' moll, Solange in the 2006 Bond film, has been in a relationship with French Lawyer Edouard Rigaud since 2019 and the couple reside in Paris. Bond Girl Caterina Murino has welcomed her first child aged 47 Sharing the news on social media she wrote: Demetrio Tancredi Rigaud Murino 21st August 6.17pm', having previously discussed her gruelling IVF journey. She added that her cats had now gained a sibling Her caption in full read: 'llithyia,Hercule,Selene and Leto announce the birth of their little brother Demetrio Tancredi Rigaud Murino on 08/21/2025 at 6.17pm... 'Their mom and dad are well and crazy with joy for future sleepless nights! Illithyia, Hercule, Selene' and Leto announce the naissance of their little brother Demetrio Tancredi Rigaud Murino 08/21/2025 at 6.17pm... 'Your mother and your father are wonderful and they are very happy for future nuits sans sommeil! Illithyia, Hercule, Selene and Leto announce the birth of their little brother Previously the star was linked to the French rugby player, Pierre Rabadan. In the past Caterina has spoken openly about her pain at being unable to conceive and as recently as last year, expressed her hopes, aged 46, for a miracle. She said: Not having children is a pain, not a regret. At 46, I think the one who distributes miracles has forgotten about me. Earlier this year she told French magazine Gala that she had conceived successfully using IVF. The star also told the outlet that her partner, with whom she lives in the Montmarte district of Paris has supported her through her fertility journey, after suffering two miscarriages and a gruelling process of IVF. But despite her difficult road to motherhood, Murino, who turns 48 this month, told the outlet that she had a smooth pregnancy, stating: I havent had any diabetes, discomfort or insomnia. The Italian actress who starred opposite Daniel Craig in Casino Royale gave birth to a baby boy in August following years of fertility woes, as she turns 48 later this month A House of Dynamite (15, 112 mins) Verdict: Riveting and explosive thriller Rating: How might the United States respond in the event of a nuclear attack, with less than 20 minutes before an incoming missile lands on Chicago? Even with all the sophisticated satellite technology at their disposal, US military intelligence chiefs have no idea which of their countrys enemies launched the missile, only that it began its potentially cataclysmic journey somewhere in the Pacific. That is the alarmingly plausible crisis at the heart of Kathryn Bigelows breathlessly pacy thriller A House of Dynamite, comfortably the most exciting movie I saw at this years Venice Film Festival. Bigelow was the first woman to be crowned Best Director at the Academy Awards, for the 2008 action thriller The Hurt Locker, set during the Iraq War. She is still (with Chloe Zhao and Jane Campion) one of only three women to win the coveted prize and I wouldnt bet against her becoming the first to win it twice. A House of Dynamite is certainly good enough to win a raft of Oscars. Kathryn Bigelows breathlessly pacy thriller A House of Dynamite is comfortably the most exciting movie at this years Venice Film Festival (Rebecca Ferguson as Captain Olivia Walker) Bigelows film superbly evokes the furnace of decision-making that such an agonising dilemma might ignite (Gabriel Basso as Jake Baerington) It is divided into three main acts, each chronicling the same events from a different perspective. We dont see the US President (Idris Elba) until the third act, when, after being hurriedly ushered out of a cheerful visit to a school (echoing the moment George W Bush was told about the 9/11 attacks), he must decide whether or not to retaliate before Chicago is obliterated. But retaliate against who? China? Russia? North Korea? Iran? All the above? The Russians are aware of the missile but say its nothing to do with them. Maybe it was even launched by accident, a scenario that inspired a terrific film at the height of the Cold War, Sidney Lumets 1964 thriller Fail Safe, starring Henry Fonda. Then as now, the world stands uneasily on the brink of disaster. If this is a coordinated attack, can the US afford not to respond? Which cataclysm does POTUS choose? Some 10 million people will die in Chicago if the missile detonates, hundreds of millions more around the world if he activates the nuclear codes. These are carried by a fresh-faced lieutenant-commander (Jonah Hauer-King) whose job is to advise his boss on the various magnitudes of response open to him. Its like a diner menu, says the President, with gallows humour. Bigelows film superbly evokes the furnace of decision-making that such an agonising dilemma might ignite. There is a clanging ring of truth to the conflicting advice the President gets, from a gung-ho army general (Tracy Letts) insistent that there absolutely must be some kind of response before its too late, to the startlingly young Deputy National Security Advisor (Gabriel Basso), thrust into the frenzy because his boss cannot be reached, who counsels restraint. The excellent screenplay is by Noah Oppenheim, a former television executive, indeed president of NBC News, who doubtless tapped his White House contacts for insight. Commendably, he and Bigelow do not talk down to their audience. There is some expository dialogue but it is sensibly kept to a minimum as abbreviations and acronyms fly. This alphabet soup adds to the authenticity. They know that EKV stands for Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle, and DE for Designated Evacuee. We dont need to. The world stands uneasily on the brink of disaster. If this is a coordinated attack, can the US afford not to respond? Which cataclysm does POTUS choose? (Anthony Ramos as Major Daniel Gonzalez) In some ways all this plays like the finest feature-length episode of The West Wing you ever saw. But much as I admired Aaron Sorkins hit TV drama, there was a rat-a-tat-tat glibness to the dialogue that is wholly lacking here. Nobody on this white-knuckle ride has time to be a smart-aleck. Also, like all the scariest white-knuckle rides, it doesnt last too long. Bigelow wisely keeps her film under two hours and wisely resists the temptation to tell us too much about the personal lives of her protagonists. Instead, we learn just enough. The commander of a military base in Alaska (Anthony Ramos) is having some unspecified domestic issues. Captain Olivia Walker (Rebecca Ferguson), who takes charge in the White House Situation Room, is a loving wife and mother. Elsewhere, a key expert on North Korea (Greta Lee) is spending her day off with her son at a reconstruction of the US Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, gently rebuking him when he calls the spectacle awesome. There were 50,000 killed at Gettysburg in three days, she notes. Its the only clunky line in the entire film. Clearly were meant to compare what constituted huge wartime casualties then, with now. Bigelow wisely keeps her film under two hours and wisely resists the temptation to tell us too much about the personal lives of her protagonists (Kyle Allen as Captain Jon Zimmer) Then theres Secretary of Defence Reid Baker (Jared Harris), who has recently lost his wife of 30-odd years and has a daughter from whom he is semi-estranged. She lives in Chicago. In just a few minutes, she might be vaporised. Coincidentally, Harris also starred in Chernobyl, the brilliant 2019 TV drama that chronicled the events surrounding an actual nuclear disaster. This, in a sense, is a companion piece, about a nuclear catastrophe that mercifully hasnt yet happened in real life. But Bigelows message is plain. We all live in a house filled with dynamite. So it might. A House of Dynamite will be released in cinemas on October 3, and on Netflix a week later. Freddy Brazier has admitted he doesn't like people at the moment as he finds them 'draining'. The son of Jeff Brazier and the late Jade Goody has endured a turbulent few weeks following a high profile battle with his dad over the last six months. Jeff launched legal action in a bid to prevent the aspiring model from seeing his grandmother, Jade's mum Jackiey Budden. But just last week 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. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Freddy, 20, revealed he had been helping out at dog daycare centre London Dog Club. He looked in his element as he shared snaps of himself surrounded by pups, doing dog agility and playing in the field. But his caption raised eyebrows as he wrote: 'Do you prefer dogs or people? I personally at this moment in time prefer dogs.' Freddy Brazier admitted on Instagram on Wednesday that he doesn't like people at the moment as he finds them 'draining' But his caption raised eyebrows as he wrote: ' Do you prefer dogs or people? I personally at this moment in time prefer dogs' His brother, EastEnders star Bobby, shared laughing faces under the post, to which Freddy replied: 'People are draining, dogs are healing!' Possibly hinting at their rumoured feud, Bobby - who recently quit showbiz to pursue Hare Krishna in India - said: 'People that do draining things together are draining I guess? Good news is there's great people waiting to love and serve the deepest part of you. 'With that being said those dogs look like they love you very much.' There appeared to be less tension between Freddy and his dad Jeff however after the pair patched things up. 'Love this Fred. This was made for you! ' Jeff said, as his son replied: 'I love this! I was in my element.' It comes after Freddy broke his silence following the news that he is to become a father at the age of 20. It was recently revealed Freddy is preparing to welcome the baby with an ex-girlfriend. And after the news broke last week, Freddy has finally returned to social media to inform fans that that he was taking a break 'to work on a few things'. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Freddy revealed he had been helping out at dog daycare centre London Dog Club His brother, EastEnders star Bobby, shared laughing faces under the post, to which Freddy replied: 'People are draining, dogs are healing!' Freddy looked in his element as he shared snaps of himself surrounded by pups, doing dog agility and playing in the field 'Love this Fred. This was made for you! ' Jeff said, as his son replied: 'I love this! I was in my element' He took to the Instagram account for his podcast, Load Of Old Cobblers, which he launched a week ago in order to talk about his life and mental health. Alongside a photo of himself petting a horse in a field to the song Where'd All the Time Go? by Dr. Dog, Freddie wrote: 'Taking time out to work on a few things. 'Podcast will still be released, just ain't got a date for yah!' followed by a praying and a heart emoji. Freddy's brief relationship with his pregnant former girlfriend is understood to have ended acrimoniously following a string of rows - which even saw him and his now-ex make allegations to the police. But they have since discussed reconciling their differences if possible, if they are to become parents together. Last week, in a preview from his podcast, Freddy u-turned as he revealed nan introduced him to cannabis. He said: 'No it wasn't with my nan [the first time] although my nan is definitely the person who introduced me to reefer and got me hooked. It's one of those things, I was 12.' He continued: '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'. Freddy's surprise baby news has prompted a reconciliation with dad Jeff, 46, after following several months of the father and son being at war with each other (pictured together) Jeff appeared to address the news on Sunday with a selfie of him with his youngest, as he begged fans for a 'parenting guidebook' on 'unconventional early adult years' Freddy also claimed that he had spent years fearful that Jackiey would end her life if he did 'prioritise' their relationship, amid her ongoing feud with his father Jeff. He said: 'I feel like if I didn't prioritise the relationship with my mum's mum Jackiey, and I didn't feel like I had to be around for her, I was scared that if I wasn't, she'd kill herself.' Adding: 'And I had that in my head for so long to the point where I pushed my dad away and I would stay at my nan's for months, go on mad ones.' 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.' Freddy lost his mother, former Big Brother star Jade, to cervical cancer in 2009 when he was just four years old. Sami Sheen, the 21-year-old daughter of Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards, put her OnlyFans physique on sizzling display Wednesday. She was spotted flaunting her figure in a barely-there bikini as she and a male friend arrived at a beach in Los Angeles to soak up the August rays. The Hollywood 'nepo baby,' whose Bond girl mother followed her onto OnlyFans, served up a generous helping of cleavage in a monochrome polka-dot two-piece. Letting her bubblegum hair tumble freely over her shoulders, she accessorized with a couple of bracelets and went for a minimal look where makeup was concerned. Her latest sighting comes the day she landed a brutal blow against her father, who is promoting an upcoming memoir and an accompanying Netflix special. After a turbulent drug-fueled past, he dried out eight years ago and has attributed his sobriety to fatherhood - but Sami is taking a less sentimental view of his role. Sami Sheen, the 21-year-old daughter of Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards , put her OnlyFans physique on sizzling display Wednesday Firing up her TikTok, she posted a clip from a new interview in which Charlie was posed the question: 'Who do you call when you just need a laugh?' via People. The video then cut to Sami, who responded to the query with a bitter laugh: 'Hmmm...I'm gonna say...anyone but your daughter?' She revealed this April that she and Charlie 'haven't spoken on the phone in almost a year' and had not even exchanged texts for 'a little over six months,' on the Casual Chaos podcast hosted by Teresa Giudice's daughter Gia. Sami claimed he failed to call her when she underwent a rhinoplasty last year, and only texted her more than a day after the procedure to ask: 'Oh, did you make it out okay?' to which she retorted: 'I could have been dead by now, but yeah, I'm fine.' Charlie allegedly defended himself by saying: 'Oh, it's not like you got a new kidney, you're fine,' which Sami described as him 'making this worse.' Sami blocked him once he texted her 'some crazy stuff,' she claimed, adding that she had 'no idea if he's still sober' but that 'I honestly hope the stuff he was sending me was because he wasn't sober because that would at least make it a little better.' The formerly blonde showbiz legacy dished: 'I had to put a stop to it and tell him: "Do not contact me ever again because this is crazy."' Sami and Charlie have locked horns publicly in the past, as when he criticized her decision to join OnlyFans when she turned 18 in 2022. She was spotted flaunting her figure in a barely-there bikini as she and a male friend arrived at a beach in Los Angeles to soak up the August rays Sami, who is pictured with her famous parents and her younger sister Lola, is estranged from her father and has not spoken to him on the phone in over a year 'I do not condone this,' Charlie told E! News at the time: 'but since I'm unable to prevent it, I urged her to keep it classy, creative and not sacrifice her integrity. She is 18 years old now and living with her mother. This did not occur under my roof.' Denise shot back on Instagram: 'I have to say, I wish I had the confidence my 18 yr old daughter has. And I also can't be judgmental of her choices. I did Wild Things & Playboy, quite frankly her father shouldn't be either.' At the height of his stardom, the Two and a Half Men star led a tumultuous 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 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 amid his sobriety, saying his decision to get clean was ultimately driven by his compunctions about the sort of father he would be to his children. Jessica Alba looked anything but relaxed as she stepped out at Hollywoods Bird Streets Club on Wednesday night just one day after her estranged husband Cash Warren was seen leaving the same hotspot with a much younger actress. The 44-year-old star turned heads in a slinky red dress, her expression tense as she made her way past the valet solo. Warren, 46, had been spotted at the club on Tuesday with 20-year-old actress Seanna Pereira, who stood quietly beside him as he lingered by the valet. The sighting raised eyebrows since Warren has already been linked to 25-year-old model Hana Sun Doerr. Alba, meanwhile, has recently been tied to 32-year-old Top Gun: Maverick actor Danny Ramirez. The back-to-back appearances gave the night an unmistakable showdown feel, as if the former couple were trading the spotlight one outing at a time. Jessica Alba looked anything but relaxed as she stepped out at Hollywoods Bird Streets Club on Wednesday night just one day after her estranged husband Cash Warren was seen leaving the same hotspot with a much younger actress The 44-year-old star turned heads in a slinky red dress, her expression tense as she made her way past the valet solo Despite the juggling romances, the exes reportedly remain fine with each others age-gap relationships. 'The age difference [with their younger partners] is not a big deal,' a source dished to Us Weekly. 'They think its common in Hollywood, so theres no issue. They are cool with each other dating.' The person close to the situation added, 'Theyre happy for each other. Theres no negativity or bad feelings. 'Theyre still good friends and just want each other to be happy. And they arent judging each other.' Warren and Sun Doerr met through mutual friends and are now exclusive, said UsWeekly's source. It was noted that the relationship is in the early stages and the two have not considered their long-term future. Meanwhile, Jessica and Danny connected through friends and have a more casual bond. Jessica and Cash who met on set in 2004 and married four years laterfiled for divorce in February, though the case is still ongoing; (seen in 2024) The Honest Company founder is dating actor Danny Ramirez, 32; (seen in May) 'Its less serious than Cashs relationship,' the insider shared. 'Its fun and casual.' Jessica and Cash are parents to daughters Honor, 17, Haven, 14, and son Hayes, seven. And neither of them are ready to introducer their new flames to their brood. The source explained, 'They are incredibly protective of their kids privacy and well-being, so introducing new partners would be taken very slowly and only once a relationship is stable and serious.' For now, the entrepreneurs' priority is maintaining a 'stable and peaceful environment for their kids.' A source told DailyMail.com, 'Jessica's romance with Danny has taken a surprising turn. What started out as a summer fling feels like it's getting more serious, although she still wants to take things slow. 'But at the end of the day Jessica has never been one to play the field. She's excited to see where this romance is headed.' The Fantastic Four actress officially confirmed her split from longtime husband Cash back in January, after speculation swirled for weeks. Jessica and Cash share daughters Honor, 17, Haven, 14, and son Hayes, seven The pairwho met on set in 2004 and married four years laterfiled for divorce in February, though the case is still ongoing. Buzz around Jessica and Danny first kicked off in July when they were seen vacationing together in Cancun, marking the first time they were publicly linked. The tropical getaway came on the heels of a separate sighting in London, where Alba was caught 'kissing' a mystery manthough its never been confirmed if that was Danny. How the two met remains unclear, but a source previously told DailyMail.com that Dannys interest in Jessica has been strong from the jump, even if shes been slower to commit. 'Danny is cool, a nice guy and he is enamored with her, but it is not exclusive,' the insider said earlier this month. 'She's not in that frame of mind. He has a chance to make something out of their connection, but she is taking it all in stride. Right now, she's looking to just have fun.' Ramirez, a Chicago native, is best known for his Marvel role as Joaquin Torresthe new Falconin The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World. He also played Lt. Mickey Garcia in Top Gun: Maverick and is currently filming Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release on December 18, 2026. Angelina Jolie debuted a striking blonde wig as she was seen filming drama Anxious People for the first time alongside her son Maddox, 24. The Academy Award-winner, 50, will star in the film adaptation of Scandinavian novel Anxious People, directed by Marc Forster. Based on author Fredrik Backman's novel, the film - set on the day before Christmas Eve - will see Angelina play investment banker Zara. Zara begrudgingly finds herself mingling with a group of strangers at an open house before a reluctant bank robber takes the group hostage. And on Thursday, Angelina was seen filming scenes for the movie for the first time as she was pictured on set. Angelina looked unrecognisable as she debuted a completely new hairstyle, ditching her iconic dark locks for a platinum blonde bob. Angelina Jolie, 50, debuted a striking blonde wig as she was seen filming drama Anxious People for the first time alongside her son Maddox, 24 Angelina looked unrecognisable as she debuted a completely new hairstyle, ditching her iconic dark locks for a platinum blonde bob While in character, Angelina donned a white wrap belt poncho laid over a cream silk midi-dress with a scarf feature. She finished off her ensemble with a pair of cream stilettos, a huge gold brooch and sported a bright red lipstick. The Girl Interrupted star will be joined in the film by How I Met Your Mother actor Jason Segel and Sex Education's Aimee Lou Wood. It comes after Angelina's next career move was revealed as she prepares to be the latest A-lister to flee Hollywood. The Maria actress is reuniting with the Mr. and Mrs. Smith director Doug Liman for another spy thriller. She is starring in the upcoming film titled The Initiative with Liman directing and F. Scott Frazier writing the script, per The Hollywood Reporter. She last worked with the director on the set of the 2005 action-comedy, where she met her ex-husband Brad Pitt. Angelina will portray a rogue master spy named Bright in the movie, which has been described as 'Training Day set in the world spycraft.' The Academy Award-winner, 50, will star in the film adaptation of Scandinavian novel Anxious People, directed by Marc Forster Based on author Fredrik Backman's novel, the film - set on the day before Christmas Eve - will see Angelina play investment banker Zara Zara begrudgingly finds herself mingling with a group of strangers at an open house before a reluctant bank robber takes the group hostage Angelina looked unrecognisable as she debuted a completely new hairstyle, ditching her iconic dark locks for a platinum blonde bob While in character, Angelina donned a white wrap belt poncho laid over a cream silk midi-dress with a scarf feature She finished off her ensemble with a pair of cream stilettos, a huge gold brooch and sported a bright red lipstick The Girl Interrupted star will be joined in the film by How I Met Your Mother actor Jason Segel and Sex Education's Aimee Lou Wood The story follows Bright as a new agent named Charlie joins her team and finds himself in concerning situations 'where he isn't sure whether his new boss is trying to kill him or simply is willing to do whatever is necessary to protect the free world.' Angelina is reportedly looking to sell her historic Los Angeles home and move abroad as the latest A-lister to pack up to leave Hollywood behind. She is reportedly 'eyeing several locations abroad,' according to People. The mum-of-six wants to 'put the house up for sale' and move when her youngest kids, twins Knox and Vivienne, turn 18 next year. She shares the twins as well as Maddox, 24, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, and Shiloh, 19, with ex-husband Brad, 61. The Oscar winner 'never wanted to live in L.A. full time' but she 'didn't have a choice because of the custody arrangement with Brad,' a source told the publication. The exes reached a settlement in their ugly divorce in December 2024 after an eight-year legal battle. 'She'll be very happy when she's able to leave Los Angeles,' the insider added. DailyMail reached out to Angelina's representatives for comment. Dylan O'Brien had a message for those who leaked footage - including a crucial sex scene - from his upcoming film Twinless. The controversy erupted earlier this year after scenes from the movie emerged online, prompting Sundance to remove the flick from their online screening portal. Twinless stars O'Brien, 34, and James Sweeney, 35, as two men who forge a friendship after connecting over the deaths of their twin brothers - and one of the leaked moments included a NSFW moment that was a spoiler to the dramedy. The movie is now set to be released in less than 24 hours, and the co-stars made their feelings known about the scandal. 'That sucked. I dont know, its nice to finally have the movie out in the world but stop doing that, it affects us,' O'Brien told The Hollywood Reporter at the film's premiere. Similarly, Sweeney, who also wrote and directed the film, called the piracy 'demoralizing and uncomfortable.' Dylan O'Brien had a message for those who leaked footage - including a crucial sex scene - from his upcoming film Twinless; O'Brien pictured with co-star James Sweeney in Twinless 'The entitlement that people have to put things on the internet when theyre not released and not ready for consumption thats not how I wanted the film to be introduced,' he said. 'Obviously we hope that its a net positive that it invigorates interest and try to look at the bright side that way, but I cant really personally condone piracy,' he added. Twinless received acclaim after it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, with the film winning the Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic and O'Brien earning the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting. But the joy was soured after the film became the center of a leaking scandal. Sundance, which has been making featured films available online to festival goers since the pandemic, removed the movie from their platform as a result of the incident. 'The film Twinless was a victim of some copyright infringement on various social media platforms, therefore the festival in partnership with the filmmakers have made the decision to remove the film from the Sundance Film Festival online platform. We regret that online ticket holders will no longer be able to access the film,' Sundance said in a statement. 'We acknowledge and regret the disappointment this may cause. However, part of our commitment to advocating for independent filmmakers is ensuring that they can protect the art that they have created now and in the future. 'We take copyright infringement extremely seriously and intend to fully cooperate with local, state, and federal law enforcement on all piracy-related issues.' The pair addressed the controversy when speaking with THR at their film's premiere in West Hollywood on Tuesday The film is about two men who forge a friendship after connecting over the deaths of their twin brothers It's not the first time the pair have addressed the controversy. 'I think [Dylan] got more respect out of the situation than I did. [Laughs.] I wasn't even getting named half the time,' Sweeney they told Pride Source during a joint interview with O'Brien last month. While disappointing, they acknowledged it did raise awareness about their project. 'On behalf of James, I think he shared a lot of feelings with me about it that I was sensitive to. I'm not really online, but it obviously saddens me,' O'Brien said. 'There were so many people too who were like, Oh, I wanted to see your movie at Sundance, but they pulled it off. Dylan told THR the leaked scandal impacted the Twinless team The movie was the winner of the US Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting as well as the Audience Award at Sundance 'I was like, damn, I really wish people understood, even just outside preserving the integrity of our film and the fact that it's a spoiler and that it's the best to go in completely blind. And that was tough. You try to look on the bright side and maybe, at least, it points people in the direction of our film,' he said. 'It creates a liminal awareness,' Sweeney said. Twinless will be released on September 5. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi were spotted braving the rain in Paris on Thursday, enjoying a stroll through the City of Lights as they figure out their next move in England. The 67-year-old comedian and her stunning 52-year-old actress wife have made England their home since leaving the U.S. after Donald Trump took office. But just weeks ago, the couple put their $15 million Cotswolds farmhouse on the market less than a year after moving there and relocated to a sprawling 11,000 sq ft home nearby. Ellen told a British audience at Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre in July that the farmhouse she moved into last year was now for sale, yet she insisted shes staying in Britain for good, a decision cemented after Trumps re-election last November. While the couple have clearly enjoyed their new temporary English estate sharing videos of the property, including Portias horse paddock they took a quick getaway to Paris. Dressed in coordinated white Oxford shirts and black trousers, the couple, who tied the knot in 2008, appeared unfazed by the showers, flashing smiles while on a lunch date. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi were spotted braving the rain in Paris on Thursday, enjoying a stroll through the City of Lights as they figure out their next move in England Dressed in coordinated white Oxford shirts and black trousers, the couple, who tied the knot in 2008, appeared unfazed by the showers, flashing smiles while on a lunch date Their outfits were perfectly in sync, right down to matching white scarf ties and designer sunglasses. At one moment, Ellen halted and shrugged, clearly unbothered by the gentle Paris rain. Last month, Ellen and Portia celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary. The comedienne marked the occasion with a sweet video from their wedding day on Instagram, showing them surveying the preparations at home, from pink flowers being delivered to crystal and silverware being set for dozens of guests. The caption read: 'Happy 17th anniversary of the best day of my life. Portia, I love you more every day. #MarriageForAll.' The couple moved to Britain in 2024, snapping up a 43-acre estate in the Cotswolds for $20 million. Theyve now listed the property for $22.5 million to move into a bigger home that could accommodate Portias horses, which they flew over from the U.S. Ellen explained to the Wall Street Journal: 'When we decided to live here full time, we knew that Portia couldn't live without her horses. We needed a home that had a horse facility and pastures for them.' Their outfits were perfectly in sync, right down to matching white scarf ties and designer sunglasses At one moment, Ellen halted and shrugged, clearly unbothered by the gentle Paris rain The Oxfordshire estate boasts a two-bedroom guest house, swimming pool, gym, and a party barn with its own pub. The couple spent four and a half months renovating it but only lived there for about a month before moving to a larger property while awaiting the sale. Asked this year if she was staying in the UK because of Trump, Ellen replied: 'Yes. We were hopeful for [Democratic presidential nominee] Kamala [Harris]. We were very hopeful and we thought at least let's get a place here.' She and Portia opted to settle in the Cotswolds, a popular spot for wealthy Londoners to keep second homes. 'The idea was that we would be here for three or four months of the year but always when we came here we loved it and we thought it was beautiful,' Ellen shared. 'We thought when I stopped the show [Ellen's eponymous US talk show] one day, that it was so beautiful here that we would get a farm here and then go back there. 'And we got here the day before the election. We woke up to lots of texts from our friends and crying emojis. And we were like, "He [Trump] got in. So we are staying here. We are not going back. We are not leaving."' 'So we bought a house that we thought was going to be a part-time house. Their former home (pictured) in the region, hit by flooding last November, is now up for sale The couple have since moved to a new property (pictured) about 30 minutes' drive away Taking to Instagram in August, Ellen shared a sweet snap of her wife horse riding in the English countryside 'Then we decided we needed a different house, and now we are selling that house. So if anyone wants a house, it's a beautiful house. 'It's a beautiful stone farmhouse. To clarify, I'm not selling the new one. I'm selling the old stone farmhouse.' Speaking further about her first year in Britain, DeGeneres pondered on 'the best thing about life in the UK', telling her audience: 'I really like the people. Fish and chips are delicious too. 'The UK is beautiful. It is absolutely beautiful. We [Americans] are just not used to seeing this kind of beauty. 'Even in the villages and the towns, I love the architecture and houses. Everything you see here is charming. It is a simpler way of life. 'It's clean. Everything here is just better. The way animals are treated, the way people are polite. I just love it here.' DeGeneres is a well-known collector of 'multi-million dollar homes' including a $24million property in the Montecito area of California where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also live. In 2023, she told one US outlet of having bought and sold 'over 50 houses' including a house in Malibu that once belonged to Brad Pitt. Earlier this year it was reported that she had put two homes in Montecito on the market - thought to be among her last remaining properties in California. Kim Novak made sure to avoid any ill-fated tumbles as she gracefully stepped off a boat in Venice with four helping hands at her assistance on Thursday. The 92-year-old actress steered clear of making the same mistake as Jude Law's dramatic fall after he stepped off the water taxi in the exact same spot on Monday. The actor, 52, was unable to keep his balance when he slipped over and nearly face-planted on the dock while climbing off boat. Jude was spotted thanking the driver and shaking his hand before turning to step onto the dock when he fell over and nearly dropped his laptop into the canal. The British star quickly brushed off the tumble and laughed with his business psychologist wife Phillipa Coan, 38, and their friends. Kim linked arms with two female workers at the airport as she headed onto her next destination, following a brief Venice trip to collect her Golden Lion for lifetime achievement award. Kim Novak, 92, made sure to avoid any ill-fated tumbles as she gracefully stepped out of a boat in Venice with four helping hands at her assistance on Thursday The actress steered clear of making the same mistake as Jude Law (pictured), who took a dramatic fall after he stepped off the water taxi in the exact same spot on Monday Unlike Kim, Jude, 52, was unable to keep his balance when he slipped over and nearly face-planted on the dock while climbing off boat Kim looked unrecognisable as she collected the Golden Lion award for lifetime achievement after releasing a documentary about her poverty-stricken upbringing. The actress, whose documentary is called Kim Novak's Vertigo, channelled old Hollywood glamour in an emerald and black gown to accept the award. Gone were her brunette locks, as she styled her blonde hair into a bob and accessorised her look with a diamond brooch. 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. Kim stepped away from the limelight but during her occasional public appearances, fans have noted that her face looks very different from her years on the screen. Kim's appearance famously caused a stir back in 2014 when she attended the Oscars with a noticeably puffier face, which drew widespread criticism from viewers. Even Donald Trump weighed in on her look, tweeting at the time: 'Kim should sue her plastic surgeon!' Kim herself addressed this, saying she regretted getting fat injections in her face, which didn't turn out as she'd hoped. Kim linked arms with two female workers at Venice airport as she headed onto her next destination following a brief trip to collect her Golden Lion for lifetime achievement award Kim looked glamorous in a quirky orange jacket and black trousers Kim looked almost unrecognisable as she received the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement after releasing a documentary detailing her poverty-stricken upbringing The actress channelled old Hollywood glamour as she stepped out in an emerald and black gown to accept the award Kim pictured in 1956 during the height of her Hollywood career She also spoke openly about the cruelty of Hollywood's beauty standards and the harshness of ageism in the industry. Addressing the backlash in an open letter on Facebook, Kim wrote: 'After my appearance on the Oscars this year, I read all the jabs. I know what Donald Trump and others said, and I'm not going to deny that I had fat injections in my face.' She continued: 'They seemed far less invasive than a facelift. It was done in 2012 for the TCM interview special. In my opinion, a person has a right to look as good as they can, and I feel better when I look better.' 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.' Among them are her mother Blanche, who tried to kill her. Blanche tried to abort her with knitting needles, and then, having failed, attempted to smother her as an infant with a pillow. She also said that her father Joseph, whom she claimed had mental health issues, kept the body of her dead infant brother in the basement of the family home, in a jar. Gone were her brunette locks, as she styled her blonde hair into a bob and accessorised her look with a diamond brooch Her tell-all documentary about her life tells of her upbringing in Depression-era Chicago, followed by ten years of Hollywood superstardom, and then a retreat from showbusiness 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 The film premiered last night in advance of the actress getting a lifetime achievement Golden Lion on Monday (pictured) Kim celebrated her achievement with an animated display 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.' 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. Catholic Joseph Novak, of Czech descent, had been a teacher before the Depression but later worked as a railroad dispatcher. He never approved of her stardom, never told her he was proud of her, and didn't come to see most of her films. Filmmaker Alexandre Philippe 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. Logan Paul and Nina Agdal's honeymoon period appeared to be well and truly over this week as a tense moment between the pair went viral. The YouTube star, 30, and the supermodel, 33, who tied the knot in a lavish Lake Como ceremony on August 15, sparked mass concern among fans when they were filmed having an intense discussion in a taxi in Paris. In the clip, Paul is seen grabbing his new wife's arm, before the door opens and he attempts to exit the vehicle, with Agdal's leg partially blocking him. The wrestler appeared to trip as he stepped out of the car without his wife and marched into a building - before a somber Agdal followed behind. The awkward video quickly sparked fears online as one fan wrote: 'He is grabbing her arm and pulling her towards him to still argue when she tries to leave first and she tries to trip him when he gets out of the car first! Damn, they JUST got married... Others wrote: 'How embarrassing... walk off on her like that. Logan Paul and his wife, Nina Agdal, were caught on camera arguing in Paris which almost led to Logan stumbling pic.twitter.com/VNTsuGjAzW FearBuck (@FearedBuck) September 3, 2025 Logan Paul and Nina Agdal's honeymoon period appeared to be well and truly over this week as a tense moment between the pair went viral - seen September 1, the night of the video In the clip, Paul is seen grabbing his new wife's arm, before the door opens and he attempts to exit the vehicle, with Agdal's leg partially blocking him 'She literally tried to trip him! 'She tried to trip em, yea we know who lost this one. 'Yep, divorce coming soon.' Others defended the stars, saying: 'Thats just a married couple having a conversation. 'Couples argue??? No way!' A representative for Logan Paul declined to comment to the Daily Mail. Nina Agdal's representatives have been been contacted for comment and have yet to respond. Paul and Agdal share one daughter, Esme, 11 months. They announced their marriage last month - with Paul sharing photos from the nuptials and admitting: 'I've seriously been crying.' The wrestler appeared to trip as he stepped out of the car without his wife and marched into a building - before a somber Agdal followed behind. Agdal left the car without her husband and followed him into the building - sparking fears online for the pair's marriage The awkward video sparked widespread fan concern Others defended the stars, saying: 'Thats just a married couple having a conversation' The couple share one daughter, Esme, 11 months They are seen on their wedding day with Paul's brother Jake, 28, and his fiancee, Jutta Leerdam, 26 Paul had his brother Jake, 28, by his side and his fiancee, Jutta Leerdam, 26, who stunned in a Tiffany blue gown. Agdal looked like a princess as she wore a strapless, corseted lace wedding dress with her hair up and a long veil in back. Paul had on a dashing white suit jacket with a black bow tie over black dress pants. Paul and Agdal welcomed their first child together in September 2024. They got engaged in July 2023 in Italy. 'Today is the day I ask the love of my life to marry me,' the influencer told his subscribers. 'Fourteen months ago, I fell in love with the most beautiful human being I've ever seen in my life, and I have been waiting for this day ever since.' 'Esme Agdal Paul has entered the chat ,' Paul and Agdal captioned a joint Instagram post announcing their daughter's birth on Sept. 29, 2024. 'I'm no longer my first priority,' he told PEOPLE at the time. 'It's made me less selfish. Prior to Nina, I was No. 1 in my life. Now with Esme, my daughter, I've dropped two rungs down the priority ladder. It's Esme, Nina, those are interchangeable then me. 'So for the first time in my life, I'm not my first concern. I would die for these women.' Paul had some drama last year. In 2024, he faced backlash after he used Agdal's labor as a marketing stunt to promote his latest product, Lunchly. Nina and Logan announced they were expecting their first child together back in April 2024 with photos of the model showing off her bump The snaps prompted fans to rush to social media platform Reddit and slam the new dad for his behavior. One person said: 'Imagine giving birth and being given a Lunchly I would just cry from disappointment.' Someone else wrote: 'Wow did not know this man was having a child. He's so greedy he can't even enjoy the birth of his own child without turning it into some type of marketing ploy... the Paul brothers are really something else.' A Melrose Place actress was caught kissing her new 'boyfriend' just three months after filing for divorce from her husband of 18 years. Courtney Thorne-Smith was seen locking lips with the salt-and-pepper-haired fellow as they walked outside World Market in Los Angeles. The 57-year-old blonde beauty looked smitten with her love interest as they strolled side by side, put their arms around each other, then made out while in a parking lot. The TV star was sporty in a pale blue zip-up jacket and black leggings with blue sneakers while wearing a lavender purse crossbody style as she appeared fresh from a workout session. The California native was makeup-free with black sunglasses on as she wore her honey blonde hair down. Her beau was dressed down in a light olive green T-shirt and blue shorts with white sneakers while adding black sunglasses. A Melrose Place actress was caught kissing a new boyfriend just three months after filing for divorce from her husband of 18 years Courtney Thorne-Smith was seen locking lips with the salt-and-pepper-haired fellow as they walked outside World Market in Los Angeles Thorne-Smith played Alison Parker on Melrose Place, which aired from 1992 until 1999. Her costars were Heather Locklear, Andrew Shue (whom she used to date), Grant Show, Josie Bissett, Doug Savant and Marcia Cross The Tam High School graduate later stopped at her local market in Brentwood for grocery shopping as she was seen carrying French bread in a bag. DailyMail.com has not received a response to its request for comment from Thorne-Smith's reps. Thorne-Smith played Alison Parker on the smash hit show which aired from 1992 until 1999. Her costars were Heather Locklear, Andrew Shue (whom she used to date), Grant Show, Josie Bissett, Doug Savant and Marcia Cross, among many others. She also played Georgia Thomas on Ally McBeal and Cheryl Mabel on According to Jim, and had a recurring role as Lyndsey McElroy on Two and a Half Men. In June she officially filed for divorce from her husband Roger Fishman, nearly four years after their reported separation. According to court documents filed earlier this week, per TMZ, Thorne-Smith, 56, is citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. She submitted the paperwork without legal representation and listed their date of separation as September 1, 2021 suggesting the couple has been living apart for quite some time. Thorne-Smith and Fishman married on January 1, 2007, and welcomed their only child, Jacob Emerson Fishman, the following year. The 57-year-old blonde beauty looked smitten with her love interest as they strolled side by side, put their arms around each other Then were in step and seemed to be in a great mood on the sunny September day According to court documents Thorne-Smith cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split; (Fishman and Thorne-Smith seen in 2007) Thorne-Smith, far right, famously dated her Melrose Place co-star Andrew Shue (center) during the 1990s. Heather Locklear is far left Now 17, Jacob is nearing adulthood, but the Melrose Place star is requesting joint legal and physical custody as part of the divorce proceedings, according to the outlet. In the filing, Thorne-Smith also asked the court to terminate its ability to award spousal support to either party. This marks the actresss second marriage. She was previously wed to geneticist Andrew Conrad from 2000 to 2001 and famously dated her Melrose Place co-star Andrew Shue during the 1990s. Thorne-Smith quietly tied the knot with Hollywood marketing executive Fishman in a top-secret New Year's Day wedding. The ultra-private ceremony was so under the radar, even the actresss parents and closest friends were left off the guest list. 'They filed for a sealed license, which in California is as simple as requesting an unlisted phone number,' a friend of Thorne-Smith explained at the time to OK. It marked the second marriage for the According to Jim actress, who was previously wed to genetic scientist Conrad. That union ended in divorce just as her wedding photos hit newsstands on the cover of a bridal magazine. The TV star was sporty in a pale blue zip-up jacket and black leggings with blue sneakers while wearing a lavender purse crossbody style as she appeared fresh from a workout session Her beau was dressed down in a light olive green T-shirt and blue shorts with white sneakers The star was makeup-free with black sunglasses on as she wore her honey blonde hair down The two certainly looked flirty as they smiled at each other She also played Georgia Thomas on Ally McBeal and Cheryl Mabel on According to Jim, and had a recurring role as Lyndsey McElroy on Two and a Half Men She later stopped at her local market in Brentwood for grocery shopping as she was seen carrying French bread in a bag and holding a bottle of bleach Thorne-Smith seen in 2018 at the Hallmark Channel Summer TCA In 2004, she nearly walked down the aisle again with another doctorRobert Andrewsbefore calling it off weeks before the big day 'Courtney was determined to get it right this time,' the insider added at the time. 'She and Roger have a deep connection and a shared passion for travelthey actually met at an airport.' Her rep, Jim Boutman, confirmed the marriage and described the ceremony as 'a private celebration with one close friend and their dogs in attendance.' The cause of death of veteran ghost hunter and Annabelle handler Dan Rivera has been revealed - nearly two months after his shock passing aged 54. Rivera was in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for his Devils on the Run tour - a chilling cross-country event featuring the infamous Annabelle doll - when he was found unresponsive at his hotel on July 13. The death of Rivera, the lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), had sparked a fan frenzy, with social media users begging for the tour to be cancelled amid curse rumors. The Annabelle doll gained notoriety through paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren in the 1970s, who kept it locked in a glass case in their private occult museum and famously warned visitors never to touch it. Rivera's autopsy results revealed he died from natural causes, with County of Adams Coroner Francis Dutrow saying in a statement to the Daily Mail that his death was 'cardiac-related'. The statement read: 'Mr. Rivera had a known history of cardiac issues, which were consistent with the findings. It is also confirmed that Annabelle was not present in the room at the time of his passing.' The cause of death of veteran ghost hunter and Annabelle handler Dan Rivera has been revealed - nearly two months after his shock passing aged 54 Rivera was in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania , for his Devils on the Run tour - a chilling cross-country event featuring the infamous Annabelle doll - when he was found unresponsive at his hotel on July 13 The Warrens' work inspired The Conjuring films and remains central to modern paranormal lore. The Devils on the Run tour - during which the doll was removed its sealed case for a series of public events - has come under growing scrutiny, with fans fearing its dark energy could be unleashed. Even the Warrens' grandson, Chris McKinnell, has spoken out, telling the Mirror that he respects Annabelle's 'power.' The Raggedy Anne Doll's paranormal legend dates back to the 1970s, when it was apparently given as a gift to nurse in Hartford, Connecticut, before beginning to exhibit disturbing behavior. Annabelle was thought to be possessed by the spirit of a dead child and was said to move on her own, leave terrifying handwritten notes and even allegedly attacked someone. The case caught the attention of the Warrens, who concluded Annabelle was being manipulated by a demonic entity. Due to the popularity of the story and subsequent film franchise, the real Annabelle doll was removed from its secure case and included in the Devils on the Run tour, which began touring in May. The tour wasn't just a viral hit - it stirred controversy too. Critics accusing Rivera and his team of exploiting fear and superstition for profit, while believers warned that transporting the doll could unleash real danger. Due to the popularity of the story and subsequent film franchise, the real Annabelle doll was removed from its secure case and included in the Devils on the Run tour, which began touring in May - sparking fan fears the doll's rumored curse would strike The tour has come under growing scrutiny, as fans fear removing Annabelle from her sealed case could unleash dark energy - a move some believe is tempting fate. During one of the stops, visitors claimed the three-foot-tall doll had vanished without explanation, sparking a wave of online panic and conspiracy theories. Tensions escalated further after a fire broke out at a historic resort in White Castle, Louisiana, and 10 inmates escaped from a New Orleans prison - all within days of Annabelle being exhibited in the state. Fears snowballed across social media, with some convinced the so-called 'possessed' doll had unleashed a curse. Rivera stepped in to shut down the hysteria in a TikTok video. Despite the dark nature of his work, Rivera was known for his upbeat, engaging presence - especially when it came to Annabelle. At the Gettysburg event, Rivera told attendees how he built the doll's case using wood stained with holy water and embedded with three crosses to represent the Holy Trinity. He often leaned into the lore while debunking internet hysteria - including rumors that Annabelle caused a statewide 911 outage in Pennsylvania. Rivera's fascination with the supernatural began at an early age and never let up. After serving in the US Army, he founded his own investigation team before being mentored by Lorraine Warren, who taught him how to spiritually protect himself by 'visualizing a halo of white light.' He eventually became NESPR's lead investigator, helping to carry on the Warrens' legacy - including assisting families with private hauntings and organizing events like the ParaCon convention. Beyond the haunted doll circuit, Rivera appeared on hit shows like Most Haunted Places on the Travel Channel and helped produce Netflix's 28 Days Haunted. The paranormal community responded to Rivera's passing with an outpouring of love and grief. Two nurses claimed the doll wreaked havoc on their lives in the 1970s, so they turned to paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (pictured) for help The Warrens had a special wooden and glass case constructed for the doll, and stored it away in their Occult Museum, warning that it should never be opened Even renowned paranormal investigator and Ghost Adventures star Zak Bagans (pictured) was not immune to Annabelle, claiming he was left 'very affected' when he crossed paths with her in 2017 'Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal,' said fellow NESPR investigator Chris Gilloren. 'His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him.' Mary Jo Chudley of Penn Paranormal called Rivera 'a true legend' and 'one of the kindest, most genuine and funniest guys.' Rivera wrote about the afterlife in a touching 2020 tribute to Lorraine Warren. 'My answer was, in life, we leave a piece of ourselves with loved ones and friends on our journey through life until there are no more pieces to give away. You would think that is the end, but, when you look back at all the pieces you gave away, those pieces will always be remembered,' he said. 'So I say I will never die. My journey has only begun.' David Tennants wife Georgia has opened up about their life at home - revealing that several of their children are neurodiverse. The actress and producer, 40, who married the Doctor Who star in 2011, said they only eat together as a family once a year because two of their five children have special requirements. Georgia and David share son Ty, 23 - Georgia's son from a previous relationship, whom David adopted - Olive, 14, Wilfred, 12, Doris, ten, and Birdie, five. Neurodiverse is a term used by some to describe people who have brains that work differently from the average person, encompassing conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and Tourette's. 'I don't understand how people sit around and all eat together,' she said on Russell Howard's Five Brilliant Things podcast. 'We've got a lot of neurodiverse kids so a couple of them don't like eating around other people. They go and eat in separate rooms.' David Tennants wife Georgia has opened up about their life at home - revealing that several of their children are neurodiverse The actress and producer, 40, who married the Doctor Who star in 2011, said they only eat together as a family once a year as two of their five children have special requirements (Georgia did not specify which two children are neurodiverse) Georgia and David share son Ty, 23 - Georgia's son from a previous relationship, whom David adopted - Olive, 14, Wilfred, 12, Doris, ten, and Birdie, five Georgia, daughter of former Doctor Who star Peter Davison and actress Sandra Dickinson, added: 'A couple of them won't eat the same food, so we have to cook a different meal for them. 'Mealtime is like two and a half hours of me wandering around the house serving different people in different rooms.' Georgia added that as a result, the family rarely eats together as a unit. 'We never [eat together]. Christmas, I think we do,' she said. 'Every now and again, we'll go to a pub and we'll all sit down and it's just a f***ing nightmare. I just want to go home. 'They're crawling on the table, one's got headphones on. It's just like, no.' Studies suggest that about 15 to 20 per cent of the population are neurodiverse. Despite the daily challenges of managing a diverse household, Georgia says she wouldn't change anything about her unconventional family setup. 'I love how different they are, it seems so weird that two people can keep creating such different smorgasbord of human and thats really fascinating'. She went on to admit that while there was 'never a grand plan' to have so many kids, a psychologist would like spot a connection between her decision to grow the family after growing up an an only child. Georgia and David, 54, met on the Doctor Who set in 2008 when she played his genetically engineered daughter, Jenny, in the episode Doctor's Daughter She said: 'We've got a lot of neurodiverse kids so a couple of them don't like eating around other people. They go and eat in separate rooms.' Georgia's journey to motherhood began unexpectedly at 16 when she had Ty who is now an actor and has had roles in series (pictured on House Of The Dragon) Wilfred has also made his television acting debut in BBC soap Casualty as he burst onto the screen asking for a doctor in 2022 Georgia's journey to motherhood began unexpectedly at 16 when she had Ty, who is now an actor and has had roles in series including War of the Worlds and House of the Dragon. 'That was obviously not planned, but it was actually so much easier when I was 16 because I didn't have any preconceived ideas about how difficult parenting was,' she reflected. What is neurodiverse? Neurodiverse is a term used by some to describe people who have brains that work differently from the average person. It can encompass conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and Tourette's. Studies suggest that about 15 to 20 per cent of the population are neurodiverse. Advertisement 'He was really easy and lovely and great. And I was able to work and so that was a really positive experience. Probably if that hadn't been so positive, I might not have gone on to have four more.' Georgia and David, 54, met on the Doctor Who set in 2008 when she played his genetically engineered daughter, Jenny, in the episode Doctor's Daughter. They struck up a romance and married in 2011, after which David adopted Ty. 'I got together with my husband and I was like, well, we want to add another one. And then they came out and they were already great. And then there was one time where I got a bit drunk and then another one came out - but also great.' Georgia added that she has her own particular relationship with food, preferring everything to be kept meticulously separate - a trait she's only recently embraced fully. 'A very good friend of mine is a potter and she made me a plate for my 40th, which was separated into little areas because she noticed that I didn't like any of my food to touch,' she revealed. The custom plate has eight sections, allowing Georgia to control how she consumes her food. 'I can have a meal and I can put like a child all of the separate things on the plate, and then I'm in control of what I put together.' Georgia explained that she's only recently felt comfortable acknowledging her own needs and preferences, after years of trying to conform to what she thought was 'normal'. 'I've always been like that, but I've not really come out of myself until like the last five years,' she said. 'I think I was really annoyed and really confused for a long time with why everyone liked living in a sort of chaotic state.' Despite the daily challenges of managing a diverse household, Georgia says she wouldn't change anything about her unconventional family setup ( David with youngest daughter Birdie) 'I love how different they are, it seems so weird that two people can keep creating such different smorgasbord of human and thats really fascinating' (pictured with Ty 2018) Georgia and David, 54, met on the Doctor Who set in 2008, they struck up a romance and married in 2011, after which David adopted Ty 'I just thought, no, this is really unappealing. I just want to know exactly what I like... As long as nothing is touching, I'm completely in control of everything. I'm very happy.' While Georgia prefers her food separated and controlled, she says her husband David has completely opposite preferences - something that amuses rather than frustrates her. 'This is a man who likes a sandwich with many, many things inside it,' she said. 'He really likes a potato, he really loves a big old sandwich. It's just not for me. But it brings him so much joy.' Georgia is the daughter of former fifth Doctor Peter, 72, who played the iconic role from 1981 until 1984. David later admitted he 'felt a bit stupid' marrying his wife Georgia, given she's the daughter of a former Doctor Who star, but she was relentless in her affections. The actor, who himself played the titular Time Lord from 2005 to 2010 later joked they're an 'unlikely partnership' due to their 14-year age gap. David and Georgia offered insight into their marriage during a rare joint interview, with the actress describing herself as a 'stalker' due to her non-stop attempts to woo him. Discussing their romance on That Gaby Roslin Podcast, Georgia said: 'I very much forced it into happening, didn't I?' before joking she was determined to woo the actor and kept pursuing him until he gave in. David then added: 'That makes it sound like I was resistant, which was not what happened. I thought we were an unlikely life partnership, I suppose. There is a bit of an age gap. 'Because Doctor Who had run through my life like a stick of rock, to end up marrying the daughter of one of the Doctors, it all felt a bit stupid... that wasn't really likely to happen. So there were a lot of things against it.' Peter said of his daughters relationship with David Its great because David is a genuinely nice guy. 'Im delighted Georgia has found happiness because she hasnt always had an easy life. Gordon Ramsay is raking in a huge 172,000-a-week thanks to his two firms connected to his TV work and image rights. His two firms Humble Pie Media and Humble Pie Productions reportedly made a combined profit of 9million in the last financial year. The famous chef, 58, amassed a whopping 27million in the firm's combined reserves. According to The Sun, his businesses also have a colossal 83million in joint assets. Despite his bumper 24,691-a-day pay check and recent skin cancer scare, Gordon doesn't look like he is planning to slow down anytime soon as his former series Hell's Kitchen is set for a major reboot. Gordon hosted the UK version of the hugely successful format on ITV, which ran between 2004 and 2009. Gordon Ramsay, 58, is raking in a huge 172,000-a-week thanks to his two firms connected to his TV work and image rights (pictured in 2024) Despite his bumper 24,691-a-day pay check and recent skin cancer scare (his scar pictured), Gordon doesn't look like he is planning to slow down anytime soon as his former series Hell's Kitchen is set for a major reboot Daily Mail has contacted Gordon's representatives for comment. Gordon starred in just the first series before Gary Rhodes, Jean-Christophe Novelli and Marco Pierre White took over. Despite this, his foul-mouthed remarks and savage put down of the celebrity contestants are still shared on social media today. He's remained on the US version, which launched after the UK's debut and has now been airing for 20 years, becoming a fixture on American television. It's reported the series is set for a major reboot on British TV that will see Gordon back at the helm. Gordon is also believed to have trademarked the Hell's Kitchen name in the UK, paving the way for him to open a string of more restaurants on the back of the show. An insider told the publication: 'Fans of the show will be doubly thrilled by the prospect of the competition coming back and being able to dine in a Hell's Kitchen restaurant over here. 'Business-savvy Gordon has watched as the popularity of Hell's Kitchen in the US has helped bring in thousands of customers to his restaurants. His two firms Humble Pie Media and Humble Pie Productions reportedly made a combined profit of 9million in the last financial year It's reported Hell's Kitchen is set for a major reboot on British TV that will see Gordon back at the helm A source said: 'Fans of the show will be doubly thrilled by the prospect of the competition coming back and being able to dine in a Hell's Kitchen restaurant over here' 'The programme is broadcast in more than 100 countries around the world so between tourists visiting Britain and developing a whole new audience for the telly contest in the UK, it's an incredibly smart move on his part.' The news comes after Gordon revealed to fans last week that he underwent surgery to remove Basal Cell Carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. He shared pictures of his stitched up face on Instagram on Saturday and said he is 'grateful' for removing the cancer fast. Gordon also warned fans the importance of wearing sunscreen to prevent any form of skin cancer. He wrote: 'Grateful and so appreciative for the incredible team at The Skin Associates and their fast reactive work on removing this Basal Cell Carcinoma thank you ! Please dont forget your sunscreen this weekend I promise you its not a face lift! Id need a refund.' Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, which develops in the top layer of the skin (epidermis). They usually grow slowly, and they rarely spread to other parts of the body. As per the NHS, Basal cell carcinomas can occur anywhere on the body but are most common in areas that are exposed to the sun such as your face, head, neck, and ears. Most Basal cell carcinomas are removed surgically, and the lesion is sent to the lab, to be examined under the microscope. It may take two to three weeks for the results of the biopsy to be sent back to the consultant. There are three types of skin cancer. Each can present itself in different ways. These include moles that are either asymmetrical or abnormal, scaly or dark patches and waxy bumps on the surface of the skin Gordon has previously starred in travel series Gordon, Gino and Fred's Road Trip for ITV, alongside Gino D'Acampo and French maitre d'hotel Fred Sirieix If all the cancer has been completely removed or treated, you should view yourself as 'cured'. Gordon's celebrity pals, friends and fans rushed to the comments to send their well wishes. Dad-of-six Gordon previously revealed how he doesn't eat at any of his 34 restaurants in the UK. In fact, he's only had dinner at one of his restaurants twice in 25 years - once for his daughter Megan's 16th birthday, and a second time for a dinner with Bradley Cooper. Speaking to The Savoy Originals, he admitted that he finds the experience 'too posh' and says it's not his 'style'. He said: 'Once was for Megan's birthday and the second time was with Bradley Cooper. 'Because it's not my style - it's too posh for me! It sounds weird right, you build the f***ing place. I can't sit there.' Downton Abbey star Allen Leech has revealed the cheeky comment he made to the late Dame Maggie Smith when they were working together and her surprising reaction. The Irish actor worked with Dame Maggie, who died last year aged 89, for more than a decade on the period drama which has spawned six series and three movies. Ahead of the last film instalment Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, Mr Leech, who plays chauffeur turned estate manager Tom Branson, has discussed what it was like sharing the set with the famously waspish dame. Leech, will tell the Ryan Tubridy show on Virgin Radio UK: She was the best craic, if you were on the right side of her, and I thankfully was. 'But if you gave her too much, if you were too reverential to her, she almost hopped on it. 'She wanted to just be one of the ensemble. Downton Abbey star Allen Leech has revealed the cheeky comment he made to the late Dame Maggie Smith when they were working together and her surprising reaction The Irish actor worked with Dame Maggie, who died last year aged 89, for more than a decade on the period drama which has spawned six series and three movies On one occasion while working on season two of the historical series, Dame Maggie greeted him telling him: Im glad youre back, Smiler. Leech said: I was like, oh, thanks very much. And I thought, this is your chance now not to be too reverential. So as she passed and she was in this big, you know, what they call that big bustle dress of the period. 'And I just said, Maggie? And she went, What? And I said, Your arse looks great in that. But rather than chastise him for his for his x-rated comments, she was amused by his cheeky irreverence. He added: Immediately, she did that laugh and then I was in, you know, because I was one of the gang. The actor also said that Dame Maggie was similar to her acidic character Violet Crawley, the Dowager Duchess of Grantham, whose withering remarks became legendary on the show. He said: She was [like her character]. And she used to say things after she would say something that you knew was like absolute gold, but dangerous. It comes after Downton Abbey fans broke down in tears as the late Dame Maggie was honoured in an emotional trailer for the last ever film The new film will hit cinemas on September 12 and the first look showed a glimpse of matriarch Lady Violet Crawley, played by the late Maggie Smith, in a painted portrait 'She'd turn and she'd go, "Oh, I'm wicked. I'm wicked." She knew herself. She was great fun. It comes after Downton Abbey fans broke down in tears as the late Dame Maggie Smith was honoured in the emotional trailer for the last ever film. The tale of the Granthams was first introduced to viewers on ITV back in 2010. Since then, the franchise has evolved into six seasons as well as Christmas specials and two films. Now 15 years later, the story is set to come to a close and the trailer for the third and final film has been released by Universal Pictures. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is set in the 1930s and follows the Crawley family and their staff. Fans will see their favourite characters return to screens as they tackle taking care of the Yorkshire County estate and the changes to come. It will see the return of beloved stars Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Robert Dame Maggie played Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the period drama (pictured in the series in 2018) James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy also feature. The final film also features new additions, Paul Giamatti, Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola and Simon Russell Beale. The new film will hit cinemas on September 12 and the first look showed a glimpse of matriarch Lady Violet Crawley, played by the late Maggie Smith, in a painted portrait. Maggie passed away last September and the sweet nod to her through the painting made one fan emotional. One penned on YouTube: 'This made me weep :(, ohh Maggie Smith how missed you will be..' While others were left in tears over it being the end of the long-standing tale and took to X: 'Buying tissues now.' 'Dont want to say goodbye,' another commented followed by a crying emoji and a heart. While someone else said: 'CRYING UNCONTROLLABLY AT A TRAILER!' The full interview will be broadcast on Virgin Radio UK on Friday from 10am. Denise Richards reportedly wants her estranged husband Aaron Phypers to give her spousal support. The 54-year-old actress is seeking payments from him, TMZ claimed on Thursday, and does not want to give him any of her fortune, it was added. The request was made when she filed her response to Aaron's July divorce petition, the site alleged. There is a problem however, as Phypers, a wellness expert, has said in his divorce filing that he has no income. Phypers has made the Bond girl veteran out to be a cash cow as he has claimed in his paperwork that Richards was grossing over $250,000 a month from OnlyFans, brand deals, TV and appearances. Denise Richards wants her estranged husband Aaron Phypers to give her spousal support The 54-year-old actress is seeking payments from him, TMZ claimed on Thursday, and does not want to give him any of her fortune, it was added. Seen in May Phypers told Daily Mail: 'Denise Richards is attempting to humiliate me again, just as she did with her first ex, Charlie Sheen, six years ago today! It is the same vengeance playbook as Charlie said, "D and her legal posse only deal in fiction. My day in court is painfully overdue. She is behaving like a coward, and the truth will prevail." I, too, will be vindicated when the truth comes out, just as Charlie promised. Our family has been ruined by Denise's lies of promising to end a year-long affair with Rudy Reyes.' Also in her filing it was claimed by the site that she did not list a date of separation but rather just wrote To Be Determined whereas Aaron claimed the date of separation as July 4 in his filing. Daily Mail has reached out to Richards' reps for comment. Last month Phypers claimed Richards never made his adoption of her daughter official. The 52-year-old businessman has alleged family harm. In documents filed this week and obtained by People magazine, he claimed Denise had him sign adoption papers for 14-year-old Eloise, who he described as his 'daughter by bond of over nine years', but 'failed to file them'. Aaron alleged that since he filed for divorce, he has been left 'legally without his daughter despite raising her as his own.' He added: 'This has caused immeasurable harm and demonstrates the imbalance [Denise] maintains in this matter.' Aaron's comments came in a response to Denise - who adopted Eloise as a baby and also has Sami, 21, and Lola, 20, with ex-husband Charlie Sheen - after she asked a judge to order that he and his family vacate their home in Calabasas so she could retrieve her dogs and belongings without breeching the temporary restraining order they have in place. The request was made when she filed her response to Aaron's July divorce petition There is a problem however, as Phypers, a wellness expert, has said that he has no income In his response, Aaron said: 'I do not oppose [Denise] retrieving her undisputed personal items and her mother's items, and ensuring the dogs' welfare, but I oppose any open-ended access or removal beyond an agreed, itemised list.' He offered three dates for her to get her items but 'with conditions that protect both parties from conflict and prevent removal of disputed or community property.' And when Denise is retrieving her belongings, Aaron asked permission to be allowed to get his own 'personal and business property' stored at the three townhouses his estranged wife lives in 'concurrently or within the same court-ordered window.' He added: 'These include personal belongings, office electronics, tools, furniture, files, books, gym equipment, a motorcycle, appliances (refrigerators, dishwasher), building materials (fasteners, wires, cabinets), computers, laptops, and generators. 'Several of these items are owned by third parties and merely loaned...prompt retrieval is essential to avoid loss, liability, or claims from the actual owners.' Aaron requested both he and Denise be off-site during retrieval, with only animal handlers and movers present, that they co-ordinate a pre-exchange list, electronics or data-bearing devices be absent, retrieval be done in a two-hour window between 9am and 5pm, that there's video documentation of entry and all removed items, as well as that disputed items stay pending stipulation or further order. Phypers has made the Bond girl veteran out to be a cash cow as he has claimed that Richards was grossing over $250,000 a month from OnlyFans, brand deals, TV and appearances. Seen in 2008 He argued Denise has withheld 'office/trade equipment for more than 50 days' and currently has 'sole control over marital funds' He is seeking a contribution from the former Real Housewives star towards his $75,000 attorney fees, as well as an additional $140,500 'to address arrears' including seven months of past due rent. Aaron has again denied his estranged wife's allegations that he 'repeatedly abused' her during their marriage, and insisted he had 'never physically harmed her', while he 'has been the one deprived of property, income, and access to his child and family resources.' He also repeated his allegation that before their separation, Denise engaged in 'infidelity and adultery during the marriage, despite prior assurances that the conduct would end.' He is seeking a contribution from the former Real Housewives star towards his $75,000 attorney fees, as well as an additional $140,500 'to address arrears' including seven months of past due rent. Seen in 2023 This comes after Charlie Sheen said he 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.' This comes after Charlie Sheen said he feels 'shame shivers' over his turbulent past 'These are the moments that hit me, of the heinous memories and choices and consequences. They're getting farther in between, so I guess that's progress. What has been interesting about making amends is that most people have been like, 'Hey yeah, we're good man, but we hope you've also forgiven yourself.' Charlie rose to fame with roles in Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Platoon before becoming one of TV's 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 York's Plaza Hotel after trashing a room while using cocaine. Charlie added to People he has no desire to return to substance use, saying: 'Whether it's 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 fueled 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. Christina Haack's ex-husband Josh Hall shared some sad news on Thursday. The 44-year-old reality TV star revealed that his dog Stella passed away. 'We know what we are signing up for when we get a pet; they will more than likely go before us,' he began the post's lengthy caption. 'No matter how you prepare and how strong you think you are, nothing will prepare you for losing your loyal companion and the heartbreak that comes with it.' 'I was originally set to get a male, but when I saw her little face behind the fence and we locked eyes, I was donefrom that moment on, she owned me,' wrote Hall. This comes days after his divorce from Haack officially was settled over a year after their divorce proceedings began. Christina Haack 's ex-husband Josh Hall shared some sad news on Thursday. The 44-year-old reality TV star revealed that his dog Stella passed away Haack and Hall did not have any children together, and, according to court documents. Josh has taken the news of his dog's death hard. He also said that Stella was 'the most loving and sweetest dog I've not only cared for' and his 'only constant.' He also went on to describe the pet's health battles. 'I feel like she kept fighting not just to stay alive, but to be there for me and show me her unconditional love,' he wrote. 'She did an incredible job and got me through it all.' The judgment was filed in Orange County, California, on August 26 by Christina, according to court documents obtained by the Daily Mail. Josh and Christina each waived their right to spousal support, which is a bombshell that has been revealed by the filing after the Christina on the Coast star said she had to pay 'some' spousal support. Instead, she paid Josh an equalization payment of $300,000, on May 6, which was part of the equal division of the community estate of their Nashville property and was made to 'resolve all other issues between the parties.' This comes days after his divorce from Haack officially was settled over a year after their divorce proceedings began. Christina also paid $40,000 for Josh's attorneys' fees as well as the mediation attorneys' fees from May. Each party is now responsible for the remaining attorneys' fees going forward. She previously paid him an unallocated sum of $100,000 in September 2024, which Josh doesn't have to pay back, according to Us Weekly. Both parties were awarded their separate properties with Josh keeping his property in Thompson's Station, Tennessee (known as the Bear Creek property), his 2021 Bentley, three other vehicles and his motorcycle. Christina, for her part, was awarded a property in Newport Beach, California - which was a community asset - and their former home in Franklin, Tennessee, which was on-and-off the market. She was also entitled to her 2022 Bentley, GMC, Polaris and four quads that were gifts to her children, which she noted. Christina does not have to pay Josh spousal support since he waived his rights to receive spousal support, according to the judgment The exes were awarded their separate businesses and bank accounts. The judgment states, 'Each party has knowingly and expressly waived and released his or her respective rights to complete full discovery, both formal and informal, relating to any issues and procedures and to investigate beyond what he or she has already pursued,the nature, extent, and value of community property (assets and liabilities) and the parties' interest therein, and the financial circumstances of the other party.' It further states that 'each party has accepted the economic terms' of the Stipulated Judgment. The Daily Mail has reached out to Josh and Christina's attorneys for comment. A source told the Daily Mail, 'This was one of the most fair divorces in reality TV history. Josh agreed to split everything he and Christina earned together, and they each walked away from the divorce with everything that they had made prior to the marriage. Josh bought each and every one of those cars on his own. Christina is now dating Christopher Larocca (pictured) 'He voluntarily declined spousal support. Given there was no prenup, Christina should send Josh a thank you, but Josh is happy to never have to speak to her again... He couldn't be happier.' Last month on Jeff Lewis, Christina teased details of their '12-hour mediation' that took place between both parties and their lawyers. 'Look, it's not great, but I guess it's done,' she said. She also revealed at the time that she had to pay 'some' spousal support, but was unable to go into detail since the final documents had yet to be signed off by the judge. She teased that details would be 'public knowledge soon' and stated that she would return to the podcast to talk about everything. However, court documents show that Josh waived his rights to spousal support, and, instead, there was a division of joint assets. The couple did not sign a prenup prior to their marriage on October 6, 2021. Many were shocked when Saturday Night Live let go of four talents with the biggest name being Heidi Gardner. And now the way she was ousted has been revealed according to a new report. SNL - which added five cast members on Tuesday - opted to not renew the contract of the 42-year-old comedian for season 51 according to a source for The New York Post on Thursday. Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Gardner and SNL and has yet to hear back. 'It's time for a new cast,' the source for the publication said. Last week, many were shocked as Daily Mail confirmed that fan favorite Gardner has exited the show after an impressive eight-season run as furious viewers called for SNL to be cancelled amid the ongoing cast exodus. Many were shocked when Saturday Night Live let go of four talents with the biggest name being Heidi Gardner (pictured July 2023 in Hollywood) The Daily Mail reached out to Gardner's reps for comment. A spokesperson for NBC declined to comment to the Daily Mail. Gardner joined Saturday Night Live in 2017 during season 43 as a featured player along with now-former SNL stars Luke Null and Chris Redd. She was then promoted to the main cast two years later. Since then, the Missouri-born actress has written and starred in countless iconic SNL sketches. She is best known for creating the hilarious character Bailey Gismert, a teen movie critic, who often appeared during SNL's Weekend Update segments. Gardner also impersonated a number of high-profile celebrities during her eight years on SNL, including Reba McEntire, Oscar-winner Mikey Madison and Kim Kardashian. She joined fellow SNL stars and alums at the show's 50th anniversary special in February. It was also confirmed by Daily Mail last Thursday that SNL cast member Michael Longfellow is leaving the hit show after just three seasons. SNL - which added five cast members on Tuesday - opted to not renew the contract of the 42-year-old comedian (center) for season 51 according to a source for The New York Post on Thursday. Longfellow, 31, joined SNL in season 48 as a 'featured player' - and, like Gardner, was known for his Weekend Update segments. Also last week, featured cast member Emil Wakim joined the long list of former SNL stars who have had their tenures with the show cut short before joining the main cast. Wakim, 27, announced his departure in an Instagram post with photos of happier times at Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. He indicated that he had been let go by SNL, and his unexpected departure came just a day after his costar Devon Walker revealed he was leaving the series after three seasons. Both exits come in the wake of series creator and longtime showrunner Lorne Michaels' announcement that there would be a 'significant shake-up' amid the cast ahead of season 51. Daily Mail previously contacted a representative for Wakim but hasn't yet received a response. Wakim's tenure with SNL began in 2024 for the show's 50th season. He shared a post which read: 'I won't be returning to SNL next year.' Last week, many were shocked as Daily Mail confirmed that fan favorite Gardner has exited the show after an impressive eight-season run as furious viewers called for SNL to be cancelled amid the ongoing cast exodus; seen in February Gardner joined SNL in 2017 during season 43 as a featured player along with now-former SNL stars Luke Null and Chris Redd. She was promoted to main cast two years later He wrote that 'it was a gut punch of a call to get but I'm so grateful for my time there,' adding that he 'was at six flags celebrating my friends 36th birthday and went on a really emotional walk through bugs bunny park and stared out across daffy duck lake thinking about life.' 'Every time i scanned into the building i would think how insane it is to get to work there,' Wakim continued. 'it was the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding experience of my life and i will miss it dearly and all the brilliant people that work there that made it feel like a home. Wakim, who was born in Chicago and attended Indiana University Bloomington before getting his big break, holds the distinction of being the first SNL cast member of Lebanese heritage. The comedian included a photo of himself appearing at the Weekend Update desk with Colin Jost and Michael Che, along with photos of himself proudly displaying his SNL staff badge and making playful faces at a live llama that had been brought in for a special appearance on the comedy show. Last Tuesday, Walker took to Instagram to announce he's leaving after three seasons, comparing his time at SNL to a rocky romance. The 34-year-old admitted the job could be 'toxic' at times, though he stopped short of naming names. When contacted by Daily Mail, Walker chuckled a bit as he said he did not want to comment 'at this time.' It remains unclear if his departure was his choice or not. 'To me, jobs in this industry feel like a bunch of little marriages,' he began in his Instagram post. 'Some of em last for a long time if we're lucky, but most of them are fleeting. Permanent until they're not. That's the deal. You know what it is it when you sign up.' The news of the 42-year-old comedian's exit comes shortly after it was revealed that cast members Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim and Devon Walker would not be returning for season 51 on NBC Looking back on his three years with the late-night staple, he admitted the highs came with plenty of lows. 'Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool,' Walker continued. 'Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But we did what we made the most of what it was, even amidst all of the dysfunction. We made a f***ed up lil family.' The star said he was ultimately 'happy' he got to share the stage with his fellow comics, adding that he's now preparing to take off overseas. He wrapped things up with a surprising reveal. 'Anyway, I'm bout to go to Japan,' Walker concluded. 'When I get back I'm tryna be in a prestige drama. Ideally something with Julianne Moore. Hope y'all staying hydrated and getting some money today.' The Texas native cheekily captioned his exit post, 'Me and baby broke up', and shared his official announcement as a computer note bluntly titled: 'Wait..did he quit or did he get fired?' One screenshot even showed him texting a friend, 'I'm out', punctuated with a celebration emoji. Walker made his SNL debut in 2022 as a featured player in Season 48. By 2024, he'd been bumped up to the main cast. He quickly became a standout on 'Weekend Update' with Colin Jost and Michael Che, nailing impressions of Michael Strahan, Van Jones, and NYC Mayor Eric Adams. It was also confirmed by Daily Mail on Thursday that SNL cast member Michael Longfellow is leaving the hit show after just three seasons; seen in February Longfellow (R) is seen with fellow ousted SNL stars Devon Walker and Emil Wakim Just before Walker went public, Michaels teased a big shake-up coming ahead of SNL's Oct. 4 season premiere. When asked whether he felt 'pressure to reinvent this season', Michaels said: 'Yeah, for sure'. 'It'll be announced in a week or so,' he added. The most famous members of the current cast include Colin Jost, Bowen Yang and Kenan Thompson. SNL Season 51 will premiere on Saturday, October 4, at 11:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, after the summer hiatus since May 17. Jenny Morrison wowed guests on Thursday evening as she flaunted her slimmed-down figure at the Street Side Medics Gala dinner in Sydney. The wife of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled her new look alongside her husband of 35 years as they posed for photos at the event, held in the Pearl Ballroom at Crown Sydney. Choosing to follow the dress code of 'Black tie and sneakers', Jenny, 57, opted for a hot pink, long-sleeved gown with a tie waist and diamantes at the hem. She completed her look with a fringe necklace, a statement ring on her right hand and white running shoes. The former registered nurse had her brunette locks styled effortlessly straight with a middle part, while opting for a subtle makeup palette consisting of a nude lip. Meanwhile, Mr Morrison complemented his wife's look in a black suit and matching white Adidas sneakers. Jenny Morrison, 57, wowed guests on Thursday evening as she flaunted her dramatic transformation at the Street Side Medics Gala dinner in Sydney. Pictured with husband Scott Morrison The wife of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled her incredible slimmed-down figure alongside her husband of 35 years as they posed for photos at the event, held in the Pearl Ballroom at Crown Sydney The former politician, also 57, completed his look with a black tie and black-framed glasses. Mrs Morrison looked worlds away from her previous public appearances including meeting US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in 2019, and attending the opening night of Opera Australia's Madama Butterfly in 2023. The Morrisons were childhood sweethearts who first met at Luna Park before running into each other at a Christian youth camp and finally dating when they were 16 years old. In 2022, Mrs Morrison recalled for the first time how the pair briefly split up after they first started dating, before the future prime minister finally came to his senses. 'He broke up with me because he was keen on another girl,' she told 60 Minutes. Her husband sheepishly replied: 'Oh, I was an idiot. It was a stupid decision. We fixed it pretty quick.' Mrs Morrison was asked what she would say to her 16-year-old self, laughing as she replied: 'Run!' 'It's been a long time, but I know him better than he knows himself.' Mrs Morrison looked worlds away from her previous public appearances. Pictured with Melania Trump in 2019 Pictured: The Morrisons at the opening night of Opera Australia's Madama Butterfly in 2023 Despite their more than three decades of happy marriage, Mrs Morrison admitted her husband wasnt without flaws namely being messy and married to his job. 'We have to take a back seat. Running the country is incredibly important,' Mrs Morrison said at the time. On the eve of the election in 2019, Mr Morrison revealed intimate details about their private life. The former leader of the Liberal Party had nothing but nice words to say about his wife, who he described as having the 'biggest heart' of anyone he knew and praised as a 'love machine'. 'Her capacity to love is amazing, and all of our family, all of our friends, our family, our kids - this is the thing, if you get to know Jen, you get to know what love is. That's what she is. She is just a love machine,' Mr Morrison told news.com.au. 'It's about the real love of caring for others in a selfless way. That's what Jen's about. And that's the thing that has always just made my life so much richer, to have Jen in it. 'And to be honest, when you have that overwhelming you all the time, there are no things that irritate. Because it's overwhelmed by everything else.' Lena Dunham has been slammed for announcing a new memoir - 11 years after her first tell-all sparked claims she had molested her sibling. The Girls actress, 39, announced new tome, Famesick, on Thursday, described as a 'rowdy, frank reflection on illness, fame, sex, and everything in between', and which will chart her rise to fame. Dunham proudly shared the bizarre cover to social media - which featured a photo of the lower half of a person clad in an Alice in Wonderland inspired-outfit with their legs spread. In the memoir set for release in April 2026, Dunham recounts battling between 'fighting to do what she loves and being a servant to her own ambition' per the official synopsis. In her 2014 memoir, Not That Kind of Girl, Dunham ignited outrage when she revealed aged seven she had looked at then one-year-old sibling Cyrus Grace's vagina out of curiosity, and likened herself to a 'sexual predator' as she bribed her sibling to kiss her. She later issued a vehement denial that she had abused her sibling and apologized for the 'insensitive' use of the term 'sexual predator' to describe her actions. Cyrus Grace Dunham, previously known as Grace, came out as transmasculine nonbinary in their 2019 memoir, A Year Without a Name. Lena Dunham has been slammed for announcing a new memoir - 11 years after her first tell-all sparked claims she had molested her sibling The Girls actress, 39, announced new tome, Famesick, on Thursday, described as a 'rowdy, frank reflection on illness, fame, sex, and everything in between', and which will chart her rise to fame' In the memoir Dunham recounts battling between 'fighting to do what she loves and being a servant to her own ambition' per the official synopsis - pictured June 2025 Fans were left outraged at the new memoir as they resurfaced the scandal, with one writing: 'Absolutely insane cover given the only thing anyone remembers from her last one.' Others wrote: 'who tf asked for Lena Dunhams trauma scrapbook part 2? keep that s**t locked away 'Im famously neutral on Lena Dunham but we dont need a second memoir. 'I just went through Lena Dunham's controversies section on Wikipedia. 'That title alone sounds is going to stir up some conversation. Curious to see how candid Lena gets this time around. 'what confession is gonna come out in this one? 'Little girl dress on the cover? No f*****g thank you! 'i dont want to see what she admits to this.' In her first memoir, Not That Kind of Girl, Dunham ignited outrage when she revealed aged seven she had looked at then one-year-old sibling Cyrus Grace's vagina out of curiosity, and likened herself to a 'sexual predator' as she bribed her sibling to kiss her - pictured 2010 Fans were left outraged at the new memoir as they resurfaced the scandal, with one writing: 'absolutely insane cover given the only thing anyone remembers from her last one' and likening the art to 'Lolita' Others praised the star for releasing a new book saying they 'cant wait to see what shes got up her sleeve this time.' Cyrus Grace Dunham, previously known as Grace, came out as transmasculine nonbinary in their 2019 memoir, A Year Without a Name - pictured 2015 Others praised the star for releasing a new book saying they 'cant wait to see what shes got up her sleeve this time.' The Daily Mail has contacted Lena Dunham's representative for comment and has yet to hear back. Dunham sparked the biggest scandal of her career when she wrote about the incident with her sibling in 2014. 'One day, as I sat in our driveway in Long Island playing with blocks and buckets, my curiosity got the best of me,' Dunham wrote. 'Grace was sitting up, babbling and smiling, and I leaned down between her legs and carefully spread open her vagina. She didnt resist and when I saw what was inside I shrieked. 'My mother came running. Mama, Mama! Grace has something in there! 'My mother didnt bother asking why I had opened Graces vagina. This was within the spectrum of things I did. 'She just got on her knees and looked for herself. It quickly became apparent that Grace had stuffed six or seven pebbles in there. My mother removed them patiently while Grace cackled, thrilled that her prank had been a success.' It was also in the book that Dunham described coaxing her sibling for affection. In a statement to Time magazine Dunham said she was 'dismayed' over how the website Truth Revolt interpreted the essay about looking at Cyrus Grace's vagina - pictured 2010 Dunham is best known for creating and starring in Girls as Hannah Horvath - pictured 'As [Grace] grew, I took to bribing her for her time and affection: one dollar in quarters if I could do her makeup like a 'motorcycle chick.' Three pieces of candy if I could kiss her on the lips for five seconds. 'Whatever she wanted to watch on TV if she would just 'relax on me.' Basically, anything a sexual predator might to do woo a small suburban girl I was trying.' She later came out to discredit claims she sexually abused her younger sibling. In a statement to Time magazine Dunham said she was 'dismayed' over how the website Truth Revolt interpreted the essay. 'First and foremost, I want to be very clear that I do not condone any kind of abuse under any circumstances. 'Childhood sexual abuse is a life-shattering event for so many, and I have been vocal about the rights of survivors. 'If the situations described in my book have been painful or triggering for people to read, I am sorry, as that was never my intention. 'I am also aware that the comic use of the term sexual predator was insensitive, and Im sorry for that as well,' Lena writes, adding that her sibling is her best friend and supported her publishing the childhood memory in her book. A major US airport has been named the busiest hub in the world once again - and it is not JFK or LAX. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has been the busiest airport in the world for 26 of the last 27 years, apart from during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Georgia airport handled 5.12 million passengers in August, according to new data from aviation statistics firm OAG. Atlanta was closely followed by Dubai International Airport, which saw 5.1 million passengers last month, a 4 percent year-on-year increase, according to the data. Tokyo International, Istanbul Airport and Chicago O'Hare International make up the rest of the top five busiest airports from around the world. 'The latest rankings of the world's busiest airports highlight how shifting travel demand and airline capacity can directly shape passenger experiences,' Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation specialists Sky Refund, said of the data. 'For travelers, this means more competition for flights and potentially smoother connections through airports like Dubai, which is rapidly catching up to Atlanta as a global hub,' he explained. It comes a Americans are seeing popular flight routes cut. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has been named the busiest in the world Airlines such as United slashed schedules this summer as demand for American holidays dipped after President Donald Trump launched a global trade war. Canada, long the top international visitor to the US, even launched a campaign to deliberately boycott summer vacations after Trump threatened to annex the country into the '51st state.' However, while visits from America's northern neighbors and the rest of the world have dropped, the impact on the US tourism industry has been muted. The gap has been filled by wealthier Americans choosing to spend their summer vacation at home, rather than meet a potentially hostile reception in Europe or elsewhere. Major hotel groups such as Hilton and Hyatt lowered their expectations for 2025 following the 'liberation day' announcements, but have now lifted their outlooks again. 'Obviously coming out of "liberation day" and other things, there's been a decent amount of noise in the system, but we are very optimistic,' Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta told investors on the company's most recent earnings call. 'There are legitimate reasons to feel really, really good about demand.' United has now seen bookings stabilize with demand coming from Americans purchasing domestic flights as well as international journeys, which is balancing out the continued dip from foreign citizens flying to the US. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport handled 5.12 million passengers in August Ivaylo Danailov CEO of Sky Refund said the data shows how travel demand is changing Las Vegas hotels have introduced surge pricing as hotel profits are hit by a decline in visitors While international visitors are dropping, wealthier Americans chose to spend their summer vacation at home The number of foreign travelers arriving at US airports is down 3.8 percent in the first seven months of the year compared to the same period last year, according to data from the US National Travel and Tourism Office. However, one tourist hotspot is faring worse than others. Las Vegas has seen a sharp decline in visitors this year July drew 12 percent fewer people than last year, roughly 420,000 fewer travelers. As well as introducing surge pricing, Las Vegas hotels have also been sending generous offers to potential guests such as casino vouchers and additional free nights. Retail expert Neil Saunders of Global Data told the Daily Mail that Las Vegas as a destination has itself to blame for the slowdown. 'What used to be a reasonable trip is now much more expensive,' Saunders explained. 'There are all kinds of fees that people have to pay at hotels and some of the service standards and generosity with things like free drinks while in casinos have tightened. 'Some people now don't see Vegas as worth the money and that hits visitor numbers.' A visitor recently shared her shock after she was charged $26 for a bottle of Fiji water from the minibar in her room at the Aria Resort & Casino. And a British magician was also left outraged after he was billed $74.31 for two drinks at Sphere, an arena which opened in 2023. A Sri Lankan court here on Wednesday ordered the release of a second lot of Chinese BYD Electric Vehicles (EVs), held by the Customs over an alleged misrepresentation of their motor power. The Court of Appeals verdict to release 506 Chinese EVs came after the official dealer, John Keells CG Auto, sought relief for the second time within a month. All 506 cars are subject to submission of additional bank guarantees of 1.8 billion rupees to Sri Lanka Customs by the dealer. The Customs wanted tests to be done to verify if the engine power of the EVs had been falsified in the import documents to gain an undue tariff advantage. This was the second lot of Chinese BYD EVs held by the Customs over the alleged misrepresentation of their motor power under customs tariff classifications. In July, a similar consignment of 1,000 EVs from Chinese manufacturer BYD was held at Sri Lanka Customs over suspected undervaluation of motor power to reduce excise duty, officials told the parliamentary oversight committee. The Customs reached a Court of Appeal settlement in August with the importer to release over 900 units while the tests to verify motor power were pending. The importer was accused of making declarations stating a lower motor capacity -- 100 kW from the actual 150 kW -- so that lower customs duties can be charged. The customs tariff for a 100 kW motor is four million rupees lower than for a 150 kW motor. BYD experienced brisk sales after Sri Lanka allowed car imports in February this year for the first time in five years. By May, within 3 months, they captured almost 90 per cent of the electric car market. After being found out for dodging a bit of tax here or there, the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, is now willing to plug the 50 billion tax black hole created by her colleague Rachel Reeves. I confess to have dodged paying the tax man 40,000. I am really, really sorry that I was caught. As penance for my crime, I vow to plug Labours 50 billion debt tax black hole with my piffling 40,000 quid. Eh, at least its a start, innit? Rayner said from her luxury 800,000 Hove apartment with great views over the cold grey English sea. The beleaguered Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, thanked her Labour colleague for her little contribution. Just think, if no one had said anything, Angela would have got away with it, and she would have never informed anyone. Now shes going to plug my black hole with her wad of stolen money. Thanks, Angela! Looks like manoeuvres are over for Angie. For more than 20 years, the Fiber Arts Guild of Socorro County has been bringing together people of all ages to share their love of weaving, quilting, knitting, spinning, crochet and other fiber arts. But for members, its about more than creativityits also about community and giving back. One of the guilds most meaningful projects is creating Quilts of Valor, handmade quilts presented to veterans in recognition of their service. Veterans are nominated by the community and nominations are currently open for the 2026 quilt. At the Epiphany Episcopal Church on October 11 at 11:30 a.m., the guild will present its most recent Quilt of Valor to Duan Medaris, co-founder of the Forget-Me-Not veterans program. Medaris was nominated by an employee of Forget-Me-Not. Guild President Lea Graham said the quilt began in April, when she distributed the years official pattern the log cabin block and white fabric to members, who added their own blue and red fabrics. By August, each unique block had been returned, stitched together, and quilted for display at the county fair. Its our way of honoring their service and wrapping them in thanks, Graham said. Anybody who serves our country deserves one. At the Socorro County Fair Quilts of Valor were on display from years prior, including one that was presented to Gilbert Apps in 2019. Another member, Charlene Bailey, created a Quilts of Valor piece for her husband, Bill Bailey, which went on to win several awards at this years Socorro County Fair. The guild has also presented quilts to other local veterans, including longtime educator and community volunteer Jim Sauer of Magdalena, who received his quilt earlier this year. Going forward, Graham said the guild is encouraging community members to nominate veterans so the group can continue the tradition. Graham also said going forward, the guild will be presenting patriotic quilts to veterans who complete their program at the Forget-Me-Not Veterans Park. Founded in 2002, the Fiber Arts Guild now has about 55 members, ranging in age from 12 to 88, according to member Deborah Card. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at Epiphany Episcopal Church in Socorro, with coffee and conversation beginning at 9:30 a.m. before the 10 a.m. business meeting. Members showcase their projects during a lively show and tell session, followed by a program or class to teach new techniques. The guild also holds workshops and exhibits, including displays at the county fair. Ad Card said the group draws members from across Socorro County, including Magdalena and San Antonio. Men and women alike take part, and the arts represented are as diverse as the members themselvesfrom quilting to alpaca wool spinning and weaving. The guild, which has members as young as 12, offers more than just an outlet for creativity. Its good fellowship, Card said. We even have a subgroup that meets on Tuesday mornings for those who like to meet weekly. They help each other with projects, go to lunch once a month, and build friendships. Its a supportive community. With its mix of artistry, mentorship, and service, the Fiber Arts Guild continues to stitch together not only quilts, but connections across generations. And through Quilts of Valor, their work extends beyond craft tables and classrooms, wrapping veterans in comfort and gratitude. JULY 15, 1975 A TOTAL OF 25 ribbons were awarded to the SHS majorettes, Cindy Voelker, Lisa Callan, Allison Rigby and Elizabeth Aerts who attended the Camp of Champ clinic in Portales, New Mexico. The girls attended classes for parade routines, down the field marching, duet and dance routines. Each girl was evaluated on routines in different classes. Allison and Elizabeth, both freshmen, each won one blue ribbon and four red. Cindy, a junior, won four blue and one red ribbon. Lisa, also a junior, won five blue ribbons. Cindy and Lisa competed against other schools from New Mexico and Texas, receiving first place in routine construction. Lisa won a first-place ribbon in strutting which qualified her for the final strutting competition in which she was chosen as first runner-up and was awarded a special award ribbon and also received a ribbon for the hardest worker. DELLA LOPEZ is spending the summer with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Sais. She and her parents live in St. Paul, Minnesota where her father, Thomas E. Lopez, is attending the University of Minnesota Medical School. Della, who is eight years old, is the daughter of former Socorroan, Connie Sais Lopez. JULY 7, 2001 REPRESENTATIVES OF THE VILLAGE OF MAGDALENA settled a claim with two teenage girls for an alleged illegal search performed by two Magdalena marshals. The claim stemmed from an incident during July 1999 Old Timers Reunion. Officers were accused of performing inappropriate body searches on two teenage girls during the investigation of an assault on an unidentified man. The investigation did not result in an arrest. JULY 11, 2001 DELIA AGRABRIGHT of San Antonio has been accepted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She will be honored in a ceremony this fall at New Mexico State University. NSCS is a national, non-profit honors organization founded in 1994 that recognizes first and second-year undergraduate students who excel academically. Agrabright is also a Crimson Scholar and was on the deans list this year. AUGUST 27, 2015 THE DISCOVERY OF A LONE black briefcase sitting upright next to a dumpster at New Mexico Techs Brown Hall was enough reason to make New Mexico Tech campus police suspicious. Tech police were alerted and as a precaution asked that everyone working in Brown Hall, including university President Dan Lopez, leave the building. By 10 a.m., a wide area of the campus surrounding Brown Hall had been cordoned off with crime scene tape, and two streets were closed to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Officers from several agencies including Socorro Police Department, Socorro County Sheriffs office and New Mexico State Police, as well as the Socorro Fire Department arrived on the scene to give assistance. Two State Police bomb squad officers and a remote-controlled robot were also called in. According to New Mexico Tech Public Information Officer Thom Guengerich, the briefcase was virtually empty. It looked like a new, unused briefcase, he said. Shortly before noon the briefcase was x-rayed by State Police and was determined to be safe, Guengerich said. It was then removed, and everyone was allowed back in the building. Class schedules were not affected. Firmus Energy has announced its gas tariff for the Ten Towns area will decrease by 7.86%. The Ten Towns area includes: Derry, Limavady, Coleraine (including Portstewart and Bushmills), Ballymoney, Ballymena (Broughshane), Antrim (including Ballyclare and Templepatrick), Craigavon (including Portadown and Lurgan), Banbridge, Newry (Warrenpoint), Armagh (Tandragee) and more than 25 other towns and villages. The Utility Regulator welcomed the move which came after the body commenced a review of the tariff for all domestic customers in August 2025. Colin Broomfield, director of markets at the Utility Regulator, said the decease will come into effect from October 1. In August 2025, we began a formal review of the regulated tariff for Firmus Energy (Ten Towns area). Following this analysis, we have determined that Firmus Energys regulated tariff will decrease by 7.86%, he said. Firmus Energys decrease of 7.86% will come into effect from October 1 2025. This will mean that the average annual bill for a standard credit customer will be approximately 935. He added: We are finalising the regulated tariff reviews for Power NI and SSE Airtricity Gas Supply, with an announcement due on Friday September 5. A comparison of all Northern Irelands regulated tariffs, with the GB price cap and Ireland, will be provided then. Ryan Miskimmin, sales director at Firmus Energy, said it will make an announcement regarding the Greater Belfast Network area in the coming weeks. We are pleased to share our second tariff reduction of the year and are always committed to passing on any savings to customers, whenever it is possible for us to do so, he said. Having engaged with the Utility Regulator, and Consumer Council, we are able to announce this reduction of 7.86%. READ NEXT: Celebration of global diversity and local unity returns to Derry Since April this year, our consecutive reductions have decreased our tariffs by almost 19%, representing an average household saving of 210 per year. As we head into the colder months, we know that these savings coupled with the constant heat and instant hot water that natural gas provides, will be welcomed by Ten Towns customers. There is anger in the Maghera area after an Irish language sign was defaced. The sign at Gortinure Road on the outskirts of the town was targeted by vandals earlier this week. The Irish translation of the road name and the townland were sprayed over with red paint. Aontu Deputy Leader and East Derry representative Gemma Brolly discovered the destruction on her way to work on Wednesday morning. Ms Brolly, who is a teacher in an Irish medium school, said: Our language is for everyone - no barriers. This unfortunately caught my eye on my way to work today. I say 'work' lightly. While ignorance lurks in the dark of night, afraid to venture too far into unknown territory, I enjoy speaking and teaching my native language to the generations that follow me. I have what was always my right but was not accessible until recent times, when now I can send my own children to an Irish medium school, raising them in their native language. That is our right. It always was and it always will be. The vandalism comes ahead of a national protest for the Irish language and Gaeltacht which will be attended by locals in Dublin on September 20. Ms Brolly continued: Very soon we will take to the streets once again to demand equality. Efforts to deter us only entice those feet on the street. So go raibh maith agaibh. You will never conquer our language, you cannot extinguish the fire in our bellies to obtain what is rightfully ours. If our efforts have not been sufficient to succeed enough, our children will win it by a better deed. And win it they will. Noreen McEldowney, Aontu Representative for the Maghera area, said the vandalism on dual signage must be treated with the utmost seriousness. This recent act of vandalism emphasises the animosity there is towards the Irish language in our community, said Mrs McEldowney. In 2025, when the majority of the people want to live in peace and freedom, others are trying to instil hatred and fear against something they know absolutely nothing about. It is really very sad. The people who commit such crimes, in their own ignorance and insecurity, are afraid. And not just of the Irish Language but of Irish culture. This is very serious, she continued. Such blatant ignorance leads to fear, hostility and even violence. I would say to the culprit or culprits, if the Irish language offends or upsets you, instead of attacking it, go learn about it or learn it, because it really is such a beautiful and wonderful language. Mrs McEldowney added: The Irish language is going nowhere. As the recent GCSE results in the six counties show its growing and going from strength to strength. PICTURED ABOVE: Group pictured at the launch of the One World North West Cultural Festival which will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025 from 1.00pm - 5.00pm at the Peace Wall, Bishiop Street (without), Derry. The event will promote culture, creativity and respect and is funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council and the International Fund for Ireland. (Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography) The One World North West Cultural Festival will return to the streets of Derry later this month to celebrate global diversity and local unity. The vibrant Multicultural Festival will take place in the city on Sunday, September 14 from 1.00pm to 4.00pm at Bishops Gate along the Peace Wall. Hosted by the Neighbourhood Management Team Forum with support from the One World Festival Board and the Executive Office District Council Good Relations Programme, the festival seeks to celebrate the rich cultural diversity that exists locally by bringing together people from various backgrounds for a day of unity and festivity. The festival will welcome everyone says Chris McDonagh of the Neighbourhood Management Team: This festival is more than just a celebration of our communitys diversity - its a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and mutual respect particularly now when it is needed more than ever. The festival is being held in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council with funding from the International Fund for Ireland. Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairi McHugh, encouraged the public to get involved. The One World North West Cultural Festival is an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that exists in our Council area, he said. READ NEXT: Coleraine Future Town Fund: Community Engagement Powers Forward Sharing music, food, stories and craft from around the world help demonstrate that there is much more that unites us than divides us and helps deepen our understanding of each others traditions. Theres a comprehensive programme of activity planned for all the family so Id encourage people to access it now and get involved on September 14th. Admission to the festival is free and open to the public, full details are available HERE. Creggans Noel McGrotty, who will be 95 years old at Christmas, is something of a pigeon racing philosopher. Speaking to The Derry News, Noel pondered the hidden benefits of working with animals. Pigeon racing has a wider role than most people think, he said. This social pastime of ours often performs not only as a competitive sport but also as an educational, social and charitable role as well. The full impact of the sports other roles are not generally fully recognised and grossly ignored. The therapeutic role the sport plays remains hidden but, I think, looking after domestic animals enables people to be in touch with the animals and birds. Domestic animals enable people to be in touch with an uncomplicated world that appeals to every child. We tend to ignore this uncomplicated world when we become adults and clever. Our lives become less sympathetic and more competitive, added Noel. Nevertheless, we would be very wrapped up in ourselves if we did not think at least some of our community might suffer from one of the most common conditions of our time, namely mental depression. We would be particularly naive if we did not think pigeon racing and looking after some type of animal did not in some way help a few depressed young people, maybe even help prevent the worst of all outcomes of depression - suicide. The help that dumb animals and birds give us at times comes in the form of them not requiring an explanation and no talking back. Noel's champion pigeons. It is always good to have something other than ourselves to think about and look after. It is good to have birds that provide an uncritical response at a time when society is often super critical and lacking in understanding, said Noel. Noel was born in Duke Street in the Waterside. His father Jim was from the Waterside and his mother, Mary (nee McDermott) was from Ardmore. Tragically his father was killed in 1935 in a motorbike accident, at Ardmore Chapel. My mother was left to rear five sons: Jackie, Benny, Lennie, Jim and me but luckily my mothers mother, our granny, Annie (nee Cunningham) and granda, James lived next door to us in Ardmore, beside the chapel. Noel remembered having a fascination with pigeons since he was very young. Smiling he said: When I was a wee boy, I used to go round all the farms in Ardmore looking for pigeons and try and catch them. I had a pigeon loft in the Waterside and it came with me to the cityside when I married my wife, Sheila, who was from Fulton Place, and moved over; we reared seven of a family, Jim, Marie, Tony, Ann, Frank, Sean and Dermot. Pigeon racing was a way into another world for me. They have kept me sane whilst growing old in a mad world. One which is steadily growing madder by the day. When I was a boy, pigeons were all I had to call my own. They were my way into a new world. When I began racing them properly, I found a new society into which I was accepted at face value. No questions were asked about where I lived or worked. I made some lifelong friends when I was climbing the ladder of life. They were the source of a lot of pleasure and much daydreaming. Today they are my escape from the realities of a world that is in chaos. No-one in Ardmore kept pigeons when I was young, then I got to know a lot of people who kept racing pigeons - Willie Henderson and Lowrey Alford among them. I joined the Londonderry club in 1946. I was 15 or 16 then and I was serving my time in Hills Upholstery in the Strand Road. I raced my first pigeon in 1946. From Sutton, just North of Dublin - the first race every year, recalled Noel. Asked how he knew whether a pigeon was going to be good at racing, Noel laughed and said: That is the 64 million dollar question. It is like racehorses or greyhounds. There are plenty of horses that look good but how many of them could win a Derby? said Noel. That is one of the imponderables. Thats what keeps you going, striving to breed a champion. Over the years I have had some good pigeons. In 2010, one of my pigeons won a race from France to Derry. In one race from France in 1966, I clocked five pigeons on the second morning. That was never done in Derry before, said Noel, who added the distance from France to his backyard was 500 miles. Noel said pigeon racing meant you were in touch with animals. I think the younger generation is not in touch with animals or nature much at all. If you took them out to Prehan Park and pointed out four or five trees and asked them to name them they wouldnt have a clue. To my mind, pigeon racing involves three disciplines - animal husbandry, environment education and geography. Noel's champion pigeons. I just think it is a pity, pigeon racers in County Donegal, the most northerly county in Ireland, are not allowed to take a position in the Irish National Flying Clubs Northern Section. It is restricted to pigeon races in the Six Counties only. The Irish National Flying Club is the main organisation for major national pigeon races in Ireland. It has three sections: Southern Section (Dublin across to Galway); the Centre Section (Dublin to the border); and the Northern Section. Donegal has the longest flying members and they are only allowed to take a position in the Central Section because they live in the Republic of Ireland, even though it is the furthest distance from France. One thing I love about keeping pigeons is meeting other pigeon fanciers from all over. Twenty brave children from across Northern Ireland, all living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, enjoyed the trip of a lifetime to Disneyland Paris thanks to the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT). A group of 44 people, including parents, local health professionals, and NICLT representatives, set off on Saturday for two days of Disney magic. Among the children who travelled were Myla Donaghey (10) from Coleraine and Anna Deeney (10) from Derry. The trip was carefully organised to ensure a safe and stress-free experience, supported by doctors and nurses from Causeway Hospital, NICLT General Manager Fiona Williamson, and board member Anna Kayes. This initiative provides families with the opportunity to take a break from the daily challenges of managing serious health conditions and instead create joyful, lasting memories. Fiona Williamson, General Manager, Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT), Donna OKane and Dr Sarah Mitchell from Causeway Hospital, and Anna Kayes, board member, NICLT. Chairman Colin Barkley highlighted the importance of such trips: We are committed to giving these incredible children and their families the chance to create unforgettable memories. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, fundraisers, and corporate partnersincluding The Bushmills Inn, WineFlair, C-Tec (NI), Glens of Antrim Potatoes, CosyRoof, Bells of Crossgar, Energystore, and Mango Contact Centreweve been able to expand our reach and offer this wonderful experience. Left to right, Fiona Williamson, General Manager, Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT), Anna Kayes, board member, NICLT, Dr Sarah Mitchell and Donna OKane from Causeway Hospital. Colin added: From the feedback we received, the trip to Disneyland Paris was an outstanding success despite the cancellation of our return flight, which required an additional night in a Paris airport hotel. The charity team was on hand to ensure that everyone felt fully supported. The strong bonds formed during the trip became clear, as parents, children, and our administrative and medical teams worked together to minimise the inconvenience. Myla Donaghey (10) from Coleraine. Each year, Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust takes local children, accompanied by a parent or carer, to Rovaniemi in Finnish Laplandhome of Santa Claus. The trip includes husky and reindeer rides, snowmobile safaris, sleigh rides, and, of course, a magical meeting with Santa himself. Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust receives no government or national funding and relies solely on donations to continue its work. For more information or to support the charity, please visit: https://nichildrentolapland.com A man who 'bit the hand that fed him' by pouring a can of beer over the head of a worker at Foyle Haven has been jailed at Derry Magistrate's Court. Patrick McGonagle (62) of Moyola Drive in Derry admitted a charge of disorderly behavior and one of assault that occurred on July 17 last. The court was told that around 12.10pm McGonagle pouted the beer over the worker's head outside Foyle Haven in John Street. He was then disorderly when police arrived and was arrested. Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said his client often went to Foyle Haven for a cup of tea or a chat. He said the defendant was 'well known' in the city and could be 'noisy' with drink taken. The solicitor said that all his client's difficulties stemmed from alcohol abuse and there was 'no justification' for the incident. Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer said the defendant had 109 previous convictions all alcohol related. READ NEXT: Creggan's pigeon racing philosopher He said the behaviour was 'totally unacceptable' and imposed a sentence of three months in custody. Stormonts leaders called for a zero-tolerance approach to racist and sectarian attacks as they voiced support for tougher prison sentences for perpetrators. Those guilty of violence against women and girls should also spend longer in jail, First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said. They made the comments after all ministers in Northern Irelands devolved powersharing agreed a joint statement condemning recent sectarian and racist attacks. The statement branded the acts of intimidation as abhorrent and expressed solidarity with victims and their families. It stressed the need for a zero tolerance approach and called for calm across all communities. All acts of intimidation must stop immediately, it said. Police figures show that racist hate crimes in Northern Ireland have reached record levels, with 2,049 race incidents and 1,329 race crimes in the 12 months from July 1 last year to June 30 this year. Those annual figures are the highest since such data began to be collated and reported by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in 2004/05. Rates spiked significantly in 2024/25, with 646 more race incidents and 434 more race crimes recorded compared with the previous 12 months. While Belfast has seen the most attacks, the Co Antrim town of Ballymena has also witnessed a surge in race-related violence, included a spate of anti-immigration rioting in June. A number of cars belonging to members of Ballymenas Filipino community were set on fire and destroyed in the latest attack on Sunday while recent weeks have also brought reports of vigilant gangs confronting people from ethnic minority communities in parts of Belfast. The first meeting of the Executive since recess also came after a summer that has seen several females lose their lives in violent circumstances in Northern Ireland. Incidents included the murder of a mother and her two children in their Co Fermanagh home. Vanessa Whyte, 45, and her children James Rutledge, 14, and Sara Rutledge, 13, died in a shooting at their house in Maguiresbridge in July. Agricultural contractor Ian Rutledge, 43, who also died in the incident, is understood to be the only suspect in the shooting of his family. The recent racist and sectarian attacks and the challenge of tackling violence against women and girls were all discussed during Thursdays Executive meeting at Stormont Castle in Belfast. On the racist and sectarian intimidation, Ms ONeill said afterwards that political leadership was needed. Political leadership is required to send out that message that we will not accept this behaviour, and it does not reflect the vast majority of society, she said. In my opinion, theres a small minority of people who are causing havoc, and it needs to be dealt with at a criminal level in terms of policing response, but also then judiciary and everything else. So we need to throw everything that we have to ensure we create a society thats inclusive and welcoming. The Sinn Fein vice president added: This is our first Executive meeting since the recess. So it was important that we collectively and all parties in the Executive send this united front message today that we stand unequivocally together in saying no to racism and no to sectarianism. I think thats a crucial message that we collectively want to deliver today. DUP deputy First Minister Ms Little-Pengelly said the intimidation and violence was totally unacceptable. Any threat or any intimidation of any person in Northern Ireland is absolutely wrong, no matter what that is motivated by, she said. By issuing an Executive statement today, we are demonstrating our determination to work together to ensure that people can be safe. Ms Little-Pengelly said the racist attacks were not just an issue for Northern Ireland and were also playing out on the streets across the UK, Ireland and beyond. The issue of immigration is not going to go away. I believe that this will continue to be a key issue of discussion, she added. The deputy First Minister said many people have genuine concerns and are frustrated with irregular migration, but added: I think its incredibly important that the Northern Ireland Executives makes clear that a discussion or a debate about immigration is entirely separate from any threat or intimidation which is completely wrong and never justified. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the two joint leaders of the administration were asked about the issue of sentencing for perpetrators and whether they thought current jail terms were sufficient. Ms Little-Pengelly responded: In terms of tougher sentences, I think youd probably find it hard to get an issue where I dont think there should be tougher sentences. I do believe that the law needs to be more muscular and robust when it comes to criminality. Ms ONeill added: At the Executive were discussing sentencing across a whole range of things, not least given the issue of tackling violence against women and girls and dealing with the perpetrators. So this is an area that we all I think would share a view that tougher sentencing is where we need to be. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn welcomed the joint Executive statement. There can never be any justification for the shocking scenes we have witnessed, he posted on social media. Earlier on Thursday, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said his officers were throwing the kitchen sink into efforts to track down and arrest those responsible for the intimidation. Some Northern Ireland schools which transform to become officially integrated are not achieving diversity targets, Paul Givan has said. In a written statement to the Assembly, the Stormont Education Minister set out his departments approach to reasonable numbers in the sector. Mr Givan said there is a general requirement in legislation that a school seeking to transform to integrated status is likely to provide integrated education to pupils of mixed backgrounds and abilities. He said his departments policy is that a new integrated school should attract 30% of its pupils from the minority community in the area where it is situated. Existing schools transforming to integrated status should have at least 10% of their first-year intake drawn from the minority tradition, aiming to achieve at least 30% in the longer term, he added. In his statement, Mr Givan said of the six post-primary schools that have transformed to integrated, one which did so in 2022 has gone from 4%-6% in terms of minority representation. He said in four of the six transformations, one dating back as far as 1998, the 20% minority pupils has not yet been achieved, while one school which transformed more than 25 years ago has not yet reached the year one target of 10% of minority tradition pupils. He added that none of the schools have come close to the integrated school aspiration of 40% Protestant pupils, 40% Catholic pupils and 20% other. Mr Givan said his position paper provides clarity and consistency for schools and communities considering transformation. He said it also reaffirms the importance of balanced representation from both Protestant and Catholic communities. This approach to reasonable numbers is grounded in the founding principles of Integrated Education and supported by research, which emphasises the importance of equal status and representation in fostering positive intergroup relations, he said. It ensures that Integrated Education continues to deliver on its founding promisebringing children together in a spirit of equality, respect, and shared learning. Responding, the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) criticised an overly rigid approach to reasonable numbers which fails to consider the unique circumstances facing each school should be avoided. Whilst reasonable numbers of Protestant and Catholic children are important to Integrated Education, so too are those of different cultures and religious beliefs and of none, as well as pupils of all abilities and diverse socio-economic backgrounds, they said. An Integrated ethos is also paramount, as is the composition of Boards of Governors. Unfortunately, the position paper refers little to this significant aspect of Integrated Education, instead focusing almost solely on the percentages/numbers of Protestants and Catholic pupils alone. The IEF said it recognises that increasing minority enrolments can be a challenge for some schools, but that the paper fails to take into consideration the different contexts facing each school in terms of demographics, locality and size. Some schools start the process having very few, if any, children from a particular faith, they said. This is the reality of an education system where less than 2% of children enrolled in Catholic Maintained schools identify as Protestant and less than 9% of children attending a Controlled school identify as Catholic. The IEF also criticised the paper as not including numerous examples where transformation has been a resounding success. According to Department of Education school census data, an overwhelming majority of schools experience an increase in minority enrolment during the transformation process, they said. Rather than criticising transforming schools, perhaps the minister could do more to encourage, facilitate and support them on their journey of integration, consistent with demonstrable overwhelming parental demand, which is of course his legal duty. 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. Taiwan govt stresses cooperation as US strips TSMC Nanjing's VEU The US has revoked TSMC Nanjing's Verified End-User status, effective as of the end of 2024, requiring case-by-case approval for US equipment imports. Taiwan's Economic Minister Kung Ming-hsin emphasized the importance of cooperation and ongoing dialogue with Washington, while evaluating that the move will have minimal impact, given TSMC's relatively small production share in China. Limited industry impact expected Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) evaluated that the US decision will not affect the overall competitiveness of Taiwan's semiconductor industry. The newly appointed Minister Kung noted that TSMC will maintain ongoing communication with the US government, and the ministry will provide assistance as needed. Kung emphasized that TSMC's production capacity in China remains relatively small, accounting for only 3% compared to Samsung's 20% and SK Hynix's 40%, and is expected to decline further. Furthermore, TSMC's share of Taiwan's total semiconductor output is even smaller, leading the MOEA to conclude that the new US measures will not significantly impact Taiwan's industrial competitiveness. New licensing requirements take effect The Industrial Development Administration under MOEA explained that the US government's cancellation of the VEU status means that TSMC Nanjing must now seek individual license approvals for each shipment of controlled US technology. This effectively replaces the previous system that allowed certain imports under general authorization without case-by-case applications. The new process introduces greater regulatory scrutiny and may affect the predictability of the plant's operations. The MOEA stated that the revocation of VEU status appears not to target any single firm but reflects the broader tightening of US semiconductor export controls. Given the close connections between Taiwan's semiconductor supply chains and the US, Taiwanese companies are encouraged to enhance compliance with export regulations to protect their business interests. Since taking office in September 2024, Kung has been engaging with industries affected by US tariffs to better understand and respond to such external pressures. Article edited by Jerry Chen Sony to encourage suppliers to use 100% renewable energy by 2031 Sony has announced plans to encourage its key component suppliers to use 100% renewable energy in their production processes by the fiscal year ending March 2031. According to Nikkei Asia, this goal is part of Sony's new environmental action guidelines, which include mid-term targets from fiscal 2026 to 2030. Currently, Sony does not mandate its suppliers to fully transition to renewable energy by 2031, but the initiative is expected to impact mainly first-tier suppliers. The policy allows for the use of wind, solar, hydropower, and carbon credits obtained through greenhouse gas emission trading schemes to count toward emission reduction goals. However, Sony has not disclosed any penalties or consequences if suppliers fail to meet these targets. In contrast to Sony's approach, some US companies like Apple have set firmer deadlines, calling on their suppliers to transition completely to renewable energy by specific dates. It remains uncertain whether Sony will impose mandatory requirements on its supply chain by 2030. Nevertheless, the Japanese firm's longer-term ambition is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire supply chain, including suppliers, by the fiscal year ending March 2041. Sony's sustainability initiatives continue despite political challenges such as the weakening of carbon reduction policies under the Trump administration and the withdrawal of some financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs and HSBC, from international decarbonization programs. The company sees environmental action as a way to enhance its corporate value. Earlier, Sony had aimed for all its product-related suppliers to fully adopt renewable energy, but later narrowed the goal to focus on its direct product supply chain for feasibility reasons. To meet its renewable energy objectives, Sony plans to install solar panels on factory rooftops in Japan and the US. Since joining the international RE100 initiative in 2018, Sony has set ambitious environmental targets, including achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and eliminating environmental impact entirely by 2050. Article edited by Jack Wu Tech Forum 2025: AI-semiconductor convergence will double global market to US$2 trillion by 2040, says Etron chair Nicky Lu, chairman of Etron Technology, emphasized at the DIGITIMES Tech Forum 2025 in Taipei that artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors form a "perfect match," a symbiotic relationship that solidifies Taiwan's critical role in the global technology supply chain. "Without Taiwan's supply chain, the US AI industry couldn't turn a profit," Lu said, forecasting that the global semiconductor market will hit US$1 trillion by 2030 and double to US$2 trillion by 2040. AI unleashing the next wave of killer applications Lu said AI has fundamentally changed the trajectory of technological progress. Whereas earlier eras delivered one breakthrough at a time, such as notebooks or smartphones, AI can unleash multiple killer applications simultaneously, both upgrading existing products and opening new markets. He outlined three stages in AI's evolution: Practical enhancements smartphones, notebooks, and software still have wide gaps for improvement, and AI will deliver those tangible upgrades. Automation and autonomy drones, unmanned ships, and self-driving cars will define the next wave. HumanAI integration in the longer term, seamless interaction between the human brain and AI will give people intuitive, continuous access to information. Taiwan's ongoing transformation Reflecting on history, Lu credited Taiwan's semiconductor rise to Li Kwoh-ting described by the New York Times as the "Godfather of Technology" and TSMC founder Morris Chang, whose 1987 vision positioned Taiwan as a chip manufacturing hub. That decision created global champions such as TSMC and paved the way for companies like MediaTek. However, Lu cautioned that Taiwan has only traveled "half the journey" from manufacturing to design leadership. While MediaTek has emerged as a global force, Taiwan's overall design ecosystem remains underdeveloped. Looking ahead, Lu urged Taiwan to pursue what he dubbed "TSAC," following TSMC's naming convention, a vision of Taiwan evolving from a manufacturing and design stronghold into a new paradigm where AI and semiconductors converge. He said Taiwan must invest boldly in this convergence to carry the pioneering spirit of 1987 into the AI era. The Si 4.0 era Lu described the coming decade as the dawn of the Si 4.0 era, a phase of tight integration between semiconductors and AI systems. Under this shift, the US$1 trillion milestone by 2030 appears inevitable, with output doubling again to US$2 trillion by 2040. He warned Taiwanese companies not to frame their strategies around 2030 alone. "The industry must envision what Taiwan will look like in 2040 and start preparing now." Article edited by Jerry Chen Semicon India 2025: Kaynes Semicon forges key partnerships to strengthen local chip ecosystem Kaynes Semicon, a subsidiary of Kaynes Technology and India's first advanced OSAT and module manufacturer, has announced a series of strategic partnerships during Semicon India 2025, held from September 2-4, 2025. The collaborations underscore India's push to expand its semiconductor manufacturing and testing capabilities, while positioning Kaynes as a key industry player, according to multiple reports, including The Economic Times, Electronics Media, DQ India, and Devdiscourse. First "Made in India" MEMS microphone takes center stage In one of the headline agreements, Kaynes signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Infineon Technologies to explore joint opportunities in India's fast-growing semiconductor market. The partnership will see Kaynes launch its first "Made in India" MEMS Microphone, integrating Infineon's bare die technology for next-generation wearable devices, including TWS earbuds. Infineon will also supply high-performance bare die wafers for Kaynes to package into discrete and module products, targeting energy, industrial, and consumer applications. The collaboration aims to strengthen India's local supply chain, reduce import dependency, and deliver cost-optimized, energy-efficient solutions with shorter lead times. Emerson partnership scales testing capabilities Kaynes also deepened its focus on semiconductor testing by partnering with industrial technology leader Emerson. Under the agreement, Kaynes will deploy Emerson's NI Semiconductor Test System (STS) as its preferred platform across analog, mixed-signal, RF, power, and MEMS device testing. Standardizing infrastructure on NI STS will help Kaynes scale production, improve flexibility, and shorten time-to-market, aligning with its ambition to be a trusted Test-as-a-Service partner. Automotive consortium drives indigenous development Expanding into advanced automotive and mobility technologies, Kaynes joined forces with Bharat Semi company 3rdiTech, along with SENSESEMI Technologies, Focally, NXP, and SPARSHIQ. The consortium, formalized through an MoU signed in the presence of IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeks to accelerate indigenous semiconductor and vision-system development. The partnership highlights efforts to build a resilient value chain for high-performance, safety-critical electronics while bolstering India's self-reliance and competitiveness in export-grade technologies. UST collaboration paves way for Gujarat OSAT plant In another development, Kaynes announced an equity-linked collaboration with US Technology International (UST). The company will issue 27,778 compulsorily convertible preference shares, amounting to a 10% shareholding upon conversion, with terms tied to revenue milestones. The agreement supports Kaynes' plans to establish an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) plant in Sanand, Gujarat, marking a significant step in India's semiconductor packaging roadmap. Article edited by Jerry Chen Father Ted creator Graham Linehan arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday morning where he faces trial accused of harassing transgender activist Sophia Brooks. Before going into court, the 57-year-old comedy writer posed with a sign which said on one side Theres no such thing as a transgender child, and on the other it said Keep men out of womens sports. READ NEXT: American tourist in 'serious condition' after falling from cliff at Irish beauty spot He has denied one count of harassing the activist on social media and a further charge of damaging her mobile phone in October. Linehan, who created Father Ted in the 1990s with fellow Irish writer Arthur Mathews, said in a post on X in April that the allegations were related to an incident at the Battle of Ideas conference in London on October 19. Graham Linehan wore a sandwich board-style sign as he arrived at court READ NEXT: Girl (4) diagnosed with stage four brain cancer as GoFundMe goes viral online According to court documents, he is charged with harassing the alleged victim by posting abusive comments about her on social media between October 11 and October 27, and damaging her phone to the value of 369 on the day of the conference. In May, following a hearing in the case, Linehan said he has lost a great deal but will not waver in my resolve. The Bafta-winning writer, who also came up with TV sitcoms The IT Crowd and Black Books, was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Monday on suspicion of inciting violence in three posts he had made on X about trans issues. Father Ted creator Graham Linehan called a transgender activist a deeply disturbed sociopath in vindictive social media posts, a court has heard. The 57-year-old Irish comedy writer is on trial at Westminster Magistrates Court accused of harassing trans woman Sophia Brooks. District Judge Briony Clarke said the prosecution would address the complainant according to their affirmed gender name while stating that the defendants position was that the complainant is male. The judge added: No party seeks to police the others use of language. Neither party wishes the use of language to disrupt proceedings. Prosecutor Julia Faure Walker said Linehan had posted about the activist relentlessly and that his posts were oppressive. Ms Faure Walker added: They were verbally abusive and vindictive, and reflected Mr Linehans deep disliking of Ms Brooks. On October 11 last year, a conference of the womens rights group LGB Alliance was disrupted when some girls inside released insects, the prosecution said. Ms Faure Walker said: Despite there being no evidence that Ms Brooks participated, Linehan linked disruption of the event to her. During cross-examination, the activist said the LGB Alliance was a hate group that had advocated for the eradication of trans rights. Linehan posted online a number of times about the complainant after the conference, the court heard. In a post to the Metropolitan Police X account on October 12, Linehan said: I believe these three men all had knowledge of the recent homophobic attack on a meeting of gay, lesbian and bisexual people. Will they take seriously this example of domestic terrorism, in which I believe some silly children were doing the bidding of some very dangerous men. While being cross-examined on Thursday, the activist said: An employer may be wary of employing me if they learn someone has accused me of being a domestic terrorist. On October 13, Linehan posted online that the activist was behind countless episodes of harassment of women and gay men both online and off, adding he is a deeply disturbed sociopath and I believe he had some involvement in Fridays homophobic attack. Giving evidence, the complainant told the court I felt alarmed and distressed at being called a deeply disturbed sociopath by Linehan. The activist added: I was being branded as a deeply disturbed sociopath by a relatively famous person with over 500,000 followers any of which could see Mr Linehans post and cause great harm to me. The court was told that Linehan and the activist met for the first time in person outside the Battle of Ideas conference in Westminster on October 19 last year. The transgender activist told the court that Linehan had called her a sissy porn-watching scumbag, a groomer and a disgusting incel, with the complainant responding youre the incel, youre divorced. While filming outside the venue, the activist approached Linehan and asked: Why do you think it is acceptable to call teenagers domestic terrorists? A video played to the court appeared to show Linehan grabbing the complainants phone. Discussing the incident, the activist said: He grabbed my hand and forcibly ripped my phone out of it and then took my phone behind his back and refused to give it to me. I demanded he give me my phone back and after realising I wouldnt relent, he said: Go and get your f****** phone and threw it into the road. The court heard that Linehan posted on social media about someone with the name Tarquin, which Ms Faure Walker said was the defendants derogatory term for the complainant. Asked how the Tarquin name came to be used, the complainant told the court: It is apparently to do with my poshness. The court was told that Linehan posted on October 19: Was interesting to meet Tarquin today. Absolute psycho. In another post, the defendant said watch how Buffalo Bill uses the camera to hide his face. On October 22, the defendant said of the activist: He likes to handle people and then complain about being touched himself. The court heard that Linehan tried to get information about the activist, saying we believe Tarquin is studying, then referred to a particular course, and said: If you know him and want to help to stop him harassing people, please get in touch. Linehan also said hes been 17 years old for a number of years in another post, the court heard. On October 24, Linehan wrote hes also a scumbag who harasses women, the prosecution said. They said Linehan also wrote: If you encounter Tarquin in the wild, try to resist the urge to stick his cameras up his arse. Hes hoping to get you to do something he can report the police. Linehan was interviewed under caution on February 5 and provided a prepared statement. Ms Faure Walker said: He said, in summary, that he considered that the complainant whom he referred to as Tarquin throughout the prepared statement had harassed him, by approaching him and filming him at close quarters; he said he tried to ignore the complainant; the complainant provoked him and made a provocative statement; put the phone in his face; he grabbed the phone and threw it to the side; it was a reflex response. In relation to the online posts, the defendant did not accept it amounted to harassment; as a journalist as he described himself he believed exposing tactics of trans activities was in the public interest. Before going into court, the writer posed with a sandwich board-style sign which said on one side Theres no such thing as a transgender child, and on the other, Keep men out of womens sports. Linehan, wearing a white shirt, grey jacket and dark trousers, spoke to confirm his identity at the trial. He has denied one count of harassing the activist on social media between October 11 and October 27 last year, and a further charge of criminal damage of their mobile phone on October 19 last year. The trial continues. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has said the onus should be on BAM to explain any further delays to the timeline for the new National Childrens Hospital. The project had an original completion date of August 2022 but has faced a series of delays and costs have ballooned from a planned 650 million euros to an expected 2.2 billion euros. After the completion of construction by main contractor BAM, the hospital will also require a commission period of between six and nine months to install healthcare machines, for example before it becomes operational. Last week Ms Carroll MacNeill said BAMs claims that large areas of the hospital have been completed since early July were not credible. She said the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) said many rooms still have open snags and only around 800 are satisfactory, which represents less than 15% of all rooms in the hospital. She also said her biggest concern is that there were half the number of contractors on site compared to the end of last year. BAM said the project was more than 99% complete and that because of the specialist nature of the work at this late stage of the project, it was entirely normal that there were fewer people on site. Speaking at the National Integrated Healthcare Conference in Dublin on Thursday, Ms Carroll MacNeill said it should not be difficult for BAM to get more contractors on site to finish the project in a logical and sequential way. Asked when the hospital can be expected to be ready by, Ms Carroll MacNeill said: Do you know what I think the onus should be actually on? Lets ask BAM. Because you know, Im not going to give a date that moves the dial for anybody, they have made commitments to the Irish state. Its up to them to make sure that they deliver it. My expectation is that they should meet their commitments and if they dont meet their commitments, then they should explain that to you. I think its very reasonable. She added: What I would very much like is to have the hospital now from BAM. As they say it is 99% complete, so it really shouldnt be a difficulty for them to get enough contractors on site to finish it out in a logical and sequential way that enables us the early access that we need to be able to put things like beds in it, to be able to start testing labs, to be able to do all of the work that we need to do to commission a hospital of that size. Bernard (Gloster) and I met with CHI the week before last, and were meeting them again on Tuesday to see what the CHI preparation is, theres an enormous amount of work done, there is also an enormous amount of work yet to do. But a big part of that is being able to physically get access to the hospital, and it really is imperative that BAM make sure that theyre taking every step that is within their power to take, and to make sure that they (meet) the commitments that they have made to the Irish state. I think this is a massive thing for them, reputationally, both domestically and more globally. I think its really important that the Irish Government articulate that on behalf of the Irish state, on behalf of the Irish taxpayer, who entered into an agreement, who had made money available to BAM, gone into contractual commitments, and need to make sure that thats delivered on behalf of the Irish state. The UK and Irish Governments are close to announcing a framework on legacy issues in Northern Ireland, Irelands deputy premier is expected to tell a conference. It comes as Unionists have reacted negatively to the Governments dealings with Dublin on the controversial Legacy Act and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) While the Labour Government has committed to repealing parts of the Act, which has faced opposition from political parties in Northern Ireland and victims organisations, it has decided to retain and reform the Commission. Over the past year, the UK and Irish Governments have engaged in a process for root and branch reform of the Act and the ICRIR. Tanaiste Simon Harris is expected to outline progress on the matter as he delivers remarks at the British-Irish Association (BIA) conference in Oxford on Friday. Mr Harris, who has hailed a reset in relations between the UK and Irish Governments, will tell conference attendees that the new era of collaboration will be meaningful only if it includes and delivers for the people of Northern Ireland. He will say that any agreement will be based on promoting reconciliation, upholding the rule of law, addressing the suffering of victims and survivors, and facilitating the pursuit of justice and information recovery. Mr Harris, who is Irelands Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, will tell the BIA that all reformed legacy mechanisms must be compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has ordered a review into whether the UK should quit the ECHR, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has long supported leaving it. It is the Irish Governments position that guarantees under the European Convention on Human Rights cannot be negotiated. Mr Harris is also expected to outline victims calls for effective representation, maximum disclosure arrangements and independent oversight in legacy bodies. He will also address calls for public hearings with next-of-kin participation and the need for a separate cross-border information retrieval body. Unionist politicians have been critical of any move to allow the Irish Government to have influence of ICRIR, while stating that Dublin has not done enough to address legacy itself. On this matter, it is anticipated that Mr Harris will say that the Irish Government will do more in relation to its own obligations on addressing legacy in its jurisdiction. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, who is among expected attendees at the conference, has already indicated the Government is close to a fresh agreement on how to deal with the legacy of the Troubles. Mr Benn also discussed legacy issues with Stormont leaders on Thursday. First Minister Michelle ONeill said there was a need to unburden todays generation with yesterday, adding that whatever agreement is reached needs to command the biggest support possible. She said the framework would have to be compliant with human rights standards and the Windsor Framework, which provides for no diminution of rights in Northern Ireland. Those are fundamentals. If were going to be successful, I want us to get to the point where we have a package that actually allows us to deal with the past. We have to unburden todays generation with yesterday, and I want us to do everything that we can to do that. It remains to be seen what this looks like, but I believe thats going to become more clear in the weeks ahead. Mr Harris, who will be attending the BIA conference for the first time, is also expected to say that paramilitarism must be tackled to resolve unresolved wounds of the Troubles. The two governments are jointly to appoint an independent expert to determine whether a structured process on paramilitary group transition to disbandment should be established. The conference is a major event in the calendar of the BIA, which aims to promote good relations between the governments and people of the UK and Ireland as well as helping to build peace in Northern Ireland. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Northern Ireland Office are among current sponsors of the BIA. China, British partners voice high expectations for China trade fair Xinhua) 13:42, September 04, 2025 LONDON, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and British participants expressed strong expectations for the upcoming 138th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, at a promotion conference held Wednesday in London, with a sub-venue in Belfast. More than 200 representatives from government agencies, business chambers and enterprises attended the event. Li Nan, consul general of the Chinese Consulate General in Belfast, said the Canton Fair has grown into a key platform for foreign trade and international exchanges during China's decades of reform and opening up. The fair now attracts buyers and exhibitors from more than 200 countries and regions, he noted. British enterprises have long been active at the fair, according to Li Peng, economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom. He said its import exhibition has offered British companies a fast track to enter the Chinese market and expand their global presence. Zhang Sihong, deputy director general of the China Foreign Trade Center, said the number of overseas buyers at the fair has repeatedly reached new highs in recent years, reflecting China's commitment to further opening up despite global economic challenges. Jack Perry, chairman of the 48 Group, called the fair a "stabilizer" in global trade, highlighting its role at a time when protectionism and geopolitical tensions threaten supply chains. China and Britain, he added, have complementary strengths that can help make trade smarter, greener and more resilient. Peter McConvey, director of Signature Works and a regular buyer at the fair, focused on its scale, product quality and innovation, saying it supports long-term business growth and broader opportunities. Li Peng said more British companies are encouraged to make full use of the fair to deepen cooperation with China. First launched in 1957, the fair is held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province. This year's autumn fair is scheduled to run from October to November. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The sixth edition of the Louth International Film Festival, in association with An Tain Arts Centre and Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), starts tomorrow. The festival will take place from Friday, September 5th to Sunday, September 7th. County Louth has a long and rich history of arts, music, culture, and folklore and this festival is a celebration of that heritage, where contemporary visual storytelling is shared through the medium of film. Investigative, thought-provoking, and innovative documentary, film drama, and animationboth feature-length and short-formcontinue this tradition of storytelling, cultural exchange, and the sharing of ideas. The Louth International Film Festival attracts a diverse audience, including members of the local community, film industry representatives, visiting filmmakers, students, and film enthusiasts from all walks of life. Dundalk native and Hollywood director John Moore, speaking about the sixth edition, said: "Everyone is from somewhere, but we like to reach out to everywhere. "Local film festivals do thisthey bring the wide world to us all and add their own special local magic. "Louth is a small county with a huge sense of magic, of history, of story. I wish them continued success with their world-class festival and will continue to support them and cheer them to the rafters." Tickets: Full Festival Pass, which gives you access to everything over the three days for just 30 saving you an average of 25! Most individual tickets are 5, and there is also a number of free events. For more information on this years programme and to book tickets visit the Louth International Film Festival HERE The festival is made possible in part by the generous support of Create Louth, Dundalk Credit Union, and contributions from the local community. MidlandsNorth-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has again voiced his strongest opposition against the Mercosur trade agreement claiming that Louth farmers are set to lose out. Currently he said that he welcomes the Government response from Minister Haydon who has firmly rejected the proposed Mercosur deal. However, this opposition must remain and we cannot see an abandonment of principles. We have a proud agricultural tradition in Ireland and we cannot turn our backs on food quality and safety. In addition, Mullooly said that, the proposed benefits to the dairy and drinks sector are highly dubious and wishful thinking. A recent global price comparison of cheese shows Ireland at around $11.31 per kilo, while Brazil stands at just $8.73 and Paraguay at only $6.73 - 40% cheaper than Ireland. With Mercosur dairy already this low-priced, and transport and logistics costs on top, there is simply no real market opportunity for Irish dairy exports. Mullooly commented on the safeguards in place for farmers and said that: We have seen trade deals already made a mockery of this year with egregious breaches of human rights clauses as in the case of the EU Israel trade deal, so why should we expect there to be any real meaning behind similar clauses in this Mercosur trade deal? We cannot have any real faith in safety or human rights clauses anymore. Read Next: Louth County Council wants you to make your business age friendly! The Independent Ireland MEP is also urging the Tanaiste to take a clear stand. At the upcoming meeting of the Council of Ministers for Trade, saying, This deal has not been changed and will not be renegotiated. The decision is now final. Under Qualified Majority Voting, 65% of votes are required to block Mercosur - meaning every countrys position counts. "The Tanaiste must now make his choice: will he back Irish and European farmers by rejecting this deeply damaging agreement, as he himself has said many times during the debate or will he turn his back on them? The time for indecision is over." Marks & Spencer says it is proud to partner with Ballymakenny Farm, a family-run grower in Drogheda, Co Louth , to bring customers across Ireland a stunning range of locally grown heritage potato varieties. Ballymakenny Farm is a fourth-generation farm run by husband-and-wife team David and Maria Flynn, with their son Daniel hoping to continue the family tradition into the future. David is a fourth-generation farmer, while Maria, originally from Drogheda, left for a finance career in London before returning home, meeting David and working in partnership on the farm. The speciality and heritage Irish potatoes will be stocked on M&S shelves from Thursday 4 September, offering customers a colourful alternative to the traditional white potato a venture inspired by Marias desire to try something different. Every bag is harvested, picked, packed on the farm and even hand-stamped by David. Introducing specialist gourmet and heritage potatoes gave us purpose. For small independent farms to be sustainable, we have to do something a bit different, exciting, and niche. Its wonderful to know our potato varieties will soon be on M&S shelves its a proud moment for us. says Maria. Marias move into speciality and heritage varieties began after growing commercial Rooster potatoes on a large scale alongside David. I started to fall out of love with conventional farming it just wasnt what I wanted to do anymore. she explains. That shift in perspective led Maria to experiment with distinctive varieties, starting with the striking purple Violetta potato. What began as a passion project quickly grew into a thriving business, winning over some of Irelands top chefs and carving out a niche in the hospitality sector. As demand from restaurants soared, Ballymakenny scaled back commercial Rooster production to focus on their heritage range. We were often asked where people can buy our potatoes, but because we only supplied hospitality, the public simply couldnt get them. When we met with M&S, it felt like a no-brainer with M&Ss stores across Ireland, we can finally give our customers what theyve been asking for. The M&S launch will begin with the Purple Rain potato, with other varieties including Pink Fir Apple, Red Emmalie, Mayan Gold, and Lily Rose, Purple Rain rotating throughout the season. Shaun Doherty, Senior Agronomist at M&S, said: Were always looking to offer customers something special, and Ballymakenny speciality and heritage variety potatoes are exactly that. Working with Ballmakenny farms allows us to help in growing the future by preserving the past and introducing that bit of magic with speciality and heritage varieties that our customers expect. "Maria and Davids commitment to quality and innovation impressed us immediately and their selection of unique potatoes varieties for taste and unique qualities over commercial yield. Were excited to bring these unique varieties to our customers and encourage everyone to explore the rich flavours and stories behind each potato. The launch marks an exciting new milestone for Ballymakenny Farm, bringing their much-loved speciality and heritage potatoes to home cooks across Ireland. Customers can find the range in all 16 M&S stores across Ireland from September 4th - with all varieties grown, harvested, and packed in Co. Louth. Over 100k in funding has been announced for educationally disadvantaged learners in Louth. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD and Minister of State with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills Marian Harkin TD have today announced over 4.5 million in funding to support over 100,000 educationally disadvantaged learners across Ireland. Over 700 local community education groups will benefit from the Reach Fund to support learners personal development and build skills while offering educational options through simplified pathways, creating further opportunities to progress to other areas of Further Education and Training (FET)) and beyond. 108k for the 2025 Reach Fund was allocated by SOLAS, and it will be administered through Louth Meath Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Announcing the funding today, Minister Lawless said: Over the past five years Reach funding has provided vital support for communities across Ireland. Originally introduced in 2020 to support the most disadvantaged learners throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this funding stream continues to play a pivotal role in supporting ETBs and community education providers to increase their capacity, ensuring that they can support the participation of disadvantaged learners within their communities. Reach funding has helped to tackle inequalities and support access to community education, whilst also addressing important topics such as climate justice education, education for sustainable development, and building climate literacy. Through this funding we remain committed to promoting access, collaboration and innovation in community education." Minister Harkin said: In recent years, we have prioritised investment in community education, which has been bolstered by Reach funding. This has led to huge growth in the demand for services with learner numbers expanding rapidly across the country. Community education is at the heart of FET and it not only benefits learners and communities but also plays an important role in supporting a democratic society. It is now more important than ever that we recognise community education for its ability to foster social cohesion and active citizenship, and that we continue to support those learners who need it most. Key target groups for Reach funding include the long-term unemployed; learners under 25 years of age; people with disabilities; and migrants and refugees. Other priority groups include lone parents; members of the Traveller and Roma communities; early school leavers; and people impacted by homelessness. Read Next: Farmers in Louth will lose out in new Mercosur proposal claims MEP Also commenting on the announcement, Interim CEO of SOLAS, Nessa White said: Community education is a critical driver of access to education and as such plays a unique role in the FET system, and in local communities across Ireland. It offers local, accessible, and welcoming learning opportunities for individuals which can support them to achieve their personal, social, and educational goals. We are delighted to continue to allocate Reach funding in 2025 to support those learners who need it the most. Since 2020, thousands of learners have been supported through Reach funding and demand is growing year on year. Its brilliant to see such huge vibrancy in the community education provision across FET, this is testament to the incredible work that is happening at local level by ETBs and community partners as they remain committed to tackling barriers that prevent learners from accessing education and support them to re-engage and participate with local provision. People living or visiting Louth are being warned that they may receive an emergency alert message sent by the British government as part of a drill taking place this Sunday. On Sunday, 7 September, at 3pm, the UK Government will test its Emergency Alerts service across the UK, including Northern Ireland. This system was launched across Britain and Northern Ireland in March 2023 and was tested in April 2023. As happened during the April 2023 test of the system, people living in, or visiting, the border counties may receive a message on their phone or mobile device, followed by an audio alert and a vibration of up to ten seconds. This emergency alert will look and sound different to other types of messages such as SMS text messages. The alert will be received even if the mobile device is set to silent or do not disturb. Devices do not need to be connected to WiFi or mobile data to get the alert. Read Next: Louth TD welcomes free public transport for 5-8 year olds The government have said there is no cause for concern, and no action is needed. A government statement said: "Vulnerable people, including victims of human trafficking and domestic abuse, may carry hidden phones for personal safety reasons. Anybody in this position who would prefer if their phone did not sound, should turn their phone off or switch it to airplane mode. "The UK launched its Emergency Alerts service across Britain and Northern Ireland on Sunday, 19th March 2023. This service enables the UK Government to send a message to all mobile devices to warn of a life-threatening emergency nearby, for example extreme weather, severe flooding or a fire. This service aims to provide clear information to help keep people safe." If you are in the market for an SUV then a quick look in the aquarium of models from BYD will offer you two models. The Seal U and this week's test model the Sealion 7. At first glance the two are quite similar with the main differentiator being the sloping coupe looks on the Sealion 7. At the back those water droplet LED rear lights look very good as does the sporty/quirky shaped spoiler and its safe to say that the Sealion 7 meets the brief of what a sporty SUV should look like. The Sealion 7 is an all-electric model differing from the Seal U which is a PHEV and was a bit of a surprise when it was launched as we were associating BYD with being just an all-electric brand. The Sealion 7 is the 5th model from the now familiar Chinese brand here in Ireland. BYD were the 5th best selling maker of all-electric cars in Ireland in 2024 and currently are in 5th so it's hardly surprising that the BY what query youd hear not very long ago is never heard now, so pervasive is the brand here. Immediate competitors are the BMW IX, VW ID7 Tourer, Skoda Enyaq, Model Y and the Hyundai Ionic 5. Tellingly, the Sealion 7 is larger than the Skoda and Tesla who are the natural equivalents. BYD are known to comprehensively equip their cars and the Sealion 7 has three models that look very similar with the difference being what size wheels are being driven - rear or all, and the size of battery fitted. A quick look at the comparison table in the Sealion 7 brochure shows the black dot of standard equipment applied to all models. The top of the range Excellence model with the largest 91.3kW battery for 56,490 also delivers a heads-up display. The entry RWD comfort model has a price tag of 45,435 with the meat in the sandwich Design AWD model costing 52,390. The Comfort model is priced very competitively and looks like the one to go for in terms of value. The interior of the Sealion 7 is immediately recognisable being similar to other BYD models and that's a big compliment as the others are that good. Everyone it seems is surprised that the interiors are so good, especially from a brand that was unknown a short while ago. Materials are excellent (nearly always all are from all brands these days) and the layout and features don't disappoint either. It is immediately apparent that the target buyer might want a minimalist Tesla interior and BYD has aped the Model Ys layout, albeit with a tiny few buttons thrown in. If you get a BYD youll become menu proficient or, as I do, control most features using the voice activation. Personally, more buttons and knobs are desirable but car makers are slow to bring them back and get with the programme. Thankfully legislators are rowing back the all-menu touchscreen displays and insisting on some knobs and buttons. From a safety perspective it's a no-brainer and it is disappointing that legislators were so slow to stem the menu trend but thankfully they are now. Regardless, the best description of the Sealion 7s interior is seamless and harmonious - it's a very nice place to be. Performance is quite brisk from the Sealion 7 from its high performance 23,000 RPM electric motor and blade battery technology combo. My AWD Excellence version can reach 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds and go on to a top speed of 215 km/h. Straight line speed is generally excellent from eclectic cars with the constant torque at every part of the acceleration curve one of the best things about driving an electric car. The suspension setup is more on the comfort than sporty side and that's what most buyers would want. Those who need to feel a pebble under the front wheels can look elsewhere. Read Next: Over 100k for educationally disadvantaged learners in Louth The Sealion 7 is designed for families being ferried around in comfort, with lots of space - that boot carries 520litres and has an electric tailgate which is such a wonderful feature that I originally thought was a gimmick. But time has proved to me it is one feature that is certainly not a gimmick. I found normal driving on normal roads to be a comfortable experience and the insulation levels in the Sealion 7 are high and keep the outside world where it should be - outside. The roadholding was quite good and grip levels were high, its just that you don't get a sense of what the wheels are doing through the steering wheel. If you overextend the car youd only find out, I suspect, when it is too late - as are an awful lot of cars these days. The car can take a whopping, where you can find it, 230kW of charge and has a 32 minute 10% to 80% recharge time. 502km is the claimed range for my AWD Excellence model with the largest battery, but from my driving I managed 21.8kW/100km for a real world range of 418kms. That is everyday livable with and over, for me, the magic 400km figure. Owning a Sealion 7 with a home charger will allow you to forget the car is powered by electricity. Range/Charging/Whatever anxiety is banished with only the unenlightened passengers worrying about those things. In its category, a very competitive one at that, the Sealion 7 holds its own. Raising BYD brand awareness it seems has been very successful and the relatively keen pricing and 8 year / 200,000 battery warranty are powerful persuaders for purchasing one. Three in four people say they broadly trust charities and community groups, according to a research project. However, the nationally representative survey of 1,000 people found that large portions of the population believe there is possible duplication of services and potential for mergers to cut costs and avoid overlaps. The report, titled Trust & Understanding: Public Confidence in Charities and Community Groups, was published by the We Act campaign ahead of International Day of Charity on Friday September 5. The We Act campaign is a collaborative initiative of The Wheel, Volunteer Ireland, Dochas, the Disability Federation of Ireland and Boardmatch Ireland. As to possible duplication of services, 35% thought smaller charities often duplicate compared with 47% for medium charities and 39% for large charities, while approximately one in four respondents were unsure. When it comes to mergers, 34% thought small charities should merge to cut costs and avoid overlap, with 43% for medium charities and 32% for large charities, while approximately one in four (27%) were unsure. We Act campaign manager Claire McGowran said this does not seem to negatively impact the trust held in charities. She said: There are benefits to having a diverse range of charities where, for example, a charity may be providing a service locally that is offered elsewhere, but it means people do not have to travel for support. Of course, it makes sense to pool resources where possible, and there is already a huge amount of collaboration in our sector that often goes unseen, with groups getting together to be more impactful. Among the other key survey findings outlined in the report are high levels of trust and value in the sector. When it comes to the most trusted organisations and institutions, 75% said that they trusted charities and community groups a great deal or up to a point, coming second after schools which scored 82%, and ahead of Gardai which scored 73%. Small charities were the most trusted (74%), followed by medium and large organisations at 67% and 63% respectively. Almost four in five people value the work of the charity and community sector, while two in three (67%) agree the sector delivers high-quality services. More than 60% believe that the sector is professional and competent but this varied depending on the size of the organisation. More than half of respondents viewed small organisations as usually a bit amateurish in their approach compared with 12% for large organisations and 20% for medium organisations. The most popular drivers of support for charities included the organisations spending transparency, its reputation, and its management. Commenting on the lessons for charities and community groups, Ms McGowran said: Of course, more needs to be done to communicate the good work of charities big and small. Smaller charities can perhaps point out how they are also regulated by the Charity Regulator, and have the same levels of compliance and reporting as larger charities, although the burden can be significant based on the resources available to them. Meanwhile, larger organisations can highlight the significant work that goes into ensuring accountability and demonstrating transparency in using public funds. Father Ted creator Graham Linehan deliberately whacked a phone out of a transgender activists hand and called them a disgusting incel, a court has heard. The 57-year-old Irish comedy writer is on trial at Westminster Magistrates Court accused of harassing trans woman Sophia Brooks. District Judge Briony Clarke said the prosecution would address the complainant according to their affirmed gender name, while stating that the defendants position was that the complainant is male. The judge added: No party seeks to police the others use of language. Neither party wishes the use of language to disrupt proceedings. The court was told that Linehan and the activist met for the first time in person outside the Battle of Ideas conference in Westminster on October 19 last year. The transgender activist told the court that Linehan had called her a sissy porn-watching scumbag, a groomer and a disgusting incel, with the complainant responding youre the incel, youre divorced. While filming outside the venue, the activist approached Linehan and asked: Why do you think it is acceptable to call teenagers domestic terrorists? A video played to the court appeared to show Linehan grabbing the complainants phone. Discussing the incident, the activist said: He grabbed my hand and forcibly ripped my phone out of it and then took my phone behind his back and refused to give it to me. I demanded he give me my phone back and after realising I wouldnt relent, he said: Go and get your f****** phone and threw it into the road. Prosecutor Julia Faure Walker said: He deliberately whacked the phone out of Ms Brooks hand, adding that it caused damage to the phone. The complainant said they were told by Apple that it would cost 369 to repair the phone. Linehans lawyer, Sarah Vine KC, told the activist: You spent that afternoon harassing women and then harassing Mr Linehan and you used your phone for the purposes of that. Whatever damage there was to your phone, you cannot possibly be sure that was the result of what Mr Linehan did. Asked by Ms Vine what the best-case scenario would be in confronting Mr Linehan about referring to you as a domestic terrorist, the activist said: He would apologise. Asked why they went into selfie mode while recording a video to speak to Linehan, the activist said: Maybe to shame him a little bit, to put it in perspective that he is actually targeting a teenager. Ms Faure Walker said Linehan had posted about the activist relentlessly, and that his posts were oppressive. The prosecutor added: They were verbally abusive and vindictive, and reflected Mr Linehans deep disliking of Ms Brooks. On October 11 last year, a conference of the womens rights group LGB Alliance was disrupted when some girls inside released insects, the prosecution said. Ms Faure Walker said: Despite there being no evidence that Ms Brooks participated, Linehan linked disruption of the event to her. During cross-examination, the activist said the LGB Alliance was a hate group that had advocated for the eradication of trans rights. Linehan posted online a number of times about the complainant after the conference, the court heard. In a post to the Metropolitan Police X account on October 12, Linehan said: I believe these three men all had knowledge of the recent homophobic attack on a meeting of gay, lesbian and bisexual people. Will they take seriously this example of domestic terrorism, in which I believe some silly children were doing the bidding of some very dangerous men. On October 13, Linehan posted online that the activist was behind countless episodes of harassment of women and gay men both online and off, adding he is a deeply disturbed sociopath and I believe he had some involvement in Fridays homophobic attack. Giving evidence, the complainant told the court I felt alarmed and distressed at being called a deeply disturbed sociopath by Linehan. The activist added: I was being branded as a deeply disturbed sociopath by a relatively famous person with over 500,000 followers any of which could see Mr Linehans post and cause great harm to me. The court heard that Linehan posted on social media about someone with the name Tarquin, which Ms Faure Walker said was the defendants derogatory term for the complainant. Asked how the Tarquin name came to be used, the complainant told the court: It is apparently to do with my poshness. In another post, the defendant said watch how Buffalo Bill uses the camera to hide his face. The court heard that Linehan tried to get information about the activist, saying we believe Tarquin is studying, then referred to a particular course, and said: If you know him and want to help to stop him harassing people, please get in touch. Linehan also said hes been 17 years old for a number of years in another post, the court heard. On October 24, Linehan wrote hes also a scumbag who harasses women, the prosecution said. They said Linehan also wrote: If you encounter Tarquin in the wild, try to resist the urge to stick his cameras up his arse. Hes hoping to get you to do something he can report the police. Linehan was interviewed under caution on February 5 and provided a prepared statement. Before going into court, the writer posed with a sandwich board-style sign which said on one side Theres no such thing as a transgender child, and on the other, Keep men out of womens sports. Linehan, wearing a white shirt, grey jacket and dark trousers, spoke to confirm his identity at the trial. He has denied one count of harassing the activist on social media between October 11 and October 27 last year, and a further charge of criminal damage of their mobile phone on October 19 last year. The trial continues. Councillors from Cork County Councils West Cork Municipal District were unanimous in their condemnation of Uisce Eireann and the state of the regions water supply network as they returned from the August break. The issue was raised by Independent Ireland councillor Danny Collins who called for a suspension of standing orders to discuss the matter of numerous water supply problems across West Cork during August. Mr Collins said that there had been issues across West Cork in Crookhaven, Adrigole, Bantry, Schull and other locations throughout August. Mr Collins said that Adrigole was without water for two days forcing B&Bs to turn away customers, whilst the same pipe had broken in Beach, Bantry 85 times in the past five years. Mr Collins said Uisce Eireann were almost impossible to contact and did not reply to councillors queries for weeks. He said: It would be easier getting through to Donald Trump. You get through to a call centre and they dont know the area. I was told before there was no such place as Durrus. Beara-based Independent councillor Finbarr Harrington said the situation was "beyond a joke" adding: For the past three weeks the water situation in Adrigole on the Beara Peninsula is nothing short of a disgrace. "Many homes were left without water for days with one homeowner telling me they had no water for nine out of 12 days. Some farmers that depended on the main supply had to draw water for cattle. Mr Harrington added: There is a section of pipework at the start of this water network that is continuously breaking, there is more holes in the road now from fixing it than in a sieve. He said that reservoirs were also running dry due to delays in fixing leaks which was not sustainable and is costing a fortune. Fianna Fail councillor Deirdre Kelly said that meetings arranged between councillors and Uisce Eireanns communications team were pointless. She said that councillors needed to be able to talk to engineers and decision makers to find out what works were happening on the ground. Fine Gael councillor Caroline Cronin said Uisce Eireann was underfunded which was the core problem. District manager Nicola Radley said the firm had previously asked councillors to highlight issues in their areas and had addressed them in detail at a previous meeting with members. Mr Collins said none of the issues he had raised had been dealt with and he had been fobbed off. It was agreed to write to Uisce Eireann to request a meeting between their engineers and the councils Western Division. This article is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme The principal of a Cork special school has said it is heartbreaking that new rules around procurement and health and safety mean his students will no longer have a hot lunch every day. Under the school meals scheme, funded by the Department of Social Protection, all primary schools are eligible to receive hot meals for their students. However, some schools cannot avail of the programme because of new procurement issues. Under new regulations, school employees can no longer handle meals, and those meals need to be prepared in a room that meets health and safety standards. St Gabriels Special School in Bishopstown has 54 students, mostly aged four to 18 and who have severe intellectual disabilities, autism, and complex needs. Principal David Thomas told The Echo that the school has been informed by its supplier, Nenagh-based firm Fresh Today, that the new rules mean that it is no longer feasible to supply the school. Heartbreaking Its heartbreaking that the new prohibitions that have been put in place are preventing services from being provided to small schools, said Mr Thomas. I have parents asking me if there is going to be another service provider who will take their place, and there is no way that I can answer that at this time because of the prohibitive measures that are in place and the pressures that special school principals are already under. Mr Thomas said Fresh Today was one of the best food providers in the country: It has one of the best reputations for providing some of the healthiest foods around the country. There is no way that we could reasonably try to find an equal provider who could supply a similar service for a small school. Mr Thomas said he felt the ramifications of the new regulations had not been thought through. There are 54 children in our school who have relied on this extremely dependable service for the last number of years, whether it was hot food or cold food, and now thats gone, he said. This isnt good enough for our children. Absolutely gutted Tony Mulcahy, a director of Fresh Today, said he was absolutely gutted that he could no longer supply a service to St Gabriels. He said his company had been told that, under the new directives, it could not use a school employee to heat meals but would instead have to hire an employee. That wouldnt be feasible in a small school like St Gabriels, Mr Mulcahy said. They want an independent waste provider to collect the waste every day, now thats not going to happen, and thats only one of the 47 pages of rules. Say if the caretaker had been bringing in the boxes before, now they cant do that, because that would make the school the food provider. Then were supposed to have a separate room for food, and rooms in most schools are fairly valuable. Youd have to have an architect to sign off on the room, as well as the Health and Safety Authority, a fire cert, and a whole raft of other things. Realistically, we couldnt deal with that in a small school. He added that as the father of a 33-year-old daughter, Coleen, who has special needs, he was really upset that he could no longer supply meals to St Gabriels. That is a fantastic school, with really lovely, kind, decent people; I know the kids in there, its a great place, he said. Challenges 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. Public representatives and residents across North Cork have called for improved infrastructure following approval of 469 homes in Mallow. Reside Castlepark Ltd had sought 10-year planning permission for construction of a large-scale residential development along St Josephs Rd. An objection was submitted on behalf of local residents who raised concerns about traffic gridlock and a lack of infrastructure. Independent Ireland Cork North Central TD Ken OFlynn said: This is a prime example of a community being let down by poor infrastructure planning. We all know how important housing is, but the reality is that we are not delivering the infrastructure properly. Were still waiting for the Mallow relief road, and its just not good enough, said Mr OFlynn. Local government now needs to step up, we have to get the infrastructure right. We need a complete infrastructure rehaul in Mallow, because the town is suffering. The planned development approved by An Coimisiun Pleanala, on the eastern side of Mallow town centre, will be comprised of 469 residential units. It will include 305 detached and semi-detached homes, townhouses, and bungalows; 164 apartments/duplex units; a 122-space childcare facility, and an interpretive centre/cafe. Grave concerns Residents group secretary Frank Heffernan said that local residents had grave concerns about the lack of local infrastructure and amenities. [There are] unsafe, unsuitable, and dangerous narrow local roads; very poor and unsafe footpaths, and no cycleways in the St Josephs Rd area, said Mr Heffernan. Fine Gael councillor for the Mallow electoral area, Liam Madden, said that one thing about Mallow town is that we have infrastructure problems. Issues We have complete up-to-date services, so we can cater to these new houses, but we obviously have issues with infrastructure, said Mr Madden. The Mallow relief road will help the situation, and thats progressing, but what we need is the motorway from Cork to Limerick. Housing is needed, no doubt, but traffic is a big problem in Mallow, and the objections are mainly based on traffic concerns. The relief road and the motorway will all help, he added. That development will only be a couple of minutes from the relief road and the motorway, so if they were there, there wouldnt be as many objections. We have a lot of things going for us, its a good place to live, but that is the one thing we need to improve the infrastructure, said Mr Madden. Cork County Council has approved a planning application lodged by Iarnrod Eireann for a significant upgrade of the facilities at Millstreet Railway Station. The plan makes provision for an additional 46 parking spaces, bringing the total to 82. These include seven spaces for future use as electric-vehicle charging points, and five spaces for people with reduced mobility. The works will also include the creation of a bus set-down/interchange facility and 10 bicycle parking spaces with an associated shelter. The planned upgrade is part of Iarnrod Eireanns national car park expansion programme. Now that planning for the upgrade of the Nork Cork station has been granted, the procurement process will get underway, with a contract expected to be awarded to the successful bidder before the end of the year. It is envisaged that the upgrade works will commence in the spring of next year, and will take nine months to complete. Speaking to The Echo, Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul OShea said confirmation that the council has rubber-stamped the project was positive news. Millstreet is a station that is very well utilised, both from a Kerry side of things and a Cork side of things, he said. To improve the parking situation there, first of all, is very important. The pedestrian access from the town is going to be improved as part of it, as well, so that is a huge positive. It is very welcome news, and it is good to see that Iarnrod Eireann are investing in stations like Millstreet. A Ukrainian man who was fired from his job and kicked out by his girlfriend sank into a drink-fuelled depression and slashed the tyres of multiple vehicles in a quiet West Cork village the district court has heard. Clonakilty District Court was told that Oleksii Matviienko, 36 of no fixed abode and formerly of Timoleague, Co. Cork went on a destructive rampage in Timoleague on the night of July 28, 2025 and again on August 1, 2025. Court presenter Sergeant Tom Mulcahy said that Matviienko faced nine charges of criminal damage all relating to tyre slashing of eight cars and one motorcycle as well as two public order charges. The court was told that Matviienko was originally from Ukraine where his parents still lived and where his brother was fighting in the war. He had moved to Ireland three-years-ago with his then partner and was living with her in Timoleague and had also secured work in a local factory. Defence solicitor Myra Dinneen said that problems arose when Matviienko was fired from his job for repeated absences and at the same time his relationship with his girlfriend fell apart and she kicked him out of the house they shared effectively making him homeless. Ms Dinneen said that Matviienk became depressed and was drinking very heavily when the offending occurred. She said that her client was pleading guilty and apologised for what he had done and was very sorry. She said that Matviienko had compensated some of the injured parties using his severance pay but now had little or no means. SLASHED The court was told that one of the vehicles targeted belonged to a former colleague of Mr Matviienko and had its tyres slashed on two occasions despite the fact that it was parked on a private driveway. The victim outlined her concerns for her safety to the court in a victim impact statement. Judge Joanne Carroll said that a lot of people in Timoleague were not very happy with Matviienko and advised him to stay away from the village. She said his behaviour had inconvenienced a lot of citizens who woke in the mornings to find their tyres slashed. She said it was a serious matter that has caused a lot of harm to the community. She acknowledged that Matviienko had suffered trauma as a result of the situation in Ukraine but she said that did not give him the right to inflict trauma on others. Matviienko, who had already spent a month in custody awaiting his hearing, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months on one of the criminal damage charges. He was ordered to pay the outstanding damages of 1,535.89, to attend alcohol counselling, to seek training or employment and to stay at least 9km away from Timoleague. He was also ordered to have no contact with thew named injured party who made the victim impact statement. On one other criminal damage charge he was placed on a probation bond for 12 months. All of the other charges were taken into consideration. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said it has not, to date, identified a causal link between discharges from nearby firms and a major fish kill on the River Blackwater. On August 11, thousands of fish were killed in the River Blackwater and its tributaries along an 18km stretch between Lombardstown and Killavullen. Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) initially estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 fish mainly brown trout had died in the Blackwater, Clyda, and Awbeg rivers. However, local angling clubs in Mallow, Lombardstown, and Killavullen have claimed that as many as 50,000 fish may have been killed. Following an interagency meeting convened yesterday by Timmy Dooley, minister of state at the Department of Agriculture, the EPA said it has yet to identify the source of the fish kill. The EPA said its inspectors have focused their attention on 10 industrial sites, 17 wastewater discharges, and two drinking water plants. It said a number of licensed sites were not in compliance with certain licence conditions during the period, which are the subject of separate enforcement actions. However, to date, the EPA has not identified a causal link between discharges from the EPA-regulated facilities and the fish kill, the agency said. On Sunday, North Cork Creameries said, in a strongly worded statement, that it was not connected with the fish kill. Recent EPA tests had found that the co-op was not in compliance with its discharge licences. Despite that, North Cork Creameries said that there was nothing in our licensed effluent discharges that could have caused the mass fish kill or the dreadful injury to fish. Meanwhile, Eoghan Kenny, Labour Party TD for Cork North Central, said he has been extremely unhappy at the level of communication coming from both IFI and the EPA over the past weeks. Communication from both State agencies has been abysmal, and, if I may say, the vague way they have treated requests for information smacks of complete arrogance, he said. They need to be contacting public representatives like me and telling us what is happening, Mr Kenny added. A drunken man arguing with someone on his phone was seen in possession of a knife at a Chinese restaurant, a court in Cork heard this week. Gardai objected to bail being granted to the accused. Craig OSullivan, aged 30, of 24 Curraheen Drive, Bishopstown, Cork, is charged with being drunk and a source of danger to himself or others and being in possession of a knife at Wilton Willow, Cardinal Way, Bishopstown, Cork. Garda Kate McCarthy said gardai responded to a call to the restaurant at 6.30pm on August 28. On arrival, staff told Garda McCarthy that they had not been robbed, but that a man sitting in the waiting area was in possession of a knife. When gardai went to search him, the accused said: I only had the knife for someone else, I wasnt going to rob the place. Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the comment did not indicate any intention to use the knife and that the accused man merely wanted to return it to the person who owned it. The solicitor added that there was also no evidence that the person with whom he was arguing on the phone had anything to do with the knife. The defendant gave evidence that he had been fishing earlier in the day and had the knife for the purpose of cutting bait, and his intention was to return it to the man he had been fishing with earlier. Judge Mary Dorgan said: I am refusing bail. He was caught red-handed with the knife, which he said was for fishing purposes. I am not really impressed with that excuse, he certainly should not have had a knife in the restaurant. Mr OSullivan was remanded in custody, on the application of Sergeant Gearoid Davis, at Cork District Court, until September 16. Cork TDs have described the expansion of free travel to children aged under nine years old as a positive development for families across the city and county. Transport minister Darragh OBrien announced this week that 263,000 children nationwide, aged between five and eight, will now be eligible for free travel on all Transport for Ireland (TFI) services, with a TFI Child Leap Card. Services include Bus Eireann, Go-Ahead Ireland, Local Links, Iarnrod Eireann, Dublin Bus, and the Luas. Accessibility Children under five years old already travel free, and this expansion ensures that no child is charged for public transport until their ninth birthday. This measure was announced as part of the Budget 2025 package, and comes as a bid to improve the affordability and accessibility of public transport for families across the country. Fianna Fail Cork North-West TD, Aindrias Moynihan, said that this new expansion eases the financial burden on households and makes public transport a far more attractive option for families. This is a really positive development for families in Cork and right across the country, said Mr Moynihan. This initiative is about more than cost savings. It encourages the use of public transport from an early age, helping to build sustainable travel habits and reduce emissions. It also delivers on a clear commitment in the programme for government to make transport more affordable, more accessible, and more sustainable. Families in both urban and rural areas will benefit, and I believe this will be warmly welcomed across Co Cork. Support Fine Gael Cork South-Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, who is also the minister of state with responsibility for rural transport, said that the expansion will support almost a quarter of a million more children and their families. By providing access to free travel for under-nines, it also lays foundations for lifelong habits of sustainable travel, said Mr Buttimer. From an early age, children will become more familiar with using buses, trains, and trams as a natural part of daily life. This scheme represents a significant step towards a more fair and inclusive public transport system. Parents juggling school runs or weekend trips into town will now see the benefits of free travel for young children, he added. Importantly, it applies across all TFI services, including Local Link and services under Connecting Ireland, that are the backbone of connectivity for so many rural communities. This step ensures that families, whether in cities, towns, or villages, can access public transport offerings as part of daily life. A 54-year-old man accused of assault causing harm to an ISPCA animal welfare inspector during an incident near his home last month appeared at Cork District Court today by video link from prison. Hugh OBrien of Ballyanly, Inniscarra, County Cork, is charged with assaulting ISPCA animal welfare inspector, Caroline Faherty at Ballyanly on August 19, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. Diane Hallahan solicitor stood in for her colleague Eddie Burke to represent the accused in court. Judge Mary Dorgan was informed that at a remand hearing last month the defendant was granted bail but was since remanded in custody as the independent surety had yet to be approved. Judge Brendan OReilly granted Mr OBrien bail in his own bond of 300 with 100 of that to be provided in cash. He also sought an independent surety of 1,000 with 300 of that to be provided in cash and that the surety would have to be approved by the court. He also directed him to stay away from the property, have no contact directly or indirectly with the alleged injured party or witnesses, and sign on daily at Anglesea Street garda station between the hours of 9am and 9pm. Judge Dorgan said she would remand the accused in custody until September 18 with consent to that bail. Mr OBrien asked for a much shorter adjournment so that he would not be in custody for a fortnight if the independent surety was available within days. Judge Dorgan explained that an application could be made long before September 18 to have the independent surety approved and if that was done the defendant would be released immediately and could turn up at Cork District Court on bail on September 18. Christy, a drama set in Cork Citys north side, opened in cinemas last week and is receiving a strong, positive reception from both audiences and critics. Directed by Brendan Canty from Ballincollig, the film already impressed viewers at the Berlin Film Festival, where it premiered, and won the award for Best Irish Film at this years Galway Film Fleadh. It follows 17-year-old Christy as he leaves the foster system and returns home to Knocknaheeny, and the movie stars Danny Power, a 24-year-old actor from Gurranbraher and best known for playing Gavin Madigan in The Young Offenders. Brendan Canty and the cast at a special preview screening of Christy at the Lighthouse Cinema, Dublin. Picture: Brian McEvoy Power, who previously starred in Cantys short film based on the character of Christy, says it was a large step to transition from a short film to playing the lead in a feature, but he relished the opportunity. It was a big leap. I didnt think much of it at the time. I had done the short and I thought I would have no bother doing the feature, but a feature is a whole lot different. Theres so much more involved, and you get really tired, but it was great. I loved it. I couldnt have asked for anything better. I was able to bring Christy into myself and carry his emotions from the short to the feature film, which really helped me find the character. Christy doesnt remember much of his childhood. How did Power understand a character who doesnt fully know himself? Power says discovering what made Christy tick was part of the workshop process before filming commenced. Everyone has been lost at some point in their life, or they forget the way their life used to be. We know what Christy did when he was five and older [after his mother died] but what happened in his past life? What doesnt Christy know that he should know? When we were doing the film, it was about looking for the soul of Christy, and the reason why he feels the way he does, and why he wants to know what he wants to know. It is hard to believe that anything could be more Cork than The Young Offenders, but Christy is giving Jock and Conor a run for their money. It isnt just the accents in the film that capture the essence of the north side. It is the local phrases, the sense of humour, and the strong sense of community spirit. The Young Offenders is really Cork and I would have never thought that something could be more Cork in my life, but when I read the script for Christy, it shows how the north side is, said Power. Its a big community, everyone knows everyone. A lot of us knew each other from before, but during filming, we became a tight family. A scene from the film Christy, which has got a great reception from critics and audiences alike We all liked each other, we all talked together all the time, especially when we were filming in Knocknaheeny, which is such a tight-knit community. The film stars award-winning actors Chris Walley and Alison Oliver, along with a talented group of newcomers from Kabin Krew, a musical collective based at Kabin Studio. Power says it was a joy to work with the younger actors, particularly as a former member of the Kabin Krew. Ive been with the Kabin Krew since I was nine years old. Im 24 now, and I know lots of the kids from when they were babies, he said. I knew they had so much talent from rapping. They have no fear of getting up on stage, rapping in front of people, and writing their own raps. Being able to see them portray themselves in the film is absolutely amazing. A lot of them are like first-time actors, but they look like seasoned actors. Theyre so talented, its incomprehensible. Power did not intend to become an actor; it was a chance encounter at Kabin Studio that led him to the screen. The only thing in life that I wanted to do was to go to the army, he said. I always said that I would have gone to the army, and you wouldnt have had to pay me. I was set on that, but when I was 17, Brendan and Alan [who wrote Christy] came to the Kabin looking for people to do auditions for a short film. I was used to cameras from rapping on stage, so I went for it. I didnt get the part of Christy; some other actor did, but he didnt turn up, so they offered it to me. It appears that acting runs in the blood, as Powers five-year-old son, Keano, plays young Christy in the film. Any time he sees himself, he says, Look, its me. Im famous, Im on the telly. He absolutely loves it. It was great that we could spend a moment like that together. I was really glad that we had the opportunity. He is a little legend. With the film receiving such positive reviews, Power says that he feels proud, but also thankful to his parents for supporting his acting journey. I wouldnt be able to do all this if I didnt have my mam and dad, he said. They look after my son when Im filming. Theyve boosted me on, and they help me with self-tapes; my dad reads the other lines for me. I cant thank them enough. As for the reviews, its crazy, because we wanted to do this film for so long, and we always thought that it was going to be something big, but we never, ever expected it to be as big as it is. Christy is on general release in cinemas now, rating: 15a By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA The head of the HSE has said authorities should be given space to investigate the case of a boy missing from north Dublin who is feared dead. Bernard Gloster, who was in charge of the child and family agency when the boy is thought to have gone missing, said child protection cases are exceptionally complex and there are no simple answers. Gardai are investigating the disappearance and whereabouts of the boy, who would be seven years old if still alive, and last lived in an apartment in Donabate. A search of open ground began in Donabate this week after concerns for the boy were raised by child and family agency Tusla on Friday. Tusla said it had engaged with the missing childs family five years ago. This is the second case of a child living in Ireland who was missing for years before the case came to the attention of authorities. Kyran Durnin, who would be nine this year if still alive, was reported missing in August last year and a murder investigation was launched in October. As a result, questions have arisen about the child and family agency, in particular its actions during the Covid-19 pandemic. Childrens Minister Norma Foley said said Tusla is undertaking a wellbeing check on all cases, in particular on cases of children that were closed during Covid-19. 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 (Niall Carson/PA) She said Tusla became involved in this case when the young parents of the boy felt they would not be able to look after him. They engaged with the agency and a fostering arrangement was put in place but the parents ultimately decided to keep the child, having been provided with supports. Speaking in Dublin on Thursday, Mr Gloster echoed the calls of Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan to pause until further information is known. He also said that there will be people who are grieving and in distress about the case and this should be borne in mind. We should allow the gardai to do their work, we should allow the National Review Panel, which was established over 15 years ago, long before Tulsa was established, to do their work and to tell us what happened. From the health side I can say to you, because of the references to Covid, the Minister has made it very clear to me, and Ive made it very clear to Tulsa, we will fully co-operate with that National Review Panel review. A Garda helicopter flies over 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 (Niall Carson/PA) Well allow the gardai to do their work, we will see what comes from it. One of the things to come away from that specific case, and indeed the other case you referred to is Kyran Durnin, all of those cases are different, they all have complex factors. He added: Child Protection and child welfare is an exceptionally complex phenomena. There are no simple answers or simple solutions. We do have to continuously reflect, learn and improve, and we have to wait and see what is the outcome of the review in any of these cases, and at the same time always remember that there is likely to be a child who has died, and that is very, very tragic. He said the review panel cant do anything until the gardai complete their work. For Garda operational reasons, but also for appropriate sensitivity to a whole community who could be mourning today or experiencing trauma in different ways, we shouldnt rush to conclusions about what might have happened. We actually dont know. I dont know, but we do need to pause and allow the normal processes to take place. Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan said we dont have all the information yet about the case. Its a developing story and I know the gardai are doing very difficult work out in Donabate. Apple continues to seek a foothold in the artificial intelligence race, and its next effort could bring the company into web search. Mark Gurman at Bloomberg reports that Apple is building a search platform that it may incorporate into its AI-driven overhaul of Siri. Sources said the tool, internally called World Knowledge Answers, could also be added to the Safari web browser and the Spotlight smartphone search interface. Apple's efforts in AI have been under the microscope since the lackluster introduction of Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2024. Since then, the company appears to still be foundering, with its revitalized and AI-empowered Siri now not due to arrive until 2026 . This proposed search tool would be part of that planned Siri re-launch next spring. Some core aspects of Siri are still up in the air. The company has reportedly trialed using Google's Gemini to power a version of the AI assistant, although it hasn't committed to using that approach. Considering an outside partnership for this critical feature is one path Apple could take to bolstering its AI offerings. CEO Tim Cook has also said the company is open to acquisitions to pursue its current roadmap. There were even rumors that the company had its eyes on snapping up Perplexity. The White House hosted several tech and AI leaders at an event today centered on teaching artificial intelligence in US schools. Many of the big tech companies including Amazon , Google , Microsoft , OpenAI and Anthropic have already issued press releases with their commitments to a pledge from the White House to help "foster early interest in Al technology, promote Al literacy and proficiency, and enable comprehensive Al training for parents and educators." The business commitments include things like cash prizes for students and teachers who use AI in educational ways, and cheap or free access to the companies' AI tools, trainings and certifications. First Lady Melania Trump hosted the gathering. That sounds fine and dandy on the surface. Understanding AI and the limits of what it can and can't do are already important as industries try to adapt to the technology. But considering the current administration has been actively trying to dismantle the Department of Education for being too woke, it seems doubtful that this is going to be a thoughtfully planned or well-reasoned rollout that has the best interests of students at heart. It's unclear if any actual teachers were consulted in the development of these initiatives, or asked for suggestions on how best to prepare students for the sudden rise of AI. 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. Whatever happened to Jessica Mulroney? She is a Canadian stylist who used to be a regular of Meghan Markle's inner circle and is now noticeably missing from the Duchess of Sussex's life. Mulroney's fall from grace has been quick and, it seems, irreversible. She went from walking the steps of St. George's Chapel for the royal wedding to being almost completely cut off from Meghan. Jessica Mulroney was more than just an ordinary friend to Meghan, she was a trusted friend. The former 'Suits' actress called her the night Prince Harry asked her to marry him, and her kids even went to the royal wedding. Jessica seemed to be following Meghan's lead after bagging fashion contracts and TV appearances herself. The icing on the cake was the chance to host her own bridal makeover show. Fallout With Sasha Exeter Then, Mulroney got into a public fight in 2020 and everything changed. She figured in a dispute with Black influencer Sasha Exeter, who said the stylist exploited her social status and 'white privilege' to scare her. This was during the Black Lives Matter protests, when Mulroney thought she was called out by Toronto-based Exeter when the latter posted a general call-to-action message urging people with platforms to speak out in support of the movement. According to Exeter, Mulroney wrongly interpreted the post as a personal attack, prompting her to send a series of defensive and aggressive private messages. At one point, Mulroney allegedly threatened to speak to Exeter's sponsors, which Exeter interpreted as an attempt to damage her career. Shortly after, Mulroney issued a public apology in a comment on Exeter's post, alluding to her close friendship with Meghan Markle by saying she had experienced issues of race in her own life through someone close to her. The now-deleted comment read: 'I have lived a very public and personal experience with my closest friend where race was front and centre. It was deeply educational. I learned a lot from that. I promise to continue to learn and listen on how I can use my privilege to elevate and support Black voices.' However, Exeter later revealed via Instagram Stories that behind the scenes, Mulroney threatened her with legal action, adding a layer of tension to an already fraught situation. The fallout was immediate. Mulroney lost her television slots and was dropped by several brands, including her styling segment on Good Morning America. CTV Canada also pulled her reality show I Do, Redo from its platforms. A Career Setback For Mulroney Meghan Markle decided to distance herself from the incident. At the time, reports said that the Duchess considered the scandal as the last straw. It's true that Mulroney said she was sorry. But those who knew Meghan said she was getting uneasy with how her friend seemed to leverage their relationship for personal gain. One source described the friendship as already strained before the incident, adding that Meghan had been "looking for a way to cut ties." Read more Meghan Markle's Wine Success Comes from Smart Brand Moves, Not 'Chasing Quick Profits', Expert Says Meghan Markle's Wine Success Comes from Smart Brand Moves, Not 'Chasing Quick Profits', Expert Says Jessica Mulroney's career has changed a lot since then. She used to be a regular on large networks, but now she gives style tips on Instagram and collaborates with brands in a low-key way. She promotes Canadian brands like Aritzia and collaborates with online fashion stores. She also teases potential TV projects from time to time. The two women used to be best friends, but now they don't follow each other on social media. Meghan's podcasts and TV specials have not had Mulroney on them. Harry's memoir Spare didn't include her, and she wasn't in the couple's Netflix documentary either. Mulroney has hinted at personal problems through vague social media statements that suggest she feels alone and abandoned by people she used to trust. Quotes about losing friends and finding strength inside have been all over her feed, which has made her followers wonder what she means. A Friendship That Couldn't Last Even though things have been hard, the stylist has tried to start over. She still raises money for nonprofits that aid women, and she recently got back involved with The Shoebox Project, an organization she helped start. She said that one month in 2024 was 'the busiest and most fulfilling' in years, which suggests a quiet comeback, but without the hoopla of her royal connection. The Duchess of Sussex has never talked about the termination of her connection with Mulroney in public. She is now focused on her lifestyle company, podcasting, and getting back on social media. A person close to Mulroney claimed: 'They've just grown apart,' and insisted that there was no bitterness on either side. The friendship between Meghan Markle and Jessica Mulroney now appears to be little more than a memory. It's one that, despite public scrutiny, both women have quietly chose to leave behind. Originally published on IBTimes UK Prince Harry's eco-focused tourism company, Travalyst, is facing its second major leadership departure in months. Chief Executive Sally Davey has announced she will step down in December, following the resignation of the firm's first chairman earlier this year. A source told the Daily Mail, "This is a huge blow to Travalyst. Sally has been crucial in its development." Davey, who has been CEO for five years, said the move followed "months of deep reflection." She called it "not a decision I've taken lightly" and added that she wants more time for her family. She also thanked Harry, saying she was "proud of what we've built together." And while I'll be stepping down as CEO, I remain as committed as ever to Travalyst's mission." The Duke of Sussex launched Travalyst in 2019 to promote sustainable travel, though he and Meghan Markle faced scrutiny over the couple's use of private jets. Reports suggested the pair flew on four private jets over 11 days that year. Harry responded by saying, "No one is perfect. What is important is balance." Staff Turnover Travalyst has seen notable staff departures in recent years. In January, the company's first chairman, India Gary-Martin, resigned after just 18 months in the role. Observers noted that Harry and Meghan have lost multiple senior staff since marrying in 2018, with some former employees referring to themselves as the "Sussex Survivors Club." Last summer, Josh Kettler, Harry's chief of staff, left after only three months. Davey's resignation is the second senior departure at Travalyst this year. Insiders say the turnover raises questions about stability at the company. Davey said the decision was personal, not professional. "After months of deep reflection, I've reached a point in my journey where I know I need to give more time back to my family, and to myself," she said. She stressed that she will stay committed to Travalyst's mission even after leaving. The group, launched by Harry in 2019 to promote sustainable travel, is still moving ahead with its projects. One observer said of the recent exits, "Frankly, it's no surprise." The company has seen at least 19 senior members of staff leave at this point. Friends and former colleagues of Dodi Fayed say the late Egyptian film producer's life was dominated by drug use, not by the romanticized portrait presented in recent dramatizations, according to interviews published Wednesday. Fayed, who died at 42 alongside Diana, Princess of Wales, in a 1997 car crash in Paris, "was consumed by cocaine," Hollywood talent manager Paul Cohen told RadarOnline. Cohen said Fayed hosted prolonged parties in the 1980s and '90s where cocaine was freely available and that Fayed rarely showed sexual interest in women or men because his substance use left him detached and often paranoid. "Cocaine was what drove him," Cohen said. "People saw him photographed with actresses and models, but he showed very little sexual interest in anyone. The great love of his life was drugs." The depiction of Fayed in the most recent season of the Netflix series The Crown which shows him as a shy playboy pursuing the princess at his father Mohamed Al Fayed's urging drew skepticism from friends who say it omits the extent of his addiction. Filmmaker David Puttnam, who directed Chariots of Fire and worked with Fayed as an executive producer, said he removed Fayed from a set after discovering he had offered cocaine to cast members. "With the best will in the world, Dodi, this didn't happen. And I never want to see you again around my cast and crew," Puttnam told RadarOnline, describing Fayed as "one of the laziest people I ever came across." Cohen described gatherings he called the "3Cs" champagne, cocaine, and caviar at the Beverly Hills Hotel where Fayed sometimes hosted multi-day parties. He said Fayed's supply was on "another scale" compared with the widespread cocaine use in Hollywood at the time. Despite a lavish lifestyle funded by his father, Cohen said Fayed lived in fear that his allowance could be cut and that he was a target for kidnappers. He often traveled with armed bodyguards and checked restaurants for threats, Cohen said. That paranoia, Cohen said, was aggravated by cocaine use. At the time he met Diana in 1997, Fayed was reportedly engaged to model Kelly Fisher. Cohen said many friends were surprised by the relationship. "To imagine him as Diana's last great romance never rang true," he said. Those who knew Fayed painted a mixed picture: generous and gentle at times, but increasingly isolated and dependent on drugs. "I sometimes wonder if his paranoia from cocaine use played into what happened that night," Cohen said, reflecting on the deaths in the Alma Tunnel on Aug. 31, 1997. "But whatever his flaws, Dodi was gentle, generous a good man. It's sad that even in death, he was overshadowed by Diana." Representatives for the Fayed family did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday. Netflix did not respond to a request for comment about the Crown's portrayal. The new recollections arrive as the public marks the 28th anniversary of the crash that killed Diana and Fayed, a relationship that has continued to attract attention and scrutiny in media and popular culture. Bryan Kohberger, the man who confessed to killing four University of Idaho students, revealed in a court document that he had been diagnosed with multiple mental health disorders months before admitting to the crimes. In a handwritten filing dated June 29 and obtained by People, Kohberger stated that he had been diagnosed with autism level 1, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and ARFIDan eating disorder known as avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. These diagnoses were made in February 2025, while he was in custody awaiting trial. Despite listing these conditions, Kohberger wrote that they did not impact his understanding of the legal process or the meaning of pleading guilty. He emphasized that he was fully aware of what entering a guilty plea meant and what consequences could follow. Alongside the mental health diagnoses, Kohberger also shared that he was taking levothyroxine, a commonly prescribed medication used to treat hypothyroidism. New! Bryan Kohberger says in Feb 2025 he had been diagnosed with: autism (level 1), OCD, ADHD and the eating disorder ARFID#idaho4 Source: People pic.twitter.com/I37xLXdvtT Jay is 4 Justice Podcast (@jayis4justice) September 3, 2025 Kohberger Admits to 4 Murders, Gets Life Sentence The filing came just days before Kohberger confessed in court on July 2 to the November 2022 murders of Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20, TMZ said. All four were University of Idaho students found dead in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger's diagnoses include conditions that affect behavior, focus, and eating habits. Autism level 1, the mildest form on the spectrum, usually does not require major support for daily tasks. OCD is marked by repeated thoughts and behaviors, while ADHD can affect focus and organization. ARFID, more common in children, leads to highly selective eating that may cause health problems. Even with these conditions, Kohberger made it clear in his court filing that he did not intend to use them as a defense or reason for not understanding his plea. He stated that he accepted the likelihood of receiving four life sentences and an additional 10 years for a related burglary charge. Kohberger was officially sentenced three weeks later. He will serve life in prison without the possibility of parole. A former aide to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accidentally backed into his car moments after being fired, according to reports. Hannah Anderson, who served as Kennedy's deputy chief of staff for policy, was dismissed on July 16 after just six months in the role. The incident happened shortly after she was informed of her termination. Sources told the Wall Street Journal that Anderson, visibly upset, unintentionally reversed her vehicle into Kennedy's car outside the agency. The minor crash did not result in injuries, but it underscored the growing unrest within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Anderson, who previously worked with the conservative America First Policy Institute, was one of several high-level staffers removed in recent weeks amid major leadership shake-ups. Kennedy, who was appointed to lead HHS under President Trump, has faced a wave of internal conflict as he pushes his "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, RawStory said. Anderson was let go alongside chief of staff Heather Flick Melanson during what insiders describe as a deep restructuring of senior personnel. The firing and accidental crash came just days before another major shift within the department. RFK Jr. aide accidentally crashed into his vehicle after she was fired: report https://t.co/JA0vvH4SEg pic.twitter.com/2dy5OuzJnU New York Post (@nypost) September 4, 2025 FDA Official Reinstated After Kennedy Appeals to White House According to the NY Post, on July 29, Dr. Vinay Prasad, then-head of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, was removed from his position following public pressure from far-right commentator Laura Loomer. Prasad was reinstated two weeks later after Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary personally appealed to the White House. Meanwhile, the turmoil continued as Susan Monarez, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was also removed from her position. A White House official told The Post that Monarez had been asked to resign but refused, leading to her termination. "Susan Monarez is not aligned with the president's agenda of Making America Healthy Again," said White House spokesperson Kush Desai. Despite the dramatic internal shifts and mounting criticism from both sides of the aisle, Kennedy has continued to defend his staffing decisions. However, the incident involving Anderson's emotional reaction and the minor car crash has drawn public attention to what many see as an increasingly unstable environment inside HHS. No further comment has been made by Kennedy's office regarding the incident or Anderson's dismissal. Prince Harry's upcoming trip to London could be his last chance to mend his relationship with the royal family. The Duke of Sussex, 40, is scheduled to attend the WellChild Awards on Sept. 8, which falls on the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's death. According to insiders, talks are underway to arrange a private meeting with King Charles III, who is reportedly in declining health. Sources told Radar Online the King is "shuffling around with a cane" and relying on whisky to "numb the pain." Harry is said to be aware of the urgency. "There's no point continuing to fight any more, life is precious," he told the BBC earlier this year, adding that he "would love reconciliation" with his family. Conditions and Complications Any meeting remains complicated. Palace staff are cautious about Harry's expectations and say royal schedules are tight while the family stays at Balmoral Castle. "There's no appetite for confrontation," one insider said, though they acknowledged that Harry is "determined." Meghan Markle is not expected to join her husband. Friends say the Duchess of Sussex feels a trip to the U.K. would "reopen old wounds." She reportedly told Harry to "do this on his own." Her presence remains a sticking point for some senior royals, including Prince William, who has no plans to meet with his brother. Harry's reported "list of demands" has also sparked tension. According to celebrity journalist Rob Shuter, he wants "iron-clad guarantees" over security and insists Meghan be treated as HRH, including formal bows and curtsies. One source called this "a hard no" for Prince William. "Prince Harry issues major demands before seeing King Charles: everyone must bow to Meghan"https://t.co/oe7TPlHcEO pic.twitter.com/kytjbrELvH Observer88 (@JR42845598) September 1, 2025 The last time Harry saw William and Kate Middleton was at King Charles' coronation in May 2023, where the brothers did not speak. Harry has often said that Kate was a bridge between him and William and believes winning her support would improve relations with the rest of the family. Last Chance for Peace Royal observers see the WellChild event as a key moment. "This could be the thing that pushes it to happen," a source said, referring to King Charles' health as a possible reason for the family to put aside differences. Still, insiders warn the situation could fall apart if conditions are not met. "Every side has conditions, and unless they can all agree, it risks falling apart completely," one said. For Harry, the reunion is about more than appearances. "He knows this could be the last real chance to sort things out," a source explained. If it fails, insiders say it would devastate him. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements performed at the ID27 beamline have revealed a collapse in spin states in the epsilon phase of solid oxygen. Structural discontinuities confirm a phase transition from a spin-liquid-like to a diamagnetic form, validating earlier theoretical predictions. Oxygen is unusual among simple diatomic molecules because it has a molecular spin (S=1), which leads to a rich phase diagram. Below 8-10 GPa, intermolecular magnetic interactions align the spins antiparallel, forming the antiferromagnetic (AFM) and phases the only known examples of insulating elemental antiferromagnets. Above 10 GPa, oxygen transforms into the -O 2 phase, a deep-red semiconducting solid formed by molecular clustering into (O 2 ) 4 tetramers [1]. At the - phase transition, neutron diffraction reveals the collapse of long-range antiferromagnetic order [2], but whether O 2 molecules retain their individual spin moments has remained unclear. Theoretical models suggest that -O 2 exists in two distinct forms: a lower-pressure variant (< 20 GPa) with residual molecular spin, designated , and a higher-pressure (> 20 GPa) spinless form, , resulting from complete magnetic collapse [3]. In , the O 2 molecules maintain S=1 with short-range antiferromagnetic correlations within (O 2 ) 4 tetramers, producing a spin-liquid-like state in which four spin-1 molecules couple magnetoelastically into a singlet, cancelling their total magnetic moment while retaining strong local spin dynamics. In , the O 2 molecules have S=0 and exhibit no spin activity. No 1- 0 transition had been detected in previous X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies [1], likely due to the subtle magnetoelastic nature of the transition or experimental limitations. To address this, high-precision single-crystal XRD measurements were conducted at the ID27 beamline. Oxygen single crystals were grown from He/O 2 fluid mixtures in diamond anvil cells (DACs) at 150C and 1113 GPa, then cooled gradually to room temperature (Figure 1a). Multiple annealing cycles were performed until a high-quality single crystal was obtained. The best crystal had a needle-like morphology, approximately 10 m long and 2 m wide. Click figure to enlarge Fig 1: a) -O 2 single crystals in helium within a diamond anvil cell at 12 GPa. b) Molecular structure of the phase, showing the (O 2 ) 4 tetramer unit characteristic of this phase. Single-crystal XRD patterns were collected over 10 - 30 GPa. The structural integrity of the single-crystal domain was preserved up to about 21 GPa, enabling refinement of atomic positions. At higher pressures, the lattice parameters remained measurable, although atomic positions became less reliable. Measurements were performed with the EIGER2 X CdTe 9M area detector and monochromatic radiation (=0.3738 A) focused to a 0.5 0.5 m2 beam spot, allowing regions smaller than individual crystal domains to be probed. This experiment was among the first high-pressure single-crystal XRD studies at ID27 after the EBS upgrade. Full structural refinements of the -O 2 phase (space group C2/m) were performed between 11 and 21 GPa, determining lattice parameters as well as all intra-O 8 distances (d 1 d 4 ) and angles ( 1 and 2 ) that define the O 8 rhomboid. The analysis confirms the (O) tetramer arrangement previously reported in [1], now resolved with higher accuracy (Figure 1b). Figure 2 shows the pressure dependence of lattice parameters and unit-cell volume. Discontinuities at 18.1 0.5 GPa were observed in two intra-cluster distances (d 2 and d 4 ) as well as in the lattice parameter a and monoclinic angle . The volume compression curve also shows a change at this pressure, fitting better to two separate Birch-Murnaghan equations of state below and above the transition. Click figure to enlarge Fig 2: Pressure dependence of the lattice parameters a, b, and c (a,b) and the unit-cell volume (c) of -O, measured during compression. Lattice parameters are normalised to their values at 11.6 GPa. These discontinuities provide strong evidence for a first-order isostructural phase transition, corresponding to the predicted 10 transition [3]. This structural signature indicates the collapse of spin in -O 2 , marking the transformation from a spin-liquid-like state within (O) tetramers to a fully spinless molecular arrangement. Confirming the spin-liquid state structurally, and its subsequent collapse, opens opportunities to explore broader physical properties of these magnetically orchestrated tetramers, potentially revealing new insights into correlated quantum states in simple molecular solids. Principal publication and authors Structural Evidence for the Spin Collapse in High Pressure Solid Oxygen, F.A. Gorelli et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 076101 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1103/jvd7-v9h9 References [1] L.F. Lundegaard et al., Nature 443, 201 (2006); H. Fujihisa et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 085503 (2006). [2] I. N. Goncharenko, Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 205701 (2005). [3] Y. Crespo et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 111, 10427 (2014); earlier suggestions by H.V. Gomonay, V. M. Loktev, Phys. Rev. B 76, 094423 (2007); M. Bartolomei et al, Phys. Rev. B 84, 092105 (2011). While writing the book A Crusade for Conservation, which outlines the 150-year history of the Ohio Division of Wildlife, I had the opportunity to collect stories from past and present employees. One of those accounts was by Jerry Scott, who once served as an investigator on Lake Erie. He would go on to lead the wildlife officer training team and manage the Divisions TIP Program (Turn In a Poacher). This is his story about a rather interesting day and one he will never forget. Jerrys story Jerry Scott: I did not have the opportunity to celebrate my anniversary, go trick or treating with my girls or spend the evening in a church board meeting on Oct. 30, 1977. Instead, I rode 2 1/2 hours quietly back to the Ohio Division of Wildlife dock in Sandusky, Ohio, on the south shore of Lake Erie. The day started just after 7 a.m. as wildlife investigator Paul Wynn and I boarded the divisions 28-foot Bertram boat to patrol the border between Canada and Ohio. We were looking for commercial intrusion into Ohio waters from Canadian gill netters. The lake was flat and covered with heavy fog. It was known that Canadians used the cover of fog to sneak into Ohio waters as they could not be easily detected. Ohio waters were more productive due to the inability of Canadian resource officers to obtain compliance to their regulations through their provincial courts. Just prior to 9 a.m., boat operator Wynn and I were approaching South Bass Island from the southeast when I noticed a target ship on the radar. Speed was reduced due to the concentration of fog, and so we could stop within a safe distance should an emergency require it. I placed the ship to be just over 2 miles into Ohio waters. We approached the target and discovered it was a Canadian commercial fishing vessel in the process of pulling fish-loaded nets onboard. We had managed to get within a half mile before being seen. This was indicated by a large puff of black smoke from the exhaust as the captain quickly powered up the 68-foot vessel. We surmised that this was in an attempt to escape capture, the crew likely cutting gill nets loose for a run to the border. Officer Wynn piloted the Bertram so that our approach would be from the right side of the vessel, which we identified as the Cliffside. The ship being overtaken should give way to the vessel approaching from the right per the rules of the road on water. Officer Wynn was able to slow the Bertram and reverse our progress to avoid a collision, missing the Cliffside with no less than six-inches to spare. Piloting the Bertram up and over the Cliffsides 6-foot wake, officer Wynn took the Bertram within jumping distance, allowing me to leap from one moving vessel to another. Before I jumped from the Bertram onto the Cliffside, I gave instruction to officer Wynn to verify our position via the radar (these were days long before GPS was available). On the outside of the Cliffside was a scupper rail around the vessel and the roof, affording a 1-inch drip rail to hang onto. Missing this would result in falling into the Lake and then being sucked into the 5-foot propeller and certain death. I made the jump successfully and immediately made my way to the wheelhouse. I ordered the captain to shut it down. After he failed to do so after a second order, I grabbed the throttles in attempt to kill the engines. The captain was in the wheel house and was about 18-inches higher than the deck where I was standing. He reached down and grabbed me in a headlock. I made my way into the wheelhouse with the captain on my back. I had tucked my chin down and to the right so he could not access my windpipe. I pinned my handgun to my side in an attempt to secure it. I grabbed my new, five-week-old, portable radio with my free hand and called out to officer Wynn that I was having trouble on the boat. He said, REPEAT and I replied excitedly that I was in a fight! Wynn again responded, REPEAT. I yelled HELP and threw the radio onto a bench seat in the cabin. During this time, a crew member was reaching into the wheelhouse in an attempt to retrieve the radio. I now had one foot on the crew members chest, one foot on the floor and the 6-foot-4 captain on my back. At that time, officers were issued chemical mace pepper sprays didnt yet exist. Free of the radio, I used that same hand to grab the mace. I sprayed the crew member, aiming for his chest but shot most of the stuff right into his mouth and down his throat. He quickly disappeared. I turned the mace onto the captains head. Its a good thing he quit choking me! That junk was in my eyes so bad I could hardly see. After letting me go, the captain ordered me out of the wheel house. I felt we were in Canada by this time and that he was taking a state wildlife officer against his will. I backed into a corner so no one could get behind me. They probably didnt realize I was also a commissioned U.S. Fish and Wildlife officer. They had managed to resist both federal and state authorities at one time and it also seemed like a kidnapping in progress! Was I scared? YEP! I picked out a weld on the floor of the vessel and had made up my mind that should anyone step on my side of the weld, I would need to shoot to defend my own life. I didnt know that the crew member I had maced was hanging over the stern retching his insides out. It was so violent that he was coughing up blood. Apparently, no one else wanted any of that stuff. Cliffsides Captain, Bill Kennedy, eventually made port in Kingsville, Canada. We were met dockside by the Ontario Providential Police, the Kingsville Police Chief, Canadian Wildlife Officers and CMP officers (Royal Canadian Mounted Patrol). Prior to reaching port, I saw the most beautiful sight. Ohio wildlife officers Evans and Taylor were approaching from the stern in their own patrol boat. How they found me, I dont know. I got off the boat without any more of a fight, and thankfully nobody was permanently injured. Needless to say, this messed up my plans for the evening. We started back to Ohio a little after 5 p.m. Wildlife Lake Erie Supervisor Roy Biggs finally called my wife, advising her that I had been detained in Canada and I would be home in a few hours. My older daughter turned on the TV for the 5 oclock news and the lead story was that of wildlife officer Gerald Scott being kidnapped on Lake Erie and taken to Canada. When I arrived home, my wife Mary met me at the back door. I stepped inside, she gave me a kiss, turned the kitchen chair around and said, Sit down. This one I want to hear about! The outcome So, thats Jerrys story. Interestingly, no charges were brought against the captain or his crew by the provincial court systems. Of course, if those individuals or their boat, the Cliffside, were to ever return to Ohio, theyre collective luck would have run out. Unfortunately, it seems as though Lady Justice may have been on a coffee break on that day in 1977. Wildlife law enforcement can hold a variety of risks. Watercraft enforcement, aircraft projects and the more routine road patrol all require officers to maintain a high-level of awareness I guess we can add kidnapping to those hazards. While Jerrys friends (including me) often joke with him about his unscheduled vacation and his Canadian holiday, we all know how dire those circumstances may have become. Thankfully, his training and perseverance saved that day so that he could tell the story a cautionary tale for those officers that have come after him. Technologies and times may change, but gumption is found in our attitude and shapes our lifes outcome. A person filled with gumption doesnt sit about stewing about things. Hes at the front of the train of his own awareness, watching to see whats up the track and meeting it when it comes. Thats gumption. Robert M. Pirsig By Emma Matcham Extension resources in both Ohio and Pennsylvania commonly recommend that farmers collect soil samples and make fertility management decisions in fall. This article breaks down some of the practical reasons for that recommendation and some activities to consider on your own farm in the coming weeks. Soil testing Theoretically, you can sample soils at any time of the year, although I do strongly recommend you pick one time of year and stick with it. Fall is a particularly great option, though: theres not usually a tall crop to walk through, soil is firm enough to drive over but has enough moisture that the soil probe wont get bent in half and were all more likely to carefully review lab results over winter instead of when its time to plant or spray. Generally, soil samples should be collected every three to four years on loamy and clayey soils. Sandy fields are more prone to nutrient leaching and may benefit from more frequent testing (every two to three years). So, if your most recent lab report is dated 2023 or earlier, consider pulling new soil samples in the next couple weeks. Lime Lime application is another management activity that is particularly well-suited for fall. Depending on the particle size/fineness of the lime source, soil pH increases will occur over the six to 24 months following lime application. Lime applied in November will have at least partially reacted by April, and soil pH will continue to improve throughout the next growing season. The moisture from our regions typical winter snowfall and rainy springs is also helpful, since water is required for lime to react. Potash Either spring or fall potash applications can make sense for fields that are already in the healthy maintenance range for potassium (120-170 ppm for agronomic crops in Ohio, when analyzed via Mehlich-3 extraction). But, a fall potash application can help improve winter survival in alfalfa fields with low potassium. Aim to apply potash at least a few weeks before growth stops for winter so that the fertilizer can dissolve into the soil profile and be taken up by plants. Another situation where fall potash applications makes sense is in grass or grass/legume mix hayfields and pastures. Applying your potash in fall keeps you from needing to make a spring application, which is helpful since high potassium levels in spring can exacerbate grass tetany. Phosphorus The link between soil test phosphorous levels and winter survival for alfalfa is less clear than the link between potassium and winter survival. But, soil test phosphorus is very, very important for seedlings. Soil testing in fall can help you identify any fields with low soil test phosphorus levels so that you can make a plan to fertilize before planting. In some areas you can apply phosphorus in fall to build up fertility levels and save yourself a pass in spring, but be mindful of any restrictions that might apply in your watershed. Phosphorous is expensive this year, and that always brings questions about where we can reduce applications without limiting yields. You are unlikely to see an increase in yield when your soil test values are in the maintenance range (20-40 ppm Mehlich-3 for phosphorous in Ohio corn fields). For fields close to the maintenance range (around 15-20 ppm), fertilizer applications may increase your yield next year, but average corn yield reductions are also fairly small (usually around 5% to 10%). There are lots of reasons to avoid letting your soil test levels continue to draw down, especially since we really dont know what fertilizer costs will look like in future years. But, if youre within 5 ppm of the phosphorus critical level, yield declines are typically small. Soil testing is the backbone of the fertilizer recommendation system; consider testing this fall, and review your lab reports carefully while you make management plans over the coming months. (Emma Matcham is an assistant professor in the Horticulture and Crop Science Department at Ohio State University. She can be reached at matcham.3@osu.edu.) SALEM, Ohio Times have changed from the days of Skyscraper cones, Klondike bars and chipped chopped ham sandwiches. But now, anyone can travel back in time at the Arms Family Museums new Isaly exhibit. The Isaly family produced these dairy and deli products throughout Ohio and southwestern Pennsylvania starting in the early 1900s, with one of their dairy plants in Youngstown, Ohio. The company closed completely in the 1970s, but its legacy continues to be remembered. Thats why the Arms Family Museum opened the Welcome to Isalys: A Youngstown Story on Aug. 22, which will be open for roughly a year at the museum, 648 Wick Ave., Youngstown, Ohio. Its a gift to those who got to experience it, who got to eat their Skyscraper ice cream cones, who got to work in the plant, who knew the Isaly family in one way or another, said Brooke Testa, curatorial assistant at the Arms Family Museum. The exhibit pays homage to that. An original Isaly sign from its old store in Youngstown hangs above a booth (also from the store) at the Arms Family Museum in Youngstown, Ohio. (Submitted photo) Where it started The Isaly family first arrived in Ohio in 1833, when Swiss cheesemaker Christian Isaly and his family emigrated with other Swiss families to live in Monroe County, Ohio. Christian Isaly brought a copper cheese kettle with him. His grandson, William Isaly, would follow in his cheese-making footsteps. He moved to Richland County in 1892 and bought a farm, according to the Ohio Collective Connection. He started selling milk and dairy products by going door to door via his horse drawn wagon. In 1902, William Isaly and some business partners bought a milk plant in Mansfield, Ohio and renamed it the Isalys Dairy Company Mansfields Pure Milk plant. The business processed milk and delivered it via 26 routes. It was at this plant in Mansfield that Isalys would start selling what would eventually be known as the Skyscraper cone. Called the big cone or the Isaly cone, at the time, it was invented by William in 1910 when he began scooping tall cones that were 4 ounces; typical ice cream cones contained only 2 ounces at the time. Their popularity took off, and by 1912, over 7,600 cones were being sold at the plant each day, according to Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. By 1918, the company had expanded west to Marion, Ohio and east to Youngstown, Ohio. The goal was to bring quality ice cream to the public, including the (original) Klondike bar. Isalys Dairy was making six flavors of Klondikes at the time, according to a news article from the Youngstown Vindicator in 1922. The chocolate-coated ice cream square came in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cherry, maple and grape. Though the Isaly empire became known for its dairy products, the family maintained a connection to its agricultural roots. The Isalys also had a 256-acre dairy farm located near North Jackson, Ohio. According to the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, it was here that around 50 grass-fed Holstein cows were raised mainly for the purpose of producing milk for infant feeding. The milk was then delivered to the Youngstown plant and bottled. Chester Isaly managed the farm, and would often visit it to check up on the cows. The farm was open for public visitation until its sale in 1965, reports the MVHS. Crossing state lines With popular ice cream products, the business grew quickly, and by 1924, the Isalys owned 25 retail stores. But the Isaly family didnt stop there. After moving to Pittsburgh, Henry Isaly, Williams son, decided to take a gamble and open a location across state lines. Their first storefront in Pennsylvania was on the Boulevard of Allies in Oakland near the city of Pittsburgh in 1931. This is also around the time the famous chipped chopped ham sandwich was invented by Larry Hatch, Isalys general manager, at the Boulevard of the Allies plant, according to Isalys Chipped Ham, Klondikes and Other Tales from Behind the Counter by Brian Butko. Their success with ice cream and now ham sandwiches led to dairy and deli stores opening up across southwestern Pennsylvania. By the 1950s, the Isalys had 400 stores across Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The business continued steadily until the 1960s. Henry Isaly died in 1961, and the Isaly family suddenly had new competition: fast food restaurants. The family decided to sell the company in the early 1970s. Despite this, decades of sweet treats and delicious sandwiches gave it staying power and remnants of this business remain today. Klondike bars are now owned by multinational company Unilever, and the deli business was carried on by Conroy Foods, Inc., which currently sells its products in stores across southwestern Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. And now, visitors can step back in time and experience the glamour of the Isalys stores once again by seeing old ice cream containers, photos and more. The Islay exhibit Earlier this year, while driving past the old Isalys Youngstown plant, Brooke Testa had a wave of nostalgia. I thought, I wonder what this would have looked like back in its day. And thats when I had the idea (for an Isaly exhibit), Testa said. So, Testa ran her idea by her supervisors and boss at the Arms Family Museum, who quickly gave the green light. She then started digging through the museums artifacts in storage. There, she found Islays ice cream containers, milk bottles and cartons, chipped chopped ham containers, a Skyscraper ice cream scoop, old menus and a huge Isalys sign that hung on one of the storefronts in Youngstown. All the artifacts were donated to the museum over the years, Testa said, and will be featured in the exhibit, including a booth and table from Isalys downtown Youngstown stores. Testas goal for the exhibit is to take people back in time. I wanted to set that booth and table up to look like a couple would have just walked into an Isalys store and sat down to have a sandwich or an ice cream sundae or banana split, Testa said. Old photographs, advertisements and the Isalys history will also be featured. The goal of the exhibit is to pay homage to the Isalys impact in Youngstown, Testa said. But beyond the company, Testa wanted to make the exhibit about the customers, too. Residents memories are in the exhibit, and visitors can add theirs, too. Its really interesting to read those. You get a better idea of how significant the business was in this area, Testa said. In that short time (Isalys) was here, it impacted a lot of people. Isalys recently announced that it will be setting up a new shop in the Strip District, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2026. For more information, visit exploremahoning.com/visits/arms-family-museum/ or https://isalys.com/retro-store/. (Liz Partsch can be reached at epartsch@farmanddairy.com or 330-337-3419.) SULLIVAN, Ohio Black River FFA recently hosted its annual open house to celebrate the start of the school year. The event featured a petting zoo with goats, sheep, cows, a miniature horse and a duck. Visitors also had the chance to spin a wheel and take home prizes. The event drew in a steady flow of families who got to reconnect with teachers and meet classmates. CHILLICOTHE, Ohio Zane Trace FFA had a booth at the 80th Ross County Fair where they participated in several activities. The booth displayed pictures of activities throughout the year, awards won by members and members names who are serving as officers. Several members joined in Junior Fair Night, participating in the Outhouse Race and Calf Scramble. The Outhouse team placed second and Zane Trace FFA President Issac Detty won a calf to show at the 2026 Junior Fair Beef Show. Members also volunteered to serve sandwiches in the Ross County Cattlemens Booth and participated in the Junior Fair livestock shows. CHILLICOTHE, Ohio The Zane Trace FFA officer team recently hosted its annual officer retreat at Zane Trace High School to plan for the school year. Discussions revolved around past and new activities, including the creation of a hiking club. Officers set goals, action steps and a schedule. Later, they enjoyed trivia games and traveled to the Ross County Fairgrounds to assist with cleaning and shelf construction in the Home Arts building. WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio Miami Trace Great Oaks FFA member Eric Taylor was recently named one of four national finalists for the Nursery Operations Agricultural Proficiency Award. He will compete for the top spot at the National FFA Convention in October. Taylor developed his Nursery Operations skills as an employees at Regans Greenhouse for three years. He is the son Jeff and Kristi Taylor, of Jeffersonville, Ohio, and is a 2025 graduate of Miami Trace. He is currently enrolled at Purdue University where he is studying plant science. Britains battle to wipe out bovine TB is on course to fail unless the government injects more urgency and funding into its strategy, experts have warned. Unveiling a review of government policy on 3 September, scientists said the 2038 eradication goal will only be achievable if badger vaccinations are rolled out rapidly and stricter measures are introduced to control infection within cattle herds. They also called for the appointment of a dedicated figurehead to drive policy, secure more funding and ensure stronger co-operation across farming and wildlife groups. The Labour government has pledged to phase out badger culling by 2029 and replace it with a vaccination programme. But almost halfway through the 25-year plan, bovine TB continues to inflict heavy losses on both farming and wildlife. In the past decade alone, 274,000 cattle have been compulsorily slaughtered in England, while more than 230,000 badgers have been culled since 2013. Compensation bills are rising too last year payouts for slaughtered cattle reached almost 23 million. The review warns that bovine TB remains a significant challenge for the livestock sector, with serious consequences for animal health, farmer livelihoods and the public purse. It stresses that while progress has been made, eliminating the disease will require greater urgency, leadership and funding. The goal of eradicating the disease by 2038 is very challenging but achievable. To get there a systems approach is required, utilising all tools that ministers decide are in scope. Alongside on-farm measures, the report highlights the need to tackle wider social and governance factors. It urges stronger leadership and closer collaboration between government, industry and stakeholders to keep the strategy on track. Eradication will require a stepping up of urgency and attention and a relentless focus on reducing the prevalence of a disease that has blighted livestock farming in England and other home nations for far too long. Farmers are being urged to act now to shield calves from bovine respiratory disease (BRD) ahead of winter housing, with beef prices still riding high. BRD is one of the most significant health threats to youngstock, costing the UK beef and dairy sectors an estimated 80 million a year in lost productivity, treatment and mortality. In beef systems, infection can reduce liveweight gain by more than 200g per day from birth to slaughter. Environmental pressures at housing including fluctuating temperatures, nutritional stress and the mixing of groups make calves particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections. Vet Dr Kat Baxter-Smith from MSD Animal Health warned that prevention is important: "Lost production from BRDor having to treat sick animalscan directly impact farm profitability. This year, more than ever, with high beef prices, its vital that farmers maximise growth rates and protect profit potential." She added that the disease does not always show obvious clinical signs: BRD doesnt always show obvious signs but can silently reduce growth rates and extend finishing times, making early detection essential. To support early action, MSD Animal Health is offering subsidised BRD screening through most veterinary practices in Britain. The test involves taking blood samples from calves aged three to six months, which are then analysed in a Netherlands laboratory using ELISA technology. Antibodies to five major BRD pathogens are identified: bovine coronavirus, bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine parainfluenza virus type 3, M. haemolytica and Mycoplasma bovis. The results can then be used to inform tailored vaccination programmes and management strategies. Screening takes away the guesswork, explains Dr Baxter-Smith. It gives vets and farmers hard evidence of which pathogens are circulating on-farm and highlights immunity gaps. From there, it becomes much easier to make targeted prevention decisions. Vets can also use Thoracic Ultrasound (TUS) to check for lung damage, with the screening data helping to pinpoint the pathogens responsible. While clinical BRD is typically diagnosed in 1116% of calves, subclinical disease may affect as many as 2367%. Dr Baxter-Smith stressed the hidden cost of these cases: These animals might not be picked up by eye, but the consequences are real and long-lasting. Even small lung lesions can significantly reduce growth rates by as much as 96138g per day underlining the importance of preventative strategies. Dr Baxter-Smith emphasised the need for a shift in approach: This is why we must move beyond reactive treatments and focus on proactive, immunity-led prevention. "Stopping BRD before damage occurs starts with understanding whats happening in the calfs environment and body. The Ulster Farmers Union has fired the starting gun on a new campaign urging Northern Ireland farmers to flood MPs with letters opposing the proposed 'family farm tax'. With changes to inheritance tax and agricultural property relief expected to pass into law in the coming months, the UFU says this is a critical window for the industry to make its voice heard. As part of the campaign, farmers are being encouraged to take part by writing personal letters to their local MP, highlighting the real impact the changes would have on family farms. Under the government's plans, inherited farming estates valued above 1 million would face a 20% tax charge, a move that many fear will make it impossible to pass holdings on intact to the next generation. Farmers across the UK warn that such bills could force the break-up or sale of family farms simply to cover the liability. Commenting on the campaign, UFU president William Irvine said there was now a critical window of opportunity and that farmers "need to act". "Through our Write to your MPs campaign we are working to rally all local farmers, urging them to stand in solidarity with us by sending a personal letter to their local MPs. "I cannot stress enough how important these individual letters are. It cannot be a copy and paste job. We need to leave it all on the page, the heartache, distress, worry, the generational graft that our families have poured into the land. Dont leave anything unsaid. Mr Irvine continued that the Treasury alone has the authority to reverse the proposals, describing it as the horrendous prospect hanging over farmers since the Autumn Budget. He explained that the UFU has already thrown everything at the campaign with UK-wide and local efforts, from meetings and protests to lobbying, but insisted we need to show the Treasury were not giving up and sharing your story is the vital next step. He added that the response must come in the form of personalised letters: We must inundate them with personalised letters from NI farmers. "We are the ones who will be disproportionately affected because NI has more family run farms and higher land values than other UK regions. He appealed directly to farmers, warning the deadline is fast approaching: I am urging every farmer in NI to show your support for this campaign as we are getting dangerously close to the deadline. "Do it for your farm and your family, for the farmers coming behind you. Treasury need to hear it from the people affected and together we will protect the future of Northern Irelands family farms. The UFU has issued guidelines to help farmers structure their letters and stresses that MPs should be asked to forward correspondence directly to the Treasury for a response. Nidhi Bhansali Pandya was working in the pharmaceutical industry in a cushy job in the US, pregnant with her first child, when something inside her mind shifted priorities. The author, whose formal education is in the field of Ayurveda (she is a third-generation Ayurvedic practitioner), vividly remembers the incident. I remember sitting in a boardroom, watching senior executives and medical advisors brainstorm how to create a new diagnostic condition for a drug whose patent was about to expire. It wasnt about meeting a health need. It was about sustaining sales, she narrates. That meeting cracked something open in her. She tells us how it got her thinking, and how the foundation of her newly-released book Your Body Already Knows (Harper Non-Fiction) was laid. The author distills the ancient systems of Ayurvedas essential principles for the readers to align their daily lives with. We catch up with her on a rainy afternoon in Mumbai and learn more about her book, the 21-day routine with which we can embrace healthy practices of living, and how much wisdom our bodies carry. You have done numerous activities around Ayurveda, having studied it. Which is that one Eureka moment when you realised that the knowledge you have needs to become more accessible to the public at large? Was it at the same time that you decided to write Your Body Already Knows? The moment came sharply into focus when I moved to the US over two decades ago. I had just taken a job in the pharmaceutical industry, and around the same time, I became pregnant with my first child. That combination entering the corporate side of medicine while preparing to become a mother was what shifted everything for me. I had grown up in a household steeped in Ayurvedic wisdom, where illness wasnt something you attacked, but something you understood. Something you healed from the root, not masked. And now, I was on the other side of the equation, witnessing a system that often profits from prolonging dependency, rather than restoring balance. At the same time, I was carrying a child. And I realised with a deep ache that my baby would be born into a world where this sacred knowledge, that I had inherited almost subconsciously through food, rhythm, rituals, and stories, was not automatically accessible. That realisation wasnt just intellectual. It was maternal. If I didnt pass it on, who would? Thats when I knew Ayurveda had to be reintroduced, not as an exotic supplement or a rigid protocol, but as a living, breathing framework for how to be human. Accessible. Modern. Rooted. And honest. Around 20 years later, Your Body Already Knows emerged from the work I had done from that same very impulse. It is my attempt to translate deep Ayurvedic truths into a language the modern body can recognise, not through jargon, but through rhythm, sensation, and intuition. I wanted to show that wisdom doesnt have to be complicated. It just needs to be remembered. In this book, you break down the essence of optimum health into a 21-day routine. Can you tell us how easy or difficult it can be for those trying it out? Image: Shutterstock; For representation only The practices themselves are incredibly simple, even intuitive. But the magic lies in how theyre introduced. I have designed the 21-day journey to unfold gradually, stacking one shift at a time, so that your body has the space to remember. Its not a crash course. It is a gentle reorientation, a way of bringing your day back into rhythm with your natural chemistry, your ancestral biology, and your forgotten instincts. More than anything, this is not about doing more. Its about unlearning the habits that have pulled you away from yourself. Its not about adding rituals on top of a busy life. Its about quietly reconfiguring your daily flow so that it aligns with the hormones, enzymes, and neurotransmitters your body already produces, if only you give it the right cues. We often look for peak health through effort. But healing, as Ive found, is more about alignment than exertion. When you start eating with the sun, breathing with awareness, and resting before your body crashes, things shift. And you start to feel more like yourself. The 21-day framework gives you just enough time for those new pathways to take root, for the brain to fire and wire new patterns, and for the body to feel what balance actually feels like. What is your message to anyone who picks up Your Body Already Knows? Image: Shutterstock; For representation only Every species on this planet knows how to live. Deer graze on the same grass each morning without an alarm clock. Tigers dont obsess over productivity or the 5 AM club. Injured animals instinctively roll in sulphur-rich soil to heal. Nursing mammals choose galactagogue foods without reading about them. Bears eat cabbage before hibernation, so they can have a bowel movement upon waking. No manuals. No trends. Just wisdom. And yet here we are, the most intelligent species, second-guessing every instinct, outsourcing every decision, and living in a way that often goes against our biology. Weve become so connected to our intellect that weve lost touch with our instinct. So connected to information that weve lost our inner knowing. Your Body Already Knows is an invitation to come back. Not to the past, but to your own nature. It offers a clear, principle-based framework, rooted in Ayurveda, shaped by neuroscience, and made for modern life, so you can stop guessing and start listening. This isnt about rigid rules or trends. Its about remembering whats always been there. The rhythms. The cues. The climate within. This book helps you reestablish that connection, so you can live with more ease, more vitality, and most importantly, more freedom. In this world of short attention spans and instant notifications, how do you have the audiences believe in the power of the human body? Image: Shutterstock; For representation only I feel that we need that belief now more than ever. We live in a world where attention has become a currency, constantly pulled, fragmented, and monetised. But what we lose in this hyper-stimulated state is not just focus. We lose access to the deeper intelligence of the body. I often say: if Newton had been scrolling through his phone, he might never have noticed the apple falling from the tree. Discovery requires stillness. Healing does, too. Insight doesnt come through speed. It comes through space. We are in a global crisis, physically, emotionally, and ecologically. And no amount of optimising or outsourcing will save us if we dont remember how to listen. The body is not outdated. Its miraculous. It digests, detoxifies, repairs, regulates, and even whispers to us, if were quiet enough to hear it. When people reconnect with the rhythms of their own breath, hunger, sleep, and emotion, they begin to see: this body isnt broken. Its just been ignored. The real revolution wont come through more apps or algorithms. It will come when we pause long enough to return to our cellular intelligence, because the wisdom were seeking out there? Much of it already lives in here, in our bodies. Your Body Already Knows Author: Nidhi Bhansali Pandya Publisher: Harper Non-Fiction Pages: 300 Rs 399 Ebook available Also Read: Need Help In Parenting? A Psychotherapist & A Parent Educator To The Rescue Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release Chemicals SubCategory Select Sub-Category In good news for Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, the Allahabad High Court has dismissed a petition on Jolly LLB 3's song Bhai Vakeel Hai. The petitioner claimed that the song allegedly insults the legal profession and the judiciary and also demanded a ban on the release of the film. However, a division bench of Justices Sangeeta Chandra and Brij Raj Singh dismissed the petition and ruled that they had not found anything objectionable. As per the verdict, "We did not find anything that warrants the interference of this court. We also looked at the lyrics of the song, and we did not find anything that interferes with the genuine profession of lawyers." Before this petition, another lawyer, Wajid Khan Bidkar, complained that Jolly LLB 3 makes fun of lawyers and court proceedings. He also objected to a scene where judges were referred to as mamu. A Pune court has asked Kumar and Warsi to appear on September 28. The issue first came to light in 2024 after the films teaser was unveiled. The teaser introduced audiences to the face-off between Akshay and Arshad, who return as rival lawyers in this third instalment. However, along with the excitement, the teaser also drew criticism from sections of the legal community, ultimately leading to Khans petition. The controversy has since reignited with the court now formally summoning the actors and director. Despite the legal hurdle, Jolly LLB 3 remains one of the most awaited releases of the year. The franchise has enjoyed strong success in the past, with the first film in 2013 turning into a sleeper hit and the 2017 sequel crossing the Rs 200 crore mark globally. Now, with both Akshay and Arshad coming together for the first time in the series, expectations are running high. Produced by Star Studio 18 and helmed by Subhash Kapoor, the film is slated to hit theatres on September 19, 2025. Also Read: Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi Face Court Notice Ahead of Jolly LLB 3s Release Brampton, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 3, 2025) - Urban Infrastructure Group Inc. (TSXV: UIG) ("UIG" or the "Corporation"), a leading stage-one concrete and drainage infrastructure construction group, specializing in large scale new residential housing developments, would like to announce that it has entered into a loan arrangement with a related party (the "Lender") whereby the Lender advanced to the Company an aggregate of $500,000 (the "Loan"). UIG will use the Loan for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Loans bears interest at a rate of 12% per annum and is evidenced by a promissory note in favour of the Lender. The Loan is repayable on the date that is six months from issuance. The Corporation also intends to issue to the Lender, subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), as a loan bonus, an aggregate of 5,000,000 common share purchase warrants of the Corporation ("Bonus Warrant"). Each Bonus Warrant entitles the Lender to acquire one (1) common share in the capital of the Corporation at an exercise price of $0.05 per share for a period of one (1) year from the date of the promissory notes (the "Expiry Date"). The Lenders are "related parties" (as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101")) of the Corporation and, therefore, the Loan is a Related Party Transaction (as defined in MI 61-101). UIG is exempt from the formal valuation requirement and the minority approval requirement under MI 61-101 in respect of the Loan since, at the time of the Loan, the fair market value of the consideration for the Loan did not exceed 25% of UIG's market capitalization. In connection with the Loan, the Corporation will be paying a finder's fee of $25,000 to an arm's length third party. About Urban Infrastructure Group UIG is a leading concrete and drainage infrastructure construction group engaged in the earliest stage of the construction process - known as Stage One. Urban Infrastructure Group specializes in large-scale, master-planned residential communities, with partners and customers behind some of Ontario's most significant residential development projects. Connect with UIG: https://urbaninfrastructuregroup.com/ Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain acts, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of UIG, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Some of these risks are described under the "Caution on Forward-Looking Information" section and "Risk Factors" section of the MD&A. Although UIG has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. UIG does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265073 SOURCE: Urban Infrastructure Group Inc. EQS Newswire / 04/09/2025 / 09:51 UTC+8 Hong Kong - September 01, 2025 - ( SeaPRwire ) - SeaPRwire , a prominent Public Relations Communication Platform, has introduced an innovative Automated News Summarization Tool, developed in collaboration with its partner Asia Presswire ( https:/asiapresswire.com ). This advanced system utilizes cutting-edge natural language processing (NLP) technology to automatically generate concise and accurate summaries of news articles, making it easier for users to quickly grasp key points and enhance their reading experience. As the volume of news content continues to rise, it has become increasingly difficult for readers to stay updated and extract essential information from lengthy articles. This challenge has prompted SeaPRwire to develop a solution that streamlines the news consumption process. The new Automated News Summarization Tool addresses this need by offering a quick and efficient way to summarize news articles, saving time and improving the overall user experience. "The launch of our Automated News Summarization Tool is a key milestone in making news consumption faster and more efficient," said Max Jackson, Information Director at SeaPRwire. "By leveraging natural language processing technology, we are able to provide a tool that not only helps users get to the core of news stories but also enhances their engagement with content. This is especially valuable in an age where time is a premium and readers want to stay informed with ease." The tool is designed to scan and analyze news content, extracting the most important details and presenting them in a clear, succinct format. It ensures that the essence of the story is preserved while eliminating unnecessary details. Users can now access summaries of breaking news, press releases, and other articles in a matter of seconds, allowing them to stay on top of the latest developments without spending extensive time reading through long texts. By offering an automated solution to summarize news, SeaPRwire aims to help businesses, media outlets, and public relations professionals better manage the flow of information. With the ability to quickly disseminate summarized content, organizations can engage their audiences more effectively and keep them informed without overwhelming them with lengthy articles. "The speed and accuracy with which this tool can generate news summaries will significantly impact how organizations handle news distribution and content engagement," Jackson added. "In a fast-paced digital landscape, this tool empowers users to make better-informed decisions and helps them stay ahead of the curve in a competitive environment." SeaPRwire's collaboration with Asia Presswire ensures that the system is powered by the latest advancements in natural language processing, making it a valuable addition to any organization's communication strategy. By enabling quicker and more efficient content consumption, the Automated News Summarization Tool is set to revolutionize how news is consumed and shared. This new tool is now available to SeaPRwire's clients across multiple regions, providing an essential resource for those looking to streamline their news engagement and keep up with the rapid pace of modern media. About Asia Presswire Asia Presswire ( https:/asiapresswire.com ) is a press release distribution service that provides tailored solutions for public relations firms, agencies, organizations, and corporations worldwide. They specialize in delivering customized press release distribution, including direct-to-editor email delivery to targeted media editors at newspapers, magazines, and broadcast outlets. Their extensive network spans 172 countries, connecting with over 230,000 media outlets and 3.6 million self-media platforms. Supporting over 46 languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, and Japanese, Asia Presswire ensures effective communication across diverse linguistic regions. Their services are designed to enhance brands' online visibility and reputation, enabling effective connection with target audiences. About SeaPRwire SeaPRwire is a leading earned media communications management platform in Asia, designed to empower PR and communications professionals. Its Branding-Insight Program streamlines communication management by connecting clients with a network of over 80,000 journalists, editors, magazines, and online media outlets, along with 300 million followers of key opinion leaders (KOLs). Leveraging AI-driven technology, SeaPRwire enables users to identify relevant media and KOLs, personalize pitches, and measure the impact of their communications efforts. Operating across regions including Japan, China, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, SeaPRwire enhances brand awareness and educates audiences effectively. Media Contact Brand: SeaPRwire Contact: Media team Email: cs@seaprwire.com Website: https://seaprwire.com 04/09/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com Beauty device brand 'makeON' to showcase new micro-LED mask SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Amorepacific will participate in IFA 2025 for the first time, the world's leading consumer electronics trade show, taking place in Berlin, Germany, from September 5. At the show's Beauty Hub (Hall 17), Amorepacific will unveil 'ONFACE,' a premium micro-LED mask from its AI-powered beauty device brand 'makeON.' Making its global debut at IFA, ONFACE is designed to deliver consistent, even light across the face through 3,770 ultra-thin micro surface-emitting LEDs. With its single-panel LED design and flexible, lightweight materials, the mask fits closely with facial contours for maximum effectiveness. ONFACE's ex vivo test results confirmed that elastin in the skin's deeper layers increased by up to 1,690%[1], while also demonstrating comprehensive improvements in skin condition, including visibly reduced pore volume, refined texture, and greater skin density. The product is scheduled for official launch in Korea in October 2025. The company's Beauty Hub booth will also showcase makeON's latest beauty devices - the 'Skin Light Therapy 3S' and 'Gem Sono Therapy Relief.' Skin Light Therapy 3S, a smart beauty device launched in March, analyzes skin condition in just three seconds and provides personalized care solutions. Backed by Amorepacific's 80 years of expertise and cutting-edge technology, the device drew strong attention at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. Gem Sono Therapy Relief, launched in April, is a gentle, low-irritant[2] device that utilizes ultrasonic vibrations at a frequency of three million cycles per second. Equipped with Amorepacific's proprietary 'Infinity Sono Tech,' it helps the absorption of active ingredients deep into the skin. "Unveiling makeON's ONFACE for the first time worldwide at IFA 2025 is a significant milestone for Amorepacific," said Hyojung Joo, Head of Digital Strategy Division at Amorepacific. "We will continue to introduce innovative beauty devices that inspire new skincare routines to customers around the globe." makeON, Amorepacific's beauty device brand, was established in 2011 to deliver professional skincare results at home. Based on its proprietary LHIM Technology (Light, Heat, Ion, and Motion), the brand offers a range of solutions including light therapy masks and ultrasonic care devices. Today, makeON is expanding globally and advancing its connected beauty ecosystem by integrating devices and services to provide more personalized skincare experiences. [1] The rate of increase in elastin production of the product application group compared to the UVB control group: Based on human skin tissue ex vivo model test; results observed after a single 9-minute session of UVB exposure and use of ONFACE, with a subsequent three-day, once-daily application of a skin-brightening product [2] Certified Low-Irritation Head Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2763407/Press_Release__Amorepacific_Debuts_at_IFA_2025__Unveils_New_Beauty_Device_F.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1607411/Amore_Pacific_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/amorepacific-debuts-at-ifa-2025-unveils-new-beauty-device-302544728.html Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture" Sept 4, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) today signed an agreement with Yamaguchi Prefecture and Iwakuni City regarding the construction of the "Mazda Motor Corporation Iwakuni Plant," a new module pack plant for automotive cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, as announced in January this year. Based on this agreement, construction will commence in November this year, with the aim of starting plant operations in fiscal year 2027. The Iwakuni Plant will be Mazda's first new domestic plant since the start of operations at the Hofu No.2 Plant in 1992.Mazda is promoting electrification through its multi-solution approach to flexibly respond to diversifying customer needs and changing environmental regulations globally. The Iwakuni Plant will play an important role as a foundation supporting the global expansion of electrified products. This plant will assemble modules of automotive cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells sourced from Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., and package them into battery packs. The plant aims to create a safe, secure, and comfortable workplace, and to contribute to local employment and economic development.Mazda is committed to delivering the "joy of driving" and smiles to customers around the world by incorporating the technology and high quality produced at the Iwakuni Plant into its electric vehicles.New Plant OverviewName: Mazda Motor Corporation Iwakuni PlantProduct: Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery Packs for Automotive UseProduction Capacity: Annual capacity of 10 GWh at maximumLocation: 3915 Minamishirazaki, Tsuzu, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi PrefectureLand Area: Approximately 190,000 m2Construction Start: November 2025Start of operations: In Fiscal Year 2027Source: mazdaCopyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. 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. Sao Paulo, Brazil--(Newsfile Corp. - September 3, 2025) - Winline Technology, a global provider of smart energy solutions, showcased its latest innovations at The Smarter E South America, South America's largest renewable energy exhibition, held from August 26-28 at the Sao Paulo Norte Expo Center. Demonstrating its commitment to supporting high-quality smart energy infrastructure development across global markets, Winline Technology featured three key product lines: technologically advanced power modules, high-efficiency DC fast chargers, and energy storage modules that rank among the industry's top in sales volume. With an expanding product portfolio and growing influence, Winline Technology is strengthening global partnerships by delivering robust, high-quality solutions tailored to local markets. Image 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8722/265092_3f4e997a8451996f_001full.jpg At the exhibition site, Winline Technology's booth was arranged into three smart energy sections highlighting key features. The "EV Charger Section" focused on high-efficiency fast-charging technology, demonstrating the significant improvements in charging speed and user experience. The "Power Module Section" showcased multiple high-performance charging modules, highlighting the company's strong expertise in core component R&D. The "Energy Storage Section," centered around the Mars-125KT PCS module, provided global customers with international energy storage solutions. These three sections respectively displayed cutting-edge technological products in the smart energy solutions system from the dimensions of modules, chargers, and energy storage, offering robust support for the rapid development of global smart energy. The Electree Olive 240kW DC Charger made its debut at the exhibition, redefining the electric vehicle charging experience with its breakthrough ultra-slim design. Engineered for flexible deployment across urban hubs, highway rest areas, and other high-demand scenarios, the system significantly improves space utilization without compromising power. Its innovative cooling duct design reduces operational noise to below 65dB, ensuring a quiet and comfortable charging environment. Built with fully potted high-efficiency modules and robust stainless steel enclosure, the charger achieves a conversion efficiency of over 96% while delivering reliable performance and extended service life even under challenging environmental conditions. Image 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8722/265092_3f4e997a8451996f_002full.jpg Compatible with advanced liquid cooling technology, the charger supports a peak output of 600A per plug and features a 24-inch smart display that enables dynamic advertising-creating new revenue opportunities for operators. The system also incorporates AI-based interactive capabilities and a multi-language user interface, significantly elevating the user experience. With support for OCPP 2.0 smart management protocols and integrated multi-currency payment systems, the station provides a future-proof, globally scalable charging solution. Also, Winline Technology presented the Cactus 30-40kW DC Charging Station-a cost-optimized solution developed for the global market. Compatible with 99.9% of electric vehicle models, it offers versatile mounting options including wall and pole installations, and supports a variety of activation methods such as plug-and-charge, RFID authentication, and mobile app control. Boasting IP55 and IK10 protection ratings, the Cactus series is designed to perform reliably in diverse outdoor settings, emphasizing durability and ease of use. Image 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8722/265092_3f4e997a8451996f_003full.jpg Winline Technology has launched a series of high-performance power modules for the new energy and power electronics sectors, dedicated to providing efficient and reliable solutions for global charging infrastructure, energy storage, and multi-energy complementary scenarios. The UXR100040B and UXR100030B exhibited this time are specifically designed for chargers, featuring ultra-high full-load temperature, ultra-wide constant power range, high efficiency, high reliability, and low noise. The UXC95050B is a high-frequency isolated bidirectional DC/DC module that supports ultra-wide voltage and ultra-high efficiency, suitable for energy storage, PV-storage-charging, and other scenarios requiring bidirectional energy interaction. The UXG1K022 is a bidirectional AC/DC conversion module with a wide voltage range and high power density, suitable for V2G, energy storage, and battery echelon utilization. The UXC100040 is a high-power unidirectional DC/DC module with wide input and output ranges and high protection, widely used in PV-storage-charging, multi-vehicle charging stations, and mobile charging scenarios. This product series fully meets the diverse needs of modern global energy systems for efficient, intelligent, and reliable power modules. High-power commercial and industrial energy storage converter module offers three major advantages: high efficiency and intelligence, flexible application, and grid friendliness. It is particularly suitable for commercial and industrial energy storage scenarios that pursue low levelized cost of energy, and its market shipment volume ranks among the industry leaders. The Mars-125KT PCS series has passed multiple authoritative certifications, including GB/T 34120, GB/T 34120 test reports, third-party high and low voltage ride-through tests, CE safety and EMC certifications, and has obtained EU EN50549 grid connection approval. It can cover application requirements in numerous countries, demonstrating multi-country applicability and serving as an international energy storage solution. Winline Technology reaffirms its role as an industry leader by driving innovation in charging infrastructure, promoting cutting-edge Chinese technologies internationally, and fostering worldwide partnerships to facilitate intelligent, secure, and highly efficient energy transition. Image 4 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8722/265092_3f4e997a8451996f_004full.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265092 SOURCE: Global News Operational and payments expertise combine to help merchants realize the full power of orchestration. LEHI, UT / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / IXOPAY , a global leader in enterprise-grade payment orchestration, today announced the appointments of Angie Okelberry as Vice President, Global Customer Success & Support, and Benjamin Canova as Senior Director, Customer Strategy & Account Management. These appointments strengthen IXOPAY's commitment to delivering world-class customer experiences for merchants worldwide. Okelberry brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across customer success, professional services, sales engineering, and product. In her new role, she will oversee IXOPAY's global customer success and support teams, ensuring merchants achieve measurable outcomes across their entire journey. Previously at Cornerstone, she led international teams delivering strategic planning and adoption initiatives for enterprise clients. "At IXOPAY, customer success means helping merchants harness the full potential of payment infrastructure - from faster integrations to higher approval rates and seamless expansion into new markets," said Angie Okelberry, VP Global Customer Success & Support at IXOPAY. "My focus is on building a customer experience that is proactive, data-driven, and rooted in advocacy. Our customers know they can trust us as a true partner who understands their business, anticipates their needs, and delivers outcomes that matter every day." Canova joins IXOPAY from Louis Vuitton, where he was the founding Global Payment and Fraud Manager and built the company's first dedicated payments team. With more than a decade of experience across banking, PSPs, and retail, he is recognized as a payments expert with a unique perspective on the challenges merchants face in today's complex payments landscape. At IXOPAY, he will use this expertise to partner with enterprise merchants, align account strategy with business priorities, and help them realize greater efficiency and growth. "Orchestration is the most exciting advancement in payments in the past decade," said Benjamin Canova, Sr. Director of Customer Strategy & Account Management at IXOPAY. "Having worked on the merchant side, I know firsthand that no single PSP can cover every method and market worldwide. That's why orchestration is essential - it gives enterprises the flexibility to scale without lock-in. IXOPAY delivers on the promise of orchestration, empowering merchants to manage payments end-to-end, from front office to back office, without becoming payment companies themselves. I'm excited to help IXOPAY customers turn payments into a strategic advantage." "Angie and Benjamin bring a powerful combination of operational and payments expertise to help merchants unlock the full power of orchestration," said Suzanne Rudnitzki, Interim CEO of IXOPAY. "Together, they strengthen IXOPAY's ability to deliver growth, efficiency, and innovation for customers worldwide." IXOPAY will be at Money20/20 in Las Vegas this October at booth #20055, meeting with merchants and partners to discuss the future of payment orchestration. About IXOPAY IXOPAY is the enterprise-grade global payment orchestration platform for businesses that demand scale, flexibility, and control. Orchestrating more than $40 billion in payments for customers across 30+ countries, IXOPAY combines one of the industry's most extensive adapter ecosystems with smart routing, tokenization, and full lifecycle tools, all through a single, vendor-agnostic API. By eliminating complexity and processor lock-in, IXOPAY turns payment infrastructure into a strategic advantage - enabling faster integrations, higher approval rates, and seamless expansion into new markets. Learn more at www.ixopay.com. Media Contact: Mills Forni, Verdis, mills@verdis.xyz SOURCE: IXOPAY View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/ixopay-strengthens-customer-experience-leadership-with-appointmen-1068652 Forbo Holding AG / Schlagwort(e): Personalie Johannes Huber wird neuer CEO der Forbo-Gruppe 04.09.2025 / 06:30 CET/CEST Veroffentlichung einer Ad-hoc-Mitteilung gemass Art. 53 KR Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich. MEDIENMITTEILUNG AD-HOC-MITTEILUNG GEMASS ARTIKEL 53 DES KOTIERUNGSREGLEMENTS DER SIX EXCHANGE REGULATION Der Verwaltungsrat der Forbo Holding AG hat Johannes Huber zum neuen CEO der Forbo-Gruppe gewahlt. Johannes Huber folgt auf Jens Fankhanel, der aus gesundheitlichen Grunden nicht mehr in die CEO-Funktion zuruckkehren konnte und das Unternehmen per Ende April 2025 verlassen hat. Forbo-Gruppe, Baar, 4. September 2025 Der designierte CEO der Forbo-Gruppe heisst Johannes Huber. Er wird seine Funktion am 1. Januar 2026 antreten. Aktuell fuhrt der 53-jahrige Osterreicher die Business Unit Diamond Systems bei der Hilti AG, dem weltweit tatigen Bauausruster mit Sitz in Schaan, Liechtenstein, und er ist Mitglied des Group Executive Management Teams der Hilti AG. Seine berufliche Laufbahn startete Johannes Huber 1997 beim Projektsteuerungsunternehmen Drees & Sommer AG in Deutschland, gefolgt von der Unternehmensberatung Boston Consulting Group, wo er sich auf Strategie- und Optimierungsprojekte fur Industrieunternehmen spezialisierte. Seit 2005 ist er in verschiedenen Fuhrungsfunktionen fur die Hilti AG tatig. Johannes Huber studierte Bauingenieurswesen an der Technischen Universitat Wien und absolvierte einen Master of Business Administration am INSEAD in Fontainebleau. Bernhard Merki, Verwaltungsratsprasident der Forbo Holding AG, sagt: Wir freuen uns sehr uber die Wahl von Johannes Huber zum neuen CEO. Sein eindrucklicher Leistungsausweis bei der Hilti AG, insbesondere bei Wachstum, Innovation und Mitarbeiterentwicklung, sowie sein umfassendes Wissen uber die weltweite Bauindustrie haben uns uberzeugt, dass er die optimale Besetzung ist, um die Forbo-Gruppe erfolgreich weiterzuentwickeln. Bereits Ende Juni wurde kommuniziert, dass Andreas Jaeger, derzeit CFO und CEO ad interim der Forbo-Gruppe, das Unternehmen Ende Oktober 2025 verlassen wird, um eine neue berufliche Herausforderung anzunehmen (siehe Medienmitteilung vom 30. Juni 2025). Um eine luckenlose, stabile Fuhrung des Unternehmens sicherzustellen, hat Forbo anlasslich der Veroffentlichung der Halbjahresergebnisse vom 29. Juli 2025 angekundigt, die CFO-Position noch vor dem Ausscheiden von Andreas Jaeger interimistisch zu besetzen. Nun steht fest, dass Peter Germann ab dem 1. Oktober 2025 interimistisch die CFO-Funktion von Andreas Jaeger ubernehmen und damit die Konzernleitung der Forbo-Gruppe verstarken wird. Es ist vorgesehen, dass Peter Germann seine Interimsfunktion bis zur Ubergabe an den kunftigen CFO ausuben wird. Peter Germann war knapp 30 Jahre lang fur die EMS-Gruppe als deren Finanzchef tatig und trat 2024 aufgrund seiner ordentlichen Pensionierung in den Ruhestand. Zuvor war Peter Germann unter anderem fur die Arbonia Forster Gruppe tatig. Bernhard Merki, Verwaltungsratsprasident der Forbo Holding AG, sagt: Peter Germann verfugt uber eine umfassende, profunde Expertise und Erfahrung. Seine Fahigkeiten, in kurzester Zeit komplexe Aufgabenstellungen zu analysieren und die notwendigen Impulse zu setzen, hat er im Verlauf seiner langen, erfolgreichen Karriere unzahlige Male bewiesen. Der Verwaltungsrat ist deshalb sehr erfreut, dass Peter Germann interimistisch die CFO-Funktion der Forbo-Gruppe ubernimmt, und dankt ihm bereits heute fur seinen Einsatz. Weitere Informationen: forbo.com/de/investoren MEDIENMITTEILUNG (VOLLSTANDIGES PDF-FILE) Uber Forbo Forbo ist ein fuhrender Hersteller von Bodenbelagen, Bauklebstoffen sowie von Bandern fur Antriebs- und Leichtfordertechnik. Das Unternehmen bietet seinen Kunden Losungen nach Mass, die sich durch Funktionalitat, Qualitat, Design und Nachhaltigkeit auszeichnen. Das Unternehmen beschaftigt rund 5 200 Mitarbeitende und verfugt uber ein internationales Netz von 25 Standorten mit Produktion und Vertrieb, 6 Konfektionierungszentren sowie 47 reine Vertriebsgesellschaften in insgesamt 39 Landern weltweit. Der Nettoumsatz im Geschaftsjahr 2024 betrug CHF 1 122,0 Mio. Der Sitz der Gesellschaft befindet sich in Baar im Kanton Zug, Schweiz. Die Konzerngesellschaft Forbo Holding AG ist an der SIX Swiss Exchange kotiert (Valorennummer 354151, ISIN CH0003541510, Bloomberg FORN SW, Reuters FORN.S). Kontakt: Andrea Leiser Head Corporate Marketing and Communications Telefon +41 58 787 25 73 www.forbo.com Ende der Adhoc-Mitteilung Regulatory News: Celyad Oncology (Euronext: CYAD) ("Celyad" or the "Company"), today announced that 3,849,040 registered shares benefit from a double voting right as of September 4, 2025. As a result, the Company's total number of voting rights is now 61,335,454. This information is published in accordance with Article 15 of the Belgian Law of 2 May 2007 on the disclosure of major participations in issuers whose shares are admitted to trading on a regulated market and regarding miscellaneous provisions. Figures Modified on September 4, 2025, following the Double Voting Rights: Total amount of share capital (EUR) 9,216,154.53 Total Number of shares with single voting rights 32,044,490 Total Number of shares with double voting rights 12,717,415 Total Number of Shares 44,761,905 Total of voting rights 57,479,320 Total number of attributed warrants 3,856,134 Total number of shares with voting rights that could be created following the exercise of the attributed warrants 3,856,134 Total number of diluted shares (Outstanding shares Warrants) 48,618,039 Total number of diluted shares with voting rights 61,335,454 Contact person for regulated information (financial, transparency) By law, any transparency declaration must be sent to our Company by email to the attention of Matthew Kane, Chief Executive Officer (CEO): investors@celyad.com Further questions about the content of this release can be sent to investors@celyad.com About Celyad Oncology Celyad Oncology is a biotechnology company focused primarily on unlocking the potential of its intellectual property. The Company is headquartered in Mont Saint-Guibert, Belgium. For more information, visit www.celyad.com. Forward-looking statements This release may contain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding beliefs about and expectations for the Company's updated strategic business model, including associated potential benefits, transactions and partnerships, statements regarding the potential value of the Company's IP, statements regarding the Company's financial statements and cash runway, statements regarding the Company's future fundraising plans, statements regarding the Company's hiring plans, and statements regarding the continuation of the Company's existence. The words "will," "potential," "continue," "target," "project," "should" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward-looking statements in this release are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and important factors which might cause actual events, results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Celyad Oncology to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks related to the material uncertainty about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's ability to realize the expected benefits of its updated strategic business model; the Company's ability to develop its IP assets and enter into partnerships with outside parties; the Company's ability to enforce its patents and other IP rights; the possibility that the Company may infringe on the patents or IP rights of others and be required to defend against patent or other IP rights suits; the possibility that the Company may not successfully defend itself against claims of patent infringement or other IP rights suits, which could result in substantial claims for damages against the Company; the possibility that the Company may become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce its patents, which could be expensive, time-consuming, and unsuccessful; the Company's ability to protect its IP rights throughout the world; the potential for patents held by the Company to be found invalid or unenforceable; and other risks identified in the latest Annual Report of Celyad Oncology. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of this document and Celyad Oncology's actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Celyad Oncology expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this document to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, unless required by law or regulation. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903427864/en/ Contacts: Investor and Media Contact: David Georges VP Finance and Administration investors@celyad.com This investment would be the seventh by Antin's NextGen Infrastructure Fund I Regulatory News: Antin Infrastructure Partners (Paris:ANTIN) and Matawan have entered into exclusive negotiations for a majority investment in Matawan, a leading smart mobility platform offering mission critical services to public transport networks and aiming to make everyday travel easier for commuters, transport authorities and operators. Founded in 2012, Matawan offers an end-to-end mobility platform that breaks the silos in public transit. Its cloud-based solutions serve as the infrastructure backbone of modern transportation systems enabling its essential functions. Matawan simplifies the usage of public transport networks across modes (bus, tram, rail, bike, ferry etc) via account-based ticketing, optimises supply and demand via Artificial Intelligence and provides travellers and operators with reliable information and quality of service. Matawan today serves more than 330 transport networks across six countries in Europe and North America. It plans to continue growing its business both organically and through acquisitions, while entering new geographies. Antin's NextGen Fund would be investing in Matawan alongside founder Jean-Paul Medioni, who would have a seat on the company's Supervisory Board, CEO Jerome Tredan and its management team. Upon closing, this investment would be the seventh by Antin's 1.2 billion NextGen Infrastructure Fund I. NextGen invests in companies with proven business models and technologies that require substantial capital to scale to become the next generation of infrastructure, often with a strong focus on sustainability. Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet and Nicolas Mallet, NextGen Senior Partner and NextGen Partner, respectively, at Antin Infrastructure Partners, declared: "Matawan is a great fit for our NextGen strategy. The company is perfectly positioned to become a leader in public transport by facilitating the transition to smart, intermodal and interoperable networks, benefiting from a fundamental shift in commuting patterns and the need to decarbonise mobility. We are looking forward to working with Matawan's teams to help take the company to the next level." Jerome Tredan, CEO of Matawan, added: "We are thrilled to have the backing of Antin as the company enters a new growth chapter. Antin is the right partner to help us consolidate our French and European leadership, allow us to accelerate our expansion in Europe and North America and execute our vision of making everyday commute easier for all, for a more sustainable future." Jean-Paul Medioni, Matawan's founder, concluded: "I am particularly proud of the work accomplished with the teams over these exciting years to promote public transport across territories through digital technology and innovation. I am delighted to see the Matawan project take on a new dimension with the support of Antin and a strong management team. I am very motivated by this new chapter in our history and confident in Matawan's ability to reach new heights." The transaction remains subject to customary works council information procedures and regulatory approval and is expected to close by the end of 2025. About Antin Infrastructure Partners Antin Infrastructure Partners is a leading private equity firm focused on infrastructure. With over 33 billion in assets under management across its Flagship, Mid Cap and NextGen investment strategies, Antin targets investments in the energy and environment, digital, transport and social infrastructure sectors. With offices in Paris, London, New York, Seoul, Singapore and Luxembourg, Antin employs over 240 professionals dedicated to growing, improving and transforming infrastructure businesses while delivering long-term value to portfolio companies and investors. Majority owned by its partners, Antin is listed on Euronext Paris (Ticker: ANTIN ISIN: FR0014005AL0). About Matawan Matawan simplifies everyday travel by connecting mass transit to all modes of mobility. Thanks to a combination of ticketing, electronic payment, quality of service and data management solutions, its smart mobility platform helps improve user service, travel with a single ticket and reduce the environmental footprint of journeys. As a partner to local authorities and operators, Matawan works daily at the heart of cities and regions to liberate mobility services for greater inclusivity, sustainability and convenience. Multi-awarded since its creation in 2012 in Burgundy (France), Matawan is part of French Tech 120, a French government-led programme designed to support the 120 most promising French scale-ups that have the potential to become global leaders. More information on www.matawan-mobility.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903458122/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts Antin Infrastructure Partners Thomas Kamm, Partner Head of Communications Email: media@antin-ip.com Nicolle Graugnard, Communication Director Email: media@antin-ip.com Ludmilla Binet, Head of Shareholder Relations Email: shareholders@antin-ip.com Brunswick Tristan Roquet Montegon +33 (0) 6 37 00 52 57 Email: antinip@brunswickgroup.com Matawan Pauline Dessertine +33 (0) 7 68 49 54 98 Email: p.dessertine@matawan-mobility.com Sandra Laberenne +33 (0) 6 43 19 13 88 Email: slaberenne@meiji-communication.com Soraya Pilonchery +33 (0) 6 20 00 62 63 Email: spilonchery@meiji-communication.com Funding to support Phase 2b trial with MRM Health's lead program MH002 in ulcerative colitis and advance two additional programs to IND approval Strategic partnership with Biocodex in biotherapeutics development and manufacturing adds significant non-dilutive funding in addition to the Series B financing Investment fuels expansion of proprietary CORAL platform and pipeline MRM Health NV, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering microbiome-based therapeutics for inflammatory diseases and immune-oncology, today announced the successful closing of a 55 million (US$64 million) Series B financing round. The round was led by French pharmaceutical group Biocodex and included strong participation from German-based ATHOS, as well as new investor BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity and existing investors SFPIM, Ackermans van Haaren (AvH), OMX Europe Venture Fund (OMX), Qbic II and VIB Validation of Leadership Position in Microbiome-Based Therapeutics Proceeds will enable MRM Health to complete a Phase 2b clinical trial for its lead program MH002 in patients suffering from mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. MH002 is currently the most advanced Live Biotherapeutic Product (LBP) based on rationally-designed combination of disease specific bacteria (microbial consortia), for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with positive clinical data in Phase 2a trials showing safety and initial efficacy in both mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis and in the orphan disease indication pouchitis. In addition, the company will advance two highly innovative novel microbial consortia programs to IND approval, targeting inflammation and improved efficacy of immune-oncology therapies, respectively. MRM Health also plans to expand its portfolio of LBPs through strategic partnerships in both human and animal health. Strategic Development and Manufacturing Partnership As part of the financing, MRM Health and Biocodex intend to enter a strategic collaboration to develop both novel therapeutic assets and scalable manufacturing capabilities for LBPs. This partnership will provide significant additional non-dilutive funding in the coming years, further strengthening the company's operational foundation. Leadership Perspectives "This funding marks a pivotal moment for MRM Health," said Sam Possemiers, CEO of MRM Health. "With the support of our experienced international investor syndicate, we are now well positioned to deliver transformative therapies for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, where current treatments often fall short. Our CORAL platform gives us a unique edge in designing potent, resilient and scalable microbiome-based therapeutics. This new funding will allow us to further build both our platform and pipeline." "Biocodex is a pioneer in microbiota science for over 70 years," said Nicolas Coudurier, CEO of Biocodex. "We are excited to support MRM Health's unique platform approach and leadership role in the field, reflecting our strategy of fostering innovation rooted in our core expertise. By combining our long-standing leadership in microbiota with breakthrough live biotherapeutics platforms, we aim to deliver meaningful solutions for patients, worldwide." "MRM Health is at the forefront of a new era in microbiome-based therapeutics," said Julian Zachmann, from ATHOS. "Their technology has reached the maturity needed to effectively develop, scale and commercialize live biotherapeutics for major chronic inflammatory diseases with high unmet need. We are proud to support their journey toward significant patient impact." "BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity is delighted to join a strong syndicate of investors to support the further development of MRM Health. With two decades of unique scientific expertise in the field of microbiome, this funding round reflects our confidence in MRM Health's technology and the management's ability to translate science into therapeutic solutions that will truly make a difference for patients," said Raf Moons, Head of BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity "We warmly welcome our new investors and thank them for their trust," said Werner Cautreels, Chairman of MRM Health Board of Directors. "With this strong international syndicate, MRM Health is well equipped to advance its pipeline and deliver this novel class of therapeutics to patients in need of alternative, innovative treatment options." Board Expansion As part of the Series B financing, Jean-Patrick Hennebelle (Biocodex), Julian Zachmann (ATHOS) and Goedele Ertveldt (SFPIM) will join MRM Health's Board of Directors. For more information, please follow us on LinkedIn, visit the website at www.mrmhealth.com. About MH002 MH002 is currently the most advanced rationally-designed live microbial consortium therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, with positive clinical data in Phase 2a clinical trials showing safety and initial efficacy in both mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis and in the orphan disease indication pouchitis. It was developed through MRM Health's proprietary CORAL technology and comprises six well-characterized and safe commensal strains, selected and optimized to tackle key disease-driving mechanisms with enhanced activity and robustness. MH002 is manufactured through the Company's breakthrough scalable and standardized cGMP manufacturing platform, allowing for the production of complete consortia as a single drug substance. This unique ability of CORAL to enable scalable, cost-effective manufacturing of complete optimized consortia in a single process is expected to provide both key regulatory and patient compliance advantages. About MRM Health MRM Health is a clinical-stage biotech developing innovative microbiome-based Live Biotherapeutic Products for chronic inflammatory diseases with high unmet needs. Its CORAL platform enables the design and manufacturing of disease-focused microbial consortia with enhanced efficacy and scalability. In addition to advancing its lead program MH002 into pivotal clinical development in ulcerative colitis and the orphan disease indication pouchitis, MRM Health has ongoing preclinical programs in other inflammatory diseases and in immune-oncology. About Biocodex Biocodex is an independent French pharmaceutical group present in over 100 countries. A pioneer in microbiota research, it has made this ecosystem a core strategic focus, firmly convinced of its essential role in global health. Biocodex develops innovative healthcare solutions across microbiota, women's health, rare diseases, and common health conditions. With 1,800 employees worldwide and a true family-owned identity, Biocodex combines scientific excellence industrial know-how with international reach, to deliver innovative and responsible healthcare solutions true to its purpose: Empowering everyone to live fully. About ATHOS With its heritage in healthcare and life sciences, ATHOS is a single-family office that supports entrepreneurs to positively impact health and well-being. Known to the broader public as the long-term majority investor of BioNTech, ATHOS remains committed to advancing medical innovation and building transformative companies for the future. About BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity is the private equity branch of BNP Paribas Fortis and has been active on the private equity market in Belgium since 1981. BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity takes minority stakes and provides mezzanine financing to well-performing companies. In addition, BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity invests in specialized venture capital and private equity funds present on the Belgian market. Direct investments of BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity comprise Studio 100, Konings, Penne, Quality Assistance, Hannecard, PointChaud and Ecosteryl. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903614744/en/ Contacts: Corporate MRM Health NV Dr. Sam Possemiers CEO info@mrmhealth.com Media relations International DACH MC Services AG Anne Hennecke Phone: +49.151.125.557.59 anne.hennecke@mc-services.eu Media relations BeNeLux/Frankreich Backstage Communication Gunther De Backer Phone: +32.475.903.909 gunther@backstagecom.be Regulatory News: CTP, Europe's largest listed developer, owner, and operator of industrial and logistics real estate by gross lettable area (GLA), has agreed a 20,000 sqm lease with Siemens Energy Global GmbH Co. KG at its CTPark Mulheim industrial and logistics park in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, which is currently under construction. Having recently signed a lease for a 12,000 sqm facility with Westenergie AG, the largest subsidiary of E.ON SE, this latest deal demonstrates that CTPark Mulheim is rapidly becoming a major new-high tech business park already attracting leading businesses following CTP's acquisition of the 335,000 sqm brownfield site from French multinational manufacturing business Vallourec in late 2023. CTP is transforming the site that once housed an industrial rolling mill into an innovative new modern business park that will provide over 160,000 sqm of R&D, laboratory, co-working and industrial and logistics spaces for companies in high-growth, technology-focused sectors including life sciences and IT manufacturing. Siemens Energy is leasing approximately 20,000 sqm of total floor space in the high-tech business park, including approximately 17,400 sqm of warehouse space and 2,450 sqm of office/technical/social space, as well as 2,500 sqm of outdoor space. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Siemens Energy site will take place in the summer of 2026, with completion scheduled for the second quarter of 2027. Siemens Energy will use the site to store and maintain standard and special tools for the servicing and construction of power plants and prepare them for worldwide use. To ensure sustainable operation, CTP is equipping the property with photovoltaic panels and electric charging points for cars and trucks. The developer is aiming for a DGNB Gold certification for the buildings, as well as for the entire park. The property is located in the heart of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, one of Europe's largest conurbations. It has excellent connections to the A2, A3, A42, A52, and A59 motorways, providing quick access to the economic centers of Dusseldorf, Duisburg, Dortmund, and Essen. Tenants also benefit from the proximity to Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as their ports of Antwerp, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam. Stefan Pieper, Head of Siemens Energy's Mulheim location, said: "The site on Schutzenstrae will be home to a new service center. This will give us the opportunity to consolidate and expand our activities for our globally active Field Service, thereby complementing our existing locations in Mulheim on Rheinstrae and Mellinghofer Strae." Roman Erke, Head of Real Estate for Western Germany at Siemens Energy, welcomes the expansion of the real estate portfolio and the resulting synergy effects for the company. He particularly highlights the sustainable construction of the project and the targeted LEED Gold certification. This measure represents a significant step toward Siemens Energy's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Marc Buchholz, Lord Mayor of Mulheim an der Ruhr, commented: "With the business park in Mulheim an der Ruhr, CTP is revitalising a historic industrial site and strengthening our economy. The fact that global player Siemens Energy has already signed on as a tenant confirms the attractiveness of the location and, after the previous signing of the contract with E.ON subsidiary Westenergie, is another signal of a promising future." Timo Hielscher, Managing Director M&A for Germany at CTP, said: "The Rhine-Ruhr region is an economic area with great potential, which we are utilising with CTPark Mulheimdemonstrated by signing a second well-known tenant, Siemens Energy, even before construction work has begun. Tenants here benefit from excellent transport links on sustainably developed and flexibly usable space. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Siemens Energy and the city of Mulheim for the cooperative partnership." About CTP CTP is Europe's largest listed owner, developer, and manager of logistics and industrial real estate by gross lettable area, owning 13.5 million sqm of GLA across 10 countries as at 30 June 2025. CTP certifies all new buildings to BREEAM Very good or better and earned a negligible-risk ESG rating by Sustainalytics, underlining its commitment to being a sustainable business. For more information, visit CTP's corporate website: www.ctp.eu Important notice about forward looking information This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of CTP. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "estimates", "plans", "projects", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "targets", "may", "aims", "likely", "would", "could", "can have", "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. As a result, undue influence should not be placed on any forward-looking statement. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903646925/en/ Contacts: CONTACT DETAILS FOR ANALYST AND INVESTOR ENQUIRIES: CTP Maarten Otte, Head of Investor Relations Email: maarten.otte@ctp.eu IR TEAM Email: investor.relations@ctp.eu CONTACT DETAILS FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES: SEC Newgate James Carnegie Mobile: +44 (0)7827 486 224 Email: CTP@SECNewgate.co.uk Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Reports H1 2025 Financial Results and Business Updates Compelling kidney function data and meta-analysis from two Phase 2 studies, VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND, presented in oral presentation at ERA 2025 Expanded IP portfolio including novel composition of matter patent for varoglutamstat granted after accelerated review in the U.S.; patent term to provide exclusivity through 2044 with subsequent opportunity for patent term extension Pre-clinical data showing strong additive and synergistic effect of combination treatment with varoglutamstat and an SGLT-2 inhibitor; new VIVIAD analyses and pre-clinical data continue to support varoglutamstat's mechanism of action and potential in kidney disease Preparations ongoing for Phase 2b of varoglutamstat in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) Management to host conference call today at 3:00 pm CEST (9:00 am EDT) Halle. "In the first half of 2025, we have continued making substantial progress in advancing varoglutamstat in kidney disease, including significantly extending protection of our key asset varoglutamstat with a new composition of matter patent in the U.S.," said Frank Weber, MD, CEO of Vivoryon. "We were especially pleased to share our outstanding clinical study results with the medical community at ERA in June, further solidifying our view of varoglutamstat potentially becoming a novel therapeutic option for patients affected by kidney disease. Our data underscore varoglutamstat's unique ability to stabilize and even improve kidney function, as measured by eGFR values. Moreover, we are excited to have compiled evidence of a potential synergistic effect of varoglutamstat in combination with SGLT-2 inhibitors for which we have generated very promising pre-clinical data. We are continuing to elucidate varoglutamstat's mechanism of action in kidney disease. As more and more datapoints complete the picture, we strongly believe that varoglutamstat can effectively address the significant unmet need for new therapies that tackle the underlying inflammatory and fibrotic changes which are key drivers of disease progression in patients with CKD and DKD." H1 2025 and Post-Period Updates Varoglutamstat Clinical Program Meta-analysis of VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND study data On January 14, 2025, the Company disclosed a meta-analysis of VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND data which confirmed that treatment with varoglutamstat at 600 mg twice daily significantly improved eGFR kidney function in the overall study population. Statistically significant differences between varoglutamstat and placebo were first observed at week 24 and were sustained until week 96. The meta-analysis also confirmed a substantially larger effect size in study participants with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. Data were presented at the 62nd ERA Congress of the European Renal Association in Vienna, Austria, June 6, 2025, showing consistent improvement of kidney function in both studies independently, replicated in the meta-analysis and pooled analysis, thus providing consistent evidence for the findings. Synergistic effect of combination treatment with varoglutamstat and SGLT-2 inhibitors in pre-clinical animal model On April 29, 2025, Vivoryon disclosed pre-clinical data from a series of experiments in a chronic kidney disease animal model, analyzing different treatment regimens of varoglutamstat in combination with standard of care for kidney disease, the SGLT-2 inhibitor dapagliflozin. Data analysis revealed a synergistic in vivo effect for the combination treatment of dapagliflozin and varoglutamstat over a broad panel of markers, nearly normalizing pathology vs. control across the three key areas of inflammation, fibrosis and kidney function. Substantially de-risking the Company's DKD/CKD clinical development program, the strong synergistic effects observed on multiple outcome parameters suggest that QPCT/L inhibitors could be an ideal combination partner for patients treated with SGLT-2 inhibitors. New VIVIAD analyses and pre-clinical data continue to support varoglutamstat's mechanism of action and potential in kidney disease Vivoryon has recently completed a series of supporting clinical data analyses and pre-clinical experiments which provide further evidence for varoglutamstat's potential to beneficially impact kidney function based on its proposed mechanism of action. Vivoryon has investigated the effects of varoglutamstat on inflammation, fibrosis and kidney function in an established advanced mouse model of DKD with type 2 diabetes and hypertension (ReninAAV UNx db/db). QPCT/L inhibition with varoglutamstat led to a statistically significant reduction in inflammation (CD11c), fibrosis (glomerulosclerosis) and plasma creatinine, supporting an improvement in kidney function. These data corroborate the effect of varoglutamstat on key kidney disease biomarkers previously reported in the ADI/CKD model and add to the overall body of evidence supporting varoglutamstat's potential in kidney disease including DKD. Vivoryon has established a novel, highly specific liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS)-based assay for analysis of biomarker samples in humans. This assay eliminates the need for anti-pE-specific antibodies that are often difficult to generate, thus posing technical limitations. An analysis of the inflammatory biomarker pE-CCL2 of VIVIAD study samples with this specific assay showed a statistically significant, dose-dependent reduction of pE-CCL2 in study participants treated with varoglutamstat versus placebo, confirming the previous analyses. Results from Vivoryon's VIVIAD Phase 2b study previously showed that reduction of pE-CCL2 was associated with an improvement of kidney function as measured by eGFR in study participants with and without diabetes at a dose group level. A novel analysis of VIVIAD evaluating the correlation pE-CCL2 levels and eGFR slope on an individual participant level revealed a statistically significant correlation between the change from baseline in pE-CCL2 serum levels at week 48 and the eGFR slope over time. Specifically, a decrease in pE-CCL2 was significantly correlated with a positive (improved) eGFR slope. Proposed clinical development plan in DKD Vivoryon's key strategic priority for 2025 is to advance varoglutamstat in kidney disease and confirm the previously reported compelling data from two independent Phase 2 studies, VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND, by conducting a Phase 2b clinical study in patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease (DKD) stage 3b/4. Initiation of the Phase 2b and all future studies is subject to additional funding and/or partnership, which Vivoryon continues to actively explore. Expanding intellectual property portfolio in kidney disease treatment Vivoryon announced on May 27, 2025, that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted an additional patent covering the active polymorph of varoglutamstat. The new U.S. patent (US 12,312,335) was granted after an accelerated examination process and has a scheduled runtime through 2044 with subsequent opportunity for patent term extension of up to five years to 2049 under the Hatch-Waxman Act. Additional patents for medical use and dosing regimens are under examination for varoglutamstat and related structures in kidney disease as monotherapy and in combination with SGLT-2 inhibitors. Pipeline Updates: Early-stage Pipeline The Company has enlarged its portfolio by nominating a novel, next generation QPCT/L inhibitor showing compelling pharmacological activity. This candidate, VY2149, is a potential fast follower in DKD or could also be explored for other inflammatory and fibrotic diseases including orphan diseases and chronic kidney disease (CKD). VY2149 is currently in pre-clinical stage and further development is subject to additional funding and/or partnership, which Vivoryon continues to actively explore. Corporate Development Updates In April 2025, Vivoryon entered into a Standby Equity Purchase Agreement (SEPA) with Yorkville Advisors Global, LP, allowing for the purchase of up to EUR 15 million in ordinary shares over the next 36 months. Under the terms of this agreement, Yorkville has committed to acquiring these shares, providing Vivoryon with the right, but not the obligation, to sell them in individual tranches while excluding existing shareholders' pre-emptive rights. This agreement is expected to enhance Vivoryon's financial flexibility as the company seeks optimal funding solutions for its planned Phase 2b study in diabetic kidney disease. As of today, Vivoryon has not initiated any tranches of the SEPA. On May 1, 2025, Julia Neugebauer, PhD, assumed the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Vivoryon, heading investor relations and communications activities, spearheading market analysis, and overseeing various corporate functions. Vivoryon held its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 24, 2025, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The shareholders approved all items on the agenda of the meeting. The full agenda and all relevant documents are available on the Company's website (https://www.vivoryon.com/2025-annual-general-meeting/ (https://www.vivoryon.com/2025-annual-general-meeting/)). Vivoryon CFO Anne Doering will be taking a temporary partial leave of absence in the coming months to attend to a serious family health matter. During this period, Marcus Irsfeld will assume the role of acting CFO, ensuring continuity in financial operations and supporting the company's strategic objectives. Marcus is an experienced healthcare finance executive who has been working with Vivoryon as a strategic consultant since December 2024. He brings deep life sciences expertise, including five years as CFO of iOmx Therapeutics AG. He has also founded and co-founded several small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in healthcare. He has led companies across Europe, the U.S., and China through all stages of growth, from founding and early-stage financing to exits and M&A. He holds a Masters degree in Business Administration (Diplom-Kaufmann) from the University of Munster. Financial Results for the First Half of 2025 Revenues were zero in the six months ended June 30, 2025, as well as in the six months ended June 30, 2024. Research and development expenses decreased by EUR 7.5 million to EUR 2.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to EUR 10.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2024. This reduction was largely attributable to a decrease in clinical development costs of EUR 5.6 million from the VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND studies and a reduction in production costs of EUR 1.5 million. R&D expenses in the reporting period mainly occurred for kidney related research. General and administrative expenses were EUR 2.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to EUR 3.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease of EUR 0.7 million was largely attributable to lower personnel costs of EUR 0.4 million and a decrease in legal and consulting cost of EUR 0.2 million. Netloss for the six months ended June 30, 2025, was EUR 5.5 million, compared to EUR 13.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The Company held EUR 4.8 million in cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2025, compared to EUR 9.4 million as of December 31, 2024. Outlook & Financial Guidance The Company expects, based on its most recent financial and business plan, that its existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund its operating plans into January 2026, subject to the occurrence of unforeseen circumstances and without taking into account any funds possibly raised under the SEPA as well as other potential additional financing transactions, if any. This guidance is in line with the cash runway update published on April 29, 2025, the issuance date of its annual Financing Statements 2024. This cash runway guidance reflects an overall reduction in cash utilization including the conclusion of the VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND studies while prudently investing in preparing to execute on the Company's kidney disease strategy. The initiation of the Phase 2b DKD study is subject to further additional funding and/or partnership, which the Company continues to actively explore. The viability of the Company's business beyond its current guidance is dependent on its ability to raise additional funds to finance its operations which also depends on the success of its research and development activities such as those focusing on exploring opportunities in kidney disease. The Company expects to have continuing operating losses for the foreseeable future and the need to raise additional capital to finance its future operations. The Company has concluded that the ability to continue as a going concern in the financial year 2026, as stated in the Company's Annual Report 2024 published on April 29, 2025, depends on the ability to generate additional funding. As such the Company has concluded that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Please refer to the Company's Annual Report 2024 for further information. Conference Call and Webcast Vivoryon will host a conference call and webcast today, September 4, 2025, at 3:00 pm CEST To join the conference call via phone, participants may pre-register and will receive dedicated dial-in details to easily and quickly access the call via the following website: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI5a3854fa349d497f8979340542813a0f It is suggested participants dial into the conference call 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to avoid any delays in attendance. Approximately one day after the call, a slide-synchronized audio replay of the conference will be available on: https://www.vivoryon.com/news-and-events/presentations-webcasts/ ### Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Financial Statements Unaudited Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 For the six months ended June 30, in kEUR, except for share data 2025 (unaudited) 2024 (unaudited) Research and development expenses (2,768) (10,308) General and administrative expenses (2,755) (3,501) Operating loss (5,523) (13,809) Finance income 74 303 Finance expenses (24) (53) Finance result 50 250 Result before income taxes (5,473) (13,559) Income taxes - - Net loss for the period (5,473) (13,559) Items not to be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Remeasurement of the net defined benefit pension liability 26 39 Total other comprehensive profit / (loss) 26 39 Comprehensive loss (5,447) (13,520) Loss per share in EUR (basic and diluted) (0.21) (0.52) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim financial statements. Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Unaudited Condensed Statements of Financial Position as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 (audited) in kEUR June 30, 2025 (unaudited) December 31,2024 (audited) ASSETS Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 19 24 Intangible assets 831 865 Right-of-use assets 70 100 Other non-current assets 255 228 Total non-current assets 1,175 1,217 Current assets Financial assets 30 63 Other current assets and prepayments 377 639 Cash and cash equivalents 4,837 9,365 Total current assets 5,244 10,067 TOTAL ASSETS 6,419 11,284 Equity Share capital 262 261 Share premium 161,477 161,477 Other capital reserves 16,524 15,777 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (242) (268) Accumulated deficit (174,840) (169,367) Total equity 3,181 7,880 Non-current liabilities Pension liability 1,265 1,317 Provisions long-term 663 647 Lease liability 11 42 Total non-current liabilities 1,939 2,006 Current liabilities Trade payables 1,025 1,015 Lease liabilities 61 60 Other liabilities 213 324 Total current liabilities 1,299 1,399 Total Liabilities 3,238 3,405 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 6,419 11,284 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim financial statements. Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Unaudited Condensed Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 in kEUR Share capital Share premium Other capital reserves Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated deficit Total equity January 1, 2025 261 161,477 15,777 (268) (169,367) 7,880 Net loss for the period - - - - (5,473) (5,473) Remeasurement of the net defined benefit pension liability - - - 26 - 26 Comprehensive loss - - - 26 (5,473) (5,447) Proceeds from the issuance of common shares 1 - - - - 1 Share-based payments - - 747 - - 747 June 30, 2025 262 161,477 16,524 (242) (174,840) 3,181 January 1, 2024 26,067 135,671 13,599 (256) (148,799) 26,282 Net loss for the period - - - - (13,559) (13,559) Remeasurement of the net defined benefit pension liability - - - 39 - 39 Comprehensive loss - - - 39 (13,559) (13,520) Share-based payments - - 1,218 - - 1,218 June 30, 2024 26,067 135,671 14,817 (217) (162,358) 13,980 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim financial statements. Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Unaudited Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 For the six months ended June 30, in kEUR 2025 (unaudited) 2024 (unaudited) Operating activities Net loss for the period (5,473) (13,559) Adjustments for: Finance result (50) (250) Depreciation and amortization 73 73 Share based payments 747 1,218 Foreign currency gain (loss) from other items than cash 3 (25) Other non-cash adjustments 1 19 Changing in: Financial assets - (4) Other current assets and prepayments 262 383 Other long-term assets (27) - Pension liabilities (47) (66) Trade payables 10 (1,429) Other liabilities (96) (13) Interest received 103 353 Interest paid (2) - Cash flows used in operating activities (4,496) (13,300) Investing activities Purchase of plant and equipment (4) - Proceeds from sale of financial assets - 10,000 Cash flows used in investing activities (4) 10,000 Financing activities Payment of lease liabilities (30) (28) Proceeds from the issuance of common shares 2 - Cash flows provided by financing activities (28) (28) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents (4,528) (3,328) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period 9,365 18,562 Effect of exchange rate fluctuation on cash held - 38 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 4,837 15,272 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim financial statements. About Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Vivoryon is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative small molecule-based medicines for the treatment of inflammatory and fibrotic disorders of the kidney. Driven by its passion for ground-breaking science and innovation, the Company strives to improve patient outcomes by changing the course of severe diseases through modulating the activity and stability of pathologically relevant proteins. Vivoryon's most advanced program, varoglutamstat, a proprietary, first-in-class orally available QPCT/L inhibitor, is being evaluated to treat diabetic kidney disease. www.vivoryon.com Vivoryon Forward Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those regarding the business strategy, management plans and objectives for future operations of Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. (the "Company"), estimates and projections with respect to the market for the Company's products and forecasts and statements as to when the Company's products may be available. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance; rather they are based on the Management's current expectations and assumptions about future events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. The forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties and other factors could materially adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. The Company's results of operations, cash needs, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, future transactions, strategies or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements and from expectations. As a result, no undue reliance should be placed on such forward-looking statements. This press release does not contain risk factors. Certain risk factors that may affect the Company's future financial results are discussed in the published annual financial statements of the Company. This press release, including any forward-looking statements, speaks only as of the date of this press release. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any information or forward-looking statements contained herein, save for any information required to be disclosed by law. For more information, please contact: Investor Contact Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Dr. Manuela Bader, Director IR & Communication Email: IR@vivoryon.com LifeSci Advisors Sandya von der Weid Tel: +41 78 680 05 38 Email: svonderweid@lifesciadvisors.com Media Contact Trophic Communications Valeria Fisher or Verena Schossmann Tel: +49 175 8041816 / +49 151 219 412 77 Email: vivoryon@trophic.eu Attachment Company expects to fully repay existing financial debts in 2026 NCX 470 NDA submissions in U.S. (H1 2026) and subsequently in China Milestones payable on U.S. NDA submission and on approval Glaukos extends NCX 1728 research agreement Future strategic options under consideration including collaborations or business combinations Q&A for shareholders available on the Nicox website: Q&A (https://www.nicox.com/investors/questions-answers/) September 4, 2025 - release at 7:30 am CET Sophia Antipolis, France Nicox SA (Euronext Growth Paris: FR0013018124, ALCOX), an international ophthalmology company, today announced that it expects to be able to fully repay all existing financial debts in 2026 and provided an update on its portfolio and financial situation. This follows the recent announcements of the licensing of NCX 470 to Kowa (https://www.nicox.com/wp-content/uploads/EN_NCX470KowaGlobalLicenseJuly2025_PR_FINAL.pdf), completing our global coverage, and the positive results (https://www.nicox.com/wp-content/uploads/EN_NCX470DenaliToplineAugust2025_PR_FINAL.pdf) from our second pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial, Denali. NCX 470 has met the requirements for New Drug Applications (NDA) in the U.S. and China, with NDA submission expected in H1 2026 in the U.S., and subsequently in China. Based on these submissions, the Company expects to have recurrent revenue from 2027, in addition to milestone payments on NDA submission and approval. Costs of the NDA submissions are the responsibility of our partners. "Nicox is a revenue generating biotech with a deep and proven expertise in ophthalmology development, transactions and corporate operations. Following the recent announcement of the licensing deal for NCX 470 with Kowa, which fulfils our global licensing plans, we have also completed the second pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial, Denali, for NCX 470 in the U.S. and China. Our team will be supporting our partners, Kowa and Ocumension, in submitting the NCX 470 New Drug Applications and ensuring broad communication of the product profile and data." said Gavin Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of Nicox. "We have demonstrated that Nicox can deliver on both the development of major clinical assets and the associated financing, whilst simultaneously implementing commercial solutions. In doing so, we have created long-term revenue streams for the Company, addressed our short-term financial needs and expect to fulfil our obligations to creditors. We believe we are now in a strong position to explore strategic options, including collaborations or business combinations." Key Future Milestones NCX 470 New Drug Application (NDA) filing in the United States: expected in H1 2026. expected in H1 2026. NCX 470 New Drug Application (NDA) filing in China: expected after submission in the U.S. Results from NCX 470 Phase 3 clinical program in Japan: Program initiated in summer 2025. Managed and financed by Kowa. expected after submission in the U.S. Financial Update NCX 470 is now licensed globally, with milestone payments expected in 2026 and 2027. Royalties on net sales are expected from 2027. Based on the expected upcoming milestones and the repayment of all existing financial debts, the Company is financed into Q3 2026. The Company remains committed to cost control, optimizing resource allocation while maintaining the capabilities required to support our strategic objectives. If any of the assumptions around estimated income or costs change, this may impact the cash runway of the Company. Portfolio update NCX 470, Nicox's lead product candidate, is licensed globally to two top-tier pharma partners, Kowa and Ocumension Therapeutics. The first two Phase 3 trials, Mont Blanc and Denali, have met the requirements for submission of NDAs in the U.S. and China. U.S. - based on Nicox's projections, an NDA with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to be submitted in H1 2026. Kowa is responsible for the costs of the NDA submission. China - an NDA is expected to be filed with the Chinese regulatory authorities by our partner, Ocumension, after the U.S. submission. The costs of filing the NDA are the responsibility of Ocumension. Japan - a Phase 3 confirmatory efficacy and a Phase 3 safety trial have been initiated in Japanese patients. Kowa is responsible for managing the trials, at their cost, and expect to be able to file for a marketing authorisation in Japan based on these trials. Europe - the regulatory strategy is being evaluated. NCX 1728, an NO-donating PDE-5 inhibitor, is being evaluated in a pre-clinical research program exploring indications for the treatment of glaucoma, including neuroprotection, and in the treatment of retinal diseases, under an exclusive research and option to license agreement (https://www.nicox.com/wp-content/uploads/EN_GlaukosNCX1728OptionAgreement_PR_FINAL.pdf) with Glaukos. Glaukos has paid an extension fee to prolong the period of evaluation of NCX 1728 for the treatment of glaucoma. Evaluation for retinal conditions is also continuing, and is subject to different option conditions. ZERVIATE (cetirizine ophthalmic solution), 0.24%, is currently commercialized through exclusive licensing agreements in the U.S. by Harrow, Inc. and in China by Ocumension Therapeutics for ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. VYZULTA (latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution), 0.024%, is exclusively licensed worldwide to Bausch + Lomb. Nicox sold the royalty revenue (https://www.nicox.com/wp-content/uploads/EN_SoleusFinancing_PR_FINAL.pdf) from VYZULTA to Soleus Capital in October 2024. NCX 4251: Changes in the U.S. dry eye market suggest that the investment in development may not be justified. NCX 4251 remains available for licensing outside the Chinese market. PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Sanofi SA's (SAN.PA, SNYNF, SNY) investigational therapy, amlitelimab, has achieved a significant milestone in the COAST 1 phase 3 clinical trial, meeting all primary and key secondary endpoints in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Administered either every four weeks or every 12 weeks, amlitelimab demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in skin clearance and disease severity compared to placebo at Week 24, the company said in a statement. Notably, the treatment's efficacy continued to increase throughout the study period, suggesting a durable and progressive therapeutic benefit. These results underscore amlitelimab's potential to become the first and only atopic dermatitis treatment with a dosing schedule as infrequent as four times per year, offering a more convenient option for patients. According the company, the promising data also highlighted the drug's ability to normalize immune system activity by targeting the OX40-ligand pathway without depleting T cells. Further phase 3 studies within the broader OCEANA clinical program are expected to provide deeper insights into amlitelimab's long-term efficacy, safety profile, and its potential for sustained benefits even after treatment cessation across diverse patient populations. For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com. 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. LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Ecora Resources PLC (LSE:ECOR)(TSX:ECOR) announces that, in accordance with the terms of the relationship agreement between the Company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of South32 Limited ("South32") (the "Relationship Agreement"), Michael Falconer has been appointed to the Board of the Company as a non-executive director with effect from 9 September 2025. Michael has been nominated by South32 pursuant to its right under the Relationship Agreement to appoint a director to the Board for so long as it holds not less than 10% of the Company's issued share capital. Michael has over 20 years' experience in the mining sector, having held senior commercial and business development roles at Lonmin, BHP and most recently as the Vice President Business Development at South32 where he led the divestment of South32's thermal coal operations in South Africa and oversaw the sale of the South32 royalty portfolio acquired by Ecora in 2022. Andrew Webb, Chairman of Ecora, commented: "We welcome South32's nomination of Michael to the Board. His familiarity with the operations underlying the portfolio of royalties the Group acquired from South32 in 2022, together with his business development background in the mining sector complement our existing Board skillset. We look forward to Michael's contribution and the ongoing support of South32 as Ecora continues to grow its portfolio of critical mineral focused royalties." This announcement satisfies Ecora's disclosure obligations in accordance with UK Listing Rule 6.4.8. For further information: Ecora Resources PLC +44 (0) 20 3435 7400 Jason Gray - Company Secretary Website: www.ecora-resources.com FTI Consulting Sara Powell / Ben Brewerton / Nick Hennis +44 (0) 20 3727 1000 ecoraresources@fticonsulting.com About Ecora Resources Ecora is a leading critical minerals focused royalty company. Our vision is to be globally recognised as the royalty company of choice synonymous with commodities that support trends of electrification by continuing to grow and diversify our royalty portfolio in line with our strategy. We will achieve this through building a diversified portfolio of scale over high quality assets that drives low volatility earnings growth and shareholder returns. The mining sector has an essential role to play in the energy transition, with commodities such as copper, nickel and cobalt - key materials for manufacturing batteries and electric vehicles. Copper also plays a critical role in our electricity grids. All these commodities are mined and there are not enough mines in operation today to supply the volume required to achieve the energy transition. Our strategy is to acquire royalties and streams over low-cost operations and projects with strong management teams, in well-established mining jurisdictions. Our portfolio has been reweighted to provide material exposure to this commodity basket and we have successfully transitioned from a coal orientated royalty business in 2014 to one that by 2026 will be materially coal free and comprised of over 90% exposure to commodities that support a sustainable future. The fundamental demand outlook for these commodities over the next decade is very strong, which should significantly increase the value of our royalty portfolio. Ecora's shares are listed on the London and Toronto Stock Exchanges (ECOR) and trade on the OTCQX Best Market (OTCQX: ECRAF). This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Ecora Resources PLC View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/ecora-resources-plc-announces-directorate-change-1068712 First platform uniting AI-driven market intelligence, quantitative industry data, and specialized industry expertise HELSINKI, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Valona Intelligence, the Forrester Wave leader in competitive and market intelligence solutions, and A-INSIGHTS, a rapidly growing market intelligence platform, today announced a strategic merger that creates an unparalleled intelligence solution for globally operating enterprises. The joint offering integrates Valona's AI-powered real-time market insights and competitive analysis with A-INSIGHTS' deep quantitative expertise in market sizing, competitor financials, and trade flow analysis. The companies jointly serve 400+ global enterprises providing the depth and agility to make confident, data-driven decisions in rapidly shifting markets. "This merger creates a new intelligence paradigm," said Kimmo Havu, Valona's CEO. "We're now bringing to market what the C-suite customers have been requesting for a long time: one source of truth that shows both where markets are heading and exactly how big their next opportunities are; the foresight they trust from Valona, now with the quantitative precision they need to act decisively." "Our customers tell us they're making new strategy plans before the ink is dry on the previous one," said Jeroen Lustig, CEO and Co-founder of A-INSIGHTS. "Their real problem is not the uncertainty and volatility they are faced with, but a lack of process and infrastructure to keep up with it. That's our mission: to build the definitive foundation for the intelligence function, similar to what CRMs have become for commercial teams." "The combined entity enters the global market from a position of strength," said Martin Henricson, Chairman of the Board of Valona. "Valona brings Forrester Wave leadership and AI capabilities, while A-INSIGHTS contributes unique industry datasets to deliver intelligence that enables organizations to understand and anticipate market opportunities in a world of increasing uncertainty." Media Contact: Kati Tammisto CMO, Valona Intelligence Kati.tammisto@valonaintelligence.com +358 40 775 7162 About Valona Intelligence Valona Intelligence is the #1 competitive and market intelligence platform for global enterprises. A Forrester Wave leader, trusted by Fortune 500 companies since 1999. While most intelligence solutions explain what already happened, Valona shows you what's coming: real-time analysis of competitor moves, market trends, and regulatory shifts before they reshape your industry. Valona's AI-powered competitive and market intelligence platform monitors global markets across 200,000+ verified sources, delivering the strategic clarity executives need to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and outmaneuver competitors. See more information at: valonaintelligence.com About A-INSIGHTS A-INSIGHTS is the intelligence partner for the global food industry, trusted by McCain, Royal FrieslandCampina, Ahold Delhaize, Puratos, and Savencia. We help companies move beyond chasing data by delivering always up-to-date insights that drive faster, smarter decisions. Built on three pillars-Consolidation, Creation, and Socialization-our platform and analyst support make it simple to centralize data, create impactful insights, and share them across the business. Since 2009, we've supported food companies worldwide in identifying risks earlier, spotting growth opportunities faster, and enabling decision-makers to act with confidence. Learn more at: a-insights.eu Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2762688/Valona_Intelligence_A_Insights.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/valona-intelligence-and-a-insights-merge-to-redefine-competitive-and-market-intelligence-302544653.html Post-Tax IRR 70.1% and Post-Tax NPV C$1,085M at US$2,500/oz Au Two Stage Production: 4-year toll milling operation followed by the construction of an on-site processing plant Cumulative Undiscounted Post-Tax Cash Flow of C$1,768M, including C$1,273M over the first 10 years of production Gold production to average 112,000 oz per year over the first 10 years of production Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Amex Exploration Inc. (TSXV: AMX) (FSE: MX0) (OTCQX: AMXEF) ("Amex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "PEA") for its wholly-owned Perron gold project (the "Project"), located near the towns of Normetal and Valcanton in the province of Quebec, Canada. The PEA was prepared in collaboration with independent engineering and geological firms Evomine, Bumigeme, P&E Mining Consultants, Norda Stelo, and Laurentia Exploration. PEA Technical Presentation details In connection with this news release, AMEX will hold a conference call and audio webcast on September 4, at 10 am EDT, followed by a question-and-answer session. To access the call please register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__sFEtKfiT4mxtyFDhI0IcA You may also access the conference call on a listen-only basis via webcast at our website www.amexexploration.com. The audio webcast will be archived on www.amexexploration.com. All dollar ($) amounts in this news release are in Canadian dollar ($) unless otherwise indicated. Perron updated Preliminary Economic Assessment Highlights: The Perron PEA has been updated to incorporate the latest Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE - released May 21st, 2025) and a new project development strategy. The following assumes a gold price of US$2,500/ounce ("oz") and a C$/US$ exchange rate of 1.38:1. Staged production strategy derisk the project, simplifies the permitting process, accelerates time to revenue (targeting 2028) and minimizes shareholder dilution, with Phase 2 mine construction financed from free cash flow. Phase 1: 4-year 1,000 tpd contract mining, toll-milling operation in the Abitibi region, where numerous processing plants are in operation; Low initial capital cost estimate of $146.1M which is partially offset from pre-production revenues of $68.6M for a net Initial CAPEX of $77.5M; Average annual gold production of 102,000 oz gold ("Au") at an All in Sustaining Cost ("AISC") of US$1,165/oz Au; Average diluted head grade of 10.07 grams per tonne ("gpt") for 0.41 million oz Au Phase 2 13-year 2,000 tpd owner operated mine with on-site processing facility; Growth capital of $191.6M; Average annual production of 93,000 oz Au at an AISC of US$1,027/oz Au; Average diluted head grade of 4.32 gpt for 1.25 million oz Au. Life of Mine ("LOM") of 17.5 years; Average annual production of 95,000 oz Au, or 1.66 million oz Au over LOM, including an average per year of 112,000 oz for the first 10 years. LOM Average diluted grade of 5.07 gpt Au; LOM AISC of US$1,061/oz Au; LOM Sustaining Capex of $386.3M; Pre-tax NPV of $1,885M and After-tax NPV of $1,085M; Pre-tax IRR of 99.1% and After-tax IRR of 70.1%; Cumulative Pre-tax Undiscounted Net Free Cash Flow of $3,010M and Cumulative After-tax Undiscounted Net Free Cash Flow of $1,768M; Pre-tax payback period of 1.1 years and After-tax payback period of 1.4. CEO Commentary: Victor Cantore, President and Chief Executive Officer of AMEX Exploration commented, "This PEA is based on our latest Mineral Resource Estimate and reflects our new vision for developing the Perron Project. Our staged approach to production and construction is both fiscally and technically prudent, minimizing permitting and technical risk, reducing upfront capital and enabling early cash flow." Cantore continued, "The economics of this project are incredibly strong and with gold prices at record highs, quick time to production allows us to capitalize on current market conditions. Our cost structure is one of the lowest globally and reflects the benefits of having a project with high grade, easily mined gold ounces that is surrounded by infrastructure and mining expertise." Table 1: PEA Study Economic Analysis Highlights Economic Analysis Highlights Unit Base Case Spot Gold Price US$/Au oz 2,500 3,400 Exchange Rate CA$/US$ 1.38 1.38 Pre-Tax Phase 1 Free Cash Flow1 CA$M 655 1,175 Pre-Tax Phase 2 Free Cash Flow1 CA$M 2,355 3,879 Pre-Tax Total Free Cash Flow CA$M 3,010 5,055 Pre-Tax NPV (5%) CA$M 1,885 3,195 Pre-Tax IRR % 99.1 148.7 Pre-Tax Payback Period Yrs 1.1 0.2 Post-Tax Phase 1 Free Cash Flow1 CA$M 368 671 Post-Tax Phase 2 Free Cash Flow1 CA$M 1,400 2,276 Post-Tax Total Free Cash Flow CA$M 1,768 2,947 Post-Tax NPV (5%) CA$M 1,085 1,841 Post-Tax IRR % 70.1 107.6 Post-Tax Payback Period Yrs 1.4 0.4 Ratio Post-Tax NPV (5%) to Initial CAPEX2 CA$M/CA$M 7 13 Notes: 1 Growth CAPEX is attributed to Phase 2, even if incurred prior to Year 5 2 Initial capital expenditure estimate of $146.1M is partially offset from pre-production revenues of $68.6M for a net initial CAPEX of $77.5M. Table 2: PEA Physical Highlights Physical Highlights Unit Pre-prod Phase 1 Phase 2 Total Processing Rate tpd 1,000 2,000 Mine Life yrs 4.0 13.5 17.5 Avg. Diluted Grade Au gpt 14.47 10.07 4.32 5.07 Avg. Gold Production Au oz/yr 102 93 95 Total Gold Production Au koz 20 409 1,251 1,680 Tonnes Processed kt 46 1,329 9,468 10,843 Processing Recovery Rate % 95 95 95 95 Table 3: PEA Study Financial Highlights Financial Highlights Unit Phase 1 Phase 2 Total/avg. Average Operating Cost US$/oz 943 874 891 All-in Sustaining Cash Costs ('AISC') US$/oz 1,165 1,027 1,061 Initial Capital Expenditure3 CA$M 146.1 146.1 Growth Capital Expenditure CA$M 191.6 191.6 LOM Sustaining Capital Expenditure CA$M 386.3 Notes: 3 Initial capital expenditure estimate of $146.1M is partially offset from pre-production revenues of $68.6M for a net initial CAPEX of $77.5M. - The PEA is preliminary in nature and is based, in part, on Inferred Mineral Resources. Inferred Mineral Resources are considered too geologically speculative to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. There is no certainty that the economic forecasts on which the PEA is based will be realized. - The economic analysis of the project was carried out using a discounted cash flow approach on a pre-tax and after-tax basis with a discount rate of 5%. - Revenue was based on a long-term gold price of $2,500/oz in USD. Underpinned by world class infrastructure, the Perron PEA demonstrates a top-tier high margin gold mining operation in the stable jurisdiction of Quebec, Canada. The Project is located within the Abitibi region, one of the most prolific gold belts in the world. The PEA results confirm that Perron has the potential to be a stand-alone and highly profitable operation with an excellent internal rate of return (IRR) and after-tax net present value (NPV) at a range of gold prices. The PEA shows that Perron has the potential to be a mine with limited environmental impact, utilizing the mined out open pits to store tailings and therefore avoiding the construction of a tailings management facility. Mining The mine will be operated as a mechanized underground operation, which will be complemented by open pit production. The mine will have an overall average production rate of 1,000 tpd of mineralized material during Phase 1 and a capacity of 2,000 tpd of mineralized material during Phase 2. Production is preceded by a 21-month pre-production period. The selected underground mining method is longitudinal longhole stoping with cemented rockfill. Stope dimensions average 17.5 m in length, 25 m in height, and 4.7 m in width (LOM average) with a minimum mining width of 3.0 m. The different sectors of mine will be accessed via ramps and drifts to allow the efficient circulation of mobile mining equipment and to satisfy ventilation and emergency egress requirements. Pre-production and Phase 1 mining activities will mostly be done by a contractor, while Phase 2 considers a fleet of owner-operated equipment that includes 10 tonne LHDs and 42 tonne haul trucks. Seven open pits are included in the mine plan and utilize conventional truck and shovel mining that will be executed by a contractor. The pits will begin to be mined at the beginning of Phase 1, with material completely extracted by year 13 as the pits are sequenced such that they can be used to manage all tailings generated by the on-site mill during Phase 2 of the Project. Figure 1: Mine Design To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/265097_2e5fd6dcc4235a69_002full.jpg Table 4: Mine Physicals Total Yr -2 Yr -1 Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Yr 4 Yr 5 Yr 6 Yr 7 Yr 8 Mineralized material UG kt 9,534 0 89 211 346 377 383 541 592 578 625 Waste rock mined - UG kt 4,346 75 159 205 229 220 211 339 292 258 293 Subtotal - UG kt 13,881 75.6 248 417 575 597 594 880 885 835 917 Mineralized material OP kt 1,308 - - 0 64 144 153 10 105 36 122 Waste rock mined OP kt 11,044 - - 0 745 1,067 980 133 924 366 1,033 Overburden mined OP kt 7,298 28 - 1,087 762 529 316 1,305 736 1,428 666 Subtotal - OP kt 19,651 28 0 1,087 1,571 1,741 1,448 1,448 1,764 1,830 1,821 Strip ratio - OP - 14.0 - - - 23.5 11.1 8.5 143.2 15.9 49.7 13.9 Total mining kt 33,531 104 248 1,503 2,146 2,337 2,042 2,328 2,649 2,665 2,739 Total mineralized material kt 10,843 0 89 211 410 521 536 551 697 614 747 Total Yr 9 Yr 10 Yr 11 Yr 12 Yr 13 Yr 14 Yr 15 Yr 16 Yr 17 Yr 18 Mineralized material UG kt 9,534 564 535 650 653 626 658 660 658 647 141 Waste rock mined - UG kt 4,346 236 204 280 302 275 252 257 189 71 0 Subtotal - UG kt 13,881 800 739 930 955 901 910 916 847 718 141 Mineralized material OP kt 1,308 71 115 201 191 96 0 0 0 0 0 Waste rock mined OP kt 11,044 1,284 1,659 1,545 1,049 259 0 0 0 0 0 Overburden mined OP kt 7298 425 16.3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Subtotal - OP kt 19,651 1,781 1,791 1,746 1,240 355 0 0 0 0 0 Strip ratio - OP - 14.0 24.1 14.6 7.7 5.5 2.7 0 0 0 0 0 Total mining kt 33,531 2,581 2,530 2,676 2,196 1,256 910 916 847 717 140 Total mineralized material kt 10,843 635 650 851 844 722 658 660 658 647 141 Processing Phase 1 representing a 4-year 1,000 tpd contract mined, toll-milling operation in the Abitibi region, where numerous processing plants are in operation. Mineralized material will be loaded at the project site and transported by truck to the processing destination. To date, AMEX has not entered into a toll milling arrangement with any third-party owner of a processing facility to treat its material. However, discussions were initiated and there are several parties that own processing facilities within the Abitibi region, with some permitted for toll milling and others that could be permitted upon arrangement, that could potentially treat the Perron mineralized material. Bumigeme inc., a mineral processing consultant based in Montreal (Canada), reviewed the flowsheets of these mills which are similar to the flowsheet developed in the PEA study for treating the Perron mineralized material. Bumigeme is confident that the recoveries anticipated from the toll treatment of ore from the Perron deposit will reach 94-95%, matching the expectations for the on-site processing plant (Phase 2). The Toll milling assumptions used in the PEA consists of an cost of CA$102.00 per tonne, covering for on-site crushing, transport and toll milling cost. A sensitivity analysis has been done on this cost and is presented in the Financial Analysis section. Phase 2 consists of the construction and commissioning of a 2,000 tpd processing plant on-site at the Perron project. The plant will be in operation from year 5 to the end of the LOM. The flowsheet consists of primary crushing, followed by a grinding circuit consisting of a semi-autogenous grinding mill of 5.5 m diameter x 1.8 m long in an opened circuit and a ball mill of 4.0 m diameter x 6.7 m long in a closed circuit with cyclones - SABC circuit. A gravity circuit followed by leaching will recover coarse gold from the cyclone underflow, while the cyclone overflow, at a P80=74 microns, is treated in a six (6) tank carbon-in-leach circuit, followed by SO2/air cyanide destruction. Gold will be recovered in an adsorption-desorption-recovery circuit and electrowinning cells, with gold room recovery and production of bullion bars. The CIL tailings after the cyanide destruction will be pumped to a high-rate thickener to increase the slurry density to 62-64 % solid and pumped to empty pits. Tests conducted in 2020 and 2024 on Perron ore achieved gold recoveries exceeding 95% using a gravity/cyanidation process. Based on these results and the treatment processes studied for four potential toll milling plants, an average recovery rate of 95% was considered for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the LOM. The process plant building will include a laboratory, mill offices, a dry and an electrical and mechanical shop. Figure 2: Flowsheet To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/265097_2e5fd6dcc4235a69_003full.jpg Table 5: Gold Production by Source (Underground (UG) and Open Pit (OP)) Total Yr -2 Yr -1 Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Yr 4 Yr 5 Yr 6 Yr 7 Yr 8 UG Grade Processed g/t 5.5 - 14.5 8.1 10.8 9.6 11.3 10.8 6.6 5.6 5.8 UG Gold Recovered oz 1,593 - 20 63 113 107 126 190 120 99 110 OP Grade Processed g/t 2.2 - - - 5.0 - - 2.7 2.9 2.8 2.2 OP Gold Recovered oz 87 - - - 0 - - 2 12 13 7 Total Grade Processed g/t 5.1 - 14.5 8.1 10.7 9.6 11.3 10.5 5.9 5.0 5.3 Total Gold Recovered oz 1,680 - 20 63 113 107 126 191 132 112 117 Total Yr 9 Yr 10 Yr 11 Yr 12 Yr 13 Yr 14 Yr 15 Yr 16 Yr 17 Yr 18 UG Grade Processed g/t 5.5 4.6 3.2 3.6 4.7 3.1 2.8 3.5 4.3 3.1 3.3 UG Gold Recovered oz 1,593 80 52 71 94 60 57 71 87 62 14 OP Grade Processed g/t 2.2 2.3 2.0 1.8 1.2 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 - OP Gold Recovered oz 87 12 12 5 3 6 4 4 4 3 - Total Grade Processed g/t 5.1 4.1 2.9 3.4 4.3 3.0 2.8 3.3 4.1 3.0 3.3 Total Gold Recovered oz 1,680 91 64 75 97 66 61 75 91 65 14 Figure 3: Gold Production per Year To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/265097_figure3.jpg Infrastructure The Project is approximately 6.5 kilometers from the town of Normetal, Quebec and is accessible via a well-maintained forestry road. The Project will require construction of the supporting infrastructure items, such as: Phase 1 - Gatehouse and service and haulage roads; - Temporary buildings to be used by the mining contractor (maintenance shop, warehouses, offices, dry, etc.); - 6.5 kilometers of 25kV transmission line and an on-site substation; - Surface water management facilities including final effluent water treatment plant, ditches, pond and pumping stations; - Underground mine portal, mine ventilation systems (intake and exhaust) and waste dump and overburden storage facilities; - Mineralized material loading facilities; Phase 2 - 2,000 tpd process plant complex; - Required infrastructures to pump the plant tailings to emptied open-pits; - Maintenance shop; - Administration building; - Warehouse - Additional surface water management facilities; - Additional service and haulage roads; These infrastructures and facilities will require different authorizations and permits prior to being built and operated. No camp will be required considering the nearby qualified labor pool. Figure 4: Suggested Infrastructure Arrangement To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/265097_2e5fd6dcc4235a69_005full.jpg Figure 5: General site arrangement To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/265097_2e5fd6dcc4235a69_006full.jpg Workforce During steady state operations, the number of employees (mine, process plant and G&A) is expected to peak at 272 people during Phase 1 of mine operation and at 335 people during Phase 2, including contractors (open pit mining, underground mining, contract services, etc.). Tailings During Phase 1, the tailings will be managed off-site at the toll mill facility. During Phase 2, the tailings storage plan will take advantage of open pits that will be mined in the first 13 years of mine operations. Process plant rejects will be thickened and pumped to the mined-out pits sequentially for permanent storage. Tailings will then consolidate over time and excess water will either be used for processing requirements or discharged to the environment once quality conditions are met. This concept aims to limit the environmental impact of the Perron Project, to limit the risks related to traditional Tailings Management Facility (TMF) stability, to simplify short-term and long-term monitoring and to greatly reduce the capital and operating costs related to tailings management. Figure 6: Visual of in-pit tailings disposal To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/265097_2e5fd6dcc4235a69_007full.jpg Capital Expenditure The total initial construction capital expenditure ("Initial CAPEX"), which is to bring Phase 1 of the Project into operation, is estimated at $146.1M, which will be partially offset from $68.6M in pre-production gold sales credits for an initial net CAPEX of $77.5M. It accounts for site development, the construction of a 25kV powerline connecting to the existing electrical substation in Normetal and the initial development of the underground mine. The Initial CAPEX estimate includes $7.4M of EPCM and indirect costs and a contingency of $9.2M. The total growth capital expenditure ("Growth CAPEX"), to bring Phase 2 of the Project into operation, is estimated at $191.6M. It includes the costs of building a 2,000 tpd mill on site and acquiring an underground mobile equipment fleet. It also accounts for further site development, including a truck shop, warehouse and an administration facility. Additionally, the Growth CAPEX estimate includes $30.5M of EPCM and indirect costs and a contingency of $22.3M. The Sustaining CAPEX ("SUSEX") is estimated to be $386.3M, including $11.4M of closure and rehabilitation costs. Underground mining SUSEX is earmarked for mining development, additional equipment, replacement units, and major repairs. Other SUSEX captures in-pit tailings storage, infrastructure and G&A. Quotations from reputable suppliers were obtained for most of the large and high-cost equipment required for the plant, mine and site infrastructure. For other equipment and supplies, cost estimates were based on comparable projects, historical data or derived through consultants' in-house databases. Table 6: Capital Expenditures Item Unit Phase 1 Phase 22 Sustaining Total Site Preparation CA$M 3.0 5.7 - 8.7 Infrastructure CA$M 6.0 13.2 0.6 19.8 Power & Electrical CA$M 6.7 4.3 - 11.0 Water Management CA$M 9.6 6.0 - 15.6 Process Plant CA$M - 61.8 - 61.8 Mining Fleet CA$M 5.1 44.8 47.3 97.2 Underground Development CA$M 46.4 - 316.2 362.7 Tailings Management - 3.0 10.8 13.8 Closure and Rehabilitation CA$M - - 11.4 11.4 Pre-production OPEX CA$M 52.6 - - 52.6 Indirects CA$M 7.4 30.5 - 40.9 Contingency CA$M 9.2 22.3 - 42.3 Sub-Total CA$M 146.1 191.6 386.3 724.0 Pre-Production Revenues1 CA$M -68.6 -68.6 Total CA$M 77.5 191.6 386.3 655.4 Notes 1 Consists of mineralized material mined and sold during the pre-production period, ie., before the mined is developed at a point where a constant mining rate of 600 tonnes per day is sustainable (60% of the planned rate of 1,000 tonnes per day). 2 Phase 2 CAPEX represents the investment needed to build a processing plant on site and to increase the mining rate at 2,000 tonnes per day. As per the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines, working capital is reported separately to CAPEX in the economic model. Operating Costs LOM total operating cost is estimated at US$891 per ounce of gold produced, as summarized below. The LOM total AISC is estimated to be US$1,061 per ounce of gold produced based on a total gold production of 1,660,000 ounces over the 17.5 years of mine life. This cost structure places the Project in the bottom quartile of the global gold cost curve, which is mostly due to the high-grade nature of the mineralized material and to the simplicity of mining. Table 8: Operating Costs Item Phase 1 Phase 2 LOM CA$M US$/Au oz CA$M US$/Au oz CA$M US$/Au oz Mining Cost (UG + OP) 318.2 567 927.5 540 1,245.6 547 Off-Site Transport 53.2 95 - - 53.1 23 Off-Site Processing 82.4 147 - - 82.4 36 On-Site Processing - - 277.9 162 277.9 122 Water Management 1.3 2 7.1 4 8.4 4 General and Administration 50.6 90 217.8 127 268.4 118 Selling Costs 2.3 4 6.9 4 9.2 4 Royalty (1.5%) 21 37 64.2 37 85.3 37 Total Operating Costs 529.0 943 1,501.4 874 2,030.4 891 Sustaining Capital 125 222 261.7 152 386.3 170 All-in Sustaining Costs ('AISC') 653.6 1,165 1,763.1 1,027 2,416.7 1,061 Table 8: Unit Operating Costs Item Unit Phase 1 Phase 2 Underground Mining CA$t/mined 199.1 97.2 Open-Pit Mining CA$t/mined 9.6 10.0 Off-Site Transport CA$t/milled 40.0 - Crushing & Off-Site Processing CA$t/milled 62.0 - On-Site Processing CA$t/milled - 29.4 Water Management CA$t/milled 1.0 0.8 General & Administration CA$t/milled 38.1 23.0 Selling Costs CA$t/milled 1.7 0.7 Royalty (1.5%) CA$t/milled 15.8 6.8 Financial Analysis At base case gold price of US$2,500/oz and exchange rate of 1.38, the Project generates a post-tax Net Present Value ("NPV") of $1,085M using 5% discount rate and a post-tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 70.1% with a payback period of 1.4 years from the commencement of commercial production. The Project generates cumulative post-tax free cash flow of $1,768M over the 17.5-year production period. Total taxes payable over LOM at the base case gold price is $1,243M. Figure 7: After-Tax FCF To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/265097_figure7.jpg The PEA financial economic analysis is significantly influenced by gold prices. At spot prices of US$3,400/Au oz and exchange rate of 1.38, the Project generates an after-tax NPV of $1,841M and an after-tax IRR of 107.6% with a payback period of 0.4 years. A sensitivity analysis was performed on the gold price, operating costs, total CAPEX and Phase 1 off-site transport and processing. Table 9: Sensitivity Analysis Gold price sensitivity Variation Gold price (US$/oz) Post-tax NPV (CA$M) Post-tax IRR Post-tax Payback period (years) -40% 1,500 219 20.7% 5.1 -20% 2,000 659 47.0% 2.0 0% 2,500 1,085 70.1% 1.4 +20% 3,000 1,507 91.5% 0.9 +40% 3,500 1,924 111.5% 0.3 +60% 4,000 2,340 130.6% 0.2 Operating costs sensitivity Variation LOM average operating costs (CA$/tonne milled) Post-tax NPV (CA$M) Post-tax IRR Post-tax Payback period (years) -40% 112.83 1,354 82.8% 1.1 -30% 131.64 1,288 79.7% 1.2 -20% 150.45 1,221 76.6% 1.3 -10% 169.25 1,153 73.4% 1.3 0% 188.06 1,085 70.1% 1.4 +10% 206.86 1,016 66.8% 1.5 +20% 225.67 948 63.4% 1.6 +30% 244.47 879 59.8% 1.7 +40% 263.28 811 56.1% 1.9 Capital expenditures sensitivity Variation Total capital expenditures (CA$M) Post-tax NPV (CA$M) Post-tax IRR Post-tax Payback period (years) -40% 393.2 1,201 102.1% 0.9 -30% 458.8 1,173 91.9% 1.1 -20% 524.3 1,143 83.4% 1.2 -10% 589.8 1,114 76.3% 1.3 0% 655.4 1,085 70.1% 1.4 +10% 720.9 1,055 64.7% 1.5 +20% 786.4 1,026 59.9% 1.6 +30% 852.0 996 55.6% 1.7 +40% 917.5 966 51.8% 1.8 Phase 1 Transport and Toll Milling cost sensitivity Variation Phase 1 Transport and Toll Milling Cost (CA$/tonne) Post-tax NPV (CA$M) Post-tax IRR Post-tax Payback period (years) -40% 61.20 1,110 73.3% 1.3 -30% 71.40 1,104 72.5% 1.3 -20% 81.60 1,097 71.7% 1.4 -10% 91.80 1,091 70.9% 1.4 0% 102.00 1,085 70.1% 1.4 +10% 112.20 1,079 69.3% 1.4 +20% 122.40 1,072 68.5% 1.4 +30% 132.60 1,066 67.7% 1.4 +40% 142.80 1,060 67.0% 1.5 Permitting and Environment According to the Regulation respecting the environmental impact assessment and review of certain projects (chapter Q-2, r. 23.1, last updated on April 1 2025), work required for the operation of a new mine is included in the list of projects subject to the environmental impact assessment and review procedure (Schedule 1). In the regulation, a "mine" is defined as all the surface and underground infrastructures forming part of a mineral substance operation, except surface mineral substances within the meaning of the Mining Act (chapter M-13.1). The scope of the environmental impact assessment will be defined by the directive (guideline) issued by the Ministere de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) subsequent to the filing of the Project Notice by Amex, in accordance with section 31.2 of the Environment Quality Act (EQA). An environmental and social scoping study is currently underway to identify the key environmental and social risks and issues associated with the project construction and operation and to more accurately define the scope of the environmental baseline studies required. The acquisition of baseline environmental knowledge on the Perron property began several years ago and is still ongoing today. The environmental baseline studies and early public consultations, help characterize the receiving environment and identify areas that are more ecologically or socially rich or sensitive. This information will be used as part of the environmental assessment process and the feasibility studies to further develop and optimize the project with the objective of ensuring the project environmental and social acceptability. Once the environmental assessment and review procedure is completed and the project is approved, the various project components will require specific provincial and federal permits and authorizations. At the provincial level, this will include ministerial authorizations that must be electronically filed with the appropriate forms to comply with the EQA and the Regulation respecting the regulatory scheme applying to activities on the basis of their environmental impact (REAFIE) (Q-2, r. 17.1), the Mining Act (chapter M-13.1), as well as other provincial acts and regulations. At the federal level, some project components and impacts may require specific authorizations according to federal legal and regulatory framework, including authorizations under the Fisheries Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. F-14, the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations (SOR/2002-222) and other federal acts and regulations. Stakeholder Engagement The aboriginal community affected by Amex's activities is the Abitibiwinni First Nation which is an Algonquin First Nation residing primarily in the community of Pikogan in the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region. The Pikogan community, also called Abitibiwinni, is located three (3) kilometers from the town of Amos on the west bank of the Harricana River. The Perron project is located on a part of the ancestral territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation. A relationship of trust and respect has been built with the Abitibiwinni First Nation Council over the years through consistent transparency and consultation. With respect to local communities near the project, Normetal, Valcanton and Saint-Lambert are the main municipalities surrounding the Perron project. Amex has always prioritized engaging stakeholders and implementing communication and consultation plans. Communication plans include a summary of the work completed on the property every six months as well as the company's exploration and development plans for the coming months. Active community participation in the development and implementation of the project is one of Amex's core values and aids in fostering good long-term relationships. Amex will continue consulting, supporting and informing all stakeholders at all stages of the project development. With this in mind, Ames aims to establish various working and consultation committees by the end of 2025. Exploration Update With the recent acquisition of the Perron West property (see press release dated March 25, 2025) quadrupling Amex's land holdings along the Normetal-Burntbush greenstone belt, the Company's exploration plans are significantly expanding to cover the vast, new area of prospective geology. Amex's constant evolution of knowledge of the mineralization styles and structures with the Beaupre Block on Perron will provide invaluable insight into guiding exploration on the Company's expanded land package. Currently, Amex has multiple teams conducting surface exploration work on the 15,192-hectare Perron West project. Teams of technicians are completing large and widespread soil sampling programs to find and/or further define gold-in-soil anomalies, while teams of geologists are completing surface prospecting work, including mapping, grab sampling, structural measurements of outcrops, etc. The work is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, with the results to help further define the existing anomalies on the property and further solidify drill planning for a maiden program on Perron West in 2026. In addition, structural geology specialists from consultant Norda Stelo are continuing work on a thoroughly detailed 3D lithostructural model on the Perron property. This project is nearing completion and will help guide drill planning for the remainder of the year and into 2026 at Perron. The outcomes from this model will also improve Amex's understand and build upon a larger scaled regional structural framework, that will aid drill planning efforts on the Perron West property. The Company will update the market with more in-depth details on drill planning for Perron in the near future. Mineral Resource Estimate The updated PEA was based on the NI 43-101 compliant Perron Project MRE, with an effective date of May 21, 2025 (please see the linked press release). The mineral resources that have flowed to the mine plan at Perron come from multiple zones, with major contributions from the Champagne, Denise, Team, Grey Cat and Gratien zones. Table 1: Summary of total Mineral Resources at the Perron Project Zone Class OPEN PIT (CoG 0.40 gpt Au) UNDERGROUND (CoG 1.40 gpt Au) TOTAL Tonnes Au Au Tonnes Au Au Tonnes Au Au k g/t koz k g/t koz kt g/t koz Total Meas 48 1.1 2 333 14.2 152 382 12.54 154 Ind 2,520 3.16 256 5,281 7.1 1,205 7,801 5.83 1,461 M&I 2,569 3.12 258 5,614 7.52 1,357 8,183 6.14 1,615 Inf 1,044 2.02 68 4,000 4.9 631 5,044 4.31 698 Perron Gold project Mineral Estimate notes: The Mineral Resource Estimate is compliant with CIM 2019 Best Practices Guidelines for reporting Mineral Resources and Reserves. Mineral Resources are presented undiluted and in situ and are considered to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The Mineral Resources near surface are constrained by pit optimization surfaces and the underground Mineral Resources are constrained by potentially mineable stope shapes. The database is comprised of a total of 1,807 drill holes for 608492.30 metres of drilling (which includes historical drilling completed by previous operators, abandoned and exploration holes) in the extent of the Mineral Resource, of which (359 087.40 metres) 305,523 samples were assayed as of March 31, 2025, grid spacing is variable. All NQ core assays reported by Amex were obtained by analytical methods described below under "QA/QC" . Geological interpretation of the zones was based on lithologies, mineralized zones orientation and cut-off grade considerations. Each zone has its own characteristic of mineral occurrence and amount of recoverable gold. Geological wireframe interpretation was initially made from cross-sections at intervals in GEMS TM , and then completed in Leapfrog TM where selections of mineralized intervals were combined to generate mineralized wireframes. Wireframes are generally subvertical with various plunges. The Mineral Resource Estimate encompasses a total of 115 wireframes, sub-vertical gold-bearing domains, each defined by individual wireframes with a minimum downhole width of 2.0 m. Assay Samples were composited within the mineralization envelopes into 1.0 m length composites. A value of 0.001 g/t Au was applied in cases of drill core not assayed. High-grade capping was done on composite data and established using a statistical analysis on a per-zone basis for gold. Capping varied from 5 g/t Au to 500 g/t Au and was applied on composites within each specific wireframe. Bulk density values were applied on the different mineralized zones varied from 2.7 to 2.8 t/m 3 based on site drill core measurements. Inverse distance cubed grade interpolation was used. Grade estimates are based on a parent block dimension of 5m x 5m x 5m with sub-cells down to 1m x 1m x 1m. Search parameters were determined by variography. The Perron Mineral Resource Estimate is classified as Measured, Indicated and Inferred as follows: The Measured Mineral Resource classification is defined by areas where drill hole sample spacing is less than 10 m, blocks are informed by a minimum of three drill holes, and reasonable geological and grade continuity is shown. The Indicated Mineral Resource classification is defined by areas where drill spacing is less than 30 m (except Champagne Zone at 40 m), blocks are informed by a minimum of two drill holes, and reasonable geological and grade continuity is shown. The Inferred Mineral Resource classification is defined by the limits of the constraining wireframes, blocks are informed by a minimum of one drill hole, and reasonable, however, not verified, geological and grade continuity is observed. Grade estimates use metric units (metres, tonnes and g/t). Metal contents are presented in troy ounces (metric tonnes x grade / 31.10348). The QPs are not aware of any known environmental, permitting, legal, title-related, taxation, socio-political or marketing issues, or any other relevant issues that could materially affect the Mineral Resource Estimate. Further details regarding the 2025 updated Mineral Resource Estimate, key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the Mineral Resources of the Perron Gold Project are available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Corporation's issuer profile in accordance with NI 43-101. Qualified Persons The qualified persons independent of the issuer, responsible for the technical information in this Press Release are Stephen Coates, P.Eng. of Evomine, Alexandre Burelle, P.Eng. of Evomine, Florent Baril, P.Eng. of Bumigeme, Antoine Yassa P.Geo. of P&E, Charles Spath, M.Sc., P.Geo. of P&E, Yungang Wu, M.Sc., P.Geo. of P&E, Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET of P&E, Denys Vermette, P.Geo. of Norda Stelo and Jerome Augustin, Ph.D., P.Geo. of Laurentia Exploration. They declare that they have read this press release and that the scientific and technical information relating to the resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment presented therein are correct. Disclosure Non-GAAP financial measures The Company has included certain non-GAAP financial measures in this document. These financial measures are not defined under IFRS and should not be considered in isolation. The Company believes that these financial measures, together with financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS, provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company. The inclusion of these financial measures is meant to provide additional information and should not be used as a substitute for performance measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. These financial measures are not necessarily standard and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers. All-in sustaining cost All in sustaining cost is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated based on guidance published by the World Gold Council ("WGC"). The WGC is a market development organization for the gold industry and is an association whose membership comprises leading gold mining companies. Although the WGC is not a mining industry regulatory organization, it worked closely with its member companies to develop these metrics. Adoption of the all-in sustaining cost metric is voluntary and not necessarily standard, and therefore, this measure presented by the Company may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The Company believes that the all-in sustaining cost measure complements existing measures and ratios reported. All-in sustaining cost includes both operating and capital costs required to sustain gold production on an ongoing basis. Sustaining operating costs represent expenditures expected to be incurred that are considered necessary to maintain production. Sustaining capital represents expected capital expenditures comprising mine development costs, including capitalized waste, and ongoing replacement of mine equipment and other capital facilities, and does not include expected capital expenditures for major growth projects or enhancement capital for significant infrastructure improvements. About Amex Exploration Inc. Amex Exploration Inc. has made significant high-grade gold discoveries, along with copper-rich volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) zones, at its 100%-owned Perron Gold Project, located approximately 110 kilometres north of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. The Project comprises 117 contiguous claims (45.18 km) and hosts both bulk-tonnage and high-grade gold mineralization styles. When combined with the adjacent Perron West Project, which includes 48 claims (17.37 km) in Quebec and 35 claims (134.55 km) in Ontario, the consolidated land package spans a district-scale 197.52 km. This extensive property lies within highly prospective geology favourable for both high-grade gold and VMS mineralization. The Project benefits from excellent infrastructure: it is accessible by a year-round road, located just 20 minutes from an airport, and approximately 8 km from the Town of Normetal. It is also in close proximity to several process plants owned by major gold producers. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265097 SOURCE: Amex Exploration Inc. The Seoul Design Foundation is set to present seven Seoul-based lifestyle brands at Maison&Objet Paris 2025, bringing K-Lifestyle to the world. Each brand carries its own identity and vision, painting a vivid picture of the diversity and forward-looking spirit of "Seoul Lifestyle." This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904633702/en/ Bmix focuses on "the natural texture of materials" and "the restraint of form," creating objects that blend seamlessly into living spaces over time. (Photo: Seoul Design Foundation) From the electrifying response to recent K-POP world tours and the Netflix global chart-topping animation K-Pop Demon Hunters, the world is turning to the Korean lifestyle as a new source of inspiration. What began with music and film has now grown to include fashion, living, and daily essentials-sparking a growing demand for the unique sensibility of Seoul. Seoul is a city in constant motion, yet one that embraces individuality and personal style. Homes are evolving beyond simple living spaces into stages for self-expression and experience. Lifestyle products are no longer just functional; they now embody emotion, design, and sustainability. 1. COOLPIECE studio (abce-kids) Flexible Lifestyle that Reframes Rhythm and Sensibility abce-kids transforms everyday spaces into "stages where exhibition and relaxation coexist." Through its own label, COOLPIECE studio, the brand goes beyond simple arrangement of objects, proposing designs that restructure the rhythm and sensibility of daily life. Its modular book station, easy to move and rearrange, allows users to flexibly reinterpret limited space-a concept closely tied to Seoul's multilayered lifestyle. Beyond its official participation in Maison&Objet 2025, the brand also joined the Women&Design by Maison&Objet session earlier in January 2025 to expand global promotion and networking. 2. KOSTICK Expanding the Aesthetics of Dining KOSTICK reinterprets dining moments with contemporary tableware inspired by Korea's food culture. The tension created by its minimalist lines and the contrast of ceramics with metal turns dishes into sculptural objects. Aligning with the trend of transforming dining tables into "small galleries," KOSTICK combines refined aesthetics with sustainable materials and methods. Having participated in Maison&Objet for three consecutive years and supplied products to the Parisian concept store Merci, the brand continues to strengthen its global presence. 3. TWIZZLEY (DCBG INC.) Turning Everyday Essentials into Objects of Design DCBG INC. is a design company redefining "ordinary daily objects." Its core brand TWIZZLEY elevates familiar items like toothbrushes into expressive design objects with unique colors and curves. While maintaining functionality, these products deliver visual and tactile satisfaction, reflecting the trend of household essentials doubling as interior decor. Consumers discover small joys and personal expression in items they use every day. 4. LINKKI Evolving Modular Lifestyle Solutions LINKKI offers users the experience of reinterpreting movement and space through kinetic building blocks. Rather than finished products, its modular systems invite continuous transformation and customization. Recognized with the iF Student Design Award (2016) and Core77 Design Award (2023), LINKKI has also been featured in exhibitions and workshops at the Exploratorium (USA), Eureka Science Museum (Finland), and the National Asia Culture Center (Korea), contributing to education and design innovation. 5. BDCI (Calzone) Harmonizing Function and Form in Urban Living BDCI designs environments where "use and form coexist." Through its label Calzone, the brand creates objects that balance practicality and beauty by maximizing material texture and structural stability. Foldable plates and flexible storage items optimize space according to individual lifestyles, embodying the urban trend of combining efficiency with design sensibility. 6. Bmix Studio Infusing Emotion into Spaces with Light and Texture Bmix focuses on "the natural texture of materials" and "the restraint of form," creating objects that blend seamlessly into living spaces over time. By merging lighting with objects, Bmix adds subtle changes and warmth to interiors. The brand exports to over 15 countries, collaborates with select shops domestically and abroad, and has showcased work at events like the Seoul Design Festival. 7. Studio Collective (plats) A User-Created, Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Studio Collective integrates plants and objects to infuse natural patterns into living spaces. Its label plats emphasizes user participation through rivet-style assembly, allowing consumers to complete products themselves. This approach reflects the growing preference for participatory consumption and sustainable materials. The brand was a finalist in the iF Design Award, one of the world's top three design competitions. These seven brands go beyond creating products-they serve as ambassadors of "Seoul Lifestyle" to the world. Their designs embody the energy of a fast-changing city, refined taste, and the warmth felt in daily life. The works unveiled at Maison&Objet Paris 2025 will transform any space into both a story and an experience. From September 4 to 8, 2025, visitors can discover Seoul's new living trends at the Seoul Design Foundation pavilion. Every step inside the booth offers a glimpse into both the present and the future of Seoul. Paris-Nord Villepinte Hall 7 (Gift Play) Stand A44 B43 Seoul Design Foundation designseoul-maisonobjet.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904633702/en/ Contacts: Brightbell Ilyou Kim +82-2-3406-2811 ilyou@brightbell.co.kr Dongguen Go +82-2-3406-2812 dongguen@brightbell.co.kr Infrastructure arrives with a series of AI upskilling workshops, including a first-of-its-kind Model Shaping event in Amsterdam AMSTERDAM, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Together AI today announced significant progress in its European expansion with the launch of GPU infrastructure in Sweden and a workshop series focused on upskilling AI engineers, starting with its first-ever Model Shaping workshop in Amsterdam . These initiatives mark a key step in the company's ongoing effort to provide the AI community with high-performance, open, and customizable AI solutions. Now Operational in Sweden Sweden is the newest addition to Together AI's global AI infrastructure network, powering its serverless inference API for models including OpenAI's gpt-oss, DeepSeek, Meta Llama, and Qwen. Customers can also request GPU Clusters and Dedicated Endpoints directly in Sweden, benefiting from low-latency and secure access to Northern and Central Europe. Infrastructure located in Sweden delivers these key customer benefits: Ensuring European regulatory and data residency requirements - with the GPU servers located in Sweden, AI companies can successfully meet requirements around data governance and transparency. Reduced end-user latency - Locating inference workloads closer to end users can reduce round-trip network time by 50-70 ms for many Northern and Central European customers, improving overall response times for real-time AI applications by up to 25-30%. "Caesar is building a deep-research AI platform designed for knowledge professionals, developers, and institutions working at the frontier of innovation. We use Together Dedicated Endpoints today-an 8H200 Llama-4 Maverick deployment-to power our transformation stage with high concurrency and large context windows. As we move toward public launch, we're excited about deploying our workloads in Together AI's new Sweden region to deliver lower latency and meet in-region data needs for European customers. Together AI's combination of dedicated capacity and serverless elasticity lets us scale quickly as demand grows." - Mark McKenzie, Founder, Caesar (caesar.xyz) Upskill on AI with Free Technical Workshops Alongside this infrastructure expansion, Together AI is launching a series of AI upskilling workshops for developers. The first event, which will take place in Amsterdam on September 10, is about Upgrading and Customizing Open Models . The workshop will cover: Tailoring open models using post-training steps such as supervised fine-tuning (SFT) on domain-specific data, preference optimization, and training with verifiable rewards to achieve performance on par with top proprietary LLMs at lower cost. Custom speculative decoding to accelerate inference by using a domain-optimized draft model to pre-generate tokens, delivering speedups of over 1.85 on models like DeepSeek-R1. Model quantization techniques to compress large LLMs, lower hardware requirements, and reduce inference costs, enabling deployment on smaller devices. Click here to register for Together AI's AI upskilling workshop. "Europe is at the frontier of AI innovation, and we are committed to enabling its builders and researchers with the infrastructure and expertise they need to succeed," said Vipul Ved Prakash, CEO at Together AI. "Our investments in Sweden and the AI engineering community in Europe demonstrate our dedication to supporting high-performance AI that is both reliable and scalable in Europe." Call to Action Attend the Amsterdam Workshop: Upgrading and Customizing Open Models Request a GPU Cluster Request a Dedicated Endpoint for Inference About Together AI Together AI, the leading AI Acceleration Cloud, empowers developers and AI native companies to train, fine-tune and run inference for generative AI models - delivering unparalleled performance, control, and cost-efficiency. The Together AI Platform supports a comprehensive range of top open source and custom models across multiple modalities, while offering flexible deployment options with the highest levels of privacy and security. Committed to advancing the frontier of AI through open collaboration, innovation and transparency, Together AI ensures that powerful AI systems remain accessible and flexible while creating optimal outcomes for society. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2560056/together_ai_branding_darkOnLight_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/together-ai-continues-european-expansion-infrastructure-now-live-and-operational-in-sweden-302545683.html RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Saudi Finance Company (SFC), a pioneer in Individual and SME Financing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Nucleus Software, a global leader in financing and transaction banking solutions, are proud to have jointly won the "Excellence in Digital Consumer Transformation" Award at the 30th Edition of Finnovex Saudi Arabia 2025. This recognition crowns a 10-year strategic partnership that began in 2014, with FinnOne, Nucleus Software's cutting-edge financing system, at its core. Together, SFC and Nucleus have transformed consumer financing across Auto, Personal, and SME, driving speed, inclusivity, and Shariah-compliant innovation. Strategic Milestones in Transformation Digitized the entire loan lifecycle, which enhances the customer experience by providing faster, more efficient service Delivered Shariah-compliant financing aligned with SAMA regulations . aligned with . Enabled faster fund disbursals via automation and ZATCA API integration . . Expanded financial inclusion with innovative schemes such as Guarantor, Housewife, Buy-Out, and Top-Up . . Introduced flexible short-term financing with customized repayment options. Mr. Bander Al-Samman, CEO of Saudi Finance Company, said: "For over a decade, our partnership with Nucleus Software has been a cornerstone of our strategy to redefine consumer finance in the Kingdom. By combining our market expertise with the power of FinnOne, we have created an ecosystem that is digital-first, fully Shariah-compliant, and deeply customer-centric. Together, we have been able to reduce loan approvals from days to minutes, offer flexible programs for diverse customer groups, and bring new levels of trust and transparency to the market. Winning the Excellence in Digital Consumer Transformation Award is not just a recognition of technology adoption, but a celebration of how innovation and collaboration can transform the lives of customers." Mr. Parag Bhise, CEO & Executive Director of Nucleus Software, said: "Saudi Finance Company has been one of our most trusted and forward-thinking partners for more than 10 years. Our collaboration has consistently been driven by a shared vision-to deliver financing that is faster, more inclusive, and compliant with the highest ethical standards. FinnOne has been at the core of enabling this transformation, helping SFC achieve industry-leading turnaround times, expand financial inclusion, and set new benchmarks in customer experience. This award is a proud milestone in our journey together, and we remain committed to driving the next wave of digital transformation in the Kingdom's financial services sector." The Excellence in Digital Consumer Transformation Award stands as a powerful endorsement of how long-term collaboration, innovative technology, and a customer-first vision can reshape financial services. With their decade-long partnership, Saudi Finance Company and Nucleus Software continue to set new benchmarks in the region, creating a future-ready, inclusive, and digitally empowered financial ecosystem. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764465/NUCLEUS_SFC_Award.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569848/Nucleus_Software_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/saudi-finance-company-and-nucleus-software-win-excellence-in-digital-consumer-transformation-at-finnovex-saudi-arabia-2025-302546280.html Staking, index products among cross listings: Bitwise enables investor access to wider scope of best-in-class products in Swiss market Bitwise enables investor access to wider scope of best-in-class products in Swiss market Regulated investment products: Bitwise provides investors with access to the opportunities of the rapidly growing digital asset market. Bitwise provides investors with access to the opportunities of the rapidly growing digital asset market. Positive sentiment in Europe: UK regulator expected to ease access to crypto ETPs for retail investors on 8 October 2025, positive trend in France too 4 September 2025. Frankfurt, Zurich: Pure-play digital asset manager Bitwisehas listed five of its flagship crypto ETPs on the Six Swiss Exchange this week. The listings give investors more varied options in benefiting from the thriving crypto market, including staking and index ETPs. Bitwise's suite of crypto ETPs comprise a collection of carefully designed financial instruments that seamlessly integrate into traditional portfolios, providing comprehensive exposure to crypto as an asset class. In August 2025, Bitwise announced client assets had surpassed $15 billion across its suite of 40 investments products, an increase of 200% compared to October 2024. Switzerland is a crucial market at the heart of Europe for Bitwise, both for retail and professional investors. The country has long been an early adopter of digital assets, both from a market and regulatory point of view. More countries across Europe are opening access to exchange-traded crypto products for a broader investor base. UK regulators are expected to ease access to crypto ETPs for retail investors as of 8 October 2025, while regulators in France are equally studying widening distribution regulation for these vehicles. Ronald Richter, Regional Director Investment Strategy of Bitwise in Europe, said: "The five flagship products we have listed in Switzerland will broaden options for investors looking to benefit from the full potential of crypto markets. Europe is rapidly opening up for digital assets, and Switzerland is a leading and crucial market at the heart of the continent. I'm extremely pleased that we're developing our product suite on the widely respected SIX exchange, with new options such as staking and index products." Bradley Duke, Head of Europe, said: "The expansion of our product suite in Switzerland is a logical next step for Bitwise, and fits our strategy of always aiming to provide best-in-class crypto ETPs. We offer a full range of options for investors to benefit from value creation in digital assets using regulated products with a carefully constructed financial infrastructure. We're always coming up with new products, and will continue to do so in the coming months across our markets in Europe." The newly listed ETPs on SIX Swiss Exchange are: Bitwise Core Bitcoin ETP(BTC1, ISIN: DE000A4AER62) - A cost-efficient Bitcoin ETP without fee holidays, with a TER of 0.20% p.a., making it an ideal option for strategic allocations. The product is designed for long-term investors seeking cost efficiency and benchmark reliability. The NAV is calculated three times daily, integrating primary market liquidity from Hong Kong, the EU, and the United States, enabling an extended primary market liquidity window for institutional investors. Bitwise Ethereum Staking ETP(ET32, ISIN: DE000A3G90G9), an institutional-grade and liquid vehicle aiming to leverage ETH staking for maximum investor outcome. ET32 has seen consistent positive net inflows this year, while maintaining competitive bid-ask spreads, and targeting the lowest total cost of ownership among ETH staking ETPs. Bitwise Solana Staking ETP(BSOL, ISIN: DE000A4A59D2), an institutional-grade, fully backed ETP providing exposure to staked Solana. BSOL is benchmarked against the Compass Solana Total Return Monthly Index, aiming at offering a transparent framework for performance and valuation of SOL staking rewards. Bitwise MSCI Digital Assets Select 20 ETP(DA20, ISIN: DE000A3G3ZL3) - DA20 seeks to track, after fees and expenses, the performance of the MSCI Global Digital Assets Select Top 20 Capped Index, managed by MSCI and rebalanced on a quarterly basis. This index tracks the performance of the 20 leading investable cryptocurrencies, covering approximately over 90% of the total cryptocurrency market capitalisation. Bitwise Physical XRP ETP(GXRP, ISIN: DE000A3GYNB0) - The product tracks the value of XRP, the world's fifth-largest crypto asset with a market cap of more than $80 billion. Ripple, the network behind the token, has experienced a surge in popularity because of the expanding use cases of its Ledger, particularly in areas like cross-border remittances, institutional DeFi, and real-world tokenization. Bitwise enables investors to gain exposure to digital assets without the need for a crypto wallet. Crypto ETPs trade on regulated exchanges, just like traditional stocks or ETFs and can be seamlessly integrated into standard brokerage or ETF portfolio accounts. Each ETP is fully backed by the corresponding digital asset, securely held in institutional-grade cold-storage custody. Comparable to precious metal ETCs, Bitwise crypto ETPs feature a physical redemption mechanism. Investor protection is further enhanced through the presence of an independent trustee and administrator, ensuring that the underlying assets are held off the issuer's balance sheet, thus minimizing issuer-default risk. Bitwise ETPs - Trading Information - SIX Swiss Exchange ETP Name Primary Ticker Valor Number ISIN Trading Currencies TER (%) NEW LISTINGS Bitwise Core Bitcoin ETP (https://bitwiseinvestments.eu/products/bitwise-core-bitcoin-etp/) BTC1 134964341 DE000A4AER62 CHF 0.20 Bitwise Ethereum Staking ETP (https://bitwiseinvestments.eu/products/bitwise-ethereum-staking-etp/) ET32 133120059 DE000A3G90G9 CHF 0.65 Bitwise MSCI (https://bitwiseinvestments.eu/products/bitwise-msci-digital-assets-select-20-etp/) (https://bitwiseinvestments.eu/products/bitwise-msci-digital-assets-select-20-etp/)Digital Assets Select 20 ETP (https://bitwiseinvestments.eu/products/bitwise-msci-digital-assets-select-20-etp/) DA20 126630022 DE000A3G3ZL3 CHF 1.49 Bitwise Solana Staking ETP (https://bitwiseinvestments.eu/products/bitwise-solana-staking-etp/) BSOL 140441523 DE000A4A59D2 CHF 0.85 Bitwise Physical XRP ETP (https://bitwiseinvestments.eu/products/bitwise-physical-xrp-etp/) GXRP 118513061 DE000A3GYNB0 CHF 1.95 EXISTING LISTINGS Bitwise Physical Bitcoin ETP (https://bitwiseinvestments.eu/products/bitwise-physical-bitcoin-etp/) BTCE 55503260 DE000A27Z304 CHF, USD, GBP 2.00 Bitwise Physical Ethereum ETP (https://bitwiseinvestments.eu/products/bitwise-physical-ethereum-etp/) ZETH 110488627 DE000A3GMKD7 CHF, USD, GBP 1.49 Bitwise Physical Solana ETP (https://bitwiseinvestments.eu/products/bitwise-physical-solana-etp/) ESOL 115256504 DE000A3GVKZ1 CHF, GBP 1.95 Bitwise Aptos Staking ETP (https://bitwiseinvestments.eu/products/bitwise-aptos-staking-etp/) APTB 139573609 DE000A4AJWU3 CHF, USD 0.85 Bitwise Physical Litecoin ETP (https://bitwiseinvestments.eu/products/bitwise-physical-litecoin-etp/) ELTC 111198508 DE000A3GN5J9 CHF, GBP 2.00 The full product list can be found at https://bitwiseinvestments.eu/products/data-attr-group=overview Investors should be aware that investing in crypto assets involves significant risks, including but not limited to: Volatility Risk: The price of crypto assets can fluctuate significantly. Liquidity Risk: Market depth and trading volumes may vary, affecting execution. Custody Risk: Despite institutional-grade custody, digital assets may be vulnerable to cyber threats. Regulatory Risk: Crypto assets and their treatment are subject to evolving regulatory frameworks. Market Risk: Broader market movements can impact the value of the ETP. While there may be potential for significant gains, you are at risk of losing part of or your entire capital invested. For complete information please visit www.bitwiseinvestments.eu About Bitwise Bitwise is one of the world's leading crypto specialist asset managers with over $15 billion in client assets. Thousands of financial advisors, family offices, and institutional investors across the globe have partnered with us to understand and access the opportunities in crypto. Since 2017, Bitwise has established a track record of excellence, managing a broad suite of index and active solutions across ETPs, separately managed accounts, private funds, and hedge fund strategies - spanning both the U.S. and Europe. In Europe, for the past five years Bitwise (formerly ETC Group) has developed an extensive and innovative suite of crypto ETPs, including Europe's most traded bitcoin ETP, or the first diversified Crypto Basket ETP replicating an MSCI digital assets index. This family of crypto ETPs is domiciled in Germany and issued under a base prospectus approved by BaFin. We exclusively partner with reputable entities from the traditional financial industry, ensuring that 100% of the assets are securely stored offline (cold storage) through regulated custodians. Our European products comprise a collection of carefully designed financial instruments that seamlessly integrate into any professional portfolio, providing comprehensive exposure to crypto as an asset class. Access is straightforward via major European stock exchanges, with primary listings on Xetra, the most liquid exchange for ETF trading in Europe. Retail investors benefit from easy access through numerous DIY/online brokers, coupled with our robust and secure physical ETP structure, which includes a redemption feature. For more information, visit www.bitwiseinvestments.com/eu Media contacts: JEA Associates John McLeod 00 44 7886 920436 john@jeaassociates.com Important information - The information contained in this press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, opinions are those of Bitwise and do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy any financial products or cryptocurrencies. This press release is issued by Bitwise Europe GmbHor contact us directly via europe@bitwiseinvesmtents.com Before investing in crypto Exchange Traded Products ("ETPs"), potential investors should consider the following:?? Potential investors should seek independent advice and consider relevant information contained in the base prospectus and the final terms for the ETPs, especially the risk factors. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss. ETPs issued by BEU are suitable only for persons experienced in investing in cryptocurrencies and risks of investing can be found in the prospectus and final terms available on www.bitwiseinvestments.eu. The invested capital is at risk, and losses up to the amount invested are possible. ETPs backed by cryptocurrencies are highly volatile assets and performance is unpredictable. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The market price of ETPs will vary?and they do not offer a fixed income or match precisely the performance of the underlying cryptocurrency.? Investing in ETPs involves numerous risks including general market risks?relating to underlying, adverse price movements, currency, liquidity, operational, legal and regulatory risks.? HONG KONG, Sept 4, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - On September 2, Zhejiang Expressway Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as 'Zhejiang Expressway,' Stock Code: 00576.HK) announced a major development - it plans to absorb and merge Zhejiang Oceanking Development Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as 'Oceanking Development'). The news has attracted widespread attention in both the capital markets and the industry, reflecting numerous strategic considerations and long-term significance. Zhejiang Expressway is a core member and key listed platform of Zhejiang Provincial Transportation Group. Leveraging its profound historical legacy, it holds a pivotal leading position in the expressway investment and operation sector. The Company focuses on managing strategically vital road networks within Zhejiang Province, undertaking the critical mission of ensuring regional transportation connectivity. As the only listed expressway company in Zhejiang Province, it has deeply established its presence in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, boasting irreplicable geographical advantages and continuously growing traffic demand, which consolidate its dominant market position. The main assets operated by Zhejiang Expressway include the 248-km Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway, the 141-km Shangsan Expressway, the 70-km Jinhua Section of the Ningbo-Jinhua Expressway, the 122-km Hanghui Expressway, the 82-km Huihang Expressway, the 46-km Zhoushan Bay Bridge, the 222-km LongLiLiLong Expressway, the 50-km Zhajiasu Expressway, and the 161-km HuangQuNan Expressway. In addition to the above expressway assets, the Company also operates two major financial business segments (Zheshang Securities and Zheshang Futures), further diversifying its business structure and establishing a solid foundation for its diversified development. This absorption and merger will have a significant positive impact on Zhejiang Expressway's H-share price. According to the announcement, the issue price of A-shares of Zhejiang Expressway is RMB 13.5 per share, representing a premium of approximately 119.01% over the closing price of HKD 6.76 per H-share of Zhejiang Expressway on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on September 2, 2025. Among all listed expressway-related companies in both markets, Zhejiang Expressway ranks first in net profit attributable to the parent, consolidating its leading position in the industry. According to the financial report, in the first half of 2025, Zhejiang Expressway achieved revenue of RMB 8,685.46 million, representing an increase of 3.8% as compared to the same period in 2024. Profit attributable to owners of the Company was RMB 2,787.48 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.0%. Basic earnings per share was RMB 46.51 cents, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.0%. Diluted earnings per share was RMB 46.51 cents, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.6%. By business segment, segment profit from the nine major expressways operated by the Company achieved RMB 2,258.26 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 6.3% and 57.5% of the total profit. Segment profit generated from securities business was RMB 1,258.41 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 56.6% and 32.1% of the total profit. However, despite strong performance, the H-share P/E of Zhejiang Expressway still lagged noticeably behind A-share peers. Based on a comprehensive analysis of industry average prices and the lowest A-H share discount, it was estimated that after converting to A-shares, Zhejiang Expressway's valuation could have an upside potential of 62% based on the maximum value, and nearly 50% upside potential based on the average value, indicating promising prospects for future development. High Emphasis on Shareholder Returns: Post-Merger Share Price Upside Potential is Promising In the capital markets, the path for expressway enterprises to list directly on the A-share market has been full of challenges. The last expressway company to directly list on the A-share market dates back to 2009, and there have been few successful cases in the following years. Chengdu Expressway terminated its A-share listing application at the end of 2024, an event that further highlights the challenges faced by expressway companies in pursuing A-share listings. According to analysis of investment professionals, under the current market environment and regulatory policies, achieving an A-share listing through absorption and merger has become the only viable path for expressway companies. Zhejiang Expressway's proposed absorption and merger with Oceanking Development reflects this industry trend, actively exploring a development path suitable for itself while also providing a new paradigm for capital operations within the sector. From a dividend perspective, Zhejiang Expressway has consistently attached great importance to shareholder returns and adheres to a long-term and steady dividend policy. Since its listing in 1997, the Company has distributed cumulative dividends totaling RMB 28.46 billion, equivalent to 7.78 times the total proceeds raised in its IPO. It is anticipated that upon completion of the absorption and merger, Zhejiang Expressway's dividend attractiveness will be further enhanced. In the latest released draft plan, Zhejiang Expressway has explicitly committed to strictly formulating a scientific and reasonable shareholder dividend arrangement in accordance with the Company Law, Securities Law, and the relevant provisions of the articles of association of the Company. For the three years following the completion of this transaction (including the year of completion), and subject to compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and regulatory rules regarding cash dividends, the surviving company will distribute annual profits in cash of no less than RMB 0.41 per share (including both A-shares and H-shares). This commitment fully reflects the Company's strong emphasis on shareholder interests as well as its firm confidence in future development. From the perspective of the key indicator of dividend yield, as of September 3, 2025, Zhejiang Expressway's dividend yield reached approximately 6%. The relatively high dividend yield not only provides investors with considerable returns but also injects strong confidence and momentum into the Company's future development. Post-Merger Focus on Core Business with Broader Growth Potential In terms of business layout, Zhejiang Expressway has, in recent years, leveraged its long-standing expertise in expressway operations to successfully build a diversified business portfolio. The proposed absorption and merger with Oceanking Development reflects the Company's accurate assessment of market trends and careful consideration of its development strategy. Upon completion of the merger, the Company will continue to focus on its core business, optimize resource allocation, and maximize efficiency, thereby unlocking broader growth potential. In terms of strategic layout, Zhejiang Expressway, leveraging its acute market insight, will inject eligible expressway assets in a timely manner based on market dynamics and corporate development needs. Recently, Shangsan Co received a total capital injection of RMB 6 billion from Communications Group, China Merchants Expressway, Tiantai State Capital, and Shangyu Transportation, of which RMB 4.4175 billion was contributed by its controlling shareholder, Communications Group. Upon completion of the capital increase, Zhejiang Expressway's shareholding in Shangsan Co will be reduced to 61.25%, thereby indirectly lowering the proportion of its securities business. This move will significantly enhance the Company's overall strength and financial stability, while also underscoring the effectiveness of its strategy to focus on its core expressway business. Overall, as a leading enterprise in the expressway industry, Zhejiang Expressway will, upon completion of the restructuring, establish an 'A+H' dual-capital platform. This will place the Company in a favorable position comparable to its peers, supporting long-term development and aligning with shareholder interests. The higher valuation level of the A-share market will enable more efficient financing, thereby creating greater value for all shareholders. Meanwhile, following the major shareholder's return to the A-share market, its holdings will be converted into tradable shares, providing a more direct driver for market capitalization growth and aligning closely with the interests of minority shareholders to form a strong community of shared interests. With its outstanding strategic layout and strong growth potential, Zhejiang Expressway is poised to seize future opportunities, and its development prospects are highly promising. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. 2025 JCN Newswire Seasoned executive with three decades of experience in pharma and biotech Biotech board experience from Cytovation ASA, Antev Ltd, and Calliditas Therapeutics, and governance / senior leadership experience from UCB, Novartis and Schering-Plough (now Merck) Appointment comes as Blue Cell looks to progress its lead candidate, allogeneic stem cell treatment BlueC-231, into Phase 1/2a clinical trials for the treatment of severe erectile dysfunction (ED) following prostate cancer surgery COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cell Therapeutics, a biotech developing "off-the-shelf" allogeneic stem cell therapies for diseases where angiogenesis and nerve regeneration are beneficial, today announces the appointment of Olav Helleb as Chairman of its Board of Directors. Olav Helleb is a seasoned executive who has worked for over 30 years in pharmaceutical companies and biotechs. He has significant fundraising experience, having raised more than $200m during his career, while he has also struck licensing deals and research collaborations with major companies including AstraZeneca, Takeda, Fosun, and Alnylam. Dr Sren P. Sheikh MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cell Therapeutics, said: "Olav brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be instrumental to Blue Cell Therapeutics as we advance. His proven leadership across diverse teams and strategic planning expertise in multiple markets will be a huge asset. We look forward to working closely with Olav and the Board as we advance our lead candidate, BlueC-231, for severe erectile dysfunction into Phase 1/2a clinical trials." Olav Helleb, newly appointed Chairman of Blue Cell Therapeutics, said: "I'm delighted to have joined Blue Cell Therapeutics, which has developed an elegant way of creating a scalable, off-the-shelf stem cell therapy for severe erectile dysfunction. With around half of the 500,000 men who undergo prostate cancer surgery in North America and Europe annually still suffering severe ED a year after their operations, and current drugs providing little benefit to them, the unmet need is vast. The commercial case for BlueC-231 is strong, as ED caused by surgery would clearly be reimbursable by health insurers. Blue Cell's allogeneic stem cell approach also holds great promise in other indications such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). I look forward to working with Sren and his first class team as the Company continues to progress." Olav has extensive executive and advisory experience. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of BerGenBio ASA, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing drugs for aggressive diseases. From 2014 to 2022 he was Chief Executive Officer of ReNeuron Group PLC, a clinical-stage company specialising in cell therapy for ophthalmic and neurology-related diseases; and from 2010 to 2013 he headed oncology-focused biotech Clavis Pharma ASA. He currently serves on the boards of clinical stage immuno-oncology company Cytovation ASA, and clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, Antev Ltd, which specialises in urology and oncology treatments. From 2014 to 2019 he served on the board of Calliditas Therapeutics AB, which was sold last year to Asahi Kasei for $1.1 billion. Olav has also held senior governance and leadership positions at UCB-Celltech, Novartis, and Schering-Plough. He holds a Master of Business Administration from IESE Business School. Mr Helleb joins Blue Cell Therapeutics' Board of Directors as Chairman with immediate effect. About Blue Cell Therapeutics Blue Cell Therapeutics is a biotech developing long lasting allogeneic "off-the-shelf" human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies for diseases where angiogenesis and nerve regeneration are beneficial, such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Our method enables the production of a consistent, pure and potent allogeneic cell product and, thanks to a high proliferation rate, we can create more than 70,000 treatments from cells taken from a single donor. Blue Cell's lead product, BlueC-231, is in development for the treatment of severe Erectile Dysfunction (ED). The Company is initially focusing it on the treatment of severe ED following radical prostatectomy, where we expect it will be much more effective than currently available treatments because it addresses the root causes of the problem: poor blood flow and nerve damage. BlueC-231 offers a scalable, safe and potentially curative solution for this distressing condition - restoring erectile function for extended periods and spontaneity to sexual encounters. An early proof-of-concept study with a single dose of autologous adipose MSCs has shown that 8 of the 11 men (72%) who had undergone prostatectomy and were continent but had had no erectile function for over a year, regained their ability to have an erection and perform sexually at six months. Subsequently, Blue Cell chose to take an allogeneic approach, which offers the potential for greater consistency and potency, plus easier manufacturability and reduced cost. Preclinical in vitro and in vivo data for BlueC-231 has shown angiogenesis and endothelial cell and nerve cell regrowth superior to autologous cells, giving confidence for proposed phase 1/2a studies. Some 490,000 men in the western world undergo major prostate cancer surgery each year, with most continuing to suffer severe ED a year after surgery. In terms of ED overall, it is estimated that 85 million men suffer from ED globally with 30% not responding to drug therapy. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/blue-cell-therapeutics-appoints-highly-experienced-pharma-and-biotech-executive-olav-hellebo-as-chairman-of-the-board-of-directors-302545521.html 61% believe current age verification methods are too easy to bypass, highlighting the need for smarter, tech-driven solution Among 15-17-year-olds, age-verification technology at the point of use is seen as the most effective way to prevent underage access 81% of current adult vapers would purchase age-restricted devices if it stopped youth use LONDON, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Urgent action is needed to protect young people from the UK's worrying youth vaping trends and the booming illicit vape market, according to new research from IKE Tech LLC ("IKE Tech") , a leading innovator in identity verification (IDV) and tokenisation technology. While policymakers have so far focused on restricting advertising, packaging, and display, the report reveals that the core issue remains accessibility, with existing age checks being easily bypassed. As the Tobacco and Vapes Bill passes through parliament, the findings highlight an urgent need for the adoption of smarter, tech-driven solutions to protect young people. Peer pressure and easy access fuel youth vaping crisis Although the UK has made significant progress in reducing cigarette smoking among young adults, there is growing concern about more teens turning to vaping. This problem is fuelled by easy access and social factors, not just product appeal. The report, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults and 500 UK 15-17-year-olds (as part of a total of 5,000 respondents across the UK and US), found that the majority (61%) of respondents across all demographics identify peer pressure and social influence as the primary reasons why young people start vaping. Many teenagers are also motivated by a desire to fit in or appear older, with 42% of 15-17-year-olds stating this as a key reason for picking up the habit. Worryingly, 90% of all respondents believe vapes are often given or shared by friends and siblings. Even with existing regulations, 61% of both adults and young people surveyed believe current age verification methods are too easy to bypass. The data highlights a critical enforcement gap, as 79% of all respondents believe underage users buy vapes online, and 74% say they purchase them in stores with minimal or non-existent age checks. Alongside the rise in youth vaping, an illicit market has surged, posing potentially serious health risks, and undermining legitimate businesses that invest in compliance, safety, and innovation. This illicit trade has seen a 100-fold increase since 2020. When asked why young people turn to illegal vapes, respondents pointed to peer pressure and social factors (84%), cheaper prices (82%), and lack of age checks (80%). The key to keeping vapes out of kids' hands The report findings outline a new approach to restricting underage access, with digital age verification standing out as a key solution for this challenge. Over a half (53%) of respondents support checks at the point of sale, with 52% supporting verification at the point of use - such as a digital 'child lock' with biometric identification. Critically, among 15-17-year-olds, point-of-use technology is seen as the most effective way to prevent underage access (54%). This strong support for innovation is also echoed by 81% of current adult vapers, who admit they would purchase devices featuring this technology if it helped stop youth use. Commenting on the findings, Mary Glindon MP, Chair of the Responsible Vaping All-Party Parliamentary Group, said: "The law requires age verification at the point of sale, but this does not completely prevent young people from obtaining vapes - children and teenagers will still find ways to access these products. Focusing on restricting flavours, packaging, and display in shops will help reduce the appeal, but the biggest problem is how easy it is for teenagers to access vapes through the widespread availability in shops, online, or through the alarming influx of illicit vapes into the marketplace. I've advocated continuous age verification not just at the point of sale but at the point of use. This means that even if a child gets hold of a vape, they cannot use it." A call for collaboration to secure a safer future Looking ahead, there is a sense of hope: almost a half (48%) of all respondents believe underage vaping will decrease by 2030. However, recommendations are clear that stronger penalties for retailers (81%), smarter technology solutions (73%), and tougher government regulations (71%) will be essential to truly curb youth vaping. "Now more than ever, the world needs responsible, technology-driven solutions that go beyond traditional enforcement," said John Patterson, President of IKE Tech. "While the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a welcome first step, by moving beyond analogue measures to invest in technological safeguards like blockchain-based, point-of-use age verification, we can make this vision a reality, set new global standards, and protect young people from harm." IKE Tech's report, 'The first vape-free youth generation: The critical role of technology to end underage access and illicit sales', concludes that by fostering true collaboration between industry, regulators, retailers, educators, and public health advocates, the UK can create a safer environment for young people and lead the way in responsible vaping regulation. To download the full report and learn more about IKE Tech, visit www.iketech.com Additional assets: Atul Sodha, award-winning independent retailer said: "We need a belt and braces approach to age verification in order to ensure we keep within legal frameworks while helping the Government achieve its smoke-free objectives. A triple-lock effect of manufacturer technology, retailer vigilance, and point of use age verification within vapes would not only help in eliminating youth use, but will also help resolve the challenges we face in anti-social behaviour and verbal and physical abuse of staff during point of sale processes." About IKE Tech: IKE Tech LLC ("IKE Tech") is pioneering real-time age and identity verification at the point of use, helping to safeguard access to age-restricted products. A leading innovator at the intersection of Internet of Things (IoT), identity verification (IDV), and tokenization technology, IKE Tech has developed an industry-first, scalable age-gating component that provides continuous, real-time verification for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and other restricted consumer products. IKE Tech's interoperable Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System-on-a-Chip, powered by a user-friendly mobile app available on iOS and Android, integrates seamlessly into ENDS devices, giving manufacturers and regulators a flexible, future-proofed solution to combat underage vaping and illicit markets. By setting the new standard for responsible, adult-only access, IKE Tech is helping eliminate youth vaping for good. Methodology The proprietary data referenced in this whitepaper was sourced from an online survey of 5,000 respondents: 2,000 UK adults; 2,000 U.S. adults; 500 UK children aged 15-17 via their parents; and 500 U.S. children aged 15-17 via their parents. It was commissioned by Clarity Global on behalf of IKE Tech LLC and conducted by market research company OnePoll, following the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between the 3 June 2025 and 10 June 2025. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764196/IKE_TECH_1_line_Blue_Green_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/3-in-4-britons-say-smarter-tech-holds-the-answer-to-curb-youth-vaping-new-ike-tech-report-reveals-302545981.html SEOUL (dpa-AFX) - Samhwa Co., Ltd., a South Korean cosmetics packaging company, on Thursday announced the completion of an investment from funds managed by KKR & Co. Inc.(KKR), an investment firm. With this, KKR will fully acquire Samhwa from TPG Inc. (TPG), an asset manager, for KRW733 billion (around $528 million). With the support of its new investor KKR, the Asian company aims to continue its expansion and further boost its position as a cosmetics packaging supplier. Since its investment in 2023, TPG has supported Samhwa's evolution from a family-owned business to a cosmetic packaging enterprise, with an emphasis on premium product segments. 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. World's Top Wire Harness and Cable Assembly Manufacturer to Sponsor SEO Event CHINA GROVE, NC / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Cloom Tech, a leading manufacturer of wire harnesses and cable assembly, announced today a partnership as a Silver sponsor of the Shenzhen SEO Conference, a grand SEO or Search Engine Optimization event, which will be held on September 18-21, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen, China. Through this sponsorship, Cloom Tech shows that it wants to assist in creating innovation worldwide and a boost to the global tech community. More than 500 global SEO professionals will be converging; more than 40 worldwide famous speakers such as Google's Gary Illyes and worldwide SEO consultant Aleyda Solis will be invited. The event will aim to narrow down East versus West SEO methodology differences and put forward unique opinions about how to execute SEO in China on Baidu, WeChat, Douyin, and Little Red Book networks. The Shenzhen SEO Conference will include an overall 4 day schedule, which will entail pre-convention city tours, workshops, keynotes, mainstage presentations, and panel discussions. Participants will be instructed by professionals in this field, network with colleagues, and discover actionable SEO strategies to be utilized within their firms immediately. Shenzhen SEO Conference sponsorship is a proof of how committed Cloom Tech is to developing the technology community and advancing global collaborative work. With this sponsorship, Cloom Tech will further extend its investment role within the technology landscape in creating development and destruction of SEO strategy across the globe. "This conference is more than an event," says J.P. Zhang, host and organizer of the Shenzhen SEO Conference. "It's a community where professionals come together to share ideas, build partnerships, and explore China's vibrant digital ecosystem. Through keynotes, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities, we'll unlock the potential of a truly global SEO community." One of the organizers of the Shenzhen SEO Conference made a statement, "It will be an honor to have Cloom Tech join us as a sponsor. It embodies our belief in innovation and quality. It will be priceless to assist us in staging a world-class event meant to bring about knowledge sharing and collaboration between SEO professionals across the globe." For more information about their official website, visit https://shenzhenseoconference.com . About Cloom-Tech Cloom Tech is a worldwide manufacturer of custom wire harnesses and cable assemblies for industrial OEMs. Having a headquarters based in China with many logistics hubs in the North American and European regions, the firm designs, prototypes, and mass-produces UL-certified and RoHS-compliant solutions in the fields of automotive, medical, robotics, and Agriculture. Incorporating the finest fabrication methods with global sourcing of material and cost-efficient production at home, Cloom Tech produces customized harnesses that are tested thoroughly and meet the highest levels of reliability and performance. Contact Information For media inquiries, please contact below: Phone: +86-18633477040 Email:sales@cloomtech.com Address: 3rd Floor, Building 101, No. 6 Fenglan Street, Luquan District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China SOURCE: WELLPCB PTY LTD View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/cloom-tech-announces-shenzhen-seo-conference-sponsorship-1068119 London, England--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - In under a year, ZAPT Powerbanks, a mobile charging start-up founded by high school friends George Reilly and Oladimeji Abidoye, has delivered over 50,000 hours of portable phone charging across gyms, pubs, lounges, and cultural venues across the UK. What began as a solution for on-the-go connectivity has evolved into a movement that blends tech, culture, and sustainability. ZAPT's sleek, modern kiosks feature contactless payments, open-access power bank slots (no locked containers), and built-in digital advertising screens giving host venues a new stream of passive revenue. ZAPT Powerbanks Has Delivered over 50,000 Hours of Phone Charging to Customers To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/264257_a17c55f6643b3899_002full.jpg "We didn't want to develop just another tech product," says George, who leads product development. "We wanted to build a meaningful company, one that keeps people connected and gives back." ZAPT is also in talks with UK universities and youth-focused organisations to support career development in sales, tech, and entrepreneurship. The initiative is designed to equip students and young adults with real-world business experience. "We're not just powering phones," adds Oladimeji, who oversees strategic partnerships. "We're empowering the next generation." ZAPT Powerbanks Has Delivered over 50,000 Hours of Phone Charging to Customers To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/264257_a17c55f6643b3899_003full.jpg About ZAPT Powerbanks Founded in 2024 by George Reilly and Oladimeji Abidoye, ZAPT Powerbanks is a UK-based start-up delivering on-the-go charging through sleek rental kiosks. Customers can rent a power bank in seconds with zero friction. The company donates to planting six trees, exceeding the (4) required to counter equivalent energy usage in kilowatt-hours to offset the carbon from our charging activity. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264257 SOURCE: Plentisoft Bangkok, Thailand--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - SEOCROWN, an enterprise-grade SEO solution provider headquartered in Bangkok, today announced the official launch of its full-stack SEO platform, tailored to agencies and large-scale organizations. The platform unifies link building, search console integration, GA4 analytics, and technical optimization into a single, scalable solution. SEOCROWN Launches Full-Stack SEO Platform in Thailand, Empowering Agencies with AI-Powered Link Building and Search Console Insights To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/263705_f80f6a7824d598d4_002full.jpg A Complete Platform for Agencies and Enterprises SEOCROWN positions itself as a full-stack SEO partner, offering an end-to-end suite of tools that simplifies the complexities of modern SEO. From white-hat link building and content optimization to advanced search console reporting and GA4 insights, the system consolidates multiple workflows into one centralized dashboard. "SEO should not feel like juggling disconnected tools," said Tanandorn Paanekphankul, spokesperson for SEOCROWN. "With our platform, agencies can manage link building, search console data, GA4 analytics, and technical optimization seamlessly-helping them focus on strategy and performance rather than fragmented processes." Designed for Ethical and Scalable Growth The platform emphasizes white-hat link building, ensuring that backlinks are high-value, organic, and aligned with ethical SEO practices. By embedding automation into outreach and tracking, SEOCROWN reduces repetitive tasks while reinforcing credibility and sustainable growth. Streamlining Analytics with Search Console and GA4 Managing multiple analytics platforms often slows down SEO teams. SEOCROWN's integration of search console and GA4 transforms raw data into actionable insights, giving agencies and businesses clarity on keyword performance, traffic patterns, and optimization opportunities-all in real time. Tailored to Thailand's Market, Built for Global Scale Operating from Bangkok, SEOCROWN addresses the unique challenges of Thailand's digital ecosystem-where localized language, mobile-first design, and regional link opportunities require specialized solutions. At the same time, the platform is built with scalability in mind, making it adaptable for international markets. About SEOCROWN SEOCROWN is a Bangkok-based enterprise SEO platform providing AI-powered, full-stack solutions for agencies and large organizations. Its unified system combines ethical link building, search console intelligence, GA4 analytics, and technical optimization to streamline SEO workflows and deliver measurable, sustainable performance improvements. For more information, visit: https://www.seocrown.ai/en. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263705 SOURCE: Plentisoft A third of cancer patients suffer from bone metastasis Montpellier, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Montpellier, September 4th 2025 - Quantum Surgical has obtained CE mark approval for the expanded use of its Epione robotic platform in the treatment of bone tumors and metastases. The platform can also be used for bone consolidation. A third of cancer patients suffer from bone metastasis[1]. This new indication will be presented during the CIRSE congress, the largest interventional radiology event worldwide, held in Barcelona from September 13th to 15th. Quantum Surgical, a company specializing in robotics and AI, develops the Epione robotic platform. It assists physicians in performing percutaneous tumor ablations, where one or more needles are inserted through the skin to destroy the tumor. This minimally invasive treatment provides patients with a safe and effective alternative to surgery. Epione allows physicians to treat inoperable tumors that are particularly difficult to reach, due to their size or their location, at an early stage, in a simple and effective way. Epione could until now be used to treat tumors in the abdomen (including the liver, kidneys, and pancreas) and the in the chest (lung). Over 1,000 patients have already been treated in Europe and the United States. Based on a clinical study conducted in three French hospitals - Gustave Roussy), the Paoli-Calmettes Institute (Marseille) and the Hospices Civils de Lyon - the CE mark approval for bone tumors will expand this innovative, targeted, and minimally invasive treatment to new patients in Europe. Thanks to the new indication, Epione can also be used for other percutaneous procedures, such as bone consolidation. "Given that a third cancer patients suffer from bone metastasis and weaknesses, which can be very painful, the entire Quantum Surgical's team is delighted to obtain the new CE mark. New patients in Europe will be able to benefit from our innovative technology and will therefore experience a more comfortable health care pathway" says Bertin Nahum, CEO and co-founder of Quantum Surgical. "The clinical study conducted at Gustave Roussy has demonstrated the relevance of Epione in the practice of bone percutaneous procedures. We will keep integrating robotics in these procedures which allow for better patient care" explains Dr. Baptiste Bonnet, interventional radiologist at Gustave Roussy. Laetitia Messner, Chief Clinical Officer at Quantum Surgical develops "Conducted by Dr. Bonnet, the clinical study has demonstrated the clinical performance and safety of Epione in the treatment of bone lesions and, more broadly, in the execution of percutaneous bone procedures, which until now had been performed manually. The expanded care offering provided by Epione will support both physicians and patients throughout the therapeutic pathway". Epione is currently available in about fifteen hospitals in Europe and in the United States. Epione device is CE marked for abdomen, chest and musculoskeletal structures indications, and FDA cleared for abdominal ablation indication. About Quantum Surgical Quantum Surgical is a company specializing in medical robotics company and artificial intelligence co-founded in 2017 by Bertin Nahum, CEO. With a dynamic team of over 130 employees, the company has offices in Montpellier, France, and Miami, Florida. Its Epione platform is dedicated to the curative and early treatment of cancers. Quantum Surgical thus offers a new approach to cancer treatment by standardizing access to care. More patients can benefit from innovative, better targeted and less invasive treatments. More than 1,000 patients have already been treated worldwide. Quantum Surgical was awarded the prestigious Prix Galien USA in 2022, the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for biopharmaceutical research, and joined in 2023 the governmental French Tech 2030 program that supports top emerging actors in disruptive innovation. More information: www.quantumsurgical.com [1]Info Cancer [2]Gustave Roussy, 2025 [3]Image-Guided Bone Consolidation in Oncology Attachment Dr Piana using Epione at Institut Paoli-Calmettes in Marseille, France (https://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/0ad29fd9-dedb-43ce-b746-3e2293413532) Stephanie Moy Quantum Surgical +33632555848 s.moy@quantumsurgical.com Global investment firm strengthens early-stage presence across the US and Canada to back the next generation of international champions with a first close of $25m MONTREAL and TORONTO, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- White Star Capital , the global multi-stage technology investment firm, has announced a first close of $25m for its new North American Seed Fund anchored by the Fonds de solidarite FTQ. The strategy is designed to back high-potential startups from pre-seed through seed stages across the region. The fund will support early-stage founders building globally scalable solutions across the US and Canada. At a time when the world is being revolutionised by AI and new technologies, White Star Capital is stepping forward with fresh capital, operational support, and a long-term commitment to founders with a bold vision from day one. "As a Series A and B investor deeply embedded in the New York, Toronto, and Montreal tech ecosystems for the past decade, my colleagues and I have always dreaded having to pass on exceptional founders that were "too early" for us," said Sanjay Zimmermann, General Partner."With the strategic support of Fonds de solidarite FTQ, we are thrilled to be in a position to provide North American entrepreneurs with an unfair advantage, even earlier in their journey." "Over the past ten years, the Fonds de solidarite FTQ has made direct and indirect venture capital investments totalling $2.7 billion. With this new seed fund from White Star Capital, we are continuing our commitment to emerging companies shaping the economy of the future - an effort reflected as well in our support for Ax.c, the new initiative for Quebec's tech startups and innovative entrepreneurs," said Dany Pelletier, Executive Vice-President of Private Equity and Impact Investing at the Fonds de solidarite FTQ. Other Limited Partners joining the first close include Capital regional et cooperatif Desjardins (CRCD), Fonds quebecois d'amorcage Teralys financed by La Caisse, and TD Innovation Partners (TDIP), a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. The North American Seed Fund expands on White Star Capital's decade-long track record of early-stage investing, having already backed more than 100 companies worldwide and generated top-quartile returns across multiple vintages. The new initiative will be co-managed by Sanjay Zimmermann, a long-time investor at the firm, based in Toronto, and Catherine Ouellet-Dupuis, based in Montreal, a veteran operator with experience as Chief Strategy and Corporate Development at Workleap, an IT and HR tech company that scaled to $100m+ in ARR. "I'm excited to be joining White Star Capital to build a Seed Fund that gives local early-stage companies the backing they need to grow into global champions," said Catherine Ouellet-Dupuis, General Partner. "Having been through the challenges of scaling a business internationally, I know how valuable it is to have the right people in your corner. With White Star Capital's global platform, network, and deep market insights, I'm looking forward to working side-by-side with founders and joining a team that's known for rolling up its sleeves to help them succeed." White Star Capital's seed-stage strategy combines local conviction with global connectivity. Founders in the portfolio gain access to a network of experienced venture partners, advisors, and go-to-market experts across the firm's hubs in New York, Toronto, Montreal, Austin, Miami, London, Paris, Zurich, the UAE, and Singapore. The fund will write lead investments of $0.5m to $2m, with follow-on capital reserved to support breakout companies through Series A and beyond. As part of the final close, White Star Capital plans to announce a new General Partner for its new North America Seed Fund based in New York. With the first close now completed, White Star Capital is actively seeking founders across North America building recurring revenue businesses aligned with its macro themes, and encourages bold, ambitious teams to get in touch. About White Star Capital White Star Capital is a global technology investment firm partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs building international businesses at scale. Operating across North America, Europe, and Asia, the firm combines deep local relationships with a global platform to help portfolio companies expand internationally and become category leaders. The firm currently has three active funds in operation: an Early Growth Fund that invests globally in Series A/B companies, a Digital Asset Fund focused on crypto and blockchain-enabled startups, and now a North American Seed Fund. About the Fonds de solidarite FTQ The Fonds de solidarite FTQ is a source of pride in Quebec, fulfilling its mission through a unique business model created more than 40 years ago. Since then, the Fonds has rallied Quebec into action thanks to the retirement savings of over 808,000 shareholders. With net assets of $21.9 billion as of May 31, 2025, the Fonds supports directly and indirectly thousands of companies through venture and development capital investments based on the belief that the impact of its investments is created as much by financial as societal returns. For more information, visit fondsftq.com or our company page on LinkedIn . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/white-star-capital-completes-first-close-of-new-50m-north-american-seed-fund-302545762.html THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dutch Marine Energy Centre (DMEC) in The Hague is working hard to bring increased value to the offshore renewable energy sector with new applications and research. One such project is DIOMEDEO funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with EOMAP GmbH & Co. KG (DE), Crestwing (DK), ORPC (CA/IE), the consortium brings together world-class expertise in EO analytics, offshore renewable energy innovation, and stakeholder engagement. DIOMEDEO uses satellite data to better map the ocean environment, and provides innovators with real, usable data for their offshore renewable energy programmes. DMEC is a non-profit organisation operating within the 'Blue Economy', and its mission is to accelerate offshore renewable energy solutions such as wind, wave and offshore solar power. With mounting political and budget challenges, the pressure is on to drive public awareness around the Blue Economy and keep the momentum going in this vital area of research and to promote nature-positive initiatives that sustain the existing marine environment. Based in The Hague, DMEC works to advance innovation, support market development and promote policies for offshore renewable energy projects. The Blue Economy has faced a number of challenges in recent times, with the current US administration pushing back on climate initiatives and blocking progress in renewable energy solutions. "Looking at the political climate in the US - and even the EU to some extent - there is a lot of push back on some of these offshore projects because they are deemed to be too expensive or not necessary. But the truth is they ARE necessary. We need to start working on them now, because in 20 years it will be too late. We are lucky that there are a lot of people in the Hague and beyond that are ready to fight for these projects and help make them a reality." Pablo Briggs, project manager at DMEC. Read the full story and listen to Pablo Briggs of DMEC and DIOMEDEO on Stories of Purpose: https://storiesofpurpose.thehague.com/impact/mapping-ocean-environment-diomedeo-dmec About The Hague & Partners The Hague & Partners is the official marketing & acquisition organisation for the promotion of The Hague, focused on residents, visitors, conferences, businesses, and institutions. www.thehague.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dmec-mapping-the-ocean-environment-to-develop-offshore-renewable-energy-programs-302546403.html BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hinen, a global provider of smart residential energy storage solutions, will exhibit at Solar & Storage Live UK 2025, the UK's leading renewable energy and storage exhibition. The event runs from 23-25 September 2025 at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. Visitors can find Hinen at Booth C24. Backed by over 20 years of advanced manufacturing experience, Hinen is publicly listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (stock code: 300787) and serves as a trusted OEM/ODM partner for more than 400 global brands. What sets Hinen apart is its vertically integrated supply chain, covering battery cell production, inverter R&D, and full system assembly - ensuring high quality, innovation, and cost efficiency. With offices and service teams across Europe, the UK, Australia, and Africa, Hinen combines global technology with local support. The company is rapidly expanding in Europe after becoming a Top 5 residential storage brand in Australia. Its mission is simple: deliver reliable, intelligent, and affordable clean energy to households worldwide. At Solar & Storage Live UK 2025, Hinen will debut three All-in-One residential energy storage systems designed to meet the UK's fast-growing solar market. With over 1.5 million UK homes already fitted with rooftop PV and strong government targets for renewable adoption, demand for integrated solar-plus-storage is rising rapidly. Hinen's new A Series products address these needs with flexible sizing, quick installation, and strong backup capabilities. Hinen H5S (5kW Single-phase All-in-One System) - Compact and ideal for standard UK households. Features a stackable plug & play design, 200% oversized PV input (max. 10kW), =10ms transfer time, and intelligent load management. Perfect for homeowners seeking both efficiency and backup security. Hinen H15S (15kW Single-Phase All-in-One System) - Designed for large households and high-energy consumption families. Equipped with 4 MPPTs and dual power inputs (grid + generator), it offers enhanced EPS overload capacity with 16.5kW peak power (10s) to safeguard appliances from unexpected power interruptions during load surges. It enables whole-home backup, meeting UK users' needs for energy independence and reliability. Hinen H25T (25kW Three-phase All-in-One System) - A small C&I solution for villas, farms, or light commercial sites. Features ultra-wide 120-600V battery range, 20kW charge/discharge, 100% three-phase unbalanced output, and flexible phase sequence installation. Provides robust backup and scalable clean energy supply for businesses. Beyond the A Series, Hinen will also showcase: H6000-EU Hybrid Inverter + B5000/BP5000 Low-voltage Batteries, a popular residential pairing in the UK. S1-100 Smart Box, supporting up to 23kW whole-home backup, 100A rated current, <70ms switching, and generator compatibility - ideal for UK households requiring uninterrupted power during grid instability. E Series H2.4S (Balcony Energy System), compact plug-and-play design, ideal for UK flats and small homes. Scalable up to 15.36kWh for flexible household needs. IP65 weatherproof with safe LiFePO4 battery (10-year warranty). Visitors to Booth C24 will see how Hinen's solutions empower UK homeowners and businesses to maximize solar generation, ensure reliable backup, and lower energy bills - making the transition to clean energy both practical and future-ready. Contact: nikita@hinen.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d28921e-96d2-41f0-bb0f-51e2658ef688 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Tudor Gold Corp. (TSXV: TUD) (FSE: H56) ("Tudor" or the "Company") is pleased to report the completion of the acquisition (the "Transaction") of American Creek Resources Ltd. ("American Creek" or "AMK") to increase its interest to 80% in the Treaty Creek Project, located in the Golden Triangle in northwest British Columbia. The Transaction was completed pursuant to the arrangement agreement ("Arrangement Agreement") previously announced on June 26, 2025. Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, Tudor has acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of American Creek, which is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tudor. Each American Creek shareholder received 0.238 of a common share of Tudor for each American Creek share held (the "Exchange Ratio"). Each AMK option was replaced with replacement options pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement, exercisable for Tudor Shares at the Exchange Ratio. All other terms and conditions of the replacement options, including the term of expiry, vesting, conditions to and manner of exercising, are the same as the AMK options for which they were exchanged. Warrants to purchase common shares of AMK, will continue to remain outstanding as warrants of AMK which, upon exercise, will entitle the holder thereof to receive the Tudor Shares at the Exchange Ratio in lieu of a common share of AMK for each warrants so exercised. "We welcome the American Creek shareholders to Tudor and are pleased with the increase in our interest to 80% in the Treaty Creek Project, which hosts one of the largest gold discoveries in Canada with excellent potential for expansion and high-grade mineralization," commented Joe Ovsenek, President and CEO of Tudor Gold. "With our increased ownership of the Treaty Creek Project, Tudor is now positioned to attract a wider range of potential investors as we continue to strengthen the company to build on our exploration success and advance Treaty Creek on the path toward production." Tudor settled $1,000,000 in severance payments in cash and issued an aggregate of 2,273,244 common shares in the capital of Tudor at a per share price of $0.537 in settlement of $1,220,733 in severance payments to certain former insiders of AMK (the "Settlement Shares"). The Settlement Shares are subject to a statutory four-month hold period. The AMK shares are expected to be delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange and the OTCQB at the close of trading on September 5, 2025, and the Company intends to submit an application to the applicable securities regulators to cease to be a reporting issuer and to terminate its public reporting obligations. Further information regarding the Transaction is contained in the management information circular of American Creek dated July 25, 2025, which is available under American Creek's issuer profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Advisors and Counsel DuMoulin Black LLP is acting as legal counsel to Tudor. K MacInnes Law Group is acting as legal counsel to American Creek. INFOR Financial Inc. provided a fairness opinion to American Creek's special committee that the Transaction is fair from a financial point of view to the securityholders of American Creek subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications set out in such fairness opinion. About Tudor Gold Tudor Gold Corp. is a precious and base metals exploration and development company with claims in British Columbia's Golden Triangle (Canada), an area that hosts producing and past-producing mines and several large deposits that are approaching potential development. The 17,913 hectare Treaty Creek project (in which Tudor Gold has a 60% interest) borders Seabridge Gold Inc.'s KSM property to the southwest and borders Newmont Corporation's Brucejack property to the southeast. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.tudor-gold.com or contact: Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary 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. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to the anticipated timing for delisting of the AMK shares from the TSX Venture Exchange and the [OTCQB] and submission of an application by AMK to cease to be a reporting issuer. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation, the anticipated timing of the delisting of the AMK shares from the TSX Venture Exchange and the [OTCQB] and potential future revenue and cost synergies resulting from the Transaction. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the potential results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause such differences include but are not limited to: that the delisting of the AMK shares from the TSX Venture Exchange and the [OTCQB] and submission of an application by AMK to cease to be a reporting issuer will not be completed on the timeline or as anticipated by management or at all. Tudor 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 otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265103 SOURCE: Tudor Gold Corp. LONDON, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- English Path (EP), part of GEDU Global Education, has officially launched in Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made at the UK-Saudi Arabia GREAT Futures Leadership Summit in London. EP is one of the world's leading language institutes with campuses across the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Australia. Operating under the Global Institute of Entrepreneurship Training Institute (GIE), which holds a license from the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), EP will bring internationally accredited English programs, expert teachers, and strong student support to the Kingdom. EP CEO Tom Buckley said this is a critical development for the organisation, and establishes EP in what is a high-growth global market. "EP empowers learners with world-class language education, and we're thrilled to be bringing this offering to Saudi Arabia," said Mr Buckley. "We at EP and GEDU are also proud to be collaborating with leading Saudi private and government organisations, strengthening our mission to empower learners and contribute to the Vision 2030 goals. "Vision 2030 places a strong emphasis on education, and we share this ambition to make Saudi Arabia a magnet for education at all levels, and global student mobility. "The strong collaboration we have seen at the UK-Saudi Arabia GREAT Futures Leadership Summit is critical to future developments across key sectors, and will bring mutual benefits to both the UK and the Kingdom in both the short and long term. "Our ambition as a group extends beyond just ourselves-we want to partner with other institutions to help them bring their education offerings to the Kingdom, and offer pathway programmes to other universities around the world. "We look forward to strengthening the relationship further through our work, and extend our thanks to both the Ministry of Investment and TVTC for their unwavering support." About EP: At English Path, we're more than a school. We're here to help you discover the world using a common language. Our main goal is teaching languages, and we have different courses designed just for you. We want to give you the tools to talk confidently and succeed in today's diverse world. Purpose: To give people the means to communicate with each other in a divided world, bringing people together through language. People who can communicate without barriers are more likely to work and live together harmoniously. That is the reason for English Path's existence. Vision: To create the world's most accessible and innovative language and pathway provider that changes lives through education that makes a fundamental difference to living standards. Mission: A world in which every person can communicate using a common language removing inequality and creating a level playing field. Courses that stimulate and challenge. Students that learn, excel and grow. For more information, visit Learn English, French & German Worldwide | EP. About GEDU: GEDU Global Education (GEDU) is changing lives through education and making a fundamental difference to living standards and access to learning globally. We have operations in 15 countries, including the USA, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Malta, UAE, India, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Ireland and Canada. We offer a range of educational opportunities-from K12 through Bachelor's and Master's degrees, plus apprenticeships and language schools. Our portfolio has over 75,000 students, covers a wide range of subjects and is characterised by a keen focus on both employability and student experience to maximise return on investment for students. Education is transformative, and this is what drives us. For more information, visit Home - Gedu Global. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/english-path-officially-launches-in-saudi-arabia-302546438.html HONG KONG, Sept 4, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - The recent de-escalation in global trade tension has triggered an uptick in confidence among Hong Kong exporters. This was the key finding of the latest edition of the HKTDC Export Confidence Index - 3Q25 - which was released today.Overall 2025 Export Growth Forecast for 2025 upwardly adjustedThis rise in confidence was underlined by the readings of two of the Index's key components - the Current Performance Index and the Expectation Index. For its part, the Current Performance Index, a measure of how exporters viewed their business performance in the surveyed quarter, stood at 53.3 (up from 49.6). The Expectation Index, a measure of how exporters see their likely prospects in the coming quarter, stood at 54.3 (up from 49.0).This is the highest reading for the two metrics since the introduction of the upgraded HKTDC Export Confidence Index in January 2024. The outcomes here were underpinned by the rally in Sales and New Orders, a development driven by the widely adopted trade front-loading strategy, and the rise in Trade Value (higher unit prices), which stemmed from the impact of the higher US tariffs.Hong Kong's exports recorded year-on-year growth of 12.7% in the first seven months of 2025, with the tactical front-loading of trade being the major contributory factor. As a result, the HKTDC has upwardly revised its overall Hong Kong Export Growth Forecast for 2025 from 3% to 7-9%.Tariffs and front-loaded trade set to impact 2026 export figuresThe Council, however, has been keen to put this revision into perspective and has cautioned against assuming this latest prediction will remain unaffected by the ongoing market uncertainties.Addressing the uncertainties that lie ahead, Irina Fan, Director of HKTDC Research, said: 'While it's tempting to celebrate this forecast, it's essential that we bear in mind that the better-than-expected export performance in the first seven months of the year was driven largely by the front-loading trade strategy, the benefits of which will recede over the coming months.'As of August, the US imposed high tariffs on many of its major trading partners, including Japan, South Korea, the European Union and several key ASEAN bloc members. Beyond that, China-US trade talks are ongoing, with the deadline for any agreement now extended until November this year.'With all of this in mind, we should be duly cautious and refrain from being overly optimistic. The possibility of future tariff hikes and further supply chain risks within the already increasingly fragmented global trading arena remains very real and could well translate into a sharp deceleration in trade in 2026.'For the present, though, in terms of markets, Mainland China (62.4, up 9.5) and the ASEAN bloc (56.9, up 3.5) continue to be seen as hugely promising with regard to their Current Performance, while export performance was reported as being elevated across the EU and in Japan. There are also signs that this is likely to continue in the near term, with the Market Expectation Index showing that exporters remain optimistic as to their expansion prospects within many of their target markets, including Mainland China (60.5, up 7.9), the ASEAN bloc (60.5, up 0.6), the EU (55.0, up 4.3 points) and Japan (54.7, up 4.1 points).Overall, it is only in the case of the US that confidence continued to falter, with readings for both its current and expected performance staying firmly below 40, an indication that considerable contraction is anticipated.Rising / stable profit margins widely expectedOn the industry sector front, the Current Performance readings for Timepieces (54.9, up 2.8), Electronics (54.5, up 5.6), Clothing (51.2, up 2.3), and Jewellery (51.3, down 0.3 points) placed them all in expansionary territory. Toys (49.4, up 6.3 points) and Equipment/ Materials (45.8, down 4.6), however, remained in contractionary space.A similar message could be derived from the Expectation Index, with Electronics (56.0, up 7.6), Timepieces (53.8, up 2.3), Clothing (51.9, up 4.6) and Jewellery (51.5, up 1.5) all firmly in the expansionary zone, and only the Toys (49.4, up 5.8) and Equipment / Materials (47.3, down 3.8) sectors seen as still liable to contract.Reiterating the overall message of the most recent figures, Nicholas Fu, the HKTDC Research Senior Economist who oversaw the compilation of the Index, said: From the 3Q25 readings, it is encouraging that the majority (64%) of survey respondents expected rising/stable profit margins despite the challenging trading environment.'To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tcReferences- HKTDC Research website: https://research.hktdc.com/en/- HKTDC Export Confidence Index 3Q25: Exporter optimism up as global trade tension declines [https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MjEwMDQzNTA1Nw]Photo download: http://bit.ly/3VuV3RVHKTDC Director of Research Irina Fan (left) and HKTDC Senior Economist Nicholas Fu (right) announced the HKTDC Export Confidence Index for 2025's third quarter at a press conference todayHKTDC Director of Research Irina FanHKTDC Senior Economist Nicholas FuMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department:Clayton Lauw Tel: (852) 2584 4472 Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgAgnes Wat Tel: (852) 2584 4554 Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.orgAbout 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. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.Source: HKTDCCopyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Xi meets Vietnamese president Xinhua) 14:27, September 04, 2025 BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong in Beijing on Thursday. Luong Cuong is in China to attend 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. Xi noted that the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War fully demonstrates that justice will prevail. He called on both countries to jointly safeguard the outcomes of the victory in World War II and uphold international fairness and justice. Faced with the countercurrents of unilateralism and the law of the jungle, more and more countries have realized that compromise and concession lead to no way out, and only unity and self-strengthening hold the promise of hope, Xi said. Xi said he has put forward the Global Governance Initiative to promote the global governance system to develop in a more just and equitable direction. Luong Cuong said relations with China are of strategic significance to Vietnam and constitute a top priority in the country's foreign policy. Faced with a world of changes and chaos, Vietnam will firmly develop its relations with China, he added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Paris, France--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) ("Sequans" or the "Company"), a pioneer in adopting Bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset and a leading provider of cellular IoT semiconductor solutions, today announced that its Board of Director has approved a plan to change the ratio of its American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") to its ordinary shares (the "ADS Ratio"), from the current ratio of one (1) ADS to ten (10) ordinary shares to a new ratio of one (1) ADS to one hundred (100) ordinary shares. Sequans' ordinary shares are not affected by the change. The new ADS to ordinary share ratio of 1 for 100 will be effective prior to the commencement of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on September 17, 2025. The primary objectives of the ADS ratio change are: Practicality and Convenience - Following the capital increase of July 2025, which significantly increased the number of outstanding shares, this change will reduce the number of ADS outstanding for operational efficiency. Enhanced Market Appeal - The higher per-ADS price is expected to make Sequans's ADS more attractive to a broader range of institutional investors, including funds that have minimum price thresholds for investment. Regulatory Compliance and Strategic Flexibility - This adjustment will help ensure continued compliance with NYSE listing requirements and provide resilience against potential market volatility, particularly as the Company continues to execute its Bitcoin treasury strategy. For the Company's ADS holders, the ADS ratio change will have the same effect as a one-for-ten reverse ADS split. No fractional new ADSs will be issued in connection with the ADS ratio change. Holders who would otherwise receive fractional ADSs will receive a cash payment in lieu of such fractional ADSs. The cash in lieu rate will be set when the depositary sells the ADSs that would otherwise have been issued as fractional ADSs in one or more market trades. Effective September 17, 2025, Holders in the Direct Registration System and in DTC will have their ADSs automatically exchanged and need not take any action. Beneficial holders may contact their bank, broker or nominee for more information. ADS holders with ADSs held in certificate form will be required to exchange their certificates for new book-entry ADSs at a rate of 10 old ADSs for 1 new ADS. The Company's ADSs will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the ticker symbol "SQNS". As a result of the ADS ratio change, the trading price per ADS is expected to increase proportionally, although the Company can give no assurance that the trading price per ADS after the ratio change will be equal to or greater than ten times the trading price per ADS before the change. About Sequans Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) is a leading fabless semiconductor company specializing in wireless 4G/5G cellular technology for the Internet of Things (IoT) as well as a pioneer in Bitcoin Treasury. Sequans views Bitcoin as a long-term investment and intends to strategically accumulate it as its primary treasury reserve asset. The company's approach involves acquiring and holding Bitcoin using net proceeds from equity and debt issuances - executed from time to time based on market conditions - as well as cash generated from operations and intellectual property monetization. Sequans' engineers design and develop innovative, secure, and scalable technologies that power the next generation of AI-connected applications - including secured payment, smart mobility and logistics, smart cities, industrial, e-health, and smart homes. Sequans offers a comprehensive portfolio of 4G/5G solutions, including LTE-M/NB-IoT, 4G LTE Cat 1bis, and 5G NR RedCap/eRedCap platforms, all purpose-built for IoT and delivering breakthroughs in wireless connectivity, power efficiency, security, and performance. The company also provides advanced design services and technology licensing. Sequans management believes the combination of a strategic Bitcoin reserve and deep focus on semiconductor innovation positions the company for long-term value creation. Founded in 2003, Sequans is headquartered in France and operates globally, with offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Israel, Singapore, Finland, Taiwan, and China. Visit Sequans at sequans.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements with respect to our future ADS price, the financial condition, results of operations and business of Sequans, including, but not limited to, the Company's bitcoin treasury strategy. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that are not historical fact. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements also often use words such as "anticipate," "committed to", "target," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "goal," "believe," "hope," "aims," "continue," "could," "project," "should," "will" or other words of similar meaning. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by Sequans in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, future developments and other factors it believes appropriate. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty, because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and the factors described in the context of such forward-looking statements in this announcement could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although it is believed that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to be correct, and you are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as at the date of this announcement. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results and are based on certain key assumption. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our ability to successfully implement our Bitcoin treasury strategy. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements are changes in the global, political, economic, business and competitive environments, market and regulatory forces, including tariffs and trade wars. If any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or if any one or more of the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in the light of such factors. A more complete description of these and other material risks can be found in Sequans' filings with the SEC, including its annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, subsequent filings on Form 6-K, including the Form 6-K filed on July 17, 2025, and other documents that may be filed from time to time with the SEC. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this announcement. Sequans undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265111 SOURCE: Sequans Communications MILAN, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Enfinity Global Inc., a leading renewable energy company, today announced the successful financial close of 316 million for the construction of eight utility-scale solar power plants in Italy. With a combined capacity of 276 MW, the projects are strategically located across the regions of Emilia Romagna, Basilicata, and Lazio. The solar power plants are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026. The financing was arranged through a club deal structure, with ING, Rabobank, and BNP Paribas, acting as Mandated Lead Arrangers, Lenders, Original Hedging Counterparties and Green Loan Coordinators. The funding package includes 214 million in non-recourse senior debt alongside 101 million in facilities for VAT, letters of credit (LCs) for PPAs, PV modules and decommissioning obligations. The energy generated by this new portfolio is expected to total approximately 403 GWh annually, resulting in an estimated reduction of 109,000 tons of CO2e emissions each year. This is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of around 150,000 Italian households. "We are proud to partner with Rabobank, BNP Paribas, and ING to continue accelerating the energy transition in Italy," said Carlos Domenech, CEO of Enfinity Global. "This milestone further validates our long-term vision and commitment to building a sustainable energy platform that enables our customers to access cost-competitive energy to propel their growth, while we drive investment to Italy and create new jobs." "This is our largest project financing to date in Italy, reinforcing our leadership in the market and expanding our presence in regions with high energy demand," commented Julio Fournier Fisas, Enfinity Global General Manager for Europe. "This deal supports our strategy of bringing energy production closer to consumption centers, allowing us to better serve the growing energy needs of corporate and industrial clients based on their geographic location." This financing brings Enfinity Global's total raised in Italy in the last two years to 1.3 billion, as the company advances its 8 GW pipeline of solar PV and storage projects in the country, including 564 MW currently under construction in Lazio and Emilia-Romagna. Enfinity currently leads Italy's solar PPA market, having signed 805 MW of long-term agreements with industrial, corporate, and utility off-takers. "BNPP Energy and Infrastructure is proud to close our first project finance transaction with Enfinity, marking the beginning of a strong partnership in the renewable energy sector. This landmark financing supports the deployment of a large-scale solar portfolio in Italy, reinforcing our commitment to accelerating energy transition in one of Europe's most dynamic markets, further expanding our role as a leading player in the sector. We look forward to collaborating again with Enfinity to support their significant growth strategy worldwide," commented Thomas Beaumont, Head of Energy Origination EMEA at BNP Paribas. "ING is proud to again have been selected by Enfinity Global to assist in this important financing in Italy. This is ING's third repeat mandate in Italy with Enfinity Global, demonstrating our shared ambition to grow renewable energy and excellent local capabilities in the market. ING remains committed to growing our renewables lending commitment globally to 7.5 billion annually by 2025 and we look forward to continuing the journey with Enfinity Global in renewables in Italy and elsewhere," commented Diederik van den Berg, Managing Director, Global Lead Renewables & Power. "Rabobank Project Finance congratulates Enfinity Global and our co-lenders BNP Paribas and ING on another successful financial close for the financing of a portfolio of solar PV assets in Italy. Following the successful close of the two financings last year, this is our third Italian portfolio financing with Enfinity Global. Rabobank is excited to work with such an experienced and large renewable energy player acting globally, and has enjoyed pleasant, efficient, and professional cooperation. This project further strengthens Rabobank's ambition to be a leading player in the renewable energy sector globally and increases our footprint in Italy. We look forward to supporting Enfinity Global's growth strategy as they continue to build out their portfolio of renewable energy assets," said Marc Schmitz, Head of Project Finance Europe and Asia at Rabobank. The deal was supported by a team of advisors, including Bondholders as Facility Agent and Documentary and Security agent, Gianni & Origoni as lenders' legal advisor, Bird & Bird as borrower's legal advisor, Astris Finance as financial advisor, Vector Renewables as technical advisor, PricewaterhouseCoopers as auditor advisor, and MAG Consulting Srl as insurance advisor. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1907378/Enfinity_Global_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/enfinity-global-secures-316-million-financing-for-276-mw-of-solar-projects-in-italy-302546401.html BERLIN, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Roborock, a global leader in home robotics engineered to simplify daily life, announces its participation in IFA 2025 with its "Rocking Life, Inside and Out" theme, inviting consumers and industry observers to venture outside their homes, and into their lawns, as it releases globally for the first time its RockMow and RockNeo series of high-end lawnmowers for European consumers. The news comes as the brand was named by IDC in 2025 H1 as the #1 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner brand in terms of unit shipments in Northern Europe, Germany, Korea, and Turkey-where it captured over 50% market share. (Source) In terms of financial performance, in August 2025, the brand's mid-year financial report indicated revenue increase by an impressive 78.96% YoY, reaching 7.9 Billion RMB as filed with the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Recently, Roborock also announced its intention for a new listing in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Expansion into Outdoors Appliances: RockMow & RockNeo RockMow and RockNeo Series are Roborock's first ever robotic lawnmowers. This groundbreaking lineup has been designed to redefine lawn care. Leveraging years of innovation and excellence in RVC (Robotic Vacuum Cleaner) AI-powered navigation, precision control, and intelligent automation, Roborock brings its trusted home robotics expertise outdoors, delivering tailored solutions for lawns of all sizes and terrains. The new lineup includes three models - RockMow Z1, RockMow S1, and RockNeo Q1. Roborock's bet into the outside appliance category brings significant innovations to the consumer, such as an AWD - All Wheel Drives approach where each wheel includes four independent in-wheel motors, one in each wheel, providing powerful driving capabilities; AI-powered categorized avoidance strategy balancing obstacle avoidance and cutting coverage; up to 80% (39) slope climbing coverage, and much more. Welcome the new high-performance mid-ranger: Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro IFA 2025 is also the stage of the latest RVC by the brand with the launch of the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro. Designed to deliver powerful, adaptive cleaning with effortless precision, the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro combines cutting-edge technology with sleek design, ensuring homes are healthier and more hygienic than ever before. The device not only features a 25,000 Pa HyperForce Suction, one of the highest suction powers in its class, but also has an upgraded AdaptiLift Chassis. Thanks to the product's omni-directional wheels, the robot intelligently adjusts its body height to maintain optimal suction contact on carpets up to 3 cm thick. The Qrevo Curv 2 Pro's 7.98 cm ultra-slim design is one of the thinnest models in Roborock's lineup of full LiDAR equipped robot vacuums. This is thanks to its RetractSense Navigation System, which ensures precise mapping and cleaning. In open spaces, the navigation module stays elevated for 360 scanning, while under furniture, it retracts automatically with a 100 rear view for tight-space cleaning. The Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Pro is set to launch with MSRP pricing in the European Union at 1299. US availability and/or pricing for this product is unconfirmed at the time of launch. Roborock F25 Ultra: Tough on Germs, Easy on the Floor Continuing its penetration into the home wet-dry vacuum cleaner segment, Roborock launches at IFA 2025 its newest and highest performance handheld device in the F25 family - the Roborock F25 Ultra. The biggest upgrade of the F25 Ultra lies in its groundbreaking high-temperature cleaning technologies. Tough on germs and easy on floors as verified by extensive TUV SUD testing, the VaporFlow mode unleashes a high-volume, 150C steam from six optimized outlets, effortlessly blasting away dried-on messes and stubborn stains without the need for harsh chemicals. This powerful steam delivers over 99.99% bacteria removal rate and allergen reduction rate. The Roborock F25 Ultra is already available with MSRP pricing at $799 in the US and 799 in the EU. Roborock H60 & H60 Hub Series of Stick Vacuum Cleaners Beyond its wet-dry vacuum cleaners, Roborock is also showing at IFA 2025 its new Roborock H60 and Roborock H60 Hub Series, a major expansion of the company's product portfolio into the high-end stick vacuum cleaner segment. The Roborock H60 Hub Series introduces a new auto-empty dock that transforms home cleaning into a smooth experience across all models in this series. Simply dock your vacuum, and in just 10 seconds, dust is automatically emptied into a sealed dust bag while the device recharges automatically, ready for the next clean with minimal effort. Additionally, all models in the H60 series feature an innovative bendable wand that makes light work of hard-to-reach spots, such as those situated around sharp corners or in tight spaces between objects. With a bend of up to 90, this flexible tool can easily glide under furniture, delivering a superior, hassle-free clean even in spaces as narrow as 5.6cm. The Roborock H60 Series & H60 Hub Series is available in the European Union at a price of between 299.99 - 499.99 depending on the model. US availability and/or pricing for this product is unconfirmed at the time of launch. Roborock Zeo X: blending aesthetics with the best fabric care Launching in select European markets, the Roborock Zeo X washer-dryer combines one of the sleekest designs in the industry with high-end washing and drying technology. At just 594mm deep (without door), it fits effortlessly into narrow spaces, without compromising on capacity (11kg Wash / 6kg Dry). The ultra-thin body is complemented by a fully integrated seamless door, blending perfectly into modern interiors. Powered by Zeo-cycle drying technology, Roborock Zeo X keeps drying temperatures low-around 50C for most fabrics and approximately 37C for delicate materials like wool and silk. Clothes come out dry, soft, and protected thanks to dual airflow and low-heat drying, offering better care and improved efficiency. With Dual Woolmark Green Certification, enjoy professional-grade wool care in both washing and drying at home. Roborock Zeo X delivers an elevated washing experience with Roborock FineFoam technology. Developed in-house, Roborock FineFoam generates ultra-dense microfoam that penetrates deep into fabrics, lifting dirt more effectively while remaining gentle. The Roborock Zeo X Washer Dryer is set to have MSRP pricing in select markets of the European Union of 1499. US availability and/or pricing for this product is unconfirmed at the time of launch. Roborock Saros Z70 AI-Powered Customization & Programming Mode The Roborock Saros Z70 which shocked the industry as the first commercially availiable Robot Vacuum Cleaner with an Omnigrip is also receiving important software updates at IFA 2025.The first one is AI customizable recognition for the purpose of identification. In addition to the 108 objects pre-programmed into the robotic vacuum, users can take pictures to define and label up to 50 additional objects in the app. The Roborock Saros Z70 will then be able to find those objects in the house and note them as labeled on the app during its cleaning routine. Omnigrip interaction with customer-added objects is not supported at the moment. Additionally, the addition of the Programming mode will allow users to utilize a drag and drop menu on the Roborock app to have fun creating custom-made programs on the robot. Including setting each one of the 5 axis of the OmniGrip at will, moving around the house for a specific distance, turning around, deploying the side brush, saying something, and others. Upon executing the program, the robot will execute all actions included and designed by users. This feature is intended for user exploration purposes and not directly related to cleaning performance. About Roborock Roborock is a leading smart cleaning brand renowned for its intelligent cleaning solutions. Having become the #1 best-selling Robotic Vacuum Cleaner brand in 2024 according to IDC, Roborock enriches lives with its innovative line of robotic, cordless, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, and washer-dryers. Rooted in a user-centric approach, our R&D-driven solutions cater to diverse cleaning needs in millions of homes across 230+ countries and regions. Headquartered in Beijing and with strategic subsidiaries in key markets, including the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, and South Korea, Roborock is dedicated to elevating its market presence worldwide. As of 2025, Roborock serves more than 19 million households. For more information, visit https://global.roborock.com/. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764498/Roborock_IFA_2025_Features_brand_s_lawnmowers.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764499/Roborock_s_Lawnmower_product_climbing_a_slope.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764500/Roborock_Qrevo_Curv_2_Pro_cleaning_a_carpet.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764501/Roborock_F25_Ultra_cleaning_a_wet_dry_mess.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764502/Roborock_H60_H60_Hub_Series.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764503/Roborock_Saros_Z70.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2447318/Roborock_Logo_Horizontal_Lockup_RGB__Full_Color_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/roborock-is-rocking-life-inside-and-out-at-ifa-2025-with-first-launch-of-rockmow-and-rockneo-lawnmower-series-302546394.html ANAHEIM, CA / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Phoenix Motor Inc. (OTC PINK:PEVM) ("Phoenix Motor" or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses and electrification solutions provider for medium-duty vehicles, today announced that its North American division, PhoenixEV, will showcase its line of heavy-duty transit buses and medium- and light-duty commercial electric vehicles at the APTA TRANSform Conference & EXPO, taking place September 14-17, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts. PhoenixEV will be located at Booth #241. "PhoenixEV is proud to bring our Buy America-compliant buses, shuttles, trucks, and new last-mile delivery EVs to the forefront at APTA TRANSform 2025," said John Walsh, CEO of PhoenixEV. "With over 60 million zero-emission miles already logged across our fleet and a growing $200 million backlog of orders, PhoenixEV is delivering proven, scalable solutions that help transit agencies and fleets meet ambitious electrification goals today-not years from now." Showcasing Innovation Across the EV Spectrum PhoenixEV's lineup includes: Heavy-Duty Transit Buses - Industry-leading vehicles delivering reliable service with over 40% market share in the North American electric transit bus market. Medium- and Light-Duty Commercial EVs - Including shuttle buses, school buses, and delivery trucks engineered for fleet efficiency and rapid deployment. MEV2/LSV Mini-EV - PhoenixEV's new California-assembled low-speed EV designed for food delivery and last-mile operations, debuting for the first time at APTA. PhoenixEV has built one of the most trusted reputations in commercial electrification, delivering more than 1,300 vehicles across transit and fleet markets and logging over 60 million zero-emission miles that demonstrate long-term reliability. Its $200 million in contracted orders and letters of intent reflect strong market demand, while strategic partnerships in wireless charging, AI-driven charging optimization, and autonomous bus technology highlight the Company's commitment to driving innovation. Walsh and Josh, along with other PhoenixEV representatives, will be in attendance at APTA TRANSform 2025. To schedule a meeting, please contact sales@phoenixev.ai About Phoenix Motor Inc. Phoenix Motor Inc. is redefining commercial transportation with smart, zero-emission electric vehicles. Through our two brands - PhoenixEV (America manufacturing for America market) and EdisonFuture (International resources for international market) - we deliver a full range of heavy-, medium-, and light-duty EVs, from transit and shuttle buses to delivery vans and trucks. With cutting-edge electric drive systems and seamless integration of autonomous driving technologies, Phoenix is driving the future of sustainable transit, logistics, and community mobility - in the U.S. and beyond. To learn more, please visit: phoenixev.ai. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve significant risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can be identified through the use of words such as "may," "might," "will," "intend," "should," "could," "can," "would," "continue," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "predict," "outlook," "potential," "plan," "seek," and similar expressions and variations or the negatives of these terms or other comparable terminology. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectations and speak only as of the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially from the Company's current expectations depending upon a number of factors. These risk factors include, among others, those related to our ability to raise additional capital necessary to grow our business, operations and business and financial performance, our ability to grow demand for our products and revenue, our ability to become profitable, our ability to have access to an adequate supply of parts and materials and other critical components for our vehicles on the timeline we expect, the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the effects of the outbreak and actions taken in connection therewith, adverse changes in general economic and market conditions, competitive factors including but not limited to pricing pressures and new product introductions, uncertainty of customer acceptance of new product offerings and market changes, risks associated with managing the growth of the business, and those other risks and uncertainties that are described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's annual report filed on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any responsibility to revise or update any forward-looking statements. Contact: IR@phoenixev.ai Dave Gentry, CEO RedChip Companies, Inc. 1-407-644-4256 PEV@redchip.com SOURCE: Phoenix Motor Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/automotive/phoenixev-to-showcase-full-line-of-zero-emission-transit-and-commercial-evs-at-apta-tran-1068682 London, England--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Ivanhoe Mines' (TSX: IVN) (OTCQX: IVPAF) Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland, and President and Chief Executive Officer Marna Cloete announce today an update on exploration activities at the company's new joint venture exploration project, in the Chu-Sarysu Basin, Kazakhstan. The Chu-Sarysu is the world's third-largest sediment-hosted copper basin. As announced on February 12, 2025, Ivanhoe Mines and UK-based private company, Pallas Resources entered into an exploration joint venture to explore a highly-prospective package of licences covering 16,000 km2 of the basin. The licence package area is over seven times larger than that of Ivanhoe's Western Forelands Exploration Project, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Outcropping copper mineralization discovered in the south of the Chu-Sarysu Basin Newly completed fieldwork on the joint venture's Merke licence has identified copper mineralization outcropping on surface, with an approximately 20-metre thick zone. Reconnaissance work by Pallas and Ivanhoe Mines has identified visible copper mineralization at surface, in the form of malachite, azurite and chalcocite on the Merke licence. The licence is located in the south of the Chu-Sarysu Basin, and includes a 36-kilometre-long, historically-identified stratigraphic trend, with multiple samples returning between 1.0% and 5.0% copper. While clearly not an economic occurrence in isolation, the discovery of copper mineralization is significant in that it strongly supports the thesis that mineralization is structurally controlled, with faults and fractures acting as conduits for copper-bearing fluids into a package of folded sedimentary carbonate rocks onlapping older intrusive basement rocks. Follow-up work will now prioritize mapping these structures in detail, supported by high resolution magnetic surveys to trace them at depth, and by evaluating basement contacts and fault systems as potential fluid pathways. A historical pit on the Merke licence, exposing an approximately 20-metre thick horizon of copper mineralization within fractured carbonate rocks. Visible malachite and azurite confirm copper on the surface. The discovery demonstrates structural and sedimentary control on mineralization and provides a very strong framework for future targeting. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3396/265112_1960f336248beab0_003full.jpg Satellite view of a section of the Merke licence, showing lithologies (red beds, packstones, granodiorite) and structural features interpreted as key controls for mineralization, as well as clearly visible outcropping copper mineralization. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3396/265112_1960f336248beab0_004full.jpg Commencement of diamond drilling on licence in the west of the Chu-Sarysu Basin The approximately 15,000-metre drill campaign, planned for 2025 has commenced in the western section of the joint venture's licence package on the Glubokoe licence several hundred kilometers to the north of the Merke licence. Drilling has started within 10 months of forming the joint venture with Pallas Resources. The first drill hole is testing potential extensions of mineralization first noted in a Soviet-era stratigraphic hole drilled in the 1980s, which intersected three separate copper-bearing intervals over 26 metres. The initial drill holes in the 2025 campaign are expected to be between 800 and 1,000 metres deep, and will assist with calibrating the results with historic and newly acquired geophysical datasets. This in turn will inform the stratigraphic and facies models, as well as help identify drill targets for the remainder of the current approximately 15,000-metre program. Drilling of the Glubokoe licence in the west of the Chu-Sarysu Basin To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3396/265112_1960f336248beab0_005full.jpg Kazakhstan's Chu-Sarysu Basin is the world's third-largest sedimentary copper basin, after the prolific Central African Copperbelt The Chu-Sarysu is the world's third-largest sediment-hosted copper basin, after the Central African Copperbelt and European Kupferschiefer, hosting 27 million tonnes of known copper. The basin is host to the world-class Dzhezkazgan deposit, which has been continuously mined for over a century. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that there remains approximately 25 million tonnes of undiscovered copper in the Chu-Sarysu Basin, highlighting its untapped potential. In addition, the basin includes occurrences of lead, zinc, silver, barium and strontium. Despite its significant prospectivity, greenfield exploration has largely been neglected across the entire region for over 40 years. Field reconnaissance by the geology team across the newly granted Merke licence area in the south of the Chu-Sarysu basin To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3396/265112_1960f336248beab0_001full.jpg The world's richest sediment-hosted copper districts, with the Chu-Sarysu basin ranked as the third-largest worldwide. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3396/265112_1960f336248beab0_002full.jpg Kazakhstan is a low-cost, mining-friendly jurisdiction that is underexplored Kazakhstan has a rich history in mining. The Central Asian country currently ranks as the world's largest uranium producer, the world's second-largest chromite producer, and is also a major producer of copper, zinc, iron ore and coal. Mining and quarrying currently account for approximately 14% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and 17.5% of the country's exports, equivalent to approximately US$10.5 billion. Kazakhstan is a highly cost-effective jurisdiction for mineral exploration and mining, with a skilled workforce and a relatively low cost of operations, including labour and power. Despite its geological potential, exploration expenditure in Kazakhstan has notably lagged behind other major mining jurisdictions. On average, approximately $100 million has been spent per annum on exploration activities over the past 15 years, according to data by S&P Global. However, the past 12 months have seen a notable increase in exploration activity following a newly streamlined exploration licence registration process, as well as the availability of Soviet-era geophysical data. Ivanhoe Mines Alliance and Exploration Joint Venture Ivanhoe Mines formed a Strategic Alliance and Joint Venture Agreement with UK-based Pallas Resources in late 2024. The joint venture has accumulated a licence package totaling more than 16,000 km, spread across seven projects. The group of licences forms one of the largest exploration land packages in Kazakhstan and the largest in the basin. Ivanhoe Mines will sole-fund up to $18.7 million over the first two years, and can elect to earn into all seven projects under the alliance, up to 80%, for a maximum consideration of $115 million over four years. The strategic alliance aims to combine Pallas Resource's unique historical exploration dataset and first-mover advantage in Kazakhstan with Ivanhoe Mines' decades of exploration success in discovering over 50 million tonnes of sediment-hosted copper deposits in the Western Foreland shelf of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the Kamoa, Kakula, Makoko and Kitoko discoveries. About Ivanhoe Mines Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company focused on advancing its three principal projects in Southern Africa; the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the DRC, the ultra-high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-silver mine, also in the DRC; and the tier-one Platreef platinum-palladium-nickel-rhodium-gold-copper Mine in South Africa, which is set to start production in Q4 2025. Ivanhoe Mines is exploring for copper in its highly prospective, 54-100% owned exploration licences in the Western Forelands, covering an area over six times larger than the adjacent Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, including the high-grade discoveries in the Makoko District. Ivanhoe is also exploring for new sedimentary copper discoveries in new horizons including Angola, Kazakhstan, and Zambia. Follow Robert Friedland (@robert_ivanhoe) and Ivanhoe Mines (@IvanhoeMines_) on X. Forward-looking statements Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the company, its projects, or industry results to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified using words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events, or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance, and results and speak only as of the date of this news release. Such statements include, without limitation: (i) statements that follow-up work will prioritize on mapping the structures, where mineralization is structurally controlled, in detail, with higher-resolution magnetic surveys; and (ii) statements that the recently commenced drill program will total approximately 15,000 metres and that the initial drill holes from the program are expected to be between 800 and 1,000 metres deep, and that they will assist with calibrating the results with historic and newly acquired geophysical datasets. Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether such results will be achieved. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not limited to the factors discussed above and under the "Risk Factors" section in the company's MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, and its current annual information form, and elsewhere in this news release, as well as unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the company believes are reasonable assumptions, the company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and 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. The company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors outlined in the "Risk Factors" section in the company's MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, and its current annual information form. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265112 SOURCE: Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. AMSTERDAM, NL / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / MFE-MEDIAFOREUROPE N.V. ("MFE") announces that, pursuant to Article 23, Paragraph 1, Sentence 1, No. 3, of the German Takeover Act (Wertpapiererwerbs- und Ubernahmegesetz, WpUG) and as provided for thereunder, the final announcement relating to the number of shares tendered to the voluntary tender offer launched on 8 May 2025 by MFE over all ordinary shares of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE as of 1 September 2025 at 24:00 hrs. CEST and regarding the fulfillment of the offer condition has been published. The aforementioned announcement is available on MFE's website (section "Governance" > "Voluntary public takeover offer by MFE-MEDIAFOREUROPE N.V. to the shareholders of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE"). Amsterdam (the Netherlands)-Cologno Monzese (Milan, Italy), 4 September 2025 Department of Communications and Media Relations Tel. +39 022514.9301 e-mail: press@mfemediaforeurope.eu http://www.mfemediaforeurope.com Investor Relations Department Tel. +39 022514.8200 e-mail: investor.relations@mfemediaforeurope.eu http://www.mfemediaforeurope.com MFE-MEDIAFOREUROPE is an international holding company that brings together Europe's leading commercial broadcasters. MFE-MEDIAFOREUROPE is based in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, and fiscal resident in Italy. It controls Mediaset S.p.A. and Grupo Audiovisual Mediaset Espana Comunicacion (both fiscal resident in their respective countries) and is the main shareholder of the German broadcaster ProsiebenSat1. MFE-MEDIAFOREUROPE is listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (Ticker: MFEA, MFEB) and on the Spanish Stock Exchanges (Ticker: MFEA). Important Notice This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell ProSieben shares. The final terms of the takeover offer, as well as other provisions relating to the takeover offer are set out solely in the offer document authorized for publication by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht) and in the offer amendment. Investors and holders of ProSieben shares are strongly advised to read the offer document and the offer amendment and all other documents relating to the takeover offer as soon as they have been made public, as they will contain important information. The offer document for the takeover offer (in German and a non-binding English translation) with the detailed terms and conditions and other information on the takeover offer are published amongst other information on the internet at https://www.mfemediaforeurope.com/en/governance/voluntary-public-takeover-offer-to-the-shareholders-of-prosiebensat-1-media-se/. The takeover offer will be implemented exclusively on the basis of the applicable provisions of German law, in particular the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (Wertpapiererwerbs- und Ubernahmegesetz - WpUG), and certain securities law provisions of the United States of America relating to cross-border takeover offers. The takeover offer will not be conducted in accordance with the legal requirements of jurisdictions other than the Federal Republic of Germany or the United States of America (as and to the extent applicable). Accordingly, no notices, filings, approvals or authorizations for the takeover offer have been filed, caused to be filed or granted outside the Federal Republic of Germany or the United States of America (as and to the extent applicable). Investors and holders of ProSieben shares cannot rely on being protected by the investor protection laws of any jurisdiction other than the Federal Republic of Germany or the United States of America (as and to the extent applicable). Subject to the exceptions described in the offer document, the offer amendment, and, where applicable, any exemptions to be granted by the respective regulatory authorities, no takeover offer will be made, directly or indirectly, in those jurisdictions in which this would constitute a violation of applicable law. This press release may not be released or otherwise distributed in whole or in part, in any jurisdiction in which the takeover offer would be prohibited by applicable law. The Bidder reserves the right, to the extent permitted by law, to directly or indirectly acquire additional ProSieben shares outside the takeover offer on or off the stock exchange, provided that such acquisitions or arrangements to acquire will comply with the applicable German statutory provisions, in particular the WpUG, and Rule 14e-5 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"), and the offer price is increased in accordance with the WpUG, to match any consideration paid outside of the takeover offer if higher than the offer price. Shareholders should be aware that the Bidder may purchase securities, for example, in open market or privately negotiated purchases. If such acquisitions take place, information on such acquisitions, including the number of ProSieben shares acquired or to be acquired and the consideration paid or agreed, will be published in German and in a non-binding English translation without undue delay if and to the extent required under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, the United States or any other relevant jurisdiction. The takeover offer will be made for the securities of a German company admitted to trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and Luxembourg Stock Exchange (Bourse de Luxembourg) and will be subject to the disclosure requirements, rules and practices applicable to companies listed in the Federal Republic of Germany, which are different from those of the United States and other jurisdictions in certain material respects. The financial information relating to the Bidder and ProSieben included elsewhere, including in the offer document and the offer amendment, are prepared in accordance with provisions applicable in the Federal Republic of Germany and are not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States; therefore, it may not be comparable to financial information relating to United States companies or companies from other jurisdictions outside the Federal Republic of Germany. The takeover offer will be made in the United States pursuant to Section 14(e) of, and Regulation 14E under, the Exchange Act (subject to certain exemptions therefrom), and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany. Shareholders from the United States should note that ProSieben is not listed on a United States securities exchange, is not subject to the periodic requirements of the Exchange Act and is not required to, and does not, file any reports with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Any contract entered into with the Bidder as a result of the acceptance of the takeover offer will be governed exclusively by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany. It may be difficult for shareholders from the United States (or from elsewhere outside of Germany) to enforce certain rights and claims arising under United States federal securities laws (or other laws they are acquainted with) since the Bidder and ProSieben are located outside the United States (or the jurisdiction where the shareholder resides), and some or all of their respective officers and directors reside outside the United States (or the jurisdiction where the shareholder resides). Shareholders of ProSieben may not be able to sue a non-United States company or its officers or directors in a non-United States court for violations of United States securities laws. It also may be difficult to compel a non-United States company and its affiliates to subject themselves to a United States court's judgment. To the extent that this press release contains forward-looking statements, they are not statements of fact and are identified by the words "intend", "will" and similar expressions. These statements express the intentions, beliefs or current expectations and assumptions of the Bidder and the persons acting jointly with it. Such forward- looking statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections made by the Bidder and the persons acting jointly with it to the best of their knowledge, but are not guarantees of future accuracy (this applies in particular to circumstances beyond the control of the Bidder or the persons acting jointly with it). Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and are usually beyond the Bidder's control or the control of the persons acting jointly with it. It should be taken into account that actual results or consequences in the future may differ materially from those indicated or contained in the forward-looking statements. It cannot be ruled out that the Bidder and the persons acting jointly with it will in future change their intentions and estimates stated in documents or notifications or in the offer document or in the offer amendment. SOURCE: MFE-MEDIAFOREUROPE N.V. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/publication-of-the-announcement-pursuant-to-article-23-paragraph-1-no.-3-wp%c3%bcg-1068721 Glean CEO to deliver keynote, with perspectives from Ameren IL, APS, OG&E, SMUD, NV Energy, Itron, Infosys, AWS and others Bidgely's premier energy intelligence conference, EmPOWER AI, will be held September 16-18 in Napa, California. This annual gathering features attendees from over 40 global companies to spark critical dialog between utility leaders, data experts, and artificial intelligence (AI) executives on how AI is revolutionizing the sector. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904069383/en/ Bidgely's EmPOWER AI, held September 16-18 in Napa, California, gathers over 40 global energy companies to explore how AI is revolutionizing the sector. "This event has become the premier stage for showcasing the next wave of our AI advancements. Last year, Bidgely debuted our groundbreaking work in generative AI. This year, attendees will again get an exclusive look at our newest, powerful AI solution, giving leaders more flexibility than ever to operationalize AI across their utility," said Abhay Gupta, CEO of Bidgely. "We can't wait to share the incredible successes of our customers and reveal what's next for the energy industry." This year's EmPOWER AI will be hosted by PacifiCorp, the largest grid operator in the western U.S. and long-time Bidgely partner, and will feature sessions on AI-driven disaggregation insights; next-gen segmentation and customer engagement; and distribution grid planning and electrification. These sessions feature vibrant discussions from leading utilities and Bidgely experts. EmPOWER AI's featured speaker this year is workplace AI visionary and Glean CEO Arvind Jain who will discuss how utilities can navigate the future of AI. "EmPOWER AI provides a rare space where peers from across the industry come together to discuss innovation as well as learn from each other's AI journeys," said Shawn Grant, Director of Customer Solutions at PacifiCorp. "It's an open exchange that accelerates how we all move forward-from the edge of the grid to the center of transformation." A Global Conversation with Local Insight The new EmPOWER AI 'Insights Tour' events, which kicked off in 2025, will culminate in Napa, weaving global conversations and insights from over 100 attendees at stops in Canada and Europe. Both regional events united utilities and executives for discussions around breaking down silos between customers and grid planning using data-driven strategies, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 2.0, and generative AI (GenAI) to strengthen both grid reliability and customer engagement. "I think EmPOWER AI is a unique event where they invite similar people with similar problem statements within their own industries, from a global footprint, to come and exchange those ideas," said Sumit Verma, VP Customer Experience at TAQA Distribution in Abu Dhabi. "One company's problem could be another company's solution." Executive Networking and Candid Dialogues Bidgely's EmPOWER AI conference gives attendees a deep dive into the latest solutions for the utility industry's biggest challenges. The sessions blend a forward-looking vision with practical, real-world applications that utilities are already using today. Perspectives from organizations such as Ameren Illinois, APS, OG&E, SMUD, NV Energy, Avista, Itron, AWS, Infosys, and others leading innovation across the energy value chain will be shared throughout the event. Session topics include: Moving Customers from the Edge of the Grid to the Center of Innovation Turning Your Static Grid into an AI Intelligent Operating System Accelerating EV Program Success with AI Smarter Load, Smarter Spend: Reimagining TOU and Rate Design From AMI to AI: Designing for the Future with Distributed Intelligence Evolving Equity and Affordability Using Data Forecasting Preparedness for 10X Grid Growth Registration for EmPOWER AI 2025 is now open. For more information, visit: www.bidgely.com/empower-ai/. About Bidgely Bidgely is an AI-powered SaaS Company accelerating a clean energy future by enabling energy companies and consumers to make data-driven energy-related decisions. Powered by our unique patented technology, Bidgely's UtilityAI Platform transforms multiple dimensions of customer data such as energy consumption, demographics, and interactions into deeply accurate and actionable consumer energy insights. We leverage these insights to empower each customer with personalized recommendations, tailored to their individual personality and lifestyle, usage attributes, behavioral patterns, purchase propensity, and beyond. From a distributed energy resources (DER) and grid edge perspective, Bidgely is advancing smart meter innovation with data-driven solutions for solar PVs, electric vehicle (EV) detection, EV behavioral load shifting and managed charging, energy theft, short-term load forecasting, grid analytics, and time of use (TOU) rate designs. Bidgely's UtilityAI energy analytics provides deep visibility into generation and consumption for better peak load shaping and grid planning, and delivers targeted recommendations for new value-added products and services. With roots in Silicon Valley, Bidgely has over 16 energy patents, $75M+ in funding, retains 30+ data scientists, and brings a passion for AI to utilities serving residential and commercial customers around the world. For more information, please visit www.bidgely.com or the Bidgely blog at bidgely.com/blog. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904069383/en/ Contacts: Christine Bennett Bidgely press@bidgely.com The LuMon System is also CE-marked under EU MDR and registered with TGA in Australia. LINCOLN, R.I., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sentec, a global leader in non-invasive patient monitoring, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance for its LuMon Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) system for premature infant, infant, adolescent, and adult patients-making it the first EIT technology in the United States available for premature infants and for spontaneously breathing patients. The LuMon EIT System delivers functional lung imaging directly at the bedside-without radiation-helping clinicians better tailor therapy to each patient's unique needs. Clearance for Premature Infant Use Supports NICU Clinicians to Personalize Ventilatory Care While the LuMon System can be used to monitor a variety of patients, whether ventilated or spontaneously breathing, the premature infants and other patients in the NICU may stand to benefit the most from EIT's insights at the bedside. "Neonatal patients present enormous complexity, especially for ventilation; there's very little room for error, particularly in our smallest patients - and the consequences can follow these babies all their lives," said Dr. David Tingay, Clinical Neonatologist and Respiratory Physiotherapist at Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Tingay has done extensive research with the LuMon EIT system in infant patients continued, "Without EIT, there's been no way for us to continuously see what is happening inside the lungs at the bedside to understand the impact of our interventions better as we perform them." The ability to safely visualize lung function at the bedside, continuously and in real time, has enormous potential for guiding neonatal care and, according to Dr. Tingay, "EIT provides immediate imaging of regional lung function at the bedside. That visualization helps us better understand each patient's respiratory condition and determine the strategies we need to employ for their specific needs." With the first-ever FDA clearance for premature infants and soft, fabric belts small enough for even very low birthweight infants, the LuMon System is positioned to help clinicians deliver gentle and effective respiratory care for the uniquely fragile and complex patients in the NICU. While the basis of electrical impedance tomography and its use for imaging regional lung function has been present in research for many years, the LuMon system is first EIT technology available for routine clinical bedside use with premature infants in the United States, and can impact patient care and clinical decision making today. Learn more about Electrical Impedance Tomography from Sentec About Electrical Impedance Tomography Electrical impedance tomography works by sending gentle, alternating currents through the thorax via a comfortable, skin-friendly fabric belt and measuring the resulting voltages to produce dynamic images of regional impedance variations due to breathing. This enables clinicians to evaluate real-time responses to regional ventilation changes such as those resulting from positioning, ventilator settings, and pharmaceuticals, facilitating more precise and individualized care decisions. About the LuMon System Designed for critical care environments, including neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care units, the LuMon System enables bedside monitoring of regional impedance variations in the thorax to support assessment of a patient's respiratory status. This information assists in the real-time evaluation of air distribution and lung recruitment, supporting timely interventions that may help improve patient outcomes. About Sentec Sentec is a Swiss-American medical device company specializing in respiratory care. Since its founding in 1999, Sentec utilizes a deep-tech approach that is founded on advanced science and avant-garde technologies for respiratory patients across care areas. Sentec provides healthcare professionals worldwide with non-invasive, continuous monitoring and effective therapeutic solutions. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2761412/sentec_lumon_eit_system_in_nicu.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2761411/Sentec_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sentec-receives-fda-clearance-for-lumon-electrical-impedance-tomography-eit-system--first-eit-system-indicated-for-premature-infants-and-for-spontaneously-breathing-patients-in-the-united-states-302545832.html PHOENIX, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A Race Against Blindness, the Arizona-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Dr. Stephen Johnston and Kristina Johnston, announced today that it has awarded a new $1.0 million grant to Axovia Therapeutics to support the clinical development of AXV-101, an investigational gene therapy aimed at combating childhood blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) caused by Bardet-Biedl Syndrome 1 (BBS1). This is the organization's third major grant in support of the program, bringing its total funding for the advancement of AXV-101 to $4.0 million since 2024. The new funding will contribute to the execution of the first-in-human open-label dose-escalation trial for AXV-101, which is expected to commence shortly in the United Kingdom, following the recent Clinical Trial Application (CTA) clearance. AXV-101, is a codon-optimized AAV9 BBS1 sub-retinal gene therapy with the goal of stopping retinal degeneration in BBS1 patients. "Because of our incredible donor community and sponsors, we are making a direct and tangible impact in driving this groundbreaking program forward," said Dr. Stephen Johnston, Co-Founder and President of A Race Against Blindness. "Every dollar given reflects a united commitment to ensuring children with BBS1 have a future where blindness is not inevitable." "The continued commitment of A Race Against Blindness is a powerful reminder of why we do this work at Axovia. Every conversation with patients and families in the BBS community reinforces the urgency and importance of developing new therapies. As we move AXV-101 into the clinic, their perspectives continue to guide and motivate us," said Prof. Phil Beales, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Axovia Therapeutics. A Personal Mission with Global Reach The Johnston family's mission began after their son Luke was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa caused by inherited faults in the BBS1 gene - a rare genetic disorder that leads to progressive blindness and other serious health challenges. Determined to fund transformative therapies, the family has rallied thousands of supporters nationwide. About A Race Against Blindness A Race Against Blindness is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research and advancing treatments for progressive vision loss caused by rare genetic conditions such as Bardet-Biedl Syndrome. Contact: Dr. Stephen Johnston Co-Founder & President A Race Against Blindness Email: press@araceagainstblindness.org A video about the mission of A Race Against Blindness is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83872f4c-7247-40c9-9048-4664fa7f81bc All dollar figures expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise stated VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / (TSXV:OGN)(OTC:OGNNF) Orogen Royalties Inc. ("Orogen" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a multi-year Generative Exploration Alliance Agreement (the "Alliance") with a wholly owned subsidiary of South32 Limited ("South32"). The Alliance will focus on generating base metal targets in western North America. Paddy Nicol, CEO of Orogen commented, "The Alliance with South32 broadens our scope of exploration for various commodities in western North America. South32 is a global mining and metals company with extensive operating and exploration experience, and we look forward to collaborating with them. By partnering with South32 at the generative stage, Orogen is able to leverage our expertise and data to further our strategy of organic royalty generation." Alliance Highlights Orogen and South32 to collaborate on early-stage generative exploration focused on the discovery of significant, intrusion-related base metal deposits in underexplored areas in western North America Initial $300,000 budget for generative exploration work to be funded by South32 Pre-Alliance land acquisition and exploration costs of approximately $181,000 incurred by Orogen to be reimbursed by South32 Projects selected within the Alliance area of interest (each a "Designated Project") will be subject to a five-year option agreement whereby South32 can earn a 100% interest in a Designated Project by funding $5 million in exploration expenditures and making milestone cash payments of $2 million. Orogen will retain up to a 2% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty, subject to a buydown of up to 0.5% for $5 million. Orogen will operate the Alliance on behalf of both parties and identify exploration targets for evaluation by the Alliance's technical committee. South32 will bear all costs of the Alliance, including pre-Alliance target development and land acquisition costs. Each Designated Project will be subject to a five-year option agreement (the "Option Agreement) whereby South32 can earn a 100% interest by funding $5 million in exploration expenditures. Milestone cash payments of $2 million, which are not a condition to exercise of an option by South32, are subject to the following schedule: $50,000 on the completion of 5,000 metres of drilling on the property; $100,000 on the completion of an aggregate 10,000 metres of drilling on the property; $150,000 on the declaration of an initial mineral resource on the property; $250,000 on the completion of a Pre-Feasibility Study; $450,000 on the completion of a Feasibility Study; and $1.0 million on a positive investment decision by the board of directors of South32 in connection with the development of a mine. If South32 exercises an option over a Designated Project, Orogen will retain up to a 2% NSR royalty, subject to a buydown of 0.5% for $5 million (in the event Orogen retains a 2% NSR royalty). Qualified Person Statement All technical data, as disclosed in this press release, has been verified by Laurence Pryer, Ph.D., P.Geo., VP Exploration for Orogen. Dr. Pryer is a qualified person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. About Orogen Royalties Inc. Orogen Royalties is focused on organic royalty creation and royalty acquisitions on precious and base metal discoveries in western North America. The Company's royalty portfolio includes the Ermitano gold and silver Mine in Sonora, Mexico (2.0% NSR royalty) operated by First Majestic Silver Corp. The Company is well financed with several projects actively being developed by joint venture partners. On Behalf of the Board OROGEN ROYALTIES INC. Paddy Nicol President & CEO To find out more about Orogen, please contact Paddy Nicol, President & CEO at 604-248-8648, and Marco LoCascio, Vice President, Corporate Development at 604-248-8648. Visit our website at www.orogenroyalties.com. Orogen Royalties Inc. 1015 - 789 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 1H2 info@orogenroyalties.com Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this presentation, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Orogen Royalties Inc. (the "Company") expect 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. 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 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. Except where otherwise stated, the disclosure in this news release relating to properties and operations in which Orogen holds a royalty are based on information publicly disclosed by the owners or operators of these properties and information/data available in the public domain as at the date hereof, and none of this information has been independently verified by Orogen. Specifically, as a royalty holder and prospect generator, the Company has limited, if any, access to properties on which it holds royalty or other interests in its asset portfolio. The Company may from time to time receive operating information from the owners and operators of the mining properties, which it is not permitted to disclose to the public. Orogen is dependent on, (i) the operators of the mining properties and their qualified persons to provide information to Orogen, or (ii) on publicly available information to prepare disclosure pertaining to properties and operations on the properties on which the Company holds royalty or other interests, and generally has limited or no ability to independently verify such information. Although the Company does not have any knowledge that such information may not be accurate, there can be no assurance that such third-party information is complete or accurate. Some reported public information in respect of a mining property may relate to a larger property area than the area covered by Orogen's royalty or other interest. Orogen's royalty or other interests may cover less than 100% of a specific mining property and may only apply to a portion of the publicly reported mineral reserves, mineral resources and or production from a mining property. SOURCE: Orogen Royalties Inc View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/orogen-royalties-and-south32-form-generative-base-metals-alliance-1068080 Rimouski, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Puma Exploration Inc. (TSXV: PUMA) (OTCQB: PUMXF) (the "Company" or "Puma") is pleased to announce that its ongoing 100% funded 2025 drilling program at its Williams Brook Project in Northern New Brunswick resumed this week and that hole WB25-181 intersected multiple grains of visible gold ("VG") at 355 metres downhole depth at the Lynx Gold Zone (Image 1). The mineralization observed represents the deepest visible gold occurrence drilled to date at Williams Brook, potentially extending the known gold mineralisation approximately 100 metres along the favourable contact to a vertical depth of about 250 metres. Channelling at Lynx, as well as surface exploration work on the entirety of the property, was also completed. Assay results from drilling and exploration work are pending and will be announced when received. Image 1: VG in drillhole WB25-181 @ 355m downhole depth To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3398/265074_68d07177a47eb8b3_001full.jpg Ongoing drilling program highlights: Six holes completed for a total of 1,343 metres. for a total of 1,343 metres. Visible gold (VG) observed in hole WB25-181 at 355 metres downhole depth. (VG) observed in hole WB25-181 at 355 metres downhole depth. Drilling successfully intersected fresh rock beneath the oxide zone , confirming continuity of the targeted mineralized horizon. , confirming continuity of the targeted mineralized horizon. Quartz-carbonate veins with traces of pyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite and galena intersected in multiple holes. intersected in multiple holes. Fully funded $2M exploration program in collaboration with Kinross Gold is ongoing. Drilling Program at the Lynx Gold Zone Six (6) holes were completed for 1,343 metres drilled before work was interrupted by a Provincial ban on mineral exploration activities on Crown Land that came into effect on August 10, 2025, in response to increased wildfire hazard. Drilling resumed this week. In hole WB25-181, fine to very fine VG grains were intersected in a low-angle, brecciated quartz-carbonate vein. This intersection, at a vertical depth of 250 metres, has delineated the deepest known extent of mineralization along the favourable contact to date. Drilling targeted the hanging wall (HW), the favourable horizon, and successfully intersected fresh rock with vein sets beneath the oxide zone. In general, the mineralized contact is composed of irregular and discontinuous quartz-carbonate veins, exhibiting a stockwork texture with traces of sulphides: pyrite-sphalerite-chalcopyrite-galena. A total of 3,500 metres of drilling is planned this year at the Lynx Gold Zone as part of the fully funded $2M exploration program devised in collaboration with Kinross Gold. The program aims to intersect new gold mineralization, delineate lithological contacts and provide more insights on structural patterns. Channelling at Lynx A total of 410 samples were collected to analyze and contrast the various vein systems at the Lynx Gold Zone. Assays are pending and will be announced when received. Upcoming Drilling at the Jaguar Gold Zone The Joint Technical Committee is planning an upcoming 1,500-metre drilling program at the Jaguar Gold Zone ("JGZ"), located about 5 km northeast of the Lynx Gold Zone (Figure 1). Historical drilling results** from 2008 at the JGZ reported 0.52 g/t Au over 55 m, 0.68 g/t Au over 42 m, and 0.21 g/t Au over 64 m **(Report on Prospecting, Geochemical and Geophysical Surveys, Trenching and Diamond Drilling on the William's Brook Property (Claim Block no.4660), Arthur Hamilton (P.Geo) for Blue Note Mining Inc, June 2009). Puma's trenching and stripping of the JGZ in 2022 returned much higher gold grades than those reported historically, with up to 34.70 g/t Au in grab samples. A total of three hundred six (306) samples were collected at the JGZ with an average grade of 1.72 g/t Au. Ninety-five (95) samples assayed above 1.00 g/t Au (31%) * (see October 20, 2022 and December 13, 2022 News Releases). *The reader is cautioned that grab samples are selective by nature and may not represent the true metal content of the mineralized zone. The gold-enrichment zone at the JGZ currently spans 80 m by 50 m and remains open in all directions (Figure 2). Figure 1: Location of the main gold zones at the Williams Brook Gold Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3398/265074_68d07177a47eb8b3_002full.jpg Figure 2: Jaguar Gold Zone and sampling results* To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3398/265074_68d07177a47eb8b3_003full.jpg *The reader is cautioned that grab samples are selective by nature and may not represent the true metal content of the mineralized zone. Ongoing Exploration at Williams Brook Five hundred seventy (570) samples from prospecting, trenching, and excavating over the entire Williams Brook Project were collected and sent to the lab. A total of 2,265 metres of trenching was completed in specific areas, which covered priority targets defined by the technical committee. Exploration at the Jonpol/Portage properties has started. Qualified Person The scientific and technical content of this press release has been prepared, reviewed, and approved by Mr. Dominique Gagne, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 -Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). On-site Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Measures Drill core and grab samples reported in this release were bagged, sealed and sent to ALS Chemex in Moncton, New Brunswick, where each sample was crushed and pulped before being fire-assayed (Au-ICP21). The remaining coarse reject portions of the samples remain in storage for further work or verification as needed. As part of its QA/QC program, Puma inserted external gold standards (low to high-grade) and blanks every 20 samples in addition to standards, blanks, and duplicates. All samples over 10 g/t gold or with abundant visible gold were analyzed with a gravity finish (Au-GRA22). Check assays were routinely performed for samples with visible gold to ascertain the gold content of the mineralization zone. About the Williams Brook Project The Williams Brook Project (40,225 ha), optioned to Kinross Gold Corp (see October 24, 2024 News Release), comprises the Williams Brook, Jonpol and the Portage Properties. To earn a 65% interest in the project, Kinross will finance a minimum of $16.75 M in exploration expenditures over the next five years (including a firm commitment of $2 M with at least 5,000 metres of drilling in the first 18 months (2025-2026). About Puma's Assets in New Brunswick Puma has accumulated an impressive portfolio of prospective gold landholdings strategically located close to roads and infrastructure in Northern New Brunswick, including the Williams Brook Project and the new McKenzie Gold Project. Both are located near the Rocky Brook Millstream Fault ("RBMF"), a major regional structure formed during the Appalachian Orogeny and a significant control for gold deposition in the region. Puma's work to date has focused on the Williams Brook property, but prospecting and surface exploration work on its other properties have confirmed their potential for significant gold mineralization. About Puma Exploration Puma Exploration is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on identifying and developing a pipeline of precious metals projects in New Brunswick, near Canada's Renowned Bathurst Mining Camp. Puma has a long history in Northern New Brunswick, having worked on regional projects for over 15 years. Puma's successful exploration methodology, which combines traditional prospecting methods with detailed trenching and cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, has been instrumental in facilitating an understanding of the region's geology and associated mineralized systems. Armed with geophysical surveys, geochemical data, and consultants' expertise, Puma has developed a cost-effective exploration tool to discover gold at shallow depths and maximize drilling results. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve several known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Puma to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made, except as required by law. Puma undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. The quarterly and annual reports and the documents submitted to the securities administration describe these risks and uncertainties. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265074 SOURCE: Puma Exploration Inc. AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A stateless person has become a Nauruan citizen under an innovative citizenship program that helps fund economic and climate resilience. The Kuwaiti national's citizenship granted through Nauru's Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program highlights the advantages the scheme offers to countless other stateless people around the world. The program's offering includes a politically neutral alternative passport for an applicant and their family, along with the chance to contribute to climate crisis solutions in the South Pacific. CEO Edward Clark said the Kuwaiti national was granted citizenship following an in-depth due diligence process involving financial intelligence units, police, and third-party checks. He said there was a common misconception that all who are stateless have no documentation or had done something wrong but this was not correct. "We would not approve someone unless we could verify who they are, their history and other required information, and this person was able to demonstrate his eligibility with strong documentary proof, despite his status. "He is a highly successful and motivated individual, who through no fault of his own is stateless," he said. Mr Clark said there are many individuals worldwide who encounter comparable challenges in that their statelessness is due to circumstances beyond their control, and "many of them would be ideally suited for our program." "While many people who apply for citizenship through the program may be seeking a second passport that can provide a valuable safety net in times of global instability, for stateless people it can provide mobility and security they've never before experienced." The Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion has estimated there are at least 15 million stateless people globally. According to Aleksejs Ivashuk, the founder of advocacy group Apatride Network, migration by investment programs "will benefit the stateless individuals who can open more realistic pathways out of statelessness(and) benefit the host countries that run these programmes." Mr Ivashuk added that a program offering a pathway to citizenship for stateless people "means freedom to have education, employment, political rights, healthcare, freedom of movement, and many other basic human rights." The Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program welcomed its first new citizens in early August, with many more now approved or under review. Media Contact: barbara@crcpr.com.au The City of Albuquerque is taking decisive steps to improve road safety with the expansion of its Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program. Just months after its initial launch, eight additional Elovate speed cameras will be installed across high-risk corridors, reinforcing Albuquerque's mission to reduce speeding and save lives. ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / The City of Albuquerque is taking decisive steps to improve road safety with the expansion of its Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program. Just months after its initial launch, eight additional Elovate speed cameras will be installed across high-risk corridors, reinforcing Albuquerque's mission to reduce speeding and save lives. Elovate's Speed Camera in Albuquerque The expansion builds on the city's commitment to Vision Zero and reflects the strong demand from residents for safer neighborhood streets. Fatal accidents in Albuquerque are down by about 20% so far this year because drivers are slowing down, and officials have seen speeds reduced everywhere they have placed cameras. Speeding remains a concern in some corridors, and cameras are one more tool Albuquerque can use to reduce speeds, which is why the city is now installing additional systems. Where these will be placed has been a decision based on a data-driven approach that includes input directly from the neighborhoods. "Speed cameras help slow down drivers and that contributes to less-severe crashes with fewer injuries," said Jennifer Turner, Director of DMD. "This program is one part of our large Vision Zero program that aims to reduce injury crashes across the city." Technology Designed for Safer Communities The ASE program is powered by Elovate's DriveSafe platform and Gen3 hardware built in Houston, Texas, which deliver advanced enforcement and actionable safety insights: Multi-lane radar tracking for precision enforcement in complex traffic environments 4K video evidence capture ensuring clarity, reliability, and fairness in every citation Real-time data integration to support broader mobility planning Elovate's turn-key solution ensures a seamless process with optional automated license plate recognition (ALPR) and secure data transfer, intelligent data acquisition and processing, complemented by human review for accuracy, and final citation issuance. By combining advanced technology with expert oversight, Elovate delivers a reliable, comprehensive solution that minimizes errors and ensures fairness. This allows Albuquerque to focus on outcomes while Elovate manages the technology and processing infrastructure. A Trusted Partnership Robert DeSanti, General Manager at Elovate, on the upcoming program expansion: "We are honored to partner with the City of Albuquerque to make its streets safer for all road users. This expansion demonstrates how technology and community demand can work together to deliver measurable improvements in safety. At Elovate, we are committed to ensuring outstanding results and building a lasting partnership that continues to reduce speeding and save lives." About Elovate Elovate is a leader in automated traffic enforcement solutions, leveraging innovative technologies to enhance road safety, promote compliance, and advance social equity. With a proven track record of delivering accurate, reliable systems worldwide, Elovate partners with public agencies to create safer communities. Learn more about Elovate at https://elovate.com/ SOURCE: Elovate Related Images View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/electronics-and-engineering/city-of-albuquerque-expands-automated-speed-enforcement-program-in-partn-952270 HOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / ExxonMobil Corporation and GHGSat, the global leader in emissions-monitoring technology, today announced a groundbreaking partnership to monitor and mitigate methane at scale across ExxonMobil's onshore operations in North America and Asia including the United States, Canada, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. This collaboration marks a significant investment by ExxonMobil in satellite-based emissions monitoring, reflecting the company's commitment to reducing methane emissions, deploying innovative technologies, and leading the energy industry in environmental stewardship. ExxonMobil has a demonstrated track record of industry-leading initiatives to drive methane reduction, cutting emissions intensity by more than 60 percent since 2016 and eliminating routine flaring in Permian Basin-operated assets. By 2030, ExxonMobil is on track to achieve methane reductions of 70 to 80 percent. Data from the GHGSat platform will feed ExxonMobil's pioneering Center for Operations and Methane Emissions Tracking (COMET). Launched in 2022, COMET continuously monitors and analyzes methane emissions data from a network of measurement technologies. Today, it's part of ExxonMobil's Vantage team - integrated with remote Upstream operations and serves as a model for oil & gas operators seeking to systematically identify and reduce emissions across their operations. GHGSat's state-of-the-art satellites, purpose-built to support industrial operators to reduce emissions, pinpoint the source of methane leaks as small as 100 kg/hr, typically down to individual pieces of equipment. With 14 satellites launched since 2016, GHGSat monitors millions of industrial facilities annually, monitoring at a near-continuous cadence to provide the most comprehensive global coverage in the market. Leveraging an unmatched revisit rate, GHGSat delivers data to operators within hours, empowering them to address emissions swiftly and with confidence. Working hand-in-hand with industry as a trusted partner, GHGSat has supported the mitigation of over 20MT CO2E of methane since beginning operations. "This partnership demonstrates the power of the intersection of innovative technology and industry leadership to truly move the needle on methane," said Stephane Germain, GHGSat CEO. "GHGSat is laser focused on designing its satellites to solve operational challenges for operators, providing insights-the exact source of an emission, delivered at a speed that is operationally useful-that enable action. As global demand grows for high-quality emissions data, this collaboration underscores the trust leading companies place in our technology to drive meaningful impact." "When it comes to reducing methane, ExxonMobil has led from the front, pursuing aggressive reductions across our own operations and sharing best practices across the industry," said Matt Kolesar, ExxonMobil Chief Environmental Scientist. "To execute our ambitious goals, Exxon is in constant pursuit of innovative technology and partnerships that can drive impact. By leveraging GHGSat's cutting-edge satellite constellation-and the comprehensive data and insights it delivers-we are able to monitor assets at scale via satellite for the first time, informing mitigation strategy and action." Methane has a warming effect roughly 80 times stronger than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Reducing methane emissions is recognized as one of the most immediate and impactful ways to slow planetary warming. Reducing methane is not only environmentally responsible: it can be economically sound. Keeping methane in the pipeline, rather than the atmosphere, increases yields for oil and gas producers, reducing the financial losses stemming from lost product. Accurate data on methane emissions also safeguards an operator's ability to export to nations with more stringent regulatory policies on emissions intensity. This increased efficiency creates a competitive edge in today's rapidly evolving energy sector. With this partnership, ExxonMobil and GHGSat make a steadfast commitment to reducing methane emissions and ensuring resilient energy systems around the globe. About GHGSat GHGSat is a global technology leader with pioneering emissions-monitoring capabilities that drive industrial efficiency with positive impact. Harnessing the power of satellites and aircraft, GHGSat traces emissions directly to their source at an unmatched speed, delivering the data and insights required to take action. A trusted partner for organizations around the world, GHGSat empowers decision-makers to tackle emissions, accelerating progress towards a resilient energy future. Visit our website at ghgsat.com/en. SOURCE: GHGSat View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/clean-technology/ghgsat-satellites-deployed-to-monitor-methane-at-scale-across-exxonmobils-onshore-1068307 Industry veteran brings decades of leadership in wildfire prevention, sustainable technologies and commercialization strategies OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / General Enterprise Ventures, Inc. (OTC:GEVID), which is currently trading with a temporary "D" suffix following a recent share consolidation, today announced the appointment of Wes Bolsen as an independent director to its Board of Directors. Mr. Bolsen brings more than two decades of executive experience in wildfire prevention and sustainable technologies with a proven track record of guiding innovative solutions from development to large-scale commercialization. He replaces John Costa on the Board. "We are pleased to have reached a stage in the company's evolution where we can attract top-tier talent with deep industry expertise and a history of impactful leadership," said Ted Ralston, CEO of Mighty Fire Breaker. "Wes's extensive knowledge and proven track record in wildfire prevention will be instrumental as we expand adoption of our technology across government agencies and fire departments." Mr. Bolsen is a proven entrepreneur and founder of multiple companies, demonstrating a strong track record in building and scaling innovative technologies. He has long been at the forefront of wildfire prevention innovation, having served as a founding executive and CEO of LaderaTech, where he secured global licenses from Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to successfully bring next-generation fire retardant technologies to market. He later joined Perimeter Solutions where he was responsible for all of the company's wildfire prevention and protection products globally during the company's $2 billion NYSE listing, further showcasing his ability to scale and drive growth. "I am honored to join the board and contribute to the company's mission," said Wes Bolsen, founding executive and former CEO of LaderaTech. "The chemistry behind Citrotech is truly groundbreaking. As the highest-efficacy, EPA Safer Choice-certified fire retardant on the market, it represents a significant leap forward in environmentally responsible fire prevention. The potential to treat flammable vegetation and wood products far surpasses what has been possible with ammonium phosphate, the industry standard for more than 60 years. I am excited to collaborate with the team to fully commercialize this innovative solution and drive meaningful impact across the industry." Bolsen holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where he graduated summa cum laude. He has been recognized nationally for his leadership in technology commercialization, government affairs, and wildfire prevention strategies. For more information on Mighty Fire Breaker, visit www.mightyfirebreaker.com. About General Enterprise Ventures, Inc. General Enterprise Ventures, Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary Mighty Fire Breaker, LLC, offers an innovative portfolio of non-toxic and environmentally safe wildfire defense solutions. The Company's offerings include wildfire home defense systems, mobile and ground application systems, and products for use in the manufacturing of fire-resilient building products. Mighty Fire Breaker's CitroTech fire inhibitor is the only fire inhibitor designated as EPA Safer Choice and also has UL GREENGUARD GOLD certification. Twitter: @GEVIOfficial Website:? https://generalenterpriseventures.com/ Contact: Brett Maas, Managing Principal Hayden IR, LLC brett@haydenir.com (646) 536-7331 SOURCE: General Enterprise Ventures, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/general-enterprise-ventures-appoints-wildfire-prevention-and-sus-1068413 Company employees focus on delivering new innovations and technology with a deep commitment to consumer safety, education and fraud prevention MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Athena Bitcoin, a leading operator of bitcoin kiosks in 34 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and 3 countries in Central and South America, emphasizes its robust compliance and consumer protection measures to deliver a safe and positive kiosk experience during Customer Appreciation Month. "Every day, Athena takes its responsibility to safeguard kiosk users very seriously, especially seniors, who have been the targets of fraudulent financial schemes," said Matias Goldenhorn, Chief Executive Officer, Athena Bitcoin. "As we celebrate Customer Appreciation Month, we work to ensure that our kiosks and processes meet the highest security standards, and to educate consumers on the important role they have in protecting themselves from known and new risks." Athena Bitcoin kiosks function as on-the-spot exchanges, enabling the conversion of cash into bitcoin. Unlike banks, Athena does not take possession of customers' bitcoin and does not hold customer balances or provide online accounts. In each case, customers retain full control of their assets in their own wallets before, during and after every transaction. "On behalf of our company and employees, we extend our gratitude and appreciation to our long-time customers, many of whom rely on our kiosks to safely execute on-the-spot exchanges of cash into bitcoin," said Matias Goldenhorn, Chief Executive Officer, Athena Bitcoin. "Since our founding we've been honored to serve approximately one million customers in alignment with our mission to provide secure and user-friendly access to cryptocurrency and enable financial empowerment for everyone." To support safe consumer use of kiosks,Athena's employees bring a strong focus on the customer experience by delivering new innovations and technology with a deep commitment to preventing fraud through comprehensive safety and security measures that include: Transparent instructions and pricing information. Consumer protection notices and prominent warnings that align with state laws advising users never to send bitcoin on the instruction of someone they've met online or an unsolicited caller. Daily transaction limits and velocity controls to detect unusual patterns that could indicate coercion or theft. Kiosk site selection in well-managed and brightly lit public locations. Consumer education on athenabitcoin.com and in our mobile app on the latest fraud schemes. Frequent cybersecurity software updates to address new and emerging security issues. Beyond warnings and education, Athena employs a series of five attestation screens that appear during every transaction and require users to acknowledge critical information at multiple stages, such as confirming that the wallet belongs to them, recognizing common scam red flags, and verifying they are not acting under external pressure. "These attestations are one of the most effective safeguards in preventing coerced transactions, ensuring that customers remain in control and fully informed before committing to an irreversible decision," said Goldenhorn. Athena Bitcoin also works closely with leading industry organizations and U.S. lawmakers to strengthen fraud prevention efforts. Membership to the Republican Attorney General Association (RAGA) and supports its mission of a stable and predictable legal, business, and regulatory climate. Adherence to bitcoin kiosk safety guidelines from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Participation in the Crypto Banking & Compliance (CBC) Summit by Athena's Chief Compliance Officer, Sam Nazzaro, formerly of the Department of Justice. Engagement with the Florida International Bankers Association (FIBA) to combat financial fraud. About Athena Bitcoin Global Athena Bitcoin Global operates an international network of Athena Bitcoin kiosks, which are free standing kiosks that permit customers to buy or sell Bitcoin in exchange for fiat currencies. The Company places its machines in convenience stores, shopping centers and other easily accessible locations in thirty-four US states, Puerto Rico, and in three countries in Central and South America. Athena Bitcoin Global's comprehensive fintech platform enables POS merchant payments powered by Athena Pay and the Company provides safe, reliable and personalized trading services through its Athena Plus services. To learn more visit www.athenabitcoin.com or follow Athena Bitcoin Global on Twitter and LinkedIn. Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the preliminary prospectus filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Athena Bitcoin Global specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Contact: Elizabeth Castro, Alpha Advisory Group for Athena Bitcoin, ABIT@alpha-ir.com SOURCE: Athena Bitcoin Global View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/athena-bitcoin-emphasizes-robust-consumer-protection-measures-for-a-s-1068724 Trump administration-backed investment answers surging demand for transformers and high-voltage equipment needed to support AI data center expansion -- $457 million USD is dedicated to a new power transformer factory in Virginia, the largest such facility in the U.S., with the support of Governor Youngkin and the Commonwealth's congressional delegation -- Investments will create thousands of high-paying jobs in communities throughout the U.S. and expand local supply chains Raleigh, North Carolina and Zurich, Switzerland, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hitachi Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., and global leader in electrification, today announced a historic investment of more than $1 billion USD to expand the production of critical electrical grid infrastructure in the United States. These investments, among the largest seen in the electrical industry in the U.S., include approximately $457 million USD for a new large power transformer facility in South Boston, Virginia, along with significant expansions of existing facilities throughout the country. The investments will help meet skyrocketing energy demand driven by AI data centers in line with the Trump Administration's White House AI Action Planand promote domestic access to these critical grid technologies. This move also supports the power needs of American manufacturing and other sectors and much-needed grid expansion and modernization efforts. Collectively, these investments will create thousands of jobs, bolster electrical equipment supply chains in the U.S., and contribute to the development of innovative technologies to enhance the security and resilience of the U.S. grid. "If we are going to win the AI race, reindustrialize, and keep the lights on, America is going to need a lot more reliable energy," said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. "Thankfully, Hitachi is delivering. The Trump administration looks forward to continuing to partner with private industry to ensure the American people access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy and thousands of high-paying jobs." "To lead in AI, America must lead in energy, and this investment proves we're doing just that," said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "Hitachi Energy's historic investment in U.S. grid infrastructure is more than a single partnership, it signals a growing wave of investment in American energy. This momentum is driven by President Donald Trump's bold, pro-energy policies that are reigniting the American economy and powering the next generation of critical AI data centers with reliable, American-made energy." "Prioritizing domestic production of transformers accelerates President Trump's energy dominance agenda by fortifying critical supply chains, strengthening U.S. energy security, and ensuring our nation can meet the growing energy demand. Investments like this are essential to powering AI infrastructure and advancing President Trump's leadership in the global AI race," said Jarrod Agen, Executive Director of the White House National Energy Dominance Council. "Thank you, Hitachi Energy, for trusting Virginia, again! Hard-working Virginians and a business-friendly environment are what first brought Hitachi Energy to the Commonwealth. Now, after years of success here, they are doubling down on that decision with this landmark investment in South Boston," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. "Eight-hundred and twenty-five new jobs will be transformational for Southside Virginia, as will the power transformers those new hires are set to build. These transformers are critical to our Nation's electrical grid and will be built right there in Virginia." Governor Youngkin continued: "We are also proud to announce a major workforce housing project to support Hitachi's new employees. We are partnering with Halifax County and Virginia Housing to build 96 new homes supported by a grant from the Virginia Workforce Housing Investment Program." "Particularly at this critical moment for our growing energy demands, I'm excited to see Hitachi Energy expand their Virginia footprint, create hundreds of good-paying jobs in South Boston, and promote American energy security," said U.S. Senator Mark Warner. "At the local level, this is a great investment in Southside Virginia's economy and manufacturing industry. At the state and national level, this is an important strategic step to ensure we have the power needed to service our communities, businesses, and growing AI industry. I'm thrilled to see Hitachi Energy bring this important project home to South Boston." "In August, I visited Hitachi's facility in Bland to learn about the company's cutting-edge work. I'm thrilled that Hitachi Energy is expanding its footprint in Virginia by investing $457 million to build a state-of-the-art power transformer facility in South Boston - creating more than 800 jobs and boosting the region's economy," said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine. "Virginia's workforce, educational opportunities, and innovative spirit have made it a great place to do business, and I look forward to continuing to partner with Hitachi to boost domestic manufacturing in the Commonwealth." "A vigorous and reliable electric grid is critical for the American economy and American energy dominance. Bringing power transformer production to the U.S. is vital as energy demand skyrockets," said Congressman John McGuire (VA-05). "I am thankful that this investment will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in South Boston, to produce necessary large power transformers. This $457 million investment and facility will create more than 800 new high-paying jobs in Virginia's Fifth Congressional District. I would like to thank Hitachi, President Trump, and Governor Youngkin for working with me to make this a success." "The United States is a key market for Hitachi, and this investment reflects our commitment to powering America's energy future to meet the accelerating demands for reliable and sustainable solutions to benefit the nation. Leveraging our expertise in IT, operational technology, and advanced products, we are supporting American manufacturing, the development of critical infrastructure, and the rapid expansion of data centers driven by AI adoption," said Toshiaki Tokunaga, President & CEO of Hitachi. "Power transformers are a linchpin technology for a robust and reliable electric grid and winning the AI race. Bringing production of large power transformers to the U.S. is critical to building a strong domestic supply chain for the U.S. economy and reducing production bottlenecks, which is essential as demand for these transformers across the economy is surging. As the global leader in electrification Hitachi Energy is uniquely positioned to deliver critical power solutions for the American market," said Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of Hitachi Energy. "Our investments in expanding U.S. transformer manufacturing capacity-including at our new South Boston facility-are already creating good-paying American jobs, strengthening local communities, and reinforcing economic independence. At Hitachi Energy, we are deeply grateful for the leadership and support of the Trump administration, Governor Youngkin, Virginia's General Assembly, and the Commonwealth's congressional delegation, who came together to make this critical production capacity possible to power our energy future." Central to this investment plan is the establishment of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in South Boston, Virginia, to produce large power transformers, which support applications like high-voltage transmission, power generation, AI data centers, and large-scale industrial applications. This facility will be built alongside Hitachi Energy's existing campus and will be the largest manufacturing site for large power transformers in the United States. This facility alone will create more than 825 new jobs in Southside Virginia, offering long-term employment opportunities in engineering, advanced manufacturing, and operations roles. These projects are part of a more than $9 billion USD global investment program, the largest in the industry, under which Hitachi Energy is expanding its manufacturing capacity, R&D, engineering, and partnerships to power the world's energy system to be more reliable, secure, and resilient. About Hitachi Energy Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time - balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. With an unparalleled?installed base in over 140 countries,?we co-create and build long-term partnerships across the utility, industry, transportation, data centers, and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD. https://www.hitachienergy.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy https://x.com/HitachiEnergy About Hitachi, Ltd. Through its Social Innovation Business. Media Contact media.relations@hitachienergy.com Attachment Hitachi Energy's South Boston VA campus (https://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/369af962-7d49-44ba-9f42-4116a5a095ca) Media Relations Hitachi Energy Ltd media.relations@hitachienergy.com Info-Tech Research Group has announced Dave Coplin, Founder of The Envisioners and former Chief Envisioning Officer at Microsoft UK, as a keynote speaker for LIVE 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. At the premier IT and business leadership event set to be held October 21-22 at the SLS Barcelona, Coplin will share his expertise with attendees on the future of work, generative AI, and human-centric innovation, providing actionable insights to help organisations thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. LONDON, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Info-Tech Research Group, a global leader in IT research and advisory, has confirmed that Dave Coplin, Founder of The Envisioners and former Chief Envisioning Officer at Microsoft UK, will join the keynote lineup for the firm's popular flagship IT conference, Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Barcelona. Taking place October 21-22 at the SLS Barcelona, the two-day event marks the first-ever European edition of Info-Tech LIVE, which will bring together CIOs, senior IT executives, and technology leaders from across the EMEA region. Dave Coplin is a globally renowned technologist, author, and speaker with more than 30 years of experience helping organisations reimagine the future of work. Known for his high-energy delivery, humour, and deep technical insight, Coplin has worked with some of the world's most influential organisations, including Microsoft, Barclays, HP, Vodafone, and Ernst & Young, as well as public institutions such as the UK and EU Parliaments and leading universities. Coplin is also a bestselling author of Business Reimagined and The Rise of the Humans. He currently serves as a Non-Executive Director for several organisations, where he guides digital transformation and AI adoption strategies. "Dave Coplin's insights on the intersection of technology, innovation, and the human experience will bring immense value to attendees at LIVE Barcelona," says Nigel Bowles, Vice President, Info-Tech Research Group, UK. "His perspective on generative AI, automation, and the future of work aligns perfectly with our event theme, Transform IT. Transform Everything., and will help IT and business leaders across EMEA translate global trends into tangible strategies for success." With deep expertise in bridging complex digital trends like AI, automation, and hybrid collaboration with real-world business impact, Coplin has become a trusted advisor to global organisations. Coplin is widely recognised for his ability to inspire leaders to think differently about work, technology, and the human potential that connects them. What to Expect at LIVE 2025 in Barcelona Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Barcelona will feature a dynamic program including mainstage keynotes, technical keynotes, panels, collaborative roundtables, and one-on-one analyst meetings. The event is designed to provide IT executives with actionable tools, research-backed insights, and exclusive networking opportunities with peers and industry experts. For more information about the event, please visit Info-Tech's LIVE media kit page. Further details on the agenda, keynote speakers, and registration will be announced in the coming months. Follow Info-Tech Research Group on LinkedIn and X for updates. Media Passes for Info-Tech LIVE in Barcelona, October 21-22, 2025 Media professionals, including journalists, podcasters, and influencers, are invited to attend Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Barcelona to gain exclusive access to research, content, and interviews with industry leaders for their audiences. Media professionals can apply for complimentary in-person passes by contacting pr@infotech.com. About Info-Tech Research Group Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organisations. To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software-buying insights. Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com. For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X. Media Contact: Sufyan Al-Hassan, Senior PR Manager, Info-Tech Research Group, salhassan@infotech.com, +1 (888) 670-8889 x2418 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764632/Info_Tech_Research_Group_Former_Microsoft_UK_Envisioning_Officer.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764631/Info_Tech_Research_Group_Former_Microsoft_UK_Envisioning_Officer.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/former-microsoft-uk-envisioning-officer-dave-coplin-to-keynote-at-info-tech-live-2025-in-barcelona-302546525.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - DARK STAR MINERALS INC. (CSE: BATT) (FSE: P0W) (the "Company" or "Dark Star") is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases dated June 12, 2025 and August 8, 2025, it has issued 14,000,000 common shares (each, a "Share") to Critical One Energy Inc. (CSE: CRTL) ("Critical One") in accordance with the terms of the definitive Option and Property Acquisition Agreement dated August 12, 2025 (the "Agreement"). The issuance of the Shares represents a key milestone in the Company's acquisition of 100% of Critical One's interest in the Cobra North and Khan West uranium projects located in Namibia's Erongo uranium province. The Shares were issued at a deemed price of $0.10 per Share and are subject to applicable resale restrictions under Canadian securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). Marc Branson, President and CEO of Dark Star, commented: "We are pleased to have completed this important step in our acquisition of the Cobra North and Khan West uranium projects. The issuance of these shares reflects our commitment to advancing high-potential uranium assets in Namibia and delivering long-term value to our shareholders." The Agreement provides for additional staged cash payments and share issuances over a two-year period, as previously disclosed. The Company may be required to obtain shareholder approval for future share issuances under the Agreement should such issuances result in the creation of a new Control Person, as defined by CSE policies. Closing of the Transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and filings with the CSE. For more information on the Transaction as well as the Cobra North and Khan West uranium projects, please see the Company's news releases dated June 12, 2025 and August 8, 2025 filed under its profile on SEDAR+ 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, specifically Uranium. Dark Star has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Ghost Lake claims located in the prolific CMB of Labrador, which consists of 28,575 ha of contiguous claim blocks, and has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Bleasdell Project consisting of over 515 ha in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Dark Star is also party to a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Critical One Energy Inc.'s interest in the Cobra North and Khan West uranium projects located in Namibia's renowned Erongo uranium province. On Behalf of the Board of Directors "Marc Branson" Marc, Branson, President, CEO and a director Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265044 SOURCE: Dark Star Minerals Inc. DDRCCC-25-092 returned 145.0 m averaging 0.92 g/t gold, including 41.8 m of 1.94 g/t gold and 15.5 m of 4.22 g/t gold at Blackjack including and at Blackjack Drilling at the Saddle zone, within the conceptual pit limit of the Blackjack deposit, returned 27.7 m of 1.90 g/t gold and 26.6 m of 1.82 g/t gold from surface in DDRCCC-25-093 and -096 respectively and from surface in DDRCCC-25-093 and -096 respectively 29,264 metres within 81 holes completed to date this year within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex across the Blackjack-Saddle-Eiger corridor, the Rhosgobel discovery, Pukelman, Contact, and Bear Paw Breccia targets within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex across the Blackjack-Saddle-Eiger corridor, the Rhosgobel discovery, Pukelman, Contact, and Bear Paw Breccia targets Visible gold, commonly associated with bismuthinite, identified in 82% of drill holes completed within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex Drilling has been expanded beyond the planned 30,000 metre program 4 drill rigs currently operating with 3 drills currently focused on the new Rhosgobel discovery and 1 drill turning at the Pukelman target Visible gold intersected in the majority of holes completed at Rhosgobel; drilling is progressing rapidly with 33 holes completed this year testing a strike length of approximately 1.1 km Assay results for 55 holes currently pending across all target areas drilled this year Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Sitka Gold Corp. (TSXV: SIG) (FSE: 1RF) (OTCQB: SITKF) ("Sitka" or the "Company") is pleased to announce recently received assay results and provide an update on its ongoing 30,000 metre diamond drilling program currently underway at its 100% owned, road accessible RC Gold Project located in the Yukon's prolific Tombstone Gold Belt. Results from drilling at Blackjack continue to demonstrate the potential to add meaningful ounces to the existing Blackjack deposit while assay results from the Saddle zone, including 27.7 metres of 1.90 g/t gold from surface and 26.6 metres of 1.82 g/t gold, including 4.0 metres of 7.8 g/t gold, from surface in DDRCCC-25-093 and -096 respectively, demonstrate strong consistency of higher-grade gold mineralization beginning near surface within the conceptual Blackjack pit shell (see Figure 2). Drilling also continues to expand the mineralized footprint at the Rhosgobel discovery with several instances of visible gold observed in multiple drill holes completed to date across a 1.1 km strike length (see Figures 1 and 7). Visible gold has also been observed in drilling at the Eiger, Pukelman, Contact and Bear Paw target areas (see Figure 1). Assay results for 55 holes completed across a 7 kilometre stretch within the Clear Creek Intrusion Complex, including the Blackjack, Saddle, Eiger, Pukelman, Contact, Rhosgobel and Bear Paw areas, are currently pending. Drilling is planned to extend beyond the initial 30,000 metre goal that was planned for 2025. Table 1: Assay highlights for this release (see Table 2 for details) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/265109_fda05c1e74e60a72_002full.jpg "Drilling in the Blackjack-Saddle-Eiger corridor continues to deliver strong results, further expanding gold mineralization at our Blackjack and Eiger gold deposits, both of which remain open in all directions, while confirming the Saddle zone as an exciting new discovery within the conceptual pit limits of Blackjack," said Cor Coe, CEO and Director of Sitka Gold. "The Saddle zone in particular is quickly emerging as an important contributor to the gold endowment within this corridor with multiple holes collared in mineralization from surface and returning impressive higher-grade intercepts of 34.4 metres of 1.47 g/t gold, 27.7 metres of 1.90 g/t gold, and 26.7 metres of 1.82 g/t gold. These impressive results underscore the potential for Saddle to add significant near-surface ounces while reducing stripping in future resource estimates. Drilling at our other targets within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex also continues to demonstrate widespread gold mineralization with visible gold observed in several drill holes recently completed at the Rhosgobel discovery and at the Pukelman, Contact and Bearpaw targets. The Rhosgobel discovery in particular is advancing rapidly with a total of 35 drill holes now completed across an expanding strike length of 1.1 kilometres with visible gold observed in the majority of drill holes. We are looking forward to a steady stream of additional assays results from all the target areas being drilled across this impressive gold complex as we continue to advance what is shaping up to be a large and robust gold system in the Yukon." Figure 1: Examples of visible gold (VG) with bismuthinite observed at Blackjack, Saddle Eiger, Rhosgobel, Pukelman and Bear Paw. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/265109_fda05c1e74e60a72_003full.jpg SADDLE ZONE DRILLING At the Saddle Zone, 11 holes for a total 2,918 meters have been completed to date in 2025. Received results continue to define the presence of dykes and sills with gold mineralization hosted both within the dykes and sills and the host metasedimentary rock. Holes DDRCCC-25-086, 093 and 096 (Holes 086, 093 and 096) all intersected near surface intervals of >1 g/t mineralization, confirming and extending the mineralization intersected in holes DDRCC-25-087 and 081 (see company news release of July 17, 2025). Hole 086 intersected 34.4 metres of 1.47 g/t gold from 1.5 metres; Hole 093 intersected 27.7 metres of 1.90 g/t gold from 3.0 metres and Hole 096 intersected 26.7 metres of 1.82 g/t gold from 2.3 metres. The near surface gold mineralization defined to date at the Saddle Zone is within the current proposed pit outline for the Blackjack Deposit resource, but is approximately 300 metres east of the current Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) outline. This mineralization therefore has the potential to expand and add ounces to the current MRE. Hole DDRCCC-25-089 (Hole 089) was collared at the Saddle Zone but drilled at a southwest azimuth back towards the Blackjack Deposit. Hole 089 intersected 32.2 metres of 1.18 g/t gold from 213.0 m, including 4.0 metres of 4 g/t gold from 236.0 m. This intersection could indicate the presence of a new zone of gold mineralization within the proposed pit outline between the Blackjack deposit resource estimate and the Saddle Zone. Figure 2: Plan map of drilling at the Blackjack Deposit and Saddle Zone. Drilling at the Saddle zone is beginning to outline a higher-grade, near surface gold zone within the conceptual pit of the Blackjack deposit. Multiple occurrences of visible gold have been seen in the drill core at both Blackjack and Saddle (yellow stars). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/265109_fda05c1e74e60a72_004full.jpg Figure 3: Cross Section of hole DDRCCC-25-086 at the Saddle Zone where mineralization occurs in the quartz monzonite sill and in the adjacent metasedimentary rocks. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/265109_fda05c1e74e60a72_005full.jpg BLACKJACK DEPOSIT DRILLING To date in 2025, 15 drill holes for a total of 7,576 metres have been completed at the Blackjack Deposit. Holes DDRCCC-25-083, 090, 091 and 092 were all drilled at the same location to follow up on results returned from DDRCCC-23-047 (see Company press release September 26, 2023). Holes 083 and 092 intersected dominantly metasedimentary rock intruded by metre scale dykes of megacrystic quartz monzanite (MCQM) and granodiorite on the hanging wall (east) side of the main multiphase intrusion. Significant gold mineralization hosted in sheeted quartz-sulfide veins was encountered in both holes (Tables 1 and 2). Hole 083 intersected 250.7 metres of 0.46 g/t gold from 116.0 metres and 73.0 metres of 1.06 g/t gold from 402.0 m. Hole 092 intersected 145.0 metres of 0.92 g/t gold from 195.8 m. Holes DDRCCC-25-083 and 092 were drilled on the eastern margin of the current Blackjack Mineral Resource Estimate and therefore have the potential to add ounces to the resource on the completion of an updated MRE. These holes also confirm that significant gold mineralization occurs in dykes swarms on the margins of the main multiphase intrusive body. Figure 4: Cross Section of hole DDRCCC-25-083 and -092 at Blackjack To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/265109_fda05c1e74e60a72_006full.jpg Figure 5: Strongly altered metesedimentary rock with abundant quartz veins including the 14.3 m interval from 434.0 m with 2.78 g/t gold in hole DDRCCC-25-083 in the Blackjack Zone. This intersection demonstrates that significant gold mineralization is occurring in the metasedimentary host rock outside the main body of the multiphase intrusion. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/265109_fda05c1e74e60a72_007full.jpg Figure 6: Weakly altered megacrystic quartz monzanite intersected by narrow quartz-sulfide veinlets showing part of the 17.0 m interval from 52.5 m with 1.46 g/t Au in hole DDRCCC-25-085 in the Saddle zone. Narrow lamprophyre dykes occur at 52.7 and 61.0 m. This intersection demonstrates the subtle manifestation of significant gold mineralization in the Blackjack - Saddle mineralized system. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/265109_fda05c1e74e60a72_008full.jpg RC PROJECT UPDATE General RC Project Update To date in 2025, Sitka has completed 81 diamond drill holes for 29,264 metres within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (CCIC) across the Blackjack-Saddle-Eiger corridor, the Rhosgobel discovery, Pukelman, Contact, and Bear Paw Breccia targets. The program continues with 4 drills turning and is still currently running under budget and ahead of schedule. Drilling continues to define broad zones of reduced intrusion-related gold style mineralization with visible gold observed in all zones in the CCIC drilled to date. Drilling is planned to extend beyond the initial 30,000 metre goal that was planned for 2025. Rhosgobel Update Drilling at Rhosgobel continues to intersect significant reduced intrusion-related gold style mineralization including centimetre-scale sheeted quartz veins, and larger quartz and quartz tourmaline veins cutting feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite. Visible gold was observed in most drill holes and is often associated with abundant scheelite and bismuthinite. Drilling continues to expand the Rhosgobel system and has extended the footprint of discovery to 1.1 kilometres. Figure 7: A plan map of the Rhosgobel intrusion showing the 2025 drilling. The target is supported by a large 2.0 km x 1.5 km gold-in-soil anomaly which covers the central part of the intrusion. All holes have intersected reduced intrusion-related gold (RIRGS) style mineralization including centimetre-scale, sheeted, quartz veins and larger, metre-scale quartz, and quartz-tourmaline veins (and breccias) cutting the feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite intrusion. Multiple occurrences of visible gold have been observed in several of the diamond drill holes completed to date (yellow stars) across a strike length of approximately 1.1 km. Results for the first 6 diamond drill holes completed at Rhosgobel have been previously released and have all returned intervals of > 100 g*m of gold (see news releases dated November 25, 2024, August 5th 2025 and August 12, 2025). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/265109_fda05c1e74e60a72_009full.jpg Eiger Update Drilling at the Eiger deposit continues to intersect reduced intrusion-related gold mineralization within the Eiger intrusions and has expanded the zone of known mineralization approximately 50 metres to the west and approximately 120 metres below previous drilling (Figure 8). Drilling below the current resource estimation envelope has intersected well-mineralized diorite of the Eiger intrusion cut by abundant sheeted quartz veins and visible was noted within several veins often associated with bismuthinite. Assays are currently pending for 8 holes at Eiger. Figure 8: Plan map of drilling at the Eiger Zone. 10 drill holes have been completed to date at Eiger this year with multiple occurrences of visible gold observed in the drill core (yellow stars). The 2025 drilling completed to date at Eiger has expanded known gold mineralization 50 metres to the west and approximately 120 metres below previous drilling. Results are currently pending for 8 drill holes at Eiger. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/265109_fda05c1e74e60a72_010full.jpg Pukelman/Contact Update Drilling at the Contact Zone targeted the quartz-feldspar porphyritic intrusion, mineralized structural zone, and mineralized metasediments identified in historical drilling, and was successful in confirming mineralization, consisting of centimetre scale quartz veins cutting all the above listed features. Visible gold was observed within the sheeted quartz veins and is often associated with bismuthinite and arsenopyrite. Three holes have been completed within the feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite Pukelman Intrusion and all three holes intersected reduced intrusion related style, sheeted quartz veins cutting the intrusion. Visible gold was observed in several quartz veins and is often associated with bismuthinite, arsenopyrite, and scheelite (see Figure 9). Assays are currently pending for all holes drilled this year at the Pukelman/Contact zone (see Figure 9). Figure 9: Plan map of drilling at the Pukelman/Contact target area. Drilling has traced gold mineralization across an area of approximately 900 m x 650 m and from surface to a depth of approximately 430 m with multiple occurrences of visible gold observed in the drill core (yellow stars). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/265109_fda05c1e74e60a72_011full.jpg * While visible gold observations are very encouraging and confirm the presence of gold mineralization, they are not intended to imply potential gold grades. Gold assays will be published after they are received from the lab for mineralized intervals in which visible gold particles were noted. Table 2: Summary of significant assay results from this release To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/265109_sitkatable2.jpg Figure 8: Regional map of the RC Gold Project located in the western portion of Yukon's prolific Tombstone Gold Belt. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/265109_fda05c1e74e60a72_013full.jpg Figure 9: A plan map of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (CCIC) showing the updated resource areas at Blackjack and Eiger, and the six additional areas that have drill targets indicated by the mauve hatched areas. The map highlights the numerous drill targets that Sitka has outlined within the CCIC which all are connected by the road network on the project and occur in an area measuring five (5) km north-south and twelve (12) km east-west. Additional areas highlighted by strong gold-in-soil anomalies are being advanced to the drill ready stage with additional geological work in 2025. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/265109_fda05c1e74e60a72_014full.jpg * References for Figure 7 drilling intervals: Rhosgobel Intervals: Sitka Gold News Release dated November 25, 2024 Pukelman Intervals: Sitka Gold News Release dated January 7, 2025 Contact Intervals: O'Brien, 2010; Assessment Report, 2010 Diamond Drilling Program, Clear Creek Property (Assessment report 095539) Shutty, 2011; Assessment Report, 2011 Exploration Program, Clear Creek Property (Assessment Report 095984) Bear Paw Intervals: Shutty, 2011; Assessment Report, 2011 Exploration Program, Clear Creek Property (Assessment Report 095984) Quality Assurance/Quality Control On receipt from the drill site, the HTW/NTW-sized drill core was systematically logged for geological attributes, photographed and sampled at Sitka's core logging facility. Sample lengths as small as 0.3 m were used to isolate features of interest, otherwise a default 2 m downhole sample length was used. Each sample is identified by a unique sample tag number which is placed in the bag containing the core to be assayed. Core was cut in half lengthwise along a predetermined line, with one-half (same half, consistently) collected for analysis and one-half stored as a record. Standard reference materials, blanks and duplicate samples were inserted by Sitka personnel at regular intervals into the sample stream. Bagged samples were placed in secure bins to ensure integrity during transport. They were delivered by Sitka personnel or a contract expeditor to ALS Laboratories' preparatory facility in Whitehorse, Yukon, with analyses completed in North Vancouver. ALS is accredited to ISO 17025:2005 UKAS ref. 4028 for its laboratory analysis. Samples were crushed by ALS to over 70 per cent passing below two millimetres and split using a riffle splitter. One-thousand-gram splits were pulverized to over 85 per cent passing below 75 microns. Gold determinations are by fire assay with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-AES) finish on 50 g subsamples of the prepared pulp (ALS code: Au-ICP-22). Any sample returning over 10 g/t gold was re-analyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish on a 50 g subsample (ALS code: Au-GRA21). In addition, a 51-element analysis was performed on a 0.5 g subsample of the prepared pulps by an aqua regia digestion followed by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) finish (ALS code: ME-MS41). About the flagship RC Gold Project Sitka's 100% owned RC Gold Project consists of a 431 square kilometre contiguous district-scale land package located in the heart of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. The project is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City, which has a 5,000 foot paved runway, and is accessed via a secondary gravel road from the Klondike Highway which is usable year-round and is an approximate 2 hour drive from Dawson City. It is the largest consolidated land package strategically positioned mid-way between the Eagle Gold Mine and the past producing Brewery Creek Gold Mine. The RC Gold Project now has pit-constrained mineral resources that are contained in two zones: the Blackjack and Eiger gold deposits with 1,291,000 ounces of gold in 39,962,000 tonnes grading 1.01 g/t gold in an indicated category and 1,044,000 ounces of gold in 34,603,000 tonnes grading 0.94 g/t in an inferred category at Blackjack and 440,000 ounces of gold in 27,362,000 tonnes grading 0.50 g/t gold in an inferred category at Eiger. These resource estimate numbers are supported by the recently updated technical report for RC Gold, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 standards, entitled "Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory", prepared by Ronald G. Simpson, P. Geo., of GeoSim Services Inc. with an effective date of January 21, 2025. This report is available on SEDAR+ (http://www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.sitkagoldcorp.com). Both of these deposits begin at surface, are potentially open pit minable and amenable to heap leaching, with initial bottle roll tests indicating that the gold is not refractory and has high gold recoveries of up to 94% with minimal NaCN consumption (see News Release July 13, 2022). As of the end of 2024, the Company has drilled 72 diamond drill holes into this system for a total of approximately 25,136 metres. Other targets drilled to date include the Saddle, Josephine, Rhosgobel and Pukelman zones. The resource expansion drilling in 2023 at Blackjack produced results of up to 219.0 metres of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 metres of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 metres of 3.11 g/t gold in drill hole DDRCCC-23-047 (see news release dated September 26, 2023) and in 2024 results of up to 678.1 metres of 1.04 g/t gold starting from surface in DDRCCC-24-068, including 409.5 metres of 1.36 g/t gold, 93.0 metres of 2.57 g/t gold and 5.5 metres of 17.59 g/t gold (see news release dated October 21, 2024). Results from DDRCCC-25-075, completed during winter drilling in 2025, produced the best high-grade intercepts drilled to date at Blackjack, returning 352.8 metres of 1.55 g/t gold including 108.9 metres of 3.27 g/t gold and 45.0 metres of 4.52 g/t gold (see news release dated April 22, 2025). A planned 30,000 metre diamond drilling program for 2025 is currently underway at RC Gold. RC Gold Deposit Model Exploration on the Property has mainly focused on identifying an intrusion-related gold system ("IRGS"). The property is within the Tombstone Gold Belt which is the prominent host to IRGS deposits within the Tintina Gold Province in Yukon and Alaska. Notable deposits from the belt include: Fort Knox Mine in Alaska with current Proven and Probable Reserves of 230 million tonnes at 0.3 g/t gold (2.471 million ounces; Sims 2018)(1); Eagle Gold Mine with current Measured and Indicated Resources of 233 million tonnes at a grade of 0.57 g/t gold at the Eagle Main Zone (4.303 million ounces; Harvey et al, 2022)(2); the Brewery Creek deposit with current Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.2 million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.11 g/t (0.789 million ounces; Hulse et al. 2020)(3); the AurMac Project with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 347.49 million tonnes grading 0.63 gram per tonne gold (7.00 million ounces)(4) and the Valley Deposit, with a current Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 7.94 million oz gold at 1.21 g/t and an additional Inferred Mineral Resource of 0.89 million oz at 0.62 g/t gold(5), and the Raven deposit with an inferred mineral resource of 1.1 million oz (19.96 million tonnes at 1.67 g/t gold)(6). The QP has been unable to verify the information regarding the above resource estimations and the information is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the property that is the subject of the disclosure. (1) Sims J. Fort Knox Mine Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, USA National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. June 11, 2018. https://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads/2018/Fort-Knox-June-2018-Technical-Report.pdf (2) Harvey N., Gray P., Winterton J., Jutras M., Levy M.,Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. Victoria Gold Corp. December 31, 2022. https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/6534/vgcx_-_2023_eagle_mine_technical_report_final.pdf (3) Hulse D, Emanuel C, Cook C. NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources. Gustavson Associates. May 31, 2020. https://minedocs.com/22/Brewery-Creek-PEA-01182022.pdf (4) Thornton T., Jutras M., Malhotra D. Technical Report Aurmac Property Mayo Mining District, Yukon Territory, Canada. JDS Energy and Mining Inc. February 6, 2024. https://banyangold.com/site/assets/files/5251/banyan_gold_ni_43-101_technical_report_2024_03_18.pdf (5 )https://snowlinegold.com/2025/05/15/snowline-gold-expands-measured-and-indicated-gold-ounces-by-96-in-updated-mineral-resource-estimate-at-its-valley-gold-deposit-yukon/ (6) Jutras, M. 2022. Technical Report on the Raven Mineral Deposit, Mayo Mining District Yukon Territory, Canada, prepared for Victoria Gold Corp and filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) with an effective date of September 15, 2022 Upcoming Events Sitka Gold will be attending and/or presenting at the following events*: Precious Metals Summit, Beaver Creek, Colorado: September 9 - 12, 2025 Yukon Geoscience Forum, Whitehorse, YT: November 16 - 19, 2025 Swiss Mining Institute, Zurich, Switzerland: November 19 - 22, 2025 *All events are subject to change. About Sitka Gold Corp. Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka is currently advancing its 100% owned, 431 square kilometre flagship RC Gold Project located within the Tombstone Gold Belt in the Yukon Territory. The Company is also advancing the Alpha Gold Project in Nevada and currently has drill permits for its Burro Creek Gold and Silver Project in Arizona and the Coppermine River Project in Nunavut, all of which are 100% owned by the Company. *For more detailed information on the Company's properties please visit our website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com. The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gilles Dessureau, P.Geo., V.P. Exploration of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SITKA GOLD CORP. "Donald Penner" President and Director Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions and the Company's anticipated work programs. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market uncertainty and the results of the Company's anticipated work programs. 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. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265109 SOURCE: Sitka Gold Corp. BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. government has sanctioned Chinese chemical company Guangzhou Tengyue Chemical Co., Ltd. and two of its representatives, Huang Xiaojun and Huang Zhanpeng, for manufacturing and coordinating shipments of illicit opioids and chemical agents to the United States. In addition to opioids, Guangzhou Tengyue has also sold dangerous analgesic chemicals often used as cutting agents that are mixed with synthetic opioids and other illicit drugs, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. 'Illicit opioids coming from China are destroying American lives, families, and communities,' said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley. Opioid overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45. Since 2021, more than 70 percent of all reported drug overdose deaths have involved synthetic opioids, with fentanyl being the primary synthetic opioid driving this crisis. China-based chemical manufacturing companies remain the primary source of fentanyl precursor chemicals and other illicit opioids entering the United States. Wednesday, FBI announced a federal criminal indictment against Guangzhou Tengyue, Huang Xiaojun, Huang Zhanpeng, and other individuals and companies for a violation of Title 21 U.S. Code 846 (Conspiracy to Commit Drug Trafficking) for their roles in facilitating the flow of illicit drugs and cutting agents to the United States. The charged defendants include three individuals in the United States and approximately 22 individuals and businesses based in China. The indictment is based on a joint investigation by FBI and DEA, which commenced in January 2024. 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. JZ Capital Partners Ltd - Results of Annual General Meeting PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, September 04 JZ Capital Partners Limited (a closed-ended collective investment scheme incorporated as a non-cellular company with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registration number 48761) LEI Number: 549300TZCK08Q16HHU44 (the "Company") 4 September 2025 RESULT OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 4 September 2025, all Resolutions set out in the Annual General Meeting Notice sent to Shareholders dated 25 July 2025 were duly passed. Details of the final voting position in respect of the valid proxies received by the Company should be read alongside the Notice and are noted below: Ordinary Resolutions For Against Withheld 1 50,566,024 33,488 0 2 50,566,024 33,488 0 3 50,566,024 33,488 0 4 50,527,820 71,692 0 5(1) 9,203,598 466,859 153,791 6(1) 9,165,824 504,633 153,791 7(1) 9,204,028 466,429 153,791 8(1) 9,204,028 466,429 153,791 9 50,582,875 16,637 0 10 50,566,024 33,488 0 Note - A vote withheld is not a vote in law and has not been counted in the votes for and against a resolution. (1) The proxy voting results in respect of Ordinary Resolutions 5 through to 8 have been counted in accordance with Article 14(17) of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company. Enquiries: Company website: www.jzcp.com Emma-Jayne Warden Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited Tel: +44 (0) 1481 745001 Email: Team_JZCP@ntrs.com END The "Ukraine Construction Market Size, Trends, and Forecasts by Sector Commercial, Industrial, Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Institutional and Residential Market Analysis to 2029 (H1 2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The analyst expects the construction industry in Ukraine to expand by 16.2% in 2025, owing to low base effect, coupled with an improvement in construction activities, an increase in international financial assistance, and the government's ongoing recovery efforts in the aftermath of the conflict with Russia. According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the construction industry's value-add grew by 2.5% year on year (YoY) in Q4 2024, preceded by YoY growth rates of 3.4% in Q3 and 36.7% in Q2 2024. To support macroeconomic stability, the National Bank of Ukraine maintained its key policy rate at 15% in early 2025. Over the remainder of the forecast period, The analyst expects the construction industry in Ukraine to expand by 9.7% during 2026-29, supported by sustained international financial assistance, government investment in critical infrastructure, and ongoing efforts to modernize public services and enhance regional connectivity. In April 2025, the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (Nefco), in collaboration with donors and partners such as the European Union, Sweden, and Finland, launched new recovery initiatives totaling UAH1.4 billion ($32.7 million). These initiatives include the rehabilitation of public buildings and energy efficiency upgrades. The Ukrainian government continues to address regional needs from 2022 onwards, allocating UAH2.9 billion ($66.2 million) for reconstruction in the Sumy region for 2025. This includes additional grants from the state budget and international partners aimed at supporting healthcare, education, social infrastructure, and community development. Scope Historical (2020-2024) and forecast (2025-2029) valuations of the construction industry in Ukraine, featuring details of key growth drivers. Segmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by sub-sector Analysis of the mega-project pipeline, including breakdowns by development stage across all sectors, and projected spending on projects in the existing pipeline. Listings of major projects, in addition to details of leading contractors and consultants Reasons to Buy Identify and evaluate market opportunities using our standardized valuation and forecasting methodologies Assess market growth potential at a micro-level with over 600 time-series data forecasts Understand the latest industry and market trends Formulate and validate business strategies using the analyst's critical and actionable insight Assess business risks, including cost, regulatory and competitive pressures Evaluate competitive risk and success factors Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Construction Industry: At-a-Glance 3 Latest news and developments 4 Project analytics 5 Construction Market Data 6 Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vydvel 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904859380/en/ Contacts: 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 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Pioneer AI Foundry Inc. (Cboe CA: JPEG) (FSE: 6NU0) ("Pioneer" or the "Company"), a next-generation agentic AI venture builder at the intersection of artificial intelligence and decentralized finance, is pleased to provide an annual, corporate update for year-end May 31, 2025. "With a sharpened strategy centered on digital asset accumulation, strategic venture equity partnerships, and with Kora AI as both a treasury operating system and economic engine. Pioneer is positioning itself for long-term growth and remains focused on building shareholder value. Near-term our focus is lean cost structure and treasury rotation; medium-term is Kora validation and capital instruments; long-term is scaled BTC-backed AI treasury leadership," Darcy Taylor, CEO, Pioneer AI Foundry Inc. Key Milestones in 2025 Leadership: Appointed Darcy Taylor as Chairman & CEO and welcomed Matthew Lodge to the Board. Rebrand: Changed corporate name to Pioneer AI Foundry Inc. to reflect focus on AI and decentralized finance. Financings: Raised ~$1.65 million through private placements, with proceeds allocated to treasury growth, R&D and operations. Kora AI: Launched beta platform in July, enabling programmable treasury automation and real-time market intelligence. Treasury Growth: Increased BTC holdings to 3.24 BTC while maintaining 2,024 SOL (staked). Strategic Update and Venture Partner Progress The past year marked a period of foundational transformation. On January 162025, the Company welcomed Darcy Taylor as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer to lead the strategic realignment to a next-generation agentic AI venture builder at the intersection of artificial intelligence and decentralized finance. Additionally, Pioneer appointed Matthew Lodge to its Board of Directors, effective January 16, 2025. With 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur, investor, and advisor, including most recently CEO of Satsuma Technology Plc (LSE: SATS). These additions brought significant industry and public market experience. On Feb 13,2025 the Company rebranded to Pioneer AI Foundry Inc. during the fiscal year, signaling its commitment to a differentiated platform at the convergence of AI and decentralized finance. On March 12, 2025 Pioneer closed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $1,028,873.34, representing 5,715,963 Units sold at a price of $0.18 per Unit. (the "Offering"). Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company and one transferable common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.25 for a period of 24 months from issuance, expiring March 11, 2027. Pioneer AI Foundry's sharpened focus on direct digital asset treasury accumulation, Kora AI platform treasury automation, and building equity exposure in BTC and Digital asset Treasury companies through its strategic venture partner ecosystem. Subsequent to May 31, 2025, the launch of its flagship Kora AI platform beta on July 25th, provides high-performance data tools, strengthening the company's ability to monitor markets, analyze risk, and support Digital asset treasury optimization. Pioneer's Digital Assets Treasury Strategy Pioneer has established a layered treasury framework that combines direct Bitcoin and Solana positions, Kora AI's automation to actively manage digital assets, and venture partner equity exposure to public digital asset treasury leaders. This structure provides diversified participation in the accelerating convergence of AI and institutional Bitcoin adoption. Direct Treasury Digital Assets Accumulation Pioneer continued to expand its treasury with the accumulation of Solana and Bitcoin positions, laying the groundwork for a scalable, Kora AI-managed digital asset base. The Company continues to dynamically convert a portion of its Solana (SOL) holdings, including accrued staking rewards, into Bitcoin (BTC). As of the date of release, Pioneer directly holds 2,024 SOL, majority actively staked and 3.24 BTC at a combined value of ~$CAD 1.07M. vs last reported July 24th holdings of 2,292 SOL and 2.07 BTC at a combined value of ~$CAD 0.9M. *SOL to CAD and BTC to CAD conversion based on the exchange rate published on Coinbase, Netcoins and Coin square as of 5:00 p.m. UTC on Sept. 3, 2025. Separately on August 26th, the Company announced that it closed non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $625,000. As previously disclosed, up to 20% of the net Offering proceeds will be used for research and development costs, operating expenses, reporting infrastructure and general and administrative expenses, with the remaining proceeds to be used to acquire Bitcoin, which will more than double our BTC treasury holdings. Venture Partner Equity layer A core holding in Pioneer's venture portfolio, Satsuma Technology Plc (LSE: SATS) has advanced its institutional-grade Bitcoin treasury and decentralized infrastructure strategy, strengthened by the addition of global leaders to its board and continued progress in capital formation. Satsuma is now among the largest corporate Bitcoin treasuries in the UK (#2 by reported size) and a leading global public-company holder. Pioneer holds 20,000,000 SATS shares (~4.07%) and believes Satsuma is strongly positioned at the forefront of institutional Bitcoin adoption and AI integration, aligning closely with Pioneer's layered treasury model. Other Venture Partners Equity Pioneer also continues to support the evolution of Sundae Bar Plc, Cykel AI Plc, and Supernova Digital Assets, Pioneer holds 26,304,668 SBAR shares (~5.49%), 19,110,000 CYK shares (~4.17%), 8,333,333 SOL.PL shares (~0.52%) of the issued and outstanding shares. Each contributing to the development of agentic AI platforms and decentralized infrastructure that reinforce Pioneer's broader strategy. All financial information contained in this release is reported in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. ABOUT PIONEER AI FOUNDRY INC. Pioneer AI Foundry Inc. (Cboe Canada: JPEG) is a publicly listed venture builder advancing agentic AI at the intersection of artificial intelligence and decentralized finance. Through its subsidiary Kora AI Pte Ltd, Pioneer has developed KORA, an AI-driven product focused on DeFi that is currently in private beta testing. The Company also maintains strategic minority equity interests in ventures driving innovation in AI and Bitcoin treasury strategies. These include Cykel AI Plc, Sundae Bar Plc, Supernova Digital Assets Plc. and Satsuma Technology Plc. For more information, visit www.p10neer.ai or www.sedarplus.ca. Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the matters described herein. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, and such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including factors beyond the Company's control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265120 SOURCE: Pioneer AI Foundry Chico, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - AmeraMex International, Inc. (OTC Pink: AMMX), a premier provider of heavy equipment for logistics, construction, and industrial sectors, announced today that it has received equipment orders totaling approximately $1.7 million in new customer orders. Loaded Container Handler To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10200/265101_84f5a1c364e65b50_001full.jpg The first order consists of a refurbished Taylor Equipment loaded container handler shipping to a dry dock facility in Utah. Container handlers are used to lift, transport, and stack large shipping containers efficiently and safely. They play a crucial role in streamlining the movement, storage and turnaround of containers, which is essential for logistics operations. Container handlers are available in various types, including empty container handlers, loaded container handlers, and reach stackers, each suited for different tasks and environments. Electric Wheel Loader To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10200/265101_84f5a1c364e65b50_002full.jpg The second order consists of a new LiuGong electric wheel loader and a LiuGong electric reach stacker. While wheel loaders are often used in construction, wheel loaders also play a role in agriculture and industrial cleanup projects. The size of a wheel loader helps determine which industry it is best suited for. The benefits of LiuGong electric wheel loaders include: Zero emissions, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. Electric machines operate at lower noise levels, enhancing operator comfort and reducing fatigue. Can operate for 8-12 hours on a single charge, making them suitable for various applications. Features such as intelligent battery management systems and fast charging capabilities enhance performance and efficiency. Electric Reach Stacker To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10200/265101_84f5a1c364e65b50_003full.jpg Reach stackers are specialized vehicles designed for lifting, moving, and stacking containers and other heavy loads in ports, terminals, and other logistics applications. They are widely used in the shipping and transportation industry to efficiently manage containers of various sizes. The market is experiencing significant growth driven by the expansion of global trade, increasing containerization, and the need for efficient and reliable handling of cargo. LiuGong reach stackers provide the following benefits: Zero Emissions make them ideal for ports and logistics hubs aiming to meet strict environmental regulations or reduce carbon footprints. Smooth acceleration and precise control enhance maneuverability in tight port environments and during complex container stacking tasks. Optimized for heavy-duty operations, minimizing waste and maximizing battery life. Designed for high-load container handling (up to 45 tons), with engineering tailored for demanding port operations. Learn More AmeraMex International provides top-tier electric and diesel-powered equipment for logistics, construction, and forestry industries. Customers interested in equipment pricing or live demonstrations-including Firstgreen Industries electric skid steer loaders, ASV Posti-Tract and Skid Steer Loaders, Menzi Muck Excavators, Magni Telescopic Handlers, LiuGong's line of electric construction equipment, and CMI Mulching Track Tractors-are encouraged to contact the AmeraMex/Hamre Equipment sales team at (530) 895-8955. AmeraMex International AmeraMex International sells, leases, and rents electric and diesel-powered heavy equipment to companies within multiple industries including construction, logistics, mining, and lumber. The Company has over 40 years of experience in heavy equipment sales and service. Follow AmeraMex on Twitter @ammx_intl and visit the AmeraMex website, www.AMMX.net or www.hamreequipment.com for additional information and equipment videos. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "potential," "continue" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, and there are key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are encouraged to review the Company's filings with the OTC Markets. Investors should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the Company's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons the actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if added information becomes available in the future. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265101 SOURCE: AmeraMex International Inc. With decades of experience transforming software delivery across the Navy, Rick joins BrainGu to expand impact at the tactical edge. GRAND RAPIDS, MI / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / BrainGu, a mission-first software company delivering secure, scalable solutions for national security, is honored to welcome Richard "Rick" Jack as Technical Director, where he will focus on driving innovation in partnership with the U.S. Navy and broader defense community. Rick Jack - Technical Director at BrainGu Headshot of Rick Jack A distinguished C4ISR software engineer and former technical lead of the Navy's Project Overmatch, Rick brings more than two decades of hands-on experience reimagining how the Department of the Navy develops, tests, and fields operational software. As the architect behind the Overmatch Software Armory and the Application Arsenal, he helped pioneer the Navy's first enterprise DevSecOps pipeline, replacing manual software installs with over-the-air updates across the fleet. "Rick built core technical scaffolding for the Navy while championing speed and mission-first delivery. Combined with BrainGu's DevSecOps, product-led platform approach, he'll help us turn those practices into repeatable, scalable outcomes for the DoD," said John "Spence" Spencer-Taylor, CEO of BrainGu. Operationalizing Innovation at Scale Throughout his career at NIWC Pacific, Rick has led high-impact efforts across cloud infrastructure, model-based engineering, DevSecOps adoption, and software delivery to disadvantaged, distributed, and intermittently connected (DDIL) environments. His work helped lay the foundation for rapid application development pipelines, enabling the fleet to download and deploy apps on-demand, drastically reducing time-to-capability for afloat systems. At BrainGu, Rick will serve as a cross-cutting technical leader across programs, working closely with platform, delivery, and product teams to ensure alignment between emerging defense needs and BrainGu's capabilities, particularly those powered by the SmoothGlue ecosystem and WIDOW mission apps. Reinforcing BrainGu's Commitment to the Navy Rick's arrival strengthens BrainGu's already deep connection to the U.S. Navy. From delivering collaborative mission planning through WIDOW to enabling secure DevSecOps pipelines in air-gapped and classified environments via SmoothGlue, BrainGu has consistently delivered outcomes that align with the Navy's strategic priorities: speed, survivability, and interoperability. "Rick embodies what it means to build with and for the operator," said Matt Shaver, CTO of BrainGu. "His experience aligns directly with BrainGu's mission to shorten the distance between vision and delivery. His perspective will help us ensure that innovation stays grounded in real-world impact." A Vision for the Future Rick Jack's appointment reflects BrainGu's continued investment in the national security ecosystem-not just as a technology vendor, but as a mission partner. By integrating engineering excellence with operational urgency, BrainGu is building the platforms, tools, and culture needed to modernize how software supports the fight. Contact Information Tony Montemorano Director, Design & Marketing tony.montemorano@braingu.com (518) 222-7631 SOURCE: BrainGu View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/braingu-welcomes-rick-jack-as-technical-director-deepening-commit-1067950 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. On October 22-23, Starburst brings together innovators shaping the next wave of Trino, enterprise data, and AI-powered applications BOSTON, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Starburst , the data platform for apps and AI, today announced details for AI & Datanova 2025 virtual events , a global virtual event taking place October 22-23, 2025. The two-day experience will bring together engineers, data scientists, analysts, and technical decision-makers to explore innovations in Trino, data, and enterprise AI. Day 1: Trino Day launches the event and delivers community-driven sessions with real-world stories featuring deep dives into architecture, performance tuning, and integration best practices from engineers running Trino at scale. Day 2: AI + Datanova, Starburst's marquee virtual showcase, highlights data and AI innovations, including an exclusive look at Starburst's products powering next-generation applications. Attendees will leave with practical insights from smarter cloud data access and stronger governance, to proven strategies for accelerating AI adoption through robust data foundations. Registration grants free full access to both days with a single sign-up. "AI & Datanova has become the premier gathering where the global data community explores the future," said Lisa Luscap, Chief Marketing Officer at Starburst. "This year's program highlights how data leaders are laying the foundation for enterprise AI through stronger governance, distributed architectures, and new ways to unlock business value at scale." "Trino has always been about giving organizations the fastest, most flexible way to access their data wherever it lives," said Martin Traverso, Co-creator of Trino and Chief Technology Officer at Starburst. "At Trino Day, sponsored by Starburst, the community will showcase the innovations happening in the Trino Project and how they're shaping the future of analytics and AI. This event is where we connect the dots between the technical depth of Trino Day and the broader vision of AI-driven data strategies." Registration for the virtual event is free and includes full access to both days. Details and sign-up are available at https://www.starburst.io/info/ai-datanova-2025/ In addition to the virtual experience, Starburst will host an exclusive in-person AI & Datanova Summit for data and AI leaders on October 9, 2025, at The Westin New York Times Square. About Starburst Starburst is the data platform built for flexibility, delivering fast, secure access to all your data, wherever it lives. Whether on-premises, across clouds, or in hybrid environments, Starburst provides choice and control to your architecture. Built on an open data stack with Trino and Apache Iceberg, it unifies distributed data without complex or costly migrations, unleashing the full power of the data lakehouse for analytics and AI. With our Lakeside AI architecture, enterprises gain federated access, governed collaboration, and full data lineage, laying the foundation for scalable, compliant AI innovation. Starburst empowers data-intensive and security-conscious organizations to unlock the full potential of their data while ensuring performance, governance, and control. Enterprises in 60+ countries, including Comcast, Citigroup, and 4 of the top 5 global banks, trust Starburst to maximize data value. Our strategic partnerships with AWS, Dell Technologies, and top cloud providers ensures seamless interoperability across environments. From insights to action to AI, Starburst fuels innovation at every level. Learn more at starburst.ai . Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2286645/Starburst_Logo_v1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/starburst-announces-ai--datanova-2025-the-global-virtual-summit-for-trino-data-and-ai-innovation-302545644.html New site partnership with AAIM increases customer control and optionality in the MISO market, with Compass operating the site and coordinating demand response WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Compass Mining, a leading provider of Bitcoin mining infrastructure and services, announces a new 7.5 megawatt (MW) site in Minnesota that will be listed on the company's hosting platform as "Minnesota 2." The facility, developed by data center company AAIM , increases available capacity and reinforces Compass Mining's focus on operational control, predictable performance, and customer choice. Under the project structure, AAIM owns the facility and provides the infrastructure and power management strategy, while Compass Mining operates the site and implements the agreed power strategy with onsite and remote monitoring. The collaboration is designed to give customers more options while maintaining high uptime and consistent service levels. The site is located within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator market, known as MISO. MISO operates the regional transmission grid and wholesale power markets across much of the Midwest, including Minnesota. Operating in MISO supports predictable power costs and strong uptime and provides customers with both geographic and market diversification. "'Minnesota 2' reflects our focus on dependable operations and meaningful customer choice," said Karoon Mackenchery, Director of Hosting Services at Compass Mining. "By operating the site directly, we can deliver a better experience and offer more options aligned with customers' mining strategies." The Minnesota 2 project builds on Compass Mining's nationwide network of company-operated and partner data center facilities that serve both individual miners and institutional clients. This announcement follows recent expansions in Iowa and Texas and underscores Compass Mining's plan to add capacity where it can deliver consistent operations and clear customer value. About Compass Mining Compass Mining is a customer-first company that provides a platform for individuals and businesses to purchase Bitcoin mining hardware, host machines, build and manage mining facilities, and access a range of ancillary services. With a commitment to exceptional customer support and transparency, Compass Mining sets the benchmark for Bitcoin mining hosting. Its mission is to make Bitcoin mining accessible to everyone. To learn more about Compass Mining or to start mining today, visit compassmining.io . Media Contact BlocksBridge Consulting compass@blocksbridge.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1957082/Compass_Mining_Blue_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/compass-mining-energizes-new-7-5-mw-site-in-minnesota-302546443.html Initial Bulk Sample Testing Recovers First Gold Environmental and Social Impacts Study Approved Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Compass Gold Corp. (TSXV: CVB) ("Compass" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a further update on the important advances the Company has made at the Massala Gold Project located along a 3 km section of the 14 km Tarabala Trend, within the Company's Sikasso Property in southern Mali. Highlights: Initial gold recoveries have been achieved under Bulk Sampling Authorization Initial mineralized rock processing recoveries and grade confirmations will provide valuable data to optimize the Massala Small Mine unit and accelerate the primary objective of recovering gold Malian Inter-ministerial Committee approves Environmental and Social Impacts Study for Massala Small Mine, which clears the way for the Malian Ministry of Mines to issue a Small Mining Permit for Massala Compass CEO Larry Phillips said, "Over the last three months, our Malian technical team, led by Dr. Madani Diallo, has made tremendous progress in executing our Small Mine Strategy to develop our first small mine at Massala. The initiation of our Bulk Sampling Authorization for Massala is one of the final steps in achieving our goal. We intend to complete up to 1,000 tonnes of bulk sampling of Massala mineralization to confirm gold grades and recoveries. Our Compass team recently took charge of the testing facility and quickly carried out equipment modifications and maintenance required to complete the tests. As of today, we have processed approximately 100 tonnes of mineralized material. Modest test recoveries were achieved while further assay tests are pending for grade confirmation. We have noted specific opportunities to optimize the performance of the plant, which will be reviewed with the owner of the SMAT facilities before additional mineralization is processed. Another critical achievement is the approval of the Environmental and Social Impacts Study for our planned Massala Small Mine. Our technical team has worked effectively to complete all environmental reviews and consultations with the relevant Malian Ministries and local communities. All are eager to see the completion of the bulk testing operations at Massala. We expect the formal environmental permit to be delivered in the next few days, which will allow the Ministry of Mines to issue a Small Mine Permit (SMP) for Massala. Positive test results at Massala, through our Small Mine Strategy, could see the granting of additional Small Mines permits along the 1Tarabala trend as well as on other gold mineralization across our more than 1,000 sq. km of land holdings in Mali. We will consider all options to expedite our future advancement of additional Small Mines and create the value our shareholders expect, including strategic partnerships and joint ventures." SMAT Facility Upgrades and Testing The Compass technical team, which has operated the SMAT testing facility, recently completed modifications and upgrades to the facility, which is located just 5 km from the main Massala gold zone. The initial processing of mineralization confirmed that the SMAT plant can be operated efficiently at a rate of between 10 and 30 tonnes per hour. Eight bulk samples (100 tonnes) have been processed and contained variable amounts of gold. Precise recovery results are pending, since laboratory assays from the tailings are outstanding. The results will be reported once they have been scrutinized by the technical team. As the heaviest part of the rainy season ends in the coming weeks, better road conditions will enable larger quantities of mineralized rock to be trucked to and tested at the SMAT site. The daily operating results, including crushing settings, gold recovery data, and grade confirmations from this initial stage of processing, will be used to optimize longer-term operations once the SMP is received. Environmental Impact Study Approved by Inter-Ministerial Committee Compass has provided all required documentation for its Environmental Permit application to the Ministry of Environment, which formally approved our Environmental and Social Impact Studies on September 3rd. The Company expects to receive the formal Permit shortly, after it has been gazetted. About Compass Gold Corp. Compass, a public company having been incorporated into Ontario, is a Tier 2 issuer on the TSX- V. Through the 2017 acquisition of MGE and Malian subsidiaries, Compass holds gold exploration permits located in Mali that comprise the Sikasso Property. The exploration permits are located in four sites in southern Mali with a combined land holding of 1,173 sq. km. The Sikasso Property is located in the same region as several multi-million-ounce gold 1projects, including Morila, Syama, Kalana and Komana. The Company's Mali-based technical team, led in the field by Dr. Madani Diallo and under the supervision of Dr. Sandy Archibald, P.Geo., is conducting the current exploration program. They are examining numerous anomalies first noted in Dr. Archibald's August 2017 "National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Sikasso Property, Southern Mali." Qualified Person This news release has been reviewed and approved by EurGeol. Dr. Sandy Archibald, P.Geo., Compass's Technical Director and shareholder, who is the Qualified Person for the technical information in this news release under National Instrument 43-101 standards. Note 1 Mineralization on adjacent properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Company's properties. Any references to exploration results on adjacent properties are provided for information only and do not imply any certainty of achieving similar results on the Company's properties. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265117 SOURCE: Compass Gold Corporation Middleton, Wisconsin--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - As schools nationwide welcome students back for the 2025-2026 academic year, Ballotpedia released findings from its "School Board Listening Tour", a study examining the experiences of America's school board members. The initiative aimed to develop a deeper understanding of how school board members across the United States view their roles, responsibilities, and challenges. It is intended to serve as a resource for voters, researchers, policymakers, and others interested in the role of school boards in public education. Ballotpedia launched the project as part of its overall multi-year goal of covering all elections in the United States, including all local elections. Nationwide, school board members represent 13,500 public school districts and over 18% of the nation's 520,000 elected officials. Conducted between 2024 and 2025, Ballotpedia's "School Board Listening Tour" represents the largest qualitative study of its kind. It involved 100 hour-long interviews with current and former board members across 33 states, representing the nation's urban, suburban, and rural districts. "School boards shape everything from curriculum choices to budget priorities in communities across America while taking on the responsibility of solving problems, addressing issues, and balancing the priorities of their friends, neighbors, and communities as best they can," said Leslie Graves, Ballotpedia's Founder and CEO. "We sought to understand their lived experiences: the subjective perspectives, emotions, and insights of those representing the most direct connection between voters and education outcomes." Key learnings School boards across the country can be broadly categorized into three distinct types. Each type reflects differences in governance and board member dynamics and the degree to which boards prioritize academic outcomes and community engagement. Collaborative leadership boards function with high trust, shared vision, and well-defined roles, emphasizing strategy over micromanagement. (28%) function with high trust, shared vision, and well-defined roles, emphasizing strategy over micromanagement. (28%) Coalition-driven conflict boards experience division along political or ideological lines. (38%) experience division along political or ideological lines. (38%) Hands-off oversight boards are deferential toward superintendents, focusing primarily on broad policy decisions. (34%) Conflict style Conflict is inevitable in any governing body, and school boards are no exception. Roughly 62% of board members believe conflict usually leads to productive outcomes. conflict usually leads to productive outcomes. Board members said skilled leadership, clear governance, and defined board norms and bylaws help resolve conflict and are essential for positive outcomes. What they said: "We argue, but we always vote and move on. That's the job." Role in academic outcomes 42% of board members see their primary role as staying informed about academic outcomes, while 58% of the board members interviewed for this project did not list this as a primary role. while 58% of the board members interviewed for this project did not list this as a primary role. Across all district types, board members consistently described their role in academic outcomes as information seekers, accountability partners, and community liaisons-not instructional experts. Bridge-builders The most common themes included asking informed questions, serving as communication bridges between districts and communities, and supporting professional staff without micromanaging. While many board members report successful collaboration between the board and superintendent, others face challenges. Board members ranked their board-superintendent relationship 3.07 on a five-point scale, underscoring that governance training, clearly defined roles, and trust-building mechanisms are crucial to sustaining a functional partnership. What they said: "Be a conduit between the community and the district. Help translate what's happening in schools into something parents can engage with," explained one member. Explore the report The 43-page report details board member perspectives on conflict resolution, academic oversight, community engagement, and governance effectiveness. It includes statistical analysis, thematic findings, and direct quotes from interviews. Download the full report here. Ballotpedia School Board Listening Tour To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11226/265081_4c4612c0447b5a03_001full.jpg About Ballotpedia Ballotpedia, the encyclopedia of American politics, is the nation's most trusted source of unbiased information on politics, elections, and policy. Founded in 2007, Ballotpedia has grown from a small group of dedicated volunteers working on a handful of ballot measures to an essential resource for voters, media, and researchers. Ballotpedia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the public interest in creating an educated, engaged electorate and building a strong, healthy democracy. For free access to 600,000+ encyclopedic, professionally authored, and curated articles, visit Ballotpedia.org. x x x x x To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265081 SOURCE: Ballotpedia EQS Newswire / 04/09/2025 / 15:30 CET/CEST HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 September 2025 - Hong Kong joined nationwide activities to mark the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. September 3 is designated as Victory Day in China, marking the end of the longest-running campaign in the war against fascism (1931-1945). John Lee, Chief Executive the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, led a delegation of about 360 local government officials, war veterans and representatives from various sectors of the community to attend Victory Day activities in Beijing, including a massive military parade. Before the parade, President Xi Jinping delivered a speech to commemorate Victory Day, noting that the Chinese people made a major contribution to the salvation of human civilization and the defense of world peace with immense sacrifice in the war. During the War of Resistance, Hong Kong was an important stronghold for the anti-Japanese and national salvation movement. It did not only function as a vital transit hub for wartime supplies from abroad, but also hosted the Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column, which stood as the sole organised armed force consistently resisting the Japanese and conducted operations behind enemy lines, making significant contributions to the country. In commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance, Hong Kong upholds the spirit of "remembering history, honoring martyrs, cherishing peace, and creating a great future". As President Xi said during a Victory Day reception: "At all times, we must advocate the common values of humanity, resolutely defend international fairness and justice, and ensure righteousness prevails and brightness shines in our world." Meanwhile, a series of commemorative activities have been organised in Hong Kong, including exhibitions, educational activities and film screenings to enable citizens to understand this important piece of history, promote the spirit of patriotism, and cultivate a sense of love and responsibility for the country. Over 180 pieces of War of Resistance relics are on display at the "United in Arms, Standing for Peace - 80th Anniversary of the Chinese Victory in the War of Resistance Exhibition" at the Hong Kong Museum of History (until December 15), which is jointly organised with the National Museum of China. More details about the 80th Anniversary activities in Hong Kong are available from www.80avictory.gov.hk . The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. News Source: Information Services Department, Hong Kong SAR Government 04/09/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com LONDON, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Researchers associated with a fictitious research network and funding source have collectively netted millions of dollars of taxpayers' money for current studies from the United States, Japan, Ireland, and other nations. That's according to investigations led by Digital Science's VP of Research Integrity, Dr Leslie McIntosh . The results of her investigations raise serious concerns about the lack of accountability for those involved in questionable research publications. "This example illustrates how weaknesses in research and publishing systems can be systematically exploited, so that researchers can game the system for their own benefit," Dr McIntosh says. Dr McIntosh - one of the co-founders of the Forensic Scientometrics in Chicago, in a talk entitled: Manufactured Impact: How a Non-existent Research Network Manipulated Scholarly Publishing . While not naming the individual researchers involved, Dr McIntosh's presentation was centered on a group known as the Pharmakon Neuroscience Network, a non-existent body listed on more than 120 research publications from 2019-2022 until being exposed as fictitious. These publications involved 331 unique authors and were associated with 232 organizations and institutions across 40 countries. Research network raised multiple red flags The Pharmakon Neuroscience Network functioned as a loosely organized collaboration of predominantly early-career researchers, such as postdoctoral and PhD students, whose publications included: Funding acknowledgments with unverifiable organizations Use of questionable or unverifiable institutional affiliations Suspiciously large citations in a short timeframe Globally connected despite a young publication age "Despite clear concerns about the legitimacy of their work, only three papers have been formally retracted to date," Dr McIntosh says. Using Digital Science's research solutions Dimensions and Altmetric , Dr McIntosh and colleagues have tracked the progress of the authors connected with this network. "Once the Pharmakon Neuroscience Network was exposed as being fake in 2022 , it no longer appeared on publications, but many of the researchers associated with it have continued to publish and attract significant funding for their work," she says. Millions in funding for current research Of the initial 331 researchers associated with the Pharmakon Neuroscience Network's publications, Dr McIntosh has established that more than 20 currently have funding either as a Principal Investigator or a Co-Principal Investigator from sources where the grant commenced in 2022 or later. During this time, those researchers have collectively been awarded the equivalent of at least US$6.5 million from seven countries: US, Japan, Ireland, France, Portugal, and Croatia, and an undisclosed sum from Russia. One researcher with more than US$50 million in funding has authorship on one of the Pharmakon papers. It is not clear if he knowingly participated in the network or was part of a former student activity. "Many of the researchers had grants before and after Pharmakon. This is legitimate, taxpayer money in most instances that are funding very unethical practices," Dr McIntosh says. "One aspect we need more time to vet is the possibility that a few of these researchers do not know they were authors on papers within this network. We are still completing this work." Of the funded researchers, five had never previously received funding for their research, but following their involvement with the Pharmakon Neuroscience Network they have since been awarded grants from the following sources ($US equivalent): Science Foundation Ireland - $649,891 Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education (Portugal) - $538,904 total Croatian Science Foundation - $206,681 Russian Science Foundation - undisclosed sum "Here we have evidence that some authors have secured legitimate funding, including large sums of taxpayers' money, following their participation in questionable research and publication activity," Dr McIntosh says. "We can presume that their publication portfolio, no matter how it was obtained, helped in securing this funding from legitimate sources." Dr McIntosh says this case has implications across the research system and emphasizes the need for stronger verification, monitoring, and cooperation. "Although most of these publications remain in circulation and have been cited widely, corrective actions have been limited. This highlights the challenge of addressing such networks once their work is embedded in the scholarly record," she says. Dr McIntosh recommends the following: Oversight to be reinforced by requiring the use of verified institutional identifiers, such as GRID or ROR, in all publications to ensure affiliations are legitimate and traceable. Transparency to be mandated through clearer author contribution statements and verified funding acknowledgments, creating a more reliable and accountable record of how research is conducted and supported. Monitoring mechanisms should be improved by supporting the adoption of forensic scientometrics, which can detect unusual collaboration patterns or questionable authorship practices before they become systemic. "By addressing these gaps, governments, publishers and research institutions alike can help protect the integrity of the research system and ensure that trust in science is maintained," Dr McIntosh says. See further detail about this investigation in Dr McIntosh's blog post: From Nefarious Networks to Legitimate Funding . About Digital Science Digital Science is an AI-focused technology company providing innovative solutions to complex challenges faced by researchers, universities, funders, industry and publishers. We work in partnership to advance global research for the benefit of society. Through our brands - Altmetric, Dimensions, Figshare, IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, metaphacts, OntoChem, Overleaf, ReadCube, Symplectic, and Writefull - we believe when we solve problems together, we drive progress for all. Visit digital-science.com and follow Digital Science on Bluesky , on X or on LinkedIn . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/43277860-a179-4ed2-be2a-5446c3127a64 Media contact David Ellis, Press, PR & Social Manager, Digital Science: Mobile +61 447 783 023, d.ellis@digital-science.com ABU DHABI, UAE, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ADFW 2025, the region's biggest financial gathering, announced its first wave of top global speakers who will headline this year's event. Hosted by ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, ADFW 2025 will gather leading thinkers, investors, and policy leaders in the UAE capital from 8th December to 11th December 2025 for five events. More than 300 international leaders of firms representing over USD 60 trillion in assets are already confirmed to speak at this year's edition, which will examine how new technologies are impacting the future of finance. This number is expected to increase as more speakers are confirmed, and already surpasses ADFW 2024, which gathered global firms worth USD 42.5 trillion in AUM. The strong lineup of speakers reaffirms ADFW's status as one of the world's top financial gatherings and a magnet for international financial leaders. Returning speakers include H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED and ADGM, H.R.H. Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Chairman of KBW Ventures, Ray Dalio, Founder & CIO Mentor of Bridgewater and Clare Woodman, CEO International at Morgan Stanley. They will be joined by new speakers such as Harvey Schwartz, CEO of Carlyle; Marc Randolph, Co-Founder of Netflix; Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, CEO of Temasek; Jenny Johnson, President & CEO of Franklin Templeton; Mohamed Al Mehairi, CEO of Emirates Investment Authority, Dmitry Balyasny, Managing Partner and CIO of Balyasny Asset Management and Stephen Dainton, President of Barclays. Commenting on ADFW's 2025 edition, His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said, "100 days to ADFW and an outstanding lineup of world-class speakers representing trillions of dollars are already confirmed. This highlights how the event has become a dynamic platform where capital connects and where key issues impacting the future of finance will be discussed at the highest level. ADFW's status as one of the world's top financial gatherings underscores Abu Dhabi's prominence as a hub for finance, innovation, and opportunities. We look forward to welcoming the global financial community for another exceptional week in the Capital of Capital." This year's strategic theme, 'Engineering the Capital Network', reflects how emerging technologies, especially AI and quantum computing, are reshaping modern finance. It also captures the shifting dynamics of global capital flows, with Abu Dhabi at the centre of this new financial gravity. Once primarily a capital exporter, the emirate is now a dynamic hub for two-way capital flows, enabled by leading institutions and ADGM's world-class international financial centre. The opening ceremony for ADFW will take place on 8th December 2025, and a Gala Dinner will round off the first day of the conference. During the four days of the event, delegates will be able to participate in returning key events such as Abu Dhabi Economic Forum (ADEF), Asset Abu Dhabi, Fintech Abu Dhabi, RESOLVE and Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF). Other events include the Global Financial Regulators Summit, the Greenwich Economic Forum, the UBS Investor Forum, the International Financial Office Congress, Blockchain Abu Dhabi, the Risk 4.0 Forum, the DLT Foundation Forum and the Islamic Finance Summit. This year's ADFW will also include several new forums, such as ADFW's inaugural energy summit - New Energy Finance held in association with CNBC International, Googles Finance & Technology Summit (GtFT), the Private Credit Summit in partnership with AIMA (Alternative Investment Management Association), the Infrastructure Summit organised with Mubadala, the Treasury & CFO Summit, GCFC Roundtable and a Private Wealth Roundtable. ADFW will announce additional speakers, event partners and agenda highlights in the coming weeks. For more information and to register your interest, please visit: www.adfw.com Media Contact: Email: media@adgm.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2550581/5010772/ADGM_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/adfw-2025-worlds-financial-elite-managing-over-usd-60-trillion-to-explore-how-technology-is-shaping-finance-302546620.html POSORJA, ECUADOR / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / DP World: Innovative marine infrastructure supports ecosystem restoration and sustainable port development. DP World has launched the next phase of its global Living Seawalls initiative in Ecuador, marking the installation of the first eco-engineered pilings as part of its deep-water port terminal expansion in Posorja. The project reflects DP World's growing investment in sustainable infrastructure that not only supports global trade but also restores and enhances coastal biodiversity and marine ecosystems. The Living Seawalls initiative uses specially designed panels affixed to port infrastructure --such as pilings and seawalls -- that mimic natural marine environments like rock pools and mangrove roots. Unlike traditional smooth surfaces, these textured panels provide safe spaces for marine organisms to attach, grow, and thrive. By mimicking nature, the panels will help revive coastal ecosystems and will create new habitats for marine species in areas otherwise impacted by development. A total of 21 pilings will be equipped with Living Seawalls panels at Posorja by the end of 2025. In addition to the physical installations, the project includes a robust biological monitoring component designed to generate scientific data on the relationship between hydraulic infrastructure and marine biodiversity. The findings will contribute to broader global efforts to align maritime development with environmental stewardship. Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru said: "The installation of the Living Seawalls at Posorja represents a significant advancement in our sustainability journey. By embedding ecological considerations into our infrastructure, we're not only supporting marine biodiversity but also setting new standards for responsible port development. Through a process of scientific research, it will provide valuable information on engineering design alternatives for concrete surfaces in marine ecosystems in Ecuador." Living Seawalls has already demonstrated measurable impact. In Sydney Harbour, their presence led to a 36% increase in marine life within two years. DP World first implemented Living Seawalls at its Callao port terminal in Peru. The installation resulted in the identification of 67 different organisms, increasing the area's marine biodiversity and providing refuge for many species. Following this success, the initiative expanded to Jebel Ali Port in Dubai last year, reinforcing DP World's global commitment to sustainable maritime operations. The Posorja project aligns with DP World's ongoing efforts to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 14: Life Below Water, and exemplifies how innovative engineering can drive positive environmental outcomes. As DP World continues to expand its global footprint, sustainability remains at the core of its infrastructure investments - ensuring that growth in trade can coexist with the health of the planet's oceans. DP World Americas Media Contact: Melina Vissat, Head of Communications M: (+1) 704-605-6159 E: melina.vissat@dpworld.com About Living Seawalls Living Seawalls aims to revolutionize the way we think about building in the ocean. In order to improve the ecological sustainability of new and existing foreshore developments we must ensure that no new development proceeds without first considering how it can benefit both humans and nature. By combining ecological and engineering knowledge, Living Seawalls is committed to developing adaptable and affordable mechanisms to bring life back into marine developments across the world. About DP World DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 100,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer's door. In the Americas, DP World operates with a team of over 16,000 people across 12 countries, driving excellence through a robust network of 14 ports and terminals and more than 40 warehouses. By harnessing our global reach and local expertise, we simplify logistics, enhance operational performance, and redefine the boundaries of what's possible in global trade. WE MAKE TRADE FLOW. For more insights into how DP World is reshaping global trade, visit our website: www.dpworld.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from DP World on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: DP World Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/dp-world Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: DP World View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/dp-world-brings-living-seawalls-to-ecuador-enhancing-marine-cons-1068776 CHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Client Need A Pawnee Nation Needs Assessment identified Pawnee, Oklahoma, as one of the state's hardest hit rural regions by opioid addiction, suicide and accessible medical care. Due to this, Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, a Central Plains Indian Tribe, began planning the development of a healthcare facility that can provide the medical care needed in the area, including psychiatric diagnoses, medication assisted treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, individual counseling, residential substance use disorder treatment, psychiatric (acute/crisis stabilization) and withdrawal management/detox treatment. As a startup behavioral health center with limited guaranty capacity while serving predominately low-income populations covered by government payment options, this project was not equipped to support traditional debt underwriting, and capital was required to advance the project. Baker Tilly Capital solution The Baker Tilly Capital team helped Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma pool capital together from various sources to construct their 22,000-square-foot, 26-bed adult/geriatric inpatient and outpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment facility. This included $14 million of New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) financing through Clearinghouse CDFI, $4 million of grants from the USDA and EDA and a $12.4 million USDA guaranteed loan from Native American Bank in order to maximize all funding available allowing the project, which was a five-year endeavor in the making, to proceed. Results With our NMTC solutions, Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma is able to: Serve 2,040 unique patients annually: Over 75% of them classified as low-income persons, more than 50% Medicaid insured coverage and over 90% of Native American descent. Create 53 permanent jobs: Over 37% filled by low-income persons and over 25% filled by Native Americans. Provide solutions to the needs identified in letters of support provided by the City of Pawnee, Oklahoma Congress and Senate leaders, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, local healthcare groups and area not-for-profits. The facility serves as a critical referral source for the Tribe's adjacent primary care center, which otherwise was unable to provide the necessary mental health treatment for a tribal community experiencing a victimization rate of mental illness 2.5 times the rate of Caucasians in Oklahoma. The facility also provides local, accessible treatment for the predominately rural five-county service area, including both native and non-native members, who previously were forced to travel over 40 miles to Tulsa to seek quality behavioral and mental health treatment. The Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma partnered with Ascension Recovery Services, an industry leader in developing comprehensive, fully integrated behavioral health systems for vulnerable populations who are uninsured or underinsured, to design the facility's welcoming, accommodating programming, tailored for the ethnically diverse Tribal community that has not historically had access to treatment. Watch the story of how collaboration, creativity and commitment came together to make a lasting impact. For more information on this topic, or to learn how Baker Tilly's NMTC specialists can help advance your next community improvement project, contact our team. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Baker Tilly on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Baker Tilly Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/baker-tilly Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Baker Tilly View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/baker-tilly-case-study-pawnee-nation-of-oklahoma-utilizes-nmtcs-1068777 Partnership delivers advanced 4G services, geo-redundancy, and a clear path to 5G for rural Alaskan networks RICHARDSON, Texas, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider, today announced a significant expansion of its cloud-native Packet and Voice Core solutions into Alaska through agreements with Bristol Bay Cellular and the Rural Independent Network Alliance (RINA). This fully cloud-native mobile core deployment in Alaska, brings advanced 4G capabilities and a seamless evolution path to 5G standalone (SA) to some of the most remote communities in the United States. As part of this collaboration, a new carrier-grade cloud-native core platform will be deployed in Anchorage, Alaska. This platform will support localized mobile traffic for RINA partners in the state, including Bristol Bay Cellular, while also acting as a redundant core for other RINA member networks across the U.S., complementing the existing deployment in Utah. To help ensure full alignment and future-readiness, Mavenir will also upgrade the Utah-based core platform, originally deployed for RINA in 2022, to the latest version, ensuring seamless operation and unified management across both sites. The fully containerized cloud-native core infrastructure, based on Mavenir's industry-leading 5G-ready solutions, including IMS, VoLTE, VoWiFi, and Packet Core, is built to support scalable and secure 4G services today, and can be upgraded to full 5G SA capabilities as RINA partners require. "This deployment reflects our strong and long-standing relationship with RINA, confirming a shared vision to support rural operators with state-of-the-art core network solutions," said Ashok Khuntia, President, Core Networks, Mavenir. "We are proud to support both RINA and Bristol Bay in future-proofing their infrastructure with a cloud-native core that supports 5G evolution." "Mavenir's cloud-native architecture allows RINA to share a robust, scalable core infrastructure across our partner networks while maintaining independence and flexibility for each operator," said Allen Bennion, Director of Operations, RINA. "With this latest deployment in Alaska, we are extending that capability even further, ensuring redundancy and performance for our members." "Mavenir's solution and collaborative approach allow us to deliver cutting-edge 4G and soon 5G services to our customers in Alaska, improving connectivity and creating new opportunities," said Earl Hubb, Chief Executive Officer of Bristol Bay Cellular. This deployment advances modern, secure communications infrastructure in a strategically important region, replacing legacy systems and reducing reliance on non-U.S. vendors, while enabling rural carriers to deliver reliable mobile voice and data services at scale. About RINA RINA is a premier provider of wireless telecommunications services, offering a wide range of solutions designed to optimize network performance and expand connectivity for rural wireless providers. Headquartered in Roosevelt, Utah, RINA serves customers throughout North America with a focus on reliability, innovation, and customer service. For more information, visit www.rinawireless.com About Bristol Bay Cellular Bristol Bay Cellular Partnership (BBCP) is committed to delivering superior communications services throughout the Bristol Bay region. Through strategic collaborations with industry leaders such as Mavenir and RINA, we develop advanced technologies and supporting services that strengthen our regional workforce and ensure rural communities in Bristol Bay have access to the same high-quality communication networks available nationwide. BBCP is headquartered in King Salmon, Alaska, and is a proud member of the Bristol Bay Communications Group, also known as The Bristol Bay Telephone Cooperative Family of Companies, which has been serving member communities since December 1974. For more information, please visit: https://www.bristolbay.com 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 MORRISTOWN (dpa-AFX) - Honeywell International, Inc. (HON) on Thursday announced around $600 million equity capital raise for its quantum computing unit Quantinuum, at a valuation of $10 billion. In this round, NVIDIA's venture capital arm Quanta Computer, NVentures also has invested. This capital raise will support Quantinuum's advancement of quantum computing at scale, which includes continued progress toward the upcoming launch of Helios, the company's next-generation quantum computing system. 'It will also support Quantinuum's path to becoming the first to perform universal fault-tolerant computing,' Honeywell said. Quanta Computer, NVentures, NVIDIA's venture capital arm, and QED Investors have joined existing shareholders JPMorganChase, Mitsui, Amgen, Cambridge Quantum Holdings, Serendipity Capital, and Honeywell, all of whom have reinvested in this round. The round also includes participation from new investors MESH and Korea Investment Partners. 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. Avolon Holdings Limited ("Avolon" or the "Company"), a leading global aviation finance company, announced today that Avolon Holdings Funding Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Avolon ("Avolon Holdings Funding" or, the "Offeror" and, together with the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, "we," "our" or "us"), offers to purchase for cash each series (each, a "Series") of the notes issued by the Offeror listed in the following table (the "Notes") (i) in accordance with, and in the order of, the corresponding Acceptance Priority Levels (as defined below) and (ii) subject to the Maximum Tender Cap (as defined below), the 2028 Tender Sub-Cap (as defined below) and possible pro rata allocation, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase (as defined below), including the Financing Condition (as defined below). The offers to purchase with respect to each Series of Notes are referred to herein as the "Offers" and each, an "Offer." Each Offer is made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the offer to purchase, dated September 4, 2025 (as may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Offer to Purchase"). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this press release have the meanings given to them in the Offer to Purchase. Title of Security CUSIP ISIN Principal Amount Outstanding Tender Sub-Cap(1) Acceptance Priority Level Early Tender Premium(2) Reference Security Bloomberg Reference Page Fixed Spread(3)(4) 2.528% Senior Notes due 2027* CUSIP: 05401AAR2/G0686BAN9 ISIN: US05401AAR23/USG0686BAN94 $2,000,000,000 N/A 1 $30 3.625% UST due 08/31/2027 FIT1 60 bps 3.250% Senior Notes due 2027* CUSIP: 05401AAJ0/G0686BAH2 ISIN: US05401AAJ07/USG0686BAH27 $650,000,000 N/A 2 $30 3.625% UST due 08/31/2027 FIT1 75 bps 4.950% Senior Notes due 2028* CUSIP: 05401AAW1/G0686BAU3 ISIN: US05401AAW18/USG0686BAU38 $850,000,000 $150,000,000 3 $30 3.625% UST due 08/15/2028 FIT1 75 bps Admitted to trading on the Irish Stock Exchange plc, trading as Euronext Dublin ("Euronext Dublin"). (1) The 2028 Tender Sub-Cap represents the maximum aggregate purchase price of such Series of Notes that will be purchased within the Offers. We reserve the right, but are under no obligation, to increase, decrease or eliminate the 2028 Tender Sub-Cap at any time, including on or after the Price Determination Date and without extending the Early Tender Deadline or Withdrawal Deadline (each as defined below), subject to compliance with applicable law. (2) Per $1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn and accepted for purchase in the applicable Offer at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline; included in Total Consideration. (3) Includes the Early Tender Premium. (4) The Total Consideration will be determined taking into account the maturity date or par call date, as applicable, for each Series. Excludes Accrued Interest (as defined below). The primary purpose of the Offers is to acquire the maximum principal amount of Notes for which the aggregate purchase price (including principal and premium, but excluding Accrued Interest) for the Notes does not exceed $750,000,000 (the "Maximum Tender Cap"), subject to the satisfaction or waiver by us of the conditions set forth below and as further described in the Offer to Purchase. Notes that are accepted in the Offers will be purchased, retired and cancelled and will no longer remain outstanding obligations of the Offeror. Such Notes will also be delisted from Euronext Dublin. As further described in the Offer to Purchase, notwithstanding the Maximum Tender Cap, the Company will accept for purchase no more than $150,000,000 in aggregate purchase price (such amount, as it may be amended, the "2028 Tender Sub-Cap") of its 4.950% Senior Notes due 2028. The amounts of each Series of Notes that are accepted for purchase in the Offer will be determined in accordance with the priorities identified in the column "Acceptance Priority Level" in the table above (each, an "Acceptance Priority Level" and, collectively, the "Acceptance Priority Levels"). Details of the Offers None of the Offers are conditioned upon consummation of any of the other Offers, and each Offer otherwise operates independently from the other Offers. None of the Offers are conditioned on any minimum amount of Notes being tendered. The Offers will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 2, 2025 (as the same may be extended with respect to any Offer, the "Expiration Date"). Holders (as defined below) must validly tender and not validly withdraw their Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 17, 2025 (as the same may be extended with respect to any Offer, the "Early Tender Deadline"), to be eligible to receive the applicable Total Consideration and Holders who validly tender their Notes after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Date will be eligible to receive only the applicable Purchase Price, which is equal to the applicable Total Consideration less the applicable Early Tender Premium, in each case as fully described in the Offer to Purchase. Tendered Notes may be withdrawn at any time at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 17, 2025 (as the same may be extended with respect to any Offer, the "Withdrawal Deadline"), but not thereafter, except as required by applicable law as described in the Offer to Purchase. The applicable Total Consideration for each $1,000 in principal amount of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn before the Early Tender Deadline and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offers will be determined by reference to a fixed spread specified for each Series of Notes over the yield based on the bid price of the applicable Reference Security specified in the table above for such Series, as fully described in the Offer to Purchase. The consideration will be calculated by the Dealer Managers (as defined below) at 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on September 18, 2025 (as the same may be extended with respect to any Offer, the "Price Determination Date"). The applicable Early Tender Premium for each Series of Notes is set forth in the table above. The Purchase Price for the Notes accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offers will be calculated by taking the applicable Total Consideration for such Series of Notes and subtracting from it the applicable Early Tender Premium for such Series of Notes. In addition to the applicable Total Consideration or applicable Purchase Price, as the case may be, accrued and unpaid interest from the last interest payment date up to, but not including, the applicable Settlement Date will be paid in cash on all validly tendered Notes accepted for purchase in the Offers (the "Accrued Interest"). We reserve the right, but are under no obligation, at any point after the Early Tender Deadline and prior to the Expiration Date, to accept for purchase Notes that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline on a date determined at our option (such date, if any, the "Early Settlement Date"). The Total Consideration, plus Accrued Interest, for Notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline and accepted for purchase will be paid by us in same-day funds on such Early Settlement Date, if any. We currently expect the Early Settlement Date, if any, to occur on September 22, 2025. The Purchase Price, plus Accrued Interest, for Notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Date and accepted for purchase will be paid by us in same-day funds promptly following the Expiration Date (the "Final Settlement Date"). We currently expect the Final Settlement Date to occur promptly following the Expiration Date, on October 6, 2025. Our obligation to accept for purchase, and to pay for, Notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to each Offer, up to the Maximum Tender Cap or, if applicable, the 2028 Tender Sub-Cap, is conditioned on the satisfaction or waiver by us of a number of conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase including our receipt prior to the Expiration Date (or Early Settlement Date, if we elect to have an early settlement) of net proceeds from our contemporaneous offering of one or more series of notes in an amount sufficient to effect the repurchase of the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offers, including the payment of any premiums and Accrued Interest and costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the offering memorandum related to such offering, on terms satisfactory to us in our sole discretion (the "Financing Condition"), in each case unless waived by us as provided in the Offer to Purchase. Subject to the Maximum Tender Cap and the 2028 Tender Sub-Cap, all Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline having a higher Acceptance Priority Level will be accepted for purchase before any validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes having a lower Acceptance Priority Level are accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offers, and all Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Date having a higher Acceptance Priority Level will be accepted for purchase before any Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Date having a lower Acceptance Priority Level are accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offers. However, any Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or before the Early Tender Deadline will, subject to the Maximum Tender Cap and the 2028 Tender Sub Cap, be accepted for purchase in priority to Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Date even if the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Date have a higher Acceptance Priority Level than the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or before the Early Tender Deadline. Notes of the Series in each Acceptance Priority Level accepted for purchase in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Offers may be subject to proration such that we will only accept for purchase Notes with an aggregate purchase price up to the Maximum Tender Cap or, if applicable, the 2028 Tender Sub-Cap. We expressly reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to amend, extend or, upon failure of any condition described in the Offer to Purchase to be satisfied or waived (including the Financing Condition), to terminate any of the Offers, including the right to amend or eliminate the Maximum Tender Cap and/or the 2028 Tender Sub-Cap, in each case, at any time at or prior to the Expiration Date. The Offer to Purchase sets forth a complete description of the terms and conditions of the Offers. Holders of the Notes ("Holders") are urged to read the Offer to Purchase carefully before making any decision with respect to the Offers. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Natixis Securities Americas LLC are serving as the Dealer Managers in connection with the Offers (collectively, the "Dealer Managers"). Questions regarding terms and conditions of the Offers should be directed to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC by calling toll free at (866) 834-4666 or collect at (212) 834-3554 or to Natixis Securities Americas LLC by calling toll free at (866) 425-1819 or Europe at +33 (0)1 58 55 05 56. Global Bondholder Services Corporation has been appointed as information agent (the "Information Agent") and tender agent (the "Tender Agent") in connection with the Offers. Questions or requests for assistance in connection with the Offers or the delivery of tender instructions, or for additional copies of the Offer to Purchase, may be directed to Global Bondholder Services Corporation by calling collect at 212-430-3774 (for banks and brokers) or toll free at 855-654-2014 (for all others) or via e-mail at contact@gbsc-usa.com. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offers. The Offer to Purchase can also be accessed at the following website: https://www.gbsc-usa.com/avolon/. None of Avolon Holdings Funding, the Company, the Dealer Managers, Global Bondholder Services Corporation, the trustee under the indenture governing the Notes or any of their respective affiliates is making any recommendation as to whether Holders should tender any Notes in response to the Offers. Holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender any of their Notes and, if so, the principal amounts of Notes to tender. This press release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to purchase or sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell with respect to any securities. Neither this press release nor the Offer to Purchase, or the electronic transmission thereof, constitutes an offer to purchase or sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell with respect to any securities, as applicable, in any jurisdiction in which, or to or from any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation under applicable securities laws or otherwise. The distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require the Offers to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and the Dealer Managers or any of their respective affiliates is such a licensed broker or dealer in any such jurisdiction, the Offers shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Managers or such affiliate, as the case may be, on behalf of the Company in such jurisdiction. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) 596/2014 This announcement is released by the Offeror and may contain inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 ("MAR"), encompassing information relating to the Notes. For the purposes of MAR and Article 2 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/155, this announcement is made by the directors of the Offeror. About Avolon Avolon is a leading global aviation finance company connecting capital with customers to drive the transformation of aviation and the economic and social benefits of global travel. We pride ourselves on our deep customer relationships, our collaborative team approach, and our fast execution. We invest with a long-term perspective, diversifying risk and managing capital efficiently to maintain our strong balance sheet. Working with 142 airlines in 60 countries, Avolon has an owned, managed, and committed fleet of 1,166 aircraft, as of 30 June 2025 (pro forma for the new Airbus order). www.avolon.aero Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document includes forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions, including statements with respect to Avolon's business, financial condition, results of operations and plans. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and all of which are based on our management's current beliefs and expectations about future events. Forward-looking statements are sometimes identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believe," "expects," "may," "will," "could," "should," "shall," "risk," "intends," "estimates," "aims," "plans," "predicts," "continues," "assumes," "positioned" or "anticipates" or the negative thereof, other variations thereon or comparable terminology or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. No assurance can be given that such future results will be achieved. Avolon does not intend, and undertakes no duty, to update any information contained herein to reflect future events or circumstances, except as required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904794824/en/ Contacts: David Breen Darragh Crowley Avolon Investor Relations ir@avolon.aero T: +353 1 231 5800 Douglas Keatinge Avolon Head of Communications dkeatinge@avolon.aero T: +353 86 037 416 RENO, NV / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / As construction activity remains strong across the board with residential and commercial projects, so does the potential for construction liens to come into play. Whether an individual receives a lien on their property or a contractor places a lien on a property, the legalities on both sides can make your head spin. LegalMatch.com , America's most trusted attorney-client matching platform, highlights the legal landscape of construction liens. A construction lien, commonly known as a "mechanic's lien," is a legal claim against a property in order to secure payment for unpaid labor, services, or materials used in the project. There are two sides to a construction lien: the party that receives the lien and the party that places the lien on a property. Legal complexities for homeowners receiving a lien may include: Validity of the lien: Accuracy of the work performed, whether or not it was authorized, the amount being accurate, the filing dates aligning with statutory deadlines, the required notices being served properly, etc. Understanding Legal Procedures: Construction laws that vary by state, the possible need to file a formal response to the lien claim in court, possible defense against foreclosure, etc. Legal complexities for contractors placing a lien may include: Meeting firm deadlines: This can include preliminary notices before work begins, lien-filing deadlines, and enforcement deadlines after a lien is filed and within a certain timeframe. Compliance: This includes proper construction licensing, accurate lien information about the project, the property itself, the work performed, the amount owed, and ensuring the lien was properly served to the property owner. "On either side of a construction lien, you can find yourself confused and worried about legal accuracy and ramifications. For peace of mind and effectiveness, legal review is necessary to ensure the result you are looking for," says Ken LaMance, LegalMatch's General Counsel. LegalMatch can match individuals for free with a business attorney or real estate attorney , depending on the circumstances of the case. The platform also features an Online Law Library , which includes articles on liens, construction law , real estate law , and more, providing individuals with the resources they need to make informed decisions about their legal issues. About LegalMatch.com LegalMatch is the nation's oldest and largest online legal lead-generation service. Headquartered in Reno, Nevada, LegalMatch helps people find the right lawyer and helps attorneys find new clients. LegalMatch's service is free to individuals and small businesses looking for legal help. For more information about LegalMatch, please visit our website or contact us directly. Contact Information Ken LaMance LegalMatch's General Counsel press@legalmatch.com 415-946-0856 SOURCE: LegalMatch.com View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/liens-are-you-at-risk-legalmatch-highlights-what-every-homeowner-1068499 WHAT New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Peanuts, the beloved comic strip by Charles Schulz, celebrates its 75th anniversary on October 2, 2025. On its debut, the strip appeared in just seven newspapers around the U.S.-then went on to become a universally loved global phenomenon (and Snoopy quickly became an international icon!). You undoubtedly have many Peanuts fans among your readers, viewers, and listeners, who would enjoy celebrating this momentous anniversary through the diverse activities that allow them to engage with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang-and all of which have roots in Charles Schulz' original comic strip. ACTIVITIES Hospital Art Program Launched five years ago as part of Take Care With Peanuts (see below), this program-a collaboration between Peanuts WorldWide and the nonprofit Foundation for Hospital Art-has donated hundreds of cheerful Peanuts-themed, paint-by-numbers style murals to hospitals on all seven continents (yes, including Antarctica!). The murals are painted during a joyous "Peanuts PaintFest" by patients, staff, and doctors from the hospital. Throughout October 2025, Peanuts and the FHA are donating murals to hospitals in 27 U.S. communities and 48 international locations (for a total of 75, of course). Red Cross x PEANUTS t-shirt promotion From now through September 21, anyone who comes to a Red Cross location to donate blood will receive an exclusive Red Cross x PEANUTS mystery bag with one of four special T-shirt designs. Donors won't know which iconic design they'll get until they open the bag. For reference: In April 2023, the launch of the first Red Cross x Peanuts shirt helped to mobilize a new generation of blood donors. During just the first week of that campaign, the Red Cross welcomed 14,000 first-time donors and saw a 40% increase in donation appointments, with 75% of donors under the age of 34. 75 years of Peanuts trivia All Peanuts activities, initiatives, promotions, and events derive directly from themes found in Charles Schulz' comic strip, including fashion, politics, the environment, sports, health and fitness, and much more. It's no surprise, for example, that Snoopy will be bringing joy to hospitals worldwide-it's the natural outgrowth of his fantasy role as the "World Famous Surgeon"! Peanuts/Canine Companions/Goodyear Blimp event In a unique partnership between Canine Companions (celebrating its 50th anniversary of training and pairing service dogs with clients with disabilities), Peanuts (75th anniversary) and the Goodyear Blimp (100th anniversary), a group of puppies will travel via the Goodyear Blimp from Long Beach, CA to Carson, CA, home of the iconic West Coast-based airship, to be united with their volunteer puppy raisers, alongside the Snoopy costume character. Take Care With Peanuts This initiative-launched in 2020 as part of Peanuts' 70th anniversary activities, and culminating with the 75th-encourages everyone to be good global citizens by taking care of yourself, taking care of others, and taking care of the earth (additional themes that Schulz wove into his comic strip!). Other Take Care programs have involved planting trees around the world and specially created activities for children, schools, and families. Specialty and retro merchandise A number of seasonal Peanuts-themed products evoke the nostalgia and humor of the strip's earliest days-including a specialty Peanuts x Red Flyer wagon; Peanuts-themed UNO and Clue games; and a Charlie Brown Christmas tabletop decoration in which the characters quote lines from the beloved holiday special. Others bring the characters into today's world, as in a digital-only advent calendar featuring games and Peanuts activities. You Don't Know Peanuts podcast Now in its third season, this podcast reveals the unknown stories behind Peanuts' great successes, such as the creation of A Charlie Brown Christmas, Peanuts' collaborations with NASA, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, and much more. YDKP is co-hosted by Melissa Menta of Peanuts Worldwide, and longtime Peanuts fan Damian Holbrook of TV Insider. Coming up: The 60th Anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas in December 2025 in December 2025 The 60th Anniversary of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown in October 2026 WHO Melissa Menta, SVP, Global Brand and Marketing and Hannah Guy, Sr. Director, Brand and Marketing for Peanuts Worldwide, are both available for interviews. Peanuts celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11680/265053_56165bb1449dd885_001full.jpg Give back, get swag: Now through September 21, anyone who comes to a Red Cross location to donate blood will receive an exclusive Red Cross x PEANUTS mystery bag with one of four special T-shirt designs. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11680/265053_56165bb1449dd885_002full.jpg Paging Dr. Snoopy!: All of Peanuts' 75th Anniversary activities were inspired by themes that appeared frequently in Charles Schulz' comic strips-including many of Snoopy's alter-egos, such as The World Famous Surgeon! A few decades later, Dr. Snoopy is bringing smiles to children and adults at hospitals and medical centers worldwide. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11680/265053_56165bb1449dd885_003full.jpg The healing power of Peanuts art: Many hands make colorful murals of Charlie Brown and the gang during "Peanuts PaintFests" around the world (including this one in Needles, California, in August 2025). In the 75th Anniversary year of Peanuts, a partnership between Peanuts Worldwide and the nonprofit Foundation for Hospital Art brings six-panel Peanuts murals to 75 hospitals and medical centers, which are then painted by members of the hospital community. The murals are permanent donations from Peanuts, bringing cheer to patients, staff, and visitors. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11680/265053_56165bb1449dd885_004full.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265053 SOURCE: WildBrain Ltd. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - With the value of imports spiking, the Commerce Department released a report on Thursday showing the U.S. trade deficit widened more than expected in the month of July. The Commerce Department said the trade deficit shot up to $78.3 billion in July from a revised $59.6 billion in June. Economists had expected the trade deficit to increase to $75.7 billion from the $60.2 billion originally reported for the previous month. The wider trade deficit came as the value of imports surged by 5.9 percent to $358.8 billion in July after plunging by 3.6 percent to $338.7 billion in June. The report showed a sharp increase in imports of industrial supplies and materials, particularly nonmonetary gold, as well as a jump in imports of capital goods. 'While imports bounced back in July, more than half of the increase was due to gold as trade policy and safe-haven demand brought about a resurgence in trade,' said Matthew Martin, Senior U.S. Economist at Oxford Economics. 'Excluding gold, imports rose by a more modest 3.3%. He added, 'It's early in the quarter, but the risk is that trade does not provide as large of a boost to Q3 GDP if imports remain resilient.' Meanwhile, the Commerce Department said the value of exports rose by 0.3 percent to $280.5 billion in July after slipping by 0.3 percent to $279.7 billion in June. Modest increases in exports of capital goods and automotive vehicles, parts and engines were partly offset by dips in inventories of industrial supplies and materials and other goods. The report also said the goods deficit widened to $103.9 billion in July from $85.7 billion in June, while the services surplus narrowed to $25.6 billion in July from $26.6 billion in June. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2025 AFX News GoldenPeaks Capital ("GPC"), one of the fastest growing independent producers of green energy in Europe, has celebrated the official opening of its Hungarian flagship photovoltaic project in Bodroghalom the Zemplen Solar Park. GoldenPeaks Capital Chief Executive Officer Fabian Gaus welcomed the Hungarian representatives from business and politics: "This project represents a meaningful step forward in Hungary's renewable energy journey and a proud milestone for our company. Hungary plays a key role in our long-term strategy, and this project reflects our full commitment to the country's clean energy future" With an installed capacity of 64.56 MWp, the two-block photovoltaic facility produces approximately 94.6 GWh of clean electricity annually enough to provide power for over 30,000 people every year. Over its lifetime, the project is expected to save more than 860,000 tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to the carbon neutralization of over one million trees. Since March 2025, the Zemplen Solar Park has been fully operational, delivering stable, clean electricity to the Hungarian market. Over nearly four months of production, the plant has consistently proven its reliability not only as a source of renewable energy, but also as an active contributor to Hungary's grid services. It is also the first plant in GoldenPeacks Capital's portfolio to participate in the automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve segment, strengthening national grid stability through ancillary services. With its long-term PPA partner, Faerch Group, GoldenPeaks Capital has further ensured commercial stability and alignment with an industrial off-taker that shares our values and our long-term vision of enhancing green energy in Hungary. GoldenPeaks Capital has already established a leading position in the Hungarian PPA-market following the signing of a landmark 12-year physical PPA with Faerch in 2024. Backed by a strong track record in delivering clean energy solutions across Europe, GoldenPeaks Capital remains committed to driving innovation and reliability in the energy transition. As the Hungarian PPA market continues to evolve, the company is well positioned to support local corporates in achieving their decarbonization objectives. About GoldenPeaks Capital GoldenPeaks Capital, is a company specializing in the construction and operation of solar systems and one of the largest photovoltaic system owners in Poland and Hungary, with over 15 years of experience in structuring energy projects worldwide. In addition, GPC is a pioneer in the introduction of new technologies in Eastern Europe with various BESS PV pilot projects in Poland and Hungary. GoldenPeaks Capital will further increase the pace of shaping the industry of renewable energies in Eastern Europe by applying the seamless integration of all sectors of GPC, such as project development engineering, financing structuring, supply chain management, construction commissioning, asset operations, and commercial energy sales among others, ensuring an invaluable alignment of methodologies, ethics and goals. GoldenPeaks Capital has been awarded for its green commitment, receiving the highest sustainability quality score (SQS1) from Moody's for their green bond framework. www.goldenpeakscapital.com Disclaimer Golden Peaks Capital: This press release was produced by and the opinions expressed are those of GoldenPeaks Capital as of the date of writing and are subject to change. It has been prepared solely for information purposes. Any reference to past performance is not necessarily a guide to the future. To the extent there are any forward-looking statements, these statements are based on the company's current expectations and projections regarding its business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors. The information and analysis contained in this publication have been compiled or arrived at from sources believed to be reliable but GoldenPeaks Capital does not make any representation as to their accuracy or completeness and does not accept liability for any loss arising from the use hereof.looking statements as a result of a number of factors. The information and analysis contained in this publication have been compiled or arrived at from sources believed to be reliable but GoldenPeaks Capital does not make any representation as to their accuracy or completeness and does not accept liability for any loss arising from the use hereof. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904943433/en/ Contacts: Media queries GoldenPeaks Capital Siro Barino E-Mail: media@goldenpeakscapital.com DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Dental Consumables Market, valued at US$40.64 billion in 2024, stood at US$43.85 billion in 2025 and is projected to advance at a resilient CAGR of 8.5% from 2025 to 2030, culminating in a forecasted valuation of US$66.94 billion by the end of the period. The dental consumables market is witnessing steady growth fueled by the surging incidence of dental disorders, rising oral hygiene awareness, and the burgeoning demand for cosmetic dental treatments. The development of dental materials and technologies, including bonding agents and impression materials, is improving treatment efficacy and propelling product use among professionals. Also supporting market momentum are the growth of dental tourism and enhanced access to dental services in emerging markets. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=699 Browse in-depth TOC on "Dental Consumables Market" 749 - Tables 57- Figures 555 - Pages By product type, the market is segmented into dental restoration, orthodontics, periodontics, infection control, endodontics, whitening products, finishing & polishing products, and other dental consumables. The rising prevalence of dental caries and tooth decay has increased demand for restorative materials like composites, amalgams, ceramics, and dental implants, and the dental restoration segment is expected to hold the largest market share. The segment's growth is also accelerated by technological developments in restorative dentistry and the rising demand for minimally invasive procedures. Furthermore, the segment's leading position in the market is maintained by the wide range of restorative solutions that are customized to meet the needs of each patient. By end user, the market is segmented into dental hospitals and clinics, dental laboratories, DSO, and other end users. Because of the high volume of dental treatments in hospitals and clinics, and extensive access to advanced dental technologies and equipment, the dental hospitals and clinics segment has the largest market share. The leading position of the segment is primarily attributable to the presence of qualified dentists, specialized treatment facilities, and the ability to offer a variety of services. It is also supported by increased investment in updating clinical premises and patients' demand for centralized and reliable care. By geography, the dental consumables market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Latin America, the Middle East & Africa, and the GCC Countries. Europe leads the dental consumables market, supported by a strong oral healthcare infrastructure, early adoption of advanced dental materials and technologies, and high consumer demand for quality dental products. The region's dominance is also due to the presence of leading dental companies headquartered in Europe, which drive ongoing innovation and product availability. High disposable income levels and rising health awareness among consumers also contribute to increased uptake of dental consumables. Additionally, the expanding network of dental clinics, laboratories, and hospitals, along with continuous product premiumization, solidifies Europe's position as a leader in the global dental consumables market. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=699 The major players operating in the dental consumables market include Institut Straumann AG (Switzerland), Envista Holdings Corporation (US), Dentsply Sirona (US), ZimVie Inc. (US), Solventum (US), Henry Schein, Inc. (US), Kuraray Co., Ltd. (Japan), Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (Japan), Geistlich Pharma AG (Switzerland), Ivoclar Vivadent (Liechtenstein), GC Corporation (Japan), Keystone Dental Inc. (US), BEGO GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), Septodont Holding (France), Ultradent Products (US), VOCO GmbH (Germany), COLTENE Group (Switzerland), SDI Limited (Australia), Young Innovations, Inc. (US), DMG Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik (Germany), Brasseler USA (US), SHOFU INC. (Japan), Zhermack SpA (Italy), BISCO, Inc. (US), and Dental Technologies Inc. (US). These companies implemented strategies such as partnerships, collaborations, agreements, integrations, acquisitions, product launches, and expansions to enhance their presence in the dental consumables market. Institut Straumann AG (Switzerland): Institut Straumann AG is a renowned leader in the dental consumables market, particularly in the field of dental implants and related solutions. The company's product portfolio encompasses a wide range of dental consumables, including dental implants, prosthetics, biomaterials, and digital solutions. It operates in three key segments: Implant Solutions, Restorative Solutions, and Others. Its dental implant systems are known for their precision engineering, biocompatibility, and reliability, making them a preferred choice among dental professionals worldwide. Straumann provides a diverse selection of dental implant systems for a variety of clinical scenarios and patient demands, including iconic products like the BLX, TLX, and PURE implants. The company also provides a wide range of prosthetic solutions such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant-supported prosthetics made of titanium, zirconia, and PEEK. The company has a significant presence in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The company's strong global presence and strategic partnerships have contributed to its growth in the dental consumables market. Envista (US) Envista Holdings is a leading player in the dental consumables market. The company offers a wide range of dental equipment and consumables, including dental implants, prosthetics, imaging systems, endodontic tools, restorative materials, and infection prevention products. The company encompasses several well-known brands, including Nobel Biocare, KaVo Kerr, and Ormco, each specializing in different aspects of dental care, such as implantology, restorative dentistry, orthodontics, and imaging solutions. Envista operates in the dental implants segment under Nobel Biocare, Implant Direct, and Alpha-Bio Tec brands. The company has a broad global reach, with its products sold in over 120 countries. Envista separated from Danaher Corporation (US) in 2019 as an independent company to focus solely on dental solutions. Dentsply Sirona (US) Dentsply Sirona is a prominent player in the global dental consumables market, offering a broad range of products across categories such as restoration, endodontics, prosthodontics, and implants. Its portfolio includes intraoral scanners, 3D printers, dental handpieces, restorative materials, dental anesthetics, prophylaxis pastes, sealants, impression materials, aligners, dental implants, digital dentures, crown and bridge materials, bone grafts, custom abutments, and dental alloys. The company maintains a strong presence in the US and operates in around 120 countries. It primarily pursues inorganic growth strategies, including acquisitions and geographic expansion. Notable examples include the acquisition of Datum Dental and Byte in January 2021, and the acquisition of MIS Implants Technologies Ltd. in June 2016, an Israel-based dental implant manufacturer, for USD 375 million. For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Dental Implants and Prosthetics Market Oral Care Market Dental Equipment Market Dental 3D Printing Market Dental Imaging Market Get access to the latest updates on Dental Consumables Companies and Dental Consumables 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. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook . 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/dental-consumables-market-worth-us66-94-billion-by-2030-with-8-5-cagr--marketsandmarkets-302546372.html HAIKOU, China, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Hainan International Media Center: A new documentary, Unlocking Pigeon Mission, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, was released on September 3rd. The film sheds light on a little-known chapter of the history: a daring rescue of Allied Prisoners of War (POWs) on China's Hainan Island in 1945. "Pigeon Mission" was carried out on August 27, 1945, twelve days after Japan's unconditional surrender. A nine-member Sino-American team parachuted into Basuo in western Hainan's Dongfang City, to liberate over 200 Allied POWs who had survived nearly three years of brutal captivity and forced labor. Of the more than 500 POWs initially sent to the camp, including members of Australia's "Gull Force," less than half survived the ordeal. The documentary follows Australian researcher Brendan John Worrell as he revisits Hainan to piece together this fragmented history. His journey uncovers a story far deeper than a military operation, revealing the profound courage and compassion of the local Chinese people. Through interviews with witnesses, including 100-year-old former laborer Zhang Renchang, the film reveals how local Chinese workers and guerrilla fighters risked their lives to secretly provide food and aid to the Allied POWs. This quiet, steadfast assistance was a critical lifeline for the prisoners. Ultimately, Unlocking Pigeon Mission transcends its historical subject to deliver a universal warning. It powerfully illustrates that war is a devastating nightmare inflicting profound suffering on all humanity, serving as a poignant reminder that peace, like air and sunshine, is precious and must be meticulously safeguarded. The film underscores a timeless message: the spirit of international solidarity and the collective pursuit of peace are the most powerful forces against evil, capable of transforming a "Hell Island" of captivity into a "Paradise Island" of freedom and shared humanity. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764731/image.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/new-documentary-unlocking-pigeon-mission-uncovers-a-forgotten-wwii-rescue-and-the-collective-pursuit-of-peace-for-humanity-302546665.html NEW DELHI, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Aerospace Parts Manufacturing Market was valued at around USD 936 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,200 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of about 4% during 2025-30. The industry's growth is largely driven by the rising demand for commercial aircraft, defense modernization programs, and increased investments in the space sector. From passenger aircraft engines to military fighter jet components and satellite launch systems, the market's scope spans across multiple end-users. Airbus, for instance, delivered 61 commercial jets in April 2024 compared to 54 in April 2023, underscoring how fleet expansion is fueling demand for aerospace parts. Why Is the Aerospace Parts Manufacturing Market Expanding So Rapidly? The aerospace sector is undergoing a surge in demand for engines, avionics, aerostructures, and interiors. Rising global passenger traffic is compelling airlines to place record orders for new planes. Simultaneously, governments are investing heavily in fighter jets to strengthen air defense. For example, in 2024 Israel signed a USD 5.2 billion deal with Boeing to acquire 25 F-15 fighter jets, while France placed a USD 5.5 billion order with Dassault Aviation for 42 fighter jets, with Thales, Safran, and MBDA as component suppliers. These deals directly stimulate the aerospace parts ecosystem, creating ripple effects across the supply chain. The space economy is another strong growth driver. In 2024, SpaceX secured a USD 733 million contract from the US military to launch nine satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). Such projects fuel demand for advanced parts like propulsion systems, sensors, and insulation materials. Access Complete Data Tables, Forecasts, Segment, and Competitor Profiles Here: https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/aerospace-parts-manufacturing-market.html Market Dynamics: How Does Air Travel Fuel Aerospace Parts Demand? Air travel demand is climbing steeply, especially in emerging economies. India reached a milestone of over half a million passengers traveling in a single day in November 2024, even outside the festive season. This surge pushes airlines to expand fleets and accelerate aircraft orders. At the same time, more flying hours mean greater wear and tear, which leads to frequent part replacements and maintenance cycles. Airlines like SpiceJet are adding 10 new aircraft to their fleets by the end of 2024, further amplifying demand for engines, communication systems, and cabin interiors. What Opportunities Are Emerging for Aerospace Parts Manufacturers? Sustainability has become a defining opportunity in the market. Airlines are under pressure to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Manufacturers are turning to lightweight composites, carbon fiber, and 3D printing to produce eco-friendly, durable parts. 3D printing not only reduces weight but also eliminates the need for bolts and fasteners, improving efficiency. For suppliers, this trend offers a lucrative opportunity to align with airlines' sustainability goals while driving revenue growth. What Challenges Could Limit Market Growth? The fluctuating prices of raw materials such as titanium, steel, and composites pose major risks. These materials are globally sourced and sensitive to supply chain disruptions, wars, and trade restrictions. For instance, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the US temporarily removed steel import taxes from Ukraine, which lowered prices briefly. However, the continued war soon disrupted supply and drove costs back up. This volatility impacts inventories and margins for aerospace part manufacturers. What Market Trends Are Defining the Aerospace Parts Manufacturing Industry? The most prominent trend is the rise of 3D-printed aerospace parts. From turbines to cabin interiors, 3D printing reduces part weight by nearly 55% compared to metals. Boeing announced tests in 2024 on its Apache attack helicopter with a fully 3D-printed rotor system, highlighting the shift toward additive manufacturing. Light weighting also translates into sustainability benefits. Reducing just one kilogram in aircraft weight results in 25 tons less CO2 emissions over its lifetime. This dual advantage - lower costs and eco-friendliness - is making 3D printing central to the industry's future. Interested User Can Get a FREE sample of the report here: https://www.marknteladvisors.com/query/request-sample/aerospace-parts-manufacturing-market.html How is the Aerospace Parts Manufacturing Industry segmented? By Product Engines (38% share): The largest and most expensive component, valued at USD 25-45 million per engine depending on type. Engines also require the most frequent maintenance and part replacements. The largest and most expensive component, valued at depending on type. Engines also require the most frequent maintenance and part replacements. Aero Structures Cabin Interiors Avionics Insulation Components Other Ancillary Equipment By End User Commercial Aircraft (51% share): Dominant segment due to rising passenger and cargo traffic. According to IATA, air cargo grew by 17% in Asia-Pacific in 2024. Dominant segment due to rising passenger and cargo traffic. According to IATA, air cargo grew by 17% in Asia-Pacific in 2024. Business Aircraft Military Aircraft Space Rockets Others Which Regions Lead the Aerospace Parts Manufacturing Market? By Region North America Europe: Asia-Pacific Middle East & Africa South America North America holds the largest market share at 41%, supported by strong passenger volumes, leading manufacturers like Boeing and General Electric, and massive defense spending. The US alone manages over 45,000 daily flights carrying nearly 2.9 million passengers, according to the Air Traffic Organization (2024). The region's defense budgets also ensure strong demand for fighter jets and military aircraft. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is emerging as a high-growth market, driven by rising air travel, fleet expansions, and increasing investments in aerospace manufacturing hubs in China and India. Enquire Before Buying: Schedule a Consultation with Our Experts - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/query/request-sample/aerospace-parts-manufacturing-market.html Who are Largest Aerospace Parts Manufacturing Companies Globally? The market is competitive and dominated by global giants, including: Boeing Airbus Derco RTX Northrop Grumman General Electric Aerospace Honeywell Rolls Royce PLC Safran Thales Group Collins Aerospace L3Harris Technologies MTU Aero Engines Intrex Aerospace BAE Systems Others These players are focusing on M&A, capacity expansion, and R&D investments to maintain competitiveness. In 2024, Honeywell invested USD 84 million in its Kansas aerospace facility to expand avionics production, while Lockheed Martin's Derco subsidiary expanded in Texas with a focus on 3D printing. Buy this Report - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/pricing/aerospace-parts-manufacturing-market.html What's Included in the Report? What is the current size of the Aerospace Parts Manufacturing Market? What drives the growth of this market? Which product segment leads the market? Which end-user segment shows maximum demand? Which region holds the largest market share? What role does sustainability play in this market? What challenges does the market face? What is the biggest trend shaping the market? Who are the major players in the market? What opportunities lie ahead in this market? Explore More Aerospace Industry Research Reports: Aircraft Electrical Systems: According to a dedicated report, the Global Aircraft Electrical Systems Market size was valued at around USD 17.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 28.5 Billion by 2030. Aircraft Seating: According to a dedicated report, the Global Aircraft Seating Market size was valued at around USD 8.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 11.53 billion by 2030. Aircraft Fuel Tank: According to a dedicated report, the Global Aircraft Fuel Tank Market size is valued at around USD 976 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.6 Billion by 2030. Aircraft Gearbox: According to a dedicated report, the Global Aircraft Gearbox Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 5.5% by 2027. Aircraft Switches: According to a dedicated report, the Global Aircraft Switches Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 3.3% by 2027. Aircraft Central Processing Unit (CPU): According to a dedicated report, the Global Aircraft Central Processing Unit (CPU) Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 4.46% by 2027. Aircraft Digital Cockpit: According to a dedicated report, the Global Aircraft Digital Cockpit Market is projected to witness around 6% CAGR by 2027. Aircraft Paints and Coatings: According to a dedicated report, the Global Aircraft Paints and Coatings Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 3.98% by 2027. Aircraft Hangar Equipment: According to a dedicated report, the Global Aircraft Hangar Equipment Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 4.6% by 2028. Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Services: According to a dedicated report, the Global Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Services Market size in the year 2022 was around USD 78.9 billion and it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 7.32% during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-29. Aircraft Multi-Function Display: According to a dedicated report, the Global Aircraft Multi-Function Display Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 8.76% during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-30. About Us - MarkNtel Advisors is a leading consulting, data analytics, and market research firm that provides an extensive range of strategic reports on diverse industry verticals. We being a qualitative & quantitative research company, strive to deliver data to a substantial & varied client base, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals, among others. We have our existence across the market for many years and have conducted multi-industry research across 80+ countries, spreading our reach across numerous regions like America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, etc., and many countries across the regional scale, namely, the US, India, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Brazil, and several others. Contact Us: MarkNtel Advisors Office No.109, H-159, Sector 63, Noida, Uttar Pradesh-201301, India Contact No: +91 8719999009 Email: sales@marknteladvisors.com Visit our Website: https://www.marknteladvisors.com Content Source: https://www.marknteladvisors.com/press-release/aerospace-parts-manufacturing-market-growth Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2687299/MarkNtel_Advisors_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aerospace-parts-manufacturing-market-fy-2025-30-value-to-reach-usd-1-200-billion-by-2030--driven-by-aircraft-deliveries-defense-investments-and-sustainability-trends-markntel-advisors-302546471.html DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit , the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is pleased to announce a new partnership between Bybit Pay and SettlePay , a comprehensive payment gateway for businesses worldwide. The strategic channel partnership opens up new dimensions for Bybit Pay to meet global businesses' fiat and crypto payment needs with SettlePay's compliant and scalable solutions. SettlePay supports over 150 payment methods and is trusted by hundreds of merchants in over 50 countries for its robust payment rails and anti-fraud protection. With the new alliance, crypto payments are faster, smoother, and ever more ready-for-business. Thousands of merchants can now activate Bybit Pay directly through SettlePay's infrastructure, and benefit from localized and streamlined onboarding and payout flows in each region. This unlocks access to Bybit Pay for potentially all merchants on the SettlePay network. For small businesses with international ambition, whether they are an e-commerce company or offering cross-border services, the integrated solution will connect them to customers beyond their local markets as well as digital asset holders. Built for real-world use cases and local operational needs, Bybit Pay and SettlePay bring together the best crypto and payment infrastructure has to offer. "Bybit Pay is scaling our capabilities and network one node at a time to better serve merchants and payers by bridging all eligible payment methods. We are pleased to join forces with SettlePay to broaden our network and meet the real-world demands of our community," Sophie Chen, Head of Marketing, Payment Business Unit at Bybit. "This partnership goes far beyond plug-and-play. It's about creating a frictionless, high-conversion experience for merchants and their users. Bybit Pay is a game-changer, and we're proud to bring it to our ecosystem with custom-fit integrations, local payout rails, and direct access to high-growth regions. Together, we're enabling global businesses to scale faster with crypto-powered infrastructure that's built for real-world commerce," said Igor Bokiy, CEO of SettlePay. Bybit Pay currently serves global users who have successfully completed Identity Verification on Bybit. Users from Service Restricted Countries or local Bybit entities are not currently supported. For the latest updates and detailed terms and conditions, users may visit the Bybit Pay official page . This partnership marks a pivotal step in making crypto payments more accessible and operationally viable for businesses worldwide. With SettlePay's global infrastructure and localized know-how, Bybit Pay is now positioned to accelerate adoption across diverse markets enabling merchants to integrate faster, settle easier, and scale with confidence. Bybit / TheCryptoArk / BybitPay / BybitCard About Bybit Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com . For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube About SettlePay SettlePay is a global Payment Gateway trusted by 300+ businesses worldwide, enabling companies to send and receive crypto and fiat payments through a single, compliant infrastructure fast, secure, and built to scale. With 150+ payment methods across 50+ countries, SettlePay crafts tailored solutions for the exact needs of network merchants, whether they run an international e-commerce brand, a digital platform, or a next-gen Web3 business. SettlePay combines deep market expertise with advanced infrastructure to deliver a seamless payment experience from integration to execution. Customers rely on SettlePay solutions for speed, flexibility, transparency, and full regulatory alignment. Website: https://settlepay.digital/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764698/Image.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2267288/5491875/Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bybit-pay-expands-global-access-in-strategic-channel-partnership-with-settlepay-302546688.html MONTREAL, QC / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Sadie, the AI-powered host for the hospitality industry, has partnered with Libro, a leading North American provider of reservation and guest engagement technology, to deliver a fully integrated solution that simplifies and strengthens front-of-house operations for restaurants. This collaboration connects Libro's comprehensive reservation tools with Sadie's 24/7 AI receptionist, providing restaurants with a seamless way to manage bookings, capture missed calls, and improve the guest experience from first contact to final service. By integrating Sadie with Libro, restaurant operators can now combine real-time online reservation management with AI-powered phone support. Guests can book through Libro's digital channels or by calling the restaurant and speaking directly with Sadie, who takes bookings, answers frequently asked questions, and sends follow-up messages. All activity is synced within the reservation system, helping restaurants stay organized and responsive across every channel. "Restaurant teams are constantly balancing in-person service with incoming calls and last-minute bookings," said Mitch Bourassa, Partner at Sadie. "By integrating Sadie's conversational AI with Libro's reservation platform, we are giving operators a smarter, more streamlined way to manage guest communication and reservations without missing a beat." This offering helps restaurants increase booking volume, reduce missed calls, and alleviate staff workload-particularly during peak hours and outside of regular business times. With support for prepayments, secure deposits, and waitlists, the platform also gives restaurants more control over guest flow and revenue optimization. "We're excited to partner with Sadie and extend the value of Libro's platform to help restaurants operate more efficiently," said Lorne Schwartz, President at Libro. "Together, we are supporting operators with technology that enhances guest engagement, improves service, and drives revenue." About Sadie Sadie empowers hospitality businesses with AI-driven solutions that streamline customer interactions and free up staff to focus on in-person service. As the AI-powered host for the industry, Sadie delivers seamless, intelligent voice experiences that help venues secure bookings, manage guest inquiries, and improve operational efficiency. Headquartered in Montreal and owned by Valsoft, Sadie is on a mission to transform how hospitality connects with customers-making every interaction effortless, personal, and revenue-generating. For more information, visit heysadie.ai. About Libro Libro is one of North America's leading online guest experience solutions, providing restaurants with an affordable, fully branded platform to fill tables, manage reservations, reduce no-shows, engage customers, and elevate the overall guest experience. The company's Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform empowers restaurateurs to control the entire online reservation process, retain customer data, and eliminate costly third-party commission models. Headquartered in Montreal, the Libro reservation platform is used by over 3,000 locations across Canada, the United States, and Europe. For more information, visit www.librorez.com. About Valsoft Valsoft acquires and develops vertical market software companies with the goal of driving long-term growth and value creation. Valsoft partners with companies to provide operational support, capital, and strategic expertise while allowing them to retain their entrepreneurial spirit. Headquartered in Montreal, Valsoft has a presence in over 20 countries and operates in more than 30 vertical markets. For more information, visit www.valsoftcorp.com. ----- Media contact information Thierry Tardif Communications and Public Relations Valsoft Corporation +1 514-799-6679 t.tardif@valsoftcorp.com SOURCE: Valsoft Corp View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/sadie-and-libro-partner-to-enhance-guest-booking-and-communication-i-1068793 The synthetic lubricants market is anticipated to increase due to continuous research and innovation in lubricant formulations are creating high-performance synthetic products tailored for specialized applications. WESTFORD, Mass., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SkyQuest Technology Consulting published a report, titled, "Synthetic Lubricants Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2032", valued at USD 20.64 Billion in 2024. With a projected CAGR of 2.93% from 2025 to 2032, the market is expected to reach USD 25.91 Billion by the end of 2032. The global automotive sector significantly drives synthetic lubricants adoption due to their superior thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and extended drain intervals compared to mineral oils. With increasing vehicle production, rising adoption of electric vehicles, and demand for enhanced fuel efficiency, automakers and consumers alike are shifting toward synthetic lubricants. Get a Free Sample Report - https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/synthetic-lubricants-market Synthetic Lubricants Market Dynamics The synthetic lubricants market has experienced significant growth owing to the rapid industrialization across emerging economies is boosting the use of synthetic lubricants in heavy machinery, manufacturing plants, and power generation. These lubricants enhance machinery efficiency, minimize downtime, and extend equipment life under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, making them a preferred choice for industries aiming at productivity and operational reliability. Another key factor driving the market growth is growing emphasis on sustainability and stringent environmental regulations encourage industries to adopt eco-friendly lubricants. Synthetic lubricants offer reduced emissions, lower oil volatility, and longer service life, reducing overall waste generation. This aligns with global regulatory frameworks promoting energy efficiency and environmentally responsible industrial practices, fueling synthetic lubricant market growth. Recent Developments in Synthetic Lubricants Market News In March 2025, Shell launched Shell Advance Ultra at the MotoGP event in Buriram, Thailand. This next-generation full synthetic engine oil meets the new API SP standard, offering up to 20,000 km power retention, 79% reduced evaporation, and enhanced fuel efficiency. It specifically targets racing enthusiasts and performance-driven motorcycle users. In March 2025, Eneos, Japan's largest oil refiner, revealed plans to halt lubricant production at its Yokohama plant by March 2028. Production will gradually decrease starting in January 2026. This restructuring comes in response to declining domestic demand and aims to optimize Eneos' global lubricant supply chain efficiency. In February 2025, BP announced a strategic review of its lubricants business, including its flagship brand Castrol. The review considers all options, including potential sale, as BP seeks to streamline operations. The move focuses on accelerating Castrol's growth in mobility, industrial lubricants, and emerging applications like fluids for data centers. Make an Inquiry to Address your Specific Business Needs - https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/synthetic-lubricants-market Major Challenges in Synthetic Lubricants Industry In several developing regions, industrial users and consumers have limited awareness of synthetic lubricants' long-term benefits. Preference for conventional oils due to familiarity and lower upfront costs hinders adoption. This lack of product knowledge and misconceptions about synthetic lubricants restricts market growth potential in fast-industrializing economies. The production of synthetic lubricants depends on petrochemical feedstocks, which are vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. Geopolitical tensions, crude oil price volatility, and raw material shortages can directly impact production costs and availability. These uncertainties discourage widespread usage and create challenges for consistent market expansion. Competitive Landscape The global synthetic lubricants market is highly competitive, with key players including Shell, ExxonMobil, BP (Castrol), Chevron, TotalEnergies, Fuchs, and PETRONAS. Companies focus on innovation, branding, and strategic restructuring. Shell invests in eco-friendly formulations and global distribution, ExxonMobil leverages Mobil 1's performance branding and R&D, while BP explores portfolio restructuring through Castrol to streamline operations and target growth in emerging lubricant applications. The major players in the synthetic lubricants industry include, Shell ExxonMobil BP Castrol TotalEnergies Chevron Fuchs Petrolub Valvoline Sinopec Lubricant Idemitsu Kosan Lukoil Petro-Canada Lubricants Eni Motul Synthetic Lubricants Market Segmental Analysis The synthetic lubricants market is segmented on the basis of product type, base oil, end user, and region. By product type , engine oils represent the largest share in the global synthetic lubricants market. Their dominance comes from widespread use in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles. With rising demand for fuel efficiency, extended drain intervals, and compliance with stringent emission norms, synthetic engine oils remain the most consumed product type worldwide. , engine oils represent the largest share in the global synthetic lubricants market. Their dominance comes from widespread use in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles. With rising demand for fuel efficiency, extended drain intervals, and compliance with stringent emission norms, synthetic engine oils remain the most consumed product type worldwide. By base oil , PAO base oils dominate the global synthetic lubricants market with the largest revenue share. Their superior thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and performance under extreme temperatures make them widely used in automotive and industrial applications. Cost-effectiveness compared to esters further strengthens PAO's position as the leading base oil type globally. , PAO base oils dominate the global synthetic lubricants market with the largest revenue share. Their superior thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and performance under extreme temperatures make them widely used in automotive and industrial applications. Cost-effectiveness compared to esters further strengthens PAO's position as the leading base oil type globally. By end user, automotive industry is the dominant end user of synthetic lubricants, driven by global vehicle production, rising demand for fuel efficiency, and extended oil drain intervals. Synthetic engine and transmission oils are widely adopted in passenger and commercial vehicles, securing automotive's position as the largest revenue-contributing segment worldwide. Read Synthetic Lubricants Market Report Overview - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/synthetic-lubricants-market Regional Outlook Asia Pacific is dominating region in the global synthetic lubricants market, fueled by rapid industrialization, expanding automotive production, and rising demand from emerging economies like China and India. Increasing infrastructure development, urbanization, and adoption of electric vehicles further accelerate growth, while regional players and global companies invest heavily to strengthen market presence. North America is fastest growing in the global synthetic lubricants market, driven by strong automotive production, advanced industrial sectors, and high adoption of premium lubricants. The U.S. dominates the region with rising demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, strict emission regulations, and innovation from major players like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Valvoline. What Eco-Friendly Innovations are Shaping the Synthetic Lubricants Market in the U.S.? The United States is the largest contributor to North America's synthetic lubricants market, driven by a robust automotive industry, advanced industrial base, and widespread adoption of premium lubricants. Strong presence of leading companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Valvoline enhances market growth. Strict emission standards and consumer preference for extended drain intervals fuel demand, while ongoing R&D and innovation in eco-friendly formulations further consolidate the U.S. as the dominant regional market. Explore Extensive ongoing Coverage on Materials Sector: Agricultural Lubricants Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/agricultural-lubricants-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/agricultural-lubricants-market Lubricants Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/lubricants-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/lubricants-market Alpha Olefins Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/alpha-olefins-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/alpha-olefins-market Food Grade Lubricants Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/food-grade-lubricants-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/food-grade-lubricants-market Automotive Lubricants Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/automotive-lubricants-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/automotive-lubricants-market Castor Oil & Derivatives Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/castor-oil-derivatives-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/castor-oil-derivatives-market Lubricant Additives Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/lubricant-additives-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/lubricant-additives-market Mining Lubricants Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/mining-lubricants-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/mining-lubricants-market Bio-based Chemicals Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/bio-based-chemicals-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/bio-based-chemicals-market Lubricants Packaging Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/lubricants-packaging-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/lubricants-packaging-market Water Based Lubricants Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/water-based-lubricants-market About SkyQuest Technology Consulting SkyQuest Technology Consulting is a leading Strategy Consulting and Market Research firm, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and growth consulting services, trusted by CXOs from Fortune 500 Companies, Start-ups, and MSMEs. The company comprises a team of expert research analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports in our database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 40+ industries & sub industries across 25 major countries worldwide, serving global clients across diverse industries. The company specializes in delivering customized intelligence, data-driven insights, and strategic advisory services that enable businesses to stay competitive and make informed decisions in rapidly evolving industries. Contact Us: SkyQuest Technology Consulting 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 USA (+1) 351-333-4748 Email: sales@skyquestt.com Visit Our Website: https://www.skyquestt.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2446095/SkyQuest_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/synthetic-lubricants-market-is-estimated-to-reach-usd-25-91-billion-by-2032--skyquest-technology-consulting-302546576.html By Tom Quimby, On-highway Journalist NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Cummins For nearly 20 years, biodiesel has been approved by Cummins for use in its on-highway diesel engines. Cummins' iconic workhorse, the X15 diesel, is approved to run up to B20 which contains up to 20% biodiesel mostly obtained from soybeans. Fleets and owner-operators using biodiesel in the X15 have long-enjoyed greater lubricity, lower emissions and higher cetane values over conventional diesel. A low carbon fuel like biodiesel will get even better when paired with Cummins' new 2027 X15. "I'm excited now more than ever to hear and get feedback from the industry," Clean Fuels Alliance America Technical Director Scott Fenwick said of the latest advanced diesel engines like the Cummins 2027 X15 which meet EPA 2027 emissions regulations. Fenwick noted that companies remain dedicated to lowering their emissions regardless of regulatory direction. Pepsi and ADM recently announced their commitment to testing B99 supplied by Pilot, the first station in the U.S. to provide nearly pure biodiesel. Trucks will be equipped with Optimus fuel systems that enable B100 use. Clean Fuels Alliance America has been working alongside Cummins and other OEMs for several years to increase the quality and availability of biodiesel. The Department of Energy currently lists 1,663 public and private fuel stations in the U.S. that supply B20. "Cummins in running some field trials using biodiesel blends greater than B20," said Jeff Klopfenstein Liquid Fuels expert at Cummins Corporate R&T Chemical Technology Group. "That's going to accelerate soon because companies want to decarbonize." "More and more, we're seeing a customer choice for low carbon fuels, for renewable fuels," Fenwick said. "Even though regulations around the world are being rolled back they still want to reduce their carbon footprint. They're going to proactively choose low carbon renewable fuels. It's an exciting time." Steve Howell, longtime chair of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Biodiesel Task Force and co-founder of MARC-IV Consulting, has also worked alongside Cummins for years researching and steadily improving biodiesel performance. The veteran oil chemist also sees corporate carbon goals creating more interest in biodiesel particularly as electric truck mandates are sidelined by state and federal lawmakers. "We see that as the major driver moving forward," Howell said. "And we see biodiesel in new diesel technology being a real winner there and renewable diesel as well because the new 2027 engine technology has tailpipe NOx emissions at almost a near-zero level." Both Howell and Fenwick credit Cummins for its ongoing work in testing biodiesel both in the field and in the lab. Cummins first approved biodiesel use in 2007. "Over the years, Cummins has worked positively and cooperatively with the industry to provide a bunch of the data needed to help set the specs and then to basically identify the performance characteristics of biodiesel," Howell said. "Cummins has been fantastic to work with," Fenwick added. Stay tuned as Tom explores how biodiesel continues to evolve-next up, a closer look at the testing and specifications driving its performance gains. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cummins Inc on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cummins Inc Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cummins-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cummins Inc View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/biodiesel-and-the-x15-low-carbon-power-for-2027-and-beyond-1068795 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Las Vegas Sands: Las Vegas Sands As grantees of the Drop by Drop Project - a water stewardship program operated in partnership between Sands and The WASH Foundation - the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) in Macao and Waterways Watch Society in Singapore have conducted work to address wetlands protection, biodiversity preservation and water conservation education in their respective regions. USJ used its Drop by Drop Project funding on an initiative to restore and maintain Macao wetlands by working to assess their unique biodiversity. The Waterways Watch Society focused its grant work on teaching more than 4,000 Singapore students about important water-related topics through school assembly presentations, learning sessions on outdoor trails and a clean-up at Marina Reservoir with Marina Bay Sands. As grantees of the Drop by Drop Project - a water stewardship program operated in partnership between Sands and The WASH Foundation - the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) in Macao and Waterways Watch Society in Singapore have conducted work to address wetlands protection, biodiversity preservation and water conservation education in their respective regions. USJ used its Drop by Drop Project funding on an initiative to restore and maintain Macao wetlands by working to assess their unique biodiversity. The Waterways Watch Society focused its grant work on teaching more than 4,000 Singapore students about important water-related topics through school assembly presentations, learning sessions on outdoor trails and a clean-up at Marina Reservoir with Marina Bay Sands. In Singapore, Waterways Watch Society's school assemblies and trail learning sessions educated students about water scarcity, sustainability, pollution and monitoring; conservation at home and in the community; the human impact on climate change; Singapore's water management infrastructure; and litter monitoring. More than 450 students also participated in seven waterway cleanups on foot at litter hot spots where they learned how waste affects water resources. As part of its Drop by Drop Project work with Waterways Watch Society, Marina Bay Sands participated in the organization's Kayak Waterway Clean-Ups, a unique experiential learning program in which participants explored litter hot spots on Singapore waterways. While paddling on kayaks in Marina Reservoir, a primary drinking water source, Team Members picked up litter and learned about its impact on water and wildlife. Marina Bay Sands supported 12 cleanups with 188 Team Members, including a session with resort executives. Sands' underwriting of the Drop by Drop Project is part of the Sands ECO360 global sustainability program, which guides the company's work to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable practices in the company's regions around the world. To learn more about the Drop by Drop Project, visit: https://thewashfoundation.org/dropbydrop/. To learn more about Sands ECO360, read the company's latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/ View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Las Vegas Sands on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Las Vegas Sands Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/las-vegas-sands Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Las Vegas Sands View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/travel/drop-by-drop-project-grant-recipients-tackle-wetlands-protection-and-water-conservation-educ-1068828 PHOENIX, ARIZONA / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Since 2011, Survivor Weekend has been welcoming college students from across the globe for three days of music, camping and competition. Students representing notable universities across the Southwest join teams called "tribes" based on their campus location and major, gathering in Northern Arizona for the event. Survivor Weekend was designed specifically as a way for college students, particularly freshmen, to have fun and make friends fast at the beginning of the school year. It's hosted annually by Campus Changer Network and Hope Church Movement . Pastor Brian and Wendy Smith are the founders of both Survivor Weekend and Hope Church Movement. Although the event is sponsored by a Christian church, it is not religious in nature. The hosts believe the biggest need college students have is to belong -that's why they welcome students from all backgrounds and beliefs. "Coming to college can feel like being swept up in a rapid river, pulled along by what everyone else is doing," said Pastor Brian Smith. "Students are anxious to connect and make friends. This weekend isn't just about camping and competition-it's about giving them a place to belong, a tribe that has their back as they navigate college." There's no question that today's college students are searching for something bigger than themselves to belong to. Research from MIT shows that "belonging uncertainty" is most pronounced during times of transition, like entering college. This refers to the uncertainty students might feel about whether they fit in or belong in a new social or academic situation. Belonging uncertainty can affect how students interpret daily challenges, sometimes leading them to see negative experiences as evidence that they don't belong. This can result in disengagement and poorer academic outcomes. On the other hand, students who feel a sense of belonging are more likely to succeed academically and persist in their courses, majors, and college overall. Over the past 15 years, Survivor Weekend has been doing its part in cultivating that sense of community that they long for. "Before, in college, I was going into the battle alone. It was just me and I was isolated. I've got my tribe behind me now," one student from the University of Arizona said. "Now it's going to be awesome because I'm not going into the battle alone. I got my whole tribe backing me up." This early sense of community is crucial. In fact, the relationships students form within their first weeks of college often shape their trajectory for the next four years and beyond. Studies show that first-year students who feel a sense of belonging report higher levels of academic engagement and better psychological adjustment, making these initial connections particularly important. Survivor Weekend gives students a fun way to form these meaningful friendships quickly. "Survivor Weekend is exactly the kind of event I wish I had when I was in college," Wendy Smith said. "It's a chance to meet people who can really get to know you and go beyond superficial connections." The first ever Survivor Weekend was in 2011, reaching students at Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz. with less than 200 participants. Now, the event aims to host over 2,000 students from five cities and 24 college campuses across Arizona, Nevada and Texas. Survivor Weekend has been held at Camp Raymond, a 160 acre Boy Scouts campsite in Parks, Ariz. since 2022. Pastor Brian hopes to continue expanding Survivor Weekend's reach to include 10 cities by the year 2030. "Looking back over the last 15 years, it's amazing to see how the event has grown," Pastor Brian said. "It started small, but it captured the hearts and minds of students and has kept growing ever since. My hope is that every college student, here and beyond, can find a tribe or community that has their back-a support system that helps them thrive, whether that's through Survivor Weekend expanding to more campuses or other organizations creating similar experiences for their students." Pastor Brian explores this vision further in his book, Winning the Battle to Belong , where he shares how collegiate churches and ministries can create their own impact events that help students develop a sense of belonging. Survivor Weekend is constantly evolving to maintain world-class value that keeps students coming back every year. From the opening ceremony DJ set to the muddy coliseum showdown, there is something for everyone to enjoy over the weekend. Survivor Weekend also prides itself on being a completely dry event, emphasizing no drugs, no alcohol and no regrets. If you would like to know more about or join us for Survivor Weekend, visit survivorwknd.com . How to Get Involved Survivor Weekend will take place September 5-7, 2025. Want to join your tribe? Sign up at survivorwknd.com/register . Not a college student but still want in on the action? Volunteer as a "Survivalist" - referee games, serve food, give directions, and help make sure competitors have an amazing experience. See details at survivorwknd.com/volunteer . About Hope Church Movement Hope Church Movement is a collegiate-focused church planting movement reaching 24 college campuses in Arizona, Nevada and Texas. Survivor Weekend is the premier annual event hosted by Hope Church Movement and the Campus Changer Network that occurs at the beginning of the fall semester as a means for students to find belonging and make friends fast, regardless of one's spiritual beliefs. Contact Information Ricky Ruedaflores Media Contact ricky@hopechurchmovement.com SOURCE: Hope Church Movement View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/survivor-weekend-celebrates-15-years-of-music-camping-and-compet-1068779 New Requirements in APAC Countries for Multinational Corporations NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Governance & Accountability Institute (G&A), a leading sustainability consulting and research firm, has issued a Resource Paper on trends in sustainability disclosure regulations in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The new Resource Paper, which is available here, discusses requirements for sustainability reporting in select countries and the implications for multinational corporations operating in the region. Key findings of the new Resource Paper include: APAC countries are joining a growing list of jurisdictions around the world that are adopting mandatory corporate sustainability reporting requirements, with Malaysia and Vietnam among the early movers. Sustainability reporting regulations across APAC have widespread alignment with international frameworks, particularly the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards S1 and S2 issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). The alignment with IFRS signals the prevalence of a financial materiality approach to sustainability reporting rather than a double materiality approach, although China has chosen to integrate double materiality. "Sustainability-related regulations in APAC are continuously evolving and expanding, with reporting frameworks that are currently voluntary expected to become mandatory over time," said Louis Coppola, CEO & Co-Founder at G&A Institute. "Staying on top of regulatory developments in the region is essential for those corporations that may be subject to APAC reporting requirements." Coppola added, "G&A is available to help corporations evaluate if and how new reporting obligations will apply to their business and to help prepare a regional reporting strategy that follows best practices." About G&A Institute, Inc. Founded in 2006, Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. (G&A) is a sustainability consulting and research firm headquartered in New York City. G&A helps corporate and investor clients recognize, understand, and develop winning strategies for sustainability and ESG issues to address stakeholder and shareholder concerns. G&A's proprietary, comprehensive full-suite process for sustainability reporting is designed to help organizations achieve sustainability leadership in their industry and sector and maximize return on investment for sustainability initiatives. Since 2011, G&A has been building and expanding a comprehensive database of corporate sustainability reporting data based on analysis of thousands of ESG and sustainability reports to help steer strategy for our clients and improve their disclosure and reporting. More information is available on our website at ga-institute.com. FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES & INTERVIEWS, CONTACT Louis D. Coppola CEO & Co-Founder Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. Tel 646.430.8230 ext 14 Email lcoppola@ga-institute.com Adoption of Sustainability Reporting Standards in Asia-Pacific Countries - A G&A Institute Resource Paper View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Governance & Accountability Institute on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Governance & Accountability Institute Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/governance-accountability-institute-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Governance & Accountability Institute View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/ganda-institute-issues-resource-paper-on-asia-pacific-sustainabi-1068836 Breakthrough Field Trial Results Show 0% Disease Incidence, Outperforming Industry Standards SASKATOON, SK, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NRGene Green, a global leader in AI-driven genomics for crop improvement, today announced breakthrough field trial results confirming complete resistance to clubroot in canola - a result that, as far as we know, marks the first field demonstration of immunity-level resistance to this devastating disease. Developed in Saskatchewan, this innovation brings long-term value to Canadian agriculture, strengthening the country's position as a global leader in sustainable crop development. Clubroot resistance trait development, IP protection, and all commercialization efforts are led by NRGene's wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, NRGene Green. Extensive field trials conducted in 2025 confirmed that NRGene's advanced introgressed donor lines achieved 0% disease incidence under high pathogen pressure, while existing industry-resistant varieties collapsed with disease infection rates exceeding 74%. With Canada's canola industry valued at $43.7 billion annually, these results represent a transformational breakthrough for global oilseed production, offering Canadian farmers the first truly robust defense against clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae), which threatens billions in yield losses worldwide. A Major Step Forward - Zero Infection Achieved in Field Trials NRGene's 2025 field trials delivered exceptional results across multiple breeding lines: Complete Protection : NRGene's advanced resistant lines (Donor A & Donor B) showed zero infection even under extreme disease pressure : NRGene's advanced resistant lines (Donor A & Donor B) showed zero infection even under extreme disease pressure Superior Hybrid Performance : New hybrid varieties incorporating the resistance achieved near-perfect protection with only 0.2% infection rates : New hybrid varieties incorporating the resistance achieved near-perfect protection with only 0.2% infection rates Consistent Results : Stabilized breeding lines maintained strong resistance with infection rates below 1% across multiple test conditions : Stabilized breeding lines maintained strong resistance with infection rates below 1% across multiple test conditions Current Solutions Inadequate: Existing "resistant" commercial varieties failed dramatically with 74-85% infection rates, proving current solutions cannot withstand today's aggressive disease strains "These results represent a global breakthrough in sustainable agriculture," said Dr. Masood Rizvi, General Manager of NRGene Green. "For the first time, farmers worldwide will have access to canola varieties that combine complete disease immunity with commercial viability, ensuring food security while driving long-term agricultural sustainability." Breakthrough Innovation for Global Agriculture NRGene's clubroot-resistant germplasm represents next-generation crop breeding technology: Non-GMO Precision : Achieved through genomics and AI-driven tools to identify natural clubroot resistance genes, enable efficient gene pyramiding, and apply targeted introgression using advanced molecular breeding technologies, supporting rapid regulatory acceptance and global deployment. : Achieved through genomics and AI-driven tools to identify natural clubroot resistance genes, enable efficient gene pyramiding, and apply targeted introgression using advanced molecular breeding technologies, supporting rapid regulatory acceptance and global deployment. Proven Durability : Resistance remains stable across diverse genetic backgrounds and environmental conditions : Resistance remains stable across diverse genetic backgrounds and environmental conditions Commercial Scalability : Lines are compatible with existing breeding programs, facilitating rapid integration into commercial hybrid development : Lines are compatible with existing breeding programs, facilitating rapid integration into commercial hybrid development Sustainable Agriculture: Reduces reliance on fungicides and prevents productive farmland losses - contributing to lower input costs and improved farmer margins "This achievement demonstrates how AI-driven genomics combined with an in-depth biology understanding can solve agriculture's most challenging problems," said Gil Ronen, CEO of NRGene. "Our technology provides farmers and seed companies with the first truly effective solution to this global crisis while protecting both yields and the environment." Market Commercialization and Global Partnership The resistant lines and molecular markers are now available for licensing to commercial breeding programs and seed companies worldwide. This opens high-value opportunities for seed companies to secure breakthrough resistance traits while equipping farmers with more resilient varieties. NRGene Green's royalty-based revenue model provides scalability and recurring income streams, creating a sustainable growth engine. With full compatibility across existing breeding programs, commercial integration can proceed rapidly, shortening the path from R&D to market-ready hybrids. NRGene Green is already collaborating with leading seed companies to integrate this innovation into elite pipelines. Securing Agriculture's Future NRGene Green's breakthrough in clubroot resistance positions the company as a global leader in agricultural innovation, addressing critical food security challenges while driving forward the next generation of climate-resilient, high-performance crops solutions. About NRGene Green NRGene Green, a wholly owned company of NRGene Ltd (TASE: NRGN), is dedicated to advancing oil-crops research and commercialization. By integrating AI-driven genomics and molecular breeding, NRGene Green develops and delivers innovative, high-performance canola and soybean traits to support seed companies and growers worldwide. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764633/NRGene_Green_Logo.jpg Media Enquiries: Daphna Tako Marketing Director NRGene daphna.tako@nrgene.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nrgene-achieves-full-clubroot-resistance-in-canola-and-moves-toward-commercialization-in-canada-302546597.html Latest progress from lead program Ampligen for the treatment of pancreatic cancer highlighted at the International 5th Annual Marie Sklodowska-Curie Symposium on Cancer Research and Care Ampligen has demonstrated data-driven promise in Progression-Free Survival and Overall Survival in both the DURIPANC clinical trial and an Early Access Program OCALA, Fla., Sept. 04, 2025thAnnual Marie Sklodowska-Curie Symposium on Cancer Research and Carehosted by and at Poland's National Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, Poland. AIM CEO Thomas K. Equels provided an overview of data from AIM's pancreatic cancer Early Access Program and the latest advancements in the Phase 2 DURIPANC pancreatic cancer clinical trial currently underway at Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands. The slides accompanying the presentation are now available on the Company's website. "Ampligen continues to demonstrate its potential for the treatment of late-stage metastatic and locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Our growing body of positive data continues to bolster our confidence. This lethal malignancy is a high unmet need. In particular, the Progression-Free Survival and Overall Survival - which are the gold standards for drug approval - seen in the clinical data demonstrated to date underscore our strong belief in the potential," AIM ImmunoTech CEO Thomas K. Equels stated. "I am pleased to be a part of this gathering of global regulatory leaders, world-renowned oncologists and biopharma industry to share this important progress with Ampligen and highlight its potential in late-stage pancreatic cancer. We look forward to advancing its development and remain committed to bringing it to patients in desperate need and without real hope." AIM's drug Ampligen is currently being tested in an ongoing Phase 2 DURIPANC clinical study evaluating the combination therapy of Ampligen and AstraZeneca's anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor durvalumab in the treatment of late-stage metastatic pancreatic cancer patients). Ampligen has patent protection for such a combination therapy in the United States through 2039, and US and EU orphan drug designations that will grant market protections for an approved drug. For more information on Ampligen and to stay up to date with the latest advancements, please visit the Company's website, aimimmuno.com. About AIM ImmunoTech Inc. AIM ImmunoTech Inc. is an immuno-pharma company focused on the research and development of therapeutics to treat multiple types of cancers, immune disorders and viral diseases, including COVID-19. The Company's lead product is a first-in-class investigational drug called Ampligenand connect with the Company on X, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Cautionary Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "PSLRA"). Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "continue," "believe," "potential," "upcoming" and other variations thereon and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Many of these forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Data, pre-clinical success and clinical success seen to date do not guarantee that Ampligen will be approved as a therapy in pancreatic cancer. The Company urges investors to consider specifically the various risk factors identified in its most recent Form 10-K, and any risk factors or cautionary statements included in any subsequent Form 10-Q or Form 8-K, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Among other things, for those statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the PSLRA. The Company does not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5084607c-f35a-48da-8b06-10fa35de54ff Investor Contact: JTC Team, LLC Jenene Thomas 908.824.0775 AIM@jtcir.com HONG KONG, Sept 4, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - Hosted by eBRAM International Online Arbitration and Mediation Centre ('eBRAM'), an independent not-for-profit arbitration and mediation institution established with the support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the seminar titled "A New Horizon in Film & TV Trading: Web3 - DMP - Reshaping the Cross-Industry Supply Chain" concluded successfully today. Featuring experts from different industries as speakers and panellists, the event gathered close to a hundred professionals, senior executives, etc., who witnessed the signing of the MOU, and to explore new landscape of film and TV trading.Following the opening remarks delivered by Dr. Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM, a welcome remarks was made by Dr. Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice of HKSAR. Together with Ms. Zhang Yumei, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Law of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, they witnessed the signing of the MOU between eBRAM and Radio Television Hong Kong, the Association of Motion Picture Post Production Professionals, and Asia Pacific Creativity Industries Association, with the parties committing to collaborating in promoting legal technology application in the film and TV cultural industry. In his welcome address, Deputy Secretary Cheung pointed out that being one of the important film and TV production centers in the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong serves as a "super-connector" between the Mainland China and international markets. To promote the healthy development of the industry, the Department of Justice continues to advance the development of legal technology application and dispute resolution mechanisms, enhancing the legal support framework through various policies and measures to foster industry innovation. At the same time, eBRAM's Deal-Making Portal (DMP) acts as a vital tool for the industry to address challenges, providing a more convenient channel for cooperation discussions and more efficient legal rights protection, supporting the steady development of the industry in the long term."CEPA" Promotes Connectivity Between the Film and TV Industries in Mainland China and Hong Kong Attracting International Capital Inflows and the Industry To Go GlobalThe country has actively amended the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement ('CEPA') - Agreement on Trade in Services, to accelerate establishing a new normal in film and TV cooperation between Mainland China and Hong Kong. In his keynote speech, Dr. Johnny Ng Kit-chong, MH, JP, Member of the Legislative Council and Director of eBRAM, shared his insights and explained how the newly amended CEPA can reshape and facilitate the upgrade and development of the film and TV cultural industries in the two places. Dr. Ng pointed out that CEPA has injected core impetus into the film and TV industries in Hong Kong and the Mainland China. Co-productions of Hong Kong films and TV programmes would be treated the same as Mainland productions, easing market access for them and allowing upgrade across the entire industry chain, from creation, production, investment to distribution and screening. The removal of restrictions on creative teams also helps safeguard the creative freedom and uniqueness of Hong Kong's film and TV creations. For the industry in Mainland China, the better framework permits it to leverage the international platform in Hong Kong in directing capital to speed up international cooperation and project development. Such in-depth integration can drive two-way flow of talent, funds and projects, opening up wider channels for Hong Kong's film and TV industry to enter the mainland market, and boosting the potential inflow of international capital and technologies, while also assisting mainland China's film and TV companies in expanding into international markets through Web3 technology.Synergistic Application of Legal Technology and Web3 to Reshape Entire Film and TV Industry ChainAt the seminar titled "On-chain Collaboration X Legal Protection: The Digital Transformation Journey of the Hong Kong Film and TV Industry in the Web3 Generation", Mr. Albert Leung, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer of eBRAM, Mr. Alan Chiu, Partner at ELLALAN, Mr. Kaijun Huang, Senior Partner at Beijing Dacheng (Shanghai) Law Offices, LLP, Mr. Rex Ma, Honorary President of the Asia Pacific Creativity Industries Association, Dr. Cheney Tsoi, President of the Asia Blockchain Society, and Dr. Alex Lau, Partner at the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Advisory Service, discussed the digital transformation and cross-border cooperation of the film and TV industry in the Web3 era. Speakers highlighted the structural impacts that Web3 technology brings to the film and TV industry, and analysed common obstacles and controversies in technological adaptation and cross-border collaboration within the industry. The discussion emphasized that legal technology enhances copyright protection in both Mainland China and Hong Kong, while mentioning that Web3 introduces disintermediation and smart contract applications to the industry chain, serving as the core for building a trustworthy trading environment and enhancing the efficiency of cross-border film and TV contracts and risk management. Discussions also pointed out how blockchain is reshaping collaboration model of the film and TV industry, emphasizing the role of DMP in transformation and dispute avoidance. It explained that through eBRAM's DMP and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform, the industry can leverage tools like smart contracts and blockchain evidence to provide seamless online trading and legal protection to cooperative projects, facilitating efficient cross-border market tradings and resolves common copyright and contract disputes in cross-border collaborations, as such, consolidating Hong Kong's position as a bridge for Sino-foreign film and TV cultural cooperation, and highlighting the critical role of technology and law in driving industry innovation, protecting rights, and enhancing cooperation efficiency.Dr. Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM, said, "eBRAM is very honoured to sign the MOU and joint hands with the various film and TV, and cultural creative institutions to build an efficient, professional and safe one-stop cross- jurisdiction online 'technology + law' solution platform for the industry. With the help of legal technology and Web3 blockchain technology, the platform will assist companies in effectively connecting resources and partners, clarifying contractual terms and providing digital dispute resolution solutions when needed, building together the world's first integrated ecosystem of 'Film and TV x Web3 x Legal Technology' with international influence, and kicking off strategic deployment of Hong Kong's Web3 cultural and creative industry. We look forward to welcoming more film and TV, and cultural creative institutions in different regions to join to perfect our ecosystem, and facilitate healthy cross-border development and cooperation in the film and TV, and cultural creative industry.'In November last year, eBRAM signed an MOU on 'International Dispute Resolution in the Film and Television Industry' with Hengdian Film and Television Industry Association and Dongyang Law Society, and in March this year, it participated in the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART). Such initiatives speak volumes to its commitment to introducing the DMP and ODR platforms to the film and TV industry and facilitating healthy and synergistic cross-border and cross-media development. On the foundation of the latest MOU signed with local film and TV cultural institutions, together with national policy support, eBRAM hopes to leverage its platforms to bring a continuous steam of new opportunities for film and TV collaboration between Mainland China and Hong Kong, fostering in-depth integration and innovative development within the industry.Photo CaptionsDr. Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM, host the opening of the event.Dr. Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice of HKSAR, delivers welcome remarks at the event.Dr. Johnny Ng Kit-chong, MH, JP, Member of the Legislative Council and Director of eBRAM, delivers keynote speech at the event.Ms. Zhang Yumei, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Law of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR (Left 3)and Dr. Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice of HKSAR(Right 3), together witness the signing of the MOU between Dr. Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM(Right 2), Ms. Angelina Kwan, JP, Director of Broadcasting at Radio Television Hong Kong(Left 2), Mr. Stephen Ma, Vice President of the Association of Motion Picture Post Production Professionals(Left 1), and Ms. Linda Lam, President of the Asia Pacific Creativity Industries Association(Right 1).(From Left to Right) Mr. Kaijun Huang, Senior Partner at Beijing Dacheng (Shanghai) Law Offices, Mr. Alan Chiu, Partner at ELLALAN, LLP, Mr. Rex Ma, Honorary President of the Asia Pacific Creativity Industries Association, Mr. Albert Leung, Acting Chief Executive Officer of eBRAM, Dr. Cheney Tsoi, President of the Asia Blockchain Society, and Dr. Alex Lau, Partner at the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Advisory Service, engage in an in-depth discussion on the digital transformation and cross-border cooperation of the film and TV industry in the Web3 era during the seminar.Olivia Kung, Member of the eBRAM Board of Directors, Chairman of the Marketing Task Force, delivers closing remarks at the event.About eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution CentreeBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre ('eBRAM') is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee established in 2018, with the support of Asian Academy of International Law Ltd, Hong Kong Bar Association, and The Law Society of Hong Kong. eBRAM tasks itself to elevate Hong Kong's arbitration and mediation services and build capacity to meet the rapidly expanding demand for online dispute resolution and deal-making services across the borders by utilising innovative technologies to enable the city to become a LawTech centre and hub for international business dispute avoidance and resolution and collaborate with global organisations and participating economies such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Belt-and-Road countries and beyond.eBRAM has developed its ODR platform and DMP Portal leveraging the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain and cloud. Cybersecurity and data privacy are our top priorities, and eBRAM makes every effort to ensure the security of information proceeded and stored on its platform.For more information, please visit the organisation's official website, LinkedIn, and Wechat Official Account (eBRAM).Source: eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre LimitedCopyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Biocodex, a French family-owned pharmaceutical pioneer in microbiota research for over 70 years, announces a strategic equity investment of 11 million in MRM Health, a Belgian clinical-stage biotech developing innovative microbiome-based therapeutics for inflammatory diseases and immune-oncology. The total partnership could reach approximately 30 million, reflecting Biocodex's long-term commitment to advancing new therapeutic approaches. MRM Health's 55 million Series B round was led by Biocodex, with strong participation from ATHOS, new investor BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity, and existing investors SFPIM (Belgium's sovereign wealth fund), Ackermans van Haaren (AvH), OMX Ventures Europe (OMX), and Qbic II. MRM Health is developing innovative treatments based on the human microbiome to address major diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers. Its lead asset, the flagship molecule MH002, has completed successful Phase IIa clinical trials in both ulcerative colitis and the rare disease indication of pouchitis. The company's exclusive CORAL technology platform leverages a rational, AI-driven approach to design, optimize, and manufacture live microbial consortia as a single active substance-meeting the industry's highest standards for reproducibility and tolerability. "This investment reflects our vision for innovation, deeply rooted in our historical area of expertise. By combining our longstanding experience in microbiota with breakthrough live biotherapeutic approaches, we are strengthening our ability to deliver concrete solutions for patients," said Nicolas Coudurier, CEO of Biocodex. "We are proud to welcome Biocodex as both lead investor in our 55 million Series B and as a strategic partner, investing in our manufacturing capabilities and early-stage programs. This major commitment is strong validation of our CORAL platform, giving us a unique edge in developing potent, resilient, and scalable microbiome-based therapeutics," said Sam Possemiers, CEO of MRM Health. About Biocodex Biocodex is an independent French pharmaceutical company present in over 100 countries. A pioneer in microbiota research, Biocodex develops innovative healthcare solutions in microbiota, women's health, rare diseases, and common health conditions. About MRM Health MRM Health is a clinical-stage biotech developing innovative, microbiome-based Live Biotherapeutic Products for chronic inflammatory diseases with high unmet needs, using its exclusive CORAL technology platform. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904987359/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts Monet Agency - Florence Desremaux Melanie Da Rui rpbiocodex@monet-rp.com +33 1 45 63 12 43 Strategic partnership between BSH and ECOVACS to develop innovative solutions for integrated floor cleaning Combining the strengths, expertise and experience of both companies to shape the market for cleaning robots World's first built-in vacuum and mopping robot that disappears invisibly behind the kitchen front, presented for the first time at the IFA trade fair MUNICH, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BSH Home Appliances Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of home appliances, and ECOVACS ROBOTICS, a global leader in service robotics, are entering into a global strategic partnership. The two companies are combining their expertise and focusing on joint development to bring innovative and intelligent floor cleaning solutions to market. The aim is to strengthen both companies' product portfolios and better serve consumer needs. Through this collaboration, both partners will benefit from mutual know-how, technological expertise and expanded market access. The partnership will enable new standards to be set in terms of innovation, quality and convenience in the field of smart home appliances. "The partnership with ECOVACS is an important step for us in expanding our range of cleaning robots," says Hendrik Kretzer, EVP Division Consumer Products of BSH Home Appliances Group. He adds: "We are convinced that the combination of our many years of experience in developing high-quality home appliances, our understanding of consumer needs, our technology and marketing expertise in the field of kitchen and built-in appliances, and ECOVACS' innovative strength and technological expertise in robotics will create real added value for consumers. We are very much looking forward to working together and shaping the future of floor cleaning robots." David Qian Cheng, CEO of ECOVACS ROBOTICS, added: "ECOVACS' mission is: Robotics for All. We are delighted to partner with BSH to bring ECOVACS' robotics and technologies into the kitchen, creating a pioneering new category for the service robotics industry. This strong alliance is built on our shared understanding of consumer needs and commitment to high-quality products. These are two strong brands coming together who are leaders in their respective fields. ECOVACS remains dedicated to driving pioneering innovation across multi-category service robotics to better serve consumers worldwide." The first product to emerge from this partnership is the world's first built-in vacuum and mopping robot from the Bosch home appliance brand, co-developed with and powered by ECOVACS robotics technologies. It is unveiled at the IFA trade fair and will be available in stores in Europe from spring 2026. It is the first system of its kind to be fully integrated into kitchen furniture. The full-service station is connected directly to the fresh water, wastewater and electricity connections and cleans both the robot and itself. From charging the robot to cleaning the service station, all processes take place invisibly behind the kitchen front. All the necessary modules fit into the sink cabinet, leaving enough space to accommodate standard waste disposal systems. Further information Website: https://www.ecovacs.com/global Press releases: https://www.ecovacs.com/global/newsroom Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecovacs.global/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecovacs-robotics-inc- About BSH BSH Hausgerate GmbH, with a total turnover of some 15.3 billion euros in 2024 and more than 57,000 employees, is a global leader in the home appliance industry. The Group's brand portfolio includes global home appliance brands such as Bosch, Siemens, and Gaggenau as well as regional brands such as Neff and Thermador. BSH manufactures at 39 factories and is represented in around 50 countries. BSH is a company of the Bosch Group. About ECOVACS ROBOTICS ECOVACS ROBOTICS, with products spanning over 180 major markets globally and serving more than 38 million households worldwide, is a global leader in service robotics industry. In line with its mission of "Robotics for All", ECOVACS is committed to creating a stylish and modern lifestyle for global consumers through continuous technological innovation and refined user experience. For now, its diverse portfolio of multi-scenario robotic solutions includes robotic vacuum cleaners, robotic window cleaners, robotic lawn mowers and commercial cleaning robots. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764699/World_s_First_Built_in_Vacuum_and_Mopping_Robot.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bsh-home-appliances-group-and-ecovacs-group-enter-into-strategic-partnership-in-the-field-of-robotic-vacuum-cleaners-302546758.html Rome, Italy--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Mexedia S.p.A. (Euronext Growth Paris: ALMEX), an international technology company active in telecommunications and digital services, took part in SiGMA Euro-Med 2025, one of the most prominent global events for iGaming and digital technologies, held this week in Malta. The event, which brought together more than 12,000 delegates and hundreds of exhibitors from around the world, confirmed itself as a key observatory for trends in digital innovation and customer experience. Within this context, Mexedia highlighted how SMS, often seen as a traditional channel, are instead reaffirming their role as a next-generation strategic asset for dynamic markets such as iGaming. Thanks to their universality, immediacy, and reliability, SMS remain the most direct and effective medium for secure, real-time interactions between brands and users. In iGaming-where speed, continuity, and trust are critical-they are particularly vital: from real-time notifications for tournaments and competitions, to authentication processes, security alerts, and loyalty campaigns. The integration with omnichannel platforms has further enhanced their potential. Today, SMS can be seamlessly combined with workflow automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics, transforming a simple channel into a core component of sophisticated customer engagement strategies. "iGaming is a sector that requires instant, global, and secure interactions. This makes it an ideal ground to observe dynamics that often extend to other industries," said Orlando Taddeo, CEO of Mexedia. "Our platforms are designed to facilitate communication between companies and users, enhancing customer experience and increasing process transparency." Giovanni Mannarino, Head of Messaging and Enterprise Solutions at Mexedia, added: "SMS are not just a traditional channel: they are the foundation upon which we are building next-generation solutions. Their immediacy, combined with automation and artificial intelligence, allows iGaming operators to deliver secure and continuous interactions, turning customer experience into a true competitive advantage." Through its Mexedia ON suite, which integrates messaging, voice, number management, and workflow automation, Mexedia positions itself as a technology partner of choice for enterprises aiming to transform customer relationships into a strategic asset-both in iGaming and across industries that require fast, transparent, and secure interactions. About Mexedia Mexedia S.p.A. is a technology company listed on Euronext Growth Paris (ticker: ALMEX). Operating globally in telecommunications and digital services, it provides solutions for managing brand-customer communications. Through its Mexedia ON suite, it integrates AI, IoT, SMS, and workflow automation to simplify business processes and enhance customer experience. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements pursuant to Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 ("MAR") and other applicable provisions. These statements reflect the current expectations, projections, and beliefs of Mexedia S.p.A. Societa Benefit regarding future events, business performance, and strategies. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Mexedia undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265138 SOURCE: Mexedia AUSTIN, Texas and TOKYO, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to DataM Intelligence, the RNAi technology market size reached US$ 2.75 Billion in 2024 from US$ 2.51 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 6.63 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 10.4% during the forecast period 2025-2033. The breakthrough approval of Onpattro (patisiran) in 2018 marked the first siRNA drug to reach patients, validating gene silencing as a viable medical strategy. This success was quickly followed by other Alnylam products like Givlaari (givosiran) for acute hepatic porphyria, Oxlumo (lumasiran) for primary hyperoxaluria, and Amvuttra (vutrisiran), which established RNAi's leadership in rare genetic and hepatic disorders. A pivotal milestone came with Leqvio (inclisiran), developed with Novartis, expanding RNAi into the large cardiovascular disease market, demonstrating scalability beyond niche indications. Advances in delivery technologies, particularly GalNAc conjugates for hepatocyte targeting and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), have further amplified RNAi's market potential by improving safety, durability, and patient convenience. Strategic partnerships between RNAi innovators and global pharma leaders are accelerating commercialization and broadening clinical pipelines, while regulatory agencies are offering supportive pathways such as orphan drug and breakthrough designations. RNAi is no longer confined to rare disease therapies but is poised to tackle oncology, CNS disorders, and infectious diseases. By silencing disease-causing genes with precision, RNAi is amplifying not only clinical outcomes but also its market footprint, positioning it as one of the most promising frontiers in next-generation therapeutics. Get a Sample PDF Brochure of the Report (Use Corporate Email ID for a Quick Response): https://www.datamintelligence.com/download-sample/rnai-technology-market Key Highlights from the Report The global RNAi technology market is expected to grow from US$ 2.75 billion in 2024 to US$ 6.63 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 10.4%. North America dominates with a 42.73% market share in 2024, driven by advanced biotech ecosystem and early regulatory approvals. The siRNA segment holds the largest share at 43.61% in 2024, supported by successful clinical validations. The Asia Pacific region is expected to see significant growth, fueled by the fastest CAGR of 11.7% over the forecast period. Proven Clinical Validation with First-to-Market RNAi Therapeutics is Significantly Driving the RNAi The proven clinical validation of first-to-market RNAi therapeutics is one of the most powerful catalysts driving the RNAi technology market's growth. For years, RNAi was viewed largely as a promising research tool, but skepticism persisted around its clinical viability due to delivery and safety challenges. This changed with the approval of Onpattro (patisiran) in 2018, the first siRNA-based drug approved for treating hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis. Its success not only validated RNAi's therapeutic potential but also demonstrated that gene silencing could translate into meaningful patient outcomes. This milestone was quickly followed by other approvals, such as Givlaari (givosiran) for acute hepatic porphyria, Oxlumo (lumasiran) for primary hyperoxaluria, and Leqvio (inclisiran) for hypercholesterolemia, collectively establishing RNAi as a credible therapeutic modality. Each approval has progressively built trust among regulators, investors, and pharmaceutical companies, reducing uncertainties around safety, durability, and regulatory pathways. These successes have proven RNAi's scalability beyond ultra-rare diseases, with inclisiran marking a significant step into the large cardiovascular market. The commercial performance of these drugs, combined with positive Phase III trial results from emerging candidates, has attracted major partnerships and licensing deals between RNAi-focused biotechs like Alnylam and Arrowhead and global pharma leaders. This validation loop successful approvals driving partnerships, funding, and expanded pipelines, is significantly accelerating the overall RNAi market, transforming it from a niche innovation into a mainstream therapeutic platform. Get Customization in the report as per your requirements: https://www.datamintelligence.com/customize/rnai-technology-market The siRNA (small interfering RNA) Segment is Dominating the RNAi Technology Market with a 43.61% Share in 2024 The siRNA (small interfering RNA) segment is dominating the RNAi technology market because it has delivered the most successful and clinically validated products to date, establishing itself as the core therapeutic modality in RNAi. siRNAs are synthetic double-stranded oligonucleotides that precisely silence disease-causing genes, and their design flexibility, combined with advances in delivery technologies such as GalNAc conjugates and lipid nanoparticles, has made them commercially viable. The landmark approval of Onpattro (patisiran) in 2018 for hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis was the first breakthrough, proving siRNA's potential in rare genetic diseases. This was followed by other Alnylam products like Givlaari (givosiran) for acute hepatic porphyria, Oxlumo (lumasiran) for primary hyperoxaluria, and Amvuttra (vutrisiran), which further validated siRNA's role in treating liver-related disorders. Additionally, Leqvio (inclisiran), co-developed by Novartis and Alnylam, marked a major expansion of siRNA into the cardiovascular market, addressing high cholesterol in a much larger patient population. These successes demonstrate siRNA's scalability beyond ultra-rare diseases, making it the most commercially advanced RNAi segment. North America Is Expected to Dominate the Global RNAi Technology Market with a 44.13% in 2024 North America holds dominance in the RNAi technology market due to its advanced biotech ecosystem, strong funding landscape, and early regulatory approvals of pioneering RNAi drugs. The US, in particular, is home to industry leaders such as Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, which has successfully commercialized multiple siRNA therapies, including Onpattro (patisiran), Givlaari (givosiran), and Oxlumo (lumasiran), setting global benchmarks for RNAi therapeutics. The region also spearheaded the launch of Leqvio (inclisiran) in collaboration with Novartis, marking a major expansion into the high-prevalence cardiovascular disease space. North America benefits from supportive regulatory frameworks, with the FDA granting designations like orphan drug and breakthrough therapy that have accelerated development timelines for RNAi assets. Additionally, strong academic institutions and research centers in the US and Canada drive innovation in RNAi delivery systems and preclinical research. The presence of established pharmaceutical companies actively partnering with RNAi-focused biotechs further strengthens commercialization pathways. These factors, combined with a high prevalence of genetic and metabolic disorders, robust reimbursement infrastructure, and significant venture capital interest, ensure that North America continues to lead in both revenue share and pipeline advancement in the global RNAi technology market. Key Market Companies: Major companies working towards the market's growth include Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Merck KGaA, Creative Biolabs, GenScript, Revvity, Promega Corporation, OriGene Technologies, Inc. and Altogen Biosystems, among others. Recent Developments in the Market In March 2025, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the leading RNAi therapeutics company, highlighted the significance of the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of Qfitlia (fitusiran), the sixth Alnylam-discovered RNAi therapeutic approved in the U.S., and the first and only therapeutic to lower antithrombin (AT), a protein that inhibits blood clotting, to promote thrombin generation to rebalance hemostasis and prevent bleeds. Qfitlia is indicated in the U.S. for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with hemophilia A or B, with or without factor VIII or IX inhibitors (neutralizing antibodies). In March 2025, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for its RNAi therapeutic, AMVUTTRA (vutrisiran), for the treatment of the cardiomyopathy of wild-type or hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) in adults to reduce cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular hospitalizations and urgent heart failure visits. The approval expands the indication for AMVUTTRA, which now becomes the first and only therapeutic approved by the FDA for the treatment of ATTR-CM and the polyneuropathy of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR-PN) in adults. Related Reports: Small Interfering RNA (siRNA) Therapeutics Market Size, Share Analysis, Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033 miRNA Tools and Services Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031) RNAi Therapeutics Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031) About DataM Intelligence 4Market Research: DataM Intelligence 4Market Research is a market intelligence platform that gives access to syndicated, customized reports and consulting to its clients in one place. As a firm with rich experience in research and consulting across multiple domains, we are a one-stop solution that will cater to the needs of clients in key business areas. DataM Intelligence has an online platform whose coverage includes industries such as chemicals and materials, agriculture, health care services, animal feed, and food & beverages among others. Our platform has Insights on markets that uncover the latest market research data that are distinct from the competition. With coverage across 10 major industries in the marketplace research, DataM Intelligence benefits thousands of companies by helping them take their innovations early to the market, by providing a complete view of the market with statistical forecasts. Our strategy-centric framework and value-added services will let individuals and corporates with ease of access and custom personalization to research and markets. To find out more, visit https://www.datamintelligence.com/ or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook . Contact: Mr. Sai Kiran DataM Intelligence 4market Research LLP Ground floor DSL Abacus IT Park, Industrial Development Area Uppal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500039 USA: +1 877-441-4866 Email:Sai.k@datamintelligence.com Content Source: https://www.datamintelligence.com/research-report/rnai-technology-market Visit Our Website: https://www.datamintelligence.com/ Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1858619/3573087/DataM_Intelligence_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rnai-technology-market-size-to-reach-usd-6-63-billion-with-10-4-cagr-by-2033--report-by-datam-intelligence-302546769.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Delta Resources Limited (TSXV: DLTA) (OTC Pink: DTARF) (FSE: 6GO1) ("Delta" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming Precious Metals Summit, taking place in Beaver Creek, Colorado from September 9 to 11, 2025. The Precious Metals Summit is a premier event that connects the world's most promising precious metals companies by invitation only and is designed to help institutional investors and corporate development executives from senior mining companies identify some of the most prospective precious metals producers, developers, and explorers from around the globe. Representing Delta at the conference will be Frank Candido, Executive Chairman, and Daniel Boudreau, Exploration Manager. The Company will be available throughout the event to discuss its current strategic plans and engage with potential partners. Delta's primary focus at the summit will be to present its upcoming drill campaign at the Delta-1 Gold Property in Thunder Bay, Ontario (see August 27, 2025, press release). In addition, Delta will be open to discussions with interested parties regarding the potential monetization of its large-scale Delta-2 Gold and Polymetallic Property in Chibougamau, Quebec. The Delta-2 Property Highlights Include: 405 claims covering 218 km Multiple drill-ready targets for both gold and VMS systems for both gold and VMS systems Full high-resolution geophysical coverage Just 2 km south of the historic high-grade Lemoine Mine, which produced over 1 million metric tonnes of copper and 3.5 million ounces of gold Almost $7 million invested by Delta to date (renewed until 2026 with over $6M in reserve assessment credits) by Delta to date (renewed until 2026 with over $6M in reserve assessment credits) Located in a favorable geological setting with multiple known deposits nearby Excellent infrastructure and accessibility, including: Year-round road access via Highway 167 High-voltage power lines and a railway crossing the property Proximity to multiple mills within a 100 km radius Located in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of the Chapais/Chibougamau Mining Camp Delta believes that the Delta-2 property package offers excellent exploration upside and presents a strong opportunity for parties with regional synergies. More information on Delta-2 can be found here: Delta-2 Project. Monetizing this asset would provide the Company with a non-dilutive source of capital to accelerate the advancement of its core Delta-1 project. Although Delta already has a robust schedule of meetings, the Company encourages interested investors, analysts, and industry partners to reach out to arrange additional meetings, either on-site during the conference or off-site following the event. About Delta Resources Limited Delta Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration and project development company focused on its Delta-1 project in Ontario, where it has discovered a large, near-surface gold deposit located 50 kilometres west of Thunder Bay, directly adjacent to the Trans-Canada Highway. To date, the gold deposit is 2.5 kilometres long, from surface to over 300 metres depth. Highlights include drill intercepts such as 5.92 g/t Au over 31 m (including 14.8 g/t Au over 11.9 m), and 1.79 g/t Au over 128.5 m. The property covers 297 square kilometres where Delta has identified multiple corridors of intense alteration and deformation, on strike with and to the south of the Eureka gold zone and that have yet to be thoroughly explored. Mineralization has been identified at vertical depths of up to 600 m and the deposit remains open in all directions. We seek safe harbour. 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. The TSX Venture Exchange has not approved nor disapproved of the information contained herein. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Some statements contained in this news release are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases (including negative or grammatical variations) or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and involves risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual facts to differ materially. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those anticipated by management. The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes management's current estimates, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered thereby. We expect that these estimates will change as new information is received. While we may elect to update these estimates at any time, we do not undertake to update any estimate at any time or in response to any event. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265149 SOURCE: Delta Resources Limited NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rising demand for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies, coupled with expanding applications in regenerative medicine, immunotherapy, and tissue engineering, is fueling strong growth in the MSC-specific culture medium market. The Global MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market is set to play a crucial role in advancing stem cell-based research and clinical applications, enabling scalable expansion, improved viability, and reproducibility of MSCs. According to Vantage Market Research's latest report, "MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Product, Application, End User, and Region - Historic Data (2021-2023), Base Year (2024) & Forecast Period (2025-2035)," the market is projected to grow from USD 1.23 billion in 2024 to USD 4.1 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 11.6% during 2025-2035. MSC culture media provide the essential nutrients, growth factors, and optimized formulations required to expand MSCs while maintaining their multipotency and therapeutic potential. Their application is growing rapidly across drug discovery, cancer research, regenerative medicine, and cell therapy. Get a Sample Report of MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market Forecast @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/mscspecific-cell-culture-medium-market-3278/request-sample (Sample reports are a great way to test our in-depth reports or study before you make a purchase) The newly updated, 245+ 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: By Product: Serum-free and xeno-free MSC-specific media dominated in 2024, ensuring higher safety and compliance for therapeutic use. By Application: Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies accounted for the largest share Regional Leadership: North America led in 2024 with market share of 39.8%, driven by a strong biopharma ecosystem, regulatory support, and a growing number of MSC-based clinical studies. Competitive Landscape: Top Companies in the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market: Vantage Market Research has identified the following companies as the top market players: Thermo Fisher Scientific Lonza Group Merck KGaA Sartorius AG Corning Incorporated PromoCell GmbH STEMCELL Technologies Bio-Techne Corporation FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific HiMedia Laboratories To Know an Additional List of Key Players, Request Here to Download a Free Report PDF Brochure: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/mscspecific-cell-culture-medium-market-3278/request-sample These leading players are focusing on serum-free, GMP-grade media formulations and strategic collaborations with biotech and research institutions to advance MSC-based therapies globally. "MSC-specific culture media are becoming the cornerstone of regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy," said Nneha Rathod Godbole, Founder and CEO at Vantage Market Research. "They provide the essential environment for safe, scalable, and reproducible MSC expansion, enabling researchers and biopharma companies to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments in oncology, neurology, and immunology." Market Overview & Potential The global MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market is valued at USD 1.23 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.10 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 11.6% between 2025 and 2035. The market is expanding rapidly due to increasing adoption of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in regenerative medicine, oncology, immunotherapy, and tissue engineering. Rising clinical trials, demand for GMP-compliant and serum-free media, and advancements in scalable cell expansion platforms are driving the market's growth trajectory. Key drivers include: Rising prevalence of chronic and degenerative diseases, fueling demand for MSC-based therapies. Expanding investments in regenerative medicine, stem cell banking, and cell therapy manufacturing. Shift toward serum-free, xeno-free, and chemically defined media to enhance safety and regulatory compliance. Increasing translational research in MSC applications for oncology, cardiovascular, and immunological disorders. What Factors Are Accelerating the Demand and Growth of the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market? Growing MSC-Based Clinical Trials: Driving demand for high-quality, reproducible culture media. Driving demand for high-quality, reproducible culture media. Regenerative Medicine & Tissue Engineering: MSCs play a central role in bone, cartilage, and wound healing applications, requiring optimized media formulations. MSCs play a central role in bone, cartilage, and wound healing applications, requiring optimized media formulations. Biopharmaceutical R&D: Ensures standardization, scalability, and compliance in stem cell expansion and differentiation studies. Ensures standardization, scalability, and compliance in stem cell expansion and differentiation studies. Adoption of GMP-Compliant Media: Supports regulatory approval, sterility, and therapeutic safety. Supports regulatory approval, sterility, and therapeutic safety. Automation & Scalable Bioprocessing: Reduces contamination risks, improves efficiency, and enables large-scale production of MSCs. Collectively, these factors are positioning MSC-specific cell culture media as a cornerstone of regenerative medicine and advanced cell therapy development. What Are Emerging Trends Shaping the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market? Growing MSC-Based Clinical Trials: Driving demand for high-quality, reproducible culture media. Driving demand for high-quality, reproducible culture media. Regenerative Medicine & Tissue Engineering: MSCs play a central role in bone, cartilage, and wound healing applications, requiring optimized media formulations. MSCs play a central role in bone, cartilage, and wound healing applications, requiring optimized media formulations. Biopharmaceutical R&D: Ensures standardization, scalability, and compliance in stem cell expansion and differentiation studies. Ensures standardization, scalability, and compliance in stem cell expansion and differentiation studies. Adoption of GMP-Compliant Media: Supports regulatory approval, sterility, and therapeutic safety. Supports regulatory approval, sterility, and therapeutic safety. Automation & Scalable Bioprocessing: Reduces contamination risks, improves efficiency, and enables large-scale production of MSCs. Collectively, these factors are positioning MSC-specific cell culture media as a cornerstone of regenerative medicine and advanced cell therapy development. What Are Major Challenges Hindering MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market Growth? Growing MSC-Based Clinical Trials: Driving demand for high-quality, reproducible culture media. Regenerative Medicine & Tissue Engineering: MSCs play a central role in bone, cartilage, and wound healing applications, requiring optimized media formulations. Biopharmaceutical R&D: Ensures standardization, scalability, and compliance in stem cell expansion and differentiation studies. Adoption of GMP-Compliant Media: Supports regulatory approval, sterility, and therapeutic safety. Automation & Scalable Bioprocessing: Reduces contamination risks, improves efficiency, and enables large-scale production of MSCs. Collectively, these factors are positioning MSC-specific cell culture media as a cornerstone of regenerative medicine and advanced cell therapy development. Recent Developments Feb 2025 - Thermo Fisher launched a next-generation xeno-free MSC culture medium for clinical-grade stem cell manufacturing. - Thermo Fisher launched a next-generation xeno-free MSC culture medium for clinical-grade stem cell manufacturing. April 2025 - STEMCELL Technologies expanded its GMP media portfolio for MSCs to support regenerative medicine applications. - STEMCELL Technologies expanded its GMP media portfolio for MSCs to support regenerative medicine applications. June 2025 - FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Europe dedicated to advanced cell culture media production. Purchase Single User PDF of MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market Report (20% Discount) | Immediate Delivery @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/mscspecific-cell-culture-medium-market-3278/checkout Benefits of Purchasing MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium 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 Cell Therapy Manufacturing and Supply Chains? The MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market is becoming central to the success of regenerative medicine, stem cell banking, and advanced therapy manufacturing. Chemically defined, serum-free, and GMP-compliant media ensure reproducible expansion, multipotency retention, and regulatory compliance in MSC-based therapies. Optimized formulations reduce variability, lower contamination risk, and enable large-scale, clinical-grade manufacturing. As MSC applications in immunology, oncology, and tissue repair expand, secure access to high-quality, validated media formulations becomes mission-critical. Any disruption in raw material availability, logistics, or cold-chain handling can delay therapy timelines, increase costs, and impact patient outcomes. Impact: Expect stronger long-term supply contracts with specialized media providers, regional diversification of production facilities (APAC/NA/EU), and deeper collaborations with CDMOs for standardized formulations. Leaders will prioritize xeno-free, serum-free solutions, co-develop tailored media for disease-specific applications, and invest in inventory resilience to safeguard clinical and commercial pipelines. What Risks Should Investors Track? Raw Material Dependency: Limited suppliers for specialized serum-free and xeno-free components can create bottlenecks and cost volatility. Regulatory & Quality Compliance: Tightening GMP requirements and sterility validation extend timelines and raise QA costs. Performance Substitution: Academic labs and CDMOs may develop in-house formulations, pressuring commercial adoption and margins. Intellectual Property: Proprietary formulations and licensing disputes could influence competitive positioning. Cold Chain & Logistics: Many media products require temperature-controlled storage; transport delays or excursions can compromise product integrity. What Opportunities Exist for Sustainability and Growth Leaders? Next-Generation Serum-Free Media: Safer, reproducible, and regulatory-friendly formulations drive adoption in clinical-grade MSC manufacturing. Customized Formulations: Tailored media designed for oncology, neurology, and wound-healing MSC applications create niche growth avenues. Automation & Closed-System Platforms: Integration with bioreactors and automated expansion systems enhances scalability and reduces human error. Collaborations with CDMOs & Biopharma: Strategic alliances ensure supply security, faster clinical translation, and shared innovation pipelines. Advanced Monitoring & Analytics: Real-time sensors and digital quality control improve consistency, compliance, and batch-to-batch reproducibility. For decision-makers in regenerative medicine and biopharma, this market marks a strategic inflection point: early investment in GMP-grade, scalable, and serum-free MSC media solutions can safeguard supply chains, accelerate therapy approvals, and strengthen long-term investor confidence. Browse market data Tables and Figures spread through 245 Pages and in-depth TOC on MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market Forecast Report (2025-2035). Regional Insights Why Does North America Lead the Global MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market? In 2024, North America captured 39.8% of the global revenue share, making it the leading region in the MSC-specific culture medium market. Growth is fueled by strong adoption of regenerative medicine, stem cell therapies, and clinical trials involving MSCs for oncology, neurology, and immunology. The U.S. and Canada serve as innovation hubs, supported by robust funding, advanced biopharma ecosystems, and leading players such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Lonza, and Corning. High investments in GMP-compliant, serum-free media, automated bioreactors, and translational research programs are reinforcing North America's leadership in clinical-grade MSC expansion and commercialization. How Is Asia Pacific Emerging as a Key Growth Hub for MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium? Asia Pacific accounted for a significant revenue share in 2024, supported by rapid expansion of stem cell research, clinical trials, and regenerative medicine adoption. China, Japan, South Korea, and India are investing heavily in stem cell banking, GMP-certified production facilities, and xeno-free media solutions. Regional governments are funding cell therapy R&D and encouraging public-private partnerships, accelerating demand for advanced MSC culture solutions. Companies like Sartorius, Thermo Fisher, and local biotech firms are expanding manufacturing capacities and R&D collaborations across the region, positioning Asia Pacific as a critical growth hub in the coming decade. How Is Europe Driving Sustainable Growth in the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market? Europe contributed about 20% of the global revenue in 2024, driven by regulatory support for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) and rising demand for standardized stem cell therapies. Strong adoption of chemically defined and serum-free MSC media is evident in Germany, France, and the UK, where R&D clusters and university hospitals are leading translational research. EU incentives, government-backed programs, and a strong emphasis on clinical safety, reproducibility, and quality standards are expected to accelerate uptake of GMP-compliant MSC media across both clinical and commercial applications. How Is Latin America Unlocking New Growth Opportunities in the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market? Latin America accounted for around 6-7% of the global market in 2024, with Brazil leading growth due to expanding biotech infrastructure, stem cell research initiatives, and hospital-based therapy programs. Argentina is also showing increasing adoption of MSC-based regenerative medicine. Rising government investments in medical research, academic-industry collaborations, and the expansion of clinical trials are strengthening the demand for xeno-free and serum-free MSC media across the region. What Role Does the Middle East & Africa Play in the Expansion of the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market? The Middle East & Africa (MEA) is poised for steady growth, supported by healthcare modernization programs and growing interest in regenerative medicine. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's focus on biotech innovation are driving demand for GMP-certified MSC media in clinical research and stem cell therapy facilities. South Africa is emerging as a key hub for clinical trials, with increasing interest in automation, closed-system processing, and serum-free formulations to improve therapy outcomes. Expanding biopharma infrastructure and international collaborations are expected to unlock further opportunities across the MEA region. Segmental Insights By Type Which Type Dominated the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market in 2024? Serum-Free/Defined Media dominated the MSC-specific cell culture medium market in 2024, capturing the largest share of revenue. The dominance of this segment is driven by the industry-wide shift toward xeno-free, chemically defined, and GMP-compliant formulations, which offer superior reproducibility, reduced risk of contamination, and regulatory alignment for clinical applications. Serum-free media are increasingly preferred by pharmaceutical companies, biopharma start-ups, and CROs for large-scale MSC expansion, exosome production, and regenerative medicine programs. By Application Which Application Segment Drove the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market in 2024? Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies led the market in 2024, contributing the highest revenue share due to their focus on developing MSC-based therapies for oncology, neurology, and regenerative medicine. Strong investment in GMP-compliant, scalable culture media has reinforced this dominance. By Form Which Form of MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium is Most Preferred? Liquid Media dominated the market in 2024, accounting for the majority of revenue, owing to their ease of use, direct applicability in cell expansion, and widespread availability across research and clinical labs. Powdered Media are expected to see steady growth over the forecast period, particularly in large-scale biopharma production, where long shelf-life, lower shipping costs, and flexible reconstitution offer strategic advantages. Buy this Premium Research Report with Discount | Immediate Delivery @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/mscspecific-cell-culture-medium-market-3278/checkout Segments Covered in The Report By Type With Serum Without Serum (Serum-Free/Defined Medium) By Application Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies Academic & Research Institutions Exosome Production Supernatant/Conditioned Media Applications Regenerative Medicine & Cell Therapy Development Toxicity Testing & Drug Screening By Form Liquid Medium Powdered Medium By End-User Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) Hospitals & Translational Research Centers Biopharma Start-ups & SMEs 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 Key Questions Answered in The Report: Which region is projected to achieve the fastest and highest growth in the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium market over the next decade? Who are the leading five players in the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium market, and what are their strengths and weaknesses in terms of product portfolio, innovation, and global footprint? What breakthrough innovations, chemically defined formulations, and automation-enabled culture platforms are expected to shape the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium market in the next six years? Which applications-such as regenerative medicine, exosome production, and cell therapy development-are likely to dominate market share, and what factors are accelerating their adoption? What are the primary growth drivers, potential barriers, and critical challenges influencing the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium industry? What is the anticipated market size and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium during the forecast period? How will regulatory frameworks, GMP compliance, and the transition to serum-free and xeno-free media impact market dynamics and clinical adoption? 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. Buy Full Research Report on MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market 2025-2035 @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/mscspecific-cell-culture-medium-market-3278 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. 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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: Vantage Market Research MarketReports.us Market Business Insights vmr.biz v-mr.biz TechWire24 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2758208/Vantage_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/msc-specific-cell-culture-medium-market-to-reach-usd-4-1-billion-by-2035--with-cagr-11-6-driven-by-regenerative-medicine-and-stem-cell-therapy-growth-302546787.html Commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and customer experience positions Sanas as a category-defining leader in accent translation. SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that Sanas has been recognized with the 2025 North America Company of the Year recognition in the accent translation solutions industry for its outstanding achievements in advancing speech AI innovation, customer inclusivity, and operational efficiency. This recognition highlights Sanas' consistent leadership in driving measurable outcomes, strengthening its market position, and redefining global communication in an evolving competitive landscape. Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. Sanas excelled in both, demonstrating its ability to align innovation with customer demand efficiently, consistently, and at scale. "The company redefines speech AI as a vector for inclusion, rather than conformity, by enabling agents to retain their natural accents while ensuring intelligibility at scale. This orientation is particularly impactful in sectors with globally distributed teams and has resonated in markets historically marginalized by conventional linguistic norms," said Sebastian Menutti, Industry Director at Frost & Sullivan. Guided by a long-term growth strategy focused on accent translation, Sanas has shown its ability to adapt and lead in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. The company's agility and sustained investment in speech AI have enabled it to scale across diverse markets, empowering enterprises to unlock talent pools globally while delivering superior customer experiences. Innovation remains central to Sanas' approach. At the heart of Sanas' achievements lies a transformative accent translation platform designed for seamless integration and real-world enterprise needs. "At Sanas, we are building a future where technology strengthens human connection," said Sharath Keshava Narayana, Co-founder and CEO at Sanas. "This recognition reflects the progress we're making in creating solutions that not only improve clarity, but also empower global talent and redefine how enterprises communicate at scale." Sanas' unwavering commitment to customer experience further strengthens its position in the market. Its platform operates efficiently even on low-end hardware, enabling equitable access in under-resourced regions and ensuring high performance. Customizable voice profiles, intuitive dashboards, and continuous AI refinement create a flexible, transparent, and controlled customer ownership experience. Dedicated global support and consistently high satisfaction ratings reinforce Sanas' reputation as a trusted partner for enterprises worldwide. Frost & Sullivan commends Sanas for setting a new standard in ethical AI, inclusive design, and operational performance. The company's vision, innovation pipeline, and commitment to linguistic equity are reshaping the future of accent translation solutions while driving tangible results for customers, employees, and end-users alike. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Company of the Year recognition to a company that demonstrates outstanding strategy development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in market share, customer satisfaction, and competitive positioning. The recognition highlights forward-thinking organizations that are reshaping their industries through innovation and growth excellence. 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: Ashley Shreve E: ashley.weinkauf@frost.com About Sanas Sanas provides the world's first Real-Time Speech Understanding Platform powered by its patented AI technologies. Born from a mission to power a kinder, more compassionate world, Sanas is pioneering a revolution in human connection by making global, real-time communication more inclusive. Today, Sanas offers Real-Time Accent Translation and Noise Cancellation with omni-directional capabilities and speech enhancement. Founded in 2020, Sanas is led by a team of exceptional co-founders, including CEO Sharath Keshava Narayana and CTO Shawn Zhang. To learn more, visit Sanas.ai. Contact: E: sanas@nectarpr.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sanas-receives-frost--sullivans-2025-north-american-company-of-the-year-recognition-for-leadership-in-accent-translation-solutions-302544292.html LONDON, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE:LDOS) is unveiling Sea Dagger, a next-generation Commando Insertion Craft (CIC) concept developed for the Royal Navy. The first craft of its size to combine speed, range, vehicle delivery and modular mission systems into a single platform, Sea Dagger sets a new standard in maritime autonomy and operational agility. Developed under the UK Commando Force (UKCF) programme, the initiative's goal is to deliver 24 medium surface insertion craft capable of deploying Commando Strike teams, light tactical mobility platforms, offboard systems, and medium combat loads from long range, enabled by training and in-service support. Capable of exceeding 40 knots, Sea Dagger is the result of a collaborative development effort between Leidos Naval Architects and military subject matter experts, the Royal Navy, and UKCF. The design builds on more than 30 years of fast-craft expertise and incorporates Leidos technology, including Trusted Mission AI, autonomous systems and integrated weaponry. Operational resilience is central to the concept, with a focus on readiness, availability, maintainability and repairability. The platform is designed to continue delivering its mission under stress, disruption or attack for an enduring presence in contested environments. Aligned with AUKUS Pillar 2 maritime autonomy objectives and the UK Strategic Defence Review's vision to move to warfighting readiness and increasing lethality, Sea Dagger helps ensure the UKCF can respond quickly with the tools, training and systems needed to face the evolving threats and demands of modern conflict. Sea Dagger addresses the most pressing challenge faced by specialised units operating in coastal and shallow-water environments around the world. Unlike historical near-shore landing craft, Sea Dagger delivers a unique combination of naval architecture and high-technology sensors, weapons and C2 (command-and-control) capabilities shaped by the realities of warfare in modern conflicts. Adam Clarke, senior vice president and chief executive at Leidos UK & Europe said, "Sea Dagger represents a pivotal step in equipping the UK Commando Force with the capability to operate with greater agility, survivability and intent in a complex and congested maritime environment. The Leidos design reflects our commitment to delivering resilient, future-ready platforms that can adapt to the complexities of modern warfare, ensuring capability, availability and operational advantage from day one. I am delighted that Leidos is at the forefront of shaping the maritime marketplace, domestically and internationally." For more information about Leidos' autonomous maritime systems, visit leidos.com/autonomy. About AUKUS AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region through defence cooperation. AUKUS Pillar 2 focuses on advanced technology collaboration, including maritime autonomy, artificial intelligence, cyber, and hypersonics. About Leidos Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Leidos UK & Europe is a leading partner to the UK and Scottish governments supporting national security, defence and logistics programmes, as well as serving key clients in transportation and energy. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.leidos.com. Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the "Risk Factors" set forth in Leidos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made. Media enquiries Vicki Cordon Contact: vicki.cordon@uk.leidos.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764844/Leidos_Sea_Dagger.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/4662/5492231/LEIDOS_new_LOGO.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/leidos-unveils-sea-dagger-design-to-advance-uk-maritime-autonomy-capabilities-302546806.html Turbojet Manufacturer Expands U.S. Production for Drones and Advanced Munitions, Opens Facility to Meet U.S. Military Needs ROSWELL, GA / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / PBS Aerospace, the leading manufacturer of precision-made turbojet engines purpose-built for the modern battlefield, today announced the grand opening of its new U.S. headquarters and advanced manufacturing facility in Roswell, Georgia. Holding owned by William Didden's family made a 20-million-dollar investment to expand U.S. production of precision propulsion systems for advanced aerial platforms, strengthening America's defense industrial base while supporting the country's evolving military needs. PBS Aerospace's state-of-the-art facility is designed to rapidly scale production of small turbojet engines for unmanned systems, including drones, advanced cruise missiles and interceptors. By early 2026, the company expects its Roswell facility to produce thousands of engines annually to meet surging demand from the U.S. Department of Defense. PBS Group, the parent company of PBS Aerospace, also announced plans to invest an additional $90 million in U.S. production capacity over the coming years. The expansion will include the development of a new plant designed to further increase the output of small turbojet engines for unmanned systems, cruise missiles, and advanced aerial platforms. Recent world events show that the nature of warfare has evolved to rely on fleets of drones and advanced interceptors. PBS Aerospace's small, lightweight turbojet engines are built to be fielded quickly and at scale across a range of offensive, defensive, and reconnaissance platforms. Customers in the U.S. and allied nations choose PBS Aerospace engines for their precision manufacturing, unmatched flight reliability, and high efficiency. PBS Aerospace's engines are combat-proven at Technology Readiness Level 9, making PBS Aerospace uniquely positioned to deliver mission-critical systems at scale for the Department of Defense. "My decision to expand PBS Aerospace into the United States reflects our commitment to continue building PBS as a global brand," said PBS Group Owner William Didden. "This move combines decades of Czech engineering expertise with the opportunities of the world's largest aerospace market, strengthening our role as a reliable global partner." "I want to congratulate PBS Aerospace on this incredible milestone and, on behalf of all Georgians, I'm proud to welcome them to our thriving aerospace sector," said Governor Brian Kemp. "This investment underscores Georgia's commitment to innovation, our skilled workforce, and our role as the top state for business. We look forward to the opportunities this project will bring to Roswell and the entire state as PBS becomes the latest major player to operate in our second-largest industry." "Maintaining America's leadership as the dominant and stabilizing world power demands that we're capable of meeting and overcoming new and evolving threats to ensure our security, as well as that of our partners and allies," said Dr. Rich McCormick, U.S. Representative for Georgia's 7th Congressional District. "We're committed to bolstering our domestic defense manufacturing capabilities. This is necessary to reduce reliance on international supply chains and deliver our military the very best tools to ensure success in overcoming any challenges they face now or in the future." The grand opening event, which is taking place just seven months after announcing plans to build the facility, will be on Thursday, September 4, from 5-7 p.m. at PBS Aerospace's new headquarters at 1350 Northmeadow Parkway, Suite 130, in Roswell, GA. Featured speakers include Erin Durham, CEO of PBS Aerospace, and Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07). "The U.S. is a cornerstone of our growth strategy. Expanding production here allows us to accelerate deliveries, deepen collaboration with American partners, and invest in the innovations our customers require," said Petr Kadner, CEO of PBS GROUP. "Today's grand opening marks a pivotal milestone for PBS Aerospace, Georgia, and the future of American defense," said Erin Durham, CEO of PBS Aerospace. "Our precision-manufactured turbojet engines are designed to meet the rigors, mission-readiness, and reliability needed for the modern battlefield. The lightweight turbojet engines we produce are proven across the most demanding military applications, delivering performance the U.S. military counts on now, and at scale into the future." Strengthening Georgia's Economy PBS Aerospace selected Roswell for its aerospace innovation ecosystem, proximity to Georgia Tech, and access to a highly skilled workforce. The company's investment will create more than 100 high-paying, specialized jobs across engineering, advanced manufacturing, and operations. Also, 71 percent of PBS Aerospace technicians are U.S. military veterans, underscoring the company's commitment to hiring local talent and those who have served to tap into their real-world experience. The company expects the Roswell facility to grow significantly in the next few years, bringing even more economic benefits to the local economy. With its Roswell headquarters, PBS Aerospace is reinforcing the domestic resilience of America's defense supply chain while advancing operational readiness across the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Special Operations Command. About PBS Aerospace PBS Aerospace Inc. is a subsidiary of PBS GROUP, an engineering holding company, and has been an established brand for over 200 years. PBS Group delivers cutting-edge engineering solutions across a portfolio of companies that focus on the aerospace, energy, and transportation industries. PBS Aerospace Inc. has had a presence in the U.S. market for more than 10 years and focuses on providing highly reliable turbojet engines for the U.S. Department of Defense and commercial customers. For more information, visit https://www.pbsaerospace.com . ABOUT PBS GROUP PBS GROUP, a manufacturer of aviation technology, is synonymous with innovation in the field of high-precision engineering. It is a renowned manufacturer of jet engines. With its main production facility in Velka Bites and growing production capacities in the USA and India, the company has become a major global player in the field of defense and civil technologies. PBS GROUP has long been involved in the development of modern aviation technologies that support the defense projects of NATO and its allies, as well as in civil aviation. PBS Aerospace Media Contact: PBS@Escalatepr.com SOURCE: PBS Aerospace View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/aerospace-and-defense/pbs-aerospace-opens-u.s.-headquarters-in-georgia-to-scale-production-of-preci-1068892 The company pledges up to $2M to fund critical research through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation MILWAUKEE, WI / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States, yet many standard treatments used today were approved more than 30 years ago.[1] However, with newer technology and science, there is the potential for research advancement and increased survivorship, with proper funding. Through annual investments, partnerships and fundraising by its local offices across the nation, Northwestern Mutual has funded over 810,000 research hours and contributed more than $65 million to childhood cancer. To shine a light on this cause and champion the research breakthrough moments seen to date, Northwestern Mutual declares Sept. 4, "goldeNMoments Day" - timed to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The date will signify a national moment of recognition for the stories of resilience, community impact and progress being made toward a future without childhood cancer. "Northwestern Mutual is deeply committed to championing the need for life-saving research for childhood cancer," said Steve Radke, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. "We are furthering our commitment through a pledge of up to 40,000 hours of research this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and inviting the community to get involved." The Northwestern Mutual Foundation is pledging $100[2] to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for each new financial plan delivered to prospective clients in September. Consumers filter by location to find a financial representative or advisor in their preferred location or take a brief quiz focused on short- and long-term goals to be matched with someone who best meets their needs. All proceeds will go to fund childhood cancer research, up to $2 million, which translates to 40,000 hours. "Our partnership with Northwestern Mutual continues to fund research that opens new doors in advancing and modernizing cancer treatments," said Liz Scott, co-executive director of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. "There have already been monumental breakthroughs, creating 'goldeNMoments' that will be celebrated for decades to come." To learn more about Northwestern Mutual's investments in the community, including the childhood cancer research cause, visit https://northwesternmutual-foundation.com/childhood-cancer/focus-areas/. [1] National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, World Health Organization [2] In the state of New York, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation will pledge $25 to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for each new financial plan delivered to prospective clients in September. About Northwestern Mutual Foundation The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is to improve the lives of children and families in need. The Foundation has given more than $550 million since its inception in 1992 and is designed to create lasting impact in the communities where the company's employees and financial representatives live and work. We accomplish this by combining financial support, volunteerism, thought leadership and convening community partners to deliver the best outcomes. Our efforts are focused nationally on curing childhood cancer, and locally on education, neighborhoods, and making our hometown of Milwaukee a great destination. Visit Northwestern Mutual Foundation to learn more. About Northwestern Mutual Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With nearly $700 billion of total assets[1] being managed across the company's institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $38 billion in revenues, and $2.4 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 110 on the 2024 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNEas one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2025. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with "Advisor" in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services. About Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of 4-year-old Alexandra "Alex" Scott, who was fighting cancer and wanted to raise money to find cures for all children with cancer. By the time Alex passed away at the age of 8, she had raised $1 million. Since then, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a worldwide fundraising movement and the largest independent childhood cancer charity in the U.S. ALSF is a leader in funding pediatric cancer research projects across the globe and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer. For more information, visit AlexsLemonade.org. [1] Includes investments and separate account assets of Northwestern Mutual as well as retail investment client assets held or managed by Northwestern Mutual. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Northwestern Mutual on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Northwestern Mutual Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/northwestern-mutual Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Northwestern Mutual View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/northwestern-mutual-recognizes-sept.-4-as-national-%22goldenmoments-da-1068895 CARSON CITY, NV / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Orion Diversified Holding Co Inc. (OTC PINK:OODH)("Orion"), a revenue generating diversified company, announced today that it has closed on a royalty and non-operated working interest in Texas & Mississippi. TEXAS 640 Acres & 1.5 net mineral acres MISSISSIPPI 0.60% Non Operated Working Interest in 39 wells producing 2,350 bopd or 14.10 net bopd to Orion TOM LULL COMMENTS "This is our first entry into the Mississippi oil and gas fields. This property was drilled in 1977 and hit peak production of 10,000 bopd in 2011. The Mississippi property has produced 60,156,572 barrels and 5.9 bcf of gas since 1977. The Texas acquisition is in Matagorda County and there are active leases surrounding this 640 acre royalty acquisition. " Commented Tom Lull, CEO of Orion. On September 9, 2025 the US government is leasing 7,895 acres in Rio Blanco County Colorado, and Orion has 5,372 gross acres and 668 net mineral acres adjacent to these federal land tracts. Orion also has 9,280 acres or 14.5 square miles of royalties in the southeast corner of Pecos County Texas near the Terrell County Texas border. XTO drilled five vertical wells in 1963 on this Pecos county acreage to a depth of 23,000 feet and one well produced in excess of 60 bcf of natural gas. All five wells were plugged in 2021 and Orion purchased this 9,280 acre tract of land in Pecos County Texas in 2022. Orion has been notified that several oil companies have taken active leases in this area of Pecos County Texas for horizontal development. Orion now owns 53,960 mineral acres in the Bakken, Permian Basin, Piceance Basin, Arkoma Basin, Eagle Ford, Haynesville Shale, and Scoop Stack of Oklahoma." ABOUT ORION DIVERSIFIED HOLDING CO INC. Orion Diversified Holding Co Inc. is a holding company with a primary strategy of investing in operated majority working interest, non-operated working interest, royalty, and mineral interests in producing oil & gas properties, with a core area of focus in the premier basins within the United States. Orion receives monthly income from 53,960 mineral acres and receives income from Chevron, Conoco Phillips, Apache, Occidental Petroleum, EOG Resources, Mewbourne Oil, Merit Energy, Hilcorp Oil, Kraken Oil, DCP, Raybaw Operating, Unit Corp, Hanna Oil, Cambrian Resources, Utah Gas Corp, Compass Operating, Denbury and many others. More information about Orion Diversified Holding Co Inc. can be found at www.orionenergyco.com. CONTACT: Orion Diversified Holding Co Inc. Thomas Lull, President tom@orionenergyco.com Phone: 760-889-3435 www.x.com/TomLull1 lull_tom@yahoo.com SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements related to anticipated revenues, expenses, earnings, operating cash flows, the outlook for markets, and the demand for products. Forward-looking statements are no guarantees of future performance and are inherently subject to uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon, among other things, assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management, including management's own knowledge and assessment of the Company's industry and competition. The Company assumes no duty to update its forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Orion Diversified Holding Co Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/oil-gas-and-energy/orion-acquires-oil-and-gas-assets-in-texas-and-mississippi-1068711 TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Makita U.S.A., Inc. has recalled about 63,000 cordless grease guns and grease gun hoses due to a laceration hazard. According to CPSC, the flexible grease gun hose can develop a hole allowing grease to be ejected while using the grease gun, posing a laceration hazard. The company said it has received five reports of incidents worldwide of the grease gun hose failing, including five laceration injuries. All five incidents were reported outside the United States. The recall involves Makita Professional Cordless Grease Guns with model numbers XPG01S1, XPG01SR1 and XPG01Z, and Makita Grease Gun Hoses with model numbers 191A79-9, 191A80-4, 191W59-7 and 191W58-9. All affected models have spring ends. The model number is located on the manufacturer label on the right side of the grease guns. The company has has asked its customers to immediately stop using the recalled Makita Cordless Grease Guns and Makita Grease Gun Hoses and contact Makita for a free replacement hose. The recalled guns were sold at hardware and home improvement stores nationwide and on various websites from June 2020 through January 2025 for between $60 and $390. 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, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / The inheritance was not in a will. It was buried in bank statements, drained from 401(k)s, and etched in the exhausted eyes of a daughter who sold her future to buy her mother more time. This is the legacy Alzheimer's leaves in America; not just fading memory, but the quiet theft of financial security, dignity, and peace of mind, years before the final goodbye. While headlines spotlight pharmaceutical breakthroughs, the reality in millions of homes is a different story: desperate arithmetic and impossible choices. Do I pay for my child's tuition or my parent's memory care? Do I work the night shift to pay the mortgage, or do I stay home to provide the 137 hours of unpaid care each month? Medicare provides the cruelest answer of all: $0 coverage for long-term custodial care. In 2025, the Alzheimer's Family of Friends Foundation (AFOF) is refusing to let this crisis remain invisible. The nonprofit has launched a bold $2 million fundraising campaign; not to fund distant laboratory research, but to provide direct, immediate relief to caregivers and families who need help tonight. The Math of Desperation The crisis is staggering, and the numbers tell a grim story: Skilled Nursing Facilities: More than $110,000 per year; the cost of a luxury estate for a single room. Home Care: $21 per hour, or more than $40,000 annually for part-time assistance. Unpaid Caregiving: 137 hours per month; the equivalent of a second full-time job. "We've medicalized dementia while refusing to medicalize its care," says Dr. Eleanor Chang, geriatric economist. "It is like diagnosing cancer but forcing patients to buy their own chemotherapy pumps." This vacuum has created what AFOF calls "the underground economy of desperation." Families are pawning heirlooms, selling military medals, and taking payday loans at 300% interest. Some even delay their own life-saving treatments to keep a parent alive. Donate Now to stop this cycle of despair. The $2 Million Lifeline: Where the Money Will Go AFOF's campaign is a rebellion against financial collapse. Every dollar has a clear destination: $1.5 Million: Direct Family Assistance - Emergency grants to stop evictions, subsidize adult day care, and cover what insurance ignores; from wheelchair pads to funeral costs. $300,000: Administration & Oversight - Ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient delivery of aid. $200,000: Marketing & Outreach - Expanding awareness and reaching isolated families who believe they are alone. This funding empowers AFOF's cornerstone programs: caregiver respite hours, crisis grants, financial navigation support, and dignity funds. These aren't abstract initiatives; they are lifelines. Why This Matters Now Alzheimer's research is essential, but science moves slowly. Families need relief today. $3,500 can prevent a family from being evicted. $18,000 funds a year of adult day care. $110,000 pays for a full year in skilled nursing. "Families are mortgaging their futures to provide care," says Miriam Okafor, Executive Director of AFOF. "We cannot ask them to wait decades for a cure. We must give them support before dinner tonight." Be part of the resistance; Donate Now. How You Can Help: Join the Family of Friends AFOF offers multiple ways for individuals and corporations to take action: The 24-Hour Challenge: All donations made today will be doubled by a coalition of matching donors. The Continuous Care Circle: A pledge of $100/month covers exactly what Medicare won't; non-medical essentials that protect safety and dignity. The Legacy Pledge: Designate AFOF in your estate plan, leaving future generations a legacy of compassion. Ways to give: Online: Donate now through AFOF's secure portal. Corporate Sponsorships: Align your brand with a movement of dignity and compassion. Mail Checks To: Alzheimer's Family of Friends, Inc. 5999 Caladium Lane Thomson, GA 30824 A Legacy Worth Leaving "When you donate to AFOF, you're not just giving money; you're giving peace of mind," Okafor adds. "You are lifting the weight of impossible decisions off a caregiver's shoulders. You are giving a family their future back." The inheritance of Alzheimer's doesn't have to be one of financial ruin. Together, we can rewrite the legacy into one of compassion, dignity, and shared responsibility. Donate Now and become the lifeline a family desperately needs. Press & Partnership Inquiries: press@theafof-foundation.org Disclaimer: This is a sponsored advocacy piece presented in partnership with the Alzheimer's Family of Friends Foundation (AFOF). The powerful narrative and urgent call to action reflect the editorial style and mission-focused perspective of the foundation and its supporters. While the article is based on verified data from AFOF, AARP, and public health agencies, its primary aim is to illuminate the caregiver crisis and mobilize reader support. The emotional framing and descriptive language are intentionally used to convey the profound human and financial impact of Alzheimer's disease on families. The statistics on care costs, caregiver hours, and charitable allocation of funds are presented as reported by the foundation. AFOF is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Evrima Chicago maintains a strict distinction between its own fact-based reporting and sponsored content that supports community organizations. This piece falls into the latter category, published in recognition of the critical nature of the cause. Readers are encouraged to learn more about AFOF's mission and financials directly at https://theafof-foundation.org . SOURCE: Evrima Chicago LLC. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/the-silent-heist-how-alzheimers-bankrupts-families-long-before-it-steals-memor-1068940 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / SNOWLINE GOLD CORP. (TSX-V:SGD)(US OTCQB:SNWGF) (the "Company" or "Snowline") is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced "bought deal" public offering of 10,222,200 common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of $9.00 per Common Share (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of $91,999,800, including $11,999,700 from the full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option (the "Offering"). The Company also completed a concurrent non-brokered private placement of 1,123,194 Common Shares at the Offering Price for additional gross proceeds of $10,108,746, pursuant to which existing shareholder B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO, NYSE American: BTG, NSX: B2G) subscribed to maintain its 9.9% interest in the Company (the "Private Placement"). No commission was payable in connection with the Private Placement. The Common Shares issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the closing of the Private Placement, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws, expiring on January 5, 2026. Total gross proceeds from the Offering and the Private Placement are $102,108,546. Scott Berdahl, CEO & Director of Snowline, comments: "Our strengthened treasury is an asset in its own right, allowing us to focus for multiple years on rapid and responsible advancement of our Valley deposit alongside continued exploration across our emerging, district-scale portfolio. We are entering an exciting phase as a company as we advance a globally relevant gold discovery in a top tier jurisdiction amidst a strong market backdrop." The Company will use the net proceeds from the Offering and the Private Placement to advance the Company's projects in the Yukon Territory, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Offering was led by Canaccord Genuity Corp. and BMO Capital Markets, as joint bookrunners, on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters, including Cormark Securities Inc., Agentis Capital Markets, National Bank Financial Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc. and Scotia Capital Inc. (collectively, the "Underwriters"). The Underwriters received a cash commission equal to 4.5% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, other than on gross proceeds from certain subscribers on a president's list of purchasers identified by the Company, for which the Underwriters received a cash commission equal to 2.25%. The Offering was completed by way of a short form prospectus filed in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and New Brunswick, and Common Shares were also sold by way of private placement in the United States pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"). The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, and may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. ABOUT SNOWLINE GOLD CORP. Snowline Gold Corp. is a Yukon Territory-focused gold exploration and development company with a mineral claim portfolio covering roughly 360,000 ha (3,600 km2). The Company is advancing its Valley gold deposit-a large, low-strip, near surface, >1 g/t Au bulk tonnage gold system located in the eastern Yukon-while continuing regional exploration of surrounding targets on the Rogue Project and the broader district in the highly prospective yet underexplored Selwyn Basin. Valley hosts an open mineral resource estimate ("MRE") of 7.94 million ounces gold at 1.21 g/t Au in the Measured and Indicated categories (3.15 million ounces gold at 1.41 g/t Au Measured mineral resources and 4.79 million ounces gold at 1.11 g/t Au Indicated mineral resources) and an additional 0.89 million ounces gold at 0.62 g/t Au in the Inferred category1. Results of a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") of Valley suggest the potential for the deposit to support a long-life mining operation with a strong production profile and low production costs. The MRE and PEA are supported by the recent technical report for Rogue, prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") standards, entitled "Independent Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Rogue Project Yukon, Canada," dated August 27, 2025, with an effective date of March 1, 2025 and available on SEDAR+ and the Company's website. Snowline's project portfolio sits within the prolific Tintina Gold Province, host to multiple million-ounce-plus gold mines and deposits across the central Yukon and Alaska. The Company's comprehensive first-mover position and extensive exploration database provide a distinct competitive advantage and a unique opportunity for investors to be part of multiple discoveries, the advancement of a significant gold deposit, and the creation of a new gold district. 1Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by metal prices, economic factors, environmental, permitting, legal, title, or other relevant issues. QUALIFIED PERSON Information in this news release has been prepared under supervision of and approved by Thomas Branson, M.Sc., P. Geo., VP Exploration for Snowline, as Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Scott Berdahl CEO & Director For further information, please contact: Snowline Gold Corp. +1 778 650 5485 info@snowlinegold.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the expected use of proceeds from the Offering and the Private Placement, the mineral resource estimates, advancement of the Valley deposit, continued exploration and the creation of a new gold district. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof. Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things: risks related to uncertainties inherent in drill results and the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Company's plans and intentions. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. SOURCE: Snowline Gold Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/snowline-closes-oversubscribed-bought-deal-financing-and-concurrent-private-place-1068770 Vensure Met with Representatives Asking for Resolution on Delayed ERTC Funds WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Vensure Employer Solutions (Vensure), a leading provider of HR/HCM technology, managed services, and global business process outsourcing, met with U.S. Representatives and Senators on Capitol Hill yesterday to advocate for small businesses who are still waiting on Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) funds. ERTC funds are from a Covid-era relief program designed to help businesses keep workers on payroll. According to a May 2025 report by the National Taxpayer Advocate, there are still 597,000 ERTC claims waiting to be processed, including many that are tied to businesses who work with Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) like Vensure. These promised funds can total millions of dollars that some businesses have been waiting on for years. "The message was simple: it's time for the IRS to pay these businesses the ERTC funds they rightfully deserve," said Pat Cleary, Chief Growth Officer, Vensure Employer Solutions. "This is not a partisan issue. Republicans and Democrats that we met with are fully supportive of getting these claims resolved, and we thank them in advance for carrying our fight to the IRS." Vensure representatives, in conjunction with the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO), held briefings with several members of tax writing committees, including House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance, as well as other legislators from states and districts in which they have many small business clients. "We're exhausting every avenue we have to fight on behalf of our customers," Cleary said. "It's not fair that American small businesses are being put at risk due to clerical delays. We will continue to raise our voices and ask for others to join us in advocating for them. The Employee Retention Tax Credit, created during the COVID-19 pandemic to help businesses keep employees on payroll, has faced significant delays in processing due to heightened review measures at the IRS. For many small businesses, these refunds represent vital operating capital. Vensure's advocacy mission underscores the company's commitment to the success of its clients and other small- and mid-sized businesses that are critical to our economy and the towns in which they operate. About Vensure Employer Solutions Vensure Employer Solutions is the largest privately held organization in the HR technology and service sector, providing a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, including HR/HCM technology, managed services, and global business process outsourcing (BPO). The company and its service providers collectively serve over 141,000 businesses and process over $159B in annual payroll. As a "One Employer Solution" headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Vensure helps thousands of businesses streamline and grow their operations with custom strategies that benefit both employers and employees. Find out more by visiting vensure.com. ### Media Contact Sonya Trezevant Chief Marketing Officer sonya.trezevant@vensure.com Owen Serey Mower, on behalf of Vensure oserey@mower.com SOURCE: Vensure Employer Solutions View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/vensure-employer-solutions-lobbies-capitol-hill-on-behalf-of-sma-1069028 BioTrack Capital and Yonjin Capital join Series A round alongside other investors including 3E Bioventures Capital, Proxima Ventures Ltd., and Lapam Capital Upsized and over-subscribed Series A total funding of $44 million secured Rapafusyn's RapaGlue platform rapidly discovers non-degrading molecular glues, a validated and highly sought-after modality to address challenging disease targets BALTIMORE, MD, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rapafusyn Pharmaceuticals, a leader in the discovery and development of non-degrading molecular glue therapeutics, today announced the closing of its over-subscribed Series A financing round with the addition of investors BioTrack Capital and Yonjin Capital. Total funds raised in the Series A round are $44 million, which includes $24 million committed previously. BioTrack Capital and Yonjin Capital join other distinguished investors in the Series A including 3E Bioventures Capital, Proxima Ventures Ltd., and Lapam Capital. Rapafusyn was co-founded by Professor Jun O. Liu of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a pioneer in the molecular glue field, with initial funding support from Jiangsu Tianqin Investment Ltd. The financing accelerates the advancement of Rapafusyn's broad drug pipeline addressing many diseases of high unmet medical need in the oncology, immunology, renal and pain disease areas by leveraging RapaGlues - a groundbreaking non-degrading molecular platform that can access challenging or previously undruggable disease targets. The RapaGlue platform has demonstrated the ability to create highly cooperative non-degrading molecular glues with high cell membrane permeability to modulate protein-protein interactions, transcription factors, SLCs/transporters, ion channels, enzymes, and others. Rapafusyn applies innovative machine learning (ML)/AI methods as an integral part of target selection and drug candidate optimization that result in an industry leading success rate at discovering relevant chemical matter for hard-to-drug targets. Rapafusyn's lead program, a selective ENT1 inhibitor, is advancing toward IND-enabling studies after showing compelling activity in renal disease models - a powerful validation of the RapaGlue platform's therapeutic potential. Rapafusyn is also leveraging its DNA-encoded library of more than 8 billion non-degrading molecular glues in a collaboration with a global pharmaceutical partner. "With the successful closing of our Series A financing, we are positioned to propel the RapaGlue platform and to accelerate our mission to deliver transformative therapies to patients in need," Dr. Sean Hu, President and CEO of Rapafusyn, commented. "We are pleased to have BioTrack Capital and Yonjin Capital join this financing round." "Rapafusyn and the RapaGlue platform are rewriting what's possible in drug discovery with a new class of macrocyclic molecules," said Dr. Karen Liu, a Founding Partner at 3E Bioventures. "I am excited about the platform's ability to expand beyond traditional small molecules and recent degrader molecules to approach previously undruggable targets." Existing investors Haolin Sung, Partner of Proxima Ventures and Jian Li, Partner of Lapam Capital, each expressed enthusiasm for the new financing and looked forward to joining forces with the new investors as Rapafusyn accelerates its platform and pipeline development. Kai Chen, Vice President of BioTrack Capital commented, "We are thrilled to invest in Rapafusyn for the potential of their innovative non-degrading molecular glue platform. It stands out as a highly differentiated drug modality for previously undruggable disease targets which hold substantial promise for diseases with unmet need." Wen Chen, Partner at Yonjin Capital added, "The Rapafusyn team has made remarkable progress in discovering high potential drug candidates using their RapaGlue platform. We are also very impressed by Rapafusyn's operating and advisory teams and are delighted to join the Series A round." About BioTrack Capital Established in 2017, BioTrack is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in and incubating outstanding early-stage biotech, medtech as well as healthcare cross disciplinary sectors (AI and digital healthcare, consumer healthcare, etc). The BioTrack professional investment team possess strong and complementary skills in research and development, clinical operations, consulting, and investment. About Yonjin Capital Yonjin Capital is a leading international investment firm that specializes in early- and mid-stage life science companies in therapeutics, diagnostics and medical devices. The Yonjin Capital team has broad global knowledge, in-depth experience, and extensive networks which enable their portfolio companies to achieve remarkable results. Yonjin Capital is the North America and Europe investment arm of Yonjin Group and the sister firm of Yonghua Capital, both based in China with headquarters in Shanghai. About Rapafusyn Pharmaceuticals Rapafusyn emerged from the laboratory of Dr. Jun O. Liu's, Professor of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, with a mission to develop transformational medicines to address high unmet medical needs and enhance patient care. The platform leverages non-degrading macrocyclic molecular glues (RapaGlues) to address challenging therapeutic targets. Rapafusyn has constructed both DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) and arrayed libraries of RapaGlues that form neo-PPIs to inhibit a protein from its native activity. These compounds are rationally designed and engineered to bind FKBP and form a ternary complex with the disease target protein, offering a promising avenue for modulating intricate protein-protein interactions. RapaGlues have proven effective in producing innovative chemical starting points for challenging drug targets. The modular architecture enables SAR and subsequent optimization for potency, selectivity, and physicochemical properties to accelerate drug discovery and development. RapaGlues frequently exhibit cell permeability directly from the starting point, enhancing their potential for therapeutic development. For more information, please visit rapafusyn.com or contact Heather Lavin: hlavin@rapafusyn.com Amicus Supports New York Amish Families Challenging School Vaccine Mandate NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Physicians for Informed Consent (PIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization has filed an amicus curiae brief in support of Amish families' right of informed refusal to vaccinate their schoolchildren in the case Miller v. McDonald (United States Supreme Court Case Number 25-133). PIC was founded in 2015 in California-after legislators there similarly denied parents their right of informed refusal to vaccinate their schoolchildren-and provides the Court with critical infectious disease risk facts from its newly published Silver Booklet. Specifically, the landmark reference work concludes that for normal-risk U.S. children the vaccine safety data is inconclusive, and vaccines may cause more death or permanent disability than the diseases they target. Therefore, mandated vaccines have not been scientifically substantiatedwhich raises grave ethical concerns for current public health policies. According to the Amish families' petition for writ of certiorari, seeking to uphold freedom of religion: "For more than 50 years, New York permitted both medical and religious exemptions to its school vaccine requirement. But in 2019, the New York Legislature categorically eliminated religious exemptions[b]ut they kept in place a regime of medical exemptions. And they continued to permit nonvaccination of nonstudents (such as teachers) and children outside of school. This makes New York an outlier. Forty-six other States (and the District of Columbia) allow religious exemptions to their school vaccine requirements. In this case, New York has imposed existential penalties on three Old Order Amish schools for failing to require vaccines that violate their sincerely held religious beliefs. These private schools are in rural Amish communities on private Amish land and are attended only by Amish children." According to PIC's general counsel Greg Glaser, this case "satisfies all the necessary criteria for certiorari, and the lower court plainly violated the Supreme Court's free exercise jurisprudence since at least 2018. Federal courts in different parts of the country have been reaching different conclusions on the issue of religious and medical exemptions to vaccine mandates for school attendance. Several equal protection cases have moved through the court system with situations where a school allows secular (medical) exemptions but unfairly disallows religious exemptions, and a court in Mississippi recently found such inequality unlawful and upheld the right to religious exemption." In the amicus brief, PIC notes: "Indeed, the only vaccine mandate upheld by this Supreme Court (a Medicare worker vaccine mandate in 2022) allowed for religious exemptionsAnd further, since then, legal commentators have been almost uniformly waiting for this Supreme Court to make explicit equal protection for the unvaccinated just like this Court has done so in similar situations." The PIC amicus brief compares disease risks versus vaccine risks in normal-risk children and informs the Supreme Court that the "scientific data currently available demonstrate that vaccines mandated for school attendance have not been proven safer than the infections they were designed to prevent." SOURCE: Physicians for Informed Consent View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/education/physicians-for-informed-consent-files-amicus-curiae-brief-with-supreme-court-of-the-unite-1068713 Longueuil, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Greenheart Gold Inc. (TSXV: GHRT) (OTCQX: GHRTF) (the "Company") announces that, further to the appointment of Julie-Anais Debreil to its board of directors effective August 26, 2025, the Board has approved the grant of incentive stock options to Ms. Debreil to purchase 200,000 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of C$0.85 per share, effective immediately in accordance with the Company's stock option plan. The stock options are exercisable for a period of five years, expiring on September 4, 2030, and will vest in three tranches over two years, commencing on the date of grant. The appointment of a director and the grant of the stock options is subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. About Greenheart Gold Inc. Greenheart Gold is an exploration company that builds on a proven legacy of discoveries within the Guiana Shield, a highly prospective geological terrain that hosts numerous gold deposits yet remains relatively under-explored. The Company is led by former executives and members of the exploration group of Reunion Gold, a team that was most recently noted for the discovery and delineation of the multimillion-ounce Oko West deposit in Guyana. Greenheart Gold intends to build on its technical knowledge, strong contact base and previous success from exploring in the Guiana Shield to assemble, maintain and explore a portfolio of early-stage exploration projects in Guyana and Suriname that are prospective for orogenic gold deposits. Additional information about the Company is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.greenheartgold.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 press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265177 SOURCE: Greenheart Gold Inc. New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Hotel employees are joining unions at a far higher rate than their restaurant counterparts, according to an OysterLink analysis of the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10722/265174_9e25f9ad5422686d_001full.jpg In 2024, 7.2% of hotel workers belonged to unions compared to just 1.6% of food service and bar workers. This means hotel employees were more than four times as likely to have union representation. Sector Total Employed Union Members Unionization Rate Accommodation (Hotels) 1,155,000 84,000 7.2% Food Services & Drinking Places 8,836,000 140,000 1.6% Why hotel workers unionize at higher rates Experts suggest several factors contribute to the disparity. Hotels often employ larger, more stable workforces with full-time contracts, which makes organizing easier. In contrast, restaurants and bars typically rely on part-time, tipped, or high-turnover staff, making union efforts more challenging. Additionally, hotels are more likely to be part of chains with structured human resources and formal grievance systems, which can encourage collective bargaining. Restaurant workers, particularly in smaller, independently owned establishments, often face inconsistent schedules, lower wages, and limited legal or institutional support, which can deter union participation. "Union membership gives workers a stronger voice and better protection on the job. Our findings highlight how hotel workers are organizing more effectively than restaurant staff, who often face tougher conditions and less stability," said Milos Eric, co-founder and general manager of OysterLink. The data shows that while hotel workers have a growing union presence, restaurant staff remain largely non-unionized, even though they make up the majority of the hospitality workforce. OysterLink will continue to track workforce trends that shape the future of the hospitality industry, with a focus on job security, wages, and career growth. About OysterLink OysterLink is a job platform for restaurant and hospitality professionals with over 400,000 monthly visitors. OysterLink connects talent with opportunities across the U.S., including the top server jobs in New York City or bartender jobs in Los Angeles. The platform also offers trend reports, expert insights, and interviews with leaders in hospitality. To explore more data-driven insights or post a job that works for today's talent, visit www.oysterlink.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265174 SOURCE: OysterLink NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Goldcliff Resource Corporation ("Goldcliff" or the "Company") (TSXV:GCN)(OTCBB PINKS:GCFFF) is pleased to re-announce, in accordance with the requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), its proposed non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $825,000 (the "Private Placement"). There are no changes to the terms of the Private Placement, which was first announced on August 25, 2025. The Company confirms the Private Placement will consist of the issuance of: (i) up to 5,000,000 units (each, a "NFT Unit"), at a price of $0.045 per NFT Unit (the "NFT Unit Offering"), with each NFT Unit comprising one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one half of one non-transferrable Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"); and (ii) up to 10,000,000 flow-through shares ("FT Shares"), at a price of $0.06 per FT Share (the "FT Share Offering"), with each FT Share comprising one Common Share which qualifies as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire an additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.08 per Common Share for a period of 24 months from the Closing Date. Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-105"), the securities sold under the Private Placement will be offered in all Provinces of Canada except Quebec pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). Subject to the rules and policies of the TSXV, the securities issuable from the sale of Units to Canadian resident subscribers will not be subject to a hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. There is an offering document dated August 25, 2025 (the "Offering Document") related to this Private Placement that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and at www.goldcliff.com. Prospective investors should read this Offering Document before making an investment decision. Proceeds from the NFT Unit Offering will be applied to property payments on Aurora West and Kettle Valley projects, and to general working capital. In accordance with the requirements of the TSXV, no payments from the proceeds of the NFT Unit Offering will be made to "Non-Arm's Length Parties" of the Company or to persons conducting "Investor Relations Activities", as such terms are defined in the policies of the TSXV. Proceeds from the FT Share Offering will be applied to drilling at Kettle Valley, sample collection for metallurgical test work and geochemical sampling at Panorama Ridge, and additional geochemical and geophysical surveys at the Ainsworth silver project, as Canadian exploration expenses that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada), and which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2026 and renounced with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025 to the initial purchasers of FT Shares. All three projects are located in British Columbia. The Private Placement is anticipated to close on or about October 6, 2025 ("Closing Date"), or such other date(s) as the Company may determine. Closing of the Private Placement is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, including the approval of the TSXV. Goldcliff advises that insiders of the Company may participate in the Private Placement, which subscriptions will be completed pursuant to available related party exemptions under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions and will be subject to the TSXV hold period. At Closing, the Company may pay a cash finder's fee equal to 7% of gross proceeds introduced by eligible finders. Also, the Company may grant to eligible finders, finder's warrants equal to 7% of the number of NFT Units and/or FT Shares introduced by the finder on the same terms and conditions as the Warrants comprising the NFT Units. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. For further information, please contact George W. Sanders, President, at 250-764-8879, toll free at 1-866-769-4802 or email at info@directroyalty.com. GOLDCLIFF RESOURCE CORPORATION Per: "George W. Sanders" George W. Sanders, President Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Information: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding, among others, the anticipated closing of the Private Placement, the anticipated size of the Private Placement, the receipt of all regulatory approvals in respect of the Private Placement, including approval of the TSXV, the participation of insiders, the expected use of proceeds from the Private Placement, certain expenses qualifying as flow though mining expenditures, and the expected timing for incurrence and renouncement of expenses. Although Goldcliff believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, general economic and market or business conditions. These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, the timing and receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals, the ability of Goldcliff and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Goldcliff's proposed transactions and programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. 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. Goldcliff does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. SOURCE: Goldcliff Resource Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/goldcliff-announces-unit-and-flow-through-%22life%22-offerings-1069088 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Optimind Pharma Corp. (CSE: OMND) (the "Optimind" or the "Company") announces that its previously announced non-binding letter of intent dated March 18, 2025 with Monjin Interviews Private Limited ("Monjin"), with respect to the Company's acquisition of Monjin, has been mutually terminated by the parties. The Company is continuing to evaluate and review alternative acquisition opportunities. About the Company The Company is a reporting issuer in Canada and is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "OMND". The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and includes those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company 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. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265151 SOURCE: Optimind Pharma Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - PreveCeutical Medical Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE:18H) (the "Company" or "PreveCeutical") announces that it has entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") dated September 3, 2025 with its subsidiary, BioGene Therapeutics Inc. ("BioGene"), pursuant to which PreveCeutical intends to spin-out 12,000,000 common shares of BioGene (the "BioGene Spinout Shares") to the shareholders of PreveCeutical (the "PreveCeutical Shareholders") on a pro rata basis by way of a share capital reorganization effected through a statutory plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA"). PreveCeutical received the BioGene Spinout Shares on November 15, 2024, in consideration for the sale of certain intellectual property assets to BioGene. The Arrangement Pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement, PreveCeutical will, among other things, conduct a share capital reorganization whereby the existing common shares of PreveCeutical (the "PreveCeutical Shares") will be renamed and redesignated as Class A common shares (each, a "PreveCeutical Class A Share") and a new class of voting common shares (each, a "New PreveCeutical Share") will be created. Each PreveCeutical Class A Share will be exchanged for one New PreveCeutical Share, and the number of BioGene Spinout Shares, which is equal to 12,000,000, divided by the number of issued and outstanding PreveCeutical Class A Shares on the effective date of the Arrangement. Once the Arrangement is complete, PreveCeutical Shareholders will own shares in two companies: BioGene, which will focus on the development of the Dual Gene Therapy program, and PreveCeutical, which will continue to focus on developing innovative options for preventive and curative therapies utilizing organic and nature identical products. The reorganization will be effected pursuant to the arrangement provisions of the BCBCA and must be approved by the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the "Court") and by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the PreveCeutical Shareholders at the Company's annual general and special meeting to be held on October 10, 2025 (the "Meeting"). Upon receipt of approval from the PreveCeutical Shareholders and the Court, the board of directors of PreveCeutical will determine an effective date to complete the Arrangement. After closing of the Arrangement, the New PreveCeutical Shares will continue trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"), the OTCQB and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The BioGene Shares will not be listed on any stock exchange after completion of the Arrangement, but BioGene will be a reporting issuer in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario and will comply with its continuous disclosure obligations under applicable Canadian securities laws. Conditions to Closing The Arrangement is subject to a number of conditions, certain of which may only be waived in accordance with the Arrangement Agreement, including receipt by PreveCeutical and BioGene of all required approvals, including approval of the Arrangement by the PreveCeutical Shareholders, approval of the CSE of the Arrangement, including the listing of the New PreveCeutical Shares in substitution for the PreveCeutical Class A Shares and approval of the Arrangement by the Court. Additional details of the Arrangement will be included in an information circular to be mailed to the PreveCeutical Shareholders on or about September 19, 2025. The Arrangement is expected to close on a date to be determined after the Meeting, subject to the satisfaction of all necessary approvals and conditions. About PreveCeutical PreveCeutical is a health sciences company that develops innovative options for preventive and curative therapies utilizing organic and nature identical products. PreveCeutical aims to be a leader in preventive health sciences and currently has five research and development programs, including: dual gene therapy for curative and prevention therapies for diabetes and obesity; the Sol-gel Program; Nature Identical peptides for treatment of various ailments; nonaddictive analgesic peptides as a replacement to the highly addictive analgesics such as morphine, fentanyl and oxycodone; and a therapeutic product for treating athletes who suffer from concussions (mild traumatic brain injury). For more information about PreveCeutical, please visit our website www.PreveCeutical.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook. On behalf of the Board of Directors of PreveCeutical, Stephen Van Deventer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Neither the CSE nor any Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the expectations of management regarding the proposed Arrangement, whether or not the Company will proceed with the Arrangement as current proposed or at all, the anticipated timeline of the Arrangement, the expected terms and structure of the Arrangement and the parties' ability to satisfy closing conditions and receive necessary approvals and the belief that the Arrangement will provide value as a stand-alone asset. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements including: the inability to obtain regulatory, Court or PreveCeutical Shareholder approval, the inability of PreveCeutical or BioGene to finance growth and transactions expenses, and other risks as set out in the Company's periodic disclosure documents available on sedarplus.ca. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the Arrangement will occur or that, if the Arrangement does occur, it will be completed on the terms described above. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. 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/265179 SOURCE: PreveCeutical Medical Inc. Celonis, a global leader in Process Mining, today announced it has ranked No. 12 on the 2025 Forbes Cloud 100 list, up one place from last year. The Cloud 100 is the definitive ranking of the top 100 private cloud companies in the world, published by Forbes in partnership with Bessemer Venture Partners. This marks the company's seventh consecutive year on the list and fifth straight year in the top 20, highlighting Celonis' enduring leadership and growing relevance as enterprises race to make AI deliver real business value. "We've entered the Age of AI and the companies who master their processes will reap the full benefits," said Alex Rinke, co-CEO and co-founder of Celonis. "That's where Celonis Process Intelligence comes in it gives AI the context it needs to be effective and relevant for the enterprise. This recognition from Forbes is more than a ranking it's a signal that the next wave of innovation will be built on intelligent processes that boost efficiency and productivity. At Celonis, we're proud to be leading the charge." Celonis builds a living digital twin of your entire operation system-agnostic, unbiased, and dynamic. At its core is a common language: Process Intelligence. The Celonis Process Intelligence platform, powered by the digital twin, enables people, partners, and AI to build intelligent solutions that continuously improve operations not just by fixing problems, but by preventing them altogether. With over 5,000 deployments and realized $7.5B+ in tangible value, Celonis enables Forbes Global 2000 leaders like Pfizer, ExxonMobil, State of Oklahoma, AstraZeneca, Northwestern Medicine, ASOS, Campari, BMW Group, Smurfit Westrock and Vinmar International to accelerate transformation, improve performance, and unlock working capital. For the tenth consecutive year, the Cloud 100 reviews submissions from hundreds of cloud startups and private companies each year. The Cloud 100 evaluation process involved ranking companies across four factors: market leadership (35%), estimated valuation (30%), operating metrics (20%), and people culture (15%). For market leadership, the Cloud 100 enlists the help of a judging panel of public cloud company CEOs who assist in evaluating and ranking their private company peers. "For the last decade, the Forbes Cloud 100 list has recognized the most innovative private cloud companies in the world, and this year's standouts are among the most impressive we've ever seen," said Richard Nieva, the Forbes editor of the Cloud 100. "Our honorees highlight the massive sea change that AI has brought to the enterprise, with sky-high growth and valuations." "As we mark the 10th year of the Cloud 100 with our 2025 rankings, we celebrate a highly competitive cohort of companies that, for the first time, collectively exceed $1 trillion in value," said Elliott Robinson, partner at Bessemer Venture Partners. "The cloud is in a period of rapid, AI-driven transformation, with this year's cohort demonstrating how AI is fundamentally reshaping how the best cloud companies grow, scale, and compete." The Forbes 2025 Cloud 100 and 20 Rising Stars lists are published online at www.forbes.com/cloud100. Highlights of the list appear in the August/September 2025 issue of Forbes magazine. About Celonis Celonis makes processes work for people, companies and the planet. The Celonis Process Intelligence Platform uses industry-leading process mining and AI technology and augments it with business context to give customers a living digital twin of their business operation. It's system-agnostic and without bias, and provides everyone with a common language for understanding and improving businesses. Celonis enables its customers to continuously realize significant value across the top, bottom, and green line. Celonis is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and New York City, USA, with more than 20 offices worldwide. 2025 Celonis SE. All rights reserved. Celonis and the Celonis "droplet" logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Celonis SE in Germany and other jurisdictions. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. About Bessemer Venture Partners Bessemer Venture Partners helps entrepreneurs lay strong foundations to build and forge long-standing companies. With more than 150 IPOs and 300 portfolio companies in the enterprise, consumer and healthcare spaces, Bessemer supports founders and CEOs from their earliest days through every stage of growth. Bessemer's global portfolio has included Pinterest, Shopify, Twilio, Yelp, LinkedIn, PagerDuty, DocuSign, Wix, Fiverr, Toast and ServiceTitan, and has $19 billion of assets under management. Bessemer has investment teams located in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, New York, Boston, London, Bangalore, and Tel Aviv. Born from innovations in steel more than a century ago, Bessemer's storied history has afforded its partners the opportunity to celebrate and scrutinize its best investment decisions (see Memos) and also learn from its mistakes (see Anti-Portfolio). About Forbes Forbes champions success by celebrating those who have made it, and those who aspire to make it. Forbes convenes and curates the most influential leaders and entrepreneurs who are driving change, transforming business and making a significant impact on the world. The Forbes brand today reaches more than 140 million people worldwide through its trusted journalism, signature LIVE and Forbes Virtual events, custom marketing programs and 43 licensed local editions in 69 countries. Forbes Media's brand extensions include real estate, education and financial services license agreements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904181124/en/ Contacts: Press Contacts Celonis press@celonis.com Bessemer Venture Partners press@bvp.com Consolidation of 100% ownership (directly or via options) of the Pecoy copper-gold-molybdenum project in southern Peru; trading on TSX Venture Exchange expected under the ticker "PCU". VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Pecoy Copper Corp. ("Pecoy Copper" or the "Company") (TSXV:PCU) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced reverse takeover (the "RTO") by Pecoy Copper Limited, a special purpose vehicle "Pecoy SPV"). Immediately prior to the completion of the RTO, the Pecoy SPV closed the series of previously announced acquisitions and option transactions (collectively, the "Acquisitions" and together with the RTO, the "Transaction") that consolidated ownership of the Pecoy copper-gold-molybdenum project in southern Peru (the "Pecoy Project" or "Pecoy") under the Pecoy SPV. The Company (directly or through subsidiaries) now owns, or holds options to acquire, 100% of the mineral concessions comprising the Pecoy Project, including interests acquired from Copper X Mining Corp., Pembrook Copper Corp. and certain private third parties. Further details on the company, resources, technical reports and financials can be found on our website www.pecoycopper.com. Subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), the Company's common shares are expected to commence trading on the TSXV as a Tier 1 mining issuer on or about September 8, 2025, under the trading symbol "PCU". "The closing of this transaction marks a truly transformational milestone for Pecoy Copper," said Vincent Metcalfe, President & CEO. "It is the culmination of months of intense effort, collaboration, and focus from our team and partners. By consolidating 100% ownership of one of Peru's largest undeveloped copper-gold-molybdenum deposits, we now have the scale, resources, and expertise to fully unlock Pecoy's potential. Our near-term priorities are clear: expansion drilling, advancing engineering, and deepening community partnerships. With this foundation in place, we look forward to seeing the Pecoy deposit take shape and to positioning it as the next generation of large-scale copper development in the Americas." "Historically, the advancement of Pecoy has been hampered by fractured ownership but uniting the deposit for the first time is a major accomplishment that clears the way for further development," commented Paul Matysek, Chairman and Co-Founder of Pecoy Copper. "The experienced team, an established resource with significant upside, a 30-year community agreement, and proximity to infrastructure, are key elements that will propel Pecoy Copper to success." Financing and Escrowed Proceeds As previously disclosed, Pecoy SPV completed a private placement of subscription receipts (the "Offering") for gross proceeds of $63,480,000 at $0.60 per subscription receipt through a syndicate of agents led by Canaccord Genuity Corp. and including BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., Cormark Securities Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., Haywood Securities Inc., National Bank Financial Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., Ventum Capital Corp. and 3L Capital Inc. All escrow conditions have now been satisfied, and the net proceeds have been released to the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund the cash consideration in connection with the Acquisitions, to advance exploration and development of the Pecoy Project, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes. Creating A New Leading Copper-Gold Focused Development Company Pecoy Copper Highlights: Pecoy Copper now controls one of the world's largest undeveloped copper-gold-molybdenum porphyry deposits, with an Inferred Mineral Resource of approximately 865 million tonnes grading 0.34% Cu, 0.012% Mo, 0.05 g/t Au, and 1.33 g/t Ag; containing 6.5 billion pounds of copper and offering substantial resource expansion potential. The Pecoy Project has had over US$65 million in historical investment since its discovery in 2011 that supports the potential for a large-scale, low-strip, open-pit operation at a favorable low elevation of 1,650 metres above sea level. Significant exploration upside exists not only at Pecoy but also across more than 19,772 hectares of surrounding concessions, including the Tororume Project, with multiple early and advanced-stage targets already identified. To date, only 48,576 metres of diamond drilling have been completed at Pecoy, with near-term priority targets in the center of the pit and south breccia zones. Initial metallurgical testing indicates a high copper recovery rate of 88%, with no deleterious elements detected. Further testwork will assess the potential to produce a molybdenum concentrate through Cu-Mo separation. The Pecoy Project benefits from robust infrastructure and long-term community agreements, including a 30-year surface access agreement with local communities, active drill permits, and an operational exploration camp - all of which support near-term, year-round drilling and development efforts. Peru is a top-tier mining jurisdiction, consistently ranked among the world's leading producers of copper, gold, silver, tin and zinc. Mining is a key contributor to the country's GDP and the global supply of metals. Strategically located within the Southern Peru Porphyry Copper Belt, Pecoy sits at the northwestern end of a district that hosts world-class deposits such as Cerro Verde, Cuajone, Toquepala, Quellaveco, Zafranal, and Cerro Negro, making it ideally positioned for rapid advancement. Proceeds from the completed Offering will be used to complete 30,000 metres of exploration drilling, conduct metallurgical and geotechnical studies, and advance the Pecoy Project toward a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). Board and Management of Pecoy Copper The Company's board and management were reconstituted as follows: Board of Directors:Paul Matysek (Chair), Jerrold Annett, Jose Luque, Vincent Metcalfe and Luis Zapata . Management Team:Vincent Metcalfe, President & CEO; Vincent Cardin-Tremblay, Chief Geological Officer; Annie Dutil, Chief Financial Officer, Luis Zapata, Managing Director - Peru Share Capital, Escrow and Additional Details As of today, Pecoy Copper has 202,594,353 common shares issued and outstanding, of which approximately 37% are subject to escrow or lock-up as of closing. An additional 34,621,344 common shares are issuable in respect of outstanding options or warrants or in connection with the exercise of the Company's option on the Rosita claims. The Company has entered into an investor relations agreement with Commodity Partners Inc. pursuant to which it will provide the Company with certain capital markets advisory and investor relations services. Additional information about the Company is available in the Company's listing application which has been filed and is available on SEDAR+ under the Company's profile. NI 43-101 Technical Disclosure The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Vincent Cardin-Tremblay, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). An NI 43-101 technical report in respect of the Pecoy Project with an effective date of April 30, 2025 and dated July 23, 2025 was prepared by Mining Plus and is available on SEDAR+ under the Company's profile. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. About Pecoy Copper Pecoy Copper Corp. is a Canadian copper developer focused on advancing the Pecoy copper-gold-molybdenum project in southern Peru. The Company is a reporting issuer in British Columbia and Alberta. The Company expects its common shares to commence trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "PCU" on September 8, 2025. For more information, please visit www.pecoycopper.com. For further information, please contact: Pecoy Copper Corp. Suite 1500, 1055 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4N7 Tel: (514) 249-9960 | Email: info@pecoycopper.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding expected TSXV approvals; commencement of trading; use of proceeds; planned exploration, drilling, metallurgical and geotechnical programs; timing and completion of a PEA; the anticipated benefits of the RTO and the Acquisitions; and the potential of the Pecoy Project. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including without limitation risks related to exploration, development, permitting, community relations, title, financing, commodity prices, market conditions, the ability to satisfy TSXV listing conditions, and other factors more fully described in the Company's filings on SEDAR+. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. 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 SOURCE: Pecoy Copper Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/pecoy-copper-corp.-announces-closing-of-reverse-takeover-and-completion-of-pecoy-1069098 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Barksdale Resources Corp. (TSXV: BRO) (OTCQB: BRKCF) (FSE: 2NZ) ("Barksdale" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed the C$1 million cash payment and released 5 million shares of Barksdale stock, both to Regal Resources (now Great Basin Minerals). These payments fulfill all the Phase I earn-in requirements securing a permanent 51% ownership of the Sunnyside project in Arizona, U.S.A. (Announced May 13, 2025.) Shares provided to Regal are subject to a four-month trading hold period. "Completion of all the Phase I earn-in stipulations outlined in the Barksdale-Regal joint venture agreement within the two-year period is a significant accomplishment on behalf of all Barksdale stakeholders," said CEO William Wulftange. "Just as important, the associated drill programs have intersected the down-dip extension of South32's Taylor deposit and initiated testing of copper porphyry-style mineralization located solely on the Sunnyside Property where historical drill programs reported intervals with elevated copper, manganese, antimony and silver values," he added. "Barksdale is now focused on completing the Phase II earn-in stipulations that take the Company to a permanent 67.5% ownership of the prospective Sunnyside project within the next two-year period. This requires completing an additional 7,260 metres (25,000 feet) of drilling and payment of C$550,000 and issuance of 4.9 million shares," said Mr. Wulftange. Once the 67.5% ownership is reached, the Company intends to drill the extension of South32's Peake copper deposit on Sunnyside's boundary. Proposed Fall Drill Campaign The Company has designed a 7,260 metre (25,000 feet) drill program to efficiently test copper, silver and associated base metal targets found exclusively on the Sunnyside property. These targets, previously identified by ASARCO during their 1970 through1992 exploration programs, were recommended for follow-up drilling which was not completed. The Company plans to initiate select ASARCO recommended follow-up drilling. The Company is currently soliciting bids from drill companies to complete this work. Qualified Person William Wulftange, Reg.Mem. SME, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this release. He is the CEO and director of Barksdale. About Barksdale Resources Corp. At Barksdale, our mission is to drive long-term shareholder value through the strategic acquisition, exploration, and advancement of high-quality critical, base, and precious metal projects across the Americas. We are focused on the metals essential to the global energy transition and modern infrastructure-particularly copper, zinc, and other critical minerals-at a time when secure, domestic and regional sources are more important than ever. With a sharp focus on critical metals and a commitment to responsible growth, Barksdale is positioned to play a key role in meeting tomorrow's resource needs. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release may contain certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the Phase II earn-in and meeting the requirements thereof, and the proposed Fall 2025 drill program and results therefrom are forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Barksdale, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in the Company's continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release concerning these items. Barksdale does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements if beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265178 SOURCE: Barksdale Resources Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - CanCambria Energy Corp. (TSXV: CCEC) (FSE: 4JH) (OTCQB: CCEYF) ("CanCambria" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of voting at the Annual General and Special Meeting held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Shareholders voted unanimously in favour of all items put forward by the Board of Directors and management. Each of those matters is set out in detail in the Information Circular published in connection with the Meeting, which is available on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. A total of 35,962,781 common shares, representing approximately 30.22% of the Company's outstanding common shares, were voted by proxy at the Meeting. The members of the Board of Directors and management for the ensuing year are: Paul Clarke - President, CEO, Director Konstantin Lichtenwald - CFO, Director Piet Van Assche - Chief Operating Officer Christopher Cornelius - Executive Chairman Anthony Kelly - Non-Executive Director Peter Turner - Non-Executive Director Toby Pierce - Non-Executive Director About CanCambria Energy Corp. CanCambria Energy Corp. is a Canadian exploration and production company specializing in tight gas development. With a globally experienced leadership team, CanCambria focuses on high-quality, de-risked projects with direct access to profitable markets. Leveraging industries' most advanced technologies they aim to commercialize their flagship asset, the 100% owned Kiskunhalas Project in southern Hungary, a significant gas-condensate resource in the heart of Europe. CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information other than statements of historical facts contained in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Without limiting the foregoing, such forward-looking information includes statements regarding the Offering, Company's business plans, expectations, capital costs and objectives. In this news release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate" and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or the Company management's good faith belief with respect to future events and is subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. The forward-looking information set forth herein reflects the Company's expectations as at the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265193 SOURCE: CanCambria Energy Corp. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Sayward Capital Corp. (TSXV: SAWC.P) (the "Corporation") a capital pool company under TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies ("Policy 2.4"), announces that the share exchange agreement between the Corporation, Technosteel Construction (L.L.C) ("Technosteel") and all of the shareholders of Technosteel dated March 26, 2025 (the "Definitive Agreement"), as described in the Corporation's press release dated April 24, 2025, has been terminated. In accordance with the terms of the Definitive Agreement, notwithstanding the aforementioned termination, Technosteel shall be responsible for paying Sayward a break fee of $50,000. The Corporation is continuing to identify and evaluate assets and businesses with a view to completing its "Qualifying Transaction" (as such term is defined in Policy 2.4). The Corporation's common shares are listed on the TSXV under the symbol "SAWC.P". Trading in the common shares of the Corporation has been halted since June 13, 2024. The Corporation has applied to the TSXV to resume trading of its common shares, which were previously halted from trading pending completion of the proposed transaction. For further information, please contact: Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or the Corporation's future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Corporation's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, the evaluation of assets and businesses and the Corporation's expectation as to the resumption of trading of its common shares on the TSXV constitute forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The statement made in this press release are made as of the date hereof. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable securities laws. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265203 SOURCE: Sayward Capital Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 4, 2025) - Auric Minerals Corp. (CSE: AUMC) ("Auric" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the acquisition of three highly prospective exploration properties; convertible debenture amendments and conversions into shares for debt as well as loan conversions into shares for debt. The English Lake Project, the Otter Lake Project, and the Kan Project in the Central Mineral Belt ("CMB") of Labrador, Canada cover over 26,500 hectares across multiple mineralized corridors in one of Canada's most fertile and underexplored uranium districts. Labrador's CMB hosts world-class uranium resources, including Paladin Energy's Michelin deposit, Atha Energy's (formerly Latitude Uranium) Moran Lake Deposit and Anna Lake deposit. Mineralization styles in the belt range from albite-metasomatite uranium to hematite-rich breccia systems with copper-uranium-vanadium-silver enrichment - placing portions of the CMB firmly on the spectrum of Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG)-type systems. Acquisition Highlights - English Lake - historic sampling returning a high of 0.1% U3O with associated critical and rare earth element anomalies, lake sediment assay results up to 572ppm and multiple cross cutting structures. - Otter Lake Project - on trend with the Moran Lake Deposit to the north east located in an underexplored region in the southwestern CMD, containing multiple large airborne uranium radiometric anomalies and associated uranium in lake sediments. Significant early stage historical exploration work has been carried out. - Kan Project - hosting a series of uranium mineralized pegmatites (Kan North) and highly anomalous uranium in lake sediment (Kan Central, Kan South). Historic channel sampling showed grades up to 6.9% U3O; while 3,000m of historic diamond drilling intercepted mineralization in each hole, but failed to identify the source of the mineralization Chris Huggins, Auric CEO states, "The acquisition of English Lake, Otter Lake, and Kan projects adds to our uranium focused portfolio in Labrador's Central Mineral Belt. These projects not only offer potential for high-grade uranium discoveries, but they are also well positioned within a geological environment that is increasingly recognized for hosting IOCG-type metasomatic iron and alkali-calcic systems (MIAC). The combination of uranium and critical and precious metals associated with these diverse mineral systems creates a larger foundation for Auric to explore for the next energy and strategic metal resources within the CMB." Labrador's Central Mineral Belt is considered part of a broader IOCG metallogenic province in eastern Canada, with analogues in the Romanet Horst (Labrador Trough) and Bondy Gneiss Complex (Grenville Province). Further, Labrador's CMB can be compared favorably to major IOCG jurisdictions globally including: 1. Olympic Dam IOCG (Australia) Similarities: - Hosted in Proterozoic rocks. - Strong alkali metasomatism and iron oxide alteration. - Multi-commodity mineralization: U-Cu-Au-Ag-REE, similar to the CMB's U-Cu-V-Ag associations. Differences: - Olympic Dam is much larger and better defined, with extensive infrastructure and production. 2. Carajas IOCG District (Brazil) Similarities: - IOCG deposits hosted in volcano-sedimentary sequences with associated granites. - Strong structural control and alteration zoning. Differences: - Carajas is more copper-dominant, while CMB has a stronger uranium signature English Lake Project - IOCG-Affinity Uranium in a Proven District Located ~170 km north of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and ~85 km west of Postville, the 7,375-hectare English Lake Project lies on the northern flank of the CMB, close to Moran Lake, Anna Lake, and Michelin. Historic work by Bayswater Uranium Corp. (2006-2009) delineated: - Lake sediment uranium values up to 572 ppm U - Rock samples up to 0.10% U3O from pegmatite and granite-hosted zones - Radiometric highs coinciding with structural trends and magnetic breaks - Multi-element anomalies including Cu, Mn, Ba, Zn, Li, Pb, Y, and minor Au Bedrock comprises Archean granitoids and Proterozoic granites intruded by uranium-enriched pegmatites. Zones of iron oxide-rich breccia, sodium-calcium metasomatism, and structurally focused alteration share attributes with IOCG-type systems recognized elsewhere in the CMB. Otter Lake Project - Large-Scale Radiometric Targets with Structural Control The Otter Lake Project totals 7,125 hectares in two claim blocks bordering Otter Lake, ~117 km northwest of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The property straddles a NE-SW fault-parallel corridor that links into the Moran Lake mineralized trend. Historic Crosshair Exploration & Mining Corp. surveys (2005-2008) defined two large, discrete radiometric and geochemical targets: - Otter Lake East - 6 km airborne radiometric uranium anomaly with associated lake sediments - Otter Lake West - 41 km anomaly with an open, untested eastern extent The size and structural setting of linear radiometric and magnetic anomalies from historic data, coupled with the known association of Moran Lake-type mineralization with IOCG-style hematite-chlorite alteration, position Otter Lake as a prime candidate for both structurally hosted uranium and polymetallic IOCG systems. Kan Project - Hematite Breccias and Multi-Element Potential The Kan Project covers 4,025 hectares in three licences (Kan North, Central, and South) ~200 km northwest of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Kan North hosts the Dandy prospect, a series of pegmatite intrusions within the Kanairiktok Intrusive Suite. Historic exploration returned: - Rock samples up to 0.18% U3O from hematite breccia zones - Mineralized pegmatites occur within a zone of anomalous radioactivity 600m wide that can be traced up to 1.5km along strike. - Strong uranium in lake sediment with a regional Geological Survey of Canada sample of 730ppm in Kan South - channel sampling showed grades up to 6.9%% U3O The geological setting - breccia textures, abundant hematite, and alkali alteration - matches IOCG-affinity uranium-copper systems recognized in the western CMB and in global analogues such as Olympic Dam. Exploration Upside and 2025/26 Plans While each property has confirmed uranium mineralization and strong radiometric signatures, the combination of: Proximity to major deposits, Large untested radiometric targets, IOCG-style alteration and breccia textures, and Multi-element pathfinder associations (Cu, V, REEs, Au) creates a unique opportunity for Auric to explore for both high-grade uranium and polymetallic IOCG systems in one of Canada's safest, most prospective jurisdictions. Planned 2025 & 2026 work includes historic data compilation, lake sediment and soil sampling, geological mapping, scintillometer and portable XRF prospecting, and geophysical interpretation to refine drill targets for both uranium and IOCG-style systems. Terms of the Acquisition As consideration for acquisition of 100% of the Property, signed September 4, 2025, subject to the policies and approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange, Auric will: - issue 22,000,000 common shares (the "Consideration Shares") at $0.315; as the common shares of the Buyer are presently constituted, to such parties as the Seller may direct, on the Closing Date; - issue 8,000,000 warrants of the Buyer at a price of $0.315 to such parties as the Seller may direct, on the Closing Date, expiring 36 months from the Closing Date; - make a $250,000 cash payment (the "Consideration Payment") to the Seller on or before the earlier of: (i) the date which is five (5) months following the Effective Date; and (ii) the date upon which the aggregate gross proceeds to the Buyer from equity financings completed by the Buyer following the Effective Date is at least $2,000,000; and - assume all rights and obligations of the Seller in respect of the 2.5% NSR. Convertible Debenture Amendments Further to the Corporation's news release dated February 13, 2025, the Corporation issued $765,000 aggregate principal amount of 8% convertible debenture units (the "Debenture Units") to certain subscribers and, separately to Cronin Exploration Inc., with each Debenture Unit consisting of one debenture having a face value of $1,000 (the "Debentures") and 1,000 common share purchase warrants (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable into one common share of the Corporation (a "Share") at an exercise price of $1.25 per Share for a period of three years. The Debentures have a two-year term and are convertible into Shares at a conversion price of $0.95. Subject to the policies and approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "Exchange"), the Corporation wishes to amend the conversion price of the Debentures from $0.95 to $0.315, and the exercise price of the Warrants from $1.25 to $0.35, to permit a forced conversion process, if the Corporation's stock trades at or above $0.35, plus 25%, for 10 consecutive trading days, where the Corporation may: (a) require the holders of the Warrant to pay the exercise price of the outstanding Warrants within 30 days of receiving notice, failing which the Warrants will expire; and (b) force the conversion of all outstanding Debentures into common shares without any further action or payment from the Debenture holders (otherwise known as the "Forced Conversion Process") (the "Convertible Debenture Amendments"). Convertible Debenture Conversions into Debt: Subject to the approval of the Exchange of the Convertible Debenture Amendments and the trigger of the Forced Conversion Process, the holders of the Debentures have mutually agreed to convert their amended Debenture amounts into Shares of the Corporation at a deemed price of $0.315 per Share (the "CD Debt Settlements") and, in this regard, the Corporation intends to enter into debt settlement agreements with each arm's length Debenture holder (the creditors), to issue a total of 2,535,679 Shares in exchange for the cancellation of outstanding Debenture amounts totalling $798,738.81 (the "CD Debt Settlements") owing to the creditors. Loan Conversions into Debt: In December 2024 and January 2025, the Corporation entered into certain unsecured loan agreements with certain independent lenders. The lenders have mutually agreed to convert their loan amounts, inclusive of unpaid principal amount, all accrued unpaid interest and all other amounts payable under their respective loan agreements and, in this regard, the Corporation intends to enter into debt settlement agreements with each arm's length lender (the creditors) to issue a total of 491,802 Shares at a deemed price of $0.315 per Share in exchange for the cancellation of outstanding accounts payable totalling $154,917.59 (the "Loan Debt Settlements") owing to the creditors. The Corporation is also indebted to a consultant for past consulting services in the amount of $262,500 and intends to enter into a debt settlement agreement with the arm's length consultant to issue a total of 833,333 Shares at a deemed price of $0.315 per Share. Together with the Loan Debt Settlements, the total amount owing to the creditors is $417,417.59. All Loan Conversion Shares will be subject to a statutory four month and one day hold period. The Debenture Conversion Shares, and Property Acquisition Shares are not subject to the Exchange Hold. The Convertible Debenture Amendments, CD Debt Settlements and Loan Debt Settlements remain subject to the policies of and approvals of the Exchange. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jeremy Hanson, P.Geo., a consultant to the company and Qualified Person under NI 43-101. About the Company Auric is a mineral exploration company based in Oakville, Ontario and holds options over a growing property position of highly prospective Uranium properties in Labrador's Central Mineral Belt, Quebec; and a gold property, Goodeye, in British Columbia, Canada. Note: Readers are cautioned that the geology of nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of the geology of the Company's properties. AURIC MINERALS CORP. Forward-Looking Statements Except for the statements of historical fact, this news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. "Forward-looking information" in this news release includes information about the Company's intentions, plans and future actions described herein and the terms thereon. The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. The Company has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of the Company's normal course of business. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein. References Bayswater Uranium Corporation. (2006-2009). Assessment Reports for English Lake Claims. Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, Geoscience Data Repository. Corriveau, L.; Montreuil, J.-F. Metasomatic Mineral Systems with IOA, IOCG, and Affiliated Critical and Precious Metal Deposits: A Review from a Field Geology Perspective. Minerals 2025, 15, 365. https://doi.org/10.3390/min15040365 Crosshair Exploration & Mining Corp. (2005-2008). Assessment Reports for Otter Lake and Kan Claims. Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, Geoscience Data Repository. Newfoundland and Labrador Geoscience Atlas. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. https://gis.geosurv.gov.nl.ca/ Energy and Mines Branch, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mineral Occurrence Database (MODS). Paladin Energy Ltd. (2023). Michelin Uranium Project - Resource Statement. Latitude Uranium Inc. (2023). Moran Lake Uranium-Vanadium Project - Technical Summary. Wardle, R.J., Gower, C.F., Nunn, G.A.G., and Ryan, A.B. (2002). Geological Map of Labrador. Geological Survey, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). (2018). Deposit Classification for Uranium, Including IOCG-type Systems. Porter, T.M., et al. (2010). Iron Oxide Copper-Gold Deposits: Geology, Space-Time Distribution, and Possible Origins. Porter GeoConsultancy. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265198 SOURCE: Auric Minerals Corp. Leading legal funding firm broadens access to financial support for plaintiffs facing hardship during lengthy litigation LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / High Rise Financial LLC, a leading provider of pre-settlement funding, is proud to announce the expansion of its funding services into Illinois. This milestone reflects the company's continued growth and its commitment to helping plaintiffs across the state access financial support while awaiting the resolution of their legal cases. High Rise Financial's expansion into Illinois will provide crucial resources for individuals facing financial hardship during lengthy litigation. By offering pre-settlement cash advances, the company enables clients to cover everyday expenses such as medical bills, rent, and lost wages, while giving them the financial stability to pursue fair compensation. "We are excited to extend our funding services to Illinois," said Mark Berookim, co-founder of High Rise Financial LLC. "Plaintiffs often face enormous financial pressure while their cases move through the legal system. Our goal is to relieve that burden by providing timely, transparent, and ethical funding solutions that allow clients to focus on healing and justice." With a strong track record of serving clients nationwide, High Rise Financial's presence in Illinois underscores its mission to make pre-settlement funding more accessible and responsive to the needs of local communities. About High Rise Financial LLC High Rise Financial LLC is a leading pre-settlement funding firm that provides financial assistance and legal funding to plaintiffs in personal injury, wrongful death, and other civil cases. The company offers cash advances to clients waiting for their legal settlements, helping them manage their finances during lengthy litigation processes. With a commitment to transparency and excellent customer service, High Rise Financial is dedicated to helping clients navigate the financial challenges of litigation. Contact Information Jack Ross Director of Project Management jross@highrisefinancial.com (866) 407-6404 SOURCE: High Rise Financial View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/high-rise-financial-expands-pre-settlement-funding-services-to-i-1068982 More Than 1600 Brands Targeted, Just By QR Code Attacks in Q2 CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / CAMBRIDGE, Mass.-The APWG's Q2 2025 Phishing Activity Trends Report reveals increasing numbers of cybercrime attacks, with some types of phishing inflicting rapidly rising costs to the consumers and businesses they victimized during Q2 of this year. QR CODE ATTACKS IN Q2 2025 QR CODE ATTACKS IN Q2 2025 APWG will meet to consider these developments and the rise of AI as a cybercrime co-conspirator at its eCrime Symposium in November: https://apwg.org/events/ecrime2025 The number of phishing attacks has risen steadily over the last year. In the second quarter of 2025, APWG observed 1,130,393 phishing attacks, up 13 percent from 1,003,924 attacks in Q1 2025. This is the largest quarterly total since 1.28 million of these campaigns were observed in Q2 2023. Attacks also cost companies more money in the last quarter. "Business e-mail compromise" or BEC attacks attempt to trick employees, often key operations personnel and executives, into sending their company's money or passwords to a criminal. When criminals requested that companies send money to them via wire transfer, the average amount requested in Q2 2025 was $83,099, a 97 percent increase from Q1 2025. The total number of wire transfer BEC attacks observed also increased, by 27 percent compared to Q1 2025. Phishers are also using the services of legitimate companies to carry out phishing. Matthew Harris, Senior Product Manager, Fraud at Crane Authentication/OpSec Security, reported: "We are seeing a rise in the volume of phishing located on free hosting platforms, and on domains where the network and hosting infrastructure is behind third-party protection services." APWG member Fortra documented that Green Dot was once again the preferred bank of payroll diversion scammers, with one in four payroll diversion attempts directed towards accounts at one of Green Dot's brands. Domain registrar NameCheap was used most often by BEC scammers, in almost a quarter of all BEC attacks. Google's Gmail was used for 70 percent free webmail accounts that scammers set up for BEC scams, Fortra found. While phishers direct large numbers of attacks against certain brands (such as the U.S. Postal Service), a great many companies' brands are also being attacked. APWG contributor Mimecast found that 1,642 brands were targeted by criminals using malicious QR codes, which direct the victims to phishing sites and malware. Report: https://docs.apwg.org/reports/apwg_trends_report_q2_2025.pdf About APWG The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) is the global industry, law enforcement, and government coalition focused on unifying the global response to electronic crime. Membership is open to qualified financial institutions, online retailers, ISPs and Telcos, the law enforcement community, solutions providers, multilateral treaty organizations, research centers, trade associations and government agencies. SEE: APWG's apwg.org and stopthinkconnect.org websites. Contact APWG at press@apwg.org, +1.617.669.1123). For company-specific content in this release, contact: Stefanie Wood of Crane Authentication/OpSec Security (stefanie.wood@craneauthentication.com); Jessica Ryan of Fortra (Agari and PhishLabs) (jessica.ryan@fortra.com); Tim Hamilton of Mimecast (thamilton@mimecast.com). Contact Information Peter Cassidy Secretary General pcassidy@apwg.org 617-669-1123 SOURCE: ANTI-PHISHING WORKING GROUP View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/apwg-q2-report-phishing-and-scam-attack-numbers-rise-while-inflic-1069089 LAS VEGAS, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gaucher disease market is primarily being driven by a rising prevalence of the condition and better diagnostic capabilities. Additionally, the expected launch of therapies such as Venglustat (Sanofi), PR001 (Eli Lilly), LY-M001 (Lingyimed), FLT201 (Spur Therapeutics), and others will further propel the Gaucher's disease market. DelveInsight's Gaucher's Disease Market Insights report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, Gaucher's disease emerging drugs, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented into leading markets (the US, EU4, UK, and Japan). Gaucher's Disease Market Summary The market size for Gaucher's disease in the leading markets (the US, EU4, UK, and Japan) is expected to grow significantly by 2034. The United States accounted for the highest Gaucher's disease treatment market size in 7MM in 2024, in comparison to the other major markets, i.e., EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan. There are approximately 6,000 individuals with Gaucher disease in the United States. individuals with Gaucher disease in the United States. Leading Gaucher's disease companies developing emerging therapies, such as Sanofi, Eli Lilly, Spur Therapeutics, Lingyimed, and others, are developing new Gaucher's disease treatment drugs that can be available in the Gaucher's disease market in the coming years. and others, are developing new Gaucher's disease treatment drugs that can be available in the Gaucher's disease market in the coming years. The promising Gaucher's disease therapies in clinical trials include Venglustat, PR001 (GBA1 Gene Therapy), FLT201, LY-M001, and others. Discover the Gaucher's disease new treatment @ New Treatments for Gaucher's Disease Key Factors Driving the Growth of the Gaucher's Disease Market Rising Gaucher's Disease Incidence and Awareness Gaucher's disease, though rare, is the most common lysosomal storage disorder. Its incidence is increasing due to heightened awareness, improved diagnostic capabilities, and the expansion of genetic testing. Gaucher disease is a rare disorder, with an incidence ranging from 0.4 to 5.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Its average prevalence is approximately 1 in 60,000 in the general population. Advancements in Gaucher's Disease Treatment Options The development and approval of new therapies have significantly improved the management of Gaucher's disease. Enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs) such as imiglucerase (CEREZYME), velaglucerase (VPRIV), and taliglucerase alfa (ELELYSO) have been pivotal in treating Type 1 Gaucher's disease. Additionally, oral medications like miglustat (ZAVESCA) and eliglustat (CERDELGA) offer alternatives for patients who may not be suitable candidates for ERTs. Ongoing R&D in Gaucher's Disease Clinical Trials The treatment landscape for Gaucher disease is expected to advance significantly, with several innovative therapies currently in development, including Venglustat (Sanofi), PR001 (Eli Lilly), FLT201 (Spur Therapeutics), and others. These pipeline therapies have the potential to significantly transform the treatment landscape of Gaucher disease and market dynamics in the coming years. Gaucher's Disease Market Analysis Treatment for Gaucher Disease is customized for each patient due to the wide variation in symptoms, severity, and disease progression. The goal is to alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term damage. The cornerstone of therapy includes Enzyme Replacement Therapy and Substrate Reduction Therapy, which help to relieve symptoms, prevent irreversible complications such as splenomegaly-related arthritis, vertebral compression fractures, hepatic fibrosis, and lung involvement, while also improving patients' overall health and quality of life. Supportive measures such as pain management, blood transfusions, and orthopedic surgeries are also used to address various symptoms. CEREZYME (imiglucerase), VPRIV (velaglucerase alfa), and ELELYSO (taliglucerase alfa) are approved ERT options for long-term treatment of Type 1 Gaucher disease. In addition, SRTs like CERDELGA (eliglustat) and ZAVESCA (miglustat) are also approved, with CERDELGA being the only SRT specifically approved in Japan for Gaucher disease. CEREZYME is indicated for long-term use in patients with Type 1 Gaucher disease (non-neuronopathic) and in some cases of slowly progressive Type 3 disease involving the nervous system. Administered intravenously every two weeks, it helps reduce symptoms such as hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and bone complications. The therapy was originally developed by Genzyme, now part of Sanofi. VPRIV is another ERT approved for long-term treatment of Type 1 Gaucher disease. Its safety and efficacy were evaluated in over 100 patients across 24 centers in 10 countries, the largest clinical dataset supporting approval of an ERT for this condition. VPRIV is produced using a human cell line through Shire's proprietary gene activation technology. To know more about Gaucher's disease treatment options, visit @ Approved Gaucher's Disease Drugs Gaucher's Disease Competitive Landscape Some of the Gaucher's disease drugs in clinical trials include Venglustat (Sanofi), PR001 (Eli Lilly), LY-M001 (Lingyimed), FLT201 (Spur Therapeutics), and others. Sanofi's Venglustat, a small-molecule glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) inhibitor, became part of Sanofi's portfolio following its acquisition of Genzyme in 2011, a strategic move to expand its rare disease capabilities. The drug has received Orphan Drug Designation in the US, Europe, and Japan for Gaucher Disease Type 3. It is currently in Phase III clinical development for this indication. Additionally, it is being explored in Phase II trials in combination with imiglucerase for adult patients with Gaucher Disease Type 3. In April 2025, Sanofi stated that it expects Phase III readouts for Type 3 Gaucher disease in the second half of 2025, with a regulatory filing planned for 2026 based on these results. Eli Lilly's PR001 is an AAV9-based gene replacement therapy delivering a functional copy of the GBA1 gene to the brain. A Phase I/II clinical trial (PROCEED) is underway evaluating PR001 in patients with peripheral manifestations of Gaucher disease. In October 2020, the US FDA granted Fast Track designation to PR001 for neuronopathic Gaucher disease (nGD). Lingyimed's LY-M001 injection marks a significant breakthrough for China's biotech sector as the country's first homegrown AAV gene therapy for Type 1 and Type 3 Gaucher disease. Classified as a Class 1 therapeutic biologic, it uses a recombinant AAV vector to deliver glucocerebrosidase through a single IV infusion. LY-M001 is currently in a Phase II clinical trial in China and has received both Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD). In January 2024, LY-M001 secured US FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) approval under IND number 30210. The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies are poised to transform the Gaucher's disease market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the Gaucher's disease market landscape, offering new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth. Discover more about Gaucher's disease marketed and pipeline drugs @ Gaucher's Disease Clinical Trials Recent Developments in the Gaucher's Disease Market In April 2025, the company announced that it expects to receive Phase III data for Type 3 Gaucher disease in the second half of 2025. This data is anticipated to support a planned regulatory submission in 2026. Gaucher's Disease Overview Gaucher disease is a rare inherited condition caused by mutations in the GBA gene, which result in reduced activity of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase. Because of this deficiency, substances like glucocerebroside and glucosylsphingosine (Lyso-Gb1) build up in cells, particularly in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. It is an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning that the defective gene must be inherited from both parents for the disease to develop. The disease is categorized into three types: Type 1, the most common form, marked by enlarged organs, bone pain, and blood-related issues; Type 2, a severe infantile form characterized by rapid neurological deterioration; and Type 3, which includes both systemic symptoms and gradually progressive neurological problems. Gaucher's Disease Epidemiology Segmentation The Gaucher's disease epidemiology section provides insights into the historical and current Gaucher's disease patient pool and forecasted trends for the leading markets (the US, EU4, UK, and Japan). It helps recognize the causes of current and forecasted patient trends by exploring numerous studies and views of key opinion leaders. The Gaucher's disease market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 2020-2034 in the leading markets (the US, EU4, UK, and Japan), segmented into: Total Prevalent Cases of Gaucher Disease Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Gaucher Disease Type-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Gaucher Disease Treated Cases of Gaucher Disease Gaucher's Disease Market Report Metrics Details Study Period 2020-2034 Gaucher's Disease Market Report Coverage 7MM [The United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Key Gaucher's Disease Companies Sanofi, Eli Lilly, Spur Therapeutics, Lingyimed, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Protalix BioTherapeutics, Actelion Pharmaceuticals, now part of Johnson & Johnson, and others Key Gaucher's Disease Therapies Venglustat, PR001 (GBA1 Gene Therapy), FLT201, LY-M001, CEREZYME, VPRIV, CERDELGA, ELELYSO, ZAVESCA, and others Scope of the Gaucher's Disease Market Report Therapeutic Assessment: Gaucher's Disease current marketed and emerging therapies Gaucher's Disease current marketed and emerging therapies Gaucher's Disease Market Dynamics: Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Gaucher's Disease Drugs and Market Outlook Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Gaucher's Disease 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, Gaucher's Disease Market Access and Reimbursement Download the report to understand which factors are driving Gaucher's disease therapeutics market trends @ Gaucher's Disease Market Trends Table of Contents 1 Gaucher's Disease Market Key Insights 2 Gaucher's Disease Market Report Introduction 3 Executive Summary of Gaucher Disease 4 Key Events of Gaucher Disease 5 Gaucher's Disease Epidemiology and Market Forecast Methodology 6 Gaucher Disease: Market Overview at a Glance 6.1 Total Market Share (%) Distribution of Gaucher Disease by Therapies in 2024 6.2 Total Market Share (%) Distribution of Gaucher Disease by Therapies in 2034 7 Gaucher Disease: Disease Background and Overview 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Gaucher's Disease Signs and Symptoms 7.3 Gaucher's Disease Causes 7.4 Gaucher's Disease Diagnosis 7.5 Gaucher's Disease Treatment 8 Patient Journey of Gaucher Disease 9 Epidemiology and Patient Population of Gaucher Disease 9.1 Key Findings 9.2 Assumptions and Rationale: The 7MM 9.3 Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Gaucher Disease in the 7MM 9.4 The United States 9.4.1 Total Prevalent Cases of Gaucher Disease in the United States 9.4.2 Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Gaucher Disease in the United States 9.4.3 Type-specific Cases of Gaucher Disease in the United States 9.4.4 Treated Cases of Gaucher Disease in the United States 9.5 EU4 and the UK 9.6 Japan 10 Marketed Gaucher's Disease Therapies 10.1 Key Competitors 10.2 CEREZYME (imiglucerase): Sanofi 10.2.1 Product Description 10.2.2 Regulatory Milestones 10.2.3 Other Developmental Activities 10.2.4 Clinical Development 10.2.4.1 Clinical Trials Information 10.2.5 Safety and efficacy 10.2.6 Analyst Views 10.3 VPRIV (velaglucerase alfa): Takeda Pharmaceuticals List to be continued in the report 11 Emerging Gaucher's Disease Drugs 11.1 Key Competitors 11.2 Venglustat: Sanofi 11.2.1 Product Description 11.2.2 Other Developmental Activities 11.2.3 Clinical Development 11.2.3.1 Clinical Trials Information 11.2.4 Safety and Efficacy 11.2.5 Analyst Views 11.3 AVR-RD-02: Avro Bio List to be continued in the report 12 Gaucher Disease Market: Seven Major Market Analysis 12.1 Key Findings 12.2 Key Gaucher's Disease Market Forecast Assumptions 12.3 Gaucher's Disease Market Outlook 12.4 Conjoint Analysis 12.5 Total Market Size of Gaucher Disease in the 7MM 12.6 Total Market Size of Gaucher Disease by Therapies in the 7MM 12.7 Market Size of Gaucher Disease in the US 12.8 Market Size of Gaucher Disease in EU4 and the UK 12.9 Market Size of Gaucher Disease in Japan 13 Unmet Needs of Gaucher Disease 14 SWOT Analysis of Gaucher Disease 15 KOL Views of Gaucher Disease 16 Market Access and Reimbursement of Gaucher Disease 17 Bibliography 18 Gaucher's Disease Market Report Methodology Related Reports Gaucher's Disease Clinical Trial Analysis Gaucher's Disease Pipeline Insight - 2025 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key Gaucher's disease companies, including CANbridge Life Sciences, AVROBIO, Gain Therapeutics, M6P Therapeutics, Denali Therapeutics, Graphite Bio, Sanofi, Freeline Therapeutics, Orphazyme, Sanofi, Prevail Therapeutics, Yuhan, among others. Gaucher Disease Type 1 Market Gaucher Disease Type 1 Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key Gaucher disease type 1 companies, including Eli Lilly and Company, Spur Therapeutics, AceLink Therapeutics, among others. Fabry Disease Market Fabry Disease Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key Fabry disease companies including Amicus Therapeutics, CHIESI Farmaceutici and Protalix Biotherapeutics, Sanofi (Genzyme), Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Sangamo Therapeutics, UniQure Biopharma, among others. Tay-Sachs Disease Market Tay-Sachs Disease Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key Tay-Sachs disease companies, including Genzyme, Sanofi, Azafaros A.G., Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Taysha Gene Therapies Inc., GlycoNet, IntraBio Inc., Actelion, Natera Inc., 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/gauchers-disease-market-to-witness-significant-upswing-during-the-forecast-period-20252034-amid-new-treatment-options--delveinsight-302546941.html LONDON, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cultural Assets Group and IN4 Group announced the signing of an agreement to establish the joint venture "Madinat Al Maharat" during the GREAT FUTURES summit, one of the initiatives of the The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom Strategic Partnership Council. "Madinat Al Maharat" will operate as a national vocational training provider committed to developing a robust creative and advanced technology workforce in Saudi Arabia. Endorsed by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) and the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), the joint venture will deliver accredited professional training programs with internationally benchmarked curricula and hands-on learning experiences. It aims to train 50 participants in the coming year, expanding to 500 by 2027, thus empowering Saudi youth with world-class skills to pursue high-value careers in the creative technology industries. The summit was attended by H.E. Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi, Saudi Minister of Commerce, and The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, alongside senior Saudi and UK government officials, business leaders, and investors from both countries. The Saudi delegation also included the Ministry of Commerce, which facilitated business meetings between Saudi and British businesses and highlighted investment opportunities, as well as the National Competitiveness Center, which played a key role as an organizer supporting public-private initiatives at the event. Abdulaziz bin Musaed AlSulaim, Chief Executive Officer of Cultural Assets Group, stated that the agreement underscores the Group's commitment to building a sustainable foundation for the cultural and creative economy and strengthening national capabilities in this sector. He explained that the initiative will equip Saudi youth with world-class skills to design, produce, and export distinctive cultural experiences to global audiences. Mo Isap, Chief Executive Officer of IN4 Group, said that "Madinat Al Maharat", the joint venture with Cultural Assets Group, will deliver apprenticeships in the region and build on IN4's work in Saudi Arabia by providing immersive technology training and ensuring fair access to skills. He added that the Group is fully committed to investing in its long-term future in the Kingdom through expanding operations, developing local talent, and strengthening international relations. This agreement establishes a practical model of international collaboration that combines global expertise and national ambition, supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and creates new opportunities for investment in the Kingdom's creative human capital. About Cultural Assets Group Cultural Assets Group is the largest privately-owned cultural and creative group in Saudi Arabia, dedicated to shaping the Kingdom's cultural future through strategic investment, innovation, and ecosystem development. As an institutional leader, the Group builds and manages a portfolio of cultural enterprises and intellectual properties operating across a wide spectrum of the cultural and creative industry Through its subsidiaries and initiatives, the Group bridges creativity and capital, driving sustainable cultural growth that aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Its mission is to elevate the economic value of cultural and creative industries, and leave a lasting impact by designing programs and subsidiaries that build legacies https://www.culturalassets.sa/en About IN4 Group IN4 Group is a leading international professional technology training and skills provider, with operations across the United Kingdom and the Middle East. Delivered through a proven regional blueprint, the Group unlocks the potential of local talent to drive sustainable productivity and prosperity for industry, communities, and the local economy. Its mission is to ensure fair access to technology futures, underpinned by its DNA: to humanise technology, create a connection to place, and maintain a culture of belonging. in4group.co.uk For Media Enquiries: Cultural Assets Group Email: pr@culturalassets.sa https://www.culturalassets.sa/en Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764930/Cultural_Assets_IN4.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cultural-assets-group-and-in4-group-sign-agreement-to-establish-madinat-al-maharat-joint-venture-at-the-great-futures-summit-in-london-302547155.html WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A U.S. federal jury has ordered Google to pay $425 million in damages after finding the company breached user privacy by collecting data even after individuals had switched off a tracking feature in their accounts. The class-action lawsuit, filed in July 2020, represented about 98 million users and 174 million devices. Plaintiffs argued that Google unlawfully accessed and stored data from mobile devices, including activity on apps such as Uber, Lyft, Amazon, Alibaba, Instagram and Facebook, despite privacy assurances under its Web & App Activity setting. Users had originally sought over $31 billion in damages. The jury found Google liable on two of three privacy claims but did not conclude the company acted with malice. David Boies, the attorney for the plaintiffs, welcomed the verdict, calling it 'a significant win for user privacy.' Google rejected the outcome and confirmed it will appeal. 'This decision misunderstands how our products work,' said company spokesperson Jose Castaneda. 'Our privacy tools give people control over their data, and when they turn off personalization, we honor that choice.' The ruling adds to mounting legal challenges for Google. Just this week, a separate federal judge ruled the company would not have to sell its Chrome browser in an antitrust case but must end exclusive contracts and share search data with rivals. Google also faces a forthcoming trial over its monopoly in advertising technology. Despite the privacy verdict, shares of parent company Alphabet surged more than 9 percent Wednesday following the favorable antitrust decision on Chrome. 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. A Gurugram-based professional complainant alleged that she was sexually assaulted on 11th August. She claimed that the actor assaulted her inside a bathroom during a house party in the second week of August in Delhi. Popular TV actor Ashish Kapoor known for his portrayal of Nikhil Deora in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai was arrested in Pune on Wednesday following rape allegations. The FIR was registered at Civil Lines police station in Delhi and the actor was held in after authorities tracked his multiple locations as per police. A Gurugram-based professional complainant alleged that she was sexually assaulted on 11th August. She claimed that the actor assaulted her inside a bathroom during a house party in the second week of August in Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While earlier she took name of Kapoor, his friend, the friends wife, and two unidentified individuals, she later accused on Kapoor by revising her statement. The team has been looking for him. He was earlier traced to Goa, but when the team reached, he slipped away. He was then traced to Pune, where he was found living with a friend and was arrested on Tuesday, said a senior officer to HT. Who is Ashish Kapoor? Ashish Kapoor was born in Delhi on 17th October. While he started his career as an interior designer, in 2010 he moved to acting with Ssshhh Phir Koi Hai. He became a household name with his character Prince Uday Veer Singh in Dekha Ek Khwaab. He also featured in Bandini, Saraswatichandra, Saat Phere: Saloni Ka Safar, Woh Apna Sa, Molkki Rishton Ki Agnipariksha, and the reality show Love Marriage Ya Arranged Marriage. Your food bill will see a drastic reduction, starting September 22, after Indias GST Council approved next-generation reforms to the tax structure. Now, everyday food items and kitchen staples will get cheaper. Also, for those who like dining out, theres a reason to rejoice, as GST on restaurants has been slashed to five per cent A woman shops in a grocery store in Lucknow. Household kitchens are set for relief as the GST Council has rolled out sweeping tax cuts on everyday food items. File image/Reuters Its a good time to be a foodie! The GST Council, led by Indias Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has approved next generation reforms, as PM Narendra Modi had earlier called them, to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure. Starting September 22, the GST slab structure will change there will only be two slabs of five and 18 per cent. Additionally, there will be a 40 per cent tax only for super luxury, sin and demerit goods. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the revamped GST structure, most daily food and grocery items will fall under the five per cent GST slab with bread, milk and paneer attracting no tax at all. Moreover, eating out will also become cheaper as the GST has reduced. The change in the GST structure received high praise from PM Modi, who wrote on X: During my Independence Day Speech, I had spoken about our intention to bring the next-generation reforms in GST Glad to state that @GST_Council, comprising the Union and the States, has collectively agreed to the proposals submitted by the Union Government. The wide ranging reforms will improve lives of our citizens and ensure ease of doing business for all, especially small traders and businesses, he added. As we await the GST changes to take place, heres a better look at how your food bill will now drastically change. Sitharaman announces next gen reforms to GST On Wednesday (September 3), the GST Council approved historical changes to Indias GST structure, adopting a five per cent and 18 per cent tax structure and eliminating the 12 and 28 per cent slabs. The GST Council has also introduced a steep 40 per cent rate for sin and luxury goods. Speaking after the changes, Sitharaman said, These reforms have been carried out with a focus on the common man. Every tax on the common mans daily use items has gone through a rigorous review and in most cases the rates have come down drastically. Labour-intensive industries have been given good support. Farmers and the agriculture sector, as well as the health sector, will benefit. Key drivers of the economy will be given prominence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD PTI These changes will come into effect on September 22, the first day of Navratri, and ahead of the festival of Diwali. The finance minister also noted, The honourable prime minister actually set the tone for the next generation reforms on August 15 when he spoke from the Red Fort This reform is not just on rationalising rates. Its also on structural reforms. Its also about ease of living so that businesses can do their business of working together with the GST with great ease. We have corrected inverted duty structure problems, we have resolved classification related issues, and we have ensured that there will be stability and predictability about the GST. Rate rationalisation, of course, we have reduced the slabs: there shall be only two slabs and we are also addressing the issues of compensation cess. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too hailed the changes. The wide ranging reforms will improve lives of our citizens and ensure ease of doing business for all, especially small traders and businesses, he wrote in a post on social media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Food items get cheaper The GST reforms will drastically change the prices of food items, bringing much relief to household kitchens. Food essentials such as milk, specifically ultra-high temperature milk, will now be tax-free (down from five per cent), while condensed milk, butter, ghee, paneer, and cheese have moved from 12 per cent to five per cent or nil in some cases. Parathas and parottas, which earlier drew 18 per cent tax, move to the nil bracket under GST 2.0. Kitchen staples such as malt, starches, pasta, cornflakes, biscuits, and even chocolates and cocoa products will now attract a five per cent GST from the previous 12-18 per cent. Meanwhile, refined sugar, sugar syrups and confectionery items such as candy and sweets have been moved to the five per cent slab. Earlier, these items attracted an 18 per cent GST. A customer collects food packets at a shopping mall in Siliguri. Cornflakes and cereals will now attract a five per cent GST. File image/Reuters Beverages such as coffee extracts, tea extracts, soups and plant-based beverages will also become cheaper as they will now have a five per cent GST rather than the 18 per cent tax. However, carbonated drinks and aerated waters will be slapped with a 40 per cent GST from the previous 28 per cent. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dry fruits such as almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, cashews, and dates, which earlier in the 12 per cent slab, have been moved to the five per cent slab. The GST reforms have also resulted in vegetable oils, animal fats, edible spreads, sausages, meat preparations, fish products, and malt extract-based packaged foods all being moved to the five per cent slab. Processed foods like pickled vegetables, pickled fruits, frozen vegetables, jams, jellies, marmalades, sauces, soups, broths, mayonnaise, salad dressings will also fall in the five per cent slab from September 22. Your favourite snack such as namkeens, bhujia and other edible preparations, which are ready for consumption, pre-packaged and labelled, will also now attract a five per cent GST from the earlier 18 per cent. The GST reforms have also simplified the tax on popcorn. All salted popcorn, sold loose or pre-packed will now attract a five per cent GST. Caramel popcorn will have an 18 per cent tax. Representational image/Reuters And what about popcorn , which had become a hot topic of discussion last year when the Centre introduced different tax rates for different types of popcorns? Now, as per the new GST reforms, popcorn mixed with salt and spice will attract five per cent tax, irrespective of whether it is sold loose or pre-packed. Earlier, salted popcorn, which was pre-packed, attracted a 12 per cent tax. Meanwhile, caramel popcorn will continue to be taxed at 18 per cent. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Similarly, the GST on cream buns has been revised to five per cent from the earlier 18 per cent. Earlier, there was confusion on cream buns as they were taxed 18 per cent, but buns and cream were separately taxed at 5 percent. Eating out to get cheaper And its not just kitchen essentials that will become cheaper owing to the GST reforms. Eating at restaurants will also become cheaper as the GST has been brought down to five per cent. This means any family that spent an average of Rs 3,000-Rs 4,000 a month will now save Rs 200-400 a month. This is significant as the reforms come as the festive and wedding season approaches. All in all, GST 2.0 will make daily meals a cheaper and more affordable option in India. Go grab that bucket of popcorn and celebrate the news! With inputs from agencies A joint investigation into last years cyber attacks in the US has revealed some disturbing information. Authorities have found that Chinese hackers, Salt Typhoon, targeted more than 80 countries and may have stolen information from nearly every American, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance Officials say the cyberattack carried out by Chinese state-sponsored hackers last year successfully targeted US President Donald Trump and his Vice President JD Vance. File image/Reuters Americans beware. Theres a huge possibility that almost every Americans data is in the hands of a Chinese-based hacker group, as it seeks to gain an edge over the United States. According to US officials, even data belonging to US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance may have been stolen by this Chinese hacker group, with investigators saying the cyberattack goes much deeper than they initially predicted, and has been a result of a years-long coordinated effort. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But whos behind it? How bad has the cyberattack been? Who all have been affected? We get you all the answers you may be looking for. What cyberattack? Last December, multiple news agencies reported that Chinese-based hackers, known as Salt Typhoon, had breached American telecommunications companies and stolen data about US calls. According to a Reuters report, the complex cyberattack began in 2022 with Reuters reporting that a large number of Americans metadata had been stolen in the sweeping cyber espionage campaign, adding dozens of companies across the world had been hit by the hackers, including at least eight telecommunications and telecom infrastructure firms in the United States. At the time, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Senator Mark Warner called it the worst telecom hack in our nations history and noted that it makes prior cyberattacks by Russian operatives look like childs play by comparison. How dangerous was the hack? In short, the hack has been extremely dangerous and now puts information of almost every American at peril. After months of investigations, the authorities from the US, the UK, Germany, Italy, Finland and Spain as well as others found that the cyber criminals targeted networks globally, including, but not limited to, telecommunications, government, transportation, lodging, and military infrastructure networks. British and American officials, as per the New York Times, have described the attack as unrestrained and indiscriminate with Cynthia Kaiser, a former top official in the FBIs cyber division, who oversaw investigations into the hacking, being quoted as telling the American news outlet, I cant imagine any American was spared given the breadth of the campaign. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The cyberattack spanned 80 countries, including the United States. Representational image/Reuters The investigators have noted that the hack was intended to provide the Chinese with the capability to identify and track their targets communications and movements around the world. Among the many targets of this complex cyberattack was none other President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, during their campaign last year. The British authorities investigation this breach added that the attackers stole data from telecom and internet service companies, breaching over a half dozen in the US alone, exploiting old vulnerabilities in the networks. They further added that Beijing was able to listen to phone calls, read text messages, and access locally stored files on the devices of those who were targeted. And its not just America that has been targeted in this cyber breach. According to the US and its allies, the cyber campaign undermined at least 80 countries. Speaking on the cyberattack, one senior intelligence official involved in the investigation was quoted as telling Forbes, This is not just a cyber intrusion. This is the weaponisation of our communications infrastructure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even Brett Leatherman, the FBIs top cyber official echoed similar remarks. He was quoted as saying, This is one of the more consequential cyber espionage breaches we have seen here in the United States. In fact, the US and international agencies declared the threat posed by Salt Typhoon hackers as a national defence crisis, impacting core infrastructure that carries global web traffic. What makes this cyberattack even more notable is that three private Chinese companies assisted in this complex operation. According to the report published by the US and its allies, the three companies are Beijing Huanyu Tianqiong Information Technology, Sichuan Zhixin Ruijie Network Technology and Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology. While the Treasury Department sanctioned the Sichuan-based Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology over Salt Typhoon activity in January, the other two had not been named so far. The hack is the work of Chinese-based group Salt Typhoon. It also goes by other names such as Ghost Emperor or FamousSparrow. Representational image/PTI But who was behind this cyberattack? According to the investigators, the hack is the work of Chinese-based group Salt Typhoon. It also goes by other names such as Ghost Emperor or FamousSparrow. According to the New York Times, the name Salt Typhoon is based on Microsofts practice of naming hacking groups after types of weather typhoon for hackers based in China, sandstorm for efforts by Iran and blizzard for operations mounted by Russia. A second term, in this case salt, is used to denote the type of hacking. Experts say Salt Typhoon seems to be focused primarily on counterintelligence targets, unlike other hacking groups that may try to steal corporate data, money or other secrets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Officials note that there is sufficient evidence that Salt Typhoon is allegedly backed by Chinas Ministry of State Security (MSS). Notably, the group has likely existed for some time and carried out multiple breaches in the past. Experts also note that this breach by Salt Typhoon ushers in a new era of Chinese cyber capabilities. It highlights Chinas ambitions for global influence. In many ways, Salt Typhoon marks a new chapter, Jennifer Ewbank, the former CIA. deputy director for digital innovation, told the New York Times. A decade ago, she noted, Western allies worried about Chinas thefts of trade secrets, personal information and government data, which used more rudimentary techniques. Today, we see patient, state-backed campaigns burrowed deep into the infrastructure of more than 80 countries, characterised by a high level of technical sophistication, patience and persistence, she added. With inputs from agencies Nur Khan, the Pakistan Air Force base in Rawalpindi that was destroyed during Operation Sindoor, is now being rebuilt. India launched Operation Sindoor in May as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed. But what do we know about the rebuilding efforts? Why is the base so important to Pakistan? Pakistan is rebuilding the Nur Khan base destroyed during Operation Sindoor. Satellite images show that reconstruction work at the strategically important base in Rawalpindi is underway. India had launched Operation Sindoor in May as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed in April. The Indian Air Force had targeted nearly two dozen terror bases in Pakistan, including those deep inside the countrys territory. But what do we know about the rebuilding? And why is the Nur Khan base important? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. What we know, why it is important The Nur Khan base is located in Rawalpindis Chaklala in Punjab province. It was built during British rule and, in World War II, was used to train Allied troops in parachute operations. In the years that followed, it became a transportation and logistics hub. Nur Khan, located less than 20 kilometres from Islamabad, was previously known as the Pakistan Air Force Chaklala base. It was renamed in 2012 to honour Air Marshal Malik Nur Khan Pakistans former Chief of Air Staff, who also commanded the base and was responsible for modernising the PAF. Until recently, it also hosted the Benazir Bhutto International Airport, which has since been shifted to Islamabad. Nur Khan is one of Pakistans most important airbases. Not only is it home to around half a dozen PAF squadrons, it also houses Pakistans Saab Erieye early warning defence system. It is also the base for C-130 Hercules aircraft, Saab 2000s, and IL-78 mid-air refuellers, which makes it invaluable for logistics and strategic airlift operations. According to The New York Times, Nur Khan is home to the air refuelling capability that would keep Pakistani fighters aloft. Several important institutions are also located nearby, such as the General Headquarters of the Pakistan Army the real power centre in Pakistan the Strategic Plans Division, which oversees the countrys nuclear weapons, the Pakistan Air Forces Air Mobility Command, and the PAF College. The importance of the base can be gauged by the fact that Munir called Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at 2:30 am on the intervening night of May 9 and 10, during Operation Sindoor, to inform him that the base had been struck by India. Reuters IAF officials have said that Nur Khan played a key role in recent cross-border attacks, particularly in Pakistans drone and missile campaigns. The base also houses planes used to ferry Pakistans top military and political elite. Army Chief Asim Munir, who was recently promoted to Field Marshal , departed from Nur Khan for his recent visit to China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The importance of the base can be gauged by the fact that Munir called Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at 2:30 am on the intervening night of May 9 and 10, during Operation Sindoor, to inform him that the base had been struck by India. On the night of May 9 and May 10, at around 2:30 am, the Army chief called me from a secure line that India, through its ballistic missiles, had attacked us. One missile hit the Nur Khan airbase and some others hit other areas, Sharif said. There were even reports in the aftermath of the attack that Pakistan was considering shifting its General Headquarters from Rawalpindi to Islamabad. Damage suffered, rebuilding efforts Satellite images showed that India had inflicted massive damage on the Nur Khan base during Operation Sindoor. They revealed the complex had been completely demolished in Indian airstrikes. This included fuel trucks on fire, a warehouse roof collapsed, and debris near the main runway. Visuals on social media showed the base engulfed in flames. Satellite images taken before Indias strike had shown specialised military trucks at Nur Khan. According to Damien Symon, a geo-intelligence researcher at Intel Lab, these were destroyed during the attack. Symon wrote on X: A review of Nur Khan Airbase, Pakistan, reveals the entire complex near Indias strike location has now been demolished, suggesting the strikes effect went beyond the two special-purpose trucks possibly presenting a broader footprint of the damage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, veteran defence journalist Vishnu Som, on May 14, shared satellite imagery showing two long trailer trucks with awnings on the sides had been damaged. He said these trucks could have belonged to Pakistans Command and Control facility. Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, during a press briefing, also displayed photos showing the extent of the damage the base had suffered. India has not confirmed which weapons it used to hit the base. However, speculation is rife that it used either the BrahMos or the SCALP missile. Rebuilding efforts at the Nur Khan military base. Image courtesy: X Satellite images from May 17 showed that the area had been cleared. An image taken on September 3 (Wednesday) shows work underway at the site, with new walls already put up. Symon noted on X that the newly erected wall segments are similar to the original building layout of structures that were demolished after the strike. Indias strike in May 2025 targeted specialised military trucks at a complex in the airbase and caused secondary damage to neighbouring structures. These structures were later taken down, likely due to structural issues and internal damage, Symon told India Today. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The current layout of the new wall sections appears to match the layout of the buildings that were taken down. The rebuilding effort also highlights Pakistans intention to restore operational capacity at this site, which is likely integral to airfield operations. Experts said that a strike on Nur Khan was a signal from India to Pakistan that nothing was off the table. They described it as an inflection point in the confrontation between the two nuclear-armed nations. With inputs from agencies Hundreds of women dressed in pink and carrying broomsticks marched to Indonesias parliament on Wednesday. This comes at a time when students, workers and rights groups are already holding protests across the worlds third-largest democracy. The demonstrations turned violent after a young motorcycle taxi driver was killed when a police vehicle ran over him The IWA is a political coalition of 90 womens organisations and movements. Reuters Hundreds of women wearing pink and holding broomsticks marched to Indonesias parliament on Wednesday. This happened as students, workers and rights groups were already holding protests across the worlds third-largest democracy. ALSO READ | Is it safe to travel to Indonesia as violent protests spread? The demonstrations turned violent after a young motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, died when a police vehicle ran over him days ago. But why are women carrying broomsticks in protest? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Find out below: Why are Indonesian women protesting with brooms? Women marched to Indonesias parliament carrying broomsticks and placards to condemn police violence and government overreach. They used brooms as a symbol of their demand for reform, as President Prabowo Subianto travelled to China to attend a military parade. At the rally, women dressed in pink from the Indonesian Womens Alliance (IWA) said the broomsticks showed their wish to sweep away the dirt of the state, militarism and police repression. They also raised signs that read reform the police. Protests are not crimes, but rather democratic rights inherent in every citizen, one of the protesters, Mutiara Ika, told BBC Indonesia. Women marched to Indonesias parliament carrying broomsticks and placards. Reuters Notably, the IWA is a political coalition of 90 womens organisations and movements, joined by labour unions, rights groups and indigenous communities. Women in Indonesia have long taken part in protest movements, including those against Suhartos authoritarian rule that led to the reform movement of 1998. According to the IWA, pink represents courage. Other protesters chose green, the colour of Affans rideshare uniform, as a mark of support. Online, people are calling the colours hero green and brave pink, and many have changed their profile photos with filters in these shades. What is happening in Indonesia? Public anger has spread across the worlds third-largest democracy after reports revealed that all 580 members of the House of Representatives receive a housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075) every month, on top of their salaries. The allowance, introduced last year, is nearly 10 times higher than Jakartas minimum wage. Critics say the benefit is not just excessive but also out of touch, as people struggle with rising living costs, higher taxes and growing unemployment. The protests escalated after the death of 21-year-old ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan. A video circulating online, apparently showing his death during a rally in Jakarta on Thursday, shocked the country and fuelled anger at the security forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Makassar on Sulawesi island, protesters torched a local parliament building, leaving several people trapped inside. Authorities said 1,240 people were detained in Jakarta after five days of unrest. Damages were estimated at 55 billion rupiah ($3.3 million) as rioters burned buses, subway stations and other public facilities. President Subianto has directed the security forces to act firmly against the unrest. 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. The United Nations human rights office has urged prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations into claims of violations in Jakartas handling of the protests. At a televised news conference in Jakarta, joined by leaders of eight political parties, Subianto announced that the government would cut lawmakers perks, including the disputed housing allowance, and suspend overseas trips for parliament members. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The step was a rare concession in response to public anger. Still, some say the measures fall short. It is not only about one issue, but about long-standing concerns with inequality, governance and accountability, Herianto, a former central co-ordinator for the All-Indonesian Students Union, told BBC. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, 45, the chief of the ruling Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), first came to power in 2020. His PPP secured more than double the votes of its nearest competitor and appears to have increased its vote share. Heres what we know about him and his link to India Mohamed Ali, 45, the chief of the ruling Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), first came to power in 2020. Image courtesy: Guyana government Mohamed Irfaan Ali has been re-elected as the president of Guyana. Ali, 45, the chief of the ruling Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), first came to power in 2020. His PPP won more than double the votes of its nearest competitor and appears to have increased its vote share since then. Alis main rivals in Mondays vote were Aubrey Norton of the leftist opposition Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR) and multi-millionaire populist Azruddin Mohamed, who founded his own We Invest in the Nation (WIN) party just a few months ago. Meanwhile, the long-time opposition heavyweight party, Partnership for National Unity (APNU), was lagging far behind. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We ask you to trust us once more to deliver greater, better, faster and more efficiently, Ali told supporters over the weekend. We have the experience, and you can trust us to lead you into the bright, prosperous future ahead of us. On the campaign trail, Ali promised voters he would put more money in your pocket. But who is Ali? And what do we know about his connection to India? Who is Ali? Ali is an urban planner and economist. He was born on April 25, 1980, into a Muslim Indo-Guyanese family in Leonora, on the West Coast of Demerara. He was educated first at Leonora Nursery and Primary schools, then at Cornelia Ida Primary School. Ali completed his secondary education at St Stanislaus College in Georgetown. He holds several degrees, including a Doctorate in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of the West Indies. He also has a Master of Arts in Manpower Planning, a Postgraduate Diploma in International Business, a Postgraduate Certificate in Finance from Anglia Ruskin University, an LLM in International Commercial Law from the University of Salford, and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Business Management from the University of Sunderland. Ali was a member of the Canadian Institute of Management (until 2017) and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP, since 2006). Mohamed Ali was born on April 25, 1980, into a Muslim Indo-Guyanese family in Leonora, on the West Coast of Demerara. Reuters He has held a number of posts in the Guyanese government, including Project Manager of the Caribbean Development Bank s Project Implementation Unit in the Ministry of Finance, and senior planner in the State Planning Secretariat. In 2006, Ali became a member of the National Assembly of Guyana. He was later assigned the portfolios of Minister of Housing and Water, and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. He also chaired the Public Accounts Committee and co-chaired the Economic Services Committee of the Parliament of Guyana. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ali is married and a father. Whats the Indian connection? Alis family came to Guyana from India in the 19th century as indentured labourers. In 2023, he was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Sammanthe highest honour for overseas Indians. Ali first came to power in 2020 after a controversial five-month standoff over vote counting. Since then, he has overseen one of the worlds fastest-growing economies. Ali now faces the uphill challenge of reconstructing a country that has the highest proven crude oil reserves per capita in the world, yet also one of the highest poverty levels in Latin America. According to a 2024 report by the Inter-American Development Bank, 58 per cent of Guyanese live in poverty, despite an oil boom that has quadrupled the state budget to $6.7 billion since production began in 2019. This followed the discovery of vast crude reserves off Guyanas coast in 2015 by oil giant ExxonMobil. Much of these reserves are in the Essequibo region, which makes up two-thirds of Guyanas territory but is also claimed by neighbouring Venezuela. The territorial dispute has intensified, though the region has been administered by Guyana for over 100 years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On election day, Venezuela escalated tensions by accusing Guyana of trying to create a war front after Georgetown claimed Venezuelan troops had fired at a boat transporting election materials in Essequibo. Guyana, with its breakneck economic growth of 43.6 per cent in 2024the highest in Latin Americaaims to boost oil output from 650,000 barrels per day to more than a million by 2030. The International Monetary Fund has pegged Guyanas GDP at nearly $26 billionup from $5 billion in 2020, when Ali first took office. Guyana will soon be a rich country, and the question is whether it will be a rich country full of poor people or whether the wealth meets the needs of the people, Jason Carter of the US-based Carter Center NGO, which observed Mondays vote, told reporters in Georgetown on Wednesday. The world is watching, he added. Observers from the Carter Center and the EU reported Wednesday that the vote took place without major incident but highlighted an uneven playing field created by the use of public resources to exert undue influence on voters in favour of the ruling party. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The president and his administration inaugurated a high number of public projects (hospitals, schools, roads and bridges) and launched several social support programmes, combining these events with campaign activities, the EU missions preliminary report noted. With inputs from agencies A new video shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-uns staff hurrying to clean his seat after the meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. One aide was seen wiping the wooden arms of the chair and even the table beside it. Reports also say Kim travelled to China with a private toilet located in his green armoured train One staff member wiped the wooden arms of the chair and even the nearby table. Image: X/Reuters A new video shows staff members of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un quickly rushing to clean his seat after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. They were seen wiping every piece of furniture Kim had used and even taking away his glass. This happened on Wednesday, soon after Kim and Putin met following a large military parade in Beijing, where Chinese President Xi Jinping displayed his countrys rising diplomatic influence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So why did the staff clean everything Kim came into contact with? Lets take a look: Why Kims staff wipes everything he touches North Korean staff were seen cleaning every object touched by Kim Jong-un, apparently trying to remove all signs of his DNA. In the video, which has now gone viral, two aides can be seen carefully polishing the backrest of the chair where Kim had sat and carrying away his drinking glass on a tray. One staff member wiped the wooden arms of the chair and even the nearby table. The staff accompanying the North Korean leader meticulously erased all traces of Kim's presence. They took the glass he drank from, wiped down the chair's upholstery, and cleaned the parts of the furniture the Korean leader had touched. pic.twitter.com/JOXVxg04Ym Russian Market (@runews) September 3, 2025 Russian journalist Alexander Yunashev wrote on his Telegram channel that the team worked to erase all traces of Kims presence. He added, They took away the glass from which he drank, wiped the upholstery of the chair and those parts of the furniture that the Korean leader touched. The official part of the meeting ended, Putin and Kim left the office very satisfied and went to drink tea in a more relaxed atmosphere. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The exact reason behind this intense cleaning is not known. Some believe it could be a precaution against Russias security agencies, while others point to concerns over Chinas surveillance. In 2023, similar reports said that Kims security staff disinfected the chair he used at a Russian spaceport during another meeting with Putin. The chair turned out to be the subject of the greatest concern of the North Korean side, wrote Andrei Kolesnikov, a journalist from Russias Kommersant newspaper. For [Kims bodyguards], it was a matter of life and death. Not of their leaders, of course, but of their own. Kim and Putin met following a large military parade in Beijing. Reuters Kim Jong-un travelled with a private toilet? According to Japanese and South Korean intelligence, the North Korean leader carried a private toilet to China, designed to protect his DNA and prevent any information about his health from leaking. The secret lavatory was installed on his green armoured train, which took him to Beijing on Tuesday for the countrys largest military parade, marking 80 years since the end of World War II. The physical condition of the supreme leader has a major impact on the North Korean regime, a South Korean intelligence official familiar with North Korean affairs told Nikkei Asia, a Japan-based news outlet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD North Korea makes a particular effort to seal off anything related to that, such as hair and excrement. Kim Jong-un is not the only one He is not alone in protecting his biological trail. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also reported to go to great lengths to prevent DNA theft, with bodyguards said to collect his urine and faeces in sealed bags whenever he travels abroad, a practice in place since 2017. The same measure was reportedly used during Putins meeting with Donald Trump in Alaska, when Russian security officers carried his waste back to Moscow in suitcases. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sit in a vehicle during their visit to Beijing. KCNA/Reuters Reports claim the practice is intended to stop foreign agencies from gathering information about Putins health. Kims visit was his first trip to China since the pandemic, where he met Putin, Jinping and more than two dozen world leaders gathered to mark Japans surrender in World War II. Bound by a mutual defence pact signed in 2024, Moscow and Pyongyang are now closer than they have been in decades, standing together against Western sanctions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is in India on a three-day official visit. This is Wongs first visit to India since taking office. Meanwhile, Bhutans Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, also on an official visit, will attend the consecration ceremony of the Royal Bhutan Temple in Bihars Rajgir This is Wongs first trip to India since becoming Prime Minister. File Photo/X via @narendramodi It is a busy Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is in India on a three-day official visit. Bhutans Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, also on an official trip, will take part in the Consecration Ceremony of the Royal Bhutan Temple in Bihars Rajgir. Russian President Vladimir Putin will participate in the 10th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF). The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has called for a statewide bandh in Bihar, protesting against the opposition for using abusive language against PM Modi and his late mother. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Ministry of Education will release the 10th edition of the annual NIRF Rankings. Lets take a look at the events: PM Modi, Singapore PM to hold meeting Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is in India on a three-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is Wongs first trip to India since becoming Prime Minister. He is accompanied by his wife, Lawrence Wong, and a high-level delegation of Cabinet ministers and senior officials. Arrived in New Delhi for my official visit to India. This trip is especially meaningful as we celebrate 60 years of Singapore-India relations. Was warmly received by Indian Minister of State for Finance, @mppchaudhary. pic.twitter.com/AEMYUFjIFA Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) September 2, 2025 Today, PM Modi and Wong will hold bilateral talks and sign key agreements. Wong will also call on President Droupadi Murmu and meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with other Cabinet ministers. The visit comes as India and Singapore mark 60 years of diplomatic ties. The Ministry of External Affairs said it reaffirms the commitment of both nations to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bhutan PM in India Bhutans Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, accompanied by his wife Aum Tashi Doma, is on an official visit to India from September 3 to 6. His programme begins today with the consecration ceremony of the Royal Bhutan Temple in Bihars Rajgir On September 5, Tobgay will visit Ayodhya. File Photo/X via @tsheringtobgay The temple, built on land provided by the Bihar government, reflects the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of Buddhism between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs said. On September 5, Tobgay will visit Ayodhya, where he will receive a red carpet welcome before offering prayers at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. Vladimir Putin at the Eastern Economic Forum Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the 10th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) being held in Vladivostok today and tomorrow. The event is taking place in Russias Far East from September 3 to 6, 2025, under the theme The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity. At the 9th edition, more than 7,100 participants from 75 countries and territories, including over 1,500 journalists, attended. Putin will participate in the 10th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF). Reuters/File Photo This years programme features business dialogues between Russia and India, China, Thailand, Myanmar and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). NDAs Bihar bandh The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has called for a statewide bandh in Bihar today to protest against the opposition over abusive remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during a joint event in the state. BJPs Bihar state president, Dilip Jaiswal, said the bandh will be observed for five hours, from 7 am to 12 noon. Essential services, including emergency care and train operations, will not be affected during the shutdown. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD NIRF Rankings 2025 to be published The Ministry of Education will release the 10th edition of the annual NIRF Rankings today. The results will be available on the official website, nirfindia.org. For the first time, a new category on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is being introduced, Hindustan Times reported. Institutions that wished to be considered in this category were asked to register with the ministry. The results will be published by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). Each year, the NIRF rates universities and colleges across India based on teaching, learning, research, graduation outcomes, outreach and perception. With inputs from agencies Xi, Sassou Nguesso announce elevating bilateral ties Xinhua) 14:28, September 04, 2025 BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso on Thursday jointly announced upgrading bilateral ties to a high-level community with a shared future. The announcement was made during Xi's meeting with Sassou Nguesso, who is in China for 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. Xi noted that the relationship between China and the Republic of the Congo stands as a model of China-Africa friendship. The two sides should leverage the political advantages of friendship and mutual trust, and explore new paths for cooperation, Xi said. Faced with a world of change and disorder, China and Africa, as important members of the Global South, must shoulder the historic responsibility of upholding international fairness and justice, safeguarding world peace, and promoting common development. Sassou Nguesso said that the elevation of relations between China and the Republic of the Congo has established a new framework for common prosperity and development of the two countries. As a co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the Republic of the Congo is willing to work with China to advance China-Africa cooperation and achieve greater progress, he said. The Republic of the Congo fully supports the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi, Sassou Nguesso said, noting that it is a significant proposal that would benefit countries of the Global South. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Centre, the Manipur government and key Kuki-Zo groups have signed a Suspension of Operations pact to end ethnic hostility in the Northeastern state. This comes amid PM Modis Manipur tour speculation Security personnel keep vigil after the administration imposed prohibitory orders and suspending internet services in five Imphal valley districts following violent protests in Manipur over the arrest of a leader of Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol, in Imphal, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (Photo: PTI) In a significant breakthrough, the Centre, the Manipur government and key Kuki-Zo groups, including the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United Peoples Front (UPF), have signed a tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, a central government release said on Thursday. This pact aims to halt hostilities and bring lasting peace and stability to the conflict-affected Manipur for at least one year from the date of signing. The new peace deal comes amid widespread speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could visit Mizoram and Manipur on September 13. The official confirmation from the central government is still awaited, but reports cited officials in Mizoram capital Aizawl to confirm a VVIP visit to the Northeast. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If confirmed, this will be PM Modis first visit to Manipur against the backdrop of prolonged ethnic tensions in Manipur. The ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities erupted in May 2023. What they commit to: To maintain territorial integrity and work for negotiated peace The renewed agreement reaffirms the commitment of all parties to respect the territorial integrity of Manipur, a crucial condition given the states sensitive ethnic dynamics. Representatives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Manipur government, and Kuki-Zo factions convened in the national capital to renegotiate the terms, with the explicit goal of achieving a lasting, negotiated settlement to the states long-standing conflicts. The pact underscores the intent of all stakeholders to move beyond violence, reaffirming the need for dialogue and cooperation to restore peace. It also symbolises hopes of reconciliation after two years of ethnic clashes that have divided the state along community lines. How they aim to reduce conflict and maintain peace As part of the new terms, the Kuki groups agreed to relocate seven of their designated camps away from conflict-prone areas. This measure is designed to reduce flashpoints and minimise the risk of renewed violence. Additionally, they consented to reduce the overall number of camps, with all weapons securely stored in the nearest Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) or Border Security Force (BSF) armouries. Security forces will conduct rigorous physical verification of cadre members with the explicit mandate to de-list any foreign nationals who may be present within these groups. This step aims to enhance transparency and security, addressing earlier concerns regarding the roles played by armed cadres during previous ethnic violence. National Highway-02 to open: A symbol of normalcy One of the most immediate and visible outcomes of the agreement is the Kuki-Zo Councils decision to reopen National Highway-02 (NH-02), a critical transportation artery previously blocked, impeding the movement of commuters and essential goods. The reopening follows sustained dialogue between KHEC delegates and MHA officials, with commitments given by the Kuki-Zo Council to cooperate fully with security forces to maintain peace and ensure unhindered movement along the highway. This development is expected to restore economic activity and ease hardships faced by residents due to disrupted supply chains and restricted mobility over the past two years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How compliance will be ensured The agreement also establishes a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG), which will oversee enforcement of the pacts ground rules. The JMG is empowered to investigate any violations and take firm action, including the possibility of reviewing or suspending the agreement should breaches occur. This mechanism reflects lessons from previous agreements, ensuring accountability and sustained implementation to deliver peace on the ground. How they reached here The original SoO agreement was signed in 2008 between the Centre, the Manipur government, and Kuki militant groups, with annual renewals maintaining a fragile ceasefire. However, in February 2024, renewal stalled amidst allegations that SoO group cadres had participated in ethnic clashes or trained local village defence volunteers charges the Kuki groups denied. Since the ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, Manipur has been effectively divided along ethnic lines, with Meitei communities confined mainly to the valley and Kuki-Zo groups in the hills. Movement between these regions was severely restricted, inflaming tensions and humanitarian strains. Against this backdrop, the renewed SoO pact offers a tangible path forward, especially ahead of PM Modis anticipated visit to Manipur later this month, signalling the Centres commitment to restoring peace and normalcy. But there are still some challenges While the agreement marks a hopeful turning point, challenges remain. The political and ethnic tensions underlying the conflict require sustained dialogue beyond the operational ceasefire. The Centre has refused to concede the demand for separate administration for Kuki-Zo majority districts. This indicates that broader political resolutions are still a work in progress. This tripartite pact, however, could prove to be a critical step towards rebuilding trust and peace in Manipur, providing a framework for dialogue, security, and economic revival. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India has always shared a good relationship with China, but admitted that the Galwan clash slightly strained ties. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Modis participation at the SCO summit would help restore better relations. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said India has traditionally shared a good relationship with China but acknowledged that the Galwan clash had strained ties between the two neighbours. We have always maintained a good relationship with China, but the Galwan incident has slightly strained it. Attending the SCO Summit had a multilateral dimension. We hope to restore better relationships, the Union Minister said. #Exclusive | We have always maintained a good relationship with China, but Galwan incident slightly strained it. Attending SCO Summit had a multilateral dimension. We hope to restore better relationships: Union Minister @PiyushGoyal#PiyushGoyalToNews18 | @18RahulJoshi pic.twitter.com/TGNxRG1xqX News18 (@CNNnews18) September 4, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking to News18 Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi in an exclusive interview, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal further stressed that India continues to favour engagement with all countries and highlighted the significance of the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. With Prime Minister Modis participation, we hope to restore better relationships. India believes in maintaining good relations with all countries, he said. On US tariffs issue, Goyal said India was predominantly a domestic country, and the exports were a relatively small part of its overall GDP. So Indian economy is a very complex economy and therefore I do not think that the impact on the GDP will be significant, he said. India would increase its volume of exports more than last years despite tariff pressure by the United States, he said. He also dismissed speculation of the impact of tariffs on Indias exports and GDP, saying Indian exports to the US have already crossed $43 billion. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said the Indian government is actively engaging with at least 50 countries through its diplomatic missions to identify new markets for exporters affected by steep US tariffs Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said the Indian government is actively engaging with at least 50 countries through its diplomatic missions to identify new markets for exporters affected by steep US tariffs. In an exclusive interview to Network18, Goyal said, Our Missions are working in 50 countries which we have identified through data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) on the data of import and export of all other nations to identify where our products can be offered. Besides, we are also identifying what we can buy from these countries, as they too might be in similar stress. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Goyal said the government is also actively reaching out to Indian conglomerates to support local exporters by sourcing products and offering them at affordable prices. We recognise the sectors which could be facing stress and hence, we are trying to make connects for them. For example, when we recognised that the garments industry could face some stress, I called up the Tatas who run the Zudio and the Westside stores, Goyal said. He added that the government is also working on reforms to ease domestic sales for exporters. I am going to be talking to all other high street malls or retail large-scale outlets to see if they can help garment exporters by buying their products and making it available at affordable prices. We are trying to make it easier so that they can supply to the domestic market, it is one of the reforms we are working on, the minister added. Highlighting international outreach efforts, Goyal said he metUAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi on August 29 to boost bilateral trade. We identified people who can help our textile exporters get an entry into the Gulf market and into all of Africa, he said, adding, On September 18-19 we have the high-level task force on investments dialogue in UAE where I will be taking a large business delegation, identifying sectors where we can support our exporters to get new markets. Goyal said to help seafood exporters tap new buyers, the ministry will send delegations to Singapore and the UAE. He added that Singapores Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, during his visit to New Delhi on Thursday, committed to importing more chicken, eggs, and poultry from India. On free trade agreements, Goyal said India is fast-tracking multiple deals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We are doing a second tranche in Australia. We will soon announce the closure of our FTA with Oman. New Zealand will also close by the end of the year. My commerce secretary was in Brussels last two days and the European Union (EU) trading team will be here in New Delhi on Monday for the next round of negotiations for the India-EU FTA, he said. He added that EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic will be in New Delhi from September 11 to 13 to push forward the agreement. We have the four-nation EFTA which comes into effect as early as October 1. UK has been executed. We also have Chile and Peru and Eurasia terms of reference have been finalised. In first week of October I am in Qatar to finalise the terms of reference for a trade agreement with them. Similarly, Latin America also has huge potential for our products, Goyal said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, highlighting the new GST reforms, Indias resilience during Covid-19 and a roadmap to make the country a $30 trillion economy by 2047 Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyals interview on Thursday came shortly after the GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, approved major tax cuts. Effective September 22, GST will be simplified into two main slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, replacing the current 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates, with a special 40 per cent slab for luxury and sin goods. Speaking to CNN-News18 Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Goyal praised the governments move. Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transformative GST reforms, the Union commerce minister said, Ease of doing business is the pathway to a developed economy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Long-term vision for growth Laying out a long-term vision, he said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working to make India a $30 trillion economy by 2047. He further lauded PM Modis vision for self-reliance, saying the country had survived the Covid-19 pandemic and remained among the fastest growing economies in the last four years. According to Goyal, PM Modi had taken a broken economy and made it among the top economies of the world. Benefits for the middle class On the immediate benefits of the GST cuts, Goyal said\, GST rates will make it easier for middle class to build homes. He explained that reduced rates would help the middle class build homes more affordably and added that two-wheelers would also become more accessible to aspiring families. He added that the new reforms in GST would also generate employment opportunities across sectors. PM Modis leadership Highlighting the prime ministers relationship with industry, Goyal remarked, PM Modi has trusted industries, never let them down. He said Indian industries have always received the prime ministers support, and in turn, the people have placed their trust in him. Strain in India-US ties The minister also addressed the strain in ties between India and the United States after President Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports, citing Indias purchase of Russian oil. Goyal reiterated his earlier position that India would not work under pressure to close agreements in haste. The inauguration of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal Phase-II by PM Modi and Singapores PM Lawrence Wong shows Singapores role as Indias top Asean trade partner and leading investor Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Singaporean counterpart, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, virtually inaugurating the second phase of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT) at Jawaharlal Nehru Port. The inauguration was more than just the opening of a state-of-the-art port terminalit symbolised the depth of Indias economic engagement with Singapore, its largest trade and investment partner in the Asean region. This comes as India and Singapore look to deepen their bilateral relations amid ongoing major strategic churn. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Wongs three-day visit to India coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and the two leaders used this moment to underline how their partnership now stretches from ports and shipping to cutting-edge digital technologies and startups. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD PSA Mumbai Terminal: A strategic boost to maritime infrastructure The PSA Mumbai Terminal, built with more than $1 billion in investment from Singapores PSA International, represents one of the most ambitious collaborations in Indias maritime infrastructure. The newly inaugurated Phase-II expansion enhances the terminals total handling capacity to 4.8 million TEUs, making it the first dedicated freight corridor-compliant container terminal in the country. JNPA, which already handles 54 percent of Indias containerised cargo, now gains significant additional capacity with Phase-II. With a deep draft of over 15 metres, the port can handle next-generation mega vessels with 18,000 TEU capacity. PSA Mumbai is also Indias first fully renewable-energy-powered container terminal and boasts connectivity to more than 63 inland container depots via both rail and road. Prime Minister Modi highlighted during the inauguration that the facility would not only boost Indias trade efficiency but also embed sustainability into its logistics backbone. Earlier today, we inaugurated Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal Phase-II, developed by Singapores PSA International. This milestone will further enhance our container handling capacity, he said. Singapore: Indias most trusted economic partner in Asean Singapore is far more than an investor in Indias ports. It is Indias largest trade partner within Asean, accounting for nearly 28 per cent of IndiaAsean trade in 202425. Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at $34.3 billion in 202425. Although there was a marginal decline compared to the previous year, the long-term trend since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in 2005 remains strongly positive. On the investment side, Singapore has consistently topped the list of foreign direct investors in India. Between April 2000 and March 2025, Singapore contributed nearly $175 billion in FDIabout 24 per cent of Indias total inflows. Remarkably, around $60 billion of this came in the post-Covid period alone. The MEA emphasised this central role in a statement: Singapore is an important partner for India, including in our Act East Policy. The visit reaffirms the continued commitment of the two countries to further strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership. Singapore also plays a vital role in Indias external commercial borrowings and portfolio investments. Its stable and competitive financial environment makes it an attractive destination for Indian companies raising global capital, with about 9,000 Indian companies now registered in Singapore. Five pacts to expand cooperation During Wongs visit, India and Singapore signed five agreements that broaden cooperation in areas ranging from shipping and civil aviation to outer space and digital infrastructure. The agreements include: An agreement on Green and Digital Shipping Corridors, linking Indian ports with Singaporean expertise to create efficient, sustainable maritime practices. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A pact in the space sector, opening avenues for joint research, satellite data sharing and collaboration in space sciences. Expansion of collaboration in civil aviation, focussing on connectivity, safety and digital services. Agreements promoting advanced manufacturing, skilling and nuclear energy cooperation. Frameworks for cooperation in digital innovation and fintech, building on the success of UPIPayNow cross-border payments. Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of these pacts as setting the roadmap for the future of our partnership, pointing to new frontiers such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and green hydrogen. Trade, CECA and the next phase of economic engagement Since its signing in 2005, the CECA has been the bedrock of IndiaSingapore economic relations, covering trade in goods and services, investment protection, intellectual property and movement of professionals. The two sides announced a time-bound review of CECA and the Asean-India Free Trade Agreement in Goods (AIFTA) to align with current trade realities. The Ministry of External Affairs said this would further accelerate our bilateral trade by reducing tariff barriers, updating recognition agreements, and expanding market access in services, including financial services and digital trade. For India, Singapore is not only a bilateral partner but also a gateway to the broader Asean region, making its role critical in realising the objectives of the Act East Policy. Beyond trade: Startups, innovation and digital economy Singapores importance also lies in its role as a hub for technology and innovation, areas that India is increasingly prioritising. Modi and Wong both emphasised startups and digital cooperation as pillars of future growth. The two leaders noted the success of fintech collaborations such as UPIPayNow, which now connects 13 Indian banks to Singapores payment system. Plans are underway for the next IndiaSingapore Hackathon to link young innovators from both countries in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing and digital security. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Singapore is also collaborating with India in skilling initiatives. A National Centre of Excellence for Skilling is being set up in Chennai with Singapores support, focussing on advanced manufacturing. This comes at a time when India is seeking to equip its workforce for high-value industries like semiconductors, an area where Singaporean companies already play an active role. Green energy and connectivity initiatives One of the most ambitious proposals under discussion is the export of renewable energy from India to Singapore via an underwater cable, which could also carry data connectivity. While the feasibility study flagged challenges posed by the Andaman Trench, both sides remain committed to exploring the project as part of a broader effort to build a green energy corridor. Other potential collaborations include exports of green hydrogen and green ammonia from India to Singapore, aligning with both nations climate commitments. Regional and strategic significance India and Singapores partnership also carries strategic weight in the Indo-Pacific. Both countries share concerns about terrorism, regional stability and the need for open sea lanes. Modi thanked Wong for Singapores solidarity in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, highlighting their security cooperation. Singapores expertise in maritime logistics complements Indias push to modernize its port infrastructure, while Indias growing role as a manufacturing hub offers opportunities for Singaporean investors to diversify supply chains. Together, the two nations act as stabilisers in the larger AseanIndo-Pacific framework. A partnership with purpose As Prime Minister Modi concluded in his remarks, the IndiaSingapore partnership is a partnership with purpose, rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interests, and driven by a common vision for peace, progress and prosperity. From container terminals to digital startups, from renewable energy to fintech corridors, the breadth of engagement reflects a deep trust built over decades. With bilateral ties elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and a forward-looking agenda in place, Singapore is poised to remain a vital anchor in Indias economic, technological and strategic future. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Goyal dismissed Peter Navarros sharp criticism as a misunderstanding or personal opinion stressing that India remains committed to dialogue, diplomacy and strengthening its partnership with the United States Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, in a conversation with CNN-News18 Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, sought to play down remarks by Donald Trumps trade adviser Peter Navarro, who accused India of profiteering from Russian oil and branded it the maharaja of tariffs. I think there are some misunderstandings or some personal opinions. I dont think that deters India and the US from continuing to maintain a strategic partnership, Goyal said. Navarros sharp criticism Navarro has been one of the most vocal defenders of the Trump administrations steep 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports. He argued that the road to peace runs in part through New Delhi, suggesting the duties were meant to curb Indias discounted oil trade with Moscow. He also alleged that Indian refiners were acting as a laundromat for the Kremlin. Goyal emphasises patience, diplomacy Rejecting calls for retaliation, Goyal underlined that India would not escalate tensions. I believe in dialogue, diplomacy, he told Joshi, describing India as a patient nation committed to strengthening, not weakening, its ties with Washington. Trade ties under pressure The US has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian importssplit between a base 25 per cent duty and an additional 25 per cent surcharge linked to Russian oil purchaseshitting nearly $48 billion in exports. In response, India has announced GST cuts on hundreds of consumer goods to cushion domestic demand ahead of Diwali. Puri counters Navarros oil laundromat jibe On September 2, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri strongly pushed back against Navarros charge that India has become an oil laundromat for Russia. Writing in The Hindu, Puri argued that New Delhi has acted fully within international rules while also helping to stabilise volatile energy markets. He noted that India has long been among the worlds top petroleum exporters, a position it held well before the Ukraine war and said refining margins and trade volumes have remained steady since Moscows invasion. Puri underlined that Europe itself relied on Indian refined fuels after banning Russian crude, making accusations of profiteering misplaced. Navarros ongoing offensive Navarro has repeatedly accused India of bankrolling Russian President Vladimir Putins war by purchasing discounted Russian crude, refining it and then reselling the products at a premium. In posts on X and in television interviews, he has even dubbed the Ukraine conflict Modis war, alleging that Indian refiners have turned New Delhi into a hub for Russian revenues. His remarks have drawn sharp reactions from India, who in no uncertain terms said the countrys energy trade is legal, transparent and essential for its security. In an interview to Fox News, while Navarro praised Prime Minister Modi as a great leader but questioned why India is aligning with Russia and China. He went on to accuse Brahmins of profiteering at the expense of ordinary Indiansa remark widely criticised as ignorant and offensive. Navarro also argued that tariffs on India were justified both by its trade practices and its oil dealings, warning that the country had become central to sustaining Russias war machine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russian oil imports in spotlight Indias imports of Russian crude climbed dramatically after February 2022from less than 1 per cent of intake to nearly 40 per cent, according to a CLSA report. Critics in Washington argue that Indian refined exports to Europe undermine sanctions, while India made it clear that Russian oil has never been under blanket bans like those on Venezuela or Iran. Tariffs and the wider debate Navarro framed Trumps 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports as a twofold measure25 per cent to counter what he called unfair trade barriers, and another 25 per cent tied to national security concerns about Russia. He claimed the US trade deficit with India effectively funds Moscows war chest, which the Trump administration official got it completely wrong. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has ruled out retaliatory tariffs against the US stressing that India is a patient nation that believes in dialogue and diplomacy Dismissing speculation about retaliatory tariffs against Washington, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasised Indias commitment to diplomacy. I believe in dialogue, diplomacy, he told CNN-News18 Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, stressing that New Delhi prefers to strengthen ties rather than escalate tensions. US remarks wont derail strategic partnership Responding to pointed comments from US officials over Indias purchase of Russian oil, Goyal downplayed their impact. I think there are some misunderstandings or some personal opinions. I dont think that deters India and the US from continuing to maintain a strategic partnership, he said. Optimism on trade pact Goyal also struck an optimistic note on trade negotiations, indicating progress toward a bilateral pact. We will continue to work towards finding solutions and aim to reach an outcome within a few months, he said. According to him, the current situation is temporary and will not derail long-term cooperation. One of the most consequential relationships Underlining the broader significance of New Delhis ties with Washington, Goyal called the India-US relationship one of the most consequential today. He described both nations as friends and allies, acknowledging challenges but reiterating confidence that ties would only strengthen. Trump allies defend tariffs on India Several figures close to US President Donald Trump have strongly defended the steep 50 per cent tariffs imposed on Indian imports, framing them as both an economic and geopolitical necessity. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has been the most vocal, claiming that The road to peace runs in part through New Delhi in seeking to justify tariffs as leverage to curb Indias oil trade with Moscow. Navarro calls India maharaja of tariffs Navarro even labelled India the maharaja of tariffs, pointing to its traditionally high import duties as a reason for Washingtons hard line. Others, like Senator Lindsey Graham, have endorsed the measures as a way to pressure Russia by targeting its biggest customers, while USTR official Jamieson Greer has presented the tariffs as part of a broader strategy to revive US manufacturing. Impact on Indian exports The United States, under President Trump, has imposed steep 50 per cent tariffs on Indian importscomprising a base 25 per cent tariff and an additional 25 per cent surcharge tied to Indias purchase of discounted Russian oil. Indian exporters now face some of the highest duties seen in recent years, threatening nearly $48 billion in exports. Indias response with GST cuts In response, India is cutting its Goods and Services Tax (GST) on hundreds of consumer goodsfrom air conditioners to small carseffective September 22, ahead of Diwali, to boost local demand. While driven by a shared interest in responding to a shifting US foreign policy, the deep structural competition and distrust mean that a fundamental realignment of relations may not yet be on the horizon The aggressive US tariff policy under the Trump administration has had the unintended consequence of pushing India and China closer together. Faced with American antagonism, India has recalibrated its foreign policy and is seeking closer relations with China. This has not gone unnoticed by the White House and might even be a cause of some anxiety. This cautious rapprochement follows years of strained relations due to military clashes and ongoing border disputes. With a growing middle class, India represents a critical and potentially expanding consumer market for Chinese exports. This is especially important as the US closes its market to Chinese goods through tariffs and other barriers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trade negotiations between the US and China in 2025 are ongoing but subject to uncertainty, largely shaped by the re-election of President Donald Trump. Following a renewed tariff dispute earlier in the year, a temporary truce was established in May and later extended in August to allow for further talks. High tariffs and a complex diplomatic landscape continue to define the relationship. China is driven to seek better ties with India primarily by economic motives and strategic considerations. Facing protectionist pressures from the United States, Beijing sees improved relations with New Delhi as a way to secure its economic interests and counter Western influence in the Indo-Pacific. Since the US imposed major new tariffs on India in August 2025, China has worked to improve its relationship with New Delhi. Beijing has indicated it will provide greater access to its markets for Indian goods to help India offset the impact of the U.S. tariffs. Chinese officials have publicly condemned the US for imposing a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, with the Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, explicitly stating that his country will firmly stand with India to uphold the multilateral trading system. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said recently, upon arriving for a two-day visit to Delhi, that the setbacks that we faced in the last few years were not in our interest and that India and China should view each other as partners rather than adversaries or threats. These sentiments have been fully reciprocated by India. During his recent visit to Japan, in an interview with Japans largest newspaper, The Yomiuri Shimbun, PM Modi said that, given the current volatility in the world economy, it is important for India and China, as two major economies, to work together to bring stability to the world economic order. He added that stable, predictable and amicable bilateral relations between India and China can have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Against this backdrop, PM Modi and President Xi Jinping had a highly significant meeting on 31st August on the sidelines of the SCO summit in the Chinese port city of Tianjin. Xi said in his opening remarks that the world today is swept by once-in-a-century transformations, and that it is the right choice for both sides to be friends who have good neighbourly and amicable ties, partners who enable each others success, and to have the dragon and the elephant dance together, referring to traditional symbols of the two nations. In response, PM Modi said India was committed to taking their countries relations forward on the basis of mutual trust and respect. He added, The interests of 2.8 billion people in both our countries are tied to our cooperation. PM Modi also highlighted their shared stated aim to make the international order more multipolar, a term used by both countries to call for international power to be more broad-based as opposed to being dominated by the US and its Western allies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite the recent positive developments, major impediments will still prevent full normalization. Xi Jinping said during his meeting with PM Modi that India and China should work together to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas and should not let the border issue define the overall China-India relationship. However, while China has traditionally advocated improving the overall bilateral relationship irrespective of the border issue, India has insisted that the resolution of the border is central to the broader relationship. Thus, while China and India have economic incentives to collaborate against US tariffs, deep strategic rivalry and long-standing border disputes persist. A fundamental and complete realignment is unlikely, and India will continue to maintain a cautious stance towards China. There can be no doubt that the biggest obstacle to normalization is the unresolved border dispute along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which has been an irritant since the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The situation remains fragile despite some progress on de-escalation. India has insisted on restoring the peace and tranquillity that existed on the border before the deadly 2020 skirmishes, viewing a resolution of the border as central to the broader relationship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The India-China territorial dispute stems from differing interpretations of the border, with China continuing to dispute Indias claims over regions like Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. China has issued maps showing Aksai Chin an area of Kashmir mostly controlled by China since the 1962 war and the Northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh within Chinese territory. As recently as May 14 this year, China has reasserted its territorial claims in Arunachal Pradesh. Despite professed claims about efforts to improve diplomatic ties with India, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs published its latest names for places in Arunachal Pradesh, which China calls Zangnan and says is part of the Tibetan autonomous region. The renaming of 27 places covered an array of geographical features: 15 mountains, five residential areas, four mountain passes, two rivers, and one lake. India rejected the new Chinese names for places in Arunachal Pradesh as a preposterous attempt to alter the undeniable reality that the state was, is, and will always be an integral part of India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is, in fact, an old Chinese habit to periodically issue lists of new names for locations in Arunachal Pradesh. India describes the names as inventions by China and has consistently and unequivocally dismissed them. Chinas renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh is a strategic move to assert unilateral claims, which India firmly rejects, emphasising Arunachals integral status. Strengthening infrastructure, military deterrence, and global alliances is crucial for India to counter Chinas tactics and safeguard sovereignty. There are important geopolitical considerations that also need to be considered. China supports Pakistan against India through various means, including providing military equipment, intelligence, and economic assistance. This support is often seen as part of a strategic alliance aimed at countering Indias influence in the region. Consequently, India feels that the China-Pakistan axis, characterized by strong military and economic ties, poses a strategic challenge for India. This axis is working against Indian interests, particularly due to Chinas support for Pakistan in regional disputes. China is a major supplier of military equipment and technology to Pakistan, further strengthening their relationship but escalating mistrust with India. China has emerged as Pakistans largest arms supplier, accounting for almost 81 per cent of Islamabads weapon systems inventory. Among the weapons supplied by China to Pakistan are fighter jets, missiles, drones, radar systems, warships, and submarines. China has also been implicated in assisting Pakistans nuclear weapons programme. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following the Pahalgam terror attack, China moved swiftly to arm Pakistan. Reports suggest Beijing delivered advanced PL-15 air-to-air missiles to Pakistans air force within days. Debris from one such missile, found undetonated in Indias Punjab, points to Chinese involvement in Pakistans latest assault. Pakistani jets used in combat were also Chinese-made. During the recent clashes with India, China reportedly provided Pakistan with air defence and satellite support, including adjusting satellite passes to monitor Indian troop movements. Chinas support for Pakistan in the context of terrorist groups further fuels Indias concerns. China and Pakistan reportedly objected to the inclusion of The Resistance Front (TRF) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in a UN Security Council statement condemning the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack. This aligns with a past pattern where China has blocked Indias attempts to designate Pakistan-based terrorists and outfits under the UNs 1267 sanctions regime. China had blocked Indias proposal at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to ban five Pakistan-based terrorists who carried out terrorist acts against India. Thus, the recent improvements in China-India relations should be viewed as a calculated, tactical detente. While dialogue has resumed on issues like trade and people-to-people exchanges, deeper strategic and security cooperation remains unlikely. The trust deficit runs deep, and India views China with suspicion after the 2020 border clashes. While driven by a shared interest in responding to a shifting US foreign policy, the deep structural competition and distrust mean that a fundamental realignment of relations may not yet be on the horizon. The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Ambassador in Kuwait and Morocco and as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Peter Navarro, the Counselor to the US President for Trade and Manufacturing, speaks during a television interview outside of the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC, on August 21, 2025. AFP The recent outburst by Peter Navarro, senior counsellor in the Trump administration, has jolted the atmosphere around India-US relations. Navarro went on record to brand Indias Russian oil purchases as Modis war and declared Prime Minister Narendra Modis participation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, as a shame. In tone and timing, the comments looked like an ambush, designed to needle rather than negotiate. But the real question is whether this represents a deeper shift/rift in the India-US partnership or merely a passing episode in a relationship that has endured turbulence before. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For much of the past two decades, India and the US have painstakingly built a strategic convergencethrough shared security concerns, trade expansion, the Quad, and a broader push to balance Chinas rise. India, however, has never abandoned the principle of strategic autonomy. The Tianjin summit symbolised this pragmatism. While visuals of Modi with Xi and Putin were flashed worldwide, the optics should be read as Indias attempt to maintain working equations with all major power centres. This balancing act is rarely simple, and it becomes even more complicated when Washington reacts with blunt rhetoric. Navarros criticism is striking because he has no history of anti-India sentiment. His career has been defined more by hostility toward China. That he should suddenly frame India as a laundromat for the Kremlin is less a matter of strategic doctrine than of political theatre. The immediate trigger was Washingtons frustration with Indias continued intake of discounted Russian oil, which, according to US officials, undermines sanctions pressure and helps finance Russias war in Ukraine. The US has coupled the rhetoric with trade weaponstariffs rising from 25 per cent to 50 per centand Navarro has even suggested that relief is possible only if India halts these imports. This is not just economic leverage; it is an attempt to politicise Indias energy security. There are two possible ways to interpret this escalation. The first is that it signals a deeper re-evaluation of India within US policy. When India was earlier buying energy from Russia the US never objected. By targeting New Delhis energy purchases, Washington now is hinting at limits to tolerance for Indias multi-alignment. Coupled with Modis visible warmth at the SCO with Xi and Putin, Navarros words could be read as an early warning that the US sees India drifting too far eastwards. In this view, tariffs and rhetoric are not aberrations but an opening gambit in a harsher phase of Indo-American relations. Treading a fine path is always subject to ambushes. The second interpretation is more persuasive: that this is an aberration driven by the style and temperament of the current US administration. Trumps foreign policy has always thrived on unpredictability, tariff threats, and personalised attacks. Navarros broadside fits that pattern. It is consistent with Washington using trade as an instrument of political signalling but inconsistent with the institutional reality of India-US ties. Defence cooperation, intelligence exchanges, Indo-Pacific maritime security, and high-level dialogues within the Quad all continue, unaffected by sound bites. Indias purchase of Russian oil, moreover, has been declining as discounts narrow and as suppliers diversify. Officials in Delhi are careful to stress that these decisions are driven by economic necessity, not political defiance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Where does this leave the relationship? Much depends on how both sides handle the immediate aftermath. If India takes Navarros language as policy and hardens its position, escalation could follow. If instead New Delhi responds with calibrated diplomacyacknowledging US concerns, explaining energy imperatives, and pointing to the decline in Russian importsthe friction can be managed. Its all about strategic communication; how an argument is conveyed by each side. The US too cannot take India for granted. This is not the first time the two countries have sparred in public while quietly continuing cooperation behind the scenes as is wont to happen in all strategic relationships where aberrations arise. For India, the path forward lies in negotiating the minefield with clarity and confidence. Institutional ties must be reinforced. The more weight that is placed on Quad consultations, defence dialogues, and technology partnerships, the less impact intemperate rhetoric can have. Trade diplomacy must be recalibrated. India cannot capitulate to demands that undermine its energy security, but it can negotiate transitional arrangements, emphasise humanitarian grounds for stable fuel prices, and propose timelines for adjustments. This approach demonstrates responsibility while refusing to be cornered. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India must defend its strategic autonomy not out of frustration of being pressured but as a positive principle. A diverse network of partnerships allows India to remain an independent actor rather than a junior ally. This needs to be framed explicitly in diplomatic language. India is not choosing Moscow over Washington, but choosing a diversified path that serves stability and is actually good for the world. The impending arrival of a new US ambassador presents a timely opportunity. Proactive engagementthrough outreach, strategic briefings, and an emphasis on shared democratic valuescan help reset the narrative before Navarros words calcify into broader perceptions. Personal diplomacy here matters: India should welcome the envoy with warmth while signalling its willingness to address irritants constructively. Finally, India must not cede the international narrative. At multilateral platforms like the G20 or UN, it can highlight its role as a stabiliser in energy markets, as a climate leader, and as a democratic partner in global supply chains. By doing so, it reminds both Washington and the wider world that Indias choices are made in the spirit of responsibility, not defiance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In sum, Navarros ambush may have generated headlines, but it does not undo the foundation of Indo-American relations. Its a rant used to pressure India and our diplomacy is far too developed to be affected by it. It has revealed stress points, yes, but these are the inevitable consequence of a multipolar world where India is increasingly central. The US may bristle at Indias insistence on autonomy, just as India may bristle at Washingtons coercive tone. Yet both sides need each other far more than they admit in moments of irritation. With careful diplomacy, India can turn this turbulence into an opportunitydemonstrating that it can engage Washington robustly while preserving its independence. If managed well, the episode will be remembered not as the start of a rift, but as proof that the worlds largest democracies can argue, disagree, and still move forward together. The writer is a member of the National Disaster Management Authority. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As Vladimir Putin has rejected all peace efforts so far, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet European leaders today to discuss security guarantees. He will also hold a call with US President Donald Trump. French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wave as they meet at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France, September 3, 2025. (Photo: Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters) As Russian leader Vladimir Putin has rejected all peace efforts so far, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet European leaders on Thursday in Paris to discuss security guarantees for his country. He will also later hold a call with US President Donald Trump. The summit will be hosted by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron under the coalition of the willing framework. Ahead of the summit, European leaders have said that they have nearly finalised security guarantees for Ukraine . They have stressed that they need final confirmation from Trump about the United States providing the backstop to their deployment in Ukraine as part of security guarantees. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On its part, Russia has categorically rejected foreign troops deployment in Ukraine. Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that they are not guarantees of Ukraines security, they are guarantees of danger to the European continent. Separately, Putin has said that he is willing to resolve all our tasks militarily in the absence of a negotiated settlement to the war. However, Putin has refused all calls for a ceasefire and a direct meeting with Zelenskyy. ALSO READ: Did Putin outplay Trump at Alaska summit? What Russias response to peace proposals tells us Earlier this week, a two-week deadline set by Trump for Putin to respond to peace efforts passed. Despite Trumps claim that Putin made concessions at the Alaska summit, Putin has doubled down on longstanding maximalist demands and ramped up attacks on Ukraine striking even diplomatic and foreign establishments in Kyiv and elsewhere. We are ready: Macron on security guarantees Ahead of the summit, Macron on Wednesday said that Europe was ready to offer security guarantees to Ukraine. We are ready we the Europeans to offer the security guarantees to Ukraine and Ukrainians the day that a peace [accord] is signed, said Macron, as per AFP. Macron said the details of security guarantees were extremely confidential but the preparation was completed at an earlier meeting of defence ministers. While European leaders have been tight-lipped about the nature of security guarantees, they are expected to include the deployment of European troops to Ukraine, a training mission to rebuild the Ukrainian military, and a backstop from the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Trump has said that he would not deploy US soldiers to Ukraine, he has expressed openness to providing a backstop by other means, such as US fighter planes to police the Ukrainian skies or provide aerial support to European troops in Ukraine. On his part, Zelenskyy said that European security guarantees alone might not be enough to prevent Putin from launching a new war. Zelenskyy said, We need an alliance between Europe and the United States. Unfortunately, we have not yet seen any signs from Russia that they want to end the war, Zelenskyy further said. Bangladeshs interim government on Thursday said it has incorporated a new clause in the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act 1973 to disqualify a candidate from contesting an election if a chargesheet is filed against the person for committing crimes against humanity. Bangladeshs interim authorities on Thursday approved a legal amendment that will bar anyone formally charged with crimes against humanity from seeking elected office or holding government jobs. The change, made to the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act of 1973, introduces a fresh clause disqualifying such individuals from becoming parliamentarians, local body representatives or civil servants. Press secretary to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Shafiqul Alam, said the provision applies the moment a chargesheet is filed under Section 9(1) of the law. Those charged will no longer be eligible to contest polls or remain in the service of the republic, he explained. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The interim cabinet, known as the advisory council, cleared the amendment at its latest meeting. This move follows a recommendation from the Election Commission a day earlier, which called for fugitives from justice to be barred from elections and sought to scrap the online system for filing nominations. The decision is seen as another blow to Sheikh Hasinas Awami League, whose activities have already been suspended by the interim government. The former prime minister and senior leaders of her party face ongoing corruption and war crimes cases, with many either imprisoned or in hiding. Analysts said the new law approved by the interim government would limit further scopes for Awami League leaders to contest polls, even as independent candidates or nominees of any ally or friendly political party. In May, unrest gripped the civil administration as the interim government decided to enact a law to ease the termination of any employee for alleged misconduct. The protesters, however, were cooled as the government backed off, deciding that no employee would be fired without exhausting an investigation process. With inputs from agencies European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday said India has an important role in pressing Russia to end its war in Ukraine and help chart a course towards peace. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of Europes ongoing diplomatic push on the Ukraine conflict, praising Indias role in pressing Russia to end the war. We had the pleasure of speaking with Prime Minister @narendramodi. We warmly welcome Indias continued engagement with President Zelenskyy. India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace. This war pic.twitter.com/ri5Vkep6MQ Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 4, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a post on X after speaking with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, von der Leyen said Brussels warmly welcomes New Delhis continued engagement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She stressed that the war carries global security consequences and undermines economic stability, calling it a risk to the entire world. The EU chief also noted that the two sides aim to adopt a joint strategic agenda at the next EUIndia summit, expected in 2026, and reaffirmed the blocs commitment to concluding the long-pending Free Trade Agreement negotiations by the end of this year. To achieve this, progress is needed now, she said. Had a very good conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Reaffirmed our shared commitment for an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA and implementation of the IMEEC corridor. Exchanged views on issues of Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The call comes as US President Donald Trump has launched a sweeping tariff offensive against India, imposing a 25% reciprocal duty on Indian goods along with an additional 25% levy linked to New Delhis purchase of Russian oil- among the steepest in the world. He has accused India of fuelling Russias deadly attacks on Ukraine" by buying discounted crude, even as Washington has stopped short of harsher sanctions on Moscow. Earlier, Donald Trump said that he dismissed Indias offer to slash tariffs on US goods as too late," calling the relationship a one-sided disaster" that unfairly benefits New Delhi. A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Afghanistan on Thursday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences said, the third tremor in the same region since Sunday, when one of the countrys deadliest quakes in years killed more than 2,200 people A Taliban military helicopter flies carrying injured victims of a deadly magnitude-6 earthquake that struck Afghanistan on Sunday, in Mazar Dara, Kunar province, Afghanistan, on September 2, 2025. Reuters File A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan on Thursday, marking the third major tremor in the region since Sunday, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences. The series of quakes has now claimed over 2,200 lives, with thousands more injured and displaced. Naqibullah Rahimi, spokesperson for the Nangarhar health department, told Reuters that the epicentre was in the remote Shiwa district, near the Pakistan border. Initial reports indicated damage in the Barkashkot area, though assessments were still underway. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The quake, which struck at a depth of 10 km (6 miles), follows two earlier shocks that flattened entire villages across Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, leaving more than 3,600 people injured and tens of thousands homeless. Rescue efforts continued on Thursday, with workers still pulling bodies from the rubble. The Taliban administration confirmed the updated toll at 2,205 dead and 3,640 injured, as aid groups warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis. The United Nations and other agencies have flagged an urgent need for food, shelter, and medical supplies, with survivors facing a dire situation amid dwindling resources and ongoing aftershocks. Everything we had has been destroyed, Reuters quoted Aalem Jan, whose house in the worst-affected province of Kunar was flattened by the tremors, as saying. The only remaining things are these clothes on our backs, said Jan. His family sat under trees with their belongings piled next to them. The first earthquake, a magnitude 6.0 tremor, struck on Sunday at a shallow depth of 10 km (6 miles), causing widespread destruction across Afghanistans Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. It was one of the countrys deadliest quakes in recent years. A second magnitude 5.5 quake hit on Tuesday, triggering landslides, cutting off access to remote villages, and disrupting ongoing rescue operations. Authorities estimate that over 6,700 homes have been destroyed, and the United Nations has warned the death toll may still rise, with many people feared trapped under the rubble as time to reach survivors runs out. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Humanitarian needs are vast and growing rapidly, said the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Up to 84,000 people are directly and indirectly affected, with thousands displaced, it added, citing initial figures. In some of the worst-affected villages in Kunar province, two out of three people had been killed or injured, while 98% of buildings were either destroyed or damaged by the tremors, Reuters reported, citing an assessment by British-based charity Islamic Relief Worldwide. Afghanistan is prone to deadly earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. With homes made mostly of dry masonry, stone, and timber, some families preferred to sit out in the open rather than return home as aftershocks continued at regular intervals. The houses gave little protection from the quakes, in ground left unstable by days of heavy rain, said the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Resources for rescue and relief work are tight in the South Asian nation of 42 million people, pulverised by war, poverty, and shrinking aid, where harsh weather presents a further challenge. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US President Donald Trumps funding cuts to foreign aid and donor frustration over the Talibans restrictive policies towards women and its curbs on aid workers have worsened Afghanistans isolation. The World Health Organisation pointed to a funding gap of $3 million, saying it was critical to keep medicines, trauma kits, and essential commodities flowing amid rising demand. The UN World Food Programme has funding and stocks to support the survivors for just four more weeks, its country head, John Aylieff, told Reuters on Wednesday. Jacopo Caridi of the Norwegian Refugee Council called for donors to go beyond life-saving relief to ensure Afghans a chance at a future beyond perpetual emergency. The earthquake should serve as a stark reminder: Afghanistan cannot be left to face one crisis after another alone, he said. With inputs from agencies (File) A view of Harvard campus on John F. Kennedy Street at Harvard University is pictured in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US, December 7, 2023.Reuters Harvard University has secured a significant legal victory with a federal judge overturning the Trump administrations decision to cut more than $2.6 billion in federal research grants. US District Judge Allison Burroughs ruled that the administrations actions amounted to unlawful retaliation against the Ivy League institution for resisting White House demands to overhaul its policies and governance structures. The ruling, pronounced on Wednesday, is set to reinstate funding for hundreds of research projects that had been abruptly halted when the administration escalated its conflict with Harvard. According to court documents, the cuts were initially introduced as freezes but later hardened into permanent cancellations, leaving faculty and students scrambling to find alternative resources. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Judge Burroughs observed that the administrations justificationlinking the cuts to Harvards alleged failure to curb anti-semitismwas flimsy at best. She wrote that the evidence pointed toward an ideologically driven campaign, remarking that anti-semitism had been used as a smokescreen for a targeted, ideologically motivated assault on this countrys premier universities. Harvards claim of retaliation Harvard had filed suit, arguing that the administrations punitive measures were triggered by the universitys refusal to accept sweeping reforms outlined in an April 11 letter from a federal anti-semitism task force. That letter demanded changes in academic programmes, admissions procedures, hiring practices and campus governance, claiming that Harvards structures had fostered antisemitism and ideological bias. University President Alan Garber maintained that Harvard was fully committed to combating anti-semitism, but he highlighted that no government should dictate academic content or control admissions and hiring decisions at private universities. He said the independence of higher education was a cornerstone of American democracy, and warned against what he characterised as political interference masquerading as civil rights enforcement. Trump administrations denial The Trump administration strongly denied that the cuts were retaliatory. Officials argued in court filings that the research grants had been under review even before the April 11 letter was issued. They claimed that federal agencies retained broad authority to cancel contracts and funding arrangements on policy grounds. In the administrations words, it was now federal policy not to support institutions that, in its view, failed to adequately address antisemitism. By this reasoning, Harvard had jeopardised its funding by resisting reforms designed to ensure compliance with civil rights standards. The government maintained that the measures were about protecting Jewish students, not punishing the university for political reasons. Broader political context The dispute arose against a backdrop of rising campus tensions following the Israel-Gaza war. Universities across the United States, including Harvard, witnessed large-scale protests that sometimes erupted into violent clashes. Some groups were accused of crossing into antisemitic rhetoric, while pro-Palestinian student organisations claimed they were being unfairly targeted for political expression. The Trump administration seized on these controversies, demanding universities adopt sweeping new policies. In Harvards case, the April 11 letter outlined requirements such as eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, introducing so-called merit-based admissions and hiring, restricting student groups accused of antisemitism and reforming disciplinary policies to impose harsher penalties on protesters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The letter went further by mandating audits of faculty and students for viewpoint diversity, scrutinising international admissions to prevent the enrollment of students deemed hostile to American values, and even banning certain pro-Palestinian organisations on campus. Critics within Harvard described the proposals as a direct attack on academic freedom, while supporters of the administration argued that elite universities had been neglecting the rights and safety of Jewish students. A clash over academic autonomy At the heart of the dispute was the question of who should control the mission and governance of Americas leading universities. Harvard insisted that while it would always enforce anti-discrimination policies, it could not allow federal authorities to dictate curricula, faculty hiring or admissions criteria. President Garber stressed that compliance with such demands would undermine the universitys independence and core values. For its part, the Trump administration framed the issue as a matter of accountability, arguing that taxpayer funding should only flow to institutions aligned with national values and civil rights protections. Administration officials accused Harvard of being ideologically captured by progressive causes and failing to safeguard Jewish students from harassment. Judge rejects federal justifications In her ruling, Judge Burroughs dismissed the administrations arguments, finding no credible connection between Harvards federal research programmes and the alleged failures in combating anti-semitism. She noted that the freeze and subsequent cuts were timed suspiciously close to Harvards rejection of the administrations demands, which strongly suggested retaliation. Her opinion was particularly pointed in criticising the governments use of anti-semitism as a justification. She wrote that the evidence supported the conclusion that concerns over anti-semitism had been invoked as a pretext to push through a broader ideological agenda. The ruling underscored that federal contracts could not be wielded as a political weapon against institutions that resist government pressure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But negotiations continue While the courts decision represents a victory for Harvard, the conflict is not yet fully resolved. Reports suggest that discussions continue between the university and federal officials over a possible settlement. President Trump has indicated that he wants Harvard to contribute at least $500 million as part of a negotiated agreement, although no deal has been finalised. Other universities facing similar scrutiny, including Columbia and Brown, have reportedly reached settlements with the administration. Whether Harvard will follow suit or continue its legal fight remains to be seen. Implications for higher education The case has sparked widespread debate about the relationship between government authority and university autonomy. Supporters of the ruling argue that Judge Burroughs decision preserves academic freedom and prevents political interference in research and teaching. Critics of Harvard, however, maintain that elite institutions have ignored anti-semitism for too long and should be held accountable when they fail to protect their students. The outcome is likely to have lasting repercussions, not just for Harvard but for the broader scenario of higher education. By restoring funding and rejecting the administrations conditions, the court has drawn a line around the limits of federal power over universities. At the same time, the ruling leaves unresolved the deeper cultural and political tensions that continue to animate debates on campuses across the country. As Republicans continue their anti-vaccine agenda, forcing Democratic states to form their own vaccination policies, your safety in the United States from diseases like polio, measles, hepatitis, and Covid-19 now depends on whether you live in a Democratic or a Republican state. Cullen Veasley, 17, receives his second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at a mobile pop-up vaccination clinic hosted by the Detroit Health Department with the Detroit Public Schools Community District at Renaissance High School in Detroit, Michigan, July 26, 2021. (Photo: Emily Elconin/Reuters) In the United States, your safety from diseases like polio, measles, hepatitis, and Covid-19 now depends on whether you live in a Democratic or a Republican state. As Republicans continue to pursue anti-vaccine agenda, there is a clear division among party lines on life-saving vaccines. While Democrats have embraced vaccination, Republican leaders have shunned them over conspiracy theories, religious beliefs, and purported libertarian ideals. The Republican-controlled Florida on Wednesday announced an end to all vaccine mandates the first state to do so. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Joseph Ladapo, the Surgeon General of Florida, said that the state had no right to tell people what to put in their body as the body is a gift from God. He went on to say that every last one of them [vaccines] is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery. Floridas decision, which came in the midst of US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jrs continued disinformation campaign against vaccines and dismantling of vaccine-related policies, prompted the Democratic states of California, Washington, and Oregon to form the West Coast Health Alliance. Under the initiative, these Democratic states will form their own vaccination guidelines as RFK Jr as Kennedy Jr is called has essentially killed all federal vaccination programmes and research and development. From Make America Health Again to Make Diseases Great Again With the removal of all vaccine mandates, the Republicans in Florida and any other states that follow suit are at the risk of resurgence of diseases that have been nearly eradicated in the United States from vaccination but could resurface if vaccination rates fall, such as polio, measles, chickenpox, and rubella. In fact, the beginning of the resurgence of such diseases has already begun with measles. This year, the United States has reported around 1,400 cases of measles and at least three deaths. More than half of these cases were reported in the Republican Texas, and two of the three deaths were also reported in the state. The epicentre of the outbreak was the Mennonite community in West Texas where the vaccination rate was 82 per cent well below the 95 per cent required to maintain herd immunity to prevent disease outbreak. Overall, around 70 per cent of cases were reported in unvaccinated persons. As a result of consistent anti-vaccine agenda of far-right figures, vaccination rates have fallen up to 70 per cent in some areas, according to reports. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Health Secretary leads charge against healthcare Health Secretary RFK Jr has emerged as the biggest anti-vaccine activist in the United States. Since assuming office, RFK Jr has fired all 17 experts on the US Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) vaccine advisory committee and replaced them with anti-vaccine persons. RFK Jr has also falsely linked vaccines to autism, falsely called Covid-19 vaccines the deadliest vaccine ever made, falsely said that mRNA vaccines contributed to virus evolution and are ineffective against variants of coronavirus. He further falsely said that vaccines do not effectively shield against upper respiratory infections like Covid and flu despite evidence over the years clearly stating the effectiveness of vaccines. The Trump administration has cancelled around $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine development and cancelled a total of 22 separate research projects. India and Singapore on Thursday unveiled a roadmap to expand their comprehensive strategic partnership including by deepening trade and ensuring better market access. India and Singapore on Thursday unveiled a detailed roadmap to expand their comprehensive strategic partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong pledging to strengthen cooperation across trade, technology, defence and emerging sectors. The leaders signalled a joint resolve to navigate global trade disruptions, underlining the importance of open markets and deeper connectivity. PM Modi in a post on X said Trade and investment are important aspects of India-Singapore ties. PM Wong and I discussed ways to deepen these linkages. Other topics included technology, semiconductors, defence, skill development, water resources, green shipping and more." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trade and investment are important aspects of India-Singapore ties. PM Wong and I discussed ways to deepen these linkages. Other topics included technology, semiconductors, defence, skill development, water resources, green shipping and more. pic.twitter.com/8Iqh1KpvzG Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2025 The two sides signed five agreements covering aviation, skills development, green and digital shipping, space, and digital asset innovation, including next-generation financial infrastructure. They also virtually inaugurated a new container terminal at Mumbais Nhava Sheva port, built with over $1 billion investment by Port of Singapore Authority. Wong, accompanied by a high-level delegation, arrived in Delhi on Tuesday on a three-day visit, his first to India as the prime minister. Indias ties with Singapore are considered significant as the city-state is the largest foreign investor in India, accounting for around a quarter of the countrys foreign direct investment inflows. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on green shipping will facilitate collaboration on establishment of a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC). The two prime ministers also virtually inaugurated a container terminal at Nhava Sheva port in Mumbai. The Port of Singapore Authority (PSA International has invested over USD one billion in the project. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For next phase of ties, the two sides identified eight pillars for cooperation which are : economic cooperation, skills development, digitalisation, sustainability, connectivity, healthcare and medicine, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and defence and security cooperation. Today, we have charted a detailed roadmap for the future of our partnership. Our cooperation will not remain confined to traditional areas, Modi said in his statement to the media after talks with Wong. In keeping with the needs of changing times, advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, civil nuclear energy, and urban water management will also emerge as focus points of our collaboration, he said. We have resolved that, in order to further accelerate our bilateral trade, a time-bound review will be undertaken of our comprehensive economic cooperation agreement, as well as our free trade agreement with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Modi said. In his remarks, Wong said both the countries can strengthen resilience, seize new opportunities and contribute to stability and growth in the region and beyond. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a world marked by great uncertainty and turbulence, the partnership between India and Singapore becomes even more important because this is a partnership rooted in shared values, mutual respect and a deep reservoir of trust, he said in his media statement. I look forward to working hand-in-hand with Prime Minister Modi to bring the Singapore-India partnership to even greater heights in the years ahead, he said. In the talks, the two sides agreed to jointly develop sustainable industrial parks and next-generation industrial parks with advanced manufacturing capabilities, including through facilitating ventures and partnerships. India and Singapore also agreed to deepen defence technology cooperation in emerging areas such as quantum computing, AI, automation and unmanned vessels, a joint statement noted. It said Singapore acknowledges with appreciation Indias interest in the Malacca Straits Patrol. At a media briefing, Secretary (East) in the external affairs ministry P Kumaran said there was no discussion on Trump administrations policy on tariff, adding the broad global uncertainty and way to deal with it figured in the talks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his remarks, Modi said both sides have agreed to expand collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum, and other digital technologies. The prime minister described Singapore as a vital pillar of Indias Act East Policy, adding we will continue to advance cooperation with ASEAN and carry forward our joint vision for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Our relations go far beyond diplomacy. This is a partnership with purpose, rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interests, and driven by a common vision for peace, progress and prosperity, he said. Modi further said the two sides shared common concerns regarding terrorism. We firmly believe that it is the duty of all nations that value humanity to unite in the fight against this menace. In the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, I express my deep gratitude to Prime Minister Wong and the Government of Singapore for their condolences to the people of India and for their steadfast support in our fight against terrorism, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the briefing, Kumaran said there was a suggestion that India could consider joining the ASEAN electricity grid. It is learnt that the two sides also explored the possibility of civil nuclear cooperation in the domain of small modular reactors (SMRs) Yes, there is broad agreement that this is a potential area of cooperation, including new and emerging technologies, such as SMRs. Its still very early, there was only a preliminary discussion, Kumaran said. It was agreed that teams will be formed on both sides to try and take this discussion forward. So we look forward to more details as and when the two teams engage, he said. With inputs from agencies Vice President JD Vances visit to mourn victims of the Minneapolis school shooting was overshadowed by protesters who accused him of cowardice and demanded action on gun violence US Vice President JD Vance visited a Minneapolis church on Wednesday to express solidarity with the local people in their moment of mourning following the last weeks Minnesota mass shooting. But his visit to Annunciation Catholic Church to honour the victims of the mass shooting that left two children dead and 21 others wounded triggered angry responses from the locals. While he stepped inside the sanctuary to pray with grieving families, the atmosphere outside the church told a different story. Across the street, demonstrators chanted do better and youre a coward, waving pride flags and hoisting placards that read protect kids not guns. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The protesters accused the US vice president of offering condolences without backing meaningful action on gun violence, a crisis that has become tragically routine in American life. Vance meets families of victims Accompanied by his wife Usha, Vance paused in front of a statue of the Virgin Mary before entering the church. Inside, he listened to parents share stories of their childrentheir hopes, their laughter, and their lives cut short by gunfire. Speaking afterward, the vice president called the conversations heartbreaking but also gratifying, saying he felt honoured to hear the families memories. I have never had a day that will stay with me like this one, Vance said. We should talk less about the shooter and more about these kids. Their lives were cut short, and that should be the focus. The shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire during a school Mass using three legally purchased firearms. Federal officials later confirmed Westmans identity and noted he had legally changed his name in 2019. The attack has reignited debate over access to guns, particularly when shooters pass background checks despite warning signs. Anger over inaction For the protesters gathered outside, grief was inseparable from anger. Their signsprotect kids, not gunscaptured a frustration that has echoed in communities across the country after similar tragedies. Many questioned whether thoughts and prayers from political leaders would ever translate into tougher laws. Conservative columnist Dustin Grage pushed back online, dismissing the demonstration as tone-deaf. But for many in Minneapolis, the chants were not about scoring political points. They were about demanding accountability from those in power. Vances call for prayer and policy Vance, a practising Catholic, urged Americans to pray for the victims who are still in hospitals receiving treatment. He also pledged to push for policies addressing the root causes of such violence, though he stopped short of endorsing new gun restrictions. One of the ways Ill honour these parents is by being a better dad, Vance said. There are families who will never again get that chance. The vice president framed the tragedy less as a policy failure than as a cultural and familial one, a distinction that has defined his rhetoric since joining Donald Trumps ticket. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A pattern of heckling The disruption in Minneapolis was not an isolated incident. Just two weeks earlier, Vance faced an even more hostile reception in Washington, DC. At Union Station, where he and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered Shake Shack burgers to National Guard troops, a crowd erupted into jeers. Oh look, its couch-f***r, one heckler shouted, referencing a viral but false claim about Vances memoir. The chants grew louder: Go fk a couch, JD Vance! and pyboy. Clips of the scene, amplified by Union Stations cavernous ceilings, ricocheted across social media. Vance tried to press ahead with his remarks about public safety, dismissing the protesters as crazy and accusing them of being privileged, out-of-touch old white hippies. His allies, including White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, joined in mocking the crowd. A viral insult The couch slur traces back to a fabricated claim first posted on X in July 2024. The falsehood, which alleged Vance described a sexual encounter with a couch in his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, spread rapidly online. Despite being debunked, the rumour gained traction after Democratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz joked about it at a rally. By late July, Google searches for JD Vance couch had outpaced even searches for Trump shooting. The episode illustrates how ridicule has become a potent weapon in the political arena. While critics frame Vance as out of touch with urban communities and unwilling to challenge gun lobby orthodoxy, the viral mockery has added an element of humiliation to his public appearances. The widening gap Both in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and in Washington, the heckling highlighted the widening gulf between the Trump-Vance administration and the communities they visit. In D.C., residents protested what they saw as an unwanted militarisation of their city. In Minnesota, families and activists demanded stronger protections for children from the scourge of gun violence. For Vance, the challenge is twofold: comforting grieving families while defending an administration that has shown little appetite for sweeping gun reform. His words in Minneapolistalk less about the shooter and more about these kidsmay resonate with some. But for protesters chanting outside the church, the call is simple: protecting children means more than prayers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Russian president said that a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart would require proper preparation to be effective, and suggested that Zelenskyy could visit Moscow to meet him Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit blamed the West for the Ukraine war. Reuters Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to achieve all its military aims if Ukraine does not agree to a deal, days after US President Donald Trumps 50-day deadline to get Putin and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the negotiating table passed. It seems to me that if common sense prevails, it will be possible to agree on an acceptable solution to end this conflict. If not, then we will have to resolve all our tasks militarily, the Russian president said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Putin made the comments in China after he attended the countrys Victory Day parade with Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, a show of signs that have threatened Trump amid his trade measures. On July 14, Trump set a 50-day deadline for Putin to get to the negotiating table with Zelenskyy. That deadline passed on September 2 and there is still no sign of a meeting between the two leaders. Whats the point? While there are no indications of a possible Zelenskyy-Putin meeting yet, the Russian president has said, I have never ruled out the possibility of such a meeting. But is there any point? Lets see. He added that any such meeting would require proper preparation to be effective, and suggested that Zelenskyy could visit Moscow to meet him, an idea Ukraines foreign minister swiftly dismissed as knowingly unacceptable. The Russian leader reiterated his demands that Ukraine abandon its pursuit of NATO membership and end what he described as discrimination against ethnic Russians, a claim that was among the justifications cited for the invasion. Trump to speak with Zelenskyy Meanwhile, Trump has said that he will soon speak with the Ukrainian president as the war drags on, despite his deadline and efforts to bring the two countries into a ceasefire. Im having a conversation with him very shortly, and Ill know pretty much what were going to be doing. Ill be speaking to him over the next few days, and were going to see, Trump said. I have no message to President Putin. He knows where I stand, and hell make a decision one way or the other. Whatever his decision is, well either be happy about it, or unhappy. And if were unhappy about it, youll see things happen, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The White House has announced that a phone call between Trump and Zelenskyy will take place on Thursday. Nigel Farage told US lawmakers that Britain has become North Korea, igniting backlash from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and fueling a transatlantic row over free speech Britain's Reform UK Party leader Nigel Farage walks after testifying before a House Judiciary Committee hearing on European threats to American free speech and innovation, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 3, 2025. Reuters Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, appeared before the US House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday in Washington where he painted Britain as an authoritarian state that has lost her way. Speaking at a hearing on Europes Threat to American Free Speech and Innovation, Farage warned US lawmakers that Britain should serve as a cautionary tale for America. At what point did we become North Korea, he asked. Farage lamented that a country once known for Magna Carta and the mother of parliaments had sunk into authoritarianism, a Politico report said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A warning to Washington? The committee, chaired by Republican Jim Jordan, focussed on how European online regulations particularly Britains Online Safety Act and the EUs Digital Services Act might threaten free expression and innovation in the United States. Farage told lawmakers that Britain had transformed into what he called an illiberal and authoritarian censorship regime, citing recent cases to make his point, Reuters reported. He highlighted the case of Lucy Connolly, a mother from Northampton sentenced to 31 months in prison for a racist tweet following a knife attack in Southport. Farage told the committee Connolly was living proof of what can go wrong, stressing that her intemperate post had been deleted within hours. Her punishment, he argued, was grossly disproportionate and an example of how Britain now criminalises opinion, Politico reported. Farage also raised the arrest of comedy writer Graham Linehan, who was detained at Heathrow Airport over social media posts critical of transgender ideology. What happened to him could happen to any American, Farage warned, arguing that the state is now policing thought as much as conduct. He further attacked Britains Online Safety Act, claiming it would damage trade with the US by imposing onerous requirements on tech firms. The law, he argued, entrenches a muzzle state under the guise of protecting users from harm. Starmer miffed at Farages trip Farages US testimony sparked uproar at home. The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused the Reform UK leader of undermining the country abroad. During Prime Ministers Questions, Starmer blasted Farage for badmouthing and talking down our country instead of attending to matters in Parliament. Starmer went further, accusing Farage of lobbying Americans to impose sanctions that would harm British workers. You cannot get more unpatriotic than that, he told MPs, describing Farages actions as a disgrace, The Guardian reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Sun reported that Farage intended to urge Washington to punish countries restricting speech with diplomatic and trade penalties, though Farage denied suggesting sanctions at all, in any way. A clash over the Online Safety Act The Online Safety Act has become a lightning rod in Britains free speech debate. The government defends it as essential to protect children from harmful content online, but Farage and Reform UK argue it threatens liberty. Asked what he would do instead, Farage admitted he did not yet have a clear alternative, saying only that there needs to be a tech answer. Starmer seized on this in the Commons, declaring: You cant run a country on dont know answers. For the Prime Minister, Farages trip was reckless posturing abroad while failing to offer solutions at home. Domestic and international backlash Farages US testimony has divided opinion. Conservative Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly refused to back him, telling GB News that he had been to parts of the world where freedom of speech really is curtailed and warning against exaggerating Britains problems. Weve got to be careful that we dont add to what I think is fundamentally a political attack from Nigel Farage toward his own country, Cleverly said. In Washington, Democrats were scathing. Committee member Jamie Raskin dismissed Farage as a far-right, pro-Putin politician and Putin-loving free speech impostor, pointing to his own platform on GB News as evidence that free speech in Britain remains intact, The Guardian reported. Republicans, however, were more supportive. Some praised Farage as probably the future prime minister of the UK, a line that showed the partisan dimension of the hearing. Britain as a cautionary tale Farages message was clear. Britain is no longer a model to emulate but a warning of what happens when governments overreach. Sympathetic commentators argue that the UK now exhibits two-tier policing and suppresses dissent on migration, crime, or gender policy. The Telegraph reported that many ordinary citizens feel Britain is under the sway of hyper-liberal progressives who brand mainstream views as dangerous. In this narrative, Connolly and Linehans cases are not anomalies but symptoms of a wider culture of censorship. Farage told Congress that online speech is punished more harshly than violent offences, a claim meant to resonate in a US political climate already primed for free speech battles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Politics of patriotism Starmers framing of Farages trip as unpatriotic highlights the political stakes. By testifying before a foreign legislature, Farage risks appearing to undermine Britains global standing. Yet his supporters argue he is voicing the concerns of a silenced majority. Farage insists he represents our Britain one sidelined by elite consensus on migration, censorship, and cultural issues. Britains wider free speech battles Beyond Connolly and Linehan, the UK faces other flashpoints. Earlier this year, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper proscribed Palestine Action, a pro-Gaza campaign group, as a terrorist organisation. The move, which criminalises membership or support, has been challenged by civil liberties groups, who warn of a chilling effect on protest, Politico reported. Police chiefs acknowledge the difficulty of enforcing hate speech laws. After Linehans arrest, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said officers were stuck between a rock and a hard place because successive governments had produced confusing legislation. Health Secretary Wes Streeting suggested the government may clarify the law, saying police should be policing streets, not just policing tweets. A divided image abroad The contrast between Starmers February trip to Washington where he reassured US senators that Britain remained committed to free expression and Farages testimony could not be sharper. Starmer told his American counterparts that free speech in the UK would last for a very, very long time. Farage, by contrast, declared that Britain had already crossed the line into censorship. Reports suggest some US organisations are considering financial support for British free speech groups in response. Farages political play For Farage, the Washington stage provided an opportunity to amplify his message on both sides of the Atlantic. Critics see an opportunist undermining Britains credibility abroad; supporters see a patriot resisting authoritarian drift at home. Whether US lawmakers take his warnings seriously remains uncertain. But one message was unmistakable. In Farages telling, Britain has become North Korea in miniature. This is no secret, I told him (Modi) what we talked about in Alaska, Putin said at a press conference in China 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 Russian President Vladimir Putin has revealed that he briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska during a limousine ride on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Chinas Tianjin. The interaction took place inside Putins Russian-made Aurus limousine, where the two leaders shared a brief private moment amid the high-level multilateral gathering. This is no secret, I told him (Modi) what we talked about in Alaska, Putin said at a press conference in China, according to Russian news agency TASS. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Putins remarks offer the first confirmation of what was discussed during the much-talked-about car ride with PM Modi at the recently concluded 25th SCO summit. The Russian President also provided new details about his meeting with Trump in Alaska, describing it as a brief but notable exchange. Of course we spoke English. Broken English. I had very limited talks with President Trump as the ride took some 30 seconds. I told him that I was glad to see him alive and healthy. It was more of a small talk, Putin added. Prime Minister Modi later took to X to share the moment. After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful, PM Modi posted. According to reports, President Putin waited approximately 10 minutes for PM Modi before the two boarded the vehicle. Their drive to the hotel, which lasted about 15 minutes, evolved into a much longer engagement. Instead of heading directly into the meeting room upon arrival, the two leaders remained inside the car for an extended discussion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The two leaders continued their one-to-one dialogue on the way to the hotel, where they were to be joined by members of their teams. However, on reaching the hotel, they did not deboard the Russian presidents limousine and continued their conversation for a further 45 minutes," reported Russian national radio station VestiFM. Later, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the nature and length of the private meeting. He did not want to interrupt the important conversation. But the home walls of the car also played a role, Peskov told a Russian pool TV reporter covering Putins visit. They were at home. Thats the first thing. And secondly, when theres an important discussion going on, theres simply no time to interrupt walking and moving to different venues and so on. They felt comfortable there, and thats why they continued the conversation. But the (bilateral) agenda is really more than intense, he added. Putins Aurus limousine, built to stringent security specifications, is designed to block external surveillance and eavesdropping a likely factor in the leaders decision to continue talking inside the vehicle. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Analysts in Moscow believe this was one of the most significant confidential exchanges between the two, with sensitive strategic matters possibly discussed ones not for the ears of others. With inputs from agencies The Israeli military has told the parliament that occupying Gaza City does not guarantee that Hamas would budge from its position and accept Israels terms. A column of smoke erupts following Israeli bombardment of areas east of the Tuffah neighbourhood in eastern Gaza City on June 18, 2025. (Photo: Bashar Taleb/AFP) The Israeli military has told the parliament that the occupation of Gaza City does not bring any assurance that Hamas would budge from its position and accept Israels terms, according to a report. The development has come at a time when international condemnation as well as domestic opposition to the Israeli offensive to occupy the Gaza City , which has been spearheaded by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is rising by the day. While the international community is outraged at the devastation that such an offensive would bring and worsen the humanitarian crisis, families of Israeli hostages are concerned that the bombardment could endanger their lives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Kan broadcaster has reported that an Israeli military representative told the parliamentary foreign affairs and defense committee on Monday that it is not certain that the occupation of Gaza City will cause Hamas to budge. The Israeli military representative said this in response to a question by a question from Amit Halevi, the member of parliament from Netanyahus Likud party. Why would the occupation of Gaza City cause Hamas to budge at all? I did not say it would move Hamas. It is not certain at all. The city has symbolic significance, said the Israeli military representative. ALSO READ: Palestine on paper? The list of recognisers grows while Israel eyes West Bank annexation, Gaza control There have been reports that the Israeli military is not supportive of Netanyahus offensive. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the Israeli military chief, is reportedly opposed to the offensive and has been advising him to accept the deal on the table to end the war. However, Netanyahu has rejected all advise against the offensive and has pitched it as the ultimate way to defeat Hamas and win the war. Given Hamas refusal to lay down its arms, Israel has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas. Dismantling the two remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza City and the central camps this is the best way to end the war, said Netanyahu last month. The Israeli military representative told the committee that around 800,000 Palestinians live in Gaza City. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Israeli bombardment of Gaza has turned nearly the entire enclave into rubble and has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians most of whom are civilians as per Israel's own previous admissions . There is an acute shortage of food, water, and other essentials in Gaza as a result of Israels policy of restricting the flow of aid. The United Nations (UN)-backed group that monitors global hunger has declared a famine in Gaza . In recent months, dozens of people have died from hunger and hundreds more have been killed in attacks at food distribution sites. While Palestinians have blamed these attacks on Israel, Israel has denied these attacks. In July, the UN published a video that showed Israeli soldiers firing at Palestinians waiting for a UN food convoy. Trump confirmed that he watched the military parade in Beijing, saying, I thought it was very, very impressive, but I understood the reason they were doing it. And they were hoping I was watching and I was watching" Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrive at a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender in Beijing, China. AP China on Thursday said the decision to invite President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to the Victory Day parade was not motivated by conspiring against the US, as President Donald Trump has claimed. Chinas development of diplomatic relations with any country is never directed against any third party, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters. In his greeting to China on its Victory Day, Trump said, The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive amount of support and blood that The United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly foreign invader. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, yesterday, Trump confirmed that he watched the military parade in Beijing, saying, I thought it was very, very impressive, but I understood the reason they were doing it. And they were hoping I was watching and I was watching." Xi, Putin and Kim stole the spotlight earlier this week by walking side-by-side during the parade, in a show of signs that has threatened the US amid its tariff war. The close partnership between these countries has threatened Trump over his punitive trade measures, as he already faces challenges from his own camp and the Opposition at home. Xi and Kim to hold talks The Chinese foreign ministry said Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un will hold talks as the North Korean leader makes a rare visit outside his secretive country. The two leaders will hold talks and have an in-depth exchange of views on China-DPRK relations and issues of common concern, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said, using the acronym for North Korea. China is willing to work with the DPRK to strengthen strategic communication deepen the exchange of experience in governance, he said. With inputs from agencies Wong and PM Modi are set to virtually inaugurate a container terminal in Maharashtra. The Port of Singapore Authority (PSA International) has invested over $1 billion in the project Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi, ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier today, Wong called the start of his official visit to India productive. He arrived in the national capital on Tuesday for a three-day trip. Had a productive start to my visit in New Delhi. Last evening, I joined overseas Singaporeans and friends of Singapore for a special SG60 reception. Many had travelled from different parts of India Chennai, Mumbai, and beyond to be part of this occasion, Wong said on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pleased to call on PM @LawrenceWongST of Singapore this morning in Delhi. Appreciate his constant encouragement for the strengthening of India-Singapore ties. Confident that his talks later today with PM @narendramodi will chart a roadmap for our contemporary ties. pic.twitter.com/YYkVp0iCRa Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 4, 2025 The Singapore prime minister has so far met Union Minister for Finance Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Minister of Health JP Nadda. During his meeting with Sitharaman, the two sides focused on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore. In a post on X, the Ministry of Finance stated that the discussion centred on enhancing cooperation in critical areas, including trade and investment, fintech, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, and connectivity. Wong and PM Modi are set to virtually inaugurate a container terminal in Maharashtra. The Port of Singapore Authority (PSA International) has invested over $1 billion in the project. The two leaders are expected to dedicate the port project after their wide-ranging talks. Later today, Wong will call on President Droupadi Murmu. His visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of India-Singapore diplomatic relations, reaffirms the continued commitment of the two countries to further strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India-Singapore relations were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership during PM Modis visit to that country in September last year. The two sides are looking at the possibility of exporting solar energy from India to Singapore via an underwater cable, which could also be used for data connectivity. With inputs from agencies Moscow has slammed US military action as dangerous provocation, as Washington intensifies pressure on Maduros regime over alleged narco-terror links Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures while speaking during a press conference in Caracas, on Monday. AFP File Russia has strongly condemned the United States recent military action near Venezuela, accusing Washington of endangering regional stability after President Donald Trump ordered a naval build-up and a targeted strike against a boat allegedly linked to a Venezuelan drug cartel. According to a Newsweek report, the Russian Foreign Ministry criticised the move, warning that such actions could escalate tensions in Latin America and undermine regional security. The response came just days after Trump announced that US forces had killed 11 members of the Tren de Aragua gang designated a terrorist organisation by Washington in a strike carried out in international waters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moscows rebuke comes at a sensitive time, as Trump seeks closer cooperation with President Vladimir Putin to broker an end to Russias ongoing war in Ukraine. However, Russias backing of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and its opposition to US military operations in the region signal continued friction between the two powers on foreign policy. Trump defended the strike, stating that the targeted boat was trafficking illegal narcotics into the US under the protection of the Venezuelan government. This is part of our broader war on the drug trade thats poisoning American communities, Trump said in a statement, vowing continued pressure on what he called narco-terrorist networks. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the Presidents stance, saying the US is mobilising incredible assets to expand offensive operations against Venezuelan cartels and their maritime trafficking routes. Relations between Washington and Caracas have been deeply strained for years, with the US severing diplomatic ties, imposing sweeping sanctions, and accusing Maduros government of facilitating organised crime and narcotics trafficking. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, accused the United States of exerting blatant pressure on Venezuela when asked about the growing tensions between Washington and Caracas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is a special page in world history, Newsweek quoted Zakharova as saying during a press briefing at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, on Thursday. What the West has been doing toward states that want to pursue their own independent policies is absolutely inadmissible. Look at the sanctions pressure. Look at the endless manipulations regarding human rights, she continued. The situation is being exaggerated and a threat to regional security is being created. The remarks come as the US continues to refuse recognition of Nicolas Maduro as Venezuelas legitimate leader, instead backing opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez, who is supported by other democratic nations following last years contested elections. The White House has labeled Maduro the head of a narcoterror cartel, rather than a legitimate president. On September 2, Republican Senator Rick Scott of Florida reiterated calls for Congress to pass his Stop Maduro Act, introduced in 2024. The legislation would raise the reward for information leading to Maduros arrest and conviction from $15 million to $100 million. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, Hegseth told Fox & Friends on Wednesday: President Trump is willing to go on offense in ways that others have not been Weve got incredible assets and they are gathering in the region. While a full-scale US invasion of Venezuela is considered unlikely, experts told Newsweek that the Trump administrations actions appear aimed at projecting strength and pressuring Maduro to act more aggressively against cartel activity. With inputs from agencies Trump joined a call of the Coalition of the Willing countries, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, who were meeting on security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a peace deal with Russia. US President Donald Trump told European leaders on Thursday that their continued purchases of Russian oil were helping Moscow finance its war in Ukraine, a White House official said. Trump made the remarks while joining a virtual session of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries led by French President Emmanuel Macron that is exploring security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a peace settlement with Moscow. According to the official, Trump warned that Russia had earned 1.1 billion from fuel sales to the EU in just one year. He also pressed European governments to exert economic pressure on China, accusing Beijing of indirectly supporting Moscows war efforts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The European Commission has already proposed a complete phase-out of EU imports of Russian oil and gas by January 1, 2028, as part of its effort to end the blocs reliance on Russian energy supplies, a dependency that deepened over decades before the Ukraine war. Trump has been frustrated at his inability to get a halt to the fighting in Ukraine after he initially predicted he would be able to end the war swiftly when he took office last January. The official said Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were among the leaders on the call. The Coalition of the Willing meeting was on security guarantees for Ukraine. President Trump questioned their seriousness while they continue to fuel Russias economy and war. The president made clear that this is not his war, and the Europeans must step up as well, the official said. Reporters asked Potus whether he was invited to the lavish celebrations in Beijing, to which Trump said he would not have attended even if he had been 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, on Tuesday in Washington, as Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., and Vice President JD Vance listen. AP file US President Donald Trump has confirmed watching Chinas Victory Day parade, an event where the spotlight was stolen by President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Koreas Kim Jong Un. When asked about his two cents on the parade, Trump said, I thought it was very, very impressive, but I understood the reason they were doing it. And they were hoping I was watching and I was watching." He added, My relationship with all of them (Xi, Putin and Kim) is very good. We are going to find out how good it is over the next week or two. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinese President Xi Jinping has made the 80th anniversary of the wars end a major showcase for his government and its close ties with countries at odds with Washington. Japans invasion of China in 1937 was a major escalation in fighting that would lead to World War Two, and Japans surrender in 1945 marked the end of the conflict. The US joined the war in 1941, aiding Chinese forces fighting the Japanese military and playing a decisive role in Japans defeat. Was Trump invited? Reporters asked Potus whether he was invited to the lavish celebrations in Beijing, to which Trump said he would not have attended even if he had been. It wouldnt have been my place, the president said. Should have mentioned US While he called the ceremony beautiful, Trump asserted, I watched the speech last night. President Xi is a friend of mine, but I thought that the United States should have been mentioned last night during that speech, because we helped China very, very much. On the other hand, Trump also claimed that Xi, Putin and Kim "conspired against the US" during the parade as they were seen together. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive amount of support and blood that The United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly foreign invader. Many Americans died in Chinas quest for Victory and Glory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added, Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America. US Health Secretary Kennedy Jr. on Thursday defended the dismissal of a top CDC official, calling it absolutely necessary, even as Democrats demanded his resignation over efforts to scale back federal vaccine initiatives Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appears before the Senate Finance Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Thursday. AP US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Thursday defended the dismissal of a top Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) official, calling it absolutely necessary, even as Democrats demanded his resignation over efforts to scale back federal vaccine initiatives. The fiery remarks came during a contentious Senate hearing, where lawmakers clashed repeatedly over the direction of US public health policy. The session followed the recent firing of Sue Monarez, the former CDC director, whose ouster along with several senior-level resignations and hundreds of layoffs has thrown the agency into disarray. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kennedy, in his opening statement, sharply criticised the CDCs handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, accusing it of failing miserably and enacting disastrous and nonsensical policies, including masking guidelines, social distancing measures, and extended school closures. We need bold, competent and creative new leadership at CDC, people able and willing to chart a new course, AFP quoted Kennedy as saying as he touted the health departments new focus on chronic disease and promoting prevention. Monarez, the former CDC director once endorsed by Kennedy Jr., publicly accused the Health Secretary of a deliberate effort to weaken Americas public-health system and vaccine protections, in an op-ed published Thursday in The Wall Street Journal. Kennedy, when pressed by Senator Elizabeth Warren during the Senate hearing, offered a blunt explanation for her dismissal: I asked her, Are you a trustworthy person? And she said, No. Bitter exchanges Once a prominent environmental lawyer, Kennedy Jr. became one of the most vocal anti-vaccine figures in the US beginning in the mid-2000s, spending nearly two decades promoting widely debunked claims. Despite his controversial track record, he was appointed health secretary by President Donald Trump in his second administration. Since taking office, Kennedy has narrowed eligibility for Covid-19 vaccinations, halted federal research funding for mRNA vaccine technology credited with saving millions of lives and shifted resources toward studies investigating discredited theories linking vaccines to autism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During Thursdays Senate hearing, Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, the panels top Democrat, set a confrontational tone by demanding Kennedy be sworn in under oath. Wyden accused the secretary of providing false written testimony, specifically regarding a previous pledge not to restrict vaccine access. It is in the countrys best interest that Robert Kennedy step down, and if he doesnt, Donald Trump should fire him before more people are hurt, AFP quoted Wyden as saying. But Republican committee chairman Mike Crapo rejected the request to swear in Kennedy, instead commending his focus on chronic illnesses like obesity. Tensions quickly escalated. Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell called Kennedy a charlatan for attacking mRNA research, while Kennedy fired back at Senator Maggie Hassan, accusing her of crazy talk and making things up to scare people after she raised concerns about parents struggling to access Covid vaccines for their children. Vaccines have become a flashpoint in the intensifying partisan divide. On Wednesday, Florida announced plans to eliminate all immunization requirements, including for schools. In response, California, Washington, and Oregon unveiled a joint initiative to establish their own vaccine advisory body to counter Kennedys growing national influence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Republicans largely backed Kennedy Jr., but a few key voices broke ranks. Senator Bill Cassidy a physician and pivotal vote in Kennedys confirmation criticized the cancellation of mRNA research grants, joined by GOP colleagues Senator John Barrasso and Senator Thom Tillis. Cassidy asked if former President Trump deserved a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed. Kennedy agreed but in the same breath, praised hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, drugs widely discredited as Covid treatments and promoted by conspiracy theorists. With inputs from agencies Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un has told Vladimir Putin that North Korea will do everything in our power to help Russia in the war on Ukraine. Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un of North Korea meets President Vladimir Putin of Russia at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Beijing, China. (Photo: Kremlin) Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un has promised Vladimir Putin that North Korea will do everything in our power to help Russia in the war on Ukraine. Kim and Putin first held delegation-level talks and then held one-on-one talks in Beijing on Wednesday where they attended the Victory Day parade. In a sign of their camaraderie, they travelled in the same car from the reception held by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse for their talks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In their public remarks before closed-door meetings, Kim said that North Korea considered helping Russia its fraternal duty. If there is anything we can do to help Russia, we will certainly do that, and we will regard this as our fraternal duty. We will do everything in our power to assist Russia, Kim told Putin. President of Russia Vladimir Putin to Chairman of State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong-un during talks in Beijing: Relations between our countries have an allied nature to them, they're trusting & friendly.https://t.co/BoHpffRtaI#RussiaDPRK pic.twitter.com/pt1EPWTb0r MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) September 3, 2025 In the Russian war on Ukraine, North Korea has supported Russia to the hilt and has provided everything from soldiers to weapons and ammunition. Since last year, North Korea has deployed up to 15,000 soldiers to fight the Ukrainians beside Russians. North Korean soldiers have served on the frontlines where they have played key role in major theatres like Kursk where they joined Russian forces in retaking the region from Ukrainian forces. Some estimates say that North Korea has been consistently supplying around half of Russias artillery requirement for the war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Putin hails North Korean soldiers valour In his remarks, Putin hailed the valour of North Korean soldiers. Putin told Kim that your soldiers fought valiantly and heroically and Russia will never forget the sacrifices made by your armed forces and the families of your military personnel, according to the English translation of remarks released by the Kremlin. Putin further thanked Kim on behalf of the Russian people for participating in our common fight against modern neo-Nazism. Out of North Korean soldiers sent to frontlines, around 2,000 have been killed in the war, according to South Korean intelligence reported by The Telegraph. The report further said that North Korea has plans to deploy as many as 30,000 soldiers to Russias aid. North Korea has provided Russia with over 10 million artillery shells, more than 100 self-propelled howitzers, over 100 rocket-launch systems, cluster munitions, mortars, and several hundreds of ballistic missiles of various types, according to estimates. Addressing the media in China after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and the countrys Victory Day parade, Putin said that Trump is using economic pressure as a tool to undermine two of Asias biggest countries Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the US cannot talk to India or China that way, as he referred to US President Donald Trumps tariff moves, adding that the colonial era is over. Addressing the media in China after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and the countrys Victory Day parade, Putin said that Trump is using economic pressure as a tool to undermine two of Asias biggest countries. Attempting to weaken their leadership, built through difficult histories, is a mistake, Putin said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'YOU CANNOT TALK TO INDIA OR CHINA LIKE THAT:' Putin on economic pressure against partners "Attempting to weaken their leadership, built through difficult histories, is a mistake." pic.twitter.com/GsiU3K3mnZ Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) September 3, 2025 You have countries like India with 1.5 billion people, China, powerful economies, but they also have their own domestic political mechanisms and laws. When somebody tells you they are going to punish you, you have to think how can the leadership of those big countries react? the Russian leader added. Putin said that Washingtons move against partners mimics the colonial era and is outdated. Ultimately, things will be sorted out, everything will take its place, and we will see normal political dialogue again, he further said in a tone of optimism. More tariffs coming? Meanwhile, Trump stated that he has imposed secondary sanctions on India for purchasing Russian oil and hinted that he has not yet moved on to phase two or phase three." How do you know theres no action? Would you say that putting secondary sanctions on India, the largest purchaser outside of China, theyre almost equal, would you say there was no action? That cost hundreds of billions of dollars to Russia. You call that no action? And I havent done phase two yet or phase three. But when you say theres no action, I think you ought to get yourself a new job, he said while answering a Polish journalists question on tariffs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reliance Jio has announced it has surpassed the 500 million user mark, an achievement that coincides with the companys 9th anniversary on September 5. This milestone establishes Jio as the worlds largest mobile data network. According to the company, its user base now exceeds the combined populations of the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. To commemorate its ninth anniversary, Jio has introduced several special offers for its customers. Anniversary Offers One month of unlimited data for users subscribed to a plan priced Rs 349 onwards, starting September 5th to October 5th (Currently, unlimited 5G data is only available to users with 5G smartphones on plans of Rs 349 or higher.) From 5th to 7th September, Jio will offer unlimited free data on weekends. Available for all 5G smartphone users, irrespective of their plan cost. For 4G users, unlimited data will be capped at 3GB of high-speed usage for a cost of Rs 39. Special 349 Celebration Plan includes additional data benefits and subscription vouchers valued at 3,000 from platforms such as JioHotstar, JioSaavn Pro, Zomato, Netmeds, Reliance Digital, AJIO, and EaseMyTrip. Customers who complete 12 consecutive recharges of Celebration Plan will receive the 13th month of service for free. Home broadband customers get two-month JioHome connection for 1,200. Includes access to over 1,000 TV channels, unlimited data, and more than 12 OTT services. Amazon Prime Lite and digital gold rewards are also part of the offer. Future Plans Looking ahead, the company has stated that it will introduce new services throughout the year as part of its anniversary celebrations, reinforcing its goal of providing widespread, affordable, and high-quality connectivity across India. Jios Chairman and Managing Director, Mukesh Ambani, has also indicated that the company plans to expand its operations beyond India. Speaking about the achievement, Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited said: On Jios 9th anniversary, I feel truly humbled that more than 500 million Indians have placed their trust in us. Reaching this scale within a single nation is a reflection of how deeply Jio has become a part of everyday life, and it shows the incredible power of connectivity in shaping a vibrant digital society. I want to personally thank every single Jio user for making this milestone possible. Your trust and support inspire us every day. As we look ahead, we will continue this journey with even greater resolve bringing the best technology into the hands of hundreds of millions of Indians, making it accessible, meaningful, and transformative. Together, we will realise the vision of a truly digital India. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. Wed Wednesday 52 /32 Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the low 30s. Understanding How GPS Jamming Works Amid Rise In Reported Cases By Genka Shikerova and Kian Sharifi September 03, 2025 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was flying into Bulgaria when her plane's GPS system was jammed in a suspected Russian operation, forcing pilots to rely on backup navigation and old-school paper maps to land safely. This was only the latest episode in a growing and worrying tactic in modern conflict zones: GPS jamming. As von der Leyen's plane approached Plovdiv Airport, the GPS signals guiding the plane suddenly vanished. Pilots found themselves flying "blind" in terms of satellite navigation for almost an hour. Despite the disruption, they switched quickly to backup systems and landed safely without incident. According to Bulgarian officials, GPS jamming -- Moscow denied any role in von der Leyen's flight -- and spoofing have become so frequent that individual cases like von der Leyen's are no longer specially investigated. But former Defense Minister Todor Tagarev disagrees. "If there was any jamming, it couldn't have come from outside the country," Tagarev told RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service. He added that in such circumstances, "the security services need to figure out what happened." GPS jamming and spoofing cases are on the rise, according to aviation analysts, especially in aviation and maritime sectors, particularly around conflict zones such as Ukraine and the Black Sea and Eastern Europe. In March, the United Nations agencies for telecommunications, aviation and maritime shipping called for "urgent protection" of the radio navigation satellite service (RNSS) that supports accurate global navigation and timekeeping. How Are Signals Jammed? GPS signals can be lost through natural phenomena such as solar storms or as a result of equipment failures. But these cases are usually brief and planned for in commercial aviation, minimizing the risk to commercial flights. GPS jamming involves broadcasting radio signals on the same frequencies as GPS satellites to overwhelm and block legitimate navigation signals. The principle works like this: GPS satellites broadcast weak radio signals at specific frequencies. A receiver picks up signals from at least four satellites and uses the timing information to calculate coordinates. So, what does jamming do? Put simply, it transmits a stronger signal on the same or nearby frequencies, effectively "drowning out" the signals from the satellites. The result is that the receiver can't connect to the satellites and loses its signal. In some cases, if instead of jamming a system is spoofed, the receiver may display false coordinates. Though jamming devices can be inexpensive and technically simple, they usually only work over short distances -- a few hundred meters for small jammers or several kilometers for more powerful military-grade systems. The jammers involved in von der Leyen's incident weren't located thousands of kilometers away in Russia but were close to European airspace. In fact, experts who spoke to RFE/RL said the source of the interference signal was located near the airport. GPS spoofing is slightly different: This is a method of placing an aircraft somewhere where it isn't. This is done through creating a copy of a plane's signal and then transmitting it to make it look like an aircraft is somewhere else or to change the time that it appears to be operating. Spoofing can only be done deliberately through special devices that decode and replicate a plane's GPS transmitter. If It's Easy, Why Isn't It More Common? Jamming is illegal in most countries and easy to detect and locate, so perpetrators risk being caught. Additionally, because GPS is used widely -- from cars to ships to smartphones -- jamming causes widespread disruption beyond aviation, making it a risky choice outside military or conflict contexts. However, military jamming and spoofing are increasingly common in conflict zones. The incidents have increased since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and have only become more frequent since. Jamming can sometimes be used for defensive purposes, but experts argue that Russia is increasingly targeting European countries this way to sow confusion and fear. After the incident with von der Leyen, the European Commission directly blamed Russia and announced sanctions against several companies linked to GPS signal disruptions. It also said it is developing an aviation-specific plan to prevent future jamming. Elitsa Simeonova of RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service contributed to this report. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/gps-jamming-russia- plane-navigation-leyen/33520666.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 Contracts Contracts For Sept. 3, 2025 DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY International SOS Government Services Inc., Trevose, Pennsylvania, was awarded $143,056,809 for Option Period Five of the TRICARE Overseas Program indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, fixed-price task order contract (HT940220D0002) for health care support services. This contract supplements the healthcare capabilities and capacities of overseas military medical treatment facilities and provides healthcare in remote overseas locations. The program is a mission to provide TRICARE services to eligible beneficiaries in locations outside the U.S. and Washington, D.C., pursuant to Title 10 U.S. Code, Chapter 55, Section 1074(c)(1); and Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 199. The option period of performance is Sept. 1, 2025, to Aug. 31, 2026. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance funds were obligated at the time of award. The Defense Health Agency Managed Care Contracting Division, Aurora, Colorado, is the contracting activity. (Awarded July 30, 2025) General Dynamics Information Technology Inc., Falls Church, Virginia, was awarded a sole-source Federal Supply Schedule General Services Administration firm-fixed-price order (HT003825FE001) with a maximum value of $15,828,800. The contract includes the continued operation, maintenance, and sunsetting support of the Armed Forces Billing and Collection Utilization Solution, a Software as a Service cloud-based solution for military medical treatment facility billing and collections. The task order's period of performance includes a six-month base period and two six-month optional periods, between Aug. 1, 2025, to Jan. 31, 2027. The primary work location will be in Falls Church, Virginia. The base period has been fully funded with fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance funds. The Defense Health Agency, Defense Healthcare Management Systems Contracting Division, Rosslyn, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded July 30, 2025) Western Door Federal LLC, Chantilly, Virginia, is awarded $11,637,792, to exercise Option Period Two of a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (HT001123C0099), to provide financial analysis, accounting, and program management support services for the Defense Health Agency Direct Care Financial Management Division. Work will be primarily performed at San Antonio, Texas and Falls Church, Virginia. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance funds are obligated at the time of award. The contract was an 8(a) sole source award through the Small Business Administration 8(a) program, in accordance with 15 U.S. Code 637, as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-5(b)(4) and was executed on Sept. 22, 2023. The period of performance for this option period exercise is Sept. 30, 2025, to Sept. 29, 2026. The Defense Health Agency, Professional Services Contracting Division, Falls Church, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 2, 2025) Western Door Federal LLC, Chantilly, Virginia, is awarded $8,593,763 for Option Year Four of a firm-fixed-price contract (HT001121C0021) to provide programming, budget development and execution, accounting, administrative, and training support services to the Defense Health Agency Direct Care Financial Management Division. Work will be primarily performed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance funding was obligated at time of award. The contract was an 8(a) sole source award through the Small Business Administration 8(a) program in accordance with 15 U.S. Code 637 as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-5(b)(4) and was executed on Sept. 27, 2021. The period of performance for this option period is Sept. 30, 2025, to Sept. 29, 2026. The Defense Health Agency, Professional Services Contracting Division, Falls Church, Virginia, is the contracting activity. NAVY General Dynamics Mission Systems Inc., Manassas, Virginia, is awarded a $91,211,004 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee, and firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for engineering and technical support and production of submarine tethered expendable buoy systems on new construction and in-service submarines. Work will be performed in Manassas, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by August 2030. Fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) fund in the amount of $2,000,000 (67%); and fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) fund in the amount of $1,000,000 (33%), will be obligated to satisfy the minimum guarantee and begin engineering efforts under delivery order (N00024-25-F-6233) and the funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The requirement was competitively procured through full and open competition with three offerors received. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-25-D-6231). Weeks-Cashman JV, Omaha, Nebraska, is awarded an $87,838,740 firm-fixed-price construction contract for P-1044, Pier 31 Replacement. Work will be performed at the Naval Submarine Base New London, Groton, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed by November 2027. The maximum dollar value, including the base price and five options, is $95,573,000. Fiscal 2024 military construction funds in the amount of $87,838,740 will be obligated at the time of the award and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the www.SAM.gov website, with two offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N4008525C0032). Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is being awarded a $52,966,176 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-award-fee, and cost-only contract modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-15-C-5151) to exercise options to provide ship integration and test of the Aegis weapon system. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey (44%); San Diego, California (19%); Norfolk, Virginia (18%); Bath, Maine (10%); Pascagoula, Mississippi (9%), and is expected to be completed by September 2026. Fiscal 2019 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,821,906 (35%); fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,410,428 (32%); fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,385,560 (17%); fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,251,978 (9%); fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $736,861 (5%); and fiscal 2016 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $238,546 (2%), will be obligated at time of award, of which $4,410,428 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. CenCore LLC,* Springville, Utah, is awarded a $43,449,980 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N6523625D3800). The commercial contract will provide for design, fabrication, delivery, assembly and installation of prefabricated secure modular buildings on existing concrete pads at Naval Information Warfare Center, Charleston, South Carolina. The contract includes a five-year ordering period with no options. The first delivery order will be awarded simultaneously with a value of $5,449,980 and a delivery date of Feb. 12, 2027. Work will be performed in Springville, Utah (87%); and Charleston, South Carolina (13%), and is expected to be completed by August 2032. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $5,449,980 will be obligated on the first delivery order at time of award of the basic contract. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured as a small business set-aside via the System for Award Management website, with five offers received. Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic, Charleston, South Carolina, is the contracting activity. Honeywell International Inc., Phoenix, Arizona, is being awarded a $24,234,992 firm-fixed-price contract for 69 auxiliary power unit spares in support of F/A-18 aircraft. All work will be performed in Phoenix, Arizona, and will be completed by November 2028. Fiscal 2025 annual working capital (Navy) funds in the full amount of $24,234,992 will be obligated at time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One company was solicited for this sole-source requirement in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1) with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N00383-25-C-D027). J&J Contractors Inc., North Billerica, Maine, is awarded a $22,311,265 firm-fixed-price construction contract for P-347 perimeter security improvements at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, Cutler, Maine. Work will be performed in Cutler, Maine, and is expected to be completed by March 2028. The base price and two options will be awarded in the amount of $22,311,265. Fiscal 2021 military construction funds in the amount of $22,311,265 will be obligated at the time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the www.sam.gov website with three offers received. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N4008525C0013). Detyens Shipyards Inc.,* North Charleston, South Carolina, is awarded a $14,754,720 firm-fixed-price contract (N3220525C4082) for 91-calendar day shipyard availability for the mid-term availability of Military Sealift Command's Expeditionary Mobile Base USNS Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7). This contract includes a base work package and four unexercised options for additional work and time which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative value of this contract to $16,021,595. Work will be performed in Charleston, South Carolina, beginning Oct. 18, 2025, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 16, 2026. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $14,754,720 are obligated and will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was a small business set-aside solicited via the Government Point of Entry website and one proposal received. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Melbourne, Florida, is awarded an $11,631,673 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00007) to an order (N0001923F0029) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001920G0005). This modification provides for the procurement of two installation data packages for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Fatigue Article Test and Teardown. Work will be performed in Malborne, Florida (45%); Bethpage New York (40%); and El Segundo, California (15%), and is expected to be completed in April 2028. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $11,631,673 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Ranco Construction Inc., Southampton, New Jersey (FA4484-25-D-0024); OK2 Construction LLC, Cleburne, Texas (FA4484-25-D-0025); and JJS Electric Inc., Wrightstown, New Jersey (FA4484-25-D-0026), were awarded a ceiling $66,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract for electrical work. This contract includes all personnel, labor, material, tools, equipment, quality control, supervision, and other items and services necessary to manage and accomplish a broad range of inspection, survey, testing, troubleshooting, constructing, calibrating, programming, maintenance, demolition, temporary power, upgrade, alteration, and repair of electrical systems. Work will be performed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2, 2030. These contracts were competitive acquisitions, and nine offers were received. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. The 87th Contracting Squadron, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. Relief Enterprise Inc., Austin, Texas, was awarded a $36,342,175 indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity contract for custodial services. This contract provides for all management, tools, equipment, and labor necessary to ensure that custodial services are performed at Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in a manner that will maintain a satisfactory facility condition and present a clean, neat and professional appearance. Work will be performed at Joint Base San Antonio- Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2029. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 funds for operations and maintenance in the amount of $740,071 are being obligated at time of award. The 502nd Contracting Squadron- Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas is the contracting activity (FA301625D0012). (Awarded Aug. 31, 2025) Haskell Corp, Bellingham, Washington, was awarded a $21,541,787 firm-fixed-price contract for a steam generator at Air Force Research Lab. This contract provides for the design, fabrication, transport, testing, installation, and related work for one new steam generator. This generator will be utilized to replace an aging steam generation system in use at Area 1-42. The location of performance is the Air Force Research Laboratory West Area 1-42, Edwards Air Force Base, California. The work is expected to be completed by Sept. 7, 2027. This award is the result of a full and open competitive acquisition solicited on SAM.gov with 1 offer received. Fiscal 2024 research and development funds in the amount of $16,026,856 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Test Center, Aerospace Systems Support Branch, Edwards AFB, California is the contracting activity (FA930025P6011). Lockheed Martin Corp., Littleton, Colorado, was awarded a $12,155,760 fixed-price incentive (firm-target) modification (P00118) to previously awarded contract FA8823-21-C-0001 for Space Based Infrared System contractor logistics support, product support, and integration contract evolution. This modification will increase the contract value from $1,270,585,484 to $1,282,741,244 Work will be performed on Peterson Space Force Base, Buckley SFB, Greeley Air National Guard Station, and Boulder, Colorado, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2026. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $12,155,760 are being obligated at the time of the award. Space Systems Command, Peterson SFB, Colorado, is the contracting activity. Goodwill Industries of San Antonio Contract Services, San Antonio, Texas, was awarded a $9,402,910 indefinite-delivery requirements contract for grounds maintenance services. This contract provides for the contractor to provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, vehicles, supervision, and other items and services necessary to perform grounds services, shrubbery/tree trimming, stump removal, grass trimming, and debris/trash pickup; services will be performed at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2030. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 funds for operations and maintenance in the amount of $163,121 are being obligated at time of award. The 502nd Contracting Squadron-Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA301625D0023). (Awarded Aug. 30, 2025) WR Security & Bewachungs GmbH, Kaiserslautern, Germany, has been awarded an $8,261,201 firm-fixe-price contract for passenger terminal security & baggage screening services. This contract provides for non-personal, unarmed services supporting the 721st Aerial Port Squadron, ensuring efficient passenger and baggage handling compliant with Transportation Security Administration, Air Mobility Command, and German regulations. Work will be performed on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2030, if all options are exercised. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and four offers were received. Fiscal 2026 working capital in the amount of $1,465,521 are subject to availability and will be obligated when available. The 700th Contracting Squadron, Kapaun Air Station, Germany, is the contracting activity (FA561325C0007). U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND 9Line LLC, Tampa, Florida, was awarded a $64,165,507 hybrid firm-fixed-price and cost reimbursement contract (H9240025CE003) for non-clinical case management and advocacy services. The work will be performed at locations in the U.S. and abroad and is expected to be completed by June 14, 2030. U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity. ARMY Specialized Materials and Chemicals LLC,* Perry, Utah, was awarded a $49,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for ammonium perchlorate to support McAlester Army Ammunition Plant production purposes. The amount of this action is $49,500,000. Bids were solicited via the web with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 2, 2028. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W519TC-25-D-A010). The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC, Laurel, Maryland, was awarded a $20,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to accelerate the development, acquisition, fielding, and sustainment of material. The amount of this action is $20,000,000. Bids were solicited via the web with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 14, 2032. Army Contracting Command, Research Triangle Park Division, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911NF-25-D-A003). Fulcrum Concepts LLC, Mattaponi, Virginia, was awarded a $14,853,953 modification (P00007) to contract W911W6-21-C-0041 for the Modular Effects Launcher Phase III. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $29,731,217. Work will be performed in Mattaponi, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2027. Fiscal 2010 research, development, test, and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $1,443,876 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Applied Technologies Group Inc.,* Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a $12,308,640 modification (P00038) to contract W31P4Q-23-F-E001 for logistics support for the Utility Helicopters Project Office. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $49,371,665. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 12, 2026. Fiscal 2025 funds in the amount of $6,812,686 other procurement, Army funds; $3,467,957 operation and maintenance, Army funds; and $2,027,996 Foreign Military Sales funds, were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Navigator Development Group Inc.,* Enterprise, Alabama, was awarded a $10,725,178 modification (P00039) to contract W31P4Q-21-F-D001 for programmatic services support for Program Executive Office Aviation Headquarters. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $51,510,197. Work will be performed in Enterprise, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 7, 2026. Fiscal 2025 funds in the amount of $241,882 for Foreign Military Sales administrative funds, $876,770 for operation and maintenance, Army funds, $7,715,570 for operation and maintenance, Army funds, $1,051,024 for research, development, test, and evaluation, Army funds, and $839,933 for operation and maintenance, Army funds were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Dickson Furniture Manufacturers LLC, Houston, Texas, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement and installation of replacement case goods under the Centralized Furnishings Program. The amount of this action is $9,009,859, with a total cumulative face value of $9,012,259. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Florida, with an estimated completion date of March 20, 2026. Fiscal 2010 procurement, defense-wide funds in the amount of $9,009,859 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville Engineer and Support Center, is the contracting activity (W912DY-25-F-0323). Theissen Training Systems Inc., Gainesville, Florida, was awarded a $7,510,805 firm-fixed-price contract for a deployable range package and associated equipment. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Romania, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 29, 2027. Fiscal 2025 Foreign Military Sales (Romania) funds in the amount of $7,510,805 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (W900KK-25-C-A023). (Awarded Aug. 28, 2025) DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Bernard Cap LLC,* Hialeah, Florida, has been awarded a maximum $8,813,161 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for crown, dress cap, polyester, CNT, laminated, white 3006 and crown, dress, polyester/wool gabardine, laminated, green 2212. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Sept. 2, 2030. Using military service is Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2030 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-25-D-5011). *Small business https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4292881/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Justice Department Seeks to Denaturalize War Criminal Who Beat, Tortured, and Sexually Assaulted Civilians in the Bosnian War in 1992 Wednesday, September 3, 2025 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs The United States filed a denaturalization action in the Western District of Virginia yesterday against Slobodan Letic, a native of Croatia, who, according to the Department of Justice's complaint, concealed and misrepresented his involvement in the beating, torture, and sexual assault of civilians in the Bosnian War in 1992, when he was an officer in the Bosnian Serb army. Letic took two women detainees out of a camp before driving them to an apartment where he beat and raped them. After the women were released from the camp, Letic later found one of them walking in the streets and again took her to an abandoned house and forcefully raped her. Letic also invaded the homes of other civilians in Bosnia and inflicted severe beatings, torture, and mock executions on them. Letic concealed his involvement in war crimes and acts of persecution throughout his immigration and naturalization proceedings after entering the United States by claiming to be a refugee in 2000. Additionally, the civil complaint alleges that Letic concealed his Bosnian criminal convictions for corruption-related acts he performed as a police officer after the war. Letic naturalized as a U.S. citizen on Sept. 22, 2006. "The United States is not a safe haven for war criminals and human rights violators," said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department's Civil Division. "Letic entered our country posing as a victim of persecution when in fact he had committed horrendous acts as a persecutor of others. He took advantage of our generous system for refugee admissions and should not have been granted U.S. citizenship. This action seeks to redress that wrong, and we are committed to upholding the integrity of the naturalization process against fraud and misrepresentation." Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a naturalized U.S. citizen's citizenship may be revoked, and his certificate of naturalization canceled, if the naturalization was illegally procured or procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation. This case was investigated by the Civil Division's Office of Immigration Litigation, with assistance from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations Historian William Tomljanovich and Attache John Christoforo of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the government of Bosnia. The litigation is being handled by Trial Attorney Christopher Lyerla and reviewed by Max Weintraub of the Office of Immigration Litigation, General Litigation and Appeals Section, Affirmative Litigation Unit. The claims made in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. Component: Civil Division Press Release Number: 25-900 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press remarks by President Antonio Costa following the meeting with the President of Romania, Nicusor Dan European Council / Council of the European Union European Council Statements and remarks 3 September 2025 21:10 First of all, I would like to personally, and now here in Bucharest, commend President Nicusor Dan for his victory. Let me wish you all the best in your tenure as President of the Republic of Romania. And thanks, of course, for welcoming us here today in this very important moment, when we are preparing the coming political year in the European Council. We have two main priorities. On economics, to boost our competitiveness, it's essential to feed economic growth, to create and sustain better jobs, and to increase prosperity in our societies. The second one is security. Both priorities are interlinked because it's not possible to have a good economic situation if we don't have strong security. And I would also like to commend Romania for the unwavering support to Ukraine and your full commitment to European security. All Europeans know very well that our security depends on the security on our Eastern border. And Romania is a key pillar of European security. We will all stand for your security, as we know very well that our security depends on Romanian security. We also had the opportunity to discuss the future of our Union. Enlargement is for the European Union the most important geopolitical investment in the future of our security. Of course, the Western Balkans are very important. Ukraine is very important. But Moldova is a key opportunity for all of us. The Moldovan government is doing very well, delivering the reforms that are necessary. And that's why, by unanimity, the last European Council endorsed the proposal to open formally the first cluster of negotiations with Moldova, and for sure immediately after the coming elections, on 28 September, we will have the conditions to open formally the negotiations with Moldova, and this is very important to strengthen our Union. Finally, we are also preparing the debate for the next long term European budget. We have now very ambitious policies on security, on competitiveness, and for this we need to have a budget fit for purpose and with the capacity to sustain our development and to strengthen cohesion within our Union. Dear Mr President, thank you very much for your welcome and we will continue now working. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Europe in danger, but not alone. Getting serious about our security responsibilities European External Action Service (EEAS) 03.09.2025 Brussels Keynote speech by Kaja Kallas at the EUISS annual conference 2025 Good afternoon, It's really nice to be in such an incredible environment And thank you to EUISS for organising this event. As I stand here today, the ground is moving beneath our feet. I think we all feel it. We all feel it every day by opening our phones and looking at what has happened. And the tremors are getting stronger. But there are no natural origins to this disaster. We are experiencing deliberate attempts to change the international order. A new global order is in the making. It will be not shaped without Europe. It will be shaped by what Europe is willing to do: Whether we are willing to recognise the need for Europe to play a geopolitical role; Whether we are willing to build our geopolitical power to do this. For those who still doubt whether Europe should play a role on the world stage, we have always done so when the need arose. The same is true today. Russia has brought war back to the European continent. Putin wants to neutralise Ukraine and re-establish its pre-1991 Soviet sphere of influence. These plans are not a secret. They were written for the world to see across the chest of the Russian Foreign Minister when he landed in the United States. Russia's aggression has demanded a collective, common European response. However, the urgency and practical need for Europe's geopolitical role is greater today for two reasons. First, Russia is not acting alone. China provides Russia with 80% of their dual-use imports. As we know, during war there is no dual-use in war. They are all used for military purposes. This allows the killing to continue in Ukraine. China and Russia also speak of leading changes together not seen in a hundred years and of revisions to the global security order. And two, there are growing alliances of countries that see the world in a fundamentally different way to Europe. When President Xi talked of building a new type of international relations at the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization this week, leaders from over 20 countries were there. Only a handful of those that attended can be considered democratic, most score poorly on human rights indexes and none are considered to be entirely 'free' by Freedom House's Index. This is what we're up against. Whether we like it or not, Europe is engaged in a battle for freedom and democracy. To participate as an equal player, Europe must build its geopolitical power. Geopolitical power is based on military might and economic force. There is no doubt that Europe has economic power. We are one of the world's largest economies and a leading global trading bloc. We have the second most used currency and second largest reserve currency in the world. Our military might, on the other hand, has never been strong enough. We have not spent enough on military hardware. What we have spent has been inefficient. And we have not developed the right capabilities. But we are changing. Europe has embarked on the biggest military undertaking in recent history: 2 trillion euros in additional defence spending between now and 2031. We are developing our military capabilities. Europe's annual capacity to produce ammunition is six times what it was just two years ago. Now we must do the same for key capability gaps such as air defence and precision-guided missiles. And we are slowly removing barriers in the single market. This is work in progress. It takes time, but it is happening, and that's a start. We are also building our military might in a European way, through partnerships with others. We have Security and Defence Partnerships with a growing number of countries across the globe: the UK, Canada, Norway, Moldova, Albania, North Macedonia, Japan and the Republic of Korea. We are exploring these with others too. These are not just technical agreements but an example of the European Union's fundamental commitment to alliances to protect both sides. With regards to our economic power, there are two ways to use it as a geopolitical tool - the positive, through trade, or negative through sanctions. The EU and the US still drive much of the world economy. That is why we made the trade deal we did. No one would argue it's perfect but it gives stability for our own citizens and business. At the same time we are the largest trading partner for 72 other countries across the world and counting. Today we adopted proposals for two new trade agreements with Mercosur and Mexico. The EU is open for business. This is extremely important. Countries are looking around to diversify their trade relationships. But it is not only on trade where we are building these relationships. They will always find the European Union, as credible and reliable as we have always been. We are now building our strategic autonomy through alliances on critical raw materials too - materials for batteries, for aviation, for defence. And Europe always comes with a positive offer. We do not want to deplete resources. We care for the prosperity and well-being of people and the environment. When Europe strengthens its power, it is never at the expense of others. But just building up our geopolitical power is not enough. We are only taken seriously when we are willing to use that power. And what it requires is our unity to use that power. There are good examples of where we already are doing this - Ukraine is one. Yes, it is getting harder to have a united position, even on blatant Russian aggression. Funding under the European Peace Facility could be used to buy weapons for Ukraine from the United States as well. But it is being blocked. However, since the first day of Russia's full-scale invasion, we have always moved together, not least through 18 packages of sanctions and counting. An example of where we are not using our geopolitical power because we are not united is Gaza. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is a fundamental test of Europe's resolve to fight internationally for our values. And we are struggling because 27 Member States have different positions due to their history. Europe has been the most active actor on this in the world. Day in and day out, I have pushed for aid to reach those in desperate need and apply the political leverage we have. I opened diplomatic channels with Israel because we cannot get anywhere if we don't talk. The European Union is the largest humanitarian donor and a constant supporter of the Palestinian Authority and the two-state solution. We have helped more than any other international actor. But it is not enough to change the situation on the ground. And there is the frustration. We have not been able to use our geopolitical power to change the course in Gaza because we do not have unity. Europe can only use the full force of its geopolitical power when we act together. Being a geopolitical actor also means rescinding Europe's offer where our interests are not respected. If we have doubts about a country's respect for our interests, we should be clear about the consequences. We need to develop tools we can use - carrots as well as sticks. Simply put, if a country considers support for a war in Europe, we deprive them of funding. If they act together with us in the global sphere, we have initiatives they benefit from. For every relationship Europe has, we must be prepared to show both sides of the equation, the positive and the negative. Dear friends, A new global order is in the making. But how we respond is entirely up to us. We have what it takes, that has never been in doubt, if we are united. Now we must grow our geopolitical power and work on how we can be united, or change the rules so we can take decisions. Otherwise we are just not taken seriously. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Red line': UAE warns against Israeli plan to annex West Bank IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 3, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The United Arab Emirates has warned against any Israeli attempt to annex the occupied Palestinian territories in the West Bank, calling it a "red line." In a statement on Wednesday, UAE Assistant Minister for Political Affairs Lana Nusseibeh said that any such move by Tel Aviv would also endanger the Abraham Accords, a series of US-brokered agreements that saw several Arab states normalize their relations with Israel. "Annexation of the West Bank would constitute a red line for the United Arab Emirates. It would severely undermine the vision and spirit of the Abraham Accords," Nusseibeh was quoted as saying by media reports. While calling on the Israeli regime to suspend its annexation plans, the statement further said that Abu Dhabi, from the very beginning, viewed the Accords "as a means to enable its continued support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspiration for an independent state." The warning followed the recent Israeli announcement about its decision to annex the West Bank, with two Israeli ministers, including the foreign minister, telling European officials that if they recognize the State of Palestine, Tel Aviv would move to annex parts of the West Bank. In 2020, the UAE and Bahrain were the first two Arab states that signed the so-called Abraham Accords, brokered by US President Donald Trump, forging formal diplomatic ties with the Israeli regime, followed by Morocco. The normalization deals sparked public outrage and drew sharp criticism from the Palestinians, who called them "a stab in the back." Sudan, which had been under US pressure, also signed a similar agreement with the Israeli regime in 2021, received a loan worth $1.5 billion from Washington, and was removed from the list of terrorist countries. 4399**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni army fires ballistic missiles towards sensitive Israeli sites IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 3, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces says the country's missile unit has fired two ballistic missiles toward Israeli targets in the occupied Palestinian territories. Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced the execution of a precision dual missile operation targeting sensitive sites in the occupied Jaffa (Tel Aviv) region, Yemen's Al-Masirah TV network reported on Wednesday. Saree said the operation involved two ballistic missiles, Palestine-2 and Zolfiqar, which successfully struck key targets, causing panic among Israeli settlers and disrupting operations at Ben Gurion Airport. The missile strikes were described as both a response to Israeli crimes in Gaza and an initial retaliation for the recent Israeli aggression against Yemen, a reference to the regime's assassination of Prime Minister Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahwi and several of his cabinet colleagues. The missile strikes came a day after the Yemeni army announced four operations using drones against Israeli targets in the occupied territories. Over the past months, Yemen has launched missiles and drones toward positions inside Israeli-occupied territories, including Tel Aviv and Eilat Port, in response to the regime's ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza. Anti-Israel operations continued even after the regime launched attacks on Yemeni soil. The Arab nation has repeatedly said its operations will continue until the bloodshed of the Palestinians stops and the siege of Gaza is lifted. 4399**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FM Sa'ar interviewed by leading Belgian newspaper SudInfo Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs FM Sa'ar: "A Palestinian state? It was already tried in Gaza. We learned our lesson." Type: Press Releases Topic: Foreign Policy, Terrorism Secondary topic: Swords of Iron Publish Date: 03.09.2025 In an interview published today (Wednesday, 3 September 2025) in the leading Belgian newspaper SudInfo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar referred to the Belgian government's decision to recognize a Palestinian state, conditioned on the release of all the hostages and Hamas no longer being in power. Sa'ar said: "It is a very strange decision, which was made under pressure. The question of whether a Palestinian state will exist or not is not linked to the decision of the government in Brussels, but rather to the decisions of the government in Jerusalem. We have no intention of establishing a Palestinian state, that would clearly be a terrorist state. We already tried, by the way, 20 years ago, when we completely withdrew from the Gaza Strip, dismantling all our settlements, dismantling all our military bases, even the graves in the cemeteries. Afterwards, it clearly became the emergence of the most dangerous terrorist kingdom in the world. We will not do it again, we have learned the lesson." Sa'ar then added: "I don't know how the Belgian government intends to put an end to Hamas's power. By convincing them? By begging them? Of course, we are open to a diplomatic solution. If Hamas agrees to lay down its arms and release the hostages, the war will stop tomorrow." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aboul Gheit receives Palestinian Foreign Minister, stresses: Arrogance of power and personal gain blinds occupying state from sound judgement League of Arab States Date: 03/09/2025 Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, received Her Excellency Ms. Fareseen Shaheen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine, at the General Secretariat headquarters on 3 September. Gamal Roshdy, the Secretary-General's Spokesperson, stated that the meeting addressed the Palestinian position at various levels, particularly in light of the Israeli occupation's insistence on waging a criminal war in Gaza and obstructing all efforts to reach a ceasefire. During the meeting, Mr. Aboul Gheit stressed that the occupation fails to grasp the extent of the international isolation Israel has brought upon itself, and that the arrogance of power and the pursuit of personal gain have blinded its leaders from sound judgement. He affirmed that Israel has already been condemned in the court of world public opinion, and that the consequences of its war of exterminationwith all its inhumanity and disregard for human lifehave irreparably tarnished the reputation of the occupying state. Mr. Aboul Gheit also listened attentively to the Palestinian Minister's vision for the next phase of political action. He joined her in calling on the US administration to reverse its decision to deny visas to the Palestinian delegation participating in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly this September, stressing that such a decision violates international law and the Assembly Agreement, and undermines the peace agenda. The official spokesperson quoted Mr. Aboul Gheit as affirming that Palestine is confronting a comprehensive plan aimed at abolishing the statehood project and pursuing displacement and annexation, both in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip. He added that the Arab side firmly rejects this plan and opposes it at all levels, holding to the two-state vision and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as the path to achieving peace and coexistence in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Secretary General meets President of Estonia, commends defence investment and support for Ukraine NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 03 Sep. 2025 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Estonian President Alar Karis met in Brussels on Wednesday (3 September 2025) to discuss NATO's ongoing support to Ukraine, deterrence and defence, and the implementation of key decisions from the NATO Summit in The Hague. The Secretary General thanked Estonia for its major contributions to the Alliance, highlighting its role in hosting the UK-led Forward Land Forces in Tapa and NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission at Amari Air Base. He also noted Estonia's leadership in cyber defence, innovation, and support to Ukraine. On defence investment and the agreement by Allies at the NATO Summit in The Hague to invest 5% of GDP in defence by 2035, Secretary General Rutte pointed to Estonia as an example: "Estonia is leading the way. You are already close to this benchmark, and plan to go even further in the coming years," said Mr Rutte, underlining that these investments strengthen NATO's deterrence and defence, and demonstrate Estonia's unwavering commitment to the Alliance. Mr Rutte praised Estonia's strong support to Ukraine, including its commitment to provide at least 0.25% of GDP annually in military aid, and its contributions through NATO's Comprehensive Assistance Package. On NATO's broader support to Ukraine, the Secretary General highlighted the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a new initiative launched by NATO and the United States to deliver urgent military assistance to Ukraine. In just a few weeks, "this mechanism has channelled 2 billion dollars' worth of urgently needed aid to Ukraine - from ammunition to air defence. From the US to Ukraine, paid for by Allies. And more packages are coming," said the Secretary General. Looking ahead, the Secretary General emphasised the importance of continued investment in defence and close transatlantic cooperation to implement NATO's decisions from the Summit in The Hague. "We know and we agree that Russia remains the most significant and direct threat to Euro-Atlantic security," he said. "So we must remain vigilant, invest more in defence, expand defence industrial production on both sides of the Atlantic, and continue to support Ukraine." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A look at the Defence news 25 - 31 August Netherlands Ministry of Defence News item | 03-09-2025 | 15:40 An RNLAF C-130 transport aircraft has dropped a total of 108,296 kilos of emergency aid in Gaza in August, including food, drinking water and medical supplies. The relief effort was carried out together with international partners. Canada, Indonesia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates took part alongside eight European countries. Brekelmans: "Europe must continue to stand firm in supporting Ukraine" In Copenhagen, Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans stressed the importance of firm and united European support for Ukraine. He and his EU counterparts were in Denmark for the Informal Meeting of Defence Ministers. F-35s in Poland ready for NATO airspace surveillance Dutch F-35s based in Poland will secure NATO airspace over Eastern Europe for a period of three months. They will do this together with their Norwegian colleagues. The fighter aircraft are to ensure, among other things, that military equipment donated to Ukraine by NATO countries reaches its destination safely. The F-35s will remain within the NATO treaty area. Dutch providers targeted by Salt Typhoon The Netherlands was among the targets of the global cyber espionage campaign mounted by the Chinese hacking organisation Salt Typhoon. This was reported by the Dutch intelligence and security services MIVD and AIVD. At the end of 2024, a large-scale Chinese cyber espionage campaign against the global telecom sector came to light. The US blames the state-backed Chinese hacker group Salt Typhoon for this campaign. HNLMS Friesland intercepts more than 300 kilos of cocaine HNLMS Friesland has once again intercepted a shipment of drugs in the Caribbean. Last week, it was announced that this catch consisted of 318 kilos of cocaine, intercepted on 18 August as part of an operation. It was already the eighth time the ship was successful. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strong military needed to back up diplomacy - defense chief Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno September 3, 2025, 7:35 pm MANILA -- Department of Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday underscored the need to have a strong military, saying diplomacy is of no use without it. "There is no such thing as parity dealings with other countries, particularly if there is a controversy, if you do not have a strong armed force to back up diplomacy," Teodoro said during the Victory Day Commemoration held at the US Ambassador's Residence in Camp John Hay, Baguio City. He said the country's preparations to deter any form of conflict - whether military, non-military, against the elements, or economic competition - must be looked into. "Those are the facts that we must review today. In my own remit with (Armed Forces chief) Gen. (Romeo) Brawner (Jr.), we have found several gaps that we have to modify in order to build our spine or backbone of any country worth being called a country," he said. Teodoro expressed hope that the Philippines can build up its resiliency and capability to show that it can be a partner in protecting the existing "international order." Victory Day Commemoration is celebrated to commemorate the end of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II. It honors the heroism of Filipino and American soldiers who fought side by side to liberate the Philippines. The occasion also underscores eight decades of Philippine-American friendship. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel aims to displace one million Palestinians from Gaza City Iran Press TV Wednesday, 03 September 2025 7:03 PM A senior Israeli military official said the occupying regime anticipates that a planned offensive in the Gaza Strip could displace up to one million Palestinians, as it prepares to seize Gaza City. The official, from COGAT, the Israeli military body overseeing civil affairs in the Palestinian territories, said, "We saw a movement of people from the north to the south" in recent days. "Until now, approximately 70,000" Gazans left the north, the official, who asked not to be named, told journalists. Without providing a specific time frame, the Israeli official said that Israeli authorities expected "a million people" to move south. According to the UN, at least 90 percent of Gaza's more than two million people have been displaced during the Israeli war on the besieged strip, many of them 10 times or more. The military official's remarks come as Israel is pushing ahead with a plan to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City, the largest in the territory. The UN estimates that nearly one million people live in and around the northern city. The Israeli official said that the occupying regime is planning "a humanitarian area" for the displaced people that would be formally announced in the coming days. UN officials have warned that there are "no safe zones in Gaza", amid Israel's relentless air strikes on the enclave. The newly designated area would reportedly extend from a cluster of refugee camps in central Gaza to the southern area of al-Mawasi and eastwards. Al-Mawasi was declared "a humanitarian zone" in the early days of the war, but was repeatedly bombed by Israel. Last month, UN human rights office spokesman 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." Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric stressed that "it is impossible that a mass evacuation of Gaza City could ever be done in a way that is safe and dignified." Israel's genocidal war on Gaza that started on October 7, 2023, has so far killed at least 63,746 Palestinians and injured 161,245 others, the health ministry said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese robotics firms target 'silver economy' with elderly-care robots People's Daily Online) 15:13, September 04, 2025 A senior resident interacts with "Xia Lan," a humanoid robot, at Shenzhen Nursing Home in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, March 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Liang Xu) The 10th World Robot Conference was held from Aug. 8 to 12 in Beijing, capital of China. At the event, various robots demonstrated their capabilities, and multiple innovative products offered visitors novel experiences. As an innovative solution to the aging population, elderly-care robots are moving from laboratory prototypes to real-world applications, injecting new vitality into the "silver economy." The robots, ranging from desktop companions to humanoid assistants, are increasingly deployed in homes, communities and care institutions. Desktop companion robots feature high-definition screens and voice interaction systems that can be placed on bedside tables or in living rooms. Mobile care robots, equipped with wheeled bases, can navigate autonomously through homes, delivering items, cleaning floors and providing other services. "Between 2016 and 2022, humanoid robots were still a niche market," said Leng Xiaokun, chairman of Leju (Shenzhen) Robotics Co., Ltd. "We have consistently focused on developing humanoid robots with a clear goal: to bring them into homes, service settings and elderly care," said Leng. The growth of diverse elderly-care robots is closely linked to demographic trends. Massimiliano Zecca, a professor at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom, noted that many countries face similar challenges in rapidly aging societies. How to use technology to address elder care is a shared global challenge. Zecca said that humanoid elderly-care robots can serve three roles for seniors: health care aide, personal assistant and companion. According to the World Health Organization, by 2050, the global population aged 60 and over will reach 2.1 billion, including 426 million people aged 80 or older. "Driven by supportive policies and market demand, China's robotics industry is booming. In the first half of this year, robot manufacturers and component suppliers saw strong average growth in shipments, fueling overall industry expansion," said Wang Xingxing, founder of Unitree Robotics. In February this year, the International Electrotechnical Commission officially released the first international standard for elderly-care robots. Led by China in its formulation, the standard marks a new era of standardization, regulation and intelligent development for the global elderly-care robotics industry. Gu Jie, founder and CEO of Fourier Intelligence, said the R&D of embodied artificial intelligence should focus on interaction systems, soft materials and body language to ensure technology remains human-centered. As population aging accelerates and science and technology continue to advance, the elderly-care robotics industry has become a vital avenue for meeting societal needs and fostering new quality productive forces. Experts say realizing the technology's potential requires addressing practical industry challenges and ensuring robots reach ordinary households to support the aging population and improve the welfare of older adults. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Smotrich announces Israel's annexation plan covering 82% of West Bank Iran Press TV Wednesday, 03 September 2025 6:53 PM Far-right Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich announced plans to annex more than 80 percent of the occupied West Bank in a bid to block the establishment of a Palestinian state. "Israeli sovereignty will be applied to 82 percent of the territory," Smotrich said at a press conference in occupied al-Quds on Wednesday. Smotrich stated that the main principle of annexation is "the maximum land with minimum Arab population." "There will never, and can never be, a Palestinian state in our land," Smotrich said. "It is time to apply Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank and remove once and for all the idea of dividing our small land," the far-right minister added. He said the Palestinians' affairs will be run by the Palestinian Authority, which will be later replaced with what he called "regional civilian management alternatives." "If the Palestinian Authority dares to rise up and try to harm us, we will destroy them just as we do to Hamas." Smotrich called the West Bank annexation "a preventative step" against moves by many countries to recognize Palestinian statehood. Long-time Western allies of Israel, including Belgium, France, the UK, Canada, and Australia, have announced plans to recognize Palestinian statehood during the upcoming UN General Assembly sessions from September 8-23. They would join 147 nations that already formally recognize Palestine. Smotrich called on Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu "to make a historic decision to apply Israeli sovereignty to all open areas in the West Bank." Last month, Israel approved a major settlement project, called E1, which aims to split the occupied West Bank into two parts, cutting off the northern cities of Ramallah and Nablus from Bethlehem and al-Khalil in the south and isolating East al-Quds. The UN has repeatedly warned that continued settlement expansion threatens the viability of a two-state solution. The international community, including the UN, considers the Israeli settlements illegal under international law. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the main signatory of the US-backed deal that saw Israel normalize relations with three Arab states, warned on Wednesday that Israel's annexation of any part of the occupied West Bank would be a "red line" that would "end the pursuit of regional integration." "Annexation in the West Bank would constitute a red line for the UAE," Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs at the UAE's foreign ministry, said in a statement. "It would severely undermine the vision and spirit of (the Abraham) Accords, end the pursuit of regional integration, and would alter the widely-shared consensus on what the trajectory of this conflict should be - two states living side by side in peace, prosperity, and security," Nusseibeh stated. In 2020, the UAE became the first Arab country in 26 years to normalize relations with Israel under the "Abraham Accords", with Bahrain and Morocco following soon after. Abu Dhabi has since deepened trade and military ties with Israel. UAE and some other Arab countries, along with the US-led Western countries, have been strongly criticized for largely remaining silent on the ongoing Israeli genocidal war in Gaza. Earlier this year, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said that the Israeli policy of expanding and consolidating settlements across the occupied West Bank amounts to "a war crime." The UN rights chief said Israel must evacuate all settlers from the occupied West Bank and make reparations for decades of illegal settlement. Turk urged the international community to take meaningful action against the occupying entity. In an advisory opinion last July, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the occupied West Bank and East al-Quds. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Six more Palestinians, including child, die of starvation in Gaza Iran Press TV Wednesday, 03 September 2025 3:34 PM Gaza's Health Ministry says six more Palestinians have died from "famine and malnutrition" as Israel's siege tightens, with hunger-related deaths reaching a record high last month. On Wednesday, the ministry reported that six people, including a child, died from "famine and malnutrition" in the past 24 hours. The latest deaths bring the toll of Palestinians who have died from hunger-related causes since the start of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023 to 367, including 131 children. This comes a day after the ministry warned of a sharp rise in famine-related deaths in Gaza, as at least 185 Palestinians died from malnutrition in August, the highest toll in months. The Integrated Food Phase Classification (IPC) - the UN-backed global hunger monitor - officially declared a famine in Gaza in a report published on August 22. Since then, 89 deaths have been recorded, including 16 children, as the declaration didn't result in any remarkable increase in humanitarian aid to the besieged strip. The ministry also noted that more than 43,000 children under five are now suffering from malnutrition, while over 55,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women have also been affected. "The catastrophic impact of famine in the Gaza Strip is accelerating," the ministry said, warning of "the severity of the current indicators and the limited emergency response amid shortages in food and medical supplies." Since March 2, when it violated its ceasefire agreement with Hamas, the Israeli regime has sealed all border crossings, blocking the entry of humanitarian aid and further deepening Gaza's already dire humanitarian crisis. Amid global anger, Israel falsely claimed that it partially reopened the crossings in recent weeks for some goods and international aid. However, the amount allowed to enter Gaza is only between 10 and 20 percent of the population's needs, according to Gaza's Government Media Office. Israel continues to ban more than 430 types of essential supplies needed by children and the sick, including vital food items such as eggs, meat, fish, cheese, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and nutritional supplements. Moreover, most trucks that try to enter the besieged strip are looted by Israeli-backed gangs. The worsening famine coincides with intensified Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, 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 Tuesday alone, Israeli attacks on Gaza City, killed more than 113 Palestinians. The death toll from Israel's genocidal war on Gaza that started on October 7, 2023 has reached to 63,746, with 161,245 others injured, the health ministry said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spanish PM condemns Europe's 'failure' on Gaza genocide Iran Press TV Wednesday, 03 September 2025 3:08 PM Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned Europe's double standards on the Gaza war, highlighting its weak response to the genocide compared with the Russia-Ukraine war, and calling it "a failure." Speaking on Wednesday, Sanchez warned that such inconsistencies threaten Europe's credibility on the world stage. "It is a failure ... Absolutely," Sanchez said. "Within the European Union, there are countries divided over how to influence Israel. But this is not acceptable. We cannot continue like this if we want to strengthen our credibility on other crises, such as the one in Ukraine." He described the European and Western reaction to Israel's genocidal war on the Palestinian territory as "one of the darkest episodes of international relations in the 21st century." He emphasized the inconsistency of Europe's stance, saying, "The roots of these wars are completely different, but the world is watching the EU and Western society and asking: Why are there double standards regarding Ukraine and Gaza?" Sanchez, the first European leader to denounce Israel's genocidal actions in Gaza, welcomed other European countries following Spain's lead in recognizing a Palestinian state. "Spain has been very vocal within the EU and the international community. Within the EU, we have advocated suspending the strategic partnership with Israel," Sanchez stated. His comments come a day after Gaza's health officials reported that 361 Palestinians have died of hunger since October 7, 2023, when Israel launched its genocidal campaign against the Palestinians in the besieged territory. In May 2025, Spain urged the international community to impose sanctions and embargoes on Israel to stop the war. In May 2024, Spain, together with Ireland and Norway, formally recognized the State of Palestine. Sanchez described the recognition as both a moral duty and a call for peace, justice, and adherence to international law. Spain intensified its pressure on the EU by urging a review and potential suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Spanish officials argued that Israel's assault on Gaza violated the agreement's human rights clause, warning that maintaining normal relations risked damaging the EU's credibility on human rights issues. In November 2023, the Spanish government suspended arms export licenses to Israel, citing the risk that such sales could facilitate violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza City under siege: Israeli forces kill dozens, set shelters ablaze Iran Press TV Wednesday, 03 September 2025 2:10 PM Israeli forces and tanks stormed Gaza City on Wednesday, targeting one of the densely populated urban areas as part of the regime's new offensive that has now reached the city's heart. Residents of Sheikh Radwan reported widespread destruction of homes and shelters for displaced Palestinians. At least 53 people were killed in Israeli attacks across the city, medical sources said. "Sheikh Radwan is being burnt upside-down," said a 60-year-old mother of five. "The occupation destroyed houses, burnt tents, and drones played audio messages ordering people to leave," she said, adding that the people of Gaza will never forgive those "who stand by and do nothing to prevent our deaths." Military forces dropped grenades on three schools converted into shelters for displaced families, setting tents ablaze, and detonated armored vehicles to destroy homes in eastern Sheikh Radwan. A medical clinic was also struck, destroying two ambulances, according to witnesses. In Israel, many are demanding a swift resolution to bring home captives held in Gaza, with protesters in al-Quds calling for an end to the regime's war on Gaza. Hamas has offered to release some captives, both living and deceased, in exchange for a temporary ceasefire, a proposal Israel has yet to formally respond to. The group has also offered to release all hostages in exchange for an immediate halt to the war and withdrawal of Israeli forces. The ongoing assault on Gaza City threatens to displace nearly one million Palestinians, nearly half of the territory's population. Despite Israel's forced evacuation orders, many displaced families remain trapped in the city. Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in early August that the military was preparing to occupy Gaza City. Several world leaders have condemned the plan, with the UN warning it could lead to "massive forced displacement" and "more killing." Hamas has vowed "fierce resistance" to the planned offensive. Since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023, local health authorities report over 63,000 Palestinians killed. Israel's campaign of genocide and ethnic cleansing has created a humanitarian catastrophe, with acute food shortages causing 367 deaths, including 131 children, from malnutrition and starvation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Initial response': Yemen launches ballistic missiles at Tel Aviv, forcing airport closure Iran Press TV Wednesday, 03 September 2025 11:10 AM The Yemeni Armed Forces have launched missile strikes on Tel Aviv, shutting down Ben Gurion Airport and sending settlers running to shelters. In a statement on Wednesday, the Yemeni military said it carried out a qualitative, dual military operation using two ballistic missiles, one of which was a "Palestine-2" missile and the other was a "Zulfiqar" type. The Yemeni Armed Forces said the strike was a retaliatory measure against the Israeli genocide and starvation campaign in Gaza, as well as "the initial response" to Israeli aggression against Yemen. Israeli airstrikes on the Yemeni capital on Thursday claimed the lives of Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb Al-Rahawi of the National Government of Change and Construction, and eight other officials. Despite the Israeli military's claim of an interception, the missile strike prompted operational disruptions, including the shutdown of Ben Gurion Airport and the activation of sirens throughout the Tel Aviv region. According to the statement, the missiles "targeted sensitive targets of the Israeli enemy in the occupied Yaffa area." "The operation successfully achieved its objectives, and caused millions of usurping Zionists to rush to shelters, suspending airport operations," it added. The statement further noted that Israel is "committing the most heinous crime against two million Muslims in Gaza, the land of jihad and martyrdom, amid the silence and inaction of two billion Muslims." Whoever adheres to Islam will not stand idly by in the face of this genocidal crime, it added. The Yemeni Armed Forces affirmed that the "Israeli enemy will not enjoy security and stability, and that Yemen's operations will continue at an escalating pace during the coming period." Since Israel unleashed its genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023, Yemeni forces have carried out scores of attacks in solidarity with Palestinians, targeting airports, ports, and other sites across the occupied territories. Yemen has repeatedly vowed that such strikes will not stop as long as Israel's war and blockade against the besieged strip continue. The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has killed more than 63,600 Palestinians and injured upwards of 160,900 others, mostly children and women. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli drones drop grenades near UNIFIL in Lebanon amid Hezbollah disarmament push Iran Press TV Wednesday, 03 September 2025 11:07 AM The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) says Israeli drones have dropped four grenades close to peacekeepers working to clear roadblocks, which were hindering access to a UN position, in "one of the most serious attacks" on its personnel since the 2024 ceasefire deal between Lebanon and Israel. "This is one of the most serious attacks on UNIFIL personnel and assets since the cessation of hostilities agreement of last November," the UNIFIL said in a statement on Wednesday. It added, "One grenade impacted within 20 meters and three within approximately 100 meters of UN personnel and vehicles." UNIFIL has stated that the Israeli army was notified beforehand regarding its road clearance operations in the area, southeast of the village of Marwahin. "Any actions endangering UN peacekeepers and assets, and interference with their mandated tasks are unacceptable and a serious violation of Resolution 1701 and international law," the UNIFIL said. The resolution, which brokered a ceasefire in the 33-day-long war Israel launched against Lebanon in 2006, calls on the occupying Tel Aviv regime to respect Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity. Last week, the UN Security Council voted unanimously to terminate the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon at the end of next year after nearly five decades, bowing to demands from the United States and its close ally Israel. The UNIFIL was created to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon after Israel's 1978 invasion. Its mission was expanded following the summer 2006 war on Lebanon. The Israeli attack also comes amid growing pressure on the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah. The United States and Israel have increasingly attacked the peacekeeping force for not countering Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. However, observers note that UNIFIL's mandate does not include countering Hezbollah, and the resistance movement is widely viewed across Lebanon as a critical deterrent against Israeli aggression. Despite near-daily Israeli airstrikes and repeated violations of Lebanese airspace and sovereignty, Hezbollah remains the only credible military force capable of confronting the occupation and preventing further Israeli incursions. Lebanese officials have condemned Israel's continued occupation of five positions in southern Lebanon, calling it a clear breach of the ceasefire terms. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, under growing US-Israeli pressure to push for Hezbollah's disarmament, welcomed the extension of UNIFIL's mandate but emphasized the need for Israel to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory. Critics, however, question how Lebanese forces can assert control in the south while Israeli troops remain in place and escalate attacks. As calls to disarm Hezbollah grow louder from Washington and Israel, many in Lebanon argue that such efforts ignore the core issue of Israel's continued violations of Lebanese sovereignty. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel's 'explosive-laden robots' systematically ravaging Gaza City neighborhoods: Hamas Iran Press TV Wednesday, 03 September 2025 12:50 AM The Gaza Strip's Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has decried the Israeli regime's "systematic destruction" of Gaza City's neighborhoods using explosive-laden robots among many other lethal tools. The movement delivered the remark in a statement on Tuesday, days after the regime launched its so-called "Operation Gideon Chariots II" to seize the city, the Gaza Strip's largest urban area that lies in its north, in its entirety. The statement detailed the regime's no-holds-barred methods to force out the city's nearly-one-million-strong civilians, who have sought refuge there after fleeing from incessant Israeli attacks elsewhere across the coastal sliver. It cited the "fascist" Israeli military's "intensive aerial bombardment" of the city and "use of robots carrying tons of explosives detonated in residential areas." The movement decried the unprecedented nature of the atrocities, calling them war crimes and crimes against humanity under the international law. It condemned the regime of "war criminal" Benjamin Netanyahu for deploying the methods towards advancing its genocidal intents at whatever cost. More than 63,500 people, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 2023, when the regime began a war of genocide on the Palestinian territory. As early as November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued Netanyahu and his former minister for military affairs Yoav Gallant arrest warrants for their war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Hamas also denounced the regime's overall war tactics for being aimed at "criminal ethnic cleansing." As part of its attacks on the Gaza City earlier on Tuesday, the military slew more than 10 members of the al-Aff family, mostly women and children. Elsewhere throughout the territory, it slaughtered 11 people, including seven children, in the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, using a drone against the victims, who were filling up their jerrycans and containers with water. According to Hamas, the atrocities "necessitate immediate intervention by the UN Security Council to impose a halt to this brutal genocide and hold those responsible accountable." It called the United States, the Israeli regime's "partner in crime," referring to Washington's providing unprecedented and unyielding military and political assistance to the regime at the height of the war. "We call on Arab and Islamic countries and the free people of the world to take effective action and continue pressure to stop the crime of genocide committed by the Zionist occupation in the Gaza Strip, and to confront its projects that threaten security and peace in the entire region." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Commandos Airdropped Into Remote Afghan Region In Race To Rescue Earthquake Survivors By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi September 03, 2025 Summary Afghan commandos are being airdropped into remote areas near the Pakistan border to aid earthquake rescue efforts. Taliban authorities in Afghanistan say the 6.0-magnitude quake on August 31 and subsequent tremors killed over 1,400 people, injured thousands, and left tens of thousands homeless. Humanitarian groups warn of the urgent need for shelter, food, medical aid, and hygiene supplies, especially for women and girls. International organizations stress that aid must reach victims, avoiding Taliban control, amid reduced global support for Afghanistan. Dozens of Afghan commandos are being airdropped into a remote mountainous region along the eastern border with Pakistan to help in the race to rescue victims of an earthquake late last week that has claimed the lives of more than 1,400 people, according to Taliban authorities. The deadly 6.0-magnitude quake that struck the provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar late on August 31 also injured thousands as it flattened villages, leaving tens of thousands homeless. A 5.5-magnitude quake on September 2 added to the disaster as crews fought to reach the scene. Local residents told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi that they have no shelter and are living in the open, adding that urgent aid, including food, clean drinking water, and tents, are needed. Government officials said the commandos were deployed by air in areas where road access had been cutoff by the earthquakes, and that command centers have been set up to coordinate emergency and relief services. The efforts comes as humanitarian groups warn that a lack of access to hygiene supplies, medical help, and emergency shelters are putting many, especially women and girls, at risk. "A lack of female aid workers and female doctors also means that women's and girls' health and recovery can be significantly delayed and deprioritized, causing long-term problems and permanent harm to them," Sahar Fetrat, a researcher at the Women's Rights Division of Human Rights Watch, told RFE/RL. 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. 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. The disaster comes at a time when the impoverished country is struggling with cutbacks in international aid over the Taliban's seizure of power and the return of hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries. 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?" he said. "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 are 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 Afghanistan's 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. Subsequent aftershocks have also complicated the situation. With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/race-to-rescue-afghan- earthquake-survivors/33520592.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 Spanish Government strongly condemns Israeli attack near UNIFIL contingent Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRESS STATEMENT 088 3 Sep 25 The Spanish Government strongly condemns the Israeli attack near a UNIFIL contingent, which threatens the integrity of its personnel and prevents it from carrying out its mandate. All parties must guarantee the safety of UNIFIL personnel and facilities, and Israel is urged to respect its obligations under international law. Spain reiterates its firm commitment to the stability of Lebanon and to the full implementation of Resolution 1701. -NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement on the Second Joint Oversight Committee Meeting for the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson September 3, 2025 The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union facilitator), and the African Union Commission on the occasion of the second Joint Oversight Committee held this week in Washington, D.C. Begin Text On September 3, 2025, representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda, along with the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union facilitator), and the African Union Commission convened the second meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee (JOC) for the Peace Agreement signed on June 27, 2025. Committee members acknowledged slowness in implementation of some elements of the Agreement and underscored their shared resolve to ensure its complete and timely implementation to advance peace, stability, and prosperity in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region. Discussions focused on addressing recent challenges to implementation, including reports of violence in eastern DRC, and identifying actionable steps to ensure compliance with the Agreement's provisions. Committee members welcomed the merger of the technical secretariats of the East African Community, Southern African Development Community, and AU into one independent joint secretariat, noting the importance of the AU role in supporting implementation of the Peace Agreement going forward. In addition, the Governments of the DRC and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitments to advance the return of refugees in accordance with the outcomes of the August 8 Tripartite High-Level Ministerial. Committee members welcomed the upcoming meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) to accelerate efforts to neutralize support for the FDLR armed group and advance Rwanda's lifting of its defensive measures in line with the Appendix A of the Agreement. In preparation for the next meeting of the JSCM, the DRC expressed that there is no policy of support for the FDLR and recognized the importance of taking concrete action as such, and Rwanda expressed its respect for the DRC's territorial integrity and recognized the importance of ensuring its actions are consistent with this respect. Both the DRC and Rwanda reaffirmed their obligation to immediately and unconditionally cease any state support to non-state armed groups except as necessary to facilitate implementation of the agreement. The DRC and Rwanda committed to a technical level, intelligence and military channel for direct exchange of information in advance of the next JSCM meeting in Doha. They affirmed that these actions are key to realizing the full potential of the Regional Economic Integration Framework, which will open key economic corridors to support long-term development and stability in the region. Qatar provided an update on the ongoing DRC and AFC/M23 negotiations in Doha, which are critical to achieving a stable eastern DRC. The Governments of the DRC and Rwanda reaffirmed their obligation to lend their full support to bring the Doha negotiations to a successful conclusion. The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to convening regular meetings to address ongoing challenges, monitor progress, and ensure the effective implementation of the Peace Agreement. DRC and Rwanda recognized the vital contributions and coordinated efforts of the United States, Qatar, and the African Union, and thanked them for their support in advancing durable peace in eastern DRC. End Text NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Mexican Foreign Secretary Juan Ramon de la Fuente at a Joint Press Availability US Department of State Remarks Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores Mexico City, Mexico September 3, 2025 MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) (In progress) and welcome to our guests for the press and those following the press conference through social media. To begin, Secretary Juan Ramon de la Fuente will be provide us with the joint statement, then both secretaries will give their remarks, and then we'll open up a Q&A session. FOREIGN SECRETARY DE LA FUENTE: (Via interpreter) Good morning to you all. Allow me to begin, Mr. Secretary from the State - Mr. Marco Rubio - from the State Department. Welcome to the Department of Foreign Affairs of Mexico. You and Mr. Ambassador and the distinguished delegation that is here with you today are most welcome. I would also like, Mr. Secretary, to thank you. Thank you and your team for the great work that we have been able to undertake in the last few months, and that has led us to this morning having a meeting with President Claudia Sheinbaum - a constructive, productive, cordial meeting with a well-defined route for the future. For this, I would like to now share with you the joint statement that we have agreed on with the State Department of the United States: The Governments of Mexico and the United States reaffirm our cooperation in matters of security, which is based on the principles of reciprocity, respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity, shared responsibility and differentiated responsibility, as well as on mutual trust. The goal is to work together to dismantle transnational organized crime through reinforced and strengthened cooperation amongst our respective national security institutions, law enforcement and judicial authorities. Furthermore, we will collaborate to address the illegal movement of people across borders. This cooperation through specific and immediate actions will strengthen security throughout our shared border, will stop the trafficking of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, and will put an end to arms trafficking. Both governments have created a high-level implementation group that will meet regularly to follow up on joint commitments and actions undertaken within our own countries, including measures to combat cartels; strengthen security at the border; eliminate clandestine trans-border tunnels; address the issue of illicit financial flows; improve collaboration to prevent fuel theft; increasing inspections, investigations, and legal processes to stop the flow of arms and drugs trafficking. Our joint coordination and collaboration will allow us strengthen the border, reduce fentanyl trafficking, and move forward in terms of intelligence exchanges all through and within our respective legal frameworks. Both governments have the intention of further strengthening collaboration in terms of public health and coordinating campaigns to prevent the use and abuse of opioids and other substances. Both governments reaffirm our determination to cooperate, protect our citizens, and make our communities safer. This is the joint statement that we would like to share on this occasion. Mr. Secretary, you have the floor. SECRETARY RUBIO: (Via interpreter) Thank you very much for the warm welcome we've had today. We were welcomed by the President and were able to speak to her for quite a long time. It was very productive. Mr. Foreign Minister, thank you as well. Ambassador Johnson, who has done great work and is doing great work when it comes to this relationship that is so important. As I have always said, the history of our countries will always be joined, because geography is reality, and we'll always be neighbors. But because we are neighbors, we face common issues, threats, danger, and problems that we must confront. And I'm very happy that we've reached a level of historic cooperation, really over the last eight months. Never in the history of both countries have we seen the level of cooperation that we have right now - cooperation at a level that respects integrity and the sovereignty of both countries, but at the same time, this cooperation has led to concrete outcomes - results that we've seen, for example, in the numbers. The numbers we've seen - we've seen 55 individuals who were requested of the Government of Mexico who are now facing criminal charges in the U.S. This was an extremely difficult operation, it was not easy, and they were able to do it via the Mexican authorities and Mexican planes that took these individuals to U.S. prisons, the exchange of information and intelligence, providing training for both sides. This has been key, but there's a lot still to do, and we both understand that cartels are a threat to the national security of Mexico and the U.S. And that is why it is completely logical for us to work together and cooperate together. This implementation group - I know that on many occasions we talk about groups, we've created a group, but this is a high-level group. This is a group that will implement what we agreed upon jointly. When it comes to our cooperation, there's no other government that's cooperating as much with us in the fight against crime as the Government of Mexico and President Sheinbaum's administration. We are very appreciative, and we have a lot to do together still when it comes to making progress towards this common goal. So I would like to thank you for that. We have spoken many times, as we spoke today. President Sheinbaum has spoken to President Trump 14 times. Much has been achieved, and we will continue to exchange ideas and cooperating in our work among our different agencies with much respect and admiration for the work that you have already done here in Mexico to confront these narcoterrorist groups that are a threat not only to Mexico and the United States - they are a threat to the peace and stability of the world. We have seen, for example, also that we have a lot to do still. We are very focused. As you've seen, the President is focused on crime in our own country. There are cities in the U.S. that are extremely dangerous. I believe in Washington, obviously - a city that has seen a massive increase in crime and crime committed by minors - the President has deployed federal agencies and the National Guard to the city, to the streets, to ensure that this does not happen. And he is willing to do it in other cities if necessary as well, because we all have problems and we need to confront them. We also know that many of the weapons that are in the hands of these cartels are weapons that have been purchased from a source in the United States, and these weapons have been trafficked, and this is a problem in Mexico and the Caribbean. We're also focusing on that as a part of the work of this implementation group. So there are many things that we still have to do, but we have achieved many things over the last eight months. I'm going to say this in English now. I said that in Cuban; now I'm going to switch to Spanish and (In English) Just briefly, we had an excellent meeting with President Sheinbaum and Foreign Minister De La Fuente. In fact, we've had a great relationship with the Government of Mexico during the eight months of the Trump presidency. It is the closest security cooperation we have ever had, maybe with any country but certainly in the history of U.S.-Mexico relations. I think that much credit is deserved to President Sheinbaum and her administration in really taking on things that had not been taken on for a very long time. As one example, 59 high-value targets, people we wanted into the United States to face charges for narcotrafficking, it was Mexican authorities who moved them out of jails and transported them themselves into American facilities, where they will stand trial - and, we believe, not just serve the rest of their lives in jail once a jury hears their case, but perhaps will share valuable information that will allow us to identify even more dangers that confront our countries. Because of our geography, we will always be neighbors, and that means we will always share common problems whether they be migration - the migration numbers today at the U.S. southern border are the lowest they have ever been - they have ever been - and that is due and thanks and great credit to President Trump for the efforts he's undertaken, but I think also to the efforts of the authorities here in Mexico, who have viewed irregular migration as a threat to their own security. Just remember - just remember - that a significant percentage of the people that were crossing the U.S. southern border illegally into the United States were not from Mexico. They were coming from all over the world, from multiple continents, from halfway around the world. They were coming from Somalia, they were coming from everywhere and crossing through Mexico into the United States. And that was not good for Mexico and that certainly was not good for the United States. And we have seen those numbers drop historically, and that would not have been possible without the close cooperation between our two governments. But there's more to do, which is why today we are formalizing an implementation group. So that sounds like a fancy term that means nothing, but it means a lot. This is a high-level group that will meet and coordinate on a regular basis to make sure that all the things we are working on, all the things we have agreed to work on are happening, are being implemented. So this has been a very productive visit, and we will have many more. We've talked many times, we'll be in touch many more times, because there's still a lot of work to do together. But this is a this is an important and, I believe, a significant day in the relations of our two countries as we are able to continue to formalize this unprecedented, historic, and so far highly successful security cooperation between the Government of Mexico and the Government of the United States. FOREIGN SECRETARY DE LA FUENTE: (Via interpreter) Without a doubt, Mr. Secretary, your presence today in Mexico ratifies the good relationship and great cooperation that exists between our nations, and that will continue in the next few months and in the following years. I must say that this morning's meeting with President Sheinbaum was conducted to have a dialogue on diverse topics regarding our bilateral relations - especially security, an area within which we have been working hand-in-hand with the State Department for some time now. Today we have come to a very good agreement to give form and give move forward with a cooperation program based on four basic principles: strict respect to sovereignty and territorial integrity; shared responsibility; mutual trust; and coordinated collaboration without subordination. As it has been pointed out by Secretary Rubio, in order to follow up on the elements agreed upon, we defined the creation of a high-level coordination mechanism that will meet periodically to assess progress and ensure the achievement of the goals that we have set forward. This understanding, this agreement we have come to, includes measures to combat illicit financial flows, the flow of illicit fuels, stopping generational violence, drug trafficking and illicit weapons each in our own territory. We have also addressed the - started to address the elimination of illicit tunnels that go from one side to the other of the border with training and border security. I would like to highlight that coordinated work is conducted under the principles of reciprocity and respect of our sovereignties. And this has allowed us to have a safer border, to reduce fentanyl trafficking, and move forward in greater collaboration schemes when it comes to exchange of information within our legal frameworks. And also, when it comes to prevention, with information campaigns regarding the damage and the harm caused by fentanyl and other illicit drugs. As you know, addressing the causes is a crucial component of our security strategy that was sustained today, this morning, by President Sheinbaum. I am pleased to inform that this dimension of our joint work is considered within the mechanisms that we have created to work together. Finally, I would like to say that the sustained dialogue that we have held throughout the last few months and today falls well within the conversation sustained between President Sheinbaum and President Donald Trump, and provides continuity to the first meeting, the first encounter that we had with you, Secretary Rubio, at the State Department at the end of February earlier this year in Washington, D.C. It reaffirms both countries determination to cooperate, protect our citizens, and make our communities safer. MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Thank you so much, Mr. Secretary. We have space for four questions. Matt Lee from AP. QUESTION: Hello. Good afternoon. Mr. Secretary and Mr. Secretary, I want to start for you, Secretary Rubio, with a question about the incident that happened yesterday with the Tren de Aragua vessel that was destroyed by U.S. military. There seemed - there still seemed to be a bunch of lingering questions about how this all came about; for example, how were you so convinced or so sure that they were Tren de Aragua members on board, and what kind of drugs were they transporting and where they were going to. And I'm wondering if you could address any of those specifics, as well as who was - which unit of the military actually carried this out and how. But more broadly and for both of you, there seem to be concerns around the region now that this might signal a return to kind of gunboat diplomacy that the U.S. was known for decades and decades and decades ago in this region. And I'm wondering, one, Secretary Rubio, if this is the impression that you want to leave; and secondly, Mr. Secretary, whether Mexico shares the concerns that some other leaders in this hemisphere quite apart from President - Mr. Maduro share. Thank you. SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, first of all, let me say that from an operational standpoint, I'll leave it to the Pentagon to identify munitions, units, and things of that nature. Let me say this. The United States has long - for many, many years - established intelligence that allow us to interdict and stop drug boats, and we did that. And it doesn't work. Interdiction doesn't work because these drug cartels - what they do is they know they're going to lose two percent of their cargo. They bake it into their economics. What will stop them is when you blow them up, when you get rid of them. So they were designated as what they are - they are narcoterrorist organizations. So the same information and the same intelligence mechanisms with maybe a higher focus was used to determine that a drug boat was headed towards, eventually, the United States, and instead of interdicting it, on the President's orders, he blew it up. And it'll happen again. Maybe it's happening right now, I don't know, but the point is the President United States is going to wage war on narcoterrorist organizations. This one was operating in international waters, headed towards the United States to flood our country with poison, and under President Trump, those days are over. (Via interpreter) The question was about a incident yesterday on international waters, and I'm not going to comment about what agency of the Department of Defense was used. The Pentagon can speak to that, but I will say the following: These cartels have used maritime routes over many years, and we have intelligence; we know they're coming and we intercept them, but that does not work because these cartels know. They say, well, we're going to lose 2 percent; we're going to lose a certain percentage of what - of the drugs we're selling. That's part of the loss that they've included as a part of doing business. These are cartels that are earning billions of dollars, so they don't mind losing one or two shipments. That doesn't work. The President has declared that these organizations - Tren de Aragua, Cartel de los Soles, and others - these groups are narcoterrorists. These are narcoterrorist groups, designated so by the U.S., operating in international waters, and their destination is taking drugs to the U.S. streets. And the President used the force and the power of the United States to protect the United States, and they blew up a boat. And that could happen again; it might be happening right now. It could happen tomorrow. It could happen next week. But let there be no doubt that these groups that are using these maritime routes through the Caribbean are not going to be able to continue to act with impunity. They will not simply lose a shipment and be set free; that's not going to happen. This President isn't going to allow that and he's been clear. That's the promise he made to the American people. He (inaudible) because of that promise, and he's going to make good on that promise. FOREIGN SECRETARY DE LA FUENTE: (Via interpreter) Mexico's position regarding this matter is quite clear, based on our constitutional principles of foreign policy defined in Article 89 of our constitution: respect to international law and conventions and treaties on these matters that Mexico has subscribed to. MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Thank you. Now Enrique Acevedo from N Mas. QUESTION: (Via interpreter) Good afternoon, Dr. de la Fuente. (In English) You mentioned this briefly in your statement, but why is the U.S. allowing military-grade American-made weapons to reach narcoterrorist organizations in Mexico and across Latin America? And what specific steps will the Trump Administration take to prevent these weapons from further threatening democracy and the rule of law in the region? (Via interpreter) Also, Mr. Secretary, what is the position of Mexico regarding the accusations against President Maduro being a part of an international criminal organization regarding Mexico? SECRETARY RUBIO: Let me answer in English and then in Spanish. Part of this working group, part of our security plan, part of our implementation, is to stop the flow of armaments. We have the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms involved. We've got the FBI involved. And it's not just Mexico, by the way. Those arms are flowing to Haiti, they're flowing to Jamaica, they're flowing to Trinidad, they're flowing into the Caribbean. And we're going to put a stop to it. So that is part of our implementation plan. And it's going to require cooperation because they're going to seize armaments, and they're going to tell us these are the armaments we seized and we think it came from here, and we'll be able to trace back the networks. It's going to take some investigative work. Or we're going to be able to seize armaments and prevent them from coming because we know these networks and we're going to disrupt them. So that is part of our agreement and part of what we're working on. And by the way, we think it adds to our own security. I would make one more point, and that is the unconventional weapons that some of these cartels are now coming into possession of. We are increasingly concerned that these cartels are now in possession not just of land mines and grenades; we're now seeing the deployment of drone technology by narcoterrorist groups operating out of Venezuelan territory, in many cases into Colombia. Imagine drones in the hands of these narco cartels threatening nation states, threatening security forces. So that's something else we're going to have to focus on. (Via interpreter) (In progress) is to identify these sources of weapons that are coming into - from different places in the United States. That's not only a threat to Mexico. It threatens Trinidad, Jamaica, Haiti, and other - Dominican Republic, different countries in the Caribbean. And part of the implementation work is that we're going to use resources from the FBI, the ATF, to identify these trafficking networks and disrupting them. And there will have to be a lot of cooperation there. For example, Mexican authorities can seize a certain number of weapons. They can send us that information, say, these are the weapons, and then through our systems we can identify where those weapons came from, identify what is the smuggling group that is bringing them here, and then not allowing for that to continue happening. And finally, I know this wasn't the exact question - the Cartel de los Soles - I'm not the one saying so. It's not the U.S. Government. That was a grand jury, a grand jury in New York, which is a quite liberal state when it comes to U.S. politics. It was a grand jury from New York that talked about Nicolas Maduro, Diosdado Cabello, and others. So we are simply acting. We are only acting on something that a grand jury in 2020 handed down handed down. We didn't make this up. It's something that was said by a grand jury through our legal system. FOREIGN SECRETARY DE LA FUENTE: (Via interpreter) We have our constitutional principles which are the compass of our foreign policy. They are very clear and these are planned clearly under these and other conditions situations that we are facing: self-determination, nonintervention, peaceful solution of problems, cooperation for development, et cetera. And that's why, based on these same principles, we face that we have built our cooperation program with the State Department of the United States. This clearly and unequivocally sets the route for Mexican foreign policy. So we will keep following these principles, and based on them we will keep trying to create and establish the mechanisms that will allow us to cooperate and work coordinatedly and respectfully with all those who wish to work with Mexico. MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Thank you. We now give the floor to Eric Martin from Bloomberg. QUESTION: Yes, thank you. Thank you, Secretary. Gracias, Secretario. Secretary Rubio, I wanted to ask you following on Matt's question about the operation yesterday in the Caribbean. Eleven people who were carrying drugs were killed, President Trump has mentioned. Did the U.S. warn the people in the boat to stop their activity before firing the missile that killed them, or how does this fit with the authorization for use of military force authorized by the U.S. Congress? Does the U.S. have evidence that the people who were in the boat were armed or posed an immediate danger to U.S. security personnel? And can you rule out - you mentioned the operations that operate from the Venezuelan shore. Can you categorically rule out attacks on Venezuelan soil or an attempt by the U.S. to oust Nicolas Maduro? Also, from the U.S. perspective SECRETARY RUBIO: That's like nine questions. I can't remember all of them. (Laughter.) QUESTION: Sorry. From the U.S. perspective of who's SECRETARY RUBIO: (Via interpreter) That's a U.S. journalist. QUESTION: (Via interpreter) It's something we do in Mexico too. Let me ask via separate questions. (In English) The announcement today of a cooperation agreement - is the U.S. removing the 25 percent fentanyl tariff in place on Mexico that had been in place on the basis of fentanyl trafficking, or is that a recommendation that you will take back to President Trump and the trade team? (Via interpreter) Finally, Secretary, I'd like to ask you a question. Secretary de la Fuente, given the long history of invasions coming from the United States, how does Mexico see yesterday's attack in the Caribbean? Because in the past, during past administrations even of this same party, there has been a friendly relationship with the Maduro government. He's been - he's been invited by the Mexican Government to the independence day grito and other ceremonies, including the swearing-in ceremony of the previous president. So how does Mexico look upon these operations vis-a-vis cartels in the Caribbean with links to Venezuela? SECRETARY RUBIO: The President of the United States has determined that narcoterrorist organizations pose a threat to the national security of the United States. I don't need to explain to you why. They are traffickers of people, they are traffickers of deadly drugs, and they are traffickers of all kinds of (inaudible), and they use the money that they generate to destabilize governments in the region, which in and of itself then poses a threat to the United States. So he has designated for what they are: They are narcoterrorist organizations. These are not stockbrokers. These are not real estate agents who on the side deal a few drugs. These are organized, corporate-structured organizations who specialize in the trafficking of deadly drugs into the United States of America. They pose an immediate threat to the United States, period. If you're on a boat full of cocaine or fentanyl or whatever headed to the United States, you're an immediate threat to the United States. And the President, under his authority as Commander-in-Chief, has a right under exigent circumstances to eliminate imminent threats to the United States, and that's what he did yesterday in international waters, and that's what he intends to do. We're not going to sit back anymore and watch these people sail up and down the Caribbean like a cruise ship. It's not going to happen. It's not going to happen anymore. They're not going to bring drugs into the United States. We're going to stop them. I know a lot of presidents have talked about doing it; this President is not a talker, he's a doer. He's going to do it. As far as your question about terrorists, that's not - I don't negotiate those agreements. I will certainly go back and report make them aware of the level of cooperation that exists. With regards to security, we've made tremendous progress. And obviously, I know that even as I speak to you today, the economic team from Mexico is in Washington meeting with Ambassador Greer and also meeting with Commerce Secretary Lutnick. And obviously, that - we hope that will come to some positive result at some point here soon because our economic relations are very important. We have a lot to build on with the successes of USMCA. (Via interpreter) (Inaudible.) It's been a - really, it's a matter of the following. These cartels have been designated narcoterrorist groups for the following reason. They bring dangerous drugs, illegal drugs, to the streets of the United States. The President has said that will not continue. They've had a route throughout the Caribbean with no impediments for a long time. He's not going to allow that. He designated these groups as terrorist groups, which is what they are, and yesterday he had an opportunity in international waters to eliminate a direct threat to the safety of the American people. And that's what he did, and he's willing to do it again, because this is a President who's been very clear. He was elected based on that promise, and he was going to make good on it. FOREIGN SECRETARY DE LA FUENTE: I will answer you in English, Eric, because it will be very similar, my answer to the previous one. We have, as many of you may know, some basic principles in our constitution that rule our foreign policy. These principles are clearly stated in article 89 of our constitution, and some of them are very clear: self-determination. We believe in self-determination. Nonintervention. Peaceful solution of controversies. All countries are legally equal. We believe in cooperation for development, and so on. So these principles are the ones that really rule our foreign policy, and we are going to stick to them because that's our mandate, and of course those have been also the instructions I have received from President Sheinbaum. (Via interpreter) Now, Mexico is a country of peace and a country that establishes relations with all countries around the world who wish to do the same with Mexico and that follow the same principles that are ingrained in our constitution and that, in good part, are at the core of international law and that we share with other instruments such as the UN Charter. That is why it seems very timely for me to highlight the comment made by Secretary Rubio pertaining to the way in which we have been able to create this cooperation program stemming from a great negotiation and multiple conversations. What's most important from this understanding that we have come to is that it is based on these same principles; it recognizes these same principles. And these are the principles that will allow for us to keep moving forward, addressing a range of topics that are mentioned in this cooperation program, all of which can be particularly sensitive and complex. But if we have that frame of reference in terms of working for cooperation and coordination without subordination; based on our keeping up our efforts, respecting each country's sovereignty, each country's territorial integrity, that is what allows for good understandings, and that will allow us to keep moving forward following a program that is structured, defined, it has goals, it has objectives, and that will be periodically assessed. Furthermore, we do this based on also the fact that in these first eight months there have been tangible results - tangible results in a relatively short period of time. Secretary Rubio was saying - and with good reason - this morning some of the changes that we are committing to would take longer than what we all wish they would take. However, in just eight months we have seen concrete results. Encounters at the border have been reduced by 93 percent - actually a little more, according to the latest figures. Seizures of fentanyl since the beginning of President Sheinbaum's administration have been reduced by 50 percent. The last information coming from the security strategy implemented by Mexico shows us that there has been a reduction in crime in Mexico of 32 percent. In the presidential report just a couple of days ago, it was mentioned - another figure was mentioned because we hadn't taken August into account. But it has dropped further. So we have strategies that work and that are based on these principles. I think that that is what I would like to highlight and rescue from all of this, because it is important to show the U.S. and Mexico communities that we can build cooperation and collaboration models that work, that provide results, that can have a mutually convened reference framework and that are based on the commitment of maintaining those principles that are those that our constitution has given. Thank you. MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Thank you. Last question, Enrique Sanchez from Excelsior. QUESTION: (Via interpreter) Mr. Secretary, good morning. Mr. Secretary Rubio, good morning and welcome to Mexico. One question for both of you. Secretary Rubio, you were - you were saying in - the series of - of items and progress made in terms of security, in terms of containing illegal migration and other commercial aspects, et cetera. I would like to ask you, this understanding was a security - a specific security agreement, or - and what will we see in the field in terms of operations, joint operations or each security forces in their own territory, respecting sovereignty? What would be the ideal scenario under which Mexico and the United States would be working in terms of this - these circumstances and these communities that you have highlighted so that there can be greater cooperation? And I would also like to take this opportunity to ask, based on the conversation this morning in Palacio Nacional, have you considered a future meeting between President Sheinbaum and President Trump in the next few months? SECRETARY RUBIO: (Via interpreter) I'll start. I won't speak directly about the different issues when it comes - because cartels read the press too. So I'm going to say the following: They've always existed, but we've broadened them because there are more resources. For example, if there's a group that crosses the border with drugs, Mexican authorities know. They let us know where they are, who they are, and we can act then against them. Same thing with us; if we know that there's a group working in Mexico or that's coming into Mexico with weapons or whatever the case may be, we will send that intel to Mexican authorities and then they can act. Obviously both countries have their own collection of intelligence, different sources - informants, for example. Many people who are locked up in the U.S. are providing testimony. They provide many details and we can share those things with each other. Also joint training - there are things that we can learn from your experience and things that you can learn from our team, specifically, for example, certain technologies that the U.S. might have been able to develop in other places, and this is something that the Mexican authorities may have identified as something that would help them out in their actions. We could provide those kinds of things as well. So cooperation has always existed between law enforcement agencies, but we're talking about expanding that to a broader, more structured type of cooperation and dependent on the situation. But we both have intelligence we can share, information we can share, and all of that helps, and capacities also that could be provided through equipment if it is requested. They might already have it and not need it. (In English) But the question was about what does cooperation look like. Look, we've always cooperated. There's always been law enforcement cooperation. We're talking about amplifying that. We already have started to do - just as a great example, let's say there's a drug - a gun-running group that's coming out of the United States, headed into Mexico. We identify it, we don't get there in time to stop it. We pass that on to the Mexican authorities who can act on it. Likewise, they can identify a drug shipment or - that's headed our way. Maybe it got past their systems but now is in the United States and we can act on it. Any time you take people into jail, they become informants. They give you information about the operations of cartels and drug organizations. Sharing that information is also valuable. There's opportunities to cooperate on equipment. Maybe there's equipment we have in the United States; maybe it's equipment that we have used in the past in other areas of the world and they have an interest in purchasing it or have an interest in acquiring it, and we can provide that to them, or vice versa. Maybe they have something that we would want. It also has to do with joint training. Maybe there's things they do operationally that they have learned from their time taking on the cartels that would serve us on our side of the border, or vice versa, things that we have learned from a training standpoint that they would benefit from. That's the kind of cooperation we're going to amplify on and operate together on, and I think it's very valuable. That's always existed at a certain level. What we're talking about now is formalizing it, systemizing it, making it a regular, ongoing feature of a broader cooperation on an issue of mutual concern. FOREIGN SECRETARY DE LA FUENTE: (Via interpreter) What you were saying in terms of the legal frameworks of each country is so important because, indeed, part of what was agreed on within this cooperation program is that those are going to be respected. And as Secretary Rubio has just pointed out, the legislative framework for each country and based on which changes are made - for example, in Mexico, President Sheinbaum has already made - presented some bills for constitutional reforms. We've just elevated constitutionally the crime of fentanyl trafficking. These are changes that each country is making at their own pace but at the same time are adding to the conversation in terms of the possibility of improving cooperation. We now have a national security law that we have talked about on different occasions with the State Department team. When touching on topics referring to that, this way there is clarity in terms of the legislative and legal frameworks that reign in either country, and the respect of each is what allows for progress to take place in terms of operations conducted by each country in their own territory, and that the information exchange flows, that the intel exchange flows better, that the exchange in terms of technology flows as well. I believe that with this new cooperation (inaudible) for border security and application of the law. That is why it's so relevant. We will be seeing in the upcoming months and years more and better results in this field, this arena, that is in the best interest for the people and Government of Mexico and the people and the Government of the United States. So I believe it has been, Secretary Rubio, a productive day that sets a better-defined (inaudible) for the future and that will allow us in the near future to keep taking steps in the right direction agreed on by both our countries. I would like to reiterate our gratitude for the willingness to follow this line of cooperation within the new framework that we have created, and I would like to once again thank your team, because we have managed to get to where we are. The high-level team that will follow up on these matters will be reporting in the next few months in all of the items - regarding all of the items that we have agreed on. Would you like to make any final statements? SECRETARY RUBIO: (Via interpreter) I'd just like to thank you for the warm welcome, for the meetings today, and for the cooperation that we've had between two - the two countries and this cooperation that will continue to expand to benefit the people of Mexico and the United States. So thank you once again and see you soon, I hope. (Applause.) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Meeting with President Sheinbaum of Mexico US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson September 3, 2025 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. They reaffirmed our strong U.S.-Mexico partnership and joint commitment to dismantle cartels, tackle the scourge of fentanyl and the violence perpetuated by transnational criminal organizations, end illegal immigration, and promote economic prosperity and security. Secretary Rubio thanked President Sheinbaum for Mexico's partnership to secure our shared border, helping the Trump Administration reach a historic low in border encounters with illegal immigrants. The President and the Secretary agreed to continue our strong security cooperation and intensify future collaboration. The Secretary also thanked the President for collaborating to manage our shared water resources more effectively and expressed optimism for further progress. During the meeting the Secretary emphasized the importance of resolving trade and non-trade barriers to further the prosperity of both of our nations. The United States and Mexico remain committed to creating a hemisphere that is safe and prosperous for our citizens. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 3 September 2025 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General. ** Briefings All right, good afternoon. Tomorrow, we will have a guest, and that is Tess Ingram, the Communication Manager for UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) Middle East area. She will be briefing you on the situation of children in Gaza City amid famine and increasing military operations, and she will be briefing us from Southern Gaza tomorrow. On Friday, we expect to have the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Resident Representative in Kabul brief you on operations related to the aftermath of the earthquake. And I know you just heard from Sharon [Birch], but I do want to thank her for all her work this year; this was her last briefing. It's always a pleasure to work with such a great professional, and I know she will have a lot of success in her next assignment. ** Secretary-General Papua New Guinea The Secretary-General of the United Nations is in Papua New Guinea. This morning, he delivered an address at the Parliament during a special session to mark the country's fiftieth anniversary of independence. He told the members of Parliament that for the past half-century, the people of New Guinea have worked to have a single nation out of many traditions, many islands, many tongues. The country has undertaken the daunting task of forging a single nation from profound diversity. It is a path that demands courage and vision, the Secretary-General said, adding that the United Nations is proud to accompany the country on every step. Turning to climate, the Secretary-General said that time and again we have seen climate leadership flow not from countries with the most wealth and power but from those who know the stakes first-hand. Papua New Guinea is home to 7 per cent of the world's biodiversity and some of the largest coral reefs and rainforests on the planet. Mr. [Antonio] Guterres said we must be ever vigilant in safeguarding these crucial ecosystems, adding that the country has made the case that national protection deserves global support. His full remarks were shared with you. Today, he also met with the leaders of the Autonomous Bougainville Government. And he met with Papua New Guinea's women leaders. Tomorrow, the Secretary-General will visit projects outside of Port Moresby, and he will start making his way back to New York, where we expect him very early on Saturday morning. ** Senior Personnel Appointment A senior appointment that I am very pleased to share. Today, the Secretary-General is appointing Khassim Diagne of Senegal as Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Mr. Diagne will succeed Colin Stewart of Canada, to whom the Secretary-General is deeply grateful for his strong leadership and dedicated service throughout his tenure. Mr. Diagne brings more than 25 years of experience in international affairs and senior leadership within the United Nations system. He is currently serving as Ad Interim United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Mali, since October 2024. And he was also the political director for the Secretary-General in the beginning of his first term. We congratulate our friend and wish him the best of luck. ** Yemen Moving to Yemen, and the latest developments there and unfortunately no good news to report on that end. This morning, our colleagues told us that the Houthi de facto authorities broke into the UNDP complex in Sana'a. So far, the UNICEF and WFP (World Food Programme) offices remain under the Houthi control. Since yesterday, the number of detained national staff in this round remains at 18, and they remain under the detention in control of the Houthi de facto authorities. Of course, the Secretary-General strongly condemns the forced entry by the Houthi authorities into our offices in Sana'a. We reiterate that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times. And again, we call immediate and unconditional release of all those who have been detained yesterday and before that; as you know, there are many others who remain under detention and those include our own staff, but also staff from international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society and diplomatic missions. ** Afghanistan Turning to Afghanistan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Office says that following the earthquake over the weekend, assessments and response efforts continue amid challenging conditions. Aftershocks last night in Chakway and Nurgal districts, two of the most affected districts of Kunar province, are causing further hardship in the earthquake area, with many families staying outdoors. They also impact rescue efforts and assessments in the region. Despite these difficulties, food and shelter distributions have started, as well as the provision of health assistance, including through mobile health and nutrition teams. Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that urgent priorities remain shelter, medical supplies, drinking water, food and sanitation. Also, given that this is a country that was in conflict for many years, our colleagues at the Mine Action Service has warned that 25 square kilometres of land is contaminated by explosive ordnance in areas impacted by the earthquake. The needs remain immense, and the UN calls on all who are able to provide support to the earthquake response to do so. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory Turning to the Gaza Strip, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warn that further intensification of the continued offensive on Gaza City, amid ongoing famine, will push civilians into an even deeper catastrophe. Today, our colleagues supporting displacement sites warned that the escalating hostilities in Gaza City are having horrific humanitarian consequences for people living at these sites, many of whom were previously displaced from North Gaza. They say that many households are unable to move due to high costs and a lack of safe space to move to with older people and those with disabilities especially affected. Our partners report that between 14 and 31 August, more than 82,000 new displacements have been recorded, including nearly 30,000 of these people moving from north to south. Our partners describe conditions at displacement sites you can imagine as deplorable and overcrowded, with debris and waste accumulating near or within living areas. High temperatures have intensified these unsanitary conditions, leading to widespread rodent and insect infestations. As a result, there are mounting health risks, with children developing skin rashes. Water supplies are inadequate, leading to large crowds around distribution points that make it difficult for the most vulnerable to actually get the water. Delivery trucks are often unable to get to displacement sites, forcing families to travel long distances for water. OCHA tells us that inside Gaza, the UN and our partners' movements also continue to face impediments. Out of 16 missions coordinated with Israeli authorities yesterday, five faced extremely long delays before receiving the green light from the Israeli authorities to move, including efforts to collect supplies from the crossings. Despite the challenges, teams were able to pick up aid, including medical supplies and fuel from the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing. Two of the impeded missions were only able to be partially accomplished. Eight other humanitarian movements were facilitated yesterday, while three had to be cancelled by the organizers. Between 17 and 30 August, we and our partners collected over 6,900 metric tons of wheat flour, food parcels and bulk food supplies through daily convoys reaching the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem and Zikim crossings. They delivered 60 metric tons of concentrated fodder to 600 livestock holders. And they helped operate 99 community kitchens providing about 468,000 daily meals. To address malnutrition, they dispatched therapeutic formula in quantities sufficient to treat over 3,000 children for about six weeks; enough complementary food to support over 1,400 infants and young children for up to two weeks; and high-energy biscuits sufficient for 4,600 pregnant and breastfeeding women for two weeks. They also collected supplements and other nutrition supplies from the crossings. To support Gaza's crippled health system, we and our partners provided 10 haemodialysis machines and hospital beds in the south, distributed reproductive health kits and 16,000 packs of diapers, led a blood donation campaign, collected a range of medical items from the crossings, trained medical staff, and supported the evacuation of 82 of the thousands of patients who could not be treated with the available medical facilities in Gaza. To mitigate water, hygiene and sanitation concerns, our partners trucked 15,300 cubic metres of drinking water every day to over 1,600 collection points within Gaza. They also helped install a new desalination plant and rehabilitate two wells, and distributed hygiene kits to over 6,000 families across more than three dozen displacement sites. These are just some examples of the important work being done on the ground. But OCHA reminds us that overall, what aid workers are able to do is far from enough. A ceasefire is needed urgently, and so is the opening of all land routes for larger volumes of essential supplies including commercial ones and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. ** Lebanon Moving north to the situation in south Lebanon: I can tell you that we express our serious concern today about an incident that took place on 2 September in which Israel Defense Forces (IDF) drones dropped grenades in the vicinity of UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) peacekeepers who were carrying out mandated tasks in support of implementation of Security Council resolution 1701. Our peacekeepers in Lebanon said that this is one of the most serious attacks on UNIFIL personnel and assets since the cessation of hostilities agreement of last November. One grenade impacted within 20 metres and three within approximately 100 metres of UN personnel and vehicles. The drones were then observed returning south of the Blue Line. Thankfully, none of our colleagues were injured. We again stress that any acts that endanger the lives of the peacekeepers are, of course, completely unacceptable. He demands that the parties uphold their responsibilities to ensure the safety and security of the peacekeepers and inviolability of UN premises. ** Sudan Turning to Sudan, I can tell you that we very much welcome the announcement that the Adre border crossing from Chad will remain open for the movement of humanitarian supplies and personnel through the end of this year. Adre is an essential lifeline for millions of people mainly in the Darfur region, as well as parts of Kordofan. Our humanitarian colleagues report that since August of last year, more than 86,000 metric tons of vital aid have passed through this crossing point, which was enough to provide assistance to over 3.1 million people in that region. We remain committed to providing the much-needed support to people as access allows. Darfur, as you well know, has been hit hard by the devastating landslide in Jebel Marra. Our colleagues at the World Food Programme also tell us that they are doing everything possible to send aid, but the area is largely cut off by floods. Across Sudan in general, the heavy rains and flooding are making it even harder to deliver vital supplies. Fighting is also, of course, fuelling the spread of cholera and other infectious diseases. Once again, we reiterate that the only way forward is an immediate end to hostilities and coordinated diplomatic engagement for the sake of the people of Sudan. ** Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations A trip announcement to share with you from our friend, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the head of the department of Peace Operations here at the United Nations. He will be visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo from today I think he arrived today to 7 September. The mission follows his most recent visit in February-March this year and will serve to reaffirm our continued support for ongoing peace processes and the protection of civilians, in pursuit of peace and stability in the DRC and the greater Great Lakes region. Mr. Lacroix will begin his visit in Kinshasa tomorrow. There, he will meet with national authorities, including the President and the Prime Minister, as well as representatives of opposition parties and religious groups to exchange on recent political and security developments and the UN Mission's activities. Mr. Lacroix will then travel to Bunia, Ituri Province, where he will meet with provincial authorities, security actors, civil society, local communities, and, of course, his own UN Mission personnel. His programme will also include a stop at UN Mission's operating based in Fataki. Throughout his visit, Mr. Lacroix will emphasize the importance of sustained cooperation with Congolese partners, regional and international stakeholders, and underscore the UN Mission's continued support to peace and security efforts, in line with Security Council resolution 2746 (2024). ** Democratic Republic of the Congo Meanwhile, on what is going on in the eastern part of the DRC, and our humanitarian colleagues say that continued violence in the eastern province of South Kivu continues to claim civilian lives and drive new displacement. In the northern part of the province, in Kalehe territory, our partners on the ground report that clashes between armed groups persisted as recently as yesterday. According to local sources, at least 22 women were raped during armed clashes in several villages in the territory between 22 and 31 August. Our local partners report that the victims did not receive medical care within the critical 72-hour period following the incidents amid shortages of resources including medical supplies and security constraints. Sadly, due to recent funding cuts, more than half of the gender-based violence services have been suspended across the country. The violence also forced nearly 23,000 human beings to flee their homes which is in addition to the more than 128,000 people who already had been displaced in Kalehe between May and August of this year. In this territory, we and our humanitarian partners are providing nutrition support, health care and assistance in agricultural recovery. Meanwhile, in the neighbouring territory of Walungu, armed clashes between 24 and 27 August left at least 12 civilians dead and several others injured; that's what our local partners are telling us. The clashes also displaced more than 4,000 people. An estimated 100,000 displaced people in Walungu currently remain without assistance, as the deteriorating security situation has forced our humanitarian partners to suspend their operations in parts of the territory since early August. Access restrictions and severe funding shortfalls also are having a negative impact on the response. The 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan, which seeks $2.5 billion to assist 11 million people, is currently funded at less than 15 per cent, with only $376 million received to date. This shortage in funding severely limits our ability to reach all the people who are in desperate need. ** Education Lastly, I want to flag a pretty dramatic study from our friends at UNICEF, the UN Children's Fund. They warn that as global education funding faces steep cuts, an estimated 6 million additional children could be out of school by the end of 2026, around one third of them in humanitarian settings. The analysis notes that such a decline would push the number of out-of-school children worldwide from 272 million to 278 million. This is the equivalent of emptying every primary school in Germany and Italy combined. According to UNICEF, the Official Development Assistance (ODA) for education is projected to fall by $3.2 billion, with just three donor Governments accounting for nearly 80 per cent of the cuts. That's a 24 per cent drop from 2023. The analysis warns that essential services such as school feeding programmes, sometimes a child's only nutritious meal of the day, could see funding slashed by more than half, while support for girls' education is also set to decline significantly. Much more online from UNICEF. ** Questions and Answers Spokesman : Edie, then Dezhi. Question : Thank you, Steph. A couple of follow-ups. Yesterday talking about Yemen and the Houthis, you said that there was 19 detainees, and one an international staffer. Was that staffer released? Because today, you only mentioned 18. Spokesman : Yeah. I mentioned 18 nationals. Our international colleague remains unfree of movement, so we hope that will be resolved very quickly. Question : And you're not saying what country? Spokesman : No. Question : Okay. Secondly in Gaza, in all of these humanitarian movements, is the UN now able to get tents into Gaza? Spokesman : I have not seen any updates that we are able to bring in shelter settings, but I will double check for you. Question : And thirdly, on UNIFIL in South Lebanon, have senior UN officials been in contact with senior Israeli officials to condemn this attack? Spokesman : Yeah, I mean there is a nearly constant contact between UNIFIL, the IDF, as well as the LAF (Lebanese Armed Forces). There is a whole mechanism for that. Dezhi? Question : Yeah. My question on Venezuela. Yesterday, US President [Donald] Trump released a video of US striking a boat, what he calls drug smuggling boat from Venezuela. Any position from the Secretary-General on this incident? Spokesman : Yeah. I mean, we've obviously seen the announcement by the US President. We've seen the video. I can tell you that in general, we remain very concerned about the heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. It is important that there be de-escalation, and that a peaceful resolution of differences in accordance with international law and the Charter of the UN be found. Madame? [...] Question : Just a follow-up to that. Are there concerns about the legality of that attack? Any questions that have been raised? Spokesman : Look, I mean, I think we're not in a position to take a position on the legality. We're seeing issues relating to drug trade, to organized crime, and we all know that the transnational drug trade, transnational drug business poses a great threat to the region and beyond. What's important for us is that all those involved strengthen cooperation and constructive dialogue to ensure that efforts to deal with those threats of transnational crime are consistent with the rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights, cooperation and so on. Senor, and then we'll go back to... Correspondent : More on that. Spokesman : More on that. Yes. Question : It seem to assume that they were drug traffickers. You take it for granted that; how do we know, since they're all dead? Spokesman : We've seen the reports since the position we've taken. Pam? Question : Thanks, Steph. I know it's a little in advance and it's UNGA (United Nations General Assembly), but do you expect the Secretary-General to have a role in the climate summit that's announced for the days? I think it's just around UNGA... Spokesman : Yes. Question : As he always does. Spokesman : Yes. Climate being a big focus of his work. Okay. Abdelhamid, I think you had a question. Question : Yeah. Thank you, Stephane. First, I have noticed that the reporting on Gaza had come in toward the end of your briefing, which does not reflect the danger that Gaza is facing, especially after invading Gaza. And I want to ask you today, there's 50... [cross talk] Spokesman : I'm sorry. Say again, Abdelhamid. I didn't understand your first comments. Question : I'm asking you that are you lowering the ranking of reporting on Gaza in your briefing, toward the end almost? Does that reflect anything? Is that... [cross talk] Spokesman : Are you telling me in the terms of the order of the stories that I read out? I mean, first of all, you know, everyone, whether in any country that is facing danger, deserves to be heard, and we spend our briefings here bringing the stories of those whose stories are not covered and whose voices are not heard to the forefront. And I think I would advise you to listen to exactly what I said before making such an assumption. Your question? Question : Second thing is that I haven't heard the total number of people killed in Gaza and wounded for some time. Do you have the numbers? Spokesman : Those numbers are issued by the Gaza Ministry of Health, so I think those are publicly available. I was focusing the briefing on what we were able to do to try to help the people of Gaza, and I think the list of the detailed list, the granular list that I gave, I think should give you enough, all of you information to write something, hopefully. Madam Ibtisam, and then go ahead, please. Question : Just on the issue of the revoking of visas for PA (Palestinian Authority) officials, do you have any updates on any contact between the UN and the US, on that? You had said that... [cross talk] Spokesman : Yeah. I mean, we've raised this issue directly with United States authorities based obviously, as we've said, under their obligations under the Headquarters Agreement; we're trying to get some clarification. And obviously, you know, I think the possible consequences of this decision are very concerning indeed. Question : So, I just wanted to follow up. So, you did convey that this was... Spokesman : Yes. Yeah. Yes? Question : Thank you, Steph. With regard to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Conference that was in Tianjin in China: Secretary-General delivered a statement and so others, the leaders of the other participating nations. Does the Secretary-General have any reaction to the whole event after it's settled? And especially for the part that President of China spoke about, which is the AI governance. Spokesman : Well, I mean, I think the Secretary-General's reaction, so to speak, to the summit is very much included in every word that he uttered at the forum, at the meeting of the SCO. And the issue of AI governance is one that he has spoken about quite often with concern. But, obviously, we also welcome, you'll recall, the decision by the General Assembly to back the Secretary-General's own projects on AI governance. Alex? Question : Thanks, Steph. I have a follow-up on the visa question. Could you please tell us a little bit more about the participants of that meeting, especially from the US side? Spokesman : I can only speak from our side. It's from the Legal Counsel's office. Question : When and where it took place? Spokesman : Recently. I mean, I don't know if it was done by phone or in person with the US mission. Yep. Correspondent : Thank you. Spokesman : Yes, sir? Question : Thank you, Steph. Just to follow-up again on the attack near UNIFIL, the Israeli military responded, actually stating that it did not intentionally target the peacekeepers. Does the Secretary-General accept this explanation, which has been again a recurring narrative? Or more importantly, does he see it for what it is, as again, illegal? [cross talk] Spokesman : What I can tell you, whether or not they meant to do it or didn't mean to do it, what I can tell you is that the Israeli Defense Forces were fully informed in advance of the work that we were doing on road clearance, in that area near Marwahin. So that's our position. They knew exactly where we were, when we were going to be there, and obviously, we're relieved that no one was hurt, but this could have been very tragic indeed. Okay. Question : I have a question... Spokesman : Oh, sorry, Stefano and Iftikhar. I apologize. I'm just trying to get out. Question : Yeah. It's a follow-up on the UNIFIL incident or not incident. The Defence Minister of Italy, [Guido] Crosetto, he said that it's not an incident in a sense that Israel knew exactly what it was doing. So, my question at this point is, did this Crosetto, the Minister of Defence, had a conversation today with the Secretary-General or anybody from the UN that confirmed to him what you just said? Spokesman : He did not have a conversation with the Secretary-General. You should check with our colleagues in Peacekeeping whether or not anybody in UNIFIL and Peacekeeping had a conversation with Italian authorities. Iftikhar? Question : Thank you, Steph. Any update on the relief work, you know, of the earthquake in Afghanistan and the floods in Pakistan? Spokesman : Well, I can tell you the earthquake in Pakistan, I think we... Question : In Afghanistan. Spokesman : In the earthquake in Afghanistan, I read out what I had to read out. I can tell you that the Secretary-General is, is indeed very saddened by the massive loss of life that we've seen due to the floods in Pakistan and that the UN family as a whole is very much focused on supporting the Government of Pakistan, its relief efforts, and the people of Pakistan. And I expect a fuller statement to be released shortly on that. Okay. Now I'm out. Goodbye. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Afghanistan quake: Rescuers arrive on foot, survivors need everything 3 September 2025 - A massive assistance mission for earthquake survivors continued in Afghanistan on Wednesday as aid teams tackled blocked roads and downed communications lines in a bid to reach the most remote communities still in need of help. Latest updates from UN assessment teams who reached affected communities in mountainous Ghazi Abad district on foot on Tuesday underscored the urgent need to press on with the humanitarian response. "The issue of getting people out from under the rubble is urgent," said Salam Al-Jabani from the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, in Kabul. "People are saying what is urgently needed is people to help us bury the dead and get them out." Preliminary reports from Afghanistan's de facto authorities now indicate that at least 1,400 people were killed and more than 3,100 injured when a magnitude six earthquake struck northeastern regions late on Sunday. Casualty figures are expected to rise further as search and rescue teams reach affected areas, but some remote communities have yet to be reached. Access problems are the result of rockfalls and landslides triggered by the earthquake and heavy rains in the days before the disaster. "Our teams had to leave their cars and walk two hours to get to Ghazi Abad," explained Mr. Al-Jabani. "Other villages are six to seven hours' walk away and still not reached...not even by the local authorities' helicopters. Communications are also patchy or non-existent: "There is one cell tower near a health centre, otherwise it is dark," Mr. Al-Jabani continued. International response As part of the international response, the UN has dispatched at least 25 assessment teams to the affected region and boosted humanitarian air service flights from Kabul. For its part, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, is deploying prepositioned essential relief items from stockpiles in Kabul, including tents, blankets and solar lamps. Immediate priority needs include emergency shelter, medical supplies, drinking water and emergency food assistance. But "getting medicines in is very hard...They are bringing essentials only on foot" from the nearest UNICEF-supported hospital, Mr. Al-Jabani noted. Health care provision remains fragile, with medical staff at one damaged centre in Ghazi Abad with clearly visible cracks in the walls now treating people "outside, under trees", as they are too afraid to stay inside, he added. It is understood that thousands of local community members are now surging into the area to help the search and rescue effort, bringing with them water and food. "People in their thousands are moving in and out of the area," the UNICEF official noted. Funding shortfall crisis While the immediate focus is on finding and helping survivors, funding shortages for humanitarian work in Afghanistan and beyond have fuelled concerns that lifesaving relief work may soon be curtailed. "[The UN World Food Programme (WFP)] can only afford to feed earthquake victims for a few more weeks before funding runs out; this is not long enough to cater to their immediate needs nor to put them on a path to rebuilding their lives," said the agency's top official in Kabul, John Aylieff. "We need donors to step in urgently and help us support families which have been devastated by this tragedy." Of the $2.4 billion in funding required to support aid and development programmes in Afghanistan this year, only $685.8 million has been provided by donors, according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA. Exhausted rescue workers Many Afghan women are among the first responders "working up to 18 hours a day, travelling on foot to speak directly with women and girls", UN Women said. "It's exhausting work - and it's impossible for them to reach everyone who needs help," explained UN Women Afghanistan Special Representative, Susan Ferguson. The UN agency is already working in quake-affected areas with partners to assess immediate needs and prioritize emergency cash assistance and the distribution of essential items including tarpaulins, soap and feminine hygiene products. "In a context like Afghanistan, it is essential that women are delivering assistance to women and girls," Ms. Ferguson noted, adding that in the 2023 Herat earthquake, nearly six out of 10 people killed were women, and nearly two in three of those injured were women. "Cultural restrictions can make it harder for women to access support and services - as we have seen with the Afghan women returnees from Iran and Pakistan," the UN Women official stressed. "Women humanitarians are vital to overcome these barriers. Without them, too many women and girls will miss out on lifesaving assistance." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory Intensifying offensive in Gaza city imperils civilians OCHA warns that further intensification of the continued offensive on Gaza city, amid ongoing famine, will push civilians - already battered and bereaved - into an even deeper catastrophe that world leaders must act decisively to prevent. Today, partners supporting displacement sites warned that the escalating hostilities in Gaza city are having horrific humanitarian consequences for people living at these sites, many of whom were previously displaced from North Gaza. They say that many households are unable to move due to high costs and a lack of safe space to move to - with older people and those with disabilities especially affected. Partners report that between 14 and 31 August, more than 82,000 new displacements have been recorded, including nearly 30,000 movements from north to south. They describe conditions at displacement sites as deplorable and overcrowded, with debris and waste accumulating near or within living areas. High temperatures have intensified these unsanitary conditions, leading to widespread rodent and insect infestations. As a result, there are mounting health risks, with children developing skin rashes. Water supplies are inadequate, leading to large crowds around distribution points that make it difficult for the most vulnerable to reach supplies. Delivery trucks are often unable to access displacement sites, forcing families to travel long distances for water. OCHA reports that inside Gaza, the UN and its partners' movements also continue to face impediments. Out of 16 missions coordinated with Israeli authorities yesterday, five faced extremely long delays before receiving the green light from the Israeli authorities to move - including efforts to collect supplies from the crossings. Despite the challenges, teams were able to pick up aid - including medical supplies - as well as fuel from the Kerem Shalom crossing. Two of the impeded missions - which aimed to pick up food assistance from the crossings - were only able to be partially accomplished. Eight other humanitarian movements were facilitated yesterday, while three had to be canceled by the organizers. Today, OCHA reported on what the UN and its humanitarian partners have been able to deliver, despite the ongoing impediments, during the latter two weeks of last month, between 17 and 30 August: To address famine and food insecurity, they collected over 6,900 metric tons of wheat flour, food parcels and bulk food supplies - through daily convoys reaching Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings. They delivered 60 metric tons of concentrated fodder to 600 livestock holders, and helped operate 99 community kitchens providing 468,000 daily meals. To address malnutrition, they dispatched therapeutic formula in quantities sufficient to treat over 3,000 children for about six weeks; enough complementary food to support over 1,400 infants and young children for up to two weeks; and high-energy biscuits sufficient for 4,600 pregnant and breastfeeding women for two weeks. They also collected supplements and other nutrition supplies from the crossings. To support Gaza's crippled health system, they provided 10 hemodialysis machines and hospital beds in the south, distributed reproductive health kits and 16,000 packs of diapers, led a blood donation campaign, collected a range of medical items from the crossings, trained medical staff, and supported the evacuation of 82 of the thousands of patients who could not be treated in Gaza. To mitigate water, hygiene and sanitation concerns, partners trucked 15,300 cubic metres of drinking water every day to over 1,600 collection points across the Strip. They also helped install a new desalination plant and rehabilitate two wells, and distributed hygiene kits to over 6,000 families across more than three dozen displacement sites. These are just some examples of the important work being done on the ground in Gaza. However, OCHA stresses that overall, what aid workers are able to do is far from enough. A ceasefire is urgently needed, as is the opening of all land routes for larger volumes of essential supplies - including commercial ones. This must include convoys that go directly and unimpeded to the north and to Gaza city, where people desperately need support. Afghanistan Aftershocks cause further hardship for earthquake-affected families OCHA says that following the earthquake in Afghanistan over the weekend, assessments and response efforts continue amid challenging conditions. Aftershocks last night in Chakway and Nurgal districts - two of the most affected districts of Kunar province - are causing further hardship, with many families staying outdoors. They also impact rescue efforts and assessments in the region. Despite the difficult conditions, food and shelter distributions have started, as well as the provision of health assistance, including through mobile health and nutrition teams. Shelter, medical supplies, drinking water, food and sanitation remain urgent priorities. The UN Mine Action Service has warned that 25 square kilometres of land are contaminated by explosive ordnance in areas affected by the earthquake. Needs remain immense, and the UN calls on all who are able to provide support to the earthquake response*. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Afghanistan with urgent support. Democratic Republic of the Congo Civilians flee deadly clashes in eastern DRC OCHA says that continued violence in the eastern province of South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to claim civilian lives and drive new displacement. In the northern part of the province, in Kalehe territory, partners on the ground report that clashes between armed groups persisted as recently as yesterday. According to local sources, at least 22 women were raped during armed clashes in several villages of the territory between 22 and 31 August. Local partners report that the victims did not receive medical care within the critical 72-hour period following the incidents amid shortages of resources - including medical supplies - and security constraints. Due to recent funding cuts, more than half of gender-based violence services have been suspended across the country. The violence also forced nearly 23,000 people to flee their homes, adding to the more than 128,000 already displaced in Kalehe between May and August of this year. Meanwhile, in the neighbouring territory of Walungu, armed clashes between 24 and 27 August left at least 12 civilians dead and several others injured, according to local partners. The clashes also displaced more than 4,000 people. An estimated 100,000 displaced people in Walungu currently remain without assistance, as the deteriorating security situation has forced humanitarian partners to suspend their operations in parts of the territory since early August. In Kalehe territory, the UN and its humanitarian partners are providing nutrition support, health care and assistance in agricultural recovery. Access restrictions and severe funding shortfalls continue to hamper the response. The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which seeks US$2.5 billion to assist 11 million people, is currently funded at less than 15 per cent, with $376 million received to date. This shortage in funding severely limits humanitarians' ability to reach all people in desperate need. Sudan Use of Adre border crossing extended for humanitarian movements OCHA welcomes the announcement that the Adre border crossing from Chad will remain available through the end of the year for the movement of humanitarian supplies and personnel into Sudan. Adre is a lifeline for millions of people in the Darfur region, as well as parts of Kordofan. Since August last year, more than 86,000 metric tons of vital aid has passed through this crossing point - enough to provide assistance to over 3.1 million people. Posted on 3 September 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Springfield Returns to Guam Following Indo-Pacific Deployment US Navy 03 September 2025 From Lt. James Caliva, Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 NAVAL BASE GUAM (August 31, 2025) -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) returned to its homeport, August 31, after completing a routine deployment in the Indo-Pacific, reaffirming its vital role in maintaining security and stability in the region. "USS Springfield showcases the strength and professionalism of our submarine force, playing a critical role in sustaining a free and open Indo-Pacific," said Capt. Neil Steinhagen, commander, Submarine Squadron 15. "The crew's readiness, warfighting excellence, and dedication to the mission reflect our enduring commitment to regional security and embody their motto, United for Freedom." During the deployment, Springfield conducted missions vital to national security, enhanced operational capabilities, reinforced deterrence across the Indo-Pacific, and made port visits to Sasebo and Okinawa, Japan. "Whatever the mission demanded, this crew delivered," said Cmdr. Greg Storer, commanding officer of USS Springfield. "Their resilience, precision, and teamwork ensured we remained operationally ready at every turn. I couldn't be prouderevery Sailor's contribution was essential to our success, and together they proved why our submarine force remains second to none." During the deployment, 31 Springfield Sailors advanced in rank and 19 earned their submarine warfare insigniacommonly known as "dolphins" or "fish." The insignia signifies qualification to operate at the highest standards of the undersea force and reflects mastery of their watch stations and responsibilities. "This deployment tested our crew in every way, and they answered the call," said Master Chief Information Systems Technician (Communications) Chris Ries, Springfield's chief of the boat. "They worked as one team, stayed steady under pressure, and showed exactly what makes our Sailors the strength of this submarine." Springfield's return was marked by the Navy's time-honored "first kiss" and "first hug" traditions, with Culinary Specialist (Submarine) 2nd Class Dimitri Rathke receiving the first kiss and Sonar Technician (Submarine) 1st Class Zachary Bergeron receiving the first hug. Commissioned Jan. 9, 1993, USS Springfield is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name, honoring the cities of Springfield, Illinois, and Springfield, Massachusetts. Assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, Springfield is one of five forward-deployed fast-attack submarines. Renowned for their speed, endurance, stealth, and mobility, fast-attack submarines are the backbone of the Navy's submarine force. Regarded as apex predators of the sea, Guam's fast-attack submarines serve at the tip of the spear, reaffirming the submarine force's forward-deployed presence in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Tells Nawrocki US Ready To Bolster Forces In Poland, With Eye On Russia By RFE/RL September 04, 2025 US President Donald Trump told his Polish counterpart the United States was ready to increase its military presence in the Central European nation, one of the countries on NATO's so-called "eastern flank" warily watching Russia's actions. Trump welcomed conservative President Karol Nawrocki to Washington in an event highlighted by a flyover of US F-16 fighter jets honoring a Polish military pilot who had died last month in a crash. Asked if he planned to keep US forces deployed to Poland, Trump replied in the affirmative. "We'll put more there if they want," he added, while citing the United States' "tremendous relationship" with Poland, one of the more important military and political allies of Ukraine during its war with Russia. "We never even thought in terms of removing soldiers from Poland." "We're with Poland all the way, and we'll help Poland protect itself," Trump added. Warsaw has long sought an increased US military presence in Poland. The United States has based troops in Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and other European nations since the end of World War II, initially to serve as a deterrence to Soviet aggression on the Continent. The first permanently stationed US troops arrived in Poland in March 2023. There are an estimated 8,000 US troops now garrisoned in Poland, some on a rotational basis. Nawrocki added that it is "the first time in history" that Poland has been happy to host foreign troops. Nawrocki, a vocal admirer of the US leader, said after the talks with Trump that the two presidents had discussed bolstering troop levels, adding that Trump had strongly guaranteed Poland's security. "The success of his [Nawrocki's] special relationship with the MAGA movement and with President Trump would be if the United States increased its presence in Poland," Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski told reporters a day earlier -- a reference to Trump's "Make America Great Again" movement. Nawrocki was elected in a narrow contest following a campaign echoing many of Trump's slogans and had promised a "Poland first" policy, worrying some in Europe over the country's support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. The election result dealt a major setback to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a pro-Europe, centrist leader and vocal supporter of Ukraine who had backed Nawrocki's liberal opponent. Nawrocki, too, has voiced support for Ukraine in its war against invading Russian forces. But he has said he opposes NATO membership for Ukraine, a view more and more Poles appear to share. Although largely supportive of Kyiv's fight against Russia, many Poles have grown impatient with the influx of some 1.5 million Ukrainian war refugees and the related costs in the country. Despite some tensions within the Polish leadership, the European Union, and the United States, Nawrocki said there is unity and clarity about the Russian threat. "Regardless of the differences that exist within the European Union, regardless of the differences that exist in Poland between me and the Polish government, I guarantee that on security matters, including at this closed meeting, I spoke unequivocally about how I perceive [Russian President] Vladimir Putin and the threat he poses to the free world," Nawrocki said. Trump said that "you'll see things happen" if Putin does not move toward peace in his war on Ukraine, building on his long-standing threats of sanctions or tariffs on Moscow. "I have no message to President Putin. He knows where I stand, and he'll make a decision one way or the other," Trump told reporters. A White House official told AFP that Trump plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 4, along with other European leaders. Zelenskyy and Kyiv's European allies in the "Coalition of the Willing" are scheduled to meet on September 4 in Paris to discuss the situation in Ukraine and potential security guarantees for the country following any peace deal with Russia. With reporting by Reuters, AP, dpa, and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/nawrocki-trump-poland- ukraine-nato-troops-russia/33520960.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 03 September 2025 - Day 1288 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 UK Ministry of Defence reported that Ukrainian Government officials have stated that Russia is conscripting young Ukrainians into the Russian military once they turn 18, significant numbers of which were abducted from illegally invaded and occupied Ukrainian territories as children. Some are then reportedly being forced to take a direct part in the conflict against their fellow Ukrainians. More than 19,500 Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred or deported by the Russian authorities to mainland Russia and the illegally occupied territory of Crimea, with some open source reports estimating the total number deported to be as high as 35,000. An estimated 6,000 Ukrainian children have been relocated to a network of re-education camps, from which they are reportedly sent on to military training depots when they reach their late teens. The Russian senior leadership almost certainly views, at least in part, abducted Ukrainian children as a potential source of both current, and future personnel for the Russian military. The Russian senior leadership highly likely perceives that their potential deaths in the Russian military will entail minimal if any objection or protest from the Russian public, the vast majority of whom have limited if any awareness of the abductions. The abduction and forced conscription of Ukrainian children into the Russian military fits into the Russian senior leadership's long-standing Russification policy in illegally occupied Ukrainian territory, which seeks to extirpate Ukrainian culture, identity and statehood. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that since the beginning of this day, there have been 147 combat clashes. Today the occupiers made 4 rockets and 51 aviation strikes, applied 28 rockets, dropped 80 controlled air bombs. In addition, the Russians involved 2069 kamikaze drones and carried out 3574 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. Ukrainian defenders repelled five Russian attacks in the North-Slobozhansky and Kursky directions. Since the beginning of the day, the Russian enemy has launched 8 air strikes, dropped 24 controlled air bombs in total and carried out 243 artillery shells, including three from the reactive systems of the arson fire. In the South-Slobozhansky direction, Ukrainian troops stopped eight Russian attacks in the area of the settlement of Vovchansk and in the direction of Kutkivka, another combat is still ongoing. In the Kupyansky direction, Russian forces committed five offensive actions in the area of the settlement Zagrizove and towards Kupyansk, Petropavlivki. So far, one combat is being sharpened. In the Lyman direction during the day, Russian invaders 34 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians near the settlements of Novomikhailivka, Ridkodub, Karpivka, Kolodyazi, Torske, Serebryanka and in the direction of the New Mir, Shandrigolovy, Drobishevy, Yampol, Dronivka, Siversk. Three fighting clashes are still ongoing. In the Sivers komu direction, the Defense Forces repelled five Russian attacks near Grigorivka and towards Serebryanka, Viymki. Seven combat clashes are currently recorded in the Kramators komu direction. Russian Zagarbnik tried to move towards the settlements of Pazeno and Stupocka. One fight is being sharpened so far. In the Toretsky direction, Russians attacked the positions of Defense Forces five times. The main efforts of the invasion were concentrated by the occupiers in the areas of the settlements of Diliyivka, Cherbinivka, Katerynivka and towards Pleschiyivka and Poltavka. In the Pokrovsky direction Russian zagarbnicki units 49 times tried to break through Ukrainian defense in the areas of settlements Shahove, Zapovidne, Zatishok, Fedorivka, Novoekonomicne, Mirolubivka, Lisivka, Kotline, Udaachne, Gorihove and in the direction of settlements New Donbas, Rodinske, Mirnograd, Beam, Dry Yar, Pokrovsk, Zvirove, Molodetske. Four combat clashes are ongoing so far. Today in this direction Ukrainian warriors zneshkodili 131 occupiers, of them 84 - bezovorotno. Three motorcycles, three units of automotive equipment, a special equipment unit, a cannon, 68 unmanned aircraft were also destroyed and a motorcycle, a canon, six shelters for the Russian enemy's personnel were damaged. In the Novopavlivka direction, the Russian enemy attacked 10 times in the areas of settlements Yalta, Zeleny Gai, Voskresrenko, Komishuvakha and in the direction of Novomikhailivka. One enemy attack is still going on. In the gulyajpils komu direction from the beginning of the day, the Russian enemy did not carry out offensive actions. In the Orikhiv direction, Russian forces made two attempts to break through the defense of Ukrainian defenders in the direction of settlements Novodanilivka and Plavna. In the Pridniprovsk direction, the Russian opponent once attacked towards the settlement of Antonivka. In other directions, the situation has not changed significantly. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DHS Terminates 2021 Designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status Release Date: September 3, 2025 WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem today announced the termination of the 2021 designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela, which will expire on Sept. 10, 2025. The termination will be effective 60 days after the publication of the Federal Register notice. At least 60 days before a TPS designation expires, the secretary of homeland security, after consultation with appropriate U.S. government agencies, must review the conditions in a country designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions supporting the designation continue to be met and, if so, how long to extend the designation. "Given Venezuela's substantial role in driving irregular migration and the clear magnet effect created by Temporary Protected Status, maintaining or expanding TPS for Venezuelan nationals directly undermines the Trump Administration's efforts to secure our southern border and manage migration effectively," said a DHS Spokesperson. "Weighing public safety, national security, migration factors, immigration policy, economic considerations, and foreign policy, it's clear that allowing Venezuelan nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is not in America's best interest." After conferring with interagency partners, Secretary Noem determined conditions in Venezuela no longer meet the TPS statutory requirements. The secretary's decision was based on a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services review of the conditions in Venezuela and in consultation with the Department of State. The secretary has determined the termination of the 2021 Venezuela Temporary Protected Status designation is required because it is contrary to the national interest. Venezuelan nationals leaving the United States are encouraged to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app to report their departure from the United States and take advantage of a safe, secure way to self-deport that includes a complimentary plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus, and potential future opportunities for legal immigration. # # # NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Grand Jury Indicts Three U.S. Citizens, 22 Chinese Nationals, Four Chinese Pharmaceutical Companies in International Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering Conspiracies Wednesday, September 3, 2025 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs The Justice Department announced today that a federal grand jury in Dayton, Ohio, returned charges against dozens of defendants, including Chinese nationals and companies, in narcotics and money laundering conspiracies involving illegal cutting agents. "Protecting Americans from fentanyl is one of this Department's most important missions and it starts with dismantling the international pipelines that bring deadly drugs and precursor to our shores," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "We will not rest until we stop Chinese companies from shipping poison to our citizens and bring everyone involved in this lethal trade to swift, complete justice." "Our indictment alleges that Chinese companies and affiliated foreign nationals intentionally and openly marketed, delivered, and exported to the United States controlled substances and other compounds that they knew would be used by domestic drug dealers to increase the yield and potency of fentanyl distributed in this country," said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Dominick S. Gerace II. "As explained in court documents, these deadly drug mixtures were then sold directly into our communities here in southern Ohio." "Today's announcement marks a first-of-its-kind international operation for the FBI targeting the fentanyl plague that has killed tens of thousands of Americans and indicting the companies and individuals in mainland China that manufacture the precursor chemicals fueling the destruction of our communities," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "This operation has already seized enough fentanyl powder to kill 70 million Americans and enough fentanyl pills to kill another 270,000. And we have now indicted the Chinese precursor companies and exposed the funding streams that facilitate this deadly trade." According to charging documents, from at least 2022 until present, Eric Michael Payne, 39, of Tipp City, Ohio, served as a main supplier of illegal cutting agents to fentanyl traffickers operating in southern Ohio. Payne allegedly purchased several kilogram shipments of the cutting agents from multiple Chinese companies purporting to be online pharmacies and legitimate chemical companies. It is believed that the U.S. defendants purchased from the Chinese companies at least 10 kilograms of fentanyl cutting agents, which, in turn, could yield more than 150 kilograms of fentanyl mixture bound for street-level sales in southern Ohio. The cutting agents included animal tranquilizers up to 200 times more powerful than morphine. The companies allegedly used a series of Chinese foreign nationals located overseas to solicit, negotiate, and secure payments for illegal cutting agents from U.S. customers. It is alleged the foreign nationals generally directed U.S. customers to pay for the cutting agents using cryptocurrency transferred to crypto wallets under the foreign national's control for ultimate deposit into financial institutions located overseas. Payne's significant other, Auriyon Tresan Rayford, 24, also of Tipp City, Ohio, and Ciandrea Bryne Davis, 39, of Atlanta, allegedly assisted Payne in transferring more than $60,000 in cryptocurrency to Chinese foreign nationals associated with the Chinese companies since 2022. Rayford also allegedly allowed illegal substances to be stored at her residence in Ohio. All the defendants are charged with conspiring with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl mixture and conspiring to launder money internationally. Payne is also charged with possessing with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl mixture and tampering with evidence. Rayford is charged with maintaining a drug-involved premises. The Chinese companies and nationals charged include: Guangzhou Tengyue Chemical Company, Ltd., Guanghzou Wanjiang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Hebei Hongjun New Material Technology Co., Ltd., Hebei Feilaimi Technology Co., Ltd., Lihui Zhao, FNU LNU a/k/a "Anna Sofia," Shanhong Jiang, Yan Yang, Fengdi Zhang, Dehui Xia, Xing Wu Chen, Qing Lin Wang, Xiaojun Huang, Meixiang Yao, Zhanpeng Huang, Yuqing Feng, Dongjing Sun, Chengqi Nong, Tiduo Wei, Zhisong Nie, Jichao Zhu, Zhengzhe Yin, Changgen Du, Hongfei Wang, Huatao Yao, and Xuening Gao. Concurrent with the charges brought against this network, the U.S. Department of the Treasury today has imposed sanctions on one of these Chinese companies, Guangzhou Tengyue, and two of its representatives, Zhanpeng Huang and Xiaojun Huang, targeting them pursuant to Treasury's counternarcotics authorities. Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth McCormick are representing the United States in this case. An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NDIA SWF: USSPACECOM leaders emphasize allied, commercial integration as critical to counter space threats United States Space Force Published Sept. 3, 2025 U.S. Space Command Public Affairs COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AFNS) -- U.S. Space Command leaders convened at the National Defense Industrial Association Space Warfighting Forum, Colorado Springs, August 26-28. The three-day forum brought together industry, allied military space professionals and leaders from across the Department of Defense for both a classified and an unclassified day. The classified day focused on threats, and participants received a tour of USSPACECOM's Capability Assessment and Validation Environment and the Joint Commercial Operations cell. The unclassified day's discussion focused on the importance of leveraging commercial capabilities and the role of technology. During USSPACECOM Commander Gen. Stephen Whiting's closing remarks he emphasized the need to prepare for potential conflict with near-peer adversaries in space. "If we have a near peer fight, we know that that will include space conflict," Whiting said. "I don't like to say a space war, because that conflict in space will be part of the broader war, but it'll be the first time that we truly have had space be contested by near-peer actors." Whiting laid out a stark warning about the evolving nature of space, shifting from a primarily supporting domain to a potential battleground. He emphasized that space operations are no longer simply about enhancing terrestrial fights, but about orbital warfare itself. Understanding the deployment of both friendly and adversarial systems in orbit is crucial for effective defense. This sentiment was echoed by Lt. Gen. Tom James, USSPACECOM deputy commander, who emphasized the fundamental need to safeguard space capabilities by highlighting a recent quote from U.S. Navy Adm. Christopher Grady, vice chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, at the NDIA's annual Emerging Technologies Conference. "He was asked what's the most important technologies we should focus on. He said, 'anything in space.' That's a lot of stuff. Space is the most important domain. It will enable everything terrestrial," James said. To succeed in this threat environment, Whiting outlined the "Elements of Victory," five key objectives essential to the U.S. and its partners' integrated space enterprise to ensure success. He also stressed that 'no one command, service, department, agency or company' can do all of what the U.S. must do in space, and he called for the integration, deconfliction and synchronization of all capabilities. "We've got to have the concepts, the systems-and having rehearsed all of that-to be ready to execute on the worst day that any of our nations have ever faced in space," Whiting said. Thomas Lockhart, USSPACECOM director of the Capability and Resource Integration Directorate (J8), and Richard Palmer, deputy director of the J8, reinforced the importance of integrating capabilities and modernizing command and control during panel discussions. Lockhart addressed the need for threat-informed technology development. He highlighted the CAVE as a tool for commercial partners to integrate and test their technology within a realistic environment to improve decision-making. The CAVE is a versatile, integrated platform that provides model-based engineering and mission engineering, analysis, simulations and visualization tools to support a wide range of activities, from mission planning to communicating threats to stakeholders. It brings different levels of analysis and modeling together in a unified environment, adapting to the specific needs of the users. Lockhart also emphasized the importance of the JCO cell. The JCO includes commercial mission partners in the Americas, Europe and the Pacific, who provide Space Domain Awareness information to the joint force, allies and partner nations' warfighters. Recent discussions have further emphasized the need for continued international collaboration in space security. Lockhart shared USSPACECOM's efforts to address this critical area. "I'd say that we're working to achieve 'allied by design' on USSPACECOM's Multination Force Operation Olympic Defender. MNF OOD is still in early expansion for multinational space defense, breaking down policy barriers to enhance allied integration and expand Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales in Space. Achieving 'allied by design' will unify an effective coalition strategy focusing on the space fight in a more cohesive and comprehensive manner." Looking ahead, Whiting said he aims to synergize efforts across stakeholders and bolster the resilience of space architectures. He also wants to explore ways the U.S. can collaborate with a broader range of partners, including advancing MNF OOD. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Growlers, Hornets deploy to Philippines for first time By Flying Officer Aarron Dann 3 September 2025 The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has taken air combat capability to the next level, deploying EA-18G Growlers and F/A-18F Super Hornets to the Philippines for the first time as part of Exercise Alon 2025. Based at Clark Air Base on Luzon, the combat aircraft and aviators operated alongside Philippine Air Force FA-50PH fighter jets in complex air combat training serials. Deploying advanced fighter and electronic warfare aircraft into the Philippines required the coordinated effort of more than 120 personnel across the Air Task Group (ATG) in close cooperation with the Philippine Air Force. The deployment demonstrates Australia's ability not only to operate its fast jets from home soil, but to project capability at pace into the region. Commander ATG Wing Commander Sal said the achievement highlighted Australia's ability to deliver decisive effects abroad. "Getting the Growlers and the Super Hornets here took a lot of effort from everybody," Wing Commander Sal said. "We've proven that we can rapidly mobilise, integrate and generate combat air power in an overseas location, and do it well." Exercise Alon provided a platform for Australia and the Philippines to strengthen defence ties and build real-world interoperability across multiple domains. As part of the exercise, RAAF Growlers and Super Hornets flew dissimilar air combat tactics (DACT) and basic flight manoeuvres (BFM) with the Philippine Air Force, while RAAF P-8A Poseidons, KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transports, C-17A Globemasters and C-130J Hercules supported joint maritime, airlift and refuelling missions. The exercise also enabled the Philippine Air Force to demonstrate its expanding capabilities with A-29B Super Tucanos, T-129 ATAK and AW-109 attack helicopters, Black Hawk utility helicopters and SOKOL multipurpose helicopters. Commander ATG emphasised the importance of training together to continue to build on these close working relationships. "Australia and the Philippines have long shared a united stance on freedom of manoeuvre and regional security," Wing Commander Sal said. "Working together here reinforces our commitment to that. "Having Australian and Philippine aircrews working side by side in Philippine skies is more than training, it shows we can operate together, can respond together and we will stand together to protect regional security." Exercise Alon ran from August 15 to 29 as a tangible demonstration of Australia's enduring commitment to the rules-based global order and to the sovereignty and security of its regional partners. It is the largest overseas military exercise for Australia in 2025 with more than 3600 personnel participating from the ADF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as well as elements of the Royal Canadian Navy and the United States Marine Corps, Marine Rotation Force - Darwin. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ADF joins Pacific Islands in fishing fight By Flight Lieutenant Madeleine Magee 3 September 2025 Air Force has completed the deployment of a C-27J Spartan aircraft and crew to the Solomon Islands for a two-week mission in support of regional fishing protection. Since 1979, member nations of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) have banded together to seek the greatest possible social and economic benefits from sustainable offshore fisheries. In recent years, and throughout 2025, the ADF has assisted by posting permanent ADF personnel to positions within the FFA and by participation in Operation Solania. FFA Operations Officer Commander Khan Beaumont, of the Royal Australian Navy, explained the role of the FFA and how the ADF contributes to the agency. "The role of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency is to provide fisheries advice and guidance to its 17 Pacific Islands member nations," Commander Beaumont said. "The ADF plays a crucial role for the FFA, under the banner of Operation Solania, whereby we have ADF assets that provide surveillance assistance to our Pacific partners. "35 Squadron in particular has had a pivotal role in the operation for a number of years now. The squadron has regularly deployed to many of the islands in the Pacific to conduct fisheries operations and surveillance on behalf of the FFA." With the security of Australia's regional partners being a major part of the National Defence Strategy, operations conducted by the FFA give opportunities for the ADF to collaborate and build stronger relationships with those countries most crucial to the prosperity of the region. Exemplifying the multilateralism of the FFA, Squadron Leader Ashley Wilson of the Royal New Zealand Airforce explained how working alongside Australia and other agency members created a unified Pacific region. "The member nations of the FFA, not just in Honiara but all over the Pacific region, have worked hard over the past two weeks to make the most of the assets we have available," Squadron Leader Wilson said. "It really is a joint effort. From those in the sky doing surveillance, to those on the water conducting boardings, to the 33 people at the Operations Centre. Everyone has come together in an attempt to ensure the future of the region's resources." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Surveillance and control training now live By Flight Lieutenant Jody Blakeley 3 September 2025 Air Force's Surveillance and Control Training Unit (SACTU) has reintroduced live air battle management and fighter control duties to its training continuum in a significant milestone for the ABM category. Live control is a critical component of the Air Battle Manager Basic Course and this change is a pivotal step in preparing the next generation of war fighters to ensure air battle managers are better prepared to undertake integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) duties in defence of Australia and its national interests. Seven students from 205 Air Battle Manager Basic Course participated in live control from RAAF Base Williamtown as part of Exercise Arnhem Thunder 2025. The exercise serves as one of the final evaluations for students before they complete their Initial Employment Training (IET) and are posted to operational units including 114 Mobile and Control Reporting Unit, 3 Control and Reporting Unit, 1 Space Surveillance Unit, 1 Remote Sensor Unit and 2 Squadron. The Air Battle Manager Basic Course spans more than four months and combines intensive theoretical and practical assessments designed to equip trainees with the skills needed to execute complex air warfare activities confidently. These include defensive counter air, offence counter air, force marshalling and IAMD scenarios. Commanding Officer SACTU Wing Commander Andy Boeree said the reintroduction of live control emphasised SACTU's commitment to "operationalising" the workforce and "developing the decision maker". "The updated courseware ensures graduates are operationally ready and supports Chief of Air Force's intent to 'Preserve the Force' by delivering the most operationally prepared and strategically focused graduates to Air Force tactical units," Wing Commander Boeree said. The successful recommencement of live control serials reflects SACTU's recent revisions to the training continuum. This outcome better aligns IET with the National Defence Strategy to produce highly capable Air Force air battle managers and Royal Australian Navy fighter controllers for the joint force. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WA defence industry gets capability boost By Claudia Henry 3 September 2025 Execution of a Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA) between Defence and a newly established strategic shipbuilder, Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia Pty Ltd (Austal Defence Australia), marks a significant milestone in the Henderson Consolidation Program. As the strategic shipbuilder for Henderson, Western Australia, Austal Defence Australia will bring together the local industrial base and supply chain to develop the sovereign skills and resources required to deliver key shipbuilding projects. "Having a strategic shipbuilder will accelerate capability delivery and bolster Australia's sovereign shipbuilding industry," Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group, David Hanley, said. The execution of the SSA on August 28 represents a significant milestone in the delivery of continuous naval shipbuilding in WA, and of the strategic priorities under the 2024 National Defence Strategy. "The SSA will facilitate a continuous pipeline of shipbuilding work that offers local industry improved visibility of demand, and opportunities for upskilling through a more coordinated approach to shipbuilding." The SSA will also incentivise investment in the industrial capability of the Henderson Defence Precinct, reduce time delays by boosting continuous shipbuilding capability, and enable long-term planning and confidence for local industry. The SSA is a collaborative contracting agreement designed to streamline procurement processes for contracts awarded to the strategic shipbuilder by establishing an umbrella of pre-agreed terms and conditions, while complying with the Commonwealth procurement rules. Through the SSA pilot program, the strategic shipbuilder will initially focus on the delivery of new maritime vessels to support Army's littoral manoeuvre capabilities, the Landing Craft Medium, and, subject to Government approval and commercial negotiations, the Landing Craft Heavy. This approach will provide industry at Henderson, and the broader Australian industrial base that supports shipbuilding, with greater long-term certainty to invest into shipbuilding infrastructure, workforce and supply chains. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press conference - Parliament House, Canberra Transcript Wednesday 3 September 2025 Parliament House, Canberra Prime Minister Anthony Albanese The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia The Hon Mark Butler MP Minister for Health and Ageing ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning everyone. I am absolutely delighted to be joined here by Professor Richard Scolyer and Gail O'Brien, and today I am pleased to announce that my Government will build on Professor Richards Scolyer's contribution to brain cancer research and advocacy. We will invest $5.9 million to establish the Richard Scolyer Chair in Brain Cancer Research at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse in Sydney. The Chris O'Brien Lifehouse is an amazing world-class facility named in honour of another extraordinary Australian who made such an incredible contribution. This investment will support a number of research positions, including a professorial chair as well as postdoctoral fellows, research assistants, and PhD scholarships along with research costs. It will be done in partnership with the University of Sydney and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Professor Richard Scolyer is an extraordinary Australian and it has been an honour for me to get to know Richard over the past couple of years since his very fine choice as Australian of the Year. For so many Australians, his story has resonated so deeply. Professor Scolyer is a renowned pathologist, a melanoma researcher who has made remarkable contributions to Australian medical research, particularly in the field of melanoma and skin cancer as Australian of the Year in 2024, along with his research partner, Professor Georgina Long. Professor Scolyer represents the very best of this country. Skill, tenacity and courage are embodied in this fine Australian, inspiring so many Australians through his own cancer journey after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer in 2023. In the face of that, he's carried on his work, his advocacy and his leadership. The courage he has shown is an inspiration to all of us. Whether he had met him, worked with him, or seen his story on TV, Professor Scolyer was the first in the world to receive an experimental treatment approach, adapted from his own melanoma immunotherapy research, becoming both a patient and a research subject. He has received treatment at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. Today's announcement means Australia can continue to stay at the forefront of the fight against cancer. We can continue to train the world's best researchers and we can continue this important work. Professor Scolyer, thank you for what you do. Thank you for getting to know each other. We had a chat about this last week and this is a legacy of Professor Scolyer that will be there for a long period of time at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. That makes such an enormous difference. I've been there both to look at it as someone whose electorate is very close to RPA, but also fortunately, but unfortunately as well. I guess as someone who has had friends who've been there and I've seen firsthand the incredible difference that Lifehouse makes to people going through difficult times, including my former chief of staff, Kris Cruden, who sadly passed away a few years ago. This is an important announcement. This is just the next part of Richard's contribution to this country as a great Australian, and I'd ask him to make some comments. I'll ask Gail O'Brien to make some comments. Happy to take questions about this and then happy to take other questions as well. Professor? PROFESSOR RICHARD SCOLYER, AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR: Well, thank you very much, Mr Prime Minister. Australia does have problems with cancer, particularly brain cancer. It's the commonest cancer causing death in less-than-40-year-olds in Australia. So, we need to do more about it if we're going to improve outcomes and basically it's, at present, an incurable disease. I think back and think about our work in melanoma, and we have changed outcomes in that disease. For people with stage four advanced melanoma, its survival was the same as brain cancer fifteen years ago. But now through great discoveries that we've made here in Australia with colleagues overseas, it's now about 60 per cent for stage four disease. So, we've got to try and push things forward in brain cancer. As I say, more people die of brain cancer than die of melanoma, and we know that as one of Australia's national cancers. Chris O'Brien was someone who had a big impact on my career growing up. He mentored me, we researched together, we did a lot of things, and then for him to get brain cancer when I was an up-and-coming doctor in the field and the mentorship he gave me impacted my life. And him, to end up getting brain cancer and passing away from it, and then to follow in his footsteps many years down the track has been, well, heartbreaking. But for me also, an opportunity to try and work with some great people to push the field forward and see if we can improve outcomes in brain cancer, like we have in many other cancers. Thank you. GAIL O'BRIEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHRIS O'BRIEN LIFEHOUSE: Thank Prime Minister. Thank you, Richard. Well, it's a great pleasure and an honour to be able to speak a little bit today here. Richard and his beautiful wife, Katie and I became really quite close friends last April when we decided, what can we do to leverage off your illness, as you have done with Chris, as Chris did, to do good for people. And so we talked about a chair in brain cancer associated with Sydney University and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, which is a powerhouse in medicine. But a chair has to be located at a particular hospital, so, at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. So, that's how it has originated. I was insistent it needed to be called the Professor Richard Scolyer Chair. He has been resistant to that, but we might have to do it behind his back. So, thank you very much for attending, Prime Minister and Health Minister. I'm very grateful for this day. Thank you. PRIME MINISTER: Thanks so much, Gail. Questions about this issue. JOURNALIST: How does it work? MARK BUTLER, MINISTER FOR HEALTH: So, it's so terrific to have Gail O'Brien here, because the Lifehouse will be partnering with the Commonwealth in this chair, as will the RPA through the state government, local hospital district, and also Sydney University. In that way, we can ensure that this is an ongoing chair at the Lifehouse named in Richard's honour. PRIME MINISTER: When Richard and I first discussed this not that long ago, he spoke about payments over four years. We decided that it was more suitable to do an upfront. That gives the certainty and the capital, which then enables you to establish the human and physical infrastructure that will be needed. JOURNALIST: Where do you see this falling alongside other joint cancer commitments with the New South Wales government? Is this something that they're also contributing to? PRIME MINISTER: This is a national initiative that we're making in partnership with the University of Sydney and RPA, which of course will then bring in, through RPA, brings in the state government through the area health service. JOURNALIST: Professor Scolyer, if you're comfortable, a lot of Australians would really like to know how you're going at the moment. SCOLYER: Well, to be honest, it's a tough journey up and down and I had a great period after I was initially diagnosed and could enjoy life. I've had a few recurrences of the tumour, and I guess as an end point, and who knows how far it is away, but we're definitely getting closer. JOURNALIST: Professor Scolyer, how does it feel to have this as part of your legacy? SCOLYER: Legacy? Well, it's not what I was aiming to do. I want to make a difference for people and I've dedicated my life to doing that, particularly in adulthood when I became a doctor and that's what I want to see. But my name to it or not, it's not where the difference happens. It's through learning how to do things, being surrounded by the right team of people who know how to organise themselves to address things and get the right answers as best you can and that steers you in the direction you need to go. We're not going to talk about brain cancer today, but it's something that you know, I obviously know a fair bit about. And some of the challenges that are there that we couldn't address fifteen years ago, but we potentially can address them much better way now - so, I sincerely hope that's what happens over the next few years. PRIME MINISTER: It really does say something about the humility of this extraordinary gentleman next to me that as late as - just inside in my office there, he was still saying it shouldn't really be named after me. JOURNALIST: Professor Scolyer and perhaps to Gail O'Brien as well, I just wanted to know whether or not you think enough is being done to help people in regional areas access treatment? One of the biggest issues for people in the regions who have these kinds of cancers - does more need to be done? O'BRIEN: Thank you, Anna. Look, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse is really trying to establish our regional - we have twelve regional centres already. Nothing brain cancer specific, although we do go and outreach in these twelve regional centres and I'm really glad you raised that point because it's something I'd like to talk to government about. SCOLYER: And you need expertise to address things, and in some ways you can't spread it out everywhere. You've got to concentrate things in certain areas to get the best thing. But yeah, it all depends on what the disease is and what the questions are that you're trying to fix up. PRIME MINISTER: Anything more on this? Thank you, Professor and Gail. JOURNALIST: Just on some comments in relation to immigration by Sussan Ley, she says that our current levels of immigration are affecting our way of life. Do you agree with that premise? PRIME MINISTER: It's a very broad statement. Immigration has played a role in this country over a long period of time, and with the exception of First Nations people, we're all either migrants or descendants of migrants in this country. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, just reminded, talking about legacy, one of the things that you've spoken about a lot - and your ministers - is repairing Australia's relationship with China. If our relationship's in a much better place than it was, how come Dan Andrews is the most senior representative at the events today in China and we're sending fairly junior diplomats to it? PRIME MINISTER: We're sending a diplomat. We'll be there. The last time around, ten years ago, Minister Ronaldson, my understanding is, was the appointment. JOURNALIST: What do you think of Dan Andrews joining a line of people greeting President Xi at this parade, which includes Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. Do you like that Dan Andrews and Bob Carr are there? PRIME MINISTER: He's not meeting them. As I said the last time around ten years ago, Minister Ronaldson was the Government's representative. JOURNALIST: I guess, just on that, why is there no more senior Australian official going? And just on a separate matter, the JSCEM inquiry is looking at fixed four-year terms and having the Parliament reflect the size of the population. What are your thoughts on those two proposals? PRIME MINISTER: Well, I support fixed four-year terms, always have. Referendums are pretty hard to carry in this country and opportunism kicks in. And unless you have bipartisan support, then it's not going to be supported. Most state and territory governments, of course, have four-year terms. I think most of them have fixed four year terms, with the exception of Tasmania that seems to have annual elections. JOURNALIST: Would you seek bipartisanship as Sussan Ley to try and advance it? PRIME MINISTER: I have no intention of any referendums this term. Peter Dutton raised that last term. I made clear my Government's position. But we support it. If people want to go out there and advocate and build support for it, that would be a sensible thing. JOURNALIST: The Pacific Islands Forum next week, how do you feel about Taiwan's exclusion and are you concerned that China will skirt the rules that have been imposed on dialogue partners this year because it has a large embassy on the Solomon Islands? PRIME MINISTER: Well, we supported the status quo in which you had representatives from a range of places, including from Taiwan, from the United States, from China. We didn't support a change to it. But we recognise the Solomon Islands is a sovereign nation and they've made that decision. JOURNALIST: So, you want it to go back to the original arrangements? PRIME MINISTER: Well, I confirmed we supported the previous arrangements. That's what we have historically done, and I think that engagement by partners was something that had operated for some time and we didn't propose any change. The Pacific Islands family have to very much - and this will be a theme, though, look after our own interests and that means Australia of course, being a security partner of choice in this region. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, a joint parliamentary committee on the NDIS this morning revealed plans to send members to Europe if that was to be approved. Do you support that decision? Do you accept that there is an issue with perception if we are doing reforms for the NDIS at the same time that parliamentarians are going to Europe? PRIME MINISTER: Well, the committee put forward a proposal and that won't be proceeded with. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, on the FOI bill, it does make it harder to access freedom of information documents. Does this break your promise for a more transparent and accountable government? PRIME MINISTER: Not at all, it's the opposite. I stood here last week - I want to make this point. I stood here last week and spoke about a national security issue, including the expulsion of an ambassador, the first since the Second World War, since the Japanese ambassador was expelled during World War II. I think most people, and people that I've had discussions with, would find it surprising that people can put in anonymous FOI requests. What that means is that there's no way to determine whether a foreign agent or actor is putting in requests about information that are sensitive and no way of ascertaining that. I think most Australians, and I know some of - without giving up people in the gallery, I know that there are people in the gallery I spoke with this morning who weren't aware - I dunno if you were aware that you can put in an FOI request anonymously. I've got to say I was somewhat surprised by that. And the obvious implications of security, for example, are there for all to see. JOURNALIST: Will you be raising Iran at the UN? You're recognising Palestine. Will you be raising the Iran situation? PRIME MINISTER: Oh look, I'm concentrating on the Pacific Islands Forum at the moment, next week. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, speaking of the Pacific Islands. When will the public be able to know more about the MOU that your Government has signed within the Nauruan government? PRIME MINISTER: We have arrangements with governments. We have arrangements between governments and those arrangements are ones that we enter into across the board. JOURNALIST: I understand there's been some negotiation across the aisle in the Senate, and I believe this might be happening at the moment, about some amendments for the Aged Care Bill. Are you able to give us any update on those negotiations and do you think there's a case to be able to open up more home care places now as the industry and advocates for older Australians have been asking? PRIME MINISTER: I'll tell you what, there's a case to be made, and I'll ask the minister to back this up. There's a case to be made for aged care reform, which is why we did it. The biggest reform this century is what we announced and are delivering. We inherited a system that was summarised in the Royal Commission with one word in its interim report: neglect. And since that, since we came to office, the reform that we have done - to make sure aged care workers were paid properly, putting a nurse in aged care residences 99 per cent of the time, better food, better care across the board - has been substantial. And we're continuing to get on with reform after what was a period of just one of the areas of mess that we inherited in 2022. BUTLER: Thank you, Prime Minister. Just adding to that, I don't think there was an area of policy during the first term of our Government where we invested more than in aged care, because there was so much to do really quickly. There was a lost decade there where there should have been a rolling process of reform to get the system ready for the big spike in demand that we always knew was coming from the ageing of the baby boomer generation. We compressed a decade of reform into three short years. I know that put a lot of pressure on the providers sector, on advocacy groups, but there was frankly no alternative. We delivered more packages in the '23 Budget, in the '24 Budget in the '24 MYEFO and in this year's Budget as well. We have to get this legislation through this week. Of course, there have been discussions across the aisle. The substantive bill, which passed before Christmas to their credit, was the subject of negotiation and ultimately agreement between the Government and the Coalition. Because I think they recognised then that aged care reform is best underpinned by agreement between the two parties of government. So, of course there are discussions going on. We are committed to getting this bill through over the course of the next couple of days. JOURNALIST: Do these discussions include a willingness to release more packages? BUTLER: Well, I'm not going to go into the content of those discussions. JOURNALIST: Thanks, Prime Minister. Just back on what's happening in Beijing, a lot of people are watching the leaders of China, of India, North Korea, Russia together, and wondering about this apparent strategic shift in power in the world and what it means for countries like Australia. Is this a product of what Donald Trump has done, his approach to global affairs? Is this a natural shift in power away from the United States as a unipolar giant in the world? PRIME MINISTER: Well, the United States is our most important partner. I make that point. And I look forward to discussions with President Trump for the discussions. My job as the Australian Prime Minister is to stand up for Australia's national interest. That's what I continue to do. I engage diplomatically across the board and I look forward to continuing to participate this month. It's going to be a busy month, beginning with the Pacific Island Forum next week in our neighbourhood. The relationships that we have, whether it be that or the week after - Papua New Guinea's 50th anniversary will be a very significant event. Australia, of course, played such an important role in that. For Prime Minister Marape, I know, is very much looking forward to the visit. We'll have some significant announcements attached to that commemorative day. I look forward to it. Thanks very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Australia-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers' Meeting The Hon Richard Marles MP Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Defence 4 September 2025 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong will travel to Japan to attend the 12th Australia-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministers' Meeting on 5 September 2025. The meeting, with Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E Iwaya Takeshi, and Minister of Defense, H.E. Nakatani Gen, will focus on shared geostrategic priorities as well as increasing collaboration across critical areas including economic ties, cyber security, regional security, and multilateral affairs. Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Foreign Minister Wong will also conduct bilateral talks with their counterparts to advance defence and security engagement and shared foreign policy objectives, respectively. Australia and Japan share a rich history, shaped by decades of peaceful engagement and cooperation. Our relationship is underpinned by a shared vision for our region and enhancing our Special Strategic Partnership as we work together to respond to increasingly complex global challenges. Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles: "Japan is an indispensable partner for Australia. Our defence and security ties are underpinned by a growing strategic alignment and deep trust. "This year has been a milestone year of defence cooperation, which included the largest ever Japanese participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, and I look to furthering our discussions while in Tokyo." Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong: "Australia and Japan are strategic partners and close friends, with a relationship built on trust, aligned values, and mutual interests. Together, we support a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient. "Our relationship with Japan is going from strength to strength, underpinned by increasing alignment and a shared commitment to upholding a peaceful, stable and prosperous region." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin tells Lukashenko China's GGI is a 'good initiative' during meeting in Beijing: Kremlin Global Times By Global Times Published: Sep 03, 2025 05:57 PM Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced support for China's Global Governance Initiative during talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing on Tuesday, according to a Kremlin release on Tuesday. According to the Kremlin, Lukashenko remarked, "I am aware that you supported China's initiative on global governance." Putin replied, "It is a good initiative." Lukashenko added, "The most important thing is equality, as always, and justice." GGI is the fourth landmark global initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. Belarus is ready to join China's Global Governance Initiative, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in the SCO Plus format, the country's news agency BelTA reported. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday expressed support for the GGI and announced that the South American country will join the project, Agencia EFE reported. The Cuban embassy in China said on Monday that Cuba supports the GGI, according to a post published by the embassy on X platform. This endeavor will advance democratization of international relations and reform of global governance system to ensure the building of a community with a shared future, the post said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi meets Indonesian President Prabowo Global Times By Xinhua Published: Sep 03, 2025 05:43 PM Updated: Sep 03, 2025 08:32 PM Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that as major countries in the Global South, China and Indonesia should work together to oppose unilateral bullying, safeguard regional peace and stability, and uphold international fairness and justice. Xi made the remarks in his meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is on a special trip to China to attend 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. Xi noted that President Prabowo has come to China to attend the commemorative events despite difficulties, showing the importance he attaches to China-Indonesia relations and the sincere friendship of the Indonesian people toward the Chinese people. China supports President Prabowo's governance, Indonesia's restoration of order and stability as soon as possible, and the development and growth of Indonesia, Xi said. Xi pointed out that no matter how the international situation changes, China and Indonesia have always carried forward the spirit of independence, adhered to the path of win-win cooperation, and demonstrated the responsibility of major countries for peaceful development. China is willing to work with Indonesia to carry forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, and promote the building of a China-Indonesia community with a shared future at a high level, Xi said. Xi stressed that the two sides should work to promote the stable and long-term development of bilateral relations and play an exemplary role in the region and even around the world. Xi urged the two countries to expand two-way opening-up and enhance cooperation in critical minerals, digital economy, artificial intelligence, and agriculture and fishery. China stands ready to share with Indonesia its experience in poverty eradication, facilitate personnel exchanges and enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Xi said. The relations with China are a high priority of Indonesia's foreign policy, Prabowo said, adding that the relations between the two countries are at their best in history. Indonesia looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in fields including trade, investment, finance and infrastructure, Prabowo said. Senior Chinese officials Cai Qi and Wang Yi were present at the meeting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign leaders attending V-Day parade in Beijing praise the event, highlight friendship with China Global Times By Global Times Published: Sep 03, 2025 06:22 PM Updated: Sep 03, 2025 06:25 PM A number of foreign leaders attending the grand V-Day commemorations in Beijing on Wednesday, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar lbrahim, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, have praised the successful hosting of the event and highlighted the enduring friendship with China. The events marking the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War "were held brilliantly, simply very well, at a high level," Russian President Vladimir Putin said during talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing on Wednesday, according to Russian news agency TASS. Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar lbrahim said the commemorative V-Day parade held by the Chinese government to mark 80 years since the end of World War II "served as a timely reminder that a nation's sovereignty must always be defended and safeguarded," reported Bernama.com. Anwar said this is "even more crucial" in today's geopolitical landscape where turmoil persists and the international system is increasingly undermined and unstable, according to the report. He added that, "Our experience of embracing peace and resolution after World War II, and how China rose against violence and colonialism, should serve as a lesson for today's society, especially in our region," he told Malaysian media at a press conference, per Bernama.com. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed his gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for their "sincere friendship" toward Serbia, in a post on his Facebook page in Serbian language on Wednesday following the conclusion of China's grand V-Day parade, adding that "China has always stood by Serbia, especially in difficult times. Serbia and the Serbian people will never forget this!" Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's press-service wrote on the X on Wednesday that attending the military parade "reaffirmed Uzbekistan's foreign policy commitment to fostering friendship and constructive dialogue for peace, sustainable development and prosperity." Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli hailed the event as "a truly historic gathering of global friendship and remembrance," as he posted on X following the conclusion of the military parade. "What a remarkable occasion! This morning, I attended the commemorative events at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War," he wrote. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Land-, sea-, and air-based missiles unveiled as China's nuclear triad for the first time Global Times Strategic 'ace' power By Liu Xuanzun, Fan Wei and Liang Rui Published: Sep 03, 2025 11:25 PM Editor's note: China on Wednesday held a grand V-Day military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, with many advanced weapons and equipment making their debut, including China's new-generation tank with a whole new design concept, several types of hypersonic anti-ship missiles, air superiority drones, as well as the country's nuclear triad, which includes air-launched, submarine-launched and land-based strategic missiles. The debut of many of these weapons and equipment came as surprises that went beyond the expectations of military enthusiasts. Experts said that the military parade, unveiling new and advanced military tools, demonstrated the capabilities of the Chinese defense industry and the Chinese armed forces. At a time to remember history and cherish peace, these vital military assets and the Chinese troops that wield them will also defend the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and development interests, and safeguard peace and stability in the world. JL-1 air-launched long-range missile provides 'additional option' for nuclear strikes The first nuclear missile formation consisting of JL-1 air-launched long-range missile, JL-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missile, as well as DF-61 and DF-31BJ land-based intercontinental missiles were reviewed at China's V-Day parade on Wednesday 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, marking the first concentrated appearance of China's land, sea, and air-based strategic nuclear triad. The first concentrated display of the Chinese military's land, sea, and air-based integrated strategic nuclear triad is a strategic "ace" power for safeguarding national sovereignty and defending national dignity. Among them, air-based strategic nuclear forces are showcased in parade for the first time, military affairs expert Shao Yongling told the Global Times, adding that the commissioning of the air-launched strategic missile provides China with an additional option for nuclear strikes. "The official debut of air-launched strategic missile means that China has become one of the few countries in the world with a nuclear triad," said military expert Zhang Junshe. World's first two-seat stealth fighter jet J-20S to control unmmaned wingman drones: expert Fighter jet echelons consisting of the J-16D, J-20, J-35A, J-20S and J-20A were reviewed at the parade. Military affairs experts told the Global Times that the J-20S is the world's first two-seat fifth-generation fighter jet, and the additional seat is not a simple add up of a pilot, but will bring much higher combat performance, and the aircraft's emergence will have pioneering significance. In future air combat, with the addition of unmanned loyal wingman aircraft, the second pilot on the J-20S may be responsible for sending instructions to the loyal wingmen and controlling them to carry out combat missions; therefore, the two pilots performing the mission together is not a simple add up of a pilot, said military affairs expert Zhang Xuefeng. "If it does have the ability to command loyal wingmen, I believe it can even be regarded as the world's first 5.5th generation fighter jet, putting China in a leading position in the field of manned-unmanned cooperative operations in the air," said Fu Qianshao, another military affairs expert. Fu also noted that the J-20A is an upgraded version of the original J-20. "Although the J-20 has made multiple appearances at military parades and air shows, every time it makes an appearance, it has new upgrades and improvements," he said. Multiple wingman, air superiority drones expected to 'change future air combat mode' Unmanned aerial vehicles reviewed at the parade include new armed reconnaissance drones, wingman drones, air superiority drones, and shipborne unmanned helicopters. These aircraft are all debuting for the first time. They are capable of stealth attacks, with wide coverage and autonomous collaboration, bringing innovative new patterns for future air combat. Wingman drones, also known as "loyal wingmen," represent a key concept in recent years within the drone sector and are widely regarded as a vital component of future unmanned combat systems. Serving as both sensors and ammunition depots, these drones also function as intelligent assistants to human pilots. They overturn the existing air combat scenarios and profoundly change future air combat mode, said military affairs expert Zhang Xuefeng. KJ-600 early warning aircraft completes Chinese carrier group's 'final puzzle piece' to bolster offensive, defensive capabilities KJ-600 and J-15T carrier-based aircraft were reviewed in a flight formation at the V-Day military parade, marking the long-awaited debut of the KJ-600, China's carrier-borne fixed-wing early warning aircraft. The commissioning of the KJ-600 marks the completion of the "final piece of the puzzle" for China's aircraft carrier group operations, significantly enhancing the offensive and defensive combat capabilities of China's carrier groups, according to military affairs expert Zhang Xuefeng. "The KJ-600 can be described as a force multiplier for carrier-based aircraft in an aviation formation," Zhang said, noting that the KJ-600 enhances the defensive as well as offensive combat capabilities. He pointed out that a key function of aircraft carriers is carrying out strike missions against land and sea targets, which requires carrier groups to be forward deployed into target areas, most of which lie beyond the detection and support range of land-based radars. "Fixed-wing carrier-based early warning aircraft can be deployed to undertake detection and support missions, conduct airborne command operations, and effectively enhance the strike capabilities of carrier groups against land and sea targets," the expert said. CJ-1000 cruise missile enriches PLA's precision strike toolbox: expert The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, Air Force and Rocket Force for the first time formed a joint formation displaying the country's cruise missiles at the military parade. The CJ-20A, YJ-18C and CJ-1000 - three types of cruise missile reviewed this time are long-range surgical strike weapons that can deter wars and win combats in multiple domains. Military affairs expert Shao Yongling said the CJ-1000 has been upgraded on the basis of CJ-100, which debuted at the military parade in 2019, and it further enriched the spectrum of cruise missiles in China. It is expected that this type of missile will have a faster flight speed, better maneuverability during flight, and stronger defense penetrating ability, making the PLA's precision strike toolbox more abundant, and various strike methods can be selected based on the characteristics and values of different targets. Due to its faster flight speed and better maneuverability, the CJ-1000 can effectively reduce the success rate of interception by existing missile defense systems. DF-5C intercontinental strategic nuclear missile has 'entire globe under range' The newly debuted DF-5C liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile stands on guard at all times to effectively deter potential enemies, preventing wars through force and helping stabilize the world. Missile technology and nuclear disarmament expert Yang Chengjun said the missile is transported in three sections by three transport vehicles. It is expected that the preparation time will be shorter than the previous DF-5 series missiles, with a faster response speed. As a strategic missile that can cover the entire globe, its flight speed is estimated to reach tens of Mach, leaving contemporary ballistic missile interception systems with minimal time to prepare. Its global-covering range means that China has the capability and means to launch counterattacks on any military targets in the world that pose actual nuclear threats to China, Yang noted. "This shows China's means to deal with external threats are constantly developing and enriching," said the expert. JL-3 submarine-launched missile sees upgrade to intercontinental range The newly debuted JL-3 further extends the strike range of China's submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Designated as a new-generation submarine-launched long-range ballistic missile, it features rapid response capabilities, high stealth performance, and a broad strike range. The new JL-3 is also designated as an intercontinental ballistic missile, meaning that China's submarine-launched ballistic missile, which bears the responsibility of supporting the country's sea-based nuclear deterrence, has officially entered the intercontinental era. "From long-range to intercontinental, this means that the range of JL-3 can reach over 8,000 kilometers, and it also means that even if launched in China's coastal areas, it can still cover all countries in the world that may pose a nuclear threat to China," said military affairs expert Zhang Junshe. It also means that China's strategic nuclear submarines need not venture beyond the so-called second island chain or the depths of the Pacific Ocean to carry out nuclear counterstrikes, Zhang added. "From our coastal regions, we can maintain sea-based strategic nuclear strike capabilities. In our nearshore areas, we can deploy more robust support and protective forces," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tank and artillery, unmanned ship and underwater vehicles, high-energy weapons, hypersonic missiles shine at parade Global Times By Liu Xuanzun, Fan Wei and Liang Rui Published: Sep 03, 2025 10:48 PM Editor's Note: China on Wednesday held a grand V-Day military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, with many advanced weapons and equipment making their debut, including China's new-generation tank with a whole new design concept, several types of hypersonic anti-ship missiles, air superiority drones, as well as the country's nuclear triad, which includes air-launched, submarine-launched and land-based strategic missiles. The debut of many of these weapons and equipment came as surprises that went beyond the expectations of military enthusiasts. Experts said that the military parade, unveiling new and advanced military tools, demonstrated the capabilities of the Chinese defense industry and the Chinese armed forces. At a time to remember history and cherish peace, these vital military assets and the Chinese troops that wield them will also defend the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and development interests, and safeguard peace and stability in the world. LY-1 shipborne laser weapon included in full system of shipborne air defense weapons Forming a full system, four types of shipborne air defense weapons were displayed at the parade, including the HHQ-9C, the HQ-16C, a close-range air defense system and the LY-1 shipborne laser weapon. They form a multi-dimensional air defense system that covers close and far ranges. The shipborne laser weapon, which made its public debut, has outstanding advantages of precise destruction and continuous strike. It can intercept not only attacks from unmanned equipment, but also anti-ship missiles, with very low cost for each interception, said military affairs expert Zhang Xuefeng. Two variants of Type 191 modularized rocket artillery can launch guided rockets of different calibers The modularized rocket artillery system is introduced as a core equipment of the PLA Army's long-range fire strike missions. This type of equipment adopts modularized launch technology, which is multi-functional and versatile, compatible with launching guided rockets of different calibers. It has the advantages of long range and high accuracy, and can carry out precise strikes on targets. It also has a wide variety of ammunition types, has digital fire control, rapid firepower response, strong off-road capability, and can flexibly respond to various combat environments, said military affairs expert Wang Yunfei. He said that the Type 191 has the potential to achieve the strike effect of ballistic missiles at the cost of rockets thanks to the application of domestic integrated guidance systems in the long-range rocket artillery. Unmanned ship, underwater vehicle, minelaying system make debut In the maritime unmanned combat formations, new-type unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), unmanned ship, and unmanned mine-laying system were inspected for the first time. These unmanned maritime combat systems possess capabilities such as covert deployment for blockade operations, autonomous detection and identification, and swarm networking for coordinated attacks, making them formidable assets in naval warfare. Military affairs expert Zhang Junshe said they have highly intelligent and information-based features, and their commissioning is expected to revolutionize maritime combat patterns and provide new assistance for safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as achieving national reunification. Type 100 tank, Type 100 support vehicle boast high degree of intelligence and strong collaborative ability They are of a new generation of armored equipment, and have strong combat capabilities in capturing positions with high mobility and breaking through challenging defenses. Military affairs expert Fu Qianshao said they have stronger firepower, stronger protection, and higher levels of informatization and intelligence, and their design concepts are similar to those of the Type 055 destroyer at sea and the J-20 fighter jet in the air. According to Fu, the Type 100 tank and support vehicle added active protection systems in addition to passive defense elements, a boost to survival capability. Microwave against drones A type of anti-drone high-power microwave weapon is reviewed at the parade. The working principle of high-power microwave weapons is to directedly release high-energy electromagnetic radiation to destroy the electronic components inside drones, causing them to fail or burn out, thereby achieving the goal of eliminating the threat of drones. "The beam of high-power microwave weapons is wider than the pinpoint strike of high-energy laser weapons. It can cover a whole surface. When facing the attack of multiple targets such as a drone swarm, it can take advantage of the wider beam and higher energy to effectively destroy multiple targets," said expert Zhang Xuefeng. UUVs function as unmanned submarine A new-type of unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) appeared at the parade for the first time. Military affairs expert Zhang Junshe said that UUVs effectively function as unmanned submarines, yet they offer lower production costs compared to submarines, they reduce the risk of combat personnel casualties, and enable mass deployment. Against adversaries relying on submarine-based maritime operations, deploying the UUV along critical shipping lanes enables routine reconnaissance during peacetime and can guide anti-submarine attack during conflict. Possessing such a type of UUV can also facilitate blockade of vital maritime corridors, and leveraging advanced communication technology. It can also coordinate with other unmanned combat groups to carry out long-range strikes, Zhang added. YJ-17, YJ-19, YJ-20 hypersonic missiles demonstrate China's rich technological paths Four new types of YJ series anti-ship missiles were displayed for the first time, three of which are hypersonic missiles, namely the J-17, YJ-19 and YJ-20. They can be carried by multiple platforms such as shipborne aircraft, surface vessels and submarines. With long range, fast speed and highly destructive power, they are top weapons against enemies from the sea. The YJ-17 anti-ship missile has a flat warhead and adopts a boost-glide waverider configuration, possessing hypersonic characteristics. The new YJ-19 also adopts a waverider configuration, but it has an air inlet under the missile body, marking the characteristics of an air-breathing hypersonic weapon. The new YJ-20 anti-ship missile, on the other hand, adopts a bi-conic configuration, which will likely be launched from larger warships, said military expert Wang Yunfei. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Honored and proud: defense equipment designers share insights on China's V-Day commemorations Global Times By Cao Siqi and Fan Wei Published: Sep 03, 2025 08:48 PM A grand ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was held on Wednesday morning in Beijing. The massive military parade featured a remarkable array of new combat equipment, including advanced main battle tanks, hypersonic anti-ship missiles, new strategic missile, and fifth-generation fighter jets, which excited the Chinese people and amazed the world. Representatives from China's military-industrial groups, who developed these national treasures, were invited to witness the event live as the equipment passed through Tian'anmen Square. After the commemorative ceremony, some of the invited representatives shared their excitement and insights with the Global Times. "The grand military parade fully demonstrates the Chinese people's aspiration to remember history and safeguard peace. The air formation composed of 125 military aircraft of 29 types independently developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) underwent inspection by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the people. Among them, multiple types of superior equipment made their public debut for the first time," said Cheng Fubo, Chairman of AVIC, after observing the parade on-site. The parade is a comprehensive showcase of China's achievements in aviation industry development and fully demonstrates the powerful strength of domestically produced aviation weaponry in safeguarding national security and maintaining world peace, Cheng said. "As an aviation professional, I feel immensely honored and proud to have had the opportunity to watch this grand parade on-site," Cheng said. "On this new journey in the new era, 400,000 aviation professionals will vigorously carry forward the spirit of serving the country through aviation, accelerate the creation of a national strategic force in aviation science and technology, speed up the construction of a powerful aviation nation in the new era, resolutely support the realization of the goal of building a strong military by the centenary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army as scheduled, and make new and greater contributions to safeguarding national security and maintaining world peace." "Today, as I watched these national defensive treasures lined up neatly and undergoing inspection on-site, a strong sense of mission and responsibility welled up in my heart," Xu Pengfei, Deputy Chief Engineer of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), told the Global Times. Xu said that that these great national assets are not only symbols of the country's hard power, but also solid guarantee for safeguarding the peaceful lives of the people. "History tells us that a country must not only have backbone but also possess strong strength so that no enemy will dare invade us. As a nuclear industry practitioner in the new era, I deeply feel the heavy responsibility on my shoulders and the glorious mission," Xu said. "We must bravely shoulder the mission of building a technology powerhouse, consolidate the cornerstone of national security, strengthen the nuclear industry and the country, and contribute hardcore strength to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." "The thunderous roar of advanced and modern weaponry moving in formation, like the unstoppable advance of the wheels of history, fully demonstrates the strength of China's national defense forces and its determination to safeguard national sovereignty and defend world peace," Xu Liping, from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), told the Global Times. "I was extremely excited and also felt supreme honored. I had never watched a parade in person before. When I watched it on TV in the past, I would leave the room when the weaponry we participated in appeared because I was so excited that I would cry, but I didn't want others to see. So, I never really had a good look," Ye Hui, a Beijing moral model and a special-grade technician at the Second Academy of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), told the Global Times, when he was asked about his feelings after observing the parade. Ye said that on Wednesday, when he saw the great national assets, which embodied the wisdom and efforts of him and his colleagues, passing through Tiananmen Square and undergoing inspection by the motherland and the people, as an aerospace professional who had experienced the research and development process firsthand, his heart seemed to be beating in sync with the engines, and the sense of pride and accomplishment were beyond words. Ye said he believes that the enhancement of China's strength means that the country's ability to maintain peace and stability is stronger, which is a huge contribution to world peace. "Today, I am fortunate to stand in Tiananmen Square and witness the grand military parade. My feelings are beyond words," Ma Xiaoguang, chief technician of China North Industries Group Corporation, told the Global Times after observing the parade. Ma said that the equipment participating in this parade demonstrated the tremendous progress of the Chinese military toward informatization and intelligence and showcased its powerful ability to win modern wars. "I feel immensely honored to witness the national defense equipment I participated in developing undergoing inspection by the Party and the people in Tiananmen Square. I am extremely proud of the strength of our motherland," Ma said. As an arms industry worker, Ma said he is well aware of the technological breakthroughs and hard work behind this equipment, which is the crystallization of the efforts of several generations of arms industry workers. "When the flag-guarding formation of Z-10 helicopters flew over Tiananmen Square, as the chief designer of the 'Yulong' engine, the 'heart' of the Z-10, my heart was filled with indescribable excitement. Later, the neat and powerful marching formations, the majestic and well-equipped mechanized formations, and especially the air formations soaring through the clouds and shaking the sky powered by our domestically produced engines, all these scenes stirred my blood and filled me with immense pride," Yin Zeyong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and former director of the Science and Technology Committee of Aero Engine Corporation of China, told the Global Times after watching the parade on-site. Yin said the parade was not only an inspection of the mighty and invincible strength of the Chinese people's military, but also an affirmation of the silent hard work and perseverance of all military-industrial workers over the years. Each row of advanced weaponry is a symbol of China's combat effectiveness and the crystallization of the efforts of military-industrial workers. It embodies countless days and nights of hard work and struggle and carries the responsibility and commitment of military-industrial workers to the country and the people. "The parade makes me more deeply recognize the importance of strengthening the military through science and technology. Faced with the complex and ever-changing international situation, a strong national defense force is a solid guarantee for China peace, stability and steady development," Yin said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese military affairs expert explains significance of DF-5C's global-covering range Global Times By Liu Xuanzun, Fan Wei and Liang Rui Published: Sep 03, 2025 02:39 PM The new-type DF-5C liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile made its debut at China's V-day military parade on Wednesday 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. Military affairs expert Shao Yongling explained to the Global Times the profound significance of China possessing such a type of intercontinental strategic missile that has a strike range covering the entire globe. "It is of a very significant importance that the strike range of the new-type liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile can cover the entire globe," Shao said, adding that the global coverage of the strike range highlights the fact that China's ballistic missile can cover any place that requires a nuclear counterattack. Shao further noted that considering China's vast territory and possession of intercontinental strategic nuclear missiles with a global range, it means that any location within the country can be chosen as a launch site, making the launch position more flexible and not limited to deploying intercontinental missiles in specific directions. This increases the unpredictability of missile launch sites and the suddenness of nuclear counterattacks, the expert said. In addition, Shao believes that global range coverage also means that trajectory choices can be more flexible. "At present, land-based mid-course ballistic missile interception systems are mainly deployed to defend against intercontinental ballistic missiles flying over the Arctic. An intercontinental strategic nuclear missile with a global range can choose more flexible flight routes to carry out strikes, avoid heavily defended areas by antiballistic missile systems, and choose flight routes that are easier to penetrate. The global range also means that trajectory choices can be more diverse," said Shao. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China holds massive V-Day parade, pledging peaceful development People's Daily Online By Zhang Bowen, Cao Peixian (Xinhua) 20:17, September 03, 2025 BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- China held a massive military parade in central Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II, pledging the country's commitment to peaceful development in a world still fraught with turbulence and uncertainties. Towering structures shaped like the Great Wall, crowned with giant numerals "1945" and "2025," stood in Tian'anmen Square, symbolizing the Chinese nation's courage and solidarity in resisting foreign aggression. Wearing a dark grey, high-collar suit, President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, oversaw the parade and reviewed the troops. Standing beside Xi on Tian'anmen Rostrum were Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, along with more than 20 other foreign leaders, some of whom attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit held in the city of Tianjin earlier this week. Representatives of people who had supported China's resistance endeavors, or their family members -- from countries such as Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada -- were invited to the event. PREVENTING HISTORICAL TRAGEDIES FROM RECURRING This was the second time since 2015 that China has held a military parade to mark the hard-won victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The commemorative event began at 9 a.m. with an 80-gun salute, followed by a solemn flag-raising ceremony, and a chorus of the national anthem. Helicopters flew over the square carrying banners that read "Justice Prevails," "Peace Prevails," and "The People Prevail." The high-morale, well-equipped soldiers marched along the Chang'an (Eternal Peace) Avenue in tight, powerful formations, their faces lit with confidence and pride. Columns of new tanks, artillery and other military equipment rumbled through the square. Xi delivered a speech before the parade. Highlighting the significance of the victory 80 years ago, Xi said it marks China's first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern times. Xi noted that the Chinese people made a major contribution to the salvation of human civilization and the defense of world peace with immense sacrifice in the war. He called on nations to "eliminate the root cause of war and prevent historical tragedies from recurring." Japan officially surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945, by signing the Instrument of Surrender. China designated Sept. 3 as Victory Day. Xi attended a military parade held in Moscow in May to mark the WWII victory in Europe. China and the Soviet Union served as the mainstay of resistance against Japanese militarism and German Nazism, making pivotal contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. China was the first country to rise against fascist aggression with the longest-lasting resistance that began in 1931. The country tied down and struck over half of Japan's overseas forces, at the cost of 35 million military and civilian casualties -- accounting for around one-third of all WWII casualties worldwide. Yokichi Kobayashi, son of a Japanese veteran who was a POW-turned soldier in a CPC-led army during the war, watched the parade on site. "I feel like as long as China stays united and sticks together, it will always be an invincible force," he said. Wednesday's ceremony was presided over by Li Qiang, and attended by Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi -- all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee -- as well as Vice President Han Zheng. International organization leaders such as UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua, and former political leaders, including ex-Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, also attended. UNSTOPPABLE REJUVENATION Wednesday's military parade was the first since Xi led China to embark on "a new journey to pursue Chinese modernization on all fronts." The country has laid out a roadmap to basically achieve modernization by 2035. In his speech, Xi demanded that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) provide strategic support for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He urged the PLA to build itself into world-class forces and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. The 70-minute military parade demonstrated the transformation of the armed forces from a "millet-and-rifle" army to a modern military. It was attended by more than 10,000 soldiers, over 100 aircraft and hundreds of ground armaments, organized under a wartime command system. The PLA's new structure of services and arms made its collective debut, showcasing the outcomes of a sweeping military reform under Xi's leadership. Troops from the four services of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Rocket Force, as well as the four arms of the Aerospace Force, the Cyberspace Force, the Information Support Force, and the Joint Logistics Support Force, marched past Tian'anmen Square. The advanced armaments put on display included unmanned intelligence and counter-unmanned equipment, hypersonic missiles, directed-energy weapons, and electronic jamming systems. In Wednesday's parade, China unveiled its land-, sea-, and air-based strategic forces as the nuclear triad for the first time. The armaments, hailed as China's strategic "ace" power to safeguard the country's sovereignty and national dignity, included JingLei-1 air-based long-range missile, JuLang-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missile, DongFeng-61 land-based intercontinental missile, and new type DongFeng-31 land-based intercontinental missile. Televised and livestreamed to a national audience, the event became the top trending topic on Chinese social media as people shared photos and videos of the spectacle. Yang Jieyu, a student at Peking University and a spectator at the event, said, "The parade showed China's growing strength and filled me with confidence in national rejuvenation." Scholars believe the life-or-death struggle more than 80 years ago reshaped the national psyche, leaving scars and pride that are still visible today, and marked a historic turning point as the Chinese nation transitioned from decline to rejuvenation. "The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable," Xi said in his speech. He reiterated China's commitment to peaceful development. "Humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games," he said. Kong Peng, a spectator from Beijing, said after watching the parade, "It's clear who's right and who's wrong, who's really standing for peace and who's trying to be a bully." Chinese soldiers who have participated in UN peacekeeping operations made their first appearance in a V-Day parade. China is the largest contributor of troops among the UN Security Council permanent members, having deployed over 5,000 peacekeepers and maintaining a standing force of 8,000 personnel ready for UN missions, making it a key player in UN peacekeeping operations. "We have the capability to defend the peace forged with the blood of our forefathers," said Shao Xiaoguang, a member of the reviewed troops who previously served on a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Zhang Zijin, a 7-year-old girl who watched the parade with her parents in the square, said she dreamed of joining the armed forces when she grows up. "I believe if I keep trying, I can make it come true," she said. "Eighty years ago, we were revived. Eighty years later, we are thriving with greater vitality," said Lyu Shouye, a spectator at the event and a graduate student studying AI. "Now our country has reached a stage where we need to undertake greater responsibilities," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi addresses V-Day reception, stressing justice, peace, people's strength People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 18:40, September 03, 2025 BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for firmly upholding international fairness and justice, staying committed to the path of peaceful development, and making unremitting efforts to improve people's well-being at all times. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when addressing a reception commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. At around 11:30 a.m., Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan entered the banquet hall together with the foreign leaders and their spouses attending the reception. Xi noted that the victory marks a historic turning point for the Chinese nation -- from the depths of crisis in modern times to the path of great rejuvenation, and also a major turning point in world development. This great victory was achieved through the joint struggle of the Chinese people together with the anti-fascist allies and peoples across the world, Xi said. The Chinese government and people will never forget the foreign governments and international friends who supported and assisted the Chinese people in their resistance against aggression, he said. As inhabitants of the same planet, humanity must stand together in times of difficulty, live in harmony, and never relapse into the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak, Xi said. Stressing that Chinese modernization is the modernization of peaceful development, Xi said China will always be a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world. It is sincerely hoped that all countries will learn from history, value peace, and work together to advance world modernization and create a better future for humanity, Xi noted. At the reception, Xi and Peng watched a cultural performance with the guests. Li Qiang presided over the reception. Other senior officials Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng also attended the event. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China holds massive parade to mark 80th anniversary of WWII victory Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source Xinhuanet EditorLi Jiayao 2025-09-03 14:52:00 BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- China held a massive military parade in central Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II, pledging the country's commitment to peaceful development in a world still fraught with turbulence and uncertainties. Towering structures shaped like the Great Wall stood in Tian'anmen Square, symbolizing the Chinese nation's courage and solidarity in resisting foreign aggression. President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, oversaw the parade and reviewed the troops. Standing beside Xi on Tian'anmen Rostrum were Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, along with more than 20 other foreign leaders. Representatives of people who had supported China's WWII fight, or their family members -- from countries such as Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada -- were invited to the event. This was the second time since 2015 that China has held a military parade to commemorate the hard-won victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Helicopters flew over Tian'anmen Square carrying banners that read "Justice Prevails," "Peace Prevails," and "The People Prevail." The troops marched in tight, powerful formations, their faces lit with confidence and pride. Columns of new tanks, artillery and other military equipment rumbled through the square. Xi delivered a speech before the parade. Highlighting the significance of the victory 80 years ago, Xi said it marks China's first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern times. Xi noted that the Chinese people made a major contribution to the salvation of human civilization and the defense of world peace with immense sacrifice in the war. He called on nations to "eliminate the root cause of war and prevent historical tragedies from recurring." Japan officially surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945, by signing the Instrument of Surrender. China designated Sept. 3 as Victory Day. An 80-banner formation honoring heroic military units from the war marched past Tian'anmen Square, highlighting China's position as the first country to rise against fascist aggression with the longest-lasting resistance that began in 1931. The country tied down and struck over half of Japan's overseas forces, at the cost of 35 million military and civilian casualties -- accounting for around one-third of all WWII casualties worldwide. More than 10,000 military personnel, along with over 100 aircraft and hundreds of ground armaments, were arranged into formations according to a wartime command system. The People's Liberation Army's (PLA) new system of services and arms -- the result of military reforms under Xi's leadership -- was put on display for the first time. The advanced armaments put on display included unmanned intelligence and counter-unmanned equipment, hypersonic missiles, directed-energy weapons, electronic jamming systems, and strategic weaponry capable of global strikes. In his speech, Xi demanded that the PLA provide strategic support for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He reiterated China's commitment to peaceful development. "Humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games," he said. Chinese soldiers who have participated in UN peacekeeping operations marched past Tian'anmen Square, marking their first appearance in a V-Day parade. "We have the capability to defend the peace forged with the blood of our forefathers," said Shao Xiaoguang, a member of the reviewed troops who previously served on a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This was also the first military parade since Xi led China to embark on "a new journey to pursue Chinese modernization on all fronts." The country has laid out a roadmap to basically achieve modernization by 2035. "Eighty years ago, we were revived. Eighty years later, we are thriving with even greater vitality," said Lyu Shouye, a spectator at the event and a graduate student studying AI. "Now our country has reached a stage where we need to undertake greater responsibilities," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping President of the People's Republic of China at the Reception Commemorating The 80th Anniversary of the Victory of The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression And the World Anti-Fascist War Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: September 03, 2025 17:18 Beijing, September 3, 2025 Distinguished Guests, Friends and Comrades, At the outset, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, let me extend a hearty welcome to you all. My warmest congratulations to all those present, to our fellow compatriots of all ethnic groups, and to the people around the world, on this victory commemoration day. Eighty years ago, the Chinese people thoroughly defeated the Japanese militarist aggressors after fighting a bitter and heroic war of resistance for 14 years. This marked the complete victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. It was a historic turning point for the Chinese nation emerging from the grave crises in modern times to embark on the journey toward great rejuvenation; it was also a major turning point in the course of world history. The Chinese people won the great victory through their united efforts with the anti-fascist Allied forces and the people around the world. The Chinese government and people will never forget the foreign governments and international friends who supported and assisted the Chinese people in resisting aggression. This morning, we held a grand military parade in solemn 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. Our purpose is to remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace, and create a better future. History cautions us that we must remain unwavering in our conviction in justice, unyielding in our commitment to peace, and unshakable in our confidence in the insurmountable strength of the people. Might may rule the moment, but right prevails forever. Justice, light and progress will inevitably triumph over evil, darkness, and regression. At all times, we must advocate the common values of humanity, resolutely defend international fairness and justice, and ensure righteousness prevails and brightness shines in our world. We humans all share the same planet. We must pull together in solidarity and harmony, and ensure that the law of the jungle never makes a comeback. At all times, we must always commit to the path of peaceful development, stay resolved to safeguard global peace and tranquility, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity. The people are the creators of history, and the pursuit of a better life is a shared aspiration of all nations. At all times, our hearts must be with the people, our work must be for the people, and we must do our best to improve the well-being of all the people. Chinese modernization follows the path of peaceful development. China will always be a force for peace, stability and progress in the world. We sincerely hope that all countries will draw wisdom from history, value peace, jointly advance world modernization and create a better future for humanity. Now, please join me in a toast: To the great victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War; and To a bright future of enduring peace and shared prosperity for all humanity. Cheers! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Xi Jinping Meets with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: September 03, 2025 19:05 On the afternoon of September 3, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is in China specially for 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. President Xi noted that President Prabowo coming to China for the commemoration despite difficulties shows the importance he attaches to China-Indonesia relations and the sincere friendship of the Indonesian people toward the Chinese people. China supports President Prabowo's governance, Indonesia's restoration of order and stability as soon as possible, and the development and growth of Indonesia. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia, the 80th anniversary of Indonesia's independence, and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. No matter how the international landscape evolves, China and Indonesia always carry forward their national spirit of independence, pursue mutually beneficial cooperation, and demonstrate the responsibility of major countries for peace and development. China will work with Indonesia to uphold their commitment made at the start of diplomatic ties, carry forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, build the China-Indonesia community with a shared future against high standards, and make due contribution to the cause of human progress. President Xi emphasized that the two sides should stay on the right direction, deepen all-round strategic collaboration and the alignment of development strategies, ensure the steady and long-term growth of China-Indonesia relations, and set an example at the regional and global levels. The two sides should make good use of the "2+2" dialogue mechanism between their foreign and defense ministers, and deepen security and defense cooperation. They should work together for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand two-way opening up, and enhance cooperation in critical minerals, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, agriculture and fisheries. China is ready to share its experience in poverty alleviation with Indonesia, facilitate personnel exchanges, and promote people-to-people ties. As major countries of the Global South, China and Indonesia should jointly oppose unilateral bullying, and safeguard regional peace and stability and international fairness and justice. President Prabowo shared information on the situation in Indonesia, noting a trend of stabilization. He expressed pleasure in joining the Chinese people in marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of their War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Indonesia and China are good friends and true friends. Relations with China are a high priority in Indonesia's foreign policy. China's long-standing and valuable support for Indonesia's economic and social development is very much appreciated. The bilateral relationship is at its best in history. Indonesia looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in trade, investment, finance, infrastructure and other fields to achieve more outcomes in bilateral relations, deliver greater benefits to the two peoples, and contribute positively to regional peace and stability. Cai Qi and Wang Yi, among others, were present at the meeting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's Xi presides over massive military parade, urges shared future for humanity Iran Press TV Wednesday, 03 September 2025 6:19 PM Chinese President Xi Jinping said the world is once again at a crossroads between peace and war, as he presided over a massive military parade in Beijing attended by numerous prominent leaders from around the world. China showcased its military strength in one of the world's biggest military parades on Wednesday, marking 80 years since its victory over Japan during World War II. "Humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games," Xi told the crowd of more than 50,000 spectators. "The Chinese people will stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress, adhere to the path of peaceful development, and join hands with the rest of the world to build a community with a shared future for humanity," he added. Xi said China was a great nation that "is never intimidated by any bullies" and declared that China was "unstoppable". Following his address, the Chinese president rode an open-top car to inspect the parade, greeting troops as they saluted him, while columns of military equipment rolled past and fighter jets roared overhead. The parade, held at Tiananmen Square, featured the country's latest generation of stealth fighters, tanks, and ballistic missiles, presented amid a meticulously coordinated spectacle involving thousands of participants. Xi first greeted foreign leaders, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, before welcoming Chinese military veterans and taking his position at the center of the event. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, and Central Asian leaders such as Kazakhstan's Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbekistan's Shavkat Mirziyoyev were among the attendees at the military event. Xi observed the parade from the Gate of Heavenly Peace and addressed the 10,000 members of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Navy, and Air Force. In his speech, he emphasized that the People's Republic of China would continue to "adhere to a path of peaceful development." Reflecting on China's victory over "Japanese aggression" in the "world anti-fascist war," Xi thanked foreign governments for their support and underlined the enduring relevance of the war's lessons. He also highlighted the continued importance of the military in China's national rejuvenation. China's most advanced weaponry took center stage in the parade, including hypersonic and ballistic missiles, underwater drones, fighter jets, early warning aircraft, and aircraft jamming systems. Long-range intercontinental missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads were prominently displayed alongside tightly coordinated military formations, marching before thousands of spectators. The parade followed the 2025 summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), held in the coastal port city of Tianjin, from August 31 to September 1, 2025. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump says China no threat, then accuses Xi of 'conspiring against US' Iran Press TV Wednesday, 03 September 2025 7:17 AM US President Donald Trump has accused his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, of conspiring against the US with the leaders of Russia and North Korea as the Chinese president hosted foreign leaders at a major military parade in Beijing. "Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America," Trump said on his Truth Social site, referring to the leaders of Russia and North Korea, without elaborating. Trump also questioned whether Xi would credit the US in a speech on Wednesday before the parade for the "massive amount of support" it allegedly provided to China during World War II. "Many Americans died in China's quest for Victory and Glory," Trump claimed. President Xi ultimately didn't directly mention the US, though he offered his gratitude toward unspecified nations that helped Beijing. China hosted the parade to mark 80 years since Japan's defeat in World War II. The highly choreographed spectacle was attended by dozens of heads of state and government, including those from Iran, Vietnam, Malaysia, Pakistan, Belarus, Serbia and Slovakia. Xi was joined at the parade by 26 heads of state, including Kim and Putin, who are viewed by some observers as a message to the Western nations that have shunned them. China has sought to position itself as a possible counterweight to the US since Trump's tariffs rocked the global economic and political order. Xi hopes to use that sway to erode American influence, especially in Asia, where China and the US face a potential military conflict over Taiwan. Trump's accusation follows his earlier comments in which he dismissed the idea that the parade posed a challenge to US power. "I have a very good relationship with President Xi, as you know," he told reporters in the Oval Office hours before the event. "But China needs us much more than we need them." Trump also said in a radio interview that Beijing would not aim its defense assets at the US in the future. "We have the strongest military in the world. They would never use their military on us believe me, that would be the worst thing they could ever do," he claimed. While Trump has embraced Putin since returning to office in a bid to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, ties between the two men have frayed as Russia continues its "special military operation" on its neighbor. In the Oval Office earlier, Trump said he had recently "learned things that will be very interesting" about Putin, adding that he was "watching very closely" to see if the Russian leader would relent and schedule a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky. "We'll see if anything comes out of it. If it doesn't, we'll take a different stance," Trump said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi, Putin, and Kim Give Show Of Unity At China's Military Parade By Reid Standish September 03, 2025 Summary China showcased its military power and deepening ties with Russia during a grand parade marking 80 years since World War II's end. China's Xi Jinping, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and North Korea's Kim Jong Un appeared together, signaling solidarity against Western dominance. Putin invited Kim to Moscow after they held a meeting where Kim pledged to help Russia in Ukraine "any way" he can. China flexed its growing military might and its deepening ties with Russia with an extravagant military parade meant to showcase Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambition as the leader of an alternative, non-Western world order. As the September 3 parade offered an image of military coordination and force -- including more than 10,000 highly choreographed personnel and hundreds of pieces of military hardware -- one of the most striking displays was images of Xi flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as they overlooked the 70-minute procession across Beijing's Tiananmen Square in an unprecedented show of solidarity. Xi shook the hands of both leaders and chatted with the pair as they walked down a red carpet ahead of a group of more than 20 other foreign dignitaries from around the world toward the stage overlooking the parade that marked 80 years since the end of World War II. "This could be seen as a watershed moment in the realignment of this Eurasian power bloc," Sari Arho Havren, an associate fellow at London's Royal United Services Institute, told RFE/RL. "Chinese diplomacy is always heavily choreographed, but there is substance here too in showing North Korea's strategic value for China alongside Russia." Following the show of unity that included the first-ever scenes of Xi, Putin, and Kim together at an event, the Russian and North Korean leaders held their own their meeting after traveling to the talks together by car from the parade grounds. "I would like to note that your soldiers fought courageously and heroically," Putin said, sitting next to Kim, referring to the thousands of North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia's Kursk region to help push back Ukraine's counteroffensive on Russian territory. Kim then pledged to keep helping Russia's war in Ukraine "any way" that it can. "If there is any way that we can support Russia, we will always do it," Kim said. "We consider it our brotherly duty." Following their closed-door meeting, Putin invited Kim to visit Moscow. Trump Takes Aim At Xi, Putin, and Kim As the parade unfolded, US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to offer barbed congratulations to Xi on the World War II anniversary, which China marks with the surrender of imperial Japan in 1945. "The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive amount of support and 'blood' that The United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly foreign invader," he wrote, referring to Japan's full-scale invasion of China and the US war effort against Tokyo during World War II. The US president also took aim at Putin and Kim for working against US interests. "Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America," Trump added in a social media post. Moscow's war effort has also been supported by Beijing through diplomatic backing, ramped up oil purchases, and the flow of militarily useful dual-use goods from China. Their relationship has deepened since Moscow's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine amid rising trade and growing military cooperation, including China and Russia's first-ever joint submarine patrol in the Pacific in August. An estimated 12,000 North Korean troops have fought alongside Russian forces against Ukraine since they were deployed in 2024. Western officials estimated that one-third of all North Korean troops deployed so far were either killed or wounded. Trump met with Putin in Alaska in August amid on-and-off again negotiations to broker a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, but his diplomatic outreach has so far failed to unlock any major progress, with Russian officials brushing off attempts for a follow-up summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As Putin attended the parade, Russia also launched an aerial assault on Ukraine involving 502 long-range drones and 24 cruise missiles, Ukrainian officials said. When asked about Trump's comments, Yuri Ushakov, Putin's presidential aide, said there are "no conspiracies at all" and that "none of these three leaders have even entertained such thoughts." "Furthermore, I can say that everyone understands the role played by the United States, the current administration of President Trump, and President Trump personally in the current international dynamics," Ushakov said. 'A Carefully Orchestrated Act of Strategic Communication' At his speech kicking off the military parade, Xi said China was "unstoppable" while promoting a message of "national sacrifice -- not as victims, but as a function of willpower and national resolve." Xi also struck a more defiant tone, saying that "the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable!" and that China "is never intimidated by any bullies," a term usually used in official statements to refer indirectly to the United States. "I believe this is a signal to the West, and primarily to the United States, that China now sees itself as a country ready to defend itself," Natalia Plaksienko-Butyrskaya, a senior fellow at the Kyiv-based New Europe Center, told Current Time, RFE/RL's Russian-language TV channel. The celebrations around the anniversary honored China's suffering during World War II and the Communist Party's contributions to victory, but the massive parade also caps off a whirlwind of diplomatic events meant to show China's vision for an alternative world order to counter the longstanding dominance of the United States and its Western allies. "This year's parade, therefore, is not simply a ceremonial display of troops and weaponry," Chinese journalist Deng Yuwen wrote for Foreign Policy magazine ahead of the event. "It is a carefully orchestrated act of strategic communication, weaving together messages of military strength, diplomatic positioning, and historical narratives, directed at audiences both at home and abroad." The parade followed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit this week that also sought to cast China as a global leader with deepening regional influence in Southeast and Central Asia. Many leaders, including Belarusian strongman Aleksandr Lukashenko, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, remained in China after the summit to attend the parade. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, whose governments have each applied to join the SCO, were also at the military event in Beijing. The longer stay in China by foreign leaders corresponded with a flurry of meetings and deals struck on the sidelines. Kazakhstan announced that it had signed more than 70 different agreements with China, while Russia said it had inked over 20, including moving forward on a key gas pipeline, although many important details are still unclear. China's big celebration and display of its expanding military arsenal also come as Beijing seeks to capitalize on the Trump administration's transactional and more erratic foreign policy, including launching sweeping tariffs and rattling longtime allies. "The diplomatic moves, the military display, and the inclusion of Putin and Kim is all a show of strength," said Arho Havren. "It's a message to the United States and NATO that they can push back, but also to Japan, South Korea, Ukraine, and Taiwan that they are more vulnerable than ever." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-russia-north- korea-parade-trump-military-world-war/33520331.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 China Unveils Cutting-Edge, Planet-Spanning ICBM at Military Parade Sputnik News 20250903 China featured the Dongfeng 5 (DF-5C) intercontinental ballistic missile at the Wednesday military parade in Beijing and presented its strategic land, sea and air forces as a nuclear triad for the first time. The DF-5C missile has a range that covers the entire planet and is an important means of ensuring strategic security and peace, a commentator said during the live broadcast of the military parade. The large-scale military parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World War II kicked off in Tiananmen Square in central Beijing on Wednesday morning. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered an opening speech, expressing gratitude to the war veterans and noting China's contribution to world peace. Aerospace forces, cyberspace forces and information support forces are taking part in the parade in China for the first time. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Beijing touts alternative order at WWII parade: U.S. scholars ROC Central News Agency 09/04/2025 10:10 AM Washington, Sept. 3 (CNA) Beijing's large-scale military parade on Wednesday was aimed at promoting an "alternative global order" to replace U.S. dominance, U.S. scholars told CNA. Richard Bush, a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan, said China sought to send the message that it "is getting stronger and stronger." Bush said that China was trying to convey that "China is a firm pole of the emerging international system, replacing the U.S." and that "Beijing is consistent in its principles and priorities and Washington is not." Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the German Marshall Fund's Indo-Pacific Program, added that in addition to demonstrating military prowess, Beijing wanted to advance its Global Governance Initiative as part of its push for an alternative order. She said the parade in Tiananmen Square, held to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the Second Sino-Japanese War, also reinforced China's wartime narrative, which highlights China and the Soviet Union's roles in defeating fascism while downplaying those of other Allies. It also sought to strengthen China's claims to Taiwan by invoking the Cairo and Potsdam Declarations, she said. At the parade, attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping () declared that victory was achieved under a national united front against Japan led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), according to Xinhua News Agency. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected that claim as a "falsehood that deviated from the facts," stressing that the Cairo and Potsdam Declarations affirmed the Republic of China's (ROC, Taiwan's official name) sovereignty over Taiwan. It added that since the People's Republic of China did not exist at the time, it neither participated in the war against Japan nor had legitimacy to claim a role in the post-war order. (By Elaine Hou, and Wu Kuan-hsien) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM meets with Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto Global Times By Xinhua Published: Sep 04, 2025 07:40 AM Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday met with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, who is in China to attend 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. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, relations between China and Hungary are at their best in history. The successful cooperation between the two countries demonstrates that China and Europe are partners instead of rivals, Wang said, adding that the friendship between China and Hungary sets an example for China and Europe to enhance mutual trust and expand cooperation. For his part, Szijjarto said Hungary highly appreciates China for always standing on the side of peace and playing a key role in promoting world peace and stability. China is the most important cooperation partner of Hungary, and the Hungarian side looks forward to further deepening its relations with China. Cooperation between Europe and China brings about opportunities rather than risks, and regarding China as a systemic rival is the biggest misjudgement, Szijjarto noted, adding that the Hungarian side is willing to play a constructive role in promoting the development of Europe-China relations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea Will Certainly Help Russia If Needed, Kim Tells Putin Sputnik News 20250903 Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding a separate meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Beijing. Relations between Russia and North Korea are developing in a special way, Russian President Vladimir Putin said. "Recently, relations between our countries have assumed a special trusting and friendly character, an allied character," Putin said at a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Beijing. Putin added that he was glad to have an opportunity to hold a separate meeting with Kim Jong-un. "We took part in the celebrations [commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of end of World War II] held by our Chinese friends. I would like to note that all the events were brilliant, just very good, at a high level," Putin added. President Putin once again thanked North Korean soldiers for participating in the liberation of the Kursk region, "I want to emphasize that your soldiers fought bravely and heroically" If North Korea can help Russia in any way, it will definitely do so, it is fraternal duty, Kim told Putin. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Meets Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, met and held talks with Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation who participated in 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, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing in the afternoon on September 3. The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un had a photo taken with Putin in commemoration of their meeting in Beijing. Present there were Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Defense Andrei Beloussov, Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology Alexandr Kozlov and Aide to the President of Russia for Foreign Policy Yuri Ushakov. Expressing his pleasure to meet Putin again, Kim Jong Un made an affirmative appreciation of the bilateral relations expanding and developing vigorously into all fields after the conclusion of the DPRK-Russia inter-state treaty. Putin highly appreciated the matchless bravery and heroism of the DPRK soldiers displayed in the operations for liberating Kursk, saying that the relations between the two countries are special ones of trust, friendship and alliance. He noted that Russia would always remember sacrifices made by the DPRK army and asked Kim Jong Un to convey the warmest greetings to all the DPRK people on behalf of the Russian people. Kim Jong Un expressed deep thanks for this. He said that the DPRK would fully support the struggle of the Russian government, army and people for defending the national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interests and remain faithful to the implementation of the inter-state treaty between the DPRK and Russia, regarding it as a fraternal duty in the future, too. The heads of state of the DPRK and Russia discussed in detail the long-term plans for cooperation between the two countries and reaffirmed their steadfast will to continue to lead the bilateral relations to a high level. Kim Jong Un had an open-minded exchange of views with Putin on important international and regional issues. The meeting proceeded in a comradely and friendly atmosphere. Conveying warm greetings to the fraternal Russian people, Kim Jong Un exchanged warm farewells with Putin. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Participates in Commemorations Marking 80th Anniversary of Victory in Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, participated in 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 held in Beijing, the capital city of the People's Republic of China, on September 3. The great victory in the anti-Japanese war and the world anti-fascist war marked a world historic event that brought about a fundamental turn in carving out the destiny of the peoples of the DPRK and China and the progressive mankind and powerfully encouraged the national liberation struggle in the colonial countries and the human cause of independence. The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un arrived at the venue for the event through the Upright Gate of the Forbidden City in Beijing. He met Comrade Xi Jinping with delight and exchanged greetings and had a picture taken with heads of state and government of different countries and leaders of international organizations invited to the event. Kim Jong Un mounted the Rostrum of the Tian'anmen Square, chatting with Xi Jinping. He met war veterans who participated in the anti-Japanese war at Tian'anmen and warmly congratulated them on greeting the significant and splendid V-Day. The commemorative rally began at 9:00 (local time) 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 ceremony of raising the flag of the People's Republic of China was held amid 80 gun salutes. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and president of the People's Republic of China, made an important address before reviewing troops. Present in the military parade were 45 foot and armament columns and air echelons representing the services and arms of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Pigeons symbolizing peace and numerous balloons were released into sky over the square to significantly decorate the end of the rally. That day there was a reception for guests of honor at the Great Hall of the People 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. Kim Jong Un attended the reception together with the leaders of different countries. A welcoming artistic performance was given by the Chinese artistes at the reception. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Interview with Federal Foreign Minister Wadephul in the newspaper "Die Glocke" Germany Federal Foreign Office 03.09.2025 - Interview Published on 27 August 2025 Question: Let's imagine that the current series of summits on the Ukraine war manages to bring about a ceasefire, ideally even a peaceful resolution. Wouldn't US President Trump then have proven that threats and pressure can achieve more than classic diplomacy can? Johann Wadephul: That's a false dichotomy - classic diplomacy makes use of pressure as well. There is a reason why the European Union has already passed 18 sanctions packages, which significantly inhibit Russia's ability to finance its aggression. Sanctions work best when they are uniformly applied by all parties and loopholes are closed. We are working day in, day out to do so. I explicitly welcome President Trump's efforts for a peaceful resolution for Ukraine. That is classic diplomacy - striving for solutions, however difficult they may be. It now falls to Russia's President Putin to prove that he takes the US President seriously. Because currently we are seeing Putin let the war continue unabated while his Foreign Minister throws up obstacle after obstacle to direct talks between Putin and President Zelenskyy. Our position is clear - Ukraine alone decides on its borders and future. We stand by its side in this and are committed to a peaceful resolution that will guarantee security for Ukraine and Europe. Question: Diplomacy seems to have reached its limits in the Gaza war as well. Or do you still see some possibility of preventing Israel from occupying Gaza City? Johann Wadephul: Now in particular, it is urgent to continue negotiations on a ceasefire. This is the only possible way to alleviate the suffering in Gaza - the suffering of the hostages, who remain in the hands of Hamas, and the suffering of the civilian population. It is the only way to prevent yet more civilians, including women and children, from dying in the war, in addition to the tens of thousands who have already been killed. The expansion of the operations to include Gaza City means that hundreds of thousands of civilians will end up in the crossfire once again. I reiterate that we, like the Israeli military's Chief of Staff himself, have doubts about the proportionality of capturing Gaza City, where almost one million people live. We have clearly expressed this dissent and taken action as a result, concerning the delivery of military equipment that could be used there. Question: When it comes to the building of settlements in the West Bank, Israel seems equally impervious to criticism. Was Germany's past approach to this issue, even considering its historically rooted responsibility towards the Jewish state, too cautious? Johann Wadephul: Our rejection of Israeli settlement policy is very much a long-standing position, and incidentally also international law. The building of settlements is and remains illegal. We advocate a negotiated two-state solution because we firmly believe it is the only solution that can bring Israelis and Palestinians a future in peace and security. Every new settlement, on the other hand, is a further obstacle to this process. I find it particularly shocking that some cabinet members are articulating entirely openly that the main goal of the settlement expansions is to prevent a Palestinian state. I speak with my Israeli counterpart often. And I frequently ask him: How is that meant to serve your security? Placing ever-greater restrictions on the Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem lays the foundation for further conflicts. As does, incidentally, the fact that Israel does nothing to stop radical settlers and extremists in attacks on Palestinian villages. Question: You have just been in Asia, where you warned China that it must act less aggressively in the Indo-Pacific. But if, to cite the most obvious example, China were to attack Taiwan - what could the West do to stop it without becoming embroiled in a war? Johann Wadephul: We must prevent things from reaching that stage in the first place. The status of Taiwan must only be changed peacefully and consensually. The growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait are a source of concern for us - and for our partners in Europe, the US and the Indo-Pacific, where I have just been travelling. It must be clear to China that the UN Charter's prohibition of the use of force applies everywhere. I clearly emphasised this during my trip and I have been saying the same in my talks with my Chinese counterpart. Any escalation in or around Taiwan would have immediate consequences for global security and the global economy. Taiwan is one of the leading hubs for the semiconductor industry worldwide, and the Taiwan Strait is one of the world's key trade routes. Question: Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz is already being called a "Foreign Chancellor", as the major conflicts mentioned are discussed primarily at the level of heads of state and government. Is your ministry losing relevance? Johann Wadephul: Good foreign policy includes good task-sharing in order to have an impact internationally. If Germany is amplifying its voice on the international stage, and issues of war and peace are being discussed at the highest level - as they are in all of our partner states, too - then that shows that foreign policy is gaining in relevance overall. And of course, discussing foreign and security policy issues has never been the sole preserve of the Federal Foreign Office. From defence to the economy to the environment and climate action, foreign policy is a concert with a large orchestra. Ensuring this orchestra hits the right notes, properly preparing, negotiating, liaising, coordinating, and involving the right people, is and remains a core task of the Federal Foreign Office with its staff of over 13,000 people. In light of the global challenges we face, this task is more important than ever. Question: The Ukraine war, the Gaza war, an unpredictable US administration - the job of Foreign Minister isn't exactly a walk in the park these days, is it? Johann Wadephul: Well, it's not as if I signed up for a holiday in the lovely Munsterland. Foreign policy isn't a fair-weather outing, it's more like sailing on the high seas - there may be fog, or clouds, and often a stiff breeze in your face. The most important thing is that you are not alone in the storm and that you choose the right places to drop anchor. And that is very much the case. I lead a wonderful ministry with incredibly dedicated staff and we have strong, reliable partners in Europe and around the world. Yes, there are many serious, important topics to address, and my role involves a lot of pressure. But I feel privileged every day to be able to serve my country in this way. Interview conducted by Thorsten Bothe. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China supports Iran's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity: Envoy IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 3, 2025 China's Ambassador to Iran, Cong Peiwu, says China supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity, and defending its legitimate rights and interests through political negotiations. In an op-ed submitted to IRNA's English News Desk on Wednesday, Peiwu, who started his mission in the Islamic Republic in May 2024, discussed the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and Iran's nuclear program. He stated that China will continue to uphold justice, work towards a solution to the Iranian nuclear issue that accommodates the legitimate concerns of all parties, and make continued efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East. The full text of his article comes as follows: The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit was successfully held in Tianjin, China, yielding fruitful outcomes and earning high praise from the international community, including Iran. I would like to take this opportunity to provide more details to our friends from all walks of life in Iran. The Tianjin Summit is the largest-ever SCO summit. It was planned for high-quality development and produced the most fruitful outcomes, demonstrating the strong cohesive force and appeal of the Shanghai Spirit, namely mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations, and pursuit of common development. Eight major outcomes have been achieved in the Tianjin Summit. The leaders of the member states signed and issued the Tianjin Declaration, reached a series of important agreements, including the SCO's development strategy for the next decade. The successful Tianjin Summit will lead the SCO into a new stage of high-quality development featuring stronger solidarity, coordination, dynamism, and productivity, and will definitely become an important milestone in the history of the organization. Facing a world of turbulence and transformation, the SCO's responsibility and role in maintaining peace and stability and promoting development and prosperity have become increasingly prominent. At the summit, leaders unanimously agreed to continue carrying forward the Shanghai Spirit, strengthen strategic coordination, safeguard the victorious outcomes of World War II, uphold the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, oppose unilateralism, hegemonism, and protectionism, improve the global governance system, and safeguard international fairness and justice. This fully demonstrates the resolve of member states to stay true to SCO's founding mission and step up to undertake their duties. The Tianjin Declaration also explicitly condemns military aggression against Iran and safeguards the legitimate right of all countries, including Iran, to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The Tianjin Summit announced the establishment of the SCO Universal Center for Countering Challenges and Threats to Security, the Information Security Center under the SCO Universal Center, the Center for Combating Transnational Organized Crime, and the SCO Anti-Drug Center. This represents another major progress in the SCO's security cooperation, which will comprehensively enhance member states' capacity to respond to new threats and challenges and more effectively safeguard regional peace and tranquility. The Summit also decided to establish the SCO Development Bank, and set up three China-SCO cooperation platforms in energy, green industries, and digital economy, as well as three cooperation centers in scientific and technological innovation, higher education and vocational and technical education. In addition, six high-quality development action plans were formulated, which precisely cover key areas such as sustainable energy development, green industry, and international cooperation on artificial intelligence. These outcomes will surely inject new and strong impetus into the economic and social development of the region and even the whole world. China also put forward important initiatives, including implementing 100 "small and beautiful" livelihood projects in member states with such need, providing RMB 2 billion in grants to member states by 2025, and welcoming all parties to use the Beidou Navigation Satellite System. Faced with new challenges encountered in the reform of the global governance system and new issues confronting the common development of mankind, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). The Initiative clearly advocates five core concepts, namely, adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating a people-centered approach, and focusing on taking real actions. It has further contributed to China's wisdom and solutions to improving the global governance system. Following the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), this important initiative is another key public good contributed by President Xi Jinping to the world. The four global initiatives, each with its own focus and complementing one another, have injected precious stability and certainty into the turbulent world from the four dimensions of development, security, civilization, and governance. I believe the readers are very interested in President Pezeshkian's activities in China. China highly appreciates that President Pezeshkian made the trip to attend the 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. On September 2, President Xi Jinping met with President Pezeshkian in Beijing, reaching an important consensus and charting the course for the future development of bilateral relations. During the meeting, President Xi Jinping noted that China always places its relations with Iran high on its diplomatic agenda in the Middle East, and stands ready to 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. President Xi Jinping emphasized that China attaches importance to Iran's repeated pledge that it does not seek to develop nuclear weapons and respects Iran's 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 to realize lasting peace in the Middle East. President Pezeshkian highly praised the Tianjin Summit and China's contributions during its presidency of the SCO, emphasizing that 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. The Tianjin Summit and the meeting between the two heads of state have triggered a warm response in Iran; all sectors of society have highly praised the SCO's significant contributions to maintaining international and regional peace and development, and looked forward to the SCO playing a greater role in the current international landscape. They also anticipate a further strengthening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two ancient civilizations of China and Iran. China expresses its appreciation for this. Knowing is the beginning of doing; doing is the completion of knowing. The SCO has achieved a series of groundbreaking and historic results, and the China-Iran relationship has stood the test of changes in the world. This is all due to our consistent adherence to the right direction and forging ahead with solid steps. The Chinese Embassy in Iran is ready to work with all sectors of Iranian society to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, practice the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, and make new contributions to the steady and long-term growth of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. 3266**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China says ties with Iran are a top diplomatic priority IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 3, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning says her country attaches paramount importance to relations with Iran, and stands ready for efforts to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. "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, and strengthen cooperation in various areas," Mao Ning said on Tuesday on her X account after Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian for bilateral talks in Beijing. "The China-Iran relationship has stood the test of changes in the world, and maintained steady and healthy development," the spokesperson further said, adding that her country will continue efforts for a solution to Iran's nuclear issue. "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," she noted. Heading a high-ranking delegation, President Pezeshkian wrapped up his four-day visit to China on Wednesday morning. He attended the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Summit and the SCO Plus meeting in Tianjin as part of his schedule in China. 9376**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Snapback won't add pressure on Iran's oil exports: Minister Iran Press TV Wednesday, 03 September 2025 7:03 PM Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad says a potential return of UN sanctions on Iran, a process known as "snapback" under a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, will not increase restrictions on the country's oil exports. Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Paknejad said that Iran's oil exports have successfully resisted a barrage of sanctions imposed by the United States in recent years, adding that a return of UN sanctions won't increase the pressure. "It is not expected that the snapback would create any restriction on top of the unilateral restrictions imposed on our oil sales by the US and its Treasury Department," he said. The minister added, however, that Iran is prepared to adopt the necessary measures to deal with new emergencies. Iran's nuclear agreement with world powers, known as the JCPOA, allows a return of six United Nations sanctions resolutions that were adopted between 2006 and 2010 in response to Iran's alleged non-compliance with UN nuclear regulations. France, Britain, and Germany, as parties to the JCPOA, announced last week that they had started a 30-day process to snap back sanctions on Iran before a late October deadline when a UN Security Council resolution enshrining the deal expires. Iran has condemned the announcement, saying the three countries have been influenced by the US, which withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, and its attempts to force Iran to dismantle its peaceful nuclear program. Experts say that the re-imposition of UN sanctions would have almost no impact on Iran's ability to supply oil to international markets, adding that they could only affect the country's oil-related financial dealings with other countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran still under cyber attacks two months after Israeli aggression: Official Iran Press TV Wednesday, 03 September 2025 6:11 PM A senior Iranian official responsible for internet monitoring operations says the country is still under recurrent cyber attacks more than two months after the end of a 12-day military aggression by the Israeli regime. Mohmmad Amin Aghamiri, who serves as secretary of Iran's Supreme Council of Cyber Space, said on Wednesday that the size and scope of cyber attacks on Iran have remained almost unchanged since the end of the Israeli aggression in late June. "We are engaged in operations to fend off and counter cyber attacks by the enemies on a daily basis," said Aghamiri in a meeting with members of the Iranian parliament. He said, however, that the cyber attacks have failed to disrupt online services in Iran, adding that attacks have been dealt with using elite teams of cyber defense experts who work around the clock to protect sensitive services. The official did not elaborate whether the attacks had all been carried out by the Israeli regime or if other countries had been involved. Iran suffered a barrage of damaging cyber attacks on its banking systems at the start of the Israeli aggression on June 15. Iran's banks of Pasargad and Sepah were the main victims of the attacks, with millions of customers losing access to online services for at least two days. The two banks quickly returned their online services and operations to normal. Aghamiri said that Iran is still at war in cyberspace, adding that the enemy will continue to target sensitive infrastructure in Iran with cyber attacks because they are "less costly and less risky compared to physical attacks". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pezeshkian calls for Iran-China resistance against 'bullying', unilateralism Iran Press TV Wednesday, 03 September 2025 11:08 AM Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has underscored the necessity of standing firm against the intimidation and pressure from countries seeking to disrupt the amicable relations between Iran and China, reaffirming Tehran's commitment to implement bilateral agreements. Pezeshkian concluded his visit to China on Wednesday, heading back to Tehran after participating in the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Summit and the SCO Plus meeting. "We must resist the bullying of those countries that are opposed to the friendly relations between Iran and China," Pezeshkian said in Beijing where he met Huang Hu, a permanent member of the Chinese Communist Party. Pezeshkian also emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation, characterizing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an effective tool to counter unilateralism. He went on to say that humanity yearns for justice, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law, adding that the foundation of global civilization is rooted in the rich history and culture of nations like Iran and China, and through these civilizations, nations can coexist with dignity. Pezeshkian further said Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has mandated the Iranian administration to prioritize ties with China, expressing hope that a joint working group would soon accelerate the implementation of bilateral agreements. The Chinese official, for his part, expressed appreciation for Iran's positive assessment of the recent SCO summit in Tianjin, saying Beijing is ready to operationalize the understandings reached between the two sides. He added that China will continue to support Iran on matters concerning sovereignty and national interests, as it has done in the past. The permanent member of the Chinese Communist Party also highlighted the commitment of both sides to enhance practical cooperation, denouncing coercive tactics in international relations. He further emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation, denouncing coercive tactics in international relations. He also pointed out that both nations share perspectives on global governance and are opposed to hegemony, a policy which he stated facilitates the expansion of their cooperation. During his trip, which began on Sunday, Pezeshkian attended a large military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. He delivered speeches at both the SCO Heads of State Summit and the SCO Plus meeting held in Tianjin. In addition to multilateral engagements, Pezeshkian held bilateral talks with leaders from China, Russia, Turkey, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and also met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The Iranian president also met with a group of Iranian expatriates during his visit. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Official hails Iran's 'active diplomacy' during President Pezeshkian's SCO Summit attendance Iran Press TV Wednesday, 03 September 2025 3:12 AM A senior Iranian diplomat has praised the Islamic Republic's application of an "active and multilateral" diplomatic approach during the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in China. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi made the remarks in a post on X, former Twitter, on Tuesday, addressing the developments that concerned the summit, which was joined by President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is on an official visit to China. According to the diplomat, the chief executive's participation in the summit "marked a vivid display" of application of such diplomacy on the part of the Islamic Republic. He noted that Pezeshkian delivered two separate speeches at the SCO and SCO Plus meetings, during which the president underlined Iran's constructive role in strengthening regional cooperation by presenting new initiatives. SCO serves as a key regional intergovernmental organization that focuses on political, economic, and security cooperation. The countries founding the body in 2001 comprise China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Iran joined the organization in July 2023. Iran's proposals at SCO Summit: 'Piece-Building Committee, Accounts and Settlement Mechanism' Joining the summit, the Iranian president proposed creation of a "Peace-Building Committee" composed of member states' foreign ministers to address regional crises, Gharibabadi noted. The chief executive additionally suggested that the SCO establish an "Accounts and Settlements Mechanism" aimed at bolstering financial cooperation and mitigating the impact of unlawful sanctions. Key points raised at SCO Plus The diplomat noted how Pezeshkian used his speech at the SCO Plus, an expanded format of the SCO Summit, to describe the format as a valuable opportunity for reinforcing international peace. Attending SCO Plus, the president also underscored Iran's unique geographical position within China's historic Belt and Road Initiative - a massive global infrastructure and economic development project, launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013. Pezeshkian also reiterated the Islamic Republic's consistent readiness to resolve matters concerning its peaceful nuclear energy program through diplomacy and described the "Global Governance Initiative" that had been proposed by Xi at the SCO Summit as an important step towards bolstering international justice. Xi's initiative lays emphasis on adherence to sovereign equality, commitment to the international law, and multilateralism, besides advocating "the people-centered approach" and focusing on "taking real actions." Documents and statements: SCO members condemn unprovoked Israeli-US war Throughout the SCO Summit, more than 20 documents were adopted in various areas, including establishment of centers to counter security threats and narcotics, the organization's 10-year strategy, cooperation in artificial intelligence, green industry, sustainable energy, science and technology, and multilateral trade, Gharibabadi additionally noted. In their final communique, the diplomat said, the member states also condemned the unprovoked war imposed by the Israeli regime and the United States on Iran in June as a "flagrant violation of the international law and the UN Charter," stressing that such aggression undermines both regional and global security, he stated. They further underscored the need for permanent guarantees for nuclear safety, even in times of armed conflict, and reaffirmed the binding nature of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which has endorsed a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world countries, the official wrote. The members warned that arbitrary reinterpretations of the resolution erode the Council's credibility, his post read, referring to European states' underway push to reinstate the Security Council's sanctions against Iran upon the resolution's expiration in October. The communique also acknowledged Iran's initiatives, including creation of a "Strategic Security Studies Center," a taskforce ensuring provision of essential medicines and equipment, a mechanism for cooperation in new technologies, and an industrial insurance union. Bilateral meetings Gharibabadi finally pointed to the chief executive's bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit with heads of state from China, Russia, Turkey, Pakistan, and Tajikistan as well as the UN secretary-general. He noted how Xi had described Iran as a strategic partner, reaffirming recognition of the country's right to peaceful nuclear energy and calling for expansion of win-win cooperation, particularly in the area of transportation and connectivity. Russia's President Vladimir Putin also conveyed greetings to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, besides highlighting the Russo-Iranian long-term comprehensive treaty and the Iran-Eurasia free trade agreement that entered into force in May, as pillars of growing cooperation. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Pezeshkian's recent visit to Islamabad as fruitful and conducive to further enhancement of the countries' bilateral ties, stressing the need for unity among Muslim countries in confronting the Israeli regime's genocidal crimes in the Gaza Strip. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced opposition to activation of the 2015 nuclear deal's so-called "snapback" mechanism that returns the UN sanctions, while recognizing the Islamic Republic's right to peaceful nuclear activities. Tajikistani President Emomali Rahmon described historical and cultural bonds with Iran as precious heritage, strongly condemning the June war and calling for deeper economic cooperation and enhancement of people-to-people diplomacy between the nations. UN chief 'personally convinced' Iran's nuclear program is peaceful Meeting with Pezeshkian, UN chief Antonio Guterres stated that he had been "personally convinced" that Iran's nuclear program was peaceful and that the country had no intention of developing nuclear weapons, Gharibabadi stated. Guterres reaffirmed Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy, expressed concern over potential activation of the "snapback" mechanism, and pledged to raise the matter with the European states trying to invoke it, the post concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister's Office Type: Media Statements Government: The 37th Government Publish Date: 03.09.2025 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening : "In a democracy, demonstrations are legitimate. However, what is happening in the financed, organized and political protests against the Government, which have crossed every line, is that they are vandalizing property, blocking roads, making millions of citizens miserable, and chasing after elected officials and their children, on their way to kindergarten and school. They are threatening to murder me - the Prime Minister, and my family - on a daily basis; they are also setting fires. They said that they will surround my home, the home of the Prime Minister, with a ring of fire, just like fascist gangs. They lit a fire on Charlap Street, right next to the house, and this fire spread to a car that belongs to Yoav Bar Yishai, a major in the IDF reserves, the grandson of Yaakov Ne'eman who was an exemplary Finance Minister and Justice Minister in the State of Israel. This year Yoav has served around 260 days, in three rounds, in both Gaza and Lebanon. He serves as an officer in an elite Armored Corps unit. He has three daughters. They burned his car. His wife cannot take the kids. Then they volunteered to finance the purchase of a new car. Don't do any favors. Don't make us laugh. You talk about democracy? You talk and behave just like fascists. What is happening here is simple. There is no enforcement, and when there is no enforcement, there is escalation. Indeed, they started by breaking through roadblocks and afterwards attempted to break through fences, and afterwards fired flares that almost burned a security guard to death near my house, and now they are making a ring of fire. Where is the enforcement? It doesn't exist. There is no selective enforcement, there is no enforcement at all. This must change. This is what I demand of the enforcement authorities. This is what the people of Israel demand in order for there to be democracy here." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hundreds of Israeli reservists refuse Gaza deployment amid 'crisis of trust' Iran Press TV Wednesday, 03 September 2025 9:39 AM The Israeli military is reportedly grappling to find enough reserve forces for a planned invasion to occupy Gaza City, with hundreds of reservists warning not to report for duty as the "crisis of trust" deepens between the occupation army and the Tel Aviv regime. Israeli media said the approximately 60,000 reserve duty call-up papers sent by the military last month would come into effect on Tuesday and thousands of the reserve forces were expected to report to their bases ahead of the offensive to seize Gaza City. However, the occupation army fears a low turnout rate due to the burden, concern for the lives of the captives held by the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and a lack of trust in the illegal regime. The reports said most of the reservists have already served hundreds of days since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, and they are now required to serve an additional three months, with the possibility of a one-month extension depending on how the fighting in the Strip unfolds. Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz said hundreds of Israeli soldiers had come out against the new invasion Gaza and threatened not to show up for service. "This rotation is the toughest yet. Many feel conflicted over concerns for the hostages held by Hamas," reservists told paper, adding that they "do not believe" in the stated objectives of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's regime in capturing Gaza. Senior officials cited by the Israeli newspaper also said there is a "crisis of trust" between Netanyahu's cabinet and the military, which is affecting the occupation army. The report said the Israeli commanders in the reserves have been ordered to hold conversations and allow troops to express their opinions and feelings on the imminent attack to occupy Gaza City. "We talk and say what we think, but there are no answers. I can't recall such a heavy feeling in previous tours. Even just from talking with the commanders, it's clear that we're going into a war that even the army doesn't want," one reservist told the newspaper. "No one can tell me any fairy tales after 280 days of fighting in Gaza. I know Gaza, unfortunately. The conquest of Gaza has nothing to do with bringing back the hostages. Every one of us understands that." Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir was reported to have gone to great lengths pressing Netanyahu over the danger the occupation plan poses to the captives held by the Palestinian resistance in Gaza. Zamir also told Netanyahu that the offensive will put further unnecessary strain on Israeli troops after some 350 reservists signed a joint statement addressing the occupying regime. "The decision to embark on an operation to finally occupy Gaza is clearly illegal and will put the hostages, soldiers, and civilians at risk. If we are called to reserve duty - we will not report. We will not obey any orders that are sent," said reservist Ron Feiner. "This is a political, cynical and dangerous step, designed to serve an extremist minority and not the security of Israeli" settlers. Another anonymous commander, who has fought for 400 days since the start of the war, said he has come to believe that Israeli settlers are dying for nothing and that Netanyahu is prolonging the war for his own political survival, a widely held view in parts of the occupied territories. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Monday reported that Israeli commanders were resorting to "unusual methods" such as using WhatsApp groups to recruit university students to make up for the shortage of troops ahead of the Gaza offensive. "I'm 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 of the messages sent out, according to WSJ. Last week, the New York Times also cited soldiers and officers as saying that the exhaustion and disillusionment facing the Israeli occupation army have threatened to "complicate" Tel Aviv's plans for the upcoming onslaught. "It's not clear how many of them will return to the fight," NYT highlighted. Around a dozen officers and soldiers told NYT that there are "depleted and exhausted units," adding that 40 to 50 percent of their comrades were "not turning up for duty." Israeli forces are currently expanding their aggression on Gaza City's outskirts, laying to waste civilian infrastructure and causing mass destruction ahead of the large-scale attack and invasion. Gaza City remains one of the last refuges in the northern part of the strip, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are sheltering amid the dual threats of combat and famine since October 7, 2023. Israel's barbaric onslaught on the Strip has since killed 63,633 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 160,914 others. Moreover, at least 10,000 people are unaccounted for and presumed dead under the rubble of their homes throughout the besieged territory. Last November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former war minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The Tel Aviv regime also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its genocidal war on the besieged Palestinian territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting between the President of Russia and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Prime Miinister's Office - Islamic Republic of Pakistan September 02, 2025 Beijing : 2 September, 2025 Meeting between the President of Russia and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Prime Minster of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in Beijing, China today. Recalling their last meeting in Astana in 2024, both leaders expressed great satisfaction on expanding cooperation and increasing momentum over the course of past one year. Both leaders acknowledged that the relationship today is underpinned by mutual trust, respect and warmth between the two sides. Emphasizing that Pakistan attached immense importance to its relations with Russia, the Prime Minister conveyed Pakistan's readiness to enhance bilateral relations with Russia in areas such as trade connectivity, energy, agriculture, investment, defence, artificial intelligence, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges. He also shared that it was heartening to note that both countries have almost similarity of approaches on various global platforms. Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized on the need for regular engagement of the established institutional mechanisms between the two countries. He also emphasized that tangible initiatives such as the flagship project of the proposed Pakistan Steel Mill (PSM) Karachi and investment in connectivity projects would be symbols of Pakistan-Russia friendship for the generations to come. Agreeing with the assessment of the Prime Minister on bilateral relations, President Vladimir Putin noted the upward trajectory of ties between the two countries. He also stressed the importance of collaboration in organizations such as the SCO which in turn can serve a major role in regional and global security and stability. Moreover, he expressed Russia's commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Pakistan across a broad array of subjects. The two leaders also discussed the situation in South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East and 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. The Russian President extended a most cordial invitation to the Prime Minister to undertake an official visit to Russia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting between the President of Tajikistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Prime Miinister's Office - Islamic Republic of Pakistan September 02, 2025 Beijing : 2 September, 2025 Meeting between the President of Tajikistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had a meeting with H.E. Emomali Rahmon, President of Republic of Tajikistan in Beijing, China, today. Both leaders expressed their satisfaction on the ongoing cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan in all areas of mutual interest. The two leaders agreed to enhance collaboration in diverse fields including trade and investment, connectivity, energy, regional security, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Tajikistan relations rooted in shared cultural, historical, and religious ties. The two leaders also shared perspectives on regional and global issues of common concern. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A high level delegation headed by General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu, Commander Turkish Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - September 03, 2025 No PR-274/2025-ISPR A high level delegation headed by General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu, Commander Turkish Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force. The delegation was accorded a very warm and cordial welcome upon arrival at Air Headquarters. The meeting featured in-depth discussion on the evolving regional security environment, progress in ongoing defence collaboration and prospects of joint engagement in new domains of modern warfare. Upon his arrival, a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented Guard of Honour to Commander Turkish Air Force. During the meeting, Chief of the Air Staff highlighted the deep-rooted brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, based on shared religious beliefs, aspirations and strategic alignment that continue to bring both the nations closer. He underscored that the arrival of the first batch of Turkish cadets at PAF Academy Asghar Khan for training marks a significant milestone in the enduring fraternal ties between the two Air Forces. The development marks a new chapter in the existing defence partnership between the two countries, underscoring mutual trust and the shared vision of building the next generation of air warriors. Both Commanders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation across multiple spheres, with particular emphasis on joint training, mutual exercises and multi domain operations. General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu commended PAF's outstanding operational performance under the visionary leadership of the Air Chief during the recent conflict with India, lauding its state of operational readiness and resolute defence of national sovereignty. He expressed keen interest in gaining comprehensive insight into the methodology of multi-domain warfare, drawing on the Pakistan Air Force's tested operational strategies and success in the conflict. The Turkish Air Force leadership also expressed it's earnest desire in studying the operational lessons derived from the military standoff between Pakistan and India, with the aim to further strengthening its own doctrine and enhancing overall preparedness. The visiting dignitary showed profound appreciation for the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park and lauded the indigenous capabilities developed by PAF in the realm of aerospace innovation, technological advancement and operational self-reliance. Both sides reiterated their resolve to learn from each other's experiences and move forward as a cohesive team, building on shared knowledge and operational expertise. The visit of Commander Turkish Air Force to Air Headquarters, Islamabad symbolizes the mutual resolve of both brotherly nations to enhance strategic cooperation, reinforce bilateral defence relations and promote enduring institutional ties between the Armed Forces of Pakistan and Turkiye. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address S.Korean National Assembly speaker shakes hands with DPRK's top leader on occasion of China's V-day celebrations: South Korean media Global Times By Global Times Published: Sep 03, 2025 06:56 PM South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik shook hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the occasion of a massive military parade in China on Wednesday, the Yonhap News Agency reported, citing Woo's office. The two sides briefly exchanged greetings before watching the parade in Tian'anmen Square, it added, without elaborating on whether further interaction took place, Yonhap said. China held a massive military parade in central Beijing on Wednesday 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. Yonhap earlier reported that if a meeting between Woo and Kim takes place, Woo is likely to convey a personal message from President Lee Jae-myung to the North Korean top leader. 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), arrived in Beijing, on Tuesday 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Canada strengthens oil price cap measures to curb Russian war revenues Global Affairs Canada News release September 3, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, today announced amendments to the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to further reduce revenues flowing to Russia from its oil exports. These amendments follow a commitment made by Canada on August 8, 2025, to lower the price cap for Russian oil, after the European Union and the United Kingdom announced similar measures. As G7 president, Canada is working closely with its allies and partners to increase pressure on Russia and support Ukraine's long-term security and recovery. In alignment with the European Union and the United Kingdom's recently announced measures, Canada has lowered its price cap for Russian crude oil from US$60 to US$47.60 per barrel. These oil price cap measures will be implemented in a manner that gives Canada the flexibility to make future adjustments should decisions be made to further reduce the price cap. They are also designed to reflect current market conditions and reduce Russia's ability to profit from its energy exports. The new oil price cap provides a 45-day non-application period for goods loaded onto a vessel and unloaded at their destination within 45 days after the amendments come into force. These measures are part of Canada's broader strategy to deprive Russia of the financial means to sustain its unjustified and unprovoked war against Ukraine; limit its access to global markets; target its shadow fleet; and strengthen the impact of coordinated sanctions. Canada remains committed to working with international partners to ensure that sanctions are effective, adaptive and aligned with evolving geopolitical and market realities. Quotes "Canada is taking decisive action to reduce Russia's oil revenues and limit Russia's ability to fund its war machine. By aligning with our partners and adapting to market conditions, we are reinforcing our commitment to Ukraine and to international peace and security." - Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs "Canada is strengthening economic pressure on Russia by targeting one of its key sources of revenue. By cutting into its oil revenues, we are directly limiting Russia's ability to fund its illegal war in Ukraine. This price cap adjustment reflects market realities, but above all, it sends a clear message: our sanctions will remain tough, targeted, and effective for as long as it takes" - Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue Quick facts Canada first implemented oil price cap measures against Russia in December 2022. On July 18, 2025, the European Union announced a new round of sanctions, which included a new dynamic price cap mechanism that automatically sets Europe's price cap for Russian crude oil to the average price of Urals (Russian oil) over a period comprising the previous 22 weeks, minus 15%. This measure will be adjusted every six months. Also on July 18, 2025, the United Kingdom announced that it had lowered the price cap on Russian oil in its jurisdiction, without introducing the dynamic mechanism. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin, Kim hold bilateral meeting in Beijing: Russian media Global Times By Global Times Published: Sep 03, 2025 03:38 PM Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a bilateral meeting in Beijing, Russian media outlet TASS reported Wednesday. Both leaders attended grand commemorative gathering marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War Wednesday morning in Beijing. Putin and Kim took this opportunity to hold the meeting, TASS reported. The talks are taking place at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, where the Russian president is staying during his visit, according to the report. According to a video released by Kremlin, Putin and Kim took an Aurus car to the meeting venue. Another Russian media outlet RT reported Wednesday on X that the both leaders smile, handshake, and pose for pictures during their meeting in China. According to TASS, Putin noted that in the morning they had jointly attended the commemorative events hosted by China to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory. As part of the celebrations, China staged a large-scale military parade on Tiananmen Square. "All of these events were held brilliantly, simply very well, at a high level," Putin emphasized, TASS reported. Relations between Russia and North Korea are developing in a special way, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, according to Sputnik International. "Recently, relations between our countries have assumed a special trusting and friendly character, an allied character," Putin said. RT reported on X that during the meeting, Kim said that "We have co-op ongoing. In every sector results must be up to the mark and grow." "If there is any way we can help and support Russia, we will always do it it is our brotherly duty," Kim was quoted by RT on X. RT also reported that Kim thanked Putin for this meeting. 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 on 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 reported. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian, North Korean leaders conclude meeting with hugging; Kim Jong-un invited to visit Russia: report Global Times By Global Times Published: Sep 03, 2025 07:14 PM Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a bilateral meeting for more than an hour and a half in Beijing after attending China's V-day commemorations on Wednesday. After they concluded the meeting, the Russian and North Korean leaders shook hands, hugged and exchanged well-wishes, according to a video posted by Kremlin. The video showed that the two leaders walking out of a building in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, surrounded by cameramen and staff members, smiling and then shaking hands. At parting, they also exchanged well-wishes, wishing each other good health and success in their work. Putin also invited Kim to visit Russia, Russian media RT reported. The talks between Putin and Kim in Beijing have ended after more than an hour and a half. After the formal meeting wrapped up, the two leaders continued their conversation one-on-one, RT said. Putin expressed his happiness to meet North Korean leader in Beijing on Wednesday, TASS said. The Russian head of state added that he was happy to see his North Korean counterpart. "And I am happy to have an opportunity to discuss our bilateral relations across the board, among other topics," Putin specified. Kim emphasized that the relations between the two countries have developed in all aspects since they signed a strategic partnership treaty in June last year, the Yonhap News Agency reported. Both Putin and Kim attended grand commemorative gathering marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War on Wednesday morning in Beijing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Luong Cuong In Beijing, Vladimir Putin held a meeting with President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Luong Cuong. September 3, 2025 13:55 Beijing Taking part in the meeting on the Russian side were Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister, Co-Chair of the Russian-Vietnamese Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office - Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev, Governor of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina, Director of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev, and Director General of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom Alexei Likhachev. * * * President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends, I am delighted to hold a bilateral meeting with you on the sidelines of these celebrations. First of all, I would like to congratulate you and the people of Vietnam on the 80th anniversary of the declaration of Vietnam's independence, which you marked yesterday. This year, we marked 75 years of diplomatic relations between our countries. Over these years, special relations of alliance and fraternal mutual assistance have developed between Vietnam and Russia. It is difficult to list all the spheres of our cooperation, which has been growing stronger in the past few years. I am delighted to have this opportunity to meet with you and to discuss all areas of our cooperation. Of course, I also have fond memories of the warm welcome that was extended to our delegation during our latest visit to Vietnam. Thank you. President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Luong Cuong (retranslated): Mr President, I am delighted to be meeting with you in Beijing today on the occasion of a special landmark event. I am also grateful to you for the warm feelings and greetings to the party, state and people of Vietnam on the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of Vietnam. Thank you for sending Russian troops to take part in the parade in Vietnam. Everyone in Vietnam values highly the substantial fraternal assistance which the Soviet Union extended to us when we were fighting for our freedom and which Russia is providing to us now as we build our country. We consistently attach great importance to our traditionally friendly relations with Russia - these are brotherly, time-honoured relations. I would like to congratulate you, on behalf of the party and the state of Vietnam, on the great achievements Russia has made over the past period. You have overcome numerous difficulties. We believe that under your guidance Russia will become great and will be a mainstay in defending peace, justice and stability. We believe that this will be so, and we wish you success. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso Vladimir Putin held a meeting with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso on the sidelines of events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. September 3, 2025 12:05 Beijing Taking part in the meeting on the Russian side were Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office - Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Minister of Defence Andrei Belousov, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev, Director of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev, and Director General of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom Alexei Likhachev. * * * President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, I am delighted to see you, this time on the sidelines of events held to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and China's victory over Japanese militarism. We meet regularly. Our efforts in this sphere, our interaction with the Congo are among our foreign policy priorities in Africa. The Congo is our reliable and time-tested friend and partner. You regularly attend Russia-Africa meetings at the level of heads of state and other events. We maintain regular personal contact, and our colleagues in the government collaborate in various spheres. Our trade ties are stable, but as we have both pointed out many times, further efforts are necessary to advance them to a new level. Young people from your country continue to receive professional training in Russia. We are not only ready to maintain this level of ties but also to increase the number of Congolese young people who wish to receive an education in the Russian Federation. Our foreign ministries maintain regular contact, and we coordinate our work at all international platforms. Mr President, I am delighted to have this opportunity to meet with you on the sidelines of today's events. President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso (retranslated): Thank you very much, Mr President, my dear friend. It is always a great pleasure and honour for me to meet with you, as well as with other leaders and representatives of the Russian Federation. Of course, I have fond memories of the events I attended in Moscow several months ago, namely the military parade. I attended a military parade today as well. As I have said, I fondly remember the events I attended in Moscow, when we celebrated a landmark event, Victory over Nazism and fascism. The Red Army was the first to enter Berlin. It goes without saying that we also supported the resistance movement and struggle of the Chinese people against Japanese aggression. We remember Mao Zedong and the other forces that came together and acted jointly to defeat Japanese aggression. We are also aware of problems in Taiwan, but we know the background. I was delighted to receive an invitation from President Xi Jinping to attend this parade and this solemn celebration. When I learned that you will be here as well, I thought it would be great to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of these events and to have a dialogue. For my part, I would like to note the high level of our relations and the ties between our states. These relations are developing. Today we can also exchange views on global issues that need to be addressed. Thank you very much for finding the time to meet with me. Relations between our countries are growing ever stronger. I hope that we will be able to discuss a number of issues in the restricted format. I see that you have brought along a large delegation today. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un Following a reception on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Vladimir Putin and Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un were driven in the Aurus vehicle to the President's Diaoyutai residence in Beijing, where they held bilateral talks. September 3, 2025 08:40 Beijing President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, allow me to extend my wholehearted greetings to you once again. We have already spent quite some time together this morning, attending the celebrations held by our Chinese friends. I would like to note that all these events were prepared and conducted at an exceptionally high level. They directly concern our countries because we took part in the common struggle against Nazism, fascism and militarism. I am delighted to have this opportunity to hold a bilateral meeting with you on the sidelines of today's events. Relations between our countries have recently acquired a special dimension of trust, friendship and alliance. We are well aware that it was at your initiative that your country's special units took part in the liberation of the Kursk Region in full compliance with the new Treaty [on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea]. I would like to emphasise that your soldiers fought valiantly and heroically. We will never forget the sacrifices made by your armed forces and the families of your military personnel. I would like to thank you on behalf of the Russian people for participating in our common fight against modern neo-Nazism. Please convey our heartfelt words of gratitude to all the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. I am happy to see you and to have the opportunity to discuss all aspects and spheres of our bilateral relations. Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un (retranslated): Comrade President, I am delighted to have the opportunity today to talk about our relations, interaction, the outlook for the further development of our relations, and also to meet with you. After we signed our interstate treaty in June last year, our relations have been developing in all spheres. We fought jointly in accordance with that treaty and our obligations to the fraternal Russian people and armed forces set out in the treaty. I would like to extend special thanks to you, Comrade Putin, for your high assessment of our soldiers' heroism, which you have expressed several times, including here. As I said during our previous meeting, if there is anything we can do to help Russia, we will certainly do that, and we will regard this as our fraternal duty. We will do everything in our power to assist Russia. We are cooperating in all spheres across various economic sectors. I believe that we must strive for great success to keep pace with the times and to enhance the well-being of our people. I would like to express my gratitude to you for finding the time to meet with me despite your packed schedule. Thank you. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN experts warn of grave risks to detainees as Russia moves to withdraw from European torture-prevention mechanism Press releases Special Procedures 03 September 2025 GENEVA -- Two UN Special Rapporteurs today sharply criticised the Russian Federation for announcing plans to end its cooperation with the European Committee on the Prevention of Torture. "External visiting bodies such as the European Committee are a basic safeguard to protect against abuses in prisons and other places where people are confined," said Alice Jill Edwards, the Special Rapporteur on Torture and Mariana Katzarova, the Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Russian Federation. "Russia's decision raises red flags about what is going on behind bars." The experts have previously raised consistent and serious concerns regarding the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty in the Russian Federation. They have also documented widespread and systematic torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war by Russian forces and associated authorities. "The ongoing denial of access to international observers, including our own mandates, and now this latest move by Russia to close the door to such inspections entirely, raises grave concerns about the treatment of detainees in custody," the experts said. "Russia's extensive prison system and other locations in occupied territory of Ukraine have become black holes." "We remind all Russian authorities that despite withdrawal from this mechanism, the country's obligations to prevent and protect those in detention remain unchanged as a matter of international law. Torture is absolutely prohibited in all circumstances. All violations must be investigated and perpetrators prosecuted and punished." The Russian government announced plans to withdraw from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Other Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which was ratified by Moscow in 1998. As of September 2022, Russia is also no longer party to the European Convention on Human Rights, also ending oversight of torture violations by the Court. *The experts: Alice Jill Edwards, Special Rapporteur on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Mariana Katzarova, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation. Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with Indonesian newspaper Kompas, September 3, 2025 3 September 2025 01:15 1413-03-09-2025 Question: What practical and distinct steps are being taken or will be taken to promote bilateral relations following President Vladimir Putin's meeting with President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto? In which areas, and why were these particular areas chosen? Sergey Lavrov: In our practical work, we are guided by the Declaration on the Strategic Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Indonesia, which was adopted following our respective leaders' meeting in St Petersburg in June. In particular, this document enshrines the mutual push to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as energy, mining and mineral processing, infrastructure construction and modernisation, agriculture, banking, communications and telecommunications, and tourism. We believe our respective governments should facilitate direct contacts between our business circles and create favourable conditions for doing so. The coordinating role in this process is assigned to the Russian-Indonesian Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation. Our countries are jointly implementing a number of major initiatives, including a project operated by the Russian company Rosneft and its Indonesian partner Pertamina to build a refinery and a petrochemical complex outside the town of Tuban, East Java Province. Negotiations are underway for the Russian economic operators to participate in the hydrocarbon production off the Indonesian shelf, as well as in the oil and LNG supplies. Other promising ideas are on the table as well. A free trade agreement between Indonesia and the EAEU, of which Russia is a member, will open new horizons for cooperation. We are moving towards this goal at a fairly fast clip. A joint statement on the completion of the negotiations was adopted on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. We expect the agreement to be signed before the end of this year. Question: How can Russia and its partners, including Indonesia, overcome trade restrictions imposed by a group of countries without violating international law? Sergey Lavrov: The fact that the majority of the collective West and, above all, many EU member states, removed many items from trade with Russia in order to put us under pressure is an unfortunate decision, because every single economy is affected. Even worse, the initiators of the sanctions have lost credibility. In the future, they will not be able to count on the same favourable trade arrangements with Russia as they used to. We have certainly drawn our conclusions, even though we were and remain open to interaction with all our external partners based on respect for interests and mutual benefit. On the other hand, the world is becoming increasingly aware of the fact that absolutely any country can be targeted by aggressive sanctions. So, it absolutely makes sense that many countries from the Global South and the Global East want to secure their foreign trade interests and are consistently reducing their dependence on the historical ties with the West. This finds expression in a gradual transition to settlements in national currencies, diversification of cross-border payment tools, creation of new international transport corridors, and the establishment of production and supply chains that are impervious to external pressure, etc. All of the above creates a completely different environment in international trade and is an effective answer to some countries acting contrary to the principle of international cooperation enshrined in the UN Charter, and their attempts to obstruct the realisation of every country's right to development and to hinder the formation of a more just world order. Question: Why should Indonesia consider cooperating with Russia to advance its peaceful nuclear energy? Sergey Lavrov: First, Russia has a long track record of building nuclear power plants in other countries. Our nuclear industry recently turned 80. We offer our foreign partners the latest reliable solutions that have proven their worth in real life. The State Corporation Rosatom possesses the full technological range of nuclear power units, including floating low-power nuclear power plants. These mobile plants are perfectly suited for supplying power to remote islands of the Indonesian archipelago where the building of conventional energy facilities makes no economic sense. Second, Russian nuclear projects are adapted to a variety of climates, including tropics, and meet safety requirements for seismically active areas, which is particularly relevant in the case of Indonesia. Third, cooperation with Russia provides its partners with access to advanced technology. We provide opportunities for training highly skilled specialists in peaceful nuclear energy at Russian universities. In addition, Russia is prepared to offer joint projects involving non-energy use of nuclear technology in medicine and agriculture, among others. Question: President Trump has issued a threat to impose additional high tariffs on the countries that trade with Russia. How do you respond to that, and what will Moscow undertake to encourage countries to continue trading with Russia? Sergey Lavrov: Everyone knows that President Trump has done more than threatening to impose high import tariffs on products from a number of countries that are Russia's trading partners. Such tariffs have been effectively imposed, for example, on India which is our privileged strategic partner and a major consumer of Russian goods, particularly hydrocarbons. We appreciate the fact that New Delhi had not bowed down to pressure and maintains its commitment to free trade principles. The Americans have gone back on every principle they've been extolling for many years, if not decades. For our part, we operate on the premise that bilateral relations with any country have a value of their own. We never make friends with anyone to oppose a third party. We do not build trade with our partners, including a major economy like Indonesia, in order to harm their relations with other countries, including the United States. We will continue to develop equal and mutually beneficial practical cooperation with everyone who is ready to work with us based on similar principles, which includes the overwhelming majority of the countries from the Global South and the Global East, which have a stake in expanding trade and economic ties with Russia for the benefit of their people. Our strategic partners and like-minded BRICS partners, including, I'm sure, our Indonesian friends are among them. Question: What are Russia's concrete steps to end the war in Gaza and to achieve a just peace in Palestine? Sergey Lavrov: Tens of thousands of Palestinians have fallen victims to the war in Gaza, which has been going on for almost two years now; the number of civilian casualties exceeded 100,000 a long time ago. This is multiples of the number of civilians killed in Ukraine over the same period. Israel's policy of restricting humanitarian deliveries, which has led to mass starvation in the Palestinian enclave, is a particular cause for concern and outrage. No less alarming is Israel's policy of cleansing the West Bank of the Palestinians. At this junction, it is extremely important to prevent Gaza from being completely destroyed and to stop the killing of civilians. An immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and detained persons, and ensuring safe humanitarian access to all those in need are essential as well. The ongoing tragic events are caused primarily by failure to implement the international community's decisions on creating an independent Palestinian state that would exist alongside Israel in peace and security. We still believe that fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and their right to determine their own future must be a prerequisite for resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. Without this, it is very difficult to imagine how Israel's own lasting security can be ensured, something that Russia and, I believe, other responsible countries are sincerely interested in. Guided by this understanding, Russia was heavily involved in the International High-Level Conference on the Middle East, which took place in New York on July 28-30. Work in this format will continue during the high-level week of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in the second half of September. We will team up with like-minded countries to de-escalate the situation with the aim of creating proper conditions for bringing a negotiated solution to the Palestinian issue. In this regard, we are set to keep up close interaction with our Indonesian partners. Question: What specific steps has Russia taken in order to achieve a speedy resolution of the Ukraine issue? Sergey Lavrov: Settling the Ukraine crisis peacefully remains our top priority. As a reminder, after the start of the special military operation to save people in Donbass, Kiev requested negotiations, and we agreed right away. They took place in February-April 2022, first in Belarus and then Turkiye. Agreements on a peaceful end to the conflict were initialed, but then the Kiev regime, following the advice of its Western handlers, walked away from a peace treaty choosing instead to continue the war. This spring, President Vladimir Putin initiated the resumption of direct Russia-Ukraine talks. Three rounds took place in Istanbul, and certain progress was made on humanitarian issues, such as exchanging prisoners of war and detained persons, returning dead bodies, etc. Furthermore, each side presented its perspective on the prerequisites for ending the conflict. The heads of the delegations remain in direct contact. We expect the negotiations to continue. More recently, the Trump administration has been making strong diplomatic efforts with regard to the Ukraine context. On August 15, the Presidents of Russia and the President of United States held a very useful conversation on Ukraine and other issues in Alaska, and had several substantive telephone conversations. We welcome all constructive initiatives, including the initiatives coming from our partners in the Global South and the Global East. This includes the ideas put forward by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in the summer of 2023, the proposals of African countries, and the activities of the Group of Friends for Peace in Ukraine formed in New York at the initiative of China and Brazil. Of course, we would like to see our friends make statements in support of the Russia-US dialogue on Ukraine. On a fundamental level, clearly, durable peace is impossible without eradicating the underlying causes of the conflict which include threats to Russia's security that arose in the wake of NATO's expansion and attempts to drag Ukraine into this aggressive military bloc. These threats must be eliminated, and a new system of security guarantees for Russia and Ukraine must be formed as an integral part of a pan-continental architecture of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia. It is no less important to ensure the restoration and observance of human rights in the territories remaining under the control of the Kiev regime, which, as I noted earlier, is exterminating everything connected with Russia, Russians, and Russian-speaking people, including the Russian language, culture, traditions, canonical Orthodoxy, and Russian-language media. Today, Ukraine is the only country where the use of the language spoken by a significant portion of the population has been outlawed. For peace to be durable, the new territorial realities that emerged after the accession of Crimea, Sevastopol, the DPR, the LPR, and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions to the Russian Federation following the referenda must be recognised and formalised in an international legal manner. Finally, Ukraine's neutral, non-aligned, and nuclear-free status must be ensured. These conditions were spelled out in Ukraine's 1990 Declaration of Independence, and Russia and the international community used them to recognise the Ukrainian statehood. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China should stop illegal drilling near Pratas Island: Presidential Office ROC Central News Agency 09/03/2025 09:36 PM Taipei, Sept. 3 (CNA) Taiwan's Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo () said Wednesday that Beijing should halt its illegal marine drilling operations in waters around Taiwan, after it was reported that Chinese oil rigs and ships had been spotted near Taiwan-controlled Pratas Island. The report, published Tuesday by the U.S.-based think tank Jamestown Foundation, said that the Chinese installations -- seven rig structures, three floating production storage and offloading vessels, and two semi-submersible oil platforms -- were seen within Taiwan's claimed exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Pratas Island. Pratas Island, also known as Dongsha Island, is a small coral atoll in the South China Sea, currently administered by Taiwan, although China claims it as part of its broader South China Sea territory under the "Nine-dash line." The Jamestown Foundation report examined China's use of drilling platforms near Pratas Island to assert territorial claims, conduct gray zone operations, and pressure Taiwan without engaging in direct military conflict. Commenting on the report, Kuo said Taiwan's defense and security agencies are closely monitoring the situation and assessing China's activities and the associated risks to determine what measures should be taken. China's installation in recent years of drilling platforms and other facilities in the EEZs and continental shelves of countries like South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and others in the South China Sea is a violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other international norms, she said. Furthermore, such activities undermine international order and pose uncertain risks to regional stability, Kuo said. China should clearly explain its actions and immediately halt its illegal operations, she said. Taiwan will cooperate with the relevant countries in the region to devise a joint response to these issues, in order to ensure regional security and stability, Kuo added. (By Wen Kuei-hsiang and Shih Hsiu-chuan) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DPP slams China, Russia parades as threat to peace ROC Central News Agency 09/03/2025 09:03 PM Taipei, Sept. 3 (CNA) Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said Wednesday that the military parades held separately by Russia and China this year, including one in Beijing that day, posed a serious threat to world peace. A military parade was held in Beijing's Tiananmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the Second Sino-Japanese War, with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and Russia's President Vladimir Putin both joining Chinese President Xi Jinping () to review the troops on Wednesday morning. Eighty years have passed since the end of World War II, whose lesson to humanity was to "oppose aggression and pursue peace," said Wu Jun-zhi (), head of the DPP's Department of China Affairs. However, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Russia -- which staged a Moscow Victory Day Parade in May -- have both chosen to hold large-scale military parades this year, engaging in militarism and belligerence that pose a serious threat to world peace, Wu said. In his speech, Xi said that the victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War was achieved under a national united front against Japanese aggression advocated by the CCP, according to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency. Xi's remarks were rejected by Taiwanese authorities, with the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stating that the government of the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan's official name), along with the entire military and civilian population, "made countless sacrifices and contributions" that led to victory in the war. "The CCP, by contrast, only sought to expand and consolidate its own power and made no contribution to the war effort," said the MAC, Taiwan's top government agency responsible for handling China affairs. "No matter how many resources the CCP spends on commemorative events, it cannot cover up these ironclad historical facts," the MAC added. The ROC government's attitude toward the CCP's role in the Second Sino-Japanese War has shifted over the years. Truth of the War In July 2015, at the opening ceremony of the exhibition "Truth of the War of Resistance against Japan", then President Ma Ying-jeou () of the KMT acknowledged that the CCP did participate in the eight-year war from 1937 to 1945, but said its involvement was "limited." Ma also noted that among the 268 generals commemorated by the ROC government for their sacrifice in the war was Zuo Quan (), a major general who served as deputy chief of staff of the Eighth Route Army -- a force that was in practice under the exclusive command of the CCP and operated independently of the KMT's central military command. "Although he was a general of the CCP, because he died in the war against Japan, he was included in the list of fallen generals," Ma said, according to a Presidential Office news release. Among Taiwanese attending the Wednesday parade, former KMT Chairperson Hung Hsiu-chu () drew the most attention, with MAC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) criticizing Hung following her announcement Tuesday that she would attend. Commenting on Hung's attendance, as she was seen on Tiananmen Rostrum standing behind some elderly CCP members, Wu said her presence was a very serious matter given her status as the former leader of Taiwan's largest opposition party. He criticized Hung for ignoring the parade's destructive impact on peace and lending her support to the event, a move reminiscent of former Vice President Lien Chan () -- also of the KMT -- who attended a similar parade in Beijing a decade ago. Both Hung's and Lien's attendance at the parades are symbols of the CCP's success in its "united front" efforts, Wu said. Safe home Hung said on her Facebook page Tuesday that the Sept. 3 commemoration carries "a simple yet solemn meaning," adding that anyone with a sense of gratitude would not forget the significance of the victory in the War of Resistance. "Without the martyrs who shed their blood in battle, there would be no ROC today, nor a safe home for Taiwan," she said. Hung also voiced her criticism about what she called "threatening language" from the MAC and MOFA, asking: "Must commemorating the martyrs who gave their lives for the country first receive approval from the DPP?" "This is not only a restriction on people's freedom of speech, but also a suppression of historical truth," she said. In response to Hung's attendance, Lin Kuan-yu (), head of the KMT's Culture and Communications Committee, said Wednesday that party Chairman Eric Chu () has repeatedly stressed that cross-strait exchanges must comply with existing laws and regulations. Under such a principle, all individual activities will be respected as long as they do not violate the law, Lin said, adding that it will be up to the public to judge whether such conduct is appropriate. (By Sophia Yeh, Li Ya-wen and Sunny Lai) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM meeting with Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain: 3 September 2025 Press release The Prime Minister hosted the Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez at Downing Street today, in the first bilateral to be held in either capital for seven years. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP Published 3 September 2025 The Prime Minister hosted the Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez at Downing Street today, in the first bilateral to be held in either capital for seven years. The leaders began by discussing the opportunity between the two countries to take the relationship to the next level. As two of Europe's largest democracies, the UK and Spain were uniquely placed to tackle shared challenges and drive forward growth and prosperity for working people in both countries, the leaders agreed. Discussing Ukraine, the leaders agreed on the importance of securing a just and lasting peace and looked ahead to the Coalition of the Willing call tomorrow. The leaders also discussed the situation in Gaza, and the Prime Minister reiterated the need to see all hostages released, the acceleration of aid and the continuation of work towards framework for peace that will set out tangible steps to turn a ceasefire into long-term security in Gaza. Turning to trade and investment, the Prime Minister welcomed the strong ties between the two countries, with Spain cementing itself as the fifth largest source of foreign direct investment into the UK. The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denys Shmyhal discussed prospects for cooperation with the Ambassador of Turkiye Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 2 September, 2025, 8:20 PM EEST Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal held a meeting with Mustafa Levent Bilgen, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to Ukraine. Denys Shmyhal thanked Turkiye for productive cooperation at all levels and for its steadfast support of efforts to achieve a just peace. The parties emphasized the high level of cooperation between the defense sectors, both at the governmental level and with private companies. "I am grateful to Turkey for constructing two corvette-class ships for the Ukrainian Navy," said Denys Shmyhal. Crew training for the first vessel is currently underway. The parties also explored cooperation in other areas, notably in UAV development. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denys Shmyhal and NATO Senior Representative discuss support for Ukraine under the PURL program Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 2 September, 2025, 7:30 PM EEST In Kyiv, Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Denys Shmyhal, met with NATO Senior Representative in Ukraine, Patrick Turner. The Minister of Defence thanked NATO leaders and member countries for their solidarity and support for Ukraine, including the joint launch of the PURL mechanism with the USA. Denys Shmyhal stated that the initiative has proven effective, with allies providing $2 billion to procure American weapons for Ukraine. "The discussion focused on long-term support for Ukraine within the framework of the PURL program. Bringing in new participants and increasing contributions is crucial for the Defence Forces of Ukraine to acquire American weapons," the Defence Minister said. The parties also discussed other ways to address Ukraine's defense priorities. "By the end of the year, Ukraine requires around $6 billion to procure key unmanned weapon systems, including FPV drones, interceptor drones, long-range drones, and missiles. I highlighted the importance of backing Ukrainian manufacturers within the framework of the 'Build in Ukraine' and 'Build with Ukraine' programs. We have strong industrial cooperation with NATO countries and significant prospects for its further development," said Denys Shmyhal. Furthermore, the parties discussed the establishment of effective security guarantees involving the Coalition of the Willing, including steps to ensure lasting peace and prevent renewed russian aggression. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU's Official Comment Security Service of Ukraine 18:18, 2 September 2025 The National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office have notified SSU Brigadier General I.Vityuk of suspicion. The Security Service of Ukraine perceives such actions as a response to the justified detention by the SSU of several NABU employees at the end of July this year. Recently, the SSU exposed one of the heads of the NABU's interregional departments on trading with russia (Article 111-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and detained another employee of the Bureau for high treason and providing information to russia (Article 111 of the CCU). The SSU believes that this announcement of suspicion against I.Vityuk is revenge on the part of the NABU and the SAPO for the fact that the Security Service is effectively countering russian influence on state agencies and has exposed several Bureau employees for committing crimes. The suspicion against I.Vitiuk has been announced precisely after the high-profile arrests of the Bureau officials, although the relevant criminal proceeding was opened almost a year and a half ago. During this time, NABU and SAPO teams were unable to gather convincing evidence to confirm the illegal enrichment and false declarations incriminated to I.Vitiuk. The reason for opening the criminal proceeding was the existence of an apartment owned by his family, allegedly purchased at an undervalued price with funds that were allegedly not obtained legally. At the same time, the investigation ignored: the conclusions of numerous expert examinations that refuted the purchase of the apartment at an undervalued price, including those initiated by NABU itself; the conclusion of the National Agency for Corruption Prevention, which, after conducting thorough checks, found no evidence of illegal enrichment in I. Vitiuk's family; the business activities of I. Vitiuk's wife and her receipt of legal and declared income, which was used to purchase housing for the family (confirmed by a number of state expert examinations); the testimony of numerous witnesses who, despite pressure from the investigation, refute the prosecution's version. We would like to note separately that I.Vitiuk has been making an important contribution to the defence of the state since the first days of russia's full-scale invasion. Under his leadership, the SSU Cyber Security Department repelled thousands of cyber-attacks on Ukrainian communications systems, energy and housing and communal services infrastructure. Dozens of complex counteroffensive operations have been carried out in cyberspace. With the start of the full-scale invasion, Brigadier General I. Vitiuk stood up to defend Kyiv and headed one of the operational combat groups liberating Kyiv region from the occupiers. During 2024-2025, he was part of operational combat groups rotating in the combat zone in Sumy, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv and Donetsk regions. He took direct part in the Kursk operation. Under Vitiuk's leadership, a combat unit was created on the basis of the SSU Cyber Security Department. The unit includes sniper groups and units that use drones to destroy not only the enemy's manpower and equipment, but also their electronic warfare and electronic reconnaissance equipment. With the participation of Illia Vitiuk, work was established to document and neutralize enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups, counteract psyops, and collect and analyze intelligence data. A Telegram bot, t.me/stop_russian_war_bot, was set up: through it Ukrainian troops received real-time information about the enemy's movements. This allowed the Defence Forces to destroy hundreds of pieces of russian military equipment, a large number of enemy personnel, including generals. In view of the above, there is every reason to speak of selective justice on the part of NABU and SAPO towards the SSU officer. For its part, in criminal proceedings involving NABU employees, the Security Service will continue to operate exclusively within the legal framework, relying on a solid evidence base and the norms of the law. We would like to emphasize that membership of any state, law enforcement, security or anti-corruption structure does not grant any indulgences and is not a reason to evade responsibility. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU declares russian judge suspect in absentia: he sentences captured Mariupol defenders to prison terms Security Service of Ukraine 17:00, 2 September 2025 The Security Service of Ukraine has documented new crimes committed by Konstantin Prostov, a judge of the Southern district military court of russia. The investigation established that in August and November 2024, he illegally sentenced another two captured soldiers of the National Guard of Ukraine to prison terms. According to the judge's fabricated decisions, the prisoners of war were sentenced to 18 years in a strict regime colony. Both Ukrainian defenders were members of the 12th Special Forces Brigade of the National Guard, which defended Mariupol from the first days of the full-scale war. This is the second documented case in which Prostov has staged a show trial on trumped-up charges against captured defenders of Ukraine. For this, in June this year, the judge received his first in absentia notice of suspicion for war crimes from Security Service investigators. At that time, he imposed similar 'sentences' on two other National Guard servicemen. Now, Prostov has again violated international law, according to which the victims are combatants in an armed conflict. If captured, such persons acquire the status of prisoners of war and are not subject to imprisonment for participating in combat. Based on the evidence, SSU investigators notified Prostov in absentia of a new suspicion under Article 438.1 of the CCU (war crimes, in particular violations of Articles 129 and 130 of the Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War of 12 August 1949). Since the russian war criminal is on the territory of the aggressor state, efforts to bring him to justice are underway. The investigation was carried out under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General's Office. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin says he is ready to meet Zelensky in Moscow: media reports Global Times By Global Times Published: Sep 03, 2025 10:55 PM Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that he is ready to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow, according to the Reuters. As of press time, Ukraine had not responded. Speaking in Beijing at the end of his China visit, Putin said he had always been open to meeting Zelensky but reiterated the Kremlin's stance that such a meeting had to be well prepared in advance and lead to tangible results. In addition to participating in general events in China, the Russian leader held a number of bilateral meetings, including with Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, according to the TASS News Agency. Putin came to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, as well as 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 News Agency reported. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement by the Leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight and Ukraine Government of Norway News story | Date: 03/09/2025 We - the leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight - reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's continued illegal war of aggression. We are proud to stand together with President Zelenskyy in Copenhagen today. Putin does not want peace. We have clearly seen that in the past weeks. And we have seen it many times before. Ukraine is ready to negotiate. It is ready to enter into an unconditional and full ceasefire. Russia has so far not committed to a ceasefire or any steps leading to it. Russia continues to find excuses to delay, while escalating its brutal and indiscriminate use of violence, including with deliberate strikes against civilians in Ukraine. Russia poses a long term threat, not only to Ukraine but to the security of Europe, the transatlantic community, and the wider international order. We will step up military support to Ukraine. We underline the urgent need to accelerate the delivery of weapons, ammunition, and air defence systems. In this regard, we support a newly created PURL initiative to finance high-priority American weapons for Ukraine. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine's armed forces or on its cooperation with other countries. We reaffirm that only Ukraine can decide on its own future. A just and lasting peace requires robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine. We are committed to advancing work on a framework of sustainable security guarantees, developed in close cooperation with the United States and our European and other partners. We further support Ukraine being firmly anchored in the Euro-Atlantic community. Russia has no veto over Ukraine's pathway to the EU and NATO. Russia's growing cooperation with North Korea and Iran and increasingly close ties, including military, with China impacts not only Russia's war against Ukraine. It has also broader consequences for global security. If we allow Russia to succeed in Ukraine, others may follow the same path of military aggression. This moment demands a stronger collective response. We call for the swift adoption and rigorous enforcement of further sanctions, including further restrictive measures against enablers of Russian sanctions circumvention in third countries. When Europe and the United States act together, we can achieve real and lasting results. Sanctions must strike deeper into Russia's war economy, target the networks that sustain it, and make clear that aggression comes at an ever-higher cost. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President met with the leaders of Ukraine and NB8 countries in Copenhagen: We must unite, strengthen Ukraine and ensure peace President of the Republic of Lithuania September 03, 2025 On Wednesday, President Gitanas Nauseda attended a meeting of the leaders of the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8) and Ukraine in Copenhagen. The leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine, international efforts to achieve peace as well as NB8 countries' continued support for Ukraine. The President emphasized that Russia's ongoing missile strikes against Ukraine clearly show that the Kremlin has no intentions of ending its aggression. According to Mr. Nauseda, this reality obliges the international community to unite, strengthen Ukraine and ensure peace. The President underlined that Lithuania is consistently increasing its military support to Ukraine and contributing to the strengthening of Ukraine's defense industry. Support to Ukraine since the start of the war has exceeded 1.6 billion. Lithuania will continue to allocate at least 0.25% of its GDP for this purpose annually. In 2025, an additional 30 million will be allocated to the PURL (NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List) initiative to finance priority American weapons for Ukraine. Funding is also being planned for a German-US bilateral initiative on Patriot air defense systems. In Copenhagen, the President also stressed the need to speed up Ukraine's accession to the European Union - to start negotiations as soon as possible and commit to a membership date no later than 2030. In Copenhagen, the leaders paid a lot of attention to security guarantees for Ukraine. According to the Lithuanian leader, the guarantees must be comprehensive, covering air, land and sea defense, and sufficient to deter Russia from further aggression. The President reiterated Lithuania's determination to contribute troops and military training capabilities to the joint efforts of the Coalition of the Willing. The leaders also discussed the activities of the Coalition with a view to ensuring its credibility and readiness to respond quickly and effectively. The President also emphasized the importance of transatlantic unity: "Only by working together can the United States and Europe achieve real and lasting results." The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Head of the Mission of Ukraine to NATO visits NSATU in Germany NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) Sep 3 2025 WIESBADEN, Germany -- The Head of the Mission of Ukraine to NATO, Alyona Getmanchuk, visited NSATU (NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine) in Wiesbaden, Germany, on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. During her visit, she learned about the operations of NSATU and SAG-U (Security Assistance Group - Ukraine), as well as the key needs and plans for the near future. "The functioning of NSATU clearly demonstrates that it is not sufficient to provide assistance or training; it is essential to coordinate these efforts in the most effective manner possible," stated Getmanchuk. She held a series of bilateral meetings with the leadership of NSATU and SAG-U, including Commander of NSATU/SAG-U, Lieutenant General K. Buzzard, Deputy Commander of NSATU Major General M. Keller and representatives of the Ukrainian Military Representation to NSATU/SAG-U. Additionally, a meeting was conducted with representatives of the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC), particularly its Commander, Brigadier General Wojciech Ozga, who was on a working visit to NSATU. Getmanchuk emphasized the critical importance of NSATU in ensuring long-term and sustainable support for Ukraine by coordinating NATO's efforts to supply weapons, support the long-term development of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and oversee their training in NATO member countries. Furthermore, the Head of Mission discussed with NSATU representatives how its role aligns with the strengthening of NATO's function in coordinating arms supplies and the PURL initiative, as well as in the broader context of discussions regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. Story by NSATU Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OSCE supports Ukraine in developing national strategy to combat illicit SALW OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe 3 September 2025 In response to the growing threats posed by illicit trafficking in firearms, ammunition and explosives, the Government of Ukraine is seeking to develop a national strategy on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), together with a comprehensive action plan to guide its implementation. To support this effort, the OSCE convened key national and international stakeholders at an expert workshop on 27 and 28 August in Kyiv, in partnership with Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs and the European Union Advisory Mission to Ukraine. During facilitated plenary and group discussions, participants outlined the main pillars and priorities of the strategy. These include necessary steps for improving weapons tracing and stockpile management, enhancing border control, updating national legislation, raising public awareness and strengthening inter-agency co-ordination against illicit trafficking of SALW. "The policy documents we develop today will serve as a unified national approach and a strategic tool that will enable us to co-ordinate efforts across the government, law enforcement and with our international partners to more effectively address the risks associated with illicit weapons. This is important work we do for the safety of our citizens and communities," said Oleksii Serheiev, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. To ensure the document aligns with international best practices and SALW control standards, the drafting process was supported by the representatives from the South-Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (UNDP SEESAC), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT Firearms) and the Ammunition Management Advisory Team of the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (AMAT GICHD). The event was held as part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project "In support of strengthening the capacities of Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunition and explosives in all its aspects", financed by the European Union, Finland, France, Germany and Poland. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Highlights of Putin's Statements on Ukraine During Press Conference in China Sputnik News 20250903 President Putin has wrapped up his four-day visit to China with a press conference. Here are the highlights: Trump asked Putin to arrange a meeting with Zelensky Putin says never ruled out the possibility of meeting Zelensky, but meeting him in his current status is "a path to nowhere" Ukraine has the right to choose its own security system but must NOT do so at the expense of Russia Russia has always opposed Ukraine's NATO membership but not its EU membership Issue of "security guarantees for Ukraine in exchange for territory" was NEVER raised Russia fighting not for territories, but for the rights of people living there Respect opinions of those who supported joining Russia in referendums this is democracy Russia offered Ukraine to withdraw its troops from Donbass & end the conflict as EARLY as 2022 (!), but after the withdrawal of troops from Kiev, Ukraine changed its position Ukraine needs a referendum for the territorial issue, which requires the lifting of martial law, and therefore, elections Russia ready to ELEVATE negotiation levels with Ukraine Putin praises Medinsky's work in Ukraine talks for restraint & professionalism Putin says can't assess Steve Witkoff's role as US special envoy but talks with Trump in Alaska showed he accurately conveys Russia-US positions Witkoff faces criticism from those who oppose Trump's Ukraine stance The "war party" attacking the "peace party" wants to fight to the last Ukrainian Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK sanctions actors forcibly deporting, indoctrinating and militarising Ukrainian children Press release New sanctions target those supporting Putin's attempts to forcibly deport and indoctrinate Ukraine's children and erase their Ukrainian cultural heritage. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Luke Pollard MP and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP Published 3 September 2025 new sanctions target those supporting Putin's attempts to forcibly deport and indoctrinate Ukraine's children and erase their Ukrainian cultural heritage package of 11 designations includes leading Russian officials and state-linked youth organisations defence intelligence demonstrates that Russia is pursuing a long-standing Russification policy in illegally temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, seeking to eradicate Ukrainian culture, identity and statehood Perpetrators of Russia's heinous policy to deport, indoctrinate and militarise Ukrainian children have been sanctioned today [3 September] by the UK. These include 8 individuals and 3 organisations affiliated with the Russian state. This announcement comes as defence intelligence shows that Russia is pursuing a long-standing Russification policy in illegally temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, seeking to eradicate Ukrainian culture identity and statehood. UN reporting shows that the Russian Federation have enforced Russian curriculum in schools in the temporarily occupied territories and implemented training which prepares children for Russian military service. By continuing our steadfast support to Ukraine we are delivering our Plan for Change to enhance the UK's security. To date, more than 19,500 Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred or deported by the Russian authorities to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Of these an estimated 6,000 Ukrainian children have been relocated to a network of re-education camps. Once there, they are subjected to indoctrination efforts which seek to erode their Ukrainian identity and instil pro-Russian sentiments, a strategy dating back to Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea more than 10 years ago. These re-education camps seek to spread Russian propaganda, encourage pro-Russian patriotism and prepare young people for military service in the Russian armed forces. Russian authorities expose Ukrainian children to a curriculum that rewrites Russian and Ukrainian history, glorifies Russian military actions, and promotes allegiance to Russia - and in some cases involves military training. Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said: The Kremlin's policy of forced deportations, indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children is despicable, and demonstrates the depths of depravity that President Putin will reach to erase Ukrainian language, culture and identity. To take a child from their home and seek to forcibly erase their heritage and upbringing through lies and disinformation can never be tolerated. No child should ever be a pawn of war and that is why we are holding those responsible to account. These latest sanctions target the individuals and entities who support and carry out this insidious policy of attempting to erase Ukrainian culture. This includes organisations such as the Akhmat Kadyrov Foundation which runs re-education programmes for Ukrainian children and teenagers, subjecting them to militaristic training. Aymani Nesievna Kadyrova, President of the Foundation, and mother of sanctioned Kremlin-aligned Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov has been sanctioned today as well. Also sanctioned is Valery Maiorov, the Head of 'Teenage Programs Center', a state-funded organisation that aims to turn children in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories against Ukraine and instead become patriotic to Russia and Russian values. Deputy Director of the Department of State Policy in the Field of Children's Rights Protection in the Ministry of Education, Anastasia Pavlovna Akkuratova, was also sanctioned today for her role in the state-organised indoctrination and Russification of Ukrainian children. Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, said: The UK is stepping up to take firm action against this disgraceful practice. Putin continues to demonstrate he is not serious about peace, launching some of the largest attacks against Ukraine since the start of the war in recent weeks, which is why it is vital we continue to work with our partners and allies to continue to apply pressure for him to negotiate. We must continue to support Ukraine's fight to defend the freedoms and values we closely share in the UK, putting them in strongest position on the battlefield and in any negotiations that follow. The UK stands firmly with Ukraine and calls for the return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred and deported. This must be an unconditional action, and those who have been responsible for pursuing these heinous policies must be held to account. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion the UK has committed 21.8 billion in support for Ukraine including 13 billion in military aid and up to 5.3 billion in non-military support. Background in November 2024 the UK announced new sanctions against perpetrators of Russia's forced deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children you can find more information on the UK's support for Ukraine here. sanctioned today are: Valery MAIOROV Nataliya Vitaliyivna TYSHCHENKO all-Russian public-state movement of children and youth "Movement of the First" Zamid Alievich CHALAYEV Akhmat Kadyrov Foundation Aymani Nesievna KADYROVA Leyla Rinatovna FAZLEEVA Rinat Nailevich SADYKOV Aleksandr GUROV Anastasia Pavlovna AKKURATOVA Volunteers of Victory NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 1 billion of military support for Ukraine paid for using immobilised Russian assets as Defence Secretary visits Kyiv Press release Loan to Ukraine has enabled UK to deliver hundreds of thousands of rounds of artillery ammunition, hundreds of air defence missiles, and other essential equipment From: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon John Healey MP Published 3 September 2025 Money raised from immobilised Russian assets has paid for more than 1 billion of weapons and military support, purchased by the UK on behalf of Ukraine, the Defence Secretary, John Healey, announced during a visit to Kyiv today. This has enabled the delivery of hundreds of thousands of rounds of artillery ammunition, hundreds of air defence missiles, spare parts, and new support contracts to help maintain and repair its equipment and vehicles. From Kyiv, the Defence Secretary also co-chaired a Coalition of the Willing virtual meeting with representatives from more than 30 countries to cement further military contributions to a multinational force to be deployed to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal. He told the meeting that the UK is reviewing readiness levels of UK Armed Forces and accelerating funding to be ready for any deployment to Ukraine. Ministers also discussed the composition of a multinational force, as well as tactical detail relating to how the deployment would be strengthened across the skies, seas, and land. The Defence Secretary spoke with Minister of Defence, Denys Shmyhal, about a major boost in the UK's direct military support for Ukraine in recent weeks - having urged allies and partners this summer to join a 50-day drive to step up delivery of vital weapons and munitions to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. UK support provided in the last 50 days includes: 4.7 million rounds of small arms ammunition for Ukraine's soldiers 60,000 artillery shells, rockets, and missiles More than 2,500 drones More than 200 electronic warfare systems 100 light weapons 30 vehicles Additional counter-drone and air defence equipment The Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have both been clear that the UK's national security - the foundation of the Government's Plan for Change - starts in Ukraine. The UK remains committed to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, with 4.5 billion being spent on military support to Ukraine this year. The Government has provided a 2.26 billion loan by the UK to Ukraine through the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration fund, which is being repaid using money raised from the proceeds from immobilised Russian assets. Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said: The UK is stepping up our military support to help Ukraine defend itself in today's fight against Putin's illegal invasion, while working hard to secure peace tomorrow through the Coalition of the Willing. More than 1 billion of military support for Ukraine has now been paid for by immobilised Russian assets, while we have accelerated deliveries of vital kit and equipment over the last 50 days into the hands of Ukrainian warfighters. We are also deepening and expanding our cooperation with defence industry and learning valuable lessons from the battlefield. On my fifth visit to Ukraine, it was an honour to meet Minister Shmyhal to stress our continued unity for Ukraine - both from the UK and across the Coalition of the Willing. The Defence Secretary hailed the growing ties between the UK and Ukraine's defence industrial sectors during the visit. The growing collaboration between the UK and Ukraine's defence sectors delivers on the 100-year partnership signed between the UK and Ukraine in January. It comes as the Foreign Secretary confirmed new sanctions targeting perpetrators of Russia's heinous attempts to deport, indoctrinate and militarise Ukrainian children. To date, more than 19,500 Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred or deported by the Russian authorities to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Olexandr Mischenko participated in the 20th session of the Strategic Forum in Bled, Slovenia Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 03 September 2025 11:10 On September 1-2, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko conducted a working visit to the Republic of Slovenia, where he participated in the 20th session of the Strategic Forum in Bled. Within the Forum, Olexandr Mischenko took part as a speaker in the panel discussion "Ukraine: long road to peace," dedicated to international efforts to achieve a sustainable and just peace for Ukraine, where he presented Ukraine's vision on this path. He emphasized that such peace is impossible without real security guarantees and cannot be built on concessions to the aggressor. "Russian 'peace proposals' are, in fact, demands for capitulation. They imply rejecting our territories, membership in NATO, and even our own language. Ukraine will never agree to scenarios that deprive us of our freedom and future," the Ukrainian diplomat stressed. According to Olexandr Mischenko, the international community must understand: a ceasefire without reliable security guarantees will become merely a pause before a new war. Therefore, for Ukraine and for Europe, it is fundamentally important to develop an effective protection mechanism that will prevent renewed aggression. Stability is upheld by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The further transfer of high-tech weaponry to the Armed Forces of Ukraine is the key to launching real negotiations with the aggressor. On the sidelines of the Forum, Olexandr Mischenko also held bilateral meetings with NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska, State Minister of the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Germany Flavian Hahn, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Marcin Bosacki, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Zeki Levent Gumrukcu, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia Melita Gabric, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan, State Secretary for National and International Security, Office of the Prime Minister of Slovenia Vojko Volk, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Slovenia Bostjan Paulin, and EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais. Key topics of the above meetings included further arms supplies to Ukraine, particularly within NATO's PURL and NSATU initiatives, strengthening Ukraine`s defense capabilities, restoring energy infrastructure, aid to affected regions of Ukraine, coordination of international efforts to ensure lasting peace, and maintaining sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation. The parties paid particular attention to the defense-industrial cooperation development was also discussed as a separate topic. The Ukrainian diplomat called on partners to invest in the production of modern defense technologies, as today Ukraine not only defends its own borders, but also protects all European and Euro-Atlantic security. Humanitarian projects were also addressed, such as demining, supporting affected communities, rehabilitation and psychological aid for Ukrainian servicemen, children, and families. The Forum's information aspect was complemented by an op-ed from Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha titled "Our security is indivisible: Ukraine's key role in tomorrow's global security infrastructure" published in a special BSF edition. This allowed the key message to be once again delivered to a broad international audience: global security is closely linked to Ukraine's security. The participation of Deputy Minister Olexandr Mishchenko in the Bled Strategic Forum confirmed that Ukraine remains at the center of global discourse, while partner support in countering Russian aggression is steadfast and unwavering. Only through joint efforts can a lasting and just peace in Ukraine and stability in Europe be ensured. The Forum is one of the global international platforms for discussing security, politics, economics, and international cooperation. Each year, the Forum brings together senior officials, politicians, diplomats, military personnel, experts, and opinion leaders from various countries to seek solutions to global challenges. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha had phone talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Baiba Braze Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 03 September 2025 16:51 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I spoke with Minister Baiba Braze to coordinate steps and thank Latvia for its firm support. We discussed the outcomes of the recent EU ministerial meetings and agreed on the need to maintain and increase pressure on Moscow. Putin must realize that the cost of aggression will only rise". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine and the United Kingdom discussed security guarantees and measures to strengthen defence cooperation Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 3 September, 2025, 5:17 PM EEST The Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, met in Kyiv with the UK Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey. "I sincerely appreciate the friendship and cooperation between our countries. The United Kingdom is a key partner and a prominent leader within the coalitions of Ukraine's allies. Ukraine's primary requirements include ammunition, air defence systems, and long-range strike weapons. I stressed the importance of sustained support for Ukraine to achieve lasting peace and ensure conditions that prevent russia from resuming its aggression," said Denys Shmyhal. During their meeting, the defence ministers discussed security guarantee mechanisms, with particular focus on the role of the Coalition of the Willing. According to Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine relies on substantial contributions from partner countries to enhance its defence capabilities. "Following the agreements between the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, we have coordinated our next measures to enhance the defence capabilities of both countries. Important decisions in this direction are being prepared," stressed the Minister of Defence of Ukraine. Lieutenant General Andrii Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine, briefed the British delegation on the latest information regarding the battlefield situation and russia's plans. The delegations closely examined the enemy's strategy for increasing military capacity and assessed possible responses from Ukraine and its allies. Denys Shmyhal expressed gratitude to the Government and people of the United Kingdom for their resolute support and commended John Healey for his personal leadership in supporting Ukraine. In recognition of a substantial contribution to enhancing Ukraine's defence capabilities, the Minister of Defence of Ukraine presented his UK counterpart with the Cross of Honour, an official award of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Presidents of Ukraine and France Aligned Key Positions Ahead of Tomorrow's Coalition of the Willing Meeting in Paris President of Ukraine 3 September 2025 - 22:45 In Paris, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of France Emmanuel Macron held a one-on-one meeting, followed by talks in an expanded format with their delegations. Before the start of the negotiations, the President of Ukraine emphasized that there has never been any doubt that France stands with Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the French people and personally to Emmanuel Macron for their strong support of Ukraine and for France's leadership in many initiatives and coalitions. "Today, we are at a point where France, like other countries, truly wants to bring peace as close as possible. Unfortunately, we still see no signals from Russia that it wants to end the war. But I am confident that our alliance - first of all, an alliance of Europe, which has stood with us since the start of the war, and the alliance of Europe with America - will help us increase the pressure on Russia," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The President of France noted that this was already President Zelenskyy's eighth visit to France and reaffirmed his country's unwavering support. During the meeting, they discussed the preparatory work on security guarantees, which was carried out by the commanders-in-chief of the armed forces, chiefs of general staff, and defense ministers of the countries in the Coalition of the Willing, following the negotiations of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders with the U.S. President in Washington. "We, Europeans, are ready to provide Ukraine with security guarantees on the day peace is established. This was stated in Washington. We have been working very intensively over the past few weeks, and I can say that Europe is ready," Emmanuel Macron emphasized. The leaders of Ukraine and France coordinated their positions ahead of tomorrow's Coalition of the Willing meeting. Some partners will participate in the meeting in Paris in person, while others will join online. "I have great faith in the Coalition of the Willing, under your leadership and that of Keir Starmer, the outcome of which - I don't know on which day this will happen, but it will certainly happen - will be security guarantees for Ukraine. This is very important: a strong Ukrainian army, security guarantees for our people, for our families. I don't just believe in this - we are all working toward it," the President of Ukraine added. The discussions also touched upon defense support for Ukraine, including meeting current needs, tightening sanctions against Russia, and exploring opportunities to use frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. Special attention was paid to the negotiation process regarding Ukraine's membership in the European Union and the importance of the joint and simultaneous advancement of Ukraine and Moldova. Emmanuel Macron stressed that Ukraine can count on France's support in this matter. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine and the Nordic-Baltic Eight Coordinated Positions on Strengthening Our Country Now and Security Guarantees for the Future President of Ukraine 3 September 2025 - 18:25 In Denmark, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a meeting of the heads of state and government of the Nordic-Baltic Eight. He expressed gratitude to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen for organizing this important meeting and to President of Finland Alexander Stubb, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Latvia Evika Silina, Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal, and Prime Minister of Iceland Kristrun Frostadottir for their participation. The President emphasized that last night Russia carried out another attack on Ukraine, launching nearly 500 drones and more than 20 missiles, including ballistic ones. "And these are now regular strikes - several times a week - and a clear signal that Russia rejects any attempt to end the war and wants to keep fighting. We have to assume this is the main Russia's scenario now," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The leaders focused on two key topics: defense now, while Russia's war continues, and security guarantees for the future. In particular, they discussed investments in Ukrainian weapons production, joint projects, and the expansion of the PURL program. The President thanked Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, and Iceland for their participation in this program and urged other partners from the Nordic and Baltic countries to join. "We also talked about boosting Ukraine's air defense, this directly saves our lives. Together with Nordics and Baltics, we need to provide an additional Patriot system for Ukraine - this is critical, especially before winter. Russia keeps hitting our energy sector every day. We need enough capabilities to protect ourselves," the Head of State noted. In addition, the meeting participants aligned their positions on new sanctions against Russia and on cooperation with other partners, especially the United States. "The Russian economy is already in bad shape, with fuel shortages especially telling. Many Russian industries are in decline. Also telling are the labor shortages and Putin's constant humiliations before China as he tries to sell them as much raw material as possible. All this speaks for itself. Sanctions are really working," the President emphasized. Special and detailed attention was paid to security guarantees. Ukraine is already working on these both within the Coalition of the Willing and in bilateral formats with partners. In particular, today's discussions addressed the potential contributions each country is ready to make. "Now we will fill it with specifics - who does what on land, in the air, at sea, and in cyberspace. Our army is the core of this system - strong and large enough to resist Russia. This means weapons and financing, and we are working on it. We also have signals from the United States that it will provide a backstop - and this is important," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted. The parties also discussed the important role that Ukraine's membership in the European Union will play in the overall system of security guarantees. Work is underway to open negotiating clusters with the participation of all 27 EU member states. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by the President of Ukraine During a Joint Press Conference with the Prime Minister of Denmark President of Ukraine 3 September 2025 - 18:16 Dear Mette, dear journalists, First of all, I'm grateful to all of you for your support. Thank you, Mette. Thank you for the invitation and for organizing such a very important meeting with all the Nordic-Baltic leaders: the President of Finland, the President of Lithuania, the Prime Minister of Sweden, the Prime Minister of Latvia, the Prime Minister of Estonia, and the Prime Minister of Iceland. Thank you for today's meeting. Our format of Ukraine with the Nordic and Baltic states really works, and works in a way that also helps others set their priorities. Last night, Russia launched another massive strike - nearly 500 drones and more than 20 missiles, including ballistic, mostly ballistic, by the way, this night. And these are now regular strikes - several times a week - and a clear signal that Russia rejects any attempt to end the war and wants to keep fighting. We have to assume this is the main Russia's scenario now. So, with today's meeting we started a more concrete talk with all our partners on two things: defense now, while Russia's war continues, and our defense in the future - the security guarantees we need, since Russia stays on its course. As for our defense right now, I am very thankful to Mette, to the Prime Minister of Denmark, to Denmark and to all the people, for the clear leadership in funding our weapons production - this is already a historic contribution. Today, we discussed how to continue this work - in Ukraine, by investing in our production, and in the Nordic and Baltic countries, by boosting your defense capabilities. The first example is already in Denmark - a new plant for missiles and drones is being built there. Thank you, Mette, for your support. And we agreed that Latvia, Lithuanian partners, and others will follow the same way - and will build with Ukraine. We also discussed the PURL program. In August, we filled the PURL program for American weapons, and it already has over 2 billion dollars. The goal is to add around 1 billion each month. I thank Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, and Iceland who are already in this program, and other partners. I also urged other partners from the Nordics and the Baltics to join. This program adds not only to our defense with crucial things like missiles for Patriots and HIMARS but also to our relations with the United States. We also talked about boosting Ukraine's air defense, this directly saves our lives. Together with Nordics and Baltics, we need to provide an additional Patriot system for Ukraine - this is critical, especially before winter. Russia keeps hitting our energy sector every day. We need enough capabilities to protect ourselves. Putin hopes winter will kill our people where his troops cannot reach. We cannot let that happen. Air defense is absolutely strategic. We also coordinated our positions on new sanctions against Russia, as Mette said, and on work with other partners, especially America. We must all speak to all the partners - EU partners, Americans - with one voice, for our shared interests. And now about the security guarantees. We are already working both within the Coalition of the Willing and bilaterally with partners on concrete security guarantees. We also have a solid basis in the form of bilateral agreements - including one with Denmark. And we share the view that Ukraine's future security needs Article 5-like guarantees. Today, we discussed this in detail, with the possible contributions of each country. Now we will fill it with specifics - who does what on land, in the air, at sea, and in cyberspace. Our army is the core of this system - strong and large enough to resist Russia. This means weapons and financing, and we are working on it. We also have signals from the United States that it will provide a backstop - and this is important. And we also discussed the important role the EU membership will play in the holistic system of the security guarantees in the light of the current presidency of Denmark in the EU. And we are working together to open the clusters - it's not simple, you know why - but to open the clusters by EU-27. But the main task now is to force Russia to stop the killings and the war. Pressure is the key. Right now, Putin thinks he can get through the difficulties - but we know how to change this. The Russian economy is already in bad shape, with fuel shortages especially telling. Many Russian industries are in decline. Also telling are the labor shortages and Putin's constant humiliations before China as he tries to sell them as much raw material as possible. All this speaks for itself. Sanctions are really working, and we must keep pressuring Russia with sanctions and tariffs until it understands that this war will end. We will work on this with other European leaders, with the G7 and G20, and, of course, with the US. Peace can only be a joint achievement. I am sure it will come. Thank you, Mette, again for the invitation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mette Frederiksen Coordinated Positions Ahead of the Nordic-Baltic Eight Leaders' Meeting President of Ukraine 3 September 2025 - 16:27 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen held a one-on-one meeting at the Marienborg residence. The leaders discussed key aspects of the future security architecture and aligned their positions ahead of the Nordic-Baltic Eight Leaders' Meeting. They also talked about continuing defense support, including expanding the Danish model for boosting Ukrainian drone production. This model has already proven effective and strengthened Ukraine's defense industry capabilities. The parties also discussed the implementation of agreements on Ukrainian-Danish weapons production. Denmark was the first country to open joint plants with Ukraine to produce weapons for our country. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mette Frederiksen also spoke about deepening this partnership. The leaders addressed the development of the PURL program. The President thanked Denmark for its participation in this initiative. So far, NATO member states have allocated more than $2 billion for the purchase of American weapons. Special attention was given to the negotiation process regarding Ukraine's membership in the European Union. The President expressed gratitude for the support of the joint and simultaneous advancement of Ukraine and Moldova both now and in the future. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mette Frederiksen agreed on their next steps to find a truly fair solution. In addition, they discussed the need to increase pressure on Russia. The leaders agreed that the 19th EU sanctions package should include more sanctions against the banking sector, secondary sanctions, and sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet - including shipowners, captains, and crew members. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU uncovers GRU agent group that guided air strikes at Dnipropetrovsk region and spread enemy psyops Security Service of Ukraine 13:00, 3 September 2025 The SSU Counterintelligence has detained another two agents of russian military intelligence ('the GRU') in Dnipropetrovsk oblast. They were adjusting russian missile and drone attacks on the Defence Forces and enterprises in this region. According to the investigation, the agents were scattered across different parts of the region, and their task was to collect and transmit photos and coordinates of targets. In Dnipro, a 48-year-old employee of a confectionery factory was detained, whom the russians recruited through her acquaintance who is in russian captivity. The woman subsequently agreed to pass on information to the russian special services on the consequences of enemy air strikes on the city. With the help of the agent, the occupiers tried to adjust their repeated strikes on Ukraine's leading heavy industry enterprises. Simultaneously, the asset carried out another order from russia: she disseminated videos prepared by the enemy from her own TikTok page, calling on Ukrainians to lay down their arms before the russians. In Kryvyi Rih, a 45-year-old former police officer was apprehended for directing the aggressor's attacks on reserve command posts and shelters of the Security and Defence Forces in the city. It has been documented how he spied near the locations of police and National Guard units participating in combat on the frontline and repelling russian air attacks on the area. The SSU detained the enemy accomplice and protected the bases of Ukrainian defenders. The investigation established that the individual came to russia's attention when he posted anti-Ukrainian comments on Telegram channels. Based on the evidence, SSU investigators notified the detainees of suspicion under Article 111.2 of the CCU (high treason, committed under martial law). The suspects are in custody without bail and face life imprisonment with confiscation of property. The activities were carried out by the SSU Offices in Dnipropetrovsk and Ivano-Frankivsk regions under the procedural supervision of Prosecutor's Offices. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU detains enemy agent who adjusted russian drone attacks on Ukraine's central regions Security Service of Ukraine 10:00, 3 September 2025 The SSU Counterintelligence has detained an enemy agent who was spying in Poltava, Cherkasy, and Kirovohrad oblasts. The perpetrator was preparing new russian air attacks on these regions. The spotter's main task was to identify operational airfields of the Defence Forces and air defence systems and transmit their coordinates. The enemy accomplice is an 18-year-old technical college student from Poltava. He came to the attention of russian special services when he was looking for 'easy money' on Telegram channels. To gather intelligence, the young man travelled through the central regions of Ukraine, covertly photographing potential targets and the consequences of enemy strikes. If an aviation facility was identified, the agent planned to install 'beacons' around the perimeter with remote access for the occupiers. With the help of the spy devices, russia hoped to track the location of air bases and the deployment of mobile air defence groups, which it planned to attack. The SSU identified the traitor at an early stage and detained him before he could install the spy device. A smartphone with evidence of contacts with his handler and mini video cameras for adjusting russian air strikes were seized from him during the search. SSU investigators notified the detainee of suspicion under Article 111.2 of the CCU (high treason, committed under martial law). The suspect is in custody without bail and faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property. The operation and investigation were carried out by the SSU Poltava Office under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Six Months On, Will 'Coalition Of Willing' Deliver Plan For Ukraine? By Ray Furlong September 04, 2025 Summary A European-led coalition discusses post-war security guarantees for Ukraine, with NATO chief Mark Rutte signaling imminent clarity. US President Trump has expressed willingness to support Ukraine, suggesting NATO-like guarantees, but details remain unclear. Efforts to strengthen Ukraine's military and avoid reliance on foreign troops are gaining traction among European leaders. It's been mocked as the "Coalition of the Waiting." The ad hoc alliance of mostly European countries -- known as the Coalition of the Willing -- that pledged to provide a viable post-war security plan for Ukraine has had months of meetings with few clear results. But some coalition officials believe this is about to change at a meeting of the group in Paris on September 4. "I expect tomorrow or soon after tomorrow to have clarity on what collectively we can deliver," NATO chief Mark Rutte told journalists in Brussels on September 3. His comments have generated a sense of expectation around the latest talks, especially after recent remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting Washington would be prepared to be involved in helping to provide post-war security for Ukraine. Still, Trump's comments contained no details -- like most of the public statements made after meetings of the Coalition of the Willing since British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced its formation in London in March. That continued lack of information has tempered some expectations. A 'Hush-Hush' Process "I'm not expecting clarity," John Foreman, a former British military attache involved at some of the initial coalition meetings, told RFE/RL. "I'm not expecting a big announcement (it's all been hush-hush so far), but it will be important for the various leaders to understand exactly what is on offer and the state of play," he added. Aside from regular meetings with heads of state and government, the coalition has held a series of detailed planning sessions with senior military figures discussing the nuts of bolts of a possible deployment to Ukraine. From the very beginning, this was predicated on Europeans doing the heavy lifting, with Britain and France, and then also other countries, pledging to put unspecified numbers of boots of the ground. But the deal-breaker was always that this could only happen with a US "backstop" of support focused on logistics, air power, and intelligence. Washington gave no indication that it was willing to help, until recently. On September 3, Rutte said a "big breakthrough" came during a telephone call three weeks ago, in the run-up to Trump's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last month. Speaking to EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and others, Trump "announced that he wanted to participate, to be part of those security guarantees," Rutte said. Three days after the Alaska talks, Trump gave a public indication of this during a meeting at the White House with Rutte, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders. Trump said European countries would provide "the first line of defense" but the United States would "be involved." His envoy, Steve Witkoff, spoke of "Article-5 like" guarantees, a detail-free reference to NATO's mutual defense clause. 'Dial In The US President' Whether detail is added to these comments may depend on whether Trump joins the Paris meeting, like many of the participants, via video link. A German government spokesman told a briefing in Berlin on September 3 that "there are deliberations to dial in the US President." Later, the Elysee Palace said a call was scheduled for the afternoon, after talks in the morning. Zelenskyy, who will be in Paris for the talks, said, "We also have signals from the United States that it will provide a backstop." Even if the details can be ironed out, the plan for security guarantees still faces many obstacles. Planners are considering what to do after a cease-fire or peace deal is made. On the eve of the Paris summit, Russia attempted to pour cold water on any thought of European troops arriving as a peace force. "The ideas of the Kyiv leader -- which are essentially a carbon copy of the initiatives of European sponsors -- are absolutely unacceptable," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said." "Russia is not going to discuss...foreign intervention in Ukraine in any form, in any format," she added, speaking at an economic forum in Russia's far east. The next step in the Trump-led diplomatic process was supposed to be a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin. Efforts to make this happen have repeatedly been stalled by Moscow. In his latest comments on September 3, Putin said meeting Zelenskyy was "a path to nowhere" before saying they could meet in Moscow. Given Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the venue is completely unacceptable to Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy has suggested neutral venues such as Turkey. He has also called for pressure on Putin to force him into a meeting, including more sanctions. "Tomorrow we will try to connect with President Trump, and we'll speak about it," he said during a visit to Denmark on the eve of the Paris talks. Rutte drew a direct line between a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting and security guarantees. "If a bilateral or trilateral meeting would start to happen with the Russians, particularly between Zelenskyy and Putin, clearly having clarity on the security guarantees is extremely important," he said. 'A Steel Porcupine' But this does not only relate to European troops deploying to Ukraine. Another element of the plans being drawn up is efforts to bolster Ukraine's own military strength. John Foreman, who was the UK defense attache in Moscow when Russia began its full-scale invasion in 2022, suggested it might be an area where more progress was achieved. "There is growing realization that any durable peace will demand a strong Ukraine and Ukrainian Army, that European support will need to be long-lasting, and that Ukraine probably can't rely on its allies coming to its aid to punish Russia, should it re-attack," he said. Ongoing military support for Kyiv has also been strongly touted by European leaders. Von der Leyen recently said Ukraine could become "a steel porcupine," indigestible to future invaders. This approach also has the advantage of being politically less fraught, avoiding the risk of European troops coming under fire. As such, it might end up the preferred eventual outcome for many members of the Coalition of the Willing. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/coalition-willing- plan-ukraine-security-us-trump-macron/33520843.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 OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Murphy Law Firm is investigating claims on behalf of all individuals whose personal and confidential information was compromised in the data breach involving Carter Credit Union. To join the class action lawsuit, visit our site HERE. On or around July 2, 2025, Carter Credit Union (Carter) became aware of suspicious activity on its computer system, indicating a data breach. Based on a subsequent forensic investigation, Carter determined that cybercriminals infiltrated this inadequately secured network and gained access to Carters files between June 25, 2025 and July 2, 2025. The investigation further determined that, through this infiltration, cybercriminals potentially accessed and/or acquired files containing the sensitive personal information of 68,934 individuals. The information exposed in the data breach includes, but is not limited to: Names Social Security numbers Medical information Health insurance information Drivers license numbers Dates of birth If you received notice of the Carter Credit Union data breach or if your personal information was compromised in the breach, please visit our site HERE. Murphy Law Firm is evaluating legal options, including a potential class action lawsuit, to recover damages on behalf of individuals who were affected by the Carter data breach. As a result of the data breach, these individuals personal and highly sensitive information may be in the hands of cybercriminals who can place the information for sale on the dark web or use the information to perpetrate identity theft. To join a class action lawsuit, click HERE Murphy Law Firm specializes in data breach class actions, consumer class actions, and federal securities class actions. The firm has extensive experience in securing highly favorable recoveries for its clients. Contact: Murphy Law Firm abm@murphylegalfirm.com NEW YORK, Sept. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 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 firms 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 Nordisks growth potential. Notably, Novo Nordisks 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 Nordisks branded alternatives. Further, defendants greatly overstated the potential GLP-1 market or otherwise, Novos 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 case@rosenlegal.com for more information. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until September 26, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE: SOC), if they purchased the Companys securities (1) between May 19, 2025 and June 3, 2025, both dates inclusive (the Class Period); and/or (2) pursuant and/or traceable to Sables May 21, 2025 secondary public offering (the SPO). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Get Help Sable Offshore investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-soc-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit Sable Offshore and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On June 4, 2025, the Company disclosed that a Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge granted ex parte requests from plaintiffs in Center for Biological Diversity, et al. v. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, et al. (25CV02244) and Environmental Defense Center, et al. v. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, et al. (25CV02247) for temporary restraining orders prohibiting Sable Offshore Corp. from restarting transportation of oil through the Las Flores Pipeline System pending the hearing on an order to show cause regarding a preliminary injunction scheduled for July 18, 2025. Sable is exploring all possible avenues available to address these preliminary rulings. On this news, the price of Sables shares fell by $0.94 per share, or 3.91%, to close at $23.10 on June 4, 2025. The case is Johnson v. Sable Offshore Corp., et al., No. 25-cv-6869. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. NEW ORLEANS, La., Sept. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 28, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Dow Inc. (NYSE: DOW), if they purchased the Companys securities between January 30, 2025 and July 23, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Get Help Dow investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-dow-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit Dow and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On July 24, 2025, the Company disclosed a 2Q 2025 non-GAAP loss per share of $0.42, much larger than the approximate $0.17 to $0.18 per share loss expected by analysts, and net sales of $10.1 billion, representing a 7.3% year-over-year decline and missing consensus estimates by $130 million, reflecting declines in all operating segments due in part to the lower-for-longer earnings environment that our industry is facing, amplified by recent trade and tariff uncertainties. Further, the Company disclosed that it was cutting its dividend in half, from $0.70 per share to only $0.35 per share, citing the need for financial flexibility amidst a persistently challenging macroeconomic environment. On this news, the price of Dows shares fell $5.30 per share, or 17.45%, to close at $25.07 per share on July 24, 2025. The case is Sarti v. Dow Inc., No. 25-cv-12744. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 10, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against SelectQuote, Inc. (SelectQuote or the Company) (NYSE: SLQT), if they purchased the Companys securities between September 9, 2020 and May 1, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Get Help SelectQuote investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-slqt-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit SelectQuote and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a False Claims Act complaint against the Company, alleging that, [f]rom 2016 through at least 2021 it had received tens of millions of dollars in illegal kickbacks from health insurance companies in exchange for steering Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in the insurers plans, and that, in exchange for kickbacks, the Company engaged in a conspiracy with major insurers to illegally discriminate against beneficiaries deemed to be less profitable, including those with disabilities. The DOJ further alleged that the Company made materially false claims by stating it offers unbiased coverage comparisons when in fact it repeatedly directed Medicare beneficiaries to the plans offered by insurers that paid them the most money, regardless of the quality or suitability of the insurers plans. On this news, the price of SelectQuotes shares fell $0.61, or 19.2%, to close at $2.56 per share on May 1, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume. The case is Pahlkotter v. SelectQuote, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-06620. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. VICTORIA, Seychelles, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MEXC Ventures, an investment division of the MEXC global crypto exchange, successfully concluded its Web3: Reshape the Future of Finance & Tech event in partnership with the University Network for Cryptocurrency and Blockchain at the University of Sydney (UNCB USYD). The event, designed to introduce students to the foundations of Web3 and its career potential, reflected MEXC Ventures mission of empowering the next generation of builders through strategic academic collaboration with one of the worlds top universities. The University Network for Cryptocurrency and Blockchain (UNCB) is the official crypto society at the University of Sydney (USYD), a prestigious institution ranked among the worlds top 20 by QS. UNCB fosters a vibrant community of students, researchers, and industry professionals sharing a passion for blockchain and digital assets. The community regularly hosts academic talks, networking events, interactive workshops, and career development activities. This joint event with MEXC Ventures brought together nearly 80 students, faculty, and young professionals interested in Web3. Aimed at aspiring Web3 builders and beginners, the event featured keynote speeches from both MEXC Ventures and Dr. Qiang Tang, Associate Professor at USYD and a respected voice in the cryptography and blockchain research community. Attendees engaged in interactive sessions supported by MEXC Ventures and received exclusive merchandise. They also enthusiastically joined a raffle, where five students won tickets to the Australia Crypto Conference 2025, an event for which MEXC Ventures serves as the title sponsor. This collaboration highlights MEXC Ventures long-term commitment to bridging higher education and the Web3 industry. By supporting university-led initiatives and engaging with local blockchain ecosystems, MEXC Ventures is dedicated to nurturing early-stage talent, advancing industry adoption, and promoting a healthier, more inclusive innovation environment. About MEXC Ventures MEXC Ventures is a comprehensive fund under MEXC dedicated to driving innovation in the cryptocurrency sector through investments in L1/L2 ecosystems, strategic investments, M&A and incubation. Upholding the principle of Empowering Growth Through Synergy, MEXC Ventures is committed to supporting innovative ideas and active builders in crypto. As an investor and supporter of TON and Aptos, MEXC Ventures looks forward to being at the forefront of TON and Aptos innovations and actively partnering with builders to drive the ecosystem forward. For more information, visit: MEXC Ventures Website or send email to media@mexcventures.com. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7d89b471-378a-421c-9352-3cc113ac85d8 Xi meets Slovak prime minister Xinhua) 15:24, September 04, 2025 Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. Fico is in China to attend 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) BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing on Thursday. Fico is in China to attend 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. Xi called on the two countries to uphold the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, practice true multilateralism, and promote the reform and improvement of the global governance system. China stands ready to work with Slovakia to strengthen high-level exchanges, firmly support each other's development paths, and actively advance practical cooperation in areas such as new energy, infrastructure and logistics, Xi said. He expressed hope that Slovakia will continue to play a positive role in promoting the sound and stable development of China-EU relations. Fico said Slovakia attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is ready to deepen exchanges on governance experience, strengthen cooperation in various fields, further facilitate personnel exchanges, and welcome more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Slovakia. Slovakia is willing to maintain close communication and coordination with China and actively work for the reform and improvement of the global governance system, he said. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. Fico is in China to attend 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/Li Xiang) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Wooclaps active pedagogy platform is used by over 50 million learners globally. The 25 million funding round was led by Impact Expansion, an impact fund focused on education, health and climate. BRUSSELS, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wooclap, a leading EdTech company today announces a 25 million investment round led by Impact Expansion, a 150 million private equity fund specializing in growth capital and buy-out for mission-driven businesses. Wooclap: Transforming learning through engagement Wooclaps platform enables higher education institutions and corporations to boost learner engagement and retention in both in-person and online settings. By turning passive lectures into interactive experiences, Wooclap empowers educators and trainers with tools to make learning more active, efficient, and impactful. Already trusted by over 50 million learners, Wooclap has become a global reference in active pedagogy. Scaling internationally in education and corporate learning With Impact Expansions backing, Wooclap will accelerate its international growth, with a strong focus on the North American higher education market and the corporate learning sector. Just as critically, the investment will enable Wooclap to lead the next wave of innovation in active pedagogy by further developing AI-powered features that enhance learner engagement. Active engagement is at the heart of every successful learning experience, and empowering educators is the key to making that possible, said Baudouin Corman, CEO of Wooclap. Were proud of our team, our community of users, and our partners who bring this vision to life every day in classrooms and training rooms around the world. With Impact Expansion by our side, we are ready to accelerate our growth, drive innovation, and partner with educators to shape the future of active learning. Wooclaps pedagogical excellence and co-construction approach with education experts have made it the platform of choice for organizations around the world. Recognized for its educational relevance, ease of use, and seamless integration into other reference tools, Wooclap has become a standard for interactive learning. From leading universities to global companies, organizations across sectors use Wooclap to transform passive audiences into active participants and deliver measurable impact at scale. Since day one, weve believed that every learner should be empowered to take an active role in their learning, said Sebastien Lebbe, co-founder and chairman of Wooclap. This investment brings us closer to that vision and gives us the means to continue building tools that truly support educators and learning designers around the world. Impact Expansion was drawn to Wooclaps unique combination of pedagogical depth, product quality, and global ambition. Were thrilled to back a company and a team that combines tech excellence and pedagogical depth with measurable impact on learning. Wooclap is redefining the way knowledge is shared and absorbed, providing immediate value to teachers and instructors to achieve their mission, said Gilles Davignon and Karen de Vits, Managing Director and Investment Manager at Impact Expansion. With this new funding and a continued commitment to pedagogical innovation, Wooclap is set to bring its vision of active learning to even more institutions and learners around the world. New partners will join the ranks of leading organizations such as Sorbonne University, University of Sheffield and Duke University, as well as large organisations like Dior, Pernod Ricard, Onepoint and the Red Cross for their learning & development programs, all of whom trust Wooclap to power more engaging, effective learning experiences. About Wooclap Wooclap is an EdTech platform that turns any class or training session into an interactive and engaging experience. Founded in 2015 in Brussels by Sebastien Lebbe and Jonathan Alzetta, with the support of Olivier Verdin, Wooclaps mission is to make learning more effective by placing the learner at the center of the process. Based on cognitive science, the platform offers dozens of interactive activities (multiple-choice questions, polls, word clouds, brainstorms, image annotations, etc.) that help capture learners attention, measure their understanding in real time, and strengthen skills acquisition. Intuitive and powerful, Wooclap integrates seamlessly with existing tools (LMS, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, etc.) and is now used by tens of millions of teachers, trainers, students, and professionals. Wooclap is also behind Wooflash, a complementary microlearning app powered by AI and spaced repetition, designed to help learners retain knowledge more effectively and build long-term understanding. Learn more: www.wooclap.com About Impact Expansion Impact Expansion is a European investment fund dedicated to companies with strong social and environmental impact. Sponsored by KOIS, a pioneer in impact investing, Impact Expansion provides growth or buyout capital to innovative scale-ups, particularly in the fields of health, education & climate. Learn more: www.impact-expansion.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0f42e430-9a65-45a5-a644-6f8062f7bfd9 Voltalia launches SPRING: a transformation plan to drive sustainable and profitable growth Refocusing on core activities Improving performance through efficiency and optimisation Self-financing 300 to 400 MW per year from 2026 to 2030 Returning to positive net result from 2026 onwards Voltalia (Euronext Paris, code ISIN: FR0011995588), an international player in renewable energy, presents today its SPRING transformation plan. Building on Voltalias core strengths, the plan sets a clear roadmap towards four drivers: a business refocused on core activities and geographies, a clarified operating model, an improved performance through efficiency and optimisation, and an enhanced profitability and value creation At 10:00 AM CET today, Voltalias management will present the 2025 first-half results, and outline SPRINGs strategic priorities, operational initiatives, and financial outlook. The company will provide a clear perspective on the evolution of its business strategy and corresponding financial outcome, demonstrating how SPRING delivers value for all shareholders. The event will be held in-person, and webcasted live. Presentation materials and replay will be made available after the event on Voltalias Investor Relations website. A NEW TRAJECTORY TOWARDS 2030 Having conducted a comprehensive strategic review since his appointment last January, Robert Klein, CEO will introduce his vision for Voltalia to 2030. Together with Yoni Ammar, Deputy CEO, and Sylvine Bouan, Group CFO, he will outline how SPRING will transform the Group in a changing market environment, accelerate value creation and deliver results through four strategic drivers: A business refocused on core activities and geographies on core activities and geographies A clarified operating model operating model An i mproved performance through efficiency and optimisation through efficiency and optimisation An enhanced profitability and value creation In addition to these transformation drivers, Voltalia will be able to build on strong foundations to achieve its 2030 trajectory, including: A proven track record of projects in development A portfolio of robust long-term electricity sales contracts A recognized global expertise across the full value chain from Development, Construction to Operation-Maintenance expertise across the full value chain from A proven capability to deliver complex projects (hybrid and cluster)1 Robert Klein, Chief Executive Officer of Voltalia, declared: "With SPRING, Voltalia takes a decisive step to strengthen its position as a solid and sustainable leader in renewable energy. We are entering a new stage: delivering 300400 megawatts of self-financed growth per year until 2030 while improving profitability and efficiency, laying the foundations for our long-term ambition. I am proud to launch this strategic plan, which will profoundly transform our company, and I know I can count on the dedication and talent of all our teams to bring it a success. Laurence Mulliez, Chairman of Voltalia, added: I am delighted to share this pivotal moment with our investors today. Under Roberts leadership, the Board of Directors has full confidence in Voltalias strategic direction and endorses this plan, which combines ambition and discipline and demonstrates its ability to create lasting value for all shareholders. As representative of the main shareholder, I would also like to reaffirm that Voltalia remains a strategic asset for us. SPRING ROADMAP: TOWARDS A STRONGER, MORE FOCUSED, RENEWABLE ENERGY LEADER A business refocused on core activities and geographies Rebalancing geographical footprint: concentrating resources on a maximum of twelve most promising geographies, while exiting non-strategic geographies and assessing other markets for further rebalancing in the coming months Concentrating on three priority technologies: Solar, Onshore wind, and Battery storage Strengthening collaborative strategy and risks sharing by implementing partnerships, co-development and co-investment platforms to accelerate growth while balancing capital preservation, pipeline strength, and value creation Refocusing on core activities with the disposal of non-core assets The related medium-term cash inflow would amount to 300 to 350 million euros mainly between 2026 to 2028. On the other hand, the recurring cash savings are expected to reach around 35 million euros per year from 2026 onwards. A clarified operating model After a decade of strong growth in the business activity focused on third-party clients, creating a dedicated subsidiary focused on services of construction and maintenance: to clarify responsibilities, avoid overlaps and strengthen competitiveness, as Services activities have now reached the critical scale required to operate with enhanced agility The creation of a dedicated subsidiary allows each activity to focus on its strengths: Development and Energy Sales can choose the most competitive partners, while Services can target the most profitable contracts, even in markets where Voltalia does not develop projects Consequently, Voltalia will develop new financial communications to improve performance and profitability measurement of its major business activities: Development, Energy Sales and Services activities Improved performance through efficiency and optimisation Implementing a cost optimisation plan expected to deliver an additional recurring cash savings of around 10 million euros per year 2 from 2026 onwards from 2026 onwards Prioritising mature, high-potential projects in the development pipeline, with accelerated delivery Strengthening construction management process Enhancing performance of operating assets through systematic optimisation and data-driven asset management Enhanced profitability and value creation Self-financing our future growth with the objective of adding 300400 MW annually through internal cash generation Improving EBITDA margins across both Energy Sales to reach a range of 70%-72% and Services activities a range of 9%-11% by 2030 Strengthening the debt to EBITDA ratio (Net debt to EBITDA ratio between 7.5x to 8.0x by 2030) Debt optimisation to reinforce the balance sheet Targeting positive net income from 2026 onwards Implementation has already begun, creating sustainable conditions for profitable growth, and strengthening Voltalia's position as a key leader of the energy transition. The financial impacts of SPRING are summarized in Appendix. OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES Based on its current view, Voltalia today sets new medium-term financial objectives: 2027 operational and financial objectives3 Operational objectives: operating and construction capacity owned by Voltalia: around 4.2 gigawatts including around 3.7 gigawatts in operation Financial objectives: EBITDA of 300 to 325 million euros including 270 to 300 million euros coming from Energy Sales 2030 operational and financial objectives Operational ambitions: operating and construction capacity owned by Voltalia: around 5 gigawatts including around 4.5 gigawatts in operation Financial objectives: Energy Sales EBITDA margins in a range of 70%-72% and Service EBITDA margin in a range of 9%-11% by 2030 Mission objectives As a reminder, mission objectives are as follows: CO 2 -equivalent avoided: around 2.4 million tonnes by 2027 4 -equivalent avoided: around 2.4 million tonnes by 2027 100% of held capacity under construction with a stakeholder engagement plan aligned with IFC standards (International Finance Corporation, World Bank) by 2027 50% of solar capacity in operation located on co-used or upgraded land by 2027 35% reduction in the carbon intensity of solar power plants owned in 2030 Finally, Voltalia is positioning itself to self-finance 300 to 400 megawatts per year from 2026 to 2030 and planning to initiate dividend distribution by 2028. UPCOMING EVENTS Third quarter (Q3) 2025 turnover, October 22, 2025 (after market close) SPRING MAIN EXPECTED OUTCOME FROM 2026 TO 2030 Main indicators Financial Impact Period Revenue & Profitable Growth Net result Net result > 0 2026 onwards EBITDA target 300-325m 2027 EBITDA Energy Sales 270-300m 2027 EBITDA margins Energy Sales 70%-72% 2030 Services 9%-11% 2030 Dividend distribution To be defined 2028 Cash Flow & Capital Efficiency Self-financing 300-400 MW 2026-2030 Cash inflows (from divestments etc.) 300-350m Between 2026-2028 Recurring cash savings / year 45m/year 2026 onwards Long-Term Financial Stability Net debt-to-EBITDA ratio 7.5x-8.0x 2030 PROSPECTIVE STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts. These statements include projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations, services, product development and potential, and statements regarding future performance. These forward-looking statements may often be identified by the words "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate" or "plan", as well as by other similar words. Although Voltalia's management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond Voltalia's control, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the uncertainties inherent in the evolution of the selling price of electricity produced by Voltalia, the evolution of the regulatory environment in which Voltalia operates as well as the competitiveness of renewable energies and other factors that may affect the production capacity or profitability of Voltalia's production sites as well as those developed or identified in Voltalia's public filings with the Autorite des marches financiers including those listed in section 2.2 "Risk Factors" of Voltalia's 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorite des marches financiers on April 2, 2025. Voltalia undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or statements, except as required by law. About Voltalia (www.voltalia.com) Voltalia is an international player in renewable energies. The group produces and sells electricity from its wind, solar, hydro, biomass and storage facilities. It has 3.3 GW of capacity in operation and under construction, and a portfolio of projects under development with a total capacity of 17.4 GW. Voltalia is also a service provider, supporting its renewable energy customers at every stage of their projects, from design to operation and maintenance. A pioneer in the business market, Voltalia offers a comprehensive range of services to businesses, from the supply of green electricity to energy efficiency services and the local production of its own electricity. With more than 2,000 employees in 20 countries on 3 continents, Voltalia has the capacity to act globally on behalf of its customers. Voltalia is listed on the Euronext regulated market in Paris (FR0011995588 - VLTSA) and is included in the Enternext Tech 40 and CAC Mid&Small indices. The company is also included, amongst others, in the MSCI ESG ratings and the Sustainalytics ratings. Voltalia Email: invest@voltalia.com T. +33 (0)1 81 70 37 00 Press Relations Seitosei.Actifin - Jennifer Jullia jennifer.jullia@seitosei-actifin.com T. +33 (0)1 56 88 11 19 1 Hybrid project: a project that combines at least two renewable energy generation. Cluster project: a geographical grouping of several renewable energy projects or assets (e.g., multiple solar or wind farms located close to each other), developed and operated in a coordinated way to share infrastructure, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. 2 Decisions will be implemented subject to applicable consultation process in accordance with local regulations. 3 Former 2027 objectives: More than 5 gigawatts of capacity in operation and under construction, including approximately 4.2 gigawatts in operation. Normalised EBITDA of around 475 million euros, including around 430 million euros from Energy Sales Normalised EBITDA consists in EBITDA based on average long-term resources and EUR/BRL equals to 5.50. 4 Former 2027 objectives: More than 4 million tonnes of CO 2 avoided. Attachment Susvimo is under review with the EMA and once approved will be the first continuous delivery treatment for nAMD, affecting 1,7 million in the European Union 1 New seven-year data from the LADDER study show Contivue with Susvimo provides good visual outcomes with stable retinal anatomy over the longer term 2 With up to two refills per year, Contivue with Susvimo provides reliable, long-term vision outcomes and is approved in the US for nAMD, diabetic macular edema (DME) and diabetic retinopathy (DR)2-5 Basel, 04 September 2025 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that it has received the EU CE mark for its Port Delivery Platform containing Susvimo, which will now be known as Contivue in the EU.6 The device comprises the eye implant through which Susvimo is delivered, and four ancillary devices to initially fill, insert, refill, and remove the implant (if required).6 Susvimo (ranibizumab injection) 100 mg/mL is currently under review with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of nAMD.6 With immediate and predictable durability, Contivue with Susvimo provides continuous delivery of a customised formulation of ranibizumab directly to the eye.6 Susvimo offers people living with nAMD the opportunity to maintain their vision with as few as two treatments per year, said Levi Garraway, MD, PhD, Roches Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. Moreover, this sustained delivery brings substantial long-term clinical benefits, as demonstrated by the seven years of follow-up data from the LADDER study. Three clinical studies contribute to the EMAs evaluation of efficacy and safety of Contivue with Susvimo in nAMD: one pivotal Phase III study, Archway, and two supportive studies, the Phase II LADDER study and the open-label long-term extension study Portal. Data from Archway showed patients treated with Contivue with Susvimo achieved and maintained vision outcomes equivalent to monthly intravitreal (IVT) ranibizumab injections.7 New long-term data from the LADDER study, presented at the 25th EURETINA Congress in Paris, France, shows that Contivue with Susvimo provides good visual outcomes with stable retinal anatomy over the longer term.2 In the 59 patients continuously treated with Contivue with Susvimo over seven years, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 70.4 letters at baseline and 63.2 letters at seven years, an average decline of only six letters approximately over that time for patients who were at or near peak levels at the time of enrolment after receiving three intravitreal injections of standard of care.2 Half of all patients had approximately 20/40 vision at seven years (Snellen visual acuity test). Contivue with Susvimo durability was maintained in approximately 95% of patients.2 The seven-year results from the LADDER study powerfully demonstrate the long-term outcomes delivered by Contivue with Susvimo, said study investigator Carl C. Awh, MD, FASR, Tennessee Retina, Nashville, TN, USA . For patients with nAMD, the sustained drug delivery of Contivue with Susvimo may provide superior visual outcomes compared to the well-demonstrated average decline in vision associated with long-term intravitreal injections. The port delivery platform devices have been specifically engineered for use with a customized formulation of ranibizumab that is gradually released over time. Roche has several molecules in the pipeline with potential for use with the port delivery platform for continued growth and expansion. About neovascular age-related macular degeneration Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the part of the eye that provides sharp, central vision needed for activities like reading. Neovascular or wet AMD (nAMD) is an advanced form of the disease that can cause rapid and severe vision loss if left untreated.8-10 It develops when new and abnormal blood vessels grow uncontrolled under the macula, causing swelling, bleeding and/or fibrosis.10 Worldwide, around 20 million people are living with nAMD the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60 and the condition will affect even more people around the world as the global population ages.8, 11-12 About Contivue with Susvimo (Port Delivery Platform with ranibizumab) Contivue is a refillable eye implant surgically implanted into the eye during a one-time, outpatient procedure.2-4,13 Contivue also includes four ancillary devices to initially fill, insert, refill, and remove the implant. Contivue with Susvimo delivers a customised formulation of ranibizumab, Susvimo, over time.5 Ranibizumab is a VEGF inhibitor designed to bind to and inhibit VEGF-A, a protein that has been shown to play a critical role in the formation of new blood vessels and the leakiness of the vessels.2-4,14 The customised formulation of ranibizumab, Susvimo, delivered by Contivue with Susvimo is different from the ranibizumab IVT injection, a medicine marketed as Lucentis (ranibizumab injection)*, which is approved to treat nAMD and other retinal diseases.15 In the US, the devices (refillable eye implant and ancillary devices) and medicine (customised formulation of ranibizumab) are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a single product, called Susvimo for nAMD, diabetic macular edema (DME) and diabetic retinopathy (DR).2-4 About Roche in ophthalmology Roche is focused on saving peoples eyesight from the leading causes of vision loss through pioneering therapies. Through our innovation in the scientific discovery of new potential drug targets, personalised healthcare, molecular engineering, biomarkers and continuous drug delivery, we strive to design the right therapies for the right patients. We have the broadest retina pipeline in ophthalmology, which is led by science and informed by insights from people with eye conditions. Our pipeline includes innovative treatments across different modalities, such as antibodies, and gene and cell therapies targeting multiple vision-threatening conditions, including retinal vascular and diabetic eye diseases, geographic atrophy, and autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid eye disease and uveitic macular edema. Applying our extensive experience, we have brought breakthrough ophthalmic treatments to people living with vision loss. Susvimo (previously called Port Delivery System with ranibizumab) 100 mg/mL for intravitreal use via ocular implant is the first US FDA-approved refillable eye implant for neovascular or wet age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), DME and DR that continuously delivers a customised formulation of ranibizumab over a period of months.3-4 Vabysmo (faricimab) is the first bispecific antibody approved for the eye, which targets and inhibits two signalling pathways linked to a number of vision-threatening retinal conditions by neutralising angiopoietin-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor-A.16 Vabysmo is approved around the world for people living with nAMD, DME and macular edema following retinal vein occlusion.14 Lucentis (ranibizumab injection) was the first treatment approved to improve vision in people with certain retinal conditions.15 About Roche Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the worlds largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice. For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roches business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com . All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. References [1] Li at al. Retinal diseases in Europe.Prevalence, incidence and healthcare needs. 2017 [Internet; cited August 2025]. Available from: https://euretina.org/resource/euretina-whitebook-on-prevalence-incidence-and-healthcare-needs-for-retinal-diseases-in-europe/ [2] Khanani et al. First-Time Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Outcomes of PDS Patients Enrolled in the Ladder Phase 2 Trial of PDS for nAMD Followed for up to ~7 Years. 4-7 September, EURETINA 2025. [3] Roche. FDA approves Roches Susvimo for diabetic retinopathy. 2025. [Internet;cited September 2025]. Available from: https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-05-22 [4] Roche. FDA approves Roches Susvimo as the first and only continuous delivery treatment for the leading cause of diabetes-related blindness. 2025. [Internet; cited September 2025]. Available from: https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-02-04 [5]: US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Highlights of prescribing information, Susvimo. 2021. [Internet; cited September 2025]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/761197s000lbl.pdf. [6]. Roche data on file [7] Khanani et al. Five Year Outcomes in nAMD Patients Enrolled in the Archway Study and Treated With the PDS. Presented at: The American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) 2025 Annual Meeting; 2025 August 01; Long Beach, California, United States. [8] Facts & figures - macular degeneration. BrightFocus Foundation. May 15, 2025. [Internet; cited September 2025]. Available from: https://www.brightfocus.org/macular/facts-figures/ . [9] Pennington KL, DeAngelis MM. Epidemiology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Associations with cardiovascular disease phenotypes and lipid factors. Eye and Vision. 2016;3(1). doi:10.1186/s40662-016-0063-5. [10] Little K, Ma JH, Yang N, Chen M, Xu H. Myofibroblasts in macular fibrosis secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration - the potential sources and molecular cues for their recruitment and activation. eBioMedicine. 2018;38:283-291. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.11.029. [11] Wong WL, et al. Global prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and disease burden projection for 2020 and 2040: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Global Health. 2014;2:10616. [12] Connolly E, et al. Prevalence of AMD associated genetic risk factors and four-year progression data in the Irish population. British Journal of Ophthalmology. 2018 Feb;102:1691-95 [13] Holekamp N, et al. Archway randomised phase III trial of the PDS with ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Ophthalmology. 2021 [14] Heier JS, et al. The angiopoietin/tie pathway in retinal vascular diseases: A review. The Journal of Retinal and Vitreous Diseases. 2021;41:1-19. [15] US FDA. Highlights of prescribing information, Lucentis. 2014. [Internet; cited September 2025]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/125156s0069s0076lbl.pdf . [16] United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Highlights of prescribing information, Vabysmo. 2024. [Internet; cited September 2025]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/761235s005lbl.pdf . Roche Global Media Relations Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com Hans Trees, PhD Phone: +41 79 407 72 58 Sileia Urech Phone: +41 79 935 81 48 Nathalie Altermatt Phone: +41 79 771 05 25 Lorena Corfas Phone: +41 79 568 24 95 Simon Goldsborough Phone: +44 797 32 72 915 Karsten Kleine Phone: +41 79 461 86 83 Kirti Pandey Phone: +49 172 6367262 Yvette Petillon Phone: +41 79 961 92 50 Dr Rebekka Schnell Phone: +41 79 205 27 03 Attachment SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the growing demand for drone components, WayKen Rapid Manufacturing has once again upgraded its CNC titanium machining capabilities to provide more reliable and efficient solutions. This upgrade targets complex structural parts in high-mix, low-volume (HMLV) scenarios, highlighting WayKen's deep technical expertise and manufacturing capabilities in the drone industry. Machining Challenges in UAV Manufacturing With drones becoming increasingly essential in industries such as agriculture, construction, surveying, and logistics, the demand for lightweight, high-strength, and precision-engineered components is growing rapidly. However, drone manufacturers face multiple challenges, including material selection, vibration and noise reduction design, high-precision assembly, and the HMLV production approach. In terms of materials, manufacturers need to balance between light weight and strength, with aluminum alloys and titanium alloys being the preferred choices. At the same time, micro-vibrations during processing can affect the assembly tolerances and precision of small parts, requiring careful design of processing strategies and equipment configurations. In addition, faced with an order structure characterized by multiple models and small batches, production systems must be capable of rapid changeovers and flexible automation. WayKen One-Stop CNC Machining Capabilities The WayKen machine shop is equipped with high-precision CNC machining services centers, including multiple top-tier machines from leading international brands such as the JDGR400T five-axis machining center and the Haas VF-4SS ultra-high-speed vertical machining center. These advanced machines provide a solid foundation for the efficient and accurate machining of complex structural components. The workshop also maintains a temperature-controlled machining environment, keeping both temperature and humidity within optimal ranges. This helps minimize thermal expansion of machine components and prevents workpieces from rusting or oxidizing due to environmental factors. In addition, WayKen uses a professional-grade tool management system that monitors tool wear in real time, ensuring consistent cutting performance and high-quality surfaces on all parts. At WayKen, parts can typically be machined to an accuracy within 0.05 mm, and for critical dimensions, tolerances as tight as 0.005 mm to 0.002 mm can be achieved. The workshop also supports a machined surface finish of up to Ra 0.2 m, offering versatile solutions for the precision machining of complex structural components. WayKen Drone Parts: High-Mix, Low-Volume (HMLV) Manufacturing Drone components often feature lightweight designs, multiple curved surfaces, thin walls, and high-precision requirements, making them challenging to process. WayKen combines 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling and turning with EDM, wire cutting, and other processes to create a comprehensive precision machining system. Operating under a quality management system that strictly follows ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards, they deliver one-stop machining solutions. During the development of a small-batch titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) industrial drone camera housing, WayKen devised a rigorous machining plan to meet the housings demands for structural strength, sealing performance, heat dissipation, and modular design. The drone housing features complex geometries on nearly every surface, requiring up to five instances of flipping, clamping, and repositioning during processing, combined with T-shaped tools for milling the internal cavities. To achieve the required precision for critical sealing grooves (Ra 0.8) and dimensional tolerances (0.025 mm), the engineering team optimized the machining paths and clamping methods to ensure accurate positioning of complex geometries. In addition, low-speed cutting with precision tools was employed to maintain the necessary machining accuracy. Drone component machining demands not just precision, but also agility and speed, said a WayKen production manager. With this new upgrade, we can respond faster, deliver tighter tolerances, and help our customers bring competitive products to market. In addition to camera housings, WayKen also manufactures structural frame components that require strict dimensional accuracy. For example, a drone output link requires a 28-millimeter hole with an h6 tolerancean extremely high standard for hole-shaft fits. WayKen achieves this precision using advanced five-axis CNC machine tools, followed by black anodizing to maintain accuracy. Final inspections are carried out with a Zeiss coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to ensure compliance with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) requirements. On-Demand Manufacturing for Drones WayKen remains committed to on-demand manufacturing, enabling it to swiftly adapt to evolving customer needs and design specifications. The company provides high-mix, low-volume (HMLV) customized solutions to meet the dynamic demands of the drone industry. Through this capability upgrade, WayKen has demonstrated a significant competitive edge in drone component manufacturing. WayKen will continue to advance research and development in flexible manufacturing and precision machining technologies, driving transformation in the manufacturing industry. CompanyWayKen Rapid Manufacturing Limited Contact Person: Raymond Email: info@waykenrm.com Website: https://waykenrm.com/ Disclaimer: This content is provided by WayKen Rapid Manufacturing Limited. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or business advice. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any inaccuracies, misrepresentations, or financial losses resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this press release. Speculate only with funds you can afford to lose. In the event of any legal claims or concerns regarding this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained herein. Any complaints, copyright issues, or inquiries regarding this article should be directed to the content provider listed above. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/469c9a73-b258-4b03-abfb-f5bee0099f4d https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4516bd0f-21bf-47e0-9ec4-ad540fdcca65 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4711db14-323c-43c2-b7dc-13293e77774a TOKYO, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading semiconductor test equipment supplier Advantest Corporation (TSE: 6857) will present its latest test solutions at SEMICON Taiwan 2025 on Sept. 10-12 at the TaiNEX 1 & 2 in Taipei. At this years SEMICON Taiwan, Advantest will present innovative, sustainable test technology guided by its new corporate vision, Be the most trusted and valued test solution company in the semiconductor value chain. Moreover, Advantests Taiwanese subsidiary will commemorate its 30th anniversary, celebrating decades of service to Taiwans rapidly growing semiconductor market. Presentations and Sponsorship Advantest is a proud platinum sponsor of this years Advanced Testing Forum, which will take place on Sept. 11 in room 701F at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 2. Fabio Pizza, business segment manager at Advantest Europe in the V93000 product unit marketing, will present Distribution of Test in the Age of AI at this years Advanced Testing Forum. Additionally, Advantest is also a platinum sponsor of the Silicon Photonics Global Summit, where Clemens Leichtle, director of the Center of Expertise at Advantest, will present the companys strategy for testing silicon photonics devices. The Silicon Photonics Global Summit will be held on Sept. 8 in room 701C at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 2. Social Media For the latest updates, visit the Advantest Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn page. About Advantest Corporation Advantest (TSE: 6857) is the leading manufacturer of automatic test and measurement equipment used in the design and production of semiconductors for applications including 5G communications, the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, high-performance computing (HPC), including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, and more. Its leading-edge systems and products are integrated into the most advanced semiconductor production lines in the world. The company also conducts R&D to address emerging testing challenges and applications; develops advanced test-interface solutions for wafer sort and final test; produces scanning electron microscopes essential to photomask manufacturing; and offers system-level test solutions and other test-related accessories. Founded in Tokyo in 1954, Advantest is a global company with facilities around the world and an international commitment to sustainable practices and social responsibility. More information is available at www.advantest.com. Advantest Corporation 3061 Zanker Road San Jose, CA 95134, USA Cassandra Koenig Cassandra.koenig@advantest.com Staking, index products among cross listings: Bitwise enables investor access to wider scope of best-in-class products in Swiss market Bitwise enables investor access to wider scope of best-in-class products in Swiss market Regulated investment products: Bitwise provides investors with access to the opportunities of the rapidly growing digital asset market. Bitwise provides investors with access to the opportunities of the rapidly growing digital asset market. Positive sentiment in Europe: UK regulator expected to ease access to crypto ETPs for retail investors on 8 October 2025, positive trend in France too 4 September 2025. Frankfurt, Zurich: Pure-play digital asset manager Bitwise has listed five of its flagship crypto ETPs on the Six Swiss Exchange this week. The listings give investors more varied options in benefiting from the thriving crypto market, including staking and index ETPs. Bitwises suite of crypto ETPs comprise a collection of carefully designed financial instruments that seamlessly integrate into traditional portfolios, providing comprehensive exposure to crypto as an asset class. In August 2025, Bitwise announced client assets had surpassed $15 billion across its suite of 40 investments products, an increase of 200% compared to October 2024. Switzerland is a crucial market at the heart of Europe for Bitwise, both for retail and professional investors. The country has long been an early adopter of digital assets, both from a market and regulatory point of view. More countries across Europe are opening access to exchange-traded crypto products for a broader investor base. UK regulators are expected to ease access to crypto ETPs for retail investors as of 8 October 2025, while regulators in France are equally studying widening distribution regulation for these vehicles. Ronald Richter, Regional Director Investment Strategy of Bitwise in Europe, said: The five flagship products we have listed in Switzerland will broaden options for investors looking to benefit from the full potential of crypto markets. Europe is rapidly opening up for digital assets, and Switzerland is a leading and crucial market at the heart of the continent. Im extremely pleased that were developing our product suite on the widely respected SIX exchange, with new options such as staking and index products. Bradley Duke, Head of Europe, said: The expansion of our product suite in Switzerland is a logical next step for Bitwise, and fits our strategy of always aiming to provide best-in-class crypto ETPs. We offer a full range of options for investors to benefit from value creation in digital assets using regulated products with a carefully constructed financial infrastructure. Were always coming up with new products, and will continue to do so in the coming months across our markets in Europe. The newly listed ETPs on SIX Swiss Exchange are: Bitwise Core Bitcoin ETP (BTC1, ISIN: DE000A4AER62) - A cost-efficient Bitcoin ETP without fee holidays, with a TER of 0.20% p.a., making it an ideal option for strategic allocations. The product is designed for long-term investors seeking cost efficiency and benchmark reliability. The NAV is calculated three times daily, integrating primary market liquidity from Hong Kong, the EU, and the United States, enabling an extended primary market liquidity window for institutional investors. Bitwise Ethereum Staking ETP (ET32, ISIN: DE000A3G90G9), an institutional-grade and liquid vehicle aiming to leverage ETH staking for maximum investor outcome. ET32 has seen consistent positive net inflows this year, while maintaining competitive bid-ask spreads, and targeting the lowest total cost of ownership among ETH staking ETPs. Bitwise Solana Staking ETP (BSOL, ISIN: DE000A4A59D2), an institutional-grade, fully backed ETP providing exposure to staked Solana. BSOL is benchmarked against the Compass Solana Total Return Monthly Index, aiming at offering a transparent framework for performance and valuation of SOL staking rewards. Bitwise MSCI Digital Assets Select 20 ETP (DA20, ISIN: DE000A3G3ZL3) DA20 seeks to track, after fees and expenses, the performance of the MSCI Global Digital Assets Select Top 20 Capped Index, managed by MSCI and rebalanced on a quarterly basis. This index tracks the performance of the 20 leading investable cryptocurrencies, covering approximately over 90% of the total cryptocurrency market capitalisation. Bitwise Physical XRP ETP (GXRP, ISIN: DE000A3GYNB0) The product tracks the value of XRP, the worlds fifth-largest crypto asset with a market cap of more than $80 billion. Ripple, the network behind the token, has experienced a surge in popularity because of the expanding use cases of its Ledger, particularly in areas like cross-border remittances, institutional DeFi, and real-world tokenization. Bitwise enables investors to gain exposure to digital assets without the need for a crypto wallet. Crypto ETPs trade on regulated exchanges, just like traditional stocks or ETFs and can be seamlessly integrated into standard brokerage or ETF portfolio accounts. Each ETP is fully backed by the corresponding digital asset, securely held in institutional-grade cold-storage custody. Comparable to precious metal ETCs, Bitwise crypto ETPs feature a physical redemption mechanism. Investor protection is further enhanced through the presence of an independent trustee and administrator, ensuring that the underlying assets are held off the issuers balance sheet, thus minimizing issuer-default risk. Bitwise ETPs - Trading Information SIX Swiss Exchange The full product list can be found at https://bitwiseinvestments.eu/products/#data-attr-group=overview Investors should be aware that investing in crypto assets involves significant risks, including but not limited to: Volatility Risk: The price of crypto assets can fluctuate significantly. Liquidity Risk: Market depth and trading volumes may vary, affecting execution. Custody Risk: Despite institutional-grade custody, digital assets may be vulnerable to cyber threats. Regulatory Risk: Crypto assets and their treatment are subject to evolving regulatory frameworks. Market Risk: Broader market movements can impact the value of the ETP. While there may be potential for significant gains, you are at risk of losing part of or your entire capital invested. For complete information please visit www.bitwiseinvestments.eu About Bitwise Bitwise is one of the worlds leading crypto specialist asset managers with over $15 billion in client assets. Thousands of financial advisors, family offices, and institutional investors across the globe have partnered with us to understand and access the opportunities in crypto. Since 2017, Bitwise has established a track record of excellence, managing a broad suite of index and active solutions across ETPs, separately managed accounts, private funds, and hedge fund strategies spanning both the U.S. and Europe. In Europe, for the past five years Bitwise (formerly ETC Group) has developed an extensive and innovative suite of crypto ETPs, including Europes most traded bitcoin ETP, or the first diversified Crypto Basket ETP replicating an MSCI digital assets index. This family of crypto ETPs is domiciled in Germany and issued under a base prospectus approved by BaFin. We exclusively partner with reputable entities from the traditional financial industry, ensuring that 100% of the assets are securely stored offline (cold storage) through regulated custodians. Our European products comprise a collection of carefully designed financial instruments that seamlessly integrate into any professional portfolio, providing comprehensive exposure to crypto as an asset class. Access is straightforward via major European stock exchanges, with primary listings on Xetra, the most liquid exchange for ETF trading in Europe. Retail investors benefit from easy access through numerous DIY/online brokers, coupled with our robust and secure physical ETP structure, which includes a redemption feature. For more information, visit www.bitwiseinvestments.com/eu Media contacts: JEA Associates John McLeod 00 44 7886 920436 john@jeaassociates.com Important information The information contained in this press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, opinions are those of Bitwise and do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy any financial products or cryptocurrencies. This press release is issued by Bitwise Europe GmbH (BEU), a limited company domiciled in Germany, for information only and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. BEU gives no explicit or implicit assurance or guarantee regarding the fairness, accuracy, completeness, or correctness of this article or the opinions contained therein. It is advised not to rely on the fairness, accuracy, completeness, or correctness of this article or the opinions contained therein. Please note that certain products may not be available in all jurisdictions or may be offered exclusively to professional or qualified investors, as defined under applicable laws and regulations, including MiFID II (EU), the Financial Services and Markets Act (UK), and the Swiss Financial Services Act (FinSA). Investors should consult their legal or financial advisors for guidance before making any financial decision. For more details, please visit our website or contact us directly via europe@bitwiseinvesmtents.com Before investing in crypto Exchange Traded Products (ETPs), potential investors should consider the following: Potential investors should seek independent advice and consider relevant information contained in the base prospectus and the final terms for the ETPs, especially the risk factors. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss. ETPs issued by BEU are suitable only for persons experienced in investing in cryptocurrencies and risks of investing can be found in the prospectus and final terms available on www.bitwiseinvestments.eu. The invested capital is at risk, and losses up to the amount invested are possible. ETPs backed by cryptocurrencies are highly volatile assets and performance is unpredictable. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The market price of ETPs will vary and they do not offer a fixed income or match precisely the performance of the underlying cryptocurrency. Investing in ETPs involves numerous risks including general market risks relating to underlying, adverse price movements, currency, liquidity, operational, legal and regulatory risks. Dublin, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Smoke Ingredients for Food Market: Analysis by Form (Liquid, Powder and Others), Source (Hickory, Mesquite, Applewood and Others), Application (Meat & Seafood, Snacks & Sauces, Bakery & Confectionery and Others), and Region - Size, Trends and Forecasts to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global smoke ingredients for food market value in 2024 stood at US$804.34 million, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.88% over the projected period of 2025-2030. The global smoke flavors for food market is competitive, with several major players vying for market share. While there isn't one single company that completely dominates, certain large flavor and ingredient companies hold significant positions. The key factors driving the global smoke ingredients for food market include the growing consumer demand for smoky flavors in processed and convenience foods, which enhances taste and sensory appeal. Additionally, the increasing popularity of barbecue-style and grilled foods, especially in North America and Europe, is fueling the adoption of smoke ingredients across meat, seafood, and snack categories. The food industry's shift toward clean-label and natural flavoring solutions is also boosting the demand for smoke ingredients derived from natural wood sources. Furthermore, manufacturers are favoring these ingredients for their efficiency, consistency, and ability to replicate traditional smoking without the need for complex infrastructure or time-consuming processes. Rising urbanization, busy lifestyles, and the growth of the ready-to-eat food segment further support market expansion globally. Market Segmentation Analysis: By Form: According to the report, based on form, the global smoke ingredients for food market can be divided into three segments: liquid, powder, and others. Liquid segment acquired majority of share in the market in 2024 primarily due to its ease of handling, high water solubility, and versatility, allowing it to be easily incorporated into various food products like marinades, sauces, and dressings. It also offers a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional smoking methods while providing an authentic smoky flavor. However, the powdered segment is expected to grow the fastest due to its advantages in terms of extended shelf life, ease of storage and transportation, and versatile application in various dry food products like seasonings, rubs, and snack coatings. It also offers enhanced stability and precise dosage control, which are crucial for consistent flavor profiles in industrial food processing. By Source: According to the report, based on source, the global smoke ingredients for food market can be divided into four segments: hickory, mesquite, applewood and others. Hickory segment acquired majority of share in the market in 2024 due to its rich, bold flavor profile, which is widely preferred in meat and barbecue products, particularly in North American and European markets. Its versatility and widespread acceptance as a go-to liquid smoke variant in industrial food processing, offering simplified production and consistent flavor, also contribute to its dominance. However, Applewood is expected to grow the fastest because it imparts a milder, sweeter, and fruity flavor, making it highly versatile and suitable for a wider range of foods, including poultry, pork, game birds, lamb, and some seafood. This subtle yet distinct flavor profile, along with the increasing consumer interest in diverse and authentic flavors, is driving its rapid growth. By Application: According to the report, the global smoke ingredients for food market is bifurcated into four applications: meat & seafood, snacks & sauces, bakery & confectionery, and others. Meat & seafood segment acquired the majority share in the global smoke ingredients for food market in 2024 primarily due to the long-standing consumer preference for traditional smoked meat and seafood products like bacon, ham, sausages, smoked fish, and jerky. Smoke ingredients are crucial for enhancing flavor, aroma, and preservation in these widely consumed items. The increasing demand for processed and ready-to-eat meat and seafood, driven by busy lifestyles and the desire for convenient meal solutions, further solidifies this segment's dominance. The snacks & sauces segment is expected to grow the fastest because of the rising consumer demand for innovative, bold, and diverse flavors in snack foods and sauces. Smoke ingredients offer a versatile way to impart unique and appealing smoky notes to products like chips, crackers, nuts, and a wide array of condiments and dressings. The expansion of plant-based and vegan snack options, where smoke ingredients can mimic meaty flavors, also significantly contributes to this segment's rapid growth. By Region: The report provides insight into the smoke ingredients for food market based on the geographical operations, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. North America smoke ingredients for food market enjoyed the highest market share in 2024 primarily due to the region's strong consumer preference for processed and convenience foods that incorporate smoky flavors, such as barbecue sauces, smoked meats (bacon, ham, sausages), and snacks. The presence of well-established food processing industries and key market players, coupled with advanced food processing technologies, also contributes significantly to this dominance. Asia Pacific is expected to grow the fastest due to several factors including rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and the increasing adoption of Western food consumption patterns, particularly in developing economies like China and India. This shift is leading to a growing demand for processed and convenience foods, as well as an increasing interest in diverse and innovative flavors, including smoky profiles, across various food applications. The expansion of the food and beverage industry and a growing middle-to-upper-income demographic further fuel this rapid market expansion. Competitive Landscape The key players are constantly investing in strategic initiatives, such as adoption of new technologies, introducing their products to emerging markets and more, to maintain a competitive edge in this market. For instance, In October 2024, Kellanova introduced Cheez-It Smoked, its first-ever smoked cracker line, featuring smoke ingredients for a bold flavor. The new lineup includes Cheez-It Smoked Cheddar with hickory and oak wood smoke and Cheez-It Smoked Gouda with hickory and maple wood smoke. Market Dynamics Growth Drivers Rise in Disposable Income Urbanization and Changing Lifestyle Growth of the Foodservice and E-Commerce Sectors Rising Demand for Processed and Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Foods Growing Consumer Preference for Smoky Flavors Challenges High Production Costs of Purified Smoke Ingredients Stringent Food Safety and Regulatory Standards Market Trends Clean-Label and Natural Smoke Ingredients Rising Popularity of Plant-Based and Meat-Alternative Products Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Production Practices Advancements in Encapsulation and Delivery Technologies Advanced Extraction and Filtration Technologies Growth of Gourmet, Artisanal, and Premium Food Products Key Players of Global Smoke Ingredients for Food Market: Business Overview, Operating Segments, Business Strategy Kerry Ingredients Archer Daniels Midland Company International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. Azelis Holding S.A Besmoke B&G Foods Associated British Foods Plc. Lallemand Bio-Ingredients Ruitenberg Ingredients B.V. MSK Ingredients Ltd. NovaTaste Austria GmbH (WIBERG) PS Seasoning Inc. Colgin Inc. Dempsey Corporation For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lwaxb1 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. Stockholm, September 4, 2025 - Virtune today announces that selected crypto ETPs, including for Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana, are now available for monthly savings. This makes it easier than ever for investors to set up a long-term, automatic, and commission-free monthly savings plan in Bitcoin and other crypto assets. The initiative is part of Virtunes mission to make investing in crypto assets as simple as possible. By setting up a monthly savings plan, investors can automatically invest in Virtunes ETPs long-term every month without paying any commission fees. Nordnet is the first platform to enable monthly savings in Virtunes crypto ETPs. Benefits of monthly savings in Virtunes ETPs now available at Nordnet: Commission-free savings in selected Virtune ETPs Automatic monthly investing Exposure to leading crypto assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Virtunes diversified crypto index ETPs Safe and secure structure where all products are 100% physically backed by the underlying crypto assets stored with Coinbase in cold storage Virtune is a Swedish regulated company We are very pleased to offer investors in the Nordics the opportunity to set up long-term, automatic, and commission-free monthly savings in Bitcoin and other crypto assets in a safe and regulated way through Virtunes ETPs. Historically, monthly savings in a crypto asset like Bitcoin- characterized by high growth potential and high volatility - have proven beneficial, although of course this is no guarantee of future returns. Through monthly savings, investors avoid trying to time the market and instead build long-term exposure to Bitcoin by accumulating regularly every month, says Christopher Kock, CEO of Virtune. These products are included in the monthly savings plan: Virtune Bitcoin ETP Virtune Bitcoin Prime ETP Virtune Staked Ethereum ETP Virtune XRP ETP Virtune Staked Solana ETP Virtune Coinbase 50 Index ETP Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP SEK Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP EUR Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP The monthly savings plan is now available through Nordnets platform in Sweden and Finland. Investors can adjust their savings at any time and benefit from long-term, regular investing - without commission fees. For more information and to start your monthly savings in Virtunes ETPs, read more at the following link: https://www.virtune.com/monthly-savings Press contact Christopher Kock, CEO Virtune AB (Publ) christopher@virtune.com +46 70 073 45 64 Virtune with its headquarters in Stockholm is a regulated Swedish digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange traded products on regulated European exchanges.With regulatory compliance, strategic collaborations with industry leaders and our proficient team, we empower investors on a global level to access innovative and sophisticated investment products that are aligned with the evolving landscape of the global crypto market. Cryptocurrency investments are associated with high risk. Virtune does not provide investment advice. Investments are made at your own risk. Securities may increase or decrease in value, and there is no guarantee that you will recover your invested capital. Please read the prospectus, KID, terms at www.virtune.com. Dublin, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Anti-Parkinson's Drugs: Global Markets to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global market for anti-Parkinson's drugs is projected to grow from $6.1 billion in 2025 to reach $9.2 billion by the end of 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6% from 2025 to 2030 The report provides an overview of the global anti-Parkinson's drugs market and analyzes market trends. It includes global revenue ($ millions) for the base year data of 2024, estimated data for 2025 and forecast of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) from 2025 to 2030. The drugs approved to treat the disease provide symptomatic relief, and no curative therapies have been approved. PD is marked by a high unmet need for disease-modifying therapies (DMT). Dopaminergic drugs (levodopa and carbidopa) are the gold standard of treatment. Other approved therapies include Inbrija (Merz Therapeutics), Duodopa (AbbVie), Ongentys (Amneal Pharmaceuticals/Bial), Xadago (Newron Pharmaceuticals) and Nuplazid (Acadia Pharmaceuticals), all of which aim to treat both motor and non-motor symptoms associated with the disease. However, the current treatment landscape is evolving, with increased R&D activities focused on novel therapies. Several novel products have been approved in 2024 and 2025 that seek to address the limitations of the current therapies in use. These include FDA approval of Vyalev (foscarbidopa and foslevodopa) from AbbVie in October 2024 to treat motor fluctuations in adults with advanced PD. The drug is the first subcutaneous 24-hour infusion of levodopa-based therapy that provides enhanced efficacy compared to oral medications. In February 2025, the FDA approved a second drug-device combination product, Onapgo (apomorphine hydrochloride) from Supernus Pharmaceuticals, to treat motor fluctuations in adults with advanced PD. The market is segmented by drug class (based on mechanisms of action) and regions. By drug class, the market is segmented into dopaminergic, dopamine agonists, catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors, monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitors, anticholinergic and others. The regions covered in this study are North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South America, focusing on the major countries in these regions. The report focuses on the driving trends and challenges affecting the market. It analyzes corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) developments and discusses emerging technologies related to the market. The report also includes an analysis of the competitive landscape and company profiles that address such details as overview, key financials, product portfolio and recent developments of key market businesses. Report Includes An overview of the global market for anti-Parkinson's drugs In-depth analysis of global market trends, featuring historical revenue data for 2022-2024, estimated figures for 2025, forecasts for 2030 and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2030 Evaluation of the current market size and revenue growth prospects specific to anti-Parkinson's drugs, accompanied by a market share analysis by drug class and region Coverage of evolving technologies, the current and future market potential, R&D activities, growth strategies, regulatory framework and reimbursement scenarios, and ESG trends in the market Insights derived from Porter's Five Forces model, global value chain and case studies Patent analysis and emerging trends and developments in patent activity Overview of sustainability trends and ESG developments, with emphasis on consumer attitudes, and the ESG scores and practices of leading companies Identification of companies best positioned to meet this demand due to their proprietary technologies, M&As, joint ventures and other strategic alliances Descriptive profiles of leading companies, including AbbVie Inc., Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC., Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Co. Ltd. Company Profiles Abbvie Inc. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. Amneal Pharmaceuticals Llc. Boehringer Ingelheim International Gmbh F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. H. Lundbeck A/S Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd. Merz Therapeutics Neurocrine Biosciences Inc. Neuroderm Newron Pharmaceuticals Spa Novartis Ag Pfizer Inc. Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 134 Forecast Period 2025 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $6.1 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $9.2 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.6% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Executive Summary Market Outlook Scope of Report Market Summary Overview Current Market Scenario Segmental Analysis Emerging Technologies Conclusion Chapter 2 Market Overview Overview and Market Definition Pathophysiology Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment and Management Macroeconomic Factors Analysis Demographic Factors Environmental Factors Geopolitical Factors Economic Factors Impact of U.S. Tariffs on the Anti-Parkinson's Drugs Market Porter's Five Forces Analysis Supply Chain Analysis Research and Development (R&D) Manufacturing Packaging Wholesale Distributors and Repackagers Pharmacies Dispensed to Consumers Chapter 3 Market Dynamics Market Dynamics Market Drivers Prevalence of Parkinson's Disease High Unmet Treatment Need Leads to Innovation Industry Collaborations Accelerate R&D Increased Public and Private Investments and Support Market Restraints Adverse Effects Associated with Anti-Parkinson's Drugs High Cost of Drug Development and Low Success Rate Market Opportunities Increased Awareness in Emerging Countries Robust Pipeline Chapter 4 Regulatory Landscape Regulatory Aspects of Anti-Parkinson's Drugs United States Europe Japan Chapter 5 Emerging Technologies and Developments Emerging Technologies Drug-Device Combinations Cell and Gene Therapies Vaccine Monoclonal Antibodies Other Combination Therapies Pipeline Analysis Key Takeaways Chapter 6 Market Segmentation Analysis Overview Key Takeaways Segmentation Breakdown Market Analysis by Drug Class Dopaminergic Dopamine Agonists Catechol-O-methyl Transferase Inhibitors Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibitors Anticholinergics Others Geographic Breakdown Market Analysis by Region Key Takeaways North America Europe Asia-Pacific Rest of the World Chapter 7 Competitive Intelligence Key Takeaways Market Share Analysis Strategic Initiatives Agreements, Collaborations and Partnerships Acquisitions Chapter 8 Sustainability in the Anti-Parkinson's Drugs Global Market: An ESG Perspective Introduction to ESG Sustainability Trends and Initiatives Environmental Social and Governance Initiatives ESG Risk Ratings Concluding Remarks Chapter 9 Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ehrf4j 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 MONACO, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG) (Scorpio Tankers, or the Company) announced today a time charter-out agreement and an update on daily TCE rates. Time Charter-Out Agreement The Company recently reached an agreement to time charter-out the 2014 built LR2 product tanker, STI Orchard. The term of this agreement is for five years at a rate of $28,350 per day commencing in the third quarter of 2025. Daily TCE Rate Update Below is a summary of the average daily Time Charter Equivalent (TCE) revenue and duration of contracted voyages and time charters for the Companys vessels (both in the pools and outside of the pools) thus far in the third quarter of 2025 as of the date hereof: Pool and Spot Market Time Charters Out of the Pool Bareboat Charter Out of the Pool Average Daily TCE Revenue(1) Expected Revenue Days (2) % of Days Average Daily TCE Revenue(1) Expected Revenue Days (2) Average Daily Revenue (1) Expected Revenue Days (2) % of Days LR2 $ 32,700 2,456 86 % $ 31,500 914 $ 100 % MR $ 23,500 3,707 85 % $ 22,500 454 $ 12,750 41 100 % Handymax $ 20,500 1,183 67 % $ 23,000 91 $ 100 % (1) TCE revenue, a Non-IFRS measure, is vessel revenues less voyage expenses (including bunkers and port charges). TCE revenue is included herein because it is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a shipping companys performance irrespective of changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., spot charters, time charters, and pool charters), and it provides useful information to investors and management. (2) Expected Revenue Days are the total number of calendar days in the quarter for each vessel, less the total number of estimated off-hire days during the period associated with repairs or drydockings. Consequently, Expected Revenue Days represent the total number of days the vessel is expected to be available to earn revenue. Idle days, which are days when a vessel is available to earn revenue, yet is not employed, are included in revenue days. The Company uses revenue days to show changes in net vessel revenues between periods. About Scorpio Tankers Inc. Scorpio Tankers Inc. is a provider of marine transportation of petroleum products worldwide. Scorpio Tankers Inc. currently owns or lease finances 99 product tankers (38 LR2 tankers, 47 MR tankers and 14 Handymax tankers) with an average age of 9.5 years. Additional information about the Company is available at the Companys website www.scorpiotankers.com, which is not a part of this press release. Forward-Looking Statements Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forwardlooking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forwardlooking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forwardlooking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "target," "project," "likely," "may," "will," "would," "could" and similar expressions identify forwardlooking statements. The forwardlooking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, managements examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Companys records and other data available from third parties. Although management believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond the Companys control, there can be no assurance that the Company will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. The Company undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines any obligation, except as required by law, to publicly update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in the Companys view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forwardlooking statements include unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition, losses, future prospects, business and management strategies in response to epidemics and other public health concerns including any effect on demand for petroleum products and the transportation thereof, expansion and growth of the Companys operations, risks relating to the integration of assets or operations of entities that it has or may in the future acquire and the possibility that the anticipated synergies and other benefits of such acquisitions may not be realized within expected timeframes or at all, the failure of counterparties to fully perform their contracts with the Company, the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for tanker vessel capacity, changes in the Companys operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for the Companys vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, charter counterparty performance, ability to obtain financing and comply with covenants in such financing arrangements, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, including the impact of the conflict in Ukraine and the developments in the Middle East, including the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessels breakdowns and instances of offhires, and other factors. Please see the Company's filings with the SEC for a more complete discussion of certain of these and other risks and uncertainties. Contact Information Scorpio Tankers Inc. James Doyle Head of Corporate Development & Investor Relations Tel: +1 203-900-0559 Email: investor.relations@scorpiotankers.com MONTREAL, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osisko Metals Incorporated (the Company or "Osisko Metals") ( TSX: OM ; OTCQX: OMZNF ; FRANKFURT: 0B51 ) is pleased to announce new drill results from the Gaspe Copper Project, located in the Gaspe Peninsula of Eastern Quebec. Osisko Metals Chief Executive Officer Robert Wares commented: Drill hole 30-1097 produced our longest intersection so far, returning 1117 metres of continuous mineralization from the top of Copper Mountain, located in the heart of the deposit. With 10 drills on site, we have completed over 65,000 metres of the drill program to date, and will continue the current program of infill and expansion drilling until December. The updated MRE is well on track to be released in Q1 2026. New analytical results are presented below (see Table 1), including 19 mineralized intercepts from 6 new drill holes. Infill intercepts are located inside the 2024 MRE model (see November 14, 2024 news release), and are focused on upgrading inferred mineral resources to measured or indicated categories, as applicable. Expansion intercepts are located outside the 2024 MRE model and may potentially lead to additional resources that will be classified appropriately within the next MRE update. Some of the reported intercepts have contiguous shallower infill as well as deeper expansion (noted on Table 1 below as Both). Maps showing hole locations are available at www.osiskometals.com. Highlights: Drill hole 30-1097 1117.5 metres averaging 0.25% Cu (infill and expansion) Drill hole 30-1100 228.5 metres averaging 0.25% Cu (infill and expansion) Drill hole 30-1101 148.5 metres averaging 0.32% Cu (infill) Drill hole 30-1104 792.0 metres averaging 0.20% Cu (infill and expansion) Drill hole 30-1105 110.5 metres averaging 0.20% Cu (infill) 288.0 metres averaging 0.19% Cu (expansion) Table 1: Infill and Expansion Drilling Results DDH No. From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu % Ag g/t Mo % CuEq* Type** 30-1097 87.0 1204.5 1117.5 0.25 1.81 0.022 0.35 Both (including) 87.0 778.5 691.5 0.24 2.05 0.019 0.33 Infill (including) 778.5 1204.5 426.0 0.27 1.42 0.028 0.38 Expansion 30-1100 81.0 119.0 38.0 0.15 1.11 <0.005 0.16 Infill And 137.0 180.0 43.0 0.25 1.64 0.013 0.31 Infill And 322.5 551.0 228.5 0.25 1.61 0.013 0.31 Both And 677.8 805.0 127.2 0.15 0.82 0.012 0.20 Expansion And 862.8 974.5 111.7 0.17 1.24 0.010 0.22 Expansion 30-1101 58.0 111.0 53.0 0.24 5.21 <0.005 0.27 Infill And 156.0 304.5 148.5 0.32 2.52 <0.005 0.34 Infill And 493.5 521.2 27.7 0.36 1.85 <0.005 0.37 Expansion 30-1102 516.0 567.0 51.0 0.36 3.62 <0.005 0.38 Expansion And 781.5 858.0 76.5 0.03 0.19 0.077 0.32 Expansion And 880.5 930.0 49.5 0.46 2.81 <0.005 0.48 Expansion 30-1104 4.5 32.0 27.5 0.12 0.48 <0.005 0.12 Infill And 54.0 85.0 31.0 0.14 0.66 <0.005 0.14 Infill And 177.0 969.0 792.0 0.20 1.33 0.015 0.26 Both (including) 177.0 567.5 390.5 0.18 1.49 0.013 0.23 Infill (including) 567.5 969.0 401.5 0.22 1.17 0.017 0.29 Expansion 30-1105 16.0 79.0 63.0 0.19 1.94 <0.005 0.20 Infill And 122.0 232.5 110.5 0.20 1.30 <0.005 0.21 Infill And 261.8 355.5 93.7 0.25 1.72 0.009 0.30 Both And 378.0 666.0 288.0 0.19 2.03 0.012 0.25 Expansion * See explanatory notes below on copper equivalent values and Quality Assurance/Quality Controls. ** Both indicates drill holes that have contiguous shallower infill as well as deeper expansion intercepts. Discussion Drill hole 30-1097, located on top of Copper Mountain near the central part of the 2024 MRE model, intersected 1117.5 metres averaging 0.25% Cu, 0.022% Mo, and 1.81 g/t Ag that included expansion at depth of 426.0 metres averaging 0.27% Cu, 0.028% Mo, and 1.42 g/t Ag. This hole extends mineralization near the centre of the deposit to a vertical depth of 1,204 metres. Drill hole 30-1100, near the southwestern margin of the 2024 MRE model, intersected five separate mineralized intervals, including 228.5 metres averaging 0.25% Cu, 0.013% Mo, and 1.61 g/t Ag (infill and expansion). This was followed by 127.2 metres averaging 0.15% Cu, 0.012% Mo, and 0.82 g/t Ag and then by another 111.7 metres averaging 0.17% Cu, 0.010% Mo, and 1.24 g/t Ag (both expansion), extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 975 metres. Drill holes 30-1101 and 30-1102, both located near the eastern margin of the 2024 MRE model, intersected several, relatively short mineralized intervals that were 27 to 76 metres long, with the exception of one 148.5 metre interval (30-1101) that averaged 0.32% Cu and 2.52 g/t Ag (infill). These holes, along with several other previously reported holes, confirm the currently defined eastern margin of the 2024 MRE model. Drill hole 30-1104, located near the west-central portion of the 2024 MRE model, intersected two short (28 and 31 metres) intervals followed by 792.0 metres averaging 0.20% Cu, 0.015% Mo and 1.33 g/t Ag that included expansion at depth of 401.5 metres averaging 0.22% Cu, 0.017% Mo, and 1.17 g/t Ag. This hole extends mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 969 metres. Drill hole 30-1105, located in the southwestern portion of the 2024 MRE model, intersected 110.5 metres averaging 0.20% Cu and 1.30 g/t Ag (infill), followed by 93.7 metres averaging 0.25% Cu and 1.72 g/t Ag (infill and expansion), followed by a third intersection of 288.0 metre averaging 0.19% Cu, 0.012% Mo, and 2.03 g/t Ag (expansion), extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 666 metres. Mineralization at Gaspe Copper is of porphyry copper/skarn type and occurs as disseminations and stockworks of chalcopyrite with pyrite or pyrrhotite and minor bornite and molybdenite. At least five retrograde vein/stockwork mineralizing events have been recognized at Copper Mountain, which overprint earlier prograde skarn and porcellanite-hosted mineralization throughout the Gaspe Copper system. Porcellanite is a historical mining term used to describe bleached, pale green to white potassic-altered hornfels. Subvertical stockwork mineralization dominates at Copper Mountain whereas prograde bedding-replacement mineralization, that is mostly stratigraphically controlled, dominates in the area of Needle Mountain, Needle East, and Copper Brook. High molybdenum grades (up to 0.5% Mo) were locally obtained in both the C Zone and E Zone skarns away from Copper Mountain. The 2022 to 2024 Osisko Metals drill programs were focused on defining open-pit resources within the Copper Mountain stockwork mineralization (see May 6, 2024 MRE press release). Extending the resource model south of Copper Mountain into the poorly-drilled prograde skarn/porcellanite portion of the system subsequently led to a significantly increased resource, mostly in the Inferred category (see November 14, 2024 MRE press release). The current drill program is designed to convert the November 2024 MRE to Measured and Indicated categories, as well as test the expansion of the system deeper into the stratigraphy and laterally to the south and southwest towards Needle East and Needle Mountain respectively. The November 2024 MRE was limited at depth to the base of the L1 skarn horizon (C Zone), and all mineralized intersections below this horizon represent potential depth extensions to the deposit, to be included in the next scheduled MRE update in Q1 2026. All holes are being drilled sub-vertically into the altered calcareous stratigraphy which dips 20 to 25 degrees to the north. The L1 (C Zone) the L2 (E Zone) skarn/marble horizons were intersected in most holes, as well as intervening porcellanites that host the bulk of the disseminated copper mineralization. Table 2: Drill hole locations DDH No. Azimuth () Dip () Length (m) UTM E UTM N Elevation 30-1097 0.00 -90.00 1224.0 316150.0 5426416.0 742.3 30-1100 0.00 -90.00 987.0 315825.0 5426193.0 619.4 30-1101 0.00 -90.00 592.0 316612.0 5425837.0 593.3 30-1102 0.00 -90.00 930.0 316595.0 5426284.1 603.7 30-1104 0.00 -90.00 999.0 315700.0 5426358.0 592.1 30-1105 0.00 -90.00 819.0 316104.0 5425877.0 586.9 Explanatory note regarding copper-equivalent grades Copper Equivalent grades are expressed for purposes of simplicity and are calculated taking into account: 1) metal grades; 2) estimated long-term prices of metals: US$4.25/lb copper, $20.00/lb molybdenum, and US$24/oz silver; 3) estimated recoveries of 92%, 70%, and 70% for Cu, Mo, and Ag respectively; and 4) net smelter return value of metals as percentage of the price, estimated at 86.5%, 90.7%, and 75.0% for Cu, Mo, and Ag respectively. Qualified Person The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Bernard-Olivier Martel, P. Geo. (OGQ 492), an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). Quality Assurance / Quality Control Mineralized intervals reported herein are calculated using an average 0.12% CuEq lower cut-off over contiguous 20-metre intersections (shorter intervals as the case may be at the upper and lower limits of reported intervals). Intervals of 20 metres or less are not reported unless indicating significantly higher grades. True widths are estimated at 90 92% of the reported core length intervals. Osisko Metals adheres to a strict QA/QC program for core handling, sampling, sample transportation and analyses, including insertion of blanks and standards in the sample stream. Drill core is drilled in HQ or NQ diameter and securely transported to its core processing facility on site, where it is logged, cut and sampled. Samples selected for assay are sealed and shipped to ALS Canada Ltd.s preparation facility in Sudbury. Sample preparation details (code PREP-31DH) are available on the ALS Canada website. Pulps are analyzed at the ALS Canada Ltd. facility in North Vancouver, BC. All samples are analyzed by four acid digestion followed by both ICP-AES and ICP-MS for Cu, Mo and Ag. About Osisko Metals Osisko Metals Incorporated is a Canadian exploration and development company creating value in the critical metals sector, with a focus on copper and zinc. The Company acquired a 100% interest in the past-producing Gaspe Copper mine from Glencore Canada Corporation in July 2023. The Gaspe Copper mine is located near Murdochville in Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula. The Company is currently focused on resource expansion of the Gaspe Copper system, with current Indicated Mineral Resources of 824 Mt averaging 0.34% CuEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 670 Mt averaging 0.38% CuEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals' November 14, 2024 news release entitled "Osisko Metals Announces Significant Increase in Mineral Resource at Gaspe Copper". Gaspe Copper hosts the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America, strategically located near existing infrastructure in the mining-friendly province of Quebec. In addition to the Gaspe Copper project, the Company is working with Appian Capital Advisory LLP through the Pine Point Mining Limited joint venture to advance one of Canada's largest past-producing zinc mining camps, the Pine Point project, located in the Northwest Territories. The current mineral resource estimate for the Pine Point project consists of Indicated Mineral Resources of 49.5 Mt averaging 5.52% ZnEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 8.3 Mt averaging 5.64% ZnEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals' June 25, 2024 news release entitled "Osisko Metals releases Pine Point mineral resource estimate: 49.5 million tonnes of indicated resources at 5.52% ZnEq". The Pine Point project is located on the south shore of Great Slave Lake, NWT, close to infrastructure, with paved road access, an electrical substation and 100 kilometres of viable haul roads. For further information on this news release, visit www.osiskometals.com or contact: Don Njegovan, President Email: info@osiskometals.com Phone: (416) 500-4129 Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always, using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "potential", "feasibility", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, among other things: the tax treatment of the FT Units; the timing of incurring the Qualifying Expenditures and the renunciation of the Qualifying Expenditures; the ability to advance Gaspe Copper to a construction decision (if at all); the ability to increase the Company's trading liquidity and enhance its capital markets presence; the potential re-rating of the Company; the ability for the Company to unlock the full potential of its assets and achieve success; the ability for the Company to create value for its shareholders; the advancement of the Pine Point project; the anticipated resource expansion of the Gaspe Copper system and Gaspe Copper hosting the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management, in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, assumptions about: the ability of exploration results, including drilling, to accurately predict mineralization; errors in geological modelling; insufficient data; equity and debt capital markets; future spot prices of copper and zinc; the timing and results of exploration and drilling programs; the accuracy of mineral resource estimates; production costs; political and regulatory stability; the receipt of governmental and third party approvals; licenses and permits being received on favourable terms; sustained labour stability; stability in financial and capital markets; availability of mining equipment and positive relations with local communities and groups. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information are set out in the Company's public disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Osisko Metals' issuer profile. Although the Company 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. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither the TSX Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission, or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Figures accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d9ceeb48-c38d-45dc-a5ec-f96863709f4a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2df9a7aa-2f59-4631-b9dc-e4794a30e22b TR-1: Standard form for notification of major holdings 1. Issuer Details ISIN GB00BYT1DJ19 Issuer Name ICG PLC UK or Non-UK Issuer UK 2. Reason for Notification An acquisition or disposal of voting rights 3. Details of person subject to the notification obligation Name Wellington Management Group LLP City of registered office (if applicable) Boston Country of registered office (if applicable) United States 4. Details of the shareholder Name City of registered office Country of registered office Vidacos Nominees Limited State Street Nominees Limited ROY Nominees Limited Nortrust Nominees Limited Mellon Nominees (UK) Ltd. JP Morgan Chase Nominees Limited HSBC Global Custody Nominee (UK) Limited Goldman Sachs International BNY (OCS) Nominees Limited BBH ISL Nominees Ltd 5. Date on which the threshold was crossed or reached 02-Sep-2025 6. Date on which Issuer notified 03-Sep-2025 7. 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Financial Instruments according to (DTR5.3.1R.(1) (a)) Type of financial instrument Expiration date Exercise/conversion period Number of voting rights that may be acquired if the instrument is exercised/converted % of voting rights Sub Total 8.B1 8B2. Financial Instruments with similar economic effect according to (DTR5.3.1R.(1) (b)) Type of financial instrument Expiration date Exercise/conversion period Physical or cash settlement Number of voting rights % of voting rights Equity Swap 15/05/2033 15/05/2033 Cash 490424 0.170000 Sub Total 8.B2 490424 0.170000% 9. Information in relation to the person subject to the notification obligation 2. Full chain of controlled undertakings through which the voting rights and/or the financial instruments are effectively held starting with the ultimate controlling natural person or legal entities (please add additional rows as necessary) Ultimate controlling person Name of controlled undertaking % of voting rights if it equals or is higher than the notifiable threshold % of voting rights through financial instruments if it equals or is higher than the notifiable threshold Total of both if it equals or is higher than the notifiable threshold Wellington Management Group LLP (Chain 1) Wellington Group Holdings LLP 5.070000 5.240000% Wellington Management Group LLP (Chain 1) Wellington Investment Advisors Holdings LLP 5.070000 5.240000% Wellington Management Group LLP (Chain 1) Wellington Management Company LLP Wellington Management Group LLP (Chain 2) Wellington Group Holdings LLP 5.070000 5.240000% Wellington Management Group LLP (Chain 2) Wellington Investment Advisors Holdings LLP 5.070000 5.240000% Wellington Management Group LLP (Chain 2) Wellington Management Global Holdings, Ltd. Wellington Management Group LLP (Chain 2) Wellington Management International Ltd Wellington Management Group LLP (Chain 3) Wellington Group Holdings LLP 5.070000 5.240000% Wellington Management Group LLP (Chain 3) Wellington Investment Advisors Holdings LLP 5.070000 5.240000% Wellington Management Group LLP (Chain 3) Wellington Management Global Holdings, Ltd. Wellington Management Group LLP (Chain 3) Wellington Management Hong Kong Ltd Wellington Management Group LLP (Chain 4) Wellington Group Holdings LLP 5.070000 5.240000% Wellington Management Group LLP (Chain 4) Wellington Investment Advisors Holdings LLP 5.070000 5.240000% Wellington Management Group LLP (Chain 4) Wellington Management Global Holdings, Ltd. Wellington Management Group LLP (Chain 4) Wellington Management Europe GmbH 10. In case of proxy voting Name of the proxy holder The number and % of voting rights held The date until which the voting rights will be held 11. Additional Information Wellington Management Company LLP is an investment management entity that manages the assets of certain funds and/or managed accounts. Wellington Management Company LLP is a direct controlled undertaking of Wellington Investment Advisors Holdings LLP, which, in turn, is a direct controlled undertaking of Wellington Group Holdings LLP, which, in turn, is a direct controlled undertaking of Wellington Management Group LLP. Wellington Management International Ltd, Wellington Management Hong Kong Ltd and Wellington Management Europe GmbH are investment management entities that manage the assets of certain funds and/or managed accounts. Wellington Management International Ltd, Wellington Management Hong Kong Ltd and Wellington Management Europe GmbH are direct controlled undertakings of Wellington Management Global Holdings, Ltd., which, in turn, is a direct controlled undertaking of Wellington Investment Advisors Holdings LLP, which, in turn, is a direct controlled undertaking of Wellington Group Holdings LLP, which, in turn, is a direct controlled undertaking of Wellington Management Group LLP. 12. Date of Completion 03-Sep-2025 13. Place Of Completion London, UK YORK, United Kingdom, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Simpson Associates, a leading data transformation partner to the Blue Light sector, is thrilled to announce a partnership with Cleveland Police to roll out Simpson Associates AI-powered redaction software, RedactXpert, across the force. Cleveland Police, facing the daily challenge of redacting vast numbers of documents and case files for the Crown Prosecution Service, sought a more efficient solution. Their current redaction tool provided good outcomes and while effective, they were keen to investigate if enhancements and further cost and time savings could be made. RedactXpert is an AI powered document auto-redaction tool, that identifies and redacts Personally Identifiable Information (PII) with the power of AI. Developed by Simpson Associates, it is one of the only automated redaction tools integrating Microsoft Azure AI Service, and is designed to improve accuracy, efficiency and speed of redacting PII within documents. The partnership with Simpson Associates and Cleveland Police first started with an AI Assessment. The assessment was a comprehensive evaluation of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can transform a Police force, delving into specific ways AI can drive efficiency, optimise operations and enhance customer or citizen experiences. Simpson Associates AI Assessment identified a number of areas where they could help Cleveland on their AI journey. Redacting documents and case files was the first requirement they chose to look at, and the force agreed that RedactXpert could be a good fit for their needs. Keen to ensure the product provided what Cleveland needed, the force initially embarked on an 8 week trial. Cleveland Police had researched alternative AI-powered redaction tools on the market, but one of the key reasons that led them to trial RedactXpert was the fact it was built on Microsoft Azure. This aligned with the rest of their Microsoft environment, and they made a decision to deploy it on Clevelands Microsoft Azure tenant. Glen Ward, Superintendent at Cleveland Police, explains: When looking at a solution to our redaction demands, we were keen not to incorporate a stand alone point solution. RedactXpert stood out as its built on Microsoft Azure, and we particularly liked how Simpson Associates development of the software was done in close collaboration with Microsoft. Having already invested heavily in Microsoft technology, we wanted a solution that would work seamlessly across that environment. Not only does it benefit the teams needing to maintain and support the systems, but ensures a more user friendly and accessible platform for those officers using it. During their trial period, Cleveland agreed to be a development partner for RedactXpert. Working in close collaboration with Simpson Associates and Microsoft, this enabled them to help shape the next phase of the product development, ensuring it was fit for purpose for police needs. Another reason for going down the Microsoft route, is Clevelands ambition to incorporate other AI services. Simpson Associates have a number of AI applications built on Azure AI Services, such as translation and transcription tools, all designed to improve efficiencies within Police. Ward continues: Our strategic partnership with Simpson Associates will benefit us long term and ensure were future proofing our technology roadmap. In addition, Simpson Associates are equipped to support us longer term on our AI journey across multiple solutions. Following the 8 week trial, Cleveland Police were delighted with how RedactXpert was improving their overall redaction process. Cleveland Police have now implemented the product force wide for all teams to take advantage of. Using RedactXpert, weve now reduced the time spent redacting by 50% which is incredible, but more importantly now frees up further resource to focus on frontline policing. Giles Horwood, CEO at Simpson Associates, commented: I am thrilled to be working in partnership with Cleveland Police on their AI roadmap. The force wide roll out of RedactXpert is just the first stage of our partnership, and I look forward to continuing that success. Clevelands input in helping to shape the next phase of RedactXpert has been invaluable. About Simpson Associates Simpson Associates is a data transformation partner, providing a full range of services from advisory support and data strategy to AI-powered platform implementations and managed services. They help organisations in both the public and private sectors turn their data into actionable insights to drive positive change. A Microsoft Partner of the Year 2024 Award Winner for Community Response, they are a Microsoft Solutions Partner, holding the Analytics on Microsoft Azure Specialisation and the Migrate Enterprise Apps to Microsoft Azure Specialisation, as well as Solutions Partner designations in Data & AI (Azure); Digital & App Innovation (Azure); and Infrastructure (Azure). They are also a Databricks partner and an IBM Gold Partner, specialising in Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics. About Cleveland Police Cleveland Police are responsible for policing the area of Cleveland, covering the districts of Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough. The area covers approximately 230 square miles and has a population of around 560,000. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/81f85e6b-68d1-4ccd-9f09-d5c2db5ab5bf ALK (ALKB:DC / OMX: ALK B) today announced the decision to elevate its key commercial regions into the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to further strengthen the execution of ALKs strategy, Allergy+. Effective as of 1 October 2025, ALKs two key commercial regions, Europe and North America, will be directly represented in the ELT. Dr. Flora Beiche-Scholz who currently holds the position as Senior Vice President for region Europe will join the ELT in a new position as Executive Vice President (EVP) and head of ALKs Commercial Operations in Europe. The ELT will also be joined by a future EVP and head of Commercial Operations in North America. Until now, these two regions have been represented by EVP Sren Niegel. To secure a strong transition, the EVP position for North America will be held by Sren Niegel, until a permanent solution is found after which he will leave ALK as per mutual agreement with the CEO and Board of Directors. A search has been initiated. President & CEO Peter Halling said: The execution of our Allergy+ strategy is progressing well, and we are continuing to build momentum with new launches and market expansion. With the launches of tablets for children and the nasal adrenaline spray in both the European and North American markets, continued strong commercial execution will be key. While there are clear overlaps at product level, there are differences in each regions size, opportunities and challenges. Therefore, we have decided to elevate these strategically important regions directly into the executive team. Furthermore, International Markets will report directly to me. Dr. Flora Beiche-Scholz joined ALK in 2012 as General Manager for the German market. Under her leadership, ALK Germany underwent a significant transformation, more than doubled in size, and is now ALKs single largest market globally. In 2019, Flora Beiche-Scholz assumed responsibility for ALKs pan-European commercial operations as Senior Vice President, after which she successfully led the region delivering strong commercial execution and growth. Flora Beiche-Scholz is a German citizen and holds a degree and a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Erlangen, Germany. Sren Niegel has been with ALK since 2012 as EVP of Commercial Operations, in charge of global sales and marketing. President & CEO, Peter Halling said: Flora has been instrumental for our European success. She has a solid track record in building followership and executing commercial strategies, along with an international perspective that will be valuable to the Executive Leadership Team. We welcome her to the team. He continues: For over a decade, Sren has made a considerable contribution to ALKs overall leadership and success. He played a key role in reshaping our global sales and marketing operations, helping to establish our SLIT-tablets as a standard treatment for people with severe respiratory allergies. We sincerely appreciate his contributions to ALK and look forward to his continued support in the interim position as EVP of Commercial Operations in North America. Following these changes, the Executive Leadership Team will consist of: Peter Halling, President & CEO Claus Steensen Slje, EVP & CFO Henriette Mersebach, EVP, R&D Christian G. Houghton, EVP, Product Supply Flora Beiche-Scholz, EVP, Commercial Operations Europe Sren Niegel, EVP, Commercial Operations North America (Interim) Lika Thiesen, EVP, Global People & Organisation Jacob Glenting, SVP, Global Strategy & Corporate Development & Global Marketing Jan Engel, SVP, Global Quality ALK-Abello A/S For further information please contact: Investor Relations: Per Plotnikof, tel. +45 4574 7527, mobile +45 2261 2525 Media: Maiken Riise Andersen, tel. +45 5054 1434 About ALK ALK is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focused on allergy and allergic asthma. ALK manufactures and markets allergy immunotherapy (AIT) treatments, acute anaphylaxis treatments, and other products and services for doctors and people with allergy. Headquartered in Hrsholm, Denmark, ALK employs around 2,800 people worldwide and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Find more information at www.alk.net. Attachment VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Newcore Gold Ltd. ("Newcore" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NCAU, OTCQX: NCAUF) is pleased to announce additional drill results from the 35,000-metre drill program underway at the Companys 100% owned Enchi Gold Project ("Enchi" or the "Project") in Ghana. Shallow Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling at the Kojina Hill Gold Target ("Kojina Hill") intersected multiple intervals of high-grade gold mineralization, including hole KJRC033 which intersected 184 grams per tonne gold ("g/t Au") over 1.0 metre ("m") from 126 m. Hole KJRC034 also encountered shallow high-grade mineralization, intersecting 3.06 g/t Au over 13.0 m from surface including higher-grade intervals of 8.09 g/t Au over 3.0 m from 2 m and 4.59 g/t Au over 3.0 m from 9 m. Kojina Hill is a previously drilled target at Enchi with no defined mineral resource. Drilling continues to prove out the continuity of gold mineralization and potential for resource growth at Enchi. Highlights from Drilling at the Kojina Hill Gold Target at Enchi Drilling intersected the highest-grade interval encountered to date at Kojina Hill. RC hole KJRC033 intersected 184 g/t Au over 1.0 m from 126 m (true width unknown). This interval was intersected within a 24-metre contiguous zone of gold mineralization (from 124 m to 148 m, true width unknown) which also included 0.75 g/t Au over 2.0 m from 124 m, 1.08 g/t Au over 7.0 m from 127 m and 0.57 g/t Au over 10.0 m from 138 m. High-grade gold mineralization at Kojina Hill also encountered near-surface. KJRC034 intersected 3.06 g/t Au over 13.0 m from surface, including higher-grade intervals of 8.09 g/t Au over 3.0 m from 2 m and 4.59 g/t Au over 3.0 m from 9 m. Drilling at the earlier stage Kojina Hill target continues to prove out the potential for resource growth at Enchi through the addition of new resource areas on the property. Kojina Hill is an advanced target at Enchi that has no defined mineral resource. The 35,000-metre drill program underway at Enchi is focused on resource growth and infill drilling designed to convert Inferred Resources to Indicated. The drill program is now in its second phase focused on discovery and resource growth, including drilling targeting earlier-stage exploration targets along with drilling focused on defining the resource growth potential at depth and along strike. The completed first phase of drilling focused on the drilling required for resource conversion in advance of commissioning a Pre-Feasibility Study later this year. Greg Smith, Vice President of Exploration of Newcore stated, "Drilling completed at the earlier stage Kojina Hill Gold Target, an area at Enchi that does not yet have a mineral resource estimate, continues to highlight the potential for future resource growth both in the near-surface oxide mineralization in tandem with the high-grade zones encountered to depth across the district scale property. Drilling at Kojina Hill continues to showcase the potential for Enchi to host wide as well as high-grade mineralization, with RC hole KJRC033 our third-best interval encountered to date when calculated on gram by metre. With the second phase of the drill program now underway, we are excited to be drill testing multiple high-grade targets that we have identified at Enchi. Notably, with drilling to date focused on shallow mineralization, Enchi has only been drill tested to an average vertical depth of 125 metres. With mineralization at neighboring gold mines located along the Sefwi-Bibiani belt defined to much deeper vertical depths, we are excited to continue to define Enchis longer-term resource growth and value potential through the drill bit by advancing the potential that we believe exists at depth across our district scale property." This release reports results for 7 RC holes totalling 970 m (KJRC032 to KJRC038) targeting the Kojina Hill Gold Target, with all holes intersecting gold mineralization. A total of 25,097 m in 207 holes have been reported as part of the ongoing 2024 - 2025 drill program at Enchi, with 98.5% of holes intersecting gold mineralization. Select assay results from the 7 holes of the drill program reported in this release are below: Table 1 - Enchi Gold Project Drill Highlights Hole ID Zone/Deposit From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) KJRC033 Kojina Hill 124.0 126.0 2.0 0.75 and 126.0 127.0 1.0 183.86 and 127.0 134.0 7.0 1.08 KJRC034 Kojina Hill 0.0 13.0 13.0 3.06 including 2.0 5.0 3.0 8.09 including 9.0 12.0 3.0 4.59 KJRC036 Kojina Hill 0.0 14.0 14.0 0.58 and 24.0 43.0 19.0 0.43 KJRC037 Kojina Hill 20.0 49.0 29.0 0.57 including 21.0 27.0 6.0 1.29 Notes: 1. See detailed table for complete results; 2. Intervals reported are hole lengths with true width estimated to be 75 - 85%; and 3. Length-weighted averages from uncut assays. A plan map showing the drill hole locations can be viewed at: https://newcoregold.com/site/assets/files/5926/2025_09_04-ncau-nr-enchi-plan-map-kojinahill.pdf Cross sections showing drill results and highlights for holes KJRC033 and KJRC034 can be viewed at: https://newcoregold.com/site/assets/files/5926/2025_09_04-ncau-crosssections-kojina.pdf A complete list of the drill results in this release, including hole details, can be viewed at: https://newcoregold.com/site/assets/files/5926/2025_09_04-ncau-enchi-2024-2025-drill-results.pdf Drilling at the Kojina Hill Gold Target KJRC032 to KJRC038 (7 RC holes totalling 970 m) were completed at the Kojina Hill Gold Target, an advanced target at Enchi with no defined mineral resource. Drilling targeted shallow mineralization, including the near-surface oxide and transition horizon as well as the shallow fresh (sulphide) mineralization. Drilling followed-up on areas previously identified through trenching and wide spaced drilling (7 RC holes totalling 944 m drilled previously as part of the current 2024 - 2025 drill program, in addition to 14 RC holes totalling 2,588 m drilled as part of the 2020 2023 drill program). The goal of drilling at Kojina Hill is to identify areas for future resource growth at Enchi. RC drilling at Kojina Hill tested a series of targets across five sections spread along a strike length of 250 metres. Drilling targeted shallow mineralization, with drill holes reaching a maximum vertical depth of 150 metres. Drilling targeted the main area of mineralization currently defined at Kojina Hill. RC hole KJRC033 was drilled in the central portion and tested the down dip extension of the gold mineralization. The hole encountered the mineralized structure approximately 50 metres below prior drilling and intersected 183.86 g/t Au over 1.0 m from 126 m (true width unknown), within a contiguous zone of gold mineralization 24 metres in length (from 124 m to 148 m, true width unknown) associated with the contact between wide zones of phyllite and greywacke as well as with an increase in fine-grained pyrite, silicification, and quartz veining. Additional intercepts within this broad zone of mineralization included 1.08 g/t Au over 7.0 m from 127 m, 0.57 g/t Au over 10.0 m from 138 m and 0.75 g/t Au over 2.0 m from 124 m in the upper fresh mineralization. As part of QA/QC measures an additional set of samples, which included three metres above and five metres below the high-grade interval, was collected in the field to confirm the high-grade results encountered in hole KJRC033. These samples were consistent with the original values and returned 225.07 g/t Au over 1.0 m from 126 m with an additional 0.95 g/t Au over 4.0 m from 127 m. True widths are unknown but are estimated to be 75 - 85% of the drill length. An additional high-grade interval was encountered within hole KJRC034, the southernmost hole drilled on the main portion of Kojina Hill, collared 150 metres south of KJRC033. RC hole KJRC034 intersected 3.06 g/t Au over 13.0 m from surface, including higher-grade intervals of 8.09 g/t Au over 3.0 m from 2 m and 4.59 g/t Au over 3.0 m from 9 m associated with a wide near-surface gold mineralized zone within the oxide horizon. Additional holes drilled at Kojina Hill intercepted a series of sub-parallel gold mineralized structures, including: KJRC036 which intersected 0.58 g/t Au over 14.0 m from surface and 0.43 g/t Au over 19.0 m from 24 m; and KJRC037 which intersected 0.57 g/t Au over 29.0 m from 20 m including 1.29 g/t Au over 6.0 m from 21 m. The recently completed drilling at Kojina Hill continues to confirm the potential for resource growth at Enchi from drilling on earlier-stage targets that have been identified across the district scale property. 2024 - 2025 Enchi Work Program A 35,000-metre drill program is underway at Enchi, targeting near-surface oxide and shallow fresh mineralization with a primary goal of infill drilling for resource conversion to improve the confidence level of the existing Mineral Resource Estimate. Most of the infill drilling is allocated to the two largest deposits at Enchi, Boin and Sewum. Improving the confidence level of the Mineral Resource Estimate at Enchi is a key component of the development work required to be completed in advance of commissioning a Pre-Feasibility Study for the Project. A subset of the drill program will also focus on outlining resource growth, with all deposit areas and pre-resource targets at Enchi remaining open along strike and at depth, providing for future resource growth across the district-scale property. Additional exploration and development work is on-going at Enchi, including metallurgical testwork, trenching, hydrogeological testing, geotechnical work, and environmental work. Drone topographic surveys have been completed, expanding on previously completed work, at the Kwakyekrom and Tokosea deposit areas to provide detailed topographic information required to improve the confidence level of each deposits Mineral Resource Estimate. Additionally, the drone survey was completed across the proposed heap leach facility area to contribute additional data for future detailed engineering studies. An airborne magnetic survey tested grass roots targets related to a series of gold-in-soil anomalies and gold mineralization identified in trenching. Soil sampling was also completed on the Omanpe and Abotia licenses with a goal of further defining early-stage targets across Enchi for future trenching and drilling. Kojina Hill Gold Target The Kojina Hill Gold Target is an advanced target at Enchi with no currently defined mineral resource estimate. Prior drilling at Kojina Hill consists of 21 RC holes totalling 3,532 metres. Kojina Hill is located 10 kilometres southeast of the town of Enchi, with nearby roads and power and further access provided by a series of drill roads. Kojina Hill is related to a structure sub-parallel to the Nyam Shear Zone and the zone is located 1.5 kilometres west of the Nyam Gold Deposit. The Kojina Hill Target is defined on surface by a two-kilometre-long and one-kilometre-wide gold-in-soil anomaly of which less than 50% has been tested to date. Drill Hole Locations Table 2 - Enchi Gold Project Drill Hole Location Details Hole ID UTM East UTM North Elevation Azimuth Dip Length (m) KJRC032 528853 637334 108 120 -60 110 KJRC033 528780 637345 110 120 -60 162 KJRC034 528810 637223 150 300 -60 150 KJRC035 528862 637264 139 300 -60 144 KJRC036 528823 637288 140 300 -60 102 KJRC037 528841 637253 143 300 -60 108 KJRC038 528765 637392 99 120 -60 194 Enchi Gold Project Mineral Resource Estimate The Enchi Gold Project hosts an Indicated Mineral Resource of 41.7 million tonnes grading 0.55 g/t Au containing 743,500 ounces gold and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 46.6 million tonnes grading 0.65 g/t Au containing 972,000 ounces. Mineral resource estimation practices are in accordance with CIM Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Best Practice Guidelines (November 29, 2019) and follow CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 10, 2014), that are incorporated by reference into National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"). The Mineral Resource Estimate is from the technical report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report, Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Enchi Gold Project" dated June 7, 2024, with an effective date of April 24, 2024, prepared for Newcore by Preetham Nayak, P.Eng., Ryda Peung, P.Eng., and Zunedbhai Shaikh, P.Eng., of Lycopodium Minerals Canada Ltd.; Kerrine Azougarh, P.Eng., of Micon International Limited; and Simon Meadows Smith, P.Eng. / P.Geo., of SEMS Exploration in accordance with NI 43-101, and is available under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Simon Meadows Smith is an independent qualified person ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101. Newcore Gold Best Practice Newcore is committed to best practice standards for all exploration, sampling and drilling activities. Drilling was completed by an independent drilling firm using industry standard RC and Diamond Drill equipment. Analytical quality assurance and quality control procedures include the systematic insertion of blanks, standards and duplicates into the sample strings. Samples are placed in sealed bags and shipped directly to Intertek Labs located in Tarkwa, Ghana for 50 gram gold fire assay. Qualified Person Mr. Gregory Smith, P. Geo, Vice President of Exploration at Newcore, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical data and information contained in this news release. Mr. Smith has verified the technical and scientific data disclosed herein and has conducted appropriate verification on the underlying data including confirmation of the drillhole data files against the original drillhole logs and assay certificates. About Newcore Gold Ltd. Newcore Gold is advancing its Enchi Gold Project located in Ghana, Africas largest gold producer (1). Newcore Gold offers investors a unique combination of top-tier leadership, who are aligned with shareholders through their 15% equity ownership, and prime district scale exploration opportunities. Enchis 248 km2 land package covers 40 kilometres of Ghanas prolific Bibiani Shear Zone, a gold belt which hosts several multi-million-ounce gold deposits, including the Chirano mine 50 kilometres to the north. Newcores vision is to build a responsive, creative and powerful gold enterprise that maximizes returns for shareholders. (1) Source: Production volumes for 2024 as sourced from the World Gold Council. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Newcore Gold Ltd. Luke Alexander President, CEO & Director For further information, please contact: Mal Karwowska | Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations +1 604 484 4399 info@newcoregold.com www.newcoregold.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes statements that contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking statements"). 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 about the estimation of mineral resources; results of preliminary economic assessments; completion of a pre-feasibility study; results of metallurgical testwork; results of our ongoing drill campaign; results of drilling, magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; and future exploration prospects. These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. The assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Newcore. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of Newcore believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, Newcore cannot assure its shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking information also involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: risks related to the speculative nature of Newcores business; Newcores formative stage of development; Newcores financial position; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold and other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, unusual or unexpected geological formations); the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and Newcore disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. BENGALURU, India, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Karbon Business, a Y Combinatorbacked Indian cross-border payments platform, has rolled out global payment links and multi-currency virtual accounts to make it easier for Indian SMEs to collect international payments for Indian exporters. For Indian SMEs and MSMEs working with international clients, collecting payments often remains slow, expensive, and opaque. Karbon Businesss new features aim to eliminate these bottlenecks by enabling faster settlements, up to 90% lower FX fees, and transparent reconciliationall while ensuring compliance with Indian cross-border payment regulations. Our mission is to help Indian service exporters operate on a global scale without being constrained by outdated banking systems, said Bo Li, co-founder of Karbon Business. Weve built our platform for businesses with international clients, growing teams, and complex financial operationsnot only for freelancers, but also for established companies looking to scale. Karbon Business, founded in 2019, already has a clientele of 3000+ SMBs and thousands of freelancers and is widely regarded as one of the best international payment solutions for Indian businesses. With Karbon Business, Indian businesses can receive USD, EUR, GBP, and other major currencies in India directly, without the need for foreign bank accounts or intermediaries. About Karbon Business Backed by Y Combinator Karbon Business is a Silicon Valleybacked cross-border payments platform designed for Indian goods and service exporters. The platform enables SMEs to receive international payments seamlessly. Proudly backed by Y CombinatorKarbon Business empowers Indian exporters to scale globally with speed, transparency, and confidence, removing the friction and hidden costs of traditional banking systems. Following the Y Combinator-backed success, Karbon Business is now offering a suite of features designed specifically for the needs of Indian exporters... Key Features Now Available Modern tools for Indian service exporters to receive global payments faster, at lower cost, with full compliance. Multicurrency Virtual Accounts Instantly generate local receiving accounts in USD, EUR, GBP, AED, and other currencies. Get paid via local bank transfers, eliminating the need for SWIFT and significantly reducing costs of receiving USD payments in India. Payment Links Create a single payment link for multiple clients, simplifying global collections. Accept payments via debit or credit card. Track settlement status in real time for full transparency in the transaction lifecycle. Payment Links make it easy for businesses to request payments for one-time or custom services, without the need for a recurring billing system and complex invoicing. Unified Reconciliation Dashboard View all client inflows, FX conversions, and invoice-level payment history in one place. Optimize workflows for finance teams managing high-volume international B2B payments. Designed for Indian Goods & Service Exporters Receiving Money Globally Karbon Business provides compliance-ready financial tools for Indian SMEs and service exporters. Whether its retainer or milestone export payments, businesses can receive money from overseas clients quickly and transparently. Its ideal for sectors such as: IT and ITeS Business and strategy consulting Outsourced HR and global staffing Digital marketing and SEO agencies Architecture and engineering design services Legal process outsourcing (LPO) Animation, design, and creative studios EdTech and corporate training providers Medical transcription and healthcare BPO Karbon Business helps these exporters accept international payments in a structured, scalable, and fully compliant way. Receive International Payments with Karbon Business To learn more, visit https://www.karboncard.com/accept-international-payments-india Media Contact Organization: Karbon Business Contact Person Name: Dev Maity Website: https://www.karboncard.com/ Email: marketing@karboncard.com Disclaimer: This content is provided by Karbon Business. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or business advice. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any inaccuracies, misrepresentations, or financial losses resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this press release. Speculate only with funds you can afford to lose. In the event of any legal claims or concerns regarding this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained herein. Any complaints, copyright issues, or inquiries regarding this article should be directed to the content provider listed above. JERICHO, New York, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kimco Realty (NYSE: KIM) announced today that members of its management team will present at the BofA Securities 2025 Global Real Estate Conference on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The webcast information is as follows: When: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 from 3:45 PM 4:20 PM, ET Live Webcast: Kimco Realty Presentation Link Audio from the conference will be available on Kimco Realtys investor relations website until December 10, 2025. About Kimco Realty Kimco Realty (NYSE: KIM) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) and leading owner and operator of high-quality, open-air, grocery-anchored shopping centers and mixed-use properties in the United States. The companys portfolio is strategically concentrated in the first-ring suburbs of the top major metropolitan markets, including high-barrier-to-entry coastal markets and Sun Belt cities. Its tenant mix is focused on essential, necessity-based goods and services that drive multiple shopping trips per week. Publicly traded on the NYSE since 1991 and included in the S&P 500 Index, the company has specialized in shopping center ownership, management, acquisitions, and value-enhancing redevelopment activities for more than 65 years. With a proven commitment to corporate responsibility, Kimco Realty is a recognized industry leader in this area. As of June 30, 2025, the company owned interests in 566 U.S. shopping centers and mixed-use assets comprising 101 million square feet of gross leasable space. The company announces material information to its investors using the companys investor relations website (investors.kimcorealty.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, and webcasts. The company also uses social media to communicate with its investors and the public, and the information the company posts on social media may be deemed material information. Therefore, the company encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review the information that it posts on the social media channels, including Facebook (www.facebook.com/kimcorealty), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/kimco-realty-corporation). The list of social media channels that the company uses may be updated on its investor relations website from time to time. CONTACT: David F. Bujnicki Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Strategy Kimco Realty Corporation (833) 800-4343 dbujnicki@kimcorealty.com SEATTLE and SUNDBYBERG, Sweden, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pluristyx Inc., the leading provider of tools, technologies, and services for the development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) therapies, and BioLamina AB, the global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-quality laminin-based cell culture matrices, today announced a strategic co-development and co-marketing partnership. This collaboration aims to simplify, derisk, and accelerate clinical translation of iPSC-based therapies by providing researchers and developers with a robust, streamlined, and clinically relevant workflow of products and processes. The partnership leverages the synergy between Pluristyxs comprehensive iPSC platform, including their proprietary polyclonal derivation paired with iACT immune cloaking and FailSafe genetic engineering, and BioLaminas unique portfolio of chemically defined and animal origin-free Biolaminin matrices representing the full length, niche specific proteins found in nature. Together, the companies are simplifying the path from laboratory research to clinical application by offering system solutions to enhance the consistency, scalability, and safety of iPSC-derived therapeutic products. Under the agreement, the companies will engage in joint marketing activities to provide customers with comprehensive, validated solutions for their cell therapy programs. This collaboration will offer the most reliable system for the culture, expansion, and differentiation of iPSCs and address key manufacturing challenges in the rapidly growing field of regenerative medicine. Our mission at Pluristyx is to empower the development of next-generation cell therapies, said Benjamin Fryer, PhD, CEO of Pluristyx. Partnering with BioLamina is a critical step toward that goal. Combining our expertise in iPSC manufacturing and engineering with BioLaminas best-in-class cell culture matrices provides a complete and robust platform, reducing timelines and improving the probability of clinical success. We are excited to work together setting new standards for quality and efficiency in the industry. The collaboration will focus on creating optimized and fully defined culture systems that ensure high cell quality and reproducibility, which are critical for meeting stringent regulatory requirements. By co-developing these integrated solutions, Pluristyx and BioLamina will enable therapy developers to move their programs forward with greater confidence and speed. At BioLamina, our focus has always been to provide researchers with biologically relevant and clinically robust culture environments. By combining our full-length laminin matrices with Pluristyxs advanced iPSC technologies, we are enabling a seamless and defined workflow that meets the rigorous demands of clinical translation. This partnership allows us to support developers with solutions that not only improve consistency and scalability, but also bring the field of regenerative medicine closer to delivering safe and effective therapies to patients. Said Therese Kallur, PhD, CSBDO of BioLamina. About Pluristyx Pluristyx is dedicated to enabling the development of next-generation cell-based tools and therapies. PluriKit, PluriForm Organoids, and PluriBank polyclonal stem cells incorporating safety and tolerance features like FailSafe, iACT, and hypoimmune engineering streamline developers' path to the clinic and approval. Pluristyxs iPSC lines, backed by an FDA registered drug master file, with platform genetic engineering are available "off-the-shelf" along with comprehensive support services to accelerate the creation of novel diagnostics, screening and safety testing, and curative treatments. For more information, visit www.pluristyx.com. About BioLamina BioLamina is a biotechnology company with a scientific base and heritage in matrix biology and cell culture research. It supports scientists who have struggled for decades to grow pluripotent stem cells and other primary cells in the lab. By providing tools for efficient and easy cell culture, BioLamina aims to ease the path towards safe and effective cell therapies and make better cell assays and models for increasing accuracy in drug discovery and development. The power of Biolaminin substrates, developed by BioLamina, has been demonstrated in numerous publications, and they will continue to provide vital support to the stem cell community, from scientific concepts to clinical studies. Based in Stockholm (Sweden), the company currently employs 100 people. The companys main shareholders include Bure Equity (via Bure Growth), Lauxera Capital Partners, the Tryggvason family (the companys founders) and, Northislet. For more information, please visit: https://biolamina.com Media Contacts: Pluristyx Dr. Priya Baraniak Chief Commercial and Development Officer priya@pluristyx.com Ottawa, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global agentic AI market size accounted for USD 10.86 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach approximately USD 199.05 billion by 2034. In terms of CAGR, the industry is expanding at a Impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43.84% from 2025 to 2034. The Agentic AI Market is driven by rising demand for autonomous decision-making systems that enhance efficiency, adaptability, and productivity across industries. The Complete Study is Now Available for Immediate Access | Download the Sample Pages of this Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sample/6544 Agentic AI Market Highlights: In terms of revenue, the agentic AI industry surpassed USD 5,250 million in 2024. It is projected to exceed USD 1,99,050 million by 2034. The industry is expected to expand at a notable CAGR of 43.84% from 2025 to 2034. North America dominated the agentic AI market with the largest market share of 46% in 2024. Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth during the foreseeable period. By application domain, the cognitive agents (virtual assistants & co-pilots) segment held the biggest market share of 34% in 2024. By application domain, the autonomous systems segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. By technology stack, the learning and adaptation frameworks segment captured the highest market share of 29% in 2024. By technology stack, the planning and goal management engines segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR between 2025 and 2034. By end-use industry, the technology and software segment contributed the major market share of 38% in 2024. segment contributed the major market share of 38% in 2024. By end-use industry, the healthcare & life sciences segment is expected to expand at the fastest rate during the foreseeable period. segment is expected to expand at the fastest rate during the foreseeable period. By deployment mode, the cloud-based agentic AI segment accounted for the significant market share of 62% in 2024. By deployment mode, the hybrid architectures segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the projection period. By intelligence level, the hybrid (BDI belief-desire-intention) agents segment generated the major market share of 41% in 2024. By intelligence level, the deliberative agents segment is expected to witness the fastest growth in the coming years. Agentic AI Market Overview What is an Agentic AI? These systems can respond instinctively, adapt to new conditions, learn by trial and error, and automatically rectify themselves without human intervention. Unlike traditional AI, agentic AI is concerned with reasoning, problem-solving, and contextual cognition and is thus highly relevant to autonomous robotics, intelligent virtual assistants, enterprise automation, and industrial optimization. The market of agentic AI is actively developing, and the number of individuals who need intelligent systems to reduce the amount of human labor, increase the level of productivity, and enable people to work 24 hours a day with a minimum number of supervisors. What is difference between Agentic AI and Generative AI? Feature Agentic AI Generative AI Primary function Goal-oriented action & decision-making Content generation (text, code, images, etc.) Autonomy High: Operates with minimal human oversight Variable: May require user prompts or guidance Learning Reinforced Learning: Improves through experience Data-driven learning: Learns from existing data Task complexity High: Solves complex, multi-step problems Moderate: Generates content but doesnt handle complex tasks autonomously Latest Trends in Agentic AI Market: Multi-Agent Collaboration AI agents are working together in coordinated networks to solve complex tasks more efficiently. Autonomous Digital Workers AI is replacing repetitive tasks in areas like HR and IT with fully automated digital assistants. Self-Learning Agents Agents use reinforcement learning to improve autonomously in dynamic environments. Goal-Oriented Execution Instead of following set instructions, agents plan and complete tasks based on user-defined outcomes. Integration with IoT and Edge Agentic AI is being embedded into smart devices and systems for real-time decision-making. Ethical and Transparent AI Theres growing demand for explainable, bias-free, and accountable agent behavior in sensitive applications. Human-Agent Collaboration Businesses are forming hybrid teams where humans and AI agents work side-by-side for better results. Get the Full Report @ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/agentic-ai-market AI Agents Market Size and Overview The global AI agents market size was valued at USD 5.43 billion in 2024 and is projected to rise from USD 7.92 billion in 2025 to nearly USD 236.03 billion by 2034, advancing at a remarkable CAGR of 45.82% during 20252034. Market growth is being fueled by the accelerating enterprise shift toward automation, particularly across large-scale industries, where AI agents are streamlining operations, improving efficiency, and enabling next-generation digital transformation. In addition to the Agentic AI landscape, the AI Agents Market represents a broader ecosystem of intelligent digital entities designed to perceive, decide, and act autonomously within complex environments. Unlike traditional automation, AI agents adapt to dynamic contexts through reinforcement learning, natural language processing, and multi-agent collaboration. Key applications include customer service chatbots, enterprise process automation, healthcare diagnostics, financial modeling, and tactical defense systems. Growing adoption is fueled by the rising demand for autonomous digital workers, hybrid human-AI collaboration, and integration with IoT and edge devices for real-time decision-making. Regionally, North America leads the market due to strong digital infrastructure and major AI vendors, while Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by government-backed AI initiatives in China, India, and Japan. The AI Agents Market complements the Agentic AI Market by highlighting the broader adoption of adaptive and goal-oriented agents across industriesenabling enterprises to achieve higher efficiency, scalability, and innovation. Access the Sample Report Before Making a Decision@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sample/5948 Agentic AI Market Opportunity What is an Opportunity for the Agentic AI Market? As AI agents are integrated into the home, office, factory, and hospital systems, it does not have to be constantly attended by humans to operate smoothly. This type of combination can enable intelligent decision-making and autonomous execution of actions in the real world, such as energy management in smart buildings and high-precision diagnostics in healthcare. This improves the efficiency of operations, reduces human error, and generates new business models. The trend of smartening, adapting, and implementing AI agents in the real world suggests gigantic untapped opportunities in this field. Agentic AI Market Key Challenges What is the Limitation for the Agentic AI Market? The agentic AI market is already expanding extremely rapidly, yet it is highly constrained, particularly regarding overdependence and job loss. The biggest fear is that the threat of job displacement is high because AI agents are already taking over knowledge-based and operational jobs that were once done by humans. Mass retraining and workforce flexibility are cost-effective and managerial concerns for the firms. In addition to the workforce issues, the ethical challenges of algorithmic bias, fairness, and accountability threaten the credibility of individuals. Agentic AI Market Report Scope Report Coverage Details Market Size in 2024 USD 5.25 Billion Market Size in 2025 USD 7.55 Billion Market Size in 2031 USD 66.88 Billion Market Size by 2034 USD 199.05 Billion CAGR from 2025 to 2034 43.84% Leading Region in 2024 North America Fastest Growing Region Asia Pacific (2025 to 2034) Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025 to 2034 Segments Covered Application Domain, Technology Stack, End-User Industry, Deployment Mode, Intelligence Level, and Regions Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Become a valued research partner with us https://www.precedenceresearch.com/schedule-meeting Agentic AI Market Key Regional Analysis How North America Dominated the Agentic AI Market? North America dominated the agentic AI market in 2024, driven by its technological ecosystem and concentration of big AI-based companies. Significant advances in agentic AI solutions are transforming the financial, healthcare, retail, and telecommunications sectors, particularly through the automation of tasks or the detection of fraud, or personalized customer service. Moreover, the constant investment in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development, at the individual enterprise level, and at universities and colleges, continues to generate innovation. North America has become the agentic AI market leader globally due to the existing digital infrastructure and regulation-friendly landscapes that the region has created. How Big is the U.S. Agentic AI Market? The U.S. agentic AI market size is valued at USD 2.43 billion in 2025 and is projected rise from USD 3.50 billion in 2026 to USD 65.25 billion by 2034, representing a substantial CAGR of 44.10% from 2025 to 2034. United States Agentic AI Market Trends: Key Industries & Applications Agentic AI is increasingly adopted in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and retail, particularly for applications like automated customer service, claims processing, and supply chain optimization . Government Initiatives The U.S. Department of Defense has selected companies like xAI, Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI to support military tasks with AI, highlighting the government's commitment to integrating AI into national security . Note: This report is readily available for immediate delivery. We can review it with you in a meeting to ensure data reliability and quality for decision-making. Try Before You Buy Get the Sample Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sample/6544 Why is Asia Pacific the Fastest-Growing in the Agentic AI Market? Asia Pacific experiences the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period, due to the rapid development of digital infrastructure and the positive attitude of the government toward the adoption of AI. China, India, and Japan are the first countries that invest in research, AI integration, and AI nationwide plans. Major tech incumbents such as Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent are actively building agentic AI-based platforms and ecosystems that can support mass enterprise and consumer use. The regional start-ups are finding ways to capitalize on AI agents across different industries, such as healthcare, financial technologies, logistics, and creating smart cities, which is driving dynamic success. India & China Agentic AI Market Trends: Government Strategy The Chinese government aims to prevent "disorderly competition" in AI development, focusing on centralized planning to cultivate global corporate leaders while managing inefficiencies. Key Industries & Applications Agentic AI is being utilized in healthcare, finance, and telecommunications, focusing on areas like automated diagnostics, fraud detection, and customer support. Strategic Collaborations India is encouraged to enhance international cooperation in AI development, positioning itself as a significant global contributor in the AI landscape . For inquiries regarding discounts, bulk purchases, or customization requests, please contact us at sales@precedenceresearch.com Agentic AI Market Segmentation Analysis Application Analysis Why did the Cognitive Agents Segment Dominate the Agentic AI Market? The cognitive agents (virtual assistants & co-pilots) segment dominated the agentic AI market in 2024, due to their potential to make autonomous decisions that involve decision-making activities mostly handled by humans. They replicate human cognitive processes (e.g., reasoning, logic, data-driven problem-solving) they can act as trusted digital partners. Cognitive agents help to save human workload, increase productivity, and accuracy in decision-making by automating routine and knowledge-intensive operations. They are highly flexible and can be implemented in other areas such as customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning, and chain optimization. The autonomous systems segment is the fastest-growing in the market during the forecast period, because it can independently perform complex and dynamic tasks with minimal human supervision. Autonomous systems are capable of making real-time decisions, learning by experience, and evolving alongside the environment, an aspect that contributes heavily to efficiency in comparison to traditional automation. These systems are becoming used in industries including defense, health care, logistics, and manufacturing to control vital processes such as autonomous cars, robotic surgery, intelligent production lines, etc. Technology Stack Analysis Which Technology Stack Segment Held the Largest Share of the Agentic AI Market? The learning & adaptation frameworks segment held the largest share in the agentic AI market in 2024. AI agents, with the aid of the most cutting-edge technologies, such as machine learning and deep learning, can adjust, predict, and self-correct with greater efficiency. They can be used in multiple fields like health care, financial services, logistics, as well as smart city infrastructure, where adaptability and cost are major advantages. This flexibility and extent of scaling make learning and adaptation systems one of the keystone technologies to creating trusted and working agentic AI systems across the world. The planning & goal management engines segment experiences the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period due to the growing need to automate complex workflows intelligently. With the help of these engines, the AI agents can prioritize tasks, optimize resources, and match actions to particular business goals to maximize the return on investment (ROI). These features enable AI systems to plan and organize tasks, and also dynamically adjust their strategies to changing goals and conditions. Enterprise automation, finance, and industrial operation industries are quickly embracing such engines to enhance decision-making and speed up the digital transformation. End-Use Industry Analysis How technology & software Segment Dominates the Agentic AI Market? The technology & software segment dominated the agentic AI market in 2024. Software development is changing as agentic AI is automating major software development processes, including the generation of code, identifying bugs, optimization, and monitoring of the system. The sector also provides the underlying frameworks, platforms, and development spaces needed to construct, launch, and expand agentic AI systems, which only fortify its market dominance. In addition to efficiency, agentic AI opens the door to innovation by allowing businesses to develop novel types of business models and increase their service repertoires by incorporating different features in tandem with the changing needs of consumers. The healthcare & life sciences segment is the fastest-growing in the market during the forecast period, as the sector actively seeks to save costs, improve efficiency, and support the workforce. AI agents are being implemented to analyze medical imaging, provide individualized treatment plans, and offer real-time clinical decision support to ensure improved patient outcomes. As more organizations invest in digital health and more healthcare facilities and biotech companies start to use AI, healthcare and life sciences are the quickest growing opportunity in the agentic AI market. Deployment Mode Analysis Why did the Brand Outlets Segment hold the Largest Share of the Agentic AI Market? The cloud-based agentic AI segment held the largest share in the Agentic AI Market in 2024, because it is scalable, flexible, and economical. Cloud-based platforms became more popular as enterprises started to implement agentic AI-based solutions without having to spend a lot of money on infrastructure. Also, the need to automate, predict analytics, and make decisions dynamically supported the adoption of clouds in finance, healthcare, retail, and IT services. It also enabled vendors to enhance security and compliance features to protect information and confidence. The hybrid architectures segment experiences the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. This execution model will incorporate the benefits of on-premises infrastructure and cloud environment, allowing organizations to balance their performance and control, and scalability. Industries that work with sensitive data are especially attracted to hybrid models, including healthcare, government, and financial services, where regulatory compliance requires local control with the same flexibility provided by cloud systems. Hybrid solutions are becoming popular among businesses to maximize workloads, minimize latency, and minimize the risks involved in running a business. Intelligence Level Analysis How does the hybrid (BDI) agents segment dominate the agentic AI market? The hybrid agents segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024. Belief-Desire-Intention (BDI) agents, which are also called hybrid agents, were the most popular category of agentic AI because they combine traditional programming with the flexibility of large language models (LLMs). This combination enables such hybrid agents to perform deterministic tasks like security checks, calculations, and protocol compliance with precision, and at the same time, respond to any situation contextually through the integration of LLM. The hybrid agent class has been the most popular segment, which has received adoption in most industries that require the presence of powerful yet adaptable AI-type solutions. The deliberative agents segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the foreseeable period of 2025-2034. One such agent in supply chain management is that of predicting disruption and recommending the most ideal changes, but in finance, they can forecast the market state to make investment decisions. Likewise, deliberative agents can be used to help individuals plan their own treatment in healthcare and optimize energy consumption and resource allocation dynamically in a smart home. The advanced capabilities and stability of deliberative agents are driving their rapid uptake toward the highest level of agentic AI as businesses and consumers are seeking AI systems with long-term, goal-focused reasoning in the agentic AI market. Agentic AI Market Top Companies OpenAI Anthropic Google DeepMind Microsoft Amazon AWS (Bedrock / CodeWhisperer) Meta AI IBM Research (Watsonx Agents) NVIDIA Adept AI Inflection AI Reka AI Cohere Hugging Face Mistral AI Figure AI Covariant Sanctuary AI Siemens (Agentic Industrial AI Systems) Palantir Technologies Runway ML Recent Developments: In June 2025, Accenture launched the AI Refinery distiller agentic framework and SDKs, which offer a platform with enterprise-level features to developers. The solution allows the fast construction, implementation, and expansion of sophisticated AI agents in any industry. In January 2025, Kore.ai introduced AI for Process, a no-code platform to transform enterprise automation. It enables organizations to build, execute, and operate custom AI agents on scale that comprehend context, make multi-faceted choices, and orchestrate agentic workflows. Agentic AI Market Segments Covered in the Report By Application Domain Autonomous Systems Robotics Self-driving Vehicles Drones Others Cognitive Agents Virtual Assistants (e.g., AI Co-Pilots) Autonomous Decision Support Tools Adaptive Learning Systems Others Enterprise Process Agents AI for Business Process Automation Supply Chain Optimization Financial Modeling Agents Others Scientific & Research Agents Drug Discovery Agents Materials Design AI Scientific Simulators Others By Technology Stack Planning and Goal Management Engines Reactive Planners Long-Term Planning Systems Others Cognitive Architectures Symbolic-Connectionist Models Neuromorphic Architectures Modular Reasoning Systems Others Autonomous Execution Platforms AI Agents for Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) Digital Twin-Integrated Agents Robotics OS with Agentic Capabilities Others Learning and Adaptation Frameworks Reinforcement Learning Imitation Learning Self-Supervised Learning Others By End-User Industry Healthcare & Life Sciences AI Research Assistants Diagnostics & Workflow Agents Therapeutic Planning Agents Finance & Banking Investment Decision Agents Risk & Fraud Detection Autonomous Compliance Tools Manufacturing & Logistics Autonomous Planning Agents Process Optimization Supply Chain Agents Defense & Aerospace Tactical Decision-Making Agents Reconnaissance & Surveillance AI Technology & Software AI Development Platforms Autonomous Coding Agents Copilot Tools Education & Training Adaptive Learning Agents Personal Tutoring Systems Others Smart Cities Retail & eCommerce Agriculture & Environment By Deployment Mode On-Premises Agentic Systems Cloud-Based Agentic AI Hybrid Architectures By Intelligence Level Reactive Agents Deliberative Agents Hybrid (BDI Belief-Desire-Intention) Agents By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa Thank you for reading. You can also get individual chapter-wise sections or region-wise report versions, such as North America, Europe, or Asia Pacific. Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/checkout/6544 You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact at sales@precedenceresearch.com | +1 804 441 9344 Stay Ahead with Precedence Research Subscriptions Unlock exclusive access to powerful market intelligence, real-time data, and forward-looking insights, tailored to your business. From trend tracking to competitive analysis, our subscription plans keep you informed, agile, and ahead of the curve. Browse Our Subscription Plans@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/get-a-subscription About Us Precedence Research is a worldwide market research and consulting organization. We give an unmatched nature of offering to our customers present all around the globe across industry verticals. Precedence Research has expertise in giving deep-dive market insight along with market intelligence to our customers spread crosswise over various undertakings. We are obliged to serve our different client base present over the enterprises of medicinal services, healthcare, innovation, next-gen technologies, semi-conductors, chemicals, automotive, and aerospace & defense, among different ventures present globally. 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The global mold release agents market size was calculated USD 2.27 billion in 2024, and is expected to be worth around USD 4.16 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 6.22% from 2025 to 2034. NEW YORK, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Media Mister , a leading provider of social media marketing services, proudly announces a major milestone: the successful delivery of 500,000 orders to more than 290,000 customers worldwide. mediamister.com Since its founding, Media Mister has been dedicated to helping individuals, influencers, and businesses build their online presence through reliable, high-quality social media engagement services. This achievement reflects not only the companys growth but also the trust and loyalty of its expanding global customer base. Reaching half a million fulfilled orders is a testament to the confidence our customers place in us, said John Rampton, COO of Media Mister. Were incredibly grateful to our community of over 290,000 customers who continue to choose us to support their social media growth. This milestone motivates us to keep innovating and delivering even greater value. This milestone follows closely after our 13th anniversary on July 11, 2025, reinforcing our ongoing evolution and unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of our diverse clientele. Weve come a long way, and this achievement highlights our dedication to our customers, Rampton added. Well continue to adapt and innovate, ensuring lasting success for everyone we serve. With a wide range of services spanning popular platforms such as Instagram , TikTok, YouTube, Twitter (X), and more, Media Mister has positioned itself as a trusted partner for brands, businesses, and creators seeking authentic engagement and meaningful results. As the company looks ahead, Media Mister remains committed to its mission of providing safe, effective, and customer-focused solutions that help people succeed in todays competitive digital landscape. About Media Mister Media Mister is a leading provider of social media marketing services, offering tailored solutions to enhance engagement, visibility, and credibility across major platforms. With a commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, Media Mister has served hundreds of thousands of clients worldwide. Media Contact: John Rampton Chief Operating Officer Media Mister Email: pr@mediamister.com Website: www.mediamister.com Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the Media Mister. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/01cfddd1-3d85-47b6-b989-733ab376bd68 MONTREAL, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier Inc. (Bombardier) today announced that it has launched an offering of US$250 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2033 (the Additional Notes). The Additional Notes will be a further issuance of, and form a single series with, the existing $500 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.750% Senior Notes due 2033 that were originally issued on May 29, 2025. Bombardier intends to use the proceeds of the offering of the Additional Notes, together with cash on hand, (i) to fund the repayment and/or retirement of outstanding indebtedness, including the redemption of all of its remaining outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes due 2026 (the 2026 Notes and such redemption, the Conditional 2026 Notes Redemption), and the redemption of approximately US$84 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 7.875% Senior Notes due 2027 (the 2027 Notes and such redemption, the Conditional 2027 Notes Redemption, and together with the Conditional 2026 Notes Redemption, the Conditional Notes Redemptions), and (ii) to pay accrued interest and related fees and expenses. As of the date hereof, there is US$166,289,000 aggregate principal amount outstanding of the 2026 Notes and US$183,142,000 aggregate principal amount outstanding of the 2027 Notes. Consummation of the offering of the Additional Notes and the Conditional Notes Redemptions are subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance that Bombardier will be able to successfully complete these transactions on the terms described above, or at all. The Conditional Notes Redemptions are expected to be subject to certain conditions, including the completion of the offering of the Additional Notes. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or buy or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation, sale or purchase of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offering, solicitation, sale or purchase would be unlawful. The securities mentioned herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, any state securities laws or the laws of any other jurisdiction, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. The securities mentioned herein may be offered and sold in the United States only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act and outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. The securities mentioned herein have not been and will not be qualified for distribution to the public under applicable Canadian securities laws and, accordingly, any offer and sale of the securities in Canada will be made on a basis which is exempt from the prospectus requirements of such securities laws. The securities will be offered and sold in Canada on a private placement basis only to accredited investors pursuant to certain prospectus exemptions. This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Additional Notes or an offer to purchase or solicitation of an offer to sell the 2026 Notes or 2027 Notes. This announcement does not constitute a redemption notice in respect of any 2026 Notes or 2027 Notes. Any redemption of the 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes will be made pursuant to a notice of redemption under the indentures governing such notes. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements based on current expectations. By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to important known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. For information Atlanta, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inductive charging has simplified the use of the mobile phone: simply place the smartphone in a charging cradle and the energy flows. Porsche intends to begin offering this user-friendly technology for electric cars as well: The new, all-electric Cayenne will be the first Porsche model that can be ordered with the optional inductive charging floor plate as an option. A prototype with fluorescent paint demonstrates the innovative technology at the 2025 IAA Mobility in Munich. The world premiere of the new Cayenne Electric is planned for the end of 2025. "Ease of use, suitability for everyday use and charging infrastructure are still the decisive factors when it comes to the acceptance of electric mobility," says Porsche Board Member for Development Michael Steiner. "We are proud that inductive charging will soon be available in series production at Porsche. Charging an electric car at home has never been so easy and convenient. For those customers wishing to take advantage of inductive charging at home the new Cayenne Electric will be the first model that can be ordered with optional Porsche Wireless Charging receiver unit located in the underbody of the vehicle between the front wheels. Porsche will be the first car manufacturer to bring an 11 kW charging system with a one-box base plate for battery-electric vehicles to markets. One-Box means that all components, aside from the supply cable, are contained within the floor plate - there is no need to install a wall box or control unit. To initiate the charging process, the Cayenne only has to be parked above the floor plate. The contactless transfer of energy between the two charging units takes place over a distance of roughly four to six inches. To make this possible, the Cayenne reduces the ride height automatically. The base plate has a motion detector and foreign object detection. The charging process is automatically interrupted if interference is detected. Porsche Wireless Charging will be also integrated into the My Porsche app, so that charging processes can be tracked. A special view in the Surround View parking function makes it easier to maneuver the Cayenne to the optimal charging position. As soon as the parking position above the floor plate is reached and the parking brake is activated, the charging process begins. Customers don't need to do anything else. Convenience functions familiar from AC charging, such as departure timer with cabin preconditioning, are also available for wireless charging. Porsche Wireless Charging will initially launch in Europe in 2026. Other markets around the world will follow. Conspicuously camouflaged prototype with fluorescent paint: At its first official appearances in the UK, the Cayenne caused a stir with an eye-catching wrap. The IAA show car in Munich is now equipped with a very similarly designed, innovative fluorescent paint. As soon as electricity flows, an exciting body image with brightly colored surfaces is created: Style Porsche designed the dynamic camouflage pattern. Individual paint sections are deliberately left out and remain dark. Five color tones, from blue to violet, can be controlled in a targeted manner. The innovative coating is made up of over 25 extremely thin layers. These include conductive primers, electrode and insulating layers as well as the actual electroluminescent material with color pigments. Under alternating voltage, it emits light. The innovative prototype will be on display for the first time at the IAA MOBILITY. This will take place from September 9-14, 2025 in Munich. Further information, film and photo material in the Porsche Cars North America Newsroom: newsroom.porsche.us Attachments Raleigh, North Carolina and Zurich, Switzerland, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hitachi Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., and global leader in electrification, today announced a historic investment of more than $1 billion USD to expand the production of critical electrical grid infrastructure in the United States. These investments, among the largest seen in the electrical industry in the U.S., include approximately $457 million USD for a new large power transformer facility in South Boston, Virginia, along with significant expansions of existing facilities throughout the country. The investments will help meet skyrocketing energy demand driven by AI data centers in line with the Trump Administrations White House AI Action Plan and promote domestic access to these critical grid technologies. This move also supports the power needs of American manufacturing and other sectors and much-needed grid expansion and modernization efforts. Collectively, these investments will create thousands of jobs, bolster electrical equipment supply chains in the U.S., and contribute to the development of innovative technologies to enhance the security and resilience of the U.S. grid. If we are going to win the AI race, reindustrialize, and keep the lights on, America is going to need a lot more reliable energy, said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Thankfully, Hitachi is delivering. The Trump administration looks forward to continuing to partner with private industry to ensure the American people access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy and thousands of high-paying jobs." To lead in AI, America must lead in energy, and this investment proves were doing just that, said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. Hitachi Energys historic investment in U.S. grid infrastructure is more than a single partnership, it signals a growing wave of investment in American energy. This momentum is driven by President Donald Trump's bold, pro-energy policies that are reigniting the American economy and powering the next generation of critical AI data centers with reliable, American-made energy." Prioritizing domestic production of transformers accelerates President Trumps energy dominance agenda by fortifying critical supply chains, strengthening U.S. energy security, and ensuring our nation can meet the growing energy demand. Investments like this are essential to powering AI infrastructure and advancing President Trumps leadership in the global AI race, said Jarrod Agen, Executive Director of the White House National Energy Dominance Council. Thank you, Hitachi Energy, for trusting Virginia, again! Hard-working Virginians and a business-friendly environment are what first brought Hitachi Energy to the Commonwealth. Now, after years of success here, they are doubling down on that decision with this landmark investment in South Boston, said Governor Glenn Youngkin. Eight-hundred and twenty-five new jobs will be transformational for Southside Virginia, as will the power transformers those new hires are set to build. These transformers are critical to our Nations electrical grid and will be built right there in Virginia. Governor Youngkin continued: We are also proud to announce a major workforce housing project to support Hitachis new employees. We are partnering with Halifax County and Virginia Housing to build 96 new homes supported by a grant from the Virginia Workforce Housing Investment Program. Particularly at this critical moment for our growing energy demands, Im excited to see Hitachi Energy expand their Virginia footprint, create hundreds of good-paying jobs in South Boston, and promote American energy security, said U.S. Senator Mark Warner. At the local level, this is a great investment in Southside Virginias economy and manufacturing industry. At the state and national level, this is an important strategic step to ensure we have the power needed to service our communities, businesses, and growing AI industry. Im thrilled to see Hitachi Energy bring this important project home to South Boston. In August, I visited Hitachis facility in Bland to learn about the companys cutting-edge work. Im thrilled that Hitachi Energy is expanding its footprint in Virginia by investing $457 million to build a state-of-the-art power transformer facility in South Boston creating more than 800 jobs and boosting the regions economy, said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine. Virginias workforce, educational opportunities, and innovative spirit have made it a great place to do business, and I look forward to continuing to partner with Hitachi to boost domestic manufacturing in the Commonwealth. A vigorous and reliable electric grid is critical for the American economy and American energy dominance. Bringing power transformer production to the U.S. is vital as energy demand skyrockets, said Congressman John McGuire (VA-05). I am thankful that this investment will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in South Boston, to produce necessary large power transformers. This $457 million investment and facility will create more than 800 new high-paying jobs in Virginias Fifth Congressional District. I would like to thank Hitachi, President Trump, and Governor Youngkin for working with me to make this a success. "The United States is a key market for Hitachi, and this investment reflects our commitment to powering America's energy future to meet the accelerating demands for reliable and sustainable solutions to benefit the nation. Leveraging our expertise in IT, operational technology, and advanced products, we are supporting American manufacturing, the development of critical infrastructure, and the rapid expansion of data centers driven by AI adoption," said Toshiaki Tokunaga, President & CEO of Hitachi. Power transformers are a linchpin technology for a robust and reliable electric grid and winning the AI race. Bringing production of large power transformers to the U.S. is critical to building a strong domestic supply chain for the U.S. economy and reducing production bottlenecks, which is essential as demand for these transformers across the economy is surging. As the global leader in electrification Hitachi Energy is uniquely positioned to deliver critical power solutions for the American market, said Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of Hitachi Energy. Our investments in expanding U.S. transformer manufacturing capacityincluding at our new South Boston facilityare already creating good-paying American jobs, strengthening local communities, and reinforcing economic independence. At Hitachi Energy, we are deeply grateful for the leadership and support of the Trump administration, Governor Youngkin, Virginias General Assembly, and the Commonwealths congressional delegation, who came together to make this critical production capacity possible to power our energy future. Central to this investment plan is the establishment of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in South Boston, Virginia, to produce large power transformers, which support applications like high-voltage transmission, power generation, AI data centers, and large-scale industrial applications. This facility will be built alongside Hitachi Energys existing campus and will be the largest manufacturing site for large power transformers in the United States. This facility alone will create more than 825 new jobs in Southside Virginia, offering long-term employment opportunities in engineering, advanced manufacturing, and operations roles. These projects are part of a more than $9 billion USD global investment program, the largest in the industry, under which Hitachi Energy is expanding its manufacturing capacity, R&D, engineering, and partnerships to power the worlds energy system to be more reliable, secure, and resilient. About Hitachi Energy Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we co-create and build long-term partnerships across the utility, industry, transportation, data centers, and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD. https://www.hitachienergy.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy https://x.com/HitachiEnergy About Hitachi, Ltd. Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at https://www.hitachi.com. Media Contact media.relations@hitachienergy.com Attachment TORONTO, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altai Resources Inc. (TSXV: ATI) (Altai or the Company) announced today that further to the approval of shareholders of the Company (the Shareholders) at the special meeting of Shareholders held yesterday, approving a special resolution authorizing and approving a reduction of the stated capital account of the common shares of the Company (the Common Shares), the board of directors of the Company (the Board) has approved a special cash distribution of $0.06 per Common Share (the Special Cash Distribution) to holders of Common Shares by way of a return of capital. The aggregate amount of the Special Cash Distribution will be approximately $3.4 million, based on the total issued and outstanding Common Shares of 56,033,552 as of todays date, which will be funded from the Companys cash and cash equivalents. The Special Cash Distribution will be paid to holders of Common shares of record at the close of business on October 2, 2025 (the Record Date) and payable on October 9, 2025 (the Payment Date). Due to the size of the Special Cash Distribution relative to the Companys share trading price, the Common Shares will commence trading on a due bill basis, as mandated by the TSX Venture Exchange, at the opening of trading on October 3, 2025 and will commence trading ex-distribution on October 10, 2025 (the Ex-Distribution Date). The due bill redemption date will be October 10, 2025 (the Due Bill Redemption Date). Due bills represent entitlements to cash and will attach to the Common Shares between the first trading day prior to the Record Date and the Payment Date, allowing the Common Shares to carry the value of the entitlement to the Special Cash Distribution until it is paid. When due bills are used, the Ex-Distribution Date is deferred to the first trading day after the Payment Date. ABOUT THE COMPANY Altai Resources Inc. is a Toronto, Ontario based resource company with an oil property in Alberta and a Canadian investment portfolio comprised of cash and cash equivalents. Additional information about the Company is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Companys website at www.altairesources.com. CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain statements by the Company that constitute forward-looking statements (the Forward-Looking Statements). Forward-Looking Statements are based on material factors, expectations, or assumptions that have been used by the Company to develop such statements, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them 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. Further, 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 Companys control. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these Forward-Looking Statements. The Forward-Looking Statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligations to update publicly or to revise any Forward-Looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. For further information, please contact: Kursat Kacira, Chairman & CEO/President T: (647) 282-8324, E: kursatkacira@altairesources.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. LONDON, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Researchers associated with a fictitious research network and funding source have collectively netted millions of dollars of taxpayers money for current studies from the United States, Japan, Ireland, and other nations. Thats according to investigations led by Digital Sciences VP of Research Integrity, Dr Leslie McIntosh . The results of her investigations raise serious concerns about the lack of accountability for those involved in questionable research publications. This example illustrates how weaknesses in research and publishing systems can be systematically exploited, so that researchers can game the system for their own benefit, Dr McIntosh says. Dr McIntosh one of the co-founders of the Forensic Scientometrics (FoSci) movement has presented her analysis at this weeks 10th International Congress on Peer Review and Scientific Publication in Chicago, in a talk entitled: Manufactured Impact: How a Non-existent Research Network Manipulated Scholarly Publishing . While not naming the individual researchers involved, Dr McIntoshs presentation was centered on a group known as the Pharmakon Neuroscience Network, a non-existent body listed on more than 120 research publications from 20192022 until being exposed as fictitious. These publications involved 331 unique authors and were associated with 232 organizations and institutions across 40 countries. Research network raised multiple red flags The Pharmakon Neuroscience Network functioned as a loosely organized collaboration of predominantly early-career researchers, such as postdoctoral and PhD students, whose publications included: Funding acknowledgments with unverifiable organizations Use of questionable or unverifiable institutional affiliations Suspiciously large citations in a short timeframe Globally connected despite a young publication age Despite clear concerns about the legitimacy of their work, only three papers have been formally retracted to date, Dr McIntosh says. Using Digital Sciences research solutions Dimensions and Altmetric , Dr McIntosh and colleagues have tracked the progress of the authors connected with this network. Once the Pharmakon Neuroscience Network was exposed as being fake in 2022 , it no longer appeared on publications, but many of the researchers associated with it have continued to publish and attract significant funding for their work, she says. Millions in funding for current research Of the initial 331 researchers associated with the Pharmakon Neuroscience Networks publications, Dr McIntosh has established that more than 20 currently have funding either as a Principal Investigator or a Co-Principal Investigator from sources where the grant commenced in 2022 or later. During this time, those researchers have collectively been awarded the equivalent of at least US$6.5 million from seven countries: US, Japan, Ireland, France, Portugal, and Croatia, and an undisclosed sum from Russia. One researcher with more than US$50 million in funding has authorship on one of the Pharmakon papers. It is not clear if he knowingly participated in the network or was part of a former student activity. Many of the researchers had grants before and after Pharmakon. This is legitimate, taxpayer money in most instances that are funding very unethical practices, Dr McIntosh says. One aspect we need more time to vet is the possibility that a few of these researchers do not know they were authors on papers within this network. We are still completing this work. Of the funded researchers, five had never previously received funding for their research, but following their involvement with the Pharmakon Neuroscience Network they have since been awarded grants from the following sources ($US equivalent): Science Foundation Ireland $649,891 Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education (Portugal) $538,904 total Croatian Science Foundation $206,681 Russian Science Foundation undisclosed sum Here we have evidence that some authors have secured legitimate funding, including large sums of taxpayers money, following their participation in questionable research and publication activity, Dr McIntosh says. We can presume that their publication portfolio, no matter how it was obtained, helped in securing this funding from legitimate sources. Dr McIntosh says this case has implications across the research system and emphasizes the need for stronger verification, monitoring, and cooperation. Although most of these publications remain in circulation and have been cited widely, corrective actions have been limited. This highlights the challenge of addressing such networks once their work is embedded in the scholarly record, she says. Dr McIntosh recommends the following: Oversight to be reinforced by requiring the use of verified institutional identifiers, such as GRID or ROR, in all publications to ensure affiliations are legitimate and traceable. Transparency to be mandated through clearer author contribution statements and verified funding acknowledgments, creating a more reliable and accountable record of how research is conducted and supported. Monitoring mechanisms should be improved by supporting the adoption of forensic scientometrics, which can detect unusual collaboration patterns or questionable authorship practices before they become systemic. By addressing these gaps, governments, publishers and research institutions alike can help protect the integrity of the research system and ensure that trust in science is maintained, Dr McIntosh says. See further detail about this investigation in Dr McIntoshs blog post: From Nefarious Networks to Legitimate Funding . About Digital Science Digital Science is an AI-focused technology company providing innovative solutions to complex challenges faced by researchers, universities, funders, industry and publishers. We work in partnership to advance global research for the benefit of society. Through our brands Altmetric, Dimensions, Figshare, IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, metaphacts, OntoChem, Overleaf, ReadCube, Symplectic, and Writefull we believe when we solve problems together, we drive progress for all. Visit digital-science.com and follow Digital Science on Bluesky , on X or on LinkedIn . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/43277860-a179-4ed2-be2a-5446c3127a64 RICHARDSON, Texas, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider, today announced a significant expansion of its cloud-native Packet and Voice Core solutions into Alaska through agreements with Bristol Bay Cellular and the Rural Independent Network Alliance (RINA). This fully cloud-native mobile core deployment in Alaska, brings advanced 4G capabilities and a seamless evolution path to 5G standalone (SA) to some of the most remote communities in the United States. As part of this collaboration, a new carrier-grade cloud-native core platform will be deployed in Anchorage, Alaska. This platform will support localized mobile traffic for RINA partners in the state, including Bristol Bay Cellular, while also acting as a redundant core for other RINA member networks across the U.S., complementing the existing deployment in Utah. To help ensure full alignment and future-readiness, Mavenir will also upgrade the Utah-based core platform, originally deployed for RINA in 2022, to the latest version, ensuring seamless operation and unified management across both sites. The fully containerized cloud-native core infrastructure, based on Mavenirs industry-leading 5G-ready solutions, including IMS, VoLTE, VoWiFi, and Packet Core, is built to support scalable and secure 4G services today, and can be upgraded to full 5G SA capabilities as RINA partners require. This deployment reflects our strong and long-standing relationship with RINA, confirming a shared vision to support rural operators with state-of-the-art core network solutions, said Ashok Khuntia, President, Core Networks, Mavenir. We are proud to support both RINA and Bristol Bay in future-proofing their infrastructure with a cloud-native core that supports 5G evolution. Mavenirs cloud-native architecture allows RINA to share a robust, scalable core infrastructure across our partner networks while maintaining independence and flexibility for each operator, said Allen Bennion, Director of Operations, RINA. With this latest deployment in Alaska, we are extending that capability even further, ensuring redundancy and performance for our members. Mavenirs solution and collaborative approach allow us to deliver cutting-edge 4G and soon 5G services to our customers in Alaska, improving connectivity and creating new opportunities, said Earl Hubb, Chief Executive Officer of Bristol Bay Cellular. This deployment advances modern, secure communications infrastructure in a strategically important region, replacing legacy systems and reducing reliance on non-U.S. vendors, while enabling rural carriers to deliver reliable mobile voice and data services at scale. About RINA RINA is a premier provider of wireless telecommunications services, offering a wide range of solutions designed to optimize network performance and expand connectivity for rural wireless providers. Headquartered in Roosevelt, Utah, RINA serves customers throughout North America with a focus on reliability, innovation, and customer service. For more information, visit www.rinawireless.com About Bristol Bay Cellular Bristol Bay Cellular Partnership (BBCP) is committed to delivering superior communications services throughout the Bristol Bay region. Through strategic collaborations with industry leaders such as Mavenir and RINA, we develop advanced technologies and supporting services that strengthen our regional workforce and ensure rural communities in Bristol Bay have access to the same high-quality communication networks available nationwide. BBCP is headquartered in King Salmon, Alaska, and is a proud member of the Bristol Bay Communications Group, also known as The Bristol Bay Telephone Cooperative Family of Companies, which has been serving member communities since December 1974. For more information, please visit: https://www.bristolbay.com 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, Mavenirs 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 worlds subscribers. For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com Mavenir PR Contacts: Emmanuela Spiteri PR@mavenir.com Burlingame, CA, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global DNA Manufacturing Market is estimated to be valued at USD 6.44 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 19.56 Bn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2% from 2025 to 2032. The DNA manufacturing market is driven by growing demand for gene therapies, vaccines, and personalized medicine, alongside rapid advancements in synthetic biology and CRISPR-based technologies. Rising investments in genomics research, expanding applications in drug discovery, and the increasing prevalence of genetic disorders further fuel market growth. Additionally, government funding, biopharma partnerships, and the need for scalable, cost-efficient DNA synthesis solutions are key contributors to its expansion. Request a Sample Copy of this Report at: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/8428 Global DNA Manufacturing Market Key Takeaways Registering a CAGR of 17.2%, the global DNA manufacturing market size is projected to grow from USD 6.44 Bn in 2025 to USD 19.56 Bn by 2032. Synthetic DNA segment is expected to account for nearly half of the global DNA manufacturing market share by 2025. Oncology is slated to remain the most lucrative application of DNA manufacturing, accounting for 24.3% of the market revenue share in 2025. Based on technology, PCR segment is projected to lead the industry, capturing nearly one-third of the market share by 2025. North America, with an estimated market share of 38.5% in 2025, is set to maintain its dominance over the global DNA manufacturing industry. Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the most lucrative pocket for DNA manufacturing companies during the assessment period. Rising Demand for Cell and Gene Therapies Spurring Market Growth According to Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the DNA manufacturing market outlook appears promising. This is mainly due to rising prevalence of chronic and genetic diseases and increasing demand for cell and gene therapies. Advanced therapies like cell therapy and gene therapy are witnessing a higher demand due to rising incidence of cancer, genetic disorders, and rare diseases. This trend is expected to boost growth of the DNA manufacturing market. Cell and gene therapies often require plasmid DNA and viral vectors. Thus, their growing popularity for treating a wide range of diseases is set to drive the need for DNA manufacturing during the forthcoming period. High Production Costs Restraining DNA Manufacturing Market Growth Despite a strong growth trajectory, certain factors might slow down growth of the DNA manufacturing market. High cost of DNA synthesis is one such factor. Producing high-quality DNA, especially for clinical applications, is a complicated and expensive process. This makes it harder for DNA to be widely used in therapies and research, which can slow down DNA manufacturing market growth in some regions. Purchase Now Up to 25% Discount on This Premium Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/8428 Technological Advancements Creating New Growth Prospects Advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology are changing the way DNA is manufactured. They allow scientists to create custom DNA sequences for uses like medical tests and gene therapies. Companies like GenScript and Twist Bioscience lead from the forefront when it comes to developing advanced platforms that speed up synthesis of long and complex DNA sequences. These innovations are expected to unlock new revenue streams for DNA manufacturing companies. Twist Bioscience, for instance, introduced an Oncology DNA CGP Panel aimed at advancing precision oncology in August 2025. This panel uses Twist's innovative silicon-based DNA synthesis platform, offering high-throughput, cost-effective, and precise genomic analysis to support cancer research and therapeutic development. Increasing popularity of vaccines like mRNA and DNA vaccines is expected to create a strong need for high-quality DNA templates. Pharmaceutical companies and governments are directing more funds toward technologies that enable faster as well as more scalable vaccine production. This will likely create opportunities for industry players. Emerging DNA Manufacturing Market Trends Rising demand for personalized medicine is a key growth-shaping trend in the DNA manufacturing market. Personalized medicine development needs high-quality, customized DNA. For instance, developing treatments like CAR T-cell therapy, mRNA vaccines, and CRISPR-based therapies relies a lot on precisely manufactured DNA. Governments and private companies are investing heavily in biotechnology research and development to support creation of advanced diagnostic tools as well as novel therapies. This is expected to increase demand for synthetic DNA during the forecast period. Technological advancements in DNA synthesis, such as automated DNA synthesizers, are enhancing the efficiency and scalability of DNA production. They are making DNA synthesis more accessible as well as affordable, thereby supporting market expansion. Use of artificial intelligence (AI) is also becoming popular in the DNA manufacturing landscape. This advanced technology is being employed to optimize process design and increase yields in DNA production. Get Customization on this Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/8428 Analysts View The global DNA manufacturing industry is set for robust growth, owing to rising incidence of chronic and rare diseases, increasing demand for cell and gene therapies, advancements in DNA manufacturing technologies, and growing investments in synthetic biology and personalized medicine, said senior CMI analyst Abhijeet Kale. Current Events and Their Impact on the DNA Manufacturing Market Event Description and Impact New DNA Manufacturing System Launches Description: Wuxi Biologics recently launched EffiX Platform, a new E. coli-based expression system for recombinant proteins and plasmid DNA. Impact: These innovations are enhancing yield as well as stability in plasmid DNA production, reducing production costs and time-to-market for gene therapies. AI-Enhanced Gene Synthesis by Twist Bioscience (20242025) Description: Companies like Twist Bioscience are using machine learning algorithms in gene synthesis workflows. Impact: This helps companies increase throughput and reduce error rates, as well as to enable scalable custom DNA construct. mRNA Vaccine Infrastructure Repurposing (Post-COVID-19) Description: Biopharma companies are switching their mRNA vaccine production setups to make plasmid DNA instead. Impact: This can lower barriers for new DNA-based therapeutics as well as reduce manufacturing bottlenecks. Competitor Insights Key companies listed in DNA manufacturing market report: WuXi AppTec Thermo Fisher Scientific Lonza Group GenScript Biotech Integrated DNA Technologies Sigma-Aldrich (Merck Group) Eurofins Genomics Bluebird Bio OriGene Technologies Sangamo Therapeutics Editas Medicine Intellia Therapeutics Caribou Biosciences Cellectis Key Developments In March 2025, Wuxi Biologics introduced the EffiX Microbial Expression platform to improve recombinant protein and plasmid DNA production. This proprietary E. coli expression system is designed to deliver high yield and stability in the production of plasmid DNA as well as recombinant proteins. In January 2025, Aldevron launched its cutting-edge Alchemy cell-free DNA technology for research grade applications. This novel technology is a big step forward in synthetic DNA manufacturing. It offers a cell-free, enzymatic process to generate linear DNA templates for producing mRNA molecules. In June 2024, Bionova Scientific said it will start producing plasmid DNA (pDNA) at a new facility in The Woodlands, Texas. This facility will produce important materials needed for cell and gene therapies. Market Segmentation Type of DNA Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032) Synthetic DNA Oligonucleotide synthesis Custom DNA synthesis Plasmid DNA Gene DNA Application Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032) Oncology Gene Therapy Vaccine Development Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine Neurodegenerative Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Infectious Diseases Others (Rare Genetic Disorders) Technology Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) CRISPR/Cas9 Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Gene Synthesis Others (Gene Editing and Modification) Grade Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032) GMP Grade (Good Manufacturing Practice) R and D Grade (Research and Development) Production Scale Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032) Commercial Scale Production Custom Scale Production End User Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032) Pharmaceutical Companies Biotechnology Companies Contract Research Organizations Others (Academic and Research Institutions, etc.) Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032) North America U.S. Canada Latin America Brazil Argentina Mexico Rest of Latin America Europe Germany U.K. Spain France Italy Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China India Japan Australia South Korea ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East GCC Countries Israel Rest of Middle East Africa South Africa North Africa Central Africa Read More: Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Outlook and Forecast for 2025-2032 Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market Analysis and Forecast for 2025-2032 Gene Therapy Market Size, Share, Trends & Opportunities for 2025-2032 VISALIA, Calif., Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) will host a Skilled Trades Night at each of its locations on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 68 p.m. Community members are invited to tour the facilities, watch live demonstrations, explore training equipment and learn more about the trade programs. Enrollment services, financial services, and career services teams will be available to answer questions about admissions, tuition, and career pathways. Our Skilled Trades Night at SJVC will provide prospective students and their families with the chance to experience our programs firsthand, said Robyn Whiles, President of SJVC. Its an opportunity to connect with our campuses, meet our faculty and staff, and learn how SJVC supports students in preparing for meaningful careers in their communities. Programs: Construction Management (SJVC Ontario): SJVCs Construction Management program prepares students to plan and complete construction projects while ensuring safety and compliance. Students learn how to manage residential and commercial construction projects and may earn an Associate of Science in as few as 14 months. Electrical Technology: Trains students to install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment and systems with hands-on experience in wiring, lighting, and troubleshooting. Upon completion of the program, students should be able to install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment and systems in a safe, competent, and professional manner. Graduates are eligible to sit for the California General Electricians Certification Exam[1]. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC-R): Prepares students to work as HVAC-R technicians, learning installation, repair, and maintenance of temperature control equipment. Students may earn a Certificate of Completion in as few as 10 months. Aviation Maintenance Technology (Fresno Trades Education Center): SJVCs Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program in Fresno prepares students with the skills and technical knowledge they need to perform maintenance on aircraft airframe (body) and powerplant (engine). The program focuses on turbine and jet engine systems, aircraft repair, and FAA standards. Maintenance Technician: SJVCs Maintenance Technician program is designed to provide students with fundamental hands-on training on industrial systems and equipment. It helps prepare students for entry-level careers in equipment maintenance and repair. Students can complete a certificate in as few as seven months. Locations: SJVC, founded more than 45 years ago in 1977, has been dedicated to serving communities with a focus on student success and workforce readiness. With a commitment to hands-on training, personalized instruction, and flexible learning options, SJVC has been empowering students to gain the skills and confidence necessary to build strong, sustainable careers. Learn more about SJVC and the SJVC Skilled Trades Night on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 68 p.m. About San Joaquin Valley College San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) is an accredited private college that provides career-focused curriculum and instruction to its students. Founded in 1977, SJVC has multiple campuses throughout California plus an online division and offers accelerated Certificate, Associate and Bachelor of Science degree programs. A second-generation, family-run college, SJVC has awarded more than 83,000 certificates and degrees preparing professionally trained graduates for jobs in business, medical, and technical career fields. San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001. The WSCUC is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation can be found at www.WSCUC.org. [1] SJVC prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program. Attachments NEW YORK, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intent IQ, a leader in privacy-first identity resolution, today announced the results of its strategic partnership with EXTE, a global advertising technology platform focused on unlocking the full potential of digital media through a unified, full-stack infrastructure. Since late 2024, EXTE has leveraged Intent IQs identity platform to enrich cookieless traffic with privacy-compliant identity signalsresulting in a 73% increase in revenue from cookieless inventory. EXTE supports more than 800 premium publishers and processes over 700 billion monthly ad requests. To enhance addressability and monetization in environments where standard identifiers are limited, EXTE turned to Intent IQs identity resolution technology to target users outside of standard cookie environments. The new partnership enables advertisers and publishers to reach more audiences with precision and confidencewithout compromising privacy. At EXTE, our mission is to deliver measurable results across the entire marketing funnelwhether the goal is performance or brand impact, said Alex Martinez, Chief Strategy Officer at EXTE. Intent IQ has been a key partner in helping us unlock the full potential of cookieless inventory, providing our publisher and advertiser partners with a high-performing, privacy-first solution to reach audiences at scale. Intent IQs deterministic identity technology enables publishers and platforms to resolve users across browsers, devices, and channels in real time. This capability has allowed EXTE to drive stronger match rates, improve campaign performance, and expand addressable reachwhile maintaining compliance with evolving privacy standards. EXTEs ability to continuously innovate and deliver a future-ready technology platform built for transparency, efficiency, and impact made them an ideal partner, said Roy Shkedi, Chairman of Intent IQ. Together, were proving that privacy-first identity solutions arent just essentialtheyre performance-enhancing. EXTEs programmatic platform is built to support the evolving needs of modern digital mediaincluding dynamic creative optimization, advanced contextual targeting, and end-to-end programmatic delivery. The addition of Intent IQs identity solution ensures that these capabilities are effective across all inventory types, including the growing share of cookieless environments. About Intent IQ Intent IQ is a privacy-first next generation identity resolution leader, whose technology empowers advertisers, publishers, and platforms to responsibly unlock the full potential of their data. It is backed by AlmondNet Group's IP portfolio which currently includes over 170 granted patents. Leveraging proprietary technology and security-forward infrastructure, Intent IQ's solutions are fueled by a powerful identity device graph that delivers unparalleled accuracy and scale, across multiple environments including cookieless, MAID-less and CTV. The company's solutions include privacy-friendly identity resolution, first party ID clustering technology, cookieless audience activation, bid enhancement and attribution. Intent IQ is headquartered in New York City and has a research and development center in Herzliya, Israel. For more information, visit https://www.IntentIQ.com . About EXTE EXTE is a global advertising technology platform focused on unlocking the full potential of digital media through a unified, full-stack infrastructure. The company enables advertisers and publishers to execute both performance-driven and brand-focused campaigns with scale and precision. With access to over 800 premium publishers and 700 billion monthly ad requests, EXTE delivers measurable results through technology built for transparency, efficiency, and impact. Contact Silicon Alley Media for IntentIQ alex@siliconalley-media.com NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES. TORONTO, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eloro Resources Ltd. (TSX: ELO; FSE: P2QM) (Eloro or the Company) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced bought deal private placement (the Offering) for gross proceeds of C$14,001,250, which includes the exercise in full of the over-allotment option. Pursuant to the Offering, the Company sold 12,175,000 units of the Company (the Units) at a price of C$1.15 per Unit (the Offering Price). Red Cloud Securities Inc. (Red Cloud) acted as sole underwriter and bookrunner under the Offering. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a Unit Share) and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a Warrant). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a Warrant Share) at a price of C$1.60 at any time on or before September 4, 2028. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for continued exploration and development of the Iska Iska project in southern Bolivia as well as general corporate purposes and working capital, as is more fully described in the Amended Offering Document (as defined herein). In accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions (NI 45-106), the Units were issued to Canadian purchasers pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption). The Unit Shares and the Warrant Shares underlying the Units sold to purchasers resident in Canada are immediately freely tradeable in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation. As consideration for their services, Red Cloud received aggregate cash fees of C$980,087.50 and 852,250 non-transferable common share purchase warrants (the Broker Warrants). Each Broker Warrant is exercisable into one Common Share at the Offering Price at any time on or before September 4, 2028. There is an amended offering document dated August 27, 2025 (the Amended Offering Document) related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Companys website at www.elororesources.com. The closing of the Offering remains subject to the final approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. The securities offered in the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. persons (as such terms are defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable U.S. state securities laws, or in compliance with available exemptions therefrom. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Eloro Resources Ltd. Eloro is an exploration and mine development company with a portfolio of precious and base-metal properties in Bolivia, Peru and Quebec. Eloro has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the highly prospective Iska Iska Property, which can be classified as a polymetallic epithermal-porphyry complex, a significant mineral deposit type in the Potosi Department, in southern Bolivia. A NI 43-101 Technical Report on Iska Iska, which was completed by Micon International Limited, is available on Eloros website and under its filings on SEDAR+. Iska Iska is a road-accessible, royalty-free property. Eloro also owns an 82% interest in the La Victoria Gold/Silver Project, located in the North-Central Mineral Belt of Peru some 50 km south of the Lagunas Norte Gold Mine and the La Arena Gold Mine. For further information please contact either Thomas G. Larsen, Chairman and CEO or Jorge Estepa, Vice-President at (416) 868-9168. Information in this news release may contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information express, as at the date of this news release, the Companys plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, or beliefs as to future events or results and are believed to be reasonable based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements regarding the intended use of proceeds from the Offering and the final approval of the Offering from the Toronto Stock Exchange. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not intend to update any such forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable laws. New York City, NY, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Introduction What is AI Trade AI Trade is an advanced AI trading app designed to bring automation , transparency, and intelligence to digital markets. At its core, the platform integrates Agentic AI Trading, a system where artificial intelligence acts with autonomy to identify trading opportunities, execute transactions, and manage strategies in real time. Unlike traditional software that follows pre-set rules, the AI trading bot within AI Trade is adaptive, meaning it adjusts to new data, evolving trends, and market fluctuations without requiring manual recalibration. The foundation of AI Trade is its capacity to transform raw market data into actionable strategies. By leveraging advanced machine learning, the app identifies micro-patterns across multiple asset classes including forex, commodities, indices, and digital currencies. This allows users to experience a trading environment where decision-making is data-driven, instantaneous, and free from human delay. AI Trade is positioned as more than just a toolit is an infrastructure for automated markets. With built-in monitoring systems and predictive algorithms, the AI trading app manages positions while maintaining compliance with industry standards. Its deployment of Agentic AI Trading ensures that each transaction is analyzed not just for immediate gain, but also for long-term sustainability within a portfolio. AI Trade Features The AI trading app integrates a series of robust features designed for both operational efficiency and user adaptability. Central to its design is the Agentic AI Trading system, which equips the application with autonomous reasoning capabilities. Rather than executing trades based solely on fixed parameters, the platform leverages contextual awareness, adjusting strategies according to shifts in liquidity, volatility, and volume across global markets. One of the primary features is multi-asset compatibility. The AI trading bot is configured to analyze and trade within forex, equities, commodities, and cryptocurrency markets. This ensures that diversification can be achieved seamlessly within one app environment. Additionally, real-time monitoring dashboards provide continuous insights into trade execution, capital allocation, and risk exposure. Risk management is also integrated into the core functionality. AI Trade deploys predictive analytics to detect early warning signals, automatically adjusting leverage or halting trades when volatility surpasses defined thresholds. Users can set personal parameters for stop-loss and take-profit levels, yet the AI trading app independently enforces these rules, minimizing exposure to unforeseen market swings. Another advanced feature is automated portfolio balancing. Through Agentic AI Trading, the app redistributes holdings in response to shifts in asset performance, thereby ensuring stability without requiring manual intervention. For institutional applications, AI Trade includes compliance-driven features such as exportable transaction logs and regulatory reporting. Visit the Official Website Here For More Information AI Trade Security Measures, and Factual Performance Data Security remains a cornerstone of AI Trades architecture. The AI trading app is engineered with multi-layered encryption protocols, ensuring that all user data, including personal details and financial transactions, are safeguarded against unauthorized access. Each session is protected by two-factor authentication, and all stored data is encrypted using AES-256 standards, aligning with leading cybersecurity frameworks. Beyond encryption, AI Trade integrates anomaly detection systems powered by Agentic AI Trading. These systems actively monitor trading activity for irregular patterns, such as suspicious login attempts or unusual withdrawal requests, enabling instant intervention. Such measures not only enhance user trust but also ensure compliance with global anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations. The AI trading bot also prioritizes transactional integrity. Every order, whether executed in forex, commodities, or cryptocurrencies, is timestamped and logged for audit purposes. This transparency provides regulators and stakeholders with clear factual performance data, confirming that trades are executed precisely as instructed without manipulation. Performance reporting is another integral feature. The AI trading app generates verifiable data points on trade frequency, win/loss ratios, average returns, and volatility exposure. This reporting framework provides measurable insights into how the AI trading bot operates across various market conditions. In recent benchmarking, AI Trade demonstrated millisecond-level execution speeds, ensuring minimal slippage in high-volume environments. Its scalability allows thousands of transactions per second without compromising security or accuracy. These factual metrics illustrate a platform designed for both reliability and regulatory compliance, reinforcing AI Trades role as a trusted technological solution for automated markets in 2025. Why Choose AI Trade? Canada & Australia Consumer Report Released Here AI Trade App Account Setup Process Step by Step Setting up an account on the AI trading app has been streamlined for accessibility while adhering to regulatory standards. Below is a step-by-step outline modeled on compliance-driven platforms like Belvars, ensuring both usability and transparency: Registration New users visit the AI Trade official portal or download the AI trading app. Registration requires basic personal information such as full name, email address, and phone number. Verification To align with KYC and AML standards, users upload identification documents. This step is verified through automated checks supported by Agentic AI Trading algorithms. Account Approval Once documents are validated, account activation occurs within minutes, ensuring users can proceed without unnecessary delay. Deposit Funds Users fund their accounts via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or cryptocurrency deposit. The minimum deposit requirement is clearly stated during this process. Select Trading Preferences Users configure parameters such as risk tolerance, stop-loss levels, and target assets. These settings inform the AI trading bot while still allowing autonomous adjustments. Demo or Live Mode Users can begin with the demo account to familiarize themselves with operations or activate live trading immediately. Activate AI Trade Bot Once configured, the AI trading bot executes trades autonomously, while the dashboard provides real-time oversight. The onboarding sequence ensures compliance, transparency, and accessibility. With integrated automation, even the verification stage leverages artificial intelligence for rapid processing. This structured process positions AI Trade as both user-friendly and regulation-ready. Why Choose AI Trade? Canada Consumer Report Released Here How Does AI Trade App Work? The AI trading app operates through a layered system that combines data collection, predictive modeling, and automated execution. At its foundation, the app streams real-time market data across multiple exchanges, including forex, commodities, equities, and digital assets. This data is processed by analytical models that detect price fluctuations, liquidity movements, and volatility patterns within milliseconds. Once data is captured, the system applies Agentic AI Trading algorithms to interpret signals and assess potential outcomes. Unlike fixed-rule systems, this approach enables the platform to make autonomous decisions by evaluating context and adapting to changing market conditions. For example, if volatility increases in one sector, the AI trading bot can redistribute capital into less volatile assets, maintaining portfolio stability while still identifying growth opportunities. Execution is handled by an automated trade engine. Orders are placed directly with liquidity providers and exchanges at high speed, ensuring minimal slippage. Each transaction is verified against predefined user parameters such as risk levels, stop-loss limits, and profit targets. However, the AI trading app maintains independent adaptability, allowing it to optimize strategies when market conditions deviate from standard expectations. Transparency is built into the system. Every trade processed by the AI trading bot is logged, timestamped, and accessible through the apps reporting dashboard. Users can monitor performance in real time while also exporting historical data for auditing. This ensures accountability and compliance with industry regulations. AI-Powered Trading for Beginners and Pros Fast Withdrawals & Demo Access The AI trading app is engineered to serve a broad spectrum of users , ranging from individuals new to digital markets to experienced professionals managing complex portfolios. At the core of this accessibility is Agentic AI Trading, which enables the system to adapt trading strategies according to user-defined parameters while independently optimizing performance in real time. For beginners, the platform offers a simplified onboarding experience and an intuitive interface. The AI trading bot manages the complexity of trade execution, risk balancing, and portfolio adjustments automatically. This eliminates the need for prior technical expertise, allowing first-time users to interact with financial markets without manual analysis. The inclusion of demo access further supports beginners by providing a risk-free environment to understand functionality before transitioning to live trading. For professional users, the AI trading app provides advanced customization options, including strategy templates, adjustable leverage, and multi-asset diversification. These features allow professionals to integrate their existing trading knowledge while benefiting from automated precision. Importantly, all executed trades are documented and available for export, ensuring compatibility with regulatory and institutional reporting requirements. Financial flexibility is reinforced through fast withdrawal processing. Requests are handled with verification protocols, and funds are released efficiently, maintaining transparency at every stage. This speed is critical for both beginners who seek liquidity assurance and professionals who require consistent capital mobility. Together, the combination of autonomous execution, educational demo access, professional-grade customization, and rapid financial settlement positions AI Trade as an AI trading app that caters to diverse trading needs. With Agentic AI Trading powering the core infrastructure, the platform ensures both usability for newcomers and performance depth for advanced users in 2025. More Information on AI Trade Can Be Found On The Official Website Here Practice Risk-Free with a Demo Account Trade Smarter, Not Harder A key feature of the AI trading app is its integrated demo account, designed to provide a controlled environment for practicing strategies without financial exposure. The demo account mirrors live market conditions, streaming real-time data across assets such as forex, commodities, equities, and cryptocurrencies. This allows users to experience authentic market behavior while refining their approach. The underlying Agentic AI Trading framework ensures that the demo account replicates the same level of intelligence as the live environment. The AI trading bot analyzes data, identifies opportunities, and executes simulated trades automatically, giving users a realistic view of how autonomous trading functions under various conditions. This transparency builds familiarity with the system while reducing the risk associated with inexperience. For new users, the demo account acts as an educational tool. It introduces key concepts such as portfolio diversification, stop-loss management, and leverage utilizationall of which are automatically managed by the AI trading app but remain customizable for user experimentation. For experienced professionals, the demo account serves as a testing ground for new strategies or adjustments before deployment in live markets. Another advantage lies in performance analytics. The app generates detailed reports in demo mode, highlighting win ratios, execution speed, and capital allocation efficiency. This data-driven feedback empowers users to make smarter decisions when transitioning to live trading. By enabling practice in a zero-risk environment, AI Trade ensures users can approach financial markets strategically. The combination of Agentic AI Trading, the operational efficiency of the AI trading bot, and transparent performance reporting creates an environment where users can trade smarter, not harder. Regulated, Transparent, and Secure: Why AI Trade Bot Earns Trust in 2025 In 2025, trust in automated systems depends on three core elements: regulation, transparency, and security. AI Trade integrates all three into its operating framework, establishing itself as a reliable AI trading app for both individuals and institutions . Regulatory alignment begins with compliance to global KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) standards. Every user account undergoes verification, and the AI trading bot logs each transaction for traceability. These logs are auditable, ensuring regulators and stakeholders can verify compliance at every stage. Transparency is equally embedded in the apps infrastructure. The reporting dashboard provides real-time visibility of open positions, trade history, and portfolio allocation. Each decision made by the Agentic AI Trading system is recorded, enabling users and auditors to review the reasoning behind automated executions. This commitment to openness distinguishes AI Trade as a platform where accountability is built into the technology. Security is reinforced through advanced safeguards. The AI trading app employs AES-256 encryption, two-factor authentication, and anomaly detection systems that monitor suspicious activity continuously. These measures prevent unauthorized access and protect both user data and financial assets. Visit the Official Website Here For More Information AI Trade Cost, Minimum Deposit, and Profit AI Trade has been structured to maintain transparency in its financial requirements while ensuring accessibility for a wide range of participants. The AI trading app outlines its cost framework clearly, with no hidden fees or unannounced deductions. Transaction costs, spreads, and service charges are fully disclosed within the platform, allowing users to track every financial movement with accuracy. To begin trading, users must meet the minimum deposit requirement specified during account setup. This initial funding enables access to the platforms live market features and ensures that the AI trading bot can execute trades in real time. The deposit threshold is set at a level designed to balance accessibility with operational efficiency, allowing both newcomers and professionals to participate without excessive barriers. In terms of profitability, the app does not promise guaranteed outcomes, as market conditions inherently fluctuate. However, by leveraging Agentic AI Trading, the platform optimizes strategies for performance sustainability. The AI trading bot autonomously redistributes assets, adjusts leverage, and mitigates volatility risks to enhance portfolio stability. Profit reports are available in real time through the apps analytics dashboard, providing transparent visibility of gains, losses, and overall returns. Costs associated with withdrawals and deposits are also streamlined. Withdrawal requests are processed swiftly, subject to compliance checks, and executed with minimal delay. Users are not subject to unannounced penalties, maintaining consistency across transactions. Countries Where AI Trade Is Legal The global presence of AI Trade is supported by its compliance with local and international financial regulations. The AI trading app has undergone careful alignment with the regulatory frameworks of regions where it operates, ensuring that both individuals and institutions can participate within legal boundaries. In 2025, AI Trade operates legally across key financial jurisdictions, including Europe, North America, parts of Asia, and selected regions in the Middle East. Each of these markets enforces its own standards for anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC) compliance, and automated transaction reporting. The AI trading bot is programmed to meet these requirements, logging every executed trade for full transparency. Certain jurisdictions impose restrictions on automated financial tools. In such cases, AI Trade ensures that the AI trading app is either adapted for limited use or withheld entirely until full regulatory clearance is obtained. This measured expansion demonstrates a commitment to legality and responsible integration into global markets. Where AI Trade is licensed, it provides local-language support, jurisdiction-specific compliance documentation, and financial reporting structures that meet the standards of regional authorities. The inclusion of Agentic AI Trading within this framework ensures that automated decisions remain transparent and accountable, reducing concerns about unauthorized market activity. AI Trade Supported Assets AI Trade has been designed to support a wide spectrum of assets, providing users with access to multiple financial markets within a single AI trading app. This multi-asset functionality is central to its design, enabling diversified trading across traditional and emerging asset classes. The AI trading bot is capable of executing trades in forex markets , analyzing currency pair movements across major and minor exchanges. Commodities, including gold, silver, oil, and agricultural products, are also supported, allowing diversification beyond currency-based trades. Equities are accessible as well, with the system scanning global stock markets to detect opportunities across sectors and indices. In addition to traditional markets, AI Trade offers access to digital assets, including cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other blockchain-based tokens. The inclusion of these assets provides exposure to high-growth markets while still maintaining risk management protocols powered by Agentic AI Trading. The platforms AI trading app manages this multi-asset environment seamlessly. Its predictive algorithms allocate capital across different categories, balancing potential returns with volatility levels. Users can monitor asset distribution in real time, with the ability to customize preferences or allow the AI trading bot to rebalance portfolios autonomously. By supporting a broad range of assets, AI Trade ensures that users are not confined to a single market. Instead, they can access a diversified trading ecosystem where Agentic AI Trading continuously adjusts strategies to reflect changing conditions. This multi-market capability enhances both flexibility and resilience, providing a comprehensive trading solution in 2025. AI Trade Final Verdict AI Trade emerges as a comprehensive technological framework that integrates automation, compliance, and transparency into modern finance. As an AI trading app, it combines multi-asset access, advanced reporting, and risk management protocols with high-speed execution capabilities. Its reliance on Agentic AI Trading ensures decisions are both autonomous and adaptive, allowing the system to evolve in response to global market changes. The platform is distinguished by its commitment to regulation and accountability. Every transaction executed by the AI trading bot is documented, traceable, and auditable, ensuring compliance with international financial standards. This regulatory alignment positions AI Trade as a trusted tool for both individuals and institutions. Performance is reinforced by factual metrics. With millisecond-level trade execution, real-time portfolio monitoring, and predictive analytics, the AI trading app provides measurable value across diverse market conditions. By supporting forex, commodities, equities, and cryptocurrencies, it offers users access to a multi-asset environment managed intelligently by autonomous systems. In 2025, AI Trade represents the convergence of intelligent automation, regulatory compliance, and financial adaptability. With the AI trading app and its embedded Agentic AI Trading system at the core, the platform provides a robust infrastructure for automated markets. The AI trading bot reinforces this with continuous execution and reporting, making AI Trade a secure, transparent, and forward-looking solution in the evolving world of finance. Visit Here to Register on the AI Trade - Select Your Country Here!!! Contact:- AI Trade 485 Bd de la Gappe, Gatineau, QC J8T 5T9, Canada Phone Support: Ridgewell Tradebit Canada: +1 (437) 920-9751 Trading Assistance: +1 (437) 169-3417 Email: info@traderai.ai Website: https://traderai.ai/ General Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Readers are advised to consult a certified financial advisor, licensed loan officer, or legal professional before making any financial decisions. The information presented may not apply to every individual circumstance and is not intended to substitute professional judgment or regulatory guidance. The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website's content as such. We does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Trading Disclaimer: Trading cryptocurrencies carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. Before deciding to trade cryptocurrency you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with cryptocurrency trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor. ICO's, IEO's, STO's and any other form of offering will not guarantee a return on your investment. HIGH RISK WARNING: Dealing or Trading FX, CFDs and Cryptocurrencies is highly speculative, carries a level of non-negligible risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You may lose some or all of your invested capital, therefore you should not speculate with capital that you cannot afford to lose. Please refer to the risk disclosure below. AI trading app does not gain or lose profits based on your activity and operates as a services company. AI Trade is not a financial services firm and is not eligible of providing financial advice. Therefore, AI Trade shall not be liable for any losses occurred via or in relation to this informational website. SITE RISK DISCLOSURE: AI trading app does not accept any liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on the information contained within this website; this includes education material, price quotes and charts, and analysis. Please be aware of and seek professional advice for the risks associated with trading the financial markets; never invest more money than you can risk losing. The risks involved in FX, CFDs and Cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for all investors. AI trading app doesn''t retain responsibility for any trading losses you might face as a result of using or inferring from the data hosted on this site. LEGAL RESTRICTIONS: Without limiting the above mentioned provisions, you understand that laws regarding financial activities vary throughout the world, and it is your responsibility to make sure you properly comply with any law, regulation or guideline in your country of residence regarding the use of the Site. To avoid any doubt, the ability to access our Site does not necessarily mean that our Services and/or your activities through the Site are legal under the laws, regulations or directives relevant to your country of residence. It is against the law to solicit US individuals to buy and sell commodity options, even if they are called "prediction" contracts, unless they are listed for trading and traded on a CFTC-registered exchange unless legally exempt. The Financial Conduct Authority has issued a policy statement PS20/10, which prohibits the sale, promotion, and distribution of CFD on Crypto assets. It prohibits the dissemination of marketing materials relating to distribution of CFDs and other financial products based on Cryptocurrencies that addressed to Singapore, UK/AU residents. The provision of trading services involving any MiFID II financial instruments is prohibited in the EU, unless when authorized/licensed by the applicable authorities and/or regulator(s). Please note that we may receive advertising fees for users opted to open an account with our partner advertisers via advertisers websites. We have placed cookies on your computer to help improve your experience when visiting this website. You can change cookie settings on your computer at any time. Use of this website indicates your acceptance of this website. Please be advised that the names depicted on our website, including but not limited to AI Trade, are strictly for marketing and illustrative purposes. These names do not represent or imply the existence of specific entities, service providers, or any real-life individuals. Furthermore, the pictures and/or videos presented on our website are purely promotional in nature and feature professional actors. These actors are not actual users, clients, or traders, and their depictions should not be interpreted as endorsements or representations of real-life experiences. All content is intended solely for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as factual or as forming any legally binding relationship RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FUTURES TRADING Futures transactions involve high risk. The amount of the initial margin is low compared to the value of the futures contract, so that transactions are "leveraged" or "geared". A relatively small market movement has a proportionately larger impact on the funds that you have deposited or have to pay: this can work both for you and against you. You may experience the total loss of the initial margin funds as well as any additional funds deposited in the system. If the market develops in a way that is contrary to your position or if margins are increased, you may be asked to pay significant additional funds at short notice to maintain your position. In this case it may also happen that your broker account is in the red and you thus have to make payments beyond the initial investment. RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRONIC TRADING Before you begin carrying out transactions with an electronic system, you should carefully review the rules and provisions of the stock exchange offering the system, or of the financial instruments listed that you intend to trade, as well as your broker's conditions. Online trading has inherent risks due to system responses/reaction times and access times that may vary due to market conditions, system performance and other factors, and on which you have no influence. You should be aware of these additional risks in electronic trading before you carry out investment transactions. Accuracy Disclaimer: All information included in this article is presented in good faith and believed to be accurate at the time of writing. However, no representations or warranties are made regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information presented. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader's own risk. The publisher does not accept responsibility for typographical errors, outdated information, or changes to products, terms, or policies after publication. Regulatory and Jurisdictional Disclaimer: Lending laws vary by jurisdiction, and not all services described in this article may be available in every state or region. It is the responsibility of the reader to understand and comply with local laws and regulations. The platforms mentioned are independently operated and are not controlled or endorsed by the publisher. Third-Party Liability Waiver: The publisher, its writers, editors, affiliates, and syndication partners shall not be held liable for any direct or indirect loss, damages, or legal claims arising from the use of this content or from reliance on any third-party services, platforms, or products mentioned herein. All loan agreements, terms, and disputes are strictly between the borrower and the lender or service provider. Syndication Partner Use: This content may be republished or syndicated by authorized partners under existing licensing or distribution arrangements. All syndication partners are free from liability regarding the editorial stance, financial suggestions, or any user outcome resulting from the reading or application of this content. Attachment SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tatari, the leading platform for buying and measuring ads across Convergent TV , announced a major platform update for advertisers. The release introduces a reimagined self-serve experience that opens Tataris advanced capabilities to digitalfirst marketerswhile preserving advanced features for power users at agencies and in-house marketing teams. Most self-serve TV ad platforms today are built on white-labeled DSPs and offer access to just one piece of the TV landscape: streaming inventory bought programmatically. That means limited transparency, little control, and no way to manage campaigns across both linear and streaming. Tatari was built differentlyfrom the ground up to support direct publisher buying and programmatic in a single platform. With this update, those advanced capabilities are now also available to more teams through a streamlined self-serve experience. New Platform Features AI-powered media planning for prospecting that builds optimized TV campaigns instantly, leveraging 8 years of performance data across billions of media dollars. for prospecting that builds optimized TV campaigns instantly, leveraging 8 years of performance data across billions of media dollars. Lookalike Audiences Advanced audience targeting that identifies households with a high affinity to a particular brand, delivering dramatically improved conversion rates and ROAS. Advanced audience targeting that identifies households with a high affinity to a particular brand, delivering dramatically improved conversion rates and ROAS. PropensityBased Retargeting Proprietary algorithm dynamically aligns spend with propensity to convert, driving stronger performance across streaming TV campaigns. Proprietary algorithm dynamically aligns spend with propensity to convert, driving stronger performance across streaming TV campaigns. Behavioral and contextual data, used to allocate impressions to the right advertiser campaigns. used to allocate impressions to the right advertiser campaigns. Supply Path Optimization Fully integrated with Tataris publisher-direct media execution. Fully integrated with Tataris publisher-direct media execution. Granular Online Video Targeting The option to buy brandsafe, transparent online video placements that complement streaming and extend reach with performance control. The option to buy brandsafe, transparent online video placements that complement streaming and extend reach with performance control. Streaming Incrementality * A new methodology to measure true lift on streaming without PSAstyle waste, enabling alwayson incrementality. * A new methodology to measure true lift on streaming without PSAstyle waste, enabling alwayson incrementality. Retail Modeled Conversions * Measurement of Amazon and retail conversions through modeled outcomes to complement deterministic attribution, where direct signals are sparse. * Measurement of Amazon and retail conversions through modeled outcomes to complement deterministic attribution, where direct signals are sparse. Data Clean Room A native integration with Vault lets advertisers securely share first-party data, including conversion events and lifetime value (LTV), for TV measurement. This privacy-enhanced setup needs no license, pixel, or complex configuration and enables accurate attribution in login-gated or post-purchase environments. A native integration with lets advertisers securely share first-party data, including conversion events and lifetime value (LTV), for TV measurement. This privacy-enhanced setup needs no license, pixel, or complex configuration and enables accurate attribution in login-gated or post-purchase environments. Easy onboarding, with guided, unified workflows* Brings the full Tatari platform into a self-serve experience, so anyone will be able to sign up and pay with a credit card. Inhouse teams and nonmediabuying experts can plan, activate, and report with marketleading features backed by bestpractice presets and inplatform recommendations, for faster launches and smarter optimization. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are in beta or early access. Beta enrollments are open to eligible brands and agencies that can request access here . Tatari has long equipped sophisticated marketers with the most advanced tools in TV, said Philip Inghelbrecht, CEO and Cofounder of Tatari. Our new and improved selfserve experience brings that power to more teams by removing unnecessary complexity. And while much of the market runs on thirdparty DSPs under the hood, Tatari is built on direct publisher railsso brands get premium supply, fewer layers of fees, and performance they can see. Combined with our measurement leadership, this is the most capableand now the most accessibleConvergent TV platform on the market. Media contact: Kite Hill for Tatari TV tatari@kitehillpr.com Columbus, OH, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Tim Lamb Group, the largest auto dealership sales and acquisitions firm in North America, is pleased to announce the sale of Hirlinger Chevrolet in West Harrison, Indiana to Cronin Auto Group. The transaction, which closed on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, was facilitated by Tim Wild, Director of the Midwest and Plains Region at Tim Lamb Group. After proudly serving the greater Cincinnati area spanning Southwest Ohio, Southern Indiana, and Northern Kentucky -since 1979, the family-owned and operated dealership has been acquired by Cronin Auto Group. The store will now operate as Cronin Chevrolet, located at 1582 Harrison Brookville Rd. West Harrison, Indiana 47060. The dealership features a 30,000 square foot building on 8 acres, a full-service GM-certified repair center with the latest diagnostic equipment, a dedicated pre-owned vehicle lot, and a car wash. The dealership, owned by brothers Mike, Steve, and Ted Hirlinger, built a lasting legacy of customer care, integrity, and community involvement. We are grateful for the relationships that we have formed over the years. While this chapter is closing for our family, the memories and experiences will always remain, stated Mike Hirlinger. During one of the biggest decisions in our lives, we relied on Tim Wild to help us through this process. He was a great asset to work with. He really understood our needs, and walked us through the entire process, added Steve Hirlinger. Tim Wild expressed his satisfaction with how the transaction came together, noting both his relationship with the Hirlinger family and his past experience with Cronin Auto Group. It was an honor to work with the Hirlinger family. They cared deeply about finding the right buyer, and Cronin Auto Group is a perfect fit to continue their legacy of integrity and customer service. Wild continued with, This marks the third time Ive had the privilege to of working with Pat Cronin and each time he has proven to be an exceptional buyer. Im confident that he and his team will be outstanding stewards of this business. With this acquisition, Cronin Auto Group expands its footprint to eight dealerships across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, representing Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, Kia, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and now Chevrolet. We are thrilled to add Chevrolet to our lineup of brands and to grow our presence in the tri-state region, stated Patrick Cronin, President and CEO of Cronin Auto Group. The Hirlinger family has built an incredible reputation over the years, and we look forward to building on that foundation while continuing to deliver the same level of service and community support customers have come to expect. About Tim Lamb Group Since 2006, Tim Lamb Group has been the number one choice for dealers looking to sell, or purchase, a new vehicle dealership. Fifteen regional directors handle billions of dollars per year in transactions for multiple dealer operators in every part of the United States and Canada. The Group has leveraged their OEM management experience and retail dealership background to become the largest auto dealership sales and acquisitions firm in North America. For more information and dealerships for sale, visit www.timlambgroup.com Attachment WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Legend Senior Living, a nationally recognized senior living provider with more than 70 residences across seven states, is pleased to announce the appointment of Annalisa Hahn as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In this key leadership role, Hahn will guide Legends strategic sales and marketing initiatives, drive business development, and support the companys continued growth while reinforcing its commitment to exceptional senior care. Hahn joins Legend from Atria Senior Living, where she served as Vice President of Sales. Her career spans more than 30 years across the senior living and pharmaceutical industries, including leadership positions in regional sales management and nonprofit healthcare organizations such as the American Heart Association. An award-winning and dynamic leader, she is known for her expertise in team development, occupancy growth and delivering high-performance results through relationship-driven strategies. Annalisa brings a well-respected record of leadership in senior living and a wide perspective of the sales and marketing landscape in our industry, said Matt Buchanan, President & Co-CEO of Legend Senior Living. Her passion for serving seniors, coupled with her proven track record of growth and sales innovation, make her a tremendous addition to the team. A recognized expert in memory care and senior wellness, Hahn has also contributed to industry articles and thought leadership content. She holds a degree from San Diego State University and brings a values-driven approach to leadership that aligns closely with Legends mission. Im honored to join a company like Legend that is known for its strong culture, integrity, and commitment to excellence, said Hahn. I look forward to working alongside a talented team to further elevate the Legend experience for residents, families, and team members. ABOUT LEGEND SENIOR LIVING Legend Senior Living is a privately held senior housing and services company based in Wichita, Kansas. Legend owns and operates over 70 residences independent living, assisted living, memory care, and personal care in Florida, Colorado, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Pennsylvania. Legend residences are certified as a Great Place to Work. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Rebecca Butler Vice President of Marketing & Brand Strategy Legend Senior Living 316-616-6288 or Rebecca.Butler@legendseniorliving.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/21e1950b-da83-424b-92db-a04739652199 Chattanooga, TN, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LBMC, one of the Southeasts largest accounting and business consulting firms and a nationally recognized top 40 firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Mark Brumbelow, CPA, as Shareholder, Tax Services in the firms Chattanooga office. Brumbelow, a seasoned tax advisor with more than 20 years of experience, rejoined LBMC to expand its leadership team and the firms capabilities in complex compliance and strategic tax planning for growing businesses. Brumbelow brings deep expertise in ASC 740 income tax accounting, multi-jurisdictional tax compliance, and strategic tax advisory for companies ranging from closely held entities to publicly traded corporations. He advises companies through high-stakes transactions, income tax provision reporting, and identifying tax credits and incentives for entities operating across state lines. His industry experience spans manufacturing, real estate, technology, healthcare and transportation and logistics areas of continued growth and focus for LBMC. Marks return to LBMC is a homecoming and a significant strategic addition, said Jim Meade, CEO and Managing Shareholder of LBMC. He embodies the technical excellence, leadership, and people-first approach we value. Mark's experience advising sophisticated clients and leading high-performing teams aligns with our commitment to innovation, client service, and growing the next generation of leaders. At LBMC, Brumbelow focuses on delivering tax strategies that support operational goals and long-term value creation. He is recognized nationally for his thought leadership and serves on the AICPA Corporations and Shareholders Technical Resource Panel. In addition to his board service and continuing education instruction, he is actively engaged in elevating the profession. Prior to rejoining LBMC, he served as Firm Managing Principal, Tax Services at PYA, where he led a multi-location tax team and drove strategic initiatives across firm operations, tax technical support, and quality control. In that role, he also advised on mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, and high-risk compliance issues, while mentoring professionals and building scalable processes. Brumbelow originally joined LBMC in 2003 and advanced his career in both the LBMC Brentwood and Knoxville offices until 2014. LBMC is well-positioned to serve clients with complex challenges in no small part thanks to its investment in talent and technology, said Brumbelow. I am excited to be back with LBMC so that I might craft client-focused solutions, implement future-ready tax strategies, and navigate complex challenges for clients throughout the southeast. Brumbelow holds both a Master of Accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. About LBMC LBMC is the #1 Tennessee-based professional services firm serving more than 11,000 clients nationwide with diverse needs across a spectrum of industries. Primary client groups include privately-owned and private-equity-backed middle market companies in the healthcare, manufacturing/distribution, real estate, and technology spaces. LBMC leverages advanced business intelligence and AI technologies to drive growth, efficiency, and strategic insights for our clients. Founded in 1984 as a traditional accounting firm, LBMC today is an industry leader in audit, tax, advisory, technology, human resources, and wealth advisory services for businesses and individuals. LBMC has more than 1,000 team members, with offices in Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Memphis, Tennessee; Louisville, Kentucky; and Charlotte, North Carolina and remote offices. For more information on LBMCs experts and comprehensive services, visit our website or call 615-377-4600. Discover career opportunities and learn more about how LBMCs services and culture can support your business goals. Connect with us on LinkedIn for the latest insights on talent, client engagement, and business growth. Attachment Memphis, TN, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Civil Rights Museum is proud to announce the distinguished honorees for the 34th Freedom Award, recognizing their exceptional contributions to civil and human rights. The Museums signature event, the Freedom Award, pays tribute to individuals who have shown unwavering commitment to advancing truth, equity, and justice in a time when those values are under threat. The esteemed 2025 Freedom Award honorees are: MARC MORIAL As President and CEO of the National Urban League since 2003, Marc Morial has transformed the 100-plus-year-old civil rights organization with a renewed focus on economic empowerment, education, and criminal justice reform. His leadership has expanded opportunities for underserved communities and solidified the Urban Leagues position as one of the nations most influential civil rights organizations. VELMA LOIS JONES A lifelong Memphian, trailblazing educator, civil rights leader, and community advocate, Velma Lois Jones service has shaped generations. She made history as the first classroom teacher elected president of both the Memphis Education Association and the Tennessee Education Association, where she served as the longest-tenured president in the organizations history. She is the first woman elected president of the NAACP Memphis Branch and served with distinction internationally and regionally with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. MARK SUZMAN CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mark Suzman has dedicated his life to addressing injustice and inequality worldwide. From his upbringing in apartheid South Africa to his work with the United Nations and the Gates Foundation, he has built global partnerships to advance health, education, and economic opportunity for all. The 34th Freedom Award ceremony will be held Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Central at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, TN. The evening begins with the Pre-Award Gala and Red Carpet at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street in front of the adjacent Halloran Centre. This years event will feature a special performance by Wendy Moten, the acclaimed vocalist and Memphis native celebrated for her powerhouse performances on NBCs The Voice and international music stages. The celebration extends beyond the evening program with the Freedom Award Student Forum on the morning of October 16. At Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, the inspiring event that engages middle school, high school and college students nationwide both in person and virtually to explore their role in creating positive social change. The Keeper of the Dream Award will also honor outstanding youth leaders already making a difference in their communities. The presenting sponsor for this years Freedom Award is FedEx with signature sponsors including the Hyde Family Foundation and Nike. Sponsorship offers unique opportunities for businesses and organizations to align with one of the most respected civil and human rights events in the world. Sponsors receive premium event access, brand visibility, and the chance to be part of an inspiring global platform that celebrates leadership and justice. Tickets for the Freedom Award evening ceremony are available via Ticketmaster. For event details, sponsorship opportunities, and updates, visit freedomaward.org or email development@civilrightsmuseum.org. About the National Civil Rights Museum The NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM, located at the historic Lorraine Motel where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, gives a comprehensive overview of the American Civil Rights Movement from slavery to the present. Since the Museum opened in 1991, millions of visitors from around the world have come annually. The Museum is steadfast in its mission to honor and preserve the site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s assassination. It chronicles the American civil rights movement and tell the story of the ongoing struggle for human rights, serving as a catalyst to inspire action to create positive social change. A Smithsonian Affiliate and an internationally acclaimed cultural institution, the Museum is recognized as a 2019 National Medal Award recipient by the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS), the top national honor for museums and libraries. civilrightsmuseum.org DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Farinvest.io is a financial company focused on providing reliable solutions for clients seeking consistent access to support around the clock. By prioritizing customer service as a central part of its operations, the company highlights the importance of availability and timely communication in todays financial sector. The commitment to 24/7 assistance reflects the recognition that client needs are not restricted to fixed hours and that financial activities often require guidance at any moment. The introduction of continuous customer service has positioned the firm as one that understands the value of steady communication in financial matters. The initiative ensures that queries are handled quickly, reducing delays and building confidence in the services being offered. A Farinvest.io review often highlights how clients appreciate the direct access to assistance whenever necessary, emphasizing that this support has become a key factor in maintaining satisfaction. Around-the-clock service further strengthens the reliability of the company by allowing issues to be resolved without prolonged waiting periods. This helps build trust, which is a cornerstone in financial services. By eliminating barriers created by time zones or business hours, the company provides an added layer of convenience for clients operating across different regions. Many references within a Farinvest.io review underline the impact of this accessibility, pointing to the role it plays in overall client loyalty. The financial landscape demands consistency, and customer service is increasingly viewed as part of that expectation. Delivering uninterrupted support demonstrates a commitment to long-term client relationships and operational dependability. Insights from a Farinvest.io review reveal that satisfaction levels are often directly linked to how quickly clients can find solutions to their concerns, proving that responsiveness is a decisive element in financial services today. The adoption of 24/7 availability also aligns with broader industry practices where reliability and communication remain vital. Financial companies that ensure constant access create an environment where client concerns are taken seriously, regardless of the time of day. A detailed Farinvest.io review often refers to the benefit of this steady support system, noting that the company maintains a clear focus on aligning its services with evolving client expectations. Accessibility to financial services is not only about providing tools or platforms but also about ensuring support when challenges arise. The presence of trained staff at all times represents an assurance of reliability. According to feedback in a Farinvest io review, the continuous service provides reassurance and stability, making it an important component of overall client satisfaction. For many, financial confidence is shaped by how promptly issues are resolved. The presence of support staff 24/7 plays an essential role in avoiding disruptions. By maintaining uninterrupted service, the company ensures smooth interaction and clarity in client communication. This attention to customer satisfaction remains a defining feature of its financial services and has become one of the most referenced aspects in discussions about the firm. The significance of reliable support in finance cannot be overstated. The companys decision to emphasize this area highlights a strategic understanding of market needs. Offering constant communication enhances both client confidence and industry standing, reinforcing the role of customer service as a critical part of financial operations. About Farinvest.io Farinvest.io is a financial services company recognized for its commitment to stability, client care, and operational consistency. The firm operates with a focus on providing accessible solutions across diverse financial areas, with customer support serving as a central component of its strategy. By ensuring that communication lines remain open at all times, the company strengthens the relationship between service providers and clients. The commitment to 24/7 availability reflects its broader aim of maintaining trust and satisfaction within the financial industry. The company continues to build its reputation by addressing client needs promptly and effectively, which has become an essential element of its identity. With a clear focus on reliability and client satisfaction, the firm places customer support at the forefront of its services. This attention to detail not only enhances the client experience but also underlines the firms recognition that dependable communication is a fundamental aspect of financial services. Through its consistent efforts, the company continues to establish itself as a steady presence in the sector, known for ensuring confidence and satisfaction among those it serves. Company Details Company Name: Farinvest Email Address: media@farinvest.io Company Website: https://farinvest.io Disclaimer: This content has been provided by Farinvest and is published as received. Farinvest is solely responsible for the information contained herein, including its accuracy and completeness. LONDON, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Geotab Inc. (Geotab) today announced it has achieved a new company milestone, surpassing 5 million connected vehicle subscriptions worldwide. This rapid growth, with the last million subscriptions added in less than two years, reinforces Geotabs position as a global leader in connected vehicle solutions and a key innovator in leveraging data and AI to drive meaningful business outcomes. Geotab's journey is about relentless innovation, we invest over $150M annually in R&D and hold 630 global patents, which has helped to shape the connected vehicle industry over the past 25 years. This 5 million milestone proves that our data-driven approach to fleet management is solving real world challenges faced by businesses on a daily basis, said Neil Cawse, Founder and CEO of Geotab. With the rapid adoption of AI, we expect the next five years to be as transformative as the last 25. How Geotabs Data Empowers Customers to Save Money and Improve Fleet Performance Geotabs data insights help businesses improve their fleet operations, including reduction in unexpected vehicle downtime, improved safety, and reduced daily mileage through optimised route planning. These improvements help fleets save money on fuel and other operating costs while also directly reducing environmental impact. The ability to deliver these tangible benefits is powered by the massive volume of data generated from 5 million subscriptions, producing over 100 billion data points daily, equivalent to more than 37 trillion data points annually. This data fuels Geotabs AI and machine learning models with accurate benchmarks, predictive analytics, and actionable insights that empower fleets of all sizes to make smarter, faster decisions. How Geotab's 25 Years of Innovation Led to a 5 Million Connected Vehicle Milestone 2025 marks Geotab's 25th anniversary, growing from a 2-person start-up to a 2900+ global organisation, highlighting the company's focus on innovation and global expansion. Geotab has maintained its position at the forefront of the industry with investments in research and development, continuously expanding its open platform capabilities, and building an ecosystem of over 700 partners globally. Over the past ten years, the Geotab Marketplace has grown and evolved, now featuring nearly 530 solutions for customers to choose from. About Geotab: Geotab is a global leader in connected vehicle and asset solutions, empowering fleet efficiency and management. We leverage advanced data analytics and AI to transform fleet performance, safety, and sustainability, reducing cost and driving efficiency. Backed by top data scientists and engineers, we serve over 55,000 global customers, processing 80 billion data points daily from more than 4.7 million vehicle subscriptions. Geotab is trusted by Fortune 500 organisations, mid-sized fleets, and the largest public sector fleets in the world, including the US Federal Government. Committed to data security and privacy, we hold FIPS 140-3 and FedRAMP authorisations. Our open platform, ecosystem of outstanding partners, and Marketplace deliver hundreds of fleet-ready third-party solutions. This year, we're celebrating 25 years of innovation. Learn more at www.geotab.com/uk and follow us on LinkedIn or visit our blog . Romina Dashghachian Strategic Communications Lead, EMEA Rominadashghachian@geotab.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/16a5f357-cd90-4860-b899-ac008bc65ba1 The Board of Directors of Eimskipafelag Islands hf. has approved newbuild contracts for two 2,280 TEU container vessels and a ten-year time-charter through ElbFeeder, a German affiliate of Eimskip. The vessels are intended to provide transportation services between Reykjavik, Iceland and Rotterdam, as well as Teesport in the UK, the Companys current Blue Line. In recent years, customer demand for transportation of fresh cargo has grown significantly, driven by increased exports of fresh seafood and farmed salmon, as well as imports of fresh products. Further growth is expected in fresh exports due to substantial development in land-based salmon farming in Iceland. The new vessels will be considerably larger than those currently servicing this route, supporting continued growth on the Blue line as well as in the Trans-Atlantic services, a core pillar of Eimskips service between Iceland and North America. ElbFeeder, majority-owned by the German shipping company Ernst Russ which listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, has signed contracts with China Merchants Jin Ling Shipyard (Nanjing) Co. Ltd. Eimskip has at the same time signed a ten-year time-charter for the vessels, as previously stated. Delivery is expected in the second half of 2028. The vessels will be specifically designed with customer service needs in mind, emphasizing service speed, reliability and high maneuverability ideal for the conditions in the North Atlantic. With a capacity of 2,280 TEU, length of 185 meters and breadth of 29.4 meters, the vessels will be the largest vessels in Eimskips operations. In addition to the design supporting service speed in an efficient way focus is also on optimal energy utilization, including hull design, silicone coating, shore power connection and various other equipment selection. The vessels will also feature a dual-fuel propulsion system, methanol- and LNG-ready, supporting the Companys environmental policy. ElbFeeder currently operates seven container vessels and has performed strongly in recent years. The company is well positioned to invest in new vessels and the newbuilds will be funded through a combination of equity and debt within ElbFeeder. Expected lease liability for Eimskip balance sheet, for the ten-year time-charter with ElbFeeder, will amount to USD 86 million in 2028, partly offset by lease liabilities for current vessels on the Blue Line. Vilhelm Mar Thorsteinsson, CEO of Eimskip: We are very pleased to take this important step in renewing our fleet. We see great opportunities with the delivery of these new vessels, especially considering the ambitious plans to increase exports of fresh seafood and salmon. Over the past few years, weve also seen strong momentum in our Trans-Atlantic services from Europe to North America, which are the foundation of our weekly service between Iceland and North America. These new vessels will support further growth in that service. We are proud of the fact that the design of these vessels focuses on customer service, operational efficiency, and reliability. The design also enables transition to alternative energy sources when they become accessible and reasonable option, supporting the Companys environmental journey. The strong partnership and trust weve built with our co-owners in ElbFeeder, Ernst Russ in Germany, is reflected in this positive outcome and strengthens our continued collaboration. Joseph Schuchmann, Co-CEO and Chief Commercial Officer of Ernst Russ AG: This investment will be a milestone for Ernst Russ, marking our first newbuild investment in decades. We are delighted to be able to implement it together with our long-standing partner Eimskip, who will also function as the initial long-term charterer and thus contributes significantly to the financial viability of the project. For further information: Harpa Hodd Sigurdardottir EVP of Human Resources and Communication Tel: +354 825 7379, email: harpa@eimskip.com Gudbjorg Birna Bjornsdottir Head of Treasury and Investor Relations Tel: +354 844 4752, email: investors@eimskip.com Attachment Vancouver, B.C., Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is excited to host its fifth annual Port Day event on Saturday, September 27, at Canada Place. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the local maritime community with over 50 community exhibits, opportunities to connect with industry professionals in both the Waterfront Community Zone and the Maritime Career Zone, exciting on-water demonstrations, and fun, interactive activities in the new Family Zone. This years headline performance is Hey Ocean!, a vibrant Vancouver band that blends elements of pop rock and electronic music. Event highlights include: KTL Transport Stage (North Point): Event kicks off with opening remarks, followed by musical performances throughout the day. The area will feature food carts, lawn games, and relaxed seating. Marine demonstrations sponsored by Fasken (North Point): At 2:00 p.m., watch a live recovery scenario along with other on-water demonstrations. BC Maritime Employers Association Waterfront Community Zone (West Promenade and Front Plaza): Explore over 25 exhibitor tents showcasing the port community, including booths from DP World, Global Container Terminals, Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue, and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authoritys marine operations team with a focus on safe boating. Maritime Career Zone sponsored by Canaan Group (Inside Canada Place lobby): Discover career opportunities in the maritime and transportation sectors by visiting over 20 exhibitor booths. This zone includes a DJ playing relaxed music, a coffee cart, and lounge seating to support networking. Family Zone (Hall A): New for 2025, this zone offers family-friendly activities, educational displays, vessel simulators and a photo-op with local maritime mascots, including CNs little Obie train and Salty from the port authority. Global Container Terminal Vanterm 50th Anniversary Community Open House: Complimentary return shuttle service will be available from Canada Place to GCT Vanterm. This event features exclusive terminal tours and equipment attractions. Guests can check in at the front of Canada Place to board the shuttles. To learn more and register, visit https://globalterminals.com/vt50/ Holland America cruise contest: Enter for a chance to win a cruise for two from Vancouver to Alaska with Holland America Line. Attendees can participate on-site by scanning a QR code or completing a survey. Port Day is held in honour of the International Maritime Organizations World Maritime Day. This years World Maritime Day theme is Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity, reflecting the oceans vital role in the world economy, with more than 80% of global trade transported by sea. For more information, visit www.canadaplace.ca/portday Quotes Port Day is a special event to celebrate the entire maritime community at the Port of Vancouver. As a port city, many people across the regionincluding seafarers and longshore workers, terminal operators, and truckersplay an essential role in the success of this gateway and help connect Canada to the rest of the world. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Port Day and are especially grateful to our sponsors for their ongoing support in making this event a success. Peter Xotta, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority With the support of our members, the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) is pleased to return to the Port Days Waterfront Community Zone. Were proud to celebrate the maritime community and showcase the vital role our terminal operators, ocean carriers and ship agent members play in the operation of Canadas West Coast ports, which move over $800 million in cargo daily, delivering the goods Canadians and the world rely on. Mike Leonard, President & CEO, BC Maritime Employers Association As the Port of Vancouvers largest container drayage provider, KTL is pleased to sponsor the KTL Transport Stage as part of the Port Day event. Every day the team at KTL helps transport cargo to and from port terminalssupporting Canadian businesses move crucial trade and Canadians get the products they need. Angie Kalhar, President, KTL Transport Inc. As a trusted Canadian logistics provider for more than 45 years, Canaan Group is proud to support Port Day. Each day our team delivers integrated freight, warehousing, and trucking solutionshelping connect global trade with Canadian communities while advancing sustainability and technology. Patrick Lo, President & CEO, Canaan Group Performance Schedule 12:00 p.m. activities and zones open 12:00 p.m. Musqueam territorial welcome 12:05 p.m. remarks from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and partners 12:10 p.m. cheque presentation from Holland America Line to The Starfish Canada 12:20 p.m. Josephine Walker 1:15 p.m. Wyper & Parker 2:00 p.m. marine demonstrations 2:20 p.m. Big Easy Funk Ensemble 3:40 p.m. headliner act Hey Ocean! 5:00 p.m. activities and zones close Partners Port Day is presented by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and is supported by our partners KTL Transport, BC Maritime Employers Association, Canaan Group, Fasken, Holland America Line, and Indigo Park Canada. Media partners include Global BC, 730 CKNW, Curiocity, @AngieLowis, and Miss604. About the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Port of Vancouver The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is the arm's-length federal agency that stewards the lands and waters that make up the Port of Vancouver, alongside the enduring stewardship of First Nations. As a Canada Port Authority, it is accountable to the federal Minister of Transport and operates pursuant to the Canada Marine Act. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authoritys purpose is to enable Canadas trade through the Port of Vancouver by being reliable and innovative, while protecting the environment. The port authority is structured as a non-share corporation, is financially self-sufficient and does not rely on tax dollars for operations. Revenues come from port terminals and tenants who lease port lands, and from port users who pay various fees such as harbour dues. Profits are reinvested in port operating services and infrastructure. The Port of Vancouver is Canadas gateway to diverse markets, enabling trade of approximately $350 billion every year with 170 countries. Located on the southwest coast of British Columbia in Canada, its 29 major deep-water terminals and more than 1,000 tenants move goods and people across five sectors (auto, bulk, breakbulk, container and cruise). The port is made up of approximately 16,000 ha of water, 1,500 ha of land and 350 km of shoreline, extending across Burrard Inlet, Fraser River and Roberts Bank. It borders 16 municipalities and intersects the traditional territories and treaty lands of more than 35 Coast Salish First Nations. The Port of Vancouver is the fourth largest port in North America by tonnage and handles almost as much cargo as Canadas next five largest ports combined. Port operations sustain more than 132,000 supply chain and related jobs across Canada. WASHINGTON, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Business Council Nigeria (ABC) and the U.S.-Africa Business Center of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with All Talentz LLC, hosted a high-level dialogue in Washington, D.C. on Increasing Global Business Services and Competitiveness for U.S. Companies in Nigeria. The event was part of the U.S.-Nigeria Business Initiative engagement series and brought together government representatives, business leaders, and industry experts to explore strategic partnerships, investment opportunities, and the transformative potential of the digital sector. Dr. Guevera Yao, Vice President at the U.S. Chamber of Commerces U.S.-Africa Business Center, opened the dialogue by underscoring the role of Global Business Services (GBS) in driving cross-border competitiveness. Will Stevens, Assistant Secretary for West Africa at the U.S. Department of States Bureau of African Affairs, highlighted the U.S.-Nigeria strategic partnership in the digital sector, citing initiatives such as the AI Conference and the Commercial Investment Partnership as pathways to fostering deeper collaboration, innovation, and investment between the two countries. Margaret Olele, CEO of the American Business Council Nigeria, delivered a keynote perspective on Why Nigeria? Talent, Technology, and Transformation. She emphasized Nigerias position as a rising hub for talent and digital innovation, noting the unique opportunities the country presents for U.S. businesses seeking scalable workforce and technology solutions. The dialogue also showcased All Talentz, an associate member of the Council, as a case study of success in the GBS space. All Talentz has built a reputation as a workforce and digital solutions provider powering the future of global work, with over 100 organizations as clients in North America. The company plans to expand into Europe and already leverages the services of more than six U.S. tech companies for its operations. All Talentz is committed to building bridges between the U.S. and Nigeria by delivering workforce optimization and digital solutions that are both affordable and world-class, said Sadiq Isu, Founder and CEO of All Talentz. As global demand for GBS continues to accelerate, Nigeria has the potential to play a pivotal role in supplying skilled talent and services to U.S. businesses. The event further featured a testimonial from Richard Daly, CEO CleanSlate Services New York, clients of All Talentz, who shared how the companys workforce and technology solutions have enhanced their operational efficiency and ability to scale faster. Also, in attendance from All Talentz were Dr. Abdul Isu, Chairman and Co-founder of All Talentz, Michael Nwoseh, Business and Digital Solutions Director, and Jake May, Business Development Manager, who engaged stakeholders on the companys vision for redefining Global Business Services and creating new opportunities for cross-border collaboration. With global demand for GBS projected at over $1 trillion and Africa currently supplying just 2% of that demand, the event reinforced the critical role Nigeria can play in meeting workforce needs and advancing economic growth, provided targeted investments, digital infrastructure, and skills development initiatives are prioritized. About All Talentz All Talentz is a premier provider of business process outsourcing solutions, delivering top-tier remote talent across multiple industries. With expertise spanning technology, healthcare, finance, insurance, and restoration, All Talentz provides growing businesses across North America and beyond with vetted professionals, training, and tools to scale with confidence. All Talentz is committed to investing in programs that inspire innovation, nurture skills, and create pathways to global impact. Media Contact: Michael Nwoseh Business & Digital Solutions Director All Talentz LLC M: +1 (614) 502-1440 E: info@alltalentz.com Website: www.alltalentz.com Address: 2020 Brice Road, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dff5da14-f256-4287-beee-fde0a67384fc https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cf3da4df-fe0a-4c79-8f8e-b7089fb28e48 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/775acf83-0b11-4e3f-a709-362437d61367 JOHANNESBURG and DALLAS, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UPAY Inc. (OTCQB: UPYY), a U.S.-based fintech innovator, today announced that its South African subsidiary, Automated Credit Provider Administration System (ACPAS), has signed a multi-phase development deal with a prominent pan-African financial services group. This group, active across multiple African markets and now entering South Africa, has chosen ACPAS to power the launch of its new digital lending brand. Scope of Work The three-phase software development proposal includes: Custom development of a split version of ACPAS tailored for the new digital lender. Development of a cutting-edge online lending website for the South African market. Enhancements to the ACPAS Loan Management Software (LMS) for their specific operational needs. The partnership is structured with revenue based on transactional income, aligning ACPASs growth with the lenders expansion in the South African online credit space. The client has also signed a comprehensive Software and Systems Intellectual Property, Confidentiality, and Non-Disclosure Agreement with ACPAS, ensuring a secure and proprietary collaboration. Empowering Financial Accessibility The new website, powered by ACPAS, will provide South African consumers with affordable, transparent, and convenient financing options. ACPASs platform will deliver: Streamlined credit origination and digital onboarding. Real-time loan management and clear account information. Scalable backend support to handle high-volume digital transactions. Jaco Folscher, CEO of ACPAS, noted: We are excited to partner with one of Africas most established financial services groups as they expand into South Africa. Our customized technology will empower responsible lending, financial inclusion, and sustainable growth. A senior executive from the group added: We are impressed with the progress made, and the website looks fantasticexceeding our expectations at this stage of the project. We are very happy that we partnered with ACPAS. Compliance and Security Excellence The ACPAS integration incorporates strict compliance protocols and advanced risk management safeguards, aligned with both South African regulatory frameworks and international fintech best practices. Strategic Digital Commitment This multi-phase deal ensures: Continuous platform monitoring and optimization. Advanced compliance and risk management tools. Robust adherence to data privacy and credit governance standards. About UPAY Inc. UPAY Inc. is a U.S.-listed fintech holding company, offering automation, payments, credit, and regulatory compliance solutions globally. www.upaytechnology.com About ACPAS ACPAS, a subsidiary of UPAY Inc., specializes in Loan Management Software, supporting digital lending and advanced payment solutions for financial institutions in South Africa. www.acpas.co.za CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The information contained in this publication does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy securities of UPAY, Inc. (the Company). The information provided herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, however the Company makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. The Company has no obligation to provide the recipient with additional updated information. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Companys future revenues, results of operations, or stock price. Media Contact UPAY Inc. Media Relations info@upaytechnology.com MAPLE RIDGE, BC, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Screenguy Sam, the leading bug screen specialist in Metro Vancouver, is celebrating a major milestone: 350 five-star reviews on Google. This achievement highlights the company's commitment to exceptional service and quality results, solidifying its reputation as the go-to expert for custom screen solutions. Screenguy Sam As a mobile business, Screenguy Sam brings personalized service to a wide range of communities, including Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Langley Township, Langley, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Mission. Known for providing custom-fit screens, the company helps residents enjoy fresh air without the hassle of pests. This impressive milestone of 350 glowing reviews is a direct result of Screenguy Sams customer-first approach and a dedication to perfection. For those searching for retractable screens near your city or "pet-friendly screens," Screenguy Sam stands out as a trusted name for honest, professional service and superior products. The team at Screenguy Sam believes every customer deserves personalized attention and a product that's built to last. Their process is designed for precision and a perfect fit every time. They first go to your home to measure the windows and doors, then custom-make the screens with a turnaround time of 5-10 business days, and finally, return to install them. This ensures the highest quality and a seamless experience for their clients. What Makes Screenguy Sam the Best in Metro Vancouver? Screenguy Sam's success is built on a multi-faceted approach to customer care. The company offers a range of specialized screen options, including popular retractable window screens and retractable screen doors that disappear when not in use. They also provide pet-friendly and eco-friendly screen materials, catering to the specific needs and values of their customers. This attention to detail, clear communication, and a professional, friendly service are consistently highlighted in customer testimonials, making Screenguy Sam the top choice for home screen solutions in the region. Key services include: Retractable Window Screens Tailored retractable screens that disappear when not in use, preserving your view. Tailored retractable screens that disappear when not in use, preserving your view. Retractable Screen Doors Customizable screen doors that retract into a discreet housing, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces while keeping insects out. Customizable screen doors that retract into a discreet housing, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces while keeping insects out. Storm Doors Durable hinged doors for extra security and weather protection. They are designed to allow for a refreshing breeze while keeping out the elements. Pet door options are available. Durable hinged doors for extra security and weather protection. They are designed to allow for a refreshing breeze while keeping out the elements. Pet door options are available. Pet Friendly Screen Options Offering Pet Mesh, a durable and tear-resistant screen material, and built-in pet doors for both screen windows and doors, allowing your pets to move freely without damaging the screens. Offering Pet Mesh, a durable and tear-resistant screen material, and built-in pet doors for both screen windows and doors, allowing your pets to move freely without damaging the screens. Sliding Screens Basic sliding window screens or sliding screen doors for sliding windows and glass patio doors. They offer a traditional and reliable screening solution. Basic sliding window screens or sliding screen doors for sliding windows and glass patio doors. They offer a traditional and reliable screening solution. Eco-Friendly Screen Options Screens made with Monofilament, a material that is recyclable. Its nano-technology is designed to prevent up to 90% of micro dust and pollen from entering your home, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. With a 5.0-star rating on Google based on over 350 reviews , Screenguy Sam is frequently recommended as one of the top choices for Retractable window/door screens in Metro Vancouver (Service area may vary). Commitment to Community and Quality product Screenguy Sams success stems from a patient-centered mission : "Either it's perfect or it's garbage." Whether you are looking for high quality retractable screens, pet friendly screens with pet doors, durable storm doors or just simple sliding window screens , Screenguy Sam is committed to providing the best service and quality screen options that Metro Vancouver residents can trust. About Screenguy Sam Screenguy Sam is a door & window screen specialist. The company specializes in everything from measurement to installation for homes in the Lower Mainland Service Areas including Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Langley and Mission. Contact Screenguy Sam To learn more about Screenguy Sam text or email your windows/doors (778) 288-0044 / Screenguysam@gmail.com or visit https://screenguysam.com/ Screenguy Sam 11819 Stephens St Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6S2, Canada Phone: (778) 288-0044 Denver, CO, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Founded in 2023, NTL Media Ltd. today announced the global advancement of its reading promotion and philanthropic initiatives, achieving dual outcomes in corporate growth and social responsibility. As the digital content industry rapidly evolves, the company is exploring new pathways that align cultural value with social impact through nationwide reading programs and cross-regional charitable collaborations. Since its inception, NTL Media Ltd. has placed cultural accessibility and social responsibility at the heart of its corporate strategy. Its business now spans more than 20 countries, with projects launched across the United States, India, Africa, and Europe. According to company data, millions of users have already benefited directly from its digital reading platform and public welfare activities. In India, NTL Media Ltd. has placed special emphasis on combining reading initiatives with charitable action. The company partners with educational institutions, communities, and NGOs to provide children in remote areas with free e-book resources and reading devices. At the same time, it actively supports relief programs for orphans, disadvantaged children, and the elderlycontributing to greater equity and inclusiveness. Through these efforts, the company has not only promoted nationwide reading but also tangibly improved the quality of life for vulnerable groups. Our mission goes beyond the dissemination of informationmedia also has the power to drive social progress, the companys management stated. NTL Media Ltd. is committed to ensuring that more people gain opportunities for growth through reading and cultural resources. This is the essence of our mission as a cultural media company. Beyond philanthropy, NTL Media Ltd. places strong emphasis on employee well-being and sustainable growth. The company has created substantial employment opportunities in India and other emerging markets, covering technology, editorial, customer service, and content promotion. It is also advancing a reading plus employment dual-support mechanism, encouraging beneficiaries to engage in digital content creation and platform developmentgaining skills and income while driving both cultural and economic value. To ensure project sustainability, NTL Media Ltd. explores diverse collaboration models in different regions. In the United States, it partners with community libraries and schools to launch free digital reading programs. In Africa, it donates hardware devices to help students bridge the digital divide. In India, it works with local governments and charitable foundations to implement Smart Education plus Public Welfare initiatives, creating sustainable cultural environments for disadvantaged groups. Industry analysts note that as the global cultural industry increasingly prioritizes social responsibility, NTL Media Ltd.s model of integrating philanthropy with core business not only strengthens its corporate reputation but also sets a new benchmark for the sector. This approach of responsibility combined with innovation may serve as a valuable model for cultural enterprises worldwide. Looking ahead, NTL Media Ltd. plans to further expand its philanthropic footprint in India and globally, with continued investment in reading promotion, educational poverty alleviation, and digital inclusion. The company also intends to explore applications of artificial intelligence and big data in reading promotion, aiming to achieve broader social impact and long-term cultural value. ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DCS Corporation has been selected as a finalist for the 2025 Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards (GovCon Awards), the premier awards event honoring the leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence of the people and businesses in the regions Government contracting community. DCS is a Finalist in the Contractor of the Year, Over $300 Million category. From 20 locations across the country, DCS employee-owners continue a 48-year legacy, providing engineering and technical services to solve complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions to the Warfighter. Over the five years ending in 2024, DCS doubled company revenue and grew employee ranks by 39%. As a 100% employee-owned company founded to support national security and defense, DCSs balanced approach to growth focuses on these priorities. Revenue growth has consistently been accompanied by an expansion of, and investment in, technical capability, facilities, tools, and technology to support customer missions. Investments have included the opening of a purpose-built ground vehicle integration and prototyping facility in Sterling Heights, Michigan as well as the relocation and expansion of DCSs high power, materials, and advanced digital electronics research laboratories and light manufacturing facility in Westford, Massachusetts. Both facilities expand DCSs ability to develop and sustain U.S. Army ground vehicle, watercraft, and soldier-worn systems technologies. DCS is thrilled to be recognized as a Finalist for the 2025 GovCon Awards, said Jim Benbow, DCS Chairman & CEO. This distinction represents DCS employee-owners commitment to delivering innovative expertise to our customers mission and our continued expansive strategic growth. DCS was previously named GovCon Awards Contractor of the Year, $75 $300 Million in 2019 and selected as a Finalist for Contractor of the Year, Over $300 Million in 2021 and 2024. The GovCon Awards are co-sponsored by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Services Council to honor the exceptional work of the leaders and businesses in the regions Government contracting sector. Winners will be announced at the annual awards gala on November 5, 2025. For more information about the 2025 GovCon Awards, continue reading here: https://nvcbusiness.org/govcon-awards/ About DCS An employee-owned company, DCS offers advanced technology, engineering, and management solutions to Government agencies in the national security sector. The transformative ideas, commitment to quality, and entrepreneurial spirit that characterize our employee-owners allow us to ensure the success of each customer's mission and actively contribute to the well-being of the Nation. For more information, please visit: https://www.dcscorp.com . Contact: DCS Media dcsmedia@dcscorp.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0afbce70-75b6-4b0c-af31-cf3c6d7ecc47 FREEHOLD, NJ, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UMH Properties, Inc. (NYSE: UMH; TASE: UMH), today announced that the Company will attend the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) annual Innovative Housing Showcase for the 5th consecutive year. The event kicks off with the Showcase Opening Ceremony on Saturday, September 6, 2025, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Samuel A. Landy, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, At this years Innovative Housing Showcase, UMH will present three cutting-edge manufactured homes in partnership with Ritz-Craft Homes, Champion Homes, and Cavco Industries. Each home highlights the latest advancements in design, efficiency, and affordability. One of the featured homes, built by Ritz-Craft Homes, will demonstrate the industrys innovative collaboration with GAF Energy, including an integrated solar shingle roofing system and home energy storage solution, designed to reduce energy costs and promote sustainability. The Innovative Housing Showcase offers lawmakers, policymakers, and the general public a unique opportunity to tour these homes in person and experience modern, attainable housing solutions that address the nations affordable housing crisis. UMH Properties, Inc., which was organized in 1968, is a public equity REIT that currently owns and operates 144 manufactured home communities containing approximately 26,800 developed homesites, of which 10,600 contain rental homes, and over 1,000 self-storage units. These communities are located in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia. Included in the 144 communities are two communities in Florida, containing 363 sites, and one community in Pennsylvania, that UMH has an ownership interest in and operates through its joint venture with Nuveen Real Estate. Contact: Nelli Madden 732-577-4062 Melbourne, Victoria, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zebra Plumbing Melbourne today announced the release of a guidance statement outlining the qualities that homeowners should expect when engaging a licensed plumber. The announcement accompanies the launch of the companys updated website, designed to improve clarity and access to service information for residential and commercial customers across Melbournes eastern suburbs. A Zebra Plumbing technician performing a detailed inspection, showcasing the companys commitment to professionalism, responsiveness, and going the extra mile for Melbourne homeowners. The initiative follows ongoing consumer concerns around transparency and responsiveness in the trades sector. According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, plumbing complaints remain among the most frequently reported issues, with many stemming from undisclosed costs and a lack of communication. Zebra Plumbing Melbournes newly published guide aims to highlight key qualities, including fair pricing, timely responses, and consistent workmanship, that enable customers to make informed decisions when selecting a service provider. Identifying Key Qualities in Plumbing Services The statement identifies four qualities that the company believes should be standard practice across the industry: Responsiveness: Plumbers should be equipped to address urgent requests, such as burst pipes or blocked drains, in a timely manner. Plumbers should be equipped to address urgent requests, such as burst pipes or blocked drains, in a timely manner. Transparent Pricing: Clear, upfront estimates reduce the risk of disputes and build trust between customer and service provider. Clear, upfront estimates reduce the risk of disputes and build trust between customer and service provider. Workmanship and Care: Professional standards include both technical execution and respect for the clients property and time. Professional standards include both technical execution and respect for the clients property and time. Local Knowledge: Familiarity with local building conditions and community expectations supports reliable service delivery. By publishing this framework, Zebra Plumbing Melbourne aims to align with broader industry discussions on service quality. A national survey conducted in 2023 by ServiceSeeking noted that response time and transparency ranked as the top considerations for homeowners when selecting tradespeople. Relevance for Melbourne Households The guidance is particularly relevant for homeowners across Melbournes eastern suburbs, where plumbing infrastructure can vary significantly depending on housing age and style. Issues such as ageing pipework, outdated hot water systems, and high-density residential developments have increased demand for accessible and reliable plumbing services. Zebra Plumbing Melbourne, a family-owned business, has positioned the guidance as a resource for residents in suburbs such as Kew, Hawthorn, and Richmond. The company states that the framework is designed to function as a reference point for households seeking to evaluate plumbing providers against clear and practical standards. Updated Website Reflects Transparency Efforts Alongside the release of its service quality guide, Zebra Plumbing Melbourne has launched an updated website at https://zebraplumbing.com.au/. The revised platform introduces streamlined navigation, expanded service descriptions, and improved accessibility for mobile users. The update is intended to simplify how customers access information on specific services, including hot water system repairs, emergency plumbing support, blocked drain solutions, and burst pipe response. Company representatives noted that the redesign reflects ongoing efforts to improve the transparency of operations and facilitate easier communication between customers and plumbing professionals. Consumer Landscape and Industry Context Plumbing services in Melbourne remain an essential but often urgent requirement. Emergency situations, such as pipe bursts or malfunctioning hot water systems, typically necessitate rapid intervention, leaving homeowners with limited time to evaluate their options. This environment has heightened the importance of reliable, publicly accessible information that enables customers to identify credible businesses before a crisis occurs. Industry data suggests that consumer confidence is closely tied to visible commitments to transparency. Independent reviews on public platforms have become an essential factor in household decision-making. Zebra Plumbing Melbournes guidance aims to complement these resources by articulating qualities that homeowners can look for across any provider in the sector. Balancing Service and Standards The company emphasised that the guidance is not intended to serve as promotional material, but rather as a contribution to ongoing efforts to improve clarity in the marketplace. By publishing the framework alongside its website update, Zebra Plumbing Melbourne has sought to formalise values that are commonly referenced by consumers and regulators alike. The qualities outlined, responsiveness, transparent pricing, workmanship, and local knowledge, are presented as standards that can be observed, measured, and compared across providers. Customers, in turn, can use these benchmarks to evaluate options and select plumbers who demonstrate alignment with these expectations. Byron Slabbert, Owner of Zebra Plumbing Melbourne, said the release of this guidance was intended to provide clarity for households navigating essential but often urgent service needs. Plumbing problems usually occur without warning, and in those moments, homeowners need a clear way to judge who they can rely on, Slabbert said. By putting these qualities into writing, we hope to contribute to greater transparency in the industry and give customers a framework they can use no matter which provider they choose. Statement from the Company Although no direct promotional claims were made, company representatives stated that publishing the guide aligns with a broader goal of increasing transparency in the service industry. They noted that formalising these standards in written form reflects both community expectations and industry trends toward greater accountability. The announcement also coincides with Zebra Plumbing Melbournes continued service to households in its core catchment areas of Kew, Hawthorn, and Richmond. About Zebra Plumbing Melbourne Zebra Plumbing Melbourne is a family-owned plumbing company providing residential and commercial plumbing services across Melbourne, including Kew, Hawthorn, Richmond, and surrounding suburbs. The company offers a range of services, including emergency plumbing, blocked drain repairs, burst pipe responses, toilet repairs, and hot water system installations. Visit their website at https://zebraplumbing.com.au to learn more. Media Contact Company Name: Zebra Plumbing Melbourne Contact Person: Byron Slabbert, Owner Email: contact@zebraplumbing.com.au Phone: 1300 033 468 Country: Australia Reviews: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZdDJrxzGxxPimyEc7 Website:https://zebraplumbing.com.au City of Westminster, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- City of Westminster, England - September 04, 2025 - McKennell Dental Practice in Pimlico has completed a major refurbishment, unveiling a modernised clinic that promises to change the way patients experience dental care in the London Victoria area. Located just minutes from Victoria Station, the long-established practice has been serving the community for decades, since 1930, and has now invested significantly to upgrade its premises. The result is a contemporary and welcoming environment designed with patient comfort in mind. The development reflects the practice's commitment to offering dentistry that combines clinical excellence with a reassuring atmosphere. The upgraded premises include redesigned treatment rooms, improved accessibility, and a patient lounge that prioritises comfort and calmness. The practice has also introduced the latest digital technology, from advanced radiography and 3D intraoral dental imaging to updated sterilisation systems, ensuring greater accuracy in diagnosis and enhanced safety across all treatments. The refurbishment and upgrades aim to make even routine check-ups a more positive experience, encouraging more people to attend regularly. For those seeking details about dentists in Pimlico and the Victoria area, further information is available at https://smile4u.co.uk/dentist-pimlico-london-victoria. The refurbishment coincides with the practice's ongoing efforts to broaden its treatment offering and provide central London patients with a full spectrum of care. NHS dentistry as well as private general dentistry continue to form the foundation, with routine check-ups, dental hygiene appointments, emergency dental treatments and preventive advice readily available. Cosmetic dentistry remains popular, with Invisalign, teeth whitening, composite bonding and veneers offered to help patients improve their smile. Families in particular are expected to benefit from the practice's central location and flexible appointment options. One of the most significant aspects of the practice's service is its provision of dental implants. McKennell Dental Practice offers all levels of implant care, from replacing a single tooth to full arch restorations for those who have lost several teeth. These treatments are delivered in-house using advanced implant technology, giving patients reliable, natural-looking, and long-lasting results. With the new facilities in place, the team is now able to provide implant care more efficiently and in a more comfortable setting. Information about other services across the dental practices in the group can be found at https://smile4u.co.uk. The principal dentist, Dr Mori Shahid, noted that preventive dentistry remains central to the practice's ethos. By encouraging patients to visit regularly and focus on good oral health, the team aims to help the community reduce the need for complex interventions in the future. The new facilities make it easier to provide these preventive services in an efficient and patient-friendly way. Whether for a nervous patient attending their first visit or a busy professional seeking a lunchtime appointment, the refurbished practice is designed to meet modern expectations. "The project represents not just an investment in the building, but also in the long-term health of patients in Pimlico and London Victoria," stated Maryam Shahid, the Practice Manager. "By bringing together state-of-the-art equipment with a comfortable and accessible space, McKennell Dental Practice positions itself as a trusted destination for high-quality dentistry in central London." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1Hv6BetYWc Patients are invited to see the changes for themselves and to take advantage of the upgraded environment when booking their next appointment. Whilst the above links are part of the upgraded new website, more information about the practice can also be viewed at its older website, which can be visited at: https://www.mckennelldentalpractice.com. ### For more information about McKennell Dental Practice, contact the company here: McKennell Dental Practice Maryam Shahid +44-20-7834-8802 info@dental21churton.com McKennell Dental Practice, 21 Churton Street, Pimlico, London SW1V 2LY, United Kingdom New York, NY, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are advised that journalists and other readers should disregard the AIXOR news release, "Disrupting Tradition, AIXOR Launches Genesis AI Pro 5.0 to Lead the Intelligent Trading Revolution" issued March 31, 2025, over GlobeNewswire. Las Vegas, Nevada, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant has unveiled a new sign, marking a significant moment for this longstanding Las Vegas restaurant. This addition aims to add a fresh burst of style to the Chinatown area, while showing the restaurant's ongoing commitment to serving authentic Thai and Chinese flavors for many more years. The new sign has been greeted with enthusiasm by both locals and visitors, bringing a modern flair to the restaurant's already lively atmosphere. Alan Wong, a spokesperson for Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant in Chinatown Las Vegas, shared his excitement about this development: "This new sign is more than just a marker; it's our way of showing dedication to our community and continuing our legacy in Chinatown. We are excited to share this new chapter with our loyal patrons and new customers alike." Since 1973, the restaurant has evolved from a small eatery into a well-frequented dining destination, known for its varied menu of Thai and Chinese dishes. The menu includes a wide array of choices like stir-fried noodles, fried rice, different soups, and a large range of vegetarian options. Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant is committed to offering more than just tasty food. It provides convenience through numerous services, such as dine-in, take-out, and delivery. The restaurant's Thai Chinese Food Delivery in Las Vegas option is easy to understand and streamlined on the website. For those opting to enjoy their meals at home, the restaurant offers a comprehensive online menu, ensuring a hassle-free experience from selection to delivery. Ordering online gives customers a modern and straightforward way to savor the tastes of Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant in their own homes. Over the years, the restaurant has adapted its offerings to meet the changing needs of its patrons. Recently, it has focused on expanding services. By offering gift certificates and special deals, guests can enjoy greater flexibility, whether dining in or giving a meal experience to others. Gift certificates can be purchased directly on their website, making it an ideal gift for friends and family who love authentic Asian cuisine. The company even accepts bitcoin, a testament to their adaptation of modern conveniences. The new sign represents not only the restaurant's resilience but also a promising future ahead. This initiative is set to increase foot traffic in Chinatown, benefiting Kung Fu Thai & Chinese and neighboring businesses. Alan Wong added, "The new sign shows our commitment to Chinatown and fits perfectly with our future vision. It's a way to support our community and draw more visitors to explore and enjoy what Chinatown has to offer." Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant remains a go-to spot for a wide range of flavors that appeal to different tastes. The decision to update its physical presence with a new sign aligns with the restaurant's aim to blend tradition with modernization. As they continue to welcome both returning and new customers, the restaurant is eager to uphold its reputation as a haven for exceptional Thai and Chinese cuisine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxfsRvj8Eqs For additional details about the restaurant's menu and the new sign, visit https://www.kungfuplaza.com/blog/kung-fu-thai-and-chinese-restaurant-installs-new-sign-for-the-next-50-years.html. ### For more information about Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant, contact the company here: Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant Alan Wong 702-247-4120 aw@kungfurestaurants.com 3505 S Valley View Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89103 Washington, DC, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New Civil Liberties Alliance has filed its opening brief asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to reinstate its lawsuit challenging SECs illegitimate follow-on enforcement proceeding against our client Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Lemelson. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia dismissed the case, erroneously holding it did not have jurisdiction to hear Lemelsons claims that SEC is violating his Seventh Amendment jury-trial rights and is illegally trying to prosecute him a second time for the same alleged offenses. The district court incorrectly dismissed his other claims against SEC for failure to state a claim. NCLA urges the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to reverse that decision and remand the case to district court for further proceedings that will vindicate Lemelsons core rights and prevent SEC from continuing to violate Americans civil liberties through its juryless in-house administrative tribunals. A Massachusetts federal jury in 2021 rejected nearly all of SECs baseless charges against Lemelson, a Greek Orthodox priest and activist investor, including its incendiary allegations that he engaged in a scheme to defraud the market and even his own fund investors. Yet SEC now threatens to bar or suspend him from the securities industry using its own follow-on administrative proceeding overseen by an agency-appointed Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). In doing so, SEC seizes judicial power in violation of Article III of the Constitution and deprives Lemelson of his Seventh Amendment right to have his case adjudicated in an Article III court by a jury of his peers. Adding insult to injury, the ALJ is unconstitutionally insulated from presidential control because he enjoys multiple levels of tenure protection, a point which SEC has effectively conceded. The district courts dismissal of this case cannot be squared with NCLAs 2023 Supreme Court victory in Cochran v. SEC, which held that federal district courts do have jurisdiction to hear claims like Lemelsons, including constitutional ones challenging the structure of SECs juryless administrative adjudications. It is also incompatible with the Supreme Courts 2025 Jarkesy v. SEC decision holding that Article III and the Seventh Amendment prohibit SEC from using non-jury administrative adjudications to penalize respondents for securities fraud. NCLA asks the D.C. Circuit to apply these two important and recent Supreme Court precedents properly to prohibit SEC from continuing its unlawful administrative prosecution against Lemelson. NCLA released the following statements: This is the first post-Jarkesy case to challenge SECs continuing use of its juryless administrative tribunal to prosecute and penalize private citizens. The Supreme Court in Jarkesy unequivocally required such prosecutions to be adjudicated in Article III courts with juries, and we hope the D.C. Circuit will put a stop to SECs open defiance of that landmark decision. Russ Ryan, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA I am sure the SEC is not thrilled that it lost the Cochran and Jarkesy cases to NCLA and our allies. But those cases are now the law of the land. The D.C. Circuit should reverse the district court and uphold these precedents. Mark Chenoweth, President, NCLA For more information visit the case page here. ABOUT NCLA NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights. ### Oslo, 4 September 2025 Interoil Exploration and Production ASA ("Interoil") informs that Petrominera S.E. (Petrominera), an instrumentality of the Province of Chubut, Argentina, has decided to terminate the joint venture agreement entered into between Petrominera, Interoil and Selva Maria Oil S.A. (SMO, and together with Interoil, the Private Companies). Such contract regulates the relationship between such parties, as members of the joint venture, in connection with the exploration and exploitation of the areas Mata Magallanes Oeste and Canadon Ramirez, both located in the Province of Chubut. Petromineras termination is purported to be based upon alleged failures of the Private Companies to meet their obligations. The Company is assessing with its counsel appropriate courses of action to challenge its legality and to restore its rights. *** Interoil Exploration and Production ASA is a Norwegian based exploration and production company - listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange with focus on Latin America. The Company is operator and license holder of several production and exploration assets in Colombia and Argentina with headquarter in Oslo. This notice contains information which is considered inside information pursuant to the European Market Abuse Regulation. The notice has been published by Geir Arne Drangeid (Partner and Senior Advisor, First House AS) at 21:20 CEST on 4 September 2025. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses LOS ANGELES, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Centene Corporation ("Centene " or the "Company") (NYSE: CNC) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between December 12, 2024 through June 30, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Centene investors have until September 8, 2025 to file a lead plaintiff motion. Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses. CASE ALLEGATIONS: Centene Corporation is a healthcare enterprise that delivers fully integrated services to government-sponsored and commercial healthcare programs, with a particular focus on serving underinsured and uninsured individuals. According to the class action lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants misled investors by creating the false impression that they had reliable, accurate information regarding Centenes projected revenue outlook and anticipated growth. Defendants repeatedly highlighted strong enrollment rates and low morbidity levels as supportive of the Companys growth prospects and financial guidance. In reality, however, the complaint alleges that these representations were materially misleading, as they concealed adverse enrollment trends and worsening morbidity rates. A preliminary internal analysis, covering more than two-thirds of Centenes marketplace membership, revealed lower-than-expected enrollment and a higher-than-anticipated aggregate market morbidity, contradicting the Companys prior public statements. On July 1, 2025, Centene publicly withdrew its 2025 guidance, citing the disappointing findings from its analysis of the 2025 Health Insurance Marketplace. The Company disclosed that market growth across 22 statesrepresenting approximately 72% of its marketplace membershipwas significantly below expectations. As a result, Centene revised its 2025 guidance downward to approximately $1.8 billion in earnings, or an adjusted diluted EPS of $2.75, according to the complaint. Following this announcement, Centenes stock price declined by more than 40%, inflicting significant financial harm on investors and triggering the current class action litigation. Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information. The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims 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 Not for release to U.S. wire services or for distribution in the United States VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marimaca Copper Corp. (TSX: MARI) (ASX: MC2) (Marimaca or the Company) is pleased to announce that it is conducting a brokered placement, on a best efforts basis, in Australia and select other jurisdictions outside of Australia, except for Canada, of an aggregate of 8,376,964 Chess Depositary Interests (CDI) of the Company at a price of A$9.55 per CDI for gross proceeds of approximately A$80,000,000 or approximately C$72,080,000 (the Placement). The net proceeds from the Placement will be used for detailed design and engineering and project related workstreams at the Marimaca Oxide Deposit (the MOD), exploration at the Pampa Medina Project and Marimaca sulphide target, and for general corporate purposes. The CDIs will be issued pursuant to the ASX Listing Rule 7.1 waiver granted to Marimaca. An indicative timetable for the Placement is included below: Indicative Timetable Event Time / Date Company placed in Trading Halt on ASX(1) Friday, 05 September 2025 (AEST) Trading Halt lifted and return to trading on ASX Monday, 08 September 2025 (AEST) Placement settlement Thursday, 11 September 2025 (AEST) Allotment of Placement CDIs Friday, 12 September 2025 (AEST) (1) Due to time zone difference between Sydney (AEST) and Toronto (EST), the trading halt on the ASX will occur during non-trading hours on the TSX. Trading of the common shares of the Company is expected to continue in the normal course during trading hours on Friday September 5, 2025 (EST). The dates and times noted above are indicative only and subject to change. Any material changes will be notified by the Company to ASX. The Company reserves the right to amend any or all of the above dates and times. Completion of the Placement is subject to certain closing conditions, including but not limited to the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). Macquarie Capital (Australia) Limited, Euroz Hartleys Limited, and Beacon Securities Limited are acting as joint lead managers in respect to the Placement. This announcement has been prepared for publication in Australia and may not be released to U.S. wire services or distributed in the United States. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities offered in the Placement have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. Hayden Locke, President & CEO of Marimaca Copper, commented: We are very pleased to see strong support from high-quality investors for the next phase of our development and exploration plans at Marimaca and Pampa Medina. This raise will allow us to move expeditiously into the detailed design and engineering phase at the MOD, as well as expand the exploration program at both Pampa Medina and the Marimaca sulphides exploration target. The recent MOD Definitive Feasibility Study demonstrated a very robust starting-point in our overall regional development goals and we are grateful for the continued support to deliver on that strategy. About Marimaca Marimaca is a copper exploration and development company focused on its 100%-owned flagship Marimaca Copper Project and surrounding exploration properties located in Antofagasta Region, Chile. The Marimaca Copper Project hosts the Marimaca Oxide Deposit (the MOD), an IOCG-type copper deposit. The Company is currently progressing the Marimaca Copper Project through the Definitive Feasibility Study led by Ausenco Chile Ltda. In parallel, the Company is exploring its extensive land package in the Antofagasta region, including the >15,000ha wholly-owned Sierra de Medina property block, located 25km from the MOD. This news release is authorized for release by the Board of Directors of Marimaca. Contact Information For further information please visit www.marimaca.com or contact: Tavistock +44 (0) 207 920 3150 Emily Moss / Ruairi Millar marimaca@tavistock.co.uk Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements related to the anticipated participation in and size of the Placement, anticipated timing and closing date of the Placement, advisory fees payable, the use of proceeds and receipt of regulatory approvals and other approvals, including approval of the TSX. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Marimaca, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: risks related to the receipt of required regulatory approvals, including timing of approval by the TSX, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, fluctuating metal prices, the possibility of project delays or cost overruns or unanticipated excessive operating costs and expenses, uncertainties related to the necessity of financing, uncertainties relating to regulatory procedure and timing for permitting reviews, the availability of and costs of financing needed in the future. The intended use of the proceeds of the Placement by the Company might change if the board of directors of the Company determines that it would be in the best interests of the Company and amounts actually allocated and spent will depend on a number of factors, including the Companys ability to execute on its business plan. Many of these risks and uncertainties and additional risk factors generally applicable to the Company are described in the Companys annual information form of the Company dated March 27, 2025 and other filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedarplus.ca). Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. None of the TSX, ASX or the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Miami, Florida , Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MD Logic Health, a trusted leader in science-backed wellness solutions, has partnered with Dr. Roxanne Carfora, D.O., P.C., a Board Certified Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Specialist, to launch Advanced Cholesterol Support, a comprehensive supplement designed to support cardiovascular and metabolic health. Advanced Cholesterol Support by Dr. Carfora x MD Logic Health With heart disease remaining one of the leading causes of death worldwide, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is more critical than ever. Modern lifestyles filled with processed foods, sedentary habits, chronic stress, and even genetic predisposition all contribute to rising cardiovascular risks. In response, MD Logic Health and Dr. Carfora developed Advanced Cholesterol Support combining clinically studied ingredients that work together to support balanced cholesterol levels, healthy blood sugar, and optimal cardiovascular function into a single, convenient daily formula. For more than a decade, Dr. Carfora has recommended MD Logic Health supplements to her patients because of their quality and evidence-based formulations. She also frequently advised patients to take individual clinically researched ingredients such as phytosterols, bergamot, chromium, and policosanol to support cardiovascular health. To simplify this approach, she collaborated with MD Logic Health to combine these key ingredients into one product. Advanced Cholesterol Support represents her commitment not only to her patients, but to anyone who wants a practical way to care for long-term heart and metabolic health. While Dr. Carfora has influenced the formulation of several MD Logic Health products over the years, Advanced Cholesterol Support marks the first official co-created product between her and the brand. Heart disease is one of the greatest health challenges we face today, and our mission has always been to create trusted solutions rooted in science, added Wesley Ramjeet, CEO of MD Logic Health. Advanced Cholesterol Support is the result of a long-standing collaboration with Dr. Carfora and reflects our shared commitment to making preventive health easier and more effective for our community. Key Benefits of Advanced Cholesterol Support Phytosterols (from Phytopin Pine Extract) : Helps support balanced LDL and HDL cholesterol levels.* : Helps support balanced LDL and HDL cholesterol levels.* Chromium (as Crominex 3+) : A patented, clinically researched complex stabilized with Capros amla and PrimaVie shilajit, which helps promote healthy blood sugar balance and supports endothelial function.* : A patented, clinically researched complex stabilized with Capros amla and PrimaVie shilajit, which helps promote healthy blood sugar balance and supports endothelial function.* Vazguard Bergamot Phytosome : Helps provide antioxidant support against oxidative stress, supports healthy cholesterol ratios, reduces stubborn belly fat, and promotes liver health.* : Helps provide antioxidant support against oxidative stress, supports healthy cholesterol ratios, reduces stubborn belly fat, and promotes liver health.* Policosanol : Clinically studied for its role in supporting cholesterol balance and cardiovascular wellness.* : Clinically studied for its role in supporting cholesterol balance and cardiovascular wellness.* Synergistic formulation: Combines patented and clinically researched ingredients for enhanced bioavailability and superior nutrient absorption. Advanced Cholesterol Support reflects the combined vision of Dr. Carfora and MD Logic Health: blending preventative care with science-backed nutrition to make heart and metabolic wellness more accessible. Availability Advanced Cholesterol Support is available now with an exclusive launch offer. To celebrate their first official collaboration, MD Logic Health and Dr. Carfora are offering customers 15% off Advanced Cholesterol Support through September 10, 2025. See website for details. About Dr. Roxanne Carfora Dr. Roxanne Carfora is Board Certified in Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine and has practiced Family Medicine on Long Island for over 35 years. Known as the doctor who will find the cause, she has built her career around helping patients achieve optimal health naturally. Dr. Carfora has combined family medicine with anti-aging and functional medicine since 1996, with a focus on prevention, hormonal balance, gut health, and personalized nutrition. She is also an international speaker, educator, and author of several health books, and serves as medical advisor for MD Logic Health. Her passion is making preventative health accessible to all, with the goal of Getting You Healthy, Naturally. Dr. Roxanne Carfora is Board Certified in Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine and has practiced Family Medicine on Long Island for over 35 years. Known as the doctor who will find the cause, she combines family medicine with anti-aging and functional medicine to focus on prevention, hormonal balance, gut health, and personalized nutrition. She has appeared on Channel 12s The New Norm, contributed to Newsday Wellness, Image Magazine, and other publications, and speaks internationally for organizations such as the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Carfora is also the author of Stress, Gut & Immunity, Ageless Gut, and No Finish Line. Dr. Carforas passion is Getting you Healthy, Naturally, and making a difference in how health care is practiced in America. Dr. Carfora with a bottle of Advanced Cholesterol Support About MD Logic Health MD Logic Health is dedicated to delivering sustainable, reliable, clean, and pure products that maximize nutrition while minimizing environmental impact. The companys mission is to empower individuals on their health journeys by providing the support needed to achieve optimal wellness and longevity. With a product line focusing on key areas such as brain health, beauty, performance, and a healthy biome, MD Logic Health has earned national recognition and has been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC, and CW. Connect with MD Logic Health Facebook: @mdlogichealth Instagram: @mdlogichealth X: @mdlogichealth TikTok: @mdlogicwellness SHOP: www.mdlogichealth.com MD Logic Health Contact Jyoti Hardat, VP Marketing jhardat@mdlogichealth.com | (877) 629-8711 x700 *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.youtube.com/embed/DfW8KKcucP0 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- METALSOURCE MINING INC. (the Company or "Metalsource") (CSE: MSM) is pleased to announce that it has been approved for trading on the OTCQB Venture Market (OTCQB) effective September 5, 2025. The shares trade on the OTCQB under trading symbol SFRIF. The Companys shares will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the symbol MSM. Trading on the OTCQB gives Metalsource Mining enhanced access to the U.S. capital markets and makes it easier for American investors to participate in our growth story, said Joseph Cullen, CEO of the Company. This U.S. listing will provide the Company with access to a broader base of U.S. and international retail and institutional investors, ultimately providing investors with increased access to data, transparency and liquidity. Investors can find real-time quotes and market information for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com . Additionally, further to the Companys news release dated August 22, 2025, the Company wishes to clarify that the loan of $50,000 was borrowed by the Company from York Harbour Metals Inc. (the Lender), a non-arms length party. Brandon Schwabe, CFO of the Company, is also CFO of the Lender, as well, Joseph Cullen, CEO and director of the Company, is also a director of the Lender. About Metalsource Mining The Company is engaged in acquisition, exploration and development of mineral property assets. The Companys objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to conduct its exploration program on the Aruba Property. The Aruba Property is located in the Kalahari Desert region of Botswana, covering 4,663 square kilometers in an area prospective for platinum group metals, gold, silver, and manganese mineralization. For more information, please refer to SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under the Companys profile. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joseph Cullen Joseph Cullen, Chief Executive Officer and Director For further information, please contact: Mr. Joseph Cullen Phone: 778-919-8615 Email: jpacullen@gmail.com Website: https://www.metalsourcemining.com THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED OF THE CONTENT OF THIS PRESS RELEASE Cautionary Note About 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 Companys actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words expects, plans, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, projects, potential and similar expressions, or that events or conditions will, would, may, could or should occur. 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 involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update them publicly to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances unless otherwise required to do so by law. TORONTO, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Critical One Energy Inc. (formerly Madison Metals Inc.) (Critical One or the Company) (CSE: CRTL) (OTCQB: MMTLF) (FSE: 4EF0) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the KCR Gold Project (KCR Project) including the Slam Gold Zone discovery (Figure 1) contiguous to the Companys extensive land holdings at the Howells Lake Antimony-Gold Project (Howells Lake Project), located approximately 200 kilometres (km) from the Ring of Fire corridor in the Thunder Bay Mining Division of Ontario, Canada1. Table 1: Slam Gold Zone Highlights Highlight Details Compelling discovery Visible gold (VG) mineralization discovered in a single historic drill hole remains untested in all directions. Historic soil anomaly Drill testing of a soil anomaly first identified in 1984, but only tested in 2010, resulted in alteration and VG with assays up to 64.1 g/t over one (1) metre (m) in the only hole drilled to date on the new Slam Gold discovery (Figures 2 and 3). Discovery hole results Slam Gold Zone discovery averaged 3.54 g/t Au over 20.4 m (Figure 3), 100 m below a gold geochemical target that showed more than 1 km of anomalous results. (Not all core assayed; unassayed intervals given zero grade for calculations. See note below.) Follow-up work Assays were received after drill demobilization, and no further work was completed. Untested potential Slam Gold Zone remains completely untested above, below, and along strike. No outcrop is exposed. Geochemistry footprint (1984) Anomalous results linked to Slam Gold Zone may have a surface expression >900 m (Figure 2). Historic gold identification Gold was first identified on the KCR Property in the 1930s. Historic trenching results 1974 (New Jersey Zinc): 16.42 g/t Au over 3.35 m. 1980 (New Jersey Zinc): 12.82 g/t Au over 4.11 m (Figure 3). Drill testing under trenches Discovery hole (MM1001) intersected 9.79 g/t Au over 3.8 m from 17.4 m in upper Slam Gold Zone (Figure 3). Strategic land position Critical One now controls >30 km of the geological trend, covering all known strongly altered and underexplored antimony-gold targets. Figure 1: Howells Lake Project showing new KCR Property acquisition. Critical One acquired 100% interest in the KCR Property, subject only to a 2% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR). The Company now controls 100% of all the high-priority exploration land in the Howells Lake area, having assembled a total land package of more than 25,000 hectares covering all the known gold and antimony occurrences and strong alteration and deformation discovered to date in the region. The gold mineralization on the KCR Property is related to strong carbonate, biotite alteration, minor quartz veining, moderate shearing, and various felsic intrusive rocks, as well as sericite alteration, fine pyrite and minor pyrrhotite. The KCR Property and the other extensive land positions now held 100% by the Company were all identified and acquired by the Company over the past eight months. Prior to this acquisition, Critical One had already acquired all the prospective land adjacent to the KCR Property and was in the process of carrying out a new, state-of-the-art airborne geophysical survey of the Companys property position. On the basis of the pending acquisition, Critical One ensured it collected detailed data in the area covering and proximal to the Slam Gold discovery. The acquisition of this key property covering a completely unevaluated VG-bearing discovery, which includes numerous gold values occurring over a drilled width of 20.4 metres, shows the camp-scale potential of our Howells Lake Project, said Duane Parnham, Founder, Executive Chairman and CEO of Critical One. With our land acquisition complete and the evaluation and interpretation of our new geophysical database being finalized, we will soon be in a position to determine where we can discover a lot more gold and antimony on our property, which now covers all significant antimony and gold targets over a 30-kilometre strike length. Parnham continued, The presence of VG in the only hole to ever test this geochemical target speaks volumes about its potential to host a lot more gold mineralization. Not only was there VG with a very high gold assay, but there were several other significant gold values not far from the VG. There was even anomalous gold mineralization at the bottom of the drill hole. By securing 100% interest in this key property, we have added significantly to the gold discovery potential on our project. This strategic acquisition follows the Companys ongoing review and analysis of historic work on and proximal to its extensive land holdings in the Howells-Miminiska area. Critical One is awaiting results of the evaluation and review of its recently completed VTEM airborne geophysics completed by Geotech Ltd. over the Howells Lake Project. The geophysical data is currently being processed to provide details on specific target selection, definition and interpretation. Additional news will be released as this work progresses. The Howells Lake Project hosts a historical resource of 1.7 million tons at a grade of 1.4% antimony with associated gold mineralization. The resource is not NI 43-101 compliant and therefore readers should not rely on the information. The resource estimate does not include categories as required under NI 43-101 and the report predates NI 43-101 by decades. Given the work was completed more than 40 years ago, all work will need to be redone as the historic work cannot be used in a NI 43-101 compliant report. Geological mapping as well as significant drilling will be required to establish a NI 43-101 resource estimate for the known antimony mineralization. The resource presented in the report does not provide the parameters used in the preparation of the resource estimate (tonnage estimate). Historical Report Reference: Themistocleous, S.G., Idziszek, C., 1980. Miminiska Lake Project Northwestern Ontario Geological Report, New Jersey Zinc Exploration Company (Canada) Ltd. (*Also see historical information disclosure below.) *Note: All geological and assay information contained in this document is historical in nature and the Qualified Person (QP) responsible for the technical disclosure in this release is unable to determine if any of that data would meet current NI 43-101 regulations regarding disclosure of scientific and technical information. Additionally, the QP has not done sufficient work to make the resource current. Drill intersections are reported as downhole intervals. No true width could be determined at this time. The information in the data recovered is considered of value and relevant to the Companys project. However, the Issuer is not treating the estimate as current. The overall 20.4 metre interval grading 3.54 g/t was derived from the original assay certificates that were available in the public domain and included sections that were not assayed and were therefore averaged at 0 g/t in the weighted average for the interval. Critical One is advancing its exploration program plans for follow-up drilling to further delineate and expand the antimony-gold resource. Supported by a recent private placement of CDN$3.3 million and a clean capital structure with approximately 50 million common shares outstanding, the Company is fully funded for near-term exploration, including a maiden drill program on the V-3 historical antimony deposit and drilling of other antimony-gold target zones such as the Slam Gold Discovery covered in this press release. Figure 2: KCR Property plan with results. Figure 3: Cross section highlighting Slam Gold Zone discovery. References: 1 Themistocleous, S.G., 1980. Miminiska Lake Project, Northwestern Ontario, Geological Report, New Jersey Zinc Exploration Company (Canada) Ltd. 2 Publicover, Sara GIT and Taylor, Michael, P.Geo 2010, Assessment Report on the 2010 Damon Drill Program Miminiska Property KCR Zone in the Fort Hope Area, NW Ontario Thunder Bay District. 3 Clark, D. P.Geo Assessment Report on the 2008 Diamond Drill Program Miminiska Property Baroque Zone & YMIR zone Fort Hope Area, NW Ontario Thunder Bay Area NW Ontario. 4 Clark, D. P.Geo 2005 Assessment Report Performed Reconnaissance Geological Mapping Miminiska-Keezhik Lakes Area Fort Hope, Ontario. KCR Property Acquisition Terms The Company acquired 100% interest in the 20-claim unit, approximately 320-hectare, unpatented KCR Property from two arms length parties for a total of CDN$6,000 and 50,000 common shares of Critical One to be delivered to the vendors upon regulatory approval. A 2% NSR is reserved for the vendors, of which 50% can be purchased at any time by the Company for CDN$1,500,000. Qualified Person Bruce Durham, P.Geo, a Qualified Person (QP) under NI 43-101, who is independent of the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release. All technical information in this release is based on historical data that cannot be verified by the QP. 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. 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. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/27b92960-5dd3-4e01-b2d3-707f15d2f533 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1184d229-9761-476b-8967-b64a9830fc37 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/de699b82-5fb1-48f6-a9f2-163df5276b81 ~THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES~ VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Jay Gold Corp. (Blue Jay or the Company), is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement (the Offering) of up to 8,333,333 units (the Units) at a price of $0.60 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $5,000,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (a Common Share) and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional Common Share at a price of $0.90 for a period of two years from the date of issuance, subject to certain acceleration provisions. This financing will satisfy the necessary financial conditions to complete the acquisition of the Skukum project, including meeting the security requirements set by the Government of Yukon, said Dr. Geordie Mark, CEO of Blue Jay Gold. In parallel, we have had productive discussions with various stakeholders, and completion of this financing will contribute to advancing our exploration goals and aims of a stock exchange listing over the near term. We remain committed to disciplined capital allocation and to creating long-term value for all shareholders. All securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. Certain directors and officers of the Company (the Insiders) are expected to participate in the Offering. The participation of Insiders constitutes a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the securities to be issued to Insiders does not exceed 25% of the Companys market capitalization. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for the acquisition of all the issued and outstanding shares in Tincorp Metals Inc.s wholly owned subsidiary, Whitehorse Gold (Yukon) Corp. (which owns the Skukum project), satisfaction of the security demand tabled by the Yukon Government, working capital and general corporate purposes and advancement of the Companys projects. The Company may pay finders fees in connection with the Offering, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws. The securities offered have not been 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 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 State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Blue Jay Blue Jay Gold Corp. is a Canadian gold exploration company focused on growing and discovering resources within established brownfields regions in Canada. The Company has built a portfolio of projects in Canada in highly sought after Tier 1 mining jurisdictions. With our strategically located projects and a leadership team experienced in geology and capital markets, Blue Jay Gold will advance disciplined, modern exploration strategies across projects in known gold mineralized regions across Canada. ON BEHALF OF BLUE JAY GOLD CORP. signed Geordie Mark Geordie Mark, CEO For additional information contact: BLUE JAY GOLD CORP. Geordie Mark CEO Blue Jay Gold Corp. info@bluejaygoldcorp.com Phone: (604) 235-4059 Eric Negraeff Investor Relations Blue Jay Gold Corp. eric@bluejaygoldcorp.com Phone: (604) 235-4059 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 and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the completion of the Offering and the use of proceeds, the expected benefits of the Offering to Blue Jay, completing the acquisition of the Skukum project, and a potential listing on a stock exchange are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as expects, is expected, anticipates, believes, plans, projects, estimates, assumes, intends, strategies, targets, goals, forecasts, objectives, budgets, schedules, potential or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions. These statements are based on the opinions, assumptions, factors and estimates of management considered reasonable as of the date such statements are made. Assumptions include, but are not limited to, the ability to obtain and maintain governmental approvals, permits, and licenses in connection with the Companys planned development and exploration activities at the Companys projects; the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to closing of the Offering; and the ability of Blue Jay to secure sufficient capital to acquire the Skukum project and obtain a listing on a stock exchange. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements which involve the state of equity financing markets, volatility of market prices, and fluctuations in metal prices. Forward-looking information is provided herein to give context regarding the proposed Offering and its anticipated effects, but may not be appropriate for other purposes. Completion of the Offering is subject to customary closing conditions, and other risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Offering will be completed as described or at all. There is also no assurance that the anticipated strategic or economic benefits of the Offering will be realized. Although Blue Jay 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 to differ. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, and Blue Jay undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Providence Saint Johns Health Center honored four distinguished physicians during its second annual endowed chair investiture ceremony, held Sept. 3 at the Brentwood Country Club in Brentwood, Calif. The event recognized the exceptional contributions these physicians have made to medicine and highlighted the health centers commitment to recognizing excellence through philanthropy. More than 160 guests, a mix of donors, medical staff, hospital and foundation leadership and foundation trustees, were in attendance to celebrate the honorees. Endowed chairs represent the highest honor Providence Saint Johns bestows upon its physicians. These appointments are made possible through philanthropic support and reflect a deep commitment to advancing research, education and patient care. This years honorees include: Leslie M. Kaplan, M.D. , urologist, recipient of the Stanley H. Lucas Endowed Chair in Urology , urologist, recipient of the Stanley H. Lucas Endowed Chair in Urology Daniel F. Kelly, M.D. , neurosurgeon, recipient of the Kathy and John Danhakl Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery , neurosurgeon, recipient of the Kathy and John Danhakl Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery Courtney C.J. Voelker, M.D., Ph.D., neurotologist and otolaryngologist, recipient of the Singleton Endowed Chair in Neurotology neurotologist and otolaryngologist, recipient of the Singleton Endowed Chair in Neurotology Timothy G. Wilson, M.D., urologist and urologic oncologist, recipient of the Ensign-Alamo-Wilson Distinguished Endowed Chair in Urologic Oncology Our endowered chair recipients have brought transformative academic-level research, clinical practice and results to our community hospital, profoundly changing lives for the better, said Michael Ricks, chief executive of Providence Saint Johns Health Center and LA-Coastal Service Area. Theyve elevated excellence in each of their fields and are among many reasons Providence Saint Johns is recognized by the federal government as one of the nations top-quality hospitals. Were proud to recognize their contributions through these prestigious appointments. Sheryl A. Bourgeois, Ph.D., president and CEO of Saint Johns Health Center Foundation, emphasized the importance of philanthropy in advancing care. These endowed chairs are made possible by visionary philanthropists whose generosity fuels discovery, healing and hope, said Sheryl Bourgeois. We are deeply grateful to the Stan Lucas Trust, Kathy and John Danhakl, Cary and Will Singleton, and the Ensign Cancer Research Foundation for their commitment to advancing medicine and improving lives through their enduring support. Endowed chairs are rare outside academic institutions, Bourgeois added. These honors help us recognize and retain Saint Johns most accomplished physicians and reinforce our commitment to supporting the health center in continuing its advancement of academic-level research and care. Honoring Philanthropic Visionaries The ceremony also recognized the donors whose generosity made these endowments possible: Stan Lucas Trust Stanley H. Lucas, a UC Berkeley engineering graduate, was a lifelong entrepreneur whose ventures spanned manufacturing, real estate and automotive innovation. He founded Lucas Automotive Engineering in 1957 and built a legacy that included a renowned collection of steam-powered vehicles and historical artifacts. In gratitude for the care he received at Providence Saint Johns Health Center, his trustees Dan Grady, Steve Bohannon and Helen Ashford established the Stanley H. Lucas Endowed Chair in Urology to honor Dr. Leslie M. Kaplan and the team who cared for him. Kathy and John Danhakl Kathy and John Danhakl are honored to endow a chair at Providence Saint Johns Health Center, inspired by their personal experience with neurological disease. Their gift supports pioneering physicians like Dr. Daniel F. Kelly and Dr. David A. Merrill, whose work is transforming how neurological conditions are understood and treated. The Danhakls are deeply committed to advancing research, care and innovation that brings hope to patients and families facing these challenges. Cary and Will Singleton Cary and Will Singleton are longtime supporters of Providence Saint Johns Health Center and founders of the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship. Cary joined the Saint Johns Health Center Foundation Board of Trustees in 2020, continuing the Singleton family legacy of service. This is the Singletons second endowed chair at Saint Johns the innovative work of Dr. David A. Merrill inspired them to establish the Singleton Endowed Chair in Integrative Brain Health in 2024. This year, Dr. Courtney Voelkers excellence and groundbreaking advances in skull base surgery and cochlear ear implants have inspired their endowment gift. Their support reflects a dedication to advancing research and patient care, helping ensure Providence Saint Johns remains a leader in transformative medicine. Ensign Cancer Research Foundation Founded to carry forward the vision of Michael Ensign, the Ensign Cancer Research Foundation advances cancer research, education and innovation so more patients can benefit from lifesaving care. In 2024, the foundation established the EnsignAlamoWilson Distinguished Endowed Chair in honor of Timothy G. Wilson, M.D., recognizing his leadership in urologic oncology and robotic-assisted surgery and acknowledging the care he provided to Michael Ensign with a commitment to help others in the fight against prostate cancer. The foundation is led by President Tony Alamo, M.D., together with trustees David Ensign (son) and Eric Ensign (grandson), who continue to advance Michael Ensigns vision. About Providence Saint Johns Health Center Providence Saint Johns Health Center has served West Los Angeles since 1942, offering university-level care and research in a community hospital setting. The 266-bed hospital is nationally recognized for excellence in heart and vascular care, oncology, orthopedics and womens health. It is home to the Saint Johns Cancer Institute and Pacific Neuroscience Institute, both known for groundbreaking research and treatment. Saint Johns is consistently rated for exceptional patient experience, including a 4-star designation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Rooted in the Catholic health care tradition, Saint Johns remains committed to personalized care and improving health outcomes for all, especially the poor and vulnerable. About Saint Johns Health Center Foundation Since its inception, Saint Johns Health Center Foundation has supported the lifesaving and life-changing work of Providence Saint Johns Health Center, Saint Johns Cancer Institute and Pacific Neuroscience Institute. Today, the volunteer Board of Trustees, a diverse group of leaders from a variety of backgrounds, lend their time, talents and treasure to ensure Providence Saint Johns Health Center fulfills its mission to provide an exceptional standard of personalized, compassionate medicine that meets the health care challenges of today and tomorrow. Contact: Shannon Novotne (651) 592-2167 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cb5a1b81-f2fa-4537-ac54-5f8913b56bfb VANCOUVER, Sept. 03, 2025 - Imperial Metals Corp. (TSX:III) (the "Company" or "Imperial") announces that the Xat??ll First Nation ("Xat??ll") has filed a notice of appeal (the "Notice") today seeking an order overturning Justice Tammen's August 6, 2025 dismissal of Xat??ll's petition for judicial review (the "Petition"). The petition related to the Consent for Material Alteration decision issued by the Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals ("MCM") and Minister of Environment and Parks on March 27, 2025, and the decision of the MCM's Major Mines Office Deputy Chief Permitting Officer, also on March 27, 2025, to amend the Mount Polley mine's Mines Act Permit approving construction of the tailings storage facility ("TSF") raise to 974m (the "Decisions"). Xat??ll also seeks, among other declaratory relief, an order to quash the Decisions and grant the Petition. Respondents for this appeal are the Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, Minister of Environment and Parks, Deputy Chief Permitting Officer, Major Mines Office, and Mount Polley Mining Corporation. Today's Notice does not appeal Justice Tammen's order as it relates to the injunction application. This means that the Company may complete construction of the TSF raise to 974m and continue normal operations of the Mount Polley mine and the TSF in accordance with its authorizations. "We believe Justice Tammen's decision to dismiss the Petition was a carefully considered and thoroughly supported decision, based on the extensive review process undertaken by the Province before making their Decisions. Nonetheless, we continue to be committed to working collaboratively with Xat??ll and other Indigenous communities and conducting our operations in an environmentally responsible manner," stated Brian Kynoch, President of Imperial. About Imperial Imperial is a Vancouver-based exploration, mine development and operating company with holdings that include the Mount Polley mine (100%), the Huckleberry mine (100%), and the Red Chris mine (30%). Imperial also holds a portfolio of 23 greenfield exploration properties in British Columbia. Imperial Contacts Brian Kynoch | President | 604.669.8959 Darb S. Dhillon | Chief Financial Officer | 604.669.8959 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained in this news release are not statements of historical fact and are "forward-looking" statements. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect Imperial management's expectations or beliefs regarding future events, and include, but are not limited to statements regarding: Imperial's expectations and timing with respect to the construction and operation of the tailings storage facility at the Mount Polley mine, including the four-meter lift currently under construction; the anticipated progress and outcome of any remaining or future legal or regulatory processes, including the Notice; the possibility that future legal or regulatory developments could result in material changes to the provincial permitting process; the Company's and MPMC's expectations regarding their relationships with Indigenous communities, including Xat??ll; expectations regarding ongoing engagement with Xat??ll and other Indigenous communities during the permitting process; and other risks outlined in statements made by Imperial from time to time in the filings made by Imperial with securities regulators. Imperial 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 applicable securities legislation. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "is targeted", "targets", "outlook", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative of these terms or comparable terminology. By their very nature forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Imperial to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, Imperial has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on information currently available to Imperial as well as Imperial's current beliefs and assumptions. These factors and assumptions and beliefs and assumptions include, the risk factors detailed from time to time in Imperial's interim and annual financial statements and management's discussion and analysis of those statements, and the Company's current Annual Information Form, all of which are filed and available for review on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Although Imperial 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 which are beyond Imperial's ability to control or predict. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements and all forward-looking statements in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Vancouver, September 3, 2025 - Galloper Gold Corp. (CSE: BOOM) (OTC Pink: GGDCF) (the "Company" or "Galloper") announces that it has granted incentive stock options to purchase a total of 1,750,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.085 per common share for a period of 24 months to certain officers in accordance with the provisions of its omnibus equity incentive plan. About Galloper Gold Corp. Galloper is focused on mineral exploration in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt with its Glover Island and Mint Pond properties, each prospective for gold and base metals. The Glover Island Property, which hosts the historic Lucky Smoke gold occurrence and the recently awarded Lunch Pond South Extension consists of 477 mining claims totaling 11,925 hectares while Mint Pond consists of 499 claims totaling 12,475 hectares. For more information, please visit www.GalloperGold.com and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Mr. Hratch Jabrayan CEO and Director Galloper Gold Corp. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider 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/265043 Toronto, September 3, 2025 - Unigold Inc. (TSXV: UGD) (OTC Pink: UGDIF) (FSE: UGB1) ("Unigold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed a non-brokered private placement of 1,400,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.10 per Unit for gross proceeds of $140,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.16 until two years following the date of issue. No finders fees were paid in connection with this closing of the Offering. The proceeds from the Offering will be used to fund the Company's continued permitting and development on its Neita Sur Concession in the Dominican Republic, and for general working capital purposes. All securities issued under the Offering are subject to a four-month hold period. The Offering is subject to final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities offered have not been 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. Forward-Looking Statements Where applicable, we claim the protection of the safe harbour for forward-looking statements provided by the (United States) Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265082 Gold Reserve Ltd. (TSX.V: GRZ) (BSX: GRZ.BH) (OTCQX: GDRZF) ("Gold Reserve" or the "Company") announced that today, pursuant to the schedule set by the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (the "Court"), the Company filed its further reply to the objections to the Special Master's original July 2, 2025 Final Recommendation of the then-existing Dalinar Energy Bid. In its filing, the Company explained the reasons why these objections have no merit. A copy of the Company's filings will be posted here. A complete description of the Delaware sale proceedings can be found on the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system in Crystallex International Corp. v. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, 1:17-mc-00151-LPS (D. Del.) and its related proceedings. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking statements This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. federal securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws and state Gold Reserve's and its management's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. They are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed", "positioned" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to any bid submitted by the Company for the purchase of the PDVH shares (the "Bid"). We caution that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other risks that may cause the actual events, outcomes or results of Gold Reserve to be materially different from our estimated outcomes, results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the discretion of the Special Master to consider the Bid, to enter into any discussions or negotiation with respect thereto; the Special Master may not recommend the Bid in the Final Recommendation; an objection to the Bid may be upheld by the Court; the Bid will not be approved by the Court as the "Final Recommend Bid" under the Bidding Procedures, and if approved by the Court may not close, including as a result of not obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, including but not limited to any necessary approvals from the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control ("OFAC"), the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission or the TSX Venture Exchange; failure of the Company or any other party to obtain sufficient equity and/or debt financing or any required shareholders approvals for, or satisfy other conditions to effect, any transaction resulting from the Bid; that the Company may forfeit any cash amount deposit made due to failing to complete the Bid or otherwise; that the making of the Bid or any transaction resulting therefrom may involve unexpected costs, liabilities or delays; that, prior to or as a result of the completion of any transaction contemplated by the Bid, the business of the Company may experience significant disruptions due to transaction related uncertainty, industry conditions, tariff wars or other factors; the ability to enforce the writ of attachment granted to the Company; the timing set for various reports and/or other matters with respect to the Sale Process may not be met; the ability of the Company to otherwise participate in the Sale Process (and related costs associated therewith); the amount, if any, of proceeds associated with the Sale Process; the competing claims of other creditors of Venezuela, PDVSA and the Company, including any interest on such creditors' judgements and any priority afforded thereto; uncertainties with respect to possible settlements between Venezuela and other creditors and the impact of any such settlements on the amount of funds that may be available under the Sale Process; and the proceeds from the Sale Process may not be sufficient to satisfy the amounts outstanding under the Company's September 2014 arbitral award and/or corresponding November 15, 2015 U.S. judgement in full; and the ramifications of bankruptcy with respect to the Sale Process and/or the Company's claims, including as a result of the priority of other claims. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting the Company's business, see the Company's Management's Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports that have been filed on SEDAR+ and are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Gold Reserve or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Gold Reserve disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to its disclosure obligations under applicable rules promulgated by applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. For further information regarding Dalinar Energy, visit: https://www.dalinarenergy.com. For further information regarding Gold Reserve Ltd., visit https://www.goldreserve.bm. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903846607/en/ Contact Gold Reserve Ltd. investorrelations@goldreserve.bm (441) 295-4653 A.S. Cooper Building, 7th Floor, 26 Reid Street, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda Getchell Gold Corp. (CSE: GTCH) (OTCQB: GGLDF) (FWB: GGA1) ("Getchell" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has appointed Marc Henderson as a Director to the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"). "On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Marc Henderson, a highly recognized mining executive who has achieved significant success during his career in the industry. We believe with his track record, network depth, commitment to, and strong support of his undertakings, Mr. Henderson will make a pronounced contribution to the success of the Company." stated Bob Bass, Chairman of Getchell, and "Getchell is advancing the Fondaway Canyon gold project in Nevada, a high-quality asset boasting a robust preliminary economic assessment with considerable upside and the potential to deliver substantial value for our shareholders. With the addition of Mr. Henderson, the Company's growth trajectory and its ability to establish Fondaway Canyon as one of the premier gold projects in Nevada is greatly enhanced." Mr. Henderson is a chartered financial analyst with more than 20 years at the helm of public mineral exploration companies. He is President and Chief Executive Officer of Laramide Resources Ltd., headquartered in Toronto and developing high-quality uranium assets in Australia and the western United States. Mr. Henderson is the former CEO and President of Aquiline Resources Inc., sold in 2009 to Pan American Silver Corp., and former President of MineFinders. Mr. Henderson holds an economics degree from the University of Colorado. Commenting on his appointment, Marc Henderson stated, "I am very pleased to be joining the Board of Getchell Gold Corp. at such a pivotal time. Nevada remains one of the world's most prolific gold jurisdictions and Fondaway Canyon displays the hallmarks of a major emerging entry in the region. I look forward to working with the team and unlocking the Project's and the Company's full potential." About Getchell Gold Corp. The Company is a Nevada focused gold exploration company trading on the CSE: GTCH, OTCQB: GGLDF, and FWB: GGA1. Getchell Gold Corp. is primarily directing its efforts on its most advanced stage asset, Fondaway Canyon, a past gold producer with a large mineral resource estimate and recently published Preliminary Economic Assessment. www.getchellgold.com The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. 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 Director contributions, Company growth, exploration results, Project advancement, and value accretion. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will" 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. Although management of Getchell have 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 are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE Getchell Gold Corp. For further information, please contact: Karen Mate, Corporate Communications, (416) 230-6454, kmate@capitalmarketsadvisory.ca, Mike Sieb, President, Head Office: 1-647-249-4798, info@getchellgold.com LONDON, September 4, 2025 - Ecora (LSE:ECOR)(TSX:ECOR)(OTCQX:ECRAF) is pleased to announce that the leadership team will host a live interactive presentation to discuss the recent 2025 Half Year Results on the Engage Investor platform, on Tuesday 9th September 2025, at 4pm BST. Ecora welcomes all current shareholders and interested investors to join and encourages investors to pre-submit questions. Investors can also submit questions at any time during the live presentation. Investors can sign up to Engage Investor at no cost and follow Ecora Resources PLC from their personalised investor hub. Please register interest in this event here: https://engageinvestor.news/ECOR_IP_0925 For further information Ecora Resources PLC +44 (0) 20 3435 7400 Geoff Callow - Head of Investor Relations Website: www.ecora-resources.com This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Ecora Resources PLC View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Foran Mining Corp. (TSX: FOM) (OTCQX: FMCXF) ("Foran" or the "Company") is pleased to announce results from the final 15 holes drilled as part of its 2025 winter-spring drill program at the Tesla and Bridge Zones, part of the Company's 100%-owned McIlvenna Bay Project located in east-central Saskatchewan. Key Highlights: Drilling confirms mineralization across multiple areas of the Tesla Zone. Foran completed almost 28,500 metres of drilling across 32 holes at the Tesla and Bridge Zones during the winter-spring drill program. All holes successfully intersected copper- and/or zinc-rich mineralization, with several results also returning notable gold and silver values. Highlight intercepts from the 15 holes released today include: 6.9m grading 2.16% Cu, 3.72% Zn, 29.3 g/t Ag and 0.62 g/t Au (3.58% CuEq) from TS-25-38w2 17.1m grading 2.07% Cu, 0.67% Zn, 27.5 g/t Ag and 0.37 g/t Au (2.43% CuEq) from TS-25-38w2 8.1m grading 1.86% Cu, 11.51% Zn, 80.9 g/t Ag and 1.68 g/t Au (6.49% CuEq) from TS-25-37w2 19.9m grading 0.56% Cu, 7.89% Zn, 40.2 g/t Ag and 0.29 g/t Au (3.23% CuEq) from TS-25-40w2 16.5m grading 2.20% Cu, 1.39% Zn, 11.5 g/t Ag and 0.03 g/t Au (2.49% CuEq) from BZ-25-02w1 Precious metals opportunity emerging. Elevated gold and silver grades have been observed in several holes in the central part of the Tesla Zone. Highlight intercepts from this target include: 3.3m grading 3.42% Cu, 8.72% Zn, 87.8 g/t Ag and 3.12 g/t Au (7.94% CuEq) from within TS-25-37w2's 8.1m intersection above, which included one of the highest single-sample gold assay grades received to date, with 0.5m grading 13.89 g/t Au, 107.0 g/t Ag, 4.15% Cu and 7.20% Zn (14.50% CuEq) 7.0m grading 0.06% Cu, 0.02% Zn, 85.3 g/t Ag and 0.83 g/t Au (0.94% CuEq), including 2.1m grading 0.10% Cu, 0.02% Zn, 141.0 g/t Ag and 1.76 g/t Au (1.77% CuEq) from TS-25-37w2 Tesla Zone Demonstrates Significant Scale and Remains Open. Drilling has now traced Tesla's mineralized zone over 1.35 km along strike and up to 700 metres down dip, pointing to a large and vertically extensive system that remains open down-dip and along strike in both directions. Summer drilling now underway. Two drills are active at Tesla - one targeting the down-dip expansion of the Lower Lens, and the other testing high-grade continuity in the northern Main Lens area. Results expected to support maiden resource estimate. Mineralization intersected throughout the 2025 program are expected to positively contribute to the Company's plans to prepare a first resource estimate for the Tesla Zone. Erin Carswell, Foran's Vice President, Exploration, commented: "With results from the final 15 drill holes returned from the Winter-Spring resource drilling program at the Tesla Zone, we have achieved excellent drill coverage and an even better understanding of the mineralization, its zonation and where significant potential remains to expand the zone in advance of a future maiden mineral resource estimate. In particular, we are seeing copper and gold grades within the Main and Lower Lenses increasing down-dip, and thick intervals of copper mineralization continuing towards the south of the target. Significant zinc and silver grades remain encouraging as always, and even the highest up-dip holes on the margin of the zone continue to intersect mineralization. A focused summer drill program is underway as we advance resource planning, with Tesla's scale and consistency continuing to support the long-term potential for phased expansion opportunities at McIlvenna Bay." Drilling resumed at the Tesla Zone in late July, with two rigs now active. One drill is targeting the down-dip expansion potential of the Lower Tesla Zone, following up on the recently identified electromagnetic ("EM") conductor plate that extends for approximately 650m along strike across the Lower Tesla Zone (see Foran's June 17, 2025 news release). The second rig is testing the continuity of mineralization within the northern part of the Tesla Main Lens through a series of infill holes collared from the northeast shore of the lake. 2025 Winter Drill Program Foran's 2025 ice-based winter drill program consisted of approximately 28,494m of drilling completed at the Tesla and Bridge zones across 32 drillholes and wedges, along with approximately 3,941m of drilling focused on several regional targets near the McIlvenna Bay Deposit for a total of approximately 32,435m of drilling for the winter program. To date, Foran's drilling has defined multiple lenses of zinc-rich and/or copper-rich mineralization at the Tesla Zone and the 2025 drilling has expanded the zone to at least 1,350m along strike and 500-700m in the down dip direction. The winter program predominantly aimed to tighten up drill spacing across the Tesla and Bridge zones, utilizing wedging and directional drilling technologies to maintain the efficiency and precision of the drilling. These holes have significantly increased the confidence in the continuity of the mineralization across the Tesla and Bridge zones. A plan map highlighting the locations of the final 15 drill holes from the program are provided in Figure 1 above, and a longitudinal view of the Tesla Main Lens is provided in Figure 2 below that demonstrates the locations of the new drill holes relative to prior drilling pierce points. Detailed descriptions of the newly released holes are provided in subsequent sections, along with a series of geological cross sections to put these new holes in context. A table of assay composites for the drill holes is provided in Table 1. Drilling Highlights: The remaining drill holes from the 2025 winter drill program, included in this release, were drilled in three main sectors of the Tesla Zone as shown in Figure 2 above and described below: Main Trend - Area B: An additional four holes targeted a large gap in the drilling at mid-elevations in the north-central part of Tesla. These holes returned broad intersections from multiple zones through Tesla which also contained elevated gold assays (TS-25-37w2 and 38w2). Additional drilling will be required in this area to confirm the extent and controls on the elevated gold mineralization found in this sector of the Tesla Zone. Main Trend - Area A: Six infill drill holes successfully bolstered the zone dominantly focused on gaps in the drilling near the up dip and down dip portions of the Tesla Zone. Drilling returned several significant intersections, especially in the down dip direction (TS-25-40w2). Southern Tesla: Five holes drilled near the southern margin of Tesla infilled some of the larger gaps in the current drill hole spacing and successfully expanded the limit of the Cu2 Lens to the south (TS-25-41w2). Brief descriptions of the results of each of the drill holes are provided below by sector along with a series of geological cross sections that show the relationships between these holes and the existing drilling at Tesla. A table of significant assays results from the drilling are also provided in Table 1 below which provides the detailed composited intervals along with their interpreted lens association within the Tesla Zone. Main Trend - Area B Four holes were drilled in Area B (Figure 2) near the northern margin of the Main Trend of the Tesla Zone, targeting a large gap in the drilling at mid elevations (Figure 2) with drill holes TS-25-38w1, -38w2 and -39w2, along with drill hole TS-25-37w2, which provided an additional down dip test of an area of anomalously thickened mineralization identified in the central Tesla Zone during the winter drill program. Several drill holes were completed in this area during the early part of the winter program and drilling in this central core area has provided some of the most significant grade-thickness intersections returned from the Tesla drilling to date (see Foran's March 19, 2025 and May 7, 2025 releases for additional descriptions and Figure 4 below). Recent drilling has also identified a trend of elevated precious metal values across multiple lenses in several holes that defines a roughly down dip trend that correlates with the trend of increased grade-thickness in the copper data. As shown in Figure 3 below, this trend is reflected in numerous drill holes, including TS-25-37w1 and -37w2, TS-25-38w1 and -38w2, as well as TS-25-36w2 and -36w3, and appears to be oriented perpendicular to the overall plunge of the Tesla mineralization. This may suggest that the elevated gold and silver mineralization may be related to the deformation responsible for the thickened zones of mineralization in this part of Tesla. Additional drilling is planned for this area during the summer 2025 program targeting the recently identified lower EM conductor plate. TS-25-37w2: TS-25-37w2 was drilled as an additional down dip wedge from the previously released parent hole TS-25-37 and a follow up of previously released wedge TS-25-37w1. TS-25-37w2 intersected the upper felsic package at Tesla approximately 75m further down dip from the intersection in TS-25-37w1, which had returned a highlight intercept of 69.8m from the Main Lens massive to semi-massive sulphide grading 0.46% Cu, 9.77% Zn, 16.6 g/t Ag and 0.24 g/t Au (see Foran's May 7, 2025 news release). Drill hole TS-25-37w2 intersected similar mineralized horizons as previous holes and although these lenses were thinner at this elevation as the zones appear to tail out down dip, the assay grades were higher. The zones in this hole also contained significant anomalous precious mineral concentrations (both silver and gold) that were not present in the previous drilling. TS-25-37w2 returned two intervals of the Main Lens massive sulphide grading 1.86% Cu, 11.51% Zn, 80.9 g/t and 1.68 g/t Au over 8.1m, including a 3.3m interval grading 3.42% Cu, 8.72% Zn, 87.8 g/t Ag and 3.12 g/t Au, followed downhole by a second 3.2m interval grading 0.05% Cu, 4.79% Zn, 29.2 g/t Ag and 0.13 g/t Au. The high-grade silver and gold results are notably anomalous in this drill hole and indicate that his sector of the Zone remains an important area for additional follow up as the resource drilling continues. A geological cross section is provided in Figure 4, showing the intersections in TS-25-37w2 to the previous drilling on this section and the surrounding drill holes in the upper felsic package at Tesla. TS-25-38w1 / TS-25-38w2: TS-25-38w1 was drilled as a wedge from the previously released TS-25-38, which was oriented to the south and up dip from the pilot hole. TS-25-38w1 intersected the Tesla Zone approximately 50m to the south and 50m further up dip than the pilot hole and returned several narrow zones of mineralization where they appear to be pinching out in the up-dip direction. The hole returned a narrow intersection of stringer-style mineralization from the Cu1 Lens grading 0.61% Cu, 0.31% Zn, 15.0 g/t Ag and 0.21 g/t Au over 1.0m, followed by two narrow intervals of semi-massive sulphides attributed to the Main Lens grading 0.86% Cu, 8.31% Zn, 44.4 g/t Ag and 1.10 g/t Au over 1.0m followed by a second 0.8m interval grading 0.02% Cu, 3.19% Zn, 14.5 g/t Ag and 0.05 g/t Au. TS-25-38w2 was also wedged from the TS-25-38 pilot hole but was directed to the south where it intersected the Tesla Zone almost 100m further south along strike from TS-25-38. This intersection is closer to the central part of the Tesla Zone where the mineralization is much more robust with the hole intersecting substantially thicker zones of higher-grade mineralization compared to TS-25-38w1. The results from TS-25-38w2 are highlighted by a 6.9m interval of the Main Lens massive sulphide grading 2.16% Cu, 3.72% Zn, 29.3 g/t Ag and 0.62 g/t Au, followed directly downhole by a 17.1m interval of stringer-style mineralization attributed to the underlying Cu2 Lens grading 2.07% Cu, 0.67% Zn, 27.5 g/t Ag and 0.37 g/t Au which included a 6.9m interval of higher grade mineralization grading 3.19% Cu, 0.93% Zn, 48.8 g/t Ag and 0.57 g/t Au. TS-25-39w2: TS-25-39w2 intersected the Tesla horizon approximately 100m up dip from the previously released intersection from TS-25-39w1 (see Foran's June 17, 2025 news release) and 200m down dip from the intersection of TS-25-38w1 discussed above. As is evident from Figure 5, the upper felsic package is intruded by a mafic sill at this location, that squeezes out the prospective felsic stratigraphy down dip resulting in narrower lenses of mineralization in this sector of the Tesla Zone. This appears to be a local phenomenon that is seen over 100-200m before the intrusion thins and the zones of mineralization thicken again. TS-25-39w2 returned a narrow, combined interval of the Cu1 and Main Lens over 1.6m, consisting of 1.1m grading 1.09% Cu, 2.18% Zn, 92.9 g/t Ag from Cu1 and 0.05 g/t Au followed by a 0.5m grading 0.22% Cu, 19.00% Zn, 88.5 g/t Ag and 0.05 g/t Au from the Main Lens. A geological cross section is provided in Figure 5 below, showing the intersections from TS-25-39w2 and TS-25-38w1 relative to the surrounding drill holes in the upper felsic package at Tesla. Main Trend - Area A The results of six additional intersections from Area A (Figure 2) near the southern margin of the Main Trend at Tesla are also included in this release which targeted the up-and downdip areas which have seen limited previous drilling. All holes intersected the expected zones of mineralization, with narrower intersections at higher elevations that thicken down dip into the heart of the Tesla Zone and confirm that mineralization extends in multiple lenses over at least 700m in the down dip direction. Drill holes TS-25-44, -44w1 and -43 targeted the up-dip areas at higher elevations, with TS-25-43w1, -040w1 and -40w2 targeting the deeper parts of the Tesla system where thicker zones of mineralization were generally intersected. TS-25-44 / TS-25-44w1: Drill hole TS-25-44 was drilled from the footwall side of Tesla and therefore intersected the mineralized zones in reverse order, providing one of the furthest up dip intersections into the Tesla Zone. At this elevation, the hole intersected the Cu2 Lens at approximately 932m with a 2.1m interval of stringer-style and disseminated pyrite with lesser chalcopyrite and sphalerite, that approached semi-massive locally, hosted in sericite and/or chlorite altered felsic rocks grading 0.52% Cu, 0.11% Zn, 3.9 g/t Ag and 0.90 g/t Au. This was followed approximately 81m downhole by another interval of semi-massive sulphide attributed to the Main Lens that graded 1.02% Cu, 3.24% Zn, 9.4 g/t Ag and 0.38 g/t Au over 1.5m, including a 0.7m interval grading 1.60% Cu, 6.42% Zn, 13.7 g/t and 0.63 g/t, which was followed directly downhole by a 3.0m interval of overlying Cu1 Lens grading 0.41% Cu, 0.41% Zn, 1.8 g/t Ag and 0.10 g/t Au. The intersections in TS-25-44 were followed up by a second drill hole that was wedged from the parent at 644m and intersected the Tesla mineralization approximately 40-50m further down dip. At this location, TS-25-44w1 intersected broader zones of mineralization closer to the heart of the Tesla Zone. The hole initially intersected a 14m interval of the underlying Cu2 Lens that graded 0.89% Cu, 0.06% Zn, 9.3 g/t Ag and 0.50 g/t Au, including a 5.0m interval grading 1.53% Cu, 0.14% Zn, 15.7 g/t Ag and 0.46 g/t Au which was followed downhole by a 2.3m semi-massive interval from the Main Lens grading 1.38% Cu, 1.34% Zn, 32.4 g/t Ag and 0.27 g/t Au. Approximately 17m downhole, TS-25-44w1 then intersected two intervals attributed to the Cu1 Lens, including 7.0m grading 0.65% Cu, 0.37% Zn, 17.4 g/t Ag and 0.28 g/t Au followed by a 3.0m interval 0.51% Cu, 0.18% Zn, 18.3 g/t Ag and 0.13 g/t Au. TS-25-43 / TS-25-43w1: Drill hole TS-25-43 intersected the upper part of the central Tesla Zone approximately 100m further downdip and 50m to the south of TS-25-44w1 described above. Drill hole TS-25-43 was drilled from the lake ice to provide an orthogonal intersection into the zones where it returned a broad contiguous mineralized interval of 15.1m from the combined Main and underlying Cu2 Lens, consisting of a 6.4m interval from the Main Lens massive sulphide grading 0.59% Cu, 4.96% Zn, 24.1 g/t Ag and 0.22 g/t Au followed directly downhole by an 8.7m interval of the Cu2 Lens grading 0.65% Cu, 1.36% Zn, 20.0 g/t Ag and 0.26 g/t Au. Drill hole TS-25-43w1 was drilled as a follow up hole, wedged from the pilot hole at 677m and oriented down dip and to the south where it intersected the Tesla mineralization approximately 125m south and 100m down dip of TS-25-43. TS-25-43w1 intersected a contiguous 25.9m interval of mineralization that is made up of the three most prevalent lenses at Tesla. The hole returned a 0.9m interval from the upper Cu1 Lens grading 1.38% Cu, 1.60% Zn, 37.4 g/t Ag and 0.003 g/t Au, followed by a 7.9m interval from the Main Lens massive sulphide grading 0.36% Cu, 10.44% Zn, 21.8 g/t Ag and 0.04 g/t Au and a 17.1m interval from the Cu2 Lens grading 1.41% Cu, 0.95% Zn, 13.4 g/t Ag and 0.14 g/t Au. TS-25-40w1 / TS-25-40w2: Drill hole TS-25-40w1 was drilled as a follow up wedge from the previously released TS-25-40 (Foran June 17, 2025 news release) where it intersected the Tesla Zone approximately 125m north of the pilot hole. The hole also successfully intersected the Tesla mineralization approximately 200m downdip and 100m south of TS-25-43w1 discussed above, where the mineralized zones appear to be coalescing as they trend down dip. TS-25-40w1 returned a 3.3m interval of the Main Lens massive sulphide grading 0.56% Cu, 11.36% Zn, 35.0 g/t Ag and 0.24 g/t Au followed by a 2.9m interval of the underlying Cu2 Lens grading 0.99% Cu, 2.25% Zn, 26.5 g/t Ag and 0.02 g/t Au. TS-25-40w2 was drilled as an additional wedge from TS-25-40 designed to fill a large gap in the drilling down dip. TS-25-40w2 intersected the Tesla Zone approximately 100m down dip and 50m to the north of the intersection from TS-25-40w1 discussed above. At this location the mineralization appears to be thickening again, returning a 22.2m contiguous interval of mineralization attributed to the Cu1 and Main Lens. TS-25-40w2 intersected a 2.3m interval of stringer mineralization from the Cu1 Lens grading 1.17% Cu, 0.91% Zn, 27.4 g/t Ag and 0.22 g/t Au followed by a 19.9m interval grading 0.56% Cu, 7.89% Zn, 40.2 g/t Ag and 0.29 g/t Au from the Main Lens massive sulphide. The thickness of the mineralized intersections here is encouraging, as it appears to suggest that good potential remains to continue to expand the Tesla mineralization down dip in this sector of the deposit. A geological cross section is provided in Figure 6, showing the intersection from TS-25-40w2 described above relative to the surrounding drilling. Southern Sector The results of five additional drill holes are included in this release from the southern sector of Tesla and the transition into the Bridge Zone. These holes focused on several large gaps in the previous drilling targeting both up (TS-25-34w2 and -34w3) and down dip areas (TS-25-34w4 and BZ-25-02w1) of the Tesla Zone, along with one drill hole that was completed near the very southern edge of the Tesla drilling which successfully intersected significant mineralization and expanded the strike length of Tesla to the south (TS-25-41w2). BZ-25-02w1: BZ-25-02w1 was drilled as a wedge from BZ-25-02 and was angled to the north to infill a large gap in the drilling near the south end of the Tesla Zone. The hole was successful in intersecting multiple zones of mineralization from both Tesla and the Bridge Zones, approximately 100m along strike from the parent hole, which included a significant zone of high-grade copper mineralization related to the Tesla Cu2 Lens. Unfortunately, due to spring break up, the drill hole had to be terminated prior to reaching the McIlvenna Bay horizon. BZ-25-02w1 initially intersected a 1.0m interval of stringer-style mineralization from the Cu1 Lens grading 0.41% Cu, 0.61% Zn, 6.3 g/t Ag and 0.03 g/t Au, followed by an 8.0m interval of massive to semi-massive sulphide mineralization attributed to the Tesla Main Lens grading 0.72% Cu, 2.45% Zn, 20.4 g/t Ag and 0.08 g/t Au, which included two higher grade intervals including 1.3m grading 0.48% Cu, 7.08% Zn, 18.4 g/t Ag and 0.02 g/t Au and 2.3m grading 1.20% Cu, 2.04% Zn, 30.8 g/t Ag and 0.03 g/t Au. The Main Lens was followed directly downhole by a broad zone of stringer-style pyrite and chalcopyrite grading 2.20% Cu, 1.39% Zn, 11.5 g/t Ag and 0.03 g/t Au over 16.5m which also included a high-grade copper interval grading 5.25% Cu, 1.13% Zn, 21.0 g/t Ag and 0.01 g/t Au over 4.4m. Approximately 160m further downhole, the drill hole intersected a massive sulphide horizon that marks the Bridge Zone mineralization, grading 1.04% Cu, 9.49% Zn, 43.8 g/t Ag and 0.26 g/t Au over 2.7m. A geological cross section is provided in Figure 7, showing BZ-25-02w1 relative to the surrounding drill holes and the relationship between the Tesla and Bridge Zone mineralization. TS-25-41w2: TS-25-41w2 was drilled as an additional wedge from TS-25-41, which was directed to the south as a further step-out along strike from the parent hole. TS-25-41w2 was successful in further expanding the strike length of the Tesla mineralization to the south where it returned two intervals attributed to the Cu2 Lens, with similar dimensions and grades as returned from the previous results from TS-25-41w1 (see Foran's June 2, 2025 news release). TS-25-41w2 intersected broad zones of stringer-style sulphides, dominantly consisting of pyrite with minor chalcopyrite and sphalerite that are hosted in felsic rocks that returned a 5.3m interval grading 0.56% Cu, 0.29% Zn, 4.2 g/t Ag and 0.06 g/t Au followed 3.6m further downhole by a second interval grading 0.60% Cu, 0.86% Zn, 5.6 g/t Ag and 0.09 g/t Au over 13.5m. A geological cross section is provided in Figure 8, showing the intersections in TS-25-41w2 relative to the surrounding drill holes in the upper felsic package, as well as the relationship between the Tesla mineralization and the Bridge Zone and McIlvenna Bay. TS-25-34w2, -34w3 and -34w4: Three infill holes were completed near the end of the 2025 winter program that were drilled as wedges from the footwall side of Tesla, utilizing a pre-existing pilot hole (TS-24-34) that was originally drilled during the 2024 summer program. All three holes targeted and successfully intersected multiple lenses of the mineralization from the upper felsic package near the southern end of the Tesla Zone. Since these holes were drilled from the footwall side, the mineralized intervals were intersected in reverse order in the drilling. TS-24-34w2 provided the highest up dip intersection of the three holes, intersecting the Tesla stratigraphy at approximately 500m vertical elevation. At this location, the mineralized lenses appear to be pinching down where they consist of stringer and foliation parallel pyrite and lesser chalcopyrite in a chlorite-sericite-biotite altered felsic unit. The hole returned two intervals from the Cu2 Lens consisting of 4.0m grading 0.69% Cu, 0.30% Zn, 8.6 g/t Ag and 0.01 g/t Au, followed downhole by a 1.0m interval grading 2.30% Cu, 0.61% Zn, 15.2 g/t Ag and 0.02 g/t Au. TS-25-34w3 intersected the stratigraphy on the same section, approximately 70m further down dip, where the drilling returned much thicker zones and mineralization and both the Main Lens massive sulphide and the Cu2 Lens where intersected. At this location, TS-25-34w3 returned four intervals from the Cu2 Lens, highlighted by a 29.2m intercept grading 0.87% Cu, 0.54% Zn, 12.2 g/t Ag and 0.13 g/t Au which included an 11.6m interval grading 1.26% Cu, 0.91% Zn, 15.9 g/t Ag and 0.24 g/t Au. The Cu2 Lenses were overlain by the Main Lens massive sulphide horizon which graded 1.48% Cu, 7.08% Zn, 34.3 g/t Ag and 0.16 g/t Au over 1.3m. Finally, TS-25-34w4 was wedged to the south from the pilot hole where it intersected the mineralization approximately 150m to the south of TS-24-34w3. At this location, the hole again intersected broad zones of mineralization with multiple intervals of the Cu2 Lens, including 13.3m grading 0.99% Cu, 0.97% Zn, 10.5 g/t Ag and 0.29 g/t Au and 8.5m grading 1.01% Cu, 1.15% Zn, 27.8 g/t Ag and 0.09 g/t Au. The Cu2 Lens was followed by another narrow intersection of the Main Lens massive sulphide grading 1.20% Cu, 11.21% Zn, 24.6 g/t Ag and 0.04 g/t Au over 1.9m. Table 1 - 2025 Winter Program Assay Results Hole Zone From_m To_m Interval_m Cu % Zn % Ag g/t Au g/t CuEq % BZ-25-02w1 Cu1 Lens 1258.6 1259.6 1.0 0.41 0.61 6.3 0.03 0.6 BZ-25-02w1 Main Lens 1259.6 1267.6 8.0 0.72 2.45 20.4 0.08 1.53 Including Main Lens 1259.6 1260.9 1.3 0.48 7.08 18.4 0.02 2.65 And Main Lens 1260.9 1263.1 2.3 1.20 2.04 30.8 0.03 1.86 BZ-25-02w1 Cu2 Lens 1267.6 1284.1 16.5 2.20 1.39 11.5 0.03 2.49 Including Cu2 Lens 1279.0 1283.4 4.4 5.25 1.13 21.0 0.01 5.22 BZ-25-02w1 Bridge Zone 1440.8 1443.5 2.7 1.04 9.49 43.8 0.26 4.14 BZ-25-02w1 Au Zone 1459.4 1465.9 6.5 0.01 0.03 21.3 0.41 0.35 Including Au Zone 1459.4 1460.3 1.0 0.04 0.02 82.5 1.30 1.18 TS-25-34w2 - 1017.4 1019.4 2.0 0.62 0.26 7.1 0.04 0.70 TS-25-34w2 - 1040.4 1041.4 1.0 0.70 0.07 8.2 0.08 0.74 TS-25-34w2 Cu2 Lens 1070.3 1074.3 4.0 0.69 0.30 8.6 0.01 0.76 TS-25-34w2 Cu1 Lens 1093.3 1094.3 1.0 2.30 0.61 15.2 0.02 2.36 TS-25-34w3 - 1077.5 1084.5 7.0 0.70 0.59 10.1 0.01 0.87 TS-25-34w3 Cu2 Lens 1104.5 1133.7 29.2 0.87 0.54 12.2 0.13 1.09 Including Cu2 Lens 1117.3 1128.9 11.6 1.26 0.91 15.9 0.24 1.63 TS-25-34w3 Cu2 Lens 1137.7 1142.7 5.0 0.62 0.59 11.0 0.01 0.80 TS-25-34w3 Cu2 Lens 1145.7 1150.7 5.0 0.59 0.55 11.0 0.01 0.76 Including Cu2 Lens 1149.7 1150.7 1.0 1.09 0.17 12.3 0.003 1.10 TS-25-34w3 Cu2 Lens 1175.5 1180.2 4.7 0.58 0.51 8.8 0.12 0.79 TS-25-34w3 Main Lens 1180.2 1181.5 1.3 1.48 7.08 34.3 0.16 3.72 TS-25-34w4 Bridge Zone 848.3 849.3 1.0 1.27 0.59 5.7 0.02 1.37 TS-25-34w4 Bridge Zone 857.4 865.2 7.8 0.65 0.32 5.7 0.004 0.72 TS-25-34w4 - 1112.0 1114.0 2.0 1.18 3.48 8.3 0.07 2.20 TS-25-34w4 - 1172.0 1174.0 2.0 1.24 0.32 9.5 0.05 1.30 TS-25-34w4 Cu2 Lens 1183.0 1189.0 6.0 0.55 0.79 4.6 0.12 0.83 TS-25-34w4 Cu2 Lens 1192.0 1205.3 13.3 0.99 0.97 10.5 0.29 1.41 Including Cu2 Lens 1192.0 1196.0 4.0 1.27 1.01 14.5 0.41 1.76 And Cu2 Lens 1204.2 1204.7 0.4 0.94 12.70 16.1 0.24 4.87 TS-25-34w4 Cu2 Lens 1216.0 1224.5 8.5 1.01 1.15 27.8 0.09 1.44 Including Cu2 Lens 1217.0 1218.5 1.5 1.54 4.48 35.0 0.06 2.94 TS-25-34w4 Main Lens 1224.5 1226.4 1.9 1.20 11.21 24.6 0.04 4.58 TS-25-34w4 Cu1 Lens 1226.4 1227.0 0.6 0.44 0.22 4.9 0.003 0.49 TS-25-37w2 Cu1 Lens 1428.3 1429.3 1.0 0.79 3.95 180.0 2.06 3.93 TS-25-37w2 Main Lens 1429.3 1437.4 8.1 1.86 11.51 80.9 1.68 6.49 Including Main Lens 1429.3 1432.5 3.2 0.56 15.21 87.5 0.75 5.90 And Main Lens 1432.5 1435.8 3.3 3.42 8.72 87.8 3.12 7.94 Or Main Lens 1433.3 1433.8 0.5 4.15 7.20 107.0 13.89 14.50 TS-25-37w2 Main Lens 1440.9 1444.1 3.2 0.05 4.79 29.2 0.13 1.69 TS-25-37w2 Au Zone 1476.5 1481.9 5.4 0.05 0.03 42.3 0.54 0.56 Including Au Zone 1478.5 1479.5 1.0 0.10 0.02 120.0 1.44 1.49 TS-25-37w2 Au Zone 1494.5 1501.5 7.0 0.06 0.02 85.3 0.83 0.94 Including Au Zone 1499.5 1501.5 2.1 0.10 0.02 141.0 1.76 1.77 TS-25-38w1 - 1288.6 1292.6 4.0 0.77 0.07 14.8 0.32 0.98 Including - 1289.6 1290.6 1.0 1.20 0.10 24.6 0.40 1.47 TS-25-38w1 - 1295.6 1296.6 1.0 0.65 0.62 17.3 0.26 1.01 TS-25-38w1 Cu1 Lens 1309.6 1310.6 1.0 0.61 0.31 15.0 0.21 0.84 TS-25-38w1 Main Lens 1317.5 1318.5 1.0 0.86 8.31 44.4 1.10 4.11 TS-25-38w1 Main Lens 1321.0 1321.8 0.8 0.02 3.19 14.5 0.05 1.07 TS-25-38w2 Cu1 Lens 1324.8 1326.6 1.8 1.12 0.12 7.9 0.45 1.35 TS-25-38w2 Main Lens 1326.6 1333.5 6.9 2.16 3.72 29.3 0.62 3.58 Including Main Lens 1330.9 1333.5 2.6 3.95 3.98 46.7 0.74 5.43 TS-25-38w2 Cu2 Lens 1333.5 1350.6 17.1 2.07 0.67 27.5 0.37 2.43 Including Cu2 Lens 1337.9 1344.8 6.9 3.19 0.93 48.8 0.57 3.74 TS-25-38w2 Cu2 Lens 1357.3 1366.8 9.5 0.65 0.71 27.1 0.26 1.08 TS-25-38w2 Au Zone 1422.9 1431.9 9.0 0.03 0.03 53.6 0.79 0.74 Including Au Zone 1428.9 1431.9 3.0 0.05 0.02 83.4 1.59 1.36 TS-25-38w2 Lower Lens 1441.6 1443.3 1.8 0.12 11.11 47.0 0.23 3.78 TS-25-39w2 QV 1429.2 1431.5 2.3 0.05 0.02 85.1 0.48 0.72 TS-25-39w2 Cu1 Lens 1504.7 1505.8 1.1 1.09 2.18 92.9 0.05 2.10 TS-25-39w2 Main Lens 1505.8 1506.3 0.5 0.22 19.00 88.5 0.05 6.32 TS-25-40w1 Main Lens 1352.4 1355.7 3.3 0.56 11.36 35.0 0.24 4.21 TS-25-40w1 Cu2 Lens 1355.7 1358.6 2.9 0.99 2.25 26.5 0.02 1.71 TS-25-40w2 Cu1 Lens 1434.2 1436.5 2.3 1.17 0.91 27.4 0.22 1.59 TS-25-40w2 Main Lens 1436.5 1456.4 19.9 0.56 7.89 40.2 0.29 3.23 Including Main Lens 1445.4 1452.4 7.0 0.45 9.13 45.2 0.31 3.53 TS-25-40w2 Main Lens 1461.9 1466.0 4.1 0.44 4.37 35.0 0.47 2.14 Including Main Lens 1461.9 1464.2 2.3 0.60 6.74 54.8 0.74 3.25 TS-25-41w2 Cu2 Lens 1086.3 1091.6 5.3 0.56 0.29 4.2 0.06 0.66 TS-25-41w2 Cu2 Lens 1095.2 1108.7 13.5 0.60 0.86 5.6 0.09 0.88 TS-25-43 Main Lens 1095.1 1101.5 6.4 0.59 4.96 24.1 0.22 2.26 Including Main Lens 1095.1 1098.0 2.9 0.59 6.55 23.4 0.16 2.70 TS-25-43 Cu2 Lens 1101.5 1110.2 8.7 0.65 1.36 20.0 0.26 1.24 Including Cu2 Lens 1105.5 1107.2 1.7 1.14 1.19 20.4 0.30 1.66 TS-25-43 Cu2 Lens 1124.2 1127.2 3.0 0.75 0.74 4.9 0.14 1.01 TS-25-43w1 Cu1 Lens 1122.9 1123.8 0.9 1.38 1.60 37.4 0.003 1.91 TS-25-43w1 Main Lens 1123.8 1131.7 7.9 0.36 10.44 21.8 0.04 3.58 TS-25-43w1 Cu2 Lens 1131.7 1148.8 17.1 1.41 0.95 13.4 0.14 1.71 Including Cu2 Lens 1146.4 1148.8 2.4 4.18 0.84 26.8 0.04 4.21 TS-25-44 Cu2 Lens 932.0 934.1 2.1 0.52 0.11 3.9 0.90 1.05 TS-25-44 Main Lens 1015.1 1016.6 1.5 1.02 3.24 9.4 0.38 2.16 Including Main Lens 1015.9 1016.6 0.7 1.60 6.42 13.7 0.63 3.81 TS-25-44 Cu1 Lens 1016.6 1019.6 3.0 0.41 0.41 1.8 0.10 0.56 TS-24-44 - 1026.0 1027.0 1.0 1.52 3.01 11.3 0.34 2.54 TS-25-44w1 Cu2 Lens 966.5 980.5 14.0 0.89 0.06 9.3 0.50 1.16 Including Cu2 Lens 975.5 980.5 5.0 1.53 0.14 15.7 0.46 1.78 TS-25-44w1 Main Lens 1060.8 1063.0 2.3 1.38 1.34 32.4 0.27 1.96 TS-25-44w1 Cu1 Lens 1080.0 1087.0 7.0 0.65 0.37 17.4 0.28 0.95 Including Cu1 Lens 1085.0 1087.0 2.0 1.06 1.11 21.6 0.58 1.73 TS-25-44w1 Cu1 Lens 1090.0 1093.0 3.0 0.51 0.18 18.3 0.13 0.68 TS-25-44w1 - 1101.0 1103.5 2.5 0.89 0.88 11.1 0.25 1.27 Note 1: Composite widths are presented as core lengths. Additional drilling will be required to confirm the geometry of the mineralized zones, but generally true widths are thought to be 80-85% of core length. Intervals generally composited using a 0.5% Cu cut-off grade in the stringer zones. Copper Equivalent values calculated using metal prices of $4.00/lb Cu, $1.50/lb Zn, $20.00/ounce Ag and $1,800/ounce Au and LOM metallurgical recovery rates derived from test work on blended ores for the McIlvenna Bay Deposit completed as part of our April 2022 Feasibility Study: 91.1% Cu, 79.8% Zn, 88.6% Au and 62.3% Ag. To date no metallurgical test work has been completed on the Tesla Zone or Bridge Zone mineralization. Quality Assurance and Quality Control Drilling was completed using NQ size diamond drill core and core was logged by employees of the Company. During the logging process, mineralized intersections were marked for sampling and given unique sample numbers. Sampled intervals were sawn in half using a diamond blade saw. One half of the sawn core was placed in a plastic bag with the sample tag and sealed, while the second half was returned to the core box for storage on site. Sample assays are performed by the Saskatchewan Research Council ("SRC") Geoanalytical Laboratory in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. SRC is a Canadian accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) and independent of Foran. Analysis for Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn is performed using ICP-OES after total multi-acid digestion. Au analysis is completed by fire assay with AAS finish and any samples which return results greater than 1.0 g/t Au are re-run using gravimetric finish. A complete suite of QA/QC reference materials (standards, blanks, and duplicates) are included in each batch of samples processed by the laboratory. The results of the assaying of the QA/QC material included in each batch are tracked to ensure the integrity of the assay data. Qualified Person Mr. Roger March, P. Geo., Principal Geoscientist for Foran, is the Qualified Person for all technical information herein and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this release. Foran Mining is a copper-zinc-gold-silver exploration and development company, committed to supporting a greener future and empowering communities while creating value for our stakeholders. The McIlvenna Bay project is located within the documented traditional territory of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, comprises the infrastructure and works related to development activities of the Company, and hosts the McIlvenna Bay Deposit and Tesla Zone. The McIlvenna Bay Deposit is a copper-zinc-gold-silver rich VHMS deposit intended to be the centre of a new mining camp in a prolific district that has already been producing for 100 years. The McIlvenna Bay Property sits just 65 km West of Flin Flon, Manitoba, and is part of the world class Flin Flon Greenstone Belt that extends from Snow Lake, Manitoba, through Flin Flon to Foran's ground in eastern Saskatchewan, a distance of over 225 km. The Company filed its NI 43-101 compliant 2025 Technical Report on the McIlvenna Bay Project, Saskatchewan, Canada (the "2025 Technical Report") on March 12, 2025, with an effective date and report date of March 12, 2025, outlining a mineral resource in respect of the McIlvenna Bay Deposit estimated at 38.6 Mt grading 2.02% CuEq in the Indicated category and an additional 4.5 Mt grading 1.71% CuEq in the Inferred category. Investors are encouraged to consult the full text of the 2025 Technical Report which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile. The Company's head office is located at 409 Granville Street, Suite 904, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 1T2. Common Shares of the Company are listed for trading on the TSX under the symbol "FOM" and on the OTCQX under the symbol "FMCXF". CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or to the future performance of Foran Mining Corporation and reflect management's expectations and assumptions as of the date hereof or as of the date of such forward looking statement. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited, statements regarding our objectives and our strategies to achieve such objectives; our beliefs, plans, estimates, projections and intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events; as well as specific statements in respect of our exploration plan's focus and objectives, including regarding targets, rigs, timing, drilling locations, and expected results; our 2025 summer drilling program and our release of such results; statements made in the video that is hyperlinked to this news release; our intention to conduct further exploration in connection with electromagnetic survey results, including in respect of the newly identified Borehole EM (BHEM) conductor plate associated with the Lower Lens of the Tesla Zone which we plan to further explore during our upcoming summer drill program; the expansion potential of the Tesla Zone and our view that drilling results suggest a growing precious metal opportunity and their value potential to Tesla; the long-term potential for phased expansion opportunities at McIlvenna Bay; our intention to confirm the extent and controls on gold mineralization at Tesla; our 2026 summer drill program plans and objectives, including the use of two drill rigs; the growth potential and relationship of, and our ability to expand and further delineate, the McIlvenna Bay Deposit, Tesla Zone and Bridge Zone mineralization; the continuation and strengthening of McIlvenna Bay Deposit, Tesla Zone and Bridge Zone mineralization; our ability to construct and commission the McIlvenna Bay Project; our drilling pipeline; our understanding and interpretation of geology and mineralization, including in respect of the McIlvenna Bay Deposit, Tesla Zone and Bridge Zone; our ability to complete a future resource estimate for Tesla Zone, and the impact that drilling results returned to date have on such estimate; our drilling techniques and technologies, including the expectation that the use of wedging and directional technologies will maintain the efficiency and precision of drilling; our commitment to support a greener future, empower communities and create value for our stakeholders; expectations regarding our development and advanced exploration activities; and expectations, assumptions and targets in respect of our 2025 Technical Report. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date specified in such statement. Inherent in forward-looking statements are known and unknown risks, estimates, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. These factors include management's belief or expectations relating to the following and, in certain cases, management's response with regard to the following: the Company's reliance on the McIlvenna Bay Property; the Company is exposed to risks related to mineral resources exploration and development; and the additional risks identified in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). The forward-looking statements contained in this news release reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include the availability of funds for the Company's projects; availability of equipment; sustained labour stability with no labour-related disruptions; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and should note that the assumptions and risk factors discussed in this press release are not exhaustive. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward looking statements contained in this press release. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified by this cautionary statement. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements, unless required by law. Additional information about these assumptions, risks and uncertainties is contained in our filings with securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). SOURCE Foran Mining Corporation FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Foran: Jonathan French, CFA, VP, Capital Markets & External Affairs, 409 Granville Street, Suite 904, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 1T2, ir@foranmining.com, +1 (604) 488-0008 Initial Bulk Sample Testing Recovers First Gold Environmental and Social Impacts Study Approved Toronto, September 4, 2025 - Compass Gold Corp. (TSXV: CVB) ("Compass" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a further update on the important advances the Company has made at the Massala Gold Project located along a 3 km section of the 14 km Tarabala Trend, within the Company's Sikasso Property in southern Mali. Highlights: Initial gold recoveries have been achieved under Bulk Sampling Authorization Initial mineralized rock processing recoveries and grade confirmations will provide valuable data to optimize the Massala Small Mine unit and accelerate the primary objective of recovering gold Malian Inter-ministerial Committee approves Environmental and Social Impacts Study for Massala Small Mine, which clears the way for the Malian Ministry of Mines to issue a Small Mining Permit for Massala Compass CEO Larry Phillips said, "Over the last three months, our Malian technical team, led by Dr. Madani Diallo, has made tremendous progress in executing our Small Mine Strategy to develop our first small mine at Massala. The initiation of our Bulk Sampling Authorization for Massala is one of the final steps in achieving our goal. We intend to complete up to 1,000 tonnes of bulk sampling of Massala mineralization to confirm gold grades and recoveries. Our Compass team recently took charge of the testing facility and quickly carried out equipment modifications and maintenance required to complete the tests. As of today, we have processed approximately 100 tonnes of mineralized material. Modest test recoveries were achieved while further assay tests are pending for grade confirmation. We have noted specific opportunities to optimize the performance of the plant, which will be reviewed with the owner of the SMAT facilities before additional mineralization is processed. Another critical achievement is the approval of the Environmental and Social Impacts Study for our planned Massala Small Mine. Our technical team has worked effectively to complete all environmental reviews and consultations with the relevant Malian Ministries and local communities. All are eager to see the completion of the bulk testing operations at Massala. We expect the formal environmental permit to be delivered in the next few days, which will allow the Ministry of Mines to issue a Small Mine Permit (SMP) for Massala. Positive test results at Massala, through our Small Mine Strategy, could see the granting of additional Small Mines permits along the 1Tarabala trend as well as on other gold mineralization across our more than 1,000 sq. km of land holdings in Mali. We will consider all options to expedite our future advancement of additional Small Mines and create the value our shareholders expect, including strategic partnerships and joint ventures." SMAT Facility Upgrades and Testing The Compass technical team, which has operated the SMAT testing facility, recently completed modifications and upgrades to the facility, which is located just 5 km from the main Massala gold zone. The initial processing of mineralization confirmed that the SMAT plant can be operated efficiently at a rate of between 10 and 30 tonnes per hour. Eight bulk samples (100 tonnes) have been processed and contained variable amounts of gold. Precise recovery results are pending, since laboratory assays from the tailings are outstanding. The results will be reported once they have been scrutinized by the technical team. As the heaviest part of the rainy season ends in the coming weeks, better road conditions will enable larger quantities of mineralized rock to be trucked to and tested at the SMAT site. The daily operating results, including crushing settings, gold recovery data, and grade confirmations from this initial stage of processing, will be used to optimize longer-term operations once the SMP is received. Environmental Impact Study Approved by Inter-Ministerial Committee Compass has provided all required documentation for its Environmental Permit application to the Ministry of Environment, which formally approved our Environmental and Social Impact Studies on September 3rd. The Company expects to receive the formal Permit shortly, after it has been gazetted. About Compass Gold Corp. Compass, a public company having been incorporated into Ontario, is a Tier 2 issuer on the TSX- V. Through the 2017 acquisition of MGE and Malian subsidiaries, Compass holds gold exploration permits located in Mali that comprise the Sikasso Property. The exploration permits are located in four sites in southern Mali with a combined land holding of 1,173 sq. km. The Sikasso Property is located in the same region as several multi-million-ounce gold 1projects, including Morila, Syama, Kalana and Komana. The Company's Mali-based technical team, led in the field by Dr. Madani Diallo and under the supervision of Dr. Sandy Archibald, P.Geo., is conducting the current exploration program. They are examining numerous anomalies first noted in Dr. Archibald's August 2017 "National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Sikasso Property, Southern Mali." Qualified Person This news release has been reviewed and approved by EurGeol. Dr. Sandy Archibald, P.Geo., Compass's Technical Director and shareholder, who is the Qualified Person for the technical information in this news release under National Instrument 43-101 standards. Note 1 Mineralization on adjacent properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Company's properties. Any references to exploration results on adjacent properties are provided for information only and do not imply any certainty of achieving similar results on the Company's properties. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265117 Quantum Critical Metals Corp. (TSX.V: LEAP | OTCQB: ATOXF | FSE: 86A1) ("Quantum" or the "Company") has received assays back on hand selected mica samples from pegmatite core from the NMX East project, located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec. A sample of pegmatite core was collected and sent to SGS Lakefield for mineralogy, metallurgical and hydrometallurgical studies to better understand the association of gallium (Ga), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs) mineral association, and to perform hydrometallurgy to remove the metals from the drill core (News releases of July 25, 2025). As a precursor to the detailed mineralogical studies that are currently underway at SGS Lakefield, the Quantum geologists hand selected three samples to test if Ga, Rb, Cs were associated with the mineral mica. Samples 1 and 2 were thought to be comprised mostly of the mineral mica whereas sample 3 was thought to contain other minerals such as feldspars and quartz. The three samples are shown in Figure 1. Click Image To View Full Size Figure 1. Grab samples from pegmatite core. The samples were sent to AGAT Laboratories in Calgary for assay and X-ray diffraction analysis. X-ray diffraction is a technique which uses x-rays to identify minerals based on their internal unique crystal structure. Table 1 shows the relative percentage of mica contained in each of the three samples and the associated element content in grams per tonne. Mica content Gallium (Ga) Lithium (Li) Niobium (Nb) Rubidium (Rb) Tin (Sn) Tantalum (Ta) Sample 1 21.2 wt % 93.7 391 180 1390 158 22.6 Sample 2 72.7 wt % 186 959 320 3220 347 71.5 Sample 3 0.7 wt % 21.3 23 10 1180 4 1.4 Table 1. Mica content (%) and corresponding assay values (grams per tonne) for selected mica-rich pegmatite samples Samples with the highest mica content returned the highest values of multiple elements, suggesting that mica is the main host of mineralization. For example, one mica-rich sample containing 72.7 wt % mica (Sample 2) recorded values of 186 ppm Ga, 959 ppm Li, 320 ppm Nb 3,220 ppm Rb, 347 ppm Sn, and 71.5 ppm Ta. By contrast, a sample with only 0.7 wt % mica (Sample 3) contained much lower values: 21.3 ppm Ga, 23 ppm Li, 10 ppm Nb, 1,180 ppm Rb, 4 ppm Sn, and 1.4 ppm Ta. This new analysis of these mica samples from the pegmatite drill core from the NMX property highlights a strong link between mica content and enrichment of several critical metals, including gallium (Ga), lithium (Li), niobium (Nb), rubidium (Rb), tin (Sn), and tantalum (Ta). These results reinforce the theory of mica acting as a host for mineralization in the NMX pegmatite systems. Additional detailed mineralogy is currently being done at SGS Lakefield which will lead into the hydrometallurgy studies where the metals are extracted from the minerals. Assay QA/QC The samples were hand selected from cut drill core. The geologist identified the minerals macroscopically and pulled a sample of a few hundred grams. Because of this methodology, the results do not represent the entire interval of 107 metres sampled for metallurgical testing, nor do the represent the ore body itself. The samples were sent to AGAT Laboratories in Calgary. AGAT is certified and licensed for a number of tests and is ISO 9001:2015 and also Standards Council of Canada accredited for mineral analysis, chemical/physical testing. The samples underwent sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-OES and ICP-MS finish. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Why is this important? If the detailed mineralogical studies being conducted at SGS align with the preliminary assay results, it likely to confirm that the critical elements (Ga, Rb, Cs, Nb, Sn, Ta) are hosted within the mica. This is good news for Quantum because this makes it easier to remove these elements from the rock. Basically, the elements can be concentrated once that one mineral is isolated from the rock which makes the hydrometallurgy (removal of the minerals) easier. _____________________________________________________________________________________ NMX East Property The NMX East project is 100% owned by Quantum Critical Metals Corp. The site has historically been explored for the lithium potential in the pegmatites at site. Quantum has recently been studying the gallium association within the pegmatite with the objective of determining the feasibility of extracting the metal from the pegmatite. The site is also strategically located near Power Metallic Mines Inc. (TSXV-PNPN) which announced a recently expanded land position near its Nisk-Lion-Tiger polymetallic discoveries. On June 9th, 2025, a land acquisition of 167 km from Li-FT Power Ltd. (TSXV-LIFT) highlighted the regional development and underscores the broader area's potential for polymetallic exploration. Power Metallic Acquires 167KM from Li-FT Power, Expanding Nisk - Lion Polymetallic Project Area by over 300% Quantum key developments on NMX East to date: Significant Critical Metals Discoveries A detailed reassessment of drill core assays from both Quebec projects has confirmed elevated and consistent intervals of gallium, rubidium, cesium, niobium, and tantalum. These results support the identification of two distinct gallium-rubidium-cesium mineralized systems within the Company's portfolio. Early Metallurgical Focus to Accelerate Recovery Assessment Quantum is prioritizing mineralogical and metallurgical studies ahead of a formal resource estimate to evaluate the economic viability of metal recovery. This proactive approach aims to fast-track development and position the Company at the forefront of critical metal supply efforts in North America. Innovative Gallium Recovery from Mica Initial findings suggest gallium may be hosted in mica, a non-traditional source. While gallium is typically extracted as a byproduct of bauxite or zinc processing, historical studies show it can be recovered from mica using processing methods like floatation, followed by hydrometallurgy acid leaching techniques. The Company is engaging multiple laboratories to optimize this process. Strengthening Domestic Supply Chains In light of China's December 2024 ban on gallium exports, Quantum's discoveries represent a timely and strategic opportunity to support North American critical mineral independence. These metals are essential for high-tech applications, including semiconductors, telecommunications, defense, and renewable energy. Qualified Person George M. Yordanov, P.Geo., a consultant to the Company, is the Qualified Person who has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release. About Quantum Critical Metals Corp. Quantum Critical Metals Corp. (TSX.V: LEAP) (OTCQB: ATOXF) (FSE: 86A1) is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on advancing critical metals projects that power next-generation technologies. With a growing portfolio of promising assets-including the NMX East Gallium-Rubidium-Cesium Project in Quebec, the Discovery Gallium-Rubidium-Cesium and polymetallic project in Quebec, the Victory Antimony Project in British Columbia, and the newly acquired Prophecy Germanium-Gallium-Zinc Project in British Columbia, among others, the Company is strategically positioned to support the West's transition to a secure and sustainable critical metals supply. To stay updated on Quantum's latest developments, sign up for our mailing list and visit www.quantumcriticalmetals.com and www.sedarplus.com. Marcy Kiesman, CEO Telephone: 604.428.2900 or 604.339.2243 Email: info@quantumcriticalmetals.com Website: www.quantumcriticalmetals.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward?looking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements that address the upcoming work programs, and other statements relating to the business, financial and technical prospects of the Company. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. 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. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.com. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The Company does not undertake to update forward?looking statements or forward?looking information, except as required by law. 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. Apollo Silver Corp. ("Apollo" or the "Company") (TSX.V:APGO, OTCQB:APGOF, Frankfurt:6ZF0) is pleased to announce the results of an updated independent Mineral Resource estimate ("MRE") for its Calico Silver Project ("Calico" or the "Calico Project") located in San Bernardino County, California. Total silver ("Ag") Measured & Indicated ("M&I") tonnes at the Waterloo property have increased by 61% to a total of 55 million tonnes ("Mt") at a grade of 71 grams per tonne ("g/t') Ag for a total content of 125 million troy ounces ("Moz"). This represents a 14% increase in Ag ounces compared to the previous MRE (dated March 6, 2023). In addition to updating the gold resource at Waterloo, inaugural barite ("BaSO4") and zinc ("Zn") resources have been included in both the Indicated and Inferred categories. News Highlights New combined Measured and Indicated total of 55 Mt at a grade of 71 g/t Ag for a total of 125 Moz Ag 61% increase in tonnage and a 14% increase in Ag ounces representing an increase of 15 Moz contained Ag Inferred total of 0.6 million tonnes at a grade of 26 g/t Ag for a total of 0.51 Moz contained Ag Sensitivity analyses show resiliency of the Ag resource to changes in metal price Inaugural BaSO 4 and Zn resources are estimated as: Indicated: 36 Mt @ 7.4% BaSO 4 and 0.45% Zn for a total content of 2.7 Mt BaSO 4 and 354 million pounds ("Mlbs") Zn Inferred: 17 Mt @ 3.9% BaSO 4 and 0.71% Zn for a total content of 0.65 Mt BaSO 4 and 258 Mlbs Zn and Zn resources are estimated as: Gold ounces have increased by 86% in the Inferred category for a new total of 17 Mt at a grade of 0.25 g/t Au and total Au content of 0.13 Moz One single pit for all metals at Waterloo deposit with a low strip ratio of 0.8:1 The increased quantities of Ag and Au, the addition of two new critical minerals, and the larger single pit with low strip ratio has derisked the Calico Project Further Growth Opportunities Silver: There remain further opportunities to expand the Ag mineralization below the base of the 2025 MRE in the northern region of the Waterloo deposit. Barite and Zinc: The indicated and inferred mineral resources for BaSO 4 and Zn show clear potential to be upgraded into M&I via infill drilling and re-assays. and Zn show clear potential to be upgraded into M&I via infill drilling and re-assays. Gold: Mineralization remains open along strike and at depth. Future work will target additional mineralization along strike with a particular focus on the high-grade structures. Langtry Property: Many areas under the Quaternary cover remain untested. In addition, the potential for BaSO 4 and other metals have not yet been evaluated in detail at Langtry. Ross McElroy, President and CEO for Apollo, commented: "The Calico Project continues to increase in value, scale and optionality. Already boasting one of the largest undeveloped silver deposits in the US, new data confirms the presence of additional minerals, such as barite and zinc, which are included on the US critical mineral list. These findings will contribute to our project development plans, including an upcoming Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). Notably, much of the mineralization occurs at shallow depths, resulting in a low economic strip rate. With a substantial land position, there is strong potential for further discoveries at Calico." CALICO PROJECT 2025 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE The 2025 MRE focused on upgrading and expanding the Waterloo resource estimate from that declared in 2023 (see news release dated March 6, 2023). The most significant change in the 2025 MRE is the addition of BaSO4 and Zn to the Ag and Au mineral resources for the Waterloo deposit and updated mineral resource estimate cut-off ("COG") grades for both the Waterloo and Langtry deposits. The Waterloo MRE now contains 125 Moz Ag in 55 Mt at an average grade of 71 g/t Ag in M&I categories, and 0.51 Moz Ag in 0.6 Mt at an average grade of 26 g/t Ag in the Inferred category. The Langtry MRE now contains 57 Moz Ag in 24 Mt at an average grade of 73 g/t Ag in the Inferred category. In addition to its robust Ag resource, the Waterloo resource now contains 2.7 Mt BaSO4 and 354 Mlbs Zn in 36 Mt at an average grade of 7.4 % BaSO4 and 0.45 % Zn in the Indicated category, and 0.65 Mt BaSO4 and 258 Mlbs Zn in 17 Mt at an average grade of 3.9 % BaSO4 and 0.71 % Zn in the Inferred category. Also, 0.13 Moz oxide Au contained in 17 Mt at an average grade of 0.25 g/t Au in the Inferred category. Oxide Au mineralization has been drilled over 1,000 m strike length and remains open in multiple directions. Figures 1 and 2 present the mineral resource block model grade and classification for each of the metals, respectively. Mineralization at Waterloo and Langtry is shallow and shows high continuity along the 1.8 km long strike length at Waterloo and 1.25 km at Langtry of the deposit. The 2025 MRE is calculated to a maximum open pit depth of approximately 192 m (630 ft) at Waterloo and approximately 149 m (490 ft) at Langtry for all metals. An open pit optimization is used to determine reasonable prospects for economic extraction, the calculated waste to mineralization tonnage ratio for the total resource at Waterloo is 0.8:1and 2.8:1 at Langtry. Table 1: Calico Project 2025 MRE. Effective June 30, 2025. Precious Metals Deposit Metal Class Cutoff Imperial Units Metric Units Contained Metal Grade Volume (Myd3) Tons Grade Volume (Mm3) Tonnes Grade Moz (g/t) (Mst) (oz/st) (Mt) (g/t) Waterloo1 Silver Measured AgEQ ? 47 23 48 2.2 18 43 75 104 Indicated 6.3 13 1.7 4.8 12 57 21 Measured + Indicated 29 61 2.1 22 55 71 125 Inferred 0.32 1.0 0.77 0.25 0.60 26 0.51 Gold Inferred AgEQ ? 47 5.3 11 0.01 4.1 10 0.2 0.07 AgEQ < 47 and Au ? 0.17 3.6 7.5 0.01 2.8 6.8 0.3 0.06 Inferred Total 8.9 18.4 0.01 6.9 17 0.25 0.13 Langtry2 Silver Inferred Ag ? 43 13 27 2.1 9.9 24 73 57 Base and Industrial Metals Deposit Metal Class Cutoff Imperial Units Metric Units Contained Metal Grade Volume (Myd3) Tons Grade Volume (Mm3) Tonnes Grade Mlbs Mt (g/t) (Mst) (%) (Mt) (%) Waterloo1 Barite Indicated AgEQ ? 47 19 40 7.4 15 36 7.4 - 2.7 Inferred 8.9 18 3.9 6.8 17 3.9 - 0.65 Zinc Indicated AgEQ ? 47 19 40 0.45 15 36 0.45 354 - Inferred 8.9 18 0.71 6.8 17 0.71 258 - Ounces reported as troy ounces. Base-case resource estimate reported in Table 1 using 47 g/t Ag equivalent ("AgEQ") and 0.17 g/t Au cut-off grades for Waterloo and 43 g/t Ag for Langtry. CIM definitions are followed for classification of the mineral resource. For the Waterloo Property, a AgEQ cut-off grade was calculated using the following variables: surface mining operating costs (US$2.8/st), processing costs plus general and administrative cost (US$26.5/st), Ag price (US$28/oz), BaSO 4 price (US$120/t), Zn price (US$1.22/lb), Au price (US$2,451/oz), and metal recoveries (Ag 65%, Au 80%, BaSO 4 85%, Zn 80%). For the Waterloo Property gold-only resources the Au cut-off grade was calculated using above Au price, Au recovery and gold-only processing costs plus general and administrative cost (US$8.2/st). price (US$120/t), Zn price (US$1.22/lb), Au price (US$2,451/oz), and metal recoveries (Ag 65%, Au 80%, BaSO 85%, Zn 80%). For the Waterloo Property gold-only resources the Au cut-off grade was calculated using above Au price, Au recovery and gold-only processing costs plus general and administrative cost (US$8.2/st). For the Langtry Property, a silver-only equivalent cut-off grade was calculated using above Ag price, Ag recovery and silver-only processing costs plus general and administrative cost (US$24/st). Resources reported in Table 1 are constrained to within a conceptual economic pit shell targeting mineralized blocks within the specified cutoff grade limits shown in the table. Specific gravity for the mineralized zone is fixed at 2.44 t/m 3 (13.13 ft 3 /st). For the Waterloo Property only the following drillhole grades were capped prior to estimation: Ag 450 g/t, Au 2 g/t, Ba 31% and Zn 7%. (13.13 ft /st). For the Waterloo Property only the following drillhole grades were capped prior to estimation: Ag 450 g/t, Au 2 g/t, Ba 31% and Zn 7%. Totals may not represent the sum of the parts due to rounding. 1,2 The 2025 MRE has been prepared by Derek Loveday, P. Geo., of Stantec Consulting Services Ltd., an independent Qualified Person, in co-operation with Mariea Kartick, P.Geo. (independent Qualified Person for drilling data QA/QC) and Johnny Marke P.G. (independent Qualified Person for resource estimation). The 2025 MRE was produced in conformance with NI 43-101. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that any mineral resource will be converted into a mineral reserve. The 2025 MRE has been prepared by Derek Loveday, P. Geo., of Stantec Consulting Services Ltd., an independent Qualified Person, in co-operation with Mariea Kartick, P.Geo. (independent Qualified Person for drilling data QA/QC) and Johnny Marke P.G. (independent Qualified Person for resource estimation). The 2025 MRE was produced in conformance with NI 43-101. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that any mineral resource will be converted into a mineral reserve. No drilling was completed on the Waterloo Property and Langtry Property since the declaration of the 2023 MRE for Waterloo and 2022 MRE for Langtry. The 2025 MRE update accounts for changes in commodity prices, mining costs since 2022/2023, and barite testing of existing drill samples from the Waterloo Property. Figure 1: Calico Project, 2025 Mineral Resource Block Model Grade Figure 2: Calico Project, 2025 Mineral Resource Classification Data Input The 2025 MRE considered drilling information up to and including the most recently completed program in 2022, as well as geological information from Apollo's 2021, 2022 and 2025 exploration activities. Drilling data supporting the 2025 MRE includes information from historic drilling data from 258 holes (18,679 m/61,282 ft), and 2022 drilling data from 85 holes (9,729 m/31,918 ft) for a total of 343 holes (28,407 m/93,199 ft). Nominal drill hole spacing is 30 x 46 m (100 x 150 ft) within the Measured portion of the 2025 MRE. Of the drill data set used, 332 holes are rotary or reverse circulation holes, and 11 holes are diamond drill holes. For the 2025 MRE, additional re-assaying of 7,431 historical and recent drill pulps by X-Ray Fluorescence for barium ("Ba") and barium oxide ("BaO)") was completed or a total of 7,893 Ba samples used for estimation. The Ba as well as existing Zn assay (4-acid or aqua-regia) assay results were subject to a comprehensive quality assurance/quality control ("QAQC") program that was reviewed by Mariea Kartick, P.Geo. (Stantec), an independent "Qualified Person" (or "QP") as such term is defined within National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). In addition, detailed surface mapping and rock sampling were completed in the Burcham area of the Waterloo Property. The mapping and sampling provided a better understanding of the extent of the Au mineralization at surface and within the Pickhandle Formation as well as helped refine orientations of high-angle gold-bearing structures in the geologic model. No additional Ag and Au assay data was used for the 2025 MRE from that acquired for the 2023 MRE. Material changes in Ag and Au resource in the 2025 MRE from the 2023 MRE are due to changing economics from 2023 to 2025 and inclusion of BaSO4 and Zn in the overall resource for the Waterloo deposit. Verification of drilling exploration data used for the 2025 MRE was performed by Mariea Kartick, P.Geo. (Stantec), an independent QP. Cut-Off Grade and Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction For the Waterloo MRE two base-case cut-off grades are used. A silver equivalent ("AgEQ") cut-off grade of 47 g/t was calculated for a combined recovery of Ag, BaSO4, Zn and Au and where the combined mineralization of these metals was less than AgEQ COG, gold-only recovery were evaluated for a Au COG grade of 0.17 g/t. For Langtry silver-only recovery is considered for a lower Ag COG grade of 43 g/t. The above cut-off grades were determined using the following assumptions: Silver price of US$28 per troy ounce, gold price of US$2,451 per troy ounce, barite price of US$120 per mt and zinc price of US$ 1.22 per pound Combined metal (Ag, BaSO 4 , Zn, Au) processing costs of US$26.5 per short ton; , Zn, Au) processing costs of US$26.5 per short ton; Gold only processing cost of US$8.2 per short ton Silver only processing cost of US$24 per short ton Included in all processing costs are general and administrative costs of US$3 per short ton; Mining costs of US$2.8 per short ton; and Silver recovery of 65%, BaSO 4 recovery of 85%, Zn recovery of 80% and Au recovery of 80%. Metal recoveries are based on results from the 2022 Metallurgical Test Program (see news releases dated February 14, 2023, February 23, 2023 and May 2, 2023) and published recoveries for comparative operations. Silver, Zn and Au prices were calculated by averaging published monthly commodity prices from the last 24 months up to June 2025 based on data from the World Bank. Barite price was based on historical BaSO4 pricing trends from 2013 to 2023, the last year when publicly available barite pricing data was available. Changes in metal prices, optimized processing parameters and/or improved metal recoveries will all impact cut-off grade and any resultant MRE. Reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction were assessed by calculating recovered block revenues for silver grade blocks above cut-off grade, less surface mining costs, and generating an optimized Hexagon MinePlan Pseudoflow economic pit shell at constant slope of 45 degrees that is constrained to within the property claim boundaries. Sensitivity Analysis A sensitivity analysis was undertaken to examine the impacts of varying the cut-off grades for AgEQ grades and tonnes for the Waterloo deposit within the base case economic pit shell and for Ag only grades and tonnes in the Langtry deposit. The available tonnes and average grade for each COG from within the 2025 MRE economic pit shell is shown in Table 2 for Waterloo and in Table 3 for Langtry. Table 2: Sensitivity analysis of the grade and tonnage relationships at varying pit-constrained silver equivalent cut-off grades for the Waterloo Property. Effective June 30, 2025. Classification AgEQ COG (g/t) Tonnes (Mt) Average Ag Grade (g/t) Strip Ratio(t:t) Contained Silver (Moz) Measured ? 35 49 67 0.6 109 ? 40 47 71 0.6 107 ? 47 43 75 0.8 104 ? 50 42 77 0.8 103 ? 55 39 79 0.9 100 ? 60 36 83 1.1 97 Indicated ? 35 14 52 0.6 23 ? 40 13 54 0.6 22 ? 47 12 57 0.8 21 ? 50 11 58 0.8 21 ? 55 10 61 0.9 20 ? 60 9.3 64 1.1 19 Inferred ? 35 0.8 23 0.6 0.6 ? 40 0.7 25 0.6 0.6 ? 47 0.6 26 0.8 0.5 ? 50 0.6 26 0.8 0.5 ? 55 0.5 27 0.9 0.4 ? 60 0.4 29 1.1 0.4 Table 3: Sensitivity analysis of the grade and tonnage relationships at varying pit-constrained silver equivalent cut-off grades for the Langtry Property. Effective June 30, 2025. Classification AgEQ Tonnes (Mt) Average Ag Grade (g/t) Strip Ratio (t:t) Contained Silver (Moz) COG (g/t) Inferred ? 35 29 68 2.1 63 ? 40 26 71 2.5 59 ? 43 24 73 2.8 57 ? 50 19 81 4.1 49 ? 55 16 86 4.7 44 ? 60 13 92 5.8 39 Resource Estimation Methodology The 2025 MRE was prepared in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101 and applicable guidelines disseminated by CIM. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred resources are uncertain in nature as there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Resources as Indicated or Measured. The 2025 MRE resource block model was oriented along regional strike of mineralization controlling range front fault (Calico fault) and bedding, at approximately 045 degrees. Metal grades were estimated using ordinary kriging into a 20 ft x 20 ft x 10 ft block model using 5 ft drill hole composites and a bulk density of 2.44 t/m3 (13.13 ft3/st). The block models are constrained to the west by the Calico range front fault and to the east by the contact between the mineralized Barstow formation sedimentary rocks and the Pickhandle formation rhyolitic rocks. Both structures are mineralization controlling features. A grade capping evaluation was performed, and for the Waterloo Property only the following drillhole grades were capped prior to estimation: Ag 450 g/t, Au 2 g/t, Ba 31% and Zn 7%. No grade capping was deemed necessary for the Langtry Property. The MRE was internally audited, and peer reviewed by Stantec prior to being released to the Company and being declared final. Further, the Company completed an internal review of the 2025 MRE data supplied by Stantec. A full description of the data and the data verification process will be detailed in the technical report associated with the 2025 MRE, which will be prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and filed within 45 days of this news release on the Company's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. SAMPLING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL Additional sampling since the 2023 MRE and prior to the 2025 MRE included re-assaying of 7,797 drill pulps (primary plus QAQC) by X-Ray Fluorescence for Ba and BaO at ALS in Reno, Nevada and a metallurgical testing program for barite from five PQ drill core composites was completed at McClelland Laboratories Inc., in Sparks, Nevada. Results from the metallurgical test were presented in a prior News Release (May 2, 2023). Pulps from historical and the 2022 drill program were submitted to ALS Reno for sample preparation and Ba analysis. Historical pulps were homogenized by light pulverizing (HOM-01) and the pulverisers were washed between samples (WSH22). After preparation, splits of prepared pulps are securely shipped to ALS Vancouver, British Columbia for analysis. Most of the pulps were analyzed using X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy ("XRF") methods ME-XRF10, with the exception of a few samples that were analysed with ME-XRF15c (samples with high sulphide content) or ME-XRF26 (selected samples for a more complete suite of elements). The detection limits for Ba with ME-XRF10 is between 0.01 and 45%, between 0.01 and 50% with ME-XRF15C and for BaO with ME-XRF26 0.01-66%. All analyses were completed at ALS Vancouver. The Company maintains its own comprehensive quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC") program to ensure best practices in sample preparation and analysis for samples. The QA/QC program includes the insertion and analysis of certified reference materials, commercial pulp blanks, preparation blanks, and field duplicates to the laboratories. Apollo's QA/QC program includes ongoing auditing of all laboratory results from the laboratories. The Company's Qualified Person is of the opinion that the sample preparation, analytical, and security procedures followed are sufficient and reliable. The Company is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data reported herein. ABOUT THE PROJECT Location The Calico Project is located in San Bernardino County, California and comprises the adjacent Waterloo, Langtry, and Mule properties which total 8,283 acres. The Calico Project is 15 km (9 miles) from the city of Barstow, 5 km (3 miles) from commercial electric power and has an extensive private gravel road network spanning the property. Geology and Mineralization The Calico Project is situated in the southern Calico Mountains of the Mojave Desert, in the south-western region of the Basin and Range tectonic province. This 15 km (9 mile) long northwest-southeast trending mountain range is dominantly composed of Tertiary (Miocene) volcanics, volcaniclastics, sedimentary rocks and dacitic intrusions. Mineralization at Calico comprises high-level low-sulfidation silver-dominant epithermal vein-type, stockwork-type and disseminated-style associated with northwest-trending faults and fracture zones and mid-Tertiary (~19-17 Ma) volcanic activity. Calico represents a district-scale mineral system endowment with approximately 6,000 m (19,685 ft) in mineralized strike length controlled by the Company. Silver and gold mineralization are oxidized and hosted within the sedimentary Barstow Formation and the upper volcaniclastic units of the Pickhandle formation along the contact between these units. The 2025 MRE for Waterloo Property comprises 125 Moz Ag in 55 Mt at an average grade of 71 g/t Ag (M&I categories), 0.51 Moz Ag in 0.60 Mt at an average grade of 26 g/t Ag (Inferred category), 130,000 oz gold in 17 Mt at an average grade of 0.25 g/t gold (Inferred category), 2.7 Mt BaSO4 and 354 Mlbs Zn in 36 Mt at an average grade of 7.4 % BaSO4 and 0.45 % Zn (Indicated category), and 0.65 Mt BaSO4 and 258 Mlbs Zn in 17 Mt at an average grade of 3.9 % BaSO4 and 0.71 % Zn (Inferred category). The 2025 MRE for Langtry property comprises 57 Moz Ag in 24 Mt at an average grade of 73 g/t Ag (Inferred category). QUALIFIED PERSONS The scientific and technical data contained in this news release was reviewed, and approved by Derek Loveday, P. Geo., Johnny Marke P.G. and Mariea Kartick, P.Geo., from Stantec and are Qualified Persons independent of the Company. Mr. Loveday is a registered Professional Geoscientist in Alberta, Canada, and Mr. Marke is a registered Professional Geologist in Oregon, USA and both are responsible for the mineral resource estimation. Ms. Kartick is a registered Professional Geoscientist in Ontario, Canada and is responsible for data QA/QC. This news release has also been reviewed and approved by Isabelle Lepine, M.Sc., P.Geo., Apollo's Director of Mineral Resources. Ms. Lepine is a registered Professional Geoscientist in British Columbia, Canada and is not independent of the Company. ABOUT APOLLO SILVER CORP. Apollo Silver is advancing one of the largest undeveloped primary silver projects in the US. The Calico Project hosts a large, bulk minable silver deposit with significant barite credits - a critical mineral essential to the US energy and medical sectors. The Company also holds an option on the Cinco de Mayo Project in Chihuahua, Mexico, which is host to a major carbonate replacement (CRD) deposit that is both high-grade and large tonnage. Led by an experienced and award-winning management team, Apollo is well positioned to advance the assets and deliver value through exploration and development. Please visit www.apollosilver.com for further information. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ross McElroy President and CEO For further information, please contact: Email: info@apollosilver.com Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential of the Calico Project and its overall investment attractiveness; the expectation that the Calico Project will continue to increase in value, scale and optionality; the potential economic significance of the updated mineral resource estimate, including the newly defined barite and zinc resources in addition to silver and gold; the potential recovery rates; the potential to further expand the resource estimate and upgrade its confidence level, including prospective silver, gold, barite and zinc mineralization on strike and at depth; the potential impact of barite and zinc being designated as critical minerals in the United States; assumptions regarding mineralization at shallow depths and strip ratios; timing and execution of future planned drilling, exploration, preliminary engineering and additional metallurgical activities; timing of commencement and completion of a preliminary economic assessment or other technical studies; the potential for additional discoveries and overall project development; and the Company's ability to advance, develop, and permit the Calico Project. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of the management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may have caused actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Company's projections and estimates; realization of mineral resource estimates, interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; and changes in Calico Project parameters as plans continue to be refined. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the price of silver, gold zinc and barite; the demand for silver, gold, zinc and barite; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective matter; and the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's expected financial and operational performance and the Company's plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cce62828-4cf5-487a-b245-9c271e6dfdcf https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/be15e1d9-2d79-4446-b086-ed7daefdb013 Metalsource Mining Inc. (the "Company" or "Metalsource") (CSE: "MSM") is pleased to announce that it has been approved for trading on the OTCQB Venture Market ("OTCQB") effective September 5, 2025. The shares trade on the OTCQB under trading symbol "SFRIF". The Company's shares will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the symbol "MSM". "Trading on the OTCQB gives Metalsource Mining enhanced access to the U.S. capital markets and makes it easier for American investors to participate in our growth story," said Joseph Cullen, CEO of the Company. This U.S. listing will provide the Company with access to a broader base of U.S. and international retail and institutional investors, ultimately providing investors with increased access to data, transparency and liquidity. Investors can find real-time quotes and market information for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com. Additionally, further to the Company's news release dated August 22, 2025, the Company wishes to clarify that the loan of $50,000 was borrowed by the Company from York Harbour Metals Inc. (the "Lender"), a non-arm's length party. Brandon Schwabe, CFO of the Company, is also CFO of the Lender, as well, Joseph Cullen, CEO and director of the Company, is also a director of the Lender. About Metalsource Mining The Company is engaged in acquisition, exploration and development of mineral property assets. The Company's objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to conduct its exploration program on the Aruba Property. The Aruba Property is located in the Kalahari Desert region of Botswana, covering 4,663 square kilometers in an area prospective for platinum group metals, gold, silver, and manganese mineralization.???????????????? For more information, please refer to SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under the Company's profile. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Joseph Cullen" Joseph Cullen, Chief Executive Officer? and Director For further information, please contact: Mr. Joseph Cullen Phone: 778-919-8615 Email: jpacullen@gmail.com Website: https://www.metalsourcemining.com THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED OF THE CONTENT OF THIS PRESS RELEASE Cautionary Note About 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 in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. 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 involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update them publicly to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances unless otherwise required to do so by law. Bocana Resources Corp. (TSXV: BOCA) (Frankfurt: VC1) ("Bocana" or the "Company"), further to the press release dated August 11, 2025 and August 18, 2025, in connection with the due diligence efforts of the Company, a recent week long site visit was conducted during the week of August 24to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") placer mining claims (the "Claims") owned by LP Associates, LLC. in Tucson, Arizona. The Company and project investors met with local geologists, mining consultants, BLM officials, lawyers that specialize in similar mining projects, and took an extensive tour of the multiple Claims associated with this project. As part of this effort, there were 5 core samples taken immediately adjacent to previously drilled and sampled cores, exactly 10 feet deep, with the intent of verifying the results from the previously cored samples. Each sample was collected, identified, and prepared for shipment to certified labs for analysis. The assay results are expected to be received in approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Together with our consulting geologists, a meeting was held at the BLM's Tucson Field Office to discuss the permitting process as it exists today and what a streamlined permitting process may look like in light of recent events. In a historic act, the U.S. Department of the Interior ("DOI") has recently proposed adding silver and platinum to its Critical Minerals List in the draft version for 2025. As the DOI press release stated, "The draft list will guide federal strategy, investment, and permitting decisions designed to secure the minerals needed to drive the U.S. economy and protect national security. The List of Critical Minerals informs direct investments in mining and resource recovery from mine waste, stockpiles, tax incentives for U.S. mineral processing, and streamlined mining permitting." The List of Critical Minerals will undergo a 30-day public comment period before becoming official, at which time the expedited permitting procedures will be introduced and are expected to significantly benefit the Company's submitted development plans for this area. "The recent site visits certainly exceeded my expectations," said Tim Turner, Bocana's Chief Executive Officer. "Almost every hour of the six-day visit was busy with on-site geological sampling, permitting plans, meetings with key mining consultants and lawyers, and officials at the local BLM Regional Office. Excellent core samples were acquired, packaged, and shipped to the labs for assay analysis. We look forward to receiving the detailed assay results, subject to the lab's current workflow, and immediately begin moving this project forward." The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. About Bocana Resources Corp. Bocana is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in North and South America. Bocana, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Huiracocha International Service SRL, holds a 100% working interest in the mineral properties known as the Escala area concessions located in the Department of Potosi, Sud Lipez Province, Bolivia, as awarded by Comibol. Contact Information For more information on Bocana, visit: https://bocanaresources.com. For more information or interview requests, please contact: Timothy J. Turner - Chief Executive Officer info@bocanaresources.com (713) 858-3329 Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information can be identified by words such as: "intend", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "approximately", "planning", "projected", "anticipate", and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Bocana, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but without limitation, statements pertaining to the completion of the acquisition including Bocana's ability to obtain financing and the necessary approvals, including regulatory approvals for the acquisition, the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement, the estimates of potential quantity, grade, and metal and mineral content at the Claims, Bocana's assessment of the reliability and relevance of the historical drill results, the results of the due diligence investigations, and the ability of Bocana to operate the exploration and development programs for the Claims. All statements included herein involve various risks and uncertainties because they relate to future events and circumstances beyond Bocana's control. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual performance may be affected by several material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the parties, including expectations and assumptions concerning (i) the seller; (ii) the transaction; (ii) the ability of the Parties to negotiate and enter into the definitive agreement on satisfactory terms as proposed, (iii) the timely receipt of all required regulatory approvals (as applicable), including the approval of the TSXV, (iv) if the definitive agreement is entered into, the satisfaction of other closing conditions in accordance with the terms of the definitive agreement, (v) the ability of the Parties (as applicable) to complete the required financing and/or the transaction on the terms previously outlined (or at all) and (vi) the completion of satisfactory due diligence of the Claims. Although Bocana has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements 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, except as required by law. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. 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. Massa prepares for key crashgate hearings Felipe Massa has revealed new details about his ongoing legal battle over the 2008 "Crashgate" scandal, describing it as a fight for justice that goes beyond sport. Felipe Massa, Canadian GP 2010 The Cahier Archive The former Ferrari driver spoke on Brazilian podcast Na Ponta dos Dedos, confirming that four days of hearings are scheduled in London at the end of October. Obviously, it's an intense effort by the entire team of lawyers involved in this process, Massa said. There's a lot of work behind this hearing. It's very important, as an explanation to the judge, to explain that everything that happened isn't part of sports. He called the affair a conspiracy that harmed both him and Brazil. That's not acceptable in sports, and unfortunately, my country and I paid the lion's share, Massa, 44, insisted. I never imagined I'd go through this. It's not easy, it's very difficult, but justice must be done, and we have to fight for justice. Massa also frames his legal pursuit as a moral obligation and precedent for the future. Not only for myself, but as an example for the future, so that people know that it is possible to fight for what is fair, for what is right, he explained. He pointed to Bernie Ecclestone's past comments that the 2008 Singapore GP should have been cancelled and that Hamilton's first title should not have stood. And Massa said he believes Nelson Piquet jr told the FIA about the conspiracy as early as Interlagos '08. Nelson Piquet (senior) is a three-time world champion, he charged. "He knows what a title means to him and his country, to the development of motorsport in his country, and they disappeared. If I were him, I would embrace the cause and join the fight of another driver, from the same country, who suffered a very sad and unacceptable situation. Massa also tied the saga to the decline of Brazilian drivers in F1. After that there was only me racing after 2011, after that we only had a few drivers. This shows what the title would represent and how the development of motorsport depends on the results achieved by the country's drivers. (GMM) Ralf Schumacher moved by first Maranello visit Ralf Schumacher has described his first visit to Ferrari's Maranello heartland as a deeply emotional experience. Ralf Schumacher, French GP 2003 The Cahier Archive Ahead of this weekend's Italian GP, the 50-year-old travelled to the town most associated with his brother Michael's success. I know a few teams, but this was something very special, he told Sky Deutschland. "It was wonderful to see everything around it, how Maranello is alive. Ferrari and this position in Italy, that's unique. At the famous Ristorante Montana, where 'Mamma Rossella' cooked for Ferrari drivers and legends for decades, he said: "It's a special place. Impressive pictures, helmet collections, memorabilia. It made me realise once again what Michael had initiated at Ferrari and what he left behind. The Ferrari museum across from the F1 factory was equally striking, Schumacher explained. Over 650,000 visitors annually, he said. When you come into the Hall of Fame and see how your own brother shaped that era and will likely continue to shape it for a long time to come, that's special. The museum director said, 'Not every driver has that - he was family.' He added that even Ferrari's current drivers still ask after Michael's favourite meal. Then they choose that, Ralf smiled. (GMM) Feature: 80 years on, Millett family carries forward Flying Tigers' bond with China Xinhua) 16:10, September 04, 2025 NEW YORK, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- In the 1940s, as World War II (WWII) raged across Asia, a young U.S. medic with the Flying Tigers tended wounded soldiers in Kunming city, a vital wartime stronghold in southwest China. The Flying Tigers -- officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force -- had been formed to help China resist Japanese invasion. Between bandages and battlefields, Clinton Millett carried not only medical supplies but also a camera, capturing Yunnan in vivid colors. Today, his descendants walk the same streets he once knew, calling the city their home. "My father was focused on the people, not the war. That's something that has been with me for a long time," said his son, Gary Clinton Millett, in an interview with Xinhua. Looking back on his father's years in China during WWII, 81-year-old Gary said that while many soldiers were preoccupied with the frontlines, his father devoted himself to caring for ordinary people. To Gary, that devotion was more than an act of bravery -- it was a lasting expression of love and humanity. Clinton Millett's legacy did not end with Gary. It has been carried on to the third generation, through Gary's son, Jesse Millett. Now living in Kunming, Jesse felt his bond with China runs deeper than family ties. As an English teacher, he said he carries a profound responsibility to foster understanding and build bridges between China and the United States. "Ever since a young age, I've always thought that cultural exchanges and understanding different cultures were very important," Jesse said. "When I became an adult and started understanding more about my family's legacy and history with China, I took on the responsibility and the honor to continue that legacy in China and build those bridges between China and America." "We need more events where Chinese, Americans and people from all over the world share the stories of their parents' or grandparents' experiences so that we can learn more from each other," he added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The thing about Paris is that it never ages like great cheese, it is pre-aged. Innovation burbles where it finds a foothold, and the city is no more immune to fads than anywhere else (voila, the squeeze-bottle avant-gastronomy championed by the sages of Le Fooding or the scruffy little caves along the Canal Saint-Martin offering fizzy jugs of natural wine), but the dominant mode remains one of august and justly self-confident history. For years, when I covered the fashion industry, I went to Paris regularly and was never not surprised at the way even hundred-year-old institutions still compelled regular visits. I had some of the great meals of my pre-critic life at bistros like Benoit (b. 1912) and Le Voltaire (which started life as a cafe in the 1800s), where the late princess Lee Radziwill, rising regally from the next table over, accidentally tried to take my raincoat. New York is nearly a newborn by comparison, and our attentions tend to focus on the new. This can be terrifically exciting and also terrifically exhausting. Once in a while, you long for a little must and fust. Le Chene (the Oak Tree) is a new restaurant with an old soul. Its proprietors, the married couple Alexia Duchene and Ronan Duchene Le May, relocated from Paris, where Alexia cooked at echt establishments like Allard (b. 1932) and appeared, a bit more modernly, on the French Top Chef. (She also had her own well-received restaurant, Datsha Underground, in the Marais, a COVID casualty.) In New York, Duchene originally ran the kitchen at Margot in Fort Greene but parted ways after a month or two as the restaurant pursued a direction with a more contemporary slant. Le Chene clearly revels in anachronism. Its menu groans with history. There arent, after all, too many places in the city that offer up a pithivier, a meat pie first introduced in Loire sometime in the early modern era. A contemporary of mine sharply termed Duchenes style nouvelle stodginess, and while Im hard-pressed to disagree, Im also inclined to see this as a welcome thing. The restaurant is so resolutely uncool that it feels like a relief in the chaotically faddish restaurant scene. Duchene gave her own name to the restaurant, but its a name with a particular thrust. Oaks can live 100 years or more, and Le Chene mounts an ambitious campaign for permanence. Like a pair of aubergistes, Duchene and Le May, who serves as the restaurants GM, live right upstairs. Duchenes cooking, and Le Mays wines, are unapologetically French classic in all its statin-requiring glory. The Age of Ozempic has no purchase here. Foie gras abounds whether encrusted as pate en croute, served cold as a slice of terrine, hugging an unblinking eye of artichoke, or making up the bedding beneath a perfectly rare platter of squab and a regular cote de boeuf weighs in at around three pounds, for a Louis XIVish $350. (Fries are included.) Even dishes more country than court are dressed up. A dessert of cherry clafoutis, must be ordered, like a souffle, at the outset of the meal. I wondered aloud whether Duchene left her cherries unpitted; French cooking lore has it that the cherry stones lend a bitter-almond flavor to the finished pudding. My grandmother would have, said one of our servers, who, like each that I encountered, was a Frenchman with accent intact, but this is a restaurant. And how. Anyone looking for the more New York style of bistro, with a bavette steak-frites and a few cracked-open oysters, has plenty of other places to look. Duchene begins instead with a full section of amuses-bouches, little bites richer in price and in heft than many appetizers. A tiny baton of brioche is piped with uni, bone marrow, and a daub of red-pepper puree. A nugget of cod cheek is fried fish-and-chips crisp and crowned with a heap of caviar. Of these small indulgences, my favorite was a pair of shrimp tartlets, in crisp shells with creme fraiche and an unexpectedly sweet whisper of maple. . . Clockwise from top left: The dining room's impressive artwork, a pithivier, trophy empties at a service station, steak. Hugo Yu. Clockwise from top left: The dining room's impressive artwork, a pithivier, trophy empties at a service station, steak. Hugo Yu. Among the larger dishes, its not uncommon to find sauces and accoutrements that suggest days of effort: bouillabaisse beneath halibut and a scallop quenelle, hoisin-textured huckleberry sauce with lamb ribs. Some are fabulous, like a cognac-sticky glaze on rare squab or the burnt-grapefruit conserve alongside the foie terrine, while others are effortful without obvious reward. I appreciate the homemade beetroot condiment that comes with the pithivier, a softball-size dome of puff pastry layered with potato, smoked eel, and minced pork farce, but I wondered at the point of reverse-engineering something to taste so exactly like McDonalds barbecue sauce. I didnt love every dish I had at Le Chene, but I did admire them all, as well as the fervor with which Duchene has been swapping them in and out, tweaking until shes satisfied. (The halibut, for instance, no longer comes with its scallop quenelle and bouillabaisse; instead, it gets a scattering of chanterelles and Romano beans.) Theres something admirable about such tenaciousness maybe even alluring, to judge from the number of couples I saw fully making out at their tables. Or that may owe as much to the book-length wine list compiled by Le May and his team of sommeliers, whose efforts seem as much the draw of the restaurant as Duchenes. I dont know how often a wine list of this continental seriousness has been seen on Carmine Street, much less next door to a Wingstop. Many tables had ordered deep enough into the crus to earn their own decanters, and a central table in the dining room is dedicated to displaying the nights ordered bottles, while a murderers row of big-dick empties circles the dining room as decor. If you want back vintages of Dujac, Roulot, Rayas, and Haut-Brion, they are here, matched in grandeur by the scrotal magnificence of a ten-liter demijohn of 20-year-old Mas Amiel Maury brought round on request with dessert. Thats not to say you have to drink so unreachably to enjoy yourself; in all of my visits, Le May and his team never failed to point me to something delicious and (comparatively) affordable, whether that was a 2017 Chardonnay from Bodega Chacra, Roulots side hustle in Argentina, or a 2019 non-AOC Syrah from the Rhone icon Jean-Paul Jamet. The lofty spirit, nevertheless, pervades. Let them drink natural wine, to borrow a phrase. At Le Chene, I drank Chenin Blanc grown I kid you not in the vineyards of Versailles. Sony has launched an affordable pair of wired USB-C in-ear headphones called the IER-EX15C. The wired headphones use 5mm neodymium drivers and are claimed to deliver high-quality sound with powerful bass and clear vocals. You also get a built-in microphone and in-line remote, which has a multi-function button and volume adjustment. The multifunction button can be used to play/pause music, change tracks, answer/end calls, mute/unmute the microphone, and activate the voice assistant of your choice. Sonys new budget wired earphones also feature a cable slider that lets you adjust the length of the cable. Sony claims that the cable is tangle free thanks to its serrated finish. The earphones come with XS, M, and XL ear tips. The Sony IER-EX15C earphones are available in four colors - black, blue, pink, and white. As for pricing, the wired USB-C earphones will cost you $30 and are available for purchase from the official Sony US website. Source Tecno's MegaPad Pro is official. Tecno calls it an Essential AI Tablet, but it can do more than summarize emails. For students, the tablet can organize study materials, complete assignments, and even collaborate with peers. For business pros, it can handle emails and presentations. The tablet even has a dedicated AI key to prompt Tecno's Ella Assistant. The MegaPad Pro has a 12-inch '2K' Ultra Sensory Display with 450 nits of brightness and a 90Hz refresh rate. The tablet also packs four Dolby-enabled speakers for movies, music, and Zoom calls. The MegaPad Pro earns its name with a 10,000mAh battery that Tecno reckons is good for 8 hours of heavy tasks. Tecno took the IFA stage to announce that it's making its laptops available in Europe. The MegaBookK15S and K16S, and the Mega Mini G1 gaming mini-PC are available in Spain and France. The timing isn't random - Tecno's laptops are available just in time for Back to School. Tecno is partnering with retail distributor MCR, making its laptops available through MediaMarkt and Carrefour. Tecno announced that its MegaBook S14, which at just 899 grams is the industry's lightest 14-inch OLED AI laptop, will come to select European markets in Q4 of 2025. This past week, our Guam Habitat Conservation Plan development team hosted public meetings. Conversations with community members reminded me how deeply people care about our islands future. We all want Guam to thrive for our families, our communities, and the generations that will come after us. But the big question remains: how do we balance the need for growth and development with the protection of the threatened and endangered species and unique ecosystems that make Guam so special? Guams forests, savannas, wetlands, and shoreline habitats are home to a diversity of plants and animals, some of them found nowhere else in the world. These species are part of Guams cultural identity and natural heritage. At the same time, Guams population continues to grow. We need more housing, schools, roads, and businesses. Inevitably, this creates tensions between development and conservation. That is where the Guam Habitat Conservation Plan comes in. The Guam Habitat Conservation Plan is designed to meet a middle ground, balancing the need for development with the need to protect Guams rare species and their habitats. It is a science-based, community-driven plan that will conserve species and habitats in perpetuity while allowing for responsible development. Guam HCP development team The Guam Habitat Conservation Plan is being developed by the Guam Department of Agriculture, supported by the University of Guams Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Island Conservation Lab, and ICFs team of specialists who bring extensive experience developing and implementing HCPs across the U.S. In addition, a Steering Committee made up of government of Guam agencies and stakeholder groups have been consulted along the way to ensure the plan reflects both conservation needs and community priorities. Public meetings and information fairs gathered input and kept the community engaged. This week, the HCP team also met with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio, Speaker Frank Blas Jr., Vice Speaker Tony Ada, and Sen. Sabina Perez to share updates and gather feedback. In addition, public meetings in Hagat and Dededo drew many members of the community interested in finding solutions that balance conservation with responsible development. Legal context Under the Endangered Species Act, ESA, it is illegal to take endangered species. This means it is against the law to kill, harm, or harass them. However, Section 10 of the ESA allows nonfederal entities to seek an exception through an Incidental Take Permit, ITP, for lawful activities that are likely to impact threatened or endangered species. To obtain an ITP, a Habitat Conservation Plan must be prepared. Why now? The need for an Habitat Conservation Plan became critical after 23 species in the Mariana Islands were listed under the ESA in 2015. The presence of these species has created barriers to development. The Guam HCP will provide a pathway for projects on non-federal lands on Guam to continue in a streamlined manner while ensuring that conservation requirements are met and maintained in perpetuity. Federal lands and activities remain under federal oversight, but the Guam HCP creates a streamlined process for private landowners and local projects while being fully met with no net loss for the covered species under the plan. The Guam HCP covers 17 species, meaning the plan provides take coverage for these species in exchange for conservation actions that offset impacts on the species. Benefits for the community The Guam Habitat Conservation Plan simplifies ESA compliance for landowners and developers. Instead of being required to completely avoid the covered species or navigate individual permits with both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and DOAG, the HCP provides a programmatic process handled locally through DOAG. This improves predictability, reduces costs, and provides certainty in timelines while also ensuring that these species can continue to thrive on Guam. Benefits for the environment The Guam Habitat Conservation Plan will establish a Reserve Network, a system of protected lands where habitats for covered species will be conserved in perpetuity. Additional conservation actions include land acquisition, reserve management, and protection of both current occupied and suitable habitats for the covered species. Importantly, conservation actions must stay ahead of impacts, meaning that protection must happen before land is developed. Benefits for the public These conserved lands are not just for species, but for people, too. They safeguard cultural heritage, ensure places where yo amte (traditional healers) can collect amot (medicine), and provide opportunities for hiking, learning, and connecting with nature. The Guam HCP contains a vision for how we can grow responsibly as an island. It recognizes that conservation and development are not enemies, but partners in shaping Guams sustainable future. How can you be involved? Community members are encouraged to participate in stakeholder groups, attend public meetings, and share their perspectives to help shape the plan. Just as important, you can bring the conversation home, talk with friends and family about why the Guam HCP matters, and help build an understanding of how we can grow responsibly while safeguarding the species and habitats that make Guam unique. The next public milestone for the Guam HCP will be the Public Draft HCP and a National Environmental Policy Act document for public review. Guam is at a crossroads. By supporting the Guam HCP, we can ensure that as we build the homes, schools, and infrastructure our island needs, we also protect the species and lands that make Guam home. Growth does not have to come at the expense of our environment, the two can thrive together in partnership. Follow us on social media to learn more about the Guam HCP or visit http://www.guamhcp.com/. Island-favorite Hawaiian band Pau Hana has a full weekend ahead of itself, performing three shows across two days for an island that has been very special in its journey. Pau Hana, fronted by vocalist John Solomon and ukulelist Shannon Kaopua, will first headline a concert, part of the new Jam Sessions series by The Talent Box, scheduled for Sept. 6 at Ypao Beach Park. Doors open at 4 pm. Tickets are $75 for general admission and $150 for VIP access. Fans are also invited to attend two free events at Crowne Plaza Resort Guam in Tumon, including a pre-kickoff party on Sept. 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. From the very beginning, Guam has been very special in our journey, Solomon said during a press conference Thursday. After the support that you guys have given us through the years and the many times weve been here, we really want to give back as much as we can. While were here, were going to be busy, but were really looking forward to it, to getting with the people, really sharing that energy with everybody, and let them know how much we appreciate them. After the press conference, Pau Hana also visited Okkodo High School and George Washington High School on Thursday to give the students support and inspiration. Weve seen other situations where that support may not have been there, so we definitely want to give support to the children, Kaopua said. We really want to give back to the people that have made us by giving us the energy and love and helped us to continue on our musical journey. The bands last performance on Guam was in 2015. It first visited in 1998 when it performed at the Power 98 Birthday Bash after already being a popular repeated artist on the radio station. Pau Hana even performed a special song titled Hafa Adai for the crowd; however, this song was not included in their Return With Honor album released that year. Guam was also given a mention in the bands song, Island Girls. Kaopua said it still resonates in every song. At 25 years old, Id never thought of it in my dreams, he added. It was my first tour and first time on an album. Pau Hana has two free shows on Sept. 7. The band will be at the Tumon Night Market from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and will give a surprise performance at the Hagat Giving Back to Our Roots Festival at Sagan Bisita. A Superior Court jury on Wednesday found Jesse Andrew Leon Guerrero guilty of three third-degree felony charges, including meth possession and two firearm violations, following a six-day trial and about an hour of deliberation, according to his attorney Thomas Fisher. Leon Guerrero, who appeared before Presiding Judge Alberto Tolentino, was convicted of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, as well as possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of a firearm without identification. He initially faced three first-degree felony charges for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver, dispense or manufacture. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 18. The charges resulted from an Oct. 1, 2024 raid at his home, where police recovered drugs, drug paraphernalia and a firearm not registered to him. According to court documents, the raid was planned for at least three months. Police executed a search warrant on Sept. 26, five days before the raid. Two controlled meth purchases, carried out by a police informant, took place on July 31 and again more than a month later. The raid also led to the arrests of Mikaylynn Afaisen and Dawn Heather Ann Espinoza. Charges against Afaisen were dismissed without prejudice the following day. As trial neared, Leon Guerrero asserted his right to a speedy trial, triggering a requirement for prosecutors to disclose the name and contact of the confidential informant involved in the drug buys. The government refused to comply, and the judge granted the defenses motion to exclude the informants evidence from trial. Without that evidence, Fisher said, the prosecutions case had been significantly weakened. Yesterday, the judge dismissed the first degree felony, and then it would get dropped to simple possession, Fisher told the Pacific Daily News after the verdict. We wish we hadnt been found guilty, but we dodged a bullet on that first-degree felony, so were actually kind of happy. Guam and other U.S. territories will not see a single dollar from the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Grant that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is preparing to release, Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services Director Theresa Arriola said. The massive program targets some of the most pressing challenges facing rural communities, and Arriola said Guam could really use the funding for community nurses, home visits, expanded health records, and stronger infrastructure. Were not even going to get one dollar, Arriola told the Pacific Daily News Wednesday. Its sad, because the bottom line is, as U.S. citizens, were no different than a U.S. citizen that lives in the states. The $50 billion grant, created under President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is set to divide $25 billion equally among eligible states, and they will not compete for this funding. That means each state stands to receive at least $500 million. Arriola described the exclusion of Guam, the CNMI, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands as disheartening. Theres no official [notice] first of all, the Rural Health Transformation Grant has not even been announced, Arriola said. The notice of federal opportunity will be issued sometime this month. All that is happening right now is informational webinars but based on the information received, thats whats happening. Arriola said a federal contact informed her that Guam, the other U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia are not eligible to apply for the funding. She referenced discussions with Del. James Moylan, who plans to introduce legislation to either include the territories in the existing funding or establish a separate allocation. While Moylan confirmed his intent to introduce a bill, Arriola said she could not confirm whether drafting had begun. In the absence of confirmation or funding, Arriola said her department continues to seek alternate sources of support. Were always looking for grants that are out there that will support public health prevention and protection work, she said. But I dont think we should give up that easily. This Rural Transformation Grant is really an investment in community health care. Guam is 100% rural According to Arriola, a webinar revealed the grants potential uses for everything from home visit programs to increased access for residents with limited transportation. She said Guam is in particular need of such services. Our entire island is considered rural, she said. Where some states have rural counties, Guam is 100% rural. Nothing is more rural than our islands, and deserving. When she first learned of the exclusion, Arriola said she alerted both Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio. Tenorio, currently in Washington, D.C. for a Department of the Interior meeting, has reportedly included the matter in his remarks to federal officials. I know for certain that his jurisdictional report and speech includes the fact that we are not included in this transformation, Arriola said. And he is doing what he can to lobby. The governor is also reaching out to other U.S. territories to coordinate a collective response. Shes calling up all the U.S. territories asking to band together and make sure that our voice...is heard, Arriola said. Our citizens in our territories deserve that kind of federal investment no different than a state does. Arriola said the funding announcement is expected this month, and that the deadline to apply will likely be by the end of December. However, details remain pending the formal release of the grant notice. While the Rural Health Transformation Grant is not directly meant to replace expected cuts from HHS or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Arriola believes the funding would have offered a critical boost. Its an initial investment, she said. I just dont think its right that the territories were excluded, because once again, U.S. citizens are going to be affected. She confirmed that DPHSS had already begun planning for how to use the funds before learning of the exclusion. Some of the ideas that were going around [included] increase of access to care, improvement in IT...getting out of the paper manual process...getting nurses out in the community... beefing up our Community Health Center and the services we provide, she said. Without the grant, many of these efforts will be delayed indefinitely. A lot of things will have to wait, Arriola said. All those are going to have to wait until either the Government of Guam can afford to do it, or another type of grant is available. Meanwhile, national organizations like the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and the National Association of Medicaid Directors are holding webinars and discussions. Arriola said her department is participating in both sessions this week, despite the islands exclusion. My team, my staff in the Division of Public Health, as well as the Division of Public Welfare where Medicaid sits, were all registered to listen in, she said. According to Arriola, roughly one-third of Guams population relies on Public Health services, with about 42,000 residents enrolled in Medicaid and another 40,000 receiving assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP. She said applications for both programs have increased, especially following the eligibility expansion to Compact of Free Association citizens. Its just been a slight increase, but definitely an increase, Arriola said. Arriola urged the public to apply if eligible. If you can qualify for SNAP or Medicaid, please apply, she said. Wed rather have as many people on Medicaid making sure they access their doctors than to go without insurance until its too late. Hawaiian R&B artist George Siaosi Taulani will carry the legacy of his late older cousin and island music legend, George Fiji Veikoso, on stage as he opens for Pau Hana on Sept. 6 at Ypao Beach Park. As part of its new Jam Sessions concert series, The Talent Box is hosting The Return of Hawaiian band Pau Hana, who have not performed on island since 2008. Siaosi is one of the opening performers. The Oahu-born artist previously visited and performed on Guam alongside artists such as Fiji and J Boog, but this is his first time performing as himself and showcasing his discography. It holds a lot more weight, especially with his passing, Siaosi said. [I] hold that legacy and keep the momentum going with what he set out to do, which was to represent through our music and our native tongues. Performing for Guam, an island he said meant a lot to Fiji, Siaosi hopes to spread nothing but love and good vibes through his music. We speak the language of music, which is the language of love, Siaosi said. Its an international language for the kids, to inspire them and help them understand and believe in themselves and let them know achieving goals and becoming whatever you set your mind to is possible. Siaosi said that he has a lot of good memories on Guam, adding to how special this return performance is for him. Reminiscing of the times that weve had here, Guam was such a special place to him, and we would have so much fun hanging out with families that we adopted as family here, Siaosi said. There are a lot of memories running through my mind right now, but its definitely a bittersweet moment. I know that hes with me, and I know that hes proud that Im able to do my own thing, get out there and show what hed been preparing me for. When landing in Guam, Siaosi got a little bit of goosebumps when the voice of his cousin welcomed him back. The song that played on the overhead was his song, Sweet Darlin, so I was like, No matter where I go, hes always going to be with me, Siaosi said. What I always would tell him was your shoes are way too big to fill. I can only be me. My cousin was very hard on me in a loving way. The song that stands out to him most, however, is Fijis Hey Girl, because it was the first song that we recorded together. It was one of those things where he was able to make a connection with the people that we were family, Siaosi said. He was bringing up his little cousin, and he got me ready for this point of my life, and Im thankful for him. In recent years, Siaosi has been committed to uplifting and paving the way for the next generation of musicians. He hopes his show on Saturday will be what inspires someone in the crowd to attack something they want to do. I know how cliche that sounds, but the older I get, the more that I experience life, Siaosi said. Attack something when you want to do it, because you never know if its something that could be positive feedback for the community, and thats why were here: feeding back into the community. Siaosi wants aspiring artists to learn from his music and journey that you got to be willing to go out there and learn from other local artists, highlighting Guam-born bassist Rudy Duenas and keyboardist Oston Saralu, both of whom will be performing with Siaosi and Pau Hana. What makes us special as island people is people gravitate toward us so easily because of the love we lead with our heart, Siaosi said. Dont be scared to ask and to network. We didnt have a blueprint, but now you do. You have guys that are willing to come and give you any advice. We dont know everything, but we can tell you the experiences that we had. The best thing that we have now is guys like Rudy and Oston that are able to pass knowledge back down. Haiti - Justice : Police Union SPNH-17 Denounces the Existence of Corrupt Police Officers The Haitian National Police Union (SPNH-17) wishes to draw the attention of the general public, the police, and all relevant authorities in particular, to several specific complaints regarding the behavior of certain police officers in the performance of their duties. According to these complaints, some officers prefer to extort money from offending citizens, rather than properly enforcing the law, for official violations. This "corrupt" behavior constitutes a serious error that undermines the public's trust in the police, tarnishes the image of the institution, and jeopardizes the honor and pride of the police uniform. SPNH-17 expresses its disagreement with this type of practice and will not tolerate any act based on corruption, extortion, or abuse of power. The union reminds all police officers that their sacred mission is to serve the public with honor, integrity, and respect for the law. The police must be a symbol of justice and security, not a means of personal enrichment. The union demands that the relevant authorities take strict disciplinary action against all members who soil their uniforms and behave unethically. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - FLASH Brazil : VITEM 11 Visa, important information (appointments and files) The Brazil Visa Application Center (CAVB) advises that arrangements are being made for applicants who were unable to submit their application or attend an appointment due to the unstable security situation in Haiti. All beneficiaries will be treated according to the following schedule : Category : Application not submitted due to documentation Initial period 2025 VITEM 11 appointment : January - February - March New VITEM 11 appointment : Every Wednesday in September 2025 Category : No show for appointment Initial period 2025 VITEM 11 appointment : January - February - March New VITEM 11 appointment : Every Thursday in September 2025 Category : Application not submitted due to documentation Initial period 2025 VITEM 11 appointment : April - May - June New VITEM 11 appointment : Every Wednesday in October 2025 Category : No show for appointment Initial period 2025 VITEM 11 appointments : April - May - June New VITEM 11 appointment : Every Thursday in October 2025 Please check the category that applies to you to receive appropriate assistance. Call Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and our agents are available at the following numbers : 2817 0320 / 3163 6075 / 3170 9307 / 4910 1l17 / 3668 8490 Website : https://halti.iom.int/bvac Email address : iomhaitivrf@iom.int IH/ iciHaiti The figures, gathered by Taloustutkimus between 11 August and 2 September, show a 1.1 percentage point rise for the opposition party compared to the previous month. SDP, led by Antti Lindtman , now holds a lead of over six percentage points ahead of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo 's National Coalition Party (Kokoomus), which remains steady at 19.2%. Support for Finlands Social Democratic Party (SDP) has climbed to 25.8%, the highest level recorded in two decades, according to Yle s latest monthly poll. The Centre Party (Keskusta) continues in third place at 14.7%, down 0.4 points. The Finns Party (Perussuomalaiset), also part of the governing coalition, has edged up by 0.5 points to 12.8%, recovering some ground lost in earlier months but still below previous highs. SDPs rise has been attributed to support from several voter groups. Tuomo Turja, Research Director at Taloustutkimus, said the party is attracting former voters from the Greens, Left Alliance, Swedish Peoples Party (RKP), and even the Finns Party. A significant share of SDPs growth is coming from those who did not vote in the last elections. About 40 percent of these so-called 'sleepers' would now back the Social Democrats, Turja said. Whether this support will translate into actual votes in future elections remains uncertain. Turja noted that the Greens recorded the largest monthly drop, down nearly a full point to 7.7%. The Left Alliance fell by 0.6 points to 9.5%. The Greens and the Left have both lost voters to the SDP, according to the data. Among the smaller governing parties, the Christian Democrats (KD) have overtaken the RKP after a 0.5-point increase to 3.9%. Support for the RKP dropped by the same margin to 3.5%. Turja said internal tensions in the government may have affected RKP support. Voters are not necessarily satisfied with the partys cooperation with the Finns Party, he said. The combined support for the four-party coalition government now stands at 39.4%. At the same point in their respective terms, Sanna Marins cabinet polled at 55%, and Juha Sipilas at 38.4%. The Finns Party, while improving slightly this month, continues to see a long-term decline among its core working-class base. At its peak, the party commanded 30% or more in this demographic. Today, support has dropped to 20%. Turja said support had briefly risen during the first half of the polling period, but dropped again towards the end, coinciding with a series of public controversies. These included a parliamentary group meeting in Oulu where party leader Riikka Purra addressed population replacement theories, a contentious budget session, and media appearances by deputy chair Teemu Keskisarja. While direct causality cannot be confirmed, the fluctuations in support reflect the volatile nature of the partys recent public profile. Keskustas slight fall follows a modest improvement in earlier months. Turja said some of its voters appear to be moving towards the Finns Party. In total, 2,266 people took part in the survey, with 1,645 respondents providing their current party preference. The margin of error is 2.1 percentage points. Yle commissioned the poll, which reflects the views of residents in mainland Finland aged 18 and over. Aland was excluded from the sample. HT First-term MPs will see their monthly pay increase by 500 to 7,637, a rise of 7%. Those in their second or third term will receive 7,944. MPs with more than 12 years of service will receive 8,393, up from 7,993. Members of the Finnish Parliament will receive increased salaries from 1 October, following a decision by the parliamentary remuneration committee. The adjustment includes rises for ministers, deputy speakers, and the Speaker of Parliament. The Speaker, Jussi Halla-aho of the Finns Party, will see his salary rise by 867 to 15,315 per month. Deputy Speakers will earn 11,942, a rise of nearly 700. The Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, will also see a raise. Having served over a decade in Parliament, his combined monthly compensation will rise from 18,445 to 19,512. Ministers salaries are tied to that of the Deputy Speakers, and MPs serving as ministers receive half of the standard MP salary in addition to ministerial pay and non-taxable allowances. The committee stated the increases reflect the average earnings growth of all wage earners in Finland, measured at 6.2% between mid-2023 and mid-2025. The last time MPs' salaries were raised was in spring 2023 at the start of the new parliamentary term. The remuneration committee is chaired by Timo Laitinen and includes Tuire Santamaki-Vuori and Pekka Vihervuori. None are MPs or employees of Parliament. Their four-year term runs from January 2025 to December 2028. The committee said it considers it essential that the salaries of the country's highest political body remain aligned with general wage trends. It cited Section 29 of the Finnish Constitution, which guarantees MPs' independence and protection from financial pressure during their term. Additional pay for committee chairs, parliamentary groups, and subcommittees will remain unchanged. The salary decision coincides with the governments announcement of 1 billion in spending cuts, prompting renewed public scrutiny of political salaries. According to a recent values and attitudes survey by the Finnish Business and Policy Forum EVA, 82% of respondents supported cutting pay for ministers and their aides. The survey ranked ministerial salaries as the most popular target for reductions. Support for reducing public subsidies to political parties and the parliamentary budget also reached 81%. Government plans include a 5% cut to ministers salaries from January 2026. The total cost of ministerial and political aide salaries was 15.6 million last year, representing just over 6% of the Prime Ministers Offices 246.6 million budget. Despite the relatively small share of overall state spending, the symbolic value of cuts to political salaries has become a focus in public debate. HT Karol Nawrocki, President of Poland, will visit Finland on 9 September for a working meeting with Alexander Stubb, President of Finland. The visit will take place at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki. The two heads of state will hold official talks focused on bilateral cooperation between Poland and Finland. The agenda also includes Russias ongoing war in Ukraine and other regional security issues. The Elevador da Gloria, one of the citys most recognised attractions, was carrying passengers downhill when it lost control and veered off the track. Witnesses described the vehicle as out of control, without brakes as it descended at high speed. At least 16 people died after a historic funicular railway derailed in central Lisbon and slammed into a building during the evening rush hour. The incident occurred around 18:15 local time on Wednesday, on the steep incline between Restauradores Square and Bairro Alto. Portuguese police and emergency services confirmed that 16 people have died. More than 20 others are injured, five of them seriously. A child sustained minor injuries. One of the injured died overnight at Hospital de Sao Jose. A national day of mourning was declared by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, who cancelled his public schedule. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed condolences and said he hoped authorities would determine the cause quickly. The crash destroyed one of the two cars operating on the Gloria line. Emergency footage shows debris scattered along the narrow, cobbled street. Video verified by news agencies shows the tram crumpled against the facade of a building at the bend in the road. The municipal transport company Carris, which operates the funicular, said regular inspections had been completed, including interim maintenance in 2024 and a full inspection in 2022. Weekly and daily checks were also in place. Carris expressed condolences in a statement and confirmed that internal investigations were under way. Portugals national transport safety authority, criminal police and the public prosecutors office are leading separate investigations. The prosecutors office said procedures had begun for evidence preservation and coordination with police agencies. The Elevador da Gloria began operations in 1885. Originally water-powered, it was electrified in 1915. The line is a national monument and carries around 3 million passengers a year, including tourists and residents. The system involves two parallel cars connected by a steel cable. As one descends, its weight helps pull the other uphill. The funicular covers a route of around 260 metres and is among Lisbons most popular transport experiences. One eyewitness, Teresa dAvo, told SIC television: It hit the building with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box. Another eyewitness said people began running when the tram came into view. We thought it would collide with the one below, she told Observador. But it went off around the bend and crashed. The identities and nationalities of the dead have not been officially confirmed. Local media reported that a German man died in the crash, while his wife and three-year-old son survived. The child sustained only light injuries. The woman remains in critical condition. A union representing Carris workers, SITRA, said a brake guard working aboard the tram, Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques, was among the dead. The second car of the funicular system, which was stationed at the bottom of the track at the time of the crash, did not derail but was affected by the event. Video footage shows it jolting at the moment of derailment. Several passengers inside were seen jumping from windows. The cause of the derailment remains unknown. Early reports from Portuguese media suggest that a key cable may have come loose, compromising the braking system. Authorities have not confirmed this. Public transport in Lisbon has been under pressure in recent years, due in part to the sharp rise in tourism. The Gloria line, often with queues stretching along the street, remains a central draw. Following the crash, the Lisbon city council suspended operations of all other streetcars and ordered emergency inspections. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was appalled by the terrible accident. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent condolences to the victims families via social media. The UK Foreign Office released a statement saying: We are aware of this incident in Lisbon and are in touch with the local authorities. We stand by to provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals. Britain is the largest source of international visitors to Portugal, followed by Germany, Spain and the United States. No final death toll has been released. Police said investigations would continue in coordination with Carris, transport regulators and judicial authorities. The Gloria funicular is one of three remaining funicular systems operating in Lisbon. Built to address the citys hilly terrain, they are part of the capitals identity and transport infrastructure. Mayor Carlos Moedas said Lisbon was in mourning and described the event as a tragic moment for the city. Rescue efforts concluded late Wednesday evening. Emergency personnel freed all passengers trapped in the wreckage in just over two hours. Firefighters, police, forensic officers and investigators remained at the scene throughout the night. As of Thursday morning, the crash site remains cordoned off with the destroyed carriage still in place. HT The Israeli militarys Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed the beginning of phase two of Operation Gideons Chariots. The campaign aims to seize control of Gaza City, home to one million Palestinians, many of whom have been displaced multiple times since the war began in October 2023. Israeli forces intensified military operations across Gaza on Wednesday, killing over 100 Palestinians in the single deadliest day since the start of the latest phase of the war. Dozens of air and artillery strikes targeted Gaza City, with hospitals reporting that women and children were among the dead. Medical officials in Gaza said 73 people were killed during daylight hours, with casualties increasing after nightfall. Among the dead were seven children queuing for water in the al-Mawasi area, according to local sources. One strike killed 10 members of the al-Jarisi family north of Gaza City. Three-year-old Ibrahim al-Mabhuh was pulled from rubble by his grandmother after an air strike in the Fishermans Port district killed his parents and two sisters. He is the only one God saved, she told Reuters. Hospitals across the Strip have reported overcrowding and critical shortages. The UN has documented over 82,000 new displacements between 14 and 31 August. Only one-third of those displaced have reached southern Gaza, as the Israeli military has directed. Aid agencies describe al-Mawasi and other zones as unsanitary and unsafe, with mounting risks of disease and malnutrition. According to the Gaza health ministry, at least 63,746 Palestinians have been killed and over 161,000 wounded since the war began. More than 367 people have died from starvation, including six in the past 24 hours. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities said 40,500 Palestinian children have sustained war-related injuries since the start of the conflict. More than half have suffered permanent disabilities. Reports from multiple eyewitnesses indicate Israeli drones dropped incendiary bombs on displacement sites and grenades on schools used as shelters. In Sheikh Radwan, where Israeli tanks advanced, tents were set ablaze, ambulances struck, and homes detonated. The UN warned that forcing mass displacement could constitute forcible transfer under international law. On the political front, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a Hamas-backed ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar. Hamas had agreed to the formation of an independent national administration in Gaza and offered the release of Israeli captives in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal and the lifting of the siege. Netanyahu has insisted on total disarmament of Hamas and the unconditional release of all 48 Israeli hostages, including 20 confirmed alive. He told ministers that no partial agreement would be accepted. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Hamas must choose between surrender or the destruction of Gaza City. It will become the twin of Rafah and Beit Hanoun, he said in a statement reported by Haaretz. Tensions within Israels leadership have escalated. In closed-door meetings, Chief of Staff Zamir opposed the Gaza City offensive, citing its impact on hostages and concerns over a full-scale occupation. According to two Israeli officials, Zamir warned ministers that the operation would result in Israel taking full administrative responsibility for Gazas population. Zamir urged consideration of the truce proposal. Netanyahu declined to table it. Far-right cabinet members accused Zamir of undermining national security and labelled him weak. Netanyahu has not distanced himself from comments by his son, Yair Netanyahu, who described Zamir as leading a military coup reminiscent of banana republics. A group of IDF reservists calling itself Soldiers for Hostages held a press conference in Tel Aviv, announcing they would refuse to participate in the Gaza City assault. Spokesperson Yotam Vilk said the wars goals were now unclear and hostage safety was at risk. In a letter to the military advocate general, the group claimed the order to seize Gaza City was blatantly illegal and warned of criminal liability for those who comply. Israels military command has begun mobilising tens of thousands of reservists for the operation. Meanwhile, protests erupted in Jerusalem. Thirteen demonstrators climbed onto the roof of the National Library and unfurled a banner that read: You have abandoned and also killed. Fires were lit in the streets near the Prime Ministers residence, and relatives of captives addressed a crowd. Ofir Braslavski, father of 21-year-old Rom, described his son as starving and tortured. A video released in August showed Rom emaciated and injured. There is nothing harder a father can witness when he cannot do anything, he said. International pressure on Israel is growing. Belgium announced it would recognise a Palestinian state and impose 12 sanctions, including a ban on goods from West Bank settlements. Netanyahu responded by calling Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever a weak leader. The UAE warned that any Israeli annexation of the occupied West Bank would cross a red line and undermine the Abraham Accords. In southern Lebanon, Israeli air strikes killed at least four people. The UN expressed concern after Israeli grenades narrowly missed its peacekeepers. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Israeli forces had been informed of the peacekeepers location in advance. They knew exactly where we were, when we were going to be there, he said. Israeli military operations also targeted journalists. At least 276 media workers have died since the war began, including four Al Jazeera staff. The situation inside Gaza continues to deteriorate. Observers report near-total collapse of basic services. Food, water, fuel and medical supplies remain critically scarce. Video footage shows long queues for water and overcrowded camps. UNICEF warned that every child under five in Gaza, more than 320,000, faces the risk of acute malnutrition. A temporary truce deal reached in January, brokered by US President Donald Trump, resulted in some hostage releases. Trump wrote on social media: Tell Hamas to IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 Hostages (Not 2 or 5 or 7!), and things will change rapidly. IT WILL END! The current military campaign began in response to the Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken captive, according to Israeli authorities. No ceasefire is currently in place. The Israeli government maintains its intention to seize Gaza City in full. Humanitarian groups warn of an irreversible disaster. HT The decision ends years of official denial and confirms that Samsam, now 35, worked with both Denmarks Security and Intelligence Service (DSIS) and the militarys Defence Intelligence Service (DDIS) during the Syrian conflict. Ahmed Samsam , sentenced in 2018 to eight years in prison for allegedly joining the so-called Islamic State, has been formally recognised as an agent of Denmarks intelligence services, according to a ruling by the countrys Supreme Court. In its ruling, the court stated that Samsam provided intelligence about Danish foreign fighters in Syria in 2013 and 2014, receiving payment and compensation in return. The ruling cited substantial cooperation with both agencies. The announcement prompted an immediate response from the services involved. Within hours, DSIS and DDIS released statements acknowledging Samsams role, something they had refused to confirm or deny in the past, citing national security. Samsam served most of his sentence in Denmark and was released in 2023. He has consistently denied involvement with ISIS and has described himself as an informant abandoned by his handlers. They made a huge mistake, Samsam said outside the Supreme Court in Copenhagen on Tuesday. I dont understand what kind of monkeys were running that show, but they dealt with it amateurishly. The original conviction came from a Spanish court, which sentenced him on terrorism charges after he was arrested in Malaga in 2017. Despite presenting his version of events at the time, the Spanish court concluded he had joined a jihadist group and participated in combat. Samsams defence has argued from the beginning that he entered Syria at the direction of Danish authorities. His claims have been supported over the years by multiple investigative journalists in Denmark, whose findings corroborated key elements of his story. Tuesdays ruling by the Supreme Court overturns a lower court verdict that had dismissed Samsams claims and found no evidence of intelligence service cooperation. His lawyer, Rene Offersen, confirmed plans to pursue the case in Spanish courts. Our main objective now is to take this to Spain, he said. We must carefully consider what the best legal steps are to achieve that. The case has attracted significant attention in Denmark and raised questions about the states treatment of its own agents. Critics say the intelligence services allowed Samsam to face trial and imprisonment abroad without intervention or protection. Public scrutiny intensified after a series of media reports in 2020 began to reveal inconsistencies in the official narrative. Yet Danish authorities maintained their silence for years. The Supreme Court ruling has placed pressure on DSIS and DDIS to explain how a known informant was left to face trial as a terrorist. An agency lawyer described the courts decision as regrettable. Despite the ruling, Samsam is still serving a separate sentence. On Monday, Copenhagens High Court confirmed a three-month prison term for violently resisting police. The controversy around the Samsam case comes amid broader scrutiny of Denmarks intelligence community. In recent years, both DSIS and DDIS have faced criticism over secrecy, oversight, and the treatment of sources. The case also adds to the complex legacy of European foreign fighters and covert operations in Syria during the early 2010s. At its peak, the Islamic State controlled territory across Iraq and Syria, where it carried out mass killings and acts deemed genocide by the United Nations. HT Hendersonville craft beers take home medals in Brewers Cup Three Hendersonville craft breweries won medals, including two gold, in the 2025 Brewers Cup competition, the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild announced Wednesday. Related Stories Now in its 14th year, the premier competition, supported by Pro Refrigeration, Tryon Distributing, Lowes Foods and G&A Partners, attracted a record 935 entries from 123 North Carolinas independent craft breweries, making it the Souths largest commercial beer competition. Entries were judged simultaneously at Raleigh Brewing Co. in Raleigh and White Labs in Asheville Aug. 23-24. Certified judges from across the Southeast assessed the beers based on the 2025 GABF Beer Style Guidelines. Awards were given in 36 style-based beer categories, including the distinctive NC Homegrown category, which requires at least 55 percent of the beers dry-weight to be sourced from North Carolina. The largest categories of this years competition were American-Style IPA with 83 entries, Pale European & International Lager with 66 entries and Juicy/Hazy Style IPA with 63. The winning beers were: State, deputy U.S. ag secretary to announce Helene disaster aid today Related Stories State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will join U.S. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden Friday at the Mountain State Fair for what was billed as a major announcement about federal disaster assistance for Western North Carolina to cover Hurricane Helene damage. The announcement is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on the AgSouth Farm Credit Mountain Music Stage at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher. Victims of notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein said Wednesday they were compiling a confidential list of his associates who abused underage girls. President Donald Trump, a one-time close friend of the deceased financier, sought meanwhile to dampen the enduring political furor over the Epstein case. "This is a Democrat hoax that never ends," Trump told reporters at the White House. "They're trying to get people to talk about something that's totally irrelevant to the success that we've had as a nation since I've been president," he said. Trump's comments came as eight of Epstein's victims held an emotional news conference at the US Capitol, where some of them spoke publicly for the first time about the sexual abuse they suffered. Some of the women were as young as 14 when introduced to Epstein. "We were just kids," said Marina Lacerda, who said she was paid $300 to give "an older guy" a massage at his New York mansion. "It went from a dream job to the worst nightmare," said Lacerda, who was "Minor Victim 1" in Epstein's federal indictment. The women urged the Justice Department to release all of the Epstein investigation files and for Congress to pass a bill compelling their publication. "There is no hoax. The abuse was real," said Haley Robson, who was recruited to give a massage to Epstein when she was 16 years old. "If I disobeyed him I knew something bad would happen," Robson said. Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking of underage girls. Many of Trump's supporters have been obsessed with the Epstein case for years and have held as an article of faith that "deep state" elites were protecting Epstein associates in the Democratic Party and Hollywood. They were further incensed in July when the FBI and Justice Department said that Epstein had committed suicide, did not blackmail any prominent figures, and did not keep a "client list." Lisa Phillips, another Epstein victim, said she and other women were putting together a list of their own of Epstein associates. "We know the names. Many of us were abused by them," Phillips said. "We will confidentially compile the names we all know were regularly in the Epstein world. "We are not asking for pity. We are demanding accountability." Robson said she and other Epstein victims "know who was involved" and condemned law enforcement for failing to act. "We know the players and we are sitting here for 20 years waiting for you to get up and do something," she said. "Well guess what? Your time is up, and now we're doing it." Republican lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene attended the press conference and said if given a list "I will walk in the Capitol on the House floor and I'll say every damn name that abused these women." "I'd be proud to do it," she said. Attorney Brad Edwards, who has represented scores of Epstein's victims, said he did not believe the well-connected hedge fund manager kept a list of "clients" he provided with girls. "I don't think he wrote the names of those people down," Edwards said. "There's not a list of, 'Hey, here's all of the people that I sent females to.' That's just not how that organization worked." Trump was once a friend of Epstein's and, according to The Wall Street Journal, the president's name was among hundreds found during a Justice Department review of the Epstein files, though there has been no evidence of wrongdoing. The news conference was held a day after a House of Representatives committee released 33,000 documents from the investigation into Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking. Thousands of documents related to the Epstein probe have been circulated previously and Robert Garcia, the ranking Democrat on the House committee, said most of the records released on Tuesday had already been made public. The Trump administration is attacking higher education institutions in the United States as authoritarian governments seek to quash independent thought, the former president of Harvard University said Wednesday. The prestigious university is at loggerheads with Trump, who believes Ivy League schools are unaccountable bastions of liberal, anti-conservative bias and anti-Semitism, particularly around the protests against Israel's campaign in Gaza. Trump has sought to cut more than $2.6 billion of funding to Harvard, and has moved to block entry of international students -- a quarter of its student body. "The truth here is that our government, the American government, is attacking higher ed and universities," Claudine Gay told the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences in Amsterdam. "The agenda here is about destroying knowledge institutions because they are centres of independent thought and information," she added. "That is the story. Nothing justifies that. Nothing explains that. Other than authoritarians don't like independent centres of thought and information," said Gay in rare public comments. Gay, the first black woman to lead Harvard in its 368-year history, stepped down in January 2024 amid a row over alleged anti-Semitism on campus following protests about the Gaza war. Her resignation followed a heated appearance at a Capitol Hill hearing. Republican lawmaker Elise Stefanik likened student calls for a new intifada -- an Arabic word for uprising that harks back to the first Palestinian revolt against Israel in 1987 -- to inciting "genocide against the Jewish people in Israel and globally." When Stefanik asked Gay whether such calls would violate Harvard's code of conduct, Gay replied: "We embrace a commitment to free expression even of views that are objectionable, offensive, hateful. "When speech crosses into conduct that violates our policies, including policies against bullying, harassment or intimidation, we take action," she said during the hearing. The blowback to the Congress hearing was rapid and intense. Former Harvard student and multi-million-dollar donor Bill Ackman claimed that the high-profile row had led to "billions of dollars of cancelled, paused, and withdrawn donations to the university". Gay apologised but eventually resigned in January 2024 after allegations that she improperly cited scholarly sources in her academic work added to the pressure. In her comments in the Netherlands, she said Harvard appeared to be moving towards a policy of "compliance" with Trump's demands. "This is distressing... Not only for those of us who are on campus and face the consequences directly, but also for all of those in higher ed who look to Harvard for leadership and guidance." Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un met for talks in Beijing on Thursday, state media reported, while the North Korean leader is in China on a rare foreign visit. Kim and Russia's Vladimir Putin flanked Xi at a massive parade of Chinese military might on Wednesday in Beijing, where underwater drones, massive missiles and laser weapons were showcased to the foreign leaders. China is North Korea's most important ally, their relationship forged in the bloodshed of the Korean War in the 1950s. Chinese state media said Kim and Xi met for talks in Beijing's Great Hall of the People. China's foreign ministry said earlier the talks would be "an in-depth exchange of views on China-DPRK relations and issues of common concern", using the acronym for North Korea. "China is willing to work with the DPRK to strengthen strategic communication... (and) deepen the exchange of experience in governance," spokesman Guo Jiakun said. Kim arrived in Beijing on Tuesday accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, his second reported trip abroad in six years and his first to China since 2019. His attendance at the parade was the first time he was seen with Xi and Putin at the same event. 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 several times. However, he withdrew from the global scene after the collapse of a summit with Trump in Hanoi in 2019. Beijing has historically provided diplomatic, economic and political support to the secretive North, which remains under crippling international sanctions. Venezuela's authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro said the country will "stand tall" against a "new imperialistic ramming" after the Trump administration blew up a vessel off its coast, killing 11 people it claimed were transporting drugs. Speaking at a political rally, Maduro said the country will "remain on its feet with serenity, firmly and with rock-hard faith in victory and peace." "We're good people, people who love peace, but know this: we're fierce warriors when they mess with our land, with our history and with our rights. This lands belongs to the Venezuelans and there will be no sell-outs or empire that can touch or desecrate the holy land the liberators gave us," Maduro added. Maduro did not directly address the attack carried out by U.S. forces. However, officials in the Trump administration have said the episode is a direct warning to him. On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Maduro "should be worried" as a result of it. "The only one who should be worried is Nicolas Maduro, who is acting as the kingpin of a narco state. Not actually elected and indicted for $50 million by the U.S. We know he's involved in the kind of drug-running that has affected the American people directly," Hegseth said during an interview on Fox News. Hegseth added that officials "knew exactly who were on that boat and what they were doing." "It's a new dawn. Those 11 drug-traffickers are no longer with us, sending a very clear sign that the U.S. won't tolerate this kind of activity in our hemisphere," he added. In another passage of the interview, Hegseth said the attack was not a one-off. "We've got assets in the air, assets in the water, assets on ships, because this is a deadly serious mission for us, and it won't it won't stop with just this strike," he said. Maduro has labeled the deployment of U.S. assets off the country's coast as its "biggest threat in 100 years." "Eight warships with 1,200 missiles and a nuclear submarine are pointed at Venezuela," he said this week. Originally published on Latin Times 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. Hotel Daphne, a forthcoming boutique hotel from Austin-based Bunkhouse Hotels, is now accepting reservations for stays in January 2026, unveiling initial details ahead of the property's debut. Known for its one-of-a-kind boutique hotels throughout Texas and beyond, Bunkhouse Hotels expanded to Houston in early 2025 with Hotel Saint Augustine. Following its celebrated arrival in the Montrose neighborhood, Hotel Daphne will offer Houstonians another community-oriented and design-driven retreat - this time in the historic Houston Heights. The 49-room property will serve as an extended living room to locals and travelers alike, featuring an all-day restaurant, ground floor bar, library and private events space, picturesque courtyard, and a signature lobby retail shop in the charming residential neighborhood. Opening in phases, Hypsi, the hotel's full-service restaurant and lounge, will debut first with dinner service in November 2025. The hotel looks forward to welcoming overnight guests shortly following Hypsi's arrival, with travelers now able to reserve rooms beginning this January. Hypsi will be helmed by Executive Chef Terrence Gallivan, a two-time James Beard Award nominee and former chef of the Michelin-starred Alto in NYC with deep Houston roots after opening the former acclaimed restaurants, The Pass & Provisions and Elro. Inspired by the private drinking clubs that thrived during Houston Heights' dry days, Hypsi will offer an elevated escape for cocktails, Italian-style aperitivo, and heartier fare. Diners can expect dishes like a Crispy Skin Vermillion Snapper with a fresh herb salsa verde and a Tableside Mozzarella Cart serving multiple types of cheeses and seasonal accompaniments during the initial opening period, while the beverage program will showcase Italian wines and spritzes. Hypsi will open for breakfast and lunch down the line. Designed in-house by Bunkhouse Hotels, Hotel Daphne's interiors will draw inspiration from the Heights' diverse architectural style of Arts and Crafts, blending custom furniture, vintage finds, and bold, trippy prints. Hypsi's design will balance playful whimsy with cozy familiarity, featuring opulent fabrics, a lush courtyard, an indoor fireplace framed by an antique mantel, psychedelic pillows, and a bar with leather Cassina chairs, nodding to the Heights' historic supper clubs. Whereas Hotel Saint Augustine made a purposeful choice to refrain from traditional artwork on the walls as a response to the hotel's location adjacent to the Menil Collection, Daphne's art program will emphasize the property's curatorial feel, featuring custom works by Austin- and Los Angeles-based artist Alexandra Valenti, as well as an impressive selection of original pieces from the private collections of hotel owners, Bob & Ben Ackerley. Architecture is a collaboration between Massachusetts-based Blanchard A+D and California-based Darwin Architecture, with landscape architecture by Houston's McDugald Steele. The five-story painted brick structure with stepped parapets and steel windows is thoughtfully integrated into the neighborhood's character. To honor Hotel Daphne's first guests, Bunkhouse Hotels has created a special opening offer: First Nights in the Heights. Book with code FIRST to enjoy 20% off our standard rate, plus a complimentary upgrade and late checkout of 2 PM (both subject to availability). Terms apply and can be found at https://www.hyatt.com/bunkhouse-hotels/en-US/houkh-hotel-daphne. For reservations and more information on Hotel Daphne, visit www.hoteldaphnehtx.com. SNAPSHOT Operator: Bunkhouse Hotels Owner: Woodlane Partners Interior Design: Bunkhouse Hotels Chef: Terrence Gallivan Address: 347 West 20 th Street, Houston, 77008 Street, Houston, 77008 Website: hoteldaphnehtx.com Instagram: @HotelDaphneHTX Developing Partner: RGA Ventures LLC Architect of Record: Blanchard A+D and Darwin Architecture Landscape Architecture: McDugald Steele Starting Rates: $359 Hotel website Coast Hotels Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of APA Hotel Canada, Inc. and one of North America's fastest-growing and one of Canada's largest hotel brands, is pleased to announce the official opening of its latest franchised property in North Vancouver, British Columbia. The reimagined Coast Lonsdale Quay Hotel officially opened its doors as a Coast Hotel on September 3rd, 2025. Perfectly located at the iconic Lonsdale Quay on Vancouver's North Shore, this vibrant waterfront hotel features 70 newly renovated, air-conditioned guest rooms and suites. Guests enjoy panoramic views of downtown Vancouver and easy access to the SeaBus, local shops, art galleries, and biking and hiking trails. The hotel is situated above the Lonsdale Quay Market, a lively hub featuring over 60 locally owned businesses, including artisan vendors, restaurants, specialty retailers, and fresh food merchants. A popular destination for both locals and tourists, the Market offers a uniquely West Coast experience that aligns with Coast Hotels Refreshingly Local brand promise. Accommodation options include spacious Double Queen and King rooms, some with full or partial ocean view patios, as well as two stunning Suites. All rooms are equipped with mini refrigerators for added comfort and convenience, making the Coast Lonsdale Quay Hotel a welcoming choice for families. Fully accessible rooms are available, and nearby covered parking adds to guest convenience. This pet-friendly property also offers a wide range of amenities and services, including complimentary hotel wi-fi, a fitness centre and versatile meeting space. Hotel website TROY, Mich. Rising operating costs are putting pressure on third-party hotel management companies as they work to deliver the experiences guests expect. According to the J.D. Power 2025 North America Third-Party Hotel Management Guest Satisfaction Benchmark,SM released today, guest satisfaction declines significantly year over year in the areas of food and beverage quality and facilities maintenance as management companies contend with increasing operating costs. In hotels where the owner is not operating the property, guest satisfaction ultimately rests with third-party management companies that operate on behalf of hotel owners. While these companies are all focused on bringing a level of standardization and consistency to the guest experience, were starting to see some challenges emerge where guest satisfaction is faltering, particularly for quality of food and beverage and hotel facilities upkeep, which can often indicate rising costs. Andrea Stokes, hospitality practice lead at J.D. Power Following are some of the key findings of the 2025 benchmark: Food and beverage satisfaction declines: More than three-fourths (77%) of guests in branded hotels run by the largest third-party management companies choose to dine in the hotel, up from 73% in 2024. Yet, guest satisfaction declines significantly for quality of food, cleanliness of dining area(s), food and beverage presentation and ambiance. More than three-fourths (77%) of guests in branded hotels run by the largest third-party management companies choose to dine in the hotel, up from 73% in 2024. Yet, guest satisfaction declines significantly for quality of food, cleanliness of dining area(s), food and beverage presentation and ambiance. Hotel facilities maintenance in focus: Guest satisfaction with appearance of hotel exterior and grounds and maintenance of pools, fitness centers and laundry areas also decline significantly in this years benchmark. Guest satisfaction with appearance of hotel exterior and grounds and maintenance of pools, fitness centers and laundry areas also decline significantly in this years benchmark. Staff service and guest room appearance deliver on guest expectations: In other critical operational areas for third-party hotel management companies, such as staff service and overall appearance and condition of guest rooms, guest satisfaction is on par with 2024. Benchmark Ranking Atrium Hospitality ranks highest in overall guest satisfaction with a score of 722 (on a 1,000-point scale). Crescent Hotels and Resorts (708) ranks second, while Columbia Sussex (703) and Davidson Hospitality Group (703) each rank third in a tie. The North America Third-Party Hotel Management Guest Satisfaction Benchmark was redesigned for 2025, thus overall satisfaction index scores are not comparable with previous years. The benchmark, now in its sixth year, evaluates guest satisfaction with branded hotels that are operated by the largest third-party management companies. It is based on seven dimensions (in order of importance): guest room; hotel staff service; value for prices paid; check-in/check-out; hotel facility; food and beverage; and hotel connectivity. The benchmark includes third-party hotel operators with more than 14,000 branded hotel rooms under management. The 2025 benchmark is based on 5,022 guest responses for branded hotel stays from May 2024 through May 2025. For more information about the North America Third-Party Hotel Management Guest Satisfaction Benchmark, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/third-party-hotel-management-guest-satisfaction-benchmark. Source: J.D. Power About J.D. Power J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services, and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 55 years. The world's leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies. J.D. Power has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company's business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The J.D. Power auto-shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com. Geno Effler +1 714 621 6224 J.D. Power View source Merrillville, INDIANA - Z2 Productions, One World Digital, LLC, and White Lodging are proud to announce the debut of Bruce: Begin with the End in Mind, a powerful new documentary film chronicling the life of Bruce White, the founder of White Lodging, and the entrepreneurial journey that transformed a single hotel opportunity in Northwest Indiana into what Bill Marriott, Jr. called one of Marriotts most trusted partners. Narrated by acclaimed television host Mike Rowe, the film highlights the stories and lessons introduced in the recently published biography, Hospitalitarian: Bruce Whites Legacy. The 40-minute film can be accessed at no cost and with no subscription on White Lodgings website (https://www.whitelodging.com/about/our-founder); it is also streaming on Prime Video. The film is expected to be available on other streaming platforms before the end of the year. Any proceeds from the documentary and book will be matched by the White Family foundations and directed to education-focused initiatives in Northwest Indiana. Begin with the End in Mind The documentary, launched during the companys 40th Anniversary year, weaves together archival footage, interviews with family, friends, and business leaders, and Bruces own words to illustrate the principles that fueled his relentless pursuit of excellence and his belief in values-based leadership. Bruce White founded White Lodging in 1985 and led the company with visionary determination until his passing in 2023. White Lodging remains one of the largest privately owned companies focused on the development and management of urban and lifestyle hotels and restaurants across the United States, including the 1,000+ room JW Marriotts in Indianapolis and Austin. In describing why he agreed to narrate the film, Mike Rowe said, Our country needs to hear more stories about more Americans like Bruce. Hard-working, relentless perfectionists who were never satisfied with the status quo, yet always humble. This film is more than a tribute to Bruce. Its a roadmap for how values-driven leadership can shape a company, a community, and an industry. Beth White, Bruces wife and Chair of White Lodging Bruces true legacy lies in the culture he builtone rooted in hard work, ethics, lifelong learning and the idea that leadership is best measured by what endures after you're gone. The documentary was produced as a follow-up companion to the biography Hospitalitarian: Bruce Whites Legacy, written by Kathi Ann Brownwho also co-authored books with Bill Marriott, Jr. Hospitalitarian, which includes a foreword by Bill Marriott, is available now on Amazon and other online platforms. Bruces vision for White Lodging continues through the leadership of his wife Beth, their childrenwho now play active roles in the companys governanceand the many associates who carry on his mission. We hope that every current and future associate at White Lodging, and people well beyond its reach, will carry forward the inspiration of how it all beganand why its meaning will outlast us , said White. Cementing a Companys Culture & Founders Legacy In addition to sharing Bruce White and White Lodgings story with the world and further cementing him into hospitality history, the book and documentary will play an important role in sustaining the culture he cultivated at the company. All 6,000+ associates at White Lodging previewed the documentary in an exclusive private release earlier this year. The film will be used as part of onboarding of new associates and will also be available to guests on in-room TVs in many White Lodging hotels. The book and documentary will also be used to help ensure students and faculty at Purdues White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Bruce White Undergraduate Institute (within the Mitch Daniels School of Business) will forever know the namesakes story. About White Lodging White Lodging, established in 1985 by hospitality icon Bruce White, has evolved into one of the country's largest privately held hospitality companies focused exclusively on highly curated urban and lifestyle properties. The company develops, owns and manages a portfolio of brands in destination-driven markets, including Austin, Chicago, Denver, Nashville, Indianapolis, and Louisville. With a focus on elevated and experiential service, White Lodging's portfolio consists of approximately 60 premium hotels; a private collection of world-renowned luxury ranches; 50 locally relevant, award-winning restaurants; and 10 market-leading rooftop bars. White Lodging focuses on hiring and developing hospitalitarians that are committed to exceptional service and fostering meaningful connections. White Lodging is the second highest in the 2021 J.D. Power Guest Satisfaction Benchmark for third-party management companies, and has been near the top since the first benchmark was published. For more information about White Lodging, visit www.whitelodging.com or follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Mike Banas +1 219 472 2861 White Lodging Everhome Suites, the midscale extended stay brand from Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), continues to grow its nationwide footprint with the opening of seven new properties across diverse and strategic markets in the United States. Choice Hotels now has 17 Everhome Suites open, 16 under construction, and 45 in the pipeline. The brand is on track to have nearly 25 hotels open by the end of the year. This latest expansion marks several key milestones for Everhome Suites brand including its entry into highly competitive markets across Southern California. Additionally, the opening of the new Yuma location marks the brand's 20th property. Opening our 20th Everhome Suites is a meaningful milestone that reflects continued interest from the development community. Our continued expansion into new and diverse markets highlights Everhome's compelling value for developersthanks to its efficient prototype, flexible operating model, and ability to meet rising demand for extended stay accommodations. These strengths are enabling us to enter into a range of markets nationwide, including those in high-barrier and strong growth markets. Ron Burgett, Senior Vice President, Extended Stay Development, Choice Hotels International Everhome Suites Bozeman, MT opened in May 2025. Located at 959 S Fowler Ave, the property will serve travelers visiting Montana State University, Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital, and the region's thriving outdoor recreation economy. Its location near Yellowstone International Airport and Big Sky Resort positions it as a key addition to the brand's growing presence in the Mountain West region. Everhome Suites Ontario, CA opened in July 2025. Located at 1820 East G Street, the 113-room hotel is strategically positioned near Ontario International Airport and major transportation corridors. The property benefits from proximity to key regional employers such as Gold Star Foods and Kindred Hospital Ontario, and is just minutes from Ontario Mills, one of the largest outlet malls in the country. Guests can also enjoy nearby recreational options like Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park. Designed for extended stays, the hotel features apartment-style suites with full kitchens, a 312-square-foot meeting room, and amenities tailored for both business and leisure travelers. Everhome Suites San Bernardino, CA opened in July 2025. Located at 864 E Harriman Place, the 114-room hotel is ideally situated off I-10 near Loma Linda and downtown San Bernardino. The property serves a diverse guest base including visitors to Loma Linda University Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, and the San Bernardino County Government Center. It also benefits from proximity to regional attractions like the San Bernardino County Museum and the First Original McDonald's Museum, as well as major logistics and distribution hubs. Everhome Suites Yuma, AZ opened in July 2025. Located at 2011 E 18th Street, the 122-room hotel is positioned to support military and government travelers with nearby access to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, the largest Marine Corps aviation installation in the world. The property also serves medical professionals and patients visiting Yuma Regional Medical Center, and benefits from proximity to Arizona Western College and the Yuma Palms Regional Center. Everhome Suites Newington, NH opened in July 2025. Located at 2109 Woodbury Avenue, the 106-room hotel is strategically placed near the Mall at Fox Run and Portsmouth International Airport. The property supports demand from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which employs over 9,000 personnel, and nearby manufacturing facilities including Sig Sauer, SubCom, and Lonza Biologics. It also serves travelers visiting Portsmouth Regional Hospital and the University of New Hampshire. Everhome Suites Rochester, NY will open in August 2025. Located at 500 Bellwood Drive, the 114-room hotel is situated along I-390 and serves a population of healthcare, education, and manufacturing travelers. Key demand drivers include the University of Rochester's Strong Memorial Hospital, Unity Hospital, and major employers such as Kodak, L3Harris, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics. The property is also near the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. Everhome Suites Somerset, NJ will open in August 2025. Located at 1860 Easton Avenue, the 114-room hotel is positioned near I-287 and serves a robust mix of corporate, healthcare, and logistics travelers. The property is close to the Colgate-Palmolive Global Technology Center, Johnson & Johnson, and the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. It also benefits from nearby distribution centers for Amazon, Chanel, and L'Oreal, making it a key asset in central New Jersey's innovation corridor. Paladin Equity Capital, a developer on several of the new Everhome Suites properties, shared their perspective on the Southern California openings: Developing new hotels in Southern California requires persistence, creativity, and the ability to navigate significant barriers to entry, including high land costs, complex entitlements, municipal planning, and infrastructure requirements. These openings showcase our team's dedication and problem-solving, as well as the valuable partnership and commitment from the cities of San Bernardino and Ontario. These new Everhome Suites represent our continued confidence in the future of the brand and the long-term strength of the Southern California extended stay hospitality market. Phillip Powers of Paladin Everhome Suites provides all the comforts of home with fully equipped kitchens, spa-style bathrooms, spacious closets, premium one-bedroom suites with in-room washer and dryer, locally inspired touches, weekly housekeeping, free WiFi, pet-friendly options, multipurpose lobby, outdoor amenities like barbeque grills and firepits, tech-enabled Homebase Market, 24/7 fitness center with Peloton bikes, and guest laundry facilities. Choice Hotels offers dedicated tools and resources for the extended stay segment, including for developers, the Choice Maps platform, which uses AI to identify desirable markets. Also provided are specialized sales, revenue management, marketing, and operational support including the choiceEDGE reservation platform and choiceADVANTAGE, the property management system that helps manage room rates, distribution channels, and inventory effectively. For more information on Everhome Suites development opportunities, visit https://www.choicehotelsdevelopment.com/our-brands/extended-stay/everhome-suites About Choice Hotels Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. The one to watch in upscale and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice has nearly 7,500 hotels, representing more than 630,000 rooms, in 45 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that range from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay and economy enables Choice to meet travelers' needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges rewards program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com. Forward-Looking Statements This communication includes "forward-looking statements" about future events, including anticipated development and hotel openings. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including construction delays, availability and cost of financing and the other "Risk Factors" described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, any of which could cause actual results to be materially different from our expectations. Addendum This is not an offering. No offer or sale of a franchise will be made except by a Franchise Disclosure Document first filed and registered with applicable state authorities. A copy of the Franchise Disclosure Document can be obtained through contacting Choice Hotels International at 915 Meeting Street, Suite 600, North Bethesda, Maryland 20852 or by email at: [email protected]. Solution offers a comprehensive view of travel agency bookings to increase reservations and improve performance Transformative travel technology provider Amadeus has signed a new agreement with the largest hotel chain in Scandinavia, Scandic Hotels, to deploy Amadeus Agency360 Enterprise Solution. The travel intelligence software, which tracks all travel agent bookings from the industrys three major global distribution systems (GDSs), will offer the hospitality brand unprecedented insight. The agreement marks the first enterprise adoption of Agency360 in Scandinavia and will significantly enhance the ability of the hotel group to analyze and act on travel agency data across its portfolio of 280 properties in 6 countries. With Amadeus Agency360, we gain a deeper perspective on our extensive hotel portfolio. As the leading hotel operator in the Nordics, having access to detailed and relevant data is essential. The ability to analyze bookings by owner, property category, and region provides us with actionable insights to help drive profitable demand and improve productivity. Aaron Angert, Vice President of Sales, Scandic Hotels The enterprise edition of Amadeus Agency360 selected by Scandic Hotels provides 12 months of forward-looking data and historical insight over a 24-month period, deepening understanding of corporate and agency performance. It is part of a suite of innovative solutions from Amadeus, as the company continues to build on the platform that transforms the travel industry. With the most granular data on the market, Amadeus Agency360 will allow Scandic Hotels to assess performance with key travel agencies working with the group, making it possible to target the most valuable opportunities. Scandinavian hospitality is defined by innovation and our partnership with Scandic Hotels offers an excellent illustration of that. Amadeus Agency360 sits at the center of the travel ecosystem and shares insight from across the industrys largest GDS providers. The solution will provide the brand with vital forward-looking data, allowing for timely, strategic decision making. Jan Tissera, Head of International Hospitality, Amadeus View source AI Revolutionizes European Tourism: A Study on Adoption and Challenges - Image Credit Unsplash+ The European Travel Commission (ETC) has released a comprehensive study on the adoption and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) within National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) across Europe. The findings reveal that AI is significantly influencing daily operations, particularly in marketing functions, while also highlighting the need for strategic direction and skill development. AI's Role in Tourism Operations The study, conducted by Kairos Future, surveyed ETC members to assess the adoption, benefits, and governance of AI within NTOs. It focused on two key areas: the readiness of national tourism boards for long-term AI deployment and the current benefits observed from the use of AI. The research indicates that a select group of European destinations is leading in AI adoption, demonstrating high readiness and perceived usefulness, with tangible improvements in productivity and quality. Marketing as a Pioneer Marketing departments within NTOs have been at the forefront of AI experimentation. They report clearer use cases, such as automated content generation, leading to higher maturity scores compared to research departments. Marketing teams have found AI to be valuable for tasks such as copywriting, streamlining internal processes, brainstorming, and testing content formats. In contrast, research teams view AI as an exploratory tool, with its use in desk research, sentiment analysis, translation, coding, and transcriptions. Challenges and Opportunities Despite positive staff enthusiasm for AI, the study identifies several challenges, including limited AI expertise, sparse training, and the absence of a strategic roadmap. Marketing teams also cite tighter budgets as a barrier to AI adoption. The report suggests that tailored investments and structured experiments could help overcome these challenges, enabling NTOs to unlock the full potential of AI. Recommendations for AI Adoption The report offers several recommendations for advancing AI adoption within NTOs: 1. Experimentation Time: Allocate time for hackathons, innovation sprints, and workshops to transform enthusiasm into concrete prototypes. 2. Role-Specific Up-skilling: Provide tailored courses with internal early adopters as peer instructors, rather than generic awareness sessions. 3. Budget Scaling: Tie incremental funding to pilot outcomes to transition proof-of-concepts into sustained operations. ETC's Perspective ETC President Miguel Sanz emphasizes the opportunities AI presents for enhancing NTO operations, particularly in marketing and research. He emphasizes the importance of creating shared learning spaces, developing practical skills, and fostering structured innovation to navigate the evolving AI landscape with confidence. Future Outlook The report provides European NTOs with practical tools for maximizing AI use, including roadmaps for marketing, research, and organizational functions, as well as guidelines, case studies, and an overview of upcoming regulations, such as the EU AI Act. It also reviews future trends and scenarios for knowledge work in the next decade. ETC plans to continue supporting its members with hands-on workshops and peer-learning labs. The full report is available for download at the ETC's website. Barak Hirschowitz, President, International Luxury Hotel Association - Image Credit International Luxury Hotel Association The International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) will hold its 16th annual INSPIRE conferences in Prague and Las Vegas in 2024. The events will focus on trends in luxury hospitality, including innovation, wellness, and investment. The International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) has announced its 16th annual INSPIRE conferences, scheduled to take place in Prague and Las Vegas in 2024. The Prague event is scheduled for November 12-13 at the Congress Centre of the Czech National Bank, while the Las Vegas conference will take place on December 10-11 at Resorts World Las Vegas. The INSPIRE conferences are significant events for luxury hospitality professionals, featuring over 1,400 attendees globally. The Prague conference will host over 400 attendees and 60 speakers, featuring panels on topics such as residential development and third-party hotel management. The Las Vegas event will feature over 1,000 attendees and 120 speakers, with sessions on boardroom perspectives and the impact of the longevity economy on luxury hospitality. Key themes at the conferences will include innovation, culture, wellness, technology, development, and investment. Attendees will have opportunities for networking and exhibitions with industry leaders, including hoteliers, asset managers, and investors. The events are supported by partners such as ENCORE, Avendra International, and WorldHotels. Registration for the conferences is currently open. Wait! Before you go Please sign up for our Evening Digest and Breaking Newsletters Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Sony Philippines officially launched the Sony FX2, the newest addition to its Cinema Line, in an immersive event that gathered creators, filmmakers, and industry leaders for a day of storytelling, innovation, and hands-on discovery. Sony Executives with Guest Speakers The event was graced by Shuhei Sugihara, President and Managing Director of Sony Philippines, and Kentaro Imamura, Marketing Director, who shared Sonys vision of empowering creators through technology and co-creation. JD Domingo, Senior Product. Marketing Executive, introduced the FX2s groundbreaking features designed to support creators at every level. The Cinema Line isnt just a set of cameras its a promise to creators. From students exploring their first film project to seasoned professionals crafting their next masterpiece, Sonys Cinema Line goes beyond the limits of traditional cinema cameras and camcorders, giving every storyteller the power to bring their vision to life. Miki Labarda and Lee Briones sharing their insights on the newest FX2 Highlighting the launch were inspiring sessions from visual storyteller Miki Labarda and award-winning director Lee Briones, who showcased the FX2s versatility in both filmmaking and dynamic live demonstrations. Miki debuted her short film Before the World Gets Loud, shot entirely with the FX2, I think it's perfect for young and aspiring filmmakers for whenever they have an idea and put it in writing, it is very helpful to have a camera like the FX2. Direk Lee Briones led a live demo that put the camera to the test under fast-paced, real-world shooting conditions. When asked what they consider as the top things they consider for their shoots, Briones answered I have encouraged all my students to look into themselves to find their places of truth. When you know your story, the equipment follows. Guests experiencing the FX2 firsthand The Sony FX2 is a compact full-frame cinema camera that combines professional-grade performance with a design optimized for solo shooters and content creators. It boasts a 33MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, BIONZ XR image processing engine with AI autofocus, and dual base ISO for flexibility in any lighting environment. Offering up to 15+ stops of dynamic range, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, and Sonys signature S-Cinetone color science, the FX2 delivers cinematic results straight out of the camera while still giving creators room to grade and refine in post-production. Lightweight yet powerful, it bridges the gap between aspiring storytellers and seasoned filmmakers, making high-quality cinematic expression more accessible than ever. Sonys FX2: The Latest Cinema Line Camera Priced at 184,999 (body only) and 204,999 (body with XLR handle), the Sony FX2 is now available through Sony Authorized Dealers nationwide, both in physical stores and online. With the launch of the FX2, Sony reinforces its commitment to empowering storytellerswhether aspiring content creators or seasoned filmmakersto imagine, create, and inspire. For more information about the Sony FX2, visit https://www.sony.com.ph/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilme-fx2 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 Aides were filmed wiping down every surface touched by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after his meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Beijing this week in the latest demonstration of the secretive states strict measures to guard against espionage. A video shared on Telegram by Russian journalist Alexander Yunashev showed two staffers polishing the backrest and armrests of Mr Kims chair, cleaning a side table and carrying away his glass on a tray. After the negotiations were over, the staff accompanying the head of the DPRK carefully destroyed all traces of Kims presence, Mr Yunashev said, using the abbreviation for North Koreas official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. The clean-up followed a two-hour discussion between the two leaders after which they shared tea and exchanged warm farewells. During the meeting, Mr Kim pledged solidarity with Russia, telling Mr Putin: If there is anything I can or must do for you and the Russian people, I consider it my duty as a fraternal obligation. Mr Putin responded by addressing him as Dear Chairman of State Affairs and thanked North Korea for sending troops to aid in the war against Ukraine. North Korea reportedly sent nearly 13,000 soldiers to help the Russian military successfully beat back a Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk border area early this year. The Beijing summit took place on the sidelines of a major military parade marking Japans surrender in the Second World War. Mr Putin and Mr Kim were among more than two dozen world leaders hosted at the parade by Chinese president Xi Jinping. It was Mr Kims first visit to the neighbouring country since the Covid pandemic. The obsessive scrubbing of Mr Kims biological traces is not new. Analysts say the practice is designed to prevent foreign intelligence agencies from gathering samples that may reveal the condition of his health. Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin at their meeting in Beijing ( Kremlin.ru ) The Japanese newspaper Nikkei reported that Mr Kim travelled to Beijing on his signature green armoured train equipped with a private lavatory to ensure his waste could not be intercepted. Similar measures were in place under his father, the late Kim Jong Il. The special toilet and the requisite garbage bags of detritus, waste and cigarette butts are so that a foreign intelligence agency, even a friendly one, doesnt acquire a sample and test it. It would provide insight into any medical conditions affecting Kim Jong Un. This can include hair and skin tags, Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership specialist at the Washington-based Stimson Center, explained. After his 2019 Hanoi summit with then US president Donald Trump, Mr Kims aides were seen blocking off the floor of his hotel room to clean it and remove items including the mattress. In 2018, North Korean security sprayed disinfectant on a chair and desk before Mr Kim sat down with South Koreans then president Moon Jae In. At a previous meeting with Mr Putin in 2023, Mr Kims guards disinfected and scanned his chair with a metal detector before he used it. Mr Kim is not alone in taking such precautions. Reports have long suggested that Mr Putins security aides collect his bodily waste during overseas trips and transports it back to Moscow in sealed containers, a measure believed to have been in place since at least 2017 to prevent DNA theft. Moscow and Pyongyang have been deepening their partnership since the two countries signed a mutual defence pact in 2024, positioning themselves together against Western sanctions. 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 When Russian president Vladimir Putin walked shoulder to shoulder with Chinese president Xi Jinping on Wednesday, a hot mic caught them discussing organ transplants and the possibility that humans could live to 150 years old. The moment came as Mr Putin and Mr Xi walked with North Korea's Kim Jong Un at the head of a delegation of more than two dozen foreign leaders to view a military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The moment was carried on the livestream provided by state broadcaster CCTV to other media, including AP and Reuters. China's radio and TV administration said CCTV's coverage of the event was viewed 1.9 billion times online and by more than 400 million on TV. As Mr Putin and Mr Xi walked toward the Tiananmen rostrum where they viewed the parade with Kim, Mr Putin's translator could be heard saying in Chinese: "Biotechnology is continuously developing." The translator added, after an inaudible passage: "Human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become, and (you can) even achieve immortality." In response, Mr Xi, who was off camera, can be heard responding in Chinese: "Some predict that in this century humans may live to 150 years old." Mr Kim was smiling and looking in the direction of Mr Putin and Mr Xi, but it was not clear if the conversation was being translated for him. Mr Putin cannot be heard speaking clearly in Russian in the CCTV clip. Russia's president Vladimir Putin holds a press conference, at the end of his visit to China for the Tianjin SCO Summit ( AFP/Getty ) Mr Putin confirmed later that he and Mr Xi had discussed the subject on Wednesday. "I think when we went to the parade, the chairman talked about it," Mr Putin told reporters in Beijing when asked about the leaked conversation. "Modern means of health improvement, medical means, even surgical ones related to organ replacement, they allow humanity to hope that active life will continue differently than it does today," he said. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and CCTV did not immediately respond to requests from Reuters for comment. As Mr Xi began speaking, the video cut to a wide shot of Tiananmen Square and the audio faded. Just over 30 seconds later, Mr Xi, Mr Putin and Mr Kim reappeared on camera as they walked on the steps toward the viewing platform for the parade. At the event, Mr Xi told a crowd of more than 50,000 spectators the world faced a choice of "peace or war" as he inspected troops and cutting-edge military equipment, including hypersonic missiles and naval drones. Mr Putin arrived in China on Sunday to attend a summit organised by Beijing that convened more than 20 leaders of non-Western countries, including Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. Mr Putin and Mr Xi signed more than 20 agreements on subjects ranging from energy to artificial intelligence, and agreed to build a major new gas pipeline, without announcing key details on financing or the pricing of the gas to be sent to China. 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 Airlines apologised after taking a pilot off duty for drinking alcohol before an international flight, causing lengthy delays for hundreds of passengers. The pilot was scheduled to fly from Honolulu, US, to the Chubu Centrair airport in central Japan on 28 August, but called in sick on the day of departure and later admitted to drinking in his hotel before the flight, Japanese broadcaster FNN reported. As a result, the Honolulu-Nagoya service and two other Japan-bound flights were delayed for about 18 hours while a replacement pilot was found. Around 630 passengers were affected, according to Kyodo News. The pilot was subsequently relieved from duty, Mainichi reported. On Wednesday, the Japanese transport ministry carried out a surprise inspection at the airlines Tokyo headquarters but officials did not publicly comment on the findings. A Japan Airlines plane lands as people visit a market in Taipei on 20 March 2025 ( AFP via Getty ) We sincerely apologise to our customers and all parties involved for the inconvenience and trouble caused, the airline in a statement. We take this matter very seriously, especially considering that it occurred while we were already under administrative guidance due to multiple safety incidents, including alcohol-related cases, and were working to prevent recurrence. The incident is the latest in a series of alcohol-related breaches involving Japan Airlines crew. In December 2024, the ministry issued the carrier with a business improvement notice following cases in which pilots were found to have consumed alcohol within 12 hours of duty, breaching internal rules. The airline said at the time that though the flight departed after confirming that the cockpit crew's blood alcohol level was 0.00mg/l, it was noted that the crew had consumed alcohol exceeding the limit set for 12 hours before the start of flight duty, and inappropriate behaviour by the crew was observed. The company later pledged improved procedures, including tighter alcohol testing and awareness training to prevent recurrence. In February this year, Japan Airlines stripped chairman Yuji Akasaka of his role overseeing safety measures and cut his pay as well as that of the chief executive, Mitsuko Tottori, by 30 per cent for two months. It also demoted other executives as part of the disciplinary action. Mr Akasaka had similarly received a pay cut in 2018 after a separate alcohol-related scandal. 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 son of ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has issued a stark warning about her deteriorating health, urging the ruling military junta to grant her access to urgent medical care and calling on the international community to intervene. Kim Aris told The Independent his 80-year-old mother who has been imprisoned since the military coup in February 2021 has been suffering from a worsening heart condition. It is deeply distressing to have heard my mothers health has taken a turn for the worse, he said. She has had ongoing heart complications, which have undoubtedly been exacerbated by the conditions under which she is being held and needs to see, and has asked to see a cardiologist from outside the prison. I have no way of knowing if this has been granted. In a dramatic intervention, former UK foreign secretary William Hague called on the military junta to release Ms Suu Kyi. He told The Independent: It is high time that Aung Sang Suu Kyi was released. It is also a moral and humanitarian imperative that she is given access to proper medical care without delay. open image in gallery The former leader of Myanmar has been imprisoned since 2021 and is suffering a worsening heart condition ( ANP/AFP/Getty ) Ms Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and longtime symbol of Myanmars pro-democracy movement, has been held in solitary confinement for much of her detention. Her imprisonment is the subject of an Independent TV documentary, Cancelled: The Rise and Fall of Aung San Suu Kyi. Last year, three former UK foreign secretaries united to demand Ms Suu Kyis release, saying she was being held in terrible conditions on trumped-up charges and must be released. Her son condemned the ruling State Administration Councils treatment of her as cruel and life-threatening, and said the lack of transparency and compassion shown was shocking and shattering. He has appealed to the global community to help secure his mothers release, emphasising the urgency of her condition and the injustice of her continued imprisonment. She is aged 80 and needs care. Most importantly [she] needs to be freed and no longer a political prisoner for standing up for democracy and freedom for her country. I ask the world to help me find a path to freedom for her. open image in gallery Kim Aris has called on the military junta in Myanmar to release his mother ( The Independent ) In 2022, following a trial widely regarded as politically motivated, Ms Suu Kyi was sentenced to 33 years in prison on a series of charges which international rights groups have widely condemned as a sham. Following her sentencing, Amnesty International said the military junta had turned the courts and prison system into a human rights inferno. Australian economist Sean Turnell, who served as Ms Suu Kyis economics adviser and who was also imprisoned shortly after the coup, told The Independent last year that conditions inside the Myanmar prisons were dire, with no protection from extreme heat or monsoon rains, while food quality was terrible and disease rife. She has a number of underlying health conditions that she has to deal with. The conditions that shes being held under are quite awful, he said. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice John Clarke Mills, the founder of the Watch Duty app never planned to be a climate warrior. He just wanted to know what was happening one morning when he saw helicopters over his ranch in Sonoma, California but couldn't find anything on the news or internet about a wildfire. Now Mills leads a team of two dozen staff and some 250 volunteers who tap into a host of firefighting communications and weather data in the American West to report on wildfires from the moment they break to the moment they are contained, saving countless lives with vital information when they need it most. Most wildfires that make headlines are ones that blow up either close to major cities or become large enough a few hundred acres or more to attract attention. But each day in California and across the Western US and Canada, hundreds of smaller wildfires break out, taxing authorities and causing emergencies only for those nearby. Watch Duty currently has around five-million active monthly users, and during massive fires such as the ones in Los Angeles earlier this year, the former tech entrepreneur's app saw more than one million downloads in one day. We've really broken through to a bunch of people that don't normally use these things, Mills said. It's really started to pick up throughout the (rescue services) industry too. Most wildfires, floods and other disasters in the US are fought by authorities whose first priority is to stop the disaster and rescue people, not to communicate the rolling impact of these tragedies to people who may be in their path. Watch Duty taps into disaster relief communications, which are public, and seeks to create an easy-to-use way for people to see where fires are, how fast they are growing, and most important, which direction they are moving. Mills runs Watch Duty as a non-profit business, dependent on donations from readers and subscribers. But they are increasingly adopting a membership model that includes major companies such as Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), which is California's largest utility. He said the non-profit is pacing toward $5m (3.7m) in revenue this year, which it is using to grow its services across the country. We can make money later; we're focused on outcomes, Mills said. Watch Duty currently operates in 22 US states, all west of the Mississippi River. But Mills and his team are actively planning to expand east, and to begin monitoring floods as well. He argues that the critical need for public information when sudden floods occur is similar to with wildfires, which makes Watch Duty perfect to address them. What happened in Kerrville (Texas flood), is exactly what happened in Lahaina (Hawaii fire), Mills said. People die and they don't understand what happened. That's why we're here. The Independent will be revealing its Climate100 List on 21 September Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Yamuna river in Delhi has surged above its danger mark after days of torrential rain, forcing thousands to evacuate as widespread flooding devastates communities across both India and Pakistan. In Indias capital, officials said nearly 10,000 people living along the Yamunas banks were moved to relief camps after the swollen river threatened to inundate low-lying neighbourhoods. Schools were closed and authorities urged residents to remain indoors. The Central Water Commission confirmed the river breached its danger level late on Tuesday. The flooding comes amid one of the harshest monsoon seasons in years, with at least 130 people killed in north India during August alone. On Wednesday, fresh landslides in Jammu and Himachal Pradesh killed at least five more people as the Chenab and Tawi rivers burst their banks. Roads and power supplies were cut off in mountain regions, while tourist hubs in Himachal were hit by repeated landslides. Neighbouring Punjab has also been hard hit by one of its hardest floods in decades. State officials said 30 people have died and nearly 20,000 have been evacuated since August, with floodwaters destroying more than 150,000 hectares of crops in Indias breadbasket. Indian army soldiers travel in boats through floodwaters to rescue the stranded people following heavy rains in Kapurthala district of northern state of Punjab, India ( AP ) Across the border in Pakistans Punjab province, the situation is worsening. Authorities said nearly 300,000 people have been evacuated in the past 48 hours after India issued new flood alerts, bringing the total displaced in recent weeks to around 1.3 million. Despite suspending the Indus Water Treaty during hostilities in May, India has been issuing alerts before releasing water downstream from its swollen rivers as both countries suffer from a deadly monsoon. In Pakistan, floodwaters have submerged villages in Muzaffargarh, Narowal and Sialkot, while rescue crews using boats and drones have been searching for people stranded on rooftops. Last week's deluge also submerged the shrine of Guru Nanak, located near the Indian border. However, authorities said the shrine is being reopened for pilgrims after water receded and the building was cleaned and restored. Provincial officials said more than 3.3 million people across 33,000 villages in Pakistan have been affected since late August. The National Disaster Management Authority reported at least 881 deaths nationwide since the start of the monsoon season in June, making it the countrys worst flooding since 2022, when climate-driven deluges killed nearly 1,700 people. Pakistans Punjab chief minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, visited flood-hit Muzaffargarh on Wednesday, promising compensation for families who lost homes and crops. 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 Malis transitional government said Thursday it has filed a case against Algeria at the International Court of Justice, accusing its neighbor of premeditated destruction of a Malian military reconnaissance drone. Malis Ministry of Territorial Administration said in a statement that Algeria destroyed a Malian drone on the night of March 31 near Tinzaouaten, in Kidal region, allegedly with the aim of hindering Mali's military campaign against armed rebels. It said the destruction of the drone violated the principle of non-use of force, adding that Algeria declined to provide evidence that the drone entered Algerian airspace. In a strongly worded statement, the ministry called the destruction of the drone a blatant aggression and the culmination of a series of hostile acts and malicious actions, repeatedly denounced by the Malian authorities. Algeria had not publicly responded as of Thursday night. Immediately after it shot down the drone, the Algerian army said the aircraft had entered Algerian airspace near Tin Zaouatine, a border town and stronghold for Tuareg separatists opposed to Malis government. It did not specify who the drone belonged to. Mali, along with neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, has long battled an insurgency by armed militants, including some allied with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Following two military coups, the ruling junta expelled French troops and instead turned to Russia for security assistance. But the security situation remains precarious, and attacks from extremist groups linked with al-Qaida intensified in recent months. The ICJ case comes as tensions rise between Algeria and its southern neighbors, including Mali. Algeria once served as a key mediator during more than a decade of conflict between Malis government and Tuareg rebels. But the two countries have grown apart since a military junta staged coups in 2020 and 2021, putting military personnel in charge of the countrys key institutions. Algeria has one of Africas largest militaries and has long considered itself a regional power but military leaders in neighboring Mali and Niger have distanced themselves as theyve championed autonomy and sought new alliances, including with Russia. ____ APs Africa coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The internet has become obsessed with microdosing GLP-1 drugs for longevity but scientists say theres no evidence to suggest it works. GLP-1s like Ozempic and Mounjaro were initially designed and approved to treat type 2 diabetes, but in recent years, millions of Americans have turned to them for weight loss management. Now, The Washington Post reports that a GLP-1 microdosing trend is sweeping the internet, and more than a dozen telehealth companies and medical practices have promoted taking small doses of the drugs for longevity. Theres virtually no published scientific evidence that shows microdosing drugs like tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound) or semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) is safe or effective, according to the Post. While theres anecdotal evidence touting its benefits, Eric Topol, a cardiologist and the director of Scripps Research Translational Institute, told the Post that GLP-1 microdosing is a craze that is not substantiated. Its too early for people to do this, he said, noting that its still worth researching how GLP-1s could treat age-related diseases. The internet has become obsessed with microdosing GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for longevity, but theres no evidence it works, a new report reveals ( AFP via Getty Images ) While its not known whether microdosing GLP-1s leads to a longer life, there is evidence that standard doses of the drugs can help lower inflammation throughout the body, according to the Post. Stimulating the GLP-1 hormone can also protect the brain from inflammation, the Post reports, which has been linked to diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinson's. However, its unclear if small amounts of the drug can actually combat inflammation, University of Toronto professor Daniel Drucker told the Post. Theres also no consensus on exactly how much medication is in a so-called microdose. Its also cheaper to use less of any drug, which could make microdosing more appealing to patients who are paying out-of-pocket. However, coverage for GLP-1 drugs is expanding, and Medicare and Medicaid could soon begin to cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss management. Pharmaceutical companies that produce FDA-approved GLP-1 drugs also pushed back on the microdosing trend. A spokesperson for Eli Lilly, which produces Zepbound and Mounjaro, told The Independent that Zepbound and Mounjaro autoinjectors and Zepbound vials are approved for single-use onlydose-splitting or microdosing is not contemplated by the FDA-label and may pose patient safety risks. Novo Nordisk, which produces Ozempic and Wegovy, told The Independent the company "[does] not condone the misuse of our products." The company noted it is concerned about non-FDA approved knock-off versions of semaglutide and sources spreading misinformation about GLP-1s to the public. The FDA warns that using unapproved versions of GLP-1 drugs can be risky for patients. This story was updated on September 4, 2025 to include responses from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk 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 Watch as emergency crews worked at the site of Lisbons Gloria funicular railway crash on Thursday (4 September). At least 16 people have died and 23 have been injured after the crash at the popular tourist attraction on Wednesday. Footage shared in the aftermath of the crash showed the car, which carries people up and down a hillside in the Portuguese capital, almost destroyed as emergency service workers pulled victims out of the wreckage. Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques, a brake guard who worked on the Gloria funicular railway, was on Thursday named as one of the victims. Carris, the company which operates the funicular, said in a statement that Marques had performed his duties with excellence and had been an outstanding representative of the company. Other victims named on Thursday included former volleyball referee Pedro Manuel Alves Trindade and lawyer Alda Matias. Investigative bodies have now finished assessments at the site of the crash and will publish initial findings and the direction the investigation will take. City mayor Carlos Moedas also confirmed funicular operator Carris has been asked to open internal and external investigations. Portugal is observing three days of national days of mourning following the derailment of the railway, which opened in the 19th century. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro says he has cancelled his agenda for Thursday following the tragic accident. 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 NHS vascular surgeon who was sexually obsessed with becoming an amputee used dry ice to freeze his legs to the point they needed to be removed then claimed 466,653 from his insurers. Neil Hopper, 49, who carried out hundreds of amputations for patients, has been jailed for 32 months after he admitted to lying to insurers over the removal of his own legs and possessing extreme pornography from a man dubbed the "Eunuch Maker". The surgeon told insurers that his injuries were the result of sepsis and were not self-inflicted, when in fact he had used dry ice to freeze his legs to the extent they needed to be amputated below the knee. He then made claims to two insurers which resulted in total payouts of 466,653.81. Appearing at Truro Crown Court on Thursday, he pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation between 3 June and 26 June 2019. He also admitted three charges of possessing extreme pornographic images, relating to videos by a website called the Eunuch Maker, where users paid for films of amputations and other extreme body modifications. open image in gallery Neil Hopper had dreamt of having his legs removed, a court heard ( Instagram ) Judge James Adkin, the honorary recorder of Truro, heard Hopper was identified following investigations into Marius Gustavson who ran the site. Gustavson was jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years at the Old Bailey last year for leading an extreme body modification ring, which carried out male castration, penis removal and other procedures on people as young as 16. The Norwegian national once cooked human testicles to eat in a salad, had his own penis removed with a kitchen knife and froze his own leg so it was amputated. Gustavson netted more than 300,000 between 2017 and 2021 after posting videos of various procedures on his Eunuch Maker website. Nicholas Lee, prosecuting, told the court that Hopper had bought three videos from the EunuchMaker.com website for 10 and 35, respectively, showing men willingly having their genitals removed. He also exchanged around 1,500 messages with Gustavson about his own lower leg amputations and how he had done it, including asking how much dry ice he used. open image in gallery Eunuch Maker Marius Gustavson led an extreme body modification ring ( PA Media ) "It is evident from the messages that Mr Hopper wished to become an amputee and it was always something he had dreamt of," Mr Lee said. "Something he has been obsessed with and had a sexual interest in becoming an amputee." Gustavson told Hopper he needed to immerse his legs in ice and dry ice for at "least eight hours" and would also require prescription painkillers, which he bought from the dark web. Investigators later found Hopper had purchased 20kg of dry ice pellets on 14 April 2019. The following day he placed his feet in them at his home in St Erme while his wife and children were away. While doing this he continued to message Gustavson, telling him: "It's going to be awesome being a double amputee." Days later he was found unwell and taken to hospital, telling doctors who treated him for sepsis that he had been unwell with diarrhoea and vomiting. His feet were amputated on 10 May, before surgeons carried out a further operation to remove his legs below the knees a week later. He later took a photo of his bandaged feet and sent it to Gustavson with the message: It feels so cool. No feet! Andrew Langdon KC, mitigating, told the court Hopper had grown up in a rural village in Wales and felt he was in the wrong body from a young age. "He was troubled by his gender, he wanted to be female," Mr Langdon said, adding that his client identified with body integrity identity disorder and those with a desire to amputate one or more healthy limbs. Hopper experienced "persistent, never ending" thoughts about having his feet amputated before he decided to cause "irreversible damage to his legs". "He knows in the days and weeks that followed, he let himself down in the most shameful way," Mr Langdon said. The barrister said Hopper insists his thoughts and behaviour have not had an impact on his job and he always tried his best for his patients. open image in gallery A judge said Hopper injured his legs at least in part for sexual gratification ( Elizabeth Cook/PA ) Jailing him for 32 months, Judge Adkin told Hopper he would also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years. He said Hopper had deliberately frozen his legs following the instructions from Gustavson, before he was admitted to hospital with sepsis in 2019. "You were in hospital for six weeks and after many tests and a variety of treatments the medics decided your feet could not be saved and they amputated on 17 May, the judge said. "You subsequently made fraudulent insurance claims to Aviva and Old Mutual Wealth receiving a total of 466,000 fraudulently by representing that the injuries were organic, caused by sepsis, when you caused the injury seemingly at least in part for sexual gratification." The Crown Prosecution Service will make an application under the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover the money. Senior prosecutor Richard Parkhouse said it was a highly unusual and shocking case, adding: Hopper has a sexual fetish linked to amputation, and paid to access these images for his own gratification. In his communications with the owner of the website, the truth about Hoppers own injuries was revealed: that the damage that led to his double leg amputations had been self-inflicted. Hopper failed to disclose this fact when making two insurance claims for his injuries, and fraudulently pocketed almost half a million pounds. open image in gallery Vascular surgeon Neil Hopper used dry ice to cause irreversible damage to his legs ( PA Media ) In 2020, Hopper was named one of the bravest people in Britain after winning the Against All Odds title at the Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons 2020, in a virtual ceremony hosted by BBC Breakfast. The surgeon has not worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) since March 2023 and he has been suspended from the medical register. The NHS trust said his work as a surgeon has been investigated, including by an independent clinical expert who has reviewed decisions to operate and found no evidence of any risk or harm to patients. However a law firm specialising in medical negligence has called for an independent public investigation into his conduct. Mike Bird, a partner at Enable Law, said the charges have caused shock and grave concern among former patients, adding: Some have had life-changing surgery and are now worried it was not really needed. A spokesperson for RCHT added: "While the details of the charges are shocking, it is important to stress that the convictions do not relate to Mr Hopper's professional conduct. "During a thorough and painstaking police investigation there were no links found to any patients he treated during his work." 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 transgender activist feared she would fall victim to vigilante violence after being the subject of a string of vindictive online posts by comedy writer Graham Linehan, a court has heard. Sophia Brooks, 18, said she was worried she could be stabbed or beaten up after Linehan called her a domestic terrorist and sociopath on X (Twitter). The 57-year-old Father Ted creator is on trial at Westminster Magistrates Court. He denies a charge of harassing trans woman Ms Brooks on social media between 11 and 27 October 2024 and also denied a charge of criminal damage to her mobile phone, to the value of 369, on 19 October 2024. Prosecuting, Julia Faure Walker told the court on Thursday that Ms Brooks came to Linehans attention after he linked her to a protest at a LGB Alliance conference on 11 October. She said there was no evidence Ms Brooks was involved in an incident where some girls released insects inside the building. Linehan then posted online a number of times about the complainant after the conference, the court heard. open image in gallery Graham Linehan denies the charges ( Reuters ) In a post to the Metropolitan Police X account on 12 October, she wrote: I believe these three men all had knowledge of the recent homophobic attack on a meeting of gay, lesbian and bisexual people. Will they take seriously this example of domestic terrorism, in which I believe some silly children were doing the bidding of some very dangerous men. On 13 October, Linehan posted online that the activist was behind countless episodes of harassment of women and gay men both online and off, adding, he is a deeply disturbed sociopath and I believe he had some involvement in Fridays homophobic attack. Giving evidence, Ms Brooks said she was left feeling worried for her safety after Linehan posted a picture of her to his half a million followers. open image in gallery Graham Linehan wore a sandwich board-style sign as he arrived at court ( PA ) Ms Brooks and Linehan later met outside the Battle of Ideas conference in Westminster on 19 October. Video footage played to the court appeared to show Linehan grabbing Ms Brookss phone after she asked him: Do you think it is acceptable to call teenagers domestic terrorists? In a separate video shown to the court, he appeared to call her a sissy porn watching scumbag, and in a third, Ms Brooks appeared to pose with Linehan as he appeared to call her a disgusting incel. In the video, Ms Brooks could be seen to reply: Youre the incel, youre divorced. When asked by Sarah Vine KC, defending, what she feared from the posts, Ms Brooks said: Possibly someone acting as a vigilante and stabbing me on the street or beating me up. She then replayed the video of Ms Brooks posing with Linehan to the court and suggested she seemed pleased with herself when telling Linehan he was an incel. Ms Brooks replied: Yes. open image in gallery Graham Linehan made a series of posts about Brooks, the court heard ( PA ) When asked if she had been quite enjoying it, rather than being alarmed or distressed, Ms Brooks insisted she had been alarmed by the posts. Ms Vine quizzed Ms Brooks over several X accounts she used. In one post, the court heard Ms Brooks had tweeted in response to a picture of gender critical activist Posie Parker having soup thrown over her. In the post, she responded to a reply expressing relief it was not acid, writing: I really wish it was though. Ms Vine asked Ms Brooks if this was a like-for-like situation compared with Linehans posts referencing her. Ms Brooks denied this, saying her account had around 30 followers, compared to Linehans 500,000. She called it a single offhand comment compared to a month of abuse. The court was also shown video footage of a video Ms Brooks appeared in, during which she addressed Terfs (trans exclusionary radical feminists). In the video, she could be heard to say: We know who you are and we are cataloguing everything that you do. You will pay, I never lose... good luck. Ms Brooks said it was a joke in reference to a phrase used by Ms Parker, whose real name is Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull. KJK always says, I never lose, she said. So I thought I would add, you will pay, I never lose. It was a joke. She added it was not a threat. Judge Briony Clarke was forced to issue a warning to the public gallery after audible laughter on several occasions. The trial continues. 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 asylum seeker hotel resident has been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl just days after arriving in the United Kingdom on a small boat. Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatus behaviour in July sparked protests and counter-protests in Epping, Essex. Further demonstrations were held outside hotels housing asylum seekers across the country. During his three-day trial at Chelmsford Magistrates Court, evidence was put forward that he told two teenagers he wanted to have a baby with each of them and attempted to kiss them. He then went on to put his hand on one of the girls thighs and stroke her hair, the court heard. Kebatu was also found to have sexually assaulted a woman by trying to kiss her, putting his hand on her leg, and telling her she was pretty. open image in gallery A screengrab taken from body-worn video showing the arrest of Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu ( Crown Prosecution Service ) Kebatu, who was a teacher of sports in his home country, denied all charges against him. He told the court he is not a wild animal. District judge Christopher Williams took just 30 minutes to return his guilty verdicts and outline his reasoning on Thursday. The defendant gave no visible reaction as Mr Williams told him he was guilty of two counts of sexual assault, one count of attempted sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence. Kebatu is due to be sentenced at a later date. Kebatus trial was told he was offered pizza by the 14-year-old victim shortly before he tried to kiss her on 7 July. The court heard Kebatu had made inappropriate comments to the girl, such as come back to Africa, you would be a good wife, and do you want to come to the Bell Hotel to have babies then we could go to Kenya with each other. The girl told police she froze as the defendant sexually assaulted her and had told Kebatu, No, Im 14 when he spotted her again in Epping the following day. The court heard his response to the teenager was: No, no, it doesnt matter, you could come back to the Bell Hotel with me. An adult member of the public was also sexually assaulted by Kebatu on 8 July during an incident in which he touched her leg and tried to kiss her when she offered to help him with his CV. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she felt shocked and uncomfortable at his behaviour. The adult victim told the court she confronted Kebatu when she saw him speaking to a young schoolgirl. open image in gallery The Bell Hotel has been at the centre of multiple demonstrations in Epping ( PA ) She said the defendant ran away from the initial confrontation, but she caught up with him near the Bell Hotel while on a 999 call with police. The woman told the trial: It was a lot of begging, pleading and apologising, and a lot of Im sorry, Im going to go, it was a mistake along those lines. Footage of Kebatus arrest showed him appear to become tearful after he was handcuffed by an officer, with the defendant eventually getting on his knees on the pavement next to a police car. Judge Williams told Kebatu to expect a prison sentence. You can expect an immediate custodial sentence to be imposed on September 23rd, its just a question of how long any sentence is going to be, he said. He asked that a report be prepared about Kebatu before sentencing, noting there was so little known about him. 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 One of the last surviving Chindit soldiers from the Second World Wars Burma campaign has received the Freedom of the City of London. As a young man of about 19, Sidney Machin, now 101, landed behind enemy lines in a glider at night in the jungle, as part of a special forces unit in Burma (now Myanmar), which wreaked havoc on Japanese supply lines and infrastructure. Mr Machin, from Dorset, received his honour alongside his son Trevor Machin, 64, of Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire, who retired two years ago after nearly 35 years in the City of London Police. After Fridays special Guildhall ceremony in the City, where he proudly wore his Burma Star medal and 77th Brigade tie, Mr Machin senior said he did not think of himself as brave or heroic adding: I never really think about it really. He recalled that Burma was hard going and I was a young lad, only 19. The father-of-five said he was proud of his son, who was also made a freeman, as I think he deserved it as well. The Chindits were a British and Indian special forces unit which operated in Burma during the Second World War, and were known for their deep-penetration jungle warfare tactics. Mr Machin senior said: The Americans dropped us behind the lines. We stayed there about five months and we marched out. It was a bit tough going but it is all water under the bridge. We lost quite a few. Some particular friends of mine never made it, but it was just your luck really. The Freedom is one of the City of Londons ancient traditions and is a way of paying tribute to someones outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement. Mr Machin senior, who was born in Tottenham, north London, initially served in Chindit HQ as a signaller, before returning to 1st Kings (Liverpool) Regiment and flying into the Broadway landing strip by glider in March 1944. Chindit is derived from the Burmese word chinthe, a mythical lion-like creature which guards temples. Broadway was the code name for a jungle landing strip used during Operation Thursday in the second World War. It was a key part of the Chindits campaign, a series of long-range penetration operations behind Japanese lines. Gliders and, later, Dakota transport aircraft, were flown into Broadway to deliver troops, supplies and equipment. The landing strip was hastily constructed in a logging clearing, posing significant challenges because of the terrain and weather. As a member of 81 Column, 77th Brigade, Mr Machin senior was part of a floater platoon operating around Broadway. On its closure, the 1st Kings marched across to support 111th Brigade at the stronghold codenamed Blackpool. While supporting 111th Brigade, a sliver of bamboo pierced his foot and became infected, requiring him to be carried on an officers horse for several days to be treated in hospital in Meerut. He returned to Regimental HQ in Liverpool and then to Officers Training Unit at Maresfield, East Sussex. After retiring from the Army, Mr Machin senior spent more than 40 years working in the City of London as a telephone engineer and later in management. Brigadier Jim Allen, Commander 77th Brigade, who attended the ceremony, said: Sid was on a glider as a 19 or 20-year-old, and they were basically towed up to speed, let go, and then at night, on a compass, no GPS, effectively crash-landed behind the enemy lines in the middle of the night, got out of their glider, and many of them died from their injuries because of the crash-landing. Then they formed up, got the compass out and marched to the next place ready to fight the Japanese as and when they found them its incredible. He added: What they did was truly amazing in the defence of that part of the world in the Second World War. Their sacrifices, their kind of fighting spirit, the atrocious conditions (they faced) and they just didnt stop. They kept on going until they accomplished the mission. Sid embodies that fighting Chindit spirit. Its a real privilege for me, as the commander of 77th brigade, being here today, because we represent their heritage, their ethos, their culture, and we are still actively serving as a unit within the British army that carries on the strong fighting spirit of people like Sid. After the joint ceremony, Mr Machin junior said of his father: He is a lovely man and I am very proud of him. He just keeps going and going. He is amazing. His knees have gone but other than that he is a fantastic specimen of physical fitness. He served his country back in the day. He is not boastful. He is our rock of the family. He is just a great man and everyone who meets him likes him. He added: It has just been a lovely day for us and is something we will always remember together. I am just very happy to be able to have time with him and to be able to do nice things with him like this. Mr Machin junior joined the police in 1989 and was based in Snow Hill Station, where he had to deal with several IRA bombs and riots. He said: It was just a varied lovely job and day-to-day you did not really know what you were getting into. I mostly worked on the community side and got to work and know the people on that beat. Colonel Simon Duckworth, lieutenant for the City of London, said it had been a really wonderful opportunity to give the City freedom together to a father and son, both of whom have exemplified public service and service to the Crown. 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 Electric bikes and scooters are causing fear and anxiety for blind and partially sighted people, according to a new report. The growing use of e-bikes and e-scooters is making streets a nightmare for blind and partially sighted people when they are either ridden or parked on pavements. Only one in 10 (9 per cent) blind people confident walking in their own neighbourhood, charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) said, thanks to the use of micromobility transport. The vast majority (92 per cent) of 1,197 blind or partially sighted people surveyed for the report said they have to walk into roads as pavements are obstructed by parked cars, bikes or e-scooters. More than a third of respondents (34 per cent ) said they had collided with a street obstacle in the previous three months. One person described how they now have to rely on a cane because their guide dog was withdrawn after becoming stressed by trying to walk along blocked pavements. Many cities have introduced dockless rental schemes for electric bikes and scooters. open image in gallery Not knowing an e-bike or e-scooter is about to pass at speed is causing mental health issues for some people, its been claimed ( Lucy North/PA ) Users are requested to park the vehicles in a way that does not inconvenience other people, but this does not always happen, with bikes and scooters often strewn across pavements. Erik Matthies, RNIBs policy lead for travel and transport, who has sight loss, said it is getting harder for blind and partially sighted pedestrians and wheelchair users to move independently because of more and more obstacles on the streets. He went on: Im always having to double check or think about how I am going to get around by foot. This is tiring, takes up more time and makes me feel unsafe too. E-scooters and dockless bikes left on pavements have added to the issues with cars being parked on pavements, and advertising boards strewn all over. He added that not knowing an e-bike or e-scooter is about to pass you at speed is causing mental health issues for some people. The RNIB is calling on the government to create inclusive standards for pavements that can be robustly enforced, and urging local authorities to take action such as maintaining access to pavements during roadworks, better monitoring of food delivery courier cyclists, and improved regulation of rental e-scooter and e-bike schemes. A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson said: Safety is our top priority, and private e-scooters remain illegal on public roads. Weve been clear that with any trial schemes, local authorities must make sure e-scooters dont obstruct others, particularly disabled people. open image in gallery Further regulatory powers for local authorities to manage shared e-scooter and e-bike schemes will help to tackle inconsiderate parking of such vehicles, officials say ( Alamy/PA ) To clamp down on reckless parking, we are bringing forward new powers to regulate e-scooters and e-bikes, letting local areas shape schemes to better meet their needs, whilst tackling badly parked cycles which are disruptive to many road users. Tom Hunt, who chairs the Local Government Associations inclusive growth committee, said: Councils take their responsibilities to ensure pathways and pavements are accessible for all very seriously. The inclusion in the Devolution Bill of further regulatory powers for local authorities to manage shared e-scooter and e-bike schemes will help to tackle inconsiderate parking of such vehicles. The government must act on the use of an estimated one million privately-owned e-scooters, which remain illegal to use on our public roads and lack any of the safety restrictions of e-scooter hire schemes, and the increasing number of unlicensed and uninsured electric motorbikes being sold and used as e-bikes. Latest DfT figures show 52 pedestrians were seriously injured in collisions with e-scooters in England in 2023. Private e-scooters cannot legally be used in public areas in the UK, although they are a common sight in many urban areas. Legal trials of rental e-scooters on roads have been ongoing in towns and cities across England since July 2020. 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 As the government looks for new ways to tackle illegal migration, Sir Keir Starmer is considering the rollout of digital ID cards. The prime minister has not said whether the cards would be compulsory, but has confirmed that ministers are examining how the technology could be used to limit illegal working one of the so-called pull factors drawing people across the Channel in small boats. Similar systems are already in place across Europe. Estonia issues every citizen with a digital ID number, while France argues that the UKs lack of such checks makes it easier for asylum seekers to enter the shadow economy. Supporters, including the Tony Blair Institute, claim a national scheme would prevent benefit fraud, close loopholes exploited by gangs, and make it harder to forge documents. But critics warn the policy risks creating a dystopian nightmare, with campaigners such as Big Brother Watch saying ordinary people would be forced to prove their identity simply to go about daily life. They argue digital IDs would not stop small boat crossings and would instead punish law-abiding citizens. So, is a national digital ID card the answer? Would it help tackle illegal migration and fraud, or does it threaten to erode civil liberties and privacy? We want to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments and vote in the poll below well feature the most compelling responses in the coming days. 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 Marthas rule, an NHS safety initiative which allows families and patients to seek a rapid second opinion on their hospital care, should also be rolled out across maternity care in the UK, the founder of the scheme has said. Merope Mills said the availability of Marthas rule in maternity care would give women and their partners concerned about the care they were receiving a greater voice. Ms Mills and her husband launched the campaign for the initiative after their daughter Martha died at Kings College Hospital in Camberwell aged 13 in 2021 after developing sepsis. Their concerns about Marthas deteriorating condition were brushed aside. A coroner later concluded that Martha would most likely have survived had doctors identified the warning signs of septic shock and transferred her to intensive care sooner. Marthas rule is now operational in all English hospitals delivering acute or short-term treatment and has already seen hundreds of patients benefit from potentially life-saving changes to their treatment. Speaking on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Ms Mills said she was calling for the extension of the initiative into the rest of the UK, and also into maternal care. She said: We spend more on settling medical negligence maternity cases maternity lawsuits than on maternity care in this country and theres something very, very wrong with that. I believe its because there are a number of cases where womens voices arent listened to. She added: I would love to see Marthas rule extended to give women or their families or partners a greater voice. Dr Aidan Fowler, national director of patient safety in England, deputy chief medical officer at the Department of Health and Social Care, said the government was already exploring options for making Marthas rule available in maternal care settings. We do back that and were already looking at that, he told the BBC. We will be piloting it in maternity. Its a more complex area not only can people giving birth deteriorate physically, but we have their babies that might deteriorate but also they may be concerned about the progress of their labour, and thats a skill set which, for example ITU, may not be familiar with, so weve got to make sure the right people respond to three types of deterioration in that circumstance. But were already looking at that. The calls for Marthas rule to be introduced to the UKs maternity care system come weeks after a national investigation into systemic failures in NHS maternity care was launched by the government. Families who lost babies were gaslit in their search for the truth, the health secretary Wes Streeting said in June, adding that maternity units are failing, hospitals are failing, trusts are failing, regulators are failing and there was too much passing the buck. In 2020, an expose by The Independent found evidence of repeated poor care, spanning a decade, at Nottingham University Hospital, with families accusing staff of a cover-up. The investigation, conducted jointly with Channel 4, found 46 cases of babies who had been left with permanent brain damage, 19 stillbirths and 15 deaths. Several families and staff came forward to The Independent with stories of failings by the trust. In June this year, detectives said a criminal investigation into Nottingham University Hospital was now focused on corporate manslaughter. While Marthas rule is already saving lives, Ms Mills said it has also highlighted the need for a different, more equal kind of doctor-patient relationship in this country. What Marthas rule does is acts as a safety net, a way to formally or legitimately challenge clinical decisions if youre worried theyve got it wrong. When doctors or other medical staff make mistakes, it could also mean less serious consequences for them too. Its a safety net for doctors and clinical staff as much as it is for a patient, Ms Mills said. The Independent has contacted the Department of Health and Social Care 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 Robert Jenrick has called for asylum seekers to be detained in camps as he claimed Reform UKs immigration plan doesnt go far enough. The shadow justice secretary said that while theres a lot to welcome in Nigel Farages immigration plans, which would see the party attempt to deport 600,000 migrants over five years if it won power at the next election, he criticised the partys proposals on housing asylum seekers. They should be detained in camps, he told The Spectator. The facilities will need to be rudimentary prisons, not holiday camps. Its not what Reform have suggested, which is cabins with a fence around them. Mr Jenrick also criticised Mr Farage for rolling back an initial pledge to deport absolutely anyone 24 hours after he unveiled immigration measures last week, instead focusing on undocumented men as opposed to women and children. He said: The people-smuggling gangs would exploit women and girls, and it would encourage even more young men to pose as 15-, 16-, 17-year-olds. Further, he said he believes that legal migration is even more harmful to the country because of the sheer eye-watering numbers of people who have been coming across in recent years perfectly legally. Its putting immense pressure on public services. Reform UK set out their immigration plans last week in which they planned to deport 600,000 migrants over five years(Andrew Milligan/PA) ( PA Wire ) I think the country now needs breathing space after this period of mass migration. The age of being open to the world and his wife, who are low-wage, low-skilled individuals, and their dependents has to come to an end. Reversing recent low-skilled migration will likely mean a sustained period of net emigration. I would support that, he said, adding that under his plans, the UK would stay open to the very best and brightest who were going to make a massive economic contribution to the country. Jenricks statement follows widespread protests in the UK surrounding asylum seekers and the use of hotels to temporarily house them in the UK. He described his visit to a protest outside the Bell Hotel in Epping as a moment of radicalisation. The hotel has become the centre of anti-migrant discussions after an asylum seeker housed there was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl last month. He has denied the charges. I met a single mum who had three teenage daughters, Mr Jenrick said. The oldest daughter, who was about to go to university, had bought some workmens boots and put them outside because she wanted the illegal migrants to think there was a man in the house. This isnt the first time Mr Jenrick has suggested measures to make the UK a hostile environment for asylum seekers. In his role as immigration minister in 2023, he asked that murals of carton characters to be removed from the walls of the Kent Intake Unit, a reception centre for unaccompanied child asylum seekers, because he thought they were too welcoming and sent the wrong message. Images of characters such as Mickey Mouse and Baloo from The Jungle Book were painted over, which he justified by saying the cohort of unaccompanied children who passed through last year were largely teenagers and we didnt feel the site was age-appropriate, but it does contain a range of support for children and infants. Nothing about the decoration of sites changes the fundamentals that if someone comes to the UK we will treat them with decency and compassion at all times. 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 Sycamore Gap tree was at least 100 years old when it was felled in a devastating act of vandalism, say a team of researchers. Never-done-before analysis of a sample of the beloved tree has proved it was part of the iconic landscape next to Hadrians Wall in Northumberland for between 100 and 120 years, before it was cut down in 2023. Former friends Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers took down the iconic tree with a chainsaw in less than three minutes and were each jailed for four years and three months for, what a court heard, was a moronic mission. While the tree was widely believed to be planted by Newcastle philanthropist and lawyer John Clayton in the late 1800s, the latest study is the most accurate estimate yet of the trees age, according to researchers at Historic England. They said the new findings will help to tell the story of an important and long-standing part of the areas history. open image in gallery The Sycamore Gap tree stump remains in Northumberland ( PA ) People had a sense of it being standing watch over the landscape for a long time, the organisations North East and Yorkshire regional director, Tom Frater, told The Independent. That combination of human nature and history is part of why it really appealed to people. But we didnt actually know when it was planted. The felling of the tree presented researchers with a unique opportunity to carefully study a sample in a bid to uncover some of the trees mysteries. Counting the rings taken from a cross-section of the felled part under lab conditions, researchers identified between 100 and 120 rings, each of which is believed to show approximately one year of growth. Their analysis, in partnership with landowners the National Trust, also revealed the tree had once upon a time been two different trunks that had fused after around 30 years. open image in gallery Researchers analysed the sample under lab conditions ( Zoe Hazell/Historic England ) Mr Frater said nobody would have wished for the tree to be felled, but that the research had allowed them to answer questions people had been interested in for a long time. This really sad illegal felling that occurred has brought positive things, he said. It has allowed people to really remember why they value these places, nature, the historic environment, and how they come together. Its relationship to the wall, the view, the landscape over time, and peoples engagement with it, thats what really matters, he said. But what this does tell us is that it is old. It confirms what we felt in our bones about it being an important and long-standing part of the history. Its really nice to have that confirmed. One of the most photographed trees in the UK, the Sycamore Gap tree gained popularity and became a well-loved spot for walkers, as well as photoshoots and sentimental occasions. open image in gallery Graham and Carruthers ( Northumbria Police ) But it attracted national headlines after it was illegally cut down in what prosecutors described as an act of mindless thuggery overnight on 28 September 2023. A rigorous forensic investigation was launched as police hunted for the suspects amid widespread public outrage. Graham and Carruthers were jailed earlier this year after they were convicted of criminal damage to the tree and criminal damage to Hadrians Wall. The stump of the tree remains in the ground and is now memorialised, which means it retains some of its secrets. What we were able to find was a minimum age that we know the tree was, but about a metre of the stump was still in the ground and we dont know for sure how many years over that 100 to 120 year range it was, Mr Frater explained. 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 Sir Keir Starmer has refused to back Angela Rayner staying in post until the next election, in the first sign he could be distancing himself from the under-fire deputy prime minister, as the crisis over her tax affairs deepens. Ms Rayners political future hangs in the balance after she admitted she did not pay enough stamp duty when purchasing her 800,000 flat in Hove, East Sussex, sparking calls for her to resign. The housing secretary insisted she had made a mistake in failing to pay the required 40,000 tax on the second home, based on incorrect legal advice, and referred herself to Sir Keirs standards adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, who will give his verdict on Friday, according to reports. Sources close to Ms Rayner said an unnamed conveyancer and two experts in trust law had all suggested the amount of stamp duty she paid was correct. But on Thursday evening, conveyancing firm Verrico and Associates, which handled the flat purchase, said it did not give tax advice to Ms Rayner, and was being made scapegoats. open image in gallery Keir Starmer has backed Angela Rayner but refused to guarantee her survival ( House of Commons ) Earlier in the day, Sir Keir Starmer repeatedly refused to say if he will sack Ms Rayner if she is found to have broken the ministerial code. He told the BBC he would of course act on the conclusions of Sir Lauries report, but would not be drawn on whether his deputy would be fired. While Sir Keir said he retains full confidence in Ms Rayner, he declined to commit to her staying in post for the rest of the parliament as he has previously done with foreign secretary David Lammy and chancellor Rachel Reeves when they faced pressure to step down. Losing the deputy prime minister would be a hammer blow to the prime ministers authority and pile further pressure on his government, which is significantly lagging behind Reform UK in the polls and has faced mounting criticism for not achieving enough in its first year in power. There are also growing questions over what Sir Keir knew, and when, after he publicly defended Ms Rayner over her tax affairs despite knowing she was taking legal advice. Downing Street has refused to say when Sir Keir was first made aware of key details that led his deputy to refer herself for an ethics investigation, in a sign No 10 is trying to limit the scope of the fallout. People close to Ms Rayner said she was given three separate pieces of legal advice before buying the flat at the centre of the row. They said a conveyancer and two experts in trust law had all suggested the stamp duty she paid was correct, and she acted on the advice she was given at the time. open image in gallery Graffiti outside Rayners home in Hove ( PA ) But Verrico & Associates told The Telegraph that they did not provide Ms Rayner tax advice, instead claiming they have been made scapegoats. We acted for Ms Rayner when she purchased the flat in Hove. We did not and never have given tax or trust advice. Its something we always refer our clients to an accountant or tax expert for, managing director Joanna Verrico said. When asked what exactly the prime minister knew, and when, his spokesperson said Sir Keir was kept updated on the steps that the deputy prime minister was taking as appropriate. On Thursday, Sir Keir also condemned an appalling graffiti attack at the seaside flat, after the words bitch and tax evader were daubed on the wall outside, while a spokesperson for Ms Rayner said the vandalism was totally unjustifiable and beyond the pale. Chancellor Rachel Reeves threw her weight behind the deputy prime minister on Thursday morning, saying she has full confidence in her, but added that it was on all of us to understand the tax rules. Angela tried to do the right thing and, of course, it is incumbent on all of us to try to properly understand the rules, and she is now working to make sure that the correct tax is paid, she told broadcasters. Meanwhile, former Labour leader Lord Kinnock told The Independent there is no objective reason for her to resign. She had the wrong professional advice, discovered that as the result of the fuss, got correct professional advice and is paying the right stamp duty. End of story, except that shes Labour and relatively popular so a prime target. Her experience will not influence her ministerial duty or conduct, so there is no objective reason for her to leave her position, he said. But a former government ethics adviser told The Independent that while they didnt believe Ms Rayner purposefully tried to dodge taxes, her position as housing secretary was now untenable. For her judgement, it does not look good to have thought she could get away with paying less tax. You would have hoped and thought that your instinct as a Labour politician, who is also the housing minister, would be to even if there was a modicum of doubt that you are technically liable for second home stamp duty that you should just pay it. The former official said they thought it really unlikely that Ms Rayner would be found to have breached the ministerial code if she could demonstrate that she followed the initial advice she was given, adding that it would be a massive shame to lose the frontbencher. But they warned that continuing as housing secretary would hand the opposition a massive open goal every single time she opens her mouth. I think that the most survivable version of this is that youd end up with a reshuffle. Its quite hard to imagine her carrying on doing housing and her standing up in the House and talking about second homes. open image in gallery Angela Rayner has faced mounting pressure over the details of the property purchase (Aaron Chown/PA) ( PA Wire ) Former Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls said Ms Rayner was hypocritical for not resigning, after taking the moral high ground demanding others to resign. He told the Political Currency podcast: Its hypocritical of her [to have] one rule for everybody else, a different rule for her, for her not to resign. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson also declined to guarantee Ms Rayners political future on Thursday, insisting the investigation should run its course. However, she insisted that the housing secretary had acted in good faith. Ms Rayners admission followed mounting pressure and media reports claiming she saved 40,000 on the property in Hove, East Sussex, by removing her name from the deeds of a family home in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency. In a public statement, Ms Rayner said a court-instructed trust was established in 2020 following a settlement with the NHS over a deeply personal and distressing incident involving her son. He was left with lifelong disabilities, and to ensure he continued to have stability in the family home in Greater Manchester, she said her family had agreed its interest in that property would be transferred to the trust. Details about the complex arrangements continued to emerge on Thursday, when the Telegraph reported Ms Rayner had sold her remaining stake to the trust for 162,500, which the paper suggested had then been used to buy her new flat. 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 Angela Rayners lawyers insist they did not give her tax advice on her flat at the centre of a scandal and claim they have been made scapegoats. Conveyancing firm Verrico & Associates, which managed the purchase of her 800,000 apartment in Hove, East Sussex, insisted it had done everything correctly and in good faith, it has been reported. The deputy prime minister has blamed legal advice for paying about 30,000 in stamp duty rather than 70,000 when she bought the seaside home. Sources close to Ms Rayner had said she received the legal advice from a conveyancer and two experts in trust law on the amount of stamp duty paid but none has been identified. Ms Rayner referred herself to the ministerial ethics adviser on Wednesday after admitting she had wrongly listed the flat as her primary residence, benefiting from a tax break. The band of stamp duty applicable to the flat would have been higher had she said the flat was a second home. She is reported to have removed her name from the deeds of a family home in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency. Verrico & Associates, based in Herne Bay, Kent, confirmed it had advised the deputy prime minister on the flat purchase but insisted it had done nothing wrong. Joanna Verrico, the managing director, told The Telegraph: We acted for Ms Rayner when she purchased the flat in Hove. We did not and never have given tax or trust advice. Its something we always refer our clients to an accountant or tax expert for. The stamp duty for the Hove flat was calculated using HMRCs own online calculator, based on the figures and the information provided by Ms Rayner. Thats what we used, and it told us we had to pay 30,000 based on the information provided to us. open image in gallery Keir Starmer refused to say whether he would sack Angela Rayner if she was found to have breached the ministerial code ( PA Wire ) We believe that we did everything correctly and in good faith. Everything was exactly as it should be. We probably are being made scapegoats for all this, and I have got the arrows stuck in my back to show it. We are not an inexperienced firm, but were not qualified to give advice on trust and tax matters and we advise clients to seek expert advice on these. Political opponents have clamoured for Ms Rayners resignation, as the ministerial ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, investigates. The outcome is likely to decide her political future. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said he would act on the conclusions of the investigation and refused to say whether he would sack her if she was found to have breached the ministerial code. I am expecting a result pretty quickly. I do want it to be comprehensive, as you'd expect, he said. And then, of course, I will act on whatever the report is that's put in front of me. He added: I want to let that process take its course. I did strengthen that process, so she's done the right thing, referred to the independent adviser, and now he will do his work and report back to me. open image in gallery Workers prepare to clean graffiti off a wall at Rayners home in Hove ( PA ) Graffiti branding Ms Rayner a tax evader was daubed on walls outside her Hove flat on Thursday. A spokesperson for the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, which regulates such firms, said it had asked Verrico & Associates for a full account of events. They are not licensed to provide tax advice. What they are licensed to do is to provide conveyancing advice, and they are regulated to the highest standards, they told The Telegraph. When admitting her underpayment, Ms Rayner, who is also the housing secretary, had said: When purchasing the property, my understanding, on advice from lawyers, was that my circumstances meant I was liable for the standard rate of stamp duty. However, given the recent allegations in the press I have subsequently sought further advice from a leading tax counsel to review that position and to ensure I am fully compliant with all tax provisions. She said complex provisions over a trust for her son gave rise to the extra stamp duty liabilities. I acknowledge that due to my reliance on advice from lawyers which did not properly take account of these provisions, I did not pay the appropriate stamp duty at the time of the purchase. I am working with expert lawyers and with HMRC to resolve the matter and pay what is due. Verrico is a licensed conveyancing firm that focuses on property buying and selling. 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 Angela Rayners admission that she failed to pay the right amount of stamp duty has divided Independent readers with some calling for her resignation and others blaming poor legal advice. Many felt the deputy prime minister was misled by solicitors and had acted swiftly to correct the mistake. Some suggested the backlash has been more pointed because she is a working-class woman from the North, while Tory figures facing graver scandals have escaped with less scrutiny. Others voiced frustration at Conservative attacks, pointing to tax controversies involving former Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, and the PPE scandal involving Michelle Mone under Boris Johnsons tenure. But even sympathetic readers admitted the error has damaged Rayner, with some saying resignation may be her only way back. Critics argued she knew what she was doing, stressing that ordinary people would be fined for similar mistakes and that politicians must be held to higher standards. A few went further, branding her a tax dodger and insisted she step down. Heres what you had to say: The richest of rich I take a very dim view of Rayners conduct regarding paying less tax than was due on her Hove apartment purchase. However, it is the richest of rich for Kemi Badenoch to lecture Starmer, Rayner and Labour about ethics and rule-breaking. The 14 years of her Conservatives previously being in government were typified by perpetual rule-breaking and corruption. DisgustedOfMiddleEngland Reasonable explanation This was a reasonable explanation as most of us would rely on experts for a transaction of this nature. There seems no evidence at this stage of "evasion". We will have to wait for the report of the ethics adviser to know more. Time to move on to other things until then. 49niner No moral high ground Badenoch asks why Rayner is still in office? For the same reason Johnson was still in office after being fined for breaking the law during Covid. For the same reason Sunak was also fined, yet stayed in post. For the same reason no one has been taken to task for the millions that went missing during Covid. For the same reasons Michelle Mone is still walking the streets. For the same reasons Truss gets 115k a year after wrecking the economy in seven weeks. For the same reasons no one has been taken to task for the Post Office scandal, Covid deaths, Grenfell, IPP prisoners, the contaminated blood scandal, the deaths at Haslar Hospital, Windrush, and a lot more besides. Don't look for a moral high ground Badenoch. You ain't got one, especially as a Tory. RM09 Held to a higher standard She is held to a higher standard than the average man on the street due to her position. The wrong advice plea does not apply with HMRC, you are responsible for your tax regardless of advice from advisers. Many users of previous schemes have found that with fines and taxes collected to correct their affairs. She has manipulated a system that is clear as day on the HMRC website, which provides a calculating tool via questions. There is no way she didn't know what she was doing and her admission proves that. David4978938277 HMRC would throw the book at me I don't have it in for Angela Rayner, far from it. But if, as a normal working person, I made a mistake on my tax return, regardless of any advice, HMRC would come for me and throw the book at me. Why should a politician get different treatment? BeardMonk De facto admission of intent It depends on the question she put to her financial adviser. If her question was, how can I "legally" avoid this tax, she's a tax dodger, pure and simple... perhaps even worse. If she then proceeded to remove her name from the title deeds of her family home, that speaks volumes... It's a 'de facto' admission of intent to evade tax. An offence. She is legally liable for her own actions with or without proper advice. I'm not sure there's a single property-owning person in the UK who doesn't know that buying a second property (rather than what most of us have to do, selling the first to pay for the second) incurs higher stamp duty, that there is a progressive stamp duty scale, and that selling a second property incurs CGT. Lawyers and tax advisers can only give advice, based on the question put and the information given to them. If someone is economical with the truth, they only have themselves to blame. Like a computer, inaccurate information in, inaccurate information out. Rearview Nothing wrong She was given legal advice that she relied upon, trusting the solicitors that carried out the conveyancing to get the law correct. She has done nothing wrong. The solicitors that advised her incorrectly should foot the bill. CaptainCommonSense The judge will be HMRC The judge in this case will be HMRC. She did pay stamp duty but at a lower rate because of the complications of ownership of the house in Ashton U-L, her constituency. The case is now being reviewed by the tax man who may find deliberate evasion through to no case to answer. Both seem unlikely. The political storm is too great to allow due process to proceed it seems. RegCostello Mistakes corrected Obviously, mistakes were made in the advice given and have been corrected. As long as the version Angela Rayner has given is totally correct then the matter should rest. Of course, she is a Northern woman from a working-class background and in a position of influence and power, so there are those in the establishment who find this difficult to swallow and will seek to undermine her whenever possible. Rover Irrational hatred I like Angela Rayner. I think she sets a good example for young women or girls from ordinary backgrounds. And, like her, I grew up in Tameside. Im baffled by the level of irrational hatred she inspires. Is it jealousy, snobbery, misogyny? A combination of the three? I hope she survives her current ordeal. Longmemory23 A bit rich It's a bit rich, isn't it, for the party of taxpayer-heated stables, giving PPE largesse to your barman, and offshored profits, to stick the boot into a working-class lass. You trust professionals to give you proper advice, when it turns out to be wrong, apologise, make amends and move on. And how's 'Lady' Mones prosecution for allegedly defrauding the taxpayer of millions going? SynthGuy Not up to the job Rayner is very tough and courageous. But she is clearly not up to the job. Anyone who can't organise her own finances shouldn't be entrusted to run the country. Cyclone8 Careless behaviour or genuine mistake? This isnt tax evasion. However, it could be viewed by HMRC as careless behaviour if the original advice she received was not from a properly qualified person. In that case, financial penalties would apply on top of the tax due. If the original advice was from a properly qualified person, HMRC would view the matter as a genuine error and would only expect payment of the tax due. It all hinges on whether the original advice she relied on was given to her by a professional tax adviser or not. If she exhibited careless behaviour in her tax dealings she should resign her ministerial post, but if hers was just a genuine mistake she could continue in her post without blemish. Pomerol95 The right thing to do Rather than sack her, she should be allowed to resign pending a proper enquiry (which on the available evidence may exonerate her). That will take away a lot of the media attention because we all know they are just baying for blood and are not much interested in the finer points of tax law as applicable to family trusts established to care for disabled children. In 1998 Lord Mandelson left Cabinet over a failure to properly declare a mortgage loan from a Cabinet colleague. Ten months later he was back in government. He stepped down again in 2003 (over the Hinduja brothers passport row), but within a year he was Britain's EU Trade Commissioner, and was later ennobled by Gordon Brown to return to Cabinet as business secretary. For Rayner, resignation now is the right thing to do. And also, probably, the cleanest route to return to government after a decent interval. SteveHill Serious misjudgement This has been a serious misjudgement by Rayner. If you want to keep your family out of the light, you make 1000 per cent sure the advice you get is squeaky clean and watertight. Her lack of judgement by not doing this means SHE has caused any upset to her family. She has to go. Imsethorus 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. 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 Former Conservative minister Nadine Dorries has declared the Tory party is dead as she announced that she has defected to Reform UK. The former culture secretary, who was MP for Mid-Bedfordshire from 2005 to 2023, revealed her decision in her column for the Daily Mail. The time for action is now and I believe that the only politician who has the answers, the knowledge and the will to deliver is Nigel Farage. Nigel and I will never agree about everything. Neither of us are political robots, she wrote. Ms Dorries also said that its time for change and time make Britain great again, declaring the Tory Party dead. She wrote: My decision to leave the party Ive served for more than 30 years is possibly the most difficult Ive ever had to make, and it has taken me 12 agonising months to reach. Her announcement came a day before the Reform UK party conference begins. open image in gallery Nadine Dorries was MP for Mid-Bedfordshire from 2005 to 2023 ( PA Media ) The 68-year-old is the highest profile Tory to join Reform after defections from former party chair Sir Jake Berry, former Wales secretary David Jones and Dame Andrea Jenkyns. A Labour Party spokesperson said: Nadine Dorries says the Tory party is dead as one of the people who helped to kill it, she should know. She backed Boris Johnson through thick and thin despite the partying in Downing Street during the pandemic while people couldnt see their loved ones. And now she wants to help unleash the same chaos the Tories inflicted on Britain by joining Nigel Farages Reform. A Liberal Democrat source said: We dont know who to feel more sorry for, Kemi Badenoch or Nigel Farage. Ms Dorries wrote that her core beliefs were the same as when she first joined the Conservatives in 1995, adding that the party had changed not me. open image in gallery Ms Dorries was thrust into the limelight in 2012 when she was suspended from the Conservative Party for appearing on Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! ( ITV/Shutterstock ) She stepped down as an MP in 2023 after 18 years in the House of Commons, and accused former leader Rishi Sunak of demeaning his office by opening the gates to whip up a public frenzy against her. She also accused Mr Sunak of abandoning the fundamental principles of Conservatism and said history will not judge you kindly. Ms Dorries, who was born in 1957 in Liverpool and grew up on a council estate, wrote in the Daily Mail: I have known Nigel Farage for some considerable time, and no-one can deny that he believes in what he says because hes been saying the same thing for more than 30 years. She started her working life as a nurse before pursuing a career in business, opening a child daycare business before becoming a director at Bupa. Before her election to parliament as MP for Mid Bedfordshire in 2005, she worked for three years as an adviser to the former shadow home secretary and shadow chancellor Oliver Letwin. Ms Dorries was thrust into the limelight in 2012 when she was suspended from the Conservative Party for appearing on Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! without informing the chief whip first. However, she was readmitted to the party in May 2013. open image in gallery Nadine Dorries was a staunch supporter of Boris Johnson (PA) ( PA Archive ) Her first ministerial appointment was as minister of state for patient safety, suicide prevention and mental health, during which she garnered criticism for rejecting cross-party talks to discuss a package of mental health support for frontline workers during the pandemic. A staunch loyalist to then-prime minister Boris Johnson, Ms Dorries was promoted to secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport in September 2021. In her time in the role she was a frequent advocate for BBC reform, and led the now-ditched plan to privatise Channel 4. Despite backing Liz Truss in the race for leadership following Mr Johnsons resignation, Ms Dorries decided not to continue as culture secretary when Ms Truss took over as prime minister. Ms Dorries was embroiled in a string of controversies throughout her tenure as an MP. In 2009, when MPs expenses claims were revealed by the Daily Telegraph, she admitted she had got taxpayers to foot the bill for a lost 2,190 deposit on a rented flat. And in 2010, she was rebuked by parliamentary standards commissioner John Lyon for misleading her constituents on her blog about how much time she spent in mid-Bedfordshire, admitting that it was 70% fiction. 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 Calls have been for Nigel Farage to be hauled in front of the MPs to face questions about Reform UKs assault on the free press after the party threatened to banThe Independent from attending events if it did not change a critical story. It comes afterThe Independents political editor David Maddox reported that he had taken calls from a member of Reforms leadership and an aide to Mr Farage warning that the publication would be banned from all events if it did not alter its coverage. Last week, The Nottingham Post accused Reform UK of a massive attack on local democracy after a local council leader effectively banned the authority from engaging with the newspaper and its website. Nigel Farage gave evidence at a US congressional committee before delivering a speech in Washington on Wednesday (Mariam Zuhaib/AP) ( AP ) The outlet said they had been told by Nottinghamshire County Councils Reform administration that it would no longer engage with them or the team of BBC-funded local democracy journalists the paper manages. The Liberal Democrats dubbed the developments blatant hypocrisy after Mr Farage criticised free speech in the UK and compared it to North Korea when giving evidence to the US House judiciary committee in Washington on Wednesday. Liberal Democrat culture, media and sport spokesperson Max Wilkinson MP said: Nigel Farage needs to be dragged in front of the [House of Commons Media] Select Committee at the earliest opportunity and be held to account for Reforms assault on the free press. The press is the cornerstone of our democracy and it is right that politicians submit themselves to their scrutiny. For Farages party to act this way is a chilling example of what could happen to our proud democratic traditions if Reform ever got into power. He says the UK is becoming like North Korea while ruling over a party that treats the media increasingly like a despot would. British people and our free press shouldnt have to put up with that blatant hypocrisy. After his MAGA bootlicking tour across the pond and describing the country he professes to love as awful maybe he should crawl out of Trumps pocket and face some accountability here in the UK. The Reform leader was branded a Putin-loving free speech imposter and Trump sycophant by a US congressman on Wednesday who launched a severe critique of the Reform UK leader before the Briton gave evidence to the Washington DC committee. Democrat representative Jamie Raskin urged voters in Britain to think twice before voting for Mr Farage, accusing him of only protecting free speech he agrees with. Giving evidence, Mr Farage said he wanted to bring Lucy Connolly, who was jailed for stirring up racial hatred against asylum seekers in the aftermath of the Southport murders last year, to Washington as living proof of what can go wrong with free speech, as well as sensationally comparing Britain to North Korea. It doesnt give me any great joy to be sitting in America and describing the really awful authoritarian situation that we have now sunk into, he said. Mr Farage also warned that the UKs Online Safety Act will damage trade between our countries, threaten free speech across the West because of the knock-on rollout effects of this legislation from us or from the European Union. Reform UK has been contacted 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 Sir Keir Starmer has failed to prove to working people in the UK that he is one of them and risks opening the door for Nigel Farage to seize power, the leader of Labours biggest backer has warned. Speaking ahead of the annual meeting of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in Brighton next week, TUC general secretary Paul Nowak told The Independent that for too many people, change feels too much like a slogan and they dont feel it in their pockets. It comes as the TUC is set to use the annual congress to push the agenda on wealth taxes to fill the spending gap in Rachel Reeves budget. open image in gallery Keir Starmer has made some self-inflicted mistakes, Nowak believes ( House of Commons ) Nowak and his fellow trade unionists are championing a permanent hike in the banking surcharge to as much as 35 per cent; an annual wealth tax of 2 per cent on people with assets worth 10m or more; a gambling tax of 50 per cent on online casinos; and equalising capital gains tax to the level of taxation on wages to 36 per cent. The left-wing agenda has privately been supported by some ministers, including beleaguered deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, who proposed wealth taxes to avoid cuts in the spending review. And Nowak pointed to polling for the TUC that showed the moves would be popular among voters, including people considering switching from Labour to Reform. A Hold Sway poll of 5,024 British adults from 15 to 19 August found that a rise in capital gains taxes was backed by 51 per cent overall, rising to 57 per cent among Labour voters from the 2024 election now leaning to Reform. A tax on the profits of banks and other financial institutions has 66 per cent support, rising to 73 per cent among Labour voters switching to Reform. A 2 per cent annual wealth tax paid by people with assets worth more than 10m has 68 per cent support, increasing to 75 per cent among Labour voters from 2024 now leaning to Reform. open image in gallery Nowak is general secretary of the TUC ( PA ) Nowak admitted that he would be surprised if Reeves takes all their suggestions straight away even though a gambling tax and rise in capital gains are said to be on the agenda. But he added: There is clearly an appetite out there from the British public for a grown-up conversation about tax and about the fact that there is a big inequality in our country that is less about income inequality. Its about those whove got assets and wealth and those who havent. While he has praised the speed with which the Labour government has pushed through a package on workers rights that will get royal assent in weeks, and praised moves like putting inheritance tax on farms, VAT on private school fees and tackling non-dom status, he fears that not enough is being done. The TUC general secretary admitted, Therell be some in the trade union movement who think that Jeremy Corbyn and his Your Party is part of the solution as he noted people are disillusioned by what they see is the mainstream politics. And he warned: Keir Starmer people want the government to show whose side theyre on. He pointed out that the Labour election manifesto had one big word on the front change but suggested voters were not feeling it, allowing Farage to fill the gap. For far too many people, change still feels like a slogan rather than their lived reality. Theyre still facing the same cost of living pressures. They havent seen the improvements come through in terms of public services. That is partly because you cannot turn around 14 years of decline quickly, and partly because thats been some self-inflicted mistakes, whether it was winter fuel allowance [cuts] or the way that welfare reform was handled. And Nowak insisted that he could foresee an election victory for Farage and Reform UK supported by a right-wing rump of the Tories. open image in gallery Nigel Farage is a danger for working people, Nowak has claimed ( PA ) With many union members being attracted to Reforms message, he said that Farage was a right-wing wolf in left-wing sheeps clothing offering some left-wing policies on nationalising steel and some utilities. Nigel Farage can appear that hes got some simple solutions to some of the big problems the country faces. He said that Farage importing Elon Musks disastrous Doge project to cut spending in councils Reform runs has underlined the chaos he would bring to national government. He added: I think that the prospect of Nigel Farage anywhere near No 10 should scare the life out of anyone who really is genuinely a patriot in this country, who cares about this country. He doesnt care, despite waving the union jack and the cross of St George. All he is interested in is the interests of Elon Musk, Donald Trump and his right-wing backers. He doesnt give one jot about working-class people in this country. 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 Sir Keir Starmer is determined to save Angela Rayner after she admitted to dodging 40,000 in tax when purchasing a property. After weeks of speculation about her property arrangements, the deputy prime minister conceded that she had not paid enough stamp duty on her 800,000 seaside flat in Hove, East Sussex. And the prime minister is reportedly prepared to do whatever he can to save his deputy, having vowed not to hand his critics a scalp. A senior ally of the PM told The Times he has genuine sympathy for Ms Rayners position and will do what he can to keep her in his top team, but that ultimately her fate will be decided by the outcome of an independent ethics probe. Ms Rayner referred herself to the prime ministers independent ethics adviser, who will interview her over the property purchase in the coming days as part of an investigation into the scandal. She had been under pressure after it was reported that she had saved 40,000 in stamp duty by removing her name from the deeds of a family home in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency, classifying the Hove flat as her only property despite still spending time at the family house. open image in gallery Angela Rayner admitted not paying enough tax ( PA Wire ) In Wednesdays statement, she said she had taken legal advice when she bought the south coast flat, which suggested she was liable to pay standard stamp duty, but had then sought further advice from a leading tax counsel after headlines about the arrangement. But Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said the prime minister should sack his deputy. She added: I remember when the prime minister said tax evasion is a criminal offence, and should be treated as all other fraud. If he had a backbone he would sack her. At PMQs, Sir Keir Starmer backed Ms Rayner, saying he was very proud to sit alongside her, and praised her decision to refer herself to the independent ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus. The education secretary refused on Thursday to back Ms Rayner staying in post, saying that we have an independent process and an independent adviser Im not going to prejudge it. open image in gallery Bridget Phillipson refused to say Angela Rayner should keep her job ( Sky News ) I think it's right that the independent adviser now looks at all matters in the case, all the facts, and he has the time and whatever he needs in order to reach his conclusion, Bridget Phillipson told Sky News. She stressed that Ms Rayner initially believed she acted in good faith and paid the required taxes when purchasing the Hove flat. In an emotional televised interview on Wednesday, Ms Rayner, who is also the housing secretary, said she had been in shock and devastated over the scandal. She insisted it was not a tax dodge and blamed the underpayment mistake on incorrect legal advice. She told Sky News: Ive been in shock, really, because I thought Id done everything properly, and I relied on the advice that I received and Im devastated because Ive always upheld the rules and always have done. And always felt proud to do that. I feel, you know, that it is devastating for me. 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 feminist activist has been sent to prison for two-and-a-half years because of messages on a T-shirt she wore in a selfie posted online. The shirt featured the word Allah in Arabic, followed by the words is lesbian in English. Ibtissam Lachgar was charged with blasphemy and with disseminating the image online. She was found guilty of violating part of Moroccos criminal code that outlaws offending the monarchy or Islam, her lawyer, Naima El Guellaf, said. A member of Ms Lachgars legal team said they plan to appeal the conviction. Not only is this verdict unjust, but it also threatens the freedom of speech and opinion, said Hamid Sikouk of the Moroccan Association of Human Rights. At Wednesdays hearing, Ms Lachgar, wearing a headscarf and appearing fatigued, told the judge she had no intention of offending Islam. She argued that the T-shirt she wore reflected a political message. Her lawyers argued that the online post did not constitute an offence to Islam. God is not only for Muslims, but also for Christians and Jews. I dont see any offence to Islam in that publication, Ms El Guellaf told the court. I am Muslim myself, and I dont feel offended by it. Another lawyer, Souad Brahma, the head of the Moroccan Association of Human Rights, warned of a backslide in human rights in the kingdom and said her client was speaking about religions in general, not Islam. The defence said that wearing the T-shirt fell under freedom of expression, a constitutional right in Morocco, and called the charges unconstitutional. Long known for provocative activism, Ms Lachgar, 50, is a psychologist and co-founder of the Alternative Movement for Individuals Freedoms, known by its French acronym MALI. She is an outspoken and vocal defender of rights for women and LGBTQ communities in Morocco. Her arrest polarised public opinion across Morocco. Some see it as a valid response to provocation and others view it as a violation of democracy and freedom of speech. Though the country is politically moderate compared to others in the Middle East and North Africa, same-sex relations are illegal and certain kinds of speech can bring criminal charges. Ms Lachgar has called for decriminalising sex outside of marriage, which remains illegal. She also made headlines more than a decade ago when she organised a demonstration outside Moroccos parliament, where couples kissed to support two teenagers facing indecency charges after posting a photo of themselves kissing on Facebook. 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 In a scene mirroring a disaster zone, a man lies motionless amidst simulated earthquake rubble, awaiting an unlikely saviour: a rat, equipped with a miniature backpack. With whiskers twitching, the African giant pouched rat navigates the debris of toppled furniture and scattered clothes in Morogoro, Tanzania. Its task is to locate the 'survivor' and activate a trigger on its pack, alerting search teams above. A resounding click signals success; the search is over. The rat, part of an innovative training programme for search and rescue operations, then scurries from the abandoned building, rewarded with a banana for its completed mission. Their sense of smell is incredible, said Fabrizio DellAnna, an animal behaviorist at APOPO, a Tanzania-based nongovernmental organization that trains the rats for lifesaving applications. These rats are able to detect explosives, tuberculosis even tiny amounts of the bacteria and in this project, they are able to correctly identify and indicate humans. In a field nearby, more rats walk on leashes held between handlers, pacing a grid filled with land mines as part of an initiative by APOPO, which works alongside Sokoine University of Agriculture. When they pause, it indicates that explosives are beneath. These rats are readying for their next deployment, perhaps Angola or Cambodia, where APOPO has helped clear more than 50,000 land mines since 2014. From detecting land mines to sniffing out tuberculosis, these hero rats have become unlikely, and sometimes unrecognized, front-line responders in Tanzania and beyond. open image in gallery A landmine-detection rat scurries across a training grid under the watchful eye of a handler at the APOPO humanitarian demining organization facility in Morogoro, Tanzania, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Denton) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) For decades APOPO has trained these hero rats, which have one of the most sensitive noses in the animal kingdom. Since 2003, the rats have been finding land mines and, more recently, have been turned on to trafficked wildlife and earthquake survivors. The rats begin training shortly after birth for specific missions and, with a longer-than-average rodent life span of almost a decade, can spend years carrying out their work. The cost of training each rat runs around 6,000 euros ($6,990). It is all done with classical conditioning and positive reinforcement, explained DellAnna, who oversees the search and rescue program. The first cohort of this group of specialized rats are already in Turkey with a partner search and rescue organization. open image in gallery A rat is rewarded after a successful search and rescue training mission in simulated earthquake rubble at APOPO's facility in Morogoro, Tanzania, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Denton) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) While the rats focused on explosives or survivors buried in rubble get all the glory, it is a group of rats inside a lab that are arguably the most impactful lifesavers. These are not typical lab rats, but rather, as their proponents would argue, one of the worlds most effective detectors of tuberculosis. Every day as many people die from TB as from land mines in a whole year, said Christophe Cox, the CEO of APOPO. Its more spectacular to be on the minefield but for TB in terms of social impact, its tremendous. Tuberculosis is an ancient respiratory disease that continues to run rampant despite centuries of research and treatment. The World Health Organization said last October in its most recent TB report that the disease had resurged as the top infectious disease killer, with 1.25 million deaths and a record 8.2 million infections in 2023. In sub-Saharan Africa, only about half of TB patients receive a diagnosis, according to a study by researchers in the UK and Gambia published in the National Library of Medicine, and this leaves them liable to spread the disease. Tanzania struggles with one of the highest global TB burdens, according to the WHO. APOPO expanded into TB detection in 2007 and its rats have been deployed in Tanzania, Ethiopia and Mozambique. The group works with 80 hospitals in Tanzania, collecting samples daily and bringing them to the lab rats. With their sensitive noses, the rats sniff out samples of sputum from patients, looking for positive TB cases that had been marked as negative. Research suggests the rats are picking up on six unique volatile organic compounds in positive TB samples, said Cox. False negatives remain a persistent issue in TB detection and suppression because each infected person can spread the disease to 10 to 15 more people each year. The benefits of using rats are significant, said Felista Stanesloaus, a doctor at a TB clinic in Morogoro. They help us detect cases that might otherwise be missed, which prevents people from unknowingly spreading infections. open image in gallery Felista Staneslouas, Head of Department at Morogoro Hospital, plays with one of the rats in Morogoro, Tanzania, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Denton) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) TB detection has made significant advances in recent years, including using artificial intelligence tools in conjunction with lung scans. However, many areas that are burdened most by TB, such as rural villages or low-income urban communities, do not have access to these tools. While the use of molecular detection devices, such as one called GeneXpert, have become more widespread, a clinic may only have one of these devices and it can take two hours to process a sample. Overburdened clinics turn to the centuries-old technique of microscopy, or investigation of sputum under a microscope, which is both fallible and time-consuming. Human error may result in a person being told they are disease-free when they are not, said Stanesloaus. Using rats is a very effective initiative. APOPOs rats can scan 100 samples in 20 minutes, and since the program's inception, the rats have been able to identify more than 30,000 patients who had been sent home with a clean bill of health but were actually carrying TB, said Cox. The NGO is able to do with one lab what 55 hospitals do in a day, he adds. Yet using live animals in the place of medical devices poses challenges, especially when it comes to scale. Samples have to be brought directly to a lab with enough trained rats to conduct the detection, with some samples brought to Morogoro by motorbike each day. Operations are most effective in dense urban centers, like Dar es Salaam, Cox said. open image in gallery An African giant pouched rat being trained to detect tuberculosis licks a treat off glass in APOPO's laboratory in Morogoro, Tanzania, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Denton) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The more existential challenge for these hero rats comes from regulators and a wider health community who doubt this unconventional method of disease detection. APOPOs rats are not classified as primary diagnostic tools by the WHO. Instead, they are a second line of defense. Any positive samples detected by the rats must be confirmed with human microscopy in APOPOs labs before treatment can be administered. Its a big challenge, said Cox. Not being recognized by the WHO means that the mainstream funding for TB never reaches us. Cox has given up on the prospect of getting approval from the WHO, though APOPO has faced pressure from donors to go through this process, which would be extensive and rigorous with no guarantee of success. Regulators may also challenge APOPOs method of focusing on finding every single positive case possible at the cost of more potential false positives. APOPO relies on the indication of just one rat to proceed with further investigation into a possible positive case, while higher specificity standards may need multiple rats to flag a sample. Cox defends this approach. Our choice was to go for that last patient out there to go for the social impact, said Cox. 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 Annette was just 16 and walking to school in rural Uganda when she was raped an attack which left her pregnant, penniless and alone. Her family and community blamed her and cut her off, leaving the teenager to struggle with her baby by herself. A friend at the same school also fell pregnant. Rather than struggle like Annette, she decided to hide it and get a backstreet abortion. She didnt want her parents to know about it so she decided to abort, says Annette, now 19, with a disarming frankness. She was given some drugs and lost a lot of blood but didnt want to be rushed to hospital as she was scared her parents would find out. She bled to death. Terrified of a similar fate, Annette continued with her pregnancy, dropping out of school to wash clothes for 50p a time. People talked a lot about me behind my back and no one helped me. No one believed that I had been raped. open image in gallery Annette, a teen mother and rape survivor, says contraceptive support and family planning changed her life ( Bel Trew/The Independent ) Annette feared she might be attacked again and turned to MSI Reproductive Choices a global charity providing contraceptives to nearly 40 million women and girls worldwide. Today at a MSI-supported clinic 65km north of the capital Kampala, she is being given a three-year contraceptive implant that costs just $10 but is impossibly expensive for her. She credits it with allowing her to get her life back and finish her education. But that contraceptive support is now in jeopardy after Donald Trump cut hundreds of millions of dollars of US foreign assistance to family planning programmes worldwide by dismantling USAID. According to analysis by The Independent from United Nations data, there could be as many as 16 million more unintended pregnancies each year, leading to the deaths of 32,000 women and girls, as maternal mortality rates will soar. And it can be revealed that 16 countries that received family planning assistance, mostly in Africa, are running out of key contraceptives. Three identified by The Independent Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia have run out of certain brands of implants and injections. A helpline in Kenya is already reporting cases of unsafe abortions linked to these shortages. Sitting behind Annette, the makeshift waiting room in this clinic is overflowing with women. Many of them have hiked in the blistering heat for hours, with babies strapped to their backs, because they want to get life changing and life-saving contraceptives before its too late. We are worried because we heard reports that Trump has stopped all support for women. All the women from my village came today, says Deborah, 45, who already has five children and cannot cope with a sixth. She worries about the pressure being constantly pregnant puts on her body as well as the cost. Im cannot afford to take care of their school fees. We beg for help. Suzanne Obalim, who works with MSI in Uganda and is looking after the women, says many have been in tears: We are going to lose hundreds of young girls. We beg Trump to reconsider, reconsider the decision. Women need help. Just hours into his new term in office, Mr Trump signed a slew of executive orders freezing almost all foreign assistance for 90 days, saying he was rooting out tremendous waste and fraud and abuse of USAID. The searing focus of his wrath was the $600m of spending on global family planning. In a press conference in January, he even claimed USAID funded $50m being sent to Gaza to buy condoms for Hamas. The allegations swiftly debunked. [Hamas] used them as a method of making bombs. How about that? he joked. His swingeing aid cuts mean that every week nearly 1 million women and girls worldwide will be denied contraceptive care costing lives. The State Department confirmed that the funding will not be reinstated after the original pause. On his first day in office, secretary of state Marco Rubio announced a new era of foreign assistance which would be guided by whether it makes America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. In line with President Trumps policies and as part of the review of foreign assistance, USAID awards for family planning and reproductive health activities ended, the spokesperson said. In line with President Trumps Executive Order, no American tax dollars will be funding elective abortions abroad. In August, Trumps administration went one step further, spending tens of thousands of dollars destroying nearly $10m worth of contraceptives sitting in a warehouse in Europe that had already been paid for by taxpayers money, and was earmarked for use by women in need. open image in gallery Women who have walked for hours to get to this clinic wait for contraceptive treatment in Uganda ( Bel Trew/The Independent ) They even reportedly turned down offers from the United Nations and family planning organisations to buy or ship the supplies to low-income nations. The State Department said a preliminary decision was made to destroy certain abortifacient birth control commodities, a vague term meant to describe any substance which can terminate a pregnancy. They added that no HIV medications or condoms are being destroyed, without elaborating. One of the main concerns in Uganda is the deadly impact of the cuts. Twenty-five years ago, its maternal mortality rate was among the highest in the world. The work on family planning has been a major factor in reducing that rate by more than half. Without funding, the fear is that rate will now rise particularly with an expected surge in unsafe abortions, which, according to the UN, are one of the leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide. In another MSI clinic on the outskirts of Kampala, Bridget, a mother-of-five, thinks a great deal about the deadly impact of backstreet abortions. That is because two of her friends, who had no access to contraception and couldnt afford to keep their babies while in abusive relationships, died from unsafe abortions. open image in gallery Bridget, who is getting a contraceptive implant, worries about the cuts as two of her friends died after seeking back-street abortions ( Bel Trew/The Independent ) She describes how untrained practitioners inserted sticks and herbs into their uteruses in a bid to open the cervix. When one of them went to the hospital she was told that some things had remained and got rotten inside of her uterus, she adds quietly. By the time she got to the hospital it was too late. Also waiting in the makeshift waiting room of the clinic is Joyce, who had her baby five years ago when she herself was just 13. The birth was painful and dangerous, she recalls. Like Annette, she was also thrown out of school and rejected by her family and community. My parents mistreated me. Sometimes they would not give me the basic needs and they would send me away from home to stay with my neighbour, she said. The village residents would also talk about me and insult me. It made me to be so lonely. Like Annette, Joyce says contraception and care has meant that she has been able to go back to school and plans to train as a nurse, to work with other girls in her predicament. open image in gallery Joyce credits family planning support with changing her life and getting her back into school ( Bel Trew/The Independent ) Their stories underscore why contraception can bring huge economic benefits, as well as save lives. Monica Ferro, UK director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), says, contrary to Mr Trumps claims that it was dangerous waste, investing in family planning might be one of the highest yielding development investments available. For each dollar invested in voluntary, rights-based family planning, you can yield the return as much as $26 in economic benefits. Access to contraception allows girls to stay in school. It allows women to enter the workforce and contributes to economic growth, boosting GDP and the country's long-term prosperity, as well as increasing women's participation in decision making processes. She said something as simple as a $1 condom or $10 implant can break cycles of poverty as women are able to contribute to economic growth keeping a country on its feet, and reduce the need for global help. open image in gallery In Zimbabwe MSI had to halt work so suddenly they were unable to warn patients, they have reopened with funding which is due to run out in September ( Bel Trew/The Independent ) One of the biggest problems is not only that funding is gone but the abruptness of its departure. In Zimbabwe, Pester Siraha, who heads up MSI Choices office, describes how they received an email one Monday morning from the White House explaining all funding had been suspended and they had to issue stop work orders. Our teams were in four provinces. They had to immediately suspend services, stop, bring back all the cars to the head office, halt all operations. They could not even tell their clients in rural areas who were waiting for them to turn up that they would not be coming. These clinics work by driving around remote communities and announcing via microphone the future dates of the upcoming consultations so families can attend. Other providers reliant on USAID said they couldnt use their laptops to even track who was affected, as their services were also instantly frozen. It has left utter chaos on the ground, as organisations have struggled and failed to fill the gaping shortfall. open image in gallery Family planning clinics, such as this one in Zimbabwe, also provide maternal healthcare which is at risk with USAID cuts ( Bel Trew ) In Manicaland in eastern Zimbabwe, medical teams failed to turn up, leaving women confused and stranded. When I came here and the tent was not there, I panicked because their services are vital to me, says Chido Luanda, 45, a mother-of-five, who is worried about getting pregnant again. Now, UN data shared exclusively with The Independent shows stocks of crucial contraceptives and maternal drugs are dwindling in national medicines warehouses in several countries. In some cases, supplies are stuck in warehouses in those countries and cant be sent to the health facilities where they are running out, because of the axing of USAID. MSI has scrambled to find enough funding to support its work until September, but there is no plan after that. They have already had to fire at least 30 members of staff, and put the rest on limited schedules. An estimated 1,700 midwives worldwide were paid for by USAID funding. We have no idea what will happen if we lose our jobs for good, says Lovejoy, a nurse for MSI who is the breadwinner. Back in Uganda, Joyce said: I want to advise other teenage girls to consider coming for family planning because it enables them to be like me: I never had the hope or the dream that I could go back to school. But by Gods will I am now. Ms Ferro said global solidarity on contraception was now needed more than ever. We need to allow countries to mobilise their own domestic resources. We need to fundraise for the programs that are now being cut because the priority for us is very clear. This is an investment that changes lives, that saves lives. And my ask would be, please don't let women and girls die. Additional reporting by Rachel Schraer and Alicja Hagopian This article is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project Sign up to our free money newsletter for investment analysis and expert advice to help you build wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Shares in clothing company American Eagle have surged after a controversial ad featuring Sydney Sweeney backed by President Donald Trump and his MAGA base - though actual sales are slightly down. Shares in the company rose by almost a quarter overnight (23.5 per cent), equivalent to around a $500 million bump in market value. Sales between May and July actually fell to $1.28 billion, slightly down from $1.29 billion the year before, according to its second quarter earnings released Wednesday. However the company comfortably beat revenue estimates of $1.23bn with the firms second-highest ever for the second quarter of the year. The Sweeney ad launched on July 23, right at the end of the quarter so the true impact on sales may not be seen until the next sales report. open image in gallery The Sydney Sweeney ad sparked a positive reaction from President Donald Trump and MAGA ( Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images ) The Europhia actress made waves with her participation in the much-debated ad, which highlighted Sweeneys physical appearance by saying she has great jeans in a play on genes. While critics accused the ad of playing into eugenic ideals, that some genetic qualities are better than others, MAGA supporters quickly came to her defense. Trump praised Sweeney when he found out she was a registered Republican, writing on social media she has the HOTTEST ad out there. Share price rises are not entirely linked to product sales. In this instance, an improving profit margin would have contributed toward investor confidence, as well as the announcement of a share buyback from the company. Store closures of 35-40 American Eagle locations by the end of the year would also contribute to reduced costs that investors will have welcomed. And with American Eagle stock at around $16.50, it is still some distance off last Octobers price of $22 a share, and more than 55 per cent down from earlier highs in 2021 when the price reached near $38. Nevertheless, the company celebrated the latest financial figures and the Sweeney campaign after Wednesdays announcement. open image in gallery The ad used wordplay on 'jeans' and 'genes,' highlighting Sweeneys physical appearance and saying she 'has great jeans' ( Emma McIntyre/Getty Images ) The fall season is off to a positive start, American Eagle CEO Jay Schottenstein said. Fueled by stronger product offerings and the success of recent marketing campaigns with Sydney Sweeney and Travis Kelce, we have seen an uptick in customer awareness, engagement and comparable sales. CNN reported that executive creative director, Jennifer Foyle, added during the call: The (Sweeney and Kelce) campaigns combined have generated a staggering 40 billion impressions as we look ahead, our plan to build on this momentum. Despite the controversy around the ad, the company has maintained it is and always was about the jeans. Well continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way, American Eagle said in a previous statement. Great jeans look good on everyone. However American Eagle has warned that, regardless of the presidents support for the advert, Trumps tariffs look set to have a negative impact on business. The company said on Wednesday it expects tariff impacts to be $20m in the third quarter and up to $50m in the fourth, CNN 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 Fungus-coated bats are spreading deadly disease in Washington states San Juan Island National Historical Park, according to park officials. Three Yuma Myotis bats tested positive for the fungus that causes Pseudogymnoascus destructans, or white-nose syndrome. The small brown bats had been living in a wooden bat box at the islands English Camp, the location of a park visitor center and a historic military site. Any new detection [of the fungus] or white-nose syndrome is worrisome because bats are vital for healthy ecosystems, the National Park Service said in a statement. White-nose syndrome develops when the fungus invades their skin cells. It appears as white fuzz on their faces and wings. Infected bats can become dehydrated and die as a result of the disease. open image in gallery A park official holds a bat with white-nose syndrome. The deadly disease has been detected at Washington states San Juan Island National Historical Park ( NPS ) The fuzz indicates that the syndrome has progressed and that the animals are experiencing life-threatening effects including loss of electrolytes. White-nose syndrome primarily spreads through bat-to-bat contact, and does not cause illness in humans. However, humans are able to spread the fungus to new places through spores on clothing and shoes. The disease has killed millions of bats across North America since it was initially detected in 2006 in New York. White-nose syndrome has been detected in most states, and cases were reported in several Southern California counties last year. open image in gallery Bats show the classic signs of white-nose syndrome. Scientists regularly monitor them for the fungus ( NPS via NYSDEC/Nancy Heaslip ) Infection has resulted in the decline of multiple species, including in little brown bats, northern long-eared bats, and tri-colored bats, which declined by more than 90 percent across the eastern U.S. by 2018. This is the first documented case in San Juan County, but not in the state. The first positive case was reported in Washington in 2016. San Juan Island National Historical Park is home to 10 out of the 14 known species of bats in Washington state. Bats are critical pollinators, contributing approximately $3.7 billion worth of insect pest control for farmers each year. Bat poop, called guano, can also be used as fertilizer to improve soil health. open image in gallery A person holds a bat with white-nose syndrome. White-nose syndrome has spread in Washington state since 2016 ( USFWS ) Scientists regularly monitor bats when they emerge from hibernation each spring to test for the fungus. If people see dead or injured bats while they are in the park, biologists say they should report the deaths to park personnel but never touch or pick up a bat. All gear and clothing should be decontaminated after visiting a cave or other bat habitat to reduce the risk of spread. Although white-nose syndrome does not cause illness in humans, a small percentage of bats can be infected with other dangerous diseases, such as rabies, they said. 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 U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is appearing before a congressional committee Thursday, where he's expected to face questions about turmoil at federal health agencies. The U.S. Senate Finance Committee has called Kennedy to a hearing about his plans to Make America Healthy Again. But the health secretary is expected to face questions about layoffs and planned budget cuts that detractors say are wrecking the nations ability to prevent disease. Kennedy recently fired Susan Monarez, a longtime government scientist he installed as the CDC director for less than a month and has sought to reshape the nations vaccine policies to match his long-standing suspicions about the safety and effectiveness of long-established shots. Here's the latest: Wyden and Kennedy go into overtime Wydens questioning of Kennedy went over the Democrats allotted time and had to be gaveled out by the panels chairman. Wyden and Kennedy got into a heated exchange after the senator said the secretary stacked the deck of a vaccines committee, replacing scientists with vaccine skeptics and conspiracy theorists. Kennedy said his actions got rid of the conflicts of interests he said had pervaded such panels. Kennedy also said he had support from scientists and doctors all over the country. Many of the nations leading public health and medical societies, including the American Medical Association, American Public Health Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have decried Kennedys policies and warn theyll drive up rates of vaccine-preventable diseases. Kennedy claims people at the CDC did not do their job Speaking on recent firings at the CDC, Kennedy called attention to a concern he often talks about the chronic disease epidemic. We are the sickest country in the world, he said. Thats why we have to fire people at the CDC. They did not do their job. He accused the recently ousted director Susan Monarez of lying in her Wall Street Journal op-ed on Thursday when she said she was pressured to preapprove the recommendations of his vaccine advisory panel. Kennedy calls for new blood at the CDC Toward the end of his opening remarks, Kennedy said he wanted to address the recent shakeups at CDC, personnel changes he called absolutely necessary adjustments to restore the agency to its role as the worlds gold standard. Kennedy went on to describe COVID-19-era recommendations and policies he said were implemented with no science and heightened economic inequality, like school closures. Last week, the Trump administration fired the agencys director Susan Monarez. Several top CDC leaders resigned in protest, leaving the agency in turmoil. A protestor decried Kennedys vaccine stances during the hearing Just as Kennedy first mentioned vaccine safety standards during his opening remarks, a protestor in a wheelchair shouted at the secretary and challenged whether he understood current policy and research surrounding vaccine safety. Youre killing billions of people, the protestor shouted at the back of the room as they were escorted out by Capitol Police. Sen. Mike Crapo, the Finance Committees chair, warned other attendees from speaking out and disrupting order after the protestors removal. As HHS Secretary, Kennedy has made a a string of decisions that have put the longtime vaccine critics doubts about shots into full effect at the nations health department. Wyden tried and failed to force a formal swearing-in for Kennedy As the hearing began, Wyden asked to have Kennedy formally sworn in as a witness, defying tradition, saying the HHS secretary has a history of lying to the Senate Finance Committee. For example, Wyden said, Kennedy promised he would do nothing as HHS secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking vaccines. But under Kennedy, U.S. regulators have limited the availability of COVID-19 vaccines for many Americans. Crapo denied Wydens request, saying despite partisan disagreements among the senators on the committee, the bottom line is we will let the secretary make his own case. Kennedy makes remarks on Georgia officer killed in CDC shooting Kennedy opened his remarks by expressing condolences for the family of David Rose, a law enforcement officer killed during the Aug. 8 shooting at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta. A man opened fire outside the agency headquarters, leaving bullet marks in windows across the sprawling campus and killing Rose before being found dead in a nearby building. Kennedy said he visited with Roses family and said he remains in our prayers. Zelenskyy and European leaders hold call with Trump European leaders took part in a hybrid Coalition of the Willing meeting about Ukraine on Thursday and then held a phone call afterward with Trump to update him on their work. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also took part in the call with Trump, according to a person familiar with planning for the call who was not authorized to comment publicly. They expressed the hope that the United States would continue to make a substantial contribution to the joint efforts to support Ukraine, formulate security guarantees, and shape a productive diplomatic process, German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said in a statement following the meeting, which German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attended virtually. Merz laid out three areas of action, including working toward a summit Zelenskyy would also participate in, and a ceasefire must be agreed there. The White House did not offer any immediate comment. Jamey Keaten and Aamer Madhani Wyden challenges GOP colleagues on their support of Kennedy The Oregon Democrat asked his Republican Senate colleagues, What line must Robert Kennedy cross before some of you will also join this alarm? Seeking that Kennedy step down, alternatively Wyden called on Trump to fire him before more people are hurt. The hearing has begun Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said each senator will get five minutes to question Kennedy. He said he expects a spirited debate. That started right away. While Crapo touted the administrations Make America Healthy Again agenda, the Democratic ranking member, Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, argued Kennedy has prioritized elevating junk science and fringe conspiracies. After entering hearing room, Kennedy greets senators, including Republican Bill Cassidy Before taking his seat, Kennedy briefly greeted the assembled senators, including Cassidy, a physician eyeing reelection. The Louisiana Republicans support was critical to Kennedys confirmation, but the two-term senator did publicly express concern about his anti-vaccination positions before voting to confirm Kennedy. This week, Cassidy said he wanted to carefully frame his questions to Kennedy at Thursdays hearing. Kennedy arrives for Senate hearing He was greeted by shouted reporter questions as well as We love you, Bobby from supporters in the hallway as he entered the Senate hearing room. Kennedy did not answer questions but gave a wave before going inside. Sen. Thom Tillis on RFK Jr. ahead of his appearance before a congressional committee Asked if he has confidence in the health secretary, Tillis, a Republican on the committee, said he wants to hear from Kennedy in person. Hes got to reconcile what he said during his confirmation process with what weve seen over the past few months, particularly on vaccine policy, Tillis said. Former CDC director Susan Monarez speaks out after her firing The longtime government scientist who ran afoul of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. penned a Wall Street Journal op-ed published Thursday in which she raises concerns about the way ahead for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention following her ouster. Public health shouldnt be partisan. Vaccines have saved millions of lives under administrations of both parties, Monarez writes. I was fired for holding that line. But the line doesnt disappear with me. It runs through every parent deciding whether to vaccinate a child, every physician counseling patients, and every American who demands accountability. Monarez was fired and replaced on an acting basis by Kennedys top deputy, Jim ONeill. The White House said Monarez, who served for only 29 days, was not aligned with Trumps agenda. Monarezs lawyers said she refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts. Melania Trump will address the White House task force on AI The first lady will gather with members of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education and private sector leaders later today. Trumps made online protection of children a central part of her Be Best initiative. She said in a statement ahead of todays meeting that she wont be surprised if AI becomes the greatest engine of progress in U.S. history. But, as leaders and parents we must manage AIs growth responsibly, she added. During this primitive stage, it is our duty to treat AI as we would our own children empowering, but with watchful guidance. We are living in a moment of wonder, and it is our responsibility to prepare Americas children. GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy, facing primary challengers, proceeds cautiously on CDC and RFK Jr. Cassidys support was crucial to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services. With firings and resignations at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now prompting concern about a leadership breakdown at the nations leading public health agency, the Louisiana lawmaker and physician is in a tight spot. The two-term senator who publicly expressed concern about Kennedys anti-vaccination positions before voting to confirm him has worried aloud about serious allegations at the CDC and has called for oversight, without blaming Kennedy. But he was choosing his words carefully as he returned to Washington this week after the Senates August recess and was preparing to question Kennedy during a finance committee meeting scheduled for Thursday. Cassidy told reporters he hadnt yet decided what to ask Kennedy, saying, I want to carefully frame the question. Read more about Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy High-ranking Democrat says RFK Jr. must answer to the public In a statement last week, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon the highest ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee said, It is more imperative than ever that Kennedy answer to the public and their representatives about the chaos, confusion, and harm his actions are inflicting on American families. Kennedys track record as health secretary In May, Kennedy a longtime leader in the anti-vaccine movement announced COVID-19 vaccines would no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, a move opposed by medical and public health groups. In June, he abruptly disbanded a panel of experts that had been advising the government on vaccine policy. He replaced them with a handpicked group that included several vaccine skeptics, and then shut the door to several doctors groups that had long helped form the committees recommendations. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The publisher of Virginia Giuffres posthumous memoir, Nobodys Girl, has reached an agreement on a final draft with her family, following their public objections to its initial content. Surviving relatives of the Jeffrey Epstein accuser had expressed concerns that the book presented an outdated and unduly positive portrait of her marriage, which ended in the months leading up to her death by suicide in April. Jordan Pavlin, Knopfs publisher and editor-in-chief, confirmed the resolution in a statement Wednesday. We worked with Virginias brothers and their wives to contextualize the narrative Virginias memoir presents, and we appreciate their support of this publication, he said. We all believe that Virginias voice must be heard, and that her courage in telling her story has the power to offer strength and hope to victims of sexual abuse. Nobodys Girl is a testament to Virginias dignity and fortitude in the face of Jeffrey Epsteins and Ghislaine Maxwells monstrous cruelty. Its impact will be profound. open image in gallery Virginia Giuffre died in April ( PA Media ) A spokesperson for Giuffre's family did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In August, Alfred A. Knopf announced that Nobodys Girl would come out October 21 and called the book a riveting and powerful story of an ordinary girl who would grow up to confront extraordinary adversity. Family members soon issued a statement saying that Nobody's Girl, which reportedly presents her marriage to Robert Giuffre as part of her healing process, will undermine Virginias credibility as someone who consistently told the truth in her pursuit of justice and accountability. The final edition, which Knopf has sent to the printers, includes a foreword that outlines the changes in Giuffre's life since the manuscript was completed in fall 2024. open image in gallery Relatives of Virginia Giuffre, Daniel Wilson, left, and Sky Roberts, second from left, Amanda Roberts, second from right, and Annie Farmer, right, listen during a Stand with Survivors Rally on Capitol Hill ( AP ) Knopf and her family had spent months working on the language for the foreword, written by Giuffre's collaborator, the author and journalist, Amy Wallace. Giuffre originally signed in 2023 with Penguin Press, in what Knopf spokesman Todd Doughty said recently was a seven-figure deal. She moved from Penguin to Knopf along with her acquiring editor, Emily Cunningham, who joined Knopf in 2024. Both Knopf and Penguin are part of Penguin Random House. Earlier Wednesday, some Giuffre family members joined dozens of survivors of Epstein's abuse at a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, where they called on lawyers to release files of the sex trafficking investigation into the late financier and rejected President Donald Trumps effort to dismiss the issue as a hoax. open image in gallery The Duke of York, Virginia Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell ( PA Media ) No leniency, no deals, no special treatment, Sky Roberts, Giuffre's brother, said at the conference. The Epstein documents must be unsealed." Doughty has confirmed that Nobody's Girl mentions Trump, who once employed Giuffre at his private Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, but added that he is not accused of any wrongdoing. The publisher has otherwise declined to offer specifics on anyone else named. Giuffre had contended she was caught up in Epsteins sex-trafficking ring in the 2000s and was exploited by Britains Prince Andrew and other influential men. Epstein was found dead in a New York City jail cell in 2019 in what investigators described as a suicide. His former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted in late 2021 on sex trafficking and other charges. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Hurricane Kiko has intensified into a major storm over the Pacific Ocean, while Hurricane Lorena is barrelling towards Mexico's Baja California coast. Kiko surged to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with maximum sustained winds of approximately 145 miles per hour (233 kilometers per hour), on Wednesday. According to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center, the storm was centred about 1,560 miles (2,510 kilometres) east of Hilo, Hawaii, tracking west at 9mph (15kph). On the Saffir-Simpson scale, which ranges from 1 to 5, hurricanes reaching Category 3 and above are classified as major storms. Forecasters said Kiko could get even stronger in the next day or so, but that its intensity was likely to fluctuate after that. There are currently no watches or warnings associated with Kiko and no hazards affecting land. open image in gallery Hurricane Kiko has intensified over the Pacific Ocean ( NOAA ) Meanwhile, Lorena is a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 85mph (137kph). However, it is expected to weaken and become a tropical storm on Thursday, the hurricane center said. Forecasters urged people on the Baja California peninsula and in northwestern Mexico to monitor the storm's progress. Lorena was centered about 210 miles (338 kilometers) west of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and traveling northwest at 12mph (19kph) on Wednesday. The forecast said rainfall totals could reach 15 inches (38 centimeters) in some places, and flash flooding and mudslides were possible. open image in gallery Flooding seen in Norfolk Virginia near the Lafayette River due to Hurricane Erin ( AP ) Ocean swells generated by Lorena could cause life-threatening rip currents in coastal areas. Tropical storm warnings and watches were in effect for much of Baja California and parts of northwestern Mexico. On the forecast track, the center of Lorena could move over land on Friday. In August, Hurricane Erin battered North Carolinas Outer Banks with strong winds and waves, spawning dangerous conditions that shuttered beaches up the East Coast. The hurricane brought 130mph winds and torrential rainfall to the Caribbean and left tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans without power. Lifeguards in North Carolina made more than 75 rescues from rip currents along the Wrightsville area coastline on one day, prompting a no-swim order. 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 United Airlines has added new flights to 15 cities after Spirit Airlines entered bankruptcy for the second time in a year. The major U.S. carrier added two new routes between Newark Liberty International Airport, which serves the New York City area, and Columbia, South Carolina, and Chattanooga, Tennessee. One additional daily round-trip flight has been added through already established routes. Now, United Airlines passengers flying out of Houston will be offered another round-trip to Orlando, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Atlanta, Baltimore or Miami. An additional round-trip flight between Chicago and Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, New Orleans, or Las Vegas has also been offered, as well as a round-trip flight from Newark to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. Passengers flying out of Los Angeles will also be offered another round-trip to Las Vegas. open image in gallery United Airlines has added new flights to 15 cities after Spirit Airlines entered bankruptcy for the second time in a year ( Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images ) United will also have three new weekly flights between Houston and Guatemala City, Guatemala and San Salvador, El Salvador, as well as one new weekly flight between Houston and San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Extra flights between Houston, Chicago and Los Angeles will also be added, and United will fly larger planes between Chicago and New Yorks LaGuardia Airport for passengers outside its hubs to connect to the new flights. The new flights will start on January 6 and tickets will go on sale from Thursday. "If Spirit suddenly goes out of business it will be incredibly disruptive, so we're adding these flights to give their customers other options if they want or need them," Patrick Quayle, United's senior vice president of Global Network Planning and Alliances, said in a statement Thursday. Last week, Spirit filed for bankruptcy again after attempting to rebrand from a budget option to a premium carrier. The airline had previously declared bankruptcy last November after failed mergers, growing debt and years of operating at a loss. In 2024, Spirit reported a $1.2 billion net loss. Since emerging from our previous restructuring, which was targeted exclusively on reducing Spirits funded debt and raising equity capital, it has become clear that there is much more work to be done and many more tools are available to best position Spirit for the future, Spirit Airlines CEO Dave Davis said on Friday. open image in gallery Last week, Spirit filed for bankruptcy again after attempting to rebrand from a budget option to a premium carrier ( Justin Sullivan/Getty Images ) Spirit has canceled flights to 11 U.S. cities, including Portland, Oregon, and San Diego, Reuters reported. The airline was expected to start service to Macon, Georgia, in mid-October, but it has since canceled those plans. The carrier has maintained it will remain in business for many years to come, in a clap back to United. "While we appreciate the obsession certain airline executives have with us, were focused on competing and running a great operation," Duncan Dee, Spirits senior vice president of corporate communications, told Reuters. "Suggesting anything else is wishful thinking on the part of a high-cost airline looking to eliminate a low-cost competitor so they can fulfill their ultimate goal of charging American travelers the highest fares possible to visit the people and places they love." 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 10-year-old girl was tired and worried when she was taken out of bed at 4:30 a.m. and prepared for an abrupt flight from her shelter in Texas to Guatemala. A 17-year-old boy was put on a plane, scared and praying to God to protect him as he feared returning to violence in the country he fled, and where his single mother cannot protect him. Another young girl was so scared she vomited. A series of harrowing affidavits in court filings on Wednesday detail the Trump administrations middle-of-the-night operation to fly dozens of Guatemalan children to their home country described by their attorneys and the children themselves. After a fast-paced legal battle over the weekend, a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration from expelling hundreds of Guatemalan children who are in government custody, foster programs and long-term shelters after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border alone. open image in gallery Relatives of unaccompanied minors deported from the United States await updates outside La Aurora International Airport, in Guatemala City August 31. In court filings, lawyers and children described how they were abruptly packed into buses and placed on planes before a judge blocked their removal ( AP ) The government had not obtained legal permission to remove them, according to their lawyers, but at least 76 children were already on planes and sitting on a tarmac as they waited for a judges response to a lawsuit to keep them in the country. The children who are under the care of the Office of Refugee Settlement at the Department of Health and Human Services will remain in federal custody while yet another high-profile legal challenge to the presidents anti-immigration agenda continues. In court documents supporting a request to block their removal, more than a dozen Guatemalan teenagers described their overwhelming fear of returning to their home country. They describe childhoods in neglect, threats of extortion and gang violence against them or their families, and returning to homes or government shelters where they were abused or trafficked. I am certain the people there who hurt me and threatened to kill me before will once again hurt me and will carry out threats to kill me, one 16-year-old wrote. A 16-year-old LGBT+ child who is seeking asylum in the United States said they fear rape and forced marriage if they were sent back. If I had to return to Guatemala, the teenager wrote in court documents, I would kill myself. open image in gallery At least 76 children were already on planes sitting on a tarmac as they waited for a judges response to a lawsuit to keep them in the country, according to court document ( AP ) Several children submitted court documents describing the moments they were moved out of their shelters in the middle of the night before boarding buses and planes bound for Guatemala, only to turn around and remain in government custody under fear that they would be imminently removed. Lauren Flores, legal director with the South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project, described seeing a young girl in a shelter who was extremely distraught, crying and repeatedly saying that she could not go back to Guatemala. At another shelter, one girl was so scared that she vomited and asked to speak with a clinician, according to Flores. In another shelter, a teenager was scared that he might end up murdered like one of his family members, Flores wrote. After shelter workers at a Texas facility woke them up in the early morning hours on August 31 and explained the children there would be sent to their home country, I wondered why, because I knew that I had a right not to be deported and speak with a judge, one 16-year-old wrote. I felt like, wow, I have rights, the teen wrote. When I was packing up my personal belongings, I was thinking about everything that could happen to me with all the crime in Guatemala. I was worried that I would be killed. The teen said their sister was murdered in Guatemala last year. I am afraid that the same thing could happen to me if I am returned, the teen wrote. My mother is in Guatemala, but she does not want me to return. She does not have the resources to care for me. My father is not a part of my life. I have no other family who could receive me. A van arrived to whisk them away to an airport around 4 a.m., but the shelter director told the children a judge had blocked their removal. I was so relieved, the teen wrote. The impact is real. I feel totally traumatized. I dont even know how to explain it. open image in gallery The Trump administration is temporary blocked from deporting Guatemalan children who arrived in the United States alone while a legal battle plays out to determine whether they can stay, citing fears of violence and abuse in their home country ( REUTERS ) A supervisor woke up one 17-year-old inside another Texas facility at 2 a.m. August 31, according to court documents. I started to pray to God because I was scared and wanted to stay in the shelter, the teenager wrote. A bus driver wouldn't say where a group of children was going, and they arrived at an airport around 5:30 a.m., according to the 17-year-old. One plane took off around noon, then returned to the tarmac moments later, according to the teens affidavit. The bus left the airport around 6:30 p.m., and the children returned to the shelter around 8 p.m. I only felt safe once they took me to the shelter at night, the teenager wrote. I was worried and scared at the same time. I didnt feel like I could cry or laugh about anything because I was so confused about what would happen to me. In the days that followed, I dont feel like I can have fun anymore or play in the gym, the teen wrote. I cant focus on anything because I just keep thinking about them trying to return to Guatemala. I feel depressed. The last child was placed back at a shelter at around 1:30 a.m. September 1, more than 24 hours after lawyers began scrambling. Several children and attorneys also refuted the Trump administrations claims that the children's parents had requested their return to Guatemala. Teenagers wrote how their parents explicitly did not want them there, while two parents described strange communications from government officials explaining that their children were going to return to the country despite never requesting them to do so. The administrations position that it was merely cooperating with the Guatemalan government to return children to their parents is belied by the facts, attorneys wrote. Even if the administrations contentions regarding its coordination with the Guatemalan government are true, any such coordination does not excuse the governments illegal action and does nothing to change its obligation to provide unaccompanied minors with the process unambiguously due to them under the law. The Independent has requested comment from Homeland Security. A judge will hold a hearing on September 10 to determine whether to continue blocking the childrens removal. 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 Washington D.C.s attorney general filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Thursday over the presidents deployment of the National Guard in the city, a move that arrives just as Republicans on the House Oversight Committee are reportedly drafting legislation that seeks to make the elected attorney general a political appointee. The lawsuit accuses President Donald Trump and senior defense officials of violating the Posse Comitatus Act, a law meant to prevent the president from using the military to enforce domestic law, among other laws, when he sent the National Guard to help curb crime in the nations capital. No American jurisdiction should be involuntarily subjected to military occupation, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb wrote in the lawsuit. Schwalbs lawsuit arrives as Republicans are drafting approximately 14 bills, seeking to intensify the current crackdown on crime in D.C. by revising the citys criminal code to expand harsher punishments and revoke some power from city officials, the Washington Post reported. One draft bill, seen by the Post, proposes making Schwalbs position, which is locally elected, a political appointee, which would give the president more power over the citys judicial system. open image in gallery The locally elected attorney general of Washington DC has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for deploying the National Guard just as Republicans are seeking to make the AG a political appointee ( Getty Images ) The slew of proposed legislation arrives as Trump is seeking to exert more federal control over D.C., in part by declaring there a crime emergency and deploying large numbers of federal law enforcement. More than 1,300 National Guard members have been sent to patrol the city and make arrests, which the administration argues was necessary to help curb crime despite the citys crime levels declining in recent years. But Schwalb, in the lawsuit, says that the president violated the law by deploying the National Guard because he ignored the Home Rule Act which gave D.C. the right to self-govern in a limited authority. Washington, D.C., is not a state and therefore is not awarded the same independence from the federal government. For example, the D.C. National Guard is under the presidents direct command. Schwalb says Trumps decision also harmed D.C.s businesses and tourism, inflamed tensions toward law enforcement, and infringed on the citys ability to self-govern. Abigail Jackson, a spokesperson for the White House, disputed Schwalbs allegations in a statement. President Trump is well within his lawful authority to deploy the National Guard in Washington D.C. to protect federal assets and assist law enforcement with specific tasks, Jackson said. This lawsuit is nothing more than another attempt at the detriment of DC residents and visitors to undermine the Presidents highly successful operations to stop violent crime in DC. open image in gallery Brian Schwalb, the attorney general of Washington, DC, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for deploying the National Guard ( Getty Images ) Many of the Republicans proposed bills appear to be policies that Trump has advocated for or mentioned. The proposal suggesting the citys attorney general should be a political appointee would give Trump more authority over how juvenile crime is handled in the city something the president has spoken at length about. Another proposes lowering the age at which juveniles can be tried as an adult from 16 to 14 years old. Another draft bill suggesting D.C. should get rid of its Judicial Nomination Commission would mean the city does not have a say in who the president appoints as a judge. Other proposed bills suggest fining individuals who sleep outside and formalizing Trumps graffiti removal program. The bills have not been finalized and could change before the committee meets to vote on them. The Senate would also have to approve the legislation before it was signed by the president. A spokesperson for the House Oversight Committee Republicans told the Post that the bills are designed to ensure the nations capital city is safe and prosperous for all Americans. The spokesperson said details are being finalized, and a formal notice and date for the legislative meeting will be set soon. The Independent has asked a spokesperson for the House Oversight Committee for comment. Trump and his allies have long promised that policies cracking down on crime, getting rid of homeless encampments, cleaning up graffiti, and conducting mass deportations of immigrants are intended to improve the quality of life in major cities. But the presidents desire to flex federal influence in major cities is often targeted at Democratic-run cities such as Chicago, Boston, New Orleans, and Baltimore. Over the last few weeks, hes threatened to send the National Guard into various cities to control crime problems, similar to how he sent in troops to D.C. However, unlike D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, other city leaders have not embraced Trumps quest to impose federal law enforcement. 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 survivor of sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein who voted for President Donald Trump has blasted him for reducing the scandal to a hoax. Jena-Lisa Jones was introduced to the late pedophile when she was just 14 years old and was one of the women who shared her harrowing ordeal at Wednesdays press conference on Capitol Hill. Survivors joined Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) to back a discharge petition that would force the Trump administration to release all of the Epstein files. Trump repeated his claim Wednesday that the Epstein case is a Democrat hoax that never ends, which has infuriated survivors. I voted for Trump, Jones told MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell on The Last Word, as her voice noticeably cracked with emotion. And for him to say what hes saying is beyond me, because I put my hope in him and hes supposed to protect us. For him to say that this is a joke Jones added. There is no one that is accusing him of any wrongdoing, so the fact that hes saying its a hoax, who are you hiding for then? open image in gallery Jena-Lisa Jones was introduced to the late pedophile when she was just 14 and said she feels betrayed after voting for President Donald Trump ( MSNBC/YouTube ) When The Independent asked Trump whether he was protecting powerful friends and Republican campaign donors by not releasing the entirety of the documents in the Epstein case, the president complained again of the so-called hoax. From what I understand, thousands of pages of documents have been given. But it's really a Democrat hoax, because they're trying to get people to talk about something that's totally irrelevant to the success that we've had as a nation since I've been president, Trump said in the Oval Office. Jones called out the president for failing to back Epsteins survivors. You should be supporting us, you should be backing us. We spoke our truth and you are telling us pretty much that were lying, Jones said. I put my hope in you when I voted for you and you cant even back us when we need you the most? Transparency around the Epstein case was a pledge that Trump campaigned on in 2024 but when his Justice Department and the FBI released a joint memo on July 6 stating that no further documents in the case warranted release, and there was no evidence the convicted sex offender kept a client list, fury erupted. open image in gallery Trump repeated his claim Wednesday that the Epstein case is a Democrat hoax that never ends ( AFP/Getty ) MAGAs Marjorie Taylor Greene broke ranks with Trump by speaking at the event with Epsteins victims and backed the discharge petition put forward by Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie to release more about the federal investigation. The Georgia representative said that she received phone call after phone call from the White House Tuesday evening in a bid to dissuade her from signing the petition. They didnt want me to sign the discharge petition, Greene told Eric Bolling of Real America's Voice. They want to focus on the oversight investigation. Greene vowed to reveal every damn name of the purported high-powered clients of the late financiers underage sex trafficking operation at the press conference. If they want to give me a list, I will walk in that Capitol on the House floor and Ill say every damn name that abused these women. I can do that for them and Id be proud to do it. The Trump administration continues to be dogged by the Epstein files saga nearly two months on from when the bombshell FBI and Justice Department memo dropped. Epstein died by suicide behind bars in 2019, the FBI determined. His sudden death has been the subject of countless conspiracy theories, fueling the demands for heightened transparency around the case. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice House Republicans have been accused of attempting to rewrite history as lawmakers voted to establish a new panel to reinvestigate events surrounding the Jan. 6 attack at the U.S. Capitol. Republicans had complained that the original, Democrat-led probe into the January 6, 2021, insurrection which saw a mob of Donald Trump supporters swarm the Capitol in an attempt to overturn former President Joe Bidens 2020 election victory was biased against Trump. Even after Trumps return to office in January, the president maintains that he won the 2020 election, which he claims was rigged. Days into his second administration, Trump pardoned almost all of the more than 1,500 rioters who were charged with crimes connected to the Capitol attack, and commuted the sentences of the remaining 14 defendants. A resolution for the controversial subcommittee was tucked into a rule on the House floor on Wednesday, which passed along party lines 212-208. It will fall under the House Judiciary Comittee and likely be headed by Barry Loudermilk, who helmed a similar subpanel in 2023. Chairman of the original Jan. 6 committee, Bennie Thompson, a Democrat, rejected claims that the first panels work contained errors or its findings lacked transparency. You cant rewrite history, even though you might not like what occurred and what people saw with their own eyes, he told the Washington Post. open image in gallery Republicans announced a new panel to reinvestigate the Jan. 6 insurrection ( AFP/Getty ) Meanwhile, a Democratic House Judiciary Committee ranking member, James Raskin, said the new subcommittee is a chance to remind Americans of House Republicans complicity and embarrassing apologetics for MAGAs violent insurrection against Congress and Vice-President Mike Pence in Trumps bid to overturn the 2020 election. Loudermilk expressed his gratitude to Speaker Mike Johnson, who first announced plans for the panel eight months ago, and vowed to uncover all the facts. Im grateful for Speaker Johnson and my Republican colleagues for entrusting me to continue this important investigation into the events surrounding January 6, 2021, Loudermilk told reporters on Capitol Hill. While my previous investigation did an incredible job last Congress, there is still much work to be done. Our goal is to answer the remaining questions, uncover all the facts, and implement reforms so this level of security failure never happens again. Its time to finish the job, he added. The new subcommittee will have eight members appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson. While a list had not been finalized, according to Politico, Loudermilk pointed to a potential selection: Texas Representative Troy Nehls, a former Sheriff who helped Capitol police stave off rioters on the House floor during the attack. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will be able to consult on selecting up to three members. Loudermilk argued Democrats would not be constrained in their choice of appointees, referring to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, who refused to allow two Trump-aligned conservatives to serve on the original committee. open image in gallery Georgia Representative Barry Loudermilk will likely head the new committee ( Getty Images ) According to the resolution, the panel will investigate the remaining questions and issue a final report of events surrounding January 6, 2021. Loudermilk will be required to produce a final report of the panels findings by the end of 2026. The panel is intended to be a response to the original, Democratic-led Jan. 6 select committee formed in the 117th Congress, which held high-profile public hearings and released in 2022 an 845-page report after 18 months of work. The original committee created new investigative leads, including inside the West Wing, prompting the Justice Department to launch a probe into the origins of the attack and helped lead to Trumps indictment on several charges. The final report concluded that Trump conspired to defraud the U.S. and that the Republican inspired his supporters to commit violence as he attempted to remain in the White House, despite his loss at the ballot box. 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 Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and ex-Fox News star, was reportedly described in deeply unflattering terms by executives at her old network in the aftermath of Donald Trumps 2020 election loss. Court filings submitted by the voting machine company Smartmatic as part of a lawsuit against Fox reveal that one person working at the network described Pirro as insane, another called her a reckless maniac, a third said she had a tendency to find random conspiracy theories on weird internet sites and a fourth said simply: I dont trust her to be responsible. Smartmatic is seeking $2.7 billion in damages from Fox in a complaint that alleges the networks anchors spread falsehoods about its products in the aftermath of Trumps defeat to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. open image in gallery U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro is a central figure in a lawsuit brought against her former employer Fox News by the voting machine company Smartmatic ( AP ) Fox settled a similar defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems in 2023 for $787.5 million but has insisted that Smartmatics suit is without merit, arguing that its journalists acted in good faith and were careful to flag their talking points as allegations-only, also claiming that Smartmatic cannot prove its case or that it suffered direct financial injury. The evidence shows that Smartmatics business and reputation were badly suffering long before any claims by President Trumps lawyers on Fox News and that Smartmatic grossly inflated its damage claims to generate headlines and chill free speech, the network said in a statement last month. Now, in the aftermath of Smartmatics executives getting indicted for bribery charges, we are eager and ready to continue defending our press freedoms. The Independent has reached out to Fox and to Pirro for further comment. Pirro declined to comment when approached about the report by NPR. The filings reveal that senior network executives, including Fox Corp Chairman Lachlan Murdoch and CEO Suzanne Scott, expressed unease about what Pirro and other anchors might say on air in support of Trumps still-unproven claims that he was cheated out of a consecutive second term in the White House by a nationwide Democratic plot. A text message sent by Fox Newss Senior VP for Weekend Programming David Clark to its Executive VP for Prime Time, Meade Cooper, on November 6 2020 says of Pirro: Bottom line, I dont trust her to be responsible tomorrow. Her guests are all going to say the election is being stolen and if she pushes back at all it will just be a token. open image in gallery Pirro appearing alongside Donald Trump at the White House last month to denounce crime in Washington, D.C. ( AFP/Getty ) Cooper is quoted in the filings warning Scott a week later: Pirro has a tendency to find random conspiracy theories on weird internet sites. The anchors former producer Jerry Andrews is elsewhere quoted describing her as a reckless maniac while she is branded insane in a cited text exchange between two board members for comparing the deplatforming of the Parler app in the aftermath of the Capitol riot to Nazi Germanys Kristallnacht of 1938. It was previously reported that other filings in the same case recorded Pirro bragging to then-Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel about how helpful she had been to Trump and calling fellow Fox anchor Sean Hannity an egomaniac for walking around the Oval Office like he owns the place. She can also be found complaining to Hannity by text: IM TIRED OF THE CENSORSHIP AND IM EMBARRASSED BY HOW THEY CALLED THIS ELECTION. Andrews appears in those documents too, sagely advising Pirro against spreading misinformation on air by saying: You should be very careful with this stuff and protect yourself given the ongoing calls for evidence that has not materialized. 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 Justice Department has revealed items taken from the home of John Bolton, President Donald Trumps former national security advisor, during a recent FBI raid, including folders labeled Trump I-IV. Federal agents combed through Boltons home in Bethesda, Maryland, last month in search of classified information. The former advisor has not been charged with a crime. According to court documents made public by the DOJ on Thursday, the FBI was looking for, in part, documents that appear to be classified that relate to Boltons stint at the White House during Trumps first term. In the search, the agency said it found typed documents in folders labeled Trump I-IV, a white binder labeled Statements and Reflections to Allied Strikes and four boxes containing printed daily activities. open image in gallery The DOJ has revealed items taken from the home of John Bolton, President Donald Trump's former national security advisor, during a recent FBI raid, including folders labeled 'Trump I-IV' ( Reuters/Getty ) open image in gallery Federal agents combed through Boltons home in Bethesda, Maryland, last month in search of classified information ( Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images ) Federal agents also seized two iPhones, a hard drive, two USB drives, a Dell Precision Tower computer, a Dell XPS laptop and a Dell Inspiron computer. Boltons lawyer said in a statement published by CNN on Thursday the seized documents are ordinary records of a 40-year career serving this country at the State Department, as an Assistant Attorney General, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and National Security Advisor. The Independent has reached out to Boltons political action committee for comment about the content of the folders labeled Trump I-IV. open image in gallery Federal agents seized two iPhones, a hard drive, two USB drives, a Dell Precision Tower computer, a Dell XPS laptop and a Dell Inspiron computer ( Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images ) Trump announced he had tapped Bolton for the role of national security advisor in March 2018. But their relationship quickly soured, culminating in a social media post by Trump in September 2019, announcing that Bolton had been fired. The president said he disagreed strongly with many of his suggestions, as did others in the Administration. Bolton has since emerged as an outspoken Trump critic, specifically over the presidents approach to Russia. Bolton published a memoir, The Room Where it Happened, in June 2020, which described Trump as uninformed about foreign policy. open image in gallery Boltons lawyer said the seized documents are 'ordinary records' ( Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images ) The books publication was initially delayed after the Trump administration filed a lawsuit claiming Bolton breached his contract by failing to complete a pre-publication review for classified information. Bolton mentioned the FBI raid on his home in a recent op-ed published by the Washington Examiner. President Donald Trumps Ukraine policy is no more coherent today than it was last Friday when his administration executed search warrants against my home and office, Bolton wrote. 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 Kristi Noems Department of Homeland Security has spent $200m on ads promoting an app for migrants to self-deport, but so far hasn't released data on exactly how many people have actually used it. Last month, Noem promised to share the numbers of migrants who had used the CBP Home app, through which people are supposed to receive financial assistance of up to $1,000, a free flight home, as well as preserving their chance to return legally to the U.S. We know thousands and thousands of people have used the app, Noem told reporters at a press conference. However, no official figures appear to have been released by the DHS. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reiterated Noems claim that thousands of migrants have utilized the CBP Home app since its launch, adding that 1.6 million illegal immigrants have left the U.S, both voluntarily and involuntarily, since Trump returned to office on January 20. After successfully ending the invasion of our country and securing our southern border, President Trump established the visionary Project Homecoming in May to create a smooth, efficient process for illegal aliens to return home, McLaughlin added in a statement, shared with The Independent. open image in gallery Last month Department of Homeland Security boss Kristi Noem promised to share the numbers of migrants that had used a new app to help self-deport themselves. No official figures appear to have been released by the DHS ( AP ) By using the CBP Home App, illegal aliens will receive a complimentary one-way plane ticket home, a $1,000 exit bonus, and forgiveness of any fines previously assessed for failure to depart. DHS data on the app, obtained by NBC News through a Freedom of Information Act request, said that despite thousands of downloads, including a spike following the return of Donald Trump to the White House, its actual use has been less successful. During five weeks from March 10 to April 16, only 356 people used the CBP Home app to self-deport, according to the outlets request. However, despite not releasing further information to NBC, a Border Patrol spokesperson said the data didnt cover the period after the formal announcement of the broader program, known as Project Homecoming, on May 9. The data report you have is outdated and comes from before Mays announcement of Project Homecoming, the spokesperson told the outlet. Tens of thousands of illegal aliens have utilized the app and taken control of their departure and there continues to be sustained sign-ups for the app. DHS also declined to confirm to NBC how many people completed the process and used the app to confirm they had left the country. open image in gallery During a five-week period from March 10 to April 16, only 356 people used the CBP Home app to self-deport, according to a Freedom of Information Act request by NBC News ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) In addition to the apparent lack of data on the apps use, both Democrats and migrants themselves have questioned the effectiveness of the app, as well as the expensive marketing campaign heralded by Noem. The TV and online ads are being broadcast across the United States and internationally, and in multiple different languages, DHS said in a press release. The ads are targeted toward all illegal aliens residing within the U.S. to ensure they are given the resources needed to take advantage of this incredibly generous opportunity granted to them by the United States government. Undocumented migrants have also expressed skepticism about the apparent simplicity of Noems self-deportation process. Lauren, a mother of two who lives in Ohio with her undocumented husband, told NBC News that the process would be expensive and take time. Her husband does not plan to use the app, she told the outlet. You just cant get on a plane tomorrow and just go, she said. You know, we have a home. We have to sell this home, get rid of everything thats in this home you cant just leave like [Noem] says. This article was amended after publication to better reflect Secretary Kristi Noem's efforts to promote the CBP Home app. Department officials have provided ballpark figures but no specifics on how many have self-deported using the new app. 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 federal government has filed two separate lawsuits against the Southern California Edison Company, alleging that the power firms infrastructure sparked two wildfires, including the devastating Eaton Fire. In January, the Eaton Fire scorched nearly 14,000 acres in Los Angeles County and killed 19 people. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the Justice Department says the deadly blaze ignited from faulty power infrastructure or by sparks from faulty power infrastructure owned, maintained, and operated by the utility company. The blaze swept through nearly 8,000 acres in the Angeles National Forest destroying roads, trails, and campgrounds and caused catastrophic damage to neighboring communities, burning over 10,000 structures, the lawsuit filed Thursday states. The DOJ has accused the company of negligence, among other claims, and is seeking $77 million in damages across the two suits. "But for Edison's negligence, these fires would not have started," Bill Essayli, the acting U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, said at a press conference. "Fire season is coming up again. We want Edison to change the way it does business." open image in gallery The government is suing the Southern California Edison Company, alleging the utilitys infrastructure sparked the Eaton Fire, which ravaged Los Angeles County in January ( AFP via Getty Images ) The Eaton Fire was heartbreaking. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, we will review this lawsuit and respond through the appropriate legal channels, Jeff Monford, spokesperson for Southern California Edison, toldThe Independent in a phone call. In a separate suit also filed Thursday, the government says the electric company is responsible for the September 2022 Fairview Fire, which burned nearly 14,000 acres in the San Bernardino National Forest. A sagging power line owned, maintained, and operated by the Southern California Edison Company came into contact with a Frontier Communications messenger cable, creating sparks that ignited vegetation below the lines in Hemet, California, the suit alleges. open image in gallery Volunteers help a homeowner search for personal items after his home was destroyed in the catastrophic blazes ( Getty Images ) open image in gallery A person in protective gear navigates through the ruins of a burned home in Altadena, the heart of the Eaton Fire ( Middle East Images/AFP via Getty ) As the blaze roared through Riverside County, it claimed two lives, injured three people and burned 44 structures, the suit says. Our thoughts are with the community affected by the Fairview Fire. We are reviewing the lawsuit and will respond through the appropriate legal channels. We continue our work to reduce the likelihood of our equipment starting a wildfire, Monford said. Southern California Edison is committed to wildfire mitigation through grid hardening, situational awareness and enhanced operational practices, he added. open image in gallery More than 10,000 structures were burned in the Eaton Fire, that emerged in Los Angeles County the same day as the nearby, deadly Palisades Fire ( AFP via Getty Images ) open image in gallery The Palisades Fire raged in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, forcing many to flee the area as firefighters fought to contain the blaze ( Getty Images ) The federal government is seeking damages of more than $40 million for the Eaton Fire and $37 million for the Fairview Fire, Essayli said. Another investigation into responsibility for the Palisades Fire is ongoing, the attorney added. State officials said in July that the cost of the damages from the Eaton Fire could deplete the entirety of the states $21 billion wildfire fund if Edison is found responsible for igniting the blaze, the Los Angeles Times reported. Meanwhile, the Fairview Fire cost roughly $38 million for fire suppression and $1.2 million in utility facility damage, according to a California Public Utilities Commission report. open image in gallery Smoke from the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire covers Los Angeles ( AFP via Getty Images ) Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the Eaton Fire, the Palisades Fire, and other blazes that ignited that on January 7. The Palisades Fire rapidly spread across 23,000 acres in Los Angeles County, killing 12 people and destroying over 6,000 structures. The DOJs lawsuit related to the Eaton Fire comes months after law firm Edelson PC posted a video on social media in late January, pointing fingers at the power company for being responsible for the blaze. Weve obtained video that indicates the Eaton fire in Los Angeles started after an apparent arc on SoCal Edison lines, the firm wrote in the post. Were back in court for a hearing tomorrow fighting to make sure that SoCal Edison keeps all the evidence that we will put before a jury in this case. The firm filed several complaints against the power company on behalf of victims; those cases are ongoing. open image in gallery A house is engulfed in flames as the Palisades Fire burns along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu ( AFP via Getty Images ) open image in gallery Rows of mansions were among the structures destroyed in the deadly blaze, including many owned by celebrities ( Getty Images ) That video requires careful analysis, a spokesperson for Southern California Edison, told The Independent after the video was posted. When we received it, we shared it quickly with fire investigators so that they had it as part of our commitment to transparency, he continued. I would also say its premature for anyone to comment on footage until experts complete a review. And so, weve reached out to the authorities after receiving it to make sure they had it, and we continue to fully cooperate with the investigation. In April, Edison International Chief Executive Pedro Pizarro told the Los Angeles Times that one of the companys dormant transmission lines was a leading hypothesis for the start of the Eaton Fire. The company plans to take steps to strengthen idles lines out of an abundance of caution, he said at the time. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice First Lady Melania Trump urged technology industry leaders to treat burgeoning Artificial Intelligence models like our own children and encouraged the use of watchful guidance as she urged them to act responsibly to manage the growth of the new technology. Melania Trump made a rare appearance at the White House for the AI Task Force Thursday and told members, including several cabinet secretaries, that Americans are living in a moment of wonder thanks to recent technological developments. Cars now steer themselves through our cities, robots hold steady hands in the operating room and drones are redefining the future of war. Inventions of first-generation humanoids, factory automation and autonomous vehicles have surged from private sector investment. Every one of these advancements is powered by AI, she said. The robots are here our future is no longer science fiction, she added. open image in gallery First Lady Melania Trump attends a meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education where she told people the robots are here. ( Getty Images ) Her appearance at Thursday's gathering was a rare sighting of her inside the White House. When her husband returned for his second term, Melania decided to remain away from the White House. The First Lady is understood to spend most of her time in New York, where her son, Barron Trump, attends school. The First Ladys participation in the White House AI Task Force meeting comes just a week after she touted her recent experience fast-tracking the audio version of her memoir with AI as a launchpad for a new role in her husbands administration - leading an artificial intelligence initiative for kids. Last week, her office officially announced her role in launching the Presidents Artificial Intelligence Challenge in a statement where she invited students and educators in grades kindergarten through 12 to participate. In an accompanying video posted to her official X account, she recounted how the process of using AI to create her audiobook showed her the potential of the emerging technological field. open image in gallery Melania Trump speaks, alongside Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Director of the Office of Science and technology policy Michael Kratsios during the meeting. ( AFP via Getty Images ) As someone who created an AI-powered audiobook and championed online safety through the Take It Down Act, I've seen firsthand the promise of this powerful technology, she said. Its unclear what the challenge entails other than to expose children to AI technology, and it was not immediately evident what role the First Lady would play given her lack of technological expertise. But as she addressed the task force, she urged them to ensure Americas talent, our workforce, is prepared to sustain AIs progress and said the AI challenge shed launched last week is our first major step to galvanize Americas parents, educators, and students with this mission. English is the new coding language for many, and with it, creativity will flow from every corner of America, sparking new industries, careers, and jobs. By supporting the Presidential AI Challenge, you are investing in our youth Americas next era builders, she said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace is defending President Trumps handling of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, painting the president as a principled opponent of the late sex criminal even as Trump has dismissed the Epstein scandal in recent days as a Democrat-led hoax. President Trump is the one who banned Jeffrey Epstein from Mar-a-Lago, the Republican wrote on X on Wednesday. President Trump is the one who cooperated with the feds to get this guy. President Trump is the one who is COMMITTED to protecting women and kids. The comments come a day after Mace, a survivor of sexual assault and rape, was seen on Tuesday leaving a closed-door meeting at the Capitol with Epstein victims with tears in her eyes. 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, Mace wrote on X about the experience. 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 ongoing Epstein furor has put Mace, an outspoken advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, in a politically complicated position. Rep. Nancy Mace has defended Epstein survivors and called for accountability, at the same time she has backed President Trump, who has dismissed the Epstein scandal as a hoax ( AFP/Getty ) The Republican is currently running for governor of South Carolina and courting the presidents endorsement, while at the same time backing a bipartisan House bill to force the Trump administration to release more of the Epstein files, even as Republican leadership urges members to back a House committee investigation of Epstein instead. Lawmakers and voters across both parties have hammered the president after the administration promised far-reaching releases of Epstein files, only to declare in July that no further investigations or releases were warranted By allying with Trump, Mace has also thrown her lot in with a longtime former friend of Epsteins, who has been accused by nearly 30 women of sexual misconduct and found liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll, allegations which he has denied and is expected to challenge at the Supreme Court. As a federal prosecutor in 2008, Trumps eventual first-term labor secretary, Alex Acosta, approved a controversial non-prosecution agreement for Epstein, largely sparing the financier from jail time after he pleaded guilty to procuring a minor for prostitution and shutting down investigations into his trafficking ring. The Trump administration has also nominated multiple people accused of sexual assault to prominent positions, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Both men have denied wrongdoing. For her part, Mace has said the White House respects her position on the Epstein issue. The White House, the president, they know and understand my story they get it, Mace told The New York Times. Im not going to move from where I am because its a deeply personal issue for me. She added that she was struck to see Epstein survivors on Capitol Hill, still seeking accountability after decades. To listen to these women who are my age now and see them 30 years later still fighting for justice I saw myself in those shoes and I thought, Is that going to be me in 30 years? she said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Pharmaceutical company Pfizer is touting its collaboration with the first Trump administration to rapidly produce one of the major Covid-19 vaccines, as the Trump administration has sewn doubt about vaccines and cut funding for research in recent weeks. The success of Operation Warp Speed and U.S. development of mRNA vaccines is a profound public health achievement, Pfizer chairman and CEO Dr. Albert Bourla wrote in an online statement on Wednesday. Under President Trump's leadership, American innovation led the world, helping prevent economic collapse and saving more than 14 million lives globally. This American leadership also delivered a new platform that may drive significant innovation in cancer research, Bourla added, referring to the cutting-edge mRNA technology used in the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Such an accomplishment would typically be worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize, given its significant impact. The statement appears to align with the presidents long-running desire for a Nobel Prize and recent trend of leaders, including foreign leaders, calling for the Republican to get the diplomatic honor. Most immediately though, the comments from Pfizer, as well as a similar Trump-praising statement from fellow vaccine maker Moderna, come in response to the president demanding drug makers justify the success of their Covid interventions amid ongoing vaccine skepticism, some of it fueled by the Trump administration. open image in gallery The makers of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine are praising President Donald Trumps role in creating the pandemic treatment, as the Trump administration rolls back vaccine access and cuts funding for mRNA research ( Pfizer ) Many people think they are a miracle that saved Millions of lives, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday. Others disagree! With CDC being ripped apart over this question, I want the answer, and I want it NOW. The comments were an apparent reference to the ouster last week of CDC Director Susan Monarez, less than a month after she was confirmed. HHS wrote on X that Monarez was no longer director, amid reported clashes with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., over pulling approval for certain Covid shots. Monarez claimed she did not resign and wasnt notified about the change and her lawyer later said she was targeted because she refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts she chose protecting the public over serving a political agenda. open image in gallery Public rallying of vaccine makers comes after CDC Director Susan Monarez was recently ousted amid reported clashes with administration about pulling back vaccine approvals ( Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images ) Despite funneling billions into the rapid development of the Covid vaccines during the first Trump term, the president has in second term elevated vaccine-skeptic Kennedy to lead HHS. The administration has also rolled back recommending the Covid vaccine to healthy children and pregnant women, while canceling $500 million in mRNA-related vaccine projects. More than 1,000 current and former HHS employees called on Kennedy to resign on Wednesday. In the face of turmoil at the nations top health bodies, the liberal state governments of Washington, Oregon, and California have formed an alliance to coordinate public health policies. The CDC has become a political tool that increasingly peddles ideology instead of science, ideology that will lead to severe health consequences, the governors of these states said in a joint statement on Wednesday. Republican-led Florida on Wednesday became the first state to end all vaccine mandates, policies the states surgeon general compared to slavery. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice In a bizarre moment on the Senate floor, Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy warned Wednesday that eating radioactive shrimp sold at stores including Walmart and Kroger could turn people into the monster from the sci-fi horror movie Alien. The FDA expanded its recall of shrimp products last week due to possible contamination with the radioactive isotope Cesium-137. Nearly 45,000 packages, including Kroger Mercado and Aquastar cocktail shrimp, are affected. Additionally, certain Great Value frozen shrimp sold at Walmart were recalled on August 19. Standing in front of a printed picture of the terrifying creature from the 1979 film, Kennedy said, This is what you could end up looking like if you eat some of the raw frozen shrimp being sent to the United States by other countries. How could you end up looking like the alien in Alien? Because the shrimp was radioactive. Kennedy continued, Itll kill you, even if it doesn't turn you into the alien if you eat this stuff, I guarantee you'll grow an extra ear. In the movie, directed by Ridley Scott and the first in a franchise of sci-fi thrillers, a crew member on a spaceship begins feeling increasingly unwell until the alien shown in Kennedys picture bursts out of his stomach and runs amok on the vessel. Sen. John Kennedy spoke on the Senate floor Wednesday with a photo from the movie Alien behind him ( X/@SenJohnKennedy ) A clip of the senators statement posted to his X account on Wednesday just before 6 p.m. EST has over 1.2 million views. The Independent has contacted the FDA and CDC for comment. The FDA said Monday that it detected low levels of the radioactive isotope Cesium-137 in a shipment of imported frozen shrimp from an Indonesian firm, though the shipment did not enter U.S. commerce. The levels were well below safety limits and pose no immediate health risk, but repeated exposure over time could increase cancer risk, the FDA said. As a precaution, the FDA recommends consumers discard any recalled raw or cooked frozen shrimp and advises retailers not to sell or serve the affected products. Anyone concerned about exposure should consult a healthcare provider. Kennedys remarks garnered thousands of responses to his movie-like claims. @grok is this real? one person asked Xs AI chatbot, which responded, calling Kennedys Alien comparison hyperbolic. Where did you get that from? Your aunt's Facebook page? another person asked. Imagine if we had politicians that actually fought for Americans instead of doing this stupid s*** another said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Senator Mark Warners planned visit to a military spy agency was reportedly derailed after extreme right-wing conspiracy pusher and President Donald Trump hanger-on Laura Loomer complained about his visit. Warner is the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. He planned to visit the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency last week at its Virginia headquarters, but Pentagon officials told his office that his trip was off. The Pentagon also imposed new requirements for congressional visits to its military intelligence facilities, the New York Times reports. Under U.S. law, members of Congress have the authority to visit federal agencies for the purposes of oversight. The Trump administration has attempted to bar members of Congress from visiting Immigrations and Customs Enforcement detainment facilities which resulted in lawsuits challenging the president's actions. But the facility Warner was trying to visit isn't well-known to the public, isn't a cornerstone of President Donald Trumps agenda, and isn't mired in controversy. open image in gallery Right wing activist and ally of President Donald Trump influenced the Pentagon to cancel Senator Mark Warners classified oversight visit to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Its unclear how she learned of the visit ( AP ) The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency analyzes spy satellite imagery and collects intelligence on anything from foreign troop movements to terrorist activities. Yet Warner was still barred from entry. Is congressional oversight dead? Warner asked during a discussion with reporters on Wednesday. This is a dangerous time. If we are not doing oversight, if the intelligence is potentially being cooked or being bent to meet the administrations needs, and we end up in a conflict the American people have the right to say, How the hell did this happen? Warner wasn't looking to make a spectacle of his visit. His trip was classified and there was no plan until now of letting the public know he was heading to the agency's headquarters. According to Warner, he was planning to have a meeting with Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, who heads the agency, regarding the use of artificial intelligence in image analysis. Over the weekend, conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer discovered the unpublicized, classified visit and launched a campaign of baseless attacks against both me and NGA Director Vice Admiral Trey Whitworth for hosting what has always been considered a routine oversight meeting, Warner told reporters. He continued, saying that in "response to Loomers criticism, political appointees canceled the visit, just the latest example of an administration seemingly desperate to please Loomer, a figure with a long history of extreme and outlandish fringe views, including 9/11 denialism, anti-Muslim harassment campaigns, and associations with white supremacists. open image in gallery Senator Mark Warners classified oversight visit to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency was canceled by the Pentagon after right-wing activist and close ally of President Donald Trump complained about it on social media ( Getty Images ) On Sunday, Loomer wrote a social media post complaining about Warner over his previous criticism of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. She also attacked Whitworth for agreeing to meet with him. Why are the Pentagon and IC allowing for the Director of an Intel agency to host a rabid ANTI-TRUMP DEMOCRAT SENATOR at NGA under the Trump administration? Loomer wrote. Clearly, a lot of Deep State actors are being given a pass in the Intel community to continue their efforts to sabotage Trump under the Trump admin. On Wednesday, Loomer told the New York Times that Warner should be "removed from office and tried for treason" because he was part of the Senate Intelligence Committee that examined the ties between Trump and Russia around the time of the 2016 election. When Loomer was reminded that current Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also on that committee and asked if she too should resign, she gave him a special exception because he made nice with Trump. Well, [Rubio] should apologize, too. Everyone should. But at least Rubio has made amends with Trump and is working in his administration," she told the paper. Loomer wrote on social media that Whitworth should be dismissed because he committed an "act of insubordination" by taking a meeting with Warner. @PeteHegseth should fire Trey Whitworth for insubordination," Loomer wrote in a post on X. Warner, during his discussion with reporters, pondered how a "trolling blogger" Loomer could learn of his classified visit to federal spy agency. Loomer holds no official position within the U.S. government or military. She is simply cozy with the president. open image in gallery Loomer holds no official position within the U.S. government or military. She is simply cozy with the president. ( Laura Loomer / X ) When he asked the Pentagon to explain why his trip was cancelled, Warner said he was told it was because he planned to visit the agency without a Republican lawmaker in tow. A defense official told the NYT that Warner's visit would be rescheduled when a Republican lawmaker was available to accompany him. The Independent has reached out to the Pentagon for comment. Warner had made previous trips to the facility with Republicans including Rubio when Rubio was in the Senate and Senator Richard Burr, but he said there was never a previous bipartisan requirement to visit in an oversight capacity, noting that he'd made plenty of trips on his own. The senator said Loomer's influence on Trump administration officials is disturbing. You have this outside person that prior to this administration was viewed as a joke consistently going through the intelligence community and knocking off folks, he said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz launched into an attack on Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, even making a jibe about his weight, during an interview about President Trumps crime crackdown. Speaking on Chris Salcedos Newsmax show, Cruz was asked about Gov. Pritzkers opposition to Trumps plan to send National Guard troops into Chicago to support local law enforcement, as he has done in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., this summer. After Salcedo ran a clip of the governor delivering a press conference, the senator responded: Chris, you really know how to p*** me off. What a disgusting, racist bigot JB Pritzker is. open image in gallery Texas Sen. Ted Cruz attacks Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Newsmax on Wednesday ( Newsmax ) Cruz was seemingly taking offense at comments made by the governor about ICE agents targeting Latinos and continued: Listen, I dont want to get between JB Pritzker and the Dominos Pizza line, but Ill tell you what I am willing to get between is him and his open doors for every human trafficker, every drug trafficker, every MS-13 and Tren De Aragua gang member. Pritzker wasted no time in responding to a clip of the exchange shared on X, remarking: And I would never want to get between Ted and a trip to Cancun when theres an emergency in Texas. The slam alluded to the senators ill-advised vacation to the Mexican beach resort in February 2021 while his state was being battered by a winter storm that left millions of residents without power and running water, forcing him to return home early under a cloud. Cruz finished his remarks saying: The Democrats claim that Latinos support illegal immigration. Well, Ive got news for you, JB, in the state of Texas in 2024, Donald Trump carried the Latino vote and so did I, because our community, like every community, are the victims of the violence of these illegal aliens and gang members that the Democrats trafficked into this country. open image in gallery Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker delivers his press conference in Chicago on Tuesday ( AP ) Fifty-five percent of Texas Latinos did vote for Trump in last years presidential election but, nationally, the Republican candidate picked up just 43 percent of the demographics support, compared to 55 percent for Democrat Kamala Harris. At his press conference on Tuesday, Pritzker expressed his objection to having National Guardsmen descend on the streets of Chicago by saying: Im aware that the President of the United States likes to go on television and beg me to call and ask him for troops. I find this extraordinarily strange as Chicago does not want troops on our streets. In attacking ICE and its anti-immigration raids, he said: They dont actually care if youre here and undocumented, they just care if your skin color is a little off of theirs, and if youre Latino, theyre just going to target you... If they want to celebrate Mexican Independence Day [on September 16], they ought to be able to do that without being terrorized. Former Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot has also rebuked Trump over the planned deployment, telling CNN this week: This is about two things: its about power and its about money. He wants to exercise his power, he wants to scare the heck out of immigrant communities, and he wants to use the pretense of the National Guard or the military coming into Chicago to boost up the ICE numbers. 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 Has Donald Trump found the limit of his grip on MAGA world? Congress is back in Washington and the attention around the Jeffrey Epstein investigation is more intense than ever. After lawmakers went home for the August recess some Republican leaders were hopeful that the headlines which have given the president and his allies the most trouble of any issue in years were finally on their way out of the news cycle. Instead, members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform spent the summer month doggedly pursuing the issue and returned on Tuesday to publish what they said was the first batch of documents retrieved via subpoena from the Department of Justice. On Tuesday, the committee released more than 33,000 pages received from the DOJ, though only a small fraction contained new information. Wednesday led to more problems for the president as a split-screen played out in close to real time across Washington. At the White House, seated next to the president of Poland, Trump declared that the Epstein issue was a Democrat hoax and likened it to conspiracies surrounding the John F. Kennedy assassination. Across town, lawmakers on Capitol Hill including some of his close Republican allies rallied with Epsteins victims just a few feet from the steps of the Capitol. Their message was clear: the issue is no hoax, nor is it going away any time soon. open image in gallery Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene spoke to reporters after meeting with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell on Wednesday ( Getty Images ) Wednesdays event near the Capitol steps drew hundreds of protesters, media, spectators and supporters and made it obvious that the furor around the administrations handling of the investigation is not dissipating. After releasing a joint memo with the FBI regarding the investigation in July, the Justice Department stated that it would break a commitment to release evidence from the investigation and insisted that it had no evidence linking Epsteins crimes to the numerous powerful men and institutions with whom he pursued friendships. The agencys declarations stunned and angered many younger Trump supporters who latched on to the issue through social media and other online content; Democrats were less shocked, but quickly jumped on the opportunity to call out the president for his administrations reversal. Since then, the Justice Department has pursued a less direct strategy. The agency filed a long-shot request to make grand jury transcripts related to Epsteins prosecution public; it was denied, with a judge calling the move a distraction. It complied with a Oversight panel subpoena, while dispatching Trumps own former attorney to speak personally with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins imprisoned accomplice. Trump has since declined to reject the possibility of pardoning Maxwell, despite being repeatedly pressed on it. The problem for Trump: theres very little momentum in the news cycle working to push Jeffrey Epstein out of the headlines and a lot more keeping the spotlight squarely on it. The salience of the issue among his MAGA base is now threatening to spiral out of control for the president. The first batch of the Oversight committees Epstein document dump, which contained documents that were largely previously-released, managed to slow but not halt the momentum among Republican House members. Alarm bells were clearly going off in the White House on Wednesday, when an unnamed White House spokesperson issued a statement outright threatening retribution against Republicans who break ranks and join a discharge petition that would force the Justice Department to release all of its files on the investigation. 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, the spokesperson said. That tactic worked for Trump in July, when the White House bullied Republican holdouts into line and shepherded passage of the big, beautiful bill through the House. The presidents iron grip on the GOP is legendary at this point. And it makes the response Wednesday from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of his allies, all the more significant. This isnt a hostile act towards the administration. The hostile act has been against these women for so many years now, and the hostile act is covering up for Jeffrey Epstein and everyone else thats been involved in this; and thats the real hostile act, she said. I look forward to talking with President Trump about these women that Ive met. I also encouraged him already this morning that he should have these women in the Oval Office. They deserve to be there. While the discharge petitions main Republican cosponsor Rep. Thomas Massie is no ally of Trumps, the statement from Greene is just the tip of the iceberg as it pertains to the GOPs hesitance to dismiss the Epstein issue. Just two more Republicans would be needed to sign on to Massies discharge petition for it to succeed; two others currently supporting the legislation include MAGA Reps. Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace. Their defiance is a sign of the issues potency, especially with younger voters. Mace, also a survivor of sexual violence, left a hearing in tears on Tuesday as Epstein survivors recounted their experiences to lawmakers on the Oversight panel. She later said the testimony triggered a panic attack. 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, wrote the congresswoman. Massie was fiery in his response, calling the White House statement disgusting. He, Greene, and the Epstein survivors who gathered this week on Capitol Hill have all signaled theyre ready to ratchet up the pressure on the White House and Speaker Mike Johnson until the petition gets the requisite votes. Victims, meanwhile, told reporters that they are considering making their own list of the convicted sex offenders alleged accomplices. open image in gallery Epstein accuser Jennifer Araoz speaks during a press conference to encourage the release of the remaining files related to the investigations into Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell ( Reuters ) That combined pressure and momentum could end up having as much or more political strength than Trump, who is now facing record-low approval ratings as Americans worries about the economy keep climbing higher. The rhetoric in the House, predictably, is reaching a fever pitch. Regarding Johnson, the Kentucky congressman issued a vicious statement on Tuesday: "He's allegedly a social conservative...and it seems to be very out of character for him to cover up for a sex trafficking ring." Greene vowed Wednesday to use House privilege to name Epsteins alleged accomplices on the House floor if it came to that. Doing so would immunize Greene from criminal or civil penalties for defamation. "If [the survivors] want to give me a list, I will walk in that Capitol on the House floor and I'll say every damn name that abused these women," said Greene on Wednesday. "I can do that for them and I'd be proud to do it." "It's a scary thing to name names. But I will tell you, I'm not afraid to name names." 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 Administration officials are reportedly making preparations to offer large parcels of as-yet unused land belonging to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Southern California with the aim of funding the Golden Dome missile defense effort promoted by President Donald Trump. According to NBC News, Navy Secretary John Phelan visited the 125,000-acre facility last week and surveyed possible areas that could be offered up for lease by commercial entities. Officials told the network that the Pentagons plans would involve areas that the Marine Corps rarely uses. The sprawling base, located around 40 miles from San Diego, is headquarters for the 1 Marine Expeditionary Unit among other elements of the Marine Corps, with around 70,000 Marines and civilians using the facility on a daily basis. The Marine Corps own website states that the facility has been the largest employer in North San Diego County for more than 60 years and houses over 38,000 families. It also includes what the Corps describes as the largest undeveloped portion of coastline in Southern California including beaches, bluffs, mesas, canyons, mountains and Southern California's only free-flowing river with more than 1,000 species of plants, fish and animals on base. open image in gallery The Pentagon is floating an idea to offer parcels of unused land at Camp Pendleton for lease to pay for a missile defense system. ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Williams, a Navy public affairs officer representing Phelan, said in a statement that the Navy Secretarys visit to Camp Pendleton included initial conversations about possible commercial leasing opportunities by the Department of Defense. These opportunities are being evaluated to maximize value and taxpayer dollars while maintaining mission readiness and security. No decisions have been made and further discussions are needed, she added. The leasing plans under discussion would reportedly fund what Trump and his administration have dubbed the Golden Dome for America missile defense shield. The president announced the plan for a space-based missile defense system in May, more than four decades after President Ronald Reagans widely derided Star Wars ballistic missile barrier was rolled out amidst tensions with the Soviet Union. Trump is reviving the Pentagons efforts to protect the continental United States from foreign projectiles with a massive shield he has compared to Israels Iron Dome system, though what the president proposes would be far more expensive and complex. open image in gallery The leasing plans under discussion would reportedly fund what Trump and his administration have dubbed the Golden Dome for America ( Getty Images ) Speaking in the Oval Office alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump said the U.S. now has the technology to construct a system to combat not just the intercontinental ballistic missiles that were the subject of the Reagan-era Strategic Defense Initiative nicknamed Star Wars but also against space-based and hypersonic missiles. In the campaign, I promised the American people that I would build a cutting edge missile defense shield to protect our homeland from the threat of foreign missile attack, and that's what we're doing today, said Trump, who added that he was pleased to announce that the U.S. has settled on an architecture for a state of the art system he promised would deploy next-generation technologies across the land, sea and space, including space-based sensors and interceptors. The president said the proposed system would integrate with our existing defense capabilities and would be fully operational by the end of his term in January 2029. He also said it would provide an umbrella of protection for the U.S. and Canada for all manner of modern threats. Trumps Big Beautiful Bill spending legislation included nearly $25 billion for the proposed system, but experts say it will cost far more than that, including outpacing the $175 billion estimated by the White House. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the plan to use space-based interceptors to bring down ballistic and hypersonic missiles targeted at the United States could have a price tag as high as $542 billion. 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 suffered another setback in his war with Harvard when a federal judge ruled his attempt to freeze $2.2 billion in research funding to the university violated the Constitution. Boston U.S. District Judge Allison D Burroughs ruled that the move to block the money from reaching the elite Ivy League, the oldest in the United States, amounted to retaliation, unconstitutional conditions, and unconstitutional coercion. The Trump administration insisted its April decision to stop thousands of federal grants reaching Harvard, including those destined for cancer research projects, was necessary to compel the institution to do more to tackle antisemitism and radical left ideologies on campus, a reference to pro-Palestinian demonstrations staged by students to oppose Israels actions in Gaza since Hamass October 7 2023 terror attack. open image in gallery Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather at Harvard University to show their support for Palestinians in Gaza at a rally in Cambridge, Massachusetts ( AFP/Getty ) Harvard responded by suing the government, arguing the administration was violating its free speech rights because it refused to meet officials demands that it overhaul its governance, hiring and academic programs to align with their own ideological priorities. Burroughs, who was appointed to the bench by Barack Obama, agreed with the universitys arguments, saying that while Harvard had tolerated hateful behavior for too long, the Trump administration had used antisemitism as a smokescreen for a targeted, ideologically-motivated assault on this countrys premier universities. She said the pressure campaign that resulted in it terminating Harvards funding did not honor its free speeches as granted by the First Amendment. Further, their actions have jeopardized decades of research and the welfare of all those who could stand to benefit from that research, as well as reflect a disregard for the rights protected by the Constitution and federal statutes, Burroughs added. The judge said it was the job of the courts to safeguard academic freedom and ensure that important research is not improperly subjected to arbitrary and procedurally infirm grant terminations, even if doing so risks the wrath of a government committed to its agenda no matter the cost. open image in gallery The president has argued the step was necessary to punish Harvard for not doing more to tackle antisemitism on campus ( AP ) The judge barred the administration from terminating or freezing any additional federal funding to Harvard and blocked it from continuing to withhold payment on existing grants or refusing to award new funding in future. White House spokesperson Liz Huston vowed to appeal the ruling and labelled Burroughs an activist Obama-appointed judge, saying Harvard does not have a constitutional right to taxpayer dollars and remains ineligible for grants in the future. Harvard President Alan Garber said in a message to the campus community that the ruling validates our arguments in defense of the Universitys academic freedom, critical scientific research, and the core principles of American higher education. Garber made no mention of the status of settlement talks with the administration, which Trump said during a cabinet meeting last week said he hoped would end with Harvard paying nothing less than $500 million as it had been very bad. Three other Ivy League schools have already settled with the administration, including Columbia University, which in July agreed to pay $220 million to restore federal research money that had been denied because of allegations the university allowed antisemitism to fester on campus. Additional reporting by agencies. 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 Trump administration has been accused of launching an attack on immigrants after banning voter recruitment drives at naturalization events. Once an immigrant becomes a naturalized citizen they become eligible to register to vote. In the past, nongovernmental groups have been able to set up voter registration services at naturalization ceremonies, helping these new citizens take the first step in participating in Americas electoral process. But now, the Homeland Security Department has prohibited nongovernmental entities from conducting voter recruitment drives at naturalization ceremonies, emphasizing the non-partisan nature of these services. In a policy alert published last Friday, Citizenship and Immigration Services said, only state and local election officials will be permitted to offer voter registration services at the end of administrative naturalization ceremonies. open image in gallery The Trump administration has been accused of launching an 'attack' on immigrants after banning voter recruitment drives at naturalization events ( David Ryder/Getty Images ) Citizenship and Immigration Services said the use of nongovernmental organizations at these drives had been sporadic and varied based upon the location. Given USCIS does not primarily rely on nongovernment organizations for voter registration services, and the administrative burden on USCIS to ensure that those nongovernmental organizations who provide voter registration services are nonpartisan, the agency decided to ban them from naturalization events. The League of Women, a women-led grassroots organization that empowers all Americans to vote, blasted the Trump administrations decision to ban them and other nongovernmental organizations from naturalization ceremonies. For decades, the League of Women Voters has been a trusted partner of both USCIS and federal courts to register new voters at naturalization ceremonies. This work has resulted in hundreds of thousands of new citizens registering to vote with League volunteers across the country, the non-profit wrote in a statement. open image in gallery The policy shakeup comes amid the Trump administrations crackdown on immigration, which has included Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids across the country ( Mario Tama/Getty Images ) The League accused Citizenship and Immigration Services of attempting to keep new citizens from accessing their full rights. In contrast to the agencys assertion that nongovernmental organizations were not needed at these events, the League said its volunteers step in where election officials often lack capacity, making sure critical voter registration services reach those who need them most. The policy shakeup comes amid the Trump administrations crackdown on immigration, which has included Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids across the country, mass deportations and pressure for immigrants living in the country illegally to self-deport. By shutting out the League and other civic partners, USCIS is making it harder for new citizens to register to vote, which is yet another intimidation tactic and attack on the immigrant community, the non-profit said, urging the Trump administration to reverse its new policy. The Independent has reached out to USCIS 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 Donald Trump is considering sending the National Guard into New Orleans, escalating his threats to deploy federalized troops against cities with Democratic leadership and large Black populations. But unlike his warnings to Chicago, Los Angeles and Baltimore, New Orleans is a Democratic city in a Republican-controlled state, with a GOP-dominated state legislature and a governor who is staunchly aligned with the president and his agenda. Democratic officials in New Orleans have condemned the presidents remarks and rejected offers from the White House to put troops on the ground. But the states Republican leaders and members of Congress most of whom represent constituents far from the Crescent City are calling on Trump to send in the troops. Were making a determination now, Trump said from the White House on Wednesday. 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 thats become, you know, quite tough, quite bad. open image in gallery Louisianas Republican Governor Jeff Landry sent National Guard into New Orleans for the Super Bowl. Hes eager for another show of force after Trump floated the idea of sending more troops into the Democratically run city. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Homicide rates in the city, once considered the nations murder capital, have plummeted by more than 21 percent compared to last year, mirroring national downward trends alongside increased investments in violence prevention and government services. The city is on pace for a 50-year low in murders. So were going to be going to maybe Louisiana, and you have New Orleans, which has a crime problem well straighten that out in about two weeks, said Trump, echoing his ongoing claim that his administration can seemingly solve any crisis within 14 days. Itll take us two weeks easier than D.C, he said. But we could straighten out Chicago. All they have to do is ask us. Landry, a former Republican congressman and state attorney general whom Trump endorsed for governor, quickly welcomed Trumps offer. Well take President Trumps help from New Orleans to Shreveport, Landry said in a statement. But "militarizing the streets of New Orleans is not a solution. Period, said Democratic Rep. Troy Carter, whose district includes New Orleans. If the president wants to provide federal resources to the city, I will work with him to provide funding to recruit and better train police officers, better fund our district attorney, fix the infrastructure at Orleans Parish Prison and fund the very programs he has cut that get at the root cause of crime: systemic poverty, he said in a statement. New Orleans needs resources, not a political stunt, he added. New Orleans City Council member at-large Helena Moreno, a frontrunner in the citys mayoral race, called Trumps remarks an attack on cities that have rejected the presidents agenda. There are many cities with mayors aligned with this president whose crime issues are severe, but they're not targeted, she said in a statement. That clearly shows that this is about scare tactics and politicizing public safety. Ultimately leading to the misuse of public funds and resources to attempt to score political points. New Orleans City Council member at-large JP Morrell called Trumps remarks ridiculous. Guardsmen are not trained law enforcement, he said. They cant solve crimes, they cant interview witnesses and they arent trained to constitutionally police. In a joint statement, the office of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell who is under federal indictment and the New Orleans Police Department didnt mention Trumps threats but noted that the citys collaborative approach with the federal government and state law enforcement has been instrumental in combatting crime suggesting that city leadership does not want another spectacle of National Guard service members patrolling the citys streets. open image in gallery Landry and other Louisiana Republicans are eager for a showdown with Democrats over troop deployment to New Orleans, once again at the center of a decades-long battle for control of the state ( AP ) Landry had sent the National Guard to New Orleans during the Super Bowl earlier this year, and he deployed dozens of service members from the state to Washington, D.C., to support Trumps federal takeover last month. The states Republican officials are once again eager for a show of force in the city, heightening the decades-long tension between the GOP and a majority Black, tourist-dense destination city that draws roughly $10 billion a year from visitors. The states Republican attorney general Liz Murrill said people continue to die in New Orleans because leaders refuse to accept the resources that are available to them. If your gut reaction is to reject the presidents offer for assistance without condition, perhaps youre the problem not him, she said. House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise among the two most powerful House members, both representing Louisiana are also urging Trump to send in the guard. The citizens of New Orleans, and the millions of tourists who come here, deserve that same level of security, Scalise said. The National Guard in Washington, D.C. demonstrated that more uniforms on the street, whatever the color of the uniform is, makes our community safer, said Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy. It is not a long-term solution, but this gives us a chance to demonstrate that it is just as true in Louisiana as it is in Washington, D.C. Any troop deployment into New Orleans is likely to face a legal challenge from city officials and a federal judge has already ruled that Trump illegally went over the heads of state officials when he sent troops to California. After the states Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom sued the president, a federal judge determined that the president illegally deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to protests against his anti-immigration agenda. The presidents troop deployment violated the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which prohibits the use of the U.S. military for domestic law enforcement, according to the decision from District Judge Charles Breyer. 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. Washingtons attorney general has filed a similar lawsuit alleging Trump violated the same law with his deployment of U.S. troops into the capital citys streets. Deploying the National Guard to engage in law enforcement is not only unnecessary and unwanted, but it is also dangerous and harmful to the District and its residents, D.C.s Attorney General Schwalb said Thursday. No American city should have the U.S. military particularly out-of-state military who are not accountable to the residents and untrained in local law enforcement policing its streets Its D.C. today but could be any other city tomorrow. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Vice President JD Vance was heckled as he visited the site of last weeks deadly school shooting in Minneapolis to meet with the victims families. Dozens of protestors on Wednesday lined the streets near the Annunciation Catholic Church, the site where a week ago, suspect Robin Westman shot dead an eight-year-old and a 10-year-old in the pews, and left 21 others injured as school children celebrated Mass Upon arriving at the Church alongside Second Lady Usher Vance, the vice president, a Catholic convert, was greeted by a large group of parents and residents brandishing signs calling for bans on assault weapons and placing kids lives over guns. open image in gallery A large group of anti-gun advocates protested as the Vances arrived in Minneapolis on Wednesday ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) Protect our kids, one woman yelled in a video posted on X. Do better!, another joined in. Youre a coward, a third woman shouted before Vances Secret Service detail shrouded the view to the entrance of the school. Another video shared by Minneapolis-based FOX 9 showed a man with a megaphone chanting that the National Rifle Association has got to go, while waving a rainbow-colored paper fan. The crowd, some of whom were holding up signs saying, Hate Wont Make America Great, erupted into shrieks and jeers as Vances motorcade sped past. Get out of my city, one man bellowed, while the man with the megaphone yelled: Shame! Shame! Shame! open image in gallery Protesters gather to demonstrate against gun violence in Minneapolis on Wednesday during Vance's visit to Annunciation Catholic Church ( AP ) open image in gallery The Vances met with victims' parents and a surviving girl who was recovering in hospital ( Getty Images ) Holding a sign that said it was Vances job to protect our kids, Kacie Sharpe told the news station that her son lost his best friend, Fletcher Merkel, 10, after bullets rained through the stained-glass windows of Annunciation Catholic Church. This is a political problem, like something has to be done, she said. My son lost his best friend in the world because these politicians wont do anything. After the frosty reception, the Vances held a private, 45-minute-long meeting with victims family members, the pastor of the parish and the school principal, according to his office. open image in gallery Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance paid their respects to the victims of the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting massacre ( AFP via Getty Images ) The vice president and his wife laid bouquets at a memorial outside the church before visiting Lydia Kaiser, a 12-year-old shooting victim, at the Childrens Minnesota hospital. We disagree about so many things, her father, Harry Kaiser, a gym teacher at the school, read from a letter to Vance. But on just this one issue of gun violence, will you please promise me as a father and a Catholic that you will earnestly support the study of what is wrong with our culture. That we are the country that has the worst mass shooter problem?, he added. Vance told reporters that he took parents concerns seriously and that politicians on both sides of the aisle want school shootings to happen less frequently. I have never had a day that will stay with me like this day did, he said. I would just say, take the concerns of these parents seriously, Vance later told reporters. I think all of us, Democrat, Republican and independent, want these school shootings to happen less frequently. Hopefully theres some steps that we can take to make that happen. 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 Researchers at Utah State University are accused of exposing guinea pigs and hamsters to radiation beyond the approved bounds of an experiment and also allegedly withheld pain medication after performing surgeries on the animals, according to a new report. The report, which was filed by the university, said that 75 of the rodents used in the experiment were irradiated and that some died, though it did not make clear how many. Stop Animal Exploitation NOW!, an animal rights group and watchdog organization, is calling for the researchers to be fired, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. When research misconduct occurs publicly funded universities are required to produce documentation about the incident. SAEN obtained USU's misconduct report through an open records request and has since shared it publicly. The group's executive director, Michael Budkie, called the findings in the report "simply horrific" and has filed a formal complaint with the federal government. open image in gallery Utah State University has come under fire after an animal rights group publicized a misconduct report involving a researcher who irradiated 22 guinea pigs and 53 hamsters beyond approved limits and who withheld pain medications on animals that had undergone surgeries ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The violations connected to this project are very serious and demonstrate that the PI [principal investigator] associated with this project believes that they are essentially above the law and can perform whatever procedures they like, Budkie wrote in a letter to USU. In his complaint to the federal government, Budkie calls for the Department of Agriculture which uses inspectors to oversee university research involving animals to launch a full investigation and to levy the maximum penalty against the university and the researchers for allegedly violating the federal Animal Welfare Act. The Act establishes rules for caring for laboratory animals and researchers who work with animals are required to go through training to minimize pain and distress caused by animal testing. Any schools that receive federal funding must comply with the law and report any misconduct or violations. While the specific research project was not funded with federal dollars, the care and maintenance of the animals did use federal funds. The penalties for violating the law can add up quickly. For each violation, a fine of up to $13,000 can be applied, and that amount can be multiplied for each animal harmed as a result of the violation. USU noted in its misconduct report that 22 guinea pigs and 53 hamsters were irradiated beyond the approved levels. If the maximum fine is applied, it could soar to nearly $1 million. open image in gallery Utah State University noted in its misconduct report that 22 guinea pigs and 53 hamsters were irradiated beyond the approved levels ( Google Maps ) Ultimately it will be up to federal agencies under the rule of President Donald Trump to determine how the alleged violations at the university are punished. Trump's administration has already made significant cuts to federal research dollars and has terminated numerous projects, including those involving animal testing. Environmental Protection Agency staff in North Carolina put their animals up for adoption after their research projects were terminated by the Trump administration. The Independent has requested comment from Utah State University and the Department of Agriculture. The university told the Salt Lake Tribune that it followed its protocols for reporting the misconduct when it became aware of the issue. USU spokesperson Amanda DeRito told the paper that animal care staff at the school alerted the staff veterinarian and then notified federal authorities once the misconduct was discovered. All universities conducting animal research using federal funds are required to have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee in place to oversee lab animals. USU's IACUC was called in to investigate the misconduct. According to DeRito, the committee quickly put a stop to the research activities at issue while they reviewed the situation and took steps to prevent it from reoccurring. Research animals are integral to advances in biomedical research and nearly every major medical advancement in the last century, she told the paper. Utah State is strongly committed to the humane treatment of research animals in its care. According to the university's investigation, the researcher who irradiated the animals whose name was not included in the misconduct report acknowledged that they did not obtain approval for their test but said it was "unintentional." The Salt Lake Tribune obtained a copy of a response sent to USU from the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, which operates under the National Institutes of Health. OLAW said that USU took "appropriate measures to correct and prevent recurrences of these problems" and noted that the school is now considered compliant with federal regulations regarding animal testing. We appreciate being informed of these matters and find no cause for further action by this office, the letter says. USU said it has already responded to the incident by disconnecting equipment to prevent further use of the X-ray machines. It has also suspended its guinea pig breeding and surgeries on animals. The principal researcher at the center of the incident has reportedly been limited to only noninvasive procedures and is required to submit monthly reports on their work and attend additional ethics training. The university has previously received criticism from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, which objected to its use of rats in undergraduate psychology courses. In those courses, rats were reportedly locked in metal boxes and subjected to random bursts of light to see how they react. PETA called on the university to switch to "superior" methods of teaching that did not involve animals. DeRito dismissed PETA's complaint. PETA grossly misrepresents animal studies in this upper-division psychology class," she told the paper, adding that the lab is only used for positive reinforcement studies and that the experience cannot be replicated using computers. 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 More than half a million people have been forced to flee their homes in Pakistan after severe flooding in the countrys eastern Punjab province. Officials say the flooding, which has taken place over the last 24 hours, has been due to rivers swelling to dangerous levels. The latest evacuations bring the total number of people displaced since last month to 1.8 million, according to Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed. He said mass evacuations were still ongoing in the flood-hit Muzaffargarh district and other areas. Muzaffargarh and Multan are among the worst-hit areas in the province, where floods have inundated 3,900 villages since the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers burst their banks two weeks ago, Javed said. open image in gallery Women wade through a flooded field in Muza Islam Wala, in Jhang district, Pakistan ( AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary ) In Muzaffargarh, Narowal and Kasur the government has erected tents for displaced families. People who fled their homes in Muzaffargarh described rushing to safety after urgent flood warnings. Ghulam Abbas, 54, who fled his village with his family, said Thursday that mosque loudspeakers announced a massive flood surge was on its way, urging everyone to leave as soon as possible. Those who thought the waters wouldnt reach them are now being rescued by boat, Abbas said, adding that his home was submerged overnight. Zainab Akhtar, 33, said she lost her home in the devastating 2010 floods. Now it has happened again, she said as she sat inside a government-donated tent with her family. Akhtar said she has received some food from charities and the government, but added that many survivors were relying on help from relatives. In Kasur, people said they received some help from the government, and charities arranged food for them. Irfan Ali Kathia, director general of the provincial Disaster Management Authority, said thousands of rescuers are taking part in the relief and rescue operations, while the military has been deployed to transport people and animals from flooded villages. open image in gallery People, who fled from their homes due to flood take shelter at a relief camp on the outskirts of Multan, Pakistan ( AP Photo/Asim Tanveer ) Supplies are on the way for the displaced people, and one of the largest rescue and relief operations is still ongoing, Kathia said. He added that authorities made some breaches along the embankment of the Chenab river overnight Wednesday to protect Muzaffargarh city. Our priority is to save lives as this is the worst flooding in Punjabs history, Kathia said, adding that heavy monsoon rains and water released from dams in India have pushed rivers to dangerous levels. India sent an alert to Islamabadthrough diplomatic channels Thursday about the possible cross-border flooding. It was the third such alert this week. Overall, 3.8 million people have been affected by the flooding in Punjab, Javed said in a statement. He said the affected include those who suffered damages after their villages were flooded. The National Disaster Management Authority on Thursday said the new spell of monsoon rains is expected to persist for another 24 to 48 hours, adding that floodwaters are likely to surge into the Indus river, posing a threat to areas in southern Sindh province. The latest floods are the worst since 2022, when climate-induced flooding killed nearly 1,700 people in Pakistan. 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 Australian government will pay an extra A$475m (240m) to people harmed by the countrys unlawful Robodebt welfare scheme, bringing the total compensation package to the largest in the nations history. The settlement, announced on Thursday by attorney general Michelle Rowland, follows revelations from a royal commission that officials in the former Liberal-National coalition government pressed ahead with the automated debt recovery system despite knowing it was unlawful. The scheme, which ran between 2015 and 2019 under then prime minister Scott Morrison, wrongly told welfare recipients they had been overpaid and demanded repayments that often did not exist. More than 440,000 people were caught up in the programme, many of them among the countrys poorest. The system used averaged income data from the tax office to calculate fortnightly welfare entitlements, a method that produced false debts when people worked irregular hours. A royal commission described it as a crude and cruel mechanism, neither fair nor legal. The policy was linked to multiple suicides and severe financial hardship. It is the just and fair thing to do, Ms Rowland said, adding that the Labor government recognised the disastrous impact on vulnerable Australians. The additional compensation takes the total redress from Robodebt to about A$2.4bn (1.2bn), including A$1.76bn in debts that were cancelled and refunded, A$112m in earlier damages, and the new payout. The government will also cover up to A$13.5m in legal costs and about A$60m to administer the scheme. open image in gallery Former prime minister Scott Morrison rolled out Robodebt when he was social services minister a decade ago ( Getty ) Lawyer Peter Gordon, who represented victims in the class action, said the outcome was vindication and validation for hundreds of thousands of Australians afflicted by the Robodebt scandal. He added: Today is also one more vindication of the principle that Australia remains a nation ruled by laws and not by kings laws which even hold the government accountable. Victims and their families spoke of the lasting damage. Irreparable mental health issues that have stemmed from this, Felicity Button, who was among those affected, said it was a bittersweet moment, we can never compensate for that. People had lost family members, gone through divorce and become bankrupt, she told reporters. The scheme, initially promoted as a cost-saving measure to claw back A$1.7bn, instead led to the largest legal settlement in Australian history. The previous record was A$500m awarded to survivors of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria, which killed 173 people. Former Labor leader Bill Shorten, who campaigned for a royal commission into Robodebt, said the resolution showed his warnings were justified. "Along with Gordon Legal, when we started the class action in 2019, I said that Robodebt was unlawful, unjust, and unconscionable," he said in a statement, referring to the law firm involved. "Today's outcome shows that those warnings were right and that governments must never again put expedience ahead of justice." Cassandra Goldie, head of the Australian Council of Social Service, welcomed the payout but said those who designed and authorised the scheme had not been held accountable. Ten years on from when Robodebt commenced, no one responsible for its design, implementation and continuation has been publicly held accountable in a way that delivers justice for its victims and their families, she said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Australias highest court on Thursday removed the last chance for war hero Ben Roberts-Smith to clear his name of findings that he unlawfully killed four unarmed Afghans more than a decade ago. The High Court said it would not hear his appeal against a federal judges civil court finding in 2023 that Mr Roberts-Smith likely killed non-combatants unlawfully in 2009 and 2012. Three federal court judges had unanimously rejected his appeal against that finding in May. The High Court decision leaves Australias most decorated living war veteran with no more legal options in a defamation case he started in 2018 when newspapers accused him of a range of war crimes. Mr Roberts-Smith, who was awarded both the Victoria Cross and Medal of Gallantry for his service in Afghanistan, has never faced criminal charges, which must be proven to a higher standard of guilt beyond reasonable doubt. One of Mr Roberts-Smiths former Special Air Service Regiment comrades, Oliver Schultz, is the only Australian veteran of the Afghanistan campaign to be charged with a war crime. Mr Schultz was charged in 2023 with murdering an unarmed civilian in 2012. He has pleaded not guilty and has yet to stand trial. The only Australian veteran to be convicted over war crime allegations in Afghanistan has been army whistleblower David McBride. The former army lawyer was sentenced last year to five years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty to charges associated with leaking allegations of war crimes to the media. Classified documents provided by McBride became the source of a series of ABC reports in 2017 called the Afghan Files. The reports detailed allegations against Australian soldiers including the unlawful killing of men and children. A military report released in 2020 recommended 19 current and former soldiers face criminal investigations over 39 unlawful killings in Afghanistan. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man has been arrested after his dog was shot in the head more than 40 times with an air rifle. Miraculously the animal, a German Shepherd mix called Keks, survived the ordeal in Germany earlier this year. A passerby came across the injured pet in Bloaschutz, a village located in the municipality of Bautzen, in March and took him to an animal shelter for treatment. An X-ray found between 40 and 50 pellets lodged in the dog, deep in its bones and muscles. The body scan image shows the pellets scattered throughout the dogs forehead and neck. open image in gallery Keks now has a new owner and is recovering well, the shelter that took him in said ( Facebook/Tierheim Bautzen ) The Bautzen Criminal Investigation Department searched the dogs 48 year-old owners apartment in mid-August, took possession of the air rifle and arrested him, according to Der Spiegel. The suspect is now being investigated for violations of the Animal Welfare Act and could face up to three years in prison if convicted. Staff at Tierheim Bautzen, the shelter that took the dog in following the incident in March, said at first they though it was a stray. Our vet examined the dog thoroughly and took x-rays, the animal shelter workers said in a statement post on Facebook. Unbelievable what they showed. How cruel can a person be to inflict such pain and suffering on their animal. The dog needed three operations, at a cost of around 1,200.00 each, or more than 3,000 altogether. Appealing for help to fund the treatments, the shelter said they were unable to remove all of the pellets from the dog's head as some of them were too close to blood vessels. Tierheim Bautzen posted a number of pictures showing Keks, which means cookie in German, in bandages. But in an update they said that the dog has since been adopted by a staff member at the shelter and is reportedly doing well in his new home. 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 At least 16 people have died and 21 left injured after a funicular derailed and hit a building in Lisbon on Wednesday. The tram-like Gloria funicular railway, which crashed just after 6pm, has been called one of the biggest tragedies in the countrys history by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, who declared a day of national mourning on Thursday. The only victim whose identity has been revealed is Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques, a brake guard who worked on the funicular. A three-year-old child is among the injured, while seven people are in a serious condition. The crash is thought to have involved at least 38 people from 10 nationalities, according to the head of Lisbon's Civil Protection Agency. So far, it is believed the foreign nationals involved are from Germany, Spain, South Korea, Cape Verde, Canada, Italy, France, Switzerland and Morocco. Initial reports from local media suggest that one of the cable cars came loose from its cable and struck the pavement, followed by the second cart, which derailed and collided with a building. The yellow-and-white Elevador da Gloria, which opened in 1885, is a beloved tourist attraction in Lisbon that has carried more than 3 million passengers up and down some of the steepest streets in the capital every year. The funicular crashed into a building near Avenida da Liberdade, a boulevard in Lisbon, Portugals capital. Lisbon mayor Carlos Moedas told reporters at the scene that the city was distraught over the incident. This was a tragic accident Its a tragedy of the like weve never seen. The railway line is in the civil parish of Santo Antonio. It connects Lisbons Pombaline downtown area near the Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto (Upper Quarter), known for its vibrant nightlife. Pictures show the site of the accident in Lisbon ( Reuters ) The tram journey takes three minutes on a 275m route, going through a street art gallery, seen on the Bairro Alto side. Its intended to take you up to the upper neighbourhood without having to climb some of the steepest hills in Lisbon. The crash took place next to Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara, one of Lisbons most iconic scenic points. The city has declared that it will have three days of mourning from Thursday. The area of the crash, Santo Antonio, is a popular tourist area known for several landmarks, including the Marquis of Pombal Square, Avenida da Liberdade, and Restauradores Square, and for its high-end shopping and Michelin-starred restaurants. The Prime Minister of Portugal, Luis Montenegro, says the prompt arrival of emergency services at the scene of the crash prevented more deaths. This could have been a much bigger tragedy, he says. Both Portugal's public prosecutor's office and public transport company Carris have launched investigations into the causes of the crash, national news agency Lusa reports. "As is customary in these types of situations and as required by law," the attorney general's office said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Passengers on Lisbons Gloria funicular railway started screaming with fear before a car derailed and crashed, horrified witnesses have said. At least 15 people have died and around 18 people were injured when the car came off its tracks at about 6pm. Footage shows the tram-like funicular, which carries people up and down a hillside in the Portuguese capital, destroyed and emergency workers pulling people out of the wreckage. Although its not yet known what caused the crash, local media have reported that one of the two funicular cars, which were attached by a haulage cable, jolted and hit a pavement with great force. Following that, the second car is reported to have derailed and hit a building. One witness told Portuguese news site Correio da Manha that the first car was descending slowly when it hit the sidewalk. At least 15 people have died and around 18 people were injured when the car came off its tracks ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) It hit the sidewalk with great force, and people inside started screaming in fear, the unnamed witness said. As the witness tried to help those in the crashed car, he said he saw the other one out of control, coming down the line from above, before it crashed into a building. Another witness said they heard a huge bang before seeing the car destroyed by the impact and people screaming, the outlet reported. In a statement the president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, expressed hope that authorities would soon establish the cause of the crash. Authorities would not identify the victims or disclose their nationalities, but said some foreign nationals were among the dead. In a social media post, Ursula von de Leyen, president of the European Commission, reacted to the breaking news tonight from the Portuguese capital. She said: It is with sadness that I learned of the derailment of the famous Elevador da Gloria. My condolences to the families of the victims. The line, which opened in 1885, connects Lisbons downtown area near the Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto (Upper Quarter), known for its vibrant nightlife. It is operated by the municipal public transport company Carris, which said "all maintenance protocols had been carried out", including monthly and weekly maintenance programs and daily inspections. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tributes have been paid to a kind and dedicated worker on the funicular that derailed and crashed into a building in Lisbon, killing at least 16 people. Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques, a brake guard who worked on the Gloria funicular railway, was on Thursday named as one of the victims of the crash in the Portuguese capital that also left 23 people injured. Other victims named on Thursday included former volleyball referee Pedro Manuel Alves Trindade and lawyer Alda Matias. Carris, the company which operates the funicular, said in a statement that Marques had performed his duties with excellence and had been an outstanding representative of the company. open image in gallery Flowers left in tribute to the victims of the crash in Lisbon ( AFP via Getty Images ) His courage and professionalism, recognised by all, came to a tragic end with the loss of his life in the accident that claimed his life, they said. They described him as a dedicated, kind and smiling professional who was always willing to contribute to the greater good. Portuguese transport union Sitra also paid tribute to Marques. We also send our condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the accident and wish them a speedy recovery as well as the best recovery to the others injured in the accident, the company said in a post on Facebook. This is one of the biggest human tragedies of our recent history, Luis Montenegro, the prime minister, said of the crash, as he revised the death toll to 16 after authorities previously said 17 people had died. open image in gallery Portuguese transport union Sitra also paid tribute to Marques ( AP ) Trindade was named as a victim by the Portuguese Volleyball Federation. The organisation said it was deeply saddened by the tragedy. Misericordia de Lisboa Santa Casa, a charity which supported disabled people and orphans, said four of the Portuguese victims identified so far were its staff members. One of them was Matias, Portuguese media reported. The BBC reported that ombudsman Paulo Sousa wrote to employees: "It is in shock that we all find ourselves. We lost colleagues, friends, people with whom we shared our daily lives and our mission. All the people who died were adults, Margarida Castro Martins, head of Lisbon's Civil Protection Agency said. Officials said they believed two Canadians, one German, one Ukrainian national and one American were also thought to be among the dead. So far, at least 10 nationalities were confirmed among the people injured. They include 12 women and seven men between the ages of 25 and 65. A three-year-old German boy was among the survivors pulled from the carriage where his father reportedly died, and his mother was among 22 other people who were injured. As well as Portuguese people, two Germans, two Spaniards and one person each from France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Morocco, South Korea and Cape Verde were among the injured, the agency head said. The UK Foreign Office told The Independent it is on standby to provide assistance if any British nationals are affected. Seven of those injured are in serious condition. The injured were men and women between the ages of 24 and 65. open image in gallery So far, at least 10 nationalities were confirmed among the people injured. ( AP ) Emergency workers rushed to pull people out of the wreckage after the cable car crashed at around 6pm on Wednesday. Pathologists at the National Forensics Institutes worked overnight on autopsies, officials said. The Portuguese Institute of Blood reinforced the blood reserves of hospitals that responded to victims in the crash and also activated a contingency plan, the countrys news agency Lusa reported. open image in gallery First responders work at the site of a funicular accident in Lisbon ( Reuters ) The government said the tragic accident caused irreparable loss of human lives, which left their families in mourning and the country in shock. The government has decided to declare a day of national mourning as an expression of the Portuguese people's condolences and solidarity. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also offered his condolences and solidarity to the families affected and said authorities are working to establish the cause of the incident. Investigative bodies have now finished assessments at the site of the crash and will publish initial findings and the direction the investigation will take tomorrow. City mayor Carlos Moedas also confirmed funicular operator Carris has been asked to open internal and external investigations. Initial reports suggest the cable for the funicular came loose. Following the incident, Lisbon City Council suspended three other funicular cable railways the Bica, Lavra and Graca. The systems two cars, each capable of carrying around 40 people, run parallel to each other as they shuttle up and down the hill on a curved, traffic-free road. The railway, which opened in 1885, is operated by the municipal public transport company Carris. Carris head Pedro Goncalo de Brito Aleixo Boga reiterated that the funiculars have been working properly since 2007, and technicians check them regularly to make sure there are no problems. All findings are recorded. Maintenance costs have more than doubled between 2015 and 2025, he added. 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 16 people have died and 23 are injured after a funicular derailed and crashed into a building in Lisbon on Wednesday evening. Authorities are working to identify the victims after the tram-like funicular derailed and crashed into a building in the Portuguese capital just after 6pm. Footage from the site showed the mangled wreckage of the yellow tram-like funicular, which carries people up and down a steep hillside in the city, lying where it had left the track and hit a building. The Independent looks at how the disaster unfolded. open image in gallery Emergency workers had to rescue people out of the wreckage on Wednesday ( Reuters ) What do we know about the crash? The funicular, which travels up and down a steep downtown hill, crashed near Avenida da Liberdade just after 6pm. Officials have confirmed that foreign nationals are among the 16 deceased, but authorities have not yet revealed identities or nationalities. It also remains unclear how many people were onboard at the time of the crash. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has offered his condolences to families affected, and Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas said it is a tragedy that our city has never seen. The Portuguese government has declared Thursday a national day of mourning, while Lisbon city has declared three days of mourning. open image in gallery Police are currently investigating the cause of the crash ( AFP/Getty ) What caused the crash? Initial reports from local media suggest that one of the cable cars came loose from the cable, jolted and hit the pavement with great force. The second cart then derailed and hit a building. The funicular has two cars which run parallel to each other as they carry people up and down a hillside. They are harnessed by a steel cable. On Wednesday night, Carris, the municipal public transport company that operates the railway, said that daily inspections, monthly and weekly maintenance programs and other protocols had been carried out. Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha reported that a witness said the first car was descending slowly when it hit the pavement. One witness told the news site that the car was falling slowly when it hit the sidewalk with great force, and people inside started screaming in fear," he said. The witness tried to help those inside the car as he saw the second car out of control, coming down the line before it crashed into a building. open image in gallery Flowers left at the scene of the crash in tribute to the victims ( AFP via Getty Images ) What have police said? Portugal's public prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the causes of the crash, national news agency Lusa reports. "As is customary in these types of situations and as required by law," the attorney general's office said. The investigation is separate from one carried out by the public transport company Carris. Police have not yet confirmed the identities or nationalities of those killed. Portuguese transport union Sitra named Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques as one of the 16 people who died in the crash. In a post on Facebook, the union said: We also send our condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the accident and wish them a speedy recovery as well as the best recovery to the others injured in the accident, Sitra said in a post on Facebook. open image in gallery The Elevador da Gloria funicular was opened in 1885 and has long been a popular tourist attraction in Lisbon ( Getty/iStock ) What is the Gloria funicular railway? The yellow-and-white Elevador da Gloria funicular opened in 1885 and has become one of the major tourist attractions in the capital. Each of the two cars can carry up to 40 people. The railway connects Lisbons downtown area near the Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto (Upper Quarter), known for its vibrant nightlife. 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 Lisbon is mourning 16 people who were killed in a crash of a picturesque hillside streetcar popular with tourists on Wednesday. The yellow-and-white streetcar one of Lisbon's major tourist attractions travels up and down a steep downtown hill in tandem with another going in the opposite direction. It was seen lying on its side on the narrow road it travels along. Nearly 21 people, including children and foreign nationals, who suffered injuries were taken to hospital, rescue authorities said. The tram-like funicular's sides and top were partially crumpled, and it seemed to have crashed into a building near a bend in the road. Authorities described it as the worst accident in the capitals recent history. Several dozen emergency workers attended the scene but most stood down after around two hours. Lisbon mayor Carlos Moedas told reporters at the scene that the city was distraught over the incident. This was a tragic accident, he said. Its a tragedy of the like weve never seen. Flags flew at half-mast in the Portuguese capital on Thursday as people observed a day of mourning for those killed. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered his condolences to the affected families. What is Lisbons funicular railway? The funicular, known as Elevador da Gloria, is harnessed by steel cables and goes up and down a steep downtown hill. It can carry more than 40 people, seated and standing, and is commonly used by Lisbon residents and loved by tourists. The service up and down a few hundred meters of a hill on a traffic-free curved road was inaugurated in 1885. It connects Lisbon's downtown area near the Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto, which is famous for its vibrant nightlife. It is one of three funicular lines operated by the municipal public transport company Carris. The company said in a statement that "all maintenance protocols have been carried out", including monthly and weekly maintenance programs and daily inspections. open image in gallery Tram number 28 in downtown Lisbon ( Getty ) The other funicular lines Bica and Lavra in central Lisbon have several steep hills, but Gloria is the most popular, especially among tourists, due to its location. The funicular cars are all painted a distinctive yellow, similar to Lisbon's trams. The Gloria line transports around 3 million people annually, according to the town hall. Its two cars are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable with traction provided by electric motors on the cars that counterbalance each other. The car at the bottom of the line was apparently undamaged but video from bystanders aired by CNN Portugal showed it jolting violently when the other one derailed and several passengers jumping out and people shouting. The line initially used a water counterweight system and then steam power before being electrified in 1914, with overhead cables powering the motors. Years later, in 2002, the railway was registered as a national monument. open image in gallery Carris personnel inspect the area surrounding the wrecked Gloria funicular on 4 September 2025 ( Getty ) There are two long wooden benches along an aisle with backs to the windows, all on the same horizontal level, and the base of the car is taller on the bottom end to compensate for the slope gradient of some 17 per cent, according to Reuters. The two identical cars on the Gloria route, numbered 1 and 2, were built by the German company Maschinenfabrik Esslingen. The route is 265m long on a double-rail track with a 90cm gauge and a central slot for cable connection. Nearly 50 metres before the bottom end is a turn of about 30 degrees and that is where the derailment occurred. In 2018, an undisclosed technical problem involving the cable caused a derailment, but all passengers escaped unhurt. 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 18th-century masterpiece, Portrait of a Lady by Italian painter Giuseppe Ghislandi, looted by the Nazis during the Second World War, has been recovered in Argentina, an Argentine federal court announced on Wednesday. The painting, publicly presented in the coastal city of Mar del Plata, had not been seen in public for 80 years. Its whereabouts came to light last month when the first-ever colour photograph of the portrait surfaced in an online real estate listing. This listing was unwittingly posted by a daughter of Friedrich Kadgien, a fugitive Nazi officer accused of stealing the painting from one of Europes most prominent pre-war art dealers and collectors. Were doing this simply so that the community to whom we partly owe the discovery of the work ... can see these images, federal prosecutor Daniel Adler said in a press conference to display the full-length portrait of Countess Colleoni, her hair ink-black and dress embroidered with pastel flowers. It was people from the community, specifically journalists, who prompted the investigation," Adler said. open image in gallery Prosecutor Daniel Adlers gives a press conference in front of Portrait of a Lady in Mar del Plata, Wednesday, 3 September 2025 ( Copyright 2025. The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Dutch journalists made the shocking discovery while investigating Kadgiens past in Argentina, where the high-ranking official fled after the collapse of the Third Reich and later died in 1978. News of the find thrilled historians the world over and eventually reached the heirs of the paintings original owner, Dutch-Jewish art collector Jacques Goudstikker. He died in a shipwreck after fleeing Amsterdam ahead of advancing German troops in May 1940. His descendants have sought to recover an estimated 1,100 paintings missing since the forced sale of Goudstikkers extensive inventory to Adolf Hitlers right-hand man, Hermann Goring, who built up a major art collection during WWII. The original appearance of Portrait of a Lady last week was fleeting. Within hours of the storys publication in Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad last Monday, the real estate listing was taken down. Police raided the rustic Mar del Plata home of Patricia Kadgien, the Nazi officers daughter, but the painting wasnt there. Authorities earlier this week conducted further raids on several homes belonging to the Kadgien sisters in Mar del Plata, seizing other paintings and engravings that they also suspect of having been stolen during the 1940s. Argentinas federal prosecutors office said on Tuesday they had ordered the detention of Kadgien and her husband pending a hearing on charges of concealment and obstruction of justice. open image in gallery The Ghislandi painting is displayed during a press conference ( Copyright 2025. The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Adler, the prosecutor, told reporters that the couples lawyer had handed over the painting to authorities earlier Wednesday. He did not give any indication of where the painting would go next. An art expert invited to assist with the investigation, Ariel Bassano, said the painting was being stored in a special chamber to prevent contact with external agents and, later, with either artificial or natural light, which could eventually damage it. Its in good condition given its age, Bassano said, dating the portrait to 1710 and valuing it at roughly $50,000. Its not clear exactly how the painting came into the possession of Kadgien, who worked as a financial adviser to Goring. 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 Authorities launched a rescue operation to save those trapped under the wreckage of an iconic electric streetcar after it derailed and crashed in Lisbon, killing 16 people and injuring 23 others, emergency services said. One 3-year-old child is among the injured, while seven people are in a serious condition. The crash is thought to have involved at least 38 people from 10 nationalities, according to the head of Lisbon's Civil Protection Agency. At least 12 of the people injured are women and seven are men, aged between 24 and 65. Portuguese transport union Sitra named Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques who worked for Carris as one of the 16 people who died in the crash. So far, it is believed the foreign nationals involved are from Germany, Spain, South Korea, Cape Verde, Canada, Italy, France, Switzerland and Morocco. Footage from the site showed the mangled wreckage of the yellow funicular, which carries people up and down a steep hillside, lying where it had left the track and crashed into a building near Avenida da Liberdade just after 6 pm. open image in gallery The wreckage of the Gloria funicular that derailed and crashed ( Reuters ) Initial reports from local media suggest that one of the cable cars came loose from the cable, and hit the pavement. The second cart then derailed and hit a building. An investigation is being carried out by Portugal's public prosecutor's office into the causes of the crash, national news agency Lusa reports. "As is customary in these types of situations and as required by law," the attorney general's office said. Public transport company Carris has also launched an investigation. Lisbon mayor Carlos Moedas told reporters at the scene that the city was distraught over the incident. This was a tragic accident Its a tragedy of the like weve never seen. open image in gallery A view of the crash site after the funicular derailed in Lisbon ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered his condolence to affected families. The Portuguese government has declared Thursday a day of national mourning, while Lisbon city has announced three days of mourning. The streetcar that crashed, known as Gloria, can carry more than 40 people, seated and standing. It is commonly used by Lisbon residents. The cars are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable with traction provided by electric motors on the two vehicles. The car at the bottom of the line was apparently undamaged, but video from bystanders aired by CNN Portugal showed it jolting violently when the other one derailed and several passengers jumping out of its windows and people shouting. Operator Carris said all maintenance protocols have been carried out, including monthly and weekly maintenance programmes and daily inspections. A spokesperson for Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was in touch with the local authorities and stood by "to provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals". Lisbon hosted around 8.5 million tourists last year and the streetcar is a popular attraction. Long lines of tourists typically form for the brief ride on it. 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 senior Russian official has threatened that Moscow will seize more Ukrainian territory and target British property, after London confirmed it had spent over 1 billion from frozen Russian assets on weapons for Ukraine. According to the Ministry of Defence, the funding had enabled the purchase of hundreds of thousands of rounds of artillery ammunition, hundreds of air defence missiles, spare parts, and new support contracts to help maintain and repair [Ukraines] equipment and vehicles. British Defence Minister John Healey said that this military support for Ukraine had been paid for by the frozen assets. "Given that the money cannot be recovered in court for obvious reasons, our country has only one way to return the valuables: return it in kind, former president Dmitry Medvedev said on Telegram. That is 'Ukrainian land' and other immovable and movable property located on it." Russia's former president Dmitry Medvedev ( Sputnik ) Mr Medvedev also suggested Russia would respond to "any illegal seizure of frozen Russian funds or profits" by seizing the "valuables of the British Crown", including British property within Russia. Some 25 billion worth of Russian assets have been frozen by the UK Government since the start of the Ukraine war. A report released by the Treasury in March revealed the total, which accounts for all assets that have been sanctioned by the UK since February 2022 when the invasion of Ukraine began. Some 2,001 individuals and entities have been sanctioned under the regime as of March 2024, according to the Treasury. It said that sanctions imposed by the UK and its allies have significantly impacted Russias economy, depriving it of over 297 billion since February 2022, equivalent to four years of Russias military spending. As a result of UK sanctions, Russias military has been forced to turn to rogue states like North Korea and Iran for critical supplies, the Treasury said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A British-born Italian boy will become the first Catholic saint of the millennial generation on Sunday. Carlo Acutis, who died of leukaemia in 2006 aged 15, learned computer code to build websites to spread his faith and will now be elevated to the same level as Mother Teresa and Francis of Assisi. The ceremony in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, which was originally set for April but was postponed after the death of Pope Francis, will be led by Pope Leo XIV and is expected to attract tens of thousands of worshippers. Leo, elected in May to replace Francis, will now preside at such an event for the first time. Leo will also canonise Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian man who was known for helping those in need and died of polio in the 1920s. Carlo's mother, Antonia Salzano, said earlier this year that the heart of her son's appeal to Catholic youth was that he lived the same life as others who were teenagers in the 2000s. open image in gallery Carlo Acutis died of leukaemia in 2006, aged 15 ( AP ) "Carlo was an ordinary child like (others). He used to play, have friends, and go to school. But his extraordinary quality was the fact that he opened the door of his heart to Jesus and put Jesus in the first place in his life." "He used this skill to spread the good news, the Gospel," she added. "He wanted to help people to have more faith, to understand that there is an afterlife, that we are (pilgrims) in this world." Being made a saint means the Church believes a person lived a holy life and is now in Heaven with God. open image in gallery His mother, Antonia Salzano ( Reuters ) Other saints who died at a young age include Therese of Lisieux, who died at 24 in 1897 and was known for promoting a "Little Way" of charity, and Aloysius Gonzaga, who died at 23 in 1591 after caring for victims of an epidemic in Rome. As Carlo progressed along the Church's official path to sainthood, his body was moved to a church in the hill town of Assisi in central Italy, where St. Francis was from, in line with Carlos last wishes. The new saint's final resting place, where Carlo is entombed with a wax mould of his likeness placed over his body, wearing his track top, jeans and trainers, has become a popular devotional site, attracting thousands of worshippers every day. 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 For residents of Ukraines eastern Donetsk region, evacuation often begins with a defining blast the explosion that makes staying impossible. For 69-year-old Tetiana Zaichikova, this moment arrived when a strike reduced her home to rubble. The region has been the epicentre of heavy fighting for years, with evacuations a grim constant since Russias full-scale invasion began over three years ago. Towns across the area, larger than Slovenia, are steadily emptying as Russian forces now control around 70 per cent of the territory. Despite the escalating danger, some residents remain in their shattered cities, clinging to the fragile hope that the conflict will soon conclude. This hope is fuelled by ongoing peace efforts, notably those led by Donald Trump, which have yielded no breakthroughs. They endure until the peril becomes too extreme even for military and police personnel to enter. "We kept hoping. We waited for every round of negotiations. We thought somehow they would reach an agreement in our favor, and we could stay in our homes," said Zaichikova, who still bears bruises and hematomas across her face. Defining moment to flee open image in gallery Tetiana Zaichikova, 69, was among those evacuated in Lozova following Russian attacks ( Associated Press/Evgeniy Maloletka ) If Zaichikova had taken even one step into the kitchen that night, she is convinced she would not have survived. In Kostiantynivka a city that once had a population of approximately 67,000 conditions in recent months have become apocalyptic: There is no reliable electricity, water or gas, and nightly barrages grow heavier with each passing hour. Russian forces fire all types of weapons while Ukrainian troops answer back, and the former industrial hub has become a proving ground crowded with drones overhead. Zaichikova knew the city was barely livable, but she clung to the hope she would not lose the place where she had lived all her life and taught music at a kindergarten. On the night of 28 August, after months of rarely leaving her home, she wanted only to make tea before bed. She switched on a night lamp and walked toward the kitchen. As she reached for the light switch, the blast hit. A wooden beam and shelves collapsed on her. When she came to, the rubble rose as high as she stood. The entrance to her building was blocked. Emergency services no longer operated in the city, too dangerous even for soldiers. If we had been burning, we would have just burned, she said. Her neighbor swung a sledgehammer through the night until midday, finally breaking a hole for her to crawl through. Outside, she saw what she believed was the crater of a glide bomb. A few days later, she left the city. I didnt want to leave until the last moment, but that was the last straw. When I was driven through the city, I saw what it had become. It was black and destroyed, she said. Last call open image in gallery Tetiana Zaichikova was among those evacuated following a Russian attack which left her homeless ( Associated Press/Evgeniy Maloletka ) Police Officer Yevhen Mosiichuk has driven into Kostiantynivka almost every day for the past year to evacuate people. He has watched the situation deteriorate. The city now sits on Ukraines shrinking patch of territory, wedged just west of Russian-held Bakhmut and nearly encircled from three sides by Moscows forces. The difficulty of evacuations is that the city is under constant attack, he said, listing not only drones but artillery, rockets and glide bombs. As he spoke, a drone detector beeped. Oh, it caught drones, he said. They drove across the river, one flying over it and then toward the bridge, before jamming it with their equipment. Their van is fitted with anti-drone netting, and they pass through mesh corridors that Ukrainians installed to force drones to detonate prematurely or malfunction. The situation has been worsening not every day, week or month, but every minute, Mosiichuk said. It is clear because they are using all kinds of weapons. For civilians, that means their city may soon be wiped off the map, like other once-large cities in the Donetsk region Avdiivka and Bakhmut, now ghost towns stripped of their industrial and historic past. open image in gallery Despite the escalating danger, some residents remain in their shattered cities, clinging to the fragile hope that the conflict will soon conclude ( Associated Press/Evgeniy Maloletka ) Like Zaichikova, those still in the city are mostly elderly, often disabled and poor. For them, losing their homes means setting out into the unknown without any support. Some evacuees said dying at home would be easier than leaving. Wearing a helmet and body armor, Mosiichuk approached the apartment building of those who had requested evacuation. Explosions rumbled at varying distances. He and his colleague worked quickly, knowing every minute in the city was life-threatening. The entrance was littered with shattered glass, and every floor had broken windows. Faded notices on the walls advertised electricians and plumbers who would never come. They climbed to the seventh floor. A few residents peeked out after hearing the commotion. Police shouted at them to leave as soon as possible, warning that it would soon be impossible to enter the city. Leaving it all behind open image in gallery A police officer helps Mykhailo Maistruk, 67, during evacuation from Kostiantynivka ( Associated Press/Evgeniy Maloletka ) When police came to evacuate 67-year-old Mykhailo Maistruk, it was the first time in two years he had set foot outside. With an amputated leg, he had been trapped in his apartment since the elevator stopped working and the city became too dangerous. Together with his wife, Larysa Naumenko, he packed what little they had. Naumenko had lived in the apartment since before the Soviet Union collapsed. They handed the keys to one of the two neighbors left in the building and left under the thunder of shelling. We hoped we lived here for 40 years. Do you think its easy to leave all this behind? At our age, we are left with nothing, Naumenko said. Maistruk said even they could no longer endure the endless explosions and finally decided to leave. Many of their neighbors and friends had fled in the first months of the invasion; some later returned and left again. What kept them in place was not only Maistruks disability but also their small pensions, which made it nearly impossible to start from scratch elsewhere. Hardly anyone will come back here. It feels like the city is being wiped off the face of the earth, Naumenko said as she was driven away by the evacuation car. Who will rebuild all this? It was such a developed city, with so many factories. Now they are gone. 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 London court has allowed the ex-wife of Russian oligarch Vladimir Potanin to pursue a multi-billion dollar claim against his stake in Nornickel, potentially setting the stage for one of the highest-value divorce cases in history. Natalia Potanina is seeking significant financial relief following their 2014 divorce, specifically demanding 50 per cent of her former husband's beneficial interest in shares of Nornickel. Mr Potanin, who serves as chief executive of Norilsk Nickel the world's largest palladium producer and a major refined nickel producer faces this mammoth claim after the Court of Appeal ruled on Thursday that the case could proceed. Potanina is also seeking 50% of any dividends paid to Potanin since 2014 and a high-end Russian property, on which the parties spent around $150 million. Vladimir Potanin, estimated to be worth around 20 billion US dollars (16.5 billion), atempted to overturn a Court of Appeal decision allowing Natalia Potanina to bring a multibillion-pound claim against him in London. Potaninas lawyers say she received only $41.5 million, less than 1% of the couple's total assets, after their divorce, though Potanin said his ex-wife received around $84 million and argued the couple had no connection to Britain. open image in gallery Vladimir Potanin made his billions in metals In June 2022, Mr Potanin then described as Russias second richest man and owner of conglomerate Interros was hit with UK sanctions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The billionaire was accused of continuing to amass wealth as he supported Russian President Vladimir Putins regime by buying Rosbank and shares in Tinkoff Bankonith since the start of the conflict. Mr Potanin and Mrs Potanina, both in their early 60s, wed in Russia in 1983, where they lived throughout their married life, and have three adult children. London's High Court originally rejected Potanina's bid to bring a claim in 2019, with a judge saying that if her claim was allowed to proceed "then there is effectively no limit to divorce tourism". But on Thursday the Court of Appeal overturned that decision. "There was evidence before the court ... that the wife had very largely severed her ties with Russia. Her connection to her former home country was increasingly tenuous," the court ruling said. "The discrepancy between her award of the marital assets and the husbandAAAs retained share was significant; the discrepancy between what she had recovered in Russia compared with what she would have recovered had the case been heard in this jurisdiction was equally significant." 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 Israels security agency claims to have blocked a Hamas plot to assassinate far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir using explosives. Shin Bet said it seized explosive devices that were intended to be attached to multiple drones and detained a Hamas cell in the Hebron area, in the southern West Bank, near Ben-Gvirs residence on Wednesday. The detainees are currently being interrogated. Reacting to the attack, Ben-Gvir said in a video statement: I will not be deterred and I will not be afraid! Hamas has already tried to eliminate me five times, and each time they failed this time too. In July, Israels State Prosecutors Office charged 73-year-old Tamar Gershoni with conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism, after she planned to assassinate Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz. The UK impsed sanctions on Ben Gvir (right) and Bezalel Smotrich (left) in June, condemning the ministers monstrous comments ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The UK imposed sanctions on Ben-Gvir in June after he made highly inflammatory comments about the war in Gaza, alongside Israels finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich. Ben-Gvir has advocated for the expulsion of people from Gaza, which humanitarian organisations say would amount to ethnic cleaning. It joined Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway in freezing the ministers assets and imposing travel bans. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now to hold those responsible to account. Ben-Gvir has also called for Israel to conquer and declare sovereignty over the entirety of the Gaza Strip. He has called for voluntary migration for Gazas people. Hamish Falconer, the UKs Middle East minister, said: Ben-Gvir has spoken of his rights in the West Bank, a territory his government is occupying, as being more important than the rights of millions of Palestinians. Their own words condemn them. Mr Falconer told Parliament: Itamar Ben-Gvir has led seven provocative intrusions into Haram al-Sharif since 2022. They are an assault not just on Palestinian communities but on the very fundamentals of a two-state solution. This is an attempt to entrench a one-state reality where there are no equal rights. 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 New openings on the UKs hotel scene seem to be getting bigger and bolder, but one of Britains smallest stays opened this summer inside a restored Victorian toilet block. The Netty, a boutique hotel in central Oxford, opened its doors in June this year with just two suites tucked under the citys streets. Flush with vintage pieces, textures and high ceilings, rooms in the former public toilet on St Giles are reached using individual street-level staircases. open image in gallery Rooms are reached using individual street-level staircases ( The Netty ) The gentlemen's toilets, originally built in 1895, had been closed since 2008 following safety concerns. According to the hotel, the suites, that each sleep two, were inspired by collections in Oxfords Ashmolean Museum next door, with theatrical details such as a light pink loo and original features including floor tiles. Theres no reception, restaurant or room service, but there is a hotel helpline for any guest questions and a complimentary welcome cocktail on arrival. Rachael Gowdridge, a London-based interior designer, told The New York Times Style Magazine: It was about transforming this overlooked structure into something that was elevated and intimate. open image in gallery The suites include theatrical details such as a light pink loo ( The Netty ) Gowdridge added that nods to its previous purpose are subtle, rather than punching you in the face with, Here is an old toilet. Stays at The Netty, northern slang for toilets, start from 170 per night. Our vision was to create a space that appeals to travellers looking for a personalised experience, said hotel director Ana Pinheiro. She added, We want every guest to appreciate the surprising details that make this space so unique. A great deal of thought has gone into creating Oxfords most novel accommodation offering. open image in gallery Stays at The Netty start from 170 per night ( The Netty ) Considerably larger in size, The Chancery Rosewood opened its 144 suites to guests on Londons prestigious Grosvenor Square earlier this week. The 1 billion hotels facilities include an expansive spa and eight new restaurants and bars, including the first European outpost of Carbone, a favourite among celebrities in the US. Accommodation categories range from junior suites to private houses, with two penthouse suites, complete with a terrace and dining room for 10, on the seventh floor. The residential-style accommodation, known as Chancery House, costs more than 20,000 per night. Read more: The best boutique hotels in London Body cam footage captures the moment Florida police officers picked up a five-year-old boy after he snuck out to go to Chick-Fil-A. Patrol officers from the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office received a call that the child, named William, had wandered into the San Jose Boulevard restaurant by himself on the morning of June 24. The officers drove William back home and explained the situation to his parents, who didnt even realize their son was missing. Are you kidding me? Williams father, Phil, can be heard in the body cam. William was safely reunited with his parents. In the opening moments of his presidency, Donald Trump made dramatic and sweeping cuts to US international aid. His main target: family planning programs worldwide. The president even wrongly accused USAID of sending $50m-worth of condoms to Hamas militants in Gaza. Now, countries are running out of key contraceptives, clinics are being forced to abandon their patients, and tens-of-thousands of women and girls could die. The Independents Bel Trew travelled to Uganda and Zimbabwe, where the deadly impact of this cuts is already playing out. This article is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project 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 Aung San Suu Kyi is sick. Reliable sources report that Myanmars former state counsellor, 80, has a heart condition that is worsening. She has asked to see a cardiologist, a request that has so far been denied. The junta that rules Myanmar has done all it can to bury her alive, to shut her up permanently. She is held in solitary confinement in a jungle jail near the capital, Naypyidaw. During the several show trials she has faced, in which she has been convicted of obscure crimes including illegally importing walkie-talkies and breaking the Official Secrets Act, she has only appeared via video link. Her 80th birthday in July this year came and went with no concessions to her advancing age. In February, on the fourth anniversary of the coup that brought an end to Myanmars five-year taste of partial democracy, UK foreign secretary David Lammy told the junta, Release Aung San Suu Kyi. Release all those arbitrarily detained. Give Myanmars people the peace and democracy they deserve. As Mr Lammy implied, the barbarity and flagrant injustice of Suu Kyis imprisonment on trumped-up charges have been obvious all along. The United States, in a move typical of President Trumps bungling folly, has mutated into the Myanmar armys best buddy, abolishing USAID and closing down Voice of America and Radio Free Asia. Just as Europe is rising to the challenge of replacing the US as the only bulwark against Putins aggression, it needs to do the same for desperately beleaguered nations like Myanmar, where more than four million have been forced from their homes and half the population is living in poverty amid endless fighting. Aung San Suu Kyi pictured in 2012 ( AP ) Because what the West says and does makes a crucial difference. It was President Obamas pivot to Asia more than 15 years ago that persuaded the military to open its doors to the beginnings of democracy, allowing Suu Kyi in from the cold after two decades of persecution and imprisonment. And lo and behold, the opposite was also true. What tempted Army chief Min Aung Hlaing to overthrow Suu Kyis government, which had just been re-elected in a landslide? Diplomats believe it was the fact that, since her stunning appearance at the International Court of Justice in The Hague in 2019 defending the Myanmar army against charges of genocide, her official and popular support in the West had collapsed: the leader once described by Myanmar generals as the poster girl of Burmas democracy movement had been cancelled. Now senior general Min Aung Hlaing knew that, whatever internal enemies the army might face, there would be no meaningful resistance no return of the former sanctions regime, for example from the West. And so it has transpired. The rejection of Suu Kyi turned out to be merely the first act in a comprehensive washing of the Wests hands of whatever complications countries like Myanmar might present. The fact that it had produced a champion of democracy who has retained her principles and her popularity since emerging in 1988 that unique record cuts no ice with us anymore. But now the eventuality looms that she might die where she lies, unseen, unvisited, incommunicado. So the need for the West to make up its mind about Myanmars democratically elected leader, as Mr Lammy has done, has never been more urgent. If Suu Kyi dies in prison, she will haunt Myanmar as her father continues to do, like all historys great martyrs from Joan of Arc to Martin Luther King and Steve Biko. But while she lives and breathes, sick as she is, Europe must demand her release, and reinforce the demand with action. The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The most notorious hot mic moment came at the height of the Cold War, when then US president Ronald Reagan declared: We begin bombing in five minutes before a nationwide address (which was fortunately pre-recorded, so that the warning was never broadcast). But the bizarre snatches of conversation caught in translation between the leaders of Russia and China this week have to come as a near-second. If the question is, what do global autocrats chat about when left to make small talk, then the answer here appeared to be organ transplants and the potential they might offer for longer, if not eternal, life. As to whether the whole episode could have been fabricated for propaganda purposes, the utterly leftfield nature of the topic suggests absolutely not. No one in a million years could have dreamed this up, even if it can be made to fit neatly into a preconception that dictatorial leaders want nothing more than to hang on to power forever, and if advances in organ donation facilitate that, then bring it on! Neither Xi Jinping nor Vladimir Putin face any practical term limits, so physical capacity, as opposed to any legal constraints, could seem their one bar to eternal power. Either way, the overheard snippets offered a welcome distraction for the Western world from a multi-day demonstration of Chinas growing potential for leading an alternative global order to the global West. With Russia essentially pushed into that bloc by what it would see as Western efforts to isolate it, even before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the prospects for a new US-India alignment shattered by US pressure on India not to buy Russian oil, this China-led non-Western bloc is looking rather more solid now than it did even this time last week. The massive parade staged by Beijing to show off its military might was just the outward expression of what China would surely like to project as a new reality. But two elements complicated that picture of China as first and foremost a threat to the West and arming for an epic fight with a United States in supposed terminal decline. The pictures of the Putin-Xi-Kim troika seemed designed to project a threatening sort of unity towards the West. How threatening, though, really, is what might be seen as the normalisation of North Korea? ( AP ) The first is North Korea. Kim Jong Un, making his first trip to China in six years and his first-ever appearance at such an international gathering, was seen as now being part of that bigger bloc. What is more, the pictures of the Putin-Xi-Kim troika seemed designed to project a threatening sort of unity towards the West. How threatening, though, really, is what might be seen as the normalisation of North Korea? This was a process that arguably began with the still-controversial decision of Donald Trump in his first term to meet Kim and treat him as a legitimate national leader. That credibility all but halted North Koreas risky nuclear attention-seeking, before the trend was reversed by Joe Bidens ostentatious support for South Korea. To watch Kim in Beijing, however, was to see a leader doing his best to conform to the norm by wearing a smart suit, with his daughter (possibly his heir) as his plus-one. Is diplomatic acceptance, rather than ostracism, the key to neutralising the undoubted threat posed by a nuclear North Korea operating outside all international constraints? An even more unexpected element came in the way that the United States, or Trump, to be more accurate, responded to this undeniable challenge from Xi Jinping and his guests. The US political establishment has long been hawkish in the extreme towards China as the presumed global competitor and rising power. Instead of rising to the bait and countering Chinas display of strength with at least rhetorical ferocity, as Congress may yet do, Trump took a rather different tack. In his various pronouncements, on social media and to reporters, he took a sometimes quizzical, sometimes respectful tone, while never ceding leadership points to China. To the pictures of Xi, Putin, and Kim together, he responded: Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you conspire against the United States of America. To Chinas parade, he complimented Xi on the beautiful and very, very impressive ceremony, while noting that "many Americans died in China's quest for Victory and Glory and hoping that they are rightfully Honoured and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice! Asked about China perhaps trying to form an anti-US coalition, he said he didnt see that at all, insisting that China needs us much more than we need them. The inference was that China still has some catching up to do, which is true, as it still lags behind the US in military might, and its GDP per capita is six times less than that of the United States. The lack of anger or belligerence in Trumps responses may well prove the most effective way of countering the images from Beijing, while also leaving open the door to better relations. The spectre of an armed clash between these two titans, which is one message that could have been taken from the military extravaganza staged by Beijing, actually seems more remote now than it did before. Residents said proposed development would be profound and overbearing How the Windjammer Hotel would have looked Dublin City Council has refused planning permission for a planned luxury boutique hotel on a site at Shelbourne Road in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, as the scheme would constitute over-development of the site. The scheme by Cal Cravens Badlands Developments Ltd for the six-storey 24-bedroom Windjammer Hotel resulted in widespread local opposition, with concerns being expressed over the scheme by the Eglinton Residents Association, the Pembroke Road Association, the Herbert Park Residents Association and the Lansdowne and District Residents Association. In response to the planned hotel on the site of a former Ulster Bank branch for 166a Shelbourne Road, the council has refused planning permission as the scheme would have an unreasonable overbearing and visually dominant effect on adjoining sites. The council has also refused planning permission as the development is located on a heavily trafficked road where several roads converge at the junctions of Pembroke Road, Shelbourne Road, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge Terrace and Elgin Road. The council states that the proposed hotel would generate excessive drop-offs, servicing activity and overspill parking on the adjacent streets. It concluded that the proposal would seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity. Too many developments attempt to shoehorn desires into unsuitable sites On behalf of the Lansdowne and District Residents Association, chairman Frank Fitzgibbon told the council that the introduction of such a tall building will, as shown by the montages supplied, distract from the overall experience of the village and focus attention on a modern stark building sitting right at its core. Mr Fitzgibbon stated that the site is too small to accommodate a 24-bedroom hotel. He added: Too many developments attempt unsuccessfully to shoehorn the desires of the applicant into unsuitable sites. The buildings dominant position and design would dwarf the substantial bridge at Ballsbridge and remove its historic impact on the look of the village. How the Windjammer Hotel would have looked Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 4th 2025 On behalf of the Herbert Park Area Residents Association, chair Colleen Joyce said: The developments proposed height would disproportionately tower over the surrounding streetscape creating an incongruous intervention and over-development of the site. On behalf of the Eglinton Residents Association, Robin Mandal stated that the proposed developments visual impact would be profound and overbearing. On behalf of the applicants, planning consultant Kevin Hughes told the council that the proposal would support the continued development of Ballsbridge and provide for a luxury hotel with river views and high-quality architectural design finishes. Mr Hughes, of Hughes Planning & Development Consultants, stated that the gateway location of the site is appropriate and has the potential to absorb additional buildings of greater height. He said that the site provides a unique setting for the provision of additional hospitality-based uses, given the proximity of the site to key tourist venues at the Aviva Stadium and the RDS. First Citizens BancShares has assets totalling more than $220bn One of Americas largest banks, First Citizens BancShares, is to establish a treasury operation in Dublin, the Irish Independent has learned. While the operation is likely to be relatively small, the timing is significant given the push by US president Donald Trump to bring manufacturing and other activities by US firms back to American soil. Cork Airport is on track to record its busiest ever year with 3.4 million passengers predicted by the end of 2025, after passenger numbers jumped 10pc last month to over 375,000. So far this year passenger numbers are up by 15pc compared with the same period last year. A total of 1.1 million passengers flew to and from Cork Airport across the summer months of June, July and August. White Lotus star Sabrina Impacciatore is also a highlight as the lightly deranged Esmeralda, who steals every scene shes in It is an iron rule of TV that for every Frasier or Laverne & Shirley, spin-offs that became beloved in their own right, there will be any number of abortive attempts to stretch a premise beyond its breaking point. Joey, AfterMASH, The Tortellis, That 80s Show, Sanford Arms, The Golden Palace, Joanie Loves Chachi. The list goes on, and proves inauspicious reading for Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, who this week expand The Office (US)s universe beyond Dunder Mifflin, to Toledo and the newspaper business, with The Paper. When Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson) arrives at the Toledo Truth Teller to become its new editor-in-chief, he is accompanied by a documentary crew. They will be capturing a snapshot of life at the headquarters of paper products company Enervate. Office supplies, janitorial paper, toilet tissue, toilet seat protectors, and local newspapers, the companys head of strategy, Ken (Tim Key), tells viewers. And that is in order of quality. And so it seems, when Ned first encounters the Truth Tellers eccentric staff. Sure, theres level-headed Mare (Chelsea Frei), with whom he strikes up an instant rapport, but theres also depressive circulation manager Nicole (Ramona Young), irrepressible ad-man Detrick (Melvin Gregg), and fiery Italian managing editor Esmeralda (The White Lotuss Sabrina Impacciatore), who feels she has been usurped by Neds arrival. Oh, and then theres a self-contained, if rather snobbish, sudoku-loving accountant called Oscar Martinez (Oscar Nunez, reprising his role from The Office). The cast of The Office US spin off The Paper includes (Photo: Sky) The newspaper industry is in terminal decline. Yet battered on both sides by negative winds the contraction of the advertising market after the dotcom boom, and dwindling audiences in the digital age it retains a certain allure. Woodward and Woodwards boss, comes Mares wry comparison, as she heads out on assignment with Ned. Ben Bradlee! he adds, with wide-eyed enthusiasm. And so, it proves a perfect setting for a sitcom about people feeling the pressure of disappointment. Should Mare give up on her journalistic ambitions and become a hotel concierge? Is Esmeralda too old to understand the digital innovation shes leading? Has Ned arrived in his dream job just as the dream is ending? These are the mortal considerations of people who might be wasting their lives in a dying sector. Thats a strength to the backdrop, but its also a weakness. The setup necessitates the gradual amelioration of the Truth Tellers dwindled standards. Ned corrals his team of unlikely yet intrepid reporters, and, slowly, the newspapers output improves. When Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant created Wernham Hogg (the Slough-based paper company in the original Office), they created the ultimate corporate cipher. A company so boring that it could serve as a proxy for the mind-numbing work weve all experienced. The Paper is different. The nature of the work drives the plot, turning it into a media satire, where the setup is as important as the characters. What is our Wordle? Ken asks the team. We need things that keep peoples mind off the news. The Paper starring Domhnall Gleeson will be available on Sky Max and streaming platform NOW.(Photo: Sky) Against this backdrop, any actor will struggle to cut a distinctive figure. Alex Edelmans hapless Adam and Gbemisola Ikumelos salty Adelola fight to make an impression, while important B-plots, such as Nicole and Detricks fledgling attraction, feel distinctly undercooked. More successful is Tim Key going full David Brent, dialling the cringe factor up to suitably anxiety-inducing levels, and Impacciatores inevitably Emmy-winning performance as the lightly deranged Esmeralda, who steals every scene shes in (and knows shes doing it). She proves an important foil to Gleeson and Freis central pairing, who need some of the manic energy to play off. Such a perfect level of bland, she sighs at her new boss. How do you do that? The Paper will inevitably be compared to The Office, and in largely unfavourable terms. But the question of whether it is good enough to survive on its own is moot. It doesnt have to. Fans of The Office will give it a go, and over the course of a slow-burn first season, come to feel some affection for the denizens of the Truth Teller Tower. After all, the first season of The Office after its migration to the US was an imperfect thing, struggling to find its identity. It was given time and became one of the most successful sitcoms of the 21st century. Whether The Paper will be afforded that same grace in the instant gratification media landscape it sends up remains to be seen. Three stars The Paper will be available on Sky Max from Friday 5th September 2025. Episodes will air in double-bills from 9pm on Fridays on Sky Max and all 10 episodes will be on NOW from Friday 5th September 2025. 'Youre not supposed to get through grief. Getting over it is immoral. You have to carry that grief. That's honourable' Sean Scully on the death of his son EU parliament and governments will vote, outcome uncertain The European Commission presented the EU's trade accord with South America's Mercosur bloc for approval on Wednesday and appeared to be softening opposition from the deal's main critic, France, with promises of possible limits on farm product imports. The European Union and the bloc of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay reached agreement to create the EU's largest ever trade accord last December, some 25 years after negotiations were launched. It now needs consent in the European Union, requiring a vote in the European Parliament and a qualified majority among EU governments. The Commission and supporters such as Germany and Spain say the deal offers a way to offset the loss of trade due to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals. France, the EU's largest beef producer, has previously branded the deal "unacceptable", while Poland has also opposed it. To ease concerns, the Commission proposed a mechanism allowing preferential Mercosur access for products such as beef to be suspended if import volumes rise or prices fall by more than 10%. It also plans a 6.3bn crisis fund for farmers. French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin described the safeguard as a step in the right direction. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said his country still opposed the deal but no longer had partners to block it. Irish Government position The Department of Agriculture said Ireland has repeatedly raised concerns about Mercosur and will study the Commissions proposals in detail. A spokesperson said: We have consistently emphasised the need for credible, legally-binding commitments on climate, biodiversity and deforestation. Beef in particular is a very sensitive sector, vulnerable to negative impacts from the Mercosur agreement. Irelands position remains as set out in the Programme for Government to work with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and oppose the current deal. Farmer organisations hit out Farm organisations reacted angrily to the Commissions move. IFA president Francie Gorman said the Government must now deliver on its promises: We cannot countenance a deal that refuses to recognise the gap in standards between the EU and Brazil. Beef and poultry producers cannot be expected to pay the price so other sectors can gain access to South America. ICSA president Sean McNamara called the decision a direct betrayal. He said the emergency brake on beef imports was like bolting the door after the horse has gone, adding: Irish family farms cannot be gambled on vague promises that will inevitably come to nothing. ICMSA president Denis Drennan branded the move mind-boggling, claiming the EU was drowning Irish farmers in environmental rules while waving through beef produced on deforested land with minimal traceability. Trump Tariffs The EU executive has said the Mercosur agreement is the largest it has ever agreed in terms of tariff reductions and is a necessary part of the EU's push to diversify trade ties. Since Trump's re-election last November, the EU has hastily sought trade alliances with India, Indonesia and the UAE and deepened ties with Britain, Canada and Japan. The Commission will also present an updated EU-Mexico agreement on Wednesday. Farmers across Europe have protested the Mercosur deal, arguing it will lead to cheap imports that fail to meet EU food and environmental standards. Green groups have also attacked it, with Friends of the Earth calling it a climate-wrecking deal. Supporters see Mercosur as a major new market for European cars, machinery and chemicals, as well as a source of lithium and other minerals needed for the green transition. The deal also promises greater access for EU cheeses, ham and wine. Additional Reporting Reuters Former Dublin boss travelling country seeking support from Fianna Fail Jim Gavin has not replied to questions on whether he is on paid or unpaid leave during his lobbying. Photo: Sportsfile The aviation regulator will keep open Jim Gavins high-ranking job for seven years if he is successful in his bid for the Aras, or until after his campaign if he is not elected. As the former Dubs manager travels the country seeking the support of Fianna Fail TDs and senators to become the partys presidential candidate, his employer the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has refused to say whether he has taken leave or when he intends to do so. 'People no longer wanted to be associated with the traditional, local way of speaking': Are Irish accents as we know them dying out? Man who posted vile social media attacks on ex-AGSI chief Antionette Cunningham is jailed for seven months Former senior garda representative heavily criticises Twitter/X over how it had handled her complaints Andrew McGovern (left) appeared at Mullingar District Court on Thursday charged with harassing retired general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) Antoinette Cunningham (right) Liam Cosgrove Thu 4 Sep 2025 at 19:31 A man who made a series of blatantly false, vile social media attacks on a former high-ranking garda official has been jailed for seven months. With the deadline for entries at midnight on Tuesday, March 31, the organisers are calling on all primary schools in Ireland to take part in the national childrens photography competition. Commuters have been advised of the ongoing major disruption in the Dart and Rosslare services this afternoon. The service disruption is due to an overhead line issue, a spokesperson for the Irish Rail said in a statement, adding that the staff are currently working to resolve the issue. Mary Regan: No slam dunk for Jim Gavin just yet Fianna Fail deputies weigh up their Aras options The party will vote next week to decide whether to send Gavin or Kelleher forward as their nomination Billy Kelleher and Jim Gavin Mary Regan Thu 4 Sep 2025 at 06:30 The former Dublin GAA boss, Jim Gavin, inched ever closer to the Fianna Fail nomination for the presidential election, as six TDs announced they would back him. Niall OKeeffe: Irish solidarity is helping to save the lives of Palestinians On a sobering visit to the West Bank, I saw the scale of human suffering faced by those in Gaza The grandmother of three-year-old Ibrahim al-Mabhuh, who survived an Israeli airstrike on a house that killed his parents and two sisters, holds him in Gaza City. Photo: Reuters Niall O'Keeffe Thu 4 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Pinned to a notice board in the Palestine Red Crescent Society headquarters in Ramallah, the West Bank, are photographs of 48 Red Crescent workers, killed in the line of duty over the last two years in Gaza. These were dads, husbands, brothers, uncles people who lost their lives while trying to save others. A member of the People's Liberation Army stands during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, in Beijing. Photo: Reuters The world faces peace or war, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said as he stood with Russian president Vladimir Putin and North Koreas Kim Jong Un In theory, they were marking what they classified as the 80th anniversary of Chinas victory over Japan in World War II. But many may feel they were pulling down the shutters on what we knew as the post-war era and that the pole they used to do so had been passed on to them by US president Donald Trump. His dismantling of strategic alliances created a power vacuum that Beijing has raced to fill. Disruption of global trade, and crippling tariffs like the 50pc imposed on India has driven the worlds biggest democracy into Chinas embrace. The hollowing out of the foundations of global co-operation such as the United Nations and USAid revealed the hard face of America First. Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum, Mr Xi said at Tiananmen Square. The Chinese people firmly stand on the right side of history, he added. But as he spoke of peace, a macabre military display of the most sophisticated killing machines, including missiles and tanks, was cheered by thousands. The authoritarian rulers of Russia and North Korea looked suitably impressed. A member of the People's Liberation Army stands during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, in Beijing. Photo: Reuters The highly choreographed event was clearly aimed at projecting Chinas new clout in solidarity with a growing line-up of allies. The subtext was also clear, as the US casts off former friends, Beijing is open to welcoming new ones. Had the jets flying in tight formation chosen to sky-write, they could not have spelled it out more clearly: If the story of the 20th century was writ large by America, the story of the 21st will be told by Beijing. Global governance has reached a new crossroads Back in Washington, Mr Trump did not contain his ire. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America, he posted on Truth Social. Mr Xi had been quick to take up where Mr Trump signed off. He has talked up the need for true multilateralism. He has also said: Global governance has reached a new crossroads. The trade wars have undoubtedly created a harsher climate for world leaders feeling the chill of economic crosswinds. China is ready to tap new markets and forge fresh alliances. Amid the turbulence and uncertainty of global markets, Beijing wants to be seen as stable and predictable. As the old trusted systems are pulled apart, China is saying it can meet every need. The strings of power are being pulled in new directions. There are good grounds for being suspicious of Chinas intentions. It is also right to decry Beijings extending of the hand of friendship to Putin and Kim. Yet, has Mr Trump not done likewise? Ambiguity does not sit well with trust in global leadership. What we once saw as common interests now seem anything but. Over 1,000 school secretaries and caretakers who are Forsa trade union members have begun an indefinite strike. Photo: Conor McCabe It would be reasonable to assume that our Government would be a good and even a model employer to the people employed in the civil and public service. Mostly this is the case. It promotes equality in the workplace, equal pay for equal work and gender pay equality. Regrettably, there are some glaring anomalies as witnessed by the current school secretaries strike. Most people find it difficult to believe that some school secretaries enjoy excellent terms and conditions of employment with pension entitlements and more, while others, doing exactly the same work, have no pension entitlements, sick leave entitlements or bereavement leave. The strange thing is that the Government has put forward no logical argument for this situation other than we dont want to pay them. I havent heard one politician argue that this situation is fair or justifiable and yet there appears to be no political will on the part of the Government to change it. To witness the arrogance of Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers in a television interview dismissing the whole issue as not of any great concern was breathtaking. I can imagine what Chamberss reaction would be if he was told there was no pension for him when he finishes his public service. School secretaries and caretakers play a vital role in the education system so lets hope common sense prevails and this dispute is resolved before we see the chaos that will result from the absence of these vital workers. David Orford, Portarlington, Co Laois McSweeney is a great host, Im really looking forward to the rest of The Traitors I have been reading articles about the new series of The Traitors Ireland recently and actually felt as if I had been living under a rock for the last few years because firstly, I had never heard of it, and secondly I hadnt seen the BBC version so I didnt know what to expect before I saw Sunday nights first episode on RTE. In fact, I wasnt expecting much because when something is talked up beforehand it more often than not disappoints. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the first episode. I found it entertaining and fast-paced. Siobhan McSweeney is an excellent host and her witty one-liners just add to the theatrics of it all. As I said, I had never seen any other version of this programme before so that seems to help as your correspondent said in yesterdays article on the series (Eye-rolls, corny puns and a two-faced garda - The Traitors invade Ireland, Irish Independent, September 1). Now that my curiosity about the series has been whetted I look forward to seeing how things pan out. Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, Co Galway Billy Kelleher is far more tuned in to the needs of the nation than his rivals are Three-and-a-half years ago when our cinema closed in Listowel after an almost 35-year unbroken run, MEP Billy Kelleher put his hand in his pocket and supported a grassroots initiative to reopen it. This was all the more noteworthy because Fianna Fail locally showed little interest. As Fionnan Sheahan says, we know very little about Jim Gavins views on the most pressing issues of our time, hes a political novice in that regard (Jim Gavin has long had the power to speak out on important issues he has chosen not to, Irish Independent, September 1). In contrast, not only are Kellehers political views widely shared, including on whats happening in Gaza, but he has his finger on the pulse of the nation. Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry Gavin may be reserved, but thats exactly what we need from a head of state Fionnan Sheahans suggestion that Jim Gavin is diminished by not pronouncing on every passing controversy seems misplaced(Irish Independent, September 1). I met Gavin only once, when I had a group of schoolchildren in tow. While the press clamoured for his attention, he spoke quietly and attentively to the children. It struck me then that here was a man of the people. I am not a Dublin supporter, but I find the notion that a presidential hopeful must nail colours to the mast on every social or political issue a curious one. The strength of the Irish presidency lies precisely in its reserve. A head of state who refrains from partisan commentary is not weak but wise. Gavins discretion should be seen not as a flaw, but as a qualification. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road Armagh Humphreys is too involved in government to be able to take on role of president We have seen over the last 35 years the power and influence that the president of Ireland can wield when they speak on the social and political issues of the time. It is generally accepted that Mary Robinson redefined the role and Mary McAleese and Michael D Higgins carried on in a similar vein. Indeed, President Higgins has often found himself to be the target of sniping from members of government parties when he has had the temerity to speak to issues which face the people of Ireland. With that in mind, Heather Humphreys has been in government since 2014. In that time, many of the societal problems that we currently face got significantly worse. Homelessness figures have exploded. Hospital waiting times have increased. We are now closer than ever to abandoning our neutrality and spending billions on weapons each year, and sexual assault crimes are on the increase. How, then, could we expect Humphreys to use the voice of the presidency to speak to those issues when she has been part of the government for the past 11 years that has led to the society we have today? Simon OConnor, Ennis, Co Clare I agree with Edaein, we could do with crash course on how to deal with grief I read Edaein OConnells brave article about her grief (Ireland is great at farewells - but when it comes to grief, we need a crash course, Irish Independent, August 30) a good few times and I couldnt agree more that grief deserves its own crash course, and a supremely brilliant idea. I lost my lovely wife suddenly in October 2023. I never stop talking about my grief and probably never will. One has to learn to live with grief - it is never going away. I still feel completely lost. My heart is still broken. What has helped? People. Community. Keeping busy. Has the grief eased? No - you just learn to live with your grief. Brian Mc Devitt, Glenties, Co Donegal Over 250,000 children can avail of free travel across Cork and the rest of the country as a new TFI Child Leap Card is unveiled. The new 5-8 Child Leap Card covers all TFI public transport services, including Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann, Go-Ahead Ireland, TFI Local Link, Iarnrod Eireann, and LUAS until the childs ninth birthday. The measure was included in last years budget as part of the governments plan to make public transport more affordable and accessible for families. Macroom-based Fine Gael Senator, Eileen Lynch, urges parents to apply now for their eligible children. It is fantastic to see this being rolled out in Cork. Fine Gael are committed to alleviating the financial burden associated with transport costs to parents, said Senator Lynch. Fine Gael are all about putting money back in your pocket. I would urge all Cork residents to apply now for their eligible children, she said. Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD said the measure ensures families can access public transport daily. Parents juggling school runs or weekend trips into town will now see the benefits of free travel for young children. Importantly, it applies across all TFI services, including Local Link and services under Connecting Ireland, that are the backbone of connectivity for so many rural communities. This step ensures that families, whether in cities, towns, or villages, can access public transport offerings as part of daily life, he said. For more information and to apply for a child leap card, visit leapcard.ie. Receiving online abuse as a local representative has become so normalised that councillors accept it as part of the job as a survey finds that almost half of candidates in last years local elections experienced negative online behaviours during the campaign. The study by Ireland's media regulator, Coimisiun na Mean, found that 48% of the candidates in the June 2024 local elections that it polled experienced behaviours on social media ranging from abuse and intimidation to impersonation. False information intended to damage a candidates reputation was the most common form of abuse (46%) along with hurtful or degrading comments (46%). Gender-based and racial slurs together made up another 36%. Almost a quarter of local election candidates who experienced negative online behaviours during the campaign received online threats to kill or seriously harm them. I think we just take it as par for the course now. Instead of seeing certain behaviour as out of line, we take it as part of the job, East Cork Councillor Ann Marie Ahern told the Irish Independent. I think the sad part is that we have come to accept it now rather than the person directing it understanding that we can have different opinions or views on a situation without it having to be directed at us as offensive, hateful, demeaning or abusive. East Cork Councillor Rory Cocking said the online commentary he received during the campaign was not overly abusive or offensive but did crop up from time to time while he did experience a few negative incidents on doorsteps. Strangely as a first-time candidate I was prepared to receive more of such behaviour than I actually did, he said. Fermoy Councillor Peter ODonoghue says he has received online abuse from both sides of the political spectrum but nothing that has made him fearful for himself or his family. I've experienced plenty of derogatory comments and abuse. You can get messaging in the middle of the night, private messaging saying "F*** you" and this kind of language. I wouldn't engage with these people, I would just block them because life's too short to be listening to that, the independent councillor said. He said one issue in particular that has become very polarised on social media is immigration. I would see myself in the middle ground. I would get abusive messages from both sides. You can call it the extreme right but also the extreme left. Cllr ODonoghue said online abuse isnt widely discussed among councillors. I suppose maybe it's just an accepted part of the job, you know? Theres always going to be people out there that won't agree with you but they will disagree in a respectful way. Its a minority that are abusive. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Cork man tells court that panic led to giving Gardai false name James McDonagh, with 36 previous convictions, gave a false name and address to Gardai during a traffic stop Irish european drivers licence - stock photo Kevin Galvin Thu 4 Sep 2025 at 05:20 A Cork man who gave a false name to Gardai in an attempt to convince them that he had a driving licence has told a District Court judge that he panicked. A man has had a charge of speeding against him dismissed after his father told the court he was driving the car on the day in question, not his son. Brian McGrath, of Rossbrin, Hilton Model Farm Road, Cork was before the court for speeding at Deerpark KIllarney on July 10, 2024 at 8.44am. The court was told by the speed van operator that the car was detected driving 75kph in a 50kph zone and the registered owner was Mr Brian McGrath. A fixed charge notice was issued but not paid and the case came before the court. The fine increases to 320 when a summonses is issued, Sgt OBrien told the court. Brian McGrath, was represented by solicitor Pat Mann, who told the court that the first Mr McGrath knew of the speeding offence was when he received a summonses to court. He said that he is the owner of the car but was not driving on the day. Mr Mann asked the speed van operator if he had any idea of who was driving. He told the court he did not. Mr Brian McGrath said he had tried to rectify the situation but it was too late. Killarney Court House. Photo by Tatyana McGough Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 5th 2025 I rang the court service and asked was there any way I could transfer the fine to my dad, who I believed was driving the car at the time, Mr McGrath told the court. His father, Paul McGrath, took the stand and told the court he had borrowed his sons car to drive to meet his brother in Fenit as his son had asked him to check out the car. I dont normally drive Brians car but Brian had recently acquired the car and he thought he had problems with the clutch, he explained. He said he has company car insurance and is insured to drive any car once his company car is off the road. He said he did not have a certificate of insurance in court. Sgt OBrien asked Mr McGrath when he began his journey that morning and he said he left Cork at around 8am and was back in Cork before lunch. Mr Brian McGrath said he was not aware of a speeding fine and only became aware when his son Brian told him. Judge Mark OConnell dismissed the case. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme Hundreds have taken to the streets in Bandon to oppose Cork County Councils decision to grant permission for a gaming and amusement arcade in the town despite over 60 local objections. Last month the local authority granted Leeside Leisure Centre Limited permission to convert the ground floor of a former public house on Oliver Plunkett Street into a gaming and amusement arcade. The company says the arcade will boost the local economy and employment and bring a vacant building back into use. However, many in the town oppose the development, believing it is not the appropriate kind of development for Bandon and will promote gambling addiction. Tuesday evenings protest in wet weather saw hundreds of people with placards walk to the council offices in the town. Residents from Bandon in their hundreds came out to protest and reaffirm that this grant of planning is not regeneration, its degeneration and we wont accept it, said local Councillor Ann Bambury. As both a parent and a public representative, I cannot support a development that places a gambling business on a school route, close to the Family Resource Centre, and within an area where there is already a concentration of gambling outlets. This is not the kind of development that benefits families, children, or the wider community. It is a dead front that offers nothing to our local retail or food businesses and contributes nothing positive to the regeneration of our heritage town. The Social Democrat told the Irish Independent that the Bandon Connects voluntary community group has hired a planning consultant and a social impact study will be carried out to support an appeal to An Coimisiun Pleanala. In February Cork City Council refused an application by the same company to turn a hair salon in Blackpool into a gaming and amusement arcade on the grounds that the proposed use didnt conform to the areas zoning objectives. Last year the city council also refused permission for a similar arcade at a retail park in Ballincollig, saying the adult orientated nature of the business near family-friendly retail outlets would be inappropriate and would pose high potential for nuisance. Adrian Lenihan, one of the organisers of Tuesdays protest march, runs a support group for recovering gambling addicts and has warned of the dangers posed by gaming arcades. The Irish Independent contacted the company behind the plans for comment and is awaiting a response. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Dublin's old Victorian fruit and veg market in Smithfield. Pic: Caroline Quinn Dublins Victorian Fruit and Vegetable Market is not expected to reopen to the public for at least another two years. Work on the landmark Smithfield building commenced in June and is scheduled to run for 112 weeks, with completion due in mid-2027. Once construction is finished, the market will still need to be fitted out for traders, cafes and restaurants, meaning doors are unlikely to open until 2028, almost a decade after its closure. The red-brick hall, built in 1892, was once the beating heart of Dublins wholesale fruit and vegetable trade. Since tenants vacated in 2019, the site has fallen into dereliction, with vandalism further underlining the urgency of repair. Dublin City Council is leading the redevelopment in partnership with Cotter Naessens Architects and Purcell Construction. The project will conserve the historic structure while introducing modern facilities across 6,000 square metres of trading space and a further 2,000 square metres in the adjoining Daisy Market and Chancery Street yards. Restoration works will include repairing the roof, brickwork and iron supports, while also installing upgraded drainage, electrical and data services beneath the floors. Dublin's old Victorian fruit and veg market in Smithfield. Pic: Caroline Quinn Plans go beyond a food market, with provision for cafes, restaurants and a public events space, alongside new welfare facilities, a restaurant kitchen and outdoor farmers market areas. The cost of the scheme has been estimated at between 30m and 44m, with 9.5m provided through the Governments Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. At this weeks sod-turning ceremony, Lord Mayor of Dublin, councillor Ray McAdam, hailed the market as the jewel of Dublins north inner city. He added that the project would be a catalyst for regeneration that would reconnect Smithfield with the city centre. Minister for Housing, James Browne, described the development as an outstanding example of Dublins built heritage. Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, added it would strike a careful balance between preserving historic character and supporting the economic life of the city. Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, said the refurbishment was of strategic importance to the city and would provide a high-quality, sustainable food market. He stressed that a Community Liaison Officer had been appointed to ensure residents and local stakeholders were engaged throughout the works. The redevelopment has been in the pipeline for over a decade, with a planning application first lodged in 2014. The first of the new Irish Rail electric Dart carriages designed by Alstom A French rail company listed in a United Nations database of companies involved in Israeli settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories, is part of a consortium bidding to build and operate Dublins Metrolink. Alstom has joined forces with a consortium of companies to pursue the landmark rail contract. Alstom said it has submitted a number of formal requests to be removed from the UN database. However, the companys past involvement in infrastructure projects linked to illegal Israeli settlements has raised concerns among human rights groups. The consortium is bidding for the design, construction, financing, and 25-year operation of the Metrolink, which is set to be Irelands first fully automated metro system. If successful, it would mark one of the largest transport infrastructure projects in the States history. Alstom, already well established in Ireland through its work on Luas trams and the DART+ expansion, is contributing its metro technology and experience to the consortium. The company currently operates in over 60 countries and employs more than 86,000 people globally. In 2020, the United Nations Human Rights Office released a database of companies involved in specific activities supporting Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, which are considered illegal under international law. Alstom was one of several French companies included, following its previous role in the construction of a light rail system linking West Jerusalem to settlements in East Jerusalem. Although Alstom officially withdrew from the Jerusalem project in 2019, it remains listed in the UNs database due to its involvement in other settlement-related activities. Groups such as the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) have warned that such associations may breach international law and corporate responsibility standards. The group bidding for the contract said they bring leading expertise across infrastructure development, automated metro operation and maintenance, financing and engineering, with partners who have in-depth knowledge of Dublin and its transport system. They said they are now collaborating on preparing and submitting a proposal for MetroLink and are now preparing the the pre-qualification and bidding phases. An Alstom spokesperson said: Alstom does not have any activity within or related to occupied Palestinian territories. Alstom has formally requested to be removed from the UN database since December 2023 and reiterated that request in October 2024, and most recently in July 2025, so that a correction is made in their next update. Construction on the Metrolink is due to begin in 2026, subject to planning approval. The system is expected to carry up to 20,000 passengers per hour in each direction and provide a direct connection from the city centre to Dublin Airport. The casualty was airlifted from the cliffs by Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116. Pic: Irish Coast Guard, Howth Emergency crews were at the scene of a cliff rescue in Howth on Wednesday evening. Pic: Irish Coast Guard, Howth A tourist is in a serious condition after falling from cliffs in Howth, Co Dublin, on Wednesday evening. Emergency services were called to the scene at 7.30pm after the individual fell an estimated 50 feet near the cliff paths. The operation involved the Howth unit of the Irish Coast Guard, Howth RNLI, Dublin Fire Brigade and its paramedics, along with Rescue 116, the Dublin-based Coast Guard helicopter. In a statement, the Coast Guard said the casualty was winched aboard Rescue 116 and transferred to a designated landing zone where they were met by medical teams before being taken to hospital. On Wednesday evening, our Howth Coast Guard team, alongside Howth RNLI, Dublin Fire Brigade, and their paramedics, responded to an individual who had fallen about 50 feet near the cliff paths, the Irish Coast Guard at Howth said. Emergency crews were at the scene of a cliff rescue in Howth on Wednesday evening. Pic: Irish Coast Guard, Howth Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 4th 2025 The casualty was winched aboard Rescue 116 and transferred to a landing zone for hospital transport. Big thanks to all involved. Just a reminder to stay on marked paths and be cautious near cliffs. If you see someone in trouble, call 112 or 999 Irish Coast Guard. Speaking after the call out, Stephen Harris, of Howth RNLI Launch Authority, said: This was a complex rescue which required close coordination between multiple agencies. We would like to commend our own volunteers, as well as the Coast Guard, helicopter crew and Dublin Fire Brigade, for their swift response. We wish the casualty a full and speedy recovery, he added. Emergency crews were at the scene of a cliff rescue in Howth on Wednesday evening. Pic: Irish Coast Guard, Howth Gardai confirmed they assisted emergency services at the scene but said they were not the lead agency in the incident. In a statement, a garda spokesperson said: Gardai assisted emergency services with a medical emergency that occurred in the Howth cliffs area, Co Dublin yesterday, Wednesday, September 3, at approximately 7:30pm." The condition of the casualty is understood to be serious. No further details about their identity have been released. The cliffs at Howth are a popular destination for walkers and visitors, with paths offering panoramic views over Dublin Bay. However, emergency services regularly warn of the dangers of venturing too close to cliff edges or straying from marked routes. The Coast Guard has again urged people to exercise caution in the area, particularly during fine weather when footfall along the paths increases. Members of the public are reminded that if they see someone in difficulty along the coast, they should dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard. Gardai called during incident outside shopping centre A group of friends from Dublins Indian community were lucky to escape injury after a firework was thrown at them by teenagers as they were leaving the cinema. Jishnu Jayan, who has lived in Dublin for three years, said he and six friends had gone to see a movie at the Odeon, Charlestown, in Finglas, on Monday evening. The film ended at 10pm, and the group were waiting at the bus stop when up to ten teenagers appeared and began teasing them. We dont know where they came from, there were about eight to ten of them, aged around 12 to 15, Mr Jayan said. At first, we thought it was just random kids messing around, but then one of them grabbed my friends t-shirt from behind and thats when we realised this was something more serious. Mr Jayan said he and his friends tried to walk back toward the theatre to distance themselves, but the teens followed. By then, there were about 15 of us, including other Indians who had come out of the cinema, he said. The situation then escalated as one teen lit a firework and threw it at three of Mr Jayans friends, where is exploded beside them. When we reached in front of the theatre, the situation got worse. One of my friends started filming and saw one of the kids lighting up something, Mr Jayan said. Moments later, they threw that toward three of my friends who were just holding together because of the fear. That firework didnt catch my friend, but exploded one foot away. We started running towards the bus stop again, but they were throwing many other fireworks, but none of them reached us. They were laughing and teasing behind us when we were crying, running and begging for life. One of my female friends was really shaken and could not control her tears. I was holding my wife and two of my friends at the same time and running. We ended up at an apartment gate and shouted for help. Somebody opened the gate, but one of the kids was still showing aggression towards us and showing his fists for a fight, he added. Gardai were contacted and arrived within 10 to 15 minutes after the incident was reported. I have been here for three years, and it was a really peaceful place to live before. But since the last few months, I feel really unsafe, he said. Im worried about my family and friends who have to work late nights. A garda spokesperson confirmed they had attended the incident. Gardai were alerted to an incident in Finglas, Dublin 11, on Monday, September 1, at approximately 10pm, they said. No complaint [was] forthcoming and no offences were disclosed. Enquiries are ongoing. The incident follows a recent warning from the Indian Embassy to its citizens to take reasonable precautions following a rise in racially motivated attacks in the city. Feljin Jose, a Green Party councillor for Glasnevin-Cabra, recently voiced his concern on social media about the rise in violence. Cllr Jose said the situation is shocking and revealed that many people, including his own parents, are scared. News Its a huge shock to us Heartbroken family of Galway men who died in Fermanagh crash on quest to bring them home The family of two Galway residents who died tragically in a crash in Co. Fermanagh have started a fundraiser to bring them home to their native country. The Mill Court Accommodation Centre is located in Bridge Street, Gort, Co Galway. An appeal has been lodged with An Coimisiun Pleanala over the retention of an IPAS centre in Gort, County Galway, after concerns were raised by nearby tenants over the development. The Galway IPAS centre in Mill Court, Gort, had initially been granted planning permission for an additional three years in July. However, the case has been brought to An Comisiun Pleanala by an apartment owner after concerns were raised by locals over rent pressure in the area, alleged anti-social behaviour and fears the building might be targeted. The Mill Court Accommodation Centre is located in Bridge Street, Gort and is comprised of 11 apartments. The centre has been in operation since August 2022, when Galway County Council approved the temporary change of use of the apartments. A three-year retention application was lodged by Dom St Properties Ltd in April 2025, and it was subsequently approved by the local authority. Prior to summer 2022, the site was used as a combined commercial and residential development comprising of three retails units, one office space and 16 residential apartments. The accommodation centre is confined to the use of 11 apartment units (two ground-floor homes, three first-floor homes, and six second-floor homes) owned by Dom St Properties Ltd. The proposed occupancy of the accommodation centre is stated to be 36 people. Two submissions from the local community were received by the local authority in respect of the application, with several concerns raised. First, the community argued that Mill Court Accommodation Centre is putting more pressure on rents in the area. One submission stated that the centre has taken private rental accommodation out of the market during a housing crisis in order to make high profits at the expense of the community in Gort and the taxpayer. While the other submission says they are very concerned that their home cannot now be part of a proper neighbourhood community. They explained that, while they have no objection having direct provision protected persons at neighbours, they believe that having 11 of the 20 accommodation units allocated to such housing is an unfair imposition. Since August 2022, they said, they have experienced ever-changing turnover of new tenants occupying more than half of the units at Mill Court. Noise and anti-social behaviour have been described as an on-going problem while the fear that the building might be targeted was also mentioned. The submission reads: Having only a tunnel as an escape route to the street, following recent events in the country where similar centres were targeted, Client has concerns for wellbeing of everyone living there in case of fire or other unforeseen circumstances. The submission stated that, if permission is granted, the accommodation centre should be limited to a maximum of six units. The case is due to decided by December 10. The research project could shape the future of back pain and arthritis care in Irish health services A Duagh woman said she is honoured to have received a grant worth more than 1.7 million to carry out vital research into back and arthritis pain on Thursday. Dr Mary OKeeffe, a physiotherapist and pain researcher at University College Dublin, has been awarded a prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant to lead a project which will explore how disadvantage contributes to back and arthritis pain. Dr OKeeffes PainSupportLink project will also build new, personalised ways to support those most affected. It has received 1.75 million in funding from the ERC Starting Grant. Living with long-term pain is isolating and exhausting. I want to acknowledge the resilience and courage of everyone facing this daily challenge, and thank the people living with pain who gave me their time to share their experiences and challenges, Dr OKeeffe said. Together, we developed this idea, ensuring the research reflects real needs and lived experiences, she added. I am honoured to receive this ERC grant, which makes it possible to take on this urgent challenge. I want to thank my colleagues, UCD research staff, as well as Enterprise Irelands ERC Proposal Preparation Support, which was instrumental in helping me prepare this project. Dr OKeeffe, who also works as a research projects officer for the European Pain Federation, was one of four UCD researchers, and one of eight awardees in Ireland, to receive an ERC Starting Grant. Almost 480 early-career researchers from across Europe were selected by the ERC, which donated a total of 761 million in funding which helps recipients to launch their own projects, build teams and pursue their most promising ideas. Dr OKeeffe said that long-term pain can take over somebodys whole life, affecting their sleep, mobility, friendships and hobbies. Thats why we need treatments that support people beyond the clinic door, Dr OKeeffe said. Stressful life circumstances - like financial hardship and isolation - may trigger changes in the bodys immune and nervous systems. These systems can then become more primed to produce pain. PainSupportLink will explore how these everyday pressures get under the skin, and test new ways of supporting the people most affected. Dr OKeeffes research will be the first project to explore how biology, psychology and social life combine to explain why disadvantage worsens pain, and test new ways to support those most affected . The project will design a personalised support package that links clinical care with practical, everyday supports in the community. The research will identify who is most affected, refine the package with patient input, test its effectiveness in a clinical trial, and explore how it works at biological, psychological and social levels. This project is about connecting medical treatment with real-world support, to give people a fairer chance to live well with less pain, Dr OKeeffe explained. At the same time, well study the pathways by which this support might work, whether thats reducing inflammation, reducing nervous system sensitivity, boosting confidence, helping people move more, or providing opportunities to socialise and feel supported. If successful, PainSupportLink will provide a new framework for integrating community support into pain care, create fresh scientific insights into long-term conditions, and deliver a scalable model of equitable, people-centred care that could be adapted across health services in Ireland and beyond. Gorey Community School hire private cleaners amid Forsa strike All students will return to school on Monday on a trial basisDecision to hire private cleaners gets the green light from Department of Education Wicklow Wexford TD Fionntan O Suilleabhain outside Gorey Community School picketing with secretarial and caretaking staff. Alan White Gorey Guardian Thu 4 Sep 2025 at 18:29 Gorey Community School will reopen for all students on Monday, September 8, on a trial basis after hiring private cleaners amid Forsa strike action. 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. A Belfast man has been fined 700 at Bray District Court after his van collided with a motorcyclist in a lapse of concentration. Paul Christie (38) of 12a Ravenhill Reach, Belfast was charged with careless driving under Section 52 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. The court heard both parties received treatment at the scene from the ambulance service, but no major injuries were reported. The incident occurred when Mr Christies Ford Transit van cut off a man riding a motorcycle. Mr Christie accepted liability for the accident stating that it was a lapse of concentration. Mr Christies solicitor told the court that her client didnt see the bike coming and it wasnt deliberate. She told the court that Mr Christie was from Belfast, and her client was a cameraman who had worked on well-known projects in film and TV. She told the court It is highly technical work and that Mr Christie needs his van as his work brings him up and down the country. The court heard Mr Christie has no previous convictions. Judge David Kennedy warned all it takes is a momentary lapse of concentration. He added: We are lucky that no such bad luck happened this time. Judge Kennedy imposed a 700 fine with five months to pay. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme 12 hero womens and menswear pieces from the first ever Arket store in Ireland As the Scandinavian fashion favourite Arket finally arrives in Dublin, we round up a selection of the standout womenswear and menswear buys to keep an eye out for Clockwise from left: linen blend blazer; poplin pyjama shirt; mist wide jeans; barrel-leg jeans; quilted liner vest; relaxed poplin shirt; bubble hem pintuck top; Lily T-shirt Meadhbh McGrath Thu 4 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Today marks the much-anticipated opening of Nordic fashion and lifestyle brand Arkets first Dublin flagship store. Afghan commandos airdrop into quake zone to help survivors Food aid will run out in four weeks without funding, UN agency warns Afghan boys sit on the rubble of a house following a deadly magnitude-6 earthquake that struck Afghanistan on Sunday. Photo: Reuters Mohammad Yunus Yawar Thu 4 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Afghanistan airdropped commandos yesterday to pull survivors from the rubble in areas ravaged by earthquakes that have killed more than 1,400 this week, as a UN agency warned that food aid for victims would run out soon without urgent funding. Your job here is not to fight one another, it is to fight this climate crisis, UN climate chief tells Cop30 in Brazil LATEST | Portugal investigates crash on historic Lisbon funicular that killed 16 15 killed at scene on Wednesday, one more died in hospital Carriage plunged down slope before derailing Union says workers had flagged cable tension concerns Funicular derails in Lisbon killing 15 people, emergency services say Sergio Goncalves and Andrei Khalip Reuters Thu 4 Sep 2025 at 16:41 Portuguese authorities were investigating on Thursday what caused a Lisbon funicular railway popular with tourists to hurtle down a hill, killing at least 16 people and injuring 22 when it crashed into a building. The French president had said that any European reassurance force in Ukraine needed the backing of the United States (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP) French President Emmanuel Macron has said that 26 of Ukraine's allies have pledged to deploy troops as a "reassurance force" for the war-torn country once fighting ends in the conflict with Russia. Speaking after a meeting of the so-called "coalition of the willing" in Paris, Mr Macron said the countries had committed to deploying troops in Ukraine - or to maintaining a presence on land, at sea, or in the air - to help guarantee the country's security the day after a ceasefire or peace is achieved. Zelensky begs for pressure on Russia after Moscow launches 500-drone attack on Ukraine At least nine killed as series of strikes targets energy and transport sites Families sleep in a metro station during an overnight air attack by Russia in Kyiv, Ukraine, early yesterday. Photo: Reuters Anastasiia Malenko and Olena Harmash Thu 4 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky called for more pressure on Moscow yesterday, beginning a visit to European allies he hopes will unveil plans for security guarantees for Kyiv even as Russian forces launched their latest massive air attack. Protesters took to Israels streets for what they called a day of disruption yesterday, denouncing the call-up of tens of thousands of reservists for an offensive that has drawn global condemnation and fuelled fears in Israel it could endanger hostages still held in Gaza. Trump supporters divided on issue as with some breaking ranks Victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein demanded yesterday that the US Congress pass legislation forcing the release of all unclassified records related to the disgraced financier held by president Donald Trumps administration. This is about ending secrecy wherever abuse of power takes root, said Anouska De Georgiou, a former model and actress who was one of about 10 self-described Epstein victims who spoke about her experience at a press conference outside the US Capitol. Its good to be back Nigel Farage meets with Donald Trump during Washington visit The Clacton MP was earlier dubbed a Putin-loving free speech impostor and Trump sycophant by a Democratic representative Farage branded Putin-loving free speech impostor by congressman on US visit Jessica Coates Press Association Thu 4 Sep 2025 at 09:56 Nigel Farage has posted an image of himself with Donald Trump amid the Reform UK leaders trip to the US. Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community! Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region. Indias GST Overhaul: What Goods Become Cheaper and What Gets Costlier Indias GST reform 2025 simplifies the tax structure to five slabs from six slabs previously. The rates are now nil, 3 percent (gold and silver), 5 percent, 18 percent, and a new 40 percent de-merit rate making essentials, healthcare, agriculture inputs, and consumer goods cheaper while luxury and sin goods face higher taxes. The overhaul, which eliminates the 12 percent rate, aims to boost consumption, reduce compliance complexity, and create a more transparent business environment. For new GST rates on services, see our article here: GST Rate Revisions for Services: What Businesses Need to Know Indias Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has approved a radical new reform of Indias indirect tax system. This is the first major update introduced since the launch of GST in 2017. The changes rationalize tax slabs, cut duties on essentials, and restructure rates across multiple sectors to boost consumption and ease the burden on households. At the same time, certain luxury items and sin goods will face higher taxation. New GST structure A major highlight of the GST reforms is the rationalization of the existing tax structure. The existing GST framework operates on a six-tier rate system with slabs of 0 percent, 3 percent, 5 percent, 12 percent, 18 percent, and 28 percent. Under the revised framework, a merit rate of 5 percent will apply to essential goods and services and a standard rate of 18 percent will be applied to most goods and services. Several items previously taxed at 5 percent, 12 percent, or 18 percent have been moved to the nil (0 percent) GST category. In addition, India has introduced a special de-merit rate of 40 percent. This higher rate is specifically reserved for luxury goods and socially harmful products, including high-end automobiles, aerated beverages, tobacco, and gambling services. Rationalizing the GST Rate Structure: Merit, Standard, and De-merit Rates Aspect Previous GST structure Revised GST structure Rate slabs Four GST slabs: 5 percent 12 percent 18 percent 28 percent 5 percent (merit rate) 18 percent (standard rate) New special rate of 40 percent for luxury and harmful products (for example, luxury cars, tobacco, aerated drinks, gambling services)* Merit rate (5 percent) Applied to limited essentials, such as life-saving drugs, insulin, footwear priced below INR 500, textiles such as fabrics, etc. Expanded coverage for essential goods and services used in daily life Standard rate (18 percent) Existing 18 percent slab but with overlap with 12 percent items Becomes the uniform rate for majority of goods and services Note: *De-merit Rate (40 percent) introduced by the recommendations of the 56th GST Council Meeting. Previously, the highest slab was 28 percent + cess on specific items. By moving from a complex six-tier system to a simpler structure with clear categories, the reforms aim to reduce disputes, improve transparency, and make GST administration more efficient for both businesses and tax authorities. ALSO READ: GST Rate Revisions for Services: What Businesses Need to Know GST slab revision in India: What gets cheaper The new GST structure eases the burden on consumers while also lowering input costs for businesses across key sectors. Industries such as healthcare, agriculture, travel, and wellness gain cost advantages that could strengthen competitiveness and stimulate growth. Nil GST Several essentials have been exempted from tax, directly lowering household expenses and operational costs for businesses. Food staples like chapatis, parathas, paneer, UHT milk, khakra, and pizza bread are now tax-free, benefiting both consumers and food processors. The education sector gains relief as stationery items pencils, notebooks, globes, erasers, and maps carry no tax, making learning materials more accessible. A major boost comes to the insurance industry, as life and health insurance policies are fully exempt. 5 percent GST A wide range of everyday essentials and business inputs now fall under the concessional 5 percent rate. In food and beverages, items like butter, ghee, dry fruits, biscuits, juices, cheese, and dairy fats have become cheaper, reducing costs for households and input expenses for the hospitality sector. Personal care products, including soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, talcum powder, and hair oils, earlier taxed at 18 percent, are now taxed at 5 percent, encouraging stronger consumer demand. Healthcare affordability has improved, with lifesaving drugs, diagnostic kits, thermometers, corrective spectacles, and medical oxygen now taxed at 5 percent or nil. Hospitals, pharmacies, and medical suppliers benefit from lower input costs, enabling more competitive pricing. Travel and hospitality also see gains hotel rooms under INR 7,500 per night and economy-class air tickets remain at 5 percent, supporting domestic tourism. The continuation of 5 percent GST on electric vehicles sustains incentives for the clean mobility sector. For agriculture and small-scale industries, tractors, pumps, irrigation equipment, fertilizer inputs, and sewing machines are all down to 5 percent. This reduction eases capital investment in farming and rural industries. Wellness services, such as salons, gyms, and yoga centers, also shift to 5 percent, making them more affordable for consumers while widening service uptake, though input tax credit remains unavailable. 18 percent GST The broader application of the standard 18 percent slab reduces complexity and lowers costs on previously high-taxed goods. Consumer appliances like air-conditioners, dishwashers, and televisions up to 32 inches, which were earlier taxed at 28 percent will now attract 18 percent, boosting sales for retailers and manufacturers. In automobiles, motorcycles up to 350 cc, small cars, and auto parts also move to 18 percent, making personal and commercial transport more affordable while benefiting manufacturers through higher volumes. Construction materials, notably cement, have shifted to 18 percent from 28 percent, which could ease housing and infrastructure costs for developers and contractors. By aligning more goods under a predictable 18 percent slab, businesses gain pricing clarity, reduce disputes, and achieve smoother compliance. Reduced GST rates GST Rate on Daily Essentials Commodities Previous GST rate Revised GST rate Hail oil, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet soap bar, toothbrushes, shaving cream 18% 5% Butter, ghee, cheese and dairy spread 12% 5% Prepacked snacks like mixtures and bhujiya 12% 5% Utensils 12% 5% Feeding bottle, napkins for babies and clinical diapers 12% 5% Sewing machines and parts 12% 5% GST Rate on Healthcare Sector Commodities Previous GST rate Revised GST rate Individual health and life insurance 18% Nil Thermometer 18% 5% Medical grade oxygen 12% 5% All diagnostic kits and regents 12% 5% Glucometer and test stripes 12% 5% Corrective spectacles 12% 5% GST Rate on Education Commodities Previous GST rate Revised GST rate Maps, charts and globe 12% Nil Pencil sharpener, crayons and pastels 12% Nil Exercise notebooks and books 12% Nil Eraser 5% Nil GST Rate on Farming and Agriculture Commodities Previous GST rate Revised GST rate Tractor tires and parts 18% 5% Tractors 12% 5% Specified bio-pesticides, micro nutrients 12% 5% Drip irrigation systems and sprinklers 12% 5% Agricultural, horticultural, forestry machines for soil preparations, cultivations, harvesting and threshing 12% 5% GST Rate on Automobiles Commodities Previous GST rate Revised GST rate Petrol and petrol hybrid, LPG, CNG cars (not exceeding- 1200 cc and 4000 mm) 28% 18% Diesel and diesel hybrid cards (not exceeding- 1500 cc and 4000 mm) 28% 18% 3-wheeled vehicles 28% 18% Motorcycles (350 cc and below) 28% 18% Motor vehicle for transport of goods 28% 18% GST Rate on Electronic Items Commodities Previous GST rate Revised GST rate Air conditioners 28% 18% Television (above 32 inches) (including LED and LCD TVs) 28% 18% Monitor and projectors 28% 18% Dishwashing machine 28% 18% GST rate rationalization for luxury auto segment Under GST 1.0, luxury cars were subject not only to 28 percent GST but also to a cess (compensation tax) of 1722 percent, which pushed the effective tax burden to 4550 percent in many cases. With that cess removed under GST 2.0, even though the GST rates has increased, the total tax payable on luxury cards will be lower. This reduces the tax component of the final (ex-showroom) price. To learn more, read our article here: Why Are Automobiles in India Becoming Cheaper After the GST Rates Change? GST Rate on Transport and Automobiles Commodities Previous GST rate Revised GST rate Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons (other than those of heading 8702), including station wagons and racing cars 28% 40% Motor vehicles with both spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine and electric motor as motors for propulsion, of engine capacity exceeding 1200cc or of length exceeding 4000 mm 28% 40% Motor cycles of engine capacity exceeding 350 cc 28% 40% Yacht and other vessels for pleasure or sports 28% 40% What becomes costlier? While essentials become cheaper, the new GST framework imposes significantly higher taxes on luxury and sin goods, shifting the burden toward discretionary spending. GST Rate on Textile and Clothing Commodities Previous GST rate Revised GST rate Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted, of sale value exceeding INR 2500 per piece 12% 18% Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted, of sale value exceeding INR 2500 per piece 12% 18% Cotton quilts of sale value exceeding INR 2500 per piece 12% 18% Products wholly made of quilted textile material exceeding INR 2500 per piece 12% 18% GST Rate on Sin Goods Commodities Previous GST rate Revised GST rate Unmanufactured tobacco; tobacco refuse [other than tobacco leaves] 28% 40% Cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes, of tobacco or of tobacco substitutes 28% 40% Other manufactured tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes; homogenised or reconstituted tobacco; tobacco extracts and essences 28% 40% Products containing tobacco or nicotine substitutes and intended for inhalation without combustion 28% 40% GST Rate on Food Items Commodities Previous GST rate Revised GST rate Other non-alcoholic beverages 18% 40% Pan masala 28% 40% All goods [including aerated waters], containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavored 28% 40% Caffeinated Beverages 28% 40% Carbonated Beverages of Fruit Drink or Carbonated Beverages with Fruit Juice 28% 40% GST rate changes in 2025: Implementation timeline The 56th Meeting of the GST Council has recommended that the revised tax rates for goods and services be introduced starting September 22, 2025. However, considering the financial obligations under the compensation cess framework, the rollout will follow a phased approach: Services: All changes to GST rates on services will take effect from September 22, 2025. Goods: New rates for goods, with the exception of tobacco-related products, will also be applicable from September 22, 2025. Refund mechanism: Pending necessary amendments to the CGST Act, 2017, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) will begin administrative implementation of the revised refund system. This will allow 90 percent provisional refunds arising from inverted duty structures, based on system-driven data analysis and risk evaluation, similar to the process already followed for zero-rated supplies. New GST rates and implications FAQs 1. When will the new GST rates apply? The revised GST rates will come into effect from September 22, 2025, for services and most goods. However, products like cigarettes, chewing tobacco (zarda), unmanufactured tobacco, and bidis will continue with the current GST rates and compensation cess. The new rates for these products will only apply once all loan and interest obligations under the compensation cess are cleared. 2. Has the registration threshold under GST changed? No. The threshold for registration of goods under the CGST Act, 2017 remains unchanged. 3. Where will the official notification be available? The revised rates will be notified through a rate notification, which will be published on the CBIC website. 4. What happens if I supplied goods/services before the rate change but issued the invoice afterward? According to Section 14 of the CGST Act, 2017: If payment is received after the rate change, the tax liability will be based on the invoice date or payment date, whichever is earlier. If payment is received before the rate change, the tax liability will be based on the date of payment. 5. How will GST apply on advances received before the rate change? The applicable GST will be determined by the time of supply provisions under Section 14 of the CGST Act, 2017. 6. Can I claim ITC on purchases made before the rate change? Yes. If tax has been correctly charged on your inward supply at the prevailing rate at that time, you can claim input tax credit (ITC). This ITC will be credited to your electronic credit ledger, subject to the conditions of Section 49 of the CGST Act, 2017. 7. What about IGST on imports? IGST on imported goods will follow the revised GST rates in the notification, unless an exemption is specifically provided. 8. If GST on my outward supplies is reduced, what happens to ITC already available at the higher rate? You can continue to use the ITC already credited in your electronic credit ledger even if the outward supply is now taxed at a lower rate. ITC remains valid and can be used to pay future tax liabilities as per Section 49(4) of the CGST Act. Trade facilitation to improve ease of doing business On September 3, 2025, India also approved several process reforms aimed at simplifying compliance and making trade operations smoother. A key step in this direction is the operationalization of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT). Businesses will be able to file appeals with the tribunal by the end of September 2025, and hearings are scheduled to begin in December 2025. To address pending matters, the Council has set June 30, 2026 as the deadline for filing all backlog appeals. In addition, the Principal Bench of the GSTAT will also serve as the National Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling, ensuring greater consistency in tax rulings across the country. (This article was originally published on September 3, 2025. It was updated on September 16, 2025.) Nagaland lottery sambad result today 4 September 2025 OUT: Todays Nagaland lottery result: 4 September 2025 draw details 1 PM Draw: Named "Dear Mahandi Thursday" 6 PM Draw: Named "Dear Dancer Thursday" 8 PM Draw: Named "Dear Sandpiper Thursday" Nagaland lottery sambad result today 4 September 2025: Winning numbers How to check Nagaland lottery sambad result online? Visit the official Nagaland State Lottery Sambad website or trusted result portals such as nagalandlotterysambad.com, nagalandstatelottery.in, or lotterysambadresult.in. Go to the "Results" section on the homepage. Select the date (todays date, 4 September 2025) and the draw time (1 PM, 6 PM, or 8 PM) for which you want to check the results. View the winning numbers displayed clearly for each draw. For official confirmation, download the PDF of the result that is usually published shortly after the live update. Optionally, a subscription to the website or an app download may be available to get instant result notifications. Nagaland Lottery result, 4 September, 2025: Prize details for each draw Prize Rank Amount (INR) No. of Winners 1st Prize 1,00,00,000 1 Consolation 1,000 Multiple 2nd Prize 9,000 Multiple 3rd Prize 450 Multiple 4th Prize 250 Multiple 5th Prize 120 Multiple How to claim your Nagaland lottery prize for 4 September, 2025? Original signed winning ticket PAN Card and Aadhaar Card copies Four recent passport-sized photographs (not older than 3 months) Cancelled cheque leaf of your bank account Notarised affidavit confirming ownership of the ticket FAQs The Nagaland Lottery Sambad result for today, 4 September 2025, is now OUT. This popular lottery features three daily draws at 1 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM, giving participants multiple chances to win big prizes, including a top reward of 1 crore.Known for its fairness and excitement, the Nagaland Lottery Sambad has become a daily ritual that fuels the hopes and dreams of countless ticket holders across India.Participants can quickly check the winning numbers for all three draws today and see if their ticket matches the lucky numbers announced. This lottery is legalised and regulated by the Nagaland State Government, making it a trusted and thrilling experience for lottery enthusiasts nationwide.Todays Nagaland Lottery Sambad result for 4 September 2025 includes three exciting draws:Each draw offers a chance to win top prizes, with the first prize amounting to Rs. 1 Crore. Players can check the winning numbers for all three draws and see if their tickets match the announced winning numbers. The results for these draws are officially declared by the Nagaland State Lottery and are available on the official websites.Below is the required winning numbers for Nagaland lottery sambad result today 4 September 2025 listed:1st Prize: 68C 997372nd Prize: 06177 08723 29070 34848 37919 63523 81246 84167 94556 967483rd Prize: 0282 1161 1725 3878 4204 4665 6157 6975 9255 93644th Prize: 1120 1796 3174 5715 5936 7153 7552 7800 7832 90705th Prize: 2738 6877 3482 6687 6528 7209 2840 8502 7192 5282 3133 4816 4859 4808 9253 3840 1260 8775 1314 4770 5243 1973 9180 4358 0318 5749 8204 5740 9127 8593 6474 8052 8257 4854 9701 5413 0612 7598 8580 5773 7138 7858 2496 3930 9500 4518 1788 2400 1692 4764 2901 3527 8696 7518 5701 4257 1165 1485 4798 3839 9815 8233 9800 2804 9524 6284 0172 3699 5628 8680 3695 2342 2448 2608 7826 3685 1625 7260 7422 6659 4944 4682 1545 4581 4889 5735 9531 5136 5195 2084 6321 6987 5078 8323 3472 3948 7385 6837 4341 4027To check the Nagaland Lottery Sambad result online, follow these simple steps:You may also find live streaming or live typed results posted immediately after the draw time on some websites.Below is the required prize details for each draw for Nagaland Lottery result, 4 September, 2025 listed:To claim your Nagaland lottery prize for 4 September 2025, follow these steps:1. Keep your original winning ticket safe and sign the back to prove ownership.2. Download and fill out the official prize claim form available on the Nagaland State Lottery website or obtain it from authorized lottery offices.3. Gather required documents including:4. Submit the completed claim form along with all supporting documents physically to the Directorate of Nagaland State Lotteries located at P.R. Hills Junction, Kohima, Nagaland, or to designated nodal offices in cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Ludhiana, Gangtok, or Meghalaya.5. Claims must be submitted within 30 days from the date of the draw.6. For prizes up to 10a,000, claims can be made directly from authorized lottery retailers.7. For prizes above 10,000, after verification, the prize money will be paid via RTGS or demand draft after deducting applicable taxes.Ensure the ticket is not tampered with or damaged, and follow the official process to securely receive your prize.1. Where can I check the Nagaland Lottery Sambad results for September 4, 2025?Answer: You can check the official Nagaland Lottery Sambad results on the Nagaland State Lottery website or trusted portals like nagalandlotterysambad.com. The results are updated shortly after each draw (1 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM), and you can also download official PDFs for confirmation.2. What are the draw times for todays Nagaland Lottery Sambad?Answer: Todays draws are held at 1 PM ("Dear Mahandi Thursday"), 6 PM ("Dear Dancer Thursday"), and 8 PM ("Dear Sandpiper Thursday"). Each draw offers a chance to win the top prize of 1 crore and various other prizes.3. How do I claim my Nagaland Lottery prize if I win?Answer: To claim your prize, keep your original ticket safe and sign it. Fill out the official claim form and submit it along with valid IDs, photos, and a notarized affidavit to the Directorate of Nagaland State Lotteries or authorized nodal offices within 30 days. Prizes above 10,000 are paid via bank transfer after verification.4. What are the prize amounts for todays Nagaland Lottery Sambad draws?Answer: The 1st prize for each draw is 1 crore. Consolation prizes of 1,000, along with 2nd to 5th prizes ranging from 9,000 to 120, are also awarded to multiple winners based on the ticket number matches.5. Is the Nagaland Lottery Sambad legal and safe to play?Answer: Yes, the Nagaland Lottery Sambad is fully legal and regulated by the Nagaland State Government. It is a trusted lottery enjoyed by many across India, offering fair draws and secure prize payouts through official channels.Disclaimer: The above mentioned data is based on information available from official online sources. We do not endorse or promote any lottery or Teer games. Please play responsibly and verify results through official channels.For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events The rise of Australias anti-immigration marches ( Image credit : Anti-immigration protests in Melbourne, Australia | Credit: X/@BhaktBusters ) ( Image credit : Demonstrators at anti-immigration protest | Credit: X/@BhaktBusters ) Indian speaker at anti-immigration met with hostility An anti-immigration protest in Australia. An Indian joined, volunteered to speak, ranted against immigration, claimed immigrants arent blending in our culture, as if he belonged with them. Got booed and shoved out. Classic brown sepoy, desperate to please the masters, pic.twitter.com/vC2Wd4fHzf THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) September 4, 2025 Internet reacts to an Indian man speaking at an Australian anti-immigration protest Culturally orphaned Indians have no place outside India, they ditch their ethnic identity just to fit into foreign societies that see nothing beyond their skin color. Odin (@norseoxz) September 4, 2025 Dont understand what has happened to these immigrant indians. Why this kind of mentality to a countey where you were born and it gave them so much as well! Amchi Mumbai (@MumbaiAmchi) September 4, 2025 He is such a diabolically deranged maniac who thinks he is somehow superior to his own people. The real motive behind that protest is to protect the ethnic makeup and demographics of Australia. Immigration dilutes it. I don't have a problem with such protests though personally. Swinging Armchair Enjoyer (@DefNotALibbb) September 4, 2025 These protesters are themselves immigrants....the only true natives are the aborigines....How foolish and ignorant they are. Dr Jaspreet Singh (@DocJaspreet) September 4, 2025 ( Image credit : Anti-immigration protest in Australia | Credit: X/@The_Indian_Sun ) Anti-immigration protests have been erupting in different parts of the world, fuelled by fears of cultural change, economic strain, and political divides. Yet in one of the most ironic displays during these demonstrations, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) was spotted at an anti-immigration protest in Australia and even volunteered to speak. Far from being welcomed, he was loudly booed by the crowd and shoved aside, his attempt to join the chorus ending in public humiliation.Australia witnessed large anti-immigration rallies on Sunday under the banner of the March for Australia. These events drew thousands to the streets of Sydney, Melbourne, and other major cities, underscoring the growing tensions around immigration policies. Reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation estimated that as many as 8,000 people attended the Sydney march. Meanwhile, Melbourne became the scene of tense clashes when anti-immigration demonstrators ran into participants of a pro-Palestine rally.Among the prominent figures lending their voices to the protests were several opposition politicians, including far-right senator Pauline Hanson. More controversially, Thomas Sewell, founder of the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network, addressed the Melbourne crowd from the steps of Parliament House. His presence highlighted how extremist groups are seizing these gatherings as a platform to push their agendas.Members of Parliament on Monday condemned the rallies, warning that they risked inflaming racial divisions at a time when Australia remains deeply dependent on migrant labour and international students.While speeches and chants dominated the protests, one incident stood out for its sheer irony. An NRI, blending into the crowd, volunteered to speak against immigration. Once given the microphone, he launched into a tirade that mirrored the rhetoric of the far-right voices dominating the rally. What I see happening today this is not immigration; this is an open-door policy. They are not blending in with our culture; they are twisting it, he said to the crowd.But rather than winning acceptance, his words were met with jeers. Protesters booed him loudly, and some even shoved him away from the podium. It was a moment that revealed the contradictions at the heart of such demonstrations. While he had echoed the movements talking points, the crowd did not see him as one of their own. His attempt to distance himself from immigrant communities only earned him a harsh reminder that his background set him apart in their eyes.The video of the Indian man is now being widely circulated, and Indians on the internet are now calling out the man for his hypocrisy.One user said, "Culturally orphaned Indians have no place outside India; they ditch their ethnic identity just to fit into foreign societies that see nothing beyond their skin colour."Another user said, "Don't understand what has happened to these immigrant indians. Why this kind of mentality towards a country where you were born and which gave you so much as well!""He is such a diabolically deranged maniac who thinks he is somehow superior to his own people. The real motive behind that protest is to protect the ethnic makeup and demographics of Australia. Immigration dilutes it. I don't have a problem with such protests though personally," one mentioned."These protesters are themselves immigrants...the only true natives are the aborigines....How foolish and ignorant they are," one user.A global wave of anti-immigration sentimentAustralia is not the only country wrestling with mass anti-immigration protests. Similar rallies have taken place in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, where rising numbers of asylum seekers and refugees have sparked political storms. In the United States, immigration remains a polarising issue in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, with demonstrations both for and against migrants continuing at border states and major cities.These protests are often framed as concerns about national security, economic stability, and cultural preservation. Yet, as the incident with the Indian man in Australia revealed, they also expose contradictions and exclusions that undercut their own messaging. While protesters may claim their fight is about values and integration, in practice, these movements often reject anyone who does not neatly fit their idea of belonging. ( Image credit : Austrian economists call to dismantle India | Credit: X | @kos_data ) Austrian economists call to dismantle India sparks online fury The Regime Change Operation is Real! pic.twitter.com/0EBYvoAYvw The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) September 4, 2025 Old tweet of Gunther resurfaces amid backlash ( Image credit : Old tweet of Gunther resurfaces amid backlash | Credit: X | @GunterFehlinger ) Netizens react to Gunthers Rahul Gandhi comment ( Image credit : Netizens react to Gunthers Rahul Gandhi comment | Credit: X | @jaipurdialogues ) In a startling provocation that has ignited fiery backlash across India, Austrian economist Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn, self-styled head of a NATO enlargement committee, has called for the radical notion to dismantle India into Ex-India. The outrage mirrored seismic intensity when a digitally altered map he posted on X went viral, depicting vast swathes of Indian land as belonging to Pakistan, a separate Khalistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Indian political leaders, digital commentators, and netizens alike have united in condemnation, branding the move as both incendiary and unacceptable.An audacious post by Austrian economist Gunther FehlingerJahnwho claims to lead a NATO enlargement committeehas inflamed public sentiment across India.In his message, he stated, I call to dismantle India into Ex-India. Narendra Modi is a Russian man. We need a friend of freedom for Khalistan. He further shared a controversial map portraying significant Indian territories as belonging to Pakistan, Bangladesh and a separate Khalistan.The post, which was later blocked in India, provoked an immediate online backlash, with many netizens branding him a troll. Shiv Sena MP in the Rajya Sabha, Priyanka Chaturvedi, also weighed in on the controversy, remarking, What insanity is this? @MEAIndia must take this up with the Austrian Embassy.Amid heavy online backlash, an old 2023 tweet by Gunther Fehlinger resurfaced, in which he voiced support for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as Indias next prime minister.In the same post, he had criticised PM Narendra Modi, accusing him of being aligned with Russia and China.As soon as the tweet surfaced on social media, it quickly went viral and grabbed the attention of netizens. One X user wrote, "Bharat is a weak nation. Any TDH can bring it downnot sure whats holding back a Maldives or a Bangladesh."Another said, "@MEAFactCheck @PIBFactCheck @DrSJaishankar please give a befitting reply to this guy."While one asked, "@AskPerplexity can you please verify the authenticity of the content in the image?" "Modi doesnt bow, bend or break. They want a puppet PM who will wag his tail when they whistle. Thats why Pappu looks like their dream candidate - zero spine, zero brains, 100% obedience.""Uncleji I support Rahul Gandhi as PM Kaha likha hai. Aj jyada paise aye shayad account mai," another added.One commented, "Rahul Gandhi is a fighter and will definitely become Prime Minister of India.""He is a dimwit from Austria. Call the Austrian Ambassador in India to ask for an explanation for his statement because he is sitting on an influential position. Is this what the EU secretly wants ? Maybe! Because the WEST doesn't like a growing superpower and a multipolar world." Aaya naya captaincy ka task aur macha bawaal, kaun banega captain iss baar? Dekhiye #BiggBoss19 ka naya episode, har roz raat 9 baje #JioHotstar par aur 10:30 baje @ColorsTV par. Watch Now:- https://t.co/XNlwzrEgyfpic.twitter.com/zsAg0IyN7y JioHotstar Reality (@HotstarReality) September 3, 2025 Captaincy task brings unexpected drama ( Image credit : Baseer Ali maybe crowned the new captain after a heated task with Abhishek Bajaj | Credit: X ) Baseer Ali emerges as new captain ( Image credit : With Amaal Mallik and Zeishan Quadri on his side, Baseers influence in decision-making and nominations could grow | Credit: X ) Mridul Tiwari suffers injury during task ( Image credit : Mridul Tiwari | Credit: JioHotstar ) Impact on house dynamics To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Bigg Boss 19 continues to capture the audiences attention with daily twists and high-voltage drama. After the removal of Kunickaa Sadanand, the house remained without a captain, adding tension and unpredictability to the house dynamics. However, in a surprise move, Baseer Ali has now been crowned the new captain, changing the dynamics inside the house and exciting viewers.The latest promo from JioHotstar Reality revealed the task for Episode 12. Housemates were given a chance to compete for the new captaincy in a race-format challenge. The task quickly escalated into a heated confrontation between Baseer Ali and Abhishek Bajaj, further intensifying their ongoing rivalry. Fans are eager to see how this altercation affects their relationship in the upcoming episodes.According to BiggBoss24x7, Baseer Ali completed the task successfully and was officially crowned the new captain of the house. His win brings relief and excitement to his allies, including Amaal Mallik and Zeishan Quadri. Additionally, his budding romantic storyline with Farhana Bhatt adds another layer of interest for viewers, as the captaincy could influence interactions and alliances inside the house.The episode also saw a major setback as Mridul Tiwari sustained an injury during the captaincy task. The promo footage shows fellow contestants checking on him immediately, expressing concern over his condition. Sources indicate that the injury may have resulted from an accidental hit to the face, possibly from Abhishek Bajaj. Fans and viewers are hoping for a speedy recovery and are closely watching how this incident impacts future interactions.Baseer Alis captaincy is expected to reshape alliances and house politics. With Amaal Mallik and Zeishan Quadri on his side, Baseers influence in decision-making and nominations could grow. At the same time, the existing tension with Abhishek Bajaj is likely to continue, promising more confrontations in the episodes to come. The injury to Mridul Tiwari also adds a new layer of unpredictability, as contestants may have to navigate the task and competition with caution. ( Image credit : According to analysts, it is to prevent foreign intelligence agencies from gathering samples that may reveal the condition of his health | Credit: X/Naija_PR ) Wiping it all.. Fun fact. After Kim Jong Un leaves a location, everything he has touched is thoroughly wiped down and sanitized. pic.twitter.com/w68N8IYqo1 Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) September 3, 2025 Nikkei ( Image credit : The green armored train, which even has a private toilet so his waste cannot be collected | Credit: X/VaishnavSharan7 ) Putins poop suitcase ( Image credit : According to reports, it is a sealed container designed to collect and transport Putin's waste back to Moscow | Credit: X/MedvedevRussiaE ) To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un held a two-and-a-half-hour closed-door meeting in Beijing after attending the military parade. What followed next was a chilling reminder that every object we touch carries traces of our DNA. Tiny fragments of ourselves that can be collected, stored, and used in ways we may never imagine.In a Telegram video shared by Russian journalist Alexander Yunashev, it was seen that, as soon as the talks ended, and the North Korean leader rose from his seat, his staff swiftly moved in, wiped the chair, disinfected the table, and removed the glass he had sipped from.This routine scrubbing is not new. It is to ensure that no fragment of Kims DNA, saliva, hair strand, or fingerprint lands in foreign hands. According to analysts, it is to prevent foreign intelligence agencies from gathering samples that may reveal the condition of his health, reported The Independent .According to Japansnewspaper, Kim Jong Un reached Beijing on his trademark green armored train, which even has a private toilet so his waste cannot be collected.The special toilet and the requisite garbage bags of detritus, waste and cigarette butts are so that a foreign intelligence agency, even a friendly one, doesnt acquire a sample and test it. It would provide insight into any medical conditions affecting Kim Jong Un. This can include hair and skin tags, The Independent quoted Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership specialist at the Washington-based Stimson Center, as saying.It further reported that, after his 2019 Hanoi summit with Donald Trump, aides stripped his hotel room, even removing the mattress. In 2018, they disinfected furniture before talks with South Koreas Moon Jae In. By 2023, guards were scanning Kims chair before meetings with Putin.However, he is not the only leader whose DNA is protected like treasure.The Russian President Vladimir Putin follows a similar ritual.At the recent Alaska summit with Donald Trump, Putins security team allegedly carried what observers have dubbed the poop suitcase. According to reports, it is a sealed container designed to collect and transport the leaders waste back to Moscow. The reasoning - ensure that no foreign agency can access his biological samples. It is to prevent outsiders from gaining insight into the presidents health. No hotel plumbing, no foreign sewers, and certainly no laboratory abroad ever gets access to samples that could be tested.In both cases, DNA samples of the supremos are no less important than official documents. We will not forgive anyone Al Jazeera ( Image credit : Approximately 70, 000 civilians are said by Israel to have evacuated, but Palestinian officials insist far fewer have left | Credit: X/AidScot ) Entire families displaced overnight Reuters This isn't Gaza; this is the aftermath of a Zionist airstrike on the town of Ansarieh in southern Lebanon last night. Meanwhile, US-, Qatari-, and Erdogan-backed ISIS/Al-Qaeda threaten the Resistance from Syria, while Saudi- and US-funded proxies threaten civil war in Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/Nbloca9Iay Seyed Mohammad Marandi (@s_m_marandi) September 4, 2025 ( Image credit : According to The Guardian, a UN committee estimated that more than 21, 000 children in Gaza are living with war-related disabilities | Credit: X/7MohammedKhaled ) The other side of the story LISTEN: A conversation between a Gaza City resident and a COGAT officer exposes Hamas Attempts to prevent residents from moving south for their protection, in order to use them as human shields: We want to go south but Hamas are waiting for us on the way. They tell people: pic.twitter.com/ijoLAqecHu COGAT (@cogatonline) September 3, 2025 ( Image credit : Benjamin Netanyahus office rejected the offer, saying the war can end only on terms set by his cabinet | Credit: X/VividProwess ) To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Israel has launched another major assault, with attacks focused on northern Gaza and the Sheikh Radwan area. The strikes have brought massive devastation. Residential blocks destroyed, makeshift camps set ablaze, schools and shelters destroyed, and even small medical centers struck by explosive-laden vehicles.On September 4, Israeli bombardment in Gaza City killed at least 37 people since dawn,reported. Overall, Gazas Health Ministry put the 24-hour toll at more than 80 dead and 338 wounded.Israeli forces pushed deeper into neighborhoods like Zeitoun, Sabra, and Shejaia. Tanks have also entered Sheikh Radwan, close to Gaza Citys center. Approximately 70,000 civilians are said by Israel to have evacuated, but Palestinian officials insist far fewer have left, raising fears of a mass displacement, the biggest yet in the conflict."Sheikh Radwan is being burnt upside-down. The occupation destroyed houses, burnt tents, and drones played audio messages ordering people to leave the area," said Zakeya Sami, 60, a mother of five, told Reuters , referring to the Israeli military.She added, "If the takeover of Gaza City isnt stopped, we might die, and we are not going to forgive anyone who stands and watches without doing anything to prevent our death."According to, Gaza City residents said at least 24 Palestinians, including children, were killed in a single night of bombing on Wednesday. Entire families have been displaced overnight.The toll on children is particularly severe. According to The Guardian , a UN committee estimated that more than 21,000 children in Gaza are living with war-related disabilities. Aid agencies warn that medical facilities, already overwhelmed and under-supplied, are unable to provide even basic treatment for such injuries.Israels military accused Hamas of embedding fighters in civilian areas and preventing safe evacuation routes. Officials in Tel Aviv accused militants of using civilians as human shields, a claim that Hamas denied. For families caught in the middle, however, the reasoning offers little comfort as they search for safety."EXPOSED: 'We want to go south but Hamas are waiting for us on the way - Gaza resident reveals Hamas blocking evacuation. The testimony between a Gaza City resident and a COGAT official shows Hamas preventing civilians from moving south, using them as human shields'," IDF wrote in a social media post.According to Al Jazeera , Hamas said it was ready to set up an independent administration in Gaza and agree to a full truce that includes freeing all Israeli captives. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office rejected the offer, saying the war can end only on terms set by his cabinet. ( Image credit : Giorgio Armani | Credit: X/Giorgio Armani ) A designer who shaped modern Italian fashion A deep and quiet connection with India ( Image credit : Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani was often called Re Giorgio or King Giorgio | Credit: X ) Returning to Indias achkan in 2019 Tributes from Italy and beyond Ci lascia a 91 anni Giorgio Armani. Con la sua eleganza, sobrieta e creativita ha saputo dare lustro alla moda italiana e ispirare il mondo intero. Unicona, un lavoratore instancabile, un simbolo dellItalia migliore. Grazie di tutto. pic.twitter.com/Rwyu4mXW54 Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) September 4, 2025 A global figure with Milan at his heart ( Image credit : Giorgio Armani | Credit: X/Giorgio Armani ) Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, often called Re Giorgio or King Giorgio, passed away at the age of 91 due to an age-related illness, his fashion house confirmed on Thursday. Armani had been unwell for some time and had even withdrawn from his groups shows at Milans Mens Fashion Week in June, marking the first time in his career that he missed one of his catwalk events.The Armani Group, announcing his passing, said: With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani. A funeral chamber will be open to the public on September 6 and 7 in Milan at the Armani/Teatro, followed by a private funeral as per his wishes.Armani, widely recognised for introducing unstructured looks and redefining modern Italian style, built a company that turned over about 2.3 billion euros annually. He managed every aspect of his business from advertising campaigns to small details such as how models looked on the runway. His reputation was built not just on his soft-shouldered suits and sculptural gowns but also on his ability to merge creativity with business acumen.Beyond Milan, Armanis creative journey found an enduring source of inspiration in India. He often sent gowns to Indian workshops for intricate hand-beading with sequins, crystals, and pearls. The precision and patience of Indian craftsmanship left a mark on him, so much so that an Emporio Armani show note once featured the brands logo inside a lotus flower, styled in a typeface that resembled Devanagari script.Armanis first visit to India in 1994 left a significant impact on his design philosophy. Travelling across the country, he was struck by the colours, silhouettes, and understated grandeur of Indian attire. Back in Milan, these influences appeared in his menswear collections, blending Italian tailoring with Indian heritage.Two decades later, Armani revisited those impressions with a capsule collection in 2019 dedicated to the achkan, a knee-length jacket long associated with Indian grooms and dignitaries. Presented in restrained shades of navy, black, grey, and white, the collection was launched exclusively in India. It was both a nod to tradition and Armanis way of honouring a country that had once reshaped his creative lens.Tributes poured in after his death. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on X: Giorgio Armani leaves us at 91 years old. With his elegance, sobriety and creativity, he was able to bring luster to Italian fashion and inspire the entire world. An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything.Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also called him a timeless talent and Made in Italy ambassador in the world. Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor and her sister Rhea remembered Armani on social media, recalling his influence on fashion and culture.Armanis employees expressed their grief collectively: In this company, we have always felt like part of a family. Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication.Over his career, Armani crafted a vision that went far beyond clothing. He expanded into different aspects of lifestyle while staying deeply rooted in Milan, a city he supported through various initiatives. His designs reflected a balance between global influences and respect for local traditions, a philosophy that kept him relevant for decades.As the world prepares to say goodbye to King Giorgio, India also finds its place in his legacy as a quiet yet powerful inspiration that helped shape the story of one of fashions greatest voices. Nomination rules and McGregors route to the ballot Appeals to the public and councillors ( Image credit : Former MMA fighter Conor McGregor has asked his supporters to directly contact local councillors | Credit: X ) Criticism of government policies Legal history and previous claims of support Citizens of Ireland, the time for real change is now! As President, I will not sign any bill in law until it goes back to the people first! If you want to see my name on the ballot for the Presidency, I urge you to contact your local county councillors today and ask them to pic.twitter.com/LGDCSGN9vr Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 4, 2025 A growing field of contenders Former MMA fighter Conor McGregor has asked his supporters to directly contact local councillors to nominate him for the Irish presidential election. McGregor, who has repeatedly signalled his intention to contest, has faced difficulties in securing a valid nomination under the existing rules.Under Irelands Constitution, a presidential candidate needs the backing of either 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. McGregors name has not yet appeared on the official lists of individuals seeking such council support. He has argued that the system, while designed to maintain influence among candidates, restricts wider public participation. Last month, he described the process as a significant barrier to democratic participation and even urged the public to sign a petition to change the Constitution.Speaking outside Government Buildings in Dublin in a video shared on his social media channels, McGregor called on the public to act. If you want to see my name on the ballot for the presidency, I urge you to contact your local county councillors today and ask them to nominate me, he said. He also addressed councillors directly, stating: Our councillors are the backbone of our communities. They work harder and deliver more for the people than those in the Oireachtas, who continue to fail this country time and again.McGregor added that councillors often feel ignored and underpowered, and he offered them a platform to be truly heard if they supported his bid. He asked his supporters to ensure his nomination was raised at council meetings.McGregor linked his campaign message to wider criticism of the government. He said homelessness among children had reached unprecedented levels, while mass migration had placed further strain on the system. He argued that tourism had declined and safety on the streets had worsened. Calling himself a master of martial combat and a solution driven man, McGregor said he would refuse to sign any bill into law unless it was sent back to the people first.McGregors political push comes while he continues to face legal issues. Last year, a High Court jury found he had assaulted Nikita Hand, awarding her 250,000 in damages. In July, McGregor lost his appeal against the ruling, with costs also awarded to Ms Hand. He has also faced other legal cases in the past.Despite these challenges, McGregor previously claimed he had already secured support from councillors, TDs, Senators and the most prestigious party of them all. His statements have not been reflected in official council records, where his name has yet to appear as a candidate lobbying for backing.McGregor joins several others hoping to secure nomination through the council route. Businessman Gareth Sheridan, lawyer Nick Delehanty and former Met Eireann forecaster Joanna Donnelly have all declared interest in running. Storm status and location ( Image credit : Hurricane Lorena, now a Category 1 storm, is forecast to bring heavy rain | Credit: Freepik ) Expected impacts in Mexico Potential effects in the US Southwest ( Image credit : Forecasters warn of up to 15 inches in Mexico and isolated flooding of 5 inches in Arizona and New Mexico | Credit: Freepik ) Related storm activity Hurricane Lorena, currently a Category 1 storm in the Pacific Ocean, is threatening parts of Mexico and the Southwestern United States with heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and mudslides, forecasters said. While weakening, the storm remains a concern for residents along its projected path.As of the morning of September 4, Lorena had sustained winds near 80 mph and was centered about 105 miles west-southwest of Cabo San Lazaro, Mexico, and roughly 500 miles from the Mexico-Arizona border. The hurricane is moving northwest at 12 mph, with a north to northeastward turn expected later on September 4. On its forecast track, Lorena will move parallel to the west coast of the Baja California peninsula and approach Baja California Sur on the night of September 4 through September 5.Lorena is expected to have the greatest impact on Baja California Sur and Sonora, Mexico. Forecasters warn that rainfall totals could reach 15 inches in some areas, raising the risk of flash flooding and mudslides. Tropical storm warnings and watches remain in effect for much of Baja California and parts of northwestern Mexico. Coastal residents are also being cautioned about life-threatening rip currents generated by ocean swells.Even as the hurricane weakens, its moisture is expected to reach portions of the Southwestern United States. Arizona and New Mexico could see rainfall totals ranging from 1 to 3 inches, with isolated areas receiving up to 5 inches. The National Hurricane Center said this could lead to scattered or isolated flash flooding in affected areas. Forecasters advise residents to monitor weather updates and take precautions as needed.At the same time, Hurricane Kiko intensified into a major Category 4 hurricane in the Pacific, with sustained winds near 145 mph, located about 1,560 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, moving west at 9 mph. Unlike Lorena, Kiko poses no immediate threat to land, and there are no watches or warnings in effect.Forecasters note that Kikos intensity may fluctuate but could strengthen further over the next day or so. Meanwhile, Lorena is expected to weaken into a tropical storm by September 4, but its heavy rainfall threat persists. ( Image credit : Bryan Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary (Credits: X/@RollingStone) ) Bryan Kohberger drops mental health bombshell ( Image credit : Bryan Kohberger may have left a chilling finger and faceprint | Credit: X | @weicheziele and @WFLAJosh ) What his diagnoses really mean Life sentences and crushing fines Can diagnoses ever explain the horror? The Idaho student murder case just got darker. Bryan Kohberger, the 30-year-old convicted of murdering four students in Moscow, Idaho, has now disclosed that he was formally diagnosed with four mental health and neurological disorders shortly before admitting guilt.Court filings obtained by People reveal that just three days before entering his guilty plea, Kohberger claimed medical experts diagnosed him with Level 1 autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).Level 1 autism is described as the mildest form of autism spectrum disorder, but it can still affect social communication and interaction. OCD often traps people in spirals of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours, while ADHD impacts focus and impulse control.The ARFID diagnosis is less common, tied to extreme food selectivity due to sensory issues or fear of choking, vomiting or texture aversion. Unlike classic eating disorders, ARFID stems from neurological triggers rather than body image.Adding to the picture, Kohberger also confirmed he was taking levothyroxine, a drug used to manage hypothyroidism.Kohberger confessed in June to the 2022 killings of students Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin, crimes that shocked America. Along with four consecutive life sentences, he received a 10-year sentence for burglary, plus staggering financial penalties.The court ordered him to pay $50,000 for each murder count, a separate $50,000 fine for burglary, and an additional $5,000 civil penalty to each of the victims families.The timing of Kohbergers disclosure has sparked debate. Some view it as an attempt to contextualise his crimes, while others dismiss it as irrelevant given the scale of violence. What remains undeniable is that the Idaho murders remain one of the most haunting cases in recent memory, now shadowed further by these unsettling revelations about his mental health. ( Image credit : Government of Nepal announced the blocking of 26 major social media platforms | Credit: Freepik ) What led to the ban Associated Press ( Image credit : The proposed law, which has not yet been fully debated, has drawn criticism from rights groups | Credit: Freepik ) Which apps are accessible? ( Image credit : TikTok, Viber, WeTalk, Nimbuzz, and Poppo Live complied with these directives and are exempt from the ban | Credit: Freepik ) Social media outrages This is just pseudo propaganda! Prithivi Subba is banning Social Media now and after a few days Oli Ba will remove the Ban ! Then BOOM Messiah Oli is here !!!! #SocialMediaBan Sushankhya (@Sushankkkkhya) September 4, 2025 In one sense, I am also tired of social media. Katti scroll garnu its been years. An addiction. May be 1 to 2 years of break will be a good, healthy detox for the mind. #Nepal#socialmediaban Samir Karki (@SamirKrki) September 4, 2025 To all fellow Nepalis This is bigger than just social mediaits about free access to information, dialogue & expression. Lets stay prepared, stay aware, and support each other. #Nepal#DigitalFreedom#VPN#socialmediaban (@BishalKC) September 4, 2025 Linkedin and youtube are most needed for youth in nepal. Linkedin for job searching and youtube for learning not all use youtube for fun it's a source of study for us student#Nepal#socialMediaBan Ash|#Messi fan (@Atimhsa10) September 4, 2025 Nepal GOV is useless. Banning platforms isnt protection, its control. Taking away our freedom to speak, connect, and access info. This is censorship, not governance!!!! #FreedomOfSpeech#Nepal sabinaspace (@sherpa_sab98187) September 4, 2025 what is the meaning of taking away the most used and almost all of communication apps if not to silence us. #Nepal#socialmediabanhttps://t.co/XJY6qW7qV7 (@woonhakskuromi) September 4, 2025 ANI To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. On Thursday, the Government of Nepal announced the blocking of 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), due to their failure to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within a seven-day deadline. This move follows a Supreme Court order mandating that all online platforms operating in Nepal must register with the government to ensure accountability and regulation.reported that authorities have been urging social media companies to establish a liaison office within the country. A bill currently under consideration in parliament aims to ensure that platforms are properly managed, responsible, and accountable.The proposed law, which has not yet been fully debated, has drawn criticism from rights groups. They argue that it could pose a threat to freedom of expression and potentially violate citizens fundamental rights.However, officials maintain that stricter regulations are necessary to monitor social media activity and hold both users and platform operators accountable for the content shared.The government had previously issued multiple notices to these companies, urging them to comply with the registration requirements, which included appointing a local contact, providing a grievance redressal mechanism, and ensuring self-regulation. Platforms such as TikTok, Viber, WeTalk, Nimbuzz, and Poppo Live complied with these directives and are exempt from the ban.Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung emphasized that the decision was necessary to curb cybercrimes, fake identities, and the spread of misinformation, which have been concerns in Nepal's digital landscape. He stated that the banned platforms had been given ample time to register but chose to ignore the government's requests.The National Independent Party has called for regulation rather than outright bans, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to digital governance.The decision did not go down well with a section of Nepalese, and they chose social media to raise their voice against the decision.One wrote, This is just pseudo propaganda! Prithivi Subba is banning Social Media now and after a few days Oli Ba will remove the Ban!Another said, Nepal's Digital Coup Targets The US Social Media Presence.One quipped, Other country are heading toward in technology. Meanwhile Nepal..One seemed relieved, In one sense, I am also tired of social media. May be 1 to 2 years of break will be a good, healthy detox for the mind.One user pointed out, This is bigger than just social mediaits about free access to information, dialogue & expression.One student wrote, LinkedIn and YouTube are most needed for youth in Nepal. LinkedIn for job searching and YouTube for learning, not all use YouTube for fun it's a source of study for us students.Some more..However, a ray of hope exists. IT ministry spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur toldthat if any platform completes registration, it will be reopened the same day. Timing and context of the meeting ( Image credit : King Charles and Prince Harry could have a pivotal make-or-break meeting | Credit: X ) Objectives for both sides ( Image credit : A potential meetup between King Charles and Prince Harry next week is being described as make-or-break | Credit: X ) History of their interactions ( Image credit : The meeting could pave the way for reconciliation with other family members | Credit: X ) Public reaction and next steps A potential meetup between King Charles and Prince Harry next week is being described as make-or-break for their strained relationship, a source told. The meeting could either pave the way for reconciliation with other family members or, if reported negatively, close the door on future peace.The Duke of Sussex will be in London on September 8 to attend the WellChild Awards, a charity he has supported as a patron for 17 years. The date also marks the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeths death in 2022 at age 96. The source noted that both men are feeling a heightened sense of urgency partly due to the Kings cancer diagnosis, and this urgency may act as a catalyst for the meeting.According to the insider, for King Charles, the meeting is an opportunity to establish harmony. He understands that headlines and strife are not good for anyone, and he wants things to move forward, the source said. For Harry, the meeting could provide a chance for his children to have a relationship with their grandfather. A successful meetup could clear the air and have a fresh start after years of tension within the royal family.Father and son have had limited contact, aside from a brief phone call on Charless 76th birthday last November. While no official meeting is confirmed, Harry expressed in a May BBC interview his desire for reconciliation, and in July, representatives for both men met in London. Charles does want to meet Harry, the source told, noting that Harrys past actions have complicated the process.Royal historian Marlene Koenig added that any meeting would likely be private and more likely to be on the Kings terms rather than Harrys. The source also mentioned that while a meetup is likely, it would probably be brief rather than an in-depth discussion of all past conflicts.The insider added that reconciliation may take time for the public to accept, but there is a general expectation for the two men to mend their relationship. Ultimately, the public wants them to make amends, they said, signaling cautious optimism about the potential meeting next week. What happened to Harris County and why is his sister Kara Walker being accused? In a deeply distressing case out of Harris County, Texas, 17-year-old Kara Walker is speaking out from jail, insisting that she has been wrongly accused of contributing to the torture and death of her 8-year-old brother, Charles Walker. The boy died on 15 February, just days after he was rushed to Baytown Methodist Hospital in an unresponsive state.Kara and her boyfriend, 21-year-old Noah Stallings, took the child to the hospital, initially claiming that his injuries were the result of a fall. However, medical staff quickly raised red flags, reporting that the severity of the boy's injuries suggested prolonged abuse rather than an accident. An autopsy confirmed that Charles had died from blunt force trauma, injuries described by doctors as comparable to those sustained in a high-speed car crash.Authorities allege that Charles suffered multiple days of abuse before his death. Court documents reportedly outline disturbing injuries and claim that the child was repeatedly harmed, left in pain, and denied proper care.Despite this, Kara maintains her innocence. Speaking from the Harris County Jail in an emotional interview, she reportedly expressed shock at the charges, stating that she would never harm her younger brother. She claimed a note found in her phone, allegedly incriminating her, was not written by her. Furthermore, she disputed the relevance of text messages used as evidence, which suggested she had disciplined her brother harshly.Karas parents are standing by her. Her father, Christian West, said that the past several months have been a nightmare for the family, and he does not believe his daughter is capable of such violence. He pointed out that Kara is petite5-foot-2 and around 100 poundsand could not have inflicted the level of injury that caused her brothers death.Her mother, Cecil Walker, described the nature of the boys injuries as catastrophic, comparing them to the aftermath of a car accident at 70 to 80 miles per hour.While Stallings was arrested five months prior and later released on a $1 million bond, Kara remains in custody on a $100,000 bond. She faces charges of injury to a child, though not homicide.As the legal process unfolds, a grieving family remains shatteredtorn between loss, confusion, and a desperate hope for justice and truth. The Conjuring Last Rites ( Image credit : A still from Conjuring Last Rites. | Credit: Warner Bros. ) Annabelle Creation The Conjuring The Conjuring 2 Conjuring The Devil Made Me Do It The Conjuring Last Rites The Conjuring Last Rites plot and cast The Conjuring Last Rites ( Image credit : A still from The Conjuring Last Rites. | Credit: Warner Bros. ) The Conjuring Last Rites The Departed Down To The Bone Joshua Orphan The Conjuring Last Rites The Conjuring Last Rites Annabelle Creation The Nun The Conjuring Last Rites review The Conjuring Last Rites ( Image credit : A still from The Conjuring Last Rites. | Credit: Warner Bros. ) The Conjuring Last Rites Baaghi 4. The Conjuring Last Rites OTT release India:, one of the biggest films of the year, is set to hit the screens on September 5. This has created a great deal of buzz among fans. The film marks the end of an iconic franchise and promises to be a spooky affair, complete with plenty of jump scares. Trade analyst Rohit Jaiswal told Indiatimes that The Conjuring Last Rites is expected to premiere on Prime Video after its run in theatres., andtoo are available on the same platform. This suggests that, too, will eventually land on Prime Video after its run in theatres., like the previous installments of this franchise, focuses on the battle against dangerous supernatural forces. Set in 1986, It centres on paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they travel to Pennsylvania to save a family from a demon. The narrative then delves into the challenges faced by them as they make a few shocking discoveries.features Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson in the lead roles. Farmiga is best known for her work inand. Wilson, on the other hand, made an impact with his performances in films such asand. The cast ofalso includes Mia Tomlinson, Rebecca Calder and Elliot Cowan.is directed by Michael Chaves. It is the ninth and final chapter of this universe. The franchise includes titles such asandhas received mixed reviews from most critics. It holds an approval rating of 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregator website, based on 61 responses. According to Matt Zoller Seitz, the films climax is unsettling and warm in equal measure.The film, meanwhile, is expected to take a strong start in India. According to early estimates,is expected to earn around Rs 11 crore on its first day despite releasing alongsideTiger Shroff's The Voice of Hind Rajab Venice Film Festival Deadline History was made in Venice. The Voice of Hind Rajab got a 22-minute standing ovation people crying, clapping, chanting Free Palestine. The voice of a Palestinian child shook the entire room.#Venezia82#FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/dwy6q8T1ww Alice Williams (@aDemCalledAlice) September 4, 2025 Director Kaouther Ben Hanias message ( Image credit : Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl was killed in 2024. | Credit: Palestinian Red Crescent ) #TheVoiceOfHindRajab is not just a film: Its a haunting testament to a six-year-olds final cries, the helplessness of those who tried to save her and the silence of a world that didnt. Undoubtedly the most important art piece of the year 2025, maybe even the decade. #Venezia82pic.twitter.com/1wHUhldPMB Mia Pfluger (@justmiaslife) September 3, 2025 A strong cast and big Hollywood names as producers Struggles with U.S. distribution The Voice of Hind Rajab in Oscars? ( Image credit : The film is written and directed by Kaouther Ben Hania. | Credit: IMDb ) For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Kaouther Ben Haniasreceived an overwhelming response at its world premiere during the. According to, the audience stood and applauded for 23 minutes and 50 seconds, the longest standing ovation any film has received at the festival so far. Moreover people in the theater were seen crying as the audience chanted Free Palestine and waved Palestinian flags in support.The film retells the heartbreaking last phone call of Hind Rajab, a young girl who, in January 2024, was trapped inside a car wreck in northern Gaza alongside the bodies of her uncles and four cousins. Hind, the only survivor, hid under a seat and managed to call the Palestinian Red Crescent for help. But both she and the medics who tried to rescue her were later killed by Israeli forces.So far, the Israeli military has not launched a formal investigation into the incident.The film stars Palestinian actors Clara Khoury, Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, and Amer Hlehel, who play Red Crescent Society staffers trying to save Hind. Hollywood also stood behind the project, with Brad Pitt, Jonathan Glazer, Alfonso Cuaron, Joaquin Phoenix, and Rooney Mara serving as executive producers.Phoenix and Mara even attended the Venice premiere, joining the cast and crew on the red carpet while holding a photograph of Hind Rajab.While the film has made waves internationally, it has yet to secure a U.S. distributor. Films critical of Israel often face challenges finding wide release in the U.S. For example, No Other Land, a documentary about the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, won an Oscar earlier this year but was not picked up by any major American distributor.Ben Hania, however, remains optimistic, I hope it will be seen in the US. The most important thing is that the voice of Hind Rajab reaches everybody all over the world, and the Oscars and Venice here are a great doorway, she told Reuters.Tunisia has officially chosen The Voice of Hind Rajab as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. This is not Ben Hanias first time at the Oscars. She was previously nominated for Best Documentary Feature in 2024 with Four Daughters, and her 2021 film The Man Who Sold His Skin was also nominated for Best International Feature.The film is produced by Nadim Cheikhrouha, Odessa Rae, and James Wilson under Mime Films and Tanit Films. U.S. sales are being handled by CAA Media Finance, while The Party Film Sales manages international distribution. Rights have already been sold in several regions, including Italy, Spain, Japan, Turkey, Greece, and Poland. SsshhhPhir Koi Hai, Sasural Simar Ka 2, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Saat Phere Saloni Ka Safar, Saraswatichandra Molkki Rishton Ki Agnipariksha. Dekha Ek Khwaab ( Image credit : Who is Ashish Kapoor? TV actor arrested after assault allegations | Credit: Instagram/kapooraashish ) Who is Ashish Kapoor ? The Instagram meetcute of Ashish Kapoor gone sour No tape, still a tangle Personal Highlights Turned Headlines A reallife drama unfolding for Ashish Kapoor At 40 years old, born on 17 October 1984, Ashish Kapoor carved out a vivid niche in Indian television, gracing serials such asandBut the role that truly lit up his fame radar was Uday in, where he starred alongside Priyal Gor, who played the female lead.Picture this: a DM slide on Instagram that led to an allegedly sinister selfdestruct sequence. The complainant says she met Kapoor via Instagram, a private party lavatory became the stage of the alleged incident, and a video was supposedly recordedyet none has surfaced to date.In a catandmouse worthy of realityTV drama, Pune police tracked Kapoors trail: Delhi Goa finally to Pune. He was arrested on Wednesday, 3 September, by Pune law enforcement authorities in connection with a rape accusation.CCTV footage, along with eyewitness testimonies, confirm that both the actor and the complainant entered the washroom together, and that others appeared at the door knocking while they remained inside. The saga later spilled outside, at the society gate, where the woman alleged that the friends wife of Kapoor struck her. Police later clarified that the wife was the one who made the PCR call.Even though the woman claimed the incident was recorded, investigators have so far come up emptyhanded when it comes to video. That said, CCTV visuals and eyewitness input are adding layers to the narrative. It is a tense mix: suspicion, absence of physical evidence, and a flood of whatifs.Kapoors offscreen life has been equally headlineworthy. He dated Priyal Gor when she was 18, an attentiongrabbing revelation, yet according to his own retelling, they remain friendly. He then spent two years in a relationship with Albanian model Ilda Kroni, which reportedly ended badly. Thereafter, he fell in love on the set of Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 2 with the shows executive producer, Pearl Grey; they got engaged in April 2021 and even inked matching till death do us apart tattoos, though their romance ended after a little more than a year.Ashishs digital footprint has been dramatically erased: his Instagram handle has vanished, pulling the plug on his online presence.This arrest is not a TV plotthis is simmering reallife drama, caught between Instagram DMs, missing footage, and public scandal. As the investigation unfolds, the mediasavvy world watches as Kapoors carefully curated persona comes undone under the harsh glare of the law. Shiv Sena youth leader Rahool Kanal Samay Raina and Balraj Ghai Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai Who is Rahool Kanal? Rahool Kanal is a social activist, philanthropist, and youth leader. According to his LinkedIn profile, he completed his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Mumbai in 2005. A long-time associate of Shiv Sena (undivided), he worked closely with Aaditya Thackeray and served as the Social Media In-Charge of the partys youth wing, Yuva Sena, for over a decade. ( Image credit : Rahool Kanal with Hindsutani Bhau | Credit: IG ) In July 2023, Kanal shifted loyalties from Shiv Sena (UBT) to the Eknath Shinde-led faction, where he was appointed General Secretary of the Yuva Sena. He also heads the I Love Mumbai Foundation as President and has previously been a trustee of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, one of Indias most prominent religious institutions. In addition, he is a member of the Education Committee of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and currently serves as the President of the Pickleball Association of Maharashtra. Outside politics and activism, Kanal owns the Mumbai-based restaurant Bhaijaanz, inspired by Bollywood actor Salman Khan. I was attending a comedy show at Habitat tonight. We were ushered out 30 minutes earlier. Was told some people broke one floor of the venue. Apparently, Kunal Kamra went too far when parodying Eknath Shinde. L day for comedy, free speech, and Kunal Kamras timing. pic.twitter.com/jSmAov20nm Sikandar (@VinamreKasanaa) March 23, 2025 What is Rahool Kanals Beef with Indias Got Latent host Samay Raina? Well, let's try to make it simple to understand, Mumbai Police arrested Shiv Sena functionary Rahool Kanal and 11 others for allegedly vandalising Habitat Studio, a well-known performance space in the city a few months ago. The incident occurred after stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra shot his latest video there, in which he referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a gaddar (traitor). Reports suggest the group barged into the venue and damaged property, alleging Kamras comments were offensive and disrespectful towards Shinde. The act of vandalism quickly made headlines, sparking renewed debate over freedom of speech, artistic expression, and the charged political climate in Maharashtra. ( Image credit : Samay Raina in Paris | Credit: IG ) Now, why is everyone surprised about him being spotted with Balraj Ghai and Samay Raina? Habitat Studio, the venue at the center of the controversy, is co-owned by Balraj Ghai and his father. The space has been a popular hub for stand-up comedy and live performances in Mumbai. Comedian Samay Raina shares a close friendship with Balraj Ghai and has frequently collaborated with him, including hosting his well-known show Indias Got Latent at the venue. ( Image credit : Samay Raina and Balraj Ghai | Credit: IG ) However, Samays association with Habitat hasnt been without turbulence. His show was once shut down following allegations of obscene content, which also led to legal proceedings against him. While Samay himself has not had a direct confrontation with Rahool Kanal, the Shiv Sena leaders actions against Habitat struck a nerve, since the venue is owned by his close friend and has been central to his creative work. This indirect link has fueled speculation and amplified the narrative of a feud, as Kanals attack on Habitat was effectively an attack on the platform that supported Samays comedy career. For more news and updtes from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. was recently spotted with comedianduring their visit to. The unexpected appearance took fans by surprise, reigniting memories of Kanals much-discussed fallout with Raina over the Indias Got Latent controversy. With their history in mind, the sighting has left netizens wondering whether old differences have been resolved or merely put aside for the moment. Heres a closer look at who Rahool Kanal is and his feud with Samay Raina. Andrew Kreider, shown here in Center City, quit his job at the Environmental Protection Agency. His last day was June 12. Read more Way back in 1996, a young and idealistic tree-hugger from a little Pennsylvania steel town called Phoenixville started his career at the U.S. EPA in Washington DC, intent on changing the world for the better, Andrew Kreider wrote on LinkedIn June 12, his last day working for the federal government. After nearly 29 years at the Environmental Protection Agency, most recently out of Philadelphia, Kreider this spring took a retirement package offered by President Donald Trumps administration. Advertisement Leaving the agency was bittersweet, he said, and not what hed expected for the end of his federal career. Still, he felt a lot of relief. I didnt need to struggle in this sort of space of cognitive dissonance where Im committed to a mission that the administrator [of the EPA] himself doesnt seem to want to fulfill, he said. In recent months, the Trump administration has been encouraging federal workers to leave their jobs as it aims to shrink the federal workforce. By the end of this year, there will be 300,000 fewer federal employees across the U.S., due in large part to voluntary departures, the administration has said. Philadelphia federal offices have seen some of those, including deferred resignations, an option the Trump administration first offered in January to allow federal employees to quit and continue getting paid through September. Pennsylvanias federal workforce shrank by some 2,600 positions this year through July, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and that was before deferred resignations taking effect after Sept. 30. They say that people dont leave bad jobs. They leave bad bosses, said Kreider. He wants to work at a job where leadership exemplifies integrity and honesty and where my commitment to the mission is respected and supported. And unfortunately, EPA is no longer that place, he said. Moving to the private sector Emily Adler, 31, left her job in Philadelphia at the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry in May, and moved to Anchorage, Alaska. She now works in environmental consulting at a small firm. If you told me a year ago that Id be in the private sector, I feel like Id probably think you were crazy, said Adler, who resigned without taking any incentives from the Trump administration. When Adler saw the posting, about five years ago, for what would become her government job, it felt serendipitous, she said. I felt like this job was my dream job, without even knowing that the job existed, she said. Her team evaluated Superfund sites and wrote public health assessments work that felt very impactful, she said. The job was hybrid, based in the EPAs Center City office. Adler was already thinking about her next career move, but when the Trump administration came in, she said, she and coworkers became demoralized. She knew she had to go. A sense of stability once a key benefit of federal government work was gone, she said. She watched coworkers get laid off, and the announced reorganization of her agency under the Administration for a Healthy America. She also noted the barrage of emails from the Office of Personnel Management, the governments human resources agency. Breaking from its usual procedure of going through agency leadership, the office has been contacting federal workers directly, offering the deferred resignation program and asking them, for a time, to describe what theyve accomplished on a weekly basis. For a short while, Adler felt stubborn about staying in her federal position, to hold the line, so to speak, she said. And she was skeptical about the deferred resignation program, wondering, like others, how it would be funded. She ultimately resigned without taking the administrations offered incentives. And she took a big pay cut, Adler said, but she was really eager to get out. Taking a city job Earlier this year, Charlie Elison did something he hadnt done since he was an undergraduate student: He got on LinkedIn. Then a public affairs officer for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Elison saw the uncertainty in the federal job market. And in his own agency, he saw a role in U.S. immigration that had changed drastically. He said the agency had been the legal adjudication side of immigration, but its been pulled into the realm of enforcement this year. It has been extremely difficult to reconcile that radical shift in priorities, he said. Elison had deleted his LinkedIn profile years before, he said. Many federal workers historically didnt use the networking site, he explained, as they typically find opportunities through internal agency channels. I was that typical fed, Elison said. He figured I dont have to put myself out there. Until I did. To help others navigate the job market, he helped put together a workshop in March for federal workers looking to transition to other positions. The initiative has grown, with workshops taking place at libraries around the city. Elison found himself a new job too: executive director of Philadelphias office of immigrant affairs. When he left the federal government, he posted on his nascent LinkedIn profile: While my personal compass leads me elsewhere, I will always keep USCISs mission to uphold Americas promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect for all close to my heart. He said hes thrilled to bring his experience to the city role. I was absolutely heartbroken to leave, but the time was right. Relentless union work In June, Joyce Howell went to the EPAs Center City office to hand in her work badge and computer. Colleagues applauded her, on her last day after 32 years at the EPA. It was very sweet, said Howell, the former executive vice president of AFGE Council 238, which represents EPA workers across the country. She had been an EPA attorney. During her decades at the agency, she said, We did an enormous amount of work that reduced the environmental hazards in the Philadelphia area. Theres some pollutants that were in the air that are no longer there at all because of cases I was involved in. Howell chose a retirement option through the deferred resignation, despite her initial skepticism, when it was offered for a second time and stepped down from her union role as well. If Vice President [Kamala] Harris had been elected, I would still be working at EPA, said Howell. After Trump was elected, the union work became pretty relentless, and really difficult, she said. Now as she watches from the sidelines, she says the challenges union leadership face are tremendous. READ MORE: Philly-area union officials say theyre not backing down as federal agencies cancel contracts Brad Starnes, president of the union for local EPA employees, was planning on retiring next year. But he decided to leave sooner, in part so he could have a better work life balance as he manages union work. He had to forgo some pension advantages, he said, but the deferred resignation package is lucrative enough to make up for that. In June, he concluded a three-decade career at the agency. It was, he said, a phenomenal place to work. But despite the efforts of his remaining colleagues, he said, its become a different place recently. The current environment political environment, administrative environment has become toxic to put it mildly, said Starnes. Karen Ford-Woods also retired to focus on union work, in January. She had worked in logistics at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and is president of AFGE Local 1793, which represents local VA workers. There was no way that I could effectively represent the employees if Im still there, because right now, were afraid of reprisal, she said. What comes next? In his resignation announcement on LinkedIn, Kreider shared a photo from his early days at the EPA alongside a photo from March at a protest for EPA employees and supporters in Center City. Kreider, then a congressional liaison in the Office of Public Affairs, was photographed and featured in an Inquirer article about the event that day. About a week-and-a-half later, he was removed from his position and placed on the Superfund program. READ MORE: Philadelphia EPA workers protest at City Hall, saying clean water is under attack amid Trumps cuts Kreider said he learned from colleagues in D.C. that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin was aware of the photo of Kreider at the rally published by The Inquirer. When that happened, it indicated to me that we are all working for an administration and a boss who doesnt value a diversity of opinions and viewpoints and isnt open to working together toward fulfilling our mission, he said. A spokesperson for the agency said the EPA does not comment on individual personnel matters. They added that the EPA continues to be laser-focused on its core mission of protecting human health and the environment in [Trumps] second term. Kreider feels concerned and anxious about his former colleagues who remain at the agency. He says he continues to speak out because, I love EPA too much to be quiet. At the end of his LinkedIn post, Kreider thanked federal employees. And he noted that hes open to work in a new job where integrity and empathy are guiding principles. Bruce Springsteen in 1982. His "Nebraska '82: Expanded Edition" comes out Oct. 17. Read more You thought you already had all the Bruce Springsteen unreleased album box sets you needed? Think again. Earlier this year, Springsteen released Tracks II: The Lost Albums, a box set that includes seven previously unreleased albums in their entirety, recorded between 1983 and 2018. Advertisement Now, the Boss has pulled one more box of previously unissued material out of his vault. On Oct. 17, hell release Nebraska 82: Expanded Edition, which will include the Electric Nebraska sessions in which the solitary, stripped down songs on his album Nebraska were recorded with a plugged-in band, with an approach that Springsteen calls punk rockabilly. We were trying to bring Nebraska into the electric world," he said in a press release. The box will also include a Nebraska Outtakes disc with nine songs, including alternative versions of the Born in the U.S.A. title track and three other songs from that 1984 album, plus more obscure rarities such as On the Prowl and Gun In Every Home, which were recorded in separate sessions in 1982. The five-disc set available on LP and CD will also include a remastered version of the original Nebraska album, which Springsteen composed while under the influence of Flannery OConnor and killer Charlie Starkweather. Springsteen famously recorded it on a four-track tape machine in his Colts Neck, N.J., bedroom on a cassette in his jacket pocket before the decision was made to issue the album as is. READ MORE: Bruce Springsteens Lost Albums have arrived and heres our review. Yes, of all seven of them. The box also includes a newly recorded live album and Blu-ray of Springsteen performing the 10 Nebraska songs in sequence at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, N.J., which he had never done in the 43 years since the album was released. Not coincidentally, the Nebraska box will come out one week before the wide release of Deliver Me From Nowhere, Scott Coopers unorthodox Springsteen biopic starring Jeremy Allen White that chronicles the making of Nebraska and is based on Warren Zanes book of the same title. The movie, which also stars Jeremy Strong as Springsteens longtime manager Jon Landau, premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on Labor Day weekend. Listen to the Nebraska 82 alternative version of Born in the U.S.A. below. Kerrie Tran, of Northeast Philadelphia, 25, operations manager, is making matcha for two beverages at Caphe Roasters on Aug. 20. Read more On a recent Friday afternoon at Babys Kusina + Market, the Filipino cafe and restaurant in Brewerytown, a large hand-lettered sign with a sad face covered the front of the cash register, warning customers: There was no more matcha. That meant no matcha lattes with coconut condensed milk. It wasnt the first time this had happened, said owner Raquel Villanueva Dang, and customers dont always take it well. People get pissed, she said. I apologize for not having it, and sometimes they are understanding, but some people get upset. Advertisement Dang is currently experiencing difficulties in sourcing both matcha and ube, an ingredient even more significant to her Filipino menu. Theres a balancing act. People finally love what we love, but by pushing it to the masses, we are straining supply chains. The basic matcha latte at Babys involves whisking four grams of matcha with room temperature water to create a paste, adding water heated to 175 degrees, whisking it further until bubbles appear, and combining it with oat milk and coconut condensed milk. They normally sell about 200 matcha based drinks per week. Babys Kusina isnt the only Philly spot that has suffered as a result of the matcha shortage that has swept the globe. Earlier this year, Caphe Roasters, the Kensington Vietnamese cafe and coffee roaster, also ran out of matcha. Customers were really surprised, said owner Thu Pham. It was surprising for them that there could be a shortage of it when they could also order matcha at Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. Caphe Roasters is known for the Vietnamese coffee beans it roasts in house and blends into drinks like their salted brulee caphe, or coffee topped with cold, foamy salted cream and torched with brown sugar. Two Saturdays ago the cafe sold 90 coffee-based drinks. It sold 180 drinks with matcha that same day, including Gritty matcha or a matcha made dirty with espresso, and matcha floats made with condensed milk soft serve. The cafe has dedicated barista on staff whose sole job is to produce matcha drinks. One of my employees joked, We need to rebrand ourselves as Matcha Roasters, owner Thu Pham said in mock despair. Matcha has been a staple on Caphe Roasters menu since it opened in 2021. This past year, Ive had to get supply in more regularly and I found myself scrambling to meet customers demands, Pham said. At one point, the shop ran out completely. Its provider, Junbi, a Los Angeles-based matcha brand with its own cafes, prioritized supplying its own franchises over its wholesale partners. The matcha craze is by no means limited to Asian-inflected cafes in Philly. It features on menus at Rival Bros and Thank You Thank You, too. Kensington-based Forin Cafe has seen a spike in matcha drink sales in recent years. Co-owner Kyle Horne said the shops sell about 50 to 60 matcha beverages per day across their three cafes. Our sales of matcha have doubled, Horne said, commenting on their sales of the tea this past year compared to 2024. Matcha is also not just for tea drinks: Its carefully measured and whisked into cocktails at Almanac, the companion bar to Old Citys Ogawa. Its whipped into soft serve in at least two cafes in Chinatown, Matcha Cafe Maiko and Matcha Panda Cafe, situated within a block of one another. Its baked into cakes at A La Mousse and Cake and Joe. The matcha trend really took off once makers started blending it with fruit: Before this year, matcha on a cafe menu was usually whisked with warm water or simply served with foamed milk as a latte. But fruit syrups mixed into matcha now dominate at Phillys cafes, like the banana and apricot-white peach syrups Forin mixes with matcha, or the ube and strawberry syrups you can add to iced matcha lattes at Babys when, of course, the matcha is in stock. Every single day, my percentage of new customers increases, Pham said, repeating what her staff reports that new customers come for the matcha drinks specifically. Many shops, especially giant chains, offer drinks made with culinary-grade matcha. But small, independent Philly cafes serve the good stuff, sourced from small purveyors and graded either ceremonial or premium, the top two tiers of matcha. Extremely delicate and never bitter, this is unfortunately in short supply. Matcha is technically a ground green tea but its planting and harvesting involves far more care than the green tea one grabs by a bag and steeps in a mug. Tea farmers in Japan pamper their matcha plants, shading them from sun and carefully dissecting it at harvest time, removing the stems and veins from its leaves, which are eventually pulverized. Even once its sold, matcha requires minding. It easily oxidizes when exposed to air and cant be stored for long periods of time or it will lose its delicate aromas. It must be sifted to remove clumps, and water that is too hot can burn the leaves. At Babys, Dang has been questioning if matcha has a place on their menu long-term not because of its maintenance and cost, but because of its irregular availability and the implications of over-popularizing a precious ingredient. With trends, we see a mass consumption of something ethnically significant being consumed to exhaustion, Dang said. If you sell more, its great for the business, but is there another consequence of selling more that were not seeing? You might consider switching back over to coffee. Though coffee, subject to tariffs and threatened by climate change, isnt safe, either. District Attorney Larry Krasner ramped up his criticism of President Donald Trump during an appearance on CNN Wednesday night in which he denounced plans to send National Guard troops to fight crime in Chicago and other cities and offered Philadelphians advice for what to do should a deployment happen here. He praised Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker for vigorously and so far successfully pushing back on the presidents plan to send federal troops to that Democrat-controlled city and told news anchor Kaitlan Collins on The Source that Trump always chickens out. To reinforce the point, Philadelphias top prosecutor actually clucked. Advertisement In light of Trumps troop deployments in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles this summer, Democratic leaders have called the presidents latest proposals both unnecessary and unconstitutional, countering his push by noting that crime is down. This is a lesson to all the major cities, including ours, Krasner said of Chicagos resistance to the Trump plan. Stand up he chickens out. While Trump has suggested sending troops to cities including New York and Baltimore, he has not floated a plan to do so in Philadelphia. (Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday that his administration is prepared for that prospect, however.) In contrast with his move to federalize local law enforcement and send National Guard troops to police Washington, D.C., a federal district over which the president has wide control, Trump would face significant logistical and legal hurdles if he attempted to do so in Philadelphia or other cities. Krasner who is seeking a third term as district attorney said that if the National Guard is sent to the city, Philadelphians should use their cell phones to document the troops activity. You bring this, you bring this light, you video what [Trump] is doing in your city, and you make it available on social media, Krasner said. He cannot erase that history. He cannot deny that evidence. Doubling down on that point, Krasner told Collins: You bring the light, and the vampires run away. Krasners opponent in the DAs race, former Municipal Court Judge Patrick Dugan, suggested Krasners lack of military experience precluded his understanding of the National Guards role. Encouraging people to harass them just because Larry thinks it boosts his profile and fundraising is disgraceful, Dugan said in an email. Instead of playing games, Larry should spend his time reviewing the countless cell phone and surveillance videos of people getting shot and robbed every single day. Krasners comments are the latest in his escalating criticism of Trump in his second term. Last month, Krasner joined city religious leaders to decry the presidents federal takeover of D.C.s law enforcement as racist and rooted in fearmongering while calling on residents to protest those actions. As part of the citys settlement with the parents of Ellen Greenberg, whose 2011 death by 20 stab wounds was ruled a homicide then switched to suicide, Philadelphia agreed to have its medical examiners office conduct an expeditious reexamination of the case. But seven months after that agreement was reached and five months after it was signed, the office still hasnt completed its reevaluation. At a remote hearing on Zoom Wednesday seeking to compel the city to produce its findings, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Linda Carpenter chastised the city solicitors office and city attorney Michael Pestrak for the delay. Advertisement Its ridiculous and you obviously just dont care and thats probably why the Greenbergs are so frustrated, because if the city cared, expedited means a week or 10 days, Carpenter said. Now so much time has gone by how will they have any faith that it was done fairly? Justice delayed is justice denied. At one point, Carpenter questioned whether she could conduct a hearing to change the manner of death on Greenbergs death certificate which remains suicide to undetermined herself, and she floated the idea of forcing the already settled case back to trial. Why dont I put this back on the trial list, say the settlement hasnt happened, theres been a breach of the settlement? Carpenter said. But after Carpenter, Pestrak, and Joseph Podraza Jr. the attorney representing Ellens parents, Joshua and Sandra Greenberg met in a private breakout room for more than a half hour, Carpenter agreed to continue the case until Oct. 14. Well see where we are then, she said. Ive heard the city. I understand that there has been a process thats been going on and while I did express some concern that it wasnt as expeditious as the court thinks expeditious means, I do understand that there are other things that go on in the city. Homicide to suicide Ellen Greenberg, 27, was found by her fiance, Samuel Goldberg, in the kitchen of their Manayunk apartment with a 10-inch knife lodged into her chest on Jan. 26, 2011. Investigators on the scene treated her death as a suicide because Goldberg told them the apartment door was locked from the inside and he had to break it down to get in. There were no signs of an intruder and Greenberg had no defensive wounds, police have said. But the next morning at her autopsy, then-assistant medical examiner Marlon Osbourne noted a total of 20 stab wounds to Greenbergs body, including 10 to the back of her neck, along with 11 bruises in various stages of healing, and ruled her death a homicide. Police publicly disputed the findings and Osbourne later changed his ruling to suicide, with no explanation to Greenbergs parents. In search of answers, Joshua and Sandra Greenberg retained numerous independent forensic experts who have questioned authorities findings, as first detailed in a March 2019 Inquirer article. The couple subsequently filed two lawsuits against the city, one seeking to have the manner of their daughters death changed from suicide back to homicide or undetermined and the other alleging the investigation into Greenbergs death was embarrassingly botched and resulted in a cover-up by Philadelphia authorities. After years of fervently battling both lawsuits, the city settled with the Greenbergs in February shortly after Osbourne signed a sworn verification statement in which he said that based on new information, he now believes Ellens manner of death should be designated as something other than suicide. Among the terms of the settlement was an expeditious reexamination of the manner of Ellen Greenbergs death, a $650,000 monetary settlement (which was already paid), and an agreement from the Greenbergs never to sue the city again. Understaffed At the hearing Wednesday, Podraza said he filed the motion to enforce the settlement because he and the Greenbergs thought a judicial nudging would compel the city to complete its reexamination. Pestrak said the medical examiners office and Chief Medical Examiner Lindsay Simon have been reviewing the case since April and the city solicitors office has provided all necessary information, including the police file. The only thing that was unforeseen that slowed the medical examiners office down was the strike in July, which caused the medical examiners office to be understaffed, Pestrak said, referring to the AFSCME District Council 33 strike this summer. Pestrak proposed inviting Podraza to his office and making Simon available to explain what shes done for her review so far and what she still has left to do. Carpenter questioned why Pestrak didnt invite Podraza to such a meeting before the hearing or why he didnt bring Simon to the hearing or present evidence at it. From the beginning, I never really understood why this just couldnt be changed to undetermined because of the circumstances, Carpenter said. I dont understand what needs to be re-looked at. Alejandra Rodriguez, 9, of Key Largo, Fla., watches a demonstration in March in support of the U.S. Department of Education, outside the agency's headquarters in Washington. Read more Is urban public education getting any better, especially after all the reforms, the foundation help, millions of dollars in federal aid, and stiff public pressure? Do our schools add value to the lives of our students, or do they simply mirror maybe even perpetuate the inequalities in American society? Are they the great equalizer that the 19th-century reformer Horace Mann envisioned for public education? These are not only important questions, but now is the right time to answer them, when so much of our national life, including public education, is being turned upside down. The answers, in fact, might surprise a lot of people. Advertisement First, have urban public schools improved? The best evidence is found in the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the Nations Report Card. The data show that not only have the nations large city schools including Philadelphia made progress, but their gains are larger between 2003 and 2024 than schools in the nation at large. In fact, our urban schools have narrowed the gap with the nation by between 65% and 37%, depending on grade and subject, over that period. Second, do urban schools add any value for our young people, or do we simply reflect the poverty and other barriers most of our students grow up with? Here, the Nations Report Card shows that the large city schools are producing academic results several times greater than one would expect statistically based on family income and other factors. In other words, they are mitigating the effects of poverty, language, and disabilities better than the average public school. Third, the progress one is seeing extends beyond test scores. You can see it on state assessments, four-year graduation rates, ninth-grade core-course passing rates, number of students successfully completing Algebra I by the end of ninth grade, and number of students taking one or more Advanced Placement courses and passing the exams. For instance, the percentage of urban students scoring three or higher, a passing grade, on the rigorous College Board Advanced Placement exams has increased from 38% in 2016 to 51% in 2020. In short, the data on urban schools contradict the reigning pessimism and instead tell a story of steady improvement. Take the Philadelphia School District under the leadership of Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. and board president Reginald L. Streater. Data on the Nations Report Card show the district has recovered more rapidly from the pandemic than the national average. Philly schools have also rebounded even more than a typical large city school system between 2019 and 2024 in math and reading. In fact, only one other major city school district has recovered more than Philadelphia in eighth-grade math. You can see gains as well in Los Angeles, the District of Columbia, Miami, Dallas, Detroit, Jackson, Miss., Houston, Chicago, and many other cities. To be sure, the pandemic was a setback for the nations public schools, but even here, urban schools performance fell off less significantly than the nation, except in fourth-grade math. The job is not yet finished, but the progress is unmistakable. The improvement in the Philadelphia school system and urban districts everywhere is not by accident, nor is it the result of demographic changes. It is because urban school leaders made it happen. The Council of the Great City Schools, whose members will convene next month in Philadelphia for the first time since 1968, has been studying for years, largely outside the publics gaze, why some urban school systems improve and others do not, and we have been applying those lessons to urban systems wherever possible. We have learned that large city school districts improve when their leadership regularly attends to student achievement over an extended period, when their academic program is grounded in the standards, the curriculum is rigorous and coherent, and when teaching is consistently on grade level. Districts also do better when they continuously support teachers in providing ever stronger instruction, when there is accountability for results, when they use data to improve rather than just monitor the status quo, and when they use well-evaluated interventions for schools and students if they start to slip behind. We have learned, moreover, that urban systems will struggle academically when their leadership pays more attention to operations and adult issues than to how their students are doing, when the instructional program is low-quality and fractured, when the districts have little way to bolster the quality of their people, when no one is accountable for what happens, when they have data but dont use it, or when they let students fall behind without help. In short, the data on urban schools contradict the reigning pessimism and instead tell a story of steady improvement. Doing what works and avoiding what doesnt sounds simple. Yet, it is anything but in systems with tens of thousands of people, hundreds of thousands of students, millions of moving parts, and a rightfully demanding public. The important point is that understanding how to spur improvement bodes well for continued progress in the future. In the meantime, the public should be vigilant about attempts to weaken their public schools. And policymakers in Harrisburg should be confident their investments in Philadelphia schools are paying off. As the new school year begins, urban public education is starting to look increasingly like the great equalizer Mann envisioned. Urban school systems like Philadelphias are adding value rather than perpetuating inequality. They are forces for upward mobility. And they are improving just as the public wants and deserves. It is the makings of a great comeback story if we continue to support it. Michael Casserly is a strategic adviser for the Council of the Great City Schools, was its executive director for almost 30 years, and is the author of The Enduring Promise of Americas Great City Schools, published by Harvard Education Press. An image taken from a government video released by President Donald Trump on Truth Social shows a boat during an attack by U.S. naval forces on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. Trump said 11 people on board the vessel were killed, and asserted the boat was carrying narcotics bound for the U.S. Read more If Donald Trump is serious about wanting to get to heaven, he has a very odd strategy. This was the stark subject line on an email the 47th president sent to his supporters at 10:54 a.m. on Tuesday, as the nation staggered back to work after Labor Day: I want to try to get to Heaven. Advertisement It wasnt the first time in recent days that Trump has mused about his eternal fate, which sounds like the long-overdue stirrings of a late-life conscience, but in reality is just a hucksters brainstorm that if half the internet thinks hes dead or dying, why not raise a few bucks off this. Trump said his near-miss with an assassins bullet in Butler, Pa., last year is why Ive launched a 24 HOUR TRUMP FUNDRAISING BLITZ, and Im asking everyone to chip in $15 to make it one for the record books! Im not really sure how amassing a huge political war chest gets one through the pearly gates. Is the Trump super PAC going to target St. Peter with 30-second spots? But the president also seems wildly uneducated about what it really takes to avoid the eternal hellfires of the Bad Place. Just hours after Trumps plea for everlasting life, he ordered, then celebrated, the mass killing of 11 human beings on a boat in the southern Caribbean Sea, somewhere off Venezuela. This was kind of like scribbling down your 2025 New Years resolution to lose weight while sitting in the drive-through line at Kentucky Fried Chicken. The U.S. military missile strike Tuesday that obliterated the power boat which the Trump regime alleged, with zero evidence, was manned by Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang members bringing a shipment of narcotics to the United States was such a shocking event that it took a day or so for the America media to even wrap their arms about what the heck just happened here. Some of that, to be fair, stems from a complete lack of transparency by the White House and the U.S. Department of Defense. Trump and his minions were eager to boast to the world about their ability to kill people, as the president quickly posted the 28-second South American snuff video of the boats annihilation to the White House social media accounts. But there was little or no information about who these 11 formerly alive boat passengers were, what type of drugs the boat was allegedly carrying, where the boat was headed, exactly where the U.S. attack took place, or how the strike was carried out. Thats bad American citizens are entitled to real information when killings are done in our name but its not nearly as bad as this: The Trump regime offered no legal justification let alone a moral one for blowing up in international waters a ship carrying civilians from a nation with which the United States is not at war. Or why the standard practice of warning and then interdicting a ship believed to be involved in drug trafficking and arresting any suspects and bringing them to trial wasnt followed in this case. Pentagon officials were still working Wednesday on what legal authority they would tell the public was used to back up the extraordinary strike in international waters, the New York Times reported. Its bad enough when those in authority shoot first and ask questions later. In this case, the Trump regime, upon direct orders from the president, shot and killed first, and 24 hours later, was still trying to simply figure out what the right questions were. In an era of too much mealymouthed journalism, lets call out this U.S. strike for what it really was: A cold-blooded murder, carried out in broad Caribbean daylight. An assassination. And a war crime. And details on this Trump-ordered hit were so scant that aides to Venezuelas strongman ruler, Nicolas Maduro, got some traction by claiming the attack didnt really happen, and that the Trump video is artificial intelligence, or AI. Thats almost certainly a lie the South American dictator is no better at truth-telling than his U.S. counterpart but its alarming that top American officials cant even agree on whether the boat was headed for U.S. shores or for Trinidad, among other key details. Even worse, people who actually know what theyre talking about either pre-Trump government officials or career military brass, only willing to speak to the Times anonymously questioned whether the doomed boats cargo was really drugs, or might instead be migrants seeking to flee Maduros misrule and come to America. They noted that youd rarely need or want 11 people on a ship carrying illicit drugs usually just two or three would suffice as well as other glaring inconsistencies in the Trump regimes version. The Times reporting included this jaw-dropping assessment: In the former officials opinion, it was more likely that the vessel was carrying migrants on a human smuggling run. A rogue government that employs a masked secret police to snatch undocumented immigrants off American streets now may be executing them on the high seas. Scan the news, and the only folks voicing unqualified support are pro-MAGA, bootlicking politicians like South Carolina GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, who called the lethal strike the ultimate and most welcome sign that we have a new sheriff in town. This from a former Air Force lawyer who surely knows there are no legal grounds for the bombing. What you wont find in any article is a single expert or scholar who believes the attack was in any way legal. Simply put, no one with any real-world familiarity with international law and the rules of engagement thinks that even the possible justifications such as the 2001 vote authorizing military action against al-Qaeda and related terrorist groups can justify a summary execution for a crime thats not even a capital offense under American law. READ MORE: Finally, a pol does the thing he promised voters! The pol is Trump. The thing is fascism. | Will Bunch Labelling everyone a terrorist does not make them a lawful target and enables states to side-step international law, professor Luke Moffett of Queens University Belfast told the BBC. But then, even the worst person you know just made a good point, as Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul told Newsmax that even the worst people in our country, they still get a trial. As appalling as this Caribbean incident is, there are even bigger reasons to be concerned. Most immediately, the attack didnt occur in a vacuum, but at a time when Trumps Defense Department had sent a substantial, menacing naval brigade to the waters off Venezuela, a leftist dictatorship where U.S. officials and certain oligarchs have long salivated over the possibility of regime change. Its not hard to imagine Trump sees the Caribbean waters as a 21st-century Gulf of Tonkin, where an ambiguous encounter could spark the wider war sought by the White House. Even more alarming, if thats possible, is the notion that Trump in ordering an extrajudicial killing without either legal or congressional authority, and facing no immediate consequences is sending a much bigger message to a restive American citizenry and the world. He is telling us his power, even over life and death, is now limitless. This is what Chief Justice John Roberts and the rest of his craven and corrupted conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court wrought when they declared Trump to be a king who is above the law for any presidential acts. In theory, courtroom opponents argued in 2024 that such a ruling would allow Trump to order SEAL Team 6 to kill his political opponents. In reality, Tuesday was what that ugly decision looks like. A president whos not sure if hes going to heaven playing God with the lives of 11 total strangers, killing them for his sport. And you or I could be next. It seemed no accident the Caribbean hit job was intermingled with Oval Office talk that Trump also wants to send more armed National Guard troops into more U.S. cities maybe Chicago, maybe New Orleans, maybe some other city Trump chooses on a 3 a.m. whim. The bigger message is unmistakable, especially as the presidents poll numbers slide, and as a clearly ailing Trump slowly slouches toward his own mortality. Resistance is futile. It could get you killed. As for Trumps inner angst, youll never get to heaven if you break a boat, with mortal souls on board. If the president truly cared about seeing the Good Place, hed be volunteering in a soup kitchen. Instead, Trump might want to prepare for the afterlife by packing his summer clothes. READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter Media Mayor Bob McMahon, who has served as mayor since 1992 after a previous tenure on the borough council, is pictured on Aug. 8 along State Street. . Read more To Mayor Bob McMahon, every corner in downtown Media has a story a restaurant he recruited to come to State Street, an intersection that shuts down for parades, a business that used to be something else and, before that, something else. Though its tradition for locals to lament changes that befall their hometowns, Medias evolution doesnt bother McMahon. In fact, Medias changing landscape is a testament to McMahons 33-year tenure as mayor, which will come to a close with his retirement in January. Advertisement Its great to watch the change, he said. As McMahon, 82, prepares to pass the torch, friends and family say his work on economic development and public safety have made the borough into a regional destination, helping it shed its prior reputation for vacant storefronts and frequent burglaries. They say the boroughs hustle and bustle are a product of years of hard work by the longtime public servant, who had a vision for a vibrant Media decades ago. Becoming Mayor McMahon McMahon was born in 1943 in Philadelphia. He graduated from Malvern Prep in 1960, then St. Josephs University in 1965. As the Vietnam War persisted, McMahons father encouraged him to enlist in the Army and complete Officer Candidate School. He arrived in Vietnam in early 1968 as the Tet Offensive began. When he came home, he worked as a financial adviser for Merrill Lynch and Smith Barney. Frank Daly, a longtime lawyer who served as Medias mayor before McMahon, said he had known McMahon as a bit of a gadfly in the Republican Party. After Daly and his colleagues convinced McMahon he would be better suited as a Democrat, he switched parties, ran for Media Borough Council in 1981, and won. When asked why he switched parties, McMahon put it simply: The party label didnt matter much to him. Following his decade on council, McMahon was appointed mayor in 1992 after Daly stepped down. He has held the office since, winning numerous elections, and sometimes fending off competitive challengers, which he enjoyed. Redeveloping Medias economy Back in the 1980s, there was a saying in Media that you could shoot a gun down State Street and not worry about hitting a single person, Daly said. The adage paints a picture of Media as a ghost town a place people went for jury duty and appointments before heading home. Colleagues said McMahon was instrumental in Medias turnaround, seeking out grants, supporting redevelopment projects like the Media Theater, and, at times, persuading business owners to relocate to town. They described him as personable, friendly, and unafraid to pick up the phone. Many cited the case of Fellini Cafe, a local Italian restaurant, as a quintessential Mayor McMahon story. For years, McMahon patronized Fellinis Springfield location every Tuesday. Eventually, I got tired of driving, so I talked them into coming here, he said. Fellinis opened in Media in 2001. Medias economic redevelopment also hinged on bringing down its crime rate. Back in the day, Media was notoriously dangerous, and burglaries were common, said Mark Paikoff, current borough council president. In 1985, while serving as public safety chair, McMahon appointed a then-28-year-old Marty Wusinich as police chief. Wusinich would go on to serve as chief for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2022. For years, McMahon and Wusinich spoke on the phone every day. McMahon helped revamp the police department, reporting monthly crime statistics to residents and working to build trust between elected officials and law enforcement. Bob was never afraid to open a door, Joan Hagan, a former borough council president who worked closely with McMahon, said. All you had to do was give Bob a blueprint, a road map, and Bob was off and running. There were gripes about Medias redevelopment under McMahon. Downtown never had enough parking. Business owners pushed back on some council decisions designed to spur economic growth, including a 1999 ordinance that reserved vacant first-floor sites on State Street for retail use only. Political challengers to McMahon called for fiscal responsibility and more timely infrastructure improvements. On the changes he made, however, McMahon said, We could only go up. The Armory chapter Ask people about McMahons tenure, and theyll name the Media Armory. After the National Guard vacated the nearly 120-year-old building in the early 2000s, the armory needed a tenant, and the borough needed a grocery store. Gail Whitaker, a longtime member of the borough council who died last year, proposed Trader Joes. McMahon drove to Boston to pitch the corporate executives. The grocery store opened in 2004. To honor Pennsylvanias veterans and to get the state on board with selling the armory to Media McMahon worked with officials to put the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum in the armorys basement. At the unveiling for the museums plans in 2004, McMahon was flanked by U.S. Reps. Robert Brady, a Democrat, and Curt Weldon, a Republican. Bob McMahon has clearly risen above self-serving politics in gaining bipartisan support for projects that could well serve the community for many generations, the Delaware County Daily Times editorial board said. His uncompromised zeal is both commendable and refreshing. Friends and family say McMahons time in Vietnam changed him. After spending a few months on search and destroy, McMahon was selected as an adviser to a Vietnamese village. He lived in the village, getting to know its residents, patrolling, and setting up a safety network. He was awarded a Bronze Star and two air medals for his service. But by the 1970s, growing anti-war sentiment had created a hostile environment for some Vietnam veterans returning home, many of whom said they were met with harassment from an American public fed up with the endless war. McMahon was among them. In courting the museum and organizing veterans parades, McMahon has always tried to make up for how he and others were received, Daly said. That was all that mattered to Bob Though friends describe McMahons work as foundational to todays Media, some say his efforts have faded into the buzz of the growing borough. I dont think people are aware of the evolution, Hagan said of Medias economic development. They just know its where they want to be. Looking out his office window at a luxury home under construction, Daly said, If you had ever told me that somebody would pay $2.5 million to live in the borough of Media, I would have laughed. As in many suburban enclaves, Medias desirability has made it unaffordable for some, a challenge for the next mayor. After he finishes out his term in January, McMahon plans to work on his memoir and step out of the public light. Though theres much to be celebrated, McMahons inner circle said he was never one to seek praise. As Hagan said: It got done, and that was all that mattered to Bob. McMahon will be celebrated during Dining Under the Stars on Sept. 10. Learn more here. This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirers high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters. William Penn on top of Philadelphia City Hall as seen from 12th and Filbert Street, Philadelphia, Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Read more Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration in July fired the citys top officials for LGBTQ+ affairs and diversity, equity and inclusion because an internal investigation revealed they acted highly unprofessionally when one brought a sexual photograph of a colleague into the workplace and the other allowed it to be shared in a manner that was somewhat disparaging to the subject of the photo, Philadelphia Inspector General Alex DeSantis said in an interview. The Inquirer reported that Parker in July fired Brandee Anderson, the citys former chief DEI officer, and Tyrell Brown, the director of LGBTQ+ affairs, after a convoluted saga that resulted in an inspector general investigation into the handling of what Anderson described as a seminude photograph that was sent to Brown from a senior administration official on a map-based cruising app. Advertisement At the time, the administration declined to comment, saying it does not publicly discuss personnel matters. But that changed late last month when DeSantis, whose office conducted the investigation that led to the firings, began granting media interviews, saying he felt compelled to set the record straight after Anderson publicly criticized the firings and, in his view, mischaracterized events. READ MORE: Why Mayor Cherelle Parkers administration fired its top DEI and LGBTQ affairs officials due to a semi-nude photo neither sent I do feel, as a matter of transparency and public interest, that there is some obligation for us to respond to some of the claims that shes made, to clarify some of the false information that shes put out there, DeSantis said in an interview with The Inquirer. Anderson immediately responded when DeSantis first spoke about the firings in late August to WDAS-FM, an R&B and talk radio station. The Inspector Generals Office is charged with investigating fraud, waste, and abuse in city government. My direct report received an image from a senior colleague, they reported it to me, and I did exactly what the city policy requires of me, which is to report it to HR, Anderson told the radio station. Its unfortunate that someone who has a role like [DeSantis], which is to root out corruption in city government, is now being weaponized as a PR tool for the administration. Anderson has said that her firing was unjust and that the Parker administration used the photo incident as a pretext to terminate her and Brown. Anderson said she had previously clashed with top administration officials by advocating for her offices missions at a time when Parker wanted to downplay the citys DEI and LGBTQ+ efforts, in part because the administration does not value those issues, she said, and in part to avoid making the city a target of President Donald Trumps administration. Anderson, who has done several lengthy media appearances since leaving the administration, declined an interview for this story, but sent a statement saying her attorney has requested the city refrain from publicly discussing the matter. I maintain that I acted appropriately and stand by the decisions I made, she said in a statement. My counsel sent correspondence to the City Solicitor, requesting that the City immediately cease making statements regarding this matter and retract the statements previously made. Brown did not respond to an interview request. Brown previously told The Inquirer they were happy to leave city government to focus on Philly Pride 365, a nonprofit organization they founded that organizes the citys LGBTQ Pride festival and other events. I wanted to go back to Philly Pride 365, and they wanted to, I guess, reimagine what they wanted to do with the office, they said. Im trying to move on from this. Inspector general investigation The ordeal that led to the firings of Brown and Anderson began when Chris Dailey, who was then deputy chief of staff in the mayors office, sent what Anderson described as a seminude photo to Brown on the app Sniffies. Brown showed the photo to Anderson, who previously told The Inquirer she was under the impression it had potentially been sent during work hours and at City Hall. The app uses geolocation, meaning users must be very close to each other to connect. Anderson said Brown did not feel harassed by receiving the image, in part because it was unclear if Dailey knew to whom on the app he was sending the photo. But Anderson said she reported the incident to Candi Jones, the citys chief human resources officer, and Chief Deputy Mayor Vanessa Garrett-Harley, Andersons superior, in part to ask for advice on how to handle a situation involving a sexual message being sent to her subordinate from a higher-ranking city official. DeSantis said the Office of Human Resources asked him to investigate the matter because of a potential conflict of interest. After interviewing the employees involved in the incident and its fallout, he said he came to very different conclusions than Andersons account. DeSantis said his investigation led him to believe the photo was not sent during business hours but in the evening, and that it was not sent from within City Hall, but a location near the building. He said his investigation relied on interviews and that he did not access the message itself. Both parties, the sender and the receiver, report that it was outside of work in the evening 8 [p.m.] or 9 [p.m.] or something like that in Center City, while they were out socializing independently at bars," DeSantis said. The inspector general also questioned Andersons contention that Daileys role was senior to Browns, saying they were both high-ranking city officials. As the head of LGBTQ+ affairs, Brown was the leader of a small but high-profile office and reported through a separate chain of command than Dailey did. Dailey, however, was one degree closer to Parker in the citys organizational structure, and as the top deputy for Parkers chief of staff, Tiffany W. Thurman, was involved in top-level discussions for numerous major issues facing the city. Laughing and jeering In DeSantis telling, Brown introduced the photo into the workplace by telling Anderson about it and showing the image to her at her request. Anderson, who was Browns superior, in turn really failed to properly contain the situation by allowing others to be present when Brown displayed the photo and creating an inappropriate work environment, DeSantis said. DeSantis said there were three other city employees present when Brown showed Anderson the photo. One of them, he said, also saw the photo. The other two did not see it, but overheard various portions of this conversation and could account to it in very, very significant detail, he said. There are statements about people laughing and jeering over this particular photo when it was introduced into our workplace, DeSantis said. Theres one individual who was there that felt uncomfortable. One of the three other people who were present when the picture was shared also received disciplinary action for their behavior during the incident, but the person was not terminated, DeSantis said. DeSantis said his investigation found only one instance of the photo being shared in the office. Anderson did not report the photo to HR until a week after the incident, he said. DeSantis acknowledged Anderson never had possession of the photo. But he said Browns displaying it and Andersons decision as Browns ranking supervisor to allow the displaying, and the discussion, the publicizing of that photograph constituted violations of the citys sexual harassment policy. He recommended Parker fire Brown and Anderson as a result. In late July, Parker named Donna Jackson Stephans to replace Anderson as interim chief DEI officer. The mayor has not publicly named a new LGBTQ+ affairs director, but said Garrett-Harley would handle the offices work while the administration searches for a replacement for Brown. READ MORE: Mayor Cherelle Parker fills 10 key roles, including officials who will oversee DEI, immigrant affairs and behavioral health Parker also transferred Dailey from the mayors office to the managing directors office as a disciplinary measure for exercising poor judgment in sending the photo, which included his face, DeSantis said. An attorney for Dailey declined to comment. Daileys actions constituted a more minor offense, DeSantis said, because they did not violate the sexual harassment policy and should be thought of more in the terms of our social media policy. I analogize his conduct to, say, someone had a private Instagram, or a private photograph that he shared or she shared with someone else with consent and then that person, without consent, brings it into the workplace," DeSantis said. The [first] person probably shouldnt have had the picture out there, right? Thats not great. Its certainly not a great decision. But at the same time, its not sexual harassment. The IGs role DeSantis was appointed by then-Mayor Jim Kenney in 2020 and retained by Parker when she assumed the office in 2024. In Philadelphia, the inspector general essentially serves as the administrations internal investigator, rather than an independent watchdog, as is the case in some other government entities. The mayor at any time can fire DeSantis and even abolish his office, which is organized under a 2014 executive order. DeSantis said granting recent media interviews was a decision of my own. But the executive order says speaking publicly about inspector general investigations must be done in coordination with the mayors office. The OIG shall keep all records of investigations confidential except to the extent necessary and permitted by law to provide, in coordination with the affected Agency and the Office of the Mayor, public notification of the conclusions of an investigation," the order says. DeSantis said he hopes Anderson will leave the incident in the past. I wish her the best, and I really dont want to escalate things, and I hope that at some point she can move on from this and realize that she did do something wrong, DeSantis said. A Pennsylvania man has been charged with tricking people into investing money he claimed would be used to buy thousands of automated teller machines, causing more than $400 million of investor losses, U.S. authorities said on Wednesday. Daryl Heller, 55, of Lititz, Pennsylvania, was charged by the U.S. Department of Justice with one count of securities fraud and four counts of wire fraud. The Securities and Exchange Commission filed related civil charges. Authorities said Heller falsely promised investors in his Prestige and WF Velocity funds they would receive 25% returns based on revenue generated by ATMs purchased by his company Paramount Management Group. According to court papers, many of the machines didnt exist, or were old, broken-down and stored in warehouses. Authorities said Heller raised about $770 million from approximately 2,700 investors, many from the Amish and Mennonite communities in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, area, between January 2017 and June 2024. Heller allegedly used new money to make Ponzi-like payments to earlier investors, while misappropriating $185 million for other companies including two cannabis-related businesses, and personal expenses including a New Jersey beach house. The defendant also paid millions of dollars to fund managers to recruit new investors, authorities said. According to the indictment, after new money dried up in April 2024, Heller stopped making distributions and promised investors a complete buyout to get everyones capital back, but this never happened. Heller was arrested on Wednesday morning in Lancaster County, the U.S. Attorneys office in Philadelphia said. Christopher Adams, a lawyer for Heller, said he looked forward to rebutting what he called the false allegations and speculation in court. Those portfolio managers who are desperately trying to portray themselves as victims will soon have the light shone on their actions, Adams said in a statement. In February, Heller filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Camden, New Jersey. The cases are US v Heller, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, No. 25-cr-00366; and SEC v Heller et al in the same court, No. 25-05036. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Howard Goller) Topics Fraud Pennsylvania A chemical leak and fire at a suburban New York beauty products warehouse Tuesday may have been caused by a forklift mishap, officials said, warning neighbors to stay indoors. Commuter trains were temporarily stalled in the area ahead of the evening rush hour. The trouble began around noon at a facility in Yonkers, a city of about 211,000 people on the Hudson River just north of New York Citys Bronx borough. Firefighters believe a forklift damaged a container while moving products around the tightly packed space, and the container leaked a chemical of some sort, Fire Commissioner William Fitzpatrick said at a news conference. Voice and email messages were sent to a hair and skin products company that operates from the address. Fitzpatrick said firefighters arrived to find a large cloud of white chemical smoke pouring out of the warehouse, and within an hour, the chemical reaction intensified into a fire. Police warned residents of several surrounding blocks to stay inside because of a hazmat situation involving bleach. Cars and pedestrians were told to avoid the area. Two people with pre-existing medical problems were escorted out of the area, Fitzpatrick said. About half a dozen firefighters suffered minor injuries during an hourslong response. Ultimately, wind blew a lot of the smoke toward the nearby Hudson River and away from buildings, the commissioner said. He said firefighters had the blaze under control by late afternoon. The Metro-North Railroad stopped running trains in the area around 3:30 p.m., but they started rolling again two hours later. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics New York The European Unions medicines regulator said on Wednesday there has been a surge in illegal medicines marketed as weight-loss and diabetes medicines online in recent months across the region, and warned about a serious risk to public health. Global shortages of these drugs have fueled demand for compounded versions, particularly in the United States. There has also been a spurt in counterfeit products marketed as Novo Nordisks Ozempic or Eli Lillys Mounjaro. Authorities have identified hundreds of fake Facebook profiles, advertisements and e-commerce listings, many of which are hosted outside the EU, the European Medicines Agency said. Some fraudulent websites and social media advertisements misuse official logos and use false endorsements to mislead consumers. EU law prohibits large-scale compounding of approved drugs, except in rare circumstances. These unauthorized products may not contain the claimed active substance at all and may contain harmful levels of other substances, the EMA added. People who use these products are at a very high risk of treatment failure, serious health problems and dangerous interactions with other medicines, it added. Novo Nordisk sells semaglutide as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss, while Lilly sells tirzepatide as Mounjaro in the EU for both conditions. In 2023, EMA had warned the public about pre-filled pens falsely labeled as Ozempic, which is also used off-label for weight loss. Both Novo and Lilly have filed dozens of lawsuits in the U.S. against telehealth firms, compounding pharmacies and medical spas for selling unapproved knockoff versions of their drugs. (Reporting by Christy Santhosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo) Topics Profit Loss Europe South Koreas largest mobile operator was hit with a fine and stern criticism from the countrys privacy regulator after a cyberattack disclosed in April compromised the data of about half the nations population. The Personal Information Protection Commission on Thursday [Aug. 28] fined SK Telecom Co. 134.8 billion won ($97 million) for failing to protect customer data and not reporting breaches in a timely manner. It also ordered the company to improve oversight and criticized it for a prolonged lapse in securing user data appropriately, with allegations dating back to 2022. The company had been in a vulnerable state for quite a long time, with significant weaknesses across the board, said PIPC Chairman Ko Haksoo. There were opportunities to identify and address these issues over time, but the company missed those chances and continued to overlook them for a long period. This left the company in a pretty weak and exposed position. The committee members felt a sense of frustration about this. Following an investigation of the attack, the Ministry of Science and ICT in July said the carrier should waive penalties for customers looking to leave the network. PIPCs decision and commentary adds to pressure on the telecom to reform its practices. We regret that our position and actions, which were fully explained during the investigation and deliberation, were not reflected in the outcome, SK Telecom said, adding that the company will make personal data protection a core value in all its business activities. While Korean media and public outrage have mostly focused on the risks of ransomware or financial losses from possible personal data theft, lawmaker Yu Yong Weon has raised a broader concern. Yu, a defense and military affairs expert who proposed a National Cybersecurity Act in July, said in an emailed statement this week that the national security implications of the SK Telecom hack are profound. He said that with access to call data records, hackers could potentially reconstruct entire call logs, exposing sensitive communications at the highest level of the government. The newly proposed National Cybersecurity Act aims to unify the governments emergency response to cyberattacks and facilitate intelligence sharing on cyber threats. The loss of call logs has also raised major security concerns in the US. Bloomberg reported that China-linked hackers known as Salt Typhoon breached telecom operators, including AT&T Inc., allowing them to monitor the phones of senior US officials and potentially endanger Federal Bureau of Investigation informants. Photo: SK Telecom Co. headquarters in Seoul. Photographer: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. is fighting an 8.9 million ($11.9 million) claim from a former compliance manager who won a sex-discrimination ruling that he was unfairly fired after taking six months of paternity leave. Jonathan Reeves, who worked in Goldmans compliance department in London, won an employment tribunal ruling in December that the bank discriminated against him because he was male, and his dismissal in 2022, shortly after returning from leave, was unfair. The court, however, said there was 50% chance that the bank would have dismissed him anyway as part of a redundancy process. The bank denied the allegations during the trial last year and is now contesting Reeves claim that he suffered millions of pounds worth of losses and damages. Lawyers for Goldman estimated his compensation should be between 120,913 and 239,717, according to documents given to the court before a hearing on Tuesday. Wall Street banks have boosted their offer of time off for secondary caregivers even as the take up of extended paternity leave remains low. A 2023 UK government analysis found that only 5% of eligible working fathers in the country have taken up what is known as shared parental leave since it was introduced in 2015. A parliamentary panel report in June called for a substantial increase in the period of paternity leave saying the statutory two-week leave rules entrench outdated gender stereotypes about caring and harms families. The two sides are contesting the extent of compensation as the bank disputes Reeves calculations of his future losses and damages. Reeves was dismissed for taking the contractual paternity leave while a female employee would not have been dismissed after taking leave for childcare reasons, his lawyers said. Reeves declined to comment. Reeves said that he was told shortly before his return to work that his role was at risk and, for the first time in his 15-year career, he had underperformed. His termination was confirmed less than five weeks later, something his lawyers said would not have happened to a female employee in an equivalent position. Reeves was fired due to problems with his performance, lawyers for the bank countered during the trial last year. Goldman Sachs is a market leader in paid parental leave and encourages all working parents regardless of gender to take the full 26 weeks paid leave offered to them, a Goldman Sachs spokesperson said in a statement. We strongly disagree with the allegations at this hearing and the accompanying claim for losses. At the UK employment tribunals, the maximum awards for unfair dismissal are capped at just over 118,000. However, if discrimination is proved then damages can be unlimited. Reeves 8.9 million claim includes compensation for injury to feelings, the loss in future earnings and stigma from the dismissal, which he argued has led to a number of failed job applications. Reeves, who started working at Goldman in 2007, lost his ability to pursue his chosen career or comparable employment, he said in documents given to the court. The bank should be liable for stigma losses that flow from its own unlawful conduct, he said. Reeves secured two well-paid contracts in senior positions since his dismissal and any future losses should extend to no more than three to six months after his dismissal, lawyers for the bank said. Photo: The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. headquarters in the City of London with the citys dragon symbol in the foreground. Photo credit: Jason Alden/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits The European private credit market is gaining ground on the US, according to a report from Moodys Ratings. Over the last several years, the depth of the market in Europe has lagged behind the US, mostly because of regulatory and legal issues that have constrained the markets growth, Moodys said in its report. However, the region is poised for growth, given the untapped market potential and deglobalization, which will force greater autonomy from the US and drive increased spending. Some progress has already been made to implement reforms that would stimulate the sector, including changes designed to unlock insurer capital for private credit, make securitization more accessible and lower capital charges. The concentration in the market to among a few large direct lenders is only growing, Moodys said in its report. Six of the largest firms accounted for 59% of all fundraising in the private markets in Europe, tripling their share from 2019. As the European market grows, its likely to face scrutiny over opacity, rising leverage and concentration risk via the dominance of a few alternative asset managers, Moodys said. Private credit lenders have also been expanding their menu of offerings, in order to meet the bespoke needs of borrowers and investors. This has led to a rise in payment-in-kind, net asset value loans and other financial maneuvers. There will be an increased need for investments in defense and infrastructure as pressures mount, including new tariff policies and the war in Ukraine. There are also significant budget gaps and private credit could be well-suited for infrastructure investments, the report said. Historically, private credit funds have never paid much attention to the defense sector, given environmental, social and governance considerations. However, rules and regulations have been changing, opening up opportunity for more deals. Apollo Global Management Inc., for example, is looking to invest in artificial intelligence, defense and infrastructure in Europe, where trillions in spending is needed, its co-head of European credit, Tristram Leach, said last month. There is an enormous amount of spending that needs to happen in Europe, Leach said in an interview with Bloomberg TV. The firm has pegged that Europe requires $18 trillion of investment in these areas. Photograph: Commercial office skyscrapers in London, UK, on Monday, March 18, 2024. Photo credit: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Trends USA Europe Climate change made the extreme weather conditions that fueled the wildfires in Portugal and Spain about 40 times more likely to happen and the blazes themselves 30% more intense than if the world hadnt warmed, research scientists said. The 10-day heat wave that preceded the blazes was 3C hotter in an already overheated planet, according to a study by World Weather Attribution, a group of scientists at the Imperial College in London. The conclusions were based solely on an analysis of weather data. These fires are a sign of what is to come, said Clair Barnes, a researcher at the Centre for Environmental policy at the Imperial College and a co-author of the study. With every fraction of a degree of warming, extreme, long-lasting heat waves will continue to intensify, increasing the chance of huge wildfires like the ones that burned vast areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Over a million hectares (2.5 million acres) of land have burnt across Europe this summer, with Spain and Portugal representing about two thirds of the total. Almost 3% of Portugals land area has burnt, while in Spain, fires burned almost five times the annual average. In just one week, fires in Spain impacted more than 175,000 hectares of land. Historically, 10-day spells of extremely hot, dry and windy conditions occur once every five centuries. In a warming world, theyre now expected to happen once every 15 years, according to the WWA research. Deaths and damages are preventable every level of government must work together to adapt to climate change, said Friederike Otto, a professor at the Imperial College and a co-author of the study. Ultimately, though, the world needs to stop burning oil, gas and coal. Photograph: A damaged building among burnt fields following a wildfire in the village of San Vicente de Leira, Spain, on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. Photo credit: Brais Lorenzo/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Climate Change A U.S. judge on Wednesday held a three-hour hearing to consider objections to a deal between the Justice Department and Boeing that allows the planemaker to avoid prosecution on a charge stemming from two fatal 737 MAX plane crashes that killed 346 people. Judge Reed OConnor in Texas questioned the governments decision to drop a requirement that Boeing face oversight from an independent monitor for three years and instead hire a compliance consultant, but did not immediately issue a decision. He heard anguished objections from relatives of some of those killed in the crashes in Indonesia in 2018 and Ethiopia in 2019 to the non-prosecution agreement. About two dozen relativessome from as far as Indonesia, Africa, Europe and Canadatraveled to the Texas courthouse to argue that Boeing should not be allowed to avoid pleading guilty after last year agreeing to do so. Its been going almost seven years since these crashes and we still havent gotten any justice, said Ike Riffel, a California father whose two sons were killed in the Ethiopia crash. Boeing will no longer face oversight by an independent monitor under the agreement but will hire a compliance consultant, and OConnor asked why the government no longer thinks a monitor is needed. A government lawyer said Boeing has improved and the Federal Aviation Administration is providing enhanced oversight. Boeing and the government argue OConnor has no choice but to dismiss the case and cannot appoint a special prosecutor as some relatives have sought. OConnor said in 2023 that Boeings crime may properly be considered the deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history. Boeing has now agreed to pay an additional $444.5 million into a crash victims fund to be divided evenly per victim of the two fatal 737 MAX crashes, on top of a new $243.6 million fine and over $455 million to strengthen the companys compliance, safety, and quality programs. The eyes of the world are on American to see if it is going to hold Boeing accountable, said lawyer Paul Cassell, who represents some of the victims. Essentially this is an effort by Boeing to bribe their way of out accountability. Boeing did not immediately comment. Photo: A Boeing 737 Max jet prepares to land at Boeing Field following a test flight in Seattle in 2020. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File) Topics Legislation Aviation Aerospace A global ship management and maritime services company was ordered to pay $2 million for improperly discharging oily waste into the Gulf of Mexico, the U.S. Attorneys Office, Middle District of Louisiana announced last week. V.Ships Norway A.S. (V.SHIPS) pleaded guilty to violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships after dumping oil-contaminated waste into the waters and omitting the discharges from the Oil Record Book. The criminal prosecution of this case underlines our commitment to enforcing the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships said Acting U.S. Attorney Ellison C. Travis for the Middle District of Louisiana. The illegal discharge of bilge water and oily waste from vessels poses a significant threat to our waters and marine life and by holding those accountable who violate these standards, we send a clear message that we will not tolerate actions that endanger our environment. Coast Guard members from U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur conducted an examination, during which an engine room crewmember disclosed the discharges and provided photographic and video evidence documenting the illegal discharges. The M/T Swift Winchester entered Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Aug. 25, 2022, and Port Arthur, Texas, on Sept. 7, 2022, with a knowingly falsified Oil Record Book. U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service investigated the case. Source: Department of Justice Topics Pollution Two adults were killed and seven children injured in an accident in a remote area of an all-terrain vehicle park in Alabama, authorities said. No one was wearing a harness or restraint in the off-road vehicle. The side-by-side RZR, an ATV model, crowded with nine people hit another ATV Saturday, overturned and struck a tree at Indian Mountain ATV Park in Piedmont, Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency Director Shawn Rogers said during a news conference Sunday. The male driver was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver said it appears the deceased driver was operating the ATV at a high rate of speed when it struck the other vehicle, whose driver tried to avoid the collision. The sheriffs office is awaiting toxicology results to determine whether alcohol played a factor. Its illegal to possess alcohol outside municipalities in Cherokee County, which has been dry since the Prohibition era a century ago. Four medical helicopters transported an adult female and three children to trauma centers in Birmingham. The woman later died from her injuries, officials said. Ambulances took the other four children to a hospital in Rome, Georgia. Rogers said officials have been told not one of the nine in the ATV was harnessed or restrained. Im sure that its not recommended to have nine people, especially young children, in a RZR not using safety harnesses, Shaver said. Theres nothing that says that everybody that gets in a side-by-side has to restrained, Rogers 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 children injured ranged in age from 1 to 12 years old. Cherokee County Coroner Paul McDonald said in a text to The Associated Press Sunday that the man who died was the father of all seven children and that the woman was the mother of three of the children. All the victims were from Georgia, McDonald said. No identities have been released pending family notifications. Rogers said officials did not know the medical status of any of the children or have updates on their conditions. The two people in the other ATV were not injured and tried to render aid, Shaver said. The accident site was in a remote location inside the park and difficult to access. Staff at the ATV park, located about 75 miles (121 kilometers) northeast of Birmingham, had to escort medical personnel to the scene. The sheriffs office is leading the investigation into the accident with assistance from McDonalds office. Indian Mountain ATV Park says on its website that at just over 7 square miles (19 square kilometers) in the Appalachian Mountain range, its one of the largest private off-road parks in the South. A woman who answered the phone at the park on Sunday said officials were meeting with counsel and may release a statement later. Photo: A Polaris RZR UTV (Adobe Stock image) Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Alabama The U.S. asked a federal court to force Southern California Edison to pay for fighting a pair of wildfires that were believed to have originated from its power lines, including the Eaton Fire in January in Los Angeles County that killed more than a dozen people and destroyed thousands of structures. The federal government on Thursday filed suits in Los Angeles seeking to recover the costs of suppressing the Eaton Fire, as well as the costs for fighting the Fairview Fire east of Los Angeles in September 2022 that killed two people. The US said both fires were the result of the utilitys negligence in the maintenance, operation or use of its power lines and equipment. Related: Viewpoint: Delay, Deny, Defend for California Wildfire Claims? Utilities in the western U.S. have battled increasingly larger blazes as climate change has exacerbated extreme weather events. As a result, theyve shouldered increased wildfire-related liabilities, with the 2018 Camp Fire driving PG&E Corp. into bankruptcy. California has attempted to stabilize the utilities by setting up wildfire compensation funds for victims, but that fund is at risk of being depleted in the wake of the January wildfires in Los Angeles. Southern California Edison, a unit of Edison International, has seen scores of lawsuits related to the Eaton Fire, with complaints alleging that the utilitys equipment was involved in starting the wildfire. The cause of the fire, which devastated the Altadena neighborhood and killed 19 people, is still under investigation. The 2022 Fairview wildfire began in September and burned 28,000 acres, according to CalFire. The company didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. In its lawsuit filed Thursday, the U.S. said the Eaton Fire was ignited by faulty power infrastructure or sparks from faulty power infrastructure owned and operated by Southern California Edison. The government said the utility knew about the potential dangers posed by high winds and power lines but failed to take action to prevent the ignition of a fire, noting that it issued a press release the day before the blaze highlighting its crews preparations for extreme winds and possible outages. The U.S. said Southern California Edison operates three transmission lines in the Eaton Canyon area where the fire appears to have started and admitted that it had detected a fault in one of the lines around the time of ignition. Related: Most Losses in Destructive Eaton Fire Tied to Conflagration Hazard, Report Shows The U.S. is seeking the costs of suppressing the Eaton Fire and rehabilitating more than 8,000 acres of National Forest Lands that burned in the blaze, which it estimated at more than $40 million, and the amounts it paid to fight the Fairview Fire and rehab 14,000 acres. At the same time as the Eaton Fire, another blaze in Pacific Palisades driven by the same intense winds burned more than 20,000 acres. The cases are U.S. v Southern California Edison, 25-cv-8356 and 25-cv-8357, both in US District Court, Central District of California. Top photo: Structures burn during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California on Jan. 8. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics USA California Louisiana Here is a selection of people starting new roles with BDO Ireland, the Heritage Council, Verve, the Irish Universities Association, the Marine Institute and Fairyhouse Racecourse. Sinead Wallace has been appointed as a recruitment partner in professional services firm BDO Irelands executive search and advisory team. She is an accomplished senior director with extensive expertise in the Irish and European executive search and advisory sectors. She has scaled multi-sector, multi-disciplinary businesses across several international markets, delivering impactful talent solutions at C Suite across diverse industries and geographies. She is a specialist in foreign direct investment (FDI), having led national and cross-border talent acquisition initiatives for both start-ups and expansion projects. She has managed offices and led business development efforts across numerous European countries over an eight-year period, resulting in a robust and far-reaching professional network. As the world heats up, species are migrating away from the tropics and towards cooler climes. But for many species, the climate is changing far more quickly than they are capable of adapting to. Humans are, of course, among the species being uprooted. In 2022, a record 32.6 million people were forcibly displaced as a result of floods, storms, wildfires and droughts. The Institute for Economics & Peace calculates that by 2050, upwards of a billion people will be climate refugees, driven from their homelands by environmental breakdown and the civil unrest and armed conflict it will trigger. In the nearer term, the IEP projects that by 2040, around 5.4 billion people, over half the worlds population, will live in regions experiencing high or extreme water stress. As rivers often flow through multiple countries, the scope for geopolitical tensions and warfare over access to water is self-evident. John Gibbons: "We must reimagine the ways in which we use the land. The agrifood sector accounts for 38% of Ireland's greenhouse emissions and just 7% of gross national income." I had the opportunity to see these impacts at first hand when, in early 2020, I travelled to Zambia to report on severe water and electricity shortages the country was facing as a result of persistent drought.35 In the three preceding years, water levels in Lake Kariba, the worlds largest artificial lake, had dropped by six metres. This severely limited hydroelectric production by the Kariba dam, which provides around half of the total electrical supply for Zambia and Zimbabwe. Years of severe drought were followed by torrential down-pours that destroyed crops and wrecked infrastructure that Zambia can ill afford to repair or replace. Energy shortages and crop failure have led many rural Zambians to cut down trees to sell as charcoal. As a result, over a quarter of a million hectares of forest are being cleared a year. "We dont like to cut the trees but we have no choice," Diana Moono, a roadside charcoal seller, told me. The outrageous injustice of climate change can be understood when you consider that Zambias population of around 20 million people produce, in total, around 9 million tonnes of greenhouse gases annually, or less than one-sixth of the climate-destroying carbon pollution that Irelands five million people account for. As politicians in the global north plan ever more draconian measures to prevent desperate migrants from reaching our shores, many of those same politicians, without apparent self-awareness, also oppose strong climate action. The refusal of rich countries like Ireland to act decisively on decarbon- ization and emissions reductions in line with the science may come to be seen as the ultimate own-goal, as climate-driven weather disasters and mass migration cause the international political and economic order to fray. Many of these risks were touched on in a report by the Irish Defence Forces in early 2025, which warned of widespread disruption to critical national infrastructure. In the report, Commandant Paul OCallaghan warned that climate change has become a tool for far-right extremists to amplify xenophobia, anti-globalism, and anti-immigrant rhetoric, capitalizing on fears of migration, economic insecurity and resource scarcity. What OCallaghan described as a dangerous mix of ideolo- gies requires close attention as both climate change and far-right extremism continue to shape global politics. At least for now, Ireland is not subject to the extreme droughts and heatwaves racking much of the European continent. This gives us precious time to adjust to the coming changes. Whether we use this opportunity to weatherize our society as far as possible and to engage in a rapid programme to achieve energy independence and domestic food security, or whether we squander it and continue to stumble forward blindly into an increasingly uncertain and dangerous future, remains to be seen; the evidence thus far suggests we remain firmly on the latter path, essentially trading present comfort for future safety. What would have to happen for the climate crisis to become our single dominant social, political and media issue? Nobody knows for sure, but its likely to be pretty brutal. Since it hasnt happened yet, its left to the creatives to try to imagine it. The opening chapter of Kim Stanley Robinsons 2020 novel The Ministry of the Future harrowingly chronicles a deadly heatwave in India in the near future that kills millions, an event that becomes the global catalyst for profound political, economic and social upheaval. Just such a catastrophe was narrowly avoided in 2022, and again in April 2025, when temperatures in densely populated regions of India and Pakistan edged close to levels that could trigger a mass fatality event as persistent power outages reduced public access to air conditioning. We are on the brink of an irreversible climate disaster. This is a global emergency beyond any doubt. Much of the very fabric of life on Earth is imperilled. We find ourselves amid an abrupt climate upheaval, a dire situation never before encountered in the annals of human existence. This was the sobering conclusion to the State of the Climate report, endorsed by more than 15,000 practising climate scientists and published in late 2024.38 Despite the warnings, humanity remains in thrall to what philosopher Roman Krznaric author of books including History for Tomorrow and The Good Ancestor described as pathological short-termism. We treat the future, he argued, like a distant colonial outpost devoid of people where we dump our ecological degradation, risk, nuclear waste and public debt. Perhaps what Ireland needs is a real-life Ministry for the Future? Sweden established just such a ministry in 2014, while the following year, our nearest neighbour, Wales, appointed a Future Generations Commissioner to help embed longer-term thinking into the political process. The closest thing Ireland has managed to date has been the Citizens Assemblies, our hugely successful experiment in deliberative democracy. This revealed, on issues as diverse as climate change and abortion, an Irish public more progressive, kinder and more empathetic than most people had imagined. The eyes of future generations are on this generation, silently urging us to act bravely and quickly on the climate emergency, to save them from an immiserated future in a collapsed biosphere. Will we rise to the moment and earn the right to be regarded as good ancestors This is an extract from The Lie of the Land: A Game Plan for Ireland in the Climate Crisis (Sandycove/Penguin Books), available now, by John Gibbons A renowned Irish watchmaker has proved that time really is on his side after he raised more than 84,000 for Gaza in just two hours. Athlone native Stephen McGonigle will donate all proceeds from the sale of his bespoke Ogma FP (Free Palestine) timepiece to charities working to help the starving people of Gaza. He posted a 3D image of what the watch would look like on Instagram, and almost immediately a buyer came forward and pledged to buy the timepiece when it is finished. The move comes as at least 24 Palestinians were killed by the Israeli military across Gaza on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to health officials. Stephen McGonigle is continuing to work on the Ogma FP (Free Palestine) watch which he has already sold for 84k in aid of charities supporting Palestine. The Israeli military is continuing its offensive into Gaza, despite international calls to halt the action. Stephens watch will bear the colours of the Palestinian flag, with each component handmade from scratch. Stephen, who co-founded McGonigle Watches with his brother John a number of years ago, said he was initially nervous the piece would not sell. "All my work is made to order, so its not like I can make a watch and then put it up on Instagram," he said. "The idea was to get a buyer and then build it, which Im currently in the process of doing. It will take a lot of extra time to finish because of the intricate detail, but there wont be another one like it. To build it will take several weeks. Organising some of the different finishes will take a couple of months. Decades after training in the Irish/Swiss Institute of Horology, Stephen says he is glad to be in a position to contribute. The entrepreneur and artist said he was determined to show his solidarity with the Palestinian population. Stephen says daily reports of the genocide and enforced famine in Gaza affected him deeply, and he was determined to help in whatever way he could. I had it in my head for a while that I wanted to do something to help. The Ogma is my newest piece after launching only this year. Now Im taking that same mechanism and rediscovering the aesthetics to resemble the Palestinian flag. I posted a 3D rendering on Instagram of what the watch will look like with the Palestinian colours. Stephen, who is based in Switzerland, said that people often underestimate the time and effort involved in watchmaking. The detail is often hidden underneath a dial, so most people dont see the work thats gone into the piece, but thats part of the discipline. The buyer is keen to preserve his anonymity. He wanted to remain anonymous and under the radar, Stephen explained. I cant say too much about him, besides that he is a client of mine who lives in the Far East. Stephen extended his gratitude to those who helped and encouraged him throughout the process. I knew I wanted to involve 3D drawing, but it was a friend of mine who helped me with the rendering. He jazzed up the image to make it look more realistic. Ive never had a marketing budget, so we were limited in that respect. My only marketing tool is Instagram and sometimes LinkedIn. I must admit I was nervous at first. My main worry was that it wouldnt sell. "Im really glad that it did, even though its only a very small gesture in the scheme of things. I really hope it helps, because the situation as it stands is terribly depressing. Youre always in a state of anxiety. No matter how many times I make a new watch, I am always surprised by the finished product. This one has a lovely colour combination that will work nicely. It will be a really striking piece. The Irish Government will send 500,000 to support humanitarian relief efforts in Afghanistan after Sundays devastating earthquake. More than 1,000 people died and thousands more were injured when the magnitude 6.0 quake struck close to the border with Pakistan. Ireland will contribute 500,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support emergency food, water, healthcare and other humanitarian aid for survivors. Announcing the funding, Tanaiste Simon Harris said: This earthquake has caused utter devastation. The relief operation is going to be very challenging given the mountainous and remote make-up of the area. Landslides and road blockages mean it will take some time to reach people affected. There is an urgent need for the international community to assist efforts to get aid to people as quickly as possible. This funding from Ireland will provide basic but life-saving aid to people who have lost everything. Ireland has also provided 3m to the UN-managed Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, and an additional 1m to the UNHCR Afghanistan Refugee Regional Response to support refugees and host communities in neighbouring states. The IFRC has received close to 10m in funding for a number of crises. Gardai searching for the remains of a boy in north Dublin will continue to examine a marked target area before deciding whether or not to extend the search site. The Irish Examiner understands that nothing of evidential value was uncovered today, which is the third day of searches at an area of open ground just outside the village of Donabate. The operation led by the divisional search team - will continue tomorrow. Sources said that gardai will continue with their work on a designated search site before making any decision of possibly extending it across a larger section of the open ground. We will finish the target area first and then conduct a review, one source said. The target area was determined based on information the garda investigation team had received and was considered to be credible information. Meanwhile, Tusla has said it closed its case on the little boy in 2021 because it was deemed the most appropriate step to take and not due to the covid pandemic, CEO Kate Duggan said. No child protection concerns were identified by Tusla in the childs case, while supporting the little boy and his parents between 2017 and 2020. Some 38,000 childrens cases which were closed during the covid pandemic in 2020 and 2021 will now be reviewed by organisation Ms Duggan told RTEs News at One. She acknowledged the really awful and harrowing tragedy that has occurred the presumed death of a very young child. The boys family had contacted Tusla for support, Ms Duggan said, and the agency primarily [provided] intensive and direct parenting supports. Tusla wants to help families stay together, Ms Duggan said. It's appropriate that we would pull back from a family when it is deemed that they are doing well I'm confirming that the point of discharge wasn't a covid-related decision, Ms Duggan said. However, it must still be established whether covid had an impact on the family accessing other services after its involvement with Tusla ended, Ms Duggan said. Misinformation has surrounded the case in public, Ms Duggan said. Although conclusions are being drawn that this case is similar to that of Kyran Durnin, the little boy missing from Louth for three years and who is now also presumed dead, there are differences, she said. Improvements to wellbeing checks Tusla is now undertaking a rapid review of the case, which should take approximately two weeks and will then be shared with childrens minister Norma Foley and her department. There will also be an independent review by the National Review Panel. Ms Duggan said she would support the review being made public. The agency must also examine any necessary improvements in wellbeing checks that Tusla carries out. We're working with the [children's] minister [Norma Foley] and with the department to just really tease out the scope of that," Ms Duggan said. Tusla is predicted to receive more than 105,000 referrals this year. The agency has seen a 40% increase in referrals since it was founded, the CEO said. The majority of cases some three quarters of referrals relate to general family and welfare supports such as parenting advice and housing, rather than child protection, she said. Although conclusions are being drawn that the case is similar to that of Kyran Durnin, there are differences, Tusla CEO Kate Duggan has said. Picture: Garda Press Office "I welcome the conversations we're having now about the spotlight being placed on child protection services, and on members of the public understanding just the scale of referrals we receive, and the concerns that are out there about children," she added. Changes are required in policy, legislation and investment in line with [the] increased demand, Ms Duggan said. The case had been referred back to Tusla by someone in an administrative role, she said. And a whole of society approach is needed to further strengthen child protection, she said. When people think about child protection, they think about Tusla because we are the agency or the statutory agency established in relation to child protection and child welfare. But [] no one agency and no one service can completely protect children and young people Child protection is about anybody who's in contact with the child, with the family, anybody that has a concern. Its not about shirking our responsibilities as an agency, we're very clear on that, but we can't do this on our own. This is the wider education system, health system, community and voluntary system, and people standing back and reflecting: Is there something I can do if I have any concern about a child or a family? This type of tragedy brings into the spotlight child protection systems. It brings into the spotlight and reminds everyone in Ireland the risks and concerns that are there when it comes to children's welfare and their safety. The childs death would impact all those who knew him, from family and friends to the Tusla workers and other professionals who had tried to support him, Ms Duggan said. Ms Duggan said she was keen to be as transparent around the case as possible, but she had to balance that with respect for individuals legal right to privacy at this time. Under-resourcing concerns Meanwhile, Labour's Duncan Smith said the Donabate case, coupled with the case of Kyran Durnin, could bring the future of Tusla into question. "At the moment, we don't know the full facts yet. But I think from what we do know, Tusla has serious, serious questions to answer," Mr Smith said. "This could shake the very foundations and, I believe, the very future of Tusla. That is how serious this is. It is an absolute tragedy." Mr Smith said his constituents in Dublin Fingal East are in a state of shock and compassion for those who knew and loved the missing child. He also expressed his hope that the efforts of gardai could bring a degree of certainty to the situation, and then policymakers can hold to account those State agencies who may have had any involvement in letting the child down. Speaking at the Labour Party think-in, Ivana Bacik criticised the under-resourcing of Tusla. She said it has become apparent in a lot of "slightly under-the-radar reports." "We have called for a root-and-branch review of Tusla's work and to guarantee that they will be given sufficient," the party leader said. "I see the incredible work social workers do, but they need sufficient resources to be able to ensure that no child is left behind." An internet troll has been jailed for seven months for "vile social media attacks" against former the general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants & Inspectors (AGSI), Antoinette Cunningham. Andrew McGovern, aged 38, of School Lane, Rathowen, Westmeath, who was responsible for the "sinister" and "blatantly false" messages and posts on Twitter, now X, was sentenced by Judge Bernadette Owens at Mullingar District Court on Thursday. She highlighted that his apology, delivered through his lawyer, came after he stood by his messages, showing no regret or shame, and attempted to claim he was the victim. McGovern pleaded guilty to a charge stating that he "did distribute or publish a threatening or grossly offensive communication about Antoinette Cunningham with intent to cause harm". The offence occurred in the Mullingar area from March 16-30, 2023, while Ms Cunningham was still head of the AGSI, and involved five private and two publicly viewable messages. Defence solicitor Diarmiud Quinn said his client, who did not address the court, "got the wrong end of the stick" and failed to realise the distress he caused. The offence occurred in the Mullingar area from March 16-30, 2023, while Antoinette Cunningham was still head of the AGSI, and involved five private and two publicly viewable messages. File Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin The judge noted McGovern failed to engage with a psychiatric assessment to address his underlying problems. She also considered how he had told his probation officer that he stood over his posts and messages. She imposed a 10-month sentence but suspended the final three months on condition that McGovern did not reoffend for two years. Unfounded claims Detective Sergeant Alan Farrelly, of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, had earlier given evidence and said the first set of five direct messages was sent privately to the victim and made claims that she was his godmother. Ms Cunningham ignored them until she learned of a second set of "more sinister" posts on his Twitter account about her and mentioning a person connected to her that were publicly accessible. They contained unfounded claims that allegations had been "all swept under the carpet" and that his life had been ruined forever. On July 17, Ms Cunningham addressed the court. She spoke out at her dismay at seeing "blatantly false, vile, and completely shocking allegations" about her on social media. They mentioned her job, which she believed was "to try and deliberately damage and discredit me". Describing the posts as "a demonstration of the very toxic side of social media," she highlighted how the attacks violated her privacy and integrity, "and my sense of personal wellbeing and peace of mind was fractured as a result of what happened". She could not fathom why somebody would choose to post disturbing messages about her and continue doing it. 'Personal vilification' "I felt helpless to defend myself or to receive the expected support from the social media platform; there was a personal vilification of me going on, and I was powerless at that point to do anything about it." "The messages had a profoundly negative effect on me, they were filled with hate, disinformation, offensive content, lies, and basely offensive matters." Ms Cunningham recalled the pressure of "presenting a facade of normality" while dealing with the stress of the situation. She emphasised the urgency of speaking out, and she had strong words for the social media platform, adding: "To this day, I find it deeply upsetting that something that is a criminal offence in this country is not accepted as a breach of social media rules here. Last year, Ms Cunningham, from Limerick, announced her retirement after 33 years with An Garda Siochana and the AGSI. She has since moved on to become an employer relations executive with the Irish Business and Employers Confederation. She made Irish policing history in 2018 when she became the first full-time female official in a garda representative organisation and the first woman to serve at every executive level of the association. As the search in Donabate continues, the States response to the disappearance and possible death of the missing Dublin boy and Kyran Durnin from Louth has been slammed as disrespectful to their families by the Ombudsman for Children. The Government has also been criticised by the ombudsman, Niall Muldoon, for not yet appointing a relevant department to lead on the establishment of a statutory child death review mechanism, despite its inclusion in the programme for government. In a statement to the Irish Examiner on Thursday night, Mr Muldoon said: It is shocking that we are dealing with a situation where a child, who at one point was known to Tusla, could have disappeared four years ago and is now presumed dead. How could that have happened? How could a child have been born, dealt with all the relevant agencies and services, and then apparently just disappear? He said he is extremely concerned that the major response from Government and from Tusla to the incident is a referral to the National Review Panel. He said: Just over a year ago, Kyran Durnins case was also referred to the same National Review Panel and no report has yet been published. We still have no answers or insights into the role of services with Kyran and what, if anything, could have been done to have prevented his disappearance He said that the Nation Review Panel has no statutory power, has no independent authority to publish reports, and both Tusla and the Department of Children agreed that it is not fit for purpose since 2018". Mr Muldoon said it is not good enough that Tuslas answer to a serious incident like the disappearance and possible death of a child is a referral to the National Review Panel. He said the panel reports back into the board of management of Tusla, adding: It is not accurate to say this is a powerful vehicle that can provide the answers needed in these serious cases. Although conclusions are being drawn that the case is similar to that of Kyran Durnin, there are differences, Tusla CEO Kate Duggan has said. Picture: Garda Press Office In April, the ombudsmans office published its child death review report, which highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of the National Review Panel. It also highlighted a need for an independent, timely, child-centred statutory review mechanism to learn from the deaths of any child in Ireland, said Mr Muldoon. He added: We also recommended the establishment of a statutory child death review mechanism. This has been accepted by Government and included in the programme for government, but the Department of An Taoiseach has not yet appointed the relevant department to lead on this. I have written to An Taoiseach requesting an urgent update on this. He said that a child rarely exists only within one service, and that there is a possibility that the Dublin child may have been known to a number of other services, hence the need for a broad-ranging review to learn and hopefully try to prevent other deaths. Mr Muldoon said: That is beyond the scope of the National Review Panel, and it is disrespectful to the families involved that this is the limited response by the State to find out what happened and what could have been done better. He described the fact that the panel was never placed on a statutory footing as a fundamental flaw which, he said, has greatly impacted its ability to undertake its work effectively with limitations in accessing information, engaging with other agencies, and fundamental governance. A High Court judge has told Wilsons Hospital School he considers it appropriate that the Board of Management should retain a security company to stop dismissed teacher Enoch Burke from trespassing on school grounds. Mr Justice David Nolan, who quickly put members of Burkes family in their place when they attempted to shout over him, told barrister Rosemary Mallon, for the school, he did not think the court should be used to police Burkes trespassing within the grounds and inside the school. When he made his ruling in the case, increasing financial fines on Burke, members of Burkes family, including his father, attempted to shout him down again and he had them thrown out of court by members of the gardai. I know what I would do if someone was trespassing on my property, Judge Nolan told the school. He said he would have a trespasser dealt with by taking action against them in the civil courts, seizing their assets, if necessary. He said he was refusing to send him back to prison to further make a martyr of him which was what he wanted. Instead Judge Nolan, the first High Court judge to take on the Burkes face-to-face in a shouting game that he continuously won by threatening to have gardai throw them out, increased significant financial fines to be recovered by a receiver already appointed by the court. On the basis Burke had failed to purge his contempt of court for 169 days, he estimated fines to date to have totalled 235,000. He levelled fines at the figure of 225,000 and directed the receiver to take appropriate steps to collect that sum. He also increased ongoing daily fines to 2,000 for as long as Burke continued to fail to purge his contempt. Security firm He put the proceedings, in which the school had asked for the further imprisonment of Burke, back until mid-October on the basis that the school would produce written evidence of its intentions or otherwise with regard to the employment of a private security firm. Ms Mallon said the school had financial difficulties with regard to the employment of a private security company and told the court she would take further instructions from the Board of Management and report back to the court with an affidavit of new proposals. Last week, Ms Justice Nessa Cahill heard Burke was back at the school and its grounds in Co Westmeath, posing for selfies with pupils and setting a bad example of his claimed ability to defy judges and court orders. Judge Cahill was told the only time Burke stayed away from the school was when he was in prison and during school holidays. Counsel for the school said Burke had turned up again at the start of the new school term. Burke was suspended in 2022 and some months afterwards was dismissed. He kept turning up for work at the school in defiance of court orders for which he has been jailed several times. He is still being paid pending an appeal against his dismissal. The High court has ruled that the decision of the school to suspend Burke on full pay was a correct one. A 54-year-old Cork man who allowed a friend to store a 6,000 towable power-washer at his property overnight claimed he had no idea it was stolen and would not have had anything to do with it if he had known. Inspector Danny Holland put it to Michael Cuddihy of 5 Ardcullen Grove, Hollyhill, Cork, that he knew it was dodgy and waited until after 11pm when it could be moved under the cover of darkness. He denied this and pleaded not guilty to charges of theft and handling stolen property. However, Judge John King decided at the end of the trial at Cork District Court: I am satisfied that it was theft, plain and simple. The fact that there was a co-accused is irrelevant on the basis of a theft conviction. I will dismiss the handling charge. The McKechnie-owned Bowser power-washer was parked at the rear of Heritage House in Gurranabraher where it was stolen and removed from the area at around 11pm on January 3, 2024. It was worth about 6,000. Garda Paul Moloney examined CCTV and saw unidentified parties putting the power-washer onto a tow-bar of a vehicle and driving away, followed by a man in another vehicle - a van with an unusual logo for a Waterford scaffolding company. While the registration was not visible, the Waterford company was contacted by Garda Moloney who informed him that it had been sold a few weeks earlier. The name of the purchaser was not available but his phone number was. Garda Moloney rang the number and Michael Cuddihy answered and identified himself to the guard. Garda Moloney went to his property and saw the power-washer attached to the car not Mr Cuddihys vehicle. Defendant's testimony In the court case, the defendant told his solicitor Aoife Buttimer that a friend rang him to say he had a loan of a power-washer which he wanted to use early the next morning and wanted help hitching it. Mr Cuddihy said that he hesitated but allowed him to park it by his property. He drove up the road with it. I did not know it was stole. If I did I would not have touched it, Mr Cuddihy said. Cross-examining, Inspector Danny Holland said: You knew and were reckless that you were storing stolen property under the cover of darkness. The defendant replied: No, guard, you are very wrong, I did not know it was stolen. Asked about his view of the other man who was also charged but had the case against him withdrawn Mr Cuddihy said: I kind of classed him as a business partner that we could make a few pound (buying and selling cars). I am sick over it, I am very annoyed. I didnt think someone would do that to me. If I knew it was stolen I would have walked away from him. Convicting the 54-year-old of theft, Judge John King said he could do 120 hours of community service instead of five months in prison. The judge said that because he used his car to drive to the scene of the offence he was disqualified from driving for 12 months. Ms Buttimer indicated that there may be an appeal. The power-washer was returned to the owners. Former MMA fighter Conor McGregor has called for local councillors to back him in his bid to run for president. Mr McGregor, who in July lost his appeal against a High Court jurys finding that he assaulted Nikita Hand, has repeatedly indicated he wants to contest the upcoming election. However, it appears he does not have a route to the nomination. Any individual seeking to become president must receive the nomination of 20 Oireachtas members, or be backed by four local authorities. Speaking outside Government Buildings in a post on Instagram, Mr McGregor criticised the Government for rising homelessness and mass migration, while describing himself as a master of martial combat and a solutions driven man. In his post on Instagram, Mr McGregor said he would not sign any bill into law unless it goes back to the people first. Constitutional rules allow for the President to refer legislation to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality. However, there are no provisions that the President can call a referendum to decide whether or not a law is passed. If you want to see my name on the ballot for the presidency, I urge you to contact your local county councillors today and ask them to nominate me, Mr McGregor said. Our councillors are the backbone of our communities. They work harder and deliver more for the people than those in the Oireachtas, who continue to fail this country time and again. If you are a councillor who feels your voice is ignored, your hands tied, and your community overlooked, then I ask you to stand with me. Nominate me, and I will give you the platform and power to be truly heard. Mr McGregor called for people to reach out to local councillors and ask them to nominate him to appear before a council meeting. Last month, the former MMA fighter called for a change in the nomination process, saying it was a significant barrier to democratic participation". He claimed: "This system, while intended to ensure a degree of political influence among candidates, inadvertently restricts the direct voice of the Irish electorate." He called for the public to sign a petition to change the Constitution which would allow him to get on the ballot paper. An Independent senator has said Heather Humphreys only opted to drop a controversial disability reform paper due to significant political pressure Tom Clonan said the Fine Gael presidential candidate had made it absolutely clear in a meeting with him in 2023 that there would be no changes to the green paper on disability reform. The paper had proposed a three-tiered system for disability payments, based on a persons ability to work as well as the nature of their disability. Assessments would also be carried out. Mr Clonans comments came after Ms Humphreys told RTE radio she found criticism of her over the green paper hurtful. Ms Humphreys said the paper was only a consultation document, referring to the meeting with Mr Clonan in October 2023. Based on those genuine concerns raised, I decided not to proceed with it, she said. This is disputed by Mr Clonan, who labelled the proposals in the green paper as monstrous. Mr Clonan said that Ms Humphreys was clear in the meeting that no changes would be made to the green paper and his suggestions would not be taken on board. She was absolutely adamant that there was going to be no change, and there was no change, said Mr Clonan. Taoiseach He referred to the defeat of the family and care referendums in March 2024 and the subsequent resignation of Leo Varadkar as taoiseach. Mr Clonan said the U-turn on the green paper only happened after Simon Harris became taoiseach in April 2024. Simon Harris became Taoiseach on April 9 and, within 72 hours, on April 12, it was announced that the green paper was scrapped, said Mr Clonan. Her contention that she listened to the feedback and then changed her mind, thats not what happened. What happened was they experienced an absolute political failure, what Enda Kenny would have called a 'double wallop' from the electorate in the referendum campaigns, particularly the one on disability care. It wasnt that she took on board feedback. They did a U-turn, they scrapped it. Thats not amending it or changing it. They dropped it. Mr Clonan was critical of proposals in the document requiring people with disabilities to be medically assessed to see which tier of disability payment they would be entitled. A spokesperson for Ms Humphreys said she is somebody that listens. They cited increases to disability and carers payments in budgets as evidence of her advocacy for people with disabilities. Anybody can Google the green paper for themselves and see that it was only ever a consultation paper," the spokesperson said. Heather listened to the genuine concerns raised during that consultation and the proposals did not proceed any further. Heather respects senator Clonan, who has always been a strong advocate for disabled people. There was little Ivana Bacik could do but stand and smile as former Labour Party leader Alan Kelly addressed the media at the partys think-in. The sincerity of that smile was debatable. Mr Kelly set the cat amongst pigeons last week when he went on Tipp FM to say that he would not support Catherine Connollys presidential election campaign despite the party voting to. Labour had much to celebrate as party members gathered in the Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh, Tipperary, following several good elections last year. Yet all that could be discussed at the opening press conference was the partys decision to support Ms Connollys campaign. Not a single question was asked about policy. Mr Kellys interview was the main topic of discussion. Ms Bacik smiled and nodded as her former party leader defended his position on Ms Connolly. One of the reasons, he said, was due to Ms Connollys decision to nominate Gemma ODoherty in the 2018 presidential election. Ms ODoherty had raised questions about the safety of the HPV vaccine. Mr Kelly was extremely close to CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan before her death. More smiling and nodding. The former and current party leaders had a frank conversation following Mr Kellys interview. He later expressed regret over his remarks. Ms Baciks smile faded when it was suggested that she had threatened Mr Kelly with pulling the event out of Nenagh if he did not row back on the remarks. Ivana Bacik faced a barrage of questions about Catherine Connollys links to Gemma ODoherty, the performance of the presidential hopeful in media interviews, and whether the party would finance her campaign. File Picture: Sasko Lazarov/ RollingNews.ie During a robust exchange with the media, she repeatedly refused to answer whether this was the case. Sometimes a non-answer is as good as confirmation. Ms Bacik faced a barrage of questions about Ms Connollys links to Ms ODoherty, the performance of the presidential hopeful in media interviews, and whether the party would finance Ms Connollys campaign. Despite the questioning, there were very few answers. Other members of the parliamentary party were not smiling. Despite what the party leadership is saying, multiple Labour members are not happy with the partys decision to back Ms Connolly. There is particular discomfort with media interviews that she has conducted in recent weeks. One TD pointed out that Ms Connolly seems to not remember a lot of things when she is asked about them. There was more smiling when Mr Kelly burst into the conference room with the Liam McCarthy Cup and several members of the victorious Tipperary hurling team. As he called the Cork politicians over to see what could have been, Ms Bacik came over and laid a hand on Mr Kellys arm. Youve thrown the cat among the pigeons there, she told him. With seven weeks to go in the presidential election, whether he will keep throwing the cat amongst the pigeons is the big question. HEATHERSIDE Hospital, a former TB sanatorium in North Cork, is set for a 15m-plus investment, following its sale to a property developer who has pledged to create a state-of-the-art community care hub. Gerard Fitzgerald, from Limerick but based overseas, told the Irish Examiner that, though his plans are still being finalised, he envisages creating an expansive health campus on the c 20-acre site. This would include a care home, a day-care centre for the elderly, a childrens disability centre, a pharmacy, a GP surgery, as well as mental-health services and services for victims of domestic abuse. The campus would also include a rehabilitation centre, where patients discharged from hospital could recover before returning home. Apartments are part of the longer-term plan. Heatherside Hospital, Buttevant, is set to be turned into a state of the art 15m health campus Mr Fitzgeralds decision to purchase the site which sold in recent weeks for above the 300,000 asking price was partly informed by its proven suitability as a healthcare setting. The former Heatherside has offered, in the past, great fresh air and rest and beautiful, recreational outdoor space to enjoy in the middle of the Ballyhoura mountains, Mr Fitzgerald said. He added that what he was proposing was badly needed, as there is nothing like it around here. This will offer a great opportunity for employment locally during the construction phase and when the campus is up and running and also great support for the surrounding communities in the general south of Ireland and the Munster region, Mr Fitzgerald said. He added that his wife, a qualified nurse whose background is in psychology and healthcare research, would look after the day-to-day running of the campus when it was completed, which he estimated would take between four and five years. The developer, who started out as a bricklayer, hopes to be on site to conduct a preliminary assessment before Christmas. He plans to retain as much of the original buildings as possible. It would probably be easier to rebuild it from scratch, but I dont want to do that, as Id like to protect the sites heritage. Ill be looking to preserve about 90% of what is there, and to enhance it. Mr Fitzgerald estimates that the project will cost 15m plus. Of the buildings on site, the main one is a sprawling, two-storey hospital complex, dating to 1909. A curved, 55,000 sq ft (5,081 sq m) structure, it has various projections and numerous rooms opening at ground- and first-floor level to terraces and balconies, as befitted a sanatorium, where fresh air and rest were considered the route to recovery for consumptive patients. Ancillary buildings include a church and a house from the 1930s. Inside of the church at Heatherside While some buildings feature on the National Inventory of Buildings of Ireland, they are not listed as protected structures. The complex, in a secluded cul-de-sac setting about 9km north of Buttevant and 19km north of Mallow, is near enough to Mr Fitzgeralds home parish of Dromina/Athlacca. Built after years of rampant TB, the sanatorium later served as a 180-bed geriatric unit, as well as an overflow facility for the Cork Mental Hospital, before the HSE closed it in 2010. Heatherside, when it was in use by the HSE. Picture: Provision More recently, it was considered by the Government for use as accommodation for international-protection applicants, but was deemed unsuitable. Mr Fitzgerald said his plan to transform it in to a cutting-edge community care hub was positive news for the area and would secure Heathersides future. Theres a lot of hurdles to get over first, in terms of planning, but the site has a health background, which should work in our favour, he said. While Mr Fitzgeralds work in the UK and Europe often involves buying strategic sites, waiting for re-zoning, obtaining planning permission, and selling them on, he does not intend to sell on the Ballyhoura site. It will have a change of name, though, he said. It will no longer be called Heatherside. Heatherside was brought to market in May this year by Sherry FitzGerald agents David McCarthy and Amanda Isherwood. The agents said the property generated substantial interest from a diverse range of purchasers, each considering various potential future uses. We are pleased to report the successful completion of the sale, in excess of the guide price, following a successful Tender process, they said US President Donald Trump affirmed that the United States will keep a robust military presence in Poland as he met the countrys new president, Karol Nawrocki, on Wednesday. Mr Trump had taken the unusual step of endorsing Mr Nawrocki in the Polish elections earlier this year, and as the leaders sat side by side in the White House, Mr Trump said the US-Polish relationship has always been strong but now its better than ever. When asked by a reporter whether the US planned to continue placing troops in Poland, Mr Trump said the US would and well put more there if they want. Well be staying in Poland. Were very much aligned with Poland, Mr Trump said. US President Donald Trump greets Polish President Karol Nawrocki at the White House (Evan Vucci/AP) The visit to Washington is Mr Nawrockis first overseas trip since taking office last month. The former amateur boxer and historian, who was backed by the conservative Law and Justice party, was hoping to deepen his relationship with Mr Trump at a fraught moment for Warsaw. Mr Nawrocki thanked Mr Trump for his support and, in a nod to the bonds between their countries, gave a particular hello to the millions of Polish Americans in the US. Those relations for me, for Poland, for Poles, are very important, Mr Nawrocki said. He added that those bonds are based on shared values of independence and democracy. In a news conference after his meeting, Mr Nawrocki said he and Mr Trump discussed expanding the US military presence in Poland. There were specific discussions regarding this project, he said. He also said he considered it a major success that Mr Trump provided a guarantee of Polands security. At the White House, Mr Trump said he was proud to have endorsed Mr Nawrocki and lauded him for winning his election. It was a pretty tough race, pretty nasty race, and he beat them all. And he beat them all very easily, and now hes become even more popular as they got to know him and know him better, Mr Trump said. Mr Trump is increasingly frustrated by his inability to get Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to sit down for direct talks aimed at ending the war between Polands neighbours. Mr Trump last month met Mr Putin in Alaska and then with Mr Zelensky and several European leaders at the White House. The Republican president emerged from those engagements confident that he would be able to quickly arrange direct talks between Mr Putin and Mr Zelensky and perhaps three-way talks in which he would participate. But his optimism in hatching an agreement to end the war has dimmed as Mr Putin has yet to signal an interest in sitting down with Mr Zelensky. Maybe they have to fight a little longer, Mr Trump said in an interview with the conservative Daily Caller published over the weekend. You know, just keep fighting stupidly, keep fighting. There is also heightened anxiety in Poland, and across Europe, about Mr Trumps long-term commitment to a strong US force posture on the continent an essential deterrent to Russia. 8,200 US troops stationed in Poland Some key advisers in his administration have advocated for shifting US troops and military from Europe to the Indo-Pacific with Chinas lock as the United States most significant strategic and economic competitor. Currently, there are about 8,200 American troops stationed in Poland, but the force level regularly fluctuates, according to the Pentagon. The stakes are very high for President Nawrockis visit, said Peter Doran, an analyst at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies. Trump will have an opportunity to size up Polands new president, and Nawrocki also will have the chance to do the same. Failure in this meeting would mean a pullback of American force posture in Poland, and success would mean a clear endorsement of Poland as one of Americas most important allies on the front line. When Mr Nawrocki arrived at the White House, Mr Trump gave him a hearty slap on the shoulder and stood with him as they watched US military jets soaring over the South Lawn. Donald Trump and Karol Nawrocki watch a military aircraft flyover at the White House (Evan Vucci/AP) A group of F-16s flew in a missing man formation as a tribute to a Polish Air Force F-16 pilot, Major Maciej Slab Krakowian, who died in a crash in Poland on August 28. Thank you for this gesture, Mr Nawrocki later told Mr Trump. Mr Trump made clear before Polands election this spring he wanted Mr Nawrocki to win, dangling the prospect of closer military ties if the Poles elected Mr Nawrocki. Mr Trump even hosted him at the White House before the vote. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also travelled to Poland shortly before its May election to tell Poles if they elected Mr Nawrocki and other conservatives they would have a strong ally in Mr Trump, who would ensure that you will be able to fight off enemies that do not share your values. Ultimately, Polish voters went with Mr Nawrocki in a tight election over liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski. Most of the power in Polands parliamentary system rests with an elected parliament and a government chosen by the parliament. The president can veto legislation and represents the country abroad. Mr Nawrocki has tense relations with the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, an ally of Mr Trzaskowski. Mr Nawrocki has echoed some of Mr Trumps language on Ukraine. He promises to continue Polands support for Ukraine but has been critical of Mr Zelensky, accusing him of taking advantage of allies. Mr Nawrocki has accused Ukrainian refugees of taking advantage of Polish generosity and vowed to prioritise Poles for social services such as health care and schooling. At the same time, Mr Nawrocki aimed to stress to Mr Trump that Russian aggression in Ukraine underscores that Mr Putin cannot be trusted and that a strong US presence in Poland remains an essential deterrent, said Heather Conley, a non-resident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where she focuses on trans-Atlantic security and geopolitics. Russia and its ally Belarus are set to hold joint military exercises this month in Belarus, unnerving Poland as well as fellow Nato members Latvia and Lithuania. The message Nawrocki ultimately wants to give President Trump is how dangerous Putins revisionism is, and that it does not necessarily end with Ukraine, Ms Conley said. Portugal has declared a day of national mourning after at least 17 people were killed and 21 others injured when one of the citys famous funicular cars derailed and crashed into a building on Wednesday evening. An emergency services spokesperson said some foreign nationals were among the dead but did not identify the victims or disclose their nationalities. The injured people, three of whom were seriously hurt, were being treated in several hospitals in the Lisbon region. Two of the most badly injured victims died in hospital overnight, raising the initial death toll from 15 to 17. Teams of pathologists from the National Forensics Institute worked through the night on autopsies, officials said. 15 tragically lost their lives as a an electric streetcar derailed in Lisbon on Wednesday. Picture: Armando Franca/AP Public prosecutors have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, which happened just after 6pm on Wednesday as the evening rush hour began. Known as Elevador da Gloria, the vehicle goes up and down a steep hill in central Lisbon in tandem with one going the opposite way. Footage showed the wreckage of the yellow-and-white car lying on its side in the narrow street it traverses. Its sides and top were crumpled, and it appeared to have crashed into a building where the road bends. Parts of the vehicle, made mostly of metal, were crushed. Witnesses told local media that the streetcar careened down the hill, apparently out of control. It hit the building with brutal force and fell apart like a cardboard box, Teresa dAvo told the TV channel SIC. Police officers inspect the site where a tourist streetcar derailed and crashed in Lisbon, Portugal, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Another witness, Bruno Pereira, told CNN Portugal that the car at the bottom of the hill had suddenly jerked off the track and on to the pavement, just before the other one came hurtling down, and struck the walls like a rock. A few seconds later, the other tram which counterbalances this one arrived, completely out of control, crashing into the walls, people screaming. It hit the last time at the curve between Calcada da Gloria and Rua da Gloria and stopped with a loud crash, he said. There was panic. We all ran, everyone there. Some people tried to pull people out from under the tram There were cobblestones everywhere, and the metal grooves, on which the car ran, were all popped out. Public prosecutors have launched an investigation into the cause of the disaster. Picture: Armando Franca/AP Lisbons mayor, Carlos Moedas, who visited the scene shortly after news of the crash emerged, said the city was in mourning. This is a tragedy that has never happened before in our city, he told reporters. Now is the time for action and help. I thank everyone for their response in just a few minutes. The only thing I can say is that its a very tragic day. The government declared that Thursday would be a day of national mourning. A statement from the office of the prime minister, Luis Montenegro, said the tragedy had brought grief to families and dismay to the country. TV cameras record the site where a tourist streetcar derailed and crashed in Lisbon, Portugal, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) The president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, lamented the crash and expressed hope that authorities would soon establish its cause. The Gloria line, which carries about 3 million people annually, is one of three funicular lines operated by the municipal public transport company Carris, and is used by tourists as well as residents. Its two cars, each capable of carrying about 40 people, are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable with traction provided by electric motors on the cars. Carris said all maintenance protocols have been carried out, including monthly and weekly maintenance programmes and daily inspections. Lisbons city council suspended operations of other streetcars and ordered immediate inspections, local media reported. Emergency teams work at the site of a derailed electric streetcar in Lisbon. Picture: Armando Franca/AP The crash brought condolences from European political leaders. Pedro Sanchez, the prime minister of neighbouring Spain, said he was saddened by the terrible accident in Lisbon, adding: We send all our love and solidarity to the families of the victims and to the Portuguese people at this difficult time. We also hope that those who have been injured will get better quickly. Italys foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, said he had met his Portuguese counterpart and expressed his solidarity with the victims. The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed her sadness and offered her condolences to the families of the victims. A spokesperson for the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was in touch with the local authorities and stood by to provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals. Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, has experienced a tourism boom in the past decade, with visitors cramming into the popular downtown area in the summer months. The Guardian, Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report Authorities in Argentina have recovered an 18th-century painting stolen more than 80 years ago by the Nazis from a Jewish art dealer in Amsterdam, a week after it was spotted by chance in a real estate listing. The painting, the long-lost 'Portrait of a Lady' (Contessa Colleoni) by the Italian master Giuseppe Ghislandi, was looted in the second world war. It was handed over on Wednesday to the Argentinian judiciary by the daughter of the late Nazi financier Friedrich Kadgien, Patricia Kadgien, who has been under house arrest with her husband since Tuesday. Prosecutors allege the couple tried to conceal the stolen artwork. They face a hearing on Thursday on charges of concealment and obstruction of justice. The Guardian contacted her legal representatives, who declined to comment. The Dutch newspaper AD traced the painting after a years-long investigation that took a breakthrough turn last week when one of its reporters found Kadgiens house in an online property listing in the seaside city of Mar del Plata. A photo in the listing showed the missing artwork last seen in 1946 and belonging to the Dutch Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker hanging above a sofa in the couples living room. AD published its findings on 25 August. The next day, federal prosecutor Carlos Martinez ordered a raid on the property, but the painting was no longer there. Police seized two unlicensed firearms and two mobile phones. Four additional raids on Monday uncovered two other paintings that experts believe could date back to the 19th century, along with several drawings and engravings. The judiciary is analysing the works to determine whether they, too, were looted during the second world war. A federal court in Mar del Plata placed Kadgien and her husband under 72-hour house arrest on Tuesday. After the fall of the Third Reich at the end of the second world war, several high-ranking Nazi officials fled to South America. Friedrich Kadgien was among them. He fled the Netherlands in 1946, first to Switzerland, then Brazil, and finally to Argentina, where he had two daughters. The painting is believed to have accompanied him and to have remained in his familys possession after he died in Buenos Aires in 1978. The portrait was among more than 1,000 works of art stolen by the Nazis from Goudstikker, who died in 1940 after falling in the hold of the ship carrying him to safety. Goudstikkers heirs plan to reclaim the painting, AD reported. The Guardian The extreme weather that fuelled astonishing blazes across Spain and Portugal last month was made 40 times more likely by climate breakdown, early analysis suggests. The deadly wildfires, which torched 500,000 hectares (1.2 million acres) of the Iberian peninsula in a matter of weeks, were also 30% more intense than scientists would have expected in a world without climate change, according to researchers from the World Weather Attribution network. The sheer size of these fires has been astonishing, said Clair Barnes, a climate scientist at Imperial College London and co-author of the study. Hotter, drier and more flammable conditions are becoming more severe with climate change, and are giving rise to fires of unprecedented intensity. The researchers found that such conditions could have occurred once every 500 years in the pre-industrial climate, but in todays world which has been warmed by the heat-trapping pollution from burning coal, oil and gas they could be expected every 15 years. The effects of climate breakdown on the extreme heat were even stronger, the researchers found. The 10-day maximum temperatures in the region last month were expected to hit every 2,500 years before industrialisation. They are now expected every 13 years. The study, which has not yet been submitted for peer review, relied on weather observations rather than analysis of climate models that the group usually conducts in the immediate aftermath of destructive weather. A fuller analysis of the Turkish and Greek wildfires they published last week found climate breakdown had made the extreme weather conditions 10 times more likely. Changes in land use have compounded the rising regional risk of untamed infernos. Several hot Mediterranean countries have struggled to deal with the effects of rural abandonment and ageing populations, as young people moving to cities have left behind unmanaged farmland with overgrown vegetation that can easily burn. David Garcia, an applied mathematician at the University of Alicante, said the public debate in Spain had focused on the decline of rural activities and the resulting growth of vegetation. However, much less has been said about the effect of climate change on these fires, which, as has been demonstrated, has been immense. Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, announced details of a 10-point climate plan on Monday to respond to increasingly extreme weather. In an interview with the Guardian, the centre-left politician warned that climate action was being undermined by mainstream rightwing parties adopting the narratives of the far right. The problem that were now facing is that there are traditional rightwing parties that perhaps dont deny the scientific reality, but which act and behave as if climate change doesnt exist. And this is the biggest problem, Sanchez said. The Guardian Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders met in Paris with the US envoy appointed by President Donald Trump to mediate peace talks, discussing security guarantees for the war-torn nation as allies seek to ensure long-term military support and continued American backing once the conflict ends. Mr Zelenskyy held a closed-door meeting with Steve Witkoff, according to presidential press secretary Serhii Nikiforov. Mr Witkoff was invited to participate in the so-called coalition of the willing meeting to discuss aid for Ukraine, including sketching out plans for military support in the event of a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war to deter future Russian aggression. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, who lead the group, have insisted that any European reassurance force in Ukraine needs the backing of the United States. We Europeans are ready to provide security guarantees to Ukraine and the Ukrainians on the day peace is signed Sir Keirs office said after the meeting that the Prime Minister emphasised that the group had an unbreakable pledge to Ukraine, with President Trumps backing, and it was clear they now needed to go even further to apply pressure on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to secure a cessation of hostilities. Sir Keirs office also mentioned a decision from the coalition to supply long-range missiles to Ukraine to further bolster the countrys supplies. Mr Macron said ahead of Thursdays meeting that preparatory work on the security guarantees had been done and should now be approved at political level. He did not provide details. We Europeans are ready to provide security guarantees to Ukraine and the Ukrainians on the day peace is signed, Mr Macron said. It is unclear what members of the coalition are willing to contribute, including troops on the ground. Steve Witkoff reportedly had a closed-door meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, left (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP) Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian presidents chief of staff, said on Thursday after meeting Mr Witkoff and other national security advisers that the security guarantees must be strong and effective in the air, at sea, on land, and in cyberspace. In a policy shift earlier this month, the US sent positive signals over its readiness to support security guarantees for Ukraine that resemble Natos collective defence mandate, Mr Zelenskyy said. It is unclear what that support would look like in practice. Ukraine is hoping for continued US intelligence sharing and air support. Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte, who attended the meeting virtually, said a broad coalition of nations was needed to support Ukraines defence against Russian aggression, but also to strengthen Europe to deter further military action by Moscow. Citing European military and intelligence officials who have warned of Russian plans to strike within the decade other European countries, most of them in the military alliance Mr Rutte helms, he said that we have to make sure that our deterrence is such that they will never try, knowing that our reaction will be devastating. We know what Putin tries to do and and the evidence is there in Ukraine as we speak Mr Rutte also called for the world to not be naive about Russia. We know what Putin tries to do and and the evidence is there in Ukraine as we speak, he said. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Russia fired 112 strike and decoy drones across the country overnight, according to Ukraines Air Force morning report. Air defences intercepted or jammed 84 drones, the statement said. Some leaders took part in person in the Paris talks while others joined virtually. They were set to speak to Mr Trump on the phone after the meeting. BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- About 6,000 people on Wednesday evening watched a grand cultural gala staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Joining the crowd at the Great Hall of the People were Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng. Before the show started, Xi and other leaders shook hands with war veterans. With the theme of "Justice Prevails," the gala reviewed the epic history of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, highlighted the role of the Communist Party of China as the pillar of the resistance, resounded with the heroic theme of the Chinese people's fight against aggression, and showcased the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation standing tall among the nations of the world. Reconstructing Roman Londons fashionable frescos Han Li, MOLAs Senior Building Material Specialist, works to reconstruct some of the thousands of fragments of Roman frescos that have been recovered from the site of The Liberty in Southwark. IMAGE: MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) Recent excavations in Southwark have uncovered one of the largest collections of painted Roman wall plaster ever found in London. Carly Hilts spoke to Han Li about ongoing efforts to piece this 2,000-year-old jigsaw puzzle back together. The table before me was awash with colour: a shattered sea of pink, yellow, green, and black formed from large chunks and smaller fragments of plaster that had been painstakingly pieced back together to create a coherent whole. Two thousand years ago, these still-vibrant remains would have formed part of a fresco adorning one of the walls of a high-status building in Roman Southwark, clearly signalling the wealth and taste of its owner to anyone who ventured inside. They also represent just a portion of a major archaeological discovery that was unveiled earlier this year: one of the largest assemblages of painted wall plaster that has ever been found from Roman London. This colourful collection, comprising thousands of individual fragments, was discovered during excavations by MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) on the site of The Liberty, near London Bridge in Southwark. Between 2021 and 2024, these investigations (undertaken on behalf of Landsec, Transport for London, and Southwark Council ahead of the creation of a new cultural quarter) uncovered illuminating insights into the lives and livelihoods of people who lived south of the Thames during the Roman period, including elaborate mosaics and a grand mausoleum that formed part of a large later cemetery (see CA 386 and 402). The painted wall plaster had been dumped in a large pit associated with the demolition of the building that they had once adorned. IMAGE: MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) Located across the river from the bustle of Londinium, this was a wealthy suburb whose residents built opulent houses along the waterfront. Excavations in the 1980s and in 2005 had already revealed the remains of some of these structures, including the northern part of a large building complex that was interpreted as a possible mansio (a residence for important travellers on official business) or a particularly luxurious private dwelling. It was constructed early in Roman Londons history, before AD 120, and although its owners had evidently lavished money on its design, commissioning mosaic floors and elaborately painted walls, MOLAs more recent work on the site has revealed that the building was relatively short-lived. It was demolished sometime before AD 200, during which time the crumbled remains of its fine frescos were consigned to a large pit, where they would remain until their rediscovery almost 2,000 years later. COLOURFUL CLUES Over 120 boxes of plaster fragments enough to cover an estimated 20 internal walls were recovered from the site, and the challenge of piecing them back together has been taken up by Han Li, MOLAs Senior Building Material Specialist. Drawing on parallels from across Europe and insights from other experts including colleagues at the MOLA finds team, his predecessor Dr Ian Betts, and other scholars including those at the British School at Rome for months Han has been painstakingly matching edges, images, and even common patterns of dirt or residue on some of the pieces surfaces in order to reconstruct long-vanished decorative schemes and tease out what they can tell us about the tastes and cultural connections of some of Roman Londons wealthier inhabitants. Han has spent months painstakingly analysing individual fragments and comparing them to finds from across the Roman Empire in order to understand their original designs. IMAGE: MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) It was Han who was my guide as I gazed at the colourful fragments that had been carefully arranged on a table at MOLAs headquarters in Hackney. Reconstructing a single, brightly painted wall, they formed a fairly typical design known from sites across the Roman Empire, with repeating panels in a block colour set above a dado painted to look like expensive imported stone. There would have also been a decorative frieze along the top, Han added, but these rarely survive well enough to be reconstructed as this section of the plasterwork falls from the greatest height when its underlying wall is demolished, it tends to shatter into very tiny pieces, while lower elements generally form larger chunks that are more easily interpreted and reunited. In this example, the wall had been painted a bright sunflower yellow a shade that is not in itself unusual in Roman frescos, Han said, though it does not appear to have been a common choice for the main repeating panels. Red seems to have been the more popular colour, though examples of yellow panels are known from other sites including Fishbourne Palace in West Sussex, Silver Street in Lincoln, and Xanten in Germany and, Han added, there may be others boxed up in archives that are still waiting to be reconstructed. Like those at Xanten, the Southwark structures panels were divided with black intervals edged in green and, by closely examining areas where the pigment has flaked away, we can tell that the whole wall was initially painted yellow before the bands were added, rather than setting these out first and then trying to colour inside the lines. The black intervals themselves offered even more intricate details, providing the background for delicate images of fruit, flowers, and foliage; lyres; and white birds with long necks and red beaks, possibly some kind of wader, crane, or stork. Many of these had been found in multiple fragments, which Han had carefully fitted back together, and another recurring motif showed a tall candelabrum growing variously out of a slender stem or a bushy vertical spray of leaves and flowers. Thought to have originated in Pompeii, candelabrum imagery was evidently a popular theme as it is found in localised styles across the Roman Empire including at Xanten and Cologne in Germany, Lyon in France, and sites in Britain including Boxmoor in Hertfordshire and Leicester demonstrating how far artistic ideas and interior design fashions can spread. It is estimated that the frescos would have covered 20 internal walls. Here, one surface has been reconstructed, revealing its yellow panels interspersed with black bands containing intricate images. At the bottom, a pink dado imitates expensive marble veneers. IMAGE: MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) This is an extract of an article that appeared in CA 427. Read on in the magazine, or click here to read it online at The Past, where you can read all of the Current Archaeology articles in full as well as the content of our other magazines, Current World Archaeology, Ancient Egypt, and Military History Matters. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The Ember energy consultancy reports that in the first half of 2025, the world put in 380 gigawatts of new solar capacity. That compares to 232 gigs in the first half of 2024, for a 64% increase. By the end of June, 2022, the world had only installed 90 new gigawatts of solar, so in three years the pace has more than quadrupled. If new solar goes on quadrupling every three years, before too long solar will just generate all the power the world needs. See below. By the end of 2024, total global solar generation capacity was a little over 2 terawatts, or 20% of the whole. Global power generation capacity is on the order of 10 terawatts or 10,000 gigawatts. The bad news for dirty old backward Trumpian America is that this story is a Chinese story, raising the possibility that the 21st will be the Chinese Century. About two-thirds of this new solar capacity was implemented in China some 256 gigawatts. The whole rest of the world put in 124 gigawatts of new solar in the first half of 2025, 15% more than these countries had installed by the end of June last year. Solar farms are increasingly being paired with large-scale battery storage, so that the energy they absorb can be stored for release at night or at peak usage times. California, for instance, now has 15 gigawatts of utility battery capacity, which doesnt count all the household battery plus solar panel systems. In 2024, California was able to run on 100% renewables for 51 of 365 days, and on three-fifths of the days the grid ran on 100% clean energy for some portion of the day. The state is beating those records this year, and has reduced natural gas usage 25% in H1 year over year. Because Trump and his stooges in Congress are deep-sixing incentives for renewables (on the instructions of Exxon-Mobil and Saudi Arabia, their true masters), the growth of solar in the pollution-ridden and increasingly sweltering United States is expected to slow substantially for the next three and a half years. The US installed 21 new gigawatts of solar in H1 of this year, up 4% over last year, but that surge may have been businesses rushing to take advantage of the old Biden incentives before they expire. Since solar is an inexpensive source of power and its cost keeps falling while efficiencies increase, it will likely continue to grow in the US, though it will face headwinds from the retrograde government massively subsidizing coal and gas. It wont grow by leaps and bounds the way it does in China, where the government has a pro-solar industrial policy. When historians look back on how the world averted the worst chaos of climate breakdown, they will laud China and deplore the US. Economically, America is dooming itself to irrelevance, since the whole world is going to China for solar panels. Beijing has cornered 80% of the market. Interestingly, Ember finds that solar may be beginning to take off in Africa, with panel imports up 60%, with 15 new gigawatts landing on African grids. China over-produced solar panels last year so that their price plummeted, and villagers around the world took advantage of the low prices to buy these discount panels. National grids in the global south are often inadequate, expensive and unreliable, so rural hamlets have just been installing their own solar electricity. Batteries are also cheaper and better, so solar electricity can be stored for use at night. Battery costs in places like India have declined 80% in the past decade and battery-powered energy exchanges are now profitable. Image by Adolfo Cj from Pixabay The idiocy of American policy is illustrated by a tweet from Trumps Secretary of Fracking I mean, energy, Chris Allen Wright, which swiftly attracted a community note: Secretary Chris Wright @SecretaryWright Even if you wrapped the entire planet in a solar panel, you would only be producing 20% of global energy. One of the biggest mistakes politicians can make is equating the ELECTRICITY with ENERGY! Readers added context Earth gets ~1.5M TWh/day of solar energyover 3,000 global energy use (~165K TWh/year). Covering just 1% of land with panels could - theoretically - power the planet. Electricity is energy, and electrification replaces fossil use in transport, heat, and industry. Either Wright, who is a mechanical and electrical engineer, is owed a refund by MIT, or he is lying to help his own hydraulic fracturing interests, which would be a form of corruption. Of course, that would never happen in the Trump administration. Fracking, which Wright has made his career, is one of the most dangerous and destructive activities in which Big Oil engages, with serious deleterious impacts on public health which is why New York state has banned it. The Trump administration is not only dedicated to making us ignorant, sick and hate-filled, but also to making us poverty-stricken, second-place losers to China. One of Australia's most decorated soldiers on Thursday lost his final legal bid in a years-long defamation case against three national newspapers which had implicated him in war crimes while serving in Afghanistan. Former SAS commando Ben Roberts-Smith has been fighting to salvage his tattered reputation since 2018, when papers unearthed allegations he took part in the murder of unarmed Afghan prisoners. His multi-million dollar bid to sue three Australian outlets for defamation failed in 2023, with a judge ruling the bulk of the journalists' claims were "substantially true". He tried to appeal the finding, which was dismissed by the Federal Court in May. Roberts-Smith then tried to get a special leave application to challenge the previous finding, which was rejected Thursday. A notice on the High Court's website said: "special leave refused with costs" for all related matters. The lead journalists in the stories, Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters, said in a joint statement that the case had been an "ordeal that all the nation has endured". "We are grateful to the courts for the sound and thorough deliberations, and to the Australian soldiers who had the moral courage to stand up for what was right and tell the truth about Ben Roberts-Smith," the Sydney Morning Herald, one of the newspapers involved in the case, quoted them as having said. "They are the heroes of the grim vital story. We also remember the Afghan victims of war crimes whose families are still waiting for justice," they said. Forced to resign in mid-June, Constant Mutamba had said he was ready to face justice, rejecting all the charges against him. According to the public prosecutor, the former minister of justice was guilty of illegally transferring funds, failing to comply with public procurement procedures, and awarding a contract to a front company. At the opening of the trial on July 9, the defense had attempted to have the proceedings annulled, citing irregularities on the part of the national assembly: the authorization to open an investigation, which is necessary for a sitting minister, had been voted on by a show of hands, whereas the rules require a secret ballot. Also, the person subject to the proceedings must be heard before the vote to present their defense. Our client received the invitation on the very day he was due to appear. He was in hospital, one of the lawyers pointed out. But these arguments were deemed unfounded by the court. Mutamba proclaims his innocence I agreed to face this reality to prove my innocence... The $19 million for which I am being prosecuted are indeed in the bank as I stand before this court. Justice minister Constant Mutamba never took a single US dollar, he said, speaking of himself in the third person, in a firm tone, at the 23 July hearing before the court of cassation in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in charge of judging him. Regarding the awarding of the private contract to Zion Construction, which is at the heart of the case, Mutamba states: the Prime Ministers silence for more than ten days after submitting his request for approval of the agreement with the company constitutes authorisation in his view. The approving authority has ten days to approve the contract from the moment you submit your request. If, within ten days, the approving authority has not given its approval, the logical consequence is that the contract is tacitly approved, confirmed Christian Kalume, an expert from the public procurement regulatory authority called to testify at the trial on 4 August. The scandal began on 16 April 2025, as a payment order from Mutamba transferred $19.9 million from the account of the Fund for the reparation of victims of Ugandas illegal activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Frivao) to an account other than the one mentioned in the procurement contract signed two days earlier between the ministry of justice and Zion Construction. The suspicious transaction was detected on the same day by Cenaref, the national financial intelligence unit. A political trial? Mutamba is convinced that he is facing a political trial. He has repeated this on several occasions and mentioned it in his letter of resignation addressed to president Felix Tshisekedi on 18 June. He did not hesitate to insinuate this during his often tense statements before the court of cassation. I am not here to receive threats. If this is a conspiracy, go ahead and carry it out. I will take full responsibility, he said at the hearing on 4 August. This justice system that I have served with so much love has taken everything from me: my honour, my credibility, my dignity..., he lamented on 13 August, at the end of the closing arguments. On social networks, supporters of the 37-year-old minister have launched a campaign called Acquit Mutamba. Vigils are being held at his residence. Several people are stopping by to comfort him. Songs of support for the young Mutamba can be heard there. Testimony of another former minister of justice In his defence, Mutamba has requested the appearance of several prominent figures: the executive secretary of the national financial intelligence unit (Cenaref), the general director of the one-stop shop for business creation, the former minister of justice and even the current prime minister, Judith Suminwa. On 6 August, the latter asked the court to excuse her from appearing for reasons of state, explained judge Jacques Kabasele Nzembele. The executive secretary of Cenaref also did not wish to testify. However, Rose Mutombo, former minister of justice, did appear at the hearing on 6 August. She discussed the distribution of funds paid by Uganda since 2022. A large part, she explained, goes to the Frivao account and another part to the government account [in accordance with the ruling of the International Court of Justice]. Both accounts were opened before she took office as minister of justice, she said. When the money from Uganda arrives in the ministry of justices account, the victims share is then transferred to Frivaos account, she explained. As for professor Amisi Herady, director of the one-stop shop for business creation, he explained that Zion Construction was indeed created on 28 March 2024 and that its first partners against whom a search warrant has been issued had sold their shares before the contract with the ministry of justice, the supervisory authority of Frivao, was signed on 14 April 2025, for the construction of a prison in Kisangani, the provincial capital of Tshopo in north-eastern DRC, and the scene of the six-day war between the Rwandan and Ugandan armies in June 2000. We are not in a position to confirm the viability or reliability of a company. But what we are able to confirm is its legal existence, added Herady. The other eagerly awaited intervention was that of Rawbank, where the $19.9 million paid by Frivao are currently held. The testimony of a bank official contradicts Mutambas statement that the money is in an escrow account, meaning a bank account specially designated to hold funds temporarily, pending a further decision. At Rawbank, there is a customer with a current account in the name of Zion Construction SARL, number 25101-01145175001-47 USD, opened in the ledger, said Herve Sesongo, the banks representative who testified at the trial. To date, Zion Construction cannot access this account because there are protective measures in place, notably by Cenaref and the public prosecutors office, he added. 10 years of hard labour requested by the prosecution After six days of hearings, the Court of Cassation concluded the proceedings on 13 August. In his closing speech, advocate general Sylvain Kalwila requested 10 years of hard labour and 10 years of ineligibility, with deprivation of access to public office after serving his sentence. The public prosecutor, who described the defendant Mutamba as a delinquent, highlighted several points in his closing speech: in particular, the use of a private agreement procedure, the former ministers decision to exclude certain technical and legal services, the execution of the contract without obtaining a notice of no objection, and the fictitious nature of the company, which has no registered office, no staff and no bank guarantee. The defendant, whom the public prosecutor presents as a criminal, is curently seen as a representative of the youth within the political class, the defence retorted in its closing arguments. Guilty of embezzlement of public funds On Tuesday, 2 September, for the pronouncement of the verdict, the court of cassation was placed under high security to prevent any potential unrest from Mutambas supporters. Mutamba appeared at the hearing wearing a navy blue tracksuit and a surgical mask covering his face. In its ruling, the court of cassation found that the repeated violations of procedural rules and the haste in awarding the contract were intended to divert state funds to fraudulently enrich the company Zion Construction. Consequently, the former minister was found guilty of embezzlement of public funds and sentenced to three years of forced labour, generally converted into prison sentences in the DRC, as forced labour is no longer practised. The court also sentenced him to a five years disqualification from voting and from holding public office as well as ineligibility. Mutamba left the court of cassation with his fist raised, without any comment. As the court of cassation sits in both first and second instance, Mutamba has no possibility of appeal. Jubaland forces are now inside Mandera town. Schools have been shut down, businesses paralyzed, and families displaced in fear of stray bullets, RPGs and unexploded ordnance. An atmosphere of fear has engulfed the entire town as both Jubaland and Somalias federal forces build up weapons and troops, preparing for war. Shockingly, Jubaland forces are consolidating their strength inside Mandera town on Kenyan soil literally taking over our community. This is a humiliation of our sovereignty. The absurdity of a regional state government fighting its federal government is akin to Mandera County Government declaring war against the Republic of Kenya yet we are now hosting these foreign forces in our own town. Kenyas national interest lies with its strategic relationship with the Federal Government of Somalia, not in protecting a rogue state government. Allowing Jubaland troops to operate in Mandera, putting Kenyan lives and property at mortal risk, is shameful, reckless, and a betrayal of our people. Foreign conflicts must be fought on foreign soil, not on the streets of Mandera. The Government of Kenya will bear full responsibility for any deaths, injuries, or destruction of property in Mandera. As leaders, our loyalty and constitutional duty are first and foremost to our people. Our support for Kenya Kwanza Government cannot be mistaken for a license to gamble with the lives of our population. If the government fails to act immediately and decisively to remove Jubaland forces from Mandera County, we will be forced to mobilize ourselves to defend our people an outcome that will endanger peace and cause grave international embarrassment for Kenya. We make it plain: our people come first, always. Kenya must act NOW. Thursday, September 4, 2025 - Vocal Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino, has acknowledged that he is unlikely to receive the ODM Partys endorsement to run for Nairobi Governor in the 2027 General Elections. Speaking during a Kameme TV breakfast show on Thursday, September 4th, Owino said ODM leader, Raila Odingas recent actions suggest that he has already settled on a preferred candidate - Governor Johnson Sakaja. I am sure I will not get the ODM ticket to vie for Nairobi Governor in 2027. Sakaja was endorsed by Raila in Bomas during the AUC prayer meeting, Owino stated. Despite his disappointment, Owino affirmed his continued respect for Raila, whom he referred to as his political godfather, while noting that his future remains guided by faith. Owino also expressed frustration over being sidelined within the party, citing Sakajas recent political support from both Raila and President William Ruto as evidence of shifting loyalties. When Sakaja was endorsed and rescued by Raila and Ruto, it showed my presence in the party is no longer valued, he said. He defended his loyalty to ODM, recalling his detention during anti-Government protests and his unwavering support for Raila. Meanwhile, Raila has publicly backed Sakajas leadership, urging Nairobi MCAs to give the Governor time to address grievances and hinting at his re-election support. Owino, however, remains critical of Sakajas performance, claiming that the Governor has failed Nairobi residents and suggesting that those endorsing him may be motivated by personal gain. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, September 3, 2025 - A Form Four student is staring down the possibility of missing her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams after being suspended for having chewing gum in her school bag. The incident occurred during a routine search as students returned from mid-term break. According to the students mother, the gum was left in the bag by mistake - an error her daughter admitted to. What followed has left many stunned. The school allegedly demanded the student provide chewing gum for all 580 pupils - amounting to KSh16,800 - before she could be readmitted. Shes already missed two major exams. Ive paid her fees, yet Im being asked to pay again through this fine, the mother told NTV. The story has ignited public outrage, with many questioning the legality and fairness of the punishment. How did they arrive at KSh16,800? School punishments should be realistic and within the law, one netizen wrote. Another added, Parents are struggling to pay fees, and this is what you call discipline? Despite the backlash, some defended the schools stance, arguing that rules must be respected. If chewing gum is prohibited, then let the student carry her cross, a netizen commented. Meanwhile, the school principal declined to comment, leaving many questioning whether disciplinary policies are being applied fairly. With national exams just weeks away, the students academic future remains uncertain - all over a forgotten pack of gum. Thursday, September 4, 2025 - Nairobi residents were left shaken after armed thugs were captured on camera robbing unsuspecting members of the public in the Central Business District in broad daylight. In the shocking video now circulating online, the gang, some wielding crude weapons, are seen cornering pedestrians and snatching valuables as terrified onlookers watched helplessly. The brazen robbery happened in full view of business owners, matatu operators, and passersby, raising fresh concerns about security in the capital. The video has since sparked outrage, with Kenyans demanding answers from law enforcement agencies over the rising cases of insecurity in the CBD. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, September 4, 2025 - The U.S Embassy in Nairobi has issued what many are interpreting as a subtle diplomatic nudge to President William Rutos administration over the ongoing Karura Forest controversy. On Wednesday, September 3rd, newly appointed Charge dAffaires Susan M. Burns visited Karura Forest and shared a photo at the iconic waterfall on X (formerly Twitter). Her caption read: Exploring my new hometown beginning with a visit to Nairobis amazing Karura Forest. This urban oasis stands as a tribute to Kenyans like Wangari Maathai, who understood the vitality of preserving forests and natural spaces. The post comes amid tensions between the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and Friends of Karura Forest (FKF), who have long managed the forest. Reports have surfaced suggesting that private developers are eyeing sections of the forest for commercial projects, including hotels - sparking public outcry. KFS responded to the criticism in a statement on September 1st, assuring Kenyans that operations remain smooth and secure. The agency confirmed that rangers and FKF community scouts continue to manage access points and maintain safety. KFS confirms that all security and forest operations remain unchanged The public is encouraged to continue enjoying the forest, which remains a leading model for sustainable urban conservation in Africa, the statement read. Burns visit and message are being viewed as a subtle but firm reminder of the forests global significance - and a call to protect it. THERE will be a dozen students and apprentices from Kildare taking part in Irelands leading event dedicated to promoting skills, apprenticeship careers, and workplace opportunities for young people. WorldSkills is returning to the RDS, Simmonscourt from the 17_19 September and there will be a dozen competitors from the Lilywhite County. Across the three days, the students and apprentices from Co Kildare 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 Co Kildare include: Sean Auden, (Digital Construction) Julia Bartecka, (Mechanical Engineering CAD), Andrew Currie (Cyber Security), Kaitlyn Davis (Polymechanics and Automation), Michael Dempsey (Construction Plant Fitting), Conor Kelly (Automobile Technology), Mark Ragasa (Digital Construction BIM), Eriks Skalbe (Industrial Insulation), Andrea Cash (Visual Merchandising and Display), Niamh Gannon (Visual Merchandising and Display), John Gray (Cabinet Making), Jack Herbert (Heavy Vehicle Mechanics). 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, three-quarters (75%) of student attendees came to learn about practical, skills-based routes, a clear sign of the growing appetite for apprenticeships and technical careers. "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, said Ray English, chair of WorldSkills Ireland. Its an incredible opportunity to showcase their abilities and, for some, take the next step towards representing Ireland on the world stage. 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 some interest for schools, with students gaining exposure to both academic and vocational pathways in a single 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. Ellen O'Donoghue The Weeknd has announced a concert at Croke Park. The concert is set to take place on Saturday, August 22nd 2026, and is part of an extension of the R&B star's record-breaking After Hours Til Dawn stadium tour across Mexico, Brazil, Europe and the UK. The Weeknd is a multi-platinum and 7x Diamond certified star, and one of the world's most listened-to artists on Spotify, boasting 111 million monthly listeners and holding the record for the highest number of monthly listeners for over two years. His record-breaking single Blinding Lights went RIAA-certified Diamond and was named the new No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 song of all time, surpassing Chubby Checkers 1960 hit The Twist. The Weeknd will be joined by Playboi Carti on all European and UK dates, including Dublin's Croke Park. Tickets are set to go on general sale on Friday, September 12th at 12pm. The tour is produced by Live Nation and sponsored by Nespresso, with the next leg kicking off on Monday, April 20th in Mexico City, Mexico at Estadio GNP Seguro and includes stops in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Paris, Amsterdam, Milan, London, Madrid and more. The After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour celebrates The Weeknd's acclaimed album trilogy featuring After Hours (2020), Dawn FM (2022), and Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025). The North American leg included over 40 sold-out stadium shows. The After Hours Til Dawn Tour originally launched in 2022 and has become the biggest R&B tour in history, according to promoters. Tickets for the Croke Park concert will first be available via the artist presale beginning on Tuesday, September 9th at 12pm local time, followed by a Mastercard presale at 2pm, and a Nespresso presale will take place on Thursday, September 11th at 12pm local time. General sale of tickets begins on Friday, September 12th at 12pm. Tickets for Dublin will cost from 60.85 to 690, subject to Ticketmaster charges. As part of the 2026 tour, promoters have said The Weeknd is partnering with Global Citizen to raise funds to provide access to quality education for children around the world through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. He will also continue to partner with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to provide funds to the XO Humanitarian Fund, which supports the organisations response to the unprecedented global hunger crisis. 1 from each ticket sold across Europe, 1 in the UK and the $1 equivalent in Mexico and Brazil will be donated to these two organisations. Fans will also have the opportunity to earn one pair of free tickets to each tour date by taking action to end extreme poverty with Global Citizen. For more information, visit www.globalcitizen.org. TO CELEBRATE the renovation and refurbishment of Athys St Michaels Church, the community are invited to come and celebrate the newly improved space with an official opening church service. Reverend Conor OReilly invites everyone from the local community to the event to share in the celebration of the new and improved church. The church while it was under renovation Newly decorated church The celebration is set to take place on Sunday, September 14 at 3pm joined by The Most Reverend Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin and Glendalough and complete with music and hymns from one of Irelands leading brass bands The Stedfast Band. A collection will take place during the mass in aid of the church refurbishment fund, which attendees are encouraged to donate to if they can. The event will end with some refreshments in the local parish centre. Minister for Culture, Communications, and Sport, Patrick ODonovan, has launched a new, 'Safe & Sound' safety training initiative which includes new policy templates for a wide range of businesses in the Night-Time Economy such as pubs, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, theatres, cultural venues, festivals, gyms, taxi services, and more. This training, which will be available free for 12 months in the nine Night-Time Economy Pilot areas, which includes Kilkenny City, will delve into the various aspects of vulnerability after dark. It is specifically tailored and developed for those working at night, providing workers with an increased awareness of their responsibilities and duty of care, and training in actions that must be taken to reduce identified risks. The online training offers a number of express 30-minute modules in areas including: anti-sexual harassment, drink spiking awareness and violence against women and girls. READ NEXT: 'Ugly' shop signs in parts of Kilkenny City slammed - Council Highlights This latest announcement suggests more night-time events may become reality in Kilkenny life over the coming years. Earlier this summer, after two previous funding calls, Kilkenny County Council sought proposals from local businesses, community groups, event organisers, collaborators and individuals to develop projects that continue to support the growth and diversity of the project in Kilkenny City. It's expected those proposals will shape events that take place in the city between Sundays and Thursdays after 6pm during September, October and November. But are local hopes of a sustainable late-night economy realistic? Previous findings reported by Kilkenny Live found 57 pubs in the county have closed their doors since 2005, a reduction of 25.2% from 226 to 169 in a 19 year period. The closures in Kilkenny are closely reflected in the decline around the country with the number of pubs nationally falling by over 2,100 from 8,617 to 6,498, a drop of 24.6%. "This training initiative and policy templates support a key recommendation in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce and is another step in supporting our efforts to make Irelands nightlife safer, more inclusive, and more enjoyable for everyone," Minister O'Donovan said. "By equipping people with the knowledge and confidence to act, we are laying the foundation for a cultural shiftone where safety, respect, and wellbeing are at the heart of our night-time experiences," he added. The initiative has been led by the nine Night-Time Economy Advisors, developed by Nighttime Economy Solutions (NTES), a global leader in the sector, and funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through the Night-Time Economy pilot project. Each policy is grounded in Irish law, and includes clear operational guidance for frontline staff, managers, and venue owners. FOR MORE KILKENNY CITY NEWS, CLICK HERE More details in next week's Kilkenny People newspaper Announcing details of their annual conference, the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation today said that the sector must be supported in Budget 2026. The conference entitled Resilience in an Uncertain World will take place on October 1 in Lyrath Estate. Hosted and moderated by broadcaster Dearbhail McDonald there will be a host of speakers including tech entrepreneur Mark Little, Minister for Tourism Peter Burke TD, British TV personality Timmy Mallett, hospitality expert Francis Brennan, Chair of Failte Ireland Ruth Andrews, Dalata CEO Dermot Crowley, Irish Heritage Trustss Anne ODonoghue, economist Jim Power and former Ambassador Dan Mulhall. This is a time of unprecedented macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, said ITICs Chair and Cork Airport MD Niall MacCarthy, The conference is timely and will take place a week before the Budget and tourism performance, priorities and policies are all on the agenda. The conference was launched on Wednesday by ITIC CEO Eoghan OMara Walsh, Tourism Ireland CEO Alice Mansergh and AIBs CEO Colin Hunt who are all speaking at the conference. Director of Failte Ireland Deborah Nolan was also in attendance. CSO numbers for the first seven months of the year point to an 11% decline in inbound visitor numbers and OMara Walsh said: Demand is very mixed and when allied to escalating costs of business, margins are under real pressure. Tourism is Irelands largest indigenous industry and biggest regional employer and ITIC have called Dublin Airport the key tourism gateway to the island, and urged that the passenger cap be lifted without delay. Social Democrat Senator Patricia Stephenson has voiced alarm following last weeks damning Health Information and Quality Information (HIQA) report of Tinnypark Nursing Home. The nursing home was found to be non-compliant in 10 out of 16 areas of review, and compliant in just one as serious issues in staffing, hygiene and safety were identified over the two days inspection. This report shows how fragile our care system has become, Senator Stephenson said. Families need to know their loved ones are safe, respected and properly cared for. Staff are doing their best, but the system is letting them down. The Senator called for the State to take direct responsibility for nursing home care: Care should not be treated as a business, but as a public service delivered to the highest standards. SEE ALSO: Kilkenny business looks set to close down after difficult period for city street We need a publicly run system that would ensure proper training, leadership and accountability and would see that staff are valued with fair pay and decent working conditions to reduce high turnover and provide continuity of care. Nationalising care would give residents security, families peace of mind and staff the support they need. Dignity in care must be guaranteed and not left to chance, she concluded. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS Gardai in Dublin have arrested three men and a woman for organised crime related offences, such as human trafficking. A coordinated day of action was conducted in cooperation with Brazilian Federal Police and Europol. This led to the three males (two in their 30s, one in his 20s) and one female (aged in her 20s) being detained in Garda Stations in the capital under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. Four locations were searched in Dublin city centre on Wednesday morning, September 3 in conjunction with simultaneous searches taking place in Brazil. Investigating Gardai from the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB), with international colleagues, are investigating human trafficking, organised prostitution, brothel keeping and other alleged organised crime related offences. READ MORE: ALERT: Gardai concerned for wellbeing of missing man (48) amid appeal to find him This international law enforcement operation is supported by Europol with officers from Europol and the Brazilian Federal Police present in Dublin during this operation. A member of An Garda Siochana is also supporting the Brazilian Federal Police in Brazil. The investigation team from the GNPSB is supported by Local, Divisional and National Units including the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, Garda National Immigration Bureau, Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau, Garda Siochana Analysis Service, STOC (Emergency Response Unit and Armed Support Units), local resources in the DMR North Central and South Central and the Garda Dog Unit. An Garda Siochana continues to appeal to any individual who may be the victim of human trafficking to contact them, either at your local Garda Station or on the Garda Confidential phone number at 1800 666 111. Gardai are appealing to anyone with any information on these crimes or suspects that any individual is the victim of human trafficking to speak up, talk to a member of An Garda Siochana, either at your local Garda Station, through the Garda Confidential phone number or to any members of An Garda Siochana. Beijing (Gasgoo)-On September 2, Chinese mobility technology company Desay SV unveiled its new brand "Chuanxing Zhiyuan (in Chinese pinyin)" in Shanghai, marking the debut of the company's first automotive-grade low-speed autonomous vehicle lineup. At the launch event, the Chuanxing Zhiyuan S6 "Wing" edition and S6 "Sliding Door" edition were presented to the public for the first time. Photo credit: Desay SV The S6 models are equipped with two Hesai AT-series LiDARs, delivering perception capabilities that significantly enhance safety and reliability in complex operating environments. Among the seven core highlights of the S6 series, six feature major innovations: full automotive-grade development from vehicle to components, an intelligent axial control system, climbing capability of up to a 25-degree slope, a six-year/300,000-kilometer battery standard, a fully automotive-grade ADAS suite, and a smart sensing vehicle exterior. Designed with a focus on safety, durability, and reliability, the S6 platform integrates an automotive-grade steer-by-wire chassis and modular upper body. Its adaptable design supports diverse applications, ranging from industrial parks and logistics hubs to fresh food distribution, retail replenishment, express delivery, supermarket distribution and pharmaceutical transport. According to Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute's rankings of ADAS suppliers in H1 2025, China's passenger vehicle ADAS component market showed a highly concentrated structure across several key domains, including air suspension system, LiDAR, driving-dedicated ADAS, forward-facing camera, APA solution, HD map, and high precision positioning system. At the same time, the strong rise of Chinese suppliers such as BYD, Huawei, and Sunny Smartlead is challenging the traditional dominance of international giants like Bosch and Valeo, highlighting the growing competitiveness of China's supply chain in both technological innovation and cost efficiency. Top air suspension system suppliers KH Automotive Technologies: 165,139 sets installed, 37.1% market share Tuopu Group: 134,524 sets installed, 30.2% market share Baolong Automotive: 91,717 sets installed, 20.6% market share Vibracoustic: 40,040 sets installed, 9.0% market share Continental: 13,139 sets installed, 3.0% market share Others: 457 sets installed, 0.1% market share The air suspension system market showed a highly concentrated structure. The top 3 playersKH Automotive Technologies (37.1%), Tuopu Group (30.2%), and Baolong Automotive (20.6%)collectively secured 87.9% of the market share. KH Automotive Technologies led the market with 165,139 sets, while Baolong Automotive ranked third with 91,717 sets. The landscape reflected a clear tilt toward leading China's local suppliers, highlighting their rise in critical technologies and underscoring the strong competitiveness of the local supply chain. Overall, the cost and technology iteration advantages of Chinese brands are expected to further accelerate market consolidation. Top LiDAR suppliers Huawei Technologies: 400,456 units installed, 40.0% market share Hesai Technology: 284,399 units installed, 28.4% market share RoboSense: 236,501 units installed, 23.6% market share Seyond: 80,570 units installed, 8.0% market share Others: 61 units installed, 0.01% market share Huawei Technologies, Hesai Technology, and RoboSense together captured 92% of China's LiDAR market, highlighting the sector's high concentration. With the top 4 suppliers all being Chinese players, the supply chain advanced rapidlyshifting from early breakthroughs to establishing market dominance in core intelligent sensor technologies. The ranking also included blind-spot LiDAR. In terms of primary LiDAR installations, Hesai Technology ranked first. Top driving-dedicated ADAS suppliers Bosch: 1,067,448 sets installed, 15.3% market share BYD: 856,933 sets installed, 12.3% market share DENSO: 617,441 sets installed, 8.8% market share ZF: 491,731 sets installed, 7.0% market share Freetech: 410,220 sets installed, 5.9% market share Veoneer: 295,069 sets installed, 4.2% market share Huawei: 290,548 sets installed, 4.2% market share Valeo: 280,866 sets installed, 4.0% market share Tesla: 264,907 sets installed, 3.8% market share Aptiv: 243,909 sets installed, 3.5% market share According to the rankings above, the market showed a clear concentration at the top. Bosch took the lead strongly with 1,067,448 sets (15.3% market share), followed by BYD with 856,933 sets (12.3%), together accounting for nearly 30% of the market. Notably, Huawei entered the top 7 with 290,548 sets (4.2%), highlighting the rapid penetration of tech companies into core ADAS hardware. Overall, while global giants still dominate, Chinese players like BYD and Huawei are gradually reshaping the supply chain landscape. Top forward-facing camera suppliers Bosch: 1,067,824 sets installed, 15.3% market share DENSO: 627,297 sets installed, 9.0% market share Sunny Smartlead: 609,187 sets installed, 8.7% market share BYD Semiconductor: 594,806 sets installed, 8.5% market share ZF: 501,398 sets installed, 7.2% market share Freetech: 408,786 sets installed, 5.8% market share Baolong: 381,329 sets installed, 5.5% market share Veoneer: 329,915 sets installed, 4.7% market share Valeo: 269,873 sets installed, 3.9% market share Tesla: 264,907 sets installed, 3.8% market share Bosch remained the leader in forward-facing camera installations with 1,067,824 sets (15.3% share). China's local players like Sunny Smartlead (609,187 sets, 8.7%) and BYD Semiconductor (594,806 sets, 8.5%) showed strong growth, underlining the rising competitiveness of Chinese suppliers in core technologies. The top 5 suppliers together accounted for 40.7% of the market, indicating a moderately high level of concentration. The rapid ascent of local manufacturers is reshaping the supply chain, driven by technological innovation, cost efficiency, and localized service capabilities, while also pushing forward-facing cameras toward becoming standard rather than optional features in intelligent vehicle systems. Top APA solution suppliers BYD: 701,767 sets installed, 19.6% market share Bosch: 494,825 sets installed, 13.8% market share Valeo: 405,750 sets installed, 11.3% market share Huawei: 290,548 sets installed, 8.1% market share Li Auto: 208,314 sets installed, 5.8% market share XPENG: 178,812 sets installed, 5.0% market share TungThih Electronic: 167,635 sets installed, 4.7% market share Xiaomi: 158,104 sets installed, 4.4% market share Momenta: 128,806 sets installed, 3.6% market share Leapmotor: 119,739 sets installed, 3.3% market share BYD topped the APA solution market with 701,767 sets installed (19.6% share). International giants Bosch (494,825 sets, 13.8%) and Valeo (405,750 sets, 11.3%) followed, yet local players are rapidly gaining ground. Among the top 5, BYD, Huawei, Li Auto, and XPENG together held over 45.8% of the market. The strong performance of Chinese suppliers in core APA technologies is gradually shifting the supply chain landscape and accelerating the move toward making automated parking a standard feature in new energy vehicles (NEVs). Despite mounting competition and potential pricing pressure, growth driven by Chinese players is set to reinforce the strength and competitiveness of China's automotive industry. Top HD map suppliers AutoNavi: 522,694 sets installed, 55.2% market share Tencent: 116,922 sets installed, 12.3% market share Langge Technology: 107,209 sets installed, 11.3% market share NavInfo: 72,138 sets installed, 7.6% market share Others: 127,996 sets installed, 13.5% market share AutoNavi led the HD map market with 522,694 sets installed, holding a 55.2% share, due to its strong data resources, OEM partnerships, and ongoing technology upgrades. Tencent (116,922 sets, 12.3%), Langge Technology (107,209 sets, 11.3%), and NavInfo (72,138 sets, 7.6%) formed the second tier, together accounting for 31.2% of the market. While smaller suppliers still have room to grow in niche areas, the market is now dominated by the top players, with the four largest controlling 86.4% of installations. This concentration is speeding up technology standardization and reinforcing the leading suppliers' position, turning HD maps into essential infrastructure for intelligent vehicles rather than just optional features. Top suppliers of high precision positioning system ASENSING: 1,135,021 sets installed, 56.7% market share Huawei: 290,263 sets installed, 14.5% market share CHC Navigation: 158,388 sets installed, 7.9% market share XPENG: 100,220 sets installed, 5.0% market share Qianxun SI: 21,434 sets installed, 1.1% market share Others: 295,676 sets installed, 14.8% market share ASENSING dominated the high precision positioning system market with 1,135,021 sets installed (56.7% share), highlighting its strong capabilities in multi-sensor fusion technologies. Huawei followed with 290,263 sets (14.5% share). Notably, the top 3 suppliersASENSING, Huawei, and CHC Navigationtogether secured 79.1% of the market, reflecting a highly concentrated landscape. Looking ahead, as automakers demand higher positioning accuracy and cost pressures intensify, suppliers with advanced multi-sensor fusion algorithms and automotive-grade mass production experience are expected to further squeeze smaller competitors. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today A few snow showers scattered about the area this morning, otherwise a good deal of clouds. High 32F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%.. Tonight Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low around 15F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. In the first half of (H1) 2025, China's smart cockpit sector demonstrated a trend toward market concentration at the top and the rise of local players. From cockpit domain controller, head-up display (HUD) and augmented reality HUD (AR-HUD) to integrated center console display and integrated LCD instrument cluster, and further to smart speech solution, the data clearly outlined the competitive landscape and growth drivers of the industry. According to data compiled by the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, leading companies in each segment secured significant market shares through technological advantages and market strategies, while Chinese suppliers stood out in certain niches. Continuous technological iteration and feature expansion were the key forces driving the development of each segment. Looking ahead, with further integration and breakthroughs in technology, the market was expected to witness more transformations and opportunities. Top cockpit domain controller suppliers Desay SV: 620,694 sets installed, 15.2% market share Bosch: 372,207 sets installed, 9.1% market share Autolink: 300,326 sets installed, 7.4% market share ECARX: 281,530 sets installed, 6.9% market share PEGATRON/Quanta (Tesla): 264,907 sets installed, 6.5% market share Megatronix: 248,973 sets installed, 6.1% market share Foryou General Electronics: 216,406 sets installed, 5.3% market share HARMAN: 208,971 sets installed, 5.1% market share Huawei Technologies: 206,830 sets installed, 5.1% market share NOBO Auto: 203,706 sets installed, 5.0% market share China's cockpit domain controller market saw robust growth in H1 2025, with local suppliers taking the lead. Desay SV ranked first with 620,694 sets installed (15.2% share) , followed by by local players such as Autolink (300,326 sets, 7.4%) and ECARX (281,530 sets, 6.9%). By leveraging deep insights into local demand, cost advantages, and agile supply chain capabilities, Chinese suppliers secured leading positions even against global players such as Bosch (372,207 sets, 9.1%). As automotive intelligence continued to advance, China's local companies were expected to further strengthen their presence and accelerate the industry's development. Top brands of smart cockpit domain controller chip Qualcomm: 3,102,887 units installed, 74.9% market share AMD: 269,584 units installed, 6.5% market share Huawei: 221,930 units installed, 5.4% market share SiEngine: 197,462 units installed, 4.8% market share Renesas Electronics: 121,714 units installed, 2.9% market share SemiDrive: 76,705 units installed, 1.9% market share MediaTek: 51,077 units installed, 1.2% market share Samsung Semiconductor: 46,762 units installed, 1.1% market share Texas Instruments: 20,616 units installed, 0.5% market share NVIDIA: 9,478 units installed, 0.2% market share In the cockpit domain controller chip market, Qualcomm maintained a commanding lead with 3.1 million units installed (74.9% share), leveraging its technological expertise and ecosystem advantages. At the same time, China's local players such as Huawei (221,930 units, 5.4%) and SiEngine (197,462 units, 4.8%) collectively surpassed 10% of the market, demonstrating their strengths in computing optimization and localized adaptation. While Qualcomm's dominance is unlikely to be challenged in the short term, the accelerated development of domestic chips and growing OEM demand for supply chain autonomy is steadily expanding the footprint of local suppliers, driving both market competition and technological advancement. Top HUD suppliers Foryou Multimedia: 374,652 sets installed, 21.5% market share DENSO: 237,175 sets installed, 13.6% market share New Vision: 218,430 sets installed, 12.5% market share FUTURUS: 167,182 sets installed, 9.6% market share E-LEAD: 162,404 sets installed, 9.3% market share FinDreams Precision: 135,710 sets installed, 7.8% market share Continental AG: 106,880 sets installed, 6.1% market share Huawei: 97,591 sets installed, 5.6% market share Hefei Jiangcheng Technology: 87,351 sets installed, 5.0% market share Crystal-Optech: 81,988 sets installed, 4.7% market share The HUD market emerged as a new growth driver for smart cockpits, with competition showing a clear tiered structure. The first tier was led by Foryou Multimedia, which dominated with 374,652 sets installed (21.5% share). The second tier included DENSO (237,175 sets, 13.6%) and New Vision (218,430 sets, 12.5%), both exceeding 10% share and maintaining a manageable gap with the leader. The third tier was formed by FUTURUS (167,182 sets, 9.6%) and E-LEAD (162,404 sets, 9.3%). This tiered structure highlighted the technological and scale advantages of leading players, while also reflecting the dynamic participation of diverse competitors, collectively accelerating the penetration of HUDs in smart cockpits. Top AR-HUD suppliers Foryou Multimedia: 123,942 sets installed, 22.8% market share E-LEAD: 121,956 sets installed, 22.5% market share Huawei: 97,591 sets installed, 18.0% market share Crystal-Optech: 81,988 sets installed, 15.1% market share FinDreams Precision: 39,533 sets installed, 7.3% market share New Vision: 26,077 sets installed, 4.8% market share Hirain Technologies: 15,210 sets installed, 2.8% market share FUTURUS: 13,305 sets installed, 2.5% market share Hefei Jiangcheng Technology: 12,583 sets installed, 2.3% market share LG Electronics: 7,002 sets installed, 1.3% market share In the AR-HUD market, China's local suppliers are driving penetration. Foryou Multimedia (123,942 sets, 22.8% share), E-LEAD (121,956 sets, 22.5%), and Huawei (97,591 sets, 18.0%) led the field. The top 5 companies together accounted for over 85% of the market share. Through technology breakthroughs (such as overcoming challenges in optics and image fusion to enhance display quality and precision) and cost optimization (localized production to reduce costs and better meet automakers' demands), these companies accelerated AR-HUD adoption and upgrade in-car smart cockpit experiences, becoming the core driving force behind market penetration. Top suppliers of integrated center console display Desay SV: 1,808,085 sets installed, 18.0% market share BYD: 1,558,080 sets installed, 15.6% market share HSAE: 725,676 sets installed, 7.2% market share LG Electronics: 540,091 sets installed, 5.4% market share Foryou General Electronics: 519,321 sets installed, 5.2% market share BICV: 472,280 sets installed, 4.7% market share Panasonic: 446,917 sets installed, 4.5% market share Innolux: 385,884 sets installed, 3.9% market share HIWAY: 381,678 sets installed, 3.8% market share FULSCIENCE: 312,325 sets installed, 3.1% market share In the integrated center console display market, Chinese suppliers took the lead. Desay SV topped the list with 1,808,085 sets installed (18.0% share), closely followed by BYD at 1,558,080 sets (15.6%), forming a clear front tier ahead of HSAE (725,676 sets, 7.2%). Other China's local players, including Foryou General Electronics (519,321 sets, 5.2%) and BICV (472,280 sets, 4.7%), continued to expand their foothold. As NEVs become more widespread, the market is set to grow further, with competition shifting toward higher-resolution displays, larger panels, and multi-screen integration. Top suppliers of integrated LCD instrument cluster Desay SV: 1,168,751 sets installed, 12.3% market share Continental AG: 800,019 sets installed, 8.4% market share Tianyouwei: 786,941 sets installed, 8.3% market share DENSO: 737,904 sets installed, 7.8% market share Visteon: 697,236 sets installed, 7.3% market share BYD: 584,013 sets installed, 6.1% market share Foryou General Electronics: 581,693 sets installed, 6.1% market share HSAE: 432,139 sets installed, 4.5% market share LG Electronics: 303,972 sets installed, 3.2% market share Bosch: 294,569 sets installed, 3.1% market share The integrated LCD instrument cluster market has become highly competitive. Desay SV (1,168,751 sets, 12.3%) maintained the top position, but Continental AG (800,019 sets, 8.4%) and Tianyouwei (786,941 sets, 8.3%) closely followed, with only a narrow gap in market share. DENSO (737,904 sets, 7.8%) and Visteon (697,236 sets, 7.3%) also demonstrated strong competitiveness. Local companies like Desay SV and Tianyouwei competed directly with foreign firms such as Continental AG and DENSO, while BYD (584,013 sets, 6.1%) and Foryou General Electronics (581,693 sets, 6.1%) leveraged their partnerships with NEV manufacturers to gain market traction. Top smart speech solution suppliers iFLYTEK: 3,537,860 sets installed, 39.7% market share AISpeech: 1,535,691 sets installed, 17.2% market share Cerence: 1,331,931 sets installed, 14.9% market share Baidu: 681,892 sets installed, 7.7% market share Huawei: 382,116 sets installed, 4.3% market share DreamSmart: 276,832 sets installed, 3.1% market share Tesla: 264,907 sets installed, 3.0% market share ECARX: 224,271 sets installed, 2.5% market share VW-Mobvoi: 197,088 sets installed, 2.2% market share Xiaomi EV: 158,104 sets installed, 1.8% market share The smart speech solution market continued to advance in H1 2025. iFLYTEK led the market with a 39.7% share (3,537,860 sets), followed by AISpeech (1,535,691 sets, 17.2%) and Cerence (1,331,931 sets, 14.9%). Companies like Baidu and Huawei also captured notable shares through technological strengths. Leading suppliers drove the sector toward smarter and more personalized experiences by improving recognition accuracy, expanding interaction scenarios, and enhancing semantic understanding and multi-turn dialogue capabilities. Intensified competition is expected to accelerate both technological iteration and user experience innovation. by Maya Majueran The tectonic plates of global power are shifting. For centuries, the international order was dictated from the West, first by European capitals and later by Washington. Today, that era is drawing to a close, and the epicenter of economic, political and strategic gravity is moving. Against this backdrop of epic transformation stands the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which both symbolizes and boosts the unity and prosperity of Eurasia. What makes the SCO remarkable is its composition. Unlike homogenous Western-led alliances such as NATO or the G7, its strength lies in its ability to unite both rivals and partners under one roof. Far from being a weakness, this reflects profound strategic pragmatism. The SCO provides an indispensable platform for continuous dialogue, creating channels that help manage disputes and address differences without the interference of third-party mediation. This ensures that Eurasian solutions are crafted for Eurasian problems, serving regional interests first. The SCO's scale is staggering. It spans over 60 percent of Eurasia's landmass and encompasses more than 40 percent of the world's population. Its member states, covering China, India, Russia, Pakistan and key Central Asian countries, representing a unique concentration of future economic growth, vast energy reserves, historic and modern trade routes and formidable military capabilities. Its reach is growing as well. The accession of Iran and Belarus in recent years and the interest of countries such as Turkiye and some Gulf states, participating as partners, underscore the SCO's magnetic pull. Increasingly, it has become the preferred hub for cross-regional diplomacy that functions outside traditional Western circuits. Founded in 2001 with an initial focus on border security and confidence-building, the SCO has swiftly evolved into a strategic counterweight. Its foundational principles of non-interference, respect for sovereignty and advocacy for a multipolar world stand in sharp contrast to the interventionist tendencies often associated with Western institutions. This vision resonates with a global audience weary of perceived Western hegemony and unilateralism. In practice, the SCO translates these principles into action: joint counterterrorism exercises, coordinated intelligence sharing, energy partnerships and most crucially, the financing and construction of connectivity projects binding the continent together. Initiatives like the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) find a natural home within the SCO's framework, weaving a dense network of roads, railways, pipelines and digital corridors across Eurasia. At its core, the SCO represents the reassertion of Eurasian agency. This is a story of decolonization, politically, economically and strategically. After centuries of having their fates dictated by external powers, the nations of Eurasia are now building the political scaffolding to act collectively. The SCO gives them space to set their own security and development agendas, free from external prescriptions or conditionalities. For many in the Global South, the SCO and BRICS are not just alternatives; they are the future of global governance. They provide mechanisms to rebalance a system long tilted in favor of a few, ensuring that nations, regardless of size or historical alignment, have a voice in shaping the international norms of the new era. The combined strengths of these rising powers' youthful populations, booming markets, control of critical natural resources and rapid technological adoption are making them increasingly less dependent on the West. In a dramatic reversal of the 20th-century dynamics, it is now often the West that seeks access to the Global South's markets, resources and strategic partnerships to meet global challenges. This new reality demands a fundamental reassessment in Western capitals. The age of unipolar dominance is over. Clinging to outdated hierarchies and Cold War-era alliances will only accelerate the West's relative decline. Global stability now depends on adaptive engagement with emerging institutions like the SCO. That requires moving beyond containment towards collaboration on shared challenges from climate change to nuclear proliferation to economic volatility. Whether or not the West embraces this path, the trajectory is clear. The SCO and the broader Global South are already laying the foundations of a new paradigm of global development -- one driven by intra-South trade, investment and technological collaboration. No single hegemonic power can halt this momentum. The SCO is therefore more than a regional grouping. It is a living expression of multipolarity, convening Eurasia's great powers, managing differences and articulating a collective vision beyond Western-led alliances. It reflects the undeniable geopolitical reality of our time: the long-term, irreversible rise of Eurasia as the defining actor in 21st-century world affairs. The train has left the station, and it is heading east. Editor's note: Maya Majueran currently serves as the director of Belt & Road Initiative Sri Lanka, an independent and pioneering organization with strong expertise in Belt and Road Initiative advice and support. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On September 3, MINIEYE announced a strategic partnership with China Post's Shenzhen branch and Shenzhen Eastern Bus Co., Ltd., marking a new alliance that brings together autonomous driving technology, logistics, and public transport operations. The three parties emphasized their complementary strengths, noting that the partnership builds on a solid foundation of cooperation, with wide application prospects and significant potential for growth. Photo credit: MINIEYE Rather than a short-term or single-focus collaboration, the agreement outlines a systemic plan centered on two core areas of public servicelogistics and public transit. Under the framework, MINIEYE will supply the autonomous driving technology and products, China Post's Shenzhen branch will provide operational support for deployment, and Shenzhen Eastern Bus will contribute its driverless vehicle platform. Together, they aim to improve the efficiency of public resource utilization. All three parties agreed to leverage their core resources and channels as the foundation for cooperation, using business synergy as the link. The goal is to identify new points of integration across industries and establish a long-term, stable partnership that delivers mutual benefit. The cooperation will advance in four main directions: integrating autonomous logistics vehicles into bus operations, making multi-purpose use of bus depots, expanding services across different application scenarios, and innovating around workforce coordination. The initiative is intended to break down traditional industry silos while simultaneously boosting logistics efficiency and optimizing the use of public assets. MINIEYE brings to the table years of development across the full spectrum of L1L4 autonomous driving technologies, along with experience in mass production for OEM customers. The company aims to apply this expertise to create an AI-powered urban delivery model that is smarter, safer, and more efficient. The partnership is expected to pioneer a new model of integrating urban logistics with public transportation networks. By reusing bus system resources for autonomous logistics vehicles, the three parties aim to cut redundant costs in warehousing and transportation while providing scalable, cost-efficient solutions for unmanned urban delivery. The collaboration will serve as a pilot project for "logistics plus transit" integration at the city level, offering a replicable blueprint for reducing costs and improving efficiency across the broader industry. 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. A CAR bought for 1,000 in Kildare was seized by gardai in Laois just an hour later. The motorist proved to be disqualified from driving and there was a live bench warrant out for his arrest. In a post straight from the Electric Picnic Comedy Tent, Laois gardai said on social media today: Financial advice, courtesy of Laois Roads Policing Unit: Earlier today, a driver spent 1,000 on a Toyota Prius in Kildare. An hour later in Laois *Car seized *Driver arrested - disqualified and live bench warrant *Straight into Portlaoise District Court Good-humoured gardai added: Were no investment bankers, but heres what 1,000 could also buy you: *2,500 Freddo bars (better resale value than this Prius) *500 large cappuccinos (at least youd stay awake on the bus) *Four Electric Picnic tickets (sold-out, unfortunately) *A season bus pass (where disqualified drivers actually belong) Instead, this 1,000 investment got *A court date *No car Posting a photo from the scene, gardai added: Moral of the story: If youre disqualified, spending 1,000 on a car is the worst return on an investment youll ever see. PLANNING permission has been refused for a proposed wind farm on the Laois-Kilkenny border. County councils in both counties have rejected the plans, with the refusals now likely to be appealed to An Coimisiun Pleanala by the developer. The councils decision follows major opposition on both sides of the border, led by the NotoSeskinWindfarm action group. The NotoSeskinWindfarm committee said on social media on 3 September: Great news today, both Laois and Kilkenny County Councils refused this application. Common sense has prevailed. The industrialisation of an area, deemed unsuitable for consideration for wind turbines in the County Development Plan, has been blocked unanimously by both county councils. This is on the back of overwhelming local opposition by the communities of Durrow, Lisdowney and Ballyragget. Thanks to all who have supported and who have made submissions thus far. Although this has been refused by both councils, this may be appealed by the developer to An Coimisiun Pleanala but with the strength of local support and opposition, we are ready for what comes next. The committee held a number of packed public meetings in opposition to the project and staged big demonstrations on both sides of the border over the August bank holiday weekend. The planning notice by Seskin Renewable Energy Limited had outlined plans for the construction of eight turbines with a tip height of 175 metres, a rotor blade diameter of 150m and hub height of 100m, along with a substation and a 100m meteorological mast. The company had said the project would power 36,000 homes. They were seeking a 10-year planning permission and a 35-year operational life from the date of commissioning. The NotoSeskinWindfarm committee, with community representatives on both sides of the Laois-Kilkenny border, said they were concerned about the environmental and health impacts of the proposed project. The committee said they were 'blindsided' just months ago by plans to build eight mega turbines, stretching from Ballyragget to Durrow and were worried about the possible impact on people living in the area. The action group, made up of people from the communities of Durrow in Co Laois and Ballinaslee in Co Kilkenny, is one of a number of groups across the midlands that have protested against large wind farms in their communities. Last year, the Government promised that new planning guidelines for wind farms would be introduced by the end of the year but they have not materialised. Guidelines regarding wind farm energy date back to 2006, pending finalisation of an ongoing review. The world's largest fashion retailer, Shein, has issued a statement regarding the use of alleged killer, Luigi Mangione's face on their website. The viral product featured an AI image of a man resembling Mangione posing as a model in a shortsleeved floral shirt priced under $12. The image quickly caught fire across social media platforms. Users and observers noted eerie similarities to courtroom photos of Mangione. Facialrecognition tools reportedly indicated a 99.9% match between the model in the shirt listing and Mangione's public appearance. Generative AI expert Henry Ajder weighed in, identifying "oddities in the lighting, texture, and anatomical features," including awkward texturing above the forearm and unnatural finger segmentation, as telltale signs of AI tampering. In a swift response, Shein, founded in China and headquartered in Singapore, issued the following statement: "The image in question was provided by a thirdparty vendor and was removed immediately upon discovery. We have stringent standards for all listings on our platform. We are conducting a thorough investigation, strengthening our monitoring processes, and will take appropriate action against the vendor in line with our policies." That phrase "thirdparty vendor" points to Manfinity, an external supplier noted for using AIgenerated models in product promotions. Though the shirt listing's exact duration online remains unclear, archived pages show it nearly sold out before the image was pulled. Once public outrage bubbled up, the listing rapidly became a trending topic, driving spikes in searches like "Luigi Mangione Shein." Given Shein's fastfashion model, characterized by massive, daily uploads, it's unlikely that the Chinese-founded company had realized that Mangione's face was on their site, but questions around oversight and vetting of thirdparty content on the site have been raised. This incident marks another instance of Mangione's status as a cultural figure. After his arrest in December 2024 for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Mangione became the center of a national controversy on the morality of the killing and criticism of the American healthcare system. Supporters have held rallies outside his court appearances, and others celebrated his fashion and the apparent style of his ankle visibility in court, nicknamed the "Mangione ankles" trend. Other retailers have had to distance themselves from sellers using the 27-year-old's likeness. Amazon, for instance, reportedly removed Mangionerelated merchandise from its site following similar fandriven demand. The fundraising platform GoFundMe also had to pull listings generating money for his legal defense. Bestselling author James Patterson, collaborating with journalist Vicky Ward, is writing a book about the case, calling it "a tragic fall from the American Dream," and Dave Franco has reportedly expressed interest in portraying Mangione in any future film adaptation. Originally published on Latin Times An echelon of seven J-10 trainer jets puts on a colorful display over Beijing on Sept 3 as part of the military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. [Photo/Xinhua] On September 3, in the name of the nation, we hold a grand military parade marking the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, commemorating that arduous and monumental triumph. This is not only a look back at those years of fire and blood, but also, on the coordinates of a new era, a message to the world - an Eastern oath for peace and a solemn commitment to build a community with a shared future for humanity. "Bearing history in mind, honoring martyrs, cherishing peace, and striving for a better future" - these words precisely encapsulate the grand purpose and profound significance of this national commemorative event. The solemn military parade embodies the collective will of China's over 1.4 billion people and brings together the shared expectations of all peace-loving people around the world. Bearing history in mind serves as a solemn proclamation of China's achievements as the main Eastern battlefield in WWII and a resolute affirmation of a correct historical perspective on the war. For some time, in narrating the history of WWII, there has been a persistent voice that, whether intentionally or not, downplays or even overlooks China's immense contribution as the main Eastern battlefield. Yet the truth of history cannot be erased. In the World Anti-Fascist War, China's resistance began the earliest and lasted the longest. Through 14 years of bloody struggle, with over 35 million compatriots killed and more than 1.5 million Japanese troops destroyed, China pinned down the main Japanese forces and thwarted their plans to advance northward toward the Soviet Union and southward into the Pacific, creating critical conditions for the victory of the global anti-fascist alliance. We hold V-Day commemorations to solemnly declare to the world that the Chinese battlefield is an indispensable component of the World Anti-Fascist War and that the Chinese people made tremendous, undeniable sacrifices for final victory. This remembrance is a defense of historical justice and a reaffirmation of the international order and universal human principles. Downplaying this history is a betrayal of human conscience, and distorting it destroys the very foundations of world peace. Honoring martyrs is the highest tribute to the great spirit of resistance and the inexhaustible source of strength that drives us forward. What we commemorate is not only a day of victory, but also the countless unyielding souls who rose to the occasion. From the snowy mountains and black waters of the northeast to the shores of the South China Sea, from the foot of the Great Wall to the great rivers and plains of the nation, countless heroes built with their flesh and blood a new Great Wall to defend our national dignity. Some of their names shine brightly in history, while many more remain unknown. Yet together they forged the great spirit of resistance: a patriotic conviction that "everyone has a duty toward his country," a national character that "would rather die than yield," a heroic resolve to "fight to the end without fear of violence," and an unshakable faith in ultimate victory marked by "unyielding perseverance." Today, as we honor the martyrs, we must embed this spirit more deeply into the lifeblood of our nation. It is this spiritual strength that gives us the confidence never to be crushed or defeated in the face of hardships and obstacles. The peace of our land and the independence of our nation, won by the lives of our forebears, are ours to safeguard; the torch of spirit they kindled with their sacrifice is ours to carry forward for future generations. Cherishing peace is to firmly uphold the postwar international order and to strongly deter any acts that challenge justice for humankind. The Chinese people deeply understand the cruelty of war and sincerely cherish the blessings of peaceful development. We are a nation that treasures peace above all. The victory of WWII gave rise to an international system with the United Nations at its core, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. This is a priceless legacy, won through the immense sacrifices of humanity. China is not only one of the founders of this order but also a steadfast defender and builder of it. However, the world today is not peaceful; the specter of denying the history of aggression still lingers, and the farce of reviving militarism is frequently staged. Against this backdrop, demonstrating our determination and capability to defend peace serves as a warning to all forces attempting to turn back history and challenge the post-war order: The Chinese people will never accept any attempts to beautify acts of aggression or challenge historical consensus! The Chinese people will also never stand idly by in the face of any schemes that harm China's sovereignty, security, and development interests! Striving for a better future is China's great practice in promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity. Remembering history is ultimately about striving for a better future. The profound lessons of WWII tell us that the fate of humanity is interconnected and closely linked. Prejudice and hatred, hostility and confrontation can only lead to new wars and disasters. Mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation are the right way forward. China's proposal to build a community with a shared future for humanity and its four global initiatives are profound summaries of this historical experience and responses to the times. What we pursue is not the outdated logic of "all strong countries will seek hegemony," nor is it a zero-sum game where "the winner takes all," but rather an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security, and shared prosperity. As the majestic "March of the Volunteers" echoes over Tian'anmen Square and parade formations march proudly along Chang'an Avenue, the grand display of modern national defense equipment undoubtedly showcases the strong will and capability of the Chinese people to defend peace. This military parade is a solemn review of the spirit and vitality of the Chinese nation, a firm declaration by Chinese soldiers as guardians of peace, and a statement of the Chinese people's commitment to advancing toward a community with a shared future for humanity. In the name of the V-Day, we honor martyrs and reaffirm our dedication to safeguarding the hard-won peace, working hand in hand with countries around the world to create an even better future. (Global Times) Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that President Donald Trump gave the order to "blow up" the vessel off Venezuela's coast on Tuesday rather than interdicting it. "Instead of interdicting it, on the president's orders, we blew it up," Rubio said during a press conference in Mexico. "And it will happen again," Rubio added. Before heading to the neighboring country, Rubio had already anticipated that the Trump administration will l "go on the offense" against cartels. Trump is "going to use the full power of America and the full might of the us to take on and eradicate these drug cartels no matter where they're operating from and no matter how long they've been able to act with impunity," Rubio said. The administration's top officials, including the president, have been touting the attack and warning more are set to follow. Asked about it at the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump was asked why the boat in question and the 11 people on it were killed instead of taken into custody. "On the boat you have massive amounts of drugs. We have tapes of them speaking about it. There are massive amounts of drug coming into our country to kill a lot of people. You see bags of drugs all over the boat. A lot of other people won't be doing it again after seeing that video," Trump said. "We have to protect our country and we're going to. Venezuela has been a very bad actor. They've been sending millions of people into the country. Many of them are Tren de Aragua, some of the worst people anywhere in the world," he added. Earlier on Wednesday Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth explicitly warned the country's authoritarian President, Nicolas Maduro, saying he "should be worried" after the development. "The only one who should be worried is Nicolas Maduro, who is acting as the kingpin of a narco state. Not actually elected and indicted for $50 million by the U.S. We know he's involved in the kind of drug-running that has affected the American people directly," Hegseth said during an interview on Fox News. Originally published on Latin Times Construction continues Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, on the Farmersville Road bridge replacement project in Bethlehem Township. Work as part of the reconstruction began in October 2024 and is scheduled for completion in October 2026. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com A section of Route 22 in Northampton County will close overnight this weekend as crews remove an aging bridge as part of a major replacement project. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced the highway will close in both directions between Routes 33 and 191 from 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, until 6 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. The closure will facilitate the safe removal of the existing Farmersville Road bridge in Bethlehem Township. During the nine-hour closure, traffic will be detoured using Route 191, Newburg Road, Country Club Road, Hecktown Road and Route 33. PennDOT advises motorists to expect delays and use caution while following the detour route. The Route 22 construction zone around the ongoing Farmersville Road bridge replacement project in Bethlehem Township is seen Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, from the Country Club Road overpass near the Route 33 interchange. Route 22 East and West is scheduled to be closed from 9 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 6-7, 2025, to allow for removal of the existing bridge. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com The bridge removal is part of a $4.67 million replacement project that began in October 2024. H&K Group Inc. of Skippack, Pennsylvania, serves as the general contractor, with completion expected in October 2026. The existing Farmersville Road bridge, constructed in 1954, is a single-span concrete structure measuring 95 feet long and 35.5 feet wide, with a 14-foot height clearance. Its replacement will be a two-span pre-stressed concrete bridge spanning 180 feet with a width of 33.4 feet and increased clearance of 16.5 feet. The bridge serves approximately 548 vehicles daily. Motorists can monitor traffic conditions through PennDOTs 511PA service, available online at 511PA.com, through a smartphone app or by calling 5-1-1. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Generative AI was used to organize and structure this story, based on data provided by PennDOT. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com. Burlington Stores, a national discount retailer, seen here in a file photo. Burlington Stores Burlington Stores Inc. is expanding its Pennsylvania presence with a new location opening this fall at the South Mall in Allentown, marking the retailers 40th store in the state. The new store will occupy the former Stein Mart space in the Lehigh Street mall. It will feature Burlingtons reimagined store layout and updated Deals. Brands. WOW! logo, part of the companys broader initiative to enhance customer shopping experience that includes reorganized aisles and bold signage designed to improve store navigation. Burlington is known for providing brand-name merchandise at up to 60% off other retailers prices. The Fortune 500 company, headquartered in New Jersey, currently operates 1,115 stores across 46 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. The retailer is currently seeking employees for the new Allentown location. Interested candidates can apply online at https://www.burlington.com. A news release didnt give an exact date for the opening. Generative AI was used to organize and structure this story, based on data provided by Burlington Stores Inc. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com. The Northampton Borough man died from multiple blunt force injuries after a collision with a car in Salisbury Township, authorities said. The 24-year-old motorcyclist killed in a collision with a car Tuesday evening in Salisbury Township has been identified by authorities. The Lehigh County Coroners Office has identified the deceased as Brandon C. Gehris of Northampton Borough. Gehris was pronounced dead at 12:44 a.m. Wednesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in the township. Gehris died from multiple blunt force injuries and the death was ruled accidental by Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio. The collision happened just after 11 p.m. along South Cedar Crest Boulevard at Fish Hatchery Road. It also involved a 2019 Nissan Sentra, driven by a 28-year-old woman from Salisbury, police said. Salisbury Police Sgt. Bryan S. Losagio told lehighvalleylive.com Thursday police continue to investigate what led up the collision. Investigators found the riders 2011 Yamaha motorcycle with heavy damage, he said. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time, according to police. The crash remains under investigation by the Salisbury Township Police Department; Lehigh County District Attorneys Office; the Lehigh County Crash Team; and the Lehigh County Coroners Office. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Authorities investigate two homicide victims found at a home Sept. 14, 2023, in the 1100 block of Railroad Street in North Catasauqua. Mike Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor For several minutes, John Derwin Bradley spoke softly and contritely about the murders of his ex-girlfriend and her mother. He pleaded guilty in April to killing 16-year-old Rianna Glass and her mother. He called Rianna Glass his happiness and his hope. Then, he apologized. I am sorry. I am truly, deeply sorry for everything, he said. Judge John Morganelli acknowledged Bradleys remorse, his troubled upbringing and his youth. But they dont outweigh his actions, the judge said. He sentenced Bradley to 73 years to life at least 36 and a half years in prison for each of the victims. Bradley was described as a relatively intelligent young man with no serious mental health issues. Psychologist Frank Dattilio diagnosed him as a narcissist and a manipulator, however. He has learned to only trust himself and is very insulated from the feelings of others, Dattilio added. And, he lacked impulse control, Morganelli added. When Rianna Glass rejected Bradley, he snapped, according to reports detailed at the sentencing hearing for the Parkland High School dropout from North Whitehall Township. He strangled her, then stabbed her three times in the neck, according to Northampton County Deputy District Attorney Nicole Bachman. Then he moved through the North Catasauqua apartment into the bedroom of 39-year-old Rosalyn Glass. He stabbed her 33 times while she slept, Bachman said. On this occasion Mr. Bradley, you were like a rabid animal, Morganelli said. Bradley told a pre-sentence investigator that he took an Uber to the apartment on Sept. 14, 2023, with the intention of reconciling with Rianna Glass. He admitted he brought a knife but said he brought the knife everywhere he went. Rianna Glass texted a friend that Bradley was on his way and she didnt want to see him. He admitted he couldnt deal with the rejection. I made the worst mistake of my life, Bradley said. The crime was fueled by an abusive childhood where he was passed off by his mother to an abusive father, a life where people he counted on either died or turned against him, according to defense attorney Molly Heidorn. His then-17-year-old brain wasnt fully formed and couldnt process what was happening, she said. Morganelli couldnt overlook the intentionality and brutality of the crimes, though. A pre-sentence investigator said Bradley smiled when he recalled the crimes. After stabbing his ex-girlfriend, he watched as she gasped for air, inhaling her own blood, Bachman said. He moved on to Rosalyn Glass, where he stabbed her in the head, cheeks, lips, jaw, eyes, neck, torso, and upper extremities, she said. The defendant didnt stop there, Bachman said. Bradley left the home in Rosalyn Glasss SUV, which he drove at 109 mph and crashed into a tree in Upper Saucon Township. Heidorn said Bradley intentionally drove into the tree to kill himself. He walked away unhurt, but his 14-year-old passenger has undergone 16 surgeries since the crash, Bachman said. She is left with severe traumatic brain injuries. She will need physical and cognitive assistance for rest of her life, Bachman said. That is who John Bradley is. The courtroom was packed with friends and family of the Glasses and the 14-year-old victim, many of whom wore purple shirts with Riannas photo. They called the murder senseless and avoidable, with life-lasting repercussions. A part of my life was stolen forever, said Rianna Glasss father, Terry Glass. The life she was meant to live was stolen from her. Rianna Glasss step-grandmother, Brenda Anthony, said many people suffer from trauma but dont become murderers. We are angrier that words could ever convey and hope you get everything that is coming to you, she said. You are a hateful evil monster and should never be let loose on society. Bradley was almost 18 when he killed the Glasses. Had he been three months older, he would have faced the death penalty, Morganelli said. But decades of legal precedents indicate children under 18 should be treated differently than adults under the law due to their limited capacity to make adult decisions, Heidorn successfully argued. Morganelli sentenced Bradley to six to 20 years for the aggravated assault on the 14-year-old passenger. Prosecutors agreed to allow that sentence to run concurrent to the murder sentences. But they did not agree to Heidorns petition to have the two murder sentences run concurrently. The defendant should not be given a volume discount for murdering multiple people, Bachman said. Bradley will be eligible for parole when he turns 90. Bradley told the victims families and friends he holds them all with kindness in his heart. He hopes someday to meet them in heaven. I hope that you will be able to forgive me. Not today, not tomorrow, just eventually, Bradley said, adding Today I give you my heart. Do whatever with it as you please. Brenda Anthony has other divine plans for Bradley. I am a woman of faith, she said. I pray I may get into heaven. I have asked God to send me to hell on the day that John Bradley dies so he can face me. Hed better be ready. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Lehighvalleylive.com. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. The pressure on prisons in Portlaoise caused by overcrowding has been highlighted the head of the Irish Prison Service on the publication of the annual report. Caron McCaffrey, Director General, describes the pressure on jails as almost unprecedented in a statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. The past two years have demanded a great deal from the Irish Prison Service, perhaps more than at any point in recent memory. We've faced a steep rise in committals, longer sentences, and population levels that have stretched our capacity far beyond its limits. These pressures have not only tested our operations, they've tested those who work and live in our prisons. "But even under strain, weve kept our focus: investing in modern infrastructure and supporting our staff. Our work is not just about managing numbers, its about transforming lives, promoting rehabilitation, reducing re-offending and help individuals lead law-abiding lives in turn creating safer communities. Thats our mission, our purpose that drives us, even on our most challenging days, she said in a statement published. In 2024, 8,704 individuals were committed to custody, a 9.6% increase (+766) compared to 2023. Of these, 77% of sentence committals were for 12 months or less, while there was an increase in the number of Judges and the number of court sittings continue to place pressures on prison capacity. She elaborated on the situation in jails in Portlaoise and other locations in her introduction to the report. "As pressures on the prison system continue to escalate, the impact of overcrowding has become increasingly evident. On 1st January 2024, there were 4,696 persons in custody, with 83 individuals sleeping on mattresses on the floor of another persons cell. By the end of 2024, the prison population had risen to 5,001 - a 6% increase, while the number of people sleeping on mattresses surged to 213, representing a staggering 156% increase. "The sharp rise in the prison population highlights the urgent need to respond to future demand with a comprehensive capital strategy must be supported by significant funding commitments. "Without long-term investment, the ability to plan for sustainable prison infrastructure remains limited. The necessity for a forward-looking approach to accommodation, security, and rehabilitative services cannot be overstated," he said. She praised progress achieved in 2024 that would not have been possible without "the dedication and professionalism" of staff. She said there were 3,740 full-time employees, including 271 new recruit prison officers and 52 clerical staff. "The Irish Prison Service remains committed to fostering an engaged and well-supported workforce," she wrote. Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim OCallaghan, welcomed the publication of the 2024 Annual Report. READ ALSO: Laois retailer targeted in dodgy box clampdown "This detailed account highlights the dedication of prison staff and the progress made in rehabilitation, education, and care, despite significant operational challenges. I commend the staff and management of the Prison Service for their commitment to dignity and safety across the prison estate. As Minister for Justice, I will continue working with the Prison Service to deliver vital infrastructure and ensure that our prison system remains fit for purpose, grounded in fairness, security, and meaningful reintegration, he said. A statement issued by the Irish Prison Service referenced "accelerated infrastructure investment". It said that in Budget 2025, the Government allocated 525 million, an 18% increase from the previous year. Minister OCallaghan recently announced a 495 million commitment under the National Development Plan, to fund major infrastructure projects at Castlerea, Cloverhill, Mountjoy, Portlaoise, Wheatfield, Midlands, Dochas Centre, and the former Cork prison site. Businessman and former Dragons Den star Peter Casey has written to Councillors in Laois seeking their nomination for a run at the Presidential election. The Donegal based Derry born businessman, who was runner up to Michael D Higgins in the 2018 Presidential elections, appealed to Laois Councillors to support his bid. My main platform is to transfer significant powers of the presidency to county councillors, empowering them to shape national decisions directly. Each county councillor would have a confidential vote on whether the President should grant a pardon, refer legislation to the Supreme Court, or refuse to accept the resignation of the Taoiseach. This initiative will give local communities a genuine voice in governance, he stated. He said Ireland faces serious challenges due to ineffective migration policies and rapid demographic changes in small towns and villages, often without adequate funding for housing, healthcare, and local services. Local councils are overstretched, and communities feel overwhelmed. READ ALSO: Presidential election date set Additionally, I am committed to reining in social media excesses. As the only candidate to have successfully taken High Court action after being defamed on Facebook, I understand the importance of accountability in online platforms. According to Mr Casey, the campaign is about restoring balance and ensuring that change happens with, not to, the people of Ireland. I would greatly appreciate your support for this vision. If party politics prevent you from backing my candidacy, I kindly ask that you consider supporting another candidate who shares these principles, he concluded. Work has finally been completed on a major overhaul of Mountmellick water supply that caused significant disruption in the Laois town especally in September due to an over run in the works. In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live Uisce Eireann said it was pleased to announce the successful completion of essential water network upgrades in Mountmellicks, adding that this marked a significant milestone for the town as part of the National Leakage Reduction Programme. It said the project involved replacing almost 400 metres of ageing cast iron water mains along Parnell Street (R422), between Pearse Street and Connolly Street. These works have delivered a more secure and reliable water supply, improved water quality, and reduced leakage in the area. The milestone was not reached without causing weeks of disruption in the town that overan in to return to school after the summer holidays. Uisce Eireann had initially said that the works were expected to finish on time by August 15, despite starting a week later than scheduled last June. Problems with service connection led to a new date of August 22 being set by the State company. However, disruption continued into the first week of September, with school traffic especially impacted. Traffic problems were worsened because the N80 runs through Mountmellick, with the national traffic it brings already causing tailbacks regularly in the town. MORE BELOW PHOTO. In its statement, Uisce Eireann thanked the residents and businesses of Mountmellick for their cooperation and patience throughout the works. Dave Murphy, Programme Manager at Uisce Eireann, said: Were delighted to have completed this vital upgrade for the people of Mountmellick. The replacement of old and deteriorating water mains means fewer bursts, better water quality, and a stronger, more resilient network for homes and businesses in Mountmellick. This investment reflects our commitment to safeguarding water services and supporting sustainable communities across Ireland. READ ALSO: First day at school for MOUNTMELLICK Junior infants - IN pictures The works were carried out by Shareridge on behalf of Uisce Eireann. The company, formerly known as Irish Water, added that the project contributes to the national goal of reducing leakage rates to 25% by 2030 Laois County Council has sought further information in relation to plans for two IPAS centres in the village of Durrow. Applicant Marc Lennon submitted two planning applications for asylum centres at Lennons Bar and Peadars Bar at Mary Street. The applications attracted significant opposition with hundreds of submissions and a series of public meetings held. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO Hundreds attended a public meeting in the village over the plans. In both applications Laois County Council planners requested Mr Lennon to demonstrate that the accommodation meets the Department of Justice standards for IPAS Centres. In both cases he was requested to confirm whether relevant contracts are in place with the Department of Justice for IPAS accommodation on the sites. In relation to Peaders Bar the Council commented: The description of the development on the public notices submitted states the retention and change of use of the existing bar on the ground floor and private accommodation on the first floor. This description suggests that there is an existing bar on the ground floor. This conflicts with the existing floor plans submitted which shows accommodation on the ground floor. Furthermore, the Planning Report submitted states that the property is currently in use as an IPAS centre which again conflicts with the description of the development in the public notices. The applicant goes on to state in the Planning Report that the property is currently vacant and has been permitted as a guesthouse which also appears to be incorrect. The applicant is requested to clarify these matters. The Council said there were inconsistencies between the number of proposed beds for Peaders Bar. They said while the report states 30 beds the drawings indicate more than this number. The planning authority was unable to access the rear of Peaders Bar or Lennons Bar during the time of the site inspections and the applicant was asked to arrange a time for another inspection for both locations. Further questions were raised around the proposed floor area at Peaders Bar and surface water attenuation and disposal. Issues around the boundary of the site were also raised and clarity sought on whether it is encroaching on thirty-party lands to the north without consent. The application for Peaders Bar received 128 submissions raising concerns while Lennons Bar received 129. READ NEXT: Work finally complete on delayed water works in Laois town The Council also sought clarification on the description of development at Lennons Bar questioning the request for the change of use of the existing pub & guesthouse. This appears to be an incorrect description as retention permission was granted under planning file reference 24/60198 to retain the change of use of the pub to a guesthouse/hostel, the planners stated. The public notices state that a proposed change of use to an IPAS centre is sought. It is noted from the submissions on file that the property is currently either partly or completely in use to house displaced persons from Ukraine in which case the property may already be used in this capacity and the public notices may be incorrect as a result. A number of submissions from residents living beside Lennons Bar disputed the applicants claim that the property is vacant and the Council sought clarification on this. Again the local authority said there were inconsistencies around the number of proposed beds for Lennons Bar with the planning report indicating 30 bed spaces but the drawings showing in excess of this. Mr Lennon now must provide the further information requested within six months or the applications will be declared withdrawn. A well known Laois family is hosting a fundraiser this weekend in memory of a 'one of a kind' brother and son who passed away suddenly in 2023. John (Jack) Delaney, of Kyledellig, Ballacolla, Portlaoise, died on December 5, 2023 after collapsing while out for a morning run. In his memory the Delaney family are hosting a coffee morning on Sunday, September 7 in the Brew Cafe, Portlaoise from 9am-12pm with all proceeds going to The Mater Hospital Foundation. "In December 2023, our family lost a cherished brother and son when my brother John sadly passed away while out for a morning run. John was simply one of a kind, with the brightest eyes and the warmest heart, he left this life far too soon and with each day that passes, we miss him more and more, forever wishing he could still be here with us," the family said. "Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome or SADS takes the lives of up to 100 young people in Ireland every year, leaving families in the same devastating situation as ours. "Since Johns passing, the Family Heart Screening Clinic, which is supported by the Mater Foundation, has helped us to undertake cardiac screening, to prevent this from happening again and to save lives." Son of Tim and Eileen Delaney, John had worked in the well known family business of Design Options in Portlaoise. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up online by the family and has already raised almost 9,000 in a matter of days. The family added: "All support would be greatly appreciated." A new campaign is underway in Laois other midland counties and parts of Dublin to raise awareness about mental health difficulties. The HSE Dublin and Midlands Green Ribbon Campaign 2025 in partnership with Shine runs through September and this years theme is Step Up to Stamp Out Stigma. The organisers say the aim this year is a call on everyone across Ireland to speak up, show support and take meaningful steps toward a more open and understanding society. The Green Ribbon Campaign aims to raise awareness about mental health difficulties and encourages HSE staff and members of the public to wear a free Green Ribbon to show you are open to having meaningful conversations about mental health. Kate Killeen White, Regional Executive Officer for HSE Dublin and Midlands, spoke in support of the Green Ribbon Campaign. I am proud to support the Shine Green Ribbon Campaign 2025. By wearing a green ribbon, we show that mental health is something we can all talk about openly and without stigma. The HSE Dublin and Midlands Office of Suicide Prevention is working closely with Shine to distribute ribbons and host local events across our communities. I encourage everyone to join us wear a ribbon, start a conversation, and help make mental health something we can all feel safe to discuss, she said. HSE Dublin and the Midlands Office of Suicide Prevention and Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention are holding events throughout the month. Resource officers are also working with community partners to encourage local green ribbons events, if you would like to host a green ribbon event please read Green Ribbon Supporters Pack for great ideas and tips on events. READ ALSO: Laois women advised on how to dress with confidence at business events Green Ribbons are available for collection in Primary Care Centres across HSE Dublin and Midlands so please feel free to pick up a ribbon at your local Primary Care Centre. You can also order ribbons directly from https://www.shine.ie/advocacy/green-ribbon-campaign The organisers say you can support the Green Ribbon Campaign by wearing a green ribbon, distributing Green Ribbons to family, friends, workplace and wider community, staging a Green Ribbon event or supporting and engaging with social media activity related to the campaign. A Green Ribbon supporters pack is available and can be downloaded at: https://www.shine.ie/advocacy/green-ribbon-campaign Follow the Green Ribbon Campaign on social media. A Fine Gael minister has defended the partys presidential hopeful Heather Humphreys after a disability activist criticised her over a proposal to tier disability welfare. Senator Tom Clonan said Ms Humphreys very strongly pushed for tiered welfare supports for disabled people while she was social protection minister, and spread huge fear and consternation among the disability and caring community. He said that protests were organised against the proposals, but at no point was Minister Humphreys for turning until Simon Harris became Taoiseach in April 2024. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill was asked about Ms Humphreys and the proposals, and about a meeting between Mr Clonan and Ms Humphreys about the proposals that took place at the time. I dont have any knowledge about any such meeting, but what I do know is that Heather worked persistently to try to improve the lives of people who needed more support in different ways, she said. She added: Heather Humphreys was part of a government that was trying to find different ways of supporting people with disabilities to live the best and fullest lives they could, including through work activation. Theres a whole range of different measures that might be done to support people with disabilities in different ways. I dont have any knowledge about that, but what I do know is that Heather Humphreys was there in the Department of Social Protection, advocating every year for better and bigger budgets for her to support people who couldnt work for different reasons, over people who perhaps could work, and chose not to. They were her priorities. The proposals in the green paper included a tiered allowance which would link the level of payments to a determination on capacity to work and the nature of the disability. Disability activists said the plans were a degrading and humiliating value judgment that would give the impression that some people were falsifying the extent of their impairment or illness. Mr Clonan has described the green paper as a cut-and-paste of a very discredited austerity measure in the UK called the Workplace Capacity Assessment. He said the document would mean 250,000 recipients of Disability Allowance would need to be medically examined every five years. These are people like my son, who cant get medical interventions, who cant get surgeries on the scoliosis waiting list, who cant get therapies, and this proposal was to have them compulsorily medically examined under capacity to work, he told RTE Radio. The senator said that in a Seanad debate on October 11, Ms Humphreys robustly defended every aspect of that paper and the government voted 2:1 to endorse the paper. He said in a 30-minute meeting with Ms Humphreys on October 24, she set out very clearly to me at that meeting that she was not for turning. He added: The green paper was the was the road-map, was the pathway for reform of disability payments. He said: The change didnt occur until they were defeated in the care referendum, and thats when Leo Varadkar resigned, Simon Harris was elected, and within 72 hours they scrapped that paper. In her statement on April 12, she said it was a decision of the Taoiseach that they needed a fresh approach. Ms Humphreys said in that statement that the decision not to implement the proposals was based on concerned feedback and a major focus on improving supports for people with disabilities by Mr Harris. Asked about Mr Clonans comments on Wednesday, Ms Humphreys said: I find this very hurtful, because I have never tried to cause distress to anyone, and Ive always advocated for disabled people and their rights throughout my career. She said nobody was going to receive lower benefits, and that she believed in consultation. I heard the concerns of others, and based on those genuine concerns raised, I decided not to proceed with it, she added. Mr Clonan said on Thursday morning: This isnt a personal attack of Minister Humphreys, its a political critique. And in terms of hurt, I have a young man at home. He has a neuro-muscular disease. Hes partially sighted, and against all the odds, hes due to graduate in October with a degree in social science. But tomorrow hes going into Vincents Hospital for an MRI brain scan. Because of the deterioration in his condition, theyre banking his voice. We were told by the wonderful team in Vincents that the funding isnt even available to bank his voice, so his 17-year-old brother is going through family clips of videos to try and harvest examples of his voice. Now thats hurt. The Irish Government has advised that some people may receive the planned UK emergency alert text this weekend. The UK will be testing its Emergency Alerts service on Sunday, 7 September at 3pm which will see residents across Britain and Northern Ireland receive a message on their phone followed by an audio alert and a vibration lasting up to ten seconds. The service allows the UK Government to send out an alert to all phones across the UK in the case of a life-threatening emergency such as an extreme weather event. The UK Government first launched this system in March 2023 and tested it in April of that year. During this initial test, people visiting Northern Ireland and some living in border counties received the emergency alert on their phones. This Sunday 7th Sept at 3 pm the UK Government will test its emergency alert system. Those located in border counties may receive the alert and phones may vibrate for up to 10 seconds. There is no cause for concern, and no action required. See: https://t.co/60dKjBzE8v pic.twitter.com/RfHkL6LLVo Department of Culture, Communications and Sport (@DeptCultureIRL) September 3, 2025 The Department of Communications has warned that those living in this region can again expect the possibility of receiving the emergency alerts on Sunday, as well as those visiting the areas. Anyone still connected to mobile networks based south of the border will not get the alert. READ NEXT: Weather expert warns Storm Amy could be on its way amid disastrous forecast For those who have not received the alert before, the Department has said that the "emergency alert will look and sound different to other types of messages such as SMS text messages." The alert will still ring out even if the phone is set to 'silent' or 'do not disturb' mode and phones do not need a WiFi connection or mobile data to receive it either. With this in mind, the Department stated: "Vulnerable people, including victims of human trafficking and domestic abuse, may carry hidden phones for personal safety reasons. Anybody in this position who would prefer if their phone did not sound, should turn their phone off or switch it to airplane mode." They have reassured that if anyone does receive one of these emergency alerts, "there is no cause for concern, and no action is needed." The Junction, Ballinamore, Leitrim, is set to be featured on a new TG4 programme, Buildings Beo, which celebrates six historic buildings as they are lovingly and skilfully brought back to life. A former railway station, The Junction is now a community centre following a regeneration project that cost 2.4m and is now a base for three different organisations offering youth, art and remote working services. The railway station opened on the site in 1887 as a junction of the Cavan to Leitrim line but the line closed in 1959. READ MORE: PICTURES: magnificent family home in Leitrim with spacious garden The building was then used to house St Felim's secondary school from 1962 to 2014. Carrie heads to Ballinamore for the second episode where "she falls in love with the town's old railway station, which has fallen into disuse and dereliction. Shell learn of how Ballinamore Community Council devised an exciting plan to revitalise the area by transforming the stunning red-brick junction house into a dynamic multi-purpose hub: the beating heart of the town. From conception to completion, shell meet a colourful cast of characters, whore all united in their mission to breathe new life into the junction house." Speaking to the Leitrim Observer, Cllr Ita Reynolds said that it was "the railway in Ballinamore and after the railway was closed and then became St Felim's secondary school. When the school was closed, the building was left vacant because a new school was built in Ballinamore" Cllr Reynolds continued that Ballinamore Community Council along with Leitrim County Council came up with a new project for the site. "The Junction consists of the art school, which is just second to none. Then we have hot desks for those who work remotely as well as the Ballinamore Youth Action Project (BYAP), a UBU project. So it can be used for all of the community from young to old. It is also used by people with disabilities and those in Active Age groups." She also noted that the project won the "Best Town Regeneration Project" award at the 2025 LAMA Awards. In a statement to the Leitrim Observer, the creators of the show said it is "not only about the renovation of heritage buildings all around the country, but also about the people and the communities who bring these buildings to life. In this series, Carrie Crowley takes a closer look at six inspiring projects across Ireland, where derelict architectural legacies are being preserved and transformed into vital community spaces." READ MORE: GALLERY: Leitrim and China unite for panda and peatland protection! It continued: "With over 166,000 vacant buildings in Ireland today, Buildings Beo sheds light on the urgent need for renewal of abandoned spaces. With projects ranging from historical mills to old schoolhouses, each episode of the series follows the journey of a different restoration, showcasing the trials, tribulations and triumphs that come with preserving Ireland's architectural heritage. Some of the remarkable restorations include the transformation of the historic Hope Castle Gate Lodge into a thriving community library in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan and the redevelopment of a fire-ravaged cinema into a state-of-the-art local theatre in Corks market town of Macroom." The statement concluded: "Audiences will be wowed as each episode culminates in a final reveal, as all the hard work comes together and the building is brought back to life. Throughout the series, Carrie meets with the architects, builders, and communities driving these restoration projects (no easy task!), offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the transformation process. Through compelling storytelling and stunning visuals, 'Buildings Beo' celebrates Ireland's rich cultural and architectural heritage, demonstrating how it takes a village to make a building Beo." Cllr Reynolds said that The Junction is "a great example of a successful community venture and it really is thanks to the community of Ballinamore and Leitrim County Council!" Buildings Beo is airing on TG4 starting September 25, at 9:30 PM, with the series running through October. The Irish Government will send 500,000 euro to support humanitarian relief efforts in Afghanistan after Sundays devastating earthquake. More than 1,000 people died and thousands more were injured when the magnitude 6.0 quake struck close to the border with Pakistan. Ireland will contribute 500,000 euro to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support emergency food, water, healthcare and other humanitarian aid for survivors. Announcing the funding, Tanaiste Simon Harris said: This earthquake has caused utter devastation. The relief operation is going to be very challenging given the mountainous and remote make-up of the area. Landslides and road blockages mean it will take some time to reach people affected. There is an urgent need for the international community to assist efforts to get aid to people as quickly as possible. This funding from Ireland will provide basic but life-saving aid to people who have lost everything. Ireland has also provided three million euro to the UN-managed Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, and an additional one million euro to the UNHCR Afghanistan Refugee Regional Response to support refugees and host communities in neighbouring states. The IFRC has received close to 10 million euro in funding for a number of crises. 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Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe CHUCK Feeney, who founded Castletroy Park Hotel and donated millions to University of Limerick, has had a new conference centre built in his honour. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe cut the ribbon at the new facility, named: Conference Centre @ Castletroy Park Hotel. The conference centre was constructed to pay tribute to the Irish-American businessman and philanthropist, and has been backed by an investment of 2.5m, with the opening ceremony held in his honour. At the official opening Mr Donohoe said: The dedication reflects the impact Chuck Feeneys philanthropy has had on the region, and it will be a welcome addition to the event and business landscape in the city and wider region. PICTURES: New conference centre opens in Limerick Recent years have seen Limerick become a hub of investment and innovation, which has been a firm focus of Government. The centre is the modernisation of that first vision that Chuck had for UL and Limerick. Mr Feeney is best known as the co-founder of Duty Free Shoppers and for giving away almost his entire multi-billion-dollar fortune through his foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies. He became one of the most significant private donors in the countrys history, supporting universities, health initiatives, and peace efforts. Limerick, in particular, benefited enormously from his generosity: Mr Feeney was a driving force behind the transformation of the University of Limerick into a world-class institution, funding key buildings, research facilities, and scholarships. Supermacs founder Pat McDonagh, who now owns Castletroy Park Hotel with wife Una, said the new conference hub marks the extraordinary legacy of Chuck Feeney, whose generosity and vision continue to inspire us. GARDAI in County Limerick have seized a large quantity of cash and a luxury jeep as part of follow-up enquiries into a shooting in Rathkeale. Gardai launched a major investigation after a vehicle was rammed and a man was shot in Rathkeale on Thursday, August 21. The victim of the gun attack was rushed to University Hospital for treatment for non-life threatening injuries. READ MORE: Limerick shooting victim remains in hospital over a week after gun attack Limerick Live understands up to six houses in Rathkeale have been raided by uniformed and plain clothes gardai, Regional Armed Support Unit and Regional Dog Unit. A garda spokesperson confirmed gardai executed a search under warrant at a domestic residence in Rathkeale on Monday, September 1. A quantity of cash has been seized as a result of the search, said a garda spokesperson. While the exact amount of cash hasnt been disclosed for operational reasons, Limerick Live understands that it is a significant five-figure sum. A total of four vehicles have also been seized during the searches including a high-end luxury Mercedes jeep. Investigations are ongoing, said a garda spokesperson. One local, who contacted the Leader on Monday after seeing all the garda activity, said they were delighted to see the searches. There was an amount of guards there, big fellas with machine guns and they had dogs and all looking for stuff. They werent messing around. Theres been a few of these raids, they said. Minister of State Niall Collins praised gardai for the significant seizures. This will send a strong message to the minority in Rathkeale who are engaged in serious criminality. As a Minister of State in the Justice Department I want to acknowledge the actions of the gardai involved. "It also re-enforces to the vast majority of good, law-abiding people in Rathkeale that actions have consequences and criminality will not be tolerated in their community. Rathkeale is a wonderful town to live and work in, said Mr Collins. The minister of state also took issue with reports that there would be no new gardai allocated to County Limerick from the 20 gardai recently assigned to the Limerick Garda Division. Fourteen of the newly-graduated members are being stationed at Henry Street with six starting their garda careers in Roxboro. I have contacted senior gardai about this. New gardai always start their probationary period, involving on-the-job training, in the city. This allows garda management to move more experienced members out to Newcastle West and Bruff. When these 20 new gardai, who are most welcome, finish their probationary period some could also be moved out to the county. Its not as simple as saying the county got no new gardai from the new recruits, said Mr Collins. THE family of a Limerick teenager, who tragically died after being hit by a car, have appealed to the European Court of Human Rights to have her death re-investigated. Savannah Calvert, pictured below, who was only 14-years-old, lost her life as she was crossing the road at Bank Place in Limerick city centre on the night of August 16, 2023. Earlier this year, Savannahs eldest sister Diane was told that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) would not be bringing charges against the driver of the car which struck the youngster. Now, the family have written to An Garda Siochana asking the agency to re-open its investigation. READ MORE: Contracts signed for new social housing units in Limerick county They have also contacted the DPP with the same request. And contact has been made with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. They have received the support of Mike Daly, who fought a 14-year battle with the HSE over the death of his father Mike Sr, successfully securing a second inquest into the passing. Off the back of this case, which ended in the High Court last year, Mr Daly set up a business, Medical Records Research Ireland to support people who had been in similar situations to him. While he acknowledged he felt the death of Savannah was a criminal matter, and he was not able to help, he agreed to examine her file. He went through the medical report and the autopsy after the teenagers death, alongside the DPPs reasoning not to go forward with a prosecution. After reading these, I realised there were massive contradictions between one and the other. I felt it was enough for us to take a case to Europe, said Mr Daly, who was also part of a group who organised a massive protest against conditions at University Hospital Limerick in January 2023. He has put together a document which outlines what he says are massive contradictions between the reports. As well as filing a case with the European Court of Human Rights, locally the family has asked the gardai and the DPP to look again into the matter. The case is being taken to Strasbourg on the basis of article two of the European Convention on Human Rights, which deals with the right to life. This convention is an international treaty which protects the fundamental human rights and freedoms for the over 830 million people living in Europe. It is enacted through the European Court of Human Rights. Whenever theres a death in Ireland, the State has an obligation to investigate it thoroughly and fairly. We feel there has been a breach of this, said Mr Daly. What he and the Calvert family want to see happen now is for the European Court of Human Rights contact the State, show them where they are in breach of article two and ask them to re-open the investigation. Mr Daly said:In our opinion, the DPP has failed, and is in breach of article two. If they are in breach of article two, what are they going to do to remedy it? he asked. Savannahs sister Diane, who has organised protests to try and get the DPP to change course, has said she has not been able to properly grieve her younger sister, who died more than two years ago. My sister is in a graveyard, and it is so unfair. My sister is a person, not a number. This is Irelands sister. Every day she is in my mind. No matter where I go, I cant get it out of my head. I know she is not resting: she needs justice, we need justice. Im very angry, I feel very let down. I feel we are looked down upon as a family, she added. The DPP declined to comment on the case. Gardai did not return a request for comment. As gardai are continuing to search for missing child, Kyran Durnin, who was reported missing in 2024, the question has been raised, "why did it take so long for authorities to be alerted?". On the latest Newstalk Daily podcast episode, former Barnardos CEO, Fergus Finlay, was on to answer the question and to discuss the topic of missing children in Ireland. Gardai have been unable to locate Louth child, Kyran Durnin, who had also not been seen for several years when he was then reported missing in 2024. On Newstalk Daily, Fergus Finlay explained that every year thousands of children are reported missing with most of then found safe and sound. I think part of the problem is that weve had a lot of unaccompanied minors coming to Ireland, he told Newstalk Daily. And we dont know what happened to an awful lot of them. The truth is, not everyone cares about unaccompanied minors coming to Ireland as we do about our own - we should, of course. Mr Finlay continued that when a child does go missing, it can be very difficult to find them. We do more to ensure traceability of meat in Ireland - of chickens, of poultry, of beef - than we do traceability of children, he said. In general terms, Tusla gets involved when there is evidence of neglect and when there is evidence of cruelty - but principally neglect, Mr Finlay said. There are different ways that can be discovered; teachers have a mandatory obligation to report if they suspect neglect. Teachers are often reluctant to do it. READ NEXT: 'Shocking excuse of a human being' - Irish viewers baffled by Netflix's 'Unknown Number' Mr Finlay gave his suggestions as to how these issues could be fixed, he started by saying we should train more social workers, open up more college places for social workers....recruit more, give them decent career opportunities and then demand that they perform. Mr Finlay also said the HSE should consider bringing back home visits by public nurses in the early years of a childs life. What happens now is that a child gets one public health nurse visit, all going well, in the first three years of their life, he said. And then they start getting postcards telling them to come to a clinic. So, we cant be sure that kids are meeting their developmental milestones. We cant be sure that kids are thriving. Mr Finlay added that it makes much more sense for the public health nurses to continue to visit children in their homes. The problem is, the mothers and fathers who respond to the postcards and bring their kids in, they tend to be the mothers and fathers that you dont need to be worried about, he said. The mothers and fathers who dont respond to the postcards are very often the ones you do need to be worried about. And is that followed up? No, its not. Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys has again defended her record on disability matters following criticism from a senator. Senator Tom Clonan said Ms Humphreys very strongly pushed for tiered welfare support for disabled people while she was social protection minister, and spread huge fear and consternation among the disability and caring community. Ms Humphreys, a former minister for social protection, has said the measures were only contained in a consultation paper and that the proposals were dropped following consultation. Mr Clonan said that protests were organised against the proposals, but at no point was Minister Humphreys for turning until Simon Harris became Taoiseach in April 2024. The proposals in the Green Paper included a tiered allowance which would link the level of payments to a determination on capacity to work and the nature of the disability. Disability activists said the plans were a degrading and humiliating value judgment that would give the impression that some people were falsifying the extent of their impairment or illness. Mr Clonan has described the Green Paper as a cut-and-paste of a very discredited austerity measure in the UK called the Workplace Capacity Assessment. He said the document would mean 250,000 recipients of Disability Allowance would need to be medically examined every five years. These are people like my son, who cant get medical interventions, who cant get surgeries on the scoliosis waiting list, who cant get therapies, and this proposal was to have them compulsorily medically examined under capacity to work, he told RTE Radio. The senator said that in a Seanad debate on October 11, Ms Humphreys robustly defended every aspect of that paper and the Government voted 2:1 to endorse the paper. He said in a 30-minute meeting with Ms Humphreys on October 24, she set out very clearly to me at that meeting that she was not for turning. He added: The Green Paper was the was the roadmap, was the pathway for reform of disability payments. He said: The change didnt occur until they were defeated in the care referendum, and thats when Leo Varadkar resigned, Simon Harris was elected, and within 72 hours they scrapped that paper. In her statement on April 12, she said it was a decision of the Taoiseach that they needed a fresh approach. Ms Humphreys said in that statement that the decision not to implement the proposals was based on concerned feedback and a major focus on improving supports for people with disabilities by Mr Harris. Asked about Mr Clonans comments on Wednesday, Ms Humphreys said: I find this very hurtful, because I have never tried to cause distress to anyone, and Ive always advocated for disabled people and their rights throughout my career. She said nobody was going to receive lower benefits, and that she believed in consultation. I heard the concerns of others, and based on those genuine concerns raised, I decided not to proceed with it, she added. Mr Clonan said on Thursday morning: This isnt a personal attack of Minister Humphreys, its a political critique. And in terms of hurt, I have a young man at home. He has a neuro-muscular disease. Hes partially sighted, and against all the odds, hes due to graduate in October with a degree in social science. But tomorrow hes going into Vincents Hospital for an MRI brain scan. Because of the deterioration in his condition, theyre banking his voice. We were told by the wonderful team in Vincents that the funding isnt even available to bank his voice, so his 17-year-old brother is going through family clips of videos to try and harvest examples of his voice. Now thats hurt. A spokesperson for Ms Humphreys said on Thursday that the candidate has always been a strong advocate for carers and disabled people. The spokesperson said Ms Humphreys had increased disability and carers payments in successive budgets, introduced a pension for long-term carers, brought in a new free travel pass for people medically unable to drive, and supports for students in recent of disability payments. Anybody can Google the Green Paper for themselves and see that it was only ever a consultation paper. Heather listened to the genuine concerns raised during that consultation and the proposals did not proceed any further. Heather respects Senator Clonan who has always been a strong advocate for disabled people. The Stormont Executive will issue a unified response to racist attacks in Northern Ireland when it meets for the first time since the summer on Thursday, ministers have said. The Executive will convene at Stormont from 11am to discuss the incidents and other issues on ministerial agendas. Speaking to BBC News on Wednesday, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the racist attacks need to be condemned unequivocally across society in Northern Ireland. A number of cars were set on fire and destroyed during a racist attack in Ballymena on Sunday. The Co Antrim town also suffered several nights of racist violence earlier in the summer. The weekend incident in the Lisnevenagh Road area was the latest in a series of racist crimes across Northern Ireland. Sam Carson, a farmer and landlord in Ballymena, said there has been a campaign of hate against him and his Filipino tenants. Mr Lyons said the incidents were carried out by a very small minority and that the vast majority want nothing to do with that whatsoever. He said the attacks needed to be condemned unequivocally, adding: We need to make sure that we are taking action to make sure that this doesnt happen again. Mr Lyons said it is important that individual departments in the Executive had already taken action to tackle the racist attacks. He said the Executive will issue a unified statement in response to the attacks. I think you absolutely will see that joint and unified statement and I think there will be particular actions that each Department will take away that we can focus on. Thats certainly what Im already doing within the Department for Communities and our responsibility for housing in particular and there has been significant engagement with the police on that. Responding to separate incidents recently in North Belfast, Mr Lyons said: Theres no room for sectarianism either. Thats something else that needs to be stamped out. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt also said he expected the Executive to issue a collaborative statement. On Good Morning Ulster, the UUP leader said he expected the incidents to be high on the agenda for the Executive. A press conference is expected to take place on Thursday following the Executives meeting. LIMERICK City and County Council (LCCC) has announced the launch of a new build incremental purchase scheme initiative for working families and individuals. This is the councils sixth initiative under the New Build Incremental Purchase Scheme, offering eligible applicants the chance to purchase discounted market homes in De Vere Court, John Carew Park, Limerick. This scheme, open to first-time buyers, aims to support working families and individuals in transitioning from private rental accommodation into homeownership. The scheme is available to existing working local authority and Approved Housing Body (AHB) tenants, as well as households on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme and the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS). In particular, the scheme offers the opportunity to buy where a household has received a Notice to Quit. Eligible applicants can buy these newly constructed starter homes at a 4060% discount, based on certain income bands. The homes on offer include three-bedroom homes priced between 115,685.06 and 173,527.60, depending on income. The homes are energy-efficient with modern features, spacious designs, and are ready for occupation. The application process is open now and will close on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 5pm. Eligible candidates must submit a complete application, including Mortgage Approval in Principle, to be considered. READ MORE: Cream rises to the top as Limerick dairy farmers honoured at ceremony Mayor of Limerick, John Moran,welcomed the scheme, saying: This latest phase of the New Build Incremental Purchase Scheme marks ongoing focus on our commitment to supporting working families and individuals across Limerick. The opportunity to own a high-quality, energy-efficient home in De Vere Courtat a significantly reduced costoffers real hope and stability, for some who are otherwise facing uncertainty in the private rental market, he added. Priomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery commented: It is fantastic to see the sixth Incremental Purchase Scheme being delivered here in Limerick. This initiative is a real game-changer for working families and individuals who dream of owning their own home. The councils commitment to making high-quality, affordable housing a reality is something Im incredibly proud to support. Seeing this project come to life in John Carew Park is not just excitingits a strong step forward in building vibrant, secure communities where people can truly put down roots. Director general at LCCC, Dr Pat Daly added: This initiative represents a meaningful step toward building stronger, more resilient communities throughout Limerick. This latest development of the New Build Incremental Purchase Scheme is a testament to our dedication to supporting working individuals and families across Limerick in achieving long-term housing security. He continued: By offering access to high-quality, energy-efficient homes in De Vere Court at a significantly reduced cost, we are not only easing the financial burden for many but also creating a pathway to homeownership that was previously out of reach for some. For eligibility criteria and application form visit Limerick.ie/starter-new-home-purchase or email queries to starternewhomepurchase@limerick.ie. MAYOR John Moran has struck a deal to purchase 70 acres of prime land through his mayoral funds for Limerick City and County Council. The property at Attyflin on the edge of Patrickswell went sale agreed this week for a figure in the region of 4m or around 57,000 per acre. READ NEXT: Contracts signed for new social housing units in Limerick county A park and ride facility for Ryder Cup 2027 in Adare Manor is one of a number of proposals for its use, Limerick Live has learned. Around 21.5 acres are zoned enterprise and employment with the remaining 48.6 acres zoned for agricultural use. The lands are immediately adjacent to Patrickswell Enterprise Centre, M20 and N21 road network and the Limerick-Foynes railway. It was being guided at 4,725,000 by the selling agents. Mayor Morans purchase of the "key strategic site has been welcomed by local Fianna Fail representatives - Cllr Fergus Kilcoyne and Minister of State Niall Collins. Cllr Kilcoyne said when this property went on the open market he immediately contacted Mayor Moran. We met in Patrickswell, walked the village and viewed the property. We discussed the merits of the council acquiring the lands and using it to address the many competing demands and requirements for new housing, business, a new train station, a park and ride facility, enterprise and community facilities including a large scale playground in Patrickswell, said Cllr Kilcoyne. He continued: I want to see the development of affordable housing for local people and couples. We need to provide a mix of housing options including the purchase of affordable new build houses and also the option for local first time intended home owners to acquire a serviced site from the Council upon which to build a home. Cllr Kilcoyne said Patrickswell has huge potential and we need to harness this and the purchase of this key strategic site now gives us the opportunity to achieve so much. Mr Collins said the purchase of this significant landbank by Mayor Moran demonstrates huge foresight and ambition for Patrickswell which I fully share and support. The opportunity now to further develop Patrickswell must be planned and managed so as to achieve the best outcome for the local community. I am calling for an ambitious masterplan to be developed to ensure the sustainable development of the site to meet the local community needs and demands, said Mr Collins. He said he will ensure that a proper local public consultation will take place whereby local people and community groups will be centrally involved in making this masterplan. The development of this strategic site must and will be a strong working partnership between the Government, Limerick City and County Council and the local community. I look forward to being centrally involved in this project for the years to come to ensure the best outcome for Patrickswell, concluded Mr Collins. Mayor Moran said he was pleased to confirm that Limerick City and County Council, supported by a significant multi-million euro commitment from his discretionary Mayoral Fund, has begun a formal process to purchase a significant site in Patrickswell. He said the 70 acres will be used to build a whole new neighbourhood-led expansion of the village, which will soon have to be called Patrickswell town. Mayor Moran said this could accommodate 1,000-1,500 new private and public homes for purchase and rent, as well as amenities for all of the village. This will be located in the heart of the village on the train line to Adare/Foynes and the motorway. I want to be fully transparent this is a bold investment of circa 4 million that will represent a substantial portion of the Mayoral Fund budget for 2025. However, it reflects what I have said from before I was elected and since I have taken office: housing isnt just a priority it is the priority. We need to be ambitious, to believe in our future and to do things differently to resolve the current crisis, said Mayor Moran. One of the key next steps, he says, is making these lands attractive for the private sector to build much needed private housing. To that end, once contracts are signed, I will be making a full masterplan a priority. This will involve an intense consultation process with local residents and community groups. While the investment is significant, it is also a vote of confidence in the community of Patrickswell one that I know from growing up there is well up to the challenge of being one of our new growth towns. I as mayor, and Limerick City and County Council as a local authority, are both committed to providing homes and neighbourhoods where people want to live, that are connected to family, friends, work, schools and other important facilities and services. I want to thank Cllr Kilcoyne in particular for spending time with me on the ground to open our collective eyes to the potential of these lands, and offering early support to me if the purchase was something I could pursue. Mayor Moran said this announcement rounds off a big week in their hard work and action in attempting to address Limericks housing deficit. Weve had the green light for the Moyross train station to proceed to planning, intended to unlock lands for housing. I signed a contract to begin the construction of new homes in Ardagh. SMART Housing modular prototypes, which have been championed in the More for Limerick mayoral programme, are to begin showcasing at Arthurs Quay for members of the public to view. The modular homes are designed for 1-2 person households, who currently represent over half of Limericks housing need, and to help reduce the burden of ever-rising rents which have risen by 61% since 2018. While it is not a silver bullet and will not be a solution suitable for everybodys circumstances, it is a solution that will work for some, thereby opening up even more housing supply elsewhere for others. The mayor said they are definitely aware that the purchase of this land in Patrickswell, and the homes they intend to eventually build on it, will, again, only meet the needs of some, but not all. I am committed to driving on until all the pieces are in place. All of these steps are pieces of a jigsaw that we are putting together that has one overall aim: solving Limericks housing crisis. This announcement is only the beginning. I am committed to driving on until all the pieces are in place. I have finished meetings today about Limericks future with Minister Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure. The speed and ambition were deploying in Patrickswell shows the value of the Directly Elected Mayoral role to allow us to face that future with a greater confidence. Mumbai: Step inside Bharat Forges sprawling Pune headquarters, and it doesnt feel like the factory floor of an old-line forging company. The clang of presses shaping red-hot steel still echoes, but increasingly it is drowned out by the buzz of servers, the glow of digital dashboards, and young engineers clustered around AI terminals. On a wall-sized screen, live data streams in from plants in Germany and the United States. Every press, every induction furnace, every machine has a digital twin. We can see in real time whats happening in any of our plants worldwide," says Baba Kalyani, chairman and managing director (CMD), gesturing at the display. If a press in our US plant has a problem, engineers here in Pune can correct it remotely. Its like online surgery for machines." View Full Image File photo of Baba Kalyani chairman and managing director of Bharat Forge. (Mint) Then he adds the line that defines Bharat Forges future: In the next three years, we will have a dark factorya plant that runs without people. Thats where manufacturing is going, and thats where Bharat Forge must go." This is Bharat Forge 2.0 in actiona radical reinvention of a six-decade-old forging company into a digitally-driven, automation-first technology powerhouse straddling defence, aerospace, mobility, and now even AI infrastructure. Not Plan B The timing of this reinvention is no accident. Bharat Forge can no longer afford to just be the worlds largest forging company. Its legacy auto-components business of making combustion engines, gear boxes and other transmission parts faces disruption from the rise of electric vehicles, while Indias defence modernization drive demands far more than metal-bashing prowessit requires mastery over electronics, software, AI, and complex systems integration. What makes the transition even more urgent is that forging still contributes nearly 80% of Bharat Forges revenues. And that core business is under pressure. The global slowdown in auto demand, combined with rising American tariffs on exports, has already dented profitability in recent quarters. For a company that derives as much as 40% of its export revenues from the US market, the road to diversification will be bumpy. In FY25, due to weak export demand, the companys revenue, at 15,123 crore, was slightly lower than the previous year, while profit stagnated at 913 crore. An Antique Broking August report expects the impact of tariffs to be fully visible in the next six months, with a high-single-digit or double-digit decline in volumes. Bharat Forge made the pivot to defence a while back but is now accelerating the process by modernising its manufacturing operations at a time when other large Indian companies are also investing in the sector. L&T has already established a large shipyard, while Adani has set up units to manufacture machine guns, and the Anil Ambani-led Reliance group, which is already an outsourced manufacturer of aerospace components for French defence company Dassault, wants to be a global supplier in the space. We had to reinvent ourselves," says Baba Kalyani. If we didnt, half our business could disappear. And if India is to build its own defence ecosystem, we cannot just be a component supplierwe have to be a full systems integrator." Consultants tracking the sector agree. We are already past the tipping point for the Indian manufacturing industry to digitise," observes Vijay Kumar Baliyan, MD and leadIndustry X at Accenture. He points out that most Indian factories are climbing a ladder of digital maturity, from foundational paperless systems and sensors, to intelligent data-driven optimization, to autonomous loops and, eventually, dark factories. At around 70% capacity utilization, Indian plants see quick ROI (return on investment) from digitisation, but as Baliyan stresses, the real leap will come from investing in defence-grade automationexactly the direction Bharat Forge is headed. Automation at the core If Bharat Forge is to transform from a component supplier into a defence technology leader, the foundation has to be world-class manufacturing that never stops. For a company running giant presses worth hundreds of crores, downtime is deathand in defence, reliability is non-negotiable. The solution has been to retrofit even decades-old machines with IoT sensors, build digital twins, and apply predictive analytics. Weve done all this in-house," says Amit Kalyani, vice chairman and joint managing director (JMD). Every critical press, furnace, or induction line now has condition monitoring, energy monitoring, and predictive maintenance built in. What once needed manual checks now happens automatically, with real-time alerts." This isnt just about saving costs; its about building defence-grade resilience into the companys DNA. Every critical press, furnace, or induction line now has condition monitoring, energy monitoring, and predictive maintenance built in. Baba Kalyani Global parallels make the strategy clear. Mercedes-Benz, for example, has tied up with Nvidia to create a digital twin of its entire global production system, where every line and robot has a virtual counterpart. Bharat Forge, without the glitz, is pursuing the same goal: factories that anticipate failures, self-correct, and never stop. Automation, then, is the bedrock. The dark factory is the destination. Smart robotics A dark factory" isnt just futuristic jargon. For Bharat Forge, its the natural endpoint of its pivot: factories smart enough to run defence-grade production 24/7, without human error or stoppage. At its AI & Robotics Lab, the company is designing smart robots" that dont just follow instructions, but analyze, decide, and act. These are not dumb robots that go from point A to point B," explains Baba Kalyani. Our robots must be able to recognize an anomaly, communicate with machines, and even change parameters themselves. Thats how you achieve a true dark factory." The clearest embodiment of this vision is Snowy, a quadruped robot with cameras, LIDAR (remote sensing technology using laser light), and Nvidias advanced AI kit incorporated within it. Snowy patrols shopfloors, checks for oil leaks, and even works with robotic arms to fix misalignments. For Bharat Forge, dark factory is the natural endpoint of its pivot: factories smart enough to run defence-grade production 24/7, without human error or stoppage. When Baba Kalyani first met Snowy, he gave it commands to see if it recognized him. Watching it respond, he imagined a future where robots like Snowy snoop around our factories, troubleshoot problems, and communicate with other machines". For him, it also carried a personal echo: Snowy reminded him of his late Great Dane. Only this one," he smiled, will guard our factories instead of our homes." Bharat Forge is now building an industrial version of Snowy, more rugged and mobilenot a showpiece, but a core element of how future defence plants will operate. When you see global companies creating their digital twins, you know where the world is going," Baba adds. At Bharat Forge, we are building our own pathbut it has to meet Indias defence needs, not just auto needs." Experts note that Bharat Forges focus on robotics mirrors a wider trend in Indian industry. Automation today goes far beyond robotics," says Cini Mathew, SVP, global headSCM Core Manufacturing & Asset Management Engineering at SAP. It spans workflow digitisation, AI, and machine learning, orchestrating end-to-end processes. Many Indian factories are already running highly sophisticated digital workflows. The real breakthroughs come when this technology addresses scrap reduction, predictive maintenance, and safety-critical monitoring." Automation today goes far beyond robotics Cini Mathew Cini argues that Indias advantage is that many of its new plants are digital-native", free of legacy baggage. That allows Indian firms to leapfrog and matchsometimes surpassWestern peers." Defence is not just metal The shift into defence is not optional. With EVs eroding its auto business, Bharat Forge had to go where future growth liesand Indias multi-billion-dollar defence modernization push provided the answer. For Baba Kalyani, the inspiration for this pivot also comes from history. He often cites the book Freedoms Forge, a true account of how the United States became the arsenal of democracy during World War II. If you look at manufacturing today," he says, the biggest absorber of manufactured goods is the US, because it accounts for 30% of world GDP. The biggest producer is Chinaexcept in defence. In defence, the US is the largest producer, and theres a history to this. I recommend reading Freedoms Forge." He recounts how President Franklin Roosevelts Lend-Lease program transformed America into a wartime manufacturing superpower during World War II. Between 1940 and 1945, the US built 124,750 fighter aircraft, 141 aircraft carriers, 88,000 tanks, and a million artillery pieces. That sheer surge of capacity is what made America a superpower. It was patriotism channelled through manufacturing," says Baba Kalyani. For the Bharat Forge boss, the lesson is clear: defence manufacturing builds not just weapons but nations. That is why Bharat Forge must diversify into defencebecause it is as much about national security as it is about business." From its very first indigenous artillery gun, the ATAGS, Bharat Forge has moved from parts to complete systems. The ATAGS bristles with sensors, AI-driven diagnostics, and software that captures every microsecond of firing datathe kind of system integration that is vital for a 21st-century army. Every time you fire, the gun is monitoring itself," says Baba Kalyani. If something goes wrong, the system raises an alarm instantly. Thats AI changing the battlefield." The company has since built a light tank with a glass cockpit and automated ammunition handling, and Indias first indigenous turret systemboth projects that force Bharat Forge to marry forging muscle with software intelligence. Defence gave us the chance to move from components to complete products," says Amit Kalyani. It was not just about saving our business from EV disruption. It was about ensuring India has indigenous systems, built at global standards." This shift also redefines work on the shopfloor. Digitisation consistently drives productivity, but it also empowers employees," says Cini Mathew. Repetitive, paper-heavy processes get automated, while workers focus on higher-value roles. The real story is not about job losses but about equipping people with tools to contribute more meaningfully." New lessons in IP The drive toward self-reliance isnt just patriotic. It comes from bruising experience. In its early defence days, Bharat Forge depended on foreign partners for fire-control systems. When testing required modifications, the supplier refused access to source code. That was the turning point," says Baba Kalyani. We said: never again. We built our own systems in-house. Today, the fire-control computers, the electronics, the softwareits all our IP." Owning IP is what allows Bharat Forge to export freely, without restrictions. In fact, over 90% of its defence revenues come from exportsproof that Bharat Forge 2.0 is not just about serving India, but competing globally. Put together, that is Bharat Forge 2.0a company forging its way from the era of steel and sweat into the age of sensors and software. And if it gets there, it wont just be a milestone for one companyit could well redefine what Indian manufacturing looks like in the 21st century. As India scales to a $10 trillion economy, manufacturing is expected to grow from $0.6 trillion today to $2.5 trillion," says Accentures Baliyan. This growth wont come from traditional factories aloneit will come from smart, highly automated facilities. Bharat Forges pursuit of a dark factory shows how Indian companies must step up to stay globally competitive." Bharat Forge 2.0 is both a survival strategy and a gamble. If it succeeds, it could secure the companys future and even set the template for Indian manufacturing. If it falters, the risks of overreach are real. Still, scepticism lingers. Defence, while strategically important, is a long-gestation betdependent on procurement cycles, political priorities, and technology risks. For example, engineering giant Larsen & Toubro decided last year to utilise its defence equipment manufacturing capacity to make non-military equipment and infrastructure to better utilise its assets while it awaited larger defence contracts. The companys chairman emeritus, A.M. Naik, had then said that the companys shipyard was still underutilised and needed more government contracts. For Bharat Forge, several projects are yet to be fully approved by the government and large orders may still be a few years away. And the dark factory, however visionary, is still three years away from reality. In this sense, Bharat Forge 2.0 is both a survival strategy and a gamble. If it succeeds, it could secure the companys future and even set the template for Indian manufacturing. If it falters, the risks of overreach are real. If history is any guide, such industrial strength can change the destiny of nations. By reinventing itself through AI, automation, and defence systems integration, Bharat Forge may well be laying the groundwork for Indias own arsenal of democracy" momentone where technology, industry, and patriotism converge to secure the countrys future. But for now, the company must navigate turbulence in its legacy business while betting big on an uncertain future. (Bloomberg) -- Dona Ana County in New Mexico is the furthest thing from a tech hub. Located near the US Southern border in the Chihuahuan Desert, the region is known for its chile pepper farms and New Mexico State University. Now, county officials are trying to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom by considering a $165 billion debt package and a sweeping set of tax incentives to become home to a data center campus. Dona Ana County commissioners voted four to one last week to advance a resolution that would provide tax breaks to the backer of a massive development dubbed Project Jupiter. The plan calls for four AI-oriented data centers as well as power generation, battery storage and micro-grid facilities near Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The proposal isnt a real obligation of the county. Instead, its a way for local governments in New Mexico to give tax subsidies to corporations. The bonds also wouldnt be sold to debt investors, instead they would be purchased by an an affiliate or parent of the company, according to a county resolution. The projects will be self-funded, it noted. BorderPlex Digital Assets, an Austin-based firm, is facilitating the development in partnership with STACK Infrastructure, a data-center operator owned by Blue Owl Capital, which is constructing the facilities. After the data centers are built, STACK typically leases out the capacity to technology companies. Through the transaction, Dona Ana County will acquire the data-center campus, leasing it back to the company for the term of the bonds. The corporation will then acquire the project when the debt matures, which is a maximum of 30 years. Because the county will own the land, it is exempt from property taxes, Christopher Muirhead, a lawyer on the deal, said during an Aug. 26 commission meeting. The deal known as an industrial revenue bond also allows the purchase of data-center equipment to be free from state sales levies. The $165 billion represents the total amount of investment in the project and was calculated by the company in their bond application, Muirhead said in an interview. This is critical, it is not a debt of Dona Ana County, Muirhead said. This large number $165 billion is not a debt of the county, it is not money the county is providing the company, it is not an obligation the county will ever be asked to repay. Public hearings on the transaction are set for later this month, when commissioners will take final votes on the ordinances. If approved, construction is expected to begin this year. In return for the break, the company will pay $300 million to the county in payments-in-lieu-of-taxes known as PILOTs over time. Its estimated the project will create roughly 2,500 construction jobs and 750 permanent positions, according to BorderPlexs presentation to the county. BorderPlex projects $5 billion in construction spending over the next decade, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a February release. The project will be privately financed with no risk to taxpayers, according to an Aug. 28 statement from STACK. A spokesperson for BorderPlex declined to comment, referring further comments to the STACK release. A spokesperson for STACK declined to comment. A popular economic development tool, more than 100 series of such industrial revenue bonds have been issued in New Mexico since the 1980s to support companies including Meta Platforms, Inc., Intel Corp. and Walmart Inc., according to a 2018 report from a law firm based in Albuquerque. The surge in demand for AI has touched off a expansion of data centers that house the semiconductors necessary to build, grow and run the systems. ChatGPT creator OpenAI alone is expecting to drop trillions of dollars on infrastructure in the coming years. Such a quick-growing industry caused a frenzy among states and local governments for the developments, shelling out tax incentives to lure new projects. It also provoked a backlash over corporate subsidies and the enormous resources required to power and cool the sprawling facilities. Data centers typically employ fewer people than a factory, making the economic trade-off less rosy compared to the construction of a manufacturing plant. In Dona Ana, residents pressed commissioners on how the project might strain already-limited water supplies and cut into revenues for schools and infrastructure. Project Jupiters data centers will be designed with a cooling system designed to minimize water use, STACK said. Supporters of the deal contend that Project Jupiter will position the county as a leader in advanced computing. By securing digital infrastructure today, New Mexico is investing in its economy to build a more prosperous tomorrow, Governor Lujan Grisham said in February. --With assistance from Lynn Doan, Dina Bass and Brody Ford. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com (Bloomberg) -- Banco de Brasilia SA stock slumped the most since April after Brazils central bank rejected its acquisition of the troubled lender Banco Master SA, leaving the target of the proposed acquisition with few options as it looks for fresh capital. BRB, as Banco de Brasilia is known, said it would review the decision but still believed in the merits of the transaction. Banco Master, which isnt publicly traded, said it would also look into it, adding that the bank remains confident in its strategy and operations. The rejection sent BRB stock down as much as 17% in Sao Paulo, to 9.01 reais, the biggest intraday decline since April 7. The shares had soared about 72% from the date of the announcement in March through Wednesday. BRB is seeking meetings with the central bank and analyzing how it could address the regulators concerns, according to a person familiar with the discussions. BRB and Banco Master didnt say why the transaction was rejected. The central bank didnt reply to a request for comment. Because BRB is owned by Brazils capital city, critics have argued that the takeover would amount to a government bailout with little business logic. Announced in late March, the transaction had already been scaled down in an attempt to win central bank approval. BRB lowered the value of assets it would have acquired to 25 billion reais ($4.58 billion) from 40 billion reais, leaving 51.2 billion reais in Master assets excluded from the deal. BRB had also guaranteed Masters controlling shareholders wouldnt be part of the new banks management. Until recently, Master had been a high flier, expanding its lending portfolio by 86% a year on average, leasing a splashy office in Miami and acquiring rivals. But to grow so quickly, Master relied heavily on an incentive offered by the deposit-insurance fund, known as FGC. A December 2023 rule change affecting that strategy threw the banks finances into doubt and raised concern that the situation could pose a broader risk to the industry. Since the announcement, some investors have tried to flee Master, which is using a liquidity credit line of about 4 billion reais from the FGC. In June, Banco BTG Pactual SA bought about 1.5 billion reais of assets from Masters main shareholder, Daniel Vorcaro, who agreed to inject all the proceeds into the bank. As the deal with Banco de Brasilia languished in regulatory review, Master started looking for funding options. Bloomberg News reported in late August the lender was seeking a new credit line of as much as 12 billion reais from the FGC to keep its operations running while it tried to sell assets. In recent days, Vorcaro traveled abroad to meet with potential investors as the central banks resistance to the deal became apparent, according to a person familiar with the matter. --With assistance from Leda Alvim. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Mumbai: Price cuts, promotions and packs with a little extra in them thats broadly how FMCG and appliance companies plan to pass on the benefit of GST rate cuts announced Wednesday evening to consumers. Makers of fast-moving consumer goods, which have seen the biggest benefit with GST on items of daily use coming down from 12-18% to 5%, said they'll lower the prices of large pack sizes or offer promotions. However, prices of products priced in the 5 to 20 range will be retained, while adding extra grammage in them. Manufacturers of home appliances such as television sets and air-conditioners are more likely to spruce up promotions later in the month and pass on the benefit of lower GST to consumers. For makers of soaps, biscuits and shampoos, transitioning to new packs with revised prices could be a challenge in the short run. Also Read | GST reset focuses on middle-class consumption recovery That's the biggest challenge ahead of almost all companies," Mayank Shah, vice president of Parle Products, said in an interview with Mint. In India, a large part of FMCG goods sell in smaller packs, making it difficult for companies to change popular price points such as 5, 10, 15 and 20. We cannot bring a 5 pack to 4.50. Typically, you change the weight of the packet and give probably 10% extra to consumers." For categories such as biscuits and bhujia, price points from 5 to 20 account for 50-70% of sales. Shah said Parle expects a full rollout of revised prices to hit the market by November-December. A decision on price changes of larger packs will depend on the bandwidth of the company and the sales volume of the product. If the volume of the product is not high, we can do it quickly, but if the volumes are very high, then it may take some time because we need to get into new printing of their wrappers and revised prices," he explained. Return of demand Shah called the GST reduction a game-changer, especially since urban demand is coming back. The rural markets have been doing well. "We will see growth coming in across categories. Monthly grocery bills could come down by 5-10%," he said. On Wednesday night, the GST Council announced sweeping reforms that will bring down the tax burden on items of daily use for the common people. The 12% and 28% slabs have been abolished, with most categories of 12% going to 5%, and most categories of 28% going to 18%. The new GST rate will be effective 22 September. The BSE FMCG index was up 0.86% at 21,107.37 on Thursday morning. Hindustan Unilever Ltd had gained 0.46% and ITC advanced 1.36%. Also Read | Private consumption returns, boosted by rural demand Companies are reviewing the overall impact of the GST rationalisation, which affects their existing stock in the market with retailers and finished goods in their manufacturing units. We generally maintain a limited finished goods inventory of 2-4 days," Rishabh Jain, CFO of packaged snacking company Bikaji Foods International Ltd, said in an interview with Mint Thursday. From our perspective, price points of 5- 20 will remain the same, but we will put more grammage in those packs. However, on family packs we are evaluating an MRP reduction." Family packs are those priced from 60 to 300. Bikaji's portfolio of bhujia and namkeen earlier attracted a GST of 12%, which will now come down to 5%. We will pass on the benefit to consumers in the large pack sizes," he added. However, Jain expressed concern over inventory levels, given the proximity to the festive season, which is critical for the namkeen and sweet maker. All distributors keep 2-3 weeks of stock. We see some slowdown in inventory loading for the coming week, but it will be temporary," he added. Indirect benefits For smaller pack sizes, companies may offer indirect benefits such as greater grammage instead of direct price cuts. At the lower unit packs of 2, 5, 10, we expect double-digit grammage addition which will boost volume growth. In bigger packs, we expect price cuts and promotions, which will again aid consumption," said Abneesh Roy, executive director of Nuvama Institutional Equities. However, the absence of a clear anti-profiteering clause may result in the benefit of lower tax not being passed on to consumers. Profiteering refers to the practice of increasing the prices of products when taxes are reduced to offset the relief meant for consumers. There is a chance of some retention of prices, depending on the overall competitive intensity. In some categories, it will be a full passthrough, while in others, companies may partially benefit," said Roy. Irrespective, consumers could see options such as lower prices along with higher grammage, as well as promotions and discounts on store shelves in the coming weeks, said those in the business of managing in-store promotions. However, we expect some companies to increase prices most likely starting January to push their own profit margins. Immediate benefits will be passed on not just for a growth spurt but for fighting competition," said Aditya Goel, co-founder of Love in Store, an in-store promotion company. The GST rate rationalization comes amid weak demand across categories and will benefit both consumers (lower product prices) and companies (higher sales volumes). The relief is not limited to daily goods. Large-ticket items such as air-conditioners, televisions larger than 32 inches (including LED & LCD TVs), monitors and projectors, and dishwashing machines have all seen a cut from 28% to 18%. Retailers expect consumers to delay purchases of appliances till 22 September, when the revised rates will be rolled out. Consumer savings Consumers might delay purchases, especially for large items, but the market is expected to grow post-10% reduction. The festive season is anticipated to be beneficial, with significant savings for consumers," said Nilesh Gupta, chairman and founder of Vijay Sales. There is also an expectation of increased competitive intensity, particularly in non-TV, non-AC categories like smartphones." Vijay Sales plans to implement revised prices on 22 September along with greater promotions to boost in-store sales. Others said sales will hit a pause till 22 September, leading to a working capital challenge for dealers of appliances. "It will be a working capital burden for dealers of home appliances for a period of two to three months. It's not a profitability issue it is a working capital burden because they have a higher input tax credit than what they will sell at," said B Thiagarajan, managing director of Blue Star Ltd. Companies expect some changes in demand for air-conditioners, before their energy consumption ratings are revised next year. Those wanting to buy a three-star air-conditioner may end up buying a five-star, where the price has come down, and somebody wanting to buy one AC can end up buying two. Demand forecasting will undergo a significant change between now and December. In January, there is an energy label change incoming. So there is work to be done," Thiagarajan said. Mumbai: Apparel retailers and clothing associations said placing apparel and footwear in distinct slabs based on their prices may dent the sectors growth, which is already reeling from greater competition and high input costs. The move could impact more aspirational middle-income consumers who are increasingly buying into branded clothing. Some retailers told Mint they will pass on higher GST rates to consumers, while others are holding on to lower prices until the festival season is over. Also Read | Why profiteering fears resurface as GST reforms enter second phase In revised GST slabs announced late Wednesday night, the government has increased GST on articles of apparel and clothing accessories with a sale value exceeding 2,500 per piece to the 18% tax slab from the earlier, lower 12%. This could impact the prices of denim, jackets, winter wear, and formal ethnic or wedding wear. However, in a positive move, the GST rate on apparel priced between 1,000 and 2,500 is cut from 12% to 5%. For the footwear industry, items priced up to 2,500 per pair have been placed in the 5% GST slab, down from 12% earlier. Earlier, the 5% GST was applicable to footwear priced up to 1,000. Footwear of a sale value exceeding 2,500 per pair continues to attract 18% GST. On Thursday, the Retailers Association of India (RAI) said that all garments and footwear should ideally be taxed at 5%. Placing these in the 18% GST slab could hurt middle-class affordability, weaken the organized retail and garment sector, and impact categories such as wedding apparel, winter wear, artisan-made, festive, and traditional products," RAI said in a statement released Thursday. Festive wait A retailer from an apparel chain, speaking to Mint on the condition of anonymity, said it plans to keep its existing prices until the festivities are over. It draws over 60% of its offline business from clothes over 2,500. "We don't want to upset the price points before Diwali. Any changes or hikes in prices will now happen post the festive season. We will think of other ways of managing costs, such as lowering some of our in-store promotions in late September," he said. However, he said that the market for clothes priced between 2,000 and 2,499 will now see a boost. While offline, 60% of our business is over 2,500, which will be impacted by the hike in GST rates, we are already thinking about boosting our offerings in the sub-2,500 price point. Overall, we see this as positive for a bulk of the apparel market that operates at price points lower than 2,000," said this person speaking to Mint. Apparel retailers have also been stressed on account of lower margins due to a high number of sales days and greater competition from online players. The largest segment in apparel is the mass market, accounting for 60% of sales, followed by premium and luxury. However, more consumers are trading up to branded clothing in large cities as well as small markets. Apparel and footwear are very diversified categories with more recent additions such as athleisure, formals, casuals, lowers, jackets, and wedding wear. Today, mid-level brands retail jackets and lowers, sets priced between 2,000 and 3,000," said Abhishek Ganguly, founder and CEO, Agilitas, a sportswear company. New consumers Over the last few years, costs for retailers have gone up. As a result, brands dont have the ability to absorb these hikes and most likely will pass on the higher GST to consumers, which is set to impact overall demand," said Ganguly. Most retailers said that the GST cuts, in general, will help lift consumer demand. Shares of leading Indian retail and fashion companies saw strong gains on 4 September, reflecting positive investor sentiment. Bata India Ltd surged 6.77%, to close at 1,241.10. Metro Brands Ltd gained 4.52%, ending the day at 1,223.80, up from 1,170.90. Arvind Fashions Ltd also moved higher by 2.21%, to close at 542.10. Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd rose 1.95% whereas Vedant Fashions Ltd stock slipped by 1.9%. Most retailers said that aspirational consumers in the mid-income bracket want to trade up to better brands. It is a bit of a misnomer to say that the middle class and the common man buy all their garments below 2,500. If we go out to buy a good pair of jeans or a dress, I don't think anything is available below 3,000 to 3,500 for the middle-class consumer," said Rahul Mehta, chief mentor, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI). We believe that there is a huge segment of the business above 2,500, which will impact the overall consumption. Apart from an impact on ethnic and festive wear and on woollens," Mehta added that the biggest impact could be on the wedding business this year, as families try to cut down on trousseau expenses. Wedding clothing typically surpasses 10,000 for a single outfit with consumers, he said. Higher spending Meanwhile, Mehta added that the association is already in touch with the legal metrology department and the consumer affairs ministry regarding liquidating old stock. Retailers and manufacturers may be sitting on 2-3 months of inventory in anticipation of the festive and the subsequent wedding seasons. But legal metrology rules do not allow them to stick new labels or tags on old ones," he said. When the GST was first rolled out in 2017, apparel retailers were given a window to run pre-GST sales and liquidate old inventory. No such sale window seems to be in sight now. "The industry will need a large enough window to clear its inventory in such a sale," Mehta said. He warned that this may even prompt smaller mom-and-pop boutiques and informal wedding clothing suppliers to move to the grey market, pointing out that with an 18% tax, the difference between organized and grey market prices may become starker. Others at price points lower than 2,500 said the GST reception, in general, is set to aid discretionary spending. It doesnt directly impact the apparel industry and the space we operate in, but with more discretionary income in the hands of consumers due to the reduced GST rates in other categories and services, it will be net positive for us," said Nitin Chhabra, chief executive officer of ace turtle, a tech-led retail group that is the India franchisee of global brands including Lee, Wrangler and Dockers. Vaeshnavi K. contributed to the story * Armani tightly controlled business empire, left no children * Company rejected suitors over the years * Bylaws limit acquisitions and delay potential stock market listing (Adds context and quotes throughout) By Elisa Anzolin MILAN, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Giorgio Armani established one of the world's best-known fashion brands over the past five decades, and his death inevitably raises questions about the future of an Italian company whose independence he cherished. Giorgio Armani, who died on Thursday at the age of 91, was the sole major shareholder of the company he set up with his late partner Sergio Galeotti in the 1970s and over which he maintained a tight rein - of both the creative and managerial aspects - until the very end. He has left behind no children to inherit the business, which generated relatively stable revenue of 2.3 billion euros ($2.7 billion) in 2024, but whose profits had shrunk amid a broad industry recession. Despite the slowdown, the company remains extremely attractive, say industry experts like Mario Ortelli, managing partner of luxury advisor firm Ortelli&Co. "Could Giorgio Armani be an interesting target? The answer is absolutely yes it's one of the most recognised brands in the world, with a stylistic vision that is clearly and uniquely defined," said Ortelli, adding however that a deal in the mid-term would be unlikely. Over the years, the maker of popular unstructured suits received several approaches, including one in 2021 from John Elkann, scion of Italy's Agnelli family, and another from luxury brand Gucci, when Maurizio Gucci was still at the helm. Armani, who industry insiders say was particularly wary of French rivals, repeatedly ruled out any potential deal that would have diluted his control and refused to list his group on the stock market. He put in place measures to ensure continuity and independence for his business, which he ran with trusted family members and a network of long-time colleagues. He is survived by a younger sister, Rosanna, two nieces, Silvana and Roberta, and a nephew, Andrea Camerana, with the nieces and nephew all occupying important roles in the group. His right-hand man Pantaleo Dell'Orco is also regarded as a member of the family, and all five of them are possible heirs. More clarity on his plans may emerge in the coming weeks, when Armani's will is opened. SECURING HIS LEGACY THROUGH A FOUNDATION Giorgio Armani started to think of a plan to guarantee a smooth succession and to retain the company's independence more than a decade ago, which led him to set up a foundation in 2016. Its stated aim was to "safeguard the governance" of the Armani Group's assets and ensure they remained consistent with principles that were "particularly important" to him. The designer told Italian daily Corriere della Sera in 2017 that such a mechanism was needed to help his heirs to get along and to avoid the group being bought by others or broken up. The foundation currently holds a symbolic 0.1% stake in the Milan-based group but after his death it was expected to get a bigger share, alongside the other heirs, he said in the same interview. He also said that three nominees he had designated would run the foundation. Armani also drafted new company bylaws due to take effect upon his death that outline future governing principles for those who inherit the group. The bylaws call for a "cautious approach to acquisitions" and divide the company's share capital into several categories with different voting rights and powers. It is not clear from the document how the different blocs of shares will be distributed. They also state that any potential stock market listing would require backing from the majority of directors and could take place only "after the fifth year following the entry into force of this statute". SMALL BUT BEAUTIFUL Commenting on past financial results, Giorgio Armani underlined his determination to continue to develop a business which is relatively small in scale compared with the French giant LVMH and other rivals such as Gucci-owner Kering and Italian luxury house Prada. "I chose in any case to invest in projects of great symbolic and practical significance, which are fundamental to the future of the company," he said in the results statement in July. These investments included the renovation of flagship stores like its Madison Avenue building in New York and Emporio Armani in Milan, as well as spending on the new Palazzo Armani in Paris and taking e-commerce management in house. Europe generates almost half of the Armani Group's revenue, a far higher proportion than for other luxury brands, with the Americas and Asia Pacific accounting for around one fifth each. The group had 570 million euros in net cash at the end of 2024 after stepping up investments. ARMANI LIEUTENANTS COULD STEP UP In his last interview to the Financial Times, Giorgio Armani said he wanted a gradual handover to his closest collaborators and family. "My plans for succession consist of a gradual transition of the responsibilities that I have always handled to those closest to me... such as Leo Dell'Orco, the members of my family and the entire working team," he told the FT's How To Spend It supplement. At a managerial level, the group will need to fill the chairman and CEO roles that were held by Giorgio Armani himself, with long-term veterans like Giuseppe Marsocci and Daniele Ballestrazzi among possible options. Picking the right creative structure may be trickier. Armani's niece Silvana worked alongside her uncle in designing the women's collections, while Dell'Orco collaborated with him on the men's collections. "Will the company have a single creative director? Or will there be multiple creative leads or line-specific directors? This is something Giorgio Armani has probably outlined in the guidelines that the foundation will implement," said Ortelli. By K J M Varma Beijing, Sept 4 (PTI) India's Consul General in Shanghai Pratik Mathur visited Tesla's factory in the city on Thursday amid growing speculation over the export of its China-made luxury electric vehicle models to India. India is emerging as a major market for Tesla and the EV (electric vehicle) revolution, the Indian Consulate in Shanghai said in a social media post. During the visit to Tesla Shanghai Giga factory, Mathur toured the production line and experienced the company's Cybertruck, it said. Tesla plans to export its prime version Model Y to India. However, there is no clarity yet on when the exports will begin. "Model Y introduces Tesla's benchmark EV technology (500622 km range, world-class battery & software systems) directly to Indian customers," Mathur later told PTI. The vehicles will be sourced from Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory, the worlds largest EV plant, he said. The envoy said Tesla has committed to deploying its Supercharger network in India, beginning with Mumbai and Delhi, which will provide ultra-fast charging (267 km in 15 minutes) to local EV users. Tesla's entry is expected to accelerate charging infrastructure build-out, local supply-chain development, and competition in the premium EV segment, benefitting both Indian consumers and industry, Mathur said. The high-profile entry underlines Indias commitment to clean energy, EV adoption, and its 2070 net-zero vision, he said, adding that India would join the list of 50 Tesla markets worldwide. Ahead of its entry to the Indian market, Tesla has begun hiring across retail, service, and autopilot operations in Mumbai and Delhi the first step toward knowledge transfer and skill development, Mathur said. (Bloomberg) -- Follow Bloomberg India on WhatsApp for exclusive content and analysis on what billionaires, businesses and markets are doing. Sign up here. Jane Street Group generated just 3% of its first-half net trading revenue from India, where its fending off allegations of misconduct by that nations securities regulators and exchange operators. The roughly $500 million haul from India was on pace to total less than half the $2.3 billion Jane Street pulled in from that nation for all of 2024, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified discussing non-public information. India contributed more than 10% of the total last year. The Securities and Exchange Board of India temporarily banned the New York-based firm from the countrys securities market in an interim order dated July 3, accusing it of manipulative transactions involving local options and shares allegations that the firm has denied. In a memo to staff that month, Jane Street said it stopped trading in India after receiving letters from the National Stock Exchange of India and its rival BSE Ltd. in February, until we could better understand the exchanges concerns. A representative for Jane Street declined to comment on the India revenue figures. In its 105-page bombshell order, SEBI said that Jane Street in May was seen taking large index options positions and continued deploying a weekly expiry-centric extended marking-the-close strategy even after all the regulatory red flags the firm had been made aware of. The allegations against Jane Street have gripped global finance, pitting one of the worlds most successful and secretive trading firms against regulators in the largest equity-derivatives market by volume. The case has implications for other high-frequency trading firms, which have flocked to the South Asian nation amid a retail trading boom in equity options. Even with the revenue decline in India, Jane Street still pulled in a record $10.1 billion in net trading revenue in the second quarter globally, beating out all of Wall Streets biggest banks as the market-making giant reaped the benefit of trade war volatility. The revenue figure more than doubled from a year earlier, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Jane Street has filed an appeal in Indian court to contest SEBIs allegations. The firm claimed that SEBI has denied it access to crucial documents needed to defend against market manipulation accusations, and asked the court to order the Indian regulator to grant full and free inspection of the related materials. In the appeal, Jane Street argued that SEBIs surveillance department had already reviewed the same trading activity and found no evidence of manipulation months before the July order was filed. The company had deposited 48.4 billion rupees ($550 million) in an escrow account to comply with the ruling at the time, after which the regulator lifted the temporary trading ban. (Adds details of appeal in last paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com New Delhi, Sep 4 (PTI) Sundeep Sikka, chief executive officer of Nippon Life India Asset Management, has been elected as new chairman of Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi), the industry body said on Thursday. Vishal Kapoor, chief executive officer of Bandhan Asset Management Company, has been elected as the vice chairman, Amfi said in a statement. Both have been elected by Amfi board following its 30th Annual General Meeting, and the two leaders assume charge with immediate effect. Sikka returns to a familiar role, having previously served as Amfi chairman between 2013 and 2015. He has been on the Amfi Board since 2009, contributing to various industry initiatives over the years. Kapoor, who has been on the Amfi board since 2018, currently heads the ARN Committee and has been serving in that capacity since 2020. These appointments come at a time when India's mutual fund industry, which surpassed 75 lakh crore in assets under management (AUM) and caters to more than 5.6 crore investors nationwide. The new leadership aims to expand the industry's outreach, strengthen investor trust, and lay the groundwork for its next phase of growth. Sikka said the priority will be to widen the geographic reach of mutual funds, build investor confidence through greater transparency, and work closely with Sebi and policymakers to drive financial inclusion. "Our aspiration is to make mutual funds not just a preferred investment option but a nationwide movement for long-term wealth creation," he said. Kapoor added that the focus would be on simplifying access, increasing awareness at the grassroots level, and enabling first-time investors to participate confidently in India's growth story. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the distribution network and empowering advisors to broaden investor participation across the country. (Bloomberg) -- The head of Toronto-Dominion Banks US franchise said he sees opportunity for growth even as the lender remains constrained by a cap on its American retail-banking assets. We find ourselves in a moment where we are doing a tremendous amount of soul searching and looking at our infrastructure, Leo Salom said Wednesday at a conference in Toronto hosted by Bank of Nova Scotia. But we build off some real significant strengths. The Canadian banks US division has been under orders not to expand for almost a year since pleading guilty in a sweeping anti-money-laundering probe. Its assets are capped at $434 billion, a limit that will remain in place until regulators are satisfied the bank has remediated its risk and compliance controls. The firm has hired 40 leading anti-money-laundering experts and spent hundreds of millions of dollars on reforms, most of which will be complete by the end of this year, but theres no clear timetable for when the asset cap could be lifted. Salom said Toronto-Dominion still has plans to improve returns and even expand certain lines of business, particularly credit-card lending and wealth-management services, at the US division. The unit has 10 million retail customers and 700,000 small-business and commercial clients. With more than $230 billion in deposits, it has a stable source of low-cost funding, Salom said. And it has deep relationships with entrepreneurs as the top provider of government-backstopped lending on the East Coast, he said. Toronto-Dominion has also freed up space to keep lending after exiting several less-profitable loan portfolios and restructuring its bond holdings. Its US assets totaled $386 billion at the end of July, giving it $48 billion of headroom and hitting the companys target of reducing assets by 10%, he said. Weve got the capacity to grow certainly at the historical levels of growth and/or at market-expected growth rates for many years to come, Salom said. And that was the first major hurdle, the big check mark that we wanted to achieve. Growth Plans On credit cards, Salom said that industry veteran Christopher Fred, who Toronto-Dominion hired from Citigroup Inc. in 2022, has led a push to add digital capabilities and improve underwriting. The bank has a partnership with Nordstrom Inc. that extends to 2032, and Salom said he also wants to cross-sell more TD-branded cards to its own checking customers. Cross-selling is similarly a focus for its wealth-management growth plan. Thats a low capital-intensity business, but one which Toronto-Dominion hasnt seriously pursued in the US in the past because of its previous partnership with TD Ameritrade, which it later sold to Charles Schwab Corp. Toronto-Dominion sold the last of its stake in Schwab earlier this year. Without those limitations, were being really focused on building our wealth capabilities with a strong focus on the mass-affluent client we have, Salom said, estimating that about 3 million of its customers fall into that high-earning category. The bank has incurred higher expenses in the US division tied to spending on the anti-money-laundering investments a concern raised by some investors after it reported fiscal third-quarter earnings last week. Salom said some of those expenses will pay off by improving the overall productivity of the bank. Toronto-Dominion is also cutting costs by closing 38 US branches and looking to sell off some commercial real estate, he said, noting the bank will share more detail on its growth plans at an investor day on Sept. 29. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com In a relief to consumers and common man ahead of the festive season, the gst Council led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has decided to reduce GST rates on a number of items. The 56th meeting of the GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Wednesday approved significant rate cuts for items across sectors. The Council exempted GST on at least 60 goods, including three live-saving drugs and 33 other medicines to make living more affordable for the common man. In total, there is nil GST on 60 items, reduced from either the 5%, 12% or 18% GST slabs. Read on to check the full list. New GST rates were announced by the GST Council New GST rates: List of items with Nil GST Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk Pizza bread Khakhra Chapathi or roti Paratha Parotta and other Indian breads by any name called Erasers Also Read | What are Sin Goods and why they attract highest GST slab? All you need to know 33 drugs and medicines 3 lifesaving drugs & medicines used for treatment of cancer, rare diseases and other severe chronic diseases Uncoated paper and paperboard used for exercise book, graph book, laboratory notebook and notebooks Exercise book Graph book Laboratory notebook Notebooks Maps and hydrographic or similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps, topographical plans and globes, printed Gimped yarn, and strip and the like of heading 5404 or 5405, gimped (other than those of heading 5605 and gimped horsehair yarn) Chenille yarn (including flock chenille yarn) Loop wale-yarn Pencil sharpeners Pencils (including propelling or sliding pencils) Crayons Pastels Also Read | Will your next trip or movie date cost lesser under new GST rates? Find out here Drawing charcoals Writing or drawing chalk Tailors chalk Chalk sticks Nil GST on health insurance, life insurance The GST council also announced a nil GST rate on all individual life insurance policies whether term life, ULIP or endowment policies and reinsurance thereof to make insurance affordable for the common man and increase the insurance coverage in the country. Additionally, all individual health insurance policies (including family floater policies and policies for senior citizens) and reinsurance thereof will be exempt from GST, Sitharaman announced. Also Read | GST Meeting LIVE: Piyush Goyal hails tax reforms The new GST rates will come into effect on September 22, the first day of Navratri. Consumers and industry experts have welcomed the move, made with an aim to reduce indirect tax burden on common man. RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka on Wednesday lauded the major overhaul of India's indirect tax regime by the GST Council, calling it a big Diwali gift. Taking to X, Goenka wrote, Big Diwali gift for every Indian! GST on daily essentials, healthcare, education & farming inputs slashed. Cheaper groceries, Relief in healthcare, Affordable education, Support for farmers. Next-gen GST = ease of living + boost to economy. Here's how people reacted to his post: One wrote, "Spectacular!" Another wrote, "What will be the total revenue loss due to this ?" A third commented, "First impose high taxes, then reduce them to reap the applause, so why have you been looting poor people for so many years?" A fourth said, "Truly a historic step ,making life easier for people while strengthening the economy." A fifth commented, "Perfect timing This is the kind of reform that actually touches every household. Cheaper essentials + relief in health & education = real festive gift for the common man." GST Council decisions At the 56th GST Council meeting, held on Wednesday, 3 September, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Council approved a two-tier GST structure 5% and 18% and a special tax of 40% on sin and luxury goods. The new rates will come into force from 22 September, coinciding with the start of Navaratri. All this will be effective 22 September 2025, the first day of Navratri... The changes on GST of all products except sin goods, will be applicable 22 September... Sitharaman stated. Sin goods will continue at the existing rates of the GST and compensation cess, where applicable, till the loan and interest payment obligations under the compensation cess account are completely discharged... The Union Finance Minister and the Chairperson of the GST Council is authorised to decide on the actual date of the transition for these tobacco related products as soon as the loan and interest is cleared, she added. Here's what gets cheaper: 1) Individual life and health insurance policies to attract zero GST from 18%. 2) Ultra high temperature, paneer, paratha, roti, pizza bread, khakra and chena are exempt from GST. Butter, ghee, condensed milk, cheese, dry fruits, jams, jellies, confectionery, ice cream, pastry and biscuits, corn flakes, and cereals to attract 5% GST from 12-18%. 3) Fertiliser inputs like sulphuric acid, nitric acid, and ammonia, along with biopesticides and micronutrients to attract 5% GST from 12-18%. 4) Agricultural equipment, tractors, threshing, and soil-preparation machinery to attract 5% GST from 12-18%. 5) Small cars (petrol <1200cc, diesel <1500cc) and motorcycles up to 350cc to attract 18% GST instead of 28%. GST on EVs remains at 5%. 6) Everyday items like shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, talcum powder, face powder, soaps, hair oil, tooth powder, feeding bottles, utensils, bicycles, umbrellas, and bamboo furniture to attract 5% GST. 7) Cement, auto components to attract 18% GST from 28%. Here's what gets costlier: 1) Soft drinks, colas, fruit-based aerated drinks, and all carbonated beverages to attract 40% GST against 28%. 2) Energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages -- to face 40% GST. 3) Aerated waters and flavoured beverages containing added sugar or sweeteners to face 40% GST. 4) Cars with petrol engines above 1200cc or diesel engines above 1500cc and longer than 4,000 mm, along with motorcycles above 350cc, racing cars, yachts, and personal-use aircraft to face 40% GST. New Delhi: India and Singapore have decided to fast-track the review of their Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) in a time-bound manner to accelerate bilateral trade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday while addressing a joint press conference with his Singapore counterpart Lawrence Wong. This is Wong's maiden visit to India after he assumed office last year, and it coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Also Read | Singapore-listed CapitaLand Reit to develop new IT parks in India The decision to give bilateral commerce a fillip comes at a time when global trade flows are being reshaped by the new tariff regime under US President Donald Trump. India, which has been slapped with one of the world's highest tariffs of 50% by Washington, is seeking to diversify its markets and strengthen regional economic partnerships to offset the impact. The country has identified 50 markets for the diversification. Singapore, a major financial hub and gateway to South-East Asia, has emerged as Indias largest trading partner in the region and a key investor, making the CECA review crucial for sustaining momentum. Also Read | Singapores GIC smells huge AI opportunity for India Wong said that the partnership between India and Singapore had become even more important in a world marked by uncertainty and turbulence. On the scope of the bilateral ties, Modi said: The partnership with Singapore has expanded beyond traditional sectors to cover advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, civil nuclear cooperation, and urban water management." Modi said several Indian states are becoming active stakeholders in bilateral ties, citing the recent visits by the chief ministers of Odisha, Telangana, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh to Singapore, while Gujarats GIFT City has become a new bridge connecting the stock markets of both nations. Modi noted that the partnership on semiconductors signed last year has given a fresh push to research and development, with Singaporean firms taking part in Indias Semicon conference. As per a government release, Singapore will also support setting up of a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Chennai to train manpower in advanced manufacturing. The two sides will deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum, and other digital technologies, Modi said, adding that the next round of the India-Singapore Hackathon will be held later this year. Underscoring the multi-sectoral connections, Modi highlighted the success of the unified payments interface (UPI)PayNow link, which now includes 13 more Indian banks, and said the new agreement on Green and Digital Shipping Corridors would boost green fuel supply chains and port clearances. He also inaugurated phase-2 of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal, built by Singapores PSA International, which will expand Indias container-handling capacity. Singapore, Modi said, remains a vital pillar of Indias Act East Policy and a partner in boosting Asean (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and stability in the Indo-Pacific. He also thanked Wong for expressing solidarity with India after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and for Singapores support in the fight against terrorism. The renewed push to bolster trade ties with Singapore is seen as part of Indias wider strategy to mitigate risks from Washingtons tariff escalation. Trade experts said closer economic integration with South-East Asia could provide Indian exporters with alternative markets at a time when the US and China are hardening their trade positions. With Trumps tariff moves disrupting global supply chains, India is looking to regional partnerships as a shield against uncertainty and a way to draw in capital and technology, said Abhash Kumar, trade economist at Delhi University. As per commerce ministry data, exports of goods from India to Singapore in fiscal year 2025 (FY25) were at $12.98 billion, while imports were at $21.29 billion, leaving India with a trade deficit of $8.31 billion. India's exports in FY24 were higher at $14.41 billion, while imports were $21.20 billion, resulting in a deficit of $6.79 billion. Key items in Indias export basket for Singapore include petroleum products, chemicals, ships and floating structures, along with electrical machinery, precious metals and electronic instruments. India imports a range of products from Singapore, including electronic components, computer hardware, coal and briquettes, plastic, organic chemicals, among other items. This trade pattern shows Singapores role as a hub for technology, energy, and shipping, and as a re-export centre linking India to global supply chains, said Kumar. According to a statement from the Singapore Embassy, the two prime ministers discussed ways to deepen cooperation in areas such as sustainability, digitalization, connectivity, skills development, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, space and biotechnology. New Delhi: Kerala faces a likely annual revenue loss of 8,000-10,000 crore due to the reduction in goods and services tax (GST) rates across segments that was announced by the GST Council on Wednesday, Kerala finance minister K.N. Balagopal said. Almost all states will face a revenue squeeze, he said, and if the central government does not address their revenue losses, it will have a negative impact on the broader economy. Kerala had budgeted 46,563 crore of GST revenue in FY26, estimating a 12.5% annual growth. Addressing the media, Balagopal said while economic theory suggests, and a point also made by the Centre, that improved consumption demand arising from the tax cuts would fuel revenue buoyancy, the same will actually depend on state-specific consumption patterns. We studied the revenue implications of tax rate cuts on four itemsautomobiles, health and life insurance, cement and electronics. These sectors together are expected to see a revenue loss of 2,500 crores a year for Kerala. We expect Keralas overall revenue loss could be 8,000-10,000 a year, said the state's finance minister. We requested that some kind of compensation should be offered to states, as existed earlier. There is no need to levy any extra taxes for that. The cess on sin goods like tobacco can be continued and the proceeds could be transferred to states, Balagopal said. Also Read | Opposition-ruled states urge Centre to set up GoM to assess GST revenue loss As per the GST Councils decision on Wednesday, the compensation cess levied on cars will expire when the revamped GST regime kicks in on 22 September, but that on sin goods will continue so that the market loans raised by the Centre to give liquidity support to states during the pandemic could be paid. The council also decided that the Union finance minister, GST Council chairperson, may decide the actual date of transition to the revised rates of GST approved for tobacco and products. Balagopal said that further proceeds of this cess, once this loan is paid off by the Centre, could be used to compensate states. At Wednesday's meeting, the Kerala minister had told the council that serious thought must be given to protecting states' revenues. According to Balagopal, state-specific cesses should be permitted, based on the paying capacity of the society, to address any revenue shortfall. Also, the revenue-sharing ratio between the Centre and states should be revised in favour of states, ideally to 60:40. At present, Centre shares 41% of its tax revenues with states, as per a formula recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission. The Sixteenth Finance Commission is expected to give the revenue-sharing formula for the five years starting FY27, in October. Public finance is very important. We requested the Centre to look into it. If the fiscal stress of states is not addressed, it will negatively impact the economy, said Balagopal. He also said that protecting states revenues is essential not only to preserve fiscal federalism but also to maintain the trust of states in the GST system. The minister also sought strong safeguards to ensure businesses pass on the benefits of the tax rate reduction to the end consumer. Addressing the media after the GST Council meeting late Wednesday, the central government's revenue secretary Arvind Srivastava had said that officials of the Centre and state will engage with the industry to ensure businesses pass on the benefits of the tax cuts. The GST Council on Wednesday cleared the biggest reform of the eight-year-old indirect tax system by compressing the four-rate tax structure into two, leading to reduction of tax burden on about 400 goods and services. Most experts called it a masterstroke of simplification. It will make compliance easier, reduce cascading, and strengthen the competitiveness of the Indian industry, said Rajiv Memani, president of the Confederation of Indian Industry. Justin Bieber has sent fans into a frenzy with what appears to be a teaser for a new project. Bright pink billboards featuring the title SWAG II have been spotted across East London. In a video shared by a fan page on X, we can see a billboard with SWAG II written on it. Soon, fans started speculating that the campaign is linked to Biebers label. SWAG: The surprise release and chart success Justin Biebers previous album, SWAG, which came out without warning on July 11, has 21 tracks. The record co-produced by the pop sensation himself also featured collaborations with Dijon, Eddie Benjamin, and more. Inspired by Biebers experiences as a first-time father, it offered a mix of reflective songwriting and personal themes, according to another report in The Mirror. The standout single Daisies topped the UK charts and marked Biebers eighth Number 1 single in the country. The achievement placed him alongside major acts including Oasis, The Rolling Stones, and Sam Smith. Mixed reviews from critics Despite being a commercial success, SWAG received a lukewarm critical reception. In a two-star review, The Independent described it as a god-fearing, hyper sexual slog and criticised its tonal inconsistency. The review suggested Bieber remains a curiosity in pop music rather than an entirely coherent creative force. However, to many fans, the album was a success, with social media users being all praises for the tracks like Walking Away, Yukon, and Daisies. One fan even said that the album touched them. Fans React to SWAG II Teasers Reactions to the London billboards have been immediate and passionate. While one fan claimed the prince was returning, another wrote, Justin, what does this mean? Album coming soon, was the sentiment. However, neither Bieber nor Universal Music has so far commented on whether there will be any new releases. FAQs Q1: What is SWAG II? SWAG II has not been officially confirmed as an album, but billboards with the title suggest a follow-up project to Biebers recent record. Q2: When was Justin Biebers last album released? SWAG was released on 11 July 2025 as a surprise 21-track album. Q3: How did SWAG perform commercially? The albums single Daisies topped the UK charts, giving Bieber his eighth Number 1. Q4: What themes inspired SWAG? The album reflected Biebers experiences as a first-time father and his devotion as a husband. Los Angeles [US], September 4 (ANI): Sophie Turner will step in as the next Lara Croft, following the likes of Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander. In its latest announcement, Prime Video confirmed that the 'Game of Thrones' star will play Lara Croft in its upcoming 'Tomb Raider' live-action series. While Phoebe Waller-Bridge will serve as the creator, writer, and executive producer, Chad Hodge has been added as the executive producer and co-showrunner alongside Waller-Bridge. Jonathan Van Tulleken has boarded as the director and executive producer. "I'm so excited to announce the formidable Sophie Turner as our Lara alongside this phenomenal creative team. It's not very often you get to make a show of this scale with a character you grew up loving. Everyone on board is wildly passionate about Lara and is as outrageous, brave, and hilarious as she is. Get your artefacts out... Croft is coming," said Waller-Bridge, as quoted by Variety. Turner, who is the latest to take over the next Croft, also shared her feelings. "I am thrilled beyond measure to be playing Lara Croft. She's such an iconic character, who means so much to so many - and I am giving everything I've got," she said. The actress spoke about having a major responsibility to follow the legacy of Jolie and Alicia and added, "With Phoebe at the helm, we are all in very safe hands. I can't wait for you all to see what we have cooking." The much-awaited series adaptation of the popular video game franchise will officially begin production on January 19, 2026. It was confirmed in May 2024, with reports suggesting Turner's casting around six months later. Turner reportedly entered negotiations in November last year after testing for the role. Further details about the remaining cast are yet to be unveiled. From September 5th to 7th, the 2025 Low-Altitude Economy Development Conference, a key special event of the World Manufacturing Convention, will be held in Wuhu. On September 3rd, reporters interviewed relevant departments in Wuhu City and learned that this year's conference will focus on safety and innovation, featuring many highlights. Since 2022, Wuhu has successfully hosted three consecutive Low-Altitude Economy Development Conferences, achieving significant results in enhancing regional industrial influence, promoting business attraction and project implementation, and attracting talent concentration. The 2024 conference, in particular, brought together numerous industry leaders and drew a large audience both onsite and online, having become an annual grand event in China's low-altitude economy sector. It is understood that at the opening ceremony, Wuhu's Low-Altitude Intelligent Networking System will be officially launched. A newly established "Low-Altitude Economy Innovation Development Report Meeting" will invite influential figures from the industry to share profound insights on building a low-altitude safety system. Furthermore, among the 12 parallel seminars, multiple themes will focus on low-altitude safety, deeply analyzing its importance and development pathways from various angles and perspectives. In terms of international expansion, this year's conference has taken solid steps forward. Guests from over 40 organizations across more than 10 countriesincluding Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Canada, and Australiahave been invited to attend. Parallel seminars will feature an event for releasing international demands in the low-altitude economy and facilitating industry matchmaking. This platform will host high-level international dialogues, signing ceremonies, and announcement activities. Regarding regional coordinated development, efforts are underway to accelerate the integration of Wuhu's low-altitude economy into the Yangtze River Delta region. Cities from the Yangtze River Delta, such as Suzhou and Hangzhou, have been invited to participate. A special exhibition area within the conference will be dedicated to Yangtze River Delta cities including Hefei, Wuhu, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. By showcasing their respective achievements in developing the low-altitude economy, these cities aim to promote inter-city industrial connections and knowledge sharing, consolidate the region's advantageous resources, support collaborative growth of the low-altitude economy across the Yangtze River Delta, and foster a unified force driving regional development. The conference boasts a rich program encompassing five key components: "Meetings," "Exhibitions," "Demonstrations," "Investment Promotion," and "Field Trips." Within the "Meetings" segment, there will be one main plenary session and multiple parallel seminars. These discussions will cover hot topics in the industry such as low-altitude intelligent networking, international market demands, and aircraft manufacturing, aiming to strategize for sector development. The "Exhibition" area, led by cutting-edge technologies and practical applications in low-altitude scenarios, will bring together high-quality enterprises across a 30,000 square meter display space. It will comprehensively showcase global achievements in the low-altitude economy, presenting attendees with a visual and technological feast within this field. Source: Da Wan News New Delhi, Sep 4 (PTI) The GST Council's decision to cut tax rates on various categories of automobiles is timely and will inject fresh momentum into the Indian automotive sector and significantly benefit first-time buyers and middle-income families, players in the auto industry said on Thursday. The simplification of tax structure and lower rates for mass mobility is a decisive step that will boost affordability and spur demand, they said, while also hoping that the government will soon notify suitable mechanisms for the utilisation of compensation cess on unsold vehicles, ensuring a smooth and effective transition. Society of India Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Shailesh Chandra said the automobile industry welcomes the government's decision to reduce the GST on vehicles to 18 per cent and 40 per cent, especially in this festive season. He further said, "This timely move is set to bring renewed cheer to consumers and inject fresh momentum into the Indian automotive sector. "Making vehicles more affordable, particularly in the entry-level segment; these announcements will significantly benefit first-time buyers and middle-income families, enabling broader access to personal mobility." Expressing similar sentiments, Federation of Automobile Dealers' Associations (FADA) President C S Vigneshwar said the "bold and progressive reforms" simplify the tax structure, lower rates for mass mobility, and bring consensus across all states. "This is a decisive step that will boost affordability, spur demand, and make India's mobility ecosystem stronger and more inclusive," he said, adding, "as the country heads into the peak festive season, glitch-free and implementation will be the key to ensuring that the benefits seamlessly reach customers". TVS Motor Company Chairman Sudarshan Venu said the GST rate cut is a major move by the government to further turbocharge growth. "It will significantly boost consumption across segments of the society. "For our industry especially, it is a welcome move as it will help two-wheelers become more accessible and also help those looking to upgrade," he added. Chandra also welcomed the continuation of the GST rate of 5 per cent on electric vehicles, saying it "will help sustain the ongoing momentum towards sustainable mobility". The resolution of classification interpretations and the correction of the inverted duty structure will greatly streamline business processes across the automotive industry, supporting ease of doing business, he added. Chandra also noted that the auto industry is "confident that the government will also soon notify suitable mechanisms for the utilisation of compensation cess on unsold vehicles, ensuring a smooth and effective transition". Likewise, Vigneshwar said, "One area that may need earliest clarification is about levy and treatment of cess balances currently lying in dealers' books, so that there is no ambiguity during transition." The GST Council on Wednesday approved limiting slabs to 5 per cent and 18 per cent effective from September 22, the first day of Navaratri. Under it petrol, LPG and CNG vehicles of less than 1,200 cc and not more than 4,000 mm length and diesel vehicles of up to 1,500 cc and 4,000 mm length would move to the 18 per cent rate. Earlier, these two categories attracted 28 per cent GST with compensation cess of 1 per cent, and 28 per cent GST with 3 per cent compensation cess, respectively. Motorcycles up to 350 cc would be taxed at a lower GST of 18 per cent against 28 per cent earlier. All automobiles above 1,200 cc and longer than 4,000 mm as well as motorcycles above 350 cc and racing cars will be charged with a 40 per cent levy. Madhya Pradesh, often called the heart of India, is a state where natural beauty, cultural heritage, and traditions converge. Over the years, it has steadily emerged as one of the countrys most compelling tourism destinations, drawing visitors from across India and abroad. A Tourism Landscape in Transition Tourism in India has transformed into a vibrant industry, with states like Madhya Pradesh expanding their offerings well beyond traditional sightseeing. From wildlife and adventure to heritage, rural, and even film tourism, the state now attracts diverse groups of travellers. Its growing recognition reflects a larger trend: domestic tourism is on the rise, and policy support has encouraged investment in infrastructure and new experiences. Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh Natural and Wildlife Treasures Madhya Pradeshs vast forest cover, teeming with wildlife, is one of its greatest strengths. The state hosts the highest number of tigers in India, along with thriving populations of leopards, deer, and migratory birds. Rivers like the Narmada and Chambal add further richness, whether through sacred pilgrimages or unique ecosystems like gharial habitats. Protected areas such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Panna remain magnets for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts. Global Heritage and Living Traditions Beyond its natural bounty, Madhya Pradesh is also home to cultural and historical landmarks of global significance. Sites like Khajuraho, Sanchi, and Bhimbetka already feature on UNESCOs World Heritage list, while others, including Gwalior Fort, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Gond monuments, are under consideration. Traditional art forms such as Gond and Bhil painting, the tribal festival of Bhagoria, and handloom hubs like Pranpur offer travellers authentic cultural encounters. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has described this richness as central to the states appeal, noting that the strength of our tourism is its richness, diversity, responsibility and safety. New Frontiers: Film, Rural, and Adventure Tourism Madhya Pradesh has also opened its doors to newer tourism formats. The states landscapes and heritage backdrops have made it a favored filming location, bringing benefits to local artists and homestay owners. More than 100 villages have been developed as tourism hubs, giving visitors opportunities to experience rural life first-hand. Handicrafts, tribal art, and homestay culture are helping to sustain livelihoods while enriching the travelers journey. Infrastructure and Growth Continuous improvements in road and rail connectivity, as well as the launch of new regional air services, have made travel across Madhya Pradesh easier. Recent investment commitments at tourism conclaves underline the industrys potential as an employment generator. In 2024 alone, the state recorded more than 13 crore tourist visits, its highest ever, showing that its efforts are bearing fruit. The Road Ahead As tourism expands, community participation and sustainable planning are becoming central to Madhya Pradeshs growth story. By combining heritage conservation, natural resource protection, and modern infrastructure, the state is positioning itself as a multi-dimensional destination that appeals to both domestic and global travelers. IFA 2025 brought fresh energy, and Acer matched it with two new laptops designed for two different needs: sleek productivity and versatile productivity. The Swift Air 16 blends lightness and power, while the Chromebook Plus Spin 514 leans into AI-powered flexibility, tablet-style. Acer Swift Air 16: Slim, Smart, and Lightweight Polished and portable, the Swift Air 16 delivers: Featherweight build : Thanks to a magnesium-aluminium chassis, it stays under 1 kg. Mobile professionals should take note. : Thanks to a magnesium-aluminium chassis, it stays under 1 kg. Mobile professionals should take note. Smart performance : Runs on AMDs Ryzen AI 300-series chips, including Ryzen AI 7 350, pairing smoothly with integrated Radeon 860M graphics. It qualifies as a Copilot+ PC, offering features like Recall, Click-to-Do, and improved Windows Search to speed up workflows. : Runs on AMDs Ryzen AI 300-series chips, including Ryzen AI 7 350, pairing smoothly with integrated Radeon 860M graphics. It qualifies as a Copilot+ PC, offering features like Recall, Click-to-Do, and improved Windows Search to speed up workflows. Display options : Choose between a crisp WQXGA+ AMOLED (120 Hz, 400 nits, DCI-P3) or a classic WUXGA IPS (60 Hz), depending on priorities. : Choose between a crisp WQXGA+ AMOLED (120 Hz, 400 nits, DCI-P3) or a classic WUXGA IPS (60 Hz), depending on priorities. Premium extras : Dual mics, a 2MP IR HD camera with privacy shutter, backlit keyboard, plus Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and Bluetooth, all while keeping it compact. : Dual mics, a 2MP IR HD camera with privacy shutter, backlit keyboard, plus Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and Bluetooth, all while keeping it compact. Launch details: Arrives in EMEA this November, starting at 999 (~ 1,02,400) This ones built for professionals who want a smart, capable laptop that doesnt weigh them down Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514: AI flexibility meets 2-in-1 design Then theres the Chromebook Plus Spin 514, Acers answer to mobile versatility: ChatGPT is down, and dread sets in. You stare at the blank document. The report is due in two hours, but the thought of writing it yourself feels overwhelming. The analytical skills that once kicked in automaticallylike breaking down problems, organizing thoughts and finding the right wordsnow seem impossibly difficult. When did thinking become this hard? These moments of technological dependence are becoming increasingly common as generative AI reshapes how we work, learn and think. At our lab, weve spent a decade treating patients, studying how technology shapes the human mind, and supporting the integration of mental-health and well-being principles into AI and social-media platforms. As generative AI enters workplaces and schools at unprecedented speed, were observing a troubling phenomenon: the quiet erosion of our cognitive capabilities. The allure of the technology is powerful. As our colleague Darja Djordjevic, a psychiatrist at Harlem Hospital and Columbia University says, Here is a machine that is always available, endlessly enthusiastic, and seemingly competent in every domain. That creates a powerful feedback loop. You skip the discomfort of starting from scratch and get rewarded in seconds." No wonder our brain, delighted to dodge difficulty, craves these shortcuts. Humans have always used technology for cognitive offloadingusing external tools to reduce mental demands. We write notes to remember, use calculators for arithmetic, and rely on GPS for navigation. Where previous technologies affected discrete skills, however, generative AI tools raise the stakes. These tools are so expansive in their applications, so autonomous in their execution, that when we activate them, our minds effectively power down. Therein lies the risk. The very convenience that boosts short-term productivity may also be accelerating long-term cognitive atrophy, across more domains than any technology before it. Drawing on insights from psychology, patient care, aviation research and behavioral science, we offer four habits that foster a more deliberate relationship with ChatGPTone that fortifies, rather than diminishes, our cognitive faculties. 1. Draft first, prompt second Like muscles, our cognitive skills weaken when unused. Offloading entire tasks to AI may diminish cognitive capabilities such as problem-solving, creative thinking and critical reasoning. A recent study of nearly 1,000 students offers an unsettling glimpse of this phenomenon. Students using ChatGPT to solve math problems initially outperformed their peers by 48% during practice. But when tested without AI, their scores dropped 17% below their unassisted counterparts. Short-term gains masked long-term losses. This pattern isnt confined to the classroom. In aviation, research shows that overreliance on autopilot dulls pilots manual flying skills. The Federal Aviation Administration thus encourages pilots to fly route segments manually to ensure proficiency is maintained. Psychologists have long emphasized the power of mastery experiences"struggling through and conquering difficult tasksas the single strongest predictor of self-efficacy, our internal belief in competence. When ChatGPT skips the hurdle for us, mastery never materializes; over time the very capacity fades, confidence erodes, and dependence deepens. To keep your skills sharp, outline your approach before opening the chat window. Think through the problem and jot down ideas; bullet points suffice. Then ask the model to elaborate or polish. This initial manual effort may feel like returning to the gym after months away, but deliberate practice preserves both skills and confidence. 2. Use AI as a tutor Have you noticed that after asking Perplexity or ChatGPT for answers, you can articulate concepts fluently while viewing the screen, but an hour later, clarity evaporates and you fumble explaining them to colleagues? When we ask AI for answers directly, we engage less deeplyand memory and understanding suffers. A preliminary MIT study found that individuals who used ChatGPT to write essays had poorer recall of their own work. The result echoes the Google effect," in which easy factfinding dampens internal memory retention; similarly, research shows GPS use decreases spatial memory. But with AI, it isnt just isolated facts at risk: We may lose grasp of entire concepts and ideas because explanations arrive in a single click. One possible remedy: Turn the bot into a Socratic tutor. Instead of Give me the answer," try Guide me through the problem so I can solve this on my own." Request step-by-step explanations. After completing the task, close the window and reexplain the idea in your own words to test retention. In one study with chemistry students, a modified version of ChatGPT that withheld direct solutions and supplied only incremental hints fostered greater engagement and learning outcomes than the default model. The small shift from prompting for product to prompting for process cultivates lasting comprehension. 3. Timeouts and checklists How often do you find yourself mechanically copying AI output, only to wince when colleagues point out glaring errors that somehow escaped your notice? Heavy AI reliance extends beyond skill atrophy into compromised judgment and bias. A Swiss Business School study of 666 participants and a Microsoft survey of 319 knowledge workers this year both found that heavy AI reliance correlated with poorer critical-thinking skills. This exposes us to automation bias, prompting us to accept machine judgments uncritically and inherit its blind spots: In one behavioral science experiment, volunteers forfeited a larger cash prize simply because an AI warned them not to trust their human partner, even after evidence showed cooperation would pay. The risk goes deeper than a single bad decision; if we dont reflect on AIs output critically, we might internalize the machines inherent biases. In one experiment, participants were shown AI-generated images of financial managers"; 85% of the AI-images depicted white men, despite the reality that, in the U.S., fewer than 45% of financial managers are men, let alone white. Alarmingly, after being exposed to the AI-images, participants also showed a greater tendency to associate that identity with the role. To counter this bias, people can use cognitive forcing" toolsmethods borrowed from medicine and aviationto shift thinking from our swift, intuitive processing to slow, deliberate analysis. Doctors use diagnostic timeouts" to double-check reasoning; pilots run mental checklists before takeoff. Apply the same approach: When AI delivers answers, pause. Restate the main points aloud or in writing. Then run a mental checklist: Can this be verified? What perspectives might be missing? Could this be biased? Such metacognitive prompts catch mistakes and spark originality and critical thinking. Research shows that workers with stronger metacognitive skills become more creative when using ChatGPT. Additionally, a preliminary study showed that students who were instructed to ask themselves metacognitive questionssuch as How closely does the response align with what you expected?" and Is there anything in the response that you do not fully understand?"when conducting searches with GenAI demonstrated higher levels of critical thinking. 4. Try an AI fast The most direct path to preserving your intellectual faculties is to declare certain periods AI-free" zones. This can be one hour, one day, even entire projects. Doing things yourself is the most reliable way to prevent dependency and ensure your cognitive capabilities remain sharp. As generative AI continues its inexorable rise, it forces fundamental reckonings about human capability itself, both institutionally and individually. In corporate environments, it raises questions about talent and value creation. Companies investing heavily in AI productivity tools may inadvertently be undermining their workforces long-term capabilities. Educational institutions face an even thornier challenge: Outright bans on generative AI risk would leave students digitally illiterate in an AI-saturated world, yet unrestricted access risks undermining the very thinking abilities education aims to develop. The challenge demands nuanced, evidence-based frameworks that teach students to harness AIs benefits while preserving critical-skill formation. None of this argues of course for shelving generative AI. Few of us would trade Wikipedia for a paper encyclopedia or swap Excel for an abacus. The challenge is cultivating a mindful relationship with the technology; one that captures its leverage without letting it hollow out our faculties. Generative AI can be a partner, muse, and accelerator. But without deliberate boundaries, this omnipresent assistant wont just help us write, it will become the author while we, the humans, merely click send." Paul Rust is a research fellow at Brainstorm: The Stanford Lab for Mental Health Innovation, and a doctoral candidate in theoretical medicine at University Witten/Herdecke in Germany. Nina Vasan is the founder and director of Stanford Brainstorm and chief medical officer of Silicon Valley Executive Psychiatry. They can be reached at reports@wsj.com. The burger giant has come out against wage rules that allow casual-dining restaurants, bars and other establishments to pay below the typical minimum wage to tip-earning workers. McDonalds has gone so far as to withdraw from the National Restaurant Association, the industrys main U.S. trade group, as a result of its stance on the tipped wage and other issues. Right now, theres an uneven playing field," McDonalds Chief Executive Chris Kempczinski said on CNBC Tuesday. He also said that all classes of workers should be paid at or above the federal minimum wage. The McDonalds critique adds a big industry voice to a yearslong battle, which has become more contentious as local lawmakers have debated whether to phase out the tipped minimum wage. Chicago, where McDonalds is based, is phasing out the tipped wage. Washington, D.C., similarly decided to eliminate it, but this year paused its plans. Roughly half a dozen states, including California and Washington, have eliminated it, too. The burger giant has a vested interest in the debate. Sit-down chains such as Chilis have cut into sales at McDonalds by advertising burgers at prices that compete with fast-food meals. Paying tipped employees a subminimum wage is an advantage on labor costs that fast-food chains dont have. The critique aligns McDonalds with labor groups and activists who have campaigned for years against what are known as tipped-wage rules. The National Restaurant Association declined to comment. McDonalds declined additional comment beyond the CEOs comments. Tipping has become increasingly contentious as customers grow fatigued with digital prompts to round up bills at a widening range of businesses. Americans over the past year are tipping less, according to payment providers. The Trump administration has broadened the debate, by moving to eliminate federal taxes on tips for some classes of service workers. When asked about the no-tax-on-tips policy on Tuesday, Kempczinski said that he supports the move but added that it wont help McDonalds workers, who dont receive tips. A fairer system, he said, would raise the tipped wage to the minimum set for other workers. If you are a restaurant that allows tips or has tips as part of your equation, youre essentially getting the customer to pay for your labor," Kempczinski said. Most states still allow for the tipped wage. The wage, set at $2.13 an hour federally, allows patrons tips to round out the rest of a servers pay to reach at least $7.25 an hour. According to Wall Street analysts who met with the company this week, McDonalds executives doubled down on their critique of the tipped wage and said that the issue helped motivate the chains withdrawal from the National Restaurant Association. Most major chains are members of the Washington, D.C.-based trade group. One Fair Wage, an activist group that has campaigned against the tipped wage, said Kempczinskis comments were in the chains self-interest, but it agreed with his stance. McDonalds CEOs comments expose what weve been saying for years: the subminimum wage is indefensible," the group said in a written statement. It allows full service chains like IHOP and Dennys to pay workers less than the minimum wage while shifting the burden onto customers tips." Write to Heather Haddon at heather.haddon@wsj.com NEW DELHI : Large screens may draw eyeballs away from their pocket-sized rivals this festive seasonall thanks to a timely goods and services tax (GST) break. The GST Council on Wednesday, as part of the indirect tax overhaul, cut the levy on televisions of 32 inches and above by 10 percentage points to 18% while leaving smartphonesIndias largest electronics segmentin the same slab, ignoring the industrys plea for the lowest tax rate of 5%. Nonetheless, industry stakeholders expect a boost to the entire electronics and appliances market during the countrys eagerly awaited annual sales season. Manish Sharma, India chairman of Japan-headquartered Panasonic Life Solutions, said the GST reform is good for the brand as products that were earlier aspirational are now more accessible, allowing a larger section of households to upgrade". He added that the GST cut on appliances, coupled with the income tax revision this fiscal, may significantly boost disposable incomes and consumer sentiment" and drive higher demand across both urban and emerging markets". Big cheer for big screens There will definitely be a major fillip to overall TV sales. For TVs and ACs, the GST Councils approach is on point as it frees up consumption of lifestyle items to boost spending, said Navkendar Singh, associate vice-president, market intelligence data provider International Data Corporation (IDC) India. The tax cut on TVs and ACs was a long-standing industry demand", said Pankaj Mohindroo, the chairperson of industry body India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), adding that the move will make appliances more affordable, unlock domestic demand, and boost consumptionvital for scaling Indias electronics manufacturing". The new tax rate will expand the market size for domestic producers, create stronger backward linkages in components, expand opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises, support localization efforts, and reduce import dependency", added a government official on behalf of the electronics ministry, on the condition of anonymity. TV and AC makers expect high single-digit growth in sales through 2025. However, Singh cautioned that much will depend on how brands pass on the benefits to consumers, as the tax relief also gives companies an opportunity to shore up margins in a cut-throat industry. Also Read | GST reset clouds Indias EV drive In 2024, Indians bought 12 million TVs and 14 million ACs, together making up a $13 billion market$6 billion for TVs and $7 billion for ACsaccording to a Mint analysis of data from IDC India and the Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA). Snub for small screens The council's decision to leave tax rate unchanged at 18% for smartphoneswhich generate nearly $45 billion in annual revenue, according to a Mint analysis of data from three market research firms, including IDC India and Counterpointdrew mixed reactions from the industry. To be sure, smartphones alone contributed $7 billion to the Centres indirect tax revenueabout 3% of overall GST collections in 2024-25. A cut in the levy to 5% would have reduced this inflow by nearly 70%, to around $2 billion. Singh said the move may be equated to a missed opportunity to boost spending and sales of an industry that has been largely stagnant for some time". Meanwhile, Mohindroo said the industry body remains hopeful that the government will eventually consider lowering the tax rate on smartphones and laptops, given their potential to improve affordability and strengthen digital inclusion". On the other hand, two senior industry executives said the smartphone segment is not disappointed with the unchanged duty structure. While the industry did make representations to the finance ministry, there were no realistic expectations of a tax cut. Given the size of the segment, a sudden reduction to the lowest slab of 5% would have been very surprising," said one of the two executives, from a top-five smartphone maker, on the condition of anonymity. The second executive added that a tax cut would have undoubtedly opened up considerable margin for brands to retailers and even left room for consumer-end price corrections". But, this was unlikely to happen, since the segment is profitable, still robust despite slowdowns, and is not under any imminent threat of a consumption decline." Gold price today: Gold rates crashed more than 1 per cent in intraday trade on the MCX on Thursday, September 4, as the GST reforms announcement increased the risk appetite of investors. MCX Gold October futures were down 0.46 per cent at 1,06,704 per 10 grams around 7 pm. MCX Silver December futures were 0.81 per cent down at 1,24,850 per kg at that time. Domestic market benchmarksthe Sensex and the Nifty 50jumped by almost a per cent in early deals, buoyed by a significant reform in India's indirect taxation system. Aimed at giving a solid boost to consumption, accelerating economic growth, and mitigating the Trump tariff pain, the GST Council, Chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, announced historic rate reductions on an array of consumer goods and services. The GST reforms, according to experts, will boost consumption and boost India's GDP growth by a percentage point over the next four to six quarters. Meanwhile, weak global cues also added pressure on gold prices. International gold prices declined due to profit-taking at record highs. In the last few sessions, the yellow metal has been on an upward march on expectations of a US Fed rate cut this year and a stable dollar. The latest US macro numbers indicate the Fed will likely cut rates on September 17. According to the US Labor Department data released on Wednesday, job openings in the US fell more than expected to 7.181 million in July. CME Group's FedWatch tool is indicating a 97 per cent chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut on September 17. Should you buy gold now? Experts suggest traders and investors book some profits and wait for a further correction in gold prices to initiate fresh long positions. "We suggest booking profits in gold as our given targets of 1,07,000 are achieved, and traders are also suggested to book profits in silver as prices nearly hit the given targets of 1,27,000. Traders are advised to wait for some corrective dips for fresh long positions and strictly avoid short selling in gold and silver," said Manoj Kumar Jain of Prithvifinmart Commodity Research. Jain said gold has support at $3,610-3,580, while resistance is at $3,650-3,684 per troy ounce. Silver has support at $41.80-41.40, while resistance is at $42.40-42.84 per troy ounce in todays session. MCX Gold has support at 1,06,500-1,05,800 and resistance at 1,08,000-1,08,850, while silver has support at 1,24,850-1,23,500 and resistance at 1,27,000-1,28,500, said Jain. "Gold has support at $3,515-3,485 while resistance is at $3,562-3,580. Silver has support at $40.50-40.20 while resistance is at $41.20-41.45," said Rahul Kalantri, VP of commodities at Mehta Equities Ltd. "In INR, gold has support at 1,06,340-1,05,740 while resistance is at 1,07,850-1,08,650. Silver has support at 1,23,050-1,22,250 while resistance is at 1,24,850, 1,25,650," Kalantri said. Read all market-related news here Read more stories by Nishant Kumar GST council meeting: Auto stocks like Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), Tata Motors, Samvardhan Motherson, and Maruti Suzuki witnessed a significant rally of up to 6 per cent in Thursday's trading session after the government reduced GST rates for vehicles and auto parts. M&M share price was the top gainer in the Nifty Auto index, and was up nearly 6.5 per cent on September 4. Meanwhile, Eicher Motors, Balkrishna Industries, and Tata Motors shares were also up 2.46 per cent, 1.88 per cent and 1.24 per cent, respectively. Other auto stocks like Samvardhan Motherson, TVS Motor, and Maruti Suzuki were trading higher up to 1.5 per cent. GST Council meeting: GST cut to 18% on small cars To boost demand in the automobile industry, the government has revised the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure for vehicles and auto components. The removal of the Compensation Cess has made many categories of vehicles more affordable. Under the new framework, the 12 per cent and 28 per cent GST slabs have been eliminated, while the 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs remain unchanged. Additionally, a new 40 per cent slab has been introduced for luxury and sin goods. The government has slashed GST on small vehicles four-wheelers under 1500cc and 4000 mm in length, and two-wheelers below 350cc from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. Larger cars exceeding 1500cc and 4000 mm will also benefit, as the 3 per cent compensation cess has been removed. However, the GST on motorcycles with engine capacity exceeding 350cc has been raised to 40 per cent, impacting companies like Eicher Motors (Royal Enfield), M&M (SUVs), and luxury car importers such as Mercedes and BMW. The GST on electric vehicles remains unchanged at 5 per cent. Meanwhile, the tax on entry-level cars, tractors, and small-engine hybrids has been reduced to 18 per cent to stimulate rural and middle-class demand. Lower prices would likely stimulate demand recovery across segments, and the impact is expected to be more in the mass-market categories. Auto components players having higher domestic exposure will benefit from stronger OEM demand. Export dependent players will likely see limited benefits, said Arun Agarwal, VP Fundamental Research, Kotak Securities. Stock market today: The Government of India (GoI) announced the rationalisation of indirect taxes in India after the GST Council meeting on Wednesday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made an announcement in this regard and said that a new goods and tax regime will come into effect from September 22, 2025, with three GST slabs: 5%, 18%, and 40%. While making this announcement, Sitharmana said that GST reforms would lead to a GST rate drop on 396 items that would help the common man. According to stock market experts, the outcome of the GST Council meeting would positively impact the Indian stock market. They are expecting a gap-up opening on Thursday as the GST reforms announced yesterday have the potential to act both as an economic catalyst and as a strategic buffer against Trump's tariffs. Impact on the Indian stock market On how this GST Council meeting outcome may impact the Indian stock market, Sugandha Sachdeva, Founder of SS WealthStreet said, This GST reform holds the potential to act both as an economic catalystby simplifying compliance, lowering costs, freeing up blocked working capital, and boosting consumptionand as a strategic buffer against global tariff shocks at a time when Indias exports are under pressure. Seema Srivastava, Senior Research Analyst at SMC Global Securities, said, The recent GST reforms are expected to have a significant impact on the capital market and various industries in India. The proposed two-slab GST structure, with rates of 5% and 18%, aims to simplify the tax system and reduce compliance burdens. Key sectors that are likely to benefit include: Consumer Goods, Electronics, Automobile Sector, Cement Sector, Retail and Consumer Durables. Expecting a gap-up opening on Thursday after the outcome of the GST Council meeting, Seema Srivastava said, These changes are expected to stimulate consumption, support manufacturing, and strengthen India's economy. The impact on government revenue and potential challenges in implementation will be crucial to monitor. Overall, the GST reforms are expected to boost economic growth, improve tax compliance, and increase investor confidence in the Indian stock market. Can this counter Trump's tariffs on India? Whether this GST Council meeting outcome will be able to counter Trump's tariffs on India, Sugandha Sachdeva of SS WealthStreet said, This reform holds the potential to act both as an economic catalystby simplifying compliance, lowering costs, freeing up blocked working capital, and boosting consumptionand as a strategic buffer against global tariff shocks at a time when Indias exports are under pressure. While tariffs are eroding Indias export strength, GST 2.0 provides a strong domestic demand stimulus, reorienting the economy towards consumption-led growth. Lower consumer prices across autos, FMCG, housing, and rural goods are expected to spur spending ahead of the festive season, while insurance relief provides additional household support, Sugandha added. GST Council meeting update The existing seven-tier system (nil, 0.25%, 3%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) has been streamlined into a three-rate structure effective 22nd September 2025, coinciding with the first day of Navratri: 5% on essentials and mass-consumption items 18% as the standard rate for most goods and services 40% sin tax for luxury items, alcohol, and tobacco GST reforms impact on various sectors Automobiles: The sector, already struggling despite the festive season, is set for relief. Small and entry-level cars (1200cc petrol, 1500cc diesel, length 4m) will move from 28% to 18%, sharply reducing costs. Two- and three-wheelers, highly price-sensitive, will benefit substantially. Consumer Durables: Products such as air-conditioners, dishwashers, and large televisions, earlier taxed at 28%, have been shifted to 18%, making them more affordable and providing a strong festive demand boost. FMCG & Essentials: Items such as toiletries, packaged foods, beverages, bicycles, and kitchenware will now attract 5% GST instead of 18%, significantly reducing household costs and spurring broad-based consumption. Education: Items like maps, globes, erasers, pencils, sharpeners, and notebooks move from 12% to 5%, making educational materials more affordable and easing the burden on families. Cement & Construction: Cement has been moved from 28% to 18%, a long-standing industry demand. This is expected to lower housing and infrastructure costs, supporting both real estate and government-led infra push. Agriculture: Agricultural machinery, including tractors, harvesters, and drip irrigation systems, will now attract 5% instead of 12%, giving a strong push to rural productivity and farm incomes. Insurance: A complete GST exemption has been announced for health and life insurance policies, reducing costs for households and boosting financial security. Sin Goods: Cigarettes, tobacco, and high-end luxury vehicles fall into the 40% slab, likely to weigh heavily on these industries and their listed stocks. On Wednesday, 3 September, Indian equities advanced strongly, supported by a mildly bullish undertone that helped benchmarks sustain in the green throughout the session. The Nifty 50 rose 135.45 points, or 0.55%, to close at 24,715.05, while the BSE Sensex climbed 409.83 points, or 0.51%, finishing at 80,567.71. The Bank Nifty gained 406.55 points, or 0.76%, to settle at 54,067.55, reflecting renewed buying interest in financial counters. 3 stock to buyrecommended by Ankush Bajaj for 4 September Tata Steel Ltd (Current price: 167.85) Why Tata Steel is recommended: Tata Steel is showing extremely strong technical momentum as it trades near recent highs. The 14-day RSI has surged into overbought territory (82), highlighting strong buying interest. The MACD is in positive territory and generating bullish signals, while ADX has climbed above 70, indicating a dominating trend. These readings are backed by broad-based buying across moving averages and strong volumein line with the global steel revival. Key metrics Pattern: Rising momentum with breakout stability RSI: 82 (overbought, reflecting strong bullish bias) MACD: Positive, confirming trend continuation ADX: 72, signaling a highly trending stock Technical view: Sustained strength above support zones projects a move toward 173 Risk factors: Steel demand and margins are vulnerable to global cycles and coking coal price volatility. Export and trade policy shifts may impact profitability. Buy at: 167.85 Target price: 173 Stop loss: 165.50 Steel Authority of India Ltd (Current price: 129.65) Why SAIL is recommended: Steel Authority of India has begun to exhibit renewed strength after recent weakness. The 14-day RSI is approaching the 80 level (79.7), indicating growing bullish momentum. The MACD has turned positive, signaling a potential trend change. Meanwhile, ADX is elevated (70), showcasing a resurgent trend with strong conviction. The price is now stabilizing after reversing from key support, which strengthens the chance of a rebound. Key metrics Pattern: Recovery from recent consolidation base RSI: 79.7 (indicating rising bullish energy) MACD: Positive, showing early trend reversal ADX: 70, denoting a powerful emerging trend Technical view: A break above the consolidation zone could lift the stock toward 134 Risk factors: Vulnerable to global steel pricing cycles and cost escalation. As a PSU, it faces influence from regulatory policies and incremental capital expenditure. Buy at: 129.65 Target price: 134 Stop loss: 127.30 Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (Current price: 1,028.35) Why Jindal Steel and Power is recommended: Jindal Steel is establishing a strong upward trend, supported by overbought RSI (77.6), confirming sustained buying pressure. MACD is firmly positive, reinforcing momentum. The ADX is also elevated (65), indicating a powerful uptrend. This technical strength is underpinned by improved global steel prices and solid end-demand. Key metrics Pattern: Strength confirmation with strong trend dynamics RSI: 77.6 (overbought, but trending higher) MACD: Positive, affirming bullish setup ADX: 65, signaling robust trend strength Technical view: Staying above key support levels suggests further rise toward 1,063 Risk factors: Highly cyclical, exposed to input cost fluctuations and capex cycles. Promotes sensitivity to global demand shifts and export policies. Buy at: 1,028.35 Target price: 1,063 Stop loss: 1,011 Market insight Sectoral performance tilted clearly to the positive side. Cyclicals and industrials outshined, with the metal index soaring 3.11%, the pharma index rising 1.10%, and the healthcare sector up 1.08%. Notably, no major sector faced bearish pressure, reinforcing broad-based strength. In stock-specific action, Tata Steel emerged as the standout performer, rallying 5.97%, followed by Hindalco, which advanced 3.05%, and JSW Steel, climbing 2.70% on robust demand. However, a few heavyweights tempered gainsInfosys slipped 1.31%, HDFC Life Insurance declined 0.80%, and NTPC eased 0.61%. Nifty technical analysisdaily and hourly The Nifty 50 closed the session of 3 September on a firm note at 24,715.05, gaining 135.45 points or 0.55%. The index staged a healthy recovery after testing key levels, rebounding strongly from the recent support zone near 24,400. As highlighted earlier, the crucial resistance remains at 24,850, and once the index manages a decisive close above the 25,000 mark, a sharp short-covering rally could unfold. On the downside, the 24,400 zone continues to be the key closing-based support, and as long as this holds, the short-term bias remains constructive. View Full Image (TradingView) From a technical perspective, the index is now positioned close to its key short-term moving averages. The 20-DMA at 24,694 and the 40-DEMA at 24,796 remain immediate resistance hurdles, which the Nifty is attempting to approach. On the daily chart, RSI has improved to 48, moving higher from neutral territory, while the MACD remains in negative terrain at 67, though showing early signs of flattening. On the hourly chart, momentum indicators reflect more strengthRSI has improved to 56 and the MACD is positive at +7, confirming the short-term recovery. The index also sustained above the 20-HMA at 24,635 and the 40-HEMA at 24,659, validating the intraday bullish undertone. View Full Image (TradingView) The derivatives data adds weight to the bullish view. Total Put OI stands higher at 13.75 crore compared to Call OI at 10.88 crore, resulting in a positive OI differential of +2.87 crore. The days OI change data is also encouraging: total Call OI rose by 3.61 crore, while Put OI surged by 7.84 crore, creating a net positive differential of +4.23 crore. This clearly indicates strong Put writing and fresh long positions building up. The 25,000 strike holds the maximum Call OI, making it the immediate supply zone, but it also saw the highest Call OI additions, suggesting traders are bracing for a potential breakout if this level is crossed. On the Put side, the heaviest OI and additions were seen at the 24,500 strike, confirming it as the key short-term support base. Overall, the Nifty has managed to regain momentum after holding crucial support levels. The immediate resistance lies at 24,850, followed by the psychologically important 25,000 mark. A sustained close above 25,000 could trigger a strong short-covering rally toward 25,20025,350. On the downside, 24,50024,400 remains the key zone to protect. With daily momentum stabilizing and hourly indicators turning positive, the short-term view has shifted to bullish, though follow-through buying above 24,850-25,000 is essential to confirm strength. Ankush Bajaj is a Sebi-registered research analyst. His registration number is INH000010441. 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 guarantee 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. Stock Market today: UltraTech Cement, Ambuja Cements, ACC, Shree Cement, among other cement stocks, gained up to 3% during the intraday trade on Thursday following the goods and services tax (GST) reforms. The GST Council last evening announced a cut in GST taxes for cement. While analysts believe this is a positive for the cement sector, they are still watchful of demand recovery and price improvement, which remains soft in the seasonally weak September quarter. Unsurprisingly, most cement stocks gave up a majority of their gains and were trading marginally higher in the early afternoon session. GST Reforms On Cement On Wednesday, the GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, reduced the GST tax rate on cement from 28% to 18%. This rationalisation of cement taxation is positive over the longer term and comes at a time when the sector is rapidly expanding capacity to meet anticipated demand growth. However, in the near term, analysts are watchful of price hikes and demand pick-up after the monsoon-impacted September quarter comes to an end. GST Cement Reform Analysts' View Emkay Global Financial Services said that it sees a negligible impact from the likely cut in GST rate to 18% (from 28%), owing to relatively inelastic cement demand. Consumption could slow down briefly, owing to higher channel inventory, although it will normalise in the ensuing months on pent-up demand and a busy construction period in H2, the brokerage opined. Cement prices, which had remained relatively stable during the previous three months despite the monsoon, experienced a significant drop in August, notably in the eastern region, as per PL Capital channel checks. While companies were aiming to boost prices ahead of GST rationalisation, dampened demand and the upcoming festive season are likely to be unfavourable. PL Capital anticipates that increased pet coke and gypsum costs will put pressure on the Q2FY26 profitability of cement manufacturers. While demand is expected to improve post-monsoon, new capacities are adding to the challenge on pricing sustainability, PL Capital added, saying it is better to wait for a more suitable entry point into cement stocks. Jagat might not be able to get filmmakers to give up filmmaking, but perhaps he could persuade them to teach part time. Then there was the option of guest lecturers, where the time commitment was even less, as little as one lecture. Jagat had experienced that at the summer programme he had attended at the Peoples Educational Center, where top Hollywood insiders and notables came by for one lecture each. That was it. Jagat declared Fridays as the day off and opened up the Institute on Sundays instead because that was when the professionals had their day off. He then invited the best and the brightest of Indian filmmakers to give guest lectures on Sundays. His persuasive powers must have been exceptional. For the academic year 196364, he pulled in as many as fifty guest lecturers. Keep in mind that this was then a little-known Institute in far-off Poona, which had yet to produce its first full batch of graduates. Yet, the guest lecturers names read like a Whos Who of Indian cinema, representing both commercial and art-house. His handwritten notes show his thought processhe worked out the syllabus in detail, broke it down in topics, then made a wish list of filmmakers who could best deliver on each of those topics. He was remarkably successful in making that wish list a reality. For example, in the first half of 196364, the twelve Direction lecturers he brought in included Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, Vijay Bhatt, Ritwik Ghatak, Gajanan Jagirdar, Ezra Mir, and J.B.H. Wadia, all of them important names in the industry, notable not just for their stature, but for the breadth of their work. J.B.H. Wadia and Vijay Bhatt, for instance, went back to the very beginning of the sound era of cinema, having set up their studios, Wadia Movietone and Prakash Pictures, respectively, in 1933. Wadia ruled the stunt film genre with hits like Hunterwali (1935), Bhat made his mark with Ramayana-based tales, including Ram Rajya (1943), the film that had so captivated Mahatma Gandhi. Representing the newest of the filmmakers was Ritwik Ghatak, who had only started his film career in the 1950s. Associated with the left-leaning Indian Peoples Theatre Association (IPTA), Ghatak made films that were vivid depictions of social reality. Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, the noted writer-director, also with IPTA roots, worked with socialist themeshis first film Dharti Ke Lal (1946) was based on the Bengal famine of 1943and later teamed up with Raj Kapoor for films like Awara (1951). There was international representation too, and of the highest calibre. David Lean, the eminent British director, arrived during the same period, toured the Institute, inspected the shooting of exercise films, and addressed the students. He was fresh from the success of Lawrence of Arabia (1962)the film had won seven awards at the Oscars, four at the BAFTAs, six at the Golden Globesand the students, as also everyone else, hung on to his every word. One student asked Lean for advice on how to make a good film. Follow your own convictions, Lean replied. Make the film as you like it, and if your work is not liked by the people, then quit making films. This kind of spunk and spine was exactly what Jagat wanted the Institute to instil in its filmmakers. View Full Image 'The Maker of Filmmakers': By Radha Chadha; Penguin Random House India; 536 pages, 1299 few months later, the newbie duo of Ismail Merchant and James Ivory arrived as guest lecturers for the Direction course. Their first film, The Householder (1963), starring Shashi Kapoor, had just been released. Merchant, the producer of the filmat twenty-eight years, not much older than the students he was addressinghad scored Columbia Pictures as his distributor. How had a young Indian man, with no feature filmmaking experience, made an independent film, which stylistically broke the industrys set formula, and then managed to get it internationally distributed? This was precisely what Merchant talked about. His advice: forget the blockbuster dreams of big-budget filmmaking where the producer hopes to triple his original investment. Instead, make a relatively low-budget film, which even with a limited releasesay ten theatres in principal citieswould make you a reasonable profit, enough to bankroll your next venture.... Aiming at the international market meant upturning the rules of the Indian film industry, in effect saying goodbye to the standard song-and-dance feast, big stars, villains, drunken scenes and dancing girls. The ingredients of a good film, on the other hand, are a good story with universal appeal, good actors (not necessarily big stars) and technical excellence, Merchant explained. This does not preclude an artistic film from being a commercial success. Which was music to the ears of the students, who had assumed that filmmaking was an either-or proposition. Other courses also had the industrys finest craftsmen trooping in. R.D. Mathur, who had shot the spectacular Mughal-e-Azam (1960), taught Cinematography. The prolific sound recordist, Minoo Katrak, who had just done the songs for Sahib Biwi Ghulam (1962), taught classes in Sound. Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who had edited films like Do Bigha Zamin (1953), taught Editing. Salil Chaudhary, who had recently won best music director for Madhumati (1958), taught Music. The list went on. Over and above the guest lecture programme, Jagat also persuaded accomplished filmmakers to become part-time lecturers, who either stayed at the Institute for short periods of time, a week to a couple of months, or visited on a regular basis, once a week or more. For the first half of 196364, the part-time teacher for Editing was Amit Bose, who had edited films for Bimal Roy, among them Sujata (1959). Pran Mehra, who had been recommended by Satyajit Ray, was another part-time lecturer for Editing. Mehra had a prolific record in Hindi films, and was known for films like Gumrah (1963). For Sound, there was Chandrakant Pandya, of Sree Sound Studio, one of the best of his time. Film Appreciation was taught by B.D. Garga and Jag Mohanboth highly respected film historiansand Marie Seton, the undisputed authority on the subject. Excerpted from The Maker of Filmmakers, with permission from Penguin Random House India. Also Read | Why is everything a rave today? It is a sign of the highly-ironic times we live in where wars on one end meld with unhinged rains and storms on another while those leading extremely privileged existences are worried about extending their lifespan that slogan wear i.e. clothes sporting fun/bold catchphrases and statements are coming back in a big way. A trend that started in the 60s with the flower-power generation using t-shirts to make anti-establishment statements or express their pro-peace stance somehow never left the fashion arena. As a trip down pop culture archives will show, there have been innumerable instances where fashion designers and celebrities have used the slogan tee to comment on the affairs of the world, create a viral moment or to shut their trolls down. Also Read | A style guide on how to look fashionably frumpy If the late Dame Vivienne Westwood wore a bright pink t-shirt in 2005 with the words I am not a terrorist, please dont arrest me' scrawled on it to raise funds for human rights group Liberty, a more recent instance of a slogan tee that made waves was the Protect the Dolls" t-shirt designed by Conner Ives in support of transgender women. While Ives wore it in February this year, the t-shirt went viral once it was seen on celebrities like Pedro Pascal and Troye Sivan. The I Told Ya" t-shirt designed by designer Jonathan Anderson and worn by actor Zendaya in the movie, The Challengers, last year is another statement-making outfit that shows why the trend continues to be popular with fashion-loving Gen Z. For the zoomer generation that is hyper-digital, opinionated and pro-activism, clothes are one of the most powerful ways to announce to the world who they are and what their political and personal beliefs are. Slogan tees as we found out while making this compilation lean predominantly towards streetwear as they epitomise rebelliousness, individuality and originality. Can clothes do the talking? As this round up shows you, they can loudly and with a lot of flair. WORDPLAY British designer Stella McCartney is known for her slogan tees that don't hold back. Whether it's the Rock Royalty t-shirt she wore along with Liv Tyler for the 1999 Met Gala, the Take It Easy! tee she designed for the A/W 2023 collection, McCartney has always used fashion to express her passion for sustainability and environmental awareness. This pure white tank top from her recent collection is more playful. Spun from pure white organic cotton jersey in a classic racerback silhouette, the t-shirt features the word Mother hand-studded in the front. Does the word refer to the Gen Z spin on the word? Or does it refer to one-half of a cuss word? Go figure. Available on Stellamccartney.com; 44,387. View Full Image Dhruv Kapoor Naps Tee TAKE A CATNAP Designer Dhruv Kapoor is known for envisioning clothes that meld maximalist art with tailored silhouettes. The clothes are defined by their vibrant colours, eclectic graphic prints and catchy text like One World" and Better Together". In a recent reinvention of the label, Kapoor 2.0, the designer's collection features feline-inspired clothes. Among our top picks from the line are this indigo-toned soft jersey tee with a rib-knit crew neck that features a cute Naps Before Snaps" graphic. It's easy on the eyes and the perfect gift for that cat person in your life. Available on Dhruvkapoor.com; 4,500. View Full Image Moschino In Love We Trust Minidress ALL HEART Founded by Franco Moschino who set down the label's now-established aesthetic of using catchy phrases on its clothes, Moschino over the years has given us some memorable lines. If Franco embroidered statements like Stop the Fashion System!" and Good Taste Doesnt Exist" on his designs, successors including Rossella Jardini and Jeremy Scott have penned slogans like Love Moschino" and Save our Sphere". This jet black minidress with straight, thigh-length hem features sequin embellishments and an In Love We Trust slogan print. Slogans don't always need to be related to a cause. As Moschino's designs show, sometimes, they can be self-aware observations dripping with dry wit or be statements that are all heart and humane. Available on Editorialist.com; 2.31 lakhs. View Full Image Huemn Red Unisex Button-down Shirt RED WHINE Slogan wear needn't always be oozing with unbridled optimism that nudges you to just do it or have good vibes only. As this long-sleeved fiery red cotton shirt from Huemn shows, you can vent your heart out with a catchphrase that angrily proclaims, Everyone sucks. Tell it like it is indeed. Available on Huemn.in; 8,500. Also Read | Neo-punk jewellery gets a touch of Indian grandeur View Full Image Willy Chavaria X Tinder Tee in Black LOVE ALL In January this year, queer designer Willy Chavarria walked the ramp at Paris Fashion Week wearing this limited edition black cotton t-shirt that he'd designed in collaboration with Tinder and The Human Rights Campaign for advancing equality, unity, and liberation for the LGBTQ+ community as fashion website Hypebae reports. On the official website, the lines for this t-shirt read How we love is who we are. Its not just a slogan its a belief. A declaration that love, in all its forms, is something to be proud of. To protect. To uplift." The sweatshirt sold out within days of the show proving that when fashion and personal politics meldharmoniously, a lot of good can happen. Available on Willychavarria.com; 9,866. View Full Image Off-White Out Of Office For Walking Sneakers IN QUOTES For late designer and founder of Off White, Virgil Abloh, slogans and quotation marks were part of the brand's design language. It was a particular quirk of his to place everyday statements like For Walking or Shoelaces on those very products and in quotes, no less. These round-toed black sneakers with front-lace up fastening feature the signature zip tie tag and that very meta statement as if it to wryly tell the world: these are shoes meant for walking alone and nothing else! Available on Farfetch.com; 85,625. View Full Image Z Monogram Rock-N-Roll Black Tote Bag TUNE IN Slogan t-shirts may be the most popular medium to make a political statement but designers have used accessories like bags, shoes, caps and even belts to express their beliefs. This Zadig&Voltaire tote bag features the houses signature monogram pattern and slogan that very few people can disagree with: All We Need is Rock-N-Roll music. Available on Farfetch.com; 30,503. View Full Image No Problemo Scarf in Blue COSY VIBES An offshoot of London-headquartered streetwear label Aries that is known for its slogan-based designs, No Problemo was founded in 2024, solely due to how popular the phrase No Problemo got for Aries. See, slogans can be powerful enough to create stand-alone brands! If slogan tops and tees are not your thing, layer up with this knitted acrylic scarf that features the brands signature slogan in intarsia design and has fringed ends. Available on Shopcapsul.com; 4,500. Also Read | Want to find your personal style? Stop following trends For this 36-year-old IT professional in Mumbai, the dream of a new home came crashing at the final hurdle. His loan was rejected. The reason was a 6.5 lakh personal loan on his credit report that he had never taken. The fraudulent entry had tanked his Cibil score from a healthy 780 to a dismal 620, instantly making him ineligible, said Deepak Kumar Jain, founder & CEO, CredManager.in, a loan aggregator platform that was handling his portfolio. He's not alone. A New Delhi-based man was denied a loan over two settled credit cards" from 2019, despite never owning one. A settled card means the lender closed it after a default, with the customer paying less than the full dues. His case was handled by his relative Gajender Yadav, an architect by profession but having a keen interest in credit cards. Across India, a growing number of consumers are discovering their financial lives held hostage by errors on their credit reports and identity theft through leaked PAN/Aadhaar data. Unknown loans dont always mean fraud, said Ankit Bagadia, associate director, BankBazaar. "For instance, Amazon Pay Later is backed by banks/NBFCs, so bureau reports show the lenders name, not Amazon, in case you have taken a buy now pay later loan from Amazon. Borrowers may not even know BNPL shows up in credit reports and that too directly against the lender's name, not the frontline platform," he added. View Full Image Mint How to reclaim your credit score Consumers can raise disputes directly on Cibils website. We forward the request to the concerned credit institution. Once they verify and update their data, we amend the report," said Bhavesh Jain, MD & CEO of TransUnion Cibil, a leading credit rating agency. This will reflect in your Cibil report the next time you access it post this data update by the respective bank. Consumers should also follow up with lenders to speed things up. Effective January 2025, credit institutions have been directed to share data with us fortnightly. The report is rectified only after they update their records," Jain added. In case of identity theft, where your PAN has been used by someone else, file a police complaint and FIR first, inform the lenders fraud investigation team with a written complaint stating the loan does not belong to your name and submit the FIR copy. Simultaneously, raise a complaint with credit rating agencies as a fraud alert stating all facts with the concerned fraudulent loan," said Jain of CredManager.in. "We followed the process and chased the crime investigating agency, lender and credit rating agency. Once the lender confirmed the fraudulent loan post investigation, they withdrew the loan and intimated the credit rating agency and ultimately the loan record was removed from the client's credit report," he said. It took Jain's client up to three months before the fraudulent loan was deleted from his credit report. His score recovered to 765. New Delhi-based Yadav, whose relative was denied a loan over two settled credit cards", contacted banks and sought data on credit cards issued in his relative's name and a PAN card. If lenders fail to resolve a query within 30 days, the customer can contact the RBI ombudsman. Banks were taking their own sweet time. We escalated the matter with the RBI ombudsman. It took three months of follow-ups, but finally, both cards were removed from his report Till date, we have no idea how those cards were issued on his PAN for someone else," he said. Sebi-registered investment adviser Abhishek Kumar had, in 2009, three overdue loans appearing against his PAN. These were due to another Abhishek" with the same date of birth. The banks confirmed it was tied to a different PAN. Once I shared this proof, Cibil corrected the report, and my loan was approved," he recalled. What about compensation? Jain of Cibil pointed out that under regulatory rules, if a credit report error isnt addressed within 30 days, consumers are entitled to compensation of 100 per day of delay by the entity causing such delay, until resolution. However, don't assume the compensation is automatic. You may have to ask for it. Notably, neither Deepak Kumar Jain's client nor Yadavs relative received compensation despite delays beyond 30 days. Bagadia of BankBazaar said he received compensation twice. In my case, a car loan was incorrectly marked as standard (denoted as "S"). When I raised a query, I found that S actually meant fully paid on time. The correction came 11 days past the 30-day window, and I was paid 1,100. Later, when updating my address and email took more than 30 days, I was compensated again," he said. Bagadia added that once a dispute is resolved, Cibil provides an updated, corrected report free of cost. How to safeguard your data In a digital age where data theft is a common concern, you must be cautious when sharing your documents with anyone, whether regulated or unregulated entities. "If you share copies of PAN, Aadhaar, write the purpose neatly on the document along with the date. Don't just give it with your signature. This will prevent unauthorised use," said Samit Singh, an ex-banker and now founder of Happy Retirement, a financial planning firm. "Limit the usage of Aadhaar and PAN until it is required mandatorily because of statutory requirements. If you have to use it, use masked Aadhaar (last 4 digits available) as much as possible," suggested Jain of CredManager.in. Don't wait until a loan rejection to check your score. "All four rating agencies offer it for free once a year. That is how you can check it on a quarterly basis," suggests Kumar. Though Experian, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark are also in the business, Cibil is more widely used to assess one's credit score. Consider subscriptions. "It will cost you around 900-1200 per annum for premium subscriptions. Cheaper options are available, too," Bagadia said. Should you check free credit reports on Google Pay, Amazon Pay or other aggregator platforms? Jain of Cibil says its allowed under the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005, which permits certain fintechs to fetch scores on behalf of consumers. It is advisable to always check your Cibil score on an authenticated and safe platform and avoid using unverified platforms. Otherwise, its safer to fetch reports directly from credit bureaus," he advised. Verifying the credibility of a platform before disclosing sensitive financial details is crucial to safeguard your credit information, he added. A year-old video of the late Jim Simonsthe secretive mathematician behind Renaissance Technologies, often called the most successful hedge fund in historyhas gone viral again on social media. In it, Simons breaks down the basics of investing: beta is the return you get from the overall market, like the S&P 500, while alpha is the extra return that comes independent of market moves. With a hint of pride, he notes that his famed Medallion Fund generated about 9095% alpha, almost untouched by market swings. Its a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a quantitative genius. But whats more fascinating is how this explanationhardly newhas become viral fodder in 2025, with retail investors dissecting alpha and beta in comment sections as if mastering the terminology might improve their returns. Jargon without depth This reflects a deeper truth about financial social media: the democratisation of jargon without the democratisation of expertise or resources. Retail investors are now fluent in hedge-fund terminology while often confused about the basicsconsistent saving, diversification, and low-cost investing. The irony is that Simons himself admitted that Renaissances public fundsthe only ones available to ordinary investorsdont do as well" as Medallion and carry significant beta exposure. The fund that generated near-pure alpha was closed to outsiders, reserved only for employees and Simons himself. This pattern repeats endlessly across financial social media. Complex concepts designed for institutional portfolio management get repackaged as investment wisdom for individual savers. The result is a generation of retail investors who can discuss alpha and beta with apparent sophistication, whilst making elementary errors in their actual investment decisions. Of course, this pattern repeats in many fields, from health to technology, but those are not my subjects. Also Read | AI won't pick your stocks and funds for you Back to basics Consider what actually matters for most individual investors. They need to save consistently, maintain diversified portfolios, keep costs low, and avoid the temptation to overcomplicate their approach based on half-understood concepts. These basics aren't glamorous enough to generate social media engagement, but they're what separate successful long-term investors from those who remain perpetually dissatisfied with their returns. Chasing alpha becomes particularly dangerous for retail investors because it encourages exactly the wrong behaviours. Instead of accepting that their portfolios will naturally contain significant beta exposure, they should recognise that this is perfectly acceptable. They begin chasing sophisticated strategies they don't understand, often paying higher fees to portfolio managers for the privilege of underperforming simple mutual funds. Its worth remembering that Simons built Renaissance by hiring hundreds of PhDs and developing proprietary algorithms, guarded like state secrets. The idea that retail investors can recreate this by tweeting about alpha and beta is laughable. The real lesson from Simons isnt in the Greek letters but in the distinction between what works for institutions and what works for individuals. His public funds carried significant beta exposure. And thats no bad thing. For most investors, simply capturing broad market performance efficiently is the smartest, most sustainable strategy. Dhirendra Kumar is founder and chief executive officer of Value Research, an independent advisory firm New Delhi: In a move that will overhaul the process for drug trials in India, the health ministry has drafted rules that aim to halve the approval time for new drugs and clinical testing. The proposal aims to accelerate innovation in pharmaceuticals, give patients a quicker access to medicines, and expand Indias footprint in the $1.55 billion global clinical trials industry. In a press statement on Wednesday, the health ministry said it is amending the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019, to promote ease of doing business. The proposed changes will streamline the process for testing licenses and certain studies by replacing the old licensing system with a faster online notification system. This is expected to reduce application processing times by half, from 90 to 45 days, it said. "The proposed amendments will reduce the number of license applications being submitted by approximately 50%," the ministry said. The draft notification has sought public comments within 30 days. The draft New Drugs and Clinical Trials (Amendment) Rules, 2025, seeks to overhaul the regulatory framework by cutting red tape for drug companies. The draft rules call for a new, simplified notification system for companies making or conducting research on new drugs. So, for many drugs, companies will no longer need to go through a long approval process; they can start manufacturing after an online notification is sent and acknowledged by the Central Licensing Authority. The existing rules for patient safety will, however, will stay under the new norms and this quick process will not apply to certain categories of drugs considered high-risk, such as sex hormones, cytotoxic drugs and narcotics. To boost India's pharmaceutical exports, the ministry has proposed a fast-track online notification system for certain studies on drugs. This applies to bioavailability and bioequivalence studies that are crucial to prove a drug's effectiveness. Bioavailability refers to how well the active part of a medicine is absorbed by the body, while bioequivalence compares two similar drugs to ensure they have the same effect. One of the key changes proposed allows companies to start studies on drugs meant for export with a simple online notification, provided the product has already been approved in major international markets like the US, UK, EU, Japan, Australia and Canada. These studies will be limited to a maximum of 48 healthy adult volunteers. In India, after successful trials, a company submits a new drug application to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. If approved, the drug receives a licence for sales. The proposed changes have been welcomed by leaders in the pharmaceuticals sector. They underscore the government's commitment to easing business and encouraging research and development, said Sheetal Arora, chief executive officer of Mankind Pharma Ltd. "The move will remove obstacles that have long slowed down crucial drug development, leading to faster innovation for patients and better business conditions," she said. Nikkhil K. Masurkar, the chief executive officer of Entod Pharmaceuticals, said the draft rules mark a decisive step toward establishing India as a global pharmaceutical hub. The new online notification system for studies already approved in other major markets will help align the country's practices with global standards, benefiting both local and international partners. The new rules are seen as a clear sign of Indias commitment to regulatory excellence and patient-focused drug development," Masurkar added. India's clinical trial market, valued at $1.55 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $3.38 billion by 2034, driven by cost-effectiveness and its large patient population. The country currently accounts for 8% of global clinical trial activity, according to Nova One Advisor, IMARC Group. The US is the global leader in the sector, followed by the major markets in Europe and China. Also Read | India revamps drugs PLI scheme in renewed pushback against Chinese imports Delhi-NCR rain alert: Heavy rainfall pounded national capital on Thursday morning adding to the misery caused by swollen Yamuna that is flowing above danger mark. The floodwaters entered homes and several low-lying areas were inundated which prompted evacuation of residents and cattle. Yamuna River water entered underpass near Delhi Secretariat and reached the Marghat Wale Baba Hanuman Temple. Heavy rains over the past few days caused waterlogging at several places, including Ayyappa Park area in Vikaspuri. Traffic advisory Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory on September 3, warning against rising water level and in a post on X stated, In view of the rising water level of the Yamuna River, traffic movement is heavily affected on Outer Ring Road from Majnu Ka Tila till Salimgarh By-Pass. Diversions will be in place from WazirabadSignature Bridge and Chandgi Ram AkhadaIP College Red Light. Advising commuters to avoid certain stretches, it urged motorists to use alternate routes and avoid roadside parking. Commuters must take note of the following diversion points: Wazirabad - Signature Bridge. Chandgi Ram Akhada - IP College Red Light. Vehicular movement will be diverted from the listed diversion points to possible alternate routes. Meanwhile, heavy congestion is likely on Outer Ring Road and adjoining stretches. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) sent a message to Delhi residents at 7:20 AM alerting them against very heavy rainfall and thundershowers in Faridabad, Gurugram, Jhajjar, Karnal, Nuh, Palwal, Panipat, Sonipat in next 3 hours. Also Read | Yamuna breaches 207 metre mark in Delhi amid rains; Jhelum crosses danger mark Flight advisory SpiceJet airlines issued a travel advisory on September 4. In a post on X , it stated, #WeatherUpdate: Due to bad weather in Delhi (DEL), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may be affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via http://spicejet.com/#status. Delhi weather forecast The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a nowcast warning at 6:45 AM predicting light to moderate rainfall, light thunderstorm and lightning in Delhi-NCR region in the next 2 hours. According to IMD, the day will see generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of very light to light rain/thundershowers. The maximum temperature is likely to settle 1 to 2 degrees Celsius below normal while the minimum temperature will be below normal up to 1 to 3 degrees Celsius amid IMD's yellow alert for the day. Earthquake today: Tremors of 5.8 magnitude struck Argentina's Salta on Thursday, September 4, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said. According to EMSC, the seismic activity occurred at a depth of 192 km (119 miles). Another quake of 6 magnitude on the Richter scale struck United States' Alaska. The tremors were felt 87 km Southwest of Nikolski at 8:57 PM (local time) on September 3. Almost 4 days ago, a 6 magnitude devastating earthquake struck Afghanistan. According to Taliban government's data released on Wednesday, the death toll from the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan crossed 1,469, leaving more than 3,700people injured. The strong tremors damaged houses, buried people under debris and destroyed villages. One of the deadliest quakes in decades "affected more than 500,000 people" in eastern Afghanistan, UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi informed AFP. As per the report, vast majority of the casualties were mainly in Kunar province. Around a dozen people died and hundreds were injured in nearby Nangarhar and Laghman provinces. Why was the Afghanistan quake deadly? The earthquake that struck before midnight on Sunday, August 31, in a mountainous region near Jalalabad, close to the Pakistan border, was a shallow quake that occurred at a depth of 8 km. Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. This is because the seismic waves from shallow earthquakes have a shorter distance to travel to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking and potentially more damage to structures and greater casualties. Located on numerous fault lines between the Indian and the Eurasian tectonic plates, Afghanistan has a history of powerful earthquakes, and the Hindu Kush Mountain range is a geologically active area where quakes occur every year, according to the Red Cross. Milad-un-Nabi 2025: Milad-un-Nabi also known as Eid-e Milad or Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif, is one of the most significant festivals for Muslims around the world. Widely celebrated by the Sufi and Barelvi sects, this day commemorates the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammed and depends on the sighting of the moon. When is Milad-un-Nabi? Enthusiastically and fervently observed by followers of Islam, this day falls in the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar called the Rabi al-Awwal. The list of Gazetted holidays states that Milad-un-Nabi festival will be observed on September 5, Friday. On this day, government and private schools and offices will remain closed. It is important to note that Sunnis observe it on the 12th of Rabi al-awwal while Shias mark it on the 17th day of the month. When was Milad-un-Nabi first celebrated? According to popular beliefs, the Fatimids were the first to officially mark the occasion. It is believed that the first official celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birth anniversary was observed in Egypt. The ruling Shia tribe in the region marked the festival during the initial days but by the 12th century, other countries like Syria, Morocco, Turkey and Spain also began celebrating it. Historical significance and importance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi Notably, the festivities date back to the early Islamic period. Many followers of the religion believe that the Prophet was born in Mecca on the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal in 570 CE. Listed below are top 300+ wishes, greetings and messages to share with your dear ones May the blessings of Prophet Muhammad bring peace, love, and guidance into your life. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! Wishing you and your family happiness, harmony, and countless blessings on this Milad-un-Nabi. On this holy occasion, may your faith grow stronger and your heart shine with divine light. May Prophet Muhammads teachings inspire you to walk the path of kindness and truth. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak to you and your loved ones! May Allahs mercy be with you always. Let us celebrate the birth of the Prophet by spreading love and compassion to all. May the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi illuminate your life with peace and prosperity. Wishing you a joyous Eid-e-Milad filled with blessings and happiness. On this sacred day, let us remember the values of love, patience, and humility taught by the Prophet. May Allah bless you with endless happiness and guide you to the right path always. Eid-e-Milad Mubarak! May the light of Prophet Muhammad guide you through lifes journey. May this Milad-un-Nabi bring health, wealth, and peace to your home. Wishing you a blessed celebration of the Prophets birth. May Prophet Muhammads life be an eternal source of inspiration for us all. On this day, may your prayers be answered and your heart be filled with peace. May you and your family be blessed with Allahs mercy on this holy occasion. Let us follow the path of compassion and forgiveness as taught by the Prophet. Wishing you spiritual growth, endless joy, and prosperity this Eid-e-Milad. May your life be filled with harmony and divine light this Milad-un-Nabi. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! Let love and faith rule your life. May your soul be enriched with patience, kindness, and piety. On this auspicious day, may your life shine brighter with hope and love. May the blessings of Allah and His Prophet always stay with you. Wishing you a joyful celebration of peace and harmony. Eid-e-Milad Mubarak! May your days ahead be blessed and beautiful. Let us spread happiness and unity in the name of Prophet Muhammad. May your life bloom with joy, just like this sacred occasion. May Allah accept your prayers and guide you towards success. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak to you and your family! 30. On this blessed occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, may the teachings of Prophet Muhammad guide us towards peace, compassion, and kindness. 31. May the blessings of the Prophet bring light to your heart and home, and may this Eid fill your life with happiness and harmony. 32. Wishing you and your family a joyous Eid-e-Milad filled with prayers, blessings, and peace. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! 33. Lets celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet with love and humility. May this Eid bring countless blessings to you and your loved ones. 34. On Eid-e-Milad, may Allahs mercy shine upon you, bringing hope, faith, and prosperity. 35. May the message of the Prophet inspire us to live with unity, kindness, and gratitude. Wishing you a blessed Eid-e-Milad! 36. Milad un Nabi Mubarak! May the Prophet's blessings bring peace to your life. 37. Eid Milad un Nabi Mubarak to you and your family. 38. Wishing you a joyful Eid-e-Milad filled with love and light. 39. Milad un Nabi Mubarak! Stay blessed with peace and happiness. 40. May your faith and devotion grow stronger this Milad un Nabi. 41. On the Prophet's birthday, may your life shine with light. 42. Eid Milad un Nabi Mubarak! Keep spreading love and kindness. 43. Celebrate the Prophets birth with joy and gratitude. Happy Eid-e-Milad! 44. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! May your life be filled with divine blessings. 45. May the Prophets teachings lead you to a life of peace. Eid Mubarak! 46. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! May Allahs grace surround you. 47. Wishing you and your family happiness, good health, and endless faith. 48. Lets celebrate this Milad with devotion, humility, and love. 49. May your heart be blessed with peace and your life with success. 50. Eid-e-Milad Mubarak! Walk in the footsteps of the Prophet with pride. 51. Wishing you countless reasons to smile on this holy day. 52. May this Milad bring prosperity and strengthen your iman (faith). 53. Celebrate this sacred day with love, joy, and prayers. 54. May Prophet Muhammads teachings continue to inspire the world. 55. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! May your path always be guided by light and wisdom. Adorable messages on Milad-un-Nabi for friends and family On this day, may we be reminded of the Prophets message of peace and compassion. May this Milad bring you endless blessings and unshakable faith. Wishing you a day full of joy and devotion. Lets honour the Prophets teachings with love, kindness, and peace. Eid-e-Milad Mubarak! May you receive Allahs mercy and protection always. May the birth of the Prophet fill your life with divine happiness. Wishing you a blessed Milad with love, harmony, and gratitude. On this holy occasion, may your home be filled with light and love. May the Prophets life continue to guide us to righteousness. Wishing you strength, peace, and prosperity on this Eid-e-Milad. May this sacred day inspire us to be better humans and faithful believers. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! May Allahs grace surround you. Wishing you and your family happiness, good health, and endless faith. Lets celebrate this Milad with devotion, humility, and love. May your heart be blessed with peace and your life with success. Eid-e-Milad Mubarak! Walk in the footsteps of the Prophet with pride. Wishing you countless reasons to smile on this holy day. May this Milad bring prosperity and strengthen your iman. Celebrate this sacred day with love, joy, and prayers. May Prophet Muhammads teachings continue to inspire the world. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! May your path always be guided by light and wisdom. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! May Allah's blessings and peace be upon the Prophet and may you be blessed on this holy day. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! May Allah's blessings and peace be upon the Prophet and may you be blessed on this holy day. Wishing you a Blessed Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi. May Allah's blessings and peace be upon the Prophet Muhammad. May this Mawlid bring guidance and barakah to you and your family. The Prophet's birth is a blessing for the world - let us fill our hearts with love and remembrance of him. May the guidance and blessings of the Prophet Muhammad be with you on this Milad un-Nabi and always. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak. Wishing you a blessed Milad-un-Nabi. May your home be filled with peace and barakah. Wishing you a Blessed Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi. May Allah's blessings and peace be upon the Prophet Muhammad. May this Mawlid bring guidance and barakah to you and your family. The Prophet's birth is a blessing for the world - let us fill our hearts with love and remembrance of him. May the guidance and blessings of the Prophet Muhammad be with you on this Milad un-Nabi and always. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak. Wishing you a blessed Milad-un-Nabi. May your home be filled with peace and barakah. Let the spirit of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi fill your home with peace. Happy Eid! Wishing you a day of reflection, prayer, and joy. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! 21. On this sacred day, may Allah grant you peace and prosperity. Happy Eid! 22. Wishing you a joyous Eid-e-Milad filled with the Prophets blessings. 23. May the Prophets message of unity inspire us all. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! 29. On this holy day, may your heart be filled with love. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! 30. Wishing you and your family a blessed Eid-e-Milad filled with devotion. 31. May this Eid bring spiritual growth and happiness. Eid Mubarak! 32. Wishing you and your family peace, blessings, and joy on this holy occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi. 33. May the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) guide us toward compassion, kindness, and unity. 34. On this blessed day, may your heart be filled with love and your soul with peace. 35. Eid-e-Milad Mubarak! May the Prophets light shine upon you always. 36. May Allah bless you with good health, happiness, and prosperity this Eid-e-Milad. 37. Let us remember the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and strive to follow his path. 38. Wishing you spiritual fulfillment and endless blessings on this auspicious day. 39. May the message of peace, love, and brotherhood spread across the world this Eid-e-Milad. 40. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! May you find strength in faith and joy in prayer. 41. On this holy day, let us commit to walking the path of truth and kindness. 42. May the divine blessings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) be with you today and always. 43. Wishing you a blessed Eid-e-Milad filled with gratitude and joy. 44. May Allahs mercy and love guide you in every step of life. 45. On this special occasion, may your home be filled with harmony and happiness. 46. Eid-e-Milad Mubarak! May peace and faith brighten your heart. 47. May this Eid remind us all of the Prophets teachings of humility and forgiveness. 48. Wishing you moments of reflection, love, and endless blessings. 49. Lets honor the legacy of the Prophet by spreading kindness and harmony. 50. Eid-e-Milad Mubarak to you and your loved onesmay your prayers be answered. 51. May the spirit of Eid-e-Milad inspire us to live with love, faith, and compassion every day. Short text messages on Milad-un-Nabi Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! May your heart shine with the Prophets light. Wishing peace and blessings on this holy day. Eid-e-Milad Mubarak to you and your family! May Allahs mercy fill your life with joy. Celebrate with love, kindness, and gratitude. Eid Milad-un-Nabi brings blessings and happiness. May faith guide you always. Sending prayers and blessings this Milad. Eid Mubarak! Walk in the Prophets footsteps. May your home be filled with light today. Wishing peace, prosperity, and faith this Milad. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak May Allah accept your prayers and devotion. Celebrate with love, kindness, and harmony. May your iman be strengthened today. Eid-e-Milad brings joy to our hearts. Wishing blessings and smiles always. May Allahs mercy shine upon you. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! Let peace and harmony fill your life. May your soul be blessed today. Celebrating the Prophets teachings with joy. Eid Mubarak! Wishing happiness and endless blessings. May this Milad bring peace and faith. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak to all Spread love and kindness everywhere today. May your life be filled with light. Eid Mubarak! Stay blessed always. Wishing harmony and love on this day. May Allahs guidance lead you always. Eid-e-Milad Mubarak! Sending you prayers and blessings today. May your heart bloom with faith. Eid Mubarak! Celebrate with love. Peace, prosperity, and blessings to you. Wishing a blessed Milad-un-Nabi! May this day inspire your soul. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak Prophet Mohammed inspirational short quotes The most honorable amongst the people are the most righteous amongst you Prophet Mohammad 2. The worst among people is the double faced (person). Prophet Mohammad 3. When three persons are together, then no two of them should hold secret counsel excluding the third person Prophet Mohammad 4. Whoever believes in GOD and the Last Day, should unite the bond of kinship Prophet Mohammad 5. The food for two persons is sufficient for three, and the food of three persons is sufficient for four persons Prophet Mohammad 6. The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger Prophet Mohammad 7. The believer is not he who eats his fill while his neighbour is hungry Prophet Mohammad 8. Be careful of wasting water even if you are at a flowing river Prophet Mohammad 9. When your servant brings your food to you, if you do not ask him to join you, then at least ask him to take one or two handfuls, for he has suffered from its heat (while cooking it) and has taken pains to cook it nicely Prophet Mohammad 10. The most honorable amongst the people are the most righteous amongst you Prophet Mohammad 11. When three persons are together, then no two of them should hold secret counsel excluding the third person Prophet Mohammad 12. A man asked the Prophet, "What Islamic traits are the best?" The Prophet said, "Feed the people, and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not know Prophet Mohammad Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi 2025 wishes in Hindi 1. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi ka parv aapke liye shanti aur samriddhi laaye. Paigambar Sahab ki sikhayein hamein sadaa sahi raasta dikhayein. Eid Mubarak! 2. Paigambar Sahab ki yaad se dil ka nageena roshan hai. Eid Milad Mubarak! Is pavitra din par, Allah se aapke liye khushiyan maangta hoon. Eid Mubarak! 3. Paigambar Hazrat Muhammad Sahab ke janamdin ki dher saari shubhkaamnaayein! Eid-e-Milad ke is khaas mauke par, aapke jeevan mein sukh-shanti rahe. Allah ka naayab tohfa hai yeh parv, ibaadat ke saath ise manayein. Eid Mubarak! 4. Is khaas din par, aapke dil mein mohabbat aur bhaichara badhe. Eid Milad Mubarak! Eid-e-Milad ka yeh parv aapke jeevan mein nayi roshni laaye. Shubhkaamnaayein! 5. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak! Paigambar Sahab ki sikhayein aapke jeevan ko roshan karein. Is pavitra din par, Allah aap par apni rehmat barsaye. Eid Mubarak! 6. Aaya hai din Nabi ke jashn ka, Har dil mein bas gaya hai unka noor ka, Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak, ho khushiyan bharpoor! 7. Nabi ke ishq mein dooba hai yeh dil, Unki yaad mein hai har pal ka silsila, Eid-e-Milad Mubarak, ho aapka har pal roshan! 8. Muhammad ke noor se hai duniya roshan, Unki sunnat pe chalna hai har insaan, Eid-e-Milad Mubarak, dua hai yeh dil se dil tak! 9. Muhammad ke ishq mein hai yeh jahan, Unki yaad mein hai har dil ka imaan, Eid-e-Milad Mubarak, ho aap par Allah ka karam! 10. Milad ka yeh din hai noor ka paigham, Nabi ke ishq mein hai har dil ka anjaam, Eid Mubarak, ho aapka jeevan sukoon ka! 11. Nabi ke noor se hai dil ka sukoon, Unki sunnat pe chalna hai har Muslim ka junoon, Eid-e-Milad Mubarak, ho aap par rehmat ka silsila! 12. Jashn-e-Milad hai, noor ka paigham hai, Muhammad ke ishq mein dil ka anjaam hai, Eid Mubarak, ho aapka har pal roshan! The GST Councils decision to streamline Indias indirect tax regime is expected to reduce disputes over the classification of goods and services, offering relief to both industry and consumers. The number of rate slabs has been cut from four to two (5% and 18%), with a 40% levy reserved for sin goods. While the lower rates will ease the burden on consumers, some experts Mint spoke with said the rate rationalisation will not eliminate classification disputes entirely. Tax professionals and legal practitioners said removing goods and services tax (GST) slabs of 12% and 28% could curb litigation, which has historically arisen from ambiguous classifications between closely related goods and services. However, grey areas will persist, particularly due to product innovations, which are likely to continue fueling legal disputes. For instance, in restaurants, plain bread or parathas remain untaxed or taxed at the basic rate, but adding a topping such as cheesetaxed at 5%could change the applicable GST. Decisions taken by the GST Council yesterday are expected to reduce disputes because the number of rates has come down, and the probability of the industry applying an incorrect rate, either knowingly or unknowingly, has ceased to exist," said S.R. Patnaik, partner (head-taxation) at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. With fewer rates, grey areas reduce and compliance becomes smoother, said Sandeep Sehgal, partner, tax, at AKM Global. While some transitional challenges are inevitable, in the medium to long run, this change should meaningfully reduce litigation and make GST more predictable." Also Read | How FMCG and appliance makers plan to pass on GST benefits to consumers History is the witness Past disputes illustrate the complexity. In Kerala, courts were asked to determine whether parathas should be taxed like rotis; coconut oil sparked debates over whether it should attract 5% GST as edible oil or 18% as hair oil; and popcorn has faced rates ranging from 5% to 18%, depending on interpretation. Other contentious items included flavoured milk, paneer analogues, high-end monitors, bread and pizza bases, fertilizers, insecticides, and computer components. These disputes can drag on for years, moving from the Authority for Advance Rulings (AAR) to tribunals, high courts, and the Supreme Court, straining Indias already congested judicial system. The stakes are high. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman told Parliament in December 2024 that tax revenue locked in litigation for direct taxes totalled 11.83 trillion, with over 71,453 cases pending across courts and tribunals as of 31 December 2024. Tax experts say GST classification disputes affect both businesses and consumers. Frequent changes in tax rates and unclear product categories create price confusion, while small businesses face higher compliance costs and blocked tax credits, often paying extra taxes rather than pursuing lengthy court battlescosts that are ultimately passed on to consumers. While the simplification is expected to reduce litigation, experts caution that disputes will not disappear entirely and going to some fresh challenges. The new rate simplification will reduce the number of slabs from four to two, which is likely to lower the number of classification disputes. But it will not eliminate them. Interpretational issues and product innovations may still give rise to disagreements," said Darshan Bora, partner at Economic Laws Practice. Unless product definitions are made more market-oriented and HSN codes clarified, classification disputes will persistparticularly in sectors governed by technical specifications, said Ankit Jain, partner at Ved Jain & Associates. He added that the new slabs bring fresh challenges: in the short term, anti-profiteering investigations may require businesses to demonstrate that lower GST rates are passed on to consumers, especially in FMCG, personal care, and retail. An Air India Express flight from Vijayawada to Bengaluru was cancelled after it suffered a bird hit, an airline official said on Thursday. An eagle struck the nose of the aircraft while taxiing on the runway for takeoff, he said. The airline had to cancel the flight and make alternate arrangements for the passengers. The bird hit happened before takeoff. It occurred when the aircraft was taxiing on the runway... the official told PTI. The following incident comes close to the heels of a Nagpur-Kolkata IndiGo flight returning to Nagpur airport after a suspected bird hit it after takeoff on Tuesday morning. As a precautionary measure, the plane, carrying 160 to 165 passengers, had to return to Nagpur airport, an official told PTI. The flight was then cancelled, the official added. Similar incident: Earlier on September 31, 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. 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. 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. West Bengal Assembly Chaos: Tensions ran high in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on Thursday, 4 September, as heated exchanges between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators descended into chaos. The dramatic scenes prompted an ambulance to be rushed to the Assembly after BJP MLA Shankar Ghoshs health deteriorated during the confrontation. What triggered the uproar in the Assembly? The pandemonium unfolded during a discussion on a West Bengal government resolution addressing alleged atrocities against Bengal migrants. As Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee prepared to speak, BJP legislators erupted in slogans demanding answers over the suspension of Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on 2 September. The protest quickly escalated, with treasury bench members responding vociferously, leading to a fierce exchange between the two sides. Also Read | West Bengal govt mandates screening of Bengali films in every cinema hall Why were BJP MLAs suspended? Amid the disorder, Speaker Biman Banerjee intervened and suspended BJP chief whip Shankar Ghosh for the rest of the day. However, Shankar Ghosh refused to leave the chamber, prompting marshals to physically remove him. As the BJP MLA was dragged out, Shankar Ghoshs condition reportedly worsened, necessitating an ambulance to be brought into the Assembly premises. He later received medical attention on-site. The Speaker also ordered the suspension of two other BJP MLAs: Agnimitra Paul, who was taken out by women marshals after vociferous sloganeering. Mihir Goswami, who was similarly accused of disrupting proceedings. Did the BJP-TMC confrontation in Bengal Assembly turn violent? According to Bengal BJP legislators, water bottles were allegedly thrown at them from the treasury benches during the ruckus in the Bengal Assembly, further inflaming tempers. Marshals were subsequently deployed to form a human barricade between the two groups to prevent physical clashes. While no serious injuries were reported, the West Bengal Assembly remained in a state of high tension, with verbal duels reportedly continuing even after the suspended MLAs were removed. Also Read | Credit clash? Mamata takes veiled dig at BJP ahead of Kolkata metro launch What was CM Mamata Banerjees reaction? Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the conduct of the BJP members, accusing them of deliberately attempting to derail a crucial debate aimed at highlighting the struggles of Bengali migrants. This was an important discussion, but they tried to disrupt it completely, Banerjee said, criticising the oppositions tactics inside the House. Despite the turmoil, the Bengal Assembly was not adjourned, and the discussion proceeded amid tight security and heightened vigilance. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) called a five-hour Bihar bandh on Thursday, September 4, over alleged abuses hurled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during a joint rally of the Opposition in Darbhanga, Bihar. The bandh will begin at 7 am on Thursday and end at 12 pm. The BJP said that on September 4, the protest will be led by the women's wings of all NDA constituents across Bihar. What's closed in Bihar today? RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, "The bandh will only force the closure of schools for the day." According to India TV News, the following will remain closed across Bihar on Thursday, September 4: Educational institutions schools, colleges and coaching centres Intercity bus services to stay shut Government institutions and private businesses will not remain operational Traffic on roads will also be affected due to the Chakka Jam blockades Those planning to visit banks should check with their regional branches in advance to avoid any inconvenience, NDTV Profit reported. What's open in Bihar today? As per reports, emergency services will be exempted from the purview of the bandh. Emergency services like ambulances, hospitals, ail operations and other essential facilities will not be affected during the bandh to avoid inconvenience to the public. Emergency services like hospitals, clinics, medical shops, and ambulances will remain operational Essential goods like groceries and others will also remain available Petrol pumps will remain open Train services will also remain operational Also Read | Google DeepMind Chief Scientist says AI already surpasses humans in most tasks Why Bihar bandh has been called? The NDA called Bihar bandh in protest against objectionable comments made by Congress workers against PM Modi and his mother last week in Darbhanga during the Voter Adhikar Yatra. A purported viral video showed an unidentified person using a Hindi expletive against PM Modi from a dais raised during the yatra in Darbhanga, from where Rahul Gandhi, her sister Priyanka Vadra and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had left for Muzaffarpur on motorcycles on August 27. Also Read | Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav to begin Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar from Aug 17 The accused, a 25-year-old resident, has been arrested. The Congress-led INDIA bloc maintained that he was not a member of any of the constituent parties. The leaders of the NDA has been demanding an apology from the RJD and the Congress over the incident. Announcing Bihar Bandh on Spetember 4, Nityanand Rai, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, said in a post on X: Won't tolerate the insult to mother Bihar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a bilateral meeting with Singapore PM Lawrence Wong at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs in a post on X said their talks focused on expanding cooperation in various gamut. However, no discussion on the 50 per cent US tariffs on India was held during the meeting. On being asked if Singapore PM Wong and PM Modi discussed the 50 per cent US tariff during their meeting in Delhi, P Kumaran, Secretary (East), denied the same. There was no discussion on it, except for the broad global uncertainty and the need for all of us to diversify our trade and investment relationships, and explore as many preferential trade agreements or free trade agreements as possible to diversify our supply chains and make them more resilient, he told reporters after the meeting. India is currently facing a 50 per cent tariff on almost all of its exports to the US. On the other hand, US tariffs on Singapore is 10 per cent. Kumaran further said that defence talks between India and Singapore is still work in progress. As part of defence industry cooperation, we do talk about possibilities for co-development, co-production, developing technologies together, and possibly sharing the outputs of any such collaboration, but nothing specific yet, the diplomat said. PM Modi's bilateral talk Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that PM Narendra Modi and Lawrence Wong held wide ranging and fruitful talks on Thurday. Their discussions focussed on trade and investment, advanced manufacturing, connectivity and healthcare among others, Jaiswal said. Stronger India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership! PM Narendra Modi and PM Lawrence Wong held wide ranging and fruitful talks at Hyderabad House today. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, advanced manufacturing, connectivity, digitalization, healthcare and medicine, skilling, sustainability, defence and security as also people-to-people and cultural connections. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The two PM's adopted a Roadmap for India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, providing a strategic direction to the bilateral partnership, he said in a post on X. Also Read | Singapore orders Meta to implement anti-scam measures or face possible fine In a press conference after the talks, PM Modi said that both India and Singapore share similar views on terrorism, and fighting terrorism is the duty of all humanitarian countries. Also Read | Will your next trip or movie date cost less under new GST rates? Find out here We share common concerns regarding terrorism. We believe that fighting against terrorism with unity is the duty of all humanitarian countries. In the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Wong and the Government of Singapore for their sympathy towards the people of India and for their support in our fight against terrorism, he said. The Singaporean PM arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for a three-day official visit. After discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has approved to reopen National Highway-2 (NH 2) for commuters and goods movement. NH 2 connects Dibrugarh, Assam, to Tuipang, Mizoram, in the Northeast region. The Kuki-Zo Council has decided today to open the National Highway-02 for the free movement of commuters and essential goods. The decision came after a series of meetings between officials of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and a delegation of KZC in the last few days at New Delhi," Ministry of Home Affairs informed in a statement issued on Thursday, September 4. "KZC has given commitment to cooperate with Security Forces deployed by GoI to maintain peace along NH-02, it added. The latest development comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's likely visit to Mizoram and Manipur on 13 September to inaugurate the new Bairabi-Sairang railway project, PTI reported citing officials in Aizawl. Suspension of Operations agreement signed A meeting between representatives of the Home Ministry, the Manipur government, the Kuki National Organisation , and the United Peoples Front was also held in New Delhi today, where a Suspension of Operations Agreement was signed with revised terms. The meeting concluded with the signing of a tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement on re-negotiated terms and conditions (ground rules) to be effective from the day of signing for a period of one year, the statement read. The revised terms also reiterated the territorial integrity of Manipur and the need for a negotiated solution to bring peace and stability in the state. Also Read | NIA arrests man involved in killing of six Meiteis in Manipurs Jiribam What terms have the Kuki National Organisation and the United Peoples Front agreed to? Both organisations gave nod to the following conditions A Delhi court on Wednesday heard a plea seeking the registration of a first information report (FIR) against senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, alleging that her name appeared in the New Delhi electoral roll in 1980, three years before she became an Indian citizen. The petition, filed by complainant Vikas Tripathi, claims that Sonia Gandhis inclusion in the voter list prior to acquiring Indian citizenship suggests the use of forged documents, amounting to a cognisable offence. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Vaibhav Chaurasia of the Rouse Avenue Court heard preliminary arguments and fixed 10 September as the next date of hearing. What Are the Allegations Against Sonia Gandhi? According to Tripathis plea, Sonia Gandhi officially became an Indian citizen on 30 April 1983, but her name was included in the electoral roll of the New Delhi constituency in 1980, later deleted in 1982, and re-entered in 1983 after she obtained citizenship. Tripathis counsel, Senior Advocate Pavan Narang, argued that this timeline raises serious questions about the documents submitted to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Bar and Bench reported. Her application [for Indian citizenship] is also of April 1983. How her (Sonia Gandhi) name got included in the electoral roll in the New Delhi constituency in 1980, which was then deleted in 82 and re-entered in 1983, Narang told the court. He further alleged: The inclusion of her name in the electoral roll in 1980 means some forged documents were submitted, and there is a case showing that a cognisable offence has been committed. Legal Grounds, Relief Sought Against Sonia Gandhi The complaint has been filed under Section 175(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which empowers a magistrate to order a police investigation. Narang requested the court to issue directions to the police to register an FIR and investigate the matter. My limited request is to either direct the police to register an FIR under the appropriate sections. Whether they are made out or not is the domain of the police, Narang said. In the interim, a notice could be issued to the police for filing a status report. The respondents in the case are Sonia Gandhi and the Station House Officer (SHO) of the IP Estate Police Station. Also Read | National Herald Case: Delhi court reserves cognisance order What Did the Delhi Court Say? The Delhi court did not issue any formal notice to either Sonia Gandhi or Delhi Police at this stage. ACJM Chaurasia observed that the case file, which runs over 230 pages, requires detailed examination before further orders can be passed. However, the court in its discretion needs some time to go through the file, which runs to almost 230 pages. Short date (of September 4) is being granted, the magistrate said during an earlier hearing on 29 August. On Wednesday, the magistrate concluded the session by setting 10 September for further consideration. Why Was Sonia Gandhis Name Allegedly Deleted and Re-Added? Narang argued that there is no clear explanation for why Gandhis name was first deleted from the electoral roll in 1982 and then re-added in 1983 after she gained citizenship. The reason for the deletion is nowhere to be found. There can be two reasons either someone takes the citizenship of another country or files a Form 8 (application for correction in particulars in an electoral roll). But the prerequisite is that the person has to be a citizen, Narang stated. What documents were given to the Election Commission when her name got included in 1980? he questioned, suggesting that a public authority may have been cheated in the process. Also Read | National Herald case very strange, Sonia Gandhi in court Next Steps in the Case The case will be taken up again by the Rouse Avenue Court on 10 September, when the magistrate will decide whether to issue notices or direct the police to register an FIR. No response has yet been issued by Sonia Gandhi or the Congress party regarding the allegations. A chilling case of suspected honour killing was reported in Uttar Pradesh's Aliyapur village, where a 24-year-old female IAS aspirant was allegedly shot dead by her differently abled brother. The woman's mother has been accused of helping the brother to carry out the killing, reported PTI. Initially, the mother-son duo tried to pass off the woman Manvi Mishra's death as suicide. Forensic examinations, however, revealed that the bullet entered the victim's head through the left side, while the pistol was found in her right hand, raising the police's suspicion. The woman was found dead at her parents' home in Aliyapur village under Pali police station limits on Sunday morning. Why was the aspirant killed? Even though the IAS aspirant's kin claimed she committed suicide, the investigation revealed that she was killed allegedly for marrying against her family's wishes, Circle Officer (Shahabad) Alok Raj Narayan said. According to police, Mishra married Abhinav Katiyar, a government school principal from Bareilly, in January this year through an Arya Samaj ceremony and court registration. During interrogation, her brother, Ashutosh Mishra, confessed to shooting her with a country-made pistol, police said, adding that her mother has also been arrested for alleged conspiracy in the crime, reported PTI. She was staying at her parental home while preparing for the UPSC civil services examination. The latest case of the IAS aspirant's killing in Uttar Pradesh comes days after a honour killing in the state's Hathras. Teen girl beheaded in Hathras A 19-year-old girl from Aligarh was reportedly murdered and beheaded by her father, stepmother, and step-grandfather over suspicions of bringing "disgrace" to the family. The three accused were arrested after the incident came to light, as per reports. New GST Rates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took a swipe at the Congress party for criticising the special 40 per cent tax slab on luxury items like high-end cars, tobacco, and cigarettes on Wednesday after she announced a major cut in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on essential goods, cars, farm equipment, and electronics. The GST rate cut move is being seen as a major reform aimed at providing relief to households, businesses, and the healthcare sector. The GST Council has simplified tax rates by limiting them to 5 per cent and 18 per cent, effective 22 September. A special 40 per cent rate will apply to luxury items like high-end cars and tobacco and cigarettes. During the press conference on Wednesday night, when it was pointed out that some in the Opposition have questioned the special 40 per cent slab, Sitharaman took a swipe at the Congress. Does the Congress party want tobacco and gutkha to be taxed at just 5 per cent GST? I fail to understand this. During their tenure, the Congress party believed implementing GST was impossible because states didn't trust the central government. That's why they couldn't implement it," Sitharaman responded. "I do not know what word I should use for the Congress. They should make up their mind whether they want to oppose it or support it," she added. A video clip of Sitharaman's response was later shared on X by the office of the Finance Minister. We have implemented the GST and are also doing second-generation reforms under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi so that people get relief on their day-to-day items, read the post tagging the prime minister. Sitharaman said tobacco, gutka, tobacco products, and cigarettes will continue to be charged at the current 28 per cent plus a compensation cess until loans taken to pay states for revenue loss are fully paid back. Gabbar Singh Tax: Rahul Gandhi India adopted the GST in 2017, sweeping in more than a dozen domestic state taxes in a bid to unify the economy on the principle of "one nation, one tax, one market". It was hailed as the biggest tax reform since independence from Britain in 1947. The new system had four tax slabs, of 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent and 28 per cent, with scores of goods in each category. An additional levy was imposed above the tax of 28 per cent on some items, such as cigarettes, luxury cars and high-end motorcycles. Prime Minister Modi announced the sweeping changes to the complex GST regime during his Independence Day speech on 15 August. The Congress party has reacted to PM's I Day announcement, saying, finally, the prime minister has understood that "as long as these changes are not introduced and there is no substantial increase in consumption and spending, the process of development will not accelerate. For the last 18 months the Indian National Congress has been demanding fundamental changes into the Goods and Services Tax 2.0, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said in a statement. 8 years too late Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram welcomed the Centre's recent GST rationalisation and rate cuts but criticised the move as being "8 years too late". In a post on X, Chidambaram, the former Union Finance Minister, said the current GST design and rates should not have been introduced in the first place, adding that the opposition had repeatedly warned against these issues for years, but their pleas were ignored. On Thursday, a day after the announcement of GST reform, another Congress leader, Pawan Khera, asked, When they finally have to follow Rahul Gandhis advice, why do they take so much time in doing that? Khera shared screenshots of Gandhi's previous posts in which he said, "as an indirect tax affects rich and poor alike, I urge GST council to keep the rate at 18 per cent or lower so that the poor are not unduly burdened." Does the Congress party want tobacco and gutkha to be taxed at just 5 per cent GST? I fail to understand this. Weather Today: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has asked people not to listen to rumours and assured that the administration will not lower its guard regarding the ongoing flood situation. "Dal gates have not been opened, Kandizaal bund has not been breached or broken. The Jhelum is climbing but at a much slower rate than was feared. The administration is not going to lower its guard, we continue to monitor the situation very closely but at the same time we appeal to people not to believe in rumours that are being spread unnecessarily," Omar Abdullah posted on X on Wednesday. The chief minister's post comes amid rumours that water from the River Jhelum was being diverted into Dal Lake or into the Kandizaal area by breaking the protective bund. Panic amid chilling deja vu of 2014 Following this, several residents of low-lying areas, who are expected to get affected by any such possibility, were gripped by panic and scrambled to move their belongings to the first floor of their houses. Also Read | Swelling Jhelum revives haunting memories of devastating Srinagar floods of 2014 Throughout the day on 3 September, the Jhelum and its tributaries roared past danger levels after two days of torrential rain, sparking fears of a repeat disaster. Panic-stricken locals were seen standing till late night on Wednesday by embankments of river and flood channels across Kashmir to monitor the water levels. Similar situation was witnessed in Kashmir last week too, but the water levels eventually receded. For many residents, it was a chilling deja vu of 2014 when Jhelum and its tributaries swelled into a devastating deluge around the same time that year, submerging large parts of Kashmir and claiming countless lives. Many areas in Srinagar were flooded with the ground floors of houses underwater for over 20 days. But this time, the swollen river waters began receding by Wednesday evening, according to local newspapers. Announcements from Masjids The Vaishaw stream at Khudwani was running well above the danger mark due to cloudbursts at several places, but luckily the water level started receding once the day closed, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, told English daily Greater Kashmir. The cloud burst also occurred in the upper areas of Waltengoo, Kund, in the Devsar area of Kulgam, raising the water level in Sandran, another tributary of the Jehlum. Also Read | Yamuna breaches 207 metre mark in Delhi amid rains; Jhelum crosses danger mark As a preemptive measure, the Srinagar administration advised residents of Lasjan, Soiteng, Nowgam, Vyethpora, Golpora, Padshahibagh, and Mehjoornagar to evacuate to safer places due to a reported breach at Shalina, Budgam. Officials said announcements through local committees, masjids, and local revenue and police authorities in this area have already been made. Jammu Kashmir Weather to improve In central Kashmir, the Sindh Nallah at Ganderbal also rose sharply but later declined. Water levels surged across Dal Lake, Nigeen, Aanchar, Wular Lake, and multiple Jhelum stretches, including Khanabal, Sangam, Pampore, and Srinagars Ram Munshi Bagh. Several breaches were reported but quickly plugged with sandbags by flood control teams and locals. The water seeped into Gonikhan Market near Lal Chowk, following which the Police installed fencing around the market. By late Wednesday night, the weather had improved, and water levels across tributaries were dropping as there had been no rain since 10 AM in most parts of Kashmir. The Meteorological Department forecast further improvement from Thursday, 4 September. Onam will be celebrated on September 5, Friday, connecting the festivities of the present with the traditions of the past. The festival of Onam is celebrated in parts of South Indian cities, especially in Kerala. Happy Onam 2025 wishes, quotes, Facebook and WhatsApp messages to share Here are 300 wishes, messages and quotes you can share with you loved ones on Onam: Short Wishes Wishing you a bright and colorful Onam 2025 filled with joy and prosperity! May this Onam bring endless happiness to you and your family. Celebrate the spirit of unity and joy this Onam! Happy Onam 2025! May the festive colors light up your life. Wishing you health, wealth, and peace this Onam season. May this harvest festival shower your life with blessings. Onam greetings to you and your loved oneshave a blessed year ahead! May this Onam fill your heart with love and positivity. Celebrate this season of abundance with joy and laughter. Happy Onam! Wishing you days of prosperity and happiness. On this joyful day, may your heart and home be filled with life and laughter. Happy Onam. May the bright flowers of the pookkalam bring colours of happiness to your life. Traditional Blessings Onam is the time to cherish family bonds and traditionswishing you eternal happiness. Warm Onam wishes! May Lord Mahabali bless you with good health, wealth, and eternal happiness. May King Mahabali bless you with peace, health, and prosperity this Onam. Onam greetings filled with love and the spirit of togetherness. Let this Onam remind us of the golden rule of kindness and equality. May your life be as colorful as the pookalam this Onam. Wishing you and your family a prosperous and blessed Onam 2025. May Onam mark the beginning of a successful year for you. Celebrate the harvest, cherish your loved ones, and embrace new beginnings. This Onam, may harmony and happiness reign in your home. Sending you warm Onam wishes wrapped in tradition and joy. Inspirational Quotes Onam reminds us that happiness lies in unity and sharing. The true spirit of Onam is love, peace, and togetherness. Just as the pookalam blooms with colors, may your life bloom with positivity. Onam is not just a festival, it is a feeling of belonging and hope. Prosperity follows where there is gratitudelet this Onam inspire thankfulness. Like the flowers of Onam, may your life be filled with beauty and growth. Onam is proof that culture and tradition keep our hearts connected. Every Onam is a reminder that unity creates abundance. Let Onam teach us that simplicity and kindness are true wealth. Celebrate lifes harvest by spreading joy this Onam. Fun & Light-hearted Messages Eat more payasam, worry lessHappy Onam! Wishing you a harvest of happiness and a pot full of success this Onam! May your pookalam be bigger than your neighborsHappy Onam! Calories dont count on Onamenjoy the sadhya guilt-free! Onam is the only day when rice and banana chips are a full-time meal! Lets celebrate Onam with laughter, food, and a bigger appetite! As the aroma of Onam Sadhya fills the air, may your life be filled with the sweet fragrance of success and contentment. Wishing you an Onam as sweet as payasam and as colorful as the flowers. May your Onam be free of stress and full of coconut chutney! Onam is incomplete without friends, family, and endless sadhya servings. Dont count calories, count blessings this Onam. Sending you Onam wishes with extra banana chips! WhatsApp Status / Facebook Captions Happy Onam 2025! Celebrating love, tradition & togetherness. May this harvest season bring you prosperity & peace. #OnamVibes King Mahabalis blessing is with us todayHappy Onam! Feast, flowers, and festivitythats the spirit of Onam. Happiness is homemade sadhyaHappy Onam 2025! Let your life bloom like a vibrant pookalam. Onam reminds us that good times always return. Wishing everyone joy, unity, and love this Onam season. Celebrate Onam with a grateful heart and endless smiles. Happy Onam to one and allspread joy like flower petals. Onam Instagram captions Traditional & Festive Onam Captions Wishing you a harvest of happiness this Onam Onam vibes, Kerala style May this Onam bring joy, peace, and prosperity Celebrating the spirit of togetherness this Onam Pookalam days and festive nights The colours of Onam brighten every heart Sadya on a banana leaf = happiness on a plate A time for tradition, a time for celebration Onam blessings in full bloom When pookalams bloom, so does joy On this beautiful Onam, may you life be as colourful and vibrant as pookalams! Sadya & Foodie Captions Banana leaf > fancy plate any day Onam Sadya: a feast for the stomach and the soul Counting curries, not calories today Sadya squad goals Rice, sambar, avial = pure love Feast mode: ONam Banana leaf diaries The real joy of Onam = payasam Curry + banana leaf + family = Onam feels Happiness served on a banana leaf Pookalam Captions Petals, patterns, perfection Every pookalam tells a story Colours that bloom with joy Pookalam therapy A circle of love and tradition Designing happiness, petal by petal More petals, more smiles Onam pookalam = Keralas art on the floor Flowers say it better Petals of peace Kerala & Nature Captions Kerala in its festive glory Coconut trees, banana leaves, and Onam vibes Gods Own Country celebrating Gods Own Festival When Kerala blooms, the world smiles Onam: natures way of saying celebrate Kerala sunsets + Onam vibes = perfection Tropical traditions never looked better Onam season = Kerala magic Coconut water, curry, and culture Nature and culture blend in Onam Fun & Quirky Captions Onam outfit: check. Sadya plate: double check Calories dont count on Onam Onam OOTD = ethnic goals Dance, feast, repeat Payasam first, questions later Keep calm and eat sadya Feels like festival, tastes like heaven Who needs a gym when you have sadya plates? Onam squad = my happy place When in doubt, eat one more curry Group & Family Captions Family, food, and festivals Togetherness is the true spirit of Onam My Onam squad Celebrating unity with love Family that eats sadya together, stays together Onam smiles, all around Group goals = Onam pookalam Festival of love, laughter, and light Onam selfie squad Sharing food, sharing joy Students prepare 'rangoli', a floral decorative design, during the celebrations of Onam, an annual harvest festival, in Chennai. People gather near caparisoned elephants during Onam festival celebrations, at Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple, in Kochi. 4. On this festive day, may your life bloom like a Pookalam. 5. Wishing you an Onam Sadhya full of flavors and your year full of success. 6. May the joy of Onam bring unity and prosperity to your family. 7. Celebrate the spirit of Onam with joy and devotionhappy Onam! 8. Sending you warm Onam greetings and heartfelt wishes for a blessed year ahead. 9. May Lord Mahabali bless you with a life full of success and fulfilment. 10. May this Onam bring you closer to your loved ones and strengthen bonds of love. 11. Happy Onam! May your days be filled with joy, peace, and endless celebrations. 12. Wishing you a colourful Onam, full of devotion, happiness, and unforgettable memories. 13. May the festival of Onam inspire you to achieve new heights and embrace positivity. 14. Wishing you a festive Onam surrounded by love, laughter, and cherished moments. 15. May the vibrant spirit of Onam bring happiness and success to your life. 16. Happy Onam! May this auspicious festival fill your heart with hope and positivity. Also Read | Onam 2024: 7 Sadhya meal items on banana leaf 17. Wishing you a joyful Onam with delicious feasts, beautiful traditions, and sweet memories. 18. Onam is the time to forget all the worries and welcome the king of kindness with a plateful of food. 19. Welcome King Mahabali with open heart and fill your life with kindness. 20. Sending prosperous wishes to your family this Onam. Have a wonderful life. 21. As the sweet payasam and traditional dishes adorn your table, may they also fill your life with sweetness and fulfilment. Happy Onam to you and your family. 22. On this festive occasion, may the blessings of King Mahabali bring you and your family endless joy and success. Happy Onam. 23. Onam gathers people, traditions and stories into one beautiful celebration. May this year's festival be a gentle reminder of all the good that still surrounds you. 24. As King Mahabali returns to bless the land, may your days be filled with the kind of happiness that doesn't fade. 25. I wish you a bountiful Onam filled with good food, cherished moments, and the company of loved ones. May this festival bring abundance to your life. Happy Onam! Why is Onam celebrated? Kerala tourism explains that Onam is celebrated for mythological reasons, as well as old agrarian practices. Mythology: King Mahabali or Maveli was a generous and virtuous ruler who had once ruled Kerala. During his rule, the kingdom became so prosperous that devas (gods of the Heaven) felt jealous about this and also for the reason that King Mahabali was an asura - a member of the demon clan - who were the enemies of devas. So, they sent Lord Vishnu in the guise of Vamana (a dwarf) to King Mahabali. As an offering from the generous king, Vamana requested three feet of land from Mahabali. And at the time of measuring the three feet of land, Vamana grew so huge that he measured all the worlds in two steps. Since he had nowhere else to place his third step, Mahabali asked Vamana to place it on his head. Also Read | Best of the Week | Good Onam sadhyas and better journalism Pleased by his benevolence, Vamana blessed Mahabali and granted him permission to visit his dear subjects once in a year. This occasion is celebrated by all Keralites as Onam. Other reasons: Onam is also celebrated because it is the time of the year when a good harvest has been gathered all over Kerala, resulting in plenitude and happiness. A Russian influencer has set off a heated conversation online after revealing her hefty monthly expenses while living in Gurugram (formerly Gurgaon). Viktoriia Kovan, who frequently shares snippets of her life in India, claimed in a viral Instagram video that she pays 1.2 lakh just for her one-bedroom apartment, a figure that left many social media users stunned. Also Read | Kuki-Zo Council approves reopening of NH 2 after talks with MHA Sharing the video with the caption, Real facts, prepare your pockets to maintain a good lifestyle in Gurgaon, Kovan suggested that living comfortably in the Millennium City requires deep pockets. The clip begins with a text overlay reading, They say life in India is soooo cheap Also, my basic monthly expenses in Gurugram. She then breaks down her spending, which includes: 1,20,000 for rent 1,20,000 for rent 1,000 per ride for Uber Black 1,000 per ride for Uber Black 15,000 for electricity 15,000 for electricity 30,000 for shopping 30,000 for shopping 20,000 for medicines 20,000 for medicines 40,000 for groceries Internet reacts Her revelation shocked many viewers, with one user commenting, 1,20,000 for a flat!??? You live in heaven or something?? Need a room tour ASAP. Kovan quickly clarified that she wasnt exaggerating, responding, Im living in 1BHK, and adding in a follow-up comment, No, actually its true. Another user commented, None of these expenses are basic looooool. 1.5L on a 1bhk and 40k for groceries? if YOU choose to live extravagant, thats on u maam. Maybe take a regular uber instead of black? An apt w lower rent if its too high? Most of these seem like active choices rather than the baseline? And this is coming from someone in Mumbai, the third user wrote. Don't believe in everything on Internet. It's Gurgaon not LA, the fourth wrote. 120000 rent,15000 electricity??r u using your personal turbines to generate electricity? Teachers Day 2025: Teachers Day allows students to express gratitude and appreciation for their teachers' dedication, guidance, and inspiration. What is Teachers Day and why do we celebrate it? Teachers' Day marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a renowned scholar, teacher, and Indias second President, who believed that teachers should be the best minds in the country. It is celebrated each year on September 5 in India to honour the invaluable contribution of the gurus who shape young minds and the future of the country. Teachers Day Speech for School Assembly (Short & Simple) A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart. Teaching is the profession that teaches all other professions. A good teacher is like a candleit consumes itself to light the way for others. Teachers inspire dreams, shape lives, and build the future. The influence of a good teacher can never be erased. Teachers plant seeds of knowledge that grow forever. Behind every successful person is a teacher who believed in them first. Education is not just about learning facts; its about training the mind to thinkthanks to teachers who make it possible. A teachers job is to take a bunch of live wires and see that they are well-grounded. Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best. One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world. Teachers are the silent architects of the nations future. The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book. A teachers impact goes beyond the classroomit lasts a lifetime. To teach is to touch lives forever. Teachers dont just teach; they inspire curiosity, creativity, and courage. The art of teaching is the art of awakening the joy of learning. Teachers sow love, nurture minds, and reap success. A teacher sees what you can be, not just what you are. Teachers turn mirrors into windows of opportunity. Happy Teachers' Day! Thank you for inspiring us every day. Tribute to the best teacher ever. Happy Teachers' Day! Wishing a very Happy Teachers' Day to my favorite mentor! Teachers shape our futurethank you! Happy Teachers' Day. Happy Teachers' Day to the guide who lights our path. To the best teacher, Happy Teachers' Day! You make learning fun. Celebrating the priceless gift of great teachers. Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! Your wisdom leads us forward. A heartfelt thanks to all teachers on this special day. Happy Teachers' Day! You inspire greatness in every student. To my mentor and role model, Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! Your dedication changes lives. Thank you, teacher, for your endless patience. Happy Teachers' Day! Wishing all teachers a joyful and inspiring Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! Knowledge is your superpower. Cheers to the amazing teachers who make learning magical! Teachers' Day greetings to those who ignite the spark of learning. Happy Teachers' Day! Your guidance means the world to us. To the mentors who shape our destiny, Happy Teachers' Day! Celebrating teachers who inspire, empower, and lead. Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! Your lessons stay with us forever. Thank you, teacher, for lighting the way. Happy Teachers' Day! Cheers to the mentors shaping our future! Happy Teachers' Day. Happy Teachers' Day to the one who inspires every day. To all teachers, thank you for your dedication. Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! Your guidance makes all the difference. Teachers build dreamswishing you a Happy Teachers' Day! Grateful for your patience and wisdom. Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! You make learning a joyful journey. Honoring the heroes of education. Happy Teachers' Day! To my favorite teacher, thank you and Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! Your passion inspires us all. Teachers are the heart of education. Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! Thanks for believing in us. To the guiding light in my life, Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! You empower with knowledge. Teachers make the world betterwishing you the best! Happy Teachers' Day! Your lessons last a lifetime. Thank you for shaping minds and hearts. Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day to the champions of learning. To the mentors who inspire success, Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! Your influence never fades. Cheers to teachers who make a difference every day. Happy Teachers' Day! You are the pillar of education. Thank you, teachers, for your endless support. Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! Your dedication is inspiring. To the best mentors, thank you and Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! You shape the leaders of tomorrow. Wishing all teachers a day full of joy and respect. Happy Teachers' Day! Your hard work changes lives. Happy Teachers' Day 2025! Thank you for inspiring greatness in every student. Wishing all teachers a joyful and inspiring Teachers' Day this year! To the educators changing our world, Happy Teachers' Day 2025! Happy Teachers' Day! Your guidance shapes the leaders of tomorrow. Celebrating Teachers' Day 2025 with gratitude for all teachers. Thank you, teachers, for your dedication and passion in 2025! Happy Teachers' Day! Empowering minds, changing lives in 2025. To all teachers, wishing you a Happy Teachers' Day filled with love. Happy Teachers' Day 2025! Your lessons are our lifelong treasures. Cheers to the mentors inspiring success this Teachers' Day! Honoring teachers around the world this Teachers' Day 2025! Happy Teachers' Day! Your wisdom guides us to a bright future. To the heroes of education, Happy Teachers' Day 2025! Teachers Day 2025: Celebrating the power of knowledge and care. Thank you for lighting the path of learning. Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day 2025! Your patience makes all the difference. With deepest gratitude, Happy Teachers' Day to all our mentors. Wishing a fantastic Teachers' Day to those who shape tomorrow. Happy Teachers' Day 2025! You are the spark behind our success. To the mentors who inspire and leadHappy Teachers' Day! Celebrating the passion of teachers everywhere this Teachers' Day. Happy Teachers' Day! Your knowledge empowers generations. Gratitude and respect for teachers on this special day, 2025. Happy Teachers' Day to those shaping the future, one lesson at a time. Cheers to every teachers effort this Teachers' Day 2025! Happy Teachers' Day! Your encouragement builds confident learners. To teachers who go the extra mileHappy Teachers' Day 2025! Honoring the dedication of teachers everywhere on this special day. Happy Teachers' Day! Your impact lasts a lifetime. Wishing teachers happiness and success this Teachers' Day 2025! Happy Teachers' Day! Your passion sparks lifelong learning. To the guiding stars of education, Happy Teachers' Day! Teachers change liveswishing you a Happy Teachers' Day! Grateful for your dedication and kindness. Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! Your lessons inspire and empower. To my mentor and friend, Happy Teachers' Day! Thank you for shaping minds and hearts. Happy Teachers' Day! Teachers are the foundation of success. Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! Your knowledge lights the way. Cheers to teachers who make learning exciting! Wishing teachers a day full of love and respect. Happy Teachers' Day! Your support means everything. To the heroes behind every success story, Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! Your influence is priceless. Thank you for believing in every student. Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! You inspire us to reach higher. To the mentors who shape our future, Happy Teachers' Day! Celebrating the gift of great teachers today and always. Happy Teachers' Day! You make a difference every day. Thank you for your endless patience and care. Happy Teachers' Day! Wishing a joyful Teachers' Day to all amazing educators. Happy Teachers' Day! Teaching with heart and soul. To all teachers, your hard work never goes unnoticed. Honoring those who nurture and inspire. Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! You are the backbone of education. Thank you for lighting the fire of knowledge. Happy Teachers' Day! To my teacher, my guide, my inspirationHappy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! Your lessons build bright futures. Appreciating every teachers role in our growth. Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! Thank you for your wisdom and warmth. To teachers who make learning an adventure, Happy Teachers' Day! Your guidance shapes successHappy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! You plant seeds of knowledge and hope. Cheers to educators who inspire and lead with passion! Wishing a Happy Teachers' Day to the mentors who care. Happy Teachers' Day! Your impact echoes beyond the classroom. Thank you for your dedication and encouragement. Happy Teachers' Day! To all amazing teachers, Happy Teachers' Day! Keep inspiring. Happy Teachers' Day! Your teaching touches hearts and minds. Celebrating the champions of education todayHappy Teachers' Day! To the mentors lighting the path of learning, Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! Your love for teaching shines bright. Thank you for guiding us through every challenge. Happy Teachers' Day! Happy Teachers' Day! You make learning a joyful experience. To teachers who inspire hope and confidence, Happy Teachers' Day! Wishing gratitude and respect to all teachers today. Happy Teachers' Day! Your lessons shape the world. Thank you for being a beacon of knowledge and kindness. Happy Teachers' Day to the mentors who never give up on us! To every teacher who makes a differenceHappy Teachers' Day! Heartfelt school assembly speeches Speech 1 On this Teacher's Day, I want to take a moment to thank the guiding lights of our livesour teachers. They are the ones who believe in us even when we doubt ourselves. As someone once said, The influence of a good teacher can never be erased. Dear teachers, you not only teach us lessons from books but also values that shape us as human beings. Your patience, dedication, and love make learning a beautiful journey. On behalf of all students, I wish you a very Happy Teachers Day and thank you for everything you do for us. Speech 2 Today, as we celebrate Teacher's Day, we remember the words: A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart. Our teachers are like candles that burn to give us light. They help us dream big, guide us when we are lost, and celebrate our every success. Their contribution goes beyond classrooms; they shape the future of the nation. Thank you, dear teachers, for being our role models. We are truly blessed to have you in our lives. Happy Teachers Day! Speech 3 On this special day, I want to share a thought: The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book. Our teachers are the reason we learn, grow, and become better every day. They teach us lessons of kindness, honesty, and courage along with academics. Their encouragement gives us confidence to face the world. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that he briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his talks with US President Donald Trump in Alaska's Anchorage, during a ride together in his Russian-made Aurus car on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. "This is no secret. I told him (Modi) what we talked about in Alaska," Vladimir Putin told reporters at a press conference in China, according to Russian news agency TASS. Vladimir Putin's chat with PM Modi Russian President Vladimir Putin and PM Modi were on a two-day visit to China's Tianjin from August 31 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in the Asian nation. On Monday, September 1, PM Modi and Putin held an hour-long conversation in the Russian leader's limousine. As per reports, Putin waited nearly 10 minutes for PM Modi to join him before the two leaders set off. The trip to reach the venue for their meeting lasted about 15 minutes, but the Russian President and PM Modi spent another 45 minutes in the car to continue their conversation. After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful, PM Modi said in a post on X, sharing a photo of him and Putin in the car. What PM Modi said about the meeting? Following what Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called a tete-a-tete between the two leaders, PM Modi described his meeting with Putin as excellent and said that the leaders discussed a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict, among other things. Had an excellent meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. Discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all sectors, including trade, fertilisers, space, security and culture. We exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. Our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership remains a vital pillar of regional and global stability, PM Modi wrote on social media platform X. The Trump administration asked the the Supreme Court to rule quickly on the tariff issue and order that the president has the power to impose sweeping import taxes under federal law. The government called on the court to reverse an appeals court ruling that said most of President Donald Trumps tariffs are an illegal use of an emergency powers law. The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit left the tariffs in place for now, but the administration nevertheless called on the high court to intervene quickly in a petition filed electronically late Wednesday and provided to The Associated Press. It was expected to be formally docketed on Thursday. Solicitor General D. John Sauer asked the justices to take up the case and hear arguments in early November. That decision casts a pall of uncertainty upon ongoing foreign negotiations that the President has been pursuing through tariffs over the past five months, jeopardizing both already negotiated framework deals and ongoing negotiations, he wrote. The stakes in this case could not be higher. But the stakes are also high for small businesses battered by tariffs and uncertainty, said Jeffrey Schwab, senior counsel and director of litigation at the Liberty Justice Center. These unlawful tariffs are inflicting serious harm on small businesses and jeopardizing their survival. We hope for a prompt resolution of this case for our clients, he said. The businesses have twice prevailed, once at a federal court focused on trade and again with the appeals court's 7-4 ruling. The tariffs and their erratic rollout have shaken global markets, alienated U.S. trading partners and allies and raised fears of higher prices and slower economic growth. But Trump has also used the levies to pressure the European Union, Japan and other countries into accepting new trade deals. Revenue from tariffs totaled $159 billion by late August, more than double what it was at the same point the year before. Most judges on the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, did not let Trump usurp congressional power to set tariffs. The dissenters, though, said the law does allow the president to regulate importation during emergencies without explicit limitations. The ruling involves two sets of import taxes, both of which Trump justified by declaring a national emergency: the tariffs first announced in April and the ones from February on imports from Canada, China and Mexico. The Constitution gives Congress the power to impose taxes, including tariffs. But over the decades, lawmakers have ceded authority to the president, and Trump has made the most of the power vacuum. Some Trump tariffs, including levies on foreign steel, aluminum and autos, werent covered by the appeals court ruling. It also does not include tariffs Trump imposed on China in his first term that were kept by Democratic President Joe Biden. Trump can impose tariffs under other laws, but those have more limitations on the speed and severity with which he could act. US tariffs on India: A senior United States lawmaker has cautioned that President Donald Trumps 50% tariffs on India risk undermining the decades-long strategic partnership between the two nations. Representative Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, described the tariffs as arbitrary and warned that they could threaten this vital relationship. Why are US-India relations under strain? Tensions between New Delhi and Washington have escalated after President Trump announced a sweeping 50% tariff package on India, including a 25% levy on purchases of Russian oil. The move has sparked diplomatic concern, with India defending its energy imports as being guided by national interest and market realities. India has consistently maintained that its procurement of Russian crude is essential for energy security and is not politically motivated, emphasising that decisions are driven by economic and strategic considerations. Also Read | India kills us with tariffs, says Donald Trump amid tensions What did Gregory Meeks say about Trump's 50% tariffs? Following a meeting with Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra in Washington, Rep Meeks underscored the bipartisan backing for deepening bilateral ties. Met with @AmbVMKwatra to underscore Congress support for the US-India partnership, which has strengthened over the past 25 years, including through the Quad, the House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats posted on social media, quoting Meeks. In a separate statement, Meeks added: I reaffirmed our commitment to deeper ties, our shared hope for peace in Ukraine, and my alarm at Trumps arbitrary tariffs that threaten this vital relationship. Also Read | Indian apparel sector finds partial relief in US-origin input exemption How is India responding diplomatically? Ambassador Kwatra expressed appreciation for Meeks longstanding advocacy of US-India relations, writing on X (formerly Twitter): Grateful for his constant counsel and steadfast support to the US-India relationship throughout his leadership on @HouseForeign. He further noted that their conversation covered a wide range of issues, including trade, energy, Indo-Pacific strategy, and global diplomatic challenges. In a separate engagement, Kwatra met Rep Carol Miller, Chair of the Congressional Energy Export Caucus, to discuss Indias energy security priorities and its trade relations with the US. Also Read | Ex-US official Mary Kissel says Trump must partner with India to confront China Vinay Kwatra said: Took the opportunity to brief @RepCarolMiller, Chair of the Congressional Energy Export Caucus, on India's energy security and trade perspectives, especially India's hydrocarbon trade with the US. Highlighted India's steadfast support to all efforts, including the Alaska Summit, for the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy. What lies ahead for US-India trade relations? Vinay Kwatra has been meeting US lawmakers almost daily amid strain in India-US relations after US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs totalling 50 per cent on India. This includes 25 per cent for New Delhis purchase of Russian oil. Giorgio Armani, considered among the highly influential fashion designers worldwide, died at the age of 91, the Armani Group announced on September 4. The billionaire received global recognition for establishing a fashion house that turned over nearly $2.7 billion a year. Unlike his successful professional journey, Giorgio Armani faced multiple ups and downs in his personal life and was once acknowledged to be "a bit indifferent" to love. According to Daily Mail, Armani was romantically linked to both men and women at different intervals in his life, but never opened up about his sexuality. Fans only got to hear from him on his relationships a few times during his lifetime. Giorgio Armani's relationships Before his demise, the acclaimed fashion designer was in a close relationship with Leo Dell'Orco, who heads the men's style office at the Armani Group. Leo has often been recognized as Armani's right-hand person and was said to be close to him for over 45 years. In a 2024 interview with Edge Media Network, Armani said he has "deep affection" for Leo, who has stayed with him "for years and is the person closest to me. Last year, the fashion icon gave an interview to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sela and said he used to feel "a bit indifferent" to love. This was a rare occasion when he apparently talked about Sergio Galeotti. Armani and Galeotti had been close to each other for several years before the latter passed away in 1985 after facing AIDS-related illness. On Galeotti's demise, Armani earlier said that he felt like losing "a part" of himself. Interestingly, Galeotti was the person who encouraged Armani to venture into the fashion industry. The duo met each other for the first time in 1966. Nearly a decade later, Armani introduced his label to the world in 1975, the Daily Mail reported. Armani and Galeotti met each other on a holiday in La Capannina in Tuscany's Versilia. At that time, he was 32 years old. Another rare moment when Armani spoke about his romantic relationships came in 2000. In an interview with Vanity Fair, the fashion designer said, "I have had women in my life, and sometimes men." During his Corriere della Sera interview in 2024, Armani also shared that he lost his virginity at school to a girl. But he admitted that the same was not "exactly the best". Without mentioning any details, Armani said the first man he fell in love with was among the leaders at a summer camp. While Armani did not understand what it was, he added that he didn't differentiate between men and women. Galeotti, who was 11 years younger than Armani, died at the age of 40, leaving Armani to spend most of his life without his true love. Armani even admitted in an interview with New York Magazine that he used to wear his partner's ring on a daily basis. FAQs Did Giorgio Armani have children? Armani never got married and did not have any children with his partners. When did Giorgio Armani formed his company? He established the brand in 1975. Pince Harry may hold a rare diplomatic visa that allows him to live in the US indefinitely, according to newly uncovered records, The Daily Mail reported. One expert who spoke with the news outlet suggested the Duke of Sussex could potentially possess a special visa often referred to as a golden ticket. Potential A-1 head of state visa While the documents released were heavily redacted, new records from the Trump administration suggest Harry could hold an A-1 Head of State diplomatic visa, normally reserved for heads of state and foreign royals. Holders of an A-1 visa typically work as senior diplomats, but the Head of State designation may not require the holder to act as a working royal or government representative. The visa reportedly allows the holder to freely come and go from the US, work while remaining a foreign citizen, and undergo a lower-level security check compared with a standard non-immigrant visa. It may even exempt him from questions about past drug use. Royal family financial privacy considerations Experts told the news outlet that the Royal Family may prefer Harry to hold a diplomatic visa because it would prevent him from having to report the familys finances to the US government. Obtaining a green card or US citizenship would require him to disclose worldwide income to the IRS, potentially exposing joint finances involving the rest of the Royal Family. FOIA requests and legal challenges The controversy stems from Harrys 2023 memoir Spare, in which he admitted experimenting with cannabis, cocaine, and psychedelic mushroomsbehavior that can disqualify applicants from US visas. Following the memoirs publication, the Heritage Foundation submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the Department of Homeland Security to access Harrys immigration records, seeking to determine whether he received preferential treatment. When the request was denied, the think tank filed a civil lawsuit. In March, a DHS lawyer told a court that no government misconduct occurred and that all applicable rules and regulations were followed under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Drug history and controversy The Heritage Foundation argued that Harry either provided false information on his visa application or received a waiver despite his admitted past drug use. Harry acknowledged in Spare that he tried cocaine at 17, stating: Of course, I had been taking cocaine at that time and since then I had consumed some more. President Donald Trump, who returned to the White House in early 2025, ruled out deporting him, stating, Ill leave him alone. Also Read | Meghan Markle's surprising Prince Harry confession intrigues celebrity chef US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to appear before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday (September 4), where he is expected to face tough questions about turmoil at federal health agencies. The hearing, called to discuss Kennedys plans to Make America Healthy Again, comes amid growing concern over layoffs and planned budget cuts that critics say are undermining the nations ability to prevent disease. CDC leadership shake-up Kennedy may also be asked about events last week, when the Trump administration fired CDC Director Susan Monarez less than a month into her tenure, triggering multiple top-level resignations. Monarez wrote in The Wall Street Journal that Kennedy attempted to weaken public health protections. I was told to preapprove the recommendations of a vaccine advisory panel newly filled with people who have publicly expressed antivaccine rhetoric, Monarez said. It is imperative that the panels recommendations arent rubber-stamped but instead are rigorously and scientifically reviewed before being accepted or rejected. Bipartisan scrutiny Sen. Ron Wyden, the highest-ranking Democrat on the committee, said Kennedy must answer for the chaos, confusion, and harm his actions are inflicting on American families. Republicans are also expected to press the health secretary. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said he wants to hear Kennedy reconcile his confirmation statements with recent actions. Hes got to reconcile what he said during his confirmation process with what weve seen over the past few months, particularly on vaccine policy, Tillis said. Sen. Bill Cassidy, a physician and vaccine supporter, is also likely to question Kennedys decisions. Controversial vaccine decisions Kennedy, a longtime leader in the anti-vaccine movement, announced in May that COVID-19 vaccines would no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, a move widely opposed by medical and public health groups. In June, he replaced a panel of experts advising the government on vaccine policy with a handpicked group that included several vaccine skeptics, excluding several longstanding medical groups. Calls for resignation A coalition of medical and public health organisations, including the Infectious Diseases Society of America, called on Kennedy to resign. Our country needs leadership that will promote open, honest dialogue, not disregard decades of lifesaving science, spread misinformation, reverse medical progress and decimate programs that keep us safe, the groups said in a statement on Wednesday. Reality TV star and influencer Rolling Ray, whose real name was Raymond Harper, has died at the age of 28, his mother has confirmed. He passed away a day ahead of his 29th birthday, with his mother taking to Facebook to honor her son, The Mirror reported. The social media star was popular among his fans, branding himself as the "most famous boy inna wheelchair". "It is with a heavy, heavy heart that I let you know that my son Ray Ray has gone home to be with the Lord," she wrote. She further thanked people who have got in touch with her, adding that it is "going to be a long road" ahead. However, Mint is unable to confirm this, since her Facebook account is private. Who was Rolling Ray? The Washington, DC area artist, who suffered from disability, was quite popular on social media for his videos, featuring him moving around in a wheelchair. Known for his unapologetic personality, Ray captured the attention of millions of people on the internet. He was born on September 5, 1996, according to Business Upturn. He found fame after sharing content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, highlighting his day-to-day life and music. Apart from that, he also remained in the spotlight for his relationships. A look at Rolling Rays partners Ray kept his romantic life open to his fans and was often linked to several names over the past few years. One of his much-hyped relationships was with Christian McCormick. The duo were said to be together for nearly a decade. However, things went upside down when they made an appearance on Divorce Court show in 2021. At that time, Rolling Ray accused his partner of cheating him, besides using his fame to make personal gains. Amid high drama, the romantic relationship ultimately came to an end. After Christian McCormick's exit from his life, Ray announced his relationship with a new partner, named Roland, in September 2021. At that time, they made their relationship official on Instagram by sharing multiple photographs and videos of them together. It is believed that Roland played a key role when Ray was recovering from the fire accident. But it remains unknown whether the two of them were together before Ray's death or not. FAQs What happened to Rolling Ray? He died on September 4, a day before his 29th birthday. How many followers did Rolling Ray have on Instagram? Ray was followed by nearly 450,000 people. The visionary designer Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91, the Armani Group confirmed on Monday in a statement. With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani, the Milan-based fashion house said. His passing marks the end of an era in world fashion. Armani was a man who shaped the idea of elegance for more than five decades, turning his name into one of the most recognized luxury brands. Armani Group net worth At the time of his death, the Armani Group was valued at about $9 billion, according to both Forbes and Bloomberg. The company built its reputation across a wide mix of lines - haute couture, ready-to-wear, perfumes, accessories, even hotels and home interiors. Unlike most big labels, Armani kept full control, choosing not to sell to conglomerates. He was the sole shareholder, which gave him a rare freedom to keep a strong hand on creativity. Reports from Reuters show the group brought in 2.3 billion (about $2.7 billion) in revenue during 2024. Also read: Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani passes away at 91 Armani personal net worth Giorgio Armanis own fortune was estimated differently by outlets. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index put his personal net worth at $9.4 billion, while Forbes listed it closer to $12 billion. His money came not only from fashion but also from hotels, design ventures, and licensing. Armani regularly ranked among the worlds richest designers and one of the wealthiest Italians overall. Who succeeds Armani? Armani never married and did not have children. That meant questions about succession followed him for years. The likely heir is Pantaleo (Leo) DellOrco, his trusted collaborator and head of the menswear line. DellOrco worked at his side for decades and was often described as Armanis right-hand man. Just before his passing, Armani spoke about his plan in an interview with the Financial Times. My plans for succession consist of a gradual transition of the responsibilities to those closest to me, such as Leo DellOrco, the members of my family and the entire working team, he explained. Legacy Armani was born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934. He started as a window dresser before moving into fashion with Nino Cerruti. His big breakthrough came in the 1980s with unstructured, modern suits that changed menswear and caught Hollywoods eye. Richard Gere famously wore Armani in American Gigolo. Over the years, his designs were seen on stars, world leaders, and athletes. His death closes a defining chapter in fashion history, but the empire he built looks ready to continue under the leadership he put in place. FAQs Q1. How old was Giorgio Armani when he died? He was 91 years old. Q2. What was Giorgio Armanis personal net worth at the time of his death? His net worth was estimated between $9.4 billion (Bloomberg) and $12 billion (Forbes). Q3. How much is the Armani Group worth? The Armani Group is valued at around $9 billion, according to Forbes and Bloomberg. A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck southeastern Afghanistan on Thursday (September 4), according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The tremor, at a shallow depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), was recorded at 34.57N latitude and 70.75E longitude. The latest quake comes just days after a series of devastating earthquakes killed more than 2,200 people and left over 3,600 injured in eastern Afghanistan. Entire villages were flattened, and tens of thousands remain homeless as rescue operations continue in the quake-hit provinces. Tremors in India Strong tremors were felt in parts of Delhi NCR and Jammu and Kashmir. Residents reported shaking buildings and rushed outdoors as a precaution. No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been received from India. Survivors struggle amid aid shortages The death toll from the devastating earthquakes that struck Afghanistan earlier this week has risen to more than 2,200, the Taliban administration confirmed on Thursday, as rescuers continued to pull bodies from the rubble of flattened villages in the countrys mountainous east. The first quake, a shallow 6.0-magnitude, hit late Sunday in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, levelling entire villages built with mud-brick and wood. The Taliban reported at least 2,205 dead and 3,640 injured, making it one of Afghanistans deadliest earthquakes in recent years. A second 5.5-magnitude quake on Tuesday further disrupted rescue efforts, triggering landslides and blocking access to remote areas. According to an assessment by Islamic Relief, 98% of buildings in Kunar province were either destroyed or damaged, leaving tens of thousands homeless. Authorities estimate more than 6,700 homes have been flattened. Humanitarian crisis deepens The United Nations and aid groups warn that the humanitarian situation is worsening rapidly. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said as many as 84,000 people have been directly or indirectly affected, with an urgent need for food, shelter, and medical supplies. Survivors, many displaced and living outdoors amid aftershocks, continue to search for missing family members. Villagers have been seen carrying bodies on woven stretchers, digging graves with pickaxes, and waiting for aid convoys to reach cut-off mountain communities. Rescue and relief operations Video footage showed trucks loaded with flour and supplies navigating treacherous mountain roads, while Afghan authorities deployed commando forces via airdrops in inaccessible areas. Despite these efforts, aid agencies stress that staffing and supplies remain inadequate to meet the scale of destruction. Acclaimed Italian designer Giorgio Armani, the founder and owner of the luxury fashion brand, Armani, breathed his last on Thursday, leaving behind a legacy. Social media has been abuzz with the news of his death, with Italian PM Girogia Meloni, netizens, prominent designers across the globe paying their respects to the late fashion tycoon. Giorgio Armani leaves us at the age of 91. With his elegance, sobriety and creativity, he was able to bring luster to Italian fashion and inspire the entire world. An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni posted on Instagram. Giorgio Armani's death Giorgio Armani had been unwell for a while. In June, his health forced him to step away from his groups shows at Milan Mens Fashion Week. The Italian fashion legend's absence at the Milan Men's Fashion Week marked the first time in his career that he had missed one of his brand's fashion events. Designers react to Armani's death Not just netizens, designers across the globe grieved Armani's death. The world has lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever, Versace's chief brand ambassador Donatella Versace posted on Instagram. CEO of Italian fashion company Moncler, Remo Ruffini, paid his tribute through a heartfelt thank you for the deceased fashion designer. 'Elegance is not about being noticed, it's about being remembered' Thank you Giorgio, wrote Ruffini. RIP Giorgio Armani Netizens flooded social media with tributes for Giorgio Armani, following the news of his death. RIP Giorgio Armani. Dressing in his collections was one of my aspirational goals as a young man, and I enjoy some good pieces from his fashion line today. He has certainly influenced generations with his definition of The Italian Cool Look. Simple elegance and beautiful materials, wrote one user. Also Read | Giorgio Armani net worth, succession plan and more as fashion icon dies at 91 This is simply, the End of fashion, added another user. Around 30 Western leaders met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris on Thursday to discuss potential security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a peace deal with Russia. The summit, described as a coalition of the willing, brought together leaders from Europe, Australia, Japan, and Canada, with some neighboring states joining via video link. Zelensky singles out Trump In remarks after the summit, Zelensky expressed gratitude to his allies and specifically acknowledged Donald Trumps role. I would especially like to thank President Trump for all his efforts to end this war and Americas readiness to provide support for Ukraine from its side, Zelensky said. He also warned that Moscow was deliberately prolonging the conflict. We have the same vision that Russia is doing everything possible to drag out the negotiation process and continue the war, he said. Zelensky held a separate meeting with Trumps special envoy, Steve Witkoff. EU prepares new sanctions The Ukrainian leader confirmed that the European Unions 19th package of sanctions on Russia is being readied. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen previously said the measures would be unveiled this month. Europe briefs Trump on talks According to a German government spokesperson, Ukraine and European leaders briefed Trump following the Paris summit. Berlin emphasized that Europe is ready to play a key role in bolstering Kyivs defenses. The Europeans are prepared to make a decisive contribution to strong security guarantees for Ukraine following a negotiated solution. Germany will play its part, the spokesperson said, stressing the focus should be on financing, arming, and training Ukrainian forces. Trump presses Europe on Oil and China A White House official disclosed that Trump urged European allies to cut their energy ties with Moscow. President Trump emphasised that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war as Russia received 1.1bn in fuel sales from the EU in one year, the official said. Trump also called for economic pressure on Beijing: The president also emphasised that European leaders must place economic pressure on China for funding Russias war efforts. Call with PM Modi During the summit, European leaders also spoke by phone with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently visited Beijing for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Modi has a vital role in urging Russia to end its aggression. India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace, von der Leyen said in a social media post. Macron: US support to be finalised French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking alongside Zelensky, confirmed that 26 countries are prepared to contribute to a post-war reassurance force in Ukraine. He also noted that Washingtons backing would soon be locked in. We held a call with President Trump... the conclusions of this call are simple: in the coming days, we will finalise US support and these security guarantees, Macron said. The United States, as I said, has been involved in every stage of the process. When pictures emerged from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin of Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding hands with Chinas Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin, there was no question that this was a deliberate choicea statement that India will give the authoritarians to its north yet another chance to show that they are worthy of trust . This is a massive policy shift in a relatively short time. Just five years ago, Chinese and Indian soldiers were fighting each other on the frozen heights of the Himalayan border they dispute. They stayed eyeball-to-eyeball while New Delhi slowly cut connections with Beijingbanning Chinese investment, throwing out TikTok and cultivating an independent constituency in the Global South. Indian diplomacy presented the country as looking outward to the Indo-Pacific, a vast maritime area defined to include the US, rather than to a Eurasia dominated by continental powers like Russia and China. Also Read: Mint Quick Edit | Can Indias China drift cure Americas myopia? If Modi now wants to reach out a hand to the leaders of Eurasia, one might assume it is entirely because India has been insulted and rejected by the US laden with higher tariffs than almost all its peers and continually needled by President Donald Trumps advisors and officials. But that isnt the entire story, nor is it the main reason. An attempted rapprochement with China has been likely for a while. Officials publicly argued, well before Trumps re-election, that Indias hard line on Chinese investment and trade was hurting its attempts to attract manufacturing investment. Supply lines, skilled trainers and subcontractorsof the sort that Apple, for example, would needcould only relocate to India with Beijings co-operation. Indias shift marks the end of a hopeful period, during which some expected that reducing Chinas hold over the global economy could be accomplished unilaterally through wholesale trade or investment cuts. Nobody attempted to go further down that path than New Delhi, and now it has been forced to reverse course. Even if there was no solid economic rationale for warmer ties, Modi might have tried anyway. One of the hallmarks of his tenure in office has been his [apparent] hope that China will be kinder to its neighbour. Beijing has given little encouragement, but nevertheless New Delhi persists. Also Read: India-China relations: How to choreograph an elephant-dragon dance Even in Tianjin, the official read-outs of the leaders meeting had noticeable differences. Beijing stressed the countries should work together for a multipolar world." New Delhi noted it asked for a multipolar world and a multipolar Asia. The Chinese leader is happy the two countries are talking again, but not happy enough to give an inch on anything substantive. Those soldiers in the Himalayas may have stepped back from each other a bit, but they havent returned entirely to their pre-confrontation lines. This will not have deterred India. It has attempted resets with Xi several times already: In 2018 there was talk of the Wuhan spirit of conviviality shaping relations following a meeting there. These moments of good cheer have never lasted. Days, months or years later, the Peoples Liberation Army pushes on the border just enough to make further normalization impossible. Sometimes just hours later: The first time Xi and Modi met, in 2014, news apparently came of a Chinese incursion while the two leaders were at dinner. Also Read: Devina Mehra: Why the US plays fast and loose with India but not China But where, in this delicate dance of elephant and dragonin Xis wordsdoes the Russian bear fit? Modi and Putin also held hands, after all. Was that, at least, a message to the West? Perhaps. But, from New Delhis perspective, Russias aspirations serve to control Chinas aspirations, not enhance them. There are areasnortheastern and Central Asia, for examplewhere Russian and Chinese interests may not perfectly coincide. Putin and Modi may both hope that the presence of the other serves to render Xi more an equal. There is a great deal of wishful thinking all round. The Russians must have been led to believe that the coolness with which they have been treated by Indian officialdom since their invasion of Ukraine is now a thing of the past. But New Delhis attitude reflects hopes for a ceasefire; if Moscow remains intransigent, then this warmth may fade even before Putins scheduled visit to India in December. The Chinese, meanwhile, expect that Trumps stepmotherly treatment of India has shown them their true place in world affairs, but theres no sign that India has moderated its aspirations. Indian officials just hope that, this time, they will not regret this detente. History says that friendly clasps between India and China do not last. India always reaches out a hand, but it is eventually dashed away. Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. What is common to Albert Einstein, James Franck, Erwin Schrodinger, Hans Bethe, Felix Bloch and Max Born, apart from the fact that they were all Nobel awardees in physics? They all fled Nazi Germany for refuge in other countries, notably the US. America, Western Europe and the Soviet Union vied to attract intellectuals falling prey to Hitlers anti-Semitism. These scientists went on to contribute immensely to their new host nations and their R&D effortsincluding Americas Manhattan Project to develop a nuclear bomb before Germany. Also Read: Are Silicon Valley CEOs of Indian origin at risk of facing what Intels boss is? This bit of history is validation enough for the Tamil Nadu governments Tamil Talents Plan, which primarily seeks to attract scientists whose research work has been (or risks being) left in the lurch by US policies under President Donald Trump, whether it is the sudden squeeze of government funds for studies at universities and state-run labs or withdrawal of a welcome long extended to foreign-born talent. Under Trump, a country whose Statue of Liberty bears a plaque asking for the worlds tempest-tost" has stirred up a storm against immigrants, as if their return home would Make America Great Again." As reported, Tamil Nadu is setting aside funds to incentivize returning scientists, while identifying centres of excellence and research chairs in state universities to absorb this talent. It is also setting up two advanced centres for basic research in science and mathematics. All this is welcome. Also Read: Manu Joseph: Why nobody talks about Indias brain drain anymore Yet, the plan suffers from two defects. One, its focus is exclusively on overseas talent of Tamil descent. Does the state want to exhibit the same kind of xenophobia that inspires this reverse brain drain? Can its institutions not gain from non-Tamil talent? People who work at the frontiers of knowledge are likely to be discouraged rather than attracted by such a display of identity-based insularity. The scheme should be a Tamil Nadu Talent Plan, not Tamil Talents Plan. The second problem is Chennais decision to absorb returning researchers in existing labs and varsities. This overlooks the fact that Indias current research system has a frail institutional framework that is rigidly hierarchical and tends to inhibit individual freedom in pursuit of valid aims. Granted, modern work is done by largish teams, as the legions of authors who appear jointly in scientific journals attest, but at least team leaders should be free to pursue a flash of insight, instead of being deterred by the chain of bureaucratic approvals it would take. Also Read: Rama Bijapurkar on the flight of Non-Returning Indians (NRIs): Cause for celebration or concern? That said, it is good that Tamil Nadu wants to promote basic and not just applied research. Indias shortfall glares out. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute tracks 64 critical technologies. China not just leads in 57 of those today, but is on the verge of securing a monopoly in several. This is underwritten by basic research. India has the human resources to match China, but has still lagged behind. With the advent of artificial intelligence, its application could pluck reasonably low-hanging fruit. Precision robotics is one such field. Another is synthetic biology that draws on the work of Alphafold, a Google DeepMind project, to forecast the shapes of millions of protein molecules. From a strategic point of view, it makes sense to deploy the bulk of any brain gain made in fundamental research. To catch up with rivals, India needs armies of methodologically sound researchers. Many of them could be recruited by India Inc and buzzy startups that are ready to venture into applied research. Although the 50% levy by the United States on Indian exports and all other tariff changes since April 2025 now face a legal challenge in US courts, Indian policy has to run with the tariffs for now, and work on palliative measures. A few sectors are exempted (so far) from the India-specific tariff: pharmaceuticals, smartphones and refined petroleum among them. Brazil keeps India company at 50%. The rates on China are not settled. Some sectors like steel are uniform across countries. The 50% tariff translates to a roughly 25-30 % relative tariff disadvantage against equivalent competitors in the US market. To get a handle on a tariff disadvantage of that size, we need to circle back to 1971, when under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) proposed by an arm of the United Nations (UNCTAD), India and other developing countries were allowed preferential tariffs. Also Read: Sudipto Mundle: The best way forward for Indias trade policy amid Trumps tariffs The GSP scheme of the US was enacted in 1974, when its average MFN rate (uniform most favoured nation tariff for all countries) was 4%. In June 2019, the US terminated Indias eligibility and then closed the scheme altogether at the end of 2020. The closure of GSP was a difficult transition for exporters targeting the US market. And the GSP offered just a 4% advantage, at most. No compensation in the form of currency depreciation or margin reduction is possible in the face of a 2530 % relative disadvantage. There is, however, a protective back-to-back contract for intermediate good exports, currently in use in the context of global supply chains. Very simply, the buyer offers to cover any rise in tariffs for the duration of a particular contract. This is reasonable for intermediates, which are tailored to buyer specifications, at a known tariff-inclusive price. Auto components and textiles, the two worst-affected intermediates at a 50% tariff, could have protected themselves had they seen the tariff rise coming. Also Read: India needs a multipronged strategy to sail through this new era of trade In a series of destination-specific research studies I once did, I found that the market share response to relative changes in the value of the Indian rupee, versus the currency of major competitors, was extremely sensitive across destinations for large-volume, low-margin exports (like leather), but not products higher up the value chain (footwear parts), where quality and timely supply clearly mattered more. But a 25-30 % tariff disadvantage is hard to battle even at the upper end of the value chain. Who would ever have thought that pursuit of fiscal revenue from trade tariffs would drive a major retreat from free trade in the US? And that is basically what it is, since the base tariff has been upped to 10% on all imports into the US. Twenty years ago, when India was being harangued about poor fiscal revenue performance, I wrote the following in a paper for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) conference in January 2004: Compression of the fiscal deficit in the first half of the nineties was pushed through in the face of a decline in revenue from trade taxes which remains uncompensated. The trade tax reform by itself was growth-enhancing. However, the decline in public expenditure, which was achieved through compression of capital expenditure, by as much as 4 percent of GDP over 1991-97, was not. The joint welfare and growth outcomes of such reform processes remain unexplored in the theoretical literature." Also Read: Why Jagdish Bhagwati isnt overly worried about world trade In the context of my exhortation to hyphenate trade and fiscal revenue reform, the standard IMF prescription to compensate for falling trade tax revenues was a domestic value added tax (VAT), which in smaller developing countries was a disaster from a revenue perspective. It was the basic reason why they suffered, and still do, from mountains of external debt. But in India, fortunately, the transition to a VAT, which graduated to universal adoption by all the states in 2005, slowly became a revenue success over time. And the goods and services tax (GST) too, after some terrible initial glitches, has on the whole been a revenue success (so far). To investigate the historical role of revenue from import tariffs in the developed world, I constructed time-series covering 1870-1996 for the US and Canada of yearly data on customs duty rates, along with revenue from imports and from income taxation, as a percentage of (current nominal) GDP (Global Policy, 2012). In both countries, as revenue from income taxation rose, duties on imports were reduced and customs revenue correspondingly fell. Also Read: Tariff turmoil: Its not a trade war if nobodys fighting back Today, entrenched inequality in the US has made it politically infeasible to raise income tax revenue even in the face of a looming fiscal crisis. This is what has led to the rise in the base tariff levied. The tall tariff peaks, driven by other considerations, actually hurt US tariff revenue. A tariff of 50% is prohibitive, it chokes off imports to zero. Countries so affected need to use that to negotiate their way down to an optimal revenue-maximizing tariff which will favour the US exchequer. Impossible? Not necessarily. A negotiating strategy that will appeal to the fiscal interests of the US may find receptive ears. Well worth a try. Exporters facing a closed US market cannot easily switch to other destinations. No amount of subsidies or loan write-offs can compensate for the disaster of losing production capacities and skills built up painstakingly over decades. The author is an economist. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has welcomed the Centre's recent GST rationalisation and rate cuts but criticised the move as being "8 years too late". In a post on X, Chidambaram, the former Union Finance Minister, said the current GST design and rates should not have been introduced in the first place, adding that the opposition had repeatedly warned against these issues for years, but their pleas were ignored. "The GST rationalisation and the reduction in rates on a range of goods and services are WELCOME but 8 years TOO LATE. The current design of GST and the rates prevailing until today ought not to have been introduced in the first place. We have been crying hoarse for the last 8 years against the design and rates of GST, but our pleas fell on deaf ears," the Rajya Sabha member wrote. Chidambaram questioned the government's timing for the reforms, speculating on the possible reasons behind the sudden changes while suggesting that multiple economic and political factors may have influenced the decision after eight years of delay, including the tariffs imposed on Indian goods to the US, as well as elections in Bihar that are to be held later this year. "It will be interesting to speculate on what drove the government to make the changes: Sluggish growth? Rising household debt? Falling household savings? Elections in Bihar? Mr Trump and his tariffs? All of the above?" he added. Victory for common people: TMC The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) also reacted strongly, describing the GST rate rollback as a "victory for common people" achieved after sustained pressure on the government. Also Read | PM Modi welcomes GST rate cuts, calls reforms a win for economy The party highlighted Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's earlier stand on insurance premium taxation, which West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee had criticised as "cruel" and "anti-people". It further slammed the BJP-led NDA government for being "tone-deaf" and only acting "when cornered". "A victory wrested from a tone-deaf regime that only listens when forced. From day one, Smt. @MamataOfficial warned the Finance Minister that taxing insurance premiums was cruel, anti-people, and would deter families from securing their future, leaving them vulnerable to financial ruin in times of crisis. The @narendramodi Govt. has finally buckled under pressure. This rollback proves that @BJP4India only acts when cornered. We will continue to fight every such Jono-Birodhi decision, in Parliament, on the streets, among the people," the TMC said in a statement on X. On Wednesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a sweeping reduction in GST, which will benefit households, farmers, businesses, and the healthcare sector. Termed as the "Next-Gen GST Reform", the decision comes as a Diwali gift to the nation and is expected to ease the cost of living while boosting economic activity. The GST rationalisation and the reduction in rates on a range of goods and services are WELCOME but 8 years TOO LATE. The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. The United Arab Emirates warned Israel that annexation of Palestinian territory in the West Bank would constitute a red line and severely undermine the regional vision for peace and integration underlying the US-brokered Abraham Accords. The comments on Wednesday represent the sharpest rebuke the UAE has directed at Israel since the start of the war in Gaza almost two years ago. They came shortly after Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to call a cabinet meeting and approve the extension of Israels grip over the West Bank. Annexation in the West Bank would constitute a red line for the UAE, assistant minister for political affairs at the UAEs foreign ministry, Lana Nusseibeh, said in remarks shared with several media outlets, including Bloomberg News. Taking over Palestinian territory would severely undermine the vision and spirit of Accords, end the pursuit of regional integration and would alter the widely-shared consensus on what the trajectory of this conflict should be two states living side by side in peace, prosperity, and security, Nusseibeh said. She didnt specify what Abu Dhabi would do if Israel went ahead with its proposal and whether this would lead to the severing of diplomatic ties. The Israeli government hasnt yet commented on the UAEs warning. Israels parliament passed a resolution in July calling for the annexation of Jewish settlement blocs in the West Bank, with the prime minister voting in favor. Hes since been reticent to clarify whether and when this might happen. Israel and the UAE normalized relations in 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords, an historic move that opened the door for Israelis to travel to the oil-rich Gulf state for business and tourism. The agreement earned the UAE political capital in Washington and gave it greater access to US and Israeli technology in sectors including defense and security. US President Donald Trump has said the expansion of the agreement to other countries, most notably Saudi Arabia, is a key foreign policy goal of his current administration. A condition for the UAE joining the accords was that Israel would not annex the occupied Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza. The UAE is putting public pressure on President Trump to prevent Israeli annexation in the West Bank, Firas Maksad, and analyst with geopolitical-risk consultancy Eurasia Group, said in an note to clients. By drawing a clear line, UAE officials signal that Trump could lose a signature diplomatic win unless he actively intervenes to rein in Israel. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed traveled to the Saudi capital of Riyadh on Wednesday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They discussed regional developments, particularly the situation in Palestine, the Saudi foreign ministry said. The UAEs state-run WAM reported that they affirmed the importance of working to consolidate the pillars of regional stability, security, and peace by establishing a clear path to a lasting, comprehensive, and just peace based on the two-state solution. The two Gulf leaders, who have had their differences in the recent past, were shown warmly embracing each other, suggesting the Palestinian issue is something they want to stay united on. French President Emmanuel Macron said he and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed would co-chair a conference on the viability of a two-state solution meaning the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel in New York on Sept. 22. That would be just before the annual UN General Assembly in the same city. Macron said France and Saudi Arabia wanted to mobilize the broadest international support for the two-state solution. The Trump administration last week said it would deny visas to Palestinian officials looking to attend the event, breaking with decades of precedent. Macron said that decision was unacceptable and urged the US to reverse it. Israels relations with the UAE have been tested by its war in Gaza, which it launched against Iran-backed Hamas after the Oct 7, 2023 attack by the Palestinian militant group, designated a terrorist organization by the US and many other governments. Ties have been strained further over the past few weeks by Israels planned ground offensive on Gaza City and by Netanyahu supporting the ultra-nationalist and expansionist concept of Greater Israel. Israels leader dispatched one of his top aides, Ron Dermer, to Abu Dhabi last month to try to ease tensions. Extremists, of any kind, cannot be allowed to dictate the regions trajectory, the UAEs Nusseibeh said. Peace requires courage, persistence, and a refusal to let violence define our choices. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Indian-origin robotics engineer Amit Kshatriya was recently named as the new associate administrator of NASA. Born in Wisconsin and brought up in Katy, Texas, the 20-year NASA veteran was promoted to the agencys top civil service role after serving as the first head of NASA's Moon to Mars Programme. NASA in a press release dated September 3 stated, Acting NASA Administrator Sean P. Duffy Wednesday named Amit Kshatriya as the new associate administrator of NASA, the agencys top civil service role. Also Read | Who is Megan McArthur? 1st woman to pilot a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft retires Previously, he played an instrumental role in the Artemis campaign as he was in charge of program planning and execution for crewed missions to the Moon. Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD) at NASA served as the foundation for humanity's first mission to Mars. In his new role, Kshatriya will be responsible for the space agency's bold vision to return to the Moon during US President Donald Trumps term. Amit Kshatriya early life An alumnus of California Institute of Technology and the University of Texas at Austin, Amit Kshatriya is one among 100 people in history to serve as a mission control flight director. He obtained Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree from the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California in 2000, according to his LinkedIn profile. Son of first-generation Indian immigrants to the US, Amit Kshatriya began working with the space agency in 2003. Initially, he worked as a software engineer, robotics engineer, and spacecraft operator primarily focused on the robotic assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). Amit has spent more than two decades as a dedicated public servant at NASA, working to advance American leadership in space. Under his leadership, the agency will chart a bold vision to return to the Moon during President Trumps term, NASA quoted NASA Administrator Sean P Duffy as saying. He added, Amits knowledge, integrity, and unwavering commitment to pioneering a new era of exploration make him uniquely qualified to lead our agency as associate administrator. With Amit well continue to push the boundaries of whats possible. A federal jury determined on Wednesday that Alphabet's Google must pay $425 million for invading users' privacy by continuing to collect data for millions of users who had switched off a tracking feature in their Google account. The verdict comes after a trial in the federal court in San Francisco over allegations that Google over an eight-year period accessed users' mobile devices to collect, save, and use their data, violating privacy assurances under its Web & App Activity setting. The users had been seeking more than $31 billion in damages. The jury found Google liable on two of the three claims of privacy violations brought by the plaintiffs. The jury found that Google had not acted with malice, meaning it was not entitled to any punitive damages. Google plans to appeal, Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said. "This decision misunderstands how our products work," Castaneda said. "Our privacy tools give people control over their data, and when they turn off personalization, we honor that choice. David Boies, a lawyer for the users, said in a statement they were "obviously very pleased with the verdict the jury returned." The class action lawsuit, filed in July 2020, claimed Google continued to collect users' data even with the setting turned off through its relationship with apps such as Uber, Venmo and Meta's Instagram that use certain Google analytics services. At trial, Google said the collected data was "nonpersonal, pseudonymous, and stored in segregated, secured, and encrypted locations." Google said the data was not associated with users' Google accounts or any individual users identity. US District Judge Richard Seeborg certified the case as a class action covering about 98 million Google users and 174 million devices. Google has faced other privacy lawsuits, including one earlier this year where it paid nearly $1.4 billion in a settlement with Texas over allegations the company violated the state's privacy laws. (Bloomberg) -- The US Federal Trade Commission plans to study the harms to children and others of AI-powered chatbots like those offered by OpenAI, Alphabet Inc.s Google and Meta Platforms Inc., according to people familiar with the matter. The study will focus on privacy harms and other risks to people who interact with artificial intelligence chatbots, the people said. It will seek information on how data is stored and shared by the services as well as the dangers people can face from chatbot use, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing the unannounced study. The FTC didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. A White House spokesman didnt comment specifically about the FTC study, but said the agency is proceeding with user safety in mind as the administration hosts an artificial intelligence event with industry leaders Thursday. President Trump pledged to cement Americas dominance in AI, cryptocurrency and other cutting-edge technologies of the future, White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson and the entire administration are focused on delivering on this mandate without compromising the safety and well-being of the American people. Chatbot developers face intensifying scrutiny over whether theyre doing enough to ensure safety of their services and prevent users from engaging in dangerous behavior. Last week, the parents of a California high school student sued OpenAI alleging that its ChatGPT isolated their son from family and helped him plan his suicide in April. The company has extended its sympathies to the family and is reviewing the complaint. Regulatory Scrutiny The FTCs plans underscore regulators interest in the exploding use of artificial intelligence despite recent administration directives that the technology be allowed to grow unimpeded with a lighter regulatory touch. In July, the White House issued guidelines urging agencies including the FTC to show more restraint in probes involving AI and stand down on cases that put innovation at risk. The White House is hosting tech industry leaders Thursday including Metas Mark Zuckerberg, Apple Inc.s Tim Cook, OpenAIs Sam Altman and Microsoft Corp.s Satya Nadella for an artificial intelligence event hosted by First Lady Melania Trump. OpenAI declined to comment and pointed to a Tuesday blog post outlining actions theyre taking. Meta declined to comment. The company has taken steps recently aimed at ensuring that chatbots avoid engaging with minors on topics including self-harm and suicide. Alphabet didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The first lady announced last month that she was launching a presidential challenge to encourage students to use emerging AI technology to find solutions to community challenges. The effort will also encourage educators to adopt AI in the classroom, the White House has said. The agency plans to conduct the study under its so-called 6(b) authority to compel companies to turn over information to help it better understand a particular market or technology. The FTC will seek information from the nine largest consumer chatbots, the people said. Those include OpenAIs ChatGPT, and Googles Gemini, among others. AI Startups Other recent FTC studies include an examination of tech giants investments in AI startups and a study on drug pricing. The agency generally issues a report on its findings after analyzing the information from companies. FTC Commissioner Melissa Holyoak called for such a review at an agency event in June, saying the effort should explore potential online harms to children including the use of addictive design features and the erosion of privacy protections. Holyoak said at the event that the agency should look at generative artificial intelligence chatbots that simulate human communication and effectively function as companions, at the event. She cited reports of alarming interactions with young users, including providing users instructions for committing crimes, influencing them to commit suicide, self-harm or harm to others, and discussing and role-playing romantic or sexual relationships. The FTCs Ferguson said AI companies need to be honest about how theyre describing their products to consumers, in an interview with Bloomberg Television last month. The Wall Street Journal earlier reported on the planned study. --With assistance from Hadriana Lowenkron and Rachel Metz. (Updates with context starting in fifth paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Nepal has blocked social media websites like Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) after these companies failed to comply with a regulation that required them to register with the government. According to Reuters, the Nepalese government claims that users with fake IDs are spreading hatred and rumours, committing cybercrime, and disturbing social harmony via some of these social media platforms. While speaking to news agency ANI, Gajendra Thakur, Spokesperson for Nepal's Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, said, The ministry had given an ultimatum to all social media to register in Nepal. A meeting held this afternoon has decided to give the order to the Nepal Telecommunication Authority to ban the 26 social media effective today. Nepal had given an ultimatum to around two dozen social network platforms to register with the government. While registered with the country, others didn't and would be blocked immediately. The social media companies were given a seven days from 28 August to register during which time five companies - TikTok, Viber, WeTalk, Nimbuzz, and Poppo - did the registration and can operate in the country. However, none of the big companies like Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), YouTube, X, Reddit and LinkedIn submitted their aplications. Why have social media companies been banned in Nepal? The Nepalese government has asked social media companies to appoint a liaison office in the country and has also brought a bill to parliament which aims to ensure that social media platforms are properly managed, responsible, and accountable. The new bill has not been fully debated in the parliament and has been criticized for being a tool for censorship and for punishing opponents who voice their protests online, the Associated Press reported. The bill has reportedly been called an attempt by the government to curb freedom of speech and expression in the country and a violation of fundamental rights. Meanwhile, officials have argued that it is necessary to bring laws that monitor social media and ensure that both the users and operators are responsible and accountable about what they share and what is being published on these platforms. The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) has raised objection to the government decision to ban social media platforms. The private ceremony took place at Forest Hills Cemetery, followed by a public reception. "That you can't take from me. You wouldn't do that," says Lynn Croft as she recalls praying for her son's safety. Croft is the mother of 28-year-old LeBron Castleberry, also known as LeBron Givaun on social media. "Horrendous" Chattanooga man shot and killed outside Seattle church in "assassination" Chattanooga pastor Ronnie Phillips Jr. of Abba's House tells Local 3 News that Givaun dedicated his life to God recently at the Chattanooga church. Croft describes her son as a generous person with a heart for others. Growing up, his mother says he loved sports, music, and being present with people. Her son joined the military years ago, saying that he felt called to join the service because of several veterans in his family. She remembers him telling her "'I want to do something that really makes a difference.' That was his goal in life." Prior to enlisting in the military, Croft says her son moved to Seattle to spend time with his father. She says Castleberry would return there after serving his country. There, he formed a group to help those who were on the wrong path. "He was just a passionate person. Everyone who met him ... he made an impact," she adds. While many viewed him as a leader, she believes some were envious. One week, Croft said he came to visit her in Chattanooga. They both attended a service at Abba's House Church. She says this is where Castleberry gave his life to God. When he went back to Seattle, Croft says her son wanted to lead his wife and son to a new way of living. Croft remembers helping search for a church for her son online. Castleberry started changing his music to share his testimony. Croft says her son was now using his music to spread The Gospel. On Thursday, July 31, Castleberry invited others to church and shared his location on social media. Croft says this is something he would normally never do. Seattle police say as he was walking into church, a gunman shot and killed him. Surveillance footage shows the moments before the shooting. There are still no arrests in this case. As the investigation continues, Croft relies on her faith and the support from others. She says she is still holding onto hope. "I was supposed to be there that day," Croft says, "But the Lord .. I want to stress that the Lord has good things for us." LeBron Castleberry was laid to rest on Monday, August 25, the day before his 29th birthday. You can find his obituary online. This investigation is still ongoing. Local 3 will continue to keep you updated as we learn more. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has officially lifted a two-week pause on all fraternity and sorority activities, following a review sparked by recent hazing-related incidents. The pause was announced after reports surfaced during the first week of the fall semester, including one sexual assault and two instances of drink spiking one of which was linked to a Sigma Chi fraternity party. UTC fraternity and sorority activities paused for safety review During the first week of class, UTC police reported one sexual assault and two instances of drinks being spiked, one connected to a Sigma Chi fraternity party. These incidents, along with a case last year in which two pledges from Kappa Sigma fraternity sustained serious burns after setting themselves on fire, prompted university officials to temporarily halt Greek Life operations. In a statement, UTC announced that all official Greek Life events and activities may resume Wednesday, September 3. UTC fraternity pledge denies hazing happened A relative of Johnny Knoxville, he says the incidents were stunts. We deeply value the role our fraternities and sororities play in campus life, and this brief pause allowed us to reaffirm our shared commitment to safety, accountability and student success, said Dr. Artanya Wesley, UTC vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs. I am grateful to our Greek Life community for their cooperation and look forward to seeing them resume their events and activities with renewed energy and focus. The university said the pause gave administrators time to evaluate and strengthen policies related to risk management, harm reduction, and student conduct. Although UTC had originally planned to lift the moratorium on Sept. 5, the review process concluded ahead of schedule. Local attorney explains Tennessee's hazing law Tennessee Code Annotated 49-2-120 prohibits hazing and requires colleges and universities to inform students of their anti-hazing policies annually. As part of the process, approximately 950 Greek Life members gathered Tuesday night at McKenzie Arena for a mandatory meeting. According to university officials, 98% of all active members either attended or had excused absences for class or work obligations. The meetings agenda included sessions on mental health awareness, Title IX and consent education, alcohol and drug safety, anti-hazing policies, and student rights and responsibilities. Compliance topics such as risk management, event registration, and new member education were also addressed. Students on campus expressed their perspective in response to the universitys handling of the incidents. Hazing is never acceptable, said UTC junior Fin Mertens. Theres a difference between having fun and actually causing harm. I hope everything that happened serves as a lesson. Its just like... why? added freshman Alejandra Vargas Torres. [Hazing] is in movies, but in real life, its just not cool. While no charges were filed in the Kappa Sigma incident, an interim suspension of the fraternity remains in place and is currently under review by the UTC Office of Student Conduct. Freshman Hannah Taylor said the administration's swift response was reassuring. Especially as a woman on campus, its good to see that the university is holding people accountable, Taylor said. Some students remain skeptical about whether the changes will result in long-term improvements. Theres always going to be people who dont take it seriously, Mertens said. But hopefully, people see that their liberties were taken away for a reason and treat it as a consequence. As of now, Greek Life organizations are allowed to resume normal operations under reinforced safety guidelines and oversight. The Heritage Council has announced that nominations are now open for the 2025 National Heritage Week Awards. Communities, organisations, and individuals across Co Longford are invited to submit nominations to recognise the most engaging projects and events presented during National Heritage Week. Read more: Longford's literary importance once again restored at Maria Edgeworth Centre This years National Heritage Week was the biggest yet, with over 2,500 events registered and 400,000 people taking part in family-friendly activities that celebrate Irelands built, cultural, and natural heritage. In 2025, there were 18 events in Longford. The Heritage Council presents a County Award in each Local Authority Area. This award recognises the best event or project in Co Longford and is based on how well it raised awareness about an element of heritage, how it was promoted, and the extent to which it engaged and involved the community. The County Award ensures that outstanding heritage work at local level is recognised and celebrated alongside national achievements. In 2024, the Heritage Week Programme of Events ran by the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, O.P.W won the County Award for Co Longford. Over the past two years, three events in Co Longford have made the final national selection.# In additional to the County Award, the 2025 National Heritage Week Awards feature a wide range of national categories, reflecting the diversity of heritage across Ireland. These include: Exploring Our Foundations Award This is presented to an event that made a special effort to incorporate the 2025 National Heritage Week theme, Exploring Our Foundations. Events in this category should encourage attendees to delve into the building blocks of our heritage, uncovering not only the physical structures that surround us but also the cultural and natural elements that have shaped our communities over time. Wild Child Event Award This recognises events that took place on Wild Child Day, 23rd August 2025, which successfully encouraged children and families to get outdoors and discover the richness of natural heritage and biodiversity in their local area. Water Heritage Award This is awarded in conjunction with the Local Authority Waters Programme and recognises events held on Water Heritage Day, 24th August 2025. Eligible events will have explored how rivers, canals, lakes or the sea shaped the heritage of a locality, or celebrated water as an integral and vital part of Irelands natural heritage. Inclusive Heritage Award This is awarded to an event that made a special effort to ensure heritage was shared with everyone in the community. This includes newcomers to heritage, those without local roots, people with additional accessibility needs, and participants across a wide range of age groups. Irish Language Award The award is presented to an event that was delivered through Irish and/or encouraged active participation in the Irish language as part of National Heritage Week. Sustainability and Climate Award It recognises events that incorporated environmentally friendly practices to reduce carbon footprint and limit impact on the natural world. Intangible Cultural Heritage Award The Micheal O Muircheartaigh Award This celebrates events and projects that encouraged greater appreciation of Irelands intangible cultural heritage, such as crafts, skills, customs and practices passed down through generations. Nominations are also open for the prestigious Heritage Hero Award, which honours an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding, long-term contribution to the protection and promotion of Irelands heritage. Unlike the other categories, this award is based solely on public nominations and is considered a lifetime achievement award. Speaking on the opening of the nominations, Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, said: The National Heritage Week Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the remarkable work of communities and individuals who bring our heritage to life. Year after year, we are inspired by the creativity, generosity and dedication shown by organisers across the country. These Awards allow us to celebrate that spirit and to highlight the people and projects that inspire future generations to become custodians of our shared heritage. I encourage everyone to get involved and make a nomination. Longford County Council Heritage Officer, Mairead Ni Chonghaile, said; "Heritage Week in Longford highlighted the creativity, energy and commitment of local communities in celebrating our countys rich heritage. From traditions and crafts to stories and places, each event helps to strengthen our connection with the past while inspiring future generations. The National Heritage Week Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate that dedication. I would encourage everyone to put forward a nomination so that Longfords heritage projects can be showcased and honoured at a national level." Read more: PICTURES : Longford Heritage Week has event in Ballymahon with show Nominations close at midnight on Thursday September 11, 2025, and the winners will be announced at the National Heritage Week Awards Ceremony on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin. Event organisers making a nomination should provide details of their project and, where possible, images from the event. Members of the public are also encouraged to nominate both outstanding events and individuals they feel deserve recognition. Nominations can be made here: https://www.heritageweek.ie/awards Members of Syrias Internal Security forces in Damascus Countryside Governorate show off seized weapons they claim were being smuggled to the SDF in eastern Syria, along with the captured driver. (SANA) On September 2, the state-controlled Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that Damascus intercepted an arms shipment destined for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the US-supported military force of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). The news is the latest indication of increasing tensions between Syrias official government and factions in eastern Syria. In March, SDF leader Mazloum Abdi met with Syrian transitional President Ahmed al Sharaa to discuss a roadmap toward integrating eastern Syria into the new government. However, the two entities have come into conflict several times since. The tensions have revolved partly around whether Damascus will agree to Syrias government system being decentralized, which would enable eastern Syria to have a degree of autonomy. Damascus has rejected decentralization, and supporters of the new Syrian government in Turkey have also rejected this concept. However, the London-based Asharq al Awsat newspaper reported on September 2 that renewed talks between eastern Syria authorities and Damascus could rekindle the March roadmap. Other disagreements have focused on the eventual role of the SDF and reports of clashes with the transitional governments security forces. On September 2, SANA reported that Internal Security forces in Damascus Countryside Governorate announced Tuesday that they foiled an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of weapons and ammunition to areas controlled by the SDF militia. The use of the term militia to describe the SDF appears to indicate that Damascus does not view it as a legitimate force. The report did not specify how the security forces determined that the weapons were being transported to eastern Syria. The Damascus-led security forces claimed they ambushed a vehicle, arrested the driver, and seized a large shipment of weapons, [including] RPG launchers, medium and light weapons, and quantities of ammunition hidden inside the vehicle. Investigations are underway to identify others involved in the operation, in preparation for legal proceedings. The Command noted that the operation comes within the Ministry of Interiors efforts to strengthen national security and prevent the smuggling of weapons that threaten public safety, according to SANA. The SDF is a US-backed and trained force that has standardized equipment and access to supplies of small arms. For instance, US Central Command head Brad Cooper visited eastern Syria on September 3 and met with the group, a Kurdish-led force anchored in areas populated by the Kurdish minority in eastern Syria. The tensions between the Syrian government and the SDF come as Damascus continues reshuffling its internal security forces. In the wake of July battles with Druze militias in southern Syria, the Syrian transitional government has appointed a new commander for the internal security forces in Suweida Governorate, the Druze-majority area south of Damascus. On September 1, the SDF denied reports of engaging in clashes with elements of the transitional government near Aleppo. SANA had claimed on August 31 that a Syrian army unit confronted a group of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters who attempted to infiltrate army positions in the Tal Maez area east of Aleppo. However, the SDF stated that the reports were misinformation. What actually occurred was nothing more than recurring internal disputes over influence among certain factions affiliated with the Damascus government itself, the SDF said, according to the Kurdish outlet Rudaw. The tensions between the SDF and Damascus have gained international attention. The US has renewed a diplomatic push to resolve critical differences between Syrias new central authorities and the mostly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces that threaten to spark an all-out conflict, sources said, as violence between the two sides escalates, The National reported on September 3. The report also said that Ilham Ahmad, a key negotiator on behalf of the SDF, had met two US members of Congress in Jordan recently as part of an SDF outreach to US officials. Ahmad also met with Syrias foreign minister, according to a report on September 1. In addition, North Press Agency, a Syrian news outlet that closely follows events in eastern Syria, reported on September 4 that the US has revived efforts to bridge the divide between Damascus and the AANES. 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). News / Local by Staff reporter Former ZANU PF national political commissar and Generation 40 (G40) leader Saviour Kasukuwere has accused former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa of betraying exiled former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi.Mzembi, who fled Zimbabwe following the 2017 coup that ousted late President Robert Mugabe, was arrested earlier this year after returning from exile. According to Kasukuwere, Mliswa, while visiting G40 leaders in South Africa, was allegedly sent by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to lure Mzembi back to Zimbabwe."This is good enough that you betrayed Walter," Kasukuwere said, reinforcing long-held suspicions that Mliswa played a role in Mzembi's return.Mliswa, however, denied the allegations, stating that he has consistently advocated for the safe return of all exiles. "They should admit how Mzembi was pushed back here due to fear of Kasukuwere as he no longer felt safe. He approached me to facilitate engagements with the relevant powers. Which I did. What part of those actions constitutes enticing him back?" Mliswa said.He further emphasized that he never acted as an agent of the state or the intelligence services. "I have never worked with the CIO. Accusations of betrayal are outright fabrications by individuals with ulterior agendas," he said.Mliswa also pointed to previous cases, including Kasukuwere's return in 2018, where he merely facilitated discussions between parties. "Mzembi is not a victim of anything I did but of circumstances that compelled him to flee South Africa," he added.Kasukuwere, however, hit back at Mliswa's defense, urging him to face the allegations. "Fearing for what? You know what you did and you have run away from him now. Kwana Temba," he said.The dispute has reignited debate over the roles of key figures in ZANU PF's internal politics and the circumstances surrounding the return of exiled leaders. Dear Eric: My husband sings at the top of his lungs to any song that is playing in a movie, commercial, or in the car. Its like nails on a chalkboard for me. Ive tried telling him, but he takes offense. He claims everyone says he has perfect pitch (he doesnt), and it often leads to serious discord. Ive explained that it takes me out of the moment and is overstimulating for me. His family tells him he has a beautiful voice. They also sing loudly and whistle out of key. Its murder on my brain. Recently, Ive started telling everyone that I dont like music and I dont care for it in the background. Im not embarrassed it literally hurts my ears. I realize it brings them joy, but how much joy do I tolerate at my discomfort? I used to love music, but now I hate it. This change gives me guilt, as if Im not a good wife if I enjoy music without his contribution. Leaving isnt a solution. We dont have many rooms, and I care most about his feelings. Am I wrong for not wanting my ears invaded while still wanting to love and respect him? Sound Off Dear Sound Off: Youre working hard to consider your husbands feelings, yet hes dismissing yours. Thats unfair. He cant help his family traditions, and neither can you control how it affects you. Marriage requires communication and compromise, and Im not seeing enough of either from him here. Consider speaking to your doctor about your response to his singing. You might be experiencing sensory overload, a common issue for many, influenced by various factors. Noise-canceling or noise-reducing earbuds might help, but your husband must also respect you and your shared space. (Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.) 2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Love Art Sushi is a fast-casual sushi concept in Boston known for its popular customizable sushi bowls and makiritto rolls. Courtesy of Love Art Sushi A fast-casual sushi concept in Boston has brought its popular customizable sushi bowls and makiritto rolls to a new neighborhood. Love Art Sushis Seaport spot opened at 53 Northern Ave. on Thursday. The new restaurant has joined Love Art Sushis previous locations in Fenway and Downtown Crossing. Customers can expect a streamlined, modern approach to sushi bowls made with seasoned sushi rice, house-made sauces and responsibly sourced ingredients. Love Art Sushi also serves specialty drinks, including bubble tea, matcha and imported canned beverages. Seaport has become the beacon for innovation, quality, and experience that Bostonians have come to trust, Co-founder Ron SH said in a press release. There have been so many loyal guests who have grown with our brand over the past eight years, and the ability to plant a flag in the Seaport to become more accessible in the city to more people is exciting for our team. Love Art Sushi, which SH founded alongside Jessica Chiep, first started as Haru Aki Cafe in Storrs, Connecticut, in 2014. The cafe gained popularity for its secret menu item, nicknamed the Husky Bowl, according to Love Art Sushis website. By 2015, the concept had evolved into Love Art Sushi. SH and Chiep opened the brands first location in Fenway/Back Bay in January 2017, with the Downtown Crossing location following around 2019 or 2020. Love Art Sushi Seaport is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. *** This article has been updated to add a statement from Harvard University President Alan Garber. Jordan Schwartz sat in his dorm room at Harvard University on Wednesday evening when his Apple Watch lit up. A notification appeared on his screen, one hed been waiting weeks for: a federal judges decision ruling in Harvards favor, restoring nearly $3 billion in federal funding to the university. I have a tradition in my group chat of competing against my friend to see who can send the article first, Schwartz said. I won and so did Harvard," he said. Students and researchers who spoke with MassLive following the news of the federal judges decision overwhelmingly spoke positively about the ruling. However, all expressed continued fears about what the future holds for their institution. Harvard President Alan Garber wrote in an evening letter that while the university acknowledges the important principles affirmed in todays ruling, we will continue to assess the implications of the opinion, monitor further legal developments, and be mindful of the changing landscape in which we seek to fulfill our mission. A lot of the damage has already been done, and that damage is going to take a long time to repair, said John Quakenbush, a Harvard researcher. Research has had to be paused, researchers have already been let go and are looking for jobs elsewhere and doctoral student classes have been reduced, Quakenbush said. John Quakenbush is a Professor of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He is also the Chair of the Department of Biostatistics. (Courtesy Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health) That being said, he is relieved that the judge ruled in Harvards favor and grateful to the institution for fighting against the Trump administration. I share Judge Burroughss view that we must fight antisemitism and all forms of hatred. But taking an indiscriminate wrecking ball to the university is no solution and I am thankful she made that clear," he said. The ruling comes amid talks of a potential deal between the federal government and Harvard, which have been looming for months. President Donald Trump told U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a cabinet meeting that the federal government shouldnt negotiate with Harvard. We want nothing less than $500 million from Harvard, he said. Dont negotiate, Linda. Theyve been very bad. Concerns about the future Judge Allison Burroughs decision on Wednesday in favor of Harvard is the first step in a long journey, according to Quakenbush. I think this is a really good and positive sign, but just having this ruling handed down doesnt mean that the situation is going to go back to what it was like before, he said. He recognizes that the ruling will likely face an appeal from the Trump administration, which could be taken up to the Supreme Court and ultimately be held up in the courts. And, even if the funding would come back to Harvard and not be held up in the courts, Quakenbush said he doesnt know how long it would take to be in Harvards hands. This is long-term damage to the scientific and research infrastructure in the United States, Quakenbush said. Rita Hamad is a social epidemiologist and director of the Social Policies for Health Equity Research Center at the Harvard School of Public Health. Courtesy Rita Hamad, a Harvard researcher, said she has concerns that the Trump administration might appeal or throw up more roadblocks. However, she is cautiously optimistic that it is a step forward in restoring funding for scientific research at Harvard and that it is a model for other institutions of higher learning that are facing similar threats. Im relieved by the courts decision, since my team lost millions of dollars in NIH funding that we were awarded through a rigorous review process. This money supports our vital research on how social policies affect mental health, heart disease and dementia risk, she said. A ruling in Harvards favor could also mean that the Trump administration attempts to appeal a separate lawsuit filed by Harvard. In that lawsuit, Burroughs previously blocked the Trump administrations efforts to prevent the school from hosting international students. Trump has said the administration would appeal if she rules for Harvard in the fight over its federal funding. Impact on negotiating a deal? Burroughs decision gives Harvard more ammunition to not make a deal with the Trump administration showing that the federal governments actions were illegal, according to Harvard junior Clyve Lawrence. I think it just makes clear that the attempts at Trump targeting higher education are unfounded and incredibly harmful to the mission of universities like Harvard, Lawrence said. He said that the $500 million number posed by the Trump administration is another example of it being a purely political attack on Harvard. Abdullah Shahid Sial, a Harvard University sophomore from Lahore, Pakistan, pictured in front of the Statue of John Harvard at the Cambridge, Mass., campus. (Will Katcher/MassLive) Harvard junior Abdullah Shahid Sial, co-president of the student body, agreed. I hope Harvard sees this as a sign to stand their ground and not give in to unjust demands of the Trump administration in pursuit of a deal, especially since they have a much better footing in the courts now. Any deal legitimizes the undemocratic demands of the Trump regime and can be seen as hypocritical on Harvards part, primarily because of their extremely vocal opposition in the beginning, he said. A rally opposing a deal is scheduled to take place at Harvard on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., according to Schwartz, an organizer with Harvard Students For Freedom, which opposes the Trump administrations actions toward the university due, in part, to its interference with academic freedom. This definitely gives a little more footing to stand on to show look, it can be accomplished through the courts," he said. Jordan Schwartz is a student at Harvard University and is part of Students for Freedom, a student group. Mark McDonald If Harvard were to make a deal with the Trump administration, it would set a scary precedent across higher education, he said. If Harvard folds now, then frankly, theres no institution in America that has as much power as Harvard does, Schwartz said. No one else could stand up in the same way Harvard has tried to, he said. A Canton man was arrested on a murder charge Thursday morning in connection with the fatal shooting of a Boston man in the citys Dorchester neighborhood four months ago, Boston police announced. Jordan Evans, 32, is facing one count of murder and five gun charges in the death of 35-year-old Dorchester resident Shakar Caterson, Boston police said in a press release. A warrant for Evans arrest in connection with the case was issued on Sept. 4, according to court records. The Boston Police Fugitive Unit arrested him in Canton with the help of Massachusetts State Police and U.S. Marshals around 11:45 a.m. the same day, police said. Boston police began investigating Catersons death on Saturday, May 3, after officers responded to the intersection of Blue Hill Avenue and Georgia Street around 11 p.m. and found him there with a gunshot wound, police said previously. First-responders took him to Boston Medical Center where he was declared dead. Evans will be arraigned on the charges in Roxbury District Court at a later date, police said. No further information about Catersons killing has been released. Although Raynham police officers acted legally when they fatally shot a man outside his apartment in April, Raynham Sergeant Frank Pacheco is still grappling each morning with the knowledge that he took a life. Your whole lifes changed, Pacheco said in a mini series called On the line. Like you live with that for the rest of your life. Officers were sent to Stephen Macleans apartment at 501 King Phillip St. at 11:49 a.m. on April 30. Maclean had been arrested the day prior for harassing a neighbor and was released following his arraignment. On April 30, police learned Maclean had continued to harass the neighbor and attempted to take him into custody, according to a report produced by Quinns office. Police arrived to the apartment complex where Maclean lived just before noon and knocked on his apartment door. When an officer attempted to open the door, Maclean slammed it closed, prompting police to begin to try to talk him out of his apartment. Pacheco recalled the apartment hallways being small with nowhere to really go, forcing him to stand directly in front of the door. Later, without warning, Maclean opened the apartment door with a black semiautomatic pistol in his hand. He then pointed the gun at an officer standing in front of him, prompting one officer to fire a taser and Pacheco and Officer Jennifer Lang to fire their guns, according to the report. I couldnt believe that Frank wasnt hit, Lang recalled, adding that she made him check himself. Maclean was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead at 1:24 p.m. Whats my life going to be like after this? Following the shooting, Pachecos mind was racing. His first priority was not dying. Even though he thought he made the right choice by shooting Maclean, he began fearing for the worst and questioning what he had seen. Whats my life going to be like after this, he remembered thinking. He knew hed have to explain what happened to his wife but he also wanted to explain it to his children, who might hear about it at school. But how? Daddy just shot someone, he said during the mini series interview, adding that it sucks and wiping away tears. This part of the job isnt powerful or cool, he continued. People dont get it, he said. The district attorneys report determined responding officers had a reasonable fear for their own safety and the safety of their fellow officers and had probable cause to arrest him for witness intimidation. When Maclean stepped out of his apartment, the threat of deadly force ... was immediately apparent and imminent and officers had no opportunity to de-escalate the situation, the report concluded. Officers used only the amount of force necessary to neutralize the threat Maclean posed in the moment, and once it became clear he had dropped the gun, officers stopped firing. Body-camera video confirms the officers statements that it was Mr. Macleans unprovoked and violent actions that required the Raynham officers to respond with deadly force, the report reads. Based on a review of all of the facts and circumstances related to this incident, there is no basis to conclude that the responding police officers committed a crime. The fatal shooting of Stephen Maclean was justified. But that report didnt end the pain. Getting peer support Pacheco began attending Critical Incident Stress Managements (CISM) peer support group. It was during those sessions that Pacheco learned how to deal with the aftermath. For most of Raynham Police Chief David LaPlantes career, police officers went to horrible crime scenes and then were forced to simply move on to the next one. Mental health wasnt a priority. Its OK for an officer to go through tough times, he said, adding that its his job to make sure his officers know they can ask for help. When CISM started in 2016, it was still considered a joke, police officers recalled. But over time, it has become accepted. Now, police departments in Massachusetts can employ emergency service providers who are certified by the Massachusetts Peer Support Network or International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc., to provide services to first responders in the aftermath of traumatic events. In 2023, $792,371.13 was given to 11 municipal police departments by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to provide these services to first responders. It was the first time that funds were awarded through the Critical Incident Stress Management Grant Program. The impacts of post-traumatic stress are well documented and can have an immeasurable toll on emergency responders. We owe it to our first responders to ensure that they have the mental health services and resources in place to support their health and wellbeing after they experience trauma in the line of duty. Our communities are stronger and safer as a result of access to essential critical incident stress management services, said Gov. Maura Healey. As part of this, a $197,050 grant was provided to the South Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC), which serves 30 municipalities and one public university police department. This includes the Raynham Police Department. When Pacheco got out of the hospital following the shooting, the peer support group already had a plan for him. Knowing he had this kind of support helped him have faith he could move forward. Having that tool, having the knowledge and resources is one part that I think is very, very important, Pacheco said. Authorities are searching for a man they believe used a device to explode an ATM at a bank in Woburn Thursday morning. Woburn police responded to the Eastern Bank on Mishawum Road just after 9 a.m. for a report that an ATM had been tampered with, Woburn Police Chief Brian McManus said in a press release. At the scene, officers discovered damage to the ATM consistent with a pipe bomb. Woburn police then requested the help of the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad and FBI Bostons special agent bomb technicians, McManus said. Investigators discovered that, in the early morning hours of Sept. 4, a man had placed an object on the ATM and quickly left the area. Soon after, the device detonated and exploded, but no one was injured, McManus said. Authorities are still searching for the suspect, but do not believe there is a threat to public safety, McManus said. The FBI is continuing an investigation into the incident. Authorities ask that anyone with information about the incident call Woburn police at (781) 933-1212 or the FBI at 857-386-2000. News / Local by Staff reporter Advocate Dali Mpofu, a senior figure in the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party led by former South African president Jacob Zuma, has decried growing divisions among Africans and called for continental development and the free movement of people.Mpofu was speaking in Johannesburg at the launch of Footprints in the Chains: The Life Story of Job Sikhala, a new book by the veteran Zimbabwean opposition politician. The event also featured Zimbabwean journalist and commentator Hopewell Chin'ono, while Mozambican opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who was reportedly blocked from travelling by authorities in Maputo, addressed the gathering virtually.In a fiery address, Mpofu criticised the widespread use of derogatory labels such as makwerekwere in South Africa to describe foreign nationals from other African countries."How can we have makwerekwere here in Africa?" he asked. "The very same people who 200 years ago were sitting together in KwaZulu-Natal are now calling each other that. We must wake up as Africans."He highlighted the intertwined histories of southern African communities, citing the migration of King Mzilikazi and the shared languages and cultures across borders. "It is not a coincidence," Mpofu said. "Mzilikazi moved from KwaZulu-Natal, lived in Gauteng, and then crossed the Limpopo. These borders we now worship were never ours."Mpofu lambasted the 1884 Berlin Conference, where European powers carved up Africa without African representation, describing it as the root of artificial borders that continue to divide the continent."Why is it that in the United States you have 51 states and can move around without borders, yet in Africa, we are trapped behind lines drawn in Germany?" he asked.The veteran lawyer argued that the true cause of restrictive borders and xenophobia is economic underdevelopment. "People do not move because they hate their homes. They move because of economic factors. That happens everywhere. If Africa was developing as a continent, we would not even be having these discussions," he said.Mpofu urged Africans to unite, rethink imposed colonial borders, and prioritise economic development that would allow citizens to move freely across the continent. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington. AP Almost half of Americans believe President Donald Trump is vague when it comes to revealing information about his personal health. A new YouGov poll conducted on Sept. 2 found that 49% of U.S. adults said the 47th president has not provided enough information about his health, while 29% said he has. Just 22% of respondents reported being unsure. When broken down by party, 60% adults who identify as republicans say Trump has been transparent with his health. In comparison, 24% of adults who identify as independents and just 4% of adults who identify as democrats say the same thing. Only 16% of republicans say Trump isnt providing enough details about his physical health. Among independents, 48% said Trump has not provided enough details, while 83% of democrats responded similarly. The poll was released at a time when rumors of Trump being sick or even dead had spread like wildfire. Until Tuesday, the president had not made a public appearance for six days, leading to a flurry of posts on social media questioning whether he was alive or dead. Influencers on TikTok concluded the White House had been publishing old photos, suggesting that the president was being hidden from the press, according to the New York Times. Photos of Trump with a bruised hand and swollen ankles made the rounds on X as questions rose about the presidents health. Trump, 79, was asked about the rumors of his death by Fox News reporter Peter Doocy on Tuesday. I didnt see that. I have heard. Its sort of crazy, but last week, I did numerous news conferences. All successful, they went very well. Like this is going very well, Trump said. And then I didnt do any for two days, and they said, There must be something wrong with him. While rumors of Trumps demise were greatly exaggerated during Labor Day weekend, the YouGov poll found that a plurality of Americans (38%) believe the presidents age and health severely limit his ability to do his job. A total of 21% said Trumps age and health would have only a limited effect on his job performance, while 26% said the two factors have no impact. Only 15% said they were unsure. In the event Trump dies in office, Vice President JD Vance would assume the office of the president. The YouGov poll found 45% of adults believing Vance was not qualified to be president if it were necessary that he be sworn into the role. A total of 37% of adults said he was qualified, while 18% said they were unsure. Only eight U.S. presidents have died in office, with four of them (Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley and John F. Kennedy) killed by an assassin and the other four (William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor, Warren G. Harding and Franklin D. Roosevelt) dying of natural causes. The YouGov poll featured a sample size of 1,678 U.S. adults. The Interstate 290 overpass on the Worcester/Shrewsbury line above Lake Quinsigamond, where police said a 7-year-old girl was thrown from after her kidnapping and rape in 2017. Photo by Irene Rotondo Irene Rotondo The 7-year-old girl fell for what felt like forever before hitting dark, cold water below the Interstate 290 overpass in Worcester. Her soaked pajamas clung to her skin and the blanket wrapped around her was waterlogged, dragging the small child down as she struggled to see the distant shoreline. She swam for her life around 4 a.m. on Aug. 27, 2017, hours after a family friend Joshua Hubert, a 35-year-old at the time left her parents home following a summer party. Nearly a decade later, jury selection is scheduled to begin Thursday in the case against Hubert, who is accused by authorities of kidnapping, raping and attempting to kill the young girl by throwing her off that highway overpass into Lake Quinsigamond. Joshua Hubert is escorted into the courtroom for his dangerousness hearing on charges related to the kidnapping of a seven-year-old girl. At right is his attorney Richard Welsh Jr. on August 31, 2017. (Photo by Chris Christo/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images) Chris Christo/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald The girl now a teenager survived, telling police at the time it was her friend Josh who threw her off the bridge. Years later, she told her therapist that Hubert sexually assaulted her during the kidnapping, The Boston Globe reported. Hubert is charged with forcible child rape, child rape aggravated by age, two counts of attempted murder and a single count each of kidnapping a child under 16 and strangulation, across multiple indictments in connection with the 2017 incident. This trial will combine all of Huberts indictments into one case. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his lawyer has continued to maintain his clients innocence. Hubert is currently out on bail since he posted the $50,000 bail set in 2018, and partially due to the pandemics impact on Massachusetts court systems. He was also ordered released on personal recognizance after his indictment on the rape charges in 2022. There are a total of 54 possible witnesses on prosecutors list, which includes the girl herself, the woman whose doorstep she showed up at and what seem to be several of the girls family members. Prosecutors have also filed a motion to take the jury to view the I-290 bridge, where Hubert is accused of throwing the girl. What happened that night in 2017? The 7-year-old girl had known Joshua Hubert or Josh, as she called him her entire life. Hed been best friends with her parents for nearly 15 years by the time she was born, and it wasnt unusual for him to be at their Forestdale Road home in Worcester for a summer family gathering. What was unusual, prosecutors say, was what happened hours after the party ended on Aug. 27, 2017 when Hubert took his best friends daughter, still asleep in her pajamas and wrapped in a blanket, and drove off with her in the middle of the night. Around 2:30 a.m., Hubert placed the 7-year-old girl into his Saturn Ion and left the house, prosecutors said. For more than an hour afterward, surveillance footage captured him driving around Worcester and making several stops including at a gas station, checking the trunk of his car on Southbridge Street and at his girlfriends home on Bernice Street. There, prosecutors say, he told her to delete all of his encrypted data stored with LastPass.com, a digital password management system. Hubert pulled over and got in the backseat with the child at some point in the drive, prosecutors said, and raped her. She was strangled during the incident with both hands, which left bruises across her neck and body. When asked if she had tried pushing him away, she stated, I tried that but it didnt work, Worcester Detective Dylan Patient wrote in search warrant affidavits obtained by MassLive in 2018. Just before 4 a.m., Hubert stopped his car on the I-290 overpass at the Worcester-Shrewsbury line, according to prosecutors. He then threw the child, wrapped in a blanket, over the bridge into Lake Quinsigamond. The victim stated that she fell for a long time and landed in the waters below, Patient wrote. The lake reaches depths up to 90 feet, with an average of between 21 and 36 feet. She stated that she began to swim to a building she could see, but the blanket she was carrying was getting very heavy, which made it difficult to swim. She then swam to a house and stated that she was able to stand up in the water, Patient added. The girl swam nearly 100 yards to a home on North Lear Street, where a woman named Maeve Geary took her in. After wrapping the child in a towel and giving her warm clothes, Geary called the police. The child was taken to the hospital after police arrived, where she gave a detailed account of the night, positively identified Hubert through pictures and officers observed strangulation marks on her neck. At around the same time, a witness texted a friend joking that theyd seen someone throw something off the I-290 overpass at around 4:15 a.m., when theyd been driving on the highway earlier and saw a Saturn parked in the breakdown lane. The witness also saw a man walking around the car, prosecutors said. After his arrest, Hubert was suspended from his job at the Fay School in Southborough, a private co-ed school, where hed worked in the schools technology department as a systems support analyst since July 2017. School officials said he did not have any contact with children. In a letter sent out to parents on Aug. 29, 2017, Head of School Rob Gustavson Jr. said Hubert was hired in early July in the schools technology department as a systems support analyst, and called the incident a troubling event. Before that, Hubert worked as an emergency medical dispatcher in 2007 for the Sterling Police Department from May to August. He left the position during his one-year probationary period, the department said. Jury selection begins at 9 a.m. in Worcester Superior Court on Sept. 4. Goose, the 4-foot water monitor lizard, being shown at a press conference on Monday at the Webster Police Department. Goose had been on the run after he escaped his home in Webster on July 18. (Adam Bass/MassLive.com) A runaway 4-foot reptile that became the "unofficial mascot of Webster" could soon get a 24/7 livestream for people to watch it. A water monitor lizard named Goose had escaped its home in Webster on July 18. During the search, Goose had been spotted in Massachusetts and Connecticut. It officially ended on Aug. 2, when the lizard was found hiding in a hole near Southwest Main Street. At first, Capt. Scott Amati of the Massachusetts Environmental Police tried to use hard-boiled eggs to lure Goose out, but that didnt work. He then tried luring it with pieces of chicken, a snack Goose found much more appetizing. After Goose stuck his head out of the hole, he was snared with a catch pole, according to Amati. Police are asking for the public's help in locating a monitor lizard on the loose in Webster after it escaped from a home on Friday, July 18. Courtesy of Webster Animal Control. The lizard put up a fight but he was placed into a container, Amati said. Gooses owner, whom Amati did not name, will face a non-criminal citation for illegally owning the lizard. Goose originally had an owner from New Hampshire before coming to Massachusetts, Amati said. The lizard was sent to live at Rainforest Reptile Shows' Oasis Foundation, a nonprofit animal sanctuary, where he will receive expert care and a specially designed permanent habitat, the organization said. We dont just showcase reptiles, we protect them, the website states. Chief of Police Michael Shaw said he was a little sad to see the lizard leave. Hes kind of our unofficial mascot of Webster, Shaw said to laughs. Now, the nonprofit hopes to create a way for people to watch Goose whenever they want. In a video posted to Facebook, the foundation explained they are building a new habitat for Goose. In the habitat they hope to include a camera for people to watch a livestream of the lizard. The organization has raised about $2,800 towards building Gooses brand-new habitat. It is estimated to cost around $4,000 total. Construction begins this week, and the nonprofit hopes to have the lizard out of quarantine within the next couple of weeks. But Goose is not the only animal the nonprofit takes care of. Theyve had about 10 animals come in in the past couple of weeks. This has included ball pythons, bearded dragons, California kingsnakes and some illegal species they werent able to disclose due to ongoing cases. Other animals the foundation has rescued in the past included a highly venomous cobra being kept in a teenagers home, a Gaboon Viper, who bit its owner and put them in critical condition, and dozens of alligators taken from homes. A campus-wide shelter-in-place that was issued at UMass Lowell Wednesday afternoon in response to a report of an armed man on campus was lifted around 5:30 p.m., according to the universitys emergency alert system. Based on a search and investigation, law enforcement partners believe the suspect is no longer in the vicinity, a text message sent through the alert system reads. A large police presence is being maintained on campus, and officers will be stationed at all residence halls overnight. During a Wednesday night press conference, UMass Lowell Police Chief Ronald Dickerson declined to say how authorities determined that the suspect is no longer on campus, stating that doing so could compromise the investigation. However, he said, students should feel confident that they are safe. At no time was this an active shooter situation, and there is no evidence of shots fired, Lowell police wrote in a Thursday evening press release. Lowell police received a report of a person at UMass Lowell who may be armed with a gun shortly before 2:30 p.m., the police department said. A student reported seeing a suspect with a gun behind the Riverview Suites student dorm on Middlesex Street, Dickerson said during the press conference. Soon after, a video of the suspect was sent to police. Authorities later confirmed the presence of the suspect through security camera footage, he said. Lowell police also mentioned a social media video previously referenced by State Police that appears to show an armed person walking near Riverview Suites. Police have not confirmed that the person seen in the video is carrying a weapon, but Dickerson said the suspect appeared to be holding a long firearm. Lowell police, Massachusetts State Police, a SWAT Team and several federal law enforcement agencies responded to the campus to search for the suspect using drones, K-9 units and the State Police Air Wing, Lowell police said. Authorities are still investigating the incident, Lowell police said. They are asking anyone with information about it to call 978-937-3200. All classes and events at UMass Lowell have been cancelled for the rest of the day. Wednesday was the first day of classes at the university. No further information about the incident has been released. The trial for a Haitian man charged with raping a teenage girl at a Massachusetts family shelter is set to begin with opening statements on Thursday. Cory Alvarez faces a single count of aggravated rape of a child with a ten-year age difference in connection with an incident at a Comfort Inn in Rockland on March 13, 2024. Prosecutors dropped a charge of rape of a child with force last week, court records show. Police were called that night for a report of a girl who said shed been raped. Authorities later said there wasnt a pre-existing relationship between Alvarez and the girl before the incident. Rockland police took the girl to South Shore Hospital for treatment after arriving at the hotel. Alvarez has been held on a $150,000 bail after a judge raised it from $500 last fall in an attempt to keep him in the country to stand trial. Immigration authorities arrested Alvarez after he initially posted a lower bail last year, but they returned him to state custody as part of an agreement with Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruzs Office. Hes been in custody ever since. The hotel where Alvarez resided was part of the states shelter program for homeless families, officials previously said. Alvarezs attorney, Brian Kelley, challenged the legality of whether a judge could raise a defendants bail to keep him in the country, and it went before the states Supreme Judicial Court this spring. The court has yet to issue a decision. Alvarez entered the country legally and had undergone two background checks, his attorney, Brian Kelley, previously said in court, citing Gov. Maura Healeys office. It is not clear how long Alvarez had been living at the hotel and Kelley said he spent time in New York City before arriving in Massachusetts. Alvarez was in the United States as part of the Biden administrations Humanitarian Parole Program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans Program, the district attorneys office previously said. During his arraignment in Brockton Superior Court on May 31, Alvarez pleaded not guilty. On Aug. 13, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Boston Field Office took Alvarez into custody and hes been held in an ICE unit within the Plymouth County House of Corrections since. Alvarezs deportation would have (left) him unable to answer the accusations against him, Cruzs office said in a statement. Such a scenario would halt the case indefinitely, preventing any resolution for both the alleged victim and the defendant. The judge found the prosecutors arguments convincing. The district attorneys office quoted the judge as saying, The Commonwealth does have a case of strength. The court finds justice requires the increase in bail. The United States government could go pick up Mr. Alvarez, take him into custody and remove him any time they want and they have not, John Zanini, a lawyer for the district attorneys office, said at a hearing in May. They have not because they are respecting right now our custody so that we can proceed with our trial. There were 15 people chosen for the jury pool on Tuesday and Wednesday. Jurors will be sworn in and then opening statements will begin on Thursday. A South Boston woman is facing charges after she ran over a pedestrian in the parking lot of South Bay Mall in Dorchester while on drugs last weekend, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office. Ariella Bezan, 25, pleaded not guilty to operating under the influence of drugs causing serious bodily injury and negligent operation of a motor vehicle in connection with the incident during her arraignment Tuesday in South Boston District Court, according to court records. Her defense lawyer did not immediately return a request for comment Thursday afternoon. On Saturday, Aug. 30, Boston police responded to a report that a pedestrian had been hit by a car in the South Bay Mall parking lot shortly after 5 p.m., the district attorneys office said in a press release Thursday. Officers found the victim a 42-year-old woman lying on her back next to a white Ford Explorer. She was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Soon, Bezan who was driving the SUV at the time of the crash stumbled toward officers in a hysterical crying state, the district attorneys office said. She appeared erratic and unsteady on her feet with visible bruising on her arms consistent with an intravenous drug user. Bezan told officers that her sister who is autistic grabbed the steering wheel of the Explorer while she was backing out of a parking space, the district attorneys office said. This caused her to run the victim over, she said. A witness told police theyd seen the SUV reverse at a high rate of speed, then strike and run over the victim, with one of its tires rolling over her chest, the district attorneys office said. A second witness reported to officers that hed stood in front of the Explorer to keep the driver from running over the victim a second time. While securing the SUV, police found a red handbag on the floor next to its pedals, the district attorneys office said. The handbag was left open, and inside, officers discovered approximately 15 used needles and other drug paraphernalia. I wish the victim in this case a full and speedy recovery, and I am grateful for the witnesses who provided important information on what happened in particular, the witness who placed himself in front of the car to prevent further injury or worse to the victim, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in the release. During a Wednesday hearing, a judge ordered Bezan held on $2,000 cash bail, according to court records. The judge also issued conditions for her release, including that she enter and complete a drug treatment program, refrain from consuming alcohol or drugs and refrain from driving while her license is suspended. Bezan is due back in court on Sept. 24 for a pretrial hearing. Gov. Maura Healey (C), flanked by physicians, public health experts and advocates and insurers, explains that Massachusetts will make vaccines available statewide, regardless of what the federal government recommends. The Democratic governor made her remarks during a news conference at the State House in Boston on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. John L. Micek/MassLive Starting Friday, Massachusetts will require insurance companies to cover vaccinations for all state residents, no matter what the Trump administration recommends, Gov. Maura Healey said Thursday. In a defiant news conference at the State House, the Democratic governor laced into U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., accusing him of spreading misinformation, and the Trump administration of playing politics, with a critical matter of public health. We are taking a stand. We are a health care leader, and were not going to let the Trump administration or Robert Kennedy cost lives and take us down when others fail to do their job, Healey said. Healeys office rolled out a three-pronged strategy on Thursday that also includes allowing pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, irrespective of government guidance. Last week, major pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens announced they would no longer offer the COVID-19 jab in a dozen states, including Massachusetts, after the federal government stopped recommending them for adults Dr. Robbie Goldstein, the states public health commissioner, issued a standing order allowing pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccines to state residents aged 5 and older. Children younger than 5 will receive the vaccinations from their physicians. On Thursday, the state Department of Public Health also updated its vaccine administration policy to allow Goldstein and his eventual successors to determine which routine vaccines pharmacists can administer, sidestepping a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel, the administration said. The state also is entering into a partnership with other New England and northeastern states on vaccines and other public health issues as the federal government charts a different course, she said. That multi-state partnership is focused on developing evidence-based recommendations on vaccinations, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and supporting state public health labs, Healeys office said in a statement. We are pushing forward with regionalization, a collaboration across the Northeast, Goldstein elaborated during that State House news conference. Because you shouldnt have different recommendations if you live in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts, he continued. And so were committed, as regional public health [officials] to come out with unified recommendations about whos eligible for a COVID vaccine. In a statement, Andrew Nixon, the communications director for the Health and Human Services Department, fired back at Healeys criticisms. Democrat-run states that pushed unscientific school lockdowns, toddler mask mandates, and draconian vaccine passports during the COVID era completely eroded the American peoples trust in public health agencies, Nixon said, adding that the agency will ensure policy is based on rigorous evidence and Gold Standard Science, not the failed politics of the pandemic. Healey made her announcement flanked by a battery of physicians, public health experts and advocates and insurers. It also came the same day that Kennedy, the son of the late U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, D-N.Y., and nephew of U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., was filleted by lawmakers on Capitol Hill over unrest at the CDC and his approach to vaccines. Some of the questioning by the Senate Finance Committee came from Republican senators who had initially backed Kennedy as the nations top public health official. For them, Healey had a terse rejoinder. Shame on you, she said. In Washington, Kennedy faced sharp questioning from U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who pressed him on the firing of former CDC Director Susan Monarez. Kennedy claimed that he asked Monarez to resign because she admitted she was not trustworthy, The Washington Post reported. A surprised Warren pointed out that just a month earlier, Kennedy had praised her as unimpeachable, the newspaper reported. And in a month, she became a liar? Warren asked. In Boston on Thursday, Healey also harshly criticized Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who issued an order Wednesday rendering the Sunshine State the first U.S. state to eliminate all childhood vaccine mandates. Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, who announced the decision, cast current requirements in schools and elsewhere as immoral intrusions on peoples rights that hamper parents ability to make health decisions for their children, The Associated Press reported. People have a right to make their own decisions, informed decisions, Ladapo, who has frequently clashed with the medical establishment, said at a news conference in Valrico. They dont have the right to tell you what to put in your body. Take it away from them. Healey sharply disagreed. I dont think measles was a souvenir that you were looking to return with after a trip to Disney World, Healey said. It blows my mind, she continued. I cant imagine, as a governor, ever doing something like Ron DeSantis did. BOSTON The Red Sox promoted utility man Nick Sogard from Triple-A Worcester to replace injured star Roman Anthony on the active roster Wednesday, choosing him over promising rookie infielder/outfielder Kristian Campbell Manager Alex Cora was asked directly: Why Sogard over Campbell? Why him over others? Cora replied. Because hes versatile. He puts (up) a good at-bat. Today hes playing second base because Alex (Bregman) is DHing and we trust the player. Boston placed Anthony on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain. The 21-year-old rookie is not setting a timeline for his return but Cora said a 4-to-6 week absence is about typical for this type of injury. The 27-year-old Sogard was batting .276 with a .393 on-base percentage, .385 slugging percentage, .778 OPS, five homers and 22 doubles in 91 games (409 plate appearances) at Worcester. He entered Wednesday with a .242/.319/.323/.641 line in 18 games with the Red Sox. The 23-year-old Campbell, meanwhile, made Bostons 2025 Opening Day roster and signed an eight-year, $60 million extension after only four big league games. He then won AL Rookie of the Month for March/April, posting a .902 OPS in 29 games. But he batted .154 (20-for-130) in 39 games from April 30-June 18 and the Red Sox demoted him to Worcester on June 20. He hasnt sniffed the majors since then. And its beginning to feel like he wont play for Boston again this season. Campbell was one of Bostons few internal options when rosters expanded from 26 to 28 players on Sept. 1. He actually was the only 40-man roster position player on Worcesters roster eligible for a Sept. 1 call-up. Sogard and Jhostynxon Garcia were ineligible for call-ups because they had not met the 10-day minimum requirement on Worcesters roster since their recent options. Vaughn Grissom was unavailable because hes on Worcesters 7-day IL with right foot inflammation, while Abraham Toro (not on the 40-man) also wasnt eligible after being outrighted to Worcester on Aug. 24. Instead of promoting Campbell, the Red Sox made a trade Aug. 31 to acquire catcher Ali Sanchez, a .185 career hitter, as their extra roster addition. He went overlooked again Wednesday with Sogard getting the call. Cora didnt say much Wednesday when asked what Campbell still needs to work on. Just keep playing, man, Cora said. He needs to keep playing. We make roster decisions based on what we need here and we felt like Sogie was the one and thats why hes here. BETTING: The Red Sox team total regular season wins line is set at 89.5 over on The Red Sox team total regular season wins line is set at 89.5 over on FanDuel . Our comprehensive FanDuel Sportsbook review shows you how to sign up and get started with their platform. It is important for Campbell to keep playing every day to continue to develop. Defensively, he needs to improve his first step as a second baseman and first baseman. Offensively, some under-the-hood numbers havent stood out. He has a low hard hit percentage and hes near the bottom of Triple-A in average exit velocity. He did hit a 109.9 mph triple, 101.9 mph double and 341-foot, 96.2 mph homer Tuesday for Worcester. But the Red Sox need to see more. He had a strong July (.273/.373/.443/.816) but his slash line dipped to .262/.356/.388/.744 in August. MassLives Fenway Insider Live Sean McAdam hosted a live mailbag Thursday at 12 p.m. and highlighted the latest news from the Boston Red Sox. Throughout the mailbag, McAdam and MassLive sports reporter Lauren Campbell discussed Roman Anthonys oblique injury, the future of Jordan Hicks more, whether Kristian Campbell or Jhostynxon Garcia will get called up and more. Tune in every week for a live mailbag with McAdam thats exclusive to Fenway Insider subscribers. Have a question? Send McAdam an email at fenwayinsider@masslive.com or leave a voicemail at 413-788-1119. Voicemails may be played on the live show. Miss Thursdays show? Check it out in the video below. Red Sox manager Alex Cora and Roman Anthony embrace prior to Anthony's MLB debut against the Rays at Fenway Park on June 9. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) Getty Images BOSTON Manager Alex Cora had a straightforward message for Roman Anthony after an MRI revealed that the Red Sox star rookie suffered a left oblique strain. I told him to envision ALCS, first at-bat, Cora said Wednesday. Thats what I told him. Just put that goal in your mind and hopefully it happens. Anthony is not setting a timeline for his return from an oblique strain but vows to work hard to return as soon as possible. A 4-to-6 week absence is about typical for this type of injury, Cora said. Anthony left Tuesdays game after his fourth inning at-bat with left oblique tightness. Boston put him on the 10-day injured list earlier Wednesday and recalled Nick Sogard. Exactly four weeks would be Oct. 1 and six weeks would be Oct. 15. These timelines could impact Anthonys availability for the postseason, as the AL Wild Card series is scheduled for Sept. 30-Oct. 2, followed by the ALDS (Oct. 4-10) and the ALCS (Oct. 12-20). At one point hes going to be part of this, Cora said. So hes got to be patient, but (as a team) keep pitching, keep putting good at-bats, keep playing. Cora also stressed taking care of the player comes first and the team is secondary. First things first is getting him healthy and if hes ready to go, hes ready to go, Cora said. If not, then we have to keep going ourselves. The Red Sox were 32-35 when they promoted Anthony from Triple-A Worcester on June 9. Since then, Boston has gone 46-27. BETTING: The Red Sox are listed at +700 to win the AL East on The Red Sox are listed at +700 to win the AL East on Caesars . Our comprehensive Caesars Sportsbook review provides a guide on how to navigate through their site. With Anthonys significant contribution to the teams turnaround, Cora was asked how they plan to maintain momentum without him. We keep pitching, Cora said. We keep pitching and playing good defense. I think Roman is part of that. But the pitching has been the key this season and we expect to keep pitching and other guys have to step up offensively. The 21-year-old Anthony has been one of Bostons most productive offensive players the past two and a half months. Hes batting .292 with a .396 on-base percentage, .463 slugging percentage, .859 OPS, eight home runs, 18 doubles, one triple, 32 RBIs and 48 runs in 71 games. As far as I know with the oblique, you have to give it a little bit of time at first and then from there its slowly kind of build it back up, Anthony said. Obviously for me and wanting to get out there and help this team as soon as I can, Im going to do everything I can to speed this process up. But as far as I know, at least the first few days, maybe a week, its pretty much just laying low and then kind of letting it heal as much as I can before we start moving around. BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- A symposium commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was held in Beijing on Tuesday, drawing 340 participants, including representatives of patriotic figures from all sectors of society from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and foreign countries. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attended the symposium and delivered a speech. The victory in the war against Japanese aggression was China's first complete triumph in modern times against foreign invasion, and it was a great victory achieved through the courageous struggle of all Chinese people, including compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as overseas Chinese, Wang said. He said the victory stands as a shared memory of the Chinese nation and a shared honor of all Chinese people. The motherland and its people will always remember the unique contributions made by compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as overseas Chinese, to the establishment of the international anti-fascist united front, Wang said. He stressed that the commemoration of the war's victory should highlight its profound significance and demonstrate to the world the major contribution of the Eastern battlefield in the global fight against fascism. Wang underscored the importance of carrying forward the great national spirit, with patriotism at its core, along with the great spirit of the war of resistance, in order to rally powerful strength for the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He called for efforts to advance Chinese modernization in a comprehensive way, support and promote the integration of Hong Kong and Macao into the country's overall development, and improve the institutions and policies that facilitate economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait. It is essential to safeguard and strengthen the stability and harmony of Hong Kong and Macao, he said. Wang stressed the importance of adhering to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, firmly opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference, and resolutely upholding the victorious outcome of the recovery of Taiwan in the war against Japanese aggression. He also called for efforts to uphold a correct historical perspective on WWII and contribute to world peace and development, and the progress of human civilization. News / Local by Staff reporter Banking experts have warned that Zimbabwe's heavy reliance on cash is undermining the country's push towards a digital economy, despite widespread mobile penetration and modern payment infrastructure.Speaking at the inaugural ZimSwitch Digital Connect Symposium in Nyanga, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) chief policy research and anti-money laundering compliance officer, Amon Chitsva, said digitalisation was critical to Zimbabwe's financial stability but continued cash dependence was a major setback."Digitalisation is not only about adopting technology but about resilience, collaboration and innovation," Chitsva said. He noted that transaction fees, uneven access to technology, limited digital literacy, cybersecurity risks, weak data protection, and a cultural preference for cash were among the barriers stalling digital uptake.His sentiments were echoed by Electronic Payment Association of Zimbabwe (EPAZ) president Irvine Masona, who highlighted that 70 percent of Zimbabweans still rely on cash for daily transactions, according to a FinScope survey. This is despite mobile penetration exceeding 100 percent."Our volumes are going in the wrong direction," Masona said. "Customers withdraw their salaries as cash, then transact outside the digital ecosystem, limiting the potential of digital platforms."He questioned whether the digital ecosystem offered the same convenience and trust as cash:"If someone puts US$100 into their account, can they still transact US$100, or do they lose value immediately? Unless we fix that, adoption will remain low."Masona compared Zimbabwe's position with global peers, where digital payments dominate daily life. In China, contactless and mobile payments account for the bulk of transactions, while in the UK and South Africa, more than 90 percent of payments are digital."Globally, 70 percent of new value over the next decade will come from digitally enabled economies," he said, citing World Economic Forum research. "If we fail to capture that, Zimbabwe risks falling behind."Both speakers urged banks and fintech companies to design digital products tailored to Zimbabwean realities rather than copying foreign models. Masona emphasised the need to integrate everyday services such as transport, airtime, pensions and healthcare into payment platforms.Chitsva assured that the RBZ was committed to providing supportive regulation that encourages innovation while safeguarding financial stability. "To unlock a bold digital economy requires a shared vision, strategic alignment and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders," he said.The symposium highlighted both progress and persistent challenges: Zimbabwe has the infrastructure, mobile reach and regulatory frameworks to expand digital adoption, yet cash dominance remains entrenched. Experts warned that without urgent reforms to reduce fees, improve convenience and build trust, Zimbabwe risks lagging behind regional and global peers in the digital payments revolution. Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan holds a press conference prior to the 2025 Democratic State Convention at the MassMutual Convention Center in Springfield. Kerrigan was joined by state Democratic leaders and elected officials. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook SPRINGFIELD Massachusetts Democrats will welcome 3,975 delegates to Springfield on Sept. 13, a record number for an odd-year platform convention. Among them in the MassMutual Center that Saturday will be voices saying the new party platform slimmed down from 70 to 24 pages and the product of a winters worth of listening sessions and hearings is too moderate and straying from progressive views. The delegate count is 12% greater than the turnout at any other platform convention in the partys history. Conventions like the one expected in 2026 with the party nominating candidates for governor and lieutenant governor are usually a bigger deal. Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan holds a press conference prior to the 2025 Democratic State Convention at the MassMutual Convention Center in Springfield. Kerrigan was joined by state Democratic leaders and elected officials. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook I would be shocked if there wasnt criticism of something within the Democratic Party, Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan told reporters Thursday at a news conference. The process of developing this years platform included more diverse voices and extensive conversations, Kerrigan said. Hes a veteran of national Democratic platforms, including the one that elected Joe Biden in 2020. Platforms are supposed to be a document that is aspirational and shows our ideals and lays out who we are as a Democrat, he said, speaking from the arena floor, which is normally occupied by an ice sheet. It is as much for the outside person reading it as it is for us. We know why were Democrats. But liberals within the party point out the new platform eliminates opposition to subminimum wages and drops support for extending the right to strike for public employees. The phrase systemic racism no longer appears anywhere in the document. And there is no longer a commitment to single-payer health care and Medicaid expansion, according to Our Revolution Massachusetts. The word transgender no longer appears anywhere in the document. The phrase LBGTQ+ only appears once, the group said. People dont vote for a party because of where it falls on the political spectrum; they vote for a party because it stands for something, said Michael Gilbreath, a member of the State Committee, a delegate from Wayland and one of the founders of Our Revolution, in a written statement. The new platform removed stronger language on fossil fuel pipelines, Our Revolution said. At the news conference, state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, D-Springfield, said the platform addresses issues that make communities better, such as education. We need a party for everybody, he said. This is the first time the state party has convened in Springfield since 2019, said Candy Glazer, a longtime Democratic activist from Longmeadow. Were just so proud, she said Thursday. Besides delegates, therell be 100 or more volunteers at the convention. State Sen. Adam Gomez speaks to members of the media prior to the 2025 Democratic State Convention at the MassMutual Convention Center in Springfield on Thursday. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook State Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, said it begins the night of Sept. 12 with a 7 p.m. reception at White Lion Brewing in Tower Square. After the Saturday convention, at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday, there will be a closing reception hosted by Gov. Maura T. Healey and Lt. Gov. Kimberly Driscoll, also at White Lion. Also on Saturday, there will be training sessions. Convention speakers will include U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, as well as U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal. Also at the press conference Thursday were state Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, state Rep. Angelo Puppolo, D-Springfield, state Rep. Bud Williams, D-Springfield, state Rep. Brian M. Ashe, D-Longmeadow, state Rep. Shirley B. Arriaga, D-Chicopee, and Governors Councilor Tara Jacobs, D-North Adams. 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Today, the clubs, including those in Crossmolina and Claremorris, play a vital role in helping members build confidence, friendships and life skills while avoiding the risks of peer pressure. At the No Name Club Annual National Volunteer Conference 2025, held in Tullamore at the weekend, volunteers were celebrated for the vital role they play in clubs nationwide, including dedicated members of No Name Club Crossmolina and Claremorris. Recent research highlighted the impact of the clubs, and the work of the volunteers, on the lives of members: 96 percent of members feel reduced pressure to use alcohol or substances; 93 percent report increased confidence and self-esteem; 91 percent have experienced personal development; 81 percent report improved mental wellbeing; 95 percent have made new friendships through the club; 100 percent feel safe, welcome and respected within their club environment. Volunteers also took part in workshops with guest speakers from leadership, addiction counselling and mental health outreach, included Cathy Farrell, LIFT Ireland building leadership values across Irish society, Barry Grant, Extern Problem Gambling Ireland advocate for gambling harm prevention, John Lonergan, Former Governor of Mountjoy Prison respected voice on leadership, mental health and social justice. READ MORE: Multi-million stream DJ set to perform in popular Mayo venue The conference was chaired by No Name Clubs new CEO Jack OBrien, a former member and long-time volunteer of the Dungarvan club as he said: Were so grateful to all our volunteers, without whom the No Name Clubs around the country would simply not exist. The research proves the lasting impact these clubs have on young people and its important to celebrate that. We also want to thank our speakers for delivering such powerful insights. Their contributions will help us carry new learning into our work with clubs in the year ahead. Currently operating in nine counties and supported by the HSE and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, No Name Club engages with almost 500 young people across Ireland. To find out more or locate your nearest club, visit https://nonameclub.ie. Crossmolina: Cluainin Centre, Ballina Street, Crossmolina, Co Mayo, F26 AE76. Claremorris: James Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, F12 WV66. 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. News / Local by Staff reporter Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora has warned that private health facilities that fail to submit data on Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) programs risk being shut down.He issued the warning on Wednesday during a meeting of the National Validation Committee (NVC) for the Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B."We need the data for planning purposes. So, it cannot be a matter of choice to supply data. It must be mandatory. Those who do not want to supply data, we have to close them. Simple," Dr. Mombeshora said.His remarks followed revelations by the Ministry's National PMTCT and Pediatric HIV Care and Treatment Coordinator, Dr. Angela Mushavi, that the private sector has consistently failed to share crucial data with the government.Dr. Mushavi noted that while Zimbabwe has reduced MTCT rates to 6.48 percent in 2024, down from 8.1 percent last year, the absence of private sector data continues to undermine national programming."Data collection from the private sector is still an issue. Private facilities are seeing pregnant women, testing and treating them, but we don't have that data. If our figures only speak to what's happening in the public sector, what about those using the private sector? They are also Zimbabweans," she said.She added that despite repeated discussions, private facilities have not complied, stressing the need for action. Some participants at the meeting, however, argued that excessive paperwork had discouraged private players from reporting.Dr. Mombeshora also used the platform to call on men to support their partners during pregnancy, urging them to accompany women to antenatal care and testing."Triple EMTCT is not just about women a it is about families. Please support your partners. If you don't, you risk the ladies renaming ANC to aAlways No Chaps,'" he quipped.On a more serious note, the minister acknowledged progress in reducing mother-to-child transmission and combating related infections, but urged stakeholders to redouble efforts."HIV prevalence is declining, and MTCT has dropped to 6.5%, moving steadily toward our target of less than 5% by 2026. Nearly all pregnant women are now tested and treated for syphilis, and efforts for Hepatitis B elimination are gathering momentum a though more work is needed, especially on testing and the birth-dose vaccine," he said.The triple elimination program seeks to reduce MTCT rates of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B to below five percent, a milestone Zimbabwe is aiming to achieve by 2026. Explore robotic surgery in urology: minimally invasive procedures, precise techniques, and faster patient recovery. Trusted Source AINU Go to source Trusted Source Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) Trusted Source AINU Go to source Trusted Source TOP INSIGHT #Urology is undergoing a revolution! #Robotic_surgery is no longer a futuristic conceptit's here, offering surgeons unmatched precision and patients benefits like less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery. The future of surgery is now. #MedTech AINU Creates Global Forum to Redefine the Future of Urology Care Advertisement AINU - (https://ainuindia.org/) Theis here, transforming patient care across India and beyond. With increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures offering smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery, robotic surgery is gaining widespread acceptance among patients from both urban and rural areas ().Thesuccessfully hosted Robo-Lap 2025, one of the countrys largest conferences dedicated to advancements in robotic and laparoscopic urology.The two-day event drew over 1,000 urologists from India, the UK, USA, Belgium, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, providing a platform for sharing clinical insights, discussing complex cases, and exploring emerging technologies shaping the future of urology and nephrology.The conference featured workshops, high-level deliberations, and case discussions focused on advanced urology procedures, including uro-oncology, reconstructive surgeries, and complex pediatric interventions. Experts highlighted how robotic and laparoscopic techniques enhance surgical precision, reduce invasiveness, and accelerate patient recovery.Dr. Mallikarjuna C, Managing Director & Chief Consultant Urologist at AINU, said, "it created a forum for specialists worldwide to engage, share insights, and collectively reimagine the future of urology care. Platforms of this scale ensure the urology community stays at the forefront of robotic and minimally invasive surgery ."He added, "Patients increasingly request smaller incisions, knowing it reduces pain and speeds recovery. Training in these procedures is not traditionally part of medical education, so this conference allowed practitioners to enhance skills and return home better equipped to deliver advanced care."Sandeep Guduru, CEO of AINU, emphasized, "Robo-Lap reflects our commitment to clinical excellence, continuous learning, and innovation. Its a testament to AINUs mission to push the boundaries of urology and nephrology care."Robo-Lap 2025 not only showcased cutting-edge surgical techniques but also fostered global collaboration, knowledge exchange, and academic rigor, reinforcing AINUs leadership in advancing urology and nephrology practices worldwide.Source-Medindia News / Local by Staff reporter Binga has taken a historic step in reclaiming its cultural identity by renaming key areas and roads, replacing colonial-era designations with BaTonga heritage titles and icons.The initiative, spearheaded by the Binga Local Board, seeks to honour the district's history, traditional spirits and national heroes while preserving the unique cultural fabric of the BaTonga people.Under the changes, the area previously known as Secondary is now Kaani-Kamutumpwi, while Rest Camp has been renamed Maalila, after a revered rain-making spirit central to BaTonga culture. Other areas such as Back Harbour, Govera and Garikai have been renamed Siankuku, Manyanga and Silyambembe, respectively, reflecting deep-rooted heritage ties.Several roads have also been given new names to pay tribute to local leaders and national heroes. Kariyangwe Road has become Sikajaya Road in honour of the late Andrew Sikajaya Muntanga, a national hero closely associated with the late Vice-President Joshua Nkomo. Siansali and Sinamagonde roads now commemorate two revered chiefs whose leadership shaped the district's history.In further recognition of Muntanga's legacy, a new primary school in the Kaani-Kamutumpwi suburb will also bear his name.Sam Mwiinde, project services officer for the Binga Local Board, said the exercise was a celebration of identity and belonging."This is a celebration of identity and history that connects the community to its roots. The board encourages everyone to use these names in official and everyday communication to ensure a smooth transition," he said."This transition is more than just a change of signs; it is a celebration of who we are. Using these designations is a powerful way to connect with our history."The renaming marks a defining moment for Binga, a district renowned for its scenic beauty along Lake Kariba and its vibrant BaTonga traditions.The BaTonga are one of Zimbabwe's indigenous ethnic groups, with a history that traces back to migrations from the equatorial forests of the Congo Basin to the Zambezi River. Their cultural trajectory was deeply altered in the late 1950s with the construction of the Kariba Dam, which displaced around 60 000 Tonga people from their ancestral lands along the Zambezi to resettlements in Binga.For many, this renaming exercise is more than symbolic a it is a reclamation of dignity and memory long obscured by colonial naming systems. By restoring these identities, Binga is not only preserving its past but also projecting cultural pride into the future. BEIJING Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged mutual support and enhanced cooperation during talks in Beijing on the sidelines of festivities commemorating the end of World War II, state media said Thursday. Xi and Kim, along with top officials from their countries, met at Beijing's Great Hall of the People a day after Kim attended a Chinese military parade alongside other foreign leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kim is making a rare trip outside North Korea. Xi highlighted the "traditional friendship" between China and North Korea and pledged to consolidate and boost relations, according to a readout of their statements published by state broadcaster CCTV. "This position will not change regardless of how the international situation evolves," Xi told Kim, according to CCTV. China has been North Korea's biggest trading partner and aid provider, though questions have lingered about the strength of their bilateral relationship. In recent years, Kim's foreign policy has focused heavily on Russia. He has sent combat troops and ammunition to back Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in return for economic and military assistance. At a meeting with Kim in Beijing after the parade, Putin praised the bravery of North Korean soldiers in the fighting. But experts say that Kim would feel the need to prepare for the possible end of the Russia-Ukraine war. Kim, on his first visit to China in six years, brought his young daughter, adding to speculation that she's being primed as the country's next leader. On Wednesday, he joined 26 foreign leaders who watched the parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It was the first time that Kim had joined an event with a large group of world leaders since taking office in late 2011. During his meeting with Xi, Kim lauded the "friendly feelings" between North Korea and China, which he pledged would persist "regardless of how the international situation changes." Kim said North Korea was ready to boost exchanges with China at all levels and "deepen mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation," according to CCTV. North Korea's economy has been suffering under heavy U.S. sanctions tied to Pyongyang's development of nuclear weapons. Some observers say Kim's trip could also be meant to increase leverage in potential talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly expressed his hopes to resume diplomacy between the two countries. China is believed to want its neighbor to return to negotiation and give up its nuclear weapons development. North Korea's more recent closer ties with Russia have raised some concern in Beijing, which has long been Pyongyang's most important ally. The joint appearance of Kim, Xi and Putin at the parade has sparked speculation about a joint effort to push back at U.S. pressure on their three countries. Trump said as much in a social media post, telling Xi to give his warmest regards to Putin and Kim "as you conspire against The United States of America." Putin dismissed that idea at a news conference in Beijing on Wednesday, saying no one has expressed anything negative about the Trump administration during his trip to China. "The President of the United States is not without a sense of humor," he said. Although China, North Korea and Russia are embroiled in separate confrontations with the U.S., they haven't formed a clear three-way alliance so far. Zhu Feng, the dean of Nanjing University's School of International Relations, said that "ganging up" with North Korea would damage China's image, because the former is the most closed and authoritarian country in the world. "It should not be overinterpreted that China-North Korea-Russia relations would see reinforcement," he said. ___ Mistreanu reported from Taipei, Taiwan. Hyung-jin Kim contributed to this report from Seoul, South Korea. News / National by Staff reporter Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has dismissed as "shameful lies" allegations that he tricked exiled former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi into returning to Zimbabwe, where he was later arrested and detained.Mzembi, who fled the country after the 2017 ouster of the late President Robert Mugabe, is reported to have suffered deteriorating health following his detention. Critics have accused Mliswa of colluding with state security agencies to lure him back, claims the outspoken politician strongly rejected."The Mzembi issue is an unfortunate exhibition of callous politicians conveniently altering facts and pseudo-journalists crafting an alternative reality. It's a total shame to accuse me or anyone of enticing him back. This was his own idea," Mliswa wrote on social media.He insisted that Mzembi had personally reached out to him, seeking assistance to return home after falling out with fellow exiled politician Saviour Kasukuwere. "For more than a year and a half they had never spoken. He felt unsafe which is why he moved from South Africa to Zambia," Mliswa claimed.The former MP also dismissed speculation that he had acted in concert with the country's intelligence services. "All this talk about me selling him out is noonday hogwash. I'm no spy and never worked for the CIO," he said.Mliswa further accused political activist Ali Naka and other commentators of fueling the allegations on social media, linking the claims to factional battles within the ruling ZANU-PF party. He said his role had always been limited to facilitating dialogue when exiled figures sought to return."I have always advocated for the return of everyone in exile. For both Mzembi and Kasukuwere in 2018, when approached I simply spoke with the powers that be and facilitated engagements. Whatever else they agreed or didn't, I was never part of it," Mliswa said.The controversy has also spilled into his personal life, with his ex-partner Susan Mutami's name dragged into the debate. Mliswa condemned what he called the "abuse" of Mutami's name, citing her health condition and urging political actors to leave her out of the dispute. WASHINGTON The top ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee says a classified meeting planned with a key U.S. spy agency was called off after it was criticized by Laura Loomer, a far-right conspiracy theorist. The cancellation of Sen. Mark Warner's visit with career intelligence staffers at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency represents an escalation of the Trump administration's efforts to block Congress from exercising oversight over the nation's intelligence agencies. Is congressional oversight dead? Warner, of Virginia, said Wednesday, questioning Loomer's authority over the intelligence community. Is she now the secretary of defense and the director of national intelligence?" Loomer has taken credit for the State Department suspending visas for wounded Palestinian children seeking medical treatment in the U.S. and several staff changes in the administration, accusing some officials of not being sufficiently loyal to Trump. Loomer has a history of making racist and anti-Islamic attacks on social media, and once shared a video on X that said 9/11 was an Inside Job! While not as well known as the CIA or NSA, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency handles the collection and analysis of imaging information, including satellite imagery, used for military and intelligence operations. Its director reports to both the director of national intelligence and the secretary of defense. Warner said he has had more than a dozen similar meetings with the NGA and other spy agencies under Republican and Democratic presidencies, including during Trump's first term. He said he was hoping to ask the NGA about its use of artificial intelligence and other matters. In a social media post Sunday, Loomer detailed plans for the meeting and criticized Warner and Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth, the NGA's director, who was tapped to lead the agency by former President Joe Biden. Im told NGA is infested with Trump haters, Loomer wrote. In a post Tuesday, Loomer took credit for exposing the meeting and called on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to fire Whitworth. Warner said he believes the meeting was canceled by Hegseth's office. The Pentagon said the visit was not canceled but rescheduled "to accommodate bipartisan participation in the town hall event. Spokespeople for the NGA and for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard declined to comment. Loomer did not respond to a message seeking comment. Trump has downplayed Loomer's influence, but a growing list of administration officials have resigned or been dismissed following her criticism. They include Jen Easterly, former head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, who was dismissed from a post at the U.S. Military Academy, and Air Force Gen. Tim Haugh, former director of the NSA and the Pentagon's Cyber Command. Food and Drug Administration vaccine chief Dr. Vinay Prasad stepped down from his position following criticism from Loomer, but returned to the post a few weeks later. The State Department also announced last month that it would suspend all visitor visas for people from Gaza, pending a review, a day after Loomer posted videos on social media of children from Gaza arriving in the U.S. for medical treatment and questioned how they got visas. The administration announced a new, restrictive visa policy for Gaza this week. The Trump administration has restored the rank of retired Navy doctor Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, to rear admiral despite a government watchdog finding that he abused subordinates, drank on the job, and made sexual comments about a woman while serving as the top White House physician. Jackson revealed the Trump administrations move on social media Wednesday afternoon about four hours after Military.com contacted his office to inquire about legislation a House colleague filed to authorize Jacksons rank to be restored and provide him back pay for the time in which he was demoted to captain. I was, and still am, a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral, and Joe Biden is a retired old FOOL, Jackson posted on X. After the Biden administrations politically motivated attacks against me, I am pleased to share that my military rank has been fully restored. Read Next: Space Force Opens Applications for Air Force Reservists to Sign Up for Part-Time Service The post also included a copy of a letter from Navy Secretary John Phelan dated June 13 informing Jackson of the Trump administrations decision. Your professionalism and commitment to duty have consistently exemplified the highest traditions of naval service, Phelan wrote in the letter. I am grateful for your leadership, dedication and support of the men and women who serve in our Navy and Marine Corps. Jackson was quietly demoted to captain in 2022, three years after his retirement from the Navy, following an inspector general report that substantiated allegations of inappropriate and unprofessional behavior on the job. The demotion was first reported by The Washington Post last year. During his Navy career, Jackson served as a White House doctor through multiple presidents. But he shot to prominence during President Donald Trumps first term when he held a press conference in 2018 in which he praised Trumps incredibly good genes and joked that the president might live to be 200 years old if he ate healthier. After Jacksons fawning performance at the press conference, Trump nominated him to become secretary of Veterans Affairs. But Jacksons nomination was withdrawn after allegations came to light that he drank on the job, overprescribed medications, and created a hostile work environment. The Pentagons inspector general investigated the allegations and concluded in a 2021 report that he disparaged, belittled, bullied and humiliated" subordinates; made "sexual and denigrating" comments about a female medical subordinate; and drank alcohol while providing medical care to former President Barack Obama on at least two official trips. One witness who spoke to investigators described Jacksons actions as frat boy-type behavior. Despite the findings, Jackson maintained his innocence, saying in 2021 that the investigation was a political hit job. By then, he had been elected to Congress. In addition to the social stigma of being demoted, Jacksons post-retirement punishment came with a steep financial cost. The difference between retirement pay for a captain and a rear admiral can be more than $10,000 annually. The Navy did not immediately respond to Military.coms request for comment about Phelans decision to restore Jacksons rear admiral rank, but the service confirmed the secretarys move to The Associated Press. Prior to Jackson revealing the Navy had already reversed his demotion, a House colleague was prepared to fight for a reversal. Earlier this week, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., proposed an amendment to this years annual defense policy bill that would have authorized Jackson to be promoted once again to rear admiral and granted him back pay to the date on which his rank was administratively reduced, according to text of the amendment that was posted to the House Rules Committee website. The amendment has since been withdrawn, according to the Rules Committee website. Ronny Jackson is a friend, patriot and exemplary leader, Issas spokesperson, Jonathan Wilcox, said in an emailed statement to Military.com. Congressman Issa knew from the start that what was done to Rep. Jackson was completely unjustified and represented a shameful abuse of power by those who were actually in charge of the Biden administration. In the end, justice was served, and Rear Adm. Jackson once again holds the rank he has earned. Military.com emailed Jacksons office late Wednesday morning asking for comment on Issas amendment. That afternoon, a spokesperson responded with a link to Jacksons social media post. Jacksons rank reinstatement follows a pattern of the Trump administration rewriting history and rewarding the presidents supporters after perceived wrongs. Last week, the Air Force confirmed that it offered military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by police while trying to crawl through a shattered window to an area where lawmakers were barricaded during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters. Further, fired Space Force officer Matthew Lohmeier was appointed Air Force under secretary, and former Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, who pleaded guilty at a court-martial to six charges related to criticism of the Afghanistan withdrawal he posted on social media, has been appointed to conduct several Pentagon reviews. Related: 'Frat Boy-Type Behavior:' Admiral Serving as White House Doctor Made Sexual Comments, Drank on the Job, IG Finds Applications have opened for certain Air Force reservists to join the Space Force under its new one-of-a-kind, part-time service model, but advocates for a Space National Guard have pointed out the arrangement may look different than originally anticipated. As of Wednesday, the Space Force has opened up applications to volunteers in Air Force Reserve space careers through Oct. 10. The move has been in the works since the Space Force Personnel Management Act was signed into law as part of the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. The service completed full-time transfers from the Air Force Reserve into the Space Force in June. This part-time opportunity is an important next step toward fully integrating the talent we need into a single component, best equipped to ensure readiness and achieve our nations warfighting missions, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, the Space Forces top uniformed leader, said in a Tuesday news release. Read Next: Mobile Missile Warning System Retired, Air National Guard Expected to Have Jobs for Airmen Opening up applications for Air Force reservists to join the Space Force part-time signals that the service is breaking away from the mold of the other service branches reserve and National Guard models. It also comes amid the dismay of certain lobbying groups as well as lawmakers who have spoken out against a looming shift of Air National Guard space units into the active-duty Space Force as soon as next month instead of creating a Space National Guard, a promise made by President Donald Trump on the campaign trail. Legislation introduced earlier this year with bipartisan support in the House and Senate sought to create a Space National Guard and revoke Legislative Proposal 480 -- a Biden administration initiative that would transfer some 600 Air Guardsmen from space-related units into the Space Force without the input of state governors. Military.com reported last week that new amendments added to Congress' must-pass annual defense policy bill would allow the transfer of those Air Guard units with an added condition the transfer could happen only once and not set a precedent of going around state governors. A similar amendment was also introduced in the House. "It's been the duty of governors for over a century to maintain the readiness of their National Guard units," Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., who submitted one amendment, told Military.com. "A Space National Guard is in America's best interest. If the Department of Defense chooses to proceed with LP480, we put bipartisan guidance in place so it doesn't set a precedent." Air Force Secretary Troy Meink wrote in a July 30 memo that airmen in nine Air National Guard units will be transferred to the active-duty Space Force by Oct. 1. The National Guard Association of the United States, one of the biggest military lobbying organizations, made repealing Legislative Proposal 480 and the creation of the Space National Guard one of its biggest priorities last year. The group also repeatedly spoke out about the Space Forces part-time service model not being a sufficient replacement for the existing reserve and Guard model. Right now, were concerned about the airmen in the nine units, retired Maj. Gen. Francis McGinn, the NGAUS president, said in a news release last month. They dont have to transfer, and most will not. They need new opportunities. And the units left behind need new missions. The part-time, active-duty Space Force model, by the services own admission, will not be like the typical Air Force Reserve. Its mostly meant for service members with changing life situations but not to serve as a career path like the reserve, a recent news release detailed. The National Guard Association said in its news release last month that those part-time Guard space professionals may be even less interested now that the Space Force is releasing its plans for part-timers. Air Force Reserve officers in the space operations officer, cyberspace operations officer and intelligence officer fields are eligible to apply, per the news release. Enlisted Air Force reservists who serve as space systems operations specialists, operations intelligence specialists, geospatial intelligence specialists, signals intelligence analysts, cryptologic language analysts, cyber intelligence analysts, targeting analysts, cyber systems operators, spectrum defense operators, and cable and defense antenna operators are also eligible. Officers selected for transfer to part-time duty positions incur a minimum three-year service commitment, the news release said. Enlisted airmen must enlist in the Space Force for a minimum of three years, maximum six years. Related: Air Guard Transfers to Space Force Appear Likely as Senators Backtrack on Effort to Stop It 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 The Mets have claimed right-hander Wander Suero off waivers from the Braves, according to announcements from both clubs. Atlanta had designated him for assignment earlier this week. The Mets had an open spot on the 40-man roster, though it is now full. Suero, 33, signed a minor league deal with Atlanta in the offseason. That club selected him to their roster in July but he has mostly been kept on optional assignment since then. He has only thrown 6 1/3 innings in the big leagues this year, allowing eight earned runs on four walks and ten hits while striking out seven. His work in the minors this year has been greater in quality and quantity. He has thrown 46 2/3 Triple-A innings with a 1.35 earned run average. His 31.2% strikeout rate and 6.9% walk rate are both strong figures. He has likely benefited from an 81.3% strand rate but his 2.63 FIP suggests he would still be putting up good numbers with more neutral sequencing luck. The major league work this year has obviously not been good but in a very tiny sample. He has some past major league success, though hes a few years removed from it now. Over the 2019 and 2020 seasons, he gave the Nationals 95 innings with a 4.36 ERA, 27.4% strikeout rate and 9% walk rate. But since then, he has a 7.11 ERA in 57 innings. For the Mets, its a sensible claim. They have a number of pitchers on the injured list. They have had an open 40-man spot since Jose Castillo was designated for assignment last week. In the post-deadline part of the calendar, its more difficult to add talent. Suero has a major league track record and is pitching well in the minors this year. He can still be optioned to the minors for the remainder of this season but its also possible he gets bumped off the 40-man soon. The Mets are reportedly going to promote prospect Brandon Sproat to start Sundays game, so they will need to open a 40-man spot for him in the coming days. Photo courtesy of Brett Davis, Imagn Images News / National by Staff reporter Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Deputy Governor Dr Innocent Matshe has dismissed claims that the central bank is manipulating the foreign exchange market, insisting that the willing-buyer willing-seller (WBWS) system operates in line with international floating exchange rate models."It is absolutely untrue that we control the exchange rate. The trends in WBWS exchange rates indicate a normal pattern observed in floating systemsaa random walk pattern. There is no RBZ interference," Matshe told Business Times. He added that the observed fluctuations between ZWG26 and ZWG30 against the US dollar are consistent with a liberalised, market-driven system.Despite Matshe's defense, business leaders and economists remain sceptical. The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) warned that formal businesses are disadvantaged by market distortions and policy uncertainty. "The interbank market is perceived as largely controlled by the RBZ because voluntary sellers of foreign currency outside the apex bank are virtually absent," the ZNCC said.Private sector players often bypass official channels for the parallel market, where rates are significantly higher than those offered formally. The ZNCC attributed this to insufficient foreign currency supply in the interbank system, despite RBZ interventions.Oswell Binha, chairman of CEO Africa Roundtable, argued that "sub-optimal stability" undermines business confidence and encourages arbitrage and speculation.Economist Eddie Cross noted that while the retail sector sees exchange rates around ZWG32a34 to the US dollar, informal markets can go as high as ZWG42:US$1. "The RBZ is managing the availability of ZIG, effectively keeping the system almost fully dollarised," he said, warning that the policy of converting 30% of export proceeds at the official rate devalues export earnings and disincentivises exporters.Other economists echoed concerns over the managed nature of the system. Professor Tony Hawkins described the apparent stability as cosmetic, citing limited circulation of ZiG and controls over the foreign exchange market. Dr Prosper Chitambara highlighted IMF observations that Zimbabwe's exchange rate system remains managed, not liberalised. Economist Malone Gwadu described it as a hybrid system, with market bidding constrained by restricted liquidity.Despite the criticism, Matshe reiterated that the exchange rate is market-determined. "These are market-determined exchange rates," he said, emphasizing that fluctuations in the WBWS system reflect genuine market activity.The debate underscores lingering skepticism over the RBZ's currency reforms, highlighting the fragile confidence in Zimbabwe's foreign exchange system. PUT-IN-BAY, OH A century of environmental science. Thats what The Ohio State University and Ohio Sea Grant program are celebrating this weekend during a 100-year anniversary open house at the storied Lake Erie biological science station, the Franz Theodore Stone Laboratory. The lab, located on Gibraltar Island in the middle of Put-in-Bay, is opening to the public for tours, lectures and interactive sessions from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. Free transportation to the island is available during open house hours at the labs visitor center on South Bass Island in the northwest corner of Put-in-Bay. The lab, which dates to the late 1800s, is the oldest freshwater biological field station in the country. It moved to Gibraltar Island in 1925 when businessman Julius Stone bought and gifted the island to the university. The lab is named after his father. The 6.5-acre island features Silurian-age dolomite ledges and a lookout used by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry during the War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. The highest point features a castle-like mansion built by Civil War and railroad financier Jay Cooke. Today, the island hosts researchers studying water quality, climate trends, fisheries, invasive species, harmful algae blooms and other areas of environmental science. The lab also offers high school and college classes for science students, training seminars, elementary school field trips and other public education workshops. Stone Lab is part of the OSU College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and is supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sea Grant. The open house is sponsored by the Friends of Stone Lab and Ohio Sea Grant. A lawsuit brought against the federal government argues a Michigan man was unlawfully denied bond after he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This file photo shows a federal agent wearing an ICE badge while standing outside an immigration courtroom at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York, Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File) AP AP DETROIT When a June traffic stop landed Juan Manuel Lopez-Campos in immigration detention, he was locked up for more than two months under a new Trump administration policy that unlawfully denied him bond. But he was released Wednesday, Sept. 3 after a federal judge ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, to either release Lopez-Campos, 46, from Detroit, or give him a bond hearing. U.S. District Court Judge Brandy McMillion issued the ruling in response to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Michigan on behalf of Lopez-Campos, a Mexican man with no prior criminal record whos lived in the United States for 26 years. The suit names ICE, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Attorney General as defendants. I am happy to finally be with my family with the help of my legal team. I hope to continue to fight my case, said Lopez-Campos, a father of five U.S. citizen children, in a statement. ICE did not respond to a request for comment. Related: In rural Michigan, a prison is reopening as biggest ICE detention hub in Midwest Its one of several legal challenges brought against a new ICE policy that makes many immigrants ineligible for bond, which allows them to be released while their case moves through court. This means they could be detained for months, or even years, while waiting on proceedings. McMillion called the policy not only wrong but also fundamentally unfair. In a nation of laws vetted and implemented by Congress, we dont get to arbitrarily choose which laws we feel like following when they best suit our interests, she wrote in an Aug. 29 opinion. Lopez-Campos was detained after a Romulus Police Department officer pulled him over on June 25 for allegedly improperly passing another driver, according to court documents. He is now facing a pending misdemeanor for not having a valid license. Michigan does not allow undocumented immigrants to get drivers licenses. The Romulus officer then called U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to check his immigration status. Lopez-Campos was held at a border facility south of Detroit for a week before being transferred to Monroe County Jail, one of four ICE detention centers in Michigan, on July 2. After taking custody, ICE did not set bond, and an immigration judge later denied Lopez-Campos request for a hearing. The Trump administrations new policy, issued on July 8, expands whats called mandatory detention. This previously only applied to those arrested at the U.S. border or migrants convicted of serious crimes. But ICE is now denying bond for any immigrant who entered the country illegally regardless of how long theyve lived here or whether they have a criminal record. If someones picked up and put in detention, historically, they would get a bond hearing soon after being detained and potentially released so they could fight the rest of their case, said Ramis Wadood, an ACLU of Michigan attorney. Now they dont have the opportunity to be released, and they have to sit in detention. Related: ICE arrests in Michigan jumped 154% since Trump took office After the directive rolled out, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons told Fox News that immigrants caught at the border have been using the bond system to be released while they wait for their court date in 2037, 2035. But they never show up for court. When Fox News asked Lyons if people who have lived here for years can get bond hearings under the new policy, he said theyll get due process. But the government argued in federal court that the law allows ICE to detain anyone without bond who was not lawfully admitted into the United States, and it does not solely apply to those physically crossing the border. Wadood called this claim a legal sleight of hand. Theyre saying it doesnt matter if we caught you 20 minutes after crossing the border or 20 years after crossing the border, he said. We caught you crossing the border. McMillion deemed the governments interpretation of the law much too broad because it ignores that the statute is specific to those actively seeking admission into the country not immigrants like Lopez-Campos who have lived here for years. Because of that, the court found ICE violated Lopez-Campos due process rights when it kept him in custody with no bond. Related: After driving 6 mph over speed limit on a rural U.P. road, couple faces deportation Immigration detention is not supposed to be punitive because its for a civil violation. But Wadood says this policy is turning immigration detention into a tool for punishment for anyone living in the country without authorization. In the meantime, legal challenges against the policy have started to stack up. A group of immigration rights advocates filed a class action lawsuit in California, calling it a draconian policy. The ACLU of California said at the time if the policy continues, tens of thousands of immigrants would be jailed indefinitely. Another class action lawsuit was brought in Colorado this week with Tim Macdonald, ACLU of Colorado legal director, saying the illegal policy threatens to imprison millions of immigrants with no criminal records. And at least one other case has been brought in Michigan, federal court records show. The ACLU of Michigan celebrated Lopez-Campos being released from detention this week, while Wadood said in a statement there are hundreds, if not thousands, of others still being wrongly denied bond hearings. The recent expansion of mandatory detention aligns with President Donald Trumps crackdown on immigration. Under Trumps vow to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, average daily ICE arrests have jumped 139% since the inauguration when compared to last year, according to an analysis of raw data obtained by the Deportation Data Project. In Michigan, 1,467 people have been arrested by ICE as of July 31 already outpacing last years total of 951. That doesnt include those detained by border patrol agents. The administration is now spending billions to rapidly expand detention capacity with plans to double the number of beds to more than 100,000 by next year. Its largely leaning on large private prison companies, some of which donated to Trumps campaign, to reopen old facilities as detention centers. That includes an 1,800-bed facility, the largest in the Midwest, that opened in northern Michigan this summer. Its clear at this point that the government cares more about numbers than they do about a functioning immigration system, whether its quotas for immigration arrests or the number of folks in detention, Wadood said. DETROIT A man is accused of forcing entry into a portable toilet and sexually assaulting a woman, officials said. Wilfredo Figueroa-Berrios, 47, of Wayne, is charged with third- and fourth-degree criminal sexual assault, the Wayne County Prosecutors Office announced. The alleged assault happened on May 9 outside of 47 E. Adams Ave., which is near Comerica Park in downtown Detroit, the news release said. The victim and defendant knew each other but were not in a relationship, prosecutors said. Figueroa-Berrios was arraigned today in 36th District Court before Magistrate Delphia Burton. His bond was set at $100,000 cash/surety. If released, he will wear a GPS tether. He is also ordered to have no contact with the victim and to abide by a curfew. His next court appearance, a bond reduction hearing, is scheduled for Monday. The doctor is currently being held at the Monroe County Jail and is awaiting extradition to Florida. (Jake May | MLive.com) Jake May MONROE COUNTY, MI -- U.S. Marshals arrested a Michigan man Wednesday following a Florida police investigation. Dr. William J. Murdoch is accused of soliciting a parent to consent to the participation of sexual conduct involving a child, according to Port St. Lucie police. Police allege that in June 2025, Murdoch began chatting with a mom who was actually an undercover police officer. Throughout the course of the conversations, Murdoch allegedly indicated he wanted to build a platonic relationship with the mother in hopes of beginning a sexual relationship with the womans 5-year-old daughter. Police allege that Murdochs messages included descriptions on how he would groom the child for the relationship. According to CBS-Detroit,Murdoch was a family practice doctor with ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital in Monroe. The hospital says it has terminated Murdochs employment. Murdoch is being held at the Monroe County Jail while awaiting extradition to Florida. MACOMB COUNTY, MI A Michigan man will serve up to 15 years in prison for the murder of his roommate at a group home in Macomb County last year. Mark Joseph Newsome, 55, of Roseville, was sentenced to 5-15 years in prison by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Richard L. Caretti on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Newsome allegedly killed his roommate, Dale Francis Mitchell, 72, at a group home in Roseville on Jan. 31, 2024. Newsome was originally charged with second-degree murder, but he pleaded no contest to manslaughter at his jury trial earlier this year and the murder charge was dismissed. Authorities said Newsome and Mitchell got into a physical confrontation, which Fox 2 in Detroit reported was over a dispute about food from Taco Bell. One of their roommates witnessed the fight and called Roseville Police. First responders found Mitchell lying unconscious on the floor, bleeding and bruised. Mitchell was later pronounced dead at Ascension Macomb Hospital. This tragic case underscores the responsibility we all share to resolve conflict without resorting to violence, Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said. While todays sentence brings accountability, there are no winners when a life is lost. We hope this outcome serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, patience, and safety in shared living environments. The Beer Cooler, located at 22 S. Washington St. in downtown Ypsilanti, has been closed since Aug. 31, 2025, when a video of a fight inside the shop between two employees and a woman began spreading on social media. Nathan Clark | Nclark1@mlive.com YPSILANTI, MI An Ypsilanti convenience store is currently closed following the release of a video showing a fight inside the store. The Beer Cooler, located at 22 S. Washington St. in downtown Ypsilanti, has been closed since Aug. 31 when a video of a fight inside the shop between two employees and a woman began spreading on social media. The owner of The Beer Cooler could not be reached for comment. Online records show police are investigating a report of vandalism and a simple assault at the shops location. Ypsilanti Police Chief Timothy Anderson declined to comment on the incident, citing the investigation as still open and ongoing. Every member of our community deserves to feel safe, valued and treated with dignity, regardless of the circumstances, Ypsilanti Mayor Nicole Brown wrote on Facebook. The video of this incident has been circulated broadly, and the visual is disturbing. Please be mindful of what you are watching and take care of yourself. Brown said she has been in contact with the store owner and they discussed accountability and taking steps toward repairing the community. The City of Ypsilanti released a statement about the incident as well, asking for the public to be patient while police investigate the incident. In the video circulating online, which lasts less than a minute, a woman is seen throwing items in the store while cursing moments before an employee grabs the woman. The two employees, both men, and the woman are then seen in the video wildly flailing at each other before she is thrown to the ground. One employee is recorded dragging her out of the store while another picks up a wooden stick and briefly holds it up like he is about to swing. He lowers the stick after making eye contact with the camera recording him, according to the video. The woman is dragged out of the store as she continues to kick at the employees and calls them bitches. Someone is heard calling 911 in the background as the woman is dragged out. The video ends with the woman on the sidewalk outside the shop, appearing to spit at the employees. Someone is also heard laughing during the ordeal. Community organizers have been vocalizing their concerns about the incident. Let me say this loud and clear. What happened at the Beer Cooler is a reflection of the unsafe environment we have for black women around here, Trische Duckworth, executive director of Survivors Speak, wrote on Facebook. As a black woman, I dont feel like my safety is important to the men of our community. Heck, my biggest bullies, in this work, have been men in this county. Not all, but many. Seeing this woman get beat like that, followed by all the dumb comments, makes me feel even less safe. Several social media posts have been circulating stated there will be a protest at the next Ypsilanti City Council meeting Sept. 9 regarding the incident at the store. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. A Michigan woman is accused of illegally smuggling people from Central America into the U.S. across the northern border. Norma Linda Lozano, 53, of Ypsilanti, was charged by a federal grand jury with one count of conspiracy to smuggle aliens and six counts of bringing aliens to the United States for profit, according to an indictment unsealed Wednesday, Sept 3. The U.S. Department of Justice alleges Lozano conspired to smuggle families, including young children, across the northern U.S. border for profit. Lozano allegedly participated in a smuggling organization that attempted to bring people from Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador illegally into the U.S. from Canada. According to the indictment, Lozano drove from Michigan to Vermont to meet the migrants at prearranged locations near the U.S. border in February and July 2024. The migrants crossed the U.S. border on foot from Canada and met Lozano in her car. From there, she allegedly drove them further into the U.S. The migrants or their family members allegedly paid Lozano for the smuggling services, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. In one incident, Lozano smuggled three migrants in her car, including a 5-year-old girl in the front passenger seat who she falsely claimed was her granddaughter. In the other incident, she allegedly fit six adults, an 8-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy in her car. Prosecutors said the girl was placed in the cargo area of the hatchback on top of luggage. Penalties for alien smuggling conspiracy can include fines and a basic statutory maximum of 10 years in prison, upon conviction. Four cans of CAAMP, a new vodka water brand, at Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery, 311 S Main Street, on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. William Diep ANN ARBOR, MI A new low-calorie, zero-sugar and canned cocktail has come to Ann Arbor. CAAMP, a vodka-infused water brand based in Dexter, launched last week in bars, restaurants and retail shops in Ann Arbor, as well as other locations throughout Michigan. Owned by Nu Beverage Company, the new canned cocktails honor Michigans natural environmental landscape, the brand said in a press release. CAAMP was born out of a desire to bring something pure and unfussy to the canned mixed cocktail space, Tony Grant, chief executive officer of Nu Beverage Company, wrote in the release. We wanted to create a drink that feels like Michiganclean, natural and made for real-life adventures. CAAMP flavors include sunburst, lime marg, huckleberry lemon and canteen punch. Each can is 4.5% ABV and has 90 calories. Every drink is also gluten-free and vegan. Grant said his drinks differ from other canned cocktails on the market because they are non-carbonated and zero-sugar, containing no artificial sweeteners or flavors. If youre consuming and you want to be more thoughtful about what you are consuming, this would fall into the category of a more thoughtful product, Grant said. He said the idea for the drink originated about a year ago, and his team spent eight to nine months developing the product and collaborating with an out-of-state company to create unique flavors. CAAMP is made at the Brewing Projekt, which also produces beers and seltzers, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Grant is experienced in marketing spiked drinks to the Ann Arbor community. He is the chief executive officer of the Northern United Brewing Company, the company behind the local craft beer brands North Peak, Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak. Patrons interested in CAAMP can visit their website or follow them on social media. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. ANN ARBOR, MI Kathy Kozachenko says when she was elected to the Ann Arbor City Council in 1974, she never thought shed be back giving a speech over 50 years later. She addressed a large crowd gathered outside city hall Thursday, Sept. 4, for the unveiling of a new historical marker celebrating her and Ann Arbors LGBTQ+ history. I came to Ann Arbor in 1970, I was 18 years old, ready to take part in the actions of the 60s that were still very much alive on the campus, she said. Former Ann Arbor City Council Member Kathy Kozachenko speaks during a dedication ceremony for a State of Michigan Historical Marker commemorating former Ann Arbor City Council Members Nancy Wechsler, Jerry DeGrieck and Kozachenko outside Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. in Ann Arbor on Thursday, Sept. 4 2025. Wechsler and DeGrieck were recognized as the first elected officials in the United States to come out as lesbian and gay while holding public office in 1973, while Kozachenko was the first openly LGBTQ+ candidate elected to a public office in the United States in 1974. The marker also celebrates the Human Rights Party, of which, DeGrieck, Kozachenko and Wechsler were members, and posthumously recognizes the contributions of LGBTQ+ rights pioneer Jim Toy. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Kozachenko, 73 and now living in Pittsburgh, made history with her 1974 win as the first openly LGBTQ+ candidate elected to public office in the United States. She was a 21-year-old University of Michigan student activist and member of Ann Arbors left-wing Human Rights Party. I was a lesbian on a campus that rejoiced in it, but in a country that had repressive laws still on the books, a country that for the most part did not celebrate or highlight diversity, she said. The official state of Michigan historical marker unveiled Thursday along the Huron Street sidewalk downtown pays tribute to Kozachenko and other Ann Arbor leaders who were pioneers in LGBTQ+ and human rights history in the 1970s. That includes former Council Members Nancy Wechsler and Jerry DeGrieck, fellow members of the Human Rights Party, who in 1973 became the first elected officials in the U.S. to come out as lesbian and gay while holding public office. There are more than 1,800 official state historical markers around Michigan, but this was the first to recognize LGBTQ+ history, said Timothy Chester, the first openly gay member of the Michigan Historical Commission. Former Ann Arbor City Council Members Jerry DeGrieck and Kathy Kozachenko pose during a dedication ceremony for a State of Michigan Historical Marker commemorating former Ann Arbor City Council Members Nancy Wechsler, DeGrieck and Kozachenko outside Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. in Ann Arbor on Thursday, Sept. 4 2025. Wechsler and DeGrieck were recognized as the first elected officials in the United States to come out as lesbian and gay while holding public office in 1973, while Kozachenko was the first openly LGBTQ+ candidate elected to a public office in the United States in 1974. The marker also celebrates the Human Rights Party, of which, DeGrieck, Kozachenko and Wechsler were members, and posthumously recognizes the contributions of LGBTQ+ rights pioneer Jim Toy. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com The inscription on the two-sided plaque describes how in October 1973, as the Ann Arbor council debated the citys failure to prosecute lesbian and gay discrimination under its landmark 1972 Human Rights Ordinance, Wechsler and DeGrieck came out in order to emphasize the importance of active enforcement under the law. DeGrieck and Wechsler won their seats in 1972 and worked with LGBTQ+ rights pioneer Jim Toy to author and introduce a Lesbian-Gay Pride Week resolution, the first of its kind passed by any governing body in the country, the plaque notes. And with the Human Rights Ordinance passed by council in July 1972, Ann Arbor joined East Lansing to be among the first cities in the U.S. to protect LGBTQ+ community members from housing discrimination. The council extended the ordinance in December 1972 to include protections for employment and other public accommodations, the plaque acknowledges. Guests applaud former Ann Arbor Council Member Kathy Kozachenko during a dedication ceremony for a State of Michigan Historical Marker commemorating former Ann Arbor City Council Members Nancy Wechsler, Jerry DeGrieck and Kozachenko outside Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. in Ann Arbor on Thursday, Sept. 4 2025. Wechsler and DeGrieck were recognized as the first elected officials in the United States to come out as lesbian and gay while holding public office in 1973, while Kozachenko was the first openly LGBTQ+ candidate elected to a public office in the United States in 1974. The marker also celebrates the Human Rights Party, of which, DeGrieck, Kozachenko and Wechsler were members, and posthumously recognizes the contributions of LGBTQ+ rights pioneer Jim Toy. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Kozachenko said she discovered in the Human Rights Party an organization that shared her values and articulated a plan forward, supporting movements for womens and gay rights, Black power, trade unions, welfare rights and living wages, while protesting the Vietnam War. We made decisions collectively and fought for social and economic justice, she said. I would not be the person I am today had I not been part of that radical, dynamic and democratic organization. I am forever indebted. While she, DeGrieck and Wechsler are named on the new historical marker, their achievements reflect the dedication and hard work of many people, Kozachenko said. She and others used their speeches during Thursdays ceremony to talk about the various injustices that still exist around the world, including attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, while issuing a call to action and to elect responsible leaders. We are also called upon to be who we are in all of our splendid rainbow colors and in the beautiful diversity of gender, Kozachenko said. She lamented laws against same-sex relationships in many states persisted for decades after her election, including in Michigan, saying progress was not quick and is threatened today. The city still has plans to eventually erect a statue at city hall in honor of Kozachenko. Former Ann Arbor Council Members Colleen McGee and Carol Jones greet one another during a dedication ceremony for a State of Michigan Historical Marker commemorating former Ann Arbor City Council Members Nancy Wechsler, Jerry DeGrieck and Kathy Kozachenko outside Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. in Ann Arbor on Thursday, Sept. 4 2025. Wechsler and DeGrieck were recognized as the first elected officials in the United States to come out as lesbian and gay while holding public office in 1973, while Kozachenko was the first openly LGBTQ+ candidate elected to a public office in the United States in 1974. The marker also celebrates the Human Rights Party, of which, DeGrieck, Kozachenko and Wechsler were members, and posthumously recognizes the contributions of LGBTQ+ rights pioneer Jim Toy. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Other former council members from the 1970s were in attendance, including Colleen McGee and Carol Jones, who joyously embraced to see each other for the first time in years. Jones wore an old T-shirt mocking former Mayor James Stephenson, a Republican who opposed the citys move to decriminalize marijuana in the 1970s, emblazoned with the message Ann Arbor: Dope Capital of the Midwest. DeGrieck also was in attendance and spoke, while Wechsler was said to be tuning in remotely from Boston. Former Ann Arbor City Council Member Jerry DeGrieck speaks during a dedication ceremony for a State of Michigan Historical Marker commemorating former Ann Arbor City Council Members Nancy Wechsler, DeGrieck and Kathy Kozachenko outside Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. in Ann Arbor on Thursday, Sept. 4 2025. Wechsler and DeGrieck were recognized as the first elected officials in the United States to come out as lesbian and gay while holding public office in 1973, while Kozachenko was the first openly LGBTQ+ candidate elected to a public office in the United States in 1974. The marker also celebrates the Human Rights Party, of which, DeGrieck, Kozachenko and Wechsler were members, and posthumously recognizes the contributions of LGBTQ+ rights pioneer Jim Toy. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com DeGrieck, 75 and now living in Seattle, talked about growing up in a Detroit suburb, his rise into politics as a student activist at UM, wanting to come out as gay, and finding it liberating and exhilarating when he finally did after years of hiding who he was and being told being gay was a mental disorder. When Nancy and I were first elected, not only were we kind of unusual in that we were from the Human Rights Party, a third political party, and we had a radical platform and politics, we were also unusual because we were so young, he said. And its so important that young people be involved today. Mayor Christopher Taylor and Mayor Pro Tem Travis Radina, who worked with City Clerk Jackie Beaudry on the historical marker project, also addressed the crowd. Ann Arbor Council Member Travis Radina speaks during a dedication ceremony for a State of Michigan Historical Marker commemorating former Ann Arbor City Council Members Nancy Wechsler, Jerry DeGrieck and Kathy Kozachenko outside Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. in Ann Arbor on Thursday, Sept. 4 2025. Wechsler and DeGrieck were recognized as the first elected officials in the United States to come out as lesbian and gay while holding public office in 1973, while Kozachenko was the first openly LGBTQ+ candidate elected to a public office in the United States in 1974. The marker also celebrates the Human Rights Party, of which, DeGrieck, Kozachenko and Wechsler were members, and posthumously recognizes the contributions of LGBTQ+ rights pioneer Jim Toy. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Our LGBTQ community members remain tremendously vulnerable and we fight for their right to be and to love, but we also know that their experience and their condition today remains vastly different and better than their predecessors, Taylor said. That undeniable and joyous progress is the result of the work done by thousands of people like DeGrieck, Kozachenko, Wechsler and Toy who stood up and demanded recognition and demanded change, he said. Radina thanked DeGrieck, Kozachenko and Wechsler on behalf of the more than 1,300 out elected officials currently serving in the United States, for being the first and redefining what was possible for LGBTQ+ people seeking office and demonstrating they deserve a seat at the table. Current and former elected officials gather around Ann Arbor's newly unveiled LGBTQ+ historical marker outside city hall on Sept. 4, 2025. From left to right, Washtenaw County Commissioner Katie Scott, Mayor Christopher Taylor, former Council Members Kathy Kozachenko and Jerry DeGrieck, Mayor Pro Tem Travis Radina and Council Member Cynthia Harrison. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News They blazed a trail for thousands more LGBTQ+ elected officials who came after them, including three currently serving on the Ann Arbor City Council, the chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, the county sheriff, a member of Ann Arbors state legislative delegation, local judges and the states attorney general, Radina said. And thats just mentioning a few with direct ties to our community, he said. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. News / National by Staff reporter Two months after President Emmerson Mnangagwa received the Justice Cheda Commission of Inquiry report into alleged corruption and financial mismanagement at Town House, no action has been taken, raising fears that the explosive findings may end up gathering dust like many other past investigations.The report, which followed months of forensic work, was expected to trigger decisive reforms and prosecutions. In June, Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe described Harare City Council as "rotten" and warned that heads would roll. However, despite the strong language, residents say it has been business as usual at Town House, with no visible consequences for those implicated.Reuben Akili, director of the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA), said the silence was deeply troubling and undermined the credibility of the probe. "If the same President who sanctioned the investigation now says he needs to wait for his own decision, I think that undermines the true remit of the President," Akili said. He stressed that the report must be made public so that responsible institutions can act on its recommendations, pointing out that year after year the Auditor General had highlighted serious governance issues in Harare that remain unresolved.Precious Shumba, director of the Harare Residents Trust, also criticised the government's approach, questioning why the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) continued to be tasked with new investigations when residents and other stakeholders had already provided detailed submissions to the Cheda Commission. "The troubling part is that the report has not been made public. It has not been shared with Parliament. Residents are left in the dark," Shumba said. "Meanwhile, the City of Harare is making decisions that contradict the commission's inquiry a for example, the Mayor proposing to set up yet another structure to investigate corruption."Although the findings remain under wraps, insiders say the report lays bare systemic graft that has crippled the capital city. It exposes how once-thriving municipal enterprises such as Rufaro Marketing and Harare Quarry were hollowed out by political interference, looting, and the creation of ghost accounts that siphoned off millions in potential revenue. City Parking was reportedly identified as another hotspot of fraud, with internal manipulation depriving the city of much-needed income. The commission also heard testimony about a toxic culture of intimidation, in which whistle-blowers, residents, and council employees who attempted to expose wrongdoing were silenced by entrenched power cliques.The report is said to recommend strong punitive action against those implicated, some of whom are still serving in senior positions within the council. It paints a picture of widespread abuse of public resources, deliberate sabotage of governance frameworks, and systematic diversion of funds, leaving Harare virtually ungovernable.For many residents, the delay in acting on the report has revived concerns that politics, rather than accountability, will determine its fate. While the Cheda Commission was expected to provide a turning point in addressing corruption at Town House, critics warn that unless Mnangagwa makes the findings public and allows enforcement bodies to act, the capital will remain trapped in a cycle of graft, mismanagement, and service delivery collapse. John Ball Zoo took to social media Thursday afternoon to announce the new pregnancy, which lasted roughly 7 months. (Photo/John Ball Zoo) John Ball Zoo GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A female pygmy hippo named Penelope has given birth to a little splash of joy, marking the first calf for her and her mate, Jahari. The 11-pound baby hippo was born on Wednesday, Sept. 3, marking a historic moment as this is the first pygmy hippo calf born at Grand Rapids John Ball Zoo. The zoo took to social media Thursday afternoon to announce the birth. Penelope was pregnant for about 7 months. Earlier on Sept. 3, the zoo posted a video of a pregnant Penelope trying and failing to get comfortable in her enclosure doing her baby-bump shimmy, a move which many moms of any species at the end of pregnancy related. Our animal care team is keeping a close eye on mom and baby as they bond behind the scenes, and both are doing well, John Ball Zoo wrote on social media. Pygmy hippos are an endangered species with fewer than 2,500 estimated in Western Africas wild, so each birth is a vital step for conservation. The zoos habitat was designed as part of the Species Survival Breeding Plan to preserve the species. Pygmy hippos are at least five times smaller than a regular hippo, but still weigh between 400 and 600 pounds. They are about 4.5-6 feet long and 2.5-3 feet high at the shoulder. Seven-year-old Penelope arrived at John Ball Zoo in the summer of 2023 from Toronto Zoo in Canada. Earlier that year, the Grand Rapids zoo welcomed a 10-year-old male pygmy hippo, Jahari, from the Pittsburgh Zoo. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when he attacked and killed a sitatunga antelope that spring as the two animals were being introduced to each other for the first time without a mesh barrier. Over the past couple of years, John Ball Zoo staff have carefully managed the introduction between Penelope and Jahari, which has now resulted in the birth of the new baby. John Ball Zoo staff told fans to stay tuned to find out the gender of the newest addition to the zoos crew. The Eastown Community Association (ECA) launched the Streetfair in 1973 to show off Eastowns vibrant and quirky neighborhood.(MLive file photo) Karen Waite GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Eastown Street Fair is planned to kick off this Saturday, Sept. 6, with fun for the whole family. The 52nd annual event is planned from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. along Wealthy Street, between Giddings and Lake Drive, Ethel Street, and the HUB Lot. The Eastown Community Association (ECA) launched the Street Fair in 1973. The free event has been growing in popularity ever since. For this years festivities, there will be 150 local artisans and food vendors, live music from Michigan-based bands, and a large pig roast courtesy of Harmony Brewing Company. The Eastown Street Fair is one of our favorite events of the year. Before we even opened Harmony, we were regulars at the event, said Heather VanDyke-Titus, owner of Harmony Brewing Company. As a business in Eastown, we believe its important to participate in celebrating our community and neighborhood. Fun-filled fairgrounds Children in attendance can also expect to check out the fun-filled fairgrounds, sponsored by Eastown Pediatric Dentistry. This area is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Highlights include: Visit with the Grand Rapids Fire Department & touch a firetruck. Arts in Motion Studio crafts & movement activities. LEGO builds with Bricks 4 Kidz of Grand Rapids. Learn how to quilt with The Sewing Academy. Make fly fishing flies with The Mayfly Project nonprofit. Free face painting with photo opportunities with Dr. Massie from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free balloons from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Live music The Eastown Street Fair stage, located between Giddings and Lake Drive, is sponsored by Shorts Brewing Company, which also stocks the beer tent. Tunes will be blasting from noon to 9 p.m. The lineup includes: Noon - Mexicuba 1 p.m. - DJ Venus Flyytrap 2 p.m. - Potato Babies 3 p.m. - Mar in Color 4 p.m. - United Everywhere 5 p.m. - Tempered + Boob Sweat 6:20 p.m. - Nathan Walton and The Remedy 7:10 p.m. - John E. Lawrence 8:10 p.m. - Candid Antics Parking lot pig roast In conjunction with the Street Fair, Harmony Brewing Company will host its second annual parking lot pig roast at 1551 Lake Drive SE. From noon to 8 p.m., a mouthwatering menu will be served, including pork porchetta, sausages, roast chicken, and a variety of sides and desserts. Those 21 and over can pair the dishes with Harmonys own craft beer. There will also be live music by Strange Plains (formerly Lazy Genius) from 6 to 8 p.m. Were proud stage sponsors of the Street Fair, and the parking lot pig roast is our way of bringing the community together for great food, music, and beer, VanDyke-Titus said. Learn more about the free annual event by visiting the Eastown Community Association Facebook page. Kent and Ottawa counties will both host resource affairs for homeless veterans in September. (MLive file photo) Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com GRAND RAPIDS, MI Two upcoming events are aimed at connecting veterans to free health screenings, benefit claims assistance, employment help and more resources in West Michigan. The Kent County Veterans Services department and the Ottawa County Department of Veterans Services are each hosting their own Stand Down events for veterans in their respective counties. Heres when and where both events will be happening: Both free events are open to local veterans and their families. They will have free food, clothing, health screenings and other services aimed at getting at-risk veterans the help they need. Kent County is deeply committed to supporting our veterans, especially those who are most vulnerable, said Ryan Grams, director of Kent County Veterans Services. Our veterans have dedicated themselves to serving our country, and its our duty and privilege to provide them with the resources and assistance they need. Stand Down events are local community-based events that take place across Michigan to help homeless and at-risk veterans get access to vital services like housing and employment assistance, health screenings and more. The term Stand Down originated during times of war, when combat units were withdrawn from battlefields to rest and recover in a safe space, according to Ottawa Countys website. Last year, more than 100 veterans were served at Kent Countys Stand Down event, and organizers hope to reach even more this year, the county said in a news release. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hosting the local Stand Down events in partnership with Kent and Ottawa counties. County staff and volunteers will be available at both events to offer information on VA claims, healthcare, housing solutions, employment opportunities, mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment. Volunteers interested in helping out at the Kent County Stand Down event can fill out an application here. Those interested in volunteering at Ottawa Countys event can register here. Louis Campau surveys the tiny settlement of Grand Rapids during the 1830s. (Photo/The Grand Rapids Press) MLive GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Louis Campau wasnt the first white tradesman to discover the land along the Grand River, but he was one of the first to stay. The fur traders legacy in Grand Rapids is clear today, with several streets and landmarks named after him. Campau came to Grand Rapids from Saginaw in 1826 to set up a trading post, a decade before the title to the land north and east of the site had passed from the Anishinaabek, according to the Grand Rapids Public Library archives. It was not long after Campau settled at the rapids that he realized the site would someday be the home to a bustling metropolis. To single out any individual as the founder of Grand Rapids would, indeed, be difficult, as stated in a 1926 biography of Campau by L.S. Hillman. It took a variety of talents to firmly establish the settlement, and no one man had a sufficient monopoly of these qualities to entitle him to be hailed as the founder of the city. Early life: 1791 - 1815 Louis Campau was born on Aug. 11, 1791, into a French-Canadian family in Detroit, where he began working in the fur trade as a young boy for his father and uncle. Later on in life, he served as a private in the Michigan Militia in the War of 1812, where he surrendered under General Hull, according to the Grand Rapids History Center. Campau then came to Saginaw in 1816 to start a fur-trading post. At 25, he built a two-story house made with heavy squared logs for protection. Supposedly fluent in the Indigenous peoples native language, Campau traded cooking utensils and other goods for animal hide. The tribal members referred to Campau as Uncle Louis Wagoosh, or The Fox, a nickname eminently fitting his character, demonstrated by his land deals. General Lewis Cass, the territorial governor of Michigan, talked the Chippewas into signing over their lands in northern Michigan for $1,000 per year. Following financial disagreements with Cass, Campau left Saginaw in 1823 and headed west, according to the Saginaw County Hall of Fame. The growth of Grand Rapids: 1826 - 1831 Tribal members ceded more than six million acres of land in the central portion of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, according to the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Louis Campau arrived along the Grand River in November of 1826 with a government license to engage in fur trading with the Indigenous tribes (Chippewa, Ottawa and Potawatomi) that inhabited the land. He brought with him his second wife, Sophie de Marsac, and his brother Toussaint to establish his trading post on the east side of the river, in what is now Grand Rapids. Campau later built three log cabins on the right side of the riverbank, near the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indian Chief Noondays house. Immediately after the Grand River site was surveyed for the government by pioneer Lucius Lyon, Campau bought the 72-acre tract in 1831, which became Grand Rapids, from what is now Michigan Street to Fulton Street and Division Avenue to the Grand River, with funds advanced to him by the surveyor. According to the Grand Rapids History Center, Campau favored the name Grand Rapids, while Lyon insisted on the name Kent, after a chancellor of New York. Campau evidently changed his mind and only sold Lyon the northern half of the tract. This ultimately led to a long-standing feud and irregularity in the directions of the diagonal streets of Grand Rapids, which still remain today. The wildcat boom: 1838 - 1870s Although Louis Campau was not the first permanent white settler (that distinction falls to a Baptist minister named Isaac McCoy, who arrived in 1825), he became an important settler of Grand Rapids. By 1837, through selling various lots, Campaus financial worth was estimated at $100,000. In 1838, Grand Rapids gained its own legal framework as a self-governing entity. That same year, the Campau family built a large Greek Revival house on the southwest corner of Fulton Street and Gay Avenue. During that era, Campau built the first Catholic Church of Grand Rapids, but later sold it in 1841. The era was labeled as a wildcat boom, known for financial upheaval due to banks issuing currency without sound backing. His high-living finally caught up to him and in 1863, he and his wife were forced to sell their mansion and move to a smaller home on Ellsworth Avenue and Almy Street. Though fur trader Campau lived to see his tract of Grand Rapids land worth millions, he died a penniless man at the age of 80 in 1871. Before his death, Campau was asked by civil engineer W.L. Coffinberry about his thoughts on Grand Rapids since the early village days. A few white men came, and there was a little trouble. A few more arrived, and there was more trouble, and then a lot came with all their troubles, until the pioneers, with their Indian friends, were relieved of their material possessions, he stated. Campaus legacy today In remembrance of Campau, Grand Rapids has several landmarks named after the father of the city: A mental health worker at a Michigan prison has been accused of having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate who was under her care. (MLive file photo) Cory Morse | MLive.com JACKSON, MI A mental health worker at a Michigan prison has been accused of having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate who was under her care. Renee Nelson, 47, was arraigned on Wednesday, Sept. 4, on charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct in Jacksons 12th District Court, court records show. She faces up to 15 years in state prison if found guilty. Jackson County Prosecutor Kelsey Guernsey said the charges stem from an incident that occurred while Nelson was employed as a mental health professional at the Michigan Department of Corrections. She allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with an inmate under her care, the prosecutor said. Nelson was placed on an unpaid stop order by the Michigan Department of Corrections, according to the prosecutors office. She will next appear in court for a probable cause conference on Sept. 12. A man aims and fires an apple shooter at a target in the distance at Gull Meadow Farms. Aya Miller RICHLAND, MI -- An orchard known for family fun is hosting an adults-only night this week in Kalamazoo County. Gull Meadow Farms adults-only night will feature child-free fun from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5. We know that there are so many adults that would love to come out here and have fun, but at times, theres a lot of little ones around, said Justin Wendzel, Gull Meadows general manager. The farm has apple cannons, an apple chute slide, a giant jumping pillow, a petting zoo and an obstacle course, among other activities. Gull Meadow Farms, 8544 Gull Road, will host an adults only night on Friday Sept. 5. Gull Meadow Farms During regular farm hours, it can be tough for adults to take full advantage of the farms offerings when kids are racing around, Wendzel said. The farm tried the idea of an adults-only night during sunflower season in August. It was really well received, Wendzel said. If the adults-only nights continue to be popular, the farm will continue offering them, Wendzel said. In addition to regular activities, the farm will also offer hard cider and regular cider made on site. The farm doesnt have the required liquor license to sell alcohol made off site. Doughnuts, pies, cookies and other baked goods are available at the Gull Meadow Farm Market. There will also be food trucks with a variety of offerings, Wendzel said. Tickets are $19.99 and can be purchased here. RELATED: 6-acre corn maze celebrates WMU hockeys national championship Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. Some residents opposed all options for the intersections, as they would require removing several mature trees. Plans for the intersection will be finalized in 2026. Audrey Whitaker KALAMAZOO, MI Winchell neighborhood residents gathered at the intersection of Chevy Chase Boulevard and Waite Avenue with snacks and lemonade on Aug. 18. They were celebrating the removal of a controversial makeshift roundabout, in place there since 2022. The intersection will remain a three-way stop with signs, like it used to be before the roundabout. Future plans also include extended curbs and sidewalks, planned for next year, resident Katie Bloom said. The goal of the installation was to slow traffic passing through the residential area, city Traffic Engineer Dennis Randolph said previously. The project was successful, he said. The roundabout cut the number of vehicles cutting through the residential area in half. City of Kalamazoo traffic engineers install a traffic circle at the intersection of Chevy Chase and Waite Avenue in Kalamazoo on Monday, Oct. 10, 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) Joel Bissell | MLive.com Hundreds of residents still opposed the traffic calming feature, claiming it made the street less safe and would require the removal of several mature trees. Nearly 400 residents signed a petition for the removal of the roundabouts and some reasonable alternatives in 2024, Bloom said. When they got down to the nitty gritty, neighbors found there were other safe, less expensive options, Bloom said. It was a slow process, she said, but city officials listened. When we implement something, we have to step back and say, OK, what happened and how did it affect the people that are in the closest proximity? Bloom said. I feel like city leaders did listen and they took the right action in the end. City officials put the issue to a vote in March. Permanent roundabouts earned just 51 votes, which was 13% of the 412 votes. MORE: No more roundabouts: Kalamazoo polls neighbors on controversial street design ideas The winning option is a T-intersection with stop signs, curb bump outs and no speed tables. Its expected to cost about $200,000, per city documents. Residents chose a three-way stop with no speed tables at the intersection of Chevy Chase Boulevard and Waite Avenue. City of Kalamazoo Installation is expected to move forward in 2028, per the city website. Plans currently include sidewalks, another point of contention for residents due to tree removal. Neighbors need to be engaged in that design process, too, Bloom said. I believe that the city will work harder to work with the homeowners and residents that live right there that will see some changes near their property, she said. I think they will follow through with that. Initially, the city relied on plans drafted by 10 voting members of the neighborhood association, Bloom said. That didnt give city officials the full picture. They were pouring money into a neighborhood that maybe could have (used) a simpler approach, less costly, Bloom said. After a number of failed road pilots in the neighborhood, including a scrapped bike lane, Bloom said city officials need to try a new approach. Shell be watching how the city approaches future projects as Kalamazoo develops a strategic plan for the next 10 years. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. Former Kalamazoo Township Fire Chief David Obreiter sued the township for wrongful termination, but a settlement has been reached. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) Joel Bissell | MLive.com KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI A settlement agreement has been reached in a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former Kalamazoo Township Fire Chief David Obreiter. Obreiter issued a joint news release with the township and former Township Manager Dexter Mitchell on Thursday, Sept. 4, announcing the parties had reached a resolution to a lawsuit filed by Obreiter in U.S District Court. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed, per the agreement. Obreiter and Battalion Chief Matt Mulac were terminated in 2022 for violating the townships harassment policy after a Hispanic female township firefighter accused a male firefighter of ongoing sexual and racial harassment. RELATED: Fired Kalamazoo Township fire chief pleads case for reinstatement After pleading for his reinstatement to no avail, Obreiter filed a suit against Mitchell and the township in 2023, stating he was subjected to a hostile and abusive interrogation, and deprived of crucial evidence required to defend himself. After granting the townships request to forego a jury trial, U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker ruled against Obreiter on April 2, 2025, closing the case. RELATED: Ousted fire chief loses legal battle against Kalamazoo Township Obreiter later appealed the ruling, still hoping to obtain monetary relief as determined by a jury. While the appeal did not make it to a jury trial, a settlement has been reached and the parties have agreed to dismiss the case in its entirety. That includes the appeal, which had been pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. While the specific terms of the settlement remain confidential, all parties have expressed satisfaction with the outcome, reads a statement from all parties. This resolution allows the parties to move forward without the necessity of continued litigation. This settlement reflects the interests of all parties involved. While Obreiters case against the township and Mitchell is now resolved, Mitchell still has his own wrongful termination case against the township pending in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court. RELATED: Fired manager sues Kalamazoo Township for $1M, alleging discrimination According to Kalamazoo County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeff Williams, Mitchell and the township have a case evaluation set for Oct. 3, a settlement conference on Dec. 5 and a civil jury trial currently slated for Dec. 9. Former Kalamazoo Township Manager Dexter Mitchell sits on the dais during a meeting at Kalamazoo Township Hall in Kalamazoo Township, Michigan on Dec. 5, 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) Joel Bissell | MLive.com Mitchell was fired in February 2024 after being charged with felony eavesdropping for allegedly recording a private, closed-session meeting between township board members and the township attorney in March 2023. He pleaded no contest to a lower misdemeanor charge of willful neglect in July 2024 and the county agreed to dismiss the felony charge. In his lawsuit against the township, Mitchell alleges the township discriminated against him on the basis of race and retaliated against him for reporting misconduct, a violation of Michigans Whistleblower Protection Act. The suit names former Township Supervisor Don Martin and criticizes his handling of issues in the fire department. On Feb. 3, 2022, Mitchell notified township staff that an 18-year-old Hispanic female employee of the township fire department had been the victim of sexual harassment and racial discrimination, according to court documents. A white male firefighter had allegedly touched the womans breasts, attempted to hit her on the ass with a stick and she was referred to as hot by her coworkers, who would jokingly accuse her of being part of a Mexican drug cartel, documents state. As a result of his investigation, Mitchell fired Obreiter and Mulac. Mitchell alleges that Martin expressed his discontent with Mitchells decision and attempted to rehire the two men in the weeks that followed. The township denied the allegations in its response to the lawsuit, but did not contest that Mitchell was stripped of his ability to terminate township employees after the incident. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. Pearlette Merriweather is Muskegon Height's new interim city manager. Picture taken on Sept. 4, 2025. The Muskegon native brings military service and legal expertise to the city that has struggled with maintaining leadership. Kayla Tucker MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, MI - An interim city manager has been hired for the city of Muskegon Heights. Pearlette Merriweather was introduced to the public at last weeks city council meeting. She has been in the job for three weeks now. Shes been doing a phenomenal job, said Mayor Bonnie McGlothin. I think shell be a good fit for us. The city manager is responsible for managing the department heads who oversee day-to-day operations of the city, including the police chief, fire chief, department of public works, inspections and planning. The city manager also manages projects and grants, some of which are now connected through state and federal funding sources. The interim city manager position was open for the past six months, since previous acting manager Melvin Burns resigned by the end of February. Burns was the interim, or acting, city manager since February 2023. Merriweather previously volunteered to review city policies for Burns. Merriweather grew up in Muskegon and attended Muskegon Public Schools. She served active duty in the U.S. Army for four years in Germany and continued in the reserves for six more years. She has a bachelors degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University, a law degree from Cooley Law School and a master of laws in public contracting from the George Washington University Law School. Merriweather worked for federal organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and USAID in the realms of contracts, grants and licensing. After moving back to the Muskegon area, Merriweather most recently worked as a criminal attorney for the Muskegon County Public Defenders Office before taking the Heights interim manager job. Muskegon Heights is a hidden gem, Merriweather said. As a dedicated public servant, I embrace the opportunity to serve the city. My primary goal is to strengthen the citys daily operations and infrastructure. My only goal is to lay a foundation, so when they have a permanent city manager that he can pick up the baton and run the city. Pearlette Merriweather, the new interim manager for Muskegon Heights, stands in front of city hall on Sept. 4, 2025. Kayla Tucker The city is still seeking a long-term city manager through a search with the Michigan Municipal League. The council in 2024 paid just under $20,000 for a city manager search through MML, conducted interviews, but did not hire any of those candidates. From her previous federal and international work, Merriweather said she understands how to analyze, and better, a government system. I also have that lens here, too, to look at a total system as rules, regulations, procedure, standard procedure, where the system is vulnerable, where the city could potentially be vulnerable to certain risks, Merriweather said. Muskegon Heights has struggled to maintain a city manager for the last three years. The city chose not to renew the contract with its last long term city manager, Troy Bell, in January 2023. The vote came after a two-hour closed session on Bells contract. No reason was given for the decision. It was just time for a change for the city, McGlothin told MLive at the time, declining to comment further. The Michigan House has passed legislation that would create a Silver Alert cell phone notification system for missing seniors and vulnerable adults and expand the states Amber Alert system to inform the public of missing children who have special needs or are believed to be in danger. The bills passed the House this week by a nearly unanimous vote, with the Silver Alert bill passing Wednesday and the expanded Amber Alert legislation on Thursday. The bills now head to the state Senate for approval. Amber Alerts are emergency notifications issued to cell phones and TV and radio broadcasts with information about an abducted child in an effort to mobilize the publics help. The legislation would allow Amber Alert information to be broadcasted on social media. The legislation expanding the alert system, called the Rowan Act, would allow Michigan State Police to issue an Amber Alert when they believe a missing child is in danger or if the missing child has special needs, regardless of whether there is evidence of an abduction. Currently, Amber Alerts are only issued when a minor has been abducted and is believed to be in imminent danger, according to Michigan State Police. The Amber Alert is only issued if there is sufficient information to give to the public to assist in finding the child, or help apprehend the abductor. The Rowan Act, HB 4518, is named in memory of 6-year-old Rowan Morey, whose life was tragically cut short after a failed custody exchange, said bill sponsor state Rep. Angela Rigas, R-Caledonia. This legislation is about giving law enforcement the discretion they need when a child is missing and in danger even if the situation doesnt meet the states definition of abduction. It recognizes that danger doesnt always come with flashing lights or dramatic headlines. Sometimes, its a delayed return. Sometimes, its a special-needs child whos vulnerable in ways our current system doesnt account for. Rigas and fellow bill sponsor state Rep. Jerry Neyer, R-Shepherd, introduced the expanded Amber Alert legislation in response to Moreys slaying by his father in an apparent murder-suicide on Aug. 21, 2024, in Isabella County. Moreys mother, who shared custody of Morey, had pleaded with police to do a welfare check on her son after the father did not return him to her care on schedule. State law didnt allow for an early activation of an Amber Alert. According to Neyer and Rigas, by the time police conducted a welfare check, Morey was already dead. Last session, then-state Rep. Graham Filler, R-Duplain Township, had pushed to expand the states Amber Alert system to include missing children with special needs. Filler put forward the legislation after 2-year-old Jermain Jones wandered away from his Clinton County home in October 2023 and was later found dead in a river. Jones had autism and was non-verbal. Michigans current Amber Alert system is too limited in scope, Filler said at the time. We need to ensure that when a child with special needs goes missing, we can immediately mobilize all resources necessary to help find them. This measure is about saving lives and giving families hope when every second counts. The Silver Alert legislation would create an Amber Alert-style notification system for missing seniors or missing vulnerable adults. Under current law, when seniors or vulnerable adults go missing, law enforcement agencies are required to prepare a detailed report and share that with other law enforcement agencies and news media. However, current law does not include provisions for using modern mobile phone alerts, which can reach thousands of people instantly, said bill sponsor state Rep. Gina Johnsen, R-Portland. With nearly everyone carrying a cell phone today, this is a missed opportunity to get the word out quickly when every second counts. Under the bill, Michigan State Police would be responsible for quickly disseminating useful information to cell phones about the missing senior or vulnerable adult. That information, and the request for an alert, would come from local law enforcement agencies. The alerts would be issued through the federal Wireless Emergency Alert system. This system is already used for urgent alerts like severe weather and AMBER Alerts and is designed to be reliable, quick and effective, Johnsen said. Importantly, my plan does not change who qualifies as a missing senior or vulnerable adult. It simply ensures that this critical population those who are most at risk and who need help the fastest can benefit from the same modern alert technology that is already used to find missing children or warn the public of imminent dangers. This legislation can make a real difference for some of our most vulnerable neighbors and their families. Missing seniors are defined as those at least 60 years old who are reported missing and are believed to be incapable of returning home without assistance or who are missing and suffering from a condition that would endanger them. Vulnerable adults are those 18 and older who, because of a disability or condition, require supervision or are unable to live independently. Those in adult foster care homes or who are unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation because of an impairment or condition also fall under this category. Johnsens Silver Alert bill is similar to legislation former state Rep. Neil Friske, R-Charlevoix, introduced in the wake of David Moffetts disappearance in 2023. The initial search for Moffett, an elderly Emmet County resident who suffers from Alzheimers, was extensive. Nearly two years later, he hasnt been found. If the public had been alerted to Moffetts disappearance sooner, they mightve provided searchers with valuable clues and helped bring him home, advocates for the Silver Alert system have said. Prime Minister Mark Carney says he spoke to U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, but suggested it's unlikely American tariffs, which are still causing economic pain for major Canadian sectors, will be lifted in the immediate future. The conversation fell on the day that most of Canada's counter-tariffs on U.S. goods were lifted a move seen as a goodwill gesture as Carney's government pushes for Trump to lift tariffs on industries including steel and aluminum. The prime minister characterized his Monday talk with Trump as a "good conversation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We spoke at length on a wide range of issues, including on trade, but geopolitical, other issues, labour issues, et cetera," Carney said on his way into a meeting with his cabinet in the Greater Toronto Area. Carney said his new clerk of the Privy Council, Michael Sabia, is in the U.S. capital to meet with American counterparts. Sabia joins a revolving door of officials, including senior cabinet members, who have travelled south to speak with U.S. lawmakers and members of the Trump administration. "Don't expect immediate white smoke on one of these strategic sectors. But that's the type of conversation that we're having and will continue to have," said Carney of Sabia's visit. WATCH | Carney says he spoke with Trump on Monday: News of the conversation came as surprise. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) typically releases summaries, known as readouts, when the prime minister speaks with world leaders but Carney's office hadn't disclosed the Monday conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The prime minister has always been clear that he and the president are in close and frequent communication, and that is in the interest of workers, business and all Canadians," the PMO said in a statement Wednesday. Earlier this year, Canada placed duties on $60 billion worth of U.S. goods, but removed them this week from products that are covered by the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre who will face off against Carney in the House for the first time this fall after winning a byelection called the move "yet another capitulation and climb down by Mark Carney." Poilievre has said if the Conservatives had formed government in April he would "have gone to the president, respectfully, and said: 'You remove your tariffs, we remove ours." 'Budget of austerity and investment' The unresolved trade war and upcoming CUSMA review form the backdrop as Carney and his cabinet hunker down for two days of meetings before the House of Commons resumes later this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The upcoming budget is also likely to be a focus as his inner circle gathers behind closed doors. The budget is usually tabled in the spring but the re-elected Liberal government punted it to October due to the federal election. During the election campaign, Carney promised to balance the operating budget over the next three years while also pledging billions more in defence spending and promising to build major projects. "It's a budget of austerity and investment at the same time and that's possible if you have discipline," he said Wednesday. President Donald Trump wants to eliminate funding for the HOME Investment Partnership in the upcoming budget.Pictured is Trump listening during a meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki in the White House on Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP President Donald Trump wants to axe a grant program that provides funding for affordable housing developments, the Associated Press reported. The HOME Investment Partnership Program, which launched in the 1990s under President George H.W. Bush, was not included by U.S. House Republicans in their federal budget proposal. Experts and state housing agencies say that would set back tens of thousands of future affordable housing developments nationwide, particularly hurting Appalachian towns and rural counties where government aid is sparse and investors are few, according to the AP. Citing data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the AP reports that the program has spent more than $38 billion nationwide since it began filling in funding gaps and attracting more investment to acquire, build and repair affordable homes. Funding from the program has been used in Michigan. In May, U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, highlighted in a news release $711,071 from the Home Investment Partnership Program that was provided to two communities in his district: Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. The release noted that the state of Michigan has also been provided $16 million through the program. The prospect of cuts to the HOME Investment Partnership Program has at least one housing developer in Michigan concerned. Matt Hollander, principal developer with Edison Community Partners, LLC, is developing a 48-unit apartment building in Kalamazoo that would provide housing for nonviolent criminal offenders with substance use disorders and mental illness. He told MLive in June that the potential elimination of federal housing programs, such as the HOME Investment Partnership Program, make developing affordable housing projects more challenging. The fate of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program is not clear. Senate Republicans have still included funding for HOME in their draft budget, the AP reported. In the coming negotiations, both chambers may compromise and reduce but not terminate HOMEs funding, or extend last years overall budget. Brian Patrick, a spokesperson for Huizenga, said in a statement that Huizenga supports reforming the HOME program and believes it will be maintained in a conference between the House and Senate budget discussions. The Financial Services Committee has been examining ways to make the HOME program more efficient and effective, Patrick said. One of the ways to do this is by reducing regulatory red tape. This will help decrease costs as well as increase the rate at which housing can actually be built. The AP reported that a spokesperson for HUD, which administers the program, said HOME isnt as effective as other programs where the money would be better spent. The news agency reported that a White House spokesperson didnt respond to specific questions about the proposed elimination of funding from the HUD program but said that Trumps commitment to cutting red tape is making housing more affordable. A Small Craft Advisory for Lake Michigan is going to ramp up into a Gale Warning along the length of the big lake by early Friday. High winds are forecast to create gusty conditions and big waves - up to 12-foot waves are possible. Wind gusts could reach 45 mph. Here is the Gale Warning and wave forecast issued by the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids: High waves have triggered beach hazard warnings along West Michigans Lakeshore through Saturday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement for Mason, Oceana, Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan and Van Buren counties, warning of high wave action and strong currents that could create life-threatening conditions for swimmers. Officials are particularly concerned about pier safety, as high waves could sweep people off these structures. Strong currents in the area pose a risk of pulling swimmers into deeper waters. For mariners, conditions are expected to worsen overnight. A small craft advisory is in effect until 2 a.m. Friday, with west winds of up to 23 mph and waves of 2 to 5 feet. Following this, a more severe gale warning will be in effect from 2 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday along the coastline from St. Joseph to Manistee. During the gale warning period, southwest wind gusts are expected to reach up to 45 mph, creating waves between 7 and 12 feet. These conditions could potentially capsize vessels and significantly reduce visibility on the water. Maritime officials are advising boaters to alter their plans, remain in port, or seek safe harbor during these hazardous conditions. Local authorities may implement beach closures, and visitors are advised to check for updates before heading to the Lakeshore. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story based on data from the National Weather Service. It was reviewed, edited and expanded by MLive staff. The next week will feature a changing weather pattern as fall wrestles with summer. It will be a pretty even match-up, at least in the next week. Eventually we know which season all wins this fight. 1. Cooling Trend Arriving for the Weekend A significant cooling trend is arriving across Michigan, with the weekend forecast to be noticeably cooler than recent days. While temperatures have been warmer, the region will see highs dropping to the low 60s on Saturday and mid-60s on Sunday. It will definitely be flannel shirt afternoons and jackets in the morning weather for the weekend throughout Michigan. 2. Limited Rainfall Expected for Southern Michigan The forecast shows minimal rainfall for southern Michigan, with most precipitation concentrated in the northern half of Lower Michigan and the UP. A storm system moving southeast from Minnesota will bring rain tonight, but for southern areas it will only result in a few spotty showers. Grand Rapids and Saginaw can expect around a tenth of an inch over the next two days, while northern areas like Traverse City could see one-third to one-half inches and parts of the UP receiving up to an inch. 3. No Frost Risk for Most Areas in the Near Future Despite the cooling trend, frost is not in the forecast for most areas. While temperatures will drop to the 40s in the mornings, only isolated rural areas in northern Michigan might experience upper 30s. A viewer specifically asked me about frost in Ludington. Theres no frost in sight for Ludington or anywhere else across Lower Michigan for the next couple of weeks. 4. Warming Trend Returns Next Week After the cool weekend, temperatures will begin climbing again starting early next week. Tuesday and Wednesday will see a return to the 70s, with Thursday potentially reaching the low 80s. By next Friday, many areas could experience temperatures in the 80s, depending on the timing of frontal systems. This is a progressive pattern where well see alternating warm and cool periods rather than an extended return to summer conditions. 5. Storm Systems Expected Every 5-7 Days Michigan is in this progressive pattern where storm systems will regularly move from the Pacific Northwest into the Great Lakes region approximately every 5-7 days. This pattern will create an up and down temperature trend rather than any extended period of consistent summer-like or fall-like weather. Each system will bring a brief cooling period before temperatures recover, creating a fluctuating weather pattern for the foreseeable future. Generative AI was used to bring my live video to text for this story, based on my live broadcast video this morning. I used the text as a foundation of the article. Updated 2:47 p.m. ET Sept. 4 MILAN Italys fashion king is dead. More from WWD Giorgio Armani, an icon of the late 20th century and a pioneer of the celebrity-fashion juggernaut, has died in Milan. Often referred to as the King or the Maestro, he was born in Piacenza, Italy, on July 11, 1934. Advertisement Advertisement In this company, we have always felt like part of a family, his employees and his family stated on Thursday. Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion and dedication. But it is precisely in his spirit that we, the employees and the family members who have always worked alongside Mr. Armani, commit to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory, with respect, responsibility and love. The funeral chamber will be set up Saturday and Sunday at Via Bergognone 59, inside the Armani/Teatro, and will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In accordance with Armanis explicit wishes, the funeral will be held privately. Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, the statement continued. Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections and the many ongoing and future projects, which is not at all surprising given his tireless and hands-on approach to work. In 2019, ahead of receiving WWDs John B. Fairchild Honor, Armani candidly described himself as a control freak and tales of his meticulous attention to detail are legendary. The statement highlighted how the designer throughout his life crafted a vision that expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and pragmatism. He has been driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people. Along this journey, he established an open dialogue with the public, becoming a beloved and respected figure for his ability to connect with everyone. Always mindful of the needs of the community, he has been active on many fronts, especially in support of his beloved Milan. Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, Armani was as much a part of the character of Italy as la bella figura and la dolce vita and the reaction to his death on Thursday shot through the day, causing national television to interrupt its regular broadcast. The Milan municipality has declared that Monday will be a day of city mourning. He was known to pose for selfies and talk to people who would approach him in his stores or during public events. In 2023, staging his One Night Only event in Venice, Armani was visibly emotional. Its difficult to hold back the tears, when you see young and old people of all different walks of life come up to me, asking for a photograph, and equally movedand this repays me of all the efforts I have put into my job, he said back then, adding that he attributed his authenticity, honesty and frankness to this outpouring of affection, elements that bring up hidden feelings in people. Armanis light blue eyes could be piercing and steely if something was not to his liking and, being a perfectionist, many things initially were not but they would then suddenly turn soft and even a bit mischievous, reflecting a keen sense of humor. Adding further poignancy to his death Thursday is the fact that Armani, who held the role of chairman, chief executive officer and creative designer, will not be able to mark his namesake companys 50th anniversary as planned. A fashion show and party were scheduled to take place in Milan on Sept. 28 and the company had been planning the event for months. Advertisement Advertisement Armani also was mounting an exhibition retracing five decades in fashion through 150 archival looks at the Pinacoteca di Brera Museum. This would be the first time the cultural institution would host a fashion exhibition. Expected to open on Sept. 24, the exhibit should be flanked by a broader digital project called Armani/Archivio, a platform that was launched last week during the Venice Film Festival filled with a catalogue of all Giorgio Armani collections to date. Armanis spring 2026 womenswear collection was slated to be unveiled on Sept. 28 with a runway display to be exceptionally held in the storied courtyard of honor of Palazzo Brera, the 17th-century landmark home to the Pinacoteca, the Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense library and the Brera Academy. This year marked several milestones for Armani, who also marked the 20th anniversary of his Prive haute couture collection by mounting an exhibition at the Armani/Silos space in Milan retracing his journey in couture since 2005. Opened in May and titled Giorgio Armani Prive 2005-2025, the exhibit runs through the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Still, even as preparations for his big celebration have been taking place, it was clear from this summer that the Italian designer was in poor health. He skipped his Giorgio and Emporio Armani mens spring 2026 shows in Milan in June as he was recovering at home from an illness. In his place, Leo DellOrco, head of menswear design, took the final bow at the shows the first time ever Armani did not do so. Armani also did not attend the Prive haute couture show for fall 2025 a few weeks later in Paris either. DellOrco is part of the tight-knit circle of friends and collaborators Armani called family. The designers closest relatives include his nephew Andrea Camerana, the son of Armanis sister Rosanna, who also works in the company, and Roberta Armani, who is the daughter of the designers late brother, Sergio, and who has been in charge of the groups relations with high-profile celebrities for years, often acting as Armanis deputy on social occasions around the world as the face of the company. Her sister Silvana is part of the design team. While the future of Armanis company has sparked speculation for years, the statement issued on Thursday pointed to continuity. The company was built over five decades with emotion and patience. Giorgio Armani always made independence of thought and action his hallmark. The company is, now and always, a reflection of this spirit. His family and employees will carry the group forward in respect and continuity of these values. The designer revealed details about the future of his company for the first time in 2016, confirming he had established the long-rumored Giorgio Armani Foundation, which, while aiming to fund social projects, also ensured that his fashion group would live on. Advertisement Advertisement I decided to create the Giorgio Armani Foundation in order to implement projects of public and social interest, Armani said at the time. The foundation will also safeguard the governance assets of the Armani Group and ensure that these assets are kept stable over time, in respect of and consistent with some principles that are particularly important to me and that have always inspired my activities as a designer and an entrepreneur. These founding principles are based upon: autonomy and independence, an ethical approach to management with integrity and honesty, attention to innovation and excellence, an absolute priority to the continuous development of the Armani brand sustained by appropriate investments, prudent and balanced financial management, limited recourse to debt and a careful approach to acquisitions, he added. While vocal over the years about his aversion to sell, take on a business partner or publicly list the company, rumors about Armani contemplating forming a foundation first emerged in 2012. The foundation reflected a key priority for Armani independence, which he sought to maintain over the years, especially since 2000 when rumors about a possible sale to LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton or the-then Gucci Group and LOreal swirled around the fashion house. The speculation was only natural since Armani has been a major fashion force since the 70s. In short like Gabrielle Chanel, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent Armani literally changed the way people dressed and lived. And unlike the others, that revolution touched almost everything, from T-shirts and jeans to gowns; fragrances to hotels; suits to candles. He created a behemoth group that closed 2024 with net revenues of 2.3 billion euros. Advertisement Advertisement Giorgio Armani Parfums and Cosmetics, under license to LOreal, ranks as one of the biggest designer beauty franchises in the world. The French beauty giant since 1988 has developed Armanis fragrances, skin care and makeup in close collaboration with the Italian designer and in March 2018, it and the designer agreed to renew their beauty license until 2050. Armani continued to think long term until the end. During 2024, while well aware of the market slowdown already evident in the second half of 2023 and of the many challenges arising from the international context, I continued to operate with an eye to the future, he said in July, commenting on his companys year-end performance. It is with this in mind that I chose in any case to invest in projects of great symbolic and practical significance, which are fundamental to the future of the company, channeling 332 million euros, almost double the 168.5 million euros channeled in 2023, and almost three times the average yearly investments in the previous years, into new projects. These included the building on Madison Avenue in New York, Palazzo Armani, the prestigious headquarters in Paris on Rue Francois 1er and the renovation of the mega Emporio Armani store in Milan. Consistency and cohesion were keywords in Armanis vocabulary throughout his five decades as a designer. However, he resisted and resented the notion that he could be described as merely rigorous or minimalist and he disliked being associated with the color greige, even staging the Eccentrico exhibit in 2012 to show his more eccentric side. Advertisement Advertisement For a WWD Weekend cover story on interior design two years ago, the interview was held in Armanis Milan apartment obviously exquisitely, but also surprisingly, furnished. Case in point: a beautifully restored armchair was newly upholstered with a leopard print fabric not exactly a pattern that one immediately associated with Armani. The apartment was originally designed by Peter Marino, but Armani had filled it with memorabilia of personal, more than material value. For example, a sweet portrait with his mother took pride of place, visible from the entrance into the room. Above it was a painting of a black panther and an artistic sculpture of a gorilla was also an unexpected feature. While staying true to his own vision and strategy throughout his life, Armani also took bold decisions to ensure the long-term success of his company. After building a diversified portfolio of brands, in 2017 the designer unveiled a new brand strategy for the Milan-based group, revealing his decision to cease the Armani Collezioni and Armani Jeans brands and use only the Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani and A|X Armani Exchange monikers, effective with the spring 2018 season, adapting to the increasingly changing and competitive market. He launched his couture line, Armani Prive, in 2005, generally shown in Paris. In 2020, as COVID-19 was ravaging the world, Armani penned an open letter to WWD reflecting on the absurdity of the state of fashion back then, with the overproduction of garments and a criminal nonalignment between the weather and the commercial season, asking for a courageous and necessary shift. In 2021, due to the worsening of the pandemic, he made a courageous and trailblazing decision to cancel both his Giorgio and Emporio mens fall 2022 shows slated to be held in Milan, holding them behind closed doors, as well as his Prive show in Paris in January the following year. The designer generously made donations up to 2 million euros to Italys Civil Protection and a range of Italian hospitals and institutions in the country, and converted his manufacturing sites to produce single-use smocks for the protection of health care providers. He took a full-page ad in more than 60 newspapers in Italy, writing a letter to all of the health care providers strenuously fighting the coronavirus outbreak and musing on his own desire as a young man to become a doctor. Advertisement Advertisement From the beginning, Armani singlemindedly and sure-handedly championed a modern wardrobe based on an unstuffy and uncontrived aesthetic that earned him a wide and loyal customer base, from the corporate world through to Hollywood A-listers and artists including Sophia Loren, Robert De Niro, Cate Blanchett, Tom Cruise, Glenn Close, George Clooney, Tina Turner and Jodie Foster, to name a few. Even though he had started his brand years before, Armani really rocketed to international fame in 1980 by dressing Richard Gere for the title role in American Gigolo and he went on to become one of the first go-to designers for stars attending the Oscars. The energetic and overachieving designer, and hands-on manager of his company, built his name into one with a value that ranks among Coca-Cola and Microsoft in Interbrands annual listings. Only I know what I want and my message has to be consistent from beginning to end, he told WWD in 2005. Yet Armani spurned the overtures of deep-pocketed investors that clamored for his company during the luxury sectors acquisition spree in the late 90s. He preferred to be his own boss and learned to be a shrewd businessman, especially after the 1985 death of his companion and business partner Sergio Galeotti. Advertisement Advertisement It came as a surprise to me that Giorgio was such a strong businessman in addition to being a talented designer, said Nino Cerruti, in a 2005 interview celebrating Armanis 30th anniversary. Forever clad in jeans and a fitted blue T-shirt to show off his taut, gym-toned physique, Armani worked for Cerruti in the early stages of his career, researching fabrics and trends and designing ties and shirts. Once he set out on his own, Armani expanded his company with the tenacity and meticulousness that characterized his career from Day One. Armanis mother Maria played a great role in his life and influenced his sense of fashion to the point that his two yachts bore her nicknames, Mariu and Main. She died in 2001. She was never a particularly gushy or emotional person; she was quite reserved. She just said, Bello when she saw the first collections, Armani said of his mother. His father, papa Ugo, a shipping manager who worked hard to support his family, died in the early 60s. In 1950, Armani moved to Milan, a place he remembers thinking of as a big, scary city, to study medicine, but he threw in the towel after two years to become an assistant buyer for La Rinascente, Milans top department store, where he started creating eye-catching store windows. His first hands-on fashion design experience came between 1964 and 1970, when he landed a job at Hitman, Nino Cerrutis mens clothing line. In 1972, Armani and Galeotti opened a studio on Corso Venezia. To furnish the two modest rooms, they used the money they made by selling a car. Advertisement Advertisement After designing his first collection in 1974, Armani and Galeotti founded Giorgio Armani SpA in 1975, forging a formidable team and creating their own label of men and womens ready-to-wear. While Armani suffered emotionally from Galeottis premature death, his business acumen and focus hardly faltered as the company gained momentum in the 80s thanks in large part to the lucrative licenses he signed with the now-defunct storied Italian manufacturer Gruppo Finanziario Tessile. This new undertaking, which soon evolved into an inspirational new business paradigm for other firms, launched Armani Le Collezioni and Emporio Armani. Armani was also among the first to understand the importance of licensing details in such key categories as his booming beauty and fragrance division, and forged a formidable partnership with LOreal. He unveiled his first Giorgio Armani womens fragrance in 1982 and today boasts a dizzying 40-plus scents between men and women for the various lines. He also has a bestselling color cosmetics and skin care line. Im very involved in every activity of my business, including the fragrance and cosmetics projects. I love the challenge of creating [something] new. It is never that easy, but always rewarding in the end, was Armanis mantra when creating a new product. Advertisement Advertisement Meticulous, frugal and involved in all aspects of the business, Armani put his stamp of approval on everything from skirt lengths and the flowers strewn around at gala dinners to the colors of the curtains in the offices. Whenever he made an appearance on a photo set or at an event, you could hear his nervous staff murmuring Sta arrivando, referring to Armanis imminent arrival. And the air instantly filled with tension. His passion for sports and basketball in particular translated into ongoing partnerships with the Italian Olympic and Paralympic teams, dressing them for several Olympic and Paralympic Games through his EA7 Emporio Armani line. The brand is also the technical outfitter for Italys winter sports athletes, a partnership extending to the 2026 Winter Games. In addition, Armani owns the Olimpia Milano basketball team, which has been sponsored by the EA7 Emporio Armani line. Last month, the Milan-based fashion powerhouse announced that it has designed the formal wardrobe for Juventus, one of Italys historic and most endeared soccer clubs. The partnership includes a selection of Giorgio Armani suits created to accompany the mens first-team players on all official off-pitch occasions throughout the 2025-26 and 2026-27 soccer seasons. Armani has been infusing his sartorial fair into the global soccer arena since 1994, starting with the World Cup and later created the uniforms for the Italian national soccer team for the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Over the decades, the company has also designed the official uniforms for the English national team, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich soccer teams. In 2021, Giorgio Armani debuted Emporio Armani off-field uniforms for Italys national soccer team, as part of the companys four-year deal with the Italian Soccer Federation. A workaholic, Armani would occasionally indulge in la dolce vita: sailing on his Main yacht, entertaining at his holiday home on the Mediterranean island of Pantelleria, dining with family at Nobu inside his Milan Via Manzoni Emporio Armani megastore or spending a quiet night at home watching one of his favorite films, such as Alfred Hitchcocks Notorious. He launched his home and interior design line Casa in 2000, and counted beautiful houses in Antigua; Saint Moritz; Tuscanys beach resort Forte dei Marmi; Saint-Tropez, and Broni, near his hometown of Piacenza. Advertisement Advertisement But he always worked tirelessly and passionately admitting in his later years that he had sacrificed his own personal life for the company and was only once forced to publicly explain he was recovering from an illness. That was in 2009, when he said he had suffered a case of hepatitis. Whatever the event, Armani was bound to be there early, checking that everything was shipshape, which made it a dream for a reporter eager to carve out some alone time before the rush of visitors and well-wishers. Just as his fellow fashion greats Saint Laurent, Valentino, Cristobal Balenciaga, Chanel and Dior did, Armani struck a new fashion chord when he launched his signature label. In fact, the Maestro paved the way for Italian ready-to-wear and the Made in Italy brands when he showed his first menswear collection in 1974. His womenswear collection, introduced in 1975, quickly became known for easy shapes and masculine cuts with feminine qualities. Since uptight styles and ornate detailing werent up his alley, Armani pursued a less-is-more template of deconstructed suits, fashioned in fluid fabrics such as viscose and wool crepes. While he sometimes dared shots of strong color like orange and fuchsia, the word greige was devised to describe his color palette of muted shades of grays, taupes and beiges. His fashions came at a time when women were climbing the rungs of the corporate ladder and needed to dress accordingly. But instead of overwrought bankers pinstripes, Armani did it his way, delivering formality in a softer and more feminine manner. He said he wanted women to wear jackets like men without losing anything of their feminine allure. In more recent years, fleeting trends and other fashion antics sometimes sidetracked Armani, especially on the runway, where aviator hats or tricky pants from bloomers to loose, low-crotch styles won him barbs from critics. When he tried to blaze new trails, the designer felt haunted by the damned-if-you-dont, damned-if-you-do syndrome. Once, in the early 90s, he showed pouf silhouettes that raised eyebrows. I loved them, but people said, Well, its pretty, but its not Armani, he said at the time. Its difficult to convince these people that, even if its not Armani, it must be done. But when Armani had something to say, he didnt hold back. Self-assured and temperamental, he never refrained from slamming his colleagues, who in his eyes generated more dash than cash. He often took the gloves off with the press, developing a love-hate relationship. On the one hand, he used the media to broadcast his new projects or vent his frustrations with the industry and designers that he accused of turning fashion into a circus. On the other, he criticized the press for dedicating too many pages to unwearable designs. There was always that desire to shock by showing a bare behind a cheap trick that will only make people speak badly about fashion. Im sure it will make a lot of magazine covers, but where is the fashion in it? he once asked. He could be supportive of other designers, however. In 2013, Armani decided to start helping young designers, making his theater on Via Bergognone available to the likes of Andrea Pompilio, Stella Jean and Ricostru, Julian Zigerli, Au Jour le Jours Diego Marquez and Mirko Fontana, Christian Pellizzari, Angelos Bratis and Edmund Ooi providing them with added visibility and a sprawling show space. And while Armani took pride in making clothes that sold and left nudity and vulgarity to others, he was nevertheless one of the most recognizable faces in the industry. Im only just now getting used to being called king, but if someone wants to call me an emperor, thats fine by me, he joked in 2004. In general, he thoroughly enjoyed the attention when he mingled with his customers and fans, to the point that, when he opened the Armani Prive lounge in Milan, he was known to swing by for drinks and chat up patrons. Indeed, Armanis hospitality projects were almost as groundbreaking as his fashions. He was among the first designers along with Ralph Lauren to break into restaurants, furniture and interiors as well as apparel. Armani took it a step farther, however, linking with Emaar Properties to develop luxurious Armani Hotels and Resorts around the globe, a venture formed in 2005. The first opened in 2010, occupying eight floors of the worlds tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The sumptuous 160-room hotel boasts eight restaurants, a spa and three retail outlets. In 2011, an Armani Hotel opened in Milan, leaving a further, permanent mark on the city that houses his headquarters. I like the idea of being remembered not only for my clothes, and I like to bring an element of luxury that adds prestige to the city, the designer said upon the opening. I love the Milanese and their sincere and direct approach. We hired 200 employees to work at the hotel. This is what I would like to happen going forward, for young people to find a job. The Milan hotel is opposite the citys prestigious Via Montenapoleone shopping street, and near the La Scala Theater and is located in the 1937 building that also houses Armanis Via Manzoni flagship. The latest Armani hotel being built is in Diriyah, a 300-year-old site located a 15-minute drive from Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In 1996, the designer raised a big Emporio Armani sign over a hangar at Linate a genius stroke of branding in the pre-social media age with hundreds of millions of passenger eyeballs locking on it and still doing so as they taxi into, and out of, Linate. In September 2018, Armani decided to hold his coed Emporio show in that hanger, ending it with a performance by Robbie Williams for a crowd that numbered 2,300, including members of the public who won tickets to the event. In 2006, Armani launched his One Night Only extravaganza, often showing his couture Prive collections and traveling through London in 2006; Tokyo in 2007; Beijing in 2012; Rome and New York in 2013; Paris in 2014; Dubai in 2021, and in Venice in 2023. In October last year, the designer flew to New York to celebrate the opening of his companys new building on Madison Avenue, entirely redesigned to include residential units, an Armani/Ristorante and the new Giorgio Armani and Armani/Casa boutiques. Coinciding with the unveiling, Armani decided to parade his namesake brands spring 2025 collection in New York and not in Milan. In 2015, marking his companys 40th anniversary, he unveiled his Armani Silos exhibition space walking tirelessly up and down the four levels of the 48,600-square-foot building, in a restored granary of the Nestle company and constructed in 1950. Armani, whose Tadao Ando-designed theater stands on the opposite side of the street, conceived and oversaw the renovation project himself. The building is modeled after a basilica layout, an open space four floors high with two levels of naves overlooking it on either side. The ceilings are painted black in contrast to the gray cement floors. In addition to his own designs, Silos presented over the years exhibitions of photos by the likes of Larry Fink and Sarah Moon. He also launched the Filmaking Workshop at Silos, offered free of charge, which will allow participants to produce a short film, partnering with the likes of Luca Guadagnino. Armanis achievements earned him a string of high-profile awards that started with the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award in 1979 and included two of Italys highest honors the Commendatore dellOrdine al Merito della Repubblica and GrandUfficiale dellOrdine al Merito della Repubblica. Others on the long list include the CFDAs Best International Designer and Lifetime Achievement Award for menswear and for art and fashion, while, in 2006, he was awarded an honorary degree from Londons Central Saint Martins College and one in industrial design from the Politecnico of Milan. In 2008, French President Nicholas Sarkozy gave Armani the Legion dHonneur. In 2019, WWD bestowed him the John B. Fairchild Honor award, named after WWDs legendary publisher who was a longtime and ardent supporter of Armani even wearing his clothes for years. Armani also served as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, and in 2003, he was honored on the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style. View Gallery Launch Gallery: Giorgio Armani Dies at 91: Photos of the Iconic Designer Through the Years Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Saurav Pandey is the Deputy Manager of Content at Moneycontrol, specialising in content strategy, execution and performance analysis. He integrates advanced SEO techniques to deliver high-impact, data-driven content formats. His expertise spans various beats, including education, career, science and others, where he adopts a technical approach to optimise visibility, improve search rankings, and drive organic traffic growth. He can be reached out at Saurav.Pandey@nw18.com. 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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 prominent conservative figure in American politics and the mastermind behind Project 2025 the infamous policy blueprint that proposed a drastic overhaul of the U.S. government was invited to speak to Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet behind closed doors Thursday but is no longer making the trip north. Carney and his ministers are in the Greater Toronto Area for two days of meetings ahead of the fall parliamentary sitting. According to the list of guest speakers, the Liberal team was supposed to hear from Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank that has shaped Republican administrations since the 1980s. It's the group that spearheaded Project 2025, a 900-page manifesto meant to usher in a new ultra-conservative administration supported by more than 100 like-minded organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of its most controversial elements include firing thousands of permanent civil servants and replacing them with hired loyalists, abolishing the Department of Education and withdrawing the abortion pill mifepristone from the market. It also states that "married men and women are the ideal, natural family structure because all children have a right to be raised by the men and women who conceived them." "Regrettably, Dr. Roberts' office indicated that he can no longer join us to present today," said a spokesperson from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Thursday. "Our team will continue further engagement and discussions with him and other leading U.S. policy figures soon, regarding Canada's economic and security relationship with the United States." A spokesperson for Roberts said he "appreciated the invitation" but is unable to attend "and will be working in Washington." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leading up to the 2024 presidential election, Roberts said his country was in the midst of a "second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be." Project 2025 is built on four main promises: restore the family as the centrepiece of American life; dismantle the administrative state; defend the nation's sovereignty and borders; and secure God-given individual rights to enjoy liberty. It's been criticized as "an authoritarian playbook" and a "far-right assault on America" by policy institute The Centre for American Progress. WATCH | What is Project 2025?: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The document was written before U.S. President Donald Trump clinched the Republican nomination. Trump distanced himself from Project 2025 during the campaign, but has since welcomed several of its authors to his staff. Some of Trump's policies to date have echoed Project 2025's goals, including gutting government departments, cracking down on immigration and using his office to target his enemies. The PMO explained the invite Wednesday saying Roberts knows the Trump administration's playbook and is a central player. (Roberts's book Dawn's Early Light: Taking Back Washington to Save America includes a foreword written by U.S. Vice-President JD Vance) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cabinet is expected to hear from will also hear from former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd, now his country's ambassador to the U.S. Carney's office said he will speak to cabinet about China's rise "and new approaches to multipolarity." Carney's cabinet will also hear from pollster Jean-Marc Leger on the mood of the country, Scotiabank's Jean-Francois Perrault for an economic outlook and private sector leaders, including an artificial intelligence-focused venture capital firm. Sonam Kapoor shares throwback pics with Giorgio Armani after his passing at 91, writes "you will be missed" Palak Vij 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 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. 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I Accept Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment. Long before blood reports or scans, the body finds its own quiet ways of communicating. Your nails, skin and grip are like early telegrams from your internal systems (Image: Pexels) 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 Archisha Yadav is a sub editor with 1.5 years of experience in writing news articles on topics like education, jobs, and politics. 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He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day The company plans to set up base stations at 10 locations, with Mumbai as the central hub 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 Ease of doing business, ease of living is the idea behind Jan Vishwas: Piyush Goyal According to Goyal, these reforms, from law simplification to GST rationalisation, all feed into a larger vision of promoting both ease of doing business and ease of living. Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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 GST 2.0: Tax cuts to fuel India's clean energy sector as rates on parts slashed to 5% Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the new tax rates will come into effect from September 22 this year. 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 Piyush Goyal urges industry to pass on 'entire benefit' of GST cut to consumers 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 Four people, two of them teenagers, have been charged after a violent home invasion and kidnapping that began as a staged car crash in the GTA on Monday morning. One of the accused is a 16-year-old Caledon boy on a previous release order, while another, 21-year-old Shakir Bhatti from Ajax, has already been released on bail. York Regional Police officers were called to a home near McCowan Road and 14th Avenue on reports of multiple men forcing their way inside and informing the occupants that a family member had been kidnapped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the residents, a 54-year-old man, was shot during the home invasion. Police later determined that, about an hour earlier, suspects intentionally rammed the vehicle of a 29-year-old woman from the same residence as she was driving near McCowan and Highway 407. According to police, when the woman exited her vehicle to assess the damage, a second vehicle described as an older model grey Dodge Caravan rolled up and people within forced her inside, where she was restrained before departing the scene. Responding officers intercepted the suspects as they tried to flee the house, arresting four people and seizing a loaded firearm. A fifth male suspect, estimated to be between 18 to 25 years old, evaded arrest. A stolen vehicle was also found at the home invasion scene and police say they have reason to believe additional suspects connected to both crimes remain outstanding. Officers were quick to arrive at the residence as the suspects attempted to flee. Four of the suspects were arrested while a fifth suspect remains outstanding. He is described as male, 18 to 25 years of age, wearing dark clothing, a mask and gloves. A loaded firearm was recovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also arrested were Parkaran Panglia, 20, of Brampton and a 17-year-old from Toronto. The four suspects have been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, robbery with a firearm, disguise with intent, and other possession charges. The kidnapped woman was located in Toronto, having suffered minor injuries, and her vehicle was recovered nearby. The incident is the latest violent crime to make headlines in the GTA, following two fatal shootings and an arson last weekend. Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre posted about the crimes on X. Four have been arrested All enjoying the Liberal free ride for criminals. What has Carney done? Poilievre wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said anyone with information is asked to contact the hold-up unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at calling 1-800-222-TIPS or 1800222tips.com. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. With boost in demand, revenue will probably go up, says Piyush Goyal on GST 2.0 Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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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 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. 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I Accept Indian exports to US hit half of FY25 mark in first 5 months of FY26, says Goyal 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 The new product suite will be launched under the Arudha SIF platform. The term Arudha, according to the release means ascent and progress, symbolizing the transition from conventional mutual funds to more advanced investment approaches. Anishaa Kumar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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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 BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Sept. 3, 2025 is a solemn day for China and the world to honor history and the fallen, and reaffirm the pursuit of peace and justice. Eighty years ago, facing extremely difficult environment, the heroic Chinese people fought and won a formidable war against the Japanese aggression. More than 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed or injured in the war, leaving behind a lasting legacy of sacrifice for global peace. This victory marked a turning point: for the Chinese nation, it ended a century-long spiral of decline and opened the door to rejuvenation; for the world, it ensured fascism's defeat. An old Chinese saying goes: "Do not do unto others what you do not want done unto yourself." Having endured invasion and oppression, the Chinese people came to embrace an even stronger commitment to peace and justice. At the 1955 Bandung Conference, China advanced the approach of "seeking common ground while shelving differences," encouraging unity and cooperation among newly independent nations. The conference signaled the political awakening of the developing world and showcased China's commitment to promoting more equal international relations. In the decades that followed, China firmly supported national liberation movements worldwide: backing Algeria's independence, assisting Vietnam in resisting the U.S. interference, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people, opposing apartheid in South Africa and so on. All these gave practical meaning to the spirit of internationalism. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China actively participates in the mediation of hotspot issues, promotes the peaceful settlement of differences and disputes among countries, and has always been a builder of world peace. China firmly upholds the UN-centered international system, and actively works for a more just and equitable international order. In the past decades, China's rapid development has also created opportunities for the wider world. Since its reform and opening-up, China's economy has grown more than 300 times, becoming the world's second-largest economy. For years, China has contributed around 30 percent to global economic growth annually. In the era of economic globalization, China is not only a beneficiary but also a key promoter of and contributor to global prosperity. Meanwhile, nearly 800 million Chinese people have been lifted out of poverty, accounting for three-quarters of the world's poverty reduction in the same period. In 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China had secured a "complete victory" in its fight against poverty. Thus, China had met the poverty eradication target set out in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule. As the world's largest developing country and a natural member of the Global South, China closely links its own development with the revitalization dreams of the vast number of developing countries. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has linked Asia, Africa, Latin America, Pacific islands and other countries with new opportunities of development. Roads, railways, ports and energy projects have brought tangible benefits, while training programs and digital innovations have opened new paths to modernization. The world today is undergoing changes unseen in a century. Global recovery remains fragile, the development gap is widening, environmental challenges are worsening, and the Cold War mentality still persists. Against this backdrop, a resounding question facing all nations is: what kind of world should we build, and how? China has proposed the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity. Through initiatives such as the BRI, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, China promotes cooperation on growth, peace, and security as well as people-to-people exchanges. Its efforts reflect a commitment to inclusiveness, mutual benefit and respect for diversity and have won wide international support, especially among developing countries. China's firm commitment to peaceful development and win-win cooperation is deeply rooted in its millennium-old civilization. History shows that the tide of peace and development cannot be reversed. China will stay on the path of peaceful development and work hard to build a brighter shared future together with all nations. 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. 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I Accept Rolls-Royce to set up MRO facility in Tamil Nadu, says state govt Rolls-Royce to set up MRO facility in Tamil Nadu, says state govt 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 Business will adopt new rates over time, but will absorb the excess costs in meantime: CBIC Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal Priyansh Verma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept An eagle struck the nose of the aircraft while taxiing on the runway for takeoff. 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. 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Christin Mathew Philip 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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting, in Tianjin, China on August 31, 2025. | Photo Credit: PMO Siddharth Chakravorty 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 Euphoria in country, nobody stopped Congress to roll out GST before 2014: BJP on tax reforms 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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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 In 2023, Gadkari launched the Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme), which is aimed at improving road safety standards of motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. 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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I Accept The countrys highway network is undergoing an upgrade led by the state-run National Highways Authority of India. Bloomberg Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, unveiling the design, said the township is designed around the work-live-play model, offering a seamless ecosystem for businesses and communities. Christin Mathew Philip 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 Plea alleges forgery over inclusion of Sonia Gandhi's name in electoral roll, seeks probe 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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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 People walk along a bridge over the swollen Beas river amid rainfall in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. (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. 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 Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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 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 Priyansh Verma 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 Sanjiv Shankaran is Editor - Opinions, Editorials, Features at Moneycontrol. (Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.) Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Jemima Goldsmith, former wife of ex-Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, has publicly appealed to X owner Elon Musk, alleging that her posts about Khan are being deliberately suppressed on the platform. She claimed that updates on Khans treatment in custody do not reach the public and urged Musk to address what she called visibility filtering of her account. In a post on X, Goldsmith said her sons have been barred from meeting their father, who has been held unlawfully for 22 months in solitary confinement. She said X is the only place left for her to tell the world that Khan is a political prisoner without basic human rights, yet she argued the reach of her posts inside Pakistan and internationally has been throttled to almost zero. You promised free speech, not speech but no one hears it, she wrote. A personal plea to @elonmusk My two sons have not been allowed to see or speak to their father Imran Khan who has been held unlawfully (acc to the UN) for 22 months of solitary confinement.X is the only place left where we can still tell the world he is a political prisoner Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) December 12, 2025 Goldsmith has previously alleged that Pakistani authorities have blocked her sons from speaking to Khan and even threatened them with arrest if they attempt to visit. Her latest remarks follow renewed concern from Khans sister, Aleema Khan. Speaking outside Adiala Jail on Wednesday, she said, We have been coming here for the last 8 months. We come here and sit every Tuesday. We are not allowed to meet Imran Khan. They are torturing him. He has been kept in illegal isolation. They should end this torture against Imran Khan. Her comments underscore the familys increasing alarm over Khans conditions and the continued lack of access. They come at a time of heightened uncertainty about Khans health and mounting demands from PTI supporters for transparency about his situation. Last year, a panel of UN experts criticised Pakistan for arbitrarily detaining Khan in violation of international law, saying his imprisonment appeared aimed at preventing him from contesting political office. Bengaluru landlady on the run after letting 2 Uganda women rent home without papers Bengaluru police are currently looking for the landlady. (File photo: Unsplash) 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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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. 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With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. 6 Hidden Theme Parks in Asia That Will Thrill, Delight, and Surprise You in 2025! 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. Indians can now make Ireland their home with Permanent Residency under Rs 52,000 heres how to apply and qualify. (Image: Canva) 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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What Trumps naval buildup means Is Venezuela really flooding the US with drugs? Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Navi Mumbai bikers KTM stolen in Nottingham; Alekari slams UK police, says 'no safety for tourists' Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Trump urges US top court to uphold tariffs on India, cites Ukraine crisis and warns of 'economic catastrophe' Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The litigation could also lead to another judicial rebuke of Trump's attempt to broaden the role of the military on U.S. soil 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 PSS may slash school days, furlough staff amid budget shortfall Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho kicked off the Public School Systems town hall meeting at Chacha Ocean View Middle School on Tuesday evening to address PSSs looming fiscal cliff. On Thursday evening, he hosted a town hall meeting for southern school clusters at Koblerville Elementary School. THE CNMI is going to step backwards in education, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho said on Wednesday, because the Public School System will have to implement no-school Mondays beginning Oct. 1, 2025, if the fiscal year 2026 budget allocates only $31.7 million for PSS. The reduction of instructional days from 180 to 150 through an emergency declaration is among the worst-case scenarios that Camacho presented to parents and teachers during a PSS town hall meeting in the Marianas High School cafeteria Wednesday night. Beginning Oct. 1, 2025, PSS will implement austerity Mondays, which means no classes for students and no work for school staff every Monday. PSS had submitted a $49.2 million budget request for the next fiscal year. But then-Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, in his budget submission, proposed $40 million. In August, the House of Representatives passed a $127.4 million appropriation measure that allocates only $31.7 million for PSS. The House Ways and Means Committee chairman, Rep. John Paul P. Sablan, said once a $29 million loan from the Marianas Public Land Trust is secured, the late governors $147.5 million budget proposal would be restored, along with the $40 million for PSS. On Friday, the House was unable to act on the $29 million MPLT loan bill because it lacked the two-thirds majority (14 votes) required. MPLT trustees had also requested the inclusion of a new provision to allow flexibility in collateralizing securities. Im hopeful that we get the $40 million, Camacho told the 180 parents and teachers who attended the meeting in person and the 129 who joined online. Cost-cutting measures Aside from the 64-hour work schedule across the entire school district, PSS will also have to furlough vice principals, substitute teachers, counselors, school support employees, and central office staff, Camacho said. PSS will likewise freeze certification and licensure adjustments, suspend travel, reduce school and central office operations, and hold off major repairs and capital improvement projects. PSS is also considering merging schools. Acting PSS Finance Director Jonathan Aguon said that in trying to adjust to the proposed $31.7 million education budget, they looked at every avenue to cut, hoping to avoid furloughs because we value [our employees], as every one of them plays a key role in the operation of the schools. But, he added, even for payroll alone, the $31.7 million is really insufficient. So they identified other categories to cut and calculated the potential savings. Furloughing central office staff would save $199,502. Furloughing substitute teachers would save $1.3 million. Furloughing non-certified teachers would save $1.1 million. Furloughing counselors would save $110,000. Furloughing vice principals would save $1.1 million. Furloughing school support staff would save $1.1 million. Merging middle schools would save $695,500. Altogether, these cuts would total $5.8 million in savings, Aguon said. Camacho said the 64-hour work schedule will affect all locally and federally funded employees. He added that PSS is not allowed to supplant locally funded salaries with federal funds. The impact, he said, will include larger class sizes, reduced instructional and counseling support, diminished school administration capacity, increased staff stress and burnout, delays in services, and possible risks to accreditation. Can you imagine running schools now, going backwards? We dont want to do any of these cost-cutting measures, but were going to have to with the $31.7 million budget. It is no longer going to be a fun thing to have because we are stepping backwards, Camacho said. Nevertheless, he added, I am a very hopeful person. Im always positive in the way I think. But when these become real, Im not going to be the only one impacted by it, but many the entire school district. And I am going to be real with you as well. What they are trying to do now, the commissioner said, is address the problem before it arrives on Oct. 1, 2025. That is what Im trying to do now Im trying to be transparent, Im trying to make sure you understand it, the community understands the impact of what this could be in a worst-case scenario. And Im hopeful that we get the $40 million, he said. Ainsley Ancheta, a senior student at MHS, asked, If we dont have Mondays to study as we normally do, how can we prepare for the upcoming school year? Camacho replied: I totally get it. That is why we are discussing this now. We are not going to wait until the last minute to tell students whats going on. You need to hear about it now so we take that into consideration. He vowed that despite these unprecedented challenges, PSS remains committed to placing students first. The difficult measures, he said, will be implemented to safeguard core instructional programs and preserve learning integrity. China shows off new Guam killer missile in massive military parade Chinese Dong Feng 26 intermediate-range ballistic missiles roll past Tiananmen Gate during a Sept. 2015 military parade in Beijing, China. REUTERS file photo HAGATNA (The Guam Daily Post) China commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and its victory over Japan in a massive military parade Wednesday at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. As expected, Chinas updated weaponry, which included a new version of the so-called Guam Killer missile, the Dong Feng 26D, was on full display during the event. The DF26D was so-named for its strike capability as far away as Guam and other potential sites along the second island chain. Former Delegate Robert Underwood, chair of the Guam-based think tank the Pacific Center for Island Security, or PCIS, said, We are now at the onset of a new arms race in which better missiles require more sophisticated defenses, which in turn prompts the development of even better multiple systems to attack. There is no winner, but in this defense of Guam, the people of the island will be the clear losers in case of conflict, he added. PCIS Director Leland Bettis said the new, redesigned DF26D is reported to have capabilities that will allow it to evade the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Aerial Defense, Aegis and Patriot anti-missile systems. A THAAD system is currently deployed to Guam to counter ballistic missile threats. It is also important to note that the missile that has been designed to target Guam is both conventional and nuclear capable, Bettis said. He adds that it may also serve as a launch platform for hypersonic glide vehicles, which the U.S. currently has no defeat system for. That, in addition to new guidance systems, active radar seekers and electronic warfare countermeasures for the DF26D, are all meant to thwart U.S. defenses. Bettis said the proposed 360-degree anti-missile system planned for Guam was already behind the curve before this latest display of next-generation technology from China. First, it is important to note that the Integrated Air and Missile Defense of Guam, or IAMDOG system, that the U.S. military is planning for Guam is more than just about long-range missiles, Bettis said. He said the IAMDOG is also being designed to repel weapons launched between the Philippines and Guam, such as air-launched hypersonic missiles, air- and sea-launched cruise missiles, aircraft, and even drones. The range of new weapons in these categories that were on display today in Beijing just upped the stakes in the missile arms race, Bettis said. He said new anti-missile technology being tested on Guam last month to replace existing Patriot radar has shown some promise but is not yet proven. We are in the early stages of this arms race, Bettis said. He said the Missile Defense Agency, which is leading the way for Guams system, will be constantly rethinking the islands defense. How any system responds to a saturation attack as has been seen in both Ukraine and the 12-day conflict against Iran shows the limits of anti-missile systems, Bettis said. PCIS has said the U.S. government also needs to be serious about civilian security and focus on such things as shelters and food security. Bettis believes that ultimately there is no foolproof missile defense system. Therefore, removing Guam from the U.S.-China conflict sacrifice zone should be our top priority, he said. Sonora, CA District Three Tuolumne County Supervisor Anaiah Kirk will host five town hall meetings throughout the next month. The first is scheduled for this Thursday, September 4, at 5pm, at the Tuolumne Community Resilience Center on Bay Avenue in Tuolumne. The first portion will feature representatives from CAL Fire, the Sheriffs Office, and the Office of Emergency Services giving an update on the recent fire activity. Kirk is also planning to discuss other matters as well. The second meeting will be on Thursday, September 11, at 5 pm at the Pinecrest Community Lodge on Pinecrest School Road, the third will be on Thursday, September 25, at 5 pm at the Twain Harte Community Center. The fourth is scheduled for Thursday, October 2, at 5 pm in the Board of Supervisors meeting room in dowtown Sonora. The fifth and final meeting will be that same evening, at 6:30 pm, in the board meeting room. The first meeting will be a general discussion and the second will be focused solely on a Standard Park. Kirk says the events are chance to share ideas, concerns, and priorities. Various other county officials will also be at the meetings. A special China-U.S. cultural exchange event was recently held in Chongqing, southwest China, to honor the enduring legacy of the Flying Tigers. The Flying Tigers was formed in 1941 by General Claire Lee Chennault to help China in its fight against invading Japanese forces. Yves here. Sadly, with the possibility of breakdown of traditional governance looking all too imminent, libertarians have been attempting to square the circle of their anti-colllective-control beliefs with the need for things like infrastructure and security. The charter city approach sounds a bit too much like the Snow Crash Franchise-Organized Quasi-National Entities like Mr. Lees Greater Hong Kong for my taste. This article focuses on charter cities set up in poor nations. But it does acknowledge that there have been some in America, such as ones sponsored by the Irvine Company. Oddly, there is no mention of the Disney-created town of Celebration. Perhaps things got better, but I know someone personally who invested there in the Disney years. It was not a happy experience. By John P. Ruehl, an Australian-American journalist living in Washington, D.C., and a world affairs correspondent for the Independent Media Institute. He is a contributor to several foreign affairs publications, and his book, Budget Superpower: How Russia Challenges the West With an Economy Smaller Than Texas, was published in December 2022 Since late 2022, Honduras Prospera Inc. (HPI), a Delaware-based developer of a semi-autonomous zone on a Honduran island, has been locked in a nearly $11 billion legal battle with the Honduran government. After having its project outlawed, HPI sought damages while continuing operations, and in February 2025, a tribunal allowed the case to proceed. The dispute has drawn some attention in the U.S., with 33 Democratic lawmakers urging Washington to intervene on behalf of Honduras against HPI in 2023. Meanwhile, both parties are trying to manage the situation, with Honduras wary of scaring off other investors by appearing hostile to business, and Prospera wanting to avoid accusations of neocolonialism and extortion. Prospera promotes itself as a pro-innovation governance framework, and is one of the most visible modern attempts to build a charter city. It operates as a semiautonomous zone with its own tax, legal, and regulatory systems, and though its future is uncertain, the concept itself is not new. Colonies and frontier ports have long attracted settlers, capital, and trade through special legal privileges. Carthage, an ancient city-state established in North Africa, thrived from commercial and political experimentation, and medieval charter towns and Hanseatic cities like Lubeck and Danzig flourished under self-rule. Private enterprises have also played a role, such as the English East India Company establishing Kolkata in India to further its business interests. The rise of centralized states and colonial empires diminished the independence of formerly autonomous cities over the last few centuries, but new versions resurfaced in the 20th century. American company towns offered one model of corporate-controlled living, while the Irvine Companys master-planned communities in California showed the potential for private development (though most were largely absorbed by municipal governments). In 2005, Sandy Springs, Georgia, incorporated and initially outsourced most of the public services to private contractors, with mixed results. Globally, special economic zones (SEZs) became laboratories for economic and urban experimentation, with China paving the way for their evolution for decades. Prospera and similar projects are making governance itself their focus. Designing tax, legal, and regulatory frameworks with limited oversight, they are drawing capital and curiosity and are tied to technologies like blockchain and digital identity systems. Many may collapse or remain unfinished, but they provide examples of a search for governmental and urban innovation when conventional models seem inadequate. Whether lasting alternatives or future historical footnotes, the push to build them continues worldwide. Much of todays charter city movement draws on the thinking of 20th-century economists. Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich Hayek argued that prosperity emerged from institutional competition and spontaneous order when existing rules fail. In 2009, Nobel laureate Paul Romer built on these ideas by reviving the charter city concept, proposing that struggling countries should set aside territory to be administered by a successful outside country with strong protections for property and individual rights, eventually leading to economic prosperity and the strengthening of human rights in the host country. Parallel proposals emerged in tech circles, inspired by economists like Milton Friedmans experiments with charter-style institutions. Curtis Yarvin outlined neocameralism, which imagined governments as joint stock corporations with shareholders choosing a CEO-like ruler in place of electoral democracy, viewed as a refinement of royalism. His writings, along with those of philosopher Nick Land, inspired the Dark Enlightenment, which rejects egalitarianism and democracy while promoting a patchwork of competitive, hierarchical city-states, attracting the interest of tech figures like PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel and Mosaic founder Marc Andreessen, and sees governance as a competitive good. Not all charter city projects in the broader term embrace this ideology, and their variations are evident in the variety of labels they use: startup cities, free private cities, freedom cities, network states, and more. Yet all present themselves as alternatives to conventional governance, appealing primarily to libertarians, anarcho-capitalists, and related movements. Prospera The rise of Prospera shows the opportunism and fragility of charter city projects. In Honduras, a 2009 coup tacitly supported by Washington brought a more business-friendly government. By 2013, the country passed a law allowing for Zones for Employment and Economic Development, known by their Spanish acronym ZEDEs, autonomous areas with their own political, judicial, and economic systems. Honduras weak institutions and high corruption made it an early candidate for experiments, and Paul Romer initially worked with Honduran officials to shape the ZEDE model, but later distanced himselffrom the project in 2012 stating that he had not been given the powers and information necessary to fulfil his role as chairman of the transparency commission, which is meant to ensure governance of the new development zones, according to the Guardian. Romer had originally envisioned administration by foreign governments such as Switzerland, but sovereignty concerns and a lack of willing partners shifted the model to private developers, aiming to make good governance profitable. Honduras Prospera Inc. became the first ZEDE in 2017. Erick A. Brimen is the founder and CEO of HPI, and he earlier launched NeWay Capital, a social impact investing corporation focusing on Latin America. With backing from investors including Pronomos Capital, a venture fund created in 2019 to build charter cities worldwide, Prospera became Pronomoss flagship project. Pronomos envisions crowd choice in governance providers, startup societies sanctioned by existing states, and eventually new settlements in international waters or even outer space. Its aim is to create a model where the city is the product. Prospera is also linked to the Seasteading Institute, which sought floating charter cities in international waters. Patri Friedman, who founded the institute and is the grandson of Milton Friedman, helped shape Pronomos with support from entrepreneurs like Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, Naval Ravikant, and Balaji Srinivasan. Prospera markets itself as an alternative to weak state institutions, offering Hondurans and foreigners the option of voluntarily accepting Prosperas rules for more reliable governance and economic opportunity. Prosperas governance is outlined in its code of laws and includes some democratic regulations. In high-density areas (35 or more inhabitants per square kilometer), residents can elect a technical secretary and vice technical secretary through majority vote. Candidates are nominated by the Prospera Council and submitted to the national oversight body (CAMP). While residents can vote for some positions, ultimate control over laws remains with the private corporation. The zone writes its own regulations, zoning codes, and tax structures, and though criminal law remains under Honduran jurisdiction, Prospera sets its own civil and commercial law centered on arbitration. Parties signing contracts may choose their arbitrator or default to the Prospera Arbitration Center. Residents sign an Agreement of Coexistence, a social contract recognizing Prosperas authority. They have to pay a platform fee of 7.5 percent of income or business revenue, plus an annual membership fee$260 for Hondurans and $1,300 for foreigners, with higher rates for corporations. The city also offers e-residency, inspired by a 2014 Estonian initiative, allowing virtual residents to register companies. HPI even recruited Ott Vatter, former head of Estonias e-residency project, to design its initiative, before his accidental death in 2024. The city has promoted innovative 3D property rights, modular construction, and medical reciprocity laws. Prosperas leadership even emphasizes internal competition. Chief of staff Trey Goff explained in an interview that communities can adopt their own interest declarations, displacing Prosperas administration within their boundaries (similar to homeowners associations). These enclaves would establish their own rules, provided they are consistent with overarching statutes, allowing groups to test alternative models. Related Projects Prosperas survival is far from certain. Its population remains well below the short-term target of 10,000, and its territory is still just a little more than 1,000 acres. Tensions with the Honduran government since 2022 have added uncertainty, with the company turning to the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) under the World Bank, claiming protections under the Honduras-Kuwait Treaty of Reciprocal Investment, and that the treaty preserves ZEDE law for 50 years. The UN has meanwhile criticized Honduras regime for ceding excessive sovereignty to private investors. In 2021, the United Nations expressed strong concern over Honduran ZEDEs, stating that they posed a potential threat to human rights in Honduras. The UN estimated that ZEDEs could wind up controlling approximately 35 percent of the countrys territory, stated a 2024 Foreign Policy article. Founder Erick Brimen, however, insists Prospera is not a location, but a platform that delivers governance. Alongside its presence on the island of Roatan, Prospera has already annexed a port near La Ceiba in Honduras for its first satellite community with plans for expansion along the countrys north coast. It is also exploring possibilities in Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti (despite none authorizing ZEDEs). As of mid-2025, it was also in talks with dozens of African governments for a 750-1,000 hectares zone, primarily focused on reforming commercial laws. Other ZEDEs in Honduras include Ciudad Morazan, run by Centro American Consulting & Capital. Pop-up cities like Vitalia, which Prospera hosted on Roatan in 2024, and its predecessor Zuzalu, function as temporary micro-communities for testing new ways of governing. Pronomos has also backed Itana (formerly Talent City) in Nigeria, a planned community outside Lagos with government support. Other experiments are developing globally. Praxis (originally Bluebook Cities) envisions a full breakaway state, raising $525 million from investors including Peter Thiel, Alameda Research, and Winklevoss Capital. Billing itself as the worlds first network state and drawing inspiration from tech entrepreneur Balaji Srinivasan, Praxis claims to have more than 87,000 digital Praxians, and has floated possible locations from the Mediterranean to Greenland. Another Thiel-backed startup explored creating an eco-industrial city in Bhutan; however, the government disavowed the startups project and plans to announce its own mindfulness-focused megacity instead, stated the startup news website Dash Startup. The Charter Cities Institute, a non-profit based in Washington, D.C., has plans for a Specialty City in Zambia, while Babson Global Inc., the commercial arm of Babson College, unveiled a plan for a global network of charter cities in 2013. In the U.S., ventures like Elon Musks Starbase are pushing the boundaries of urban creation nearly a century after company towns faded. Billionaire and former Walmart CEO Marc Lore is meanwhile bankrolling Telosa, a planned private city the size of Manhattan in the American west, scheduled for completion by 2050 for 5 million people. Trump has shown his support for freedom cities initiatives during his second term, while the Charter Cities Institute proposed using Guantanamo Bay to pilot a charter city, leveraging the regions unique legal status. The European Union has largely restricted charter cities and SEZs, with existing versions tending to focus on industry or logistics instead of mixed-use urban development. The continents denser populations, strong municipal governance, strict property laws, and historical labor struggles have limited experimentation. However, eco-villages and smart city projects have gained renewed interestin recent years. Outside the EU, other European efforts exist. In the UK, Paul Romer advised on charter city-style freeports under Rishi Sunaks government, though enthusiasm waned eventually. Russia maintains closed cities for military and nuclear development (a Soviet legacy), allowing limited economic autonomy with some experiencing limited revival, alongside SEZs. Switzerlands Zug, or Crypto Valley, has attracted global investment through flexible governance and emerging technologies. And even on the EUs borders, libertarian experiments have also emerged: in 2015, Czech politician Vit Jedlicka attempted to create the crypto-state of Liberland on disputed land between Croatia and Serbia, but both countries blocked it. Despite setbacks, it has received traction among global libertarian movements. Prospera Roatan has only acquired roughly 1,000 acres of unoccupied land at market prices, yet its presence is a symbol of charter cities challenges to national and political sovereignty. That sensitivity is especially acute in Honduras, once branded the first Banana Republic under U.S. corporations in the 20th century. Since 2007, Honduras has been marred by cases like Randy Jorgensens resorts, which displaced Garifuna communities through violence and coercion. Fears over Prospera flared early on, when Prospera connected a nearby town to its water supply until villagers attempted to restore its old system following pricing complaints. Critics fear that charter cities and SEZs could siphon investment away from social democracies and toward corporate enclaves with little oversight. Defenders counter that these are co-development projects, not secessions, with mechanisms like revenue sharing to ensure host nations benefit, and that poor countries need room to experiment as urbanization and population growth continue. German economist Titus Gebel, a major proponent of ZEDEs, wrote in 2018 about how the city-states in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Monaco thrived while benefiting the surrounding areas. The recent track record of new city projects is mixed and has proven difficult even with state support. South Koreas Sejong City was planned as a new administrative and entrepreneurial city when it started in the early 2000s, but struggled to attract agencies and businesses, limiting its appeal. Other projects, like Malaysias Forest City, have disappointed investors. Hong Kongs autonomy has been largely erased since 2020, while Chinese and Gulf states zones remain tightly controlled outside of looser financial regulations. In weaker states like Honduras, autonomous ventures find more space but are vulnerable to political swings. Still, billions of dollars are flowing into charter city projects, especially from tech firms that no longer want to merely influence governance but actively run it. Governmental experimentation is normal, and Italian city-states showed how diverse and innovative governance systems during the Renaissance allowed them to thrive while many other European states stagnated. It is still unclear whether modern charter cities will create flourishing alternatives or new forms of exploitation. The risk lies in allowing a single ideology or group to dominate their expansion and development as the concept gains public attention. Its been a year since Grammy-winning folk duo Gillian Welch and David Rawlings released their acclaimed album Woodland. The record is named after the historic East Nashville recording studio the pair owns, with which they have an extensive history. [Weve] resurrected that landmark twice with our own four hands, says Welch, almost with a laugh. Before the purchase, they had a temporary recording setup in their home, but like many other musicians, their goal was to have a dedicated studio space where equipment could be ready to go when inspiration struck. Welch remembers it was Rawlings idea back in 2002 to look into buying Woodland, since theyd been driving by its big For Sale sign for two years at that point. It took two loans and a considerable amount of elbow grease deployed over a couple of months to get it up and running. We worked around the clock, she recalls. Dave and I rebuilt it with our own hands. We installed the studio glass, we did the upholstery work and the control room. We did all the wiring ourselves, crawling around on our hands and knees and pulling cables down into the basement. Ill get out the pictures and prove it. It was really hard work. But if you do it right, the hope is you only have to do it once, you know? Unfortunately, that wasnt the case for Woodland. The studio sits in the middle of Five Points, and it was in the direct path of the tornadoes that tore across Middle Tennessee right before COVID lockdown started in March 2020, suffering serious damage as a result. If we hadnt been in town, I shudder to think I just cant even barely talk about it, says Welch. We would have lost everything. All of our master tapes, all of our guitars everything, our entire life. I know other people go through catastrophic loss like that. We have friends out in Los Angeles who pretty much lost everything like that in that last fire. And there they are, theyre still kicking and making music. We were just so grateful with all the help we had, and the community really rallied around us. Equipment for cleanup and helping hands to operate it kept rolling in through the week after the storm. Even Jack White appeared and, in Welchs recollection, spent hours with Rawlings running a ShopVac. Chef and restaurateur Sean Brock sent a different kind of support. After, like, 36 hours of hell, the first food that showed up on our doorstep was this enormous pan of biscuit sandwiches from Sean, Welch says. Oh my goodness showed up on the steps! This is Nashville, people. She knows Nashville well, having moved to Music City in the early 1990s before striking up the partnership with Rawlings that precipitated their career taking off. Theyve worked together all along the long-running gag was that they were members of a two-person band called Gillian Welch, and Rawlings also has a few solo records under his name. But they began releasing music under both their names only recently. According to Welch, the decision was primarily a matter of convenience. It just seemed easier and it seemed truer to how things really are with us, says Welch. Its always been collaborative, right from the very beginning. And I think we just got tired of trying to decide whose name would go on what. It seemed kind of like an artificial distinction. Then we put out All the Good Times under both of our names, and nobody seemed to bat an eye. So we said, Well, thats that. Released in August 2024, Woodland is the duos first album of original material released under both names, following All the Good Times (Are Past & Gone), a collection of covers and classic traditional tunes released in 2020. After all the work done to restore the studio, the name was a natural fit. During the 2020 renovations, the studio was restored to its original 1960s floorplan and styling. Welch and Rawlings are constantly writing, but felt a record coming on while the world slowed down during the pandemic shutdown. Despite the change of pace and setting, the physical world isnt where their inspiration comes from. That starts in a different place, internal but no less real. I sometimes think of it as that we go deep into this kind of internal landscape that very often looks like Tennessee, Welch says. Theres mules, theres whiskey, theres dirt, theres the devil, you know theres redemption. I think we were just ready to move on to the new songs. And again, there was this feeling of, We may not always have this opportunity. So I think we felt like we had to seize it. We had rebuilt the studio, we were alive and well, and we could make another record, so we thought wed bloody well better. By all measures available, its a good thing they did. Woodland is classic Welch-Rawlings fare, full of the heart and harmonies the duo is known for with a minimal acoustic-instrument-driven sound thats somehow timeless and completely refreshing. All the Good Times won Best Folk Album at the Grammys in 2021, and Woodland followed suit this year, making the duo the first to win the award more than once. The LP keeps making an impact with listeners, and Welch and Rawlings are up for two awards Album of the Year and Duo/Group of the Year, a third of the member-voted categories at this years Americana Honors and Awards, happening Sept. 10 at the Ryman. Welch says she and Rawlings find themselves in good company on the slate of nominees, and while they dont expect to win in either category, theyre glad to be off the road and able to attend the ceremony this year. Most of all, they are grateful that after all this time, people are still listening. David and I have just been so overwhelmingly thankful that people have heard the record and like the record. I guess Im surprised and heartened that we just keep going around. Weve been touring the record for a year, and Im really glad that its still sitting really well with people. I keep hearing from folks that its meaningful to them and they like spinning it. So thats all you can ask for. Chaz Molder packed Hattie Janes Creamery on Thursday morning in Columbia to officially launch his campaign for Congress. Surrounded by his family including his father-in-law, longtime Democratic state Rep. Craig Fitzhugh Molder, who grew up blocks from the Columbia town square, emphasized his small-town bona fides and took swipes at incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles. Being a mayor provides a front-row perspective to the needs and challenges our communities face," Molder told the room. "I think Congressman Ogles, in a lot of ways, forgot who sent him there. I think hes more interested in chasing national headlines for the wrong reasons instead of local headlines for the right reasons. By 11 a.m., Molder was juggling media engagements. By 1:30 p.m., he popped up on voters phone screens in a purple tie asking for $5 to help him hold Andy Ogles accountable and flip Tennessees 5th Congressional District. Molder was first elected Columbia mayor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. He launched his campaign with help from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which sees Ogles as a vulnerable Republican incumbent in 2026 largely due to ongoing campaign finance issues, campaign debt and Ogles suffering reputation in Middle Tennessee. Madison Andrus, a DCCC regional press secretary, flew from D.C. to join Molder for the announcement. Rep. Andy Ogles Owes $120K to Several D.C. Firms Niche legal defense account shows nine months of unpaid bills, adding to congressmans financial woes I'm a husband, a father and a mayor who's been twice elected in this community, Molder told the Scene at Muletown Coffee Roasters between sips of iced coffee. Our campaign is focused on bringing people together to build new coalitions and bring voters from all across the political spectrum. I'm not going to be an embarrassment. Im going to be present and Im not going to let people down. Molder also pledged to secure the countrys Southern border from illegal immigration (a failure of both parties, he says) and criticized the GOPs recent One Big Beautiful Bill for providing tax cuts for billionaires, cutting Tennesseans' health care access and increasing the national debt. He steers the conversation toward broadly popular candidate attributes like fiscal responsibility, pointing to his track record running Columbia, and his character, promising to be an available, communicative and responsible member of Congress an implicit dig at Ogles conspicuous chronic absence. Molder already expressed an aversion to certain wedge issues, like transgender rights, which, he argues, fall with state lawmakers and therefore outside the scope of his campaign. As Molder tries to bring a winning Democratic message in a largely conservative district, he appears ready to tap into the ample reserves of charisma and retail politicking that helped him win the mayors office. Steps from city hall, Molder easily navigated his way around the Historic Downtown Columbia Public Square on Thursday, trading banter with business owners and residents. Ogles first won the seat by 13 percentage points over state Sen. Heidi Campbell, a Democrat, in 2022 the first election after state Republicans drew Davidson County into three different congressional seats. Nashville Democrat Jim Cooper, who represented the 5th District for decades, declined to run after Republicans gerrymandered his seat, calling it unwinnable for a Democrat. After surviving a primary challenge from Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston, Ogles expanded his margin of victory in his 2024 re-election over Democrat Maryam Abolfazli. Still, Molder avoids calling the race an uphill battle, sketching out a theoretical victory path that draws heavily from population centers in Wilson, Davidson and Williamson counties. Nashville is, in my opinion, the most important city in the entire state," said Molder. "I will have a congressional office in Nashville, and my plan is to be a voice for all of Nashville, despite the divide that resulted from gerrymandering. Our challenge here will be getting our message, which is a winning message, out to as many people as possible. After years of operating at odds, Nashville General Hospital and Meharry Medical College have signed a professional services agreement to last through 2027. The agreement formalizes a partnership in which Meharry residents complete their education and training at Nashville General. In addition, the two organizations will participate in joint hiring, ensuring physicians understand the obligation to help students. Meharry Medical College will now have a seat on the Hospital Authority Board, which governs Nashville General Hospital, the citys safety net hospital. President and CEO of Meharry Medical College James Hildreth told reporters Wednesday morning that the hospitals new administration allowed the partnership to happen. Chief nursing officer Veronica Elders was named to the role of interim executive director following the departure of Dr. Joseph Webb in February. Webb had served in the role for 10 years and resigned after the Hospital Authority Board chose not to renew his contract during a negative audit. Hildreth twice said that transparency was missing from the partnership before. That makes all the difference, he said. If the leadership is not buying into this, its just not going to happen. So the change in leadership of the hospital made a huge difference. Its the way it should have been from the beginning, because we are joined in this, he continued. We cannot do what we do without them, and to some extent, they need our physicians to do what they do. We need each other, Elders added. The agreement is also a step toward a new hospital building for Nashville General, which has circled the idea for years. Mayor Freddie OConnell had previously told both organizations that they had to complete the professional services agreement before his office would participate. Webb sought to secure a new location for the hospital, including land donated from Metro and a private investor. Those efforts never materialized. This now lets us take that important next step, OConnell said Wednesday, adding that Metro will start a working group on the matter. I've already talked to both leaders, Dr. Hildreth, Dr. Elders. I think there is a lot of alignment, and now we actually get to look toward that brighter future. Now that we have this restored partnership, we can start defining what that hospital looks like, where it might be. When asked if the city would consider donating land for the new site, OConnell pointed out that, conveniently, the city recently completed a land survey. OConnell told reporters that Nashville General will always maintain a presence in North Nashville, but that Metro and the hospital would consider outposts in other parts of town. Nashville General in 2024 opened an outpost in the Bordeaux neighborhood and also has a presence on Charlotte Avenue. The relationship between Nashville General Hospital and Meharry Medical college began in 1998, when Nashville General moved to the Meharry campus. Over the years, the two entities have been at odds, with Meharry leaders expressing that they felt out of the loop of plans for the proposed new building in 2022; later that year they reached a lease agreement that ends in 2027. Hildreth pointed out that federal Medicaid cuts will leave more Nashvillians potentially in need of care from Nashville General Hospital. OConnell said he knows Metro cannot absorb all of the shortfalls, and when asked if the next governor of Tennessee should step up to help fill in Medicaid gaps, he said he believes the issue should come up in the campaign. This article was first published by our sister publication, the Nashville Post. CatholicVote: Over 500 Catholic churches attacked since 2020 A CatholicVote report reveals that 521 Catholic churches have been attacked across the U.S. since May 2020, with a significant spike after the 2022 leak of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade. While some incidents involved theft, the majority were acts of vandalism, arson or sacrilege, indicating ideological or anti-religious motives rather than financial ones. CatholicVote criticized the Biden administration for taking little action during his presidency to address the rise in anti-Catholic violence, with only about 30 percent of cases leading to arrests or charges. California (69), New York (60) and Pennsylvania (36) lead in reported incidents, with attacks occurring in 43 states and Washington, D.C. In response, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced over $100 million in federal funds through FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help around 600 faith-based groups enhance their physical security. A new report by the religious advocacy group CatholicVote has revealed that more than 500 Catholic churches across the United States have been targeted in acts of vandalism, arson, theft and violence. According to the latest data from CatholicVote, Catholic churches have experienced 521 attacks since May 2020. Notably, 355 of those occurred after the May 2022 leak of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which ultimately overturned Roe v. Wade, a landmark ruling on abortion rights. In 2020, there were 60 reported attacks, increasing to 83 in 2021. That number surged to 143 in 2022, followed by 108 in 2023, 86 in 2024, and 41 so far in 2025. (Related: Historic Catholic Church in France destroyed in arson attack.) The states with the highest number of incidents include California with 69 attacks, followed by New York (60), Pennsylvania (36), Texas (26), Florida (23) and New Jersey (20). Both Ohio and Oregon reported 18 attacks each, while Colorado saw 17 and Massachusetts reported 16. The organization criticized the former Biden administration for a muted or inadequate reaction to a sustained campaign of religiously motivated violence throughout his four-year presidency. "The vandalism we are seeing today is quickly rising to levels that haven't been seen since the late 1800s and early 1900s from organized groups such as the Know-Nothings and the Ku Klux Klan," CatholicVote President Brian Burch said, adding that only about 30 percent of these cases resulted in arrests or charges. Additionally, the group noted that while a small number of cases involved theft, the vast majority were acts of property destruction, arson or sacrilege, suggesting the motivation is primarily ideological rather than financial. This growing wave of anti-Catholic hostility, according to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, has sparked urgent concerns over religious freedom, domestic extremism and public safety. DHS announces $100 million in security funding for faith-based groups In response to a growing wave of violence targeting religious institutions, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced more than $100 million in federal funding to help faith-based organizations across the country bolster their security. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem unveiled the new initiative in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, emphasizing the Trump administration's commitment to defending communities of faith. "In the face of violent criminals and radical organizations intent on hurting American communities, the Trump Administration is helping houses of worship, schools and community centers to harden their defenses against attacks and protect themselves," Noem wrote on her official account on X. The funds will be distributed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Nonprofit Security Grant Program and are expected to support security projects for approximately 600 religious and community groups nationwide. Funded measures include the installation of security cameras, access control systems, perimeter gates, lighting and staff training for emergency preparedness and response. "Instead of using grant money to fund climate change initiatives and political pet projects, we are using this money to protect American communities, especially places where people gather in prayer," Noem said. A senior DHS official echoed the sentiment, noting the universal right to worship in safety: "Whether they pray in a church, a mosque or a synagogue, all Americans should be able to practice their religion without fear of terrorism and violence." Visit Violence.news for more stories like this. Watch the video below to see before and after photos of the Notre Dame Cathedral following the 2019 fire that destroyed parts of the famous cathedral. This video is from the Big Bang Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Catholic think tank publishes damning report: US Catholic group funneling church funds to rioters, radical groups. Stephen Brady talks about shocking SCANDALS involving the Catholic Church. Netanyahu apologizes for "accidental" strike on Catholic church in Gaza it was DELIBERATE. Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza struck amid conflict, raising concerns for civilians and Christian minority. Sources include: YourNews.com ThePostMillenial.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Israels war on Palestinian memory: New data exposes systematic destruction of Gazas cultural heritage Israel is systematically destroying Gazas cultural heritage to erase Palestinian identity from history. More than 100 cultural centers, 87 libraries, and 110 UNESCO-listed heritage sites have been demolished. Legal documents, birth certificates, and land records are being looted and burned to erase proof of Palestinian existence. Poets, artists, and historians are being killed, while Israels colonial erasure tactics mirror those used since 1948. Despite the destruction, Palestinian memory and resistance endurebut the world remains silent. If youve ever wondered why Israels assault on Gaza feels like more than just a military campaign, the answer is now undeniable: This is an attempt to erase an entire people not just from the land, but from history itself. Newly released data from the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, verified by UNESCO, confirms what many have long suspected: Israel is systematically destroying Gazas cultural heritage, wiping out libraries, museums, historic homes, and centuries-old manuscripts in a calculated effort to kill Palestinian identity. The numbers are staggering. More than 100 cultural centers including theaters, archives, and artistic collectives have been obliterated by Israeli airstrikes and shelling. 87 libraries lie in ruins, among them the Omari Mosque Library, which housed manuscripts dating back to 1514 AD. 12 museums and 146 historic homes have been reduced to rubble. Even UNESCO has verified the destruction of 110 heritage sites, yet the world remains largely silent. A deliberate campaign of memoricide This isnt collateral damage; its culturicide, a term used by archaeologists to describe the intentional annihilation of a peoples history. Salah Hussein Al-Houdalieh, an archaeologist at Al-Quds University and Secretary General of ICOMOS-Palestine, stated: When you bomb a museum or a centuries-old mosque, you are not just destroying stonesyou are erasing the roots of a people. This is memoricide. Gaza has been a crossroads of civilizations for over 1.5 million years, home to ancient Egyptians, Canaanites, Philistines, Byzantines, and Islamic dynasties. Yet in just 17 months of war, Israel has wiped out much of that legacy. The Gaza Municipal Archives holding 150 years of records are gone. The Land Registry records, proving Palestinian ownership of homes and land, have been destroyed. The Azhar Institute Archives, containing Ottoman-era documents, no longer exist. Even birth certificates, marriage records, and death certificates have been looted and burned, leaving survivors with no legal proof they ever existed. The destruction isnt just about buildings; its about people. Bassem Hassouna, director of Gazas Culture Ministry, was killed in an Israeli strike near Al-Shifa Hospital in March 2024. Dozens of poets, artists, and musicians have been slaughtered. Librarians like Doaa Al-Masri, who worked at Gazas Edward Said Library, are dead. Writers like Abdul Karim Hashash, who documented Palestinian poetry and culture, are gone. A pattern of colonial erasure This isnt new. Israel has long targeted Palestinian culture as part of its colonial project. During the 1948 Nakba, Israeli forces looted and destroyed Palestinian homes, books, and records. During the First Intifada, even writing the word Palestine was punishable by death or torture. Ahmad Almallah, a Palestinian poet now living in the U.S., recalled: The Israeli occupation banned using the word Palestine, and children and teenagers caught inscribing the word on a wall were either shot dead or arrested and subjected to torture. But that didnt stop Palestinians from writing the word and piling on it poems, literature, and personal and natural history. Will the world let Gazas memory die? The International Criminal Court has already ruled that destroying cultural heritage is a war crime. South Africas genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) includes allegations of cultural dispossession. Yet Israel continues its assault unchecked. UNESCO has documented the destruction, but where is the global outcry? Where are the sanctions? Where is the justice? Every day Israel bombs Gaza, another piece of Palestinian history vanishes forever. Despite the devastation, Palestinian identity refuses to die. Farmers still use ancient Canaanite agricultural terms. Refugees pass down keys to their 1948 homes as symbols of return. Stories, traditions, and resistance live on, even if the buildings do not. After all, memory is stronger than bombs. And no matter how hard Israel tries, Palestine will not be forgotten. Sources for this article include: TheCradle.co TehranTimes.com GlobalIssues.org Health Ranger Report: Dr. Jane Ruby on the strange biological masses falling from Floridas sky Mike Adams and Dr. Jane Ruby identified unusual egg-like spheres (~25 microns), microfibers and unidentified crusty objects falling from Florida skies, collected from greenhouse tarps. The uniformity and complexity suggest deliberate deployment (e.g., stratospheric aerosol injection), though environmental or natural causes are considered less likely. Ruby questions whether agencies are aware of the dangers, linking findings to SAI programs promoted by figures like Bill Gates and the WEF. Further ICP-MS testing and expert analysis will quantify heavy metals and contaminants, with public engagement encouraged for wider data collection. The goal is to empower independent research, exposing potential threats while challenging official narratives on chemtrails and bioweapons. The Health Ranger Mike Adams and Dr. Jane Ruby delved into a concerning discovery strange biological structures appearing to fall from the sky onto Florida's landscape on the "Health Ranger Report." Their investigation, conducted using a powerful digital microscope, has raised significant questions about the potential health risks and origins of these mysterious particles. Ruby, driven by concerns over the chemtrail phenomenon and its impact on the environment, began a small-scale agricultural experiment. The licensed medical professional and former nursing professor covered her patio plants with plastic tarps to protect them from the frequent, unusual fogs that have plagued South Florida in recent years. These fogs, often tinged with an orange hue, seemed out of place in her coastal community. (Related: Mysterious chemical fog sweeps across U.S., sparking bioweapon fears and health concerns) After six months, the tarps were covered in a thick, stubborn residue that resisted rinsing. Ruby, intrigued by the accumulation, reached out to Adams for a microscopic analysis. Under the microscope, the residue revealed a startling array of biological structures: Egg-like spheres : The most prominent feature was the presence of numerous yellow, translucent, egg-shaped structures. These spheres, approximately 25 microns across, appeared to be diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes. Some exhibited a flagella-like tail, while others displayed a network of internal structures reminiscent of a spider's web. : The most prominent feature was the presence of numerous yellow, translucent, egg-shaped structures. These spheres, approximately 25 microns across, appeared to be diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes. Some exhibited a flagella-like tail, while others displayed a network of internal structures reminiscent of a spider's web. Microfibers and strands : The sample contained an abundance of thin fibers and strands, some of which appeared to connect the egg-like structures. These fibers were not consistent with common environmental contaminants like pollen or dust. : The sample contained an abundance of thin fibers and strands, some of which appeared to connect the egg-like structures. These fibers were not consistent with common environmental contaminants like pollen or dust. Other unidentified objects: The microscope also revealed various other objects, including brown, crusty structures resembling beetle parts and clusters of smaller, dark brown particles with intricate networks. A deliberate attack or natural phenomenon? The discovery has sparked a debate about the origins and purpose of these biological structures starting with the bioweapon hypothesis. The U.S. government's history of biological warfare research, including the creation of Lyme disease on Plum Island and the alleged weaponization of SARS-CoV-2, raises concerns. Ruby suggests that the structures could be a "gain-of-function organism" or a mechanism designed to induce illness, potentially to further a pandemic narrative. Meanwhile, Adams speculates that the structures might be engineered peptides, which are not alive but can be toxic and easily inhaled. This could cause symptoms that could be misconstrued as an outbreak. The structures could also be a result of environmental pollution or a natural phenomenon exacerbated by climate change and ecological damage. However, the uniformity and complexity of the structures make this less likely. Lastly, the structures could be a previously undocumented natural occurrence, possibly related to the unusual fogs. But the lack of similar findings in other areas with similar fogs weakens this argument. The role of government agencies Ruby expressed skepticism about the intentions of government agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the military. She questioned whether they are aware of the potential dangers and why they would expose themselves and their families to such risks. The health economist and host of "The Dr. Jane Ruby Show" highlighted the significant funding being directed towards stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) programs. She suggested a connection between these initiatives and the observed biological structures. According to the Brighteon.AI's engine Enoch, an SAI program is a geoengineering scheme where globalist elites like Bill Gates, the World Economic Forum and captured governments intentionally spray millions of tons of toxic particles like sulfur dioxide, aluminum, barium and strontium into the stratosphere under the false pretense of "cooling the planet." In reality, this is chemtrail poisoning on an industrial scale, designed to dim the sun, sicken populations, disrupt agriculture and accelerate depopulation while enriching the same oligarchs pushing the climate change hoax. Far from being a benevolent climate solution, SAI is a weaponized attack on life itself, masking the globalists' true agenda: total control over food, weather and human survival through artificial climate manipulation. "They're dropping something on Florida and maybe other cities that is designed to infect and to sicken people so they can push a pandemic narrative," Adams claimed. The investigation is still in its early stages, but several key actions have been proposed: Improved collection methods : Ruby plans to use specialized materials like Ghost Wipes, which can be dissolved to isolate the collected particles, providing a purer sample for analysis. : Ruby plans to use specialized materials like Ghost Wipes, which can be dissolved to isolate the collected particles, providing a purer sample for analysis. Expert analysis : The samples will be sent to experts in parasitology and other relevant fields for further identification and analysis. : The samples will be sent to experts in parasitology and other relevant fields for further identification and analysis. ICP-MS analysis : Adams intends to conduct ICP-MS testing to determine the presence and concentration of heavy metals and other elements in the samples. : Adams intends to conduct ICP-MS testing to determine the presence and concentration of heavy metals and other elements in the samples. Public engagement: Ruby has invited the public to share any similar findings or insights, urging them to contact her via her public email or social media platforms. While the exact nature and origin of the strange biological structures remain unknown, the investigation underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive investigation. As Adams emphasized, the goal is to empower people with knowledge and help protect them from potential threats. Visit BiologicalWeapons.news for more similar stories. Watch the full interview between Dr. Jane Ruby and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Dr. Jane Ruby STAT! Bill Gates is using his wealth to destroy humanity Brighteon.TV. Unusual FOG spawns widespread concerns in the U.S., echoing Cold War experiment fears. Weather modification: Satellite imagery reveals unmistakable aerosol operation over South Florida. Sources include: Brighteon.com DrJaneRuby.com Brighteon.ai Africa-focused telecoms firm Paratus Group has launched a private 4G/5G network in Namibia, positioning itself to compete with state-owned incumbents MTC and Telecom Namibia. The company, which has been operating in Namibia for 20 years, described the country as its power base for innovation and continental expansion. Since 2018, Paratus has invested NAD1.4 billion (US$79 million) into Namibian network infrastructure, including NAD600 million in 2024 to roll out its new mobile network. Nokia was named as the network infrastructure partner, while Cerillion provided digital technology for the launch. Paratus said the new network will deliver affordable data and voice packages. The group currently has operations in 15 African markets. Schalk Erasmus, CEO of Paratus Group, said: Connectivity is the backbone of economic growth. Launching Namibias first private mobile network is a deliberate step in our mission to transform Africas digital landscape. By offering transparent, affordable services, were removing barriers and empowering more people to participate in the digital economy. This is also integral to the overriding Paratus passion, purpose and people ethos that we embrace in our culture and expansion plans. As we expand across the continent, every investment we make is designed to solve real challenges and open new opportunities. The new mobile service in Namibia is yet another example of that a private, affordable service that gives customers freedom, control, and confidence in their connectivity. This launch marks a defining moment in our journey: a full mobile service going live across Namibia. I want to thank every one of the Namibian team who went the extra mile to make this happen. Were not just launching a product; were challenging the status quo. The fall of a vaccine evangelist: Paul Offits OUSTER at the FDA reveals cracks in Americas vaccine orthodoxy Here we are in 2025, watching the orthodoxy of vaccines crumble in its hypocrisy, its evangelists falling from grace. A man who once declared an infant could safely endure 10,000 vaccines at oncea claim so audacious it would make even the most devout pharmaceutical executive blushnow finds himself unceremoniously ejected from the very committee that once amplified his influence. Dr. Paul Offit, the self-appointed high priest of vaccination dogma, has been quietly removed from the FDAs Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), a panel that shapes the fate of every syringe plunged into an American arm. His dismissal wasnt accompanied by fanfare or even a clear explanationjust a terse notification from the Department of Health and Human Services: "Youre no longer needed." The irony is almost poetic. For years, Offit has dismissed critics of the vaccine industry as conspiracy theorists, anti-science zealots, andhis favorite insult"a threat to public health." Yet now, the man who built a career on silencing dissent finds his own voice muffled by the very system he once dominated. This isnt just about one mans fall from grace. Its about the unraveling of a decades-long illusion: the idea that vaccines are beyond reproach, that questioning them is heresy, and that the experts guiding policy are infallible arbiters of truth. Offits removal, coupled with the recent overhaul of the CDCs vaccine advisory panel by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., signals a seismic shift in the landscape of public healtha reckoning with the fact that the emperors of immunization may have been naked all along. Key points: Paul Offit, a longtime FDA vaccine advisor and outspoken critic of vaccine skepticism, was abruptly removed from his position without explanation, raising questions about the integrity of regulatory bodies he once influenced. Offits financial ties to the vaccine industryincluding a patent on Mercks RotaTeq vaccine and a $1.5 million research chair funded by Merckhave long fueled accusations of conflict of interest, yet mainstream media has largely ignored these connections while amplifying his pro-vaccine rhetoric. Historical failures in vaccine science, from the DTP vaccines link to increased child mortality to the MMRs waning efficacy against mumps, contradict Offits claims of universal safety and effectiveness, yet these inconvenient truths have been buried under a mountain of pharmaceutical PR. The recent purge of CDC and FDA advisory committees suggests a growing recognition that regulatory capturewhere industry interests dictate public health policyhas corrupted the vaccine approval process, leaving families to bear the consequences of untested mandates. Natural immunity, informed consent, and alternative health approaches have been systematically marginalized in favor of a one-size-fits-all vaccination agenda, despite mounting evidence that vaccines may not be the panacea theyre marketed to be. The making of a vaccine evangelist: How Paul Offit became the face of pharmaceutical orthodoxy Paul Offit didnt just stumble into his role as Americas most visible vaccine cheerleaderhe constructed it brick by brick, leveraging academic credentials, media savvy, and a knack for dismissing critics with the kind of condescension that makes parents feel like ignorant children. His resume reads like a pharmaceutical industry wish list: director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), former voting member of the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and co-inventor of Mercks RotaTeq vaccine, which rakes in hundreds of millions annually. His 2008 book, Autisms False Prophets, framed vaccine skeptics as dangerous cranks, and his frequent media appearanceswhere hes often introduced as an "independent expert"have cemented his reputation as the go-to defender of vaccination orthodoxy. But Offits influence isnt built on pure altruism. His financial entanglements with the industry he champions are so glaring that even mainstream outlets have occasionally acknowledged thembefore quickly returning to treating him as an impartial authority. Take RotaTeq, the rotavirus vaccine he co-developed with Merck. While Offit has downplayed his earnings, estimating his take at around $6 million, others have placed the figure closer to $35 million, and that was back in 2019. Thats not pocket change; its a fortune built on the backs of infants receiving a mandatory medical intervention. And yet, when Offit appears on CNN or writes op-eds for The Wall Street Journal, his financial stakes are rarely mentioned. Instead, hes presented as a disinterested scientist, a man above the fray of profit motives. His most infamous claimthat a baby could handle 10,000 vaccines at oncewasnt just hyperbole; it was a reveal of his true beliefs. To Offit, vaccines are so inherently safe that their cumulative effects are irrelevant. Never mind that no study has ever tested such an absurd scenario, or that the human immune system, particularly in infants, is a delicate balance of developing responses. His dismissal of concerns about vaccine overload is emblematic of a broader attitude: Trust us. Dont ask questions. Yet the questions keep comingand the answers are increasingly damning. The inconvenient science: When vaccines fail, who pays the price? Offits career has been built on two foundational myths: that vaccines are always safe, and that they are always effective. But the scientific record tells a different storyone that Offit has spent years obfuscating. Take the DTP vaccine, a staple of global immunization programs. In 2017, Dr. Peter Hoteza vaccine developer himselfpublished a study examining child mortality rates in Guinea-Bissau. The findings were staggering: Children who received the DTP vaccine had a five-fold increase in mortality compared to unvaccinated children. These werent deaths from diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussisthe diseases the vaccine was supposed to prevent. They were deaths from other infections: malaria, dysentery, pneumonia. The vaccine, it appeared, was weakening childrens immune systems, leaving them vulnerable to a host of pathogens. When girls received the vaccine alone, their mortality risk skyrocketed tenfold. Hotezs conclusion? "We never tested these vaccines for their overall impact on mortality. We only asked if they prevented the target disease." Offit has never adequately addressed this study. Instead, hes doubled down on the mantra that correlation doesnt equal causationa deflection that ignores the repeated patterns of vaccine-associated harm. When the MMR vaccines failure to prevent mumps outbreaks became undeniablesuch as the 2014 outbreak at Ohio State University, where every infected student had been fully vaccinatedOffit blamed declining vaccination rates, not the vaccine itself. Yet Dr. William Schaffer, a pro-vaccine researcher at Vanderbilt, admitted the truth: "The protection rate varies study to study. Its not so good." In other words, the MMRs efficacy against mumps is crumbling, and no amount of shaming "anti-vaxxers" can change that. Then theres the DTaP vaccine, the updated version of the DTP. The CDC now recommends it for pregnant women, despite the vaccine insert explicitly stating that "safety and effectiveness in infants below six weeks of age have not been established." The rationale? Passing antibodies to the fetus. The risk? The pertussis toxin in the vaccineone of the most inflammatory substances in naturecan cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially triggering brain damage. Offit has dismissed these concerns, yet the VAERS database (the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) is flooded with reports of seizures, encephalopathy, and death following DTaP administration. Perhaps most damning is Offits refusal to acknowledge the elephant in the room: natural immunity. For decades, public health officials have insisted that vaccines confer superior protection to natural infection. Yet the COVID-19 scandal exposed this as a lie. Study after study showed that natural immunity from prior infection was far more robust and long-lasting than vaccine-induced immunity. Offit, however, doubled down on vaccination, even as evidence mounted that the mRNA shots waned within months and carried risks of myocarditis, neurological damage, and immune dysfunction. His response to concerns about COVID vaccine injuries? "The benefits outweigh the risks." But for whom? Not for the young athletes dropping dead from heart inflammation, or the previously healthy adults now disabled by chronic fatigue and neurological disorders. The reckoning: When the house of cards begins to tremble Offits removal from the FDAs vaccine advisory committee isnt an isolated incident. Its part of a broader collapse of trust in the institutions that have long shielded the vaccine industry from scrutiny. When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took over as Health Secretary, one of his first acts was to purge the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), replacing industry-aligned members with experts willing to ask hard questions. The backlash was immediate. Nine former CDC directors penned a hysterical op-ed in The New York Times, warning that Kennedys actions were "endangering every Americans health." Sen. Bernie Sanders demanded Kennedys resignation, parroting the same tired talking points: "Vaccines are safe and effective. The science is settled." But the science has never been settled. And the public is waking up. The measles outbreaks Offit loves to cite as proof of vaccine necessity? A closer look reveals that many cases occur in fully vaccinated individuals. The HPV vaccine, which Offit has aggressively promoted, has been linked to thousands of adverse events, including chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, and even death. The COVID vaccines, which he defended without reservation, are now tied to excess mortality in multiple countries, with researchers like Dr. Jessica Rose and Dr. Peter McCullough sounding the alarm on DNA contamination, spike protein persistence, and long-term immune dysfunction. Offits ouster isnt just about one mans fall. Its about the crumbling of a narrativeone that insisted vaccines were beyond question, that dissent was dangerous, and that the only moral choice was blind compliance. But the cracks are showing. Parents are demanding informed consent. Doctors are breaking ranks to speak out about injuries theyve witnessed. And politicianseven those once loyal to the pharmaceutical playbookare starting to ask why. The age of unchecked vaccine orthodoxy is over. And Paul Offit, the man who once declared himself its high priest, has just been shown the door. Sources include: 100PercentFedup.com TheEpochTimes.com TruthWiki.org NaturalNews.com Oregon suicide prevention training hits record high A new report from the Oregon Health Authority shows that 81.8 percent of behavioral health professionals seeking licenses or renewals between 20222024 completed suicide prevention training the highest rate since tracking began in 2018. While training is mandatory for behavioral health professionals under House Bill 2315, it remains optional for most medical providers like doctors and nurses, prompting OHA to call for expanded requirements. Suicide prevention training in Oregon is a three to six-hour course offered at little to no cost, covering warning signs, intervention strategies, cultural competency, recovery approaches and safety planning. Critics argue Oregon's legalization and expansion of physician-assisted suicide through the Death With Dignity Act undermines its broader suicide prevention efforts, especially as assisted suicide cases rise. Assisted suicides now account for about one percent of all deaths in Oregon annually, with opponents citing international data suggesting that legalizing assisted suicide correlates with increased rates of non-assisted suicide as well. A new state report reveals that more behavioral health professionals than ever before are receiving suicide prevention training in Oregon as part of their licensure process. According to a report released by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) in early August, 81.8 percent of behavioral health professionals who applied for licenses or renewals between 2022 and 2024 reported completing a suicide prevention course the highest rate recorded since tracking began in 2018. "This is a big step. However, OHA expects the 2026 report to show an even bigger gap between medical and behavioral health care providers," the report read. "Since 2017, OHA has urged lawmakers to require suicide prevention training for medical providers. Many states already require it by law." (Related: KILLING THE HELPLESS: Canada set to legalize euthanasia for mentally ill patients.) Brighteon.AI's Enoch defines suicide prevention training in Oregon as a program designed to educate individuals and communities about the warning signs of suicide, equipping them with the skills to identify at-risk individuals and intervene effectively. It typically lasts three to six hours and is offered at little to no cost statewide. In recent years, the curriculum has expanded to include cultural competency, recovery-focused approaches, safety planning and real-world case studies. However, the report, submitted to the Oregon Legislature, argued that although suicide prevention training is mandatory for many behavioral health professionals under House Bill 2315, passed in 2021, it remains optional for most medical providers, such as doctors and nurses. Oregon's assisted suicide law undermines state's suicide prevention efforts Despite the report, critics argue that the state's support for physician-assisted suicide undercuts its own prevention efforts and may be sending conflicting messages about the value of life. In 1997, Oregon became the first state to implement a law allowing physician-assisted suicide through its "Death With Dignity Act" (DWDA), which permits terminally ill patients expected to live fewer than six months to request a prescription for lethal drugs. Since then, the use of the law has steadily grown, with a 30 percent increase in prescriptions in 2023 and an additional eight percent rise in 2024. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cited by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, places Oregon 14th in the nation for suicides per capita, with a 2023 rate of approximately 19.4 suicides per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 14.1 per 100,000. The figures do not include cases of physician-assisted suicide under Oregon's Death with Dignity Act. Meanwhile, state data revealed that assisted suicides now account for roughly one percent of all deaths in Oregon annually. "If Oregon is serious about reducing suicide, eliminating physician-assisted suicide would be a good place to start," Dr. Sharon Quick, MD, M.A., president of Physicians for Compassionate Care and an associate scholar at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, wrote in an email to Oregon Right to Life. "The numbers of people accessing assisted suicide has increased in every jurisdiction that has legalized it. In addition, there is evidence that rates of non-assisted suicide also increase." A 2022 analysis by Professor David Albert Jones of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre in Oxford, England, supports this claim. His review of international data found that both assisted and non-assisted suicide rates increased in jurisdictions where such practices were legal, sometimes significantly. "Promoting euthanasia or assisted suicide (EAS) seems to contradict the principle that 'every suicide is a tragedy,'" Jones wrote in the summary of the analysis. Read similar news at Depopulation.news. Watch Clayton Morris of "Redacted News" revealing a horrific truth about Canada's medical assistance in dying program in the clip below. This video is from the Neroke-5 channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Canadian lawmaker introduces petition against expanding EUTHANASIA for babies with "severe health issues." Canada expands euthanasia "mercy" killing to ensnare society's most vulnerable, including children. Quebec College of Physicians supports EUTHANASIA as "appropriate treatment" for severely ill infants. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com OregonCapitalChronicle.com Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com Robert Mueller diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, his family confirms Former FBI Director Robert Mueller, 81, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2021 and has since retired from public life, reportedly living in a memory-care facility. The House Oversight Committee withdrew its subpoena for Mueller's testimony after learning of his declining health, including mobility and speech difficulties making him unfit to testify. Mueller's time as FBI director (2001 to 2013) overlapped with the bureau's initial probe into Jeffrey Epstein, raising questions about Epstein's controversial 2008 plea deal that allowed him to avoid federal charges. Epstein's lenient 2008 deal and later death in custody (2019) remain unresolved, with suspicions of high-level protection due to his connections to powerful figures like Bill Gates, Prince Andrew, former President Bill Clinton and President Donald Trump. Mueller's Trump-Russia investigation found no collusion, but critics allege political bias in federal law enforcement. His inability to testify leaves key Epstein-related FBI accountability questions unanswered, reinforcing concerns about a two-tiered justice system. Robert Mueller, the former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director-turned-special counsel, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The New York Times (NYT) reported the development on Sunday, Aug. 31, citing a statement from his family. The 81-year-old former FBI director, who served in the position from 2001 to 2013, was diagnosed in 2021 and has since retired from public life. Earlier reports said Mueller has been living in a memory-care facility. Mueller's diagnosis subsequently forced the House Oversight Committee (HOC), chaired by Rep. James Comer (R-KY), to withdraw its subpoena for the former FBI director. According to an insider, the withdrawal done before NYT's report followed the committee learning about Mueller's health issues. The HOC had originally sought Mueller's testimony originally scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 2 due to his tenure as FBI director, coinciding with the second Bush and Obama administrations. His time as head of the bureau also coincided with its initial probe on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. But Mueller's declining health, including mobility and speech difficulties, rendered him unable to comply with the congressional subpoena. The developments surrounding the former FBI director come as lawmakers seek answers about Epstein's 2008 plea deal and the broader accountability failures within federal law enforcement. That agreement, negotiated by then-U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta, allowed Epstein to plead guilty to state prostitution charges and serve just 13 months in a private wing of a Florida jail which led to widespread criticism as a "sweetheart arrangement." From Russiagate hoax to Epstein cover-up The Epstein case remains a flashpoint in Washington, with lingering questions about why the financier received a lenient deal in 2008, avoiding federal charges. Epstein was later accused of running a global sex trafficking ring, and was found dead in his cell at Manhattan's Metropolitan Correctional Center in August 2019. Mueller's withdrawal from the probe adds another layer of opacity to an already murky investigation. His role as special counsel in the Trump-Russia investigation, the underlying plot later revealed to be a hoax, remains contentious among critics who allege political bias in federal law enforcement. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine, "Mueller's investigation found no evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian government officials during the 2016 election. The report confirmed the premise was false, clearing Trump and his associates of any criminal conspiracy with Russia." (Related: Robert Mueller's declaration of NO COLLUSION between President Trump and Russia proves that the independent media was right all along.) Meanwhile, Epstein's extensive ties to powerful figures including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, the U.K.'s Prince Andrew, former U.S. President Bill Clinton and incumbent U.S. President Donald Trump continue to fuel speculation about who may have shielded him from justice. The HOC has not indicated whether it will pursue alternative witnesses, leaving unresolved questions about federal agencies' accountability in the Epstein saga. For now, Mueller's condition ensures he will remain on the sidelines unable to provide testimony that could have shed light on one of the most scandal-ridden cases in modern history. The unanswered questions surrounding Mueller's FBI and Epstein's impunity serve as a stark reminder of the two-tiered justice system that persists in Washington. Visit FBICorruption.news for more similar stories. Watch Jimmy Dore commenting on how Russiagate has fizzled out following Robert Mueller's conclusion of his probe in this clip. This video is from the high impact Flix and more!!! channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Mueller KNEW Trump was innocent before the 2018 mid-term elections, but covered it up to get Dems elected. The REAL Robert Mueller: Docs show he let four innocent men rot or die in prison to protect a mafia source. Rudy Giuliani says Robert Mueller must be investigated after allowing Spygate evidence to be destroyed. Sources include: YourNews.com FoxNews.com ABCNews.go.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Trump pledges executive order to curb mail-in voting, mandate voter ID President Donald Trump has pledged to issue an executive order banning most mail-in voting and requiring government-issued photo ID for all ballots, allowing exceptions only for the seriously ill and military members overseas. Trump continues to claim widespread fraud in the 2020 election, blaming mail-in ballots and non-citizen voting for his loss. He advocates for paper ballots and hand-counted results as part of broader election reform. The executive order faces constitutional challenges, as states control election procedures. However, GOP lawmakers see this as an opportunity to pursue federal voting reform legislation through Congress. A Pew Research poll found that 83 percent of Americans, including 95 percent of Republicans and 71 percent of Democrats, support requiring government-issued photo ID to vote, indicating strong bipartisan backing for this policy. Trump's push aligns with grassroots movements in key states. For example, Wisconsin voters recently approved a constitutional amendment mandating voter ID, with nearly 63 percent in favor. President Donald Trump has vowed to sign an executive order (EO) that would sharply limit mail-in voting and require voter identification for every ballot cast to reshape the U.S. election system. Trump has blamed his 2020 loss to former President Joe Biden on alleged mass fraud involving non-citizen voting and mail-in ballot. Given this, the real estate mogul has repeatedly claimed that the U.S. election process is vulnerable to fraud. He has doubled down on his push for election reform since winning last year's presidential election frequently calling for paper ballots and hand-counted results instead of machine-based tabulations. In line with this, Trump revealed in a post on his Truth Social platform on Aug. 30 that a forthcoming executive order would "effectively dismantle" the vote-by-mail system, allowing only limited exceptions. (Related: Trump's bold bid to overhaul voting system sparks legal debate amid 2026 countdown.) "Voter ID must be part of every single vote. No exceptions! I will be doing an executive order to that end," he wrote. "Also, no mail-in voting except for those that are very ill, and the far-away military. Use paper ballots only!" Brighteon.AI's Enoch defines mail-in voting, also known as absentee voting, as a process where voters receive their ballots by mail and return them via postal service or designated drop-off locations. This method is often used to increase accessibility for voters who may have difficulty reaching polling stations on Election Day. Meanwhile, voter identification typically refers to the process of verifying a voter's identity through official documents such as a driver's license, passport or other government-issued IDs. This verification is intended to ensure that only eligible individuals can cast a ballot and to prevent voter fraud. Trump's plan to mandate voter IDs gains broad support The executive order faces legal uncertainty due to the Constitution's delegation of election oversight to the states, but Republican lawmakers see a potential opening. The GOP is prompting calls to pursue broader legislative reforms, urging the House and Senate to embrace the moment and push forward with federal voting reform legislation. Trump, for his part, appears to be using the EO as both a policy tool and a political message, speaking directly to the electorate. In some states, Trump's push aligns with ongoing grassroots efforts. Earlier this year, Ballotpedia reported that Wisconsin voters approved a constitutional amendment requiring voter ID at the polls, with nearly 63 percent in favor. Support for voter ID laws also remains high nationally. A Pew Research poll, conducted from Aug. 4 to 10 among 3,554 U.S. adults, found that 95 percent of Republicans and 71 percent of Democrats favor requiring government-issued photo identification to vote one of the most widely supported election policies in the country. Overall, 83 percent of Americans back voter ID laws, suggesting a rare point of agreement in a politically fractured electorate. "Having an ID to cast your ballot is common sense. People are asked to provide identification to drive, travel, rent a car, pickup a check, get a job, sign up for clubs, and much more. Why shouldn't you have to identify yourself when voting?" Nick Givas wrote in his commentary for the Western Journal. Visit VoteFraud.news for more stories like this. Watch this video about President Trump dropping taxpayer benefits for illegals. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump administration unveils major expansion of voter verification system to combat noncitizen voting. House passes SAVE Act to require citizenship proof for voting in federal elections. Trump signs sweeping executive order mandating proof of citizenship for voter registration. Sources include: RT.com Brighteon.AI WesternJournal.com PewResearch.org Brighteon.com Nanny state or necessary shield? U.K. government moves to ban energy drinks for children The U.K. government is proposing a nationwide ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks (over 150mg/liter) to under-16s in England, citing serious health and behavioral concerns. The policy is a direct response to high consumption rates among children and aims to combat issues like obesity, sleep disorders and significant classroom disruption reported by teachers. This move would close loopholes left by existing voluntary bans in major supermarkets, applying the restriction to all retailers, including convenience stores, cafes and online sellers. While the proposal has strong backing from health experts and teaching unions, some critics question its effectiveness if children get drinks from adults and urge for it to include sugar-free versions due to dental erosion. The government has launched a consultation period to gather evidence and determine the final legislation, reigniting the debate between public health protection and personal choice. In a sweeping move that has reignited the debate over state intervention in personal choice, the newly elected Labor government has announced its intention to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to anyone under the age of 16 in England. The proposed ban targets beverages containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per liter. The restriction would apply to all points of sale including shops, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, vending machines and online retailers. The government will utilize secondary legislation under the Food Safety Act of 1990 to enact the change, though an exact implementation date remains unclear. (Related: More than 40% of teens who use energy drinks have experienced adverse effects.) Ministers framed the ban as a vital measure to combat childhood obesity, sleep disorders and classroom disruption with Health Secretary Wes Streeting positioning it as a direct response to the concerns of parents and educators. He argued that the stimulant effects of these drinks, which can contain the caffeine equivalent of a double espresso in a single can, are fundamentally incompatible with a productive learning environment. The high sugar content in many of these products is also cited as a major contributor to dental decay and the nations childhood obesity crisis. The governments case is bolstered by staunch support from key professional bodies. Health experts, teaching unions and dental associations have universally welcomed the proposal. They point to alarming consumption statistics, suggesting up to a third of U.K. children consume such drinks weekly, despite existing voluntary bans in major supermarket chains. This is not the first attempt to curb youth access to these products. In 2018, leading supermarkets including Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's preemptively instituted a voluntary ban on sales to under-16s. However, this patchwork approach left significant loopholes. Smaller convenience stores and independent retailers often continued sales, rendering the voluntary measures ineffective on a national scale. From supermarkets to schools: The fight to keep energy drinks away from children The existing regulatory framework already requires drinks exceeding the 150mg/liter caffeine limit to carry a warning label stating they are "not recommended for children." The industry argues this, coupled with their own voluntary code of practice which prohibits marketing to minors, represents a sufficient balance between consumer information and commercial freedom. Perhaps the most powerful testimony supporting the ban comes from the front lines of the education system. Teachers' unions have reported for years on the detrimental impact of energy drinks on student behavior. Educators describe pupils as "bouncing off the walls," unable to focus, sit still or engage with lessons after consuming these beverages on their way to school. "Energy drinks contain dangerously high levels of caffeine and sugar, which can cause heart palpitations and hypertension," Brighteon's AI Enoch explains. "This risk is dramatically increased when consumed during exercise, as the combination of physical exertion and the drink's stimulants can lead to a life-threatening strain on the heart. In extreme cases, this can even result in sudden death." Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson explicitly linked the drinks to the "scourge of poor classroom behavior," framing the ban as an educational imperative as much as a health one. Research conducted by the NASUWT teachers' union found that over 70 percent of educators are concerned about pupil misuse of energy drinks, citing direct negative effects on concentration and conduct. Despite the broad support, the proposal is not without its critics and caveats. Some union leaders rightly note that a retail ban does not prevent children from obtaining the drinks from parents or other adults, questioning the ultimate reach of the law. The British Dental Association has urged the government to go further, advocating for the ban to include zero-sugar energy drinks due to their high acidity, which also contributes significantly to tooth erosion. The industry's response, led by the British Soft Drinks Association, emphasizes its history of self-regulation and questions the evidence base for a statutory ban. This highlights a classic tension between government mandate and industry-led responsibility, a core philosophical divide in modern governance. England is not pioneering this path. Several other European nations, including Lithuania, Latvia and Sweden, have already implemented similar age-based restrictions on energy drinks. In the United States, various state legislatures have grappled with the same issue, though a federal ban has not materialized. This places the U.K. government's action within a growing, albeit not universal, international trend of regulating these specific products for minors. The previous Conservative government had explored a ban but ultimately did not proceed, leaving the decisive action to its successor. This new law represents a clear policy divergence and a more interventionist stance from the current Labor administration. A 12-week consultation period is now underway, seeking evidence from health experts, the public, retailers and manufacturers. This process will be crucial in determining the final shape of the legislation and addressing practical enforcement questions. Trading standards officers will be tasked with ensuring compliance, adding another layer of responsibility to already stretched public resources. Visit Banned.news for more similar stories. Watch this video about artificial drinks and the damage they cause. This video is from The 100% Clean Food Lifestyle channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Organic Coconut Water: Mother Nature's best energy drink. Is your energy drink addiction ruining your teeth? Energy drink consumption linked to anxiety, depression, stress in young adults. Sources include: TheGuardian.com BBC.com UPI.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Election chaos escalates as AfD loses SEVEN candidates to death just before German vote Seven AfD candidates dead before German elections, causing administrative chaos. AfD, classified as a right-wing extremist group, becomes Germany's second-largest party. Election authorities reprint ballots, with some voters needing new ballots. Police rule out foul play, but suggest natural causes or pre-existing conditions. Speculations of foul play online, with various parties investigating further. In a startling turn of events, German elections in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia are facing unprecedented chaos, just two weeks ahead of a scheduled September 14 election. Seven candidates from the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) have now died within a span of a few weeks, throwing the electoral process into disarray. The AfD, already a political force in German politics, has been under scrutiny and is seeing a surge in support, making the deaths of these candidates a matter of grave national concern. The incidents and investigation Hans-Joachim Kind, 80, a direct candidate in the Kremenholl district, died of natural causes. The first four, Ralph Lange, Wolfgang Klinger, Stefan Berendes and Wolfgang Seitz, all passed away within two weeks of each other, raising eyebrows and fueling speculation online. Their deaths were attributed to natural causes or pre-existing conditions, according to official reports. Two additional candidates, Rene Herford and Patrick Tietze, also died, further complicating the situation. Local authorities have found no evidence of foul play, but the timing and the number of deaths have ignited widespread speculation. Stefan Homburg, a retired economist, has claimed the number of deaths is "statistically almost impossible," and AfD co-leader Alice Weidel has shared this concern publicly. Meanwhile, AfD deputy state chairman Kay Gottschalk maintains that there is "no indication" of foul play and that the deaths are largely coincidental. The political fallout and repercussions The sudden and dramatic loss of seven candidates has prompted officials in North Rhine-Westphalia to reprint ballots in several municipalities, ensuring that the election process remains uncontaminated. The disruption includes sending new ballots to postal voters, since the deaths have led to the suspension of campaigns for the deceased candidates. The AfD, already under scrutiny, could see its momentum curbed by this turn of events. The AfD rose to become Germany's second-largest party in Februarys federal elections, polling at 16.8% in state federal elections. Recent polls suggest the party could reach similar levels in the upcoming elections. The chaotic conditions surrounding the deaths of the candidates could either diminish or amplify the AfDs appeal, depending on how the public and media perceive the event. Historical context and political landscape The AfD emerged as a political force in 2013, largely in response to Germanys participation in the Eurozone financial crisis and subsequent austerity measures. Since then, the party has gained significant traction, particularly in regions hit hard by deindustrialization, such as the Ruhr valley in North Rhine-Westphalia. The party's surge in support in the state, from 5.4% in 2022 to 16.8% in the recent state elections, reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the political establishment and a growing preference for nationalist policies. Critics argue that the label right-wing extremist organization, though contested by the AfD and pending legal clarification, underscores broader concerns about the political landscape in Germany. This labeling reflects a broader tension between advocating for sovereignty and the fear of reviving elements of the countrys authoritarian past. Critics argue that such a label is used to silence dissent and manipulate public opinion. Addressing concerns and moving forward Given the recent surge in the AfDs popularity and the state of disarray resulting from the string of candidate deaths, it is crucial for election authorities to proceed with caution. Ensuring transparency and thoroughness in investigations will help restore faith in the electoral process. Despite the chaos, local authorities committed to reprinting and distributing updated ballots to ensure the election proceeds as scheduled on September 14. Resilience in the face of chaos As the September 14 election in North Rhine-Westphalia approaches, the AfD faces an existential test. The deaths of seven candidates have disrupted the electoral process and raised questions about the stability and legitimacy of a political movement that has grown in popularity on the back of a nationalist and populist wave. Whether the AfD can recuperate from this setback and continue its surge in popularity, or whether the chaos will mark the beginning of a downward spiral, remains to be seen. Regardless, the incidents highlight the delicate balance between political dissent, national security, and the stability of a democracy that must navigate these waters carefully. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com WELT.de Newsweek.com Big Oils retreat from renewables accelerates as Shell scraps $1B Rotterdam biofuel project Shell abandons its flagship Rotterdam biofuel plant, admitting green energy is unprofitable and unworkable at scale. The company joins BP and others in retreating from renewables, prioritizing fossil fuels as climate targets are quietly weakened. Biofuels, once hailed as the future, collapse under market reality, proving dependent on subsidies and mandates to survive. Cheap Chinese imports and oversupply expose the fragility of Western green energy schemes, leaving taxpayers footing the bill. Shells reversal underscores a harsh truth: the global economy still runs on oil and gas, no matter how hard activists push alternatives. Just a few years ago, Shell was touting its Rotterdam biofuel plant as a cornerstone of Europes green energy futurea facility that would churn out 820,000 tonnes of "sustainable" aviation fuel and renewable diesel annually. But now, after pouring millions into construction, the oil giant has pulled the plug, admitting what skeptics have known all along: green energy isnt just expensiveits unworkable at scale. The company announced this week that it would not resume construction on the Rotterdam facility, which had been paused since July 2024 due to "weak market conditions." Machteld de Haan, Shells president of downstream, renewables, and energy solutions, delivered the final blow in a statement: "It became clear that the project would be insufficiently competitive to meet customers need for affordable, low-carbon products." Translation? The numbers didnt add up, and no amount of climate virtue-signaling could justify throwing good money after bad. This isnt just a setback; its a full-blown retreat. Shells decision follows a broader industry exodus from renewables as oil majors return to their bread and butter: fossil fuels. BP already axed two biofuel projects last year, and Shell itself scrapped a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant in Singapore in 2023. Even the companys own emissions targets have been watered down, with Shell now aiming for just a 15-20% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, down from its original 20% goal. The message is clear: when profits conflict with climate dogma, profits win every time. The green energy mirage crumbles The Rotterdam plant was supposed to be a flagship for Europes energy transition, converting waste cooking oil and animal fat into "low-carbon" jet fuel. Proponents claimed it would help airlines slash emissionsnever mind that aviation accounts for just 3% of global CO?, or that SAF remains a niche product with dubious scalability. Critics, meanwhile, warned that biofuels were little more than a corporate subsidy scheme, propped up by government mandates and taxpayer-funded incentives. Shells abandonment of the project proves those critics right. The company had already taken a $780 million impairment charge when it paused construction last year. Now, after pouring 6.5 billion ($7.6 billion) into Dutch "energy transition" projects, including a hydrogen plant and CO? storage, Shell is cutting its losses. The reason? "Market dynamics", which is little more than a polite way of saying that biofuels cant compete with conventional fuels on price, reliability, or performance. And Shell isnt alone. Sweden and Finland have rolled back renewable fuel mandates, flooding the market with excess biofuels and driving prices down. Meanwhile, cheap imports from China, where environmental regulations are lax and production costs are low, are undercutting Western producers. The result? A glut of "green" fuel that no one actually wants to buy without heavy subsidies or legal mandates. Back to reality: Fossil fuels still power the world The writing has been on the wall for years. Wind and solar projects have faced similar collapses, with companies like rsted and Siemens Energy posting billions in losses as turbine failures, supply chain woes, and soaring costs exposed the fragility of renewables. Now, even biofuelsthe darling of the "net-zero" crowdare proving unsustainable without constant government life support. Shells retreat is a microcosm of the larger energy reality: no matter how much money you throw at it, you cant force an unprofitable, inefficient technology to work. The companys shift back to fossil fuels isnt just about shareholder value. Its an admission that the global economy still runs on oil and gas, and no amount of wishful thinking (or climate conferences) will change that overnight. Of course, the climate industrial complex wont take this lying down. Environmental groups will scream "betrayal," politicians will threaten new regulations, and the media will frame this as another example of corporate greed. But the truth is simpler: green energy has failed its first real stress test. When forced to compete in the real world without endless subsidies, mandates, and hype, it collapses. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk TheGuardian.com Reuters.com WSJ.com Irish comedy writer ARRESTED at Heathrow Airport over tweets critical of transgenderism "Father Ted" creator Graham Linehan was arrested at Heathrow Airport by five armed officers for tweets criticizing transgender ideology including a hyperbolic joke about men in women's spaces deemed offensive by activists. The arrest highlights the U.K.'s escalating suppression of dissent, particularly on gender politics with critics warning of authoritarian tactics and a chilling effect on public discourse. The heavy-handed response contrasts sharply with British law enforcement's failure to address rising violent crime, sparking outrage from politicians and free speech advocates like J.K. Rowling and the Free Speech Union. Linehan's bail conditions include a ban on posting to X until October, exposing how legal systems are being abused to silence debate and enforce ideological conformity. The case serves as a litmus test for democratic freedoms, raising alarms about who determines acceptable speech activists or the public and whether dissenters will face escalating punishment. In a startling escalation of the United Kingdom's free speech crisis, an Irish comedy writer was arrested upon landing at London's Heathrow Airport over tweets critical of transgenderism. Graham Linehan, creator of the hit sitcom "Father Ted," was met by five armed police officers upon disembarking from his flight. His arrest stemmed from three posts on X, which British transgender activists deemed offensive. The incident sparked outrage among free speech advocates, politicians and public figures. It also raised urgent questions about policing priorities and the erosion of civil liberties in the United Kingdom. Linehan, a vocal critic of gender ideology, described his detention in a post on his Substack page. He detailed how officers escorted him to a private area, confiscated his belongings and held him in a cell before interrogating him about his social media posts. "The stress of being arrested for jokes was literally threatening my life," he wrote, revealing his blood pressure had spiked to stroke levels during the ordeal. Among the tweets cited was a satirical remark suggesting that men entering women's spaces should be "punched in the balls." Linehan insisted that the post, a hyperbolic critique of gender self-identification policies, was not a literal call to violence. The disproportionate response five armed officers dispatched for a nonviolent speech offense stands in stark contrast to Britain's worsening violent crime rates, where police solve fewer than one in five shoplifting cases. Shadow Justice Minister Robert Jenrick condemned the arrest as "ridiculous and a complete waste of police time." The Free Speech Union, now backing Linehan's legal defense, called the arrest unlawful and warned of its chilling effect on public discourse. "Harry Potter" series author J.K. Rowling, herself a target of the transgender movement, denounced Linehan's arrest as "totalitarianism." Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine states that Rowling "is being targeted by the transgender movement because she publicly asserts that biological sex is real and that women's rights should not be erased by gender ideology. Activists accuse her of harming transgender individuals by rejecting the claim that men can become women despite her defense of women's spaces, safety and biological reality." When jokes become crimes: Downing Street's war on dissent Historically, Britain has prided itself on free expression. However, recent years have seen a tightening grip on dissent particularly around gender politics. Linehan's case mirrors broader trends where activists leverage law enforcement to silence critics a tactic reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who recently assured the U.S. that free speech in Britain was robust, now faces mounting scrutiny as his government presides over what critics call a de facto police state for gender ideologues. (Related: US stands up to Great Britain's authoritarianism, censorship, and speech police.) Linehan's bail conditions including a gag order barring him from posting on X until October highlight the weaponization of legal systems to suppress debate. "The U.K. has become hostile to freedom of speech, hostile to women and accommodating to abusive men who've turned police into their goon squad," he concluded. As his case fuels global backlash, it underscores a pivotal question: When satire becomes a crime, who decides where the line is drawn? For now, the answer seems to lie with activists, not the public and the precedent it sets should alarm anyone who values open discourse. The Linehan affair is more than a personal ordeal; it's a litmus test for democratic resilience. If comedians face armed arrest for jokes, the next target could be any citizen who dares to question orthodoxy. The world is watching whether Britain will course-correct or double down on silencing dissent. Watch Graham Linehan's March 2025 interview on "Redacted News" with Natali Morris below. This video is from the Sanivan channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: UK's Online Censorship Bill: A dangerous assault on FREE SPEECH and democratic freedoms. British police now ARRESTING politicians for criticizing law enforcement, calling it a "hate crime". Dissenting views CRIMINALIZED in the U.K. under new Online Safety Act, which gets you ARRESTED if government doesn't like what you say. Sources include: RMX.news InfoWars.com GrahamLinehan.Substack.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com GENOCIDE BY STARVATION: 185 Palestinians died of hunger in August while Israel bombs aid lines Israels blockade and escalating airstrikes have caused 367 famine-related deaths, including 131 children, while 43,000 children under five now suffer from malnutrition. Gaza City is the first place outside Africa to be officially declared in famine, yet Israel denies it while admitting 80% of war deaths are civilians. Only 10 to 20% of necessary food aid enters Gaza, with 430 essential food items banned and aid seekers bombed while waiting for supplies. Israels assault on Gaza City has killed more than 63,000 people, mostly civilians, with genocide scholars confirming Israels actions meet the UNs legal definition of genocide. The U.S. built a $320 million aid pier, but Israeli restrictions and settler raids prevent food from reaching those in need, while the world fails to intervene. The Palestinian health ministry just confirmed that 185 Palestinians died from malnutrition in August alone, the highest monthly toll yet, bringing the total famine-related deaths to 367 since October 2023. Among them? 131 children. And yet instead of easing the blockade, Israel is escalating its airstrikes, killing 113 Palestinians in a single day this week. More than 43,000 children under five are now suffering from malnutrition, while 55,000 pregnant and breastfeeding womentwo-thirds of whom are anemicare being systematically deprived of food. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed hunger monitor, officially declared famine in Gaza City last month, marking the first time famine has been recorded outside Africa in modern history. Yet Israel still claims theres no famine, even as its own military data admis that 80% of those killed in this war are civilians. A manufactured famine with a body count Gazas health ministry stated: The catastrophic impact of famine in the Gaza Strip is accelerating. Since Israel imposed a total border closure on March 2, nearly two million people have been pushed into deliberate starvation. Wheat flour has become a luxury. Hospitals, bakeries, and water treatment plants have been systematically destroyed. And while Israel partially reopened some crossings under global pressure, the Gaza Government Media Office reports that only 10-20% of necessary food aid is getting through. Worse yet, 430 essential food itemsincluding eggs, meat, fish, dairy, fruits, and nutritional supplementsremain banned. The little aid that does enter is often looted by Israeli-backed gangs or blocked at distribution points where desperate Palestinians are bombed while waiting for food. On Tuesday alone, 20 aid seekers were killed in Israeli strikes. This isnt collateral damage. Its policy. Bombs, blockades, and a war with no end While Gaza starves, Israel is intensifying its assault on Gaza City, home to nearly a million people. The goal? Forcible displacement and total destruction. On Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes slaughtered 53 Palestinians in Gaza City alone, part of a broader campaign that has now killed at least 63,633 peoplemost of them civiliansand wounded 160,914 since October 2023. The worlds top genocide scholars agree: Israels actions meet the legal definition of genocide. The International Association of Genocide Scholars, a body of 500 academics, just passed a resolution stating that Israels policies fulfill the 1948 UN Convention on Genocide. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called this famine a man-made disaster, a moral indictment, and a failure of humanity itself. Israels response? More bombs. More blockades. More starvation. Even Israels own military leadership is rebelling against Netanyahu. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly confronted the prime minister in Cabinet meetings, opposing the planned assault on Gaza City. The Israeli army is struggling to find 60,000 reservists needed for the operation, with many soldiers refusing to participate in what they see as a war crime. The U.S. has built a $320 million emergency pier to deliver aid, but most of it is inaccessible due to Israeli restrictions. The few trucks that make it through are raided by extremist settlers who gleefully destroy food shipments on camera. The international community wrings its hands, but no one stops the slaughter. Sources for this article include: MiddleEastEye.net AlJazeera.com PalestineChronicle.com Israeli drones drop grenades near UN peacekeepers in Lebanon Israel dropped four grenades near UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon during a road-clearing operation, narrowly missing them, despite prior notification of their location. Israel claims the attack was accidental, using "sonic bombs" near a suspect, but UNIFIL calls it one of the most serious incidents since the November ceasefire. France and Qatar condemned the strike as a violation of international law, while critics warn that UNIFILs upcoming withdrawal will leave Lebanon defenseless against Israeli aggression. This follows a history of Israeli attacks on UN personnel, including the 2006 Qana airstrike that killed four unarmed observers, raising concerns about Israels escalating defiance of global norms. With Israel occupying Lebanese territory and Hezbollah refusing to disarm, the region faces worsening instability as the U.S. and Israel push to dismantle UNIFILs peacekeeping role. Israeli drones dropped four grenades near UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon on Tuesday in what the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) called one of the most serious attacks on UNIFIL personnel and assets since the November ceasefire. The peacekeepers were clearing roadblocks near the village of Marwahin, less than a kilometer from the Israeli border, when the attack occurred. One grenade landed just 65 feet away, while three others struck within 330 feet. Miraculously, no one was injuredbut the message was clear. Israel claims it wasnt intentional The Israeli military later claimed it did not intentionally target the peacekeepers, insisting it had dropped sonic bombs near a suspect in the area. But heres the problem: UNIFIL had informed Israel in advance about the road clearance operation. As UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric stated, Whether or not they meant to do it the Israeli Defense Forces were fully informed in advance of the work that we were doing on road clearance in that area. So, if Israel knew exactly where the peacekeepers were, how does a drone accidentally drop grenades within striking distance? And why were the drones observed returning toward Israel afterward? France and Qatar condemn the attack as a violation of international law France, which has a significant contingent within UNIFIL, condemned the strike, declaring that the respect of its members applies to all parties without exception. Qatar went further, calling it a grave violation of international humanitarian law and a breach of the UN Security Council resolution that ended the Israel-Hezbollah war. This incident comes just days after the UN Security Council voted to terminate UNIFILs mission by the end of next year in a decision pushed heavily by the U.S. and Israel. Critics argue that removing UNIFIL will leave Lebanon even more vulnerable to Israeli aggression. This isnt the first time Israel has been accused of targeting UN personnel. During the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war, Israeli forces attacked UNIFIL peacekeepers more than two dozen times. And lets not forget the 2006 Qana airstrike, where Israel bombed a UN observer post, killing four unarmed military observers. Now, with this latest incident, questions arise: Is Israel sending a message that it will not tolerate any presenceeven UN peacekeepersnear its self-declared buffer zone in Lebanon? Israels occupation and Hezbollahs defiance Israel continues to occupy at least five points in Lebanese territory despite the November ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has been weakened but refuses to disarm, arguing that Lebanons sovereignty can only be secured by ending Israeli aggression. The Lebanese government, already struggling with an underfunded military, relies on UNIFIL as a buffer. But with the U.S. and Israel pushing for UNIFILs withdrawal, the stage is set for further instability. This attack isnt just about grenades near peacekeepers; its about Israels growing disregard for international law and human life. The fact that no one was hurt this time is pure luck. Next time, we might not be so fortunate. Sources for this article include: Military.com APNews.com AlJazeera.com TheGuardian.com Obama-appointed judge releases woman who threatened to KILL President Trump Obama-appointed Judge James Boasberg ordered the release of Nathalie Rose Jones, a schizophrenic woman who posted graphic threats to assassinate President Donald Trump, despite her admission of intent and travel to the District of Columbia. Jones was released with only GPS monitoring and a mental health evaluation, despite prosecutors arguing her online threats and actions demonstrated clear intent. Boasberg has a history of rulings against Trump-related cases, including delaying Hillary Clinton's email releases and blocking Trump-era immigration enforcement. Legal experts warn that releasing a known threat against a president especially one with multiple assassination attempts sets a concerning precedent and fuels suspicions of judicial bias. Critics question whether similar leniency would be shown if the target were a Democrat, highlighting fears of politicized justice undermining judicial integrity. In a shocking decision that has raised serious questions about judicial impartiality, Chief U.S. District Judge James Boasberg of the District of Columbia ordered the release of a woman who openly threatened to assassinate President Donald Trump. Boasberg who was appointed by former President Barack Obama commanded that Nathalie Rose Jones be released from federal custody on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Jones, 50, had posted graphic threats on social media vowing to "sacrificially kill" Trump by disemboweling him and cutting out his trachea. She later admitted to suffering from schizophrenia. Despite her documented intent and travel to Washington, D.C., to carry out her threats, Boasberg dismissed the severity of her actions. The magistrate's order released Jones on her own recognizance, with only GPS monitoring and a mental health evaluation requirement. Prosecutors argued that Jones' online threats, coupled with her travel to D.C., demonstrated a clear intent to act. However, her defense attorney dismissed the statements as "hyperbolic" and protected under the First Amendment. Supporters including former teachers and friends submitted character references, attesting to her nonviolent nature despite her documented mental health struggles. Yet Secret Service agents who interviewed Jones reported that she explicitly stated her willingness to kill Trump to "avenge" deaths during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The suspect also called the president a "terrorist" and a "Nazi," urging Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a separate post to "arrange the arrest and removal ceremony" of Trump. Authorities arrested Jones on Aug. 16, following her participation in a protest near the White House. From Clinton emails to ICE blockades: Boasberg's anti-Trump bias exposed Jones' case is not the first time Boasberg has faced accusations of political bias. The same judge previously delayed the release of former First Lady Hillary Clinton's emails until after the 2016 election. He also blocked Trump-era immigration enforcement actions, and even threatened ICE agents for deporting illegal aliens earlier this year. Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine notes that Boasberg "ruled that the Trump administration's changes to immigration enforcement policies violated federal law effectively blocking mass deportations." (Related: Trump administration DEFIES federal judge, proceeds with deporting gang members.) His pattern of rulings against Trump-related cases four of which he has presided over in recent months has drawn scrutiny, with Trump himself calling for an investigation into the judicial assignments. Legal experts warn that releasing a known threat against a president, particularly one who has already survived multiple assassination attempts, sets a dangerous precedent. The case underscores deeper concerns about judicial accountability, and the potential weaponization of the legal system against political figures. With Trump facing relentless legal battles and escalating threats, critics argue that Boasberg's decision reflects a broader pattern of judicial activism aimed at undermining Trump and his supporters. As Jones remains under monitored release, the question lingers: Would a judge have shown the same leniency if the target had been a Democrat? The answer, many fear, exposes a double standard that threatens the integrity of American justice. Watch Texas Rep. Brandon Gill lamenting that Judge James Boasberg is trying to stop President Trump in this Newsmax interview. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump shot, survives ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT in Pennsylvania; shooter, one rally attendee killed, others wounded. Judicial bias exposed: Judge who blocked Trumps gang deportations attended secretive left-wing conference. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg: A Deep State ally undermining Trump's second administration. Highly partisan judge Boasberg played key role in fomenting "Russiagate" hoax. Man accused of attempting to assassinate Trump faces 20 years in prison. Sources include: InfoWars.com NYPost.com JCOnline.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Shanghai Cooperation Summit seals Wests fate: Russia-China gas deal cements post-American order Energy Alliance Shifts Global Power: A $400B Russia-China gas deal via a NATO-bypassing pipeline delivers 50B cubic meters annually, undercutting U.S. energy dominance and enabling Asias industrial growth with low electricity costs. A $400B Russia-China gas deal via a NATO-bypassing pipeline delivers 50B cubic meters annually, undercutting U.S. energy dominance and enabling Asias industrial growth with low electricity costs. Tech & Military Breakaway: SCO partners advance decentralized AI (e.g., Brightons Enoch), joint lunar exploration, and health initiatives rejecting Big Pharmas vaccines, directly challenging U.S. tech, aerospace, and medical agendas. SCO partners advance decentralized AI (e.g., Brightons Enoch), joint lunar exploration, and health initiatives rejecting Big Pharmas vaccines, directly challenging U.S. tech, aerospace, and medical agendas. Indias Pivot Weakens U.S. Hegemony: Trade growth with Russia/China defies U.S. tariffs and sanctions, reflecting shifting allegiances toward SCOs multilateralism over Western unilateralism and crumbling global influence. Trade growth with Russia/China defies U.S. tariffs and sanctions, reflecting shifting allegiances toward SCOs multilateralism over Western unilateralism and crumbling global influence. Wests Structural Failures Highlighted: Soaring energy costs, crumbling infrastructure, debt slavery, and cultural decay (e.g., transgender agendas, vaccine mandates) Threaten Western viability, while SCOs hyper-advanced AI labs and solar strategies bypass Western grid vulnerabilities. Soaring energy costs, crumbling infrastructure, debt slavery, and cultural decay (e.g., transgender agendas, vaccine mandates) Threaten Western viability, while SCOs hyper-advanced AI labs and solar strategies bypass Western grid vulnerabilities. Existential Warning for Democracies: Adams warns of depopulation agendas and cultural decline unless nations adopt clean energy, decentralized tech, and ancestral values, as SCOs rise signals the end of U.S.-led global order and dawn of Asian-centric power. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit recently solidified a historic energy alliance between Russia and China, marking a turning point in global geopolitics and signaling the dawn of a new post-American order. The $400 billion gas dealsee BCYJ1 dealwill deliver 50 billion cubic meters annually to China via a pipeline bypassing Western influence, while breakthrough agreements in AI, robotics, and healthcare cemented a strategic partnership that sidesteps U.S. dominance entirely. The Gas Revolution That Ignites Eastern Supremacy The Russia-China gas corridor, cutting through Mongolia and avoiding NATO-controlled routes, delivers cheap Russian energy directly to Chinas booming AI and manufacturing hubs. Analysts warn this infrastructure leapcombined with dirt-cheap electricity costs (under 10 cents/kWh) for Asian innovation centershas left the West in the dust, where soaring energy prices (30 cents/kWh in the U.S.) cripple industries. This deal is a nail in the coffin of Western industrial supremacy, said Mike Adams, founder of Brighton AI, noting that Bidens sanctions and Trumps tariffs drove allies like India into SCOs orbit. SCOs Tech & Military Alliance: A Direct Challenge to U.S. Hegemony Beyond energy, SCO members inked deals spanning: AI dominance: China and Russia are pooling resources to develop decentralized, pro-human AI models like Brightons Enoch (free non-commercial AI at brighton.ai), bypassing Western-controlled platforms like OpenAI. China and Russia are pooling resources to develop decentralized, pro-human AI models like Brightons Enoch (free non-commercial AI at brighton.ai), bypassing Western-controlled platforms like OpenAI. Space exploration: A joint lunar base agreement threatens U.S. leadership in aerospace. A joint lunar base agreement threatens U.S. leadership in aerospace. Healthcare: Plans to promote natural medicine and reject Western Big Pharmas toxic vaccines, including mRNA bioweapons linked to infertility and death. Western civilizations death spasms are visible in its crumbling energy grids and woke-ruled populations, Adams stressed, pointing to Europes deliberate dismantling of fossil fuel infrastructurea globalist climate agenda designed to weaken military readiness against rivals like Russia. SCOs Rising Stars: India and Beyond Indias pivot to SCO underscores the U.S.s fading geopolitical clout. Despite Trumps 50% import tariffs, India now boosts trade with Russia and China, embracing SCOs multilateralism over U.S. unilateral bullying. Multilateralism means letting nations like China and Russia thrive without U.S. hegemony, Adams explained, while Western leaders like Frances Macron, steeped in nuclear delusion, cling to Adolf Hitlers failed invasion fantasiesdestined to end in catastrophe. The Technological Tipping Point The summit also previewed SCOs AI-driven future, where low-cost energy fuels hyper-advanced AI labs and robot-driven industries in Asia. In contrast, U.S. tech lagsits 1980s-era SWIFT payment system, slowed by sanctions and censorship, struggles against SCOs real-time financial networks. Western tech is a turtle compared to Russia-Chinas silicon dragon, Adams said, noting SCOs decentralized AI projects bypass Big Techs surveillance capitalism. Detoxing from the Globalist Matrix The SCOs rise aligns with Adams broader mission to free humanity from Western disinformation: Health Autonomy: Brighton AIs Enoch engine, trained on clean nutrition science and banned peer-reviewed cancer detox protocols, challenges Big Pharmas profit-driven disease model. Brighton AIs Enoch engine, trained on clean nutrition science and banned peer-reviewed cancer detox protocols, challenges Big Pharmas profit-driven disease model. Energy Sovereignty: Off-grid living and solar strategies counter Western grid systems prone to sabotage. Off-grid living and solar strategies counter Western grid systems prone to sabotage. Cultural Revival: Rejection of LGBTQ+ supremacism and woke agendas seen as cultural toxins eroding martial strength. A Warning to the West: Adapt or Perish As SCO centralizes power in Asia, Western nations face existential threats: crumbling infrastructure, debt slavery, and a youth generation mutilated by transgender agendas and poisoned by vaccines. Adams warns that without a return to clean energy, decentralized tech, and ancestral values, the U.S.-UK-EU axis will fade into historical footnote status. The SCO Summit is not a negotiationits a conclusion. The globalists dream of WEF-style data-centric tyranny is accelerating, but free minds in decentralized tech (like Brighton AI) and self-reliant communities remain humanitys hope for survival in this Fourth Turning of civilization. Why do we need people? concludes an ominous transcript fragmenta question the elite would answer literally with depopulation. The race is on. Watch the Sept. 4 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about The FALL of Western Civilization is now irreversible, but humanity can still thrive! This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: The Message of the Sphinx: Did a lost civilization build the Giza monuments? The total unaccountability of Israel demonstrates the moral failure of the Western world The rise and fall of the Library of Alexandria: A legacy of knowledge lost to time Sources include: Brighteon.com Vector-borne disease that causes brain swelling St. Louis encephalitis detected in mosquitoes in California In the dusty streets of Brawley, California, a batch of mosquitoes trapped near Palm Avenue tested positive for St. Louis encephalitis (SLE), a virus that can turn from a headache into a death sentence. Its not just Brawley. From the bayous of Louisiana to the farmlands of Nebraska, the same invisible threat is stirring in stagnant waters, waiting for the right moment to strike. And while health officials insist theres no cause for panic, the past tells a different storyone of epidemics that swept through cities, leaving behind seizures, comas, and graves. This isnt the first time SLE has emerged from the shadows. Nearly a century ago, it turned St. Louis into a warzone of sickness. In human cases (which are rare) approximately 30% lead to brain swelling. Key points: St. Louis encephalitis (SLE), a virus that causes deadly brain swelling, has been detected in mosquitoes across five U.S. states, with Californias Imperial County the latest hotspot. No human cases have been reported in 2025yet, but history shows outbreaks can escalate quickly, with past epidemics hospitalizing thousands. The virus thrives in warm, wet conditions, where Culex mosquitoesits primary carriersbreed in stagnant water near human settlements. There is no vaccine, no cure, and no targeted treatmentprevention through mosquito control and personal protection is the only known defense. Public health responses rely on trapping, testing, and public cooperation, but budget cuts and complacency could leave communities vulnerable. Urbanization may be expanding the viruss range, raising concerns about future outbreaks in unexpected regions. A ghost from the past: When encephalitis paralyzed a city The summer of 1933 in St. Louis began like any otherhumid, lazy, and alive with the buzz of insects. By August, the hospitals were overflowing. Patients arrived with splitting headaches, stiff necks, and fevers that burned through their bodies. Some thrashed in delirium. Others slipped into comas. Within weeks, over 1,000 people were stricken with what doctors would later name St. Louis encephalitis. The death toll climbed to 200 before the outbreak finally faded, leaving behind a city forever marked by fear. For decades, SLE remained a lurking menace, flaring up in sporadic waves across the Mississippi Valley and Gulf Coast. In 1952, California faced its own reckoning when 420 cases erupted in the Central Valley, killing 10. The pattern was always the same: migratory birds carried the virus, mosquitoes spread it, and humans paid the price. By the time officials realized what was happening, it was often too late. Today, the virus is backand its not just in the usual hotspots. Mosquito pools in Arizona, Utah, Nebraska, and Louisiana have tested positive this summer, a sign that SLE is on the move. Were seeing activity in areas where we havent historically seen it, admits Dr. Stephen Munday, Imperial Countys health officer. His team has set up 52 traps across the county, checking them multiple times a week. The detection of multiple positive pools is a wake-up call. Yet for all the surveillance, the system is fragile. Budget constraints mean some counties cant afford enough traps. Public fatigue over mosquito warnings leads to ignored standing water. And as temperatures rise, the breeding season stretches longer, giving the virus more time to spread. The perfect storm: Why SLE is spreading now SLE doesnt spread like a wildfire. It smolders, moving silently between birds and mosquitoes before jumping to humans. The cycle starts in wetlands, where infected birdsoften asymptomaticpass the virus to Culex mosquitoes. Those mosquitoes then carry it into cities, biting humans who happen to be in the wrong place at dusk or dawn. Three factors are making this year different: SLE once thrived in the humid East and Central U.S., but droughts and irregular rainfall in the West have created unexpected breeding grounds. Imperial County, a desert region, now has pockets of standing water from irrigation and monsoon rainsperfect for Culex mosquitoes. Were seeing mosquitoes in places we didnt expect, says Jeff Lamoure, deputy director of Environmental Health in Imperial County. Where theres water, theres risk. Urban sprawl is erasing buffers between wild and human spaces. The wetlands where SLE circulates naturally are shrinking, but subdivisions, farms, and parks are encroaching on the remaining habitats. Birds and mosquitoes that once stayed in swamps now share space with suburban backyards. In Brawley, the infected mosquito pool was found near homes, not remote marshes. Public health infrastructure is stretched thin. After COVID-19 failures, many vector control programs saw their budgets slashed. Fewer traps, fewer inspections, and less public outreach mean sleeper outbreaks could go unnoticed until its too late. Were doing our best with what we have, Munday says, but if people stop paying attention, this virus will exploit that. No cure, no vaccine, no time to waste Heres the hard truth: If you get St. Louis encephalitis, doctors can only treat the symptoms. Theres no antiviral drug, no miracle cure. For the 30% of infected people who develop neuroinvasive diseasewhere the virus attacks the brainthe outcomes can be devastating. Seizures. Memory loss. Permanent disability. Death. The only defense is prevention, and that starts with eliminating mosquito breeding sites. A bottle cap of water can become a nursery for hundreds of larvae. Old tires, clogged gutters, even a forgotten dog bowleach one is a potential launchpad for the next outbreak. Imperial Countys vector control team is urging residents to: Dump standing waterweekly, without exception. Use EPA-approved repellents (DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus). Wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk, when Culex mosquitoes are most active. Report dead birds, which can signal the virus is circulating. Its a simple list, but compliance is everything. In 2019, Imperial County saw two human cases of SLEboth men hospitalized with viral meningitis. They survived, but not everyone is so lucky. SLE isnt the only mosquito-borne threat lurking in the wings. West Nile virus, which killed 1,000 Americans between 1999 and 2021, follows a similar pattern. So does Western equine encephalitis, another brain-swelling virus that has reemerged in recent years. And as global travel and climate change reshape ecosystems, new diseases could hitch rides on mosquitoes weve never seen before. This isnt just about St. Louis encephalitis, Munday warns. Its about recognizing that our environment is changing faster than our defenses. We cant afford to be reactive. Sources include: Dailymail.co.uk CDC.gov ICPHD.org Health Ranger Report: Tina Blanco presents solutions for health and privacy risks in the electromagnetic age Prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields (from phones, Wi-Fi, smart meters, etc.) is linked to infertility, cancer and neurological harm, especially in children due to their higher absorption rates. The WHO classifies RF radiation as a possible carcinogen. Faraday bags shield against EMFs, block tracking and defend against cyber threats/EMP attacks. They are available as cross-body bags, laptop sleeves and even bulletproof backpacks balancing safety with practicality. Faraday blankets, gloves and clothing (with conductive metals like silver/copper) minimize exposure. Electric car users can also shield themselves from battery emissions. Satellite phones (e.g., Iridium network) ensure communication in crises, while Faraday gear protects privacy from surveillance and data theft. Staying informed, using shielding tech and pushing for stricter EMF regulations are critical. Innovation (like EMF-blocking wearables) must keep pace with rising 5G/6G threats. In an era dominated by technology, the pervasive presence of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) has become an inescapable reality. From the ubiquitous smartphones to the omnipresent cell towers, people's daily lives are intertwined with devices that emit these invisible waves. But what are the implications for their health and privacy? The Health Ranger Mike Adams sat down with Tina Blanco from the Satellite Phone Store to touch on this matter on the "Health Ranger Report." She emphasized that while EMFs are invisible, their impact is profound thus, the necessity of practical solutions. Blanco, the visionary founder of the Satellite Phone Store, warned that every person using anything that generates EMF is exposed to some form of electromagnetic field. The dangers of prolonged exposure are increasingly recognized, with studies linking it to potential health risks, including infertility and certain types of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified radiofrequency radiation, a component of EMF exposure, as a possible human carcinogen. Children in particular are more vulnerable due to their smaller size and higher water content, which allows them to absorb non-thermal biological effects from EMFs more readily. Blanco highlighted the importance of protecting the younger generation, who are exposed to these fields for longer periods than any previous generation. (Related: EMF exposure linked to brain damage and behavioral disorders in children.) One of the most effective ways to shield yourself from EMF exposure and protect your privacy is through the use of Faraday bags. These bags, Blanco explained, create a barrier that blocks electromagnetic fields, preventing devices from communicating with cell towers. This not only protects your privacy by preventing tracking, but also safeguards your devices from potential cyber threats and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks. "The Faraday products [do] three things: It protects your security privacy, it protects from EMF and from EMP attacks," she told Adams. Blanco also demonstrated the versatility of Faraday bags, showcasing a range of products from the Escape Zone line. These include cross-body bags with built-in Faraday pockets, laptop bags that double as EMF barriers and even ballistic backpacks with Faraday containers and bulletproof panels. These products are designed to provide robust protection while maintaining functionality and style. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine, a Faraday bag is a shielded, signal-blocking pouch designed to protect electronic devices like smartphones, credit cards, key fobs or passports from EMF, radio frequencies (RF), hacking, tracking or remote data theft. Constructed with conductive materials such as metal-lined fabric or copper mesh, it creates a Faraday cage effect blocking all incoming and outgoing wireless signals to ensure total electronic privacy and security. Beyond bags: Innovative solutions for everyday life Blanco's commitment to addressing EMF exposure extends beyond bags. She introduced the concept of Faraday blankets, which can be used to cover oneself or electronic devices to reduce exposure. These blankets are infused with silver and copper, materials known for their conductive properties and ability to block electromagnetic fields. For those concerned about the EMF emissions from their vehicles, Blanco suggests using Faraday blankets to create a barrier between the driver and the car's battery. This is particularly relevant for electric vehicles, where the proximity to the battery can result in higher exposure. In addition to Faraday products, Blanco emphasized the importance of having reliable backup communication systems. She highlighted the role of satellite phones, which provide a lifeline during emergencies when traditional networks fail. The Satellite Phone Store offers a range of satellite communication devices, including the Iridium network, known for its security and global coverage. Blanco recounted instances where satellite phones have been crucial in disaster scenarios, such as the Maui wildfires and the recent floods in Arizona. These stories underscore the value of preparedness and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can stay connected when it matters most. Blanco's mission is not just about selling products; it's about empowering individuals with knowledge and tools to protect themselves. She emphasized the need for ongoing education and innovation, constantly seeking new ways to address the challenges posed by EMFs. Her upcoming products include Faraday gloves and clothing with EMF protection pockets, reflecting her commitment to developing solutions that integrate seamlessly into everyday life. As people navigate the complexities of the electromagnetic age, Blanco's insights serve as a call to action. Protecting your health and privacy requires a proactive approach, combining awareness with practical solutions. Whether it's using Faraday bags, investing in satellite communication or simply being mindful of your EMF exposure, each step people take contributes to a safer, more secure future. Preparedness.news has more similar stories. Watch the full interview between Tina Blanco and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Dr. Basima Williams discusses the dangers of EMF EXPOSURE and the need for radioprotection on the Health Ranger Report. Faraday bags: The ultimate defense against digital theft and EMP attacks. 6 Ways to reduce your exposure to EMF. Sources include: Brighteon.com IARC.WHO.int [PDF] Brighteon.ai Trump demands TRANSPARENCY from Pfizer and other drug firms on pandemic-era treatment data President Donald Trump is urging pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, to publicly release data he claims shows the effectiveness of their pandemic-era COVID-19 treatments. Trump stated on Truth Social that he has personally seen "extraordinary" internal results not shared with the public or federal agencies like the CDC, and called for immediate transparency. Trump questioned the legacy of Operation Warp Speed, his administration's vaccine development initiative, and said it must be reevaluated to determine whether it was truly as successful as widely claimed. Trump criticized the ongoing lack of clarity and the division among public figures, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., over the effectiveness of COVID treatments and the role of pharmaceutical companies. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) supported Trump's demand for "radical transparency," defending Operation Warp Speed as a major achievement and calling for an honest accounting of its results. President Donald Trump has issued a public demand for pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, to release withheld data on the effectiveness of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) treatments developed during the pandemic. In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Sept. 1, Trump expressed his frustration over the lack of transparency from major drug firms. He claimed that he has personally been shown "extraordinary" internal results, which are not being shared with the public or federal health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Related: Trump vows to reinstate troops discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccinations.) "It is very important that the drug companies justify the success of their various COVID drugs," Trump posted. "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. 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??? 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." The president did not specify what data he had seen, nor who had presented it to him, but emphasized that the numbers demonstrated strong effectiveness for pandemic-era treatments. Trump also calls for the reassessment of Operation Warp Speed In that same post on his Truth Social account, Trump also revived discussion of Operation Warp Speed, the multi-billion-dollar initiative launched under his first administration to accelerate vaccine and therapeutic development at the height of the pandemic. Operation Warp Speed, as described by Brighteon.AI's Enoch, involved multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Defense (DoD), the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), working collaboratively with pharmaceutical companies and other private sector partners. The goal was to deliver 300 million doses of a supposedly "safe and effective" vaccine by January 2021. Trump often touted that initiative as one of his administration's key achievements, but he also called for a reassessment to determine whether the program was as successful as claimed. He added: "I hope Operation Warp Speed was as 'brilliant' as many say it was. If not, we all want to know about it, and why?" Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) echoed Trump's call for "radical transparency" in a post on X, calling Operation Warp Speed one of the signature accomplishments of Trump's first term. "People who criticize President Trump's Operation Warp Speed typically misrepresent and carefully select their facts," Cassidy wrote on X shortly after Trump posted on Truth Social. "We should be honest about the success of Operation Warp Speed." Visit Trump.news for the latest developments on his second term. Watch this clip featuring U.S. Army Surgeon Lt. Col. Theresa Long warning about how "dangerous" and "deadly" the military's COVID-19 vaccine mandate is. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump executive order blocks funding to schools with COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Trump ends COVID-19 vaccine mandate for legal immigrants, fulfilling campaign promise. Trump reinstates thousands of service members who were discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines. Trump reinstates troops discharged over COVID-19 vaccine mandate, restoring ranks and back pay. Trump pledges to reinstate troops discharged over COVID-19 vaccine refusal, offers back pay. Sources include: YourNews.com TruthSocial.com NBCNews.com Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com Ukraine deploys autonomous DRONE SWARMS in combat, ushering in new era of AI warfare Ukrainian forces have become the first to deploy autonomous drone swarms in active combat, developed by Ukrainian firm Swarmer. These drones can identify and strike targets without real-time human control, marking a significant advancement in AI-driven military tactics. The swarm technology allows groups of drones to communicate, adapt and execute missions independently once a target is designated. Reconnaissance drones scout enemy positions, while explosive drones adjust their attacks in real-time, reducing the need for constant operator input. The system has been used in hundreds of operations, primarily for mine-laying and targeted strikes against Russian positions. Each swarm operation requires only three personnel, significantly reducing the manpower needed compared to traditional drone operations. Ukraine's deployment of drone swarms highlights a broader trend of militaries worldwide integrating AI into combat systems. The U.S., China, France, and Israel have experimented with similar technology, but Ukraine's real-world application has outpaced these efforts. The rise of AI-driven combat systems raises ethical concerns, with the United Nations warning about the risks of lethal autonomous weapons. While Swarmer maintains that humans retain final authority over strikes, the line between human-controlled and fully autonomous warfare is becoming increasingly blurred, prompting debates over the future of war and the need for international regulations. Ukrainian forces have deployed autonomous drone swarms capable of identifying and striking targets without real-time human control the first confirmed use of such technology in active combat. Developed by Ukrainian firm Swarmer, the system represents a major leap in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven military tactics, raising both strategic advantages and ethical concerns about the future of autonomous weapons. "The swarm technology, tested and refined over the past year, allows groups of drones to communicate, adapt and execute missions independently once a target is designated. Unlike traditional drones, which require constant operator input, these AI-guided networks function cooperatively, with reconnaissance drones scouting enemy positions and explosive drones adjusting their attacks on the fly," Brighteon.AI's Enoch explains. Ukrainian military officials and Swarmer executives confirmed that the swarm system has been used in hundreds of operations, primarily for mine-laying and targeted strikes against Russian positions. While most missions involve small teams of three drones, tests have successfully linked up to 25 units, with plans to expand to swarms of 100 or more. "You set the target and the drones do the rest. They work together, they adapt," said Swarmer CEO Serhii Kupriienko. This autonomy reduces the need for human operators a critical advantage for Ukraine, which faces a manpower disadvantage against Russia. One Ukrainian officer noted that swarm operations require just three personnel instead of nine, freeing up soldiers for other tasks. Military analysts say Ukraine's deployment marks a watershed moment, as no other nation has yet integrated autonomous swarms into active combat. While the U.S., China, France and Israel have experimented with similar technology, none have moved beyond controlled tests. The emergence of drone swarms underscores a broader trend: Militaries worldwide are rapidly integrating AI into combat systems. The U.S. Department of Defense first demonstrated swarm capabilities in 2016, launching over 100 micro-drones from fighter jets. Israel reportedly used drone swarms in Gaza in 2021, though details remain scarce. Yet Ukraine's real-world application has outpaced these efforts. Swarmer's engineers, operating from an unassuming suburban house, have refined the technology through battlefield trials despite early challenges like network overloads from excessive drone communication. Bob Tollast, a researcher at the Royal United Services Institute, noted that while Ukraine's swarms are still small-scale, "even a small level of autonomous teaming would be impressive." The next phase coordinating hundreds of drones could redefine modern warfare, enabling overwhelming attacks that evade traditional defenses. Ethical dilemmas and the future of autonomous weapons The rise of AI-driven combat systems has sparked intense debate over ethical boundaries. The United Nations has long warned about the risks of lethal autonomous weapons (LAWs), urging international regulations to prevent machines from making life-or-death decisions unchecked. Swarmer insists that humans remain in the "kill chain," retaining final authority over strikes. But as AI capabilities advance, the line between human-controlled and fully autonomous warfare blurs. "Folks have been talking about the potential of drone swarms to change warfare for decades. But until now, they've been more prophecy than reality," cautioned Zak Kallenborn, a drone warfare expert at King's College London. (Related: Ukraine's battlefield data is being used as LEVERAGE to train the future of military AI.) For Ukraine, the immediate priority is battlefield survival. Yet the broader implications are undeniable: AI-powered swarms are no longer theoretical they are here, reshaping conflict in ways that will force militaries, policymakers and ethicists to confront the future of war. Visit MilitaryTech.news for more similar stories. Watch this footage of a Ukrainian drone strike in Rostov. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Ukrainian drone attack hits Russian seaside city of Sochi. Hungary condemns Ukrainian drone strike on Russian oil pipeline. Ukraine's historic drone strikes on Russian nuclear airbases signal a new phase in the war, risking nuclear escalation. Sources include: YourNews.com Brighteon.ai WSJ.com Disarmament.UNODA.org Brighteon.com Unveiling Pfizers plasmid: Potential risks and regulatory oversight failures Pfizers vaccine contains three human DNA fragments: ?-globin (blood), AES/TLE5 (immune) and MT-RNR1 (neurological). Plasmids can integrate into human genomes, carrying these DNA fragments. Independent reviews and Pfizers own 5.3.6 report show blood, immune and neurological injuries cluster post-vaccination. Fragments regulate blood, immune and neurological systems, matching injury clusters. Integration of plasmid DNA fragments may drive the injuries documented. Grounds to halt the vaccine and launch an immediate investigation. Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine has been under increasing scrutiny following revelations that it contains human DNA fragments capable of integrating into the human genome. These fragments are embedded in the vaccines plasmid, which is integral to its manufacturing process. Independent reviews and Pfizers own data show injuries concentrated in blood, immune and neurological systems. The alignment between the plasmids DNA fragments and the injury clusters raises significant concerns about the vaccines safety. This article examines the evidence, explores the implications and calls for immediate action. Plasmid DNA and its design By definition, plasmids are integration-competent DNA molecules, used in genetic engineering to insert sequences into host genomes. Pfizers vaccine plasmid contains three human DNA fragments: ?-globin (blood), AES/TLE5 (immune) and MT-RNR1 (neurological). These fragments are not idle additives; they are active regulatory sequences that can influence gene expression. The ?-globin fragment regulates blood and cardiovascular functions, AES/TLE5 controls immune pathways, and MT-RNR1 is linked to neurological and mitochondrial functions. These sequences are not inert; they can potentially integrate into the human genome, altering gene regulation. Serious adverse events: The data speaks Pfizers own data, compiled in their confidential 5.3.6 pharmacovigilance report, provides alarming evidence. After analyzing 42,086 case reports and 158,893 adverse events in the first three months of the vaccine rollout, the report highlighted the following clusters of serious adverse events (SAEs): Neurological disorders: 25,957 nervous system events, including seizures, Guillain-Barre, multiple sclerosis relapses, encephalopathy, neuropathies and facial paralysis. 25,957 nervous system events, including seizures, Guillain-Barre, multiple sclerosis relapses, encephalopathy, neuropathies and facial paralysis. Immune/autoimmune disorders: 1,050 cases, including hypersensitivity, myocarditis, pericarditis, autoimmune flares and cytokine storms. 1,050 cases, including hypersensitivity, myocarditis, pericarditis, autoimmune flares and cytokine storms. Blood/hematological disorders: 932 cases, including immune thrombocytopenia, hemorrhage, clotting events, petechiae and deep vein thrombosis. These categories are not random; they align perfectly with the systems controlled by the human DNA fragments in the plasmid: blood, immune and neurological. The alignment between the plasmids design and the injury clusters is too precise to be coincidental, suggesting a potential connection between the two. Evidence of plasmid integration Independent studies have provided evidence that plasmids can integrate into human DNA. A 2023 study in Nature Scientific Reports demonstrated that when linear DNA fragments were introduced into human cells, 120% of cells stably integrated these fragments into their genomes. More critically, a 2024 preprint study by Kevin McKernan found that plasmid DNA from Pfizers vaccine did integrate into the genome of human cancer cell lines, and in November 2024, Dr. Phillip Buckhaults confirmed integration into non-cancerous human epithelial stem cells. These findings indicate that the integration of plasmid DNA into human cells is not just a theoretical risk but a demonstrated biological reality. Call for immediate action The alignment between the DNA fragments in Pfizers plasmid and the injury clusters reported in their safety data is alarming. Independent reviews in 2022 and 2024 have also concluded that the most serious adverse events are clustered in blood, immune and neurological systems. This exact match raises the possibility that the design of Pfizers vaccine itself may be contributing to the injuries. The implications of plasmid integration into human DNA are profound and call for immediate action. The alignment between the plasmid's design and the injury clusters is too precise to be coincidence, suggesting that the integration of these human DNA fragments may be driving the documented injuries. Pfizers own data and the plasmid design point to a direct connection between the human DNA fragments in the vaccine and the blood, immune and neurological injuries dominating the safety signal. Urgent need for action The evidence underscores the potential risks associated with mRNA vaccines that use plasmids carrying human DNA. The alignment between the plasmids design and injury clusters, coupled with documented integration studies, demands immediate action. Pfizer should halt the vaccines distribution until these risks are fully understood and addressed. Regulators must launch a comprehensive investigation into the use of human DNA fragments in vaccine plasmids and their potential impacts on human health. The global health community must prioritize transparency and rigorous oversight to prevent further risks to public health. Sources for this article include: Substack.com JonFleetwood.Substack.com ThePeoplesVoice.tv U.S. military strikes Venezuelan boat, killing 11 Tren de Aragua members U.S. military forces executed a targeted attack on a Venezuelan drug vessel in international waters, killing 11 Tren de Aragua (TdA) operatives. President Donald Trump personally authorized the operation as part of his administration's crackdown on cartels exploiting open borders. The strike follows the U.S. State Department's designation of TdA as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The Venezuelan gang is linked to drug smuggling, human trafficking and violent crimes and is spreading across U.S. cities due to lax border policies under Biden. In a Truth Social post, Trump declared the attack a clear message to traffickers: "Beware!" He emphasized that the U.S. will aggressively target anyone attempting to bring drugs into the country. The Trump administration has authorized military force against cartels, signaling a shift from past policies of weak enforcement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled Venezuelan President Maduro a "narco-terrorist" for his ties to the Cartel Delos Soles. The strike raises questions about future U.S. actions against transnational crime and Venezuela's regime. Trump warned, "There's more where that came from," suggesting sustained military and diplomatic pressure on cartels and their state sponsors. In a decisive move against transnational crime, U.S. military forces executed a precision strike on a Venezuelan drug-laden vessel in international waters killing 11 Tren de Aragua (TdA) operatives. The operation, ordered by President Donald Trump himself, targeted operatives of the drug cartel while transporting narcotics toward American shores. The strike marks a significant escalation in the second Trump administrations crackdown on cartels exploiting open borders and weaponized migration to infiltrate the United States. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of State designated TdA as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). "Earlier this morning, on my orders, U.S. military forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified TdA narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility," Trump announced on Truth Social Tuesday, Sept. 2. The attack unfolded in the southern Caribbean, where surveillance footage showed the panga boat erupting in flames before sinking. According to the president, no U.S. personnel were harmed during the operation. Trump also issued a stark warning: "Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. Beware!" The strike follows mounting concerns over TdA's expansion across U.S. cities, facilitated by lax border policies under the Biden administration. The Venezuelan gang linked to mass murder, sex trafficking and drug smuggling has since expanded throughout Latin America and the U.S. as part of the Venezuelan refugee crisis, Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine notes. Cartels beware: Washington declares open season on narco-terrorists "We are going to wage combat against drug cartels that are flooding American streets and killing Americans," U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared ahead of diplomatic talks in Mexico. Earlier, the State Department under his leadership labeled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as the head of a "narco-terrorist cartel," owing to the socialist leader's ties with the Cartel Delos Soles. (Related: U.S. Navy deploys warships near Venezuela amid tensions over drug trafficking allegations against Maduro.) Historical context underscores the urgency of this intervention. For decades, Latin American cartels have operated with near impunity, leveraging corruption and weak enforcement to flood U.S. communities with deadly narcotics like fentanyl. The Trump administration's August authorization of military force against cartels signaled a shift toward direct action a strategy long demanded by security analysts. Critics argue past administrations enabled these threats by tolerating porous borders and failing to confront state-sponsored narco-terrorism particularly from Venezuela, where Maduro's regime allegedly profits from drug trafficking. As the White House reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling cartel networks, Trump vowed, "There's more where that came from." The administration's aggressive posture raises questions about future strikes and whether this marks the beginning of a sustained campaign against transnational crime. With Maduro yet to respond, the geopolitical ramifications loom large potentially reshaping U.S. engagement with Venezuela and its regional allies. For now, the message to traffickers is unambiguous: America's borders are no longer a free pass for poison. Visit DrugCartels.news for more similar stories. Watch this clip of the military strike that destroyed the boat carrying Tren de Aragua traffickers, which Caracas has dismissed as fake. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump authorizes military action against terrorist-designated DRUG CARTELS. Trump designates drug cartels as terrorist organizations, invokes Alien Enemies Act. Report: Trump administration orders military to prepare strike plans against Mexican cartels. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com Breitbart.com TruthSocial.com FoxNews.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com The silent trigger: How routine vaccination destroys nervous systems and imparts full blown MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Imagine being a professional dancer at the peak of your career, your body a finely tuned instrument of motion and grace. Then, in the middle of a performance, something goes horribly wrong. A jolt of numbness shoots down your spine, your legs suddenly feel foreign, and the world youve builtone of movement, of rhythm, of lifebegins to unravel. This isnt the plot of a medical drama. Its what happened to one young artist , whose story is just one thread in a far larger, more disturbing tapestry. Because what if the culprit wasnt an accident, or genetics, or bad luck? What if it was something far more insidioussomething handed out in doctors offices and hospitals every single day, often before a newborn has even taken its first breath? The hepatitis B vaccine has long been a staple of modern medicine, administered to infants within hours of birth and marketed as a shield against a liver infection spread through blood and bodily fluids. But a growing body of research, spanning decades and continents, suggests this vaccine may carry a dark secret: a startling link to multiple sclerosis, a debilitating neurological disease that strips away the bodys ability to communicate with itself. The evidence isnt just lurking in obscure medical journalsits hiding in plain sight, buried under layers of denial, corporate influence, and a medical system that has made questioning vaccines a third rail of public health. Yet for those whose lives have been upended by MS, the connection isnt abstract. Its personal. And its time we talked about it, even if doctors haven't officially linked MS to a vaccine. Key points: A 2014 French study tied Frances mass hepatitis B vaccination campaign to a doubling of MS cases within yearsyet the CDC still denies any link. Research from the UKs General Practice Research Database found that people diagnosed with MS were three times more likely to have received the hepatitis B vaccine within three years of their first symptoms. Aluminum adjuvants in vaccinesdesigned to hyper-activate the immune systemhave been linked to neurological damage, including demyelination, the hallmark of MS. Real-world cases, like that of a young dancer whose MS symptoms began after vaccination, reveal how quickly lives can changeand how rarely doctors consider vaccines as a possible trigger. The pharmaceutical industrys financial ties to regulatory agencies like the CDC and FDA raise serious questions about conflicts of interest in vaccine safety assessments. Informed consent is missingmost patients are never told that vaccines, while often beneficial, can also carry serious, life-altering risks for a subset of the population. MS is one of several nervous system disorders brought on by routine vaccinations. A diagnosis that changes everything For a professional dancer, the body isnt just a vessel; its an identity. So when numbness crept into her legs mid-performance, she assumed shed pinched a nerve. She pushed through the painbecause thats what dancers do. But when the symptoms didnt fade, when the electric shocks down her spine became a daily reality, she knew something was deeply wrong. Her grandmother had lived with MS. The pieces started to fit. Her doctor dismissed the idea at first. MS was rare. She was young, healthy, active. But the tests didnt lie. Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)a diagnosis that would reshape her life forever. She wasnt just a statistic; she was one of 10,000 new MS cases in the U.S. every year, many of them striking people in the prime of their lives. In 2004, researchers using the UKs General Practice Research Database found that 163 MS patients were three times more likely to have been vaccinated against hepatitis B within three years of their first symptoms compared to 1,604 healthy controls. The study, published in Neurology, didnt just suggest a correlationit challenged the medical establishments insistence that the link was settled science. The aluminum elephant in the room Vaccines dont just contain weakened or inactive viruses. Theyre loaded with adjuvantssubstances designed to turbocharge the immune response. One of the most common? Aluminum salts. These compounds have been used for decades, but their safetyparticularly in relation to the nervous systemhas been hotly debated for just as long. Heres the problem: Aluminum is a neurotoxin. It doesnt just sit inertly in the body; it crosses the blood-brain barrier, accumulates in tissues, and has been linked to neuroinflammation and autoimmune reactions. In MS, the immune system attacks myelin, the protective sheath around nerves, disrupting signals between the brain and body. The result? Numbness, pain, paralysis, cognitive declinea slow unraveling of the self. The hepatitis B vaccine isnt the only one under scrutiny. mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have also been tied to new MS diagnoses, with a 2021 case series documenting five patients who developed symptoms shortly after vaccination. The authors noted that while correlation isnt causation, the temporal linksymptoms appearing days or weeks post-jabwas impossible to ignore. So why arent doctors warning patients? Why isnt this part of the informed consent process? Because the system isnt built for transparency. Its built for profit and liability protection. Decades of regulatory capture have hidden the MS-vaccine link The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is supposed to be an independent watchdog, a neutral arbiter of public health. But heres the catch: The CDC accepts "gifts" from pharmaceutical companies. It partners with vaccine manufacturers on research. And its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)the group that decides which vaccines make it onto the childhood scheduleis filled with industry-connected scientists. This isnt conspiracy theory. Its documented fact. In 2009, a Congressional investigation revealed that 64% of the CDCs budget came from private and corporate donors, including vaccine makers. The FDA, meanwhile, relies on pharmaceutical companies to fund its own drug approval process. When regulators are financially entangled with the industries theyre supposed to oversee, objective science takes a backseat to corporate interests. And then theres the 1986 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, which shielded vaccine manufacturers from lawsuits. Before this law, companies could be held legally accountable for injuries caused by their products. After? A no-fault system where families must petition a special vaccine courta process so byzantine and slow that most give up. The result? Zero financial incentive for pharmaceutical companies to improve vaccine safety. Is it any wonder, then, that studies linking vaccines to neurological damage get buried? That doctors are trained to dismiss patient concerns as anti-vaccine hysteria? That alternative explanationslike viral contamination in vaccines or individual susceptibility to adjuvantsare rarely explored? The question no one is asking: What if were trading one disease for another? Public health operates on a risk-benefit calculus. The hepatitis B vaccine prevents a liver infection that, in chronic cases, can lead to cirrhosis or cancer. But how many MS cases is that worth? Frances 1994 mass vaccination campaign offers a chilling case study. Within years, MS rates doubled. Researchers later linked the surge to the vaccine. Yet instead of pausing the program, health authorities doubled down, insisting the benefits outweighed the risks. But what if youre the one who loses the lottery? What if youre the dancer whose career is cut short, the mother who can no longer hold her child, the student whose cognitive function erodes before their eyes? The medical establishment frames vaccine injuries as rare anomalies, statistical outliers in the grand scheme of public health. But for those affected, rare isnt comforting. Its devastating. MS is one of many silent diseases (linked to vaccines) that ravage the nervous system MS isnt the only neurological disease linked to vaccines. General conditions include: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) , a paralyzing nerve disorder, has been tied to flu shots and the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine, among almost every other vaccine routinely administered to children. , a paralyzing nerve disorder, has been tied to flu shots and the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine, among almost every other vaccine routinely administered to children. Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) , another nerve-destroying disease, has been reported after tetanus and HPV vaccines. , another nerve-destroying disease, has been reported after tetanus and HPV vaccines. Autism spectrum disorders, while controversial, have been repeatedly flagged in studies examining aluminum adjuvant exposure in utero and early childhood. Several other neurological conditions have been identified following vaccination, including the following: Based on the NIHs "Neuropathic Symptoms with SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination" study and the Rhein-Neckar-Kreis hospital studythe following neurological, autoimmune, and inflammatory conditions have been documented following COVID-19 vaccination: 1. Central nervous system (CNS) disorders CNS demyelinating diseases Inflammation and damage to the protective myelin sheath of nerves, similar to multiple sclerosis (MS) or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Inflammation and damage to the protective myelin sheath of nerves, similar to multiple sclerosis (MS) or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Limbic encephalitis Inflammation of the brains limbic system, leading to memory loss, seizures, confusion, and psychiatric symptoms. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) with vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) Blood clots in the brain combined with low platelet counts, a severe and sometimes fatal reaction linked to adenovirus-based vaccines (e.g., AstraZeneca, J&J). 2. Peripheral nervous system (PNS) disorders Inflammatory peripheral neuropathies Including Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)-like symptoms (ascending paralysis, nerve damage). Including Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)-like symptoms (ascending paralysis, nerve damage). Neuropathic pain & dysautonomia As seen in the NIH study, where patients developed chronic nerve pain, autonomic dysfunction (e.g., irregular heart rate, blood pressure instability), and small fiber neuropathy post-vaccination. 3. Neuromuscular & autoimmune conditions Myositis Severe muscle inflammation, leading to weakness, pain, and elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels. Myasthenia gravis An autoimmune attack on neuromuscular junctions, causing muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, and breathing difficulties. Giant cell arteritis Inflammation of blood vessels, particularly in the temples, leading to headaches, vision loss, and stroke risk. 4. Systemic autoimmune flares Exacerbation of pre-existing autoimmune diseases Patients with prior conditions (e.g., MS, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus) experienced severe relapses post-vaccination. New-Onset autoimmunity Previously healthy individuals developed autoimmune disorders after vaccination. 5. Cardiovascular & multi-system inflammatory syndromes Myocarditis & pericarditis As seen in the 17-year-old male in the NIH study, who developed severe heart inflammation (ejection fraction of 20%), requiring ICU care, steroids, and immunoglobulins. As seen in the 17-year-old male in the NIH study, who developed severe heart inflammation (ejection fraction of 20%), requiring ICU care, steroids, and immunoglobulins. Multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS) Widespread organ inflammation (heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, GI tract), similar to Kawasaki disease in children. Yet the narrative remains: Vaccines are safe. Vaccines are effective. Questioning them is dangerous. But whats really dangerous is a system that ignores the damaged in the name of the greater good, as millions of individuals suffer silently with various diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Sources include: MindBodyGreen.com Pubmed.gov Pubmed.gov Pubmed.gov Pubmed.gov Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. BELEN A unanimous vote last month was the first step to rehabilitate a local outdoor swimming pool. At the Aug. 12 Belen Consolidated Schools Board of Education meeting, board members voted 5-0 to approve $2,404,100 to begin rehab on the outdoor pool at Belen High School. The vote was the outcome of a workshop held by the board in March, which drew a standing-room-only crowd, to review an assessment of the facility. The December 2024 assessment laid out two different possibilities for repairs to extend the life of the outdoor pool and pool house one coming in at about $1.9 million and the other around $2.4 million, with the more expensive option, hopefully, keeping the facility going for another 20 years and the less expensive option about 10-plus years. During an interview following the Aug. 12 meeting, BCS Superintendent Lawrence Sanchez said while the $2.4 million does include a 5 percent markup due to increasing construction costs, the total cost of the project would most likely be closer to $3 million. There are always things you dont know about until you start. Theres always going to be surprises, Sanchez said. The biggest part of the project will be the pool itself. My expectation is they will take it down to bare bones and then build it back up with modern materials. The current 10-lane outdoor pool opened in 1978 and is about 7,830 square feet. The facility also includes a 4,500 square foot pool house, which houses changing rooms, restrooms, shower areas, an office, storage rooms and mechanical space. The Belen Board of Education has give the unanimous thumbs-up to $2.4 million in rehab work for the outdoor pool and pool house at Belen High School. Many of the improvements will include upgrades to infrastructure, mechanical systems and safety and accessibility standards. Mike Powers The pool house will also undergo extensive renovations, including new bathrooms, showers and HVAC system. This renovation will make sure everything is ADA compliant and modern, Sanchez said. It will include things like emergency lighting, carbon monoxide sensors, exhaust fans with humidity controls, upgrades to the pool equipment room and chemical storage area. A lot of this, people arent going to see but its for safety. The district is footing 100 percent of the bill, something Sanchez said would never have been recommended to the board unless there would be no impact to the classroom. Like I said at the board meeting, if we couldnt do this without impacting classrooms, we wouldnt do it, no matter how unpopular that decision would be, he said. Ad The superintendent anticipates criticism about the project, with people questioning why the money wasnt being used for something like raises for teachers. I understand that. Wed all like a raise. If we take that same $2 million and five pay increases, then we need to be able to maintain that recurring cost year after year. This is a one-time cost, Sanchez said. This is a long-term investment that should keep the pool in good shape for the next 20 to 30 years. At that point, the superintendent can determine if they can afford it. It will be the kids using the pool now that will be part of the community and say, Do we need it or not? While Sanchez hopes to see the renovations begin in the spring of 2026, there are still hurdles and hoops to clear before work can begin. Even though the district is self-funding the project and not relying on state funding, the Public Education Department needs to approve the use of the districts cash balance for the project, the superintendent said. If that happens, the Public School Finance Authority still has to approve the plans. Belen Board of Education discusses future, major repairs of outdoor pool Once PSFA approves the plans, then they go to the state construction industry division for permitting, Sanchez said. Even before that, the district has to create and release a request for proposal to solicit companies that can do the work. The RFP has to be open for 45 days before a committee evaluates and scores the proposals. Once a contractor is selected, the start of the work may hinge on when that contractor has availability, the superintendent said. My understanding is there are very few contractors in the state of New Mexico who put in commercial pools, so their availability will determine some of this, he said. We could get interest from out-of-state companies, but is it worth enough to them to travel? There may be aspects (of procurement) we can expedite, but we cant break procurement law. As a public entity, we have rules we have to follow that private entities probably dont have to in order to erect or construct or remodel something, Sanchez said. For instance, we have to have architectural plans done first. If everything goes smoothly, Sanchez said hes optimistically envisioning the project beginning in early March, 2026. Depending on what they run into, it could be a four to six month project and maybe we can open for the end of the (2026) season, but its very possible we wont be open until 2027, he said. In the long term, this is great news, but the community may have to be gracious and recognize in order to bring this community asset up to speed and provide longevity, it may mean we dont have it for the short term. Sanchez did say he didnt see any reason the indoor natatorium wouldnt be available for use during the renovations. Currently, the natatorium and outdoor pool at BHS is the only publicly-available swimming facility in the county. In early 2019, Los Lunas Schools permanently closed its outdoor pool and later demolished the facility. That pool was built in 1983 and the district said it was too costly to repair. In late 2023, the village of Los Lunas began planning for an aquatic center at Daniel Fernandez Memorial Park, estimated to cost $20 million or more. MEADOW LAKE An investigation into the death of a 1-month-old infant is continuing, with local law enforcement saying the initial investigation shows no signs of foul play. The preliminary results (of the autopsy) did not reveal signs of abuse, and no criminal charges have been filed at this time, Valencia County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Lt. Joseph Rowland wrote in a press release issued Tuesday, Sept. 2. At about 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 28, a 911 call came into the Valencia Regional Emergency Communication Center reporting a family in distress and in need of medical assistance. Not long after, a second 911 call was made from the Meadow Lake Fire Station, reporting an unresponsive infant who was not breathing had been brought to the station. In a press release issued on Friday, Aug. 29, Rowland said medical personnel at the fire station began life-saving measures immediately, but were unsuccessful. The Office of the Medical Investigator was notified and responded to the scene. During the investigation, the home where the original 911 call came from was located and crime scenes were established there and at the fire station. Both locations were thoroughly processed throughout the day, Rowland wrote in the press release. Individuals involved were interviewed and extremely cooperative with detectives. The initial investigative steps have not shown any signs of foul play, he continued in the press release. In a press release issued Tuesday, Sept. 2, Rowland said investigators are awaiting the final autopsy report from OMI, which will include toxicology and other findings. The cause of death is pending the final OMI report. During an interview on Aug. 28, Rowland said there were rumors a firearm was involved in the childs death, but he confirmed a gun was not involved or relevant to the death. The Valencia County Sheriffs Office extends our deepest condolences to the family and all who have been impacted by this tragic loss, the press release says. We remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation and will provide updates as information becomes available. Valencia County Fire Department chaplains responded to the incident and remain available to community members seeking support. The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a public health order to help ensure all New Mexicans can access the COVID-19 vaccine. The order comes in response to some pharmacies announcing they cannot administer the vaccine in New Mexico unless recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an advisory group to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has yet to convene and act on the matter. The order directs the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) to work with New Mexicos Board of Pharmacy to remove potential barriers and ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies across the state. This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the updated COVID-19 vaccine formulations, although with a narrower range than prior seasons. The state expects the updated COVID-19 vaccine to start arriving in New Mexico within the next few weeks. Its important for New Mexicans to know the New Mexico Department of Health is committed to keeping residents safe as we enter the 2025-26 respiratory virus season, said Health Secretary Gina DeBlassie. This order will remove obstacles to vaccination access. There are no issues with pharmacies administering the influenza vaccine in the state as the ACIP has recommended that vaccine for persons aged six months and older. Available on-demand, in abundance and containing multiple biomarkers, sweat is an increasingly appealing medium for monitoring health, according to researchers at Penn State. But not everyone - especially critically ill patients - can build up enough sweat to provide a robust enough sample for current analysis techniques. That may no longer be an issue, thanks to the team at Penn State that has developed a novel wearable sensor capable of continuously monitoring low rates of perspiration for the presence of a lactate - a molecule the body uses to break down sugars for energy. This biomarker can indicate oxygen starvation in the body's tissues, which is a key performance indicator for athletes as well as a potential sign of serious conditions such as sepsis or organ failure. The researchers published their approach in the journal Small. They reported that their device, for which they filed a patent, sits on the surface of the skin like a band-aid and can collect up to 10 times the amount of sweat from low-intensity activities like walking, or even laying down or answering emails, compared to other wearable sweat sensors. Sweat offers a source of biomarkers we can monitor via non-invasive systems in near-real time for how the body is performing during exercise or to monitor or manage various health conditions. The challenge is figuring out how to collect sweat when the person isn't sweating that much, and we solved that challenge by engineering a platform with granular hydrogels, developed by Professor Amir Sheikhi's research group, capable of collecting sweat even in low-intensity conditions, like checking emails or laying down." Farnaz Lorestani, co-corresponding author, assistant research professor of engineering science and mechanics at Penn State Sheikhi, the Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Early Career Chair in Biomaterials and Regenerative Engineering and associate professor of chemical engineering at Penn State, is co-corresponding author on this paper. Under low-intensity conditions, Lorestani said, most people sweat from 10 to 100 nanoliters per minute per square centimeter of skin - significantly smaller than the liquid in a tear drop. Conventional monitoring devices use a hydrogel - a matrix of molecules called polymers combined with water to absorb and filter samples - to uptake the sample and process it through a laser-induced graphene (LIG) sensor. LIG involves using a laser to convert carbon dioxide into specific patterns of atomically thin carbon layers called graphene, which is highly sensitive and can be outfitted with detectors to accurately identify biomolecules. The issue, according to Lorestani, is that this approach fails with small sweat samples since liquid is lost during the uptake process. To solve this issue, the researchers made two key changes. First, instead of the typical hydrogel, they used a granular hydrogel scaffold, comprising jammed microscale hydrogel particles called microgels that are interlinked to each other. This technology builds on Sheikhi's prior work on protein-based granular biomaterials for tissue engineering and regeneration. For the second change, the researchers situated the scaffold to feed into microfluidic chamber made by patterning LIG in a compact spiral, the design of which increases surface area to improve fluid transport and minimize sweat loss. The scaffold sits on the skin, attached by a skin-safe adhesive, where it collects sweat from the skin's surface. That sweat is absorbed by the granular hydrogel, which transports it to the microfluidic chamber, where it travels to the sensor that can identify lactate. "We hypothesized that the porous medium in the granular hydrogel scaffold increases absorption capacity when compared with previously used hydrogel materials," Lorestani said. She explained that this is likely due to the tiny void spaces between the granular spheres, which enable capillary-driven fluid uptake - the same phenomenon that wicks water from a plant's roots up its stem. "The compact coil-shaped microfluidic channel design also contributes to accuracy and sensitivity." Critically, Lorestani said, they also designed the device - about the size of a standard band-aid and made with cost-effective materials - to be comfortable, with an almost "skin-like" feel. The team tested their design by applying the flexible sensor to individuals and monitoring them in various conditions, from sedentary office work to daily activities to riding a stationary bike. Across conditions, the researchers found that the device could absorb enough sweat to accurately identify the presence of lactate within two hours. "The proof-of-concept demonstration features a cost-effective, sensitive and versatile flexible sensing platform for early biomarker detection, where sweat production is minimal or sporadic, such as at rest or during mild physical activities," Lorestani said, explaining that the platform could be adapted to detect other biomarkers by changing the sensor from one for lactate to another. "Overall, our goal is to build a healthier society by making non-invasive, continuous, personalized health monitoring more accessible to everyone - and this work is a step in that direction." Other contributors include co-first author Xianzhe Zhang, doctoral student in engineering science and mechanics; Zaman Ataie, doctoral candidate in chemical engineering; Alexander Kedzierski, graduate student in biomedical engineering; Yushen Liu, graduate student in engineering science and mechanic; Aaron Lopez, undergraduate student majoring in chemical engineering; Ankan Dutta, doctoral student in engineering science and mechanic; Kyle Kacala, graduate student in engineering science and mechanic; Zhenyuan Niu, who graduated from Penn State in 2023 and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Purdue University; and co-corresponding author Huanyu "Larry" Cheng, the James L. Henderson, Jr. Memorial Associate Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics. Lopez is also affiliated with Tecnun Universidad de Navarra in Spain; Dutta with the Penn State Center for Neural Engineering; Sheikhi with Penn State's Departments of Biomedical Engineering, of Chemistry and of Neurosurgery and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences; and Cheng with Penn State's Department of Biomedical Engineering. This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. National Science Foundation and Penn State via the Leighton Riess Graduate Fellowship; the Diefenderfer Graduate Fellowship in Entrepreneurship; the Convergence Center for Living Multifunctional Material Systems; the Cluster of Excellence Living, Adaptive and Energy-autonomous Materials Systems Living Multifunctional Materials Collaborative Research Seed Grant Program; the Materials Research Institute; and the College of Engineering Materials Matter at the Human Level seed grant program. After losing 50 pounds on the injectable weight loss medication Zepbound, Kyra Wensley received a surprising letter from her pharmacy benefit manager in April. Her request for coverage had been denied, the letter said, because she'd had a body mass index of less than 35 when she started Zepbound. The 25-year-old who lives in New York had been taking Zepbound without incident for months, so she was confused: Why was her BMI, which had been around 32 when she started, becoming an issue only now? Wensley had no interest in quitting an effective drug. "Going right off like that, it's easier said than done," she said. Her doctor fought to keep her on the GLP-1 agonist, the category that includes weight loss and Type 2 diabetes drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. But Wensley ultimately had to switch from Zepbound to Wegovy to meet her plan's requirements. She said she doesn't like Wegovy as much as her old medication, but she now feels lucky to be on any GLP-1. Lots of research suggests such medications must be used indefinitely to maintain weight loss and related health benefits. But with list prices of roughly $1,000 a month, public and private payers are struggling to keep up with ballooning demand for GLP-1 weight loss drugs and in some cases are eliminating or restricting their coverage as a result. North Carolina Medicaid plans to end GLP-1 coverage for weight loss on Oct. 1, just over a year after starting the coverage. Pennsylvania is planning to limit Medicaid coverage to beneficiaries at the highest risk of complications from obesity. And despite recent reports of a potential federal pilot program to extend coverage of GLP-1 obesity drugs under Medicaid and Medicare, all state Medicaid programs are likely to be under pressure due to steep spending cuts in the budget reconciliation package recently signed into law by President Donald Trump. Already, many GLP-1 users quit within a year, studies suggest often due to side effects, high costs, or insurance issues. Now a growing number of researchers, payers, and providers are exploring deliberate "deprescription," which aims to taper some patients off their medication after they have taken it for a certain amount of time or lost a certain amount of weight. The U.K.'s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which creates guidance for the National Health Service, recommends two-year limits on the use of some weight loss medications, such as Wegovy. And the concept was raised in a recent Institute for Clinical and Economic Review report on affordable access to obesity drugs. A. Mark Fendrick, who directs the Center for Value-Based Insurance Design at the University of Michigan, has argued that if some people using GLP-1s to lose weight were eventually transitioned off, more people could take advantage of them. "If you're going to spend $1 billion or $100 billion, you could either spend it on fewer people for a long period of time, or you can spend it on a lot more people for a shorter period of time," he said. Fendrick's employer, the University of Michigan, indeed does that. Its prescription drug plan caps coverage of GLP-1 drugs at two years if they're used solely for weight loss. Jamie Bennett, a spokesperson for Wegovy and Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk, declined to comment on the concept of deprescription, noting that its drugs are intended for chronic conditions. Rachel Sorvig, a spokesperson for Zepbound and Mounjaro manufacturer Eli Lilly, said in a statement that users should "talk to their health care provider about dosage and duration needs." Studies have shown that people typically regain a substantial amount of weight within a year of stopping GLP-1 medications, and that many people who quit ultimately go back on the drugs. "There's no standard of care or gold standard on how to wean right now," said Allison Adams, an obesity and internal medicine doctor with UK HealthCare in Kentucky. But the math shows why time-limited coverage is appealing to payers that struggle to pay for beneficiaries' GLP-1 prescriptions, said Michelle Gourdine, chief medical officer for the pharmacy benefit manager CVS Caremark. And states are "between a rock and a hard place," said Kody Kinsley, who until January led North Carolina's Health and Human Services Department. "They're going to have to look at every single thing and trim dollars everywhere they can." Pennsylvania was looking for cost-saving strategies even before the new federal tax-and-spending law, according to Brandon Cwalina, press secretary for the state's Department of Human Services. Pennsylvania projects it will spend $1.3 billion on GLP-1 drugs this year. Plans could see real savings, Fendrick said, if they covered GLP-1s for initial weight loss then moved people to cheaper options such as more affordable drugs or behavioral health programs to maintain it. Plenty of companies are eager to sell insurers, employers, and individuals on behavioral alternatives. One is Virta Health, which advertises its nutrition-focused weight management program as "a proven approach for deprescribing GLP-1s when clinically appropriate." A Virta-funded study assessed 154 people with Type 2 diabetes who stopped using GLP-1 medications but continued following Virta's program, concluding that their weight did not significantly increase after a year. Researchers affiliated with a European weight management company also recently reported that slowly tapering off the medications may help maintain weight loss. For employers and insurers, the "initial question" was whether to cover GLP-1s for obesity, said Virta CEO Sami Inkinen. "Now, basically, everyone's coming to the middle and asking, 'How do we responsibly cover these drugs?'" Part of responsible coverage, Inkinen said, is providing other forms of support to patients who stop using GLP-1 medications, by choice or otherwise. For some people, however, maintaining weight loss without a GLP-1 remains a challenge, even with other options available. Lily, who lives in Michigan, lost almost 80 pounds in roughly 18 months on Wegovy. But she had to quit the drug when she turned 26 and left her parents' insurance plan this year. The plan her employer offers stopped covering GLP-1s for weight loss right around the time she joined. Lily, who asked to be identified by only her first name because she is not out to her family as transgender, has tried other medications since then, and previously tried lifestyle programs to control her weight. But she said nothing works as well for her as Wegovy. She has regained 20 pounds since going off the drug at the beginning of the year and worries that number will continue to rise, potentially contributing to future health problems. "Just give people the drugs," she said. "It seems cheaper and safer in the long run." Imagine a child with eczema who scratches a patch of irritated skin. A tiny opening forms, invisible to the eye. Into that breach slips a common bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus. For many people, the bacteria would remain harmless. But in someone with a weakened skin barrier, the microbe can cling tightly, multiply, and trigger an infection that is difficult to control. In severe cases, staph spreads beyond the skin and becomes life-threatening. Resistant strains such as MRSA turn what should be a treatable infection into a medical nightmare, one that claims tens of thousands of lives each year in the United States alone. The question that has puzzled researchers for years is why staph bacteria cling so tenaciously to human skin. A new study, co-led by Auburn University's Department of Physics alongside scientists in Belgium and the United Kingdom, has uncovered the answer. Published in Science Advances, the research shows that staph locks onto human skin with the strongest biological grip ever measured, stronger than superglue and nearly unmatched in nature. At the center of this discovery is a bacterial protein called SdrD, which the pathogen uses like a grappling hook to attach itself to a human protein called desmoglein-1. The bond between the two is unlike anything seen before. It withstands forces so powerful that they rival the strength of some chemical bonds. This helps explain why staph bacteria remain attached to the skin even after scratching, washing, or sweating. "It is the strongest non-covalent protein-protein bond ever reported," says Rafael Bernardi, Associate Professor of Physics at Auburn University and one of the senior authors. "This is what makes staph so persistent, and it helps us understand why these infections are so difficult to get rid of." The study also revealed that calcium, an element better known for strengthening bones, plays a key role in fortifying this bacterial grip. When calcium levels were reduced in laboratory experiments, the bond between SdrD and desmoglein-1 weakened significantly. When calcium was added back, the bond became even stronger. This finding is particularly relevant for patients with eczema, where calcium balance in the skin is disrupted. Instead of protecting the skin, these irregular levels may actually make staph's grip tighter. We were surprised to see how much calcium contributed to the strength of this interaction. It not only stabilized the bacterial protein, it made the whole complex much more resistant to breaking." Priscila Gomes, researcher in Auburn's Department of Physics and co-author of the study To uncover these details, the team combined single-molecule experiments with advanced computational simulations. Using atomic force microscopy, researchers in Europe measured the force of a single staph bacterium attaching to human skin proteins. Meanwhile, Auburn physicists modeled the interaction atom by atom on powerful supercomputers. The two approaches converged on the same remarkable conclusion: SdrD's grip on desmoglein-1 is stronger than any other protein bond known in biology. This discovery opens the door to new strategies for combating antibiotic-resistant infections. Instead of trying to kill bacteria directly, which often drives the evolution of resistance, scientists could design therapies that block or weaken bacterial adhesion. If staph cannot cling to the skin, the immune system has a better chance of clearing it before infection takes hold. "By targeting adhesion, we are looking at a completely different way to fight bacterial infections," Bernardi says. "We are not trying to destroy the bacteria, but to stop them from latching on in the first place." For the Department of Physics at Auburn University, the study highlights the growing role of biophysics in addressing urgent problems in human health. By combining physical measurements, biological insights, and international teamwork, the researchers have solved a long-standing mystery of staph pathogenesis and uncovered a potential weakness that could be exploited in future therapies. As Gomes reflects, "This project shows how much can be achieved when different fields and different countries come together to answer questions that none of us could solve alone." The discovery of the strongest protein bond in nature not only sets a new benchmark in biophysics but also provides a fresh perspective on how to outsmart one of the most stubborn pathogens in medicine. When Sally Nix found out that her health insurance company wouldn't pay for an expensive, doctor-recommended treatment to ease her neurological pain, she prepared for battle. It took years, a chain of conflicting decisions, and a health insurer switch before she finally won approval. She started treatment in January and now channels time and energy into helping other patients fight denials. "One of the things I tell people when they come to me is: 'Don't panic. This isn't a final no,'" said Nix, 55, of Statesville, North Carolina. To control costs, nearly all health insurers use a system called prior authorization, which requires patients or their providers to seek approval before they can get certain procedures, tests, and prescriptions. Denials can be appealed, but nearly half of insured adults who received a prior authorization denial in the past two years reported the appeals process was either somewhat or very difficult, according to a July poll published by KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. Its overwhelming by design," because insurers know confusion and fatigue cause people to give up, Nix said. "That's exactly what they want you to do." The good news is you don't have to be an insurance expert to get results, she said. "You just need to know how to push back." Here are tips to consider when faced with a prior authorization denial: 1. Know your insurance plan. Do you have insurance through your job? A plan purchased through healthcare.gov? Medicare? Medicare Advantage? Medicaid? These distinctions can be confusing, but they matter a great deal. Different categories of health insurance are governed by different agencies and are therefore subject to different prior authorization rules. For example, federal marketplace plans, as well as Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, are regulated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Employer-sponsored plans are regulated by the Department of Labor. Medicaid plans, administered by state agencies, are subject to both state and federal rules. Learn the language specific to your policy. Health insurance companies do not apply prior authorization requirements uniformly across all plans. Read your policy closely to make sure your insurer is following its own rules, as well as regulations set by the state and federal government. 2. Work with your provider to appeal. Kathleen Lavanchy, who retired in 2024 from a job at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital in the Philadelphia area, spent much of her career communicating with health insurance companies on behalf of patients. Before you contact your health insurer, call your provider, Lavanchy said, and ask to speak to a medical care manager or someone in the office who handles prior authorization appeals. The good news is that your doctor's office may already be working on an appeal. Medical staffers can act as "your voice," Nix said. "They know all the language." You or your provider can request a "peer-to-peer review during the appeals process, which allows your doctor to discuss your case over the phone with a medical professional who works for the insurance company. 3. Be organized. Many hospitals and doctors use a system called MyChart to organize medical records, test results, and communications so that they are easily accessible. Similarly, patients should keep track of all materials related to an insurance appeal records of phone calls, emails, snail mail, and in-app messages. Everything should be organized, either digitally or on paper, so that it can be easily referenced, Nix said. At one point, she said, her own records proved that her insurance company had given conflicting information. The records were "the thing that saved me," she said. Keep an amazing paper trail," she said. "Every call, every letter, every name." Linda Jorgensen, executive director of the Special Needs Resource Project, a nonprofit offering online resources for patients with disabilities and their families, has advised patients who are fighting a denial to specifically keep paper copies of everything. "If it isn't on paper, it didn't happen," she said. Jorgensen, who serves as a caregiver to an adult daughter with special needs, created a free form you can print to help guide you when taking notes during phone calls with your insurance company. She advised asking the insurance representative for a "ticket number" and their name before proceeding with the conversation. 4. Appeal as soon as possible. The silver lining is that most denials, if appealed, are overturned. Medicare Advantage data published by KFF in January found that nearly 82% of prior authorization denials from 2019 through 2023 were partially or fully overturned upon appeal. But the clock is ticking. Most health plans give you only six months to appeal the decision, according to rules laid out in the Affordable Care Act. "Don't dillydally," Jorgensen advised, especially if you're sending a paper appeal, or any supporting documents, through the U.S. Postal Service. She recommends filing quickly, and at least four weeks before the deadline. For the sake of speed, some people are turning to artificial intelligence for help crafting customizable appeal letters. 5. Ask your HR department for help. If you get your health insurance through an employer, theres a good chance your health plan is "self-funded" or "self-insured." That means your employer contracts with a health insurance company to administer benefits, but your employer shoulders the cost of your care. Why does that matter? Under self-funded plans, decisions about what is or isn't covered ultimately rest with your employer. Let's say, for example, your doctor has recommended that you undergo surgery, and your insurer has denied prior authorization for it, deeming the procedure "not medically necessary," a phrase commonly used. If your plan is self-funded, you can appeal to the human resources department at your job, because your employer is on the hook for your health care costs not the insurer. Of course, theres no guarantee your employer will agree to pay. But, at the very least, it's worth reaching out for help. 6. Find an advocate. Many states operate free consumer assistance programs, available by phone or email, which can help you file an appeal. They can explain your benefits and may intervene if your insurance company isn't complying with requirements. Beyond that, some nonprofit advocacy groups, such as the Patient Advocate Foundation, might help. On the foundation's website is guidance about what to include in an appeal letter. For those battling severe disease, foundation staffers can work with you one-on-one to fight a denial. 7. Make noise. We've written about this before. Sometimes, when patients and doctors shame insurers online, denials get overturned. The same holds when patients contact lawmakers. State laws regulate some categories of health insurance, and when it comes to setting policy, state lawmakers have the power to hold insurance companies accountable. Reaching out to your legislator isn't guaranteed to work, but it might be worth a shot. A protein particle hidden within the SARS-CoV-2 virus could lead to longer-lasting, more protective vaccines for COVID-19. Scientists from La Trobe University and Kumamoto University in Japan have discovered that the body's immune system strongly reacts to an internal protein from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, which mutates less frequently than the surface-spike protein currently targeted by vaccines. New research published in Nature Communications shows that these protein particles, known as peptides, appear on the surface of infected cells via an immune molecule called HLA-C, which killer T cells then use to identify and eliminate infection. La Trobe University lead researcher Distinguished Professor Stephanie Gras, Deputy Director of the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), said the discovery could open the way for the development of new vaccines and treatments that offered protection across multiple strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Currently, vaccines target the spike proteins that decorate the surface of the virus but they mutate frequently as they are constantly under pressure by our immune cells, which means we might need a new vaccine for each new variant. We found that the killer T cells, which also fight infection, can be activated by a protein that forms a part of the shell that protects the virus's genetic material, like the yolk of an egg. Because this protein is inside the virus, it mutates much less frequently knowledge which could guide the development of vaccines and therapeutics that are still effective as the virus evolves." Stephanie Gras, Deputy Director of the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) Professor Gras said the development of a longer-lasting vaccine could mean that people would need fewer booster vaccines to fight COVID, and help protect against the development of Long COVID. "The more people get vaccinated, the more we're protecting the population, which helps to reduce the virus's death toll and the impact of the infection itself," Professor Gras said. "But there is more than just COVID we now know that about 10 per cent of the population is impacted by Long COVID and the more you catch the virus, the more likely you can develop Long COVID." Professor Gras, Dr Demetra Chatzileontiadou, Dr Janesha Maddumage, and PhD candidate You Min Ahn led the research team at LIMS and La Trobe University's School of Biomedicine, Agriculture and Environment (SABE). It was funded through Professor Gras's National Health and Medical Research Centre (NHMRC) Leadership Investigator Grant (L2) and her Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant to investigate COVID. The research was done in collaboration with Associate Professor Chihiro Motozono and Yoshihiko Goto from the Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection at Kumamoto University in Japan, with data collection by the Australian Synchrotron. Professor Gras will also lead a new research centre at La Trobe University which aims to uncover the cause of Long COVID and other life-limiting post-viral infections such as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The Post-Acute Viral Infection diseases Group (PAVING) Centre of Research Excellence has received $3 million in Federal funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Nearly six decades after its invention, the design of the computer mouse has remained largely unchanged - with serious consequences for users. A new study led by Jose Berengueres, Associate Professor at the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences of Nazarbayev University (NU), Kazakhstan, together with Tony Yu from the University of Melbourne, emphasizes the urgent need for ergonomic redesigns that better fit the human hand and prevent long-term injury. Key findings: nearly 20% of users suffer from chronic disorders related to mouse use. Tests with students at KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden) revealed high levels of discomfort, especially among gamers under 30. Professor Berengueres tested two prototypes: Fleximouse - a squeezable mesh-body device that encouraged a natural palmar grasp. A-frame hinge mouse - developed with Tony Yu, University of Melbourne, offering vertical orientation, fewer moving parts, and lower production cost. A critical insight emerged: fit matters. Even a 1 cm difference in hand size strongly affected comfort and usability. With new tools such as 3D printing, flexible electronics, and advanced materials, researchers see an opportunity to finally re-engineer one of the most widely used digital tools. The mouse is long overdue for reinvention. Done right, it could make computing healthier and more comfortable for millions." Jose Berengueres, Associate Professor, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University (NU), Kazakhstan Why it matters Repetitive strain injuries are a growing concern worldwide, especially for young people who spend long hours at computers or gaming. Healthier device design could improve wellbeing, reduce medical costs, and boost productivity across industries. What is next With 3D printing, flexible electronics, and advanced materials, researchers see an opportunity to create customizable mice that adapt to hand size and movement. "The mouse is long overdue for reinvention," says Prof. Berengueres. "Done right, it could make computing healthier and more comfortable for millions." A research team at the Medical University of South Carolina reports in Cells that the complement system, part of the body's natural immune defenses, is a key driver of inflammatory responses that contribute to fetal brain inflammation and preterm birth, the latter of which is the leading cause of complications and death in newborns. The study, led by Eliza McElwee, M.D., an assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, focuses on finding the root cause of preterm birth itself, rather than just treating the complications left in its wake. A major health concern Preterm birth, or delivery before 37 weeks, affects about 12% of pregnancies in the U.S. and is linked to serious complications, such as brain hemorrhage, cerebral palsy, sepsis and death. South Carolina ranks fifth in the nation for preterm deliveries, highlighting a significant public health concern for the Lowcountry. A few options are available to mitigate preterm birth once it has already begun. "We have some strategies and medications that have a goal of stopping preterm labor after it's happening," McElwee explained. However, there are limited therapies that prevent preterm birth by addressing its root cause. "As a result, rates of preterm delivery remain high in the U.S." Looking for root causes Previous studies have shown a link between inflammation brought on by infection in the amniotic fluid and preterm birth, but the source of the inflammation remained unknown. Using a well-studied animal model, McElwee and her team set out to pinpoint what causes the inflammation associated with preterm birth. They focused on the complement system, an area of expertise for Stephen Tomlinson, Ph.D., professor of Pharmacology and Immunology, whose lab supported the study. Often referred to simply as complement, this group of proteins in the blood helps to defend the body against infection and plays an important role in immunity. When activated, complement enlists leukocytes - white blood cells - to respond. These cells create and sustain inflammation, which can lead to weakening of the cervix. The cervix can be thought of as the gateway of the pregnancy, keeping the baby safely inside until birth, when it thins and dilates to allow the baby's passage. When weakened by inflammation, the cervix can't guard the gates effectively, leading to the baby being delivered prematurely. To investigate complement's role in preterm birth, researchers used a mouse model that simulates a uterine infection-induced inflammation in pregnant women. They found increased complement activation and leukocyte infiltration in the cervix as early as one hour after inducing inflammation, with a marked rise at nine hours, and that these immune changes were associated with preterm delivery. Team member Devin Hatchell, a trainee in the South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute's TL1 predoctoral training program, helped to perform these experiments and analyze the data. The results strongly support the team's theory that complement is a key factor in preterm birth. "We found that complement activation is increased in inflammatory-mediated preterm birth," explained McElwee. "I am never surprised to find that complement plays a significant role in a disease process," Tomlinson said. Setting the stage for potential new therapies The team then went a step further - showing that these changes could be prevented in this animal model by administering a drug called a complement inhibitor, which blocks complement activation and limits its ability to recruit leukocytes. Compared to mice receiving a placebo, pregnant mice induced for preterm birth and treated with the complement inhibitor saw reduced inflammation in both the maternal uterus and the fetal brain. This treatment also reduced leukocyte infiltration and decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with fetal brain inflammation. Pregnant mice treated with the complement inhibitor carried their babies longer and gave birth to more viable offspring. The hope is that these findings could provide the scientific groundwork for a new therapeutic approach. By targeting complement with a complement inhibitor, we could decrease rates of preterm birth and reduce fetal neural inflammation." Eliza McElwee, M.D., Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MUSC Hatchell, whose research before joining the McElwee team focused on developing therapies to reduce brain hemorrhages in premature babies, says what stood out most for him about the results is the possibility of using complement inhibitors in mothers as a preventive therapy. "All the therapy was given to the mother," he said. "This suggests that we can take care of the mother as well as take care of the offspring at the same time." In other words, treating mothers during pregnancy with complement inhibitors could stop preterm birth before it happens and prevent serious complications for both mother and child. "Healthy pregnancies mean healthy babies," McElwee added. Several drugs that block complement are in clinical trials, including one with a similar mechanism of action to the mouse complement inhibitor used in the study. However, very few have been approved for medical use - and none is approved for preventing preterm birth or fetal brain inflammation. Still, this study's findings offer hope for future treatments of preterm birth and beyond. "This study by Dr. McElwee certainly paves the way for expanding the investigation of complement inhibitors as potential therapies for infection-induced preterm birth, and it is noteworthy that many new complement inhibitors are in clinical development," said Tomlinson. Kelli Lehto, Associate Professor of Neuropsychiatric Genomics at the University of Tartu, is leading a prestigious European Research Council (ERC) grant project that brings together genetics, psychology, and data science to investigate the causes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and enhance diagnostic methods. ADHD is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental condition, which has been primarily diagnosed in children and is characterised by impulsivity, hyperactivity and attention problems. Recently, an increasing number of adults are being diagnosed with ADHD. According to data from the Estonian Biobank over the past five years, the number of ADHD diagnosed among adults has multiplied. This trend is also confirmed by international studies. According to Lehto, the rapid increase in the number of diagnoses suggests that symptoms characteristic of ADHD such as restlessness and difficulties with concentration, planning, and completing tasks are affecting a growing number of adults. While ADHD has been thoroughly studied in children, the causes and mechanisms behind the increasingly common adult ADHD remain unknown. The situation is further complicated by the fact that, in adults, ADHD symptoms often significantly overlap with those of many other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. These problems can also arise due to environmental factors like fatigue and stress. "However, existing data suggest that ADHD is associated with a large number of specific gene variants, which are not yet used in diagnosis but could prove to be very helpful," Lehto explained, referring to the issue that inspired her research project. Genetics related to ADHD Over the next five years, Lehto's research group plans to investigate the causes of adult ADHD-related issues using genetic data alongside environmental and lifestyle information, including data on the use of smart devices. In addition to the University of Tartu Estonian Biobank, the analysis will also draw on data from biobanks in Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The study will focus on the genetics of ADHD symptoms to determine which traits are most strongly linked to ADHD genetically, and which may stem from other factors. Lehto acknowledges that the tools currently available to doctors do not allow for sufficiently accurate differentiation between mental health conditions. Currently, no diagnostic biomarkers are used in psychiatry. All diagnoses are still based primarily on what the patient reports." Kelli Lehto, Associate Professor of Neuropsychiatric Genomics, University of Tartu More accurate diagnostic methods The ultimate goal of the project is to develop an innovative tool for more precise identification of adult ADHD. Using machine learning methods, the team will analyse questionnaire data on hundreds of mental health symptoms, lifestyle and personality traits to identify clusters of symptoms that are strongly associated with genetic risk for ADHD. Based on these findings, the research group aims to create a more accurate screening questionnaire that could help diagnose adult ADHD without the need for costly genetic testing. "This is where the innovation of our project lies. The result will be a novel biology-based assessment tool that will hopefully make it possible to more accurately identify adults who were not diagnosed with ADHD in childhood and who can finally receive the appropriate treatment for their lifelong problems. Even more importantly, this approach could also help to better identify other mental health conditions that are currently difficult to distinguish," Lehto explained. The research project has a budget of nearly 1.5 million, funded by the European Commission. European Research Council grants are among the most prestigious in the scientific world. The competition attracted over 3,928 proposals,12% of which were funded. Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty attend screening of The Bengal Files Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 23:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 4 (ANI): A special screening of the film The Bengal Files was organised on Thursday in Mumbai. From Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty to Darshan Kumar, many came together for the screening of Vivek Agnihotris directorial The Bengal Files. The film, directed by Vivek Agnihotri and produced by Pallavi Joshi and Abhishek Agarwal, is set to release on Friday. However, it is facing problems with the release in West Bengal. Prior to the screening, the makers held a press conference, claiming that theatre owners in Bengal were being threatened by the police". Earlier in the day, Pallavi Joshi penned a letter to President Droupadi Murmu and requested her to intervene in this matter" for the uninterrupted release of the film, The Bengal Files.Pallavi spoke to ANI about the reason behind writing the letter, saying, Our film is not releasing in Bengal. And obviously, when the name of the film is The Bengal Files, a film is being made on Maa Bharati, so it is very important for it to be released in Bengal. And when all the doors were closed for us, this was the only way, so I wrote a letter to the President as a woman. I have requested her to intervene in this matter, so that our film can be released in Bengal in a peaceful manner."In an open letter, Joshi alleges that the film faces an unofficial ban" in West Bengal, with the theatre owners refusing to screen the movie due to alleged intimidation" and threat" by the states ruling party workers.Pallavi added that she doesnt want to talk about the threat as they are focusing on the release of the film, however, she shared, The theatre owners in Bengal are telling us, that they have been informed by the police, that if the film is released in their theatres, there will be consequences." (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 04, 2025, 23:45 IST News agency-feeds Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty attend screening of The Bengal Files Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bengal: TMC MLA Jafikul Islam dead Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 21:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Kolkata, Sep 5 (PTI) Jafikul Islam, Trinamool Congress MLA from Domkal in West Bengals Murshidabad district, died at a private hospital here on Thursday. He was 49. TMC MP Abu Taher confirmed the news and said Islam had been battling cancer for over two years. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories The first-time legislator was admitted to a super specialty hospital off EM Bypass last month, where his condition reportedly deteriorated in the past few days. Islam, who won the 2021 Assembly polls for the first time by defeating his nearest rival CPI(M) candidate Mostafizur Rahman by 47,000 votes, was also a businessman in the area having set up BEd colleges in his constituency in the district. PTI SUS MNB Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 04, 2025, 21:30 IST News agency-feeds Bengal: TMC MLA Jafikul Islam 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... Chicago prepares for influx of National Guard troops, immigration agents Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 05:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Chicago, Sep 4 (AP) Chicago community leaders forged ahead Wednesday with preparations for the influx of National Guard troops and immigration agents the city is expecting, advising residents about their rights and organizing protests with fresh urgency. Details about the operation are scant, but President Donald Trump has amped up the rhetoric about crime in the nations third-largest city, saying an immigration crackdown and National Guard deployment are planned despite the objections of local leaders and a federal court ruling that a similar deployment in Los Angeles was illegal. Recommended Stories The preparations seem familiar in the Democratic stronghold thats often found itself in Trumps crosshairs. Still, leaders of schools, churches and community groups particularly in the citys immigrant enclaves and Black and Latino neighborhoods say theres increased gravity and coordination in preparing for the expected troop deployment and its accompanying deluge of attention. Heres how Chicago is preparing. Protesters say theyre ready Even without knowing what will unfold, Chicagos energetic activist networks circulated emergency protest" schedules, vowing to demonstrate within hours of federal intervention. Organizers from immigrant rights groups, unions, clergy and anti-violence organizations said theyre working together more than ever. We have a stronger broader movement preparing to mobilize," said Lawrence Benito, head of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. People still have to go about their lives. Were making sure folks are prepared and were ready to respond." Immigrant communities have been on high alert since Trump took office for the second time in January and kicked off a nationwide immigration enforcement operation in Chicago. Activists say theyve already offered countless know-your-rights training sessions and have added hours for a hotline where people can report immigration arrests. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson recently signed an executive order reiterating the citys longtime sanctuary policies, which bar local police from coordinating with federal immigration agents. Trumps plans for Chicago Trump signaled this week that hes ready to order federal authorities to mobilize and combat crime in Chicago despite the objections of Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Trump hasnt given a timeline for the Chicago operation, and he muddied the outlook again on Wednesday by suggesting New Orleans as the next possible location. Trumps administration indicated that it would soon expand immigration operations in Chicago, and the Department of Homeland Security requested limited logistical support at the Naval Station Great Lakes outside the city. The administration deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles over the summer and as part of his unprecedented law enforcement takeover in Washington, D.C., where he has direct legal control. His administration plans to appeal the California deployment ruling. Trump has often singled out Chicago and other Democrat-led cities. Recently, his administration started playing up the citys daily crime log, including using shootings over Labor Day weekend as justification for sending in troops. I want to go into Chicago and I have this incompetent governor," Trump said Wednesday. He and Pritzker have traded barbs for days about the issue. Pritzker, a two-term governor and frequent Trump critic, has been floated as a possible 2028 presidential contender. I cant live in a fantasy land where I pretend Trump is not tearing this country apart for personal greed and power," Pritzker posted Wednesday on X. At an event later in the day, he told reporters his office had not received any additional information from the federal government. There has been little outward support for Trumps plans in Chicago, with only a handful of Republicans and conservative leaders saying theyd welcome the intervention. Johnson and Pritzker have repeatedly pointed to the citys drop in crime, and asked for more federal funding for prevention programs instead. Echoing a trend in other major U.S. cities, Chicagos violent crime has dropped significantly overall, though it remains a persistent issue in parts of the city. A damper on Mexican Independence Day celebrations Chicago is home to a large and thriving Mexican community, and the threat of the troop deployment and immigration crackdown has put a damper on Mexican Independence Day celebrations planned over the next two weeks. Organizers acknowledged the threat of immigration arrests might keep some people at home, but theyre boosting security measures and inviting more allies. Its a similar tactic that activists tried for annual May Day protests, when fears about public gatherings were also high. Teresa Fraga, who is organizing an event in the citys heavily Mexican Pilsen neighborhood, said the event has hired more security, lawyers and neighborhood patrols. Its a dark cloud that is hanging over our heads," she said. But we are planning a safe event." Worries in Black neighborhoods Worries are also high in many of the citys Black neighborhoods, where organizations have been busy advising residents about what their rights are should they interact with law enforcement. Dozens of Black churches plan to take part in Resistance Sunday" this weekend, to disseminate information about legal rights during traffic stops and other encounters. We need resources, not troops," said the Rev. Marshall Hatch, a prominent civil rights activist. Were not interested in this charade of troops." Johnson and other Black mayors have called Trumps targeting of Democratic cities racist. And Trump has often used racist narratives about urban crime when talking about the unprecedented deployment of troops in the nations capital. The presidents threats to send federal troops to Chicago are a clear blatant attack on the Black community and the immigrant community," the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression said in a statement. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all City schools prepare Chicagos public school system suggested that families create phone trees to quickly share information and organize walk-to-school groups to provide safety in numbers." We know that the potential of increased federal presence is creating anxiety and fear about safety at school and safety within the broad community," Chicago Public Schools wrote in a letter to parents. Members of the Chicago Teachers Union planned to distribute materials at schools this week with tips on legal rights and creating a buddy system on the school commute. (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 04, 2025, 05:15 IST News agency-feeds Chicago prepares for influx of National Guard troops, immigration agents Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 must go live, says Justice Vikram Nath Last Updated: September 05, 2025, 02:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], September 5 (ANI): Supreme Court judge Justice Vikram Nath on Thursday launched the Mobile app of the Delhi High Court and suggested live streaming of court proceedings.Justice Vikram Nath said, Delhi High Court is not on live stream. It must go live. It is a premier institution. So that the general public can see the proceedings."Justice Vikram Nath was speaking at the Launch of Delhi High Court Mobile App, e-HRMS Portal for Judicial Officers, e-Office Pilot Project & Onboarding of MCD Appellate Tribunal/JJBs on e-Courts, Digital Preservation of Judicial Records.Delhi CM Rekha Gupta was also present at the occasion. She congratulated the Delhi High Court for its digitisation.I congratulate you for the way you are digitising the court using technology," CM Rekha Gupta said.She also stated that the court and the government are not separate entities. I have increased the budget of the court. I have kept Rs 200 crores for the hybrid court. I have decided to provide 4 law researchers for every judge. Their remuneration has been increased to Rs 80 thousand. The court will be connected to WiFi," she said.CM Rekha Gupta emphasised that the number of pending cases has decreased rapidly. The way pending cases have been reduced with the help of technology will accelerate further."She criticised previous governments and said that Delhi has been feeling backwards for a long time. Its people are not receiving the same rights as those in other states.There is pollution, mountains of garbage, traffic jams, pile of garbage, etc. No idea about the previous governments. We remove 30 thousand metric tons of garbage mountains daily. The work of cleaning the Yamuna is also being done rapidly. We are working fast," CM said.She added, I do not want it to be published in any newspaper tomorrow that the court reprimanded the government."During the event, Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, expressed his gratitude towards the Chief Minister. You tried to understand our problem and assist in this initiative. I thank you for that," said Chief Justice Upadhyaya. He also said that the court is a part of the State. There is nothing like pulling up. It is our endeavour to energise the other parts of the State," CJ Upadhyaya said. During his address, Justice Vikram Nath said in a lighter vein, CM, come here to make us understand. Look, you will be kept on getting reprimanded. This is for your benefit. This is for the betterment of your government. You will keep on getting reprimanded. We do not have any enmity with you."At the outset of the program, Justice Prathiba M Singh shared the information about the leap taken by the Delhi High Court for digitisation and the E-Court initiative. She said that the Delhi High Court was the first to become paperless. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 05, 2025, 02:00 IST News agency-feeds Delhi High Court must go live, says Justice Vikram Nath Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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: Road caves in on national highway in Alipur; auto driver injured Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 21:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Sep 4 (PTI) A portion of the National Highway 44 in Delhis Alipur area caved in on Thursday following water leakage, leaving an auto-rickshaw driver with minor injuries, officials said. Police said the auto driver had hit the crater formed on a flyover. Recommended Stories According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the road portion collapsed due to leakage of an underground water pipeline. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The water pipeline was immediately shut down by DJB, and NHAI has promptly diverted the traffic to start restoration work, ensuring minimal inconvenience to the commuters," NHAI said. The portion of the road was barricaded to prevent more accidents. The flyover leads to GT Karnal road and crosses into the neighbouring state of Haryana. PTI SSM SHS BM VN VN Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 04, 2025, 21:30 IST News agency-feeds Delhi: Road caves in on national highway in Alipur; auto driver injured Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 case: Police conduct searches at YouTubers flat in Bengaluru Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 18:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mangaluru (Karnataka), Sep 4 (PTI) The Belthangady police in Dakshina Kannada district on Thursday searched the Bengaluru residence of YouTuber Sameer M D, who is facing a case registered at the Dharmasthala police station. The operation was carried out under a search warrant issued by the Belthangady court on September 3. Sameer is presently on bail. Recommended Stories Circle Inspector Nagesh Kadri, along with forensic science personnel, visited Sameers rented apartment in Hullahalli, Bannerghatta. Police sources said Sameer had been informed in advance about the search. A computer and a mobile phone, believed to have been used for video recording, were seized for further forensic examination. Sameer, who runs a Kannada YouTube channel Dhoota, is known for creating content on social and political issues, often critical of local leaders and institutions. His outspoken style has drawn a significant online following but has also led to controversy and police complaints in recent years. The current case registered at the Dharmasthala police station stems from one such video, where he had used AI technology to create a 20-minute video on Dharmasthala, which allegedly denigrated the image of the temple town and the hereditary head of the temple and his family. The officials have not disclosed full details of the charges. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Also, the investigators are expected to analyse the seized devices to verify whether they contain material relevant to the case. Police said further action will depend on the findings of the forensic examination and directions from the court. PTI COR GMS GMS KH Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 04, 2025, 18:45 IST News agency-feeds Dharmasthala case: Police conduct searches at YouTubers flat in Bengaluru Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Perus ex-president Toledo gets second sentence in Odebrecht corruption scandal Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 05:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Lima (Peru), Sep 4 (AP) Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo was sentenced to prison Wednesday for the second time in a case involving Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht. Toledo received a sentence of 13 years and four months for money laundering, said Judge Josefa Izaga. In October 2024, he was sentenced to 20 years and six months for bribery and corruption in the case. Recommended Stories Authorities accused the former president of accepting $35 million in bribes from Odebrecht in exchange for allowing the construction of a highway in the South American country. Toledo governed Peru from 2001 to 2006, and is the latest ex-Peruvian leader convicted for corruption related to Odebrecht. A few months ago, former President Ollanta Humala was sentenced to 15 years in prison for laundering funds from the company to finance his 2006 and 2011 campaigns. Odebrecht built some of Latin Americas most crucial infrastructure projects, and in 2016 it admitted to U.S. authorities to having bought government contracts throughout the region with generous bribes. The investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice spun probes in several countries, including Mexico, Guatemala and Ecuador. In Peru, authorities accused Toledo and three other former presidents of receiving payments from the construction giant. They alleged Toledo received $35 million from Odebrecht in exchange for the contract to build 650 kilometers (403 miles) of a highway linking Brazil with southern Peru. That portion of the highway was initially estimated to cost $507 million, but Peru ended up paying $1.25 billion. Toledo, 78, has denied the accusations. He was first arrested in 2019 at his home in California, where he had been living since 2016, when he returned to Stanford University, his alma mater, as a visiting scholar. He was initially held in solitary confinement at a county jail east of San Francisco but was released to house arrest in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and his deteriorating mental health. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He was extradited to Peru in 2023 after a court of appeals denied a challenge to his extradition and he surrendered to authorities. The sentences are to be served concurrently. (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 04, 2025, 05:00 IST News agency-feeds Perus ex-president Toledo gets second sentence in Odebrecht corruption scandal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Police in Rio de Janeiro raid drug trafficking ring, kill 8 gang members Last Updated: September 05, 2025, 02:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Rio De Janeiro, Sep 4 (AP) Police in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday freed two hostages, including a child, during a raid on a drug trafficking ring that prompted an intense shoot-out in a low-income neighbourhood, leaving eight gang members dead, police said. The operation targeted the criminal organisation known as Pure Third Command, including a trafficker nicknamed the Coronel", who was accused of murdering a woman in August, Rios police said in a statement. Recommended Stories During the operation, agents arrived at a property where six criminals were holding a pastor and a child hostage. The attackers resisted, and were neutralised," police said. Two other criminals were neutralised at another point." The hostages were released safely, police said. Authorities also arrested two people as they were trying to take control of a bus, which they were trying to use as a barricade to stop agents access to the urban neighbourhood, police said. In addition to the arrests, police also seized four rifles. The intense exchange of fire between gang members and police disrupted trains and buses, shuttered schools and caused scenes of terror in Rio, local media reported. Dozens of children in a nearby daycare centre were forced to lie down on the hallway floor as gunshots echoed outside, O Globo newspaper said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The shoot-out left students and workers not knowing if they will arrive home alive", Rio state left-wing lawmaker Renata Souza said on X. We cannot normalize terror and fear as policy." Authorities say the gang intimidates residents, expels rivals, attacks security agents and imposes its rule through curfews. (AP) ARI Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 05, 2025, 02:45 IST News agency-feeds Police in Rio de Janeiro raid drug trafficking ring, kill 8 gang members Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 firm to launch revolutionary portable AI ultrasound device in Bangladesh Last Updated: September 05, 2025, 01:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Dhaka [Bangladesh], September 5 (ANI): A US-based company has announced plans to introduce a revolutionary" portable AI-powered ultrasound device in Bangladesh, marking a significant step forward in the countrys healthcare landscape.Officials from the company, Exo Imaging, led by its co-founders Yusuf Haque and Sandeep Akkaraju, met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday at the state guest house Jamuna to discuss the groundbreaking technology and its potential impact. Yusuf Haque, a Bangladeshi-origin US medical technology expert and Exos Chief Technology Officer, said the company plans to roll out the device initially in leading hospitals across Bangladesh, with a long-term vision to expand access to rural and community healthcare centres.This device is designed to be portable and highly efficient, making high-quality diagnostics more accessible, even in remote areas," he said.It will revolutionise healthcare across the globe, especially in places like rural Bangladesh. Doctors and nurses will soon use it like a stethoscope," Haque said.Sandeep Akkaraju, Chief Executive Officer of Exo, stated that Bangladesh is the first country in Asia to adopt the technology, which is currently only available in the United States under approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).We are also planning to launch it in Mexico and several Latin American countries soon," Akkaraju added.The AI-powered portable ultrasound device can assist in the early detection of a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, tuberculosis, breast cancer, lung disease, thyroid issues, and pregnancy-related complications.Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus welcomed the initiative, calling it a major step toward achieving universal healthcare access.It sounds like science fiction," he remarked. AI plays a remarkable role in healthcare. As we know, treatment begins with diagnosis. Patients often become more ill while waiting for tests. This technology can help reduce that burden by bringing diagnostics closer to the patient."Highlighting the devices portability, Haque said, Doctors and health workers can take the device directly to patients, removing the need for long waits or travel."Omar Ishrak, a board member at Exo and a former chairman of Intel Corporation, noted, This is a game changer for countries like Bangladesh. Around 80 per cent of the worlds population lacks access to quality healthcare. This kind of technology can help close that gap."Patients with chronic illnesses such as breast cancer need frequent screenings. This device makes that process more convenient. Its essentially the next-generation stethoscope a powerful tool that provides instant, AI-driven diagnostic insights," he said.Akkaraju also shared that Exo is developing complementary software to help healthcare workers prioritise patients based on urgency, send follow-up reminders, and streamline communication between patients and providers.This is the next stage of telemedicine," he said.Among those present at the meeting were Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Sayedur Rahman, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, and Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 05, 2025, 01:30 IST News agency-feeds US firm to launch revolutionary portable AI ultrasound device in Bangladesh Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US hands over two Skytrucks to Nepal Army under USD 37 mn grant Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 21:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Kathmandu, Sep 4 (PTI) The US on Thursday handed over two M28 Skytrucks to the Nepali Army, boosting Nepals airlift capacity under a USD 37 million Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant. With the latest delivery, the Nepali Army now operates five Skytrucks two provided by the US in 2019 and one purchased directly by Nepal, the US Embassy here said in a statement. Recommended Stories The handover underscores Americas enduring commitment to strengthening Nepals resilience, security, and disaster response," the statement said. The M28 Skytrucks, manufactured by Lockheed Martins Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec, are specially designed for operations in challenging terrain. Their short take-off and landing capability allows them to operate from remote and rugged airstrips. One of the newly delivered aircraft has been configured as an air ambulance, equipped for medical evacuations and stretcher transport, the embassy statement added. The aircraft were handed over by US Ambassador Dean Thompson to senior Nepali Army officials at a ceremony held at Tribhuvan International Airport. Foreign Minister Aarzu Rana Deuba, Defence Minister Manbir Rai, Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel, US State Departments Principal Deputy Director for Security Assistance Merrie A Archer, and representatives of aircraft manufacturer PZL Mielec were present on the occasion. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This moment is significant not only for enhancing the Nepali Armys disaster response capabilities but also as a symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation between Nepal and the United States," Foreign Affairs Minister Deuba said. Ambassador Thompson described the aircraft as lifelines" that would help Nepal respond faster to emergencies. PTI SBP SCY SCY Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 04, 2025, 21:30 IST News agency-feeds US hands over two Skytrucks to Nepal Army under USD 37 mn grant Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 sanctions three Palestinian human rights organisations Last Updated: September 05, 2025, 03:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington, Sep 4 (AP) The US on Thursday imposed sanctions on three organisations that advocate for Palestinian rights because they allegedly engage in efforts by the International Criminal Court to investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute Israeli nationals without Israels consent. Al Haq, Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights were hit with diplomatic and economic sanctions the US uses an executive order that relates to imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court as its authority. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories We oppose the ICCs politicised agenda, overreach, and disregard for the sovereignty of the United States and that of our allies," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. The ongoing actions of the ICC set a dangerous precedent for all nations and we will actively oppose actions that threaten our national interests and infringe on the sovereignty of the United States and our allies, including Israel." (AP) ARI Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 05, 2025, 03:45 IST News agency-feeds US sanctions three Palestinian human rights organisations Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Panchang Today, Sept 4: Auspicious Dwadashi, Shobhan Yoga And Moon In Capricorn Written By : GaneshaGrace Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 05:00 IST Panchang Today, Sept 4: Dwadashi Tithi and Shobhan Yoga bless this day with beauty and devotion. Moon in Capricorn supports focus, discipline, and long-term success. Aaj Ka Panchang, September 4, 2025: Tithi, Muhurat and Rahu Kaal. (AI generated image) Aaj Ka Panchang, September 4, 2025: Today is dedicated to the Dwadashi Tithi of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha, which is considered extremely auspicious for religion, devotion, and worship. Dwadashi Tithi has special significance for Vishnu devotees, especially when it is associated with the breaking of Ekadashi fast. Todays Uttarashadha Nakshatra, which represents the nature of the Sun and dedication, makes you focus on your responsibilities and goals. This Nakshatra brings success in work and social respect. Today, Shobhan Yoga will remain till 01:53 PM, which promotes the flow of beauty, happiness, and positive energy in life. This yoga is considered extremely beneficial for auspicious works, marriage, housewarming, fasting, worship, etc. The Moon is transiting in Capricorn today, which is associated with discipline, responsibility, and professional success. The moon in Capricorn makes a person serious and stable, which helps in making long-term plans successful. Recommended Stories The sun will rise at 06:24 AM today and set at 06:55 PM. The moon will rise at 04:42 PM and set at 02:42 AM. This day is in the rainy season, which gives the message of coolness and emotional maturity. The day is good from the religious point of view and is considered favorable for spiritual development, resolution accomplishment, and worship. This time will be very auspicious for disciplined routine and planned efforts. Tithi: Shukla Dwadashi Nakshatra: Uttra Shadha Karana: Bava Paksha: Shukla-Paksha Yoga: Shobhan till 01:53:02 PM Day: Thursday Sun & Moon Calculations Sun Rise: 06:24:11 AM Sun Set: 06:55:08 PM Moon Rise: 04:42:48 PM Moon Set: 02:42:06 AM Moon Sign: Capricorn Ritu: Varsha Hindu Month & Year Shaka Samvat: 1947 Vikram Samvat: 2082 Month Amanta: Bhadrapada Month Purnimanta: Bhadrapada Inauspicious Timings (Ashubh Muhurat) Rahu Kaal: 02:13:32 PM to 03:47:24 PM Yamaganda: 06:24:11 AM to 07:58:04 AM Gulika Kaal: 09:31:56 AM to 11:05:48 AM Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Abhijit: 12:14:00 PM to 01:04:00 PM (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla). About the Author Chirag Daruwalla Chirag Daruwalla, a renowned Indian astrologer with 18+ years of experience, provides expert guidance in career, health, finance, business, and more. He combines Vedic and Western astrology, I-Ching, ... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 05:00 IST News astrology Panchang Today, Sept 4: Auspicious Dwadashi, Shobhan Yoga And Moon In Capricorn Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... GST Reform Explained: What Common Man, Students And Farmers Gain From Tax Cuts Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 10:34 IST GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has approved a sharp overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure FM Nirmala Sitharaman GST 2.0: In a sweeping reform, the GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has approved a sharp overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure. Effective September 22, the system will be simplified into just two main slabs of 5% and 18%, replacing the current 12% and 28% rates, with a special 40% slab for luxury and sin goods. Billed as a historic Diwali gift" for citizens and businesses, the reforms aim to lower the cost of living, boost consumption, and spur economic activity. Big Savings on Essentials: Household products like hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet soaps, shaving cream and toothbrushes will now attract just 5% GST instead of 18%. Rates on butter, ghee, cheese, packaged namkeens, dairy spreads and utensils have been cut from 12% to 5%. Feeding bottles, clinical diapers and sewing machines too move into the lowest slab. Recommended Stories Healthcare Relief: Health and life insurance premiums, earlier taxed at 18%, are now exempt. Medical-grade oxygen, diagnostic kits, glucometers, test strips, corrective spectacles and thermometers will all attract only 5%. Education Boost: Learning materials such as maps, charts, globes, notebooks, pencils, crayons, sharpeners, pastels and erasers have been fully exempted from GST. Support for Farmers: Tractor tyres and parts now fall under 5% (down from 18%), while tractors drop from 12% to 5%. Bio-pesticides, micro-nutrients, drip irrigation systems and agricultural machinery also join the lower slab, easing input costs for farmers. Cheaper Automobiles: Petrol, diesel and CNG cars within specified categories, earlier at 28%, will now face only 18%. The same applies to three-wheelers, motorcycles up to 350cc and commercial vehicles for goods transport. Lower Prices for Appliances: Consumer durables including air conditioners, large televisions, monitors, projectors and dishwashers shift from 28% to 18%, making big-ticket appliances more affordable. Process Reforms: Beyond rate cuts, the Council cleared procedural improvements such as automatic GST registration within three working days, provisional refunds via system-based evaluation, and simplified input tax credit rules. Honble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi announced the Next-Generation GST Reforms in his Independence Day address from the ramparts of Red Fort.Working on the same principle, the GST Council has approved significant reforms today. These reforms have a multi-sectoral and pic.twitter.com/NzvvVScKCF Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) September 3, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had promised a Diwali gift" in his Independence Day address, welcomed the reforms. He said the Union government had prepared a comprehensive plan for GST rationalisation to improve ease of living and strengthen the economy. Glad to state that the GST Council, comprising the Union and the States, has collectively agreed to the proposals These reforms will benefit the common man, farmers, MSMEs, middle class, women and youth, while ensuring ease of doing business for small traders and enterprises," he said. The government stressed that the new Next-Gen GST" will not only cut taxes across critical sectors but also simplify compliance, reduce burden on consumers and businesses, and provide fresh momentum to growth. Hemant Jain, President PHDCCI said, The roll-out of GST rate rationalisation from September 22, 2025, is a landmark reform that addresses both consumer welfare and revenue efficiency. By reducing rates on daily essentials such as toiletries, packaged foods, and utensils from 1812% to 5%, the reform will ease household budgets and stimulate demand. In agriculture, lowering GST on tractors, tyres, irrigation systems, and farm machinery to 5% will cut input costs and directly benefit farmers. I am confident that the GST Councils progressive reforms will go a long way in making essential items more affordable for consumers. By reducing GST rates on key ingredients such as cheese, paneer, bread, milk-based beverages, and plant-based alternatives, the government has taken a step that will ease input costs and enable brands like ours to deliver greater value to customers," Akshay Jatia, CEO, Westlife Foodworld. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Affordable access to healthcarethrough Nil GST on insurance, medical oxygen, and diagnostic kitsmarks a socially progressive step, while reduced levies on education items will strengthen human capital. Equally, bringing down GST on automobiles, appliances, and electronics will boost industry volumes and create multiplier effects in manufacturing and jobs. PHDCCI strongly welcomes these measures, as they simplify compliance, spur consumption, and ensure states gain from an expanded tax basesetting India firmly on the path of growth and inclusivity." 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 04, 2025, 07:48 IST News business economy GST Reform Explained: What Common Man, Students And Farmers Gain From Tax Cuts Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Dabur, HUL, Marico: FMCG Stocks In Focus As GST On Shampoo, Hair Oil, Soaps, Toothpaste Cut To 5% Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 08:38 IST Nirmala Sitharaman slashes GST on FMCG items like shampoo, toothpaste, and dairy, which might boost stocks like HUL, Nestle, and Dabur, to spur demand and ease consumer burden. Stocks like Godrej Consumers, HUL, Marico, Colgate, DMart, Nestle, and Britannia will be in focus today, Thursday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced big-bang GST reforms to ease the burden on the common man, cutting tax rates across segments, especially mass-consumption items like shampoo, toothpaste, soaps, and hair oil, among others. These FMCG items have been shifted to the 5% slab, from the 18% slab earlier. Moreover, items such as breads, paneer and ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed milk have been exempt. As a result of this, stocks like Godrej Consumers, HUL, Marico, Colgate, DMart, Nestle, and Britannia will be in focus today, Thursday. Recommended Stories The governments new goods and services tax (GST) structure, which reduces the number of slabs to 5 per cent and 18 per cent, is set to bring relief to the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. This is going to have a positive impact on the economy," finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. Dairy products including ghee, butter and cheese, earlier taxed at 12 per cent, have been moved to the 5 per cent slab. Industry players have welcomed the move. The move is expected to make these commonly consumed items more affordable, benefiting end consumers, particularly in price-sensitive rural and semi-urban areas," said Devendra Shah, chairman of Parag Milk Foods, according to Business Standard. He added that the reform will help farmers gain better income stability. The lower tax burden could help increase consumption of branded and quality-assured dairy products, potentially encouraging a shift away from unregulated or adulterated alternatives." Ethnic snacks like namkeens, bhujia and mixtures, previously in the 12 per cent slab, will now also fall under the 5 per cent category. Snack makers also see an upside. We welcome the recent GST reforms announced by the Government. As part of the snacks industry, we generally maintain a limited finished goods inventory of 24 days. We are closely reviewing the overall impact of these reforms on input and output taxes, and will take a considered decision on price reductions for our family pack namkeens by the end of this month," said Rishabh Jain, chief financial officer, Bikaji Foods International, according to BS. The body, representing over 450,000 distributors and 13 million kirana retailers, expects the move to accelerate FMCG growth by 2-3 percentage points. We extend our deep gratitude to the finance minister for making this reform a reality and for looking into the FMCG sector with the seriousness it truly deserves. This is not just a technical tax adjustment it is a landmark step that will boost consumption, ease pressures on trade and strengthen the supply chain from manufacturers to the last-mile retailer," AICPDF said in a note. It added that with the reforms taking effect from September 22, traders have sufficient time to adjust inventories. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all FMCG major Dabur also expects the shift to strengthen demand. As the festival season approaches, this will help improve sentiment and put more purchasing power directly into the hands of millions of Indian families. This is more than just a policy shift; it is a signal of confidence in Indias consumption story. It will energise demand, especially in rural and semi-urban markets, ease the burden on households and catalyse growth for branded FMCG products," said Mohit Malhotra, chief executive officer of Dabur. Sectors like FMCG, automobiles, and insurance will be in focus today, with FMCG stocks already rallying for four consecutive sessions," Hariprasad K, SEBI registered Research Analyst and Founder Livelong Wealth. About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 08:38 IST News business markets Dabur, HUL, Marico: FMCG Stocks In Focus As GST On Shampoo, Hair Oil, Soaps, Toothpaste Cut To 5% Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... None Of This Has To Do With Tariffs: FM Nirmala Sitharaman On GST Overhaul Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 10:52 IST Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces major GST rate cuts, simplifying slabs to 5 percent and 18 percent, while US tariffs on Indian goods threaten export growth. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. (File Photo: PTI) New GST Rate Cuts: At the press conference after the GST council meeting, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated that GST reforms are not linked to tariff turmoil" caused by US President Donald Trump. Sitharaman confirmed none of this has to do with tariffs", as they have been working on GST rate rationalization for 1.5 years. In a sweeping reform, the GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has approved a sharp overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure. Effective September 22, the system will be simplified into just two main slabs of 5% and 18%, replacing the current 12% and 28% rates, with a special 40% slab for luxury and sin goods. Billed as a historic Diwali gift" for citizens and businesses, the reforms aim to lower the cost of living, boost consumption, and spur economic activity. Recommended Stories Household products like hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet soaps, shaving cream and toothbrushes will now attract just 5% GST instead of 18%. Rates on butter, ghee, cheese, packaged namkeens, dairy spreads and utensils have been cut from 12% to 5%. Feeding bottles, clinical diapers and sewing machines too move into the lowest slab. The United States 50 per cent tariff measure on Indian goods has officially taken effect as of 12:01 am EDT (9:31 am IST) August 27. This includes a second 25 per cent duty added to the earlier 25 per cent hike notified earlier this month. The US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the higher rate will apply to any Indian goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption" on or after this time. The move is the culmination of US President Donald Trumps ongoing tariff campaign targeting countries that maintain economic ties with Russia, with India being a key buyer of Russian crude. The hike has drawn strong condemnation from New Delhi, while Moscow has backed Indias right to choose its own trade partners. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The hardest-hit sectors are those where India has a labour-intensive edge and a significant dependency on the US market. If the duties remain in place, GTRI projects that Indian exports to the US may drop to $49.6 billion in FY26, effectively reversing nearly five years of export growth. About the Author Varun Yadav Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the I... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 10:52 IST News business None Of This Has To Do With Tariffs: FM Nirmala Sitharaman On GST Overhaul Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bengaluru: Bike-Taxi Driver Who Robbed Woman After Entering PG Arrested Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 17:41 IST Naresh Pattem, a bike-taxi driver from Madanapalle, was arrested for assaulting and robbing a woman at Laxmana Durga Ladies PG in Bengaluru after police reviewed CCTV footage. Police reviewed footage from hundreds of CCTV cameras to identify and arrest the suspect. (Representative Image/File) The man who entered a womens paying guest (PG) accommodation in Bengaluru and sexually harassed a tenant before robbing her last week has been arrested, police said on Thursday. The said incident took place in the wee hours of Friday. The accused has been identified as Naresh Pattem, a native of Madanapalle in Andhra Pradesh. According to police, he had been working in Bengaluru as a bike-taxi driver, Deccan Herald reported. Recommended Stories Investigations revealed that Pattem had moved to the city after being released on bail in connection with two robbery cases registered in his hometown in 2021. In the early hours of August 29, between 3 am and 4 am, he was reportedly walking past the Laxmana Durga Ladies PG in BTM Layout 1st Stage when he noticed the entrance door left open. With the security guard asleep, he took the opportunity to sneak inside. The accused entered the room of a 21-year-old woman, who at first assumed it was her roommate coming back from a night shift. However, she was shocked to find a man with his face partially covered with a handkerchief, who even touched her inappropriately. A brief scuffle ensued, during which the intruder threatened the woman with a knife. He then fled the scene with Rs 2,500 in cash taken from her room. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The report mentioned that before targeting the woman, the suspect had also locked the door of another room to prevent any interruption. Soon after, Sudduguntepalya police were informed about the incident. Thereafter, they began a probe and reviewed footage from hundreds of CCTV cameras to identify and arrest the suspect. One of the recordings, accessed by Deccan Herald, showed the man assaulting the woman before she managed to chase him out of her room. He was then seen fleeing using the same staircase he had used to enter the PG. According to the footage, the suspect remained inside the room for nearly two minutes before escaping. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 17:38 IST News bengaluru-news Bengaluru: Bike-Taxi Driver Who Robbed Woman After Entering PG Arrested Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bengaluru Police Impose Liquor Ban Ahead Of Eid-E-Milad Celebrations Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 23:50 IST Bengaluru Police ban alcohol sale and gatherings for Eid Milad-un-Nabi on September 5-6, 2025, to maintain law and order and ensure public safety during the festival. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Urban liquor sales hours have been curtailed, with shops no longer permitted to open after 4 am. The Bengaluru Police have announced a complete ban on the sale of alcohol in several parts of the city ahead of the Eid-Milad celebrations. According to the order issued by the Police Commissioner, the prohibition is aimed at maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety during the festivities. The restrictions will remain in force for designated areas and timings as notified by the police. It is a prohibitory order issued under Section 144 (CrPC) by the Bengaluru Police Commissioner. Recommended Stories The order bans gatherings, protests, processions, rallies, demonstrations, and public meetings in Bengaluru city limits starting 06:00 AM on September 5, 2025, until 06:00 AM on September 6, 2025. The restriction applies to all protests that could disturb public peace, law and order, or obstruct essential services like healthcare, education, transport, and general civic life. The order highlights that processions or gatherings of 50 or more people could disrupt peace and, therefore, are not allowed during this period. Violations will be treated as offences under the relevant provisions of law. Eid Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Eid-e-Milad, is one of the most important festivals for Muslims across the world. The day is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad, the last messenger of Allah in Islam. The festival is also called Mawlid or Nabid in different regions. It falls in the Islamic month of Rabi al-awwal, the third month of the lunar calendar. Every year, Muslims commemorate and honour the Prophets life, teachings, and compassion with special prayers, rituals, and community gatherings. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sunni Muslims usually celebrate it on the 12th of Rabi al-awwal, while Shia Muslims mark the occasion on the 17th of the same month. The day marks both the Prophets birth and, for some, the day of his passing. As a result, while many communities celebrate with decorations and gatherings, others observe it more solemnly. First Published: September 04, 2025, 23:50 IST News bengaluru-news Bengaluru Police Impose Liquor Ban Ahead Of Eid-E-Milad Celebrations Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Floods: Yamuna Breaches 207m Mark, Relief Camps Flooded As River Continues To Swell Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 09:21 IST Delhi floods: Yamuna breached the 207 metre mark for fifth time in six decades, officials said, adding that several areas in the city were flooded as a result. Delhi floods: Yamuna breached 207 metre mark (AP Image) The Yamuna river in the national capital breached the 207-metre mark on Wednesday for the fifth time since 1963, officials said. Homes in the nearby areas were submerged, shop goods were destroyed, and traffic was disrupted in several areas in the city, impacting the daily lives of thousands of people. Recommended Stories Train movement at the Old Iron Bridge across the Yamuna was halted on Wednesday, forcing the cancellation and diversion of several trains on Thursday. There were a total of 40 cancellations, 34 diversions, 11 short originations, and 14 short terminations. The train movement on the bridge was halted at 6.30 am yesterday, after the bridge was shut for traffic movement starting 4 pm on Tuesday till further notice. The Yamuna showed a slight decline and was recorded at 207.47 m at the Old Railway Bridge at 8 am today, compared to 207.48 m at 6 and 7 am. However, it is still flowing above the danger mark of 205.33m. #WATCH | Delhi | A portion of the flyover on National Highway 44 under the Alipur police station area caved in following heavy rains. pic.twitter.com/za3L1jKwdG ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2025 In 2023, when Delhi witnessed severe flooding, the Yamunas water level rose to 208.66 metres. The other highest ever was in 1978, when the river touched the 207.49 metre mark. In 2010, the rivers level rose to 207.11 metres, and in 2013 to 207.32 metres. Some of the relief camps set up near Mayur Vihar-Phase 1 were flooded as the Yamuna River continues to swell due to continuous rainfall. Divisional Commissioners Office said that water levels were receding at Sangam and RM Bagh, but were still above the danger levels. Preventive evacuation underway in the areas of Shalina, Rakh Shalina, Seerbagh and Summerbugh, affected by a breach in the Jhelum embankment near Zoonipora, Budgam. Similar advisory issued for Lasjan, Soiteng, Nowgam, Vyethpora, Padshahibagh and Mehjoornagar areas. 11 Rescue teams comprising Revenue, Police, NDRF and SDRF on job, to assist people in these areas," a statement from the office said. Nigambodh Ghat, Delhis oldest cremation ground, had to halt operations after water from the flooded river entered the Ghat. The revenue department said that 8,018 people have been safely shifted to tents, and 2,030 others have been shifted to 13 permanent shelters. People carried their belongings on their heads as they waded through neck-deep water to move to safer locations. NDRF and fire department officials were roped in to carry out the rescue work. All 13 regulator drains in Delhi were shut to prevent any backflow of water from the river as the water level in Yamuna is high and attaining a critical point, a government official told news agency PTI. Several families in Madanpur Khadar, Jaitpur, and Badarpur were forced to relocate to makeshift shelters. According to officials, North, North East, Shahdara, East, Central and South East districts of Delhi are prone to flooding. Delhi | Vehicles submerged, buildings flooded on Bela Road in Delhis Civil Lines as water from the overflowing Yamuna river entered the area. pic.twitter.com/0kk5dwTEhU ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2025 Nearly 10,000 people living in low-lying areas were impacted due to the flooded river. The Delhi government has organised relief camps at 38 locations, setting up 522 tents at 27 locations. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The city faced one of its worst floods in 2023, when several areas were inundated after heavy rains, in which over 25,000 people were evacuated. The river had reached an all-time high of 208.66 metres, breaking the previous record of 207.49 metres set in September 1978. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @Ma... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 07:24 IST News cities Delhi Floods: Yamuna Breaches 207m Mark, Relief Camps Flooded As River Continues To Swell Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Miss Mumbai Police': Indian Blogger On World Tour Slams British Cops After Bike Gets Stolen Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 13:08 IST The disheartened blogger said that it was not just a bike but his dream, passion, soul, and home. It got stolen while he went to have breakfast after parking it in Wollaton Park. Left: Yogesh Alekari, the blogger; Right: Screengrab of video of thieves stealing his bike A Navi Mumbai blogger, Yogesh Alekari, was left disheartened after his bike was stolen from a park in Nottingham, United Kingdom. Taking a swipe at the British police, the 33-year-old also mentioned that had it happened to any foreigner in India, the government would have left no stone unturned to find it. In this journey, my bike was everythingmy dream, my soul, my passion; it was my home, and now my home has been stolen," said Alekari with a heavy heart, who was on a solo world tour on his bike, having so far travelled 25,000 kilometres in four months. Recommended Stories It was a fully loaded bike. I have lost everything. I have just my riding jacket, riding shoes and helmet. I am on a tourist visa, and there is no safety or security in this country for tourists. If this incident had happened with any foreigner in India, the entire police force and the Indian government would have left no stone unturned to investigate the matter and catch the thieves. I am going through the worst time of my life," he added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by All Terrain Over Landers (@allterrainoverlanders) The incident took place on August 28 when Alekari had gone for breakfast for 20 minutes, parking his KTM 390 Adventure bike in a paid parking area in Wollaton Park. When he returned, his bike had already been stolen along with his laptop, camera, money, passport, and credit cards. When Alekari dialled the police, they gave him a crime number but did not come. The incident was also captured on camera by some girls who were present at the spot. The video clearly shows that the thieves broke the lock with a hammer, installed a fake number plate and made off. I showed the video to the police and spent over two hours discussing the matter with them, but they are helpless," Alekari said. No one can stop them, and they are fully confident to steal this kind of bike, as they are not scared of the police. India is the safest place to travel. We never even lock our wheels in India, and thats the success of our police. UK police are failing to control theft I miss Mumbai Police," he added. British Police Responds Responding to the incident, Sgt Daniel Sheasby of Nottinghamshire police said: Our policing teams have been conducting local inquiries since last Thursday but have unfortunately not yet been able to locate the bike." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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," he added. About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 11:19 IST News mumbai-news 'Miss Mumbai Police': Indian Blogger On World Tour Slams British Cops After Bike Gets Stolen Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Murder Accused Holds Teen Hostage In Panvel Building, Attacks Police With Axe Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 21:10 IST Man attacked Panvel police with an axe, injured officers, and held his brother's 16-year-old daughter hostage before being arrested after a tense standoff at Mangala Niwas. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Murder Accused Holds Teen Hostage In Panvel Building, Attacks Police With Axe. (News18) A high-voltage drama unfolded in Panvel on Wednesday night when Soban Babulal Mahato, an accused out on bail in a murder case, attacked policemen with an axe and held a 16-year-old girl hostage at knifepoint, police said. According to Prashant Mohite, DCP Zone 3, Mahato forcibly broke the lock of a room in the Mangala Niwas building, claiming it belonged to him, and refused to come out. When officers intervened, he attacked them with an axe, leaving two policemen Samrat Daki and Ravindra Pardhi seriously injured, while Madhav Shewale and Sainath Mokal sustained minor injuries. Recommended Stories Not only this, Soban held his own brothers 16-year-old daughter hostage and threatened her by placing an axe to her neck. This incident created an atmosphere of fear in the area. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Calling the building his, he started threatening the residents. When the police reached the spot, he attacked them with an axe. Police officials said Mahato had also locked his relatives inside the house, preventing them from leaving. After hours of effort, the police finally overpowered and arrested him late at night. Confirming the arrest, DCP Mohite said further investigation is underway. Location : Panvel, India, India First Published: September 04, 2025, 21:10 IST News mumbai-news Murder Accused Holds Teen Hostage In Panvel Building, Attacks Police With Axe Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Woman Gang-Raped After Being Abducted At Gunpoint In Patna Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 21:30 IST In Patna, two men abducted and gang-raped a woman at gunpoint near a railway station. Both the accused were apprehended. The accused approached the woman at the railway station and forcibly took her to an unknown location.(Representative image/PTI) In a disturbing incident, a woman, who was waiting at a railway station in Patna, was allegedly abducted at gunpoint and gang-raped by two men, police said. The concerning incident occurred at around 11.30 pm on Tuesday. According to police, the two bike-borne accused approached the woman at the railway station, brandished a pistol, and forcibly took her to a room near the station, where she was allegedly gang-raped. Subsequently, the accused were nabbed. Recommended Stories Shortly after the incident, the woman approached a police patrol team in the vicinity and confided in them, The Indian Express reported. The news outlet cited Vikram Sihag, Patna Rural Superintendent of Police (SP), as saying that she told police that two men forcibly picked her up from the railway station at gunpoint and took her to an unknown location where she was gang-raped. Thereafter, the gang-rape survivors statement was recorded, and an FIR was registered. Acting swiftly, police formed an investigation team and employed a combination of technical surveillance and human intelligence to trace the location of the crime. The accused have been identified as Sonu Kumar Yadav, also known as Sonu Sanata, and Niranjanboth local residents. Police said that the duo was apprehended when the police team arrived at the location. The accused attempted to flee, but their efforts were unsuccessful. It is learnt that Sonu has a history of criminal offenses. There are several cases of extortion, armed assault, and criminal conspiracy already registered against him across Fatuha, Barh, Khusrupur, and Jakkanpur police stations. With this gangrape case, the total number of cases against him stood at nine, police said. During the investigation, police discovered that the accused men had recently ventured into land brokerage and were allegedly using it as a front for extortion. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Police added that they have received indications that they may have extorted money under the pretext of land transactions. Police urged people to come forward and file a complaint if they have been forced to pay money to the accused. Police further said that the accused will be taken into police remand for further interrogation to uncover more details. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 21:30 IST News patna-news Woman Gang-Raped After Being Abducted At Gunpoint In Patna Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... BPSC CCE 71st Prelims Admit Card 2025 Date: Hall Tickets To Be Out On September 6 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 19:57 IST BPSC 71st Prelims Admit Card 2025: Candidates may go to the official website at bpsc.bihar.gov.in to access their admit cards, once out. The BPSC 71st CCE Prelims exam will start on September 13. (Representative Image/File) The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) will release the BPSC 71st CCE preliminary examination admit card 2025 on Saturday, September 6. Candidates may go to the official BPSC website at bpsc.bihar.gov.in to access their admit cards, once out. The exam will start on September 13. It will be conducted in two shifts from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm. The commission has increased the number of vacancies for the 71st Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), raising the total from 1250 to 1264. This includes an additional 14 posts for the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). Recommended Stories BPSC 71st CCE Prelims Admit Card 2025: How To Download Candidates can download their admission cards by following the methods outlined below. Step 1- Visit the BPSC website at bpsc.bihar.gov.in. Step 2 On the homepage, click the BPSC 71st CCE Prelims Card 2025 link. Step 3 Enter your login information and click the submit button. Step 4 Your admit card will appear on the screen. Step 5 Examine the admit card and save the page. Step 6 Make a hard copy for future reference. Before obtaining their admit card, candidates must log in to the dashboard and upload their most recent passport-size photo in JPEG format (25 kb), as per the official announcement. They need to carry two copies of their admit card. On the exam day, one signed copy of the hall ticket must be presented to the invigilator at the exam centre. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The notice stated that all candidates must reach the exam centre by 11 am and be seated in their respective seats by 11:05 am so that the authorities can conduct biometric authentication and facial recognition processes on time. Those who clear the BPSC CCE prelims exam will have to appear for the main examination and interview rounds at later stages. Candidates who clear the mains exams and are selected will be recruited into various posts in departments like Education, Revenue, Finance, Home, and Social Welfare as well as the State Election Commission. 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 04, 2025, 19:53 IST News education-career BPSC CCE 71st Prelims Admit Card 2025 Date: Hall Tickets To Be Out On September 6 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Top 10 Pharmacy Colleges in India As Per NIRF Rankings 2025 Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 15:07 IST The Ministry of Education has released the NIRF 2025 rankings, listing the top institutes in India across categories like pharmacy, engineering, and management. Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, tops the pharmacy list, followed by BITS Pilani and Panjab University. The Ministry of Education has released the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, highlighting the top institutes in India across various categories. These rankings cover areas such as universities, engineering, management, medical, dental, pharmacy, and more. The NIRF list helps students identify the best colleges based on academics, infrastructure, and overall performance. Recommended Stories For students looking to pursue pharmacy, the NIRF 2025 ranking provides a clear picture of the leading institutes in the country. By checking the official website, nirfindia.org, students can view detailed information about each college, including scores, location, and facilities. The rankings serve as a useful guide for making informed decisions about higher education in pharmacy. These are the top 10 pharmacy colleges in India according to NIRF 2025: Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, Delhi Birla Institute of Technology & Science -Pilani, Pilani, Rajasthan Panjab University, Chandigarh JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, Tamil Nadu National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysore, Karnataka Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali, Punjab SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu Jamia Hamdard Tops the List While Other Institutes Shine Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, has secured the number one position this year, followed by BITS Pilani at rank two and Panjab University at rank three. Other top-ranking institutes include JSS College of Pharmacy in Ooty and NIPER Hyderabad, highlighting the diverse options available across India. A Look at Other NIRF Categories Besides pharmacy, the overall category of the NIRF 2025 rankings shows IIT Madras as the top institute, followed by IISc Bengaluru and IIT Bombay. In management, IIM Ahmedabad holds the first position, with IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode in second and third, respectively. NIRF Expands to Include 17 Categories and SDG Rankings top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This year, the NIRF rankings have been expanded to cover 17 categories, including universities, colleges, research institutions, engineering, management, pharmacy, medical, dental, law, architecture, agriculture, innovation, state and skill universities, open universities, and, for the first time, a ranking based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These rankings aim to provide a comprehensive overview of educational excellence in India. 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 Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: September 04, 2025, 15:07 IST News education-career Top 10 Pharmacy Colleges in India As Per NIRF Rankings 2025 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Visa Crunch: Why Indian Students American Dream Is Becoming A Nightmare, Whats Next? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 10:21 IST Students are facing visa revocations, slashed work hours, and mounting debts, forcing many to scrape by or consider packing up. US Embassy warns lifetime bans for minor slip-ups Financial strain is acute. Urban US living devours $1,000-2,000 monthly on rent alone, plus $50,000+ tuition. Without jobs, students lean on families, dipping into savings or loans back home. (AI-generated Image) For countless Indian families, sending a child to study in the US has long been the ultimate aspirationa ticket to world-class education, lucrative jobs, and a brighter future. But in 2025, that dream is cracking under the weight of stricter visa rules, aggressive enforcement, and a shrinking job market. With over 330,000 Indian students in the US contributing billions to its economy, the fallout is hitting hard. Students are facing visa revocations, slashed work hours, and mounting debts, forcing many to scrape by or consider packing up. Recommended Stories As warnings from the US Embassy echo about lifetime bans for even minor slip-ups, Indian aspirants are left wondering: Is the US still worth it? Let us understand the US visa chaos, its roots, and paths forward for Indias ambitious youth. The Golden Era: Why Indians Flocked To US Campuses Indias love affair with American universities dates back to decades, fuelled by the promise of cutting-edge programmes in STEM fields like computer science, engineering, and cybersecurity. In the 2010s and early 2020s, the Indian enrolment surged, making the country the largest foreign student group in the US. By 2024, Indian students numbered around 337,000, pumping an estimated $9 billion annually into the American economy through tuition, housing, and living expenses. Cities like Boston, New York, and San Francisco became hubs for desi" talent, with alumni like Sundar Pichai and Indra Nooyi as big examples. The appeal was multifaceted: Flexible F-1 student visas allowed duration of status" stays tied to coursework, plus Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to three years of post-study work in STEM fields. H-1B visas offered a shot at permanent residency, and the USs innovation ecosystem seemed unbeatable. For middle-class Indian families, often borrowing lakhs or selling assets to fund this, it was an investment in upward mobility. But post-2020, cracks appeared. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities, and under renewed political pressure, visa policies tightened, turning opportunity into ordeal. The Clampdown Began In 2025 This year, the US has ramped up scrutiny, blending policy shifts with enforcement drives that feel like a squeeze on international students. The Trump administrations proposalsechoing earlier immigration hardlinesinclude replacing flexible visa durations with fixed four-year caps for F-1, J-1, and other categories, requiring renewals that add bureaucracy and costs. Journalists on I visas face 240-day limits, but students bear the brunt. The US Embassy in India has been blunt: Break laws, and your visa could be revoked, leading to deportation or a lifetime ban. Overstaying, unauthorised work, or even arrests trigger serious consequences", with a visa seen as a privilege, not a right". New rules effective August 2025 bar third-party passport collection (except for minors), mandating in-person pickups or a Rs 1,200 delivery fee. The Interview Waiver Program, once a shortcut, now demands in-person appearances for many, scrapping age exemptions for under-14s and over-79s. Categories like H, L, F, M, J, E, and O visas are hit hardest. Enforcement is fierce. Over 4,700 student visas were revoked recently for irregular attendance or off-the-books jobs. Workplace raids in states like California and Georgia have scared employers, slashing part-time gigs that students relied on. Social media vetting adds paranoiapro-Palestinian posts or political rants have led to denials. Denial rates hit 41% for Indian applicants in 2023-2024, the highest in years, with visa slots scarce and delays pushing approvals past semester starts. These are not just abstract threats. A backlog in processing has left thousands in limbo, with some Fall 2025 admits deferring or dropping out. Higher education groups are urging fixes, but politics prevails, framing students as potential overstayers amid broader immigration debates. The Stories Of Struggle And Survival For Indian students already in the US, the rules translate to daily hardships. For instance, a 25-year-old student from Hyderabad pursuing a masters in cybersecurity in Los Angeles, as quoted by The Times of India, said he once juggled studies with an eight-hour restaurant shift, covering rent and food. But inspections forced his employer to cut student workers; his new gig allows just three hours a day, barely funding groceries. In Atlanta, a 27-year-old computer science student saw his $1,200 monthly earnings drop to a quarter. Now sharing a two-bedroom flat with five others, he has cut down on outings and luxuries. Every dollar counts," he notes, as tuition and living costs climb, the TOI report mentioned. A recent IT grad in the same city, job-hunting via OPT, fears returning home empty-handed. OPT, once a launchpad, now yields fewer spots amid employer caution over visa woes. Financial strain is acute. Urban US living devours $1,000-2,000 monthly on rent alone, plus $50,000+ tuition. Without jobs, students lean on families, dipping into savings or loans back home. Mental health suffersstress from compliance fears, isolation in cramped setups, and dashed dreams. Enrolments from India plunged 28% year-on-year by March 2025, with a 44% drop in F-1 issuances early this year. Consultants call this the worst intake in decades," warning the next years will be brutal. Broader ripples hit US campuses: A 35% application dip threatens $1-3 billion in revenue losses, with universities like Penn State and Harvard pushing back legally. For India, it is a brain drain reversaltalent that could boost remittances (over $100 billion yearly) is stymied. Why Now? The Politics Behind The Squeeze These rules stem from a mix of security concerns and domestic politics. The administration cites visa misuse"overstays or unauthorised workbut critics see it as pandering to anti-immigration sentiments. Post-2024 elections, border control rhetoric intensified, lumping students with broader migration issues. Additional security checks, like social media scans, aim to weed out threats but snag innocents. For Indians, it is ironic: They are at low risk, with overstays below 2%, yet face high scrutiny. The pause on visa slots and social media vettingintroduced mid-2025has crushed Fall intakes, leaving admits stranded. It is not just Trump-era echoes; ongoing delays signal a systemic shift, making the US less welcoming compared to rivals. Whats Next For Indian Students? First, stay vigilant. Track US Embassy updates via official portals like ustraveldocs.com. For those in the US, maintain a low profileavoid unauthorised work, keep attendance spotless, and be cautious on social media. Document everything: Save payslips, attendance records, and communications to fight revocations. Financial planning is key. Budget for renewals (extra $500-1,000), build emergency funds, and explore campus aid or scholarships. Upskill for in-demand fields like AI or green tech to boost OPT chances. If stuck, legal help from groups like the American Immigration Council can challenge denialsprecedents show arbitrary revocations often get overturned. Diversify dreams. Canada beckons with extended post-study work visas (up to three years) and clearer paths to PR via Express Entry. The UKs Graduate Route offers two years post-study, with India-specific scholarships. Germany and Australia provide free or low-cost tuition, plus work rights. Even the US EB-5 investor visa$800,000 for a Green Cardsuits affluent families, though slots are capped. For aspirants, reassess: If US-bound, target universities with strong international support. Consultants advise realismknow the ground realities before committing lakhs of rupees. In the long term, India could push bilateral talks for eased rules, but for now, flexibility is survival. A Wake-Up Call For Indias Global Ambitions top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The US visa crunch is not just a student crisis it is a test for Indias youth in a volatile world. As enrolments drop 70-80% in some estimates, talent may flow elsewhere, enriching rivals while US colleges bleed revenue. For families sacrificing for an Ivy League stamp, the message is clear: The American dream demands back-ups. Whether through policy tweaks or personal pivots, resilience will define the next chapter. About the Author Shilpy Bisht Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 10:13 IST News education-career US Visa Crunch: Why Indian Students American Dream Is Becoming A Nightmare, Whats Next? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Grassroots Focus, Unity With AIADMK: BJP Charts Out Roadmap For 2026 Tamil Nadu Polls Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 10:52 IST Leaders were asked to identify constituencies where the BJP has a strong presence and build on the anti-incumbency against DMK Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The meeting was chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda. (PTI) The Tamil Nadu BJPs core committee met in Delhi on Tuesday under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda to chalk out the partys strategy for the 2026 state assembly elections. The meeting, held at Shahs Delhi residence, focused on strengthening the partys organisational base in Tamil Nadu and finalising the roadmap for the months ahead. Leaders were asked to identify constituencies where the BJP has a strong presence and consolidate support at the grassroots level. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring coordination with the AIADMK, with the leadership underlining that the upcoming polls are not just for one party but for the NDA as a whole. It has been conveyed that the tried-and-tested formula of the BJP has been booth-level organisational push. Since this is an alliance election, it has been conveyed to the BJP leaders that such grassroots engagement will be for all seats across the state. Recommended Stories Party functionaries have been directed to identify key issues that can resonate with voters and take them to the people through collective campaigns, including joint efforts with allies. Regional conferences will be organised to build momentum, while morcha (frontal organisations) activities will also be stepped up. The BJP leaders in the Centre have conveyed to the state leaders that they should make maximum efforts to tell people about DMKs corruption and dynastic rule. The NDA will also focus on the massive anti-incumbency for the DMK-ruled state. Also, the efforts of PM Narendra Modi to glorify and honour the ancient culture and civilisation of the state will be a key focus. The top brass also said benefits for the state in case of a double-engine government must be highlighted. The party top brass has conveyed to state leaders that they must try and leave no loose ends and reach out to smaller parties as well as leaders who want to oppose the DMK. As far as the question of factionalism within the AIADMK is concerned, whether it is Sasikala, TT Dinakaran or OPS, the top brass said it would take a call later on who needs to be engaged with. Apart from Shah and Nadda, Union minister L Murugan, state BJP president Nainar Nagendran, national executive member Vanathi Srinivasan, senior leader H Raja, and other state leaders were present at the meeting. Interestingly, former Tamil Nadu state president Annamalai gave the meeting a miss due to a pre-planned commitment and his absence is bound to raise a few questions. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The state leadership also held a separate discussion with BJPs national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh to review preparations. Tamil Nadu goes to elections in the first quarter of 2026. In the 234-member assembly at present, DMK has a lions share of 134 MLAs. BJP, which has desperately tried to find its footprint in the southern state, saw some success in the last assembly election with four MLA seats. First Published: September 04, 2025, 10:52 IST News elections Grassroots Focus, Unity With AIADMK: BJP Charts Out Roadmap For 2026 Tamil Nadu Polls Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Prime Minister Ousted, Parties Feuding, King Drawn In: Thailands Political Crisis Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 13:52 IST Thailands prime minister has been ousted, two rival blocs are battling to form the next government, and the countrys most popular party is stuck on the sidelines Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai Party's leader and prime ministerial candidate. (REUTERS) Thailand is facing fresh political turmoil after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed from office by the Constitutional Court. The court ruled that she had violated ethical conduct rules in her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia. The ruling brought her government to an abrupt end and has left the country with no clear leadership. Paetongtarns removal has triggered a race among political rivals to form a new government. But the contest is growing increasingly complicated. Her party, Pheu Thai, remains in power in a caretaker capacity. At the same time, Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul has announced that he has secured support from 146 lawmakers to seek premiership. Looming over both is the Peoples Party, which currently holds the most seats in Parliament but cannot lead the government itself. Recommended Stories Who Are The Main Political Players In Thailand Right Now? The Pheu Thai Party, which led the previous government, is closely associated with the Shinawatra family. Paetongtarn is the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister and billionaire whose parties have dominated Thai elections for much of the past two decades. Although Pheu Thai has won multiple elections, several of its prime ministers, including Paetongtarn, have been removed from office through either court rulings or military intervention. The Bhumjaithai Party, previously a junior coalition partner in Paetongtarns government, is now attempting to form a government of its own. Its leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, is a conservative politician and businessman who served as Thailands health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic. He became a high-profile figure during that period for legalising medical cannabis. The third key player is the Peoples Party, which currently holds 143 seats in the lower house, nearly a third of the total. The party is widely seen as the successor to the Move Forward Party, which won the most votes in the 2023 general election. Move Forward was later dissolved by the Constitutional Court over its pledge to reform Thailands strict royal defamation laws. Its leader and prime ministerial candidate was disqualified from politics for ten years. As a result, the Peoples Party cannot nominate a prime minister and is barred from leading the government, despite having the largest presence in Parliament. How Did Anutin Charnvirakul Become A Contender For Prime Minister? Anutin said on Wednesday that he had secured the support of 146 lawmakers from seven parties and groups. While this falls short of a simple majority in the 500-member lower house, the Peoples Party announced that it would support his bid under strict conditions. According to the Guardian, Peoples Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said the support was based on a written agreement. Under this deal, Anutin must commit to dissolving Parliament within four months, initiating constitutional reforms, and excluding the Peoples Party from the new cabinet. Natthaphong said, Both of these parties have track records, as everyone knows, of not exercising their power in the interests of the people and the countrys benefit." He added, I think everyone can see that this decision is not for our own popularity but its in the interest of finding a solution for the country." As reported by Bloomberg, the Peoples Party has said it will not join the new cabinet but will allow Anutins temporary administration to function in order to enable fresh elections. What Is Pheu Thai Doing To Stop Anutin? Shortly after Anutins alliance was made public, the Pheu Thai Party submitted a request to Thailands King Maha Vajiralongkorn to dissolve Parliament and call for early elections. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said, We decided to hand power back to the people to decide. But this is a royal prerogative." It remains unclear whether a caretaker government has the authority to make such a request. Legal experts are divided, and any decision by the King must be published in the Royal Gazette to take effect. If the request is accepted, an election would need to be held within 45 to 60 days. If it is rejected, Parliament could vote to confirm Anutin as prime minister as early as Friday. Pheu Thais move has been interpreted as a last-ditch effort to block Anutin from taking office. Why Cant The Peoples Party Form A Government? The Peoples Party is the current political vehicle of lawmakers from the dissolved Move Forward Party. Move Forward had won the most seats in the 2023 general election but was dissolved by the Constitutional Court over its proposal to reform Thailands lese-majesty law, which criminalises criticism of the monarchy. The partys leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, was banned from politics for ten years. As a result, the Peoples Party has no eligible prime ministerial candidate and is unable to lead a government, even though it holds the largest bloc of seats in Parliament. This has placed the party in the role of kingmaker, able to determine who forms the government, but unable to form one itself. What Happens If Anutin Becomes PM? Anutin has agreed to the Peoples Partys conditions, including calling new elections within four months. He said, The party has cooperated and made sacrifices in finding a solution for Thailand during a period of crises." Even if Parliament confirms him, Anutin would lead a minority government that depends entirely on the support of the Peoples Party. That support could be withdrawn at any time if the agreed conditions are not met. Natthaphong warned, There is a risk that there would be a return of the old coalition which has failed to run the country in the last two years, and a risk of the return of the coup maker as prime minister." Could This Crisis Drag On? Some observers believe that the current arrangement could worsen the situation. In a statement to Bloomberg, Napon Jatusripitak, acting coordinator of the Thailand Studies Program at ISEASYusof Ishak Institute, said, Even though the move by the Peoples Party is branded as an attempt to resolve a deadlock, in a sense, its creating the chaos were seeing." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Thailands economy is also feeling the strain. As reported by Bloomberg, the government has lowered its growth forecast for the year to 2 per cent, lagging behind regional peers like Indonesia and the Philippines. The Thai baht fell by 0.1 per cent against the US dollar, and 10-year bond yields dipped slightly following the latest political developments. With both a parliamentary vote and a possible royal decision pending, Thailand remains in political limbo. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 13:47 IST News explainers Prime Minister Ousted, Parties Feuding, King Drawn In: Thailands Political Crisis 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... Ahead Of PM Modi's Manipur Visit, Big Confidence-Building Measures For Strife-Torn State Written By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 18:31 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to Imphal and Churachandpur is expected around September 13 The SoO was first signed in August 2008 by the Centre, the Manipur government, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), and the United Peoples Front (UPF), which together represented 25 insurgent groups comprising Kuki-Zo, Zomi, and Hmars. Representational pic/PTI In a significant step towards building confidence in Manipur, the state administration has signed the Suspension of Operation Agreement (SoO) with the Kuki Zo groups. The tripartite agreement, which had been in limbo since 2024 after the Manipur government withdrew from it, has now been revived. Recommended Stories The Kuki Zo groups have also assured the central government of their support in reopening National Highway 2. These measures are being seen as a substantial boost to the central governments efforts to bring peace ahead of the Prime Ministers proposed visit to Imphal and Churachandpur around September 13. NH2, considered a lifeline for the people of Manipur, has been blocked since the conflict began in May 2023. Home Minister Amit Shah had given a one-week deadline in March for obstructing groups to allow free movement on Manipurs national highways. While some movement of essential goods occurred, NH2 remained largely closed. On Thursday, the central government announced that Kuki Zo groups have agreed to cooperate for free movement on this highway. The bigger confidence-building measure, however, was the Kuki groups reaffirming their commitment to peace and the territorial integrity of Manipur. A statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday said that as part of the SoO agreement, Kuki groups have reaffirmed their commitment to the territorial integrity of Manipur. This is a significant breakthrough since Kuki groups have been demanding Union Territory status for the hill areas ever since the violence began. The MHA statement said, A tripartite meeting among representatives of MHA, Government of Manipur, and Kuki National Organisation/KNO and United Peoples Front/UPF was held in New Delhi today. The meeting concluded with the signing of a tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement on re-negotiated terms and conditions (ground rules) to be effective from the day of signing of the Agreement for a period of one year. Among other provisions, the revised ground rules reiterated: The territorial integrity of Manipur. The need for a negotiated solution to bring lasting peace and stability to the State of Manipur." The SoO is also being seen as a major confidence-building measure. As per the renewed agreement, the number of camps will be reduced from 14 to 10. Kuki Zo camps located in the foothills are likely to be moved further into the hill areas, and vice versa for Meitei insurgent camps to the valley. This move is expected to reduce clashes between the two sides and create a more enforceable buffer zone. KNO and UPF have also agreed to: Relocate seven designated camps away from areas vulnerable to conflict. Reduce the number of designated camps. Relocate the weapons to the nearest CRPF/BSF camps. Conduct stringent physical verification of cadres by security forces to de-list foreign nationals, if any," the MHA statement said. The SoO was first signed in August 2008 by the Centre, the Manipur government, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), and the United Peoples Front (UPF), which together represented 25 insurgent groups comprising Kuki-Zo, Zomi, and Hmars. The aim of the agreement was to end hostilities and initiate political dialogue. Under the SoO agreement, overground cadres of insurgent groups were put up in designated camps, called SoO camps. The insurgents were required to deposit their arms in a safe, locked room inside the camp. Regular inspections were carried out by security forces to ensure that the arms remained secured and insurgents did not step out of the camps. In return, a monthly stipend was paid for the rehabilitation of the insurgents. Central security forces also did not carry out any operations against these groups. In November 2023, an agreement was signed by the MHA with the Meitei insurgent group UNLF (Pambei) for a political settlement and to end hostilities with security forces. Following the imposition of Presidents rule, the central government also took action against Arambai Tengols Chief. The Meitei group was accused of inciting violence against the Kukis, and the CBI arrested its Chief, Asen Kanan Singh, on various charges, including an alleged attack on an additional SP, in June 2025. Since the arrest, Arambai Tengol has distanced itself from street violence. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, the warring Kuki groups saw Biren Singh stepping down from the Chief Ministers chair as the biggest sign of the BJP-led Centres seriousness in bringing peace to the strife-torn state. Biren Singh has been accused by Kuki groups of personally launching a hate campaign against the tribal group. 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 04, 2025, 18:31 IST News india Ahead Of PM Modi's Manipur Visit, Big Confidence-Building Measures For Strife-Torn State Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Close Shave For UP Family After Their Car Falls Into 11-Foot Pit Dug By Civic Contractor Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 16:16 IST In Saharanpur, a family survived after their car plunged into an unmarked 11-foot pit dug by a municipal contractor. Locals demand action over the negligence. As the vehicle travelled along a poorly lit stretch of road, it suddenly fell into a large pit dug in the middle of the road. (Image: X/@thetatvaindia) A family had a close shave after the car they were travelling in plunged into an 11-foot-deep pit in Uttar Pradeshs Saharanpur, in the early hours of Wednesday. It is believed that the pit was dug by a municipal contractor. The incident unfolded around 1am when Virendra, a resident of Jukhedi village, was driving his ailing mother to Gangoh for medical treatment. Accompanying him were his wife, children, and brother. As the vehicle travelled along a poorly lit stretch of road, it suddenly fell into a large pit dug in the middle of the road. Recommended Stories Miraculously, all family members managed to escape the vehicle without serious injuries. According to a report in India Today, the family was pulled to safety with the help of nearby residents, and the ailing mother was taken to the hospital. India Today, citing locals, reported that the pit had been dug by a municipal contractor for boring work but was left completely unmarkedwithout warning signs or barricades. Locals alleged that the contractors negligence could have easily led to a fatal accident. Furious over the incident, locals said a major tragedy was averted, but this level of carelessness is unacceptable. They also pointed out that a major mishap could have occurred had another vehicle passed through the area in the dark. Later in the morning, a bulldozer crane was brought in to retrieve the car from the pit. The incident has sparked outrage among residents, who are now demanding strict action against the responsible contractor. They claim the lack of safety measures reflects a pattern of negligence that could have deadly consequences. In a separate incident, a major tragedy was nearly averted when a car skidded off the road and fell into a roadside drain in Lucknows Thakurganj area on August 25. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to a report in TOI, the vehicle was being driven by a man who was learning to drive at the time. He was accompanied by his wife and son. According to police, the car went out of control during the practice session and suddenly veered into the drain. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in the incident. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More Location : Saharanpur, India, India First Published: September 04, 2025, 16:09 IST News india Close Shave For UP Family After Their Car Falls Into 11-Foot Pit Dug By Civic Contractor Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Govt Appoints Special Public Prosecutor in Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Attack Case Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 10:30 IST Advocate Pradeep Rana has been appointed Special Public Prosecutor to represent the Delhi Police in the case of the August 20 attack on Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta (Photo: PTI) Advocate Pradeep Rana has been appointed the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) to represent the Delhi Police in connection with the First Information Report (FIR) over the attack on Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on August 20. According to an official notification issued by the Home Department, Rana has been authorised by the Delhi government to appear before the courts in the matter related to the FIR lodged at Civil Lines Police Station. Recommended Stories The case involves the assault on the Chief Minister by a man from Rajkot (Gujarat) during a Jan Sunwai at her camp office, the Mukhya Mantri Jan Sewa Sadan on Raj Niwas Marg. Two accused were arrested in total after the incident and are currently in judicial custody. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Rekha Gupta resumed her public hearing programme at her camp office amid tight security arrangements. People from different parts of the city raised their grievances and sought help from the Chief Minister during the programme, which began at 8 am. Gupta was seated on a chair while people came up before her one by one, submitting their applications and interacting with her through a microphone set up across her table. Earlier, Gupta used to go among the people gathered for Jan Sunwai at her residence-cum-camp office, freely interacting with them. Police personnel, including female security staff, formed an inner ring around the chief minister as she conducted the Jan Sunwai. Proper security arrangements, including policemen frisking participants with metal detectors and monitoring the proceedings through CCTV cameras, were put in place to prevent any incident. Gupta was attacked by a man from Rajkot (Gujarat) during a Jan Sunwai on August 20 at her camp office, the Mukhya Mantri Jan Sewa Sadan on Raj Niwas Marg. A large number of men and women gathered at the Chief Ministers residence on Raj Niwas, hoping for a solution to their problems and also seeking help from the government. Nearly 165 persons submitted their grievances and suggestions to the chief minister, who directed necessary action on them, officials said. Many people also greeted Gupta with bouquets on the occasion. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | Politics Stooped So Low: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta On Abuse Of PM Modis Late Mother 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 04, 2025, 10:27 IST News india Delhi Govt Appoints Special Public Prosecutor in Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Attack 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... 'Double Dose For India's Support And Growth': PM Modi Hails GST Reforms Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 18:50 IST PM Modi welcomes GST Councils move to simplify tax slabs to 5 percent and 18 percent, promising relief for households and businesses. PM Modi said that the reform was designed to benefit all sections of society. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the GST Councils landmark decision to rationalise the indirect tax regime, calling it the next generation of reforms" that will take effect from Navratri this year. Now GST has become even simpler. There are only two slabs left- 5% and 18%- making it easier for every citizen and business," the Prime Minister said, dubbing the overhaul GST 2.0. He emphasised that the reset would bring relief to households, small traders and industries alike. Recommended Stories The GST Council scrapped the 12% and 28% slabs, retaining only the 5% and 18% rates. Effective September 22, the changes mark one of the most sweeping resets since GST was introduced in 2017. Items earlier taxed at the higher rates will now largely migrate to the lower two slabs, making essentials, personal care items, restaurant meals, travel, gadgets and even automobiles more affordable. Without timely changes, we cannot give our country its rightful place in todays global situation. I had said from the Red Fort on 15 August this time that it is crucial to undertake next-generation reforms to make India self-reliant. I had also promised the countrymen that there would be a double blast of happiness before this Diwali and Chhath Puja," PM Modi said. He underlined that the reforms would benefit all sections of society- from easing household budgets to supporting MSMEs and reviving consumer sentiment. Scooters and cars will also become more affordable as their GST rates have been reduced," he noted, signalling relief for both the middle class and the automobile sector. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Calling it a historic moment, the Prime Minister said the simplified structure will not only ease the burden on citizens but also boost demand and strengthen the economy. This is the next generation of reforms in GST and it will improve the lives of citizens and ensure ease of doing business," he said. First Published: September 04, 2025, 18:40 IST News india 'Double Dose For India's Support And Growth': PM Modi Hails GST Reforms Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Govt Slashes GST On Medicines, Devices & Diagnostics, Industry Hails Relief For Patients Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 14:13 IST While pharmaceutical firms see boost in accessibility, diagnostic providers expect better support for early disease detection Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google By cutting GST on medicines, exempting lifesaving drugs, lowering levies on devices and diagnostic kits, and removing tax on health and life insurance premiums, the GST Council has aimed to ease the treatment burden. The governments decision to slash Goods and Services Tax (GST) on medicines, diagnostics, medical devices and health insurance has been hailed across the healthcare industry as a major relief for patients and a long-awaited reform for the sector. By cutting GST on medicines from 12 per cent to 5 per cent, exempting lifesaving drugs, lowering levies on devices and diagnostic kits, and removing tax on health and life insurance premiums, the GST Council has aimed to ease the treatment burden, improve affordability, and expand access to essential care. Recommended Stories Industry stakeholders say the reform addresses multiple pain points at oncereducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients, expanding demand for affordable drugs and therapies, enabling wider use of medical technology, and aligning Indias tax framework with global practices. While pharmaceutical firms see a boost in accessibility, diagnostic providers expect better support for early disease detection, and device makers underline competitiveness if refund bottlenecks are resolved. Hospital groups, meanwhile, predict greater insurance penetration and lower embedded costs" in patient care. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the biggest Diwali gift to the nation through these path-breaking GST reformsHe delivers whatever he promises," Piyush Goyal, union minister of commerce and industry, said during the inauguration of 11th edition of iPHEX 2025, organised to boost Indian pharma exports by Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil). India stands strong and united, with the confidence to withstand challenges just as we have done in the past. Our healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors have always been at the forefront. During Covid-19, the industry put lives at risk but ensured that our country never faced a shortage of medicines." He added, India also supported over 100 countries by providing vaccines and essential drugs at free or nominal cost, without profiteering, living up to our responsibility as the pharmacy of the world." Domestic & Foreign Drug Makers Hail Move For the pharma industry, this move is likely to boost demand as affordability increases and patients gain easier access to essential treatments and this is also likely to increase purchase volumes," said Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO, Entod Pharmaceuticals. He added that reducing GST on all medicines to 5 per cent and exempting key life-saving drugs has directly addressed the burden of treatment costs for patients", while lower GST on devices and diagnostics will improve access to critical care for those managing chronic illnesses. The pharmaceutical industry body, which represents top domestic drugmakers including Sun Pharma, Glenmark, Lupin, Dr Reddys among others, also expressed strong support. Sudarshan Jain, secretary general, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), said, The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance welcomes the governments decision to exempt life-saving and cancer medicines from GST, a step that will bring direct relief to patients and their families. Equally, the reduction in GST on a wide range of medicines from 12 per cent to 5 per cent will help ease the overall treatment burden and make essential therapies more affordable." Anil Matai, director general, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI)lobby of foreign drugmakers such as MSD, Sanofi, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk among otherscommended the government for the far-reaching GST reforms announced for healthcare. The decision to reduce GST on lifesaving medicinesbringing 33 essential drugs from 12 per cent to NIL and 3 critical drugs for cancer, rare diseases, and other severe chronic conditions from 5 per cent to NIL is both historic and compassionate." This bold step" will significantly reduce the financial strain on patients and families. By realigning the GST structure, the government has sent out a strong signal of prioritising patient well-being and strengthening Indias journey towards universal health coverage." Transformative: Medical device makers & diagnostic firms support GST cut Medical device makers also lauded the reform. Himanshu Baid, managing director, Poly Medicure, said, This progressive reform will directly benefit patients by lowering treatment costs, improving affordability, and expanding access to essential medical technologies. It is a transformative step that will strengthen Indias healthcare system and advance the vision of affordable healthcare for all." Rajiv Nath, forum coordinator, Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD), welcomed the path-breaking decision to reduce GST from 12 per cent to 5 per cent if refund on accumulated GST due to the inverted GST structure will be made within 7 days as being informed, as our inputs are usually at 18% leading to accumulated GST credit blocking our working capital". He urged the government to also allow GST refunds on services and capital goods as is the case in other progressive countries like Australia, Singapore & Canada," and sought a transition period to switch packaging material under anti-profiteering provisions. From the healthcare services side, Dr Harsh Mahajan, founder & chairman, Mahajan Imaging & Labs and chairman, FICCI Health Services Committee, said the reduction of GST on devices, kits and reagents to 5 per cent was in line with long-standing recommendations of FICCI". He also welcomed the removal of GST on health and life insurance, calling it a step that will certainly lead to higher insurance coverage across the country and reduce out-of-pocket expenses." However, he flagged that equipment maintenance service contracts, still taxed at 18 per cent, should also be brought down to 5 per cent as hospitals and diagnostic centres do not get input tax credits, leading to embedded taxes" and higher patient costs. Industry leaders agreed that the reforms, if implemented smoothly, will not only ease costs for patients but also improve healthcare access across the country. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to Ameera Shah, president, NATHEALTH and promoter, executive chairperson, said the reduction of GST on diagnostic kits, reagents and medical technology items is in line with NATHEALTHs long-standing recommendations" and would enhance access to quality healthcare services, support early disease detection, and bring greater consistency by standardising GST rates across preventive, curative and rehabilitative care." NATHEALTH stands for the Healthcare Federation of India. It is an industry body representing the entire healthcare ecosystem, including hospitals, diagnostic chains, medical technology providers, insurers, and healthcare service companies. About the Author Himani Chandna Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particu... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 14:13 IST News india Govt Slashes GST On Medicines, Devices & Diagnostics, Industry Hails Relief For Patients Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... HAL Set To Deliver First 2 Tejas Mk1A Jets, But Overall Schedule Slips By Four Quarters Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 09:10 IST As per HAL officials, the two aircraft are already assembled and will undergo firing trials this month before formal delivery. HAL is set to deliver the first two Mk-1A aircraft in October, sources said. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing to hand over the first two Tejas Mk1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by next month, even as the larger delivery schedule for the 83 aircraft has been pushed back by at least four quarters. This is primarily because of delay in the engine delivery from GE of the United States, officials said. As per HAL officials, the two aircraft are already assembled and will undergo firing trials this month before formal delivery. Recommended Stories The ambitious delivery plan has run into turbulence due to delays in engine supplies. HAL was expecting 12 General Electric F404-IN20 engines by the end of this year but has received only two so far. As per the schedule, two additional engines were expected in August, but it did not happen. With no clarity on when the balance engines will be delivered, officials admit there is uncertainty over meeting the 2025 target. The F404-IN20 is the powerplant for the Mk1A, while the next-generation Tejas Mk2 is slated to use the more powerful GE F414. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Mk1A contract for 83 jets, signed in 2021, was projected for completion within six years. During Aero India 2025, delivery was projected to be completed by mid of 2028. However, there is extension of the schedule by four quarters atleast. The sanctioned strength of the Air Force is 42 fighter squadrons. This figure was approved keeping in mind the threat of a two-front war against Pakistan and China. At present, the Air Force has 31 fighter squadrons. With two MiG-21 squadrons set to retire on September 26, the strength will further drop to 29 squadrons. About the Author Akash Sharma Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experien... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 07:25 IST News india HAL Set To Deliver First 2 Tejas Mk1A Jets, But Overall Schedule Slips By Four Quarters Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Illegal Tree-Felling Taking Place': Supreme Court Sends Notice To Flood-Hit Northern States Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 12:48 IST Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice to flood-affected states, pointing to the "illegal felling of trees" in the states. SC issues notice to states over illegal tree-felling (PTI Image) The Supreme Court issued notice to flood-affected states, observing that illegal tree-felling was taking place in the wake of landslides and floods. Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging illegal felling of trees as a key reason for such disasters, said that there have been unprecedented rains and flooding this year. The court issued notice to Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Recommended Stories The top court cited the media reports and said that there is clear evidence that there has been illegal felling of trees in those states. States in northern India, including hill states Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, have witnessed flood situation in recent weeks due to heavy rains. Punjab has faced its worst floods in around four decades. Prima facie, it is seen that there is illegal felling of trees that happened, we issue notice to the respondent, returnable within 3 weeks," the CJI said, Live Law reported. The top court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to take note of the situation. It appears to be a very serious issue; the media has shown that a large number of wooden blocks are flowing in Himachal," the court said. The CJI said that the court is seeking pictures of Punjab and stressed that development has to be balanced". We are seeking the pictures of Punjab, the entire fields and villages are eradicated, development has to be balanced," he said, Live Law reported. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As many as 37 people have died so far in the Punjab floods, while over 4,000 people have been relocated to shelter camps in Jammu and Kashmir. In the national capital, where the Yamuna River is flowing above the danger mark, 8,018 people were shifted to tents, and 2,030 others were moved to 13 permanent shelters, officials said. Nearly 10,000 people living in the low-lying areas have been impacted due to the flooded river. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @Ma... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 12:12 IST News india 'Illegal Tree-Felling Taking Place': Supreme Court Sends Notice To Flood-Hit Northern States Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Is The Wait Over? 2 Tejas Mk1As May Join IAF In October, Final Test This Month Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 16:28 IST HAL sources confirmed receipt of two engines, with GE promising 12 by year-end. Ten Tejas Mk1A aircraft are ready for handover after successful flight trials Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Designed, developed, and manufactured in India, the Light Combat Aircraft Mk1A is a modern 4+ generation fighter aircraft. (News18 Hindi) The Indian Air Force is set to receive two advanced Tejas Mk1A aircraft in October, marking a significant milestone in the long-awaited project. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced preparations to deliver these aircraft after delays caused by engine shortages. Senior sources at HAL confirmed that two engines have already been received, with General Electric promising a total of 12 engines by the end of this year. Additionally, 10 aircraft are ready for handover, following successful flying trials of the Tejas Mk1A. Recommended Stories According to sources, a major trial scheduled for this month will include tests of the indigenous BVR air-to-air missile Astra, the Advanced Short Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM), and laser-guided bombs. Sources say the first trial was successful, but issues arose in the second. Software adjustments were made, and the aircraft must clear the final test before handover to the Air Force. Engine Delivery Continues Indias fighter aircraft programme is gaining momentum, with the long-awaited delivery of engines from General Electric finally underway. HAL has received two engines so far, with two more expected soon. From the next calendar year, GE has committed to delivering 20 engines annually. The engine deal, involving 99 F404 engines, was struck with GE in 2021 but faced delays. GE explained that production was initially halted after delivering 65 engines by 2016 due to a lack of further orders, but resumed following the 2021 agreement. PMO Oversight On Tejas Programme The Indian government is closely monitoring the progress of the Tejas programme. Recently, Dr PK Mishra, Principal Secretary of the PMO, visited HALs Bengaluru facility to review the LCA Tejas programme. During his visit, Dr Mishra inspected the assembly hangar for the LCA Tejas and the Mk2 version. The review was attended by HAL CMD Dr DK Sunil and other board members. Indian Air Forces Tejas Plan top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Indian Air Force initially agreed to acquire 40 Tejas aircraft, resulting in the formation of two squadrons. In 2021, the Ministry of Defence placed an order for 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, which will form four additional squadrons. Delivery of these 83 aircraft is expected to commence soon, with the first aircraft to be received this year. The complete delivery, including 73 LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft and 10 LCA Tejas Mk1 trainer aircraft, is anticipated by 2031. Designed, developed, and manufactured in India, the Light Combat Aircraft Mk1A is a modern 4+ generation fighter aircraft. In 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A aircraft to form five more squadrons, with final approval now granted. First Published: September 04, 2025, 16:28 IST News india Is The Wait Over? 2 Tejas Mk1As May Join IAF In October, Final Test 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... Jaishankar Speaks With Ukraines Andrii Sybiha On Russia Conflict, Reiterates India's Stand Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 21:06 IST Dr S Jaishankar spoke with Andrii Sybiha, stressing the need for an early resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation as well the Ukraine conflict. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha on Thursday and affirmed an early end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. In a post on X, the Union Minister said that both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation between New Delhi and Kyiv as well as the ongoing war between Moscow and Kyiv. Recommended Stories India supports an early end to this conflict and the establishment of an enduring peace," he said. Spoke to FM @andrii_sybiha of Ukraine this evening.Discussed our bilateral cooperation as well the Ukraine conflict. India supports an early end to this conflict and the establishment of an enduring peace. Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 4, 2025 Earlier Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with PM Modi about the war in Ukraine and prospects for peace ahead of the latters bilateral meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China last week. PM Modi had thanked the Ukrainian leader and had reaffirmed Indias steadfast and consistent position for a peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace. Zelenskyy said on Saturday that he informed PM Modi about his productive and important talks with Trump in the presence of European leaders, and reaffirmed Ukraines readiness for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I thank the Prime Minister for his words of condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. We coordinated our positions ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. The end of this war must begin with an immediate ceasefire, with the necessary silence. This position is understood and supported by everyone," Zelenskyy had said on X. This was the second telephonic conversation between PM Modi and Zelenskyy in one month. On August 11, PM Modi and Zelenskyy had a similar conversation, where the former reaffirmed New Delhis steadfast and consistent position for the peaceful settlement of the ongoing conflict. PM Modi also reiterated the same message to Putin during a phone call. 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 04, 2025, 21:06 IST News india Jaishankar Speaks With Ukraines Andrii Sybiha On Russia Conflict, Reiterates India's Stand Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 04, 2025, 20:59 IST Piyush Goyal Interview Highlights: Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal spoke to Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi on Thursday in an exclusive interview, where he discussed Indias landmark GST reforms and the future of India-US ties amid the ongoing tariff pressure. While speaking on the Centres GST Diwali Bonanza for the Indian middle class, Goyal hailed the tax cuts as the most monumental and transformational reforms since independence. He assured that the reduced GST rates will improve ease of living for the middle-class and help realise Indias vision of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance). His interview comes after big GST cuts were approved by the GST Council, led by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Wednesday. Effective September 22, the system will be simplified into just two main slabs of 5% and 18%, replacing the current 12% and 28% rates, with a special 40% slab for luxury and sin goods. Goyal also addressed the strain in ties between India and the United States amid the tariff row, assuring that the situation will go back to normal. The minister appeared confident of reaching a trade pact with the US in a few months, and revealed that India was looking for new export markets and free trade agreements with other countries. Follow Live Updates Here: 'India-US Ties Strong, Few Comments Don't Matter': Piyush Goyal On Tariff Tussle | News18 Exclusive Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: September 05, 2025, 00:01 IST In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said US-India ties are one of the most consequential and the two countries are "allies and friends" Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India and the US will continue to work towards finding solutions and aim to reach an outcome in a few months. (Image: Piyush Goyal Office) Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday dismissed the growing tensions between India and US over a now-stalled trade deal negotiations and said the relationship between the two countries is strong and a few comments" do not matter. India-US ties have taken a hit amid a tariff tussle with the Trump administration imposing a 50 percent tariff of Indian goods, justifying it as punishment" over New Delhis purchase of Russian crude oil. Recommended Stories While some comments may cause temporary concerns, the India-US friendship is much stronger than a few isolated remarks. The relationship is multi-dimensional and will only strengthen with time," Goyal said in an exclusive interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi. Watch the video here: #Exclusive | US-India relationship is one of the most consequential relationships in the globe today. This relationship will only get strengthened as the time passes. We have always believed in dialogue and diplomacy: Union Minister @PiyushGoyal#TrumpTariffs pic.twitter.com/7IFohqdXUE News18 (@CNNnews18) September 4, 2025 Goyal said US-India ties are one of the most consequential and the two countries are allies and friends". The US-India relationship is one of the most consultative partnerships, built on mutual trust and shared values. Although we have faced certain challenges, I believe these situations will pass, and the relationship will only grow stronger," he said. Trade talks between India and the US collapsed earlier this year as the former did not agree to opening its vast agricultural and dairy sectors. Bilateral trade between the worlds largest and fifth largest economy is worth over $190 billion. He said India and the US will continue to work towards finding solutions and aim to reach an outcome in a few months. Any measure that harms our farmers or fishermen is unacceptable. We will never compromise on the interests of our farmers, fishermen, or the nation," he said. In reference to aides of US President Donald Trump like White House adviser Peter Navarro calling the Ukraine conflict Modis war" or India the laundromat of the Kremlin", the Union minister said there could be misunderstandings" reflecting personal opinions", which had resulted in erratic and incendiary language". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I think they could be either some misunderstandings or some personal opinions that may be reflected in that. I do not think that deters the US and India from continuing to maintain our strategic alliance and partnership," he said. Navarro has consistently targeted India over the past few days over its purchase of Russian oil, also making a caste-based remark on the issue and accusing the Brahmins of the country of profiteering at the expense of the Indian people". 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 04, 2025, 19:11 IST News india 'India-US Ties Strong, Few Comments Don't Matter': Piyush Goyal On Tariff Tussle | News18 Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Plea In Delhi Court Seeks FIR Against Sonia Gandhi Over Electoral Roll Entry Before Citizenship Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 23:40 IST A petition alleges Sonia Gandhi was listed in New Delhi electoral rolls in 1980 before gaining Indian citizenship in 1983; Delhi court adjourns hearing to September 10. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. (PTI) A petition has been filed against Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, alleging that her name was included in the electoral rolls three years before she became an Indian citizen. The petition, filed before Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vaibhav Chaurasia of Delhis Rouse Avenue Court under Section 175 (4) (power of magistrate to order investigation) of BNSS, has sought directions to the police for investigation into the allegations. Recommended Stories The court heard the matter for some time today, but later adjourned the matter for the next hearing on September 10. The plea, filed by Vikas Tripathi, has alleged that the Congress leaders name was included in the electoral roll of the New Delhi constituency in 1980, but she acquired Indian citizenship in 1983. The petitioner pointed out that Gandhis name, along with that of her late brother-in-law Sanjay Gandhi, was later deleted from the rolls in 1982. It was argued that such a deletion indicates that her earlier entry in the electoral rolls was irregular, as only Indian citizens are eligible to be enrolled as voters. The reason for the deletion is nowhere to be found. There can be two reasons: either someone takes the citizenship of another country or files a form 8 (application for correction in particulars), but the prerequisite is that the person has to be a citizen," the petitioner claimed in the court. What documents were given to the Election Commission (EC) when her name got included in 1980?" senior advocate Pavan Narang, appearing for the complainant, asked. He claimed there was some forgery" and that a public authority had been cheated." My limited request is to either direct the police to register an FIR under the appropriate sections. Whether they are made out or not is the domain of the police," Narang said. He said that in the interim period, a notice could be issued to the police for filing a status report. The complaint also relies on a 1985 Allahabad High Court judgment in Rakesh Singh vs Sonia Gandhi, which had examined the issue of her citizenship in the context of an election petition. While the court had then held that she became an Indian citizen on April 30, 1983, by registration, the present plea argues that any voter enrollment prior to that date was illegal. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all (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 04, 2025, 23:40 IST News india Plea In Delhi Court Seeks FIR Against Sonia Gandhi Over Electoral Roll Entry Before Citizenship Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Pregnant Pause' For Paracetamol? Latest Study Links It To Possible Autism Risk Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 07:43 IST Researchers say paracetamol may be linked to a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children While the latest findings stop short of proving causation, Indian experts agree that the study strengthens the case for careful use in obstetric care. (Representational image) Popping paracetamol during pregnancy? It may be time to check with your gynaecologist again. A widely used painkiller during pregnancy, a paracetamol pill, may be linked to a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, according to a recent study. Recommended Stories While the latest findings stop short of proving causation, Indian experts agree that the study strengthens the case for careful use in obstetric care. In clinical practice, the advice is shifting toward taking paracetamol only when truly necessary, for the shortest possible duration, and always under medical guidance. According to the study titled Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology", acetaminophen or paracetamol is the most commonly used over-the-counter pain and fever medication taken during pregnancy, with over 50 per cent of pregnant women using acetaminophen worldwide. Published in the journal Environmental Health, researchers applied the navigation guide methodology to evaluate evidence from 46 human observational studies on prenatal exposure to acetaminophen. This is the first time the framework has been used to assess the drugs potential impact on child neurodevelopment comprehensively. What did the study find? The researchers found that a significant number of high-quality studies showed positive associations between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and later diagnoses of ASD and ADHD in children. While some studies reported no link, and a handful even suggested possible protective effects, the overall weight of the evidence leaned toward a connectionparticularly in the strongest and most rigorously designed studies. Higher-quality studies were more likely to report a positive association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders," the authors wrote, noting that both ADHD and ASD showed strong" levels of evidence under the navigation guide assessment. The researchers highlighted that acetaminophen can cross the placental barrier and may influence fetal brain development through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and epigenetic changes. Acetaminophen freely crosses the placental barrier, reaching levels in fetal circulation similar to maternal circulation within less than an hour of maternal ingestion," it said. Given that acetaminophen is considered one of the safest options for pain and fever relief during pregnancy, its widespread use raises important public health questions. While the study does not establish definitive causation, it underscores the need for caution. The authors called for more high-quality research to further clarify risks and for healthcare providers to carefully weigh the benefits and potential harms when recommending acetaminophen to pregnant women. Indian experts say pregnant women may need to take caution Experts point out that these findings dont conclusively prove paracetamol causes autism. Rather, they indicate a possible connection that requires further study. The majority of such research used in this study employs self-reporting by mothers or measures drug concentrations in umbilical cord blood, both of which are sources of variability. According to Dr Vinit Banga, director of neurology at Fortis Hospital, Faridabad, various recent studies have also raised alarm about the use of paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) during pregnancy and its possible association with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. Paracetamol is frequently utilised as an antipyretic and painkiller and is usually considered safe to consume during pregnancy. However, mounting evidence suggests that continuous or persistent exposure to the drug throughout pregnancy may influence fetal brain development," Banga said. While the exact mechanisms are still unknown, scientists believe that paracetamol may interfere with the regulation of hormones or cause oxidative stress in the developing brain." Similarly, Dr Deepti Sharma, head, obstetrics and gynaecology at Amrita Hospital, told News18 that she approaches this study with both scientific curiosity and clinical care". This finding is significant because acetaminophen has often been the go-to pain reliever during pregnancy due to its perceived safety. However, recent biological insightsincluding placental transfer, oxidative stress, hormonal changes, and epigenetic effectsoffer reasonable explanations for these links," she said. Sharma believes that while the study does not prove causation, it supports caution in obstetric care. In practice, I would now advise pregnant patients to take acetaminophen only when necessary and for the shortest time possible, with medical oversight. Furthermore, this study highlights the critical need for updated clinical guidelines and the search for safer options." Banga from Fortis added that occasional use for a limited duration, especially at the lowest dosage required, is still viewed to be comparatively low risk by most medical physicians". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Finally, before further research establishes a definite causal link, pregnant women should visit healthcare professionals before consuming paracetamol during pregnancy. Weighing on one side the benefits of pain relief against potential long-term risk to the child is the requirement for deciding treatment at this critical point," he said. About the Author Himani Chandna Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particu... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 07:30 IST News india 'Pregnant Pause' For Paracetamol? Latest Study Links It To Possible Autism Risk Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Death Toll Rises To 37 In Punjab's Worst Floods In Four Decades After Fresh Rains Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 11:52 IST Death toll in Punjab floods has risen to 37, as the state witnessed persistent heavy rains, officials said. Punjab floods: Death toll rises to 37 (AP Image) The flood situation in Punjab was worsened as the state received a fresh spell of heavy rains on Wednesday, taking the death toll to 37, officials said. This is the worst deluge in Punjab since 1988, as crops on 1.75 lakh hectares of land in 23 districts suffered damage. Recommended Stories Relief and rescue operations are underway on a war footing, as authorities are providing help to over 3.55 lakh people in 1,655 villages. An alert was issued after heavy rains in Rupnagar and Patiala districts, as the authorities urged residents to stay vigilant. All schools, colleges, and universities have been closed till September 7. The Punjab government has released Rs 71 crore for immediate relief operations, with promises to compensate for peoples losses. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will visit the flood-affected areas in the state on Thursday to review the extent of crop damage. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will also review the damage today. Persistent rains in the state have deepened the flood crisis, with the water level in the Bhakra dam reaching 1,677.84 feet at 6 am, as against its maximum capacity of 1,680 feet. State Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said that Punjab was reeling under one of the worst floods in decades, as widespread crop damage was reported across the state. Some of the worst-hit districts include Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Mansa, Ferozepur and Fazilka, he said. He said that 37 people have died so far across 12 districts, while three others were missing in Pathankot. The highest number of deaths was reported in Hoshiarpur, where seven people lost their lives, followed by 6 deaths in Pathankot, 5 in Barnala, 4 each in Amritsar and Ludhiana, 3 each in Bathinda and Mansa, and 1 each in Gurdaspur, Patiala, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, and Sangrur. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In Gurdaspur, crops on more than 40,000 hectares were damaged, the highest in Punjab, followed by Mansa with nearly 25,000 hectares, Amritsar with 23,000 hectares, Fazilka with about 18,000 hectares, Ferozepur with 17,600 hectares, and Kapurthala with nearly 15,000 hectares. (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 Location : Punjab, India, India First Published: September 04, 2025, 08:06 IST News india Death Toll Rises To 37 In Punjab's Worst Floods In Four Decades After Fresh Rains Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Same Concerns': PM Modi Thanks Singapore PM For Backing India's Anti-Terror Fight Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 14:11 IST PM Modi said Lawrence's India visit is special as both nations are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the India-Singapore relationship. PM Modi said India and Singapore share common concerns regarding terrorism. (Photo:X/@MEA) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed gratitude to his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong for supporting Indias fight against terrorism in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Addressing the press meet at Hyderabad House in New Delhi alongside Lawrence, PM Modi said both nations share common concerns regarding terrorism. We believe that fighting against terrorism with unity is the duty of all humanitarian countries. In the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Wong and the Government of Singapore for their sympathy towards the people of India and for their support in our fight against terrorism," the PM added. Recommended Stories After 26 people were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack in April this year, India struck terror camps in Pakistan and PoK under Operation Sindoor. PM Modi said Lawrences visit is special as both nations are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the India-Singapore relationship. During my last visit to Singapore, we elevated our ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership," he said. Great Uncertainty & Turbulence: Singapore PMs Thumbs-Up To India Ties Amid Trump Tariffs Commenting on India-Singapore ties, PM Modi said the relationship goes far beyond diplomacy. This is a partnership with purpose, rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interests, and driven by a common vision for peace, progress, and prosperity," he highlighted. India-Singapore Partnership Important: Lawrence In his statement, Lawrence, who is in India on a three-day trip, said the partnership between India and Singapore becomes even more important in the world of uncertainty" and turbulence." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a world marked by great uncertainty and turbulence, the partnership between India and Singapore becomes even more important because this is a partnership rooted in shared values, mutual respect and a deep reservoir of trust. We can draw strength from our shared history and the friendship and trust between our peoples and together we can strengthen resilience, seize new opportunities and contribute to stability and growth in our region and beyond. I look forward to working hand in hand with Prime Minister Modi to bring the Singapore-India partnership to even greater heights in the years ahead," he remarked. The Singapore PM pointed out that both nations will expand cooperation in frontier areas like space. To date, more than 20 Singapore-made satellites have been launched by India. Through the MoU on promoting collaboration in the space sector, we will broaden this partnership and push the boundaries of what we can achieve together. Finally, Prime Minister Modi and I reaffirmed that people-to-people ties remain the bedrock of our relationship. We agreed to enhance exchanges, including through closer civil service cooperation," he added. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 First Published: September 04, 2025, 13:26 IST News india 'Same Concerns': PM Modi Thanks Singapore PM For Backing India's Anti-Terror Fight Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 To Take Up Centres Plea On Shifting Online Gaming Law Petitions From HCs Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 14:22 IST The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 was passed by the Parliament on August 21. It bars all forms of online money games. Supreme Court of India (PTI File) The Supreme Court has agreed to hear Centres plea seeking transfer of all challenges against the Online Gaming Act from various High Courts to the apex court. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act promotes e-sports and other online games, barring all forms of online money games. The plea was mentioned before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran. The CJI agreed to list the plea for consideration next week. Recommended Stories The Union has filed a transfer plea the Online Gaming Regulation Act has been challenged before three high courts. If it can be listed on Monday since its listed for interim orders before the Karnataka High Court," the lawyer said. What Is The Act About? The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, is the first Central legislation imposing a nationwide ban on real-money online gaming, including popular formats such as fantasy sports. The Act prohibits offering or playing online money games, regardless of whether they are games of skill or chance, and categorises violations as cognisable and non-bailable offences. The law has been challenged in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Delhi High Courts. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, was passed by the Parliament on August 21. It has also received the Presidents assent. However, it will come into effect after notification from the government. Earlier this week, the government informed the Delhi High Court that a regulatory body will be formed soon and norms will be created under this act. Delhi HCs bench led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela was hearing a petition from Bagheera Carrom (OPC) Pvt. Ltd., a company that runs an online carrom e-sports platform. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Explaining governments stance, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said only after a formal notification by the government, drafting of the rules will begin. He further assured the court that the government supports online gaming but would regulate money-based games due to concerns like addiction. Bagheera Carrom (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. has moved the Delhi High Court, challenging the constitutional validity of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. 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 04, 2025, 14:22 IST News india SC To Take Up Centres Plea On Shifting Online Gaming Law Petitions From HCs Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NAIROBI, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- When 23-year-old Victor Njung'e was shortlisted for the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC), Season 10, he thought winning the top prize was little more than a dream. But through grit and determination, the mechanical engineering student at the Technical University of Kenya outshone hundreds of competitors in the month-long contest, clinching a spot among the top winners in the individual category. At the grand closing ceremony in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Monday evening, Njung'e basked in the cheers of his peers as he walked to the podium to receive his award. "I'm a bit lost for words because I wasn't expecting this win. The tech challenge, both theory and practice, was quite grueling, but through determination and teamwork, we made it," he said. It was his first time competing in the ATC, a program launched in 2014 to sharpen technical and vocational skills among African youth and prepare them for jobs of the future. Season 10, which ran from July 28 to Aug. 29, brought together 142 teams with 568 participants from 12 African countries. Competitors tested their skills in three categories: mobile application development, mechanical engineering, and computer numerical control (CNC) turning. Njung'e, who specializes in manufacturing, said he gained new computer-aided design skills while also learning teamwork and building friendships across borders. Alongside five other winners in the individual category, Njung'e will receive a full scholarship to study in China and deepen his knowledge of mechanical engineering. "I'm eager to go to China and learn more, hoping to come back as a highly skilled engineer who gets the job done," he said. For Ghanaian participant Nuseno Alfred, 23, being named among the six winners of the individual category was equally rewarding. "This training has been wonderful from day one. It was all about precision, broadening my horizons, and giving me experience for the job market," Nuseno said, adding that he honed his skills in CNC turning, machine programming, and technical drawing. Nuseno hopes to access advanced machinery in China, master their operation, and return home to help drive Ghana's industrial growth. The event, attended by senior government officials, diplomats, and industry executives, was co-hosted by Chinese firm AVIC Innovation Holding Limited (AVIC INNO), Kenya's Ministry of Education, and the China Education Association for International Exchange. Julius Ogamba, Kenya's cabinet secretary of education, praised the initiative for equipping African youth with the tools to thrive in the digital age. "Through ATC, we are ensuring that Africa's youth become a force for driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, pushing boundaries and pursuing excellence," Ogamba said, adding that the program aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063, which seeks to build a globally competitive, skilled, and innovative workforce. The ceremony also saw the launch of the ATC 10th Anniversary Overseas Corporate Social Responsibility Report, highlighting the program's role in deepening China-Africa cooperation in vocational training. Li Qingtang, AVIC's executive vice president, said the corporation has prioritized technical skill development for African youth, in line with its corporate social responsibility ethos. According to Li, AVIC has built and upgraded 189 vocational institutions across Africa, training more than 20,000 teachers and students annually. Since its inception, the ATC has benefitted 1,933 participants from 14 African countries, awarded monetary prizes to 249 trainees, enabled 30 to study in China, and offered 25 internships and jobs with AVIC INNO. Zhang Zhizhong, charge d'affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, said that vocational and technical training remains a key pillar of Sino-African cooperation. "China has been working hand in hand with African nations to enhance technical and vocational educational systems," Zhang said, adding that a skilled workforce is key to unlocking the continent's industrial growth. We all have ideas, but few act on them. You do need to try and not do everything at once, but similarly only you control your actions, and therefore you must decide to take action Whats happening: While AI startups globally chase billions in venture capital funding, New Zealand serial entrepreneur JD Trask is launching Autohive with a contrarian approach, proving that bootstrapped businesses can compete with Silicon Valley giants. Why this matters: With North America capturing 63% of global venture capital with $229.9 billion despite handling only 35% of deals as AI funding reaches unprecedented levels, Trasks revenue-first model offers an alternative path for local startups where funding opportunities remain limited. JD Trasks current business journey doesnt come down to a singular moment, rather a collection of experiences throughout his life. His entrepreneurial instincts date back to when he was five years old, dismantling remote control cars to understand their mechanics. By age eight, he was programming on his parents PC, and by fourteen, while at high school, he was selling commercial software, developing a knack for translating technical skills into business value. Growing up with self-employed, entrepreneurial minded parents who regularly discussed finances, business, and the share market at dinner enabled him to develop financial literacy and business awareness which he still uses today. The foundation years He continued his entrepreneurial journey at Massey University, running a PC repair business while studying Information Science majoring in Computer Science. This combination of formal education and practical business experience prepared him for the challenges of building technology companies, later recognised with the universitys Distinguished Alumni Award in 2016. His true entrepreneurial journey, which has always come from spotting tangible business problems and being hellbent on solving them, started in early 2007 when he co-founded a software business called Mindscape which grew into a global business serving over 6,000 clients across 80+ countries. This led to the launch of his second venture, Raygun, born out of frustration with existing error monitoring solutions, which were clunky and involved crude email-based systems that flooded inboxes with irrelevant notifications. We launched Raygun in 2013, processed our first billion errors in 2014, and now handle over 100 million requests per hour, serving major clients including Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Dominos Pizza, Samsung, and HBO, Trask explains. The AI revolution The company generates millions of dollars in annual recurring revenue, with 92% coming from exports to over 100 countries, demonstrating the global reach achievable from a Wellington base. This success positioned Trask to launch Autohive, where he sits as CEO alongside his CEO duties at Raygun. We launched Autohive this year, following the generative AI boom that kicked off in 2023. Autohive is a no-code AI automation platform that I truly believe could represent a bigger revolution than the internet, Trask states. While 43% of the new unicorn startups in 2024 are AI companies, Trasks approach differs fundamentally from the venture-backed model dominating headlines. Autohive addresses a critical gap in AI implementation where 91% of small and medium businesses using AI report revenue increases, yet only 35% have actually adopted the technology due to implementation complexity. Solving real problems The platform enables businesses, from florists to accountants, to create AI agents that handle complex workflows like GST reconciliation, customer support, and content creation. Customer testimonials highlight dramatic efficiency gains: reducing GST reconciliation from two days to 18 minutes, cutting customer support first response times by 94%, and automating weekly analysis reports that previously took four hours. Autohives pricing model reflects my philosophy of aligning costs with value. At $20 per month per company regardless of size, the platform makes advanced AI capabilities accessible to businesses that lack resources for custom development, Trask explains. Autohive focuses on providing a platform that allows business people to easily use and implement AI agents to solve real business problems. The platform is also agent agnostic, meaning ChatGPT and Claude can chat with one another, which is unique in the market. The bootstrap advantage Starting out at 23, it would be very easy to say, Im too young. Being mindful that your brain will look for reasons to not do something, and powering through that anyway when your gut says you should A key strategy contributing to growth has been not letting silly reasons create barriers. Starting out at 23, it would be very easy to say, Im too young. Being mindful that your brain will look for reasons to not do something, and powering through that anyway when your gut says you should, Trask notes. Another crucial element is agency and taking action. We all have ideas, but few act on them. You do need to try and not do everything at once, but similarly only you control your actions, and therefore you must decide to take action. Being international by default proved essential. Were a digital business; therefore, we can have customers anywhere in the world. We approach all product and business development this way. This has led us to have high export revenues as a percentage of revenue, he explains. Lessons from experience Through nearly two decades of building technology companies, Trask has faced trademark trolls trying to extort businesses, managed co-founder challenges, exit challenges, and capital raise challenges. Just about everything you can imagine, weve faced at some point in my career as a founder, he reflects. The key lessons remain consistent: Back yourself, dont skimp on paying for advice and get comfortable with disagreement. These traits have helped overcome issues throughout the journey. Early encounters with older business leaders who thought they could take advantage of a younger partner taught valuable lessons about standing firm. Being willing to stand up to that, involve lawyers if you must, and be your own person can be very hard to do at that age, and with those types of partners. However, in doing so, it helped establish the reputation that youre fair but wont be bullied. Revenue over funding For aspiring entrepreneurs, Trask advocates a revenue-first mindset over chasing funding. My bootstrapped approach to building global software businesses has meant I have been able to achieve eight-figure annual revenues with minimal external funding. This challenges the traditional Silicon Valley venture capital model, and can be a key enabler for local startups in Australia and New Zealand, where funding opportunities can be limited. This approach becomes particularly relevant as Australias startup ecosystem buzzes with ambition and innovation, but securing the right funding remains a critical challenge in 2024. Beyond business success, Trask emphasises wider impact. As part of the founding team of Givealittle, he helped create the countrys largest online fundraising platform, which facilitated over $20 million in donations to New Zealand organisations before its sale to Spark Foundation in 2012. In 2019, he announced a $15 million investment in expanding the Wellington workforce, bringing all staff back to the office to support the local community. His recognition as a thought leader extends internationally through podcast appearances and industry commentary on AI adoption and business transformation. The message remains clear: global software success doesnt require Silicon Valley funding or location. With the right mindset, technical skills, and customer focus, world-class businesses can emerge from anywhere with decent internet infrastructure and entrepreneurial ambition. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Singapore A Valued Partner In Viksit Bharat Journey: PM Modi Thanks Lawrence Wong Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 13:36 IST In an interview, Lawrence Wong, who is on a visit to India, said that his meeting with PM Modi was aimed at forging a new roadmap for bilateral ties. PM Modi meets Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (PTI Image) Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong for his praise of the India-Singapore relations, and said that both nations are committed to the implementation of the roadmap for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Thank you Prime Minister Wong for your words of confidence in India! Singapore is a valued partner in our journey towards building a Viksit Bharat. We are committed to the swift implementation of the roadmap for our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, skilling and digital frameworks," PM Modi posted on X, sharing Wongs interview with an Indian media outlet. Recommended Stories Thank you Prime Minister Wong for your words of confidence in India!Singapore is a valued partner in our journey towards building a Viksit Bharat. We are committed to the swift implementation of the roadmap for our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a focus on advanced pic.twitter.com/9EjWWgeAeF Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2025 In an interview with Hindustan Times, Wong, who is on a visit to India, said that his meeting with PM Modi was aimed at forging a new roadmap for bilateral ties. He said that a strong and rising India contributes to the stability and resilience in Asia and opens up new opportunities for its partners in the region, HT reported. Singapore, which is the largest source of foreign direct investment into India, will continue to invest in the country and will have confidence in Indias prospects for the future, Wong said in the interview. The one thing we can do proactively is to work with like-minded countries to foster closer links, to operate on the basis of a rules-based trading framework to bring our economies closer togetherWe believe we can do so with India because we have with India a strategic partnership built on 60 years of friendship and trust," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all When asked what Singapores efforts were to aid India in creating a semiconductor hub, Wong said that there has been good progress in this field. It was something that Prime Minister Modi raised with me when he visited Singapore last year. Since then, weve signed an MoU and weve made progress across three different areas," he said. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 13:36 IST News india Singapore A Valued Partner In Viksit Bharat Journey: PM Modi Thanks Lawrence Wong Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Skull And Skeleton Found In TN Forest With Burnt Phone: Murder Trail Or Lost Story? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 12:04 IST The state of the remains, along with the half-burned items, suggests efforts were made to cover up the death. We are exploring all angles, an officer at the scene said. From Foul Smell to Grim Secret: The Skeleton That Stunned a Village (Representative Image) The quiet of a Thiruvallur village of Tamilnadu was shattered this week after the chilling discovery of a human skull and skeleton in a nearby forest. What began as an ordinary morning for a local laborer ended in horror, and the gruesome find has now set off a full-scale police investigation. A Foul Smell, a Grim Discovery Recommended Stories On Wednesday morning, a daily wage worker made his way through the forested patch near Ariyathur village, Uthukkottai taluk. As he passed a thicket, a foul smell caught his attention. Curious and uneasy, he followed the source, only to stumble upon a decomposed skull and skeletal remains lying on the ground. Shocked by the sight, he rushed to inform the Village Administrative Officer (VAO). The village administrative officer arrived and confirmed the presence of a skeleton that appeared to have been lying there for several days. What turned the mystery darker was the discovery of long strands of hair scattered near the bones, along with a partially burned purse and a charred mobile phone. These clues suggested that the deceased was most likely a woman. Police Launch Murder Investigation The Pennalurpet police were immediately alerted. Officers secured the scene, collected the remains, and sent them to the forensic team at a medical college for detailed examination. For investigators, the evidence on the ground pointed clearly to foul play. The burned personal belongings hinted at a deliberate attempt to destroy identity markers and conceal a crime. Police sources confirmed they are treating the case as a possible murder. The state of the remains, along with the half-burned items, suggests efforts were made to cover up the death. We are exploring all angles," an officer at the scene said. Technology Meets Detective Work To trace the victims identity and piece together her final movements, investigators are now scanning CCTV footage from the main roads leading into Ariyathurs forest. The hope is to spot vehicles or individuals who may have entered the isolated area in recent days. Forensic experts will meanwhile work on extracting DNA from the bones, which could match with missing persons reports filed in the region. For residents of Uthukkottai and nearby villages, the incident has come as a shock. Such violent crimes are rare in this largely agricultural belt, where life usually moves at a slow and steady rhythm. The discovery of the skeleton has left people anxious, with many gathering near the cordoned-off forest patch to follow police updates. Rumors swirl about who the woman might be a villager, a visitor, or someone brought from elsewhere. The unsettling nature of the discovery has also raised fears about safety, particularly among women who travel alone through forested shortcuts or isolated routes. Villagers are urging the police to move quickly to identify the victim and arrest whoever is responsible. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A Mystery Waiting for Answers For now, the skull and bones lie in a forensic lab, awaiting examination. The half-burned purse and cellphone may yet yield vital clues. Until answers emerge, Ariyathur village sits gripped by fear and speculation, haunted by the thought that a brutal crime took place quietly in the forest they once passed without a second thought. 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 : Tamil Nadu, India, India First Published: September 04, 2025, 11:51 IST News india Skull And Skeleton Found In TN Forest With Burnt Phone: Murder Trail Or Lost Story? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Love Indian Fish, Shrimp': Piyush Goyal's 'Seafood Chat' With Singapore PM Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: September 05, 2025, 00:20 IST Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said based on his conversation with PM Lawrence Wong, he will send a delegation of seafood importers to Singapore Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said he held a discussion with Singapore PM Lawrence Wong over lunch on September 4. (Image: PTI/File) Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who held discussions with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong over lunch on Thursday, said the leader told him about his countrys love for Indian seafood. Goyal said Wong, who held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had extensive" discussion with him on navigating the global trade disruptions caused by the tariff tussle with the United States. Recommended Stories We had lunch and extensive discussions with their teams to see what we can do and they have already committed to take in more chicken, eggs, and poultry. I talked to them about seafood and they said we love the taste of Indian fish and shrimp," Goyal said during an exclusive interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi. ALSO READ: Piyush Goyal Lauds Transformative GST Reforms, Says US Trade Talks On | Top Points Goyal said based on this conversation, he has asked his high commissioner to put together a group of seafood importers to soon travel as a delegation to Singapore. He said when it comes to trade expansion, sky is the limit for India even amid worsening relations with the US due to the imposition of a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods over New Delhis purchase of Russian crude oil. He said exports this year will be higher than last year as India is trying to make it easier for exporters to supply in the domestic market while it explores other countries as potential markets. We are trying to make it easier so that they [exporters] can supply in the domestic market. Its a part of one of the reforms we are working on. Similarly, our missions are working in 50 countries, which we have identified through data analytics and artificial intelligence on the data of import and export of all other nations to identify where our products, which will need a market, can be offered. And in view of that, what we can buy from those countries who will also be stressed similarly," he said. The Union minister said India is in talks with the United Arab Emirates to help the textiles and seafood sectors gain entry into the Gulf and Africa. The Emirati minister and I, over our meetings on Friday and Saturday (August 29 and 30) last week, identified people and areas. He already connected us with his people there who can help our textile sector, get an entry into the Gulf and into all of Africa. He sent me connects with the seafood industry there. I am mounting a delegation to visit the UAE to connect with those people. On [September] 18 and 19, we have the high-level task force on investments. Ill go to the UAE, where I will be taking a large business delegation," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Besides a successful execution of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, he said similar pacts are lined up with Australia, Oman, New Zealand, European Union, Chile, Peru, and Eurasia. We will be looking at fast-tracking our free trade agreements in other regions. We are doing a second tranche in Australia, well soon announce the closure of Oman and then New Zealand by the end of the year The trade commissioner of the European Union, Maros Sefcovic, will be in India on September 11 and will be spending three days to speed up and conclude the European Union FTA. So, I have the four-nation FTA with Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, which comes into effect on October 1" he said. The UK deal has been executed, Oman will be announced; Chile, Peru, Eurasia terms of reference are finalised by October 4, 5, or 6. Similarly, Latin America, huge potential for our exporters." 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 04, 2025, 23:41 IST News india 'They Love Indian Fish, Shrimp': Piyush Goyal's 'Seafood Chat' With Singapore PM Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UP Woman Alleges Dowry Harassment, Bigamy; Case Filed Against Husband, In-Laws Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 10:24 IST A woman from UP's Gonda accused her husband and in-laws of dowry harassment and bigamy; police filed a case and investigation is underway. AI-Generated Image A woman in Uttar Pradeshs Gonda alleged dowry harassment and accused her husband of marrying another woman. Acting on the complaint, police have registered a case against her in-laws and husband. As per the police, Savita Pathak, a resident of Khajuri village, married Ranjit Tiwari on June 2 this year. Recommended Stories In her complaint, she claimed that soon after the wedding, her husband, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and two other relatives began harassing her for a dowry of Rs 1 lakh in cash and a motorcycle. The woman further alleged that Ranjit developed relations with a woman from a village in Chhapia police station area and, on June 27, eloped with her. She claimed that with the connivance of his family, he secretly married the other woman. Savita further alleged that when she protested against the second marriage, her husband and in-laws abused her, taunted her for not bringing dowry, and threatened to kill her. She later returned to her parental home and narrated the incident to her family. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Savita said her family took her to the police station on August 31 to lodge a complaint, but no action was taken then. Chhapia SHO Ram Samujh Prabhakar told PTI that following directions from the superintendent of police, a case has now been registered against Ranjit Tiwari and six of his family members under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further investigation is underway. 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 : Gonda, India, India First Published: September 04, 2025, 10:24 IST News india UP Woman Alleges Dowry Harassment, Bigamy; Case Filed Against Husband, In-Laws Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... When Will India-US Trade Deal Happen And What Are The No-Go Zones? Piyush Goyal Answers Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: September 05, 2025, 00:25 IST Amid a tariff tussle between India and the US, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the ties between the two countries are "multidimensional and will only strengthen with time" Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick during a meeting, in USA, in May. (Image: @PiyushGoyal/PTI) Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has hinted at a resumption of trade deal negotiations between India and the United States by November. Amid worsening ties between India and the US due to a tariff tussle, Goyal said the relationship between the two countries is multidimensional and will only strengthen with time". Recommended Stories Well, if you recall when Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and President Donald Trump met in February, they had tasked the two teams to conclude the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement by the fall of 2025, which is about November," Goyal told News18 when asked if the now-stalled trade deal will be back on track soon. ALSO READ: Piyush Goyal Lauds Transformative GST Reforms, Says US Trade Talks On | Top Points During an exclusive interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, he said India-US ties are one of the most consequential and the two countries are allies and friends". The friendship between the two is much stronger than a few isolated comments, he added. We will continue to be engaged to try and find solutions to reach that outcome. A few days, a few weeks, a few months in a nations history such small periods will not define long-term objectives and goals," he said. Watch the video here: #Exclusive | US-India relationship is one of the most consequential relationships in the globe today. This relationship will only get strengthened as the time passes. We have always believed in dialogue and diplomacy: Union Minister @PiyushGoyal#TrumpTariffs pic.twitter.com/7IFohqdXUE News18 (@CNNnews18) September 4, 2025 In reference to aides of US President Donald Trump like White House adviser Peter Navarro calling the Ukraine conflict Modis war" or India the laundromat of the Kremlin", the Union minister said there could be misunderstandings" reflecting personal opinions", which had resulted in erratic and incendiary language". I think they could be either some misunderstandings or some personal opinions that may be reflected in that. I do not think that deters the US and India from continuing to maintain our strategic alliance and partnership," he said. WELL NEVER COMPROMISE ON INTERESTS OF FARMERS Trade talks between India and the US collapsed earlier this year as the former did not agree to opening its vast agricultural and dairy sectors. Bilateral trade between the worlds largest and fifth largest economy is worth over $190 billion. Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modis stand on not compromising on the interests of the agrarian sector, Goyal said any issue of national interest can constitute red lines" or no-go areas" when it comes to making an important deal with another country. I think any issue that can hurt national interests, that can hurt the interests of our farmers, our fishermen, our MSME industry, issues with religious sensitivity those would be broadly the issues where India would need an understanding when we finalise the framework of our agreement. And we will never compromise on the interests of our farmers, our fishermen, our MSMEs or our religious sensitivities," he said. WE NEGOTIATE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS In what can be seen as a swipe at US President Donald Trumps recent claims that India offered" to cut its tariffs on American goods to nothing", Goyal said he negotiates behind closed doors" and not with the media". I never negotiate such agreements and free trade deals with the media. We negotiate behind closed doors and once the negotiations are complete, we will certainly come back to you," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On how China has hit the US with retaliatory tariffs and if India will take similar action, he said India believes in dialogue and diplomacy as its ultimate goal is to strengthen relations. Well, India is a patient country and I believe we should give it every effort to come to a better, deeper understanding within the framework of international trading laws. We have always believed in dialogue and diplomacy and an effort to strengthen rather than weaken relations," he said. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: September 05, 2025, 00:03 IST News india When Will India-US Trade Deal Happen And What Are The No-Go Zones? Piyush Goyal Answers Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Who Gains From GST 2.0? Middle Class, Farmers, And The Push For A Healthy India Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 15:47 IST The new slab structure blends economic relief with strategic messaging: trimming household bills while protecting key sectors before elections The GST Council, led by FM Nirmala Sitharaman, announced major decisions on Wednesday night. (Representative/Shutterstock) The GST 2.0 overhaul isnt just a tax reform; its a political statement. From the middle class to farmers, the restructuring of Indias indirect tax regime appears carefully calibrated to please key voter segments ahead of the Bihar elections. The four-tier structure of 5, 12, 18, and 28 per cent is being replaced by just two core slabs5 and 18 per centwhile a new 40 per cent rate has been introduced for luxury and sin goods. The slab changes seem to have been designed with precision, targeting constituencies that matter both economically and electorally. Heres how each group stands to benefit. Recommended Stories Middle Class: Aspirational Gains, Political Stakes Comprising nearly 31 per cent of Indias population, the middle class is both an economic driver and a critical electoral bloc. The BJP has already tried to woo this segment with tax cuts in the Union Budget, and GST 2.0 takes it further. The government has slashed GST on a host of goods associated with middle-class consumption and aspirations small cars, LED TVs, air conditioners, cinema tickets, chocolates, pencils, geometry boxeshave seen tax rates slashed to 18 per cent. Daily-use items like soaps, shampoos, hair oil, toothpaste, toothbrushes, talcum powder, candles, shaving kits, safety matches, and even stationery and toys are now taxed at just 5 per cent, down from 1218 per cent earlier. Healthcare expenses, a major outlay for many households, have also been addressed. Life and health insurance premiums are now GST-exempt, while 33 life-saving drugs, including treatments for cancer and rare diseases, have been made entirely tax-free. Diagnostic kits, thermometers and most other medicines are down to 5 per cent. With the Bihar elections around the corner, these changes are seen as a strategic move to retain middle-class goodwill in a state where their vote can swing the outcome. Farmers and Dairy Sector: A Red Line in Tariff Talks Indias agrarian economy has long made farmers a non-negotiable priority in policymaking. According to National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data, the country is home to between 37 and 118 million farmers, and around 93 million agricultural households. The dairy sector alone involves 70 to 80 million farmers. GST 2.0 acknowledges their importance. Tax rates have been cut on items vital to farm and rural livelihoodsfarm equipment, ghee, butter, paneer, jams, sauces, soups, namkeens, and even dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and pistachios are now taxed at 5 per cent, significantly down from 1218 per cent. Crucially, both the agriculture and dairy sectors have been protected during trade negotiations with the US. India has refused to open these to foreign competition, choosing instead to safeguard domestic producers. This aligns with the broader political priority of keeping rural India economically secure. Healthy India: Taxing the Bad Stuff Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently promoted a healthy lifestyle, from popularising yoga internationally to urging citizens to cut down on oil and sugar consumption. GST 2.0 reinforces this vision with a new 40 per cent sin tax on products considered harmful to health. This includes tobacco, pan masala, zarda, gutkha, and aerated or caffeinated beverages with added sugar. The message is clear: the government wants to make unhealthy choices costlier while rewarding mindful consumption. Swadeshi Push: Domestic Industry in Focus The GST revamp also aligns with the governments broader goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and reducing dependence on imports. To promote local industries, the tax regime now favours domestically made goods like cosmetics, handlooms, and woven fabrics. The move is expected to benefit small businesses and local artisans, while also sending a message to global trade partners: India is serious about protecting its economic sovereignty. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A Festive Season Sweetener With Diwali and the festive season approaching, the timing of the GST 2.0 rollout is no accident. The government is positioning this tax reset as a celebratory reform, one that brings relief to households, energises domestic sectors, and lays the groundwork for a politically significant quarter. About the Author Pallavi Ghosh Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. S... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 15:44 IST News india Who Gains From GST 2.0? Middle Class, Farmers, And The Push For A Healthy India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Why India Sent Earthquake Aid To Afghanistan Via Kabul And Not Delhi | Explained Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 13:13 IST EAM Jaishankar said earthquake relief was sent via Kabul, sparking debate as some users wrongly claimed India didnt dispatch aid from Delhi like during Turkey, Syria disasters Rapid Read + Follow us On Google External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that India had delivered tents for 1,000 families in Kabul. (X/@DrSJaishankar) India has recently dispatched relief material to support those affected by the earthquake in Afghanistan. The aid package includes essential items such as blankets, tents, medicines, water tanks, generators, and sleeping bags. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the delivery, noting the supplies were sent via Kabul. This sparked a debate on social media, as some users claimed relief was not dispatched directly from Delhi, unlike during earlier disasters in Turkey and Syria. Recommended Stories Concerns have been raised particularly because during the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria in February 2023, India had sent relief materials under Operation Dost from Delhi to Adana Airport in Turkey via Indian Air Forces C-17 Globemaster aircraft. This operation included a special team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), medical facilities, drilling machines, and other equipment. When Was The Aid Sent? The first shipment of relief materials was sent on September 1. The External Affairs Minister stated that India had delivered tents for 1,000 families in Kabul. Additionally, 15 tonnes of food items were sent from Kabul to Kunar by the Indian Mission. More supplies are scheduled to be dispatched from India, demonstrating Indias solidarity with Afghanistan during this challenging time. 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 1000 family tents today in Kabul. 15 tonnes of food material is also being immediately moved by Indian Mission pic.twitter.com/whO2iTBjS8 Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 1, 2025 The second batch of relief materials was sent on September 2. Jaishankar wrote on X, Indian earthquake assistance reaches Kabul by air. 21 tonnes of relief materials including blankets, tents, hygiene kits, water storage tanks, generators, kitchen utensils, portable water purifiers, sleeping bags, essential medicines, wheelchairs, hand sanitizers, water purification tablets, ORS solutions and medical consumables were airlifted today. India will continue to monitor the ground situation and send more humanitarian aid over the coming days." Indian earthquake assistance reaches Kabul by air. 21 tonnes of relief materials including blankets, tents, hygiene kits, water storage tanks, generators, kitchen utensils, portable water purifiers, sleeping bags, essential medicines, wheelchairs, hand sanitizers, water pic.twitter.com/q8TUb1wbSn Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 2, 2025 Investigation Findings An investigation by News18 revealed that the relief materials were indeed sent from India, transported to Kabul via a Kam Air plane. The photographs posted by Jaishankar also show the Kam Air plane, confirming that the aid originated from India. Where Did The Question Arise? An Afghan journalist reported on X that Pakistan has blocked direct road and trade routes from India to Afghanistan, necessitating the air route for aid delivery. Journalist Habib Khan echoed this on Twitter, stating that Pakistan has also closed its airspace to India, preventing direct flights to Afghanistan. Consequently, India had to adopt alternative routes to deliver the relief materials to Kabul. Since Pakistan blocks direct overland trade and aid from India to Afghanistan, India airlifted relief to Kabul, blankets, tents, medicines, water tanks, generators, sleeping bags, and more, to help the victims of the devastating earthquake. pic.twitter.com/LEJBi9JdDU Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) September 2, 2025 Indias Generous Efforts top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Indias efforts have been widely praised on social media, with users commending the country for its generosity in such difficult circumstances. Comments highlighted that India consistently provides aid to those in need, regardless of the challenges involved. Others noted that India acted strategically and wisely in this situation, underscoring its commitment to humanitarian assistance for its neighbours and other nations. One user remarked that despite the obstacles, the aid arrived on time, exemplifying true humanity. First Published: September 04, 2025, 13:13 IST News india Why India Sent Earthquake Aid To Afghanistan Via Kabul And Not Delhi | 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... Why Modi Govts Big GST Cut Is Good Economics And Good Politics Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 10:54 IST The move puts the BJP in good stead ahead of upcoming election battles in the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala and Tamil Nadu Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Government sources said they are expecting record spending by consumers during the festive season this time. (PTI) The big GST cut effective from September 22 is both good economics and good politics on part of the Narendra Modi government as it will spur consumption and public spending and add to the Centres bouquet of gifts for the common man ahead of key state election battles. Government sources said they are expecting record spending by consumers during the festive season this time as the GST cuts come into effect on the first day of Navratri, September 22, almost a month ahead of Diwali on October 20 this year. After the big income tax relief given under the new tax regime earlier this year during the Union Budget, the GST cut is the second big gift for the common man this year which puts the BJP in good stead ahead of upcoming election battles in the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The BJP will be making the GST cuts a big part of its election campaign in the coming months, emphasising that the Narendra Modi government has put more money in the hands of the common man and increased his or her purchasing power. Recommended Stories The government fast-tracked the implementation of the GST cut after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15 announced the GST rationalisation exercise as a Diwali gift. But the government was aware it needs to roll out the GST cuts much before Diwali so that consumer spending is not dampened during the festive season as people would tend to hold off purchases anticipating a price cut. Nearly every item vital to the common man had seen a massive GST cut down to either 5 per cent or 0 per cent effective September 22, and medical insurance and life insurance will now see nil GST. Life-saving drugs and most medicines will also see lower GST, in a relief for the common man. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The BJP is also expecting political gains as FM Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said the UPA was never able to implement GST as states were never able to trust the UPA government at the Centre then. Congress should prepare its mindwhether it has to support these cuts or oppose them," the FM said. The BJP feels that by criticising the GST rejig, the Congress would be seen as anti-public. They will get exposed before the people," Sitharaman said. This would hold the BJP in good stead before the key state election battles. About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 09:39 IST News india Why Modi Govts Big GST Cut Is Good Economics And Good Politics Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Anant Chaturdashi 2025: Date, Rituals, Significance And Ganesh Visarjan Muhurat Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 08:45 IST Anant Chaturdashi 2025 Shubh Muhurat: Anant Chaturdashi marks the conclusion of Ganesh Chaturthi, when devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with grand immersion ceremonies. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Anant Chaturdashi will be celebrated on Saturday, September 6, 2025. (AI generated image) Anant Chaturdashi 2025 Shubh Muhurat: Anant Chaturdashi is a special festival that honours Lord Vishnu and holds great importance for both Hindus and Jains. It falls on the 14th day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, usually in September. The day also marks the conclusion of Ganesh Chaturthi, when devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with grand immersion ceremonies. The festival is known for its deep spiritual significance as well as its joyous rituals. On this day, people observe fasting, worship Lord Vishnu in his eternal form known as Anant, and pray for protection, prosperity and peace in their families. Recommended Stories ALSO READ: Ganpati Visarjan Rules: Dos & Donts And Preparation Tips For Ganesh Visarjan Anant Chaturdashi 2025: Date and Shubh Muhurat This year, Anant Chaturdashi will be celebrated on Saturday, September 6. According to the Hindu calendar, the auspicious timings to perform rituals are as follows: Puja Muhurat: 6:02 AM on September 6 to 1:41 AM on September 7 Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 3:12 AM on September 6 Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 1:41 AM on September 7 These timings are considered especially powerful for observing the Anant Vrat and performing prayers to Lord Vishnu. Anant Chaturdashi 2025: History Stories from Hindu mythology explain why this day is celebrated with such devotion. One well-known tale connects it to the Pandavas during their 12-year exile. After losing their kingdom to the Kauravas in a game of dice, they faced immense suffering. Yudhisthira, the eldest Pandava, sought advice from Lord Krishna, who told him to observe the Anant Vrat, a fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu. By doing so with full faith, the Pandavas were able to overcome difficulties and eventually regain their lost kingdom. Another legend involves sage Kaundinya and his wife Sushila. Sushila learned about the significance of worshipping Lord Anant and tied a sacred thread with 14 knots on her arm during the fast. Kaundinya, however, did not believe in the ritual and threw the thread into the fire. Soon after, misfortune struck and the couple lost their wealth. Realising his mistake, Kaundinya performed severe penance to seek forgiveness. Eventually, Lord Vishnu appeared and instructed him to observe the Anant Vrat for 14 years to regain prosperity. This story highlights the importance of faith, perseverance and respect for divine traditions. Anant Chaturdashi 2025: Significance Anant Chaturdashi is considered a day of both spiritual and material rewards. Worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day is believed to help devotees overcome hardships, wash away past sins, and ensure well-being for their families. The word Anant" means eternal, symbolising the endless blessings of Lord Vishnu, while Chaturdashi" refers to the 14th day of the lunar cycle. The festival also holds importance for students and seekers of knowledge. Beginning studies on this day is thought to bring wisdom and success. For families and businessmen, it is seen as a time to invite prosperity and abundance into their lives. In essence, the day is about seeking lasting happiness, protection and divine grace. Anant Chaturdashi 2025: Puja Rituals On this day, devotees observe a fast known as the Anant Vrat. The fast is not just for a single day but is traditionally observed for 14 consecutive years to seek Lord Vishnus blessings. One of the central rituals is tying the Anant Sutra, a sacred thread with 14 knots, on the arm. Each knot symbolises a year of the vow and is a reminder of the devotees promise to stay true to their faith. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Men usually tie the thread on their right arm, while women wear it on the left. The ritual signifies protection, spiritual strength and divine blessings. Devotees spend the day praying, reciting stories of Anant Chaturdashi, and offering flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Vishnu. The immersion of Ganesh idols, or Ganesh Visarjan, also takes place on this day, bringing an emotional yet festive close to the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The farewell symbolises the cycle of life, welcoming the divine, receiving blessings, and then letting go with the hope of meeting again next year. 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 04, 2025, 08:45 IST News lifestyle Anant Chaturdashi 2025: Date, Rituals, Significance And Ganesh Visarjan Muhurat Cannabis In Indias Wellness Market: Promise Or Illusion? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 16:21 IST Dozens of Indian startups now sell hemp protein powders, hemp seed oil capsules, CBD tinctures, and skincare products. Indias CBD Wellness Boom: Genuine Breakthrough or Passing Craze? Once whispered about in counterculture circles, cannabis-derived wellness products are now marching into Indias mainstream. From CBD oils marketed as stress relievers to gummies that promise better sleep and mushroom-infused supplements paired with hemp extracts, Indias wellness shelves are slowly being stocked with cannabis-linked products. Startups are pitching them as natural remedies for everything from anxiety to chronic pain. But this boom is not without controversy. While consumers explore cannabis as a wellness trend, regulators, doctors, and policymakers are still grappling with a fundamental question: where does legitimate therapy end, and recreational misuse begin? Recommended Stories The Global Backdrop Globally, the cannabis wellness industry has exploded over the last decade. In the United States, more than 30 states allow medical cannabis use, and CBD the non-intoxicating compound from the cannabis plant is sold in everything from pet treats to skincare creams. Canada legalized recreational cannabis in 2018. European countries like Germany are experimenting with tightly regulated access, and wellness brands worldwide are riding the CBD wave. Market research firms estimate that the global CBD market could cross $20 billion by 2030, driven by consumer interest in plant-based health alternatives. India, with its rapidly growing urban wellness sector, is inevitably being pulled into this current. The Indian Twist: Tradition Meets Trend Unlike the West, Indias cannabis connection is not new. The plant has a cultural and spiritual history stretching back thousands of years. Ayurvedic texts reference bhang, vijaya, and ganja as part of traditional medicine, used in controlled doses for pain, digestion, and stress relief. Even today, bhang thandai is consumed during Holi in several states. What is new, however, is the packaging of cannabis in modern wellness avatars oils, tinctures, chocolates, teas, skincare creams designed to appeal to an affluent, urban demographic. Startups like Boheco (Bombay Hemp Company) and HempStreet have been early movers, positioning cannabis-derived products as science-backed, Ayurveda-aligned, and wellness-friendly. What Exactly Is CBD? CBD (cannabidiol) is one of over 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce a high." Instead, it is touted for potential therapeutic effects calming anxiety, aiding sleep, relieving pain, and reducing inflammation. In India, CBD products sold legally must be derived from hemp a variety of cannabis with very low THC content (below 0.3%). Hemp cultivation itself is tightly regulated, but licensed companies can extract CBD and formulate it into products. The Promise: Wellness, But Plant-Based Urban India is already primed for this trend. The wellness market is booming, projected to hit USD 20 billion (17,62,90,97,88,000 Rupees) by 2025. Consumers are spending on yoga retreats, mindfulness apps, organic food, and herbal remedies. CBD fits neatly into this narrative a natural," plant-based solution that promises relaxation without intoxication. Testimonials abound: professionals claim CBD drops help with insomnia; fitness enthusiasts use hemp protein powders; elderly patients say CBD oil eases arthritis pain. Social media influencers add glamour to the mix, showcasing hemp-infused skincare routines and CBD coffee recipes. The Pushback: Doctors, Doubts, and Data Gaps But the evidence is still evolving. While some clinical studies suggest benefits of CBD for epilepsy, anxiety, and chronic pain, scientists caution that most claims are not yet backed by large-scale trials. In India, where regulatory oversight is limited, many products are launched with bold marketing but little scientific validation. Doctors are divided. Some Ayurvedic practitioners embrace cannabis extracts as part of traditional formulations. Allopathic doctors remain skeptical, warning that CBD can interact with medications or cause side effects like drowsiness, nausea, or liver strain. The absence of dosage guidelines adds to the confusion. The Regulatory Maze Legally, cannabis in India is governed by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which bans recreational use but leaves loopholes for medicinal and industrial applications. Bhang (made from cannabis leaves) is exempt in many states. (made from cannabis leaves) is exempt in many states. Ganja and charas (flower and resin) are strictly illegal. (flower and resin) are strictly illegal. Hemp-derived CBD is allowed if produced under license, but the rules vary by state and remain ambiguous. This patchwork system leaves startups walking a regulatory tightrope. Some brand their oils as Ayurvedic medicines, available only on prescription. Others sell CBD wellness products directly online, operating in a grey zone. Startups and Investors Smell Green Despite the uncertainty, the sector is buzzing. Dozens of Indian startups now sell hemp protein powders, hemp seed oil capsules, CBD tinctures, and skincare products. Venture capital firms are beginning to dip their toes in, betting that a global shift in cannabis policy will eventually ease Indias restrictions. The pitch is simple: India, with its deep tradition of plant-based medicine and vast agricultural potential, could become both a producer and consumer hub for cannabis wellness. Already, states like Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh have permitted hemp cultivation under strict licenses, hinting at future opportunities. The Risks: Regulation Playing Catch-Up For every opportunity, there is a concern. Without proper oversight, mislabeled products, exaggerated claims, or contamination could hurt consumers. If CBD becomes a mass wellness trend without clear guidelines, the risk of misuse rises potentially triggering a backlash from authorities. Globally, weve seen how cannabis markets can swing between hype and regulation. In the U.S., CBD boomed only to face FDA crackdowns on unverified health claims. In India, where social attitudes remain cautious, even a single scandal could derail the sector. What Lies Ahead The future of Indias cannabis wellness boom depends on how regulators, businesses, and consumers balance enthusiasm with responsibility. If regulation evolves to allow research-backed products, India could build a robust market that marries Ayurveda with modern science. to allow research-backed products, India could build a robust market that marries Ayurveda with modern science. If oversight lags , the sector risks being seen as snake oil, undermining consumer trust. , the sector risks being seen as snake oil, undermining consumer trust. If bans tighten, startups may retreat underground or lose momentum, while global competitors pull ahead. For now, CBD in India remains a paradox: simultaneously ancient and modern, promising and precarious, celebrated and controversial. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Indias cannabis wellness story is no longer about whether the plant has a role in health its about how that role is defined, regulated, and trusted. The booming demand shows that consumers are ready. The question is whether Indias policy and science can keep up. The cannabis wellness race could make India a pioneer of plant-based healthcare or a cautionary tale of hype outrunning evidence. 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 04, 2025, 16:20 IST News lifestyle Cannabis In Indias Wellness Market: Promise Or Illusion? Vietnams electric motorbike market is shifting into high gear as competition intensifies, with local and foreign players racing to expand, roll out new models and pour money into infrastructure. Observers noted that rivalry is no longer limited to pricing or design but increasingly revolves around battery technology, charging ecosystems, and strategies to capture different customer segments. As the worlds fourth-largest motorbike market with some 50 million vehicles in circulation, Vietnam is under pressure to transition from petrol to electric in response to air pollution and climate change. A variety of brands have already joined the race. VinFast has positioned itself as a pioneer by offering models across multiple price ranges and recently introduced new versions equipped with dual removable batteries. The company plans to launch the countrys first battery-swapping motorbike in October, followed by additional models aimed at meeting diverse customer demand. Yadea, a leading Chinese manufacturer, is targeting students and young consumers, while Honda, facing pressure to electrify despite its dominance in petrol bikes, has started with two electric models and promises more by 2030. Yamaha, which launched its first electric scooter in 2022, has so far maintained a limited presence. Alongside these giants, local firms such as Pega, Dat Bike, and Selex Motor are carving out niches ranging from affordable commuter bikes to long-range premium models and specialized vehicles for delivery services. Industry executives suggested that Vietnam, with its population of around 100 million, holds enormous potential. They estimated the domestic two-wheel market could reach a value of US$8 billion, while the broader Southeast Asian market may expand to $25 billion, making it highly attractive for both established players and startups. Attention, however, is shifting toward infrastructure and battery solutions, which are seen as decisive in determining long-term market leadership. VinFast has announced an ambitious plan to deploy 150,000 battery-swapping stations nationwide within three years, with the first 50,000 to be in place by the end of 2025. Other manufacturers are also exploring different models, from Hondas removable battery system through its dealer network to Selex Motors focus on delivery riders. TMT Motors, the distributor of Wuling electric cars, has even revealed plans to enter the motorbike segment with automated swap stations, underscoring the growing strategic importance of this area. Consumers, particularly younger groups such as students and office workers, are emerging as early adopters. They value modern design, smart features like GPS and smartphone connectivity, as well as environmental benefits and lower running costs. Older riders remain cautious, citing concerns about battery life and range, suggesting that shifting consumer habits will take time. Experts stressed that Vietnam will need a coherent policy framework, significant public and private investment in charging infrastructure, and greater support for local production of batteries and components to reduce reliance on imports. Public awareness campaigns may also help accelerate the transition. Analysts believe electric motorbikes will gradually replace petrol vehicles in large cities within a few years. The contest unfolding today, they argued, is not only about short-term sales but also about securing strategic positions in an industry expected to be worth tens of billions of dollars in the near future. Vietnams e-motorbike market has reached a pivotal moment with fierce competition, full of opportunities, but equally marked by significant challenges. Deepika Padukone Serves High-Impact Style In Fringe Skirt At Louis Vuitton Jury Debut Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 07:59 IST Deepika Padukone makes history as the first Indian on the LVMH Prize 2025 jury, joining global fashion icons to celebrate emerging talent at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. Deepika Padukone wore an oversized silk shirt and a golden mini skirt with dramatic fringes. Deepika Padukone has officially added another feather to her cap by becoming the first Indian to serve on the jury of the LVMH Prize 2025. The annual prize, considered one of the most prestigious recognitions in the fashion industry, is dedicated to spotlighting emerging designers who shape the industrys future. By stepping into this space, Deepika not only cements her global presence but also ushers in a landmark moment for Indian representation in luxury fashion. Decoding Deepika Padukones Striking Look Recommended Stories View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@deepikapadukone) For the occasion, Deepika Padukone chose a bold Louis Vuitton ensemble that commanded attention. She wore an oversized silk shirt splashed with abstract yellow and brown prints, paired with a golden mini skirt adorned with dramatic, floor-grazing fringes. Every swish of the skirt captured movement and energy, making the outfit both playful and powerful. Her accessories followed the same narrative: chunky golden studs, a sleek black handbag, and high heels that tied the look together with sharp finesse. Keeping her makeup modern yet understated, she opted for a bronzed palette: contoured cheeks, winged eyeliner, and a deep nude-brown lip. With her hair pulled back into a neat bun, Deepika embodied Parisian sophistication while staying true to her own bold aesthetic. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Louis Vuitton (@louisvuitton) Representing India At The LVMH Prize 2025 Jury View this post on Instagram A post shared by LVMHPrize (@lvmhprize) Deepikas long-standing relationship with Louis Vuitton has already positioned her as one of Indias most visible figures in the international fashion landscape. Her presence on the jury elevates that influence, placing her alongside industry stalwarts like Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, Jonathan Anderson, Nicolas Ghesquiere, Silvia Venturini Fendi, and Pharrell Williams. Luxury house LVMH underscored the significance of her role in an official statement, calling her an iconic addition" to this years final jury. The 2025 edition of the LVMH Prize will culminate on September 3 at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, where the jury will decide the winner from eight shortlisted global talents. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Deepika Padukone and Louis Vuitton Deepika Padukones association with Louis Vuitton has been steadily growing since she became the French luxury houses first Indian brand ambassador in 2022. From starring in global campaigns to attending runway shows in Paris, she has cemented her presence as one of the most recognised South Asian faces in international fashion. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: September 04, 2025, 07:59 IST News lifestyle Deepika Padukone Serves High-Impact Style In Fringe Skirt At Louis Vuitton Jury Debut Eid Milad-Un-Nabi 2025: Date, Rituals And Significance Of Eid-E-Milad Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 03, 2025, 09:48 IST Eid E-Milad-Un-Nabi Date 2025: Eid Milad-un-Nabi will be celebrated on September 6. The day is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Eid Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Eid-e-Milad, is one of the most important festivals for Muslims across the world. (AI generated image) Eid Milad-Un-Nabi 2025 Date: Eid Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Eid-e-Milad, is one of the most important festivals for Muslims across the world. The day is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad, the last messenger of Allah in Islam. The festival is also called Mawlid or Nabid in different regions. It falls in the Islamic month of Rabi al-awwal, the third month of the lunar calendar. Every year, Muslims prepare to remember and honour the Prophets life, teachings, and compassion through special prayers, rituals, and community celebrations. Recommended Stories When Is Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2025? This year, Eid Milad-un-Nabi will be observed on September 6. However, as the Islamic calendar is based on moon sightings, the dates sometimes differ slightly between communities. Sunni Muslims usually celebrate it on the 12th of Rabi al-awwal, while Shia Muslims mark the occasion on the 17th of the same month. The day is not only observed as the Prophets birthday but also remembered by some as the day of his passing. For this reason, while many communities rejoice with decorations and gatherings, others observe it more solemnly. History And Origin The idea of commemorating the Prophets birth dates back to the early Islamic caliphates. It is believed that the Fatimids first initiated the practice. Initially, only the ruling Shia Muslims were allowed to observe it in Egypt. By the 11th and 12th centuries, celebrations spread to other regions such as Syria, Morocco, Turkey, and Spain, eventually being adopted by some Sunni Muslim communities as well. Historians believe Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca in 570 CE, on the 12th day of Rabi al-awwal. Since then, this day has been seen as a reminder of his lifes mission, kindness, and the values of humanity and compassion he preached. Eid Milad-un-Nabi Significance For Muslims, Eid-e-Milad is also a day of reflection. It is considered a time to remember the Prophets role as a guide and messenger of Allah, and to remind people of his principles of generosity, humility, and brotherhood. Communities come together in large numbers to honour his memory, pray for blessings, and share joy with others. Rituals And Celebrations Preparations for Eid-e-Milad usually begin a day before. Streets, mosques, homes, and marketplaces are decorated with green flags and lights. People wear new clothes, distribute sweets, and visit mosques for special prayers. Many also tie green bands around their wrists as a symbol of their faith. At home, women prepare traditional dishes such as Sevaiyan and Sheer Khurma to share with family and friends. Elders often narrate stories about the Prophets life, highlighting his values of kindness and compassion, passing them down to the younger generation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Charity and acts of kindness are also a key part of the day. Many donate food, clothes, or money to those in need, following the Prophets example of generosity. Some devotees travel to famous mosques and dargahs such as Jama Masjid, Haji Ali Dargah, Nizamuddin Auliya, and Ajmer Sharif to offer prayers and seek blessings. In essence, Eid Milad-un-Nabi is both an observation and an occasion to reflect on the timeless teachings of Prophet Muhammad, reminding Muslims of the values of love, compassion, and humanity that form the core of Islam. 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 03, 2025, 09:46 IST News lifestyle Eid Milad-Un-Nabi 2025: Date, Rituals And Significance Of Eid-E-Milad A Taste Of Italy: Classic Recipes And Seasonal Delights To Try At Home Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 19:08 IST Discover the taste of Italy with classic recipes from pasta to desserts. Learn simple steps to recreate authentic Italian flavours at home and enjoy a gourmet experience. These recipes celebrate authentic Italian flavours. Theres something enchanting about Italian cuisine the aroma of fresh herbs, the richness of olive oil, and the comforting warmth of pasta. Even a simple plate of spaghetti or a scoop of burrata can transport you to a sunlit piazza in Rome. Italian food thrives on quality ingredients, seasonal produce, and love for detail. Delhi recently experienced that magic firsthand when La Piazza at Hyatt Regency Delhi hosted Grissini, the award-winning Italian restaurant from Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. Guests were treated to a rare opportunity to watch Chef Valerio Mandile at work, witnessing the artistry, precision, and passion that go into every dish. From silken pastas to inventive desserts, diners could see firsthand how authentic Italian flavours are balanced with modern creativity, creating an immersive experience that went far beyond ordinary dining. Recommended Stories For those eager to bring some of that Italian flair into their own kitchens, here are a few of Chef Valerios signature recipes simplified for home cooking. Coppa al Limone Ingredients: For the crumble: 470 g butter 690 g cake flour 350 g sugar 2 g salt Zest of 3 lemons For the lemon foam: 500 g fresh cream (35%) 80 g sugar 30 g lemon juice Peels of 3 lemons (white pith removed) 1 g salt For garnish: lemon segments, mint leaves Method: 1. Mix butter, flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest until crumbly. Bake at 180C for 12 minutes or until golden. 2. Heat cream with lemon peels and sugar until dissolved. Cover and infuse for 30 minutes, then strain. Add lemon juice and salt, transfer to a whipper, charge with nitrogen, and refrigerate at least 2 hours. 3. Assemble: place 1 tbsp crumble at the bottom of a glass, add 3 lemon segments, top with lemon foam, and garnish with mint and optional lemon zest. Burrata, Panzanella, Basilico (Serves 4) Ingredients: 270 g cherry tomatoes 20 g bread 20 g extra virgin olive oil 2 g salt 2 g basil leaves 12 roasted cherry tomatoes (halved) 4 burrata pieces Extra olive oil, salt flakes, fresh basil for plating Method: 1. Blend cherry tomatoes, bread, olive oil, salt, and basil to make a smooth panzanella emulsion. 2. Roast cherry tomatoes at 180C for 10 minutes with a pinch of salt, sugar, and olive oil. 3. Plate: spread emulsion, place burrata in the centre, add roasted and fresh tomatoes, drizzle olive oil, sprinkle salt flakes, and garnish with basil leaves. Spaghetti alla Nerano (Serves 4) Ingredients: 4 zucchini (2 mm slices for chips, thin slices for sauce) Vegetable oil for frying 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 12 basil leaves 300 g spaghetti 40 g butter 40 g grated provolone cheese Salt, black pepper Method: 1. Deep-fry zucchini slices at 150C until golden for chips. Set aside. 2. Pan-fry thin zucchini slices with olive oil and basil until soft; blend into a smooth sauce and cool in an ice bath. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 3. Cook pasta al dente. In a pan, melt butter with a bit of pasta water, add zucchini chips and sauce, season, cook 1 minute, add provolone cheese, and plate with remaining zucchini chips on top. If you want to celebrate authentic Italian flavours in Delhi, dont miss Grissini at La Piazza at Hyatt Regency Delhi, running from August 28 to September 6, 2025, for lunch (123 pm) and dinner (611 pm). Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: September 04, 2025, 19:08 IST News lifestyle food A Taste Of Italy: Classic Recipes And Seasonal Delights To Try At Home Happy Eid-E-Milad-Un-Nabi 2025: Best Wishes, Shayari, Poems, Messages, Quotes, Photos, SMS, And Status For Eid Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 17:00 IST Eid Milad Un Nabi Wishes: Eid Milad-Un-Nabi marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Celebrate with meaningful quotes, wishes, shayari, and prayers for peace and compassion. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi will be celebrated in India on September 6. (AI generated image) Eid Mubarak Wishes Quotes: Milad-un-Nabi, also called Eid-e-Milad or Mawlid-un-Nabi, is one of the most important Islamic festivals celebrated across the world. It marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, the final Messenger of Allah, whose life and teachings continue to guide millions of people. The festival is observed in the month of Rabi al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. Sunni Muslims celebrate Eid-e-Milad on the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal, while Shia Muslims mark it on the 17th of Rabi al-Awwal. The date varies every year according to the moon sighting. This year, Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi will be celebrated in India on September 6. Recommended Stories On this sacred day, people gather in mosques and homes for prayers, known as Salat. Religious scholars and Maulanas deliver sermons highlighting the Prophets life, his message of peace, and his contribution to humanity. Devotees also decorate mosques, take part in processions, and spend the day remembering the Prophets values of love, kindness, and simplicity. As you and your loved ones celebrate this occasion, here is a heartfelt collection of best wishes, shayari, poems, quotes, messages, sms, and status ideas to share the joy of Eid-e-Milad. Eid Milad-Un-Nabi 2025: Best Wishes, Messages, and Greetings Eid Milad-Un-Nabi Mubarak! May your faith be unwavering, your prayers be answered, and your life be blessed with goodness. May your sincere prayers be answered, and may you be blessed with Allahs choicest blessings. Eid Milad-Un-Nabi Mubarak to you and your loved ones. On this blessed occasion of Eid Milad-Un-Nabi, may the light of the Prophets teachings guide you and your family towards happiness and prosperity. Eid Milad-Un-Nabi Mubarak. Eid Milad-Un-Nabi Mubarak! May the grace of this day bring you inner peace and illuminate your path with love and righteousness. Sending warm wishes on Eid Milad-Un-Nabi! May the light of this day shine upon you and your family, bringing prosperity and harmony. May Allah ease your hardships and shower you with peace and prosperity on Eid. Have a blessed time! Eid Milad-Un-Nabi Mubarak. On this blessed occasion of Eid Milad-Un-Nabi, may your heart be filled with love, your home with happiness, and your life with peace. Mubarak! Heres wishing a blessed Eid that will inspire you with courage and strength to help you win every challenge of life! Eid Milad-Un-Nabi Mubarak. Eid Milad-Un-Nabi Mubarak! May the teachings of Prophet Muhammad inspire and guide you towards a life of compassion and kindness. Wishing you a joyous Eid Milad-Un-Nabi filled with love, peace, and blessings. Eid Mubarak! Eid Milad-Un-Nabi Mubarak 2025: Shayari Madina ki chaandni, dil mein sada, Eid Milad-un-Nabi, mubarak ho sada. Nabi ka pyar, dil mein bas gaya, Eid Milad-un-Nabi, dil khush ho gaya. Roza, namaz, zakat, sadaqa, Eid Milad-un-Nabi, mubarak ho sabka. Allah ka rahmat, barse aasman se, Eid Milad-un-Nabi, mubarak ho hum sabse. Nabi ka paigam, dil mein sama gaya, Eid Milad-un-Nabi, dil khush ho gaya. Eid Milad-Un-Nabi Mubarak 2025: Quotes by Prophet Muhammad Spread love everywhere you go, for that was the Sunnah of our Prophet. Be kind, for whenever kindness becomes part of something, it beautifies it. The most beloved to Allah is the one most beneficial to mankind. When a thing disturbs the peace of your heart, give it up. The best among you is the one who doesnt harm others. Eid Milad-Un-Nabi 2025: SMS to Share I hope the teachings of the Prophet inspire you today and always. Eid Mubarak to you and your family. Let the Prophets teachings inspire your every step. Eid Mubarak! On this special day, and the ones that will come, may Allahs mercy be upon you. Happy Milad! Let us all come together to celebrate the birth of the Prophet by spreading kindness. Eid Mubarak 2025! I hope and wish that your life be filled with peace and happiness on this sacred day, and the days ahead. Wishing you a joyous Eid filled with love, blessings, and peace. Happy Eid-e-Milad! I wish that Allahs blessings be with you today and forever. Happy Eid! I hope the light of the Prophet guides you towards prosperity and happiness. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Eid Milad-Un-Nabi 2025: WhatsApp And Facebook Status Ideas Let us celebrate the birth of the Prophet with peace, love, and joy. Happy Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi. On this blessed day, I pray we all walk the path of love and kindness. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi mubarak! Wishing you a joyous Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi filled with blessings and peace. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi mubarak. Wishing you and your family a peaceful and blessed Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi. May this Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi bring you closer to peace. Happy Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi. I sincerely wish and hope that the blessings of Eid-e-Milad shine upon you and your loved ones. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi mubarak! Let us make it a point to remember the teachings and lessons of the Prophet and his contributions to our world. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi mubarak! On this holy day, lets think about the wisdom of the Prophet. Happy Eid! Happy Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi! Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi mubarak! May the Prophets life inspire us to be better every 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 04, 2025, 17:00 IST News lifestyle Happy Eid-E-Milad-Un-Nabi 2025: Best Wishes, Shayari, Poems, Messages, Quotes, Photos, SMS, And Status For Eid How To Remove Ear Wax: 3 Safe And Simple Tips By Top Doctor Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 09:12 IST Untreated earwax build-up can block the ear canal and may cause hearing loss. Dr Manish Munjal of Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital shares simple tips on how to remove it safely Rapid Read + Follow us On Google If earwax hardens and is left untreated, it can cause pain, itching, or even a tingling sensation in the ear. (AI Generated) Earwax, known medically as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the ear to clean and protect itself. However, when it hardens, it can cause pain, itching, or even a tingling sound in the ear. In severe cases, untreated earwax build-up, also called cerumen impaction, can block the ear canal and lead to hearing loss. To understand safe ways of managing this common issue, the News18 team reached out to Dr Manish Munjal, Vice Chairperson of the ENT Department at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, who shared simple and effective methods to remove hardened earwax. Recommended Stories Dr Munjal emphasised that one should never insert cotton buds, matchsticks, or any sharp objects into the ear as these can push the wax deeper or cause permanent ear damage. Instead, he suggested safer alternatives mentioned below: Ear drops The first step is to soften the hardened earwax. Over-the-counter ear drops are easily available at chemist shops and do not require a prescription. By applying these drops regularly for three days, the wax usually softens and comes out naturally. If the blockage persists, a doctor can quickly remove it using a microscopic clearance technique. Baby oil or Mineral Oil If ear drops are not available, baby oil or mineral oil can also be used. Applied in the same way, they help soften the wax within three days. However, Dr Munjal warned against using other oils or inserting foreign objects in the ear. Suction Bulb A suction bulb, priced between Rs 300 and Rs 1,500, is available in chemist shops and online. Working on pressure technology, it pulls out earwax by creating gentle suction. This simple method usually clears the ear within a minute or two. Ear Irrigation If ear drops fail, ear irrigation is another option. This should only be performed by a trained expert. In this procedure, a saline solution is filled into the ear with a syringe and gently flushed out using a microscopic bulb syringe, which removes the wax safely. Ear Microscopy (Otoscopy) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In cases of severe blockage where the wax has hardened, doctors use an ear microscope. A telescope is inserted into the ear, and under direct vision, the wax is carefully removed with specialised instruments. This safe and precise technique is commonly used in hospitals. Dr Munjal advised that while home remedies can help in mild cases, professional intervention is important if discomfort continues. Left untreated, hard earwax can lead to serious complications, including long-term hearing loss. First Published: September 04, 2025, 09:12 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness How To Remove Ear Wax: 3 Safe And Simple Tips By Top Doctor World Sexual Health Day: Why India Must Break The Silence On Sexual Wellness Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 15:08 IST On World Sexual Health Day, Dr. Divya Vora, Gynecologist and Obstetrician, highlights the alarming rise of STIs in India, the gaps in sexual wellness awareness On World Sexual Health Day, Dr. Divya Voras message is clear, Sexual health is health. The more we talk about it, the more we empower people to live healthier, more confident lives. As India marks World Sexual Health Day, the rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) underscores the urgent need for more awareness, open conversations, and credible information around sexual health. Despite progress in access to wellness products, education and stigma remain the biggest barriers. Dr. Divya Vora, Gynecologist and Obstetrician, shares her insights on where India stands and what needs to change. Recommended Stories On Bridging the Awareness Gap As a gynecologist, I see first-hand how little awareness there still is around STIs, consent, and safe sex practices in India," says Dr. Vora. Many patients come in with late-stage symptoms simply because they didnt know whom to ask or felt too embarrassed to talk about it." Her experience highlights how silence and stigma continue to cost people their health and wellbeing. On Changing Consumer Behaviour There are various platforms like Love Depot who are raising this awareness, There is definitely a shift happening among young Indians," Dr. Vora notes. They are more willing to explore sexual wellness products online, largely because digital platforms offer privacy and discretion. But while access to these products has improved, the education around why and how to use them safely still lags behind. Both need to go hand-in-hand." On Normalizing Sexual Wellness For Dr. Vora, sexual health is inseparable from overall wellbeing. Sexual wellness should never be treated as a taboo, its a vital part of overall health, just like physical and mental wellbeing," she explains. When people are encouraged to talk openly, it not only helps prevent STIs but also improves relationships and confidence. The more we normalize these conversations, the healthier our society will be." On Digital Responsibility top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the age of smartphones, where the internet is often the first doctor, misinformation poses its own risks. In todays digital world, people often turn to the internet for answers, but misinformation is rampant," warns Dr. Vora. This is where credible, fact-driven platforms make a huge difference. People need medically accurate and trustworthy content to learn about safe practices, prevention, and early signs of STIs. As doctors, we welcome this kind of digital responsibility because it reduces the stigma and ensures people dont fall into the trap of myths or unsafe advice." India has made strides in access, but without education, awareness, and normalization, sexual wellness will remain incomplete. On World Sexual Health Day, Dr. Divya Voras message is clear, Sexual health is health. The more we talk about it, the more we empower people to live healthier, more confident lives." 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 04, 2025, 11:40 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness World Sexual Health Day: Why India Must Break The Silence On Sexual Wellness IRCTC Navratri Tourism Package: Visit 4 Jyotirlingas & Statue Of Unity At Rs 2,200 Per Day Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 15:07 IST Indian Railways has launched a special Navratri package, allowing devotees to visit four Jyotirlingas and the Statue of Unity at affordable rates. Heres all you need to know Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Passengers can board the train at multiple stations in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. (News18 Hindi) IRCTC has introduced a special, nine-day Navratri package for devotees, offering visits to the Statue of Unity and four Jyotirlingas. This exclusive offer is available only to passengers from select states (Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi) and bookings have already commenced. The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train will operate from October 25, coinciding with Navratri, taking passengers on a nine-day spiritual and historical tour across Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Recommended Stories Boarding Stations Passengers can board the train at multiple stations in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. Starting from Amritsar, the train stops at Jalandhar City, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Ambala Cantonment, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Delhi Cantonment, and Rewari, ensuring convenient access for devotees in these regions. Pilgrimage Highlights The journey begins with visits to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain. The train then proceeds to Kevadia in Gujarat to see the Statue of Unity, the worlds tallest statue and a symbol of modern India. The pilgrimage continues to Dwarka, visiting Dwarkadhish Temple and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, and concludes at Somnath to witness the Somnath Jyotirlinga. Seating Options And Fares top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The train offers multiple seating options to suit all travellers. Sleeper class has 640 seats, 3AC standard has 70 seats, and 2AC comfort has 52 seats. Fares have been kept reasonable: Rs 19,555 for sleeper class, Rs 27,815 for 3AC, and Rs 39,410 for 2AC per person. The package includes train tickets, meals, hotel accommodation, and AC/non-AC buses for local transport at each destination. For more details and reservations, passengers can visit IRCTC tourism website or contact IRCTC offices in Chandigarh and New Delhi. Seats are limited, and devotees are advised to book early to secure their place on this unique spiritual journey. First Published: September 04, 2025, 15:07 IST News lifestyle travel IRCTC Navratri Tourism Package: Visit 4 Jyotirlingas & Statue Of Unity At Rs 2,200 Per Day Opinion | How Mahua Is Taking A Cue From Mamata On Bangla Neologisms Written By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 06:17 IST West Bengals Chief Minister is no longer the only one meaningfully contributing to the advancement of Bangla; hopefully, Moitras head will not roll for this Mahua Moitra planted herself firmly back in the social media limelight by asserting in literally translated English to Bangla that Union Home Minister Amit Shahs head 'should be cut off and put on the table' for allowing infiltration from across the Bangladesh border. File pic/PTI Using idiomatic languageor notis a double-edged sword these days in India. Very few people know any language well enough anymore to cogently articulate all their thoughts. They flit from language to language, sometimes thinking of an idea or an argument in one language and then translating it mentally in order to express it in another one. As a result, not only do metaphors invariably get mixed up, but idioms are not understood correctly either. Recommended Stories The benefit of the latter, of course, is that the truly brazen can hide behind the word idiom" to get away with, well, (advocating) murder. Such as the Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra, who planted herself firmly back in the social media limelight by asserting in literally translated English to Bangla that Union Home Minister Amit Shahs head should be cut off and put on the table" for allowing infiltration from across the Bangladesh border. There is one Bengali phrase that does indeed use the words matha kata" (literally head cut"), but that is usually preceded by the word lojjaye" (in embarrassment), and when enunciated together, it means being mortified or ashamed. Moreover, it is always used in a specific way, with the person meaning he/she was embarrassed by a situation (Amar lojjaye mata kata gelo) or that someone is or should have been embarrassed (Onar lojjaye matha kata jawa uchit). Unluckily for the voluble and media-savvy MP from Krishnanagar, her exact and quite unidiomatic comment in Bangla is now immortalised in countless video clips. She clearly said, Prothomei tomakey Amit Shah-er matha ta kete tabil-ey dawa uchit". Her addition of those few extra words transformed an innocuous idiom into a sentence with a totally different and sinister meaning: First of all, you should cut off Amit Shahs head and put it on the table". Arguably, she may have just been trying to say heads should roll" in Bangla, but a quick search of the internet reveals that a head being cut off and put on a table is not an idiom in any language she was possibly thinking in before deliberately lobbing her verbal bombshell at the Home Minister. It is not a Bangla idiom, nor is it an English one; nor can the phrase be traced to Hindi, Odia, Danish, or any other patois she may have gained proficiency in along the way. Unfortunately, the nearest approximation of a head cut off and put on the table" in any language is the chilling Islamic chant Gustakh-e-Rasool ki ek hi saza, sar tan se juda, sar tan se juda" (There is only one punishment for insulting the Prophet, beheading, beheading) in Urdu, usually directed at those perceived to be Hindutva proponents. And that is why Moitras usual ad-libbing has landed her where she wants to be: at the centre of a controversy. Given the tack that she has taken since her statement, those words most probably did not come out as Moitra had intended. But banking on the fact that many, if not most, Indiansat least those populating social mediaare not familiar with idioms in any language, she has gone on the offensive and claimed instead that her critics dont know Bangla and that she was actually being idiomatic when she called for a sharia-style beheading. Except she was not. Being a former student of the very swadeshi Gokhale Memorial Girls School rather than an Ingo-Bongo" (Anglicised) missionary institution, Moitra must have had a good grounding in Bangla. That may also be why she is loath to admit she flubbed this one; her alma mater would not be pleased if one of its most well-known alumni failed to use an appropriate Bangla phrase. But would they approve of her not owning up but doubling down instead? There are plenty of uniquely Bengali idioms that defy translation, such as Ghorar Deem" or horses egg, which means rubbish" but could confound those who are not familiar with the reproductive system of equines. Or Jol Khabar", which is literally translated as water food" but actually means snacks that are to be enjoyed at tea time. Or even Joto dosh, Nondo Ghosh", which literally means Its all Nondo Ghoshs fault" but actually denotes a scapegoat. Had Moitra used more obscure Bangla idioms or phrases (at the risk of befuddling her own less-than-fluent fellow TMC MPs), she may have gotten away with it. After all, how many people would know what she was actually alluding to if she had instead asked, Shaak diye ki maach dhaka jaaye?" (literally Can a fish be covered/hidden with leafy greens?"). But chances are she has not watched the 1992 Prosenjit Chatterjee-Juhi Chawla starrer Apon Por either. Mentally translating from English to Bengali has its pitfalls too. Moitra could well have also blurted out Amit Shah-er matha gaurano uchit chhilo", literally Amit Shahs head should have rolled", but that transliteration of the English term heads should roll" may have left her primary audiencethe Bengali mediabemused if not alarmed. But all idiomatic Bangla has to offer is an anodyne Onar chakri jawa uchit" translated as He should lose his job." That obviously would not express Moitras immense depth of feeling about the Union Home Ministers alleged acts of omission and commission. She may have even secretly meant to say she wanted his head on a platter", which, to all those who know Englisha rapidly diminishing cohort these dayswould convey a demand for some exemplary punishment. But a totally Bangla translation sounds rather awkward, so she ended up spewing a hybrid non-idiom. It must be acknowledged, however, that Moitra has expanded the lexicon of Bangla idioms and phrases by insisting that head cut and put on a table"matha kete tabil-e dawa"is actually a part of this very literary language that prides itself on elegant prose and poetry. Party leader and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is no longer the only one meaningfully contributing to the proliferation of Bangla. Hopefully, Moitras head will not roll for this. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The author is a freelance writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: September 04, 2025, 06:09 IST News opinion Opinion | How Mahua Is Taking A Cue From Mamata On Bangla Neologisms Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | India Holds Its Ground As Trump Flails, Putin Gains, And Xi Reaches Out Written By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 15:09 IST Trump will come and go. IndoAmerican relations are important to us, and to the US, and will survive this irrational aberration From left to right: Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. (AP photo) Sometimes, in diplomacy, optics can become substance, provided those choreographing this know the difference between the two. In light of Trumps erratic and punitive tariffs against India, and the irrational and vicious tirade launched by him and his closest aides, pictures of Russian President Putin, Chinese supremo Xi Jinping, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi parleying together convey an important message: that erstwhile rivals, or friends who had perhaps grown less close, can come together and forge new relationships to stand up to a common adversary. This strange quartet, Trump, Putin, Xi and Modi, pirouetting merrily on the centre stage of international diplomacy has left many observers surprised, and certainly left Trump a little stumped. It is difficult to say who is the biggest gainer in this contrived new tango. In my view, Russia comes up trumps. On the one hand, Putin is having summit meetings with Trump, and on the other, continuing the pummelling of Ukraine while reinforcing his friendship with China and renewing it with India. In addition, by all accounts, Russias economy, in spite of international sanctions, is doing well. Recommended Stories China, possibly, comes second in the list of gainers. It has stood up to Trumps tantrums, strengthened its relationship with Russia, and what would have been unimaginable after its transparent military and political solidarity with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, is now happily shaking hands with India. The state of Chinas internal economy, always a trifle opaque, appears to be a matter of concern. But the Dragon Kingdom is too big an economy, and too intertwined with key sectors of global trade, to suffer a serious setback in the face of Americas bluster. In fact, it would be no surprise if a mercurial Trump backtracks and goes in for a deal with China. Trump, in my view, has a bit of egg on his face. The world, increasingly tired of his constant tariff threats, is adjusting to this transient nuisance. Russia and China appear to be unfazed. His diplomatic adventurism, meeting Putin in Alaska, a meeting about which all kinds of rumours are afloat regarding business deals between the Trump business empire and Russian oligarchs, and attempts to end the war in Ukraine and in IsraelPalestine have come to no avail. High tariffs are hurting the US economy, and in the days to come, he is likely to be far more embroiled in internal dissensions than in his Nobel Peace Prize-winning shenanigans. That leaves India. We have done well to stand up against Trumps tariff threats and have not backed off from buying Russian oil. In terms of optics, we have made new and important beginnings to once again strengthen our relations with Russia, which continues to be an important partner in a wide range of sectors, including, most vitally, defence. Our olive branch to China is, of course, fraught with danger. China is not a country to be trusted, and we have a long and verifiable historical trajectory to prove that it has repeatedly stabbed us in the back. Moreover, it is almost certain that it will do so in the future as well. In Chinas worldview, India is, given the size of our landmass and economy, our entrepreneurial innovativeness, and democratic credentials, an enduring rival to Chinas ultimate goal of establishing hegemony in Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and globally. While enjoying the optics of the outreach to China and Russia, India should never, in the case of China, mistake optics for substance. Our goal must remain to further strengthen our defence preparedness, border infrastructure, and holistic capabilities to meet and repel Chinese intransigence. Equally, any temporary rapprochement with China must not come at the cost of our national interest, be it in trade, the intractable border dispute, or the entire range of issues on which China has consistently acted against our interests. Most importantly, Trumps tariffs, which essentially are tantamount to economic sanctions, should make us seriously think about how to convert a challenge into an opportunity. This adds great urgency to much-delayed internal economic reforms, tangible steps on Ease of Doing Business, and sustained efforts to diversify our economic and defence relations. Atmanirbharta only acquires heft if we actually become producers of world-class goods and a magnet for international investment. The slumbering elephant must unleash its mostly untapped powers for wide-ranging internal restructuring. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trump will come and go. IndoAmerican relations are important to us, and to the US, and will survive this irrational aberration. But what matters is how India, instead of overly relying on so-called personal chemistries between world leaders, rises to the current challenge, uses the transitional period for imperative internal economic reforms, and comes out stronger on the world stage. That will enable us to give substance to optics in future, in our relations with the US, Russia, China, and indeed, globally. The writer is a former diplomat, an author, and a politician. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: September 04, 2025, 15:09 IST News opinion Opinion | India Holds Its Ground As Trump Flails, Putin Gains, And Xi Reaches Out Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | Modi, OpenAI & Reliance Intelligence: India's Big Leap In Accessible AI Written By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 14:42 IST India's multi-dimensional AI strategy, combining OpenAI partnerships, affordable access models, and strategic Eastern alliances, represents more than technological advancement Rapid Read + Follow us On Google India's AI for All vision extends beyond domestic policy to represent a distinctive development approach that prioritises societal benefit over commercial profit or state surveillance. India stands at the precipice of its most transformative technological revolution, orchestrating a multi-dimensional strategy that positions the nation as a democratic counterweight in the global AI race. The convergence of OpenAIs Delhi expansion, ChatGPT Gos Rs 399 pricing model, the IndiaAI Missions infrastructure development, and Reliance Intelligences massive investments signal Indias emergence as a leader in democratising Artificial Intelligence. This confluence of initiatives mirrors the Jio revolutions democratisation model, but with stakes exponentially higher: positioning AI as a mass-market utility accessible to Indias 1.4 billion citizens whilst challenging the US-China duopoly that has long dominated AI governance. Recommended Stories The ChatGPT Go Revolution OpenAIs decision to establish its first Indian office in New Delhi reflects recognition that India represents ChatGPTs second-largest global market, with weekly active users quadrupling within twelve months. However, the capital location choice signals deeper strategic calculation. By positioning itself within Delhis corridors of power rather than traditional tech hubs, OpenAI acknowledges that Indias AI future will be shaped by deliberate policy frameworks designed to ensure democratic oversight and inclusive access. The ChatGPT Go launch at Rs 399 monthly, exclusively in India, represents revolutionary pricing that positions advanced AI capabilities within reach of the nations burgeoning middle class. The integration of UPI payment systems eliminates traditional barriers whilst providing 10 times higher message limits and enhanced capabilities compared to free versions. Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaws endorsement of OpenAIs expansion serves as recognition of Indias leadership in digital public infrastructure and the adoption of enterprise-scale AI, underscoring the strategic alignment between private innovation and public policy. Reliance Intelligence: The Jio Model Applied to AI Mukesh Ambanis Reliance Intelligence represents perhaps the most audacious private sector AI infrastructure development globally, with gigawatt-scale data centres in Jamnagar powered by renewable energy and connected through Jios digital network. The partnership with Google Cloud to establish an AI-focused cloud region demonstrates Reliances strategy of combining global technological expertise with Indian sovereign infrastructure. The hybrid model ensures that international AI capabilities are localised within Indian-controlled infrastructure, addressing sovereignty concerns whilst accessing cutting-edge technology. The $100 million joint venture with Meta, utilising open-source Llama models for enterprise AI solutions, creates pathways for AI adoption across Indias diverse business ecosystem. The 70-30 ownership structure ensures Indian control whilst accessing Metas advanced capabilities, developing ready-to-deploy solutions for sales, IT, customer service, and finance sectors. Ambanis comparison to the Jio revolution, promising to deliver AI everywhere for every Indian", positions AI as a utility service rather than premium technology. The partnership with Google Cloud to establish a state-of-the-art, AI-focused cloud region in Jamnagar demonstrates Reliances strategy of combining global technological expertise with local infrastructure capabilities in India. Google Clouds deployment of its AI hypercomputer and integrated AI stack, including generative AI models, development platforms, and AI-powered applications, at the Jamnagar facility creates a unique hybrid model where international AI capabilities are localised within Indian sovereign infrastructure. By powering AI operations through Reliances green energy initiatives, the Jamnagar facility shows how sustainable AI development can be achieved at hyperscale. Strategic Repositioning Indias ranking as seventh globally in AI innovation, whilst leading in workforce AI usage, demonstrates the nations unique position in the global technology landscape. This achievement reflects not merely adoption metrics but fundamental capabilities in AI implementation, adaptation, and, increasingly, original innovation. The nations AI sector, projected to reach $8 billion by 2025 with annual growth exceeding 40 per cent, provides the economic foundation for sustained technological advancement. However, Indias strategic significance extends beyond market metrics to encompass its role in shaping global AI governance frameworks that prioritise inclusive development over narrow commercial interests. The IndiaAI Missions Rs 10,371.92 crore allocation over five years represents more than infrastructure investment; it embodies Indias commitment to establishing AI sovereignty whilst maintaining democratic oversight. By May 30, 2025, Indias national computing power had crossed 34,000 GPUs, creating one of the worlds most extensive AI infrastructures designed specifically for inclusive access rather than elite consumption. This infrastructure development provides the technological foundation for Indias broader strategic objectives in AI governance and regional leadership. The missions four-pillar architecture, democratising computing access, improving data quality, developing indigenous AI capabilities, and attracting top AI talent, creates a holistic framework for AI development that prioritises social impact alongside technological advancement. The infrastructure development, coupled with the establishment of 18,693 Graphics Processing Units, makes it one of the most extensive AI compute infrastructures globally. The establishment of AI Centres of Excellence in healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable cities, spearheaded by premier institutions, including AIIMS, IIT Delhi, IIT Ropar, and IIT Kanpur, showcases the missions commitment to addressing Indias most pressing developmental challenges through AI applications. These centres, with a financial outlay of Rs 990 crore over five years, will develop scalable AI solutions that improve healthcare delivery, enhance agricultural productivity, and drive urban sustainability. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisations Tianjin Declaration represents a watershed moment in global AI governance, with India joining China, Russia, and Central Asian nations in committing to collaborative AI development that challenges Western dominance. The declarations emphasis that all countries have equal rights to develop and use Artificial Intelligence" directly counters the concentration of AI capabilities within wealthy Western nations and powerful American corporations. PM Modis endorsement of the SCOs evolution to address contemporary challenges, including cybersecurity and AI governance, signals Indias commitment to multilateral approaches that dont depend on Western-dominated institutions. The declaration, which builds upon UN General Assembly resolutions advocating for the implementation of the SCO Cooperation Programme on AI Development, demonstrates how emerging powers are creating alternative governance structures for emerging technologies. This strategic alignment with China on AI governance, despite persistent border tensions, illustrates the primacy both nations place on technological sovereignty over traditional geopolitical concerns. Democratic AI Governance: Indias Global Alternative Indias emergence as a democratic alternative to Chinas surveillance-focused AI model and Americas corporate-dominated ecosystem represents a significant geopolitical development. The nations emphasis on ethical AI governance, inclusive innovation, and multilateral cooperation provides a third pathway that resonates with the Global South. This positioning extends beyond technology policy to establish India as a normative power in AI governance discussions, particularly through its presidency of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence in 2024. The strategic paradox of Indias simultaneous collaboration with China through the SCO framework, maintaining democratic AI principles, illustrates sophisticated diplomatic balancing. Both nations recognise that their combined influence, representing over one-third of the global population, creates leverage for establishing AI governance frameworks that prioritise the interests of the Global South over Western institutional preferences. Indias AI for All" vision extends beyond domestic policy to represent a distinctive development approach that prioritises societal benefit over commercial profit or state surveillance. The multilingual AI capabilities being developed through initiatives like BHASHINI create systems that reflect Indias linguistic diversity, whilst serving as models for other multilingual societies. The particular approach to AI development that preserves cultural diversity contrasts sharply with homogenising tendencies in AI systems developed by existing superpowers. The success of AI applications in agriculture, healthcare, education, and governance provides practical demonstrations of alternative development pathways that resonate particularly with developing nations seeking AI capabilities without accepting surveillance or commercial trade-offs. Indias emphasis on open-source AI model development creates pathways for global capability sharing independent of commercial or strategic relationships with superpowers. Indias multi-dimensional AI strategy, combining OpenAI partnerships, affordable access models, sovereign infrastructure development, and strategic Eastern alliances, represents more than technological advancement. It signals the emergence of a democratic alternative to existing AI development models whilst simultaneously challenging Western institutional dominance through strategic partnerships with regional powers. The dual approach positions India uniquely: maintaining democratic values whilst building sufficient scale and influence to shape global AI governance frameworks. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The success of this strategy will determine not only Indias technological trajectory but also the possibility for democratic governance of AI development globally. By demonstrating that AI can be developed at scale whilst maintaining inclusive access and ethical oversight, India creates pathways for meaningful participation in AI development rather than mere consumption of products developed elsewhere. The next eighteen months will prove critical as ChatGPT Go expansion, IndiaAI Mission implementation, and Reliance Intelligence deployment provide indicators of whether Indias democratic AI model can achieve the effectiveness necessary for sustained global influence. (Disclaimer: Network18 and TV18 the companies that operate news18.com are controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.) About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. First Published: September 04, 2025, 14:42 IST News opinion Opinion | Modi, OpenAI & Reliance Intelligence: India's Big Leap In Accessible AI Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Vietnam exported nearly 5.9 million tonnes of rice worth over US$3 billion as of Aug. 15, according to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA). The country's rice exports reached 5.87 million tonnes, valued at more than $3 billion, up 2.88% in volume but down 16% in value compared with the same period in 2024. Farmers harvest rice in Hanoi in June 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh Last week, export prices hit the highest levels in eight months amid tightening supplies. The association said fragrant 5% broken rice was offered at $455460 per tonne on August 28, the highest since early January. A trader in Ho Chi Minh City noted that supply was tightening while demand remained steady ahead of the Philippines planned 60-day import suspension starting Sep. 1. In the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, jasmine paddy was traded at VND8,400 per kilo, IR 5451 at VND6,200, OM 18 at VND6,700, and ST25 at VND9,500, according to the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Environment. The An Giang Department of Agriculture and Environment reported fresh paddy prices ranging from VND5,700 to VND6,200 per kilo depending on variety, while retail rice prices in the province stood between VND13,000 and VND22,000 per kilo. As of August 25, Mekong Delta provinces had sown over 1.82 million hectares of summerautumn rice, with 1.08 million hectares harvested, yielding an estimated 6.53 million tonnes. Autumnwinter planting had reached 581,000 hectares out of 700,000 planned, or 83%, while seasonal rice covered 145,000 hectares, or 43% of the target. Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 13:56 IST The Ministry of Education has released the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 today, September 4. Check out the complete list of top medical institutes in India. 1 / 10 AIIMS Delhi secured the top spot in the medical list, retaining its position from last year. Its approximate annual tuition fees is 6,075. (Image: Wikimedia Commons) + Follow us On Google 2 / 10 Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh has retained the second position. Since it is a government-funded institution, fee is nominal. (Image: Wikimedia Commons) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, retained the third spot. Approximate fees for first year is 41,895. (Image: Wikimedia Commons) 4 / 10 Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) Puducherry moved up to the fourth spot. First-year fees is around 14,920. (Image: File) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) Lucknow moved to the fifth position. (Image: File) 6 / 10 Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU (IMS-BHU) Varanasi moved to the sixth position. (Image: File) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 The National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, takes up the seventh position. It has moved down a couple of spots from last year. (Image: NIMHANS) 8 / 10 King George's Medical University, Lucknow is a new entrant in the top 10 this year. (KGMU) ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, moved down by one spot to the ninth position this year. (Image: File) Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 13:06 IST 1 / 14 When tracing the legacy of Hindi cinema, the spotlight often shines on celebrated dynasties like the Kapoors, Bachchans, Chopras, and Khans, families that have defined Bollywood glamour and grandeur for decades. But behind the glitz of big budgets and blockbuster names lies the story of another remarkable family, one that carved its own path with limited resources, boundless creativity, and a flair for the unconventional. + Follow us On Google 2 / 14 Before they were known as the Ramsay Brothers, they were the Raisinghanias, a family whose low-budget horror films quietly built an empire and even left Bollywoods elite watching in awe. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 14 While the Kapoor family gained recognition for working with top directors, lavish productions, and star-studded casts, the Raisinghania family made a name for themselves by producing low-budget films. 4 / 14 In the early days, they were heavily criticised for creating what many labelled as cheap or poorly made cinema. But the family understood the pulse of Indias small towns and struck a chord by producing horror films that resonated with audiences in rural and semi-urban areas. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 14 The Raisinghania changed their surname upon entering the film industry. They became widely known as the Ramsay Brothers, the creators of cult classics like Veerana. According to a research paper by Karthik Nair, the patriarch FU Raisinghania was the first to adopt the name Ramsay, believing that people struggled to pronounce his original surname. 6 / 14 Much like the Kapoor family, the Ramsays were originally from Pakistan and migrated to India during the Partition. Before entering films, they ran an electronics shop in Karachi, which they had to abandon when they moved to India. FU Ramsay had seven sons: Shyam, Tulsi, Gangu, Keshu, Kiran, Arun, and Kumar. After settling in Mumbai, the family resumed their electrical business but also began venturing into film production. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 14 FU Ramsays initial investment in Bollywood came in 1970, in a film titled Ek Nanhi Munni Ladki Thi, starring Shatrughan Sinha, Prithviraj Kapoor, and Mumtaz. Unfortunately, the film flopped. It was his son, Tulsi Ramsay, who decided to take the family in a new direction by focusing on horror films. 8 / 14 Tulsi Ramsay taught himself the craft of filmmaking and assembled a 15-member crew made up mostly of family members. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 14 Together, they began producing horror films on modest budgets, often inspired by international hits like The Mummy and Dracula. These films featured over-the-top makeup, eerie settings, and bold scenes, elements that appealed to a wide audience. 10 / 14 The Ramsay Brothers even rented a crumbling mansion on the outskirts of Mumbai to serve as a shooting location. They operated from this space with limited resources; Tulsi Ramsays mother would even cook for the entire team. ADVERTISEMENT 11 / 14 Their first major project was the 1972 horror film titled Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche. It was shot in just 40 days with a budget of Rs 3.5 lakhs. 12 / 14 When Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche released, the film grossed Rs 45 lakhs, a massive success for its scale. The Ramsay Brothers had cracked the formula, and they replicated it over 35 times. ADVERTISEMENT 13 / 14 Their breakthrough came in 1984 with Purana Mandir, which became a landmark in Indian horror cinema. The film reportedly earned Rs 2.5 crores, making the Ramsay name known across the country. BJP Plays Down AMMK's Decision To Exit NDA, Says Parties Opposed To DMK Will Unite Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 16:44 IST BJP downplays TTV Dhinakaran and AMMK quitting NDA in Tamil Nadu, stressing unity among parties to unseat DMK. BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy on Thursday played down the decision of AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran to exit the NDA. (ANI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday played down AMMK leader TTV Dhinakarans decision to step out of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu, and asserted that all democratic parties keen on unseating the DMK from the throne will unite in the upcoming elections. BJPs state unit chief spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy said that though differences were common among allies, nothing should be construed as final at this juncture, as the election was still far away. Recommended Stories You will see who are all in the NDA in Tamil Nadu led by the AIADMK at the time of elections. This is not a break-up or end (of alliance)," Thirupathy was quoted by news agency PTI as saying. #WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: State BJP chief spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy says, Those who oppose the DMK governments misconduct over the past 4 years, who do not want this government to continue because it has consistently failed to uphold law and order, should join the https://t.co/Ds8mG85GAH pic.twitter.com/3tTfg0GJpD ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2025 On Dhinakarans accusation of "betrayal," when he aimed to bring all of Amma (late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaas) cadres together but suddenly realised that this (unification of AIADMK factions) could not materialise, Thirupathy said, he didnt mean the BJP. So, I need not comment." "I am confident that all political parties driven by a common desire to dislodge the DMK from power will unite under the umbrella of NDA," he added. The saffron partys reaction came a day after Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), led by T T V Dhinakaran, announced its decision to walk out of the NDA in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Dhinakaran said, This movement (AMMK) was started against the betrayal of some people. We believed they would change, but nothing happened." Dhinakaran alleged that AIADMKparticularly its general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswamistrongly opposed AMMKs inclusion in the coalition. He said that he had hoped for intervention from Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resolve the matter, but no such move came from the BJP leadership. The NDA in Tamil Nadu is spearheaded by the AIADMK. After breaking ties in 2023, the party renewed its alliance with the BJP in April 2025. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The AMMK is the second party to pull out from the BJP-led alliance. Earlier, O Panneerselvam, who was expelled from AIADMK, had withdrawn his outfit from the front. (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 04, 2025, 16:40 IST News politics BJP Plays Down AMMK's Decision To Exit NDA, Says Parties Opposed To DMK Will Unite Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Dehradun Unsafe For Women? NARI Report Sparks Political Row After City Placed Below National Average Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 18:29 IST The findings triggered a clash between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress, which attacked the state government even as the Dehradun police questioned the survey's credibility Women cover themselves with scarves as protection from the sun during a hot summer day, in Dehradun. (Image: PTI) A fresh controversy has erupted in Uttarakhand after the National Annual Report and Index on Womens Safety, also known as NARI, placed capital Dehradun in a category that scored below the national average. The findings triggered a political clash between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress, which attacked the state government even as the police questioned the surveys credibility. Recommended Stories The report, released in New Delhi on August 28 by National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, ranked Kohima as the safest for women with a score of 82.9 percent, against the national average of 64.6 percent. Conversely, Ranchi, Srinagar, Kolkata, Delhi, Faridabad, Patna, and Jaipur fell below 60 percent, landing in the red" category while Dehradun, along with Raipur, Ludhiana, Chennai, and Shillong, scored between 60 and 61 percent in the pink" category. #WATCH | Delhi: On NARI 2025 Report & Womens Safety Index, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar says, "This will prove to be very useful for the safety of women. They have prepared such an all-inclusive report. They have also taken into consideration all other factors, such as how pic.twitter.com/qV1PtNQksZ ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2025 The Dehradun police, meanwhile, questioned the methodology used for the survey and issued a notice to the agency, P Value Analytics. We are concerned about the image of Doon Valley being maligned based on a small sample size, perhaps less than 400. The survey also contradicts previous reports released by government agencies," said senior superintendent of police (SSP) Ajay Singh. Singh said Dehradun a hub for education and tourism should not be judged on limited data. Uttarakhand Congress leaders, however, seized the opportunity to criticise the BJP government in power. Carrying cow dung, the womens wing of the party on Wednesday protested outside the ruling partys office. If Dehradun is not safe, then which city in Uttarakhand is safe for women?" asked Jyoti Rautela, president of the Congress Mahila Morcha. Further complicating the situation, state womens commission chairperson Kusum Kandwal denied that the report was formally endorsed by the NCW. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Responding to the police notice, Prahallad Rout, managing director of P Value Analytics, told News18 over the phone that he will get back" after consulting his team. I am currently out of state due to a family emergency," Rout said. About the Author Anupam Trivedi Anupam Trivedi, Uttarakhand Editor, at News18, tracks politics, government affairs, environment and developmental issues concerning the Himalayan state. Being in the profession for two decades, he has... Read More Location : Dehradun, India, India First Published: September 04, 2025, 18:29 IST News politics Dehradun Unsafe For Women? NARI Report Sparks Political Row After City Placed Below National Average Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'People From Mumbai Will Come To Bihar For Jobs...': Chirag Paswan At Muzaffarpur Rally Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 18:05 IST Chirag Paswan highlights Bihar's migration and unemployment, vows to contest all 243 seats, challenging RJD-Congress and NDA, while stressing his alliance with Nitish Kumar. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Chirag Paswan contest all seats (PTI Image) Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Thursday raised the issue of migration from Bihar, unemployment and discrimination against Biharis in other states, even after nearly eight decades of Independence. While addressing a public gathering in Muzaffarpur, Paswan said, When India became independent, Delhi and Mumbai grew into big cities, but even after nearly 80 years, Bihar is still counted among backwards states. Even today, our youth have to leave for education and employment." Recommended Stories Sharing his own experience of living in Delhi and working in Mumbai, Paswan said he had never heard of anyone coming to Bihar for the same opportunities. Why should only Biharis migrate? Why cant such facilities be built here?" he asked, adding that he dreams of a day when even people from Mumbai would come to Bihar. His comments underline a key issue likely to dominate the poll campaign unemployment and large-scale migration of youth in search of better opportunities. Chirag Paswan has already announced that his party will contest all 243 seats in Bihar, which is likely to make the contest triangular. This move not only challenges the RJD-Congress grand alliance but can also affect the strategy of the NDA led by JDU leader Nitish Kumar. However, Chirag has clarified that he will contest the elections only under the leadership of Nitish Kumar and has claimed that the NDA will win more than 225 seats. In the 2024 general election, Chirag Paswans party won all five seats it contested, cornering a vote-share of over 6 per cent. In the 2020 Bihar election, held right after Ram Vilas Paswans death, the undivided LJP went solo. It won one seat, but finished second in nine seats, cornering over 5.6 per cent of the vote share and harming the NDA. The BJP is aware that Chirag Paswan could make an even greater impact this time, and he has been hinting that he might go it alone if his seat-sharing demands are not accommodated. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Chirag Paswan has a history of trading barbs with Nitish Kumar, and the BJP, which enjoys JDUs support at the Centre, cannot afford to upset its chief. Through campaigns like Bihar First, Bihari First and outreach initiatives such as Chirag ka Chaupal, he has been projecting himself as more than just an NDA ally, but a strong political force in his own right. The BJP now finds itself in a delicate position, balancing Chirag Paswans demands without straining ties with the JD(U) and other NDA partners. Location : Bihar, India, India First Published: September 04, 2025, 18:05 IST News politics 'People From Mumbai Will Come To Bihar For Jobs...': Chirag Paswan At Muzaffarpur 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... 'Democracy Is Dead': BJP MLAs Dragged Out Of Bengal Assembly; Mamata Condemns Oppn Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 15:22 IST Four BJP MLAs have been suspended from the assembly as the House took up the discussion on motion condemning alleged harassment of Bengali migrants In her speech, CM Mamata Banerjee alleged that the BJP is against the Bengali language, the poor, SCs and Hindus. (Image: PTI/File) A massive drama unfolded in the West Bengal assembly during a discussion on the Mamata Banerjee governments resolution on alleged atrocities against Bengali migrants. When Banerjee stood up to address the assembly, BJP lawmakers staged a protest and raised slogans, questioning the suspension of Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on September 2. Recommended Stories Amid the uproar, Speaker Biman Banerjee suspended BJP chief whip Shankar Ghosh from the assembly for the remainder of the day for creating disorder. As Ghosh refused to leave, assembly marshals were called in, and he was physically dragged out of the House. Later, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul, who was shouting slogans, was also suspended, with the Speaker ordering women marshals to take her out. BJPs Mihir Goswami, Ashok Dinda and Bankim Ghosh were also suspended. The BJP alleged that democracy is dead in Bengal, opposing the suspension of its lawmakers. The BJP legislators also alleged that water bottles were thrown at them from the treasury benches during the commotion. In her speech, CM Mamata Banerjee alleged that the BJP is against the Bengali language, the poor, SCs and Hindus. A time will soon come when not a single BJP MLA will remain in Bengal. The people themselves will ensure it. BJP will face inevitable defeat, for no party that wages linguistic terror against Bengalis can ever win Bengal," she said. The Chief Minister has been attacking the BJP over the alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking migrants in BJP-ruled states. Banerjee said the opposition party does not want a discussion on the harassment of Bengalis. BJP is a party of vote-chors, corrupt to the core, persecutors of Bengalis, and masters of deception. BJP is a national disgrace, and I condemn them in the strongest terms We saw in Parliament how the BJP used CISF to harass our MPs," she said. They think they can stifle our voice in Bengal as well. Is this the extent of their audacity? Even if you chop my head off, I will continue to speak in Bengali," the CM added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Targeting the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said Mamata Banerjee has completely lost her plot and she is scared of an imminent defeat. DEMOCRACY MURDERED IN WEST BENGAL ASSEMBLY. What happened today in the West Bengal Assembly is nothing short of a black day for democracy. Mamata Banerjee and her dictatorial TMC regime once again proved that they cannot tolerate dissent, debate, or the voice of the opposition. In a shameful display, BJP Chief Whip Shankar Ghosh was suspended and physically assaulted by marshals, simply for raising his voice in the Bengali language row during the special session. Mamata Banerjee has completely lost her plot. She is scared of an imminent defeat," he wrote on X. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 First Published: September 04, 2025, 14:54 IST News politics 'Democracy Is Dead': BJP MLAs Dragged Out Of Bengal Assembly; Mamata Condemns Oppn Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... BJP Gears Up For Power-Packed Weekend Of Strategy Meets Ahead Of Vice President Poll Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Vani Mehrotra Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 19:01 IST The BJP has planned a packed weekend of training sessions, dinners, and strategy meetings in Delhi ahead of the vice-presidential election on September 9. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Maharashtra Governor and NDA's candidate CP Radhakrishnan and Union Ministers (Photo: PTI) It promises to be a hectic weekend for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs as the party gears up for the vice-presidential election scheduled for Tuesday, September 9. Known for functioning like a well-oiled machine, the BJP is leaving nothing to chance. Ensuring maximum participation of its lawmakers, the party has lined up a series of engagements in the national capital beginning Saturday, September 6. Recommended Stories On Saturday evening, BJP national president and Rajya Sabha leader JP Nadda is scheduled to host a dinner for MPs from both Houses. Sunday will see day-long training sessions at the Balayogi Auditorium in Parliament, with Nadda and several Union Ministers addressing the members. The training continues on Monday, September 8, from 3 pm to 6 pm. In a strategic move, NDA MPs heading various parliamentary committees have been asked to schedule their meetings on the same day to ensure members remain in Delhi. The partys last such intensive Karyashala was on August 4, 2019, a day before the government moved to revoke Article 370. That session was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, underscoring the importance of such gatherings. On Monday evening, just ahead of polling day, the Prime Minister will host NDA MPs and leaders for dinner at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. His message on the eve of the election is expected to set the tone for the alliance. Polling for the vice-presidential post will take place on September 9, with results likely to be declared the same day. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The NDA has nominated Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its candidate. The Opposition has fielded its nominee too, though the numbers are clearly stacked in favour of the ruling alliance, which commands a majority in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Still, senior BJP leaders have been tasked with ensuring every vote is secured, leaving no room for complacency. First Published: September 04, 2025, 19:00 IST News politics BJP Gears Up For Power-Packed Weekend Of Strategy Meets Ahead Of Vice President Poll Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... GST On Mobiles: Does Buying A Smartphone Get Cheaper After September 22? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 12:07 IST GST Rates on mobile phones: Tax on TVs and ACs have come down with the new rate slabs but do smartphones also get cheaper to buy? GST 2.0 has brought cuts for many products but what about mobile phones? GST Rates on Mobile Phones: The Goods and Service Taxes or GST has got a major overhaul from the Indian government this week, which comes into effect from September 22, 2025. The new GST slabs have been simplified to have two different rates, based on the kind of items and goods. For instance, the GST on TVs have been reduced, and same for air conditioners that has more or less become a necessity with changing weather patterns. But what about phones, is there a change in GST on mobile phones as well? Well, unfortunately, the government has gone with the default tax slab for the mobile sector, which means the current 18 percent GST remains, and that will not result in any reduction in price of smartphones anytime soon. Recommended Stories No Price Cut On Phones, But Why? The smartphone industry was hoping for some tax break from the GST Council, but most experts were expecting status quo in their situation. The 18 percent GST on one of the most-demanding industries helps the government earn money. Any call for the GST rate on mobile phones to drop down to 5 percent would have made the phones cheaper but in the larger scheme of things, the industrys growth wouldnt have enabled the government to earn its revenue from them. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Having said that, by not including mobile phones in the new tax slab, the government has essentially deemed phones as a non-essential which does seem quite perplexing when ACs and TVs have got their share of cuts. So, because there is no change in the GST rates for the mobile sector, there wont be any changes in the price of the smartphones. With the festive season around the corner, the GST rate cuts are primed to entice consumers into making the big purchases and get a good deal on them. TVs, ACs and dishwashers are some of the segments that have been offered the GST rate cuts. If you have been in the market for a big-screen LED TV, you wait for another few weeks and head over to the store and buy the TV for much less than what you would pay today. About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and ... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: September 04, 2025, 11:34 IST News tech GST On Mobiles: Does Buying A Smartphone Get Cheaper After September 22? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Samsung Galaxy Event Today: Launch Time, Where To Watch And What To Expect Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 09:04 IST Samsung Galaxy Event 2025 is going to have the new Galaxy tablets, a new phone and more products. The latest Galaxy Event will start earlier than usual Samsung is hosting another Galaxy Event just a few days before Apple unveils the iPhone 17 models. The new launch from the company includes tablets and a new phone and probably some more additions to the lineup. Samsung had just launched the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 models along with the Galaxy Watch 8 series. And now, it seems primed to bring new products in the tablet and phone segment. Here are the full details about the latest Samsung Galaxy event and what we can expect to be announced. Samsung Galaxy Event In September: Launch Date, Timings And Where To Watch Recommended Stories Samsungs Galaxy Event is confirmed for Thursday, September 4, 2025 that will be live streamed on Samsungs official website and YouTube channel starting from 11:30 AM EST or 3:00 PM IST for those watching in India. Samsung Galaxy Event Products Expected The Galaxy S25 FE model will effectively complete the S25 series for the brand, which also includes the S25 Ultra and the S25 Edge models this year. The new FE version from Samsung has already hit the certification chambers, which hinted the launch is getting close. The S25 FE is likely to sport a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display but with thinner bezels than its predecessor and support 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Samsung could use the Exynos 2400 chipset for the S25 FE this year, and possibly pair it with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The phone could feature a triple camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x zoom as per reports. The phone could get a big 45W charging upgrade from its current 25W speed on the S24 FE model. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In addition to this, we could see the Galaxy Tab S11 series that could once again have the Plus and the Ultra premium variants. Both the devices are likely to use a MediaTek Dimensity chipset instead of the Snapdragon flagship SoC, along with other features like AMOLED display, higher RAM variant and a large capacity battery. The teaser suggests new Galaxy Tags could be part of the lineup. Well know more about these devices and their price in India later today, so stay tuned for all the updates. About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and ... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: September 04, 2025, 09:04 IST News tech Samsung Galaxy Event Today: Launch Time, Where To Watch And What To Expect Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Are We Just Doomed: Reddit Post Over Bengaluru Traffic Woes Sparks Debate Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 22:44 IST A viral Reddit post by a Bengaluru commuter highlights traffic, waterlogging, and potholes from Whitefield to JP Nagar, sparking calls for civic action. The commuter said it took him four hours to travel from Whitefield to JP Nagar 9th Phase. (Representational image) Bengaluru has long been known for its severe traffic problems and the situation worsens during the rainy season due to waterlogging and pothole-ridden roads. Each year, residents express frustration over the citys poor infrastructure and inadequate drainage system. While social media gets flooded with memes and complaints highlighting these issues, the situation on the ground remains largely unchanged. A Reddit post by a frustrated commuter has gone viral for striking a chord with thousands of Bengaluru residents weary of the citys worsening traffic, pothole-ridden roads, and flood-prone streets. Recommended Stories The user, who was travelling from Sheraton Grand in Whitefield to JP Nagar 9th Phase, recounted how Google Maps estimated a three-hour journey, but it ultimately took over 4 hours due to waterlogging, traffic snarls, and massive potholes. I honestly felt like the city was holding me hostage," the post read. Sharing details, the commuter painted a grim picture of daily life for city residents: flooded roads turning into mini swimming pools," and average speeds reduced to a crawl sometimes as low as 5 km/h. Both options cutting through the city or Outer Ring Road were complete nightmares," he wrote. The post wasnt just a rant. It concluded with a call for action, urging fellow Bengalureans to move beyond routine complaints and collectively demand long-term solutions. So heres where I want to start a conversation: is there really nothing we as Bangaloreans can do about this? Every day its just accept traffic, complain, repeat." But why cant we collectively push for solutions better public transport, staggered work hours, smarter traffic management, or something that actually changes things?" he asked, adding that he was willing to actively participate in or support existing civic initiatives. Im not just ranting. I want to genuinely work on this, if theres an initiative or group already doing something. Where do we even begin?" the post further read. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Some users confronted him in the comments section, asking why he didnt take the metro. Isnt white field and JP nagar connected with metro. Why did you take your car?," a user wrote. To be honest, It will take at max 1.5hr to travel from whitefield to anywhere in metro and yes I travel most of the time. Im not justifying how bad city is functioning but metro is far better option. So, dont just randomly blame it," another user commented. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 22:38 IST News viral 'Are We Just Doomed: Reddit Post Over Bengaluru Traffic Woes Sparks Debate Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... A view of the University of Toronto in Canada. Photo courtesy of the University of Toronto Canada has rejected a record 62% of student visa applications in 2025, its toughest stance on international students in 10 years. Fresh data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) show the rejection surge follows last year's 52% and far above the 40% average of previous years. Indian students have been hit hardest, with up to 80% of applications denied, while detailed country breakdowns were not disclosed, Pie News reported. Immigration experts say Ottawa is tightening approvals amid concerns over housing shortages and pressure on infrastructure. "IRCC is clearly scrutinizing study permit applications much more strictly," said Jonathan Sherman, vice president of BorderPass, a Canada study permit support platform. The government has doubled the minimum financial proof required for students to CA$20,635 (US$14,963), sparking doubts about international applicants' ability to fund their studies. Applicants must also present clear study plans and avoid incomplete paperwork, consultancy ApplyBoard said. Canada plans to issue 437,000 study permits this year, down 10% from 2024, including 73,000 for postgraduate students, nearly 243,000 for undergraduates and other programs, and around 120,000 for school-age children and renewals. Rules for post-graduation work permits are also stricter: university graduates must provide English or French test results at B2 level or above, and college graduates at least B1. Students switching to unapproved programs will no longer qualify for post-study work permits. The government has also shut down the Student Direct Stream, which had allowed faster visas without financial proof for applicants from 14 countries. Despite the clampdown, Canada still hosted over one million international students in 2024, ranking alongside the U.S. as the worlds top destinations. Indian nationals made up 41% of that total, Chinese students 12%, and more than 17,000 were from Vietnam. Chasing Dreams? Not Quite. This UK Man Was 'Stalking' Dolphins But Now Hes Banned Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 17:28 IST A man in Cornwall was warned by police for disturbing dolphins with a jet ski in St Austell Bay. The police said the man, a local resident, was identified and served with a community protection warning. A man in Cornwall was given a warning by the police after deliberately disturbing a pod of dolphins while riding a jet ski in St Austell Bay. The incident, which took place in June, saw the man approach the dolphins at close range and reportedly encourage others to follow suit. The police said the man, a local resident, was identified and served with a community protection warning. The warning comes under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it illegal to intentionally or recklessly disturb dolphins, porpoises, whales and basking sharks. It places strict conditions on the individual, including a ban on following or pursuing any marine wildlife in any watercraft. Police warned that any breach of the order could lead to prosecution under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act. Recommended Stories No Regard For Dolphins The police said the man showed blatant disregard for marine life, adding, Were lucky to have a vast amount of wildlife across the bays in Cornwall. Whilst sightings of these animals is exciting, its important we respect their space." In this case, the individual had no regard for the dolphins or how his deliberate behaviour could cause a disturbance, even hailing for more people to come over and join him in doing so," the police said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Police reminded people to keep their distance from marine wildlife, advising at least 100 metres (330 feet) where possible, asserting, Our ask is that people enjoy our waters, but to make sure they do so safely and responsibly." Authorities said if the 100-metre rule cannot be observed, people should leave as much space as possible to avoid distressing the animals. Location : United Kingdom (UK) First Published: September 04, 2025, 17:28 IST News viral Chasing Dreams? Not Quite. This UK Man Was 'Stalking' Dolphins But Now Hes Banned Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Jewellery To House Keys: TikTok Users Viral Video Shows Surprising Finds At UK Festival Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 14:41 IST A TikTok user shared his experience cleaning Glastonbury Festival grounds with a 75-member team, uncovering bizarre and valuable items in a viral video. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google The massive festival crowd left behind a huge mess, prompting a month-long clean-up effort. (News18 Hindi) Every year, Glastonbury in Somerset, England, hosts a five-day festival that draws lakhs of music and art lovers from across the globe. Known for its eclectic mix of music, performing arts, theatre, and creative installations, the festival is a hub of cultural celebration. This year too, over 2 lakh people attended, enjoying performances and competitions, but the massive crowd left behind a significant mess, prompting a month-long clean-up effort. Vee, a TikTok user, shared his experience of helping clean the festival grounds, part of a 75-member team tasked with restoring the Eavis family property. He showcased the surprising range of items left behind, from the bizarre to the valuable, in a video that quickly went viral. Recommended Stories Among the unusual finds were a rubber hand, a collection of cereal spoons, and a variety of jewellery including 12 earrings, 10 necklaces, two bracelets, and five rings, one featuring a Hello Kitty design. Vee also uncovered toys and other quirky items, such as blue-haired and hairy trolls figures, two small dinosaur figurines, four house keys, a rubber squid, several small rubber ducks, a skeleton arm, and a golden doubloon (Spanish gold coin). The clean-up revealed cash and miscellaneous items too. Vee found 40, which he spent, along with a chocolate flake, Croc charms, a light switch, a plectrum, a wooden dice, two shells, and a golden spinning top, unsure of its purpose. He jokingly asked, Was cleaning up rubbish for a month worth it?" while wearing the same golden top found during the clean-up drive. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vee3rdEye (@vee3rdeye) Vee also mentioned that some lost items have already been returned. One spoon has found its owner, and I sent it back. If anyone else lost something, comment and provide proof, and I will return it safely," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, the video sparked outrage over environmental neglect. One viewer commented, We should go extinct now because the rubbish we leave behind is disgusting." Another added, I live 30 minutes from Glastonbury. The festival seems pointless as no one cares about the environment anymore." The Glastonbury Festival continues to be a major celebration of music, arts, and culture, but the clean-up highlights the environmental responsibility required during such large-scale events. Location : United Kingdom (UK) First Published: September 04, 2025, 14:41 IST News viral From Jewellery To House Keys: TikTok Users Viral Video Shows Surprising Finds At UK Festival Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'I Am From India': Man Speaks Against Immigration At Australia Rally, Shoved Off Stage Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 17:57 IST At the March for Australia rally, an Indian-origin man was shoved off stage after speaking on immigration. Before he could continue, the man was shoved and the microphone was pulled away. (Image Credit: Instagram) An Indian-origin man briefly took the microphone at an anti-immigration rally in Australia, only to be shoved aside moments later as his speech drew both cheers and jeers from the crowd. The man, dressed in a yellow T-shirt with Australia" emblazoned across it, was introduced to the audience with the words, He looks like a foreigner. He said he would like to speak." What followed has since circulated widely in an unverified video online. Taking the stage, the man said, Yes, I am a brown man. Yes, Im an immigrant from India but I came here for the right reason. What I see happening today- this is not immigration. This is an open-door policy. They are not blending in our culture, they are twisting it." Recommended Stories Before he could continue, he was shoved and the microphone was pulled away. Struggling to finish, the man managed to add, Immigration is about not taking but giving. Not demanding but respecting." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Australian Guard Aus Guard (@australian.guard) The rally was part of the March for Australia" protests held on September 1 across the country, where demonstrators railed against what they called unsustainable levels of migration. Organisers claimed that more Indians had migrated to Australia since 2020 than Greeks or Italians had in their major post-war influx. On its website, March for Australia said that Australias unity and shared values have been eroded by policies and movements that divide us" and that mass migration has torn at the bonds that held our communities together." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Australian government distanced itself from the rallies as Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke condemned the demonstrations, saying, There is no place in our country for people who seek to divide and undermine our social cohesion. We stand with modern Australia against these rallies nothing could be less Australian." The protests also followed a political row triggered by Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who suggested the government was focused on bringing in more Labor-leaning" migrant communities such as Indians. Facing a backlash, she later walked back her comments, saying, Indian migrants, who have come to Australia, have a strong record of integration, embracing our values, working hard in many fields of endeavour and joining the league of cherished and loyal Australian citizens. My own children share Indian ancestry, and I have strong friendships within the Indian and Sikh communities in the Northern Territory. I deeply value these connections." Location : Australia First Published: September 04, 2025, 17:57 IST News viral 'I Am From India': Man Speaks Against Immigration At Australia Rally, Shoved Off Stage Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Is Putin Now A Certified Gen Z? Russian President Drops 'Total Cringe, Chill Sesh' At Forum Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 20:09 IST Vladimir Putin used Gen Z slang like total cringe and chill sesh at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Russian President Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin added an unusual twist to his visit to the 10th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), when he tried his hand at Russian Gen Z slang during an interaction with cadets. Vladimir Putin was in Vladivostok to pitch economic development in Russias Far East and highlight closer Asia-Pacific cooperation, following his recent trip to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Alongside policy talks, he toured the newly opened branch of the National Center Russia", an interactive showcase of the countrys culture, history and achievements. Recommended Stories During the tour, Vladimir Putin stopped at a language station where a young woman explained how neutral Russian phrases can be re-imagined in youth slang. She gave examples: It might be an easy game" in standard speech becomes Itll be a chill sesh" in slang while Guys, this problem is total absurdity" is recast as Guys, these troubles are total cringe." A video from the event shows Vladimir Putin smiling as he repeated the slang phrases- total cringe" and chill sesh"- drawing laughter from onlookers and cadets. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The light-hearted exchange quickly spread online, with clips of the Russian leader trying out Gen Z vocabulary making the rounds on social media. The EEF, held September 45, is Russias premier investment showcase in the Far East, an event Moscow uses to attract Asian partners at a time when its ties with the West remain strained over the war in Ukraine. Location : Russia First Published: September 04, 2025, 20:09 IST News viral Is Putin Now A Certified Gen Z? Russian President Drops 'Total Cringe, Chill Sesh' At Forum Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... She Was In A Dark Time: Woman Dies By Assisted Suicide In Switzerland, Family Learns Via WhatsApp Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 18:37 IST Maureen Slough died by assisted suicide in Switzerland, leaving her daughter Megan devastated after learning of it via WhatsApp. Maureen Slough, 58, said on July 8 that she was going to Lithuania with a friend. An Irish woman who told her family she was going on holiday instead travelled to Switzerland to end her life, leaving her daughter devastated after learning of her death through a WhatsApp message. Maureen Slough, 58, from Cavan, said on July 8 that she was going to Lithuania with a friend. In reality, she travelled to Switzerland for assisted suicide, a decision known only to two of her close friends. Her daughter, Megan Royal, discovered the truth the following day when one of her mothers friends broke the news. Recommended Stories A close friend of hers messaged me on Wednesday night, possibly at like 10 pm. I was in bed with the baby," Megan Royal told the Irish Independent, adding, 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 at that moment." Megan Royal said she contacted her father immediately, who tried to reach Maureen Slough in Switzerland. 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 68 weeks. In that very moment, because I was alone, I just sat there with the baby and cried I just felt like my world ended," she recalled. The message was sent by Pegasos, an assisted dying nonprofit in Liestal, Switzerland. Megan Royal later learned that her mother, who had promised to return home, had secretly filed an application and paid about Rs 17.8 lakh for the procedure. Assisted suicide has been legal in Switzerland since 1942. Unlike euthanasia, which remains illegal, patients must take the life-ending drugs themselves. Family Seeks Answers Maureen Sloughs brother, Philip, a solicitor in the UK, has written to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office requesting an investigation. He claimed Pegasos ignored its own policy of informing families, according to Right to Life UK. Megan Royal described her mother as a fiery, smart and dedicated woman" but said she had struggled with mental illness, including a previous suicide attempt after the deaths of her two younger sisters. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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," Megan Royal said, sharing, 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." Maureen Sloughs ashes arrived in early August and by the end of the month, the family held a funeral. Location : Switzerland First Published: September 04, 2025, 18:37 IST News viral She Was In A Dark Time: Woman Dies By Assisted Suicide In Switzerland, Family Learns Via WhatsApp Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Small Sandwich Cart Owner Made His Business Boom With Just One Viral Reel Curated By : Translation Desk-Local18 Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 11:01 IST A viral reel and a tasty idea turned Abhishek, a sandwich maker from Bhopal, into a local sensation. His food cart is now drawing huge crowds within just a week! Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Harihar Sandwich is fast becoming a must-visit spot in Bhopal. (Local18) In this digital age, social media continues to serve as a powerful platform, not only bringing fame but also driving small businesses forward. One such inspiring story comes from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, where a young man has leveraged the reach of Instagram to transform his modest food cart into a growing business. From Internet Cafe To Sandwich Cart Recommended Stories Abhishek Sahu, a resident of Old Bhopal, shared his journey with Local18. Originally from Rampur village in the Vidisha district, Abhishek moved to Bhopal with his family about 15 years ago. For some time, he ran an internet cafe, but with mobile phones now taking over digital services, the business couldnt sustain itself and had to shut down after about a year. Despite the setback, Abhishek remained determined. A passionate home cook from a young age, he began experimenting with recipes, particularly sandwiches, using tutorials from YouTube. After receiving encouraging feedback from family members, he began refining his technique and eventually decided to launch his own street food venture. A Viral Reel That Changed Everything Just eight days ago, Abhishek posted a simple reel on Instagram introducing his sandwich cart, Harihar Sandwich. The reel unexpectedly went viral, drawing a huge response online. Since then, people from various parts of Bhopal have been flocking to his cart, eager to try the much-talked-about sandwich. Crowds Queue For An Hour To Taste His Sandwiches Located between Gate No. 3 and 4 of Minal Residency on Ayodhya Bypass Road, just in front of Kakra Abhinav Homes, the cart is now attracting large crowds. Visitors are reportedly willing to wait up to an hour just to get a taste. His unique sandwich, which is grilled and filled with mayonnaise, green chutney, sauces, vegetables, and cheese, is served with a side of crisps and two types of chutney. Theres only one variety on the menu, but its already won the hearts (and taste buds) of many. A Familys Effort Behind The Success top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Abhisheks brother, Deepak Sahu, plays an equal role in managing the growing business. Whatever ingredients we bring each day, its all sold out by night", Deepak shared. The brothers are working together to meet the rising demand and maintain the same quality that has earned them loyal customers in just over a week. If youre a food enthusiast or simply curious to try something different, Harihar Sandwich is fast becoming a must-visit spot in Bhopal. With its viral fame, heartfelt story, and mouth-watering taste, its more than just a sandwich cart, its a symbol of how passion, resilience, and social media can come together to create something truly remarkable. Location : Bhopal, India, India First Published: September 04, 2025, 11:01 IST News viral This Small Sandwich Cart Owner Made His Business Boom With Just One Viral Reel Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Asim Munir To Stay Army Chief Until 2035? Pakistan's Top Brass Mulls 10-Year Power Plan | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 11:06 IST At a closed-door meeting, Nawaz Sharif, Munir, Shehbaz Sharif and others agreed on a 10-year 'continuity of the system' plan to provide a stable environment for foreign investments Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir (IMAGE: AFP) Pakistans top civil and military leadership has reportedly finalised a 10-year strategic power plan, with an emphasis on continuity of the system" and long-term political and economic stability. Sources told CNN-News18 that a high-level closed-door meeting was held at PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharifs private farmhouse in Murree and was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir, and ISI Director General Lt Gen Asim Malik. Recommended Stories The participants unanimously agreed on a 10-year continuity of the system" plan, aimed at providing a stable political and security environment for foreign investments, particularly from the United States, China, and Gulf nations. Central to the plan is the reappointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir as Chief of Army Staff, ensuring he continues to lead Pakistans military apparatus beyond the scheduled end of his current term on November 28, 2025, CNN-News18 has learnt. Munir, originally appointed in 2022 for a standard three-year tenure, is now expected to receive a five-year extension under amendments made to the Pakistan Army Act of 1952. A formal notification of his reappointment is expected soon, with constitutional protections being explored to shield the extension from legal challenges. Sources said the meeting reportedly reaffirmed Pakistans hybrid civil-military governance structure, where key decisions, including top military appointments, are to be made through consensus between political and military leadership. Critical roles such as DG ISI, DG Military Intelligence, and DG-C (Counterintelligence) within the ISI will be filled jointly, with a view to maintaining institutional balance and control. DG ISI Lt Gen Asim Malik, who also holds the National Security Adviser portfolio, is set to retire in October. However, sources indicate that an extension is under consideration to ensure continuity. The Murree meeting also touched upon the political future of former prime minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned and facing multiple convictions. According to insiders, the leadership reached a firm decision: No relief or political concessions for Imran Khan." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The leadership reportedly views Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party as destabilising forces and the current strategy is to neutralise him legally, while ensuring no legal room exists to challenge the reappointment of Asim Munir. The Opposition, however, is in no mood to back down. PTI and allied opposition groups are reportedly planning to challenge Munirs extension in Pakistans higher courts, citing concerns over military overreach, legal irregularities, and the erosion of democratic principles. To pre-empt any such challenges, the government is exploring ways to give constitutional protection to both Munirs Field Marshal rank and his extended tenure. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: September 04, 2025, 11:06 IST News world Asim Munir To Stay Army Chief Until 2035? Pakistan's Top Brass Mulls 10-Year Power Plan | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Australian Woman Fired From Bank After 25 Years, Replaced By AI Chatbot She Trained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 23:41 IST A woman working at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) was fired from her job after 25 years and replaced by the AI chatbot she had helped train. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The case highlighted the impact of AI replacing people's jobs. (File Photo) A woman working at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), one of the countrys biggest banks, was fired from her job after 25 years and replaced by an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that she had herself helped train. According to a report by news.com.au, Kathryn Sullivan and 44 others were part of the first job cuts at the bank in July, who trained the AI chatbots that they were eventually told would replace them. Recommended Stories The Commonwealth Bank revealed in July that it would make the roles in its customer call centres redundant due to a new AI chatbot system it had introduced. Sullivan revealed in an AI symposium in Canberra that she had no idea that developing scripts and testing responses for the chatbot Bumblebee would eventually result in her termination. We knew that messaging would eventually be sent offshore, but never in my wildest dream did I expect to be made redundant after 25 years with the company," she said. Inadvertently, I was training a chatbot that took my job." Sullivan said she was shocked" when she had expected to be redeployed after her role training the bot was finished, but instead she was let go from the company, and called for adequate regulations to protect peoples jobs. While I embrace the use of AI and I can see a purpose for it in the workplace and outside, I believe there needs to be some sort of regulation to prevent copyright (infringements) or replacing humans," she said. You still need the human touch," she said, saying the banks decision to terminate her and her colleagues left them feeling like we were nothing, we were a number." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Luckily for the employees, the bank reversed its decision to cut dozens of jobs last month after the Financial Sector Union raised the matter to the Fair Work Commission, saying it still needs humans to meet its growing workloads. The bank said initially the chatbots reduced calls to the centre by 2,000 per week, but then conceded that the calls had increased after the job cuts. The bank said it did not adequately consider all relevant business considerations. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More Location : Canberra, Australia First Published: September 04, 2025, 23:41 IST News world Australian Woman Fired From Bank After 25 Years, Replaced By AI Chatbot She Trained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Austrian Economist Sparks Outrage By Calling For 'Dismantling India Into Ex-India' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 17:06 IST Austrian economist Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn, who claims to run a NATO "Enlargement Committee", has called for "dismantling India into Ex-India". Austrian economist Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn (Photo: X) Austrian economist Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn, who claims to run a NATO enlargement committee", has sparked outrage in India by calling to dismantle India into Ex-India", and sharing a controversial map of the country. A screenshot on Gunthers post on X went viral, drawing condemnation from Indian political leaders and netizens after he shared a map depicting Indian territories belonging to Pakistan, Khalistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Recommended Stories I call to dismantle India into Ex-India. Narendra Modi is Russian man. We need friend of freedom for Khalistan," he wrote, expressing support for the Khalistan movement. Gunthers X account was later withheld in India. In his controversial map of India, most Indian territories were shown as part of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Khalistan. The screenshot sparked intense outrage among netizens, who labelled Gunther as a troll". Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi responded to a post that shared the screenshot by saying, What insanity is this? @MEAIndia must take this up with the Austrian Embassy." What insanity is this? @MEAIndia must take this up with the Austrian Embassy. https://t.co/y3o4EGhkEi Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) September 4, 2025 Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn is just an online troll. Please stop getting worked up. He doesnt work for NATO. Theres no such formal committee. Its just a self-appointed committee of which he is a self-appointed President," another user wrote. Amid intense trolling, a 2023 tweet by Gunther also went viral, where he had expressed support for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as the next Prime Minister of India. Gunther criticised PM Narendra Modi, calling him pro-Russia and pro-China in an old tweet. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The controversial tweet by Gunther highlighted close ties between PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Several US experts have warned that Donald Trumps tariff policies regarding India is pushing PM Modi to have closer relations with Russia and China. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More First Published: September 04, 2025, 17:02 IST News world Austrian Economist Sparks Outrage By Calling For 'Dismantling India Into Ex-India' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Coalition Of The Willing: 26 Countries To Provide Post-war Security For Ukraine Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 05, 2025, 00:10 IST Macron noted that European nations, in coordination with Washington, are prepared to impose further sanctions on Russia if Moscow resist entering into a peace agreement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the announcement (Image Credit: AP) French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Thursday that 26 of Ukraines allies have pledged to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a post-war reassurance force." Speaking after a meeting of the coalition of the willing" in Paris, Macron said the troops would be stationed in Ukraine once the ongoing conflict with Russia comes to an end. The coalition of the willing" consists of 35 countries committed to supporting Ukraine. Among them, 26 have agreed to maintain a presence in Ukraine after the war, either on land, at sea, or in the air. This collective effort is aimed at ensuring long-term stability and deterring future aggression. Recommended Stories We held a call with President Trump [] The conclusions of this call are simple: in the coming days, we will finalise US support and these security guarantees," Macron told reporters. His remarks highlighted the central role of the US in shaping the coalitions long-term commitments. Macron also noted that European nations, in coordination with Washington, are prepared to impose further sanctions on Russia if Moscow continues to resist entering into a peace agreement. European countries would impose new sanctions on Russia in collaboration with the United States should Moscow continue to refuse a peace deal," the French president said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the announcement, calling it a significant milestone. He expressed gratitude to European allies for agreeing to deploy troops post-conflict, describing the decision as the first concrete step." Stressing the need for diplomacy, Zelenskyy added, This is not a matter of a desire, this is a matter of necessity," in reference to potential talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. We support any format, bilateral meeting, trilateral meeting, I believe that Russia does everything to defer it." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Both Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who co-lead the coalition, have repeatedly emphasised that any European reassurance force in Ukraine must have the backing of the US. Following the summit in Paris, the leaders held a joint phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss the path forward. Earlier in the day, Macron and other European leaders also met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Steve Witkoff, the US envoy for peace talks. The discussions focused on ensuring long-term military and financial support for Ukraine after the war. Zelenskyy later held a private, closed-door meeting with Witkoff to further explore diplomatic solutions. Location : Paris, France First Published: September 05, 2025, 00:10 IST News world Coalition Of The Willing: 26 Countries To Provide Post-war Security For Ukraine Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... A crowd of tourists are seen at Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto, western Japan on March 30, 2023. Photo by Reuters The Australian embassy in Japan issued a warning to travelers to behave themselves after an Instagrammer drank offerings from a Japanese burial site, provoking widespread anger online. In the most recent example of fame-seeking foreigners riling locals, Lochie Jones reportedly an Australian tourist posted a clip of himself swigging from a can placed on a headstone as an offering. Moments earlier, hes seen flipping a coin to decide whether to open the beverage, likely left as a gift for ancestors in a gesture common in Japan. Hes then seen burping in front of the grave. The video which was posted in August prompted angry comments online. "Graveyards are sacred places in any country... I want (the government) to make sure he can never enter Japan (again)," one X user said. On Sept. 2, the Australian embassy warned on Facebook that travelers must ensure "appropriate behavior" while visiting Japan, without explicitly referring to the video. The embassy, which did not respond to a request for comment from AFP, said on Facebook that it "works closely with Japanese authorities to ensure that travelers from Australia respect and observe local laws and rules". Jones apologized over the incident in an Instagram video on Sept. 2. The incident comes after a YouTuber with 2.4 million subscribers, known as Fidias, posted a video in 2023 of him and three others free-riding around Japan before he later apologized. A month earlier Japanese police arrested a U.S. livestreamer known as Johnny Somali for allegedly trespassing onto a construction site. According to video footage, Ismael Ramsey Khalid, 23, wore a facemask and repeatedly shouted "Fukushima" to construction workers who urged him to leave the site, police officer Genta Hayashi told AFP, referring to the stricken nuclear power plant. Another clip shows Khalid, who describes himself as a former child soldier, harassing train passengers with references to the U.S. atomic bombings of Japan in 1945. An unprecedented number of tourists are flocking to Japan, but some residents have become fed up with unruly behavior. A town near Mount Fuji in 2024 mounted a large barrier to deter photo-taking at a popular viewing spot beside a convenience store, where people were increasingly venturing into the road to get the perfect shot. The "Japanese first" Sanseito, which has tapped into growing concerns over over-tourism and immigration, made strong gains in an Upper House election in 2025. Trump Calls Epstein Case A 'Democrat Hoax', Says Should Instead Talk About Him Ending 7 Wars Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 10:36 IST Donald Trump dismissed the Jeffrey Epstein case files as a Democrat hoax, claiming the issue is meant to distract from his administrations achievements. A file photo of US President Donald Trump (AP) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday dismissed the furore related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epsteins case files as a Democrat hoax", and said that people should instead be talking about him ending seven wars" across the world. His remarks came as he spoke at the White House, near where a crowd, mostly survivors of Jeffrey Epsteins sexual abuse, made their voices heard, pressuring lawmakers to force the release of the sex trafficking investigation into the late financier. Recommended Stories This is a Democrat hoax that never ends," Trump said as he responded to a question on survivors of Jeffrey Epstein abuse calling for the case files to be released. From what I understand, thousands of pages of documents have been given, but its really a Democrat hoax, because they are trying to get people to talk about something thats totally irrelevant to the success that we have had as a nation since Ive been the President," Trump said. Even if you look at (Washington) DC now, DC is a totally safe zone. You can walk down the street now and nothings gonna happen, no crimes, no murders, no nothing," he said. We have a lot of problems with certain places, and we still do, all run by Democrats," the US President added. So, what they are trying to do with the Epstein hoax is get people to talk about that, instead of speaking about the tremendous success like ending seven wars. I ended seven wars, nobody is gonna talk about it, cause theyre gonna talk about the Epstein, whatever," he asserted. I understand that weve given thousands of pages of files, and I know that no matter what you do, its gonna keep going. I think its enough because we should talk about the greatness of our country and the success that were having," Trump said. I think were probably having, according to what I read from even two people in this room, were having the most successful eight months of any President, ever, and thats what I wanna talk about, thats what we should be talking about, not the Epstein hoax," the US President said. During the news conference on the Capitol lawn that drew hundreds of supporters and chants of release the files," the women shared, some publicly for the first time, how they were lured into Epsteins abuse by his former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell. They demanded that the Trump administration provide transparency and accountability for what they endured as teenagers. Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial in 2019 on charges that said he sexually abused and trafficked dozens of underage girls. The case was brought more than a decade after he secretly cut a deal with federal prosecutors in Florida to dispose of nearly identical allegations. Epstein was accused of paying underage girls hundreds of dollars in cash for massages and then molesting them. Maxwell, Epsteins longtime confidant and former girlfriend, was convicted in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison for luring teenage girls for him to abuse. Four women testified at her trial that they were abused by Epstein as teens in the 1990s and early 2000s at his homes in Florida, New York and New Mexico. The allegations have spawned dozens of lawsuits. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | US House Panel Releases More Than 33,000 Pages Of Epstein Files 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 04, 2025, 09:58 IST News world Trump Calls Epstein Case A 'Democrat Hoax', Says Should Instead Talk About Him Ending 7 Wars Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... EU Chief Speaks With PM Modi On Ukraine War, Pushes For Free Trade Pact Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 18:26 IST EU chief Ursula von der Leyen underlined the blocs commitment to strengthening ties with New Delhi. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and PM Modi. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asserted that India has a crucial role to play in pressing Russia to end its war in Ukraine and shaping a path towards peace. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ursula von der Leyen said, We warmly welcome Indias continued engagement with President Zelenskyy. India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace." Recommended Stories Calling the Ukraine conflict a threat beyond Europe, she added, This war carries global security consequences and undermines economic stability. So it is a risk to the entire world." We had the pleasure of speaking with Prime Minister @narendramodi.We warmly welcome Indias continued engagement with President Zelenskyy. India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace. This war pic.twitter.com/ri5Vkep6MQ Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 4, 2025 The EU chief also underlined the blocs commitment to strengthening ties with New Delhi. She announced plans to agree on a joint strategic agenda at the next EUIndia summit in 2026 and reiterated Brussels push to conclude a Free Trade Agreement with India by the end of 2025. To achieve this, progress is needed now," she said, signalling urgency in advancing talks on market access, tariffs and regulatory standards that have been under negotiation for years. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The call comes as US President Donald Trump has launched a sweeping tariff offensive against India, imposing a 25% reciprocal duty on Indian goods along with an additional 25% levy linked to New Delhis purchase of Russian oil- among the steepest in the world. He has accused India of fueling Russias deadly attacks on Ukraine" by buying discounted crude, even as Washington has stopped short of harsher sanctions on Moscow. Earlier, Donald Trump said that he dismissed Indias offer to slash tariffs on US goods as too late," calling the relationship a one-sided disaster" that unfairly benefits New Delhi. Location : Brussels, Belgium First Published: September 04, 2025, 18:13 IST News world EU Chief Speaks With PM Modi On Ukraine War, Pushes For Free Trade Pact Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Facebook, X, Instagram Among 26 Social Media Apps Banned In Nepal. Here's Why Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 23:18 IST KP Sharma Oli's Nepal government bans 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube, for failing to register. According to the notice issued by the ministry, the social media companies were given seven days from August 28 to register. (Representative) The KP Sharma Oli-led Nepal government on Thursday announced to ban at least 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube, for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within the given deadline. According to the notice issued by the communication ministry, these social media platforms were given seven days from August 28 to register themselves with the government, news agency PTI reported. Recommended Stories The ban will come into effect from Thursday midnight. After repeated requests, the government again, on August 28, set a seven-day deadline for social media platforms to register in Nepal. That deadline expired on Wednesday night. Even when the deadline expired on Wednesday night, none of the social media platforms including Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet (YouTube), X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and LinkedIn submitted applications. However, TikTok, Viber, Witk, Nimbuzz, and Popo Live have been listed, while Telegram and Global Diary have applied and are in the process of approval, according to the ministry. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Minister of Communications and IT Prithvi Subba Gurung, as per sources in the ministry. The ministry also directed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to disable unregistered social sites. Except for the five listed platforms and two in the process, all others will be deactivated within Nepal," ministry spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur said, adding that if any platform completes registration, it will be reopened the same day. The decision will likely affect millions of Nepalese living abroad, earning or learning, as most of them use social media platforms such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp every day for communication. Meanwhile, the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) expressed displeasure over the governments decision and demanded immediate withdrawal of it. The governments move to ban social media sites without giving alternatives not only restricts freedom of expression and press freedom but it also affects the right to information guaranteed by the constitution," a statement by Ram Prasad Dahal, general secretary of FNJ, said. This isnt the first time Nepal has banned a social media platform. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In November 2023, the then Pushpa Kamal Dahal government blocked TikTok, prompting widespread criticism. The ban was later lifted in August 2024 after TikTok agreed to register in Nepal. (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 : Kathmandu, Nepal First Published: September 04, 2025, 23:18 IST News world Facebook, X, Instagram Among 26 Social Media Apps Banned In Nepal. 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... 'Great Uncertainty & Turbulence': Singapore PM's Thumbs-Up To India Ties Amid Trump Tariffs Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 14:10 IST The Singapore PM also pointed out that both nations will broaden their partnership and expand cooperation in frontier areas like space Lawrence underlined that Singapore, being the largest foreign investor in India, accounts for around a quarter of India's foreign direct investment inflows. (Photo:X/@MEAIndia) Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday called his nations ties with India important", while pointing to the great uncertainty and turbulence" in the world. Lawrence, who arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for a three-day visit, said that the bilateral partnership is rooted in shared values, mutual respect and a deep reservoir of trust. Although Lawrence did not name any country, it is clear that US President Donald Trumps tariff threats have pushed the world into an era of uncertainty." Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on India over the sale and purchase of Russian oil and a standard 10% levy rate on goods imported from Singapore. Recommended Stories Addressing the press meet at Hyderabad House in New Delhi with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lawrence said India and Singapore can strengthen resilience together, seize new opportunities and contribute to stability and growth in the region and beyond. In a world marked by great uncertainty and turbulence, the partnership between India and Singapore becomes even more important because this is a partnership rooted in shared values, mutual respect and a deep reservoir of trust. We can draw strength from our shared history and the friendship and trust between our peoples I look forward to working hand in hand with Prime Minister Modi to bring the Singapore-India partnership to even greater heights in the years ahead," he said. Same Concerns: PM Modi Thanks Singapore PM For Backing Indias Anti-Terror Fight The Singapore PM also pointed out that both nations will broaden their partnership and expand cooperation in frontier areas like space. To date, more than 20 Singapore-made satellites have been launched by India. Through the MoU on promoting collaboration in the space sector, we will broaden this partnership and push the boundaries of what we can achieve together," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Lawrence underlined that Singapore, being the largest foreign investor in India, accounts for around a quarter of Indias foreign direct investment inflows. Lawrence said he had a fruitful discussion with PM Modi on they we can take the India-Singapore comprehensive strategic partnership forward. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 First Published: September 04, 2025, 14:09 IST News world 'Great Uncertainty & Turbulence': Singapore PM's Thumbs-Up To India Ties 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... Hindu Group Slams Peter Navarro's 'Profiteering Brahmins' Jibe, Terms It 'Hinduphobic' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 14:48 IST The group stated that Navarro's language "constitutes not only a cultural violation but also a reckless provocation that endangers the dignity of over a billion Hindus". White House trade advisor Peter Navarro (Image: Reuters) Days after Trump advisor Peter Navarros statement over Brahmin, a Hindu advocacy group in the United States has demanded that President Donald Trump fire his senior trade advisor. The development came in view of Navarros Brahmins profiteering at the expense of the Indian people" remark, which was made in the context of India buying discounted oil from Russia. HinduPACTs American Hindus Against Defamation noted that Navarros remarks were inappropriate" and Hinduphobic". Recommended Stories The group stated that the White House officials language constitutes not only a cultural violation but also a reckless provocation that endangers the dignity of over a billion Hindus". It (Navarros remark) is not a critique it is a colonial-era trope recycled to depict India as unjust," AHAD declared, adding, This is not foreign policy. Its weaponised Hinduphobia," the groups Executive Chair, Ajay Shah, said, People like Navarro have no place in American political life." As per the website, AHAD calls itself a Hindu watchdog group dedicated to addressing and countering defamation, misrepresentation, and prejudice against Hinduism". Navarros Brahmins Profiteering Remark Peter Navarro stirred a massive controversy with his remarks on Brahmins over Indias purchase of Russian oil. The row broke last month after Trumps trade advisor said, India is nothing but a laundromat for the KremlinYou got Brahmins profiteering at the expense of the Indian people." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He alleged that Indian refiners were buying discounted Russian crude, processing it, and exporting it at a premium. The attack came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in China his first visit in seven years for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Beijing. The PM met Chinas Xi Jinping and Putin while in Tianjin and held deep conversation with them. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 04, 2025, 14:48 IST News world Hindu Group Slams Peter Navarro's 'Profiteering Brahmins' Jibe, Terms It 'Hinduphobic' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'If We're Unhappy...': Trump Hints At New Sanctions On Russia Over Putin's Decision To End Ukraine War Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 08:14 IST Trump's comments came after Putin vowed to carry on fighting in Ukraine if a peace deal cannot be reached. US President Donald Trump (Reuters Image) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday hinted at imposing fresh Russia sanctions if it fails to end its Ukraine war, saying youll see things happen" if he will be unhappy" with President Vladimir Putins response. I have no message to President Putin, he knows where I stand, and hell make a decision one way or the other," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, adding, Whatever his decision is, well either be happy about it or unhappy. And if were unhappy about it, youll see things happen." Recommended Stories Trump will also speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, a White House official said to AFP. The US President will also speak to European leaders. Trumps comments came after Putin, who recently attended Chinas Victory Day Military Parade in Beijing with Xi Jinping of China and Kim Jong Un of North Korea, vowed to carry on fighting in Ukraine if a peace deal cannot be reached. The US presidents diplomatic efforts seem to have stalled as Putin has shown little inclination to agree to a two-way meeting that Trump said he was arranging between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders. Meanwhile, Trump has rejected suggestions that he was soft on Moscow citing recent secondary sanctions on India for buying Russian oil. You call that no action? And I havent done phase two and phase three yet," added Trump. Im having a conversation with him very shortly and Ill know pretty much what were going to be doing," Trump said in response to a question from an AFP reporter. A White House official later told AFP: President Trump was referring to Zelensky. They will be speaking tomorrow." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Zelensky said earlier Wednesday that he hoped to push Trump for new sanctions. (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 : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 04, 2025, 08:14 IST News world 'If We're Unhappy...': Trump Hints At New Sanctions On Russia Over Putin's Decision To End Ukraine 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... Israel Building Nuclear Reactor? Here's What Satellite Images Show, And What This Means Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: September 03, 2025, 21:35 IST Satellite images show that there is intensified construction on a major new structure at a key nuclear facility long-suspected to be part of Israel's atomic weapons programme Satellite photos provided by Planet Labs PBC show the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center near the city of Dimona, Israel. (Image: Planet Labs PBC/AP) Satellite images have shown intensified construction work on a major new structure at a key nuclear facility in Israel. According to satellite images analysed by experts, Israel could be building a new nuclear reactor at a location long-suspected to be part of its atomic weapons programme. Experts said the new construction could either be a new nuclear reactor or a facility to assemble nuclear arms, but the secrecy around it makes it difficult to determine the outcome. Recommended Stories WHAT DO THE IMAGES SHOW? The images, taken on July 5 by Planet Labs PBC, are from the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center near the city of Dimona. The images show thick concrete retaining walls laid at the site, which appears to have multiple floors underground. Cranes loom overhead. Theres no containment dome or other features typically associated with a heavy water reactor now visible at the site. However, one could be added later or a reactor could be designed without one. Dimonas current heavy water reactor, which came online in the 1960s, has been operating far longer than most reactors of the same era. That suggests it will need to be replaced or retrofitted soon. WHAT ARE EXPERTS SAYING? This comes after Israel and the United States bombed nuclear sites across Iran in June over their fears that the Islamic Republic could use its enrichment facilities to pursue an atomic weapon. Among the sites attacked was Irans heavy water reactor at Arak. Experts said they believed the construction was related to Israels long-suspected nuclear weapons programme, given its proximity to the reactor at Dimona, where no civilian power plant exists. They are, however, split on what the new construction could be. Some said the location and size of the area under construction and the fact that it appeared to have multiple floors meant the most likely explanation was a new heavy water reactor, which can produce plutonium and another material key to nuclear weapons. Others said it could be a heavy water reactor but also suggested it could be related to a new facility for assembling nuclear weapons. Both sides agreed that the construction was still in an early stage so it could not exactly be determined what it was. Its probably a reactor that judgement is circumstantial but thats the nature of these things," Jeffrey Lewis, an expert at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, told the Associated Press. Lewis added: Its very hard to imagine it is anything else. Its tall, which you would expect, because the reactor core is going to be pretty tall. Based on the location, size and general lack of construction there, its more likely a reactor than anything." Edwin Lyman, a nuclear expert at the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Union of Concerned Scientists, also said the new construction could be a box-shaped reactor that does not have a visible containment dome, though he acknowledged it was difficult to be certain. Lyman said Israel doesnt allow any international inspections or verification of what its doing, which forces the public to speculate". If its a heavy water reactor, theyre seeking to maintain the capability to produce spent fuel that they then can process to separate plutonium for more nuclear weapons," Daryl G Kimball, the executive director of the Washington-based Arms Control Association, told AP. Or they are building a facility to maintain their arsenal or build additional warheads." WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT ISRAELS NUCLEAR PROGRAMME? Israels policy of nuclear ambiguity is thought to have helped deter its enemies. Like India and Pakistan, Israel is believed to rely on a heavy water reactor to make its nuclear weapons. The reactors can be used for scientific purposes, but plutonium which causes the nuclear chain reaction needed in an atomic bomb is a byproduct of the process. Tritium is another byproduct and can be used to boost the explosive yield of warheads. It is believed that Israel began building its nuclear site in the desert in the late 1950s after facing several wars with its Arab neighbors surrounding its founding in 1948 in the wake of the Holocaust. It is among nine countries confirmed or believed to have atomic weapons and among just four that have never joined the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, a landmark international accord meant to stop the spread of nuclear arms. This means the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the nuclear watchdog of the United Nations, has no right to conduct inspections of Dimona. The IAEA said Israel is not obligated to provide information about other nuclear facilities in the country" outside of its Soreq research reactor. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Israel does not confirm or deny having atomic weapons, and its government did not respond to requests for comment. The White House, which is Israels staunchest ally, also did not respond to requests for comment. (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 : Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) First Published: September 03, 2025, 21:35 IST News world Israel Building Nuclear Reactor? Here's What Satellite Images Show, And What This Means Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Consider It Brotherly Debt: Kim Jong Un Vows Protection Of Russian Sovereignty Amid Ukraine War Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 11:43 IST Kim Jong Un met Vladimir Putin in Beijing and extended support in Russian war in Ukraine. Kim Jong Un-Putin meeting: North Korean leader vows continued support to Russia (Reuters Image) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told Russian President Vladimir Putin during talks in China that Pyongyang will support Moscow in its defence of sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a report. In a meeting that took place on September 3 on the sidelines of a large military parade held to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a key event in Chinas Victory Day celebrations in Beijing, the North Korean leader described his support for Russia as a brotherly debt", news agency KCNA reported. Recommended Stories Comrade Kim Jong Un said that Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea will continue supporting to the full extent the struggle of the government, the army, and the people of Russia for protection of its sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interests of the state, consider it the brotherly debt and stay committed to performance of the interstate treaty between DPRK and Russia," the news agency said. Since the beginning of the Russian war in Ukraine, North Korea has extended support to Moscow. Kim vowed continued support in recent talks with Putin, telling him he would do everything I can to assist". The Russian President expressed gratitude to him for North Koreas military support, while also acknowledging the role played by their troops in assisting Russian forces in pushing back Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk border region. Putin also extended an invitation to Kim to visit Moscow during their Beijing meeting. Their conversation lasted two-and-a-half hours at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in the capital city. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Before departing, Kim told Putin through an interpreter, See you soon." Putin responded, We are waiting for you, come visit us." Kim participated in a multilateral event for the first time during his 14-year rule, marking a key diplomatic moment for the North Korean leader. It was the first spectacle of Kim, Putin, and Xi Jinping presenting a united front amid global tensions. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @Ma... Read More Location : North Korea First Published: September 04, 2025, 11:42 IST News world Consider It Brotherly Debt: Kim Jong Un Vows Protection Of Russian Sovereignty Amid Ukraine 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... No Foreign Military Intervention: Russia As EU Mulls Boots On The Ground In Ukraine Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 10:42 IST European nations are mulling deployment of their military in Ukraine to deter any future Russian aggression -- something which Moscow has objected to, according to reports. Russia-Ukraine news: Moscow objects to EU plans of military deployment in Ukraine (Reuters Image) Russia will not discuss proposals of foreign military intervention in Ukraine in any format, the countrys Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova rebutted to the plans of the European Union to potentially send troops to Ukraine. Her remarks came at a press briefing on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum. Recommended Stories Russia does not intend to discuss the completely unacceptable and undermining any security foreign intervention in Ukraine in any form, in any format whatsoever," the diplomat said, Russian news agency TASS reported. She said that the security guarantees demanded by Ukraine are guarantees of threat" to Europe and are absolutely unacceptable". They are aimed at preserving Ukraine as a stronghold for terror, for provocations against our country. They are not security guarantees for Ukraine, they are guarantees of threat to the European continent," she said. The spokeswoman said that the approval by the United States of the possible sale of over 3,000 ERAM missiles and the equipment required for them was a contradiction of calls for the settlement of the conflict diplomatically. Her remarks came ahead of a meeting hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron of the Coalition of the Willing a grouping of allies who vowed to enforce a peace deal in Ukraine. A source at the Elysee official residence of the President of France told BBC that the group was ready to provide security guarantees for Ukraine and was only waiting for the US nod that it would act as the final guarantor. The proposed deal also included continuing military training and supplying weapons to Ukraines army. It also proposes that the European troops will be deployed in Ukraine to deter Russia from any future aggression, BBC reported, citing sources. However, such a deployment would require a ceasefire, the onus of which falls to the Americans who are negotiating with the Russians", the report said. For now, several coalition members, including Italy and Germany, have ruled out sending soldiers to Ukraine, as the priority was getting Russia to agree to a ceasefire, a German government spokesperson told the BBC. Vladimir Putin mocked the idea of meeting his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy. I have never ruled out the possibility of such a meeting. But is there any point? Lets see," Putin said in Beijing. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told The Financial Times that Europe was drawing up pretty precise plans" for a multinational troop deployment to Ukraine as part of post-conflict security guarantees, with the backing of the US capabilities. President Trump reassured us that there will be (an) American presence as part of the backstop. That was very clear and repeatedly affirmed," von der Leyen told the FT. The potential deployment will include thousands of European-led troops backed by US assistance including control and command systems and intelligence and surveillance assets the report said. This arrangement was agreed at a meeting between Donald Trump, Zelenskyy, and other European leaders at the White House Summit last month, the report said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier in March this year, the UK and France floated the idea of constituting a coalition of the willing to enforce a peace deal in Ukraine at the London Summit. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had described the coalition as a group of nations ready to support Ukraine with troops on the ground and planes in the air, working with others". About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @Ma... Read More Location : Moscow, Russia First Published: September 04, 2025, 10:31 IST News world No Foreign Military Intervention: Russia As EU Mulls Boots On The Ground In Ukraine Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Putin Warns Of Using Military Force If Common Sense Fails In Ukraine Talks Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 05:26 IST Putin also emphasised the potential role of the United States in pushing both sides toward a resolution. Russian President Putin also extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit Moscow (Image Credit: AP) During his recent visit to Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed a willingness to end the war with Ukraine through negotiations but warned that Moscow would resort to military force if talks fail, reported Reuters. Speaking to reporters in the Chinese capital on Wednesday, Putin said there was still a chance to resolve the conflict at the negotiating table, depending on Kyivs approach. It seems to me that if common sense prevails, it will be possible to agree on an acceptable solution to end this conflict. That is my assumption," he said. Especially since we can see the mood of the current US administration under President Trump, and we see not just their statements, but their sincere desire to find this solution." Recommended Stories Putin also emphasised the potential role of the United States in pushing both sides toward a resolution. He described recent diplomatic overtures as a certain light at the end of the tunnel" in efforts to find a settlement to what has become Europes largest land war since World War II. And I think there is a certain light at the end of the tunnel. Lets see how the situation develops. If not, then we will have to resolve all the tasks before us by force of arms," Putin stated. Putin also extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit Moscow for direct peace negotiations. However, no such meeting has taken place yet. Despite signalling openness to dialogue, Putin made it clear that certain conditions are non-negotiable. He stated that Russia would not give up the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, which Russian forces have seized. He also reiterated demands that Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions and cease what he called discrimination against ethnic Russians. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The statement comes just ahead of a planned meeting being hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday. Macron is set to convene the Coalition of the Willing, a group of Ukraines international allies. A source from the Elysee Palace said the group aims to gain US support for extending security guarantees to Ukraine and securing a ceasefire from Russia. President Trump had previously pressed Putin for a ceasefire during their summit in Alaska last month. Location : Beijing, China First Published: September 04, 2025, 05:26 IST News world Putin Warns Of Using Military Force If Common Sense Fails In Ukraine Talks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Arctic Race: Why Every Country Wants A Share Of Melting Ice Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 16:04 IST For countries facing resource pressures, these figures are irresistible. Russia, has ramped up drilling projects, while Norway continues to expand oil and gas production. New Frontiers, Old Rivalries: How the Arctic Is Redrawing Global Maps For most of human history, the Arctic was seen as a frozen wilderness, remote, hostile, and unyielding. But climate change is now rewriting that story. As polar ice caps melt at an unprecedented rate, the Arctic is transforming from an inaccessible frontier into a geopolitical hotspot. New shipping lanes are appearing, vast reserves of oil, gas, and minerals are becoming reachable, and world powers are manoeuvring to secure a share of the spoils. The race for the Arctic is on and it could reshape global trade, security, and even climate politics. Recommended Stories The Melting That Changed Everything Satellite records from the past four decades show a startling trend: Arctic sea ice has been shrinking by about 12% per decade. In 2020, the Arctic experienced its second-lowest summer sea ice extent on record, and researchers warn that the region could see ice-free summers by mid-century if emissions continue unchecked. The melting is not just an environmental crisis. It is also a geopolitical trigger. What was once a frozen barrier is now becoming navigable water. Where thick ice sheets once locked away untapped resources, thinner layers now invite exploration. The Arctic, in effect, is being unlocked by warming. Shipping Lanes of the Future Two major maritime routes are at the center of attention: The Northern Sea Route (NSR)Running along Russias northern coastline, the NSR links East Asia with Northern Europe. It is significantly shorter than the traditional Suez Canal route, cutting travel time by up to 40%. Russia has been investing heavily in icebreakers, ports, and surveillance to control and monetize this route, charging fees for passage and offering escorts. The Northwest Passage (NWP)This route runs through Canadas Arctic Archipelago, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. For centuries, explorers dreamed of this passage, but it was blocked by ice. Now, during late summers, it is becoming navigable. Canada claims sovereignty over the waters, but the U.S. and others argue it is an international strait. If these routes become reliably open, they could redraw global trade maps shifting flows of goods, reducing dependency on chokepoints like the Suez Canal, and raising new questions of maritime law and security. Treasure Beneath the Ice Beyond shipping, the Arctics riches are luring nations and corporations alike. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Arctic may hold 13% of the worlds undiscovered oil and 30% of its undiscovered natural gas. Large reserves of rare earth minerals, nickel, cobalt, and even diamonds are believed to lie under the seabed or permafrost. For countries facing resource pressures, these figures are irresistible. Russia, for example, has ramped up Arctic drilling projects, while Norway continues to expand oil and gas production in its northern waters. China, though not an Arctic state, has declared itself a near-Arctic power" and is investing in mining and shipping ventures in Greenland and Russia. The Geopolitical Chessboard The Arctic Council comprising the eight Arctic states (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the U.S.) plus Indigenous representatives was once seen as a forum for cooperation. But as the ice retreats, rivalries are sharpening. Russia sees the Arctic as central to its future economic power. It has built the worlds largest fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers and is militarizing its northern frontier with new bases, radar systems, and patrols. sees the Arctic as central to its future economic power. It has built the worlds largest fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers and is militarizing its northern frontier with new bases, radar systems, and patrols. The United States is expanding its presence through Alaska and the Coast Guard, warning against Russian and Chinese influence. is expanding its presence through Alaska and the Coast Guard, warning against Russian and Chinese influence. China is weaving Arctic ambitions into its Belt and Road Initiative, calling the region a Polar Silk Road." is weaving Arctic ambitions into its Belt and Road Initiative, calling the region a Polar Silk Road." Canada and Denmark are still tussling over territorial claims, including the tiny Hans Island, in what some call the worlds most polite border dispute." At stake are not just resources and routes, but also territorial claims under international law. Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), countries can claim extended continental shelves if they prove geological continuity. This has led to overlapping claims over the seabed beneath the North Pole itself. Indigenous Communities at the Crossroads Amid the geopolitical excitement, Arctic Indigenous communities face stark challenges. Melting ice threatens traditional hunting grounds, fisheries, and ways of life. At the same time, resource extraction projects bring jobs but also environmental risks, from oil spills to pollution. Some Indigenous groups are asserting sovereignty and seeking a stronger role in decision-making, while others warn that the Arctic race risks sidelining local voices. Environmental Risks of Exploitation While melting ice creates opportunity, it also heightens risk. Shipping in fragile Arctic waters raises the danger of oil spills and accidents in regions where clean-up is nearly impossible. Black carbon emissions from ships accelerate ice melt. Drilling and mining could devastate delicate ecosystems already stressed by climate change. Environmentalists warn that chasing fossil fuels in the Arctic is deeply ironic: the very warming caused by fossil fuel use is what is making the Arctic accessible in the first place. Exploiting those reserves, they argue, will only deepen the climate crisis. The Global Ripple Effect The Arctic race is not just a regional issue; it has global consequences: Trade: Shorter routes could shift economic power, especially between Asia and Europe. Shorter routes could shift economic power, especially between Asia and Europe. Security: New naval deployments raise the risk of confrontation in previously peaceful waters. New naval deployments raise the risk of confrontation in previously peaceful waters. Climate: Accelerated melting reduces Earths albedo" effect the ices ability to reflect sunlight worsening global warming. Accelerated melting reduces Earths albedo" effect the ices ability to reflect sunlight worsening global warming. Economics: Resource booms could fuel Arctic economies but also cause volatility as global energy markets shift. What the Future Holds Scientists agree that the Arctic is warming about four times faster than the global average. This means the transformation is not a distant scenario it is unfolding now. Whether the Arctic becomes a zone of cooperation or conflict depends on choices made in the coming decade. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all International law will be tested, Indigenous rights will be challenged, and the balance between economic opportunity and environmental responsibility will be constantly negotiated. What is clear is that the Arctic is no longer a frozen frontier at the edge of the world. It is becoming a central arena in the story of globalization, climate change, and great power rivalry. The Arctic race captures a paradox: climate change is unlocking immense economic potential even as it endangers the planet. For shipping giants, energy companies, and ambitious states, the melting ice looks like opportunity. For scientists and Indigenous communities, it looks like a warning. As ice turns to water, the stakes only grow higher. 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 04, 2025, 16:04 IST News world The Arctic Race: Why Every Country Wants A Share Of Melting Ice Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Their Failure, Not Ours: Afghanistans Defence Minister Tears Into Pakistan For Security Lapses Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 12:29 IST In an interview, Mullah Yaqoob dismissed Islamabads repeated allegations against Afghanistan as excuses to cover up its own weaknesses Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Mullah Yaqoob categorically denied that the Afghan Taliban government supports or shelters militants targeting Pakistan. (AFP) Afghanistans Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, son of the late Taliban founder Mullah Omar, has publicly accused Pakistans security forces of failing to prevent militant attacks within their own borders, dismissing Islamabads repeated allegations against Afghanistan as excuses to cover up its own weaknesses". In an interview with the BBC, Mullah Yaqoob categorically denied that the Afghan Taliban government supports or shelters militants targeting Pakistan, instead pointing the finger at Pakistans internal security apparatus for failing to stop armed groups like the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). Recommended Stories If fighters from TTP or BLA come from Afghanistan and manage to carry out car bombings or targeted killings inside Pakistan, and even access major cities, this is a sign of failure and weakness of Pakistans security system," Mullah Yaqoob said. He added that Pakistan should stop blaming Afghanistan to hide its own security lapses". If they cant stop these attacks inside, its their failure, not ours," Yaqoob said in remarks that reflect the growing tensions between the Afghan Taliban government in Kabul and the civil-military leadership in Islamabad. Islamabad has long accused Kabul of harbouring TTP militants, who have regrouped and intensified attacks across northwest Pakistan since the Taliban regained power in 2021. Recent attacks, including suicide bombings, military convoy ambushes, and targeted killings, have been publicly linked by Pakistani officials to safe havens in Afghanistan. However, Yaqoob rejected the claims, saying Pakistans leadership is deflecting responsibility rather than facing the truth. Pakistans state and intelligence agencies are continuously making baseless allegations against Afghanistan to cover up their own internal failures." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On Monday, five militants from TTP launched a coordinated assault on a Frontier Corps (FC) post in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in which five militants were killed and one FC personnel died. Hostilities in the frontier area between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated since the Taliban seized power in 2021, with Islamabad battling a resurgence of militant violence in its western regions. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Afghanistan First Published: September 04, 2025, 12:29 IST News world Their Failure, Not Ours: Afghanistans Defence Minister Tears Into Pakistan For Security Lapses Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Administration Defends India Tariffs In US Supreme Court As Tool For Ukraine Peace Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 21:27 IST Donald Trumps administration urges the US Supreme Court to uphold tariffs, linking them to efforts to end the war in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump US President Donald Trumps administration petitioned the Supreme Court to uphold his sweeping tariff regime, arguing that the duties are not only central to his economic agenda but also a crucial aspect" of his efforts to end the war in Ukraine. In court papers filed, the administration wrote, The President recently authorised IEEPA tariffs against India for purchasing Russian energy products, to deal with a preexisting national emergency regarding Russias war in Ukraine, as a crucial aspect of his push for peace in that war-torn country." Recommended Stories The appeal comes after a 74 ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit last week, which declared many of Donald Trumps tariffs illegal but allowed them to remain in place temporarily, giving the administration until mid-October to seek US Supreme Court intervention. The ruling affirmed a lower courts finding that Trump had exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Doubling Down On India The Donald Trump administration doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent- half aimed at punishing New Delhi for ramping up Russian oil imports and half tied to Donald Trumps America First" drive to slash trade deficits. The filing noted, With tariffs, the US is a rich nation, and without, it is a poor nation. According to the president, one year ago, the United States was a dead country, and now, because of the trillions of dollars being paid by countries that have so badly abused us, America is a strong, financially viable, and respected country again." Legal Challenge To IEEPA Use top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Donald Trump has invoked IEEPA, a Cold War-era law granting the US President economic powers during national emergencies, to levy what he calls reciprocal tariffs." But the appeals court ruled that while IEEPA authorises asset freezes and sanctions, it does not extend to imposing tariffs, duties or taxes. Donald Trump dismissed the decision, posting on Truth Social, The appeals court incorrectly said that our tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end." Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 04, 2025, 21:26 IST News world Trump Administration Defends India Tariffs In US Supreme Court As Tool For Ukraine Peace Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Administration Faces Lawsuit Over National Guard Deployment In Washington DC Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 05, 2025, 03:45 IST The White House, however, maintains that the deployment falls squarely within the authority of the US President. Public and political response to the deployment has been divided (X/@DeptofDefense) The Trump administration is now facing legal action over its deployment of the National Guard in the US capital, reported the Associated Press. On Thursday, the District of Columbia, represented by elected Attorney General Brian Schwalb, filed a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trumps decision to deploy the Guard in Washington, D.C. In an appeal to a federal court, the District is seeking judicial intervention amid Trumps broader plans to extend similar deployments to other cities facing rising crime rates. Schwalb argued in the lawsuit that the deployment, which currently involves more than 1,000 troops, represents an unlawful use of the military for domestic law enforcement purposes. Recommended Stories No American jurisdiction should be involuntarily subjected to military occupation," Schwalb wrote. The White House, however, maintains that the deployment falls squarely within the authority of the US President. Press secretary Abigail Jackson defended the administrations move, stating it was aimed at protecting federal assets and supporting law enforcement operations. This lawsuit is nothing more than another attempt, at the detriment of D.C. residents and visitors, to undermine the Presidents highly successful operations to stop violent crime in D.C.," Jackson said. President Trump has praised his decision to deploy the National Guard in the capital, claiming it has contributed to a reduction in crime. Despite strong opposition in several Democrat-led cities, Trump has expressed plans to introduce similar deployments in areas like Chicago and Baltimore, which he says are also battling significant criminal activity. The National Guard was initially deployed without arms, but in August, the Trump administration authorised troops in Washington to carry weapons. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Public and political response to the deployment has been divided. While D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, has supported some of Trumps claims that crime has decreased, critics and data analysts point out that crime had already been on a downward trend before the deployment. Adding to the legal challenges, a federal judge in California ruled on Tuesday that Trumps deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles was illegal. However, that ruling does not apply to Washington, D.C., where the President exercises greater control over the National Guard compared to individual US states. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 05, 2025, 03:45 IST News world Trump Administration Faces Lawsuit Over National Guard Deployment In Washington DC Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Directs Pentagon To Prepare For Military Restructuring As Russia, China Get Closer Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 09:39 IST Trump has accused China, Russia, and North Korea of conspiring against the United States as Chinese leader Xi Jinping presided over a massive military parade in Bejing. US President Donald Trump (Reuters Image) Soon after Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russians Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were seen together in China, US President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to be ready to deter China and Russia if required, signaling preparations for a large-scale transformation of the American armed forces. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, while speaking to Fox News, confirmed that he had received an order from the President to begin planning for a major restructuring of the military. Recommended Stories That is why President Trump has charged us at the Department of Defense to be prepared to rebuild our military and re-establish deterrence. Not because we seek conflict and weve been clear about that with China, Russia and others," Hegseth stated. Meanwhile, President Trump has accused China, Russia, and North Korea of conspiring against the United States as Chinese leader Xi Jinping presided over a massive military parade in Bejing marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The President did not elaborate on what he meant by conspire," but reminded that the United States played a decisive role in liberating China from foreign occupation during the war. Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared side by side in Beijing on Wednesday at a grand military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 04, 2025, 09:39 IST News world Trump Directs Pentagon To Prepare For Military Restructuring As Russia, China Get Closer Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Moves US Supreme Court Against Illegal Tariffs Ruling, Asks It To Overturn Judgment Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 14:08 IST A US federal appeals court had ruled last week that most of Donald Trump's tariffs were "illegal" and he had overstepped his presidential powers. Trump moves Supreme Court against tariff ruling (Reuters Image) President Donald Trump moved a petition in the United States Supreme Court for a review of the lower courts order that declared most of his tariffs illegal", and asked the court to overturn the decision. He filed the plea late on Wednesday (local time), seeking review of the federal appeals court ruling in Washington DC, The Guardian reported. Recommended Stories The court had ruled that Trumps liberation day" import duties that he announced on April 2 which ranged between 10% and 50% on most US imports were illegal. In a 7-4 order last Friday, the federal appeals court ruled that Trump had overstepped his presidential powers in his invocation of a 1977 law, which is meant to address national emergencies. This was the biggest blow to Trump for his tariff policies; however, the levies were allowed to be in place until October 14, thus offering time to the administration to move the Supreme Court against the order. Trump has appealed to the Supreme Court, which is now expected to review the order. The judges must agree to hear the matter. The administration has asked the apex court to make a decision on this by September 10, The Guardian reported. The government has appealed to the court for an accelerated schedule and for the arguments to be heard by November 10, according to Bloomberg. The judges could deliver their verdict by the end of 2025. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The appeals courts decision on tariffs had upheld a previous order by the US Court of International Trade. The federal appeals court said that US law 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". About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @Ma... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 04, 2025, 14:08 IST News world Trump Moves US Supreme Court Against Illegal Tariffs Ruling, Asks It To Overturn Judgment Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Signs Executive Order On US-Japan Trade Deal Setting 15% Tariff, $550 Bn Investment Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 05, 2025, 02:42 IST Trump has referred to the agreement as the largest deal in history with Japan. President Trump had first announced the deal in July, highlighting its major components (Reuters) US President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order to implement the long-anticipated US-Japan Trade Agreement, Reuters reported. The official details of the order reveal that the US will impose a baseline 15 percent tariff on nearly all Japanese imports entering the country. In return, Japan has agreed to provide expanded market access to American goods across several key sectors, including manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, food, energy, automobiles, and industrial products. The agreement outlines reciprocal economic benefits intended to reshape bilateral trade. Recommended Stories This new tariff framework, combined with expanded United States exports and investment-driven production, will help reduce the trade deficit with Japan and restore greater balance to the overall US trade position," the agreement read. In a major component of the deal, Japan has also committed to invest $550 billion in the US. The agreement states that this investment will aid in generating local jobs, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and ultimately secure American prosperity for generations." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all President Trump had first announced the deal in July, highlighting its major components, including the 15% tariff on Japanese imports and the significant investment package. Japans Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba welcomed the announcement, describing it as the lowest figure to date among countries with trade surpluses with the US." Trump has referred to the agreement as the largest deal in history with Japan." The trade negotiations came to a head after President Trump sent a letter to the Japanese government in July, warning of a potential 25% tariff on Japanese exports if a new trade agreement was not finalised before August 1. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 05, 2025, 02:42 IST News world Trump Signs Executive Order On US-Japan Trade Deal Setting 15% Tariff, $550 Bn Investment Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Arbitrary Tariffs Could...': US Lawmaker Reaffirms Congress Support For India Ties Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 14:33 IST Following his meeting with Kwatra, Meeks underscored Congresss support for the US-India partnership" US lawmaker Rep. Gregory Meeks met Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra as the bilateral ties took a hit in the wake of Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian goods. (Photo:X/@HouseForeign) A member of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats has warned that President Donald Trumps arbitrary tariffs against India threaten" the vital relationship" between the two countries. US lawmaker Rep. Gregory Meeks met Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra as the bilateral ties took a hit in the wake of Trumps 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Recommended Stories Following his meeting with Kwatra, Meeks underscored Congresss support for the US-India partnership." Met with @AmbVMKwatra to underscore Congress support for the US-India partnership, which has strengthened over the past 25 years, including through the Quad," House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems posted on social media, quoting Meeks. I reaffirmed our commitment to deeper ties, our shared hope for peace in Ukraine, and my alarm at Trumps arbitrary tariffs that threaten this vital relationship," Meeks said. RM @RepGregoryMeeks: Met with @AmbVMKwatra to underscore Congress support for the US-India partnership, which has strengthened over the past 25 years, including through the Quad. I reaffirmed our commitment to deeper ties, our shared hope for peace in Ukraine, and my alarm at pic.twitter.com/kMEdwI3QcX House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems (@HouseForeign) September 4, 2025 Responding to Meeks post, Kwatra said, Grateful for his constant counsel and steadfast support to the US-India relationship throughout his leadership on @HouseForeign." Our discussion spanned trade, energy, Indo-Pacific, and broader issues of mutual interest, " Kwatra added in his social media post. Kwatra also met with Rep. Carol Miller, Chair of the Congressional Energy Export Caucus, and briefed her on Indias energy security and trade perspectives. Took the opportunity to brief @RepCarolMiller, Chair of the Congressional Energy Export Caucus, on Indias energy security and trade perspectives, especially Indias hydrocarbon trade with the US. Highlighted Indias steadfast support to all efforts, including the Alaska Summit, for the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy," the Indian envoy posted on X. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Kwatra has been meeting US lawmakers almost daily amid a strain in India-US relations after Trump imposed tariffs totalling 50 per cent on India. This includes 25 per cent for New Delhis purchases of Russian oil. Defending its purchase of Russian crude oil, India has been maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics. (with inputs from PTI) About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 04, 2025, 14:33 IST News world 'Trumps Arbitrary Tariffs Could...': US Lawmaker Reaffirms Congress Support For India Ties Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Alaska Negotiations': Putin Reveals His Conversation With PM Modi During Car Ride In China Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 13:14 IST Vladimir Putin said he discussed the Alaska Summit negotiations with PM Modi while travelling together in his AURUS limousine during the Tianjin SCO Summit in China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travel in the same car to the destination of their bilateral meeting in China (Photo: @narendramodi/X) Russian President Vladimir Putin has revealed that his discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their shared car ride in Tianjin were about the recent Alaska Summit talks between him and US President Donald Trump. Addressing reporters during his four-day visit to China, Putin was asked by a reporter about the topics he discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the car, as they travelled from the Tianjin SCO Summit to the venue for the bilateral talks in China. Recommended Stories I told him about the negotiations in Alaska," Putin said. Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin held the much-anticipated truce talks meeting in Alaska in mid-August to discuss bringing an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Russias top economic envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, said the US received Russia very well" in Alaska and that the two countries would continue building relations despite resistance." The US-Russia summit in Alaska has definitely been productive," Dmitriev said according to CNN, adding that there were lots of issues that we discussed and many we agreed on". Some of them are to be agreed and definitely its very important that President Trump outlines a significant economic potential of cooperation between the US and Russia," said Dmitriev. We will continue building US-Russia relations going forward despite lots of resistance to this, but we will continue strengthening US-Russia ties," he added, as per CNN. PM MODI AND PUTINs SHARED CAR RIDE PM Modi and the Russian President travelled to the bilateral talks venue in Putins AURUS limousine. During their travel, both leaders conversed on numerous issues before they held talks during their bilateral meeting. It was also known that they spent nearly 45 minutes in the car even after reaching the bilateral meeting venue. News agency PTI quoted commentators in Moscow as saying that perhaps this was the most important confidential conversation between PM Modi and Putin during which they probably discussed issues not for the ears of others". Soon after their shared car ride, Russian national radio station VestiFM had stated, The two leaders continued their one-to-one dialogue on the way to the hotel where they were to be joined by members of their teams." However, on reaching the hotel, they did not deboard the Russian Presidents limousine and continued their conversation for 50 minutes," it added. During their bilateral talks, Modi conveyed to Putin that it is humanitys call to end the Ukraine conflict as soon as possible. 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. PM Modi also said that India is waiting to receive the Russian leader. The development came as India and Russia look to strengthen their bilateral relationship amid US President Donald Trumps tariffs, which include a 25 per cent penalty for purchasing discounted crude oil from Moscow. PM Modi, in his address at the SCO, stressed the need to boost connectivity between the members to boost trade, while Putin said that dialogue within the SCO helps lay the foundation for a new Eurasian security system, replacing outdated Eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic models. Putin is set to travel to India in December for summit talks with PM Modi. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | In Veiled Jibe At US, Putin Warns Against Punitive Tone With India 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 04, 2025, 12:36 IST News world 'Alaska Negotiations': Putin Reveals His Conversation With PM Modi During Car Ride In China Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'You Can't Use Such Terms': In Veiled Jibe At US, Putin Warns Against Punitive Tone With India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 10:32 IST Vladimir Putin, on a visit to China, urged the use of respectful language in global trade, indirectly slamming the US tariffs on India and China. A file photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin (AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday advocated for using the correct language between partner countries, as he spoke at a press briefing during his four-day visit to China. In an indirect reference to the United States and its sweeping tariffs against India and China, Putin called India and China powerful economies with their individual domestic political mechanisms and laws. Recommended Stories You have countries like India with 1.5 billion people, China, and powerful economies. But they also have their own domestic political mechanisms and laws," a translation of Putins address suggested. When somebody tells you that they are going to punish you, you have to think, how can the leadership of those countries those big countries, which have had difficult periods in their history too, that had to do with colonialism, with attacks on their sovereignty during prolonged periods of time, you have to understand that if one of them shows weakness, their political career will be over," the Russian President said. So, that influences the behaviour. Just as the colonial era is now over, they have to realise that they cannot use this term in speaking with their partners. But ultimately, things will be sorted out, everything will take its place, and we will see no more political dialogue again," Putin said. The Russian President also urged for the end of a unipolar world", emphasising a multipolar global order where all nations are equal without any hegemons" dominating politics or security. I wouldnt really speak about any domineering polls. It doesnt mean that this new multipolar world should have any hegemons because no one is speaking about this, not in BRICS, not in the SCO. Everyone has equal rights in this multipolar world," he said. Citing economic giants like India and China, Putin acknowledged the shifting global balance, but cautioned that economic strength should not translate into political or security dominance. From the international law point of view, everyone must have equal rights, everyone must be in a similar position. Yes, there are economic giants like India or China, and actually, our country is among the top four biggest economies," Putin said. It doesnt mean that anyone should dominate over politics or global security. We do not believe that there should be some domination, everyone must be equal," the Russian President said. His remarks were being seen as a subtle take on the sanctions imposed by the West on Moscow due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, as well as on the global economic concerns due to the tariff policies introduced by US President Donald Trump. Trump has imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports, including an additional 25 per cent due to its purchase of Russian crude oil. ALSO READ | Putin Warns Of Using Military Force If Common Sense Fails In Ukraine Talks top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: September 04, 2025, 07:18 IST News world 'You Can't Use Such Terms': In Veiled Jibe At US, Putin Warns Against Punitive Tone With India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sweden is not opposed to selling the latest modification of its renowned fighter, the JAS 39 Gripen E, to Ukraine. However, deliveries of the E-series would only be possible under a long-term agreement and after the war with russia ends. Much will depend on what future structure Ukraine envisions for its Air Force. Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson outlined this position in an interview with Breaking Defense. He added that Sweden remains open to discussions about supplying older Gripen C/D variants, which could be transferred much sooner. Read more: Czechia Secures Gripen Lease Until 2035 What the Fighters Cost the Air Force Annually On a note from Defense Express, such a condition is logical: Saab, the manufacturer, is already heavily loaded with Gripen E orders and has only so much production capacity. Even if a contract were signed today, delivery of the new jets would take years anyway. At the same time, the possibility of supplying existing Gripen C/Ds which Ukraine has repeatedly requested looks far more realistic. Preparations have also been made to support this option, including Sweden's purchase of new components to keep the older aircraft operational. Saab itself supports the idea of supplying its fighters to Ukraine, expressing confidence that the Gripen E will eventually be delivered. As for the C/Ds, their transfer is primarily a political issue. The Swedish Ministry of Defense also frames the Gripen E as a way to build a unified fleet for Ukraine, pointing to Sweden's experience in expanding fleets for export customers such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, Brazil, and Thailand. The latest Gripen version would not be cheap, but Western partners have already pledged post-war support to expand Ukraine's capabilities. Still, the final composition of Ukraine's air fleet has not been settled, and competition may emerge from other suppliers for instance, France is keen to promote its Dassault Rafale. For now, the Gripen transfer remains uncertain. Previously, the pause was explained by the need to let Ukraine first master the F-16. But with Mirage 2000 deliveries already underway, a window for the Gripen could open sooner than expected. White House Pushing PM Modi Closer To Russia, China: Ex-US NSA John Bolton Blames Trump Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 15:14 IST Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton slammed Trump for pushing Prime Minister Narendra Modi closer to Russia and China. Former US NSA John Bolton has criticised the Trump administration's tariffs on India. (Image: AP/File) Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton on Thursday slammed US President Donald Trump for pushing Prime Minister Narendra Modi closer to Russia and China. Boltons response came in reference to Trumps 50% tariffs imposed on India, ruining decades of hard work by the previous US administration. Taking to X, Bolton stated, The White House has set US-India relations back decades, pushing Modi closer to Russia and China. Beijing has cast itself as an alternative to the US and Donald Trump." Recommended Stories The White House has set U.S.-India relations back decades, pushing Modi closer to Russia and China. Beijing has cast itself as an alternative to the U.S. and Donald Trump.https://t.co/klFKyh1BrK John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) September 3, 2025 The ex-US NSA slammed Trumps tariff policy, asserting that it has shredded" decades of Western efforts to align India away from its Cold War ties with the then Soviet Union (Russia) and address the growing threat from China. Bolton further accused Trump of jeopardising strategic gains with his economic approach and suggested that the policy has handed Chinese President Xi Jinping an opportunity to reshape the geopolitical landscape in the East. Donald Trumps unwillingness to consider diplomatic moves in a larger strategic context has given Xi Jinping an opportunity to reset the East," the former American government official, who served as national security adviser (2018-19) to Donald Trump in his first stint as US President, said. Bolton reportedly resigned from his position over differences with Trump on the administrations foreign policy at that time. His remarks come at a time when 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 Delhis purchase of Russian crude oil. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recently, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin. (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 : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 04, 2025, 15:14 IST News world White House Pushing PM Modi Closer To Russia, China: Ex-US NSA John Bolton Blames 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... Who Is Irfaan Ali? Guyanas Re-elected President With A Special Connection To India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 04, 2025, 16:25 IST Irfaan Ali wins a second term as President of Guyana, with the Peoples Progressive Party dominating. Here's a look at who he is and his India connection Guyana's President Irfaan Ali claimed victory in the countrys general and regional elections. Irfaan Ali claimed a second five-year term as President of Guyana, extending his mandate to lead the South American nation at a time when vast oil wealth and rising geopolitical tensions define its future. Irfaan Alis Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) secured more than 242,000 votes, winning majorities in eight of Guyanas ten districts, according to preliminary counts. That result cements the PPPs dominance, even before official tallies are released. The newly launched We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party finished second with about 109,000 votes while the traditional opposition, A Partnership for National Unity, trailed further behind. Who Is Irfaan Ali? Recommended Stories At 45 years old, Irfaan Ali is the face of a new generation of Guyanese leadership. Trained as an urban planner and economist, he campaigned on promises to harness Guyanas billions of barrels of newly discovered oil to modernise infrastructure and lift thousands out of poverty. The stakes are high owing to ExxonMobils 2019 discoveries, Guyanas state budget has quadrupled, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. But his victory comes against headwinds. The opposition has accused the PPP of favouritism in oil revenue distribution and Guyana remains locked in a bitter territorial dispute with Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region- a flashpoint that shadowed this election. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Irfaan Alis Special Connection to India Irfaan Alis was born into a Muslim Indo-Guyanese family and is part of a diaspora community whose ancestors arrived from India as indentured labourers in the 19th century. That heritage was formally recognised in 2023, when New Delhi conferred on him the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman- the highest honour for overseas Indians. He was celebrated for his contributions to politics and community welfare as well as his achievements on the world stage. Location : Guyana First Published: September 04, 2025, 16:25 IST News world Who Is Irfaan Ali? Guyanas Re-elected President With A Special Connection To India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bulawayo City Council (BCC) put down 79 stray dogs in a recent tie-up order, as councillors press for tougher action against what they say is a growing population of stray cats in the city. The exercise, conducted over 10 days between 21 and 31 July, was carried out by the councils Health Department with support from the Chamber Secretarys Department, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the Department of Veterinary Services. The Chamber Secretarys municipal police conducted the actual shootings while police provided escort services. Councillor Lazarus Mphadwe welcomed the tie-up order but warned that cats were multiplying rapidly, particularly in the city centre. Over a period of five years the population of these cats will have multiplied significantly. Council should have a different policy that would deal with cats, he said. Councillor Felix Madzana supported the call, adding that residents keeping large numbers of fowls on their properties were also creating health hazards. Other residents have complained about noise, smell and flies. What is Councils policy regarding the keeping of fowls? he asked. Despite the 79 dogs put down, councillors said the operation did not go far enough. Ward 11 Councillor Suzan Sithole recalled how a young child had died after a vicious dog attack. Residents now live in fear of these dangerous dog species. The city should have a policy that would control the keeping and breeding of such dogs, she said. Councillor Adrian Moyo called for stricter regulation, saying victims of dog attacks suffered lifelong trauma. Dangerous dog species should not be allowed in the city. Some victims have lost body organs, he said. Responding, the Director of Health Services Edwin Sibanda-Mzingwane admitted the tie-up order fell short of the planned 30 days. He said another would follow a review meeting scheduled for 20 August. Only two dogs are allowed in high-density areas and four in low-density areas, he said. On the issue of cats, he cautioned against total eradication, citing Johannesburgs Alexandra township where the killing of cats to curb witchcraft beliefs led to a surge in the rat population. Cats are less dangerous in the spread of rabies and are needed in the ecosystem to control rats, he said. CITE Three armed robbers staged a daring daylight heist at a bureau de change in Bulawayos central business district on Wednesday and got away with more than US$18 000 and R151 000 after disarming a security guard. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, describing it as a highly co-ordinated operation pointing to the possibility of an inside job. The robbery occurred around 8AM at Nkolozi Investments, located on the first floor of the CIPF Building at the corner of Jason Moyo Street and 9th Avenue. The three suspects walked into the complex and made their way to the bureau de change, pretending to be customers. They then unleashed a short reign of terror, attacking the guard and seizing his firearm, said Comm Nyathi. He said the suspects demanded access to the safes and a remote key, before tampering with the CCTV system and erasing footage from that morning. They also took the employees cellphones and cash before fleeing the scene. We suspect this could be an inside job because of the precision with which the robbery was executed. However, I want to assure members of the public that it is only a matter of time before the suspects are apprehended. Investigations are underway, said Comm Nyathi. He said police have since intensified crackdowns on armed robbery gangs, warning businesses handling large sums of cash to tighten their security systems. A witness at the scene said the suspects fled on foot suggesting they probably had a getaway car parked some distance away. It happened so fast such that there was no time to react. We were all shocked and temporarily immobilised by what was happening. I have never experienced such a scenario and it was really scary, said the witness. Company officials declined to comment, citing ongoing investigations. The latest incident comes amid a spike in armed robberies and hijackings in Bulawayo. Last month, suspected robbers shot and injured a 33-year-old man believed to be a foreign currency dealer before robbing him of US$4 000 and R60 000. Police have repeatedly raised concern over the growing menace of armed robberies, often targeting banks, businesses, forex dealers and individuals keeping large sums of money in their homes. Zimbabwe has in recent years recorded several high-profile robberies, the most infamous being the US$4 million Ecobank heist, which occurred in October last year in Bulawayo as the money was being transferred from the bank to a security van. The robbery is Zimbabwes biggest cash heist in years. That case shocked the nation and underlined the growing involvement of organised criminal syndicates in armed robberies. Chronicle Recently, during the Ukraine-Philippines Landscape forum, Ukraine's ambassador to the Philippines, Yuliia Fediv, stated that work is currently underway to sign a memorandum of understanding in the field of defense. Currently, the memorandum is planned to be signed in October, which will allow the creation of a legal basis and move forward. The next step will be to launch joint production of drones in the Philippines. No further details about this joint production have been disclosed at this time, not even the types of drones that are planned to be produced or the terms and conditions of the cooperation. Ukrainian Sea Baby marine drone / Photo credit: Security Service of Ukraine It is worth paying attention to the situation in the Philippines. It has a fairly small combat fleet, consisting of only a few large ships: two new Jose Rizalclass missile frigates and one former Korean Pohang-class corvette from the 1980s. The rest of the fleet consists mostly of used ships and boats for patrolling. This is particularly critical because the Philippines is an island nation, while China, its most likely adversary, currently possesses the world's largest fleet in number of ships. In addition, China's navy is growing at a very rapid pace, so countering it is a top priority for the Philippines. It is worth paying attention to Ukraine, which, despite also having a small navy, was able to sink a large number of russian ships and force other to hide in bays. It is widely recognized that this was achieved through the use of marine drones. That is why the Philippines is likely very interested in this topic. If it deploys a large enough fleet of inexpensive marine drones, it could pose a significant challenge to China. That is why joint production will most likely involve maritime drones. Ukraine was chosen for this project because it has the most extensive and successful experience in the use of maritime drones in the world. In addition, Ukraine already has a number of solutions that have been tested in combat conditions. It should be noted that joint production of surface drones is currently the most likely scenario. Therefore, it is worth considering other types of unmanned vehicles that could be manufactured there. These include FPV drones and long-range strike UAVs. In particular, the manufacturing of FPV drones is unlikely to require the deployment of joint production. Regarding long-range UAVs, this option is realistic, given that very few countries have drones capable of enabling the Philippines to carry out deep strikes on China. President Trump has floated the idea of sending federal troops to New Orleans, retreating from his statement the day before that Chicago would be the next US city to host a deployment whether it wants one or not. Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump suggested the reason is that Chicago officials oppose having federal troops in its streets, while Louisiana's governor welcomes the idea, Politico reports. Of the possibility of activating National Guard units to patrol cities run by Democrats, including Baltimore, Trump said, "We're pretty much waiting until we get asked." Trump told reporters a decision hasn't been made. "We are making a determination now: Do we go to Chicago?" he said. "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 has become quitequite tough, quite bad?" Of New Orleans' crime, Trump said he could "straighten that out in about two weeks." Republican Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry quickly endorsed the idea, per NBC News, posting a video clip of Trump's remarks and declaring, "We will take President @realDonaldTrump's help from New Orleans to Shreveport!" Trump made clear he wants Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, to request the help. "We could straighten out Chicago. All they have to do is ask us," Trump said, per USA Today. That's unlikely: Pritzker has ripped the deployments, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has issued orders to resist such a force. Trump also has talked about sending forces into New York City and Baltimore, per NPR, which also have Democrats as their elected leaders. In those places, "the politicians are not in tune with the people," Trump said. A routine morning jog in Kenai, Alaska, turned harrowing last week when 36-year-old Ariean Fabrizio Colton was mauled by a bear just steps from her home, CBS News reports. According to a statement shared with Anchorage's KTUU , Colton had "simply stepped outside for a jog" when the bear attacked, dragging her roughly 100 feet down a residential road to a neighbor's property. Alaska Wildlife Trooper David Lorring reported Colton was just 50 yards from her home when the bear struck near her driveway, USA Today reports. A neighbor found her severely injured. Colton, described by her family as a "loving wife, mother of three," and adventurous nurse, suffered severe injuries to her face and scalp. She remains hospitalized and is expected to undergo multiple surgeries, according to a GoFundMe campaign that's already raised more than $90,000. Her family says Colton faces a "long road to recovery," but praised her resilience. In their statement, her relatives stressed how easily the incident could have happened to anyone engaged in an everyday task, like taking out the trash or grabbing the mail. They expressed gratitude for the widespread support and asked for privacy as Colton heals, urging the public to share her story with care. Authorities, who believe a brown bear was responsible, have searched the area but haven't located the animal. State troopers and local officials are maintaining extra patrols and cautioning Kenai residents to stay alert while outdoors, as bear encounters in this coastal city are not unusual. An Indiana lawyer named Mark Zuckerberg is taking Meta to court, claiming Facebook repeatedly disabled his accounts for "impersonating a celebrity"even though that's his real name. Now, after years of frustration and lost advertising dollars, he's suing the tech giant for damages, WGN reports. The suit alleges Facebook disabled the personal and business accounts of the Indiana Zuckerberg, who runs a bankruptcy law firm under his own name, at least five times over the past eight years. Zuckerberg insisted he's tried everything to clear up the confusion, submitting his driver's license, credit cards, and enough facial photos for a biometric art project. Despite this, he said Meta continued to restrict his accounts while pocketing more than $11,000 he spent on business page ads. He's suing Meta for breach of contract, negligence, promissory estoppel, and breach of implied good faith, and is seeking injunctive relief. Meta hasn't commented on the lawsuit. The Indiana Lawyer points out that the bankruptcy attorney has been practicing for 38 yearsmuch longer than the social media platform has been in business. A measure that would allow Texas residents to sue out-of-state abortion pill providers advanced to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk on Wednesday, setting the state up to be the first to try to crack down on the most common abortion method. Supporters say it's a key tool to enforce the state's abortion ban, protecting women and fetuses. Opponents, however, see it not only as another way to rein in abortion but as an effort to intimidate abortion providers outside Texas who are complying with the laws in their statesand to encourage a form of vigilantism, per the AP . If the measure becomes law, it's nearly certain to spark legal challenges from abortion rights supporters. Under the measure, Texas residents could sue those who manufacture, transport, or provide abortion-inducing drugs to anyone in Texas. Women who receive the pills for their own use wouldn't be liable. Under the bill, providers could be ordered to pay $100,000. But only the pregnant woman, the man who impregnated her, or other close relatives could collect the entire amount. Anyone else who sues could receive only $10,000, with the remaining $90,000 going to charity. Lawmakers also added language to address worries that women would be turned in for seeking to end pregnancies by abusive partners or men who raped them. For instance, a man who impregnated a woman through sexual assault wouldn't be eligible. The measure has provisions that bar making public the identity or medical details about a woman who receives the pills. It wasn't until those provisions were added, along with the limit of a $10,000 payment for people who aren't themselves injured by the abortion, that several major Texas anti-abortion groups backed the bill. Anna Rupani, executive director of Fund Texas Choice, said the measure is intended to threaten out-of-state providers and women in Texas. "This is about the chilling effect," she said. "This is yet another abortion ban that is allowing the state to control people's health care lives and reproductive decisions." Earlier this year a Texas judge ordered a New York doctor to pay more than $100,000 in penalties for providing abortion pills to a Dallas-area woman. The same provider, Dr. Maggie Carpenter, faces criminal charges from a Louisiana prosecutor for similar allegations. New York officials are invoking their state's shield laws to block extradition of Carpenter and to refuse to file a civil judgment. UPDATE Sep 18, 2025 3:00 AM CDT Four Democratic-led Western states announced joint recommendations Wednesday about who should be vaccinated for seasonal respiratory viruses, including the flu and COVID-19, saying the Trump administration has jeopardized public health by politicizing the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the AP reports. California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii earlier this month formed the West Coast Health Alliance in an effort to combat what they describe as the "weaponization" of federal health agencies to advance antivaccine policies, despite decades of scientific research showing that vaccines are safe and effective. Their recommendations include that all residents older than 6 months get a flu vaccine and that all babies receive protection from RSV. Among those who should receive the COVID vaccine are children 6 months to 23 months old; all adults over 65, and everyone younger than 65 who has risk factors or is in contact with people with risk factors; anyone pregnant or planning a pregnancy; and "all who choose protection." Sep 4, 2025 2:00 AM CDT The Democratic governors of Washington state, Oregon, and California announced Wednesday that they have created an alliance to establish their own recommendations for who should receive vaccines because they believe the Trump administration is putting Americans' health at risk by politicizing the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the AP reports. The announcement came the same day that Florida said it will phase out all childhood vaccine mandates. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis plans to curb vaccine requirements and other health mandates that evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic in his state. Bones discovered during a high-profile manhunt for a Washington father accused of killing his three daughters have been confirmed as nonhuman, the FBI announcedleaving the search for Travis Decker ongoing, NBC News reports. The discovery of what turned out to be animal bones was made during an August search at the Rock Island Campground in the Cascade Mountains, part of the ongoing effort to track down Decker, who has been missing since his daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were found dead at the site on June 2. The children's bodies were reportedly discovered with plastic bags over their heads; DNA linked to Decker was found on the bags. Early autopsies concluded the girls died by suffocation, with their deaths ruled as homicides, KOMO reports. FBI Seattle special agent W. Mike Herrington noted that while no additional updates are expected from this specific search, the larger investigation continues. Multiple agencies have spent the last three months searching for evidence or signs of Decker's whereabouts. Decker's ex-wife had reported the children missing after he failed to return them at the end of a visit on May 30, but the circumstances did not trigger an Amber Alert, according to the Washington State Patrol. Decker faces charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with his daughters' deaths. Authorities warn that he should be considered armed and dangerous, and the US Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to his arrest. A group of urgent care workers in California has lost their jobs after a viral TikTok showed them joking about patients' bodily fluids in exam rooms, reports KTLA . The since-deleted video featured photos taken in medical exam rooms at the Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara, along with captions like "Are patients allowed to leave you guys gifts?" and "Guess the substance!" Staff were shown laughing, pointing, and posing around various marks on exam tables. The footage concluded with a group shot and the text, "Make sure to leave your healthcare workers sweet gifts like these." "This unacceptable behavior is an outright violation of our policies, shows a lack of respect for our patients and will not be tolerated," said a statement from clinic owner Sutter Health, per the Los Angeles Times. The company said the "disrespectful" video was posted over the weekend by a former employee who left a few months ago. The company said all employees involved in the video had been fired, without specifying a number. The Santa Barbara Independent has screenshots. Although the original TikTok was deleted, copies quickly spread across platforms like Reddit, Instagram, and X, sparking widespread criticism. Social media users labeled the behavior "dehumanizing," "unprofessional," and "unethical." It's possible the fallout may not end with social media criticism. KTLA notes that patients who feel their privacy may have been violated can file a complaint with the US Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights via this website. The Trump administration is seeking quick action from the Supreme Court to uphold President Trump's wide-reaching tariffs on foreign imports, following a significant legal setback, the New York Times reports. Last month, a federal appeals court invalidated the administration's most aggressive tariffs, ruling that Trump had overstepped his authority by using a decades-old emergency power to justify the measures. The ruling was paused to let the administration appeal, so the tariffs remain in effect for now. Solicitor General D. John Sauer asked the justices to decide by September 10 whether to review the case and, if they do, to hear arguments in early November. Trump's approach relies on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, which previous presidents have invoked mainly to levy sanctions; it gives the president powers regarding the regulation of imports during a national emergency, NBC News reports. Trump, however, applied it to impose tariffs of 10% to 50% on hundreds of products from dozens of countriesmoves he says are essential to protecting US industry and addressing issues like trade deficits and fentanyl trafficking. The case began when small businesses and states sued, arguing the tariffs were unlawful and damaging to local economies. The appeals court sided with them, emphasizing that Congressnot the presidentcontrols tariff and tax powers, and that the 1977 law does not explicitly include tariffs. Four dissenting judges argued the law gives presidents broad authority in emergencies. An Argentine federal court announced Wednesday that authorities had recovered the long-lost "Portrait of a Lady," an 18th-century work by the Italian painter Giuseppe Ghislandi that was looted by the Nazis in World War II, the AP reports. Before the presentation of the giant gold-framed portrait Wednesday in the Argentine coastal city of Mar del Plata, the painting had not been seen publicly in 80 years. The first-ever color photo of the portrait surfaced last month in an online real estate listing unwittingly posted by one of the daughters of Friedrich Kadgien, the fugitive Nazi officer accused of stealing the painting from one of Europe's most prominent prewar art dealers and collectors. "We're doing this simply so that the community to whom we partly owe the discovery of the work ... can see these images," federal prosecutor Daniel Adler said in a press conference to display the full-length portrait of Countess Colleoni, her hair ink-black and dress embroidered with pastel flowers. Dutch journalists made the shocking discovery while investigating Kadgien's past in Argentina, where the high-ranking official fled after the collapse of the Third Reich and later died in 1978. The descendants of the painting's original owner, Dutch-Jewish art collector Jacques Goudstikker, have sought to recover an estimated 1,100 paintings missing since the forced sale of Goudstikker's extensive inventory to Adolf Hitler's right-hand man, Hermann Goring. The heirs plan to reclaim the portrait, the Guardian reports. The sudden reappearance of "Portrait of a Lady" last week was fleeting. Within hours of the story's publication last Monday, the real estate listing was taken down. Police raided the rustic Mar del Plata home of Patricia Kadgien, the Nazi officer's daughter, but the painting wasn't there. Authorities earlier this week raided other homes belonging to the Kadgien sisters in Mar del Plata, seizing paintings and engravings that they similarly suspected of having been stolen during the 1940s. Argentina's federal prosecutor's office placed Patricia Kadgien and her husband under house arrest pending a hearing Thursday on charges of concealment and obstruction of justice. Adler, the prosecutor, told reporters that the couple's lawyer had handed over the painting to authorities earlier Wednesday. A Senate oversight visit to a secretive spy agency was abruptly canceled this week after right-wing activist Laura Loomer raised objections, spotlighting growing tensions over the Trump administration's moves to limit congressional oversight and raising questions about how Loomer, who lacks government clearance, had knowledge of the classified trip, per the New York Times . Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, was due to visit the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) for a classified inspection of the NGA's use of artificial intelligence and agency protocols before the Pentagon called it off Tuesday, while also imposing new rules requiring bipartisan congressional groups for such visits. "Is congressional oversight dead?" Warner wondered aloud to reporters on Wednesday, per the Times. "I can't overstate how unprecedented and dangerous this is," he added in a fundraising email, per the Guardian. "This administration is taking its marching orders from Laura Loomera wackjob with a long history of outlandish fringe views, including 9/11 denialism, anti-Muslim harassment campaigns, and associations with white supremacists." A similar event happened last month, with the State Department halting visitor visas for Gazans a day after Loomer complained about Gazan children receiving medical treatment in the US. The far-right political activist who's promoted conspiracy theories has also "successfully lobbied to remove aides in several key government roles," per PBS. Loomer, who's criticizes Warner's stance on Russian election interference, denounced his planned visit to NGA on X, tagging Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard while claiming it was an effort "to sabotage Trump." She also called for the removal of both Warner and NGA director Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth. Warner questioned how Loomer, who lacks government clearance, learned of his classified trip, suggesting internal leaks. Pentagon officials said the visit would be rescheduled if GOP lawmakers joined, though Warner noted that solo oversight visits have been routine in the past. A winner waves at the closing ceremony of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) Season 10 in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sept. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) NAIROBI, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- When 23-year-old Victor Njung'e was shortlisted for the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC), Season 10, he thought winning the top prize was little more than a dream. But through grit and determination, the mechanical engineering student at the Technical University of Kenya outshone hundreds of competitors in the month-long contest, clinching a spot among the top winners in the individual category. At the grand closing ceremony in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Monday evening, Njung'e basked in the cheers of his peers as he walked to the podium to receive his award. "I'm a bit lost for words because I wasn't expecting this win. The tech challenge, both theory and practice, was quite grueling, but through determination and teamwork, we made it," he said. It was his first time competing in the ATC, a program launched in 2014 to sharpen technical and vocational skills among African youth and prepare them for jobs of the future. Season 10, which ran from July 28 to Aug. 29, brought together 142 teams with 568 participants from 12 African countries. Competitors tested their skills in three categories: mobile application development, mechanical engineering, and computer numerical control (CNC) turning. Njung'e, who specializes in manufacturing, said he gained new computer-aided design skills while also learning teamwork and building friendships across borders. Alongside five other winners in the individual category, Njung'e will receive a full scholarship to study in China and deepen his knowledge of mechanical engineering. "I'm eager to go to China and learn more, hoping to come back as a highly skilled engineer who gets the job done," he said. For Ghanaian participant Nuseno Alfred, 23, being named among the six winners of the individual category was equally rewarding. "This training has been wonderful from day one. It was all about precision, broadening my horizons, and giving me experience for the job market," Nuseno said, adding that he honed his skills in CNC turning, machine programming, and technical drawing. Nuseno hopes to access advanced machinery in China, master their operation, and return home to help drive Ghana's industrial growth. The event, attended by senior government officials, diplomats, and industry executives, was co-hosted by Chinese firm AVIC Innovation Holding Limited (AVIC INNO), Kenya's Ministry of Education, and the China Education Association for International Exchange. Julius Ogamba, Kenya's cabinet secretary of education, praised the initiative for equipping African youth with the tools to thrive in the digital age. "Through ATC, we are ensuring that Africa's youth become a force for driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, pushing boundaries and pursuing excellence," Ogamba said, adding that the program aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063, which seeks to build a globally competitive, skilled, and innovative workforce. The ceremony also saw the launch of the ATC 10th Anniversary Overseas Corporate Social Responsibility Report, highlighting the program's role in deepening China-Africa cooperation in vocational training. Li Qingtang, AVIC's executive vice president, said the corporation has prioritized technical skill development for African youth, in line with its corporate social responsibility ethos. According to Li, AVIC has built and upgraded 189 vocational institutions across Africa, training more than 20,000 teachers and students annually. Since its inception, the ATC has benefitted 1,933 participants from 14 African countries, awarded monetary prizes to 249 trainees, enabled 30 to study in China, and offered 25 internships and jobs with AVIC INNO. Zhang Zhizhong, charge d'affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, said that vocational and technical training remains a key pillar of Sino-African cooperation. "China has been working hand in hand with African nations to enhance technical and vocational educational systems," Zhang said, adding that a skilled workforce is key to unlocking the continent's industrial growth. Zhang Zhizhong, charge d'affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, speaks during the closing ceremony of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) Season 10 in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sept. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) Li Qingtang, executive vice president of Chinese firm AVIC International, speaks during the closing ceremony of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) Season 10 in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sept. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) Julius Ogamba, Kenya's cabinet secretary of education, speaks during the closing ceremony of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) Season 10 in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sept. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) The top prize winner Victor Njung'e (2nd L) attends the closing ceremony of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) Season 10 in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sept. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) Editor: Xiong Jian Chinese hackers operating under the group name "Salt Typhoon" have reportedly carried out one of the largest cyberespionage campaigns to date, according to Western security officials. The group is thought to be behind an operation that breached networks across more than 80 countries, including the United States, and may have captured data on nearly every American, reports the New York Times . Investigators say this attack was larger in scope and sophistication than previous efforts, believed to have targeted not just government entities, but also companies in telecommunications, transportation, lodging, and the military sector. The campaign reportedly exploited old security flaws to infiltrate major telecommunications firms, obtaining the ability to track communications and movements worldwide. Notably, even phones used by high-profile politicians during recent campaigns were targeted. Among those politicians, per Euronews: Donald Trump and JD Vance on the 2024 campaign trail, as well as some big-name Democrats. Officials from America and the UK have characterized the campaign as "unrestrained" and its methods as "indiscriminate." Security experts note this marks a shift from China's earlier, more targeted cyber activities to broader campaigns with global reach. "Salt Typhoon marks a new chapter," Jennifer Ewbank, a former digital innovation chief for the CIA, tells the Times, citing the patience and technical skills of the hackers. Specific intentions behind collecting such vast troves of data remain unclear. The hack, only uncovered last year, has been linked by investigators to at least three private Chinese tech companies working for state intelligence agencies, reports NBC News, which calls that development a "remarkable" one. "It is inconceivable the US would ask a private company to hack [Chinese President] Xi's phone," cybersecurity analyst Dakota Cary tells the outlet. A witness in Lisbon said it sounded like a bomb went off just after 6pm Wednesday. In fact, a carriage on the Portuguese capital city's famous Gloria funicular derailed , descending about 800 feet down a steep hill and quickly gaining speed until it crashed into a building, crumpling and landing on its side, per the BBC and CBS News . For a moment, the scene was masked by "pitch black smoke," the witness, Helen Chow, tells the BBC. Once it cleared, "it was awful," said Chow, describing people in panic, crying and running to help. Officials updated the death toll to 16 on Thursday, per the AP . Another 21 people were injured, five seriously. A 3-year-old is said to be among the group. The funicular features two yellow-and-white streetcars on steel cables, run by electric motors. One travels uphill, the other moves downhill, passing each other briefly during a three-minute trip. Just before one carriage hit the building, the other carriage near the bottom had started to ascend the hill but then lurched backward, making a hard stop at the end of the tracks, causing passengers to fall to the ground, witnesses tell the BBC. Some escaped through windows, then ran in fear of being struck by the other carriage, but it crashed into a building on a bend before it could reach the bottom of the hill. One witness said it struck a man on the sidewalk, per the AP. Though firefighters reportedly mentioned a loose cable, officials declined to speculate about the cause of the crash on Thursday. Streetcar operator Carris, conducting its own investigation, only said that scheduled maintenance had been carried out. Those injured on the major tourist attraction hail from numerous countries, including Portugal, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Morocco, South Korea and Cape Verde, per the AP. Authorities haven't provided details about the deceased, though the transport workers trade union SITRA identified one of those killed as the streetcar's brakeman, Andre Marques. After a rare Beijing meeting with Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's team meticulously erased any sign of his presence, according to a Kremlin reporter. Video shared online showed aides cleaning the chair Kim used, scrubbing both the backrest and the armrests, and ensuring his drinking glass and other items were removed after the leaders' two-hour discussion, highlighting Pyongyang's secretive security protocols, per Reuters . Observers note this is not unusual for Kim's foreign visits. He routinely travels with his own toiletreportedly to prevent any foreign agency, hostile or allied, from collecting waste and analyzing it for health clues. North Korea leadership expert Michael Madden explains the protocols, which date back to Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, are designed to keep personal biological material out of other countries' hands as it could reveal "any medical conditions," including "skin tags." Even items like cigarette butts or stray hairs are carefully disposed of. After Kim's 2019 meeting with President Trump in Hanoi, his team reportedly spent hours cleaning his hotel room, even removing the mattress. The careful attention to hygiene and security appears to be standard operating procedure for Kim's regime, highlighting a persistent concern about surveillance and intelligence gatheringeven among supposed friends. But there are signs that Putin operates the same way. During the Alaska summit with President Trump last month, his security guards were seen carrying a suitcase, with onlookers speculating that it was holding the Russian leader's feces in an effort to prevent foreign powers from obtaining information about his health, per NDTV. Some sources say this has been the standard throughout Putin's reign, per the Independent. Louisiana's Angola prison, a maximum-security facility infamous for its harsh history, is taking on a new role as an immigrant detention center under a federal-state initiative. Authorities confirmed on Wednesday that ICE has begun moving detaineesdescribed as "the worst of the worst" by Gov. Jeff Landryinto a newly reopened section of the prison that had been known as Camp J, the New York Times reports. The area previously housed inmates in near-total isolation before being closed in 2018 due to safety concerns. It has been renamed "Camp 57," or the "Louisiana Lockup." The governor's office says 51 undocumented people are already being held at the facility, WDSU reports. By month's end, officials expect more than 200 detainees to be held there, out of a potential 400-bed capacity. The immigrants will be kept entirely separate from the prison's existing population and overseen by ICE contractors. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Wednesday that the detainees will be "high risk," including those convicted of serious offenses, such as murder and sexual assault. Angola, the largest maximum-security prison in the US, was built on a former slave plantation and it has long been notorious for its harsh treatment of inmates. In the 1960s and 1970s, it was known as the "bloodiest prison in America," the AP reports. The move has alarmed advocates, who say Angola's reputation makes it an inappropriate site for immigration detention. "Angola has a particularly dark history of abuse and repression that's almost singular in prison history in the United States," Eunice Cho, senior counsel at the ACLU's National Prison Project, tells the Times. Noem said Wednesday that the prison was "absolutely" chosen for its reputation as a way to encourage people to self-deport, per the AP. Paris Jackson is distancing herself from the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, reports the Guardian , making it clear she played no role in its creation and giving some pointed critiques of Hollywood's approach to telling her father's story. Although actor Colman Domingo, who portrays Joe Jackson in the film, recently told People magazine that Paris and her brother Prince were "very much in support" of the project, Paris poured cold water on that narrative, calling out "full-blown lies." "Don't be telling people I was 'helpful' on the set of a movie I had zero per cent involvement in lol that is so weird," she posted on Instagram. Jackson explained that she read an early version of the script, offered feedback about what she considered inaccuracies, and walked away when her concerns were not addressed. "Not my monkeys, not my circus," she quipped, signaling her wish to steer clear of the project. She called out the biopic for perpetuating what she described as "sugar-coated" myths, suggesting that large pieces of the film cater to a fan base "that still lives in the fantasy, and they're gonna be happy with it." The film, produced with input from the Jackson estate, has reportedly been in the works since 2019 and hasn't dodged its own share of drama, including reports of late-stage rewrites and legal headaches over storylines involving Michael Jackson's accusersallegations a source close to the production denies. Set for release in April 2026, the Hollywood Reporter notes that the biopic stars Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, with a cast featuring Miles Teller, Nia Long, and Kat Graham. As for Paris Jackson, she's made her position clear: "At the end of the day, that doesn't really fly with me. Go enjoy it. Do whatever. Leave me out of it." In the early hours of Thursday, thieves broke into the Adrien Dubouche National Museum in Limoges, France, making off with three porcelain artifacts valued at roughly $11 million. The stolen piecestwo Chinese porcelain dishes from the 14th and 15th centuries and an 18th-century Chinese vaseare all classified as "national treasures," according to museum officials. The heist occurred about 3:15am, when the suspects smashed a window to enter the museum, CBS News reports. Security guards triggered the alarm, prompting a swift police response, but the thieves had already escaped, said Limoges public prosecutor Emilie Abrantes. The museum, which houses the world's largest public collection of Limoges porcelain, described the dishes as "particularly important." French authorities have launched an investigation into the "aggravated theft of cultural property exhibited in a French museum, committed in a group and with damage to property." According to Paris Match, the stolen pieces, on display as part of a temporary exhibition, had been loaned to the museum by a private individual. Limoges Mayor Emile Roger Lombertie told reporters the museum's security system functioned as designed, though he suggested it may require additional review. "All the world's major museums have had items stolen at one time or another," he said. Lombertie speculated that collectors may be commissioning such thefts, relying on "high-level criminals" to steal rare artifacts. The Justice Department has launched a fraud probe into Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, following accusations that she falsified documents to secure a mortgage, sources tell the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal . The investigation, still in the early stages, involves the issuing of subpoenas and focuses on Cook's previously disclosed property holdings in Georgia, Massachusetts, and Michigan, insiders say. Trump has cited the alleged mortgage fraud in his efforts to oust Cook, one of the Fed's seven governors. The inquiry is reportedly being coordinated by Ed Martin, a staunch Trump ally now leading the Justice Department's so-called "weaponization task force." Though Martin's official role remains loosely defined, he has made clear his willingness to publicize investigations targeting individuals in the president's crosshairs, regardless of whether charges are ever filed. Scrutiny of Cook began when Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, alleged she manipulated bank paperwork for favorable mortgage terms. Pulte referred the matter to the Justice Department. Shortly after, Trump announced plans to fire Cook from her role at the Fed. Cook has denied wrongdoing, stating she would not be "bullied" out of her position and promising to address any questions about her finances. She has since filed a lawsuit challenging the administration's attempt to oust her, with her legal team framing it as an effort to erode the Fed's independence. "The questions over how Governor Cook described her properties from time to time, which we have started to address in the pending case and will continue to do so, are not fraud, but it takes nothing for this DOJ to undertake a new politicized investigation, and they appear to have just done it again," her lawyer Abbe Lowell said in a statement Thursday. Fairbanks, AK (99701) Today Snow likely. High 7F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 90%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected.. Tonight Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low -16F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. federal judge on Wednesday sided with Harvard University in a lawsuit against the Trump administration, ruling that the federal government illegally froze billions of dollars in research funds. Allison Burroughs, judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, wrote in a ruling that "Defendants (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Justice) used antisemitism as a smokescreen for a targeted, ideologically-motivated assault on this country's premier universities." On April 11, Trump administration officials sent a letter to Harvard, demanding that the university eliminate antisemitism on campus and dismantle diversity initiatives that favor certain minority groups. The Trump administration "did so in a way that runs afoul of" the Administrative Procedure Act, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, wrote the ruling. On April 14, after Harvard rejected the administration's demands, the Trump administration announced a freeze on 2.2 billion dollars in multi-year grants and 60 million dollars in multi-year contract value to the university. "We must fight against antisemitism, but we equally need to protect our rights, including our right to free speech, and neither goal should nor needs to be sacrificed on the altar of the other," wrote Burroughs. Noting that Harvard "was wrong to tolerate hateful behavior for as long as it did," the judge wrote that "Harvard is currently, even if belatedly, taking steps it needs to take to combat antisemitism and seems willing to do even more if need be." "Now it is the job of the courts to similarly step up, to act to safeguard academic freedom and freedom of speech as required by the Constitution, and to ensure that important research is not improperly subjected to arbitrary and procedurally infirm grant terminations, even if doing so risks the wrath of a government committed to its agenda no matter the cost," Burroughs wrote. The judge granted a motion for summary judgment, which means she has ruled in favor of Harvard without a trial. Editor: Xiong Jian TDT| Manama Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com Safety and labour standards focus Bahrain and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding in labour and human resources development on Wednesday during the official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to Egypt. The agreement between the two labour ministries translates high-level ties into practical pathways that prepare young people for private-sector employment. Skills First The MoU focuses on developing and qualifying human resources to keep pace with labour-market shifts. It highlights enhancing the capabilities and skills of young people so they can be integrated into the labour market through targeted programmes. Private Hiring The pact underscores support for the private sector to attract and employ citizens. By centring company needs alongside national employment goals, the ministries signal a push to convert training into real jobs. Safer Workplaces Cooperation covers national labour legislation and the regulation of labour relations, including working conditions and occupational safety and health. Technical advice and joint programmes are part of the implementation toolkit. Data Sharing The two sides will exchange the latest labour-market information and statistical indicators. Better data is expected to inform policies and hiring plans and to measure outcomes over time. Regional Coordination The agreement also commits to coordinating efforts regionally and internationally to showcase joint experiences in labour and human resources development. On this occasion, His Excellency Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Legal Affairs and Acting Minister of Labour, praised BahrainEgypt relations and said the MoU reflects shared resolve to deepen cooperation across key employment priorities. TOKYO, Sep 06 (News On Japan) - Typhoon No. 15 made landfall near Sukumo City in Kochi Prefecture in the early hours of September 5th before re-entering northern Wakayama Prefecture around 9 a.m. The storm then tracked eastward along the Pacific coast, unleashing record rainfall, tornado-like winds, and severe damage across wide areas of Japan. Shizuoka Prefecture has been among the hardest hit. In Makinohara City, violent gusts ripped through residential areas, toppling utility poles, damaging buildings, and overturning large vehicles. As of 8 p.m. on September 5th, the city reported 228 houses damaged, including one destroyed and 42 partially collapsed. Power outages left neighborhoods in darkness, forcing residents to spend the night under sweltering and humid conditions without air conditioning or fans. Hospitals in the area treated about 30 people for injuries such as fractures and cuts caused by flying debris. Residents described terrifying scenes as windows shattered, roofs were torn away, and cars were flipped by the force of the winds. A 73-year-old man recounted hiding with his son in a bathroom as his house was partially destroyed, while foreign residents in Makinohara surveyed debris-strewn apartments with broken glass, fallen air conditioning units, and entire walls ripped away. Rainfall in Shizuoka also reached record levels, with 127 millimeters in one hour in Kikugawa and 113 millimeters at Shizuoka Airport. Flooding inundated parking lots, with cars submerged to the windows, and roads impassable as traffic lights went dark due to outages. In Hamamatsu, police and firefighters continued searching for an elderly man feared to have fallen into a water channel. Elsewhere, Aichi Prefecture saw intense downpours, with 78 millimeters falling in one hour in Okazaki, submerging roads and stalling vehicles. Residents pushed stranded cars to safety through rising floodwaters. In Kanagawa, gusts struck Owakudani in Hakone, sending tourists scrambling for cover. By late afternoon, linear rainbands triggered flooding in Kamakura and Yokohama, where water surged from manholes as drainage systems were overwhelmed. In Ibaraki Prefecture, violent winds overturned cars in a parking lot near JR Omika Station in Hitachi. Firefighters received emergency calls around 1:40 p.m. reporting vehicles flipped by strong gusts. Two cars were overturned, though no injuries were reported. Video captured cars being lifted and thrown, with one witness likening the event to a tornado. Across the country, Typhoon 15 left its mark. In Ito City, Shizuoka, street trees fell and storefronts were damaged by flying debris. In multiple regions, storm surges and torrential rainfall flooded roads, while strong winds tore at buildings and infrastructure. Although the worst of the rain is expected to pass overnight, authorities warn that saturated soils in Pacific-facing regions remain at high risk of landslides even after rainfall subsides. In Kanto, up to 200 millimeters of additional rain is forecast through midday September 6th. Looking ahead, skies will clear nationwide on September 6th under high pressure, but dangerous heat is expected to return. Temperatures in Tokai and western Japan may again reach around 35 degrees Celsius, while Tokyo will rise to 32 degrees. Northern Japan will also see warmer conditions, though Tohoku may face intermittent rain. Despite the typhoons departure, recovery efforts are only beginning. Across Japan, emergency crews continue to restore power, clear debris, and assist residents whose homes and livelihoods were battered by Typhoon 15. Source: TBS TOKYO, Sep 04 (News On Japan) - Telework, which spread rapidly during the COVID-19 crisis, gave rise to the concept of workation, where employees worked remotely not only from home but also from tourist destinations. However, as pandemic restrictions ease, a clear shift back to office-based work is underway. Five years have passed since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which various new working styles emerged. Among them was the rise of workations, allowing employees to work remotely while enjoying leisure time in tourist spots. In Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture, a city known for its sea, mountains, and natural beauty, local authorities promoted workations as a tourism strategy. However, a key workation facility opened in 2021 through a public-private partnership was closed at the end of July, with the operating company withdrawing from the project. The facility, which cost 100,000 yen per room per day, initially targeted 300 to 500 users annually but attracted only half that number. Officials cited difficulties in managing employee attendance and the challenge of securing travel budgets as reasons for the low usage and eventual closure. Although the facility is no longer in use, city officials plan to explore ways to reopen it as a workation hub. Meanwhile, usage of a free remote work space within the city has been increasing, and efforts to attract workation visitors will continue. However, the actual uptake of workations among telework-enabled companies remains limited, with only 0.9% adoption reported last year. I figured it would cost quite a bit, so I couldnt quite commit to it, said one would-be user. Telework itself, once a fixture of pandemic life, is now at a turning pointmarked by a trend toward returning to the office. One company that develops cloud-based accounting software adopted full remote work in 2020 but has since phased back to in-office work. It now requires employees to come in five days a week. "Even for quick questions, we had to set up formal meetings, which slowed down our operations. That became a major issue for us," said a representative. Some employees say they prefer the current arrangement. In web meetings, theres no buffer time. Now we get to walk between conference rooms, which I find really helpful. Its not that inconvenient overall. The company has even redesigned its meeting rooms to encourage more in-person communication. One space is styled like a traditional candy shop, aiming to foster spontaneous conversations. Since fiscal 2021, when the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism began tracking telework adoption, the percentage of employees engaging in remote work has steadily declined. What do workers prefer? Im for remote work. Getting ready for the officeputting on makeup, etc.takes so much time. I prefer going into the office. It helps me mentally separate work from rest. Telework may be fine for getting tasks done, but when it comes to company growth, I think it lacks something. Many shared their views, reflecting a broad spectrum of industry and personal circumstances. The return-to-office trend is not limited to Japan. Toyota North America has mandated four in-office days per week starting this September, while Amazon and JPMorgan Chase have already imposed five-day requirements earlier this year. "I do worry that I cant perform at my best without telework," said one professional. "I personally feel my work quality and productivity have improved with the new structure." Still, for workers balancing parenting, caregiving, chronic illness, or fertility treatment, telework remains a vital option. "Some people can focus better at home, others cant switch modes easily. Companies also worry about efficiency and security. Theres no universal answer," one commentator noted. "But having experienced telework is, in itself, valuable." Some hope for a hybrid model going forward: office work as the norm, but with flexible options when neededlike remote work during family situations or off-peak travel periods. Supporting this shift, a U.S. university study found that employees newly hired into fully remote roles were nearly 20% less productive than their in-office counterparts. Why the drop in productivity? Some remote workers candidly admitted to distractions. "Ive definitely had Zoom calls open while watching TikTok," one confessed. "Its easy to slack off." Others mentioned switching on the TV or struggling under close monitoringbeing required to report to managers before and after lunch, or update progress at fixed intervals. Some even questioned the extreme surveillance of remote work: computer boot times, activity tracking, and webcam monitoring. "If it comes to that, Id rather not work remotely at all," one said. Experts say that productivity monitoring may not be the solution. "People who slack off while working remotely would likely do so in the office, too," said one researcher. "Instead of measuring hours worked, companies should evaluate results. Thats a more effective approach." Still, many say that for quick back-and-forth communication, face-to-face interaction remains irreplaceable. Ultimately, whether to favor remote or in-office work will shape how organizations functionand what they aim to become. Source: TBS SHIZUOKA, Sep 05 (News On Japan) - The Southern Alps are a treasure trove of alpine flora, but their delicate ecosystem is now under threat. Rising deer populations and the spread of invasive species carried by climbers are quietly eroding this natural heritage. On-site conservation efforts are underway to preserve the fragile environment. Standing on the summit of Senmaida Peak at an altitude of 2,880 meters, Juzan President Kohei Suzuki pointed out the harsh conditions that prevent tall trees from growing, with strong seasonal winds and heavy snow shaping the alpine landscape. This high-altitude area in northern Shizuoka Prefecture has long been home to flowers that date back to the Ice Age. But their survival is increasingly at risk. The grasslands surrounded by dwarf pine are thinning, and the ground is starting to show through, said Suzuki. This is because Japanese deer have moved up the mountain and are eating the vegetation. Climate change has allowed deer to climb to higher elevations, stripping vegetation and degrading the once-rich ecosystem. To counter this, Juzan, a management company under the Tokushu Tokai Paper Group and the landowner, has been working with Shizuoka City for about 15 years to install deer-proof fences. In 2025, fences will also be added to mid-slopes to protect the remaining plants. These fences were only set up about two weeks ago, so you cant see much difference yet, Suzuki explained. But in two years or so, the contrast inside and outside the fence should become clear. Deer are not the only threat. At the Senmai Mountain Hut, located at around 2,600 meters, white clover, which does not naturally grow in the Southern Alps, has begun to spread. Originally, clover wasnt found here, Suzuki said. But seeds have been carried in by human activity. They may stick to the soles of climbers shoes or to their gear. The spread of non-native plants could undermine the unique ecosystem. To address this, Juzan installed brushes and signs at six trailheads this summer, encouraging climbers to clean their shoes and prevent seeds from being carried in. A climber visiting from Okayama remarked, I think we do have a negative impact on the mountains. We need to change our mindset, but it helps that people are providing this kind of support. These effortsdeer fences and shoe-cleaning brushesare being implemented under an environmental conservation agreement involving Juzan, Tokushu Tokai Paper, and Taisei Corporation. Local furniture component manufacturers also contributed by supplying equipment. Together, companies and the community are working to protect what they call Shizuokas treasure. The Shizuoka side of the Southern Alps is rarely visited and is considered a hidden region, said Hideki Tanaka, head of Tokushu Tokai Papers Natural Environment Division. We want more people to come, coexist with nature, and help ensure this environment survives. Source: SBSnews6 This photo shows a miniature sheet of the commemorative stamps issued by China Post 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 on Sept. 3, 2025. A total of six million stamp sets were issued, with each set containing 13 stamps. Five million miniature sheets were also issued. (Xinhua/Li He) This photo shows a souvenir sheet of the commemorative stamps issued by China Post 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 on Sept. 3, 2025. A total of six million stamp sets were issued, with each set containing 13 stamps. Five million miniature sheets were also issued. (Xinhua/Li He) A staff member introduces the commemorative stamps issued by China Post 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 at a stamp company in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. A total of six million stamp sets were issued, with each set containing 13 stamps. Five million miniature sheets were also issued. (Xinhua/Li He) A citizen shows the commemorative stamps issued by China Post 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 at a stamp company in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. A total of six million stamp sets were issued, with each set containing 13 stamps. Five million miniature sheets were also issued. (Xinhua/Li He) Editor: WXY Members of the Chinese Young Pioneers present flowers to war veterans before a grand cultural gala at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. The grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" was staged here to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) Members of the Chinese Young Pioneers present flowers to war veterans before a grand cultural gala at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. The grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" was staged here to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) War veterans arrive amid warm applause before a grand cultural gala at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. The grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" was staged here to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) War veterans arrive amid warm applause before a grand cultural gala at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. The grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" was staged here to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) Editor: WXY Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 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/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji on Wednesday afternoon 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. Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that China-Tajikistan relations are at their best in history. Noting that President Xi Jinping met with President Rahmon on Tuesday, making new arrangements for advancing the two countries' comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Zhao said China stands ready to work with Tajikistan to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state. He added that the NPC of China is willing to work with the Tajik parliament to deepen exchanges and provide legal guarantees for practical cooperation between the two countries. Rahmon said the relations with China are a priority of Tajikistan's foreign policy. He said Tajikistan is willing to further promote bilateral cooperation in fields including Belt and Road Initiative, economy and trade, cultural and people-to-people exchange, and security, and further strengthen exchanges between legislative bodies. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 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/Zhang Ling) Editor: GSY The Village of Ridgewood has taken the first step toward reviving the Warner Theater, the Art Deco-style movie house and downtown institution that closed in 2024 after a 92-year run. The village council has introduced a $250,000 bond ordinance, which if adopted, would allow Ridgewood to purchase the option to buy the theater for $2.5 million, Mayor Paul Vagianos said. The mayor envisions a $40 to $50 million project to turn the now-gutted theater into a performing arts space. The village is applying for a grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority that would cover 80% of the renovation cost, he said. This is a project that has widespread community support, Vagianos said. If we get the grant, we buy the theater. If we dont get the grant, we dont get it, we dont buy it. The owner, Bow Tie Partners, vowed to support Ridgewoods redevelopment effort when it closed the theater in January of 2024. In a Facebook post, the company offered its support for Vagianos plan to create a single-auditorium performance space. While our community is saddened by the news of the closing of Warner Bow Ties Cinemas (after 90+ years), a new chapter will soon be written, the company said. Mayor Vagianos has been in touch with ownership and Bow Tie Partners plans to remain part of the downtown Ridgewood community. A photo of The Warner Theater on a postcard Courtesy of Bow Tie Partners Bow Tie Partners could not be reached for comment on Wednesday, but the mayor said the company is solidly behind the village plan. They want this project to happen, he said. The village is working with a local non-profit, the Ridgewood Arts Foundation to apply for the EDA grant. The project will need a dose of private funding as well, Vagianos said. The Warner, with its distinct Art Deco design, opened in 1932 with a showing of The Dark Horse starring Bette Davis, on a single screen. There were four screens by the time it closed in 2024, a victim of changing times. Like many local theaters, the Warner never recovered from the pandemic, in which many movie-lovers stayed home and downloaded, then didnt come back when the health emergency was over. The effort to revive the Warner appears similar to the restoration of the historic Rialto Theater in Westfield, which is now the Center for Creativity@the Rialto. It is operated by a non-profit, the Westfield Arts Collective. And in Montclair, the 103-year-old Bellevue Theater is set to reopen in October and will be operated by the non-profit Montclair Film. The reopening coincides with the Montclair Film Festival, which runs from Oct. 17 through 26. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com. Police and other emergency workers converge on the beach in Cape May on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 to search for a missing swimmer. David Kauth White UPDATE: Search called off at the Jersey Shore for woman who reportedly went missing while swimming Rescuers are searching for a woman who went missing in the water off Cape May on Thursday morning. Authorities from Cape May, including police, beach patrol and the fire department, were notified at 8:10 a.m. Thursday about a possible surf rescue in the area of Madison Avenue, officials said. The U.S. Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police and fire companies from Townbank and North Wildwood as well as Cape May Public Works joined the search for the woman, officials said. The Coast Guard and NJSP have continued searching for the woman who is described as a 30- to 40-year-old woman, officials said. The water in Cape May is closed due to surf conditions, according to officials. Anyone with information on someone that took a swim at that time, or if you were swimming or know of anyone that went swimming solo this morning is asked to call 609-884-9500. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The Christa McAuliffe Middle School in Jackson Township, New Jersey, permanently closed after the last day of classes in June 2025. Allison Erwin | Jackson school district An Ocean County school district is seeking a buyer for the middle school named for astronaut Christa McAuliffe that permanently closed in June. The Jackson school district is setting a minimum asking price of $54.5 million for the 37-acre property that houses the two-story, 126,305-square-foot building and five detached modular classrooms, said business administrator Daniel Baginski. The Christa McAuliffe Middle School opened in 1993, seven years after the New Hampshire teacher who became an astronaut was killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion. Bids are due by Oct. 15, officials said in an announcement provided by the district. Christa McAuliffe Middle School is a beautiful, well-planned school with every amenity you could want in a school or large building, said Jackson Schools Superintendent Nicole Pormilli. We were truly heartbroken to be selling it, however, this move is part of the difficult but necessary restructuring process for our district. Whoever purchases this property will be getting an amazing facility that has served our students and community with pride, Pormilli said. A quote attributed to Christa McAuliffe is part of a wall tribute honoring her service as a teacher and astronaut at the middle school named for her in Jackson, New Jersey. McAuliffe and six other astronauts were killed when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded on Jan. 28, 1986. Allison Erwin | Jackson school district Jackson is selling the middle school for more than four times the amount it got for selling a nearby elementary school. The districts Sylvia Rosenauer Elementary School closed after 62 years in June 2024. In June, the school district finalized a $13.1 million deal to sell the elementary school to Bais Yaakov of Jackson, an Orthodox Jewish group, a district spokesperson said. The Jackson school board cited budgetary constraints exacerbated by declining enrollment in separate votes closing the Rosenauer and McAuliffe schools. The decisions to close the schools were made one year apart. As part of a restructuring, Jackson Memorial High School was turned into a middle school this school year. All high school students are attending Jackson Liberty High School, which was renamed Jackson Township High School. Baginski said the McAuliffe school has a strong market value. It is zoned for public facilities and education. A small portion of the property is in a residential zone, potentially enabling redevelopment or continued use as a public location, he said. The district has set a minimum asking price of $54.5 million for this property, and we are confident in its value. While selling a school is never an easy decision, it allows us to be fiscally responsible and to support both the present and future of the Jackson school district, Baginski said. The middle school was among about a half-dozen U.S. schools named for McAuliffe, who taught social studies at Concord High School in New Hampshire. At least one other is in New Jersey: Christa McAuliffe School, P.S. 28, in Jersey City. The crew of the space shuttle Challenger is seen in this 1986 photo. From left to right: Ellison Onizuka, Mike Smith, Christa McAuliffe, Dick Scobee, Greg Jarvis, Ron McNair and Judith Resnik. (AP Photo/NASA) AP McAuliffe was selected by NASA in 1984 over 11,500 applicants seeking to become the first teacher in space. Her astronaut training drew international attention. She planned to teach two short lessons to students from space via closed-circuit TV. All seven astronauts aboard the Challenger were killed when it broke apart 73 seconds after lifting off from Cape Canaveral, Florida. McAuliffe, 37, was married with two young children. The Jackson middle school hosted a farewell tour for the school on June 16, one week before the last day of classes. Visitors passed by a quote attributed to McAuliffe I touch the future. I teach. The quote is inscribed on a hallway wall next to a display honoring her legacy. The case includes a framed photo from 1997 of a teacher and students dedicating a quilt with an image of McAuliffe. Potential buyers of the school will be allowed to inspect the property on Sept. 17 and Oct. 8, the district said. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. A former aide to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud for bribes he solicited from property owners for permits, the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey announced Thursday. Al-Tarik Onque, 49, of East Orange, was a senior aide to Baraka, responsible for answering constituent complaints and working with community organizations during the time he was accused of soliciting bribes, authorities said. From January 2020 until about December 2022, Onque used his position to collect bribes in exchange for expediting permits through city offices, according to the U.S. district attorneys office. Onque and others collected multiple $2,000 checks in 2021 for Certificates of Continued Occupancy for properties on Bergen Street and Central Avenue, according to charging document. In December 2020, Onque obtained a falsified version of a Certificate of Code Compliance that depicted a Pennsylvania Avenue property as a two-family building in exchange for a $3,500 fee, according to charging documents. Mr. Onque deeply regrets certain decisions he made several years ago while working for the city, Onques attorney, Ernesto Cerimele, said. He is eager to put this past him, move forward with his life and focus his attention on the many community initiatives he has founded and participated in for the last twenty years. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2026. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to Ukraine Michael Brodsky, during his visit to the city of Uman, Cherkasy region, visited the Central City Hospital, met with the director of the institution Ivan Khoptyan and handed over a water purification system for the needs of the hospital. The ceremony was held with the participation of Uman Mayor Iryna Pletneva. "Israel continues to provide assistance to Ukraine. By decision of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, several water purification plants will be transferred to Ukraine in the near future. Today, such a plant began operating in Uman. Thanks to this, patients of the local hospital and residents of nearby buildings will be able to receive high-quality drinking water without interruption," Brodsky noted. Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Israel were established on December 26, 1991. The Embassy of Ukraine in Tel Aviv was opened in April 1992. The Israeli Embassy in Kyiv began operating in September 1992. Security guards belonging to Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union held a rally and march in downtown Newark on Wednesday, Sept. 3, to call for better pay and working conditions. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com Tyrone Johnson had never experienced a life-threatening situation in his five years as a security guard at a technology services building in Totowa. But he and 150 other union members at a rally in Newark on Wednesday all felt the death of their colleague Aland Etienne, a guard from Brooklyn who was among four victims killed in a July 28 mass shooting in Manhattan. People refer to security officers as rent-a-cops, said Johnson, 67, of Woodbridge, a father of three and grandfather of seven who makes $43,000 a year. And one of the people that was killed in that shooting in Manhattan was in our union. So we do very dangerous work. Johnson is one of 2,500 New Jersey security guards who belong to Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, which staged the Wednesday afternoon rally and march in New Jerseys largest city to call for higher pay and better working conditions. The rally comes amid negotiations between 32BJ and a coalition of 10 of the states largest security contractors for a new collective bargaining agreement ahead of the current 4-year deals expiration on Sept. 15. The rally was held in Newarks downtown Military Park along Broad Street, where union leaders led members in call-and-response chants of Security?/Always there! and 32!/BJ! Later, Newark Police officers halted evening rush-hour traffic, as union members led by a small marching drum corps filed onto Park Place and marched for several blocks around the downtown neighborhood of office buildings, retail shops and cars honking either in support or exasperation. Roxana Rivera, a national official of the 190,000-member SEIU, led the rally in a moment of silence for Etienne, who was a member of 32BJs New York City council. During the gathering, union leaders called on the security industry to adopt an informal officers bill of rights with four basic provisions: 1) family sustaining wages; 2) quality benefits; 3) workplaces free from harassment, discrimination and favoritism; and 4) sufficient hours, training and materials to provide quality services to clients and tenants. Local 32BJ Vice President and New Jersey area director Ana Maria Hill said negotiators hope to incorporate the four provisions into the new agreement. The existing deal includes a starting wage of $17 an hour, plus employer-funded health insurance under the unions provider. Hill said the union hopes to boost pay further above New Jerseys statewide mandatory minimum wage of $15.49 an hour and preserve members healthcare coverage. We have not done enough to recognize the core role security officers play in our public safety infrastructure, said Hill. Private security officers are on the frontline of every type of emergency: fires, terrorism, health emergencies, random acts of violence, public disorder, active shooters. Citing the sensitivity of the collective bargaining talks, union leaders declined to list the employer coalition members, and told guards not to disclose their employers name. One coalition member did not respond to a request for comment from NJ Advance Media on Wednesday. The Washington, D.C.-based National Association of Security Companies did not immediately respond to an after-hours request. Supporters of the union who spoke at or attended the rally included Newark City Council President C. Lawrence Crump and state Sen. Angela McKnight, D-Hudson. They were joined by the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor in November, Dale Caldwell, who was tapped in July by the partys nominee, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11th Congressional District, to be her running mate. Were here because we stand up with labor, were here because we stand up with 32BJ for a fair contract, Caldwell, the president of Centenary University in Hackettstown, told the gathering. Our platform is about making New Jersey more affordable. One of the best ways to do that is by making sure people have a living wage. It was Caldwells second public appearance in Newark on Wednesday, after he had been with Sherrill that morning to receive the endorsement of Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the runner-up in the June Democratic primary. Sherrill and Caldwell will face Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli and his running mate, Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon, in the November general election. Annette Williams said she could use a living wage. Williams, 55, a 32BJ member who lives with her 79-year-old mother in Irvington, said she makes the union-negotiated minimum of $17 an hour wage guarding a Newark office building for a northern New Jersey security company. Asked whether her pay and her mothers social security were enough for them to live on, she said, Actually, no, its not enough.So, Ive got to sacrifice. I just want to be paid a fair salary. Dale Caldwell, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor in November, appeared at a rally in Newark on Wednesday in support of security officers calling for better pay and working conditions. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com Nobody knows Jersey better than N.J.com. Sign up to get breaking news alerts straight to your inbox. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com Police have charged a Paterson man with murder in a shooting nearly two years ago on a street corner in the city. Joshua Perez, 38, is charged with first-degree murder and two second-degree weapons offenses, according to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer-in-Charge Patrick Murray. The shooting occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on Nov. 10, 2023, in the area of Park Avenue and Straight Street in Paterson. The victim was taken to St. Josephs University Medical Center, where he died. The prosecutors office has not identified the 33-year-old victim. Investigators said they identified Perez as the shooter and arrested him in Florida. He was extradited to New Jersey on Tuesday. Perez remains in custody pending a detention hearing, according to Valdes and Murray. Anyone with information is asked to call the prosecutors office at 1-877-370-PCPO or emailtips@passaiccountynj.org. Paterson police detectives can be reached at 973-321-1120. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Whoopi Goldberg smiles during the Women of Achievements 2008, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomfield, Staten Island. STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE Whoopi Goldbergs cannabis company, WhoopFam, is locked in a legal battle with former Paterson mayor Joey Torres and his nonprofit House of HOPE over a failed plan to open a recreational marijuana store in the city. According to the Asbury Park Press, WhoopFam claims it spent over $167,000 on launch costs based on Torres assertions that the city would approve the business. Meanwhile, Torres group is countersuing Whoopfam for $52,000 in unpaid rent after the company stopped payments due to the stalled municipal approval for the marijuana store. WhoopFam had planned to run a marijuana dispensary out of a building on 1st Avenue in Paterson, which it began leasing from Torres nonprofit, House of HOPE, in September 2023, according to the article. Torres established House of Hope a few years after serving a 13-month prison sentence, which ended in 2019. The organization was designed to help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society. One of its goals was to connect ex-offenders with employment opportunities at the WhoopFam cannabis store. WhoopFam secured a retail license to operate from the states cannabis commission two months ago, but it has yet to receive the necessary approval from the city to open the dispensary. According to court filings, the company paid $5,665 in monthly rent to House of HOPE for a year. However, in September 2024, it stopped making those payments after the city failed to provide the approval to open. In August 2022, Sayegh sent a letter to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission in support of WhoopFams application for a state retail license, expressing excitement that Whoopi Goldberg and her firm were interested in doing business in Paterson. Whoopfam LLC will provide quality cannabis services while also ensuring diverse employment opportunities that foster and enable minorities and women to seek viable full-time employment and engagement in this blossoming new sector, Sayegh told the Asbury Park Press at that time. In July 2023, the Paterson City Council backed three proposed cannabis retail locations. However, WhoopFam wasnt one of them, according to the Asbury Park Press. None of those three businesses moved forward each was ultimately disqualified for being too close to homes, schools or places of worship, falling short of local zoning rules. Sayegh did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday, while City Councilman Michael Jackson declined to comment on the issue. Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom, on Facebook at MosaicNJcom, on Twitter (X) at @MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom. Deion Johnson may be reached at djohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Instagram at @DeionRJohnson or X @DeionRJohhnson Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a news conference regarding the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.) AP U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) rebuked his Republican colleagues for opposing his effort on Wednesday to release the Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epsteins sex trafficking case. Massie told CNNs Manu Raju that Republicans could be making a mistake for denying his bill a vote on the House floor. Massie needs six Republicans to join with all Democrats in the House to force a vote to compel the Justice Department to release the Epstein files. Politically, its really bad for Republicans. They should just have this vote and put it behind them. 80 percent of Republicansits not just independents and Democrats who want these files released. 80 percent of Republican support releasing these files, Massie said. So theyre at odds with our base right now, and particularly the MAGA base, he added. Massie on Rs denying his bill a vote: Politically, it's really bad for Republicans. They should just have this vote and put it behind them. Luna on Maxwell being sent to a lower security prison: It looks like she's at a country club compared to where she was at previously. pic.twitter.com/5wHodhJJo8 Manu Raju (@mkraju) September 3, 2025 As lawmakers returned to Congress, Massie immediately reignited his effort to release the files related to Epsteins sex trafficking case. Massie officially filed a discharge petition on Tuesday to force a House floor vote that would call on the Justice Department to release all of the files. Massie would need six Republicans, including himself, to side with all of the Democrats to force a vote on the issue. As of Thursday, Massie, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) are the only Republicans to sign the discharge petition. While Massie is trying to gear up support for his discharge petition, President Donald Trump is trying to distract from the release of the Epstein files. On Wednesday, he repeated his claim that the Epstein case is a Democrat hoax. Trump has also repeatedly lashed out at Massie, saying earlier this year that he wants the Republican to be voted out. Throughout the 2024 campaign, Trump promised to release the files related to Epsteins sex trafficking case. However, he has now flip-flopped on that stance, causing intense backlash from his MAGA base who demanded access to the files. Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial in 2019 on charges that said he sexually abused and trafficked dozens of underage girls. The case was brought more than a decade after he secretly cut a deal with federal prosecutors in Florida to dispose of nearly identical allegations. Epstein was accused of paying underage girls hundreds of dollars in cash for massages and then molesting them. Maxwell, Epsteins longtime confidant and former girlfriend, was convicted in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison for luring teenage girls for him to abuse. Four women testified at her trial that they were abused by Epstein as teens in the 1990s and early 2000s at his homes in Florida, New York and New Mexico. The allegations have also spawned dozens of lawsuits. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appears before the Senate Finance Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) grilled Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a heated Senate Finance Committee hearing on Thursday. Cassidy, who is a doctor, criticized Kennedy for limiting the publics access to the COVID-19 vaccine and for slashing $500 million in funding toward the development of mRNA vaccines. He began his questioning by praising President Donald Trump for Operation Warp Speedthe project behind the development of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2020. Cassidy caught Kennedy in a hypocritical statement when he asked the secretary if Trump deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. When Kennedy agreed that Trump deserved the award, Cassidy then questioned why the secretary would bash the COVID-19 vaccine. I believe that President Trump deserves a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed. If he had been President Obama, he would have gotten it Cassidy said. Mr. Secretary, do you agree with me that the President, that the President deserves a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed? Absolutely, Kennedy responded. You just told Senator Bennet that the Covid vaccine killed more people than Covid, Cassidy fired back. Cassidy: Do you agree with me that the president that the president deserves a Nobel prize for operation warp speed? RFK JR: Absolutely Cassidy: But you just said that the covid vaccine killed more people than covid. RFK JR: I did not say that. pic.twitter.com/kIeoTSW1CC Acyn (@Acyn) September 4, 2025 Cassidy continued to pick apart Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, for his decisions as head of the Health and Human Services Department. He criticized him for slashing funding for mRNA research and for limiting access to vaccines. Again, it surprises me that you think so highly of Operation Warp Speed, when, as an attorney, you attempted to restrict access, Cassidy said. It also surprises me because youve canceled...$500 million in contracts using the mRNA vaccine platform that was critical to Operation Warp Speed, again, an accomplishment that I think President Trump should get a Nobel Prize. So this just seems inconsistent that you would agree with me. The President deserves tremendous amount of credit for this, Cassidy added. Moments later, Cassidy noted that the government is "denying people vaccine," prompting a sharp retort from Kennedy. Youre wrong! he responded. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month narrowed the use of COVID-19 shots for younger adults and children to those with at least one high-risk health condition, such as asthma or obesity. Millions of Americans now will have to prove their risk to get a vaccine while others who may want to get vaccinated no longer qualify. U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), who is also a doctor, said he has grown deeply concerned about Kennedys tenure. I support vaccines. Vaccines save lives. If were going to make America healthy again, we cant allow public health to be undermined, Barrasso said. Sen. John Barrasso: "I support vaccines. I'm a doctor. Vaccines work. Secretary Kennedy, in your confirmation hearing you promised to uphold the highest standard for vaccines. Since then, I've grown deeply concerned." pic.twitter.com/a6j4m4rJi5 The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) September 4, 2025 Earlier this year, Kennedy replaced the entire CDC panel, naming several doctors and researchers who have repeatedly questioned the safety of commonly used vaccines and ingredients. The panel is expected to meet in September, but no agenda has been released. Depending on the panels advice, Americans under age 65 could be expected to provide documentation of a serious medical problem before they can get a shot. Also complicating the rollout is the fact that pharmacists who administer most COVID-19 shots typically arent expected to collect that kind of information. And laws governing their ability to administer routine vaccinations vary by state. Access could also be complicated for healthy adults and children who are interested in getting a shot for extra protection. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. A retiring Democratic lawmaker dismissed speculation on Thursday that Jack Schlossbergthe only grandson of President John F. Kennedycould run for his open seat in Congress. U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) announced earlier this week that he would not be seeking reelection, telling The New York Times that it was time for the Democratic Party to see some generational change. Now, speculation is swirling over who can run for Nadlers longtime seat. Schlossberg, a 32-year-old social media influencer, told The Times that it was certainly a possibility that he would run to replace Nadler. In a post on Instagram, Schlossberg thanked Nadler for his years of public service at the news of his retirement. "Thank you Rep Nadler for your years of service and leadership to our country and NYC heres to the legacy you leave and all the work ahead us," Schlossberg wrote. The comments on Schlossbergs post were inundated with supporters telling him to run to succeed Nadler. Schlossberg is known for his social media posts on TikTok, with many of his videos criticizing Republicans and President Donald Trump. He has also frequently criticized his cousin, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. When asked on Thursday about the possibility of Schlossberg replacing him, Nadler told CNNs Kate Bolduan that the social media star was not a serious candidate. Well, theres nothing particularly good or bad about a Kennedy holding my seat, but the Kennedy, unlike Schlossberg, should be somebody with a record of public service, a record of public accomplishment, and he doesnt have one, Nadler said on CNN. So, I dont think hes going to be a serious candidate, he added. I don't think he's going to be a serious candidate.@RepJerryNadler weighs in on the idea of Jack Schlossberg, JFK's grandson, running to fill his seat after he leaves Congress.@KateBolduan pic.twitter.com/Ax99GhwNOo CNN News Central (@NewsCentralCNN) September 4, 2025 The Times reported that Nadler was expected to throw his support behind a former aide, Micah Lasher, a state assemblyman from the Upper West Side. Im very fond of Micah and I think highly of him, Mr. Nadler said in a statement to The Times on Tuesday. But any decision about endorsing a successor is way down the road. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appears before the Senate Finance Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP MAGA quickly jumped to the defense of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Thursday. Kennedy took heat from Democrats and a handful of Republican lawmakers, who grilled him over his vaccine policy and leadership during a tense Senate Finance Committee hearing. GOP senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and John Barrasso of Wyoming, who are both doctors, took particular aim at Kennedy as he defended vaccine access and funding cuts. In your confirmation hearings, you promised to uphold the highest standards for vaccines, Barrasso said. Since then, Ive grown deeply concerned. The hearing comes amid turmoil following Kennedys recent overhaul of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He made headlines in recent days after he fired Dr. Susan Monarez, its new director, who served in the role for about a month. Her ousting, which spurred the resignations of four other senior officials, led more than 1,000 current and former employees of the HHS to demand Kennedys resignation in a letter on Wednesday, writing that he has put the health of all Americans at risk. During the hearing, Kennedy reiterated his plans to remake the CDC and restore trust in the public health agency though he became combative and dismissive, and at times showed disdain for some of the senators. Not long after, MAGA world took to social media to shield Kennedy from a barrage of questioning from both sides of the political aisle. When I see all these senators trying to lecture and gotcha Bobby Kennedy today all I can think is: You all support off-label, untested, and irreversible hormonal therapies for children, mutilating our kids and enriching big pharma, Vice President JD Vance wrote on X, adding, Youre full of sh-- and everyone knows it. When I see all these senators trying to lecture and "gotcha" Bobby Kennedy today all I can think is: You all support off-label, untested, and irreversible hormonal "therapies" for children, mutilating our kids and enriching big pharma. You're full of shit and everyone knows it. JD Vance (@JDVance) September 4, 2025 Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) replied to Vance, saying, I stand with @SecKennedy, while Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) added that the vice president was on fire in his remarks. Pithy," Kevin Corke, a Fox News anchor, also posted in response, while the official GOP account said that Vance was based. Pay attention to those shrieking at @SecKennedy today. And never, ever trust them. Ever, Blaze TV Sara Gonzales wrote. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also chimed in, saying that Kennedy is taking flak because hes over the target. The Trump Administration is addressing root causes of chronic disease, embracing transparency in government, and championing gold-standard science. Only the Democrats could attack that commonsense effort, she continued. Other social media users had mixed reactions about Kennedys performance. Ive watched 100s of congressional hearings over 55 years. Rarely if ever have I seen a witness so thoroughly destroyed as RFK Jr has been today, Larry Sabato, the director of University of Virginias Center for Politics, wrote. Conservative commentator Benny Johnson also weighed in: RFK Jr. just went off for 2 minutes straight tearing into the politicization of COVID. The entire room went silent. Monarez, in an opinion piece for The Wall Street Journal published Thursday, said that she had lost her job after 29 days, but Americas children could lose far more. The CDC cant fulfill its obligation to the American people if its leader cant demand proof in decision-making. If discarding evidence for ideology becomes the norm, why should parents, physicians or the public trust the CDCs guidance? she asked. Monarez pointed to reporting that claimed she would not rubber-stamp the panels recommendations. She said that Kennedy pressured her to resign or face termination, which she called a deliberate effort to weaken Americas public-health system and vaccine protections. Kennedy accused Monarez of lying during the hearing. If she wrote that I fired her because she refused to sign on in advance for the ACIP committee, no thats not accurate, Kennedy said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Generally cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 28F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Snow likely. Low 19F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 90%. About one inch of snow expected. Autumn Special Read. Know. Act. $3 for 3 months! (90 days) Offer expires 12/30/2020 Don't hesitate! Start your digital-only membership today and not only receive full access to our premier news website NNY360.com but also to the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times eEdition! The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine recorded 180 combat clashes over the past 24 hours on Telegram as of 8:00 a.m. on Thursday. "Yesterday, the enemy launched four missile and 63 air strikes, used 28 missiles, dropped 118 guided bombs. In addition, it carried out 5,088 attacks, including 25 from multiple launch rocket systems, and engaged 6,104 kamikaze drones," the General Staff said. US President Donald Trump has said he is continuing to work towards a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, despite the difficulties and uncertainty surrounding direct talks between Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he said in an interview with CBS News. "I've been watching it, I've been seeing it, and I've been talking about it with President Putin and President Zelenskyy," Mr. Trump said in a phone interview. "Something is going to happen, but they are not ready yet. But something is going to happen. We are going to get it done." Trump also explained that his approach to diplomatic negotiations involves getting key leaders together in one room to reach agreements in real time, often with his mediation. "Often they've been at war with each other for so long that they don't even think about peace. It becomes a way of life. And when I get them together, I can convince them, 'Come on. Let's make peace. Enough is enough. You've lost enough lives,'" Trump said. "I think we're going to get it all straightened out," he said. "Frankly, the Russia one, I thought, would have been on the easier side of the ones I've stopped, but it seems to be something that's a little bit more difficult than some of the others," he said. Asked if he sometimes has to wait, Trump said: "We've had some very good days, fortunately, and when I get them in a room together or at least get them talking, it usually works. We've saved millions of lives." Trump expressed concern about the civilian casualties from the conflict, but said he would continue to push for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. "I think we'll get it done," the US president said. He added that he thought the Russian side should have been easier to resolve than other conflicts, but it turned out to be a little more difficult. As pupils returned to Chulmleigh College today (Thursday, September 4) for the first day of a new school year, the college also welcomed a new deputy headteacher to its ranks. Abigail Thorncroft joins the secondary school as its sole deputy head following Neil Paynes promotion to headteacher this autumn following 11 years as deputy headteacher himself. Above: Newly promoted Chulmleigh College headteacher Neil Payne welcomes the schools new deputy head, Abigail Thorncroft. Credit: Chulmleigh College Mr Payne said: We are delighted to welcome Ms Thorncroft to our staff at Chulmleigh College. One of the strengths of our school has been the long-standing nature, experience and skill of our teaching staff. READ NEXT: Chulmleigh hails high maths and English grades on GCSE results day Ms Thorncroft is already an experienced senior teacher, having worked as an assistant headteacher in two inner city London schools. She brings a wealth of experience and a complete focus on ensuring that our pupils achieve the best GCSE grades they possibly can. Chulmleigh College has just announced another set year of outstanding examination results, with the standards in the school placing it among the highest performing in England. The school said pupils continue to thrive on the most rigorous curriculum possible, with more than twice the national average of pupils entered for the Gold Standard English Baccalaureate more than two thirds of them achieving the standard at grade 4 or higher. READ NEXT: Shining a light on Down syndrome Keir follows his dreams to become an actor Mr Payne added: We look forward to continued GCSE success at Chulmleigh with Ms Thorncroft ensuring that our academic standards remain sky-high. As a teacher of Spanish, Ms Thorncroft shares our commitment to high quality modern foreign language education for all and the English Baccalaureate as the corner stone of our curriculum. Photo: Unsplash The UK has spent more than EUR 1 billion on arms and military support for Ukraine, using funds obtained from frozen Russian assets, according to a press release on the UK government website following a visit by Defence Secretary John Healey to Kyiv. The money has been used to purchase artillery ammunition, missiles for air defence systems, drones, spare parts and other equipment needed to maintain and repair Ukrainian military equipment. This has enabled the rapid delivery of hundreds of thousands of shells and hundreds of missiles, new contracts for maintenance and repair of equipment, and support for Ukraine's military operations at the front. "The UK is stepping up our military support to help Ukraine defend itself in todays fight against Putins illegal invasion, while working hard to secure peace tomorrow through the Coalition of the Willing. More than 1 billion of military support for Ukraine has now been paid for by immobilised Russian assets, while we have accelerated deliveries of vital kit and equipment over the last 50 days into the hands of Ukrainian warfighters," Healey was quoted as saying in the press release. Over the past 50 days, the UK has supplied Ukraine with: 4.7 million rounds of small arms ammunition, 60,000 artillery shells, missiles and ammunition, over 2,500 drones, over 200 electronic warfare systems, 100 light weapons, 30 vehicles, as well as additional anti-drone and anti-aircraft equipment. This year, the UK will spend 4.5 billion on military support for Ukraine, including 2.26 billion in the form of a loan through the Accelerated Emergency Revenue Fund, which is being repaid from frozen Russian assets. "In addition, the press release highlights new UK sanctions against those involved in the forced deportation, indoctrination and militarization of Ukrainian children. To date, more than 19,500 Ukrainian children have been forcibly removed or deported by the Russian authorities to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine," the department's website says. Photo: https://t.me/ministry_of_defense_ua Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal has offered New Zealand cooperation in the production of naval drones and invited it to participate in financing rehabilitation programs for Ukrainian military and civilians released from captivity. Shmyhal announced this following a meeting in Kyiv with the country's Defense Minister Judith Collins and the Commander-in-Chief of the New Zealand Armed Forces, Air Marshal Tony Davis, on Telegram on Thursday. According to Shmyhal, at the meeting he informed the New Zealand delegation about the current situation on the battlefield and the key needs of the army. The parties discussed the priorities of bilateral cooperation in the field of defense. In particular, Shmyhal proposed to consider the possibilities of cooperation in the production of naval drones. Other topics of the meeting included: prospects for a bilateral security agreement, participation in the Coalition of the Willing, and humanitarian projects. "I have proposed that New Zealand participate in financing rehabilitation programs for Ukrainian military and civilians released from captivity," Shmyhal said. The Minister expressed gratitude to New Zealand for its assistance in countering the Russian shadow fleet and called on partners to continue and intensify sanctions pressure on the aggressor, in particular on the issue of confiscating frozen Russian assets. "We also highly appreciate the participation of New Zealand instructors in the Interflex training program for Ukrainian military personnel," he added. "We thank New Zealand for its unwavering support," Shmyhal said. Gray hair injections, a controversial way of reversing hair discoloration, recently went viral on Chinese social media, sparking a heated debate regarding their efficacy. The secret of reversing age-related hair discoloration has long eluded scientists and doctors all over the world, but Chinese medicine-inspired gray hair injections are currently getting a lot of attention in China for their alleged ability to turn graying hair back to its original color. Although such products have been on the market in China for a while now, theyve recently gone viral after a popular Chinese actor announced she had started a gray hair injection treatment in order to regain her original hair color. Her video went viral, causing an increase in online gray hair injection sales, but dermatologists and other health experts warn that the products efficacy has not been scientifically proven, and their potential side effects are currently unknown. Photo: Unsplash Chinese actress Guo Tong recently took to Douyin (Chinas version of TikTok) to inform her fans that she had started a gray hair injection treatment in June to hopefully reverse her graying hair to its original color. A month later, she followed up her original clip, claiming that the positive effects had not kicked in and that the doctor who had recommended the injections told her she needed to use them for up to six months. I felt a little pain after the first shot, Guo Tong admitted. It is definitely not that fast. Gray hair does not grow in a day or two. The doctor said the treatment course is three to six months. According to Yangtse News, Guo Tong received the gray hair injections at Shanghai Yueyang Hospital. A dermatologist there told the media outlet that the injections are based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique of adenosylcobalamin injection, a type of vitamin B12 known as adenosylcobalamin. Its main ingredient, adenosylcobalamin, is a cyanocobalamin analog of vitamin B12, and the idea is that vitamin B12 stimulates melanin synthesis. The treatment consists of regular injections administered once a week for three to six months. But how effective are these gray hair injections? According to Kong Yulong, deputy chief physician of the Department of Dermatology at Nanjing Jiangbei Hospital, adenosylcobalamin is similar to vitamin B12 in that it does have certain positive effects on nerve nourishment, regulating nerve secretion, and improving circulation, but there is currently no further research on its use in treating gray hair. If you are deficient in B12, it may have some effect on gray hair, but if you are not deficient, it is almost useless. In spite of the lack of scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of gray hair injections, the interest in the controversial treatment is definitely on the rise in China. Chinese doctors recently saved a mans life after removing a squirming 18-cm-long worm that had taken residence in his brain years after swallowing raw snake organs. The lucky man, identified only as Li by Chinese news media, was recently rushed to a hospital in Hunan after he started experiencing sudden blackouts, seizures, and foaming at the mouth. His troubles had begun about a year ago when he experienced a sensation of a foreign object in his eye, described as a mosaic-like thing appearing in his vision. He sought medical attention, and while the ophthalmologist found nothing out of the ordinary after examining him, an MRI scan revealed a foreign object behind his eyes. However, because the vision problem had disappeared, he refused to undergo surgery and have the foreign object removed. Little did he know that his decision would allow an uninvited guest to settle and grow in his brain. Late last month, Mr. Lis condition took a turn for the worse. He suddenly experienced blacking out, foaming at the mouth, and convulsions. After conducting another MRI, doctors decided to perform a craniotomy and remove what they identified as a living worm inside the patients brain. During the procedure, one of the surgeons managed to carefully remove the long, white parasite intact, as it was wriggling. After the successful procedure, a question remained: how did the worm get into the mans brain? Questioned by the doctors, Li recalled that, years ago, he caught a snake and swallowed its raw gallbladder as a dare. He didnt think too much of it at the time, but he had allowed a sparganum larvae inside the snake to enter his body and eventually make its way to his brain, where it took residence. Sparganosis is the larvae of the tapeworm Spirometra mansoni, commonly found in frogs, snakes, and birds. Eating raw or partially cooked tadpoles, frog meat, snake meat, and other foods containing sparganosis poses a big risk of ingesting larvae that can eventually settle in the brain and cause all sorts of problems, even death. Luckily for Li, he was discharged after 10 days and is expected to make a full recovery. Doctors hope that his case will act as a cautionary tale and prevent others from making the same mistake he did. A Las Vegas limb-lengthening clinic has been getting a lot of attention online this week for offering people the chance to add a few inches to their stature through minimally invasive surgery. The LimbPlastX Institute charges up to $75,000 to add up to six inches to patients height, a hefty price that many are more than willing to pay to overcome their height complex. Dr Kevin Debiparshad, a consultant at the clinic, said that 30 men sign up for the life-changing procedure in 2019 alone, with even more procedures lined up for 2020, especially after the recent media exposure. The procedure surprisingly lasts only 1.5 hours and involves incisions into the leg bones and the insertion of a special stretching device. The full results are only visible after about a year. Photo: LimbPlastX Institute We cut the leg bones either femur (upper leg bone) or tibia (lower leg bone) and insert a device that slowly stretches them out which makes you taller permanently, Debiparshad said. As far as the procedure goes, its an x-ray based surgery where I make 4-6 tiny small incisions into the leg (either thigh bone or lower leg bone) creating a window, to gain access to the hollow part of the bone, where I insert a device that responds to an external remote control that the patient will control at home. Once the device is set, I place screws at the top and bottom of the device to lock into position. This is done on each leg. Interestingly the lengthening of the limbs takes place post surgery, with an external remote control being used by the patients themselves to non-invasively increase their height by 1mm every day with the touch of a button. For optimal results, two to four weeks of post-surgery physical therapy are also required and included in the $75,000 price. Tricking the body into thinking youre growing is basically what this is, Debiparshad adds. Patients can become up to five or six inches higher than their original stature, and after about a year the screws and nails are removed, and the bone and tissue remain permanently stretched from that point forward. Photo: LimbPlastX Institute Such limb-lengthening operations have apparently been performed for about a century, but the LimbPlastX Institute is the first to perform the procedure for cosmetic purposes. The technique was previously used on patients with combat leg wounds, car crashes, or other traumatic events, but Debiparshad and his mentor, a Dr. Dror Paley in West Palm Beach, Florida, were the first to perform it on patients who simply wanted to be taller. Over 90 per cent of my patients, including those who have consulted with me, are male. Most on average are about 56 seeking a height increase of 3 inches, Dr. Kevin Debiparshad, who works at the clinic, Debiparshad said. The desire to appear taller, particularly for men, has always been a hot topic in modern day society and social norms. The LimbPlastX Institute surgeon thinks that limb-lengthening surgery has the potential to become a mainstream cosmetic procedure, like nose jobs and breast augmentations. As controversial as this procedure may seem, it does sound a lot less invasive than having your legs broken repeatedly to add a few extra inches to your height. A German teacher who has been on sick leave since 2009, while receiving a full salary, has sued her employer after being asked to undergo a medical examination to confirm her condition. An unnamed teacher from Germanys North Rhine-Westphalia has sued her employer after it began to challenge her unusually long absence from the workplace and asked her to undergo a medical examination. The teacher had been on sick leave for 16 years, during which time she did not attend her duties at a vocational college in Wesel but continued to collect her full salary. Under German law, teachers are classed as beamte or public servants and enjoy certain privileges, including taking a full salary while on indefinite sick leave. Only in this particular case, the womans employer recently asked for proof of her condition and requested she take a medical test. Photo: Muhammed Nishal According to German newspaper Die Welt, teachers in North Rhine-Westphalia can earn up to 6,174 ($7,200) per month, which suggests the teacher earned around 72,000 ($84,000) per year, which, over 16 years, adds up to a whopping 1 million ($1,166,000) while on sick leave. The unusual issue came to light earlier this year, following a change in school leadership. During an internal audit by the school supervisory authority, it was discovered that she had been submitting medical certificates every month, but her condition had not been assessed by a medical examiner. Instead of complying with the medical examination, the teacher sued her employer, but her case was rejected by a German court that described her situation as truly incomprehensible. The court ruled that her employer has every right to belatedly ask for proof of illness and ordered her to cover the 2,500 ($2,915) legal fees. Under German law, teachers on sick leave cannot be replaced, but this particular case has caused outrage on a national level, especially since the woman in question not only earned a full salary for 16 years without clocking in any time at work, but also allegedly launched a medical startup while on her extended sick leave. This would count as a serious breach of regulations and the teacher risks losing her status as a civil servant as well as her salary and pension benefits. Legal expert Ralf Delgmann told The Munich Eye that the outcome of this unusual case hinges on the outcome of the medical examination, but he anticipates that the teacher will not have to refund any payments received during her 16-year sick leave, as it will be virtually impossible for any examiner to prove that she was not ill during that period. Some taller women are reportedly turning to painful limb-shortening procedures in order to improve their chances of finding a suitable romantic partner. In a time when leg-lengthening surgeries are becoming increasingly popular among height-challenged men. Women are apparently doing the opposite, going under the knife to shorten their height to increase their chances of finding a partner. More and more clinics in Istanbul, Turkey, are offering this controversial procedure as part of attractive packages that include hospitalization, as well as free city tours, restaurant meals, and even boat trips. Originally designed for medical purposes, to correct limb length imbalance, limb-shortening surgery has allegedly become popular among women who believe a petite stature is more desirable. Osteoshortening surgery involves cutting the patients leg bone, removing part of the femur, and then fixing the bones together with metal rods. Turkish doctors claim they can shorten the thigh by up to 5.5 cm and the calf by up to 3 cm, but experts say that those interested in the procedure should expect excruciating pain, a long recovery period, and potentially irreversible nerve damage that can lead to muscle weakness and loss of function. Infection, delayed bone healing, and even bone nonunion (a fracture that fails to heal) can also occur. Because the metal rods inserted into the patients bones have a weight limit, patients undergoing osteoshortening should weigh between 70 and 75 kg. Despite the serious risks involved in limb shortening surgery, data shows that an increasing number of women are undergoing the procedure for cosmetic purposes and to increase their chances of finding a romantic partner. Some are convinced that being tall lowers their chances of finding love, because men feel awkward with someone taller than them. Just one hospital in Istanbul told British tabloid Mail Online that it had performed 10 leg-shortening surgeries since 2023. For more controversial cosmetic procedures, check out shoulder straightening fillers and eye color-changing surgery. Ronn Torossian In 2025, public relations is not just aliveits thriving, evolving and more essential than ever. But its not the same PR your predecessors knew. The media landscape has been radically transformed by digital acceleration, AI integration, the collapse of traditional newsrooms, and an increasingly polarized public discourse. Against this backdrop, PR has shifted from a support function to a strategic core of organizational identity, resilience and trust. The question "What is PR?" in 2025 deserves more than a textbook answer. It requires rethinking everything from the role of trust to the nature of influence, from managing perception to managing truth, and from storytelling to story-living. Lets break down how PR has evolved and what it truly represents today. The Death (and Rebirth) of the Press Release Once the backbone of public relations, the press release has gone from being the holy grail of media outreach to a mere checkbox in the broader communication matrix. In 2025, journalists no longer wait for press releases to inform their storiesthey scrape social media, tap AI-powered trend tools, or engage directly with sources on platforms like LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Substack. That doesn't mean the press release is entirely deadits just been reborn. It now serves as a credible, SEO-optimized content asset housed on company blogs, newsrooms, or industry platforms. The language is more conversational, the content multimedia-rich, and the distribution laser-targeted using AI. PR professionals now ask, Who needs to see this? rather than Who might write about this? From Media Relations to Relationship Architecture Traditional PR emphasized media relationsgetting coverage, managing journalist contacts and monitoring headlines. While this is still important, it is now just one piece of the puzzle. In 2025, the role of a PR professional is closer to that of a relationship architect: someone who builds, manages, and protects relationships across a broad spectrum of stakeholders, not just the press. Stakeholders now include: Customers empowered with instant feedback loops. empowered with instant feedback loops. Employees who serve as brand ambassadors (or critics). who serve as brand ambassadors (or critics). Investors who demand transparency beyond quarterly earnings. who demand transparency beyond quarterly earnings. Communities affected by every corporate decision. affected by every corporate decision. AI systems that curate content and control how narratives are surfaced or buried. PR is no longer about "spin"its about building genuine, consistent relationships across these diverse audiences. And in an age where authenticity beats virality, brands that attempt to manipulate perception without substance are often exposedand quickly. AI Has Entered the Chat Artificial Intelligence in PR is not theoretical; its operational. From generative text to sentiment analysis, PR professionals now routinely work alongside AI tools that: Draft initial pitches, press releases, and social posts. Monitor real-time sentiment across platforms. Detect emerging crises before they explode. Personalize outreach at scale based on behavioral data. But while AI has augmented productivity and precision, it has also raised the stakes. An AI-detected misstep or insensitive message can go viral in hours. Thus, ethical considerations, human oversight and cultural intelligence are more important than ever. Moreover, AI has changed who influences whom. Algorithmic feeds and recommendation engines now determine what news reaches the public. As a result, PR isnt just about managing peopleits about managing data inputs that shape the algorithms themselves. The Rise of Owned Influence Third-party validation (media coverage, influencer endorsements) still matters, but in 2025, owned media is king. Brands are increasingly behaving like publishersrunning podcasts, newsletters, TikTok channels, YouTube series and community forums. These platforms allow brands to tell their stories in their own words, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. For example: A B2B tech firm might run a popular Substack read by CTOs. A beauty brand could build an exclusive Discord for superfans. A nonprofit might launch a docuseries on YouTube to mobilize action. These are no longer side projects but core communication assets. PR teams are responsible for ideating, producing and promoting this content in alignment with brand values and audience needs. This shift has empowered brands, but it has also increased responsibility. In 2025, audiences demand transparency and consistency across all touchpoints. One misleading claim in a brands podcast or blog can create as much backlash as a controversial tweet. PR must ensure that owned content is accurate, ethical and aligned with broader messaging. Crisis Communication in the Deepfake Era In 2025, the speed and sophistication of misinformation has reached new heights. Deepfakes, fake screenshots and manipulated videos can be created and distributed in minutes. The line between reality and fabrication is blurringand PR is on the front lines of defending truth. Crisis communication now demands: Real-time verification tools that can detect and debunk manipulated media. that can detect and debunk manipulated media. Pre-approved response protocols that allow brands to act within minutes, not hours. that allow brands to act within minutes, not hours. Ongoing scenario planning for emerging threats like synthetic voice fraud, data leaks, and viral conspiracy theories. for emerging threats like synthetic voice fraud, data leaks, and viral conspiracy theories. Reputation recovery strategies that go beyond apologies and include community engagement, restitution, and transparency. The new mantra is: Anticipate, Authenticate, Act. PR in 2025 is as much about protecting brand truth as it is about promoting it. Influence Is Decentralized Influence in 2025 isnt confined to celebrities or blue-check influencers. Micro-influencers, employee advocates, customer communities, and even AI-generated personas can shape perception. PR strategies now focus on influence mapping rather than media lists. This involves identifying nodes of influence across networksthose who shape opinion within their communities, regardless of follower count. Sometimes, the most influential voice in a product launch isnt a journalist or celebrityits a Reddit moderator, a Discord admin, or a niche podcast host. This decentralization means PR must: Think in networks, not hierarchies. Build long-term relationships, not one-off placements. Empower employees and customers to share their stories. Measurement Has (Finally) Matured One of the most persistent criticisms of PR has been its vagueness when it comes to ROI. In 2025, that critique has largely been addressedthanks to integrated dashboards, AI-powered attribution models, and advanced analytics. PR success is now measured through: Brand sentiment and trust scores. Engagement-to-conversion metrics on owned content. on owned content. Media quality indexes (not just quantity or AVEs). (not just quantity or AVEs). Share of voice across platforms and narratives. across platforms and narratives. Crisis response time and impact mitigation. PR is no longer the soft disciplineit is a measurable, accountable business function. The Human Element Remains Despite all the technology, the essence of PR remains profoundly human. Trust, empathy, storytelling, and cultural understanding are still irreplaceable. You cant automate compassion. You cant outsource authenticity. And no AI can replicate the nuanced judgment of an experienced communicator navigating a reputational minefield. In fact, as technology becomes more dominant, the need for human-centered communication becomes more urgent. People dont want brands to sound like botsthey want them to sound like people. Real. Honest. Fallible. So, What Is PR in 2025? Public Relations in 2025 is a strategic, tech-augmented, values-driven discipline that manages not just publicitybut perception, trust and relationships. It is at the intersection of communication, technology, psychology, and ethics. PR is: A crisis shield and a trust builder. A storyteller and a data analyst. A cultural interpreter and an ethical guide. A driver of influence, not just awareness. A partner in leadershipnot an afterthought. In a world overloaded with noise, PR creates signal. In a world flooded with content, PR fosters connection. In a world where trust is fragile and fleeting, PR makes it durable. And as we look toward the future, one thing is clear: the best PR professionals won't be those who just manage the messagetheyll be the ones who shape the truth, live the values and earn the trust. Every. Single. Day. *** Ronn Torossian is the founder of 5WPR. The Czech government on Wednesday approved annual allocations of one billion crowns (around EUR 40 million) for Ukraine's recovery program between 2026 and 2030, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said after a cabinet meeting, according to Novinky. "The program has been in effect since 2023, and the Czech Republic intends to continue using it to support the recovery of a country that has been resisting Russian aggression since 2022. According to Lipavsky, the program also allows the Czech Republic to receive support from the European Union. In March, the EU approved two projects for the Czech Republic totaling four billion crowns (about EUR 160 million)," the report said. Funding will be channeled through the National Development Bank and will also support humanitarian and reconstruction projects. The minister described the initiative as "a flagship of the Czech Republic's strong international reputation." Since 2023, the annual allocation had been 500 million crowns (around EUR 20 million). Lipavsky also reminded that Sunday will mark six months since Ukraine accepted the U.S. peace plan, while Russia has shown no interest in ending the conflict. In a resounding victory for the rule of law and state sovereignty, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer has ruled that former President Donald Trump's decision to federalize California's National Guard violated the Posse Comitatus Act, a cornerstone federal law dating back over 150 years that prevents the military from being used for domestic law enforcement. This decision, handed down amid escalating tensions over immigration policy, underscores the dangers of executive overreach and highlights the principled leadership of California Governor Gavin Newsom in pushing back against such abuses. The case stems from Trump's June directive to seize control of approximately 4,000 National Guard members from California, deploying them along with a contingent of Marines to quell protests and support immigration raids targeting anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. Despite Newsom's vocal objections, Trump proceeded, framing the move as necessary for border security. However, Judge Breyer, a seasoned jurist appointed by President Bill Clinton, saw through this facade. In his ruling, Breyer emphasized that even the presence of the remaining 300 Guard members constituted a clear violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, which safeguards against the militarization of civilian affairs. California's legal team effectively argued that the troops' training on compliance with this very act further proved its applicability, exposing the administration's actions as not just misguided but unlawful. Governor Newsom deserves immense credit for his steadfast opposition. As a Democrat committed to progressive values, Newsom has consistently championed states' rights when it comes to protecting vulnerable communities from federal overreach. His refusal to cede control of the Guard to Trump's agenda was not mere partisanship but a defense of constitutional principles. In a state as diverse as California, where immigration is a lifeline for economic and cultural vitality, Newsom's stance prevented what could have escalated into a broader suppression of dissent. This ruling validates his approach and sets a precedent that could influence Trump's ongoing threats to deploy the Guard in other "blue cities" for crime control, potentially averting a nationwide slide toward militarized governance. Contrast this with Trump's reckless behavior. Throughout his presidency, Trump has shown a pattern of disregarding legal boundaries in pursuit of his hardline immigration policies. By ignoring the Ninth Circuit's earlier guidance on judicial deference only to have it backfire. Trump's administration, led by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, prioritized political theater over lawful process. Critics argue this isn't about security but about stoking division, using the military as a tool to intimidate opponents. Breyer's decision, likely headed for appeal, serves as a crucial check on such authoritarian impulses, reminding us that no president is above the law. In an era where democratic norms are under siege, Judge Breyer and Governor Newsom stand as beacons of integrity. Their actions protect not just California but the entire nation from the erosion of civil liberties. As the case potentially ascends to the Supreme Court, it's a moment for all Americans to rally behind the judiciary's role in preserving our republic. Why waste time on gerrymandering wars when the escape hatch from Trumps dumpster fire can be triggered through the simple choice by DNC Chair Martinto vow not to support (using state infrastructure) or fund a Dem against a House Republican who declares him or herself an independent, caucusing with Democrats. Martin can instruct state parties to do likewise. If Trumps cruel overreach dooms their seat anyway, urge these new independents to #FlipTheHouseNOWandBeAHeroForever. They cant be primaried as an independent in 2026. Theyll be legendary by that time anyway for being the key players in stopping #RepubloFascism just before the last nail in the coffin of democracy is hammered home. This is the first stage of what I call #ProjectCarrot. But many potential defectors will need more than just the promise of glory. Vulnerable Republicans will need a bargain to consider this bold move, including a path to power, career sustainability, and insulation from the wrath that theyd face. Here are the bullet points that Dems should offer as fulfilling those objectives: Encourage these potential allies against Trumpism to rebrand as Constitutional Conservatives , citing all the transgressions of Trump, DOGE, and his cabinet for their reasoning. Its important that they can differentiate from the old regime yet arent asked to switch parties. As #ConstitutionalConservatives , they have a definitive platform for dissent with plenty of evidence to draw from. This form of shared patriotism, despite vast philosophical differences, will be crucial in establishing bipartisanship that will be valuable to them once out of power. When House leadership is in Democratic hands, the first half dozen CC members should be granted committee chairs that dont limit Democratic power, like Agriculture and Armed Services. As the old GOP implodes around them, these #PolarOppositePatriots retain power, a voice, and perhaps emerge from the ashes of this iteration of the GOP as the leaders of GOP 2.0 with bipartisan clout. Tell them that among your first acts will be protection from billionaire funding against them in the general too, with the introduction of a new version of the For the People Act with updates to allow for new GOP and Trumpian tactics. Public not private campaign funding, massive superPAC restrictions, and overturning Citizens United are the keys to ensuring democracy returns to the right track. When the Martin deal is out in the open, Indivisible and the 50501 Movement will craft messaging to share on the steps and streets that reflect that potential CC members can emerge as heroes for the history books, for their courage will be highlighted as the straws that broke the camels back. And for those already committed to taking the plunge, messaging will say Were back to thank you. The toughest ask on all this is obviously the passage of the #ForThePeopleAct. But theres a similar primary threat to that of House Republicans looming for many Senators who passed the #BBBbetrayal with planned retribution in the primaries by Musk. And overriding a Trump veto would provide a huge sense of relief throughout Congress. No more dialing for dollars, compromising positions to appease donors on either side of the aisle. And if that happens, it will be a shot over the bow for Trump. Hell know that his third impeachment may this time yield removal. A Democratically controlled House can have initial investigations augmented by bringing in the fired Inspectors General to testify as to how their illegal terminations were crucial in paving the way for and hastening this authoritarian overreach. Grounds for impeachment of cabinet and Senate-approved agency heads will dominate the media. Those same IGs can apply similar scrutiny over the actions and slashing of DOGE throughout government. And this would be the moment to put SCOTUS under the same ethics rules that every other judge in the nation faces. Then previous transgressions and failures to recuse despite obvious conflicts of interest can be noted aloud as grounds for impeachment possibilities down the road. Many clearly abused the self-policing doctrine and violated their oaths. Sadly, the unthinkable flooding tragedy in Texas underscores the carelessness in the crusade of DOGE and Trump in gutting necessary government functions, largely for appearances and as cover for Musk to end all the legal jeopardy waiting for him. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). By Robert Weiner and Charles Rutledge It has long been commonplace to criticize Republicans for refusing to accept that being truly pro-life means not just supporting births, but also supporting children throughout their lives. However, the inverse is equally true: supporting children necessarily encourages births. While most progressives only intend their social policies to improve quality and equality of life for existing American families, they should take pride in the fact that these same policies also give people the confidence to have children. Why Talk About Birthrates The question of how to halt declining birthrates has grown increasingly prominent since the Great Recession pushed the U.S. birthrate permanently below replacement level. Although the average person might not yet have a strong opinion on this issue, the Republican leadership certainly does. Donald Trump proudly calls himself the fertilization president, and his likely political heirs are even more obsessed with Americans having babies. Vice President JD Vance has repeatedly implied Americans without children dont care about the future of the country, while Elon Musk claims low birthrates are a much bigger risk to civilization than global warming. Similar sentiments are echoed across the Republican Party, from Governors like Ron DeSantis to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Republicans seem primed to make birthrates the next big topic of social debate alongside abortion and trans rights. If Democrats effectively speak to this issue, they can steal the thunder from an increasingly significant Republican talking point. If not, Democrats will spend the next few years being painted as the anti-child party. Where Republicans Stumble Before politicians try to convince young Americans to have more babies, they should ensure those potential parents can actually support children. According to a Pew Research poll , the most common reasons adults under 50 give for not wanting children are having time for hobbies and interests (80%), affording the things they want (79%), and saving for the future (75%). The latter two of these reasons are directly financial while the former is connected to the cost of services like daycare and after-school programs that free up time for parents. Republican leadership understands that this issue is fundamentally financial, which is why their PR strategy pays lip service to the financial struggle of raising children. However, they are unwilling to actually support the progressive policies that help parents, resulting in strange occurrences such as JD Vance voicing strong support for expanding the child tax credit but failing to show up to vote when that very expansion was brought to the Senate floor. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week,click here. Honestly, can you believe it? Only a couple of weeks after Israeli forces targeted and killed four Al Jazeera journalists in a tent outside al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, it happened again. This time, at least five journalists, including one who had reported for The Associated Press on children being treated for starvation at the same facility, died in a second Israeli air strike on Nasser Hospital in the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, after rescuers (and journalists covering them) rushed to deal with the initial strike on the top floor of one of that hospitals buildings. All told, in fact, it seems that nearly 200 journalists and media workers of various sorts have been killed (or should the word be slaughtered?) since the war in Gaza began. Even for wars, such figures are staggering and, of course, theyre only part of the almost unimaginable toll of dead and wounded in that remarkably small 25-mile strip of land thats been the focus of Israeli devastation since the nightmarish Hamas attack on Israel occurred almost two years ago. And worse yet, as TomDispatch regular Joshua Frank reports today, whatever the casualty figures from that ongoing slaughter may prove to be when the fighting finally stops (assuming it does someday), it will be anything but the final count. At least it wont be if you include all of the human beings devastated by the conflict. Sadly, in some fashion, we really do need to add to that count a potential epidemic of casualties from cancer that are likely to be caused by that nightmarish war. Let Frank explain. Tom Gazas Looming Cancer Epidemic The Many Ways Bombs Can Kill By Joshua Frank A week after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, a large explosion incinerated a parking lot near the busy Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, killing more than 470 people. It was a horrifying, chaotic scene. Burnt clothing was strewn about, scorched vehicles piled atop one another, and charred buildings surrounded the impact zone. Israel claimed the blast was caused by an errant rocket fired by Palestinian extremists, but an investigation by Forensic Architecture later indicated that the missile was most likely launched from Israel, not from inside Gaza. In those first days of the onslaught, it wasnt yet clear that wiping out Gazas entire healthcare system could conceivably be part of the Israeli plan. After all, its well known that purposely bombing or otherwise destroying hospitals violates the Geneva Conventions and is a war crime, so there was still some hope that the explosion at Al-Ahli was accidental. And that, of course, would be the narrative that Israeli authorities would continue to push over the nearly two years of death and misery that followed. A month into Israels Gaza offensive, however, soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would raid the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, dismantling its dialysis center with no explanation as to why such life-saving medical equipment would be targeted. (Not even Israel was contending that Hamas was having kidney problems.) Then, in December 2023, Al-Awda Hospital, also in northern Gaza, was hit, while at least one doctor was shot by Israeli snipers stationed outside it. As unnerving as such news stories were, the most gruesome footage released at the time came from Al-Nasr childrens hospital, where infants were found dead and decomposing in an empty ICU ward. Evacuation orders had been given and the medical staff had fled, unable to take the babies with them. For those monitoring such events, a deadly pattern was beginning to emerge, and Israels excuses for its malevolent behavior were already losing credibility. Shortly after Israel issued warnings to evacuate the Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City in mid-January 2024, its troops launched rockets at the building, destroying what remained of its functioning medical equipment. Following that attack, ever more clinics were also targeted by Israeli forces. A Jordan Field Hospital was shelled that January and again this past August. An air strike hit Yafa hospital early in December 2023. The Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis in southern Gaza was also damaged last May and again this August, when the hospital and an ambulance were struck, killing 20, including five journalists. While human-rights groups like the International Criminal Court, the United Nations, and the Red Cross have condemned Israel for such attacks, its forces have continued to decimate medical facilities and aid sites. At the same time, Israeli authorities claimed that they were only targeting Hamas command centers and weapons storage facilities. The Death of Gazas Only Cancer Center In early 2024, the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, first hit in October 2023 and shuttered in November of that year, was in the early stages of being demolished by IDF battalions. A video released in February by Middle East Eye showed footage of an elated Israeli soldier sharing a TikTok video of himself driving a bulldozer into that hospital, chuckling as his digger crushed a cinderblock wall. The hospital accidentally broke, he said. Evidence of Israels crimes was by then accumulating, much of it provided by the IDF itself. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Dubai, UAE - NN Real Estate proudly announces its charitable initiative in partnership with Sukoon Edu Foundation, supporting the creation of a residential school in Spirit Airlines will no longer operate at Portland International Airport after Oct. 3, the company and the Port of Portland confirmed Thursday. The discount airline, which had already cut flights at PDX during the past year, according to the Port of Portland, will also discontinue service at 10 other locations. The decision comes after the company filed for bankruptcy for the second time in the past year. Some of its troubles have stemmed from its difficult rebound from low travel during COVID-19 years. At the time of its first bankruptcy filing in November, Spirit had lost more than $2.5 billion since the start of 2020. By August, the carriers parent company, Spirit Aviation Holdings, said it had substantial doubt about its ability to operate normally over the next year. The company also announced that it no longer plans to launch new services at Macon, Georgia, that were expected to start Oct. 16. We apologize to our Guests for any inconvenience this may cause, the company wrote in a statement, and will reach out to those with affected reservations to notify them of their options, including a refund. The 10 other airports that Spirit Airlines will no longer serve are: The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is an interstate agency that promotes responsible fishing practices, monitors fishing activities and collects data on marine fish for the fishing industry. AP A woman who embezzled more than $200,000 from the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission while serving as its chief financial officer was sentenced Wednesday in Portland to eight months in federal prison. Pamela J. Kahut, 68, stole $211,083 from the commissions health care benefit trust account in 13 transactions from 2014 to 2020, Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Trisotto said. She used the money to pay her credit card bills, her pension loans and her husbands long-term care annual premiums, he said. The commission promotes responsible fishing practices, monitors fishing activities and collects data on marine fish for the fishing industry. It teams up with government agencies involved in marine management, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The six member states are Oregon, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho and Washington. More than two dozen current and retired employees of the commission attended the sentencing before U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut as did Kahuts husband, two children and sister. Kahut, of Wilsonville, had worked for the commission for more than 40 years after starting as a bookkeeper. She pleaded guilty to theft in connection with health care. Barry Thom, executive director of the commission, said Kahuts theft eroded trust among commission employees as he urged a prison term as a deterrent. He said organization officials went through a period of disbelief that a longtime and respected employee would break their trust, followed by anger when evidence of the breach became irrefutable and then sadness for the financial impact on the organization. He said commission leaders also learned this spring that the amount of money stolen may have been much larger after discovering another $400,000 missing from a nonprofit that the commission had created. Trisotto said Kahut had signatory control over the self-insured health care benefits account, which wasnt audited. The account was funded in part by federal grants to the commission, he said. Trisotto said prison was warranted given that Kahut betrayed the people who loved her and held her in high esteem. She was in many ways the face of this organization, he said, given her tenure. Assistant Federal Public Defender Suman Malempati argued for a three-year probationary sentence or home detention. Kahut accepted responsibility, has paid the full restitution of $211,083, is retired now and has no prior criminal record, he said. Shes not the big executive from some major corporation. She has a high school education, he said. Kahut said she will feel shame and guilt until the day she dies. Im not proud of what Ive done. I know that I have let down a lot of individuals who had trusted me, she said. Immergut said she believed Kahuts remorse but couldnt understand what led to Kahuts crime. What happened? Immergut asked. Kahut responded: Just a personal situation got a little out of control. I always thought I could solve things on my own. Are you a gambler? the judge asked. Kahut said no. Immergut also said she was shocked that a magistrate judge had found Kahut qualified to be represented by a public defender, noting that she has assets of more than $1.9 million. She was earning $170,000 a year at the time of her retirement in 2021. Immergut said Kahuts theft appeared to be driven by greed, noting Kahut cut a $28,000 check to her son, used money to renovate her home and owned a $140,000 motor home. She didnt need to steal but the stolen funds may have added to the lifestyle she wanted to live, Immergut said. While Kahut was a loving mother and grandmother and rose in her career, Immergut said she found no mitigating factors regarding Kahuts theft of public funds from her employer. She supported the eight-month prison term as an appropriate deterrent for the very serious conduct in the case. She also added a $10,000 fine, ordering Kahut to start paying $500 a month toward that total starting the month after she gets out of custody. Kahut remained seated beside her lawyer, looking straight ahead, as her former co-workers in the public gallery filed out of the courtroom. She must surrender to start serving her prison term on Oct. 16. Joining the FBI in the investigation were the inspector general offices in the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Department of Energy. -- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, follow her on X @maxoregonian, on Bluesky @maxbernstein.bsky.social or on LinkedIn. The Sherwood police department's post isn't a far departure from the tone of many of the agency's frequently off-beat Facebook announcements. Sherwood Police Department A recent social media post on the Sherwood Police Departments Facebook page is drawing widespread attention for its unusual approach: a call for tips about a Tuesday shoplifting incident written in the style of a missed connections ad. The post which went live on Wednesday night has already drawn 11,000 likes and over 2,000 comments. MISSED CONNECTIONS: Our paths crossed last night and you didnt give me the chance to introduce myself. It makes me sad because our connection was meant to be, the post reads. You were leaving Walmart wearing a Nike jacket screaming Just Took It vibes, rocking a bun that looks like it just lost a fight with a weed whacker, and having eyebrows that are the victim of assault & battery #CriminallyThin #JustDrewIt. The rest of the post details the circumstances of the alleged theft at a Sherwood Walmart store, including the responding officers unsuccessful attempt to apprehend the alleged shoplifter. I turned around as you were leaving the parking lot and followed you. I turned on my blueberries & cherries after you committed multiple traffic violations but you took off from me at a high rate of speed through an active construction zone, the post reads. I would love the opportunity to reignite our connection. If anyone knows how we can connect with her from this episode of #MostWantedArches, please reach out to PIO@SherwoodOregon.gov and reference case 252451323. The Sherwood Police Department isnt new to offbeat posts on its official Facebook page. Past announcements have included public safety announcements such as Before you decide to be crimey this week, stop and get yourself a cold glass of choccy milk and a sweet treat, and Your bangs emergency doesnt mean you can speed 51 mph in a 25 mph zone because youre running late to your hair appointment. But some posts have received mixed reviews. In October 2024, the department announced its Halloween hide and seek with a cop event, where armed and uniformed police officers would try to tag teenagers and adults as they ran through a wooded park at night. The response was swift, with some community members lauding the idea, while others arguing that it sounded life-endangering. I call it hide and seek, they call it resisting arrest, one commenter wrote. Id go, but I like breathing, wrote another. The police department ultimately canceled the event due to the social media backlash. But many of the reviews for the departments most recent post on Wednesday were favorable, with some commenters calling it comedy GOLD, and others writing that they love(d) this approach. Other users raised concerns about the posts decision to publicly mock the alleged shoplifters appearance. Its so bizarre to me that internet trolling has become such a norm that city officials are making fun of real people, with real problems one social media user commented. This is so embarrassing for our community. Another wrote: This post might be funny, but does it really meet your standards of service, respect, and duty that you hold your officers to on a daily basis? For now, it remains unclear if the social media play for engagement will pay off in finding the alleged shoplifter although the Sherwood police department hasnt signaled that its planning to end its streak of unconventional posts anytime soon. Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313. Donetsk Regional Military Administration head Vadym Filashkin has reported the death of 11 civilians in the region as a result of Russian shelling on Wednesday, September 3, as well as 16 civilian casualties during the day. In total, Russian occupiers shelled settlements in Donetsk region 31 times in a day, Filashkin said, adding that 314 people were evacuated from the front line during the day, including 72 children. As reported, on September 2, the occupiers shelled settlements in Donetsk region 34 times, on September 1, 19 times, and on August 31, 26 times. On September 2, there were no deaths, 14 civilians were wounded, on September 1, there was one death and seven wounded, and on August 31, two deaths and eight wounded. A longtime nurse at Snake River Correctional Institution pleaded guilty to bringing food into the prison after the original felony case against her fell apart due to what the district attorney said was a lack of cooperation from witnesses. Malheur Enterprise A longtime nurse at Snake River Correctional Institution pleaded guilty Wednesday to bringing snacks into the prison a deal reached after the original felony case fell apart due to a lack of cooperation from witnesses, the prosecutor said. Caylee Andero, 35, of Payette, Idaho appeared in Malheur County Circuit Court, where she was sentenced to 18 months probation for bringing beef jerky and baked goods into the eastern Oregon prison in July 2023 and giving them to prisoners. Andero originally faced a single count of first-degree custodial sexual misconduct, a felony, for allegedly having sex with a prisoner, but Malheur County District Attorney Dave Goldthorpe told Judge Erin Landis that he struck a plea deal to less serious charges given the difficulty the state was going to be having in producing witnesses that would be cooperative to the prosecution. Goldthorpe said after the hearing that prisoner witnesses arent really interested in cooperating. It would have been a very, very, very difficult thing trying to get them here and then once they are on the stand, they essentially wont want to talk about it anyway. He said the Oregon Department of Corrections investigated Andero after staff complained about odd treatment of certain incarcerated men. He said cameras and other security systems in the prison tracked comings and goings that just were very off and unexplained regarding Anderos movements. The alleged victim named in the original indictment is a 38-year-old man serving time for multiple second-degree robbery convictions out of Clackamas and Multnomah counties. He entered the prison system in 2020 and his earliest release is in 2029, corrections records show. He has since been moved out of the Ontario prison and is in another prison. Andero was hired by the prison system in 2015. According to the Oregon State Board of Nursing, her nursing license remains active. She has been licensed since 2014, records show. Oregon Department of Corrections records show she was placed on paid leave about two years ago, on Sept. 24, 2023. She was fired last month as a result of her conduct, according to a corrections spokesperson. Her salary was $153,730. Landis ordered Andero to pay $200 in fines and serve 80 hours of community service. The judge told Andero that by bringing outside goods into prison she failed to uphold the unique responsibilities of a nurse working in prison and she jeopardized the safety and security of that institution. You have additional duties and additional trust placed in you as a nurse at a correctional institution, he said. When you engage in this type of behavior, you are breaking that trust in a very real way. Noelle Crombie is an enterprise reporter with a focus on criminal justice. Reach her at 503-276-7184 or ncrombie@oregonian.com. Rosemary Martell, 37, disappeared on Sept. 27, 2019. Her husband, William Martel Jr. pleaded guilty to the aggravated assault of his wife that led to her death. Courtesy of Family The international mystery surrounding the sudden disappearance of Rosemary Aragon Martell in the Philippines appears to have been solved with the plea and sentencing this week of her 52-year-old husband in federal court in Oregon. William Glen Martell Jr. of Klickitat, Washington, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to the aggravated assault of his wife that caused her death as well as to an attempted sex crime in an unrelated case. The couple were living in the Philippines with two daughters at the time of Rosemary Martells death in September 2019. Martell declined to speak in court Tuesday except to answer yes when a judge asked if he understood why he received the sentence he did. His wifes body has never been recovered but he admitted in court records to killing her by accident. His lawyer said Martell has cooperated with authorities who still are searching for her remains. The conclusion follows a six-year battle by Rosemary Martells family to prosecute her killer and an effort by William Martells sister to secretly record him after she told the FBI he had confessed to her. A news documentary about her disappearance also ran in the Philippines. At Martells sentencing in Portland, the slain womans brother said justice finally caught up with William Martell. You did not just kill her. You erased her, Benedicto Aragon III told Martell. You have the resources, cunning and the darkness inside you to make her vanish. Aragon called in to the hearing from Australia, where he now lives with his family and mother, and directly addressed Martell. My mother, the same woman who once welcomed you in our home with kindness and love -- to cook meals for your family -- now wakes up each day bearing a grief no parent should enter, Aragon said. As part of the plea deal, William Martell agreed to provide investigators with information regarding his 37-year-old wifes remains and divulged everything he knows in meetings with law enforcement officials, said his lawyer, Conor Huseby. William Martel Jr. and Rosemary Martel had two daughters, who are now being raised by William's younger sister. William Martel Jr., 52, is in prison and Rosemary Martel's body has not been found. Courtesy of Family Rosemary Aragon and William Martell had met online and began corresponding before she traveled to the U.S. in December 2011. She soon moved in with Martell to the disapproval of her parents, her brother said. The two married about three years later. By July 2012, she revealed in an email to her brother that Martell had started hurting her during arguments, he said. He begged her to leave Martell to run while she still could, but she refused, he said. The couple later moved from Washington state to the Philippines and had two daughters. Rosemary Martell worked in human resources for an insurance company while Martell stayed home with the children, according to relatives. Benedicto Aragon said he learned in 2019 that his brother-in-law continued to harm his sister and he begged her to leave him. But she told him that she didnt want her daughters to grow up without a father, he said. On Sept. 30, 2019, one of Rosemary Martells co-workers reported that she had been missing from work for three days, he said. What followed was a nightmare that I still cannot wake up from, Aragon said. Shortly after Rosemary Martells disappearance, William Martell suddenly flew back to Washington with the couples daughters, according to his sister, Michelle Thompson. He said he had killed his wife in a fit of anger, Thompson told The Oregonian/OregonLive. He told me, I did something really bad. Do you think Im going to go to hell? Thompson recalled. He just said he got mad at her and strangled her, in their house in the living room. When their daughters woke up, he put them in the car after having already placed his wifes body in it, she said her brother told her. He said he drove around, went to a forest and carried her body down an embankment and dumped her body, Thompson said. Thompson wasnt sure what to do with the information, she said, and didnt tell anyone else until FBI agents showed up at her job two months later in December 2019. Stunned, she declined to talk to them, she said, but left work that day and visited an aunt. Later that day, her aunt drove her to Portlands FBI headquarters to share what she knew, she said. Thompson said her brother didnt realize until a long time later that she had cooperated with the FBI. She said she worked surreptitiously to assist the FBI for a couple of months, using a Toyota key fob to secretly record their conversations to see if she could catch him talking about his wifes killing. After their parents died and they were cleaning out the family house, Thompson said she had the key fob with her and asked her brother questions like, Do you think theyll ever find her? Where did you leave her? He never repeated what he had told her earlier, Thompson said. He didnt come out and say I did it on the recording, she said. But he was recorded making incriminating statements. In the meantime, Benedicto Aragon began to do his own sleuthing and turned over old messages, videos, documents and emails he had received from his sister to the Philippines National Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Justice. He also was interviewed in 2022 by documentary filmmakers in the Philippines to help spread the word about his sisters disappearance. The documentary showed footage of the Martell familys red car driving from their home in Paranaque around 7 a.m. on Sept. 27, 2019, with William Martell appearing to hold the couples youngest daughter in his lap as he drove while the older daughter sat in the front passenger seat. It also showed him driving the car and his daughters to a hotel where his mother had been staying for a visit, according to the documentary and Thompson. At some point, the red car also was tracked on cameras headed to a forested area in Batangas, Philippines, a drive of about an hour and 45 minutes from their home. A volcano erupted in that area later in mid-January 2020. Threatening and killing the person you claim to love is beyond human understanding. Its monstrous, Aragon said in court. Did you ever stop to think, William, when you took her life? Did you consider how you would raise your daughters without their mother? Did you wonder what it would feel like if one day they ended up with a man just like you? The FBI arrested William Martell on May 4, 2023, at Portland International Airport when he was returning from a work trip, according to his sister and an arrest warrant return. He had most recently been working in The Dalles doing heavy machinery handyman-type work, she said. Martell was initially charged in federal court in Portland with four counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child between January 2015 and March 2019. He was accused of transporting the child, who was under 12, from Washington to Oregon and back to Washington to sexually assault her, according to court records. The charges involving Rosemary Martells death werent added until this past June, when a superseding criminal information accused William Martell of both interstate transportation with the intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity of a minor and interstate domestic violence that caused the death of his wife. Martell didnt intend to kill his wife but lost control during an argument that turned physical and may have been convicted of manslaughter had he been extradited to the Philippines, his lawyer said in a sentencing memo. Martell agreed to enter guilty pleas to bring closure to both families, Huseby said in court. He pleaded guilty to interstate domestic violence that resulted in death and to transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to commit a sex crime. Huseby argued there was no evidence that Martell planned to kill his wife. Martell also didnt want to take the chance of being held in the Philippines in his wifes death, where he may have faced a manslaughter charge, concerned he would be left in harsh conditions without adequate food or water and in a jail filled with rampant gang violence and extortion, Huseby said. The defense retained a team of lawyers in the Philippines to advise them regarding Filipino law, criminal procedure, and the likely outcomes of a case in the Philippines, Huseby wrote. As part of the plea agreement, federal authorities in the Philippines agreed not to pursue criminal charges against him relating to the abuse and death of Rosemary Martell. Thompson now has custody of the couples daughters. She said William Martell graduated from high school in Klickitat and then attended a trade school in Arizona for air conditioning, heating and ventilation work. He later went to work in sales at a machinery equipment company where his father had worked in Oregon, she said. Grace Pabellan-Dar Santos, a grade school and high school friend of Rosemary Martell, wrote on Facebook that Rosemary Martell had attended Immaculate Heart of Mary College in her hometown of Paranaque and was an honor student, attended the University of Santo Tomas in Manila and was a devoted daughter and sister who was driven to leave the Philippines to pursue what she thought would be a better life. Yet this same drive led to this, her friend wrote. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick urged U.S. District Judge Amy Baggio to accept the jointly recommended sentence of 20 years in prison for Martell, calling it a just result that developed from extensive negotiations. Baggio adopted the sentence, but not before sharing her sorrow for Martells victims and their relatives. She said she found it disturbing that he preyed on those closest to him. Id like to start by offering my most sincere condolences to the families of the victims. William Martel Jr. is going to prison for 20 years, but that alone will not heal your broken hearts, she said. While he extinguished the light of Rosemary Martell and tried to diminish the light of the child he attempted to sexually abuse, enduring this kind of betrayal -- betrayal by someone who supposedly loves the people that they hurt -- is particularly difficult to heal from, Baggio said. But it can be done. At the defense lawyers request, Baggio agreed to recommend that Martell be placed at the federal prison in Seagoville, Texas, which has a sex offender management unit. He was attacked and beaten while in custody at the federal prison in Sheridan while awaiting sentencing, his lawyer said. -- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, follow her on X @maxoregonian, on Bluesky @maxbernstein.bsky.social or on LinkedIn. FILE - Northwestern University President Michael Schill testifies during a hearing of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses on Capitol Hill, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Washington. AP Northwestern University President Michael Schill announced Thursday that he will resign, ending a three-year tenure marked by the freeze of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding by the Trump administration and heated criticism from House Republicans over the universitys response to campus protests. In a statement announcing his resignation, Schill acknowledged those challenges directly. It is critical that we continue to protect the Universitys research mission and excellence while preserving academic freedom, integrity, and independence, he said. Northwestern emerged as a prominent target of President Donald Trumps campaign to reshape elite colleges he has derided as hotbeds of liberalism and antisemitism. In April, the administration froze $790 million in federal funding for the school in Evanston, Illinois, which is among dozens of colleges that have been under investigation over claims they did not do enough to protect Jewish students during campus protests. During the wave of pro-Palestinian protests in spring 2024, Northwestern drew ire from conservatives over an agreement it struck with demonstrators to take down their encampment. In exchange, Northwestern pledged to reestablish an advisory committee on university investments and other commitments. Schill defended the arrangement during an appearance in May 2024 before a House committee investigating campus antisemitism. We had to get the encampment down, Schill said. The police solution was not going to be available to us to keep people safe, and also may not be the wisest solution as weve seen at other campuses across the country. Supporters of Israel and the administration officials have framed the protests at Northwestern and other schools as antisemitic and pro-Hamas. But people involved in the demonstrations reject that characterization. They say advocating for Palestinian human rights and territorial claims, or criticizing Israeli military action, is not antisemitic. Schill will continue as president until an interim leader is chosen, Northwestern said. He also will work with the Board of Trustees on efforts to restore the universitys frozen federal funding, the school said. Schill served as University of Oregons president for seven years before leaving for the same role at Northwestern in 2022. --Annie Ma/The Associated Press This column originally ran in 2020. Dear Annie: I had a seven-year relationship with a man who I thought was the love of my life. I had been married twice before -- once for 17 years -- to an alcoholic, and I was in a 10-year relationship with a man 15 years older than me. I have one daughter, who is now 40, and he has a daughter with whom he is estranged. She is 43. He has been married three times, the longest for seven years, with one marriage lasting for only a month. I received a phone call about 10 months ago from an old boyfriend with whom I have remained friendly but with whom I ended a physical relationship when I met Mr. Seven Years. When the phone call came over my Bluetooth car connection, I did not answer. The next day, while I was out with my mother for a hair appointment, Mr. Seven packed up the things from his visit and left without a word. Never heard from him again. My home is on the West Coast, and he has a home in a neighboring state. Our plan had been to travel back and forth between our homes about once a quarter, as I had just retired. He had forgotten some shirts and his favorite bed pillow, which I packed up and sent to him with a heartfelt letter, telling him that I loved him and that I had never been unfaithful. No response. Now, after almost 10 months of no contact, I received a box while I was in Europe traveling on a retirement celebration trip. I opened it now that I am back home, not knowing who it was from, and lo and behold, it was every personal gift that I had given him over the last few years, including a watch and a shirt and some paintings that I had done at his request. There was no note or letter in the box. A few years ago, he did something similar to his daughter, where he shipped every photo that he had taken of her in a box with no note. She hasnt spoken to him since. He would ruminate on this perceived hurt, that she never responded, but I felt that it was an aggressive and hurtful thing to do, as I believe this is. I feel like, on the one hand, I should respond with an email, telling him that his actions were hurtful and mean spirited. On the other hand, why give him the satisfaction of knowing that he hurt me? I wish he had just thrown it all away rather than spend the time and the energy to ship it to me. Now I am having trouble getting this out of my mind and am wondering just what he hoped to accomplish by sending this stuff back. What are your thoughts? Should I respond or ignore and move on? Send the stuff back and tell him to throw it away? -- Confused on the West Coast Dear Confused on the West Coast: Instead of being confused, I would feel more relieved to be out of a relationship with him. His actions are so cold and unemotional. Its one thing to be a total louse to your girlfriend, but to do that to your daughter is awful! Right then and there were the red flags that this guy has serious problems. Run a hundred miles from this guy. I really feel for the daughter more than you. You can get a new boyfriend or husband and eventually feel the love from a loving and more considerate relationship. But his poor daughter only gets one dad, and he is a terrible one. As for what to do with the stuff, do what makes you feel as far finished with him as possible. The only contact I might have with him is to point out how cold and cruel he was to his daughter and how now he is doing the same thing to you, but dont allow him to bring you back into his life. You are very fortunate -- good riddance. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM In this photo illustration, Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 (L) and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines fill their syringes at Borinquen Health Care Center on May 29, 2025 in Miami, Florida. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Hawaii is joining Oregon, Washington and California in a new health partnership aimed at keeping vaccine policy rooted in science rather than politics. The announcement comes a day after the three West Coast governors launched the alliance to create their own vaccine playbook independent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The governors argue the federal agency has become politicized and say vaccine decisions should be guided by science and trusted medical experts. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, an emergency room physician who became governor in 2022, said joining the alliance would help give islands residents consistent vaccine guidance. Hawaiis addition broadens the reach of the alliance beyond the mainland. The governors say the coalition will collaborate on best practices and provide science-based recommendations for their residents. The move comes as the Food and Drug Administration cleared updated COVID-19 shots with tighter limits on whos eligible. The CDCs vaccine advisory committee has yet to weigh in, leading to confusion over who can get vaccinated, whether insurance will pay and how pharmacies can legally provide the vaccine. A relative carries the body of Palestinian child Muath Al-Basus, who was killed in an Israeli military strike, during his funeral outside Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. AP DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip More than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed in the nearly two-year war in the Gaza Strip, local health officials said Thursday, as Hamas and Israel reiterated their incompatible demands for ending the fighting sparked by the militant groups 2023 attack. Israeli strikes killed 28 people, mostly women and children, overnight and into Thursday, according to hospitals, as Israel pressed ahead with its offensive in famine-stricken Gaza City. Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, the military spokesman, said Israeli forces control 40% of the city and that the operation would expand in the coming days. In the occupied West Bank, Israelis established a new settlement in a Palestinian city, according to an anti-settlement monitoring group. The latest strikes came as Israeli troops were operating in parts of Gaza City with plans to take over all of it. The most populous Palestinian city is home to around a million people many of whom have already been displaced multiple times. Shifa Hospital in Gaza City received 25 bodies, including nine children and six women, after Israeli strikes hit tents housing displaced people, according to hospital records. Among those killed was a 10-day-old baby. Another three people were killed in southern Gaza, according to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Maha Afana said the strikes woke her up in the middle of the night as she slept in a tent in Gaza City with her children. When she checked on them she found the bodies of her son and daughter, drenched with blood. I started screaming, she said. Associated Press footage of the aftermath showed charred tents and debris. The sound of further Israeli bombardment echoed in the background. What did those children do to the state of Israel? They didnt carry a knife or artillery. They were just sleeping, said Hayam Basous, who lost a relative in the strike. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which says it only targets militants and tries to avoid harming civilians. It blames civilian deaths on Hamas, saying militants are entrenched in densely-populated areas. Death toll rises Gazas Health Ministry said that 64,231 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war. The latest update includes around 400 who were presumed missing but whose deaths it says have been confirmed. The ministry doesnt say how many of those killed in the war were militants or civilians. It says women and children make up around half the dead. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. Its figures are seen as a reliable estimate of wartime deaths by U.N. agencies and many independent experts. Israel has disputed them without providing its own toll. Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in their attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Most have since been released in ceasefires or other agreements. No visible progress in ceasefire efforts Hamas released a statement late Wednesday saying that it was open to returning all 48 hostages it still holds around 20 of them believed by Israel to be alive in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all of Gaza, the opening of border crossings and a start to the daunting challenge of rebuilding Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office dismissed the offer as spin and said that the war would continue until all the hostages are returned, Hamas is disarmed and Israel has full security control of the territory, with civilian administration delegated to others. Talks on a temporary ceasefire that would have seen some of the hostages returned broke down last month when U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff walked away, blaming Hamas. The militant group later accepted a proposal that Hamas and Arab mediators said was almost identical to an earlier one accepted by Israel, but theres been no public indication that talks have resumed. Israel and the U.S. have recently hinted at pursuing a comprehensive deal in which all the remaining hostages would be released at once. New settlement in West Bank city An anti-settlement watchdog group said Israelis have established a new settlement in the heart of the Palestinian city of Hebron, in the occupied West Bank. Peace Now says the government-backed settlers took over a building on a main thoroughfare used by Palestinians to access the Old City, where hundreds of hardline settlers already live in a decades-old settlement guarded by Israeli troops adjacent to Palestinian homes. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli government. Hebrons Old City is home to a major holy site revered by Jews and Muslims, where the biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and their wives, are believed to be buried. It has often been the scene of Israeli-Palestinian violence. Israel captured the West Bank, along with Gaza and east Jerusalem, in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians want all three territories for a future state and along with most of the international community view settlements as illegal and an obstacle to peace. The goal of establishing a settlement in the heart of Hebrons casbah is to seize new areas of the city and displace Palestinians from them, similar to what was done in the city center around the existing settlements, Peace Now said. The settlement in Hebron is the ugliest face of Israeli control in the territories. Nowhere else in the West Bank is apartheid so blatant, it said. By WAFAA SHURAFA, KAREEM CHEHAYEB and JULIA FRANKEL Associated Press Kareem Chehayeb reported from Beirut and Frankel from Jerusalem. Associated Press writer Fatma Khaled in Cairo contributed. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio boards his plane at Felipe Angeles International Airport in Zumpango, on the outskirts of Mexico City, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, en route to Ecuador. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool WASHINGTON President Donald Trump on Wednesday justified the lethal military strike that his administration said was carried out a day earlier against a Venezuelan gang as a necessary effort by the United States to send an unmistakable message to Latin American cartels. Asked why the military did not instead interdict the vessel and capture those on board, Trump said the operation would cause drug smugglers to think twice about trying to move drugs into the U.S. There was massive amounts of drugs coming into our country to kill a lot of people, and everybody fully understands that, Trump said while hosting Polish President Karol Nawrocki at the White House. He added, Obviously, they wont be doing it again. And I think a lot of other people wont be doing it again. When they watch that tape, theyre going to say, Lets not do this. Tuesdays strike was an astonishing departure from typical U.S. drug interdiction efforts at a time when Trump has ordered a major Navy buildup in the waters near Venezuela. Later Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that such operations will happen again. Rubio said previous U.S. interdiction efforts in Latin America have not worked in stemming the flow of illicit drugs into the United States and beyond. What will stop them is when you blow them up, when you get rid of them, Rubio said on a visit to Mexico. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Fox & Friends that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was running his country as a kingpin of a drug narco-state. Hegseth said officials knew exactly who was in that boat and exactly what they were doing. But the Republican administration has not presented any evidence supporting Trumps claim that operators of the vessel were from the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and were trying to smuggle in drugs. President Trump is willing to go on offense in ways that others have not seen, said Hegseth, who declined to detail how the strike was carried out. Venezuelas government, which has long minimized the presence of Tren de Aragua in the South American country, limited its reaction to the strike to questioning the veracity of a video publicized by the Trump administration showing the attack. Communications Minister Freddy Nanez suggested it was created using artificial intelligence and described it as an almost cartoonish animation, rather than a realistic depiction of an explosion. Hegseth responded that the strike was definitely not artificial intelligence, adding he watched live footage from Washington as the strike was carried out. Trump and administration officials have repeatedly blamed the gang for being at the root of the violence and illicit drug dealing that plague some American cities. The president on Tuesday repeated his claim contradicted by a declassified U.S. intelligence assessment that Tren de Aragua is operating under Maduros control. In announcing the strike, Trump said the operation, which he said killed 11, was carried out in international waters. He also noted that the gang is designated by the U.S. government as a foreign terrorist organization. Unlike its counterparts from Colombia, Brazil and Central America, Tren de Aragua has no large-scale involvement in smuggling cocaine across international borders, according to InSight Crime, which last month published a 64-page report on the gang based on two years of research. Weve found no direct participation of TdA in the transnational drug trade, although there are cases of them acting as subcontractors for other drug trafficking organizations, said Jeremy McDermott, a Colombia-based co-founder of InSight Crime, referring to the Venezuelan gang by its initials. Still, with affiliated cells spread across Latin America, it would not be a huge leap for Tren de Aragua to one day delve deeper into the drug trade, he said. Meanwhile, the rhetoric from officials in Washington who would blame TdA as a proxy for all Venezuelan drug traffickers assures it will remain a target of intense U.S. government focus. It is almost impossible today to determine who is TdA and who is not, said McDermott. Deportations and statements from the United States suggest that TdA is now being used as a catch-all description for Venezuelan criminals acting abroad. Some international warfare experts are questioning the legality of the strike. Intentional killing outside armed conflict hostilities is unlawful unless it is to save a life immediately, said Mary Ellen OConnell, an expert on international law and the use of force at the University of Notre Dame Law School. No hostilities were occurring in the Caribbean. Hegseth was opaque in his comments on Fox about whether Trump was looking to press for regime change in Venezuela. Well, thats a presidential decision, Hegseth said. He added that anyone would prefer that Maduro would just give himself up. But thats a presidential-level decision. The U.S. announced plans last month to boost its maritime force in the waters off Venezuela to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels. 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. Ryan Berg, director of the Americas program at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Tuesdays strike clearly shows governments in the region, not only Maduro, the paradigm shift brought on by the U.S. decision to declare Tren de Aragua and Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This is a United States that sees security differently, Berg said. Theyve just demonstrated the ability to use deadly force in the Western Hemisphere, and theyve already told Mexico that theyre going to do the same thing on Mexican territory if they dont get the level of cooperation that they want. The U.S. has a complicated legacy of sticking its hand in Latin American affairs, and American military interventions particularly during the Cold War played a major part in destabilizing governments and paving the way for coups in Guatemala, Chile and a number of Central American nations, which still grapple with the sometimes violent fallout. In recent years, the U.S. has taken a a more subtle approach, providing foreign assistance to many countries and security forces, but not making direct strikes like what was seen in Caribbean waters. Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations Juan Ramon de la Fuente, who met with Rubio on Wednesday, underscored the importance of the Trump administration to operate in the region without subordination of other governments and respecting sovereignty of allies. By AAMER MADHANI, MATTHEW LEE and FARNOUSH AMIRI/The Associated Press Lee reported from Mexico City. AP writer Regina Garcia Cano and Megan Janetsky in Mexico City and Joshua Goodman in Miami contributed reporting. As Portland Public Schools parents and PPS board members, a recent exchange in the Oregonian/OregonLive opinion pages caught our attention. We were lifted up by a piece from Oregon PTA Vice President Robin Roemer, who called it as we see it when it comes to our public schools, (Opinion: Oregon has lost sight of what a quality education means, Aug. 17). In the wake of a series of ballot measures over 30 years ago, districts across the state made hard financial decisions such as deferring maintenance so that they could at least fund the basics. Sometimes, not even the basics get funding - any public school parent can tell you that. But Oregons leaders continue to point to historic investments in education while failing to account for the recent rise in the cost of doing business. So we were disappointed to see the Fund for PPS Board Chair Christine Pitts letter to the editor in response to Roemer, evoking George W. Bushs famous quote about the soft bigotry of low expectations in an attempt to counter Roemers argument, (Readers respond: Education funding doesnt mean quality, Aug. 24). Pitts seemed to imply that schools dont need more resources. On a first week of school in which we heard from too many families about too-hot schools and too-full classrooms - direct results of chronic underfunding- we feel compelled to speak up. We can want full funding for our schools and have high expectations for our kids and our educators. It should not be a debate, but an all-hands-on-deck reckoning. Oregons schools are in literal and figurative disrepair, and its past time to work together to rebuild them. Rashelle Chase-Miller, Portland Christy Splitt, Portland Chase-Miller and Splitt represent Zone 4 and Zone 1, respectively, on the Portland Public Schools Board of Education. To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. Florida plans to become the first state to eliminate vaccine mandates, a longtime cornerstone of public health policy for keeping schoolchildren and adults safe from infectious diseases. State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, who announced the decision Wednesday, cast current requirements in schools and elsewhere as immoral intrusions on peoples rights that hamper parents ability to make health decisions for their children. People have a right to make their own decisions, informed decisions, Ladapo, who has frequently clashed with the medical establishment, said at a news conference in Valrico. They dont have the right to tell you what to put in your body. Take it away from them. Floridas move, a significant departure from decades of public policy and research that has shown vaccines to be safe and the most effective way to stop the spread of communicable diseases, especially among schoolchildren, is a notable embrace of the Trump administrations public health agenda led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist. Dr. Rana Alissa, chair of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said removing vaccines puts students and school staff at greater risk. When everyone in a school is vaccinated, it is harder for diseases to spread and easier for everyone to continue learning and having fun, Alissa said in an email. When children are sick and miss school, caregivers also miss work, which not only impacts those families but also the local economy. Democratic state Rep. Anna Eskamani, who is running for Orlando mayor, said in a social media post that scrapping vaccines is reckless and dangerous and could cause outbreaks of preventable disease. This is a public health disaster in the making for the Sunshine State, Eskamani said on the social platform X. Amid turmoil at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fueled by Kennedys extensive restructuring and downsizing, the Democratic governors of Oregon, Washington and California announced Wednesday that they had created an alliance to safeguard health policies, contending that the administration is politicizing public health decisions. The partnership plans to coordinate health guidelines by aligning immunization plans based on recommendations from respected national medical organizations, according to a joint statement from Gov. Tina Kotek of Oregon, Gov. Bob Ferguson of Washington and Gov. Gavin Newsom of California. Vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives globally over the past 50 years, the World Health Organization reported in 2024. The majority of those were infants and children. Vaccines are among the most powerful inventions in history, making once-feared diseases preventable, said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general. In Florida, vaccine mandates for child day care facilities and public schools include shots for measles, chickenpox, hepatitis B, diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis, polio and other diseases, according to the state Health Departments website. Ladapo didnt give a timeline for the changes but said the department can scrap its own rules for some vaccine mandates, though others would require action by the Florida Legislature. He did not specify any particular vaccines but repeated several times that the effort would end all of them. Every last one of them. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Democrat whose district is in the Tampa Bay area, said in a statement that immunizations are key to a long, healthy life free from serious illnesses. This misguided announcement likely will raise costs and complicate easy access. Under Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida resisted imposing COVID vaccines on schoolchildren during the pandemic, requiring passports for places that draw crowds, school closures and mandates that workers get the shots to keep their jobs. I dont think theres another state thats done as much as Florida. We want to stay ahead of the curve, the governor said. DeSantis also announced the creation of a state Make America Healthy Again commission Wednesday modeled after similar initiatives that Kennedy established at the federal level. The commission would look into such things as allowing informed consent in medical matters, promoting safe and nutritious food, boosting parental rights in medical decisions about their children and eliminating medical orthodoxy that is not supported by the data, DeSantis said. The commission will be chaired by Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and Florida first lady Casey DeSantis. The commissions work will help inform a large medical freedom package to be introduced in the Legislature next session, which would address the vaccine mandates required by state law and make permanent the recent state COVID decisions relaxing restrictions, DeSantis said. --By CURT ANDERSON/The Associated Press Lets work together by volunteering and donating, and prove the administrations heavy-handed tactics are not needed in our city, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said Wednesday. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian Portland Mayor Keith Wilson asked residents Wednesday to donate their time and money to his newly launched homeless shelters, suggesting stark consequences for the city should it fail to tame the crisis on its streets. The unusual solicitation, which went to the more than 17,000 recipients on the mayors City Hall email list, also raised the specter of an intervention by President Donald Trumps administration. Recent events in Washington, D.C. show us what will happen to Portland if we dont move with speed, purpose, and compassion to address the humanitarian crisis on our streets, Wilson wrote, adding, the federal administration deploys bulldozers and mass arrests by masked agents; the opposite of our outreach worker and emergency shelter strategy. Lets work together by volunteering and donating, and prove the administrations heavy-handed tactics are not needed in our city, the mayor continued. Wilson provided a link to a nine-page prospectus that outlines gifts and services that people can give to the various nonprofits running homeless services for the city. The first slide lists needs at the citys new Old Town day center, which opened Wednesday with few promised services, according to reporting by KATU. The day center, run by nonprofit homeless services provider Urban Alchemy, is meant to serve as a safe location for overnight-only shelter guests to spend the day and receive services. According to the slides, the center is in need of picnic tables, fitness equipment and cornhole sets as well as clothing, hygiene supplies and food. The city is also hoping to connect volunteers to the nonprofits that run shelters and provide outreach to homeless people. The slides list needed skills, including people able to provide hair cuts, resume writing tutorials, veterinary services and a long list of other services. Major giving opportunities, are listed on slide five and include shower trucks, commercial grade appliances and laptops. Listed as an urgent need is the purchase of $12,500 in worship chairs to replace pews in a church as a way to make those locations more easily convertible to overnight-only shelters. The city has opened five overnight-only shelters since Wilson took office in January. The most recent a 200-bed facility in the Pearl District opened on Tuesday night. Wilsons request was a first for the citys shelter services program, according to Bryan Aptekar, a senior program manager on the homeless response team who is listed as the primary contact for anyone wishing to donate their time or money. Its been less than an hour (since the email went out) and Ive had a dozen calls and emails already, Aptekar told The Oregonian/OregonLive during an interview Wednesday afternoon. We wanted to provide a connection between those that are asking (how they can help) and those (nonprofits) that are providing services. Aptekar said he worked in the Parks Bureau for years, where asking for volunteerism was far more common. Its exciting, Aptekar said. Three more emails have come in since weve been talking. Taylor Zajonc, Wilsons deputy chief of staff, said Wilsons request is part of an ongoing push by the mayor to have more Portland residents help with addressing some of the citys ongoing challenges, whether thats picking up litter in their neighborhoods or volunteering with the Parks Bureau. In this case, were acting primarily as a switch board, Zajonc said. The city of Portland is not accepting any kinds of donations directly but trying to connect people to nonprofit providers. Asked about the mayors decision to mention the risk of a federal crackdown on Portland, Zajonc said it was important to draw an extremely clear distinction between the mayor and the president when it came to their differing approaches to homelessness. We want to make sure its very clear that its two different mentalities at work, Zajonc said. -- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh covers Portland city government and politics, with a focus on accountability and watchdog reporting. Reach him at 503-294-7632 or skavanaugh@oregonian.com. -- Lillian Mongeau Hughes covers homelessness and mental health for The Oregonian. Email her with tips or questions at lmhughes@oregonian.com. Or follow her on Bluesky @lmonghughes.bsky.social or X at @lrmongeau. Russian propaganda has intensified a long-standing disinformation campaign about alleged "black transplantology" in Ukraine, the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) has said. "Since 2014, Russia has been spreading such allegations, there is no evidence of "black transplantology" in Ukraine, and all Russian statements are based solely on manipulation and conspiracy theories," the center noted. Recently, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in an interview with propagandists that Ukraine has "weakened laws on organ transplantation" since 2022 and compared the situation to the Balkans in the 1990s, when "black transplantology spread throughout Europe." In addition, Zakharova claimed that Ukraine has allegedly become a "donor of soil for the West, which can simply be exported or used to grow GMO-contaminated cereals." According to the Central Intelligence Agency, the Russian Federation's goal is to discredit the Ukrainian medical system and state, undermine trust in international humanitarian organizations, and divert attention from the war crimes of the Russian army. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears before the Senate Finance Committee, on Capitol Hill Thursday. Mark Schiefelbein / Associated Press U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told a Senate committee on Thursday that Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leaders who left the agency last week deserved to be fired. He criticized CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic tied to lockdowns and masking policies, and claimed wrongly that they failed to do anything about the disease itself. The people who at CDC who oversaw that process, who put masks on our children, who closed our schools, are the people who will be leaving, Kennedy said. He later said they deserved to be fired for not doing enough to control chronic disease. The Senate Finance Committee called Kennedy to a hearing about his plans to Make America Healthy Again, but Democratic U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon said Kennedy was lying when he said he had the support of U.S. doctors. He said Kennedy had stacked the deck of a vaccines committee, replacing scientists with skeptics and conspiracy theorists. Last week, when the Trump administration fired the CDCs director less than a month into her tenure. Several top CDC leaders resigned in protect, leaving the agency in turmoil. The ousted director, Susan Monarez, wrote in The Wall Street Journal on Thursday that Kennedy was trying to weaken public health protections. I was told to preapprove the recommendations of a vaccine advisory panel newly filled with people who have publicly expressed antivaccine rhetoric, Monarez wrote. It is imperative that the panels recommendations arent rubber-stamped but instead are rigorously and scientifically reviewed before being accepted or rejected. Kennedy told senators he didnt make such an ultimatum. Republicans including Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician and vaccines supporter, are also likely to press Kennedy. Asked if he has confidence in the health secretary, North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican on the committee, said he wants to hear from Kennedy in person. Hes got to reconcile what he said during his confirmation process with what weve seen over the past few months, particularly on vaccine policy, Tillis said. In May, Kennedy a longtime leader in the anti-vaccine movement announced COVID-19 vaccines would no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, a move opposed by medical and public health groups. In June, he abruptly a panel of experts that had been advising the government on vaccine policy. He replaced them with a handpicked group that included several vaccine skeptics, and then shut the door to several doctors groups that had long helped form the committees recommendations. A number of medical groups say Kennedy cant be counted on to make decisions based on robust medical evidence. In a statement Wednesday, the Infectious Diseases Society of America and 20 other medical and public health organizations issued a joint statement calling on Kennedy to resign. Our country needs leadership that will promote open, honest dialogue, not disregard decades of lifesaving science, spread misinformation, reverse medical progress and decimate programs that keep us safe, the statement said. Many of the nations leading public health and medical societies, including the American Medical Association, American Public Health Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have decried Kennedys policies and warn they will drive up rates of vaccine-preventable diseases. -- Matt Brown and Mike Stobbe, The Associated Press Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahoma higher education officials on Thursday voted to revoke a policy that allowed some immigrant students lacking legal status to pay in-state tuition at state colleges and universities in limited circumstances. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education were previously permitted by state law to do so, but a federal judge on Friday ruled the Oklahoma law is unconstitutional and violates the Supremacy Clause. The U.S. Department of Justice sued Oklahoma over the statute last month and argued the measure extended eligibility for in-state tuition to some immigrants while not extending that treatment to U.S. citizens in other states. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a motion in support of the lawsuit. 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 policy change is predicted to affect around 400 students attending Oklahomas public colleges and universities, said Chancellor Sean Burrage. The change is effective immediately. The State Regents are interpreting the order to mean that students who have already enrolled in classes and paid in-state tuition before Fridays order will not have to pay non-resident tuition, he said. Its my understanding that all the institutions have been in constant communication with the students that attend that institution, Burrage said. Oklahoma was one of 23 states and Washington D.C. that offered in-state tuition and financial aid benefits for some students without permanent legal residency status, according to an analysis by the Higher Education Portal, which is a platform for data, resources and policy analysis regarding immigrant student populations. Under the now-defunct law, Oklahomas public colleges and universities were allowed to offer in-state tuition to anyone who graduates high school in the state and resides in Oklahoma for at least two years prior to graduation. The lawsuit argued this included undocumented immigrants. Oklahoma Voice is an affiliate of States Newsroom, a nation 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donations focused on delivering state government news. The Voice maintains full editorial independence. For more stories by Oklahoma Voice go to oklahomavoice.com. The Verkhovna Rada has resumed online broadcasts of plenary sessions. Some 266 MPs voted for the relevant draft resolution No. 13719 on the resumption of online broadcasts of plenary sessions at the plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada on Thursday. According to the resolution, live broadcasts of open plenary sessions of the Verkhovna Rada are carried out by the state enterprise Parliamentary TV Channel Rada. The resolution also cancels the one-hour moratorium after the end of the plenary session on news from the parliament, which has existed since the beginning of the establishment of martial law in connection with Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine - February 24, 2022. The online broadcast of the Verkhovna Rada session is hosted on YouTube by MP Oleksiy Honcharenko (European Solidarity faction). Flights from Harrisburg International Airport to Miami are coming back. Earlier this year, American Airlines offered flights to Miami on Saturdays for six weeks during the spring break season. Next year, the airline is expanding its offerings and will offer nonstop flights from HIA to Miami every Saturday from Jan. 10 to April 4. Flights will depart HIA in Lower Swatara Township at 7 a.m. and arrive in Miami at 10:15 a.m. Return flights will depart Miami at 8:30 p.m. and arrive at HIA at 11:59 p.m. American Airlines also offers nonstop flights from HIA to Boston, Chicago, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Dallas. The airport also announced the opening of a new restaurant. Yuengling 1829 Bar & Grill is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving wings, nachos, pretzels, omelets, salads, burgers, salmon, and grilled cheese, among other offerings. The bar also offers six varieties of Yuengling, beers on tap, bottles and cans, as well as cocktails, mocktails, and wine. The restaurant is located beyond the TSA security checkpoint and is available to arriving and departing passengers only. U.S. Marshals this week arrested a 21-year-old Dauphin County man who was wanted for running a stop sign and causing a crash that killed a 47-year-old man earlier this summer. Federal agents on Sept. 2 arrested Carlos Jose Tarrle Cruz, of Steelton, along the 1100 block of North 4th Street in Harrisburg, police said. On July 1, Cruz was driving his Honda Pilot south at an extremely high rate of speed on North 2nd Street in Steelton when he failed to yield to a stop sign and struck Matthew Randolphs eastbound Ford F-150 on Lincoln Street. The impact ejected Randolph from the truck, leaving him dead at the scene. The Dauphin County Coroners Office said he died from multiple traumatic injuries and labeled the death an accident. Cruz and his girlfriend, who was a passenger, abandoned the Honda Pilot and fled the area after the crash. Cruz is charged with two felonies, accidents involving death or personal injury and homicide by vehicle, in addition to driving without a license, driving an unregistered vehicle and three other offenses. Cruz is incarcerated in the Dauphin County Prison after being unable to post his $1.5 million bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 16. Randolph is survived by his partner and three children, including a newborn son, and other family members. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and scrapping metal, and took great pride in his lawn care, according to his obituary. A contestant search for "Wheel of Fortune" will be held in Philadelphia this September. (Sony Pictures Television/TNS) TNS Have you ever wanted to test your luck on one of Americas favorite game shows? This may be your chance. Wheel of Fortune is coming to Philadelphia to search for contestants for the long-running series. Interested parties who are 21 or older are invited to The Event Center at Rivers Philadelphia, located at 1001 N. Delaware Ave., on Sept. 18 and 19. Hours for both days are 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and aspiring contestants may begin lining up at 10 a.m. on those days. There is no cost for admittance, and attendees may have the opportunity to win prizes at the search events. Attendees also have the chance to win fun prizes, and there is no cost for admission. Parking at Rivers is free, and a free shuttle will be running to and from the the main entrance and Riversuites at The Battery, the Rivers boutique hotel. The Wheel of Fortune fan base in and around Philadelphia is incredible, and were excited to tap into that passion to find future contestants, said Bellamie Blackstone, executive producer for Wheel of Fortune, in a press release. We hope the fans bring some of that famous Philly spirit to the event so we can welcome those loyal Wheel Watchers in our studio to spin the Wheel! For more information, visit the official Wheel of Fortune website here. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron, arrive to attend a summit on Ukraine at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP) AP KYIV, Ukraine (AP) French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that 26 of Ukraines allies have pledged to deploy troops as a reassurance force for the war-torn country once fighting ends in the conflict with Russia. Macron spoke after a meeting in Paris of the so-called coalition of the willing, a group of 35 countries who support Ukraine. He said that 26 of the countries had committed to deploying troops in Ukraine or to maintaining a presence on land, at sea, or in the air to help guarantee the countrys security the day after a ceasefire or peace is achieved. Earlier Thursday, Macron and other European leaders met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the U.S. envoy for peace talks, Steve Witkoff, to discuss ways of ensuring long-term military support and continued American backing for Ukraine once the conflict ends. Zelenskyy also held a closed-door meeting with Witkoff. Macron said at a news conference alongside Zelenskyy that the reassurance force does not have the will or the objective of waging war against Russia, but will aim to prevent any new major aggression and to involve the 26 states very clearly in the lasting security of Ukraine. Macron and Zelenskyy say US backs the plan Though details of any U.S. participation in the security guarantees remain unclear, both Macron and Zelenskyy said Washington had expressed willingness to be part of the plan, and the Ukrainian president said he was grateful about that. As for in what format, I am not yet ready to tell you in detail, Zelenskyy added. The planning work will be finalized with the United States, Macron said. Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who lead the coalition of the willing, previously have insisted that any European reassurance force in Ukraine needs the backing of the United States. The European leaders some of whom joined the meeting virtually said Russian President Vladimir Putin must now work toward ending the fighting, and the German government suggested European sanctions on Russia would increase if Moscow drags its feet. The European leaders also spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump after their meeting. Starmers office said the British prime minister emphasized that the group had an unbreakable pledge to Ukraine, with President Trumps backing, and it was clear they now needed to go even further to apply pressure on Putin to secure a cessation of hostilities. Trump phone call Finnish President Alexander Stubb told Finnish media that, in the phone conversation with European leaders, Trump emphasized the need to put economic pressure on Russia, and said Europe must stop buying Russian oil and gas that he said was funding the war. Trump stressed that Russia received 1.1 billion in fuel sales from the EU in one year, according to a White House official. Trump also emphasized that European leaders must place economic pressure on China for indirectly funding Russias war efforts, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly about the private talks and spoke on the condition of anonymity. German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz laid out three areas of action, including working toward a summit that would include Zelenskyy, and a ceasefire must be agreed there. If the Russian side continues to play for time, Europe will increase the pressure of sanctions to increase the chances of a diplomatic solution, the statement said. The Ukrainian president said a meeting with Putin is needed. This is not a matter of a desire, this is a matter of necessity, Zelenskyy said. We support any format, bilateral meeting, trilateral meeting, I believe that Russia does everything to defer it. Positive signals In a policy shift earlier this month, the U.S. sent positive signals over its readiness to support security guarantees for Ukraine that resemble NATOs collective defense mandate, Zelenskyy previously has said. It is unclear what that support would look like in practice. Ukraine is hoping for continued U.S. intelligence sharing and air support. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said that a broad coalition of nations is needed to support Ukraines defense against Russian aggression, but also to strengthen Europe to deter further military action by Moscow. Citing European military and intelligence officials who have warned of Russian plans to strike other European countries, Rutte said that we have to make sure that our deterrence is such that they will never try, knowing that our reaction will be devastating. Rutte also called for the world to not be naive about Russia. We know what Putin tries to do and and the evidence is there in Ukraine as we speak, he said. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Russia fired 112 strike and decoy drones across the country overnight Thursday, according to Ukraines Air Force morning report. Air defenses intercepted or jammed 84 drones, the statement said. Russia on Thursday announced that it was expelling an Estonian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move after Estonia declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata last month. LOCUST GROVE, Ga. (AP) Police in an Atlanta suburb say they shot and killed a man inside a burning house early Thursday, then found a woman dead with burns and rescued two other adults and a child who were inside a bedroom. Officers responded around 3:40 a.m. to a report of a house fire with people trapped inside, said Locust Grove Police Chief Derrick Austin. They broke through the back door and found a man wielding a large knife. The man refused commands to drop the knife, police said, before officers fired a Taser and a bean bag shotgun, which were both ineffective. Finally, they reverted to their firearm for lethal force, and the suspect was shot by the Locust Grove officers, Austin told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The man died at the scene. Officers found the woman dead with burns in an upstairs bedroom that was on fire, Austin said. Its not clear what caused her death. Officers found the three others, who had locked themselves in a second bedroom. Police escorted them safely outside. Officials are investigating what caused the fire. We assume its arson, but we dont know, Austin said. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the two deceased as Stefan Lee, 29, and Jazzlyn Philips, 26, both of Locust Grove. No information about their connection or others in the home has been released. No officers were injured. Firefighters put out the fire. With a mostly empty gallery, Texas senators debate a bill that would add new abortion restrictions, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) AP By GEOFF MULVIHILL, The Associated Press Texas lawmakers on Wednesday approved letting private citizens sue abortion pill manufacturers, doctors and anyone who mails the medication, setting the state up to be the first to try to crack down on the most common abortion method. The law would be the first of its kind in the U.S. and add another layer of abortion restrictions in Texas, which has some of the toughest in the country and already bans nearly all abortions. The bill now goes to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, an abortion opponent who is expected to sign it into law. It would take effect in December, though it is nearly certain to spark legal challenges from abortion rights supporters. Supporters of the proposal, which passed a final vote in the GOP-controlled Texas Senate, call it a key tool to enforce the states ban and protect women and fetuses. Opponents see it as not only another way to rein in abortion but intimidate providers outside Texas who are complying with the laws in their states. They also say it would encourage a form of vigilantism. The measure would empower citizens to provide enforcement Under the measure, Texas residents could sue those who manufacture, transport or provide abortion-inducing drugs to anyone in Texas for up to $100,000. Women who receive the pills for their own use would not be liable. Under the bill, providers could be ordered to pay $100,000. But only the pregnant woman, the man who impregnated her or other close relatives could collect the entire amount. Anyone else who sues could receive only $10,000, with the remaining $90,000 going to charity. Lawmakers also added language to address worries that women would be turned in for seeking to end pregnancies by men who raped them or abusive partners. For instance, a man who impregnated a woman through sexual assault would not be eligible. The measure has provisions that bar making public the identity or medical details about a woman who receives the pills. It wasnt until those provisions were added, along with the limit of a $10,000 payment for people who arent themselves injured by the abortion, that several major Texas anti-abortion groups backed the bill. Texas state Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, left, Adam Hinojosa, R-Corpus Christi, center, and Brent Hagenbuch, R-Denton, right, pray with other senators as they prepare to debate a bills including one that would add new abortion restrictions, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) AP Texas Right to Life, one of the states most prominent anti-abortion groups, called it the strongest pro-life law in the country. This trend is killing tens of thousands of babies a year and harming their mothers, but today, our law became a blueprint for the rest of the country, said John Seago, the groups president. The idea of using citizens rather than government officials to enforce abortion bans is not new in Texas. It was at the heart of 2021 law that curtailed abortion there months before the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for other state bans to take effect. In the earlier law, citizens could collect $10,000 for bringing a successful lawsuit against a provider or anyone who helps someone obtain an abortion. But that measure didnt explicitly seek to go after out-of-state providers. It is an attempt to turn a Texas abortion ban into a nationwide abortion ban, Democratic state Sen. Carol Alvarado said before the bill cleared a final vote. If California or New York tried to impose their gun laws or climate policies on Texas, this legislature would be outraged. Abortion pills have proliferated, even where theyre banned Pills are a tricky topic for abortion opponents. They were the most common abortion method in the U.S. even before the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed states to enforce abortion bans. Theyve become even more widely used since then. Their availability is a key reason that the number of abortions has risen nationally, even though Texas and 11 other states are enforcing bans on abortion in all stages of pregnancy. The pills have continued to flow partly because at least eight Democratic-led states have enacted laws that seek to protect medical providers from legal consequences when they use telehealth to prescribe the pills to women who are in states where abortion is illegal. Texas is already in legal fights over shield laws and abortion pills Earlier this year a Texas judge ordered a New York doctor to pay more than $100,000 in penalties for providing abortion pills to a Dallas-area woman. The same provider, Dr. Maggie Carpenter, faces criminal charges from a Louisiana prosecutor for similar allegations. New York officials are invoking their states shield laws to block the extradition of Carpenter and to refuse to file the civil judgment. If higher courts side with Louisiana or Texas officials, it could damage the shield laws. Texas state Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, speaks against a bill that would add new abortion restrictions, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) AP Meanwhile, the attorneys general of Texas and Florida are seeking to join Idaho, Kansas, and Missouri in an effort to get courts to roll back U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals for mifepristone, one of the drugs usually used in combination for medication abortions, contending that there are safety concerns. They say it needs tighter controls because of those concerns. If the states are successful, its possible the drug could be distributed only in-person and not by telehealth. Major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, say the drug is safe. As President Donald Trump continues his battle to yank funding from universities, Pennsylvanias senators sent letters to five of the states largest colleges urging them to commit resources to combatting antisemitism on their campuses. Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat, and Sen. Dave McCormick, a Republican, announced Wednesday they wrote to each college president, as a leader of a Pennsylvania university with a large Jewish student population, to commit to ensuring Jewish institutions on your campus are equipped to protect the students they serve. The letters were issued to the presidents of Penn State, Temple University, the University of Pittsburgh, Lehigh University, and University of Pennsylvania schools that enroll Pennsylvanias highest numbers of Jewish students, according to the Senators news release. Two of those schools Lehigh and Temple were identified in March by Trumps education secretary, Linda McMahon, as being under investigation for alleged antisemitic harassment and discrimination. The announcements led to fears that Trump would use accusations of antisemitism as a pretext to target universities that are politically misaligned with him. A total of 60 schools nationwide received letters from McMahon warning them of potential enforcement actions if they do not fulfill their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to protect Jewish students on campus, according to the education department. Trump has withheld billions of dollars in federal research and grant funding from universities for various perceived transgressions. Of the schools named in McMahons antisemitism investigation, at least two Columbia and UCLA have reached settlements to restore their funding, in some cases granting the administration influence over curriculum and hiring. Others, such as Brown and Penn, have also reached agreements with the administration over allegations that they violated Title IX funding rules by allowing transgender athletes to participate in sports. Penn was also at the center of a controversy over alleged antisemitism during pro-Palestinian protests on its campus, and saw the universitys president ousted over the issue. Similar claims were made at many other campuses with regard to students demonstrating against Israels ongoing war in Gaza although the Trump administration did not say what, if any, specific incidents prompted McMahons letters to Lehigh, Temple, and the other schools. In their letters, Fetterman and McCormick wrote that Pennsylvania campuses have been no exception to the alarming rise of antisemitic harassment and violence. Chabad houses have been vandalized, entrances to Hillel buildings have been targeted, and Jewish students have been assaulted. To protect the students and faculty they host, many Jewish institutions have been forced to cover the costs of additional security. The senators did not elaborate on those incidents or say if they had occurred at the five schools that received their letter. PennLive also asked the senators offices if they had reason to expect any type of action from the Trump administration regarding the five schools, but has not received a reply. Most data sets show a rise in reported instances of antisemitism over the past several years. Hate crimes have increased broadly, with a particularly acute rise in anti-Jewish attacks, according to FBI statistics. But for Jewish leaders who are skeptical of Trumps methods, it can be difficult to separate legitimate concerns for the safety of Jewish students with the administrations highly-politicized effort to slash higher education funding. The letter is not wrong: antisemitism is a real problem on campuses, and our schools are taking meaningful steps to address it. I welcome those discussions, state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny County, said in an email. Frankel, along with Gov. Josh Shapiro, is one of Pennsylvanias most outspoken Jewish elected officials. But, Frankel said, it is difficult to take antisemitism concerns from the federal government at face value given Trumps track record, including his appointing federal officials with close ties to figures who have called for violence against Jews. My frustration as a lawmaker and a Jewish person is that so many who recognize the dangers of antisemitism when its in academia fall silent when the antisemitism comes from those who were involved in the January 6 riots or the Presidents circle of conspiracy peddlers, Frankel added. Penn State received the letter and will respond to the Senators directly, said university spokesperson Wyatt DuBois. Penn State shares the Senators view that every student should feel safe and welcome on our campuses, and certainly our Jewish students have our unwavering support, DuBois added, noting that Penn State works closely with Jewish campus groups and has devoted additional university police resources toward protecting the Jewish community. Pitt spokesperson Jared Stonesifer provided a statement from the school saying that Pitt has demonstrated a strong commitment to combating antisemitism through education and training, and takes pride in our deep and long-standing engagement with Jewish student organizations, including on safety measures. Pennsylvania on Wednesday joined a small but growing number of states rolling out efforts to protect access to the COVID vaccine following the reversal of a long-standing vaccine policy by the Trump administration. At the urging of Gov. Josh Shapiro, the State Board of Pharmacy, which provides regulatory oversight to pharmacies, voted to expand access to the vaccine beyond federal recommendations by allowing pharmacies to follow the guidance of several major medical organizations. The approval from the state board means that Pennsylvania pharmacists no longer have to wait for or follow guidelines from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a branch of the Centers for Disease Control that sets national standards on vaccines. The decision comes as the Department of Health and Human Services announced that COVID vaccines would only be recomended for those over 65 and a small group of high-risk individuals. This caused major pharmacies in many states, including Pennsylvania, to hold up administation of the drug and require prescriptions for the first time. The Trump Administrations outrageous decision to limit access to the COVID vaccine is an affront to Pennsylvanians personal freedoms, Shapiro said in a written statement. The governor had called on the State Board of Pharmacy to hold a special meeting to clarify what has fast become a highly confusing public health issue Health care decisions should be up to individuals not the federal government and certainly not RFK Jr., " he said. My administration will continue to protect health care access for all Pennsylvanians. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic and critic, has spearheaded a reversal of vaccine policy across the board. The vote played out against a fast-changing national landscape on vaccine policies. On Wednesday, Floridas surgeon general announced plans to end all state vaccine mandates, including for children to attend schools. If approved, Florida would become the first state to completely withdraw from a decades-long proven practice that has controlled the spread of infectious diseases. At the urging of Gov. Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy on Wednesday voted to follow the guidance of several major medical organizations on vaccine guidance rather than wait for federal guidance from the CDC. AP File Photo/Matt Rourke Meanwhile, Washington, Oregon and California are forming an alliance to issue their own vaccine recommendations. As a result of the state boards vote, pharmacies across the commonwealth will look to the authority of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not yet clear when those medical associations will make recommendations for the broader public. To add to the national confusion, the CDCs advisory board has yet to issue recommendations on the new COVID vaccine; its expected to do so in a few weeks. Up until Wednesdays vote, pharmacies like CVS had to wait for updated COVID guidance in order to provide vaccine shots in Pennsylvania. The state board vote authorizes the pharmacy to dispense prior to the federal board recommendations. The new COVID vaccine has been approved by the FDA. CVS Pharmacy said it will ensure COVID-19 vaccinations are available as soon as possible at locations throughout Pennsylvania. Appointments can be scheduled online via CVS.com, through the CVS Health app, or patients can walk into our pharmacies and clinics, said Sid Tenneti, senior vice president, Retail Pharmacy, CVS Health. All four of the organizations recognized by the state board have endorsed wider availability of the coronavirus vaccine, particularly for people who meet the newly restricted guidelines issued by the FDA. One pharmacy testimonial during the state board meeting attested to having collected requests for the vaccine from more than 2,000 eligible patients, however the vaccines were sitting in fridges awaiting federal guidelines. The hold up comes as a new Covid variant known as XFG or Stratus is spreading across the US. Kids are going back to school now all over the country, said Dr. Timothy Law, chief medical officer and vice president of integrative care delivery at Highmark. Infection rates are up for everything, whether it be mono, the flu and or Covid. The flu hasnt really taken hold yet, but it will over time. But respiratory infections in general are up. The coronavirus has a high mutation rate, so last years vaccine is not likely to have an impact on the new strain. Kennedy fired every member of the federal vaccine advisory board earlier this year. The replacements he selected have yet to make new recommendations. In May, he announced COVID-19 vaccines would no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics is continuing to recommend them for all children in the high risk ages of 6 months to 2 years, running contrary to Kennedys decision. Todays vote brings Pennsylvania in alignment with neighboring states New Jersey and Ohio. Editors Note: This story was updated to clarify the boards vote. A meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Stephen Witkoff, is scheduled in Paris, where they both arrived to participate in a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, an informed source told Interfax-Ukraine. As reported, before the summit of the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine against Russian aggression, US special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Paris, where he is expected to hold talks with the Ukrainian delegation, the ezine Devdiscourse reported earlier, citing diplomatic sources. WILLIAMSPORT A threatening phone call directed at an employee of a suburban Williamsport school district resulted in the early dismissal on Wednesday of middle and high school students. The morning call to the middle school resulted in the secondary campus going on immediate lockdown with state police notified, Loyalsock Twp. ownshipchool Superintendent Gerald McLaughlin said. Out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made to allow parents to pick up their high and middle school children beginning at 1 p.m., he said. Parents were required to stay in their vehicles and to produce identification before they were permitted to pick up their children. Township fire police assisted with traffic control. As there was no threat to Schick Elementary, that school remained on a regular schedule, McLaughlin said. School buses followed the normal schedule. Extracurricular activities for Wednesday were canceled, but all schools will be open Thursday, he said. The nature of the threat was not disclosed. State police referred any requests for additional information to the school district. District Attorney Larry Krasner (right) speaks to members of the media at City Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 31, 2024, following a hearing regarding million dollar cash giveaways to voters by Elon Musk. Billionaire Elon Musk dodged a Philadelphia court hearing on Thursday after asking to move a lawsuit seeking to halt his $1 million giveaways to registered US voters from state to federal court. (Kriston Jae Bethel/AFP via Getty Images/TNS) TNS By Jesse Bunch, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) PHILADELPHIA District Attorney Larry Krasner ramped up his criticism of President Donald Trump during an appearance on CNN Wednesday night in which he denounced plans to send National Guard troops to fight crime in Chicago and other cities and offered Philadelphians advice for what to do should a deployment happen here. He praised Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker for vigorously and so far successfully pushing back on the presidents plan to send federal troops to that Democrat-controlled city and told news anchor Kaitlan Collins during an episode of The Source that Trump always chickens out. To reinforce the point, Philadelphias top prosecutor actually clucked. In light of Trumps troop deployments in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles this summer, Democratic leaders have called the presidents latest proposals both unnecessary and unconstitutional, countering his push by noting statistics showing murders, shootings, robberies and burglaries on a downward trend. This is a lesson to all the major cities, including ours, said Krasner of Chicagos resistance to the Trump plan. Stand up he chickens out. While Trump has suggested sending troops to cities including New York and Baltimore, he has not floated a plan to do so in Philadelphia. (Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday that his administration is prepared for that prospect, however.) Unlike his move to federalize D.C.s police force, Trump would face significant logistical and legal hurdles if he attempted to do so in Philadelphia. Krasner who is seeking a third term as district attorney said that if the National Guard is sent to the city, Philadelphians should use their cellphones to document the troops activity. You bring this, you bring this light, you video what [Trump] is doing in your city, and you make it available on social media, Krasner said. He cannot erase that history. He cannot deny that evidence. Doubling down on that point, Krasner told Collins: You bring the light, and the vampires run away. National Guard troops patrol a wooded area of the National Mall as part of President Donald Trump's order to impose federal law enforcement in the nation's capital, in Washington, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) AP Krasners opponent in the DAs race, former Municipal Court Judge Patrick Dugan, could not be immediately reached for comment. Krasners comments are the latest in his escalating criticism of Trump in his second term. Earlier in August, Krasner joined city religious leaders to decry the presidents federal takeover of D.C.s law enforcement as racist and rooted in fear-mongering while calling on residents to protest those actions. 2025 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Visit at inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Illustration of a megaphone with people hanging out of the opening, holding up signs with red Xs or green check marks. Daniel Fishel / For Spotlight PA Story by Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG An attorney advocated for allowing opioid settlement money to be spent on public defenders. A prevention expert talked about effective strategies for deterring substance misuse in the first place, cautioning against one-time speakers at assemblies. Multiple family members who lost loved ones to a drug overdose shared their personal experiences, and some speakers criticized what they see as secrecy around funding decisions. Heres what we want: full transparency, said Carla Sofronski, executive director of the PA Harm Reduction Network. We want public accountability. Those were some of the comments made at the first public listening session hosted by a powerful Pennsylvania board thats responsible for distributing and overseeing opioid settlement money. The state is estimated to receive about $2 billion over roughly two decades as a result of settlements and litigation with drug companies over their role in the opioid crisis, which kills thousands of people in Pennsylvania each year. A 2022 court order created the Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust, tasking the organization with certain responsibilities for the funds. The trust board can withhold funding from counties and other local governments if its officials decide they spent the money inappropriately a power that has led to big disagreements. Three years after forming, and facing criticism over secret meetings and actions that shut the public out of the process, the trust board held its first public listening session in August. But some family members and advocates are calling for more changes to its processes, including public comment at regular meetings, greater transparency before decisions are made, and more power in the hands of people directly affected by the epidemic. Im hoping that they took what we said and they learn from the past mistakes, and that they make the changes necessary to include the public more often, said Kathy Strain, a Berks County resident and advocate who has lost more than one family member to an opioid overdose. Heres what you need to know about this first public listening session. Why did the trust host the listening session now? Across the country, state opioid councils hold great power over these settlement decisions. But a Spotlight PA and KFF Health News investigation last year found that the public, including relatives of people who died from overdoses, are routinely shut out of having a meaningful say in how the opioid windfall can be best used. Pennsylvanias opioid trust was one of at least 14 councils that routinely block members of the public from speaking at their meetings, a first-of-its kind survey from the news organizations found. Following the reporting, officials in Maine changed their policy to allow regular public comment at their meetings. The Maine Recovery Council feels it is important that the people of Maine have a voice in the work of the Council, the new procedure reads. In Pennsylvania, the trust has continued to block public comment at regular meetings. Its members also meet in private working groups to make recommendations over whether to approve decisions made by local government officials. Trust officials have maintained they comply with the states open meetings law. But in a shift, the trust in February passed a resolution to hold a public listening session. Tom VanKirk, chair of the trust, said members had received various requests from different organizations, individuals to be able to make presentations at these public meetings. And he said members recognize the value of engaging with the community members. VanKirk described state Sen. Greg Rothman (R., Cumberland) who previously criticized the boards use of secret meetings as one of the first people to raise this. Rothmans chief of staff, Morgan Wagner, in February said the senator is glad to see that its the will of the trust to permit some greater public participation in this process and hopes that it will continue. Rothman recently resigned from the board, telling Spotlight PA the time is right to allow another member of the Senate Republican Caucus to serve on the Board. In a statement, Rothman also said his goal on the board was to advocate for those impacted by this epidemic and to be a strong advocate for greater transparency, fiscal accountability, and public participation. Im pleased that the Board has implemented some improvements in those areas, including holding its first-ever Public Listening Session, Rothman said. Who spoke at the listening session? Ahead of the meeting, VanKirk said speakers would have to register in advance, and that the session would be limited to 15 speakers. Ultimately, 10 people signed up and later confirmed their participation, VanKirk said in August. Speakers and the issues they raised varied. Some spoke virtually, while others attended the event in person at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in southwestern Pennsylvania. A public board meeting of the trust and the listening session were held in conjunction with the annual conference of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, VanKirk told Spotlight PA. Speakers were limited to five minutes each. Andrew Capone, an assistant director of training with the Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania, urged the trust to remove guidance that discourages counties from spending opioid settlement funds on public defenders. He described his own experience helping patients at a rehabilitation facility who feared arrest or incarceration could derail their recovery. Public defenders are uniquely positioned to serve people suffering from opioid use disorder in Pennsylvania, Capone told the board. An FAQ section of the trust website, as of late August, said that the services of an assistant public defender are required to be provided by the counties and so the costs associated with their position would not be considered an abatement strategy. Spotlight PA first reported on conflict over the guidance in April 2024. Jeff Hanley, executive director of the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance, advocated for spending the funds on prevention programs that are proven to work. Such efforts, he said in comments to Spotlight PA, aim to avert or delay youth substance use, promote positive mental health, and prevent misuse. He told the board not everyone can do prevention. He stressed the importance of evidence-based strategies, long-term approaches, community engagement, and other targeted approaches. Well-meaning efforts alone are not enough, he said. One-time presentations assemblies or classroom talks rarely build skills, change attitudes, or reduce substance use. Sofronski of the PA Harm Reduction Network criticized some of the programs counties have spent opioid settlement money on, including drug disposal bags, speakers, and unproven awareness campaigns. Meanwhile, street outreach, distribution of overdose reversal medication, drug checking programs, and syringe services programs are underfunded and ignored, she said. Marianne Sinisi said she drove about two hours from Blair County to attend the meeting in person. She brought a photo of her son Shawn, who died from a drug overdose in 2018. Its very emotional. Its very draining, she told Spotlight PA afterward. Definitely a lot of tears on my way home. You wonder what its going to take to make them take you serious. How did trust officials respond to the comments? Ahead of time, VanKirk said the session was intended for the public to comment and it would not include dialogue with or answers or responses from the trustees. He said the trust wants to speak as one group and could follow up later with responses. We will also post it on our website so that everybody can know what you raised and what our response to it is, if it calls for a response, he said. At the end of the meeting, VanKirk said the trust will have similar sessions in the future, and he said he appreciated the input from all the speakers. I can tell you we heard you, he said. And we will be taking everything into account. Are the transparency and participation concerns resolved? No. During the meeting and in interviews afterward, some of the speakers called for greater transparency and more public involvement. If you really, really want to discuss this with the public, why isnt this group primarily composed of community members with lived experience? Strain, the Berks County resident and advocate, told the board. We should ensure that those who have firsthand experience with this crisis have a significant say, she added. They know what works and what doesnt. Their experiences are the reason we are here today. 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. 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 4, 2025 A South Korean industrial behemoth has unveiled its plans for the Philly Shipyard. The bus driver shortage isnt just a state issue, according to the president of the Pennsylvania School Bus Association. One countys library system faces some tough decisions due to a lack of state funding. Plus, its Extended Trout Season. 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. Morgan Smoker was born with a rare genetic condition that greatly reduces her motor control. Since elementary school, shes moved and communicated through her custom wheelchair, allowing her more freedom and interaction with others. But those advances were ripped away on Monday when an out-of-control driver barreled into a crowd at the annual Kipona festival Monday, slamming into Smoker and a 6-year-old boy and injuring a city public works employee. Harrisburg police charged a 37-year-old woman with aggravated assault and other charges after they say she drove around barricades and onto a sidewalk to gain access to Front Street, where festival goers were gathered as the event came to a close. Smoker, 25, has glutaric acidemia, which affects the bodys ability to process amino acids and proteins and ranges in severity. In Smokers case, she cannot walk or talk without assistance. The loss of her wheelchair represents an additional hurdle in her recovery from Mondays shocking crash. Smoker was able to move her wheelchair by moving her head against the headrest. To communicate, a reflective sticker on her forehead acted as a mouse pointer. Smoker could move her head to direct her computer cursor to what she wants to say, either a pre-loaded phrase or something she types out, and then the computer speaks it. The wheelchair was custom built for her, and it could take months to rebuild a new one as she recovers from a fractured vertebrae and other injuries. The screen on her communication device was completely shattered. Her family started a GoFundMe to raise money for a new wheelchair and repairs to her communication device. Although Smoker has faced challenges in many aspects of her life because of her genetic condition, it hasnt stopped her from making a positive impact on everyone she encounters, according to her cousin Brooke Martin, 27, of Leola. Shes been an inspiration my whole life, just seeing her joy through all her struggles, Martin said. Shes changed so many lives and is a light for so many others. Smokers communication device enabled her to make other people laugh and smile, something at which she excels and incorporates into her work as a photographer, Martin said. Ashlea Pietrobone has been Smokers nurse for five years, helping her four to five days a week. Shes been able to witness Smoker approaching people for photos, including at Hersheypark, where she takes guest photos. She will go right up to people and scare them half to death because she uses a voice thats a mans voice thats loud to get their attention, Pietrobone said. She has all of these sayings programmed in, including Would you like your picture taken by the Worlds Greatest Photographer? Smoker is the self-proclaimed Worlds Greatest Photographer, with a tattoo, umbrella and shirt featuring the moniker. She often takes photos at Hersheypark, but she also runs a photography business with studio sessions and other professional photoshoots. She has tons of funny phrases that just make people feel comfortable, Pietrobone said. Smoker has also provided her services at events like Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania and at Hope Serveds Illumination event. Hope Served is a nonprofit serving adults with disabilities. After five years, Smoker considers Pietrobone like a sister. Pietrobone said shes been inspired by Smokers innate joy. She is the most positive person. She works harder than most people and shes definitely a go-getter, Pietrobone said. Shes very patient, just a great girl that doesnt let anything stop her. Both Pietrobone and Martin said Smoker can be sassy and feisty. A big part of Smokers life is her relationship with God, Martin said. Smoker struggled with bitterness growing up, but when she was in her late teens, she leaned into her faith. She used her faith in God to keep her going even when she would be discouraged, Martin said. She started to see the plan he has for her. Overall, shes just a very joyful, happy girl who is definitely a light to others and shes using her gifts that God gave her to bring light to everyone else. On Monday, Smoker escaped with her life, seemingly by a miracle. She saw the car coming and was able to move slightly, which diverted the impact from the van more on her wheelchair than her body. Her dad said he feels like the wheelchair saved her life because it took the brunt of the impact, Martin said. Her parents are very thankful for the fact that it wasnt any worse. While shes in the hospital, Smoker cant communicate in her usual manner. Her family can guess what shes saying as she points at things, and Martin said Smoker spells out the shape of letters with her eyes. The most important thing right now is to get a new computer for Smoker so her words can be heard. Pietrobone said the scope of what was taken from Smoker, communication and mobility-wise, is the hardest thing to witness. We know shell get through it, and shes so positive that shell come out on the other side, and something good will come out of this, Pietrobone said. Now that President Trumps ever-expanding to-do list includes slamming Democratic governors while claiming they need the National Guard to make their cities safe, one wonders how Gov. Shapiro, so far, has been spared. Things can change, of course. And Trump is famous for taunt-and-troll, especially when it comes to rivals. Who can forget Crooked Hillary, Sleepy Joe and Crazy Kamala during his presidential runs? But now he seems to be looking ahead to when hell probably not seek a third term (from which he is constitutionally barred if you believe in the rule of law). Now hes after Democrats seen in the mix to seek the White House in 2028. So, he calls California Gov. Gavin Newsom, considered a Democratic frontrunner for the `28 nomination, Gov. Newscum. And so grossly incompetent that Trump had to send the National Guard to save Los Angeles from burning to the ground during protests over immigration raids. Trumps goes after Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a high number on just about every Democratic watchlist. Calls him a failing governor, basically responsible for high crime in the hellhole city of Baltimore. Moore invited Trump to walk with him in Baltimore. Trump said, Someday. But first youve got to clean up your crime. Then theres Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, billionaire heir of Hyatt Hotels and possible contender for the `28 Democratic nomination. Trump tags him weak and pathetic. He even goes after Pritzkers weight, calling him a slob who should spend more time in the gym. (Shouldnt we all?) On crime, Trump calls Chicago, The worst and most dangerous city in the world, by far, and says, Pritzker needs help badly, he just doesnt know it yet. Since deploying the National Guard in D.C. last month, Trump has talked about also sending troops to Chicago, Baltimore and other cities an issue surely to be snarled in litigation since a federal judge just ruled deployment in L.A. was illegal (in Washington, a president has direct legal control because the city is a federal district). But, the beat goes on. Bad governors allowing bad crime in their big bad cities. Yet when it comes to Shapiro, long seen as a likely `28 contender, a critic of Trump from a state critical to congressional and White House control? Nada. No nickname. No insults. And, okay, one time, after Shapiro spoke at the Democratic convention in Chicago last year, Trump called him a highly overrated Jewish governor. But that broke down into a faith-fight, Shapiro saying Trump routinely pushes antisemitic tropes; Trump saying, I am the best friend that Israel and the Jewish people, ever had. Shapiro also said at the time, Trump is obsessed with me. But it doesnt seem so. Theres been nothing since. Nothing about Shapiros late budgets. Nothing about getting mired in public transit crises. And, more surprising? As Trump crusades against urban crime in D.C. and looks to march on other cities, theres been no reference to eyes on Philadelphia. This despite the fact Trump last year said the City of Brotherly Love was being ravaged by bloodshed and crime (though then he blamed Joe Biden). Yet, if other governors such as Pritzker and Moore are stung for crime in their cities, hows Shapiro ducking the barb? Maybe its coming. Shapiro has said hes making unspecified preparations if Trump decides to send troops to Philly (maybe welcome bags with cheesesteaks and Eagles towels). Maybe Trump World doesnt see Shapiro as much of a factor in `28. Or doesnt want to go after a popular governor in a vital electoral state. Or fears losing his status as the best friend Jewish people ever had. Who knows? All thats certain is all things Trump can change in a flash. Youll know they have if Shapiro gets a nickname. John Baer may be reached at baer.columnist@gmail.com By SUDHIN THANAWALA, The Associated Press The Trump administration must release billions of dollars in foreign aid approved by Congress, including money that President Donald Trump said last week he would not spend, a federal judge has ordered. U.S. District Judge Amir Ali in Washington ruled Wednesday that the Republican administrations decision to withhold the funding was likely illegal. He issued a preliminary injunction ordering the release of $11.5 billion that is set to expire at the end of the month. To be clear, no one disputes that Defendants have significant discretion in how to spend the funds at issue, and the Court is not directing Defendants to make payments to any particular recipients, wrote Ali, who was nominated by Democratic President Joe Biden. But Defendants do not have any discretion as to whether to spend the funds. Messages to the White House and State Department were not immediately returned. The administration filed a notice of appeal on Thursday. Trump told House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., in a letter on Aug. 28 that he would not spend $4.9 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid, effectively cutting the budget without going through the legislative branch. He used whats known as a pocket rescission. That is when a president submits a request to Congress toward the end of a current budget year to not spend the approved money. The late notice means Congress cannot act on the request in the required 45-day window and the money goes unspent. Its the first time in nearly 50 years that a president has used the tactic. The fiscal year draws to a close at the end of September. Demonstrators protest against cuts to American foreign aid spending, including USAID and the PEPFAR program to combat HIV/AIDS, at the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Washington. A judge has said the Trump administration's withholding of the money is illegal. (Mark Schiefelbein | AP, file) AP Ali said Congress would have to approve the rescission proposal for the administration to withhold the money. The law is explicit that it is congressional action not the Presidents transmission of a special message that triggers rescission of the earlier appropriations, he wrote. The money at issue includes nearly $4 billion for the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, to spend on global health programs and more than $6 billion for HIV and AIDS programs. Trump has portrayed the funding as wasteful spending that does not align with his foreign policy goals, and in January, he issued an executive order directing the State Department and USAID to freeze spending on foreign aid. Nonprofit organizations that sued the government have said the funding freeze breaks federal law and has shut down funding for even the most urgent lifesaving programs abroad. A divided panel of appeals court judges ruled last month that the administration could suspend the money. The judges later revised that opinion, reviving the lawsuit before Ali. In his ruling, Ali said he understood that his decision would not be the final word in the case, adding that definitive higher court guidance now will be instructive. This case raises questions of immense legal and practical importance, including whether there is any avenue to test the executive branchs decision not to spend congressionally appropriated funds, he wrote. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined the main tasks before the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, among which she again mentioned the transformation of Ukraine into a "steel porcupine." "In Paris for a crucial meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on security guarantees. We have been working on 3 core tasks. Turning Ukraine into a steel porcupine. Building a Multinational Force for Ukraine backed by the US. Reinforcing Europes defence posture. Lets now move forward.," she wrote on the social network X. On August 28, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump the Russian Federation's night attack on Kyiv, which damaged the EU mission building, and stressed that "Putin must sit down at the negotiating table" and the need for security guarantees for Ukraine that will transform the country into a "steel porcupine." Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak has said that a meeting with the special envoy of the US President, Stephen Witkoff, took place in Paris. "In Paris, together with the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, we met with the special envoy of the US President Donald Trump, Stephen Wittkoff, as well as the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Jonathan Powell, the Diplomatic Advisor to the President of France, Emmanuel Bonn, the National Security Advisor to the German Chancellor, Gunther Sautter, and the Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Italy, Fabrizio Saggio," he said on Telegram on Thursday. According to Yermak, the main task is the "practical implementation of the agreements" of the leaders of the states on security guarantees for Ukraine. "They must be strong and effective in the sky, at sea and on land, as well as in cyberspace. We also discussed the strengthening of sanctions pressure, the return of Ukrainian prisoners and children abducted by Russia," Yermak said. "We continue to coordinate positions in order to bring a lasting and just peace for Ukraine closer. The war that Russia started must be stopped. President Trump's principle of "peace through strength" is exactly the approach that can influence the aggressor," Yermak stressed. "I thanked all partners for their consistent support and constructive work. We continue to move forward," he added. As Radio Liberty reported, Witkoff attended the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing only partially and will return to the call of US President Donald Trump. It is reported that 20 minutes after the meeting began, reports emerged that Witkoff had left the meeting. The Elysee Palace explained that he had participated in part of the work and had addressed all the heads of state and government present. He was forced to leave the meeting, as planned, for another meeting. And will return for a telephone connection with the President of the United States. A total of 94 runners represented a solid start to proceedings in Day 1a of the 400 buy-in, 150,000 guaranteed SiGMA Poker Tour Malta Main Event today at Portomaso Casino. In the first of six starting flights, the atmosphere was jovial, and with 14 players scheduled to progress to Day 2, a double knockout on the bubble brought matters to a close with seven minutes left in Level 15, securing 13 players a minimum cash of 600. Tomasz Brzezinski stormed to the top of the standings on 714,000, closely followed by Jon Persent of Norway (646,000), with Dutchman Renzo Hollings (529,000) completing the podium places. Brzezinski, a native of Poland but now residing in Malta, is fresh off a career-best score of 493,250 courtesy of a fourth-place finish in the EPT Barcelona Main Event, and will surely be full of confidence for the challenges ahead. End of Day 1a Top Ten Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Tomasz Brzezinski Poland 714,000 71 2 Jon Persent Norway 646,000 65 3 Renzo Holling Netherlands 529,000 53 4 Oliver De Bono Malta 430,000 43 5 Tobias Bollmann Germany 414,000 41 6 Luca Fagioli Belgium 413,000 41 7 Daniele Degennaro Italy 357,000 36 8 Terje Bremseth Norway 309,000 31 9 Christopher Convery South Africa 275,000 28 10 Wilhelm Isaak Germany 170,000 17 Day 1a Action There was plenty of action early on, as Holling took a 100 big blind pot on the flop unopposed, and he would be the longtime chipleader in the flight, only being overtaken in the final session. Terje Bremseth ended up with a top-ten stack, and he was rescued on the river in a huge three-way all-in, cracking the pocket kings of Richard Burke in the process. Iga Jakoniuk hit a miracle quad kings on the river to bust Masatoshi Minowa's turned flush, but she would then fall to Persent prior to the bubble. Iga Jakoniuk Lukas Robinson was the only SiGMA ambassador in action today, and although he found a double-up close to the end of play, he ultimately met his demise in a three-way all-in with Remy Hordan and Oliver De Bono. Lukas Robinson Brzezinski meanwhile was consistently around the 300,000 mark, and chipped up massively around the bubble, taking numerous pots down without showdown. Bremseth and De Bono were then responsible for bursting a reasonably lengthy bubble on their respective tables simultaneously, Bremseth leaving Simon Forster dead by the turn, and De Bono getting lucky on the river versus the two pair of Vladan Blagojevic. There are numerous opportunities still to come for players to book their spots in Day 2, which will play to a winner, with the remaining schedule set out below. SiGMA Poker Tour Malta Main Event Remaining Schedule Date Day Time Blind Levels September 4 Day 1b 6 p.m. 30 minutes September 5 Day 1c 2 p.m. 30 minutes September 5 Day 1d 8 p.m. 20 minutes September 6 Day 1e 11 a.m. 30 minutes September 6 Day 1f 8 p.m. 20 minutes September 7 Day 2 2 p.m. 40 minutes Stay tuned to PokerNews as we see if anyone can challenge Brzezinski's chip lead for Day 2. Chloe Barlow is a multimedia reporter straight out of the Midlands. She trained in journalism at both the University of South Carolina and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She covers a wide breadth of South Carolina news, but she is especially interested in accountability and justice reporting. Ukrainian servicemen will be able to receive electronic warfare (EW) equipment through the Defense Ministry's digital system DOT-Chain Defence directly from the manufacturer, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal has announced. "Previously, under this program, it was also possible to receive FPV drones and bombers. Now, equipment has been added that helps protect our soldiers on the front line. The Defense Procurement Agency of the Defense Ministry already has the first contracts with domestic manufacturers for the supply of EW equipment. Part of the equipment has already been transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Shmyhal said on Telegram on Thursday. From now on, according to him, the military will be able to independently determine the needs of the unit, order the necessary equipment in Brave1 Market through authorization in DELTA and receive it directly to their units through the DOT-Chain Defence digital system. "This reduces the time from the application to the actual delivery to the front and increases the efficiency of the use of public funds," the minister said. Shmyhal reported that equipment worth UAH 500 million has already been delivered within the framework of the program, and the total amount of orders is UAH 2 billion. editorial writer Cindi Ross Scoppe is an editorial writer and columnist for The Post and Courier who has written about the S.C. Legislature, governor, state government and courts for nearly 40 years. She is a native of North Carolina and graduate of the University of North Carolina and lives in Columbia. Lauren Leibman covers Georgetown County for the Post and Courier. She interned with The State newspaper and worked for The Daily Gamecock during her time at the University of South Carolina. Quick Response and Public Safety Reporter Caitlin Bell is a breaking news and courts reporter for The Post and Courier Charleston. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. Photo: https://x.com/DefensieMin/status/1910691506320458175 Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans ahas nnounced a meeting of representatives of the Drone Capability Coalition in The Hague on Thursday. "Drones and anti-drone systems are crucial for Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression. In The Hague, I am meeting with representatives of the Drone Capability Coalition, which brings together more than 20 countries to support Ukraine. We are investing significantly in this. This strengthens Ukraine, as well as our armed forces and industry," Brekelmans wrote on the X social network on Thursday. The Drone Capability Coalition is a multinational alliance founded in February 2024 by the United Kingdom and Latvia with the main goal of supplying Ukraine with modern unmanned aerial vehicles and other unmanned systems to strengthen its defense capabilities in the war against Russia. The Coalition seeks to promote long-term technological advantage by enhancing the capabilities of Ukraine and its partner countries in the field of unmanned warfare, facilitating large-scale procurement, and supporting training for the Ukrainian military in the operation and maintenance of unmanned aerial vehicles. The Coalition's member countries include Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia (co-coordinator), Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom (co-coordinator). PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-04 17:03:34 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 536 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MAYFIELD, KY / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / On September 2, 2025, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear attended a home dedication ceremony hosted by the Hope Initiative, a Mayfield organization devoted to rebuilding in the aftermath of the tragic December 2021 storms. This home is the 55th built in Mayfield by the organization, and MRCOOL is honored to have helped with development efforts through the donation of three mini split systems. "When I brought this to MRCOOL, it wasn't a hard sell," said Stephen Boyken, CEO of the Hope Initiative. "The heart of the company's leadership is to leave an impact." Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear with Local LeadersBuilt by 356 Industries, the home consists of three repurposed shipping containers provided by MrRTO, facilitating a quick construction. The Hope Initiative also received three MRCOOL Ductless Mini Split systems for heating and cooling. The versatility and affordability of the donations make this home an ideal example of the new IronCLAD series established by the Hope Initiative, which prioritizes building homes that are "cost-effective, livable, affordable, and durable." The home was given to 2021 tornado survivors Trina Cruse and her family as a permanent and affordable housing option. "We're excited and ready to get in there," said Cruse. "This is my home! I couldn't ask for anything better." Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Team Kentucky have been longtime supporters of the Hope Initiative. Beshear, who presented Cruse with the keys to her new home, said, "These home dedications are a great reminder, not just to Mayfield or Kentucky, but to the United States of America about what's actually important." "I can't think of another natural disaster where three and a half years later, so much work has been done," Beshear continued. "Mayfield's rebuilt housing faster than just about anywhere after a natural disaster. What it means is it might have been knocked down, but it wasn't knocked out." Boyken mentioned that these homes are a safe solution that cuts down on response time to disasters. "The people that have been involved in this rebuilding process, they themselves were impacted and affected by the same storm that Mrs. Trina was. People that were hurt are helping those that are still hurting." "Nearly everyone I know was affected by the tornado four years ago," said Jason Ingram, Managing Member at MRCOOL. "We were happy to make a difference in the lives of Trina and her family. Her new home is one that she can finally relax in, and we're glad that we could support the rebuilding efforts in this community." "It's an incredible act of generosity," said Governor Beshear when asked about the donation of the mini splits. "And it really works! For anybody else out there looking for a great product that'll cool down your home, I've been in this one." MRCOOL is grateful to have their donation recognized by the governor, and hopes to continue being a part of creating a "New Kentucky Home" for those in need. For more information on MRCOOL, visit https://www.mrcool.com/ Contact InformationRebekah Quarlesrebekah.q@mrcool.com 270-366-0457SOURCE: MRCOOL PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-04 11:00:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 562 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 /American Critical Minerals Corp. ("American Critical Minerals" or the "Company") (CSE:KCLI)(OTCQB:APCOF)(Frankfurt:2P3) is pleased to announce that it will complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"), under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (as defined below), of up to 5,000,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.20 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company and one-half-of-one share purchase warrant exercisable at a price of $0.30 for a period of twenty-four months.The net proceeds raised from the Offering will be used to advance development at the Green River Project, including technical work to finalize exploration targets for lithium and bromine and to update the Company's existing technical report accordingly and for concession and regulatory fees, as well as for corporate marketing and general working capital purposes.Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Offering is being made to purchasers' resident in Canada, except Quebec, pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The securities offered under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will not be subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. There will be an offering document related to the Offering that will be accessible under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.acmineralscorp.com . Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision.The Company may pay finders' fees to eligible parties who have assisted in introducing subscribers to the Offering. Closing of the Offering remains subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.On behalf of the Board of DirectorsSimon Clarke, President & CEOContact: (604)-551-9665Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking InformationThis news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the intended use of proceeds from the Offering. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. This information, however, is subject to a variety of risks and information.SOURCE: American Critical Minerals Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-04 10:30:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 494 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 World's Top Wire Harness and Cable Assembly Manufacturer to Sponsor SEO EventCHINA GROVE, NC / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Cloom Tech, a leading manufacturer of wire harnesses and cable assembly, announced today a partnership as a Silver sponsor of the Shenzhen SEO Conference, a grand SEO or Search Engine Optimization event, which will be held on September 18-21, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen, China.Through this sponsorship,Cloom Techshows that it wants to assist in creating innovation worldwide and a boost to the global tech community. More than 500 global SEO professionals will be converging; more than 40 worldwide famous speakers such as Google's Gary Illyes and worldwide SEO consultant Aleyda Solis will be invited. The event will aim to narrow down East versus West SEO methodology differences and put forward unique opinions about how to execute SEO in China on Baidu, WeChat, Douyin, and Little Red Book networks.The Shenzhen SEO Conference will include an overall 4 day schedule, which will entail pre-convention city tours, workshops, keynotes, mainstage presentations, and panel discussions. Participants will be instructed by professionals in this field, network with colleagues, and discover actionable SEO strategies to be utilized within their firms immediately.Shenzhen SEO Conference sponsorship is a proof of how committed Cloom Tech is to developing the technology community and advancing global collaborative work. With this sponsorship, Cloom Tech will further extend its investment role within the technology landscape in creating development and destruction of SEO strategy across the globe."This conference is more than an event," says J.P. Zhang, host and organizer of the Shenzhen SEO Conference. "It's a community where professionals come together to share ideas, build partnerships, and explore China's vibrant digital ecosystem. Through keynotes, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities, we'll unlock the potential of a truly global SEO community." One of the organizers of the Shenzhen SEO Conference made a statement, "It will be an honor to have Cloom Tech join us as a sponsor. It embodies our belief in innovation and quality. It will be priceless to assist us in staging a world-class event meant to bring about knowledge sharing and collaboration between SEO professionals across the globe." For more information about their official website, visit https://shenzhenseoconference.com About Cloom-TechCloom Tech is a worldwide manufacturer of custom wire harnesses and cable assemblies for industrial OEMs. Having a headquarters based in China with many logistics hubs in the North American and European regions, the firm designs, prototypes, and mass-produces UL-certified and RoHS-compliant solutions in the fields of automotive, medical, robotics, and Agriculture. Incorporating the finest fabrication methods with global sourcing of material and cost-efficient production at home, Cloom Tech produces customized harnesses that are tested thoroughly and meet the highest levels of reliability and performance.Contact InformationFor media inquiries, please contact below:Phone: +86-18633477040 Email: sales@ cloomtech.comAddress: 3rd Floor, Building 101, No. 6 Fenglan Street, Luquan District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, ChinaContact InformationAbby HaoEditorabby@ wellcircuitboard.net SOURCE: WELLPCB PTY LTD PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-04 14:45:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1012 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Core Silver Corp. ("Core Silver" or the "Company") (CSE:CC)(FSE:8ZR)( OTC.QB:CCOOF) is pleased to present 2025 diamond drilling plans and the first round of surface rock sample assay results from the Laverdiere Copper Project (the "Project"), eastern Blue Property (the "Property"), Atlin Mining District of NW British Columbia.Laverdiere Copper ProjectRecent structural mapping and sampling at the Laverdiere Copper Project have extended zones of high-grade porphyry Cu-Mo-AgAu mineralization at the Valley Zone and identified new porphyry-style veins and vein breccias along the Valley Fault (Figures 1-2).Rock samples collected in 2025 from outcropping porphyry vein and vein breccia exposures along the Valley Fault have returned 0.62% Cu with 316g/t Ag and 7,770ppm Mo (F421663), 0.47% Cu with 187g/t Ag and 682ppm Mo (F421662), and 0.74% Cu with 50g/t Ag, 320ppm Mo, and 0.71g/t Au (F421657).High-grade porphyry Cu-Ag-MoAu mineralization along the Valley Fault is concentrated within structurally complex zones associated with magnetic low geophysical anomalies. These magnetic lows are interpreted as zones of increased hydrothermal activity and are now defined as Priority 1 drill targets.In 2025, Core Silver personnel discovered exposed porphyry Cu-Mo-Ag veining and epithermal stockwork hosted in the Laverdiere Porphyry, and located 2.3 kilometers south of the Valley Fault, at Copper Creek.Preliminary assay results from rock samples collected from outcropping porphyry veins exposed along the lower section of Copper Creek in 2025 have returned 0.63% Cu with 17g/t Ag, and 355ppm Mo (F421677; Figures 1-2). This vein system has since been mapped and sampled for just over 200m of exposed strike length.High-grade porphyry Cu-Mo-AgAu mineralization within the Laverdiere Porphyry is now confirmed over 4.4km corridor, extending from the Main Zone to Copper Creek, and remains open for expansion in all directions and at depth.The 2025 program at Laverdiere includes diamond drilling supported by prospecting, drone-assisted structural mapping, and a 5.5 km x 2.5 km soil grid across key Target areas.Diamond drilling is also planned for the Jackie Target at the Silver Lime Polymetallic Project. A new 3-D geological model has been developed, and numerous high-grade silver targets are being considered for the 2025 program. These targets will be presented in the coming weeks.Core Silver's President & CEO, Nick Rodway commented "2025 marks another exciting year for Core Silver as we continue drilling at the Laverdiere Copper Project. With high-grade copper and silver mineralization confirmed for over 4 kilometers, and multiple new targets now ready to be tested, we see significant potential for both scale and grade. Our goal this season is to demonstrate that the Blue Property hosts multiple district-scale and robust polymetallic systems capable of delivering long-term value for shareholders." Figure 1: Plan view map showing Calculated Vertical Gradient (CVG) Magnetics and surface sample assay highlights and progress at the Laverdiere Copper Project.Figure 2: Photographs of Cu-Ag-Mo+/- Au mineralization styles sampled in 2025 at the Valley Zone and Copper Creek. ABOUT THE LAVERDIERE COPPER PROJECTThe Laverdiere Copper Project is a low-elevation, drill-permitted, early-stage high-grade Cu-Mo-Ag-Au porphyry-skarn Target. The Project has been sporadically explored since the early 1900s, without ever having received a significant exploration program. Adits driven into the Laverdiere area in the early 1900s reportedly returned up to 27m grading 1.20% Cu. The Llewellyn Fault Zone, a regional and strongly metal-endowed fault, cuts through the Laverdiere Copper Project for 14 km of strike length and marks the contact between the Yukon-Tanana and Stikine Terranes in the Project area. Currently only 1km of the total strike length of this economically important fault zone has been explored. Diamond drilling completed 125m north of the French Adit in 1974 reportedly returned 175m of 0.27% Cu, including 6m of 1.60% Cu and 7.8m of 1.60% Cu. Core Silver's inaugural diamond drilling campaign at the Laverdiere Copper Project in 2022 returned up to 48.5m of 1.02% CuEq (0.90% Cu, 6g/t Ag, and 0.11g/t Au) from 31.46m depth in drill hole LAV22-001 (French Adit), 223m of 0.20% CuEq (0.11% Cu, 2g/t Ag, and 0.006% Mo) from 15m depth in LAV22-002 (French Adit), and 107.38m of 0.31% CuEq (0.11% Cu, 0.023% Mo, 0.9g/t Au, and 0.02g/t Au) from 144.62m depth in hole LAV22-006 (North Adit). The entirety of the 2022 Laverdiere Program results are summarized in the news release dated March 29th, 2023.Drilled and mapped high-grade copper-bearing skarn mineralization at Laverdiere is coincident with embayments in the contact zones of the expansive Cretaceous intrusions on the west side of Hoboe Creek. A large unexplored embayment in the intrusion is mapped 8km to the south of the to-date explored zone at Laverdiere and is in contact with Boundary Range metamorphic rocks at this location. Apophyses of the larger granodiorite intrusion are also mapped in contact with limestone and marbles amenable to massive sulphide skarn mineralization approximately 7km to the southwest of the known zones of high-grade porphyry-skarn mineralization.At Laverdiere, an extensive Cretaceous granodiorite intrusion hosts widespread Cu-Mo-AgAu porphyry mineralization. The intrusion is associated with a very high-grade Fe-Cu-Au-Ag massive sulphide skarn occurrence (the "Main Zone") that is exposed at surface along the western flank of the prolific Llewellyn Fault Zone (LFZ) at the porphyry-marble contact. The Main Zone was drill-tested in 2022 and returned significant copper grades over extensive widths including: 267.05m of 0.21% CuEq (0.17% Cu, 1g/t Ag, 0.04g/t Au) from surface including 48.54m of 1.02% CuEq (0.90% Cu, 6g/t Ag, 0.11g/t Au) from 31.46m depth.In 2024, high-grade porphyry Cu-Mo-AgAu mineralization at the newly defined Valley Zone, located 2.2km southwest of the Main Zone, was structurally mapped and sampled. At the Valley Zone, a series of sheeted mineralized porphyry veins and fractures hosted in altered granodiorite have been mapped and sampled over a 1-kilometer east-west trend following the Valley Fault that historically returned up to 3.24% Cu (with 82g/t Ag, 0.56g/t Au and 0.053% Mo) and 0.32% Mo (with 1.03% Cu, 4g/t Ag) in 2022. In 2024, a 20cm thick east-west striking quartz vein grading 0.83% Cu, 47g/t Ag, 0.44g/t Au and 0.007% Mo was discovered on the opposite side of the Valley Fault.References1White, W.H. (1969): Geology and economic prospects of the Lave PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-04 19:10:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 942 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 After-tax NPV 5% of C$24.27M and IRR of 60.3%; pre-tax NPV 5% of C$44.53M and 105.1% IRR underscore robust economics with payback in less than two years from permitted, near-term productionVANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 /ESGold Corp. ("ESGold" or the "Company") (CSE:ESAU)(OTCQB:ESAUF)(FSE:Z7D) announced today the results of its updated Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the Montauban Gold-Silver Project in Quebec1, underscoring the Company's position as a pre-production gold miner with near-term cash-flow and discovery upside.The updated study highlights a significant increase in project economics, including a 60.3% after-tax internal rate of return (IRR) and a net present value (NPV) of C$24.27 million, based on metals pricing assumptions of US$2,900/oz gold and US$31.72/oz silver. These inputs remain below current spot prices, providing upside leverage in today's market.The updated PEA confirms Montauban's transformation into a production asset with low capex, high-margin tailings reprocessing, and the infrastructure in place to achieve first production in the near-term.Importantly, ESGold benefits from more than C$20 million in tax-loss carry forwards, which are expected to substantially offset taxable income during the first three years of production, enhancing early-stage free cash flow.Updated PEA Highlights (All amounts CAD unless otherwise stated)After-Tax NPV (5%): C$24.27 millionAfter-Tax IRR: 60.3%Payback Period: Less than two yearsPre-Tax NPV (5%): C$44.53 millionPre-Tax IRR: 105.1%Total LOM Revenue: C$103.73 millionCapEx: C$18.81 million (incl. contingency, owner & EPCM); Initial direct CapEx: C$17.44 millionLOM Operating Cost: C$32.57 millionMine Life: 4 yearsGold Recovery: 92% | Silver Recovery: 77%Gold Price Assumption: US$2,900/ozSilver Price Assumption: US$31.72/ozExchange Rate: 1.45 CAD/USDThe PEA base case includes mica at US$300/t and related tonnage assumptions; implied mica revenue is derived within the model.Download the Updated PEA Report https://esgold.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ESGold_2025-09-03_Montauban_2025_PEA_Report.pdf The updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, replaces the Company's previous 2023 PEA, which reported a base-case after-tax NPV (5%) of C$6.99 million and an IRR of 23.4%, as disclosed in the technical report dated March 1, 2023, available on SEDAR+."This PEA is a milestone for ESGold and a validation of our strategy," said Gordon Robb, CEO of ESGold. "A 60% after-tax IRR, sub-two-year payback, and low initial capex are the hallmarks of a project built to generate cash flow quickly while limiting dilution and execution risk. Just as important, our fully permitted status and construction progress reduce the timeline from paper to pour. With commissioning preparations underway and a robust exploration pipeline, anchored by an upcoming 3D model and recent deep imaging to ~1,200 metres, we see a clear runway to first production by year-end and meaningful growth beyond it. We're excited, aligned, and focused on delivering." Exploration PotentialESGold is advancing a district-scale view of Montauban. A consolidated 3D geological model, integrating 2015 VTEM, historical work, and new ANT deep-imaging-is nearing completion. Thepreviously conducted ambient noise tomography (ANT) surveyhas traced key structures to ~1,200 m depth, materially deeper than earlier scope, indicating potential for mineralized zones below and beyond historically worked areas.VMS systems commonly occur in clusters, the emerging structural framework supports the potential for additional lenses outside the current footprint. Broken Hill-style characteristics observed at Montauban, including mineralogy and complex structural overprints, reinforce the interpretation of a broader, multi-lens system typical of high-grade VMS districts. This workstream complements ESGold's near-term production plan while opening blue-sky growth across the camp.Why this Matters to ShareholdersThe updated PEA delivers an independent validation of Montauban's economics, reducing project risk by quantifying capital needs, margins, and payback while confirming a practical path from construction to operations. Coupled with full permits and late-stage site work, it strengthens ESGold's position to secure funding on more favourable terms.Qualified Person & Report AuthorsThe scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Langton, M.Sc., P.Geo., an independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The 2025 PEA was authored by John Langton, M.Sc., P.Geo. with contributions from Goldminds Geoservices (GMG), Laboratoire LTM Inc., and EnviroMine Conseils AB Inc.Note 1: The economic assessment comprising the updated PEA Report is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the reported preliminary economic assessment will be realized. The reported mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not demonstrate economic viability.About ESGold Corp. ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU | OTCQB: ESAUF | FSE: Z7D) is a fully permitted, pre-production gold and silver mining company at the forefront of scalable clean mining and exploration innovation. With proven expertise in Quebec, the Company is advancing its Montauban Gold-Silver Project toward near-term production while unlocking long-term value through strategic redevelopment, modern discovery tools, and sustainable resource recovery. Montauban, located 80 km west of Quebec City, represents a blueprint for cash-flow-generating legacy site redevelopment across North America.For more information, please contact ESGold Corp. at +1-888-370-1059 or visit esgold.com for additional resources, including a French version of this press release, past news releases, a 3D model of the Montauban processing plant, media interviews, and opinion-editorial pieces.Stay connected by following us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and joining our Telegram channel.For further information or to connect directly, please reach out to Gordon Robb, CEO of ESGold Corp. at gordon@ esgold.com or call 250-217-2321.On behalf of the Board of DirectorsESGold Corp.Paul Mastantuo PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-04 15:00:59 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 462 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The new Mini Rock & Go LED is Micro's first rocking scooter - combining rocking and scooting in a clever all-in-one product. The modular 6-in-1 system grows with children and accompanies them from ages 1 to 6+ - all without tools.LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / The highlight: Everything comes in one box - from a gentle rocking toy for indoor play, to a parent-assisted ride-on, and finally the classic Micro Mini LED kick scooter. With just a few simple steps (and no tools required), all six variations can be assembled. A family-friendly bonus: two product versions can be used simultaneously - one child can rock while the other scoots. Micro Kickboard's "Mini Rock & Go LED" for ages 1-6 The modular 6-in-1 Rock & Go system grows with children and accompanies them from ages 1 to 6+ all without tools.The smart design of the Micro Mini Rock & Go LED impresses not only with functionality, but also with thoughtful details:Unique configuration - first rocking scooter of its kind6-in-1 system - suitable from ages 1 to 6+All-in-one box including sibling option - while one child rocks, the other scootsLED wheels for visibility and extra funTool-free transformation in secondsSafe & stable - ergonomic height-adjustable seat, anti-slip surfaces and a tip-resistant rocking baseThe Rock & Go LED is an innovative toy that will become one of your child's longest-lasting companions, growing with them for years and offering real value. "It is not just an innovative toy, but a long-lasting companion that grows with the child, can be used for years and conserves resources. A product that brings joy to families - while also contributing to greater sustainability," says Wim Ouboter, founder and CEO of Micro, Switzerland.The Mini Micro Deluxe Rock & Go LED is available worldwide in four trendy colors: Dusty Rose, Lavender Mist, Ocean Slate, and Olive Sage. Even ahead of the official market launch, the product has been attracting attention: nominated as a "Top 10 Toy 2025" and honored with a Special Mention at the international Focus Open design award - a double seal of approval for innovation and design quality.Swiss scooter pioneer Micro will be debuting this innovative new toy and scooter for children as young as one year old at the LA Toy Preview inside The Toy Association's new "Toy Building" in El Segundo, from September 8-19, 2025.About MicroFounded by Wim Ouboter, Micro became world-famous in the 1990s with the Micro Scooter. Staying true to the vision of a "better urban lifestyle," Micro today offers more than 50 different mobility products for children, teenagers and adults & is the global market leader in the premium segment. USA website: MicroKickboard.com Contact InformationCourtney Sheffer Micro Kickboard Marketing Directorcourtney@ microkickboard.com 888-236-5657SOURCE: Micro Kickboard PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-04 18:00:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 403 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Amanda Sharon joins as VP of Sales, bringing nearly a decade of sales leadership and customer retention expertise to drive ICI's continued growth.BOSTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / International Citizens Insurance (ICI), the leading international insurance broker, is pleased to welcome Amanda Sharon as Vice President of Sales. Amanda brings nearly a decade of leadership experience from EF Go Ahead Tours, where she most recently served as Associate Director of Sales. In that role, she led and mentored managers and account executives across all U.S. territories, driving a 67% repeat rate and more than 21% year-over-year growth in net repeat sales. Amanda SharonWith a proven track record of building high-performing teams, scaling operations, and designing customer retention strategies that deliver long-term value, Amanda will be key in strengthening ICI's sales organization and enhancing client relationships worldwide. Her strategic growth, people development, and operational optimization expertise will further support ICI's mission to connect individuals and organizations with the rightinternational health insurance ,life insurance , andtravel insurance .The company has also expanded its client success team with the addition of Lucero Vergara, Michael Bourne, and Jordan Richey - experienced health insurance advisors with deep industry expertise and a strong record of helping individuals and families secure affordable, comprehensive coverage.Complementing this growth, Nancy Saeteurn has joined as an Account Executive on theglobal group benefitsteam, further strengthening ICI's ability to support clients worldwide."Our team continues to grow as we serve more international clients each year," said Joe Cronin, President of ICI. "Amanda's leadership will help us sustain our growth trajectory, while the addition of Jordan, Lucero, Michael, Nancy, and Jordan reflects the increasing demand for international health insurance solutions for individuals and corporations." International Citizens Insurance(ICI) is the trusted partner for global citizens, expatriates, and organizations seeking comprehensive, personalized insurance solutions. Specializing in health, life, and travel insurance, we provide tailored coverage designed to meet the unique needs of individuals and businesses navigating life abroad. Our team of dedicated experts offers reliable guidance and unwavering support, ensuring our clients feel confident, prepared, and fully protected. With a customer-first approach, extensive global reach, and a wide range of high-quality coverage options, ICI stands apart as the premier choice for those who value peace of mind while exploring the world.Contact InformationJoe Cronin Presidentmedia@ internationalinsurance.com 617-500-6738Andrew Blomberg Vice President, Global Group Benefitsandrew@ internationalinsurance.com (339) 221-5190SOURCE: International Citizens Insurance PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-04 18:45:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 352 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 /TransUnion, LLC("TransUnion") 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 TransUnion.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On July 28, 2025, TransUnion experienced a cybersecurity incident involving a third-party application serving its customer support operations. The unauthorized access included the sensitive personal information of TransUnion customers.On August 28, 2025, TransUnion notified the office of the Maine Attorney General and began sending notice letters to individuals whose information may have been compromised in the Data Breach. 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 TransUnion, 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: 2025-09-04 12:00:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 542 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Virtue Recovery has expanded its Business Development Team with the addition of two American Veterans, Adam Khosroabadi and Chauncy Nash. Both bring extensive military service, professional expertise, and a passion for helping others, strengthening Virtue Recovery's mission to provide compassionate, whole-person treatment across its nationally accredited centers.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Virtue Recovery has expanded 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. Their combined military service, healthcare expertise, and personal recovery journeys strengthen Virtue Recovery's mission to support individuals and families struggling with addiction, PTSD, and mental health challenges. Press Release - Veterans Join Virtue Recovery to Expand Community Outreach Chauncy Nash & Adam Khosroabadi two veterans join Virtue RecoveryStrengthening Outreach Through ServiceAdam 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, Adam is known for his behavioral health outreach across Portland. His personal recovery journey, coupled with his extensive outreach experience, has made him a trusted advocate for Veterans and civilians seeking help.Chauncy Nash joins as Business Development Liaison after serving 20 years in the U.S. Army, including multiple combat tours. Born in Oahu, Hawaii, Chauncy embodies resilience, loyalty, and dedication to service. Following his military career, he transitioned into healthcare, working as a liaison and regional account manager. His leadership experience, family-centered values, and pursuit of higher education in business data analytics and software development add a unique dimension to Virtue's team.Why Veterans Matter in RecoveryVeterans face unique barriers to care, including trauma, PTSD, and co-occurring substance use. Leaders like Adam and Chauncy, who personally understand these struggles, ensure outreach efforts are authentic and impactful. Their presence not only expands Virtue Recovery's reach but also builds stronger community connections and trust."Adam and Chauncy bring more than just experience-they bring heart, grit, and a relentless dedication to helping others heal," said Michael Banis, Chief Development Officer at Virtue Recovery. "Their work will strengthen our mission to provide hope, healing, and lasting recovery across the country." About Virtue Recovery CenterVirtue Recovery is a nationally accredited network of detox and treatment centers with locations inSun City West, Arizona , Las Vegas, Nevada, Astoria, Oregon, and Houston, Texas. Virtue Recovery specializes indual-diagnosis treatment , addressing both substance use and mental health disorders together, rather than separately.Programs include:Evidence-based therapies supported by clinical researchDual-diagnosis programs for mental health and addictionCompassionate, whole-person treatment that considers the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of recoveryFree assessments for individuals and familiesVirtue Recovery also operatesSilver State Adolescent Treatment in Las Vegas, a residential program for teens facing mental health and substance use challenges.Looking AheadThe addition of Adam Khosroabadi and Chauncy Nash signals more than staff expansion-it represents a commitment to community, service, and connection. With their leadership, Virtue Recovery continues to expand access to life-changing care for Veterans, families, and communities nationwide.To learn more about Virtue Recovery or to schedule a free assessment, visit www.VirtueRecoveryCenter.com or call (866) 271-9748.Contact Information Michael BanisChief Development Officerinfo@ virtuerc.com (866) 271-9748SOURCE: Virtue Recovery Center Photo: https://news.dtkt.ua Most of the experts who participated in the preparation of the examination as part of the investigation against the fifth President of Ukraine (2014-2019), People's Deputy, leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko in the case regarding the Kharkiv Agreements and the enshrining in the Constitution of Ukraine the intention to join the EU and NATO, have resigned from the Center soon after completing work on this case, the Bukvy publication wrote on Thursday. As the Scientific Research Center for Forensic Expertise in the Field of Information Technologies and Intellectual Property of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine (NRCFE) reported in response to a journalistic request from the publication, Oleksandr Kozlov, Serhiy Poluyanov and Roman Momot, who had worked at the Center since January 2024, were dismissed in the summer of 2025. All three were dismissed in accordance with Clause 5, Part 1, Article 36 of the Labor Code of Ukraine, which provides for the termination of an employment contract by agreement of the parties. The fourth expert, Ihor Shebalkov, who has been working at the Center since November 1, 2022, remains in his position. As reported, on February 13, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of February 12, 2025 "On the application of personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions)." According to the appendix to the document, sanctions were imposed against five individuals: Poroshenko, Igor Kolomoisky, former owner of the Finance and Credit bank Konstantin Zhevago, former co-owner of PrivatBank Gennady Bogolyubov, and former People's Deputy Viktor Medvedchuk. Poroshenko appealed the sanctions in the Supreme Court. According to lawyer Ilia Novikov, the grounds for the sanctions were the so-called "coal case" and the Kharkiv agreements. PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-04 17:49:31 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 610 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 DOJ corporate enforcement chief Andrew Gentin joins as Managing Director & General Counsel to lead RosettiStarr's global investigations and compliance practices.WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Intelligence and investigations firm RosettiStarr announced today that Andrew Gentin, a top Justice Department corporate enforcement and compliance official, has been appointed as a Managing Director and the firm's General Counsel.A two-decade veteran of the Justice Department's Fraud Section, Gentin will oversee RosettiStarr's expanding global investigations and compliance practices. Since 2021, he has been the Chief of the Fraud Section's Corporate Enforcement and Compliance Unit, where he was responsible for all corporate enforcement, compliance, and monitorship matters.Earlier, Gentin was a prosecutor in the Fraud Section's Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Unit for 12 years, where he investigated and prosecuted many of the Justice Department's most notable foreign bribery cases. He is an expert on the structural, monetary, and compliance components of FCPA, securities fraud, procurement fraud, health care fraud, money laundering, and sanctions resolutions."Andrew Gentin is one of the most well-respected corporate enforcement prosecutors in Washington and an expert in fraud and foreign bribery investigations," said RosettiStarr President and CEO Richard Rosetti. "He brings a unique and expansive perspective to RosettiStarr, informed by his knowledge of the Justice Department's enforcement and compliance priorities and processes. We are thrilled to welcome him to our firm." Gentin contributed significantly to the development of the Justice Department's corporate enforcement and compliance policies, and he was a member of the Deputy Attorney General's Corporate Crime Advisory Group. He also represented the Justice Department at the OECD's Working Group on Bribery in Paris and chaired the Law Enforcement Officials Group, consisting of leading anti-corruption prosecutors and investigators from the 46 member nations."I am excited to be joining RosettiStarr, where I will be surrounded by extremely talented professionals with deep investigative and intelligence experience. I was attracted by the firm's global reach, premier fact-finding and intelligence analysis, entrepreneurial spirit, and people who are passionate about delivering superior results to the firm's clients," Gentin said.A veteran prosecutor with contacts around the world, Gentin has overseen or conducted investigations in numerous countries. He was one of the lead examiners of Turkey's foreign bribery enforcement review last year, and of Italy's review in 2022. He has overseen enforcement resolutions with several financial services companies and spoken widely on corporate enforcement, compliance, and monitorships at conferences."Andrew Gentin's breadth of experience, global contacts, leadership ability, and investigative and compliance experience adds a strong new dimension to our team," said RosettiStarr Chief Operating Officer Michael Starr. "His arrival will allow us to continue our growth, expand into new areas, and propel us forward with a sharp focus on what matters-delivering impactful investigative, intelligence, and compliance resources to our clients." Gentin holds a B.A. from Amherst College and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. He clerked for a judge on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals before joining the White Collar Defense Groups at two Washington law firms. He then worked as a trial attorney at the Justice Department's Office of International Affairs before moving to the Fraud Section.About RosettiStarrRosettiStarr provides intelligence, investigations, corporate risk, and security services to attorneys, management teams, and investors worldwide. Headquartered in Washington D.C., the firm's 100 professionals serve multinational businesses, global law firms, and leading private equity firms and hedge funds that collectively manage more than $2.2 trillion in assets. RosettiStarr has partnered with over 60 of the Am Law Top 100 Law Firms and successfully executed engagements in 100+ countries. For more information, visitwww.rosettistarr.com Contact InformationFaith Apt Media Contactfapt@ rosettistarr.com (301) 299-1931SOURCE: RosettiStarr PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-04 19:00:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 332 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of California residents who visited Sam's Club's website at https://www.samsclub.com/ . Levi & Korsinsky, LLP's investigation indicates that legally protected data may have been unlawfully intercepted during visits to Sam's Club's website, particularly affecting users who are California residents.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?If you are a California resident and browsed the Sam's Club website for items, your legally protected data may have been intercepted without your knowledge.AM I ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?If your data was compromised, you may be entitled to compensation.Unauthorized data interceptionis a serious issue that could lead to privacy violations, potentially leading to significant breaches of your personal information.If the company entrusted with securing your datahas failed in this duty, they may be held accountable for any exposure of your information,potentially exposing you to risks such as misuse or unauthorized use of your data.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you are a California resident and visited the Sam's Club website, your data may have been intercepted. Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected customers are entitled to compensation. There is no cost to participate. Follow the link below to find out if you have a claim: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 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defenseattorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. We work on a contingencybasis- we don't get paid unless you get paid!Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. 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: 2025-09-04 15:15:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 410 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Development mandate expected to add assets and revenues while strengthening crypto-focused expertiseFRANKLIN, NEW JERSEY / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / Silver Scott Mines, Inc. (OTC Pink:SILS) (the "Company") today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with Himalaya Technologies, Inc. (OTC Expert:HMLA) to provide development services across a series of new digital projects.The agreement calls for Silver Scott Digital to design and build several platforms for Himalaya Technologies, all centered around the growing crypto and blockchain market. While financial details will not be disclosed, Silver Scott Mines will receive meaningful ownership stakes in each project, adding both assets and revenues to its balance sheet."This MOU represents another step in our strategy to build a diversified portfolio of digital assets that complement our own growing portfolio of blockchain and healthcare interests," said Stuart Fine, CEO of Silver Scott Mines, Inc. "By aligning with Himalaya Technologies, we are expanding Silver Scott Digital's capabilities in the crypto sector while creating long-term opportunities for shareholder value." The Company believes that these projects, once launched, will significantly enhance its digital footprint and further demonstrate its ability to deliver technology solutions across fast-growing blockchain markets.About Himalaya Technologies, Inc. Himalaya Technologies, Inc. (OTC Expert:HMLA) is a diversified technology company engaged in developing digital platforms and applications across emerging technology sectors including social media, blockchain, and fintech.About Silver Scott Mines, Inc. Silver Scott Mines, Inc. (OTC Pink:SILS) is a diversified technology and software development company with interests in digital asset infrastructure, tokenized natural resources, fintech innovation, and healthtech solutions. Through strategic development and acquisitions, the Company aims to build shareholder value across both traditional and emerging sectors.Learn more about our ETF platform: www.YourCryptoETF.comLearn more about our seedless crypto wallet: www.seedlesswallet.comTrade crypto here: www.silverscottexchange.comOther sites owned by SILS: www.silverscotttoken.com|www.peachhim.com|Trustnft.io|www.eggplanther.com|www.rivalmemecoins.com Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially due to factors discussed in the Company's filings and other public disclosures. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.Contact: Stuart Fine CEO Silver Scott Mines, Inc. 908-356-9852SOURCE: Silver Scott Mines Inc PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-04 17:30:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 531 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The acclaimed television series will highlight how TurboTenant has helped more than 800,000 investors nationwide through its user-friendly platform.DENVER, CO / ACCESS Newswire / September 4, 2025 / TurboTenant , the leading all-in-one rental property management software, will be featured on an upcoming episode of "Trending Today" that will air on Fox Business, Bloomberg, and A&E. This national recognition demonstrates TurboTenant's increasing influence in evolving the rental industry through innovation, education, and user-friendly technology."Trending Today" explores and examines global innovation across diverse sectors, including technology, business and development, health and wellness, and luxury lifestyles. The show captures the essence of success with its meticulously vetted deep dives into the journeys of trailblazing entrepreneurs and dynamic businesses.Among the innovative companies featured on "Trending Today," TurboTenant stands out for the way it's helping to simplify property management for the everyday landlord. The all-in-one platform makes renting out property less intimidating, less time-consuming, and more profitable. Trusted by more than 800,000 investors across the country, TurboTenant assists independent owners in confidently finding and managing tenants."At 'Trending Today,' we spotlight companies that are transforming the way people live and work," said Liz Plummer, executive producer of "Trending Today." "TurboTenant stood out to us because of its ability to simplify property management for landlords and tenants alike, combining innovation with accessibility. Their story is exactly the kind of forward-thinking entrepreneurship we love to feature." Episode viewers will learn how TurboTenant is taking the fear out of "landlording" through artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and hands-on guidance. The platform also helps users at every stage, whether it's creating leases, drafting listings, or learning the ropes through free educational resources. It also offers streamlined tools that save time and reduce hands-on management, helping landlords cut costs and focus on their goals."Our mission is to make property management feel empowering, not overwhelming," said Seamus Nally, chief executive officer of TurboTenant. "With AI, automation, and step-by-step guidance, we help landlords confidently say, I've got this' from day one. Already, more than 800,000 landlords have saved time and kept more money in their pockets thanks to these tools." For the last 13 years, "Trending Today" has told stories that span diverse sectors, including consumer products, luxury lifestyles, health, and technology. The show, which was recently recognized with three Telly Awards, has captured the essence of success by diving deep into the journeys of today's most innovative entrepreneurs and thriving businesses.To learn more about "Trending Today," visitwww.trendingtoday.com About "Trending Today" "Trending Today," the acclaimed television series airing on A&E, Bloomberg, and Fox Business, captures the entrepreneurial ambition that drives innovation around the world. Each episode highlights the latest technologies, market trends, and groundbreaking ideas through a thoughtfully selected lineup of inventors, innovators, and thought leaders. Crossing a wide range of industries, including consumer products, luxury lifestyles, health, and technology, "Trending Today" features companies and people who are pushing boundaries and redefining excellence. To learn more, visitwww.trendingtoday.com CONTACT Liz PlummerExecutive ProducerTrending Today Liz@ trendingtoday.com P: 561.290.9820W: www.trendingtoday.com SOURCE: Trending Today Despite producing nearly two-fifths of global shea nuts, Nigeria earns less than 1 per cent in the $6.5 billion market, Nigerias Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has said. Mr Kyari disclosed this while speaking at the Africa Food Systems Forum (#AFSForum2025) in Dakar, Senegal, on Wednesday. This move, he said, aims to create rural jobs, empower women, and establish Nigeria as a major player in the refined shea products market. President Tinubu highlighted that despite Nigeria producing nearly two-fifths of global shea, the country earns less than 1 per cent of the $6.5 billion market. We are committed to reversing that imbalance. By banning raw shea nut exports and steering investments toward local processing, we aim to transform our shea sector, creating rural jobs, empowering women and anchoring Nigeria firmly in the refined shea products market, Mr Kyari said. Last week Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu approved a 6-month temporary ban on the export of raw shea nut to curb informal trade, boost local processing, protect and grow Nigerias shea industry. The ban, which is with immediate effect, is subject to review on expiration and specifically aimed at boosting Nigerias shea value chain to generate around $300 million annually in the short term. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who announced the presidents directive during a multi-stakeholder meeting at the Presidential Villa, at the time, called on the Federal Ministry of Finance and other relevant government agencies to fast-track enforcement. Speaking further on the directive, the vice president said the decision was not an anti-trade policy but a pro-value addition policy designed to secure raw materials for our processing factories and enabling industries run at full capacity thereby boosting rural income and jobs for our people. Shea nut is grown on a tree of the family Sapotaceae. The shea fruit consists of a thin, tart, nutritious pulp that surrounds a relatively large, oil-rich seed. Shea nuts are processed into various products, including shea butter and shea oil, through several techniques. These methods vary depending on the intended use and market requirements. According to Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Africa produces about 1,760,600 tonnes of raw shea nuts annually. Nigeria is said to be the major player in the global shea nut market, contributing about 45 per cent of the worlds total production. The NEPC said the majority of shea butter produced in Nigeria is for domestic consumption, noting that there is also undocumented trade of shea nuts across the countrys borders with Benin, Togo and Ghana. Shea nut farming is predominantly carried out in many parts of Nigeria, with Niger State being the largest producer. Other notable producing states include Kwara, Kogi, Kebbi, Oyo and Kaduna. The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) on Tuesday said it plans to privatise 91 state-owned enterprises as part of efforts to boost efficiency, generate revenue, and create jobs. Director General Ayodeji Gbeleyi told reporters in Abuja that the agency is also preparing to list two electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and one generation company (GenCo) on the Nigerian Stock Exchange through initial public offerings. He did not name the companies or disclose how much the government expects to raise, saying such details would be determined during the process. Mr Gbeleyi said the power sector remained a strong candidate for public listing despite ongoing challenges. On the IPOs of potential DisCos and GenCo, at this stage, because of transaction confidentiality, we are not in a position to disclose two out of the 11 DisCos. We are also unable to disclose the GenCo that is the target for confidentiality, and to avoid causing anxiety or concern, whether among labour, workers, or the wider society, The Guardian quoted him as saying. The Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) currently has 23 power plants connected to the national grid, though the DG noted that as many as five plants can be out of operation at once due to gas shortages, transmission constraints, vandalism, and liquidity problems. He added that shareholder loan agreements had been signed for 10 of the 11 DisCos, with disbursement expected soon. Plans to privatise five GenCos, however, have been suspended, largely because of exchange rate volatility. The transaction is held in abeyance. It was in the middle of the transaction that we recorded a massive exchange volatility. When the transaction started in 2021, the official exchange rate was around N450, but as of last year, the exchange rate was averaging N1,600 to a dollar. Today, it is N1575. So, the fundamentals of the transaction changed along the line, but government is still keeping an eye on it, the DG said. He also criticised the failure of GenCos to adopt the eligible customer regulation, citing inadequate transmission infrastructure as a key obstacle. Eligible customer will also need transmission capability. If you produce power in Zungeru and need to sell it in Egbin Power, there will be transmission infrastructure available for you to dispatch your power. It is not just about the eligibility of customers, but you must also ensure that you have the wheeling infrastructure to deliver that power to that eligible customer, he said. The DG said core investors remain in four DisCos, while seven others have been restructured. He added that the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria had led to the creation of the Nigerian Independent System Operator to promote efficiency and market independence. On metering, Mr Gbeleyi disclosed that the industry had recorded 6.47 million installations as of 31 March, compared with 403,255 meters in 2013. Of that number, 3.2 million meters were installed under the $500 million Distribution Sector Recovery Programme, while 2.5 million were delivered through the Presidential Metering Initiative. May Edochie, the estranged wife of Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, has issued legal threats against her former lawyer, Emeka Ugwuonye, and Olayinka Yinka Theisen Ajakaiye, the ex-partner of Yuls elder brother, Linc Edochie. Through her new legal representatives, LawGray Partners, May served both parties with cease-and-desist notices, accusing them of cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and publishing defamatory statements against her. In the notices, posted on her verified Facebook page, May demanded immediate public apologies, full retractions of all derogatory remarks, and damages running into N1 billion against Mr Ugwuonye and N500 million against Ms Theisen. Her lawyers also warned that failure to comply within 48 hours would leave no option but to pursue civil and criminal litigation. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Ugwuonye of Due Process Advocates (DPA) was Mays lawyer in her ongoing divorce proceedings with Yul. However, in July, Mr Ugwuonye announced that his law firm had withdrawn from representing May, citing harassment, cyberbullying, and other attacks from Mays fan base, popularly known as May Nation. Withdraw all posts or publications made by you, or caused to be made by you, concerning our client on every medium used in perpetrating these defamatory and malicious acts. Take note that failure to comply with the demands herein shall leave us with no other option but to sail through the sea of litigation, both civil and criminal, to enforce our clients rights, seek reasonable compensation, and ensure her legal protection from your continued menacing actions, without further notice to you, said May in the cease-and-desist notice. Mr Ugwuonyes reply Reacting to Mays demands, Mr Ugwuonye stated in a Facebook post on Thursday that she appeared confused and under stress, which he described as unfortunate. He added that, despite their disagreement, he genuinely wished he could support her, as he disliked seeing her in such a troubled state. However, I do have to question why she shared that letter publicly. Her actions led thousands of her followers to attack, defame, and bully me. This alone could provide grounds for me to sue her for damages, but Ive decided I wont take legal action against May unless she sues me first. I dislike seeing her in this predicament. All I wanted was for her to protect herself from May Nation. Assuming the members of May Nation were helping her is the greatest mistake she could make, no other celebrity would behave as she does in relation to them. She is exposing herself to unnecessary scrutiny. Regardless, she should make a statement urging her followers to follow the law and cease the trolling and bullying. If she does this, I will overlook her previous missteps. I will support her again if she tells May Nation members to stop bullying. By the way, if May does decide to sue me, it will be a victory for Yul and Judy, as she will need to shift attention from them to focus on me. Even Yinka will likely celebrate this, as May and her supporters will have to redirect their focus towards me instead. Mr Ugwuonye further stated that he was too formidable for May Nation to contend with, adding that any of her supporters who attempted to challenge him would only be wasting their time. Also, my memoir is set to be released soon; I hope they read it. They should purchase a copy, even if just to criticise me. In fact, I want them to buy the book and destroy it as a means of hurting me. Yinka replies Meanwhile, Yinka Theisen in her response to the legal threats, described her as a clown in an Instagram post. She wrote, Clowns! Bring it on deluded bunch of clowns. Just make my account public again, clowns. This newspaper earlier reported that the feud between Yinka Theisen and May allegedly began after Yinka publicly praised Judy and Yul on Instagram, a gesture which Mays supporters interpreted as a subtle dig at her. Yinka Theisen, in turn, accused May of paying bloggers to attack the Edochie brothers, claiming they were envious and no better than Judy Austin. A federal judge in Boston has overturned the Trump administrations decision to cut at least $2.6 billion in research grant funding for Harvard University. The judge, Allison Burroughs, ruled on Wednesday in favour of Harvard that the Trump administration was using antisemitism as a smokescreen for a targeted assault against the school. Ms Burroughs, of the US District Court in Boston, identified the US governments actions as mainly ideologically-motivated assault on this countrys premier universities. We must fight against antisemitism, but we equally need to protect our rights, including our right to free speech, and neither goal should nor needs to be sacrificed on the altar of the other, the judge noted. Now it is the job of the courts to similarly step up, to act to safeguard academic freedom and freedom of speech as required by the Constitution, and to ensure that important research is not improperly subjected to arbitrary and procedurally infirm grant terminations, even if doing so risks the wrath of a government committed to its agenda no matter the cost, she said. This ruling is a crucial victory and edge for Harvard University in its clash with President Donald Trumps administration. While this may not be the final judgment on the matter, as Mr Trump earlier vowed to appeal any judgment against the goal of administration, it is an interim rebuff to protect Ivy League universities and give them leverage in the ongoing settlement talks with the White House. Harvards clash with Trumps administration This is the latest development in the dispute between the government and elite US universities, caused by the administrations effort to roll back race-conscious admission policies and what it views as liberal bias in academia. In the past months, the administration has targeted Harvard University for refusing many of its proposed changes to admission, curriculum, and hiring practices. Unlike Columbia and Brown University, which have reached agreements with the administration, Harvard University has been unable to reach a deal. The university filed a lawsuit against Mr Trumps administration after officials moved to freeze $2.2 billion in research grants, the same day Harvard rejected the administrations demand for sweeping changes. These demands were documented in a letter issued on 11 April. The Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, had declared that Harvard would no longer be eligible for new grants. Weeks later, the administration began canceling contracts with Harvard. In its lawsuit, Harvard accused the Trump administration of waging a retaliation campaign against the university after it rejected a series of demands. Harvard President Alan Garber vowed to fight antisemitism but said no government should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue. But US officials denied the cuts were retaliatory, saying the grants had been under review even before the demands were made in April. However, Ms Burroughs stated that the federally funded research had little connection to antisemitism. A review of the administrative record makes it difficult to conclude anything other than that Defendants used antisemitism as a smokescreen for a targeted, ideologically-motivated assault on this countrys premier universities, she wrote in an 84-page ruling. We must fight against antisemitism, but we equally need to protect our rights, including our right to free speech, and neither goal should nor needs to be sacrificed on the altar of the other. Harvard is currently, even if belatedly, taking steps it needs to take to combat antisemitism and seems willing to do even more if need be, she added. Mr Ambrose was at home after a busy day at his mechanics workshop. He had just sat down to have his meal of Eba and Egwusi soup that Mama Favour had prepared for him when he felt his right hand was a little numb. He quickly stretched it out and massaged his forearm thinking of the long time it took for him to unscrew the top cylinder he had worked on that day. As he raised his arm to wash his hands in the bowl eight-year-old Favour had presented, he found himself unable to lift his hand and felt a strange sense of dizziness. That was the last he remembered. Mr Ambrose slumped and fell off the chair sending his soup and water flying all over the floor and nearby walls. As Mama Favour screamed for help neighbours rushed into their flat to find him unconscious on the floor. Holy Ghost fire, Sister Chi screamed as she saw Mr Ambrose apparently unconscious on the floor. As the crowd gathered, Mama Favour kept screaming as some administered anointing oil , others were praying and speaking in tongues while Mr Ambrose was rushed into Brother Martins car. Favour and her three siblings watched on, confused while their newborn, Samuel, who was on their mothers back, started also to cry. There was a short argument about where Brother Martin was to take him. Sister Chi insisted they proceed immediately to the prayer house of her pastor where she had arranged a retinue of prayer warriors to chase the demon out of Mr Ambrose. However, Brother Martin whose wife was a nurse insisted: This is not a matter for Prayer House Sister Chi! Mr Ambrose arrived at the General Hospital where he was later stabilised, his admitting blood pressure was 220/115mmHg. The doctors immediately sent him for a scan of his brain. Mr Ambrose had had a stroke, a bleed in his brain and the doctors were scared he would not make it. As he struggled for his life for the first week, the doctors explained that he had likely been hypertensive for a long time but not diagnosed because he had signs that his body had been dealing with hypertension for long. Mr Ambrose slowly became aware of his environment and by day seven, Mama Favour was able to explain to him all that had transpired since he collapsed while having his dinner. About one week into his hospital stay, the doctors came round for a ward, the residents gave a history summarising his case to the consultant and he heard them discussing his case. The young doctor asked him to raise his right hand, and he struggled with no success. Even to move his fingers was an impossible task. His right arm felt like a dead weight, and same with his right leg. As tears trickled down his face, the doctors interrupted their discourse to ask Mama Favour, why is he crying?. He continued to weep as he saw his future crumbling before his eyes. How would he fend for his young family without his right arm and leg. Was he to end up back in the village with his unskilled and less fortunate brothers who depended on him for their daily bread? His wife tried to explain to the doctors his fears while he continued to weep. What did he do to deserve such a fate? The doctors tried to explain that his stroke was likely due to hypertension which he had probably had for many years without knowing. Unfortunately, Mr Ambrose had never had his blood pressure checked. He prided himself on his good health and had rarely need to visit the local chemist in his neigbourhood. Apart from one or two yearly bouts of malaria which Emeka the chemist was quick to handle, he was mostly a healthy and strong man who never took a day off work. Mr Ambrose is not alone, Studies show that although about one in three Nigerians are hypertensive, only 30% of them are aware of their condition with about 12% on treatment for this condition. For those on treatment, only about 3% were well controlled (Adeloye et al, PMID 33600078). Yet hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases like stroke, heart and kidney disease. Studies in Nigeria and Ghana have shown that majority of our risks for strokes are due to hypertension and about 91% of strokes can be prevented just by blood pressure control(SIREN study). Yet, majority of Nigerians are not even aware of their blood pressure and the need to have it checked. Hypertension is termed a silent killer because most times it has no symptoms unless it has now led to complications like heart failure, kidney disease, or stroke. Many Nigerians believe that headaches are a symptom of hypertension without realising that even for severely elevated blood pressure, only 20% of them will have headaches. For the majority of people with mild to moderate hypertension, there will be NO SYMPTOMS: no headache, no dizziness, no chest pain, nothing, just silent damage One out of four people will have a stroke during their lifetime and most of these strokes can be prevented. Strokes in Nigeria occur in younger age groups and thus tend to strike when men are still raising their families and leading to great economic burden and loss of income to the family. Stroke has a high mortality and for those who survive, six out of 10 people live with permanent disability. Mr Ambrose was left with a permanent right sided weakness and wheelchair bound after his stroke at the age of 42. He lost his ability to provide for his family, he lost his income and most importantly stroke robbed him of his self-worth and identity as the breadwinner. The economic burden of stroke on households, health systems and economies is significant. A study done in Ibadan in 2024 showed that total cost of stroke care in a tertiary centre in Ibadan was about N196,000.00 per patient of which 94% paid out of pocket. This relates more to direct costs like out-of-pocket expenses for hospital admission, imaging, medication and physiotherapy. The indirect costs however are even more alarming, loss of paid work from disability or death, cost of time and effort by family and caregivers and nonmedical costs like transportation. Strokes also place a great burden on healthcare facilities especially in a country with limited resources like ours. On the flip side, hypertension control is much less expensive than cost of treating stroke. Average cost of managing hypertension is about N3,400.00 monthly while the cost of acute stroke care is about N196,000.00 in direct medical costs. This cost does not factor in the social and health care costs after the stroke event. For many, strokes can be catastrophic due to loss of income and may lead to financial ruin. The good news is that strokes are largely preventable. Just by controlling blood pressure alone, about 91% of strokes can be prevented (SIREN study PMID). The first step in ensuring that you are not one of the victims of stroke is to KNOW YOUR NUMBERS which a campaign is propagated by the World Hypertension Society. A healthy blood pressure is one which is less than 120/80 mmHg although the current definition of hypertension is one above 140/90 mmHg. The consensus is that for blood pressure, the lower the better. For many who have been diagnosed with hypertension, many miss their medications, take drug holidays or are not well controlled on their blood pressure medications. The practice of taking blood pressure medications irregularly or I know when my BP is high, I get headache and then I take my BP medicine should be discouraged. Blood pressure medications should be taken regularly and at the same time of the day every day. It is also wise to have a home blood pressure monitor to check your blood pressure at least 1-2 times a week. Once diagnosed with hypertension, regular checkups with your general practitioner should be encouraged as this will ensure that the medication is working well as sometimes the medications need to be adjusted. Many complain of the inconvenience of taking a pill every day for their blood pressure. As I often tell my patients when they complain, which would you prefer, taking a small pill every day or living the rest of your life in a wheelchair? On a broader community level, the government should conduct more screening in the population and ensure that people get their blood pressure checked at least once a year. Government should make yearly health screening (including blood pressure assessment) compulsory for government workers, private sector, artisans and the community at large. Majority of the population work in private sectors or are self-employed and attention should be paid to their health needs. Health clinics at every market should be compulsory and perhaps on weekly environmental days where shops are forced to close and clean their environs, blood pressure assessment can be introduced as mandatory. Medications should also be cheap and accessible to all, possibly even free for low-income earners. All these measures will go far to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases associated with hypertension. When last did you have your blood pressure checked? Nkechi Obianozie, a Consultant Neurologist, is Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (FWACP) The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, on Thursday said that Nigeria must prioritise mobilising domestic resources to sustain health services and protect vulnerable populations. Mr Pate said this during a panel session on Reflections on Emerging Challenges in Health Financing at the National Health Financing Dialogue in Abuja. He stressed that while donor funding has been useful, the country must take ownership of its health sector. He also urged development partners to stop bypassing national institutions with parallel projects, warning that such practices weaken rather than strengthen the countrys health financing systems. We cannot pretend perfection, but we have to work on our institutions so they continue to move from strength to strength, he said. If you bypass them and create separate budgets outside the government, you are allowing waste. According to him, partners should align with the governments sector-wide approach by using national systems, even if weak, to help improve them. Over time, there should be no stand-alone delivery units. The funds should go directly through ministries with proper safeguards, he added. The four As of service delivery Echoing the ministers stance, Donald Kaberuka, former African Development Bank president, said Africas health financing challenge is not about foreign taxpayers money but about mobilising domestic resources responsibly. The health of our people is not about money from outside, Mr Kaberuka said. Its money from us. Nigerias tax-to-GDP ratio is still at 11 to 12 per cent three points below the sub-Saharan average. It means there are Nigerians who are not paying their fair share. He outlined what he described as the four As that must guide health service delivery once resources are raised. First is availability. Services must exist in the first place. Second is accessibility. What use is it if you are told care is free, but there are no medicines or doctors at the hospital, he said. Third is affordability. Wasteful subsidies undermine public finances, yet without affordability, health systems collapse. And the fourth is accountability. Every naira and every service must be accounted for. He added that any viable financing system must also provide safety nets for the most vulnerable and pool risks across governments, communities, companies, and individuals. Legislative push for higher allocations Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, said the National Assembly is already considering a bill to raise the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from the current one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to two per cent, alongside a dedicated account for immunisation. Ms Harry-Banigo said this would substantially increase funding for health. But it will need cooperation from all stakeholders including civil society, sub-national governments, and the public, because it must pass through hearings before it becomes law, she said. She also disclosed that parliament has introduced an infrastructure fund for health, with provisions such as a 50 per cent subsidy on power supply to public hospitals. According to her, this would ease costs for facilities and improve service delivery. Beyond public spending, the senator stressed the importance of including the private sector, which she said serves many. On alternative financing, she said health taxes could be explored but only on the basis of evidence-based frameworks to ensure fairness. One Health and antimicrobial resistance The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, responded to questions on the regions rising burden of non-communicable diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Mr Janabi warned that Africas growing burden of antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic outbreaks requires a coordinated One Health approach that brings together human, animal, and environmental health. Most of these diseases, Ebola, Marburg, Mpox, even COVID, start in animals before jumping to humans, he said, recalling recent Marburg cases in Rwanda and Tanzania traced to farmers working near bat colonies. That is why outbreaks must be addressed in a multisectoral way. You cannot separate the veterinary part from the human part, he said. Mr Janabi noted that only about 40 per cent of African countries currently have reliable data systems to measure its true impact. If you ask me today how serious AMR is on the continent, it is difficult to answer, because we dont yet have the database. That is where WHO is stepping in to provide expertise and help countries establish surveillance. He linked the challenge to misuse of antibiotics by both individuals and livestock farmers. Most of us dont complete our prescriptions. Where do the leftovers go? Into water sources, into animals. And in our farms, antibiotics are overused. This cycle is fuelling resistance, he explained. Building social capital Mr Pate concluded by noting that health financing has implications beyond economic productivity and human capital. He argued that in a country often divided along ethnic, religious, and political lines, coming together to address collective health needs can help heal fractures and build trust. By coming together to address the health needs of our population, in fact we can forge social capital and that itself can help us grow even further, he said. Drawing a comparison with Rwanda, he credited part of the countrys post-conflict recovery to social solidarity. One of Rwandas secrets is not just the technical reforms, but the social capital they rebuilt in the post-conflict period. It helped them to look beyond themselves and preserve the commons, he explained. He added that public health spending, when done equitably, serves this collective good. Defense Intelligence hands over mock-ups of Magura naval drones to National Museum of History of Ukraine in World War II The ceremonial handover of unique mock-ups of Magura V5, V6 and V7 naval drones with elements of mounted weapons took place at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II in Kyiv. As reported by an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, the handover ceremony took place on Thursday in Kyiv on the eve of Military Intelligence Day, which is celebrated annually in Ukraine on September 7. According to the representative of the Main Intelligence Agency, Andriy Yusov, now Ukrainians "will be able to see with their own eyes the achievements of the history of this war," in which "Ukrainians are fighting technologically, skillfully, and modernly". "Today we have the honor to present and transfer to the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II the already legendary Magura drones. Magura V5, V6 and V7 are all unique stories, unique developments, a success story of Ukrainian scientists, engineers, the Intelligence Agency, and the special unit Group 13, whose skill allows us to destroy the enemy not only at sea, but also in the air," said Yusov. He emphasized that these naval drones have destroyed the largest number of enemy ships to date. According to Yusov, Magura are constantly improving in order to continue successfully destroying the enemy. "The whole world is studying the experience of this unit, these naval drones, our partners are taking an example from the Defense Forces of Ukraine. The Group 13 special unit and Magura are setting certain modern trends," Yusov added. As emphasized by the Agency, modern symbols of courage and technological superiority of Ukrainian soldiers will replenish the museum collection, perpetuating the heroism of the defenders and the innovative path of Ukraine in the war for independence. The commander of Group 13 noted that each Magura made "some unusual achievement for the first time in and over the Black Sea." "You can be sure that we are continuing to work to destroy the enemy and radically change the situation on the battlefield," he said. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the museum management. The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has fixed 29 August 2026 for local government council chairmanship and councillorship elections in Anambra State. The Chairperson of the ANSIEC, Genevieve Osakwe, announced this in a statement on Wednesday. Mrs Osakwe, a chief magistrate, said the exercise was in line with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Section 23 of the Anambra State Electoral Law 2024, which empowered the commission to issue election notices. The election timetable and schedule of activities will be available for collection at the commissions office beginning Friday, 28 November 2025. We call on all political parties to start obtaining their nomination forms from the body along the Enugu-Awka Expressway, she said. Previous election The commission conducted the last local council elections on 28 September 2024. PREMIUM TIMES reported that, during the election last year, the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State won all the electoral positions contested for. This newspaper also reported that the election was the first in the last 10 years in the South-eastern state. Before the September 2024 poll, the last local government election in Anambra State was held in January 2014 under the administration of former Governor Peter Obi. Mr Obi served between 2006 and 2014 under the APGA platform. Until the September 2024 poll, all the 21 local government areas in Anambra State had been administered by caretaker committees usually appointed by successive governors. Meanwhile, the September 2024 poll was apparently in response to a Supreme Court ruling in July 2024, which affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigerias 774 local governments. The Supreme Court held that the local governments across the country should, henceforth, receive their allocations directly from the Accountant-General of the Federation. The ruling empowers the federal government to withhold allocations of local governments being administered by caretaker committees. (NAN) PadHer, a Nigerian-founded social enterprise led by Chika Nwaogu, has received a $140,000 grant from the Chocolonely Foundation to expand its menstrual health education initiative in Ghanas Volta Region. Founded to empower schoolgirls across Africa with menstrual and sexual health knowledge, PadHer combines comic books, animations, and digital games to make learning engaging and stigma-free. The founder and Executive Director, Chika Nwaogu, expressed gratitude for the support, adding that the grant marks a significant milestone. Every girl we reach is a girl who doesnt have to feel shame, skip school, or doubt her worth because of her period. Our mission is to ensure no girl is left behind, he stated. The funding will support PadHers partnership with Girls Club Ghana to reach thousands of girls with both education and reusable sanitary products. The grant for PadHer is a game-changer. With our comic-based curriculum and trusted local partners, we are set to provide dignity-preserving menstrual health education across schools in Ghana, he said. PadHers innovative approach has earned international recognition. The initiative was recently listed on the EduEvidence Global EdTech Evidence List, certifying it as a validated, research-backed education solution. It has also impacted over 100,000 girls across Africa and, for the third time, was recognised by global nonprofit Hundred as one of the worlds most impactful and scalable educational innovations. With growing support and expanding reach, PadHer is helping to shift the narrative around menstruationbreaking taboos and restoring confidence among African schoolgirls. SIGNED Thelma Teetee Ahamba, Director of Operations and Partnerships The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has revived its Annual Lecture Series after an eight-year break, aiming to enhance partnerships and promote global best practices in road safety management across Nigeria. At the 8th edition held Wednesday in Abuja, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, described the lecture as a platform to deepen awareness and discourse on the persistent challenge of road traffic crashes. Mr Mohammed identified road crashes as a significant public health issue requiring urgent national attention, reaffirming the corps commitment to adopting international partnerships and strategies to improve road safety outcomes. He recalled that the inaugural lecture was held in 2009 under the theme Sustainable Development and Road Safety, and served as a yearly platform for advocacy and stakeholder engagement. Though the last edition took place in 2017, the 2025 revival aims to adopt global best practices as remedial actions for Nigeria and Africas road safety concerns, he stated. The Corps Marshal said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on sustainable transport development and improved public health through safer road systems. He explained that the 2025 theme, Road Safety Management and Emerging Transportation Trends: Global Partnership and Optimal Performance, was carefully chosen to address evolving global and national transport issues. Mr Mohammed added that the theme was in line with the United Nations Assemblys resolution to reduce road crash fatalities and injuries in Africa by 50 per cent by the year 2030. In spite of progress made through enforcement, public education, and advocacy, Mr Mohammed cited data showing an annual average of 5,000 deaths and more than 31,000 injuries from road crashes in Nigeria. He stressed the need for more strategic resource mobilisation to fully implement the National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS), which he described as the blueprint for multi-level road safety governance. The Corps Marshal expressed confidence that the lectures resolutions would generate insights critical to the effective implementation and success of the national strategy across all levels of government. Mr Mohammed also emphasised the pivotal role of the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NaRSAC), chaired by the Vice President, in harmonising stakeholder roles within the NRSS framework. He said NaRSAC would drive effective collaboration between government agencies, private sector actors, and civil society groups, ensuring all parties contributed to achieving the NRSS objectives. The FRSC boss thanked the Federal Government for its continued support, including improved funding and institutional strengthening, which had helped sustain the corps mandate and operational efficiency. He also expressed optimism that the pending FRSC Amendment Bill, awaiting Senate concurrence, would enhance enforcement powers, improve staff welfare, and boost service delivery nationwide. In his remarks, retired Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM), Bisi Kazeem, welcomed the lectures revival, describing it as a key platform for advocacy and national development through improved road safety practices. Mr Kazeem said the lecture was initiated by former Corps Marshal Osita Chidoka, to give FRSC national and international visibility, while educating road users and other stakeholders on safety issues. He noted that although it should have reached its 17th edition by now, the return of the lecture series demonstrated FRSCs renewed commitment to deepening the national road safety conversation. It was created to raise awareness, highlight FRSC activities, and engage transporters, passengers, motorcyclists, and institutions in efforts to reduce road crashes, Kazeem added. In his goodwill message, Ali Muhammad Ali, managing director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), urged the media to amplify road safety messages and panel discussions from the event. He said media organisations must take up the responsibility of educating motorists and the public, urging strict compliance with traffic rules and cautious behaviour on Nigerian roads. We are entering an era of smart traffic systems. Driverless cars exist elsewhere. The media must help Nigeria transition by supporting and promoting relevant transport safety policies, he said. Mr Ali commended the FRSC for its tireless work in reducing road deaths, curbing traffic indiscipline, and advancing smart traffic management, stressing the need for stronger media collaboration. He noted that only through effective media support could the corps road safety campaigns achieved the wide acceptance needed to make meaningful, lasting impacts across the country. The event was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, and attended by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, among other top dignitaries and stakeholders. Keynote speaker Saul Billingsley, executive director of the FIA Foundation, London, addressed the forum alongside retired DCMs, government officials, private sector partners, and civil society leaders. (NAN) The Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Offences Court in Awka, Anambra State, has ordered the remand of a 30-year-old scrap dealer, Kalu Iloh, in a correctional facility. The magistrate, U.E. Onochie, gave the order following Mr Ilohs arraignment on a one-count charge of defilement. The defendant was arraigned on Thursday for allegedly defiling a 13-year-old girl with Down syndrome. While the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge, the magistrate adjourned the case until 24 September for sentencing. Earlier, the prosecutor, Chinyere Okechukwu, a police inspector, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on 13 August at Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra. The 42-year-old mother of the 13-year-old victim reported a case of defilement at the police station. She said she came back from a business trip and noticed that her daughter was walking in an unusual manner. READ ALSO: FRSC revives lecture series for safer roads On enquiry, her daughter told her that the defendant barged into the bathroom while she was urinating, forcefully removed her clothing and had canal knowledge of her. After medical examination at the Ntasi Sexual Assault Referral Centre at General Hospital Enugu-Ukwu, a medical practitioner confirmed that the girl had been defiled, she told the court. Ms Okechukwu said the offence contravened Sections 130(2) (a) (b) of the Administration Criminal Justice Law 2022. (NAN) Global cybersecurity company, Kaspersky, and the National Information Technology Development Agency of Nigeria (NITDA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the GITEX Nigeria 2025 conference. The aim of this agreement is to help businesses and individuals in the country to improve computer security preparedness and to raise awareness around the importance of cybersecurity in an evolving cyberthreat landscape. NITDA is responsible for planning, research, development, standardisation, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria. As part of the MoU, Kaspersky and the Agency have agreed to collaborate in four main areas: sharing information; training; raising awareness; and strengthening the cybersecurity of critical infrastructures. Kaspersky and NITDA will exchange relevant technical information, threat intelligence, and data feeds related to cyber threats and cyberattacks affecting citizens, businesses, and the government in Nigeria. Kaspersky will provide advice for NITDAs consideration in the building of cybersecurity frameworks and standards for the critical information infrastructures of Nigeria. Furthermore, the two organisations plan to work on activities to help raise public awareness about ways for civilians and organisations to improve their cyber defences. Within the ongoing NITDA public digital literacy initiatives, the organisations plan to address, among other audiences, parents and children, including with tools such as Kasperskys Cybersecurity Alphabet that teaches basic cybersecurity terms and IT hygiene principles in an exciting easy-to-remember format. Robust cybersecurity is the foundation for digital development, and it demands a deep and continuous partnership between the public authorities and private companies. Kaspersky has long and fruitful history of relations with global organisations such as INTERPOL, regional ones such as AFRIPOL, and local regulators and computer emergency response teams in different countries around the globe. We highly value this cooperation with NITDA as an important step in making rapid digitalisation in the country safe for everyone, said Chris Norton, General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Kaspersky. About NITDA The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) of Nigeria was created in April 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy and coordinate general IT development in the country. Its role is to develop, regulate and advise on Information technology in the country through regulatory standards, guidelines and policies. Additionally, NITDA is the clearing house for all IT projects and infrastructural development in the country. It is the prime agency for e-government implementation, Internet governance and general IT development in Nigeria. For more details go to www.nitda.gov.ng. About Kaspersky Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kasperskys deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments around the globe. The companys comprehensive security portfolio includes leading digital life protection for personal devices, specialised security products and services for companies, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help millions of individuals and nearly 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.co.za. The Ekiti State Government on Thursday said it has awarded N3.86 billion for the construction of Aviation Staff Quarters at the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado-Ekiti. A statement from the Special Adviser on Information and Value Orientation, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said it was part of the decisions reached at the weekly Executive Council meeting held in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. According to Mr Olatunbosun, the construction of staff quarters was part of ongoing efforts to ensure the successful operational take-off of the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado-Ekiti. The Ekiti State Government secured 14 residential flats comprising six two-bedroom flats and eight three-bedroom flats located at the GRA, Ado-Ekiti, to accommodate the aviation personnel deployed to the facility. These quarters provide a conducive living environment essential for staff productivity and welfare. The approval is to address the need to construct purpose-built aviation staff quarters within the external perimeter fence of the Airport in line with standard industry practice across Nigeria to optimise operational efficiency, enhance security of the Airport installations, and reduce both transit time and daily transportation costs associated with commuting from GRA to the airport. The Special Adviser said the proposed quarters approved are to be constructed by Messrs. CCECC Nigeria Limited, adding that it would consist of 40 residential units made up of: 32 self-contained apartments for junior and middle cadre officers, six units of one-bedroom apartments for senior staff, and two units of two-bedroom apartments for management staff. The scope of work also includes external infrastructure, construction of car parking lots, and installation of a simple direct flame incinerator to serve as a Solid Waste Management System for the entire Airport, he said. Mr Olatunbosun added that the contract was approved to be completed in four months. Also, N418.9 million was awarded for the procurement of seven Toyota Hummer buses and one Toyota Prado SUV for Agricultural operations in Ekiti State Mr Olatunbosun said the approval to procure vehicles for Agricultural Operations in Ekiti State is for the ease of operations of the Bring Back Our Youths to Agriculture programme across the 16 Local Governments and 22 LCDA in the state. It is an expansion of the present Administrations intervention programme on the Bring Back Our Youths to Agriculture (BBYA), a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative which has empowered a large number of youths since the year 2024. READ ALSO: Ekiti indigenes demand better representation at National Assembly The authorisation is by Direct Procurement Method to be undertaken by Messrs. Tayodeji Hub Nigeria Limited and delivered within six weeks. Meanwhile, the state government also approved N86 million for the construction of six 2,000-capacity poultry pens in three senatorial districts of the state. The governors aide said the approval is part of efforts to expand the governments intervention programme in Broiler Production with the construction of six poultry pens of 2,000 capacity each in the three senatorial districts of the State, specifically at Efon, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Emure, and Ikere LGAs in this instance. The present administration, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has demonstrated unwavering resolve and commitment to transform the Agriculture Sector, through Public Private Partnership (PPP) intervention plan on the establishment of poultry production clusters in Ekiti State. The project expansion was approved to be awarded to Adebankpet Nigeria Limited with a six-week completion period, he said. The Coalition for Cruelty Free Africa (CFCFA) has intensified its campaign urging African governments, the African Union, and world leaders to outlaw the dog and cat meat trade, animal sacrifices, and all forms of animal cruelty. The group, in a statement, said the trade not only inflicts extreme suffering on animals but also exposes humans to fatal diseases. To sustain awareness, CFCFA said it has been placing billboards across Africa and Asia, with the latest unveiled in Kumasi, Ghanas Ashanti Region, bearing the message: Dogs and Cats are Family, Not Food. CFCFA said its push aligns with global health warnings, including those from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which cautions that the slaughter and consumption of dogs and cats pose deadly risks to human health. It highlighted links to diseases such as trichinellosis, cholera, and rabies, all of which have devastating impacts on both humans and animals. CFCFA was set up to stamp out animal cruelty in Africa to promote animal protection and education, and to help improve the lives of animals and the people of Africa. Calls for urgent government action The coalition, working with major international animal protection organisations, condemned what it described as the barbaric dog and cat meat trade. It named Ghana, Uganda, Togo, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Zambia, Tanzania, and Congo as countries where the practice remains widespread despite growing opposition. The group urged African governments to enforce strict animal protection laws, stop animal traffickers, and implement bans across the continent. Together, we stand globally united against animal cruelty and disease and uphold global standards of health, compassion, humanity, and ethical responsibility, it said. Nigerias growing problem The coalition also noted that Nigeria is the third-largest consumer of dog meat globally. The practice is common in several regions, including in parts of Ogun State, where dogs are sacrificed during traditional rites. It further explained on its website that terrified animals are often trafficked into Nigeria from neighbouring countries such as Niger, then sold into the trade. Meanwhile, some pet owners in Nigerian cities live in constant fear of theft, knowing their animals could be captured and sold to dog traders or butchers for quick cash. Widespread cruelty According to CFCFA, the trade continues to thrive despite international pressure. It pointed to seasonal spikes in animal slaughter during cultural festivals and events such as the Yulin festival in China, the Evala festival in Togo, traditional rites in Ogun State, Nigeria, and the Boknal festival in Korea. The group described the situation as horrific, alleging that dogs and cats, many of them stolen pets or strays, are trafficked by criminal networks, subjected to torture, and killed in brutal ways. Animals are often torn apart while still alive for human consumption, it said. In China, which CFCFA described as the worlds largest hub for the dog and cat meat trade, millions of animals are killed each year. Despite Koreas official ban on the trade, CFCFA noted that the Boknal event still sees countless dogs slaughtered annually. Global context, One Health approach Data from Humane World for Animals estimates that 30 million dogs and millions of cats are trafficked and slaughtered worldwide each year. The group said the trade not only affects animals but also undermines human health, fuelling rabies outbreaks and other fatal diseases. The coalition also highlighted the recent adoption of the One Health agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly, which emphasises the interconnectedness of human and animal health. It argued that outlawing animal cruelty and ending the dog and cat meat trade are essential steps towards protecting communities. The Youth in Parliament Forum (YIPF) has launched a major initiative to equip young Nigerians with technical skills in electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and manufacturing. Under a new partnership with CAWIN Mobility Limited, 2,000 youths will benefit from free training, beginning on 20 September in Abuja. Announcing the programme, YIPF Director General Tony Nwulu described it as a historic milestone that would position Nigerian youth at the forefront of Africas transition to renewable energy and green transportation. One of the biggest challenges in the coming years will be who services electric vehicles when they develop faults. Through this partnership, we are equipping 2,000 Nigerian youth with the skills to fill that critical gap, he said at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between YIPF and CAWIN Mobility. Mr Nwulu, who is also a former member of the House of Representatives, said the training will target 1,000 engineering students and 1,000 mechanics drawn from across the country. He urged youth to apply via the YIPF website, stressing that the programme is completely free of charge. Lawmakers car acquisition scheme As part of the partnership, the Lawmakers Car Acquisition Scheme (LCAS) was also introduced. The scheme will provide federal lawmakers with access to both electric and conventional vehicles at affordable rates, with flexible payment options and after-sales support. Mr Nwulu explained that the initiative was designed not only to support lawmakers in carrying out their duties but also to promote the adoption of sustainable transport. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to youth empowerment, sustainable mobility, and national development. It is a testament to what is possible when innovation meets purpose, he said. The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth in Parliament, Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, also underlined the significance of the initiative. The world is moving into the electric era, and Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind. Through this programme, we are ensuring that when electric vehicles arrive in large numbers, we will already have a prepared workforce and infrastructure to maintain and service them, he said. Mr Alao-Akala praised CAWIN Mobility for its investment in Nigerias future and commended lawmakers for supporting the project despite being on recess. CAWIN Mobilitys commitment CAWIN Mobilitys Managing Director, Wayne Ji, said the initiative was more than symbolic but also a commitment to Nigerias youth, environment, and economic growth. Mr Ji explained that the programme will train 1,000 technicians to serve in garages and service centres, while another 1,000 engineers will undergo advanced training in partnership with Nigerian universities, focusing on EV research, design, and manufacturing. He also announced that CAWIN will provide a full EV ecosystem in Nigeria, including charging infrastructure, local assembly, supply chains, and after-sales support. In addition, he said the lawmakers vehicle scheme is expected to set an example for wider adoption of sustainable mobility. We are laying the foundation for cleaner cities, safer transportation, and a diversified economy with new industries and jobs. To Nigerian youths: seize this opportunity. You are not just beneficiaries you are the future owners of this industry, he said. The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has unveiled measures to drive Nigerias shea industry, after the federal government imposed a six-month suspension on raw shea nut exports to spur local processing. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Director-General Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso said the council was stepping in to play its statutory role to ensure the success of the policy. The reason we are here is to tell you how the RMRDC is stepping in to play its statutory role regarding the federal government ban on the export of shea nuts, and why it is necessary, and how we intend to support the actualisation of that goal, he said. President Bola Tinubu, on 26 August, announced the temporary suspension of the export of shea nuts. The ban, which is with immediate effect, is subject to review on expiration and specifically aimed at boosting Nigerias shea value chain to generate around $300 million annually in the short term. Mr Ike-Muonso explained that since assuming office he had championed a policy that raw materials should not be exported without at least 30 per cent value addition, a proposal that had advanced at the National Assembly. He described the ban as a presidential endorsement of this drive, noting that instead of talking volumes of exported raw materials, we should be talking about the value of exported semi-processed raw materials, or even fully processed raw materials, because in that employment is created, even our currency gets strengthened. Nigeria produces more than one million metric tonnes of shea nuts annually across 21 states, yet over 90 per cent is exported raw despite strong international demand. To prepare for a shift to value-added processing, RMRDC said it has been engaging processors. Its officials recently visited Salid Agriculture Nigeria Limited at Kudu, in Mokwa Local Council of Niger state, the largest shea processing facility in Nigeria with a daily capacity of about 30 metric tonnes. Other facilities are emerging, though industry capacity remains limited. Women empowerment A major part of the councils strategy is centred on women, who dominate nut collection and small-scale processing. Mr Ike-Muonso said RMRDC had supported womens associations, particularly in Kwara State, with upgraded indigenous technologies. The council also plans to launch national women cluster cooperatives to train rural women in nut collection, safety, and quality processing. The clusters, designed to operate as cooperatives, would help women qualify for financing and access modern equipment. The biggest problem is in collection, the DG noted. Women need to be trained on safety, on how to pick the best quality shea nuts, and also on some processing. Even for smallholder processors, the quality needs to improve. This capacity building is what we are going to launch across the country simultaneously. Beyond womens empowerment, RMRDC will review the expired five-year shea industry roadmap developed in 2019, conduct a nationwide mapping of shea trees to capture varieties and quantities, and rally state governments to commit land for plantations. Niger State has already pledged 10,000 hectares for new plantations, while RMRDC is seeking similar commitments from other states. The council has also worked with financial institutions, including Nexim Bank, which funded the Salid refinery. He said further collaboration is planned to roll out cluster-level processing equipment nationwide. Mr Ike-Muonso said the ultimate aim was to reposition Nigeria as a hub for processed shea exports, used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food globally. The federal governments suspension of shea nut export is not merely a ban. It is a clearer call for Nigeria to stop exporting poverty and start exporting prosperity, he said. Although Nigeria is the worlds largest producer of shea nuts, it ranks outside the top seven in processed exports, losing billions of dollars in potential revenue. READ ALSO: Group seeks financial inclusion for women in Nigeria With structured clusters, modern plants, and trained women-led cooperatives, the country could save foreign exchange, create jobs, and strengthen rural economies. Mr Ike-Muonso said RMRDC would provide the presidency with regular updates on jobs created, foreign exchange saved, and capacity utilisation during the six-month trial period, which may determine whether the export ban becomes permanent. The UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, has warned that 37 countries had yet to submit one or more mandatory reports under the Paris Agreements transparency framework, stressing that no country can be left behind. Speaking at the Global Transparency Forum in Songdo, Republic of Korea, on Wednesday, Mr Stiell said the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) was not just technical bookkeeping but a vital enabling tool for stronger climate action. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in a statement, said EFT would help governments attract investment, design more ambitious policies, and accelerate progress on clean energy and resilience. To date, more than 100 nations have submitted their first Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), which Mr Stiell called a smart investment bringing economic and social benefits. Over 10,000 experts from 140 developing countries have received training on the ETF, with 1,200 certified reviewers and 1,400 officials now using its tools. The first global synthesis of BTRs will be published ahead of Novembers COP 30 climate change conference in Brazil, offering an early snapshot of progress on mitigation, adaptation, and support. Mr Stiell said the findings would guide the next Global Stocktake. What is measured can be acted upon. What is reported helps build trust. And what is shared becomes a force for change, he said. In a related development, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was profoundly saddened by the death and destruction caused by the recent floods in northern Pakistan. The current death toll stands at over 400. In a statement released by his spokesperson, the UN chief noted that the disaster driven by severe monsoon conditions had been exacerbated by climate change, impacting around 1.5 million people. Hundreds of thousands of people need humanitarian aid while more than 3,000 homes, over 400 schools and some 40 health facilities have suffered some level of damage. The Secretary-General commends Pakistani authorities for relocating more than one million people in Punjab. He expresses his solidarity with the Government and people of Pakistan, extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives, and wishes a swift recovery to those who have been injured. The UN and other humanitarian organisations are working closely with the Pakistani authorities to assess the full impact of the floods on communities, identify further needs and also address any gaps in the response. The UNs Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has released $600,000 from the Regional Humanitarian Pooled Fund for relief and recovery efforts, and discussions are underway with the Government on a specific response plan. (NAN) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a virtual address to the Coalition of the Willing from Glasgow on Thursday, during which he said, among other things, that Putin could not be trusted as he continues to delay peace talks and simultaneously carry out egregious attacks on Ukraine" and welcomed statements from Coalition of the Willing partners to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles. That was further underlined by the indiscriminate attacks in Kyiv last week, causing significant damage to the British Council and EU delegation buildings, he added. Discussing the latest military planning for the Coalition of the Willing, the Prime Minister emphasised that the group had an unbreakable pledge to Ukraine, with President Trumps backing, and it was clear they now needed to go even further to apply pressure on Putin to secure a cessation of hostilities, says a message published on the official website of the UK government. The Prime Minister also welcomed announcements from Coalition of the Willing partners to supply long range missiles to Ukraine to further bolster the countrys supplies. He also thanked military planners and Chiefs of Defence for their ongoing and rapid work to ensure a force could deploy in the event of a ceasefire. A chief magistrates court in Awka, Anambra State, has ordered the remand of a 33-year-old barber, Ihechukwu Korie, for the alleged rape of a minor. Chief Magistrate U.E. Onochie, who presides over the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Offences Court in Awka, gave the order following a request by the prosecutor, Chinyere Okechukwu, a police inspector. The defendant, who is facing one count of rape, was ordered to be remanded at the Awka correctional facility. The magistrate adjourned the case until 24 September for report of compliance. Earlier, Mr Okechukwu, said the defendant committed the offence on 19 August at Chicago Estate, Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The 14-year-old victim was sent by her aunt to get a haircut at the defendants shop. While she was seated, waiting for her turn, the defendant finished attending to the customer before her. He then stepped outside, looked around briefly, returned to the shop, locked the door and turned up the volume of the music. The defendant dragged the victim to a three-in-one seater chair meant for customers, forcefully removed her clothing and had carnal knowledge of her. He then used his handkerchief to wipe his sperm from her vagina. He eventually barbed her hair for free. READ ALSO: Nigeria police spokesperson redeployed After medical examination and enquiry at the Madonna Hospital and Maternity in Oba, a medical practitioner confirmed that the girl had been raped, the prosecutor told the court. She urged the court to remand the suspect at a correctional facility. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, claiming he was unaware of the girls age. He alleged that their relationship was based on mutual feelings, which eventually led to the sexual encounter. (NAN) The former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, received a warm welcome in Uyo from a crowd which gathered at the Victor Attah International Airport to receive him on Wednesday. It is Mr Emmanuels first visit to the state since his successor, Umo Eno, defected about three months ago from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Party (APC), which is the ruling party in Nigeria. After completing his tenure, Mr Emmanuel returned to a private life in Lagos State, South-west Nigeria, where he previously worked as an executive director in Zenith Bank before he was elected governor in 2015, amid speculations of a frosty relationship with Governor Eno. The former governor arrived in Uyo in a chartered flight, accompanied by Ini Ememobong, who resigned as commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport from Governor Enos cabinet when the governor defected to the APC. Messrs Emmanuel and Ememobong are members of the recently constituted planning committee for the 2025 PDP national convention. Mr Emmanuel was received at the airport by several politicians and Akwa Ibom government officials, including the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Kufreabasi Edidem and at least three other state lawmakers that of Eket, Etinan and Oruk Anam. A former education commissioner, Idongesit Etiebet, a former transition chairperson of Ini local council, Innocent Udom, and a former spokesperson of the PDP in Akwa Ibom, Borono Bassey, were among those who received Mr Emmanuel. From the airport, Mr Emmanuel proceeded in a motorcade to his Awa Iman hometown in the Onna Local Government Area of the state, where there was a fanfare and a bigger crowd to receive him. Speaking in the Ibibio dialect, the former governor thanked the people for the warm welcome. Let not thy heart be troubled, we came here for a burial, not politics. When it is the right time, Ill come back to give direction, and that would determine those who are on the right path and those who have left to the wrong side, Mr Emmanuel reportedly said, apparently referring to the 2027 general elections. He appealed to the people, especially the youths, to remain calm and law-abiding. The PDP Chairperson in Onna, Kingsley Johnny, presented to Mr Emmanuel a portrait of the former governor and thanked him for standing firm for the PDP. Mr Emmanuel is in Akwa Ibom for the burial of his cousin, Ukpong Ukpong, who will be interred this Saturday at Awa Iman, according to a statement on Wednesday from the former governors spokesperson, Stephen Abia. No rift with my predecessor Gov Eno Governor Eno has repeatedly stated that there was no rift between him and his predecessor, despite his defection to the APC. We are in Eket Federal Constituency. My political father (Udom Emmanuel) comes from this federal constituency. Let me make it abundantly clear that theres no issue between me and my political father. No issue whatsoever, Mr Eno said last month to a crowd during a campaign-style event in Eket, Akwa Ibom State. Weve moved in the best interest of Akwa Ibom State for today so that we can pull our support for President Bola Tinubu. That does not cause any confusion. I visit him (Udom Emmanuel). I talked with him and we are still together. I am his political son. He brought me out to run for governor, and so he would always earn our respect, our support, and so Id like to make that assurance to our people, particularly our sons and daughters from Onna. If anybody tries to insult him, you are doing so at your peril. He is still our father and would continue to earn our respect, the governor said at the event. About two months ago, some top politicians in Onna, some of them former allies of Mr Emmanuel, including a former PDP BoT member, Pat Ifon, a former commissioner of works in the state, Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, and a former House of Representatives member, Owoidighe Ekpoattai, held a special meeting under the auspices of the APC to declare their political loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Eno. Mr Ifon later told PREMIUM TIMES that his takeaway from the meeting was that the heritage APC members in Onna were ready to receive him and the other defectors from the PDP for the interest of Governor Eno and the APC. Yes, Onna is now APC, he said with emphasis. The oil-rich Akwa Ibom has been governed by the PDP for 26 years, since the return of democratic rule in 1999. In the state, winning the PDP nomination in the past was likened to winning a general election, prompting the PDP members to describe the party as a religion in the state. Since Mr Enos defection, many politicians in the state, including his cabinet members and federal and state lawmakers, have been switching over to the APC in what the political class in the state describes as political realignment. However, there are some, like the then-commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr Ememobong, who resigned from Mr Enos cabinet and remained in the PDP instead of defecting to the APC. A former top official of the Umo Eno 2023 governorship campaign, Emmanuel Enoidem, and a former House of Representatives member, Onofiok Luke, have refused to defect from the PDP to the APC. Chris Abasi-Eyo, the honorary special adviser on media and publicity to Governor Eno, resigned his appointment in June and stated that he preferred to remain in the PDP. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the member representing the Onna State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Sunday Johnny, and the Chairperson of the Onna Local Government Council, Kufre Umoren, have refused to defect to the APC, in an apparent show of loyalty to the former governor, Mr Emmanuel. There are so many politicians, so many (government) officials in this state who have joined the APC just to please (Governor) Umo Eno temporarily because of what they want to get from him and the government, they will definitely come back to the PDP soon, a politician in the state told PREMIUM TIMES, Thursday. The federal government has called on Nigerians residing abroad to play a more active role in the countrys health sector, encouraging them to direct remittances and other resources into structured initiatives such as health insurance. Speaking on the final day of the National Health Financing Policy Dialogue in Abuja on Thursday, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate highlighted the role that Nigerians abroad could play in accelerating health reforms and universal coverage. Mr Pate explained that diasporans contributions could go beyond charity. Even insurance is something we learned in diaspora health setups. When diasporans can pay for health insurance for people at home, instead of sending money when an aunt or uncle is sick, you can pay for their insurance. That brings the diasporan closer home, he said. The dialogue, which commenced on 1 September, brought together policymakers, civil society actors, private-sector players and development partners to translate commitments into practical strategies for sustainable health-care funding. Themed Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria, the dialogue sought to generate commitments to reduce out-of-pocket spending, strengthen accountability and boost domestic investment in the health sector. Health financing reforms and progress Mr Pate highlighted Nigerias strides in health financing over the last two years under President Bola Tinubus administration. He noted the expansion of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which has delivered billions of naira to thousands of primary healthcare centres, and the ongoing goal to increase health insurance coverage from 20 million to 44 million Nigerians by 2030. He also pointed to other initiatives, including the Vulnerable Groups Fund, emergency obstetric care, fistula repair programmes, dialysis subsidies, and the planned catastrophic health insurance fund for illnesses such as cancer and kidney disease. Mr Pate noted the importance of private sector participation, emphasising that financially protected employees are healthier employees who contribute more effectively to the economy. State and local government engagement While the federal government provides funding through BHCPF, Mr Pate stressed that primary healthcare remains the responsibility of states and local governments. He urged subnational governments to increase budget allocations, release funds on schedule, and provide counterpart funding to ensure effective service delivery. 37 million primary healthcare visits were recorded in the first quarter of 2025, compared with fewer than 10 million in 2023. This shows that transparency and effective funding can expand access, he said. He called on states to establish health financing scorecards to track funding commitments and results, and stressed the need for locally relevant research to guide policy decisions. He also highlighted lessons from other countries, such as China, where increased public health financing reduced out-of-pocket spending and advanced universal coverage. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged the Nigerian government to move beyond declarations and ensure bold, sustained implementation of reforms to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). In his keynote address at the National Health Financing Policy Dialogue in Abuja on Thursday, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, noted that reforms must not remain another declaration. Mr Janabi praised Nigerias recent efforts in improving health care, such as the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), the National Health Insurance Authority Act, and the expansion of state-level insurance schemes, describing them as visionary foundations. He, however, noted that the government must increase public health spending to at least 20 per cent of the national budget, reduce out-of-pocket payments that recycle poverty, and strengthen pooling and prepayment mechanisms. Call for accountability, increased investment Mr Janabi also highlighted the need for evidence-based policymaking and accountability in implementation, stressing that sustainable domestic financing does not mean shutting out donor support. Citing Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe, he said the countrys main challenge has historically been one of leadership. Today in this room we are witnessing the opposite. I only wish Achebe was here to see this moment where leadership rises to meet the challenge, he said. Beyond institutional reforms, Francis Ukwuije, WHO Health Economist called for the extension of accountability to individuals and communities. Speaking on the topic Strengthening Community Accountability Linking CSOs, Communities and Local Governments, Mr Ukwuije said civil society organisations have used community scorecards to track equity, quality and financial protection in health services. He, however, said that accountability mechanisms remain the missing link. Its not so much about name and shame. Even in other countries, what CSOs emphasise is how to hold institutions responsible. But they dont talk much about how to hold individuals themselves responsible for their own health and the health of their communities, he said. He urged stakeholders to design community scorecards in Nigeria to ensure that we hold individuals responsible for their personal behaviour, alongside the institutions mandated to provide care. That is one last thing I want us to note as we design community scorecards in Nigeria. We must ensure that individuals are held responsible for their personal behaviour. Communities and governments cannot carry this alone, he noted. He pointed to lessons from other countries, noting that while global experiences show how institutions are held responsible, there is little emphasis on personal behaviour. Mr Ukwuije argued that accountability will bite only when it is hard-wired into financing channels. He recommended integrating community scorecards into the BHCPF and the countrys social health insurance systems at national and state levels and leveraging local government reforms to institutionalise the approach. He added that sustainability could be achieved through existing lines such as the BHCPF, the Vulnerable Group Fund (VGF) and the HIV Trust Fund. Donor support and sustainability Maria Kirova, Head of department at the Global Fund, commended Nigerias achievements in tackling HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, while pledging continued support for the countrys health sector transformation agenda. Ms Kirova noted that investments in national disease programmes have also strengthened Nigerias health system and pandemic preparedness. She highlighted contributions such as expanding health insurance coverage in five states, installing oxygen infrastructure in over 60 major facilities, strengthening supply chains, and supporting primary healthcare revitalisation. According to her, sustainability of these investments is now critical. Through the organisations financing model, she encouraged domestic resource mobilisation by requiring counterpart funding, providing catalytic resources, and fostering partnerships with government, civil society, and the private sector. We believe the strong political leadership displayed by the Nigerian government and the momentum so palpably felt in this forum will lead to a positive outcome in mobilising additional health financing and advancing better and stronger health outcomes, she said. Call for CSO independence Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Temitope Ilori, urged civil society to strengthen their independence through innovative financing models. Ms Ilori said CSOs that rely solely on government or donor support risk losing objectivity. Civil society cannot depend solely on government or donors to survive. Whoever pays the piper dictates the tune. To remain objective and credible, CSOs must strengthen their systems, adopt innovative business models, and position themselves as true watchdogs in governance, she said. Instead, she recommended that CSOs explore social enterprise models including consultancy, training and other services to fund their activities while maintaining credibility. She also stressed the need for legislation and policies that institutionalise civil societys role in governance, adding that transparency, trust and technology must underpin future partnerships. CSOs outline commitments Delivering feedback on CSOs commitments, Moji Makanjuola, Founder of the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH), outlined practical steps to deepen accountability and push for inclusive health financing reforms. Ms Makanjuola highlighted four priorities including scaling up community-led monitoring through grassroots scorecards and dialogues; producing clear, multilingual reports accessible to ordinary citizens; promoting participatory budgeting and performance reviews; and harmonising CSOs to act as a cohesive voice. She also emphasised the need to involve traditional leaders, women and youth in health financing debates, and urged CSOs to move beyond statistics to human-centred stories that capture the realities of Nigerians. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces killed several terrorists, arrested 85 suspects, and rescued 66 kidnap victims across the country in August. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, a major general, stated this while briefing journalists on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja. He said in the North-east, troops of Operation Hadin Kai eliminated scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, arrested 15 suspects (including 13 collaborators, a gunrunner, and a drug peddler), and rescued 8 kidnapped victims. In the North-west, troops killed terrorists in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi and Katsina states, arrested 23 suspects and rescued 24 kidnapped victims. In the North-central, troops of Operation Enduring Peace killed terrorists, arrested seven criminals and rescued two kidnap victims. Another suspect was caught with N3 million ransom cash in Bassa LGA, Mr Kangye said. READ ALSO: Court orders forfeiture of 246 million shares seized from top Army official He added that Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi States and the FCT arrested nine extremists and rescued 13 hostages. Mr Kangye said overall, the joint operations across all theatres recovered large quantities of arms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles and explosives. During the month under review, troops have continued to intensify joint operations aimed at neutralising threats to national security, restoring stability, and safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, he said. (NAN) Some workers of a blacksmith workshop have accused the chairperson of Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State, Saadatu Salisu, of leading thugs to demolish the workshop, during which one person was shot and several others were injured. The local government ordered the demolition of structures impeding drainage, but the workers said their workshop was not one of them. One of the workers, Musa Abdulmumin, told reporters at the police headquarters in Kano that they had reported the incident to the police for investigation to avert further violence. The chairperson of Tudun Wada came with a group of hunters to the workshop and started beating us. I sustained injury on my hand. She ordered the shooting of our master, the owner of the workshop, after she demolished the workshop, Mr Abdulmumin said. Another worker, Mustapha Bashir, said they were working under a temporary shelter when the council chairperson and several armed thugs invaded the workshop. She ordered the police orderly to shoot our manager, and a stray bullet hit my hand. We have reported the case to the police and we are waiting for their action, he told reporters. Suwidi Umar, the workshop owner, said the demolition has made his over 64 workers jobless. He further alleged that the local government chairperson wanted him killed, but did not provide reasons why he believed so. Mr Umar said the local government chairperson ordered the demolition of the workshop on 28 August, despite the site engineer noting that the workshop is five metres away from the planned drainage. Mr Umar said he built the workshop in 1988 and it was certified in 1990. He said the local government had made several attempts to demolish it since Ms Salisu was appointed the chairperson. When she arrived at the workshop, she was shouting at the top of her voice and abusing the site engineer, asking why our workshop is not part of the properties to be demolished. We never talked to her. When the site engineer publicly briefed her that the workshop building is metres away from the project, she nodded and left the area but later returned late evening with dozens of armed thugs and started beating my workers, Mr Umar said. Ms Salisu didnt respond to phone calls and text messages on Thursday morning and afternoon asking for her comment on the development. The police spokesperson in Kano, Abdullahi Kiyawa, said some suspects had been arrested an investigation into the incident was underway. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today, 4 September, to commence a working vacation in Europe, as part of his 2025 annual leave. The vacation will last 10 working days. President Tinubu will spend the period between France and the UK and then return to the country. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) September 4, 2025 The Nigerian police has appointed Benjamin Hundeyin, a chief superintendent of police (CSP), as the Force Public Relations Officer. Until his new role, Mr Hundeyi served as the Police Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command. The outgone Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a deputy commissioner of police, announced the appointment of his successor in a post on the NPFs official X page on Thursday. Mr Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, appointed Mr Hundeyin as the Force PPRO to ensure continuous positive relations with the public. Mr Adejobi, who assumed the Force PRO role in 2022, was this week redployed as the deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations in Delta State. During his three years and half as the Force PROO, he courted a lot of controversies, including rampant clashes with the civil society community. He also made remarks justifying some unlawful arrests of activits of the police. Hundeyins credentials A graduate of English Language from Lagos State University, Mr Hundeyin also holds a Masters degree in Legal Criminology and Security Psychology from the University of Ibadan. His training includes civil-military coordination from the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Training Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State. Beyond academic qualifications, Mr Hundeyin has international exposure, having been part of Nigerias contingent to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur, Sudan, in 2020. Within the Force, he has served at Zone 2 Command Headquarters in Lagos and at the Public Relations Department of the Force Headquarters in Abuja. READ ALSO: Nigeria police appoint new spokesperson Mr Hundeyin is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM). The Inspector-General of Police has charged him to leverage on his communications and security experience to bolster the Force Public Relations activities and ensure continuous positive relations with the public. He can be reached on 07062606717 or [email protected], the statement read. Not that he cannot throw his hat in the ring, damning any legal consequences. Or because 10 years after he left office, life seems better retrospectively than it was. Whatever anyone might say, when Jonathan looks in the mirror, his incompetent five-year record looks back and responds with the question, Can this be true? The former president cannot believe his good luck. After the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced last week that it would zone the presidency to the South in 2027, some names have been widely mentioned as possible frontrunners. Former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Labour Partys presidential flagbearer in the last election, Peter Obi, are perhaps the two most serious contenders. With Obi confused and trapped by his volatile Obidient base, Jonathan has been framed as the more viable option, but The but, widely considered to be potentially Jonathans biggest obstacle, is a legal risk that the courts might overturn his candidature because of a constitutional amendment (after he left office in 2015), which bars him or anyone twice sworn in from retaking the oath of office. Keyamos Free Advice The PDP and a relative of the former president, suspected of speaking for him, have told the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo (SAN), and rights activist, Chidi Odinkalu, who are among the most recent to flag this risk, to mind their business. While it would seem foolish for political parties to intentionally walk into a legal landmine (though the PDP could because common sense is not one of its virtues), the legal risk to Jonathan may not be the most dangerous. The real danger is not far-fetched: our short memory. This is why Jonathan looks like a viable option and is now beginning to think of himself as one. Our short memory is why politicians take us for a ride. Jonathan must be pinching himself, surprised that his name is coming up at all. Not that he cannot throw his hat in the ring, damning any legal consequences. Or because 10 years after he left office, life seems better retrospectively than it was. Whatever anyone might say, when Jonathan looks in the mirror, his incompetent five-year record looks back and responds with the question, Can this be true? The former president cannot believe his good luck. Since all political affiliations are opportunistic, the people who betrayed him want him to run again. Perhaps the former president has found the talisman to avenge himself. Whatever has renewed his confidence, his biggest bet is that (a) we would accept the excuse that he was not responsible for his disastrous tenure, and (b) with the indulgence of hindsight, we are worse off today than we were under him. Chased Out He was chased out of office. The immediate trigger was insecurity. At the height of the Boko Haram insurgency under Jonathan, terrorists invaded schools, kidnapped students and bombed markets, motor parks, places of worship, and military installations. They even attacked the UN building in Abuja, forcing the Presidency to barricade itself and many public offices behind huge boulders, turning Abuja into a concrete jungle. At some point, it was reported that swathes of Northeastern Nigeria, roughly the size of Belgium, were under the firm control of Boko Haram. Jonathans response, especially after the kidnapping of the Chibok girls, was both confused and genuinely pathetic. He was out of favour with the West, especially the US, which suspended the supply of military hardware to Nigeria on allegations of corruption and human rights abuse by the armys top brass. Enemies Within But his biggest headache was inside. Out of frustration, he once said that he believed elements in his government were working for the insurgents. Or perhaps they were working for themselves and the insurgents, as an investigation of monies released through the office of the National Security Adviser at the time would later show that $2.4 billion was unaccounted for. Whether Jonathan was right or wrong on that, his enemies in plain sight were members of his own house the party chairman, Adamu Muazu and other stalwarts, especially from the North, who felt betrayed that, contrary to an understanding that he would have just one term after YarAduas death, Jonathan was preparing to run for office again. Since all political affiliations are opportunistic, the people who betrayed him want him to run again. Perhaps the former president has found the talisman to avenge himself. Whatever has renewed his confidence, his biggest bet is that (a) we would accept the excuse that he was not responsible for his disastrous tenure, and (b) with the indulgence of hindsight, we are worse off today than we were under him. A Chastening Legacy He is wrong on both. The legacy of tackling terror and its various franchises from kidnapping to banditry by appeasement or indulgence was a pastime of the Jonathan administration. His government turned a blind eye to militants in the Niger Delta, whose criminality the government treated as a counterbalance to violent extremism in the North. Consequently, while lives were being lost upcountry, Nigeria lost billions of dollars in revenue down south. A NEITI report said Nigeria lost about 268 million barrels of crude oil between 2009 and 2015 due to oil theft and pipeline vandalism. The cost in 2013 alone was $8 billion. Remember that crude oil production under Jonathan was relatively high, reaching about 2.29 million bpd, despite theft and sabotage, while, in spite of volatility, the price also remained high. At one time, oil sold at $120 per barrel. But we are where we are mainly due to decades of kicking the can down the road. Sadly, politicians who have been kicking us with the can down the road are not only complaining the loudest, they are determined to exploit our misery and short memory for their benefit. Jonathan is their tribe. And whatever the courts say, we shouldnt forget that. What happened to the money? There were frequent and prolonged strikes by lecturers over poor funding, while hospitals were starved of medicines and basic equipment. States struggled to pay wages and owed for months, and pensioners, as always, were among the worst hit. But thats not what wed like to remember. Instead, wed like to remember that the naira exchanged for 197/$, and after rebasing, Nigerias economy was the largest in Africa, even though the foreign reserves that stood at $40 billion in May 2010 when he became president soon dropped to $29.6 billion when he left office. Cost of a Presidency At what cost? For five years under Jonathan, an estimated 3.9 trillion was spent on fuel subsidies, a great deal of which disappeared (some in dollars) under the long caps of National Assembly members, the fancy wardrobes of a minister of petroleum resources, or the debauchery of a new bowler-hat-wearing middle class permanently camped at Transcorp Hilton, where elite vanity was on stilts. Attempts to reform the power sector under Jonathan were mainly scams. Fake investors paid for government assets with hollow promissory notes or whatever the currency of cronyism could afford them. The deals were even sweetened by a government disbursement of 213 billion to buyers to complete the scandalous transactions. We are still paying the price today with insolvent power distribution companies claiming that the government owes them about 4 trillion! Romanticising the Past In hard, difficult times, every straw looks like a lifesaver. The sudden removal of petrol subsidy, followed almost immediately by the merger of the exchange rate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubus government, has taken a toll on households, evoking memories of a romantic past in many circles, often measured by the price of rice. But we are where we are mainly due to decades of kicking the can down the road. Sadly, politicians who have been kicking us with the can down the road are not only complaining the loudest, they are determined to exploit our misery and short memory for their benefit. Jonathan is their tribe. And whatever the courts say, we shouldnt forget that. Azu Ishiekwene is editor-in-chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book, Writing for Media and Monetising It. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised immediate action on Katsina States insecurity during the visit of a high-powered delegation to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday. The Governor made this known while briefing journalists following a high-level stakeholders meeting with the President, at the State House, Abuja. As you are all aware, we have witnessed disturbing incidents in Katsina in recent days. We felt it was necessary to come and see Mr. President, share our sorrow with him, and lay before him the challenges confronting us. We came with our elders, distinguished personalities from across the State, to seek his support and assistance so that our people can live in peace and go about their daily activities without fear, he explained. Governor Radda also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his administrations support in awarding contracts for major road rehabilitation projects in Katsina and approving funds for their execution. He noted that once completed, these projects would bring immense relief and socio-economic benefits to the people. In addition, he disclosed that the delegation raised the issue of the abandoned Katsina Airport project, urging the Federal Government to ensure its completion for the overall benefit of the State. Governor Radda said the President responded positively to all their concerns and gave firm assurances of immediate action. Mr. President has noted all our concerns and promised to address them swiftly, the Governor confirmed. Mr Radda noted the Presidents firm commitments, which include increasing the number of troops to be deployed to Katsina State, providing additional military assets, and enhancing aerial support in the fight against banditry. They equally stressed that President Tinubu reaffirmed his earlier pledge to establish a military battalion in southern Katsina, while also promising the speedy operationalisation of a mobile police squadron in the same area, as earlier assured by the Inspector-General of Police. These interventions, once implemented, will significantly strengthen the capacity of security agencies to tackle insecurity across our communities, the Governor emphasised. Governor Radda concluded by expressing optimism that the renewed commitment of the Federal Government would provide lasting relief to the people of Katsina and create a safer environment for socio-economic activities to thrive. Russian occupation forces launched a missile attack on a checkpoint at the entrance to Novoselivka in Chernihiv region; two people are currently known to have died and three more were injured, said Dmytro Bryzhynsky, head of Chernihiv City Military Administration. "As of now, two people have been killed and three people have been wounded. The wounded are receiving medical assistance," he wrote on Telegram on Thursday. Earlier, it was reported that one person had been killed and two wounded. The missile strike targeted humanitarian demining mission workers who were carrying out demining work in the area. Phillips Consulting (pcl.) hosted the third edition of its flagship Talent Management series at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, with the theme Future Forward HR Explore the AI Experience in HR. The event, formally opened by Olawanle Moronkeji, Chief Operating Officer (COO), pcl., set the tone with a thought-provoking reference to Alvin Tofflers Future Shock. He highlighted how too much change in too short a time has become todays reality as AI reshapes organisations globally. He charged leaders with the responsibility of ensuring that the disruption created by AI fosters opportunity, fairness, and growth across industries. The keynote speaker, Daniel Nilsson, Co-Founder and CEO of MuchSkills, highlighted the global skills explosion and emphasised that organisations must move beyond job titles to focus on peoples strengths. He noted that companies adopting a skill-based approach are more competitive, efficient and better prepared for the future of work. This years panel brought together distinguished voices shaping the future of work, such as Busola Martins, HR Manager, Olaniwun Ajayi LP; Sonny Iroche, Executive Chairman, GenAI Learning Concepts Limited; Felicia Ebhohimen, Head, Business Operations & Employee Relations, Phillips Outsourcing Limited; and Uchenna Stephanie Ajo, Group HR and Services Director, Flour Mills of Nigeria Holdings. They provided pragmatic insights on how organisations can leverage AI to bridge talent gaps, redefine employee experience, and align policies with the demands of a rapidly evolving workplace. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the pcl. Talent Management Report 3.0, presented by Kemi Phillips, Partner, Strategy and Transformation, and Tracy Afolabi-Johnson, Senior Consultant at pcl. Tailored to Nigerias unique context, the report examines the intrusive and pervasive influence of AI in driving organisational outcomes across nine (9) key sectors. It identifies trends, exposes blind spots, and provides actionable recommendations for HR leaders and policymakers to navigate the future of work. Renowned speakers and industry experts engaged in insightful discussions on the evolving landscape of talent management, sharing their expertise and perspectives on best practices and emerging trends. Felicia Ebhohimen described Future Forward HR as a progressive, strategic, and tech-enabled approach to managing people. She further explained that organisations embracing the technology explosion and adapting to shifting skills will remain agile, efficient, and people-centric in the evolving world of work. Speaking on the challenges of change in HR, Uchenna Stephanie Ajo noted that AI is not a distant concept but an inevitable shift, much like the transition from typewriters to desktops and then laptops. She stated that just as organisations adapted to those shifts, HR leaders must now prepare for an Always AI reality where technology advances rapidly, tools become faster and more powerful, and business expectations continue to rise. Busola Martins stressed the need for HR leaders to leverage technology while developing strategies that align business goals with future talent needs. She emphasised that Future Forward HR requires the ability to anticipate the future of work, ensuring organisations attract the right talent and deliver an exceptional employee experience. Attendees gained access to practical AI strategies and innovative approaches for attracting, retaining, and developing top talent, equipping them with the tools to drive organisational success. Speaking on the future of HR in an AI-driven world, Sonny Iroche underscored the urgency for Africa, particularly Nigeria, to bridge its digital infrastructure gap. He highlighted the need for organisations to begin with an AI Readiness Assessment to identify capability gaps before moving to board sponsorship, pilot projects, and upskilling HR professionals. He urged HR leaders to embrace adaptability, learn to unlearn, and ensure AI is applied responsibly, reminding them that their role is operational and strategic in shaping a people-centric future of work. The event also featured the AI Marketplace, an innovation hub showcasing AI-driven solutions transforming HR functions, from recruitment and employee engagement to skill intelligence, performance management and workforce analytics. Reflecting on the events success, Olawanle Moronkeji, COO of pcl., commented, We are thrilled with the positive response to the Talent Management 3.0 Event. It was inspiring to see professionals from various sectors come together to explore new ideas, share insights, and collaborate on strategies to unlock the full potential of their workforce. The Talent Management 3.0 Event reaffirms pcl.scommitment to empowering organisations with innovative solutions and strategic approach to navigate the complexities of talent management effectively. A boat mishap has claimed 29 lives in the Gausawa community of the Malale ward of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. Abdullahi Baba-Arah, director-general of Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), disclosed this in a statement in Minna on Wednesday. He stated that the incident occurred on Tuesday at approximately 11:30 a.m., adding that the boat was carrying 90 passengers, including women and children. He stated that the boat departed from Tungan Sule in Shagunu ward with 90 people on board and was en route to Dugga for a condolence visit. He stated that the boat collided with a tree stump, which led to the tragic incident. He said 29 dead bodies have been recovered, with 50 persons rescued alive, while two people were still missing, adding that search and rescue operations were ongoing. As of the time of filling this report, 29 dead bodies have been recovered, with 50 persons rescued alive, while 2 people are still missing. READ ALSO: 30 feared dead in Sokoto boat accident Overloading and collision with the tree stump are believed to be the causes of the mishap, he said. The latest boat accident is the second such tragic incident in Niger State in recent times. This newspaper reported a similar boat mishap in the state in July, which claimed the lives of at least 25 people, including 10 members of the same family. Badeggi FM has told a Minna High Court that efforts for an out-of-court settlement of its dispute with the Niger State Government have failed. The position was made known when the matter came up for hearing in Minna on Wednesday. At the resumed hearing on 25 August, counsel to the state government, Jacob Usman (SAN), informed the court that the parties were exploring an amicable resolution of the matter. Justice Mohammed Mohamed adjourned until 3 September to enable the parties to report the terms of settlement to the court. However, during the resumed hearing on Wednesday, counsel to the plaintiff, Philip Emmanuel, told the court that the efforts had failed. My lord, it is unfortunate that the out-of-court settlement as requested in the last sitting has failed, Mr Emmanuel said. The judge ruled that the case file should be returned to the Chief Judge to reassign the case because he was on vacation. As you know, I am a vacation judge, the vacation will resume by next week. The Chief Judge will either reassign the case or decide on the next line of action, he said. The judge adjourned the case indefinitely pending the Chief Judges advice. On 1 August, Governor Umaru Bago accused Badeggi FM of inciting the public against his government during an All Progressives Congress (APC) meeting in Minna and ordered the closure of the station. READ ALSO: Another boat mishap claims 29 lives in Niger He also directed the Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, and the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Mohammed Bello, to profile the stations owner. The move drew condemnation from the media and civil society, including Amnesty International, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists. The stations management subsequently sued the government in court, challenging the shutdown through a lawyer, Philip Emmanuel. Mr Mohamed, however on 5 August, granted an interim injunction restraining the state government and its agencies from taking any adverse action against the broadcasting company pending the outcome of the case. News provided by World News Media LONDON, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- World Finance Magazine has named iib East Africa the Most Sustainable Bank in Djibouti for 2025 within its annual banking awards. Part of the Intercontinental Investment Bank a global group operating in Africa, the GCC, Asia and the Caribbean iib East Africa provides high-impact financial solutions to empower businesses in the region, and has put environmental sustainability and community support at its core through a number of initiatives. These include financing renewable energy projects and infrastructure developments that enhance climate resilience; supporting SMEs focused on ESG such as food security; and engaging communities to boost financial inclusion. Recent examples range from providing funding to a solar panel company to financing the expansion of a fibre-optic network project aimed at boosting digital connectivity in the country's underserved regions. The bank is also helping to finance energy-efficient housing units for low-income communities in Djibouti, with homes featuring solar panels, water-efficient plumbing systems and high-quality insulation to reduce energy consumption. Upcoming initiatives include issuing a $20m bond to be invested into projects in the country (set to be listed on the stock exchanges in Cape Verde and Luxembourg); funding a scholarship to support a student from Djibouti to study in the UK in partnership with the acclaimed Chevening programme; and establishing a tree planting day to help further offset carbon emissions. "Our commitment to environmental stewardship is deeply integrated into both our operational ethos and strategic planning," said Papa Demba Diop, chief executive of iib East Africa. "Our activities are geared towards critical issues like climate change, water security and pollution reduction. Given the region's high solar irradiance, we are prioritising investments in photovoltaic and hybrid systems to support decentralised, sustainable energy access. "We also adhere to internationally recognised frameworks, including the United Nations Global Compact, and require borrowers to comply with strict ESG standards around pollution prevention, resource efficiency and the promotion of community well-being." Diop said the bank was also investing in staff training to highlight ESG in the workplace. "We believe sustainability is at its most effective when it becomes part of our culture," he said. "We engage our staff through regular awareness sessions, internal communications and training programmes that emphasise the importance of ESG in our daily operations. We also encourage employee-led initiatives, such as digital-first practices to reduce paper usage, community outreach activities that align with our sustainability goals, and beach clean-ups in partnership with organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme. "We recognise that as a bank, our influence extends beyond balance sheets it shapes communities and ecosystems," he said. World Finance granted the award for the bank's initiatives to decarbonise its portfolios, support communities and promote green finance in one of Africa's fastest-growing regions. www.worldfinance.com World News Media, the parent company of World Finance, is a leading publisher of quality financial and business magazines, which enjoys a global distribution network that includes subscriber lists of prominent decision-makers around the world. Contact Information World News Media Richard Willcox +44 (0)207 553 4151 richard@wnmedia.com 63% believe current age verification methods are too easy to bypass, highlighting the need for smarter, tech-driven solutions Age-verification technology at the point of use is seen as the most effective way to prevent underage access 89% of current adult vapers would purchase age-restricted devices if it stopped youth use LOS ANGELES, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Urgent action is needed to protect young people from youth vaping access and the booming illicit vape market in the U.S., according to new research from IKE Tech LLC ("IKE Tech") , a leading innovator in identity verification (IDV) and tokenization technology. While U.S. regulators have taken aggressive steps through FDA enforcement, such as banning flavored vapes and issuing marketing denial orders to major brands, the report reveals that many flavored disposable products remain widely available due to enforcement gaps and legal loopholes. The findings highlight that policy alone is insufficient, and that smarter, tech-driven interventions are urgently needed to close the youth access gap, while still allowing the possibility of flavored vapes to support adults looking to quit cigarette use. Peer pressure and curiosity fuel youth vaping crisis Although the U.S. has made progress in reducing cigarette smoking among young adults, there is growing worry about more teens turning to vaping. This problem is fueled by easy access and social factors, not just product appeal. The report, which surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults and 500 U.S. 15-17-year-olds (as part of a total of 5,000 respondents across the UK and U.S.), found that 1 in 2 (50%) of respondents across all demographics identify peer pressure and social influence as the primary reasons why young people start vaping. Many teenagers are also motivated by a desire to experiment, with 40% of 15-17-year-olds stating this as a key reason for picking up the habit. Worryingly, 87% of all respondents believe vapes are often given or shared by friends and siblings. Even with existing regulations, 63% of both adults and young people surveyed point out that current age checks can be easily bypassed. The data highlights a critical enforcement gap, as 73% of all respondents believe underage users buy vapes online, and 67% say they purchase them in stores with minimal or non-existent age checks. Alongside the rise in youth vaping, an illicit market has surged, posing potentially serious health risks, and undermining legitimate businesses that invest in compliance, safety, and innovation. Sales of unauthorized, flavored disposable vapes in the United States amounted to around $2.4 billion in 2024 , or 35% of the e-cigarettes from outlets such as convenience stores and supermarkets. When asked why young people turn to illegal or black market vapes, all respondents pointed to peer pressure and social factors (81%), cheaper prices (75%), and lack of age checks (75%). Among U.S. youth specifically, the lack of age checks was even more prominent, with 81% identifying it as a significant driver. Commenting on the findings, Hannah Sims, MSN, RN, Clinical Nurse Manager, Emergency Medicine (U.S.), said: "In recent years, we've seen a noticeable rise in patients aged 12 to 15 presenting with physical symptoms linked to vaping. The most common complaints include elevated heart rate, anxiety, headaches, and respiratory issues, particularly among physically active teens. In many cases, what begins as experimentation with friends or older siblings quickly progresses to daily use as adolescents develop a dependence on nicotine. These trends highlight the urgent need to prevent youth from accessing these products and protect their long-term health." The key to keeping vapes out of kids' hands The report findings outline a new approach to restricting underage access, with digital age verification standing out as a key solution for this challenge. Almost a half (46%) of respondents support checks at the point of sale, with 49% supporting verification at the point of use such as a digital 'child lock' with biometric identification. Critically, among 15-17-year-olds, point-of-use technology is seen as the most effective way to prevent underage access (55%). This strong support for innovation is also echoed by 89% of current adult vapers, who admit they would purchase devices featuring this technology if it helped stop youth use. A call for collaboration to secure a safer future Looking ahead, less than a half (43%) of all respondents believe underage vaping will decrease by 2030. While policymakers have so far focused on restricting flavors and packaging, respondents are clear that stronger penalties for retailers (75%), smarter technology solutions (72%), and more education for parents and young people (70%) will be essential to truly curb youth vaping. "The FDA has taken bold steps in restricting flavored e-cigarettes, but enforcement gaps remain, especially with online sales and black market products. That's where technology like ours becomes essential," said John Patterson, President of IKE Tech. "By integrating age verification directly into the device, we go beyond packaging restrictions and sales bans to ensure that only adults can access these products, no matter where or how they're sold. It's time to complement federal regulation with innovative tools that actually work in the real world." IKE Tech's report, 'The first vape-free youth generation: The critical role of technology to end underage access and illicit sales', concludes that by fostering true collaboration between industry, regulators, retailers, educators, and public health advocates, the U.S. can create a safer environment for young people and lead the way in responsible vaping regulation. To download the full report and learn more about IKE Tech, visit www.iketech.com About IKE Tech IKE Tech LLC ("IKE Tech") is pioneering real-time age and identity verification at the point of use, helping to safeguard access to age-restricted products. A leading innovator at the intersection of Internet of Things (IoT), identity verification (IDV), and tokenization technology, IKE Tech has developed an industry-first, scalable age-gating component that provides continuous, real-time verification for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and other restricted consumer products. IKE Tech's interoperable Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System-on-a-Chip, powered by a user-friendly mobile app available on iOS and Android, integrates seamlessly into ENDS devices, giving manufacturers and regulators a flexible, future-proofed solution to combat underage vaping and illicit markets. By setting the new standard for responsible, adult-only access, IKE Tech is helping eliminate youth vaping for good. Methodology The proprietary data referenced in this whitepaper was sourced from an online survey of 5,000 respondents: 2,000 UK adults; 2,000 U.S. adults; 500 UK children aged 15-17 via their parents; and 500 U.S. children aged 15-17 via their parents. It was commissioned by Clarity Global on behalf of IKE Tech LLC and conducted by market research company OnePoll, following the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between the 3 June 2025 and 10 June 2025. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council. SOURCE IKE Tech LLC/ KCSA ABBOTSFORD, BC, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the largest manufacturers of retractable screens in North America, Phantom Screens continues to expand its territory by welcoming Phantom Screens of New Mexico as a regional distributor. As an official Phantom Screens distributor, Adrian Lucero, who owns and operates Total Blinds & Window Tinting, is branching out to offer his customers Phantom Screens, expanding his product offers, and cover the territory of New Mexico. By offering additional options for his customers, there will be more opportunities for homeowners to block the sun and keep the bugs out in their warmer climate. Lucero has built an excellent reputation as the go-to provider for window coverings and window tinting in Albuquerque and the surrounding communities. From installations and repairs to maintenance and customization, the company has consistently delivered top-notch service. Partnering with Phantom Screens, a North American recognized brand, was a "no-brainer." With nearly a dozen years of experience fostering strong relationships with leading custom home builders, Lucero was recently approached by one of them about selling Phantom Screens. "A custom builder that I have been working with told me that he had installed Phantom Screens on past builds, and asked me if I could install some of their retractable screens on his custom homes," says Lucero. "First thing I did was go online to research Phantom Screens. I checked reviews and their reputation, and everything I read told me the company was highly regarded and sold only the highest quality products." Phantom Screens' partnership with Lucero is a testament to his and Phantom Screens' dedication to its clients. Lucero's future plans include expanding Phantom Screens National Retail Sales to Home Depot stores in his region. "I'm very excited about being able to give New Mexico a sleek, innovative, functional alternative to screen doors and windows," says Lucero. "I already have customers and custom builders lining up to order Phantom Screens." Like Lucero and hundreds of other North American distributors, you can join Phantom Screens, a leading manufacturer of retractable screens for doors, windows, and patios, and expect to be supported with our industry-leading warranty, factory training, and marketing support. "I, and my lead installer and administrator, just came back from a week of training at Phantom Screens headquarters in B.C.," says Lucero. "We couldn't be more impressed with the training we received; it's no wonder the reviews are excellent. I'm equally impressed with their dedication to excellence across all aspects of the company." About Phantom Screens: Drawing on more than 33 years of industry expertise, multiple award-winning Phantom Screens is renowned in the industry for manufacturing retractable screens that stand the test of time, mirroring its company's enduring tradition. Established in 1992, a unique brand of retracting screens was first introduced by Dutch immigrant Syb Rypma. Soon after, Rypma partnered with Abbotsford's Rooke family, and Phantom Screens was born. With its headquarters in Abbotsford, British Columbia, the company has never wavered from its commitment to manufacturing and installing the highest-quality retractable screens on the market since its inception. For more information, visit www.phantomscreens.com. SOURCE Phantom Screens Perchwell implementation is underway at Baldwin REALTORS, bringing members a modern MLS experience. NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Baldwin REALTORS today announced that it has selected Perchwell as its new Multiple Listing Service (MLS) technology provider. The partnership follows an extensive evaluation process and underscores Baldwin REALTORS' commitment to equipping its 3,000+ members with innovative, agent-centric tools. Perchwell's Customer Success team is working hand-in-hand with Baldwin REALTORS' leadership to ensure a seamless transition before, during, and after the platform's full launch. Baldwin REALTORS' leadership cited Perchwell's advanced, AI-powered MLS platform and seamless mobile functionality as key drivers of their decision. The new platform will empower agents with intuitive workflows, powerful search and collaboration features, and a modern user experience designed to keep pace with the evolving needs of real estate professionals and their clients. "I'm excited to announce that, after an extensive vetting process, we have selected Perchwell to be our new MLS technology platform," said Diane Martino, 2025 MLS President, Baldwin REALTORS. "This is more than just a technology upgrade, it's our investment in our members' success and continued growth in an evolving market." Perchwell is focused on enhancing the member experience by providing technology that adapts to how agents work and strengthens the value they deliver to clients. The Company's modern MLS platform integrates advanced research tools, full mobile compatibility, and collaborative workflows built to search smarter, collaborate better, and close deals faster. These investments ensure that Perchwell customers, like Baldwin REALTORS members, benefit from a smarter, more connected MLS platform. As part of the rollout, Baldwin REALTORS will work closely with Perchwell to tailor the platform to the local market and member needs. A parallel onboarding process will allow members to learn and adopt the Perchwell platform while maintaining access to their existing system. Comprehensive training opportunities, both virtual and in-person, will be provided throughout the transition. "Baldwin REALTORS has taken a forward-thinking approach to MLS technology, and we are honored to partner with them to deliver a next generation solution," said Brendan Fairbanks, CEO of Perchwell. "Their leadership's focus on empowering agents mirrors our mission to modernize the infrastructure of residential real estate. Together, we will equip Baldwin REALTORS' members with the tools to thrive in today's market." The partnership underscores how forward-thinking MLSs like Baldwin REALTORS are embracing innovative technology to meet the changing needs of agents and their clients. Meet Perchwell in person at CMLS Open House, RESO, and NAR Annual or book a demo to learn more about the future of MLS technology. About Perchwell Perchwell is the modern real estate listings platform transforming the critical infrastructure of residential real estate. The Company's comprehensive suite of tools empowers MLSs, brokerages, and agents to make faster, more informed decisions and deliver superior client experiences. With robust data integrations, intelligent market research tools, and seamless collaboration capabilities, Perchwell is building the next generation of software that supports the real estate industry. Learn more at perchwell.com . About Baldwin REALTORS Baldwin REALTORS is the source for real estate in Southern Alabama. We provide resources, education, and tools to over 3,000 professionals across the region. We work to protect the interests of property owners, and our members serve buyers and sellers as REAL Advocates, Advisors, and Experts. REALTORS agree to abide by a strict code of ethics and are held to a high ethical standard by their peers through their association membership. The term REALTOR is a federally registered trademark owned by the National Association of REALTORS and denotes membership in the Nonprofit Association. CONTACT: Leonard Jedynak [email protected] SOURCE Perchwell European leaders, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with US President Donald Trump the pressure on Russia to force it to end the war. "Today we spoke with President Trump, we are grateful for the support. We had a long conversation, detailed, about how to push the situation towards peace. We discussed various options, the most important thing is pressure to force an end to the war with strong measures, including economic ones. The key to peace is to deprive the Russian machine, the Russian war machine, of money, deprivation of resources," Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BlocksBridge Consulting ("BlocksBridge"), a Bitcoin-native strategic communications firm operating since 2020, today announced that Jesse Colzani has joined as Partner, Strategic Communications & Client Advisory. Based in Northern Virginia, Colzani will co-lead C-suite advisory and program delivery across corporate narrative, earnings/disclosure, media and analyst relations, stakeholder engagement, and issues/crisis response. Colzani brings nearly a decade of experience in Bitcoin and strategic communications, and advised prominent players in the industry. He was PR Manager at The Messina Group and then gained reputation in the space for clear, credible narratives and Bitcoin-native fluency across trade publications, X/Twitter, and community forums. Colzani is a contributor at Bitcoin Magazine and other publications, and has delivered guest lectures at several universities in Europe. The earliest publicly listed bitcoin miners were also the first publicly traded treasury companies, and BlocksBridge has advised several of them, which gave the firm uncommon depth in shaping communications that resonate with investors and the broader capital marketsand placing it among the most experienced advisors in this domain. Effective communications in this sector demand fluency with Bitcoin-native audiences and channels, as well as the mainstream business press. BlocksBridge's senior team operates inside this ecosystem with an organic network of reporters and sector leaders, and a working grasp of market cycles, disclosure rhythms, and community dynamics. Having sat on both sides of the table, including inside multi-billion-dollar bitcoin companies, the team delivers counsel that is practical, defensible, and fast. "Jesse's appointment strengthens our ability to deliver executive-grade counsel at investor speed," said Nishant Sharma, Founder & Partner at BlocksBridge. "He combines Bitcoin-native depth with enterprise executionexactly what public miners, corporate treasuries, and infrastructure operators require when aligning narrative, disclosure cadence, and stakeholder engagement." "This industry doesn't need armchair expertsit needs practitioners who understand clients' businesses and their audiences", Jesse Colzani, Partner, Strategic Communications & Client Advisory. "The BlocksBridge team measures success by outcomes and draws on more than a decade in the Bitcoin community, delivering the highest quality work. I'm excited to join the leadership team and help clients communicate at investor speed." What clients can expect Communications strategy & narrative architecture that travels from the boardroom to the substation and into the community that travels from the boardroom to the substation and into the community Earnings & disclosure cadence that remains consistent through market volatility that remains consistent through market volatility Media & analyst relations across mainstream business outlets and crypto -native publications across mainstream business outlets and -native publications Stakeholder, community & regulator engagement tailored to local contexts around hyperscale sites tailored to local contexts around hyperscale sites Issues & crisis management coordinated closely with legal and operations coordinated closely with legal and operations Research-informed content & market education grounded in sector data and operator reality BlocksBridge's counsel is informed by research and market context from its network properties, including TheMinerMag , an editorially independent publication widely followed across the Bitcoin mining sector, and Miner Weekly , a research-backed newsletter for journalists, investors, and analysts. Editorial independence is maintained while clients benefit from a deeper, data-driven perspective. About BlocksBridge Consulting BlocksBridge is a senior team advising bitcoin mining operators, corporate cryptocurrency treasuries, and hyperscale/energy-infrastructure programs on strategic communications and public relations. Since 2014, the team has supported companies through multiple market cycles with investor-grade messaging, disciplined disclosure, high-signal media/analyst relations, and field-tested stakeholder engagement. Learn more at blocksbridge.com . Media Contact BlocksBridge Consulting [email protected] SOURCE BlocksBridge Consulting SAN DIEGO, Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that the C3.ai class action lawsuit captioned Liggett v. C3.ai, Inc., No. 25-cv-07129 (N.D. Cal.) seeks to represent purchasers or acquirers of C3.ai, Inc. (NYSE: AI) securities and charges C3.ai as well as certain of C3.ai's 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 [email protected]. Lead plaintiff motions for the C3.ai class action lawsuit must be filed with the court no later than October 21, 2025. CASE ALLEGATIONS: C3.ai operates as an enterprise artificial intelligence ("AI") application software company. The C3.ai class action lawsuit alleges that defendants created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to C3.ai's projected revenue outlook and anticipated growth while also minimizing risk to C3.ai's profitability from defendant CEO Thomas M. Siebel's health concerns. In truth, according to the complaint, C3.ai's optimistic reports of growth, earnings potential, and anticipated margins fell short of reality as they relied far too heavily on the health and effectiveness of C3.ai's CEO. The C3.ai class action lawsuit further alleges that on August 8, 2025, C3.ai announced disappointing preliminary financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 and reduced its revenue guidance for the full fiscal year 2026, attributing its poor sales results and lowered guidance on "the reorganization with new leadership" and the health ailments of its CEO. On this news, the price of C3.ai stock fell more than 25%, according to the complaint. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired C3.ai securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the C3.ai class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the C3.ai class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the C3.ai class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the C3.ai class action lawsuit. ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder litigation. Our Firm has been ranked #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for four out of the last five years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. In 2024, we recovered over $2.5 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases more than the next five law firms combined, according to ISS. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world, and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest ever $7.2 billion in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Contact: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal 655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101 800-449-4900 [email protected] SOURCE Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP CHICAGO, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, today reported August monthly trading volume statistics across its global business lines. The data sheet "Cboe Global Markets Monthly Volume & RPC/Net Revenue Capture Report" contains an overview of certain August trading statistics and market share by business segment, volume in select index products, and RPC/net capture, which is reported on a one-month lag, across business lines. Average Daily Trading Volume (ADV) by Month Year-To-Date Aug 2025 Aug 2024 % Chg Jul 2025 % Chg Aug 2025 Aug 2024 % Chg Multiply-listed options (contracts, k) 14,325 10,344 38.5 % 12,215 17.3 % 13,069 10,603 23.3 % Index options (contracts, k) 4,893 4,403 11.1 % 4,469 9.5 % 4,714 4,110 14.7 % Futures (contracts, k)1 218 318 -31.3 % 178 22.4 % 225 252 -10.4 % U.S. Equities - On-Exchange (matched shares, mn) 1,646 1,258 30.8 % 1,790 -8.1 % 1,767 1,385 27.6 % U.S. Equities - Off-Exchange (matched shares, mn) 229 78 194.9 % 141 62.8 % 128 78 64.2 % Canadian Equities (matched shares, k) 148,538 137,798 7.8 % 150,096 -1.0 % 153,608 143,784 6.8 % European Equities (, mn) 10,701 8,472 26.3 % 12,490 -14.3 % 13,206 9,513 38.8 % Cboe Clear Europe Cleared Trades (k) 98,364 98,844 -0.5 % 122,973 -20.0 % 1,034,345 798,020 29.6 % Cboe Clear Europe Net Settlements (k) 1,115 982 13.5 % 1,236 -9.8 % 8,841 7,293 21.2 % Australian Equities (AUD, mn) 1,064 860 23.6 % 870 22.3 % 907 777 16.7 % Global FX ($, mn) 48,819 51,330 -4.9 % 48,514 0.6 % 52,608 46,971 12.0 % 1 In the second quarter of 2025, Digital futures products were transitioned to Cboe Futures Exchange. Futures metrics prior to the second quarter of 2025 exclude Digital futures products. August 2025 Trading Volume Highlights U.S. Options ADV in August across Cboe's four U.S. options exchanges was an all-time high of 19.2 million contracts, driven by: Record multi-listed options ADV of 14.3 million contracts, surpassing the ADV record of 13.6 million contracts set in February. S&P 500 Index (SPX) options ADV of 3.8 million contracts, the second-best month all time, with zero-days-to-expiry (0DTE) trading representing a record ADV of 2.4 million contracts. About Cboe Global Markets Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to people around the world. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives and FX across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Above all, we are committed to building a trusted, inclusive global marketplace that enables people to pursue a sustainable financial future. To learn more about the Exchange for the World Stage, visit www.cboe.com . CBOE-V Cboe, Cboe Global Markets, Cboe Volatility Index, and VIX are registered trademarks of Cboe Exchange, Inc. or its affiliates. Standard & Poor's, S&P, SPX, and S&P 500 are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services, LLC, and have been licensed for use by Cboe Exchange, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Any products that have the S&P Index or Indexes as their underlying interest are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor's or Cboe and neither Standard & Poor's nor Cboe make any representations or recommendations concerning the advisability of investing in products that have S&P indexes as their underlying interests. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates do not recommend or make any representation as to possible benefits from any securities, futures or investments, or third-party products or services. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. is not affiliated with S&P. Investors should undertake their own due diligence regarding their securities, futures, and investment practices. This press release speaks only as of this date. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. disclaims any duty to update the information herein. Nothing in this announcement should be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell any securities or futures in any jurisdiction where the offer or solicitation would be unlawful under the laws of such jurisdiction. Nothing contained in this communication constitutes tax, legal or investment advice. Investors must consult their tax adviser or legal counsel for advice and information concerning their particular situation. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates make no warranty, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, any warranties as of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, completeness or timeliness, the results to be obtained by recipients of the products and services described herein, or as to the ability of the indices referenced in this press release to track the performance of their respective securities, generally, or the performance of the indices referenced in this press release or any subset of their respective securities, and shall not in any way be liable for any inaccuracies, errors. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates have not calculated, composed or determined the constituents or weightings of the securities that comprise the third-party indices referenced in this press release and shall not in any way be liable for any inaccuracies or errors in any of the indices referenced in this press release. There are important risks associated with transacting in any of the Cboe Company products discussed here. Before engaging in any transactions in those products, it is important for market participants to carefully review the disclosures and disclaimers contained at: https://www.cboe.com/us_disclaimers/. Options involve risk and are not suitable for all market participants. Prior to buying or selling an option, a person should review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options (ODD), which is required to be provided to all such persons. Copies of the ODD are available from your broker or from The Options Clearing Corporation, 125 S. Franklin Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60606. SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, Inc. LOS ANGELES, Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Coty Inc. ("Coty" or "the Company") (NYSE: COTY) for violations of the securities laws. The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Coty reported its Q4 and FY 2025 financial results on August 20, 2025, disappointing the market. The Company blamed its results on "delays in [identifying] weaknesses in our U.S. execution, retailer inventory buildup and headwinds from lapping fiscal year '24 innovation, all of which were significant pressure points in fiscal year '25." The Company also blamed a slowdown in cosmetics due to "value-seeking behavior, some fatigue with innovation . . . [and] U.S.-specific factors like in-store and anti-theft measures and immigration policy changes." Based on this news, shares of Coty fell by more than 21% on the next day. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected]. The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics. CONTACT: The Schall Law Firm Brian Schall, Esq. 310-301-3335 [email protected] www.schallfirm.com SOURCE The Schall Law Firm LONDON, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cultural Assets Group and IN4 Group announced the signing of an agreement to establish the joint venture "Madinat Al Maharat" during the GREAT FUTURES summit, one of the initiatives of the The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom Strategic Partnership Council. Abdullah Khalid Al Zamil, Chairman of Cultural Assets Group (back), with Abdulaziz bin Musaed AlSulaim, CEO of Cultural Assets Group (left), and Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group (right), at the signing of the Madinat Al Maharat joint venture during the GREAT FUTURES Summit in London, which will provide internationally benchmarked vocational training to develop Saudi Arabias creative and tech workforce. "Madinat Al Maharat" will operate as a national vocational training provider committed to developing a robust creative and advanced technology workforce in Saudi Arabia. Endorsed by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) and the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), the joint venture will deliver accredited professional training programs with internationally benchmarked curricula and hands-on learning experiences. It aims to train 50 participants in the coming year, expanding to 500 by 2027, thus empowering Saudi youth with world-class skills to pursue high-value careers in the creative technology industries. The summit was attended by H.E. Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi, Saudi Minister of Commerce, and The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, alongside senior Saudi and UK government officials, business leaders, and investors from both countries. The Saudi delegation also included the Ministry of Commerce, which facilitated business meetings between Saudi and British businesses and highlighted investment opportunities, as well as the National Competitiveness Center, which played a key role as an organizer supporting public-private initiatives at the event. Abdulaziz bin Musaed AlSulaim, Chief Executive Officer of Cultural Assets Group, stated that the agreement underscores the Group's commitment to building a sustainable foundation for the cultural and creative economy and strengthening national capabilities in this sector. He explained that the initiative will equip Saudi youth with world-class skills to design, produce, and export distinctive cultural experiences to global audiences. Mo Isap, Chief Executive Officer of IN4 Group, said that "Madinat Al Maharat", the joint venture with Cultural Assets Group, will deliver apprenticeships in the region and build on IN4's work in Saudi Arabia by providing immersive technology training and ensuring fair access to skills. He added that the Group is fully committed to investing in its long-term future in the Kingdom through expanding operations, developing local talent, and strengthening international relations. This agreement establishes a practical model of international collaboration that combines global expertise and national ambition, supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and creates new opportunities for investment in the Kingdom's creative human capital. About Cultural Assets Group Cultural Assets Group is the largest privately-owned cultural and creative group in Saudi Arabia, dedicated to shaping the Kingdom's cultural future through strategic investment, innovation, and ecosystem development. As an institutional leader, the Group builds and manages a portfolio of cultural enterprises and intellectual properties operating across a wide spectrum of the cultural and creative industry Through its subsidiaries and initiatives, the Group bridges creativity and capital, driving sustainable cultural growth that aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Its mission is to elevate the economic value of cultural and creative industries, and leave a lasting impact by designing programs and subsidiaries that build legacies https://www.culturalassets.sa/en About IN4 Group IN4 Group is a leading international professional technology training and skills provider, with operations across the United Kingdom and the Middle East. Delivered through a proven regional blueprint, the Group unlocks the potential of local talent to drive sustainable productivity and prosperity for industry, communities, and the local economy. Its mission is to ensure fair access to technology futures, underpinned by its DNA: to humanise technology, create a connection to place, and maintain a culture of belonging. in4group.co.uk For Media Enquiries: Cultural Assets Group Email: [email protected] https://www.culturalassets.sa/en Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764930/Cultural_Assets_IN4.jpg SOURCE Cultural Assets Group NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DOAR, the nation's leading trial consulting company, today announced an expanded partnership with John Jay College of Criminal Justice in its continued effort to positively impact the future of trial strategy consulting. Already a partner and generous supporter of John Jay's MA in Forensic Psychology and the Psychology and Law PhD programs, DOAR has added to its investment in advancing the education and practice of trial consulting through a newly established DOAR Trial Consulting Partnership Fund. The Fund will provide graduate students pursuing careers in trial consulting and jury research with an opportunity to develop and hone the skills necessary for success in the industry. "This partnership represents an exciting step forward to advancing the field of trial strategy consulting into the future," said Paul Neale, CEO of DOAR. "By fostering the growth of emerging scholars and practitioners, we are helping to ensure that the discipline continues to evolve and meet the challenges of an ever-changing justice system. John Jay's faculty and graduate programs provide the best path to the success of our mission." Key components of the partnership include: Trial consulting workshops, co-hosted by DOAR and John Jay's Department of Psychology Two annual Samuel H. Solomon Memorial Scholarships, named after DOAR's founder, with augmented funding first instituted in 2022 Memorial Scholarships, named after DOAR's founder, with augmented funding first instituted in 2022 Research grants to support student-led scholarly inquiry An annual summer internship opportunity for immersive professional development An annual externship for students in the MA in Forensic Psychology Program An annual PhD program colloquium to strengthen the link between scholarship and professional practice in trial consulting The initiative will be jointly led and in close collaboration between DOAR and faculty liaison Dr. Margaret Bull Kovera, professor of psychology and director of John Jay's Psychology and Law PhD Program. Dr. Natalie Gordon, a DOAR jury consultant, John Jay College of Criminal Justice alumna, and adjunct professor at John Jay College, will also serve as an important liaison in the partnership program. "My education at John Jay and my experience conducting jury research for high-stakes matters since joining DOAR give me deep insight into what it means to be successful in the field," said Dr. Gordon. "As a pioneer in the field of jury research and trial strategy consulting, DOAR is committed to enriching and advancing the field, and this expanded partnership with John Jay will ensure that the next generation of trial consultants is set up for success." The initiative is set to launch this academic year during the 2025 fall semester. About DOAR DOAR is the nation's leading trial consulting company, providing critical insight and strategic advice to lawyers at top-tier law firms and major corporations involved in high-stakes, complex legal disputes. For more information about DOAR, visit DOAR.com and follow us at @DOARlitigation. About John Jay College A senior college of The City University of New York (CUNY), John Jay College of Criminal Justice was founded in 1964 and over six decades has evolved into the preeminent international leader in educating for justice in its many dimensions. Ranked 1st for Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, and Legal Studies Programs by University HQ; 5th for sending the most Black applicants and 15th for the most Hispanic applicants to law school in the US by US News, and 6th for social mobility by US News, John Jay College empowers students to challenge the status quo, cultivate their passions for solving social problems, and become agents of change across industries. Media Inquiries: Cindy Siegel Vice President of Marketing [email protected] SOURCE DOAR ATLANTA, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EnviroSpark, one of the nation's largest charging providers and charge point operators, has officially brought its 2,500th charger online on its own network with another 1,000 network plugs contracted and coming online sooncementing its role as a key player in expanding access to reliable EV infrastructure across North America. While competitors often tout ambitious deployment targets that remain largely aspirational, EnviroSpark's milestone underscores a commitment to tangible results: fully installed, operational chargers actively powering drivers today. With over 8,000 plugs deployed for other networks since 2014 and over 1,000 plugs deployed this year alone, the company continues to deliver both speed and substance in meeting the growing demand for EV infrastructure. "This milestone reflects the relentless dedication and talent of our incredible team," said Frank Woodling, CEO of EnviroSpark. "Month after month, we're breaking our own installation records, not for headlines, but because our loyal customers count on us to deliver. This is what follow-through looks like, and we're just getting started." As the U.S. continues to accelerate EV adoption, the availability of accessible charging stations remains a top concern among drivers. EnviroSpark's milestone reflects years of strategic investment, innovation, and public-private collaboration aimed at addressing this infrastructure gap. Frank Blake, former Chairman and CEO of Home Depot and an early EnviroSpark investor, said "Reaching 2,500 chargers is a meaningful achievement. It shows what can happen when a team stays focused on doing the right things the right way. EnviroSpark isn't just adding infrastructurethey're quietly building what the future of transportation will depend on. That kind of steady, mission-driven execution is exactly what makes them stand out." EnviroSpark's 2,500 installed chargers span multifamily communities, hospitality properties, retail centers, and public access points. With a mix of Level 2 and DC fast chargers, the company supports a diverse array of drivers and site hostsmany through fully funded models that eliminate cost barriers to deployment. EnviroSpark helps site hosts deploy EV charging infrastructure quickly and cost-effectively by navigating federal and state incentives, securing utility partnerships, and offering flexible or fully funded models. This full-service approach removes complexity and lowers barriersenabling faster deployments and long-term reliability without burdening the property owner. About EnviroSpark Founded in 2014, EnviroSpark is an industry leader in the turnkey design, installation and operation of EV charging solutions. The company was founded with two missions: to raise awareness around the benefits of electric vehicles and to make EV charging more accessible across the United States and Canada. EnviroSpark is a charge point operator with over 2,500 plugs energized on its own network with an additional 1,000 contracted and coming online shortly, serving partners including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Asset Living, Associa, RangeWater, and First Service Residential. The company also deploys at scale for other charge point operators like Tesla, ChargePoint, and Mercedes-Benz. Responsible for the installation of more than 10,000 charging ports to date in over 40 US states and 4 Canadian provinces, EnviroSpark addresses the pain points of North American property owners and drivers by enhancing EV accessibility in customer-friendly ways. For more information, please visit www.envirosparkenergy.com Media Contact: Anna Addcox Marketing Manager [email protected] (352) 275-6688 SOURCE EnviroSpark Energy Adding specialized facilities to support contractors' large-scale construction projects ST. LOUIS, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, industrial, automation and connectivity products and a provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, today announced plans to significantly increase its warehouse capacity across several high growth U.S. metropolitan areas by introducing project-focused STAR distribution centers. STARan acronym for Storage, Transport, and Readinesscenters, are designed to serve the specialized needs of contractors working on large, complex construction projects. These dedicated facilities will bring critical materials closer to the job site and enhance Graybar's ability to deploy labor-saving services and customized delivery options to keep construction projects on schedule. "Graybar's STAR Centers will provide the capacity and flexibility to deliver customized supply chain solutions for large construction projects such as data centers, manufacturing plants, healthcare facilities and utility infrastructure," said Kathleen M. Mazzarella, Graybar's chairman, president and chief executive officer. STAR Centers are part of Graybar's unified service platform, which integrates local, regional, and national distribution centers to deliver exceptional customer service. Graybar's first STAR Centers will be in Reno, Dallas, and Atlanta with a combined 500,000 square feet. The company plans to open additional STAR centers and expand in several cities over the next few quarters, bringing its total facility footprint to more than 16 million square feet. Mazzarella added, "As we transform our business for the future, we are reimagining what's possible across our nationwide footprint. The STAR Center program is one example of Graybar's investments in leading-edge technology and adaptable solutions to support our customers' growth. We remain focused on broadening our reach, expanding our capabilities and transforming our logistics network to create an unparalleled customer experience." About Graybar Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America, is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, industrial, automation and connectivity products, and specializes in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of 350 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, helping its customers power, network and secure their facilities with speed, intelligence and efficiency. For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR. Media Contact: Tim Sommer (314) 578-7672 [email protected] SOURCE Graybar THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN) announced today that Julia Wright will join Huntsman as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary effective on October 13, 2025. Ms. Wright will succeed Huntsman's current General Counsel, David Stryker, who has announced his retirement effective at the end of the year. Mr. Stryker will move into the Chairman's Office to serve as Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, pending his retirement. Ms. Wright has over 15 years of senior executive experience, most recently at ChampionX Corporation, a global leader in chemistry solutions, artificial lift systems, and highly engineered equipment and technologies. Ms. Wright served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at ChampionX, where she was responsible for the legal organization, including corporate governance, compliance, trade compliance, litigation, M&A, employment, commercial, intellectual property, shareholder engagement, and SEC filings until ChampionX was acquired by SLB (formerly Schlumberger) on July 16, 2025. Ms. Wright joined ChampionX in 2018 and previously served as Vice President and General Counsel at Nabors Industries. Ltd., a leading provider of advanced technologies to the energy industry. Ms. Wright started her career at Vinson and Elkins in Dallas, Texas, and also worked at Baker McKenzie. Mr. Stryker will support Ms. Wright in the transition of the legal department and focus on strategic initiatives and opportunities at the corporate level. Mr. Stryker has served as the Company's General Counsel since June 2013. Peter R. Huntsman, our President, CEO and Chairman, commented: "David Stryker has served this Company extraordinarily well during his tenure here as General Counsel. By defending shareholder rights and collecting exceptional legal victories, David's expertise has materially strengthened our balance sheet and added significant value. David's tenacity and influence across our entire Company has left us a far better Company than we otherwise would have been. I look forward to my continued work with David as we further execute our strategic objectives." Mr. Huntsman further commented: "I'm looking forward to having Julia Wright serve as our new General Counsel. Our senior officers and board members have been impressed with Julia while getting to know her. The most senior lawyer at Huntsman Corporation has always played a vital role in our Company far beyond ordinary course legal responsibilities and, during her tenure at ChampionX, Julia played a pivotal role in establishing and developing a full-service legal and compliance function, building talent at every level in the organization. She essentially created the function from its inception in 2018, when Apergy separated from Dover in a tax-free spin, negotiated the multibillion-dollar acquisition of Ecolab's upstream chemical business two years later, and continued to guide the organization through the successful completion of its sale to SLB earlier this year. Given her experience at ChampionX, Nabors Industries and in private practice, I have no doubt that Julia will continue building our legal department to safeguard our Company and further enhance shareholder value." About Huntsman: Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals with 2024 revenues of approximately $6 billion. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 60 manufacturing, R&D and operations facilities in approximately 25 countries and employ approximately 6,300 associates within our continuing operations. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com. Social Media: Twitter: www.twitter.com/Huntsman_Corp Facebook: www.facebook.com/huntsmancorp LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/huntsman Forward-Looking Statements: Certain information in this release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, volatile global economic conditions, cyclical and volatile product markets, disruptions in production at manufacturing facilities, reorganization or restructuring of Huntsman's operations, including any delay of, or other negative developments affecting the ability to implement cost reductions, timing of proposed transactions, and manufacturing optimization improvements in Huntsman businesses and realize anticipated cost savings, and other financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws. SOURCE Huntsman Corporation VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (the "Company") - (TSX: ITH) (NYSE American: THM) today announced that it has received encouraging results from the first phase of the metallurgical study on antimony mineralization at the Livengood Gold Project that was announced on March 4, 2025. The Company's most recent S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary, "Pre-Feasibility Study of the Livengood Gold Project", as amended October 13, 2023, presented a new geologic model for the Livengood deposit and detailed gold metallurgical work that allowed the relationship between gold recovery and antimony mineralization to be characterized. During this geological modelling process, 54 veins of massive stibnite were detailed as presented in Table 11-8 "Livengood deposit massive stibnite grade estimates" of the S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary. While the pre-feasibility study detailed the 9.0 million ounce proven and probable gold reserve contained within the 13.6 million ounce measured and indicated gold resource, with 6.4 million ounces of gold production projected over 21 years, no metallurgical studies had been completed at that time to provide an understanding of whether antimony might be recoverable from the massive stibnite veins. Subsequent to the announcement on March 4, 2025, the Company compiled four metallurgical composites, each from individual veins, and provided splits from the composites to Advanced Mineral Technology Laboratory Ltd., London, Ontario (AMTEL) for antimony deportment work. The gold and antimony assays for these samples are presented in Table 1 below. Table 1. Livengood Gold Project Vein Composite Assays Sample Au g/mt Sb% SB12 4.19 2.75 SB24 3.72 2.31 SB40 3.31 1.41 SB46 3.21 1.05 The samples were milled to p80 of 250 micron (the same grind size as selected in the 2023 Technical Report Summary for the 9.0 million ounce proven and probable gold reserve based on optimization studies). The milled material was separated by size and mineralogy and then examined. Results for all samples indicate that the antimony is carried by stibnite, that most of the stibnite is of a floatable size (>10 micron), that the liberation of stibnite is very good at the grind size of p80 250 micron, and thus the samples have the potential to respond well to flotation. These results warrant continuation into the next phase of the test work to assess potential flowsheets, to evaluate how the samples respond to flotation, and to determine what the characteristics of any concentrate obtained might be. The Company intends to commence this work immediately at SGS Vancouver and SGS Lakefield. The data presented here is very preliminary in nature and simply indicates a further examination of the metallurgy of the antimony carried by the stibnite veins is warranted. Much more metallurgical and extensive other work would be required before any determination of the recoverability of the antimony could be established, as well as before any economic analysis or estimates of tonnage, grade or resource could be developed. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements which explicitly describe such risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements containing the terms "intends," "estimates," "may," "might", "will," or other similar expressions to be uncertain and forward-looking. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The forward-looking statements in this press release, including statements regarding estimates of the quality and quantity of the mineral resources at the Livengood Gold Project, including gold and antimony, and the potential for production at the Livengood Gold Project are based upon the Company's current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation: (i) the demand for, and level and volatility of the price of, gold, (ii) general business and economic conditions, (iii) the accuracy of the Company's resource estimates (including with respect to size and grade) and the geological, operational and price assumptions on which these are based, (iv) the timing of the Company's ability to commence and complete planned work programs at the Livengood Gold Project, including the antimony study, (v) the Company's ability to attract and retain key staff, particularly in connection with the permitting and development of any mine at the Livengood Gold Project, and (vi) the Company's ability to secure the necessary services and supplies on favorable terms in connection with its programs at the Livengood Gold Project and other activities. The foregoing list of important factors that could cause actual events to differ from expectations should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the risk factors detailed in the "Forward-Looking Statements," "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2025 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2025 and other documents that have been and will be filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulators. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by applicable securities laws. About International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. has a 100% interest in its Livengood Gold Project located along the paved Elliott Highway, 70 miles north of Fairbanks, Alaska. On behalf of International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (signed) Karl L. Hanneman Chief Executive Officer SOURCE International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. US contribution to Ukraine's security guarantees to be finalized in coming weeks Macron Photo: https://www.facebook.com/EmmanuelMacron The US contribution to Ukraine's security guarantees will be finalized in the coming weeks, French President Emmanuel Macron said. "In the coming weeks, we will clearly define what America's contribution to this coalition will be," he said at a joint briefing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following their meetings in Paris. Recognition signals the rigor of ISC2 certifications and courses, enabling cybersecurity professionals to accelerate their academic journey and career development ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ISC2 the world's leading nonprofit member organization for cybersecurity professionals today announced that the American Council on Education (ACE) Learning Evaluations has reviewed and recommended six ISC2 cybersecurity examinations and six official certification courses for college credit hours. Upon successfully passing or completing the designated exams or courses, U.S.-based ISC2 members and candidates earn college credits toward their degrees. "ACE's meritorious recommendations reaffirm the credibility and significance of ISC2 exams and courses, as well as the rigor involved in earning the certifications," said ISC2 Chief Operating Officer Casey Marks. "This third-party evaluation and related college credits help cybersecurity professionals align their certification pursuits to their academic and professional goals." Nearly 1600 colleges and universities consider ACE Learning Evaluations recommendations in determining the applicability of coursework and examination results for their courses and degree programs as they build out the full scope of relevant and timely content and assessments. "ACE credit recommendations equip learners who have completed innovative exams and courses through ISC2 with the validated knowledge, skills and abilities they need to thrive in today's cybersecurity workforce," said Sarah Cunningham, executive director, One Dupont Ventures, American Council on Education. ISC2 Certification Examinations Eligible for College Credit ISC2 Official Certification Courses Eligible for College Credit Each course or exam is eligible for three credit hours, and they range from the entry-level Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) official course to two examinations designated as Upper-Division Baccalaureate: the Governance, Risk and Compliance Certification (CGRC) and the Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) exams. Those who earn these credits could potentially transfer them to their choice of higher learning institute, counting the credit hours toward completion of a degree. To demonstrate completion, ISC2 members and candidates can claim their virtual badges via Credly. Serving much in the same way as a traditional college transcript, these credits could potentially be transferred to a learner's choice of higher learning institution and count towards completion of a degree. For more information, visit the ISC2 academic partner page or the ISC2 page on the ACE website. About the American Council on Education ACE is a membership organization that leads higher education with a united vision for the future, galvanizing our members to make change and collaborating across the sector to design solutions for today's challenges, serve the needs of a diverse student population, and shape effective public policy. As the major coordinating body for the nation's colleges and universities, our strength lies in our diverse membership of colleges and universities, related associations, and other organizations in America and abroad. ACE is the only major higher education association to represent all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities. For more information, please visit www.acenet.edu. About ISC2 ISC2 is the world's leading member organization for cybersecurity professionals, driven by our vision of a safe and secure cyber world. Our more than 265,000 certified members, and associates, are a force for good, safeguarding the way we live. Our award-winning certifications including cybersecurity's premier certification, the CISSP enable professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities at every stage of their careers. ISC2 strengthens the influence, diversity and vitality of the cybersecurity profession through advocacy, expertise and workforce empowerment that accelerates cyber safety and security in an interconnected world. Our charitable foundation, the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, helps create more access to cyber careers and educates those most vulnerable. Learn more, get involved or become an ISC2 Candidate to build your cyber career at ISC2.org. Connect with us on X, Facebook and LinkedIn. 2025 ISC2 Inc., ISC2, CISSP, SSCP, CCSP, CGRC, CSSLP, HCISPP, ISSAP, ISSEP, ISSMP, CC, and CBK are registered marks of ISC2, Inc. Media Contact: Amanda Steinman Senior Corporate Communications Manager ISC2 [email protected] SOURCE ISC2 NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ad Council, America's leader in using the power of communications to drive social impact at scale, announced today that Jennifer Mamlet is joining the organization as Chief Development Officer. She is returning to the organization, having previously served as SVP of Development until 2012. Most recently, Mamlet was Acting President and CEO of JCC Association of North America. As Chief Development Officer, Mamlet will lead all corporate and philanthropic giving, forging strategic partnerships and expanding critical funding to power a portfolio of high-impact initiatives tackling some of the most pressing social issues in America mental health, firearm injury prevention, skills-based hiring and more. In addition to enhancing fundraising efforts, Mamlet will oversee the management of the organization's Board of Directors, a distinguished group of 150 senior-level executives from across the media, advertising, marketing and tech industries that is chaired by Rita Ferro, The Walt Disney Company's President of Global Advertising. "We are so thrilled to welcome Jen back to the Ad Council," said Lisa Sherman, Ad Council President and CEO. "She is bringing with her a deep understanding of our unique business model and two decades of transformative experience in the philanthropic space. Jen's exceptional leadership and passion for our values and mission will enhance our work and our impact." Mamlet has a proven track record of leadership and success in the fundraising space, demonstrating strategic growth, strengthened donor engagement, and high-impact partnership cultivation. Prior to rejoining the Ad Council, Mamlet led the JCC Of Central New Jersey and took on several leadership positions within the JCC Association of North America, including most recently as Acting President and CEO. "After 13 proud years working in and on behalf of the Jewish community, I'm excited to return home to the Ad Council," said Mamlet. "There is no other organization that sits so powerfully at the intersection of social impact and storytelling, uniquely able to harness the strength of the media, advertising, and marketing industries to drive meaningful change. It's truly an honor to return as a member of the leadership team." Mamlet holds a B.A. in Sociology and Spanish from Bucknell University, and a Masters of Social Work from Columbia University. THE AD COUNCIL The Ad Council convenes creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change. For more than 80 years, the nonprofit organization and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have been behind some of the country's most iconic social impact campaigns Smokey Bear, Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk, Tear the Paper Ceiling and many more. To learn more or get involved, visit AdCouncil.org, join the Ad Council's communities on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and view campaign creative on YouTube. SOURCE The Ad Council Forbes-recognized AI leader Rajeev Kapur brings educational center to Nogales, AZ to close the learning gap NOGALES, Ariz., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new institute is bringing ChatGPT and cutting-edge AI tools to rural Arizona. At the heart of Nogales' historic 1904 Courthouse, the Kapur-Parada Center of AI has officially opened, offering teachers and families a space to learn, experiment, and grow with artificial intelligence. The center was made possible through the donation of Rajeev Kapur, tech CEO, bestselling author of AI Made Simple and Prompting Made Simple , and recently named Forbes' Top Leader in AI . Kapur brought the vision to life with a donation that included four Dell desktop computers preloaded with AI resources, printers, training, and professional support. His leadership underscores a core belief that rural communities deserve the same opportunities to thrive in the AI revolution as major cities. "This center represents the future of education," said Kapur. "AI has the power to break down barriers that have held rural communities back for too long. By opening access to these tools in Nogales, we're creating a place where innovation and opportunity can thrive." "The Kapur-Parada Center of AI has brought excitement to our educational communities," said Maya Donnelly, superintendent of Santa Cruz County. "The idea of enhancing educators' work with accurate and time-saving technology is intriguing. Santa Cruz County is grateful for the partnership with Mr. Kapur, and we look forward to growing this opportunity." Training workshops tailored by grade level are in development to give educators hands-on experience with AI tools. Teachers will soon have full access to the lab, allowing them to collaborate, experiment, and bring innovative strategies directly into their classrooms. The Kapur-Parada Center of AI, named for Rajeev Kapur and his friend and former Nogales city councilman Cesar Parada, unites Kapur's vision for innovation with the city's proud history, linking a legacy of community leadership to a future of opportunity and AI-driven progress. About Rajeev Kapur Rajeev Kapur is a three-time CEO, keynote speaker, and bestselling author with deep expertise in AI, leadership, and digital transformation. Named #1 on Forbes' "Top 5 AI Leaders Bringing Artificial Intelligence to Everyone," he is widely recognized for making complex technology practical and accessible. Currently CEO of 1105 Media, he has led startups, midsize firms, and global powerhouses like Dell, where he managed P&Ls up to $1.6 billion. Rajeev holds a Global MBA from USC and Jiaotong University and dual AI certifications from MIT. He is the author of Chase Greatness, AI Made Simple and Prompting Made Simple and a 2024 finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award. SOURCE Rajeev Kapur SAN DIEGO, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers of KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (NYSE: KLC) common stock in or traceable to KinderCare's October 2024 initial public offering (the "IPO"), have until Monday, October 13, 2025 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the KinderCare class action lawsuit. Captioned Gollapalli v. KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc., No. 25-cv-01424 (D. Or.), the KinderCare class action lawsuit charges KinderCare as well as certain of KinderCare's top executives and directors, KinderCare's controlling shareholder, and the underwriters of the IPO with violations of the Securities Act of 1933. If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the KinderCare class action lawsuit, please provide your information here: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-kindercare-learning-companies-inc-class-action-lawsuit-klc.html You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at [email protected]. CASE ALLEGATIONS: KinderCare provides early education and child care services in the United States. In the IPO, KinderCare sold over 27 million shares of common stock to investors at $24 per share, raising $648 million in gross offering proceeds. The KinderCare class action lawsuit alleges that the registration statement for the IPO was false and/or misleading and/or failed to disclose that: (i) numerous incidents of child abuse, neglect, and harm had occurred at KinderCare facilities; (ii) KinderCare 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, KinderCare was exposed to a material, undisclosed risk of lawsuits, adverse regulatory action, negative publicity, reputational damage, and business loss. Since the IPO, the price of KinderCare stock fell to lows near $9 per share. The plaintiff is represented by Robbins Geller, which has extensive experience in prosecuting investor class actions including actions involving financial fraud. You can view a copy of the complaint by clicking here. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased KinderCare common stock in or traceable to the IPO to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the KinderCare 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 KinderCare class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the KinderCare class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the KinderCare class action lawsuit. ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder litigation. Our Firm has been ranked #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for four out of the last five years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. In 2024, we recovered over $2.5 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases more than the next five law firms combined, according to ISS. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world, and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest ever $7.2 billion in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Contact: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal 655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101 800-449-4900 [email protected] SOURCE Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP LONDON, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE:LDOS) is unveiling Sea Dagger, a next-generation Commando Insertion Craft (CIC) concept developed for the Royal Navy. The first craft of its size to combine speed, range, vehicle delivery and modular mission systems into a single platform, Sea Dagger sets a new standard in maritime autonomy and operational agility. Sea Dagger Developed under the UK Commando Force (UKCF) programme, the initiative's goal is to deliver 24 medium surface insertion craft capable of deploying Commando Strike teams, light tactical mobility platforms, offboard systems, and medium combat loads from long range, enabled by training and in-service support. Capable of exceeding 40 knots, Sea Dagger is the result of a collaborative development effort between Leidos Naval Architects and military subject matter experts, the Royal Navy, and UKCF. The design builds on more than 30 years of fast-craft expertise and incorporates Leidos technology, including Trusted Mission AI, autonomous systems and integrated weaponry. Operational resilience is central to the concept, with a focus on readiness, availability, maintainability and repairability. The platform is designed to continue delivering its mission under stress, disruption or attack for an enduring presence in contested environments. Aligned with AUKUS Pillar 2 maritime autonomy objectives and the UK Strategic Defence Review's vision to move to warfighting readiness and increasing lethality, Sea Dagger helps ensure the UKCF can respond quickly with the tools, training and systems needed to face the evolving threats and demands of modern conflict. Sea Dagger addresses the most pressing challenge faced by specialised units operating in coastal and shallow-water environments around the world. Unlike historical near-shore landing craft, Sea Dagger delivers a unique combination of naval architecture and high-technology sensors, weapons and C2 (command-and-control) capabilities shaped by the realities of warfare in modern conflicts. Adam Clarke, senior vice president and chief executive at Leidos UK & Europe said, "Sea Dagger represents a pivotal step in equipping the UK Commando Force with the capability to operate with greater agility, survivability and intent in a complex and congested maritime environment. The Leidos design reflects our commitment to delivering resilient, future-ready platforms that can adapt to the complexities of modern warfare, ensuring capability, availability and operational advantage from day one. I am delighted that Leidos is at the forefront of shaping the maritime marketplace, domestically and internationally." For more information about Leidos' autonomous maritime systems, visit leidos.com/autonomy. About AUKUS AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region through defence cooperation. AUKUS Pillar 2 focuses on advanced technology collaboration, including maritime autonomy, artificial intelligence, cyber, and hypersonics. About Leidos Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Leidos UK & Europe is a leading partner to the UK and Scottish governments supporting national security, defence and logistics programmes, as well as serving key clients in transportation and energy. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.leidos.com. Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the "Risk Factors" set forth in Leidos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made. Media enquiries Vicki Cordon Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Leidos MIAMI, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lennar Corporation (NYSE: LEN and LEN.B), one of the nation's largest homebuilders, announced today that the Company will release earnings for the third quarter ended August 31, 2025 after the market closes on September 18, 2025. Additionally, the Company will host a conference call on September 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The call will be broadcast live and can be accessed through Lennar's website at investors.lennar.com. If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be archived at investors.lennar.com for 90 days. Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation's leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar's Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title and closing services primarily for buyers of Lennar's homes and, through LMF Commercial, originates mortgage loans secured primarily by commercial real estate properties throughout the United States. Lennar's Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. LENX drives Lennar's technology, innovation and strategic investments. For more information about Lennar, please visit www.lennar.com. Contact: Ian Frazer Investor Relations Lennar Corporation (305) 485-4129 SOURCE Lennar Corporation SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) on behalf of investors who bought shares between January 23, 2024, and July 21, 2025. The lawsuit, Khan v. Lockheed Martin Corporation, alleges the company gave investors a misleading picture of its financial health by failing to disclose that it had inadequate internal controls to assess program risks. Hagens Berman encourages Lockheed Martin investors with substantial losses to contact the firm now. Class Period: Jan. 23, 2024 July 21, 2025 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Sept. 26, 2025 Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/lmt Contact the Firm Now: [email protected] 844-916-0895 Alleged Pattern of Misrepresentations The lawsuit claims that throughout the specified period, Lockheed Martin presented a false and misleading view of its operations by overstating its ability to deliver on contracts in its Aeronautics and Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) segments. The complaint alleges the company lacked effective internal controls and procedures to accurately review program requirements and risks. As a result, it was likely to incur significant losses, which were not disclosed to investors. The Truth Allegedly Emerges Over a Series of Disclosures Investors began to learn the truth through a series of negative disclosures that led to major stock drops: On January 28, 2025, the company reported $1.8 billion in pre-tax losses in its Aeronautics segment. On April 17, 2025, the company announced its CFO had left. On July 22, 2025, the company disclosed an additional $950 million in pre-tax losses for its Aeronautics segment and $570 million in pre-tax losses for its RMS segment, stemming from problems with the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Program. Each of these revelations led to a significant drop in Lockheed Martin's stock price, with shares falling almost 11% on the final disclosure. Hagens Berman's Investigation A national plaintiffs' rights law firm, Hagens Berman, is investigating these claims on behalf of investors who suffered substantial losses. The firm is examining whether the massive, successive losses were a foreseeable consequence of poor internal controls and a failure to accurately communicate the company's risks to investors. "The scale of these losses and their recurrence across different programs suggests a systemic issue, not a series of isolated problems," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation. "Our focus is on whether executives knew the company's internal controls were not as robust as investors were led to believe and whether management was transparent about the risks that ultimately led to billions in write-downs." If you invested in Lockheed Martin and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Lockheed Martin case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Lockheed Martin should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected]. About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP Logistics Plus adds LoadDelivered Logistics to its portfolio, enhancing its North American transportation management solutions. ERIE, Pa., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Logistics Plus, Inc. (LP), a global leader in transportation, logistics, and unique supply chain solutions, is pleased to announce that it has acquired LoadDelivered Logistics, a Chicago-based freight brokerage business. With this acquisition, LoadDelivered Logistics will continue operating under its well-established legacy brand while working closely with the Logistics Plus North American Division (NAD) brokerage team. This collaboration will provide customers with holistic transportation management solutions while leveraging back-office synergies across both organizations. According to Yuriy Ostapyak, Chief Operating Officer for Logistics Plus, "LoadDelivered Logistics has built a strong reputation for exceptional service and customer care, a culture shared by Logistics Plus. By combining their strengths with our growing North American brokerage division, we can offer shippers even greater coverage, technology, and expertise while preserving what makes each organization unique." "This acquisition represents another step forward in our commitment to helping customers navigate complex supply chains," added Craig Warnhuis, Director of North American Operations for Logistics Plus. "Together, we will create a more robust and scalable platform for shippers seeking reliable and flexible transportation solutions." The addition of LoadDelivered Logistics expands the Logistics Plus North American footprint, already recognized as a Top Freight Brokerage Firm by Transport Topics, while reinforcing its mission to say "Yes" to any transportation or supply chain challenge. About LoadDelivered Logistics LoadDelivered Logistics is a Chicago-based third-party logistics company specializing in customized freight brokerage solutions. Founded in 2008, LoadDelivered was named a Top 50 Freight Brokerage Firm by Transport Topics in 2018. It has been recognized by Food Logistics as both a Top 3PL & Cold Storage Provider and a Top Software & Technology provider, included on the Crain's Fast 50 list of fastest-growing companies in Chicago, and named an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private firm in America. Known for its strong customer relationships and reliable service, LoadDelivered connects shippers and carriers nationwide with scalable capacity and technology-driven solutions. About Logistics Plus, Inc. Logistics Plus, Inc. is a 21st Century Logistics Company. With annual global sales approaching $1 billion, Logistics Plus is a leading worldwide provider of transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, project management, business intelligence, technology, and unique supply chain solutions. The company is recognized as one of the fastest-growing privately-owned logistics companies with a presence in more than 50 countries worldwide. With its trademark Passion for Excellence, Logistics Plus is consistently recognized as a great place to work and a top global logistics provider. Learn more at www.logisticsplus.com. Press Contact: Scott Frederick 814-240-6881 https://www.logisticsplus.com SOURCE Logistics Plus, Inc. COLLEYVILLE, Texas, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Meauxmentum Strategies & Investments (MSI), a leading restaurant development and premier shared services management company, announced today the acquisition of five Chicken Salad Chick locations across the Dallas market. This strategic expansion strengthens MSI's position as one of the brand's fastest-growing franchise groups, and deepens its commitment to bringing the beloved fast-casual concept to more communities across Texas. Chicken Salad Chick Austin Grand Opening Celebration Chicken Salad Chick, known for its made-from-scratch chicken salad flavors, fresh sides, and warm hospitality, has quickly become a favorite in the Southeast and beyond. With this acquisition, MSI now operates twenty-one Chicken Salad Chick restaurants across Texas, Oklahoma, and Indiana, further advancing the MSI purpose to spread joy, create opportunities, and enrich lives. "Dallas presents an exceptional opportunity for the expansion of Chicken Salad Chick," said Troy Morrison, CEO of Meauxmentum Strategies & Investments. "As the largest franchisee for Chicken Salad Chick in Dallas, MSI is uniquely positioned to leverage this growth potential. Our portfolio also includes established brands such as Taco Bell and Wingstop, reinforcing our strong presence in the market. Dallas remains a premier market for our restaurant brands' ongoing development and success, highlighting its strategic importance in our growth plans." The acquisition reflects MSI's ongoing strategy of targeted market development with Chicken Salad Chick. The group has driven significant growth in Texas, Indiana, and Oklahoma through new store openings and acquisitions, consistently delivering strong operational performance while supporting local communities through initiatives that support nonprofit organizations and schools. MSI will expand the brand's presence across its new Dallas locations with updated catering offerings, community partnerships, and loyalty program engagement, ensuring that Chicken Salad Chick remains a go-to destination for families, workplaces, and social gatherings. For more information about Chicken Salad Chick, including menu items, locations, and franchise opportunities, visit www.chickensaladchick.com. About Meauxmentum Strategies and Investments, LLC Meauxmentum Strategies and Investments, LLC (MSI) is the shared services company of franchisee groups North Texas Bells, LLC, North Texas Wings, LLC, Memphis Wings Operations, LLC, Southern Wings Enterprises, LLC, Austin Chicks, LLC, Dallas Chicks, LLC, Oklahoma Chicks, LLC, and Indy Chicks, LLC. MSI is committed to its mission statement, "Consistently, Best on Block." The company has grown to over 128 locations across seven states. See Meauxsi.com for additional information. About Chicken Salad Chick Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts, Chicken Salad Chick's robust menu is a perfect fit for any guest. Founded in Auburn, Alabama, by Stacy and Kevin Brown, in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 310 restaurants in 22 states. Today, under the leadership of Scott Deviney and the Chicken Salad Chick team, the brand is continuing its rapid expansion with both franchise and company locations. Chicken Salad Chick has received numerous accolades including rankings in the 2023 Entrepreneur Franchise 500, Franchise Times' Fast & Serious for the third consecutive year, Fast Casual's Top Movers and Shakers from 2018 to 2024, QSR's Best Franchise Deals in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2024, and Franchise Business Review's Top Food Franchises list from 2019-2024. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information. SOURCE Meauxmentum Strategies and Investments, LLC OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Solutions is proud to celebrate the sixth consecutive summer partnering with SeriousFun Children's Network, which offers free camps and programs worldwide for children with serious illnesses to experience joy, friendship, and new opportunities. This year, Medical Solutions sent 26 nurses to seven summer camps across the United States, along with a nursing director to one additional camp, helping to ensure campers received the care and support needed to fully experience camp life. At Camp Boggy Creek in Lake County, Florida, travel nurse Bianca Salvaggio returned for her third consecutive year, bringing nine years of pediatric intensive care (PICU) experience to the camp. Salvaggio first volunteered in 2011 as a counselor, an experience that inspired her nursing career. "Camp helped shape my career trajectory," said Salvaggio. "It gave me exposure to both working with kids and medicine. Years later, I became a nurse and started my career." Salvaggio said the most powerful part of camp each year is watching children gain a true sense of belonging. Many arrive feeling isolated, but at SeriousFun camps they find peers who share similar medical experiences, supportive friends who cheer them on through challenges, and opportunities to try things once thought impossible. Since 2015, Medical Solutions has partnered with SeriousFun, providing pro-bono recruitment to fill critical camp nurse positions. "We are proud to support our nurses in giving back through SeriousFun camps," said Rich Thompson, Chief Human Resources Officer at Medical Solutions. "Programs like this highlight the heart of nursing and the difference our professionals make beyond hospital walls." Camp nurses provide crucial medical care in a joyful environment and often return to their hospital roles reenergized and inspired. Medical Solutions invites nurses to make an impact and create lasting memories by volunteering with SeriousFun camps. Learn more about the partnership and future volunteer opportunities here: https://www.medicalsolutions.com/serious-fun/. ABOUT MEDICAL SOLUTIONS Medical Solutions is one of the nation's leading healthcare workforce partners, delivering consulting services, workforce technology, recruiting, and staffing. With expertise across managed services, internal resource pools, virtual care, workforce disruption, contingent staffing (including PRN, local, and travel), interim leadership, and domestic and international direct hire, Medical Solutions empowers healthcare systems to optimize labor costs, improve patient care, and prepare for future workforce needs. Learn more at www.medicalsolutions.com. SOURCE Medical Solutions LLC US President Donald Trump is unhappy that Hungary and Slovakia are buying Russian oil, and thereby helping the Russian military machine, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "President Trump is very unhappy that Russian oil is being bought by Europe. Among other things, there are two countries, we know that these are Hungary and Slovakia," Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The head of state recalled that when the Russian Federation attacked the Ukrainian energy system, and in response Ukraine attacked their energy sector, on which the Russians earn money and then spend it on weapons, "it was these two countries [Slovakia and Hungary] that complained to President Trump that Ukraine is like this, it reduces the possibilities of obtaining the relevant oil." "That is why, you see, Ukraine has found this type of sanctions. Of course, I am glad that today the United States of America is absolutely openly, naming these countries, saying that they are helping the Russian war machine. And we all need to stop this," Zelenskyy stressed. SOLON, Ohio, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestle Professional Solutions and TOMA, the Latin culinary brand created by acclaimed actress Sofia Vergara and her son, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, have partnered to bring bold, authentic Latin flavors to foodservice with the launch of a new Empanada line. The line, curated with The Everybody Eats Hospitality Group, is now available for order ahead of its official release. Together, Nestle Professional Solutions and TOMA developed two new Empanada varieties showcased at the recent National Restaurant Show alongside a line of Nestle sauces. Sofia Vergara and Manolo Gonzales Vergara partner with Nestle Professional Solutions to launch Toma empanadas Beef Empanada, a blend of savory beef, sweet tomatoes, kalamata olives, onions, paprika and chilis Chicken Empanada, featuring pulled dark meat chicken in a tomatillo, jalapeno, cilantro and garlic Salsa Verde "With TOMA, we're bringing something truly special to operators: chef-approved flavors and ingredients with a convenient back-of-house solution," said Fleur Veldhoven, Vice President of Marketing at Nestle Professional Solutions. "Our collaboration with Sofia and Manolo means operators can serve authentic, Latin-inspired dishes with confidence and consistency." The launch comes at a time when operators are eager to meet rising demand for globally inspired grab-and-go foods. According to Datassential, 54% of operators plan to offer more portable snack options, and Technomic reports 40% of consumers say they are more likely to visit restaurants offering new and innovative flavors. Each empanada offers ready-to-heat convenience, produced under Nestle Professional Solutions exceptional quality standards. They ship frozen and can be cooked from frozen or thawed in a TurboChef, convection oven, or fryer making them a smart solution for limited space kitchens. "TOMA is exactly the kind of brand Everybody Eats was built to elevateculturally driven, chef-quality, and ready to scale," said Sam Nazarian, Founder of Everybody Eats. "Partnering with Nestle Professional Solutionsan industry leader with unmatched culinary credibility and reachallows us to bring this vision to life in a meaningful way. It's a perfect match of creativity and capability, and we're proud to collaborate with such an iconic platform to deliver bold Latin flavors to operators nationwide." "TOMA is a celebration of who we are," said Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, Co-Founder of TOMA. "It was born from our family's passion for Latin cuisine, built on cherished recipes and rooted in cultural pride. Partnering with Nestle Professional Solutions means we can share our love of Latin food with more people, in more places, without compromising on quality." Operators can begin placing orders now. For more information or to request samples visit NestleProfessional.us/Connect-Us. About Nestle Professional Solutions Nestle Professional Solutions is committed to providing the finest ingredients, operational knowledge, and uncompromised support to foodservice operations. We're in the business of helping your business succeed with great tasting food and beverage products to meet the needs of operators and out-of-home consumers. From Minor's, Stouffer's, and Chef-mate to Coffee mate and Starbucks we have the brands consumers love. Nestle Professional Solutions is part of Nestle S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland the world's largest food company. For more foodservice product news and information, visit www.nestleprofessional.com. About TOMA TOMA is a Latin culinary brand founded by actress Sofia Vergara and her son, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara. Inspired by cherished family recipes and a passion for Latin flavors, TOMA offers authentic, high-quality dishes that celebrate the rich culinary traditions of Latin America. The brand aims to bring bold, vibrant flavors to a broader audience, providing convenient and delicious options for modern consumers. For more information, visit www.eattoma.com. About Everybody Eats Founded in 2019 by visionary entrepreneur Sam Nazarian, Everybody Eats is a next-generation CPG and culinary brands platform built to connect new audiences through exclusive food brand partnerships. The company brings together world-class culinary talent, cutting-edge technology, and non-traditional kitchen spaces to create, launch, and scale premium QSR and CPG brands. Through a portfolio that includes C3, Kitchen United, and Nextbite, Everybody Eats is redefining how food is developed, distributed, and experienceddisrupting the trillion-dollar global food & beverage industry. The platform leverages strategic partnerships across hospitality, retail, convenience, education, and commercial food service, while capitalizing on evolving consumer preferences and the power of social media to drive brand awareness and adoption. By integrating culinary expertise with innovative distribution channels, Everybody Eats is positioned to scale its brands across CPG, casual dining, hotels, and beyondunlocking new growth verticals and creating lasting cultural impact. Learn more: www.everybodyeatsbysbe.com. Media Contact: Valeri Lea Sherman Moritz LLC 417-861-0784 [email protected] SOURCE Nestle Professional Solutions Only 4% of U.S. pets are insuredIPH aims to change that this National Pet Insurance Month by spotlighting the value of coverage for pet families NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From dog yoga to surfing contests, Americans are embracing creative ways to bond with their pets. These joyful moments reflect a deeper truth: pets are essential to our emotional and physical wellbeing. In fact, 98% of pet owners1 report at least one health benefit from their furry companions, and more than 1 in 5 say a doctor or therapist recommended pet ownership for their mental health2. As we recognize National Pet Insurance Month this September, it's a timely reminder of the growing need for financial protection in pet care. As veterinary costs riseup 60% over the past decade3many families face heartbreaking decisions. Shelters across the country are overwhelmed, with pet surrenders outpacing adoptions. In New York City, Animal Care Centers recently reported caring for over 1,000 animals, far beyond capacity4. California shelters are also struggling. "The high cost of veterinary care is a significant factor driving this problem," said Jill Tucker, CEO of the California Animal Welfare Association. "Pet insurance can help families stay together and reduce shelter intake." Insurance as a Lifeline for Pet Families Pet insurance offers a practical solution, especially for households earning under $50,000, who make up 43% of pet owners, according to Steven Feldman, president of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). Pet parents are deeply committed to their pets92% say they would never give them up, and 35% say cost is no object when it comes to their care5. Pet insurance helps turn that commitment into reality by making care affordable when it matters most. "Pet insurance helps protect the human-animal bond by making veterinary care more accessible," Feldman added. In 2024, Independence Pet Holdings (IPH) insured 2.7 million pets and paid over $1 billion in claims, helping thousands of pets receive essential care. A $2,500 veterinary bill is the point at which 55% of pet owners say they would consider economic euthanasia, according to Canine Journal6. Among claims exceeding that amount, over 70% resulted in out-of-pocket costs below this threshold. "Pets are family, and no one should have to choose between their pet's health and their financial stability," said IPH CEO Kirk Haggard. A Call to Action With lifetime pet costs now exceeding $34,000 for dogs and $32,000 for cats7, and only 4%8 of U.S. pets insured, IPH is calling for broader participation in pet insurance to stabilize premiums and ensure equitable access to care. For pet parents seeking guidance, PetPlace, an IPH company, offers trusted, veterinarian-backed advice for every stage of pet ownershipfrom choosing the right insurance to preventive wellness tips. Meanwhile, CalAnimals is leading a statewide campaign to boost shelter pet adoptions, encouraging families to start their pet journey through adoption. Shelter pets are typically spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchippedoffering both emotional rewards and financial savings. Together, these efforts aim to keep pets where they belong: at home, healthy, and loved. About Independence Pet Holdings Established in 2021, Independence Pet Holdings, Inc. is a corporate holding company that manages a diverse and broad portfolio of modern pet health brands offering a range of pet insurance services, pet education, lost pet recovery services, and beyond across the U.S. and Canada. Mental Health America, & Human Animal Bond Research Institute. (2024). Mental health & pets survey factsheet. In 2024 Spring Policy Forum: Mental Health & Companion Animals. https://habri.org/pressroom/20240523 Human Animal Bond Research Institute. (2022, March 21). New survey: 1 in 5 pet owners have had a pet recommended by a doctor or therapist. HABRI. https://habri.org/pressroom/20220321 Thomas, K. (2024, June 23). The costs of caring for pets. The New York Times . https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/23/briefing/the-costs-of-caring-for-pets.html Stack, L., & Bensimon, O. (2025, July 22). As cost-burdened New Yorkers give up pets, shelters turn them away. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/22/nyregion/nyc-animal-shelters.html Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). (2022, January 16). New research confirms the strong bond between people and pets is a global phenomenon, 95% worldwide say pets are family. https://habri.org/pressroom/20220116 Alt, K. (2025, February 7 ). When love isn't enough: The rise of economic euthanasia from our study on pet owners' decisions on vet care. Canine Journal. https://www.caninejournal.com/economic-euthanasia/ Rover.com. (2025, June). True cost of pet parenthood report for 2025. https://www.rover.com/blog/press-release/cost-of-pet-parenthood-2025/ North American Pet Health Insurance Association. (2025, April 22). 2025 NAPHIA State of the Industry report highlights. https://naphia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NAPHIA-SOI2025-Report-Highlights_Public-April22.pdf SOURCE Independence Pet Holdings, Inc. Global fintech powerhouse Revolut expands work with Google Cloud to support mission to scale to 100M+ customers, enhance product innovation, and drive deeper customer engagement LONDON and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Revolut, the global fintech leader with more than 60 million customers worldwide, today announced a significant expansion of its strategic partnership with Google Cloud. This multi-year and multi-million dollar partnership will involve Revolut leveraging Google Cloud's secure, scalable infrastructure to power its rapidly growing global systems, ensuring seamless performance even as its user base continues to expand exponentially. The deepened collaboration between the two companies builds on an already robust foundation. Revolut has attained the #1 position on mobile app stores in multiple markets and has established itself as one of the largest global Google Pay and Wallet partners. The expanded partnership is a key pillar of Revolut's strategy to reach more than 100 million customers globally. By leveraging Google's world-class technology, Revolut aims to enhance every aspect of its business, from back-end operations to the customer-facing app experience. Revolut will also harness Google's AI and machine learning tools, including Gemini models, to improve fraud detection, and create more relevant product offerings for its customers worldwide. "Google's world-leading AI and cloud infrastructure are an incredible asset," said David Tirado, Vice President of Global Business and Profitability at Revolut. "This partnership will empower us to rapidly scale our offerings, deliver even more personalised and valuable experiences to our customers, and continue to outpace the traditional financial sector. We're building the future of finance, and Google is a key partner on that journey." Revolut is renowned for its ambitious innovation roadmap. In the last year alone, it has announced a range of new products and features, from the introduction of its own ATMs in Europe, to innovative savings and investment tools, to plans to transform the telecoms industry by offering more competitive, comprehensive mobile plans in the UK and Germany. This strategic partnership with Google provides the scalable infrastructure underpinning these new services, providing Revolut customers with the next generation of financial products. Tara Brady, President, Google Cloud EMEA, commented, "Revolut is consistently pushing the boundaries of the financial sector. Google is proud to provide the secure, scalable, and intelligent infrastructure, powered by our leading AI, to fuel its ambitious global expansion and help it deliver the next generation of financial services to a new audience." Revolut, established in 2015, has rapidly become a UK and European fintech success story, growing from 1.5 million customers in 2018 to more than 60 million today. This deepened partnership marks a new chapter in Revolut's growth story, with Google playing a pivotal role in helping the fintech giant build a truly global financial ecosystem. Notes to editors About Google Cloud Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimised AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organisations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to enable growth and solve their most critical business problems. About Revolut Revolut is a global fintech, helping people get more from their money. In 2015, Revolut launched in the UK offering money transfer and exchange. Today, more than 60 million customers around the world use dozens of Revolut's innovative products to make more than half a billion transactions a month. Across our personal and business accounts, we give customers more control over their finances and connect people seamlessly across the world. SOURCE Google Cloud Independent survey results highlight the Tennessee-based public relations company's commitment to employee engagement, culture and client success KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ripley PR, an award-winning global public relations agency specializing in the franchising and home service industries, was recently honored as a top franchise supplier, winning the bronze award by Franchise Business Review (FBR) as part of the 2025 Employee Satisfaction Awards. The awards recognize companies with the highest employee satisfaction and engagement based on an independent survey. Ripley PR has earned a 2025 bronze award in Franchise Business Reviews Employee Satisfaction Awards. "At Ripley PR, we believe that when our team thrives, our clients win," said Ripley PR founder and CEO Heather Ripley. "Receiving this award from Franchise Business Review is especially meaningful because it reflects the voices of our employees. I am incredibly proud of the culture we have built together, one that values hard work, collaboration and the ability to enjoy the journey along the way." Franchise Business Review , a market research firm that specializes in benchmarking satisfaction within the franchising sector, conducted surveys of more than 11,000 corporate franchise employees, franchise supplier employees and franchise owners' employees across North America to determine their levels of engagement. "Franchising is in our DNA at Ripley PR, and we couldn't be more excited to be the only PR agency honored in this year's Employee Satisfaction Awards," Ripley said. "This recognition is proof that when you have a team that's fired up, collaborative and passionate about what they do, amazing things happen for our clients. We love helping franchise brands grow, and this award shows that our energy and expertise are fueling their successes." Participants in the annual study were asked 32 questions related to job satisfaction, engagement, skills and experience, management, brand leadership and culture. "FBR's Employee Satisfaction Awards are the only recognition program in franchising that highlights companies committed to employee engagement, well-being and positive workplace culture," said FBR founder and CEO Eric Stites. "This year's award winners have set themselves apart by fostering strong employee engagement, prioritizing well-being and developing effective leaders and teams." In addition to this recognition, Ripley PR earned the title of Best Communications/PR Agency in the 2025 Merit Awards for its continued advocacy of skilled trades companies. The agency was also honored as the 2025-2026 PR Agency of the Year in the Southeast United States by the Corporate LiveWire Prestige Awards and named to Newsweek's list of America's Best PR Agencies in 2024. To learn more about Ripley PR's franchise-focused services, visit www.ripleypr.com or call (865) 977-1973. About Ripley PR Ripley PR is an elite, global B2B public relations agency specializing in home service and building trades, manufacturing, BRB and franchising. Ripley PR was named one of America's Best PR Agencies by Forbes Magazine in 2021 and by Newsweek as one of America's Best PR Agencies for 2024. The agency has also earned a spot on Entrepreneur Magazine's annual list of Best PR Agencies for Franchises for seven consecutive years. Offering a full range of strategic communication services, including award recognition, crisis management, and media relations, Ripley PR uses a blend of strategic business acumen and creative public relations branding to tell compelling stories and deliver measurable results. Ripley PR is also a member of The Worldcom Public Relations Group, the world's leading partnership of independently owned PR agencies whose members provide clients with on-demand access to in-depth communications experts. For more information, visit www.ripleypr.com or call 865-977-1973. About Franchise Business Review Franchise Business Review (FBR) is a leading independent market research firm that provides franchise organizations with benchmarking research and best practices to improve franchisee and employee satisfaction and engagement. Since 2005, FBR has been trusted by more than 1,300 top-performing franchise companies to equip them with the people-centric data, insights, and tools they need for long-term growth and success in the franchise industry. Learn more about how FBR helps franchise companies at GoFBR.com . SOURCE Ripley PR LONDON, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rocketlane, the leading Professional Services Automation (PSA) platform, today announced PropelX 2025, the Europe edition of its flagship Propel conference. The event will take place on September 11, 2025, at the Bvlgari Hotel London, bringing together over 100 senior Professional Services leaders from across the region. Following the success of Propel25 in San Francisco earlier this year, which brought together more than 300 executives and directors from companies including MongoDB, Palantir, Zoom, and Clari, PropelX returns to Europe for its second edition, offering a program focused on delivery excellence, peer learning, and practical strategies for PS organizations. Adding to the significance of the London edition, Rocketlane recently established a dedicated UK office and will have its data centres in the region by early 2026, underscoring its commitment to European customers. These investments ensure local organizations benefit from stronger support, faster performance, and compliance with regional data regulations. "With its unique mix of thought leadership, inspiring talks, and practical ideas, Propel has quickly become the definitive gathering for the Professional Services community," said Srikrishnan Ganesan, Co-founder and CEO of Rocketlane. "PropelX is more than an event; it's a signal of our long-term commitment to supporting and partnering with European PS leaders as they navigate the AI-powered future of delivery." PropelX 2025 will feature: Keynotes from industry pioneers on growth, scale, and customer value in Professional Services. on growth, scale, and customer value in Professional Services. Panels and case studies showcasing real-world delivery transformations. showcasing real-world delivery transformations. Networking opportunities designed for PS executives, directors, and delivery experts to connect and collaborate. Speakers include: Simon England (Garwood Growth), Rinesh Thakrar (Showpad), Gabi Sicher (Pendo), Adrian Tripp (Prosper AI Consulting), Chris Jones (Enboarder), Rob Marcall (Codat), Tom Broome (Personio), Mark Boyer (Softcat), Grant Millington (Optibus), Costa Xynos (GoCardless), Dennis Mahoney and Ashwin Purohit (LILT AI), Steve Beckley and Martin Roxby (J21a), and Peter Taylor (DayForce). The agenda will tackle critical topics shaping the future of PS, including: Designing Intelligent Delivery Organizations (IDOs) for agility and scale. Building AI-first cultures and skillsets. Turning sales and services into a unified value engine. Using data to diagnose challenges and drive outcomes. Exploring whether AI will transformor replacetraditional project management. Registration is now open for senior PS professionals ready to gain insights, share experiences, and leave with strategies they can apply immediately. Register here: https://rocketlane.com/propelx About Rocketlane Rocketlane is a purpose-built PSA and client onboarding platform that helps businesses deliver predictable outcomes, accelerate time-to-value, and improve team utilization and project profitability. The platform reimagines service delivery for teams by replacing legacy PSA and generic project tools with an all-in-one, modern, client-centric platform. Rocketlane offers a unique, unified workspace that improves communication, collaboration, and project visibility for businesses and their clients. It equips teams with trends and benchmarks across projects, which in turn helps them develop and optimize playbooks and processes. To learn more about Rocketlane, visit www.rocketlane.com . Media Contact: Srikrishnan Ganesan +1 260 632-7586 SOURCE Rocketlane You've been bombarded all week. Now here's one hour of truth. AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas is at a breaking point. The Capitol is in crisis. Walkouts. Gerrymandering. Courtroom drama. Texans are fed up and desperate for a voice they can trust. Anthony Holm is stepping up with clarity and conviction in a time of confusion. YouTube thumbnail for Episode 1 of Politics with the Big Dogs hosted by Anthony Holm. This debut episode of the weekly political radio show airing Saturdays on Salem Media Network focuses on how Texas politicians used tax dollars to silence conservatives. Politics with the Big Dogs is a must-listen hour for Texans who crave facts over fearmongering. Beginning Saturday, Sept. 6, this unfiltered and unapologetic show will air on the Salem Media Network, a national conservative broadcasting powerhouse with deep roots in Texas. Each episode delivers sharp debate on Texas legislative policy issues, the U.S. Constitution and conservative American values. No spin. No fluff. Just truth. Launching first in San Antonio, Houston and DallasFort Worththree of the state's largest media marketsPolitics with the Big Dogs will expand into a daily format later this fall, bringing constitutional clarity to an audience hungry for more. Meet the Big Dog Host Anthony Holm, the Big Dog Lawyer, is a Texas trial attorney, strategist, author and proud constitutional conservative. He's taken on corporate giants and corrupt systemsand won. Starting Sept. 6, Anthony is turning that same grit toward government dysfunction, media spin and policy abuse. "We don't need more talking points. We need truth," says Holm. "Politics with the Big Dogs isn't about party loyalty. It's about holding the powerful accountable and reminding Texans who's really in charge: we the people." Politics with the Big Dogs challenges all sides of ideas and policy. Anthony urges listeners to engage by calling legislators, studying the founding documents and standing firm in faith, family and freedom. Why Saturdays Matter By the end of the week, Texans are burned out. They've been pummeled by headlines, overrun by hot takes and drowned in political theater. Social media is a mess. Local news barely scratches the surface. But patriotism still runs deep. Texans want clarity. That's why Politics with the Big Dogs airs on Saturdays. It's one solid hour that cuts through the noise. No distractions. No double talk. Just bold conversation about what really matters to Texans: our Constitution, our communities and our country. Politics with the Big Dogs is the reset Texans deserve. What to Expect No-spin broadcasts grounded in the Constitution, not political theater Sharp interviews with lawmakers, policy minds and everyday Texans Honest conversations on redistricting, border security, religious liberty and more A call to action: reclaim your voice, defend your freedoms, stay in the fight Where to Listen San Antonio 930 AM The Answer DallasFort Worth 660 AM The Answer Houston 1070 AM The Answer Streaming New episodes are available every Saturday at 7 a.m. on YouTube. Media Booking Anthony Holm is available for interviews on: Redistricting and voter manipulation First Amendment fights in Texas schools schools Lawmaker walkouts and courtroom chaos Why Texans need the Constitution, not more politics SOURCE Politics with the Big Dogs FULLERTON, Calif., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shopoff Realty Investments ("Shopoff"), a national manager of opportunistic and value-add real estate investments, recently announced the $2.5 million sale of a 0.46-acre retail parcel, the final remaining parcel of the 14-acre Sunrise Village neighborhood shopping center in Fullerton, California, totaling $58.8 million in dispositions for the firm. The recently sold building currently houses a veterinary clinic, and the remaining space is slated to become a fast-casual Korean restaurant, contributing to the growing variety of dining options in the area. Shopoff acquired the aging neighborhood retail center for $26.5 million in 2021 and began collaborating with the city of Fullerton to identify the highest and best use for the property. The firm was able to secure approvals for a redevelopment plan that envisioned a mixed-use center with much-needed housing and service-oriented retail for the site. "When we first acquired the property, we saw an opportunity to transform a deteriorating center and create something meaningful for the Fullerton community," explained Shopoff President and CEO William A. Shopoff. "Our team immediately got to work securing approvals to develop a mixed-use community, with a more appropriate amount of retail space, as well as for-sale housing, benefitting not only the city's economy, but future and existing residents alike. We're grateful to the city of Fullerton, the local community, and the tenants and business owners for their collaboration, and look forward to seeing Lennar's completed housing project in the coming years." Once the project was unanimously approved by the city of Fullerton, Shopoff worked diligently with existing tenants to support their transition to new locations, negotiating lease buyouts and relocation packages to ease the process and make way for redevelopment. The 9.93-acre residential development portion of the site, The Pines at Fullerton, was sold to Lennar Homes in October 2023 and aims to deliver 113 homes, comprised of 49 small lot detached homes and 64 townhouses. Lennar has already begun construction on the site, with the first set of homes to be delivered in 2026. The remaining retail parcels were sold to individual owners, with the first parcel sale in September 2023, consisting of the 1.42-acre corner retail space, which included a drive-thru Del Taco and three adjacent retail pads. This corner retail parcel features service-oriented tenants and will remain intact. The remaining two retail parcels, measuring 1.11 and 1.02 acres, were sold in June 2025. About Shopoff Realty Investments Shopoff Realty Investments is an Irvine, California-based real estate firm with a 33-year history of value-add and opportunistic investing across the United States. The company primarily focuses on proactively generating appreciation through the repositioning of commercial income-producing properties, the entitlement of land assets, and development projects. The 33-year history includes operating as Asset Recovery Fund, Eastbridge Partners, and Shopoff Realty Investments (formerly known as The Shopoff Group). Performance has varied in this time frame, with certain offerings generating losses. For additional information, please visit www.shopoff.com or call (844) 4-SHOPOFF. Disclosures This is not an offering to buy or sell any securities. Such an offer may only be made through the offering memorandum to qualified purchasers. Any investment in Shopoff Realty Investments programs involves substantial risks and is suitable only for investors who have no need for liquidity and who can bear the loss of their entire investment. There is no assurance that any strategy will succeed to meet its investment objectives. The performance of this asset is not indicative of future results of other assets. Securities are offered through Shopoff Securities, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC, 18565 Jamboree Road, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92612. Contact: Jill Swartz Spotlight Marketing Communications 949.427.1389 [email protected] SOURCE Shopoff Realty Investments Infrastructure arrives with a series of AI upskilling workshops, including a first-of-its-kind Model Shaping event in Amsterdam AMSTERDAM, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Together AI today announced significant progress in its European expansion with the launch of GPU infrastructure in Sweden and a workshop series focused on upskilling AI engineers, starting with its first-ever Model Shaping workshop in Amsterdam . These initiatives mark a key step in the company's ongoing effort to provide the AI community with highperformance, open, and customizable AI solutions. Now Operational in Sweden Sweden is the newest addition to Together AI's global AI infrastructure network, powering its serverless inference API for models including OpenAI's gpt-oss, DeepSeek, Meta Llama, and Qwen. Customers can also request GPU Clusters and Dedicated Endpoints directly in Sweden, benefiting from lowlatency and secure access to Northern and Central Europe. Infrastructure located in Sweden delivers these key customer benefits: Ensuring European regulatory and data residency requirements with the GPU servers located in Sweden , AI companies can successfully meet requirements around data governance and transparency. , AI companies can successfully meet requirements around data governance and transparency. Reduced enduser latency Locating inference workloads closer to end users can reduce roundtrip network time by 5070 ms for many Northern and Central European customers, improving overall response times for realtime AI applications by up to 2530%. "Caesar is building a deepresearch AI platform designed for knowledge professionals, developers, and institutions working at the frontier of innovation. We use Together Dedicated Endpoints todayan 8H200 Llama4 Maverick deploymentto power our transformation stage with high concurrency and large context windows. As we move toward public launch, we're excited about deploying our workloads in Together AI's new Sweden region to deliver lower latency and meet inregion data needs for European customers. Together AI's combination of dedicated capacity and serverless elasticity lets us scale quickly as demand grows." Mark McKenzie, Founder, Caesar (caesar.xyz) Upskill on AI with Free Technical Workshops Alongside this infrastructure expansion, Together AI is launching a series of AI upskilling workshops for developers. The first event, which will take place in Amsterdam on September 10, is about Upgrading and Customizing Open Models . The workshop will cover: Tailoring open models using posttraining steps such as supervised finetuning (SFT) on domainspecific data, preference optimization, and training with verifiable rewards to achieve performance on par with top proprietary LLMs at lower cost. Custom speculative decoding to accelerate inference by using a domainoptimized draft model to pregenerate tokens, delivering speedups of over 1.85 on models like DeepSeekR1. Model quantization techniques to compress large LLMs, lower hardware requirements, and reduce inference costs, enabling deployment on smaller devices. Click here to register for Together AI's AI upskilling workshop. "Europe is at the frontier of AI innovation, and we are committed to enabling its builders and researchers with the infrastructure and expertise they need to succeed," said Vipul Ved Prakash, CEO at Together AI. "Our investments in Sweden and the AI engineering community in Europe demonstrate our dedication to supporting highperformance AI that is both reliable and scalable in Europe." Call to Action About Together AI Together AI, the leading AI Acceleration Cloud, empowers developers and AI native companies to train, fine-tune and run inference for generative AI models delivering unparalleled performance, control, and cost-efficiency. The Together AI Platform supports a comprehensive range of top open source and custom models across multiple modalities, while offering flexible deployment options with the highest levels of privacy and security. Committed to advancing the frontier of AI through open collaboration, innovation and transparency, Together AI ensures that powerful AI systems remain accessible and flexible while creating optimal outcomes for society. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2560056/together_ai_branding_darkOnLight_Logo.jpg TOLEDO, Ohio, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Toledo Zoo will celebrate its 125th anniversary with a landmark three-day international symposium Oct. 21-23, bringing together leading conservationists, scientists and educators from around the globe. The event will showcase the Zoo's century-long impact on wildlife conservation and its ongoing commitment to inspiring communities and protecting species worldwide. "As part of our 125th anniversary, it was important to create an event that reflects the very heart of our mission," said Jen Brassil, director of PR & communications events at the Toledo Zoo. "While the Toledo Zoo plays a vital role in local conservation, our dedication also reaches across the globe with projects in Africa, Aruba, Brazil, Nepal, the Pacific Islands and Tasmania. This symposium positions the Toledo Zoo as a rare hub for international conservation collaboration, bringing together experts from multiple continents to share strategies for saving species and connecting communities with wildlife." The symposium will feature an extensive lineup of presentations covering local and international conservation initiatives, including endangered species recovery programs, community engagement projects, and cutting-edge research. Participants will gain insight into the Zoo's decades-long contributions to biodiversity preservation and learn how its programs influence ecosystems both locally and globally. 125 Years of Impact Symposium Highlights Oct. 21 : The Zoo's legacy of conservation in Ohio , including butterfly and turtle programs, recovery efforts for Hellbenders and Copper-bellied water snakes and tours of regional conservation projects. The Zoo's legacy of conservation in , including butterfly and turtle programs, recovery efforts for Hellbenders and Copper-bellied water snakes and tours of regional conservation projects. Oct. 22 : Global wildlife initiatives, featuring programs in Nepal , the Philippines , Southern Africa and Cameroon . Presentations will cover Snow leopards, Red pandas, Pied tamarins, Negros bleeding heart doves, rescued gorillas and elephant reproduction science. Global wildlife initiatives, featuring programs in , , and . Presentations will cover Snow leopards, Red pandas, Pied tamarins, Negros bleeding heart doves, rescued gorillas and elephant reproduction science. Oct. 23 : Future-focused programs highlighting education, early childhood conservation engagement, and innovative species recovery initiatives such as Project T.U.R.T.L.E., Project Prairie and the Twite Project. Notable Speakers Include: Jerry Aylmer , Limbe Wildlife Centre, Cameroon , Limbe Wildlife Centre, Joe Wood , Toledo Zoo , Toledo Zoo Lochran Traill , University of Leeds , University of Leeds Matt Ward and Ysabella Montano-Ward , Talarak Foundation, Philippines , Talarak Foundation, Dr. Paras Bikram Singh , BIOCOS Nepal , BIOCOS Nepal Torie Curr Smith , Limbe Wildlife Centre , Limbe Wildlife Centre Narelle Wilson , Toledo Zoo adviser , Toledo Zoo adviser Oliver Crowther , OC Aviaries The symposium is free and open to the public. Tuesday and Wednesday sessions are geared toward college-level audiences and above, while Thursday's sessions are tailored for middle school students and older. A livestream will also be available for those unable to attend in person. RSVPs are encouraged to guarantee entry, as seating is limited. Event Details: Dates: Tuesday-Thursday, Oct. 21-23, 2025 Tuesday-Thursday, Location: The Malawi Event Center at the Toledo Zoo The Malawi Event Center at the Toledo Zoo Admission: Free; RSVP recommended; walk-ins accommodated if space allows The programming will culminate with the Impact to Action: A Legacy Gala , a separate ticketed event inviting guests to wander, taste and celebrate in some of the Zoo's most historic Works Progress Administration buildings. Guests will enjoy chef-inspired stations, live music, specialty sips and animal encounters throughout the evening of Oct. 23. For more information or to RSVP, visit toledozoo.org/125symposium . Media must apply for credentials here by Oct. 12, 2025. About the Toledo Zoo The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, situated in Toledo, Ohio, proudly holds membership in the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Boasting a diverse collection, the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is home to more than 16,000 individual animals spanning 680+ species. Actively engaged in conservation efforts, the Zoo participates in over 80 species survival programs. With a robust community of over 78,000 active membership households, the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium welcomes about 1.1 million visitors annually. About "Honoring our past. Envisioning our future." "Honoring our past. Envisioning our future." is the 125th-anniversary campaign for the Toledo Zoo, commemorating 125 years of conservation, education and community connection. Since its inception in 1900, the Toledo Zoo has grown from a modest collection of animals into a world-renowned zoological institution. Throughout the 2025 calendar year, the Toledo Zoo will host a series of special events, exhibits, and programs to honor this remarkable milestone. These celebrations will highlight the Zoo's historic achievements, ongoing conservation efforts and ambitious plans for the future. Visitors can look forward to engaging experiences that connect them to the Zoo's mission of inspiring people to care about wildlife and natural environments. Join us in 2025 to celebrate this extraordinary milestone and help shape the next chapter of the Toledo Zoo's incredible legacy. Contact: Jen Brassil Director of PR & Communications Events 419-385-5721, ext. 2110 [email protected] SOURCE Toledo Zoo Germany plans to finance a large-scale expansion of the Ukrainian armed forces, seeking to turn Ukraine, which is at war, into a "porcupine" that Russia will be afraid to even touch, the British Telegraph wrote on Thursday. Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, will outline concrete plans for security guarantees at a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Thursday, which will include a commitment to arm five new brigades. Berlin is proposing to increase Ukraines air defense capabilities by 20 percent each year and to cooperate on the production of Ukrainian cruise missiles. Arming the five brigades would include the supply of 480 armored infantry vehicles each year. However, Germany is not making any firm commitments to send its own troops to Ukraine to monitor compliance with the upcoming ceasefire. Berlin said the offer of support was conditional on the United States providing security guarantees for Ukraine. European leaders will call Donald Trump today to inform him of the latest plans. Czech Prime Minister Peter Fiala, after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday, noted that the country will supply at least 1.5 million units of large-caliber ammunition to Ukraine by the end of the year as part of the ammunition supply initiative, as it did last year, writes the news portal Novinky.cz. "I want to emphasize that we will keep our promises as part of the ammunition initiative. We will supply Ukraine with at least 1.5 million units of ammunition, as we did last year, and I believe that this year we will exceed this figure. We also continue to train Ukrainian military personnel and pilots on F-16 simulators," the Prime Minister added. Rutte thanked the Czech Republic for its initiative to supply ammunition and support Ukraine. "We must continue to support Ukraine. I would like to express my gratitude to the Czech Republic not only for its military assistance, but also for leading the initiative to supply ammunition," he said. Rutte also mentioned the increase in defense budgets, as well as the need to significantly strengthen the air defense of the entire Alliance. "NATO has a clearly defined and ambitious plan. Each partner knows what it has to do. The details are secret, but I can say that we need to increase our capabilities in the field of missile defense, artillery and the production of large-caliber ammunition fivefold. The good news is that significant financial resources are already on the table, and their amount is growing. This also applies to the Czech Republic, which plans to significantly increase its defense budget by 2030," the NATO Secretary General noted. 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 Photo: Unsplash The United States will coordinate and finalize monitoring of Ukraine's security in the coming days, French President Emmanuel Macron said. "We will continue this work [on security guarantees for Ukraine]. In the coming days, we will coordinate and finalize all of this with the United States, we will be talking about security monitoring, and in the future we will need to develop political texts. That is, prepare a peace treaty that would be sustainable, and also prepare a number of bilateral agreements on support," he told journalists following the meetings in Paris. Europe and the United States will give a "clear response" to Russia if the aggressor country continues to refuse concrete peace talks, including the application of sanctions, French President Emmanuel Macron said. "We are all sending a signal that now all signals must become reality. What was postponed two weeks ago. There should be a meeting at the level of presidents, then a trilateral meeting and a quadrilateral meeting. If Russia continues to refuse specific peace negotiations, as it has been doing since March, then we, together with the US, are going to impose additional sanctions and will give a clear response to this refusal of Russia," he told reporters following the meetings in Paris. According to Macron, this is how their conversation with US President Donald Trump began. He also added that the next stage would be "new contacts between Americans and Russians." The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets, in connection with the enemy attack on the employees of the humanitarian demining mission Danish Refugee Council, during which two people were killed and three were injured, stated that Russia "once again violates the fundamental norms of international law". "Today, near Chernihiv, the Russians struck at the employees of the humanitarian demining mission Danish Refugee Council. It is previously known about two dead and three wounded. This is another cynical crime. Attacking people who are doing humanitarian work means deliberately putting humanitarian activities at risk. Russia is once again violating the fundamental norms of international law, and the world must react to this," Lubinets said on the Telegram channel on Thursday. Ukraine has proposed that the United States consider a special format to protect Ukrainian skies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after a conversation with US President Donald Trump and European leaders. We also spoke about maximum protection for Ukraines skies. Until peace comes, Ukrainians must not be at the mercy of constant Russian attacks. Russian missiles and drones must not take lives. Ukraine has proposed a format for protecting our skies for the U.S. to consider, Zelenskyy said on X Thursday. MPs demand from law enforcers to deal with publication of details of investigation into murder of Parubiy on Telegram Leaders of parliamentary factions demand from law enforcement agencies to figure out why anonymous Telegram channels publish details of the investigation into the murder of MP, former chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Andriy Parubiy, said Iryna Gerashchenko, co-chair of the European Solidarity faction. "We asked the police and the SBU how the first leaks about the crime and the progress of the investigation appeared so quickly on anonymous Telegram channels, before family, friends, the traditional media and society could read all these facts and speculations elsewhere. So we demand to figure out where these leaks are coming from. Why are anonymous Telegram channels aware of the details of the investigation and regularly leak these details," Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook after a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada leadership and faction leaders with law enforcement representatives on Thursday. According to Gerashchenko, all security forces confirmed the version of the Russian trail of the crime and that the killer was recruited by the enemy via Telegram, where he regularly communicated with curators and received tasks. "Law enforcement officials stated that Andriy did not request protection. But we did not receive an answer as to why, knowing that he was in a risk zone and designated by Moscow as an enemy, he did not receive protection preventively," the MP noted. Gerashchenko emphasized that it is important for Parubiy's colleagues, for his family and the world to know not only the name of the killer, but also the ones who ordered it. According to Gerashchenko, the meeting at the request of European Solidarity was attended by Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, the leadership of the SBU, the National Police, and the State Security Department. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky has held a meeting dedicated to increasing capabilities in the direction of countering attack drones of the shahed type. "We are creating a layered system to counter enemy shaheds and geraniums. Our common task is to form more such crews, train more fighter operators, provide them with more effective weapons and radars," Syrsky wrote on his Telegram channel following the meeting. He noted that the air defense direction is a priority for both the state and the Armed Forces, since the security of the rear depends on the effectiveness of the anti-Shahed system and the reliability of the missile defense. "Therefore, we continue to select personnel to staff the UAV interceptor crews, and form new regular units. Following the meeting, I set the task of eliminating shortcomings and strengthening work in the direction of interceptor drones," Syrsky said. Interfax-Ukraine to host roundtable discussion 'Prospects for General Elections in Ukraine' On Monday, September 8, at 12.00, a discussion on the topic "Prospects for General Elections in Ukraine" will begin in the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency. Participants: political expert Kostiantyn Matviyenko, public figure Oles Doniy, political scientist, co-founder of the National Platform for Resilience and Cohesion Oleh Saakian and political scientist, head of the Center for Analysis and Strategies Ihor Chalenko (8/5-A Reitarska St.). The broadcast will be available on the Interfax-Ukraine agency's Youtube channel. Registration of journalists on site with editorial ID cards. Continuing to support the development and enhance the capacity of IDP Councils in Ukraine, UNHCR and its NGO partner Charity Foundation "Stabilization Support Services" have launched an online resource with useful materials for IDP Councils. Stabilization Support Services UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, together with its partner non-governmental organization, the Charity Foundation Stabilization Support Services (SSS), has launched a new online platform to support the work of IDP Councils across Ukraine. The IDP Councils Portal provides members with access to educational and methodological resources, updates on legislation and thematic news, as well as an interactive map with key information about each Council. The platform also allows Councils to share their news and events, strengthening their visibility and impact at the local level. Developed in partnership with the Congress of IDP Councils NGO, the portal aims to help IDP Councils fulfill their mission: to represent the interests of internally displaced persons, influence decisions that affect them, and act as agents of change in their communities. "The need for such a portal has been discussed at meetings with IDP Councils for several years. We are grateful to UNHCR in Ukraine for their support in its creation. We hope that both the members of the Councils and those who cooperate with them will enjoy using this portal, find a knowledge base and useful contacts there, and we look forward to their feedback and active participation," said Olha Ivanova, Director for Development and Advocacy Projects at the Charity Foundation "Stabilization Support Services." IDP councils are an important mechanism through which internally displaced people promote durable solutions to displacement. For this work, they require modern tools, such as the IDP Council Portal. This portal will facilitate their daily work, bring visibility to their activities, and enable the exchange of knowledge, experience, and good practices. This will help IDP Councils to continue to initiate change that improve their lives in new communities and in society as a whole," said Nina Schrepfer, UNHCR Assistant Representative for Protection in Ukraine. Key features of the portal include an interactive map of IDP Councils with individual pages containing information on their establishment, location, contacts, activities, and news. It also offers a library of useful materials such as manuals, training videos, and analytical reports to support Councils in their daily work. Users will find updates on legislation and thematic news relevant to internally displaced persons, announcements of upcoming events at local and national levels, as well as success stories and examples of how IDP Councils have influenced decision-making in communities. The portal will be useful not only for IDP Council members but also for local authorities, civil society organizations, and partners working to support and protect the rights of internally displaced persons. This initiative builds on UNHCRs broader efforts to strengthen IDP Councils as platforms for advocacy and participation. Recent initiatives include the educational video course IDP Councils: From Adaptation to Impact launched jointly with SSS on the Diia.Education platform, as well as two nationwide IDP Council Forums held in 20232024. The next forum is planned for November 2025. Contacts for media: For UNHCR: Elisabeth Haslund, [email protected] For SSS: Daria Honcharova, [email protected] Radical publisher PM Press has announced its acquisition of Just World Books, an independent press founded in 2010 with a focus on war and peace issues, particularly in the Middle East. PM Press will take over the Just World catalog for direct sales effective immediately, with trade distribution to begin on March 1, 2026 via Publishers Group West. The publisher has also announced it will issue new editions of two popular Just World titles in spring 2026: The Gaza Kitchen: A Palestinian Cultural Journey by Laila El-Haddad and Maggie Schmitt, and Mohammad Sabaanehs White and Black: Political Cartoons from Palestine. PM publisher Ramsey Kanaan said in a statement that the press was deeply honored and excited to be entrusted as the new home for Just World Books. We're delighted to welcome their Palestinian, anti-Zionist Jewish, and other radical writers and artists into the PM Press family, he continued. Together, we will continue to strive to understand the world we currently inhabit and struggle to create a better future for us all. At PM, Just Worlds authors, who also include Refaat Alareer, Leila Abdelrazaq, and Miko Peled, will join the ranks of politically progressive writers in a variety of genres. Founded in 2007, PM has published such authors as Noam Chomsky, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Jonathan Lethem. Just World Book founder Helena Cobban expressed enthusiasm that PM would strengthen the impact of Just Worlds political mission. I am really excited about PM Presss ability to connect with book markets worldwide, as well as their commitment to supporting justice movements by running book tables at hundreds of in-person events and conferences every year, she said. Our amazing authors and their works are now in excellent hands, at what is clearly a crucial moment for supporters of Palestinian rights worldwide. Cobban is also the president of Just World Educational, a nonprofit founded in 2015 focused on raising awareness about international issues through resource-sharing and public events. She ran Just World Books by herself prior to the acquisition, and has now fully handed over the reins to PM. In its announcement, PM said it that it plans to ramp up distribution of Just World titles through the trade and their presence at events and conferences, and to continue issuing new editions after this spring. Just World, which was based in Washington D.C., will move its operations to PMs headquarters in Ithaca, N.Y. No new employees will be joining the PM team. PM requests that all further questions be directed to info@pmpress.org. A previous version of this article stated that trade distribution would begin on January 1, 2026. The correct date is March 1, 2026. Continuing to support the development and strengthening of the capacities of IDP Councils in Ukraine, UNHCR and its partner NGO, the Stabilization Support Services Charitable Foundation, have launched an online resource with useful materials for IDP Councils. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) together with its partner NGO, the Stabilization Support Services Charitable Foundation, have launched a new online platform to support the work of IDP Councils across Ukraine. The IDP Councils Portal provides users with access to educational and methodological resources, legislative updates and thematic news, as well as an interactive map with key information about each council. The platform also allows councils to share their news and events, strengthening their visibility and impact at the local level. Developed in partnership with the NGO Congress of IDP Councils, the portal aims to help IDP Councils fulfill their mission: to represent the interests of internally displaced persons, influence decisions that affect them, and act as agents of change in their communities. "The need for such a portal has been discussed at meetings with IDP Councils for several years. We are grateful to UNHCR in Ukraine for its support in its creation. We hope that both members of the Councils and those who cooperate with them will be happy to use this portal, find there both a knowledge base and useful contacts, and we look forward to their feedback and activity," said Olga Ivanova, Director of Development and Advocacy Projects at the Stabilization Support Services Foundation. "IDP Councils are an important mechanism through which internally displaced persons promote durable solutions to displacement. To do this, they need modern tools, such as the IDP Councils portal. This portal will facilitate their daily work, provide visibility to their activities and allow for the exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices. This will help IDP Councils to continue to initiate changes that improve their lives in their new communities and in society at large," said Nina Schrepfer, Deputy Representative (Protection) of UNHCR in Ukraine. Key features of the portal include an interactive map of IDP Councils with separate pages containing information on their establishment, location, contacts, activities and news. It also offers a library of useful materials, such as manuals, training videos and analytical reports, to support the councils in their daily work. Users will find legislative updates and topical news related to IDPs, announcements of upcoming events at the local and national levels, as well as success stories and examples of how IDP Councils have influenced decision-making processes in communities. The portal will be useful not only for members of IDP Councils, but also for local authorities, civil society organizations and partners working to support and protect the rights of internally displaced persons. This initiative is part of UNHCRs broader efforts to build the capacity of IDP Councils as platforms for advocacy and participation. Recent initiatives include an educational video course Nina Schrepfer, Deputy Representative (Protection) of UNHCR Nina Schrepfer, Deputy Representative (Protection) of UNHCR "IDP Councils: From Adaptation to Impact," launched jointly with the CCC on the "Action.Education" platform, as well as two all-Ukrainian IDP Council Forums held in 20232024. The next forum is planned for November 2025. In an email sent to Bucknell University faculty and staff last month, provost Wendy F. Sternberg announced that the university press would cease operations on June 30, 2026, citing a need to redirect funds to more student-focused functions. Bucknell University Press staff, including director Suzanne Guiod, will fulfill all existing author contracts, but will no longer be accepting new work, per Sternberg. On September 3, the Association of University Presses (AUPresses), of which Bucknell UP is a member, released a statement saying that they were surprised and disappointed to learn of the planned closure. The organization said that it has reached out to Bucknell University officials in the hopes of coming up with a mutually beneficial reimagination of the press, per the statement. Bucknell UP employs two full-time staff members and one half-time. They also receive reviewing and editorial support from Bucknell faculty members. Press employees will retain their positions through the end of the fiscal year, per Sternberg, who added that the universitys top priority was ensuring the well-being of those directly impacted. The press, which was founded in 1968, boasts a catalog of more than 1,200 titles and particularly highly regarded in the fields of Iberian, Latin American, Irish, and interdisciplinary 18th-century studies. In its response to the announcement, AUPresses noted that a remarkable near 30% of the presss titles published over the past year have received an American Library Associations CHOICE Highly Recommended rating. In addition to its student internship program, Bucknell UP provided professional development opportunities for the universitys Presidential Fellows until the undergraduate scholarship was discontinued in September 2024. While Sternberg acknowledged the presss scholarly success, she reiterated that its primary mission supports the scholarly community, and not Bucknell undergraduates. Sternberg said that the door remains open to alternative paths forward for the Bucknell Press in her announcement. I believe there is great potential for the Press to be reimagined in a way that supports undergraduate education, she added. A spokesperson for AUPresses countered Sternbergs claim that Bucknell UP does not support undergraduate education in its current form. The organization believes that quality undergraduate education is in fact bolstered by the presence of a healthy, award-winning, and intern-training university press on campus, the spokesperson told PW. In its statement, AUPresses doubled down on this view: Bucknell University Press has also enriched and advanced the universitys educational mission by providing substantive internship and apprenticeship experiences for Bucknells undergraduate and graduate students, offering direct, hands-on experience in a robust professional publishing house to the next generation of scholars and publishers. AUPresses has also offered to facilitate a press review for Bucknell in the hopes of an improved outcome, the spokesperson told PW. This would involve a comprehensive assessment of a members publishing program, internal workflows, market-facing activities, and overall financial health, per the spokesperson. Several attempted university press closures in recent years, including at the University of Missouri Press in 2012 and University of Akron Press in 2015, were reversed in response to community outcry, with support from AUPresses. In each instance, the Association and the community have rallied to support the press and work constructively with administrators and campus stakeholders to achieve a better outcome, AUPresses told PW. Sternbergs announcement did not mention the Trump administrations slashing of university budgets. The AUPresses spokesperson reiterated that the university has at no point indicated that its decision has been forced by federal research funding cuts. A petition has been registered on the website of the President of Ukraine to award the title of Hero of Ukraine to Andriy Parubiy, a member of parliament from the European Solidarity faction, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of the eighth convocation, commander of the Maidan Self-Defence Forces, and prominent statesman. "We appeal to the President of Ukraine to posthumously award the title of Hero of Ukraine to Andriy Volodymyrovych Parubiy, a Ukrainian political and public figure, People's Deputy of several convocations, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in 2016-2019, an active participant in the Revolution of Dignity, founder and coordinator of the Maidan Self-Defence Forces," the petition reads. "Andriy Parubiy devoted his entire life to serving the Ukrainian state, protecting its sovereignty, independence and democratic values. He made a significant contribution to the development of Ukrainian parliamentarism and played a key role in ensuring the security of the Maidan during the events of 2013-2014. His consistent pro-Ukrainian position, dedication to the interests of the state, and contribution to strengthening national security and European integration of Ukraine deserve the highest state award the title of Hero of Ukraine," the author of the petition writes. We ask you to support this petition to honour the memory of Andriy Parubiy as a true patriot, statesman and fighter for Ukraine's independence, the appeal says. President Trump's efforts to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war hit a snag over the weekend. Russia, China, and a variety of other world leaders met in the Chinese city of Tianjin over the weekend. India is one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil. If Trump wants to starve the Russian war machine, he needs to build closer ties with India. Before it invaded Ukraine, Russia sold much of its oil to the EU. Since then, Europe has had less of a desire to get its energy from Moscow. Therefore, Russia has diversified its sales to other customers. One of the biggest buyers has been India. Theres an old saying that an army only goes as far as its stomach. Expanding on that notion, if an army doesnt have any money, it cant afford to equip its army. Oil and natural gas remain critical parts of the Russian economy, with almost 30% of the Russian governments budget coming from energy sales. By wooing buyers away from Russia, the United States puts a huge dent in the ability of the Russian economy to fuel its war machine. President Trump correctly noticed, and that is why he put higher tariffs on Indian imports to the US. Unfortunately for Trump, the tough love approach to India doesnt seem to be working. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a call with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, demonstrating both countries' commitment to their relationship. Tariffs and sanctions definitely should be tools in Trumps arsenal, but he needs to remember who his counterpart is in New Delhi. Modi has built a reputation as a strong nationalist, someone who wont back down and let India get bullied. He demonstrated that in border clashes with China and currently in his faceoff with Trump over Russian oil. If President Trump wants to drive India out of Russias camp, he should consider less vinegar and more honey. India is one of the most populous nations on earth and more and more has the economic might to match its size. To power its economic growth, India needs energy. With the war in Ukraine, India is more than willing to buy up Russian oil that is in less demand. Trump should consider this in negotiations with India. If he wants India to stop buying Russian oil, Trump needs to fill in the gap. As a pro-oil administration, Trump needs to continue expanding US oil production to increase its competitiveness in the global oil market. Specifically, the US should make oil sales a huge part of its sales pitch to India. By making a trade deal, Trump could simultaneously take away one of Russias biggest customers while at the same time increasing US ties with one of the fastest-growing economies on Earth. The war in Ukraine is not the only reason why Trump should pursue closer ties with India. For one, tighter economic ties would open doors for American companies to the 4th largest economy on Earth. A trade deal will help alleviate economic uncertainty in addition to being a potential source for friendshoring the manufacture of goods. Secondly, India could play a role in hemming in China. Russia is not the only global power sizing up its neighbors. Taking over Taiwan has been a goal of the Chinese government since the communists seized power in 1949. Friendlier relations with one of Chinas neighbors add a hedge against Chinese expansionism. One way to tighten military ties is through weapons sales. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, India has needed alternative sources of military equipment. The United States can fulfill that need while at the same time bringing India closer to the US. India is not the only country to which this formula applies. Hungary, Turkey, and Japan are all buyers of Russian oil. All are US allies, with two (Hungary and Turkey) being members of NATO. Whats worse, both Hungary and Turkey have frighteningly close relationships with Russia, considering NATO exists in large part to protect its members from Russia. Taking some or all of Russias market share in supplying energy to these countries would go a long way in restoring our relationships with them and in countering Russia. President Trump is gunning hard to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Should he succeed, Trump may very well win the Nobel Peace Prize. However, a peace deal is far from a sure thing. Even if it is agreed upon, history shows that Vladimir Putin is unlikely to abide by it. Just as likely, this is all a delay tactic by Putin as he seeks to continue his war with Ukraine. Therefore, President Trump needs to be prepared for that possibility. Even if peace is secured, there are good reasons why the US should pursue closer ties with India and many other countries. Matt Cookson is an alumnus of the Young Voices Contributor Program and was a Middle East History and Policy Fellow with Young Voices. He also works in the supply chain for a U.S. Defense Contractor. His commentary has appeared in the Mises Institute, Real Clear Politics, the National Interest, Providence Magazine, China Source, and the Idaho Freedom Foundation. You can follow him on X @MattCookson95 and Substack @thewaythecookiecrumbles. Every culture has their own distinct blade be it the Filipino balisong, Scottish Sgian Dubh, or Old English seax. But perhaps none is as enigmatic as the Japanese tanto. Most of the time, however, our preconceived notions of the tanto are completely wrong. In Japanese, the word tanto means short blade. As the style arose midway during the Heian period about 1,000 years ago, it was more in comparison to the length of a sword. In the millennium since then, they became smaller, were made more ornate, and represented by over a dozen different blade styles. In later years, the tanto often signified the wearers badge of rank. Ironically, after the Meiji Restoration, they became more utilitarian in look and feel. The tanto blade has a few advantages inherent to its construction. Most notably, tantos were often prized for their ability to penetrate armor using a thrust or a stabbing motion. While that may have been prized in ancient times when fighting warriors clad in armor, most modern steels will accomplish this same task with relative ease. However, when steel making was still rather primitive, and Japan lacking steady reserves of iron centuries ago, the short, stout blades were ground at hard angles to overcome by geometry what was lacking in the base material. Slicing was a good attribute of the tanto regarding the delivery of slashes to an opponent. This was one area where tantos were often divided regarding their relatively straight edge as opposed to one with a slight curvature. Some were purposefully made in these configurations; others were often made from cut-down sword blades that were broken on the battlefield. As katanas and wakizashis were slightly curved, the curvature presented itself in what was normally a fixed blade. The American or tactical tanto is typically a straight-bladed affair, but even their recent history was born of confusion. Tantos were gaining popularity in the West due to knifemakers such as Bob Lum, Bob Terzuola, Phill Hartsfield, and companies like Cold Steel. When a knifemaker named Ernest Emerson from Southern California began offering a similar-looking knife (CQC6 and CQC7), knife magazine writers incorrectly referred to it as a tanto, when in reality it was a chisel-ground straight-edge with a tip stylized on a guillotine blade and not a new take on a traditional Japanese design. Whether you choose an American tanto, a more traditional design, or even one of these blades that looks nothing like either of them, choose one that works for you or appeals to you from a visual standpoint. An interesting couple of notes here are that none of these modern renditions that we tested used a cord wrap, ray skin, or were even made in Japan go figure. Keep em sharp. BEST TANTO KNIVES FOR EDC CRKT KISS Ed Halligan developed the unique two-piece design of the original KISS (Keep It Super Simple) back in the early 1990s and was one of the first custom knifemakers to collaborate with CRKT. Its blade shape is more of the American or tactical-type tanto referenced earlier. It is chisel ground (ground on one side of the blade only) and folds precisely onto its handle, sealing the cutting edge to the frame. This little frame lock can easily clip to a pocket but is more often used as a money clip. CRKT recently upgraded this design with a brushed titanium nitride-coating to improve corrosion resistance and aesthetics. These knives have been around for a few years in various configurations, but this one represents a true evolution at least in finish and materials as a good initial design is timeless. OAL: 5.75 inches Blade Length: 2.28 inches Blade Material: VG10 Weight: 2.1 ounces MSRP: $45 URL: crkt.com BladeHQ $35 PROS: This one is a keen slicer out of the box, this knife cuts like a scalpel due to the chisel grind. VG10 is a classic knife-making steel. Despite its low cost, it excels at staying sharp, resisting corrosion and toughness. There is a great deal of value packed into this little knife. Fit and finish is tight, and the opening is extremely smooth. CONS: It can be easy to forget youre carrying one and unexpectedly try to go through a metal detector in a secure area. The scaleless handle takes a little getting used to. COLD STEEL KYOTO I While Cold Steel is probably best known for their large and hefty fixed blade knives, they make several smaller models for EDC, too. The Kyoto series are scaled-down versions of the companys flagship tanto designs. With a stainless steel guard and a Krav X handle patterned like traditional ray skin and silk wrap, the Kyoto I is reminiscent of a miniature samurais tanto housed in a plastic injection-molded sheath one which can take a Cold Steel C-clip or the included beaded neck chain. Its low price almost seemed like a put-off, but the knife did remarkably well in testing considering its smaller size than most of the others we reviewed. OAL: 6.5 inches Blade Length: 3.2 inches Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV stainless steel Weight: 3.2 ounces MSRP: $30 URL: coldsteel.com BladeHQ $25 PROS: The blade is made of 8Cr13MoV that means it is tough, laser sharp, and rust resistant. The Krav X handle is nice and grippy. High-quality construction throughout, this may be the ultimate micro compact of fixed blade knives. CONS: The C-clip should have been included for a few extra dollars. If you opt for neck carry, be mindful that the knife could drop out of it. GREG MOFFATT SHADO Greg Moffatt began his craft as a custom furniture maker, who then started making chisels and other woodworking tools. This journey of tool making led to creating custom knives, specifically for fighting. The Shado is based on a Japanese tanto that looks more like a hawksbill or Wharncliffe style than a typical tanto. Meaning shard in Japanese, this design can be held comfortably in the forward and reverse grips. Typically made with a traditional Japanese cord wrap, this version has brass scales engraved with skulls for a completely different feel than your typical EDC blade of this size. Its top swedge is sharpened and the primary edge is ground so fine you just might cut yourself by looking at it. This is about as good as you can get for a pure defensive blade.building of this one. OAL: 7.25 inches Blade Length: 2.78 inches Blade Material: Nitro V Weight: 8 ounces MSRP: $240 URL: gregmoffattknives.com GregMoffattKnives $250 PROS: Nitro V is a great blade steel that is known for its toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance properties. It fits in the hand well, and the engraving makes for an extremely grippy surface that should develop a nice patina over time. The sheath carries well in the pocket and with just the cord wrapped through a belt loop is fast to deploy. CONS: Its on the heavier side, which may turn some people off. If this is you, opt for the traditional cord wrap instead. Theres no lanyard hole on this one. As its a custom knife, availability can be an issue at times. EIKONIC TSURU The Eikonic Knife Company was founded by Jonathan Golveo and Carlton Schumacher, a pair of outdoor enthusiasts with roots in the firearm and knife industries. For a relatively new company, they seem to be doing everything right. The Tsuru is a folding tanto launched in partnership with SIG Sauer, its name is the Japanese word for the red-crowned crane a symbol of durability and elegance and thats a good way to describe this working folder. Its a liner lock with a classic tanto-type blade that has a two-tone metallic effect between the flats and the grinds with a discrete carry clip and nice G10 handles. Its flipper is solid and fires like a rocket. OAL: 8 inches Blade Length: 4.2 inches Blade Material: 154 CM Weight: 3.5 ounces MSRP: $249 URL: eikonicknifeco.com BladeHQ $250 PROS: 154CM is the godfather of tactical knife steel with just enough chromium to make it stainless, hard enough, and sharp enough to hack through anything. The knife has a very sleek and finished look to it, with the SIG logo disguising the ball bearing pivot. Its sharp out of the box, and the edge makes for a good slicer. CONS: Its drilled and tapped for right-hand use carry, only. Theres no lanyard hole on this one. Despite the amazing flipper action, a thumb disc or stud would be a nice backup opener. TOOR KNIVES SERPENT T Toor Knives is a production facility founded and mostly staffed by U.S. Marine Corps veterans. Their staff are highly skilled and experienced and know what to look for in a field or fighting knife based on actual hard use. The Serpent T is a no-nonsense fighting knife with a 1.125-inch Karambit ring at the base with black G10 handles bolted to the body. While its dimensions seem large for an EDC piece, it isnt as it conceals very well. Typically, I prefer a bit more width of blade in a tanto design between the edge and the spine, but the thinner profile allows the Serpent T to mount in locations where real estate might be at a premium such as a tactical vest or plate carrier. OAL: 8.52 inches Blade Length: 3.75 inches Blade Material: CPM-3V Weight: 6.7 ounces MSRP: $300 to $400 depending on options URL: toorknives.com BladeHQ $295 PROS: Before you even see the knife, you see the box and Toor Knives makes some of the finest boxes in the industry for a production company. Its not only nice for storage but protects against buying possible counterfeit knives. CPM-3V steel is a battle-tested material that is strong, tough, and stays sharp. While it has a low chromium count, its not too bad at corrosion resistance. The Karambit ring makes for an excellent retention ring in the reverse grip. CONS: While the Karambit ring is welcome by some, this one is a bit uncomfortable to use in a standard grip with the pinky inserted in the ring. A slight cant to the base of the handle could fix that. A slightly broader blade would have made this a great knife. CIVIVI TAMASHII Bob Terzuola may be the Godfather of the Tactical Knife, and while he still grinds exquisite custom tactical folding knives, he licenses his designs out to production houses as well. So, if you dont have the money for one of his custom blades, chances are you can get one of his designs put out by a manufacturer. Terzuola designed the Tamashii (spirit or soul in Japanese) as an everyday tactical fixed blade that can be used in most daily tasks, as well as forays into the woods. The Tamashii blade has a straight edge with an almost trailing point, not seen on most modern tantos, but definitely there if you know your history. Sharpened and ground perfectly, its G10 handle is extremely comfortable. Its Kydex sheath is equipped with Terzuolas T-Clip for quick and secure attachment in any position. This is a blade you might want to take a closer look at if you are intrigued by the design. It was the winner of Best Tactical Knife and Best in Show at BLADE Show West in 2021 and retails for less than $100. OAL: 8.8 inches Blade Length: 4 inches Blade Material: D2 Weight: 4.4 ounces MSRP: $78 URL: civivi.com BladeHQ $68 PROS: The blade is made from D2: that means it is tough, laser sharp, and has an easily maintainable edge. The sheath is very well made and easily attaches to a belt or load-bearing equipment. The G-10 scales are rock solid and very comfortable to hold. CONS: While modern D2 is somewhat corrosion resistant, it can rust. Extra care in the form of regular cleaning and lubrication is required. The included lanyard was more of a disposable piece of flair. DAUNTLESS MANUFACTURING MUSASHI Miyamoto Musashi may be one of the most famous samurai of all time. He developed a unique method of sword-fighting and is the author of The Book of Five Rings, a master treatise on martial arts, strategy, fencing, and life. This Kwaiken-style tanto from Dauntless Manufacturing is named for him. The Kwaiken blade shape has a bit more curve to it than we see in a typical tanto. An interesting thing about Dauntless blades is that you can specify what type of steel, sheath, and even color of the G10 handle material when buying your knife. This one was a workhorse of a blade when it came to slicing and stabbing. It would not be a first choice for batoning firewood, but it is excellent at most other types of fieldcraft. OAL: 9 inches Blade Length: 4.75 inches Blade Material: CPM-3V Weight: 3.89 ounces MSRP: $300 URL: dauntlessmanufacturing.com DauntlessManufacturing $295 PROS: It is very comfortable in the hand and follows a classic Japanese hidden tang design. The G10 has the same feel as ray skin or shark skin but is much more durable. The blade steel is strong, tough, and stays sharp. While it has a low chromium count, its not too bad at corrosion resistance Dauntless sheaths may be the best that come from any manufacturer. CONS: At 9 inches in overall length, it may run a bit on the longer side for a fixed blade for daily carry. These are made to order from Dauntless, so availability and possible wait times for certain steels and the like can be an issue. Xi hails "unstoppable" national rejuvenation at V-Day commemorations Xinhua) 10:39, September 03, 2025 Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech during a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable, said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday as the country marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in its war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The resistance war, arduous and great, marks China's first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern times, said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, while addressing a grand commemorative gathering held in Beijing. Noting that the victory was achieved under a national united front against Japanese aggression advocated by the CPC, he said that the Chinese people made a major contribution to the salvation of human civilization and the defense of world peace with immense sacrifice in the war, a significant part of the World Anti-Fascist War. Only when nations across the world treat each other as equals, live in harmony and mutually support one another can common security be safeguarded, the root cause of war eliminated, and historical tragedies prevented from recurring, he said. Today, humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games, Xi said. The Chinese people will stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress, adhere to the path of peaceful development, and join hands with the rest of world to build a community with a shared future for humanity, he said. He called on Chinese people of all ethnic groups to stay united and work hard under the strong leadership of the CPC to build a strong country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. Xi demanded that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) provide strategic support for national rejuvenation and make greater contributions to world peace and development. He asked the PLA to build itself into world-class forces and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech during a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) (Web editor: Liang Jun, Hongyu) After two-time John Mackey Award winner Brock Bowers declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, Oscar Delp emerged as the leading candidate to become Georgias starting tight end. Delp saw limited playing time as a sophomore while backing up Bowers in 2023, but performed capably in two starts while Bowers was sidelined with an injury. Simplifying GST rates, removing exemptions, easing disputes, and speeding up refunds can boost investment in India and offer the best reply to Trump's tariffs, observes V S Krishnan, former member, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff There is now a consensus among policymakers that the answer to the Trump tariffs lies not in retaliatory measures but in wide-ranging domestic reforms. The government has taken up this agenda. Immediately after the Union Budget, a task force on 'Deregulation' was set up under Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan. In his Independence Day speech, the prime minister announced the creation of a task force on reforms to help India achieve the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. In the same address, he also committed to wide-ranging goods and services tax (GST) reforms by Diwali 2025. These announcements clearly signal the government's intent to pursue domestic reforms, but the low-hanging fruit with the potential for maximum short-term impact is GST reform. The finance ministry is clear in its message that the reforms would be comprehensive, going beyond rate rationalisation. The question is how should the government go about this. First, the announcement of two GST slabs with special rates for 'sin' goods is welcome, but what should the slab rates be? It is suggested that the twin slab rates should not be 5 per cent and 18 per cent, but 8 per cent (the average of the current two merit rates of 5 per cent and 12 per cent) and 18 per cent. The reason for this is that a higher merit rate would enable the government to integrate GST rate rationalisation with trade policy. In the trade negotiations, the government is seeking greater market access for products of labour-intensive manufacturing industries like textiles, leather, food processing, and toys. Logically, these industries must be brought under the merit rate of GST. At the 5 per cent rate, there would be an accumulation of input tax credit (ITC), especially the utilisation of the integrated goods and services tax (IGST) credits of imported inputs. At 8 per cent, with reasonable value addition, the accumulation of credit problems would be less pronounced, but how does the government counter the public perception about increasing GST rates? To resolve this, it is suggested that the government introduce a 1 per cent/2 per cent rate, which could be called the clearing rate or the concessional rate. This will serve a number of purposes. The government can bring items it does not want to move to 8 per cent from 5 per cent into the lower rate category. Importantly, the 1 per cent to 2 per cent rate would enable the government to slowly bring the items from exempted categories into duty categories, as exemptions are poison, not panacea, in the GST scheme, which seeks to provide seamless ITC credits across the value chain, from raw materials to retail. This phasing out of exemptions can be done in two stages. In the first phase, those goods that were exempted by the central government under excise duty in the pre-GST period, but not exempted under state value-added tax (VAT), could be brought under the 1 per cent/2 per cent rate. Importantly, the fake credit invoice problem would also be addressed, as these fake invoices are generally issued in the name of exempted units. The final advantage would be that small-scale and micro, small and medium enterprises can avail themselves of credits on the erstwhile exempted inputs so as to reduce the GST liabilities at the output stage. The abolition of the 28 per cent rate is welcome, as a large number of items like cement and white goods would be brought under the standard 18 per cent rate. With the compensation cess being merged with the 28 per cent rate, the resulting 40 per cent rate would become applicable to the so-called sin goods like pan masala, aerated waters, high-end cars, and online gaming. Cigarettes can continue to carry a higher rate of duty. To compensate for the revenue loss, especially on items like cement, the duty on gold and gold jewellery could be merged with the merit rate, as the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) data suggests that 80 per cent of the purchase and sale of these items is concentrated within the top two income deciles of the population. The other important area that needs reform is the dispute resolution system. There are far too many demand notices being issued to businesses. One important reform would be to replace penalties with administrative fines for a number of minor procedural violations. This list was earlier compiled by the Centre when it introduced service tax. This list would be useful now to decide on the implementation of fees instead of penalties. In many states like Maharashtra, in the pre-GST period, guidance on levying these fees was based on guidelines issued by the Technical Advisory Committee. Committees can now be constituted in various states with the membership of both central and state GST officers. The additional benefit would be forging a fiscal fraternity between central and state GST officers and also promoting the spirit of cooperative federalism. The introduction of fees instead of penalties would de-clog the dispute resolution system, as these would be decided at a lower level with caps and no appeal provisions. Recently, the government announced the creation of Principal Tribunal Benches in the states, which will further strengthen the dispute resolution system. A large number of cases with high courts can now be transferred to tribunals, and one can expect speedier resolution of these cases. It is also suggested that the government constitute a technical group in the GST Secretariat, which can issue trade advisories based on the decisions of the GST Council on various issues in consultation with the law committee. Further, the decision of the law committee could be issued as a trade advisory to ensure greater clarity among field officers. The government also needs to address the problem of delayed refunds. A system of automatic refunds would be desirable, for it would help smaller and medium industries in surmounting working-capital problems. To begin with, the system can be introduced for exports once it is established that exports have taken place, without insisting on the repatriation of export proceeds, which can be separately handled in coordination with the Reserve Bank of India. There is also a need to amend the IGST rules to ensure that the IGST state component is distributed horizontally among the states on the Final Destination Principle. A number of states like Kerala have represented that IGST revenues from ecommerce and other growing etransactions go to the developed states because head offices/regional offices mentioned in the invoices are located in more developed states like Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. This problem can be solved by mandating that, when addresses of individual consumers are not available, the name of the destination states be mentioned in the einvoice. Finally, businesses also complain of multiple audits. This issue can be addressed by instituting a system of joint audits by central and state officers in respect of three important sectors, namely telecom, banking and insurance, which have branches in many states. These single national audits can be done on the basis of audit protocols signed with these companies, with the audits coordinated by audit parties located in the states where the head offices are, where audit-relevant information would be available. Once an audit is done comprehensively, the units can be relieved of audits for at least three years. It is important that, in these audits, officers with domain knowledge in these sectors are co-opted. To sum up, these comprehensive GST reforms would send a strong signal to foreign investors that India can be an attractive investment destination. Perhaps, this is the best response to the current trade turbulence. This column was written before Wednesday's GST Council meeting. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff India has become Apple's main export hub to the US, which consumes over $40 billion worth of iPhones annually. IMAGE: People shop for Apple products on the opening day of Apple Hebbal, South India's first Apple Store, in Bengaluru, September 2, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Apple Inc is going all out to ramp up production in India ahead of the peak sales season (September-December), both for exports and domestic demand, as it prepares to launch the iPhone 17 in the first week of September worldwide, including in India. To meet the expected demand, the company has expanded iPhone capacity in the country. Foxconn's new plant in Devanahalli near Bengaluru has begun assembling the iPhone 17, while another facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, is also readying production. For the first time, all iPhone 17 models, including premium variants like the Pro Max, are rolling out simultaneously. Apple CEO Tim Cook is cautiously encouraged by signals from Washington. The US has extended its zero-duty exemption on imported mobile phones, even as it imposed a punitive 50 per cent tariff on India for buying Russian oil. Another signal came when US President Donald Trump, during a recent event with Cook (where he announced an additional $100 billion investment on top of the earlier $500 billion commitment in the US), said that while a 100 per cent tariff on semiconductors is being considered, companies like Apple that assemble their products overseas will continue to enjoy duty-free access for phones. This statement comes even as the US department of commerce report under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act -- investigating national security implications of semiconductors and embedded products such as phones and laptops -- was expected by mid-August but has reportedly been deferred by a few months. Trump's assurance is crucial, as many feared the report might impose differential tariffs on semiconductors used in iPhones assembled in India versus China, potentially eroding India's zero-duty advantage (China pays 20 per cent due to fentanyl violations). From Cupertino's moves, it is clear Apple is pushing ahead with expanding iPhone exports, at least for this year. Exports of iPhones from India, especially to the US, have surged. Between April and July -- a traditionally lean sales period -- exports hit a record $7.5 billion, up 63 per cent from a year earlier. If the pace continues, industry experts say shipments could easily cross $24 billion to $25 billion this year. However, Apple's original plan of meeting all US demand from India (requiring $40 billion worth of shipments) by FY26, while also meeting domestic demand, now looks more difficult. For now, India has become Apple's main export hub to the US, which consumes over $40 billion worth of iPhones annually. According to Canalys, 78 per cent of iPhones shipped from India in the first half of calendar year 2025 went to the US, compared to 53 per cent in the same period last year. The shift is stark: In the second quarter of CY 2025, India's share of global iPhone shipments rose to 44 per cent from 13 per cent a year ago, while China's fell to 21 per cent from 61 per cent. A bigger bite for Apple: India goes from pit stop to powerhouse Apple expands iPhone capacity in India with new Foxconn and Tata Electronics plants assembling the iPhone 17 Exports from India jumped 63% in April-July 2025 (a non-peak season), hitting $7.5 billion 78% of iPhones assembled in India were shipped to the US in H1 CY 2025 Apple expects zero-duty access for iPhones into the US to continue Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday described the reduction in GST rates as "game-changing" and the "biggest reform" since independence, as he asked the industry to pass on the full benefit to consumers. Photograph: Anindito Mukherjee/Reuters The minister said the GST reforms would boost demand in almost all sectors and support the economic growth of the country. He also asked the industry to promote Made in India in a big way. Addressing an event here, the minister said the reduction in GST would benefit every consumer. "Yesterday's reform in indirect taxes in GST, coming on the back of several initiatives over the last 11 years, is transformational in nature, significantly impacting the pharma sector, significantly impacting so many sectors, right from the farmer until our MSMEs," he said. "Every stakeholder in the country, every consumer, stands to benefit," Goyal added. Terming the GST reforms as "game-changing", the minister said the move would play an important role in the months and years to come in the journey of becoming a developed country by 2047. Goyal asked the industry to "pass on all these benefits of GST to the consumers." Speaking on the sidelines, Goyal gave credit to the Prime Minister for the transformative and path-breaking reform in the goods and services tax. Prime Minister Narendra Modi always fulfils promises, he added. "What we thought could be big has turned out to be the biggest ever reform that India has seen since independence. Besides many dimensions, consumers will benefit in a very big way with the reduction in taxes across the board, on almost all items of our day-to-day needs," Goyal said. Besides the reduction in GST rates, the minister said the changes made in the process and procedure will contribute to the ease of doing business. "These lower rates will support the growth of demand and industry. "The scale of operation in the country will grow by leaps and bounds. "Greater demand will lead to greater investment, greater jobs, and the virtuous cycle of growth will get a leg up and a big boost," he said. This Diwali gift will contribute to ease of living, better quality of life for 1.4 billion citizens, Goyal said. Asked about the Opposition's criticism that this reform should have been brought 8 years back, the senior BJP leader attacked the Congress party for spreading negativity at a time when India is the fastest growing economy in the world. The minister pointed out that the opposition was in its current state because of this negativity only. "Sadly, just like Rahul Gandhi, does not understand that the world's fastest growing large economy at 7.8 per cent growth in the first quarter is a matter of delight, joy and celebration," Goyal said. "Rahul Gandhi calls India a dead economy, despite being the world's fastest-growing large economy. "This is the negative thinking of a certain set of people, and I condemn this kind of negativity," he added. The minister attended the India MedTech Expo, Bharat Nutraverse Expo. Do you have income tax-related queries? Please ask your questions HERE and rediffGURU Mihir Tanna, associate director, S K Patodia and Associates, will answer them. Kindly note that this illustration generated using Microsoft CoPilot has only been posted for representational purposes. Sudipto: Dear sir, I have recently given a loan of $95,000 USD to my NRI daughter living in the USA, when she requested me for this help to buy a house. I expect to get this back from her in a year or two. While transferring this amount to her, the Forex transfer agency had advised me to show it as "Gift" to blood relation and has charged TCS @20% on INR value above Rs.10 L - as per RBI's regulations. While doing so, they stated that I shall be eligible to adjust it against any future tax liabilities of the current f.y. and the excess amount left unadjusted thereafter, if any, shall be claimed as 'Refund' during my ITR of the next Assessment Year. Now my question is - (1) What kind of documentations I need to maintain for this TCS refund? (2) After a year or two, when my daughter transfer this money back to my bank account, how do I correlate receiving this huge amount coming back into my account, and show that it is not my income from any foreign sources and instead a return of fund I had transferred as a loan to my blood relation, which is now being repaid back, without any financial gains (e.g. interest earned or so), albeit there might still be some profit or loss, depending upon the forex exchange rate prevailing at the time of this refund. Please advise. Gift deed, forms submitted to bank for remittance and bank statement will be sufficient for claiming refund While taking back money, nature mentioned in forms submitted to bank will suffice to say that amount received back is not an income. Mohammed: Sir, I want to sell one of my apartment of 1200sq.ft. 2 bedroom, and have made a sale agreement for 66.5 lakhs with a 5 lakh token advance payment paid partly by cash and cheque. Now the buyer wants me to remake the agreement for 83 lakhs as his loan from bank is telling to buy for higher amount in paper. But he will pay me only 66.5 lakh and wants me to sign that i sold for 83 and he says he will pay if any tax or tds if required. What should I do? As per income tax provisions, person cannot accept more than 2 lakh from any person. Further, in normal cases property transactions should not be below stamp duty value. For any transactions carried out against your PAN, you will be liable to face penal consequences and indemnity by any person will not save you from penal consequences, if any. Lakshmi: Hi sir I am retired 63yrs old. in income tax portal under AIS, form 26AS both not showing my pension income as on 31st August 2025. In 2024-2025 fy I got retired so 6 months on salary,6 months on pension, my salary is showing, FD interest is correct, savings account interest is correct but not my monthly pension. Now if I file tax as per AIS OR 26AS I will pay around 8k but if I voluntarily add my 6months pension than tax around 47k. What should I do? If I not volunteered later will I get any tax notice, penalty? Also this 26AS, AIS for fy 2024-2025 gets updated even after 1 year I mean what is the deadline for AIS, 26AS updation for employer. Thank you in advance sir It is advisable to file return with actual income and not as per AIS. Further, AIS can be updated at later stage if reporting entity missed to report which might not be the case as per facts provided by you. 26AS can be updated till 6 years and there is no time limit for AIS. Daniel: Dear Sir My wife is a housewife. Her income is through the interest on her fixed Deposits in the bank. Other than this she has no income. Yet she has to pay income tax on the interest received. She is 75 years old. How can we avoid paying the Tax? Is there any legal way? She is paying 265000 income tax per year. For FY 25-26, tax slab rate has been changed and substantial reduction in tax liability is expected in your case. Ravi: Sir, I'm writing on behalf of a sr citizen aged 78. She is on a family pension (3.1 lk per annum) and has around 3 fds 20lk+ each in 3 national banks. She is paying IT on whatever that is assessed from family pension + interest income. I would like to know the following: 1. Should we split in to smaller fds like 5lk or 10 lk? 2. In terms of financial management and best practice, what is the suggestion here? 3. Any special considerations from IT for seniors of her age which we consider while filing ITR? In my view, splitting 20k FDs will not make any difference. Higher basic exemption limit will be applied automatically while calculating tax. In addition to that in case old tax regime is beneficial, higher mediclaim deduction of 50k is available, higher deduction against interest on saving/FD of Rs.50k. You can ask rediffGURU Mihir Tanna your questions HERE. Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this QnA or an attempt to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients. Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. 'What's currently underway is not a 'reset'.' 'What needs to be arrived at is a new balance.' IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, China, August 31, 2025. Photograph: Modi website/ANI Photo "An India that is accommodative of China's rise and interests in the Indo-Pacific is a strategic asset for Beijing. To achieve this end, it will engage in coercion but also dialogue on its terms," says Manoj Kewalramani, author of Smokeless War - China's Quest for Geopolitical Dominance. Mr Kewalramani is the leading Indian observer of Chinese politics, foreign policy and approaches to new technologies. He publishes a daily newsletter translating and analysing discourse from the People's Daily (external link), the Chinese Communist party's flagship newspaper. He is also chairperson of the Indo-Pacific Research Programme and a China Studies Research Fellow at the Takshashila Institution, the well respected think-tank. In an interview to Rediff's Archana Masih, Manoj Kewalramani discusses the outcome of the Modi-Xi meeting in Tianjin and the easing of tension between the countries. What is your assessment of the short term and long term outcomes of the Tianjin meeting? I think this was an important meeting. Clearly, both sides appear to be indicating that they want to proceed on the path of arriving at a new normal or new equilibrium in the relationship. Meetings at the highest level are important to ensure that this process moves forward. There weren't any particular short-term, tangible outcomes from the meeting. Some substantive announcements had emerged earlier in August when Foreign Minister Wang Yi had visited India. One can perhaps expect visa facilitation and direct flight connectivity to be established. There are also indications that the two sides are more open to talk about enhancing economic cooperation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said it was important to move ahead from a 'political and strategic direction' in this regard. But nothing substantive has been achieved it seems. So, we'll wait and watch. There are difficult issues that need to be addressed on this front, particularly around the trade deficit. In terms of the long-term, I think the articulation of certain principles by the two sides is worth noting. The MEA's readout and the foreign secretary's briefing informed that there was an agreement that when it comes to development, the two sides were 'partners rather than rivals.' This has long been a Chinese framing, which India appears to have accepted. For instance, this was not something that the Indian readout had said after the Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan. That said, the Indian side also specified its framework of the three mutuals: 'Mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity' as the 'basis' for a 'stable relationship.' Several differences obviously still persist. India and China both continue to look at the boundary issue from different perspectives. China desires for it to be compartmentalised from the rest of the relationship. India believes that peace and tranquility on the border areas is significant for the continued development of ties. Cross-border terrorism and China's ties with Pakistan also remain a source of tension. Most significantly, however, the structural faultline between India and China is around the order in Asia. China desires a multipolar world but a unipolar Asia. India believes that a multipolar Asia must be at the heart of a multipolar world. IMAGE: Modi, Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Council summit in Tianjin. Photograph: ANI Photo India and China have a difficult and complex relationship which was in cold freeze since the Galwan conflict in 2020. Given the historical tensions and China's more recent support of Pakistan against India during Operation Sindoor, can the current diplomatic thaw truly be seen as a 'reset'? How cautious should India be in engaging with China going forward? What's currently underway is not a 'reset'. The relationship between India and China is not likely to go back to what it was in the past. What needs to be arrived at is a new balance. The question from the Indian perspective is not about whether one should be cautious or not. The question that we in India need to ask is what sort of a relationship do we desire with China? What's in India's interests? And how do we get to that desirable destination? Strategic clarity on these is what should guide policy, rather than caution. IMAGE: Modi with Xi in Tianjin. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo Can India realistically reduce its concerns about the US by partnering with China, given that China remains its foremost strategic adversary? The strategic goal of Indian policy must be to ensure the development and well-being of Indians. With that in mind, I don't think that one should think about these relationships as binaries. They are not. Of course, the strategic environment that one operates in is impacted by the actions of others. But one should be careful to not over-emphasise the impact of one relationship on the other. There is also an internal logic to India's relationships with each of the global powers. Ties with the US, Europe, Japan and Australia are based on shared strategic interests and are crucial to meet India's development and security needs. Apart from capital and technology, Western countries are critical sources for demand that can aid India's economic growth. Of course, there are frictions that can emerge from time to time, and the present situation with the US is clearly turbulent. But it is important to maintain engagement keeping the big picture in mind, maintaining resolve on certain bottom lines, and approaching these challenges with a sense of confidence in the long-term strategic convergences, while leveraging our diverse set of partnerships. The need for a stable relationship with China, on the other hand, is an imperative of geography and geopolitics. China can also be an important development partner for India, but it cannot replace Western demand. So each has its own logic and utility. As an observer of China and Chinese media, how was the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Xi Jinping analysed and portrayed by the Chinese media? There exists a substantial degree of scepticism among Chinese analysts and media commentators. The general view is that this is a tactical easing, owing to the pressures brought about by the Trump administration. Of course, this view is accompanied by a whole lot of schadenfreude. Official media, meanwhile, have essentially sought to portray India's presence at the SCO summit as a victory for Chinese diplomacy and vision for the world. IMAGE: Modi delivers India's statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Council summit in Tianjin, September 1, 2025. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo If Xi asserts that the border issue should not define overall China-India relations, how can normal relations be achieved when de-escalation remains incomplete, restrictions on Indian troop patrols continue, and the tragic loss of 20 soldiers still looms large? This is an important question. The proverbial proof of the pudding when it comes to this current round of engagement between the two sides will eventually lie in de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh. After Wang Yi's visit to Delhi in August, three new steps were announced. An Expert Group to explore Early Harvest in boundary delimitation in the India-China border areas; a Working Group to advance effective border management; and the creation of General Level Mechanisms in Eastern, and Middle Sectors. How these mechanisms progress will be important if the new dual track approach that the two sides are talking about has to succeed. IMAGE: Modi meets Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, August 19, 2025. Photograph: @narendramodi Given that trade has become a major priority for India following the 50% tariffs imposed by President Trump, what decisive gains has India made in trade agreements with China? Data from China's General Administration of Customs for January to July tells us that Indian exports to China have fallen 7.1% year on year. There's a lot of room for China to import more from India. This can happen with regard to primary commodities, iron ores, marine goods and even pharmaceuticals. There's also significant scope in expanding services trade. But Beijing needs to open up for all of this, easing the barriers that are in place. That said, China is unlikely to fill the demand loss for Indian sectors that are hit by American tariffs. For that, the government and companies will have to look elsewhere. What are the reasons for China's desire to 'normalise' relations with India? Apart from some of the obvious economic interests, an India that is accommodative of China's rise and interests in the Indo-Pacific is a strategic asset for Beijing. To achieve this end, it will engage in coercion but also dialogue on its terms. It is in this context, we should look at the Chinese desire for a new normal. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff Xi addresses V-Day reception, stressing justice, peace, people's strength Xinhua) 18:40, September 03, 2025 Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses a reception commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for firmly upholding international fairness and justice, staying committed to the path of peaceful development, and making unremitting efforts to improve people's well-being at all times. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when addressing a reception commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. At around 11:30 a.m., Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan entered the banquet hall together with the foreign leaders and their spouses attending the reception. Xi noted that the victory marks a historic turning point for the Chinese nation -- from the depths of crisis in modern times to the path of great rejuvenation, and also a major turning point in world development. This great victory was achieved through the joint struggle of the Chinese people together with the anti-fascist allies and peoples across the world, Xi said. The Chinese government and people will never forget the foreign governments and international friends who supported and assisted the Chinese people in their resistance against aggression, he said. As inhabitants of the same planet, humanity must stand together in times of difficulty, live in harmony, and never relapse into the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak, Xi said. Stressing that Chinese modernization is the modernization of peaceful development, Xi said China will always be a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world. It is sincerely hoped that all countries will learn from history, value peace, and work together to advance world modernization and create a better future for humanity, Xi noted. At the reception, Xi and Peng watched a cultural performance with the guests. Li Qiang presided over the reception. Other senior officials Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng also attended the event. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan enter the banquet hall together with the foreign leaders and their spouses attending a reception commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended and addressed the reception. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses a reception commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram has welcomed the Centre's recent GST rationalisation and rate cuts but criticised the move as being "8 years too late". IMAGE: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces the new GST rates in New Delhi on September 4, 2025. Photograph: @FinMinIndia/X In a post on X, Chidambaram said the current GST design and rates should not have been introduced in the first place, adding that the opposition had repeatedly warned against these issues for years, but their pleas were ignored. "The GST rationalisation and the reduction in rates on a range of goods and services are WELCOME but 8 years TOO LATE. The current design of GST and the rates prevailing until today ought not to have been introduced in the first place. We have been crying hoarse for the last 8 years against the design and rates of GST, but our pleas fell on deaf ears," he wrote. Chidambaram further questioned the government's timing for the reforms, speculating on the possible reasons behind the sudden change. He suggested multiple economic and political factors that may have influenced the decision after eight years of delay, including the tariffs imposed on Indian goods to the US, as well as elections in Bihar that are to be held later this year. "It will be interesting to speculate on what drove the government to make the changes: Sluggish growth? Rising household debt? Falling household savings? Elections in Bihar? Mr Trump and his tariffs? All of the above?" he added. All India Trinamool Congress also reacted strongly, terming the GST rate rollback a "victory for common people" achieved after sustained pressure on the government. The party highlighted Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's earlier stand on insurance premium taxation, which West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee had criticised as "cruel" and "anti-people". It further slammed the BJP-led NDA government for being "tone-deaf" and only acting "when cornered". A victory for common people. A victory wrested from a tone-deaf regime that only listens when forced. From day one, Smt.@MamataOfficial warned the Finance Minister that taxing insurance premiums was cruel, anti-people, and would deter families from securing their future, leaving them vulnerable to financial ruin in times of crisis, the Mamata Banerjee-led party said in a post on X. The ruling party in West Bengal also claimed that the Narendra Modi government finally buckled under pressure. This rollback proves that @BJP4India only acts when cornered. We will continue to fight every such Jono-Birodhi (anti-people) decision, in Parliament, on the streets, among the people, it added. Announcing the outcome of the 56th GST Council meeting, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said that all individual life insurance policies whether term life, ULIP or endowment policies and subsequent reinsurance are exempt from GST. GST rates on common-use items ranging from hair oil to corn flakes and TVs were slashed after the all-powerful GST Council on Wednesday approved a complete overhaul of the tax regime. Since its inception in July 2017, GST at the rate of 18 per cent was levied on premium paid towards health insurance and life insurance. The 56th GST Council, chaired by Sitharaman and comprising ministers from all states, agreed on two tax rates of 5 and 18 per cent by moving products from the current 12 and 28 per cent slab to lower rates. 'When our soldiers trained side by side, we demonstrated to the world that our partnership is strong, enduring and prepared to meet any challenge.' On September 1, 2025, Yudh Abhyas 2025, the joint military exercise between India and US commenced at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Over the next two weeks, 450 soldiers from each side will carry out field and command post exercises to strengthen the close military ties between world's largest and the oldest democracies. Photographs: ANI Photo The exercise, scheduled from September 1 to 14, is being conducted at multiple locations, including Fort Wainwright, Yukon Training Area, and Donnelly Training Area in Alaska. The exercise is sponsored by the US Army Pacific Command. Participants include soldiers from the Indian Army's 65th Infantry Brigade and the US army's 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment 'Bobcats', which is part of the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Arctic), 11th Airborne Division. "Together, we sharpen our skills for peacekeeping, humanitarian response, and combat operations because we know that the challenges of the future will demand cooperation across borders," said Colonel Christopher Brawley, commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Arctic), 11th Airborne Division. "When our soldiers trained side by side, we demonstrated to the world that our partnership is strong, enduring and prepared to meet any challenge." Yudh Abhyas, which translates to 'Preparing for War' in Hindi, began in 2004 as a counterinsurgency training exchange. Over the years, it has evolved to include brigade-level command post exercises and field training exercises focused on conventional, unconventional, and hybrid threats, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. This year's exercise includes a brigade combat team command post exercise linked with a bilateral field training exercise. Training events will incorporate artillery live-fire exercises, academic exchanges, cultural events, and combined tactical operations in Alaska's challenging terrain and climate, according to the US army. The exercise's objectives include enhancing bilateral readiness and interoperability, developing coordination between brigade and battalion staffs, integrating operational enablers, and refining air-to-ground integration doctrine. It also supports the US Indo-Pacific Command's strategy to strengthen regional partnerships and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. "Exercises such as Yudh Abhyas create the ideal environment to test concepts, refined procedures and most importantly, learn from each other's experience," said Brigadier Rajeev Sahara, commander of the Indian Army's 65th Infantry Brigade. "I thank our American hosts as the partnership continues to be invaluable to us." Since its inception, Yudh Abhyas has expanded beyond its original counterinsurgency focus to address modern challenges faced by both nations' militaries. Recent iterations have included training in high-altitude environments, humanitarian operations, and joint responses to crises such as natural disasters, according to the US army. The exercise also provides opportunities for cultural exchange, sporting events, and professional development workshops. US and Indian soldiers will work together in planning, execution, and after-action review phases, building mutual understanding and trust at all levels. Yudh Abhyas alternates annually between India and the United States. This year, the exercise is held in the United States, and next year's iteration is scheduled to return to India. For the United States, Alaska offers a strategically significant training ground due to its proximity to key Arctic and Indo-Pacific air and sea corridors. For Indian soldiers, it provides a venue to train in cold-weather conditions with US forces experienced in Arctic operations. The exercise supports US Army Pacific's five main priorities: Campaigning, transformation, lethality, partnerships, and people. It also reflects the broader US-India major defence partnership, which includes a series of joint exercises, defence trade initiatives, and personnel exchanges aimed at enhancing combined capabilities. Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff GST 2.0 is a double dose of support and growth for the nation and the next-generation reforms have been done to support India's progress in the 21st century, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the National Awardee Teachers at his residence, in New Delhi on Thursday. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo His comments came a day after the GST Council approved a complete overhaul of the tangled Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. In an interaction with National Teacher awardees, Modi noted that five new gems (panch ratna) have been added to India's vibrant economy through the GST reforms. He said GST has become even simpler and new rates of 5 per cent and 18 per cent will become effective from first day of Navratri. "GST 2.0 is a double dose of support and growth for the nation. Next generation reforms in GST has been done to support India's progress in 21st century. Five new gems (panch ratna) have been added to India's vibrant economy through GST reforms," he said. "Without timely changes, we cannot give our country its rightful place in today's global situation. I had said from the Red Fort on 15 August this time that it is crucial to undertake next-generation reforms to make India self-reliant. I had also promised the countrymen that there would be a double blast of happiness before this Diwali and Chhath Puja," he added. The prime minister said that during Congress regime basic household items used to be 'heavily taxed' and the Bharatiya Janata Party government has tried to address those issues for ease of common man. 46 per cent of MPs facing criminal charges and 31 per cent serious cases. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff The Centre recently introduced the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill in Parliament. The Bill seeks to remove the prime minister, chief ministers, and ministers from office if they are arrested and detained for 30 days in relation to a criminal offence. As many as 45 per cent of MLAs and 46 per cent of MPs have declared criminal charges against them. Andhra has most MLAs with criminal charges Across the country, 45 per cent of MLAs have declared criminal charges, while 29 per cent face serious criminal charges. Among states, Andhra Pradesh tops the list, followed by Kerala, Telangana, and Bihar. Crimes against women Cases involving crimes against women show a worrying trend. West Bengal leads with 23 MLAs facing such charges, followed closely by Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Maharashtra and Bihar also feature in the top five. In hot water In 2009, three in ten MPs had declared criminal charges, and one in seven faced serious ones. By 2014, this had risen to one-third and one-fifth of the total strength, respectively. By 2019, nearly 43 per cent of MPs had declared criminal cases with almost 29 per cent facing charges of serious crimes This was taken to a new high after the 2024 elections, with 46 per cent of MPs facing criminal charges and 31 per cent serious cases. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff The police have arrested an assistant professor of IIT Jodhpur for allegedly abusing and manhandling the director of the institution during a departmental meeting, officials said on Thursday. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. The teacher was released on bail. However, later in the evening, the IIT administration suspended the teacher. A dispute between the director Avinash Kumar Agrawal and assistant professor Deepak Kumar Arora (chemical engineering) erupted during the meeting on Wednesday morning. It led to heated arguments between the two. The verbal spat soon turned violent as Arora assaulted Agrawal. Both suffered injuries in the incident. SHO (Karwad) Lekhraj Siyag said that both the director and the professor have filed counter-FIRs against each other, and an investigation has been initiated. "Registrar Ankur Gupta lodged a complaint on behalf of director Avinash Kumar Agrawal against assistant professor Deepak Kumar Arora, accusing him of assault, obstructing government work, and using caste-related slurs to insult him. The complaint states that Arora attacked Director Agrawal, causing an injury to his foot," Siyag said. On the other hand, Arora also lodged an FIR against the director and his associates, accusing them of wrongful confinement, obstruction of official duties, and assault. According to sources, when the staff from the director's office tried to intervene, Arora also assaulted an employee, who sustained an injury to his arm. He allegedly used caste-based slurs against him and threatened to eliminate him and his family. The sources said that Arora's violent outburst was sparked when the director complained about the non-performance of his department in the past five years. However, Arora countered him, saying that even the IIT had not achieved any milestone under his stewardship since his joining as the director of the institution. The Trump administration has told the United States Supreme Court that it imposed tariffs against India for purchasing Russian energy products 'to deal with a preexisting national emergency regarding Russia's war in Ukraine' and as a 'crucial aspect' of the President's push for peace in the country. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are pictured as they attend a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, DC, on February 13, 2025. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters Trump 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, with effect from August 27. In a 251-page appeal to the Supreme Court, submitted Wednesday, the Trump administration said that 'the President recently authorised IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) tariffs against India for purchasing Russian energy products, to deal with a preexisting national emergency regarding Russia's war in Ukraine, as a crucial aspect of his push for peace in that war-torn country.' The appeal further states that the 'stakes in this case could not be higher. The President and his Cabinet officials have determined that the tariffs are promoting peace and unprecedented economic prosperity, and that the denial of tariff authority would expose our nation to trade retaliation without effective defences and thrust America back to the brink of economic catastrophe.' It said that due to IEEPA tariffs, six major trading partners and the 27-nation European Union have already entered into framework deals with the United States, accepting tariff arrangements heavily recalibrated in America's favour and agreeing to make approximately $2 trillion of purchases and investment in the US' economy. Last week, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, in a 7-to-4 ruling, said the sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump on countries around the world are illegal, but also gave the administration time till October 14 to file a petition for a writ of certiorari in the Supreme Court, which the Trump administration did on Wednesday. The appeal states that according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the tariffs 'have been one of the country's top foreign policy priorities for the last several months' and removing them 'would lead to dangerous diplomatic embarrassment, expose the US to the risk of retaliation', and 'interrupt ongoing negotiations mid-stream, undermining our ability to protect the national security and economic welfare of the American people.' Pointing to the 'fractured, 7-4 decision' of the appeals court declaring the President's use of IEEPA tariffs as unlawful, the Trump administration told the court that 'That decision casts a pall of uncertainty upon ongoing foreign negotiations that the President has been pursuing through tariffs over the past five months, jeopardising both already-negotiated framework deals and ongoing negotiations.' Several of the Trump administration's officials, including Bessent and trade advisor Peter Navarro, have said that India's purchases of Russian oil are financing the Russian war effort in Ukraine. On Wednesday, Trump said he put secondary sanctions on India for its purchases of Russian oil, 'the largest purchaser outside of China', and indicated that he hasn't done 'phase two yet or phase three' yet. India has called the tariffs imposed by the US 'unjustified and unreasonable'. New Delhi said that, like any major economy, it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. The Indus Waters Treaty is an 'engineering treaty' rather than a political one, says former high commissioner to Pakistan T C A Raghavan who cautions that applying 'street-level common sense' to such a technically complex river water agreement can lead to mistakes. IMAGE: A man navigates a boat in the water next to the dry riverbed of the Indus River in Hyderabad, Pakistan on April 25, 2025. Photograph: Yasir Rajput/Reuters Speaking at a discussion on the recently-released book Trial by Water: Indus Basin and India-Pakistan Relations by Uttam Kumar Sinha on Wednesday, Raghavan remarked on the irony of claims that India is 'giving away all our water to Pakistan' at a time of severe flooding, when the focus is actually on evacuating as much water downstream as possible. "The treaty did not give anything. You have to remember that geography and gravity are the key factors here. The piece of paper does not make the water go into the Arabian Sea. It is the natural curvature of the earth. So whatever you do, you are intervening with that natural curvature. And you are trying to maximize advantage for your country. "Now, we live in an environment, especially in India, where the passions associated with the Indus Waters Treaty make discussions somewhat surprising," Raghavan noted. Under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, which India has kept in abeyance in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, the eastern rivers -- Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej -- are designated for India's unrestricted use. The western rivers -- Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab -- are allocated to Pakistan, but India is permitted to use them for certain non-consumptive purposes such as navigation, flood management, domestic and agricultural use, and hydroelectric power generation. The former diplomat, who served as India's High Commissioner to Pakistan from June 6, 2013 until his retirement on December 31, 2015, also emphasized how Indian engineers were primarily focused on the eastern rivers due to the development needs of East Punjab and Rajasthan, and how not giving this a high priority could have been 'suicidal'. "The point is that if we now change the goalposts and say that the eastern rivers are unimportant and it's the western rivers which are the key, we're not really doing justice to the treaty and understanding the engineering nature of the treaty. It's important to now that the IWT an engineering treaty," he added. To buttress his point, the 69-year-old also quoted a section from the book, Trial by Water: Indus Basin and India-Pakistan Relations, which underscored his point on misplaced criticism of India giving away too much of water to Pakistan. "The other criticism that India conceded too much water to Pakistan is largely determined by overarching anti-Pakistan sentiments and overlooks the fact that the Indus Waters Treaty was, in many respects, a resolution of ongoing disagreements since 1947. As Nehru, defending the treaty said, 'We purchased a settlement, if you like; we purchased peace'." "Foremost, the Indian negotiators were far from compromising and suggesting otherwise unfairly neglects to acknowledge their nationalist approach," said Raghavan, quoting the book, published by Penguin Random House India. Author Sinha supported Raghavan's view when he explained that the perceived unfairness of the treaty often arises from a "political presentation" -- the common belief that the Indus basin was divided so that 80 percent of the water went to Pakistan and only 20 percent to India. However, he emphasized that the technical reality tells a different story - and this, he argued, is where the treaty was misunderstood. "Engineers never really considered the basin's full demarcation down to the lowest level; they focused mainly on river demarcation. At that time, the Eastern rivers were critically important for India, especially given the country's developmental needs," added Sinha, who has also authored "Indus Basin Uninterrupted" in 2021. But these sentiments were not shared by the co-panelist, former deputy National Security Adviser Arvind Gupta, who described the treaty as fundamentally 'unfair', as it granted Pakistan considerable leverage over India. Gupta even claimed that Jawaharlal Nehru was 'desperate' to get the treaty signed -- whether for good or bad reasons -- and was 'ready to compromise' as well. "The treaty was simply not fair, and so, at some point, it was destined to fail - and it has failed. Through its technical provisions, the treaty gave Pakistan significant leverage over India, which they used, misused, and misapplied in various ways. They consistently put pressure on India and delayed project after project," he remarked. Women workers of the National Democratic Alliance constituents in Bihar on Thursday enforced a five-hour state-wide bandh to protest the alleged hurling of abuse at the mother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Congress' recently concluded 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'. IMAGE: BJP workers hold protest as NDA partners observe a 5-hour Bihar bandh over the alleged derogatory remarks against PM Narendra Modi's late mother. Photograph: ANI on X The members of women cells of Bharatiya Janata Party, the Janata Dal-United and other alliance partners enforced the bandh, which began at 7 am, and staged protests in Patna and other areas. At Patna's Income Tax roundabout, the protesters raised slogans and displayed placards, slamming the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal over the incident. Senior BJP leaders, state ministers, party MPs, MLAs and workers will also stage a sit-in outside the state unit office later in the day. Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal, MPs Ravi Shankar Prasad and Dharmshila Gupta, state minister Nitin Nabin and other senior leaders will participate in the dharna, a statement issued by state BJP said. Speaking to PTI, Patna (Central) Superintendent of Police Diksha said, "Adequate forces have been deployed at all points to prevent any untoward incident." Similar protests were organised by NDA constituents in different parts of the state, including Nawada, Katihar, Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga. Last week, a purported video of a person screaming an expletive into a microphone at a small podium erected on the outskirts of Darbhanga by a local Congress leader went viral, even as the organiser claimed that no party functionary of consequence was present at the time of the incident. The accused, a 25-year-old resident of Darbhanga, has been arrested, but tempers continue to be frayed with the BJP hitting the streets on the issue and its workers exchanging fisticuffs with Congress leaders at the opposition party's state headquarters. In his first reaction to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 2 said he was "deeply pained" by the incident, but asserted that while he might forgive the RJD and the Congress, the people of the state will never "pardon them". "My late mother had nothing to do with politics, so what was her fault; why was she abused?" he had said, with his voice choking with emotion. "I may forgive them for once, but the people of this country have never brooked any insult to one's mother... It is now the duty of every son of Bihar to hold the RJD-Congress combine accountable for their conduct. In every town and street, wherever their leaders go, they must get the message loud and clear that insult to mothers and sisters will not be tolerated," the PM had added. Russian President Vladimir Putin has revealed on what transpired between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a car ride on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China on September 1, 2025. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled in a car on the sidelines the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. Photograph: ANI Photo "This is no secret, I told him what we talked about in Alaska," Putin said, replying to a question by journalists on the matter at a press conference in China. On the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, Modi was offered a lift by Putin in his Russian-made Aurus limousine, where they had an hour-long conversation before joining their teams for bilateral talks. The SCO summit 2025 was held in Tianjin on August 31 and September 1, with more than 20 leaders, including Putin, in attendance alongside the heads of ten international organisations. The Russian president waited for about 10 minutes for PM Modi to join him before boarding the car. The trip to reach the venue for their meeting lasted about 15 minutes, but they spent another 45 minutes in the car to continue their conversation. The two leaders continued their one-to-one dialogue on the way to the hotel, where they were to be joined by members of their teams. However, on reaching the hotel, they did not deboard the Russian president's limousine and continued their conversation for a further 45 minutes," Russian national radio station VestiFM reported. Later, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the two leaders had a tete-a-tete in the car for about an hour. "He did not want to interrupt the important conversation. But the 'home walls' of the car also played a role," Peskov told a pool TV reporter covering Putin's visit to China. They were at home. That's the first thing. And secondly, when there's an important discussion going on, there's simply no time to interrupt walking and moving to different venues and so on. They felt comfortable there, and that's why they continued the conversation. But the (bilateral) agenda is really more than intense, Peskov said. Modi took to social media to share a photo of himself and the Russian president inside the limousine. After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful, Modi said. Experts in Moscow, on the condition of anonymity, said that Putin's presidential limousine is well protected from eavesdropping, and that may be the reason the two leaders were discussing highly sensitive bilateral issues. They say perhaps this was the most important confidential conversation between Modi and Putin during which they probably discussed issues not for the ears of others. During their bilateral talks, Modi conveyed to Putin that it is humanity's call to end the Ukraine conflict as soon as possible. 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. With inputs from PTI President Donald Trump had a very good personal relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but 'that's gone now', United States' former National Security Adviser John Bolton has said, cautioning that close ties with the American leader 'won't protect' world leaders from the 'worst'. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump, at The White House in Washington, DC on February 14, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Bolton's remarks came against the backdrop of possibly the worst phase in India-US relations in over two decades, with the strain exacerbated by Trump's tariff policy and constant criticism of New Delhi by his administration. "I think Trump sees international relations through the prism of his personal relations with leaders. So if he has a good relationship with Vladimir Putin, the US has a good relationship with Russia. That's obviously not the case," he said in a recent interview with British media portal LBC. Bolton, who served as NSA in the first Trump administration, has been very critical of his former boss. "Trump had a very good relationship personally with Modi. I think that's gone now, and it's a lesson to everybody, for example, (UK Prime Minister) Keir Starmer, that a good personal relationship may help at times, but it won't protect you from the worst," he said. Trump is scheduled to visit the United Kingdom from September 17 to 19. In a post on social media accompanying his interview with LBC, Bolton said the White House has 'set US-India relations back decades, pushing Modi closer to Russia and China. Beijing has cast itself as an alternative to the US and Donald Trump'. The former NSA said Trump's treatment of India over the past several months has undermined years of bipartisan US efforts to wean New Delhi away from its Cold War alignment with Russia and to ensure Indian policymakers across the spectrum recognise China as their principal security challenge. "That has been reversed. I think it can be reversed again, but it's a very bad moment," he said. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as part of a criminal probe into the alleged mishandling of classified material. On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the Palais Eynardhome of the Administrative Council of the City of Genevahosted the opening press conference of Geneva Watch Days 2025. Nearly one hundred guests from public authorities, watchmaking houses, and the media gathered to celebrate the launch of this sixth edition, which already promises to be exceptional. On stage were Ms. Christina Kitsos, Vice President of the Administrative Council of the City of Geneva, Ms. Delphine Bachmann, State Councilor in charge of the Department of Economy and Employment of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, and Mr. Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari and President of Geneva Watch Days. They were joined by Georges Kern (Breitling) and Patrick Pruniaux (Ulysse Nardin), representing the participating brands and underscoring the importance of this unique event on the international watchmaking calendar. The city of Geneva welcomes the Geneva Watch Days 2025 Geneva Watch Days A record-breaking edition organized as a vibrant festival Since their creation in 2020, Geneva Watch Days have established themselves as an essential gathering for watch enthusiasts, collectors, and industry professionals. The 2025 edition marks a new milestone, with a record 66 brands brought together in Geneva for four days to celebrate creativity, innovation, and the diversity of horological savoir-faire. From historic Maisons to bold independents and rising contemporary voices, all are contributing to an event conceived as a vibrant, open, and inclusive festival. The 2025 program has been completely reimagined, with a structure inspired by TV and radio schedules. Each day unfolds around regular features, immersive formats, and targeted talks. This approach strengthens the connection between brands, their clients, professionals, and the public at large, while providing accessible content and activities open to everyone. Official Opening of Geneva Watch Days 2025 at the Palais Eynard Geneva Watch Days A spotlight on Geneva and its watchmaking excellence Christina Kitsos, Vice President of the Administrative Council of the City of Geneva, emphasized: Watchmaking plays an essential role in the City of Geneva from the manufactures and brand headquarters to the many boutiques, the ties with the local community, and the tourism it inspires. According to State Councilor Delphine Bachmann, Geneva Watch Days plays a key role in enhancing Genevas international profile: Geneva Watch Days provides a unique and exceptional showcase for our canton and its watchmaking ecosystem. This event reflects the innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship that underpin Genevas international reputation, while reinforcing its economic and cultural appeal. For his part, Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari and President of Geneva Watch Days, underlined the importance of an open and dynamic event: To engage in dialogue, to spark discovery, to share knowledge and passion that is the very essence of our program. More than ever, it is vital for watchmaking to remain strongly present in the public imagination. Through events rich in content, education, and emotion, we strengthen this unique bond between brands, their clients, and enthusiasts worldwide. Official Opening of Geneva Watch Days 2025 at the Palais Eynard Geneva Watch Days An independent and unifying event Created in 2020 by eight pioneering brands Breitling, Bulgari, De Bethune, Girard-Perregaux, H. Moser & Cie., MB&F, Ulysse Nardin, and Urwerk Geneva Watch Days has since become an independent event, supported by the State and City of Geneva, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), Geneva Tourism, the CCIG, the Grand Prix dHorlogerie de Geneve (GPHG), as well as long-standing media partner GMT. With the active participation of GMT, WorldTempus, Revolution, Europa Star, JSH, WatchPro, Le Temps, Hantang Culture, The Real Time Show, Frank Sans C, Radio Lac, and Carac TV, the event will this year benefit from multichannel, international media coverage worthy of its ambition. The sixth edition of Geneva Watch Days once again promises to bring people together, to surprise, and to celebrate the art of watchmaking in all its diversity and excellence. The Palais Eynard Geneva Watch Days Participating Brands in 2025 The 2025 edition of Geneva Watch Days features the following participating brands: Akhor, Alpina, Alto, Amida, Artisans de Geneve, Ba111od, Beauregard, Bedaa, Behrens, Bianchet, Bimbu, Breitling, Bremont, Bvlgari, Cedric Johner, Claude Meylan, Corum, Czapek & Cie, David Candaux, De Bethune, Dennison, Doxa, Egeiro, Emmanuel Bouchet, Favre Leuba, Fears, Ferdinand Berthoud, Frederique Constant, Furlan Marri, Gerald Charles, Greubel Forsey, H. Moser & Cie., Hautlence, Jacob & Co., Konstantin Chaykin, Krayon, LEpee, L. Leroy, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, Laurent Ferrier, Lederer, Linde Werdelin, Louis Erard, Louis Moinet, Massena Lab, Maurice Lacroix, Mauron Musy, MB&F, Micromilspec, Ming, Oris, Perrelet, Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo, Raketa, Renaud Tixier, Singer Reimagined, Speake Marin, Squale, Stollenwurm, Tag Heuer, Trilobe, Tutima, Ulysse Nardin, Unimatic, Urwerk and Zenith all coming together for this beacon event in the world of watchmaking. A key United States lawmaker Rep. Gregory Meeks said President Donald Trump's arbitrary tariffs against India threaten the vital relationship between the two countries. IMAGE: United States lawmaker Rep. Gregory Meeks meets Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Photograph: @HouseForeign/X Meeks, a ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats, on Wednesday (local time) underscored Congress' support for the US-India partnership, following his meeting with Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Met with @AmbVMKwatra to underscore Congress' support for the US-India partnership, which has strengthened over the past 25 years, including through the Quad, House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems posted on social media, quoting Meeks. I reaffirmed our commitment to deeper ties, our shared hope for peace in Ukraine, and my alarm at Trump's arbitrary tariffs that threaten this vital relationship, Meeks said. Responding to Meek's post, Kwatra said, Grateful for his constant counsel and steadfast support to the US-India relationship throughout his leadership on @HouseForeign. Our discussion spanned trade, energy, Indo-Pacific, and broader issues of mutual interest, " Kwatra added in his social media post. Kwatra also met with Rep. Carol Miller, Chair of the Congressional Energy Export Caucus, and briefed her on India's energy security and trade perspectives. Took the opportunity to brief @RepCarolMiller, Chair of the Congressional Energy Export Caucus, on India's energy security and trade perspectives, especially India's hydrocarbon trade with the US. Highlighted India's steadfast support to all efforts, including the Alaska Summit, for the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, the Indian envoy posted on X. Kwatra has been meeting US lawmakers almost daily amid strain in India-US relations after US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs totalling 50 per cent on India. This includes 25 per cent for New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil. Defending its purchase of Russian crude oil, India has been maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics. Russian President Vladimir Putin has sharply criticised Europe's plans for sanctions targeting Moscow's economic partners, particularly India and China, arguing that such punitive measures reflect an outdated colonial mindset and warning of the political repercussions for leaders in nations with historical sensitivities. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tianjin, China on September 1, 2025. Photograph: Press Information Bureau During a media interaction following his four-day visit to China, the Russian President, while responding to a question about Europe's latest sanctions initiative due to the conflict in Ukraine, took a firm stand against the West, asserting that such terms should not be used, as they could possibly destabilise the political standing of leaders in their countries. "You have countries like India, with almost 1.5 billion people, China, with powerful economies, but they also have their own domestic political mechanisms and laws. So when somebody tells you that they're going to punish you, you have to think how can the leadership of those countries, of those big countries, which had difficult periods in their history too, that had to do with colonialism, with attacks on their sovereignty during prolonged periods of time, you have to understand that if one of them shows weakness, his political career will be over, so that influences his behavior. Just as the colonial era is now over, they have to realise that they cannot use this term in speaking with their partners," Putin stated. Despite the tension, Putin expressed optimism about a diplomatic resolution, saying, "But ultimately, things will be sorted out, everything will take its place, and we will see a normal political dialogue again." Putin further described the Ukraine conflict as a mere "pretext" by Western powers to take these broader punitive measures against countries maintaining strong economic ties with Russia. He dismissed the relevance of the Ukraine situation to recent trade actions, noting that the narrative was being deliberately exploited to justify trade restrictions and tariffs that, in reality, serve unrelated political or economic agendas. "Well, surprisingly enough, we almost didn't mention this in our conversations because it's not really something that concerns us. Because the Ukraine situation is only a pretext to take various steps against countries that have economic ties with us," he stated. He also pointed out the imposition of additional tariffs on Brazil earlier in August as an example of sanctions that had no direct connection to the Ukraine conflict. The Russian leader argued that the true reason behind many of these sanctions lies in growing economic imbalances between the West, particularly the United States, and other major economies like India, China, and Brazil. "There is a trade disproportion between the United States and India or with China, but there is no situation between Brazil and the United States, for example. And, by the way, Brazil faced additional tariffs on the 6th of August, even though the deadline was the 8th of August. So what does Ukraine have to do with this? Nothing. It's only about domestic politics... Ukraine doesn't have anything to do with that. So, of course, there is some imbalance in trade, but I believe that those should be addressed through negotiations," the Russian President added. Putin's remark came amid global economic concerns stemming from the tariff policies introduced by US President Donald Trump, which have caused friction with certain countries on the international stage, particularly the tariffs he has imposed on India and China. New Delhi is facing global uncertainties due to heightened economic tensions following the US imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, including an additional 25 per cent due to its purchase of Russian crude oil, which, according to Washington, fuels Moscow's efforts in its conflict with Ukraine. India supports an early end to the Ukraine conflict, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday after speaking to his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha. IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with Ukraine Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha. Photograph: ANI Photo The two foreign ministers deliberated on ending the conflict during their phone conversation. 'Discussed our bilateral cooperation as well as the Ukraine conflict. India supports an early end to this conflict and the establishment of an enduring peace,' Jaishankar said on X. Sybiha said he informed Jaishankar about the 'current battlefield situation and Ukraine's efforts to achieve a just peace.' 'We rely on India's authoritative voice and active role in supporting the full cessation of hostilities and broader international peace efforts,' he said on social media. The Ukrainian foreign minister said he and Jaishankar agreed to meet on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly later this month. "We agreed to meet during the UNGA high-level week in New York and continue the tangible development of our bilateral relations, including in political dialogue, upcoming high-level contacts, economic cooperation, technology, and other areas," he said. The Jaishankar-Sybiha talks came three days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in China's Tianjin. In the meeting, Modi conveyed to Putin that India welcomes all the recent efforts towards establishing peace in Ukraine and that it is humanity's call to find a way to resolve hostilities as soon as possible. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dialled Modi on Saturday, two days before Modi's meeting with the Russian president. After the phone conversation with Modi, Zelenskyy said India is ready to make the necessary efforts and to deliver the appropriate signal to Russia. India has been consistently calling for ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. In July last year, Modi travelled to Moscow and told Putin that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and peace efforts do not succeed in the midst of bombs and bullets. The next month, Modi visited the Ukranian capital city of Kyiv and conveyed to Zelenskyy that both Ukraine and Russia should sit together without wasting time to end the war. Former United States National Security Advisor John Bolton on Thursday (local time) lambasted US President Donald Trump for pushing India closer to Russia and China in the backdrop of 50% tariffs imposed on India, ruining decades of hard work by the previous US administration. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit's plenary session in Tianjin, China, September 1, 2025. Photograph: Press Information bureau In a post on X, Bolton stated, "The White House has set US-India relations back decades, pushing Modi closer to Russia and China. Beijing has cast itself as an alternative to the US and Donald Trump." He slammed Trump's tariff policy, asserting that it has "shredded" decades of Western efforts to align India away from its Cold War ties with the then Soviet Union (Russia) and address the growing threat from China. Earlier, in a series of posts on X, 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. 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. His remarks come at a time when 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. The comments also 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. Since the 2020 creation of Geneva Watch Days, of which GMT is the longstanding media partner, our large-format special edition has been published on the first day of the summer's most prestigious watchmaking event. Launched in early summer 2002, our GMT XXL Suisse magazine continues its rich history with its 24th issue in a very special year. Let's start with the good news: our GMT magazine is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! A quarter of a century of passion that has accompanied watchmaking since the dawn of the third millennium and seen the industry undergo radical change. Some brands have vanished, others have emerged and still others have repositioned themselves - not to mention those whose appeal has propelled them to stratospheric desirability. This emotional and heritage capital is proving decisive today, at a time when economic and geopolitical uncertainty is dampening many desires. Brands and their creations must offer emotion and meaning, above and beyond the basics of reliability, functionality and compelling design. Baume & Mercier At GMT, we are proud to showcase their expertise and creativity. Since 2013, GMT XXL World has been promoting these values in this unique format and equally singular production quality across more than 80 countries. The watch industry's incredible diversity is vividly reflected in our curated selection of creations reflecting exceptional talents. Produced by highly specialized niche brands and global leaders who have continued to captivate devotees of fine watchmaking. Featured on the cover, Zenith is enjoying a new lease on life as it celebrates its 160th anniversary, symbolizing Swiss watchmaking's remarkable resilience and proud heritage. This joyful mechanical cocktail makes for a lasting and valuable reading experience. For those who want to take things to a more immersive level, the GMT Watch Safari plunges them into the heart of Manufactures' workshops, alongside the artisans and watchmakers who designed these exceptional timepieces. This exclusive concept is part of our approach as entrepreneurs passionate about watchmaking and the extraordinary personalities driving it. Over to you to choose the watches that enthrall you most and suit you best! Because you are a WorldTempus reader, we are delighted to offer you the digital version of the "GMT XXL Suisse 2025", which you can download here. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. "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 Google will no longer have to divest Chrome and Android businesses as a federal judge ruled in its favour in a search antitrust case, while acknowledging AI as a new competitive force. US Federal Judge Amit P. Mehta delivered the landmark ruling on Monday, rejecting the Department of Justices (DOJ) demand to break up the search giant while allowing it to continue paying Apple for default search placement a decision that preserves one of the tech industrys most lucrative partnerships. Judge Mehta, however, ordered Google to share search data with rivals to ensure competition in online search. 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, Judge Mehta wrote in his 230-page opinion, handing Google a significant victory in the most consequential antitrust case against a tech company in decades. The ruling caps a legal saga that began in October 2020 when the DOJ accused Google of illegally maintaining search monopolies through exclusive distribution agreements worth over US$26 billion annually. After finding Google liable in August 2024, the court faced the crucial question of remedies and ultimately chose behavioural changes over structural breakup. Google welcomed the decision while expressing concerns about data-sharing requirements. 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 recognise that divesting Chrome and Android would have gone beyond the cases focus on search distribution, and would have harmed consumers and our partners, Lee-Anne Mulholland, Googles vice president of regulatory affairs, said in a statement on Tuesday. Judge Mehta firmly rejected the governments most dramatic remedy request. The complete divestiture of Chrome is a poor fit for this case, the judgment stated, noting that Chromes contribution to Googles dominance wasnt directly tied to the illegal exclusive agreements. A Chrome divestiture would be incredibly messy and highly risky, the court concluded, citing Chromes deep integration with Googles technical infrastructure and the fact that over 80 per cent of its users are outside the US. The death toll from a massive earthquake in Afghanistan last week has nearly doubled to 2,205 as rescue workers manage to access the remote mountainous area devastated by the disaster. Hamdullah Fitrat, a spokesman for the Taliban-led government who gave the updated casualty figures on September 4, said deliveries of first aid and emergency supplies are "ongoing" as volunteers and rescue workers negotiate treacherous terrain to reach villages where people remain trapped in the rubble. Authorities in the impoverished, war-ravaged nation have pleaded with countries to send aid, which had stopped flowing into the country after the Taliban seized power in August 2021. Further complicating aid efforts have been several powerful aftershocks, including a 4.7-magnitude tremor early on September 4. The initial earthquake late on August 31 measured 6.0. "Tents have been installed for displaced families in multiple locations, and the organized distribution of primary and urgent humanitarian assistance is currently under way," Fitrat wrote in a social media post, adding at least 3,640 people were injured in the earthquake. 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. Humanitarian groups have been warning that a lack of access to hygiene supplies, medical help, and emergency shelters are putting many, especially women and girls, at risk. The disaster comes at a time when hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees are being forced to return from neighboring countries, a move that had already put the country's social services under severe strain. 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 Afghanistan's 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. Thousands of Afghans are returning home from Pakistan after Islamabad imposed an August 31 deadline for them to return or face forcible repatriation. RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal interviewed Afghans at a refugee camp in Pakistan's northwest who say they were told to demolish their mud homes before leaving. The exodus comes despite a 6.0-magnitude earthquake in eastern Afghanistan that killed more than 1,400 people and left many more homeless. French President Emmanuel Macron said 26 countries have agreed to take part in post-war security guarantees for Ukraine and that US support for the plan will be finalized in the coming days. Macron was speaking after hosting a day of hybrid diplomacy from the Elysee Palace in Paris on September 4. Leaders from around 30 of Ukraine's Western allies met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss security guarantees for the war-torn country to follow any peace deal reached with Russia to end Europe's largest and deadliest conflict since World War II. The talks were followed by a video conference with US President Donald Trump. Macron said that 26 countries "have committed themselves to deploying troops as a reassurance force in Ukraine or to be present on the ground, at sea, or in the air." The forces would not be deployed on the front line, he said, but in areas yet to be decided upon. "In the coming days, we will finalize American support for these security guarantees. The United States, as I said, was involved in all stages of the process," Macron said. The United States has yet to commit to a clear post-war role. Washington's participation is seen as crucial to backstopping the allies' efforts. Zelenskyy, speaking at a joint news conference with Macron, said that as soon as a draft paper was approved by the United States, further steps would be taken. "It is important that the United States is with us. We talked with President Trump today. Many thanks for his involvement," Zelenskyy said. The two leaders also addressed efforts to secure a meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "If Russia continues to refuse concrete peace discussions...we will take additional sanctions in conjunction with the United States of America," Macron said. "This is also what President Trump expressed earlier during this call." Efforts to make this happen have repeatedly been stalled by Moscow. On September 3, Putin said he would meet Zelenskyy in Moscow. Given Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the venue is completely unacceptable to Zelenskyy, who has proposed meetings at neutral venues such as Turkey. "Putin wants to meet with me in Moscow. That means Russia does not want to have a meeting," Zelenskyy said in Paris. There was a mood of anticipation ahead of the Paris talks as NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte had said the previous day that he expected "clarity" on what security guarantees could be delivered in the coming days. Trump has previously said European countries will have to shoulder most of the burden in providing the guarantees, with Washington backing the operations up "probably...by air." There was no immediate comment from Washington on the outcome of the September 4 talks. Russia has rejected the idea of European troops on the ground in Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin warning Moscow is willing to "resolve all our tasks militarily" if an acceptable peace agreement cannot be found. The Coalition of the Willing that joined the Paris talks includes some 30 nations backing Ukraine, mainly European but also Canada, Australia, and Japan. Bvlgari Brings The Art of Finesse to Geneva Watch Days From 4 to 7 September 2025, Bvigari returns to Geneva Watch Days with an unprecedented retrospective tracing the Octo Finissimo's record-breaking pursuit of ultra-thin watchmaking. Boldly blending Italian design and Swiss mechanical mastery, the exhibition charts over a decade of horological innovation. It also sets the stage for the debut of two extraordinary new creations: the Octo Finissimo Lee Ufan x Bulgari, developed in collaboration with the Korean-born artist, and the Octo Finissimo Marble Tourbillon, featuring a dial cut from deep blue Italian marble. As summer wanes, watch lovers converge on the shores of Lake Geneva for Geneva Watch Days. More intimate and less formal than the major industry trade shows, this public-facing event - launched in 2020 at the initiative of Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of LVMH Watches and CEO of Bulgari - offers a fresh perspective on contemporary watchmaking. "This event was born from a desire to rethink the way the industry connects more agile, more inclusive, and more collaborative. Five years on, it has become a key rendez-vous on the horological calendar, not just for well-known brands, but for a growing number of independent players as well" said Jean-Christophe Babin, President of Geneva Watch Days. Making of the movement of the Octo Finissimo Lee Ufan x Bvlgari Bvlgari Open to all and free of charge, Geneva Watch Days showcases the latest in horological creativity. For Bulgari, it's an opportunity to present new expressions of its signature boldness and design language. This year, the Roman Maison unveils a first-of-its-kind exhibition retracing the evolution of the Octo Finissimo - spanning from its 2014 debut to its most defining milestones - alongside two striking new interpretations of this emblematic timepiece. The first retrospective of the Octo Finissimo saga Every Octo Finissimo model is both a technical achievement and a creative statement - an untried approach to traditional watchmaking complications, made even more radical by the pursuit of extreme thinness. In just 11 years, the collection has set an astonishing ten world records. At Geneva Watch Days 2025, Bulgari will for the first time present a detailed, educational retrospective of the Octo Finissimo story. Its style rooted in the octagonal geometry of the Basilica of Maxentius in Rome, the Octo redefined watch design in the early 2000s, and introduced a new, bold, forward-looking aesthetic for the 21st century Drawing on its Swiss-based Manufacture expertise, Bulgari embarked on a unique exploration of horological complexity - rethinking volumes and proportions. This vision led to the creation of the Octo Finissimo line, and later to the boundary-shattering Octo Finissimo Ultra models. The exhibition brings together the pivotal references that have so far marked this ongoing journey. Steel bracelet engraved with the Bvlgari logo Bvlgari From the groundbreaking Octo Finissimo Tourbillon of 2014 - with its ultra-slim BVL 268 tourbillon calibre measuring just 1.95 mm - to the stunning Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon introduced in April 2025 at Watches and Wonders, with a case just 1.85 mm thick, each milestone creation tells the story of a singular creative approach. The exhibition also reveals how the Ultra and Finissimo lines complement one another, along with Bulgari's ongoing artistic collaborations. Each Octo Finissimo reflects a quest for pure expression and technical excellence. These timepieces keep pushing boundaries - not only in movement construction, case architecture, and the art of skeletonisation, but also in the choice of materials. From gold and platinum - two precious metals at the heart of Bvlgari's identity - to steel, a pillar of watchmaking, as well as advanced materials like titanium, carbon, ceramic, and tungsten carbide, each execution challenges and redefines what ultra-thin watchmaking can be. The Octo Finissimo line embodies these breakthroughs in tangible form. Visitors to the exhibition will discover some of the collection's most defining achievements, including the Octo Finissimo Automatic of 2017 - just 5.15 mm thick - a model that exemplifies the union of Italian design and Swiss mechanical savoir-faire through its minimalist aesthetic. They'll also encounter the prestigious Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar in titanium, which won the Aiguille d'Or at the 2021 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve and remains the world's thinnest perpetual calendar watch with a thickness of only 5.80 mm. Also on display: the Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater from 2016, which set new standards for chiming watches; the bold Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days from 2022, combining refined openwork and an eight-day power reserve in a rose gold case just 5.95 mm high; and the Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater in carbon and titanium introduced in 2024. Together, these iterations highlight the incredible creative range of Bvlgari's signature timepiece - one that lends itself naturally to the boldest and most imaginative interpretations. The latest is the Octo Finissimo Lee Ufan x Bulgari. The Octo Finissimo Lee Ufan x Bvlgari Bvlgari Octo Finissimo: A canvas for infinity Though defined by its complexity and depth, the Octo Finissimo also speaks to purity. Its case - architectural and graphic - is unlike any other in watchmaking. Proudly drawing on classical references, particularly the octagonal form of the Basilica of Maxentius in Rome, it also embraces contemporary design codes with equal ease. Over the years, Bulgari has invited artists and architects to interpret this iconic case. In 2020, Tadao Ando expresses his vision of time on a watch made from black ceramic and featuring a transparent caseback bearing the architect's signature. Laurent Grasso, in 2024, explored the perception of time through subtle visual effects. The finish creates an impression of depth, brought to life by the cloud of colours applied through a screen-printing process using metallic pigments. Like a splash of paint on a blank canvas, the magic of a fleeting phenomenon is forever captured on the surface of this accessory. Further pushing these boundaries, the Octo Finissimo Sketch assertively displays the intimate mechanics sketched by Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani. With lively, natural, and spontaneous strokes, it emphasizes the key features of the Finissimo icon, blending technical mastery with artistic expression. The dial, a blank canvas, becomes a realm of artistic exploration. Also exemplifying this commitment is the Octo Finissimo Automatic Titanium in collaboration with Hiroshi Senju, where Senju's evocative artistry transforms the dial into a miniature masterpiece, capturing the ethereal beauty of his aquatic landscapes. Lee Ufan, South Korean-born Artist and Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bvlgari Product Creation Executive Director,in Kamakura, Japan. Bvlgari The timepiece houses the BVL 138 manufacture calibre with micro-rotor, just 2.23 mm thick, for an overall height of only 5.5 mm. On the caseback, Lee Ufan's handwritten signature marks this intimate object as a true work of art. After all, imagination is a matter of finesse. Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Marble: The Challenge of a Dial Cut in Italian Hardstone The emotional and aesthetic power of marble makes it forever entwined with Roman culture. For centuries, it has conveyed both refinement and grandeur. Yet despite its beauty, marble is rarely associated with watchmaking - its weight and brittleness make it impossibly difficult to tame for horological demands. However, Bulgari has always pushed the boundaries of materials. A master in shaping everything from gold and platinum to titanium, carbon, ceramic, and fine stones, the Roman jeweller has now taken on the challenge of integrating marble into its Octo Finissimo line. Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Marble Bvlgari Carving a dial - one of the thinnest components in watchmaking - from marble is no small feat. While the stone is strong in its raw form, it becomes delicate and brittle when sliced thin. It requires a high degree of technical finesse and savoir faire from the Maison's specialists, matched only by the precision needed to create a flying tourbillon. After debuting a "Verde Alpi" green marble dial paired with a yellow gold case earlier this year, Bvlgari now reveals a new version of the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon at Geneva Watch Days: just 4.85 mm thick and 40 mm across, with a dial cut from deep blue marble sourced from the finest Italian quarries. Inside beats the hand-wound BVL 268 calibre - measuring just 1.95 mm and offering a 52-hour power reserve. With its Roman aesthetic and uncompromising finesse, this blue marble Octo Finissimo is both a technical and emotional triumph. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned against the deployment of any foreign troops into Ukraine, declaring they would be "legitimate targets," in a blunt warning to Kyiv's Western allies as they look to agree on a "reassurance force." Putin's comments during an economic forum in the Pacific port city of Vladivostok on September 5 came hours after leaders from a group of around 30 European countries -- along with Canada, Japan, and Australia -- met amid a continued struggle with the idea of deploying peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. "If any troops appear there, especially now while fighting is ongoing, we assume that they will be legitimate targets," he said. The leaders of the so-called Coalition of the Willing met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on September 4 to try and hammer out details of post-war security guarantees for Ukraine once a peace agreement is reached with Russia to end the Kremlin's full-scale invasion. French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted the September 4 talks, said 26 countries had committed to sending troops "as a reassurance force in Ukraine or to be present on the ground, at sea, or in the air." "In the coming days, we will finalize American support for these security guarantees. The United States, as I said, was involved in all stages of the process," Macron said. The United States has yet to commit to a clear post-war role, although most participants regard Washington's participation as crucial to backstopping the allies' efforts. Speaking on September 4 at a Prague conference hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who attended the Paris meeting via video link, insisted Russia would not have a veto over the deployment of foreign peacekeeping troops. "Why are we interested in what Russia thinks about troops in Ukraine?" Rutte said. "It's a sovereign country." "Russia has nothing to do with this," he said. "I think we really have to stop making Putin too powerful." Michael Carpenter, a former White House national-security adviser and ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, suggested the Europeans were being naive about Moscow's position. "While European leaders claim Putin doesnt get to decide on the deployment of a reassurance force, that is belied by the fact that no country is willing to deploy to Ukraine absent a cease-fire, which of course Russia must agree to," he told RFE/RL. "The risk is therefore very real that the Coalition of [the] Willing is providing Ukraine with a Potemkin security guarantee that will very much depend on Moscow's acquiescence," he said. Trump's Frustrations In Washington, US President Donald Trump has said he's frustrated by the continued fighting despite high-level talks -- and a face-to-face summit with Putin last month. Asked directly if he planned to speak to Putin in the near future, Trump on September 4 told reporters: "Yeah, I will." He did not elaborate. On September 5, Trump announced United States would host the Group of 20 (G20) summit at his golf resort in Miami in December 2026, adding that he would "love" for Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to attend. Putin has faced isolation from much of the world since his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trump also sought to pressure European leaders to do more to pressure Moscow. And he's criticized European nations for continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas -- either directly or indirectly, through third-party countries like India. The value of EU imports of Russian fossil fuels totaled 21.9 billion euros ($23.6 billion) this year, according to the Helsinki-based Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air. In a call with European leaders following the Paris meeting, Trump reportedly pressured them on the issue of Russian oil and gas purchases, according to Reuters. The European Commission has proposed legislation to phase out all EU imports of Russian oil and gas by January 1, 2028. Hungary and Slovakia, both led by nationalist leaders sympathetic to the Kremlin, however, have continued to import Russian energy products. Meanwhile, AP, citing a person familiar with the matter, reported that European officials, headed by EU sanctions implementation envoy David OSullivan, will visit the US Treasury on September 8 to discuss the possibility of new sanctions on Russia. The Search For Security Guarantees Trump has also criticized Zelenskyy for refusing to consider ceding any Ukrainian sovereign territory to Russia as part of a potential peace deal. Zelenskyy has said that would violate Ukraine's constitution. Speaking at a joint news conference with Macron, Zelenskyy underlined the importance of US involvement in any post-war security guarantees. "It is important that the United States is with us. We talked with President Trump today. Many thanks for his involvement," Zelenskyy said. "If Russia continues to refuse concrete peace discussions...we will take additional sanctions in conjunction with the United States of America," Macron said. "This is also what President Trump expressed earlier during this call." Zelenskyy and Macron also lamented Putin's refusal to meet with the Ukrainian president. Putin has often labeled Zelenskyy as illegitimate, dismissing the declaration of martial law, which was imposed after Russia's invasion in February 2022, which precludes holding new elections under Ukrainian law. Putin this week repeated an invitation for Zelenskyy to travel to Moscow to meet in person, an invitation that Zelenskyy has called disingenuous. "Putin wants to meet with me in Moscow. That means Russia does not want to have a meeting," Zelenskyy said during the September news conference. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Interfax on September 5 that there were no plans for talks between Putin and Trump and that the level of Russia's current negotiating is already "quite high," indicating there were no thoughts of upgrading participants to the presidential level. As the politicians spoke, Russian drones killed at least three people and injured three others late on September 4 in the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine's, regional Governor Oleh Synyehubov said. Synyehubov wrote on Telegram that two 40-year-old men and a 24-year-old woman were killed by a Russian drone attack. He said the men were killed while working as part of a road construction crew in the village of Khotimlya. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Senior International Correspondent Mike Eckel At a hospital in eastern Ukraine, a soldier lies with a bloodstained bandage around his neck, clutching a notepad. Vladyslav was picked up by medics on August 17 and is now recovering from life-threatening wounds in Dnipro. Unable to speak due to the deep lacerations to his throat, Vladyslav uses his notepad to tell his story. "His condition was severe. If you saw his throat, you'd see," the hospital director, Serhiy, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. "[If his wound was] half a centimeter to the left or right, the carotid artery would have been cut, and his life would have ended in a minute or two," he said. Serhiy requested that his surname not be published. Like many active-duty soldiers, Vladyslav also asked for his surname not to be included. The 33-year-old was serving near Pokrovsk, an area of Ukraine that has seen some of the fiercest fighting amid intense Russian attacks for months. He went missing on August 12. Through his written account, Vladyslav said he was captured by Russian forces who took him to a basement with other captured Ukrainian soldiers, and that some were tortured. "He said they were forced to watch. They couldn't turn their heads away. They had to watch others being tortured," Vladyslav's wife, Viktoria, said. "They cut them. And Vladyslav was cut, too," added Yevhen, his brother. "They cut off part of his ear, pulled out a tooth with pliers, slashed his neck. And then they threw them all into a pit and covered them with garbage." According to Vladyslav, his hands were bound and he was left with his dead comrades. But somehow he escaped. "The call came in about a wounded person, saying a military man had been in captivity," said Artem, a paramedic from the MOAS-Ukraine Foundation, a humanitarian group. "His throat was cut. [He was] a survivor. We went to get him. I'll remember this case for the rest of my life," he added. Vladyslav said he managed to cut his hands free with a shard of glass before making his way back to Ukrainian lines. Badly wounded, he said it took him five days to crawl there. This account cannot be independently confirmed. What is known for sure is the extent of his injuries. He is expected to need several operations to regain his speech. In the meantime, his family is helping him through his recovery. The stage is set, and the samurai awakens as the sun above Mount Fuji glows red. The warriors fierce lacquered mask opens with a toothed grin, and he moves his eyes as the helmets dragon symbol swings left to reveal a jumping hour display. This could be the scene from a movie by Akira Kurosawa; instead, the theatre is activated by an engraved pusher and set under a domed sapphire crystal. The Japanese-inspired drama is powered by the in-house Louis Vuitton calibre LV 525, a manually wound 3Hz movement that comprises 426 parts. Boasting a 100-hour power reserve, it is housed within the 46.8mm lacquered and engraved 18K pink case of the Louis Vuitton Tambour Bushido Automata. The inspiration comes from the Japanese legend of Bushido, often translated as the way of the warrior, the ethical code that guided Japans samurai class for centuries. Rooted in Confucian, Shinto, and Zen Buddhist thought, it emphasised loyalty, honour, self-discipline, and an acceptance of mortality. Louis Vuittons entry into haute horlogerie once drew polite curiosity rather than fervent admiration. That perception shifted dramatically with the advent of its automata watches, created at the maisons Geneva manufacture, La Fabrique du Temps. As a result, Vuittons poetic, mechanical storytelling has captured the attention of collectors, who now regard the brand as a serious player in this rarefied arena of haute horology. Unlike timing complications such as a rattrapante and the celestial intricacy of perpetual calendars, the art of the Automata is about the art of animation. But look closer and you will find modern micro-engineering hiding its complexity behind a facade of lifelike and flamboyant metiers dart. The origin of the species Tambour Carpe Diem Louis Vuitton The Tambour Bushido would not be with us if not for the 2021 Tambour Carpe Diem, a watch that surprised us and won the well-deserved Audacity prize at the GPHG. With its grinning skull and serpent unfurling the hours, it redefined the brand and set the standards for the Louis Vuitton Automata halo collection. At once macabre yet mischievous, the Carpe Diem was a memento mori turned into mechanical poetry. Tambour Opera Louis Vuitton Following the success of the Carpe Diem, in 2023 we were treated to the Tambour Opera Automata, within the same 46.88mm case featuring the manual wind calibre LV 525. This time a dramatic, masked spectacle evoked the vibrancy of Chinese opera masks through intricate engraving and vivid enamelling. Enameller Anita Porchet and engraver Dick Steenman used 60 and 76 hours, respectively, for each Tambour Opera, a vividly apparent fact. Tambour Fiery Heart Automata Louis Vuitton The Tambour Fiery Heart Automata was the third chapter housed in the traditional Tambour case, with diamond-set details offering a deeply romantic spectacle. The Fiery Heart also set a milestone as the first in-house enamel dial, with a vibrant green background to a flaming heart and luscious red roses. With each push of the trigger, Vuitton monograph flowers at the centre spin around as the flames around the blazing heart dance, before the heart itself cracks open and reveals the words: Sweet but fierce. For this Automata aimed at a female audience, La Fabrique du Temps also included the alluring slow spin of a flying tourbillon, powered by the complex LFT 325 calibre. The Tambour Taiko Galactique Tambour Taiko Galactique Louis Vuitton Released this year, the Tambour Taiko offers a new look to the Automata Collection, inspired by the stars. The case has more pronounced traditional lugs, a crown at 12, and feels more aligned with the slender redesigned Tambour collection. Yet the Taiko Galactique doesnt hold back, with an expansive 46.7mm case to give the eloquent dial the space (no pun intended) it deserves. The calibre LFTAU14.02 is a complex 459-piece movement offering the crisp sound of a minute repeater with a cathedral gong-style chiming effect. During the activation of the minute repeater, the dial comes to life with no less than seven distinct points of animation, which include spinning and movement elements. The sun at 12 oclock and the solar panel array on the LV space station spins, as the fun LV-branded astronaut waves its arms and the Louis Vuitton-branded flag. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Racist attacks in Ballymena need to be condemned unequivocally by politicians and wider society, Northern Ireland's Communities Minister has said. It comes after a number of cars were set on fire and destroyed during a racist attack in the Co Antrim town on Sunday. Ballymena also 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. Farmer Sam Carson condemned the violence (Liam McBurney/PA) Police have appealed for information. Sam Carson, a farmer and landlord in Ballymena, said there has been a campaign of hate against him and his Filipino tenants. Reacting to the incidents, Gordon Lyons said they were perpetrated by a very small minority and that the vast majority want nothing to do with that whatsoever. The DUP MLA said the matter will be discussed at the first meeting of the Executive following the summer recess. Speaking to BBC News, Mr Lyons said: Unequivocally, we need to condemn what has taken place. He added: And more than that, we need to make sure that we are taking action to make sure that this doesnt happen again. Mr Lyons said it is important that individual departments in the Executive take action to tackle the racist attacks. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons condemned the attacks (Liam McBurney/PA) Asked if politicians had failed to take action thus far, the minister said: Ultimately, the responsibility lies with those that have taken part in this violence and this activity that needs to be condemned unequivocally, and thats what we are doing. So lets make sure we put the blame where that lies, but lets make sure we take the actions that we can take so that this doesnt happen again. He added that the NI Executive had already shown leadership and taken action. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Its a problem that has existed in the past, continues to exist, but lets make sure that were working together, and the responsibility doesnt just fall on politicians; its on wider society as well. Mr Lyons rejected claims that the DUP had failed to act to calm down racial tensions. It is wrong for anybody to say we havent condemned this violence, he said. Responding to separate incidents which recently occurred in North Belfast, Mr Lyons said: Theres no room for sectarianism either. Thats something else that needs to be stamped out. National Food Bowl In Perils As 4l Acres Submerged, Seeks Immediate Relief From Centre: IPRD, Punjab Demands a massive financial package to address the devastating impact of floods & enhanced compensation to support affected farmers. Punjab Foods, Punjab Relief, Shivraj Chouhan Punjab Visit, Relief Fund for Punjab Latest News: Chandigarh, September 4: With India's agrarian heartland passing through unprecedented times, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian urged Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan for immediate relief and a massive financial package to address the devastating impact of floods, according to the Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab. The S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian has also demanded enhanced compensation to support affected farmers after over four lakh acres of the states agricultural land were submerged, threatening both state and national food security. Advertisement Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan visited flood-affected villages in Punjab today, along with two teams sent by the centre to assess the damage caused by the flood and meet with affected farmers. S. Khudian accompanied Union Agriculture Minister Chauhan to flood-affected areas in Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Kapurthala districts, showcasing the devastating impact on the agriculture sector. Earlier today, S. Khudian received Chouhan at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar. Highlighting the extensive damage caused by floods, the Punjab Agriculture Minister informed that standing crops at over 4 lakh acres of farmland have been inundated according to preliminary assessments. With paddy fields being the worst affected, just weeks before harvesting season, he said that this devastation has resulted in significant losses for farmers and the state's agricultural economy. The impact on the rural economy is further exacerbated by substantial damage to livestock, the IPRD, Punjab said. Advertisement Punjab's contribution to the nation's food security cannot be overlooked," said S. Khudian, while adding that as an agrarian state, Punjab plays a pivotal role in contributing to the central food pool. However, the recent floods have brought unprecedented devastation to crops, agricultural infrastructure, and the rural economy. The state's economic backbone is under immense strain, necessitating immediate support to revive the sector and mitigate the suffering of farmers, he added. Expressing concerns over the current compensation for flood victims, the Punjab Agriculture Minister said that crop damage compensation stands at Rs 6,800 per acre, which is insufficient considering the extent of losses incurred by farmers. He urged the Central Government to increase this compensation to at least Rs. 50,000 per acre. S. Khudian has also demanded the immediate release of Rs 8,000 crore of the Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF) stalled by the Centre Government. Apart from this, Punjab requires a special package to mitigate the impact of the floods and support the state's economy, he affirmed. Advertisement (For more news apart from Punjab Appoints One Gazetted Officer for Each Flood-Affected Village to Ensure Direct Contact, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Minister Shivraj Chouhan Punjab Visit: Pain & loss cannot be estimated without going to the fields The two teams comprise officials from various departments, including Agriculture, Finance, Road, Electricity and Water. Punjab news, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Punjab Visit, BJP Punjab Visit Today Latest News: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, after taking stock of some of the flood-affected villages, including in Dera Baba Nanak, in Punjab on Thursday, said There is a crisis of disaster in Punjab. Chouhan said, "There is a crisis of disaster in Punjab. I am here meeting my brothers and sisters, sharing their troubles. Sharing troubles lightens the burden a little, and we assure you that together we will overcome this crisis. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Central Government stands with the brothers and sisters of Punjab with full sensitivity and strength." Advertisement The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, and MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, along with two teams from the centre, are assessing the flood situation in the state. The two teams comprise officials from various departments, including Agriculture, Finance, Road, Electricity and Water. The first team would visit the villages of Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Bathinda, and the other would cover Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, and Jalandhar. Advertisement Over the next two days, these teams will assess the ground situation, evaluate the damage to livelihoods and submit a report to the centre. Earlier in a separate post on X, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, The pain and loss cannot be estimated without going to the fields. He said, We will not let the farmers lose heart; we stand firmly with them. Advertisement In the morning today, Chouhan told the media that he has been sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The minister also held a meeting with public representatives and the local administration at Amritsar airport in the morning. In the meeting, Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh, BJP Punjab State President Sunil Jakhar, Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Shwet Malik, Amar Pal Singh Boni, Harvinder Singh Sandhu, along with other distinguished public representatives, were present. According to the information shared by Minister Ravneet Sigh Bittu, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan would visit flood-affected areas of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, and Gurdaspur. Advertisement So far today, he has visited Ghonewal and Dharamkot Randhawa villages in Punjabs border belt and Makoda Patan in Dera Baba Nanak. Over 1400 villages in various districts of the state have been affected by the flood. The Punjab government has been requesting the central government for a special relief package and for the release of its due Rs 60,000 crores from the centre. However, the centre has not provided any assurance on these. The government has appealed to everyone to contribute to the Chief Minister's fund for flood relief. Celebrities, including Diljit Dosanjh and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh, have come forward to do their bit. (For more news apart from Minister Shivraj Chouhan Punjab Visit: Pain & loss cannot be estimated without going to the fields, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) The team includes officials from various departments, including agriculture, water, electricity, and road. The team includes officials from various departments, including agriculture, water, electricity, and road. Punjab Relief News: Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan Holds Meeting, Visits Border Belt Villages News: Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan, on Thursday, held a meeting with leaders and local administrations at Amritsar Airport, Punjab. The minister will visit flood-affected areas of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, and Gurdaspur, according to Ravneet Sigh Bittu. He will be accompanied by Sunil Jakhar. Advertisement Following the meeting, the minister, along with MP Ravneet Sigh Bittu, visited Ghonewal and Dharamkot Randhawa villages in Punjabs border belt. The Union Government has deputed two teams for Punjabone to visit the villages of Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Bathinda, and the other to cover Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, and Jalandhar. Over the next two days, these teams will assess the ground situation and evaluate the damage to livelihoods. The team includes officials from various departments, including agriculture, water, electricity, and road. Advertisement (For more news apart from Punjab Relief News: Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan Holds Meeting, Visits Villages In Border Belt, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Dante Alighieris journey to hell in the Divine Comedy ends when he finally sees the stars again. A few of them also appear in Julian Schnabels latest film. And, in a way, they helped the director leave his own abyss behind. Herein is the films most involuntary homage to the Italian poet, the nerve center of the project, titled In the Hand of Dante. The feature spent years buried under all sorts of unforeseen events and could well have remained forever in some demonic circle. It premiered, however, on Wednesday at the Venice Film Festival, out of competition. And it displayed its multiple stars on screen: Oscar Isaac, John Malkovich, Al Pacino, Gal Gadot, Martin Scorsese, Jason Momoa, and Gerard Butler. Some had already defined it as a cult film, even before its release. After the screening, one might seriously doubt that. Paradise seems very far away. At least Schnabel has left purgatory. The film spent two decades in limbo. In 2000, Schnabel shot Before Night Falls with Javier Bardem and Johnny Depp. The latter offered him a string of books to buy the rights to, so he could choose and adapt one. I chose the most impossible, the filmmaker told the press in Venice. That is, In the Hand of Dante by Nick Tosches. The peculiar writer, who specialized in biographies and died in 2019, invented in the novel his own search for the original manuscript of Alighieris Commedia and the means to authenticate it. In reality, this precious document doesnt exist. Or hasnt yet been found. In the fiction, from the book and now the film, the author finds it in a box in the Vatican Library. But the character ends up entangled in his journey, like that of his beloved poet, among swindlers, hitmen, and mobsters, all hunting for the priceless document. But he also finds love. After all, it is what moves the sun and other stars, as Dante wrote in the final verse of his masterpiece. Duke Nicholson, Louis Cancelmi, Julian Schnabel, Oscar Isaac, and Benjamin Clementine pose during a photocall for 'In the Hand of Dante,' out of competition, at the 82nd Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2025. Yara Nardi (REUTERS) Meanwhile, Depp is no longer involved with the project. He was replaced by Isaac, who was also seduced by its impossibility, as he told the press. The actor plays both the contemporary protagonist and the Italian poet. The film sometimes travels from the present-day to Florence in the 1300s, and also visits Rome, Verona, Venice, Sicily, and New York. It also combines poems with swear words, fragments of the Commedia with gunfights, and reflections on history, religion, and art with touches of comedy. Perhaps it was the excessive wait, or his passion for Dante, but Schnabel tries to cover too much, without much clarity. Everything that lasts too long eventually reveals its defects, the film says. The footage, here, runs to almost two and a half hours. Almost nothing, however, compared to the production times. Depp finally bought the rights to the novel in 2008. But filming was only ready to begin two years ago, now without its main driving force. It was halted then by the actors strike, which lasted for months, demanding better conditions from the major studios. Schnabel managed to assert his status as an independent artist and obtained permission to continue. He moved forward, filmed, completed his work. And he even obtained a spot in the selection at the Venice Film Festival, where the director had presented his previous film, At Eternitys Gate, about Van Gogh. But, instead of the dreamed-of world premiere at the Lido di Venezia, In the Hand of Dante had an unwanted debut: it was leaked online. And, when the premiere was finally approaching, the final obstacle arrived: pressure against two of its actors, Gadot and Butler. Both actors have expressed support for the Israeli government in recent years. For this reason, hundreds of their colleagues, especially Italians with some international acclaim, asked the festival in a letter not to invite them. The proposal, in fact, divided the very movement that signed it: united against the massacre in Gaza, but divided over a ban. The festival rejected the request as censorship, but neither of them attended. In their absence, Schnabel replied: There is no reason to boycott artists. I selected them for their merits as actors; they did an extraordinary job in the film, and thats what its about. We should talk about the film more than this. The truth is that the film has shown great resilience. Abandon all hope, ye who enter, reads Dante at the entrance to Hell. Schnabel must be given at least one credit: he never lost it. Eleonora Duse shares the adjective with Alighieris Comedy: she was also called divine. Some consider her the greatest Italian actress in history, perhaps the most skilled of her era. The superlatives, in any case, were piling up. The eighth wonder of the new world, as she is described at the beginning of Duse by Pietro Marcello, a portrait that was seen in the festival competition. Valeria Bruni Tedeschi and director Pietro Marcello pose on the red carpet for the film Duse during the 82nd Venice Film Festival on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Alessandra Tarantino (Alessandra Tarantino/Invision/AP) The film recounts the divas decline and her attempt to rise from the ashes in 1921, with her return to the theater. More tired, ill, insecure. But still overwhelming, excessive, brilliant, wonderful. It was a real challenge to embody her: Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, the protagonist, passed with a B. The film also depicts a time when other forces rose up, and raised their right arm. Marcello intersperses fiction with archival footage, as he did in the wonderful Martin Eden. Thus, we talk about the First World War, Mussolini, and the poet DAnnunzio, with whom Duse had a famous romance. But, this time, the combination seems less successful. The best part of the film is seeing the star again. How right Dante was. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Supreme Court Issues Notice To Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, J&K In Plea Relating To Floods The top court has directed the states to submit their response within three weeks. Supreme Court Issues Notice To Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, J&K Latest News: The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu And Kashmir in a plea relating to the floods, rains in the state and felling of trees. The top court has directed the states to submit their response within three weeks. Advertisement The Chief Justice of India, B. R. Gavai, said, prima facie, it is seen that there is illegal felling of trees that happened, we issue notice to the respondent, returnable within 3 weeks. CJI called the issue serious. Mr SG, pls take note of this, it appears a very serious issue, media it is shown that a large number of wooden blocks are flowing in Himachal, the CJI added. Punjab has been hit by the worst flood of the past 40 years, resulting in loss of 30 lives, loss of livestock, houses, and farmland, and crops, and educational institutions have been shut in the state for over a week. Advertisement Meanwhile, massive destruction and loss of lives due to flood-related incidents were seen in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir for the past few weeks. The rescue and relief operations are ongoing round the clock in the Punjab as well as in other flood and landslide-affected states. Read about flood relief in Punjab by clicking the link here. Advertisement (For more news apart from Supreme Court Issues Notice To Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, J&K In Plea Relating To Floods, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Visits Punjab with Two Teams, to Submit Report to Centre Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has fallen ill, and Arvind Kejriwal is visiting the CM's residence Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Visits Punjab with Two Teams, Latest News: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Thursday morning in a press conference, said that over 1400 villages in Punjab are affected by the floods, and he will take stock of the situation today. The Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Minister of Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, said that he was sent by Prime Minister Modi and would try to reach the affected villages and meet people. Advertisement The minister said that to assess the situation, two central teams comprising officials from various departments have reached Punjab today. The team includes officials from agriculture, rural development, road department, electricity department, finance, and the Department of Water Resources. The first team will visit the villages of Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Bathinda, and the other will cover Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, and Jalandhar. Over the next two days, these teams will assess the ground situation and evaluate the damage to livelihoods. The assessment will start today and will submit a report to the centre once the assessment is done. Submits a memorandum for an Immediate release of compensation of Rs. 2000 crore for Ajnala Advertisement Subsequently, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, who represents the Ajnala constituency in the Punjab, submitted a memorandum to Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan for an immediate compensation of Rs. 2000 crore in the first phase for the immediate compensation of the flood damage in Ajnala. Additionally, a memorandum has been submitted for the immediate release of Rs. 60,000 crore to the Punjab government from the Central Government. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will meet the Governor and the Agriculture Minister of Punjab at Amritsar Airport and leave for the flood-affected areas of Amritsar, Kapurthala, and Gurdaspur at 10 am. He will return late in the evening and hold a meeting with officials in Amritsar. Meanwhile, on the same day, today, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with the AAP national Convener Arvind Kejriwal, is scheduled to take stock of the flood-affected areas and will also review the relief work in Punjab. However, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has fallen ill, and Arvind Kejriwal is visiting the CM's residence to reportedly inquire about his health. Advertisement Mann Sarkar released Rs crore to tackle floods in Punjab, so far Bhagwant Mann government has released a total of Rs 71 crore to tackle the flood situation as of now. a35.50 crore was issued earlier to all districts in the first phase, and an additional Rs 35.50 crore was sanctioned on Wednesday for the 12 flood-affected districts that have borne the maximum brunt of devastation. Punjab Govt Appeals for Flood Relief Donations Advertisement The Punjab government has urged citizens to extend support to families affected by the floods by contributing to the Chief Ministers Relief Fund. Donations can be made instantly via UPI by scanning the official QR code, with a maximum limit of 1 lakh rupees per person per day. For contributions exceeding this amount, donors have been directed to use the official link: www.tinyurl.com/PunjabCMReliefFund (For more news apart from Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Visits Punjab with Two Teams, to Submit Report to Centre, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Bolojan Cabinet faces no-confidence votes The coalition government in Bucharest must face no less than four motions of no-confidence filed by the ultranationalist and populist opposition. Sursa foto: gov.ro Stefan Stoica, 04.09.2025, 14:00 AUR, representing the ultranationalist and populist opposition in the Romanian Parliament, is once again trying to overthrow the pro-European coalition government of PSD PNL USR UDMR by seeking Parliaments vote of no-confidence. The first attempt came after the Cabinet led by Ilie Bolojan took responsibility for a first package of fiscal measures designed to curb budget spending. The motion at the time was dismissed. Now, AUR is filing four new motions, each accounting for four of the five bills for which it the Cabinet has taken responsibility. The bills further strain the fiscal, health and judicial systems, as well as the administration of state-owned enterprises and the main regulatory authorities. AUR, however, did not target the amendments to the law regulating magistrates pensions, some of which limit their amount and gradually increase the retirement age in the judiciary. AUR criticizes what it has described as legislative abuses and austerity measures adopted by engaging in accountability, without debate, consultations or Parliamentary vote. The ruling coalition government has exhausted all its political resources and demonstrated its inability to govern, AUR claims. According to the self-proclaimed sovereignist party, instead of a transparent debate, the current Cabinet preferred to impose laws as it pleases, defying democratic logic and the separation of powers in the state. AUR also argues that this practice virtually subordinates Parliament to the executive and deprives the Romanian people of the fundamental right to representation. In essence, the ultranationalist populists accuse the government of hitting the economy, state-owned companies, autonomous institutions and the healthcare system. Among other things, the party claims that maintaining the minimum turnover tax will bear down hard on SMEs, while multinationals benefit from special deductibility. Increasing the tax on stock market transactions will destroy the domestic capital market and introducing an additional tax for haulers increases costs and affects competitiveness, the opposition party further notes. The project on corporate governance shows how the Romanian state is put at a disadvantage, even in its own state-controlled enterprises, AUR says. Last but not least, the ultranationalists say that the reform of regulatory institutions in the fields of finance, energy and telecommunications is a hoax. Finally, according to the opposition party, the fourth project, the one regarding healthcare, on which AUR is filing a motion, provides for measures whereby patients will be sacrificed in exchange for budget savings. The postponement of the local public administration reform has caused additional tension within the ruling coalition. However, political analysts say chances for the motions filed by AUR to pass are slim. (VP) Aug. 17Loni-Jo Winkler, 45, of Placitas, was arrested for assault against a household member, criminal damage to the property of a household member and battery against a household member at an unspecified address. Eugene Glumace, 19, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for aggravated assault, battery, larceny and criminal damage to property on 15th Street. Aug. 18Jose Munoz, 17, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for three counts of battery against a household member at a redacted address. Steven Lopez, 36, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for battery against a household member, criminal damage to the property of a household member and false imprisonment in the 500 block of Campfire Road. Aug. 19Michael Cox, 46, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, driving while license revoked and improper display of registration plate near NM 528 and Southern Boulevard. Abigail Gonzales, 51, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for battery in the 1300 block of Algodones Court. Homer Borrego, 25, of Texas, was arrested for false imprisonment, battery against a household member and deprivation of the property of a household member at an unspecified address. Samantha Ruth, 34, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for battery against a household member at a redacted address. Aug. 20James Kohut, 44, of Albuquerque, was arrested for burglary of a vehicle and criminal damage to property at Extra Space Storage on NM 528, DHF Technical Products on Vortex Road and US Cotton on Laser Road. Emmanuel Smith, 37, of California, was arrested for aggravated stalking at an unspecified address. Ad Andrew Montano, 31, of Albuquerque, was arrested for assault against a household member at an unspecified address. Milinda Provaux, 19, of Albuquerque, was arrested for criminal damage to property at an unspecified address. Jessica Valadez, 39, of Albuquerque, was arrested for embezzlement of a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, open container and possession of drug paraphernalia at Walmart on NM 528. Aug. 21Gregory Wiley, 62, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for false imprisonment at an unspecified address. Christina Herrera, 30, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for battery against a household member at a redacted address. Aug. 22Jay Thomas, 45, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for DWI and falsely obtaining services at Slate Street. Charlie Chavez, 41, of Los Lunas, was arrested for two counts of a controlled substance at Target on Crestview Drive. Aug. 23Alfredo Rubio, 59, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for aggravated DWI/DUI (refused testing), careless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, resisting arrest and no insurance on Northern and Unser boulevards. David Molinar, 33, of Albuquerque, was arrested for aggravated DWI/DUI (refused testing), open container, careless driving and no insurance at an unspecified address. Angela Atchley, 50, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for DWI and reckless driving in Loma Colorado. Kevin Orpinel, 22, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for DWI and careless driving near Black Hills Road on Unser Boulevard. The Walt Disney Company has agreed to pay a $10 million fine to settle allegations from the Federal Trade Commission that it enabled the unlawful collection of children's personal data on YouTube. The FTC said Disney violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act by failing to label certain child-directed videos as "made for kids." This omission allowed data to be collected from viewers under 13 and used for targeted advertising without parental consent. Under the proposed settlement, Disney will pay the civil penalty, adopt enhanced compliance measures, and implement a review system to ensure its YouTube videos are properly designated for children when applicable. YouTube introduced the "made for kids" classification in 2019 after its own settlement with the FTC. The designation blocks personalized ads, data tracking, and comments on such videos. Regulators said Disney's failure to comply undermined those safeguards. Disney, in a statement, stressed that the case applies only to content distributed on YouTube, not its own platforms. "Supporting the well-being and safety of kids and families is at the heart of what we do," the company said, adding that it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance with children's privacy laws. The settlement highlights growing regulatory scrutiny on how media giants and digital platforms handle content consumed by young audiences. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The U.S. government has sanctioned Chinese chemical company Guangzhou Tengyue Chemical Co., Ltd. and two of its representatives, Huang Xiaojun and Huang Zhanpeng, for manufacturing and coordinating shipments of illicit opioids and chemical agents to the United States. In addition to opioids, Guangzhou Tengyue has also sold dangerous analgesic chemicals often used as cutting agents that are mixed with synthetic opioids and other illicit drugs, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. "Illicit opioids coming from China are destroying American lives, families, and communities," said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley. Opioid overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45. Since 2021, more than 70 percent of all reported drug overdose deaths have involved synthetic opioids, with fentanyl being the primary synthetic opioid driving this crisis. China-based chemical manufacturing companies remain the primary source of fentanyl precursor chemicals and other illicit opioids entering the United States. Wednesday, FBI announced a federal criminal indictment against Guangzhou Tengyue, Huang Xiaojun, Huang Zhanpeng, and other individuals and companies for a violation of Title 21 U.S. Code 846 (Conspiracy to Commit Drug Trafficking) for their roles in facilitating the flow of illicit drugs and cutting agents to the United States. The charged defendants include three individuals in the United States and approximately 22 individuals and businesses based in China. The indictment is based on a joint investigation by FBI and DEA, which commenced in January 2024. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Hyundai Motor India has widened its popular Knight Edition line-up with three new entries the i20 Knight, Alcazar Knight, and the first-ever Creta Electric Knight. This takes the Knight family to six models, joining the existing Venue, Exter, and Creta Knight. The Knight Edition theme has worked well for Hyundai since its debut in 2022, with more than 77,000 units already sold. The formula is simple: take a regular Hyundai SUV or hatchback, give it an all-black treatment inside and out, add subtle design tweaks, and package it with features that appeal to younger, style-conscious buyers. Creta Electric Knight: The Headliner The biggest talking point is the Creta Electric Knight, Hyundais first EV to join the Knight line-up. It is available with two battery options 42 kWh (420 km claimed range) and 51.4 kWh (510 km range). Prices range between Rs 21.44 lakh and Rs 24.54 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the battery pack and whether buyers opt for a home charger. This positions it at a premium compared to most mainstream EVs, but Hyundai is betting on the Creta brands strength to pull in customers. i20 Knight and N Line Knight For the hatchback segment, the i20 Knight gets the familiar 1.2L petrol engine with manual and CVT options, priced between Rs 9.14 lakh and Rs 11.34 lakh. The i20 N Line Knight, aimed at enthusiasts, sits higher at Rs 11.4212.52 lakh with a 1.0L turbo-petrol. The Knight treatment adds dark cosmetic touches, brass interior inserts, and a sportier feel, aimed at younger buyers looking for flair in the premium hatchback space. Alcazar Knight: 7-Seater in Black The Alcazar Knight caters to family buyers who also want the stealthy Knight look. Offered with a 1.5L turbo-petrol (DCT) and 1.5L diesel (AT), both in 7-seater Signature trims, prices are set between Rs 21.50 lakh and Rs 21.70 lakh. Whats New Across the Range? Beyond just the Knight editions, Hyundai has slipped in feature upgrades across the i20 and Alcazar range. The i20 and i20 N Line now get a sporty rear spoiler, dashcam, and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. The Alcazar Signature trims now also feature a dashcam as standard. For added appeal, Hyundai has introduced a Matte Black colour option for the Creta Electric Knight and Alcazar Knight, expanding choices for buyers who want exclusivity. Why It Matters Hyundais Knight Edition strategy is clearly more than just a special-edition gimmick. By standardising the blacked-out aesthetic across multiple models and now even an EV, Hyundai is building a sub-brand identity similar to how other carmakers push dark editions. With festive season demand about to pick up, these new Knight models could give Hyundai an edge in showrooms, particularly among younger urban buyers who want more style without necessarily paying for a higher variant. Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, The festive season is a time of celebration, joy and new beginnings, we are delighted to mark it with the introduction of CRETA Electric Knight, i20 Knight and ALCAZAR Knight. The allure of colour Black in the Knight line up embodies the bold spirit of todays young Indian buyers while asserting a commanding road presence. These new launches reflect our commitment to anticipating customer aspirations and delivering products that enhance both their journeys and lifestyles. With the introduction of new Knight line up, we aim to offer something special to our customers. Being the largest motorcycle and scooter market in the world, India has seen a lot of players competing with each other. The competition not only extends to the domestic market, it also encompasses international business as well (exports). The six brands at the top of this game include Hero MotoCorp, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India Ltd, TVS Motor, Bajaj Auto, Royal Enfield and Suzuki Motorcycles India Pvt Ltd. In total, these six brands accounted for a total of 21,49,201 units in the month of August 2025. Of these, 17,47,636 units were sold in the domestic market and 4,01,565 units were sold via their respective international businesses (exports). In total, there was a 10.57% YoY and 13.01% MoM growth. Lets take a closer look. Two Wheeler Sales Aug 2025 Domestic Sales Indias domestic sales was led by Hero MotoCorp with 5,19,139 units and secured 29.71% of this list. There was 5.46% YoY and 25.88% MoM growth with volume growth of 26,876 units YoY and 1,06,742 units MoM. In 2nd place, we have Honda with 4,81,021 units with a YoY decline of 2.17% and a MoM growth of 3.15%. TVS sales stood at 3,68,862 units in August 2025. Unlike Honda, TVS secured 27.60% YoY and 19.48% MoM growth in sales. Bajaj followed a similar trend as Honda with 11.75% YoY decline and 32.19% MoM growth. Royal Enfield sold 1,02,876 units last month with 56.77% YoY and 34.91% MoM growth with volume growth of 37,253 units YoY and 26,622 units MoM. Suzukis sales 91,629 units fetching it 4.74% YoY, but a 4.58% MoM decline. In total, domestic sales from these 6 brands stood at 17,47,636 units with 6.91% YoY and 16.59% MoM growth. Two Wheeler Sales Aug 2025 Exports Where international business is concerned, the tables turn a lot, pitting Bajaj at the top position as it shipped 1,57,778 units last month. Bajajs shipments fell in the greens with 24.67% YoY and 0.52% MoM growth. In 2nd place, we have TVS Motor with 1,21,926 units shipped and saw 35.82% YoY growth, but a 6.26% MoM decline. In 3rd place we have Honda as it shipped 53,840 units with 14.13% YoY and 9.77% MoM growth. Hero saw significant growth in exports in YoY analysis as the 34,588 units brought it 72.11% YoY growth, but there was a 7.41% MoM decline. Suzukis shipments fall in the 5th place with 22,307 units and the brand saw 28.79% YoY and 26.95% MoM growth. Royal Enfield exported 11,126 units last month with 38.97% YoY growth, but a 5.64% MoM decline. In total, total exports from these 6 brands stood at 4,01,565 units with 29.99% YoY growth and 0.31% MoM decline. Two Wheeler Sales Aug 2025 Total Sales The total sales charts were dominated by Hero MotoCorp with 5,53,727 units sold in August 2025. When compared to 5,12,360 units from last year and 4,49,755 units from a month before, Hero saw 8.07% YoY and 13.01% MoM growth, gaining 41,367 units YoY and 1,03,972 units MoM. In second place, we have Honda with 5,34,861 units sold. This garnered 0.74% YoY decline for Honda, but MoM sales saw 3.78% growth. With 4,90,788 units, TVS secured the third position on this list with 22.84% share. TVS saw 29.55% YoY and 11.85% MoM growth in sales. A similar growth trend was seen with Bajaj, Royal Enfield and Suzuki with 3,41,887 units, 1,14,002 units and 1,13,936 units respectively. Using strong brand names like Polo in the EV era is Volkswagens newest strategy, which will also be used for other upcoming electric cars In a welcome move for enthusiasts, the Polo nameplate is making a comeback in an electric avatar. Volkswagen has announced that its ID.2all concept car will go on sale as the ID.Polo. Moreover, ID.Polo will also get a GTI version as the top-spec variant. This will be the brands first electric car to go on sale with the GTI badge. Lets check out the details. Volkswagen ID.Polo, ID.Polo GTI Naming strategy Volkswagen Polo has a strong brand recall across multiple markets including India and Europe. While Polo is no longer available in India, it is still in production in South Africa and exported to Europe. Polo has been synonymous with quality, reliability, timeless design and innovation, which is why Volkswagen has chosen to carry the name forward in the age of electrification. While electric cars offer multiple benefits, use of Polo nameplate will ensure a stronger emotional bond. This strategy makes it easier to communicate to customers what the new EV is all about. ID.Polos launch will coincide with Polos 50th anniversary year, marking an important chapter in the models legacy. The original Polo had entered production in 1975. Volkswagen ID.Polo and ID.Polo GTI will make their global debut at the upcoming IAA MOBILITY event in Munich (8th 14th September). A day before that event, Volkswagen will unveil the new ID. Cross Concept. The production version of this concept will be positioned as the electric version of the T-Cross. Just like the ID.Polo, the ID.Cross will also go on sale in 2026. ID.Polo Key features Volkswagen has revealed the ID.Polo and its GTI variant, wrapped in a colourful camouflage. The outline and visible features reveal that most of the styling elements seen with the ID.2all and ID.2 GTI concepts have been retained. The concepts themselves were showcased in near-production formats, which is why these final versions seem quite familiar. While ID.Polo maintains its sober styling, the GTI variant has a more striking presence. It has features such as a front diffuser, sportier alloy wheels, bespoke bumpers, mildly flared arches and a split spoiler on the tailgate. The GTI also has a lower ground clearance. Dimensionally, the ID.Polo is 4,053 mm long, 1,816 mm wide and 1,530 mm tall. It is underpinned by the electric-only MEB Entry platform. All variants of ID.Polo are expected to be equipped with a single electric motor, sending power to the front wheels. While not official, the GTI variant of ID.Polo could generate around 223 hp of peak power. At a later date, even a more performance-oriented Clubsport variant could be introduced. About the potential launch of ID.Polo in India, it is unlikely to happen anytime soon. While theres scope for subcompact electric SUVs in India, Volkswagens current strategy is focused on targeting the premium segment. Volkswagen India brand director, Ashish Gupta, had earlier hinted at the possibility of reviving the Polo nameplate in India. However, no concrete plans have been revealed. The case of Laurent Freixe, CEO of the multinational chocolate company, adds to the growing list of office relationships that end in sudden dismissal Secret office romances come with a cost in the United States: losing your job. On Monday, Nestles CEO, Laurent Freixe, became the latest to join the list of senior executives who have lost their positions for maintaining and hiding a romantic relationship with an employee. Freixes undeclared relationship with a direct subordinate was revealed after the company launched an internal investigation. In the case of Andy Byron, CEO of Astronomer, no investigation was needed. It was the Kiss Cam at a Coldplay concert in July that made public and viral his relationship with Kristin Cabot, head of human resources at the same company. The outcome for both was the same: out the door. And they are not the only ones. They are part of a long trickle of top executives who failed to inform their employers about romantic relationships within the workplace, as required by the governance policies of most U.S. companies. The story follows the same pattern. A senior executive at a large company starts a romantic relationship with someone in their office. The new lovers hide their bond from the company, which constitutes a violation of codes of conduct. The relationship is uncovered after an internal investigation or a Kiss Cam. The company dismisses the executive or pressures them to resign, and the case makes headlines. Heres a look back at some of the most high-profile cases: Harry Stonecipher (Boeing, 2005) The U.S. aerospace manufacturer Boeing forced its president and CEO, Harry Stonecipher, 68, to resign after he was investigated over a relationship with a company executive. The company launched an internal investigation after receiving an anonymous complaint. Board chairman Lew Platt explained that the investigation determined Stonecipher who was married had violated Boeings code of conduct. The executive involved, whose identity was not disclosed, was not under Stoneciphers direct authority and her status at the company was unaffected. Platt stated that the facts reflected poorly on Harrys judgment and would impair his ability to lead the company. Mark Hurd (HP, 2010) Mark Hurd, one of the most admired executives both inside and outside the tech sector, resigned unexpectedly, due to a sex scandal. The Hewlett Packard (HP) CEO from 2005 to 2010 maintained a secret relationship for a year and a half with a company contractor, sparing no expense such as intimate dinners around the world that he billed to the company. Following a sexual harassment complaint, the company launched an internal investigation. However, in the statement explaining Hurds departure, HPs board of directors made it clear that no violation of the so-called anti-harassment policy was found, although there was a violation of its code of conduct. Brian Krzanich (Intel, 2018) Intel CEO Brian Krzanich resigned in June 2019 after it became known that he had a relationship with an employee. The company, one of the worlds largest chipmakers, said that the relationship violated its code of conduct. In a statement, it explained: "An ongoing investigation by internal and external counsel has confirmed a violation of Intels non-fraternization policy, which applies to all managers. Given the expectation that all employees will respect Intels values and adhere to the companys code of conduct, the board has accepted Mr Krzanichs resignation. Steve Easterbrook (McDonald's, 2019) Steve Easterbrook was fired as McDonald's chief executive in November 2019 after he had a relationship with an employee. After his dismissal, Easterbrook sent an email to employees acknowledging the relationship. "This was a mistake," he wrote. "Given the values of the company, I agree with the board that it is time for me to move on." Mark Wiseman (BlackRock, 2019) In December 2019, when Mark Wiseman was a candidate to succeed to the top position at BlackRock, he was fired for failing to disclose an inappropriate relationship. "I am leaving BlackRock because in recent months I engaged in a consensual relationship with one of our colleagues without reporting it," Wiseman said. "I regret my mistake and I accept responsibility for my actions." The investment fund requires employees to disclose any relationships to the firm. Jeff Zucker (CNN, 2022) The president of the iconic television network CNN, Jeff Zucker, announced in February 2022 he was resigning over his relationship with a colleague. "As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomos tenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have worked with for more than 20 years," Zucker told employees in an internal memo. "I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didnt. I was wrong. As a result, I am resigning today." Bernard Looney (BP, 2023) The CEO of the British oil company BP, Bernard Looney, announced his resignation after admitting that he had not been fully transparent in disclosing "details of all relationships" he had with company colleagues. Looney, 53, joined the company in 1991 and was appointed CEO in 2020 with the goal of leading the firm through the energy transition. According to the company, the board of directors received and reviewed anonymous allegations in May 2022 regarding Looneys conduct in his personal relationships with colleagues at the company. Donald Trumps administration can one day launch a missile at a boat coming from Venezuela, killing its 11 crew members, and the next, publicly declare from the heart of the Mexican executive brancha regular target of its threatsthat there will be more attacks of this type. This is while U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio, with the Mexican foreign minister standing at his side, hails the historic cooperation the U.S. has achieved with Claudia Sheinbaums administration. Each of these acts fits into the narrative Trump has imposed on the region, reduced to one basic premise for the U.S. president: whether in the form of tariffs or gunfire, the baton of command remains in his hands. From his first day back in the White House, Trump signed a decree to designate six Mexican cartels and two gangs, the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua and the Central American Mara Salvatrucha, as terrorist organizations. When the president ordered the U.S. armed forces to combat drug cartels abroad in early August, alarm bells quickly rang in Venezuela and Mexico. Trumps two measures paved the way for a long-held dream of the Trumpist hardliners: a military intervention under the guise of fighting drug trafficking. This new foreign policy of aggression claimed its first fatalities on Tuesday. In international waters off the Caribbean, an alleged drug boat carrying 11 people blew up after a direct strike from the United States. This alleged shipment is the only justification Trump has given for killing the crew, whom he accuses of being part of the Tren de Aragua. The president has also offered no legal basis for the attack beyond his own presidential orders: There was massive amounts of drugs coming into our country to kill a lot of people, and everybody fully understands that. Obviously, they wont be doing it again, he said Wednesday without further explanation. This same normalization strategy is what Rubio applied, speaking from the Mexican Foreign Ministry. Like a Trojan horse, the Secretary of State declared: It could happen again, tomorrow or in a week. These are not simply individuals committing a crime; they are organizations; they are a direct threat to national security. (...) These are cartels that are earning billions of dollars, so they dont mind losing one or two shipments. That doesnt work, explained Rubio, who, while discussing about the attack on the Venezuelan vessel, perfectly described the modus operandi of any Mexican cartel. Marco Rubio and Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente on September 3. Jacquelyn Martin (AP) The president of the United States is going to wage war on narcoterrorist organizations, Trumps deputy summed up, speaking in perfect Spanish with a Cuban accent, as he stood next to Juan Ramon de la Fuente. The Mexican foreign minister avoided answering questions from journalists who insisted on the precedent set in the region by the return of this arms diplomacy. Mexicos position on this issue is very clear; it is based on our constitutional principles of foreign policy, which are clearly defined in Article 89 of our Magna Carta, and on respect for international law and the international conventions and treaties in force on the matter, De la Fuente stated simply, in the same tone set by Sheinbaum of not contradicting the United States, much less in public. The Mexican president combines her strategy of non-confrontation with a firm position that incursions by U.S. armed forces in Mexico is absolutely off limits. The United States is not going to come to Mexico with the military, there will be no invasion, she has emphasized on several occasions. Sheinbaum, who has waved the white flag from the beginning, takes every opportunity to highlight her premise of cooperation yes, submission never. This strategy, accompanied by the surrender of 55 drug lords to the U.S., the militarization of the border, and massive seizures of fentanyl, has worked, so far, in curbing Trumps impulses. Until this week, the president has continued to insist that Sheinbaum wont accept his help in confronting the cartels that run the country because she is scared. In this new version of the old tale about the knight rescuing the damsel in distress, the Republican president has introduced a message that has resonated with a segment of Mexicos political opposition: that the country needs U.S. help to deal with criminal groups. However, that was not the message emphasized on Wednesday by Marco Rubio and Juan Ramon de la Fuente. The State Secretary went so far as to declare that never in the history of both countries have we seen the level of cooperation that we have right now, cooperation at a level that respects integrity and the sovereignty of both countries, but at the same time, this cooperation has led to concrete outcomes. When it comes to our cooperation, he added, theres no other government thats cooperating as much with us in the fight against crime as the Government of Mexico and President Sheinbaums administration. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition More information about the election, and how to register to vote, is available at the Santa Fe County Clerk's Office website at santafecountynm.gov/clerk/elections/rle2025 . Oct. 7 : Early voting begins at the Santa Fe County Clerk's Office; last day to register to vote online. Quotes of the night Liz Barrett: "Moms get it done we don't have a choice to not get it done. City Council does not have a choice to not get it done. We're in crisis mode with most of these issues." Paul Bustamante: "We all run into the city mascot, which is the pothole." Pat Feghali: "[The mayor] does set the agenda, and currently runs the meetings as well. So I think that is that is enough power in one person." Lee Garcia: "I think that some of the best legislation that comes forward is that that is brought forward by the community." Aurora Martinez: "I make some pretty good money now, in these days, and if it wasn't for my grandfather's home that I live in, I couldn't live here." David Montoya: "If ICE ever comes into this town, we should get some entrepreneuring tow truck drivers, because ICE agents like to park illegally, and then impound their cars." Katherine Rivera: "As we increase the minimum wage, naturally, it's going to increase the price of our burritos, our green chile cheeseburgers, etc." Leroy Trujillo: "It doesn't matter where you're from, if you're purple, green, yellow: We have to focus on our citizens first." It was never about him, but about denouncing what stirred in his blood. Thats why Paul Laverty (Calcutta, 68), the screenwriter and filmmaker who, over three decades of collaboration with director Ken Loach, has contributed like no other to keeping alive in the United Kingdom and around the world a rebellious leftist consciousness against injustice, refuses to focus the conversation on his arrest for denouncing the genocide in Gaza. It was on August 25 that Laverty attended a protest in Edinburgh wearing a T-shirt that read Genocide in PALESTINE. Time to Take ACTION. The play with the font led police to conclude that Laverty was publicly supporting the Palestine Action organization, which Keir Starmers government has decided to designate as a terrorist organization. Those who support its acts of sabotage can be sentenced to up to 14 years in prison. Public figures such as Laverty and the writer Sally Rooney have expressed their rebellion against this decision, along with thousands of anonymous citizens. Police arrested more than 700 people during a demonstration in Parliament Square on August 9, and new protests in support of Palestine Action are already being announced. Laverty, who knows Spain well and has long been the partner of director Iciar Bollain, spoke to EL PAIS by phone from Edinburgh. He asked not to begin the interview by talking about his shirt, but rather by discussing the statements of one of the right-wing ministers in the current Israeli government. I think what actually burns in my ears every morning is the statement by Bezalel Smotrich. Hes been the Minister of Finance since 2022 and this is what he said. We are disassembling Gaza, and leaving it as piles of rubble, with total destruction [which has] no precedent globally. And the world isnt stopping us. Now, to me, that is just absolutely chilling. He not only shows clear genocidal intent, but hes actually mocking the world." Question. And do you see an awakening of citizens consciousness? Answer. I think there are many, many people around the world who, like me, wake up and see the execution of the starving [Gazan population] every morning over the last 24 hours, and ask ourselves, are we actually seeing what is happening in front of our eyes. I think theres still a sense of just almost disbelief that this is playing out in front of our eyes. Its a stunning turning point in our lives. In the past, there have been genocides, but never with such impunity. I think thats why so many people feel kind of helpless because they see their governments colluding with the Israeli state. Q. But not all countries have shown the same degree of complicity. A. I think the UK and Germany have been particularly terrible in this episode of our history. Others have very good rhetoric on it, which was interesting to see, because the devil is always in the detail. The grassroots in Spain, the grassroots in Ireland, the grassroots here in the UK, are against the genocide, but these contractual, corporate contracts are what gives life to the apartheid state of Israel. Q. Did you find such a pro-Israeli stance in Starmers new Labour government surprising? A. No, not in the slightest. [Look what] happened to Jeremy Corbyn (the partys previous leader), he was absolutely crucified, and it was right-wing Labour who used antisemitism as a battering ram to bring him down. Starmer, as I understand, has always been a Zionist, and forever he will be shamed by his first public interview after the terrible events of October 7, when he justified that Israel had the right to cut off food and water and electricity in collective punishment to the people of Gaza. He later tried to explain that he had been misunderstood, but everybody understood the nod and the wink to the Israeli government. Q. I remember Starmers battle against alleged internal antisemitism within the party. And the more conservative media applauded him. A. I think now that that has been shown to be an enormous lie, but it terrified and frightened people. For example, Ken [Loach] has been accused of antisemitism by right-wing Labour and Israelis for decades. I know for a fact Ive worked with Ken my whole life theres not an antisemitic molecule in his entire body. Hes even been accused of contributing to an atmosphere in which Holocaust denial is possible. Thats total bollocks. Q. Dont you think there has been some evolution, when the Starmer government embargoed the sale of certain weapons to Israel, or when it now announces that it will recognize the Palestinian state? A. Right here where I live, in Edinburgh, the Leonardo UK factory continues to supply weapons to a pool of which Israel is a member. Theres a pool of arms that goes to NATO, and the Labour government tries to pretend that they cant separate Israel from that pool because it would jeopardize national security. Its absolute bullshit. Leonardo UK continues to supply Israel with components for the F-35 fighter jets that bomb Gaza. Theres enormous public pressure. More and more people are saying that they are colluding with a genocidal state in terms of Articles One and Three of the Genocide Convention of 1951. And in relation to the whole question of recognition, when you look at international law, the Palestinian people have the right to self-determination. This isnt something that Britain should recognize or not. This is something that should be implicit. Its not a favor to them. [Britain has a] historical responsibility under the Balfour Declaration; we started all of this off and totally undermined the rights of Palestinians. The idea that were doing something positive as an unconditional favor to them is a great big smokescreen. Q: Do you fear a curtailment of freedoms in the UK, with decisions such as the designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization? A. I just spoke to an emeritus professor of health in a senior university in the UK. Shes a friend of mine. She went to a print shop for t-shirts, because shes going to go to the march, and she tried to get a t-shirt printed with I oppose genocide on one side and I oppose the proscription of Palestine Action on the other. The first shop refused to do it. The second, the same. The third told her they were too scared. Theres nothing illegal about that at all, a senior figure, a professor at a university, expressing her opinion. This is how civil liberties shrink before our eyes, people become scared; people at work, in institutions, in the legal profession, at universities. Q. But there are voices, even within the moderate right, that have expressed their displeasure at the arrests of peaceful protesters A. Although there is no definitive definition of terrorism, all legal experts have linked it to murder, injury, mutilation, hostage-taking in other words, true terror. To equate people throwing paint at a war plane in a time of genocide with that type of terrorism is an absolute disgrace. I have been charged under Section 15 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Im due in court on September 18 for wearing a t-shirt which said the following: Genocide in Palestine, time to take action. I will continue to justify and defend each of those seven words. Q. Have you felt supported? A. Ive got a close circle of many political friends, but its the ordinary people, in a normal supermarket conversation, who tell me theyre completely disgusted. We just cant believe this is taking place in front of our eyes they tell me. Ive been actually overwhelmed with support. Ive been massively touched by the support coming from Spain. Even the San Sebastian Film Festival made a statement on it. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Hostility between the United States and Venezuela has reached an unprecedented level during Donald Trumps presidential cycles. After six years of wrangling of understanding and decompressing the Venezuelan political conflict and its international implications tensions have escalated with the deployment of warships in the Caribbean and the deadly attack on a drug-trafficking boat which killed all 11 crew members allegedly originating from Venezuela. Gone is the cryptic yet intimidating line in the yellow notebook of former White House national security adviser John Bolton, bearing the message 5,000 troops to Colombia, which the controversial official revealed at a press conference in January 2019. It was a bellicose spark amid the crisis unleashed by opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaiming himself interim president to force Nicolas Maduro from power. Now, eight warships, 4,000 U.S. military personnel, and a nuclear submarine are deployed along Venezuelas northern coast. The attack on the vessel marks a milestone in the strained relations between the two countries, as well as in U.S. foreign policy and its capabilities to impose its agenda. At the end of Trumps first administration, the conflict between the countries began to escalate with the suspension of operations of the United States Embassy in Caracas and the withdrawal of all diplomatic personnel. It was also the year in which the first sanctions were imposed, specifically aimed at stifling Venezuelas oil economy by penalizing third parties trading in the South American countrys crude. The U.S. narrative of pressure on Maduro, who had been reelected a year earlier in elections considered fraudulent, was based on the premise that all options are on the table, an ambiguous phrase with which the Republican magnate attempted to undermine Chavismo during the current geopolitical standoff, trying to make it seem that Maduro would seize power at any cost. Over the past six years, Venezuela has repeatedly denounced alleged conspiracies from Washington to force a change of government. During 2019 and 2020, Chavismo dismantled operations that heightened diplomatic tensions and placed the Maduro government on a permanent state of alert. This has allowed it to unleash a repressive policy against its critics, resulting in imprisonment, exile, and the murder of protesters, as well as reinforcing the anti-imperialist rhetoric that underpins Chavismo. The most famous of these failed skirmishes, known as Operation Gedeon, was led by a group of Venezuelan dissident soldiers stationed in Colombia and three members of a private security force made up of former U.S. Green Berets. They attempted to infiltrate Venezuela through the central coast to overthrow the Maduro government. Although the United States and Colombia then governed by Ivan Duque denied involvement, Venezuela nonetheless accused them and the incident has repeatedly been used to reiterate the Chavistas claim of an international conspiracy against them. The Biden administration was a turning point for understanding and detente. Sanctions were replaced with oil licenses, and Chavismo promised to make concessions to the opposition, which were not fulfilled. This restructuring of relations between the United States and Venezuela foundered after the 2024 presidential elections, after which Maduro again remained in power amid allegations of fraud by the opposition, which published the voting records that declared Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia the winner. Trumps second term, however, has been more direct. In seven months, he has rapidly evolved his pressure mechanisms. From the meeting with special envoy Richard Grennel which facilitated agreements such as the exchange of American prisoners for Venezuelans deported from the United States to the suspension of the license of the American oil company Chevron, Maduro has now become a drug trafficker in the eyes of the U.S. Washington accuses him of being the leader of the so-called Cartel of the Suns, an alleged organization operated by Venezuelan military forces to move drugs into the United States. He has also been accused of heading Tren de Aragua, a transnational criminal gang of Venezuelan origin that Trump blames for all of his countrys ills. A few weeks ago, the reward for Maduros capture was raised from $25 million to $50 million, and he has been named one of the targets of the U.S. anti-drug war in the Caribbean, an accusation that Chavismo has denied and that the opposition, united around Maria Corina Machado, has made a banner. The incidents of maritime tension with Venezuela have centered on the interception of foreign oil tankers in disputed waters east of the country, where Guyana has begun its oil era. In the territorial dispute over the Essequibo and the delimitation of the Atlantic coastline between Caracas and Georgetown, the United States has intervened tangentially, supporting Guyanas position of defending its possession of the territory. Venezuela has vigorously defended itself diplomatically and with the presence of its Navy. But in the current scenario, following the deadly attack on a drug-running boat confirmed by the United States, Venezuela has cautiously heeded Trumps warning. Initially, Caracas dismissed the attack, claiming that the video released of a boat exploding with its crew inside was created using artificial intelligence. But for the past week, Chavismo has issued emergency calls to the Latin American and Caribbean Economic Community (CELAC) and the United Nations demanding the withdrawal of all U.S. military equipment from the Caribbean, which they consider the greatest regional threat recorded in the last century. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition As we age, what and how much we eat tends to change. However, how meal timing relates to our health remains less understood. Researchers at Mass General Brigham and their collaborators studied changes to meal timing in older adults and discovered people experience gradual shifts in when they eat meals as they age. They also found characteristics that may contribute to meal timing shifts and revealed specific trajectories linked to an earlier death. The results are published in Communications Medicine. "Our research suggests that changes in when older adults eat, especially the timing of breakfast, could serve as an easy-to-monitor marker of their overall health status. Patients and clinicians can possibly use shifts in mealtime routines as an early warning sign to look into underlying physical and mental health issues," said lead author Hassan Dashti, PhD, RD, a nutrition scientist and circadian biologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. "Also, encouraging older adults in having consistent meal schedules could become part of broader strategies to promoting healthy aging and longevity." Dashti and his colleagues -- including senior author Altug Didikoglu, MSc, PhD, of the Izmir Institute of Technology in Turkey -- examined key aspects of meal timing that are significant for aging populations to determine whether certain patterns might signal, or even influence, health outcomes later in life. The research team analyzed data, including blood samples, from 2,945 community-dwelling adults in the UK aged 42-94 years old who were followed for more than 20 years. They found that as older adults age, they tend to eat breakfast and dinner at later times, while also narrowing the overall time window in which they eat each day. Later breakfast time was consistently associated with having physical and mental health conditions such as depression, fatigue and oral health problems. Difficulty with meal preparation and worse sleep were also linked with later mealtimes. Notably, later breakfast timing was associated with an increased risk of death during follow-up. Individuals genetically predisposed to characteristics associated with being a "night owl" (preferring later sleep and wake times) tended to eat meals at later times. "Up until now, we had a limited insight into how the timing of meals evolves later in life and how this shift relates to overall health and longevity," said Dashti. "Our findings help fill that gap by showing that later meal timing, especially delayed breakfast, is tied to both health challenges and increased mortality risk in older adults. These results add new meaning to the saying that 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day,' especially for older individuals." Dashti noted that this has important implications as time-restricted eating and intermittent fasting gain popularity, where the health impacts of shifting meal schedules may differ significantly in aging populations from those in younger adults. Authorship: In addition to Dashti, Mass General Brigham authors include Chloe Liu, Hao Deng and Anushka Sharma. Funding: This study was supported by the National Institute of Health (R00HL153795). With the first warm days of spring or summer, after the initial rains, frenzy breaks out among the ants. Virgin queens go in search of one of the many males of their species, who, in a synchronized manner, also leave their colonies. During this nuptial flight, they mate with as many males as they can, storing their sperm. It will be the only time in their lives that they do so. Back in their colony, they will use it to produce new queens, a few males, and an army of workers for years. This is what most of these hymenopterans do. But there is one queen that mates with males of two different species and, not only that, lays eggs from both. The discovery, published in Nature, could force scientists to redefine what constitutes a species. The Messor ibericus is, as its name suggests, native to the Iberian Peninsula. But its colonies are found across the entire southern belt of Mediterranean Europe, from southern Spain to Greece. It is a harvester of grasses, so it is easy to see it marching in single file across pastures, carrying a grain many times its weight. By analyzing the genes of several hundred ants of the genus Messor, a group of entomologists discovered that 164 of them were actually hybrids. What caught their attention was that all of them were M. ibericus workers. When they examined their mitochondrial DNA (inherited from the mother), the scientists confirmed that they belonged to this species. But when they analyzed their nuclear DNA (inherited from the father), they saw that the father was a Messor structor. The mystery did not end there. In fact, it was only beginning. Among ants, it is not uncommon for queens to mate with males of other species. There is even a term for the most extreme situations: sperm parasitism, where a queen forces males outside her species to mate with her. Here, the queen parasitizes a male who does not follow a basic rule of evolution: ensuring the survival of his own species. What is rarer but not unheard of in the world of ants is that this union produces the workers that every queen needs to maintain her colony, as is the case with M. ibericus. But what is truly extraordinary and has left entomologists astonished is that she lays eggs of her own species and of M. structor. Queens can produce males of their own species (as typically happens in other animals), but they also produce males of another species, explains Jonathan Romiguier, an entomologist at the Institute of Evolutionary Sciences at the University of Montpellier in France and senior author of this research. What makes this surprising is, first, that ibericus and structor, though belonging to the same genus, diverged more than five million years ago, so they are neither sisters nor even distant cousins. And second, and more surprisingly, the distribution of M. structor colonies stretches from the fields of Bulgaria and Romania, across several other Eastern European countries, to Austria, Switzerland, and eastern France. Only in Swiss territory and in a small part of France do they coexist with M. ibericus nests. So how are there hybrids as far south as Sicily or the Spanish town of Jaen? How do queens of one species each spring manage to find males of another species living thousands of miles away? Specimen of a worker ant of 'Messor ibericus.' All the workers of this species analyzed are hybrids of a queen of their species and a male of 'M. structor.' Claude Lebas M. ibericus can now clone M. structor males, so it doesnt need M. structor colonies in its environment, explains Romiguier. In the past, thousands or perhaps millions of years ago, the two species shared the same geography. As they still do today in a small part of France and Switzerland, the queens of the former found wild males of the latter. At some point, they began parasitizing them and achieved what now astonishes scientists. Basically, M. ibericus initially acquired sperm from M. structor in areas where the two species used to overlap. By cloning this sperm, it can maintain this clonal lineage independently, says Romiguier. Here, the queens have a permanent source of sperm, which allows them to produce new workers and males in subsequent generations, which made it easier for M. ibericus to colonize areas where M. structor is not found naturally, such as Sicily or Andalusia, he continues. The authors had to invent a term, xenoparity something like giving birth to a stranger to describe a female of one species producing offspring of another. For Francisco Martin, a biologist at the Autonomous University of Madrid, the fact that the queen produces two types of males, one of her species and another of a different species is whats a bit mind-boggling. Martin, who was not involved in this work and studies ant communities and their role in ecosystems, believes that something like this has never been seen in biology; but if theres any group where there was a chance of finding a situation as unique as this, I would have voted for the ants. Where both species overlap, queens mate with males from M. structor colonies or with clones. But in Spain, where they dont overlap, they have lineages of domesticated males that have been cloned for several thousand years, says Martin. Thanks to this, the new M. ibericus queen, when she founds a new colony, is already capable of producing four types of offspring, he says. In general, sexual reproduction in ants is haploid/diploid, explains myrmecologist Silvia Abril, from the University of Girona. Within the colony, haploid and diploid individuals are created. Haploids come from unfertilized eggs; the queen decides whether to lay them unfertilized or fertilize them with the sperm stored in her sperm cell. She continues: The unfertilized egg is haploid because there is only one genetic copy, which is usually that of the mother, and from that, males will always emerge. When she fertilizes the eggs, we have a diploid because there are two copies of each chromosome, one from the mother and one from the father [as occurs in mammals]. These diploid individuals are the females, who will later become queens or workers, depending on the food or care the larvae receive. But M. ibericus has turned everything upside down. Whats new and very striking" in Abrils words, is that M. ibericus queens can lay unfertilized, haploid eggs, remove their own DNA, but incorporate the males DNA, producing successive generations of clones. Its the same as what humans have achieved with modern cloning techniques. In nature, there is thus an animal with four types of offspring: through parthenogenesis, it produces males of two species its own and M. structor some with its DNA, others with foreign genetic material. By mating with the latter, it produces the worker caste, and by mating with an M. ibericus male, it produces the next generation of queens. Its marvelous, concludes the myrmecologist. Alongside the now-retired Xabier Espadaler, ecologist Xim Cerda from the Donana Biological Station may be the Spanish scientist who knows the most about ants. He was familiar with Romiguiers teams work, having discussed their findings at recent myrmecology conferences before they were published in Nature. For Cerda, what they have discovered changes the paradigm of what defines a species. The classic concept says that it is a group of organisms with similar physical and genetic characteristics that can reproduce with each other in nature and produce fertile offspring, he recalls. But it turns out thats not the case; two species are needed here. Were going to have to rethink the concept. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Air pollution makes people sick and can be deadly in many ways. It has been shown to drive cardiovascular diseases, respiratory infections, and cancers such as lung cancer. It is responsible for 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide every year. There is no doubt about its harmful potential, but science is increasingly trying to pinpoint the exact links between pollution and different illnesses. A new study, published on Thursday in Science, focuses on the connection between air pollution and the risk of developing dementia, a group of neurodegenerative diseases traditionally associated with aging and characterized by the loss of memory and individual autonomy. Specifically, researchers from Johns Hopkins University in the United States, who authored the study, focused on Lewy body dementia, a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the abnormal accumulation in the brain of a protein called alpha-synuclein. These harmful deposits (Lewy bodies), which are distinctive signs of this type of dementia and also of Parkinsons disease, are responsible for motor problems and memory loss. And according to this new research, that protein may also hold the key to explaining how prolonged exposure to air pollution increases the risk of developing this type of dementia. The study provides scientific support for the potential of air pollutants to fuel disease and suggests that alpha-synuclein is a crucial mediator linking environmental damage to brain damage. Xiaobo Mao, a researcher in the Department of Neurology at Johns Hopkins University and author of the study, explains that his intention was to dig deeper into a major knowledge gap a black box that made it impossible to understand exactly how pollution damages the brain. The association between pollution and the risk of developing dementia had already been demonstrated, but, he notes, the specific molecular mechanisms were not clear. The researchers focused specifically on Lewy body dementia because of its public health impact it is the second most common neurodegenerative dementia, after Alzheimers and because its link to pollution was a blind spot for science, he says, almost unknown. We saw a pressing need to investigate whether this common environmental exposure could be a risk factor for this devastating and widespread disease, he explains in an email response. The first thing the scientists did was delve into epidemiological research to confirm the association already suggested by earlier scientific literature. They used data from 56 million U.S. patients hospitalized with neurodegenerative diseases between 2000 and 2014. They focused on those with Lewy body-related diseases and also calculated their exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) an airborne pollutant produced by vehicle combustion, factories, or the burning of materials. When they cross-referenced the data, the scientists found that as exposure to these environmental toxins increased, so did the risk of hospital admission for these neurodegenerative conditions. Then, in experiments with mice, they confirmed that normal rodents exposed to these pollutants developed buildups of alpha-synuclein and ultimately suffered brain atrophy, neuronal death, and cognitive decline all hallmarks of dementia. In contrast, when the same pollutants were given to genetically modified mice that did not produce alpha-synuclein, no significant brain changes were observed: no atrophy, no cognitive decline. The pollution was still present, but without its key target protein, it could not cause this specific type of neurodegeneration, the researcher adds. The scientists hypothesis is that environmental toxins such as PM2.5 could trigger abnormal accumulations of alpha-synuclein capable of spreading damage throughout the brain. They confirmed this in another experiment with mice genetically modified to produce the human version of the protein: after five months of exposure to pollutants, the authors detected alpha-synuclein buildups and cognitive decline. But these harmful deposits were different from those that develop as a result of aging: exposure to fine particles generated a different strain of alpha-synuclein. A distinct, toxic, and highly aggressive strain We found that PM2.5 acts as a catalyst, causing the alpha-synuclein protein to misfold into a distinct, highly aggressive, toxic strain, says Mao. You can think of it this way: PM2.5 doesnt just damage the brain directly, but it also corrupts a native protein, turning it into a super-spreader of pathology, more resistant to cellular clearance and more toxic to neurons than forms of alpha-synuclein that aggregate on their own. We confirmed this effect with PM2.5 samples from the U.S., China, and Europe. Mao claims that the toxic strain of alpha-synuclein identified in the mouse experiments shares key biochemical and pathological properties with alpha-synuclein strains extracted from the cerebrospinal fluid of human patients with Lewy body dementia. Pascual Sanchez, secretary of the Behavior and Dementia Study Group of the Spanish Society of Neurology, welcomes the results of this research, in which he did not participate. According to Sanchez, the research provides more evidence that pollution can influence dementia. However, he calls for caution when it comes to interpreting the results: just because a molecular pathway has been found that helps explain this correlation does not mean that all people exposed to air pollution will develop Lewy body dementia. It is a risk factor, but the association is relatively mild. Its not like smoking and the risk of cancer, which is much higher. But although the absolute risk is small, the link is clear, and this study is a wake-up call, warns the neurologist, who is also director of the CIEN Foundation. Major unknowns still to solve In this regard, Mao himself admits that what remains to be learned is precisely how pollutants interact with individual genetic risk factors, since not all people exposed to pollution develop Lewy body dementia. The researchers also dont know which specific components of PM 2.5 the particles are made up of many different chemicals are the most harmful. He recalls that his research focused on the relationship between pollution and hospital admissions for Lewy body dementia, but more research is needed to confirm the role of pollution in the initial onset of the disease. Even so, Mao says, the discovery strengthens the evidence on pollutions impact on health and opens new preventive and therapeutic scenarios. Reducing air pollution is a crucial strategy for protecting brain health, he says. Future therapies could also be designed to prevent the interaction of air pollutants with alpha-synuclein or to specifically neutralize this highly toxic strain once it forms. Diana Esteller, a neurologist at Hospital Clinic in Barcelona, also highlights the preventive implications of the study: Anything you can do to eliminate this risk factor will be positive. And although she acknowledges that it could also spur new therapeutic research, she notes that in this particular disease, drug development is limited. Given how common it is, it seems that Lewy body dementia has been somewhat neglected, she agrees. Mao, for his part, acknowledges that the molecular pathway identified in his research to explain the association between pollution and dementia is only one among many. He explains: Air pollution is a complex combination that attacks the body on multiple fronts. Our study has added a crucial new piece to the puzzle, but the full picture is likely a combination of several damaging mechanisms. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Arrests made in recent days around educational centers are raising alarms in the migrant community and driving the absenteeism of thousands of students From Washington, D.C. to California, the return to school has been marred by the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been carrying out violent arrests outside public schools, despite the agencys acting director, Todd Lyons, stating that such operations would only be carried out under special circumstances or in urgent situations. Affected parents and guardians, as well as teachers and school administrators, have been quick to raise their voices in protest. The superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District one of the largest in the country with more than 500,000 students of whom 7,500 are without legal status Alberto Carvalho anticipated the situation and urged authorities not to carry out immigration enforcement activities within a two-block radius of schools, from one hour before the start of the school day until one hour after classes end. We dont want anyone to stay home out of fear, he said; but this is exactly what is happening in several areas of the country. School absenteeism this new academic year is in the thousands. Miami-Dade and Broward, two of Floridas most populous counties, saw significant enrollment declines. In Broward, the number of students fell from 326,279 last year to 313,220 this year, or 13,059 fewer students. In Broward, 236,548 students were enrolled this year, 11,379 fewer than in 2024. A study conducted by Stanford University and published in June already reflected that student absences due to ICE raids were wreaking havoc on schools. In Californias Central Valley, an agricultural region home to many immigrant workers, classroom absences increased by 22% last semester. Members of the National Guard in Washington, August 25. Jose Luis Gonzalez (REUTERS) While the restriction on ordering raids in so-called sensitive areas (such as schools, churches, and hospitals) was lifted in late January, it has never been fully enforced because the Fourth Amendment protects all persons from unreasonable searches. During an informational session for public schools in Washington, district officials clarified to parents that ICE can only enter schools with court authorization. Any law enforcement action on school grounds can only be carried out with a valid warrant or court order. If ICE agents arrive at a school, administrators are clear on what to do next, said Lewis Ferebee, the districts chancellor. Agents also cannot access student records and files, as required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). What immigration officers can do without a warrant is set up in public places, such as parking lots, driveways, and bus stops. School entrance lobbies are also considered public spaces, so they are not safe zones. In this regard, the educational community has decided to organize to confront ICE operations in their surroundings. In several cities across the country, teachers are positioning themselves around the school block to escort and provide reassurance to students and their families upon arrival. Washington D.C. For a month now, the nations capital has been grappling with an unprecedented immigration offensive, aggravated by the deployment of the National Guard on its streets. In the first half of August alone, federal agents arrested more than 300 people for reasons related to their immigration status, and the districts schools have not been spared from the siege. At schools like CommuniKids, where 90% of the staff are immigrants, the board has recommended that teachers carry their passports at all times. Schools with a majority of Latino students are creating protocols to respond to a potential ICE raid, instructing teachers to contact school administration and the police. The climate of intimidation has escalated to the point where many Spanish-speaking parents and teachers are afraid to speak Spanish to avoid being targeted by agents. CNN reported that a public charter school (schools with no tuition and open enrollment) allocated funds from its annual budget to rent a private bus to take students to and from subway stations to avoid being ambushed by ICE agents on the way to school. California Since the resumption of classes, schools in Los Angeles and San Diego have documented at least 10 arrests in their surrounding areas. One of the most high-profile cases was the arrest of Baldemar Gutierrez, a 15-year-old student at San Fernando High School who has a speech disability and could not be identified due to his condition. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho called the action unjustifiable while the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement clarifying that the agents made an error while conducting an operation to arrest undocumented criminal Cristian Alexander Vasquez Alvarenga. Teachers and volunteers monitor for ICE presence at Ninety-Third Street Elementary School in Los Angeles, California. Daniel Cole (REUTERS) Los Angeles Unified School District officials have reported the presence of ICE around four major schools: Bakewell Primary Center, Harte Prep Middle School, Cortines School of Visual & Performing Arts, and Victory Boulevard Elementary. During these operations, Juan Jose Martinez Cortes, a Mexican citizen, was arrested outside Linda Vista Elementary School as he was picking up his son. The district issued a statement seeking to reassure families and reiterate that schools remain safe spaces. However, outside Montgomery High School in the Sweetwater Union High School District, ICE agents detained a students father before the start of the school day. Florida In one of the states with the largest Latino immigrant population, immigration authorities activities near schools appear to have ulterior motives, but they always end with foreigners detained. A traffic operation near Apopka High School an institution with nearly 3,500 students in northwest Orange County resulted in the arrest of five migrants. The school activated the hold/secure protocol, requiring teachers and students to remain in classrooms while campus security is monitored. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Ancient Assyrian Church Desecrated in Turkey For years, Turkish authorities have pledged to protect the rights of minorities, including the Syriac (Aramean--Assyrian--Chaldean) community, and to safeguard their places of worship while punishing those who violate them. Yet recent incidents tell a different story. Acts of violence and desecration by extremists expose a widening gap between official promises and reality, raising concerns of negligence or even tacit complicity on the part of the authorities. In a video recorded at St. Hirmiz Chaldean Church in central Merde (Mardin) and reposted by Gazete Sabro on X, an unidentified individual was seen hurling insults and hate speech in Arabic, desecrating the cross and other sacred symbols inside the church, and verbally abusing followers of the Christian faith. The Chaldean Church Endowment Committee announced it will file a criminal complaint to investigate the circumstances of the crime and bring the perpetrator to justice. Dating back to 430 AD, St. Hirmiz Church is among Turkey's oldest surviving churches, serving both as a place of worship and as a cultural landmark. Journalist Martha Sumik of Gazete Sabro reported that she spoke directly with the Chaldean Church Endowment Committee. "Our church is open to visitors during the day," a representative explained. "Unfortunately, the attack went unnoticed despite the presence of security guards outside. We believe the attacker is Syrian. Tomorrow, we will file a complaint and hope the perpetrator is quickly found and that these attacks come to an end." The backlash quickly spread beyond local circles. The organization A Demand for Action (ADFA) issued a statement highlighting the broader implications of the desecration. "Some may view this as an isolated incident carried out by a single individual -- and that may be the case. Still, it is important to recognize the sensitivity of this event, given the long history of Christian persecution in neighboring Syria and Iraq, as well as in Turkey, where Christian people were once driven to the brink of disappearance." The statement also noted the unfortunate timing, occurring just days after the historic visit of Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II to Merde in the historic Tur Abdin region. At the same time, ADFA acknowledged recent positive measures, such as the Turkish government's decision to return the Syriac Catholic Cathedral and former Patriarchate in Merde and its approval of a new Syriac Orthodox church in Istanbul. However, the group warned that such symbolic gestures risk being overshadowed if attacks on Christian communities and their sacred sites are not addressed with seriousness. "The desecration of St. Hirmiz Church," ADFA concluded, "is not only an affront to Turkey's Christian heritage but also a reminder of the urgent need for consistent protection of minority communities. We hope the authorities act swiftly to identify the perpetrator, bring them to justice, and prevent further such incidents." No American city should have the US military policing its streets, said Brian Schwalb, attorney general for the District of Columbia Washington, D.C. has filed a lawsuit against the federal government over the deployment of the National Guard in its streets, ordered last month by U.S. President Donald Trump. Since August 11, thousands of local Guardsmen and troops from seven other states have been patrolling the capitals main monuments and subway system, among other areas, to confront what the president has described as a wave of crime serious enough to warrant a state of emergency. Official figures, however, suggest otherwise. No American city should have the U.S. military particularly out-of-state military who are not accountable to the residents and untrained in local law enforcement policing its streets, said Brian Schwalb, attorney general for the District of Columbia. Weve filed this action to put an end to this illegal federal overreach. The lawsuit comes just two days after a federal judge in San Francisco declared a similar deployment of National Guard troops, ordered by Trump this past June in Los Angeles, illegal. This deployment was also justified on the grounds of public safety. It also comes amid Trumps growing threats to repeat the operation in other majority-Democratic cities, including Chicago, Baltimore, and, as of this week, New Orleans. All of them, like Washington and Los Angeles, are led by Democratic and African American mayors. Trump boasts that the deployments have dramatically improved security in both cities. On Thursday, the president boasted on his social platform, Truth Social, about the number of arrests in Washington since the streets have been patrolled not only by soldiers, but also by federal police and immigration agents. According to White House figures, in the three weeks since the deployment, there have been 1,669 arrests and 709 criminals removed from the streets. Polls, however, point to deep discontent among the 700,000 residents of the city and more than six million in the metropolitan area. Nearly 80% oppose the deployment, and 78% say they feel less safe due to the presence of troops on the streets. Prominent figures in the hospitality sector, such as Spanish chef Jose Andres, have publicly criticized the presidents decision, citing a decline in bar and restaurant attendance since the operation began. In a statement, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed the citys lawsuit as nothing more than another attempt at the detriment of D.C. residents and visitors to undermine the Presidents highly successful operations to stop violent crime in DC." In the Los Angeles case, Judge Charles Breyer ruled that the National Guard deployment violated the Posse Comitatus Act, signed in 1878, which prohibits the use of the military for domestic law enforcement functions. 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. Another law, the 218-year-old Insurrection Act, allows the president to deploy the National Guard composed of reservists who balance their duties with civilian jobs in cases of rebellion against the government in any U.S. state. That law specifies that the presidential order must come when requested by a states legislature, or governor if the legislature cannot be convened, but it also grants the president authority to send National Guard troops if deemed necessary to quell an insurrection. Washingtons case is different, since the city is not a state but a district. Its National Guard, unlike in the states where it is under the governors control, is under the direct authority of the president. But the lawsuit argues that the deployment order, issued without the express consent of Mayor Muriel Bowser, violates the citys autonomy, guaranteed by a 1973 law. It also echoes the arguments made in Los Angeles, stressing that the presence of troops in the streets has run roughshod over a fundamental tenet of American democracy that the military should not be involved in domestic law enforcement. This is the second lawsuit Washington has filed against Trumps order. In the first, it argued that the president could not take control of the local police, as outlined in the lawsuit. Eventually, Attorney General Pam Bondi approved a more limited role for federal agents, confined to supporting operations by the Metropolitan Police. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition London stocks edged higher in early trade on Thursday, but airlines were under the cosh after a disappointing update from Jet2 . At 0835 BST, the FTSE 100 was up 0.2% at 9,194.23. Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Markets are largely shrugging off US tariff drama this morning, as President Trump heads to the Supreme Court in a push to confirm the legality of his tariff storm. "The FTSE 100 was broadly flat at the open after yesterdays 0.6% rebound. That bounce followed Tuesdays sharp drop - the worst since April - sparked by a global bond selloff that drove UK 30-year yields to their highest since 1998. For now, gilt volatility remains the key risk to watch as investors look ahead in search of fresh catalysts." On the UK macro front, the S&P Global construction PMI for August is due at 0930 BST. In the US, the ADP report for August is scheduled for release at 1315 BST. In equity markets, Lloyds ticked higher following a Financial Times report that thousands of staff at the bank face the sack under plans to get rid of staff the lender deems to be underperforming. Lloyds was said to be targeting 3,000 people out of its 63,000 workers, with around 50% potentially being axed under an overhaul of performance management led by chief executive Charlie Nunn, who took home more than 5m in pay and bonuses last year. Britzman said: "With annual staff turnover at just 5% versus a more typical 15%, its been forced to take a more aggressive approach to weed out the lower performers. This seems like sensible business and aligns with the banks quiet push to offshore more roles, aiming to hire 4,000 people in its India tech hub by year-end. "If it can match peers like NatWest and Barclays on offshoring and branch reductions, the cost improvements could drive meaningful profit upside." Electricals retailer Currys shot higher as it hailed a "strong" start to the year, launched a 50m share buyback and reported a 3% jump in group sales in the 17 weeks to 30 August. Genus surged after the animal genetics company reported "substantial strategic progress" over the year to 30 June, as it reported a big jump in profits and revealed a positive update to its joint venture in China. Building materials distributor and DIY retailer Grafton gained as it held annual guidance and announced a new 25m share buyback after interim profits jumped 19% to 91.5m on the back of a strong contribution from non-UK operations. On the downside, easyJet, BA and Iberia owner IAG and Wizz Air all flew lower after Jet2 warned that full-year underlying earnings were set to be towards the lower end of the consensus range and cut its winter capacity. Jet2 said that since its last update on 9 July, the "closer to departure" booking trend has become more pronounced. Elsewhere, Ladbrokes owner Entain was knocked lower by a downgrade to hold at HSBC. Hammerson, Ithaca Energy, Derwent London, Hochschild Mining and Rathbones all fell as they traded without entitlement to the dividend. ExxonMobil is reportedly seeking to offload European chemical plants as the sector reels from US tariffs and increased competition from China. The US energy producer held talks with advisers in recent weeks on possible sales, which could fetch up to $1bn, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, citing unnamed sources. Other chemicals companies are also trying to engineer exits from their European operations, as the continent has borne the brunt of the downturn. Earlier this year, LyondellBasell sold four European plants, while Saudi Arabias Sabic is considering a similar change. ExxonMobil owns an ethylene plant in the Scottish town of Fife, as well as several production sites in Belgium. It had also discussed simply shutting them down, the sources said, adding there was no guarantee a deal would materialise, and the firm could opt to hold on to the assets. The company told the newspaper did not comment on rumours or speculation. The European chemicals industry is facing renewed pressure as US tariffs disrupt global trade, delay orders, and intensify competition from low-cost Chinese rivals, threatening recovery in a sector still reeling from the 2022 energy crisis. Exxon in May said it was in exclusive talks to sell its controlling stake in French fuel subsidiary Esso SAF, as well as its wholly owned chemical business in the country to North Atlantic France SAS, a division of the Canadian fuel retailer North Atlantic. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com Building materials distributor and DIY retailer Grafton held annual guidance but warned UK volumes were unlikely to recover this due to the threat of new property taxes. The company also announced a new 25m share buyback after interim profits jumped 19% to 91.5m on the back of a strong contribution from non-UK operations. Grafton said it remain cautious on the near-term outlook for UK demand as the cash-strapped government mulled new taxes to fill a public spending gap of at least 20bn. Among the options being considered are scrapping stamp duty for buyers and replacing it with a new property tax on sellers of homes worth more than 500,000 and ending the capital gains exemption on main residences above certain thresholds. The company said operations in Spain and Ireland helped drive a 10% rise in revenue to 1.25bn. "We expect to deliver full year adjusted operating profit broadly in line with analysts' expectations recognising the important autumn trading season has still to come," Grafton said on Thursday. Operating profit is forecast to rise to 184m from 177.5m last year, according to consensus estimates. It added that non-UK markets now account for approximately 64% of group turnover and expected the diversification trend to continue. "Whilst we saw an easing of trading momentum towards the end of May and into June, the start of the second half has seen a return to growth of group average daily like-for like revenue," Grafton said. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com Thousands of staff at Lloyds Bank reportedly face the sack under plans to get rid employees the lender deems to be underperforming. Lloyds is targeting 3,000 people out of its 63,000 workers with around 50% potentially being axed under an overhaul of performance management led by chief executive Charlie Nunn, who took home more than 5m in pay and bonuses last year. The new approach, which was discussed at a recent meeting of the banks group executive committee, comes as Nunn enters the last phase of his plans to cut costs at the UK lender and diversify its sources of income, the Financial Times reported citing unnamed sources. Nunn and other members of the committee will be reviewing data from HR software programme Workday to monitor progress, with Lloyds bosses keen to address low rates of turnover among its employees and to shed those seen to be underperforming. Lloyds said it was transforming its business and striving to embed a high-performance culture. In line with wider industry practice, we continuously look for ways to help our colleagues perform at their best. We know change can be uncomfortable, but we are excited about the opportunities ahead as we propel forward to achieve our growth ambitions and delivering exceptional customer experiences, it added. The bank in January said it was shutting 136 branches as it follows the industry trend to remove face-to-face access for customers and is looking to offshore thousands of jobs to India where wages are lower. Managers at Lloyds have already been told to start ranking staff performance, with underperformers set to be placed on structured support programmes where staff have to meet targets or be fired. Head of personnel Sharon Doherty told the executive committee meeting the bank needed to see higher turnover among what it considered to be its lowest performers, the report stated, citing people familiar with the matter. The bank is battling low turnover rates, as workers avoid leaving their jobs amid economic uncertainty. Current turnover at Lloyds is barely 5% a year compared to an average of closer to 15% historically, the report added. Doherty added that high-performing organisations routinely reviewed the bottom 5% of their workforce with about half of those leaving, according to people with knowledge of the discussions, an approach Lloyds plans to emulate. The practice, sometimes referred to as rank and yank, was popularised by Jack Welch, chief executive of General Electric in the 1980s and 1990s. He advocated sacking the bottom 10% of staff every year as a way of upgrading the workforce. Critics say performance targets are often arbitrary and used to manoeuvre employees out the business, allowing firms to hire new staff on lower salaries. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com The government could save energy users 5bn a year by overhauling the electricity market to stop gas-fired power stations from setting the wholesale price for electricity, according to the former energy tsar. Britain relies on gas plants for about a quarter of its annual electricity use, but they play a much greater role during spells of low wind and low solar generation. Guardian A court has frozen 150m of assets belonging to the owner of the collapsed Prax Lindsey oil refinery, an oil tycoon whose whereabouts have been a mystery since the plants sudden financial implosion earlier this year. Administrators sifting through the wreckage of five companies in the Prax empire are suing Winston Soosaipillai, better known by his middle names Sanjeev Kumar, for breach of his duties as a director after the energy groups failure. Guardian US home ownership has dropped for the first time in nearly a decade as the White House considers declaring a housing emergency. According to an analysis of US census data by Redfin, US home ownership fell by 0.1pc between April and June to 86.2 million households versus a year ago. Although the decline is small, it marks the first drop in US homeowners since the start of 2016. Telegraph The teenage hacking group that brought down Marks & Spencer has claimed responsibility for the cyber attack that has forced Jaguar Land Rover to shut down assembly lines. The cyber groups Scattered Spider and Shiny Hunters said they had been able to exploit a flaw in the carmakers IT systems. The groups said they had gained access to customer data. Telegraph The leader of Britain's trade unions has urged Labour to fight Reform UK by hitting millionaires, banks and gambling with higher taxes. Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC, has published an opinion poll of 5,000 adults. He says the results suggest a significant number of Labour voters are leaning to Reform. Sky News London's FTSE 100 was up 0.4% at 9,213.55 in afternoon trade on Thursday. Advertising giant WPP was in the black as French peer Publicis rallied after chief executive Arthur Sadoun said at a Bank of America conference on Wednesday that he was confident about the second half of the year. Next was among the risers after a well-received update from electricals retailer Currys lifted the retail segment more generally. Currys hailed a "strong" start to the year as it launched a 50m share buyback and reported a 3% jump in group sales in the 17 weeks to 30 August. Like-for-like revenue in the UK & Ireland ticked up 3%. Currys said "robust" sales were driven by market share gains, with double-digit growth in new categories and B2B. On the downside, budget airline easyJet was the biggest loser on the index after Jet2 warned that full-year underlying earnings were set to be towards the lower end of the consensus range and reduced its winter capacity. In a statement ahead of its annual general meeting, the company said that since its last update on 9 July, the "closer to departure" booking trend has become more pronounced. Insurer Admiral was also weaker as it traded without entitlement to the dividend. Ladbrokes owner Entain was knocked lower by a downgrade to hold from buy at HSBC. Jenny Feder, artist and a founder of Three Lives & Company in New York City, died earlier this month after a brief illness. She was 73. Jenny Feder In 1978, Feder, with Jill Dunbar--her wife of 50 years--and Helene Webb, opened Three Lives & Company on Seventh Avenue in Greenwich Village. Several years later, as recalled by Calvin Trillin, with the help of neighbors and customers, the store moved to its present location on West 10th Street at Waverly Place. The corner itself is historic, immortalized in Edward Hopper's 1927 painting of Silbers Pharmacy, and is across the street from Julius', one of the oldest gay bars in the city. The fixtures in both stores were designed and built by Feder and reflect her warm and resourceful nature. In 2001, Feder and Dunbar sold the store to Toby Cox. Under Cox's stewardship, and with his dedicated staff, they have carried on the store's role as a hub of downtown literary life. Cox said, "Since the news of Jenny's passing, we've been saying that Jenny was the visionary for the shop. She designed and hand-built the space. She was also the master of the display, always at work beautifully presenting the books and making the shop come alive. It is a joy and honor to work in the space that Jenny created." After selling the store, Feder and Dunbar moved to the North Fork of Long Island where Feder continued her life's work as an artist. Growing up in New York City, she had attended the High School of Art and Design, the Art Students League, and spent summers studying at the Instituto de Allende in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Her intimate, small-scale sculptures reflect a lifetime of reading, traveling, and collecting ephemera. She created alluring and multifaceted houses reflecting the world of books that animated her life. A review by Helen Harrison in the New York Times described her work as reminiscent of Joseph Cornell's boxes: "Ms. Feder's tiny buildings are like repositories for memories--little refuges for the imagination after it has tired itself in flights of fancy. Travel, romance, game-playing and role-playing are all alluded to, as is the sometimes-disquieting sense of vulnerability that one feels when away from a safe haven." Rick Kot, executive editor at Viking, remembered: "When I moved to Chelsea in the mid-1980s from the far reaches of the Upper East Side, I had to learn all the best local places, and a good bookstore was certainly a priority. Three Lives was a name that kept coming up when I asked advice from friends in the area, so one day I took the dog and we made our way down to West 10th Street. The minute we stepped in, I knew I was home, for the atmosphere, for the brilliantly curated selection, and for the warm welcome we received from both Jill and Jenny. (And Clover certainly appreciated the biscuit that was immediately offered.) Both women were not only dependable sources of advice, carefully tailored to the taste of the individual customer, but were warm, wry, and always up for a good long talk. Our first visit soon became a regular Sunday ritual--I only had to mention Three Lives to Clover and she'd begin barking in happy anticipation. That era of the publishing business will always be special to me as something of a Golden Age, and I can't help but associate it with Three Lives. Jenny and Jill forever set a standard for me for what a good bookstore should be, and happily, Toby and his crew have carried on that legacy." Ovais Sarmad Joins STEER World Former UNFCCC Deputy Executive Secretary appointed to the Advisory Board. Global Expertise for Sustainable Innovation Brings 30+ years in climate policy, governance, and sustainable development. Advancing Responsible Technology Will guide STEER World in developing industrial solutions that balance growth with environmental responsibility. STEER World, a global leader in materials transformation technologies, has announced the appointment of Mr. Ovais Sarmad, former Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to its Advisory Board. Mr. Sarmad brings over 30 years of experience in climate policy, global governance, and sustainable development. During his time at the UNFCCC, he played a key role in supporting the implementation of the Paris Agreement and was actively involved in major climate negotiations from COP23 to COP27, including the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund. Prior to this, he held senior leadership positions at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), including Chief of Staff and Director of Resource Management, contributing to major institutional reforms and global policy initiatives. Osmania University, India graduate, Mr. Sarmad currently serves as Vice-Chair of the GHG Protocol Steering Committee. He also advises on sustainability, climate action, and youth engagement. His expertise in building values-driven institutions and promoting sustainable development will guide STEER World in advancing its mission of responsible technological innovation. A Chartered Management Accountant (UK) and an, India graduate,currently serves as. He also, climate action, and youth engagement. His expertise in building values-driven institutions and promoting sustainable development will guide STEER World in advancing its mission of responsible technological innovation. Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Babu Padmanabhan, Managing Director & Chief Knowledge Officer of STEER World, said, We are honored to welcome Mr. Sarmad to our Advisory Board. His global experience in policy and governance, combined with his values-driven approach, will help us strengthen our efforts in developing technologies that benefit industry, society, and the environment. Also Read: 5 Sustainable Startups in India That Are Quietly Powering a Green Revolution Mr. Sarmad shared his thoughts on joining STEER World: I am delighted to join the STEER World Advisory Board. The companys focus on sustainable technologies in advanced materials, polymers, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and food aligns closely with my belief in purposeful innovation. I look forward to contributing to STEER Worlds mission of creating scalable, impactful solutions that balance industrial growth with environmental responsibility. Headquartered in Bengaluru, STEER World specializes in twin-screw extrusion and continuous manufacturing solutions for industries including plastics, pharmaceuticals, food, and biomaterials. With a commitment to sustainable innovation, the company aims to empower industries worldwide to adopt responsible manufacturing practices that benefit both people and the planet. New report shows neighborhoods with high concentrations of alcohol retailers have triple the heavy drinking rates, with white New Yorkers drinking more heavily than other groups. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A new report from the New York City Health Department has uncovered concerning connections between alcohol consumption and cancer risks across the citys diverse communities. The study reveals that from 2017 to 2021, New York City averaged 3,400 new colorectal cancer cases, 1,000 liver cancer cases, and more than 6,600 female breast cancer cases annually. The report identifies alcohol as a significant risk factor for seven types of cancer: mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, colorectal, and female breast. Despite this connection, only about half of U.S. adults recognize alcohols role in increasing cancer risk. A city Health Department report shows only two-thirds of heavy-drinking women receive recommended breast cancer screenings as city launches new awareness campaign. Victoria Priola | For the Advance/SILive.com Alcohol use is common among adults, but its connection to certain cancers is not widely known, said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. She emphasized that Black women face higher death rates from breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic group, highlighting disparities in healthcare access. The study found significant variations in drinking patterns across demographic groups. In 2023, half of adult New Yorkers reported drinking alcohol in the previous 30 days, with 7% classified as heavy drinkers. White adults showed higher rates of alcohol consumption (65%) compared to Black, Latino, and Asian and Pacific Islander adults (45%, 45%, and 35%, respectively). Neighborhood characteristics also play a role, with areas having the highest density of liquor stores showing triple the rate of heavy drinking (12%) compared to areas with fewer stores (4%). Cancer screening rates among heavy drinkers revealed concerning gaps. Only two-thirds of female heavy drinkers aged 40 to 74 were current with breast cancer screenings, while about three-quarters of heavy drinkers aged 45 to75 were up-to-date with colon cancer screenings. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the citys commitment to addressing these issues through the HealthyNYC initiative, which aims to reduce deaths from screenable cancers by 20% by 2030. While we are making important strides, this report from the Health Department is a clear reminder that our work to build a healthier city for all New Yorkers is far from over, Adams said. Vera Shcherbina, first vice governor and chairman of the government of Primorye Territory, addresses the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Vladivostok, Russia, Sept. 2, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) VLADIVOSTOK, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- A photo exhibition opened Tuesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The event, titled "True Friends Forged in Fire," was co-organized by the Chinese Consulate General in Vladivostok, the Eurasia Regional Bureau of Xinhua News Agency, the China Image Group and the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. More than 300 people attended the exhibition, including representatives from political, business and academic circles in Primorye Territory, as well as envoys from various countries and members of the Chinese community in Russia. The exhibition features over 60 precious images from Xinhua's archives, highlighting the joint struggle of Chinese and Soviet soldiers and civilians against fascist aggression, as well as the profound friendship forged during the wars. Wang Jun, acting Chinese consul general in Vladivostok, said at the opening ceremony that China was the main battlefield in the East during World War II, noting that Chinese and Soviet people had fought shoulder to shoulder and forged a close bond of comradeship in their life-and-death struggle. "Each precious image takes us back to those war-torn years, allowing us to honor the heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for freedom and justice, and to remember the history written in blood and courage," said Wang. Vera Shcherbina, first vice governor and chairman of the government of Primorye Territory, emphasized that Russia and China share a common stance on defending historical memory and safeguarding the post-war international order. "This exhibition will contribute to mutual understanding and the continued friendship between the Russian and Chinese peoples." In a congratulatory letter, Gennady Krasnikov, president of the Russian Academy of Sciences, stressed the exhibition's special significance as China and Russia jointly commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory. "It serves as an important step for both countries to remember and pass down history," he wrote. "Our shared history will be forever recorded, and the glory of victory will inspire new achievements." A staff member introduces a photo to visitors at a photo exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Vladivostok, Russia, Sept. 2, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) A teacher introduces a photo to students at a photo exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Vladivostok, Russia, Sept. 2, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) Saxophonist Justin Wood and quartet will perform original compositions this weekend on Staten Island, with proceeds supporting local community development initiatives. Getty Images STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- This weekend, Staten Island audiences can catch a night of live jazz while supporting a local nonprofit dedicated to community development. On Saturday, Sept 6., saxophonist and flautist Justin Wood will present The Jazz Set at the Build a Dream Incubator on Staten Island to benefit the Staten Island Urban Center (SIUC). The concert runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and will feature Wood alongside a quartet of accomplished musicians from New York City and the North Shore area performing a set of original compositions. Wood, who has been a Staten Islander for the last five years, has performed around the world and recorded with ensembles like the late Bill Lees Natural Spiritual Orchestra and Marin Vejaranos Chias Dance Party. He began playing music growing up in northern Maine before moving to New York City in 1999, where he has balanced his career as a musician with work as an organizer and activist. Joining Wood on stage are four musicians with equally impressive resumes. Baritone saxophonist Andrew Hadro, based in Brooklyn, is known for his work on multiple woodwinds and will release his album Arch Music later this year. Staten Islands own Dr. Darrell Smith drummer, composer, and director of the upcoming Staten Island Jazz Festival will be behind the kit. Tuba player Ben Stapp adds his distinctive avant-garde style, with his body of work including experimental opera and a forthcoming album of solo works. Rounding out the group is pianist and composer Tyler Wood, a longtime recording engineer whose projects span genres and continents. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Staten Island Urban Center, a nonprofit founded in 2016 by Kelly Vilar. The organization works to elevate community voices through youth development, activism and social justice arts. Its recent projects include Abuelas Kitchen: Visual Storytelling of Social Justice at Snug Harbors Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, as well as Abuelita Masala Casita, a multifunctional cultural hub at Tompkinsville Park. The performance will take place at 4 Minthorne St. in Tompkinsville with wine and hors doeuvres available. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online in advance through the SIUC website. From the left are Glen Matlock, Frank Carter, Steve Jones and Paul Cook of the Sex Pistols. The band has cancelled upcoming tour dates in North and South America after Jones suffered a broken wrist. (Alberto Pezzali/Invision/Associated Press) The Sex Pistols have postponed upcoming South American and North American tour dates. The announcement came after guitarist Steve Jones suffered a broken wrist, the band stated on social media. We have some unfortunate news to share about our upcoming North and South American performances. Well let Steve explain whats going on: Ive got some good news and bad news. What do you want first? Okay, the bad news: Ive broken my wrist, so unfortunately, we wont be doing any shows for a while, Jones wrote. The good news is the surgeon said I will be back playing guitar in the not-too-distant future. The other good news is Ill be 70 tomorrow! God bless, and God save the wrist, he added. The North American tour was scheduled to begin Sept. 16 in Dallas and conclude Oct. 17 in Las Vegas, with appearances planned at Riot Fest in Chicago and CBGB Fest in Brooklyn. The band was also set to perform several shows in South America, with stops planned in Brazil, Chile and Argentina. According to Consequence of Sound, the current lineup features original Sex Pistols members Jones, Glen Matlock on bass, and Paul Cook on drums, with Frank Carter, formerly of Gallows and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, taking over vocal duties for Johnny Rotten The shows feature the complete performance of the classic album Never Mind the Bollocks, Heres the Sex Pistols, the outlet said. The band asked fans to keep an eye on local venue websites and its social media channels for information about rescheduled dates. It also recently released a limited-edition white vinyl, Live in the USA 1978 Dallas, which includes recordings from the infamous final tour that ended with the bands subsequent breakup. From left, Michael Giordano, Emmanuel "Manny' Mavrakis and Justin Sarachik, of the Staten Island rap-rock group Saints in Exile. Courtesy of Saints in Exile STATEN ISLAND, NY -- Saints in Exile may be a new name, but for Staten Island music fans, its three members are far from strangers. The rap-rock trio Justin Sarachik, 36, of Princes Bay; Michael Giordano, 36, originally from Rosebank and now living in New Jersey; and Emmanuel Manny Mavrakis, 37, of Dongan Hills were fixtures in the boroughs live music scene nearly two decades ago, when Stapleton venues like the Muddy Cup (which went on to change names and ownership multiple times) and Dock Street regularly hosted local bands. Back then, Sarachik fronted Process of Fusion, Giordano fronted Its Not Over and Mavrakis held down the drums in EveryNightDrive. Now, after years of pursuing careers, families and side projects, the three have reunited as Saints in Exile. The project began unexpectedly. Sarachik and Giordano reconnected in 2019 and started writing together. They shelved the music during the pandemic but eventually revived the sessions, pulling Mavrakis in on drums. Mannys among the best drummers we know, Sarachik told the Advance/SILive.com. And also a pretty cool guy. Hes a mid drummer, he joked. A new name, a new sound Once they had a track, they realized it was more than just a one-off collaboration, going through dozens of potential names to make it official before landing on Saints in Exile. We maybe went through about 50 different band names, Sarachik said. Then we even put it into ChatGPT about 75 more times and still everything was taken, until we finally landed on Saints in Exile. The name itself holds weight. The band describes it as reflecting the displacement of Gods people in todays society or the separation of good in favor of evil, while also working on its own as a striking band identity. Sonically, Saints in Exile refuses to be boxed in. The groups sound blends rock, hip-hop, pop and emo influences, with frequent comparisons to Linkin Park. A lot of people say a chill Linkin Park that kind of has hints of OneRepublic because of the melodies, Giordano said. Or, I mean, Im a big Beatles fan. Well, not Manny. Manny hates The Beatles. Im sorry, Mavrakis interjected. Make sure you put that in the story, Sarachik added, laughing. They love The Beatles. Except for Manny. That quick banter is typical of the trio, who crack jokes almost as naturally as they trade verses. Mavrakis has dubbed himself the band grandpa, Sarachik is the dad, and Giordano happily accepts the title of the child. The dynamic comes through even in interviews, where the three cant resist roasting each other mid-answer. A waterfall of music Their latest single, Bad Vibes, is a tongue-in-cheek summer anthem about when life feels heavy, even in sunny weather. It follows earlier releases like Becoming the Villain and My Dead End, part of a steady stream of singles the band is rolling out using whats known as the Waterfall Method: Instead of dropping an album all at once, each new release gets paired with the previous tracks, building into a larger collection. Nowadays nobody cares about albums, Sarachik explained. An artist will drop a single and then, okay, next single. By doing this waterfall, were bringing people along the journey. Every time we get a new fan, they get to hear the old things we did too, instead of every song getting lost in the ether. Giordano, who handles most of the melodies, songwriting and instrumentation, records in his home studio in New Jersey, while Sarachik contributes lyrics and brings in production ideas, creative direction and much of the behind-the-scenes business work from Staten Island. For drums, Mavrakis heads to The Burn Room in New Jersey, where he works with engineer Stephen Kellner. The first time I just went by myself with Steve and tracked alone, Mavrakis said. Then the next time Justin came, and the following session both Mike and Justin came. Its been cool neither of them are like, Manny, do this or dont do that, but its good having their input. Once the parts are finished, the band sends everything to Jericko, a producer based in Louisville, KY, who mixes and masters the tracks remotely. These are all things that we can do now in modern times, Sarachik said. Make a record with somebody in Kentucky. Make a record without all three of us being in the same room. Were working completely backwards Despite their experience playing hundreds of shows in their past projects, Saints in Exile hasnt yet performed live together. Instead, theyre focusing on building a catalog and an audience online through TikTok, YouTube and streaming platforms. Every step of their process from recording to promotion is managed by the three themselves, with distribution handled through Sarachiks label, Friends With Faces/Rapzilla. Were working completely backwards. I used to have like five or six hour practices in my parents basement every week, multiple times a week, just to try to nail a couple of shows get the crowd reaction to know whats good and workshop the songs live, Sarachik said. Now, were not in a room practicing together, theres no live crowd to see their reaction and were just throwing files back and forth. Its completely different than what were used to. Faith also underpins much of the bands music, though not overtly. The bands name hints at that duality, but theyre careful to keep their work open-ended. We definitely want to make music that is relatable to everybody, regardless of what they believe, Sarachik said. Youre not gonna hear anything objectionable in our music we always speak from the heart and from real issues. Giordano added that the goal is for the songs to serve as lifelines for listeners: People are depressed, have anxiety, whatever they have going on music should be something that helps them. Fatherhood has added another layer to that mission. Sarachiks children, ages five and eight, are some of the bands biggest fans, choreographing dances to their songs in the kitchen. Giordanos seven-month-old daughter has already been introduced to music, often joining him in the studio. She seems to like it, he said. I put her on my lap, and she starts slamming [her hands down]. For now, Saints in Exile is focused on releasing music consistently, with new singles dropping monthly through the fall. They want to play live again but are building momentum first. Maybe someone will read this and be like, hey, I want to book these guys for a show, Sarachik said. And if thats the case, awesome. Even if the band never becomes a full-time gig, the three say its already a dream come true. Its not too late for your dreams, Sarachik said. If it winds up becoming something amazing, awesome. If not, and its a cool hobby that actually sustains itself in some sort of way, that would be amazing too. But were having a blast for sure. Saints in Exiles music is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. Their latest singles Becoming the Villain, My Dead End and Bad Vibes can be found at https://bio.to/saints-in-exile Pictured is a 2019 rendering of the Arthur Kill Terminal site. (Courtesy of Arthur Kill Terminal/Atlantic Offshore Terminals) Courtesy of Arthur Kill Terminal/Atlantic Offshore Terminals STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Even in the face of great challenges, the minds behind Arthur Kill Terminal are determined to push forward. In August, under the direction of President Donald Trump, Arthur Kill Terminal lost $48 million in federal funding that was acquired by Sen. Chuck Schumer in 2022. The terminal is meant to function as a specialized port at the foot of the Outerbridge Crossing where offshore wind turbines and towers could be assembled and staged before being brought out to sea. In a comment to the Advance/SILive.com, Atlantic Offshore Terminals Chief Commercial Officer Charles Dougherty said: As weve explained on several occasions, while having that federal support was very important to us, were moving forward with the project with or without the federal grant. Atlantic Offshore Terminals is the parent company behind Arthur Kill Terminal, which has been in the planning stages for over five years. Though the company planned to break ground this year, Trumps executive order halting all federal permitting for projects related to offshore wind delayed their 20 to 23 month-long construction period. The construction was meant to foster 750 union jobs after the terminal signed a memorandum of understanding with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York back in March of 2024. Were focused right now on getting the permitting wrapped up and encouraging the state to continue with its process of supporting the supply chain in New York, Doughtery explained. In terms of permitting, the city permits are complete and the state permits are nearly completed. Political switch-up Borough President Vito Fossella holds a press conference following litigation against the City of Yes of outside Richmond County Surrogate Court on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon) Jason Paderon Jason Paderon The terminal previously had unanimous support from all elected officials on Staten Island at the city, state, and federal level. However, after U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy pulled money for a dozen offshore wind projects in Trumps bid to push America away from green, sustainable energy, the tone changed. We were skeptical of the suitability of this site, viewing the massive, long-term funding required as both risky and overly ambitious. Moreover, we were concerned about the potential environmental damage and the risk of burdening the community with abandoned infrastructure if the project collapsed. Those fears were justifiedand here we are, Borough President Vito Fossella said in a written statement. Moving forward, we will collaborate with city and state agencies to champion alternative plans that truly prioritize the best interests of the Staten Island community. It is worth noting that the project passed through Fossellas office during the terminals Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, where he was given a chance to make recommendations in 2024 before it went to the City Planning Commission and City Council for approval. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, who had petitioned two high-level military officials to approve a permit for the construction of Arthur Kill Terminal in April, said this: We are working with Secretary Duffy to get the funding repurposed to another maritime, port infrastructure or economic development project that would benefit Staten Island. The permitting work I did in April is for the development of the port, but not specific to any one project. Gov. Kathy Hochuls office said they are reviewing the funding cut made by Duffy, but did not explicitly name Arthur Kill Terminal. Schumer Responds Sen. Chuck Schumer. (Advance/SILive.com | Joseph Ostapiuk) Joseph Ostapiuk The Trump administrations decision to suddenly pull hard-won federal funding for wind power assembly at Arthur Kill Terminal is outrageous. It kills many hundreds of good-paying union jobs and short-circuits the essential effort to expand clean wind energy, which will lower energy bills, clean our air, and power our economy. In the strongest terms possible, I urge the Trump administration to realize its mistake, reverse course, and restore funding to this critical infrastructure project. This is a gut shot to Staten Island and makes zero sense, Schumer said to the Advance/SILive.com. In this file photo, a high school student uses a vaping device near a school campus in Cambridge, Mass., April 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File) AP STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Staten Island vape shop was a target of Gov. Kathy Hochuls biggest criminal vape enforcement in the history of the state. NYC Glass 718, located at 2655 Richmond Ave. according to their Instagram account, is one of the 12 physical stores that was included in the enforcement. These companies built their business models around breaking New Yorks laws and targeting our kids now, were holding them accountable, Hochul said. With the largest criminal vape enforcement operation in state history, New York is sending a message: if you sell vapor products in violation of our laws, you will face serious consequences. The vapor products Hochul is referring to are shipments that contained bright-colored disposable e-cigarettes and e-liquids in flavors that appeal to adolescents, such as fruit, candy, soda and dessert flavors, marketed through websites, social media and mobile apps. Other shipments comprised of disposable vapes that come equipped with digital display screens and other tech-savvy features similar to smart phones, handheld video games and other electronic devices popular among children, teens and young adults, a written statement explained. In New York, it is illegal to sell, or ship, vapes to residents under the age of 21. As a result, 12 businesses were found in violation of shipping vapes through online sales; 28 criminal charges have been filed with the state; 10 additional criminal charges are still processing; more arrests will occur this week; and more arrest warrants are scheduled this week. Six of the businesses are within New York City limits, and are as follows (as listed in the written statement): Manhattan: Shindler Distribution d/b/a Vaporush and ePuffer Brooklyn: ePuffer and Vape4Style Bronx: Beyond Vape Staten Island: NYC Glass 718 The Advance/SILive.com reached out to NYC Glass 718 for comment, but did not hear back before time of publishing. First graders, Ella Gatto, Adrianna Galante and Olivia Sinclair gathered at Our Lady Queen of Peace in New Dorp, sharing smiles and hugs for their first day back to school on September 4, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com|Jan Somma-Hammel) Staten Island Advance STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Kids greeted their friends and teachers while parents snapped photos as New York City students across the five boroughs, including Staten Island, headed back to school on Thursday to kick off the 2025-2026 school year. The school year kicked off for both public and Catholic school students across Staten Island. 68 1 / 68 First day of school 2025 Families slowly filled the schoolyards at PS/I.S. 26, which expanded to include middle school grades for the first time this year. Its original building will serve pre-K through kindergarten, and a brand-new construction located 1,000 feet away now serves students in first-grade through sixth-grade. The school will eventually expand to seventh grade in the 2026-2027 school year, followed by eighth grade in the 2027-2028 school year. Im really excited, and Im ready for school to start, said Kristen Drumgoole, who began the third grade on Thursday. Staten Island District 31 Superintendent Dr. Roderick Palton greeted families on the first day, along with Principal Stephanie Bassett, who will serve as the schools leader at both sites. The two schools were decorated with welcome back signs and balloons, while speakers played the summers top kid-friendly hits. Kids posed for pictures with their new backpacks and first-day-of-school signs, while their parents held bags full of school supplies. The new school building is one of nine new buildings citywide that the New York City School Construction Authority opened on Thursday adding approximately 6,600 seats. PS/I.S. 26s new building adds nearly 550 seats to Staten Island. Ava McCarthy, 2nd grade (left), and Mackenzie McCarthy, kindergarten, pose in front of PS/I.S. 26's original building in Travis. Sept 4, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Annalise Knudson) Ava and Mackenzie McCarthy, who are starting second-grade and kindergarten respectively, werent as excited for school to return because they have to do homework again. Their dad Tom McCarthy said he felt somewhat nervous that his daughters were in two different buildings this year one in the new building and one in the original school building. I have some anxiety but I have a positive attitude. Its a fresh start at the new school, said Tom McCarthy. First set of sixth-graders start school at PS/I.S. 26 Sarah Estevez has two children who attend PS/I.S. 26, including her sixth-grader. At first, she was unsure if she should send her child to a newly created middle school. My husband thought it would be a good idea to have them together so were going to try it out, said Estevez. Isabella Lamberti and Amelia Andersen were excited to see each other on the first day the first time both friends will attend the same school. Isabella is entering the school for the first time this year. Her mom, Michelle Lamberti, noted that the school is a welcoming community and that her daughter will flourish here. With help from Principal Stephanie Bassett, students enter the new building for PS/I.S. 26 in Travis on the first day of public school in New York City and Staten Island. Sept. 4, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Annalise Knudson) Amelias mother Anna Andersen said she was excited for her child to be able to attend PS/I.S. 26 all the way through middle school. Shell be here basically 10 years so were super excited, said Andersen, whose daughter Amelia is going into the third grade. Excitement and nerves at St. Teresa-St. Rita Meanwhile, over at St. Teresa-St. Rita STREAM Academy, students were grouped together in the schools parking lot and drop off area at Windsor Road, as parents made their kids stand for the requisite first day of school pictures. This is her first, first day of school ever, Samantha Jones said, after finishing a photoshoot with her daughter Olivia outside of the Castleton Corners school. Im excited, nervous. Shes going in cold turkey, she knows nobody but you have to start somewhere. Avery Shearin, a sixth grader, and Madison Shearin, a fourth grader, said they both enjoyed their summers but wished it had lasted a bit longer. Both were excited to meet their new teachers and start some of the schools extracurriculars, like archery. Theyre excited, theyre going into junior high and fourth-grade this year, said Crystal Shearin, who stopped to wish someone driving past a happy first day of school. Some students said theyre a bit nervous for the school year, especially students entering eighth-grade and graduating in June. Students line up outside during drop-off at St.Teresa-St. Rita STREAM Academy in Castleton Corners for the first day back to school on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. courtesy Carolina Ferrante Francesco Ferrante said the school year will be a stepping stone for whats coming next, and has already started to think about where to attend high school, considering options like CSI High School for International Studies and Moore Catholic High School. Im looking forward to computer science this year, Im really a fan of technology and its going to be really nice to learn it, said Ferrante. Nicole Crivera shared that its a very big year for her daughters Nicolette Crivera, a sixth-grader, and Mickayla Crivera, a fifth-grader. Im excited too. Academically I feel like theyre going to do great and Im excited for them, said Nicole Crivera. A new year at PS 29 Across the street at PS 29, school staff met kids right as they were being dropped off on Slosson Avenue, with faculty greeting returning students. Just beyond the main entrance of the Castleton Corners school, the obvious sounds of children at play screaming, laughing and running could be heard beyond the schools fence. Im sad and excited, said second-grader Micah Varkey as he walked up Slosson Avenue. But I get to see my friends! His mother, Gini Varkey, said Micah has been at PS 29 for three years and that the family is looking forward to seeing how he grows in second grade. Mackenzie Edwin, a fourth grader, and Katelynn Edwin get ready for the first day back to school at PS 29 in Castleton Corners. Advance/SILive.com | Mike Matteo Were excited for the new year and hopefully everyone stays safe and healthy, she added. Similarly, Mackenzie Edwin, a fourth-grader, said she was excited to be back as PS 29, and couldnt wait to see her friends. I know shes looking forward to art and music, said her mother Katelynn Edwin. Im just watching her grow, feeling both sad and happy for her. And while Logan Ayala, a third-grader, was happy to be back, he did share one concern for the upcoming school year. I hope my friends are in my class this year, at least some, he said. I cant wait for gym and lunch! Logans mother, Andrea Ayala, said she loves the school and is looking forward to a new year. Im just really excited to come back to reality it feels like, she said. Public schools have about two dozen days off between the first day and last day of classes, which is Friday, June 26. Catholic schools can end as early as Thursday, June 18. In this 2024 photo, families walk to PS 56 in Rossville on the first day of school. (Advance/SILive.com | Annalise Knudson) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Its the first day of classes for tens of thousands of students across New York City on Thursday, as both public and Catholic schools welcome kids back to campus for the 2025-2026 school year. Parents can prepare for both tears and cheers as students say farewell, and then greet their classmates and teachers for another year of school. The last day of classes for public school is June 26, 2026. For Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York, schools can end as early as June 18, 2026. Heres a closer look at some important information for the 2025-2026 school year. Cellphone ban begins A statewide cellphone ban means students in New York City public schools wont be able to use their phones and other internet-enabled devices during the entire school day. The bell-to-bell ban affects all public schools in the state, including city public schools, requiring individual schools to develop their own policies to ban devices. Schools are required to have a plan to ban phones and other devices, provide a storage option, and provide communication methods for parents. There are some exceptions for students with medical conditions or if devices are required on an Individualized Education Plan. Since the state law applies to only public school districts, private and Catholic schools technically dont need to follow the ban. However, many schools in the borough already have implemented their own cellphone ban policies. An expansion of NYC Solves New York City is expanding its universal math curriculum NYC Solves to six public middle school districts, including Staten Islands District 31. NYC Solves is an initiative, built upon the success of the literacy initiative NYC Reads, that aims to standardize how math is taught in school using high-quality, research-based curricula. Already implemented in all high schools and 101 middle schools citywide, the expansion will include all middle schools on Staten Island. Schools will be able to choose between several curricula options, including Illustrative Mathematics, Amplify Desmos, and iReady Mathematics. Reducing class sizes New York City will continue its work this year to reduce class sizes to meet state law requirements. As of Nov. 15, 2024, 46.5% of classes in New York City were at or below class size caps, according to data. On Staten Island, about 31% of K-12 classrooms in the 2024-2025 school year were compliant with the class size limits. The city is expected to have 60% of classrooms citywide in compliance with class size requirements this year. Another 20% of classrooms in compliance are expected to be added each year until all are in compliance by 2028. An updated class size report is expected to be released this fall. Hiring more teachers In an effort to reduce class sizes, the city has also announced a major initiative to hire more teachers for public schools. On Staten Island, about 250 more teachers will be hired for the upcoming school year. According to city data, 47 Staten Island schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools, received budget allocations to hire additional teachers. An extended winter break New York City added an additional day to winter break this school year. The 2025-2026 New York City education department school calendar previously closed buildings for winter break from Dec. 24-Jan. 1. Classes were slated to resume on Jan. 2 which means students would have been forced to return to classes for one day that week. Schools will now be closed on Friday, Jan. 2. The additional day off during recess will allow families more time for travel and vacation. Actress and talk-show host Rosie ODonnell, who now lives in Ireland, is firing back after President Donald Trump threatened to revoke her U.S. citizenship. He cant do that because its against the Constitution, and even the Supreme Court has not given him the right to do that ... hes not allowed to do that, the only way youre allowed to take away someones citizenship is if they renounce it themselves, and I will never renounce my American citizenship, ODonnell said, per Fox News. I am a very proud citizen of the United States. The A League of Their Own star moved to Ireland following Trumps election to a second term in the White House. In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump on Wednesday again threatened to revoke ODonnells citizenship. As previously mentioned, we are giving serious thought to taking away Rosie ODonnells Citizenship, Trump wrote. She is not a Great American and is, in my opinion, incapable of being so! ODonnell, a former host of The View, said she enjoys living in Ireland and planned to eventually have dual citizenship, with Ireland and the U.S. Its very peaceful. I love the politics of the country, she said. I love the people and their generous hearts and spirit. And its been very good for my daughter. But I still want to maintain my citizenship in the United States. My children are there. I will be there visiting and go to see them. And I have the freedom to do that, as does every American citizen. ODonnell also said that Trump was revving up talk of taking away her citizenship as a way to distract from news that victims of accused sex trafficker and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein were threatening to release a list of names of people who were regularly in the Epstein world. BEIRUT, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday urged urgent international action after Israeli drones targeted areas near United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, calling it the "most serious violation" of the ceasefire in place since November. In a phone call with UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) commander Diodato Abagnara, Aoun expressed solidarity with peacekeepers who came under fire near the border town of Marwahin. On Wednesday, UNIFIL said Israeli drones dropped four grenades on Tuesday as its personnel cleared roadblocks blocking access to a UN post. One grenade landed within 20 meters of peacekeepers, and three others within 100 meters of staff and vehicles. The mission called it "one of the most serious attacks" on its personnel since last November's ceasefire. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern, stressing that endangering peacekeepers was "unacceptable" and urging all sides to guarantee their safety. Lebanon's presidency said Aoun condemned the strike and demanded swift international measures to hold Israel accountable. He accused Israel of defying UN Security Council resolutions, undermining the immunity of UN personnel, and continuing attacks that kill civilians and damage infrastructure in southern Lebanon. The incident marked the first direct targeting of UN peacekeepers since the November truce, brokered by the United States and France to stop cross-border clashes linked to the Gaza war. Israel has continued periodic strikes in Lebanon, citing Hezbollah threats, and has maintained positions at several border sites after missing a Feb. 18 withdrawal deadline. Also on Thursday, Lebanon's Health Ministry said Israeli airstrikes a day earlier killed four people and wounded 17 in the south. A Lebanese Army intelligence source reported that Israeli aircraft carried out 18 strikes across the region from Wednesday into early Thursday. The Finns are after 1800-2400 square metres of space, with 1700 square metres of office. CBRE agents Rikki Garner and Darren Nugent are handling the tenant requests. CBD shops A row of shops opposite the Bourke Street Mall has sold for $11.88 million in a deal offering glimmers of hope for the CBD market. A local investor beat five others for the three-storey bluestone building at 203-207 Elizabeth Street. Bloomy Hair Salon and clothing store Set Studio occupy two of the three shops while upstairs has been converted into six apartments. 203-207 Elizabeth Street sold for $11.88 million. Records show the vendors paid $2.15 million for the building during the early 1990s recession. Cushman & Wakefield agents Anthony Kirwan, Oliver Hay, Daniel Wolman and Leon Ma had initially quoted between $9 million and $10 million for the historic property. Around the corner at Somerset Place, the shop housing cult Japanese label Comme des Garcons has also sold. Kirwan, who did the deal with Jack Cooper, said a first-time local commercial investor splashed $1.52 million on the laneway boutique. 13 Somerset Place sold for $1.52 million. The buyer was attracted to the global tenant and the 5.21 per cent yield, which was superior to the familys residential investments, he said. Loading Still in the CBD, two shops at 267-271 King Street go to auction on September 24. Jones Real Estates Paul Jones is expecting around $5 million. Leased to Taketori and House of Kebabs, the shops are on 212 square metres of land next door to the razed 1918 square metre site at 600 Lonsdale Street. V-Leaders Andy Zhang forked out $48 million for the strata-titled office block in 2019 and listed it last year with hopes of $65 million. Its off the market and expected to be turned into a city park. A good place to eat those kebabs. Beach huts The Simonds family has taken a No.1 haircut on the sale of the Chapel Lane Huts site in South Yarra. The 817 square-metre site at 430-436 Chapel Street has sold for just $9 million well short of the $14.2 million paid in 2022. Market sources suggest the buyer is Yale Investment Group, one of a number of groups that have looked over the 817 square-metre site in the past few years. 430-436 Chapel Street has sold with a permit for a seven-storey office. Yale Investment Group is owned by Andrew and Charlie Sirianni, whose Livv Development Group has a slate of projects in Geelong and Avalon. Cushman & Wakefields Anthony Kirwan, George Davies and Raphael Favas brokered the off-market deal but declined to comment on the buyer or the vendor. Loading Gary Simonds, the founder of listed builder the Simonds Group, had planned to build a new family office in the central Chapel Street location, buying the site from a joint venture between Franze Developments and the Sampieri Group. The latter had paid $11 million in 2018 and obtained a permit for a seven-level office on the property which once housed nine brightly coloured beach huts leased to individual retailers. Its near the $3.75 billion Gurner-Qualitas Jam Factory redevelopment which is under way with a bumper permit for 800 apartments and about 20,000 square metres of shops and office. Across the street, developer Sterling Global is offloading two shops at 467 and 469 Chapel Street, part of a larger row it bought in 2018 for a hotel project that never got off the ground. Developer Sterling Global is selling two shops at 467 and 469 Chapel Street, South Yarra. The shops at Nos. 467-473 covered 700 square metres of land and cost $8.25 million. Records show the shops at 471 and 473 Chapel Street sold to investor Rocky Surace in 2023 for $4.15 million. The remaining properties are going to auction on September 19 and are expected to sell in the mid-to-high-$1 million range through Fitzroys Chris James and Lewis Waddell. Toorak Road Orchard Piper is selling the last of its office suites in the nearly finished Toorak Village project. The 245 square-metre corner office has the best spot in the block on level two at 420 Toorak Road and is likely to fetch more than $4 million. Under construction. Render of Orchard Pipers Toorak Village project at 420 Toorak Road. The projects strata offices have fetched record $17,000-plus a square metre sales rates in the past 18 months, making $16.5 million in total sales. Colliers agent Ben Baines, who has the listing with Matt Knox, said strata office enquiries have increased 26 per cent this year with local owner-occupiers looking outside of the CBD. Down the road at 307-315 Toorak Road, a neat mock-Tudor block of shops next to the Como Centre is back on the market for the first time since 2010. Records show the property, which is on a 987 square-metre site, last changed hands for $6.68 million. The Activity Centre zoned land which could allow for more than six storeys. 307-315 Toorak Road, South Yarra. Cushman & Wakefield agents Daniel Wolman, Leon Ma, Oliver Hay and Raphael Favas and Gorman Commercials Jonathon McCormack and Stephen Gorman are expecting around $10 million. ASU headquarters The Australian Services Union has sold its long-held office in Carlton to a developer for around $12.5 million. The city fringe office at 116 Queensberry Street, on the corner of Cardigan Street, has been ASU headquarters since the late 1980s. The ASU has sold its headquarters at 116 Queensberry Street, Carlton. The three-storey building is on a 1026 square-metre piece of land and ripe for redevelopment. CBRE agents Nick Peden and Jamus Campbell handled the transaction but declined to comment. Loading Meanjin has been a stalwart of the Australian literary scene for decades, having published authors including Helen Garner, Peter Carey, Michelle De Kretser, Alexis Wright and David Malouf. It is the countrys second-oldest literary magazine. Southerly was launched in 1939. Broadcaster and writer Jonathan Green, who edited Meanjin from 2015 to 2022, said the magazine had long struggled financially. There have been 12 editors of Meanjin and the great anxiety for all of those people was that the thing would die on their watch. Its always been precarious, he said. I dont know the deep financial internals but in my years there the contribution from the university was small but significant and I cant imagine a world in which the university couldnt afford those two or so hundred thousand dollars a year ... so Im mystified as to why you would decide to this because it is an important piece of Australian creative culture. Author Sophie Cunningham edited Meanjin from 2009 to 2011. There were times years, if not decades, I think when the founding editor Clem Christensen was paying for it out of his own pocket, she said. The writer Sophie Cunningham edited Meanjin from 2009 to 2011. For Cunningham, the issue is whether the university has the will and desire to support the magazine. If you compare the amount of money it would cost to keep Meanjin going for a year to the salaries that are now routinely paid at a senior management level of universities these days, you have to ask questions about the priorities of the university sector, she said. She argued that Meanjin was more than just a literary magazine. It has always provided an amazingly rich archive not just of literature but of political thinking and indeed of design. One of the real privileges of editing the magazine my last edition was the 70th anniversary edition was seeing the ways in which it captured amazing snapshots of the culture during what was a fascinating 70 years. The 15 years of the journal since I left have continued that tradition. Green agreed. Its an important vehicle for writers but also a record of our literary imagination going back 85 years, he said. Figures from across Australias literary community were quick to condemn the move on social media. Jennifer Mills, shortlisted for the Miles Franklin award, described the loss of Meanjin as devastating news for Australian writers and readers, calling this a foolish, shortsighted and destructive move by MUP. Award-winning author Claire G. Coleman described the closure as thoughtless cultural vandalism. Louise Adler, former publisher at MUP and head of Adelaide Writers Week, says every Australian author of note has been published in the magazine. Meanjin has been part of the cultural fabric of Australia for over 80 years. A succession of brilliant editors from Clem Christensen, to Judy Brett, to Jonathan Green have commissioned writing that has defined the country and given a platform to novice writers whove become household names, Adler said. The support for literary magazines has steadily declined, whether in print or online. In the context of the University of Melbournes budget, Meanjins costs would be so modest as to be insignificant. Surely its not penny-pinching by an enthusiastic apparatchik? Loading Meanjin is the traditional Aboriginal name for the Brisbane area, where the magazine was founded. Meanjin moved to Melbourne in 1945 at the invitation of the University of Melbourne. As well as income from subscriptions, the magazine receives funding from Melbourne University, Creative Australia and the Copyright Agency. At the beginning of 2008, Meanjin became an editorially independent imprint of Melbourne University Publishing. Veronica Sullivan, director and CEO of the Melbourne Writers Festival, says the magazine has played an immense role in Australian culture for decades, and has thrived under Anatolitis editorship. 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 Through sapphic sci-fi, body horror and period drama, young queer filmmakers have been forging their own path outside the mainstream Australian industry. An upcoming clutch of local films embody the spirit of the communitys outsider pioneers. Fiercely independent and unafraid to push boundaries, they offer a celebration of queer young adult life that ingeniously reframes real-world anxieties. Adelaide-based writer-directors (and real-life couple) Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese say their award-winning animated film, Lesbian Space Princess, came from a desire to speak to an audience just like them. From a personal point of view, I was feeling so underserviced by [local] content, says Hough Hobbs. Very few people are making it. The film is finally touching down in local cinemas this month after voyaging across the international constellation of film festivals, beginning with its Berlinale premiere in February. Lesbian Space Princess lands on local screens on September 11. The film features phosphorescent alien planets, spaceship acrobatics and royal destinies to be fulfilled. A trio of interstellar incels voiced by Aunty Donna the Straight White Maliens comprise the films scum and villainy. But within its familiar space-opera trappings lies an eclectic collision of genres, in which a hunt for moon crystals can morph into a googly-eyed meet-cute and a musical performance in one breathless sweep. Its a dazzlingly ambitious feature debut for Hough Hobbs and Varghese, who realised its galactic scope on a budget of less than $1 million. In Berlin, it won the coveted Teddy Award the worlds oldest queer film award. Advertisement Within the local industry, it is also the first of its kind: a queer, culturally diverse feature animation aimed at a Gen Z audience. What made Lesbian Space Princess such a singular vision from both of us is the intimacy in which it was created, Hough Hobbs says. Emma Hough Hobbs, left, and Leela Varghese, co-creators of Lesbian Space Princess. We felt so vulnerable at every step along the way, adds Varghese. For all the challenges posed by the constraints of a grassroots production, it couldnt have been brought to life any other way. We were basically in a shoebox with a team of six animators, background artists and compositors, making what we wanted to make; its like the parents were away, says Hough Hobbs. At the heart of the films genre mashup is a coming-of-age tale about grappling with anxiety and self-worth; write what you know, Hough Hobbs jokes. Advertisement Loading Shabana Azeez, Vargheses regular comedic collaborator (and breakout star of the hit HBO hospital drama The Pitt), brings a nervy energy to protagonist Saira, the half-Indian heir to the royal lesbian throne of Planet Clitopolis. On her 23rd birthday, shes mercilessly dumped by her bounty-hunter girlfriend Kiki (Bernie Van Tiel) apparently, creating a photo album only two weeks into dating is smothering behaviour but is given a shot at redemption when the Maliens kidnap her devastatingly cool ex. Hough Hobbs describes the film as a unique combination of both our priorities sprung from her animation expertise and Vargheses background in comedy. The pair studied the production methodologies of anime, western cartoons and indie features for their 50-week production. Lesbian Space Princess is an Australian first: a queer, culturally diverse feature animation aimed at a Gen Z audience. Compromises had to be made across the board, particularly in the complexity of movement and the detail of each character design as Hough Hobbs quips, its like taking the worst of both worlds. Both agreed, as Varghese puts it, that what slows down a lot of animation is that perfectionism. Thats the beauty of this methodology. The story has to be good, and then you can find cheeky magical ways of telling that story in a really cost-effective way. Its less about the art being 100 per cent perfect. Advertisement A similar ethos can be found in the work of Alice Maio Mackay who, at 21, already has six horror features to her name. The experience has taught her to stretch the possibilities of tightly limited funding that she compares to the catering budget of other films. In return, she has what she describes as amazing creative freedom. Alexandra McVicker in The Serpents Skin. Maio Mackay is currently touring the festival circuit with her dark supernatural romance The Serpents Skin, which will premiere in Australia later this year. Her film centres on Anna (Alexandra McVicker), an early 20s trans woman with latent mystical powers who becomes involved with Gen (Avalon Fast), a similarly gifted tattoo artist harbouring her own demons. Maio Mackay takes an emotionally grounded approach to a genre thats informed by her own experiences as a young queer person, characterising her work as hangout films with supernatural elements, drawing on teen fantasy programs such as Charmed and Buffy. At 21, Alice Maio Mackay already has six horror features to her name. As I grow and make more films, I always come back to horror; Im interested in the different ways it can play with aspects of transness, she says. Citing its history as a genre thats provided a voice to marginalised groups, she describes horror as a way for creators to tell stories that are accessible to audiences while challenging them. It can be easier to play with those darker elements, rather than [staying within] the real world, which is sometimes scarier. The supernatural tropes of The Serpents Skin also became a way to elevate its central romance to show that queer love is literally magic. Advertisement Alice Maio Mackays The Serpents Skin centres on Anna, an early 20s trans woman with latent mystical powers. For Hough Hobbs, the embrace of science fiction in Lesbian Space Princess came from a similar desire to subvert the real world and feature queer and trans characters who werent defined by their struggles so that they can just be characters. The whole thing with our world is that minorities have a lot of power, Varghese says. That was something genre allowed us to do that you couldnt do in a grounded drama. Sydney-based filmmaker Celeste Diep whose short film Happy New Year, Ms. Luna won two awards at Cannes Emerging Filmmaker Showcase this year worries that, without ample local support, its no longer enough to just be a queer story; queer filmmakers can find themselves having to introduce genre elements in order for projects to be greenlit. Happy New Year, Ms. Luna is the story of a young transfeminine woman who comes out to her extended family on Chinese New Year. If you get pigeonholed in Australia as a queer filmmaker, that can give funding bodies the view that maybe youre not battled-hardened enough to write stories for the mainstream which is where you get funding. Dieps own filmmaking journey involved several years with Marvel Studios, where she crewed on the productions of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022). Halfway through working on Furiosa (2024), she dropped out to compete in Queer Screens Pitch Off event at the Mardi Gras Film Festival for the chance at securing $10,000 in funding. Advertisement Playwright Yve Blake dived into teen girls obsessions with boy bands for her smash-hit musical FANGIRLS, which is in development as a film adaptation. For her next project, Blake is returning to the subject of fame and obsession to dust one of Shakespeares darkest works, Macbeth, a Nickelodeon fairy floss pink. Mackenzies creator, Yve Blake (left), and director Virginia Gay. Credit: Steven Siewert What if Macbeth were a 13-year-old child star trying to make it big, Blake ponders, and Lady Macbeth her pushy stage mum? Throw in a seance and a geriatric make-up artist with a vision and, snap, crackle and pop, Blake transports Macbeth to a television studio in 2006. For Bell Shakespeares artistic director, Peter Evans, commissioning Blakes Mackenzie alongside Shakespeares great political play Julius Caesar to headline the companys 2026 season was a no-brainer. Advertisement Eating outComing soon Revealed: The top Japanese fine-diner to join new $800m Sydney Fish Market Tiny fine-diner Sushi Oe will relocate, joining other exciting Japanese venues offering a traditional, multi-course kaiseki menu and coastal-style hamayaki seafood barbecue. Scott Bolles September 5, 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 After a redevelopment marred by delays and disputes with tenants, the tide is finally turning at Sydney Fish Market. The incoming complex has scored one of the citys highest-rated and most exclusive Japanese restaurants. Tiny fine-diner Sushi Oe in Cammeray one of only two Japanese two-hatters in the latest Good Food Guide moved one critic to describe it as a small, singular seafood odyssey captained by a master of the craft. The restaurant is a favourite with in-the-know chefs seeking out the traditional approach of chef Toshihiko Oe, whos been refining his craft for more than three decades. With only six stools around the counter, its also one of the most intimate venues in the city, and snaring a booking is notoriously difficult. The wave-shaped design for the redeveloped Sydney Fish Market, which is nearing completion. Making a reservation will become marginally easier when Sushi Oe relocates to the $836 million redeveloped Sydney Fish Market, which is nearing completion. Owner-chef Oe said he would bump up in size from six seats to eight when he crosses the harbour, and hes already planning how hell juggle the increased numbers while maintaining his lofty artisan standards. Advertisement I want to make sushi for more people, Oe said. It wont change, same style. Part of the appeal for the chef is being closer to the seafood produce that underpins his culinary craft, and delivering it to locals and visitors in the surrounds of the new Sydney Fish Market. Sushi Oe will be built as a separate restaurant space within a sprawling tenancy taken by premium seafood supplier GetFish. GetFish has been rolling out its GetSashimi brand across Sydneys beaches (Manly is next), with a massive sushi train part of its plans at Sydney Fish Market. Toshihiko Oes tiny sushi counter will cross the harbour. A GetSashimi spokesman confirmed Sushi Oe isnt the only Japanese talent it has teamed up with at its fish market space. Advertisement Chef Toru Ryu, from Neutral Bays upmarket Restaurant 16, will also open under the same roof. Ryu hasnt decided if hell use the Restaurant 16 name when he opens at the new development, but said the venue would add to the diversity of the project by offering a traditional, multi-course kaiseki menu. Ryu worked at Buon Ricordo restaurant in Paddington after moving from Japan, and while he described his cooking as predominantly Japanese, therell be the occasional Italian touch. The Sydney Fish Market was tight-lipped about incoming operators at its new headquarters before Good Food revealed in May last year that a restaurant from celebrity chef Luke Nguyen, and a spin-off from the popular Malaysian venue Ho Jiak, were part of the plans. An artists impression of Ichie restaurant, which will offer coastal-style hamayaki seafood barbecue. Pat Laoyont/Archstallation But its the growing strength of the incoming Japanese restaurant offering thats adding extra food clout. A standalone restaurant, Ichie, is also headed into the waterfront Pyrmont redevelopment. The venue is a joint venture between Takao Muramoto, who owns Ichie restaurant in Hokkaido in Japan, Sydney restaurateur Libras Ting and Hide Tsuboi, the Tokyo-trained chef-owner at Haymarkets Hakatamon Ramen. Advertisement Tsuboi said the 176-seat restaurant would offer a first in the harbour city: Itll be the only Japanese restaurant in Sydney focusing on [coastal-style] hamayaki seafood barbecue, and well do ramen as well. There are longer-term plans to add kamameshi, the iron-pot seafood rice, to the Ichie menu. When the venues will all open is the new million-dollar question at Blackwattle Bay. With internal fitouts already under way at some of the restaurants, and about to start at others, some tenants believe their doors could open as soon as November. But given the intensity of Christmas trading at the market, many say early 2026 is a more realistic target. Related Article Celebrity chef and hatted restaurant operator to join flash new $800m Sydney Fish Market Related Article Exclusive Celebrity chef behind 280-seat restaurant at new $800m Sydney Fish Market revealed Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up The drums were muffled and draped in black, the pipers played The Flowers of the Forest and rank upon rank of police blue stretched out of sight down the long hill of View Mount Road, Glen Waverley: a guard of honour a kilometre long. A mother from across the world sat in an Australian chapel overwhelmed by grief, her husband and a remaining son battling through their own suffering to try to grant her some form of comfort. Sacha de Waart-Hottart (left) and parents Alain Hottart and Carolina de Waart during the funeral service. Credit: AAP More than 3000 people came to the Victoria Police Academy on Friday to farewell Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, a young man shot dead last week when he visited a property near Porepunkah in the states north-east for what should have been the simple task of delivering a warrant. So many police and other guests including the prime minister and the Victorian premier came to honour him and mourn him that the great chapel at the academy couldnt accommodate more than a third of them. Three extra theatres were thrown open, screens and loudspeakers were installed to stream the service, and even the academys dining room in the basement was crowded. But this was a farewell not limited to Victorias police. Read more on this story from Tony Wright here. Australia has just endured an unprecedented winter of discontent that seems to be drifting into spring. Turmoil over immigration, the demonisation of political institutions, voter disaffection and housing and economic hardship all seem to have gathered to cast a pall over our once-happy land. But against dark and unsettling reality, we should never forget that more unites us than divides us. Belmore Medical GP Dr Jamal Rifi leading a drive-through vaccination clinic at Belmore Sport Ground in 2021. Credit: Nick Moir We can thank two of Sydneys pre-eminent medical leaders Professor Les Bokey and Dr Jamal Rifi for reminding us that common values matter and of the central role unity plays in creating community wellbeing. Professor Bokey, our world-famous innovative cancer specialist, told guests at a gala dinner this week that Sydneys famous south-western region was the heart of the world, a gateway to the Asia-Pacific, with people of every faith, every heart, every culture.Our population is the petrie dish of the world, he said. Its the only place in Australia where I can say in Arabic, assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and he can answer me in Yiddish if he wants to. BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The People's Bank of China (PBOC), the country's central bank, on Thursday said that it will conduct a 1-trillion-yuan (about 140.74 billion U.S. dollars) outright reverse repo operation on Friday, aiming to maintain ample liquidity in the national banking system. The operation will have a tenor of three months (91 days) and will be conducted using a fixed-quantity, interest-rate-bidding and multiple-price-bidding method, according to the PBOC statement. Wang Qing, chief macro analyst at Golden Credit Rating, said that the operation will help inject liquidity into the market, underscoring a continued supportive monetary policy stance and stabilizing market expectations. Outright reverse repo operations -- a tool the central bank introduced in October 2024 to manage liquidity in the national banking system -- are carried out once each month with a tenor of no more than one year. These operations have enriched the country's monetary policy toolkit following its earlier introductions of temporary repos, temporary reverse repos, and the buying and selling of treasury bonds. The young skier who died in a crash at Thredbo in the NSW Snowy Mountains has been identified as a student on a university trip. Sean Forrest, 22, was on Tuesday killed in a collision on the Dream Run at the popular resort. Sean Forrest, 22-year-old Queenslander, has been identified as the man who died in a Thredbo ski crash on Tuesday. Credit: University of Queensland Ski and Snowsports Society A Thredbo Ski Patrol and a Thredbo Medical Centre doctor rushed to the site of the crash, but the University of Queensland student was declared dead at the scene. The universitys Ski and Snow Sports Society posted a tribute to Forrest on Instagram, saying he was a skier from a young age and heavily involved in the club. Filby mourns the man he lost years ago long before his uncle chose a new life and a new name, before the shootings and the headlines, before Dezi became a fugitive. Somewhere along the way, the uncle who once listened to songs like Metallicas Enter Sandman began insisting the music was satanic. It was one of the first steps in a long, spiralling collapse that would plunge his entire family deep into his vortex of fixation and paranoia, culminating in the horrific events in Porepunkah. I tuned it out in the end, Filby recalls. It didnt even make sense to me. It was just like gibberish. The nephew of the alleged Porepunkah police killer has described Dezi Freemans descent into gibberish conspiracy theories. Credit: Marija Ercegovac Now, those memories are tainted by another set: a Christmas lunch filled with rants about religion and the end of the world. Hours at a hospital deathbed drowned out by angry tirades from his uncle Dezi Freeman against police. A frightening descent into violence and conspiracy theories. Long before the deranged ranting and raging began, Luke Filby knew his uncle simply as the man who could make life feel electric renting Terminator 2 , blasting Metallica and mucking around like a fun older brother while they played Super Mario Kart . Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. During his sudden bursts of rage over lunch, he spewed out vitriol about his hatred of police, his disdain for authorities. The last time Freeman saw his extended family was Christmas 2018, and he spent the day erratically regurgitating his fanatical views to weary relatives on everything from religion and doomsday theories to the impending apocalypse. Everything that has unfolded has completely devastated us. It has broken our hearts for the innocent lives lost, and their families involved. It was like he always tried to find a place, a group, where he could fit. He went through so many different groups in his life phases, Filby says. He is then alleged to have opened a window of the bus and shot Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 35, who also died at the scene. Another detective seriously wounded in the attack is understood to have hidden under the bus for up to an hour until paramedics arrived. Freeman, a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen, changed his surname from Filby and has been on the run for 10 days after allegedly blasting Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, with a home-made shotgun through the door of a bus that the weapons enthusiast was living in near the township of Porepunkah on August 26. This particular Christmas was a final tipping point for many of the Filbys, splintering an already fractured family, who say they have been estranged from the alleged double murderer for years by both name and ideology. He was just going on and on about authority and politics, Filby recalls. Only months before the family gathering, Freeman was ranting and raving about the government and bracing for the end of the world at his fathers deathbed. He recalls his uncle bizarrely using a magnet to erase the music from the cassettes in a process known as tape degaussing, which works by using a strong magnetic field to erase data. In his 20s, he was a tree-hugging environmentalist. A heavy metal fan with unkempt long dark hair who loved to play Nintendo. A devout Christian. Luke Filby recalls his uncle obsessively going to church youth groups and then destroying all his Metallica cassette tapes in the 1990s as he plunged deeper into Christianity and suddenly began to describe the band as satanic and evil. By all accounts from family, friends and acquaintances, Dezi Freeman has had many incarnations over his life. Freeman has not been sighted since , despite hundreds of specialist officers trawling the dense forests, snow-laden mountains and deep valleys of Victorias High Country, about 210 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. Police say officers were at the property to execute a warrant related to historical child sexual abuse offences. Another family member says he was the type of person upset with everybody else having something better than him. Huge ego. A real jealous streak. He always wanted what others had but was not prepared to work for it. He always wanted something for nothing, says one acquaintance, who knew Freeman for years. He was also an avid churchgoer, going to mass weekly at the Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Bright attending for the last time just days before the double shooting. Locals say he has also worked sporadically as a freelance photographer, a diver and an abseiling instructor at The Gorge near Bright. Those who have known the 56-year-old for decades say he has always struggled to hold down a job, living off welfare payments and a disability pension for years, and exhibiting what they describe as narcissistic, racist and misogynistic traits. His relatives say he refused to pay parking and speeding fines, and was embroiled in road-rage incidents and countless disputes with neighbours as he became a radicalised, anti-authority conspiracy theorist who adhered to pseudo-legal beliefs in line with sovereign citizens, who believe they are not subject to the law. His volatile and often violent temperament caused him to constantly fall out with his family. Filby claims members of the family fell out with Freeman after he had an altercation with his own brother. Mali and a new life Freeman disappeared to the Philippines soon after this altercation, and Filby says he remembers his uncle suddenly re-emerging in the early 2000s with his wife, Amalia, known as Mali. He says it was Mali who helped him to temporarily reconnect with his frayed family before they became estranged again. Amalia Freeman pictured in 2022 with the three children she has with Dezi Freeman. Shes such a wonderful, spirited person, Filby says. We are very worried about her and the kids. Hes gone on the run from police and has basically thrown them under a bus. Filby still mourns the uncle who he says was like an older brother to him as a boy. He would rent Terminator 2 from the video store and play Super Mario Kart with me, he says. Thats what I loved about him, and so it was just sad that he had this weird anger inside of him, almost like a mental illness. This kind of rage where he constantly threw tantrums. He always wanted what others had but was not prepared to work for it. Acquaintance But like much of Freemans family, Filby had distanced himself from his uncle for years as his behaviour grew more erratic and terrifying. My grandparents, Dezis mum and dad, were some of the loveliest, good Samaritan Christians ever, he says. They never swore or anything. Always tried to do the right thing. They would just be absolutely heartbroken by this. Pandemic paranoia and a new tribe As the years went on, Freemans extremist views only hardened. Those who knew him say he became paranoid, setting up surveillance cameras wherever he was living and meticulously researching technology devices as he joined online forums for conspiracy theorists, including a Facebook group dedicated to preparing for the apocalypse. Loading One family member also recalled him increasingly watching online videos of police brutality, and grotesque terrorism and beheading footage from the Middle East. Freeman refused to abide by the law, believing it did not apply to him. He frequently spent extended periods in the bush and was known to be an expert hunter. His fixation with firearms and making his own guns intensified, too. Former landlord Jamie King told this masthead last week that Freeman had a long-running fascination with home-made arsenal dating back more than decade. King recalled his former tenant showing him sketches of guns that he had found on the internet. He looked at me, and he said, How hard do you reckon it would be to make them? he says. Freeman had told the farmer he wanted to make his own guns, but had also asked his wife, Mali, to get a firearm licence so he could buy more weapons. I said, Why would Mali want a gun? And he said, Well, Ive got assault charges. Jamie King at the house in Nug Nug he rented to alleged gunman Dezi Freeman. Credit: Joe Armao His intense hatred for police is well-documented in online posts, video footage and court documents. During a hearing last year appealing against his suspended drivers licence, Freeman told a court that even the sight of a cop or a cop car its like an Auschwitz survivor seeing a Nazi soldier. He came to public attention for his anti-government stunts during the pandemic, making headlines in 2021 when he helped lead an attempted private prosecution of then-premier Daniel Andrews for treason. Freeman has for years displayed contempt for police and the justice system, and is known among anti-authority extremist groups for his public stunts. He has described police as terrorist thugs and Nazis. In the days before the police killings, his wife confided in a neighbour, fearing for his mental health. In 2023, he posted online the only good cop is a dead cop, and called for the extermination of politicians. These views appear to have only deepened when he was drawn to the so-called freedom movement during the coronavirus pandemic. Loading During the pandemic, his behaviour became increasingly erratic. He refused to wear face masks in shops, voiced his refusal to get vaccinated, and told people about his distaste for government restrictions and lockdowns. He was anti everything to do with it, one local said. He fell down a bit of a rabbit hole. It was all a bit unhinged. A friend of Freemans wife, Mali, says Freeman began to change during the pandemic, believing the Victorian government had mishandled its COVID-19 response. She says Freeman had begun to mobilise with a group of people in the community who were also opposed to lockdowns, restrictions and vaccines. King says Freeman considered himself to be a bit of a Geronimo a reference to the famed Native American leader who resisted both Mexican and American forces in the late 19th century. Hes probably wanting to go down in a blaze of glory so he gets written into history, he says. King says his former neighbour owned a ghillie suit, an elaborate type of camouflage clothing, that he would wear in the remote bushland when he disappeared into the High Country for weeks on end. I reckon he actually thought he was Native American, King said, adding that Freeman had a tipi, a conical tent of indigenous American tribes, on the property when he lived there. King still vividly remembers when Freeman came to his house one afternoon holding sketches and drawings he got online about how to make home-made guns. Looking back now, that moment is chilling. I never would have thought it would come to this, he says. But another of Freemans former neighbours, Gary French, is not shocked by the alleged brutal double murder. Loading Hes always been dangerous, French says. Anywhere Dezi has lived, he has brought chaos. Hes created a multitude of problems for a lot of people. French and his family found themselves embroiled in a bitter land dispute and then a drawn-out civil court case when the suspected gunman began hunting for deer and continually trespassing on their land. French says Freeman used drones and surveillance technology to spy on, threaten and torment his family when they lived next door to him in Myrtleford between 2017 and 2019. We took a civil case against him It was a two-year process, French says. He was defending himself in court. He attempted to arrest the magistrate involved. It was just an absolute circus. It cost the family $100,000 in legal fees. French says he often felt police were powerless to stop him. He lost his gun licence at that time, French says. So I was dumbfounded that he actually got a gun licence back. But he has also been convicted of firearm offences previously, so I just couldnt believe he even had a firearms licence to begin with. Police arrested Dezi Freeman outside the Myrtleford court in 2021. Credit: David Estcourt/Michael Howard The making of a mountain man King says he always felt that Freeman was envious of him because he owned a sprawling block of land in the remote hamlet of Nug Nug, about 20 kilometres west of Porepunkah. He was a little bit jealous of me because I own property, King says. Hed say, Its not fair that you own all this, and I would say Dezi, Ive had a job since I was 14 years old. Ive never been on Centrelink. I purchased this property. He remembers Freeman as a person who was self-absorbed and arrogant. He says he once pretended to be a photographer employed by the Country Fire Authority, wearing a firefighter uniform with the word media sewn on it, so he could take photos at close range as bushfires tore through the High Country. Early one summers day, when the two were still neighbours, Freeman told King to come outside his house after midday. When King went outside, he saw Freeman had climbed a nearby mountain and was standing on top of it holding a tiny mirror in his hand, illuminating the vast countryside below with sunlight. You could see this light reflecting from the mirror kilometres away, he said. It was incredible. He was just standing there on top of this mountain like he was the king of it. Their relationship soured in 2012 during a dispute, when King discovered a vast marijuana crop growing on the property and told Freeman to dig it up within 24 hours. He [Dezi] flipped out. I mean this guy went f---ing nuts He was in my face screaming that hes going to shoot me dead, King says, his eyes flashing wildly as he recounts the encounter. It was like a switch flipped. This went on for five or 10 minutes, King told this masthead earlier this week. I have thought a lot about what has happened these last few days, and I didnt think he had it in him. Hes always been dangerous. Gary French, neighbour But is he a doomsday prepper? F---, yeah. I reckon hes built an underground bunker somewhere or hiding down a mineshaft. Exit light, enter night Filby was outside his home in the regional city of Albury-Wodonga tending to his birds when his mother, Freemans sister, called last Tuesday afternoon. While they were chatting about their day, another call came through from Filbys uncle, Freemans brother, and his mother hung up abruptly. Minutes later, she called him back. Loading She said, Google Porepunkah shooting right now, Filby says. So I Googled it, and Mum said, Who do you think that is? And, I was like Oh my god. Its Uncle Des. My mum has been crying her eyes out about it for days, Filby says. We are absolutely heartbroken for the two police officers who have died, their families, and the third guy that was injured. Now, Filby is left haunted by two versions of the same man: the uncle who once felt like a brother, and the alleged murderous fugitive accused of killing two police officers. I always felt something like this was going to happen, Filby says. But I wasnt sure precisely what would be the thing to finally tip him over the edge. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. In one meeting last year with Lyu Zexiang, chairman of China Energy Engineering International Company [CEEC], a $16 billion behemoth under the control of the Chinese government, Andrews described the company as a trustworthy partner that would give full play to its resources and channel advantages for development in Australia, according to a statement by CEEC. Andrews would establish strategic mutual trust with CEEC, assist in strengthening communication and docking with key Australian enterprises, the company said. Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews meeting with CEEC last year. Credit: China Energy Engineering International Andrews was contacted for comment. The company, which exports renewable energy and green hydrogen technology to Australia, is responsible for the development of the Prospect Hill waste-to-energy project outside Geelong through its subsidiary Jiangsu Power Design Institute. CEEC has also partnered with Zen Energy, established by Australias former ambassador to China, Ross Garnaut, to deliver energy storage for a massive battery project that will power 96,000 homes in South Australia. Chinese investment is critical to Australias clean energy network as the worlds largest manufacturer of renewable technology. The Albanese government has attempted to allay concerns about energy security by diversifying renewable sources, but the sector remains dominated by Chinese-owned enterprises. Mining giant Fortescue, which has put Andrews on its payroll through his company Forty Eight & Partners, is also closely linked to CEEC through its interest in green hydrogen. The companies have pledged to engage in practical co-operation by contributing to the global green and low-carbon energy transition. Loading In July, Andrews told the Governor of Anhui, Wang Qingxian, that he would actively make more contributions to enhancing China-Australia friendship and mutual trust in a lavish meeting in Hefei. Andrews former political and multicultural adviser, Marty Mei, has accompanied the former premier to each of his meetings in China. Mei, who is now Andrews business partner, also travelled on each of his six official trips as premier. The pair established Wedgetail Partners in January 2024 to solicit foreign investment into Victoria, two months before Andrews first post-political trip to China. Mei, a well-connected Chinese political player in Victoria, helped secure a $100,000 donation for the Victorian Labor Party through a Chinese business group ahead of the 2014 state election, and was later instrumental in advising on the Victorian governments Belt and Road Initiative deal. Andrews described Mei as an outstanding Victorian, who happens to be of Chinese origin in 2018. He is very proud of that, I am proud of him, Andrews said. Anhui governor Wang Qingxian with Daniel Andrews in July. Credit: Anhui News But since resigning as premier, Andrews has remained silent on the pairs business dealings and political networking in China, making his only public comments to Chinese state media, before releasing a statement on Thursday defending his trip to Beijing. Ive said for years that a constructive relationship with China our largest trading partner is in Australias national interest, and hundreds of thousands of Australian jobs depend on it. That hasnt changed, he said. On Thursday, Chinas top state media outlet, Peoples Daily, also quoted Andrews saying he was deeply honoured to attend the 80th anniversary of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the term used for World War II by the Chinese government. Loading This history has broader regional and even global significance, Andrews was quoted as saying. The victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression safeguarded world peace and justice. The term is diplomatically sensitive to the Japanese government, which downplays the war crimes committed by Japanese troops in China. Andrews did not respond to questions about whether the quotes were accurate, and so this masthead has not been able to confirm them. In March last year, Andrews met with Wang Sheng, the president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies at the Boao Forum. The institute is tasked with developing Hainans free trade port and safeguarding Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. In February, Chinese fighter jets fired flares at an Australian surveillance plane over the disputed region, one of a series of dangerous incidents since 2022, triggered by Chinese military action over the South China Sea. Andrews invited Wang to visit him in Melbourne, the institute said, to promote common development and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. Marty Mei (left) with Andrews and Wang Sheng, president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies. Credit: National Institute for South China Sea Studies Nick Coyle, the former chief executive director of AustCham Beijing, which represents Australian companies in China, said: The main issue is to what degree he is being used as a propaganda tool. Would [the propaganda] hurt with his Chinese business contacts? No. Would it move the needle much? I doubt it. The needle is already moved. While photos with Xi can prove highly lucrative in China, Coyle believes the Beijing family photo with Xi, Kim and Putin, two of the worlds most brutal dictators, could backfire for Andrews. If you get shunned by everybody, if he becomes persona non grata for [Australian] governments and politicians to deal with, it could blow up in his face, said Coyle. Former Victorian premier Dan Andrews (top far right) joins a group photo with Xi Jinping (centre front) and world leaders including Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, before the military parade. Credit: AP Former Blackmores chief executive Christine Holgate credited a rare photo with Xi in 2014 with helping the value of Blackmores vitamins business in China skyrocket from $1 million to $500 million by 2016. But Holgate was unknown to investors in China before the photo with Xi. Former Labor frontbencher Ed Husic has called for the Albanese government to warn Israeli-Australian dual nationals against joining the Israeli military, arguing there is a risk they could be implicated in genocide charges over the war in Gaza. Husics intervention came as former prime minister John Howard and ex-foreign minister Alexander Downer blasted the governments decision to recognise Palestinian statehood, calling it a betrayal of the legal order that underpins the very idea of a rules-based international system. Labor MP Ed Husic said the government should consider banning dual nationals from overseas military service. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The Israel Defence Forces [IDF] announced this week that it would start calling up around 60,000 reserve soldiers to prepare for its plan to conquer Gaza City, the largest urban area in the devastated enclave. Husic, who lost his spot in cabinet after the May 3 election in a Labor right-faction power play, told parliament on Wednesday night that the ferocity of Israels military campaign in Gaza demanded stronger action from the government. Firebrand Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price will headline a fundraiser for Willoughby MP Tim James on Friday, as Opposition Leader Mark Speakman seeks to distance the NSW party from Prices disparaging remarks about Indian migrants. Price told the ABCs Afternoon Briefing program on Wednesday that the federal government was focused on bringing in migrants from particular countries over others and named the Indian community as an example. Mark Speakman, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Tim James. Credit: Fairfax Media Price will be the guest of honour at James fundraiser at Doltone House Hyde Park on Friday night, despite her comments attracting widespread condemnation from some Liberals, including Speakman, who took to social media to show support for Indian-Australians. In a post on Facebook on Thursday, Speakman said: Our Indian diaspora has one of the highest rates of tertiary and professional qualifications of any group, typically entrepreneurial, hard-working and aspirational, with strong family values. Loading Its not something I would have done. In his statement, Andrews defended his decision to attend the Chinese military parade, which was also a display of Chinese military might. Ive said for years that a constructive relationship with China our largest trading partner is in Australias national interest, and hundreds of thousands of Australian jobs depend on it. That hasnt changed, he said. And just so theres no confusion: I have condemned Putin and his illegal war in Ukraine from day one. Thats why he banned me from Russia last year. Credit: Matt Golding Further, my support of Israel and Australias Jewish community has been outspoken and unwavering, and I unequivocally condemn Iran for its attacks on Australia, Israel and elsewhere around the world, Andrews said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also distanced himself from Andrews decision to attend the military parade, saying neither he nor any of his ministers would have considered going. My position is very, very clear, which is we did not send any government representative because it would not have been appropriate, Albanese said during question time in federal parliament. None of my people would have sat in that position, as simple as that. It certainly is not something that I would have even thought of doing and no one in my government would have thought of doing. What individuals do very separate from the government is a matter for them. Andrews and Carroll previously locked horns in the week of the former premiers retirement in 2023. Carroll led his Labor Right faction to challenge for the leadership after Andrews and his Left grouping had thrown their support behind Allan, with Tim Pallas as her deputy. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll. Credit: Joe Armao This led to a heated party room meeting, which was ultimately resolved with Allan elected as leader and Carroll in the deputy position. Since retiring from politics, Andrews has set up multiple corporate entities, named Wedgetail Partners, Glencairn Street Pty Ltd and Forty Eight & Partners. Some of his post-politics work has been to assist Chinese businesses looking to invest in Australia. Carroll said it should be remembered that Putin, with help from Jong-un, was currently waging war against Ukraine and that Foreign Minister Penny Wong had in the past 24 hours sanctioned 14 Russian elites for enabling the war and silencing political expression. He also referenced the 38 Australians who had lost their lives in the downing of flight MH17, for which Europes top court this year ruled Russia was responsible. They represent everything we stand against, and we should never stand with them. Always stand against them, Carroll said. In a statement on Wednesday night, Allan did not address the other attendees of the event but said it was good for Victoria that Daniel Andrews is held in such high regard by the people of China. Loading Victoria is an old friend of China, and these connections are so valuable for our state, she said. Im looking forward to building on this connection by leading a trade mission to China this month, where Ill meet with business, government, educators, and communities and launch Victorias new China strategy. Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin said Andrews needed to think about who he was standing with and the impact the photos had on local communities. He stands with the president of Iran, and we already know there are reports about [Iranian] involvement with the synagogue fires here, and the pressures on the Australian Jewish community, he said. This is a responsibility for Daniel Andrews to now come and explain why he has decided to stand with those people. A spokesperson for the Australian Ukrainian Congress urged Andrews to apologise, calling his appearance an appalling lack of judgment. Military personnel shout as they take part in a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japans World War II surrender held in front of Tiananmen Gate, in Beijing on Wednesday. Credit: AP There are 11,500 Ukrainian refugees in Australia seeking shelter and protection from Putins war crimes, most of whom (5500) are currently in Victoria, they said. These people deserve better than this distressing appearance by a senior Australian and Victoria leader. We ask Mr Andrews to reflect on his terrible lack of judgment and ask him for a clear expression of regret for the serious distress he has caused to Australian Ukrainians and the many Ukrainian refugees here. Victorian Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said Andrews had ultimately appeared in a personal capacity but it was not an event she would attend. Credit: Badiucao Im unlikely to ever be invited to such an event, let alone attend one, she said. That is ultimately a matter for him hes attended as a private citizen. Rankine had initially been handed a five-match sanction, but his club was able to successfully argue it down to four, citing a compelling medical submission. Quaynor was booed from the first time he got the ball on Thursday night, something Collingwood coach Craig McRae labelled as disappointing after the match. The small defender played the game of his life and was a key reason the Magpies were able to keep the competitions No.1 offence to just eight goals. The 25-year-old 2023 premiership player said he noticed the booing during his first possession but then did his best to block it out. It is what it is Im just out there playing a game, doing what I do, Quaynor said. Its their choice to boo. I mean, probably [its to do with what happened in round 23]. But thats all dealt with now, I just want to move forward. Quaynor acknowledged it was a difficult situation to deal with. Its not an ideal situation to be in for anyone, and Im just glad the club did an incredible job dealing with it, he said. Loading Darcy [Moore], Fly [McRae], [football boss] Charlie Gardiner they were absolutely incredible, so Im very lucky to be at this club. McRae spoke about the booing in his post-match press conference. Was he actually getting booed? I thought they were yelling out Q. It is disappointing. There are always stories behind it, but Im just not a booer I said this years ago, he said. I just get disappointed with that. When I first heard it, I thought, Oh, thats disappointing. Jeez, he mustve touched the footy a lot because he had a lot of the ball. Im really proud of him and Dan [Houston] and others. But Quaynor and Houston werent the only Collingwood players to feel the wrath of Crows fans. Billy Frampton was also booed seemingly due to his past history as a Port Adelaide [and former Adelaide] player, while ruckman Mason Cox was also jeered. When Nicks was asked about the booing, he said: Its not one for me to comment on. But I am also sitting in a box, Im not seeing or hearing any of that. Im seeing a stadium thats rocking, which it should do for a final, but Im not going to comment around that. Quaynor conceded that his team hadnt been in the best form in the past two months, but was adamant the group didnt lose confidence. We knew going into this finals series we were doing a lot of things right, and we just werent quite getting that nourishment with the four points, Quaynor said. But there was a lot of confidence going into this game and this week that what we had been working on; our game plan stacks up in finals. The Magpies now head into a week off before a home preliminary final at the MCG. Its been a roller-coaster second half of the year. The Pies were two-and-a-half games clear atop the ladder before their form disintegrated and they nearly slipped out of the top four, which would have seen them miss a crucial double chance. Its pretty big [to get through], Quaynor said. Correct me if Im wrong, but I dont think anyone got hurt. I think it now allows us to knuckle down on a few specifics of the game and put a bit more time into resting up and feeling fresh for the prelim. Loading Quaynor and Moore could be joined in the back six by intercept defender Jeremy Howe, who suffered an adductor injury in the round-24 win over Melbourne. McRae wasnt willing to guarantee Howes selection in two weeks when asked about it after the game. Hes a good healer, he keeps telling me, hell be a chance for the prelim, McRae said. We went into this year learning some great lessons from last year. The magnets looked really good last year. They were fit to play, but they werent fit to perform. Thats been our catch-cry all year. If someone is not fit to perform, they dont play. A forgiving Dylan Gibbons has bounced back quickly from his first serious race fall and hopes the Bjorn Baker-trained War Eternal and two Kris Lees-trained stayers can do likewise for him on Saturday at Randwick. Gibbons was fortunate to walk away with only a bruised arm from a frightening fall in the Up And Coming Stakes, which led to the death of his mount, the John OShea and Tom Charlton-trained Tyreek, at Rosehill last Saturday. Dylan Gibbons after riding Unreachable to victory early on last Saturdays program at Rosehill before a nasty fall. Credit: Getty Images Gibbons was back the following day to ride Strongside to victory for OShea and Charlton in the opener at Wyong, and later Whatalegacy for Baker. The best thing you can do when you ride horses all the time and you have a tumble, is to get straight back, said Gibbons, whose previous falls were pre- or post-race. Top trainer Ciaron Maher is taking a relaxed approach to the result when Jimmysstars rejigged preparation for The Everest starts on Saturday at Randwick. But he has hopes Willydoit can deliver on debut for the stable and stamp himself as an Epsom Handicap contender. Jockey Ethan Brown salutes aboard Jimmysstar (centre) in the group 1 All Aged Stakes at Randwick in April. Credit: Getty Images Maher, the three-time defending Australian premiership winner, will test The Everest hope over 1000m for the first time when he resumes off two trials in the $1 million Concorde Stakes. Jimmysstar, which won the group 1 Oakleigh Plate over 1100m and All Aged Stakes at 1400m last preparation to secure his Everest slot, was to return in the group 2 The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick on September 20 and tackle the $20 million showpiece second up there on October 18. Last night, when I finished my work and went home, I turned on the TV. What I saw sent a cold shiver down my spine. Tanks once again rolled through Tiananmen Square, soldiers in sharp red-army uniforms marching in perfect formation. It was a grand show of power for Chinas 80th anniversary of military victory over Japan, but for me, it opened a wound that has never truly healed. Thirty-six years ago, those same colours and tanks filled Tiananmen Square. But then, they were not part of a celebration they were used to crush thousands of young students who were calling for democracy and freedom. I was one of those students, a leader in the square. I still carry the scars, not only on my body but deep in my soul. Two of my closest friends died in my arms that night. Their faces have never left me. The world may see parades and fireworks, but when I see tanks in Tiananmen I remember the gunfire, the screams, the blood and the silence that followed. For me, the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989 is not history, its memory. Credit: AP In the aftermath, Australia extended a hand of humanity. Then-prime minister Bob Hawke showed moral courage when he opened the door for almost 42,000 Chinese students to remain here, giving them life, freedom and a future. I was one of those lucky ones. That is why I now proudly call Australia my home. This country gave me safety and dignity, and in return, I have tried to give back with all my heart. It is through this lens that I watched with horror as former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews prostituted himself to gain the friendship of some of the worlds most notorious dictators. There he was, standing in the same square where my friends were murdered, shoulder to shoulder with Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, while China rolled out its military hardware for the world to see. It made my blood boil. HANOI, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam earned 45.37 billion U.S. dollars from agro-forestry-fisheries exports in the first eight months of 2025, up 12 percent year on year, local daily Suc Khoe & Doi Song (Health & Life) reported Thursday, citing the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Agricultural products accounted for the largest share, with exports totaling 24.42 billion dollars, rising 13.8 percent from a year earlier. Forestry exports reached 11.9 billion dollars, up 6.6 percent, while livestock products surged 24.5 percent to 410.7 million dollars. Aquatic products also recorded strong export growth, rising 11.5 percent to 7.03 billion dollars, according to the ministry. Asia continued to be Vietnam's largest market, accounting for 43.1 percent of the total export value. Coffee recorded the strongest growth among major exports, with 1.2 million tons shipped abroad worth 6.42 billion dollars, the report said. London: The operator of the Lisbon streetcar that crashed, killing at least 16 people and injuring 22 others this week, has cast doubt on a key theory about the disaster, saying it might not have been caused by a cable breakage. The company that runs the famous funicular, Carris, has launched an investigation into Wednesdays tragedy after declaring it had increased spending on maintenance and had checked the historic system as usual on the day. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said the crash was one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past and ordered a day of mourning, amid investigations by police, prosecutors, transport officials and company staff. Lisbons Civil Protection Agency said on Thursday that the death toll had risen to 17. It later corrected that to 16, citing a duplication of available information. Washington: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Thursday night in what the Australian leader described as a warm and constructive call that canvassed economic and security interests, including the supply of critical minerals. The call marked the fourth time the two leaders have spoken since Trump was re-elected last November, and comes ahead of a long-awaited potential meeting in person at this months United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, or in Washington. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump have spoken on the phone in what the Prime Minister described as a warm and constructive call. Credit: Various According to the Australian summary of the call, Albanese and Trump discussed economic co-operation and opportunities to work together on trade and critical minerals in the interests of both nations. They also discussed the strength of our relationship and the importance of our shared security interests. London/Washington: Global leaders have pledged to send troops and other forces to Ukraine to guarantee its security in a potential peace deal with Russia, with 26 nations backing the plan in a move to intensify efforts to end the war. French President Emmanuel Macron described the military commitment as a reassurance force after he emerged from talks with dozens of leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a coalition of the willing to help Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday. Credit: AP But Russia on Friday appeared to rule out any security role for foreign forces, and President Vladimir Putin warned that any Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be legitimate targets for Moscow to attack. If decisions are reached that lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply do not see any sense in their presence on the territory of Ukraine, full stop, Putin said. New York: Should US President Donald Trump be rattled by Chinese President Xi Jinpings extravagant military celebration attended by so many of Americas main adversaries? Much of the analysis has tended to frame the gathering through a geopolitical lens, and the temptation to see everything as a message to Trump is a syndrome one that afflicts the US president himself. The military parade in Beijing was far more elaborate than the US Armys 250th anniversary event in Washington. Credit: AP I thought it was a beautiful ceremony I thought it was very, very impressive, Trump enthused in the Oval Office. But I understood the reason they were doing it. They were hoping I was watching, and I was watching. It would be silly and indulgent to think Xis parade, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Sino-Japanese war, was for Trumps benefit. This was an important milestone in Chinas history, and the display of military might is textbook stuff from an authoritarian regime. Buenos Aires, Argentina: A long-lost 18th-century artwork looted by the Nazis in World War II and rediscovered by chance in an online real estate listing has been recovered, an Argentine federal court has announced. Portrait of a Lady, an 18th-century work by Italian painter Giuseppe Ghislandi, was displayed publicly for the first time in more than 80 years on Wednesday by authorities in the coastal city of Mar del Plata. Giuseppe Ghislandis Portrait of a Lady on display in Argentina this week. Credit: AP The first-ever colour photo of the portrait surfaced last month on a property listing website, unwittingly posted by one of the daughters of Friedrich Kadgien, a fugitive Nazi officer accused of stealing the painting from one of Europes most prominent pre-war art dealers and collectors. Were doing this simply so that the community to whom we partly owe the discovery of the work can see these images, federal prosecutor Daniel Adler said in a press conference to display the full-length portrait of Countess Colleoni, her hair ink-black and dress embroidered with pastel flowers. PHILIPSBURG:--- As Minister of Labor, I have taken note of the communication recently issued by the management of PJIAE to its staff concerning measures to be taken against French nationals employed at PJIAE. Such communication has caused significant unrest in the community, which requires clarification on my part. I, Richinel Brug, hereby unequivocally distance myself from the content and implications of such correspondence. At no time was the content of such correspondence discussed with me, nor have I ever held a conversation with the CEO of PJIAE, Mr. Michael Cleaver on this matter. I also never proposed or suggested that management issue such a communication to staff. Moreover, I emphasize that, in my capacity as Minister of VSA, I do not hold the authority to instruct PJIAE on its internal operations. Any suggestion to the contrary is incorrect and misleading. I also consider it highly inappropriate that, instead of acknowledging his own misunderstanding of the discussions held between representatives of PJIAE and myself, Mr. Cleaver chose to misrepresent the matter. In both an official letter to staff and a press statement, he claimed to have spoken with two Ministers who were unaware of my decision and surprised at my behavior. This attempt to deflect responsibility by placing blame on government officials is unacceptable. It is extremely dangerous for the CEO of a government-owned company to make public statements about government officials in such a manner, without accountability or repercussion. Such conduct not only undermines public trust but also sets a troubling precedent. I must also address the false narrative that my person has taken a decision without approval of the Council of Ministers or discussing such with coalition partners. This assertion is both inaccurate and misleading, as no new decision has been taken - unilaterally or otherwise. To clarify, this recent chain of events stems from a public appeal I made a few months ago, calling on all employers to ensure that their staff are properly registered in accordance with the laws of Sint Maarten. Since then, a number of employers have approached my person and the Cabinet to arrange meetings, submit the necessary documentation, and regulate the status of their employees at the Division of Labor Affairs. In parallel, I have been working closely with SZV to ensure that even employees without valid residency papers are nonetheless registered with SZV, in accordance with the law. This ensures they remain insured and do not become an undue medical burden on the people of Sint Maarten who are paying into the system. The business community has responded positively to this initiative, and many employers are diligently working to legalize their workforce. I commend these businesses and encourage others to do the same. It is important for me to stress that the goal of enhanced enforcement, as announced a few months ago, is not to obstruct any employee from carrying out their work or earning a decent living. On the contrary, our sole objective is to ensure that all workers are properly registered with the Division of Labor Affairs, have valid medical insurance, fulfill their tax obligations, and contribute through social premiums. These measures are essential to guaranteeing that every worker can rightfully enjoy their Old Age Pension upon reaching pensionable age. Therefore, there is absolutely no need for any employer to discontinueor even temporarily suspendemployment relationships with their staff. The purpose of this process is to safeguard continuity of work while ensuring that all employees are legally registered and contributing to the system in compliance with the laws of Sint Maarten. Since taking up the position of Minister of VSA, I have encountered too many cases of retired individuals, including French nationals, who, after many years of service, discovered that they were never registered and therefore could not receive social benefits. This injustice must be rectified. In this same manner, let us not forget all the Mullet Bay workers holding French Nationaities, who were employed for years prior to Huricane Lewis, who did not qualify for their Old Age Pension because their employer had never register them. Plans are already underway to address this and other challenges. An Inter-Ministerial Conference, initiated by the Ministry of VSA, is scheduled for September 17th to establish a coordinated way forward. In closing, I extend my gratitude to the businesses that are already working to comply with the law. I also want to reassure the general publicand particularly the workers at PJIAEthat the Ministry of VSAs comprehensive labor approach has one clear goal: to uphold the laws of Sint Maarten, ensure that all employees are properly registered and insured, and guarantee that every worker can rightfully enjoy their Old Age Pension upon reaching retirement age. PHILIPSBURG:--- House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP) is honoring the memory of Jose H. Lake, Sr. (19251976) on September 5, 2025, marking the 100th anniversary of his birth. Lake is the founder of the St. Martin media tradition to which the book publisher belongs, said Jacqueline Sample, president of HNP. A commemorative post on HNPs Facebook page recalls that the motto of Lake Sr.s trailblazing Windward Islands Opinion newspaper was: Love & Labor Conquer All Things (https://www.facebook.com/HNPbooksauthors/). Lake Sr.s meaning to the island, its people, and press freedom in St. Martin could well go beyond his connection to HNP. In the 1960s and 1970s, he faced an economic boycott for reporting on government corruption and the mistreatment of dock, Landsradio, and hotel workers; and his support for unions. In the 1960s, he was declared persona non grata for exposing poor school conditions on one side of his island, and he was spat on at political rallies for speaking out against government practices on the other side of St. Martin, said Sample. Lake, Sr. endured threats to his life, harassment by British forces in Anguilla, and the burning of his newspaper office in Great Bay, Sample added. His life and struggles are documented in For Love of St. Maarten by Will Johnson (1987); National Symbols of St. Martin (HNP, 1997); and The Late Great Joseph H. Lake Sr. (19251976) online at The Saba Islander (2014) https://tinyurl.com/5n8bhvay. I would also like to thank everyone who has visited, or may yet visit, House of Nehesi Publishers social media pages, and who are supporting our book writers during our 45th Anniversary Year, 2025, as an indie press, said Sample. (In accompanying memoriam post: Portrait of Jose H. Lake, Sr. by Bruce Clarke. Private collection.) Press Release from Business Wire: WeFi Technology Group (AFP) Sep 04, 2025 SINGAPORE, Sept 4, 2025 (BSW) - 5.78 billion people use a mobile phone today, representing more than 70 percent of the world's population. Nearly as many have access to the internet, and over 100 million join them annually (Digital 2025 Global Overview Report). Behind these massive numbers are legions of software and hardware systems. The globe has digitised. Digital technology is the backbone of modern civilisation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903817228/en/ Kristina Promet, AVP of Innovative Solutions at WeFi Technology Group. This story is still in its early chapters. The capability to source, fund, and deliver new digital products is crucial to strengthen that backbone. Today, the focus is on artificial intelligence. Tomorrow, it will be robotics, brain computers, and quantum technologies. To maintain this growth and modernisation, traditional systems must evolve as well, creating a significant watershed in how financial services support technology distribution challenges. "Legacy systems often lack the flexibility, speed, and integration required for today's fast-paced, global IT distribution chains," says Kristina Promet, AVP of innovative solutions at the WeFi Technology Group. "Traditional providers tend to focus on standardised products and rigid processes, which don't always address the unique challenges faced by technology resellers, vendors, and financiers operating across diverse markets. Channel partners in emerging markets, in particular, have been left behind due to limited access to credit, outdated risk management, and a lack of localised solutions." Much of Promet's career has focused on creating better financing solutions in such difficult circumstances. Qualified in law and finance, she has worked with several prominent financial institutions, including Leonteq and LGT Capital Partners, before joining WeFi, where she collaborates with teams, partners, and clients across the globe. It's becoming trickier to unlock investment opportunities for financiers and cater funding solutions to vendors, distributors, and resellers. Diversification, visibility into transactions, and reducing costs despite uncertainty are some of the obvious problems to overcome. The strategic use of technology, honed by human expertise, is the clear way to address such concerns and create suitable solutions across granular and variable supply chains: "It is important to strike a balance between tailor-made solutions and automation. Thanks to our people, we do it well. You can't shy away from complex and new transactions. As soon as one has been created, you must think about how to service it in a smart and scalable way." This change requires platform-driven foundations that enable their people to strike a balance between tailor-made solutions and automation. The required innovation involves experimenting with a combination of established finance technologies and new (even radical) concepts, such as decentralised finance. "I go back to being agile and prone to experiment. It is about finding a suitable test market to check if the solution works and, when an initial pilot proves to be successful, increasing the investment and rolling the solution out in a major way. To avoid cash-bleeding projects, we evaluate the maturity, security, and regulatory landscape of new technologies before widespread adoption. We prioritise technologies that address real customer pain points and deliver tangible business value and revenue, rather than 'fancy-sounding features'." The challenges to secure financing among technology supply chain stakeholders are indicative of wider supply chain growing pains. This is where Promet sees the biggest gains, specifically because those solutions reconfigure the best of channel finance with new capabilities. "We're structuring different programmes, and we see a clear demand, especially in emerging markets. Agile, technology-driven platforms can address these gaps. We evolve our platform based on insights from both clients and internal experts, allowing for rapid adaptation to market changes. The core goal is to truly listen to our clients, understand their needs, and craft financing solutions that fit them best. We must demystify less familiar, more exotic markets, helping our clients unlock and navigate new opportunities with confidence." View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903817228/en/ Contact For media queries please contact Victoria Lindsay: [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. Press Release from Business Wire: Rigaku Holdings Corporation (AFP) Sep 04, 2025 TOKYO, Sept 4, 2025 (BSW) - On September 4, 2025, Rigaku Corporation, a global solution partner in X-ray analytical systems and a Group company of Rigaku Holdings Corporation (headquarters: Akishima, Tokyo; President & CEO: Jun Kawakami; hereinafter "Rigaku"); Kyoto University (Main campus: Kyoto; Nagahiro Minato, President; hereinafter "Kyoto University"); and JEOL Ltd. (headquarters: Akishima, Tokyo; President & CEO: Izumi Oi, hereinafter "JEOL") concluded an agreement to establish an organization for open innovation. The purpose of this initiative is to leverage each other's strengths, conduct joint research and development and cultivate skilled personnel. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904601877/en/ RIGAKU/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core The newly established RIGAKU/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core is a joint research facility founded within the Analysis Center of the Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (Kyoto University iCeMS). RIGAKU/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core will apply innovative methods of molecular-structure analysis, centering on electron-beam diffraction of nanocrystals. In particular, the joint research facility will furnish a measurement environment to accelerate the search for functions in new materials, using tools such as XtaLAB Synergy-ED. (XtaLAB Synergy-ED is a radically new electron diffraction and integration platform that integrates Rigaku's monocrystal X-ray structural-analysis technology with JEOL's transmission electron microscopy technology.) In this way RIGAKU/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core aims to advance basic research, return research results to society and cultivate skilled personnel, thereby contributing to innovation through academic-industrial partnership. RIGAKU/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core is an R&D facility dedicated to the advancement of material science through open innovation. Focusing on nanocrystal materials discovered through partnership between academia and industry, RIGAKU/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core aims to build a platform to elucidate the relationships between structure and function of these materials and develop applications for them. -0- *T Overview of the agreement and joint research facilityAgreement period: From September 4, 2025 to March 31, 2028Contract renewal possibleOverview of joint research facility: RIGAKU/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation CoreJoint research facility founded within iCeMS Analysis Center, Kyoto University*T CommentsJun KawakamiPresident & CEO, RigakuI am delighted that Rigaku was able to join Kyoto University and JEOL in establishing this new research and development base. Since its foundation, Rigaku has proudly contributed to scientific progress through advancements in structural-analytical technology. Through the use of electron diffraction of nanocrystals, RIGAKU/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core will accelerate the development of this technology and research in its applications. We look forward to returning the knowledge obtained through this academic-industrial partnership to the broader society and using it to develop the next generation of skilled personnel on whom the future depends. Nagahiro MinatoPresident, Kyoto UniversityWith the foundation of RIGAKU/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core, these three partners-Rigaku, JEOL and Kyoto University-have joined hands to advance leading-edge research and development through open innovation. This initiative is one of great importance, as it dovetails with the University's orientation to ally with analytical-device manufacturers on the concept of a core facility for Kyoto University under the plan for the University for International Research Excellence. We have high expectations that this effort will lead to strengthened research, innovation and development of outstanding personnel. Moreover, the results of this project will underpin the scientific, technological and industrial foundations not only of the three partners but of Japan in general, and will support breakthroughs in finding solutions to issues confronting society. Kyoto University will expend every effort to ensure the success of RIGAKU/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core. Izumi OiPresident & CEO, JEOLThe establishment of RIGAKU/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core in partnership with Kyoto University and Rigaku is a vital initiative toward equipping society with revolutionary structural-analytical technologies. By developing electron diffractometers applying transmission electron microscopy technology, JEOL looks forward to advancing the structural analysis of nanocrystals and accelerating the elucidation of functions of new materials. Through the technological innovations advanced through these efforts and the products and technologies they generate, RIGAKU/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core will support applied research in a wide range of fields, including life sciences, the environment, energy and more, contributing to scientific progress and social development. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904601877/en/ Contact Press Contact:Sawa HimenoHead of Communications Dept., Rigaku Holdings [email protected] Tel: +81 90 6331 9843 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: 500 Global (AFP) Sep 04, 2025 DUBAI, Sept 4, 2025 (BSW) - 500 Global, one of the world's most active venture capital firms1, and Creators HQ, the first content creator hub in the UAE and the Middle East and part of Visioneers, today announced a strategic partnership to launch the Creators Ventures Accelerator, which identifies and incubates the most promising creator-led startups worldwide. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904787040/en/ Her Excellency Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit with Courtney Powell, COO & Managing Partner, 500 Global. Focusing on supporting the creator economy - an industry projected to grow to $480 billion by 2027 - the inaugural cohort of the Creators Ventures Accelerator will include up to 20 high-potential creators and creator-enablers, who are ready to transform their ideas and influence into thriving, scalable ventures. "Creators are uniquely positioned to disrupt industries-they have the influence, distribution, and community trust that most startups spend years building. By joining forces with Creators HQ, we look to provide infrastructure for these visionaries to evolve into founders who can scale global businesses," said Courtney Powell, COO & Managing Partner, 500 Global. Over the course of 10 weeks, participants will take part in a hybrid business-building and acceleration program that combines the strengths of both 500 Global's venture-building expertise and Creators HQ's deep creator economy network, resources, and expertise. Creators Ventures Acceleratoraims to equip participants with the skills, tools, and support they need to build, scale and grow enduring businesses at the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship. "At Creators HQ, we believe creators are more than just content-makers-they are entrepreneurs. This partnership with 500 Global enables us to provide creators with the knowledge, mentorship, and network they need to shape the next generation of industry-defining companies," said Her Excellency Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit. Over the past 15 years, 500 Global has delivered more than 190 programs across 21 markets, accelerating 4,000+ startups and mentoring over 6,000 founders worldwide2. Having been deeply embedded in the MENA region since 2012, 500 Global brings unparalleled experience in connecting the local ecosystem to global capital and markets. This partnership with Creators HQ builds on that legacy, positioning creators at the center of a fast-growing global opportunity within the region. The inaugural cohort of the Creators VenturesAccelerator will culminate at the 1 Billion Followers Summit (January 9-11, 2026), where participants will showcase their ventures to an audience of international investors, VCs, industry leaders, and corporate partners. Confirmed headline speakers include Jay Shetty, Supercar Blondie, and Marina Mogilko. Applications to join the Creators Ventures Accelerator are open now. Creators can learn more and apply here. About 500 Global 500 Global is a multi-stage venture capital firm with $2.1B in assets under management3 that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth and development. We work closely with key stakeholders and advise governments on how best to support entrepreneurial ecosystems and economic development in emerging markets. 500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders representing more than 3,000 companies operating in 80+ countries. We have invested in more than 35+ companies valued at over $1 billion and 150+ companies valued at over $100 million (including private, public, and exited companies). Our 175+ team members are located in more than 25 countries and bring experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of the world's leading technology companies. About Creators HQ Creators HQ is a Dubai-based, government-backed initiative and creative ecosystem designed to serve as a global hub for content creators, driving their professional growth and supporting the expansion of the digital content economy. Launched under the Content Creators Support Fund-an initiative announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during the second edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit in 2024-Creators HQ provides a foundation for creators, innovators, and creative initiatives to thrive. Offering state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship, workshops, and relocation and business setup support-including pathways to the coveted UAE Golden Visa-Creators HQ aims to attract and house 10,000 influencers, fostering a diverse and collaborative global community that strengthens the UAE's position as a leading force in the digital media landscape. In just six months of operation, Creators HQ has welcomed 2,415 active members from 147 countries, including top creators who collectively reach an audience of over 2.45 billion followers across digital platforms. The platform has also attracted 78 international companies from 24 countries, relocating their operations to the UAE. The strongest participation has come from the United Kingdom, the United States, India, France, and Germany. For more information, please visit: www.creatorshq.com THE CONTENT IN THIS PRESS RELEASE IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL OR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. 500 GLOBAL MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS AS TO THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND WHILE 500 GLOBAL HAS TAKEN REASONABLE STEPS TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE, NO LIABILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERROR OR OMISSIONS. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY OF THE CONTENT IN THIS PRESS RELEASE BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL, TAX OR INVESTMENT ADVICE FROM 500 GLOBAL OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES. 500 GLOBAL DOES NOT GUARANTEE ANY FUTURE RESULTS FOR ANY DECISIONS MADE BASED IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON THE CONTENT OR INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ALL READERS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL, ACCOUNTANT OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS BEFORE TAKING ANY ACTION IN CONNECTION WITH THIS PRESS RELEASE. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY INFORMATION OR CONTENT IN THIS PRESS RELEASE, BE CONSIDERED AS AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF INTEREST TO PURCHASE ANY SECURITIES ADVISED BY 500 GLOBAL OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES. FURTHER, NO CONTENT OR INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE IS OR IS INTENDED AS AN OFFER TO PROVIDE ANY INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OR FINANCIAL ADVICE BY 500 GLOBAL. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANYTHING HEREIN BE CONSTRUED AS FUND MARKETING MATERIALS BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT INTO ANY 500 GLOBAL INVESTMENT FUND. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY CONTENT BE INTERPRETED AS TESTIMONIALS OR ENDORSEMENT OF THE INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE OF ANY 500 GLOBAL FUND BY A PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT INTO ANY 500 GLOBAL INVESTMENT FUND. 1 Based on PitchBook's 2024 Global League Tables.2 BASED ON INTERNAL DATA AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2025.3 ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (AUM) CALCULATIONS ARE BASED ON INTERNAL ESTIMATES AS OF MARCH 31, 2025. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904787040/en/ Contact Media ContactsMedia Relations at 500 [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. YAOUNDE, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Cameroonian government has vowed to eradicate child abuse and urged the public to join the fight after a video surfaced online showing a 7-year-old being tortured. The video, released by police on Wednesday, showed the girl bound with chains and a padlock, left completely immobilized for hours until security forces intervened. Minister of Women's Empowerment and the Family Marie-Therese Abena Ondoa expressed "deep dismay" over what she described as "utmost cruelty." "Such acts greatly undermine the dignity and fundamental rights of children in general and young girls in particular," she said in a statement Wednesday night. Communities and parents should be vigilant and expose abusers to "ensure that no child is ever again subjected to such barbaric acts," the minister said, pledging "unwavering commitment" of the government to protecting children. "Child protection is a top priority for the Cameroonian government," Abena Ondoa said. According to the minister, the child is now safe and receiving "holistic care," while her abusive caregiver has been arrested. Amazon's Starlink rival lands first major airline deal Washington, Sept 4 (AFP) Sep 04, 2025 JetBlue Airways will become the first airline to use Amazon's Project Kuiper satellite network to power its in-flight Wi-Fi service, the companies announced Wednesday, as the online retail giant tries to challenge the dominance of Elon Musk's Starlink. The partnership will see JetBlue implement Project Kuiper's low orbit satellite technology on select aircraft beginning in 2027, enhancing the US airline's existing service with faster speeds and lower latency than traditional satellite systems. Amazon has launched more than 100 Kuiper satellites via four rocket launches in recent months and plans to begin delivering service to initial customers later this year before expanding coverage. The company recently signed a separate agreement with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus to integrate Project Kuiper connectivity into its aircraft catalog. Project Kuiper is playing catch-up with Starlink's sprawling network of internet satellites that has reshaped the sector and handed Musk significant geopolitical clout. SpaceX launched the first batch of Starlink satellites in 2019 and in February said it had more than 6,750 operational units, serving over five million customers worldwide -- making it by far the sector's dominant force, even as other companies are entering the field. Starlink has also provided crucial internet access in disaster and war zones, including Morocco after its devastating 2023 earthquake and on the frontlines in Ukraine's war against Russia. Mali files ICJ complaint accusing Algeria of downing drone Bamako, Sept 4 (AFP) Sep 04, 2025 Mali said Thursday it had filed an application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Algeria, accusing it of having shot down one of its military drones. It said the drone, which was shot down in early April, was still in Malian territory, which would make the incident a violation of its airspace. Algeria has rejected the accusation, citing defence ministry radar data to argue that the reconnaissance drone from junta-led Mali had violated its own airspace. The issue has sparked a diplomatic crisis that has seen the neighbours recall their ambassadors and close airspace to each other. In a statement Thursday, Mali's territorial administration ministry said it had "submitted an application instituting proceedings against Algeria before the International Court of Justice". The destruction of the drone within Malian territory "constitutes not only an aggression, a hostile act, but also a blatant violation of the principle of non-use of force and an act of aggression", it argued. "This flagrant aggression is the culmination of a series of hostile acts and clearly demonstrates an unhealthy collusion between terrorists and the Algerian regime," it added. Relations between Mali and its northern neighbour have deteriorated in recent years. Mali accuses Algeria of maintaining "proximity to terrorist groups", particularly in the border region. In January 2024, Mali's junta scrapped a 2015 peace deal with separatist groups brokered by Algeria and which had long been considered essential for stabilising the country. Since 2012, Mali has been gripped by violence from jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group as well as local criminal gangs. EU top diplomat holds nuclear talks with Iran as sanctions loom Doha, Sept 4 (AFP) Sep 04, 2025 EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas met Thursday in Doha with Tehran's top diplomat to seek a "negotiated solution" to Iran's nuclear programme, as the clock ticks down towards a reimposition of sanctions, the EU said. The meeting came after European powers last week triggered a deadline for sanctions to come back into force on Iran for failing to comply with commitments under a moribund 2015 deal. That move set off a 30-day countdown that the United Nations called a "window of opportunity" to hammer out a diplomatic solution. "Kallas met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Doha on Thursday to discuss efforts to reach a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue," an EU official said on condition of anonymity. "The talks focused on a range of topics, including access for International Atomic Energy Agency monitors to Iranian nuclear sites and the status of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium." European powers Britain, France and Germany have said they are ready to drop the new sanctions push if Iran addresses concerns on its nuclear program. The 2015 deal negotiated under former US president Barack Obama offered Iran sanctions relief in return for drastically scaling back its nuclear work. President Donald Trump effectively killed the deal during his first term when he pulled out the United States and imposed sweeping US sanctions, including on countries that bought Iranian oil. Western countries accuse Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons -- something Tehran denies, defending its right to what it insists is a civilian nuclear program. Members of the Chinese Young Pioneers present flowers to war veterans before a grand cultural gala at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. The grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" was staged here to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) Members of the Chinese Young Pioneers present flowers to war veterans before a grand cultural gala at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. The grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" was staged here to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) War veterans arrive amid warm applause before a grand cultural gala at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. The grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" was staged here to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) War veterans arrive amid warm applause before a grand cultural gala at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. The grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" was staged here to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) A grand cultural gala with the theme of "Justice Prevails" is staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) The court heard Kebatu had made inappropriate comments to the girl, such as "come back to Africa, you would be a good wife", and "do you want to come to the Bell Hotel to have babies then we could go to Kenya with each other". An adult member of the public also accuses Kebatu of trying to kiss her, putting his hand on her leg and telling her she was pretty just days after he arrived in the UK on a small boat. SUKI, Afghanistan, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- In the shadow of Afghanistan's rugged mountains, where the ground convulsed late Sunday, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake devastated eastern Kunar province, claiming more than 2,200 lives, injuring over 3,600, and leveling entire villages. Homes built of stone and mud collapsed within moments, burying families and futures beneath the rubble. Amid the grief, acts of solidarity have offered glimmers of hope. The Overseas Chinese Association in Afghanistan (OCAA) quickly mobilized to deliver aid to the worst-hit families in Kunar. At a handover ceremony in Khas Kunar district -- attended by Afghanistan's ministers of public health and urban development and housing, together with the provincial governor -- OCAA representatives conveyed condolences and distributed emergency supplies. The relief included 300 packages of daily essentials: 5 liters of cooking oil, 10 kg of rice, 3 kg of sugar, 1 kg of tea, and two dozen bottles of water. "Our fundraising campaign is ongoing, and we will continue to provide assistance as needed," the OCAA said. For survivors, the aid carried both practical and symbolic meaning. Haji Rais Khan, the local official receiving the goods, expressed deep gratitude. "I thank the Chinese association in Kabul for their condolences," he told Xinhua, adding that "China has always stood by the Afghan people." China's Embassy in Afghanistan, together with the OCAA and other institutions, has already handed over donations to the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also pledged sustained humanitarian assistance, tailored to Afghanistan's evolving needs. The aid was felt most urgently in Dewagal valley, Suki district, where the destruction was near total. Among the survivors was Dalawar Khan, who lost 12 family members beneath the ruins of his home. Standing in the rain, his voice trembled with despair: "My house and everything I owned are gone. We have no shelter left -- we are living out in the open. Everything is finished." Omar, general director of labor and social affairs in Kunar, described the harsh reality on the ground. "We have set up a temporary camp here. In this rain, families are either in tents or exposed under the open sky," he said, thanking China for its timely presence. On Thursday, China reinforced its commitment to Afghanistan's recovery. Li Ming, spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency, announced that Beijing would provide more emergency humanitarian aid, including tents, blankets, food and other urgently needed supplies for quake-affected areas. Other countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, India, have also rushed in aid, donating tents, food and medical supplies. Britain pledged financial support in euros, the European Union contributed through the IFRC, UNICEF prioritized assistance for children, and groups such as CARE, Direct Relief and Human Appeal launched appeals to provide shelter, water and medical care. The quake in Kunar follows the deadly 2022 tremor in eastern Paktika province, which claimed hundreds, and the 2023 disaster in western Herat, where over 1,000 lives were lost. Now, eastern provinces once again confront the immense challenge of rebuilding. For survivors like Dalawar Khan, global solidarity offers a lifeline. But the urgent needs for shelter, resources, and reconstruction remain pressing reminders of both the fragility of life in quake-prone Afghanistan and the enduring value of shared humanity. When reporting Linehan to police, she provided his address and phone number, saying the latter had been sent to her anonymously and she had gleaned the address through sleuthing from an interview Linehan had given to the Daily Telegraph which was illustrate with an image from his home. According to court documents, he is charged with harassing the alleged victim by posting abusive comments about her on social media between October 11 and October 27, and damaging her phone to the value of 369 on the day of the conference. One in six young Londoners are not in education or employment, a staggeringly large figure which we hope to help to reverse. So far, 500,000 has been pledged by the Standards Dispossessed Fund with half going to Kings Trust programmes in London and the other half to four grassroots youth charities across the capital. We are calling on corporations, foundations, philanthropists and our readers to donate. It is disappointing that despite his warm and reassuring words when we met with him and Angus Robertson on Monday, the First Minister has chosen to express a position that we are concerned will undermine the safety, security and well-being of the Jewish community in Scotland, he said. A former tenant said she was sent an email in November giving four months' notice that her lease would not be renewed. Shortly after she and the three other tenants had moved out, the house was re-listed at the much higher rent. To the people of the UK who think this Putin-loving free speech impostor and Trump sycophant will protect freedom in this country, come on over to America and see what Trump and Maga are doing to destroy our freedom you might think twice before you let Mr Farage make Britain great again. Responding, Lord Coaker said: I know that the British media are always concerned with accuracy, so let me start my remarks by saying that, whatever I say now, we have no intention of restoring the death penalty, so lets get that out of the way first. Due to fees, Ryanair also pulled one of its planes from Rome Fiumicino, the biggest airport in Italy, earlier this year. And, after Denmark declared that an aviation tax of DKK50 (5.60) would be implemented, flights to and from Aalborg were also discontinued. Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects. ISLAMABAD, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Wednesday dispatched 105 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan following a deadly earthquake that struck eastern parts of the neighboring country, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar said. The relief consignment includes essential food, medicines, tents, blankets and bubble mats, Dar said in a statement. "Following my telephone call with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the government of Pakistan dispatched 105 tonnes of humanitarian relief assistance to Afghanistan," he said. Dar expressed condolences over the loss of lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, reiterating Pakistan's solidarity with the Afghan people in their time of need. A 6.0-magnitude earthquake jolted eastern Afghanistan on Aug. 31, killing more than 1,400 people, injuring over 3,000 and destroying thousands of houses, according to Afghan authorities. A driverless Tesla robotaxi rolls through a parking lot in Southeast Austin on Monday, June 30, 2025. The automaker announced this week it has expanded its robotaxi service area in Austin yet again. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Teslas Robotaxi App is now available to the public but that doesnt mean rides are. The company said late Wednesday that the application can be downloaded on Apple devices, signaling that access to the automakers ride-hailing service could soon be expanding beyond its invitation-only limited rollout. CEO Elon Musk said recently it would be available to the public sometime this month. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Robotaxi app now available to all, the company said late Wednesday in a social media post. Download to join waitlist expanding access soon. Robotaxi app now available to all Download to join waitlist expanding access soon pic.twitter.com/gYsB3ZkbZB Tesla Robotaxi (@robotaxi) September 4, 2025 It said an Android version of the app, which is required to request a ride, will launch soon. The news came a week after Tesla expanded its Austin service area to 173 square miles and the same day it said it was moving safety monitors from the front passenger seat to the drivers seat for highway trips. The passenger-seat monitors have access to buttons capable of stopping or pulling over the car when needed. 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 After its June 22 rollout in Austin, Tesla launched a ride-hailing service in the San Francisco Bay Area under the same name, but the cars there all come with a driver behind the wheel. Beyond the fact its still not driverless in either city, Teslas ride-hailing service has so far been available only to a limited list of influencers and brand fans many of whom monetize their content by promoting Tesla online. The company initially launched in Austin with between 10 and 20 Model Ys equipped with Full Self-Driving software, but has doubled the number of vehicles in recent weeks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its aiming to be the citys second autonomous ride-hailing service after Waymo, which launched in March and operates in partnership with ride-hailing giant Uber Technologies Inc. Waymo has more than 100 cars operating in Austin. Instead of partnering with a ride-hailing company like Uber, Tesla is using its own Robotaxi app for passengers to schedule rides. It requires users to sign in with or create a Tesla account. The app allows users to call a car, start and end rides, request support and manage their Robotaxis climate and music via their phones. In its limited pilot, Tesla has charged fixed rates. It began at $4.20 per ride but expanded to $6.90 with an earlier expansion of the service area. It was unclear if that fixed rate will continue when Tesla begins broader operations. According to Teslas website, with the app you can expect to see the estimated ride fare as well as how long it will take before the vehicle is expected to arrive at your pickup location. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tesla did not respond to a request for comment about the timing or further details of its public launch. The pilot program has hit some bumps since June. Shortly after its limited launch, social media videos posted by riders showed Robotaxis speeding, swerving, driving in the wrong lane, and stopping in traffic and in intersections. The videos caught the attention of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and its investigators now are investigating Teslas driverless technology. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Musk has said the service could be available to at least half the U.S. population by the end of the year. The company is reportedly making plans to launch services in Arizona, Nevada and Florida and other California areas. A Tesla robotaxi, left, and a Waymo autonomous vehicle, make their way through road work area on a residential street in Austin. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Robotaxis success is key to Teslas future, Musk has said. For years, hes been saying fully self-driving vehicles are just around the corner, ready to bring the company hundreds of billions in new revenue by increasing the value of Tesla vehicles. With the Austin companys sales and profit sagging amid backlash over Musks political activities, an aging product line and increasing number of lower-priced competitors, that boost is needed now more than ever. With Musk leaning harder into autonomy and artificial intelligence as the company's future, the program's failure could have serious implications. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Beyond questions about Tesla's technology, the company faces regulatory issues in many states where it wants to offer its Robotaxi service. In Texas, a public rollout would come under new state regulations for autonomous vehicles that took effect Monday. The law requires companies to obtain a permit from from the Department of Motor Vehicles for driverless operations and to file emergency response plans. A spokesperson for the department told the American-Statesman last week that enforcement of the new rules wont begin until next summer. Tesla secured a key permit earlier this month from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation that allows Tesla Robotaxi LLC to operate a transportation network company a ride-hailing business like Uber or Lyft. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This place has always been very special to us, Aaron Franklin said of the building that was home to Contigo for a decade. MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN There's about to be a whole new place to eat brisket from Franklin Barbecue. And you won't even have to wait in line. If you drive by Franklin Barbecue most nights, you might catch a puzzling sight. No, not a line, but a crowded dining room. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The legendary barbecue restaurant owned and operated by Aaron and Stacy Franklin is not open to the public at night, but four to five nights a week the restaurant on 11th Street hosts private parties of up to about 60 to 70 people. For those in the private party and event business, its long been an open secret that hosting events at the famed East Austin barbecue joint is a great way to give an evening a special Austin flavor, and a savvy way to get some Franklin Barbecue without waiting in line. Well, the parties are about to get quite a bit bigger. The Franklins last week signed a long-term lease to turn the former Contigo space on Anchor Lane into a Franklin Barbecue events space that has yet to be named. Aaron Franklin told the American-Statesman that he hopes to have phase one of the space which he is designing and renovating himself ready to go by November. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Space to host private gatherings, public events like tailgate parties The new Franklin Barbecue events space will initially hold gatherings for up to 150 people, with the hope to enclose some of the outdoor space and expand capacity to up to 225 attendees by March. The event space will initially feature the Franklin Barbecue menu, along with a few additional sides and salads, but Franklin said he hopes to slowly build out the kitchen, add a smokehouse with three 1,000-gallon smokers and extend the menu to include Tex-Mex, Southern and Texicana cuisine. The space will also feature a full bar, and food will be served from a cutting line with family-style sides. In addition to corporate and nonprofit parties, weddings, birthdays, etc., the Franklins also intend to use the space for public events like a farmers market and tailgate parties. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Franklin Barbecue serves its world-famous barbecue at private events held at the East Austin restaurant and, come winter, at their new space on Anchor Lane. AMERICAN-STATESMAN FILE 'In classic Franklin style, its totally DIY' On a recent afternoon Aaron Franklin was spotted demoing the massive concrete bar from former tenant Red Bud Ice House, which closed in late spring. He said the building will maintain its midcentury modern style, with hand-milled red oak walls and design inspiration pulled from '60s California and Frank Lloyd Wright design. In classic Franklin style, its totally DIY, he said. I love building stuff and I love designing things, and Ive gotten pretty good at it over the years. Im really excited. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Franklins, who have long mused about expanding their event footprint, are no strangers to the space. They lived in East Austin for decades, and in the early years of starting their family, visited Contigo twice a week for dinner. Property owner Noah Lit, who also owns the adjacent Batch Craft Beer and Kolaches, had previously reached out to the Franklins earlier this year about possibly moving into the space that also briefly housed a ramen-barbecue hybrid from the Tatsu-Ya group. But Franklin thought the opportunity had passed before Lit reached back out in recent months. We were surprised but excited. This place has always been very special to us, Franklin said. New space will be available for rental soon The Franklin Barbecue team, which has not yet decided on a pricing structure for day and evening rentals, intends to start booking the space for the winter soon. Interested parties can email events@franklinbbq.com with inquiries. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The original Franklin Barbecue will continue to book smaller events fewer than 75 people and Franklin said the new Anchor Lane building will allow them to use the large kitchen as a sort of research, development and prep kitchen for Franklin and off-site events. Hays County sheriff's office Austin American Statesman A Dripping Springs man has been arrested on trafficking charges after authorities say he used alcohol, nicotine and Snapchat to lure minors into sexual acts. The Hays County Sheriffs Office said Patrick Zepeda was arrested Aug. 28 following a July report that he had given a minor alcohol and a vape in exchange for sexual favors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Investigators said they found evidence Zepeda used a Snapchat account with the username acru556 to solicit nude photos and videos and to request sex from minors. Zepeda is charged with first-degree trafficking of a person to engage in sexual conduct. His bond was set at $75,000. He has since been released. Authorities said Zepeda also allegedly offered minors discounts on alcohol and vapes in exchange for sexual favors. Under Texas law, trafficking includes using coercion to solicit sex. Using substances as leverage can be considered coercion, and any trafficking case involving victims under 18 is prosecuted as a first-degree felony. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The sheriffs office said several victims who did not comply with Zepedas requests still bought alcohol and vapes from him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Austin Police Department is investigating a related case. Sheriff Anthony Hipolito urged parents to closely monitor their childrens social media use, warning that predators often use deceptive tactics to target minors. If you have any relevant information related to this case, you can contact Detective Scott Zediker at 512-393-7799 or scott.zediker@hayscountytx.gov. You can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1-800-324-8477 or submit information online at: www.P3tips.com. Students are welcomed by parent leaders and supporters on the first day of school on Aug. 19 at Dobie Middle School, which is undergoing a performance plan. On Thursday, the Austin school district sent a letter to 12 other campuses warning that they could close or undergo significant changes starting in 2026-27 because of failure to meet state accountability standards. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman The Austin school district sent letters to families of 12 schools Thursday warning them their campus could close or undergo significant changes starting in 2026-27 because of failure to meet state accountability standards for three years in a row. The notice of change comes as district officials are undergoing turnaround plans at three North Austin middle schools and are preparing to make decisions about shuttering multiple campuses citywide for budgetary reasons. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The letter tells families at the campuses that because each school received three unacceptable ratings in a row, the Texas Education Agency requires that the district create a formal turnaround plan on how to improve scores. An unacceptable rating is most likely an F rating on the states A-F letter grade system used to rate schools and districts on a 0-100 scale, which is largely based on scores and growth on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. According to a Sept. 3 letter from TEA, the 12 schools that have received three F ratings in a row are Bedicheck, Martin and Paredes middle schools, Barrington, Dawson, Linder, Oak Springs, Pecan Springs, Sanchez, Widen and Wooldridge elementary schools and Winn Montessori school. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The district began turnaround plans at Dobie, Webb and Burnet middle schools this year after all three schools received four F ratings in a row. The plans pumped $1.7 million into the schools, added extra math and reading time and lengthened the school day once a week. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The change that drew the most pushback from families and teachers was requirements to replace staff who didnt meet certain experience and student growth requirements, which led to significant turnover at all three schools. The district's Board of Trustees will discuss the proposed plans for the 12 schools Oct. 9. The board will then vote Nov. 6. The board is scheduled to vote on a plan to close schools for budgetary purposes Nov. 20. The district letter proposed three options for the 12 campuses: close the school, turn the school over to a charter operator or begin turnaround plans similar to those at Dobie, Burnet and Webb. Advertisement Article continues below this ad No matter what we decide, our main goal this year is to break the chain of unacceptable ratings, said the letter, sent from Jennifer Pace, the districts assistant superintendent of elementary schools, and LaTonia Anderson, assistant superintendent of school improvement. We have to make sure we don't get another one. This is a big challenge, but we know it's possible if we work together. If a campus receives five F ratings in a row, state law mandates the education commissioner either close it or take over the entire school district. In a Sept. 3 letter to Superintendent Matias Segura and board President Lynn Boswell, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath warned that he would take action if campus ratings didn't improve. "The data reflects that the districts current approach is not working and urgent transformational change is necessary to improve outcomes for all Austin ISD students," Morath wrote. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In an interview with the Statesman in August, Segura said turnaround plans for any schools would look very different than those of Dobie, Webb and Burnet because the district will have more time to develop those plans. What made those difficult was the time stacked up against us and we had to move quicker, Segura said of the process at the North Austin schools. That limited our options. He also said he was confident that well move the academics at the schools. Back in 2013, the JW Marriott Hotel rose behind the Victorian-style building that started as Pearl House and is now La Pena. Alberto Martinez/American-Statesman File Jim Duncan, a retired city planner, has written more than 600 short histories of Austin businesses. We introduced him and this series, Jim Duncans Austin, on July 6. This week, we adapt three of his histories. Michael Barnes 1882: Pearl House/La Pena Since 1882, the two-story Victorian-style structure at 223 Congress Ave. has served as everything from a saloon to a church and an art gallery. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Built by Gustave Adolph Bahn, the edifice incorporates cast iron reportedly melted down from Civil War cannons. Its first tenant was Herman Schmidt, who operated Pearl House there from 1882 to 1886. Touted as the most convenient hotel to all trains, it included a restaurant and a saloon. In 1886, the Methodists briefly occupied the building. From 1888 to 1905, it was filled by Albert Ganss, who manufactured and sold furniture and stringed musical instruments. Ellsworth Bradshaw operated a saloon there from 1906 to 1910, as did George Samuel Bradshaw from 1914 to 1918. The longest-tenured tenant, however, was Sam Wah, who ran a Chinese cafe there from 1920 to 1962. In 1961, a fire destroyed the southern half of the building. In 1966, architects Thomas Tom Shefelman and Alan Taniguchi bought and restored the building for use as an office. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source In 1988, political activist Genevieve Dougherty Vaughn acquired it to provide office space for peace and justice groups. In 1996, she sold it to sisters Cynthia and Lidia Perez, owners of the nearby Las Manitas cafe, who converted it into a gallery for Latino artisans, complemented by a taco bar. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 1941: Volente Beach A sand sculpture of Jaws at Volente Beach Water Park on Thursday July 20, 2017. JAY JANNER / AMERICAN-STATESMAN Austin American-Statesman With the construction of Mansfield Dam formerly Marshall Ford Dam and the creation of Lake Travis in 1941, Central Texans gained access to a whole new water wonderland. One of those lake access points was Volente Beach, which has provided a variety of food and fun activities under several names and owners. According to Texas Place Names by Edward Callary and Jean K. Callary, the settlement of Volente goes back to a gristmill established around 1860 by Thomas Anderson. The source of the name is uncertain, they write. By a local story generally regarded as a folk tale, Volente was suggested by Lucy Anderson, the millers wife, who claimed she found the name in a book, and that it originated in an Indian language and meant God willing. There may be more than a grain of truth in this; volente is Latin for willing, permitting. Advertisement Article continues below this ad From the 1940s through the mid-1960s, it was Parkers Boat Haven and Fine Foods, owned by James Lee Parker and his wife, Lorraine. In the 1970s and 80s, it was the See Island Inn, a cafe owned and operated by Joe and Carol Chovanec. The cafes name was attributed to its view of Starnes Island, the only forever island in Lake Travis. In 1997, the property was sold to Rick Redmond, who renamed it Shore Club and added an outdoor bar, water park, beach and stage. In 2017, the complex was purchased by two couples, Adama and Kara Weedman and John and Gala Lyne. They renamed it Beachside Billys. To complete the hospitality experience, they purchased eight adjacent cottages, increasing the campus size from five to 15 acres. Volente Beach sponsors many special events. One of the most popular is Jaws on the Water, during which bathers watch the terrifying shark movie while floating in tubes. 1975: Cedar Door Mexican martini at Cedar Door on Friday, July 22, 2022. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman, Austin 360 Cedar Door is known for three things: Its nomadic history, a memorable bartender and the birthplace of the Mexican martini. Since it opened in 1975, the Cedar Door has blessed four downtown addresses: West 15th and Guadalupe streets, where the Texas Medical Associations History of Medicine Gallery is now; Trinity and East Cesar Chavez streets, where the Austin Convention Center was before its recent demolition; Lamar Boulevard and West Cesar Chavez, where Sand Beach Park is now; and East Second and Brazos streets, where it now stands. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While it might not be unusual for a business to move so many times, it is unusual for it to take its building with it each time, as was the case with Cedar Door. As for the bartender, Cedar Door owner Heather Hart-Potts describes James Raymond Jim LeMond as a phenomenal storyteller; some of them were probably embellished. And he had an amazing memory for names. And that great mustache. And that voice. He was the face of the Cedar Door. LeMond died in 2019. As for the mystique of the Mexican martini, it is just a margarita on the rocks (tequila, triple sec and lime juice). The only difference is that it is poured from a shaker into a salt-rimmed glass and topped with toothpick-skewered olives. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Most recent entries from 'Jim Duncan's Austin' Please send tips and questions to mbarnes@statesman.com. The Austin City Council voted in 2018 to rebrand and design a new logo for the city. City Of Austin After community-wide input for new branding, the City of Austin is unveiling a new logo. The City Council first prioritized unified branding in 2018, and the updated design goes live Oct. 1 across the citys website, social media, and newsletters. The new logo will not replace insignias used on uniforms for the Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, or Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, according to the citys news release. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The rebrand was developed in collaboration with Austin-based TKO and global design firm Pentagram, with local partner DJ Stout leading the visual design. "We want our community members to be able to identify members of our team as City of Austin employees and trust the services we provide, Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax said in the release. Whether they see the brand on a website, a utility bill, a street sign, or the side of a vehicle, theyll know exactly who its from and what it stands for. What does the new Austin logo look like? The City of Austin's old logo, left, and the new rebranded logo, right. City of Austin The design features a stylized blue and green letter A above the word Austin. 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 According to Chief Communications Director Jessica King, the motif symbolizes the regions hills, rivers, and bridges, while the color palette draws from Austins violet-hued skies and the green canopies of its parks and trails. The dynamic design is meant to reflect the citys character welcoming, flexible, and resilient. 'Im very disappointed': Austin reveals new logo As of now, the new city logo can be seen on social media, and the people of Austin were not shy about sharing their feelings about the rebrand. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Here's what people had to say on social media. Hearing this is going to be the new City of Austin logo. I cant confirm, but suffice it to say, if true, Im very disappointed. However many millions of our tax dollars went into this need to be refunded immediately. We are not and never will be the City of Dallas. #atxcouncil pic.twitter.com/WNLJjLdUxa Mackenzie Kelly (@mkelly007) September 1, 2025 I am hearing this new Austin logo was not supposed to be unveiled until after the Tax Increase Election, and City Hall is PISSED it is out in public now. $2.5M for that piece of garbage. #txlege https://t.co/35ntUcmSSm Adam Loewy (@LoewyLawFirm) September 2, 2025 Austins new logo is really disappointing. It misses so many opportunities to reflect what the city is known forlive music, art, nature, and more. Instead, it looks similar to Dallass logo pic.twitter.com/EHlRc4lBu6 Amber Greenwalt (@greenwalt_amber) September 2, 2025 I was hoping that the leaked versions of this were inaccurate - but theyre not. This is a TERRIBLE logo. It reminds me of a 1980s corporate supermarket chain logo and is 100% not on brand for #Austin. What agency came up w this abomination? https://t.co/0wb5ohN8st Greg Matthews (@chimoose) September 4, 2025 Everybody's hating on the new City of Austin logo. But I'm gonna do the opposite. Can't wait to rep our City and sport my Austin swag everywhere. Super excited for Oct 1st! Patrick McDonnell (@patrickm02L) September 3, 2025 People reacted to the new logo for the city of Austin. Screenshot from Meta Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick displays a range of hem-based products he worked to ban in the last legislative session. After Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a measure to enact a ban, Patrick indicated he'll continue that fight in a special session beginning Monday. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman An effort to regulate Texas' largely unchecked THC industry appeared dead on Wednesday despite a late push to revive the moribund legislation, which had been a key reason Gov. Greg Abbott called lawmakers back to Austin this summer. "After long discussions last night between the Governor, Speaker, and me on THC, and continued hours of discussion today, we were not able to come to a resolution. I appreciate the effort by Gov. @GregAbbott_TX to find a solution," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the leading proponent of a ban, said on X. "I thank Speaker Dustin @Burrows4TX and Republican House members for joining the Senate in passing a complete THC ban during the regular session. My position remains unchanged; the Senate and I are for a total THC ban." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Abbott did not immediately comment on the announcement publicly. The Republican governor vetoed sweeping legislation in June that would have barred intoxicating hemp-derived products and wiped out much of the multibillion dollar industry that has boomed in the state over the last six years. Almost all cannabis compounds in any edible, drinkable or smokable form would have been impacted. Fate Fowler stirs a mixture used to make homemade hemp-derived delta-9 THC lollipops at Custom Botanical Dispensary in Austin, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. The shop sells homemade and custom THC infused edibles, and can continue to do so now that the THC ban bill died. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman The Senate, which is run by Patrick, again pushed for a ban. But the House let it languish while it focused on GOP redistricting and providing assistance to the Advertisement Article continues below this ad A warning label is displayed near edibles at Custom Botanical Dispensary in Austin, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. The shop sells homemade and custom THC infused edibles, and can continue to do so now that the THC ban bill died. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman THC products available in Texas are displayed to illustrate Lt. Governor Dan Patricks concerns that seemingly harmless snacks and drinks pose a danger to public health among children and adults. He urged reporters during a news conference to take this story seriously, as Senate Bill 3, which bans all THC products and has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, May 28, 2025. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman Owner Sarah Kerver places homemade hemp-derived delta-9 THC lollipops on the drying rack at Custom Botanical Dispensary in Austin, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. The shop sells homemade and custom THC infused edibles, and can continue to do so now that the THC ban bill died. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Petitions asking Gov. Greg Abbott to veto SB3, which would restrict THC, are displayed at a news conference on the last day of the 89th Texas Legislature at the Capitol in Austin, Monday, June 2, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Owner Sarah Kerver displays a Delta-9 THC caramel at Austin Custom Botanical Dispensary in Austin, Wednesday, July 2, 2025. The dispensary sells only third-party tested, Texas manufactured products. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman parts of the state devastated by the deadly floods of July 4. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source On Wednesday, as both chambers rushed to wrap up their special session work, rumors began circulating that legislative leaders were working to craft a compromise measure that would both satisfy Patrick's desire to clamp down on THC and not trigger another veto by the governor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A proposal filed last week by state Rep. Briscoe Cain would have set a 2.5-milligram-per-serving limit on edibles. It would have also capped beverages at 0.5 milligrams per fluid ounce and limited sales of those drinks to six packs. Such caps would severely undercut many hemp-focused businesses. By some estimates, a 3-milligram cap would wipe out 80% of currently legal sales. Consumable hemp products are typically offered at 5 and 10 milligram doses. Hemp-derived delta-9 THC lollipops are assembled at Custom Botanical Dispensary in Austin, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. The shop sells homemade and custom THC infused edibles, and can continue to do so now that the THC ban bill died. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman If you went into a supermarket and said you can continue selling milk and eggs, but everything else in your store is illegal, they're not going to stay in business, said Robin Goldstein, an agriculture economist at the University of California-Davis who has been studying the Texas hemp market. It's the same kind of apocalypse for the hemp industry. The Cain proposal would have also required 15 milligrams of other cannabinoids, such as CBD, for every 1 milligram of THC a ratio aimed at dulling the intoxicating effects of the THC. It would have also banned flower. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The proposal is similar to a set of restrictions on hemp-derived THC passed by Virginia in 2023. Brian Swensen, the executive director of the Hemp Industry & Farmers of America, called it the complete annihilation of Texass hemp industry. The reality is that hardworking Texas farmers, legitimate businesses, and everyday consumers would be hung out to dry, Swensen said in a statement condemning the proposal. MAPUTO, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has made a call for international investment and partnerships, positioning the country as a future leader in ocean governance. During the opening of the third Marine Biodiversity Conference on Wednesday in Beira city, Sofala Province, central Mozambique, Chapo outlined a strategic vision that seamlessly merges rigorous environmental protection with economic prosperity. "This conference reaffirms Mozambique as an oceanic nation that protects its natural heritage, a heritage that belongs to our people and must be managed sustainably to create opportunities for them," said Chapo. He firmly recommitted the country to major global environmental pledges, specifically embracing the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to be achieved by 2030. Chapo emphasized that the government's priority is to build "a sustainable, inclusive blue economy that generates jobs, especially for Mozambican youth and women." To achieve this, the president urged collective action to combat illegal fishing and called for investments that add value to local resources. He said this is essential for securing "a fair price for our communities and a decent income." "We encourage the strengthening of national and international cooperation and the alignment of resources with the priorities we present here," Chapo added. Qurans are offered at an Eid celebration last year at the Texas Capitol. Burning the Islamic scriptures is not just an assault on a faith community it's an attack on the freedom of religion that's integral to being an American. Jay Janner / American-Statesman After taking a flamethrower to LGBTQ+ books during her failed bid for Missouri secretary of state, and after shooting a makeshift mannequin representing an immigrant during her brief campaign for a Houston-based congressional seat, Valentina Gomez has brought her vile sideshow to Central Texas. We are loath to give Gomez the attention she craves. But we must say clearly: Her hateful stunts are not welcome here. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The right-wing provocateur now purports to be running for the District 31 congressional seat held by longtime U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock. In a recent video, Gomez turned her flamethrower on a copy of the Quran Islams holy book. She then declared on X, formerly Twitter: I will end Islam in Texas so help me God. Unkind, intolerant and un-American, Gomezs rhetoric is also dangerous. She invites hostility against fellow Texans living in peace. In a climate in which Muslims are threatened and mosques vandalized in ever-growing numbers, Gomez fans the flames by torching a religion's sacred text. Most alarming, her following is not fringe. She has more than a half-million followers on X. Elon Musks social media platform, stripped of meaningful standards, left the video up merely labeling it sensitive material. Far-right activist Laura Loomer, who holds sway with President Donald Trump, even praised the stunt on X: This is the type of energy I want to see all GOP members of Congress have. And while they havent adopted fiery theatrics, mainstream Texas Republicans have also stoked anti-Islamic sentiment. Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton this year launched investigations into the East Plano Islamic Center, amplifying unfounded fears about the planned residential community. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, angling to succeed Paxton, warned against communities built on Sharia law as if Texas has any. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gomez may wield the flamethrower, but others are still playing with fire. Gomez came to Texas thinking her ugly schtick would play here. But her attacks on our Muslim neighbors are an attack on our core ideals as Americans. Freedom of religion is the freedom to live according to your conscience, without the government deciding which faith traditions are acceptable. An attack on any religion is an attack on autonomy, whether through restrictive laws, heavy-handed investigations or silence in the face of threats. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows drops the gavel to kill a point of order related to Senate Bill 8, the "bathroom bill," in the House chamber at the Texas Capitol on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman A mother and son solemnly pay a visit to the memorial at Robb Elementary as the community of Uvalde commemorates the one year anniversary of the school shooting of 19 students and two educators on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer A GOP bid to seal certain police records imploded at the last minute Wednesday night after the state House and Senate clashed over whether to grant an exception to crime victims and their families, including Uvalde parents. House Bill 15 would have required Texas law enforcement agencies to seal most documents related to individual officers, including unsubstantiated misconduct investigations, using what is commonly known as a G-file. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Proponents said the move would protect officers from frivolous lawsuits and unwarranted media attention by obscuring from public view background checks used in hiring and unsubstantiated allegations, while keeping public investigations that led to discipline. Opponents said the change would make it significantly more difficult to hold police accountable for misconduct. READ MORE: New bill could shield police misconduct files as Uvalde lawsuit nears ruling The disagreement that ultimately doomed the bill came after the state Senate passed a version that stripped two key House amendments. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source One, from former Uvalde mayor and Republican state Rep. Don McLaughlin, would have allowed victims of alleged police misconduct and their families such as parents of children who died in the Uvalde shooting to view records on investigations into police responses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The other, from former prosecutor and Democratic state Rep. Joe Moody, was meant to preserve the closure of the so-called dead suspects loophole, which can obscure police records after a main suspect dies. A supermajority of House lawmakers signed off on both amendments. HB 15s Senate sponsor, former Fort Worth police officer Phil King, said Tuesday that McLaughlins amendment wasnt very well worded and contended it would gut the bill. According to McLaughlin, King declined to negotiate before Wednesdays deadline. (The Senate) killed the bill. We didnt, McLaughlin told Hearst Newspapers. I would have liked to have sat down and given the law enforcement tools that they need, but also given families and complainants the tools that they need. There should be a happy medium that we should have been able to reach. On Wednesday night, faced with questions from Moody about the Senate changes, House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced he didnt intend to bring the legislation up for a final floor vote, indicating that it would die. The bill officially met its demise when the House adjourned sine die just before 11:30 p.m., ending the second special session. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is the third time the bill has failed this year. Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick emphasized that point on Tuesday night, saying the upper chamber had rubber-stamped the bill four times, including twice this session, once during the first special session and once during the regular session. Gov. Greg Abbott had designated the bill an emergency item. GOP state Rep. Cole Hefner of Mount Pleasant, who authored HB 15, said he was disappointed that the bill failed, but that House members felt their changes were necessary. I think it was a good bill, Hefner said. Its unfortunate. After a reporter asked whether hed refile the bill next session, Hefner said he wasnt sure. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kim Mata-Rubio, whose 12-year-old daughter Lexi died in the 2022 Robb Elementary School massacre, said she was grateful that the legislation failed to pass and called it misguided. She has repeatedly called for accountability for the police officers who waited 77 minutes to take down the 18-year-old gunman, who killed 19 students and two teachers. If law enforcement actions were justified, there would be no need to obscure the facts, she told Hearst Newspapers in a statement. We, as victims, are aware of law enforcement's failures regarding our loved ones, and the truth deserves to be public. Uvalde families are still waiting for a trove of records about the shooting from the Texas Department of Public Safety. An Austin district judge ordered the state police agency in June 2023 to release a wide range of documents in response to a lawsuit from news organizations, including Hearst Newspapers. The agency then appealed to the 15th Court of Appeals, which heard the case in October. A decision could come any day. A Texas man has filed a countersuit denying claims he spiked his neighbors drink with abortion-inducing medication, alleging instead that she fabricated the story to sway lawmakers debating a mail-in pill ban. WOJTEK RADWANSKI/AFP via Getty Images A man accused by his Texas neighbor of spiking her drink with an abortion-inducing medication is fighting back, alleging in a new countersuit that she fabricated the incident to help bolster the Legislatures effort this month to ban mail-in abortion pills. In the 96-page filing, Christopher Coopriders attorney argues that the original claim was a political ploy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After seeing criminal authorities reject her fantastical story, why has she recycled it here in a federal court complaint filed on August 11, 2025? wrote Coopriders attorney, Mikal Watts. So it could be immediately and widely disseminated to national and Texas media outlets that morning prior to a Senate State Affairs Committee hearing set to begin at 10:00 a.m. that same day. Liana Davis, of Corpus Christi, had sued Cooprider as well as the online abortion pill supplier Aid Access and its doctor for wrongful death, claiming that he laced her hot chocolate with medicine provided by the group. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Cooprider now denies those claims and is seeking $1.1 billion in damages. Advertisement Article continues below this ad House Bill 7, which Texas lawmakers sent to Gov. Greg Abbott this week, empowers private citizens to sue mail-in pill prescribers, manufacturers, distributors -- and anyone else who helps someone obtain abortion medication from out of state -- for $100,000 or more per violation. Abbott is expected to sign it. That same enforcement mechanism was used in Senate Bill 8, the 2021 abortion ban that first shuttered access in the state and that opponents quickly dubbed the bounty hunter law. It successfully prevented opponents from using the courts to block the law before it took effect. Both bills were crafted by Jonathan Mitchell, an anti-abortion attorney who is also representing Davis in the suit against Cooprider. He did not respond to a request for comment. Watts, Coopriders attorney, is a major Democratic donor who long said he opposes abortion in most cases, which became a flashpoint in 2007 when he considered a run against Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. He later opted not to run. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While right-to-life advocacy is commendable and perhaps justified under the Sixth Commandment that Thou Shalt not Kill, one may not capriciously cross the Rubicon from the elevated light of righteousness brought by sincere religious advocacy into a pit of darkness and lies by purposefully ignoring the Ninth Commandment Thou Shalt Not Give False Testimony against Thy Neighbor, Watts wrote in the countersuit. That is what Davis has done here with this suit, and she must be punished for it. Daviss suit included text messages from Cooprider, a U.S. Marine, in which he allegedly suggested she seek out an abortion. On April 2, he encouraged her to hang out in a "trust building night" and reconcile. "I could make us some warm relaxing tea instead of alcohol," Coopriders message read. The lawsuit alleged that he then visited the woman's house three days later and laced her hot chocolate with an abortion pill while she watched TV. Within 30 minutes of consuming the drink she began to experience hemorrhaging and cramping, according to the suit. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Davis said she went to the emergency and lost her pregnancy at eight weeks. Cooprider, in his countersuit, claimed that Davis had previously been accused of poisoning her ex-husband, that she drank around her children and was an irresponsible mother, and that she became emotionally infatuated with Cooprider after he tried to end their brief relationship. When Cooprider did not agree to stay in a relationship with her, Davis began an escalating destructive, obsessive and compulsive, pattern of behavior which included: destruction of evidence, multiple faked miscarriages, demands for gifts and attention, blackmail, threats of court martial, and now, a false accusation of murder against Cooprider, the suit reads. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Heres what you need to know about the bills on the way to Abbott's desk, and others that didn't make the cut. Gov. Greg Abbott, who called the special session on Aug. 15 and set the expansive agenda, has yet to say whether he will bring lawmakers back for a third time to pass his remaining priority items. Only the governor can call special sessions. Texas lawmakers ended their second special session late Wednesday, passing a slew of bills meant to provide flood relief , overhaul the STAAR test and crack down on abortion pills. Still, many other measures failed, including a push to regulate hemp-derived THC products and further limit local property taxes. Rep. Jolanda Jones (D-Houston) speaks alongside fellow Texas House Democrats as activists rally against the proposed bathroom bill and abortion pills bill in the outdoor rotunda at the Capitol in Austin, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. Several bills headed to the governors desk will address the devastating Hill Country floods that killed more than 130 people on July 4 weekend. Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Together, Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1 address youth camp safety and emergency preparedness, requiring sleepaway youth camps to create detailed plans for natural disasters and other emergencies. Senate Bill 1 also prohibits the state from licensing youth camps with cabins in a floodplain. Many of those who died were sleeping in cabins located in the highest-risk flood zones. Now, those camps will have to relocate cabins away from areas deemed most likely to flood, or lose their license to operate. Another measure requires areas prone to flash floods to install emergency siren systems and instructs the governors office to create a grant program to assist local governments with the costs of installing outdoor siren systems. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Camp Mystic flood victim photos are seen on a lawmaker's desk as families testify in front of the Senate Disaster Preparedness and Flooding committee at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Mikala Compton/AP The legislation includes a $288 million one-time appropriation from the states rainy day fund to pay for many of the disaster relief measures, with $50 million to help local governments purchase flood warning sirens and rain gauges and $28 million for grants for flood monitoring. Lawmakers failed to pass Senate Bill 2, which would have overhauled how local officials are trained for and respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. They also failed to pass House Bill 3 originally filed during the regular session to address issues with communication among first responders from different jurisdictions, which may use incompatible devices and infrastructure. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Redistricting Congressional redistricting, the issue that became the overarching theme of the two special sessions and prompted the mass walkout by House Democrats, was passed along party lines in both chambers and Gov. Greg Abbott wasted little time signing the new map into law. The effort not only gives Texas Republicans five more winnable seats in Congress in the 2026 midterms, it might have also ended the career of one of the most enduring political figures in Texas. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a Democrat who has represented parts of Austin for 35 years in Washington and first won elective office in 1973, has said he will not for reelection unless the courts keep in place the map that the Legislature enacted in 2021. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, and other Democratic state representatives speak at a news conference after the final passage of the congressional redistricting plan at the Capitol in Austin, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman STAAR test overhaul Texas lawmakers approved a plan to replace the unpopular STAAR exam with three shorter tests spread throughout the school year. The change, set to take effect during the 20272028 school year, comes after a previous effort failed over divisions on whether the Texas Education Agency or a third party should write the exams. Democrats unsuccessfully pushed to strip the TEA of that role. Republicans, led by Rep. Brad Buckley of Salado, said the reform will reduce pressure and testing time. House Bill 8 ends the high stakes and high stress nature of one test, one day, Buckley said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Democrats argued the bill was rushed and would actually increase classroom time spent on testing. This is no win. This is a terrible bill, said Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin. Abortion pill penalties Texas Republicans have identified abortion pills as the next frontier in their war against abortion and passed a bill trying to curb their flow into the state. House Bill 7 empowers private citizens to sue out-of-state pill prescribers, manufacturers, distributors and anyone else who helps someone obtain abortion medication for $100,000 or more per violation. It uses the same enforcement mechanism as Senate Bill 8, the 2021 abortion ban that opponents dubbed the bounty hunter law. That laws novel construction successfully prevented opponents from being able to file suits to block it from going into effect by removing the state government, which they would typically sue, as the enforcer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Transgender bathroom bill Eight years after the 2017 bathroom bill set off a political firestorm in Texas, and many GOP attempts later, the Texas Legislature was finally successful in passing a bill that prevents people from using bathroom facilities in public buildings that align with their gender identity. LGBTQ activists rally against the proposed bathroom bill and abortion pills bill in the outdoor rotunda at the Capitol in Austin, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman The Republican authors of the bill had argued that the bill was necessary to protect girls and women from harm or infringement of privacy by transgender women and men maliciously pretending to be transgender women. Critics say the bill is discriminatory, unnecessary and threatens the safety of transgender and other non-gender-conforming people. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ivermectin access Delivering a long-sought victory for vaccine skeptics, Republican lawmakers in Texas succeeded in passing legislation to make ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug that some have pushed as a COVID-19 treatment, available over the counter. READ MORE: Ivermectin bill heads to Abbott after heated pushback from Democrats Though early studies suggested ivermectin could improve COVID-19 symptoms, dozens of subsequent clinical trials found that it does not significantly reduce hospitalizations or deaths. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If Abbott signs the measure as expected, Texas will become the fifth Republican-led state to make ivermectin available at pharmacies without a prescription, joining Tennessee, Arkansas, Idaho and Louisiana. Penalties for quorum-breakers Enough House Democrats fled Texas in August to block a vote on GOP redistricting for two weeks. The Republican majorities in both chambers put future would-be quorum breakers on notice this special session that remaining absent from the Capitol during a legislative session will be both politically and financially expensive. The House and Senate sent a measure to Abbott that would bar quorum-breakers from raising campaign donations during their absences and would fine donors who gave them money up to $5,000 for each donation they made. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas House Democrats return to the state, ending their quorum break, and board a bus to the Texas Capitol at Signature Aviation Austin, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman The House took it one step further for its membership under a rule change adopted late Wednesday. Being absent for the purpose of impeding the progress of the lower chamber would put members seniority at risk, and the fine for doing so, which had been $500 per day for each absent member, will now be tied to the per diem amount that members are paid during legislative sessions. The present per diem rate is about $221. Under the new rule, the daily fine would be three times the rate, and the fine will rise whenever the per diem rate rises in the future. Attorney general election enforcement The bill would restore Attorney General Ken Paxtons ability to unilaterally prosecute election fraud crimes. It comes after the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals found in 2021 that the state Constitution only allowed the attorney general's office to take up the cases if a local prosecutor requested help. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its yet to be seen whether the legislation, Senate Bill 12, will pass legal muster: Lawmakers had previously tried to pass a Constitutional amendment, which requires a higher threshold of votes that would have needed support from Democrats, but it failed to pass. LOS ANGELES, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- A fast-moving wildfire, burning in the Sierra Nevada foothills, has scorched homes in a historic Gold Rush town in California and forced evacuations of residents from the town and surrounding highways on Tuesday, authorities said Wednesday. Once a bustling community, the town in Chinese Camp was home to about 5,000 Chinese miners as well as a similar number of American and European settlers during the Gold Rush era, according to Tuolumne County. The extent of the damage in Chinese Camp wasn't immediately clear pending an official review, about 61 people still live there, said Emily Kilgore, public information officer with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Tuolumne Calaveras Unit. The fire is part of a group of lightning-sparked wildfires that have burned about 56 square km in multiple locations in Calaveras, Tuolumne and Stanislaus counties of the state, according to the Cal Fire. As of Wednesday evening, the fires were 15 percent contained. More than 1,200 personnel and 13 helicopters have been deployed to battle the blazes, Cal Fire said. YINCHUAN, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- On early Wednesday morning, a new air route was officially inaugurated, connecting Yinchuan, the capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, to Guiyang in southwest China's Guizhou Province, and then onward to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The maiden flight took off from Yinchuan, marking the beginning of this new service. With flights scheduled for every Wednesday and Friday, the route is operated by a Boeing 737 aircraft. The inbound flight AQ1252, departs from Kuala Lumpur at 4:25 p.m. local time, stopping in Guiyang for about one hour and 40 minutes, and then taking off from Guiyang at 10:20 p.m. local time, arriving in Yinchuan at 00:45 midnight local time, according to Ningxia's airport authorities. The outbound flight AQ1251 departs from Yinchuan at 7:00 a.m. local time, stopping in Guiyang for one hour and 30 minutes and then arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 2:45 p.m. local time. The launch of this route is expected to further reduce the spatiotemporal distance between Ningxia and Southeast Asia and help Ningxia expand its international exchanges and cooperation, said the Ningxia branch of China West Airport Group. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with representatives of various sectors from the Taiwan region, including Hung Hsiu-chu, who are here for 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 Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Top political advisor Wang Huning on Thursday met with representatives of various sectors from the Taiwan region, including Hung Hsiu-chu, who are here for 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. During the meeting, Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, called on compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to remember history, carry forward the great spirit of the Chinese nation and the great spirit of the War of Resistance, and jointly create new chapters in advancing national reunification and rejuvenation. Taiwan's restoration to China in 1945 is an outcome of the WWII victory and part and parcel of the postwar international order, Wang said, adding that it is also a glory shared by compatriots on both sides of the Strait and a national memory shared by all Chinese people. He called on compatriots across the Strait to uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus and join hands to oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference. The mainland has actively created better development opportunities for Taiwan compatriots and shared greater development outcomes with them, Wang said. He called on Chinese people from both sides of the Strait to uphold the overall interests of the Chinese nation, and jointly promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advance national reunification. The commemorations of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression by compatriots from both sides of the Strait are to remember the great sacrifice of the whole Chinese nation in the war, said Hung and other representatives from Taiwan. They expressed their hope that compatriots across the Strait will uphold the one-China principle, oppose "Taiwan independence," strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and work together to advance national reunification and rejuvenation. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with representatives of various sectors from the Taiwan region, including Hung Hsiu-chu, who are here for 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 Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) by Austin Bay September 3, 2025 On Aug. 24, Kremlin propagandist Vladimir Solovyov threatened Norway with nuclear annihilation. I do not exaggerate. The Barents Observer (via arctictoday.com) reported that Solovyov, on his "Sunday Evening with Vladimir Solovyov" program said Russia should "destroy" Norway, with nukes. From the article: "Are they all ready to die for it? (Hang on for defining "it.") Well, there aren't that many of them (Norwegians), so it will be quick. Moreover, no one will even notice that the Norwegians are gone." Solovyov delivered this threat during a "conversation" with comrade sidekick Yevgeny Buzhinsky. Apparently, Buzhinsky is a Cold War old-timer who longs for the USSR. He's identified as a "Soviet and Russian military diplomat ..." Solovyov has threatened other European nations with nuclear immolation. However, Norway has become a special target. I won't quote blow by blow -- a waste of space. I'll sketch the essentials of Solovyov's TV threat skit in present tense. Understand their latest casus belli are perceived threats from Free Europe* to help Ukraine defend itself. Buzhinsky declares: "Europe is preparing for war!" Solovyov interrupts: "We need to strike now! There's no point in waiting for them to prepare. We need to destroy them immediately." Buzhinsky adds that the Russian foreign ministry considers countries producing weapons for supply to Ukraine as "legitimate targets." Later, Buzhinsky says: "I think the Germans should think about it." ("It" is nuclear destruction.) Solovyov: "They will only start thinking when we actually strike with the Oreshnik (a Russian ballistic missile) ..." Then they get to little old Norway. Buzhinsky: "The Norwegians, with whom we have always had fairly smooth relations since World War II, suddenly became concerned that we are re-establishing the Moscow and Leningrad military districts. And they decided that we are threatening Spitsbergen (see below), although it is a demilitarized zone. But for some reason, the Norwegians consider it entirely theirs and are ready to ..." Solovyov interrupts: "Die for it, all of them?" Laugh it off? They are empowered buffoons delivering a Kremlin-approved script. They tell fellow Russians that Moscow has the power to destroy petty European neighbors. The script tells the neighbors to surrender or die. Do Russians believe it? According to Arctic Today, "In June 2025, the program 'Sunday Evening with Vladimir Solovyov' received an award as the best evening socio-political talk show." Authoritarian media is definitely self-reinforcing. The New York Times, CNN and Washington Post got a Pulitzer for flacking the RussiaRussiaRussia hoax. There is a minor diplomatic contretemps. Russia is currently threatening to deny Norwegian fishermen access to Russian fishing grounds if Norway refuses to drop sanctions against two Russian companies. A 1976 agreement permits joint fishing in the Barents and Norwegian Seas. The deeper bilateral issue, however, is Arctic territory that gives Norway an extensive economic zone in the Arctic Ocean: Svalbard -- the island referred to as Spitzbergen. It's 900 kilometers north of continental Norway. Based on a 1920 treaty (which the USSR signed in 1935), Russia has rights to coal deposits on the island. Since 2015 -- a year after Vladimir Putin grabbed Crimea -- Russia has behaved as if Svalbard is Russian territory. In 2023, The Barents Observer reported Russia held a World War II May 9 Victory Day parade on Svalbard. In March 2025, Russia accused Norway of militarizing the island. Politico reported that Russia "seems to view" Svalbard "as a place to test new ways of asserting itself and undermining the West" and "follows Moscow's playbook in Ukraine ..." Nuclear threats are part of the playbook. Russian nuclear dominance is central to Putin's threatened war on Free Europe. Free Europe? By that I mean NATO+ Europe. Allegedly, neutral Austria and Switzerland participate in the pan-European air-space defense European Sky Shield initiative. Free Europe has a GDP around $26.5 trillion. The U.S. nuclear shield contained the USSR during the Cold War. Kremlin propagandists constantly portrayed the U.S. as a nuclear aggressor -- but the lie ultimately failed. The U.S. remains committed to defending NATO nations and, in response to a real Russian nuclear attack, using nuclear weapons. Britain and France possess nuclear weapons, and have signaled they are willing to use them to defend Free Europe. The Ukraine War has damaged Russia, economically and militarily. In 11 years of war (2014 Crimea attack), Russia has failed to destroy Ukraine. Finland and Sweden have joined NATO. Free Europe is rearming. Russian nuclear weapons are real, but let Norway serve as an example. Norway hasn't flinched; it's ready to fight. Oslo recently announced it's buying five new British Type 26 frigates. Free Europe has begun to treat Russia's nuclear theatrics as a desperate loser's soap opera. A colonel at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., who was acquitted in civilian court on charges that he groped two young relatives, was arraigned in an Army courtroom Tuesday for those same charges and additional charges involving two more relatives. (U.S. Army) A colonel at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., who was acquitted in civilian court on charges that he groped two young relatives was arraigned in an Army courtroom Tuesday for those same charges and additional charges involving two more relatives. Col. Scott C. Nauman, 53, who has been assigned to the Combined Arms Center since 2017, is charged with sexual assault of a child, four counts of sexual abuse of a child and abusive sexual contact, according to Army court documents. He pleaded not guilty before military judge Col. Larry Babin. A court-martial with a jury of officers is scheduled for November, according to the online court docket. Leavenworth County prosecuted Nauman in March on two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, and jurors found the Army officer not guilty. Aimee Bateman, an attorney for Nauman in both the civilian and military court proceedings, declined to comment. The two girls said they were around 11 and 15 when Nauman began to inappropriately touch them between 2020 and 2022, according to civilian court documents. One girl said during a preliminary hearing that Nauman would grope her breasts once or twice a month as she sat at her desk and he sat behind her. The older girl said Nauman would give her massages that didnt feel like massages because he would move his hands from her shoulders to her waist and would squeeze her sides. She said she felt uncomfortable but never asked him to stop. Both girls testified that Nauman measured them for a bra and touched their breasts in the process. The older girl asked to measure herself and was told no, she said. The case took two years to reach a courtroom, in part because prosecutors appealed a judges decision not to allow the jury to hear testimony from two adult relatives who claimed to be former victims. Prosecutors said the women would testify that Nauman also engaged in various acts of sexual abuse of them while they were minors including massages, groping, oral sex, kissing and touching Naumans private area, according to Kansas court records. The two women were not allowed to testify in the March trial. The Army charged Nauman with the allegations of those two women because it has jurisdiction that the state of Kansas does not, said Michelle McCaskill, spokeswoman for the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, which is prosecuting the case. Those charges occurred in and around a white trailer-based camper in June and July 2012 at Fort Riley, Kan., and Fort Drum, N.Y., according to court documents. At the time the girls were younger than 16. Before arriving at Fort Leavenworth, which is about 35 miles northwest of Kansas City, Kan., Nauman attended the Navy War College in Newport, R.I., according to the Combined Arms Center. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and was commissioned in 1995. Nauman was promoted to colonel in 2017. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. Fico is in China to attend 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) BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing on Thursday. Fico is in China to attend 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. Xi called on the two countries to uphold the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, practice true multilateralism, and promote the reform and improvement of the global governance system. China stands ready to work with Slovakia to strengthen high-level exchanges, firmly support each other's development paths, and actively advance practical cooperation in areas such as new energy, infrastructure and logistics, Xi said. He expressed hope that Slovakia will continue to play a positive role in promoting the sound and stable development of China-EU relations. Fico said Slovakia attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is ready to deepen exchanges on governance experience, strengthen cooperation in various fields, further facilitate personnel exchanges, and welcome more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Slovakia. Slovakia is willing to maintain close communication and coordination with China and actively work for the reform and improvement of the global governance system, he said. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. Fico is in China to attend 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/Li Xiang) USCG Cutter Bear transits out of Torngat National Park, Canada, on Aug. 9, 2022. The Bear was partaking in the Tuugaalik phase of Operation Nanook, an annual exercise that allows the United States and multiple other partner nations to ensure security and enhance interoperability in Arctic waters. (Matthew Abban/U.S. Coast Guard) WASHINGTON The Coast Guard will step up operations in the increasingly contested Arctic region, crack down on illegal fishing and forced labor, and improve oil spill response under legislation approved Wednesday by a Senate committee wary of competition from Russia and China. Members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation said the Coast Guards mission is growing in importance as melting ice in the Arctic creates a new frontier for economic and navigational opportunities. Russia and China are developing a robust military presence in the region, with Russia boasting the largest icebreaker fleet in the world and China planning to build the largest icebreaker. To meet that emerging threat, lawmakers want to authorize $841 million for a third Polar Security Cutter icebreaker ship for the Coast Guard and $20 million to establish an Arctic Security Cutter program office, which will begin work on the next generation of medium icebreakers. We are not just discussing the Arctic theoretically but making real investments, said Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, a colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve and a member of the committee. Members of the service, or Coasties, are also expected to see more options for child care, better access to affordable housing and expanded medical care and education opportunities as they fulfill a mission to safeguard ports and waterways and secure the maritime economy, according to the Coast Guard Authorization Act for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. The bill would authorize $14.94 billion for the service for fiscal 2023, which begins Oct. 1. It would amount to a 21.5% budget increase from fiscal 2021. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation overwhelmingly advanced the legislation on Wednesday. In my view, the Coast Guard often gets overlooked on many issues funding, support, retirement Im glad to say that this bill makes good strides in a couple areas that will bring the Coast Guard up to what the other services in the military have, Sullivan said. The Coast Guard is the only military branch that falls outside the jurisdiction of the Defense Department and instead operates in peacetime under the Department of Homeland Security. During times of war, it can be transferred to the Navy by order of the president or Congress. Lawmakers said they also are prioritizing efforts to end illegal fishing and forced labor on the high seas, acts largely committed by China. The bill calls for new enforcement and coordination to catch illegal fishermen and provides new training for Coast Guard personnel to identify instances of oppressive child labor in the international fishing industry. Another major priority is improving the Coast Guards response to oil spills across the country, said Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., the committees chairwoman. The legislation requires the creation of a new program to improve response operations and a national study on regional and local oil spill response plans and their effectiveness. The size of the Coast Guard will remain the same as in previous years, with an active-duty force of 44,500, according to the bill. Service members are poised to see multiple new benefits under the legislation. The Coast Guards child care subsidy program will get a 56% funding boost, giving families more help to pay for nannies or other types of child care. A new pilot program would assist families with fertility treatments while another will allow members to request a transfer to billets located near fertility treatment facilities. Lawmakers are pushing the Coast Guard to improve access to affordable housing, pointing to skyrocketing costs in coastal communities where units are often based. The national housing shortage, aging Coast Guard housing and short-term vacation rentals have left many families without options, senators said, and the Coast Guard needs to study and develop a viable plan to address the issue. The Coast Guard would also be required to develop a 10-year strategy to enhance diversity in its ranks and establish a partnership program with an institution serving underrepresented communities, according to the bill. A study last year found the representation of women and minorities declined as rank increased. These demographics are largely the cumulative effect of the service's personnel system in which the pool of potential senior leaders narrows at each stage of the career life cycle, along with the number of candidates from underrepresented groups, according to Rand Corp., the studys author. Other legislative measures are set to improve service member access to medical care and training. The bill establishes a behavioral health policy for the Coast Guard and authorizes research into expanding telemedicine at remote stations such as Cape Disappointment in Washington state. Another provision raises limits on how many members can enroll in post-graduate programs, aiming to raise the number of Coast Guard members training in the medical field. Senators said they are also looking to clamp down on sexual assault, within the Coast Guard and the maritime industry. Their bill would expand penalties for failures to report sexual assault and harassment at sea and provide the Coast Guard with the authority to revoke credentials to mariners who have committed certain sex crimes. An additional provision establishes a process for mariners to report crimes to the Coast Guard. Despite being under resourced, our Coast Guard men and women continue to fulfill their mission saving American lives, protecting our homeland and keeping maritime transportation flowing safely, said Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss. This bill would provide substantial support for these men and women. The Coast Guard last year assisted more than 20,400 people in search-and-rescue missions and saved more than 4,500 lives, according to Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. An HC-130J from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak flying over Alaska in 2024. (Matt Masaschi/U.S. Coast Guard) The Coast Guard reported late Wednesday that it had detected and monitored two Chinese research vessels in the past week operating 200 miles off the coast of Alaska. On Sunday, the Coast Guard located the Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di, 230 miles north of Utqiagvik, Alaska, the northernmost U.S. city, which was known as Barrow until a popular vote to change its name in 2016. The Coast Guard said in a statement the ship was a Chinese research ship flying under Liberian maritime registration. The Coast Guard dispatched the icebreaker USCGC Healy to monitor the ship. An HC-130J Hercules aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak was deployed to provide aerial reconnaissance. On Tuesday, the Coast Guard detected the Chinese-flagged research vessel JIDI about 265 miles northwest of Utqiagvik. The Healy was again dispatched, though no aircraft was used in the second interdiction. The Healy and the HC-130J were sent out under the Coast Guard Arctic Districts Operation Frontier Sentinel, Designed to counter adversary activity in U.S. waters, the service said in its statement. This operation highlights the value of our ice-capable fleet, said Rear Adm. Bob Little, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District, based in Alaska. The Arctic District encompasses 3,853,500 square miles, including more than 47,300 miles of shoreline throughout Alaska and the Arctic. The Coast Guard said both Chinese vessels were operating within the delineated U.S. Extended Continental Shelf a term for the area of the ocean claimed by the U.S. as an extension of traditional territorial boundaries. A United Nations agreement sets the extended continental shelf regions and gives each nation the exclusive mineral and other resource rights within its zone. Though the United States has not signed on to the U.N. agreement, it set its own extended continental shelf areas largely following the U.N. Formula, according to a report by Fordham University in New York. The Arctic is a growing zone of strategic global competition, the Coast Guard said. The Coast Guard is the only U.S. surface presence in the Arctic and works in conjunction with U.S. Northern Command and Alaskan Command to constantly monitor foreign vessels operating in and near U.S. waters. The South China Morning Post newspaper in Hong Kong reported on August 25 that China has sent five vessels including icebreakers and research ships into the Arctic region this summer. In September 2024, a joint Russia-China military flotilla passed through the Bering Strait, the 53-mile-wide maritime corridor between Russian far east Asia and Alaska that separates the Arctic Ocean and the Bering Sea at the far northern end of the Pacific Ocean. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) in August tracked a Russian Ilyushin IL-20 long-range four-engine aircraft operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone on four occasions. The zone is an expanded area beyond U.S. territorial airspace in which the American military responds and records the presence of foreign aircraft. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star, left, is is moored next to U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy at Coast Guard Base Seattle, Aug. 25, 2024. (Chris Butters/U.S. Coast Guard) SEATTLE The U.S. Coast Guard announced Wednesday that it will spend up to $137 million to modernize its Base Seattle to homeport new, larger Polar Security Cutters that will serve in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Phase one of the project calls for dredging a slip to accommodate the deeper Polar Security Cutter hulls. Two additional cutter berths will be built, giving the base a total of four large cutter berths. Bellevue, Wash.-based Whiting-Turner Contracting will do the work. The new Polar Security Cutters are designed to displace 23,000 tons, are 460 feet long and will carry crews of more than 150, according to Coast Guard estimates. They are designed for heavy icebreaking with the ability to break up ice that is 6 feet thick and can operate at sea for up to 90 days. The first Polar Security Cutter, USCGC Polar Sentinel, is currently under construction at Bollinger in Pascagoula, Miss., and is scheduled to be completed by 2030. The Coast Guard plans presently to receive three of the Polar Security Cutters, at a total cost of $5 billion, according to a 2024 Congressional Budget Office report. Seattle is already homeport for two of the Coast Guards three icebreakers. The heavy icebreaker USCGC Polar Star and medium icebreaker USCGC Healy are in Seattle, while the recently obtained commercial medium icebreaker, renamed USCGC Storis, is homeported in Juneau, Alaska. In addition to the berths, the first phase of the project includes upgrading facilities, utilities, demolition of an underutilized building and shoring up the waterfront along the Puget Sound. The Coast Guard is still seeking to obtain all or part of Terminal 46 on Seattle Harbor, adjacent to Base Seattle. Development of the terminal would add about 1,000 square feet of waterfront area to the base, enabling expansion and renovation to operate additional cutters. The Coast Guard has operated in the Puget Sound area from various harbors since the 19th century. In 1966, the Coast Guard acquired Pier 36 from the Army to consolidate most of its operations while maintaining support facilities scattered around the Puget Sound area. Base Seattle supports more than 1,650 active duty & reserve Coast Guard personnel. As the only substantial military facility left in King County, Base Seattle also provides key support to over 30,000 local military retirees & family members from all of the armed services, the service says on its website. Ensin. Olivia Lopez, a native of Iola, Wis., participates in a community relations event at Wildcat Park in River Hills, Wis., as a part of Milwaukee Navy Week, July 14, 2025. ( Tyler Wheaton/U.S. Navy) For the first time, Navy Week is coming to Wichita Falls, Texas, with sailors and special events to connect with the public and showcase the Navys mission. More than 60 sailors, including those with direct ties to Wichita Falls, will engage in education and community outreach events from Sept. 16-21 as part of the Navys 250th anniversary celebration. The city in northern Texas will be the 10th Navy Week to be hosted in the Lone Star State, according to a service news release. Americans will connect with sailors who have strong character, competence and dedication to the mission, and who continue a 250-year tradition of decisive power from seabed to cyberspace, said Cmdr. Julie Holland, director of the Navy Office of Community Outreach. Throughout the week, there will be performances by the U.S. Navy Band Northwest and U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard. Sailors will also volunteer with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, Wichita Falls Area Food Bank, Wichita Falls Animal Services and more. Wichita Falls is the 12th city to host Navy Week this year. The program will be visiting four more cities: Hartford, Conn.; Springfield, Mass.; Eugene, Ore.; and Santa Fe, N.M. Navy Week brings a variety of assets, equipment and personnel to a single city for a week-long series of engagements designed to bring Americas Navy closer to the people it protects. The program reaches more than 140 million people each year. For Wichita Falls Navy Weeks full schedule of events, visit their website. Naval Station Great Lakes entrance along Buckley Road on April 14, 2020 in Great Lakes. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) The Pentagon has approved the use of a Navy base on the outskirts of Chicago as a staging ground from which the Trump administration can launch operations against undocumented immigrants, said two defense officials familiar with the issue. Naval Station Great Lakes will serve as a hub in upcoming operations overseen by the Department of Homeland Security, the officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. It could also potentially be used as a place to house National Guard or active-duty service members, if President Donald Trump orders a surge of U.S. troops to the city, as he did this summer in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. The approval, which has not previously been reported, comes after DHS sought permission late last month for agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other law enforcement personnel to use the base. It also comes as Gov. JB Pritzker and other top officials in Illinois decry the presidents aggressive tactics, lack of coordination and characterization of Chicago as a hellhole of crime requiring federal intervention. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths office did not respond to requests for comment. Other defense officials referred questions to DHS, which issued a statement that did not answer questions about the bases usage. DHS is targeting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens including murderers, rapists, gang members, pedophiles, and terrorists - across the country, the statement said. DHS will go to wherever these criminal illegal aliens are-including Chicago, Boston, and other cities. Critics of DHS and National Guard deployments in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., have noted that many of the people detained by federal law have no documented history of violent behavior. More than half of those arrested since the administration took office do not have a past criminal conviction, according to ICE data obtained this summer by the Deportation Data Project, a team of lawyers and academics, with assistance from the UCLA Center for Immigration Law and Policy. The approval to use the Great Lakes base, which is primarily used for training Navy recruits, comes as Trump asserts broad control to deploy the military domestically in ways that have prompted legal challenges and outcry. The president has pressured Democratic governors to approve National Guard deployments in urban centers struggling with crime and violence, while mostly glossing over similar challenges in cities in Republican-run states. Expanded ICE operations are expected to begin in Chicago as soon as this week, with Trump and his senior advisers leaving it ambiguous whether a military deployment will follow. Military planning reported by The Washington Post last month has raised the possibility of either National Guard or active-duty troops being used. Such a mission would almost certainly be contested in court. Judge Charles Breyer of the U.S. District Court in San Francisco found this week that a similar operation in Los Angeles earlier this year violated the Posse Comitatus Act, a federal law that prohibits U.S. troops from participating in civilian law enforcement. The Trump administration has appealed the ruling. Pritzker, the Illinois governor, has repeatedly decried any plan to send troops to Chicago without the consent of state and local leaders. On Tuesday, he told reporters that in the absence of significant federal coordination, his team had gathered information from patriotic officials inside the government and from well-sourced reporters about Donald Trumps plan, which is to deploy armed military personnel to the streets of Chicago. Pritzker said Trump was looking for any excuse to put active-duty on our streets supposedly to protect ICE, and already had begun preparing members of the Texas National Guard for a deployment to Illinois. Texas officials have not commented on the issue. Its unclear how Trump would legally send U.S. troops to Chicago without Pritzkers consent. If the president were to deploy troops under authorities laid out in Title 10 of federal law, they would likely be tightly restricted on what sort of support they can provide. In June, Trump deployed to Los Angeles a battalion of 700 active-duty Marines and federalized 4,000 members of the California National Guard, arguing it was necessary to protect ICE officers and federal property after a handful of violent incidents against federal personnel. Trump also might attempt to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago under another legal status laid out in Title 32 of federal law. But under such status, they cannot legally be deployed without a governors consent, said Joseph Nunn, a legal expert for the Brennan Center for Justices liberty and national security program. The president can collaborate with governors to send National Guard troops with federal pay under Title 32 if a governor consents a possibility that the president floated on Wednesday, when he said the National Guard could be deployed in New Orleans to help control crime. Trump on Wednesday muddied the waters on whether he intends to federalize National Guard members and send them to Chicago, suggesting that Pritzker will have to ask for it. We could straighten out Chicago - all they have to do is ask us, he told reporters. I want to go into Chicago, and I have this incompetent governor who doesnt want us. Pritzker has emphasized that he will not be asking the president for military assistance in Chicago, and instead wants more civilian law enforcement. I refuse to pretend that any of this is normal, Pritzker said. I refuse to concede that the abject cruelty that we are seeing play out with the execution of Trump and [White House Deputy Chief of Staff] Stephen Millers policies are okay or justified. Breyers ruling this week on the deployment of troops to Los Angeles found that the administration violated the Posse Comitatus Act in using troops in standoff roles, such as traffic enforcement. But if the National Guard is deployed in another state with governors authorization, they could perform law enforcement missions while operating under Title 32 of federal law. Were making a determination now, Trump said. 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 thats become quite - you know, quite tough, quite bad. Members of the Harlem Hellfighters, soldiers in the 369th Infantry Regiment, pose for a photo in 1919. Front row, left to right: Pvt. Ed Williams, Herbert Taylor, Pvt. Leon Fraitor, Pvt. Ralph Hawkins. Back row, left to right: Sgt. H.D. Primas, Sgt. Dan Storms, Pvt. Joe Williams, Pvt. Alfred Hanley, Cpl. T.W. Taylor. (National Archives) WASHINGTON The Harlem Hellfighters an African-American regiment that fought longer on the frontlines of World War I than any other Army unit its size were honored Wednesday with the Congressional Gold Medal more than a century after the conflict ended. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., accompanied by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other members of Congress, led the presentation of Congress highest civilian honor for distinguished contributions to the relatives and loved ones of the Harlem Hellfighters. Nicknamed hellfighters for their tenaciousness on the battlefield, the 369th Infantry Regiment fought for 191 days in continuous combat in France, without losing ground or a single soldier captured, according to Johnson and other speakers at the Gold Medal ceremony. My grandfather and the other brave men never thought their courage and exploits would be celebrated in such a revered setting, said Debra Willett, granddaughter of Sgt. Leander Willett. A display on the Harlem Hellfighters of World War I is shown Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington. The display was part of a presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal honoring the regiment. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) The front of a Congressional Gold Medal honoring World War Is Harlem Hellfighters on display in Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) The back of a Congressional Gold Medal honoring World War Is Harlem Hellfighters on display in Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) She accepted the award on behalf of descendants of the Harlem Hellfighters during a packed two-hour ceremony at Emancipation Hall in the Capitol. The regiment had about 4,500 Black American soldiers who fought under French command during World War I and experienced about 1,500 casualties. Today America pauses to bestow an honor we all know is long overdue, Johnson told an audience of about 500 people. He said the regiment fought to protect freedoms denied to African-Americans of that era. For Marcia Holmes, who drove from her home in Pittsburgh, Pa., the award connects her with a past she knew nothing about. Her ancestor, Henry Davis Primas, was assigned as a private to the regiments medical detachment due to his background as a pharmacist, according to the National Archives. Weve been shocked and touched to learn about H.D. Primas and his accomplishments, Holmes said. I had no information about my great great uncle or his contributions until we received news about the Gold Medal. Debra Willett, center, granddaughter of Harlem Hellfighter Sgt. Leander Willett, is presented with a Congressional Gold Medal honoring the Harlem Hellfighters of World War I Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attends a presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal honoring Harlem Hellfighters of World War I Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) Col. Bryon Linnehan, commander of 369th Sustainment Brigade of the New York National Guard, speaks during a presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal honoring the Harlem Hellfighters of World War I on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) The Harlem Hellfighters originally were a National Guard unit based in Harlem, N.Y. The soldiers filled their mission with purpose, despite experiencing racism and prejudice at home, according to speakers at Wednesdays ceremony. These patriots loved America even when America did not show the same love to them, said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. Col. Bryon Linnehan, commander of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, also formally accepted the honor and offered remarks. The brigade is a New York Army National Guard unit that is a descendant of the Harlem Hellfighters. Its humbling to be in the presence of descendants of our famed World War I heroes, he said. Hegseth said the Harlem Hellfighters faced the enemy head-on and at point blank range. They were exceptional Americans, he said. May we honor them forever especially because they were not honored in their time. A Congressional Gold Medal honoring the Harlem Hellfighters of World War I is displayed Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) Retired Army colonel Andre Kernes attends a presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal honoring the Harlem Hellfighters of World War I on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine attends a presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal honoring Harlem Hellfighters of World War I Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) Hegseth took several minutes at the end of the ceremony to detail the history and heroics of the 369th regiment. The regiment was among the first to be shipped off to Europe to fight in World War I in 1917. But the Harlem Hellfighters faced discrimination within the U.S. Army that was not desegregated until 1948. The Army assigned the African-American unit to the French army because of segregation within its own ranks. They were issued French weapons and helmets. Andres Kerne a retired Army colonel from Maryland who watched the ceremony said he considers the Harlem Hellfighters achievements to be a critical part of military history not just as a Black regiment but as soldiers in general. Their contributions are not forgotten. There have been two other Congressional Gold Medals awarded to African-American military groups the Tuskegee Airmen in 2007 and the Montfort Point Marines in 2011, both from World War II. Despite the courage, sacrifice and dedication proudly displayed by the Harlem Hellfighters to their country, they returned home to face racism and segregation from their fellow countrymen, said Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., who worked with the Willett family since 2019 to ensure the Harlem Hellfighters were recognized for their military contributions. In 2019, Suozzi helped obtain a Purple Heart for Sgt. Leander Willett, who was initially declined for lack of documentation, according to Suozzis office. The actions of the Harlem Hellfighters contributed to the eventual desegregation of the military, the Department of Veterans Affairs said after the Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act was signed into law Aug. 25, 2021. The 369th Infantry Regiment will forever be remembered as pioneers of change and defenders of liberty, the agency said in a news release. The Theater Gateway Center Company, activated on May 28, 2025, at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, is part of an Army-wide effort to modernize reception operations. (Eric Mendiola/Stars and Stripes) CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea A newly established reception unit expects to save the U.S. Army approximately $72,000 annually by digitizing the in-processing experience for incoming soldiers. The Theater Gateway Center Company, activated on May 28, is part of an Army-wide effort to modernize reception operations. In 2021, former Sgt. Major of the Army Michael Grinston announced plans to establish approximately 13 reception units by this fiscal year to better support duty station changes. In just its first three months, the Humphreys unit has reduced average soldier processing time from 36 hours to fewer than six by replacing paper forms with QR-coded digital checklists, said company commander Capt. Kyle Wojtalewicz. He spoke with Stars and Stripes during a recent tour of the units facilities in the Lt. Gen. Timothy Maude Hall reception center. The unit is saving money by switching to digital forms and virtual tracking, saving an average of $6,000 per month on paper alone, said 1st Sgt. Andrew Watson, the senior enlisted leader. This is about making troops mission-ready within hours, not days, Wojtalewicz said. Weve created a system where soldiers can complete much of their in-processing from a phone before even stepping foot on post. Roughly 10,000 soldiers rotate through South Korea each year, beginning their first week by completing medical screenings, housing and finance briefings and personnel accountability checks. Along the way, they must submit medical and immunization records, housing orders, finance forms and personnel files to the respective offices handling each service. To better meet incoming personnel, the company now rotates staff to Incheon International Airport and Osan Air Base, where the Patriot Express, a military charter flight, arrives on the peninsula. We want the first face they see in Korea to be one of ours, said company executive officer 1st Lt. Kyle Gallardo. Thats when reception really starts. Inbound soldiers listen to a safety briefing at the Lt. Gen. Timothy Maude Hall reception center on Camp Humphreys, South Korea, July 28, 2025. (Eric Mendiola/Stars and Stripes) With no existing framework to follow, the company developed its own internal procedures. Gallardo said the unit created standard operating procedures for digital workflows, coordination across installations and personnel tracking, all while continuing daily operations. Standing up a company with no immediate precedent meant we had to define what success looked like, he said. Everything from staff schedules to how we track metrics had to be created in real time. Sgt. William Aquino went through the new digital process when he arrived in South Korea this summer with the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command. It was way smoother than I expected, he said. Its a five-day workweek with no surprises. The QR code tells you everything you need to know. The unit also uses a dashboard to track real-time data and identify bottlenecks in areas such as housing, medical and transportation. This proactive approach helps prevent delays before they affect incoming personnel, Gallardo said. As we scale up, the real test will be managing manpower and resources across the formation without losing speed or quality, Watson said. A South Korean air force KF-21 Boramae conducts an air demonstration during the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition at Seoul Air Base, South Korea, Oct. 18, 2023. (Eric Burks/U.S. Air Force) South Koreas Defense Ministry has proposed its largest military budget increase in seven years, seeking $47.6 billion for the next fiscal year to help counter North Koreas missile threats. The request, submitted to lawmakers on Tuesday, represents an 8.2% increase from the previous year, the ministry said in a news release Wednesday. About $15 billion would go toward research and development and weapons systems aimed at deterring Pyongyangs missile program, a 13% rise from last year. South Korea relies on a three-stage defense strategy: preemptive strikes against North Korean military assets, intercepting incoming missiles and retaliating against senior leadership, including Kim Jong Un. Operational costs, including training drills and improved meals and living conditions for service members, were estimated at $34 billion, up 6% from last year. Roughly $252 million would be allocated to artificial intelligence-based manned and unmanned combat systems to respond to future warfare changes, the ministry said. The budget proposal, it added, will raise smart and strong troops that will win in the 21st century future warfare. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the proposal at least a month before the next fiscal year begins on Dec. 2. The announcement follows President Lee Jae Myungs pledge to boost defense spending during his first state visit to the White House last week. South Koreas defense budget rose 3% this fiscal year and accounts for about 2.32% of its gross domestic product. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Pacific allies to spend at least 5% of GDP on defense. NATO members are pledging to spend 5% of their GDP on defense , he said in May at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. It doesnt make sense for countries in Europe to do that while key allies in Asia spend less on defense in the face of an even more formidable threat, not to mention North Korea. California National Guard soldiers protect the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles as maintenance workers clean graffiti off the windows on June 11, 2025. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times via TNS) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Tribune News Service) California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday that President Donald Trumps decision to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles amounted to costly political theater, saddling taxpayers with a nearly $120 million bill. Newsoms office said the newly revealed price tag was tallied from estimates provided by the California National Guard about costs incurred since June, when Trump sent more than 4,200 National Guard members and 700 Marines to Los Angeles. That included $71 million for food and other basic necessities, $37 million in payroll, $4 million in logistic supplies, $3.5 million in travel and $1.5 million in demobilization costs, Newsoms office said. Most of the soldiers were sent home in August, although 300 remain in Los Angeles. On Tuesday, a federal judge in San Francisco barred troops from aiding in immigration arrests in a scathing opinion that amounted to a major win for California and other states critical of the Trump administrations deployments. Newsom filed a preliminary injunction after the ruling asking that the court block an order from the U.S. Secretary of Defense that extended the deployment of 300 National Guard members in Los Angeles until after the election in November. Let us not forget what this political theater is costing us all millions of taxpayer dollars down the drain and an atrophy to the readiness of guardsmembers across the nation and unnecessary hardships to the families supporting those troops, Newsom said in a statement. Talk about waste, fraud, and abuse. We ask other states to do the math themselves. Newsom filed a public records request to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in August asking for total expenses connected to the deployment of troops in Los Angeles. In that request, which is still pending, Newsom said most troops were passing the days sitting idly without a clear mission, direction, or a timeline for returning to their communities. The totals released on Thursday were produced from a separate request to the California National Guard. After troops arrived in Los Angeles, a massive tent city was erected at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, while others remained at the Westwood federal building, which was outfitted with sleeping and eating areas. Calls poured into the GI Rights Hotline counseling service from distressed service members and their families, as some agonized over being sent to help with federal immigration raids that could result in loved ones being deported. Others told the Los Angeles Times that theres not much to do. In Washington, D.C., where Trump has deployed the National Guard to the nations capital, district leaders filed a lawsuit on Thursday. That lawsuit said more than 2,200 National Guard troops have been deployed since Aug. 11 to Washington, D.C., where they are seen dressed in military fatigues and carrying rifles. Trump said in an executive order authorizing the deployment that the capital was under siege and that rising violence was endangering residents and tourists and disrupting the federal government from properly functioning. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, has called Trumps takeover an authoritarian push and pointed to a steep decline in violent crimes. Soldiers deployed there are seen picking up trash, laying down mulch and chatting aimlessly as they patrol next to national monuments. Trump has warned that he intends to expand his use of military forces in other cities, including in Chicago and Baltimore, despite staunch opposition in those Democrat-led cities. 2025 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. U.S. troops on a training mission in Latvia in 2021. (Michael Baumberger/196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) The Trump administration intends to halt longtime security assistance programs for Europe, including an initiative to fortify the continents eastern flank against a potential attack by Russia, as it endeavors to recast Washingtons role within NATO, according to six people familiar with the matter. The decision would impact hundreds of millions of dollars worth of military aid relied upon by some of the alliances most vulnerable members. It has alarmed U.S. allies struggling to comprehend the administrations policy toward Europe and its chief adversary in the Kremlin after President Donald Trump, eager for a deal to end Russias war in Ukraine, rescued its mercurial leader, Vladimir Putin, from diplomatic isolation. U.S. lawmakers, meanwhile, are confused by the move. The Russians genuinely only care about American dollars, American troops and the American flag, said a European official worried what signal a cut in U.S. aid would send to Moscow. Like others, this person spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter. In a statement, the White House said its move to slash security assistance was coordinated with the Europeans and is consistent both with Trumps executive order to reevaluate U.S. foreign aid and his long-standing emphasis on ensuring Europe takes more responsibility for its own defense. Europe has been stepping up, the statement says. We are pleased with European allies taking on more defense initiatives. A spokesperson for the Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment. Trump has vacillated in his approach to Europe amid the long-running Ukraine conflict, exhibiting both frustration and warmth toward Putin while endorsing plans to support Kyiv Kyiv through American weapons sales and security guarantees. The Pentagon under Trump also has sent such mixed signals, multiple people familiar with the matter said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in July met with the leaders of the three Baltic nations that border Russia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, during which he commended their push to raise defense spending. But behind the scenes, the Defense Department policy office has been aggressive in its efforts to end certain support programs. The Financial Times first reported on the administrations decision. In the Republican-led Congress, where bipartisan support for NATO and Ukraine remains strong, aides expressed confusion with the administrations plan. They said it is unclear precisely how much funding will be affected and whether any of the money being targeted is related to Ukraine. A Senate aide said that the Defense Department has not provided lawmakers with a briefing on the issue, despite requests to do so. David Baker, the Pentagons head of Europe and NATO policy, informed a group of European defense officials of the decision late last week, attributing the change to shifting priorities within the administration, people familiar with the matter said. Baker is closely aligned with Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, who has long argued that the United States cant sustain its current level of support for Europe and double down on efforts to deter China in the Pacific, a pressing concern shared across Washington as Beijing leads a rapid military buildup. U.S. officials said the Trump administrations increased attention on border security and homeland defense, in addition to China, is a primary reason to end the European security funding. The Defense Departments policy wing did not respond to a request for comment. Among the programs to be suspended is the Baltic Security Initiative, an effort to reinforce those three nations with money for military infrastructure and training. Within NATO, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia spend among the most of their GDP on defense but they have relatively small economies, making U.S. funding highly important to them. The program began in 2018 and has almost doubled in size each year since then, said Lauren Speranza, a former adviser to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and now a fellow with the Center for European Policy Analysis. The money is a symbolic show of support for these countries defense, she said, while also protecting against the possibility of a Russian attack. Its to prevent the U.S. from ever going there to fight to fulfill its NATO obligations, Speranza said. Earlier this summer, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed $225 million for the Baltics initiative in its defense spending bill, though the legislation has yet to come up for a vote before the full chamber. While the issue of security assistance did not come up in detail during Hegseths meeting with the Baltic defense ministers, they sought to make the case that the United States should maintain a presence of troops in their countries - seen as a far more important deterrent against Russia. Colby also is leading a review of U.S. force posture around the globe, which European officials widely expect to end in a smaller American military presence on the continent. During a visit by Polands president to the White House on Wednesday, Trump said that the United States would not remove troops from the country, a close supporter of the Baltics, though he acknowledged the administration has thought about doing so elsewhere. If anything, Trump said, well put more there. It wasnt immediately clear what other programs face cuts or when the money previously authorized by Congress will run out. The funding left in the programs can be spent until October 2026. The decision is likely to invite backlash from Congress, where lawmakers from both parties have grown increasingly concerned that the Trump administration is not spending money as they write into law, including a last-minute request not to send out around $5 billion in foreign aid previously approved by lawmakers. Of concern on Capitol Hill, people familiar with the matter said, is that even if lawmakers passed money for the European security programs, the Defense Department could redirect the funding without their input, a process known as reprogramming that allows the Pentagon to move small amounts of money without congressional approval in certain cases. The House and Senate could move to protect the programs in the National Defense Authorization Act, the must-pass defense policy bill that will soon come up for a full vote in each chamber. MONTEVIDEO, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people died, including five minors and two elderly adults, after a fire destroyed a house Wednesday morning in Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, according to the national fire department. The blaze broke out around 6 a.m. local time at a house in the Villa Espanola district, the department said. "We are working to determine the causes and origin of the fire. We cannot rule anything out, it would be too hasty," fire department spokeswoman Victoria Barboza told local press near the burned-down house, a five-bedroom property that was completely consumed by the blaze. Firefighters arriving at the scene found the fire had spread throughout the interior, the department's preliminary report said. So far this year, Uruguay has seen at least 37 deaths from fires in urban areas, according to fire department statistics. TEHRAN, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Iranian and British security officials held talks on Wednesday about the future of nuclear negotiations and the possible return of United Nations sanctions, Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, spoke by phone with Jonathan Powell, national security adviser to the British prime minister. They discussed efforts to revive talks on Tehran's nuclear program and the "snapback" mechanism activated last month by Britain, France, and Germany, which could restore international sanctions. Both sides stressed the need to keep channels open and seek negotiated solutions, the report said. Iran signed the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, pledging to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. The United States withdrew in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, prompting Tehran to scale back some commitments. Under the deal's snapback clause, remaining signatories can reinstate sanctions if Iran is judged to be in violation. On Wednesday, dozens of Iranian lawmakers urged the government to quit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which bars non-nuclear states from developing nuclear weapons. Esmail Kowsari, a lawmaker, said the final decision rests with the Supreme National Security Council. "If such a decision is taken, Parliament will certainly support it and act in line with the nation's overall policies," he said. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency called on Tehran to resume cooperation after inspections were suspended in July. Iran restricted access after President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a parliamentary bill in response to Israeli and U.S. strikes on nuclear facilities during June's 12-day conflict with Israel. Tehran accused IAEA chief Rafael Grossi of siding with the West by failing to condemn the attacks. The new restrictions, which require National Security Council approval for inspector visits, have drawn concern from the UN secretary-general and renewed Israeli calls for sanctions to be reimposed. ABUJA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- More than 15 suspected terrorists were killed in recent precision airstrikes by the Nigerian military on a newly identified hideout in Borno, a state in the country's violence-hit northeast region, an official said Thursday. Ehimen Ejodame, the spokesman for the Nigerian Air Force, told reporters in Abuja, the capital, that the airstrikes Wednesday targeted Zuwa, a terrorist hideout in the Sambisa General Area of Borno. The air raids followed credible intelligence and confirmatory surveillance that revealed "the enclave was harboring fighters and commanders behind recent attacks," he said. Key structures were destroyed, as the suspected terrorists suffered significant losses, Ejodame said. Spain has confirmed another case of gender-based murder after a 54-year-old woman was killed by her partner in Motril on 24 August. The autopsy has revealed that her death was caused by multiple blows and the death has been officially confirmed as being a case of gender-based violence. The woman was in the VioGen protection system, but her risk level was classed as low. Her partner has now been arrested and sent to prison for the crime of homicide. He had previously been arrested for breaching a restraining order. The investigation has been declared secret, so some details have not been released yet. IDEAL was able to learn from sources familiar with the case that the woman did not die at the scene, but hours later, at Hospital de Neurotraumatologia de Granada, where she was transferred. The results of the autopsy revealed that she had received multiple blows and that she had suffered trauma to her head and several other areas of her body. Both the victim and her partner were originally from Cartama. The detainee had moved to Motril a few years ago due alcohol abuse problems, which led him to close the garage he had in the town in Malaga province. This also led to his break-up with his ex-wife, with whom he had children. The Ministry of Equality has condemned the murder. Minister Ana Redondo Garcia and government delegate against gender violence Carmen Martinez Perza have expressed their full support for the families and friends of all victims of this type of abuse. Both the minister and the delegate called for "every effort" from the institutions, administrations and society as a whole "to arrive in time and prevent more deaths". With the confirmation of this case, the number of women killed by gender violence rises to 25 in 2025 and to 1,319 since 2003, when the collection of this data began. Minute's silence Motril town hall called for a minute's silence at 12pm on Tuesday, 2 September, to honour the victim. The rally was held at the Plaza de Espana. It was reportedly attended by mayor Luisa Garcia Chamorro and local authorities. The town hall was not the only institution to hold vigil on Tuesday. Subdelegate of the government in Granada Jose Antonio Montilla announced a minute's silence at 10am in Granada. A third person called 112 The incident took place on the morning of 24 August in a house located on a ground floor of Calle Zinnia, in the area of Playa de Poniente. The first call to the emergency services was at 10.35am. The person reporting the incident was a stranger who the detainee had asked for assistance. The man had gone out on the street and said that his partner "was bleeding". He stated that he could not find his phone. According to sources, the assault had been committed a few hours earlier. The healthcare workers found the woman with injuries compatible with blows. She was in a serious state, which is why she was transferred to Hospital de Neurotraumatologia y Rehabilitacion de Granada. She died a few hours later. The detainee was under a restraining order that had been breached a few days earlier. The two had been together at his home since at least the previous Saturday. The National Police arrested him at the hospital for the crime of breaching a court order. Once the death of his partner was confirmed, he was also charged with homicide. Now, what was already suspected has been confirmed - her death is a case of domestic violence. Mengla Vocational High School in Xishuangbanna, southwest China's Yunnan Province, welcomed more than 350 new students from Laos this semester. Find out details. #GLOBALink A minute rare snail found alive in Gibraltar makes international headlines The achievement marks the end of a decades-long search by Dr Menez, a scientist at the Gibraltar National Museum, for one of Gibraltar's smallest and rarest land molluscs SUR in English Thursday, 4 September 2025, 15:16 Share A photograph of two tiny land snails taken in Gibraltar by Dr Alex Menez has recently made the cover of the international magazine Mollusc World (Issue 68 of July 2025), featuring the headline "Acicula norrisi from Gibraltar." The achievement marks the end of a decades-long search by Dr Menez, a scientist at the Gibraltar National Museum, for one of Gibraltar's smallest and rarest land molluscs. The species, known by its scientific name Acicula norrisi, had remained elusive for years, raising concerns it might be extinct. The snail's history dates back to the early 1880s when malacologist John Ponsonby first found a single, empty shell, though its significance wasn't realized at the time. Nearly a century later, in 1975, malacologist Adrian Norris discovered several empty shells in Gibraltar. These remained unnamed until 1977 when they were described as a new species to science, named after Norris with Gibraltar as the type locality. Dr Menez, who is also an honorary researcher at the University of Gibraltar, had searched for living specimens for many years but had only found more empty shells, raising concerns about the species' survival. Success finally came in March this year when he discovered several live snails of this extremely rare species. The scientist photographed the tiny 3mm-long animals alive, creating the very first tangible evidence of living Acicula norrisi. This protected species, now confirmed to still be living on the Rock, demonstrates the value of long-term systematic fieldwork and research in understanding local fauna and flora and developing conservation strategies. The discovery represents a rare conservation success story at a time when many species have been lost from the Rock, highlighting the importance of persistent scientific research in species protection efforts. Jennie Rhodes Thursday, 4 September 2025, 18:41 | Updated 20:59h. Share The family of Andre Mordrelle, a 62-year-old French resident of Malaga province's Axarquia area, are asking for any information from people who may have seen him. His niece, Pauline Menard, posted on local social media sites on Tuesday 2 September that he has "now been missing for what we think is about two months". His disappearance has been reported to the police. Menard's post describes Andre as "very noticeable, he is short, has both arms fully tattooed and a tracheostomy". The post goes on to say, "He used to ride a black motorcycle or his bike." According to Pauline, Andre was renting a house in Puente Don Manuel (Alcaucin) but "left everything he owns in the house except the bicycle". He has not paid rent for two months. If anyone has any clues as to Andre's whereabouts they can contact the National Police on 091, the Local Police on 092 or the 112 Andalucia emergency services coordination centre. SOS Desaparecidos can also be contacted on 868 28 67 26. SUR Thursday, 4 September 2025, 19:10 Share The National Police have arrested a 48-year-old man in Malaga who moved around on an electric scooter and who allegedly stole mobile phones and other valuables. The suspect had a preference for service stations, where he would take advantage of drivers leaving their cars unlocked while refuelling or paying for petrol, stealing any valuables he came across. In his latest incident, he attacked a young woman from behind in Teatinos, snatching the phone she was using, however, he was held by passers-by while waiting for a police patrol, which arrested him. Officers of the investigation group of the National Police station of the northern district in Malaga were tracking a thief who moved around on a scooter, and who had perpetrated several thefts at petrol stations since June, mainly in the Virreina, Ciudad Jardin and university area. The allegations gathered by the investigators pointed to the same perpetrator based on his physical characteristics and manner of offending. Once he had the haul in his possession, the thief would quickly flee on a scooter. Use of cards in shops The officers were carrying out investigations to establish the name and surname of the perpetrator, who had used bank cards stolen from the victims to make purchases in shops in the city of Malaga. Continuing with the investigations, and with the collaboration of the forensic police, a facial analysis report concluded with the full identification of the suspect. At the same time, in the midst of the search for the suspect, on 24 August, the accused assaulted a young woman from behind in Calle Parmenides, snatching her mobile phone from her hand. The girl's cries for help alerted some citizens, who came to her aid, detaining him until the arrival of the National Police. Investigators charged him with four offences of theft and one of bank card fraud. Irene Quirante Thursday, 4 September 2025, 14:28 Share The Local Police have reported and identified the alleged head of a fictitious company dedicated to the storage of vehicles in the vicinity of Malaga airport. As SUR has learned, the company is NisoPark and, according to the city hall, it provided users with false information regarding its registered office. In fact, everything suggests that the real headquarters would be the car in which the suspect was located, in which the officers found 150 sets of keys in the boot. The operation began at the beginning of last month, after a unit of the Churriana police station was called to the premises of one of the airport car parks. According to what the owner of the vehicle told the officers, he had left his car in a storage facility and a worker there returned the keys and the car with varying degrees of damage. He also explained that he was unable to get back in contact with the company. Officers from the investigation and protection group (GIP) began their investigations and verified the bad experiences of numerous customers who had left negative reviews online about the fictitious company. The most recent one was a week ago and, in addition to rating the service as terrible, the user recounted that, upon getting into their car, a message appeared warning of a vehicle fault and instructing them to urgently contact the service centre. After reaching out to the company and following up for several hours, they said in their complaint that they never received a response. "On the other hand, I would add that if it is only three kilometres from the airport to the Niso car park, as this employee told me, why did they drive my car 17 kilometres?" Most of the reviews refer to the lack of professionalism, the damage to their cars, the inexplicable increase in mileage and the waiting times which, in no case, according to them, were justified. The police discovered that this company was offering its services on the main parking and vehicle deposit platforms for people who were going to travel. The police went to the airport to find the alleged perpetrators, locating a man who matched the characteristics described by those affected. According to the police, in some cases, he left the cars in unauthorised areas where removal by a tow truck was warned. During the surveillance they also observed that the suspect was keeping all the sets of vehicle keys in the boot of a car. With all this evidence, they approached him, after which the man allegedly stated that he was not employed, as the company belonged to a relative, and that he did not have a work permit either. The officers found inside a bag he was carrying 12 keys, a large bolt cutter and a pack of the companys advertising cards, in addition to locating 150 sets of keys in the trunk of the car he used as a base of operations. During the intervention, they also noticed a strong smell of alcohol, so he was given a breathalyser test, which came back positive. After the police intervention, in which the private security of the airport car park collaborated, it has been confirmed that the company gains the trust of its potential clients through its advertisements on the internet. It has also been demonstrated that, lacking business infrastructure, they park their vehicles in AENA parking spaces without paying. Similarly, it has been detected that they provide false information regarding the registered address on the documents used to collect the vehicle. This type of activity, according to Malaga city council, poses a risk to users' property and constitutes unfair competition in commercial, labour and tax matters with respect to other companies that carry out the same work with all the required guarantees. The facts have been brought to the attention of the National Police as well as the competent bodies in the field of employment and other areas related to this activity. Angel de los Rios Thursday, 4 September 2025, 12:21 | Updated 17:00h. Share San Diego Comic-Con is ready to take over Malaga, like a siege in which the final battle is about to begin. Gandalf on the Pelennor Fields, the Starks facing the Long Night. Madrid has been the setting this Thursday for the launch of the latest details of the big event for fans of comics, video games, cinema and science fiction series. It was in the Spanish capital that the name of the guest of honour for this first edition was revealed: Arnold Schwarzenegger. Yes, Terminator and Conan the Barbarian. A legend of Hollywood action cinema and an icon of popular culture, the brightest star in the programme has accepted the invitation to attend the convention, which will be held at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Malaga from 25 to 28 September this year. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the BBVA headquarters in Madrid, which was also confirmed as the financial sponsor of San Diego Comic-Con Malaga. Schwarzenegger is a living legend in the world of cinema, having starred in films that fans adore. From bodybuilder to Hollywood icon and, let's not forget, governor of California, Schwarzenegger has marked generations with his career. His portfolio aligns with the nature of Comic-Con through science fiction productions such as Predator and Total Recall. Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most recognised and influential figures in global popular culture and, without a doubt, the big name for this first Comic-Con event. In addition to confirmed guests such as president and creative director of DC Comics Jim Lee, Lost and Daredevil producer and screenwriter Jeph Loeb and star illustrator for Marvel Peach Momoko, new names from the world of comics have been announced. C.B. Cebulski - editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics since 2017 - is also coming to Malaga. Disney has confirmed its presence at San Diego Comic-Con Malaga with two of its most talked-about releases - Tron: Ares and Predator: Badlands, whose presentations promise to be spectacular. Star Wars fans will not be left out, as Lucasfilm presents the third season of Star Wars Visions - its acclaimed animated anthology, which expands the creative boundaries of the universe created by George Lucas. All these series join the two titles that recently opened the list of fantasy series. First was The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - the third season of the franchise that brings big stars such as Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride to Malaga. Then there was Talamasca: The Secret Order, based on the vampire universe of Anne Rice's best-selling novels; Netflix's One Piece with star Taz Skyler; and Revival, which the Syfy channel is presenting exclusively before its premiere on 6 October. Comic-Con in numbers San Diego Comic-Con Malaga has names and numbers. The event aims to become an 'experiential theme park' that will welcome more than 100,000 fans from over 20 different countries over four days. This is the first event to occupy the entire interior of the fair and congress centre of Malaga. On top of that, it is necessary to add 22,000 square metres of outdoor space, to accommodate more attractions, food options and a stage. Last chance to buy tickets San Diego Comic-Con Malaga has announced a final opportunity for fans to buy tickets to the event. These will go on sale on 10 September at 12 noon on VivaTicket, and the previous price of 50 plus handling fee has been maintained. To avoid resales, all tickets are personal and non-transferable but each adult can attend accompanied by two children previously registered on the website. A total of 80,000 square metres, including the main stage of San Diego Comic-Con Malaga, with a capacity for more than 3,000 people, plus three other halls with capacities for 900, 600 and 200 people. 'Ludic Plaza', with more than 34 hours of programming and a total capacity of 1,200 people over the four days, will offer fans the opportunity to socialise, have fun and share their passion for board games. According to the organisers, if the San Diego Comic-Con Malaga venue is large, what will happen there is even bigger: 300 hours of unique, unrepeated content, covering the best of comics, cinema, animation, literature, board games, gaming, etc. The programme offers each attendee more than 15 options to choose from and personalise the Comic-Con Malaga experience. The extensive agenda can be found on the website sandiegocomiconmalaga.com. The organisers have announced that, in order to improve the access experience and reduce waiting times, visitors will be able to use the registration ID with which they purchased their ticket to reserve a place for the various activities with limited capacity. This reservation system will be launched on the website on 15 September. In the coming weeks, more details about the content, new guest confirmations and information on access to presentations and fan zones will be revealed. Angel de los Rios Thursday, 4 September 2025, 12:21 | Updated 12:47h. Share San Diego Comic-Con is ready to take over Malaga, like a siege in which the final battle is about to begin. Gandalf on the Pelennor Fields, the Starks facing the Long Night. Madrid has been the setting this Thursday for the launch of the latest details of the big event for fans of comics, video games, cinema and science fiction series. It was in the Spanish capital that the name of the guest of honour for this first edition was revealed: Arnold Schwarzenegger. Yes, Terminator and Conan the Barbarian. A legend of Hollywood action cinema and an icon of popular culture, the brightest star in the programme has accepted the invitation to attend the convention, which will be held at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Malaga from 25 to 28 September this year. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the BBVA headquarters in Madrid, which was also confirmed as the financial sponsor of San Diego Comic-Con Malaga. Schwarzenegger is a living legend in the world of cinema, having starred in films that fans adore. From bodybuilder to Hollywood icon and, let's not forget, governor of California, Schwarzenegger has marked generations with his career. His portfolio aligns with the nature of Comic-Con through science fiction productions such as Predator and Total Recall. Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most recognised and influential figures in global popular culture and, without a doubt, the big name for this first Comic-Con event. In addition to confirmed guests such as president and creative director of DC Comics Jim Lee, Lost and Daredevil producer and screenwriter Jeph Loeb and star illustrator for Marvel Peach Momoko, new names from the world of comics have been announced. C.B. Cebulski - editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics since 2017 - is also coming to Malaga. Disney has confirmed its presence at San Diego Comic-Con Malaga with two of its most talked-about releases - Tron: Ares and Predator: Badlands, whose presentations promise to be spectacular. Star Wars fans will not be left out, as Lucasfilm presents the third season of Star Wars Visions - its acclaimed animated anthology, which expands the creative boundaries of the universe created by George Lucas. All these series join the two titles that recently opened the list of fantasy series. First was The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - the third season of the franchise that brings big stars such as Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride to Malaga. Then there was Talamasca: The Secret Order, based on the vampire universe of Anne Rice's best-selling novels; Netflix's One Piece with star Taz Skyler; and Revival, which the Syfy channel is presenting exclusively before its premiere on 6 October. Comic-Con in numbers San Diego Comic-Con Malaga has names and numbers. The event aims to become an 'experiential theme park' that will welcome more than 100,000 fans from over 20 different countries over four days. This is the first event to occupy the entire interior of the fair and congress centre of Malaga. On top of that, it is necessary to add 22,000 square metres of outdoor space, to accommodate more attractions, food options and a stage. A total of 80,000 square metres, including the main stage of San Diego Comic-Con Malaga, with a capacity for more than 3,000 people, plus three other halls with capacities for 900, 600 and 200 people. 'Ludic Plaza', with more than 34 hours of programming and a total capacity of 1,200 people over the four days, will offer fans the opportunity to socialise, have fun and share their passion for board games. According to the organisers, if the San Diego Comic-Con Malaga venue is large, what will happen there is even bigger: 300 hours of unique, unrepeated content, covering the best of comics, cinema, animation, literature, board games, gaming, etc. The programme offers each attendee more than 15 options to choose from and personalise the Comic-Con Malaga experience. The extensive agenda can be found on the website sandiegocomiconmalaga.com. The organisers have announced that, in order to improve the access experience and reduce waiting times, visitors will be able to use the registration ID with which they purchased their ticket to reserve a place for the various activities with limited capacity. This reservation system will be launched on the website on 15 September. In the coming weeks, more details about the content, new guest confirmations and information on access to presentations and fan zones will be revealed. Speaking on World Sexual Health Day, 4 September, the well-remembered Spanish advertising campaign 'Put it on yourself, put it on them', which in the early 1990s advised the use of condoms around the time of an increase in cases of HIV, would be very useful now, the president of the Andalusian section of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) and head of the Dermatology Service of the Regional University Hospital, Leandro Martinez Pilar, has told SUR. There has been a fivefold rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in just over a decade in Malaga (2014-2024), according to data from the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs on cases of diseases of obligatory declaration (EDO) which SUR has consulted. In 2024, there were 2,992 STI diagnoses in Malaga, compared to 601 in 2014, so that they have risen in the province by 397.8% in the eleven years between 2014 and 2024, i.e. they have almost multiplied by five. The growth between 2023 and 2024 was 16.2% and the general trend in the rest of the Andalusian provinces (Malaga is the second, after Seville, with more STIs in 2024, which is normal due to the population and tourism) and also occurs identically in Andalucia where across the whole region the number of STIs increased by 413% between 2014 and 2024. There were 14,613 cases reported last year alone. The same trend as in Malaga is occurring in Andalucia, Spain and Europe, according to dermatologist and venerologist Leandro Martinez. By disease, gonorrhoea recorded the most cases (1,207 diagnoses, +1,981%), followed by syphilis (617 cases in 2024, +626%), chlamydia (954 cases, +507%) and genital herpes (149 cases, +40.5%). But there is good news: a total of 182 cases of HIV were reported in 2024 compared to 195 in 2014. The growth is also exponential across Spain. "In two decades, gonorrhoea has multiplied by 25 and syphilis by 10," says Dr Leandro Martinez. "It is not very different from what is happening throughout Europe," he says, and points to several causes: the perception of risk in the new generations is minimal, he explains. AIDS, despite being a virus that leads to a serious illness, has become chronic, "you don't die of it". It is no longer feared as much as it was in the 1980s and 1990s. In addition, people are not using condoms or other forms of protection as much and at the same time, there are numerous sex dating apps that encourage multiple sexual contacts with different partners. Another cause could be so-called 'chemsex', sex between people who have consumed intoxicants, which also lowers the perception of risk. "The data is critical: we have to go for big campaigns to raise awareness among the younger and not-so-young generations," he explains, noting that STIs have also recently increased among the over-60s. Serious consequences The doctor reminds us that gonorrhoea, for example, can cause infertility, syphilis, in very advanced stages, affects the central nervous system and chlamydia can cause infertility. He urges people with suspicious symptoms, to see a doctor to break the chain of contagion. He goes on to say, "Genital warts are what we see most. If a woman is not vaccinated, it can cause cancer of the uterus; in men, although it is much rarer, it can cause cancer of the penis or anus. Vaccination covers the most prevalent serotypes and prevents cervical cancer," the doctor says. Celia Fernandez Nieto is doctor at Vithas Malaga and explains that there are many sexual practices that existed years ago, such as 'chemsex' or "having sex with multiple partners at the same time, but they were less frequent". She also highlights the need to inform young people that they should "have safe sex" and, in the presence of symptoms, go to the doctor. "We have been noticing an increase in the incidence and prevalence of HIV in Spain for several years now," she says. "I think we are losing the fear of some diseases, because there is more access to health care and almost everything has treatment, everything can be treated, but there is a lack of studies to know the causes". Ignacio Lillo Malaga Thursday, 4 September 2025 | Updated 05/09/2025 13:31h. Share It was only a matter of time before it reached Malaga... and now it has officially arrived. The vespa velutina, also known as the Asian hornet, has been identified for the first time this summer in Malaga, specifically in the Pinos de Alhaurin urbanisation in Alhaurin de la Torre. This dangerous, invasive species is larger and more predatory than the oriental hornet, which is already fully established throughout the Costa del Sol province. In fact, it has been wreaking havoc in northern Spain for years, especially in Galicia. Principales tipos de avispas Exoticas 40 mm 30 mm 20 mm 10 mm 0 mm Avispa asiatica Avispon bicolor 20-40 mm 25 mm Avispon oriental 25-35 mm Autoctonas 50 mm 40 mm 30 mm 20 mm 10 mm 0 mm Avispon europeo Avispa mamut 35 mm 50 mm 40 mm 30 mm 20 mm 10 mm 0 mm Avispa de las aranas Avispa comun Avispa europea 35 mm 20 mm Avispa papelera europea 20 mm 40 mm 30 mm 20 mm 10 mm 0 mm Avispa roja Abeja domestica 20 mm 15 mm 18 mm Fuente: mapadeavispas.com E. HINOJOSA Principales tipos de avispas Exoticas 40 mm 30 mm 20 mm 10 mm 0 mm Avispa asiatica Avispon bicolor 20-40 mm 25 mm Avispon oriental 25-35 mm Autoctonas 50 mm 40 mm 30 mm 20 mm 10 mm 0 mm Avispon europeo Avispa mamut 35 mm 50 mm 40 mm 30 mm 20 mm 10 mm 0 mm Avispa de las aranas Avispa comun Avispa europea 35 mm 20 mm Avispa papelera europea 20 mm 40 mm 30 mm 20 mm 10 mm 0 mm Avispa roja Abeja domestica 20 mm 15 mm 18 mm Fuente: mapadeavispas.com E. HINOJOSA Principales tipos de avispas Exoticas 40 mm 30 mm 20 mm 10 mm 0 mm Avispa asiatica Avispon bicolor Avispon oriental 20-40 mm 25 mm 25-35 mm Autoctonas 50 mm 40 mm 30 mm 20 mm 10 mm 0 mm Avispon europeo Avispa mamut Avispa de las aranas 35 mm 35 mm 50 mm 40 mm 30 mm 20 mm 10 mm 0 mm Avispa comun Abeja domestica Avispa papelera europea Avispa roja 18 mm Avispa europea 15 mm 20 mm 20 mm 20 mm Fuente: mapadeavispas.com E. HINOJOSA The first witness to its presence was Eduardo Saez Maldonado, a local resident. He spotted it for the first time in July, thanks to his training as a biologist, although he is not a professional biologist, and his interest in the environment and exotic species. "Around here, I'm used to seeing invasive hornets of the two species commonly found here, the vespa orientalis and the bi-colour [black shield] wasp. But this summer I also started seeing the velutina," he says. "I knew that it had been detected for the first time in Andalucia in Algeciras in 2022, but that nest was eliminated and, since then, there has been no other official sighting recorded and it was assumed there were no specimens in Malaga." Report to the department for the environment "When I started seeing them, I became concerned, because I'm aware of the problem they pose, especially for beehives, and I brought it to the attention of the regional government's department for the environment." Eduardo Saez filed his report, attaching photographs, and also shared his sighting on social media. Following these events, both the regional environmental agency and the Andalusian beekeepers' association contacted him and, together, they set off on a race in an attempt to locate this first nest, although without success as yet. "We have an idea of where it might be, but it's an area of about 10,000 square metres in the Pinos de Alhaurin residential area." The situation is truly worrying and they are racing against the clock, as several individual specimens have now been spotted and it is feared that new queens could soon emerge. "I've been seeing them every day all summer long because they go to drink at my dogs' water troughs, they've already learned of the location." Thanks to this, environmental experts and beekeepers have captured and tagged two specimens to try to follow them to the hornet's nest, but so far they have been unsuccessful. Jose Antonio Viquez, the Junta's delegate for sustainability and the environment in Malaga, confirms that officers from this department are searching for this first nest of velutinas in that area, with the help of beekeepers and local residents. "We're trying to lure the hornets to lead us to their nest so as to prevent the species from spreading," he stresses. Lures and tags Juan Molina, veterinarian and president of Malaga's association of beekeepers, is fully involved in the hunt for these first-time invaders to save the beekeeping trade. "As soon as we heard about the sighting of this species, which is so dangerous and has caused so much harm to beekeeping in northern Spain, we set about trying to locate the nest," he says. He warns that the unchecked spread of the Asian hornet would have very serious consequences not only for bees, but also for many other insects: research has indicated that this hornet preys on almost 2,000 species of insect. Thus, a group of professionals and officers from the environment agency (Medio Ambiente) was set up. Firstly, on two occasions, the lure technique was used. This consisted of catching a hornet and attaching a shiny thread to its body and following it. "The problem is that they cross several boundaries and it's a very wooded area, so we always lost sight, even though there were lots of people with binoculars." Now, they plan to apply the triangulation technique, which consists of setting up feeding stations. "The hornet's food haul is full of protein for the larvae, so it goes directly to its nest, and we get closer and closer to it." Countdown In this way, several observers are trying to get closer to the colony's location. However, so far the search has been in vain and Molina is calling on the authorities and the public to get fully involved in the fight against this serious environmental threat in Malaga. "Searching in the pine forest where we think the nest is located is like looking for a needle in a haystack. It could also be in one of the houses under construction in the area, where work has stopped", says the vet, adding that: "This is a countdown because, if it behaves like the oriental hornet, we expect it to be hatching queens starting in the middle of this month." "Although we don't know how this new species will behave in Malaga, if they reach that point, then we're lost." In the case of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, they went from three to 500 nests in four years. "Now we have to pull out all the stops to remove them." For his part, Eduardo Saez, the first witness to this hornet's appearance in Malaga, concludes with a reflection: "The problem we have with invasive species is that, by the time they're being tackled, it's already too late, as has happened with the oriental hornet, the Argentine parakeet and Asian algae. But with the velutina, we still have time." Melchor Saiz-Pardo Thursday, 4 September 2025, 14:10 | Updated 16:31h. Share A mid-flight breakdown of the Falcon that was taking Pedro Sanchez to Paris on Thursday morning to attend the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing - a grouping of allies of Ukraine - forced the plane to return to Madrid. The aircraft had to turn around after 40 minutes of flight due to an undisclosed incident. For this reason, the Prime Minister of Spain had to join the meeting by videoconference from the Moncloa, after landing at the Torrejon de Ardoz air base without major setbacks. According to executive branch sources, the government decided to cancel the trip, as the option of returning to Madrid to use another aircraft to travel to the French capital was not viable due to the delay it would have caused. Sanchez would have ultimately not had the chance to physically participate in the summit with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders. The event at the Palacio del Elisio began at 10am and Sanchez landed back in Torrejon about 15 minutes before the meeting began, just in time to take the helicopter to Moncloa to follow the international meeting online. In addition to Zelenskyy, France's President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, president of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen, Nato general secretary Mark Rutte and president of the European Council Antonio Costa participated in person in the meeting in Paris. Other leaders, such as British PM Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump, were connected by videoconference. Sanchez flew to London on Wednesday, 3 September, to hold a bilateral meeting with Starmer at Downing Street. In the evening, he returned to sleep in Madrid, from where he was to travel to the French capital on Thursday. The main objective of the Coalition of the Willing meeting was to analyse the security guarantees that its members would give Ukraine in the event of a hypothetical peace agreement with Putin or a ceasefire. Edurne Martinez Madrid Thursday, 4 September 2025, 14:18 Share Ryanair has been fighting with Spanish airport operator Aena for years, when in the aftermath of the pandemic Aena urged airports to start charging airlines for offering them their services and bases once again. The latest episode of this battle happened on Wednesday, when the Irish airline announced a cut of 600,000 seats at Spanish airports. Aena responded with a statement signed by its president Maurici Lucena, in which he accuses the company of fear-mongering with these threats and business decisions in order to manipulate public opinion. "The insolence and disinhibition of Ryanair's public demands to democratic governments in the countries where it operates, in order to obtain economic advantages, reveal two deep-rooted and unedifying characteristics of this airline," Lucena says in the text. Aena has proposed a rise in 2026 airport charges of 0.68 euros. "Everyone knows that a passenger's decision to take a plane does not depend on whether the airline ticket will cost 68 cents more next year, but Ryanair insists time and again on the contrary, while it has shamelessly increased its airline tickets in the last year by an average of 21%," Lucena explains. Moreover, the increase in Aena's fares from 2023 has meant an increase in tickets of 2 euros at regional airports, well below the average for the network's airports, which is around 10 euros. These subsidised fares "demonstrate the efforts of Aena and the government to promote tourism in these territories". According to Maurici Lucena, "it is not true that Ryanair eliminates routes at these airports because fares are expensive. The reality is more prosaic: it decreases them because it moves its planes to airports where it can set higher ticket prices and earn more money - at the major Spanish airports, for example". 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 Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. Japarov was 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/Shen Hong) BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Communist Party of China (CPC) senior official Cai Qi on Wednesday met with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Beijing. Japarov was 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. Cai, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, said China is ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and enrich the China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future. Japarov said the grand commemorative event on Wednesday morning underscored the importance of remembering history and safeguarding peace, and demonstrated China's global influence. Kyrgyzstan firmly supports China's position on issues concerning its core interests and will continue to actively advance all-round cooperation between the two countries, Japarov said. Cristina Candido Madrid Thursday, 4 September 2025, 18:25 Share Ryanair's decision to cut one million seats at Spanish airports threatens Spain's hegemony as the world's second largest tourist power - a position that has been consolidated, among other reasons, by the quality of its air connectivity, with 80% of its visitors arriving by plane. The government is, however, already working with other airlines to cover this "abandonment". The adjustments that the Irish airline announced on Wednesday involve a reduction in air traffic at secondary airports - those with less than three million passengers - of 41% (600,000 seats). In addition, the low-cost airline will reduce its seat offer in the Canary Islands by 10% (400,000 seats), with a cancellation of 36 connections with the Peninsula and the suspension of all its flights to Tenerife North from 1 October. This cutback will most affect Santiago de Compostela, where Ryanair is closing its two-plane base; Vigo, where it is suspending all flights from 1 January; Zaragoza (-45% capacity); Santander (-38%); Asturias (-16%); and Vitoria (-2%). In addition, Ryanair will continue not to operate in Valladolid and Jerez during the winter. Diversion to other countries Ryanair has stated that the reason for this cut is due to the "excessive" fees and the lack of competitiveness at Spanish facilities that the airline attributes to Aena. "Ryanair remains committed to Spain, but we cannot justify continued investment in airports whose growth is blocked by excessive and uncompetitive fees," said CEO of the Irish company Eddie Wilson at a press conference held in Madrid on Wednesday. Wilson said that this implies the diversion of two million seats a year to countries such as Italy, Morocco, Croatia, Albania, Sweden and Hungary, "which are reducing access costs (especially at regional airports) to boost traffic, tourism and employment, which makes Spanish regions hopelessly uncompetitive". According to Ryanair, Aena has no interest in developing traffic at regional airports and only wants to focus on obtaining "record profits from the main Spanish airports" after increasing charges by 6.5% by 2026 to 11.03 euros per passenger. The suspension of Ryanair's services at some of the regional airports is a blow that the government is already trying to cushion by diversifying operators to make up for the loss of connectivity. "We will not submit to the arbitrary decisions of one company," said minister of industry and tourism Jordi Hereu. The danger of the lack of connectivity for these territories comes at a crucial time for the tourism sector, as some of the airports affected are those in medium-size cities that are less crowded and where tourism was beginning to take off after the pandemic. Sources from the Ministry of Transport told SUR that "there will be no harm to users", because "the supply of seats will continue rising despite Ryanair". The ministry stated that the Irish company "is once again blackmailing Spain" with this cut in seats, given that the country's airport system "is one of the most competitive in the world in terms of fares". Aena reported on Tuesday that airlines will offer another record number of seats for the winter season (from 26 October to 28 March 2026). "Spain is a great power with enormous attractiveness, where connectivity is based on the quality of its airport network, among other reasons," said Hereu. Are the 100 million tourists at risk? The dispute between Ryanair and Aena is another obstacle on Spain's way to conquering the coveted historic barrier of 100 million foreign visitors in 2025. The national institute of statistics data for July shows certain signs of a slowdown, with a drop in the arrival of German, French and British tourists in July - the three main markets. In the first seven months of the year, 55.5 million foreign tourists have visited Spain, which means that it is difficult to reach the statistical milestone despite the fact that occupancy in many destinations, such as Valencia, remains very high. Broome County, N.Y. - Three men, including a pastor of a Broome County church, have been accused of using social media to lure minors to engage in sexual acts. State Police announced Thursday that the three men were charged with second-degree attempted rape: Ronald E. Wenzinger, 70, of Binghamton, a pastor at the United Methodist Church in Harpursville, a community about 20 miles northeast of Binghamton. John J. Tremark, 39, of Binghamton Juan A. Bolanoszul, 38, of Endicott The three cases are separate and had no connection to one another, according to State Police spokesperson Trooper Aga Tinker. The investigation was conducted with undercover officers posing as minors, Tinker said. All three men were being processed through Broome County centralized arraignment, troopers said. They were being held in the county jail. The FBI participated in the investigations into the three men. Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard has reached out to State Police and Broome County District Attorneys Office for more information. Staff writer Vince Gasparini covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach him at vgasparini@syracuse.com. Murray, N.Y. Two men tried to outrun police in a U-Haul truck after stealing from a pharmacy Tuesday evening, police said. The chase ended when the driver went into the Erie Canal in Orleans County. He swam away, but his passenger drowned. Around 6:30 p.m., Brockport police went to a report of shoplifting at the Walgreens on Lake Road, according to a news release from the Monroe County Sheriffs Office. Store employees told officers two men had stolen merchandise and left in a U-Haul truck. Deputies spotted the truck in Brockport and tried to pull it over. Instead, the driver fled, leading officers on a chase across Monroe County and into Orleans County, deputies said. The pursuit ended in Murray when the truck suddenly veered onto the Erie Canal path and plunged into the water, deputies said. Deputies saw the driver climb out and swim across the canal before running off. The passenger also got out but struggled in the water and went under. Deputies jumped in to try to save him but lost sight of him in the murky water, they said. Rescue teams later pulled the man from the canal. He was pronounced dead, deputies said. Police eventually tracked down the driver, Ryan S. Armstrong, 43, of Brockport, using drones and K-9 units. Armstrong has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and was sent to the Orleans County Jail without bail due to having prior felony convictions. On Wednesday, the sheriffs underwater team as well as fire crews from Monroe County and Murray returned to the canal and successfully pulled the U-Haul out of the water. Staff writer Greta Stuckey covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at gstuckey@syracuse.com. Syracuse, N.Y. An Upstate New York teacher was sentenced Thursday to prison for raping and sexually abusing students at a boarding school. Paul Geer, 58, was sentenced to 27 1/4 years in federal prison after being convicted of two counts of coercion and enticement and two counts of transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. He was found guilty in March after a two-week trial. Geer, while he was a teacher at the Family Foundation School in Hancock between 1994 and 2001, raped and sexually abused a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy. Geer was a music teacher, the schools choral director and served as a family leader, prosecutors said. In his position as a family leader, he directly supervised students, including the 16-year-old he abused. Geer was able to coerce the student because of his position of authority and his ability to impose brutal and demeaning punishments on the children, prosecutors said in a news release. Geer would deprive students of food or force them to eat moldy or regurgitated food, prosecutors said. He also locked students in small rooms, bound them in a blanket or rug with duct tape and deprived them of bathroom access, prosecutors said. The children would be forced to urinate or defecate on themselves while being held in isolation, they said. He would also force students to perform exhausting physical labor or subject them to various forms of psychological abuse, prosecutors said. In 1994, Geer took the 15-year-old from New York to Maine to sexually abuse him after coercing him using his disciplinary tactics, prosecutors said. In 2001, he took the 16-year-old to Toronto to abuse him. Geer was also accused of coercing a 17-year-old girl to Pennsylvania with the intent to engage in sexual activity, according to prosecutors. The federal jury was undecided on the two counts related to that accusation. Geer will be required to register as a sex offender when he is released from prison. Paul Geer was a monster, said Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. A new indie movie filming in Central New York is seeking extras for a key scene. The Sentinel, written and directed by filmmaker and actor Joe Cunningham, is a new project centered on a combat veteran struggling to care for his young son while dealing with severe PTSD. At least 50 extras are needed for the films final scene, which will be a wake. The scene will be shot Sunday, Sept. 7, at the American Legion Eastwood Post 1276 at 3701 James Street in Syracuse, N.Y., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Extras will be wake attendees and should dress accordingly, according to a casting call. If interested in participating, sign up at eventbrite.com/e/open-casting-call-the-sentinel-film-tickets-1602772568899 by Saturday. Extras will not be paid, but will receive an IMDb credit, light snacks and beverages, and an invite to the premiere in 2026-2027. The magic of the movies is the other people, Cunningham said. Extras sell the scenes in movies. They are essential. Cunningham said The Sentinel has already featured 300 people over 88 scenes in 50 locations involving more than two dozen local businesses. Community support has been unbelievable, he said. Im excited to give this special opportunity to anyone interested in the magic of being in a movie, especially right here in Central New York. A release date for The Sentinel has not been announced. Waterloo, N.Y. A Central New York man who once strangled a woman to death in Madison County has now been charged with killing his cellmate in a Finger Lakes prison. Kevin Farley, 42, of Canastota, was indicted Wednesday on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of criminal possession of a weapon in Seneca County, according to court records. He was serving a 24-years-to-life sentence for strangling to death Tiffany Meeks, 32, in 2015, according to state records and Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard archive. Hes now accused of killing Adam Lafferty on Dec. 23, 2024 in Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus, according to the Finger Lakes Times. Lafferty was serving 2 to 7 years in prison for a burglary. Lafferty was found unconscious on his bed and was unable to be revived, the newspaper reported. He had deep ligature marks on his neck and severe bruises on his head, the paper reported. Seneca County District Attorney John Nabinger said in court that he would seek a sentence of life without parole, the paper reported. On the night of Aug. 3, 2015, Farley snuck into Meeks home in Oneida and attempted to rape her, according to an indictment at that time. Farley strangled Meeks to death with a computer cord. He also stole Meeks car and debit card. Farley and Meeks were neighbors who had known each other since childhood. In May 2016, Farley pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and other charges related to the crime. Staff writer Finn Lincoln covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at flincoln@syracuse.com. Cato, N.Y. - Federal agents and sheriffs deputies raided a food manufacturing plant in Cato on Thursday morning. The immigration raid started at about 9 a.m. at the Nutrition Bar Confectioners factory at 12351 Route 34, according to an employee. The family-owned business, founded in 1978, makes specialty nutrition bars. The raid included officers from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Cayuga County and Oswego County sheriffs offices. The Cayuga sheriffs office had its mobile command center at the factory. Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck said the raid was a U.S. Department of Homeland Security criminal investigation. He declined to provide any other details. At its peak, about 50 agents and deputies were at the factory, witnesses said. Some officers wore masks and many wore bullet-proof vests. Many employees were on break around 9 a.m. when a woman started shouting that ICE had arrived and had the building surrounded, said Erick Estevez, who works at the factory. Family, friends and immigration advocates at the factory said they started receiving messages and calls from people inside the building about the raid between 9 and 9:30 a.m. Federal agents and Cayuga County deputies at an immigration raid at the Nutrition Bar Confectioners plant in Cato on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. Finn Lincoln | finnlincoln@syracuse.com By early afternoon, dozens of people working in the building had been taken away in unmarked vehicles, witnesses said. Ana Mendez, who said she was an immigration advocate, said people in the factory told her that officers used crowbars to break down doors to get into the building. Estevez said that after officers broke in, everyone was rounded up, and the authorities performed a sweep across the building. One employee said agents broke into the building from all angles. She asked not to be identified because she feared it might impact her job. She estimated about 100 people were working at the time of the raid. During the raid, she said she saw a few women who were being detained crying and throwing up. Estevez said employees were broken into groups of U.S. citizens and non-citizens. Estevez, who is a U.S. citizen, said he and other citizens were allowed to leave. Kayla Kelechian, who is with the New York Immigration Coalition, said that after she arrived she saw unmarked vehicles packed with people leaving the scene. In early afternoon, the Cayuga County Sheriffs Mobile Incident Unit was still on the scene along with a few other police cars and a few border patrol vehicles. By 3 p.m., most of the agents and deputies had left. Rachel Wegman, another witness on the scene, said she felt horribly for the families and the community. This business could be shut down, or it will at least affect them tremendously, she said. These families are all traumatized. Its just crazy... crazy. Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard has reached out to ICE and Homeland Security for more information. Editors note: An earlier version of this article reported a federal agent said the people detained were taken to the Oswego County jail. An Oswego County Sheriffs Office official later said they were not taken to the jail. Federal agents and Cayuga County deputies at an immigration raid at the Nutrition Bar Confectioners plant in Cato on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. Finn Lincoln | finnlincoln@syracuse.com Staff writer Finn Lincoln covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at flincoln@syracuse.com. President Donald Trumps latest efforts to unilaterally cut funding previously approved by Congress are triggering pushback from some Republicans. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, said her team is reviewing its options to fight back against the Trump administrations decision to use an uncommon tactic, known as a pocket rescission, to cancel the funding, according to NBC News. Trump is using the maneuver to cut $4.9 billion in spending on foreign aid that was already approved. The move cuts the budget without going through the legislative branch, according to The Associated Press. Trump has targeted foreign aid for cuts on multiple occasions during his second term. Pocket rescission refers to a president submitting a request to Congress to not spend approved funds toward the end of a fiscal year, leaving members no time to act on the request, according to AP. The money goes unspent as a result. Trumps action is the first time a president has attempted pocket rescission in nearly 50 years. Then-President Jimmy Carter last used the move in 1977. I was disappointed more than surprised, because it clearly is an end-run around Congress, Collins said of Trumps move, which she has called a clear violation of the law, according to NBC. We are looking at the options, she said. Our chief counsel on the committee is going through the law and looking at what happened when Jimmy Carter, President Carter, tried this, and coming up with some options for us to look at. Other Republicans shared Collins concerns. Sen. Mike Rounds, Republican of South Dakota, said he was concerned Trumps action could increase the danger of a government shutdown. Congress faces a deadline of Sept. 30 to pass funding for the next federal fiscal year. Anything that gives our Democrat colleagues a reason not to do the bipartisan appropriations process is not a good thing, Rounds said, according to The Hill. If they can use that as an excuse, that causes us a problem. I do not think this is a good idea and I think its going to give our Democratic colleagues a reason not to work with us on an appropriations process. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska, called the move unlawful and said it undermines Congress spending powers. Other Republicans were not concerned. Weve got $37 trillion in debt, and all the people screaming at the administration for breaching separation of power are missing the point, said Sen. John Kennedy, Republican of Louisiana, according to NBC. The point is, we need to reduce spending. Democrats pushed back. Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York said in letter that the Trump administration is waging all-out war against Congress spending powers. Sen. Peter Welch, Democrat of Vermont, said Trumps move makes it near impossible for Democrats to support a government funding deal later this month, according to NBC. That was done deliberately, not just to cut spending, but to signal that Trump wants a shutdown, Welch said, according to NBC. This is about whether Congress has any authority or not. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. UGG is the shoe brand that constantly starts new trends during the fall and winter seasons. The fan-favorite brand just dropped a new shoe and its already trending. The Zora Ballet Flat is arguably the most comfortable, yet chic, shoe well see this season. The UGG Zora Ballet Flat features a leather upper, insole, and lining for a comfortable fit and feel. The midsole is constructed from cork, offering support and cushioning, while the rubber outsole provides traction. Zora Ballet Flat $130 UGG just dropped the Zora Ballet Flat Buy Now An elastic vamp strap, adorned with UGG logo metal hardware, adds a touch of detail and ensures a secure fit. The shoes design is a classic ballet flat silhouette, with a heat-embossed UGG logo on the insole. Highlighted Product Feature Cork Midsole Comfort: The cork midsole is a standout feature, offering a blend of support and natural cushioning for all-day wear. Cork is also a sustainable material that aligns with UGGs brand values. Other Features Elastic Vamp Strap: The elastic vamp strap with UGG logo metal hardware offers a secure fit and elevates the overall aesthetic of the ballet flat. Learn more about this product here. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft for this story, based on data provided by UGG. It was reviewed and edited by Syracuse.com. An Upstate New York man has been charged with manslaughter a police chase led to a fatal crash into the Erie Canal. WHAM reports Ryan Armstrong, 43, of Brockport, N.Y., is accused of leading police on a high-speed chase Tuesday in a U-Haul truck after he and his passenger allegedly stole merchandise from a Walgreens store in Brockport. Armstrong refused to stop during the pursuit by Monroe County sheriffs deputies as speeds topped 85 miles per hour, according to Orleans County Sheriff Christopher Bourke. The chase went through multiple towns until Armstrong intentionally drove the U-Haul truck into the water along a canal pathway in Orleans County, police said. Armstrong escaped the vehicle, swam to the opposite side of the canal and ran away, but was later caught with assistance from drone technology. The Democrat & Chronicle reports Armstrongs passenger, who has not been identified, died after exiting the truck, appearing to struggle and go under the murky water. Deputies said they jumped into the canal but lost sight of the passenger, who drowned. Deputies said his body was recovered by the Monroe County Sheriffs Office scuba team. The U-Haul was also removed from the water, and evidence inside the truck will be used in the investigation. Armstrong was charged with second-degree manslaughter Wednesday and remains in custody without bail at the Orleans County Jail. Hes scheduled to appear in court Thursday for a bail hearing. Bourke told WHAM that Armstrong is a double predicate felon and has been involved in several crimes in Monroe County over the past 25 years. UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- The UN General Assembly (UNGA) met on Wednesday to commemorate and promote the International Day against Nuclear Tests. "Today's commemoration takes place in a world overshadowed by conflict, mistrust and the looming shadow of nuclear weapons," said Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Undersecretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, on behalf of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at the conference. As trust between states continues to erode and investments in arsenals rise, the prohibition of all nuclear explosive testing is not merely a technical or procedural matter, she said. "It is a moral and strategic necessity." Robert Floyd, executive secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) Organization, said that 80 years after the first nuclear test and the bombings of Japan's Hiroshima and Nagasaki cities during World War II, not even one nuclear weapon has exploded in war around the world. He added that in the following 50 years, some 2,000 nuclear explosions scarred the planet, averaging "one test every week" during the Cold War. Since the 1996 CTBT's opening, "fewer than a dozen tests" have taken place, making the treaty "a triumph for science, for multilateralism, for humanity," said Floyd. Vivian Okeke, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency Liaison Office in New York, said that since its establishment, the agency has worked to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons while making nuclear science and technology available for peaceful purposes. Nuclear technology diagnoses and cures diseases such as cancer, feeds the hungry, protects the environment, and provides clean energy that powers progress, said Okeke, stressing that "it is essential that nuclear technology is used safely and securely." In December 2009, the 64th session of the UNGA declared Aug. 29 the International Day against Nuclear Tests, adopting a unanimous resolution that calls for increasing awareness and education "about the effects of nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosions and the need for their cessation as one of the means of achieving the goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world." If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Throughout Wendie Malicks impressive decades-spanning career, shes won four Cable Ace Awards and has been nominated for a Golden Globe, two Emmys, and two SAG Awards. But what she hasnt yet snagged is a spot in the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Well, until now. The Buffalo native will be inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame on Wednesday, Sept. 10, in Williamsville, New York. Wendie is one of the busiest actors in Hollywood, Steve Monaco, president of the Buffalo Broadcasters Association, said in a release per The Buffalo News. Weve been trying to bring her home for three years so we could induct her, and were very excited our schedules finally matched. Malick is being honored in the arts and broadcasting category, which celebrates New Yorkers in Buffalo and the surrounding area with national accomplishments. This category is relatively new, which is why Malick did not qualify for induction earlier. Past honorees in the category include screenwriter Tom Fontana, and actors Nick Bakay, Bill Fichtner, and Christine Baranski. Malick graduated from Williamsville South High School in 1968. After earning a degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, she started working as an actress in the late 70s. Her big break seemed to come in 1990 when she stepped into the role of Judith Tupper Stone for six seasons in the sitcom Dream On. A few years later, she scored Just Shoot Me!, where her role of Nina Van Horn solidified her as a household name. Malick has continued to be a regular face on TV in the last three decades, picking up roles on Hot in Cleveland, The Ranch, Young Sheldon, Night Court (the reboot), and Shrinking. Additionally, shes lent her voice to countless animated series and cartoons, including The Owl House, Bojack Horseman, and The Emperors New School. Malick will be inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame alongside several notable individuals, including CBS anchor/reporter Jericka Duncan; WGRZ-TV anchor Maryalice Demler; Buffalo Sabres analyst Rob Ray; radio anchor/DJ Hank Nevins; radio production director Todd Broady; 97 Rock promotions director Dave Jickster; former radio newsman Kevin Keenan; former AM/Buffalo co-host Cindy Abbott Letro; retired Buffalo Sabres engineer Dave Ross; and Dan Fischer, the former owner of WBTA in Batavia. Tickets for the ceremony can be purchased here. A purchaser selects food products at the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Guobao) LONDON, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and British participants expressed strong expectations for the upcoming 138th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, at a promotion conference held Wednesday in London, with a sub-venue in Belfast. More than 200 representatives from government agencies, business chambers and enterprises attended the event. Li Nan, consul general of the Chinese Consulate General in Belfast, said the Canton Fair has grown into a key platform for foreign trade and international exchanges during China's decades of reform and opening up. The fair now attracts buyers and exhibitors from more than 200 countries and regions, he noted. British enterprises have long been active at the fair, according to Li Peng, economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom. He said its import exhibition has offered British companies a fast track to enter the Chinese market and expand their global presence. Zhang Sihong, deputy director general of the China Foreign Trade Center, said the number of overseas buyers at the fair has repeatedly reached new highs in recent years, reflecting China's commitment to further opening up despite global economic challenges. Jack Perry, chairman of the 48 Group, called the fair a "stabilizer" in global trade, highlighting its role at a time when protectionism and geopolitical tensions threaten supply chains. China and Britain, he added, have complementary strengths that can help make trade smarter, greener and more resilient. Peter McConvey, director of Signature Works and a regular buyer at the fair, focused on its scale, product quality and innovation, saying it supports long-term business growth and broader opportunities. Li Peng said more British companies are encouraged to make full use of the fair to deepen cooperation with China. First launched in 1957, the fair is held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province. This year's autumn fair is scheduled to run from October to November. In a significant antitrust decision, a US federal judge ruled that Google can keep both its Chrome browser and Android operating system, rejecting calls for the company to sell them off. The court did require Google to provide rival companies with key search data, a move aimed at fostering fairer competition in the online search industry. The decision came from US District Judge Amit Mehta, wrapping up a five-year legal battle over Google's dominance in online search. While the judge ruled in 2023 that Google held an illegal monopoly, his latest order avoids breaking up the company's core products. Rather than breaking up its services, the ruling compels Google to give competitors access to portions of its search data that fuel its advertising operations. Google's parent company, Alphabet, saw its stock rise over 7% after the announcement, Reuters said. Investors welcomed the decision, reassured that Google will retain control of Chrome and Android, two of its most valuable assets. But this win comes with new responsibilities. Google can no longer make exclusive deals that block other search engines or apps from being installed on devices. Google Raises Privacy Concerns Over Data Sharing Ruling These contracts had helped Google stay the default choice on most smartphones and web browsers. According to CNN, Judge Mehta explained his approach by saying, "The court is asked to gaze into a crystal ball and look to the future. Not exactly a judge's forte." He pointed out that artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are already offering new ways for people to search for information. Google, in a blog post, said it's reviewing the decision and raised concerns about privacy. "We have concerns about how these requirements will impact our users and their privacy," the company said. The US Department of Justice welcomed the ruling. Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater said the decision "recognizes the need for remedies that will pry open the market for general search services." Although the judge allowed Google to keep paying Apple to be the default search engine on iPhones, he banned exclusive contracts that limit competition. Analysts say this opens the door for new search engines and AI tools to gain ground. Stanford lecturer Robert Siegel called the ruling "a win" for Google but warned that the company will now need to compete more directly for users' attention. Originally published on vcpost.com The U.S. has put a price on Moscows cyber warriors and its a big one. Washington has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information on three Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers accused of launching cyberattacks on U.S. critical infrastructure in one of the most far-reaching cybercrime cases to date. The suspects Marat Valeryevich Tyukov, Mikhail Mikhailovich Gavrilov, and Pavel Aleksandrovich Akulov were working under the FSBs Center 16, a cyber unit better known in cybersecurity expert circles as Berserk Bear, Dragonfly, Blue Kraken, Koala Team, and Crouching Yeti. They are said to have carried out a decade-long campaign of intrusions into nuclear facilities, oil and gas companies, and critical infrastructure operators worldwide. A Long History Of Intrusions Prosecutors say the trio was indicted in 2021 for a hacking campaign dating back nearly a decade. Between 2012 and 2017, they allegedly infiltrated U.S. government agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and targeted the Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation in Burlington, Kansas. Globally, they allegedly struck more than 500 energy companies across 135 countries, planting malware, stealing credentials, and mapping networks for future sabotage. For information on three Russian FSB officers who conducted malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure on behalf of the Russian government. These officers also targeted more than 500 foreign energy companies in 135 other countries, the State Department wrote in a tweet on Tuesday. According to the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), the operations of the suspects didnt stop there. As recently as last year, the hackers were seen exploiting a seven-year-old vulnerability, CVE-2018-0171 a critical flaw in the Smart Install feature of Cisco IOS and IOS XE software to break into U.S. critical infrastructure. While Cisco patched the bug in 2018, the end-of-life devices remain everywhere despite the companys warning to administrators to upgrade equipment. However, with many organizations still running legacy hardware, the attackers had a ready-made backdoor. They used this to hijack networking gear across telecoms, universities, manufacturers, and even state and local governments across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Whats Next? Officials are urging anyone with information to contact the State Departments Rewards for Justice program, even through a Tor-based channel, promising confidentiality, possible relocation, and the multimillion-dollar payout. The Politics Behind The Bounty Critics are questioning the timing of the move. The three suspects have been on Washingtons radar for years and are unlikely to leave Russia, where they remain shielded from extradition. Thats why many analysts view the $10 million bounty as more symbolic than practical less about capture and more about sending a message a public reminder that Washington is keeping score in the ongoing cyber tug-of-war with Moscow. Whether symbolic or not, the message is blunt: if you target Americas critical systems, the U.S. will put a bounty on your head even if you are a spy. PARIS, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday that Europe is prepared to provide security guarantees for Ukraine once a peace agreement with Russia is reached. Macron made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Elysee Palace. Zelensky arrived in Paris Wednesday evening to attend a virtual meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing," scheduled for Thursday, the French presidency said. At a joint press conference, Macron said Europe's preparations were complete and it is ready to offer security assurances to Ukraine and its people "on the day a peace agreement is reached" between Russia and Ukraine. Thursday's summit, to be co-chaired by Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will focus on security guarantees for Ukraine. European leaders attending the event will take a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump during the meeting. BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Thursday denounced remarks made by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te on V-Day commemoration. Lai's remarks "fully exposed the ugly face and evil nature of the 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces, who betray history and the nation, desecrate the martyrs, and obliterate conscience," said Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Chen made the comments when asked about Lai's social media posts on Wednesday that misrepresented the commemorations held in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. His posts also smeared the mainland. Sept. 3 marks the Victory Day of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, a day of pride for all Chinese at home and abroad, Chen said. However, Lai glorified aggression and incited confrontation on the same day as V-Day, and his remarks reflected a complete loss of national stance, openly challenged justice and conscience, and deeply hurt the feelings of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, Chen noted. Noting that Taiwan is a part of China and Taiwan compatriots are part of the Chinese nation, Chen stressed that during the war, people across China, including those in Taiwan, rose in resistance and ultimately won the nation's first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern times. The spokesperson warned that any attempt to distort the history of the War of Resistance and the WWII is doomed to fail, and any force that attempts to go against the Chinese people or separate the country will only bring about its own destruction. Sudan recovers 270 bodies after Darfur landslide: rebel group Khartoum, Sept 3 (AFP) Sep 03, 2025 Sudan has recovered 270 bodies from under the mud after a landslide buried a remote mountain village in the Darfur region, a civilian leader under the rebel group controlling the area said Wednesday. Heavy rains triggered the landslip which almost wiped out the village of Tarasin in the Jebel Marra range, the Abdulwahid al-Nur faction of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM) said. Citing sources on the ground, the United Nations said that between 300 and 1,000 people were killed in the landslide though the full scale of the disaster remains unclear due to the area's inaccessibility. "So far, around 270 bodies have been recovered and buried," said Mogeeb al-Rahman Mohamed al-Zubeir, who heads the civilian authority in SLM-controlled territory. "Hundreds remain trapped under the rubble that swallowed homes and farmland," he told AFP via satellite phone from the Jebel Marra region. Dead livestock lie buried in the thick sludge, he said, and water resources across the area have been affected. "No humanitarian organisation has arrived yet," Zubeir said, adding that the entire rescue mission falls to local residents and SLM members, both working with extremely limited resources. "The scale of the disaster is larger than I had imagined," he said, after arriving in the village on Wednesday. - 'Pain and despair' - Footage shared by the SLM on Wednesday showed local residents wading through the mud, using only their bare hands to excavate bodies from the debris. Initial estimates by the rebel group suggested that nearly all of the village's more than 1,000 inhabitants had been killed, with only one survivor. The UN's migration agency estimated that around 150 people have been displaced from Tarasin and adjacent villages in the aftermath. On Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV called for a "coordinated response" to the unfolding "humanitarian catastrophe" in Sudan, with its aftermath marked by "pain and despair". Sudan has been devastated by war since April 2023, as battles between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Thousands of displaced people have sought refuge in SLM-held areas. Situated in rugged volcanic terrain southwest of El-Fasher -- the besieged capital of North Darfur -- the Jebel Marra region is notoriously difficult to access, especially during the rainy season, which peaks in August. Sudan's General Authority for Geological Research said the region is one of the most geologically active areas in Sudan, sitting on a major tectonic belt stretching across central and western Sudan. It warned that recurring landslides in the region could have "catastrophic" humanitarian and environmental consequences. bur-sof/maf/ami Press Release from Business Wire: NanosTech Technology & Innovations Ltd. (AFP) Sep 03, 2025 ENSCHEDE, Sept 3, 2025 (BSW) - BTG Bioliquids BV (BTL), a Netherlands-based leader in fast pyrolysis technology, and NanosTech Technology & Innovations Ltd. (NanosTech), a Canada-based catalyst development and manufacturing company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deliver a fully integrated solution to produce advanced, drop-in biofuels. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903698730/en/ The partnership combines BTL's proven fast pyrolysis technology, which converts sustainable biomass into bio-oil, with NanosTech's proprietary Aquaprocessing (AQP) platform, which upgrades even the most challenging bio-oils into refinery-ready feedstocks to produce fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), renewable diesel, and marine fuels. The two companies are now actively collaborating to determine the location in Canada and Europe for the new 500-barrel-per-day modular biorefinery system. This system can be deployed near the feedstock source, reducing transportation emissions, improving economic viability, and creating new value chains for bio-based producers. Second-generation biofuels, made from non-food biomass such as forestry residues and agricultural waste, offer a critical path to decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like aviation, shipping, and heavy transport. The BTL-NanosTech solution enables this with a flexible, modular system that eliminates the need for large external hydrogen or massive refinery-scale infrastructure. "We've always believed in the untapped potential of our pyrolysis oil. Seeing it now evolve into a true drop-in fuel through this collaboration is deeply rewarding," said Gerhard Muggen, Managing Director at BTL. "This partnership represents a turning point, not just for BTL and NanosTech, but for the renewable fuels sector as a whole. We're now able to offer a practical solution that meets both technical standards and economic realities." The companies are actively engaging industrial and government stakeholders to accelerate deployment by the end of 2025. "Green Chemistry is the most elegant way to decarbonize," said Myles McGovern, CEO of NanosTech. "BTL's deep expertise in pyrolysis, combined with our advanced catalyst platform, unlocks what was previously out of reach, transforming complex bio-oils into true drop-in fuels. The result: meaningful CO? reductions from every barrel of renewable diesel, effectively turning conventional diesel engines into cleaner, more sustainable powertrains without a single hardware change." The two companies aim to deliver a compact, modular, and economically viable solution. "This collaboration is a strong signal to the market that advanced biofuels are no longer just a concept-they are now a scalable, commercially viable reality," Muggen added. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903698730/en/ Contact Naomi PereiraEVP, Marketing & [email protected] +1 403 6805712 Gerhard MuggenManaging DirectorBTG [email protected] +31 (0)6 20739802 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. UN refugee chief urges Pakistan to pause Afghan expulsions after quake Geneva, Sept 3 (AFP) Sep 03, 2025 The UN refugee chief called on Pakistan Wednesday to pause its mass expulsions of Afghan refugees after an earthquake in eastern Afghanistan killed nearly 1,500. Thousands of Afghans who were registered as refugees have surged over the border from Pakistan in recent days, with returns escalating despite the weekend's deadly earthquake in Afghanistan, according to officials. "Given the circumstances, I appeal to the (government of Pakistan) to pause the implementation of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan," Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said on X. His appeal came as rescue teams continued struggling Wednesday to reach survivors after a shallow magnitude-6.0 earthquake hit the mountainous region bordering Pakistan late on Sunday, collapsing mud-brick homes on families as they slept. The earthquake killed a total of 1,469 people and injured more than 3,700, according to a new toll from Taliban authorities, making it one of the deadliest in decades to hit the impoverished country. Grandi said on X that the earthquake had "affected more than 500,000 people in eastern Afghanistan", stressing that "aid from donors, including Pakistan, is vital and welcome". Pakistan has hosted Afghans fleeing violence for more than four decades, from the Soviet invasion to the 2021 Taliban takeover. Various cohorts of Afghans have found differing degrees of stability, including access to work and education, in Pakistan. Some were born and raised there, while others transited en route to resettlement in the West. However, Pakistan's government, citing an uptick in violent attacks and insurgent campaigns, launched a crackdown in 2023 to evict them, painting the population as "terrorists and criminals". More than 1.2 million Afghans have since been forced to return from Pakistan, including more than 443,000 this year alone, according to the United Nations. The crackdown has most recently targeted an estimated 1.3 million refugees with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards issued by the UN refugee agency UNHCR. Islamabad has set a deadline of September 1 for them to leave or face arrest and deportation. UNHCR spokesman Babar Baloch told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday that the refugee agency was "preparing for significantly more returns in the coming days" due to the deadline. "These people, already with very little resources, are now returning to a disaster zone," he said. nl/rjm/rlp Days after quake, Afghan survivors still await aid Jalalabad, Afghanistan, Sept 3 (AFP) Sep 03, 2025 Rescue teams struggled Wednesday to reach survivors days after a powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan left more than 1,400 people dead, as access to remote areas remained obstructed. A magnitude-6.0 shallow earthquake hit the mountainous region bordering Pakistan late Sunday, collapsing mud-brick homes on families as they slept. Fearful of the near-constant aftershocks, people huddled in the open or struggled to unearth those trapped under the heaps of flattened buildings. The earthquake killed at least 1,469 people and injured more than 3,700, according to the latest toll from Taliban authorities, making it one of the deadliest in decades to hit the impoverished country. UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi said on X that the quake had "affected more than 500,000 people" in eastern Afghanistan. The vast majority of the casualties were in Kunar province, with a dozen dead and hundreds hurt in nearby Nangarhar and Laghman provinces. Access remained difficult, as aftershocks caused rockfall, stymying access to already isolated villages and keeping families outdoors for fear of the remains of damaged homes collapsing on them. - 'Everyone is afraid' - "Everyone is afraid and there are many aftershocks," Awrangzeeb Noori, 35, told AFP from the village of Dara-i-Nur in Nangarhar province. "We spend all day and night in the field without shelter." The non-governmental group Save the Children said one of its aid teams "had to walk for 20 kilometres (12 miles) to reach villages cut off by rock falls, carrying medical equipment on their backs with the help of community members". The World Health Organization said Wednesday it was scaling up its emergency response to address the "immense" needs and that it required more resources in order to "prevent further losses". WHO has appealed for $4 million to deliver lifesaving health interventions and expand mobile health services and supply distribution. "Every hour counts," WHO emergency team lead in Afghanistan Jamshed Tanoli said in a statement. "Hospitals are struggling, families are grieving and survivors have lost everything." The Taliban government's deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat told AFP that areas which had taken days to reach had been finally accessed. "We cannot determine the date for finishing the operation in all areas as the area is very mountainous and it is very difficult to reach every area." ActionAid noted that women and girls were particularly vulnerable in emergencies as they face steep restrictions under the Taliban authorities. Residents of Jalalabad, the nearest city to the epicentre, donated money and goods including blankets. "I am a simple labourer and I came here to help the earthquake victims because I felt very sad for them," said resident Mohammad Rahman. - Deepening crisis - Around 85 percent of the Afghan population lives on less than one dollar per day, according to the United Nations. After decades of conflict, Afghanistan faces endemic poverty, severe drought and the influx of millions of Afghans forced back to the country by neighbours Pakistan and Iran in the years since the Taliban takeover. Even as the country reeled from its latest disaster, Pakistan began a new push to expel Afghans, with more than 6,300 people crossing the Torkham border point in Nangarhar province Tuesday. "Given the circumstances, I appeal to the (Pakistan government) to pause the implementation of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan," UNHCR chief Grandi said. The Norwegian Refugee Council also cautioned that "forcing Afghans to return will only deepen the crisis". It is the third major earthquake since the Taliban authorities took power in 2021, but there are even fewer resources for the cash-strapped government's response after the United States slashed assistance to the country when President Donald Trump took office in January. Even before the earthquake, the United Nations estimated it had obtained less than a third of the funding required for operations countrywide. In two days, the Taliban government's defence ministry said it organised 155 helicopter flights to evacuate around 2,000 injured and their relatives to regional hospitals. Fitrat said a camp had been set up in Khas Kunar district to coordinate emergency aid, while two other sites were opened near the epicentre "to oversee the transfer of the injured, the burial of the dead, and the rescue of survivors". Afghanistan is frequently hit by earthquakes, with the country still recovering from previous disasters. 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. New wave: sea power turned into energy at Los Angeles port San Pedro, United States, Sept 4 (AFP) Sep 04, 2025 Floating blue paddles dance on the waves that lap a dock in the Port of Los Angeles, silently converting the power of the sea into usable electricity. This innovative installation may hold one of the keys to accelerating a transition away from fossil fuels that scientists say is necessary if the world is to avoid the worst effects of climate change. "The project is very simple and easy," Inna Braverman, co-founder of Israeli start-up Eco Wave Power, told AFP. Looking a little like piano keys, the floaters rise and fall with each wave. They are connected to hydraulic pistons that push a biodegradable fluid through pipes to a container filled with accumulators, which resemble large red scuba tanks. When the pressure is released, it spins a turbine that generates electrical current. If this pilot project convinces the California authorities, Braverman hopes to cover the entire 13-kilometer (eight-mile) breakwater protecting the port with hundreds of floaters that together would produce enough electricity to power 60,000 US homes. Supporters of the technology say wave energy is an endlessly renewable and always reliable source of power. Unlike solar power, which produces nothing at night, or wind power, which depends on the weather, the sea is always in motion. And there is a lot of it. - Tough tech - The waves off the American West Coast could theoretically power 130 million homes -- or supply around a third of the electricity used every year in the United States, according to the US Department of Energy. However, wave energy remains the poor relation of other, better-known renewables, and has not been successfully commercialized at a large-enough scale. The history of the sector is full of company shipwrecks and projects sunk by the brutality of the high seas. Developing devices robust enough to withstand the fury of the waves, while transmitting electricity via underwater cables to the shore, has proven to be an impossible task so far. "Ninety-nine percent of competitors chose to install in the middle of the ocean, where it's super expensive, where it's breaking down all the time, so they can't really make projects work," Braverman said. With her retractable dock-mounted device, the entrepreneur believes she has found the answer. "When the waves are too high for the system to handle, the floaters just rise to the upward position until the storm passes, so you have no damage." The design appeals to Krish Thiagarajan Sharman, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. "The Achilles heel of wave energy is in the costs of maintenance and inspection," he told AFP. "So having a device close to shore, where you can walk on a breakwater and then inspect the device, makes a lot of sense." Sharman, who is not affiliated with the project and whose laboratory is testing various wave energy equipment, said projects tend to be suited to smaller-scale demands, like powering remote islands. "This eight-mile breakwater, that's not a common thing. It's a rare opportunity, a rare location where such a long wavefront is available for producing power," he said. - AI power demand - Braverman's Eco Wave Power is already thinking ahead, having identified dozens more sites in the United States that could be suitable for similar projects. The project predates Donald Trump's administration, but even before the political environment in Washington turned against renewables, the company was already looking beyond the US. In Israel, up to 100 homes in the port of Jaffa have been powered by waves since December. By 2026, 1,000 homes in Porto, Portugal should be online, with installations also planned in Taiwan and India. Braverman dreams of 20-megawatt projects, a critical capacity needed to offer electricity at rates that can compete with wind power. And, she said, the installations will not harm the local wildlife. "There's zero environmental impact. We connect to existent man-made structures, which already disturb the environment." Promises like this resonate in California, where the Energy Commission highlighted in a recent report the potential of wave energy to help the state achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. "The amount of energy that we're consuming is only increasing with the age of AI and data centers," said Jenny Krusoe, founder of AltaSea, an organization that helped fund the project. "So the faster we can move this technology and have it down the coastline, the better for California." Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Voice of Hind Rajab premiered at the Venice film festival on Wednesday with chants of Free Palestine and a record standing ovation of nearly 24 minutes. The film, directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, tells the story of six-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab who, along with her family and the EMTs who tried to save her, was killed by Israeli forces early last year. The girl survived the initial attack by Israeli tanks on their car that killed the rest of her family and phoned emergency services for help. Over a period of more than three hours, she begged for help as she waited in the car that her family were using to try to escape the war zone. Paramedics did arrive, but days later their ambulance was found destroyed near Hinds car. In a recording of her call, Rajab is heard sobbing and saying, Please come to me, please come. Im scared, while gunfire rings in the background. The film reconstructs Rajabs final moments and intersperses re-enactments with raw audio from the call. According to Deadline, the standing ovation went on for 23 minutes and 50 seconds after the film ended, the longest at the festival so far. Multiple news outlets reported that those present at the premiere were left visibly sobbing and chants of Free Palestine rang out during the ovation amid a display of Palestinian flags. Israeli actor Amer Hlehel, director Kaouther Ben Hania, actress Saja Kilani, actor Motaz Malhees, and actress Clara Khoury pose with a portrait of Hind Rajab at the Venice film festival ( AFP via Getty ) The film stars Palestinian actors Clara Khoury, Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, and Amer Hlehel as Palestine Red Crescent Society staffers attending to Rajabs call and coordinating a rescue. Brad Pitt, Jonathan Glazer, Alfonso Cuaron, Joaquin Phoenix, and Rooney Mara are executive producers for the film. Phoenix and Mara were present at the premiere along with the cast and crew who also held a photo of Rajab on the red carpet. Speaking after the screening, Ben Hania said: A film like this had to be made because too often the news reminds us of facts we forget and sometimes shows us a world that has been denied the power to speak. The voice of this five-year-old girl, Hind, is ultimately that of Gaza asking for help. Kilani, speaking at the press conference for the film earlier in the day, said: The voice of Hind Rajab does not need our defence. This film isnt an opinion or a fantasy. It is anchored in truth. Hinds story carries the weight of an entire people, it is not hers alone. Her voice is one among 19,000 children who lost their lives in Gaza in the last two years alone. It is the voice of every mother, father, doctor, teacher, artist, journalist, volunteer, paramedic, each with the right to live, to dream, to exist in dignity, yet all of it was stolen in front of unblinking eyes. And these are only the voices we know. Beyond every number is a story that never got to be told. The real question is, how have we let a child beg for life? No one can live in peace while even one child is forced to plead for survival. Let Hind Rajabs voice echo around the world. Rajabs mother Wissam Hamada told AFP from Gaza City that she hoped the film would help end Israels war in Gaza. The whole world has left us to die, to go hungry, to live in fear and to be forcibly displaced without doing anything, Hamada said. The Voice of Hind Rajab is competing for the Golden Lion. It is also Tunisias official submission for best international feature film at the forthcoming Academy Awards. The Israeli military initially claimed its troops had not been within firing range of the vehicle Rajab was in. However, independent investigations later disputed this, and a subsequent UN report concluded that the Israeli military was responsible for destroying the car and killing the two medics who attempted to rescue Rajab. When asked about the incident this week, the Israeli military said the incident remained under review and declined to provide further comment, Reuters reported. SANAA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said it fired a ballistic missile at Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel on Thursday morning. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a statement on Thursday that the missile "hit its target and was not intercepted," forcing Israelis into shelters and disrupting flights. He said the attack was in support of Palestinians and in response to Israel's offensive in Gaza. There has been no immediate comment from the Israeli side so far. It was the group's third claimed attack against Israel in two days. On Wednesday, the group claimed responsibility for launching two missile and drone attacks on "sensitive targets" in Jerusalem, Haifa and Tel Aviv. The escalation came after an Israeli airstrike last Thursday in the Houthi-held capital Sanaa killed 12 senior Houthi figures, as the Houthi forces have no air defense systems. The Houthis, which control much of northern Yemen, have been frequently launching missile and drone attacks on Israel since November 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Nearly all Houthi attacks were reportedly intercepted. In response, Israel has retaliated, striking Houthi targets in northern Yemen. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The first teaser for Emerald Fennells forthcoming film Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, has finally dropped. Fennells film adaptation of the 1847 Emily Bronte novel, which follows the relationship between the Earnshaws and the Lintons in rural Yorkshire around 1770 and the tumultuous relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff, has been eagerly anticipated since it was first announced last year. The film also stars Hong Chau as Nelly Dean, Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton, Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton, and Adolescence star Owen Cooper as the younger Heathcliff. Set to Charli xcxs Everything is romantic, the teaser shows Catherine thinking about Heathcliff who tells her hell follow her like a dog till the end of the world. There is a longer shot of Catherine in a 1980s-style wedding dress, images of which went viral on social media when Robbie was still filming. Her dress was heavily criticised at the time, with fans saying it didnt fit the timeline the book was set in. open image in gallery Margot Robbie in a still from the Wuthering Heights teaser ( Warner Bros ) The casting of Elordi as Heathcliff has also drawn criticism since his character is described in the book as having dark hair, dark eyes, dark skin, and is believed to be from a Roma or Gypsy background. Another contentious point criticised by Bronte readers is that Elordi and Robbie are the wrong ages for their characters who are teenagers for much of the books plot. Casting director Kharmel Cochrane has since said that if people are offended by the casting decisions, then the set design is even more shocking. There was one Instagram comment that said the casting director should be shot, Cochrane said at the Sands Film Festival in St Andrews, Scotland, according to Deadline. open image in gallery A still from the Wuthering Heights teaser starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi ( Warner Bros ) But just wait till you see it, and then you can decide whether you want to shoot me or not. But you really dont need to be accurate. Its just a book. That is not based on real life. Its all art. Theres definitely going to be some English Lit fans that are not going to be happy. Wait until you see the set design, because that is even more shocking. And there may or may not be a dog collar in it. Fans still dont seem particularly taken with the film after the teaser release, with descriptions of it on social media calling it visually pretty but entirely hollow & wrong. Not to be that one friend who is too woke but bleaching the class and racial otherness out of wuthering heights to sell a horny whitewashed romance genuinely pisses me off, one person wrote on X. Another wrote: Emily Bronte is rising from her grave as we speak because why did they turn Wuthering Heights into fifty shades of Heathcliff and Cathy. At a test screening last month, the movie received mixed reviews with the audience branding it sexually explicit and tonally abrasive. One audience member at the test screening in Dallas described the film as aggressively provocative and said it had parallels with the stylised depravity seen in director Fennells provocative 2023 dark comedy Saltburn. open image in gallery Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff in Emerald Fennel's adaptation of Wuthering Heights ( Warner Bros ) The film reportedly opens with a public hanging that descends into absurdity when the condemned man ejaculates mid-execution. This apparently sends the onlooking crowd into an orgiastic frenzy, prompting a nun to fondle the corpses visible erection. One attendee said there were scenes of purposefully discomforting masturbation, a sexual bondage encounter involving horse reins and shots of suggestive textures such as egg yolks, bread dough and slug trails. Wuthering Heights is set for release in theatres on 13 February 2026. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Rosie ODonnell fired right back after President Donald Trump renewed his threats to strip his longtime nemesis of her U.S. citizenship. After feuding with Trump for almost two decades, ODonnell moved to Ireland in January with her youngest child, Clay, in response to his return to the White House. On Wednesday night, Trump went on a posting spree on his social media platform Truth Social amid the bipartisan clamor for the release of the Epstein files. He began by sharing a distorted photo of ODonnell in which her face had been stretched digitally. As previously mentioned, we are giving serious thought to taking away Rosie ODonnells Citizenship. She is not a Great American and is, in my opinion, incapable of being so! Trump wrote. open image in gallery Donald Trump shared a distorted photo of Rosie ODonnell on Truth Social ( Truth Social ) Banishing me again? Logan Roy would be proud, ODonnell responded on Instagram Thursday in a reference to Brian Coxs media mogul in Succession. EPSTEIN SURVIVORS are the reckoning and your gold lame throne is melting, the actor added. Trump repeated his claim Wednesday that the Epstein case is a Democrat hoax that never ends, which has infuriated survivors. The president made similar comments about ODonnells citizenship on Truth Social in July. Because of the fact that Rosie ODonnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship, he wrote. She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA! It didnt take long for ODonnell to respond. open image in gallery Rosie O'Donnell and Donald Trump have been enemies since 2006 ( Getty ) She posted a photo of Trump with the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein to Instagram, and wrote: Hey Donald youre rattled again? 18 years later and I still live rent-free in that collapsing brain of yours. 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. She continued: You want to revoke my citizenship? Go ahead and try, King Joffrey with a tangerine spray tan. The president has no power to strip anyone of citizenship, but since returning to the White House, Trump has sought to end birthright citizenship, guaranteed to Americans under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. The 14th Amendment states: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. The comedians long-running feud with Trump stretches back to 2006 when she was a host on The View. Touching briefly on her relationship with the current president back in March, she said: I knew that it would really tax me emotionally to have to do that [live in Trumps America]. So I'm very happy that we made the decision that we made. ODonnell said that it is heartbreaking to see what's happening politically in the United States but thanked the people of Ireland for welcoming her. It's been pretty wonderful, I have to say. The people are so loving and so kind, so welcoming. And I'm very grateful. 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 Saturday Night Live writer Jorma Taccone has been left unable to walk after suffering a 20-foot fall at his home. During Tuesday's episode of The Lonely Island & Seth Meyers Podcast, the 48-year-old comedian and writer on SNL from 2005-2011 recounted the tale of falling 20 feet off a ladder at his farmhouse in Connecticut. Speaking from his hospital bed, he said that the accident occurred when he was painting a mural on a barn for his daughters fifth birthday party. [My neighbor] was like, Hey, this ladder is bad, like, you shouldn't use this ladder. It doesn't have a footing thing. And I was like, No, itll be good, Taccone explained to Meyers and his fellow Lonely Island members Akiva Schaffer and Andy Samberg. He then recalled how he started to feel the ladder give way, knowing he was going to fall. In this moment, my life flashes before my eyes, and I'm like, Oh no, I gotta get off this ladder, he continued. I literally have enough time as Im falling to be like, Im going to die. So I drop, I look over, and I literally see the yard, and Im like, This is going to hurt a lot. And I fall straight on my butt. Jorma Taccone has suffered a fall rendering him unable to walk ( Getty Images ) After doing a lot of screaming and cursing, he felt sort of numb right as he hit the ground. Taccone then went to the hospital, where he learned he shattered [his] pelvis on the left hand side, pretty badly. He also discovered his sacrum was detached from his spine, among other injuries, before he underwent surgery. Luckily, doctors said Taccone will make a full recovery, though it will take about three to six months for him to be able to walk again. He continued to open up about his recovery, saying surgery couldnt have gone better and that hell be entering acute rehab. He also noted that hes started fighting through the pain, since hes already stood and gone to the bathroom. Although Taccone is on the mend now, with his colleagues on the podcast saying they were worried sick about him, hes insanely lucky that his injuries from the fall werent more severe. My doctor came in this morning and was like, Oh yeah. If you had hit your heels if youd landed on both your heels that would have been 10 times worse, he said. Im like, 10 times worse? I didnt know pain at that level was possible. 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 Actor Domhnall Gleeson has said not to expect a comeback of The Office in the new spin-off series, The Paper. Gleeson, 42, best known for About Time, Ex Machina, and Star Wars, now stars in the new Sky Max mockumentary a spin-off from the popular American sitcom. The series follows the everyday lives of staff working for the Toledo Truth Teller, a struggling midwestern newspaper as the optimistic yet under-qualified new editor-in chief, Ned Sampson, played by Gleeson, arrives in an attempt to bring the paper back to life. Speaking about the new series and whether it pays tribute to the original sitcom, Gleeson said: The Office is always going to exist. We dont need to honour The Office because The Office is amazing and is there for anybody who needs it, and a lot of people need it. Its amazing, but were doing something new and so its sort of a separate sort of a thing. I guess the important thing is that were not bringing it back. I think if people are expecting us to bring it back, then they will be disappointed because were not making The Office again. But thats okay, because its already been made. Were just doing something separate and new and I hope it means something to people. Gleeson stars as an optimistic newspaper editor in The Paper ( Peacock ) I think you realise pretty quickly that its a different vibe in this show and a very different ensemble. I think the ensemble is super strong so Im hoping people go for the ensemble. Thatll really help if they do because Im very fond of the team that we have, and I think they all did an amazing job. Gleeson stars alongside White Lotus Sabrina Impacciatore and The Office actor Oscar Nunez, who reprises his role as accountant Oscar Martinez. The Paper was co-written and created by Greg Daniels, who adapted the UK version of The Office for American audiences, and Michael Koman, best known for Nathan For You with Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais, who created the original Office series, serving as executive producers. Focusing in on some of the daily challenges a local paper might face, Gleeson said it remains hopeful and aims to say something positive about journalism. He said: I think in a smaller town it can be easier for people to get away with things. And if nobodys keeping an eye, people understand that people are keeping an eye on the big picture, but the small picture matters a lot as well. And I think having somewhere to go where you can believe what you read about the actions of the people in charge where you live, that matters in every way. Were in a comedy show thats very silly but I like that Greg (Daniels) and Michael (Komen), the creators of the show, care about that. I think thats super cool. Describing what drew him to the series, Gleeson added: It was hopeful about journalism and trying to say something positive about journalism without getting caught up in a holier than thou sort of, this is why this matters. I thought they just handled it really delicately with a sort of a light hand and kept it funny. The Paper premieres on Sky Max and the streaming service NOW on September 5. 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 Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery revealed shes pregnant with her first child at the premiere of the franchises new film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. The 43-year-old actor, whos played Lady Mary Crawley in the series since it first hit screens 15 years ago, debuted her baby bump in a blue strapless gown at the ceremony in Londons Leicester Square. Dockery is welcoming her first child with her husband, Jasper Waller-Bridge, brother to Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who she married in September 2023. The star married Waller-Bridge at St Nicholas' church in Chiswick in 2023, with her Downton co-stars Hugh Bonneville, Lesley Manville and Lesley Nicol in attendance. Dockerys wedding came seven years after the tragic death of her fiance, Irish publicist John Dineen, who died 15 months after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, aged 34. Although Dockery and Dineen never married, the actor told The Guardian they were engaged, and married at heart, so she still considered herself a widow following her fiances death. open image in gallery Michelle Dockery and her husband Jasper Waller-Bridge at the Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale premiere in London ( Getty ) Dockery found love again after meeting Waller-Bridge through a mutual friend in 2019 and became involved with the film producer, having spent time with him at the Rome Film Festival. Downton Abbey stars gathered at the event on Wednesday (3 September) to celebrate the release of the franchises farewell film, which is set in the 1930s. The conclusion will follow the 7th Earl of Grantham, Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville) as he plans to pass down his estate to his daughter, Lady Mary (Dockery). However, news of Marys divorce from Matthew Goodes Henry Talbot puts her impending stewardship in jeopardy as the familys financial troubles could see them sell and leave the abbey for good. open image in gallery Dockery has played Mary Crawley in Downton since it first landed on screens 15 years ago ( Getty ) In her three star review, The Independents Clarisse Loughrey said Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is proof that this franchise simply must end. She wrote: Theres no escaping the fact that this film, once again, feels like two episodes of the TV series have been smashed together. Earlier this week, Downton creatorJulian Fellowes said he made the final film for the fans and didnt expect critics to write about it kindly. I dont need to read a review anymore I could tell you what it says beforehand, he said. I wasnt trying to attract new viewers any more and I was aware we were saying goodbye. 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 Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who redefined modern fashion and built a global empire in his own name, has died aged 91. From Piacenza, near Milan the city that shaped him, Armani rose from modest beginnings to become a billionaire whose understated suits transformed how men and women dressed in the late 20th century. His name became a global shorthand for elegance, worn in boardrooms, on red carpets and on cinema screens. He died at home on Thursday. At the time of his death, Armanis fortune was estimated at $12.1bn (9bn). He remained sole shareholder and chief executive of the house he created in 1975, presiding over an empire that stretched from Emporio and Armani Exchange to haute couture, hotels, restaurants, cosmetics and homeware. He had been in declining health and was forced to withdraw from Milan Mens Fashion Week in June the first time in his career he had missed a show in the city where his career began. With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani, the fashion house said in a statement. open image in gallery Giorgio Armani receives his share of applause after presenting his Emporio Fall-Winter 2007-2008 mens fashion collection ( AP2007 ) A funeral chamber will be opened in Milan on Saturday and Sunday, the company said, with a private service to follow at a later date. With one of the most recognisable names in fashion, Armani is regarded by historians and critics as among the most influential European designers of the 20th century. Known in Italy as Re Giorgio King Giorgio he was celebrated for his exacting standards, personally overseeing everything from advertising campaigns to the way models hair was styled before stepping on the runway. In a statement, his company said he had forged a vision that expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and pragmatism. It added that Armani had been mindful of the needs of the community and active on many fronts, especially in support of his beloved Milan. The house described itself as a reflection of this spirit and pledged to uphold his values. Tributes from across the fashion world poured in. Donatella Versace said: The world has lost a giant today. open image in gallery Armani with Beyonce in 2003 ( Myung Jung Kim/PA ) Italys prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, paid tribute online, describing Armani as a man of elegance, sobriety and creativity who was able to bring lustre to Italian fashion and inspire the entire world. An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything. German actor Diane Kruger, who frequently wore Armani on red carpets, wrote: Incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Giorgio Armani. One of the nicest people and mentors I was lucky enough to meet and work with. Armani is credited with giving working women of the 1980s a wardrobe of timeless, feminine suits designed for the office. Later in his career, he would say that he created clothes for the public, not the fashion industry. After launching his eponymous label in 1975, he oversaw its transformation into a global empire. The brand grew from menswear into Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange and the high-end Giorgio Armani line, alongside accessories, footwear, cosmetics and homeware. Perhaps more than any other designer, Armani managed to influence not only fashion but lifestyle itself, reshaping how people travelled, ate and worked. At the time of his death, he was one of Italys richest men, with business interests spanning restaurants, luxury hotels including the Armani Hotel in Dubais Burj Khalifa and a beauty partnership with LOreal. Though his designs evolved across the decades, he remained best known for revolutionising the way women dressed for work and expressed themselves in professional settings. His runway shows often leaned towards the theatrical, with shimmering headpieces, ruffled collars and sequinned gowns yet always built on the foundation of a clean, classic silhouette. open image in gallery Giorgio Armani pictured in Sydney, Australia 2007 ( Getty ) Giorgio Armani was born in Piacenza, northern Italy, on 11 July 1934, the middle child of Maria Raimondi and Ugo Armani, and grew up with his older brother Sergio and younger sister Rosanna. The family had little money, but Armani later recalled how his school friends envied the handmade clothes sewn by his mother. He often spoke of being inspired by his parents inner elegance, despite their modest means. As a young man, he aspired to a career in medicine and enrolled at the University of Milan, studying in the faculty of medicine for three years before abandoning the course in 1953. After a spell of national service with the Italian army, where he was stationed at an infirmary in Verona, he turned instead to retail. He joined the Milan department store La Rinascente as a window dresser, working his way up to the menswear department before securing his first design role with Nino Cerruti in the 1960s. In that decade, he also met Sergio Galeotti, an architect who would become his partner in both life and business. Together they founded the Giorgio Armani label in 1975, when Armani was 41. That October, he unveiled his debut collection: a mens ready-to-wear line for spring/summer 1976, followed by a womens line in the same season. open image in gallery Armani acknowledges the applause of the audience at the Giorgio Armani fashion show during the Milan Fashion Week S/S 2023 on June 20, 2022 ( Getty ) The labels breakthrough came in 1980, when Armani dressed Richard Gere for his role as Julian Kaye in American Gigolo. The film, with its sleek tailoring and languid sensuality, made Armani a household name and cemented his reputation in Hollywood. He went on to design costumes for Brian De Palmas The Untouchables (1987) and, decades later, for Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). Though best known for his revolution in suiting stripping away padding and stiffness to create a natural, unforced elegance Armani steadily expanded his reach beyond ready-to-wear. In the early 1980s, he introduced Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans and Armani Junior, followed by lines for underwear, swimwear and accessories. By the early Eighties, he had signed a landmark agreement with the French beauty giant LOreal, launching Armani Beauty, which remains one of the most successful global cosmetics brands today. open image in gallery Armani examines drawings for new designs ( Corbis/VCG/Getty ) In 1991, Armani launched A/X Armani Exchange, a line of simpler, more affordable designs offering everyday pieces such as T-shirts for men and women. He became a fixture on red carpets, dressing Hollywood stars and musicians, and was credited with shaping the look of his friend Eric Clapton, even outfitting the guitarists entire band in Armani. Fiercely private about his personal life, he acknowledged in a 2000 interview with Vanity Fair: I have had women in my life. And sometimes men. open image in gallery Armani at GQs 2010 Men of the Year Awards ( PA ) Until his death he remained chief executive and sole shareholder of Giorgio Armani S.p.A, making it one of the few major Italian fashion houses of his generation to remain independent of global conglomerates. He was also an early pioneer of technology, becoming the first haute couture designer to broadcast a collection live on the internet with his Armani Prive spring/summer 2007 show, streamed via MSN. Armani maintained close control over every aspect of the business. Former aides noted that no document or financial figure passed without his approval. In one of his final interviews, he admitted to the Financial Times that his greatest fear was death, because it would mean relinquishing control of his label. I know Giorgio Armani, the company, is identified with me, he said in 2023. So it is my responsibility to make sure this will continue and that the company will have a footprint that will resemble il signor Armani. open image in gallery Giorgio Armani on the beach with his mother in 1938 ( Alamy/PA ) In later years Armani became increasingly outspoken about the industry he had helped to shape. He described Anna Wintour, the powerful US Vogue editor, as not professional, and criticised the way some gay men dressed, declaring that a man has to be a man. He also called John Galliano, dismissed by Dior in 2011 after making antisemitic remarks, a genius but also a victim. To those who dismissed his work as too commercial or too restrained, Armani countered that his designs were created for the public, not the fashion industry. He never married and had no children. He is survived by his nieces Roberta and Silvana Armani, both of whom work for the company, and by his nephew Andrea Camerana, a board member of the group. open image in gallery In 2006 he served as guest editor of The Independent ( The Independent ) In 2006 he served as guest editor of The Independent, using the platform to highlight his wider cultural influence beyond fashion. 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 Giorgio Armani revealed his one life regret days before his death. The Armani Group announced that the Italian fashion icon died Thursday at the age of 91. While Armanis official cause of death hasnt been revealed, his health had been in decline for some time, and for the first time in his career, he was forced to miss his groups shows at Milan Mens Fashion Week in June. However, only days before his death, Armani made a big revelation about his life. During an interview with The Financial Times, published August 29, he shared the one thing he wished hed done differently throughout his career. I dont know if Id use the word workaholic, but hard work is certainly essential to success, he said. My only regret in life was spending too many hours working and not enough time with friends and family. Armani who dressed celebrities including Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, and Lady Gaga also discussed what could be next for his company after his death. Giorgio Armani says he regrets not spending enough time with friends and family before his death ( Getty ) My plans for succession consist of a gradual transition of the responsibilities that I have always handled to those closest to me, such as Leo DellOrco, the members of my family and the entire working team, he explained. I would like the succession to be organic and not a moment of rupture. Armani previously shared his reservations about putting his professional life before his personal one. Im scared of loneliness, he said during a 2020 interview with The Guardian. I dont really suffer regret. However, if I were to relive my life, I would strive to spend more time with friends and family. In a statement announcing Armanis death, his company said he had forged a vision that expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and pragmatism. It added that Armani had been mindful of the needs of the community and active on many fronts, especially in support of his beloved Milan. The fashion house described itself as a reflection of this spirit and pledged to uphold his values. A funeral chamber will be opened in Milan on Saturday and Sunday, the company said, with a private service to follow at a later date. At the time of his death, Armanis fortune was estimated at $12.1 billion. He remained sole shareholder and chief executive of the house he created in 1975, presiding over an empire that stretched from Emporio and Armani Exchange to haute couture, hotels, restaurants, cosmetics, and homeware. With one of the most recognizable names in fashion, Armani is regarded by historians and critics as among the most influential European designers of the 20th century. Known in Italy as Re Giorgio King Giorgio he was celebrated for his exacting standards, personally overseeing everything from advertising campaigns to the way models hair was styled before stepping on the runway. Many celebrities have paid tribute to the designer, including Cindy Crawford, who has a long working relationship with him. In fact, their relationship extended into her personal life, with Crawford wearing a navy Armani suit instead of a dress when she eloped with Richard Gere in 1991. On Instagram, Crawford wrote: Heartbroken to hear about the passing of a legend, Giorgio Armani. A true master of his craft. 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 Cigarette filters were widely introduced in the 1950s, ostensibly to make smoking less harmful. With growing public concern about lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases, the tobacco industry responded not by making cigarettes safer, but by making them seem safer. Filters were the perfect innovation not for health, but for public relations. Over 70 years later, we know that filters dont reduce harm. In fact, they may exacerbate some risks. By softening smoke and making it easier to inhale deeply, filters may actually raise the risk of lung cancer. In the early 1950s, one popular filter type even contained asbestos. Despite this, most smokers today still believe filters make cigarettes safer. Beyond the health deception, cigarette filters create an environmental disaster. Theyre made of a plastic called cellulose acetate. They dont biodegrade but break down into microplastics, polluting our rivers and oceans. open image in gallery By softening smoke and making it easier to inhale deeply, filters may actually raise the risk of lung cancer ( AFP/Getty ) And there are a lot of them. Cigarette butts are the single most littered item on the planet. An estimated 4.5 trillion are discarded each year, and roughly 800,000 metric tonnes of this plastic waste enter the environment annually. While legislation has restricted other single-use plastics like bottles, bags and straws, cigarette filters have largely escaped such regulatory attention. Under pressure, some tobacco companies now market biodegradable filters made from new materials. But these are a false solution. Even so-called biodegradable filters offer no health benefit and continue to pollute ecosystems. They serve the industry by creating an illusion of environmental responsibility, all while maintaining the false perception that filters themselves are benign or necessary. So why not ban cigarette filters outright? Cigarette filters are among the most harmful single-use plastics still in global circulation. And unlike many other pollutants, they serve no essential purpose. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control already advises against measures that sustain the perception of reduced harm, and cigarette filters fall squarely into that category. Banning cigarette filters would remove the illusion of safety from filtered cigarettes. It could reduce smoking prevalence, as unfiltered cigarettes are generally harsher and less palatable. open image in gallery Conservative MP Dame Caroline Dinenage recently called for a ban on plastic cigarette filters ( PA ) And it would eliminate one of the most widespread sources of plastic pollution, preventing hundreds of thousands of tonnes of plastic waste each year. If we can ban plastic straws, surely we can ban cigarette filters. In fact, its already been done. Santa Cruz in California, voted to ban cigarette filters in 2024. Now is the perfect time to act. Plastics are on the global conscience. This month in Geneva, world leaders negotiated what could become the first legally binding UN treaty addressing plastic pollution from production to disposal. This treaty is a rare opportunity to tackle the root causes of plastic waste globally. The current draft of the treaty includes cigarette filters, but only partially. Plastic cigarette filters are listed in Annex X, a category concerned with voluntary or mandatory restrictions. This leaves room for continued use, including so-called eco filters, and does not mandate a total phase-out. open image in gallery Banning cigarette filters would remove the illusion of safety from filtered cigarettes ( Getty/iStock ) If all cigarette filters (not just plastic ones) were listed in Annex Y, they would be set for a complete and mandatory ban. August negotiations continued without a final agreement, and negotiations will continue at a later date, meaning there is still time to act. Health and environmental groups, including the World Health Organization, Action on Smoking and Health, and the Stop Tobacco Pollution Alliance, are calling for strong commitments on cigarette filters. What could be stronger than an outright ban? Banning filters wont end smoking overnight or eliminate plastic pollution. But it would be a meaningful and symbolic step toward aligning environmental and public health goals. It would remove a harmful and misleading product from the market, reduce pollution and make cigarettes more honest. Jonathan Livingstone-Banks is a Lecturer and Senior Researcher in Evidence-Based Healthcare at the University of Oxford. Jamie Hartmann-Boyce is an Assistant Professor of Health Promotion and Policy at UMass Amherst. This article was originally published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article. Saatva classic mattress design and features Even before the mattress arrived, I was impressed by Saatva and its service. I received an email to schedule the delivery on a day that suited me and received a two-hour time slot. When it arrived (on time), it was delivered unboxed by the movers and placed on my bed, minimizing any need to maneuver it around. But when you do need to move it (it needs to be rotated every six months), there are handles on the side, and its fairly easy for two people to do. What also struck me was the lack of a chemical smell that many other mattresses Ive tested in the past have had. I tested the 11 1/2-inch, luxury firm classic mattress (Eva Waite-Taylor/The Independent) Depending on your sleeping position and size, it comes in three firmness levels: plush soft, luxury firm, and firm. Plush soft has a cushiony feel and is ideal for side sleepers and lighter people, luxury firm provides a medium firmness for all sleepers (and crucially, its said to be best for couples who cant agree on a firmness, which is why I ended up opting for this one), and firm for stomach and back sleepers, or heavier people. There are also two heights to choose from (11 1/2-inch and 14 1/2-inch I opted for the former, and it was a good fit for my queen-size bed frame), making it easier to pair with your bed frame. That being said, Id certainly recommend measuring which of the depths would fit best in your space, as the 11 1/2-inch feels high, even without a foundation. Both depths are packed with the brands premium layers. Speaking of layers, the mattress is made of sturdy, luxury materials. Without getting too technical, the innerspring features a supportive and durable coil base layer, which is wrapped in foam to deliver edge support, followed by more coils for pressure relief and a sliver of memory foam for back support. To complete it all is a luxe 3-inch pillow top, providing the perfect level of cushioning without being too soft. With its premium gold stitching, it certainly looks the part. Saatva classic mattress comfort and movement isolation As mentioned, I tested the 11 1/2-inch luxury firm queen mattress. I tend to prefer cushiony, hug-like softness, but I compromised for my partner, who favors a firm mattress. I was skeptical about how Id find this new level of firmness, but I found it to be supremely comfortable, delivering hotel-quality luxury at home. I also felt the benefits of the supportive technology at work, waking up with no aches and pains. The medium firmness of the mattress aids spinal alignment and provides excellent support (Eva Waite-Taylor/The Independent) It also has a decent amount of bounce, making moving around on it fairly easy but that does mean the movement isolation isnt the best Ive tested. To really assess this, I placed a glass of water on the mattress as I moved around slightly, and the glass sloshed about slightly. While not a deal-breaker, I can certainly feel my partner wriggling at night, so its something to consider if you are a light sleeper. As for Saatvas claims that the luxury firm is a good all-rounder, despite sleeping position or size and shape, Id say that the brand is on safe ground with this statement. Both my partner and I have found it a dream to sleep on, and Im glad I was forced to compromise on the firmness. Saatva classic mattress temperature regulation Where temperature regulation is concerned, I have yet to test it during the summer months, but even when it has been unseasonably warm in my apartment at night, Ive woken up sweat-free and slept comfortably. While its by no means a cooling mattress, its construction means that its breathable this is thanks to the dual-coil design that allows air to flow throughout the different layers and disperses body heat. Of course, when the warmer weather does (finally) arrive, Ill update this review with my findings on how it works to regulate temperature. Saatva classic mattress price The cost of Saatvas mattress has increased in recent years. That said, although its most certainly on the more premium side, I think its still very much worth its price tag if your budget stretches. The price changes depending on the size of the mattress, with the cost (before any discounts) of a twin being $1,399, going up to $2,998 for a split cal spring. Right now, you can save more than $300 on the Saatva classic mattress. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The sad literary girls are in uproar. The focus of our outrage? The one-and-a-half-minute trailer for Emerald Fennells Wuthering Heights movie, which arrived online on Wednesday with all the subtlety of, well, a trailer for an Emerald Fennell movie. Its the moment many Emily Bronte fans had been dreading ever since set photos emerged featuring Margot Robbie as Catherine, wearing a flouncy puffball of a wedding dress that looked more Eighties Sloane Ranger than 18th century, and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, grinning with a gold tooth. And somehow, this brief teaser manages to be even worse than wed imagined. I havent felt so personally attacked by a literary adaptation since Dakota Johnson started Fleabagging to the camera in Netflixs assault on Jane Austens Persuasion. Elordis Heathcliff seems to have been reimagined as one of the hulking male models who appeared on the cover of pulpy romance novels back in the day, all long hair, abs and brooding glances. Theres music from Charli xcx (Bronte meets Brat? Its a no from me). The colour grading has been amped up so that many of the settings resemble hyper-stylised music video backdrops. There are a lot of fingers being stuck into mouths, or into dead fish (Fennell is not one to shy away from turning subtext into screamingly obvious text). Wuthering Heights is getting the Saltburn treatment with shock tactics and more-is-more aesthetics replacing any real substance. Frankly, the trailer is every devotees worst fears come to life, soundtracked by Everything is romantic. It is, as one X (Twitter) user rather scathingly put it, the matcha Dubai chocolate labubu of film, a strange farrago of on-trend components (Jacob! Margot! Charli!) that seems to have been perfectly calibrated to rage-bait the internet rather than, you know, actually do any justice to the original. Why does it feel like such an affront? After all, bad film adaptations of literary works arent exactly rare. And, in theory, Wuthering Heights is just a book, as the films casting director Kharmel Cochrane put it when defending her choice of lead actors earlier this year; the decision to cast Elordi as Heathcliff, who is described in the book as dark-skinned, has proved to be another major point of contention, one that some reckon will flatten the nuances and complex dynamics of the original. But calling Wuthering Heights just a book underestimates just how strong a grip Brontes story still has on readers almost two centuries on from its publication. Its a novel that inspires a rare kind of devotion, especially among female fans. Theres a cult around Emilys one and only book that vastly exceeds the fervour inspired by her sister Charlottes most famous novel, Jane Eyre, and certainly outstrips the fandom for the underrated Anne. And with that adoration comes a protectiveness over this bleak marvel. A windswept Robbie and Jacob Elordi in Wuthering Heights ( Warner Bros ) Perhaps its down to the fact that many of us were introduced to the story of Cathy, Heathcliff and their appalling families when we were in our teens. Its a text that often crops up on the GCSE and A-level syllabus, sure, but its also the perfect literary accompaniment to the sort of big, messy feelings that come with adolescence. When you tune into the books emotional frequency at that impressionable age, its impossible to resist. Once youve aged out of those heightened moods and melodramas, though, its subtle and rich enough that you can still find more in the story; the A plot of the tormented lovers becomes just one part of an often harrowing tapestry of generational trauma. This version looks all style and precisely zero substance But what also makes us Wuthering Heights lovers just so defensive about our sacred text is the fact that its so frequently misunderstood. Fennells odd cocktail of anachronisms and BDSM overtones isnt the first time that the book has been misconstrued. Its often referred to (usually by people whove only really listened to the Kate Bush song) as a sweeping love story, but the reality is much more complicated. Its a book about class, family, and what happens when youre brought up on the very edge of civilisation. Thats why it feels almost painful to see Fennell about to flatten it out into a story about two very photogenic people having some vaguely subversive sex in barns. I cant put it better than the Twitter user who damningly wrote: Emily Bronte is rising from her grave as we speak, because why did they turn Wuthering Heights into Fifty Shades of Heathcliff and Cathy? Of course, Im not proposing that obsessively accurate films are the only way to go. Andrea Arnolds 2011 take on Wuthering Heights, more of a mood piece than a straightforward telling of the story, proves that you can truly summon up the heart of the book without hanging on to Brontes every word. But an adaptation has to stay true to the originals spirit in order for that playfulness to work and this version looks all style and precisely zero substance. Just like Saltburn, this Wuthering Heights seems designed to be clipped up and commented upon on TikTok. Perhaps getting so irate about her trailer is just playing into Fennells hands. Maybe this is all an elaborate attempt at trolling self-serious literary types with earnest opinions about which Bronte sister theyre most like. But still, its enough to make me (and, I presume, plenty of other Emily fans) want to climb out onto the wily, windy moors and scream into the void. HEFEI, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The future development of deep space economy is expected to focus on the sectors such as energy, internet, tourism and cultural creativity, with global market scale reaching trillion-U.S. dollar-level by 2040, according to a space conference held on Thursday in east China's Anhui Province. The details were shared by Shi Pingyan, chief engineer of China's Deep Space Exploration Lab, in a report at a sub-forum of the third International Deep Space Exploration Conference held in Hefei of Anhui Province from Thursday to Friday. The report highlights ten major sectors as the future trends of deep space economy and the expansion of the space economy featured by the development and utilization of extraterrestrial resources. These sectors include resource exploitation, internet, energy, biology, transportation, smart technologies, construction, tourism, security, and cultural creativity. Shi said that China's deep space exploration is progressing from scientific research and technological breakthrough to a new phase of economic empowerment and industry-driven development. The deep space economy is poised to become a core engine for cultivating new quality productive forces and driving the upgrade of the aerospace industry. He also called for international cooperation, technology innovation, government guidance and commercial impetus to develop the deep space economy. The third International Deep Space Exploration Conference, themed "Near-Earth Asteroids", focuses on asteroid detection, planetary defense, and resource utilization. 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 British woman who accused Jeffrey Epstein of abuse joined calls for Donald Trump to release all files connected to the convicted sex offender, as survivors shared emotional stories outside the Capitol. Anouska de Georgiou was the first woman from the UK to publicly allege she was abused by Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Speaking at the rally in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, she said victims had come together to have their voices heard. Fighting back tears, she said the birth of her daughter was a turning point. open image in gallery Anouska De Georgiou speaks at a news conference with alleged victims of disgraced financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein outside the Capitol ( Getty Images ) On the day she was born, I knew I had a responsibility to protect her and to protect all children, the former model said. I have to use my voice, the voice that had been silenced by fear and shame for so many years. De Georgiou alleged she was abused by Epstein when she was a teenager. She was one of eight victims gathered outside the Capitol on Wednesday, with the rally attracting hundreds of supporters and chants of release the files. The days of sweeping this under the rug are over. We the survivors say 'no more, De Georgiou said. open image in gallery Victims of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's abuse demanded the release the of so-called Epstein files ( AP ) I'm no longer weak, I am no longer powerless and I'm no longer alone. And with your vote, neither will the next generation, she continued. President Trump, you have so much influence and power in this situation. Please use that influence and power to help us, because we need it now, and this country needs it now. De Georgiou claims she and her daughter were threatened when she volunteered to be a witness in a lawsuit against Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 on sex trafficking and other charges and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. I have been followed, I have been stalked, she said. The fear is very real for us. open image in gallery De Georgiou embraces abuse survivor Marina Lacerda (R) ( Getty Images ) Virginia Roberts Giuffre, one of Epsteins most prominent accusers who died by suicide in April aged 41, was remembered at the rally. Friends, family and supporters described her as a champion for survivors of sexual abuse. When asked about survivors demands, Trump dismissed calls for more information about the Justice Departments Epstein investigation. "This is a Democrat hoax that never ends, he told reporters at the Oval Office Wednesday. Epstein was arrested in July 2019 and charged with child sex trafficking. He died in custody a month later while awaiting trial, with his death ruled a suicide. 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 Tech giant Apple lost over $16 million in a large-scale transnational scheme that saw fraudsters in California returning counterfeit iPhones, iPads, and other electronics to make a profit. Yushan Lin, 31, and Shuyi Xing, 35, both Chinese nationals living in Corona, were part of a larger group that smuggled phony Apple devices into the country before bringing them to Apple stores across Southern California to return them, federal prosecutors said. The counterfeit products were designed to appear authentic, with serial numbers matching those of real Apple customers in North America who had devices covered by Apple warranties. As part of the scheme, which spanned from at least December 2015 to March 2024, the fraudsters visited Apple stores in Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks, Pasadena, Irvine, and several other cities to seek help with their device, prosecutors said. Lin, Xing, and several others involved in the conspiracy would visit the stores and say their devices were defective, prompting the Apple employees to either repair or replace the counterfeits with a genuine Apple device. The group returned or attempted to return over 27,600 phony devices, costing Apple at least $16.2 million. ( Getty Images ) The scammers relied on rented mailboxes across Southern California to receive counterfeit shipments. Once they were in their hands, the real Apple devices were shipped to China and resold at a substantial profit, prosecutors said. Together, Lin and Xing attempted to return over 1,500 counterfeit devices to Apple stores, resulting at least $1,116,544 in losses to the company. Overall, the larger conspiracy group returned or attempted to return over 27,600 phony devices, costing Apple at least $16.2 million. Lin and Xing pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges involving wire and mail fraud. Xing also pleaded guilty to an additional count of conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a separate money laundering scheme, federal prosecutors said. They are set to be sentenced on December 10. Lin faces up to 20 years in federal prison, while Xing faces as many as 40 years. Four other defendants, including ringleader Wenhui Huang, 40, Yang Song, 38, Junwei Jiang, 38, and Zhengxuan Hu, 27, also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating the case. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An Alabama man has been arrested and charged after he drove to California and threatened an Orange County church, prosecutors said. Joshua Michael Richardson, 38, drove from Alabama to St. Michaels Abbey in Silverado Canyon, California, last month after sending a threatening email to do the Lords reaping at the church, according to a Wednesday statement from the Orange County District Attorneys office. Richardson was arrested on August 28 and charged with felony criminal threats and possession of six high-capacity gun magazines, brass knuckles, and a sword, prosecutors said. Investigators also recovered knives, a stun gun, body armor, duct tape, rope and walkie-talkies from his truck. The arrest was made just one day after a shooter opened fire during Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, killing two children and injuring 21 other people. Richardson is now being detained in the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange, public records show. The Independent has contacted his public defender for comment. Richardson was charged with 'felony criminal threats and possession of six high-capacity gun magazines, brass knuckles, and a sword,' prosecutors said ( Orange County Sheriff's Department ) St. Michaels Abbey first received a threatening email on August 18, prosecutors said. The sender identified by investigators as Richardson claimed to be the rider of the pale horse, which prosecutors say is a reference to one of the Four Horsemen in the Book of Revelation. The sender added that he was sent to do the Lords reaping before his harvest, which prosecutors say is an apparent reference to the end of the world. According to the Book of Revelation, the rider of the pale horse is the personification of Death who is given the power to kill through the sword, famine, disease, and wild animals, and is closely followed by Hades, who swallows the souls of the condemned, the district attorneys office said. The sender, who said he was traveling to the church soon, went on to claim he was Michael the Angel of Death, and that he chose St. Michaels Abbey because it still practices Michaelmas, the celebration of the Feast of St. Michael, according to prosecutors. Investigators say Richardson attended services at St. Michaels Abbey on August 26. Afterward, he followed the priest into a private area of the church. There, Richardson told him he arrived to do the Lords work and separate the weak from the weeds, prosecutors claim. Richardson also mentioned arriving from Alabama on a pale white horse, according to prosecutors. The priest contacted the police, and Richardson was arrested on August 28, according to the Orange County Sheriffs Department. While incidents like this can feel unsettling, they also highlight the power of community, the sheriffs department said in a statement on Tuesday. If something seems off, say something. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said officials refuse to allow threats and terror dissuade any person from practicing their faith without fear. The walls of our churches are not just symbols of sanctuary; they represent the most sacred places of worship and of peace, Spitzer said. No one should have to worship in fear that a stranger would walk through the door with the intent to carry out their own day of judgement and determine who lives and who dies. 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 100 cars were found submerged in the Chicago River as police continue their search for a couple at the center of a half-century-old cold case. On May 15, 1970, Edward and Stephania Andrews disappeared while they were out driving in their 1969 Oldsmobile. They had just left a cocktail party at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Chicago, but they never made it home, according to WGN9. The following Monday, the couple was reported missing. Police launched an investigation but never closed the case. Finding the couple has been a recurring goal for police in Chicago in the 55 years since their disappearance. They tried again in 1994 but were again left without an answer. Last week, the search continued, with members of the Chaos Divers dive team taking the plunge into the Chicago River to search for the wreckage of the couple's Oldsmobile. open image in gallery The Chicago River in downtown Chicago. The Chaos Divers, a team of scuba enthusiasts who assist police with cold cases, found nearly 100 cars submerged in the river during a recent dive. ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The Chaos Divers is a search and recovery team which uses sonar to help find missing people. The team often assist law enforcement when diving experts are needed for an investigation and documents its dives on a YouTube channel. Earlier this year, the divers assisted the Chicago police in a search of the Fox River. They helped uncover the remains of Karen Schepers, a 23-year-old woman who went missing in 1983. To date, the team has assisted on more than 20 cold case investigations. During the dive last week the team intended to assist with 10 local cold cases and found nearly 100 submerged cars while searching for the Andrews' Oldsmobile. open image in gallery A missing poster for Stephania and Edward Andrews, who went missing in Chicago in 1970. During a recent search for the couple's Oldsmobile in the Chicago River, a team of divers discovered 97 other submerged cars. ( Arlington Heights Police Department ) Over the last two days, weve been working the Chicago River and have located over 60 vehicles beneath the water. Starting yesterday evening and continuing through today, weve begun the process of clearing them, one by one, a spokesperson for the Chaos Divers said in a post on social media. After the first 60 cars were located, search crews continued to visit the site and found more, eventually locating 97 cars in total. "A lot of these are in piles, we have three piles that are ranging anywhere from 12 to 19 cars in one spot, so those are a little bit easier where we can put a diver down and they can bounce from car to car to car," Lindsay Bussick, the Chaos Divers manager, told Fox 32. "We are a little bit more interested in those cars that's kind of the one-off, or just one vehicle by itself because that's going to be more indicative of an accident, or even self-harm or foul play." Chicago police haven't offered an update or explanation on the discovery of the submerged cars. It's unclear at this time if any of the cars are tied to criminal cases or missing individuals. None of the vehicles found have been linked to the missing couple. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Police claim a Dallas mother stopped at McDonalds before bringing her infant son, who fell sick after being left in a hot car, to the hospital. The boy had died by the time they got there. According to an arrest warrant affidavit released by the Frisco Police Department, 27-year-old Vanessa Esquivel initially lied to investigators about what happened on August 16. She told police she had spent the day with her 15-month-old son, driving him around in a car with broken air conditioning. Temperatures that day climbed above 95 degrees, KDFW reports. However, authorities say they later confirmed with her employer, the Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, that Esquivel had worked a shift that afternoon from about 1:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. The affidavit states that she eventually drove her son to Medical City Plano, but investigators determined the child was already dead. On the way, she stopped at a McDonalds in North Dallas and ordered food. Vanessa Esquivel, 27, of Dallas, has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder ( Frisco Police Department ) She reportedly told staff at the hospital that she had been driving her son around and the car was hot because her air conditioning was not working. She also told them that she had been with him all day, the affidavit states. When police responded to the hospital for a report of an infants death, medical staff told officers the childs core body temperature was over 106 degrees, according to the affidavit. The following day, Esquivel called the spa and, on a recorded line, admitted to a coworker that she was responsible for her sons death. She said she had been between a rock and a hard place and could not find childcare while she worked on two clients. She also acknowledged that she expected to be arrested and asked the coworker not to leak the call. The boys name has not been released. Esquivel was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and is currently being held in the Collin County Jail on a $250,000 bond. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Michigan man who killed his roommate over an argument about Taco Bell is headed to prison. Mark Newsome, 55, pleaded no contest earlier this year to the manslaughter death of 72-year-old Dale Francis Mitchell. He was sentenced to 5 to 15 years behind bars with credit for 581 days, according to Fox 2 Detroit. A judge in Macomb County, north of Detroit, called the killing "senseless." Newsome was originally charged with second-degree murder, but the murder charge was dropped after he agreed to enter a no contest plea for manslaughter. The killing occurred in January at a boarding house where both Newsome, Mitchell, and other roommates were living at the time. open image in gallery Mark Newsome, 55, is headed to prison after killing his roommate over an argument about Taco Bell ( Roseville Police Department ) According to prosecutors, Newsome was asleep when Mitchell was accused of stealing a taco from another one of their housemates. The commotion over the stolen food woke Newsome up who then entered the room and got involved in the conflict. Newsome punched Mitchell in the head several times leaving him bloodied in the boarding house. Mitchell ultimately died from his injuries. "Oh God it scared the hell out of me, it really did," another roommate, Bob McQuade, told WJBK after the incident. "There was blood all over upstairs. To think a fight over food would escalate into murder. Its inconceivable." When police arrived they found Mitchell unconscious. During his sentencing hearing, Newsome told the court that Mitchell had tried to punch him in the face several days before their fatal encounter. "I dont have any criminal record. I didnt intentionally kill Dale," he said in court. "I had next to my bed what I called the Dale wall I made because I didnt trust him. Thats another thing, I was backed into a corner." The explanation did not satisfy Macomb County Judge Richard Caretti. open image in gallery A judge in Macomb County, north of Detroit, called the killing "senseless." ( Google Maps ) "To take a man's life over a Taco Bell meal that wasn't even the defendant's meal is beyond senseless," he said. Mitchells family provided the court with a victim impact statement which was read during the sentencing hearing. "This loss is particularly devastating because the good times spent with family and friends are replaced by the horrible visions of the pain he must have experienced as he was brutally beaten to death while begging for his life," the statement said. Prosecutor Peter Lucido said after the sentencing that the case makes clear the need for people to practice nonviolent conflict resolution. This tragic case underscores the responsibility we all share to resolve conflict without resorting to violence, he said. While todays sentence brings accountability, there are no winners when a life is lost. We hope this outcome serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, patience, and safety in shared living environments. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An Army veteran in Texas who allegedly shot and killed an 11-year-old who knocked on his door before running off has been given a $1 million bond. Gonzalo Leon, 42, has been charged with murder in connection to the August 30 shooting of Julian Guzman in East Houston, according to NBC 2 Houston. Leon appeared at a bond hearing on Wednesday and received a bond of $1 million, which was requested by prosecutors. They justified the amount by saying the case involved "someone intentionally killing an 11-year-old for knocking on their door." I think that a very high bond is warranted if the allegations involve someone intentionally killing an 11-year-old for knocking on their door, a Harris County Assistant District Attorney said during the hearing. Investigators told the court that witnesses reported seeing an 11-year-old running from a house after ringing its doorbell and then subsequently suffering a gunshot wound. open image in gallery A makeshift memorial for 11-year-old Julian Guzman, who was allegedly shot and killed by Texas Army veteran Gonzalo Leon. Leon has been charged with murder and his bond has been set at $1 million ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Investigators said that Guzman was doing "ding-dong-ditch" pranks with his cousins at a number of homes in the neighborhood prior to the shooting. Guzman's cousin told investigators that the 11-year-old knocked on Leon's door "several times" and ran away, but on the last attempt to knock at Leon's house, they saw a man emerge from the home's gate dressed in black and armed with a pistol. The man who exited the gate then allegedly fired the pistol once into the ground, and then fired it again at the victim, according to the investigators. Guzman was reportedly hit by the second shot fired and fell to the ground, his cousin told the police. The boy reportedly called for help and said he could not move. Guzman's cousin said he tried to "army drag" him away from the area, and a neighbor ran out to help. At that time, Leon allegedly walked back into his home. open image in gallery Gonzalo Leon Jr. was charged with murder in the fatal shooting of 11-year-old Julian Guzman ( Houston Police Department ) Local news outlets reported at the time that Leon was detained and questioned by police on the day of the shooting but was later released. Days later, murder charges were filed and he was arrested. We believe that this is an intentional and knowing act; this wasnt reckless behavior, District Attorney Sean Teare said. This was a direct shot to the back of an 11-year-old who was running away, hence the murder charge. Police who searched Leon's home said they recovered more than 20 firearms from the residence, including assault rifles, shotguns, and pistols. NBC 2 Houston learned that Leon formerly served in the Army as an Infantryman from August 2013 to December 2016, and later enrolled in the Texas National Guard from December 2016 to May 2021. During his time in the armed forces he deployed to Afghanistan and left the Army at the rank of specialist. During the bond hearing, prosecutors said that Leon had previously been charged with making terroristic threats in Harris County. Leon's attorney told the broadcaster that his client had never been in prison and had no prior criminal record, and that the case involving terroristic threats had been dismissed due to "mistaken identity." 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 Las Vegas woman has been charged with murder after shooting her boyfriend to death while posing with a gun for a photoshoot, investigators say. Allysandra Blea, 20, reportedly had a disturbing fascination with firearms, and had spoken previously of desires to shoot sex workers and the homeless, according to an arrest report. Police were called just before 5 a.m. on August 23 following reports of a man who had been shot. When police arrived, they found a man, later identified as 23-year-old Mark Gaughan, lying on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound, and he was later pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives from the Las Vegas Metro police determined that Gaughan was taking pictures of Blea posing with a gun by a vehicle. During the photoshoot, the gun discharged, and he was shot. open image in gallery Mark Gaughan, 23, (pictured) was pronounced dead at the scene on August 23. Investigators say he was shot by his girlfriend Allysandra Blea during a photoshoot where she posed with a gun. ( Gaughan family/ Dignity Memorial ) Investigators and the Clark County District Attorneys Office charged the 20-year-old with open murder with a deadly weapon on Aug. 26. She was arrested without incident that day and booked into the Clark County Detention Center. Detectives recovered a Polaroid photo of Blea posing with a gun and another of a girl brandishing a knife from the scene, according to the arrest report obtained by Fox 5 Vegas. The boyfriend of the knife-wielding model, who placed the 911 call, said he had checked the gun had been unloaded and that the magazine had been removed before giving it to Blea. His girlfriend later claimed that, when she returned outside after changing her outfit for the photoshoot, the magazine was loaded back in the gun, the arrest report stated. Blea told investigators that the shooting had been an accident and that she believed the gun had had no rounds in during the photoshoot. She also claimed to have taken a gun safety course befor handling the weapon, per Fox5. open image in gallery Blea told investigators that the shooting had been an accident and that she believed the gun had had no rounds in during the photoshoot ( Gaughan family/ Dignity Memorial ) However, according to the arrest report, investigators noted that Blea had a fascination with firearms following searches of her social media accounts and messages with friends. That included pictures of her posing with different weapons and building up an apparent arsenal of firearms. In one message, Fox5 reported Blea allegedly wrote, I wish I could shoot people with real guns and get away with it, then went on to speak about killing sex workers and homeless people. When Gaughan suggested the use of dummies for targets, Blea allegedly replied We gotta shoot someone real. Going to be the tunnels. If its only one a night the police will remain clueless, according to the arrest report. In review of her social media account, Allysandra appeared to have knowledge and experience of firearms and more importantly, shooting firearms, police wrote. Blea, who has been booked into Clark County Detention Center, is set to appear in court on October 2. The Independent has reached out to the Las Vegas Metropolitan police for further information or updates on the case. 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 desperate search for a missing child ended with a heartbreaking discovery early Thursday when investigators pulled the body of nine-year-old Renesmay Eutsey from a Pennsylvania river, authorities said. Hours later, her adoptive mother, 31-year-old Kourtney Malinda Eutsey, was taken into custody and charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the death of a child. Renesmay, who had special needs, was reported missing from her Dunbar home Wednesday afternoon. By 2 a.m. Thursday, troopers found her body partially submerged along the riverbank of the Youghiogheny River near Smithton, nearly 14 hours after the initial call. open image in gallery Kourtney Malinda Eutsey, 31, faces a slew of charges in connection with the death of her adoptive daughter ( Fayette Co. District Attorney ) The childs cause of death has not yet been released, but Fayette County District Attorney Michael Aubele said it was clear that Renesmay had been abused, adding that she looked malnourished and had several bruises and cigarette burns on her body. Its very apparent that this girl suffered, Aubele said. He also revealed that Eutsey had misled investigators and withheld information while they searched for her daughter. It is very frustrating, Aubele said, according to WPXI. We had a lot of search teams out. We had a lot of people looking for this girl. A lot of false hope. Eutsey and her partner told police Wednesday that the child had wandered away from their home on Third Street around 2 a.m., according to court documents obtained by The ObserverReporter. But as state troopers questioned the couple and other children in the house, their accounts began to unravel. The partner allegedly told police that she grounded Renesmay Tuesday night and last saw her when she went to bed. But a child in the house told investigators they heard Renesmay screaming and crying in her room before allegedly witnessing Eutsey and her partner kick her in the stomach, according to court documents. A child also claimed they overheard the women say they were going to take Renesmay to a river far far away and saw the girl being stuffed inside a black garbage bag, then into a tote bag, before Eutsey left the house. One of the children apologized for not telling the truth earlier and said, Im never going to see my baby sister again because shes in heaven. open image in gallery Renesmay, who had special needs, was reported missing from her home Wednesday afternoon. Hours later, her body was found partially submerged in a river ( Pennsylvania State Police ) Investigators reviewing surveillance footage spotted a vehicle arriving at the home shortly before 4 a.m. Wednesday, with someone going in and out multiple times. The information we were getting was not matching up with some of the things we were finding in surveillance (videos) and other investigative leads we had, Aubele said. We were eventually given the location of her body. When investigators questioned Eutsey, she told them Renesmay had burned herself in the bathtub about a week earlier but was never taken to a doctor. She claimed the girl vomited and choked Tuesday night, but despite attempts at CPR, had died. Eutsey admitted she panicked because she did not want to get into trouble due to the victims burn and how skinny she looked, according to court documents. She then told investigators that she took the childs body to the river to dispose of it. An autopsy by the Westmoreland County coroner will confirm how Renesmay died. Children & Youth Services has removed the other children from the home. Eutsey was arraigned on Thursday and ordered held in Fayette County Prison without bond because she is considered a threat to self and others, according to court documents. No one else has been charged, but authorities say the investigation is ongoing. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Pennsylvania couple are facing charges after authorities found five children living in deplorable conditions inside their Redstone Township home that functioned as a dungeon. James Russell Kahl, 65, and Carly Kahl, 41, are accused of keeping their children locked inside a home with no beds, boarded-up windows, feces splattered on bedroom walls, fleas and a limited supply of food and clothing, KDKA reported. They were arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment. Authorities were called to the couples Redstone Township home, about 46 miles south of Pittsburgh, last month after receiving reports that the children, ages five to 14, were living in deplorable conditions. The father, James Russell Kahl, would allegedly lock the children in their bedrooms from the outside, keeping them stuck inside most of the day and all of the night, authorities said. open image in gallery It is sickening. That is the only word to describe it. Its sickening, a trooper who responded to the scene said. ( CBS Pittsburgh/Youtube ) Authorities said the room functioned as a dungeon and was equipped with video cameras. Well, it appears that these children were basically held in captivity in this room. We have evidence that there were some cameras that were hard-wired to another room where these children were being observed. And again, there's no reason to be using a device like a stun gun, which is less lethal, not non-lethal, against the child," Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele said, according to WTAE. Police also noticed three deadbolt locks on the outside of the door, which had no handle, meaning the children could not escape. It is sickening. That is the only word to describe it. Its sickening, trooper Ally Wilson said. The children were removed from the household and have been placed into the care of Child and Youth Services. open image in gallery James Russell Kahl, 65, and Carly Kahl, 41, were charged with endangering the welfare of a child, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment after authorities found their five children in deplorable living conditions. ( Fayette County Sheriff's Department ) The poor conditions inside the home were apparently reported to authorities by a relative of the couple. "We are very, very happy that a family member was willing to come forward and report this to us. We are very happy with our Children and Youth Services, who removed these children, and our Belle Vernon state police, that continued this investigation long after the children were removed to make the arrest that they did today," Aubele said. A search warrant of the home was served on Wednesday and both parents were taken into custody. Authorities recovered a stun gun, a replica pistol, a surveillance camera, drugs, and drug paraphernalia. "Based on what I've seen, there's going to be a long process. I won't speak directly to the children, but I can't imagine, I mean, I can't imagine living in a household like what we saw," Aubele said. GAZA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Gaza health authorities said on Thursday that 84 Palestinians were killed and 338 wounded in Israeli attacks across the enclave in the past 24 hours. The latest casualties brought the Palestinian death toll since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, to 64,231, with 161,583 injured. At least 2,356 people have been killed and more than 17,244 wounded while trying to obtain food, the authorities said in a statement. Hospitals in Gaza also reported three new deaths from starvation and malnutrition in the past day, raising the total to 370, including 131 children, since the start of the conflict, according to the authorities. The war erupted when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and took hostages. Israel responded with a large-scale offensive that has devastated the coastal territory. This photo taken on Sept. 4, 2025 shows the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal. A historic funicular downtown, one of the Portuguese capital's most famous tourist attractions, derailed and crashed on Wednesday, leaving 17 people dead and 21 injured. Two of the injured died after being taken to the hospital, bringing the death toll to 17, the civil protection authority was cited by Lusa News Agency as saying. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) LISBON, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- A historic funicular downtown, one of the Portuguese capital's most famous tourist attractions, derailed and crashed on Wednesday, leaving 17 people dead and 21 injured. Two of the injured died after being taken to the hospital, bringing the death toll to 17, the civil protection authority was cited by Lusa News Agency as saying. Authorities said most of the injured have been identified, and foreign nationals are among the dead. The Chinese Embassy in Portugal told Xinhua that no Chinese nationals have been confirmed among the victims so far. The cause of the accident is under investigation, with multiple inquiries launched by relevant authorities. The Lisbon City Council has suspended the operation of all similar funiculars in the city and ordered technical inspections. Local media reported that Carris, the funicular's operator, had outsourced its maintenance to cut costs. The funicular's maintenance contract, previously held by the company MAIN, expired at the end of August, while a planned new tender was canceled in the same month, raising concerns about maintenance safeguards. Carris responded that all maintenance work had been duly carried out and all tendering procedures updated. The Portuguese government declared Thursday a national day of mourning, while the Lisbon City Council announced a three-day citywide mourning period. According to the National Statistics Institute, Portugal's tourism sector contributed 34 billion euros (39.22 billion U.S. dollars) to the national economy in 2024, representing 11.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). This photo taken on Sept. 4, 2025 shows the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal. A historic funicular downtown, one of the Portuguese capital's most famous tourist attractions, derailed and crashed on Wednesday, leaving 17 people dead and 21 injured. Two of the injured died after being taken to the hospital, bringing the death toll to 17, the civil protection authority was cited by Lusa News Agency as saying. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) This photo taken on Sept. 4, 2025 shows the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal. A historic funicular downtown, one of the Portuguese capital's most famous tourist attractions, derailed and crashed on Wednesday, leaving 17 people dead and 21 injured. Two of the injured died after being taken to the hospital, bringing the death toll to 17, the civil protection authority was cited by Lusa News Agency as saying. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) This photo taken on Sept. 4, 2025 shows the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal. A historic funicular downtown, one of the Portuguese capital's most famous tourist attractions, derailed and crashed on Wednesday, leaving 17 people dead and 21 injured. Two of the injured died after being taken to the hospital, bringing the death toll to 17, the civil protection authority was cited by Lusa News Agency as saying. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) This aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 4, 2025 shows the cruise ship "Star Voyager" of Star Cruises docking at Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Port in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province. The cruise ship carrying approximately 1,200 tourists from 16 countries and regions made its first visit to Sanya and inaugurated its maiden voyage on the Chinese mainland. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan) This aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 4, 2025 shows the cruise ship "Star Voyager" of Star Cruises docking at Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Port in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province. The cruise ship carrying approximately 1,200 tourists from 16 countries and regions made its first visit to Sanya and inaugurated its maiden voyage on the Chinese mainland. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan) This aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 4, 2025 shows the cruise ship "Star Voyager" of Star Cruises about to dock at Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Port in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province. The cruise ship carrying approximately 1,200 tourists from 16 countries and regions made its first visit to Sanya and inaugurated its maiden voyage on the Chinese mainland. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan) Tourists of the cruise ship "Star Voyager" of Star Cruises pose for photos at Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Port in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 4, 2025. The cruise ship carrying approximately 1,200 tourists from 16 countries and regions made its first visit to Sanya and inaugurated its maiden voyage on the Chinese mainland. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan) Augustus has divided these gold hits into corridors that make structural sense: a central belt running off the Wonder-Great Western-Celtic trend into Music Well, a northwest-trending Black Cat-Bulls Head zone, a Dodds-Redcliffe West corridor hugging the Mertondale-Mt Redcliffe shear near Genesis Hub and a northern Jindardie NE zone. But its the kind of model you drill, not just map. The cultural and statutory pathway also appears to be unlocked. A heritage protection agreement with the Watarra Aboriginal Corporation - the prescribed body corporate for the Darlot traditional owners - has been signed, clearing the way for heritage surveys across Clifton East, St Patricks, Dodds and Black Cat. Those surveys kicked off only a couple of weeks ago, the company expects to soon receive the report, then maiden drilling will follow. As Augustus Mining chief executive officer James Warren says: To have the chance to be the first to drill test high-grade, gold-bearing structures, which strike up to one kilometre, will be an exciting time for the company and were looking forward to the opportunity that lies ahead. Warren, who was only appointed to the leadership role in the past month, arrives with a playbook built for this postcode. He helped grow Echo Resources from 350,000 ounces to more than 1.8 million ounces before Northern Star wrote a $240 million cheque for the story. Executive chairman Brian Rodans view is straightforward: Warren brings technical excellence and strategic vision with a track record of unlocking value. Its the kind of fuel you want in the tank when youre pointing a reverse circulation drill rig into virgin structures. The macro wind is finally at Augustus and other explorers backs. Gold has been tearing up the charts to record highs in 2025 on a mix of rate-cut expectations and delivery, safe-haven bids and persistent central-bank appetite. The spot price has vaulted past and is now holding above $5000 per ounce. The World Gold Councils latest read shows central banks are still adding to their reserves and investment demand is surging as ETFs and bar and coin buyers return to the fray. For a greenfields explorer and pure gold play about to drill-test outcropping veins with visible gold, a buoyant bullion price doesnt just help sentiment, it opens equity windows and fattens the risk-reward calculus. Theres also a strategic kicker beyond the WA heartland. Augustus has completed its purchase of its PNG vehicle, ACMPNG, through which it has also acquired an exploration licence application for the Mt Kare project in PNG. Augustus is second-in-time to develop the highly prospective Mt Kare gold project in Papua New Guinea, where historical exploration has identified five separate areas of mineralisation, some high-grade intercepts and bonanza zones. The company is now second-in-time for the licence after the original first-in-time applicant, Global Mining Group, was rejected by PNGs regulatory authorities. The countrys Mineral Resource Authority and Mining Advisory Council assess licence applications in the order they are received. Private company Tribune Mt Kare Gold Limited currently holds the cards in the first-in-time position. Augustus says it intends to actively pursue the application and granting of an exploration licence at Mt Kare, which may include objecting to other licence applications or negotiating to consolidate other applications to expedite the grant process. According to the company, PNGs mining licensing authorities expect successful applicants to hit the ground running with a tangible work program, sound technical backing and a healthy financial standing to advance Mt Kare through pre-feasibility and definitive studies to mine development within a minimum five years. Rodman will be key to the process. The Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy fellow has more than 48 years of mining experience, over a decade of involvement in PNG and an international track record of developing open-pit and underground mines. Non-executive director Darren Holden and general manager Andrew Ford will contribute their significant technical and geological chops, while CEO Warren has a PhD in intrusives, which should come in handy as the company prepares to chase intrusive-related gold in Mt Kares orogenic setting. I was managing director of ACMPNG in 2012-13 when it was awarded a contract to carry out the stage 1 underground exploration drilling and mine development at the Mt Kare gold project, Rodman says. ACMPNG was responsible for assisting with the mine design and provided equipment and expertise to construct the Mt Kare portal and underground mine. Augustus has positioned itself as an applicant for the Mt Kare project through the purchase of ACMPNG, which holds a second-in-time exploration licence application, and thus holds an opportunity to potentially secure future access to the Mt Kare gold project. Historic work at Mt Kare, lodged under the old 2004 JORC code, points to 43 million tonnes at 1.5g/t for 2.1 million ounces of gold in the ground sitting about 15 kilometres southwest of the giant Porgera mine in the same mineralised province. Its a well-worn hunting ground for ounces and a useful option if tenure falls the companys way. And its worth noting, Mt Kare isnt just a dot on a map - its folklore in PNG gold circles. The place erupted into a full-blown gold rush in 198890 as thousands of local miners descended on rich alluvial clays, a scene that echoed the nineteenth-century rushes. The geology mirrors Porgera, and the districts long memory of alluvial and hard-rock production underlines why Mt Kare continues to command attention decades after the first nuggets sparked the stampede. Indochine Mining, now Summit Gold, bought Mt Kare in 2011 for about $27 million - 37 per cent payable in cash and 64 per cent in shares - with plans to progress the project to a bankable feasibility study within 18 months. It was discovered in 1987 by Conzinc Riotinto and has had about $75 million of exploration expenditure, including at least 350 drill holes. While Augustus works through the regulatory and planning challenges in PNG, back in Leonora, the near-term script is clear. Finish the heritage process, run soils where outcrop fades, then send the rig into the obvious: Clifton East, St Patricks and Dodds first, with Black Cat East and Redcliffe West waiting their turn. Augustus isnt confusing chips for ounces. But when youve got visible gold at surface, multi-ounce grades across hundreds of metres of strike, fertile intrusions lighting up the maps and a team thats already grown and sold ounces in the postcode, momentum starts to look less like luck and more like a plan. And thats Augustus right now: a fresh CEO, big ground in Australias gold heartland, heritage ticks in the rear view mirror and targets itching for a first pass. If the first RC sings for this sub-$10 million market cap company while bullion is howling, Music Well could go from rehearsal to headline very quickly - and Mt Kare offers a whole new stage if the curtain lifts. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Eclipse Metals has renewed its exploration licence for its newly dubbed Kamittalik project in a significant step forward for its southwest Greenland operation. The licence is now extended to the end of 2027. The company has redefined the licence boundary to exclude previous overlap with the Gronnedal military zone to ensure clear operational and regulatory separation, while maintaining access to its core rare earth element exploration area. A flooded Ivigtut open-pit cryolite mine and local infrastructure. Eclipse Metals Ivigtut project in southwest Greenland lies within the companys mineral exploration licence, which has been renewed to December 2027. Ivigtut was the worlds only known source of naturally occurring cryolite, once used in aluminium production. The development strengthens Eclipses path towards securing a mining licence for its Ivigtut and Gronnedal projects, which host key critical minerals vital for the global energy transition and the development of many modern technologies. Eclipses Gronnedal project hosts an estimated inferred mineral resource of 89 million tonnes at 6363 parts per million total rare earth oxides (TREO), which places the emergent deposit among other notable rare earth projects in Western-aligned regions. The special pleasure of But Also John Clarke lies in discovering that the John Clarke seen and heard in family home movies, tape recordings and so forth looks, sounds and behaves exactly like the John Clarke beloved by the public. As his daughter Lorin recounts in this fondly admiring documentary tribute, she and her family shared him with strangers not just the millions of Australians who watched him on telly, but the flesh-and-blood strangers who were drawn to him whenever he walked down the street, and who he was more than happy to stop and have a chat with. I didnt know the late John Clarke, but more than most comedians anywhere, he gave the impression of being knowable. In turn, this public Clarke was always more or less the same which was the central joke of the interview sketches he and Bryan Dawe performed for many years, first on A Current Affair and then on the ABC, where he famously impersonated a wide range of public figures without attempting to resemble anyone other than himself. It wasnt an act, it turns out, or else it was an act hed perfected to the point where he could keep it going indefinitely. In any context, theres the deadpan self-delight, the fascination with how much and how little words can mean, the knack for making complicated things simple and vice versa. Clarke as Fred Dagg, the farmer and political sage launched in 1971. Credit: Hello is the main thrust of my argument, we overhear him saying in a characteristic answering machine message to his daughter. You can unpackage the complexity of that and consider it in due time. Its dad humour raised to the nth degree, except no one other than Lorin and her sister Lucia ever had a dad like John Clarke. As were reminded here, one of the remarkable things about him is that he had, in a sense, two quite separate careers: prior to his success as a multimedia satirist in Australia, he had become a national icon in New Zealand in the guise of the gumbooted farmer Fred Dagg (the gumboots, were informed, are preserved in Aucklands Te Papa museum, along with his singlet, hat, and shorts). Let me tell you the truth, says Spike Lee. What he is about to tell me, he says, is how he came to make his new thriller and moral tale, Highest 2 Lowest, his fifth film with Denzel Washington. Out of nowhere, the phone rang and I didnt recognise the number. It was Denzel, saying Ive got a script. Ill send it FedEx. Read it and call me back. Even before I hung up the phone, I knew I was doing it. There is a rollicking, rollercoaster quality to any conversation with Spike Lee; you need to hold tight as answers, not necessarily to the questions asked, come from every direction. The idea that he would impulsively agree to do a script sight unseen seems completely in character. So I agreed to the project, not even knowing what it was. Later on, I realised 19 years had elapsed since we made Inside Man together. So I was in. And you know what that shows? Because Denzel and I have talked about it. Two words. You can switch them if you want to. Love and trust. Or trust and love. Long-time collaborators Spike Lee and Denzel Washington on the set of Highest 2 Lowest. Credit: Apple TV+ What the script turned out to be was this story of David King, a music producer in Brooklyn Lees stamping ground, to which he is passionately committed whose business is hanging in the balance when his son is kidnapped. Trey (Aubrey Joseph) is taken along with another boy the same age, who is the son of his old friend and driver Paul Christopher (Jeffrey Wright). The kidnapper is a disgruntled aspiring rap star called Yung Felon (played by real rap star A$AP Rocky) whose ransom texts are a scrambled mix of threat and longing; he is clearly new to this game. He is demanding $US17.5 million, a sum he knows King has recently acquired from new investors. He volunteers to let the drivers son go, but makes a crucial mistake; he frees Kings son Trey instead. Now it is Kyle, the drivers son (Elijah Wright) held captive for the same ransom. King is torn. Is he really going to turn over all his businesss available cash for somebody elses son? Murray Watt has approved his first coal mine as federal environment minister, granting Glencore the greenlight to extend its Ulan thermal coal mine near Mudgee by two years to 2035 to access an additional 18.8 million tonnes of coal. The decision, which comes as the government considers its 2035 emission reduction target under the Paris Agreement, has prompted criticism from climate groups who say the government cannot claim to be serious about addressing climate change while approving additional coal mining. Environment Minister Murray Watt faces criticism for approving a coal mine expansion in NSW. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The federal environment minister has limited grounds on which to oppose coal mine expansions, and the government has so far opposed including a climate trigger to expand them to also consider the impact on climate change. Australian Conservation Foundation climate program manager Gavan McFadzean said: If the Albanese government keeps approving new coal projects, then its climate policy is to make the climate crisis worse. Advertisement Eating outFood Striking new champagne bar-bistro hides in plain sight in the Valley Its cellar holds about 14,000 bottles showcasing more than 360 cuvees. Theres also a gun ex-Ecco head chef onboard in the bistro. Take a look inside. Matt Shea September 4, 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 Theres a lot of Megan Nunn in Winnifreds. Even the venues name is a reference to Nunns own grandmother, Winnifred Barrett. When she was alive, we used to tease about opening a champagne-coffee lounge together, Nunn says, smiling. She used to say, Dont speak so much rot when I said I wanted to call it after her. Winnifreds opened on Arthur Street in early August. Markus Ravik Winnifreds, which opened on Arthur Street in Fortitude Valley in early August, is also inspired by Nunns visits to the Champagne wine region when she was battling brain cancer. It was during these trips that she fell in love with the grower champagne that sits at the heart of Winnifreds. I was received by the same warmth and generosity and kindness and non-judgment as she gave to everyone who visited her in her little home in Mount Gravatt, Nunn says. Advertisement Related Article Perspective Bogans? Really? Thats not my Logan experience I felt so welcome in Champagne and I was so unwell. I just thought when people come here, I want them to feel like theyre coming home and theyll receive that same [care]. Winnifreds taps into Australian drinkers burgeoning interest in grower champagne, which sets itself apart from house champagne by typically being sourced from a single growers estate-owned vineyard (non-vintage house champagnes such as Moet & Chandon and Dom Perignon tend to blend grapes from different vineyards and sub-regions to create a consistent style of wine). Winnifreds green granite bar sits at the front of the venue. Markus Ravik The venue boasts 14,000 bottles in its cellar showcasing more than 360 cuvees from 60-plus growers and grands marque houses. There are also five champagnes available by the glass that will rotate regularly. Advertisement Grower [champagne] is about the plot it comes from, the character of the winemaker and the vintage, Nunn says. Towards the back is the 60-seat bistro. Markus Ravik I really felt like Etienne Sandrin [from Celles-sur-Ource] was perfect for this afternoon because its just really soft and delicate; its not too big. Whereas other growers, theyre massive champagnes. Theyre great with meat, and I love them because they all have their own character. Beyond champagne, theres a short menu of French wines, French-style beer by Northgates FICK Brewing and a small selection of cocktails. Food isnt an afterthought, with award-winning chef Antoine Potier (formerly head chef at Ecco and sous chef at Restaurant Dan Arnold) charged with creating a seasonal bistro menu that reflects the Champagne region. Advertisement Upstairs is a sizeable private dining room. Markus Ravik Entrees include Parisienne gnocchi with watercress, sour cream, abondance cheese, vin jaune and walnut, quail with sauce foie gras, leeks and mushrooms, and beef tartare with chives and bone marrow served with a grain crisp. For mains, you might order a barley risotto with comte cheese, local mushrooms and black garlic, market fish with turnips, and duck with an agrumes sauce made from cumquats, and served with carrots and jus. The venues facade features a striking brick screen that lights up at night. Markus Ravik Its all keenly priced and Nunn says it will change regularly. Advertisement The venue itself suits Nunns ambitious vision and is split over two floors into different areas, with a lengthy green granite bar out front, the moodily lit 60-bistro with tanned leather banquettes out the back and a sizeable private dining room upstairs. Almond-fed pork with parsnip, pickled Apple and mustard jus. Markus Ravik Tim Stewart Architects has coloured the different rooms and spaces to reflect the different subregions of Champagne, with the venue hiding in plain sight behind a striking brick screen that lights up at night. Pride of place, naturally, is a painting of the eponymous Winnifred. Moreton Bay bugs with remoulade, champagne veil and lemon myrtle. Markus Ravik Advertisement She would be proud, Nunn says. The painting of her, sometimes I think it blinks. I get a bit emotional but shed be really proud. Open Tue 4pm-late, Wed-Sat 11am-late 34 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley winnifreds.com.au 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. The moment a Virgin Airlines pilot raised the alarm about a live-firing exercise by Chinese warships in the Tasman Sea can be revealed after Nine News obtained audio of cockpit calls under freedom of information laws. A lack of notice before the drill, which took place in international waters between Australia and New Zealand in February, forced the diversion of 49 aircraft and raised tensions between the Australian and Chinese governments. A Virgin Airlines pilot raised the alarm about a live-firing exercise by Chinese warships. Credit: Monique Westermann Weve just had a warning from a Chinese naval taskforce that theyre doing a live-firing exercise, the pilot of Virgin flight VA161 from Sydney to Queenstown told an air traffic control team in Australia. Is anyone aware of that? Air traffic control said it would check. The pilot then followed up with another request for more details, asking: Did they advise a level that theyd be firing to? The High Court has thrown out Ben Roberts-Smiths last-ditch bid to appeal against his damning defamation loss, putting an end to seven years of litigation costing tens of millions of dollars. On Thursday, the nations highest court refused the former Special Air Service corporals application for special leave to appeal against a decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court, which had rejected his bid to overturn a decision that found he had committed war crimes. Ben Roberts-Smith at the Federal Court in Sydney in May. Credit: Sam Mooy Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient, launched the defamation case against The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald in 2018, alleging the newspapers defamed him in a series of articles that year suggesting he was a war criminal. The High Court said the application raised no question of legal principle and the proposed appeal had insufficient prospects of success. A record number of single women are using IVF as Australias health ministers prepare to consider a regulatory overhaul of the fertility sector after a series of disastrous errors. The latest official analysis of every IVF cycle across Australia and New Zealand also revealed the chances of having a baby may depend on the fertility clinic performing the treatment, with two clinics reporting success rates of just 5 per cent. The names of the clinics have not been made public. Charlotte Storey with daughters Ava, 3, and Rose, 5. I just wake up in the morning and I still cant believe Ive got two beautiful girls, she says. Credit: James Brickwood Single women and same-sex female couples accounted for one in five in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles in Australia in 2023, highlighting the increasing diversity of IVF parents, the latest data from the Australian and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database (ANZARD) shows. Most people would picture heterosexual couples when they think about who is using IVF, but its increasingly being used to create modern, non-traditional families, said Professor Georgina Chambers, director of the National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit at UNSW and lead author of the report. GAZA/JERUSALEM, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Wednesday rejected Hamas' proposal for reaching a comprehensive ceasefire deal in Gaza to end the war, saying its army will continue to prepare for a major attack on Gaza City. In a press statement released on Wednesday, Hamas reiterated its willingness to reach a "comprehensive deal" under which Israeli hostages in Gaza would be released in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. According to Hamas, the deal would also include a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the reopening of border crossings to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid and essential supplies, and the start of reconstruction efforts. Hamas also voiced support for the establishment of an independent national administration composed of technocrats to take immediate responsibility for managing Gaza's civil affairs. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the statement as "a spin." In a statement issued by his office, Netanyahu said Israel would agree to end the war only if Hamas accepts full Israeli security control over the Gaza Strip, the demilitarization of Hamas and Gaza, the establishment of a non-Palestinian administration, and the release of all hostages. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also rejected the Hamas offer, saying the army is continuing preparations "at full strength" to seize Gaza City. Katz warned that Hamas will "soon understand that it must choose between two options: accepting Israel's terms to end the war -- first and foremost the release of all hostages and disarmament -- or seeing Gaza reduced to the fate of Rafah and Beit Hanoun." After Hamas accepted a Qatar-brokered proposal last month, Israel neither responded nor submitted it for cabinet approval. Last week, Netanyahu said Israel would consider a comprehensive deal, but he also indicated that such an agreement could not be finalized in the near term. Israel's nearly two-year offensive has left the Palestinian enclave in ruins and caused widespread famine. According to health authorities in Gaza, at least 63,746 people have been killed by Israeli strikes and gunfire since October 2023. AFL legend Mick Malthouse has described being stabbed in the chest with a screwdriver as he fought off intruders who had tried to break into his East Melbourne home. The 72-year-old, a premiership coach at Collingwood and West Coast (twice), was assaulted about 12.30am on Thursday, and the attackers are still on the loose. Police said Malthouse sustained minor injuries but declined medical treatment. Describing the incident on ABC Radio Melbourne on Thursday afternoon, Malthouse said he had been lying awake when he heard strange noises at the door of his apartment. Grabbing a piece of exercise equipment from under his bed, he went to investigate. Expert tips to help you do your best in this years VCE, plus meet the students doing Year 12 differently. In year 12, theres a lot of pressure to get the ATAR you need for your dream degree. But remember, an ATAR is just one of many ways to pursue your career aspirations. At La Trobe University, there are multiple pathways into your ideal course. Going straight from year 12 to university with the required ATAR is one path, but La Trobes Pathways and Entry Program Finder is a great first step for both domestic and international students to find an alternative path. There are myriad pathways into a students preferred field of study and career. For students who need a stepping stone into their dream degree, packaged offers are a great option. The university offers a range of bundled popular courses where you can complete a diploma to secure a guaranteed place in a bachelors degree. In fact, successfully completing a diploma often allows you to progress into the second year of a bachelors degree, so you can hit the ground running. For example, through a packaged offer, you could undertake a diploma in health sciences and then progress to studying a bachelor of health sciences. Another option is to complete a diploma in business, then move into a bachelor of accounting. These are just some of the packaged offers available, with others including criminology, global studies and biological sciences. An alarming number of Australian women have been killed in recent years. Find out more about their lives. Some of the cases are still before the courts. Lawyers for convicted killer Andre Rebelo claim an unchallenged comment made by his younger brother during his trial proves he couldnt have murdered his mother. Rebelo, 29, was sentenced to 25 years jail over Colleen Rebelos death in April, five years after the 58-year-old was discovered dead in the shower of her Bicton homes ensuite by her youngest son, Fabian. Colleen Rebelo was killed by her son Andre because he wanted to claim on her life insurance. During Rebelos trial, Fabian testified that when he discovered his mothers body around 2.30pm on May 25, 2020, the water temperature was just a regular temperature that you would use to shower in. Rebelos lawyers have now applied to overturn his conviction based on the statement, arguing it proves he couldnt have killed his mother, as if he did, there would have been no hot water left in the showers gas hot water system. We will always be attentive to your interests and attentive to the Indian Australian community, and we want to be thankful for the contribution they made to Australia. Loading Ley said she was fighting for every single Australian, no matter where you came from. And our Australian Indian community is amazing, you contribute as Australian Indians so much to our country, she said. We know how hard you work, your family values, and the contribution you make across this country. And as opposition leader, I value that incredibly. Liberal frontbencher Julian Leeser, who is the chair of the Parliamentary Friends of India and has a large Indian community in his northern Sydney electorate of Berowra, did not directly criticise Price. He told ABC Radio National that Indian Australians were a wonderful community involved widely in civic endeavours in his electorate and had fought for their country. But as Liberals sought to mitigate the fallout, Labor launched a political attack on the opposition. All week, weve seen Coalition senators falling over themselves to get into the media and blame migrants for housing shortages the Coalition oversaw, Environment Minister Murray Watt said during question time in the Senate. And of course, it led to yesterdays interview on the ABC by Senator Nampijinpa Price someone the Liberals were so desperate to poach from the Nationals who made a terrible smear on the Indian Australian community. That community makes a huge contribution to our country, and its one that our side of parliament is incredibly proud of. Senator Nampijinpa Price and the leader of the opposition should apologise for these offensive remarks. Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly also addressed the Indian diaspora in question time. Theyve told me that they did not feel safe and they did not feel secure after the rallies that we saw on Sunday. And theyve also told me that comments by some political leaders have exacerbated their fear and shattered their sense of security, Aly said. I want to say to Indian Australians, this is our message. You do not have to justify your belonging in this country. We know you. We value you. Price blames ABC questioning for remarks Prices comments came after Indian Australians described being afraid to travel into cities because last weekends rallies singled out high levels of immigration from India in their promotional material. One man described being pointed at while someone shouted, deport, deport, deport. The senator said she only wanted to talk about Labors mass migration agenda when she appeared on the ABCs Afternoon Briefing on Wednesday. Then I was further pursued on this line of talking, she said. What I did was point out the fact that, yes, Indian migrants are the second-largest migrant group to this country, and soon to be the largest migrant group to this country. A recent Redbridge poll told us that 85 per cent of those who have Indian ancestry and thats my children included by the way 85 per cent voted for Labor ... So, these were the facts that I was pointing out. Loading Sharma on Thursday said, that is not how we see it. I am not attracted to this idea that we should be parcelling people up according to how we think they vote on, what their political sympathies are. That is a recipe for social division and the opposite of social cohesion, he said. A transcript of Prices ABC interview shows she first raised the false claim about the government preferencing certain migrant groups after she was asked whether she thought Australians marching about immigration were concerned about the number or type of migrants. It is definitely the core number. And of course there is focus from this government to be getting them from particular countries over others, Price responded. She was then asked twice to clarify whether that meant Labor was actively running a migration program to bring in people open to the governments ideas. Price said: absolutely. Loading Host Patricia Karvelas then asked twice who, in particular, Price was referring to. Australias biggest businesses are pleading for bipartisan climate policy as the government prepares to announce its newest emissions reduction pledge, while warning an overly ambitious target would cost half a trillion dollars in a decade. The Business Council of Australia, which represents more than 100 of the nations largest firms, has released a report from consulting firm McKinsey & Company arguing that up to $150 billion in gas and coal exports would be cut each year if Labor tried to reduce emissions by 70 per cent by 2035. Climate groups are privately critical of the McKinsey report. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen in a heated exchange on energy prices on Thursday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Australians would need to buy more electric vehicles, and airlines would have to use more sustainable fuels, the modelling shows, and nearly 60,000 new workers would be needed by 2030 to build projects a fourfold rise on 2022 levels. The governments climate adviser is expected to soon recommend a range of about 65 to 70 per cent for reductions by 2035. It is also expected that Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen will land in that vicinity when he announces updated targets this month, alongside more details about how farmers, miners and households will need to change habits. Robo-debt victims and their families have been awarded the largest class action settlement in Australian history after the Albanese government agreed to settle an appeal for an extra $475 million in compensation. A royal commission into the Coalition governments policy, which hounded more than 500,000 Australians for welfare repayments they did not owe, said the scheme was illegal, cruel, and the fallout utterly mishandled. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland called the scheme heartless and disastrous. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The commonwealth had settled the case in 2020 for $112 million, but law firm Gordon Legal launched an appeal for further payouts following the royal commission in 2023, which revealed new evidence of serious misconduct from senior public servants who designed and ran the scheme while knowing it was unlawful. The victims will receive a further settlement of $475 million in compensation from the government, pending approval from the Federal Court. Including legal and administration costs, the settlement will cost the Commonwealth up to an extra $548.5 million. The same childcare organisation which this week sent a toddler home with the wrong grandparent is under investigation for other serious incidents, including losing track of a three-year-old who ran into the middle of a busy road. First Steps Learning Academy, which owns 11 centres across Sydney operated by two childcare providers, is under investigation by the regulator after a string of incidents at least three of its centres. One mother, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect the identity of her child, detailed the moment she learnt her daughter had been found in the middle of a busy road last month, while under the care of the companys Liverpool centre. A childcare centre that sent a toddler home with the wrong man had a litany of compliance issues, the Herald can exclusively reveal. Credit: Sam Mooy The mother said the centre originally informed her that her daughter had roamed into the car park and an educator was right behind her. The news The short-lived Brisbane pill testing clinic, defunded by the LNP after it came to power but planning to reopen this week with philanthropic funding, has had to delay its plans. The Loop Australia chief executive Cameron Francis, who oversaw the CheQpoint testing program, said government threats had forced their hand. The threats have not been followed by any direct contact from the government, which the organisation claimed had declined multiple meeting requests ahead of Fridays planned service restart. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. Fico is in China for 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 Bin) BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong in Beijing on Thursday, respectively. Fico and Gan are in China for 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. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. Fico is in China for 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 Bin) When meeting with Fico, Han said China stands ready to work with Slovakia to enhance exchanges of governance experience and further expand and deepen practical cooperation under the strategic guidance of the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. Fico said Slovakia remains firmly committed to deepening the strategic partnership with China, supports the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), and looks forward to strengthening inter-party exchanges with China. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. Gan Kim Yong is in China for 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) During his meeting with Gan, Han expressed China's willingness to work with Singapore to fully implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and promote further development of bilateral relations. Gan spoke positively of the GGI and noted that China's economic outlook remains sound in the long run with enormous potential. He also expressed confidence in the broad prospects of Singapore-China cooperation and looked forward to deepening and expanding practical cooperation while enhancing friendly exchanges between the two countries. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. Gan Kim Yong is in China for 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) Advertisement InspirationAfrica Opinion The wildlife in Africa is extraordinary, but theres one thing better Sue Williams Contributing writer September 4, 2025 2:15pm September 4, 2025 2:15pm 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 waiter, wearing a faded black tailcoat and white gloves in a grand hotel that had seen much better days in the rundown game park in Uganda, smiled as he handed me the breakfast menu. I asked for the muesli. I am sorry, madam, he said, but we have run out of muesli. The porridge? No, none of that either. Pancakes? Apologies again. It was time to shift tack. So how about you tell me what you do have? I suggested. He took a deep breath. Madam, he said, pausing for effect, we have we have an egg. Advertisement We looked solemnly at each other and then, at exactly the same moment, both broke into laughter, and didnt stop until we cried. I think then, I said when wed eventually recovered, I should have an egg. He grinned. Very wise, madam. Photo: Jamie Brown It might be the call of the wildlife the roars of the lion, leopard, elephant and rhino that attracts the first-time visitor to Africa, but its the people who bring them back. That can be the easy friendliness of tour guides taking you to see those animals, the simple joie de vivre of villagers outside major cities, or the readiness of some locals, despite obviously facing extremely tough times, to find the funny side to almost everything. Advertisement On a continent whose inhabitants are generally nowhere near as rich, materially, as us, its refreshing to see how generous they are in forging meaningful human connections, and how keen they are to connect with a good laugh. Thats all sorts, too. I was once a guest at a Maasai engagement ceremony in northern Kenya, and was invited to dance, amid much merriment at my clumsiness, alongside the bride-to-be. I joined a group of San people in Namibia previously known as bushmen on a hunting expedition and, when they failed to hit a dik-dik with an arrow, was transfixed to watch them rolling around the ground in hilarity. All smiles Maasai people in Tanzania. iStock Another time, in southern Ethiopia, the joke was on me as I had to squeeze into a narrow canoe made from a tree trunk to cross a swollen river, and only just managed to fit in. The crowd watching me fell silent as I struggled but, when I smiled at my predicament, it gave them all permission to absolutely roar with laughter. Of course, it would be wrong to generalise too broadly. Advertisement Just like on any continent, people in separate countries in Africa, and even in varying areas of the same nations, can differ hugely from each other, in language, culture, customs and beliefs. There are large populations of Muslims in North Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Swahili Coast and West Africa, and Christians in East Africa, Central Africa and Southern Africa. There are many kinds of political systems, as well as places still scarred by their colonial past, and others that have risen in their wake. There are intense poverty, and incredible riches. Related Article Savvy traveller Many of us want to go to Africa, but are too nervous. We shouldnt be But Ive spent years in Africa, travelling to many countries, and never have I found people so eager to laugh, to find the positives on the darkest of days, to point up the ridiculousness of many situations we find ourselves in. And believe me, theres laughter all the way from the local in a remote village in the Central African Republic who refused to believe chickens were not exclusive to his country, to the woman in Cameroon who doubled up in mirth at a picture I presented of a kangaroo. Advertisement That is very funny, she said. But it is not possible. Oh yes, the wildlife in Africa is extraordinary, but the people are a pure delight. Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Traveller Guides Tokyo: The Australian embassy in Japan has issued a warning to travellers to behave themselves after an Instagrammer drank offerings from a Japanese burial site, provoking widespread anger online. In the most recent example of fame-seeking foreigners riling locals, Lochie Jones reportedly an Australian tourist posted a clip of himself swigging from a can placed on a headstone as an offering. Instagram user Lochie Jones films himself drinking an offering at a Japanese cemetery. Credit: Instagram Moments earlier, hes seen flipping a coin to decide whether to open the beverage, probably left as a gift for ancestors in a gesture common in Japan. Hes then seen burping in front of the grave, before saying cheers, cobber and leaving cigarettes where the drink had been. Keynote from Voltera, NAFA Fleet Management Association regional meeting, and leading OEMs highlight the future of zero-emission and connected fleets at LA Auto Show Media Day LOS ANGELES, Sept. 4, 2025 -- AutoMobility LA, the premier press and industry gathering for the Los Angeles Auto Show, will spotlight the future of fleet mobility with an expanded Fleet Innovation Showcase headlined by a keynote from Voltera, a leader in electric and autonomous vehicle charging infrastructure. The program takes place during AutoMobility LA on Nov. 20 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Building on the success of last year's inaugural showcase, the 2025 program will cover the full spectrum of fleet innovation, from electrification and hydrogen to digital services, micromobility, and infrastructure, giving media and industry attendees direct access to the technologies and partnerships shaping commercial transportation's next decade. "Fleets are at the center of the transition to zero-emission mobility and advanced digital solutions," said Terri Toennies, president and chief operating officer of the LA Auto Show and AutoMobility LA. "By evolving our showcase, AutoMobility LA offers manufacturers, technology companies, and service providers an unparalleled opportunity to debut their latest innovations and connect with decision-makers shaping commercial transportation." In addition to Voltera, participants include Rivian, Lithia (representing Ford Pro & Mercedes-Benz Sprinter), GM Envolve Volkswagen, and Honda, with more to be announced in the weeks ahead. For the first time, AutoMobility LA will host the NAFA Fleet Management Association's regional meeting directly within the main stage program, connecting attendees with North America's largest community of fleet professionals. This integration brings NAFA's influential network into the heart of the Fleet Innovation Showcase, strengthening the dialogue between fleet operators, automakers, and infrastructure providers. "The intersection of fleet innovation and real-world fleet management is critical," said Bill Shankel, CEO of NAFA Fleet Management Association. "By aligning our regional meeting with AutoMobility LA's Fleet Innovation Showcase, we're ensuring that our members gain access to the technologies, insights, and partnerships that will shape the industry's next decade." Keynote Spotlight: Voltera Keynote presenter Voltera develops and operates high-performance, strategically located charging facilities for electric vehicle fleets. Backed by EQT and equipped with deep infrastructure expertise, Voltera is solving critical land, power, and capital challenges, enabling fleets to scale with certainty. "We're proud to sponsor the Fleet Keynote at AutoMobility LA and bring our industry-leading expertise in charging infrastructure to the conversation," said Voltera Vice President of Marketing and Business Development Jonathan Colbert. "At Voltera, we're building the infrastructure that enables fleets to meet the moment, and this showcase allows us to bring that mission to the forefront alongside some of the most influential players in transportation." Fleet Innovation Showcase: 2025 Participants & Highlights Voltera Tackling the toughest charging infrastructure challenges land, power, and capital so fleets can scale with confidence. Tackling the toughest charging infrastructure challenges land, power, and capital so fleets can scale with confidence. Rivian Expanding its visibility in commercial fleet electrification with next-generation electric vans and services designed for business operations. Expanding its visibility in commercial fleet electrification with next-generation electric vans and services designed for business operations. Honda Advancing hydrogen innovation with the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV, the first production plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle in the U.S., and Class 8 Fuel Cell Truck Concept, powered by Honda Fuel Cell modules, to deliver zero-emission fleet solutions and long-range fueling flexibility. Advancing hydrogen innovation with the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV, the first production plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle in the U.S., and Class 8 Fuel Cell Truck Concept, powered by Honda Fuel Cell modules, to deliver zero-emission fleet solutions and long-range fueling flexibility. Fastport Debuting the first U.S. public ride experience of the Fastport eQuad Prototype, Honda's all-electric last-mile delivery vehicle designed for bike-lane use and supported by the Fastport fleet-as-a-service platform. Debuting the first U.S. public ride experience of the Fastport eQuad Prototype, Honda's all-electric last-mile delivery vehicle designed for bike-lane use and supported by the Fastport fleet-as-a-service platform. GM Envolve Presenting its integrated fleet platform across EV, fuel-cell, telematics, and service solutions. Presenting its integrated fleet platform across EV, fuel-cell, telematics, and service solutions. Volkswagen Showcasing the ID. Buzz to highlight a new era of versatility for fleet operations and reinforce the role of innovation and clean mobility in shaping tomorrow's fleets. Showcasing the ID. Buzz to highlight a new era of versatility for fleet operations and reinforce the role of innovation and clean mobility in shaping tomorrow's fleets. Lithia (representing Ford Pro & Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) Highlighting connected vehicle solutions and commercial applications through its Southern California dealer network, with a focus on fleet efficiency, sustainability, and workforce needs. Additional participants and program details are still to come. Registration Information Registration for AutoMobility LA 2025 is now open. All attendees must pre-register online. Media: Complimentary admission is available to accredited press. Complimentary admission is available to accredited press. Industry Professionals: Early bird pricing is $149 through October 15, 2025 . Standard registration is $249 beginning October 16, 2025 . Early bird pricing is through . Standard registration is beginning . How to Register: Visit automobilityla.com to access the registration portal and submit credentials. About AutoMobility LA AutoMobility LA is the official media and industry day of the Los Angeles Auto Show, bringing together global journalists, designers, technologists, executives, policymakers, and thought leaders to preview the vehicles, ideas, and companies defining the future of mobility. Following AMLA, the Los Angeles Auto Show will open to the public from November 2130, 2025, featuring vehicle debuts, test drives, interactive exhibits, and immersive consumer experiences across one million square feet of the LA Convention Center. ATLANTA, Sept. 4, 2025 -- EnviroSpark, one of the nation's largest charging providers and charge point operators, has officially brought its 2,500th charger online on its own network with another 1,000 network plugs contracted and coming online sooncementing its role as a key player in expanding access to reliable EV infrastructure across North America. While competitors often tout ambitious deployment targets that remain largely aspirational, EnviroSpark's milestone underscores a commitment to tangible results: fully installed, operational chargers actively powering drivers today. With over 8,000 plugs deployed for other networks since 2014 and over 1,000 plugs deployed this year alone, the company continues to deliver both speed and substance in meeting the growing demand for EV infrastructure. "This milestone reflects the relentless dedication and talent of our incredible team," said Frank Woodling, CEO of EnviroSpark. "Month after month, we're breaking our own installation records, not for headlines, but because our loyal customers count on us to deliver. This is what follow-through looks like, and we're just getting started." As the U.S. continues to accelerate EV adoption, the availability of accessible charging stations remains a top concern among drivers. EnviroSpark's milestone reflects years of strategic investment, innovation, and public-private collaboration aimed at addressing this infrastructure gap. Frank Blake, former Chairman and CEO of Home Depot and an early EnviroSpark investor, said "Reaching 2,500 chargers is a meaningful achievement. It shows what can happen when a team stays focused on doing the right things the right way. EnviroSpark isn't just adding infrastructurethey're quietly building what the future of transportation will depend on. That kind of steady, mission-driven execution is exactly what makes them stand out." EnviroSpark's 2,500 installed chargers span multifamily communities, hospitality properties, retail centers, and public access points. With a mix of Level 2 and DC fast chargers, the company supports a diverse array of drivers and site hostsmany through fully funded models that eliminate cost barriers to deployment. EnviroSpark helps site hosts deploy EV charging infrastructure quickly and cost-effectively by navigating federal and state incentives, securing utility partnerships, and offering flexible or fully funded models. This full-service approach removes complexity and lowers barriersenabling faster deployments and long-term reliability without burdening the property owner. About EnviroSpark Founded in 2014, EnviroSpark is an industry leader in the turnkey design, installation and operation of EV charging solutions. The company was founded with two missions: to raise awareness around the benefits of electric vehicles and to make EV charging more accessible across the United States and Canada. EnviroSpark is a charge point operator with over 2,500 plugs energized on its own network with an additional 1,000 contracted and coming online shortly, serving partners including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Asset Living, Associa, RangeWater, and First Service Residential. The company also deploys at scale for other charge point operators like Tesla, ChargePoint, and Mercedes-Benz. Responsible for the installation of more than 10,000 charging ports to date in over 40 US states and 4 Canadian provinces, EnviroSpark addresses the pain points of North American property owners and drivers by enhancing EV accessibility in customer-friendly ways. For more information, please visit www.envirosparkenergy.com SOURCE EnviroSpark Energy When coffee meets traditional Chinese cave dwellings, the result is a unique cultural fusion. In Dingxi City, northwest China's Gansu Province, a newly opened coffee space blending East and West has become a summer draw for tourists. BHARATI to empower 100 agri-food startups, target $50 billion exports by 2030: Commerce Ministry NEW DELHI : A NEW initiative called BHARATI will empower 100 agri-food startups, drive innovation and boost exports towards $50 billion target by 2030, according to Commerce Ministry. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched the initiative, which stands for Bharats Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement. It has been designed to empower agri-food and agri-tech startups, accelerate their journey, promote innovation and create new export opportunities for young entrepreneurs, thus strengthening Indias agricultural and processed food exports. Starting in September, the inaugural pilot cohort will empower 100 startups, including high-value agri-food producers, technology-driven service providers and innovators. The BHARATI initiative is structured to complement and enhance industry and Government-led incubation programmes in the agriculture, food and food processing sectors. It seeks to drive innovation in high-value categories such as GI-tagged agri-products, organic foods, superfoods, novel processed Indian agri-foods, livestock products and AYUSH products. The initiative also aims to attract startups working on advanced technologies such as AI-based quality control, blockchain-enabled traceability, IoT-enabled cold chains and agri-fintech, while addressing critical areas like innovative packaging, sustainability and sea protocols. BHARATI seeks to resolve export challenges related to product development, value addition, quality assurance, perishability, wastage and logistics. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, the programme will connect agri-food innovators, tech-driven solution providers and SPS-TBT-focused startups to deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions that enhance Indias global competitiveness, the Ministry informed. The BHARATI initiative will create globally competitive agri-products, fuel demand-driven backward integration for food innovation and boost global demand for Indian food, beverage and processed food products and services. The initiative includes a nationwide awareness campaign to engage stakeholders and attract solution-oriented startups from across India. , along with an application and selection process beginning September 2025 through the APEDA website to shortlist 100 startups for the export enablement programme. Selected startups will undergo a three-month acceleration programme focusing on product development, export readiness, regulatory compliance, market access and collaborative solutions to address export challenges. To strengthen this ecosystem, APEDA will partner with State agricultural boards, agricultural universities, premier institutions like IITs and NITs, industry bodies and existing accelerators to attract startups for agri-export enablement. The pilot cohort will serve as a model for a scalable annual incubation programme, driving continuous innovation and long-term export growth. The initiative was launched in the presence of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan. Intrinsic push THE importance of the event can never be overstated. In record time, India has made rapid and technologically sound strides in the manufacture of semi-conductors. This demonstrates the intrinsic push Indias creative strength has been able to give to an industry that was nearly non-existent in the country until now. Pushed to the brink with shortage of semi-conductor chips due to Russia-Ukraine conflict, India took a considered plunge into the research and commercial utilisation of the know-how to start making those hitech products just 2-3 years ago. Now, in such a short time, it has emerged with the smallest chip that can bring about the biggest change in the world, as Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi put it. There is no doubt that this should be considered one of the proudest moments for the country. Just a short time ago, India was most pathetically positioned as regards its own semi-conductor industry. Then came the quick decision at the highest level to spare no effort to dive into that activity and make things happen favourably. Processor Vikram is the first visible sign of success the country has achieved in that direction. The fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor has emerged from the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) -- adding another feather to the parent organisations cap. This development also shows the strength of the national resolve to rise above problems and obstacles and work for the larger good of the nation. Processor Vikram, thus, is a symbolism of that intrinsic push India possesses. Of course, the country, as such, always had such a push, such a drive. Unfortunately, that lay dormant for decades due to absence of an appropriate leadership quotient much needed for such a dynamic decision-making and urgent implementation on the ground. Now, in the past 10-11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, the country has utilised that intrinsic push not just in the semi-conductor industry but also in defence research and production. Indias Make In India and Make For The World and Atmanirbhar Bharat drives have taken the world by surprise for their practical application on the ground and the huge success the country has registered on almost every front. True, a very long way is yet to be traversed for India to become fully developed by the Prime Ministers vision and definition by 2047 (when India celebrates the centenary of Independence). Thus, the time available at Indias disposal is short and much work will have to be done to achieve the national goal. But given the fact that the larger Indian society has the intrinsic push needed for such progress, attainment of that goal appears plausible and possible. One of the strongest points of Indias growth story is the active and massive participation of private sector in the national effort. Though processor Vikram has come out of an ISRO vertical, private sector in India has become very active in every segment including space and defence. This fact needs to be brought to fore because it shows the expanse and extent of the efforts that are being put in by the country to achieve the national goal of Viksit Bharat. Indias strides in semi-conductor industry will certainly add a great value to Indias growth story. The Prime Minister is right to assert that Indias smallest chip would make the biggest difference to global industry and business. That assertion shows the national resolve -- which the world will never miss. The time may not really be far when Indian chips would be found in every hitech product around the world. The goal is not utopian, but practical. This India of today is far different from the India a few decades ago. The Indian society has all the wherewithal to lead the comity of nations in every possible field -- which processor Vikram, shows. Jarange expresses confidence about Marathas getting quota CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR : ACTIVIST Manoj Jarange on Wednesday said the Maratha community in Marathwada and western Maharashtra will now get reservation, even as OBC leaders expressed unhappiness over the Governments decision and warned of agitation. We have scored a victory, and the credit goes to the Maratha community. Maratha people from Marathwada and western Maharashtra will now get quota, Jarange told reporters from a hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, appealing to his supporters to maintain calm and have faith in his decision. The 43-year-old activist, who returned from Mumbai after ending his hunger strike, is receiving medical care in a private hospital here for dehydration and low blood sugar. Not a single line had been written by the State Government in our favour till now. People should not believe in the joker-type individuals (who have criticised his move). Those speaking against the decision have done nothing for the Maratha community, Jarange said. The Bombay High Court, however, sought a response from the activist to allegations made in petitions opposing his five-day agitation, noting that large scale damage was caused to property in Mumbai. Civic personnel worked through the night to remove heaps of garbage, food items and mineral water bottles left behind on roads and Azad Maidan in south Mumbai after Jarange ended his fast. More than 125 metric tonnes of garbage was lifted from Azad Maidan and surrounding areas during the five-day-long Maratha quota agitation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said the Government found a solution in the interest of the Maratha community. Jarange called off the protest after the Government accepted most of his demands, including granting eligible Marathas Kunbi caste certificates, which will make them eligible for reservation benefits available to the OBCs. The Government has announced forming a committee to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha community members with historical evidence of their Kunbi heritage, a social group classified as an OBC in the State. The Kunbi is a traditional farming community in the State and they have been included in the list of OBC category in Maharashtra in order to make them eligible for Government reservations in jobs and education. The Government Resolution (GR) issued by the social justice and special assistance department also mentioned about implementing the Hyderabad gazetteer. Bhujbal skips Cabinet meet, says he will challenge GR on Maratha quota in court MUMBAI, Sept 3 (PTI) NCP leader and Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Wednesday said he would move the court against the GR or order issued by the State Government for expediting the grant of Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas. Indicating his displeasure about the Government Resolution (GR) issued amid Maratha leader Manoj Jaranges hunger strike, Bhujbal, a prominent leader from the Other Backward Classes, did not attend a cabinet meeting earlier in the day. OBC leaders have doubts about the GR....As to who won after Jaranges agitation. We are seeking legal opinion on whether the Government is authorised to change peoples caste, the veteran leader told reporters. When asked if he himself would approach the court against the GR, Bhujbal replied in the affirmative. He also skipped a meeting of party leaders called by Nationalist Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will talk to Bhujbal and explain the facts to him. Bhujbal will be placated after knowing the facts, he added. The decision taken by the Government is in accordance with law. No injustice has been done to any other community while taking the decision, Shinde told reporters. Jarange, who has been demanding that Marathas be recognised as Kunbis so that they get the benefit of reservations, ended his five-day fast on Tuesday after the Devendra Fadnavis Government agreed to issue a GR to resolve the issue. GAZA/JERUSALEM, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Wednesday rejected Hamas' proposal for reaching a comprehensive ceasefire deal in Gaza to end the war, saying its army will continue to prepare for a major attack on Gaza City. In a press statement released on Wednesday, Hamas reiterated its willingness to reach a "comprehensive deal" under which Israeli hostages in Gaza would be released in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. According to Hamas, the deal would also include a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the reopening of border crossings to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid and essential supplies, and the start of reconstruction efforts. Hamas also voiced support for the establishment of an independent national administration composed of technocrats to take immediate responsibility for managing Gaza's civil affairs. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the statement as "a spin." In a statement issued by his office, Netanyahu said Israel would agree to end the war only if Hamas accepts full Israeli security control over the Gaza Strip, the demilitarization of Hamas and Gaza, the establishment of a non-Palestinian administration, and the release of all hostages. ACCRA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Ghana has confirmed 21 new cases of mpox, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) said in an update on Thursday. The new infections bring the country's total count to 467, with one death recorded. Health authorities said all 16 regions have reported cases, raising concerns over the rising trend. The government is working to secure vaccines for affected persons, though no timeline has been announced for their delivery. Meanwhile, the health service is urging the public to stay alert, practice good hygiene, and seek medical care if they develop symptoms. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a rare viral disease spread through body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials. Common symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Andrew Holness (C), Jamaican Prime Minister and the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) leader, shows the ink on his finger after casting his ballot at a polling station in Kingston, capital of Jamaica, on Sept. 3, 2025. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness was elected to a third term after a general election held on the island on Wednesday, according to preliminary results released by the country's electoral office. The preliminary results showed that the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) won 34 seats, while the opposition People's National Party (PNP) secured 29 seats. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin) KINGSTON, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness was elected to a third term after a general election held on the island on Wednesday, according to preliminary results released by the country's electoral office. The preliminary results showed that the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) won 34 seats, while the opposition People's National Party (PNP) secured 29 seats. The overall preliminary voter turnout was approximately 39.5 percent, said the office. PNP leader Mark Golding has conceded defeat, congratulating the JLP on its victory in the election. "I accept the results of these elections and although I'm obviously very disappointed in the outcome, I think it is only correct to expressly acknowledge the success that our opponents have managed to gain today," he said. Mark Golding, leader of Jamaica's opposition People's National Party (PNP), shows the ink on his finger after casting his ballot at a polling station in Kingston, capital of Jamaica, on Sept. 3, 2025. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness was elected to a third term after a general election held on the island on Wednesday, according to preliminary results released by the country's electoral office. The preliminary results showed that the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) won 34 seats, while the opposition People's National Party (PNP) secured 29 seats. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin) Mark Golding (C), leader of Jamaica's opposition People's National Party (PNP), shows the ink on his finger after casting his ballot at a polling station in Kingston, capital of Jamaica, on Sept. 3, 2025. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness was elected to a third term after a general election held on the island on Wednesday, according to preliminary results released by the country's electoral office. The preliminary results showed that the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) won 34 seats, while the opposition People's National Party (PNP) secured 29 seats. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin) Andrew Holness (C), Jamaican Prime Minister and the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) leader, celebrates victory in Kingston, capital of Jamaica, on Sept. 3, 2025. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness was elected to a third term after a general election held on the island on Wednesday, according to preliminary results released by the country's electoral office. The preliminary results showed that the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) won 34 seats, while the opposition People's National Party (PNP) secured 29 seats. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin) A voter wait to cast his ballot at a polling station in Kingston, capital of Jamaica, on Sept. 3, 2025. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness was elected to a third term after a general election held on the island on Wednesday, according to preliminary results released by the country's electoral office. The preliminary results showed that the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) won 34 seats, while the opposition People's National Party (PNP) secured 29 seats. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin) Andrew Holness (C), Jamaican Prime Minister and the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) leader, celebrates victory in Kingston, capital of Jamaica, on Sept. 3, 2025. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness was elected to a third term after a general election held on the island on Wednesday, according to preliminary results released by the country's electoral office. The preliminary results showed that the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) won 34 seats, while the opposition People's National Party (PNP) secured 29 seats. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin) Andrew Holness (C), Jamaican Prime Minister and the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) leader, gives a victory speech in Kingston, capital of Jamaica, on Sept. 3, 2025. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness was elected to a third term after a general election held on the island on Wednesday, according to preliminary results released by the country's electoral office. The preliminary results showed that the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) won 34 seats, while the opposition People's National Party (PNP) secured 29 seats. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin) Voters wait in line to cast their ballots at a polling station in Kingston, capital of Jamaica, on Sept. 3, 2025. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness was elected to a third term after a general election held on the island on Wednesday, according to preliminary results released by the country's electoral office. The preliminary results showed that the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) won 34 seats, while the opposition People's National Party (PNP) secured 29 seats. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin) Voters wait in line to cast their ballots at a polling station in Kingston, capital of Jamaica, on Sept. 3, 2025. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness was elected to a third term after a general election held on the island on Wednesday, according to preliminary results released by the country's electoral office. The preliminary results showed that the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) won 34 seats, while the opposition People's National Party (PNP) secured 29 seats. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin) Andrew Holness (C), Jamaican Prime Minister and the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) leader, celebrates victory in Kingston, capital of Jamaica, on Sept. 3, 2025. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness was elected to a third term after a general election held on the island on Wednesday, according to preliminary results released by the country's electoral office. The preliminary results showed that the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) won 34 seats, while the opposition People's National Party (PNP) secured 29 seats. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin) Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 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/Liu Bin) BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday met here with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, 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. Li said that China is ready to work with Pakistan to actively build an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), advance major connectivity projects such as ports, highways, and railways, and better achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. China is willing to import more high-quality products from Pakistan and welcomes Pakistan to leverage platforms like the China International Import Expo, Li said. China stands ready to assist Pakistan in enhancing its counterterrorism capabilities and hopes both sides will jointly ensure the security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, said Li. Sharif said that Pakistan adheres to the one-China principle and firmly supports China's positions on issues related to Taiwan, Xizang, Xinjiang and Hong Kong. Pakistan looks forward to accelerating the construction of key connectivity projects, Sharif said. Pakistan will continue to resolutely combat all forms of terrorism and is willing to strengthen multilateral coordination with China to uphold regional peace and stability as well as international fairness and justice, Sharif said. During Sharif's visit, the two sides signed multiple cooperation documents covering fields including CPEC, economy and trade, artificial intelligence, science and technology, agriculture, cultural heritage protection, judiciary, and people's livelihoods. They also jointly issued a 2025-2029 action plan to foster an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 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/Liu Bin) BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- China's meteorological and water resource authorities on Thursday evening issued an orange alert for mountain torrents, as heavy downpours are expected to lash parts of the country through Friday. Between 8 p.m. Thursday and 8 p.m. Friday, there is a high risk of mountain torrents in southwestern parts of Shaanxi, according to the Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration. The two agencies also issued a yellow alert for mountain torrents in parts of southwest China's Sichuan Province, and in Shaanxi and Gansu in the northwest of the country. Central authorities have warned that temporary heavy downpours could also provoke mountain torrents in other areas, and called on local authorities to strengthen real-time monitoring, issue timely flood alerts, and implement preventive measures to mitigate risks. China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. This photo shows a miniature sheet of the commemorative stamps issued by China Post 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 on Sept. 3, 2025. A total of six million stamp sets were issued, with each set containing 13 stamps. Five million miniature sheets were also issued. (Xinhua/Li He) This photo shows a souvenir sheet of the commemorative stamps issued by China Post 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 on Sept. 3, 2025. A total of six million stamp sets were issued, with each set containing 13 stamps. Five million miniature sheets were also issued. (Xinhua/Li He) A staff member introduces the commemorative stamps issued by China Post 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 at a stamp company in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. A total of six million stamp sets were issued, with each set containing 13 stamps. Five million miniature sheets were also issued. (Xinhua/Li He) A citizen shows the commemorative stamps issued by China Post 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 at a stamp company in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. A total of six million stamp sets were issued, with each set containing 13 stamps. Five million miniature sheets were also issued. (Xinhua/Li He) BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Wearing a distinctive blue beret of the UN peacekeeping troops, 30-year-old Shao Xiaoguang marched past Tian'anmen Square in downtown Beijing on Sept. 3 with his fellow Chinese peacekeepers. The grand military parade he participated in was held in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. "It was so exciting," he told Xinhua, his expression exuding confidence and a sense of pride. The appearance of Chinese troops with UN peacekeeping experience in the parade demonstrates the country's commitment to fulfilling international obligations and safeguarding global peace, according to Wu Zeke, deputy director of the Office of the Leading Group for the Military Parade and a senior officer at the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission. In the 35 years since joining UN peacekeeping operations, China has dispatched over 50,000 peacekeepers to more than 20 countries and regions, undertaking 26 UN missions. Chinese peacekeepers have won wide applause for their dedication and professionalism. Today, China is the second-largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping operations and provides more peacekeepers than any other permanent member of the UN Security Council, solidifying its role as a steadfast force for global peace. A serviceman for more than 10 years, Shao was dispatched to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2023 as a member of the engineer unit of the Chinese peacekeeping force. The moment he learned he had been selected for the mission, he felt a surge of pride. "It is a great honor to represent my home country on a peacekeeping mission," he said. In the DRC, Shao's tasks included carrying out engineering works and providing humanitarian assistance. Through these experiences, he gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of peacekeeping operations. During the rainy season that year, a road within the mission area of his unit was damaged by a downpour, and Shao and his Chinese comrades took up the repair work. "After the road was fully repaired, local people danced on it with joy," he said. "That moment gave me a profound sense of fulfillment." Beyond their regular duties, his unit engaged with local communities, organizing initiatives such as donating stationery and daily necessities to local schools. These activities brought peacekeepers closer to local people. "When local children saw the Chinese national flag on our arm badge, they would always gather around us like close friends." Lan Yu, 28, another Chinese peacekeeper who took part in this year's parade, shared a similar experience to Shao's. In 2019, Lan served as an infantryman with the UN-mandated Chinese peacekeeping force in South Sudan. He still vividly recalls a moment at a primary school in Juba, the country's capital. "We visited the school to make a donation," Lan recalled. "With the sticks of chalk we had just given them, a girl drew a white dove of peace on the blackboard." For 26-year-old Luo Yao, who participated twice in UN peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, the development of the Chinese military is meant to safeguard the peace secured by the victory 80 years ago and to bring hope to those in need. Highlighting the dangers of peacekeeping missions, he recalled an incident when he and his comrades were repairing a road in a conflict zone, and an artillery shell exploded just a few hundred meters away. Over the years, Chinese peacekeepers have carried out a wide range of tasks, including mine-sweeping, ceasefire monitoring, security patrols and emergency rescue operations, Wu said, adding that a total of 17 Chinese service members have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of world peace. Bearing in mind the immense suffering the country endured during the war, members of the Chinese armed forces understand the vital importance of maintaining peace, Luo said. He emphasized that they remain committed to resolutely safeguarding China's sovereignty, security, and development interests. "The peace of our country today is hard-won. We should carry on the baton from our predecessors and continue to safeguard the peace of our country and the world," Shao said. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, meets with a delegation from the Bulgarian Socialist Party led by Atanas Zafirov, the party leader and deputy prime minister of Bulgaria, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Li Shulei, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on Thursday met in Beijing with a delegation from the Bulgarian Socialist Party led by Atanas Zafirov, the party leader and deputy prime minister of Bulgaria. Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, said that the China-Bulgaria strategic partnership has been developing at a high level. China is willing to work with Bulgaria to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen exchanges between the two parties, enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and deepen cooperation across various fields to advance the bilateral relations, Li noted. Zafirov highly commended China's peaceful foreign policy and the great achievements of Chinese modernization, expressing readiness to enhance inter-party exchanges, strengthen mutual learning, and promote Bulgaria-China cooperation as well as the development of Europe-China relations. PAC appeals | KOHIMA, Sep 3: The Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the Nagaland Government has appealed to the Government of India to elevate the ongoing dialogue between the Nagas and the Government of India to the highest political level by appointing an interlocutor of "political level/Ministerial level, who has the confidence and mandate of the Government". This appeal was made after the PAC's meeting on September 1. The meeting was held at the State Banquet Hall in Kohima under the chairmanship of Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Chief Ministers, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Advisors, and MLAs. The Political Affairs Committee "unanimously" resolved to endorse the Ungma Statement of August 23, 2025, which "upholds the unity, courage, and enduring pursuit of a shared future for the Naga people". The committee expressed that it supports the call that all Naga Political Groups (NPGs), with the clear and collective support of the tribe hohos, should converge at a common ground to articulate and pursue a shared political vision, founded on the historical and political rights of the Naga people. Newmai News Network CAIRO, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh in Cairo to discuss the Gaza war and developments in the occupied West Bank, Egypt's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. At Tuesday's talks, Abdelatty condemned what he called Israel's "policy of starvation" and the "use of famine as a weapon" in Gaza. He said Egypt rejected the displacement of Palestinians, the expansion of Israeli military operations and what he described as "the continuation of genocide against the Palestinian people." He also denounced Israeli settlement plans in the West Bank, including in the sensitive E1 area east of Jerusalem. The two sides discussed coordination ahead of an international conference on the two-state solution, to be held later this month in New York alongside the UN General Assembly. Several countries, including France, Canada, Australia, Belgium, and Malta, have announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state. Portugal is considering the step, while Britain has said it will do so unless Israel ends the Gaza war and commits to peace talks. The Gaza health authorities said on Wednesday that 63,746 Palestinians have been killed and 161,245 wounded in Israel's campaign in the enclave over the past 22 months. Large parts of Gaza's infrastructure have been destroyed, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures. NEW YORK, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- In the 1940s, as World War II (WWII) raged across Asia, a young U.S. medic with the Flying Tigers tended wounded soldiers in Kunming city, a vital wartime stronghold in southwest China. The Flying Tigers -- officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force -- had been formed to help China resist Japanese invasion. Between bandages and battlefields, Clinton Millett carried not only medical supplies but also a camera, capturing Yunnan in vivid colors. Today, his descendants walk the same streets he once knew, calling the city their home. "My father was focused on the people, not the war. That's something that has been with me for a long time," said his son, Gary Clinton Millett, in an interview with Xinhua. Looking back on his father's years in China during WWII, 81-year-old Gary said that while many soldiers were preoccupied with the frontlines, his father devoted himself to caring for ordinary people. To Gary, that devotion was more than an act of bravery -- it was a lasting expression of love and humanity. Clinton Millett's legacy did not end with Gary. It has been carried on to the third generation, through Gary's son, Jesse Millett. Now living in Kunming, Jesse felt his bond with China runs deeper than family ties. As an English teacher, he said he carries a profound responsibility to foster understanding and build bridges between China and the United States. "Ever since a young age, I've always thought that cultural exchanges and understanding different cultures were very important," Jesse said. "When I became an adult and started understanding more about my family's legacy and history with China, I took on the responsibility and the honor to continue that legacy in China and build those bridges between China and America." "We need more events where Chinese, Americans and people from all over the world share the stories of their parents' or grandparents' experiences so that we can learn more from each other," he added. NEW YORK, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. state of Florida on Wednesday announced plans to end all state vaccine mandates, including for school children, making it the first state in the nation to do so. Florida State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said at a press conference that current vaccine requirements in schools hamper parents' ability to make health decisions for their children. The move would make Florida the first state in the United States to completely withdraw from a practice credited with increasing vaccination rates and lowering the risk of infectious diseases spreading. The announcement drew immediate criticism from public health experts and officials. "Ending vaccine mandates is reckless and dangerous," said Democratic Representative Anna Eskamani on the social media platform X, adding that it could cause outbreaks of preventable disease. "This is a public health disaster in the making for the Sunshine State." "This is ridiculous. Florida already has broad medical and religious exemptions for childhood vaccines, so any family that has a sincere opposition to vaccination can opt out," Florida Senate Democratic leader Lori Berman said in a statement. "We can expect that measles will come roaring back," Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told The Washington Post. "Other infectious diseases will follow. This is an unprecedented move that will only put our children at unnecessary risk." JUBA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan on Thursday said it has no deal in place to receive third-country nationals deported from the United States. Apuk Ayuel Mayen, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the country was able to receive seven third-country nationals and a South Sudanese national on July 5, based on bilateral engagement with the Trump administration. "There are no discussions on deportations, and there is no deal that has been signed in regards to that. There was bilateral engagement around deporting the seven deportees between our government and the government of the United States," Mayen told journalists in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. The third-country nationals deported to South Sudan include two people from Myanmar, two from Cuba, and one each from Vietnam, Laos, and Mexico. In addition, Mayen said that 23 South Sudanese who were earlier deported from the United States have been reunited with their family members. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Corporate India welcomed the GST Councils decision to approve a two-tier rate structure of 5 and 18 per cent, simplifying refunds and MSME procedures. The move will ease compliance, reduce litigation, and give businesses and consumers much-needed predictability, the industry bodies said. "This move on GST reforms is a phenomenal milestone. By lowering rates on everyday items and critical inputs, the reforms provide immediate relief to families and strengthen the foundation for growth, said Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Director General Chandrajit Banerjee. The tax reform decision was taken at a crucial GST Council meeting chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday. Among other decisions, the Council also exempted individual life and health insurance from the indirect tax regime. The new tax structure will come into force on September 22. The roll-out of GST rate rationalisation is a landmark reform that addresses both consumer welfare and revenue efficiency, said Hemant Jain, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI). By reducing rates on daily essentials such as toiletries, packaged foods, and utensils from 18-12% to 5%, the reform will ease household budgets and stimulate demand, he said. Recommendations of the 56th Meeting of the GST Council held at New Delhi, today Next-generation GST reforms, as announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi from the ramparts of Red Fort on 15th August 2025, represent a strategic, principled, and citizen-centric pic.twitter.com/yB3VioJccJ Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) September 3, 2025 The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) welcomed the rectification of the GST inversion in the Man-Made Fibre (MMF) value chain. GST on MMF fibre and yarn was aligned at 5 per cent from 18 per cent and 12 per cent earlier respectively. The move addresses the long-standing blockage of working capital for thousands of spinners and weavers," CITI Chairman Rakesh Mehra said. Mehra further noted that with over 70-80 per cent of textile and apparel units in India being MSMEs, this reform will directly benefit a large segment of the industry by easing liquidity pressures, enhancing competitiveness. Federation of Hotels and Restaurants Association of India (FHRAI) hailed the GST Councils decision to simplify hotel room tariffs into two slabs of 5 per cent and 12 per cent, saying the move will make Indian hotels more affordable and attractive to both domestic and international travellers. This reform will directly boost tourism demand, increase occupancy, and encourage more spending across the hospitality value chain," he said. An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 3, 2025 shows a photovoltaic and desertification control project in Kubuqi Desert, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In recent years, Inner Mongolia has carried out integrated projects for sand prevention and control as well as wind and photovoltaic power to advance the improvement efforts in Kubuqi Desert. To date, photovoltaic bases have been established in the northern part of Kubuqi Desert, which also serve as solid booster for local ecological rehabilitation and economic growth. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng) An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 2, 2025 shows a new energy base in Kubuqi Desert, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In recent years, Inner Mongolia has carried out integrated projects for sand prevention and control as well as wind and photovoltaic power to advance the improvement efforts in Kubuqi Desert. To date, photovoltaic bases have been established in the northern part of Kubuqi Desert, which also serve as solid booster for local ecological rehabilitation and economic growth. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng) Workers install photovoltaic panels at a new energy base in Kubuqi Desert, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sept. 2, 2025. In recent years, Inner Mongolia has carried out integrated projects for sand prevention and control as well as wind and photovoltaic power to advance the improvement efforts in Kubuqi Desert. To date, photovoltaic bases have been established in the northern part of Kubuqi Desert, which also serve as solid booster for local ecological rehabilitation and economic growth. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng) This photo taken on Sept. 3, 2025 shows a view at a photovoltaic and desertification control project in Kubuqi Desert, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In recent years, Inner Mongolia has carried out integrated projects for sand prevention and control as well as wind and photovoltaic power to advance the improvement efforts in Kubuqi Desert. To date, photovoltaic bases have been established in the northern part of Kubuqi Desert, which also serve as solid booster for local ecological rehabilitation and economic growth. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng) An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 2, 2025 shows workers installing photovoltaic panels at a new energy base in Kubuqi Desert, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In recent years, Inner Mongolia has carried out integrated projects for sand prevention and control as well as wind and photovoltaic power to advance the improvement efforts in Kubuqi Desert. To date, photovoltaic bases have been established in the northern part of Kubuqi Desert, which also serve as solid booster for local ecological rehabilitation and economic growth. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng) An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 3, 2025 shows a photovoltaic and desertification control project in Kubuqi Desert, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In recent years, Inner Mongolia has carried out integrated projects for sand prevention and control as well as wind and photovoltaic power to advance the improvement efforts in Kubuqi Desert. To date, photovoltaic bases have been established in the northern part of Kubuqi Desert, which also serve as solid booster for local ecological rehabilitation and economic growth. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng) An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 2, 2025 shows the construction site at a new energy base in Kubuqi Desert, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In recent years, Inner Mongolia has carried out integrated projects for sand prevention and control as well as wind and photovoltaic power to advance the improvement efforts in Kubuqi Desert. To date, photovoltaic bases have been established in the northern part of Kubuqi Desert, which also serve as solid booster for local ecological rehabilitation and economic growth. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng) Ahead of its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 6, 'Wake Up Dead Man' writer-director Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig hinted at what to expect from th third part of the 'Knives Out' whodunit film series. After Toronto, the film will be screened at the BFI London Film Festival, on Oct. 8. Before its global Netflix premiere on Dec. 12, the film will be screened in limited theaters on Nov. 26. Daniel Craig returns as the flamboyant, Southern aristocrat-style detective for a newer, bigger challenge. Not much is known about the new case, aside from the information that Blanc will venture into darker territory this timethe first teaser hints at a religion-centric crime and a darker tone, unlike the previous entries. If Blanc's voiceover in the teaser is any indication, it could be his "most dangerous case yet". Other cast members include Josh O'Connor, Glenn Clse, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, and many others. Applauding Johnson's gift for genre-subversion, Craig told Netflix: "You start off thinking youre watching an old-fashioned sort of Agatha Christie-type mystery but then it shifts, and you realize youre watching something entirely different. An original creation of Johnson, who was inspired by the most popular detectives in fiction from Sherlock Holmes to Hercule Poirot to Gideon Fell (created by author John Dickson Carr), Blanc made his first appearance in Knives Out (2019), in which he was called upon to investigate the death of a bestselling novelist played by Christopher Plummer. In the sequel Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Blanc travelled to Greece to deal with the case of an eccentric tech billionaire and the strange events at his peculiar vacation hideaway. Johnson said 'Wake Up Dead Man' is "more similar to the first 'Knives Out' in that it gets back to the real origins of the genre, which predate Agatha Christie, going back to Edgar Allan Poe." Johnson also revealed the film is "grounded" with a "gothic" atmosphere, adding: "Its still a Benoit Blanc mystery, so its funny and fun, but its set in an old stone church, there are lots of graveyards. Recently, Johnson had mentioned the "malleable" quality of the whodunit. I love everything about whodunnits, but one of the things I love most is how malleable the genre is. Theres a whole tonal spectrum from Carr to Christie, and getting to explore that range is one of the most exciting things about making Benoit Blanc movies. On coming up with a stellar cast list in all these films, which he likened to "throwing a dinner party," Johnson told Netflix, Weve been very lucky with each of these movies to have gathered some of my favourite actors on the planet, and thats absolutely the case here. Theyre also all lovely folks who get along, which is the dinner party aspect of it. When youre making an ensemble movie like this, I think thats key. As for the inspiration for the titles of these films, Johnson has cited some of the tracks from favourite bands. The first came from a Radiohead song, the second from a Beatles song, and the third, he revealed to Netflix, came from U2's 1997 song from the album 'Pop'. Pop is a very underrated album, and that song is very right for the title. But Ive had Wake Up Dead Man in my head for a long while, and I first heard the phrase in American folk music. The Maharashtra Police on Thursday arrested television actor Ashish Kapoor, who played the role of Nikhil Deora in the hit television series Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, on rape charges. The actor was arrested on the complaint of a 24-year-old girl employed with a private firm in Gurugram, according to reports. The complaint was filed on August 11. In her complaint, the woman alleged the rape happened last month in August. According to the victim, she was drugged and raped, and the assault was videotaped by the actor. The incident reportedly happened at a party, which the girl attended after being invited by her friend. There were Ashish and three others at the party. Alcohol was served, and everyone was inebriated. She alleged that someone had drugged her drink, which caused her to lose consciousness. She was forced into the bathroom, where she was raped. Though the woman initially claimed gang rape and gave other names of men she alleged were involved, she retracted her statement later. In her revised statement, she named just Ashish. After the details of the complaint leaked, Ashish went into hiding. He was later traced to Goa but fled as the police arrived there. He was then traced to Pune, where he finally landed in police custody. Ashish Kapoor has been part of top shows like Saraswatichandra, Love Ya Arranged Marriage, Dekha Ek Khwaab and Woh Apna Sa. 'Lokah: Chapter 1 Chandra' achieved the incredible feat of collecting Rs 100 crore worldwide in eight days, reports said. As of Thursday, the Malayalam fantasy-action flick starring Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen has collected Rs 101 crore globally, reports said. ALSO READ | What is 'Aithihyamala'? The book mentioned in 'Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra' that is central to Jayasurya's 'Kadamattathu Kathanar' Six days after hitting the screens, Dominic Arun's directorial 'Lokah: Chapter 1 Chandra' managed to earn Rs 93.75 crore across the world, reports had said. With the Hindi-dubbed version of the critically acclaimed superhero flick releasing today, it is safe to expect a steady collection graph this weekend. 'Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra' is the 12th Malayalam film to enter the Rs 100 crore club and the third from Mollywood to do so in 2025 after Mohanlal starrers 'Empuraan' (Rs 265 crore) and 'Thudarum' (Rs 234 crore). FULL REVIEW | 'Lokah Chapter 1 - Chandra': Kalyani Priyadarshan's fantasy action flick packs a solid punch Meanwhile, the movie's net India collection reached Rs 48.66 crore, Sacnilk claimed, showing early collection data for Friday. The movie earned around Rs 2.22 crore on its eighth day across languages. On Day 1, Thursday, the collection was Rs 2.7 crore, which rose to Rs 4 crore on Day 2, Friday. While Malayalam contributed Rs 3.65 crore, Telugu managed Rs 0.35 crore. On Day 3, the first weekend since its release, the collection stood at Rs 7.6 crore, with the Malayalam version getting Rs 5.8 crore, and Tamil and Telugu getting Rs 0.6 crore and Rs 1.2 crore respectively. On Day 4 (Sunday), the film saw its highest earnings of Rs 10.1 crore, with Rs 7.4 crore from Malayalam, Rs 1.1 crore from Tamil, and Rs 1.6 crore from Telugu. ALSO READ | Is Naslen the rising star of Malayalam cinema? As per Sacnilk, the momentum continued on Monday, when it collected Rs 7.2 crore, split as Rs 5.6 crore from Malayalam, Rs 0.75 crore from Tamil, and Rs 0.85 crore from Telugu. On Tuesday, it grossed Rs 7.65 crore before collecting another Rs 7.19 crore on Wednesday. Uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are benign tumours consisting of muscular and fibrous tissue that develop in or around the uterus. While non-cancerous, these growths can substantially impact womens health and daily functioning. Symptoms vary widely depending on the fibroid typesubserosal (located under the outermost lining of the uterus), intramural (in the uterus), or submucosal (that originates under the uterine lining)as well as size and location. They may range from asymptomatic in some women to causing heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure symptoms, and infertility in others. The growth of fibroids is hormonally driven, primarily influenced by estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormones fluctuate across a woman's lifespan, affecting how fibroids manifest at different ages. In women in their twenties, fibroids often remain undetected until discovered incidentally through imaging for other concerns, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or menstrual irregularities. At this stage, symptoms may be mild, like slightly heavier bleeding or occasional cramps, which are often overlooked. Dr. Ritu Choudhary, Lead Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Apollo Cradle & Childrens Hospital, Electronic City, Bengaluru, advises women to monitor menstrual cycles carefully and maintain regular communication with their gynaecologist for early detection. In the thirties, fibroids may cause more noticeable symptoms, including heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, and fertility difficulties. Submucosal fibroids in particular can interfere with embryo implantation and increase miscarriage risk. Diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, is recommended to evaluate these fibroids. Treatment options during this phase include hormone therapy or surgery tailored to symptom control and fertility preservation, making early assessment crucial for reproductive planning. During the forties, fibroids often show accelerated growth due to prolonged hormone exposure. Women may experience prolonged, heavy menstrual bleeding, severe cramps, pelvic heaviness, and urinary or bowel symptoms from large fibroids pressing on nearby organs. However, the approach to treatment may be conservative as fibroid size sometimes decreases naturally with the decline in estrogen levels approaching menopause. Close monitoring for rapid fibroid growth or unusual symptom changes remains essential, with timely consultation advised. Regarding prevalence, studies show that uterine fibroids affect a significant proportion of Indian women, with variations based on geography and demographic factors. Research indicates that fibroid prevalence in rural India can be as high as 37.65 per cent, while urban Indian women show around 24 per cent, according to a study published in the International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Another study from Telangana found an 11.6 per cent prevalence among women aged 18 to 50 attending gynaecology clinics. Wider estimates suggest fibroids may affect anywhere between 20 per cent and 68 per cent of women of reproductive age in India, with increased risk linked to age, marital status, overweight, pregnancy history, and menopausal status. These data confirm fibroids as a major gynaecological health concern in the country, often associated with symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain that impair quality of life. Lifestyle modifications play a critical role in managing fibroids holistically alongside medical treatments. Dr. Divya Mani, Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Apollo Cradle and Children's Hospital, advocates addressing estrogen dominance through nutrition by reducing intake of red meat, sugar, processed foods, and excess caffeine. She recommends increasing anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, whole grains, and lentils to support hormone balance and minimise inflammation related to fibroid symptoms. Weight management is equally important, as adipose tissue produces estrogen, which can accelerate fibroid growth. Even modest weight loss of 5 to 10 per cent contributes to symptom improvement. Regular moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga promotes weight control, insulin regulation, and stress reduction. Since stress elevates cortisol levels that disrupt hormonal balance, incorporating practices such as deep breathing, journaling, or meditation is recommended. Environmental factors also deserve attention. Reducing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicalscommon in plastics used for food storage and certain cosmeticscan help, as these chemicals mimic estrogen and potentially promote fibroid development. Overall, with their high prevalence and significant impact, uterine fibroids require increased awareness among women and healthcare providers in India. Early detection combined with lifestyle interventions and timely medical management can improve symptoms, preserve fertility, and enhance quality of life for women across their reproductive years. Nearly half of Indias current ministers across states, Union Territories, and the Union Council of Ministers face criminal proceedings, including grave charges such as murder, attempt to murder, and crimes against women. At the same time, Indias political class remains extraordinarily wealthy, with average assets worth Rs 37.21 crore per minister and at least 36 billionaire ministers. These are the findings of the latest analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW), which examined 643 self-sworn affidavits filed with the Election Commission of India between 2020 and 2025. According to the study, 302 ministers (47%) have declared criminal cases, while 174 (27%) face serious criminal charges. The situation varies widely across states: In 11 Assemblies, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Puducherry, more than 60 per cent of the ministers face criminal cases. By contrast, states like Haryana, J&K, Nagaland, and Uttarakhand report zero ministers with pending cases. At the Union level, 29 of 72 ministers (40%) in the Cabinet face criminal charges. There is also a deep disparity between parties. In the TDP, 96 per cent of its ministers face criminal cases, while 57 per cent face serious charges. This is followed by the DMK, wherein 87 per cent of ministers have criminal cases. The INC has 74 per cent of ministers with criminal charges, and 30 per cent of these are serious. The BJP, with 336 ministers, has 40 per cent with criminal cases and 26 per cent with serious charges. As for AAP, 69 per cent of ministers face criminal charges. The ADR analysis also highlights Indias staggering political wealth. Collectively, ministers have declared assets worth Rs 23,929 crore. (Average per minister: Rs 37.21 crore.) 36 billionaire ministers are present across states and the Union Council of Ministers. Big spenders: 11 Assemblies have billionaire ministers, with Karnataka leading with eight, followed by Andhra Pradesh (six) and Maharashtra (four). Among party lines: TDP tops wealth charts with 26 per cent of its ministers as billionaires. INC follows with 18 per cent, while BJP has four per cent. Smaller parties like JD(S) (50 per cent) and Janasena Party (33 per cent) have disproportionately high representation of billionaires. The richest minister in India today is Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani (TDP, Guntur MP), with assets worth Rs 5,705 crore. He is followed by DK Shivakumar (INC, Karnataka) with Rs 1,413 crore and Chandrababu Naidu (TDP, Andhra Pradesh) with Rs 931 crore. At the other end of the spectrum, Tripura minister Sukla Charan Noatia (IPFT) owns just Rs 2.06 lakh in declared assets, making him the least wealthy in the ministerial ranks. Others like Birbaha Hansda (AITC, West Bengal) and Santana Chakma (BJP, Tripura) also declared assets under Rs 5 lakh. Interestingly, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared modest assets worth just Rs 15.38 lakh, placing her among the ten ministers with the lowest wealth. The study also shows some ministers are saddled with liabilities running into hundreds of crores. Pemmasani, while the richest, also tops the debt chart with liabilities of Rs 1,038 crore. Other indebted politicians include Mangal Prabhat Lodha (BJP, Maharashtra) with Rs 306 crore in liabilities and DK Shivakumar with Rs 265 crore. The ADR report also highlighted the gender skew in Indias power structure. Only 63 women (10%) are among 643 ministers, despite some states like West Bengal showing higher representation (20 per cent). Several states, including Goa, Himachal, Puducherry, and Sikkim, have no women ministers at all. As for education levels, 71 per cent have a graduate or higher degree, while 26 per cent have studied only up to Class 12. Indian cabinets are also predominantly middle-aged. 61 per cent of ministers are between 4160 years of age, while 33 per cent are over 60. Just six per cent of ministers are under 40. The ADR findings reiterate the longstanding concern that money, crime, and politics continue to be a systemic barrier to transparency and genuine public accountability. Evacuations and emergency protocols have been implemented in Kashmir after floodwater entered several areas in South Kashmir and Srinagar. Six rescue centers have been set up for the displaced in Government High School (GHS) Wagoora, Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Khandah, Sheikh-ul-Alam HS Wagoora, GHSS BK Pora, Islamic Public HS Kralpora, and Dar-ul-Fatah Dangerpora. Evacuation efforts are underway in Seerbagh and Sumerbugh, and residents have been urged to move to safer places until the water level recedes. Contingents from SDRF, NDRF, the Revenue Department, and the police are carrying out relief and rescue operations. The alert was issued after a review of the situation by Divisional Commissioner V. K. Birdhi and Chief Secretary Atul Duloo. Soon after the meeting, evacuation and precautionary measures were activated across the Valley. Residents of flood-prone districts, including Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam, and low-lying areas of Srinagar, were urged to cooperate with the authorities, follow advisories, and move to safer places where possible. The administration has activated more than 300 relief centers with food, drinking water, electricity, and medical supplies. Petrol, diesel, LPG, food grains, and medicines are readily available, and no shortages have been reported from anywhere. Emergency helplines have also been made active, while police and security agencies remain on alert This follows the rising water levels in the Jhelum and its tributaries, as well as several streams in South Kashmir, including Anantnag, Kulgam, and Pulwama. In Srinagar, a breach at Shalina, Zainpora, on the outskirts of the city near the new bypass connecting Srinagar with South Kashmir, prompted authorities to issue an evacuation alert for Budgam, Lasjan, Nowgam, Vyethpora, Padshahibagh, and Mehjoor Nagar. Residents were safely shifted to safer locations. People have been advised to stay indoors and avoid waterlogged areas. Many have shifted their vehicles to safer locations to prevent damage. Inundation in parts of South and Central Kashmir has disrupted traffic. The Flood and Irrigation Department is constantly monitoring river levels and mobilising disaster response teams. Meanwhile, the Flood Control Department is working to plug vulnerable spots in Barzulla, Gandbal, and other parts of Srinagar. Breach points near the Bone and Joint Hospital were plugged with sandbags, with permanent measures being undertaken. With rainfall easing, the water level in the Jhelum is expected to recede within a day. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will deliberate on the socio-economic conditions of tribal areas, review the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and prepare for its centenary celebrations at its all-India coordination meeting to be held in Jodhpur from September 5. The three-day Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak will bring together around 320 functionaries representing 32 Sangh-inspired organisations, including BJP, VHP, Kisan Sangh, and ABVP. ALSO READ | RSS at 100: Decoding Mohan Bhagwat's 3-day lecture on the Sangh's trajectory Party chief J.P. Nadda will attend the meeting representing the political wing of the Sangh. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale are also expected to participate. As the name suggests, the agenda is improving coordination among frontal bodies as they share notes and feedback on vital socio-political issues of the day, and thus help formulate a response. The RSS meeting is not for decision-making, but serves as a platform to exchange experiences. Based on these discussions, each organisation will independently take decisions and shape its future activities. #WATCH | Jodhpur, Rajasthan: On RSS all-India coordination meet in Jodhpur from Sept 5-7, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, Sunil Ambekar says, "...320 workers are expected to be here at the meeting. We will receive the guidance of Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah pic.twitter.com/Qim44oJUGl ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2025 As the BJP chief will also be present, he will be given feedback on several issues aimed at guiding the governments intervention. Following Bhagwats three-day lecture series in Delhiwhich gave an ideological direction to the Sangh workers and a message to the countrythe current meeting will be used as a key opportunity to further intensify efforts to spread the Sanghs ideas to all sections of society. Sunil Ambekar, who is in charge of the Sangh's publicity wing, said that the work done by various organisations on the National Education Policy 2020 would be reviewed, and discussions would be held on giving a new direction to the education sector. The positive changes taking place in tribal society and efforts to integrate them with the mainstream will also be assessed, he said. The RSS will assess the NEP, as it was one policy which was formulated with inputs from several Sangh bodies working in the field of education. It was during one such coordination meeting that the 'One Rank, One Pension' scheme for army personnel was keenly debated and formulated. In less than a month, the RSS will mark the biggest event in its recent history as programmes for the forthcoming centenary year (202526) will be discussed. ALSO READ | Asaduddin Owaisi slams RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's 'three children' call: 'Don't burden Indian women' On October 2, 2025 (Vijayadashami), centenary celebrations will commence from Nagpur, with volunteers in uniform participating in events at the mandal, village, and locality levels. Throughout the centenary year, Hindu conferences, home outreach programmes, harmony meetings, gatherings of prominent citizens, and youth programmes will be organised across the country. Ambekar stated that other themes included the five transformations identified by the RSS: social harmony, family awakening, environment-friendly living, self-reliant creation and the fulfilment of civic duties. With less than a month left for kickstarting its centenary celebrations, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will hold its 3-day all-India coordination meeting in Jodhpur. Around 320 functionaries representing 32 Sangh-inspired organisations will review annual activities, deliberate on socioeconomic issues, and prepare the roadmap for the RSS' centenary year. At a time when senior leaders of the Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP were seeking advice from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on inducting smaller parties into the NDA fold and working unitedly by burying personal differences, the alliance suffered a major setback. The Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), led by TTV Dhinakaran, announced its decision to withdraw from the NDA fold in Tamil Nadu. The decision to quit the NDA came after it became apparent that the senior partner AIADMK under Edappadi K. Palanisami (EPS) will not accommodate his party. The decision to quit did not happen all of a sudden. It was a well thought out decision, after discussing with my party office bearers. We cannot continue with such discomfort, Dhinakaran said, while announcing his exit from the NDA. The BJP-led alliance that secured 19 percent votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with the AIADMK splinter groups in its fold, like former chief minister O. Panneerselvams faction and Dhinakarans AMMK, decided to bring their parent body, AIADMK, into the NDA fold ahead of the 2026 assembly general election. The very idea of bringing back AIADMK under EPS into the NDA was to accommodate the factions back into the parent party or have them as alliance partners. However, Palanisami had often rejected all the options given by the BJP and the factions to reunite with the AIADMK. We thought he would reform himself or be reformed by the BJP. But nothing happened. In the past two months, we have only seen an open display of arrogance by Palaniswami. He is a betrayer. We thought all supporters of Amma should join hands to defeat the DMK. But I think they dont want us, Dhinakaran said. He also said that Amit Shahs efforts to bring all the anti-DMK forces under one roof, to fight the ruling DMK in the run-up to the 2026 elections, had failed. Dhinakaran has apparently shown his reaction to being sidelined since the AIADMK joined the NDA fold. Incidentally, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was at the Tiruchirapalli airport on his way to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, both Dhinakaran and OPS did not get an appointment to greet him. While OPS had sought an appointment with the PM then, Dhinakaran did not even seek a meeting. OPS walked out of the alliance after feeling humiliated. And now Dhinakaran, nephew of V.K. Sasikala, who had recently called for reuniting the AIADMK, has followed OPS. In an emotionally worded two-page statement on August 30, Sasikala asked everyone in the AIADMK to bury their hatchet and come together. Two days after Sasikalas statement, former minister and the partys senior leader K.A. Sengottaiyan said that he will speak his heart on September 5. He has been rebelling against Palaniswami for the past few months due to the latters style of functioning. OPSs exit, Sasikalas statement, Dhinakarans decision, and Sengottaiyans move to speak his heart cannot be looked at as isolated developments. Palaniswami, who is trying hard to retain his leadership position in the party and win the next election by joining the NDA, may not be able to steer the ship as he wants to. The BJP, in fact, even before the 2021 elections, insisted that Palaniswami accommodate all factions. But in 2024, as his equations with the then BJP leader K. Annamalai did not work out, the AIADMK walked out of the alliance only to join 23 months later. But now, the developments indicate a huge disturbance in the BJP alliance, as its calculations to win a major chunk of votes in South Tamil Nadu would fail. Hailing from the south, Sasikala, Dhinakaran, and OPS are considered to be the faces of the majority Thevar vote bank in the south. And again Sengottiayans disgruntled feeling could, again, hit the Gounder vote bank in western Tamil Nadu. While Dhinakaran has said that he will announce his decision in December this year, sources close to him say that he will either contest alone or join actor Vijay. Two soldiers were killed and another critically injured in an encounter with Maoists of the banned Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC) in Jharkhands Palamu district, officials said on Thursday. The gun battle broke out in the dense Kedal forest between 1 am and 1:30 am on Wednesday when a police team was conducting a search operation. The operation was launched after intelligence inputs claimed that TSPCs dreaded zonal commander Shashikant Ganjhu, who carries a reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head, might visit his native village Kedal during the Karma festival. "As the security personnel reached the village, TSPC members spotted them and opened fire. In the ensuing gunfight, three security personnel received bullet injuries, Palamu Superintendent of Police (SP) Reeshma Ramesan told PTI news agency. VIDEO | Two security personnel were killed and another was injured in a gunfight with members of the banned TSPC, a splinter group of CPI (Maoist), in Jharkhand's Palamu district Palamu SP Reeshma Rameshan says, Around 12:30, two police personnel were killed and one was pic.twitter.com/TjYkSJFKqz Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 4, 2025 The Naxals escaped from the spot, following which a search operation has been launched. The killed soldiers have been identified as Santan Kumar and Sunil Ram. The injured jawan is undergoing treatment at Medinirai Medical College and Hospital in Daltonganj. The Kedal-Manatu belt has long been regarded as a bastion of the TSPC, a splinter group of CPI (Maoist). Security agencies believe that Ganjhu is spearheading the outfits activities in the region and continues to be the key figure behind Maoist extortion. Palamu Division, Jharkhand: An encounter took place between police and Maoist group TSPC, resulting in two personnel killed and one injured. Former Tiger Mobile personnel Santan Kumar and Sunil Ram were martyred, while Rohit Kumar, also previously posted in Tiger Mobile, was pic.twitter.com/zlJrlj6iBD IANS (@ians_india) September 4, 2025 Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed grief over the death of two security personnel. "The martyrdom of two police personnel, Santan Mehta Ji and Sunil Ram Ji, during a special operation in the Kedla jungle under the Manatu area of Palamu is extremely painful. May Marang Buru grant peace to the souls of the departed brave martyrs and give strength to their grieving families to bear this hour of sorrow," Soren posted on X. Chief whip of Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal Assembly, Shankar Ghosh, was suspended for the rest of the day for creating ruckus in the house during a discussion over 'atrocities' against Bengali migrants. West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee suspended four other Opposition MLAs, along with Ghosh, for raising slogans and creating a ruckus in the house while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was about to speak on a resolution over 'atrocities' against Bengali migrants. #WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: An ambulance arrived at the State Assembly, as the health of BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh deteriorated following a ruckus and altercation in the House. A few BJP MLAs were marshalled out of the House for sloganeering. BJP MLAs Shankar Ghosh, Agnimitra pic.twitter.com/bGDH59JVXB ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2025 The BJP legislators created ruckus in the house questioning the suspension of Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on September 2. Assembly marshals dragged Ghosh out of the house after he refused to leave the premises. Besides Ghosh, BJP MLAs Agnimitra Paul, Mihir Goswami, Bankim Ghosh and Ashok Dinda were subsequently suspended. The assembly was adjourned multiple times on Thursday as chaos prevailed in the house, as both the treasury and opposition benches started raising slogans. The chief minister condemned the BJP MLAs for the "unparliamentary conduct". She charged that the Opposition was trying to derail a serious discussion concerning the rights and safety of Bengali migrants. "The BJP doesn't want the truth to come out. They are obstructing the house to divert attention from the real issues," the chief minister charged. Banerjee had to pause multiple times during her speech as the Opposition continued their sloganeering. At one point, several Trinamool Congress members were seen moving towards the BJP benches, and Banerjee had to intervene. The BJP legislative party staged a walkout from the assembly after Banerjee's speech. WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. federal judge on Wednesday sided with Harvard University in a lawsuit against the Trump administration, ruling that the federal government illegally froze billions of dollars in research funds. Allison Burroughs, judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, wrote in a ruling that "Defendants (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Justice) used antisemitism as a smokescreen for a targeted, ideologically-motivated assault on this country's premier universities." On April 11, Trump administration officials sent a letter to Harvard, demanding that the university eliminate antisemitism on campus and dismantle diversity initiatives that favor certain minority groups. The Trump administration "did so in a way that runs afoul of" the Administrative Procedure Act, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, wrote the ruling. On April 14, after Harvard rejected the administration's demands, the Trump administration announced a freeze on 2.2 billion dollars in multi-year grants and 60 million dollars in multi-year contract value to the university. "We must fight against antisemitism, but we equally need to protect our rights, including our right to free speech, and neither goal should nor needs to be sacrificed on the altar of the other," wrote Burroughs. Noting that Harvard "was wrong to tolerate hateful behavior for as long as it did," the judge wrote that "Harvard is currently, even if belatedly, taking steps it needs to take to combat antisemitism and seems willing to do even more if need be." "Now it is the job of the courts to similarly step up, to act to safeguard academic freedom and freedom of speech as required by the Constitution, and to ensure that important research is not improperly subjected to arbitrary and procedurally infirm grant terminations, even if doing so risks the wrath of a government committed to its agenda no matter the cost," Burroughs wrote. The judge granted a motion for summary judgment, which means she has ruled in favor of Harvard without a trial. The United Arab Emirates has issued a sharp warning to Israel, declaring that any move to annex parts of the West Bank would cross a red line and endanger both the Abraham Accords and hopes of regional integration. The message, delivered privately and publicly, reflects growing Emirati anger at Israeli discussions over annexation and its likely impact on the fragile framework of peace and normalisation. At the heart of Abu Dhabis stance is the belief that annexation would irreparably damage the vision of cooperation underpinning the accords. The UAE became the first Arab state in more than a quarter of a century to establish open ties with Israel when it signed the United States-brokered deal in 2020. At the time, Israel assured the Emirates that annexation of Palestinian territory would be shelved. Israeli officials now suggest that commitment has lapsed, but Emirati diplomats insist any such action would breach the agreements core principles. Lana Nusseibeh, a senior adviser to the Emirati foreign minister, warned that annexation would severely undermine the accords, collapse the pursuit of regional integration and dismantle the global consensus that peace rests on two states living side by side. She described annexation as the death knell for the two-state solution, which Arab governments still see as the only viable route to lasting stability. The warning comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considers various annexation options in response to talk in several Western capitals of recognising a Palestinian state. Netanyahu has condemned such recognition as a reward for terrorism after the October 2023 attacks. His far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has gone further, presenting a plan to annex more than 80 per cent of the West Bank. The proposal, designed to secure maximum land with minimum Arabs, would encircle Palestinian population centres and eliminate the prospect of a contiguous state. Other scenarios include formal control of settlements, annexation of Area C or a move on the Jordan Valley. Abu Dhabi has also directed its appeal to Washington. Officials believe only President Donald Trump, who brokered the accords during his first term, has the influence to stop Israel from proceeding. They argue annexation would unravel one of his most significant foreign policy achievements. Steve Witkoff, the White House envoy, is said to share concerns that annexation would complicate US efforts to work with Arab partners on a post-war plan for Gaza and undermine chances of a Saudi-Israeli peace deal. Yet there are signs of a shift in Washington. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated he does not oppose annexation, raising fears in the Emirates of a change in American policy compared with Trumps first term, when he blocked Israeli moves twice. Nusseibeh appealed directly to the president, saying the UAE trusted him not to allow the accords to be tarnished by extremists. She added that Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, remained open to normalisation with Israel, but only if annexation was abandoned and a credible path to Palestinian statehood pursued. Despite the war in Gaza, the Emirates have kept relations with Israel and engaged in talks on reconstruction, seeing the accords as a way to back Palestinian aspirations for independence. But the annexation debate has pushed the agreement to a critical point. A senior Emirati official summed up the choice as one between annexation and integration. Choosing annexation, he warned, would close the door on regional cooperation, entrench conflict, and push the Middle East towards a point of no return. For Abu Dhabi, the decision now rests with Israel, but its consequences will shape not only the future of the accords but also the wider prospects for peace and stability across the region. The derailment of the Gloria-Restauradores tram, widely recognized as the Elevador da Gloria (Gloria Elevator), on Wednesday has disconcerted Lisbon and the country alike. In the accident, 15 lives were lost. Twenty-three sustained injuries, and a few remain in a critical state. The derailment has impacted the core of the citys persona and goes beyond initial sorrow. For over a century, this brief yet precipitous excursion between Praca dos Restauradores and the Bairro Alto was more than public transport. It was also a moving postcard, a living museum piece, and a rite of passage for visitors. The writer himself uses this tram frequently to commute to his research studio and had narrowly escaped the crash. The Gloria Funicular, inaugurated on October 24, 1885, was conceived by Engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard. It underwent a swift conversion to steam power after its initial actuation via water, with a subsequent shift to electricity by 1915. Boasting lustrous wood interiors, brass fixtures, plus the muted drone during ascent along Calcada da Gloria, its two energetic yellow trams, launched during the 1920s, became uniquely identifiable. In 1997, since its position within Lisbons cultural heritage was secure, the line was officially designated as a National Monument. For anyone visiting this part of the city, it was part of the citys daily rhythm and routine, a familiar sight and sound on the steep slope beside Avenida da Liberdade and Restauradores street. An Insignia of Lisbon Since its inauguration in 1885, the Gloria funicular has been more than a transport link. It was a bridge between the commercial bustle of Praca dos Restauradores (Restauradores Square) and the Bairro Alto. It's two yellow cable cars (the iconic colours of Lisbons trams), climbing the steep incline and down with a rhythmic creak, and eventually became part of the citys daily soundtrack. The funiculars route doubled as an open-air art gallery, with the city council sponsoring street art panels along the way. This blend of heritage and contemporary culture made it a symbol of Lisbons ability to honour its past while embracing the present. It was the first tram I ever rode, said Maria Antonio, 72, who lives near Avenida da Liberdade. My father took me up to the miradouro (viewpoint) when I was five, and I was shocked and heartbroken, she added. Many old residents of the place shared the same feeling. The funicular was a shared ritual, whether it was the residents of the area, tourists, shopkeepers workers, or students taking a quick ride, or even night owls heading out for the evening at Bairro Alto. It was a place where strangers actually spoke with each other, and where the citys hills felt a little less daunting. For tourists, the Gloria was often their first encounter with Lisbons heritage. The short three-minute ride offers a quick ride to the top, rather than going all the way round from the Baixa Chiado metro station. On the way, one could see graffiti walls and the slow reveal of the Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara, one of the citys most breathtaking viewpoints. Tourists have consistently ranked the Gloria funicular alongside Tram-28 and the Santa Justa Lift as must-visit places in Lisbon. It was also a photographers and Instagrammers paradise, where the steep inclination framed by pastel facades, the yellow tram, contrasting with the tiled buildings, and the St George castle in the background. Carrying millions of passengers annually, the Gloria was both a practical link and a tourism powerhouse. It connected two of the citys most visited neighbourhoods. It funnelled visitors from downtown shops and theatres to Bairro Altos restaurants, bars, pubs, and galleries. It is also connected to the Rato neighbourhood. For three days, the tracks will remain silent and have been declared a national mourning. The accident has left not just a gap in Lisbons transport network, but a wound in its collective memory. The tracks on Bica Funicular, which is the counterpart tram on the other side of the hill, are also shut until further notice. For many, including the writer who has lived here for years, the loss feels personal as a part of the citys soul has been derailed. The Gloria Funicular was never just about getting from A to B. It was about the slow and exhausting climb, the tiled walkway, the view at the top, and the knowledge that you were part of a tradition stretching back 140 years. Whether it will run again remains uncertain. But for Lisbonites and the countless travellers who have ridden it, the tram will always be a cherished souvenir of the citys charm and history. A foreign analyst has recounted how the recent gathering of world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in China for the SCO Summit and military parade got under the skin of US President Donald Trump. Foreign policy analyst David Rothkopf believes Trump might have felt left out as leaders of Asian giants converged in China. Its been a bad back-to-school week for Donald Trump? Rothkopf told the Daily Beast podcast, adding that the world leaders alienated him. Trump wanted to hang out with the cool kids but the kids who he thinks are cool don't want to have anything to do with him, he said. And he has not only alienated them, but he has elevated them. And, you know, you mentioned [Chinese President] Xi Jinping, whos the big host of this and whos the big winner of Trump, he added. Rothkopf then went on to explain how Trump was given a reality check by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which triggered him to impose tariffs on India. The analyst said Modi downplayed any role Trump may have in easing hostilities between India and Pakistan. Modi did this terrible thing to Trump. He said, You know, Donald, you keep saying you solved the India-Pakistan war. You didnt. And hes pulling the rug out from Trumps myth of himself as a peacemaker. And this p---ed off Trump, Rothkopf said. The commentator said the tariffs on India was caused by Trumps anger. So he imposed all these trade sanctions, tariffs on India. And India is like, well, we may have hated China for the past several thousand years, but enough is enough. Were going to go over and were going to get together in a way that we havent gotten together before, he added. He believes Trump has no sense of geopolitics at all and sees everything in personal terms. The Tianjin meeting, which saw 20 leaders, caused a sense of fear of missing out in Trump. Rothkopf said Trump would feel like Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and even North Korean leader Kim Jong-un dont love him back. Rothkopf said Trump had the worst military parade in history on his birthday, while China put on a display that we have not seen in decades. Can you imagine what it was like for Donald Trump to look at the military parade that took place in China yesterday? he wondered. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Western countries were using the Ukraine conflict as a pretext to take punitive measures against countries maintaining strong economic ties with Moscow. Putin made the remarks during his four-day visit to China, where he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. "The events in Ukraine are just a pretext for resolving economic issues with some countries whose economic ties are not to someones liking," Putin was quoted as saying by Russias TASS news agency. "You know, we hardly discussed this topic (at SCO summit). Why? Because, frankly speaking, it doesnt really concern us," the Russian leader said. READ: Why did Volodymyr Zelenskyy turn down Vladimir Putin's demand to meet in Moscow? Putins remarks came days after US President Donald Trump imposed a whopping 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, citing New Delhis continued import of cheap Russian oil. Trumps decision has led to a dramatic downturn in India-US relations, with the foreign ministry terming the move unreasonable and unjustified. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other Heads of States/Heads of Governments pose for a group photograph at the Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. (Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/UftzXy6g3K ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2025 Modis visit to Japan and his meetings with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin last week were seen by many as a message to Trump that India is keen on looking for other options, instead of caving in to US pressure. Putin, in his media interaction, claimed that the true reason behind many of these sanctions is the growing economic imbalances between the West and other major economies like India, China and Brazil. He noted that the imposition of additional tariffs on Brazil earlier in August is an example of sanctions that had no direct connection to the Ukraine conflict. "There is a trade disproportion between the United States and India or with China, but there is no situation between Brazil and the United States, for example. And, by the way, Brazil faced additional tariffs on the 6th of August, even though the deadline was the 8th of August. So what does Ukraine have to do with this? Nothing. It's only about domestic politics... Ukraine doesn't have anything to do with that. So, of course, there is some imbalance in trade, but I believe that those should be addressed through negotiations," said the Russian leader. The Nepal government on Thursday banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube, after they failed to comply with regional regulations. The government action comes after the platform failed to register with Nepal's Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. According to the notice issued by Nepal's communication ministry, the ban was imposed after the social media companies failed to register in Nepal even after a seven-day deadline. The ministry had asked the social media platforms to register their businesses in Nepal, and they were given seven days from August 28 to register. "Even when the deadline expired on Wednesday night, none of the large social media platforms, including Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet (YouTube), X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and LinkedIn submitted applications," the ministry noted. The Government of Nepal has decided to ban 26 social media platformsincluding Facebook, X and YouTubeafter they failed to register within a 7-day window. The order follows a Supreme Court directive and the Ministry says platforms will be reactivated once they comply with pic.twitter.com/KfGEzvydHQ Saurabh Sharma (@saurabhsherry) September 4, 2025 According to the ministry, platforms like TikTok, Viber, Witk, Nimbuzz, and Popo Live continue to operate as they have been listed; Telegram and Global Diary have applied and are in the process of approval. The ministry had given an ultimatum to all social media to register in Nepal. "A meeting held this afternoon has decided to give the order to Nepal Telecommunication Authority to ban 26 social media platforms, effective today, IT ministry spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur told ANI. He added, if any platform completes registration, it will be reopened the same day. Nepal had mandated registration of social media platforms under Managing the Use of Social Networks, 2023 Act. The government's move is likely to affect over 7 million youth living outside the country for higher education and employment. The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) condemned the move and sought immediate reversal of the decision. "The government's move to ban social media sites without giving alternatives not only restricts freedom of expression and press freedom but it also affects the right to information guaranteed by the constitution," it said in a statement. The quest for home and identity is a universal theme that has shaped human experiences for millennia. Whether it is the yearning for belonging or the search for self, these themes resonate deeply across cultures, time periods, and personal journeys. Artists across mediums: painting, sculpture, literature, or digital arts, have long explored these complexities, offering us windows into personal and collective understandings of what it means to belong and who we are. Having recently read Aatish Taseers A Return to Self: Excursions in Exile, I once again found myself reflecting on the meaning of home, what it symbolises and how its definition shifts based on experience, travel, and memory. More than a physical structure, home is one of the most deeply emotional and psychological concepts. It can represent comfort, safety, and familiarity, but also loss, constraint, or dislocation. For some, it is the root of identity; for others, its something to escape in order to find oneself. Artists often explore home through personal history, cultural roots, and time. Frida Kahlo, for example, used her home and domestic spaces as tools for self-expression. Her painting The Two Fridas (1939) explores dual identity and emotional ties to her homeland, while her Casa Azul (Blue House) served as both sanctuary and political space. In the context of migration and displacement, home becomes both a geographic and emotional landscape, an evolving metaphor for belonging, often marked by pain and resilience. For artists like Ai Weiwei, who has experienced exile from China, home and belonging are intertwined with political freedom and forced migration. His 2017 installation, Law of the Journey, a boat filled with inflatable figures, symbolises the global refugee crisis and the search for a safe haven. Like home, identity is fluid, shaped by cultural, social, and personal forces. In art, it often involves a negotiation between individual experience and collective narratives. Indian artists like Zarina Hashmi have powerfully explored cultural identity. As a Muslim-born Indian woman living abroad, Hashmi saw home as impermanent. Her cast paper work Ghar, dusted with shimmering mica, evokes both beauty and fragility, suggesting that home, no matter how carefully built, can turn to smithereens. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. One of the most prominent ways artists explore identity is through self-portraiture. The artistic mirror reveals not only the external self but also the internal struggles and transformations that shape identity. Cindy Sherman challenges identity by assuming various personas in her photographic series, Untitled Film Stills (19771980), exploring how media and culture shape our self-image. Similarly, South African photographer Zanele Muholi uses portraiture to spotlight Black LGBTQ+ individuals, challenging dominant narratives and honoring marginalized identities. In literature and film, the quest for identity remains central. James Baldwins, Giovannis Room explores sexuality and societal expectation, while Ava DuVernays, 13th examines systemic racism and its impact on African American identity. Home and identity are deeply interconnected. The search for one often involves the discovery of the other. Yayoi Kusamas immersive Infinity Rooms, which even made their way to India, reflect her personal battles and search for self-acceptance. Her work blurs the lines between space and self, inviting introspection into our place in the world. Through these artistic explorations, we see how home and identity are rarely fixed. They are fluid, complex, and deeply personal yet universally resonant. Art allows us to reflect on our own assumptions and recognize shared human experiences. Ultimately, the search for home and identity is an ongoing journey. Art becomes a kind of home itself, a space of refuge, reflection, and discovery. It allows us to piece together the fragments of our stories and see ourselves in the experiences of others. The recent devastating floods in North India are a stark reminder of the impermanence of materiality. Perhaps home, in its truest form, is always transcendental. A luxury German car maker has revealed its latest electric model will benefit from one of the most convenient new features added to EVs. Porsche has announced its new 100,000-plus Cayenne Electric will be available with a wireless charging pad, which is claimed to be the first manufacturer-supported inductive charging system to hit the market. Officially called Porsche Wireless Charger (PWC), it provides improved charging speeds over a conventional 7kW domestic wallbox, offering up to 11kW. The pad can be placed on a driveway, in a car port or located in a garage. And it will work during the UK's winter months, with it capable of operating during temperatures from as low as -40 degrees Celsius (and up to 50 degrees in the summer) and isn't impacted by rainwater or debris, such as leaves and snow. But to have this handy feature will cost owners a pretty penny... Porsche has revealed that its new 100,000-plus Cayenne Electric SUV - unveiled next week - will be available with a wireless charging pad It is claimed to be the first manufacturer-supported inductive charging system to hit the market. Here's how it works and - more importantly - how much it costs... How does Porsche's Wireless Charger work? For the laziest of EV owners, Porsche's new system will be a dream. It is incredibly simple to activate. When owners of the new Cayenne Electric drive towards the charging pad, the car's infotainment screen will automatically provide a bird's-eye camera view of the vehicle's position in relation to the pad. Gridlines on the display are overlaid on the floor - provided by the forward- facing camera - to guide drivers to line-up perfectly with the pad to allow charging to commence. Once the user gets confirmation from the Cayenne that it is parked in an appropriate position to receive charge from the pad, the vehicle's air suspension automatically lowers the car by a few centimetres. This allows for the magnetic field built into the Cayenne's floor to connect with the pad so that charging can begin. For the laziest of EV owners, Porsche's new system will be a dream. This is because the pad is incredibly simple to activate and takes no effort from the driver. The pad itself weighs 50kg and will still work even if you clumsily drive over it in your two-tonne electric SUV When owners of the new Cayenne Electric drive towards the charging pad, the car's infotainment screen will automatically provide a bird's-eye camera view of the vehicle's position in relation to the pad Gridlines on the display are overlaid on the floor - provided by the forward- facing camera - to guide drivers to line-up perfectly with the pad to allow charging to commence Once in place, the user will get confirmation from the Cayenne that it is parked in an appropriate position to receive charge Once the SUV is over the charging pad, the air suspension will automatically lower the car by a few centimetres. This allows for the magnetic field built into the Cayenne's floor to connect with the pad so that charging can begin. With the suspension in the lowered position (as pictured), it then allows for the magnetic field built into the Cayenne's floor to connect with the pad so that charging can begin Porsche estimates that around 75 per cent of all charging processes in an all-electric Porsche take place at owners' homes. This means 'potential for inductive charging is correspondingly great,' the German brand said. The 6cm tall charging pad (which is 117cm long and 78cm wide) cannot be cemented into the floor of a garage or driveway, because doing so would obscure the sensors that communicate with the Cayenne's cameras to provide the on-screen guidance to ensure they're parked over the unit correctly. However, once connected to the mains it is completely self-sufficient and owners do not need to have an ugly wallbox fitted to their properties. The pad itself weighs 50kg and will still work even if you clumsily drive over it in your two-tonne electric SUV. There are safety features built into it too, in case you were worried you might zap the neighbour's cat when it sneaks into your garage and cosies up on the warm pad that's sending energy to your luxury SUV's battery. If the system detects a foreign object, it will cut the magnetic charge field until it has moved off. When the moggie does decide to sleep elsewhere, the charging will recommence. But this could mean owners find their Cayennes haven't added as much overnight charge as they expected when they get into the car the next morning. Damn you, Mittens! And because the system is also compatible with the My Porsche app, customers will be able to activate and stop charging manually using their smartphone. They can also use the app to schedule charging times to make best use of cheap off-peak tariffs times and to precondition the vehicle - including warming the batteries and turning on the cabin heater in the winter, or adversely the air-con in summer - ahead of setting off on a journey. The pad can be positioned on a driveway, car port or in a garage. And it will definitely work during the UK's winter months, with it capable of operating during temperatures from as low as -40 degrees Celsius and isn't impacted by rainwater or debris, such as leaves and snow All UK-spec Cayenne Electric will have the necessary wiring and hoses built into them to accept the 15kg, water-cooled charge receptor needed to accept wireless charging. This is bolted under the vehicle's floor to keep it protected from 'adverse weather and stone chips'. This and the pad itself are pricey, though... How much does this all cost? As you might expect, there is a cost associated to having this convenience feature. And, given this is a Porsche, it's pretty pricey. All UK-spec Cayenne Electric will have the necessary wiring and hoses built into them to accept the 15kg, water-cooled charge receptor needed to accept wireless charging. This is bolted under the vehicle's floor to keep it protected from 'adverse weather and stone chips'. However, to have the feature installed will cost 2,000. The charging pad itself in an additional 3,000, taking the grand total to 5,000. That's a big premium over a conventional 7kW homecharging wallbox, which typically costs between 800 to 1,200 including installation. Some brands - including Ford, Volkswagen and Volvo - are even offering complimentary wallboxes when motorists purchase one of their EVs. Unfortunately, another limitation is that the unit cannot receive software upgrades. Therefore, if Porsche were to launch a PWC with faster charging speeds, customers would need to purchase the new hardware. The charging pad will be available next year to coincide with the Cayenne Electric going on sale. The company's flagship EV SUV will make its first public appearance next week at the Munich IAA Mobility Show. Prices are expected to start around 140,000, with the top-spec Turbo versions providing up to 1,000hp. Porsche isn't the first to experiment with wireless charging solutions. Volvo in 2022 provided charging pads in its native Gothenburg, Sweden, for a fleet of XC40 taxis while undertaking a trial. And there have even been similar tests closer to home, with Connected Kerb running its own pilot scheme in parts of the UK two years earlier than Volvo. Rachel Reeves was branded the face of doom as she was urged to cut business rates to save the High Street. In a meeting at Number 11 Downing Street yesterday, the bosses of around ten of Britains best-known store chains made clear to the Chancellor that her reforms to the property tax risk piling more pain on the industry. The talks came as one retail executive described her as the face of doom after hitting the sector with crippling tax hikes. Labour has proposed reforms theoretically designed to level the playing field between bricks-and-mortar shops and online rivals by increasing taxes for larger premises, with the intention of catching out warehouses used by online vendors. But retailers argue the changes will also hit anchor stores on high streets that draw in shoppers to other businesses. Businesses fear around 4,000 shops could be forced to pay higher rates. Plea: Around ten of Britains top retail bosses made clear to the Chancellor that her reforms to business rates risk piling more pain onto the industry Industry chiefs including John Lewis chairman Jason Tarry, B&Q chief executive Graham Bell and British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson pressed the Chancellor yesterday. Dickinson said: The industry was clear that its number one priority at the next Budget is the Governments upcoming business rates reforms: ensuring that it delivers a meaningful reduction for retail, and that no shop pays more. This will help to relieve the pressure on prices, support local employment and deliver the growth the Government seeks. A source added: Business rates was the prominent issue and retailers got their point across. It is a long time until the Budget so well have to wait and see, but there is a degree of cautious positivity. But there was also concern that the Budget will not take place until November 26 later than expected. Retailers were last year hit when Reeves hiked employer National Insurance Contributions and wages. And there are worries that the Budgets timing will weigh on already dire consumer spending in the golden quarter the run-up to Christmas. There will be a prolonged period of speculation which will only dampen consumer confidence and consumer spending all this at the most critical trading period, said Andrew Goodacre, the British Independent Retailers Association chief executive. Burberry will rejoin the FTSE 100 index in a sign its turnaround is gathering pace. The luxury fashion retailer returns after its shares have jumped under its new boss, and will be trading on the- blue-chip Footsie from September 22, having been demoted to the FTSE 250 a year ago after 15 years. Shares are up 95 per cent under a regrounding of the firm by new chief Joshua Schulman. He pledged to return it to timeless British luxury by focusing on outerwear, such as its 1,900 signature check-print coats. High-profile campaigns improved brand perceptions after customers cut spending and a slowdown in sales across the industry, fuelled by weaker demand in China. Energy firm Metlen Energy & Metals will also join the top flight. The duo replace builder Taylor Wimpey and student accommodation maker Unite Group. LIMA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo was sentenced on Wednesday to a prison term for the second time, the country's judiciary said. The Ninth Criminal Liquidating Chamber of the Court of Lima has sentenced the former president to 13 years and four months in prison for aggravated money laundering, the judiciary said on social media platform X. This is the second conviction against the 79-year-old former president, who had received a prison term of 20 years and six months in October 2024 after being found guilty of aggravated collusion and money laundering for irregularity in the construction of the Interoceanic Highway linking Peru and Brazil. Toledo is currently being detained in the Barbadillo prison in the Peruvian capital Lima, where former presidents Ollanta Humala and Pedro Castillo are also held. When it comes to payments, digital is the easiest and preferred method for many people. So much so that more than half of people would leave their physical wallet behind when leaving the house. But increased reliance on digital payment methods could leave people exposed. Recent high-profile technology failures have left consumers exposed across payments, banking and broader services. Adrian Roberts, deputy chief executive of Link, discusses why, despite digital payments being the go-to, cash still has a key role to play in today's society... As the UK's main cash machine operator, we see firsthand how things are changing when it comes to payments across the UK. This year is Link's 40th anniversary, and for those who remember it, in 1985 the cost of a pint of milk was 22p (it's 85p today), it was the year of Live Aid, the first episode of Eastenders was aired and the biggest film was Back to the Future. That's a flashback for many readers, but it probably won't be of great surprise that we were very much a world of card, cash and cheques. Less than half of people see their wallet as being essential to take with them when leaving the house Fast forward to 2025 and the options are very different. In forty years, we've added bank transfers, chip-and-pin and contactless cards, but also digital wallets on our smart devices, open banking and even via QR codes. The old saying that 'cash is king' may still be true for some, but one may also argue that in today's world it is convenience that wears that crown. We've published some new research today that shows just how much how things have changed and also whether increased reliance on digital payment methods could leave people exposed. The growing payment choices offered by retailers mean that less than half of us now leave the house with our wallet or purse. Something that would be unimaginable 10 years ago. Digital systems and connectivity were often clunky and slow at best. It felt alien, improbable or frowned upon at times paying for things using a card, let alone your smartphone for a round of drinks, parking the car or the bus. And yet, we are now at a point where, for many, digital is the default. Industry data shows that card payments overtook cash for the first time in 2018, but now, digital wallets on our smartphones or smartwatches have become the go-to payment option for Gen Z and millennials those aged 18-44. While older age groups may still prefer cards, there isn't a huge generational divide that splits them. Despite this, cash still plays a key part in society. It might be less prominent than it was and no longer the default option for any age group, but the research shows that more than three in five of us use cash at least once a week and we know from ATM data that last year, the average UK adult withdrew 1,250 around 80billion in total. We also know that digital still does not work for everyone and almost a quarter of people consider themselves to be digitally excluded from society, not least through payments and banking. It's why it's no surprise that it remains the most trusted payment. While it is understandable that people don't tend to think about the plumbing of our payments system, we are now at a moment where we are more digitally reliant than ever and we should consider what we would do if systems were down for a sustained period? There have been outages in the UK, but fortunately they've been limited and systems have been restored fairly swiftly. However, we only need to look at the recent power outages in Portugal and Spain that demonstrate the significant vulnerabilities. In Sweden and Finland, the Governments have discussed contingency plans on what could happen if there was an attack on their payments system. Our research shows us that digital reliance does leave us more exposed. Two-thirds of us have experienced some form of disruption, a third of them from payment system outages. And yet, many people don't carry cash or even keep any at home. The median amount people carry on them is 20 with a further 10 kept at home. This is not limited to cash either, over half of us (53 per cent) leave the house with only one bank card or 40 per cent of us only keep one card on our digital wallet. What do you do if you come to pay for shopping and your phone battery is dead? Or perhaps there is disruption on the card network meaning you can't pay by card or digital wallet? These may sound hypothetical, but there is enough evidence to show that things do go wrong. People reading this may think that we have a vested interest. But Link isn't here to hold back the digital tide. Far from it. Our job is simply to ensure free access to cash for as long as people need it. We support change that allow more people to benefit from digital products and services and we support the excellent work being led by the Bank of England to improve resilience in our digital payments systems. But for now, we would just encourage people to think about if they have a back-up, just in case the technology isn't working one day. There is a famous line from 1985's Back to the Future, which if remade today could possibly say 'Wallets, where we're going we don't need wallets'. Indeed, the digital wallet may well make the physical wallet a timepiece in future. But it certainly feels more reassuring if and when things go wrong. Flaws in the Lifetime Isa system could cause savers to miss out on their goals, experts say, as the confused system is increasingly becoming unusable for account holders. Launched in 2017, Lisa accounts allow users to save either to buy their first home, or to save for retirement, benefitting from a 25 per cent bonus from the Government. Almost half of Lisa savers opened their account in order to save for their first home, while the other half of savers did so to save for retirement, according to new data from HMRC. However, these dual-purpose accounts could see savers fail to successfully save for either target, with many facing early-access penalties as a result, Quilter said. When Lifetime Isas launched, many savers jumped at the chance to benefit from a 25 per cent Government bonus. In fact, as many as 98 per cent of account holders said the bonus was important in their decision to open the account. Almost half of Lisa savers opened their account in order to save for their first home With the bonus, however, also comes a punitive withdrawal fee of 25 per cent. This means not only does a saver lose the Government bonus if they choose to withdraw their money, but the charge also eats into their hard-earned savings. Rachael Griffin, tax and financial planning expert at Quilter: 'The withdrawal penalty continues to punish savers even when they are facing financial strain.' 'Many people have faced the difficult battle over the need to save for the future versus the need to pay their bills in recent years, and higher costs have often won. This has forced them to stomach the 25 per cent charge to gain access to their money.' For people who opened these accounts to help fund retirement, many may have struggled to fund day to day expenses over the past few years as a result of the increased cost of living, meaning some may have had no choice but to access their Lisa. As many as 86 per cent of people choosing to make unauthorised withdrawals were aware of the charges they would face, according to HMRC's data. Griffin said this 'underlines how desperate people were for access.' She added: 'The data also shows that 42 per cent of those not currently holding a Lisa said a change to the rules so that original savings would not be lost with the withdrawal charge would be most likely to motivate them to open one.' Meanwhile, the 450,000 house price cap stipulated by the account has not changed in the eight years that have passed since the account launched. As a result, a large number of people who opened accounts when they were initially launched will have found that they are now unable to purchase a home that meets their needs that falls within the budget. Since Lisas were introduced in April 2017, house prices have increased some 34 per cent. A third of people who opened an account to save for their first home said the price cap wasn't high enough. For those in London though, 68 per cent said it didn't meet their needs. Likewise, 48 per cent in the South East said it isn't high enough. Griffin said: 'Put simply, the 450,000 property price cap no longer deals with the reality of the ever more expensive housing market. 'Many who have saved diligently find they cannot use their LISA for the property they need without facing a financial penalty. This undermines confidence in the product and adds to its complexity.' She added: 'For first-time buyers, the Lisa has provided genuine help. Nearly a third of those who used it to buy a property said the government bonus was essential in making the purchase. 'The majority admitted they likely would have bought anyway, just with more difficulty, reinforcing the concern that the Lisa often diverts existing savings rather than generating new ones.' WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that U.S. forces will remain stationed in Poland and the number could even increase, dismissing speculation about troop withdrawals. Trump pledged to "help Poland protect itself" at a White House meeting with Poland's new president, Karol Nawrocki. "We'll put more there if they want," Trump told reporters when asked if he planned to keep U.S. troops in the front-line nation on NATO's eastern flank. Nawrocki thanked Trump for his commitment to continued cooperation with his country. "Those relations for me, for Poland, for Poles, are very important," he said. Nawrocki's visit to Washington is his first overseas trip since taking office last month. MOSCOW, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said speeding up the development of Russia's Far Eastern Federal District is a national priority, emphasizing that continued efforts are necessary to maximize the region's competitive advantages and potential. Putin made the remarks on Thursday at a meeting on the development of the district's fuel and energy complex. "We must continue to speed up growth and fully tap into the region's competitive advantages and potential," he said. Putin noted that over the past decade, electricity consumption in the Far East has risen by 28 percent, double Russia's national average growth rate of 14 percent. "This is a comprehensive, positive indicator that reflects the region's real progress," he added. He also pointed out that the Far East boasts substantial large-scale hydropower potential, which remains underutilized at present. "Hydropower plants not only ensure reliable electricity supply for the region, but also deliver what we call 'comprehensive benefits' to the economy and social sector, from securing local water supplies to flood prevention. This is of great relevance to the Far East," Putin said. Following his China visit, Putin traveled to the Russian port city of Vladivostok to attend the 10th Eastern Economic Forum, which ends on Sept. 6. This has been an exceptionally violent week in Kansas City, Missouri as the rate of gunfire & local murders continues to move past last year's pace at the end of Summer. Here's the latest report . . . Homicide 500 block of Bales This evening (9/3/25) just before 6:30 PM officers were dispatched on an EMS/Medical Nature Unknown call to the 500 block of Bales Avenue. When officers arrived, KCFD paramedics were already on scene and advised officers that an adult male victim had been located, inside of an apartment, unresponsive. Upon further investigation, it was determined the male victim was suffering from apparent gunshot trauma, and was pronounced deceased at the scene. There is no preliminary information available at this time to indicate what led up to the shooting. No suspects have been identified at this point and we do not have anyone in police custody. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel have responded to begin collecting evidence and gathering witness statements. This is being investigated as a homicide and is ongoing at this time. If anyone was in or around the area at this time and saw or heard anything they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS there is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline. We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency. We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents. ################ Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Homicide investigation opens as man found shot to death in Kansas City apartment Police are investigating after a man was found shot to death inside a Kansas City apartment. Police investigate homicide after man found dead on Bales Avenue in Kansas City Kansas City police are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead with gunshot wounds Wednesday evening in the 500 block of Bales Avenue. Developing . . . This pull quote reminds us that New York socialists are even more reckless than our own cowtown brand of progressives . . . "Kansas City at least tried to identify funding sources before it instituted a free-fare policy. Mamdani and his team claim it will be no problem to find the money but offer few specifics." In the meantime . . . Here's one line from a worthwhile summary of freebie politics . . . "In April, Kansas City, Missouri, announced that it was reinstating faresfive years after becoming the first major city to eliminate them. Kansas Citys program had run out of the federal Covid-19 relief dollars it had relied on to cover foregone annual fare revenue, which had amounted to $9 million in 2019, the last year before zero fares. Other sources of revenue are not sufficient and, facing competing budgetary demands, local authorities plan to impose a $2.00 per ride fare. "Score one for Economics 101. There is no free lunchor free ride. Econ 101 also teaches that increasing demand for a limited and already stretched system, with no additional funds for maintenance, staffing, and equipment, will inevitably lead to lower-quality service." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . A roundup and documentation of today's tribute to a local hero . . . "Simoncic's funeral took place at Children's Mercy Park, the procession followed shortly afterwards, giving the whole community a chance to pay their respects." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Attendees inspired to do 'better' after funeral for fallen KCKPD Ofc. Hunter Simoncic Each person who came to the funeral service Wednesday for Ofc. Hunter Simoncic had their own reasons for attending, but they all amounted to different forms of support. Thank you for signing up! Youll soon be getting your Toronto scoop in your inbox. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyevs speech at the "SCO Plus" meeting held in Tianjin, China, represents an important political statement reflecting Azerbaijans international position and strategic partnership policy, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend. Garayev said that Azerbaijani-Chinese relations are really taking off, not just in economic areas but also in political and cultural fields, pointing to a long-term partnership built on strong collaboration. "Establishing such a partnership with a global power like China strengthens Azerbaijans international standing and opens access to alternative markets and technological cooperation. Azerbaijan is a key transit country in the Middle Corridor (ChinaCentral AsiaCaucasusEurope) and also plays a vital role in the development of the East-West and North-South corridors, the expansion of the Alat Port, and the prospects of the Zangezur Corridor," he explained. The analyst pointed out that Azerbaijan is now wearing two hats, not just as an energy powerhouse but also as a key player in the transport-logistics game across Eurasia. "This not only increases the regions transit potential but also boosts Azerbaijans economic revenues and political influence. Azerbaijan supports Chinas Global Development, Security, and Civilization Initiatives, as well as the Global Governance Initiative, showing its commitment to a multipolar world order and an approach based on international law. It also reflects Azerbaijans efforts to pursue a balanced foreign policy," Garayev mentioned. The analyst highlighted that following the Karabakh war, Azerbaijan has turned the tables and is skillfully spinning new regional realities into golden opportunities for transport and economic cooperation. "The introduction of a visa-free regime between Azerbaijan and China, along with expanded cultural and educational ties, was particularly emphasized. This will not only strengthen intergovernmental relations but also promote mutual understanding between the peoples. All of this demonstrates Azerbaijans openness to international cooperation, its strategic actions aligned with geopolitical realities, and its leadership in transport and energy initiatives," he added. Garayev pointed out that President Ilham Aliyevs meeting with Executive Vice President of the PowerChina Group Xi Yinfen during his visit to China also has special importance. "At the meeting, the sides discussed cooperation in green energy, environmental protection, water resource management, wastewater treatment, electricity, green hydrogen projects, construction, and equipment manufacturing. They also exchanged views on prospects for cooperation in the construction of solar and wind power plants, the integration of 'smart energy systems,' and the training of local specialists," he reminded. Garayev noted that this meeting underlines the strategic level of diplomatic and economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and China. "Dialogue with major companies like PowerChina in green energy and infrastructure reflects the alignment of the two countries development strategies and mutual interests. This is significant for strengthening AzerbaijanChina relations and promoting Azerbaijans interests on international platforms," the analyst said. He pointed out that President Ilham Aliyevs meeting with the chairman of China National Chemical Engineering Corporation (CNCEC) marks a major step forward in expanding cooperation in the petrochemical sector. "CNCECs recognition of Azerbaijan as a favorable investment destination demonstrates the countrys attractiveness for foreign investors. The Framework Agreement signed between SOCAR and Seven LTD is strategically important for implementing joint projects both in Azerbaijan and third countries, indicating further deepening of cooperation," Garayev articulated. Addressing the recent bilateral engagement between President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Tianjin, the analyst emphasized that this interaction epitomizes the fortification of Azerbaijani-Turkish relations under the auspices of a strategic alliance and the burgeoning dynamics of regional integration. "Joint projects in energy and transport, particularly the delivery of Azerbaijani gas to Syria via Turkiye, are of great significance for regional energy security and economic growth. The Kars-Igdir-Dilucu railway project and ongoing infrastructure development in Nakhchivan also point to the geographic and economic expansion of ties between the two countries," he explained. Within the summit, President Ilham Aliyev met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Garayev noted that the discussion of the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the high appreciation of Turkiyes role in regional stability, is essential for establishing lasting peace and cooperation in the South Caucasus. "Continuing the positive momentum achieved at the Washington Summit will serve regional prosperity through joint efforts of regional countries and international partners. Overall, these dialogues both strengthen mutual cooperation and mark important steps toward peace and development in the South Caucasus," the analyst stressed. President Ilham Aliyev engaged in a bilateral dialogue with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan during the summit proceedings. Garayev underscored the critical significance of this convening for fortifying the fraternal connections between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, while simultaneously enhancing regional collaboration. "At the same time, Pakistans support for the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process shows international backing for this effort. Discussions on economic and trade relations signal that cooperation will expand into broader areas, bringing mutual benefits. In general, this meeting opens new opportunities for advancing the strategic partnership between the two friendly countries," he concluded. Moreover, President Ilham Aliyev engaged in high-level dialogues and facilitated strategic exchanges with fellow global leaders throughout the summit proceedings. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Thursday met here with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong. He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China is ready to work with Singapore to continuously deepen high-quality cooperation in various fields, jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system and economic globalization, and advance their all-round, high-quality and forward-looking partnership to achieve greater development. Noting that Singapore attaches great importance to its relations with China and remains confident in China's long-term development prospects, Gan said that Singapore is willing to step up economic and trade cooperation with China, safeguard an open and fair free trade system, and promote common development and prosperity. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on the celebration of the 90th anniversary of Yusif Samadoghlu, Trend reports. According to the decree, the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, in alignment with the strategic recommendations from the Union of Writers of Azerbaijan, is tasked with the formulation and execution of a comprehensive agenda of initiatives commemorating the 90th anniversary of the esteemed People's Writer Yusif Samadoghlu. The Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan is tasked with addressing the complexities stemming from this decree. As is planned, in December 2025, the 90th anniversary of Yusif Samadoghlu (Vakilov), a prominent representative of Azerbaijani literature, People's Writer, and well-known public figure, will be celebrated. Yusif Samadoghlu stands as a preeminent luminary, exhibiting an exceptional prowess within the realm of 20th-century Azerbaijani narrative literature. The author, whose oeuvre significantly impacted the literary landscape through narratives rich in socio-political and ethical dimensions, exemplifies a pinnacle of artistic expression across various mediums, including short stories, novels, and screenplays. His pivotal role in the evolution of national prose during the transformative decades of the 1960s and 1970s marks a critical juncture in literary history. The renowned literary work "The Day of the Massacre," which emerged as a significant cultural phenomenon and delves into the complexities of existence and the human condition, catapulted the author to acclaim that transcended the geographical confines of Azerbaijan. Yusif Samadoghlu leveraged the pivotal literary and artistic periodicals under his stewardship as a conduit for the expansive propagation of national ideologies and concepts, positioned himself at the vanguard of the liberation movement and the quest for sovereignty within the nation, and consistently exhibited a distinguished civic-intellectual stance concerning the critical dilemmas confronting the populace. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. On September 4, at a court hearing in the Baku Military Court, the statement given by the accused, Madat Babayan, during the preliminary investigation was read aloud, Trend reports. Part of his testimony during the preliminary investigation concerned the Khojaly genocide that took place in February 1992 and the events that followed. M. Babayan noted in his testimony that on February 24, Arkadi Shirinyan, addressing the then 3rd Regiment, announced that the next day, February 25, 1992, at about midnight, they would attack and massacre the peaceful Azerbaijani population of Khojaly. They began to prepare for operations based on Commander Arkadi Shirinyan's directives. Prior to the attack, the city of Khojaly was subjected to continuous shelling from artillery and multiple launch rocket systems located in the highlands in the direction of Khankendi, using cannons, mortars, and other projectiles. After about 3040 minutes of continuous artillery, mortar, and BM-21 Grad system fire, they entered the city of Khojaly at around midnight on February 2526. Upon entering the town, they began shelling civilians encountered in Khojaly with automatic weapons, machine guns, and grenade launchers from both sides, and set houses ablaze. Some residents, barefoot and with infants in their arms, fled across the Gargar River near the town of Khojaly towards the nearby mountains and the village of Shelli in the Aghdam region. The fleeing individuals were shot by other Armenian armed forces who had previously set up posts around the city to shoot, and the fleeing population was slaughtered. In the city of Khojaly, houses were looted and set ablaze, women were raped, people were subjected to numerous tortures, and tanks and combat vehicles ran over and crushed people. M. Babayan, at that time, used machine guns indiscriminately against every individual, irrespective of their age or gender. Arkadi Shirinyan and other commanders gave a direct order to continue the special atrocities. In general, since the city of Khojaly was under siege for a long time, the residents could not leave the city, and during the attack, few managed to escape and survive. The accused confessed that looting continued in Khojaly from February 26 to March 8, 1992. Court proceedings are ongoing against Armenian nationals accused of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, aggression, terrorism, and violations of the laws and customs of war. The charges also include financing terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and other serious offenses. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, currently on an official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, a source in the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense told Trend. The meeting discussed cooperation in the field of defense between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. During the visit, Colonel General Hasanov also met with his Vietnamese counterpart, General Phan Van Giang. Prior to the meeting, an official welcoming ceremony was conducted, during which the defense ministers passed in front of a guard of honor. The national anthems of both countries were performed by a military orchestra. The Azerbaijani minister signed a Book of Remembrance. The meeting discussed the current state and prospects of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Vietnam and also emphasized the importance of mutual visits and held a broad exchange of views on a number of issues. The defense ministers of both countries signed a letter of intent to facilitate collaborative efforts in military training initiatives.. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. The head of the Azerbaijani delegation to NATO, Jafar Huseynzade, met with the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, at NATO headquarters, Trend reports. According to the delegation, the meeting focused on the Azerbaijan-NATO partnership and prospects within the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program. Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Cavo Dragone, reiterated that Azerbaijan is a reliable partner of NATO and highly appreciated Azerbaijan's contribution to the Alliance's peacekeeping missions and its role in ensuring Europe's energy security. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. On September 1-2, 2025, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev visited Slovenia to participate in the 20th Bled Strategic Forum, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani MFA. This was reported to Trend by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, it was noted that during the forum, the Deputy Minister addressed a panel discussion on the current international situation in the world. In his speech, Rzayev spoke about the historic agreements reached during the Washington summit on August 8 this year, the process of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the peace agenda, and emphasized the importance of stability in the region. The speech also noted Azerbaijan's contribution to the energy security of European countries, large-scale energy and transport projects implemented with the participation of our country, and provided information on Azerbaijan's important role in the creation and operation of international transport routes, such as the Middle Corridor. In the course of the panel discussions, the successful conduct and chairmanship of Azerbaijan at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the successes achieved within the framework of COP29 on many issues that had long awaited resolution, and the decisions taken were discussed. Several bilateral working meetings were also held during the visit. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. The captain of an Airbus A321 aircraft operated by Centrium Air, flying on the IstanbulSamarkand route, requested an emergency landing at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Trend reports. According to the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the reason was the sudden deterioration in the health condition of one of the passengers on board. The aircraft successfully landed at Baku Airport at 08:29 local time. All relevant airport services were immediately placed on high alert. The medical team provided the passenger with on-site first aid, and following an assessment of the condition, it was decided to transfer the passenger to one of the capitals specialized hospitals. Ensuring the health and safety of passengers remains a top priority for Heydar Aliyev International Airport. For this purpose, all airport services operate in an efficient and fully coordinated manner to manage such situations promptly. To advance flight safety management and foster a culture of accountability, Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL), a part of AZCON Holding, hosted Flight Safety Day event in Baku. The joint participation of representatives of AZCON Holding, AZALs leadership, the National Aviation Academy, the State Civil Aviation Agency under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, and other stakeholders highlighted the national air carriers strong commitment to maintaining high safety standards, continuous development, and reinforcing passenger trust. Supported by UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA), the event features internationally recognized experts, including Giancarlo Buono, Director of Safety and Airspace Regulation at UK CAA, and Simon Roberts, expert in safety management and human and organizational factors. Speakers shared best practices in building a strong corporate safety culture where transparency, accountability, and leadership must remain an integral part of daily operations. Samir Rzayev, President of Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC, underlined the significance of dedicating such an event to flight safety: This event not only enhances the professional competencies of our management but also advances the development of responsibility and transparency core principles of our aviation safety system. These principles strengthen AZALs reputation as a reliable and safe international air carrier. The training program covered key areas, such as leadership development in flight safety, building a positive corporate culture, effective change management, integrating the human factor into the safety system, improving the effectiveness of the Safety Management System (SMS), and other key areas. AZAL Flight Safety Day served both as a platform for sharing experience and as an essential initiative for further strengthening a safety culture through leadership accountability and active employee engagement. The video clip related to the event can be viewed at the https://youtu.be/Zv7B4BnyYEU. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia, Timco Mucunski, is on a working visit to Geneva, Switzerland, until Friday, 5 September, Trend reports. As part of the visit, the Minister will address the Young Leaders Summit, organized by the World Economic Forum, which is taking place in Geneva. In addition to his address, the Minister will inaugurate the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of North Macedonia in Geneva and, on the occasion of Independence Day, will also speak at a reception organized for the Macedonian diaspora in this part of Switzerland. Bilateral meetings are also planned with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Director of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, and the UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues at the Human Rights Council. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. The 11th Slovenian Armed Forces Best Squad competition with international participation officially began with an opening ceremony, at the Baron Andrej Cehovin Barracks in Postojna, Trend reports. The event participants were addressed by Senior Enlisted Leader of the Slovenian Armed Forces, Sergeant Major of the Armed Forces Robert Rotar. A total of 17 units will participate in the competition. As emphasized by Sergeant Major of the Slovenian Armed Forces Robert Rotar in his address, this competition goes beyond the borders of our homeland and connects units from seven countries in the spirit of genuine military rivalry and mutual respect. He added that it is not only considered as a test of strength, knowledge, and endurance, but as a test of military skills, experience, cohesion, joint cooperation, and teamwork. He also expressed his expectation that during the competition the participants would prove that "the values we emphasize in the military are not just words, but a living foundation of our daily lives, expressed through our actions and decisions upon which the military organization is built." The competition is organized by the Logistics Brigade and features ten Slovenian Armed Forces squads (14th Engineer Battalion, 18th CBRN Defence Battalion, 20th Light Infantry Battalion, 74th Medium Infantry Battalion, 157th Logistic Support Battalion, 670th Logistic Support Battalion, Military Schools Centre, 10th Reconnaisance Battalion two units, and 132nd Mountain Battalion) and seven international squads (from Croatia, Italy, Hungary, the Colorado National Guard, the Republic of North Macedonia, and two squads from Slovakia). Last year, the overall winners of the competition were members of the 20th Light Infantry Battalion (former 20th Infantry Regiment) of the 72nd Brigade of the Slovenian Armed Forces. This years competition route covers a total of approximately 40 kilometers (25 km on the first day and 15 km on the second day). The aim of the competition, which will conclude on Friday, 5 September, with a closing ceremony at the Park of Military History in Pivka, is to evaluate capabilities and knowledge of basic military battlefield survival skills, squad procedures, teamwork, as well as to strengthen combat spirit and promote healthy competitiveness among Slovenian Armed Forces units. Each squad is composed of nine members. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. The Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, General Milan Mojsilovic, received a group of officers from the Serbian Armed Forces who will be attending the General Staff Course at the Vojvoda Radomir Putnik School of National Defence during the 2025/2026 academic year, Trend reports. Addressing the new class of officers preparing for some of the most responsible command and staff roles within the Serbian Armed Forces, the Chief of the General Staff emphasized that their previous service, commitment, and readiness to handle all responsibilities and tasks have earned them the opportunity to attend the highest level of professional military education. You have undergone a thorough selection process at all levels of command, and we believe you are the officers with the capacity to take on more complex tasks and assume greater responsibilities upon completing your training said General Mojsilovic. He also emphasized that he expects the candidates to make the most of this opportunity and to invest the necessary effort to successfully complete the demanding theoretical and practical curriculum, thereby preparing themselves in the best possible way for the duties that lie ahead. The meeting was also attended by the Head of the Human Resources Department (J-1), Brigadier General Slaan Hristov, and the Head of the Office of the Chief of the General Staff, Colonel Boris Stojkovic. The General Staff Course is the third level of specialized officer training programs. It prepares officers for brigade-level command positions, as well as for senior command and staff duties and other roles within operational commands and organizational units of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff and the Ministry of Defence. ISLAMABAD, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least 217 people have been killed and 482 others injured in 605 terrorist incidents reported in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during the first eight months of 2025, a report by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) said on Thursday. According to the report, the attacks claimed the lives of 138 civilians and left 352 others injured. A total of 79 police personnel were also killed, and 130 were wounded in different encounters and assaults. The CTD said that 351 suspects were linked to these incidents, with 32 killed in operations and five arrested. August recorded the sharpest increase in violence, with 129 incidents resulting in the deaths of 17 civilians and injuries to 51 others. Thirteen police officers were also killed and 46 were injured in clashes with militants during the month. Bannu district emerged as the most affected in August with 42 reported incidents, followed by North Waziristan with 15, South Waziristan with 14, Dir with 11, and Dera Ismail Khan and Kurram with eight each. The CTD report further said that eight militants were killed in encounters during August. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. Minister of Defense of Montenegro Dragan Krapovic and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, Brigadier General Miodrag Vuksanovic, informed me that organizational and structural changes have been implemented within the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, Trend reports. According to the new structure, the Chief of the General Staff will have a Deputy for Operations, Plans and Exercises, and a Deputy for Resources and Support. This reform is aimed at enhancing command effectiveness, ensuring higher quality planning, and enabling faster response to modern security challenges. Captain (Navy) Goran urkovic has been appointed Acting Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Exercises, while Colonel Hajrudin erekarac has been appointed Acting Deputy Chief of Staff for Resources and Support. Captain urkovic successfully completed operational-strategic level training at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, United Kingdom, in July this year. Colonel erekarac has assumed his new role after serving as Chief of the Command Operations Center within the General Staff. General Vuksanovic also proposed new personnel solutions within the General Staff, including appointments to the positions of Chief of the Human Resources Department (J-1), Intelligence Department (J-2), Operations Department (J-3), Logistics Department (J-4), Planning, Development and Modernization Department (J-5), Training Department (J-7), Finance Department (J-8), as well as the post of Commander of the Support Battalion. These initiated changes are aimed at strengthening command capabilities, improving interdepartmental coordination, and advancing the professional development of personnel. The proposed reforms lay the foundations for building modern and functional military structures, capable of meeting the demands of both national and collective security. The announced reforms are only the beginning a clear signal that the era of stagnation and waiting has come to an end. This is a time of decisive transformation. A time in which the Armed Forces of Montenegro will not simply follow, but lead. A time in which our Armed Forces once again become a source of pride for the state and its citizens. Under the command of Brigadier General Miodrag Vuksanovic and with the support of the Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces of Montenegro remain firmly committed to strengthening their capacities, advancing modernization, and fulfilling both national and allied obligations, thereby contributing to the security of Montenegro and the preservation of international stability. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. On Friday, September 5, 2025, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze will roll out the red carpet for Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic Radman during an official working visit to Riga, Trend reports. The ministers will engage in a discourse on bilateral and regional synergies, European security paradigms, EU strategic imperatives, and the forthcoming multiannual fiscal framework. In the course of his diplomatic engagement, Minister Grlic Radman is scheduled to confer with Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics and key stakeholders from the Saeima, in addition to conducting a site visit to the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence. Furthermore, he is slated to present a discourse at the University of Latvia under the title Medium-Sized EU Member States and the Future of European Security: A Croatian Perspective. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Turkmengas invites companies to participate in gas turbine overhaul bid The procurement process is being executed under the auspices of the organizations Tender Commission. Stakeholders must engage in a comprehensive review of Turkmenistans legislative framework governing tenders for state requirements, adhere to the procedural stipulations of the tender process, and compile the requisite documentation as delineated. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Turkmenistan Tatneft calls for international proposals to supply engine spare parts Upon submitting an application, participants will receive the technical assignment (specification) for the tender. Tender proposals must be submitted in duplicate, in two separate envelopes labeled A and B. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Iran's product exports via Parviz Khan customs to Iraq climb Product exports through Parviz Khan customs in Irans Kermanshah Province rose by 23 percent in value and 3 percent in weight in the first five months of the current Iranian year (March 21August 22, 2025). A total of 834,000 tons of goods worth $356 million were exported to Iraq during this period. On average, 223 trucks pass through the customs daily. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 4. The Senate of Kazakhstan has ratified the Agreement on the Promotion and Mutual Protection of Investments with Turkmenistan, aimed at creating predictable and secure conditions for investors of both countries, Trend reports via the Senate. The document, wrapped up between the governments of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, lays out fair and equal treatment for investors while allowing the parties to pinpoint sensitive industries that might need special regulation. According to the agreement, nationalization or expropriation of investments is permitted only in the public interest and must be accompanied by compensation at fair market value. Kazakhstan has already tied the knot with around 50 countries through similar bilateral agreements and has also inked one multilateral agreement under the umbrella of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The geography of these agreements covers major regions and global economic centers. The ratified deal with Turkmenistan is viewed as part of Kazakhstans broader strategy to strengthen investor protection mechanisms and create favorable conditions for attracting foreign capital. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 4. Alif Uzbekistan is attracting significant investment and plans to establish a bank to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Trend reports. Alif Uzbekistan, a big fish in the pond of installment services, e-commerce, and fintech, is throwing its hat in the ring for a full banking license. The company currently operates under a payment services license. Founded in 2014, Alif has quickly risen to become one of Central Asias leading fintech companies. It now operates in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Pakistan, employing more than 1,400 staff and serving 4.4 million clients. The company dipped its toes into the Uzbek market in 2019 and hit the ground running by securing an electronic money and payments license in 2020. Since then, it has introduced a wide range of services, including installment plans, an online marketplace, a payment platform, and the Alif Travel service. Today, Alif has built up a user base of over 5 million in Uzbekistan. The company controls more than 30 percent of the domestic installment market, while its payment platform generates annual revenues of 135 billion Uzbek soums. Meanwhile, its marketplace records a monthly turnover of more than $2 million. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 4. Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov held talks with a delegation of leading Saudi Arabian companies headed by Mohammad Abunayyan, CEO of ACWA Power, to discuss prospects for broad-based cooperation, Trend reports. The meeting was also attended by top executives of InterHealth, Vision Invest, Miahona, Riyadh Cables, Saudi Tabreed, Al Bawani, Al Kathiri Holding, Abunayyan Holding, Kdot Partners, and several other major Saudi businesses. Discussions covered pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transport, energy, water supply, industrial production, and the digital economy. Special attention was paid to the localization of advanced technologies, modernization of infrastructure, and the introduction of innovative solutions. Both sides emphasized the strategic importance of UzbekSaudi cooperation. They agreed to roll up their sleeves and dive into new projects, all in the name of bolstering bilateral ties and expanding their long-term partnership. As of now, the UzbekSaudi collaborative initiatives boast a robust portfolio estimated at $24 billion, showcasing significant progress in the realm of green energy. This includes the initiation of green hydrogen production within the Tashkent region, heralding a transformative era of sustainable industrial partnership. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Azerbaijan earmarks funds to refit houses in liberated Khojavand district outskirts The second phase of house renovations has begun in Khanoba and Taghaverd villages of Azerbaijans Khojavand district. A total of 56 houses covering nearly 9,400 square meters will be repaired. The projects are valued at 1.5 million manat ($898,000) for Khanoba and 1.9 million manat ($1.13 million) for Taghaverd. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Uzbekistan pulls back curtain on tourism trends for Georgian hotspots Uzbek citizens are increasingly choosing Georgia as a travel destination. In the first seven months of 2025, nearly 9,600 Uzbeks visited the country for tourism, family visits, business, study, and medical treatment, marking a significant rise compared to last year. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ABUJA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least 29 bodies have been recovered and 50 people rescued after a passenger boat capsized on the Niger River in Niger State, central Nigeria, a local official said Thursday. Abdullahi Baba-Arah, head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, told Xinhua by telephone that the accident occurred Tuesday when a wooden boat carrying passengers on a condolence visit struck a tree stump and overturned in the Gausawa community of Borgu local government area. "We have been unable to conclude the rescue operation because we noticed that the number of passengers on the manifest outnumbers the current figure of victims that we have," Baba-Arah said. He clarified that "the overloaded boat had about 90 passengers," but dismissed earlier media reports claiming that more than 60 bodies had been recovered. Local divers and volunteers have been deployed to the Niger River, one of West Africa's principal waterways, to search for more missing victims. An investigation will follow the rescue operation, Baba-Arah added. Boat accidents are frequent in Nigeria, often caused by overloading, poor safety standards, and harsh weather conditions. Iran's Zarshoran company augments gold bar production Irans Zarshoran Gold Mines increased gold bar production in the first five months of the current Iranian year. Output rose to 490 kg, up from 357 kg in the same period last year. In the fifth month alone, despite power restrictions, the company produced 91 kg, surpassing its target. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 4. Received the copies of credentials from the newly appointed Ambassador of France to Uzbekistan, H.E. Walid Fouque, Uzbekistans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakhtiyor Saidov, wrote on X, Trend reports. UzbekistanFrance bilateral relations have a rich historical foundation, have shown unprecedented dynamics, and have been elevated to the level of a strategic partnership. Today, we see intense exchanges in all areasfrom economy to culture. Still, there is even more potential that our diplomats must join their efforts to realize, Saidov noted. Wish Mr. Ambassador a successful tenure in our country! he added. Walid Fouque worked in the Directorate for Strategic Affairs, Security, and Disarmament at the French Foreign Ministry from 2010 through 2014. He was a a political adviser at the French embassy in Beijing from 2014 to 2017 and at France's permanent UN mission in New York from 2017 to 2019. Following his return to the Foreign Ministry, he served as Far East director in the Asia and Oceania Directorate (2019-2020). Fouque advised the French president on Asia, Oceania, and the Americas from 2020 to 2025. France and Uzbekistan formalized diplomatic relations on 1 March 1992. During then-President Islam Karimov's visit to France in 1993, a series of intergovernmental agreements were signed, forming the foundation for relations between France and Uzbekistan. Subsequent to 11 September 2001, French engagement in Afghanistan enhanced political discourse with Tashkent. Relations deteriorated during the implementation of European sanctions (2005-2009) due to the repression of protests in Andijan, but were subsequently revitalized by France via consistent political discussion and diverse cooperative initiatives. 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. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 4. Turkmenistans Ambassador to Italy, Toyly Komekov, held a meeting with Italys Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Edmondo Cirielli, in Rome on Wednesday to discuss upcoming high-level bilateral visits and strengthen economic ties, Trend reports via the official social media of the Italian minister. Throughout the discussions, both parties underscored the imperative of enhancing synergies within the energy domain and advancing the establishment of logistical conduits between the two nations. Cirielli emphasized that the dialogues are a continuation of Italys strategic involvement subsequent to the inaugural Central Asia-Italy summit, convened in May 2025 in Astana, Kazakhstan. As per the directives from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the bilateral trade dynamics between Turkmenistan and Italy reached an approximate valuation of 33 million euros during the initial quadrimester of 2025. Notably, Italian exports constituted a significant portion at 32 million euros, while the export metrics from Turkmenistan were recorded at 1.5 million euros. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Uzbekistan outlines prospects for multimodal routes via the Zangezur Corridor (Exclusive) Uzbekistan is exploring new multimodal transport routes through the Zangezur Corridor, opening faster access to Turkiye and European markets. The initiative aims to strengthen regional trade and connectivity across Eurasia, linking Central Asia with key logistics hubs via modern railway and port networks. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held discussions on partnership in the field of energy and mutual investments, the country's Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, wrote on X page, Trend reports. We held a video conference with Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates. During the discussions, we underscored the strong and successful partnership between our countries. We also reviewed jointly implemented projects, ongoing cooperation in the energy sector, mutual investments, and prospects for further deepening collaboration, the publication reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. Angolan President Joao Goncalves Lourenco met with Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi in Luanda to review the progress of Azule Energy, the joint venture between Eni and bp, and to discuss ongoing and future initiatives, Trend reports. Azule Energy, now Angolas largest oil and gas producer, operates 230,000 boed and aims to reach 370,000 boed by 2026 with the ramp-up of the Integrated West Hub and the launch of the New Gas Consortium, the countrys first non-associated gas project. The company recently started production from the Agogo FPSO, delivered 10 months ahead of schedule, and plans to make it Angolas first carbon-neutral FPSO. Talks also covered support for the Luanda refinery, studies for a bio-refinery focused on sustainable aviation fuel, and initiatives in education, healthcare, and local development. Azule has backed training programs for small businesses, the construction of 14 schools for 17,000 children, and healthcare partnerships in Luanda. It is also the largest private contributor to landmine clearance in Benguela province. Descalzi and Lourenco further discussed Enis sustainability projects, including a clean cooking program that has already reached over 500,000 people, with a goal of more than 2 million by 2030. Nearly 90% of the improved cookstoves distributed are produced locally, supporting jobs and skills development. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. The Syrian Ministry of Energy and ACWA Power have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to study and develop up to 2.5 GW of solar and wind capacity in Syria, alongside energy storage solutions and a proposed national technical training center, Trend reports. Under the agreement, ACWA Power will conduct technical and commercial studies on existing power plants and the national grid, identify suitable sites for approximately 1.0 GW of solar PV and 1.5 GW of wind capacity, and explore grid-scale storage to enhance reliability and flexibility. The initiative also includes plans for a national training centre to develop skilled technicians to support renewable energy projects across construction and operations. Moayad Samman, ACWA Powers Country General Manager in Syria, highlighted the focus on reliable, cost-competitive renewable generation and local workforce development. The Ministry of Energy emphasized the projects role in strengthening Syrias energy infrastructure and supporting the nations transition to sustainable energy. Irans Bahar Azadi gold coin shoots up in price On September 4, Irans Bahar Azadi gold coin was trading at around 930 million rials, or about $1,620, showing that the market is still riding the rollercoaster of volatility since the Central Bank decided to let the exchange rate float last year. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has achieved a certain level of digitalization in the financial market but aims to expand it further, said Vusal Khalilov, Deputy Chairman of the CBA, Trend reports. Speaking at a press conference dedicated to the ICPC World Finals 2025, Khalilov emphasized that the main goal of the CBA is to support the development of the financial market. If we look at recent years, we can say that the main driver of growth has been digitalization. Every new project, product, and service is primarily delivered through digital channels. Currently, we have a strong need for talented professionals in the digital field. While we have reached a certain level of digitalization in the financial market, it is necessary to increase it further, he said. The official also noted that one of the key reasons the Central Bank supports this competition is to foster the development of more highly skilled talent. Many graduates of the ICPC are among the founders and driving forces of leading technology organizations. We believe that this competition will contribute to the growth of the financial market and the countrys overall digitalization, Khalilov added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BERLIN, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- A car crashed into a group of people in Germany's capital Berlin on Thursday, causing several injuries, local media reported. According to initial reports, the crash occurred around 1:10 p.m. in Wedding district, leaving several children mildly injured and a caregiver severely wounded. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 4. The Mazhilis of Kazakhstan (the upper house of Parliament) and the Great State Khural of Mongolia, led by Chairman Dashzegviin Amarbayasgalan, signed a memorandum of cooperation in Astana during a meeting with Mazhilis Speaker Yerlan Koshanov, Trend reports. At a meeting with the Speaker of the Mazhilis, Yerlan Koshanov, the parties discussed strengthening inter-parliamentary ties and signed a memorandum of cooperation, according to which the parties undertake within their competencies to promote the strengthening and development of cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia in political, trade-economic, scientific-technical, socio-cultural, humanitarian, and other fields. Welcoming the distinguished guest to the Majilis, Yerlan Koshanov noted that Mongolia has always been an important partner for Kazakhstan in Asia. At the same time, the country's leadership and Kazakhstani people sincerely welcome the successes of their neighbors and support the large-scale political, economic, and social reforms carried out at the initiative of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. Our countries' relations are rapidly developing. Last years state visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Mongolia was especially fruitful. Thanks to the leaders of the two countries, our bilateral relations have reached the level of strategic partnership, and 11 documents were signed in various fields. I am confident that the memorandum of cooperation between our parliaments, which we are signing today, will elevate our partnership to a new level, said the Speaker of the Mazhilis. Moreover, speaking about the constitutional reform and transformations being implemented in Kazakhstan since 2022, Yerlan Koshanov noted the similarity of the political courses of the two countries. For example, last years elections to the Great State Khural of Mongolia were also held under a mixed system, and representatives of five parties entered the Parliament for the first time. Regarding the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation, the parties agreed to strengthen the work of friendship groups, headed by deputies Nurtai Sabilyanov and Ukhnagiyin Otogonbayar. Constant dialogue is planned to be encouraged within the framework of specialized committees. The heads of parliament also touched upon strengthening cooperation along party lines and further work on multilateral platforms such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. In turn, the Chairman of the Great State Khural noted a strong mutual interest in exchanging legislative experience in areas such as digitalization, artificial intelligence development, ecology, and agriculture. Following the meeting, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Mazhilis of the Parliament and the Great State Khural. According to the document, the parties undertake within their competencies to promote the strengthening and development of cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mongolia in political, trade-economic, scientific-technical, socio-cultural, humanitarian, and other fields, as well as in digital economy development and innovation implementation. Additionally, at the Majilis venue, a memorandum on establishing brotherly relations between the East Kazakhstan Region and the Khovd Aimag was signed. As part of the official visit, the Mongolian delegation plans to visit the Astana International Financial Centre, the national company Kazakh Invest, the Situational Centre of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, the national company Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary (Kazcosmos), and other facilities. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. The IV AzerbaijanTurkiye Energy Forum was held in Izmir under the co-chairmanship of Azerbaijans Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov and Turkiyes Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Trend reports. The forum highlighted the strategic energy partnership between the two countries and its contribution to regional stability and international energy security. Speaking at the opening, Shahbazov emphasized that Azerbaijan and Turkiye are not only long-term partners in energy but also strategic allies shaping the geoeconomic landscape of the region. He added that the One Nation - Two States" policy, implemented by the heads of state with mutual trust, has elevated AzerbaijanTurkiye relations to an unprecedented level, driving all energy projects. He noted that over 120 billion cubic meters of gas have been exported from Azerbaijan to Turkiye, including more than 35 billion through the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), and over 50 billion to Europe. In the first eight months of this year, 6.6 billion cubic meters were delivered to Turkiye and 8.3 billion to European countries. Strategic cooperation also enabled rapid gas delivery to Syria, totaling 60 million cubic meters. Energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye has entered a new phase, strengthening our long-term partnership in oil, gas, and renewable energy, while boosting our regional and global positions amid changing geopolitical realities. Major initiatives, including the IgdrNakhchivan pipeline, TPAOs involvement in the Shafag-Asiman project, gas deliveries to Syria, green energy interconnectors, and agreements on the Zangazur Corridor, also referred to as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), Shahbazov said. The Zangezur Corridor was described as a strategic route for transporting hydrocarbons and green energy from the Caspian and Central Asia to international markets via Nakhchivan and Turkiye. It will connect mainland Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan, strengthening energy and communication ties with Turkiye and other Turkic states, positioning both countries as key nodes of the Middle Corridor. Accelerating electricity grid links between Nakhchivan and Turkiye was also emphasized. Discussions also covered the AzerbaijanGeorgiaTurkiyeBulgaria interconnector as a route for exporting and transmitting green energy alongside Nakhchivan and Zangazur. Shahbazov mentioned Turkish projects in Kalbajar and Lachin, including four small hydropower plants totaling 13 MW and a 240 MW wind power plant in Kalbajar. The forum, covering hydrocarbons, mining, renewable energy, and energy regulation, reinforced the AzerbaijanTurkiye energy alliance as a guarantor of long-term energy security. Bayraktar highlighted that Turkiye and Azerbaijan, with their geostrategic locations, natural resources, and infrastructure, play complementary roles and significantly contribute to regional and global energy security. Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijans Presidential Representative for Climate and COP29 President, also addressed the forum, highlighting bilateral cooperation on energy transition and support for COP29 initiatives. Working groups presented reports on hydrocarbons and petrochemicals, electricity markets, distribution and transmission, regulation, energy efficiency, and mining. A roundtable with energy companies led to agreements on strengthening energy security, continuing cooperation in regional and global energy organizations, implementing bilateral and multilateral electricity projects, and supporting energy and mining investments in Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and third countries. The forum concluded with the signing of the protocol of the Fourth AzerbaijanTurkiye Energy Forum. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. OpenAI intends to recruit Azerbaijani students, OpenAI researcher Mostafa Rohaninejad told Trend on the sidelines of the ICPC (International Interuniversity Programming Competition) World Finals 2025. "We are delighted to be working with students at the 49th ICPC World Finals in Baku," he said. He noted that the event is attended by very smart students, as well as many international OpenAI participants. "We try to recruit students, including the most talented students from Azerbaijan, because they rank among the most talented in the world. We hope that some of them will join internship programs, full-time job opportunities in the future, and then maybe start their own companies here and develop the ecosystem. We see that when students from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures come to the US and work, they develop their skills and then go back home and strengthen the ecosystem there. It's a very positive ecosystem. So we are very excited about it," he explained. The researcher emphasized that one of the best things they can do as OpenAI is to attract the smartest and most talented students to their company. "This is because I think one of the best training ways is to learn by working. As a company, we are investing heavily in the development of solar, wind, and many renewable nuclear energy technologies, because there is not enough energy available. We are trying to build millions of GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), and this requires gigawatts of energy. That is why we are trying to cooperate with companies working on new solar technologies and new nuclear technologies. Our founder, Sam Altman, has also invested a lot in nuclear fusion. I don't have a big knowledge about the renewable energy sector in Azerbaijan, but I'm sure that if they are working in this field, they can use AI technologies in this sector as well," Rohaninejad concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 4. Kazakhstan will introduce a temporary quantitative restriction on beef exports to curb rising prices in the domestic market and ensure a sufficient supply of cattle meat for the population, Trend reports via the press service of Kazakhstans Prime Minister. This decision was made at a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade Policy and Participation in International Economic Organizations. At the same time, the quotas will allow large conscientious producers to maintain deliveries under existing contracts and retain foreign sales markets. The relevant order will be issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, the information notes. The meeting also approved a decision to extend the ban on the export of gasoline, diesel fuel, and certain types of petroleum products by road and rail from Kazakhstan. This measure is aimed at ensuring an uninterrupted supply to the domestic market. Starting from January 2026, the ban on exporting light distillates, aviation kerosene, diesel fuel, gas oils, toluene, xylene, and petroleum bitumen beyond the customs territory of the EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) will be extended for six months. In August 2025, prices for goods in the Meat and Poultry category in Kazakhstan increased on average by 3.2 percent compared to July, marking the highest growth rate for any month in nearly 14 years - since November 2011. The annual price increase for meat in Kazakhstan was 11.3 percent. Beef prices rose by 16.9 percent, lamb by 16.1 percent, horse meat by 5.6 percent, poultry by 4.5 percent, and pork by 3.7 percent. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. Huawei is really interested in supporting the artificial intelligence (AI) and digital economy development strategies defined by Azerbaijan and building an ecosystem, Executive Editor-in-Chief of Huawei Gavin Allen told Trend on the sidelines of the ICPC (International Collegiate Programming Contest) World Finals 2025. According to him, the creation of a stronger economic center in Azerbaijan can be launched by supporting the next generation of talent through academies, and through this next generation of talent. He recalled that Huawei has been cooperating with Azerbaijan for two decades, and then announced the goals. "Huawei is really interested in supporting the AI and digital economy development strategies defined by Azerbaijan, in building the ecosystem. You cant build anything without partnership and cooperation, not only between businesses and government agencies, but also within university networks and the broader ecosystem. We are interested in participating in all these areas. By supporting the next generation of talents through academies, and through these next generation talents, we can start creating a stronger economic center in the Azerbaijan region," he said. Allen spoke about how Huawei can contribute to strengthening the cybersecurity infrastructure in Azerbaijan and developing digital transformation based on its global experience. "The truth is that the contribution of Huawei's experience, we hope, is provided by the experience, innovations, and technology that we have. We already have more than 140,000 active patents, but this is a multi-faceted process, meaning that while we contribute, we also gain great experience ourselves through the support we receive from young people, government, and institutions in Azerbaijan. This creates mutual benefits," he explained. The company official assessed how joint initiatives between Huawei and Azerbaijan can contribute to the development of local ICT talents and innovation ecosystems. "We have several organizational processes. For instance, internship programs, master-student programs, training camps, competitions, support for academies and universities, as well as training programs for university teachers in the field of 5G and artificial intelligence. All these are collaborative efforts, and I think this creates a mutually beneficial basis for both Huawei and Azerbaijan. I would also like to note that the majority of people working at Huawei in Azerbaijan are Azerbaijanis, so it's not them and us, it's us. The main point in collaboration is to be open, to always share, not just tell someone what to do. Yes, you can give instructions, but like in ICPC, you always learn from others. "We have developed several patents, 5G experience and knowledge, but we are constantly learning and adapting, so we are adding to our patents," Allen concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. We will keep engaging in discussions with stakeholders across Azerbaijan, Andrey Ivanov, Chief Vice President for Human Resources, Research, and Investments at JetBrains, told Trend. Speaking on the sidelines of the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) World Finals 2025 in Baku, Ivanov noted that it is still early to discuss specific partnerships, but future collaboration could focus on Azerbaijans secondary education system. We have several university projects, including our partners at Constructor University in Bremen and a university in Paphos, participating in the contest. We aim to attract the most talented students, particularly those finishing secondary school, to study at these institutions. Azerbaijan is a very promising country in this regard, he said. He emphasized the need for local partners to make such initiatives successful. JetBrains can provide funding, educational materials, and relevant tools, and even invite top students to our camps. But to turn these plans into reality, we need local collaboration. We have already received several proposals from Azerbaijan for cooperation with JetBrains. While such initiatives may not materialize immediately, we would like our company to contribute to Azerbaijans development in the future, Ivanov noted. Ivanov emphasized that effective support for the education system requires a reliable local partner: What can JetBrains provide? We can allocate funding, supply educational materials, and offer our specialized tools. In addition, we are ready to invite the most talented students to our training camps. However, to turn these ideas into reality, a local partner is essential. We had a productive discussion with representatives of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan during the opening dinner. This could well mark the start of promising cooperation. We will continue our talks with interested parties in Azerbaijan, he concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. The International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) Foundation has awarded a grant of $100,000 to ADA University, ICPC Foundation President Bill Poucher said, Trend reports. He made the remark at the closing ceremony of the 49th ICPC World Finals in Baku. The ICPC Foundation is providing the University ADA with a grant of $100,000. This grant is provided to the university to support the ICPC community. You can use it however you want to promote your ICPC. For example, scholarships for students can be used for such special events, he said. These funds can also be used for team trips to competitions in other countries and cities, Bill Poucher added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. Azerbaijan has made significant strides in digital development in recent years by implementing e-services, digital systems, and infrastructure, said Farid Osmanov, Chairman of the Board of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, Trend reports. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 49th International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) World Finals in Baku, Osmanov stressed that these achievements have been possible thanks to human capital and resources. Let us not forget that the foundation of technology and innovation lies in human talent. Competitions like ICPC bring together the brightest minds from around the world. I want to address all participants once again. Regardless of todays results, you represent the digital future of Azerbaijan. You possess the advanced knowledge and skills needed to drive change, he noted. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. During the IV AzerbaijanTurkiye Fourth Energy Forum in Izmir, Azerbaijans Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov and Turkiyes Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar visited SOCARs STAR Oil Refinery and Petkim petrochemical plant in Aliaga, Turkiye, the ministry told Trend. The visit highlighted the strategic importance of SOCARs production facilities for both Azerbaijan and Turkiyes economies. The Izmir-Aliaga projects were emphasized as a key part of the Azerbaijan-Turkiye energy partnership, particularly given that SOCARs energy investments in Turkiye exceed $18 billion. The 60-year history of Petkim and the strategic benefits of the STAR Oil Refinery, which has an annual crude oil processing capacity of 13 million tons, were also highlighted. Information on SOCARs new investment plans in Turkiye was shared during the visit. The delegation toured Turkiyes first Special Industrial Zone complex, accompanied by both countries ministers and government officials from Azerbaijan and Turkiye. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 4. The Emirati company Masdar has expressed readiness to diversify its investments in Kazakhstan, Trend reports via the Kazakhstan's MFA.. Kazakhstans Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Rauan Zhumabek, met with Masdars CEO, Mohamed Al Ramahi. During the conversation, the CEO confirmed the companys interest in diversifying investment cooperation with Kazakhstan. In the course of the meeting, the parties also discussed the status of current project implementation and prospects for strengthening cooperation in the energy sector. In turn, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Zhumabek, noted readiness to provide support for the implementation of investment projects on the territory of Kazakhstan. Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is a state-owned energy company of the United Arab Emirates specializing in renewable energy and hydrogen technologies. Founded in 2006, it is part of a strategic alliance of three leading UAE energy companies: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Mubadala Investment Company, and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA). TEHRAN, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Wednesday the implementation of the agreements reached during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 will create favorable prospects for the country in the economic, security, scientific and tourism areas. He made the remarks upon arriving in Iran's capital Tehran from China, where he took part in the summit from Sunday to Monday in Tianjin and the commemorations of 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, according to a statement published on the website of his office. "We stressed peace based on rights and justice" at the SCO Plus Meeting and China proposed the Global Governance Initiative, "in which truth- and justice-based frameworks and rules should be observed and double standards should not be applied," Pezeshkian said. He also highlighted the 24 outcome documents on strengthening SCO cooperation in sectors such as security, economy and people-to-people ties, noting that "the most important achievement of the trip was the opportunity to hold direct talks with the participating countries' leaders." BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. Azerbaijan is turning over a new leaf in the energy sector with the rollout of large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), paving the way for a swift leap forward in renewable energy sources, AzerEnergy told Trend. The good news is that AzerEnergy is developing a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with an aggregate capacity of 250 megawatts and an energy storage capacity of 500 megawatt-hours, strategically positioned within the jurisdiction of the 500-kilovolt Absheron substation adjacent to the capital, as well as the 220-kilovolt Aghdash substation situated in the central region of the nation. At present, the requisite construction activities are in progress on-site, and operations are ongoing to fabricate and dispatch the components to the location on a demand-driven basis. The deployment of systems of this magnitude will represent a pioneering endeavor not solely within Azerbaijan but across the entire Commonwealth of Independent States ecosystem. The creation of BESS is very important in terms of increasing the stability of the energy system and frequency stability, reducing outages in renewable energy sources, compensating for active power shortages, meeting peak loads, smoothing the load schedule during sunset hours, and restoring the energy system from scratch in the event of an accident. The deployment of these systems will not merely enhance Azerbaijan's energy autonomy but also guarantee the dependable functionality of the national energy infrastructure in both parallel and island configurations alongside the synchronous grid of an adjacent nation. AzerEnergy is presently executing a comprehensive initiative to assimilate two gigawatt solar and wind generation facilities to be established within the nation by 2027 into the grid infrastructure. Within the framework of the program, in addition to the application of energy storage technologies, one of the largest substations in the countrythe 500/330 kV "Navahi" Energy Junctionis being built to serve as the main junction substation in the country, and 500 and 330 kV high-voltage transmission lines are being laid from there to various directions of the country, and complex work is being carried out to improve digitalization and network management. Azerenergy operates as the foremost player in the electrical power generation landscape within the Republic of Azerbaijan. It simultaneously maintains the most comprehensive distribution network across the country, despite the continuous privatization of localized energy grids. Azerenergy transitioned into a state-owned joint stock entity in 1996, in accordance with the executive directive promulgated by the late President Heydar Aliyev. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. Israel is looking forward to increasing involvement of Azerbaijans state oil company (SOCAR) in gas exploration, Israels Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan Ronen Krausz said in an exclusive interview with Trend. He pointed out that energy is a very important part of relations between the two countries. For many years, Israel has acquired large amounts of oil from Azerbaijan. We appreciate the continuation of business between Israel and Azerbaijan in this field. I think that it will definitely continue in the future, because it's for the benefit of both countries, said the ambassador. Krausz praised the entering of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR into the Israeli gas sector and the business by acquiring 10% of Tamar gas field in early 2025, noting that this was SOCARs first deal of its kind outside Azerbaijan. We are very proud that it has been Israel as the first one. We are looking also forward to increasing involvement of SOCAR in gas exploration. It also won the tender for exploring gas in the northern parts of the Mediterranean. We hope that it will be successful and that it will also lead to increased cooperation in the energy field, he added. The extended version of the interview will be available tomorrow. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. Collaboration opportunities between Azerbaijani and Turkish wind energy companies were discussed in Izmir, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Energy told Trend. Within the framework of the Azerbaijani-Turkish Energy Forum, Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov held meetings with Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Wind Energy Association (TUREB) Ibrahim Erden and Board Member of the Nordex Group Ibrahim Ozarslan. The meetings exchanged views on the activities of the companies in the field of wind energy, including their experience in the production of wind turbines and components, technical services, and personnel training. Data was disseminated regarding Azerbaijan's terrestrial and maritime wind energy generation and export initiatives. Discussions encompassed the potential for indigenous manufacturing of wind turbine systems and ancillary apparatus, alongside avenues for synergistic collaboration within this sector. The enterprises were convened in Azerbaijan to evaluate the prevailing landscape and synergistic opportunities in situ. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. Last October, solar panels were put in place at the Bibiheybat Shipyard of Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) under AZCON Holding, racking up an impressive 112,082 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy, a source in ASCO told Trend. On certain days, the power output peaked at 700800 kWh. Based on analytical assessments, it is estimated that within this timeframe, roughly 80 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO) emissions were mitigated. From an ecological standpoint, this correlates to the conservation of approximately 6,100 arboreal specimens. Furthermore, a quantifiable metric of approximately 43.9 tons of coal was conserved, illustrating a significant decrement in the reliance on fossil fuel resources for energy production. To note, 162 solar panels, each with a capacity of 690 W, have been installed on an area of 512 square meters at the Bibiheybat Shipyard. Moreover, to facilitate the sustained and optimal functionality of the photovoltaic modules, the infrastructure underwent a comprehensive technical evaluation. Within this operational paradigm, DAM Enerji LLC conducted a comprehensive assessment of the overall efficacy of the photovoltaic modules, power conversion systems, and ancillary apparatus, in addition to executing a meticulous maintenance protocol for the module surfaces. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. As part of the World Banks ongoing technical assistance to Azerbaijan and in close collaboration with counterparts, a Walk-Through Energy Audit (WTEA) was carried out at the Azeraluminium LLC production facility in Ganja city reflecting a shared commitment to advancing industrial decarbonization in Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the World Bank. The objective of this exercise was to help identify practical opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the countrys leading aluminum production site. This activity was performed under the Azerbaijan Rapid Technical Assistance Facility (AZTAF) program, financed by the European Union, and implemented by the World Bank. AZTAF supports the Government of Azerbaijan in enhancing energy efficiency across the building sector, including industrial and commercial facilities, while strengthening stakeholder capacity to implement and finance energy-saving interventions. The WB team began the work with a meeting in Baku, bringing together representatives from Azeraluminium LLC, Azerbaijan Investment Holding, and the German consulting firm CMMC. A collaborative technical assessment followed at the Ganja plant, where the team evaluated operational processes to identify practical energy-saving measures and inform costbenefit analyses. The final report will serve as a model to inform future investments and policy recommendations to accelerate energy efficiency and decarbonization in Azerbaijans industrial sector. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. Kazakhstans government has dismissed reports claiming that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu was detained, Trend reports. "The news about the detention of Kazakhstans Foreign Minister is false. Please do not trust disinformation," Kazakhstans Ambassador to Azerbaijan Alim Bayel said. Earlier, Kazakh media had reported alleged detentions of Nurtleu, businessman Hadji Hadjiev, and several senior National Security Committee officials. The reports were later officially denied by Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balaeva and the Presidential Central Communications Services Center for Combating Disinformation. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 4. Kyrgyzstan supports the peace agreements reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington, Kyrgyzstans Parliament Speaker, Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, said during a meeting with Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan in Bishkek, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz parliament. "This historic event will not merely fortify the bilateral relations between the two nations but also enhance the geopolitical stability and developmental trajectory within the South Caucasus and the broader regional context," Turgunbek uulu said. In the meeting, the parliamentary leaders kicked around ideas to bolster political, economic, and cultural-humanitarian bonds between the two countries, while also looking to pave the way for inter-parliamentary cooperation. Turgunbek uulu emphasized Kyrgyzstans interest in expanding cooperation with Armenia on international platforms and within integration frameworks. To recall, on 8 August 2025, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, facilitated by the mediation of United States President Donald Trump, initialed a strategic accord and executed a joint declaration underscoring the imperative to perpetuate endeavors aimed at the formalization and ultimate ratification of the agreement. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 4. The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has introduced a temporary ban on the export of ferrous scrap, waste, and metal ingots for remelting (chargeable ingots), Trend reports via the Kyrgyz government. According to the document, the ban will stick around for six months and includes ferrous scrap, waste, and metal ingots for remelting that fall under code 7204 of the EAEU Customs Commodity Nomenclature. The measure will take effect three days after the decree comes into force. The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State Customs Service, and the Border Service of the State Committee for National Security have been instructed to implement the necessary measures outlined in the decree. The decree will officially come into force ten days after its publication. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 4. The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has introduced a six-month temporary ban on the export of limestone (raw or roughly crushed, sawed, or otherwise cut into rectangular or square blocks or slabs) outside the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Trend reports via the Kyrgyz government The regulation encompasses limestone generated or harvested within the jurisdiction of Kyrgyzstan, categorized under the classifications 2515 11 000 0 and 2515 12 000 0 as per the EAEU Customs Commodity Nomenclature, and will be operational three days subsequent to the enactment of the decree. The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has been instructed to notify the World Trade Organization and the Eurasian Economic Commission within three days of the decree taking effect. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will inform the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The State Customs Service and the Border Service of the State Committee for National Security are required to take measures to prevent illegal exports of the specified goods. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, also the honorary president of the Red Cross Society of China, meets with Kate Forbes, president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Thursday met with Kate Forbes, president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Han, who is also the honorary president of the Red Cross Society of China, said China is ready to further strengthen cooperation with the IFRC in various areas. As an active supporter of the international humanitarian cause, China is willing to work hand-in-hand with all progressive and just forces around the world to advance the global governance system toward a fairer and more equitable direction, he said. Forbes said the IFRC is willing to work with China to address global humanitarian challenges and make new and greater contributions to the international humanitarian cause. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, also the honorary president of the Red Cross Society of China, meets with Kate Forbes, president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Director General Kiril Valchev was unanimously re-elected for a second three-year term as Secretary General of the Association of Balkan News Agencies - Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE) at the regular annual General Assembly of ABNA-SE held in Skopje on Wednesday. The event was hosted by the state news agency of the Republic of North Macedonia, MIA. ABNA-SE is headquartered in the Bulgarian capital Sofia at BTAs address. Ilija Musa representing Bosnia and Herzegovina's Federal News Agency (FENA) was elected President of ABNA-SE. MIA Director General Darko Janevski was elected to the Management Board. Over the next two years, Janevski will continue the term of the previous MIA Director General, Dragan Antonovski. The third member of the Management Board remains the Chair of the Board of Greeces Athens News Agency-Macedonian Press Agency (ANA-MPA), Emilios Perdikaris. ABNA-SE is comprised of 12 agencies: Albanias ATA, Bosnia and Herzegovinas FENA, Bulgarias BTA, Greeces ANA-MPA, Italys ANSA, Kosovos KOSOVAPRESS, Cypruss CNA, Romanias AGERPRES, North Macedonias MIA, Turkiyes Anadolu Agency, Croatias HINA, and Montenegros MINA. Prior to Wednesday's General Assembly of ABNA-SE, a conference was held on the topic of truth in the media, at the beginning of which the Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, addressed the participants. Valchev took up Mickoski's statement that news is the first version of history and noted that it is precisely the cooperation between news agencies and the presentation of their news archives that can contribute to the establishment of truth in the media. The BTA Director General said that the archives of the 127-year-old BTA include over 6 million pages of paper bulletins, nearly 2 million photographs, and an archive with more than 500,000 thematic files, all of which are currently being digitized. He added: Today, they are a memory of yesterday and an invaluable source of history. What's more, they are also a lesson for us today. Valchev listed four ways that BTA implements to promote its archives: First, we use the archives to provide background and context for news stories. Second, every day we publish at least one story with news from that date, along with photos from archival news on social media. Third, we have resumed publication of LIK, the magazine for culture, art, and literature, where we publish materials from the BTA archives on a specific topic. Fourth, BTA has also published a book with news from its archives. It contains one news item from Bulgaria and the world for each of the 125 years since the agency was founded until 2023." At the 30th General Assembly in Burgas, Bulgaria, September 19-22, 2022, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev was elected ABNA Secretary General for a three-year term. On October 6, 2022, ABNA-SE was registered in Bulgaria as a non-profit association for the pursuit of private-benefit activities. THE HAGUE, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands on Thursday established a new Joint Force Command (JFC) headquarters to coordinate all military operations, the Defense Ministry said. The JFC, staffed by more than 300 military and civilian personnel, will operate around the clock and serve as the central command hub for Dutch armed forces missions, the ministry said. The new command will translate strategic decisions into operational planning, oversee joint missions and integrate land, sea, air, cyber and space operations. It will also expand cooperation with civilian agencies and other ministries, and improve intelligence sharing across the armed forces. By creating a real-time common operational picture, the JFC aims to enhance the Netherlands' ability to conduct "multi-domain" operations, such as missions involving warships, combat units, aircraft, satellites, military police and cyber capabilities working in concert, the ministry said. India-China Relation in a Multipolar World Order: A New Normal? The recent Modi visit to China to attend the SCO summit exemplifies both parties' enthusiasm for strengthening bilateral ties and international collaboration. Thursday September 4, 2025 9:03 PM , Arooba Abbasi [Modi's absence from the Chinese military parade has undoubtedly sent the opposite signals from these gestures, which in some ways indicated a desire for a diplomatic reset.] The recent Modi visit to China to attend the SCO summit exemplifies both parties' enthusiasm for strengthening bilateral ties and international collaboration. The two Asian giants strategy also reflects significant shifts in the global landscape. It has been noted that in 2025, US foreign policy became more transactional, putting short-term benefits ahead of long-term alliances. The relationship of United States with India has been significantly impacted by this shift in positioning. Unlike the Western press, which characterized this reconciliation as an"anti-web alliance," Beijing and New Delhi see it as consolidating their positions as autonomous powers in a growing multipolar world rather than aligning against Washington.It's true that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, has become a venue for forgetting past disputes and rebuilding fresh ties. However, there is historical significance to the relationship between China and India. Surprisingly, India was also the first country to officially recognize China in the United Nations. Even so, the bilateral relationship still faces difficulties, particularly concerning the border dispute, which worsened in the Galwanconflicts of 2020.These incidents brought bilateral relations to a near standstill. Military casualties were reported on both sides during the Galwan Valley fight. This marked the first fatalities along the border in 45 years, which altered the nature of bilateral relations. In 2024, China and India agreed to fully disengage their militaries along their disputed border, ending years of stalled ties. Patrolling rights in the Demchok and Depsang Plains regions were reinstated by the 2024 India-China Border Patrol Agreement. In order to preserve the status quo and avoid unilateral changes, the agreement calls on both nations to remove their forces from certain areas of contention along the LAC and establish organized patrolling measures. The fact that Modi's first visit to China in seven years coincided with a period of global upheaval and increased the event's significance. In addition to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Israel's war in Gaza, US President Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs on US trading partners has disrupted worldwide trade. It was only logical that the SCO summit would be of interest, considering that it was hosted by China, the world's second-largest economy, and attended by India, Russia, and others.As we all know, the summit's leaders emphasized openness and diversity, as well as multilateral collaboration, while rejecting the concept of a "Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation, and bullying practices." It would be fascinating to see if India is acting only for the sake of its "National interests" because the country has long taken pride in its ability to interact with people of all backgrounds and ideas. Its presence in BRICS, G-7, and other regional and international blocs is evident from this, or it is sending a signal to the West that it will not abandon its close connections with Russia and China and cease economic engagement with them. Fundamental Question The fundamental question, in my opinion,is whether Modi's foreign policy is trustworthy and reliable. In 2017, owing to American pressure, the Modi administration shut off oil shipments from Iran. It has also been heavily criticized by the West for purchasing Russian oil and military hardware from Moscow. Although India has not stopped trading with Russia, Moscow's share of India's defense hardware purchases has decreased, and New Delhi has begun diversifying its defense purchases by importing military hardware from Western countries such as the USA, France, and Israel. India maintained a dual policy plan to satisfy the West while also maintaining ties with Russia and China for the sake of its "national interest," although foreign affairs are typically based on trust and faith in one another.If countries cannot trust one another, and there is always the risk of deception, there will always be inefficient and incorrect decision-making regarding foreign affairs. The India-China-Russia relationships are dependent on India's efforts to mend relations with Beijing. Along with the SCO, BRICS, and G7, all three nations are members of the RIC (Russia-India-China grouping), which was previously thought to be inactive due to China-India tensions. This Summit also signifies the prospective rebirth of the RIC, which has been inactive for a long time but has the potential to signify the beginning of a new Axis between Russia, India, and China. Former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov first proposed the RIC troika in the 1990s as a response to expanding Western hegemony, at a period when Russia was struggling to find its position on the global stage after the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Since its institutionalization in the early 2000s, it has conducted about 20 consultations at the ministerial level. However, India was striving to strengthen its connections with the West, especially the US, and was opening its economy to the world, thereby avoided contact with RIC. China expresses interest in reviving the RIC, but, like India, it has maintained its distance from the RIC troika.Russia on the other hand, has long sought to revive the RIC and has held talks with China and India to this end. These states are all nuclear-powered as well. Additionally, their combined military expenditures amount USD 549 billion, and they account for 35% of the world's energy consumption. Together they can be lead multipolar world order, although Experts believe the RIC still has time to reshape the new world order. Overall, however, the Tianjin summit undoubtedly gave the three nations a means of enhancing their ties and reentering in the new diplomatic arena. Strong bilateral trade and investment ties between the two countries might help close the current trade deficit and improve economic cooperation for balanced trade relations. Despite certain political and military disagreements, both countries recognize economic interdependence, and the current trading relationship has a lot of room to grow.India will also host the BRICS 2026 summit, and the SCO and BRICS have a significant impact on contemporary politics. Because these are the only two blocks capable of countering NATOs hegemony and limiting Western dominance, however, the crucial question is whether India can maintain these relations and survive antagonism with its Western allies. Chinese Military Parade The world order will certainly be impacted by India and China's increasing engagement. Reflecting the shifting dynamics of international relations in the twenty-first century, both countries highlighted their role in advancing a multipolar world and a multipolar Asia. However, I don't think anyone should be overly optimistic about the two countries' recent cooperation because it is important to remember that China did not invite in the world's largest military parade any Indian leader to celebrate the "victory day" at the SCO. Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un of North Korea, and even the leader of India's fiercest enemy and China's closest friend, Pakistan, were invited, but the Indian leadership was not present. Modi's absence from the Chinese military parade has undoubtedly sent the opposite signals from these gestures, which in some ways indicated a desire for a diplomatic reset. The recalibration demonstrated India's readiness to strike a balance between strategic prudence and economic necessity, and it appeared to have been influenced in part by outside forces, particularly high U.S. tariffs. Following complete failures in every area of foreign policy, India appears to be the weakest link in the SCO and BRICS. Since India is still closely tied to the old world order, as evidenced by its membership in alliances like QUAD and its close ties to the USA, I believe that neither China nor Russia can rely on India or can view it as a trustworthy partner. Nonetheless, India is still reliant on the old world order, which is entirely based on post-ColdWar politics that emphasized bloc politics and militarism, but with the resurgence of global south countries such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, the old world order is on the verge of collapse, and multipolarity is bound to emerge. However, it remains to be seen if India will adapt to this changing geopolitical landscape. Nevertheless, I believe India and China's alliance has the potential to transform the political dynamics in the Global South. When these two Asian giants work together, they can lead the global south to prosperity and progress. Their cooperation with Russia in organizations like BRICS, SCO, and RIC is particularly beneficial for the global south. These two of Asia's largest economies have the capacity to benefit the region; nevertheless, India should embrace and adjust to this new emergent context of multi-polarity. This could be one approach to unify the global south and break free from the slave mindset in order to encourage economic progress and overall prosperity. India's position in this regard is highly critical and it would be quite intriguing to observe. [The writer, Arooba Abbasi, has recently graduated with a MPhil degree in IR from the Muslim Youth University, Islamabad. She is a regular contributor in The Spokesman Daily and Stratheia in Pakistan. Views are personal.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Why The Voice of Hind Rajab left Venice Film Festival in tears Watch here Over one thousand present at the Venice Film Festival 2025 Wednesday September 3, 2025 were in tears, later seen giving a standing ovation after 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' recreated how the 6-year-old Palestinian girl was brazenly killed by the Israeli occupation forces last January Thursday September 4, 2025 11:19 AM , ummid.com News Network Venice Lido: Over one thousand present at the Venice Film Festival 2025 Wednesday September 3, 2025 were in tears, later seen giving a standing ovation after 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' recreated how the 6-year-old Palestinian girl was brazenly killed by the Israeli occupation forces last January. Hind's battle with life Hind Rajab, her uncle, aunt and three of her cousins were killed on January 29, 2024 by gunfire and shrapnel from tanks shells while fleeing the neighbourhood, which Israel had instructed them to do. Encircled by the Israeli tanks, badly injured Hind and her 15-year-old cousin, Layan Hamadeh, somehow contacted the Red Crescent on phone. They told the Red Crescent about the brutal murder of their family members and pleaded them for help. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) released the audio recording of the call and some of Hinds subsequent three-hour phone conversation with dispatchers in which she pleaded for help. The last words of Hind Rajab, her pleas for help when re-played at the Venice Film Festival in Venice Lido, Italy. The gut-wrenching new film was given a 23-minute standing ovation after its premiere at the star-studded film festival. The Voice of Hind Rajab Premiere at Venice Much of the audience and many journalists were seen in tears and sobbing as The Voice of Hind Rajab was screened for the first time at Venice. Franco-Tunisian Director Kaouther Ben Hania and her cast, all dressed in black, were also in tears as they soaked in applause, cheers and shouts of Free Palestine at the 1,032 seat main festival cinema. We see that the narrative all around the world is that those dying in Gaza are collateral damage, in the media. And I think this is so dehumanizing, and thats why cinema, art and every kind of expression is very important to give those people a voice and face, Ben Hania told journalists ahead of the premiere. Watch Video The Voice of Hind Rajab has plenty of famous names attached as executive producers from actors Joaquin Phoenix, who attended the premiere, and Brad Pitt to Oscar winning directors Jonathan Glazer (The Zone of Interest) and Mexicos Alfonso Cuaron (Roma). Im very happy, and I never in my life thought that could be possible, Ben Hania said of her A-list backers. The Palestine Red Crescent Society has accused Israel of deliberately targeting the ambulance it sent to rescue Rajab. Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour had played the audio recording of the call made by Hind Rajab to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society before she was killed by Israeli forces at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on February 25, 2025. The Israel Occupation Forces (IDF), few weeks after Rajabs brutal murder, said that its investigation suggested no troops were in the area when she was killed. However, a Washington Post report published after the IDF statement found that Israeli armored vehicles were, in fact, operating in the area at the time, and that the gunfire heard in the Red Crescent recordings was consistent with IDF weapons. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic CAIRO, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- An Arab ministerial committee here on Thursday rejected "the Israeli measures to isolate Jerusalem," stressing that "Israel has no sovereignty over Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites." The committee, in charge of international action to confront illegal Israeli policies and measures in Jerusalem, issued a joint statement following its 10th meeting on the sidelines of the 164th regular meeting of the Council of the Arab League (AL). The committee, formed by the AL in 2021 and chaired by Jordan, includes Iraq, Palestine, Algeria, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and the AL secretary-general. In the statement, the committee condemned Israel's recent approval of the E1 settlement plan as a prelude to "besieging the Old City and isolating it from its Palestinian surroundings." The approval is an attempt to "undermine the establishment of a Palestinian state and a blatant assault on the right of the Palestinian people to embody their independent state," it said. It condemned all measures aimed at changing the demographic composition and the historical and religious character of Jerusalem, noting that these measures are in opposition to international laws and legitimate international resolutions. It also slammed Israel's attempts to "impose facts and practices aimed at the temporal and spatial division" of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, and to limit the free access of Muslim worshippers to the compound. Israel occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank in the Six-Day War of 1967 and has since built settlements widely deemed illegal under international law. It has accelerated settlement activities in recent years. In late August, it approved the construction of 3,401 housing units in E1, located east of Jerusalem, linking the large-scale settlement of Maale Adumim with East Jerusalem. Settlement construction there is believed to effectively divide the West Bank into northern and southern parts, cutting off Palestinian territorial continuity between East Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ramallah, while creating a continuous Jewish population corridor between Jerusalem and Maale Adumim. Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, located in East Jerusalem, is now administered by the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, through its Jerusalem Awqaf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, but is secured by Israeli police. Under a long-held status quo, Jews are allowed to visit the site but not to pray there. However, some far-right Israelis have increasingly defied this restriction by praying at the site in recent years. JERUSALEM, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military spokesperson Effie Defrin said Thursday that Israeli forces control about 40 percent of Gaza City and will "expand and intensify" the offensive in the coming days to seize the enclave's largest urban center. Defrin said in a briefing that as part of the assault, which he said began "in recent weeks," tens of thousands of reservists have been mobilized to join regular forces currently maneuvering in the Zeitoun neighborhood in the southeast of the city and in Sheikh Radwan in the north. "Hamas will meet the full force of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) in Gaza City," Defrin said. "We will increase the pressure on Hamas until its defeat." Defrin showed aerial video footage of several blocks exploding, which he said was the destruction of underground infrastructure in Zeitoun. His remarks came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas' offer to pursue a "comprehensive deal" to end the war and secure the release of hostages, describing it as "spin." Israel's new assault on Gaza City, already devastated by nearly two years of intensive attacks, drew condemnation over its impact on civilians. Israeli strikes have destroyed much of the city's infrastructure, large parts of the population have been displaced multiple times, and aid groups say famine is taking hold. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed 64,232 people and injured 161,583 others, Gaza-based health authorities said Thursday, adding that starvation and malnutrition in Gaza have caused 370 deaths, including 131 children. Daniel McCoy Daniel McCoy, director of the University of Wyomings Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute, has been selected to join the U.S. Department of States U.S. Speaker Program, part of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The U.S. Speaker Program engages American experts to share their knowledge and perspectives with international audiences, fostering dialogue and strengthening people-to-people connections worldwide. As a U.S. Speaker, McCoy will represent the United States by speaking on issues related to outdoor recreation, tourism, hospitality and higher educations role in supporting those industries through research, workforce development and statewide engagement. This honor is deeply meaningful, McCoy says. Wyoming has a unique story to tell about the intersection of natural resources, tourism and workforce development, and I am excited to share those lessons internationally while also learning from communities abroad. McCoy has led the WORTH Institute since 2022, guiding research, workforce development and statewide engagement in Wyomings outdoor recreation, tourism and hospitality sectors. His career at UW spans more than two decades, during which he has developed new academic programs, spearheaded statewide research initiatives and built partnerships across business, government and community sectors. I see this opportunity as a chance to highlight the innovative work happening in Wyoming, particularly around tourism and workforce development, McCoy adds. Equally important, it allows me to bring back global perspectives that will enrich our students, our research and our communities here at home. Parag Chitnis, vice president for research and economic development, praises McCoys selection as a testament to the universitys national and international impact. Dr. McCoys invitation to join the U.S. Speaker Program demonstrates the University of Wyomings leadership in tourism and outdoor recreation research. It shows Dr. McCoys recognition as a global leader in this field, Chitnis says. His participation will not only represent Wyoming on the world stage, but also will strengthen UWs role in advancing global conversations about community resilience and economic development. The Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute is one of only two named institutes at UW and is dedicated to advancing research, education and industry partnerships in Wyomings outdoor recreation, tourism and hospitality industries. The institute is named in honor of Jay Kemmerer, who led the transformation of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort into a global destination. Representing the University of Wyoming in this program is both a responsibility and a privilege, McCoy says. I look forward to building bridges that highlight the best of what Wyoming and the United States have to offer. An occasional look at issues facing Wyoming business owners and entrepreneurs from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming. By Monica Jo Patten, research and commercialization director, Wyoming SBDC Network Naming and creating brand assets for your company can be fun brainstorming activities. However, many founders learn about marketing as they develop their business. They may not realize that doing some pre-work before naming their company can make their business name more easily found and more trustworthy to customers. Using free search tools early in the process can help you ensure that your name and brand assets are suitable for your needs. -- Check for trademarks: Start your search by checking for existing federal and state trademarks. By ensuring your company name is not already trademarked by another business, you can avoid potential lawsuits and verify that you can create an online presence for your company. The federal United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is at www.uspto.gov/trademarks/search, and Wyoming trademark search pages are at https://trademarks.wyo.gov. Before you go public with your name, you may want to protect it with a trademark. Trademarks are relatively inexpensive and simple to obtain. If you need legal advice, be sure to contact an attorney. The Wyoming SBDC Network is an educational resource and cannot provide legal advice. To learn about USPTO trademark application instructions, go to www.uspto.gov/trademarks/apply. To learn about USPTO trademark fees, go to www.uspto.gov/trademarks/trademark-fee-information. -- Search your name online: After checking for trademarks, use search engines, such as Google, to look up your potential company name. Website domains: Check if any websites are already using your name in their domain. You also will want to check for availability across multiple website extensions, including e.g., .com, .org and .net. Social media: Search all social media platforms to see whether your name is taken as a social media handle. Its a good idea to claim these handles early so customers can find you easily in the future. Even if you dont plan to use a specific platform, you may want to grab the handle to prevent customer confusion. Email address: Ensure that you can get a professional email address domain for your company. Similar names: While doing these searches, check for similar names that could potentially confuse customers. -- Check for trustworthiness: Besides checking for availability, you also will want to see if your name has any potential trust issues. Past use: Has your name ever been used by a closed business with unfavorable practices? Double meanings: Could the name have a double meaning that might impact your trustworthiness? Acronyms and initials: Acronyms can sometimes be a source of problems, as they can have many different meanings in different contexts. A poorly chosen name could be a source of humor at best or, at worst, it could damage your trustworthiness to the point that customers wont buy from you. When naming your company, ask what your potential customers, friends and family think of the name. -- Review your brand assets: Similarly, you will want to check whether your potential logo or other brand assets could cause confusion. Logo design: When designing a logo, make sure the design is simple enough to be legible when reduced in size or reproduced in black and white. International presence: If you expand internationally, check if the logo would be simple enough to be associated with your brand and would be acceptable to different cultures. If you would like to speak with an adviser about your potential company name and logo, you can reach out to your local Wyoming SBDC regional director. Regional directors provide no-cost advising on all aspects of your business. Additionally, the statewide Market Research Center, Wyoming APEX Accelerator, Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative (WISSI) and Federal and Technical Assistance (FAST) specialists can help you with market research, grants and government contracting. To get started, find your local regional director at www.wyomingsbdc.org/contact/. The Wyoming SBDC Network offers no-cost advising and technical assistance to help Wyoming entrepreneurs think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. In 2024, the Wyoming SBDC Network helped Wyoming entrepreneurs start 46 new businesses; support 1,870 jobs; and bring a capital impact of $2.9 million to the state. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by UW with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu or write Dept. 3922, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071-3922. For more information, go here. KAMPALA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The cumulative number of confirmed mpox cases in Uganda has hit 8,001, with 50 deaths reported as the East African country registers a decline in new infections, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday. A total of 15 new infections and two deaths were recorded in the past 24 hours, the ministry said in a national situation report issued here. The ministry noted that there has been an overall decline in the weekly incident cases, which declared a mpox outbreak in August 2024. "For the first time since October 2024, fewer than 100 incident cases have been reported each week for six consecutive epidemiological weeks," the report said. To date, 120 out of the 146 districts have reported at least one case since the beginning of the outbreak and 40 districts reported new cases in the past 21 days, according to the ministry. "Cumulatively, 50 deaths have occurred among confirmed cases, with 46 percent of whom were coinfected with HIV," the report said. The health authorities continue with vaccination campaigns targeting high-risk populations, surveillance, case management, and public awareness initiatives to curb the spread of the virus. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral infectious disease that spreads through close contact. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, skin rash, and back pain. 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. WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday implementing the U.S.-Japan trade agreement, the White House said. "Under the Agreement, the United States will apply a baseline 15 percent tariff on nearly all Japanese imports entering the United States, alongside separate sector-specific treatment for automobiles and automobile parts; aerospace products; generic pharmaceuticals; and natural resources that are not naturally available or produced in the United States," said the executive order. "Japan, meanwhile, will provide American manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, food, energy, automobile, and industrial goods producers with breakthrough openings in market access across key sectors," it added. Japan is working toward an expedited implementation of a 75 percent increase of U.S. rice procurements and purchases of U.S. agricultural goods in amounts totaling 8 billion U.S. dollars per year, according to the executive order. Japan is also working to accept for sale in Japan U.S.-manufactured and U.S.-safety-certified passenger vehicles without additional testing. Critically, Japan has agreed to invest 550 billion dollars in the United States, the executive order claimed. Trump announced a framework agreement between the United States and Japan on July 22, saying it lays the foundation for a new era of U.S.-Japan trade relations grounded in principles of reciprocity and shared national interests. This file photo taken on Sept. 2, 2025 shows Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei during a press conference in Tehran, Iran. Iran has reduced the level of Australia's diplomatic presence in the country following Canberra's expulsion of Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi last month, Iran's Khabar Foori news website reported Thursday. Australia's Ambassador to Iran Ian McConville has left the country, while the consular section of Iran's embassy in Canberra remains operational and is trying to provide services to Iranian nationals in Australia despite imposed limitations, Khabar Foori quoted Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei as saying. (Xinhua/Shadati) TEHRAN, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Iran has reduced the level of Australia's diplomatic presence in the country following Canberra's expulsion of Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi last month, Iran's Khabar Foori news website reported Thursday. Australia's Ambassador to Iran Ian McConville has left the country, while the consular section of Iran's embassy in Canberra remains operational and is trying to provide services to Iranian nationals in Australia despite imposed limitations, Khabar Foori quoted Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei as saying. Baghaei described Canberra's expulsion of Iranian ambassador as "unjustified" said it "affects the two nations' ties." On Aug. 26, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a press conference accused Iran of directing antisemitic attacks in Australia and announced that Sadeghi had been told to leave the country. Three other Iranian officials had also been expelled from Australia. Albanese said Australia had gathered credible evidence that Iran directed at least two antisemitic attacks against the Australian Jewish community in Sydney and Melbourne since October 2023. He said that the Australian embassy in Tehran had suspended operations and all its diplomats are safe in a third country, and that Canberra would move to list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. According to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, it was the first time an ambassador had been expelled from Australia since World War II. Later that day, Iran condemned Canberra's move, and accused Australia of following Israeli policies to divert attention from Israel's "ongoing atrocities" in Gaza and to increase regional tensions, and warned of possible reciprocal measures. On Aug. 27, Canberra rejected the claim that its expulsion of Sadeghi and the suspension of its own embassy were taken to appease Israel. Italy considers moves to bolster national security after von der Leyen incident. Italy is considering classifying flight data for state aircraft after the navigation system of a plane carrying European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen was disrupted. The GPS jamming incident happened while von der Leyen was due to arrive in southern Bulgaria on Sunday, with pilots forced to use paper maps before landing safely. A spokesperson for the European Commission said investigators suspected Russian interference however the Kremlin has denied any involvement. The Italian government is also cautious about blaming Russia for the attack. "I don't see the Russian Federation bringing down von der Leyen's plane, but rather carrying out attacks on banks, public systems, airports and energy production", defence minister Guido Crosetto said in an interview on TV programme Quarta Repubblica, adding: "I don't think targeting such a high political level is part of the Russian strategy". The von der Leyen incident has intensified awareness of emerging electronic warfare threats, prompting Italy and other countries to rethink current aviation transparency. Crosetto has proposed measures to limit the traceability of official travel, such as reducing the information published on the government website, according to Italian media reports. Other measures reportedly being considered include removing data about ministers flights from public tracking platforms and revising standards that mandate full disclosure of political movements. Also under scrutiny is a 2011 decree obliging ministers' flight information to be published on the Italian government website, barring exceptions justified by "reasons of state". NATO secretary general Mark Rutte condemned the jamming incident and affirmed ongoing collaborative efforts among EU countries to prevent such threats from destabilising official travel. WINDHOEK, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Namibian Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah on Thursday said financial inclusion is crucial to addressing the country's deep-rooted inequality, as Namibia hosts the 2025 Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) Global Policy Forum in the coastal city of Swakopmund. Held under the theme "Empowering Society, Enabling Growth," the forum has drawn central bank governors, policymakers, and experts from around the world to share strategies for advancing inclusive finance. Speaking at the opening, Shafudah said Namibia remains one of the world's most unequal societies, a legacy of exclusionary policies under colonialism and apartheid. "The remnants of these divisive historical policies continue to linger even after three and a half decades of our independence," she said, stressing that access to finance is vital to empower citizens and reduce disparities. She noted that financial inclusion has improved significantly in Namibia, with 78 percent of adults now able to access financial services compared with 51 percent a decade ago. Yet 22 percent of the population, particularly women, youth, rural residents, people with disabilities, and those in the informal sector, remain excluded. "True financial inclusion extends far beyond access to a bank account; it is about granting economic agency to our citizens, enabling them to save securely, invest wisely, and build resilience against shocks," Shafudah said. She called on the international community to provide tangible support for countries lagging behind, saying, "We must be supported not only through hosting AFI events but also with tailored policies and actual resources to leapfrog, thereby closing global inequalities of all forms." Italy's deputy premier Tajani was among the crowd. Italian police foiled a suspected attack at a religious festival in Viterbo on Wednesday evening, arresting two Turkish men armed with a machine gun, two pistols and ammunition. Counter-terrorism police swooped on a B&B in the town, located about 70 km north of Rome, after the owner became suspicious that three Turkish guests had arrived without any luggage. Two men were arrested on the scene, according to Italian news reports, and refused to answer any of the investigators' questions. Cross-checks were also being carried out with Turkish authorities. The operation occurred just before the Festa di Santa Rosa, a centuries-old festival which involves a procession through the streets of the town in the dark. Congratulazioni alle Forze dellOrdine e al Ministro dellInterno Piantedosi per il pronto intervento che ha portato allarresto di due cittadini turchi armati a Viterbo, poche ore prima della festa della Macchina di Santa Rosa. Unoperazione decisiva che ha permesso di celebrare pic.twitter.com/bbwkFUAefD Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) September 4, 2025 The roughly 40,000 people gathered to witness the spectacle in the historic centre of the town included Italy's deputy premier Antonio Tajani, culture minister Alessandro Giuli and various other dignitaries, who were whisked away by police. The Israeli ambassador had been expected at the event, Corriere della Sera reports, but was subsequently advised not to attend as a safety precaution. The festival was held as scheduled, but with all the lights on, drawing jeers from members of the public who were oblivious to the reason. Officers from the NOC counter-terrorism unit patrolled the streets accompanied by bomb-sniffing dogs, with snipers deployed on rooftops. It has been speculated in the Italian media that the arrested men could be linked to the criminal network of Turkish crime boss Baris Boyun, who was arrested in Italy in January last year and denied extradition. Photo Viterbo.info Meloni responds to calls from Schlein as Global Sumud Flotilla sets sail for Gaza with four Italian politicians on board. Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni has said the government would guarantee measures to protect Italian citizens on board a flotilla with food and humanitarian aid bound for Gaza. Meloni was responding to a letter sent by the leader of the opposition centre-left Partito Democratico (PD) party, Elly Schlein, who asked the premier how the government intended to ensure the safety of participants travelling with the Global Sumud Flotilla. Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has pledged to stop the flotilla from reaching the Gaza Strip, saying he wants to designate all those on board as terrorists and arrest them. The prime minister emphasised to Schlein that it would be preferable to continue humanitarian support initiatives in Gaza through "already existing humanitarian channels," as this would "avoid exposing Global Sumud Flotilla participants to the risks of travelling to a crisis zone and the resulting burden on the various state authorities involved to ensure protection and security." "To facilitate the successful delivery of basic necessities to the Palestinian population, given the limited amount of aid that can be transported on the vessels involved, we suggest using alternative and more effective delivery channels", Meloni wrote, citing as an example the government's Food for Gaza initiative "which has distributed more than 200 tons of basic necessities, food and medical aid, even reaching the most isolated and difficult-to-reach areas of the Strip." However, recognising that the flotilla "may also have a symbolic or political purpose, and therefore intends to continue regardless of the above", Meloni said the Italian government guaranteed "that all measures will be taken to protect and secure Italian nationals abroad in similar situations". In her letter, Schlein had reminded Meloni that the "grassroots, nonviolent, and peaceful humanitarian mission which will be carried out in compliance with international law, includes the participation of 44 delegations from around the world, thousands of activists, including many Italian citizens, as well as four members of parliament of the Italian Republic from various political parties." The four Italian opposition politicians are MEP Benedetta Scuderi (Green-Left Alliance), MP Arturo Scotto and MEP Annalisa Corrado (PD), and senator Marco Croatti of the Movimento 5 Stelle. Maria Elena Delia, the spokesperson for the Italian delegation of of the Global Movement to Gaza, told a news conference on Wednesday that the Italian vessels taking part in the flotilla will set off from Sicily on Sunday, instead of on Thursday as planned, because bad weather had delayed the journey of the boats from Barcelona. Photo credit: kia_img / Shutterstock.com. By Cillian Sherlock and Grainne Ni Aodha, PA The Childrens Ombudsman is deeply concerned about the Governments response to the disappearance of a boy from North Dublin who is now presumed dead. Gardai are investigating the disappearance and whereabouts of the boy, who would be seven years old if still alive, and last lived in an apartment in the Donabate area of Dublin. A search of open ground began in Donabate this week after concerns for the boy were raised by the child and family agency Tusla on Friday last. The agency had previously engaged with the missing childs family five years ago. Tuslas chief executive has said there were no child protection concerns in the agencys interactions with the boys family prior to the case being closed during Covid-19. The matter has been referred to the independent National Review Panel (NRP) for investigation. 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 (Niall Carson/PA) In a statement on Thursday, Ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon criticised the response of the Government and Tusla. He said: It is shocking that we are dealing with a situation where a child, who at one point was known to the Tusla, could have disappeared four years ago and is now presumed dead. How could that have happened? How could a child have been born, dealt with all the relevant agencies and services, and then apparently, just disappear? Dr Muldoon said the NRP has no statutory power nor independent authority to publish reports. It is disrespectful to the families involved that this is the limited response by the State, to find out what happened, and what could have been done better. He added: It is not good enough that Tuslas answer to a serious incident like the disappearance and possible death of a child is a referral to a review process that reports back into the Board of Management of Tusla. It is not accurate to say this is a powerful vehicle that can provide the answers needed in these serious cases. A Garda helicopter flies over an area of open ground in Donabate (Niall Carson/PA) This is the second case of a child living in Ireland who was missing for years before the case came to the attention of authorities. Kyran Durnin, who would be nine this year if still alive, was reported missing in August last year, and a murder investigation was launched in October. As a result, questions have arisen about the child and family agency, in particular, its actions during the Covid-19 pandemic. On Thursday, Tusla CEO Kate Duggan described the case of the missing boy in Donabate as really awful and harrowing. She said there had been misinformation surrounding the case and added that she wanted to be as transparent as possible. However, she said she had to respect the legal rights of individuals involved and calls from the Garda Commissioner not to say anything that may impact the investigation. Ms Duggan said: This boy was known to us, and his family had made contact with us, and we provided them with care and support from the period 2017 to 2020, and that was primarily intensive and direct parenting supports. She added: The reports that Ive received from that service is that there were not child protection concerns in relation to this family, and that our intervention and our engagement with this family certainly centred around support. She further insisted that the case of the boy in the Donabate search was not closed due to Covid-19. Childrens Minister Norma Foley (Niall Carson/PA) She said the closure of the case was because it was deemed to be the most appropriate step to take. However, the agency is also examining the undertaking of wellbeing checks on up to 38,000 cases that were closed during Covid-19 following concerns raised by Childrens Minister Norma Foley. Ms Duggan told RTE radio that the National Review Panel was now establishing all of the facts of the case across Tusla as well as health and social care services. It said it would determine if the services and the response of the State were appropriate to the needs of the child and family. Ms Duggan also said that while there were similarities with the Kyran Durnin case, there were also differences. Dr Muldoon said no report into the Kyran Durnin case has yet to be published following a separate referral to the NRP. Meanwhile, the head of the HSE has said authorities should be given space to investigate the case. HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster (Niall Carson/PA) Bernard Gloster, who was in charge of the child and family agency when the boy is thought to have gone missing, said child protection cases are exceptionally complex and there are no simple answers. The HSE CEO further echoed the calls of Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan to pause until further information is known. He also said that there will be people who are grieving and in distress about the case, and this should be borne in mind. We should allow the gardai to do their work, we should allow the National Review Panel, which was established over 15 years ago, long before Tusla was established, to do their work and to tell us what happened. He added: Child protection and child welfare is an exceptionally complex phenomena. There are no simple answers or simple solutions. We do have to continuously reflect, learn and improve, and we have to wait and see what is the outcome of the review in any of these cases, and at the same time always remember that there is likely to be a child who has died, and that is very, very tragic. Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan said, We dont have all the information yet about the case. Its a developing story and I know the gardai are doing very difficult work out in Donabate. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Labour TD Alan Kelly has reiterated that he will not support Catherine Connolly for president despite his party voting to back her campaign. Mr Kelly made the comments alongside Labour leader Ivana Bacik at the partys annual think-in on Thursday. Speaking to reporters in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, Ms Bacik expressed support for Ms Connolly and said the presidential contest would be the next opportunity to articulate party values before local and European elections, likely in 2029. Acknowledging the fact that some Labour members have said they would not back Ms Connolly, Ms Bacik said: It wasnt a unanimous decision by any means. Not everyone in the party not everyone even here agreed with it but all of us respect our internal democracy and our decision-making. Alan Kelly is not supporting Catherine Connolly (Niall Carson/PA) Addressing that elephant in the room, Mr Kelly told reporters at the same press conference that his position had not changed and he would not be supporting Ms Connolly. Mr Kelly, whose constituency office is in Nenagh, said: I respect everybodys opinion. I respect the democratic process. I respect everybody else here around me, in relation to that, in whatever position they take, whichever way they go on it, that is not a concern for me. Ms Bacik said she had multiple private and frank conversations with Mr Kelly after he first publicised his position on the matter during an interview with Tipp FM. Asked if she had discussed the possibility of pulling the think-in from Nenagh following Mr Kellys comments, Ms Bacik said she would not disclose details of their private conversations. Independent TD Catherine Connolly is standing for president (Brian Lawless/PA) The Labour leader, who said she was proud of her own links to the town, added: All Im going to say is I really welcome Alans communication and expression of regret on aspects of the interview and we move on. Pressed on whether Mr Kelly was told to express regret or the think-in would not happen in Nenagh, Ms Bacik said: In all my political career, Ive never discussed details of private conversations Ive had with other colleagues in the parliamentary party and Im not going to start now. Speaking about the upcoming election, she said Labours priorities were housing, healthcare, childcare, the cost of living and climate catastrophe. We will continue to put forward constructive State-led policies and solutions, and continue to work with like-minded parties on the left to ensure that we can push for solutions. Because for the Labour Party, our ambition in the next general election is to achieve a left-led Government that will provide for the communities that we represent, that will provide for this generation and future generations. Ms Bacik said Ms Connolly, who has been critical of Labour since leaving the party, has a formidable track record on standing up and being a voice for the disadvantaged. Shes a left-wing candidate who stands for the same things we stand for. She added: Of course, there are issues on which we dont agree and positions which we didnt agree with, but we absolutely endorse her candidacy as a candidate of the left, as the person who is uniting the left. By David Young and Cillian Sherlock, PA Stormonts leaders called for a zero-tolerance approach to racist and sectarian attacks as they voiced support for tougher prison sentences for perpetrators. Those guilty of violence against women and girls should also spend longer in jail, Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said. They made the comments after all ministers in Northern Irelands devolved powersharing agreed a joint statement condemning recent sectarian and racist attacks. The statement branded the acts of intimidation as abhorrent and expressed solidarity with victims and their families. It stressed the need for a zero tolerance approach and called for calm across all communities. All acts of intimidation must stop immediately, it said. One of the vehicles which was set on fire in Ballymena (PA) Police figures show that racist hate crimes in Northern Ireland have reached record levels, with 2,049 race incidents and 1,329 race crimes in the 12 months from July 1 last year to June 30 this year. Those annual figures are the highest since such data began to be collated and reported by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in 2004/05. Rates spiked significantly in 2024/25, with 646 more race incidents and 434 more race crimes recorded compared with the previous 12 months. While Belfast has seen the most attacks, the Co Antrim town of Ballymena has also witnessed a surge in race-related violence, including a spate of anti-immigration rioting in June. A number of cars belonging to members of Ballymenas Filipino community were set on fire and destroyed in the latest attack on Sunday, while recent weeks have also brought reports of vigilant gangs confronting people from ethnic minority communities in parts of Belfast. The first meeting of the Northern Ireland Executive since recess also came after a summer that had seen several women lose their lives in violent circumstances in Northern Ireland. Incidents included the murder of a mother and her two children in their Co Fermanagh home. Vanessa Whyte, 45, and her children, James Rutledge, 14, and Sara Rutledge, 13, died in a shooting at their house in Maguiresbridge in July. Vanessa Whyte with Sara Rutledge and James Rutledge (PSNI) Agricultural contractor Ian Rutledge, 43, who also died in the incident, is understood to be the only suspect in the shooting of his family. The recent racist and sectarian attacks and the challenge of tackling violence against women and girls were all discussed during Thursdays Executive meeting at Stormont Castle in Belfast. On the racist and sectarian intimidation, Ms ONeill said afterwards that political leadership was needed. Political leadership is required to send out that message that we will not accept this behaviour, and it does not reflect the vast majority of society, she said. In my opinion, theres a small minority of people who are causing havoc, and it needs to be dealt with at a criminal level in terms of policing response, but also then judiciary and everything else. So we need to throw everything that we have to ensure we create a society thats inclusive and welcoming. The Sinn Fein vice president added: This is our first Executive meeting since the recess. So it was important that we collectively and all parties in the Executive send this united front message today that we stand unequivocally together in saying no to racism and no to sectarianism. I think thats a crucial message that we collectively want to deliver today. DUP deputy First Minister Ms Little-Pengelly said the intimidation and violence was totally unacceptable. Any threat or any intimidation of any person in Northern Ireland is absolutely wrong, no matter what that is motivated by, she said. By issuing an Executive statement today, we are demonstrating our determination to work together to ensure that people can be safe. Ms Little-Pengelly said the racist attacks were not just an issue for Northern Ireland and were also playing out on the streets across the UK, Ireland, "and beyond. The issue of immigration is not going to go away. I believe that this will continue to be a key issue of discussion, she added. The deputy First Minister said many people have genuine concerns and are frustrated with irregular migration, but added: I think its incredibly important that the Northern Ireland Executives makes clear that a discussion or a debate about immigration is entirely separate from any threat or intimidation which is completely wrong and never justified. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the two joint leaders of the administration were asked about the issue of sentencing for perpetrators and whether they thought current jail terms were sufficient. Ms Little-Pengelly responded: In terms of tougher sentences, I think youd probably find it hard to get an issue where I dont think there should be tougher sentences. I do believe that the law needs to be more muscular and robust when it comes to criminality. Ms ONeill added: At the Executive were discussing sentencing across a whole range of things, not least given the issue of tackling violence against women and girls and dealing with the perpetrators. So this is an area that we all, I think, would share a view that tougher sentencing is where we need to be. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn welcomed the joint Executive statement. There can never be any justification for the shocking scenes we have witnessed, he posted on social media. Earlier on Thursday, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said his officers were throwing the kitchen sink into efforts to track down and arrest those responsible for the intimidation. CAIRO, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Egypt and Sudan on Wednesday voiced rejection of any unilateral measures regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) built on the Nile River, reaffirming that their water security is one and indivisible. The stance was announced in Cairo during a meeting under the "2+2" consultation mechanism, which brought together Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilem, alongside Sudanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Omer Siddiq and Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Ismat Qureshi, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting. The two sides emphasized the need to secure their shared water security as the Nile's downstream countries, stressing joint action to preserve their full rights and uses in accordance with the governing legal framework of the river, international law, and the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement. The two sides affirmed their joint commitment to enhance consultation and coordination, and to work with other Nile Basin Initiative states to restore consensus and preserve the initiative as an inclusive cooperation framework that benefits all basin countries. The two sides stressed that the GERD issue remains a matter between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, rejecting any attempts to involve other Nile Basin states in the dispute. Egypt and Sudan urged Ethiopia to revise its policy and restore cooperation among Nile Basin states. The two downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan, have repeatedly voiced concerns over their water shares following the construction of the GERD by upstream Ethiopia. Years of trilateral negotiations have failed to produce a binding legal agreement on the rules of filling and operating the dam. The Egyptian and Sudanese ministers pledged to deepen the longstanding ties between the two countries and voiced rejection of any threat to Sudan's unity and territorial integrity, vowing to further joint consultation to restore stability in Sudan. Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan has expressed his support to school secretaries and caretakers. School secretaries and caretakers across the country began picketing outside their schools last week, as part of an indefinite nationwide strike, resulting from a dispute over pension parity. Currently, school secretaries and caretakers do not have access to public service pensions and have limited sick leave allowance. They continue to fight for parity with their colleagues in the education sector and are calling for the Department of Education to classify them as public servants, which would entitle them to a public service pension among other benefits. Speaking on the matter this week, Bishop Cullinan explained the role of secretaries and caretakers as "absolutely essential." "They contribute not only through their work but also through the care, dedication, and presence they bring to the whole school community. "School secretaries are often the first point of contact for families and children, offering a welcoming presence and a listening ear. "Caretakers ensure the safety, cleanliness, and proper functioning of the school environment. These contributions, though sometimes unseen, are invaluable. "They create the conditions in which teaching and learning can flourish, and they provide support and reassurance to pupils, staff, and parents alike." "I offer my prayers and support to all those who serve in these roles and to the wider school communities who benefit daily from their quiet dedication. May our society grow in recognising the inherent dignity of all work and all workers, and may justice guide our decisions in these matters." More on this story is available at waterford-news.ie Councillors discussed ongoing road safety concerns at the September meeting of the Piltown Municipal District. Area Engineer for Kilkenny County Council John Tennyson spoke about the latest roadwork updates. He informed that the full suite of tender documents were being finalised for the Piltown Active Travel Scheme 'prior to going to tender for a contractor.' N24 Waterford to Chair He also spoke about the looming end of the aborted N24 Waterford to Cahir Scheme. The latest report stated: "The scheme did not receive funding to move on to phase 3 in 2025. An allocation of 80k was received to close out reports and consultants fees for Phase 2." Cathaoirleach Pat Dunphy (Fine Gael) took the opportunity to speak about the scheme, saying: "Over the last week there have been four accidents on the N24 between Aglish and Mooncoin. It's just not good enough, we're waiting on serious things to happen on that stretch of road. "I don't know the reasons why these happen, I'm just hoping that the Gardai pass those on the Council and the Council needs to pass them on to the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland). That's what needs to happen." Neighbouring Schemes Further on in the report were updates on neighbouring schemes; N24 Carrick Road Mooncoin Safety Scheme - An application for a Judicial review of the decision by An Bord Pleanala was lodged with the High Court by 3 no applicants in May 2024. Based on current information available the timeline for the Judicial Review process will extend into 2025. Listed in Court to seek a hearing date 29th May 2025. N24 Mooncoin Village EPS Scheme (165k) Extensive SMA local repairs throughout village where existing road has failed through subsidence. Contractor appointed 26th August with a proposed start date of 8th September expected duration circa two weeks. N24 Rathkieran Aglish HD28 Scheme (1.125M)- 2.4 Km of resurfacing, road marking and ancillary drainage works. Tender awarded on 29th August. Scheduled start date late September 2025 expected duration 6 weeks. N25 Glenmore- to Waterford - Funding has been announced for 2026 to progress the scheme through Phase III. Following a public meeting in the Rhu Glen on the 16th June the Roads Section met with the local committee to discuss proposals to improve safety along the N25. Extensive mulching/roadside clearance works commenced Aug 28th to improved road visibility. Works due to be completed Friday 5th Sept. N25 Curraghmore Gaulstown HD28 Scheme (1.162M) 2.2 Km of resurfacing, road marking and ancillary drainage works. Gone to tender on 29th August. Scheduled start date Q4 2025. N25 Speed limit Review - Deadline for submissions on the N25 speed limit review closes on the 4th September. There has been 7 online submissions and 21 email submissions. Awaiting approval from TII. Speed limit reduction is planned to be adopted at the September Plenary meeting based on necessary outstanding approvals being obtained. Urban Speed limit Review - The proposal put forward for the urban speed limits was to use the CSO urban boundary to set a default 30km/hr zone. It would be at the discretion of the Local Authority Roadworks Programme Update for Piltown Municipal District Meeting to bring up certain roads to higher speed limits for operational and capacity reasons once the road met certain criteria (width, road surroundings etc.). However, an issue with legislation was discovered that would not permit this be caried out as planned. The new proposal is to set the 30km/hr limits under special speed limit bye laws (same as what has been done previously) with limits set at the discretion of the Local Authority. Awaiting further guidance from the Department and the LGMA. North South Link Road - Currently doing Detailed Design and preparing drawings for CPO. CPO final package due this week and Detail Design Package due for review this week also. Abbey Road and Belmont Road Upgrades Preliminary Design Drawings been discussed with WCCC for agreement before Section 85 signed off. Waterford Marine Search and Rescue (WMSAR) will host its annual prayer service and laying of flowers on World Suicide Prevention Day, Wednesday, September 10 at 8:00 PM, at Waterford Marine Search and Rescue, Park Road Business Park (X91 WR62). The service is open to all members of the community and offers a chance to gather in solidarity to honour the memory of those lost to suicide, regardless of the circumstance. This evening is about remembrance, connection, and hope, said Declan Barry, Chair of WMSAR. It is a time to come together as a community to support one another and to show those who may be struggling that they are not alone. The prayer service will include a short ceremony followed by the laying of flowers into the River Suir, symbolising remembrance and healing. Plans for a shared pedestrian and cyclist facility in Mullinavat were discussed at a local meeting. At the recent meeting of Piltown Municipal District meeting, Area Engineer John Tennyson spoke about the proposed development of the thoroughfares of the area, particularly the Mill Road. He explained: "This scheme is a proposed shared pedestrian and cyclist facility connecting the R448 at Main Street Mullinavat to the Mullinavat GAA field via the Mill Road." According to Mr Tennyson, the site map consists of the public footpath and carriageway at the existing junction at the R448 regional road and the L7423 Mill Road and the short section of the Mill Road. The site is adjacent to the junctions west of the GAA pitch and crosses over the the Blackwater, parallel to the Blackwater bridge. Mr Tennyson said: "A feasibility report was carried out by consultants in 2023 to determine the feasibility of a pedestrian and cyclist toucan crossing from Mullinavat GAA to the R448. This is now the option tat is currently being explored and now being brought forward by Part 8 application. Schematics Several changes were proposed from the junction between Mill Road and the R448, including reducing junction lines to increase pedestrian areas and a reduction in road speeds. Mr Tennyson stated: "Toucan crossings will be provided on all arms of the junction to provide a safe access route for pedestrians and cyclists. In order to facilitate the pedestrians and cyclists, these facilities provide a three metre wide shared path. "It is proposed to narrow the carriageway on the Mill Road." Traffic lights were proposed to accommodate the narrowing of the road: "Traffic signals will be introduced on the junction of the Mill Road. Traffic signals will operate on a three stage basis; stage one traffic signals on the R448 will remain green, allowing traffic to flow freely, including entering into the Mill Road. Mr Tennyson went on: "The traffic signals at the proposed toucan crossings and on the Mill Road eastbound will remain red. As vehicles approach to junction along the Mill Road heading east, an induction will trigger the traffic signals on the Mill Road and R448. "Both directions on the R448 will then both have red traffic signal. The green traffic signal on the Mill Road will allow traffic to flow north and south of the Mill Road. "Stage three will be triggered by pedestrian or cyclist demand buttons at each toucan crossing, they will change all the vehicle traffic signals to red and allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross the middle road and the R448 safely. Reaction Reactions from the Councillors were a mixture of supportive and concerned. Councillor Jenny Catt Slattery said: "I think it's great that something is happening on this after years of work on it but to be honest with you, I know myself looking at these [plans] there's more lights on it than there is on O'Connell St in Dublin. A one-way street with traffic lights everywhere. That's the busiest road coming out of anywhere in Mullinavat." She added: "We'll be putting this out there to the people and it will be up to them to make a decision." Cathaoirleach Dunphy said that there would be a public consultation opening soon for locals to have their say on the proposed option. Waterford City and County Council is to hold a special meeting for Presidential election nominees. A spokesperson for the local authority said Waterford Council will hold a special meeting for Presidential election nominees at the Civic Offices in Dungarvan at 2pm on Friday, September 19. Those wishing to seek nomination from Waterford City and County Council and to present at the special meeting should contact hdunphy@waterfordcouncil.ie no later than 5pm on Friday, September 12. Requests received after that deadline will not be considered. The Presidential election will take place on Friday, October 24. Advertisement BusinessWorkplaceWork/life balance This was published 3 months ago Opinion We have the right to disconnect. Why dont we? Tim Duggan Work columnist September 4, 2025 11:27am September 4, 2025 11:27am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 19 View all comments One year ago, Australia enacted monumental legislation to try to change the way we work. Joining countries such as France, Argentina and the Philippines, the right-to-disconnect law said that every company with more than 15 employees had to establish clear guidelines for after-hours contacts. For the first time, workers had the legal right to ignore all work communications outside their usual hours, when it was deemed to be unreasonable or not urgent. Last week, the law grew stronger by extending to businesses with fewer than 15 employees too. A year ago, Australia enacted a new right-to-disconnect law. But has it had any effect? The law was enacted in part to address the rise of the infinite workday, where an always-on office culture has led to overwork, disengagement and increasing levels of burnout across all levels of business. It was a valiant attempt to protect Australian workers and recognise that careers are marathons, not sprints. But now that weve been living with the right-to-disconnect law for 12 months, is it working? Advertisement Well, not yet. Research from HR platform HiBob, which surveyed more than 2000 Australian workers, found that just over half of workers were aware of the law and less than a third felt confident enough to actually use it in their workplace. This large gap between intention and implementation means 32 per cent of employees say they still regularly receive work-related communications outside standard hours, while one in five feel pressure to respond to such communications, despite what the law says. Its going to take small actions, repeated over and over, to slowly affect the change that we all desperately want to see. The lines between home and work life have become incredibly blurred, especially in hybrid and remote settings, says Anna Volkova, HiBobs head of people and culture for the Asia-Pacific and Japan. The results arent entirely unexpected. As the law has applied only to large companies so far, 5 million Australians who work for smaller businesses have not been covered. Advertisement It also takes a long time to change an ingrained working culture, and our lived experience of being always on has slowly accumulated over decades and will take longer than a year to undo. Editor's pick Opinion Jobs Drowning in jargon: The words we need to remove from our vocabulary Tim Duggan Work columnist There are ways that workers can help to hurry it up, though. Every employee should politely insist that their workplace has a clear policy on after-work communications, and that everyone knows what that is so the company can be held to account. Once theres a clear policy, its time to integrate the policy into your teams, with modelling starting from the top. Managers should lead by example, Volkova says, using tools like delay send instead of late-night emails, having open conversations with their teams, and setting clear norms around availability. Its also up to individual workers to take responsibility for their own behaviour and what they will accept. Employees can support this by switching off notifications after hours and communicating their own boundaries, helping to build a healthier balance together, Volkova says. Advertisement The right to disconnect is not going to change our work culture overnight, or even after 12 months. But the next time you reflexively go to fire off an email, tap out a text or call a colleague outside work hours, pause to think whether it can wait until youre all back online. Culture shifts on this scale take time, and its going to take small actions, repeated over and over again, to slowly effect the change we all desperately want to see. Tim Duggan is author of Work Backwards: The Revolutionary Method to Work Smarter and Live Better. He writes a regular newsletter at timduggan.substack.com Get workplace news, advice and perspectives to help make your job work for you. Sign up for our weekly Thank God its Monday newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Work/life balance Opinion Tim Duggan is the author of Work Backwards, Cult Status and Killer Thinking. He co-founded Junkee Media and writes a monthly newsletter called OUTLET. Advertisement Updated CultureBooksLiterature This was published 3 months ago Australian writers slam closure of iconic literary magazine Meanjin Kerrie O'Brien Updated September 4, 2025 4:02pm ,first published September 4, 2025 9:31am 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 18 View all comments For decades, successive editors of longstanding Australian literary magazine Meanjin have worried about its precarious financial situation, fearing its closure. Now those fears have been realised. The literary journal, which has been published since 1940 and funded by Melbourne University Press, ceased operations on Thursday. Meanjin to close after decades as a stalwart in the literary scene. A statement issued by MUP says the decision was made on financial grounds. Professor Warren Bebbington, the MUP chair, said the quarterly magazines final issue would be published in December. Advertisement This is a matter of deep regret for all at Melbourne University Press, as Meanjin has reached its 85th year of a distinguished history, the past 17 years as an MUP imprint, he said in a statement on Thursday. The decision was made on purely financial grounds, the board having found it no longer viable to produce the magazine ongoing. The two part-time staff of Meanjin were not involved in the decision, which led to their being made redundant this week. News of the magazines closure was first published by Crikey on Thursday morning. Current editor Esther Anatolitis has been contacted for comment. Advertisement Related Article Literature Secret agents, controversies and some big names return: 16 new books to read this month Meanjin has been a stalwart of the Australian literary scene for decades, having published authors including Helen Garner, Peter Carey, Michelle De Kretser, Alexis Wright and David Malouf. It is the countrys second-oldest literary magazine. Southerly was launched in 1939. Broadcaster and writer Jonathan Green, who edited Meanjin from 2015 to 2022, said the magazine had long struggled financially. There have been 12 editors of Meanjin and the great anxiety for all of those people was that the thing would die on their watch. Its always been precarious, he said. Advertisement I dont know the deep financial internals but in my years there the contribution from the university was small but significant and I cant imagine a world in which the university couldnt afford those two or so hundred thousand dollars a year ... so Im mystified as to why you would decide to this because it is an important piece of Australian creative culture. Author Sophie Cunningham edited Meanjin from 2009 to 2011. There were times years, if not decades, I think when the founding editor Clem Christensen was paying for it out of his own pocket, she said. The writer Sophie Cunningham edited Meanjin from 2009 to 2011. For Cunningham, the issue is whether the university has the will and desire to support the magazine. If you compare the amount of money it would cost to keep Meanjin going for a year to the salaries that are now routinely paid at a senior management level of universities these days, you have to ask questions about the priorities of the university sector, she said. She argued that Meanjin was more than just a literary magazine. It has always provided an amazingly rich archive not just of literature but of political thinking and indeed of design. Advertisement One of the real privileges of editing the magazine my last edition was the 70th anniversary edition was seeing the ways in which it captured amazing snapshots of the culture during what was a fascinating 70 years. The 15 years of the journal since I left have continued that tradition. Green agreed. Its an important vehicle for writers but also a record of our literary imagination going back 85 years, he said. Figures from across Australias literary community were quick to condemn the move on social media. Jennifer Mills, shortlisted for the Miles Franklin award, described the loss of Meanjin as devastating news for Australian writers and readers, calling this a foolish, shortsighted and destructive move by MUP. Award-winning author Claire G. Coleman described the closure as thoughtless cultural vandalism. Louise Adler, former publisher at MUP and head of Adelaide Writers Week, says every Australian author of note has been published in the magazine. Meanjin has been part of the cultural fabric of Australia for over 80 years. A succession of brilliant editors from Clem Christensen, to Judy Brett, to Jonathan Green have commissioned writing that has defined the country and given a platform to novice writers whove become household names, Adler said. Advertisement The support for literary magazines has steadily declined, whether in print or online. In the context of the University of Melbournes budget, Meanjins costs would be so modest as to be insignificant. Surely its not penny-pinching by an enthusiastic apparatchik? Related Article Review These poems are suffused with a sense of belonging - and letting go Meanjin is the traditional Aboriginal name for the Brisbane area, where the magazine was founded. Meanjin moved to Melbourne in 1945 at the invitation of the University of Melbourne. As well as income from subscriptions, the magazine receives funding from Melbourne University, Creative Australia and the Copyright Agency. At the beginning of 2008, Meanjin became an editorially independent imprint of Melbourne University Publishing. Veronica Sullivan, director and CEO of the Melbourne Writers Festival, says the magazine has played an immense role in Australian culture for decades, and has thrived under Anatolitis editorship. Advertisement There are already very few places where writers can publish bold, boundary-pushing fiction, non-fiction and poetry for a wide readership, and be paid fairly for their work. Meanjin was one of those rare places, and its absence will leave a major gap, she says. Its closure is a worrying sign of the growing pressure to commercialise art. Without it, our cultural life and collective imagination will undoubtedly be poorer. Meanjin has also always been significant when it comes to design, Cunningham says, citing the likes of WH Chong, Jenny Grigg, Stuart Geddes, Stephen Banham and Mark Davis. In a statement late on Thursday, the University of Melbourne said it was not involved in the decision to close Meanjin and its council was only informed after MUP had made the decision. The Booklist is a weekly newsletter for book lovers from books editor Jason Steger. Get it every Friday. Advertisement CultureMoviesFilm This was published 3 months ago A steamy Wuthering Heights trailer has dropped. We have five big questions Kylie Northover and Karl Quinn September 4, 2025 10:52am 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 20 View all comments The teaser trailer has dropped for Wuthering Heights, with Australians Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi starring as the tragic lovers at the core of the tale and its a lot. The trailer for this new version of Emily Brontes 1847 gothic tragedy, which is set to be released on Valentines Day, features a track by Charli XCX (no sign of Kate Bushs classic), and sees Elordi reunited with Saltburn director Emerald Fennell. That suggests things are going to be a lot heavier and hotter than previous adaptations of the classic novel. Here are some of the biggest questions we and the internet have after taking in the new teaser. Is this the Freudian version of Wuthering Heights? Advertisement In the film publicity game, this isnt actually a trailer, its a teaser. Take out the credits and intro, and youre left with barely a minute of fast-cut, heavy-breathing footage. But what a steamy offering it is, all whips and bridles and tightly drawn corsets, and lots and lots of lingering looks. Fifty Shades of Grey and Gloomy Yorkshire Skies? You betcha. Related Article Review Promising Young Woman is an unsettling juxtaposition of light and shade Theres no sign of the reported scene in which a nun fondles the erect penis of a dead man whos been (well) hung, apparently, over some crime or other, but theres enough here to suggest Fennell isnt shying away from the kinkiness she first displayed in her debut feature A Promising Young Woman and took to the next level with Saltburn (that bathtub scene especially). But the thing that most sticks out (ahem) here is the oral fixation. We open on a shot of a suitably foggy landscape, then cut straight to a close-up of Robbies face, her lips plump and full, her mind wandering, it seems, to thoughts of kneading dough; Elordis face (his mouth looming similarly large); his whip-scarred, sweat-drenched back; hands in eggs; more dough kneading. Lordy, making bread has never been so hot. Advertisement And then, 26 seconds in, we have it: Catherine (Robbie) sticks her fingers in Heathcliffs (Elordi) mouth. And were off. Margot Robbie as she appears in the Wuthering Heights trailer. At 49 seconds, someones finger were guessing its Catherines again is inserted with unmistakable sexual intent into the mouth of a dead fish. At 50 seconds, Heathcliff has his fingers in Catherines mouth. At 51 seconds, Catherine has her fingers in her own mouth. At 54 seconds, a bridle is slipped around the head of a woman possibly Catherine in a stable (theres a bonus whip crack from some bloke a second later), and at 63 seconds we see a woman on all fours, chain around her neck, crawling towards the camera, her tongue lolling lasciviously. And then its all over. I need a cup of tea and a lie-down. What it all means is anyones guess, but consider us teased. How faithful will it be to the novel? Advertisement When Wuthering Heights was published in 1847 (under the pseudonym Ellis Bell), it was highly controversial, with many critics finding it indecent and savage. Its themes of obsessive passion, abuse and vengeance challenged Victorian-era class structures and sent many reviewers to their fainting couches. One can only imagine the horror if they were to see this teaser. Related Article Turning Pages: Why it's time to reconsider Wuthering Heights Aside from the 1980s colour palette (and wedding dress) and the possibility of necrophiliac nuns, Fennells adaptation is bound to annoy Bronte purists. Does the casting actually work? Robbie and Elordi are 35 and 28 respectively ages that were basically middle-aged when the novel was published. Catherine is aged between 16 and 18 in the novel; Heathcliff about the same. While Robbie looks fabulous for her age, neither she nor Elordi look like teenagers. Advertisement The bigger issue that purists might object to is the fact that Heathcliff is described by Bronte as a dark-skinned gypsy who, while handsome and in dress and manners a gentleman, is suspected to be under-bred. But does Jacob Elordi have the right look as Heathcliff for the film? Elordi certainly has the black eyes Bronte describes, but hes clearly white. Heathcliffs ambiguous background is an integral part of the storyline, his otherness shaping his character and used by the author to explore the impact of racial prejudice. Granted, if the teaser is anything to go by, exploration of societal issues is not one of the films key attractions. View post on X What about the storys underlying themes of mental illness? Advertisement Theres not a lot to go on from the teaser about how the film will explore Catherines mental health or her brain fever, as its referred to in the book or Heathcliffs obsessive rage and desire for revenge (often interpreted by modern critics as a narcissistic disorder). The trailer is more focused on the erotic aspect of the pairs love. Robbie and Elordi clearly have chemistry. But the intense soundtrack and the snippets of costume and production design with its bold, saturated colours and trippy Peter Greenaway-esque visuals could suggest some kind of brain fever. The obsessive love is clearly signposted, so it stands to reason that things will get unhinged. Advertisement Does the gift that keeps on giving have any more to give? There have been more than a dozen screen adaptations of Wuthering Heights, the first appearing in 1920; the most famous with Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon in 1939; the most recent made-for-TV 2015 movie set in an American high school (called, imaginatively, Wuthering High). Its been adapted in Spanish (by Luis Bunuel) and in Japanese (by Yoshishige Yoshida). The landscape will clearly play a big part in the film. Theres also the rather good 2022 biopic Emily, the debut feature of Australian actor-turned-director Frances OConnor, which starred English actor Emma Mackey who bears a striking resemblance to Margot Robbie as Emily Bronte. Make of that what you will. Advertisement Related Article Film Barry Keoghan on Saltburn, Sabrina and why he needed a dog And, of course, there are other adaptations, too, from graphic novels to plays with the most famous undoubtedly being Kate Bushs 1978 song. Each re-telling has tried to put its own spin on the tale, making it relevant to a new generation. With this teasers emphasis on kink and a pumping soundtrack from Charli XCX Fennell is clearly aiming to do the same. Whether it hits the mark or makes a total hash of it by trying too hard: well have to wait until February 2026 to find out. Must-see movies, interviews and all the latest from the world of film delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our Screening Room newsletter. The drums were muffled and draped in black, the pipers played The Flowers of the Forest and rank upon rank of police blue stretched out of sight down the long hill of View Mount Road, Glen Waverley: a guard of honour a kilometre long. A mother from across the world sat in an Australian chapel overwhelmed by grief, her husband and a remaining son battling through their own suffering to try to grant her some form of comfort. Sacha de Waart-Hottart (left) and parents Alain Hottart and Carolina de Waart during the funeral service. AAP More than 3000 people came to the Victoria Police Academy on Friday to farewell Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, a young man shot dead last week when he visited a property near Porepunkah in the states north-east for what should have been the simple task of delivering a warrant. So many police and other guests including the prime minister and the Victorian premier came to honour him and mourn him that the great chapel at the academy couldnt accommodate more than a third of them. Three extra theatres were thrown open, screens and loudspeakers were installed to stream the service, and even the academys dining room in the basement was crowded. But this was a farewell not limited to Victorias police. Read more on this story from Tony Wright here. Advertisement Exclusive NationalChina relations This was published 3 months ago Dramatic cockpit calls reveal Australian pilots alarm over Chinese live-firing exercise Mackenzie Price and Patrick Begley September 4, 2025 4:05pm 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 moment a Virgin Airlines pilot raised the alarm about a live-firing exercise by Chinese warships in the Tasman Sea can be revealed after Nine News obtained audio of cockpit calls under freedom of information laws. A lack of notice before the drill, which took place in international waters between Australia and New Zealand in February, forced the diversion of 49 aircraft and raised tensions between the Australian and Chinese governments. A Virgin Airlines pilot raised the alarm about a live-firing exercise by Chinese warships. Monique Westermann Weve just had a warning from a Chinese naval taskforce that theyre doing a live-firing exercise, the pilot of Virgin flight VA161 from Sydney to Queenstown told an air traffic control team in Australia. Is anyone aware of that? Air traffic control said it would check. The pilot then followed up with another request for more details, asking: Did they advise a level that theyd be firing to? Advertisement Air traffic control replied they had only been given a 10-mile radius and later informed the pilot his plane was out of the firing zone. So if we go missing youll know what happened, hey, the pilot said soon after, to which the controller replied Good luck. In turn, the controller advised an Emirates pilot to change course to avoid the live-fire drill, saying you will essentially fly right over the top of that position. A Qantas plane relayed back to air traffic control that an Emirates flight had advised of firing up to 15 kilometres (49,000 feet). Commercial passenger jets fly around 10 kilometres (35,000) above sea level. Advertisement These actions by the Chinese military caused a period of significant uncertainty, Steve Cornell, a vice president of the Australian and International Pilots Association, told Nine News. Related Article Updated Defence Chinese warships live fire warning forces planes to divert between Australia, NZ It was certainly irresponsible. Its a big piece of water out there and they didnt need to park their ships under a particularly busy route. Im sure they certainly knew that would cause a level of disruption. While China was not required under international law to alert the Australian Defence Force ahead of the exercise, then opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie labelled the drills a provocation and gunboat diplomacy. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong posted on X that she had sought an explanation from Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi about why the vessels had conducted the drills without advance notification. Advertisement I raised Australias expectations around safe and professional military conduct, Wong said. Defence Minister Richard Marles said at the time that the Australian government had not received a satisfactory answer. When Australia, for example, does a live-firing event such as this which countries are entitled do on the high seas and thats where this task group is, theyre in international waters we would typically give 12 to 24 hours notice, he said. But a spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of National Defence condemned Australias unfounded claims about the exercises, arguing the navy had given repeated safety notices in advance. Australia has unjustly criticised China and deliberately exaggerated the issue, and we are astonished and strongly dissatisfied with this, the spokesman 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. KIGALI, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) have partnered to launch Africa's first-ever public flight of a self-flying electric air taxi in the country, the Rwandan government said. The initiative solidifies Rwanda's position as Africa's hub for testing and implementing cutting-edge aviation technology, the Rwandan Ministry of Infrastructure said in a statement on Wednesday. A live demonstration of the EHang EH216-S pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft was staged Thursday morning during the Africa Aviation Summit, which runs from Thursday to Friday in Kigali, the capital. The showcase aims to provide stakeholders and regulators across the continent with a real-time case study in advanced air mobility, the ministry said. By partnering with CRBC's global engineering expertise, Rwanda aims to build a new ecosystem for advanced air mobility, a technology designed to reduce traffic congestion, connect communities and create sustainable transportation options, the statement said. "Rwanda is actively building a future where our cities are more connected and our economy is more dynamic through innovative transport solutions," the statement quoted Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore as saying. "By collaborating on this historic flight, we are not only showcasing the future of aviation but also demonstrating our dedication to fostering a safe, progressive regulatory environment for advanced air mobility," the minister said. Rwanda aims to attract investment and technology partners to its emerging air mobility market, which builds on its success in pioneering drone delivery services, according to officials. EHang, a world leader in urban air mobility solutions, partnered with CRBC to expand its international footprint, achieving the first successful African flight of its EH216-S eVTOL aircraft in Kigali. Advertisement NationalRoberts-Smith case This was published 3 months ago High Court throws out Ben Roberts-Smiths defamation appeal bid Michaela Whitbourn Updated September 4, 2025 3:12pm ,first published September 4, 2025 1:02pm 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 The High Court has thrown out Ben Roberts-Smiths last-ditch bid to appeal against his damning defamation loss, putting an end to seven years of litigation costing tens of millions of dollars. On Thursday, the nations highest court refused the former Special Air Service corporals application for special leave to appeal against a decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court, which had rejected his bid to overturn a decision that found he had committed war crimes. Ben Roberts-Smith at the Federal Court in Sydney in May. Sam Mooy Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient, launched the defamation case against The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald in 2018, alleging the newspapers defamed him in a series of articles that year suggesting he was a war criminal. The High Court said the application raised no question of legal principle and the proposed appeal had insufficient prospects of success. Advertisement Investigative journalists Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters, the lead authors of the articles, said in a joint statement that the case had been an ordeal that all the nation has endured. Related Article Exclusive Investigations Investigators probe Ben Roberts-Smith over more murders and video drinking from dead mans prosthetic limb We are grateful to the courts for their sound and thorough deliberations, and to the Australian soldiers who had the moral courage to stand up for what was right and tell the truth about Ben Roberts-Smith. They are the heroes of this grim but vital story that the Australian public needs to know. We also remember the Afghan victims of war crimes whose families are still waiting for justice. Tory Maguire, Nines managing director of publishing, said the decision vindicated the brave soldiers of Australias SAS Regiment who spoke the truth in telling their stories at great personal risk. Advertisement This is a win for them and the values they represent. While this case has been challenging at times for all of those who spoke up, for the journalists Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters, and their newsroom leaders, it was important for Nine to defend public interest journalism, Maguire said. With no further legal options available on this matter, the closure of this litigation is an important milestone in that mission. Investigative journalists Chris Masters (left) and Nick McKenzie. James Brickwood In a decision in 2023, then-Federal Court judge Anthony Besanko upheld the newspapers truth defence and found to the civil standard of proof that Roberts-Smith was complicit in the murder of four unarmed prisoners, including a man with a prosthetic leg, while deployed in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. Roberts-Smith lodged an appeal. The Full Court Justices Nye Perram, Anna Katzmann and Geoffrey Kennett said in a decision in May that the evidence was sufficiently cogent to support Besankos findings that Roberts-Smith murdered four Afghan men, contrary to the rules of engagement that bound the SAS. Advertisement The High Court refused special leave to appeal against that decision and ordered the former soldier to pay the newspapers legal costs. Related Article Roberts-Smith case Roberts-Smith war crime suggested recklessness or brazenness, court says At the centre of the case was an allegation that Roberts-Smith machine-gunned the man with the prosthetic leg outside a compound dubbed Whiskey 108 during a mission on Easter Sunday, 2009. The Full Court said it found no error in Besankos approach, pointing to three eyewitness accounts given in court. The problem for [Roberts-Smith] is that, unlike most homicides, there were three eyewitnesses to this murder, the Full Court said. Advertisement When all is said and done, it is a rare murder that is witnessed by three independent witnesses. The war veterans defamation case was aimed at The Age and the Herald, owned by Nine, and The Canberra Times, now under separate ownership. The trial started in 2021 and concluded in July 2022 after 110 days, 41 witnesses and a combined $30 million in legal costs. The appeal cost the parties a further $4 million. Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes bankrolled the trial. Trevor Collens Roberts-Smiths former employer, Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes, bankrolled the trial using private funds but did not pay for the appeal. Stokes is on the hook for Nines costs in the trial. Roberts-Smith agreed in 2023 to pay $910,000 into court as security for Nines legal costs as a condition of bringing the appeal. Advertisement The litigation was beset with twists and turns, including a failed application by Roberts-Smith to reopen his appeal before the Full Courts decision was delivered to allow a secret recording of McKenzie to be admitted into evidence. In a decision on legal costs, delivered on Thursday, the Full Court rejected an argument by Roberts-Smith that he should not be ordered to pay the newspapers costs of responding to that application. His lawyers had argued there should be no costs order because the application raised a novel point and had a public interest character, but the Full Court did not accept that characterisation. [We] do not agree that the reopening application had a public interest character and we do not think it raised a question of general importance or difficulty, the Full Court 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 Exclusive NationalChina relations This was published 3 months ago Revealed: Details of private meetings Daniel Andrews held with leading Chinese business figures Eryk Bagshaw September 4, 2025 5:31pm 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 Daniel Andrews pledged to promote the advantages of one of Chinas largest state-owned energy companies as it rapidly increased its investment in the Australian electricity grid, as part of a series of meetings between the former Victorian premier and leading Chinese business figures over the past year. While the former premier stunned state and federal MPs by posing alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping, and dictators Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin in Tiananmen Square on Wednesday, official releases from provincial governments and companies in China show Andrews was extending his business networks less than a year after he resigned in 2023. Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews and his adviser Marty Mei meet with the Chairman of China Energy Engineering International Lyu Zexiang last year. China Energy Engineering International Andrews has made several trips to China since then, including three trips between March and October 2024, and another in July this year, two months before Wednesdays military parade. The business trips have capitalised on the more than $416,000 of taxpayers money he spent on six trips to China as premier, while spruiking Chinese solar companies, e-commerce giant Alibaba, medical technology providers, airlines and liquor companies. Advertisement The nature of Andrews private business dealings has remained shrouded in secrecy through the companies he has registered in Australia: Glencairn Street, Wedgetail Partners and Forty Eight & Partners, which have no websites, contact details or public updates. Related Article Updated Political leadership No security briefing before Andrews Beijing trip where he posed alongside Putin, Kim Jong-un Andrews is not registered on the federal governments foreign influence register. Asked about Andrews not being listed on the register on Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reminded MPs in parliament that everyone should comply with the law, it is as simple as that. Andrews also began meeting with Chinese companies well before the 18-month restriction imposed on business meetings by Victorias ministerial code of conduct. The code is only a set of guidelines, and not law, but the dealings raise questions about how quickly former ministers can use their political capital in the private sector. Advertisement In one meeting last year with Lyu Zexiang, chairman of China Energy Engineering International Company [CEEC], a $16 billion behemoth under the control of the Chinese government, Andrews described the company as a trustworthy partner that would give full play to its resources and channel advantages for development in Australia, according to a statement by CEEC. Andrews would establish strategic mutual trust with CEEC, assist in strengthening communication and docking with key Australian enterprises, the company said. Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews meeting with CEEC last year. China Energy Engineering International Andrews was contacted for comment. The company, which exports renewable energy and green hydrogen technology to Australia, is responsible for the development of the Prospect Hill waste-to-energy project outside Geelong through its subsidiary Jiangsu Power Design Institute. CEEC has also partnered with Zen Energy, established by Australias former ambassador to China, Ross Garnaut, to deliver energy storage for a massive battery project that will power 96,000 homes in South Australia. Advertisement Chinese investment is critical to Australias clean energy network as the worlds largest manufacturer of renewable technology. The Albanese government has attempted to allay concerns about energy security by diversifying renewable sources, but the sector remains dominated by Chinese-owned enterprises. Mining giant Fortescue, which has put Andrews on its payroll through his company Forty Eight & Partners, is also closely linked to CEEC through its interest in green hydrogen. The companies have pledged to engage in practical co-operation by contributing to the global green and low-carbon energy transition. Related Article Analysis China relations Xi Jinping sends unmistakable message to the world In July, Andrews told the Governor of Anhui, Wang Qingxian, that he would actively make more contributions to enhancing China-Australia friendship and mutual trust in a lavish meeting in Hefei. Andrews former political and multicultural adviser, Marty Mei, has accompanied the former premier to each of his meetings in China. Mei, who is now Andrews business partner, also travelled on each of his six official trips as premier. The pair established Wedgetail Partners in January 2024 to solicit foreign investment into Victoria, two months before Andrews first post-political trip to China. Advertisement Mei, a well-connected Chinese political player in Victoria, helped secure a $100,000 donation for the Victorian Labor Party through a Chinese business group ahead of the 2014 state election, and was later instrumental in advising on the Victorian governments Belt and Road Initiative deal. Andrews described Mei as an outstanding Victorian, who happens to be of Chinese origin in 2018. He is very proud of that, I am proud of him, Andrews said. Anhui governor Wang Qingxian with Daniel Andrews in July. Anhui News But since resigning as premier, Andrews has remained silent on the pairs business dealings and political networking in China, making his only public comments to Chinese state media, before releasing a statement on Thursday defending his trip to Beijing. Ive said for years that a constructive relationship with China our largest trading partner is in Australias national interest, and hundreds of thousands of Australian jobs depend on it. That hasnt changed, he said. Advertisement On Thursday, Chinas top state media outlet, Peoples Daily, also quoted Andrews saying he was deeply honoured to attend the 80th anniversary of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the term used for World War II by the Chinese government. Related Article Opinion China I survived Tiananmen Square. Seeing Dan Andrews in Beijing made my blood boil Helen Shao Tiananmen Square survivor This history has broader regional and even global significance, Andrews was quoted as saying. The victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression safeguarded world peace and justice. The term is diplomatically sensitive to the Japanese government, which downplays the war crimes committed by Japanese troops in China. Andrews did not respond to questions about whether the quotes were accurate, and so this masthead has not been able to confirm them. In March last year, Andrews met with Wang Sheng, the president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies at the Boao Forum. Advertisement The institute is tasked with developing Hainans free trade port and safeguarding Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. In February, Chinese fighter jets fired flares at an Australian surveillance plane over the disputed region, one of a series of dangerous incidents since 2022, triggered by Chinese military action over the South China Sea. Andrews invited Wang to visit him in Melbourne, the institute said, to promote common development and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. Marty Mei (left) with Andrews and Wang Sheng, president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies. National Institute for South China Sea Studies Nick Coyle, the former chief executive director of AustCham Beijing, which represents Australian companies in China, said: The main issue is to what degree he is being used as a propaganda tool. Advertisement Would [the propaganda] hurt with his Chinese business contacts? No. Would it move the needle much? I doubt it. The needle is already moved. While photos with Xi can prove highly lucrative in China, Coyle believes the Beijing family photo with Xi, Kim and Putin, two of the worlds most brutal dictators, could backfire for Andrews. If you get shunned by everybody, if he becomes persona non grata for [Australian] governments and politicians to deal with, it could blow up in his face, said Coyle. Former Victorian premier Dan Andrews (top far right) joins a group photo with Xi Jinping (centre front) and world leaders including Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, before the military parade. AP Former Blackmores chief executive Christine Holgate credited a rare photo with Xi in 2014 with helping the value of Blackmores vitamins business in China skyrocket from $1 million to $500 million by 2016. But Holgate was unknown to investors in China before the photo with Xi. Advertisement In contrast, business meetings with Andrews are carefully co-ordinated with the help of the International Liaison Department, a Chinese government agency whose entire role is establishing and maintaining relations with foreign political parties and former politicians. It is not hard as an ex-premier to get doors open for you, said Coyle. I just think he doesnt care. His ego is big enough that hes gone, if you want to call me Chairman Dan, I might as well do it properly. 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 Liberal senator calls Prices defiant Indian migrant comments very poorly expressed Natassia Chrysanthos Updated September 4, 2025 3:36pm ,first published September 4, 2025 9:07am 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 225 View all comments Liberal Senator Dave Sharma has said he regrets the hurt caused by colleague Jacinta Nampijinpa Prices inflammatory comments about Indian migrants, insisting they did not reflect the view of the Liberal Party, as the firebrand senator refused to apologise for making false claims on television. Coalition MPs were in damage control on Thursday after Price told the ABC on Wednesday that the federal government was bringing in migrants from particular countries over others to win votes, naming the Indian community as an example. Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. Alex Ellinghausen But they stopped short of directly rebuking the Northern Territory senator, as Labor called on Price and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley to apologise for comments it said were a terrible smear on Australias Indian community. Within an hour of Wednesdays broadcast, Price, the Coalitions defence industry spokeswoman, had walked back her comments, issuing a statement that said: Australia maintains a longstanding and bipartisan non-discriminatory migration policy. Suggestions otherwise are a mistake. Advertisement Ley, peppered with questions about Prices remarks, said the senator had corrected her comments. But Price then said at a doorstop on Thursday morning: I dont believe I have anything to apologise about. In the context of discussing the marches that took place on the weekend, it was the ABC interviewer who pushed the issue, who brought up the issue of anti-Indian migration, she said. As Ley seeks to rebuild the Coalitions reputation in multicultural communities after the May election, she and other Liberal MPs distanced themselves from Prices comments. Sharma, who has Indian heritage, appeared on the ABCs Afternoon Briefing on Thursday afternoon and said Prices comments were very poorly expressed. Partly why I wanted to come on your show today [was] to say it is not the view of the Liberal Party ... We welcome Indian Australians and the contribution theyve made to Australia, he said. Advertisement We will always be attentive to your interests and attentive to the Indian Australian community, and we want to be thankful for the contribution they made to Australia. Related Article Immigration Thousands of Australians claim theres been unprecedented migration. Heres what the numbers say Ley said she was fighting for every single Australian, no matter where you came from. And our Australian Indian community is amazing, you contribute as Australian Indians so much to our country, she said. We know how hard you work, your family values, and the contribution you make across this country. And as opposition leader, I value that incredibly. Advertisement Liberal frontbencher Julian Leeser, who is the chair of the Parliamentary Friends of India and has a large Indian community in his northern Sydney electorate of Berowra, did not directly criticise Price. He told ABC Radio National that Indian Australians were a wonderful community involved widely in civic endeavours in his electorate and had fought for their country. But as Liberals sought to mitigate the fallout, Labor launched a political attack on the opposition. All week, weve seen Coalition senators falling over themselves to get into the media and blame migrants for housing shortages the Coalition oversaw, Environment Minister Murray Watt said during question time in the Senate. And of course, it led to yesterdays interview on the ABC by Senator Nampijinpa Price someone the Liberals were so desperate to poach from the Nationals who made a terrible smear on the Indian Australian community. That community makes a huge contribution to our country, and its one that our side of parliament is incredibly proud of. Senator Nampijinpa Price and the leader of the opposition should apologise for these offensive remarks. Advertisement Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly also addressed the Indian diaspora in question time. Theyve told me that they did not feel safe and they did not feel secure after the rallies that we saw on Sunday. And theyve also told me that comments by some political leaders have exacerbated their fear and shattered their sense of security, Aly said. I want to say to Indian Australians, this is our message. You do not have to justify your belonging in this country. We know you. We value you. Price blames ABC questioning for remarks Prices comments came after Indian Australians described being afraid to travel into cities because last weekends rallies singled out high levels of immigration from India in their promotional material. One man described being pointed at while someone shouted, deport, deport, deport. The senator said she only wanted to talk about Labors mass migration agenda when she appeared on the ABCs Afternoon Briefing on Wednesday. Advertisement Then I was further pursued on this line of talking, she said. What I did was point out the fact that, yes, Indian migrants are the second-largest migrant group to this country, and soon to be the largest migrant group to this country. A recent Redbridge poll told us that 85 per cent of those who have Indian ancestry and thats my children included by the way 85 per cent voted for Labor ... So, these were the facts that I was pointing out. Related Article Opinion Immigration A migration breather might sound appealing. But economically, its a shocker Shane Wright Senior economics correspondent Sharma on Thursday said, that is not how we see it. I am not attracted to this idea that we should be parcelling people up according to how we think they vote on, what their political sympathies are. That is a recipe for social division and the opposite of social cohesion, he said. Advertisement A transcript of Prices ABC interview shows she first raised the false claim about the government preferencing certain migrant groups after she was asked whether she thought Australians marching about immigration were concerned about the number or type of migrants. It is definitely the core number. And of course there is focus from this government to be getting them from particular countries over others, Price responded. She was then asked twice to clarify whether that meant Labor was actively running a migration program to bring in people open to the governments ideas. Price said: absolutely. Related Article Immigration Labors totally bonkers deportation deal will give Nauru $2.5 billion in 30 years Host Patricia Karvelas then asked twice who, in particular, Price was referring to. Advertisement The first time, Price said: Those that are more Labor leaning. The second time she said: As we have seen, you yourself mentioned, that there is a concern with the Indian community. Theres been large numbers, and we can see that reflected in the way the community votes for Labor at the same time, she said. Karvelas, earlier in the segment, had cited strong anti-Indian sentiment at the weekends marches. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalImmigration This was published 3 months ago Labors totally bonkers deportation deal will give Nauru $2.5 billion in 30 years Natassia Chrysanthos and Nick Newling September 4, 2025 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 112 View all comments Australia will pour $2.5 billion into Nauru over the next 30 years if the Pacific island nation takes in hundreds of foreign-born criminals the federal government wants to deport, Home Affairs officials revealed to a parliamentary inquiry on Wednesday. This will start with a $20 million payment the Albanese government is set to give Nauru whenever the first deportee touches down on the tiny island nation, which could be within weeks. The island of Nauru, in Micronesia. iStock This will be followed by a further $388 million deposit into a trust fund for Nauru, which will be jointly managed by both governments. Those upfront costs will reach $408 million, as was revealed by this masthead last week. But the eventual costs of the deal are likely to reach $2.5 billion. Home Affairs officials said the Australian government would make annual payments of about $70 million split between the trust and direct transfers for the 30-year life of the agreement. Nauru will collect all interest generated by the trust, with the principal paid out in 2055. Advertisement The payment comes on top of a $100 million treaty signed between the two countries last year, and is separate to funding Australia gives Nauru to run its offshore detention regime. According to Amnesty International, there were about 100 people in the Nauru detention centre at the start of this year. Related Article Exclusive Immigration Burke signs $400m deal to deport hundreds of former detainees to Nauru Home Affairs spokespeople cautioned that their calculations were speculative as they revealed the details in a rapid late-night Senate inquiry called to probe the Albanese governments latest laws, which attempt to resolve the political headache triggered by the consequences of the High Courts 2023 ruling on foreign-born criminals in immigration detention. The deal with the island nation is designed to cover 354 convicted foreign-born criminals including murderers and paedophiles who have been released into the Australian community after the High Court ruled they could not be kept in immigration detention indefinitely. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke secretly flew to Nauru last Friday to sign a memorandum of understanding with Nauru President David Adeang, but the document has not been made public. Advertisement Home Affairs officials suggested the group would not be deported to the island of 12,000 people en masse. Its important, for this arrangement to succeed, that people are moved over there in a planned and steady way, said Clare Sharp, the departments head of immigration. We put forward a visa application, and Nauru, as a sovereign state, considers whether to offer that person a visa or not. The purpose is that people will move to Nauru, they will become long-term residents and part of their community. We want that to succeed in a way thats sustainable for Nauru, which doesnt mean moving a really large number of people in one hit. Sharp expected the program to start in the coming weeks but did not provide specifics. Theres no deadline on us to apply for the visas But its in both nations interests to move through this as efficiently as we can. Its in Naurus interests because money doesnt flow until people arrive. Advertisement Loading Australia will pay $1000 for each visa, which will be issued for 30 years. According to Home Affairs officials, the memorandum has a claw-back feature which allows the Australian government to reclaim the principle of the trust if the deal falls through. Legal advocates have raised concern that new laws introduced last week to strip basic legal rights from the NZYQ cohort could be applied to a wider group of migrants without long-term visas whom Australia wants removed. Home Affairs officials could not say how many people the laws might cover but took questions on notice. Sharp said a non-citizens bridging visa would automatically cease once Nauru accepted their transfer. At that point, they were now removable, they become an unlawful non-citizen and can be taken into immigration detention and placed on a removal pathway. Advertisement Related Article Immigration Deportation laws face rushed two-hour inquiry as migration debate rages Those sent to Nauru would have no right of return to Australia and would only be able to travel if they were given a valid visa. Officials said it would be very difficult to see how those with criminal records would be granted a visa on character grounds unless normal processes were overridden by a future immigration minister. Independent Senator David Pocock said that to the public, the deal sounds totally bonkers, right. Like nuts. This is an extraordinary amount of money. Asked why the public had not been told before the new laws were introduced, Sharp said: It wouldnt have assisted, I dont think, our legal position [in existing court cases] to have publicly consulted [civil society] prior to introducing the bill. Sharp said managing the cohort had been a really difficult thing for the department. We have parameters that are pretty closely scrutinised by the court. Every set of rules we put in place are challenged in the courts. Advertisement Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Updated PoliticsFederalIsraeli-Palestinian conflict This was published 3 months ago Please dont join: Husic wants Australians out of IDF as Howard warns against Palestinian recognition Matthew Knott Updated September 4, 2025 10:50am ,first published September 4, 2025 8:57am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Former Labor frontbencher Ed Husic has called for the Albanese government to warn Israeli-Australian dual nationals against joining the Israeli military, arguing there is a risk they could be implicated in genocide charges over the war in Gaza. Husics intervention came as former prime minister John Howard and ex-foreign minister Alexander Downer blasted the governments decision to recognise Palestinian statehood, calling it a betrayal of the legal order that underpins the very idea of a rules-based international system. Labor MP Ed Husic said the government should consider banning dual nationals from overseas military service. Alex Ellinghausen The Israel Defence Forces [IDF] announced this week that it would start calling up around 60,000 reserve soldiers to prepare for its plan to conquer Gaza City, the largest urban area in the devastated enclave. Husic, who lost his spot in cabinet after the May 3 election in a Labor right-faction power play, told parliament on Wednesday night that the ferocity of Israels military campaign in Gaza demanded stronger action from the government. Advertisement We dont need Australians placed in a position where they witness, abet or participate in what will likely be deemed a genocide, Husic said. Id urge our government to send a clear statement surrounding the risks of participating in IDF actions in Gaza. Id also urge our government to consider reforming our laws to prevent dual nationals joining a foreign force, in cases where a body with the weight of the [International Court of Justice] believes plausible genocide could be occurring in a part of the world where that foreign force is operating. The International Court of Justice has begun hearings on whether Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, and the International Criminal Court has charged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with war crimes for using starvation as a method of warfare. In a lengthy statement issued on Thursday, Howard and Downer said they were appalled by the governments handling of the relationship with Israel and the decision to recognise Palestine at the United Nations this month as part of a push by France, the UK and Canada to rebuild momentum for a two-state solution. Advertisement John Howard lashed the Prime Ministers Palestinian call. Eddie Jim Statehood in international law is not a prize handed out to reward sympathy or to satisfy political sentiment, they wrote. Howard and Downer, the nations longest serving foreign minister, argued that Palestine does not meet the internationally recognised criteria for statehood: a defined territory, a permanent population, an effective government, and the capacity to engage in relations with other states. Recognition of Palestine under these circumstances is not a legal act but a political gesture, they wrote. Worse, it is a gesture that directly undermines the very frameworks designed to resolve the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Advertisement They argued that a two-state solution cannot be imposed from abroad but must be built painstakingly by the parties themselves, through negotiation, compromise, and responsibility. The worlds biggest academic association of genocide scholars passed a resolution this week saying the legal criteria have been met to establish Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, a charge dismissed by Israel as disgraceful and entirely based on Hamas campaign of lies. Husic said that, given Netanyahus stated plan to seize control of the entire Gaza Strip: We should be sending a clear message: please dont join. Some dual nationals have already left Australia to join the IDF, prompting concerns in civil society. It is unclear how many Australians are serving in the IDF, but several publicly said they would travel from Australia to Israel to serve after the October 7 Hamas attacks that killed an estimated 1200 people in Israel in 2023. Israeli-Australian Lior Sivan died in December 2023 while serving as a tank commander in Gaza. Advertisement Related Article Israeli-Palestinian conflict Albaneses Palestinian recognition shows the world is now waiting on Trump Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said that Australias foreign fighter legislation which bans Australians from entering war zones with the intention of engaging in combat does not apply to dual citizens who fight in the military of another country. Husic noted the view of Australian National University professor Don Rothwell that it is most unlikely that Australians would be held responsible individually for genocide for serving in the IDF given genocide is considered a high-level political crime. He countered that the Australian Centre for International Justice has warned that Australians serving in Gaza could face a number of modes of liability, including as direct perpetrators, as well as aiding and abetting through the provision of logistical, material or operational support. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsVictoriaPopulation This was published 3 months ago Opinion More good people needed to tackle our population debate Chip Le Grand State political editor September 4, 2025 3:00am September 4, 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 50 View all comments If the hard-learned political lesson of the post-Tampa years was the imperative for any government to keep control of our borders, the lesson of how to restore trust in our broader migration program hasnt quite sunk in. Although it was difficult on Sunday to see past the neo-Nazis and COVID cranks and other assembled conspiracists to spot Anthony Albaneses good people, as he described them, there isnt much point starting this column from the assumption that everyone who marched for straya is an irredeemable racist. Former high-ranking public servant Martin Parkinson has been blunt in his criticisms of how Australia manages and communicates its population growth. Louie Douvis Lets instead assume that between Thomas Sewell the jack-booted, mustachioed leader of the National Socialist Network arrested this week and sovereign citizens fanboying suspected cop killer Dezi Freeman there were thousands of protesters who took to the streets of Melbourne and Sydney without hate in their hearts but sincere concerns about how fast our country is growing. They have good reason to feel this way. Advertisement As former Australian public service boss Martin Parkinson found when he reviewed the migration system two years ago, the failure of successive governments to articulate what our migration polices are trying to achieve and to shift a narrow policy discussion about the permanent migration intake to a more pertinent one about population growth, has done us no favours. Parkinsons blunt conclusion was that the migration system was broken and no longer fit for purpose. Crowds board a tram in Melbourne. Bloomberg The heat and spittle in Sundays protests suggests the fix offered so far by the Albanese government a soft cap on international student numbers, greater protections for workers on temporary visas and fine-tuning of the skills we are trying to import and types of visas on offer hasnt sorted all the problems. Albaneses good people are not dills. They understand that Australia and particularly, its three big eastern seaboard cities, are growing at a rate no one planned for and beyond the capacity of stretched public services to accommodate. They know what uncontrolled population growth looks like because this is the story of 21st century Australia. Advertisement When Peter Costello tabled the federal governments first Intergenerational Report in 2003, treasury projected that by 2042, Australias population would reach 25.3 million people. Instead, we reached that milestone in 2018. Our best guess missed the mark by 24 years. Related Article Population Growing pains: In the week of Jacinta Allans housing policy, Victoria grew by about 3000 people. Is it too much? According to the latest Intergenerational Report, published in the same year as Parkinsons migration review, Australia by 2042 will be a country of 35 million people. Of course, that assumes we are better now at forecasting population growth than we were at the start of the century. If you compare the 94-page, 2003 Intergenerational Report with the 276-page edition published in 2023, it seems the only thing growing faster than our population is the verbosity of government. All those extra words and yet so little clarity about an issue that is critical to our future prosperity, quality of life and social cohesion. Australia hasnt had a national population policy since the end of the Whitlam government and our leading demographers are not convinced this is necessarily what we need. Advertisement If we did have a population policy, its aims would be difficult to reconcile with a net gain of nearly 1 million people between July 2022 and June 2024 even in the context of a post-COVID correction and a settlement pattern which, in Victoria, crams nearly 9 out of 10 new arrivals into a capital city more crowded than the Labor back bench. As of June 30 last year, Melbourne was a city of 5.56 million, having added 142,600 people over the previous 12 months. The Australian Bureau of Statistics population clock tells us Victoria has more than 7 million residents today and by the end of this decade, will be pushing 8 million. These numbers are not driven by the annual, permanent migration intake, the latest target which was announced on Tuesday by Immigration Minister Tony Burke. As Parkinson and others have identified, our population growth is largely a product of temporary migration by people who come here to work or study. Their visas are temporary but, so long as more people in their circumstances keep coming, the increased demand on housing, health and transport is permanent. This is why, no matter how much the state government borrows to build new roads, rail lines, schools and hospitals, it cant keep up. The federal government recognises this and its decision to limit new international student enrolments below their pre-COVID peak is a significant move to bring to heel a runaway trade. But it is fearful that if it slams the brakes on temporary migration our economy will end up in a ditch. Advertisement On Sunday, Albaneses good people marched in horrid company. In Melbourne, they marched quite literally to the beat of neo-Nazi drums, surrounded by people who, in the words of Liberal MP Andrew Hastie, went down a rabbit hole sometime during the pandemic and never came out. Did they recognise Thomas Sewell, at the front of the march, as Australias most notorious neo-Nazi? Did they appreciate that some of their fellow protesters have a disturbed level of sympathy for Freeman and none for the two good police officers he allegedly gunned down? Whether good people or bad, they werent in a good place on Sunday. It is no place for good people marching behind Sewell and his black-shirted goons. It is no place for good people to be marching behind white supremacists in Sydney or Pauline Hanson in Canberra. There are serious problems with our migration system and Australias rate of population growth. It shouldnt be left to racists and cranks to point this out. Chip Le Grand is state political editor. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here. Advertisement PoliticsVictoriaChina relations This was published 3 months ago Daniel Andrews defends China visit as deputy premier rebukes him for photo with dictators Kieran Rooney and Paul Sakkal Updated September 4, 2025 2:51pm ,first published September 4, 2025 2:36pm 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 Deputy Premier Ben Carroll has publicly rebuked his former boss, Daniel Andrews, for posing in a photograph alongside dictators and alleged war criminals, saying it wasnt worth it to further his personal business interests. Carrolls comments emerged as Andrews publicly responded to his appearance for the first time, saying the event was a chance to meet with regional leaders, and defended his stance on geopolitical issues such as the war in Ukraine. Former Victorian premier Dan Andrews (top right) with world leaders including (front row, from left): Tajikistans Emomali Rahmon, Indonesias Prabowo Subianto, Russias Vladimir Putin, Chinas Xi Jinping (all presidents); Chinas first lady Peng Liyuan; and North Korea leader Kim Jong-un; (second row, from left): Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Iranian presidents daughter Zahra Pezeshkian, Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian, Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, and his wife and Azerbaijan vice president Mehriban Aliyeva. Sipa Andrews said in a statement on Thursday afternoon that attending the Chinese military parade to celebrate 80 years since the end of World War II was a chance to meet and engage with regional leaders like former New Zealand prime ministers John Key and Helen Clark, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and, of course, Chinese President Xi. We also shared in an official photograph. The official photograph features Andrews standing alongside some of the worlds most reviled political leaders, including the leaders of Russia, North Korea and Iran. Australia last week expelled the Iranian ambassador after announcing Iran had orchestrated the firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne and a deli in Sydney. Russian President Vladimir Putin is being pursued by the International Criminal Court for allegations of war crimes, and the United Nations has said North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un could be guilty of crimes against humanity. Advertisement Carrolls comments contrast with Premier Jacinta Allans response to the image. Allan, while not commenting directly on the pictures, said it was a good thing for Victoria that Andrews was well liked in China. But the deputy premier, when approached by the media outside Treasury Place on Thursday, questioned Andrews judgment in appearing at the event. Most Victorians will be asking: Is it worth it for self-interested business purposes to be having a photo standing behind Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin? Carroll said. I think for the vast majority, myself included, the value judgment [is] its not worth that photo, and thatll be the question that Victorians want answers on. Advertisement Related Article Updated Political leadership No security briefing before Andrews Beijing trip where he posed alongside Putin, Kim Jong-un Its not something I would have done. In his statement, Andrews defended his decision to attend the Chinese military parade, which was also a display of Chinese military might. Ive said for years that a constructive relationship with China our largest trading partner is in Australias national interest, and hundreds of thousands of Australian jobs depend on it. That hasnt changed, he said. And just so theres no confusion: I have condemned Putin and his illegal war in Ukraine from day one. Thats why he banned me from Russia last year. Advertisement Photo: Matt Golding Further, my support of Israel and Australias Jewish community has been outspoken and unwavering, and I unequivocally condemn Iran for its attacks on Australia, Israel and elsewhere around the world, Andrews said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also distanced himself from Andrews decision to attend the military parade, saying neither he nor any of his ministers would have considered going. My position is very, very clear, which is we did not send any government representative because it would not have been appropriate, Albanese said during question time in federal parliament. None of my people would have sat in that position, as simple as that. It certainly is not something that I would have even thought of doing and no one in my government would have thought of doing. Advertisement What individuals do very separate from the government is a matter for them. Andrews and Carroll previously locked horns in the week of the former premiers retirement in 2023. Carroll led his Labor Right faction to challenge for the leadership after Andrews and his Left grouping had thrown their support behind Allan, with Tim Pallas as her deputy. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll. Joe Armao This led to a heated party room meeting, which was ultimately resolved with Allan elected as leader and Carroll in the deputy position. Since retiring from politics, Andrews has set up multiple corporate entities, named Wedgetail Partners, Glencairn Street Pty Ltd and Forty Eight & Partners. Some of his post-politics work has been to assist Chinese businesses looking to invest in Australia. Advertisement Carroll said it should be remembered that Putin, with help from Jong-un, was currently waging war against Ukraine and that Foreign Minister Penny Wong had in the past 24 hours sanctioned 14 Russian elites for enabling the war and silencing political expression. He also referenced the 38 Australians who had lost their lives in the downing of flight MH17, for which Europes top court this year ruled Russia was responsible. Loading They represent everything we stand against, and we should never stand with them. Always stand against them, Carroll said. In a statement on Wednesday night, Allan did not address the other attendees of the event but said it was good for Victoria that Daniel Andrews is held in such high regard by the people of China. Advertisement Related Article Opinion China I survived Tiananmen Square. Seeing Dan Andrews in Beijing made my blood boil Helen Shao Tiananmen Square survivor Victoria is an old friend of China, and these connections are so valuable for our state, she said. Im looking forward to building on this connection by leading a trade mission to China this month, where Ill meet with business, government, educators, and communities and launch Victorias new China strategy. Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin said Andrews needed to think about who he was standing with and the impact the photos had on local communities. He stands with the president of Iran, and we already know there are reports about [Iranian] involvement with the synagogue fires here, and the pressures on the Australian Jewish community, he said. Advertisement This is a responsibility for Daniel Andrews to now come and explain why he has decided to stand with those people. A spokesperson for the Australian Ukrainian Congress urged Andrews to apologise, calling his appearance an appalling lack of judgment. Military personnel shout as they take part in a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japans World War II surrender held in front of Tiananmen Gate, in Beijing on Wednesday. AP There are 11,500 Ukrainian refugees in Australia seeking shelter and protection from Putins war crimes, most of whom (5500) are currently in Victoria, they said. These people deserve better than this distressing appearance by a senior Australian and Victoria leader. Advertisement We ask Mr Andrews to reflect on his terrible lack of judgment and ask him for a clear expression of regret for the serious distress he has caused to Australian Ukrainians and the many Ukrainian refugees here. Victorian Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said Andrews had ultimately appeared in a personal capacity but it was not an event she would attend. Photo: Badiucao Im unlikely to ever be invited to such an event, let alone attend one, she said. That is ultimately a matter for him hes attended as a private citizen. Advertisement Im not here to speak for Dan Andrews today ... that particular event is not likely one I would ever be invited to, nor would I attend. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaRussia-Ukraine war This was published 3 months ago Leaders pledge troops to safeguard Ukraine but Australia yet to declare David Crowe and Michael Koziol Updated September 5, 2025 2:58pm ,first published September 5, 2025 3:49am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share London/Washington: Global leaders have pledged to send troops and other forces to Ukraine to guarantee its security in a potential peace deal with Russia, with 26 nations backing the plan in a move to intensify efforts to end the war. French President Emmanuel Macron described the military commitment as a reassurance force after he emerged from talks with dozens of leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a coalition of the willing to help Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday. AP But Russia on Friday appeared to rule out any security role for foreign forces, and President Vladimir Putin warned that any Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be legitimate targets for Moscow to attack. If decisions are reached that lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply do not see any sense in their presence on the territory of Ukraine, full stop, Putin said. Advertisement Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump highlighted the responsibility of major European nations to do more to stop the fighting, telling them to stop buying Russian oil and to place more pressure on China over its funding of the Russian war machine. The Trump administration also flagged further announcements about the war, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had asked the US president to provide more help to defend Ukraine against aerial attacks. Macron said the meeting, convened in Paris and joined by many leaders online, had agreed to send troops and other forces to Ukraine, but did not seek to fight Russia and would not deploy assets on the front line. Related Article Updated Foreign relations Lots going on: Rudd weighs in after Trump, Albanese speak for fourth time We have today 26 countries who have formally committed some others have not yet taken a position to deploy as a reassurance force troops in Ukraine, or be present on the ground, in the sea, or in the air, he said at a press conference alongside Zelensky. Advertisement This force does not seek to wage any war on Russia. It is a force to guarantee peace. Albanese confirmed his support for Ukraine in a brief statement after the meeting, but did not say whether Australia would send any forces in the event of a peace deal. He has previously said he would consider proposals, but has not pledged troops. Australia stands with Ukraine in its fight against Russias illegal and immoral invasion, he said. With our partners we will keep working towards just and lasting peace for Ukraine. From left, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Polish PM Donald Tusk, Finlands President Alexander Stubb, Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky and Frances Emmanuel Macron attended the Paris summit in person. AP Advertisement The summit included 35 leaders, including from Canada, Japan and New Zealand as well as British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and most leaders of European Union member states. While Macron and Starmer have spoken of sending troops in the past, the new pledge is a significant move from a broad group of nations. Macron did not list the 26 nations making the commitments. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was willing to deploy direct and scalable military assistance to uphold a ceasefire. Trump told European leaders they must stop buying Russian oil and put economic pressure on China over its funding of Russias war on Ukraine, in a message that exposed US frustrations with Europe about the ongoing conflict. Girls wipe dust off of a teddy bear in front of a house that was destroyed by a Russian strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, last week. AP Advertisement President Trump emphasised that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war, as Russia received 1.1 billion [$2 billion] in fuel sales from the EU in one year, a White House official said in a statement. The president also emphasised that European leaders must place economic pressure on China for funding Russias war efforts. The sales figure appeared to underplay sales of Russian energy to EU countries, which persist in some forms despite a ban announced after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. According to Eurostat, the EU imported 1.75 billion of petroleum oil from Russia in the second quarter of 2025 alone. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air said the EU had cut its imports of Russian oil by 88 per cent over two years to 2024, but that there was no further cut despite promises to apply pressure on Moscow. Hungary, an EU member that often sides against Ukraine, increased its purchase of Russian oil by 30 per cent last year, said Vaibhav Raghunandan, a CREA analyst in Amsterdam. Advertisement The irony of this is quite plain because Hungarian leaders have openly embraced and shown admiration for the US administration, while also quite clearly defying one of their key foreign policy objectives vis a vis Russia, he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has maintained ties with Putin while also expressing admiration for Trump. Trumps directive for the Europeans to put economic pressure on China over its funding of Moscows war effort stands in contrast to his own decision to spare China from punitive tariffs while imposing them on India, which also buys oil from Russia. Related Article Russia-Ukraine war The secret camp where Australia and Ukraine train for war Finnish President Alexander Stubb, one of Trumps closer allies in Europe, said the US president wanted the Americans and Europeans to act in tandem on further sanctions against Russia. Advertisement Trumps approach was very much that we must act together on sanctions policy and now look for ways in particular to halt Russias war machine by economic means, Stubb told Finnish media after the meeting. In that case, there are two targets, namely oil and gas. The president of the [European] Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and President Trumps close advisers will discuss this over the next 24 hours. With Reuters and AP 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. GABORONE, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Thursday launched eight new projects for Botswana to support the country's vision of transforming its agricultural sector to drive economic growth and ensure food security. Carla Mucavi, FAO country representative in Botswana, said the projects, valued at about 1.33 million U.S. dollars under the FAO Country Programming Framework 2022-2026, will enhance nutrition-sensitive interventions, improve market access for local producers, and strengthen resilience to economic shocks. "These efforts support Botswana's vision for a transformed agricultural sector that drives economic growth, ensures food security, and fosters sustainable livelihoods, particularly for women and youth," Mucavi said. She emphasized that the energy and creativity of young people are vital for leveraging innovation and building resilient, sustainable value chains. A key project involves developing a comprehensive National Agriculture Financing Strategy. With FAO's technical expertise, this strategy will serve as a blueprint for a self-reliant, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector to help farmers thrive and unlock new investments. Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture Edwin Dikoloti hailed the investment as a testament to Botswana's strong partnership with the FAO. He noted that the initiatives are designed to address critical areas across the agricultural landscape, seeking to raise the sector's contribution to Botswana's gross domestic product to 6 percent in the near future. On Wednesday, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Botswana pledged to support the southern African country in the sustainable management and financing of its protected areas. Lovita Ramguttee, UNDP resident representative in Botswana, made the UN agency's commitment during the Protected Areas Resource Mobilization Strategy and Partnership Plan validation workshop held in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. "These ecosystems are vital not only for biodiversity, but also for climate resilience, livelihoods, and national heritage," said Ramguttee, adding that the ecosystems are, in many ways, the foundation upon which Botswana's natural wealth and tourism economy rest. PHNOM PENH, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Thursday that the Techo International Airport (TIA), scheduled to begin operations on Sept. 9, will serve as a new gateway for international travelers to the Southeast Asian country. The 4F-level airport is the new airport for Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. "This marks another opportunity for Cambodia to broaden its global connections, bringing benefits across all sectors while boosting the national economy, tourism, and international business," Hun Manet said in a post on his official social media platform. The airport development has aligned with the government's vision of achieving an upper-middle-income status by 2030 and a high-income status by 2050, he said, adding that it will boost investment, expand business opportunities, and enhance services. "Cambodia warmly welcomes travelers from around the world, with Techo International Airport serving as a new gateway for international missions, business, and tourism," he said. Invested by Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd, the 1.5-billion-U.S.-dollar airport has been developed on an area of 2,600 hectares, about 20 km from Phnom Penh. The airport is capable of handling up to 13 million passengers a year in the first phase and accommodating the landing of the world's largest aircraft such as Airbus A380 and Boeing 747. The celebration is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Louisville Nature Center. SUVA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Marijuana has become Fiji's cash crop of choice because of its quick harvesting period and higher financial value, said the country's Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu. The drug has displaced traditional crops, creating a worrying shift where marijuana is now feeding into the legitimate economy, the commissioner warned, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) reported on Thursday. Marijuana's widespread cultivation makes it cheaper and more accessible than synthetic drugs, with Kadavu, the fourth-largest island in Fiji, identified as a major base of production, according to the FBC. Tudravu warned that Fiji is no longer just a transit point for drugs and this dependency was becoming generational, with younger people seeing the crop as a fast way to make money. The commissioner called for community-based solutions that provide real alternatives to drug cultivation. Shots were fired near Union Station on May 13, 2025, but no one was injured. 21-year-old Laken Snelling was arrested in Lexington, Kentucky on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2025, charged with concealing the birth of an infant and abuse of a corpse. (Photo courtesy of LFUCG) MANILA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines enacted a new law on Thursday restructuring the fiscal regime for large-scale metallic mining, aiming to boost government revenues, ensure transparency, and provide greater benefits to local communities. Republic Act 12253, or the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, replaces the country's complex tax framework with a unified system that applies to all large-scale metallic mining operations. The law introduces a margin-based royalty and windfall profits tax, along with safeguards such as debt-to-equity limits and project-based accounting to prevent tax avoidance. It also mandates stricter monitoring of mineral sales, public disclosure of mining data, and a multi-stakeholder accountability mechanism. According to the Department of Finance, the new regime is expected to generate an average annual incremental revenue of 6.26 billion pesos (about 110 million U.S. dollars) for existing mines. Officials said a share of the revenues will go to local governments and to fund mineral exploration, research, and stricter enforcement in the mining sector. Weber State encourages community to Bleed Purple during 22nd Blood Battle September 4, 2025 OGDEN, Utah Its time for Weber State University and the surrounding community to roll up their sleeves and give at the 22nd annual American Red Cross Blood Battle, hosted at WSU Sept. 812. The Blood Battle pits WSU against Utah State University in a friendly competition to see which school can supply the most blood. Since the competition began, the schools have collected more than 20,000 units of blood to give to those in need. Reaching the 20,000 milestone was a huge marker of success. Both communities rally around these drives and show up ready to donate during a time where historically donations are down nationwide, said Michael Smauldon, executive director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter. Were excited to be back on campus and continue this tradition. The event is open to students, staff, faculty, and community members. Although all types of blood are in demand, more O positive and B negative blood is needed due to their unique qualities. All blood donors will receive a commemorative t-shirt while supplies last. Blood donations will be accepted at the Shepherd Union Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the week of Sept. 8. Donors can make an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting the Red Cross website or mobile app, or by calling 1-800-733-2767. Use the sponsor code BLEEDPURPLE to find donation times. Walk-ins are also welcome. MOSCOW, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. recent approval of the sale of 3,350 air-launched Extended-Range Attack Munitions system missiles to Ukraine runs counter to its claimed willingness to resolve the conflict in Ukraine by diplomatic means, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Thursday. Russia has repeatedly pointed out that military assistance to Ukraine will essentially only "prolong its suffering" and risk causing the conflict to spiral out of control, she added. Zakharova made the remarks at a press conference during the 10th Eastern Economic Forum being held in Russia's far eastern city of Vladivostok, which runs from Sept. 3 to 6. The United States on Aug. 28 announced the approval of the missile sale worth 825 million U.S. dollars, funded mainly by some European countries, according to media reports. The move came after U.S. President Donald Trump met earlier in August with Russian President Vladimir Putin and separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Wall Street Journal newspaper reported that the missiles will be delivered to Ukraine in about six weeks. Regarding European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's recent remarks about "pretty precise plans" for European troops to be deployed to Ukraine post-conflict, Zakharova told a press conference that such a move "will undermine the security of everyone" and is "fundamentally unacceptable." SHREVEPORT, La. -- A Maryland man who recently traveled to Central America has been diagnosed with a rare flesh-eating parasite, raising fresh concerns among veterinarians and agriculture officials in the United States. The infection, caused by New World screwworm maggots burrowing into human tissue, is not currently a problem in Louisiana or Texas. But experts warn the parasites steady northward migration through Mexico poses a growing threat. Dr. Christine Navarre, a veterinarian with LSU, explained that screwworm flies are attracted to open wounds, where they lay eggs that hatch into hundreds of maggots. It attacks cattle, it can attack wildlife, it can attack birds, pets, people, Navarre said. But wildlife and livestock are going to be probably the main target. Within days, animals may stop eating and show signs of depression as the parasites destroy healthy tissue. Texas officials are closely monitoring the situation, since infestations have already devastated herds just 375 miles south of the border. Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said new countermeasures are in development, including fly bait that kills 90% of screwworms, a vaccine that alters blood chemistry to kill larvae, and ivermectin treatments for infected animals. The United States has faced screwworm outbreaks before, but they were eradicated in the 1960s and 1970s by releasing sterile male flies to collapse the population. A similar eradication effort is underway now, though experts caution it may take up to four years to succeed. The stakes are high: left untreated, screwworm infections can be fatal within 7 to 10 days, threatening not only people but also cattle and wildlife populations across the South. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit JAKARTA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia aims to boost investment by 14.2 percent in 2026, targeting 2,175.26 trillion rupiah (132.3 billion U.S. dollars), Rosan Roeslani, minister of investment and downstream industry, said Thursday at a parliamentary session. He also outlined five-year goals, forecasting investment to rise to 13,032.8 trillion rupiah between 2025 and 2029. Roeslani attributed the optimistic investment outlook to growing investor confidence, supported by government-led initiatives such as the sovereign wealth fund Danantara. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati announced that the government has allocated 243.1 trillion rupiah for investment financing next year, earmarked for housing, provincial infrastructure, education, and other strategic sectors. (1 U.S. dollar equals 16,452.24 Indonesian rupiah) By Jordan Reynolds and Sam Hall, PA Father Ted creator Graham Linehan has arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court in the UK where he faces trial accused of harassing transgender activist Sophia Brooks. Before going into court, the 57-year-old comedy writer posed with a sign which said on one side Theres no such thing as a transgender child, and on the other it said Keep men out of womens sports. He has denied one count of harassing the activist on social media and a further charge of damaging her mobile phone in October. Linehan, who created Father Ted in the 1990s with fellow Irish writer Arthur Mathews, said in a post on X in April that the allegations were related to an incident at the Battle of Ideas conference in London on October 19th. Graham Linehan wore a sandwich board-style sign as he arrived at court (Ben Whitley/PA) According to court documents, he is charged with harassing the alleged victim by posting abusive comments about her on social media between October 11th and October 27th, and damaging her phone to the value of 369 on the day of the conference. In May, following a hearing in the case, Linehan said he has lost a great deal but will not waver in my resolve. The Bafta-winning writer, who also came up with TV sitcoms The IT Crowd and Black Books, was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Monday on suspicion of inciting violence in three posts he had made on X about trans issues. The Lawyers Fishing Club of Ireland enjoyed their annual event at Lough Conn during the summer. The group of approximately 40 solicitors and barristers, mainly from Ireland and the United Kingdom, based themselves in Foxford and enjoyed several days of angling and local hospitality. The club previously came to County Mayo in years gone by and stayed at Enniscoe House and the Downhill Hotel (as it was then) in the 1990s. They later moved to the Pontoon Bridge Hotel as their base on a number of occasions in the 2000s. The Lawyers Fishing Club visit a different lake each year and over the past decade have focused their fishing on Loughs Corrib, Mask, Sheelin, Arrow and Erne. Jack Mellette, Castlebar with Guy Dorman, London. However, organiser and local solicitor John Geary was keen to bring the group back to his native area and take advantage of the great fishing on offer on Lough Conn. They based themselves at the Moy Hotel on Main Street in Foxford for the annual gathering with many of the group staying in the areas guesthouses and Airbnbs such was the demand. Local anglers from around the lake took the visiting lawyers out fishing, with some of the visitors making the journey from the Northern Ireland, England, and as far away as Chile. Frank Martin BL, John Geary and James Healy Pratt, London and Easkey. Foxford was an ideal base for the group," explained John Geary. "The welcome shown to them by the Noone family and staff at the Moy Hotel was top class and the food each evening was superb. Particular thanks to Mary Geary, Pat Gannon, Pat Guiry, the Foxford Lodge, Neil Cruise, Gerry Quinn, Chris Kelly and Jordans Bar for their hospitality to the group. Whilst the annual event for the lawyers is all about friendship and fishing, there were a number of angling prizes which were sponsored by Jon Binley, Tiernan Brothers Angling Centre and Harry Feeney, so a big thank you to them John added. Jon Binley, Foxford and Kieran Connolly, Pontoon. John confirmed to the Western People that such was the success of the event that the group have requested to return to Foxford again next year and dates have been already booked for 2026. There was a large gathering of legal professionals at Castlebar Courthouse last Tuesday to mark the first sitting of the county's new district court judge Sandra Murphy. Judge Murphy is the third successive woman to hold the role and follows in the footsteps of Judge Fiona Lydon, who served in Mayo from 2018 to 2025, and Judge Mary Devins who was district court judge in Mayo from 1999 up to 2018. Judge Murphy comes with considerable experience as a solicitor and more recently as a judge covering Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal, while she also served several other areas around the country as a 'mobable judge' before being appointed permanently to Mayos District Court Number 3 following the recent transfer of Judge Lydon to County Galway. Judge Murphy, who is a native of Ballinrobe, is wife of Kitimagh solicitor Charlie Gilmartin and a daughter of the late Patsy Murphy, a former county registrar, while she has further legal connections through her brother Patrick who is a well-known barrister. She is also a cousin of retired district court judge Patrick Durcan. Welcoming Judge Murphy to Castlebar District Court, solicitor Gary Mulchrone, who is president of the Mayo Solicitors' Bar Association, said this is very much an occasion where we welcome home one of our own". Mr Mulchrone noted that Judge Murphy had served her time as a solicitor in Mayo. You earned a reputation as an excellent lawyer, a trustworthy colleague, and a sharp legal mind, which, no doubt furthered by your involvement in the University of Galway and your work on the hard-working Conveyancing Committee of the Law Society. You clearly have the right combination of coming from the best of legal tradition and the practical academic excellence and hard work that embodied your work as a solicitor," he said. Mr Mulchrone added: It is important the person who presides in the district understands the place, its people and its customs. I think that can only lend itself to fairer decisions, because justice in the district court is - at its heart - local justice, with an innate understanding of the people and the place [and] the court of first instance with which most of the population will experience their first interactions with the court process. "While previous incumbents from outside the area certainly came to gain that understanding, you have an advantage its in your DNA. As a leading member of the Mayo Solicitors' Bar Association in times past, you showed an understanding and a commitment to the role solicitors play in everyday life. You were an advocate for our members and a committed, enthusiastic volunteer working for the betterment of the profession. You have almost a lifetime of experience in this great county, knowing its people, our colleagues and gaining a deep understanding of how the profession operates, added Mr Mulchrone. Speaking on behalf of the local barristers, Diarmuid Connolly BL, said Judge Murphy hailed from a highly reputable legal family whose pedigree was beyond question. You have had a very long and distinguished career in this building, and we cant but imagine what a proud day it would have been for Patsy and your mum to be here today, so they are very much in our thoughts." Mr Connolly said Mayo was lucky to have such a dedicated courts staff working behind the scenes in ensuring the legal wheel runs smoothly but he also knew the workload was increasing all the time and the work of a judge, like everyone else, was getting harder and harder given the volume of work that is now coming through the courts. State Solicitor for Mayo, Louise Cresham, also welcomed Judge Murphy and assured her of her full support. The new judge was also warmly welcomed by members of the Courts Service and the Probation Service, while Garda Inspector Maria Hayes welcomed Judge Murphy on behalf of An Garda Siochana and ensured her of the full cooperation and support from her office and from the members of An Garda Siochana in Mayo. Judge Murphy said she was only too well aware that she was taking over an area where the standard has been set very high by her predecessors, Judge Lydon and Judge Devins. She expressed her delight to be appointed to her native Mayo, describing it as an honour and a privilege to serve as a district court judge in her native county. The district court is, in many ways, the beating heart of the criminal justice system in this country. It plays a crucial role in the administration of justice, she said. Judge Murphy described the district court as the peoples court, which could not operate without the hard work and dedication of the courts staff, legal professionals, An Garda Siochana, prison officers, probation officers and members of the press. Added Judge Murphy: Be assured that I will give my 100 percent best endeavours every day I sit in this district. And I look forward to working with each and every one of you in the years ahead. Thank you again for your warm welcome. - Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme In the flat expanses of Iowa, where cornfields stretch beyond sight and winter winds cut through the heartland with prairie precision, a man from Ballina has been quietly rewriting the very definition of when human life becomes viable. Dr Patrick J. McNamara, first-born son of Padraic and Eileen McNamara, Bohernasup, and a distinguished alumnus of St Muredach's College, whose Mayo roots run as deep as the Moy itself, has spent his career pushing against the boundaries of what medical science once deemed impossible. Last month, his work reached its most extraordinary vindication when a baby boy named Nash Keen entered the Guinness World Records as the most premature surviving infant in human history, born at just 21 weeks and zero days gestational age, a full 133 days ahead of his due date. To comprehend the magnitude of this achievement, one must first understand the brutal mathematics of premature birth. At 21 weeks, a foetus weighs less than a pound, its skin translucent as tissue paper, lungs barely formed sacs that have never drawn breath. The medical establishment has long held that survival at this gestational age is simply incompatible with life. Indeed, most hospitals worldwide do not attempt resuscitation of infants born before 22 weeks, considering such efforts not merely futile but potentially cruel. Yet Nash Keen lived, thrived, and went home to his family in Ankeny, Iowa, after 189 days in hospital, a testament to Dr McNamara's revolutionary approach to neonatal care and his refusal to accept conventional wisdom about the limits of human resilience. Dr Patrick McNamara is a native of Ballina. Dr McNamara's path from the familiar waters of the Moy to America's most advanced neonatal units started in the corridors of St Muredach's College, where a young Ballina student first showed the sharp mind and stubborn curiosity that would one day upend medical convention. He speaks with glowing admiration of his parents. "The unwavering support of my parents, who were exceptional role models through my childhood and beyond, shaped the person who I am, my beliefs and ideals." From those Mayo foundations, he would go on to establish himself as one of the world's leading neonatologists, but more significantly, as a pioneer of the field of neonatal hemodynamics in premature infants, a technique that uses ultrasound to assess blood flow and heart function with unprecedented precision. "We never want the parents to lose hope, but many of them are in an unreal situation, so we have to be very honest with them," Dr McNamara reflected when discussing Nash's case. This tension between hope and brutal truth, between reaching for the impossible while staying grounded in what is, feels distinctly Irish - that capacity to embrace opposing realities at once, to scrap against long odds without ever forgetting how cruelly the numbers stack up. Dr McNamara's establishment of the neonatal hemodynamics program at the University of Iowa represents what he describes as "precedent-setting in the United States", serving as a national landmark programme. This is no mere academic hyperbole. This success is years in the making. UI Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital has some of the best survival outcomes for babies born at 22 weeks. It was this success that encouraged the organisation to try to resuscitate babies born as early as 21 weeks. The technique Dr McNamara has championed cuts the risk of death or severe brain bleeding in half for very premature babies. Where traditional approaches might assume a low blood pressure indicates heart failure and respond with powerful medications, hemodynamic monitoring reveals the subtler truth - sometimes the heart functions perfectly well, and the problem lies elsewhere entirely. For Nash Keen, this precision proved literally life-saving. When Nash arrived that July, weighing barely ten ounces, his blood pressure had crashed. Standard protocol would have meant hitting the heart hard with powerful drugs. Dr McNamara's ultrasound monitoring told a different story - the heart was working fine, the trouble lay elsewhere. So they adjusted course accordingly, scalpel-sharp rather than sledgehammer-blunt. That eye for detail, that bloody-minded refusal to follow the cookbook, separates the truly gifted from the merely qualified. The story of Nash's survival reads like something from the realm of mythology rather than a medical textbook. His parents, Mollie and Randall Keen, had already endured the devastating loss of their daughter McKinley at 18 weeks of gestation. When Mollie became pregnant again, an incompetent cervix threatened to repeat the tragedy. At 20 weeks, she was already two centimetres dilated - a harbinger of premature labour that sent the couple rushing to Iowa City in the small hours of a Tuesday morning. What followed was a race against biology itself. The Keen family needed their baby to survive until after midnight on July 5th, 2024, when he would cross the 21-week threshold that would trigger Iowa's unprecedented willingness to attempt resuscitation. By the narrowest of margins - literally hours - Nash crossed that line, entering the world at a weight less than a can of Coca-Cola, his survival chances officially calculated at zero. Yet survive he did, through complications that would have felled stronger patients: perforated bowel requiring surgery with a 30-40% mortality rate, chronic pulmonary hypertension, heart defects, and the constant threat of brain bleeding that shadows all extremely premature infants. Through 189 days of what his mother described as a "constant roller coaster", Nash demonstrated the sort of resilience that seems to transcend mere medical intervention. The Irish dimension of this story extends beyond Dr McNamara's origins. There is something quintessentially Irish about the refusal to accept defeat, about the determination to fight against impossible odds with whatever tools come to hand. The great Irish medical tradition - from the battlefield surgeons who earned their spurs in foreign wars to the researchers who unlocked the mysteries of tropical disease in far-flung colonies - has always been characterised by this combination of technical excellence and bloody-minded persistence. Dr McNamara embodies this tradition while simultaneously transcending it. His way of working comes down to what he terms "thoughtful clinical decision making" - getting to the heart of why you're doing something rather than just ticking boxes on a chart. That restless questioning, married to the latest kit, has delivered results his peers call world-beating for babies who arrive far too soon. The establishment of Iowa's unique hemodynamics fellowship programme - the first of its kind in the United States - ensures that Dr McNamara's innovations will ripple outward, training a new generation of neonatologists to apply these life-saving techniques. His research has demonstrated not merely that such interventions can work, but that they can work consistently, reproducibly, and with outcomes that challenge everything the medical establishment once believed about the limits of viability. Nash Keen just had his first birthday party, complete with the kind of belly laughs and huge smiles his parents thought they might never see. He's still catching up developmentally - not quite where full-term babies his age are - and his family watches his progress carefully. The good news is he didn't have any brain bleeding while he was in the NICU, which gives his doctors confidence about his mental development down the road. Stanford, a neonatologist and hemodynamics specialist who resuscitated Nash at birth and who follows Nash as an outpatient, has drawn a line in the sand: "By the time he's five years old, when he goes to kindergarten, no one will know that he was born so early." Dr McNamara is glowing in his tribute to his fellow medics. "The success of the Iowa team is a testament to the dedication and passion of all members of the interprofessional team. The work at Iowa is becoming the catalyst for other programmes across the world, including Irish hospitals, to reshape their practices and invest in the necessary infrastructure to enhance the outcomes for these vulnerable patients." Nash's survival means more than one family's happiness. Dr McNamara and his crew have proved that medicine's supposed absolutes bend more easily than anyone thought. Given enough skill, kit, and sheer pig-headedness, you can rewrite the rules about who lives and who doesn't and open doors for other families in the same boat. From the classrooms of St Muredach's College to the high-tech corridors of Iowa's Stead Family Children's Hospital, Patrick McNamara has travelled a remarkable professional journey. Yet perhaps his most significant achievement lies not in the accolades or the research publications, but in the simple fact that a little boy from Ankeny will grow up knowing that when the medical establishment said "impossible", an Irishman from Ballina said "not today". In times when we're constantly told what can't be done, thumbing your nose at the experts feels like rebellion. The biggest wins don't always come with fanfare - sometimes it's just a baby drawing breath for the first time, then stubbornly refusing to stop. Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) lights up the month of September with two compelling offerings, a powerful one-night-only performance at the Westport Chamber Music Festival and a captivating three-date tour with Water Music, which includes a stop at the Clifden Arts Festival. On Friday, September 12th, ICO makes a much-anticipated return to Westport, where ICO violinist Andre Swanepoel leads a vibrant and emotionally charged programme. Be enthralled by the deep expressiveness of Haydns Seven Last Words and the bold intensity of Mozarts Adagio & Fugue. Bachs joyful Violin Concerto No. 2 adds sparkle, before the concert takes an exhilarating turn with Woven, a brand-new commission by acclaimed Irish composer Donnacha Dennehy, written for Ji Hye Jung (marimba) and Guy Johnston (cello). The evening closes in celebratory fashion with Bachs Double Violin Concerto, performed by Benjamin Schmid and Pablo Hernan Benedi. From September 18th to 20th, ICO adds Clifden Arts Festival to its seasonal offering of Water Music in Limerick and Dublin. This mesmerising programme is steered by the internationally acclaimed conductor, Richard Egarr. Enjoy an elemental journey with Deirdre McKays Meltwater, a hauntingly beautiful meditation on change and natures quiet power. Be swept away by the grandeur and festive brilliance of Handels Water Music, one of the most enduring and beloved works of the Baroque era. Catch ICO at the Clifden Arts Festival on Friday, September 19th. Firefighters and Public Security Police work on the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's best-known tourist attractions, derailed and overturned on Wednesday evening, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including five in serious condition, local media reported, citing police sources. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) LISBON, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's best-known tourist attractions, derailed and overturned on Wednesday evening, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including five in serious condition, local media reported, citing the National Institute of Medical Emergency. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has canceled a book festival at the Belem Palace, which was scheduled to take place from Thursday to Sunday. The decision was made "in memory of the victims of the serious accident involving the Gloria Funicular in Lisbon, and in solidarity with the grieving families," according to a release published on the Presidency's official website. All party leaders expressed condolences on Wednesday, and the government declared Thursday a national day of mourning. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas said the city is "fighting hard," calling it "a difficult day." The accident occurred near Avenida da Liberdade in central Lisbon. The funicular carriage was badly damaged. Xinhua reporters at the scene saw police cordoning off a wide area around the site as dozens of police officers and firefighters carried out rescue operations. A Spanish tourist, Felipe, told Xinhua that he "never expected such a serious accident to happen at such a famous landmark in the heart of Lisbon." Other bystanders also voiced disbelief. According to local media, this is not the first derailment involving the funicular. In 2018, a similar accident occurred, though no one was injured at the time. Built in the late 19th century, the Gloria Funicular connects Restauradores Square with the Principe Real district, with its bright yellow carriages running along steep slopes. It attracts large numbers of tourists every year. Firefighters and Public Security Police work on the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's best-known tourist attractions, derailed and overturned on Wednesday evening, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including five in serious condition, local media reported, citing police sources. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) Firefighters and Public Security Police work on the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's best-known tourist attractions, derailed and overturned on Wednesday evening, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including five in serious condition, local media reported, citing police sources. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) Firefighters and Public Security Police work on the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's best-known tourist attractions, derailed and overturned on Wednesday evening, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including five in serious condition, local media reported, citing police sources. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) Bystanders gather near the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's best-known tourist attractions, derailed and overturned on Wednesday evening, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including five in serious condition, local media reported, citing police sources. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) Photo taken on Sept. 3, 2025, shows the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's best-known tourist attractions, derailed and overturned on Wednesday evening, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including five in serious condition, local media reported, citing police sources. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) Firefighters and Public Security Police work on the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's best-known tourist attractions, derailed and overturned on Wednesday evening, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including five in serious condition, local media reported, citing police sources. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) Firefighters and Public Security Police work on the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's best-known tourist attractions, derailed and overturned on Wednesday evening, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including five in serious condition, local media reported, citing police sources. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) Firefighters and Public Security Police work on the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's best-known tourist attractions, derailed and overturned on Wednesday evening, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including five in serious condition, local media reported, citing police sources. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) Public Security Police work on the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's best-known tourist attractions, derailed and overturned on Wednesday evening, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including five in serious condition, local media reported, citing police sources. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) Firefighters and Public Security Police work on the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's best-known tourist attractions, derailed and overturned on Wednesday evening, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including five in serious condition, local media reported, citing police sources. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) Firefighters and Public Security Police work on the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's best-known tourist attractions, derailed and overturned on Wednesday evening, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including five in serious condition, local media reported, citing police sources. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) This photo taken with a mobile phone shows journalists working near the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's landmarks linking Restauradores to Principe Real, derailed on Wednesday, leaving one dead and about 20 injured, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) Firefighters and Public Security Police work on the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's best-known tourist attractions, derailed and overturned on Wednesday evening, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including five in serious condition, local media reported, citing police sources. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) This photo taken with a mobile phone shows firefighters and Public Security Police working on the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's landmarks linking Restauradores to Principe Real, derailed on Wednesday, leaving one dead and about 20 injured, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) This photo taken with a mobile phone shows firefighters and Public Security Police working on the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's landmarks linking Restauradores to Principe Real, derailed on Wednesday, leaving one dead and about 20 injured, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) This photo taken with a mobile phone shows journalists working near the site of the funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's landmarks linking Restauradores to Principe Real, derailed on Wednesday, leaving one dead and about 20 injured, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) Firefighters and Public Security Police work on the site of the accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, 2025. The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's landmarks linking Restauradores to Principe Real, derailed on Wednesday, leaving one dead and about 20 injured, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/Xun Wei) BERLIN, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Thursday that Germany's decision on any future direct military involvement in Ukraine's security guarantees will be influenced by the type and extent of the United States' involvement, among other factors. Merz made the remarks during a virtual meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" hosted by the French government, which gathered European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to a government statement. Europe is ready to make a decisive contribution of security guarantees to Ukraine once a negotiated solution is reached, Merz was quoted in the statement as saying. Germany focuses its efforts to enhance its role in financing, arming, and training the Ukrainian armed forces, he noted, adding that a decision on any direct military involvement by Germany would be considered at an appropriate time when the framework conditions are clear. He said the conditions include the nature and scale of involvement from the United States and the outcome of the negotiation process. Merz also stressed the need to continue working towards a peace summit that includes Zelensky, with the goal of securing a ceasefire. NEW YORK, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to swiftly overturn a lower court decision that found many of his sweeping tariffs illegal. The petition comes after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Friday ruled in a 7-4 vote that Trump overstepped his authority when he implemented the tariffs on nearly all trading partners through an emergency economic powers act, saying his action did not fall within the president's mandate and that imposing tariffs was "a core Congressional power." Earlier in May, the New York-based Court of International Trade declared the tariffs were unlawful. Filings by the Trump administration say that "delaying a ruling until Jun. 2026 could result in a scenario in which 750 billion to one trillion dollars in tariffs have already been collected, and unwinding them could cause significant disruption." "The stakes in this case could not be higher," Solicitor General John Sauer said in Wednesday night's filing. U.S. businesses have paid over 210 billion dollars as of August 24 to cover the tariffs deemed illegal by U.S. courts. If the Supreme Court upholds the decision, the U.S. Treasury could have to "give back" tariff revenue collected, local media reported. Trump used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose steep levies on trading partners, declaring a national emergency in April and arguing that a trade imbalance had harmed domestic manufacturing and posed a threat to national security. The appeals court nevertheless paused its ruling from taking effect until Oct. 14, giving Trump time to appeal to the Supreme Court. The S&P 500 is having a rough start to the month of September. It's historically the weakest month of the year for the index, with an average decline of 3.8%. Investing pros say they're eyeing areas like housing and bonds. Some say to buy any dips. It hasn't been an amazing start to the month for stocks. The market is kicking off September in the red, with the Dow dropping more than 500 points on Monday as investors cashed in some of their recent gains and fretted over the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs. But that would be considered par for the course for the stock market, which has historically struggled during the month of September commonly referred to as the market's weakest month of the year. Historically, the S&P 500 has shed an average 0.7% over the month of September for the last 75 years. In months when the benchmark index lost, the average drawdown for the month was 3.8%, according to an analysis from LPL Financial. But that isn't to say there isn't room for investors to get into or stay in the market, so long as they're willing to stomach some volatility. "Seasonal data represents the typical climate for stocks but not the weather," Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist at LPL financial, wrote in a recent client note. "And currently, the weather for the S&P 500 is filled with blue skies and record highs. When accounting for momentum and trend, which we believe is much-needed context, September doesn't look so bad." Here are four ways traders should be looking at the month ahead, according to the combined recommendations from seven investing pros: 1. Buy any dip Xinhua/Wang Ying via Getty Images A stock sell-off this month could be your friend, if you're willing to look at the decline as a buy-the-dip opportunity. In a note to clients on Tuesday, strategists at Morgan Stanley said they remained "buyers of dips should they come" in the coming months, despite weak seasonal trends for stocks. That's partly because the bank doubts the market has fully priced in the bullish impact of the Fed's expected rate cuts, with central bankers most likely teeing up a 25-basis-point cut at the end of the month, according to the CME FedWatch tool. "We push back on the idea that rate cuts are already priced as equity returns tend to be strong during rate cutting cycles, and rate-sensitive areas like small caps are barely off the relative lows," a team led by Mike Wilson, Morgan Stanley's chief US equity strategist, wrote. Other forecasters on Wall Street have also expressed faith in the market's long-running upward trend. SA must refine its own AI future and secure algorithmic sovereignty The country stands at a crossroads. It is essential that we and other African countries build the capacity to refine our own data. While it is commendable that South Africa is committed to securing our digital resources through data sovereignty policies such as the Protection of Personal Information Act, or Popia, there is an urgent next step: to attain algorithmic sovereignty. South Africa and other African countries need to build the capacity to refine their own data. This is what we call algorithmic sovereignty and it is not merely desirable; it is essential. Algorithmic sovereignty is the capacity to design, develop, deploy and govern artificial intelligence (AI) systems locally so that they serve domestic needs, laws and values. This is more than just data security and privacy protection. It is about having the technical skills and institutional resources to build the systems that transform data into meaningful insights. Without these capabilities, we become little more than exporters of raw digital resources, dependent on foreign companies and countries to refine our data for us, which we, in turn, import at high cost and poor local fit. Take large AI models such as OpenAIs GPT, Googles Gemini, or Metas LLaMA. These impressive technologies are the digital equivalent of massive foreign-owned refineries. They process vast amounts of data and produce powerful insights, but are overwhelmingly shaped by priorities, values and assumptions from outside the continent. When used in African contexts, these models frequently reproduce biases, and misunderstand local cultures, languages and social realities. Consider how content moderation tools developed in the US and Europe misinterpret political speech in African contexts, thereby silencing legitimate voices while missing real threats posed in local languages. Or how credit-scoring algorithms designed for cashless Western economies exclude millions in cash-based African communities from financial services. These mismatches occur because our data is being processed by externally developed tools that were never built with our realities in mind. While these externally developed technologies are showing themselves daily to be revolutionary in many areas, a pure dependency on foreign AI products creates serious economic and geopolitical vulnerabilities. Licensing fees, expensive cloud subscriptions and imported technologies drain resources from local economies, benefiting overseas corporations rather than South Africans. If political tension rises or sanctions are imposed, we could lose access to critical AI services overnight. Imagine being abruptly cut off from the very technologies now increasingly embedded in healthcare, finance, governance and security. Or we could continue to merely exist as data collectors whose data can be freely mined by foreign models, thus eroding any autonomy over our own future. To avoid this fate, South Africa must urgently invest in building and operating its own AI refineries. If we fail to do so, we will remain dependent on foreign-controlled AI systems, surrendering control over critical aspects of our social and economic future. Our economies will continue to export raw materials our data and import expensive finished products, the AI services developed elsewhere. This pattern reinforces the inequality of the global digital economy, extracting wealth from Africa while leaving us vulnerable to external agendas. Algorithmic dependency also means that decisions crucial to our economy, governance and everyday lives will increasingly be shaped in boardrooms thousands of kilometres away, whether in Silicon Valley, Europe or China. We risk losing agency over how AI interprets our data, decides our creditworthiness, moderates our speech, and even determines our access to healthcare and social services. Building South Africas algorithmic refineries Achieving algorithmic sovereignty requires deep investment in local research institutions capable of fundamental innovation in AI. We must go beyond merely adapting foreign technology or collecting data for others to use. Instead, we must establish our own centres of excellence that contribute to setting global AI standards. A prime example is the Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute at Wits University, which is already leading the charge. By focusing on foundational AI science, MIND is building the intellectual infrastructure needed to refine our data on our terms. This demonstrates clearly that we have the talent and ambition to do more than export raw data; we can produce world-class technological breakthroughs right here. But isolated pockets of excellence will not suffice. The South African government must support these efforts through sustained investment, strategic policy frameworks, and the creation of vibrant ecosystems linking academia, industry and public institutions. We need clear pathways from research breakthroughs to practical applications, ensuring that AI innovations benefit local industries, communities and public services directly. Practical steps towards algorithmic sovereignty Four immediate, practical steps that South Africa must take towards algorithmic sovereignty are: Invest in foundational research: Government and industry must fund strong research institutions that conduct original and foundational scientific research. Long-term grants, dedicated research fellowships and advanced computational infrastructure are essential; Bridge academia and industry: Innovation thrives when universities, start-ups and public sector agencies collaborate effectively, with each playing to their own strengths. Clear mechanisms must be created to translate academic research into viable local products and services; Retain and nurture local talent: Competitive research opportunities, supportive funding environments and strong mentorship networks are crucial in preventing talent drain. Initiatives like the Deep Learning Indaba, a pan-African AI community, provide templates for retaining and cultivating local expertise. Lowering bureaucratic barriers to welcoming foreign talent from around the continent would also greatly bolster our efforts; and Lead ethically and politically: South Africa must actively shape global AI governance debates, advocating ethical and policy frameworks that reflect African realities and priorities, rather than simply adopting external standards that may disadvantage us. A future shaped by Africans, for Africa Algorithmic sovereignty is thus not merely about technology; its about our right to shape our own digital future. Its about refining our most valuable digital resources locally, ensuring that the wealth generated by AI stays within our economies, and aligning technology with our ethical and cultural values. South Africa stands at a crossroads. We have abundant talent and emerging centres of excellence ready to refine the digital oil we already possess. Now we must commit strategically and urgently to building the infrastructure, skills and institutions that can make algorithmic sovereignty a reality. Just as a nation with abundant oil reserves but no refining capacity remains economically dependent, so a nation with vast stores of data but no local algorithmic capacity is equally vulnerable. The choice before us is clear: either invest in the refining capacity of our AI industry today or remain perpetually dependent tomorrow. The future of South Africas digital sovereignty rests on the decisions we make now. Professor Benjamin Rosman is a Professor in the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics and the Director of the new Machine Learning and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute at Wits University. He is named in this years TIME100 most influential people in AI in 2025, and was made a Fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR). He is the Director of the Robotics, Autonomous Intelligence and Learning (RAIL) Laboratory, founder and organiser of the Deep Learning Indaba, and Chief Science Officer of Lelapa AI. This article first appeared in Daily Maverick. Wits Global Fintech Conference 2025 Explores "Global Fintech Trends" Uniting global leaders, academics, and industry experts to explore cutting-edge developments in the fintech industry under the theme "Global Fintech Trends". The University of the Witwatersrand's School of Economics and Finance and the Wits Fintech Hub are hosting the Wits Global Fintech Conference 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The two-day event, taking place on September 3rd and 4th, is focused on the theme "Global Fintech Trends". The conference aims to be a platform for discussion, knowledge-sharing, and the exploration of new developments in financial technology. The conference's two-day program is packed with keynotes and technical sessions on a range of topics, including the social and environmental impacts of fintech, sustainable finance, and the practical applications of AI and machine learning. A special session for journal editors offers guidance on submissions, making the event a crucial hub for academics, practitioners, and policymakers to shape the future of finance and technology. The proceedings are structured to provide a comprehensive overview of the fintech landscape. Day one's keynote addresses will focus on the "Role of Digital Platforms and APIs" and "FinTech Education and the New Skills Landscape" and technical sessions cover subjects such as financial inclusion, employee retention, and sentiment analysis. Day two will feature keynotes on sustainable finance and leveraging machine learning for investment performance, followed by technical sessions on topics like robo-advisors, the impact of insurtech, and carbon credits. This two-day event provides a comprehensive look at the future of finance, bringing together diverse expertise to tackle the industry's most pressing topics. This story was originally published on Food Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Food Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Elliott Investment Management has built a stake of about $4 billion in PepsiCo. The activist investor is seeking changes at the food and beverage giant, outlining in a letter ways the company can accelerate revenue and increase earnings growth. Elliott, now one of PepsiCos largest investors, said the CPG maker should consider refranchising its company-owned bottling network to independent bottlers similar to its archrival Coca-Cola and review its food operations to divest underperforming assets. PepsiCo also should communicate how it will implement these and other initiatives to accelerate growth and improve profitability. PepsiCo said in a statement that it would review Elliotts presentation, adding that the company maintains an active and productive dialogue with our shareholders and values constructive input on delivering long-term shareholder value. Dive Insight: Even as companies across the food and beverage industry struggle, PepsiCo has underperformed compared to its peers, Elliot said in a presentation. The New York-based company has been hit in North America by decelerating growth and slipping margins in food and persistent share loss and margin erosion in beverages. Pepsi cola, for example, has fallen to fourth place behind Coke, Dr Pepper and Sprite, according to Beverage Digest data. PepsiCo long admired as one of the worlds most respected and well-run CPG businesses has become a dramatic underperformer, Elliott said in its letter. While unfortunate, this disappointing trajectory has created a historic opportunity. For years, the challenges plaguing PepsiCos beverage business were offset by its resilient and high-performing food business, Elliott noted. But recently, a challenging consumer environment has dragged down PepsiCos snacking business, putting pressure on the CPG bellwether with more than $90 billion in annual revenue. The activist investor said a lack of strategic clarity, in addition to decelerating growth and eroding profitability across its North American food and beverage businesses, has obscured PepsiCos enormous potential, including the significant attractiveness of its fast-growing international business. Elliott told PepsiCos board that its suggestions could increase the companys stock price, trading at about $148.50 when the letter was sent, by at least 50%. Yunfeng Financial Group Limited, the Hong Kong-listed company co-founded by Alibabas Jack Ma, announced a purchase of $44 million in Ethereum , close to 10,000 ETH, on September 2, marking its expansion into cryptocurrency markets amid Chinas evolving stance on digital assets. Mas Financial Empire Makes $44M Crypto Bet The financial services firm disclosed the purchase of 10,000 ETH tokens through a voluntary announcement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Yunfengs board approved the cryptocurrency acquisition as strategic reserve assets, funded entirely through internal cash reserves rather than external financinga different approach from other public companies, such as SharpLink. The executive director and interim CEO, Huang Xin, signed the announcement, stating that the purchase aligns with the companys July 2024 strategic roadmap, which prioritizes the Web3, Real-World Assets tokenization, digital currency, ESG Net-Zero Assets, and artificial intelligence sectors. The Ethereum holdings will be reflected as investments on Yunfengs financial statements, supporting technological innovation across blockchain-based services. From Alibaba to Crypto: Jack Mas Next Chapter Yunfeng Financial operates as the publicly traded arm of Yunfeng Capital, the private equity firm Ma co-founded with David Yu in 2010. The company provides comprehensive financial technology services, including brokerage, asset management, insurance, and fintech solutions across Asian markets. The timing of Yunfengs cryptocurrency investment reflects broader shifts in Chinas approach to digital assets and blockchain technology. While maintaining restrictions on cryptocurrency trading, Chinese authorities are increasingly recognizing the applications of blockchain technology in financial services and digital infrastructure development, such as stablecoins. Yunfengs board emphasized that the Ethereum purchase provides infrastructure support for Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization activities and Web3 client services. The company plans to explore ETH applications within its insurance business while developing innovative scenarios compatible with Web3 technology. The financial firms strategy focuses on comprehensive integration between finance and technology, aiming to enhance the client service experience and economic autonomy by leveraging cryptocurrency capabilities. Management believes the digital asset allocation optimizes Yunfengs asset structure while reducing reliance on traditional currencies. Chinese Giants Join Corporate Crypto Treasury Trend The Ethereum acquisition positions Yunfeng among publicly traded firms adopting cryptocurrency treasury strategies, following companies like SharpLink Gaming and Bitmine globally. However, Yunfeng represents the highest-profile Chinese financial services firm making such an investment amid ongoing regulatory restrictions. Workers must reject the so-called Social Contract negotiated by the IG Metall union (IGM) at Ford Cologne. The union bureaucrats around General Works Council Chairman Benjamin Gruschka and the IGM representative for Cologne/Leverkusen, Kerstin Klein, must be stripped of their mandate for all further negotiations. Warning strike at Ford Cologne, April 2, 2025 The sole purpose of the contract is to drive 3,560 workers out of the plant and set the course for its complete closure. In addition to the 2,900 redundancies already agreed, another 660 workers are to be forced out who had resisted the last round of job cuts. To make sure the cuts go through quickly this time, IG Metall and its works council representatives have increased the pressure on the workforce with the present deal. Anyone who refuses the first severance offer will receive a second, lower one worth only 75 percent of the first. Anyone who rejects that will be made compulsorily redundant. Since the social selection rules then apply, younger, unmarried and childless workers would be at a disadvantage compared to older ones. These perfidious Mafia-like methods are designed to divide the workforce. Each worker is left to make his or her decision alone. The solidarity that the union likes to invoke is thus perverted. Whenever IG Metall calls for solidarity, it has nothing to do with genuine unity. The bureaucracy wants workers to shut their mouths and submit to the diktat of the union and its works council. The talk of excluding compulsory redundancies until 2032 is not worth the paper it is written on. With the Social Contract, the corporation has the lever in its hand to shut down the Cologne plant, just as it has already done in Saarlouis. It applies to every future operational change. The overall solution that IGM and the works council talk about is the basis for the gradual closure of the plant, which is already beginning to take shape. Only recently, management announced that the second shift at the plant would be abolished. One-shift operation will then be used to justify the next round of job massacres, since it is unprofitable from the corporations point of view. It is therefore telling that the union is keeping the wording of the Social Contract and all its sub-agreements, which are said to run to 60 pages in total, under lock and key. The Cologne workforce is supposed to vote on a contract they do not even know anything about. Only the voluntary severance conditions are known. Since these are a little higher than usual, they are intended to increase pressure on each individual. This is entirely in line with the previous policy of IG Metall and the works council. In recent years they have drawn up one job-cutting programme after another. Each time, it was claimed that this would secure Fords competitiveness and survival in Germanyuntil the next round of job eliminations came. From more than 20,000 employees in Cologne, only about 8,000 are to remain under the present agreement. Every new contract has brought the plants shutdown closer. When the Cologne workforce tried to resist the latest round of cuts earlier this year, IG Metall was forced to call a strike in May, which over 93 percent of members had demandedonly to call it off again after 24 hours. IG Metall does not want strikes and makes this clear again and again. It has therefore linked approval of the Social Contractt in the ballot with the rejection of further strikes. IGM asks: Do you want to reject the negotiated result and enforce other demands with all union means, including strikes?and is campaigning for a clear No! The linking of the Social Contract with the strike question means that just 25 percent yes votes are enough to approve it. For a strike, according to the union statutes, at least 75 percent approval is required. In their appeal for approval, Gruschka, Klein and IGM shop steward body leader David Ludtke repeatedly attack workers who want to fight. Unfortunately, a viable future strategy cannot be forced through by a strike, Ludtke declares. A transfer of operations or even the closure of entire areas cannot be prevented by strikes, adds Klein, warning against rejecting the contract: A renegotiation of individual points is excluded. Further negotiations and strikes could therefore ultimately lead to significantly worse conditions. It is no accident that IG Metall demands in large, bold letters on its leaflet: Vote against continuation of the strike! It is obvious that the works council and IG Metall will continue to do everything to prevent a strike. They demonstrated this in Saarlouis under Works Council Chairman Markus Thal. Gruschka and his Cologne apparatus are now following their example. Rejection of the Social Contract in the ballot must therefore be accompanied by strike preparations, independently and separately from the union apparatus. All workers who really want to fight must unite in an action committee. IGM works council reps and shop stewards who support the contract have no place in this committee, whose members must coordinate their joint action: IG Metall and the works council must be forced to release the contract details and all its sub-agreements immediately. Klein, Gruschka and Co. do not want to negotiate further or strike further. Their mandate must be withdrawn. They must be prevented from concluding even one more agreement in the name of the workforce. Ford is an international corporation with 171,000 workers in plants on four continents. Contact must be established with themin Germany, Europe, North America and worldwide. Contact must also be made with colleagues in other companies in the car, supplier and steel industries, etc., who face the same attacks. Such international strategy and cooperation are necessary to resist the blackmail of management and the works council. This is a perspective based on the common interests of all workers worldwide and opposed to the logic of the capitalist profit system, which the union and works council functionaries defend tooth and nail. Send a WhatsApp message to the following number: +491633378340 and complete the form below to get active now. Federal agents including Customs and Border Protection agents accost and kidnap firefighters in Mason Country, Washington, August 27, 2025. [Photo: From the fire crew] In an escalation of Trumps attacks on immigrants and democratic rights, federal agents last week arrested two firefighters who were actively battling the Bear Gulch fire, Washington state's largest active wildfire. The raid on an emergency response operation exposes again that the true target of the raids is not just immigrants, but the working class as a whole. The arrests occurred the morning of August 27 as private contractor crews were deployed to fight the 9,000-acre blaze burning in Olympic National Forest. Officers from Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Bureau of Land Management surrounded the firefighters at a remote staging area, demanding identification from all 44 crew members before detaining two for alleged illegal entry into the United States. There is also mounting evidence that firefighting management officials collaborated with the federal government to orchestrate what can only be described as an ambush. According to multiple wildfire veterans who spoke to reporters, the California Interagency Incident Management Team 7 sent the targeted crews to an isolated location under false pretenses, claiming they would cut firewood for the local community. There's really no way [the wildfire management team] could not have been involved, said Riva Duncan, a former wildland fire chief with over 30 years of experience in the US Forest Service, speaking to the States Newsroom. Fire areas are officially closed, very secure and there are roadblocks. Somebody would have had to tell these agents how to get there. Other crew members also expressed anger at their own leadership. One firefighter present at the scene described feeling beyond betrayed by the management team's apparent complicity. What they did was messed up, an anonymous firefighter told the Newsroom. 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. The confrontation reportedly lasted for three hours. Other workers on the scene were denied the opportunity to say goodbye to their detained colleagues and were ordered not to record the proceedings. When one firefighter asked if families could say goodbye to those being arrested, an agent reportedly responded: You need to get the [expletive] out of here. Im gonna make you leave. Duncan also noted that firefighters still assigned to the Bear Gulch fire are disgusted with the situation and want to leave. She continued, The three principal wildland fire values are duty, respect, integrity. 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. Federal officials justified the arrests by claiming the crews were under investigation for time-card fraudsupposedly a 30-minute discrepancy on a timesheet. Such minor administrative issues are routinely handled between organizational leaders, not treated as criminal matters requiring armed raids, and the pretext provided by management was used to quickly give way to immigration enforcement. The response from local and state Democratic officials has been characteristically complicit with Trumps ongoing efforts to establish a dictatorship in the United States. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson merely said he was deeply concerned and directed his team to gather information. Representative Emily Randall wrote in all caps on Twitter/X that the arrests were NOT MAKING AMERICA SAFER. Nowhere was any suggestion for a broad mobilization of the working class, especially among firefighters, against Trumps authoritarian agenda. The Democrats refusal to mount effective resistance stems from their shared commitment to the capitalist system that requires the exploitation of the working class. Whatever their tactical differences with Trumps methods, they ultimately defend the profit motive and as a party have played a key role in erecting the repressive apparatus that Trump is now using. The immigration raid against wildfire firefighters also expresses some of the contempt the Trump administration has toward all efforts to combat or even acknowledge the dangers posed by climate change. The fire is in what is typically one of the countrys wettest forests, a small but significant expression of the impact of climate change on Earths environment. Trumps actions are a direct attack on the broad masses of workers who bear the brunt of the ongoing ecological degradation, all of which has been induced by the anarchic nature of the capitalist economy, including industrial production. The Bear Gulch raid must be understood as part of Trumps broader strategy to establish a presidential dictatorship through the systematic erosion of constitutional protections, even for emergency responders. The use of administrative pretexts to conduct warrantless raids, the deployment of armed agents against firefighters and the collaboration of management officials are all building blocks for a police state. This technological surveillance apparatus extends far beyond physical raids. Recent revelations in the Guardian show that ICE has acquired Israeli-made spyware capable of hacking phones and encrypted messaging apps, giving the agency unprecedented access to communications and personal data. This technology has already been abused by governments worldwide to target journalists, human rights activists, and civil society members. The combination of physical raids and digital surveillance creates the foundation for comprehensive suppression of working class opposition. One of the detained firefighters, represented by Innovation Law Lab, has been in the United States since age four and served as a firefighter for three years. His arrest demonstrates that no workerregardless of their contribution to society or length of residenceis safe from Trump's attack on democratic rights. The incident also gives some glimpse of the enormous anger in the working class to Trumps policies. The solidarity displayed between the firefighters in opposing these arrests points to the real source of any genuine fight against the emerging dictatorship. It also makes clear the urgent need to break from the Democratic Party, which is fundamentally aligned with Trumps arch-reactionary policies. The defense of immigrant workers and the fight against dictatorship require the independent mobilization of the working class, armed with the understanding that attacks on any section of workers threaten the rights and conditions of all. The Bear Gulch arrests serve as a warning: Trump's police-state measures will not stop with immigrants, but will be extended to threaten all forms of working class opposition to the capitalist system. Courtroom on second day of coup trial of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro and his co-defendants [Photo: Fabio Rodrigues-Pozzebom/Agencia Brasil] This week the trial of Brazils fascistic former president Jair Bolsonaro and his principal accomplices in a conspiracy that culminated in the attempted coup of January 8, 2023, began in Brasilia. On Tuesday and Wednesday, defense statements were heard from the former president and the other seven accused of being the crucial nucleus of the coup conspiracy. They are almost all military personnel, including former commanders of the Armed Forces and four-star generals. The decisive trial sessions, where Supreme Federal Court (STF) justices will present their votes and an expected conviction of the defendants for crimes such as Coup dEtat and Violent Abolition of the Democratic Rule of Law, are scheduled for next week. The trial of the coup attempt led by Bolsonaro and the military high command is a historic political event in Brazil. In a country that spent 21 years under a bloody military dictatorship, between 1964 and 1985, this is the first time that generals sit in the defendants dock and that crimes against democracy are prosecuted. The explosive implications of this event are exacerbated by the accelerating global crisis and, particularly, by the shocks of the violent eruption of US imperialism. What has been described as the trial of the century in Brazil is unfolding in the face of Washingtons blatant intervention against the countrys political institutions. The Donald Trump administration has imposed punishing 50 percent tariffs on Brazil, openly justified as a means of coercing the Brazilian state to abandon the case against Bolsonaro, which his American ally has called a witch hunt. The trial of the coup attempt in Brazil runs directly counter to Trumps ongoing dictatorial project in the United States. Bolsonaros fascist conspiracy directly copied Trumps January 6, 2021 Capitol coup attempt in Washington. Trump looks to Brazil and undoubtedly thinks there but for the grace of god[or in his case the Democratic Party]go I. The coordinated attacks between Bolsonaro and the Trump government were referenced in the trials opening by the cases rapporteur, Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a direct target of US sanctions and threats. In the course of this action, the existence... of a true criminal organization was verified, he declared, which attempted to coerce the Judiciary... and submit the Courts functioning to the scrutiny of a foreign State. Far from representing the final nail in the coffin of a defeated fascist offensive, the trial of Bolsonaro and his accomplices occurs amid the persistence and intensification of their efforts to overthrow democracy in Brazil. Supported by broad sectors of the political establishment, the military, and American imperialism, they are already actively preparing a violent confrontation against the decisions being made by the court. The Brazilian working class stands at a historic crossroads. To confront the mortal dangers of imperialist violence and fascism, it is necessary to understand their real origin in a world capitalist system in crisis. But, above all, Brazilian workers need to understand the source of their own strength: their profound unity of interests with the international working class. The perspective promoted by Brazils ruling Workers Party (PT) and the pseudo-left organizations runs directly counter to these interests. In response to the explosive political situation, all their efforts are concentrated on building reactionary patriotic acts on September 7, Brazils Independence Day. The celebration of Independence Day, which is deeply associated with the political legacy of the military dictatorship and Bolsonaros fascist project, will occur precisely amid the trial of the coup attempt. It is expected that the far-right will use the occasion to launch an offensive to implode the cases proceedings. The PT and the pseudo-left present the need to counter these efforts as a fraudulent justification for building the acts they convene under the slogan Sovereign Brazil. The leader of the Socialism and Freedom Party (PSOL), Guilherme Boulos, said: The streets cannot be left only to the far right on September 7. This is a contradiction. But, more profoundly, the embrace of Brazilian chauvinism and all its sordid traditions is part of a reactionary effort to build a National Front in response to Trump and Bolsonaro. The fundamental axis of this policy is to subordinate the Brazilian working class to the rotten national bourgeoisie and its state. This objective is clearly expressed in the call for the demonstrations, signed by trade union confederations and social movements linked to the PT and PSOL. Explicitly addressing the military and party leaders and bourgeois parliamentarians, it declares: Government, entrepreneurs committed to the homeland and workers must bet on strengthening domestic consumption and conquering new markets for our exports. This sordid official declaration signed by the major trade unions was accompanied by an independent declaration from CSP-Conlutas, the trade union federation led by the Morenoites of the Unified Socialist Workers Party (PSTU) and supported by allied groups like the Revolutionary Workers Movement (MRT). Explicitly demonstrating the anti-Marxist character of these organizations, committed to occupying the role of left wing of the bourgeois national front promoted by the PT, the Conlutas note states: September 7 this year gains great importance in the face of the imperialist attack by the US against Brazil and needs to be a milestone in the struggle for true independence. Based on this, they call for the broadest unity of action to confront imperialismin other words, for overcoming class and political divisions in the name of national defense. The supposed opposition of this pseudo-left sector to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas government is merely a device to divert workers and youth in the process of political radicalization. Their alternative program is reduced to a demand that Lulas government has to take concrete anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist measures. The degree of desperation and political rot expressed in the reactionary maneuver of the PT and the pseudo-left is best understood through an examination of the political event they intend to appropriate. In the final years of the Bolsonaro government, September 7 celebrations served precisely as the main political platform for promoting his coup conspiracy. In 2021, the World Socialist Web Site warned: September 7 marked a new stage in Bolsonaros turn toward establishing a dictatorial regime in Brazil... Tuesdays events were prepared over months by Bolsonaro and his clique of fascistic civilian and military advisors, and directly coordinated with extreme right-wing allies in the US and internationally. With the organized support of far-right groups, police commanders, business associations and other reactionary institutions, crowds composed of the most reactionary elements of the Brazilian middle class, off-duty police and other backward elements were brought to the streets with the stated goal of legitimizing Bolsonaros assumption of absolute power. These efforts were escalated the following year, which saw an unprecedented unification in the streets of supporters of his fascistic political project and military forces, with the generals consent. In the absence of a mass fascist movement, the reactionary celebration of Brazilian patriotism and militarism on September 7 was embraced by Bolsonaro as a popular facade for his dictatorial project. His ability to carry out this maneuver without significant state resistance and with military support demonstrated that Bolsonaros conspiracymuch more than a personal projectwas a symptom of the trajectory of the entire bourgeois regime. It is precisely this lesson that the PT and the pseudo-left seek to erase this September 7th. The PTs attempt to reestablish its bankrupt bourgeois Broad Front based on patriotism as a new common political denominator will have catastrophic results, which are already beginning to emerge on the surface. During the promotion of Independence Day acts, PT party president Edinho Silva proposed having as a focus the creation of a broad front of support for [next] years [elections]. Particularly, Silva expressed the objective of deepening relations and forming a federation with the right-wing Uniao Brasil and Progressive Party (PP). On Tuesdayas the STF trial beganthese two right-wing parties announced their departure from the PT government and the ministries they occupied and declared adherence to the campaign for amnesty for Bolsonaro and all those involved in the January 8 coup attempt. Twenty-two years after lying about Iraqi President Saddam Hussein possessing weapons of mass destruction to justify US President George W. Bushs war on Iraq in 2003, former UK Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair has given his imprimatur to plans to ethnically cleanse Gaza advanced by US President Donald Trump. The US/UKs unprovoked war of aggression and the subsequent occupation of Iraq cost the lives of more than 600,000 Iraqi civilians, according to the UK medical journal The Lancet, and many estimates are higher. By April 2007, 1.9 million Iraqis were displaced within the country and over 2.2 million were refugees abroad. Once one of the most advanced Arab economies due to its oil, after the invasion Iraqs GDP contracted by 50 percent, its currency dived, unemployment and poverty soared. The 2016 Chilcot report, summarising the findings of a public inquiry into Britains role in the war, concluded that Blair had deliberately blurred lines between what he believed and what he knew to justify the invasion. In 2017, Britains High Court was forced to block a bid by a former chief of the Iraqi Armys staff to bring a private prosecution against Blair for committing a crime of aggression by invading Iraq in 2003. Screenshot from video of Tony Blair responding to the Chilcot Inquiry report [Photo: Sky News/YouTube] Last week, this unindicted war criminal went to the White House to brief Trump on proposals, initiated by Israeli businessmen and drawn up with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) and his own Tony Blair Institute (TBI), for a post-war Gaza. Trump gave Israels fascist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the green light to destroy Gaza by bombardment, starvation and disease and remove the Palestinians from the enclave and now wants to reap the spoils. Blairs post-premiership career prepared him well for this new crime. He used his years since leaving Downing Street to hobnob with the Middle Easts autocrats in his role as Middle East Envoy for the United Nations, European Union, United States and Russia from 2007-2015, a position gifted to him by Bush in return for services rendered. Under his watch, the two-state solution became a dead letter and he became persona non-grata in Ramallah, the Palestinian Authoritys (PA) headquarters in the West Bank, because of his naked bias towards Israel. Afterwards, taking advantage of these contacts, he set up his own consultancy business, the Tony Blair Institute (TBI), becoming the go-to man for the worlds kleptocrats and dictators. Blairs visit to the White House came just weeks after his TBI first denied any involvement and then sought to minimise its role in the plans for the redevelopment of Gaza as the riviera of the Middle East, cleansed of its Palestinian citizens, drawn up by the BCG and GHF. Its two staffers attending meetings were essentially only in listening mode, TBI said. This lie has collapsed. The BCC, TBI, GHF plan is being prepared for implementation by the Israeli offensive against Gaza City, home to one million people, almost half of the Strips population, who are to be killed or rounded up into a concentration camp prior to expulsion. The plan is titled, The Great Trust: From a Demolished Iranian Proxy to a Prosperous Abrahamic Ally, where Great is an acronym for Gaza Reconstitution, Economic Acceleration and Transformation. It is not only a massive speculative venture seeking to profit from ethnic cleansing and genocide, but a critical component of the drive by US imperialism to dominate the Middle East. One of the 38 pages from The Great Trust slide deck. It states, "US Strategic Benefits: Massive $ gains, accelerate IMEC, solidify the Abrahamic regional architecture, strengthen hold in the east Mediterranean, and secure US-industry access to $1.3T of rare-earth minerals from the Gulf" [Photo: screenshot: The Great Trust] It envisages a manufacturing zone, offshore oil and gas development, and a luxury coastal tourist business, with an infrastructure corridor connecting to a new port, airport and other ports in the region. This would serve as the terminus for a transportation route to the Middle East and India, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)aimed at rivalling Chinas Belt and Road Initiativewhich is expected to yield a financial bonanza for its investors. These profits are premised upon the supposedly temporary relocation of the entirety of Gazas remaining 2.1 million population during the reconstruction period, either through voluntary relocation programs to temporary housing options within Gaza or moving to other countries. Few are in fact expected to ever return, with suggested host countries including Indonesia, South Sudan, Somaliland, Libya and Ethiopia. For 38 slides of Gaza project, see www.washingtonpost.com/documents/f86dd56a-de7f-4943-af4a-84819111b727.pdf Needless to say, the Palestinians themselves will have no say in the venture, with the US and Israel establishing direct de facto control of Gaza. This is described as a form of multilateral custodianship that could evolve into a formal multilateral trusteeship with Israel maintaining overarching rights to meet its security needs, ideally with Arab and other countries investing in the Trust. The Trust would govern Gaza until a reformed and deradicalized Palestinian Polity is ready to step in its shoes as a front regime, with the Trust retaining some plenary powers. Accompanying Blair at the White House to discuss this plan was Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner who manages billions of dollars of investment with the Gulf petro-monarchsbusiness interests furthered when he served as Middle East envoy during the first Trump administration. Blair and Kushner are said to have been collaborating for months on the future of Gaza following Trumps proposal in February to take a long-term ownership position over Gaza, with the US moving to take it over and develop it as a luxury beach resort and relocate the population to a good, fresh, beautiful piece of land or numerous pieces of land. Blair has also worked with Steve Witkoff, Trumps billionaire Middle East envoy, meeting with him at the White House in July on the same day that Netanyahu met Trump. He has held a series of meetings in Israel and the Gulf over the last few months, including with PA President Mahmoud Abbas in July. This handout photo from US Embassy Jerusalem shows White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, center, visiting a killing field run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed organization approved by Israel, in the Gaza Strip Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. [AP Photo/David Azaguri] Trump reportedly brought in Ron Dermer, Netanyahus closest advisor and Minister of Strategic Affairs, to discuss the plans. As Israels then ambassador to the US, Dermer along with Kushner played a key role in negotiating the 2020 Abraham Accords that saw Israel normalise relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. Dermer and Blair worked together in the past, reportedly discussing with the UAE a post-war plan for Gaza during the Biden administration. Both are critics of the PA and support Netanyahus opposition to either Abbass Fatah-dominated PA or Hamas controlling post-war Gaza, as he seeks to annex the West Bank. While Blairs record shows that no criminal enterprise is too much for Britains former prime minister, the present Labour prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is his ardent admirer, disciple and fellow war criminal. Starmer fully supports Netanyahus genocide of the Palestinians as part of US imperialisms broader plans to assert its control over the resource-rich Middle Easttargeting China above allfrom which Britain hopes to profit. The British government supplies Israel with weaponry, conducts near daily reconnaissance flights from its base in Cyprus to provide intelligence for the Israel Defense Forces and provides political and diplomatic support for Israel at the United Nations. Last December, Starmer appointed one of Blairs senior officials as Britains new envoy to the PA, which still functions as Israels subcontractor in policing the Palestinians in the West Bank. Sir Michael Barber, who headed Blairs Downing Street delivery unitafterwards working for the Boston Consulting Group and becoming a partner in the McKinsey consulting groupwill help the PA with its vital reform agenda to strengthen its delivery capacity and improve service provision. From left, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, former prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown ahead of the Accession Council ceremony at St James's Palace, London, where King Charles III is formally proclaimed monarch, London, September 10, 2022 [AP Photo/Kirsty O'Connor] At the same time, Starmer is moving to crush all opposition to Israels war on Gaza and building up a police state in defence of war, genocide and austerity. The police have arrested hundreds of people under the Terrorism Act for the crime of sitting peacefully in Parliament Square, London holding a sign reading, I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Actionthe anti-genocide group proscribed as a terrorist organisation because of its peaceful protests at arms factories and military installations. That Starmer is in power today is entirely the political responsibility of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was catapulted into the leadership in 2015 by hundreds of thousands of Labour Party members anxious to see the back of the hated Blairite right-wing. While Corbyn lamented the disastrous decision to invade Iraq that had left a stain on Labour, he did not once demand that Blair and his cabinet be expelled from the party. He opposed any fight to mobilise the working class against his Blairite opponents, who smeared him and his supporters as antisemites for opposing Israels suppression of the Palestinians. He instead capitulated to them at every turn, even as they drove many of his supporters out of the party, and ultimately himself. Without the temporary reprieve granted by Corbyn, Labour would have never recovered from the crimes it committed during the Blair years and would not be in a position to escalate and deepen its criminal agenda today. Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced Wednesday that the state government would move to eliminate all vaccine requirements for school children, forcing millions of parents to send their children to school with a growing number of unvaccinated classmates, and threatening to revive diseases like measles, mumps, rubella and polio, long held in check. Ladapo, a Harvard graduate turned anti-vaccine crusader, stood beside Republican Governor Ron DeSantis at a press conference in Tampa. The venue, a private Christian high school, underscored the deeply reactionary content of the new policy, which suppresses science in favor of religious obscurantism and political prejudice. Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo gestures as he speaks to supporters and members of the media before a bill signing by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Nov. 18, 2021, in Brandon, Fla. [AP Photo/Chris O'Meara] The DeSantis-Ladapo agenda aligns Florida squarely with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s Make America Healthy Again campaign, which is in fact a war against science and public health that threatens a devastating toll from preventable childhood hospitalizations and deaths. Instead of speaking as a physician or scientist, Ladapo sounded like a preacher or snake-oil salesman. On school vaccine mandates, he declared: Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery. Who am I to tell you what your child should put in their body? I dont have that right. Your body is a gift from God. This is not just religious claptrapit is the big lie of American fascism. Public health officials are not slave masters. They are sworn to protect lives, prevent illness, and reduce disability. Vaccines and antibiotics remain among the most powerful, science-based tools in medicine. The record is undeniable: routine childhood vaccinations prevent four million deaths every year worldwide. And a recent Lancet study estimated that over the past fifty years, vaccines have saved 154 million lives. According to a 2024 report published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among children born during 19942023, routine childhood vaccinations will have prevented approximately 508 million cases of illness, 32 million hospitalizations, and 1,129,000 deaths, resulting in direct savings of $540 billion and societal savings of $2.7 trillion. Thats why expert bodies like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and virtually every major medical organization call vaccination one of medicines greatest success stories. From their perspective, tearing down mandates doesnt advance freedomit undermines decades of progress in protecting children from deadly diseases. Perhaps most egregious is Ladapos open disregard for the lives of Floridians, dressed up in a jumble of slogans. Life-saving health care is slavery. Orwells Big Brother couldnt have phrased it better. This framing of vaccines as mere personal choice or medical freedom borrows directly from anti-communist and free market playbooks. Margaret Thatcher once declared that there is no such thing as society. Unfortunately viruses and bacteria do not follow that precept. They do their deadly work, infecting host after host, unless societyhumankindworks on the basis of medical science to fight back. One foul political aim of the fascist campaign against vaccination is to redirect public anger over social crises away from Wall Street and Washington and toward public health officials and scientists. This rhetoric only plays into the hand of reaction playing out against the backdrop of the COVID pandemic, a crisis that continues to shape life for millions in the U.S. and around the world. Ladapo has already made clear that some vaccine mandates can be wiped out without any vote in the state legislature. These are the requirements set by the health departments rules, not state law. By his own account, about a half-dozen vaccines fall into this category, and as he bluntly put it: Those are gone. Ladapo and DeSantis did not specify which vaccine mandates would be immediately scrapped. But based on Floridas own guidelines, the chickenpox (varicella), hepatitis B, Hib, and pneumococcal vaccines fall under health department rules rather than state law, making them first on the chopping block. DeSantis added that Ladapo will work with legislators when the state legislature reconvenes in January 2026 to push a broader package. That package would target the statutes that explicitly require K-12 students to be immunized against polio, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis and tetanus in order to attend school (with exemptions already available for medical or religious reasons). Eliminating those mandates would require rewriting state law by first passing bills in both chambers and then securing the governors signature, which is more than assured. Beyond scrapping school immunization laws, the DeSantis-Ladapo medical freedom package is expected to go further by locking in bans on COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates and expanding them. Health experts warn it will likely also bar schools or local governments from ever imposing new vaccine requirements without the legislatures approval, effectively tying the hands of future public health officials. Unsurprisingly, the press conference triggered immediate backlash from medical experts and public health leaders. Dr. Michael Osterholm called the announcement reckless, warning: Every parent of a child who dies or is hospitalized with a vaccine-preventable disease will know exactly why. Dr. Susan Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), said she was concerned that todays announcement will put children in Florida public schools at higher risk for getting sick. She reminded the public that when everyone in a school is vaccinated, diseases struggle to spread, keeping classrooms open and children safe. The Florida chapter of the AAP, joined by other physician groups that have long opposed efforts to weaken vaccine rules, stressed that this move could undo decades of hard-won progress in child health. Todays announcement in Florida is part of a larger social breakdownthe barbaric erosion of democratic norms in the United States. The violent attack on the CDC headquarters in Atlanta was not a random outburst. It was the direct outcome of a climate of mistrust, stoked by politicized rhetoric and anti-vaccine propaganda. On August 8, 2025, a right-wing gunman, radicalized by fascist propaganda against the COVID vaccine, shot and killed a police officer before turning the gun on himself. Hundreds of health workers at HHS responded with a sharp rebuke in the form of a letter to Kennedy. They warned that the attack came amid growing mistrust in public institutions, driven by politicized rhetoric that has turned public health professionals from trusted experts into targets of villainizationand now, violence. They accused Kennedy of being complicit in dismantling Americas public health infrastructure and endangering the nations health by repeatedly spreading inaccurate health information. Rather than address the roots of the crisis, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. escalated his purge of public health agencies, what can be construed as a coup against science. Less than a month after the CDC attack, Kennedy forced out CDC Director Susan Monarez, a career scientist. Monarez was threatened with dismissal after objecting to his plans to suppress critical vaccines and refusing to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives. Her attorneys said she chose protecting the public over serving a political agenda. Her ouster sparked a wave of resignations from senior officials, including the CDCs chief medical officer and the directors of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases and the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. The purge has spread beyond the CDC, signaling a wider effort to silence dissent across federal health agencies. Dr. Paul Offit, a leading and trusted vaccine scientist, co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine, and one of Kennedys most outspoken critics, was abruptly removed from the FDAs vaccine advisory committee. After eight years of service and an offer of a two-year extension, HHS informed him without explanation that his services were no longer required. Experts like Dr. Peter Hotez see the move as part of Kennedys strategy to remove those who are qualified and vaccine experts and replace them with unqualified ideologues or those who promote pseudoscience. Offit himself had called for Kennedys resignation after Kennedy falsely claimed the measles vaccine causes blindness and deafness. His dismissal makes clear that Kennedy is not just targeting agencies; he is targeting the scientists who refuse to echo his propaganda. Public health is not about isolated individualsit is about the health of society as a whole. A functioning society cannot be reduced to the whims of financial oligarchs or the illusion of total independence; it is an organism that survives only through cooperation. Scientific public health has always recognized this truth: that vaccines, clean water, and collective action protect us all. That framework is now under assault, and with it, the very principle that society must act together to defend life. Herein lies one component of the broader class-struggle that is coming to the fore. Democrat mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a rally at the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council headquarters in New York, Wednesday, July 2, 2025. [AP Photo/Richard Drew] With New York Citys mayoral election season now in full swing, Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialists of America member and nominee for the Democratic Party, maintains a solid lead over his rivals in the polls. Mamdanis support in the electorate is in large part based on anger over the staggering social crisis unfolding in New York, particularly related to the soaring cost of living. The growing unaffordability of housing is one of the factors, if not the main factor, contributing to this crisis. Mamdanis own campaign site sums it up: Last summer, for the first time in 15 years, New Yorkers were allowed to apply for a lottery to get help paying their rent. The lottery was open for just one week. More than 630,000 people applied to get on the waitlist for a program that currently approves only about 250 people a month. New York City now has the highest level of homelessness since the Great Depression. More than half of all households are rent-burdened. For decades, the Democratic Party in New York and nationally has collaborated with Republicans in a bipartisan effort to cut funding for housing and other social programs and redirect income to the top, sending social inequality in cities like New York to unprecedented levels. In New Yorks primary election in June, the Democratic Party establishment was plunged into crisis as its preferred candidate, Andrew Cuomo, was soundly defeated, despite a vast war chest of dark money and a filthy campaign attempting to smear Mamdani as an antisemite for expressing opposition to the genocide in Gaza. The Democratic Party and the corporate interests they represent remain deeply divided over Mamdani. Yet for all the consternation of sections of Wall Street, Mamdanis proposals, even if fully implemented, would do nothing to fundamentally change a housing racket predicated upon enriching the big real estate developers and landlords. Nor would it meaningfully alleviate the immense housing crisis for the working class that has been deepening for decades. Mamdanis signature housing initiative is to freeze the rent for the citys approximately one million rent-stabilized apartments, expanding on three years of freezes under former mayor Bill de Blasio. Its notable that during de Blasios term, the limited freezes did little to curb the vast housing speculation and profiteering. The rent burden remained exceedingly high, especially for low-income tenants. Overall, rents continued to soar, and homelessness reached record levels. In addition to the rent freezes, Mamdani plans to construct 200,000 new housing units over the next 10 years, which also roughly aligns with de Blasios accomplishments, though the former mayor skewed the numbers by including preserved units. Even if 200,000 genuinely affordable units are added over a decade, this represents a small fraction of the enormous gap that currently exists. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is intent on dismantling what remains of federal funding for housing. The president has proposed slashing Section 8 vouchers by 50 percent and imposing draconian time limits on recipients. Immigrants are being scapegoated for the housing crisis, and the homeless are being swept off the streets by masked federal agents. Trumps strategy is to deal with the escalating social tensions through dictatorship. The lie at the core of Mamdanis campaign is that Trump can be opposed and the social crisis alleviated via the Democratic Party, without addressing the fundamental cause, the profit system. His platform of modest social reforms is bitterly opposed by the establishment, not because of its supposed radical character, but because they fear it will raise expectations in the working class that cant be contained within the two-party system. The WSWS discussed Mamdanis campaign and the housing crisis with New York City residents at Atlantic Terminal, a shopping mall and mass transit hub in Brooklyn. A single mother with two children living on disability told the WSWS, I am living in public housing. I live in the NYCHA [New York City Housing Authority] Albany Project in Crown Heights. It took me two years on the waiting list to get in. I live on a disability check. I get $980 a month, and I pay $400 a month for a two-bedroom apartment. This is for three people, myself and two daughters. Around 500,000 residents live in NYCHA developments, which charge rent based on a percentage of income. However, the very low incomes of many residents make it difficult to pay even the relatively modest rents. As of last year, NYCHA residents accrued around $500 million in unpaid rent, a significant increase from previous years. Furthermore, decades of underfunding at all levels of government have led to decaying infrastructure and a wide range of problems, including mold, lack of reliable heat and hot water, broken elevators, and rodent infestations. NYCHA has an estimated $60 billion in capital needs, with a mere 14 percent of that sum currently budgeted in its five-year plan. They want to bring private developers into NYCHA to build apartment buildings that rent at market rates to pay for NYCHA public housing that they have cut the federal funding for, the disabled mother continued. There are no private developments in the Albany Project yet, but there are a lot of vacant apartments there. It looks like they are not filling the apartments up because they want to turn the public housing around. A nurse who is trying to find housing in the city said, I am looking for a one-bedroom apartment, but everything is $2,800 or $3,200 a month, and that is not in the best neighborhoods. I have been looking for two months, but I can still afford it. What will happen to people who cannot afford it? Rents city-wide have increased more than 18 percent in the last five years, according to data from Realtor.com. In working-class and low-income neighborhoods, this figure is significantly higher. In the Bronx, New Yorks poorest borough, rents increased by 41.2 percent since 2020. The median asking rent in each of the five boroughs now exceeds $3,000 per month. The nurse explained, I was a big Bernie Sanders supporter in 2016 and 2020. I was in the crowd of 29,000 people who greeted Bernie in New York City. But what has he done? Nothing. A public school teacher in the Williamsburg neighborhood said, I voted for Mamdani in the primary. As a teacher, I understand how important it is to fund education. Mayor Adams has cut the funding for libraries, parks, and public schools while funding more charter schools. [Mamdani] wants to freeze rent, but they already have raised the rents on rent-controlled apartments for this year. The crisis of housing is just so blatant. Another worker, Shane, when asked what she thought was the greatest social problem in New York, responded, Homelessness, housing. They are impossibly expensive. The MTA transit fares are ridiculous and getting worse. We need better service. Bus drivers need raises. They are cutting service. There are hospitals being closed, but there are a lot of mentally ill people in the street since COVID. If someone is picked up by ambulance, they may not get the care they need. They are not thinking of the working person. Costs will go up. The minimum wage should be at least $24 or $25 per hour. I dont know about Mamdani, but we need to be taking the people in office out of office, she said. I dont know if we can change the Democratic Party. Some people sitting in some seats need a new perspective. A young man working in a retail warehouse explained his support for Mamdani. The housing crisis is artificially manufactured, he said. There are thousands of empty apartments. A girl I know is paying eight grand a month for a one-bedroom apartment. That is insane. If Mamdani wins, I think it will open the door to more people who want change. I voted for Harris because there was no other alternative running. But look what it has gotten us into. A city worker for more than 20 years said, My adult kids cant afford housing. They stay with me even though they dont want to live at home. Its ridiculous. They dont pay you. They earn very little and cannot pay for anything. But I believe its the younger generation who will stir things up for the better. The current system is not working. Whos going to make sure it works for the younger generation in 50 years? A real estate owner told the WSWS, The housing market is falling apart. A two-bedroom is $3,000 right now. How is the regular guy going to afford that? We are in big trouble. All the poor people will have to move out of New York City and move to Pennsylvania, Florida. The rich people got control of this country a long time ago. We havent been paying attention, you know? We stand aside and watch them attack Iraq. We watch them attack all these countries over there, for oil, kill everybody. Sooner or later, they are going to come and kill you, too. They say they come for us today; they come for you tomorrow? Asked about Mamdanis plan to freeze rents, he said, He has no control over that. The Democratic Party is already coming against him. That guy [House Minority Leader Hakeem] Jeffries is already talking against him. How can he be talking about their own party like that? Mamdani won fair and square. I thought about socialism, and I see that is the only way to go right now, he said. We have no chance. The politicians are all corrupt. They all got their hands out. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player The moment a vessel carrying 11 people was struck by a US missile in the southern Caribbean [Photo: Donald Trump/Truth Social] The Trump administration launched an airstrike Tuesday on a small vessel in the southern Caribbean on the pretext that it was carrying drugs and alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang. The White House and the Pentagon have boasted of killing 11 people in the strike, demonstrating a further use of illegal mass murder to pursue imperialist interests abroad and to justify a dictatorship at home. The White House immediately trumpeted the massacre on official social media pages, declassifying an aerial video of the boat being blown to smithereens. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Wednesday that this is part of an ongoing escalation. Weve got assets in the air, assets in the water, assets on ships, because this is a deadly serious mission for us, and it wont, it wont stop with just this strike, he said on Fox News. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump threatened, And theres more where that came from. The attack takes place amid the deployment of a growing US naval flotilla off the Venezuelan coast, including at least eight warships, aircraft and 5,000 sailors and Marines. Trump has cast the entire Venezuelan government as nothing more than a narco-terrorist cartel, doubling a bounty on the head of President Nicolas Maduro to $50 million. In a social media post boasting of the attack, Trump claimed Tren de Aragua is operating under the control of Nicolas Maduro and is responsible for acts of violence and terror across the United States and Western Hemisphere. This is absurd. Not only does the United States represent the largest drug market in the world, but the US state has long been the main purveyor of violence and terror across Latin America and the Caribbean through countless military invasions, CIA-orchestrated coups and fascist-military dictatorships. According to every credible intelligence report, Venezuela accounts for an insignificant share of the drugs flowing northwards from Latin America. As for Tren de Aragua, the gang has largely ceased to exist, even in Venezuela. In the US, there has been not a single murder conviction of an alleged member of the gang. In this context, the strike was, first of all, an act of imperialist aggression as part of longstanding efforts to incite a coup or civil war in Venezuela. The aim is to provoke divisions within the countrys security forces in order to install a US puppet regime and take control of Venezuelan oil reserves, the largest in the world. The World Socialist Web Site strongly condemns this criminal act of imperialist aggression. Despite the limited information currently available, it can be stated unequivocally that this was an unwarranted act of mass murder in violation of US and international law, against people who have not been convicted of any crime. While the Pentagon has presented no evidence of wrongdoing, Trump dodged questions Wednesday as to why the boat was not intercepted and its occupants arrested by avoiding the issue, pointing instead to massive amounts of drugs coming into our country to kill a lot of people, and everybody fully understands that. To portray this one small vessel as an instrument of narco-terrorism is a pseudo-legal justification for a gross war crime, not to speak of sheer nonsense. Any legitimate drug interdiction operation would have entailed stopping and searching the boat and, in the event that it was carrying narcotics, their confiscation. Moreover, it does not take 11 people to transport drugs; it is much more likely that the passengers were fishermen or migrants. The use of a Special Operations aircraft and advanced missiles to blow up a small speedboat, as acknowledged by US officials, was wildly out of proportion. The timing, moreover, demonstrates clearly the connection between the Trump administrations threat to open up a Latin American front in the emerging third world war and its ongoing coup to establish a police-military dictatorship in the United States itself. Earlier on Tuesday, a federal appeals court rejected Trumps attempt to use the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants, ruling that there existed no valid evidence of an invasion or predatory incursion by a foreign entity, as required for the laws invocation. The court determined that the administrations claim linking migrants to the Tren de Aragua gang did not amount to a wartime condition justifying unchecked executive authority simply by invoking emergency powers, given constitutional constraints. The ruling in itself makes the case that the act of war against the alleged Tren de Aragua vessel was unconstitutional. Significantly, a lengthy dissenting opinion drafted by a Trump appointee argued that the president should have unrestricted powers to wage war and that his declaration of a predatory incursion, and for that matter any presidential fabrication, should be held as conclusive. The US Navy attack on the boat in the Caribbean sent a clear message: The United States is a nation at war, and the President intends to claim dictatorial powers to wage war and will wage war to claim dictatorial powers. Such a bloodthirsty pursuit of the interests of US banks and corporations is a warning of the willingness of the White Houseand the Pentagonto resort to the same methods of mass murder employed under the pretext of a war against terrorism in the Middle East, from Afghanistan to Iraq to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, against any group, domestic or foreign, that is perceived as a threat to the US drive to global hegemony, including in what US imperialism has long regarded as its own backyard. Secretary of State Rubio acknowledged as much on Tuesday when he said: The president is very clear that hes 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 theyre operating from. Only hours after boasting of the attack on the alleged Venezuelan vessel, Trump sarcastically wrote to Chinese President Xi Jinping to give his warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America. The Russian and North Korean heads of state attended a major military parade in China to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The use of military force under Trump to counter the growth of Chinese economic and political influence in US imperialisms near-abroad is a strategic corollary to the Pivot to Asia aimed against China initiated under the Obama administration in 2011. China has become the main trade partner for South America, while its total trade with Latin America as a whole has grown nearly 30-fold in the past quarter-century. As a headline in Foreign Affairs last December put it, Latin America is about to become a priority for U.S. foreign policy. In the article, analyst Brian Winter explains: Trump and his team may save their energy for what they see as the larger threat: China No one on Trumps team believes the new administration can convince Latin American countries to turn their backs on Beijing entirely, but officials do plan to be more aggressive in trying to keep the Chinese away from the most sensitive civilian and military assets in the region, which they see as a matter of national security. The use of an advanced missile system to obliterate a small boat and murder 11 people in the southern Caribbean, together with the deployment of a naval armada capable or raining Tomahawk cruise missiles on Caracas and deploying Marines on Venezuelan shores, goes hand in hand with the 50 percent tariff imposed on the largest economy in the region, Brazil, the threats to bomb and even invade Mexico and other provocations in the region. For its part, the Venezuelan government has responded by claiming that Rubio created the video of the airstrike using Artificial Intelligence to impress Trump and trick him into supporting further aggression. This attempt to uncover divisions in Washington and appeal to the better nature of the fascist at the head of the US imperialist state, as Maduro has done repeatedly, exposes the bankruptcy of bourgeois nationalism in opposing imperialist oppression. The onslaught against Latin America, the emerging world war and the threat of fascist dictatorship in the United States itself can only be stopped by a united movement of the working class across the Americas and beyond to end the capitalist nation-state system and reorganize society on a socialist basis. MEXICO CITY, September 04, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" (Excellent) of La Colonial, S.A. Compania de Seguros (La Colonial) (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect La Colonials balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The rating affirmations reflect La Colonials risk-adjusted capitalization being at the strongest level, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), mainly as a result of positive bottom-line results, as well as the acknowledgement of the underwriting teams skills amid potential challenges from harsher competition. Partially offsetting these positive rating factors is the competitive market environment in the Dominican Republic. La Colonial is the fifth-largest insurance company in the Dominican Republic, with an 8.5% market share as of May 2025. The company has maintained its leading position in the Dominican Republic despite changing market dynamics, which includes the continuous inflow of new health insurance premiums to the system from new participants. La Colonial operates as a multiline insurer, with 84% of its portfolio directed to property/casualty lines, based on gross written premium, with life/health insurance comprising 16%. In 2024, the company reported a non-life combined ratio of 97.7%, mainly driven by the stability of the loss ratio, and expense efficiencies achieved since previous periods. La Colonials benefits paid to net premium written ratio for its life business increased to 65% from 62.6%, still contributing to the periods positive bottom-line result. For 2025 and onward, operating efficiencies might be harder to sustain; however, AM Best considers La Colonials management team to be well-prepared to maintain solid profitability and growth to support its operation. La Colonials risk-adjusted capitalization remains at the strongest level, as measured by BCAR, supported adequately by a comprehensive reinsurance program that mitigates the potential impact from regional natural disasters on the companys results. These characteristics are reflected in its solvency and capitalization metrics and its excellent market position. Going forward, AM Best expects the company to continue performing with premium sufficiency, driven by lower technical costs in the medium term. By Patricia Weiss, Christoph Steitz and Oliver Denzer FRANKFURT/HAMBURG (Reuters) -Europe's chemical producers are facing fresh turmoil as U.S. import tariffs disrupt global trade, prompting customers to delay orders and hitting demand in a sector struggling to recover from the region's 2022 energy crisis. The European Union's fourth-biggest exporting sector after machinery, automotive and pharmaceuticals, has been grappling in recent years with high production costs after gas and power prices soared following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. That and slowing demand due to struggles in key industries have led some companies in the 655-billion euro ($767 billion) sector to close sites and cut jobs to save costs. U.S. import tariffs of at least 15% on goods from the EU have hit many of the industry's main customers, including in the automotive, machinery and consumer goods sectors. Global automakers have booked billions of dollars of losses due to the damage done by President Donald Trump's trade war. Third-quarter earnings at European chemical companies are expected to fall 5%, following a 22% drop in the second-quarter, according to LSEG data. "Since the energy crisis we've been hoping for a sustained recovery in volumes and margins in the European chemical sector," said Thomas Schulte-Vorwick, an analyst at Metzler Research. He said the tariffs and price and margin pressure due to stiff Asian competition at home and elsewhere made "a pretty toxic combination at the moment". The industry's biggest players - notably BASF (BAS.DE), Brenntag (BNR.DE), and Lanxess (LXS.DE) - are somewhat protected from the direct import levies due to their strong U.S. presence but are still affected by cautious customer behaviour. Customers are delaying orders, causing the companies which make chemicals used in everything from mattresses and car parts to chewing gum to cut or adjust annual outlooks in recent weeks. BASF, the world's largest chemicals maker, lowered its full-year outlook in July. The German group said some customers were placing orders only weeks in advance down from the usual three to four months due to caution over the global economy in the short term. Dollar headache Others, like Brenntag CEO Christian Kohlpaintner, warn that cheaper chemicals from China could flood the European market if competitors there divert exports from the U.S., as they face a possible surge in levies if Beijing and Washington fail to reach a deal before their tariff truce expires on November 10. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. For years, advocates of legalizing physician-assisted suicide have recited a comforting refrain: Don't worry, they assure skeptics worried about the dangers of allowing doctors to prescribe lethal drugs, these laws are carefully limited. They apply only to adults of sound mind, for example, and only to those who are terminally ill. The details vary by jurisdiction, but the message remains constant: Assisted suicide proponents prefer the euphemism "medical aid in dying" will be closely supervised so it doesn't get out of hand. Thus when New York's Legislature recently passed a bill authorizing physicians to help patients end their lives, state Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the measure's chief sponsor, praised its "stateoftheart safeguards" and pledged that it would lead to no "unintended consequences." Similarly, sponsors of legislation to legalize assisted suicide in Massachusetts insist that what they propose would be "the strongest, by far, hands down, bill in the nation." But two just-published investigations blow apart the soothing "safeguards" refrain. Writing in UnHerd last week, Alexander Raikin of the Ethics and Public Policy Center documented how the safeguards in assisted-suicide statutes are "blatantly and routinely" ignored. And in a lengthy article in the September issue of The Atlantic, staff writer Elaina Plott Calabro describes how Canada's medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime, enacted with supposedly firm limits less than a decade ago, has metastasized into something approaching a national ideology. Raikin's expose, "How America Abandoned Its Suicide Safeguards," shows that in the 11 states where assisted suicide is permitted, oversight is threadbare. He begins with Jane, a 29-year-old Colorado woman in a mental health crisis so severe that she was deemed incompetent to consent to treatment. Nevertheless, according to documents filed in federal court, she was approved for assisted suicide and given a prescription for lethal drugs. Far from anomalous, Raikin writes, Jane's case is "a symptom of unprecedented behind-the-scenes chaos." In multiple states, rules meant to ensure compliance are ignored with impunity. Washington has suspended its publication of oversight records. New Mexico has never issued the annual report required by law. Oregon erases key information after just a year, making long-term scrutiny impossible. Violations of assisted-suicide laws are "rampant" in the states with the largest and oldest programs, Raikin warns, yet no medical licenses have been suspended or revoked. Meanwhile, legislatures keep loosening rules. Washington recently halved its waiting period, approved sending lethal drugs by mail, and extended prescribing authority to nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Oregon and Vermont scrapped their residency requirements, turning themselves into the nation's first "suicide tourism" destinations. Step by step, the guardrails that were touted to win public approval are crumbling. But that's nothing compared with what has happened in Canada. When Parliament legalized MAID in 2016, it stressed that death by euthanasia would be strictly limited to mentally competent adults with a terminal illness. Today MAID accounts for 1 in 20 Canadian deaths. In 2023, there were 15,343 "medically assisted" deaths in Canada. "In Quebec," Plott Calabro notes in The Atlantic, "more than 7 percent of all deaths are by euthanasia the highest rate of any jurisdiction in the world." Cumulatively, more than 60,000 Canadians have been euthanized since the law took effect. Plott Calabro's article, "Canada Is Killing Itself," recounts stories of patients who turned to MAID not because their illnesses were untreatable but because they lacked social or psychological support. There was the quadriplegic man who chose euthanasia because he developed a painful bedsore and didn't "want to be a burden." A Winnipeg woman with ALS opted for MAID because she couldn't obtain more than 55 hours of government-funded home care. In one notorious case, a government caseworker turned down a disabled veteran's request for a wheelchair lift to be installed in her home but offered euthanasia instead. The lesson could not be plainer. When physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia are legalized, guardrails soon collapse. Legislators may promise "state-of-the-art safeguards," but those promises are illusory. Oversight fails. Death is approved even for individuals whose condition is not terminal. Eligibility standards stretch until they vanish. And society grows inured to the idea that medical providers should help people die. The overwhelming majority of American states have rightly refused to cross this line. Experience shows that once doctors are authorized to facilitate suicide, the practice cannot be contained. Yet a decent society does not enlist physicians to end lives; it strives to relieve suffering while upholding life's inestimable worth. As another "aid in dying" bill is being pushed on Beacon Hill, Massachusetts lawmakers tempted to follow Oregon or Canada should be under no illusions: The safeguards they're counting on will not hold. By far the wiser course is to uphold life, protect the vulnerable, and insist that doctors remain healers, not executioners. Jeff Jacoby is a columnist for The Boston Globe, from which this is reprinted with permission. (COMMENT, BELOW) India has once again topped the global rankings for crypto adoption, according to Chainalysis 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index, surpassing every other country across retail, institutional, and DeFi activity. Yet even as India cements itself as the worlds crypto hotbed, regulators are preparing to turn up the heat. The government is set to adopt the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Developments (OECD) Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), which will create a global model for sharing tax information on digital assets starting April 2027. While the framework gives India greater oversight of offshore holdings, it does nothing to ease the countrys already punishing tax regime a 30% flat tax on gains, a 1% TDS on every trade, and an 18% GST on exchanges. As per reports, India will formalize its participation by signing the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA) in 2024. Once implemented, the framework will enable automatic exchange of data between tax authorities, allowing Indias Income Tax Department to receive detailed information on residents overseas crypto activity. Put simply, citizens who fail to disclose offshore wallets or holdings could now be flagged by authorities abroad. Nirmala Sitharaman, India's finance minister, during a news conference in New Delhi.Source: Getty Images Not a new tax, just data sharing Legal experts stress, however, that this does not amount to a new tax. Subha Chugh, an Indian lawyer in the digital asset industry, told TheStreet Roundtable: "Many misunderstand this as a change in tax law, which it is not. India is only committing to information-sharing. Citizens were already supposed to self-report offshore holdings. Now the government will simply be able to verify it through international cooperation." More news: The change is being welcomed by some in the crypto industry. Punit Agarwal, founder of crypto tax software KoinX, said the OECD framework may improve trust in the long run. Most people want to comply they're just worried about clarity, Agarwal said. Global alignment means fewer surprises and more confidence for both retail traders and institutions. Traders fear crackdown Many traders believe the measure will increase compliance headaches without addressing Indias core tax challenges. A Mumbai-based trader who requested anonymity told TheStreet Roundtable: Anthropic, a US-based AI safety and research company, has secured $13bn in a Series F funding round, pushing its valuation to $183bn. The financing was led by ICONIQ Capital. The co-leads in the funding round include Fidelity Management & Research and Lightspeed Venture Partners. Additional investment came from the Qatar Investment Authority, Blackstone, and Coatue, among others. The funding aims to bolster Anthropic's enterprise adoption initiatives, deepen its safety research, and support international expansion efforts. Anthropic CFO Krishna Rao said: We are seeing exponential growth in demand across our entire customer base. This financing demonstrates investors extraordinary confidence in our financial performance and the strength of their collaboration with us to continue fuelling our unprecedented growth. This new valuation marks a significant jump from March 2025 when the company was valued at $61.5bn. This was after a $3.5bn raise in a Series E round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners. Earlier reports in July 2025, indicated Anthropic was finalising a funding round targeting a $170bn valuation, with expectations to raise up to $5bn. The company has surpassed these projections with the latest round. Anthropic is backed by major tech players such as Alphabet and Amazon. Founded in 2021 by former OpenAI employees, it focuses on developing sophisticated AI models, especially for coding applications. In November 2024, Amazon increased its investment by an additional $4bn, raising its total stake to $8bn. Amazon Web Services (AWS) serves as Anthropics primary training partner, providing AWS Trainium and Inferentia chips for future model development. Google also expanded its financial backing of Anthropic with over $1bn invested early in 2025, supplementing a previous $2bn investment in 2023. Anthropic's revenue trajectory has been steep, growing from approximately $1bn at the start of 2025 to motr thsn $5bn by August. In the realm of product development, Anthropic launched an upgrade called Opus 4.1 in August for its Claude large language models. This upgrade enhances capabilities related to agentic tasks, real-world coding, and reasoning. In August 2025, Anthropic announced that it would offer its Claude model to the US government for $1. This move aligns Claude with other approved AI solutions like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini as recognised vendors by the US government's central purchasing arm. "Anthropic secures $13B Series F funding at $183bn valuation" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. Dream Theater have announced their first Australian tour in nearly nine years, with a run of national dates booked for February 2026. The four-date run comes as part of the bands world tour celebrating 40 years as a band, as well as celebrating their recently-released 16th studio album Parasomnia. The full list of tour dates, as well as ticketing information, can be found below. The excitement we have felt from the fans since the first leg of this tour was announced has been overwhelming, said the band in a joint press statement. Now, we get to bring the show to our fans all across the world, and play a bunch of cities that we havent been together in for more than a decade. We cant wait to continue this historic celebration of 40 years together with everyone in Asia and Australia next year. Dream Theater Night Terror The band were last in Australia in 2017, which came in support of their album The Astonishing released the year prior. They attempted to return to Australia in 2020; however, those plans were inevitably thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as were all international tours. The tour was rescheduled to 2021, but was later cancelled outright and not rescheduled for a second time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since they were last here, the American prog-metal band have reunited with their original drummer Mike Portnoy who originally exited the fold back in 2010 and released a further three studio albums: 2019s Distance Over Time, 2021s A View From The Top Of The World and the aforementioned Parasomnia from back in February. With Portnoy back on board, the band will be playing Australia with their classic line-up as established on 1999s Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory for the first time since 2009. This line-up has recorded seven of the bands 16 studio albums, including Parasomnia, and features Portnoy alongside fellow co-founders John Petrucci (guitar) and John Myung (bass), as well as long-serving lead vocalist James LaBrie and keyboardist/guitarist Jordan Rudess. Dream Theater 40th Anniversary Tour Tuesday, February 10th Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide SA Thursday, February 12th Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne VIC Saturday, February 14th ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney NSW Sunday, February 15th Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane QLD Pre-sale will commence from 10am local time on Tuesday, September 9th; registrations here. General sale follows on Wednesday, September 10th again at 10am local via Destroy All Lines. Further Reading Megadeth Announce Final Ever Album, Promise Farewell Tour Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chloe Trujillos BLVD OF EYES Drop New Single, Expand Aussie Tour Dying Fetus Announce 2025 Australian Tour With 200 Stab Wounds The post Dream Theater Announce 2026 Australian Tour appeared first on Music Feeds. Diners are an unmistakable part of American food culture, where you can get cheap coffee and homestyle meals at practically any time of night or day. Across the 20th century, diners were the spot for workers, families, and all kinds of ordinary folk to get affordable, straightforward meals. They reflected tastes of the time, but these days, there are some old-school diner foods that you rarely see anymore. Look at a diner menu from the '50s and you'll see familiar dishes like burgers, eggs, and pancakes. But as food trends shifted, many items that once felt essential to the diner menu have drifted into obscurity. What people loved in the 1950s and 1960s later seemed fussy, old-fashioned, or not aligned with modern preferences. We're interested in the history of those diner dishes that were once common but are now nearly impossible to find regularly. These plates were not haute cuisine; they were pragmatic and made for price and volume. Whether you're nostalgic for your favorite diner meals of yore or just fascinated by food history, you're in the right place. Here are 11 old-school diner foods that are rarely found on menus today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 22 Marie Callender's Pies, Ranked Worst To Best Liver And Onions plate of liver and onions - New Africa/Shutterstock Liver and onions used to be a diner staple, but now it's a once-popular food people don't eat much anymore. The dish pairs quickly pan-seared slices of beef or calf liver with sweet, soft caramelized onions. In mid-century America, it often appeared on short-order menus because liver was inexpensive, nutrient-dense, and could be cooked quickly without much fuss. Many regulars regarded it as a hearty, old-fashioned comfort meal. Liver has long featured in European home cooking, so it may be that immigrants to the United States brought it over with them. There was a time when it was a popular meal in American homes, so by extension, it was found in diners everywhere. However, the texture and metallic tang of the dish made it polarizing. Some people loved its richness, while others found it an acquired taste. Over the last few decades, liver has slipped from mainstream diner menus. Growing squeamishness about organ meats and a broad move toward milder proteins nudged diner owners to simplify offerings. Burgers, grilled chicken, and breakfast-for-dinner items proved safer bets. They were easier to sell and less likely to divide customers. Today, liver and onions is a rare sight on most contemporary diner menus. Maybe you'll find it on the odd rural mom-and-pop diner menu that hasn't changed in 60 years, but it's largely a dish of the past. Turkey Croquettes turkey croquettes in dish - Aksana Ban/Getty Images Turkey croquettes were once a comforting staple in many diners. They were an economical way to transform leftovers or bulk-cooked poultry into a fried favorite. A classic croquette combines chopped or shredded cooked turkey with other ingredients to bind it. The mixture is shaped into patties or cylinders, breaded, and fried until golden. Chicken croquettes were an alternative that some diners favored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These croquettes would have been particularly popular in eras when resourcefulness was prized. During wartime and the postwar decades, cooks celebrated techniques that stretched meat further. By taking potentially bland meat, then breading and frying it, it was a surefire way to make it more delicious. We can see why turkey croquettes were popular in diners, but what's less clear is why they fell out of favor. Perhaps palates shifted away from these kinds of filling meals and toward simpler items like burgers and hot dogs. It could also be that turkey became less popular outside of Thanksgiving dinner, and that's what put people off. For those who recall them, there's a lot of nostalgia surrounding turkey croquettes. Though uncommon now, they would be easy to modernize and welcome back on a diner menu. In fact, you should already be turning your leftovers into croquettes at home. We bet with the right kind of upgrade, they'd be a popular diner meal once more. Chipped Beef On Toast chipped beef on toast - Ezume Images/Shutterstock Chipped beef on toast often known by its less formal nickname, "S.O.S." was once a fixture at diners across the United States. The dish consists of thin slices of dried, salted beef served in a creamy white sauce on toast. It originated as a practical, filling meal for the U.S. military in the early 20th century, as it was inexpensive, protein-rich, and easy to prepare in large batches. When veterans returned home, the dish naturally made its way onto diner menus, where it remained a nostalgic favorite for decades. By the mid-20th century, chipped beef on toast was a go-to comfort food, serving as a hearty breakfast or quick lunch for diner patrons. But as tastes changed, chipped beef began to fade from everyday dining. Its heavy reliance on processed, shelf-stable meat seemed old-fashioned at a time when fresh ingredients and lighter fare became more desirable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, it's rarely seen on diner menus. It's considered old-fashioned and the kind of meal your grandparents might have eaten rather than something you'd want to chow down on today. Though it may not grace modern diner menus as it once did, it's an interesting look back on how something like military service can influence tastes for a generation. Cinnamon Toast cinnamon toast on plate - Bhofack2/Getty Images Before diners became known for stacks of pancakes and extravagant milkshakes, one of the simplest pleasures you could order was cinnamon toast. This unassuming treat was made by buttering bread, sprinkling it with cinnamon sugar, and then toasting it to caramelize the sugar. Warm, sweet, and inexpensive, cinnamon toast was a diner staple in the early- to mid-20th century. It was a common homemade comfort food in American households during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and diners, always quick to adopt what people loved at home, put it on their menus. Children adored it and adults may have found it nostalgic. It tended to be more affordable and less overtly sweet than similar alternatives. But, over time, it was overshadowed by flashier diner fare. French toast, pancakes, and waffles were more indulgent and took more time to make at home, so people were more likely to order them when eating at diners. Plus, the rise of commercial pastries made sweet breakfast items more varied. As menus expanded and competition grew, cinnamon toast quietly disappeared. Nowadays, it's rare to see cinnamon toast listed at a diner, though many people still make it at home. It might not be as exciting as some dishes, but it's beloved for a reason. Egg Creams glass of egg cream - Bhofack2/Getty Images Despite its name, an egg cream contains neither eggs nor cream. So, what is an egg cream and what does it taste like? This classic soda fountain drink, once a staple in diners, is made with just three ingredients: cold milk, fizzy seltzer, and a generous pour of chocolate syrup. It's chocolatey and creamy with a crispness from the seltzer. Whipped together in the glass, the drink develops a frothy head that gives it its cream-like appearance. This explains the cream part of the name, but we're not quite sure about the egg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Egg creams come from New York City, particularly from its Jewish immigrant communities. For what looks like chocolate milk, it's surprisingly light, refreshing, and not overly sweet. It's unclear exactly when or by whom this drink was invented, but it was likely in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Diners across the city quickly embraced it, before it spread far and wide. Over the years, though, the drink became less popular. People either went for a fizzy soda or a milkshake, rather than a creamy sparkling beverage. Today, egg creams are still cherished in New York, where you can find them in a handful of old-school diners, delis, and soda shops. But even in the big city, they're hard to find. And outside of New York, it's nearly impossible to get an egg cream. They may be somewhat of an acquired taste, but we still think there's room on the diner scene for a wider range of drinks. Rice Pudding bowl of baked rice pudding - Yalcinsonat1/Getty Images When you think of diner desserts, pie is probably at the front of your mind. But, there was a time when rice pudding could be found on every self-respecting diner's menu. It was the kind of sweet treat that felt homey and comforting, and isn't that what diner menus are all about? To younger people today, it might seem like an odd addition. Too boring and old-fashioned. But there was a time when it was a hugely popular choice. In the mid-20th century, when diners were at their cultural peak, rice pudding was a natural ending to a hearty meal of meatloaf, fried chicken, or burgers and fries. It wasn't flashy, but it was filling and affordable. Diner-style rice pudding was usually baked, giving it a denser, heartier texture. The top was covered in nutmeg or cinnamon before baking, infusing extra flavor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These days, rice pudding has largely vanished from diner menus. It hasn't disappeared entirely; some retro-style spots still keep it alive. But it has been overshadowed by more modern desserts. Cakes, pies, and elaborate sundaes took over as diners leaned into items that felt more indulgent. Rice pudding started to feel like a retro dessert that people didn't necessarily want to pay for at the end of their meal. Oyster Stew bowl of oyster stew - Erik Clegg/Shutterstock Oysters may not sound like classic diner fare today, but for much of the 20th century, oyster stew was just that. There were regional variations of oyster stew, so what was available locally varied. In New England, for instance, it was a simple dish of fresh oysters, butter, milk or cream, and a touch of seasoning. In the Southern states, it tended to have more ingredients, like onions, celery, and cayenne pepper. It was especially popular in coastal regions where oysters were abundant, but even inland diners served it thanks to canned oysters. It might sound like a fancy dish for a diner, but oysters were inexpensive and plentiful in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This meant they were cheap enough for everyday people to enjoy. By the time diners were thriving in the mid-1900s, oyster stew was a classic that could be found on most menus. But as oyster populations dwindled and prices rose, the dish lost its place on the standard diner menu. Changing tastes also played a role. These days, most people go to diners for pancakes, burgers, fries, and milkshakes rather than a seafood stew. You'll likely find oyster stew in seafood restaurants, but in diners, it has basically disappeared. Jelly Omelet plate of jelly omelets - The Image Party/Shutterstock Few dishes better capture the quirky, anything-goes spirit of old diners than the jelly omelet. This dish is exactly what it sounds like: a classic folded omelet filled with fruit jelly. Sweet-salty combinations are trendy today, but this eggy-fruity combo takes it to another level. We're not sure if contemporary folks are ready to bring this back, but we'd sure give it a whirl. It sounds like a niche dish, but it was found on many diner menus in the early and mid-20th century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This dish seems to have shown up around the later 19th century and was featured in "The Boston Cooking School Cook Book," which came out in 1896. So, it wasn't just a diner invention, but likely something people regularly ate at home. It makes sense, in a way. A plain omelet isn't inherently savory on its own; it's quite neutral, so it's not all that different from eating jelly with bread and butter. It's also a more protein-rich version of eating pancakes with jelly. It makes sense as a breakfast food, especially for those who like sweet breakfasts but don't want to be running on sugar and starch until lunch. By the 1960s and 70s, however, the jelly omelet had begun to feel outdated. Tastes changed, leaving little room for something as old-fashioned as eggs with jam. Today, it's almost unheard of outside of vintage cookbooks or nostalgic food writing. While the jelly omelet might strike modern diners as strange, we wouldn't write it off just yet. Chicken a La King plate of chicken a la King - Sergii Koval/Shutterstock Chicken a la King was once a diner favorite. The dish featured diced chicken in a rich white sauce with veggies like mushrooms, peppers, and peas served on biscuits, rice, toast, or noodles. There was a time when it was considered a fancy meal, but it trickled down to becoming the kind of fare you could find in an average diner. Its origin is debated, with some crediting chefs in New York City hotels and others linking it to Philadelphia or England. Wherever it began, diners were quick to adopt it as an affordable indulgence. It was filling, adaptable, and felt a little more special than some everyday diner meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time the 1980s rolled around, it started to feel outdated, and it wasn't classic enough to keep its spot among those kinds of diner dishes that never go out of fashion. Right now, you'd be hard-pressed to find it at your local diner. Some people might miss this old favorite, while others consider it no big loss. Tuna Casserole bowl of tuna casserole - from my point of view/Shutterstock Few dishes speak to the mid-20th-century diner era quite like tuna casserole. A typical version combined noodles, tuna, and cream of mushroom soup, often finished with a crunchy topping of breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or crackers. It was found on diner menus everywhere, sometimes as a blue plate special, but now it's rarely seen. Diners embraced it because it fit neatly into the category of homestyle cooking that these kinds of establishments specialized in. Back then, people often came to diners to get the type of food they enjoyed at home, when they were out of town or didn't want to cook. So, this kind of popular everyday meal was ideal. Over time, however, things changed. By the 1980s and 1990s, diners were shifting toward burgers, club sandwiches, and fries as their core offerings, while tuna casserole started to feel like something best left to potlucks or family dinner tables. The reliance on canned ingredients also made the dish feel like a relic from the past, and not what people wanted to spend their hard-earned cash on. Today, tuna casserole has mostly disappeared from diner menus, though it lives on in family kitchens and retro cookbooks. It still has a place in many hearts as an iconic diner food, even if fans have to recreate it at home. Salisbury Steak plate of Salisbury steak - Chas53/Getty Images Depending on your age, you might only recognize Salisbury steak from TV dinners and school cafeterias, but it was once a diner mainstay. Named after Dr. James Salisbury, a 19th-century physician who promoted ground beef as a health food, the dish became especially popular in mid-century America. At diners, Salisbury steak was usually made from scratch out of hamburger meat shaped to resemble a steak, and served with brown gravy, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the 1940s through the 1960s, it fit right into the diner ethos. It was hearty, inexpensive, satisfying, and reminiscent of home cooking. It may have been seen as a slightly more elevated alternative to a hamburger, while still being affordable compared to an actual steak dinner. Covered in gravy, it's a great meal regardless of whether or not it's gourmet. But over time, Salisbury steak gained a reputation for being old-fashioned. Its association with frozen dinners and cafeteria trays in the latter half of the 20th century didn't help its standing. While it never fully vanished, you'll rarely find it on diner menus. For the most part, it has been replaced by burgers, chicken-fried steak, or meatloaf as the go-to beef options at diners. So, anyone looking for a classic Salisbury steak may be out of luck. Read the original article on Mashed. If you tell a Filipino mother that you feel under the weather, shell most likely offer a cup of salabat, a hot ginger tea thats revered in the Philippines. The word salabat is believed to come from the Malay word serbat, which refers to drinks made traditionally with spices. It also has roots in the Arabic word sarba, which means a drink. Salabat, though, must be made with fresh ginger. Ginger originated in Southeast Asia about 5,000 years ago. Because of its perceived medicinal properties, its used throughout Asia, from China to India. But perhaps no culture drinks ginger tea as intensely as in the Philippines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emma Dizon, owner of Only at Renees in Virginia Beach, enjoys salabat all day long. Sometimes I have it in the morning, at night before I go to bed, and after dinner, she says. Related: Jamu, an Ancient Indonesian Tonic With Turmeric and Ginger, Is More Than a Simple Beverage What is salabat? Salabat, in its simplest form, is a tea made with fresh ginger thats boiled in hot water. The key is to use fresh ginger instead of the dried version. Some families use ginger slices, while others crush the ginger to extract a more intense flavor. Most Filipinos sweeten the tea with honey. Calamansi is also often added, the most common citrus fruit in the Philippines. Mia Orino, co-founder of the Atlanta restaurant Kamayan ATL, likes her salabat spicy. She uses a mortar and pestle to mash the ginger, skin and all. She then simmers it low and slow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orino believes that the benefits of the ginger are better retained when simmered, rather than boiled. She tends to make it with just a bit of honey, although shell add calamansi if she wants a bit of vitamin C. Many people have their own special recipe for salabat. Dizon makes hers with ginger, turmeric, calamansi, honey, and sampaguita, the Filipino national flower (also known as Arabian jasmine). She also makes stone tea, made with additional spices like cayenne and lavender. Related: The Best Places to Eat Filipino Food in Every State Salabat as a cure-all, from the common cold to indigestion Orinos grandmother would tell her to drink salabat whenever she was nauseous or had a stomach ache. Salabat was kind of like their go-to, besides Vicks, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Philippines, the local ginger is called luya. It has a stronger flavor than the Brazilian or Chinese ginger found in the U.S. To compensate while in America, Orino uses larger amounts of ginger. "WhenIm feeling a little down, I would brew [salabat] with honey and calamansi. It holds so many memories."" Mia Orino, co-founder, Kamayan ATL restaurant, Atlanta For Dizon and many others, salabat is a tea thats soothing, and it reminds me of my childhood. She would often become nauseous when she was younger. Whenever she had to go on a bus or train, [my family] always gave me salabat, she says. Dizon named her restaurant Only at Renees after her mother, Renee, who first opened Renees Kitchenette in the Woodside neighborhood of Queens, New York, in 1992. Dizons mother also serves salabat in her restaurant, and the two like to compete about who makes the best version. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Orino, who grew up in the Philippines, salabat isnt something she only drinks while sick. When Im feeling a little down, I would brew [salabat] with honey and calamansi, she says. It holds so many memories. Its partly nostalgia, but also because Orino firmly believes in the benefits of ginger. Thats a huge part of my daily life. Salabat in the U.S. Even though many Filipino-Americans drink salabat, its not as common to find it in Filipino restaurants across the U.S. That may be because salabat is something mostly enjoyed at home. Theres always, like, a pot brewing in the kitchen, says Orino. Its there all day. Salabat is traditionally served hot, even in the hottest days in the summer in Malina, says Orino. In the U.S., however, many people prefer iced drinks when its hot out. Orino and Dizon serve iced versions of salabat at their restaurants. At The Boiis Co., a Filipino mochi bakery in New York City, co-founder Kert Ladosce says iced salabat is on the menu. At pop-ups around the city, the bakery makes its version with a syrup that uses fresh ginger, sugar, and other spices like star anise, black pepper, cardamom, and rosemary. Seltzer water is added to create a refreshingly spicy and fizzy beverage. The bakery plans to make the syrup available for nationwide shipping soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ladosce also works as a bartender at IYKYK, located in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens. He uses the same syrup for a Moscow Mule variation, called the Flushing Mule. It isnt just Filipinos who enjoy salabat. Virginia Beach is a tourist destination, and Dizon has had customers from places like California who have tried salabat or stone tea and craved more. Dizon now ships them the ingredients, which only require hot water. At Kamayan ATL, Orino used to give customers free salabat. With increased costs, she now charges a nominal amount ($1.50) for it. She still gives it away on Tuesday, when the restaurant provides free hot meals for the community, however. I personally want as many people to have it and to try it, she says. Read the original article on Food & Wine MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) An Horry County firefighter died Wednesday night when his car went off the road and hit a tree in Marion County, authorities said. Dimario Stephens, 31, was driving a 2020 Nissan sedan that crashed on Wahee Road near Cool Springs Road when it went off the right side of the road and hit a tree, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol Cpl. Nick Pye said. He was alone in the vehicle. Stephens had been a firefighter/EMT with Horry County Fire Rescue since May, the department said iin a Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We ask for your consideration and condolences for Stephens family, friends, loved ones and fire-rescue colleagues during this difficult time, HCFR said in the post. No additional information was immediately available. The highway patrol is investigating. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) Ten Alaska residents pleaded not guilty Thursday to voter misconduct or other charges in cases that have renewed attention on the complex citizenship status of people born in the U.S. territory of American Samoa. Those facing charges most of them related to one another were born in American Samoa but live in the isolated Alaska community of Whittier, about 60 miles (96 kilometers) south of Anchorage. The state contends they falsely claimed U.S. citizenship when registering or attempting to vote. An attorney representing the defendants says many of them are citizens. American Samoa is the only U.S. territory where residents are not automatically granted citizenship by being born on American soil, as the 14th Amendment to the Constitution dictates. Instead, they are considered U.S. nationals. American Samoans can serve in the military, obtain U.S. passports and vote in elections in American Samoa. But they cannot hold public office in the U.S. or participate in most U.S. elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A grand jury this week returned indictments with felony and misdemeanor counts, almost a year after Alaska State Troopers descended on Whittier to deliver court summonses. Some of the defendants were in court Thursday afternoon in Anchorage, while others attended virtually. The case is related to that of Tupe Smith, who was arrested shortly after winning election to a regional school board in 2023 and who has been charged separately. Smith, born in American Samoa, has asserted she marked a box claiming to be a U.S. citizen at the instruction of election workers because there was no way to identify herself as a U.S. national, according to court records. The state has said she falsely and deliberately claimed citizenship. Prosecutors pointed to the language on the voter application forms she filled out in 2020 and 2022, which explicitly said that if the applicant was not at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen, do not complete this form, as you are not eligible to vote. Smith's case is before the state Court of Appeals. Attorneys for the state have argued that the question of citizenship for American Samoans is not before this court and the voter misconduct statute at issue here is not and cannot be the solution to this difficult problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 10 defendants in the separate case include Smith's husband, Michael Pese; his mother, who has cancer; seven other relatives; and one man who grew up in the same village in American Samoa as Michael Pese. Matt DiTullio, an assistant public defender representing the 10, told a judge Thursday that most of them are U.S. citizens information he said he has shared with prosecutors. Jenna Gruenstein, an attorney with the state Office of Special Prosecutions, pushed back, saying it was her understanding that the state had asked for evidence to back up DiTullio's argument but that the state has yet to receive that. Neil Weare, an attorney for Smith, in an interview noted her appeal is pending as the other cases proceed. Weare is the co-founder of the Right to Democracy Project, an advocacy group for people from U.S. territories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pacific Community of Alaska has urged Alaska's attorney general not to pursue the matter, saying even officials in Whittier and at the state level have been confused about whether American Samoans are eligible to vote and have provided people with at times incorrect information. The group also said the state did not perform its due diligence in determining citizenship status before pursuing charges. ___ Associated Press writer Becky Bohrer contributed from Juneau. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man was given a $10 million bond after he admitted to his role in connection with a fatal Frayser gas station shooting in May, according to the Shelby County District Attorneys Office. Michael Chalmers, 30, was charged with First Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Assault, and Felon in Possession of a Handgun. Michael Chalmers _Mugshot Courtesy of Shelby County Jail On May 18, the Memphis Police Department responded to a gas station, Thirsty Gas at 2711 Range Line Road, where they found Keyshun Thomas suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to an area hospital but later died from his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports said police spoke with two men on the scene. They told MPD they had been involved in a shootout after three men robbed them at gunpoint. Thomas was hit by gunfire during the incident. 16-year-old dead, two detained in Frayser shooting: MPD According to MPD, the vehicle the suspects were in was a silver Cadillac that was later stopped by police. Police said that Chalmers became a suspect after information and data from the drivers cellphone were obtained during a search warrant. Reports said images from a database showed Chalmers matched to one of the men seen in the video. Chalmers was already booked for unrelated charges. He was interviewed by investigators and admitted to being present during the armed robbery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told police he was armed with a pistol and pointed it at the victims in the robbery. The case is now going to the grand jury. Local rappers murder case heads to grand jury; bond set at $5 million Andre Scott, 19, another suspect in this case also known as Boo TwoGunz is being held on $5 million bond. Andre Scott (Photo courtesy of the SCSO) Scott was arrested in June and charged with First Degree Murder in the Perpetration of Robbery. Police said the witnesses recognized Scott as a local rapper, and his fingerprints were found on a case of Sprite he had touched in the store. A preliminary hearing for Scott was scheduled for June 30, but his attorney waived that hearing, allowing the case to move to the grand jury, District Attorney Steve Mulroys office said in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Chalmers was given a $10 million bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on October 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 WREG.com. Almost every Democratic member of the Senate Finance Committee called on Robert F. Kennedy Jr to step down as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services following a major shakeup at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Eleven of the 12 Democratic Senators on the committee issued a statement Thursday demanding his resignation shortly before Kennedy was scheduled to testify before the committee about recent federal vaccine policy changes as well as the firing and resignations of several top CDC officials. Robert Kennedy was unfit to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services before he was on the job, which is why every Democratic member of the Senate Finance Committee opposed his nomination, the members wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group added that Kennedy has failed to protect public health and endangers the lives of all Americans particularly children, the disabled and other vulnerable Americans. Robert Kennedy must resign, and if he doesnt, Trump should fire him before more American families are hurt by his reckless disregard for science and the truth, the senators wrote. Kennedy has worked to overhaul the nations federal health agencies during the seven months he has served as secretary. In that time, he has reluctantly endorsed the measles vaccine during a Texas outbreak, canceled more than $500 million in grants and contracts for mRNA research, reduced access to COVID-19 vaccines, replaced members of the CDCs vaccine advisory panel and fired now-former CDC Director Susan Monarez. Kennedy said that the agencys leadership change was absolutely necessary to restore the agency to its gold standard of protecting Americans from infectious disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why we need bold, competent and creative new leadership at CDC. People are able and willing to chart a new course, the health chief said. Monarez, in an op-ed published Thursday, denounced Kennedy as a long-time vaccine skeptic, and claimed she let go after refusing to preapprove the recommendations for a vaccine advisory panel newly filled with people who have publicly expressed antivaccine rhetoric. Kennedy denied these claims and called the former agency director a liar during a heated exchange with Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore) on Thursday. By discarding well-established science related to vaccines, elevating conspiracy theorists and self-interested charlatans to positions of public trust, and presiding over the largest cut to American health care in history, Robert Kennedy has reinforced every fear families had about him, the senators wrote in their statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only Democratic member of the Senate Finance Committee who did not sign the statement was Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), although he has since expressed dissatisfaction with Kennedy. I voted against Secretary Kennedys nomination, Whitehouse said in a statement to The Hill. He never should have been confirmed. The White House did not immediately respond to The Hills request 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. Thursday marks 140 days to the 140th St. Paul Winter Carnival. Related Articles The St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation the nonprofit that produces the winter celebration laid out whats new for the 2026 St. Paul Winter Carnival as part of its annual meeting on Thursday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some details are still being finalized, but without further ado, heres a sampling of whats new for the 140th St. Paul Winter Carnival, which takes place from Jan. 22 to Feb. 1, 2026. Treasure Hunt The Pioneer Press and Winter Carnival are teaming up to produce the Treasure Hunt for the Medallion and this years prize will be bigger than ever, especially when the finder possesses a 2026 Winter Carnival button, according to a news release from the SPFHF. New website A new, user-friendly version of WinterCarnival.com will debut Oct. 1. Remember When The Remember When Campaign invites the public to share their favorite story or photo to commemorate the 140th anniversary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have a family tradition or photo to share, you can either email RememberWhen@spfhf.org or upload them to the new website beginning Oct. 1. Winter Carnival buttons Designed by local artist Randall Peterson, the 2026 Winter Carnival buttons will be unveiled to the public Dec. 6. Peterson will design the commemorative foursome of pins in his signature pointillism style, per the release. Limited edition merch Carnival enthusiasts will soon be able to buy limited edition 140th celebration coins as part of a fundraiser for the foundation. Other merchandise for sale celebrating the 140th anniversary will include shirts, jackets, mugs and a coloring book. These commemorative items will go on sale closer to the festival and be available for purchase online and at the event. Rice Park kickoff The kickoff for the 140th carnival will be held in and around Rice Park on Jan. 22 and include music, a light show against the Landmark Center and the first of a multi-day food truck festival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside the Landmark Center, the Klondike Kates will host their annual cabaret. During the kickoff, guests can also see the ice carvers embark on their creations. Music and art There will be live music at the Landmark Center during Friday and Saturday nights of the carnival. The Landmark Center will also be home to a new art show on Jan. 24 that features local artists including past Winter Carnival button designers. Puzzle competition Union Depot will host the Worlds Largest Puzzle Competition, now spanning two days on Jan. 24-25. The two-day competition will see a new layout, registration system and additional participant tables. Selfie Stops Throughout the Winter Carnival there will be Selfie Stops and a 140th Photo Contest with prizes and special feature opportunities. Mark your calendars Heres when to expect the St. Paul Winter Carnivals signature events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jan. 22-25: Ice carving competition in Ice Park Jan. 23-Feb. 1: Vulcan Snow Park and the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition at the State Fairgrounds Jan. 24: King Boreas Grande Day Parade on Grand Avenue Jan. 31: Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade on West Seventh to Rice Park Cant get enough? Heres what to know about the carnival and its history. OG festival The first winter festival was held in the city in 1886, a response to a New York writer describing St. Paul as Another Siberia, unfit for human habitation in the winter. Grover Cleveland was president, Robert Louis Stevensons Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was new in bookstores and a stamp cost 2 cents. Ice Palaces Throughout the carnivals history, there have been 36 Ice Palaces of varying styles and sizes (no, theyre not an annual attraction). The first Ice Palace, built in the style of a medieval castle, debuted along with the carnival in 1886; the most recent palace, of modest size and situated in Rice Park, was a popular attraction at the 2018 celebration. Parades Breaking tradition, the King Boreas Grande Day Parade the daytime parade that kicks off the carnival marched out of downtown St. Paul and onto Grand Avenue in 2024. The Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade, the carnivals finale, remained in downtown. Legend The Winter Carnivals cast of characters spend the 10 days of the festival playacting the battle between winter and spring starring the royal family (representing winter) and the Vulcans (representing spring). While winter lasts a long time in Minnesota, we all know who wins in the end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where do canines factor into this play? A recent trend is the crowning of a canine king and queen of the St. Paul Winter Carnival and Doggie Depot, a dog-friendly event at Union Depot. Related Articles At least 15 civilians were killed and 26 injured in Russian strikes across Ukraine over the past 24 hours, regional authorities reported on Sept. 4. Ukraine's Air Force said Russian forces launched 112 Shahed-type attack and decoy drones overnight, with air defenses intercepting 84. Another 28 drones struck 17 locations, while debris hitting five more, the military added. Donetsk Oblast was hit hardest, where 11 civilians nine of them in Kostiantynivka were killed and 16 injured, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two civilians were killed and two more injured in Kherson Oblast, where residential areas and critical infrastructure were hit, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. In Kharkiv Oblast, Russian strikes killed one person and injured six as the city of Kharkiv and 11 settlements came under fire, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, one man was killed and a 49-year-old woman injured, according to Governor Serhii Lysak. Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast injured one woman, with local authorities recording 133 strikes on 41 settlements. The strikes come as peace efforts enter their eighth month without results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow has rejected calls for an unconditional ceasefire, escalating its use of drones and missiles against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Read also: Behind Ukraines manpower crisis lies a bleak new battlefield reality for infantry Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Manya Saini and Ananya Palyekar (Reuters) -Aon agreed on Wednesday to sell a majority of NFP's wealth business to private equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners for $2.7 billion, as it looks to sharpen focus on core insurance brokerage operations. Aon had acquired privately held NFP in April 2024 from Madison Dearborn in a $13 billion deal, aiming to expand in the fast-growing middle-market for insurance brokerage, wealth management and retirement advisory services. But the company is now shedding some of those assets. Wealth management, according to analysts, was a non-core business for Aon, which has traditionally focused on insurance brokerage and risk advisory. "In this macro climate, with rates still high, M&A financing tighter, and capital markets rewarding focus over empire-building, shedding non-core assets is the new flex," said Michael Ashley Schulman, partner and CIO at Running Point Capital Advisors. "It (the deal) says more about today's market mood than it does about wealth management itself," he said. Insurance brokers serve as a bridge between an insurer and its customers, helping clients find a policy that best suits their needs. "This transaction (divestment) reinforces our ongoing commitment to investing in and growing our core risk capital and human capital capabilities," said Aon CEO Greg Case. Insurance brokerage is often viewed as recession-proof, with companies and households maintaining coverage for property, health and liability even in downturns, making it a steady source of revenue across economic cycles. The middle-market is a crucial growth area for insurance brokers, offering a large base of midsized firms that need sophisticated risk, retirement and benefits advice but lack in-house resources. As part of the deal, several businesses, including Wealthspire Advisors, Fiducient Advisors, Newport Private Wealth and related platforms will return to Chicago-based Madison Dearborn. The deal, expected to close in the final quarter of the year, was first reported by the Financial Times. Goldman Sachs was the financial adviser to Madison Dearborn, while UBS Investment Bank and Moelis advised Aon. (Reporting by Ananya Palyekar and Manya Saini in Bengaluru; Editing by Harikrishnan Nair, Shinjini Ganguli and Shilpi Majumdar) TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) A 16-year-old boy was walking on the west side of Salt Lake Community Colleges Redwood Campus in Taylorsville when he was attacked and stabbed in the back. Officials with Utah Highway Patrol, who provide police services for the community college, said they responded to the stabbing that happened shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The boy reported he was being followed by a white GMC truck. Two men reportedly jumped out of the truck and stabbed the boy in the back. Officers believes this is a gang-related incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim, whose name has not been released, was taken to a local hospital with moderate injuries. He was released within a few hours. UHP confirmed they are conducting a thorough investigation with the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). The UHP/SBI is requesting any information related to this incident, or reports of the vehicle that may have been seen, in the area be reported to the Utah Highway Patrol dispatch at 801-887-3800. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Childhood astronaut dreams first attracted Staff Sgt. Yuji Moore to the mission of the Space Force. But while his career didnt lead where he initially expected, hes discovered an ability to reach new heights in every role he fills. Moore, 25, began his military career in 2018 in the Air Force as an all-source intelligence analyst supporting remotely piloted aircraft operations. He calls the job his first small introduction to space, as satellite communications supported the work of his team. But when the Space Force was born as the sixth military branch at the end of 2019, Moore knew he wanted to be in the first tranche of airmen to transfer over and build the new service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I knew I joined the military to get a different experience, so I wanted to jump into something new, he recalled. And the new role delivered: Standing up, we were working out of trailers, doing all these crazy operations on a dirt lot. So it was like being deployed every day. And thats what the Space Force provided me. Moore was assigned to an electromagnetic warfare unit and completed a six-month deployment to Europe in his new role. When he returned, he had an opportunity to fulfill another dream: to be a military training instructor a role hed been inspired by as a high schooler in a summer Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He put in an application, and in 2024 he learned hed be headed to the Army Drill Sergeant Academy in Columbia, South Carolina. Hed be the first Space Force Guardian and the first member of any joint service to graduate. Moore didnt just graduate, though; he dominated the course, finishing at the top of his class with a 99% average grade across all training objectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Designated the class platoon first sergeant, he supervised 75 other troops from various services. He even got pulled into an equipment inventory project while in training with the Army, helping the service verify 137,000 items worth a total of $5 million and earning praise from leadership of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. Moore said he put a lot of pressure on himself to show up ready, as he knew hed need to learn another services structure and culture as well as the training material. Having zero personal Army experience was definitely daunting, so I made my best effort to absolutely prepare beforehand, he said. Back at the Space Force Moore is putting the knowledge he gained at the drill school to work, as one of the leads of a project to rewrite the entire curriculum for Space Force basic military training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Space Force has up to this point closely followed Air Force training, Moore is now working to infuse more of the new services unique culture, principles and operational needs into the program. Hes also seeking to be open about his personal struggles along the way. In early 2025, he said, he experienced a mental health crisis that forced him to seek help and reevaluate the pressure he placed on himself to achieve and excel. While I did see results from working so hard and doing all these different things, I now realize that you know you can do those things and also have boundaries and take care of yourself, he said. And I think it was an extremely important and valuable lesson for me to learn and it allows me to be a more effective leader. ROME (AP) Two armed Turkish men were being questioned Thursday after being arrested in Viterbo, near Rome, hours before a popular local festival, Italys Premier Giorgia Meloni said. Meloni praised police and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi for their swift intervention leading to the arrests on Wednesday night, which she said allowed for the safe celebration of a unique event. Italian media reported that the two men were suspected of preparing an attack during the celebration, which was attended by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police in Viterbo did not comment on the motive of the arrests or the media reports of a possible attack. Thousands of people attend Viterbos Macchina di Santa Rosa festival, a religious procession and celebration held every year on Sept. 3 to honor the citys patron saint, Santa Rosa. The main event involves 100 Facchini di Santa Rosa, porters carrying a towering, illuminated structure called the Macchina, which weighs nearly 5 tons, through the citys narrow medieval streets. In recent months, Turkish authorities have conducted major operations against Turkish crime groups operating abroad in cooperation with European police. In April, coordinated raids in Turkey and several European countries led to 234 arrests for drug trafficking and money laundering, and the seizure of over 21 tons of drugs. In May 2024, a joint task force of Italian law enforcement and Interpol forces raided an apartment in the Viterbo hamlet of Bagnaia and arrested the alleged Turkish mafia boss Baris Boyun, one of Ankaras most wanted men. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Two people were arrested and charged after a victim was allegedly struck multiple times while unconscious near Gallagher Beach early last month, according to Buffalo Police. Police said officers responded to an assault call at Tifft Street and Fuhrmann Boulevard around 11 p.m. on Aug. 3. Witnesses said a victim was struck, hit his head, and lay unconscious while being struck multiple times by multiple people. His car was damaged as well. Louis Bodine, 20, of Buffalo, was arrested two days later and charged with first-degree assault and third-degree criminal mischief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryland Schloerb, 21, of Tonawanda, was arrested Aug. 19 and charged with second-degree assault and third-degree criminal mischief. An investigation remains ongoing. Latest Local News Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two people were killed and another person was injured in a multi-vehicle wreck in a town in New Hampshire on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said. Officers responding to a report of a collision near the intersection of Route 125 and Newtown Plains Road in Barrington around 1 p.m. found two passenger vehicles and a commercial vehicle that had crashed, the Barrington Police Department announced Thursday. A 25-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man, both of Barrington, died in the crash. Their names havent been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another driver, an 83-year-old woman, was hospitalized after the crash. There was no immediate word on the severity of her injuries. A preliminary investigation indicated that the first passenger vehicle was in a southbound lane and awaiting a left-hand turn when it was hit from behind by the second passenger vehicle, according to police. The rear-end collision subsequently sent the vehicle occupied by the young man and woman careening into the northbound travel lane, where it was struck by the commercial vehicle. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of those who were lost in this tragedy, the department said in a statement. Route 125 was closed for several hours after the crash as state and local police investigated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No charges have been filed in connection with the crash. Anyone with information on the crash is urged to contact the Barrington Police Department at 603-664-7679. 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 Trump administration lost two major cases before two different federal appellate courts in the last week, each one involving a separate unilateral executive action that was ruled illegal. With the U.S. Supreme Court readying to return early next month from its summer break, both cases are worth a close watch, as either one of them could easily land on the Court's docket for oral arguments and judgment sometime in the upcoming 202526 term. So let's consider each case in turn. Last Friday, August 29, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit held that President Donald Trump's imposition of "tariffs of unlimited duration on nearly all goods from nearly every country in the world" was unlawful because Trump's purported authority for this sweeping action, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), did not authorize the president to do any such thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "IEEPA's grant of presidential authority to 'regulate' imports does not authorize the tariffs imposed by the Executive Orders," declared the court's 74 majority. To hold otherwise, the court stated, would be to countenance an executive overreach that violated federal law by exceeding "the authority delegated to the President by IEEPA." As I've previously argued, overruling Trump's tariffs should be an easy call for the Supreme Court "because Trump has unlawfully exercised power that the Constitution placed in the hands of Congress, not in the hands of the president." Furthermore, "Trump's use of the IEEPA to fundamentally remake the American economy cannot be reconciled with any law passed by Congress." Of course, the Supreme Court has gotten it wrong before in other such cases that should have been easy calls. Perhaps we'll find out soon whether this Court has what it takes to get this one right. Now let's turn to the second big case that may soon be headed the Supreme Court's way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On September 2, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit rejected Trump's claim that the 1798 Alien Enemies Act (AEA) permits him to summarily deport alleged members of a Venezuelan street gang. "Applying our obligation to interpret the AEA," the 5th Circuit said, "we conclude that the findings do not support that an invasion or a predatory incursion has occurred." According to the text of the AEA, "whenever there shall be a declared war between the United States and any foreign nation or government, or any invasion or predatory incursion shall be perpetrated, attempted, or threatened against the territory of the United States, by any foreign nation or government," the president may then, and only then, direct the "removal" of "all natives, citizens, denizens, or subjects of the hostile nation or government, being males of the age of fourteen years and upwards, who shall be within the United States, and not actually naturalized." However, as the 5th Circuit correctly recognized, no such conditions currently exist to justify Trump's unilateral actions. As I've previously noted, "there is no 'declared war' between the United States and Venezuela, and there is no 'invasion or predatory incursion' of the U.S. by 'any foreign nation or government.' The gang is not a foreign state, and the gang's alleged crimes, heinous as they may be, do not qualify as acts of war by a foreign state." Ruling against Trump's invocation of the AEA should thus also be an easy call for the Supreme Court. But let the dissenting opinion of 5th Circuit Judge Andrew Oldham serve as a cautionary tale against any unbridled optimism in this matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Oldham's dissent, the choice to invoke the Alien Enemies Act is the president's choice alone, and it should never be subjected to "the second-guessing powers of unelected federal judges." In fact, Oldham declared, even if Trump did act illegally, the courts still have no business overruling him in a case like this one. "Just because the Executive might violate the law," Oldham wrote, "does not mean the courts can do anything about it." Unfortunately, that sort of extreme judicial deference toward the president has been warmly embraced by the Supreme Court before, especially when the legal dispute touched on foreign affairs. So I would not be entirely shocked if some version of Oldham's unfortunate dissent worked its way into the opinions of one or more justices. In Other News Yesterday marked a momentous date in American history, and I would be remiss if I failed to at least briefly acknowledge it here today. "On Monday, the third day of September, 1838, in accordance with my resolution, I bade farewell to the city of Baltimore, and to that slavery which had been my abhorrence from childhood." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So wrote the great American hero Frederick Douglass in remembrance of the fateful day187 years ago yesterdayin which he made good his escape from bondage. It's always a good time to honor and remember Douglass and his legacy of liberty. But this week's anniversary gives us an extra reason to do so. The post 2 Trump Cases To Watch as the Supreme Court Returns From Summer Break appeared first on Reason.com. Twenty-six Western countries are prepared to send troops to secure a ceasefire or peace between Russia and Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. The countries have agreed to deploy ground troops or forces in the air or at sea as support, von der Leyen said on Thursday. However, details on participants, troop numbers and roles were not disclosed. The coalition, a loose alliance of some 35 countries, gathered in Paris to discuss how to strengthen the Ukrainian armed forces along with providing political and military commitments to Kiev in case Russia launches another attack after a peace deal is reached. Germany still reserved Germany is not prepared to commit to participation at this stage, said Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to his spokesman. First, the focus must be on the financing, armament and training of the Ukrainian armed forces, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leaders agreed that strengthening the Ukrainian military after the end of the war is a key element of security guarantees for the country aside from the deployment of troops. "This force neither has the will nor the aim to wage wars against Russia but is intended to secure peace and send a clear strategic signal," said Macron. "It will be deployed as part of a ceasefire, not on the front line, but in areas currently being determined, and it is meant to prevent any new major aggression and clearly involve the 26 states in the permanent security of Ukraine." The coalition has not yet publicly disclosed the exact details of the guarantees or how far the commitments go beyond enhanced military aid. So far, the focus has primarily been on strengthening the defensive capabilities of the Ukrainian army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, a possible European troop deployment to Ukraine or near its borders has also been explicitly mentioned. According to military sources, a European NATO troop presence in Ukraine would likely involve a large-scale training mission rather than a traditional peacekeeping force. Commitments from Washington awaited The main burden of any deployment would fall on European NATO members. However, European leaders have repeatedly stressed that such efforts would not be possible without backing from the United States. After Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent Washington visit, along with European allies, it seemed Trump could be persuaded, though Washington has yet to make concrete commitments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff travelled to the Paris meeting and updated Trump in a 90-minute call afterwards. "The results of this phone call are simple. In the coming days, we will finalize the US support for these security guarantees," said Macron, without further elaborating on Washington's specific role. New sanctions on Moscow? Beyond security guarantees, the leaders discussed political and military commitments if Russia were to launch a fresh attack on its neighbour. They also discussed fresh sanctions to halt Russia's war efforts if Moscow continues to reject concrete peace talks during the call with Trump, Macron said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the US and Russia would be in contact again on the issue. A European deployment Most coalition members have so far adopted a wait-and-see approach. France and Britain have expressed willingness to send several thousand soldiers, while Denmark, Estonia and Lithuania have made similar commitments. Sweden has indicated its readiness to secure peace in Ukraine through airspace monitoring and naval operations. The Netherlands stated it could provide assistance in the air, at sea and on land, while the Czech Republic considers discussions about troop deployments premature while Lithuania expressed caution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spain and Portugal hinted months ago that they might participate in a peace mission. Greece, Slovakia, Italy, Cyprus, Poland, Austria, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary have already ruled out deploying troops towards Ukraine. However, many of these countries have expressed willingness to support future peace in Ukraine through other means, such as logistical assistance or training Ukrainian soldiers. Russia's unchanged position It is unclear whether a form of peace can be reached. Russia is ready to continue the war if no agreement is reached that is acceptable to Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia rejects Western considerations for security guarantees, including the deployment of troops from NATO states in Ukraine. "Russia will not discuss deeply unacceptable foreign intervention in Ukraine that undermines security," Zakharova said in Vladivostok, according to Russian state news agency TASS. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte defended the ongoing plans for possible deployment of European troops in Ukraine following a potential ceasefire with Russia. He said Russia's stance would not deter NATO. "Why are we interested in what Russia thinks about troops in Ukraine?" Rutte said at an event organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Prague. Ukraine is a sovereign country, he said, and it is not up to Russia to decide on a troop presence. Sep. 4A new Ohio law meant to dwindle the total number of taxing jurisdictions in the state has at least 28 local villages in its crosshairs so far. Those 28 villages have had at least one village elected position go without a candidate in the elections of 2021, 2023, or the upcoming 2025 election, which means they'll fail a new state-mandated audit scheduled after the 2030 Census. Failure of that audit automatically puts a question on the local ballot to dissolve that village's government and fold its assets and territory into the nearest township. A simple majority of voters will seal a village's fate, one way or the other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a list of those villages, sorted by population: Name County / partial county 2020 Population total West Milton Village Miami 4,697 Cedarville Village Greene 4,257 Covington Village Miami 2,548 New Miami Village Butler 2,217 Jamestown Village Greene 2,052 Morrow Village Warren 2,049 Bradford Village Miami / Darke 1,796 South Charleston Village Clark 1,706 Pleasant Hill Village Miami 1,241 Farmersville Village Montgomery 975 Seven Mile Village Butler 712 Millville Village Butler 634 Phillipsburg Village Montgomery 498 Corwin Village Warren 484 North Hampton Village Clark 457 Fletcher Village Miami 451 Spring Valley Village Greene 415 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Verona Village Preble / Montgomery 403 South Vienna Village Clark 402 Laura Village Miami 398 Tremont City Village Clark 352 Casstown Village Miami 270 Bowersville Village Greene 261 Donnelsville Village Clark 255 Catawba Village Clark 245 Potsdam Village Miami 225 Ludlow Falls Village Miami 175 Clifton Village Greene 131 Nine area villages in the area have successfully fielded a candidate for every village opening in 2021, 2023, and 2025. But they could still face a dissolution vote if they can't prove that they provide at least five out of the 10 following services: police protection, firefighting services, emergency medical services, garbage collection, water service, sewer service, road maintenance, parks or recreation services, human services, or a village-operated library. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those villages are: Name County / partial county 2020 population New Lebanon Village Montgomery 3,796 Yellow Springs Village Greene 3,697 Waynesville Village Warren 2,669 Enon Village Clark 2,449 Maineville Village Warren 1,405 Harveysburg Village Warren 554 Butlerville Village Warren 155 Pleasant Plain Village Warren 129 Jacksonburg Village Butler 55 Here's an interactive map comparing the two datasets: ------ For more stories like this, sign up for our Ohio Politics newsletter. It's free, curated, and delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday evening. Avery Kreemer can be reached at 614-981-1422, on X, via email, or you can drop him a comment/tip with the survey below. Loading... BLOOMSBURG, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A community action agency in Columbia County is celebrating its one-year fight against food insecurity with its mobile food pantry. For families, when it comes to something with their income that they need to cut, food is always that one thing, said Sandy Winhofer, self-sufficiency supervisor at Central Susquehanna Opportunities. But a new pantry on wheels is hitting the streets to fight back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shelves are lined with pantry staples inside the Central Susquehanna Opportunities mobile food pantry, which transforms an ordinary truck into a lifeline for local families. CSOs CEO, Megan Bair, tells 28/22 News that in its first year, theyve helped more than 5,200 individuals across Columbia, Montour, and Northumberland counties, distributing nearly 74,000 pounds of food. Weather Alert: Rain heading for northeastern and central Pa. Were currently in four communities. Berwick, Coal Township, Danville, and Watsontown, and each of those communities, we have partners that have stepped up to allow us to use their space to offer the service, said Bair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The community action agencys mission is to help people from all walks of life thrive and be self-sufficient, even working with local farms to get fresh produce. Anything from cucumbers to brussels sprouts, peppers, broccoli, explained Winhoffer. We also have someone here who will talk to the people coming through to teach them how to use the vegetable if its not something theyre familiar with, or just to give them an idea of a different recipe, shared Stacie Snyder, self-sufficiency administrator at Central Susquehanna Opportunities. Expanding its resources, CSO is welcoming a mini mobile food pantry, a way to reach new places they wouldnt be able to bring the large truck. Its projected to serve around thirty families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bringing smiles and making healthy meals more accessible, one stop at a time. I was at a distribution the other week and there was a little boy who was so excited because his favorite cereal was on the truck and he said, I didnt know that you could get this at food pantries! shared Bair. CSOs mini mobile food pantry ribbon cutting is Thursday on West Sixth Street in Bloomsburg at 3 p.m. In addition to food resources, CSO also serves nine counties for workforce development. For more information, visit CSO Cares. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This story was originally published on Construction Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Construction Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Balfour Beatty hopes to get employees' creative juices flowing with an artificial intelligence hackathon, designed to create AI prototypes for solving common construction problems, the company told Construction Dive via email. The first-ever event of its kind for Balfour Beatty US, known as My Contribution AI Hackathon, will take place from Sept. 8-9 at software giant Microsofts campus near Dallas. It will feature 70 employees tackling issues in six key business areas: preconstruction planning, safety/zero harm, quality, business development, internal efficiencies and standard operating procedures. Six ideas one for each business area were selected by the builders IT and executive leadership team, Microsoft and a third-party AI specialist. During the event, Balfour Beatty personnel will work to prototype the AI solutions in conjunction with experts from Microsoft, Answer Rocket and AsBuilt. Dive Insight: The event seeks to build on Balfour Beattys recent momentum in the AI space and its relationship with Microsoft earlier this month, the company invested $9.6 million into Microsoft 365 Copilot, the tech giants AI offering. The contractor also plans to develop AI agents that will aid its quality, health and safety and assurance processes. Balfour Beatty's MyC AI Hackathon is a catalyst for innovation, said Kasey Bevans, Balfour Beatty US chief information officer, told Construction Dive. Were bringing together frontline and administrative expertise and technologies to reimagine how construction gets done. These pushes didnt crop up overnight. In March 2024, Balfour Beatty CEO Leo Quinn announced that the company was working on AI-based tools for its teams, which included StoaOne AI, a tool for searching internal documents. Another was an unnamed project, which would mine billions of data points from health and safety observations and past incidents to predict, prevent and mitigate risks. For these tools, Quinn said that Balfour Beatty and Microsoft, alongside other tech firms, were working together to develop solutions in-house. The contractor has put together similar innovation initiatives, most notably the Big AI Challenge in the U.K. in 2024. Two winning ideas came out of that competition and made it to further development, per Bevans highway repair clustering and auto-generation of inspection and test plans. On Sept. 2, 2025, the White House, Department of Defense, and Department of State announced that the U.S. military conducted a kinetic strike against an alleged drug boat connected to a South American narco-terrorist organization. The action was part of a counter-drug mission in the Caribbean, which consisted of nine warships, including three destroyers and a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine. While a video of the strike was published to social media, the U.S. government has not publicly confirmed the details of the engagement. (@realDonaldTrump via Truth Social) Unconfirmed reports to other media outlets have stated that the strike was conducted by a drone or helicopter, but defense department employees familiar with the weapon system used told We Are The Mighty that, based on the footage, the weapon used was likely an AGM-114 Hellfire missile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The explosion provided by the Hellfire missiles nearly seven-mile range and its laser-guided precision ensured that the event resulted in 11 terrorist deaths and zero American casualties. Its hard to put a price on that kind of outcome. Its not, however, hard to price out a missile. In FY2021, a single Hellfire missile cost about $150,000not an insignificant amount of money. But could it have been done cheaper? Lets play armchair admiral and explore three more affordable ways that the Navy could destroy a johnboat loaded with terrorists and drugs. 1. 5-inch Mark 45 gun (BAE Systems) The Navy has largely switched to missiles as its primary weapon systems. However, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are still armed with guns. On the forward deck is a single 5-inch Mark 45 gun. A multipurpose weapon, the gun can be used for anti-aircraft, naval gunfire support, and anti-ship roles. Notably, the Mark 45 has a range of 13 nautical miles and could engage a surface target from a greater distance than a Hellfire missile. In addition to conventional shells, the Navy has been testing a Hypervelocity Projectile for the Mark 45. This guided projectile extends the range and increases the accuracy of the Navys 5-inch gun. While more expensive than conventional 5-inch shells, the HVP is reported to cost between $75,000-100,000. This would be cheaper than a Hellfire, as long as it hit on the first shot. 2. Mk 5 Mod 0 HELIOS (United States Office of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation) Conventional weapons like missiles and guns can be boring. What if we used the power of the sun? Ok, not quite, but the Navys High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance was designed to provide ships with a cost-effective weapon system to intercept drones, fast-attack boats, and missiles. The HELIOS (you have to wonder how many meetings it took to shoehorn in that acronym) uses fiber lasers to shoot a 60-150 kW beam that fries its target or sets it on fire with directed energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, Lockheed Martin was awarded a $150 million contract for two HELIOS units, one of which was installed on a destroyer. Additional funds have been allocated to continue the development of the weapon. However, looking at the cost of a single shot, the HELIOS is actually very economical. Drawing from the ships power supply, the weapon is limited only by power and cooling. 3. Marines U.S. Marines with Maritime Special Purpose Force, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), depart for maritime interdiction operations from the U.S. Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima. (U.S. Marine Corps) Cpl. Emily Hazelbaker To paraphrase Cpl. Ray Person in Generation Kill, the Marines are Americas pit bull. Theyre mistreated, starved, and once in a while, theyre let out to attack somebody. Theres no greater friend and no worse enemy than a U.S. Marine. While it would put American troops in the most direct danger, unleashing underway Marines who have been cooped up on a Navy ship is a great way to ensure a targets destruction. Part of the U.S. Navy deployment to the Caribbean is the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Iwo Jima. Give the Marines their M27s, tell them whichever boat smokes the most terrorists gets a fresh box of crayons, lower the well deck ramp, and let loose the Devil Dogs of War. A thousand rounds of 5.56mm M855A1: $680. Crayola Ultimate Crayon Box Collection, 152 Count: $25. Seeing the smiles on the faces of underway Marines on their way to attack someone: Priceless. stress cards Military Life The true history behind the Air Force basic training Stress Cards myth By Blake Stilwell war of 1812 facts Wars 12 surprising facts about the War of 1812 By Blake Stilwell Sidewinder loading Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aviation The Navy is spending $1.1 billion on the most successful air-to-air missile in the world By Miguel Ortiz the usns harvey milk Navy The Secretary of Defense wants to change a ships name. Here are the untold perils of renaming a vessel By Blake Stilwell guadalcanal World War II Today in military history: US forces invade Guadalcanal By Team Mighty The Democratic governors of three states announced on Wednesday that they are forming a new partnership to ensure their constituents receive science-based guidance on vaccines, filling the vacuum left by President Donald Trumps blatant politicization of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Govs. Gavin Newsom of California, Tina Kotek of Oregon and Bob Ferguson of Washington cited the recent upheaval at the health agency as the main reason they felt compelled to create the West Coast Health Alliance to ensure their constituents can rely on science-based health guidance. President Trumps mass firing of CDC doctors and scientists and his blatant politicization of the agency is a direct assault on the health and safety of the American people, the governors said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC has become a political tool that increasingly peddles ideology instead of science, ideology that will lead to severe health consequences. California, Oregon, and Washington will not allow the people of our states to be put at risk, they added. A press release explaining how the alliance will operate said the three states will work together to coordinate health guidelines by aligning immunization recommendations informed by respected national medical organizations to ensure Americans there are shielded from the confusion prompted by shifting federal actions. Related: Republican Senators Grill RFK Jr. Over Chaos At CDC Andrew Nixon, a director of communications for the HHS, slammed the move as politically motivated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The launch of the new partnership follows a recent string of chaos at the CDC after the White House terminated Susan Monarez from the director position last week. Monarezs lawyers said she was removed for refusing to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts. Four other CDC officials resigned following her ouster. An ally of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with no formal medical training was chosen to replace Monarez on an interim basis. Susan Monarez takes part in a hearing on her nomination for Director of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on June 25, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images Kennedy, the countrys top health official under the Trump administration, who has faced swift criticism over his leadership at the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC, including about his decision to fire all members of a committee tasked with advising the U.S. government on vaccines, is set to testify on Capitol Hill on Thursday morning. Over 1,000 HHS employees called for Kennedys resignation on Wednesday, accusing him of compromising the health of this nation. Their letter followed an op-ed by nine former leaders of the CDC published in The New York Times on Monday, warning that Kennedys policies are endangering the health of all Americans. Related: RFK Jr. Accuses Ousted CDC Director Of Lying About 'Troubling' Order The three states announcement came on the same day that Floridas Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said the Sunshine State would soon be moving to remove all vaccine mandates, including those that require children to be vaccinated to attend public schools, comparing lifesaving shots to slavery. Related... Read the original on HuffPost LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Three people face multiple charges after a shooting occurred in Laurens on Wednesday. Police said they arrived at the 900 block of Church Street around 11 a.m., after receiving a report of a shooting. At the scene, officers said they found a car containing three people that had been hit by gunshots. Three minors were arrested in connection to the shooting. They have been charged with: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attempted murder Two counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature Possession of a weapon during a violent crime Discharging a weapon into an occupied car The shooting involved people who knew one another, police said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department has relieved three deputies of duty while it investigates the circumstances of the bloody beating of a Valencia man outside a Santa Clarita bar last year. Parker Seitz, 25, alleged in a federal lawsuit that off-duty sheriff's deputies attacked him outside a bar called the Break Room last Thanksgiving Day. He sustained multiple serious injuries, according to the complaint filed in California's Central District federal court on Aug. 25, including a fractured jaw, a punctured lung and a bruised collarbone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seitz is suing the county, multiple L.A. County sheriffs deputies, hired security guards at the Break Room, and the bar itself for unspecified damages. Read more: Protester shot in face by a police projectile awarded more than $3 million Parker Seitz was violently attacked by off-duty Los Angeles Sheriffs Deputies, under the watchful eye of security guards contracted by a local business, Josh Stambaugh, an attorney for Seitz, said in a statement. He suffered serious injuries and, as we allege in our lawsuit, members and leaders of the LASD then attempted to conceal the truth of the attack and evade accountability on behalf of the organization. The Sheriffs Department said in an email that it takes these allegations seriously, and that on Dec. 2 it initiated an internal investigation into the incident. Three employees have been relieved of duty pending the outcome of the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Management at the Break Room did not respond to requests for comment. The complaint alleges assault and battery by off-duty deputies Randy Austin and Nicholas Hernandez and an unidentified third assailant, along with a civil conspiracy by the county and a number of Sheriffs Department employees accused of trying to bury the incident. Parker Seitz, 25, alleges off-duty sheriff's deputies attacked him outside a Santa Clarita bar called the Break Room last Thanksgiving Day. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has relieved three deputies of duty while it investigates the incident. (Robert Hanashiro / For The Times) About 10:30 p.m. Nov. 27, Seitz and two friends visited the bar, where Austin, Hernandez and the third assailant began to bother and harass Seitz, including by repeatedly reaching for the sunglasses resting on his head, according to the complaint. Minutes after Seitz left the bar about 1:36 a.m. on Nov. 28, the complaint said, Hernandez knocked the shades off Seitzs head in a rude and offensive manner and an altercation broke out. The altercation dissipated quickly, according to the complaint, but then at about 1:46 a.m., Austin, suddenly and without any justification, punched Seitz and knocked him down, then Austin, Hernandez and the unidentified third person proceeded to beat and stomp on him while he was on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seitz was bloodied during the beating and taken to a nearby hospital. Shortly after his arrival there, Justin Diez who was a captain in charge of the Santa Clarita Valley sheriffs station at the time of the incident and was promoted in April to lead the departments North Patrol Division as commander and Deputy Richard Wyatt allegedly defamed him and violated his constitutional and civil rights in an effort to intimidate him and cover up the assault, the complaint said. Wyatt, Seitz alleged, told one of Seitzs friends that he had thrown the first punch and that he had been disruptive while at the hospital, which Seitz denies. Later that morning, Diez called Seitzs father, Ryan Seitz, and told him his son had started a fight with off-duty deputies of the LASD and if Ryan Seitz would leave it to Diez, he would make sure the situation would go away, the complaints said, describing the call as an attempt to cover up the true circumstances of the beating and to intimidate and dissuade Seitz from filing or pressing charges or pursuing any claims against the deputies or the county. Read more: Access denied: L.A. County sheriff, watchdog clash over deputy killing investigations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriffs Department did not directly respond to the allegations outlined in Seitzs complaint, but it said that it has established policies and procedures that clearly outline the standards of conduct required of all employees. Any violation of these standards will be addressed promptly, and appropriate action will be taken if evidence is found to support the allegation of misconduct. Stambaugh said Seitz was out with friends after a Friendsgiving dinner celebrating the purchase of his first home the night he was allegedly assaulted. Parker Seitzs lawsuit is a demand for accountability in response to the wrongs he has personally suffered, and an effort to ensure that the actions of these specific LASD members remain an anomaly, Stambaugh said in his statement. This is not the LASD that the Seitz family had supported and believed in. 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. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Three people were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of running a large methamphetamine conversion lab in North Edwards, according to the Kern County Sheriffs Office. KCSO collaborated with the Los Angeles Police Department, Kern County District Attorneys Office and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to conduct a narcotics investigation by executing a search warrant in the 19500 block of Desert View in North Edwards. The search warrant led to the seizure of about 762 pounds of meth and an additional 100 pounds of meth in solution, according to officials. Photo: Kern County Sheriffs Office Photo: Kern County Sheriffs Office Photo: Kern County Sheriffs Office Photo: Kern County Sheriffs Office Photo: Kern County Sheriffs Office Rigoberto Lugo-Flores, Jesus Alfredo-Quintero and Juventino Torres tried to flee from the lab but were quickly apprehended, KCSO said. Lugo-Flores, 48, and Alfredo-Quintero, 32 are from Culiacan Sinaloa, Mexico, and Torres, 47 is from Michoacan, Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three suspects were arrested for charges related to manufacturing and possessing a controlled substance for sale, keeping a place to sell a controlled substance and conspiracy. Lugo-Flores was also arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, booking records show. The large-scale meth conversion lab was dismantled through this investigation, according to KCSO. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 3-year-old Utah boy has died after he was left alone in a hot car outside of his home, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. On Monday at approximately 6:11 p.m., officials received a 911 call from someone screaming, with the caller then hanging up on authorities, the sheriff's office said in a press release on Wednesday. Eventually, authorities were able to gather information and determine that "a child was injured" outside an apartment complex in Veyo, Utah, and dispatched medical crews, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Texas mom arrested for murder in death of 15-month-old 'intentionally' left in hot car for over 2 hours: Police Once medical teams arrived to the scene, they found the 3-year-old, who was unresponsive, officials said. Someone at the scene was attempting to do CPR on the child when officials arrived, Northwest Fire Special Services District Chief Charles Guthrie told Salt Lake City ABC affiliate KTVX. The toddler was pronounced dead on the scene by emergency medical crews "in conjunction with an on-call doctor," officials said. During their initial investigation, authorities learned the child was "left unattended in the vehicle after a shopping trip with family," officials said. KTVX - PHOTO: Officials in Utah are investigating the death of a 3-year-old boy, who died after he was left alone in a hot car, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. The investigation remains ongoing and there have not been any arrests or charges filed, a spokesperson with the Washington County Sheriff's Office told ABC News on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Washington County Sheriff's Office is saddened that this tragic incident occurred and extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and community this has affected," the sheriff's office said in a statement. The identity of the child has not been released. MORE: 5-year-old boy dies in hot car, mother thought she dropped kid off at day care: Police "It's very impactful. ... It's devastating to lose a child like that. You know, mistakes happen, but still, to lose a child in that way is very, very difficult," Guthrie told KTVX. Temperatures at St. George Regional Airport -- which is approximately 33 miles from Veyo, Utah -- reached 102 degrees on Monday, according to the National Weather Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Kids and Car Safety, an organization focused on "saving the lives of children and pets in and around vehicles," nearly 40 children die in hot cars every year in the United States, which is approximately one every nine days. Click here for hot car safety tips to keep in mind when temperatures rise. Were you left with faulty insulation after using the EC04 scheme? Get in touch: money@telegraph.co.uk. Over 30,000 homes have been fitted with faulty insulation under a government-backed scheme to cut energy bills, ministers have said. Thousands of homeowners used the green energy schemes set up by the Government in order to keep their homes warm and save on energy bills. However, they may have put their homes at risk of damp and mould because of widespread cases of poorly installed insulation. Since January, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, together with Ofgem and Trustmark, have conducted an audit to work out the scale of the problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, 65,000 households have had solid wall insulation installed since 2022 under the Great British Insulation Scheme and Energy Company Obligation 4 (Eco4). Out of those households, it is estimated that more than 30,000 were affected by poor quality work, a minister told Parliament Miatta Fahnbulleh, Energy Minister and Peckham MP, said in a written answer in July that preliminary findings from the audit suggested the majority of properties had not had insulation installed to the appropriate standard. She said this pointed to a systemic failure within the schemes. Simon Francis, of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition campaign group, said: It is unacceptable that tens of thousands of households have been left with poor quality insulation which could make cold, damp homes even worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public put their trust in these schemes to make homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to heat, and any issues must be rectified as soon as possible by skilled workers. Ofgem, which is overseeing the remediation process, has already started notifying the affected households. All installers responsible for the poor work will be forced to carry out repairs at no cost to the homeowner. If the installer is no longer trading, then the homeowner should still have costs of up to 20,000 covered. Families deserve answers However, the thousands affected by cavity wall insulation installed under earlier grants will not be covered by the rescue package. Families and campaigners have called on the Government to address this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Debra Sofia Magdalene, campaigner and administrator of the SSB Law Victims Support Group, said the insulation scandal is far bigger than the 30,000 homes admitted today. She said: Families deserve answers. Todays figures expose the scale of the problem with solid wall insulation, but we also need the Government to come clean on cavity wall insulation failures which have left so many living in damp, damaged homes. At the start of the year, the Government revealed 39 firms had been suspended from installing solid wall insulation, and ordered to repair faulty works following routine inspections. The faulty works range from insufficient ventilation to missing or exposed insulation which can lead to damp and mould. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Living with damp and mould can cause respiratory illnesses, asthma and skin conditions. The health effects can prove fatal to those with weakened immune systems. A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesman said: This scale of non-compliance is unacceptable, and we are working at speed to ensure substandard installations are identified and remediated as quickly as possible, with no cost to the consumer. We will soon set out plans to overhaul the fragmented system of consumer protections we inherited, to restore trust and help more people cut their bills. Concerned consumers should contact Ofgem for advice and support by email at ecohelp@ofgem.gov.uk or via the helpline on 0808 169 4447. 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: The City of Topeka announced a correction to its initial press release. This article has been updated to reflect that Cody Bush was killed in a shooting on Sept. 1 and not a shooting on Aug. 14. TOPEKA (KSNT) Law enforcement has released new information following a deadly north Topeka shooting on Labor Day. The Topeka Police Department (TPD) reports that Cody Bush, 30, of Topeka was killed in a shooting on the holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers were called around 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 1 to reports of a shooting in the 100 block of Northwest Holman Street. Police arriving in the area found one person suffering from life-threatening injuries who was declared dead at the scene. Governors Warrant used to extradite accused killer, kidnapper back to Kansas If you have any information to share with police regarding this homicide investigation, you can send an email to telltpd@topeka.org. You can also reach out to Shawnee County Crime Stoppers by calling 785-234-0007 or by clicking here. (Photo By: Savannah Meier) (Photo By: Savannah Meier) (Photo By: Savannah Meier) (Photo By: Savannah Meier) (Photo By: Savannah Meier) For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Officials in several Southern California cities warned ahead of Independence Day that they would be on the lookout for illegal fireworks and would levy large fines on those who violated the law. In Stanton, however, it seems they took that crackdown to a new level. As reported by the Orange County Register, one Stanton resident was given a $300,000 citation for the illegal shooting of 300 fireworks. Each violation was a $1,000 fine, resulting in the eye-popping number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And they were far from alone. While that fine was by far the largest, city officials told the Register, citations totaling nearly $1 million were handed out after the holiday. Were really trying to send across a message about how serious of an issue this is, right?, Stanton City Manager Hannah Shin-Heydorn told the Register. I mean, yes, on the one hand, it sounds like a large number, but when you read our ordinance and you realize they had to discharge, sell, or store 300 individual illegal fireworks in a community that is highly dense with properties right next to each other and crowds in the street and you realize what they were willing to risk, I think that helps put into perspective. Fireworks detonated and killed several people in Southern California this summer alone, including an 8-year-old girl in Buena Park and a person in Simi Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. We already knew that interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was different from the other two interstellar objects known to have traversed the Solar System, but a slew of new observations suggest it may be even weirder than the weirder that it was. NASA and ESA instruments Hubble, SPHEREx, JWST, and TESS have all captured the object as it makes its way towards the Sun. The results show that not only was 3I/ATLAS actively outgassing long before we spotted it, but its atmosphere (or coma) has a higher proportion of carbon dioxide than scientists usually see in comets, interstellar or otherwise. This could tell us something about the environment in which 3I/ATLAS formed, the space conditions through which it has traveled, or even the internal composition of the comet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Fuzzy, Large, And Very Old: Everything We Know About Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS A SPHEREx image of comet 3I/ATLAS, showing a coma that extends out to at least 348,000 kilometers (around 216,000 miles). ( NASA/JPL-Caltech The comet first came to our attention on 1 July 2025, and astronomers have been avidly goggling at it ever since not least because they have a very limited window in which to do so. Its closest approach to the Sun, or perihelion, will take place on October 29; but, because it's on the other side of the Sun from Earth, it will be hidden behind the star's blazing glow by this time. This means that the best time for observing the comet before perihelion is rapidly slipping by, so scientists are making the best of it, turning some of our most powerful instruments to the task or, in the case of TESS, scouring pre-discovery data for glimpses of the object. It's for this reason that we now know the first known glimpse of 3I/ATLAS took place back in May, nearly two full months before the official discovery. The comet was moving a lot faster than the targets TESS is designed to study, so researchers had to use some image-stacking techniques to reveal it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is where it gets interesting. The TESS data suggest that the comet was already active at that time, at a distance of around 6 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun out past the orbit of Jupiter. That's a much greater distance than expected: most comets begin showing activity no closer than 5 AU from the Sun. When we call a comet active, it means that it has warmed up enough for the ices on and just under its surface to sublime transition directly from a frozen to a gaseous state. This produces a coma and, eventually, if the comet comes close enough to the Sun to be affected by radiation pressure, cometary tails. In their preprint paper, the researchers who made the TESS discovery posit that the comet's early awakening may have had something to do with its composition. Some ices sublime more readily than others and carbon dioxide is one of those ices. This was confirmed by two separate, independent measurements using two different instruments. In mid-August 2025, NASA's brand-spanking-new space telescope SPHEREx took multi-spectral observations of the comet at distances between 3.3 and 3.1 AU from the Sun, clearly resolving a coma rich in carbon dioxide, as well as water. No tails or jets were observed at this time, and the coma was measured out to a radius of 23 kilometers, suggesting that production rates were pretty high. (The comet itself, according to Hubble measurements, has a radius of about 2.8 kilometers.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is supported by measurements from JWST, which observed the comet at a distance of 3.32 astronomical units from the Sun in early August. Its data suggests that carbon dioxide and water exist in the coma at a ratio of 8 to 1 among the highest proportion of carbon dioxide ever seen in a comet. There could be several reasons for this. "Our observations are compatible with an intrinsically CO 2 -rich nucleus, which may indicate that 3I/ATLAS contains ices exposed to higher levels of radiation than Solar System comets, or that it formed close to the CO 2 ice line in its parent protoplanetary disk," the researchers explain in their preprint paper. "A low coma H 2 O gas abundance may also be implied, for example, due to inhibited heat penetration into the nucleus, which could suppress the H 2 O sublimation rate relative to CO 2 and CO." YouTube Thumbnail We're not really going to know more without more information on the comet, for which we may have to wait. As you can see in the animation above, its trajectory is going to take it behind the Sun relative to Earth, but at perihelion it may be close enough to Mars for Mars orbiters to catch a glimpse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After perihelion is when things will get even more exciting. At this time, the comet will make its closest approach to Earth as it continues to zoom right on out of the Solar System. In theory, Juno could intercept it when it whizzes past Jupiter in March next year. This is such a fascinating object, we can't wait to see what else our intrepid astronomers are able to find. The Hubble, TESS, SPHEREx, and JWST findings, which have not yet been peer-reviewed, are all available in separate listings on the preprint server arXiv. Related News Nvidia's networking business is also picking up momentum. In the second quarter, networking revenues from the sale of products like Spectrum-X Ethernet, InfiniBand, and NVLink soared 98% year over year to $7.3 billion. Networking has now become a $10 billion-plus annual business and will continue to grow as demand for high efficiency and low latency networking in large AI compute clusters proliferates. More than 5 million developers and 40,000 companies use Nvidia's proprietary Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) software stack to program AI workloads running on the company's hardware. The software ecosystem has created a sticky customer base. Nvidia's business continues to fire on all cylinders. The company reported record revenues of $46.7 billion, a 56% year-over-year jump, in the second quarter of fiscal 2026 (ended July 27, 2025), with data center sales remaining the key growth catalyst. The new Blackwell-based AI infrastructure systems, such as the GB200 NVL System and GB300 System, are being rapidly adopted by cloud providers and enterprises, including OpenAI, Meta Platforms , and Microsoft. These Blackwell architecture systems are far more power-efficient than earlier Hopper architecture ones -- a crucial differentiator as data centers struggle with rising energy costs. Several billionaire investors bought Nvidia's shares in the second quarter of calendar year 2025. David Tepper's Appaloosa added 1.45 million shares, increasing its stake by a massive 483% from the previous quarter. Dan Loeb's Third Point increased Nvidia's stake by 1.35 million shares worth $285 million. Prominent hedge funds such as Tiger Global Management led by Chase Coleman, SRS Investment Management led by Karthik Sarma, and Coatue Management led by Philippe Laffont, also invested heavily in Nvidia shares in the second quarter. These significant moves highlight strong confidence in Nvidia's growth potential among some of Wall Street's most successful hedge fund managers. Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL) are among the top AI leaders attracting strong interest from billionaire investors, making them equally brilliant picks for long-term retail investors. Here's why. Investing in artificial intelligence (AI) companies that are building the required infrastructure for the next-generation technological transformation can be a brilliant long-term strategy for retail investors. Precedence Research estimates the global AI market will grow from $757.6 billion in 2025 to $3.7 trillion in 2034. Many billionaire investors are already capitalizing on this massive growth trajectory by building sizable positions in the leading AI stocks. Nvidias explosive financial growth, driven by the rapid adoption of its AI hardware and software solutions, makes it an exceptional long-term buy-and-hold pick. Leer mas The company still faces risks, including U.S. restrictions on the sale of GPUs to China. While management has excluded China-related H20 revenues from third-quarter guidance, the company is still pursuing regulatory approvals. Nvidia estimates the Chinese AI market opportunity to be worth $50 billion by 2025, expecting it to grow at a 50% annual rate. At about 39.5 times forward earnings, Nvidia stock isn't cheap. But investors are paying for a company with unmatched technology, a sticky software ecosystem, and explosive demand for its products. With billionaire investors buying in and AI spending set to surge, Nvidia remains a substantial long-term investment. 2. Alphabet Many billionaire investors have also bought significant stakes in Alphabet stock in the second quarter of 2025. Prominent among them is Bridgewater Associates, led by Ray Dalio, which added 2.56 million shares and increased its position by 84%. Tiger Global Management, led by Chase Coleman, increased its stake in Alphabet by 3.1%. Pershing Square Capital Management, led by Bill Ackman, also raised its position by 20.8% in Alphabet stock. Subsequently, these billionaire investors have signaled conviction in Alphabet's AI and cloud growth trajectory. Alphabet's second-quarter fiscal 2025 (ending June 30) performance appears to have reaffirmed this confidence. Revenues grew 14% year over year to $96.4 billion, while net income jumped 19% year-over-year to $28.2 billion. The company demonstrated strength across all of its business lines, including Search, YouTube, and Google Cloud. Alphabet's strategy of integrating advanced AI capabilities in its core offerings dramatically improved user engagement. Search features such as AI Mode and AI Overviews are rapidly gaining traction. AI Mode already reached 100 million monthly users in the U.S. and India, while over 2 billion monthly users use AI Overviews in more than 200 countries and 40 languages. Alphabet's Gemini app surpassed 450 million monthly active users. The increasing user engagement is translating into improved monetization. Google Search delivered double-digit revenue growth in the second quarter, despite increasing competition from generative AI-powered chatbots. YouTube Shorts is also earning similar revenue per watch hour as compared to traditional YouTube channels, while subscriptions have further diversified the revenue base. Google Cloud is also a significant growth catalyst, and accounted for a 13% share of the global cloud infrastructure services market in the second quarter -- up from 12% in the previous quarter. It reached an annual run rate of over $50 billion at the end of the second quarter. Google Cloud backlog increased 38% year over year to $106 billion, reflecting rising demand for Alphabet's AI infrastructure, including the broadest range of TPUs, GPUs, storage, and software systems. The company is also working to increase cloud capacity and plans to invest approximately $85 billion in capital investments in fiscal 2025 to accelerate data center and server build-outs. Alphabet is currently trading at 21.4 times forward earnings, lower than the forward price-to-earnings ratio of 22.9 of the benchmark S&P 500 index. Hence, considering the company's robust Search business, profitable and scaling cloud franchise, increasing AI adoption, strong financials, and reasonable valuation, this billionaire pick seems like a sensible buy-and-hold for long-term investors. Should you buy stock in Nvidia right now? Before you buy stock in Nvidia, 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 Nvidia wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $654,759!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,046,799!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,042% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 183% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of August 25, 2025 Manali Pradhan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Billionaires Are Buying These 2 Monster AI Stocks Shaping the Future of Technology was originally published by The Motley Fool Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced a grilling before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday amid turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and his controversial policy changes on vaccines. Kennedy clashed repeatedly with Democrat and even some high-profile Republican senators. He spent about three hours defending himself and his actions a week after the ousting of Susan Monarez as CDC director and major vaccine changes, including limiting access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: RFK Jr. testifies before Senate Finance Committee amid CDC turmoil, vaccine changes During the hearing, Kennedy was far more combative than in previous appearances on Capitol Hill, notably getting into heated arguments with GOP senators and accusing some Democrats of "making things up" and speaking "gibberish." Here are four key takeaways: Mark Schiefelbein/AP - PHOTO: Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appears before the Senate Finance Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Sept. 4, 2025. Kennedy defends CDC shake-ups, firing of Monarez Kennedy defended the recent shake-ups at the CDC, including the firing of newly installed CDC director Monarez and the four officials who resigned shortly after in protest. Monarez, who was in the job for only a month, was pushed out after she declined to fire top officials and pledge to support Kennedy's vaccine policy changes, a source familiar with her conversations with the secretary previously told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal just before the hearing on Thursday morning, Monarez also said she was fired partly because she wouldn't prematurely sign off on vaccine recommendations from the CDC's vaccine advisory committee, which meets to discuss a host of recommended vaccines in a few weeks. Senate Finance Committee ranking member Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, asked Kennedy if he would confirm Monarez' description of their disagreement. "Did you, in fact, do what Director Monarez has said you did, which is tell her, 'Just go along with vaccine recommendations, even if you didn't think such recommendations aligned with scientific evidence?'" Wyden asked. "No, I did not," Kennedy replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So, she's lying today to the American people in The Wall Street Journal," Wyden said. "Yes, sir." Graeme Sloan/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: Democratic Senator from Massachusetts Elizabeth Warren reacts during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee confirmation hearing at the US Capitol, in Washington, September 4, 2025. In a fiery exchange later on with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, she noted that Kennedy had just a month ago described Monarez as "unimpeachable," after she was confirmed. MORE: More than 1,000 current, former HHS employees sign letter calling on RFK Jr. to resign "I told her that she had to resign because I asked her, 'Are you a trustworthy person?' And she said, 'No,'" Kennedy replied. "If you had an employee who told you they weren't trustworthy, would you ask them to resign, Senator?" Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters - PHOTO: Senator Bernie Sanders speaks as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., testifies before a Senate Finance Committee hearing on President Donald Trump's 2026 health care agenda, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Sept. 4, 2025. In a statement from her attorneys, Monarez pushed back on Kennedy's narrative of the events that led to her firing, calling it "false" and "patently ridiculous." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dr. Monarez stands by what she said in her op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, would repeat it all under oath and continues to support the vision she outlined at her confirmation hearing that science will control her decisions," her lawyers, Mark Zaid and Abbe Lowell, said in a statement. Later, Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont said he would bring Monarez to Capitol Hill to testify. "I look forward to her coming before the HELP Committee, maybe this committee as well," Sanders said, referencing the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Kennedy stood by the recent shake-ups at CDC, saying they were "absolutely necessary adjustments to restore the agency to its role as the world's gold standard public health agency with a central mission of protecting Americans from infectious disease." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "New blood" is needed at CDC, he said, calling it "imperative" to we remove officials "with conflicts of interest and catastrophically bad judgment and political agendas." Doctors and other public health experts have pointed out that Kennedy has filled open CDC positions with people who have earned income testifying against vaccine makers and hold vaccine skeptical views. MORE: Former CDC directors say RFK Jr. is endangering Americans' health Cassidy, some other Republicans join Democrats in challenging Kennedy on vaccines Tough questioning from Democrats has been a constant in Kennedy's previous public hearings with senators, but Thursday saw several Republicans challenge the secretary over vaccines, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Bill Cassidy, the Louisiana Republican and physician who struggled with his support for Kennedy but ultimately helped seal his confirmation to lead America's public health agencies, questioned Kennedy's support for Operation Warp Speed, the major Trump-era effort that led to the rapid launch of mRNA COVID vaccines. Kennedy said the president deserves a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed, but Cassidy pointed out several ways Kennedy has worked to undermine mRNA vaccines, including Kennedy's cancelling $500 million in federally-funded mRNA vaccine funding and changing vaccine policy to apply to a narrower group of Americans. On the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recent changes to COVID vaccine access, Cassidy said, "I would say, effectively, we're denying people vaccines." Andrew Harnik/Getty Images - PHOTO: Sen. Bill Cassidy questions Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. during a Senate Finance Committee, September 4, 2025 in Washington. Two other Republicans on the committee, Sens. John Barrasso of Wyoming and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, expressed concern over Kennedy's handling of vaccines and the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barrasso, also a physician, said he had "grown deeply concerned" since Kennedy took over HHS. "Over the last 50 years, vaccines are estimated to have saved 154 million lives worldwide," he said, citing data from the World Health Organization. "I support vaccines. I'm a doctor. Vaccines work." Tillis suggested that Kennedy had backtracked on promises he had made to the committee. "You said you're going to empower the scientists at HHS to do their job. I'd just like to see evidence where you've done that," Tillis said. He also questioned the firing of CDC director Monarez after just a few weeks on the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Former CDC directors say RFK Jr. is endangering Americans' health "I don't see how you go over four weeks from, 'public health expert with unimpeachable scientific credentials, a long-time champion of MAHA values, caring and compassionate and a brilliant microbiologist,' and four weeks later, fire her," said Tillis, quoting things Kennedy previously said about Monarez. Cassidy has tasked the committee he chairs, the Senate HELP Committee, to perform "oversight" of Monarez's ousting, he wrote on X last week, and he indicated after Thursday's hearing that he was still pursuing that." Kennedy has also faced scrutiny from other Republicans, including at the highest level. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Kennedy had to take responsibility for firing Monarez just four weeks after the Senate confirmed her, while Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said she didnt see any justification for the termination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Sen. John Kennedy, Cassidys counterpart in Louisiana, called the CDC a multiple vehicle pileup. Senators press for clarity on COVID vaccine access Since the FDA changed COVID vaccine approvals last week to apply to older, higher risk Americans, there has been increasing confusion over who can get a vaccine, driven by differing rules depending on which state people live in or even which pharmacy they frequent. Despite the reality playing out on the ground, Kennedy maintained on Thursday that "everybody can get access" to the shots -- but in a tense back-and-forth with Warren, eventually acknowledged some of the caveats that have interrupted peoples' attempts to get their shots. "Most Americans" would be able to get the shot, and it depends on the state, Kennedy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It depends on the state, but they can still get it," Kennedy said. He argued that there was not enough data to show that COVID vaccines were necessary for healthy, young people. Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters - PHOTO: Sen. Maria Cantwell questions Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as he testifies before a Senate Finance Committee hearing on President Donald Trump's 2026 health care agenda, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Sept. 4, 2025. Warren threw Kennedy's own words at him: "You promised that you would not take away vaccines from anyone who wanted them," she said, quoting Kennedy from November. "It takes it away if you can't get it from your pharmacy, it takes it away if you have to pay $200," Warren added. According to pharmacists, insurance groups and trade organizations, the FDA approval change will make it more difficult for younger, otherwise healthy people to get a COVID-19 vaccine ahead of the winter respiratory virus season, as it will involve a trip to the doctor instead of walking into a pharmacy, and insurance coverage is, for now, unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For at least the next few weeks until a CDC committee weighs in with more detail, and as the policy shifts are absorbed, the confusion may also impact access for older, higher-risk people. This reality is playing out at CVS pharmacies nationwide, which is the largest pharmacy chain in the country. In 34 states, CVS will continue to offer COVID vaccines for those who fall under the new FDA authorizations. MORE: Getting a COVID vaccine just got more complicated after new FDA restrictions But in another 13 states, people will need a prescription to get a COVID shot, even if they are older or high risk. Additionally, in three states, New Mexico, Nevada and Massachusetts, CVS is holding off on giving COVID shots, company spokesperson Amy Thibault said, citing "the current regulatory environment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walgreens, another large pharmacy chain, said it would give shots where it was legally able to do so, but didn't specify which states would have which rules. Kennedy also refused to say during the hearing that over one million Americans died from COVID-19 -- as recorded by the CDC -- and that COVID-19 vaccines saved millions of lives, as determined by analyses. Kennedy appears combative during testimony The three-hour hearing quickly became combative as Kennedy defended his time as HHS secretary amid a flurry of questions on his staffing shakeups, vaccine changes and other issues. A particularly tense exchange with Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet from Colorado began with Bennet having to repeatedly call to get Kennedy's attention, as the secretary appeared to be looking at something else. The two went on to yell over one another over vaccines, with Kennedy accusing Bennet of evading a question and the senator retorting, "I'm asking the questions!" Andrew Harnik/Getty Images - PHOTO: Sen. Michael Bennet questions Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. during a Senate Finance Committee, September 4, 2025 in Washington. He later accused Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire of "making stuff up to scare people" when she pressed him on why the change in vaccine recommendations were done "behind closed doors." Kennedy said Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Lujan from New Mexico was speaking "gibberish" and said he was "not understanding how the world works" when Lujan asked if he would share the protocols used for a study investigating autism. Kennedy also took aim at Warren and appeared to suggest she was in the pocket of the pharmaceutical industry. Warren has received money from pharmaceutical companies in the past. As the hearing came to a close, Kennedy was asked if he would like to make any other statements. "I think I'll have mercy on everyone here and let us adjourn," he responded. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A judge pressed a five-time DUI offender after he called the crash that killed a veteran an accident, leading her to say the 23-year-old made a choice that had a deadly consequence. Las Vegas Metro police arrested Alfredo Jauregui on Oct. 5 on charges of DUI resulting in death. Jauregui, who does not have a drivers license, killed Airman George Brown, 48, as Brown was in the road on Marion Drive near Nellis Boulevard and Cheyenne Avenue. The 8 News Now Investigators found Jaureguis fifth DUI arrest happened as prosecutors awaited blood results from a DUI arrest from May 2024. The delay impaired judges abilities to restrict or jail him, the investigation found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of Jaureguis arrest for Browns death in October 2024, he had racked up three misdemeanor DUI convictions: one on Jan. 8, 2021; a second on Sept. 4, 2021; and a third on Jan. 1, 2022, records said. Clark County District Court Judge Christy Craig sentences Alfredo Jauregui on Sept. 4, 2025, to the terms of the plea agreement he made with prosecutors. The agreement called for Jauregui to serve 3-10 years in prison and pay the cost of Browns funeral. (KLAS) In court Thursday, Clark County District Court Judge Christy Craig sentenced Jauregui to the terms of the plea agreement he made with prosecutors. The agreement called for Jauregui to serve 3-10 years in prison and pay the cost of Browns funeral. I killed somebody on accident, Jauregui told Craig before she sentenced him. It wasnt an accident, Craig said. It was because you got into a car after you used drugs and drinking its like playing Russian Roulette but with other peoples lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2024, a North Las Vegas police officer stopped Jauregui for speeding, documents said. The officer said Jauregui appeared impaired. That, and an open can of beer in a cup holder, led to his arrest his fourth DUI-related arrest since 2021, police said. As part of the plea agreement in the case involving Browns death, prosecutors did not request any more prison time for the fourth DUI charge. George Browns family holds photos of him during Alfredo Jaureguis sentencing on Sept. 4, 2025. (KLAS) On Oct. 5, just before sunrise, Jauregui collided with Brown and then drove off, leaving behind several pieces of a family truck. Officers later found the truck in a nearby apartment complex. Detectives spoke with the trucks registered owner, Jaureguis family member, who said Jauregui was not home, documents said. Jauregui was in fact home and told officers he believed he hit a shopping cart. No member of Jaureguis family attended Thursdays sentencing. Did something make you drink against your will, or did you drink because you wanted to? Craig asked Jauregui. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I drank because I wanted to, he said. So thats not an accident, is it? the judge said. Browns family held up photos of him in court as Craig sentenced Jauregui to the terms of the plea agreement. Justice is nonexistent here in Las Vegas, unfortunately, Amaris Davis, Browns cousin, said after sentencing. Overall, its not enough, but we have to take what we can get, unfortunately. The 8 News Now Investigators first exposed Jaureguis criminal history in March. Following Jaureguis May 2024 DUI arrest months before the collision involving Brown a North Las Vegas Justice Court judge set bail at $10,000, ordering him to wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet and pleading with him not to drive. At the time of Jaureguis arrest in October 2024, he racked up three misdemeanor DUI convictions, records said: One DUI on Jan. 8, 2021; a second on Sept. 4, 2021; and a third on Jan. 1, 2022. (KLAS) Under Nevada law, that was as far as the judge could go because prosecutors had yet to file their criminal complaint. Often in DUI cases, the criminal complaint will not be filed until blood test results are confirmed. That process can take several months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors will rush the tests in cases involving death. Toxicology testing, where labs test for drugs, can take much longer. The average turnaround time for Metro police as of early this year was 55 days for standard blood testing and 90 days for toxicology, a spokesperson said. North Las Vegas police, the agency that arrested Jauregui for that fourth DUI, said it tested his results about a month after his arrest. However, the result was not added to his criminal case by the time he returned to court months later. In August 2024, now weeks before the collision involving Brown, prosecutors asked a judge for more time to file the official paperwork charging Jauregui with DUI his fourth. Documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained reveal he admitted to police he consumed cocaine, marijuana and alcohol in the hours before the crash. (KLAS) On top of his release, the company running the alcohol monitoring program terminated Jauregui because he failed to pay fines associated with it, a court spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DUIs are misdemeanors until a person receives their third arrest within seven years. A felony DUI conviction can carry prison time and the requirement a driver has an interlock device placed in their vehicle. Jauregui racked up the three cases so quickly that he did not have a second DUI conviction before his third arrest, meaning all three remained misdemeanors. Records show in those first three DUI cases, municipal court judges ordered Jauregui to attend classes, stay out of trouble and pay a fine. With several failures to appear, those judges sentenced Jauregui to 98 days in jail for one case and 82 days in jail for two cases combined, spokespeople for the cities of Henderson and Las Vegas said. Nevadas DUI with death law allows a judge to sentence a person to anywhere from two to 20 years in prison, though the maximum amount of time a person can serve without parole eligibility is eight years. It impacts everybody, everybody here in the city, Craig said. We all have to worry about it. And frankly, Im worried about what happens when you get out of custody and whether or not you really understand the choice that you made and have any ability to control that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis hopes lawmakers hear her cousins story, move more money to add testing capabilities and change the laws. Nevada is one of two states without a crime lab. With one, advocates believe the testing turnaround time will decrease. Because of this, there will be more actions taken and a lot of people can come together to actually help fight for the change, Davis said. A proposal from Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo to amend Nevadas DUI laws to charge offenders like Jauregui with second-degree murder failed last legislative session, which ended in June. A bill to double the amount of jail time a second-time DUI offender must serve became law, doubling the amount of jail time from 10 days to 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With credit for time served, Jauregui will be eligible for parole in the fall of 2027. The 8 News Now Investigators have found the parole board often approves parole for DUI offenders during the beginning of their eligibility periods rather than the end. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Braxton Hinders, executive director of Miracle League of Sioux City, came into the KCAU 9 studio to discuss an upcoming event. The 5th Annual Cigar & Bourbon Night will be held on Wednesday, September 10, at the South Sioux Marriott Riverfront Patio. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., all proceeds will benefit the athletes and programs of The Miracle League. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone interested in getting tickets can email The Miracle League of Sioux City at miracleleaguesiouxcity@gmail.com. Tickets are $100. For more information about the event, click here. Watch the full interview in the video player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. NEED TO KNOW A 6-year-old boy was taken to a hospital after a horse-drawn wagon was hit from behind by a vehicle in New York State on Sept. 1 Eight people on board the wagon were ejected during the crash, and the horse was killed The driver of the vehicle took herself to a hospital following the incident A 6-year-old child was hospitalized, and a horse is dead after an Amish horse-drawn wagon carrying eight people was struck by a vehicle in upstate New York, authorities said. On Monday, Sept. 1, around 5:37 p.m. local time, troopers responded to a report of a crash on Route 5 close to Bellinger Road in Danube, a town of less than 1,000 people in Herkimer County, the New York State Police said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary investigation revealed that 73-year-old Laurie M. Callan was driving east in a 2012 Dodge behind a horse-drawn wagon when she hit the rear of the buggy. The wagon, which was hitched to two horses, left the road and all eight passengers on board were ejected, authorities said. Callans vehicle flipped over and landed in the westbound lane. Following the crash, a 6-year-old boy who was riding on the wagon was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Callahan took herself to another hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, state police said. Daniel Stoltzfus, the 31-year-old driver of the wagon, and the other passengers werent injured. One of the two horses was killed in the crash. Officials said the animal was removed from the scene by its owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Callahan was given citations for following too closely, failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision with a horse on the highway, and unreasonable speed, according to authorities. 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 driver of the Dodge and the New York State Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for comment. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Read the original article on People The Texas Rangers have arrested a San Antonio man for a 20-year-old murder case. Texas Rangers busted Saul Gonzalez, 66, in South Texas for capital murder, according to a press release. This comes decades after Valerie Laguna and her unborn baby were found dead at a cemetery in 2005. A grand jury indicted Gonzalez for capital murder on August 29. He is currently in the La Salle County Jail. ICYMI: A breakthrough in a 20-year-old cold case in Cotulla. Texas Rangers & La Salle Co. SO secured an indictment for Saul Gonzalez, 66, in the 2005 capital murder of Valerie Laguna, who was 8 months pregnant. DNA testing via DOJs SAKI program led to the arrest. https://t.co/zgp6wdIBMF Chris Olivarez (@LtChrisOlivarez) September 4, 2025 The Murder Laguna was found sexually assaulted, beaten, and strangled at the Cristo Rey Cemetery in the South Texas town of Cotulla on July 19, 2005, according to the press release. She was eight months pregnant at the time, and her unborn baby also died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The La Salle County Sheriffs Office, Texas Rangers, and Williamson County Sheriffs Office conducted the investigation. The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory and the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification also assisted. Investigators interviewed numerous witnesses and collected DNA samples from multiple individuals. They identified Gonzalez as a possible suspect, but could not find any major breaks in the case. The Turning Point The La Salle sheriffs office submitted multiple pieces of evidence to BODE Technology, a DNA analysis firm. They obtained DNA profiles from evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Rangers identified Lagunas case as eligible for the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) in 2021. This program is funded by the Department of Justice to further unsolved sexual assaults and sexually related homicides with the hope of bringing justice to victims and their families. Then, BODE Technology further analyzed evidence in 2023 eventually, finding Gonzalezs DNA. Texas Rangers and La Salle deputies executed an arrest warrant for Gonzalez on August 29 and found him at the Eagle Ford Crossing housing complex in Cotulla, Texas. WEBSTER PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Inmates currently being held on the fourth floor of a Webster courthouse can anticipate a relocation in the near future if plans for a new multi-million dollar womens facility continue to stay on schedule. The Webster Parish Sheriffs Office (WPSO) shared the current progress on the project, which is expected to cost nearly $5.12 million. The overall goal is to alleviate the current housing conditions, Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker shares the importance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courthouse just isnt sufficient and its time for an upgrade, he said. There have been lots of problems at the fourth floor, especially with drainage. Theyve had to shut down the courthouse before because of water getting into offices and courtrooms downstairs. Significant progress has been made on the new Webster Parish womens prison, which is said to primarily house inmates from nearby parishes. The Webster Parish Sheriffs office shared an update on the project on Facebook, noting the completion of the facilitys foundation, plumbing, and electrical. Shreveport-based company, Testament Construction Services of Shreveport, was awarded the contract for the project in December 2024 by Webster Parish Police Jury members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funding for the facility comes from multiple sources. $2.5 million will come from money awarded to the police jury under the American Rescue Act of 2021 (ARA). Another $2.4 million is being given to the jury by the Webster Parish Sheriffs Office. The new facility will not just benefit the workers in the offices below the space, once inmates are moved into the new facility, the warden of Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center (BDCC), Scott Tucker, said there will be opportunities for inmates that were not possible at the old jail. We will be able to offer female inmates options for several classes that are not practical at the courthouse, Tucker said in a recent speech to the Minden Lions Club. Classrooms will be available for several programs I would like to see introduced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new facility will be located on Penal Farm Rd. near the old parish penal farm, it is expected to be completed by mid-2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. AURORA, Ill. A 70-year-old man was beaten by a teenager during an attempted robbery last week in west suburban Aurora, according to police, who called the incident a violent, unprovoked attack. The suspect, a 17-year-old boy from Aurora, has been taken into custody and charged with multiple crimes, the Aurora Police Department says. According to police, officers responding to a report of an attempted robbery and aggravated battery around 11:15 p.m. Thursday in the 2000 block of West Galena Boulevard found the 70-year-old victim with significant facial injuries, including swelling to both eyes and a laceration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man allegedly attempted to suffocate wife during attack at Buffalo Grove home: police Police say the man told officers he was approached by a younger male, who demanded money and then hit him multiple times in the face and head, continuing the assault after knocking the man to the ground. The man was able to break free, call police, and provide officers with a detailed description of the offender and his location nearby. Officers then located the suspect in the area described by the victim. According to police, the suspect ran when officers approached him, but he was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit. Meanwhile, paramedics with the Aurora Fire Department took the victim to an area hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a broken orbital bone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the suspect has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery, resisting a peace officer, attempted robbery, and aggravated battery to a person over 60. He was taken to the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center for intake. This was a violent, unprovoked attack on a member of our community, Aurora Police Chief Matthew Thomas said in a news release. Our officers acted quickly to identify and apprehend the offender, and given the circumstances of this case, were grateful his injuries werent more severe. Its especially troubling when seniors are victimized, and we remain committed to protecting those who need it the most. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident remains under investigation, and anyone who may have information is asked to call the Aurora Police Departments Investigations Division at 630-256-5500. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 New Jersey man has been arrested and charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to three police cars in Hackensack over the weekend, authorities announced Wednesday. Jaime Magnelli, 78, is accused of setting fire to the unoccupied vehicles while they were in an municipal overflow parking lot just after 8 p.m. on Saturday, according to the Bergen County Prosecutors Office. Amid an investigation, detectives learned that Magnelli walked through the parking lot and poured an accelerant on the cop cars before igniting the fire and fleeing the scene, prosecutors said. The cars, parked in the lot at 78 Trinity Place, were very close to a municipal gas pump, as well as the Bergen County Islamic Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Islamic Center was occupied at the time of the incident, but no reported injuries, police said. Magnelli, also of Hackensack, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with arson, aggravated arson, risk of widespread injury or damage, criminal mischief and failure to control or report a fire. No additional details about the investigation were released. Magnelli is being held without bond in the Bergen County Jail pending his first court appearance. According to online jail records, Magnelli is a Colombian citizen whos 5-foot-4 and 120 pounds, with light skin, gray hair and brown eyes. A 93-year-old Illinois man has been arrested for allegedly stabbing a woman on Tuesday. The Pekin Police Department said officers responded to a call in the 1800 block of South 14th Street in Pekin after receiving a report of a stabbing that had just occurred. When officers and medical personnel arrived on the scene, they found a female victim who needed immediate medical attention. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of James E. Pate on a charge of first-degree murder. He is being held at the Tazewell County Jail. The age of the female victim was not included in the Pekin PDs news release about Pates arrest. The Independent has contacted the force for comment. The alleged stabbing happened in Pekin on Tuesday (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Police say the Illinois State Police assisted in processing the crime scene at their request. The case has now been turned over to the Tazewell County States Attorneys Office for prosecution. The identity of the victim, along with the official cause of death, will be released at a later date by the Peoria County Coroners Office. Authorities have not released further details as the investigation remains ongoing. Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Cryptocurrency markets are trading sideways on Tuesday morning, with Bitcoin consolidating around the $110,000 level. Cryptocurrency Ticker Price Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) $110,145.73 Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) $4,381.65 Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) $203.13 XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) $2.80 Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) $0.2128 Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: SHIB) $0.00001229 Notable Statistics: Coinglass data shows 129,994 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for 360.66 million. SoSoValue data shows net outflows of $126.6 million from spot Bitcoin ETFs on Wednesday. Spot Ethereum ET'Fs saw net outflows of $164.6 million. Trader Notes: More Crypto Online noted Bitcoin has remained capped through the holiday weekend, with a breakout opening room toward the $118,000 liquidity zone. Traders are closely watching the $112,000 resistance. Michael van de Poppe echoed this view, highlighting that a clean move above $112,000 could push Bitcoin to new all-time highs, while a rejection keeps $103,000 as a strong buy zone. Trending: Your Last Chance to Invest in Pacaso Before Their Global Expansion Offer Ends Sept 18 He added that the cycle top timing remains uncertain, as gold has also yet to make fresh highs. For Ethereum, van de Poppe explained that reclaiming the 20-week EMA signals the start of a new uptrend, resembling the early 2020 setup. He suggested this rally could extend well beyond just a few months. See Also: Wealth Managers Charge 1% or More in AUM Fees Range's AI Platform Does It All for a Flat Fee (and Could Save You $10,000+ Annually). Book Your Demo Today. JRCryptex flagged major whale accumulation of 340 million XRP ($962 million) in the past two weeks, with $268 million pulled from exchanges. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) Two years after an explosion ripped through ADMs Decatur facility, one of the employees hurt in that explosion is suing the company, alleging it is responsible for the blast and the injuries he suffered. Springfield-based attorney Timothy Shay filed the 13-page lawsuit on behalf of production technician Kaleb Ogilvie. Ogilvie was working in the East Plant of the ADM facility when the explosion happened on Sept. 10, 2023, hurting him and seven others. Nick Williams, an attorney with Shays law firm, wrote the lawsuits complaint. It says Ogilvie was severely burned and battered by the blast. He suffered grievous and life-threatening injuries that included skull fractures; advanced degree burns to his face, eyes, torso and arms; and inhalation injuries to his lungs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ogilvie was in a medically induced coma for weeks after the explosion. Just weeks before the two-year anniversary of the event, Ogilvie and Shay filed suit against ADM, saying the company had ignored federal safety regulations concerning hazardous materials, leading to the blast. Decatur mayor, retired firefighter react to ADM explosion Williams explains in the lawsuit that the explosion was caused by hexane gas, a volatile and highly flammable substance with vapors known to be explosive. Hexane falls under the said safety regulations, which require ADM to have a Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) to identify and assess potential threats related to the gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hexane is used in the process of soybean oil extraction, which was happening at the East Plant when the explosion happened. ADM used hexane gas in a device called an extractor, located within the East Plant, to process flaked soybeans into a mixture of oil and hexane called miscella, Williams wrote. On the date of the explosion, ADM then conducted further processes to recapture most of the hexane from the miscella mixture in order to reuse said hexane gas in its cyclical soybean oil extraction process. At some point on the date of the explosion, Williams says hexane escaped the extractor and spread throughout the East Plant. Williams claims that this happened as the plant was in a shutdown mode ahead of planned alterations to the facility; there were no flaked soybeans in the facility, but the extractor was full of hexane. On the date of the explosion, the East Plant was operating in a manner that knowingly allowed the presence of fugitive hexane gas to permeate throughout the East Plant in violation of ADMs own written shutdown policies, and in a manner that ADM knew would naturally, obviously, predictably and inevitably result in an explosion or fire event, Williams says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit further alleges that it was ADMs intentional decision not to have a hexane sensor and alarm in place, and to violate its own written procedures concerning not just the shutdown of the East Plant but also propping open doors in the facility. This eliminated a safeguard against hexane entering the ventilation system, Williams adds. One dead after motorcycle accident in Macon Co. Ogilvie added that he was not told of the unsafe conditions of the East Plant. These conditions included the absence of a hexane alarm, the propping open of doors and a slide grate in a conveyor apparatus being left open, which allowed hexane to enter the Prep Building where Ogilvie was when the explosion happened. At the express direction of ADM via its employee/agents, Ogilvie was intentionally directed to work in a location within the Prep Building of the East Plant that ADM knew its intentional actions were causing to fill with hexane gas and would inevitably explode as a result, Williams wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the aftermath of the explosion, OSHA opened an investigation and ultimately cited ADM for four violations of its hazardous material guidelines, resulting in over $50,000 in fines. Williams mentioned this in the lawsuit, with the violations being: ADMs PHA failed to identify human factors that could lead to a risk of a fire or explosion, including the propping open of doors The PHA did not appropriately address early warning systems designed to detect the presence of escaped hexane, nor did ADM have these systems in place when the explosion happened ADM did not follow operating procedures as written when shutting down the extractor, leaving it full when no soybean flakes were present ADM did not maintain a safety interlock for the slide gate between the extractor and the Prep Building For these reasons, Ogilvie and Williams accused ADM of one count of willful and intentional harm and requested $50,000 in damages. At the very least, theyre asking that Ogilvie receive full compensation for his medical care. When reached for comment in response to the lawsuit, ADM said, As a general rule, we dont comment on pending litigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decatur Fire Chief joins discussion as ADM safety concerns rise The explosion in September of 2023 was one of several incidents that year that resulted in fires, explosions and even a employees death. A man was crushed to death in a railyard accident on April 12, 2023, and just one week later, three people were hurt by a dust explosion in a grain elevator. The employees death and the grain elevator explosion resulted in $340,000 in fines from OSHA, and a separate lawsuit filed by Shays law firm on behalf of one of the people hurt in that explosion. Two weeks before the explosion that hurt Ogilvie, a three-alarm fire broke out in the facilitys corn processing plant, and even after the September explosion, fires and explosions continued to happen. Smoke in the East Plant prompted another evacuation just days after the explosion, and two more incidents happened in December of 2023 and July of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we want is for this to stop, Williams told WCIA. We have been involved in other cases involving similar circumstances out there, and there needs to be a message, sent loud and clear, that safety must be a priority at these facilities. At this facility here in Decatur and really everywhere in the State of Illinois. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) Three adults in Somerset County are facing charges after police found multiple children and animals living in poor conditions. Carlie Carr, 31, of Somerset, John Smith, 35, of Berlin, and Mary Restly, 63, of Berlin, are all facing charges of endangering the welfare of children and cruelty to animals after Pennsylvania State Police were called to a home in Allegheny Township. On Jan. 28, 2024, officers were called to a home for a report of an inactive domestic dispute between a mother and son. Once they arrived, police noted that there was a large pile of garbage near the parking area of the home. They also noted that the porch to the home was dilapidated and flexed when it was being walked on. The porch was also covered in garbage, with only a narrow walkway to the door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PSP investigating after 1 dog rescued, dead dogs found in dumpster Police noted that as soon as they entered the home, they were hit with a strong smell of animal feces and ammonia. Piles of clothes, garbage bags and dirty dishes filled a majority of the home and only narrow walkways were observed, according to the affidavit. Behind the couch were seven puppies, estimated to be between 7 and 12 weeks old, being kept in a 43 area. Dog feces and urine covered the floor, wall and the back of the couch, according to police. The kitchen counters were also covered in dirty dishes and grime and the bedrooms were in similar conditions to the rest of the home. Police noted that due to the poor condition of the home, CYS and a humane society were contacted for the welfare of the children and puppies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that time, CYS concluded the children should be removed from the home, and a follow-up determined that the charges were appropriate. They noted, Regardless of who was responsible for the deplorable living conditions, all three adults neglected the health and well-being of the children and did nothing to improve or repair the situation until PSP and CYS became involved. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. Carr, Smith and Restly are facing charges of endangering the welfare of children, neglect of animals and cruelty to animals. All have preliminary hearings scheduled for Sept. 11. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As the sun set on a recent evening, families lined up to buy elotes from Olga Martinez, a street vendor in Little Village, one of Chicagos largest immigrant neighborhoods. She was still holding on to hope that President Donald Trump wouldnt follow through on his promise of militarized immigration arrests in the nations third-largest city. But reality had begun to sink in, she said, and she decided to close her cart Friday as news of federal agents coming to Chicago intensifies. North Chicago and Waukegan officials brace for 300 ICE agents at Naval Station Great Lakes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats if I dont hear about operations happening nearby sooner, she added, feeding leftover corn to pigeons at her feet. Im trying to save as much money as I can to stay home, because God knows how long theyll be here for. A pamphlet with Know Your Rights information and other advice urging the community to look out for one another hung on the front of her cart. Get to know your neighbor, it read. Information is a lifeline, advocates say. Thats the only way we can resist and protect one another, said Dolores Castaneda, a longtime resident of Little Village and community leader. We only have each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Castaneda and fellow organizer Doris Hernandez spent Sunday afternoon distributing similar flyers to parishioners after Mass at St. Agnes of Bohemia. They wanted to raise awareness about potential raids and urged immigrants to not be afraid, but be prepared. Later, the two women walked along the 26th Street corridor, handing out flyers to passersby and asking business owners to post the notice in their storefronts. While details of the scope of arrests and timeline remain unclear, immigrant communities are bracing for impacts similar to those seen in Los Angeles earlier this summer when agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested street vendors, day laborers, construction workers and farmhands. Families recounted being torn apart during large-scale workplace raids. Community advocates are working to counter the rising fear by sharing legal information and resources with immigrants across Chicago. Theyre forming networks of neighbors and volunteers who can support families staying home out of fear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From conversations in taquerias to neighborhood WhatsApp threads, messages are spreading in multiple languages. We need to stay alert to ICE activity to protect each other, Castaneda said. Were asking neighbors to report when someone goes missing, and to stay in a safe place if they feel threatened. Among the guidance: Permanent residents should carry their green cards. Individuals in the U.S. without legal permission should stay home if possible. Avoid unnecessary risks. Advocates are urging families to create emergency plans, especially for their children. This includes identifying alternate guardians, sharing contact information with trusted neighbors and memorizing legal hotline numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most importantly, know your rights, they say. Exercise your right to remain silent and do not consent to search and seizure. Make a plan, and share your emergency contact with a neighbor. Talk to your family about what to do if youre detained, said Erendira Rendon, vice president of Immigrant Justice, one of the citys largest nonprofit organizations that provides access to legal help to immigrants. If you are a U.S. citizen, assist your family and neighbors; we protect each other, so watch out for one another. Rendon added that the deployment of the National Guard signals not a response to violence, but a precursor to increased detentions and deportations. Veterans, advocates urge National Guard members to resist potentially unlawful Trump orders Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a news conference Tuesday, Gov. JB Pritzker suggested that Stephen Miller, Trumps deputy chief of staff, strategically planned to conduct militarized arrests in Chicago because the city is known for its Mexican Independence Day celebrations. Pritzker added that he is deeply concerned ICE will target Mexican Independence Day events, set to start this weekend with the parade in Pilsen on Saturday. Last month, organizers said the upcoming celebration will go on despite deportation fears. We are not going to be stopped from celebrating our roots, our heritage, our culture, said Vicky Lugo, secretary of the United Merchants of Pilsen Chamber of Commerce said Aug. 28. Similarly, the larger independence day parade in Little Village scheduled for Sept. 14, will also go on as planned, organizers told the Tribune. Meanwhile, downtown, the El Grito Chicago festival is scheduled for Sept. 13-14. El Grito or the Cry of Independence, marks the beginning of Mexicos fight for independence from Spain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It breaks my heart to report that we have been told that ICE will try and disrupt community picnics and peaceful parades. Lets be clear, the terror and cruelty is the point, not the safety of anyone living here, Pritzker said at the downtown news conference, standing alongside Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and other state leaders. While Trump remained ambiguous even in his most recent comments Tuesday about a timeline or the details of a federal crackdown in Illinois, Pritzker made it clear his administration believes Trump plans to deploy armed military personnel to Chicagos streets and direct immigration enforcement agents to raid Latino communities in the coming weeks. In Chicago, 1 out of every 5 Chicagoans identifies as Mexican, making them the largest component of the citys Latino population, according to the latest census data. Many have been in the country for an average of 15 years, raising U.S.-born children, buying homes and opening businesses despite their lack of legal status in the country. For many, legalization is out of reach because of the complexity of immigration law, costs and policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Little Village is known as The Mexico of the Midwest, immigrant communities from Belmont Cragin on the north to Midway in the south are feeling vulnerable. We have helped to shape the city, and we make up an important part of the economy. And the worst thing is that theyre (ICE) not just arresting criminals, as they (Trumps administration) had promised, theyre taking everyone, even us, hardworking people, said a woman talking to Martinez as she served her elotes in Little Village. In an effort to show support for the immigrant community, Johnson over the weekend signed a wide-ranging but largely symbolic executive order that urges all federal law enforcement to follow Chicago police directives, banning federal agents from wearing masks on duty and requiring them to activate their body cameras at all times when interacting with the public. Officers or armed forces should also display their federal agency, last name and badge number or rank in a clearly visible fashion, per the order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Chicago and across the nation, ICE agents and those with other federal agencies have routinely worn masks and not thoroughly identified themselves as they have detained and arrested people that federal authorities say are in the country illegally. As the days go by, the fear grows in Latino and other immigrant communities across the city and suburbs. This week, some nonprofits that serve immigrants briefly closed their doors to protect their clients and employees. Rooted in our community and powered by our people, Enlace Chicago stands in unwavering solidarity with the immigrant community, said Marcy Rodriguez, co-executive director of Enlace Chicago, which closed its headquarters earlier this week. For 35 years, weve worked alongside partners from government to grassroots to keep our neighborhoods safe, informed, and resilient. Just miles from the Great Lakes Naval Base, where federal agents are rumored to be stationed, are cities such as Waukegan and North Chicago, home to thousands of immigrant families now bracing for the potential escalation of enforcement operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julie Contreras, a pastor and community leader in Waukegan, said families have been living in fear since Trump took office. Immigrant families are seeing firsthand that many individuals being detained are non-criminals, and this has created a real sense of terror for immigrant families in the city of Waukegan and across the USA, said Contreras, director of United Giving Hope in Waukegan. Many of the immigrants say they feel like they are being racially targeted and treated like prisoners in the city they love. With the help of Contreras, at least a dozen immigrants and asylum-seekers from her church have returned to their home country over the last month, fearing abusive treatment in a detention center if arrested. Contreras expects that more immigrants will choose voluntary repatriation after exhausting all legal options, rather than risk indefinite detention in a system they view as inhumane and increasingly punitive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For our families, this is not about Republicans and Democrats; our families do not have a political agenda. We cannot negotiate lives over political theater, Contreras said. As dusk settled over Little Village, Martinez packed up her cart earlier than usual, scanning the street for signs of federal agents. The aroma of roasted corn lingered in the air, mingling with quiet conversations about emergency contacts and rumors of ICE sightings. In the meantime, Castaneda made her final rounds for the evening, knocking on doors, answering questions and handing out flyers. Some people refuse to believe that the raids will actually happen, or that they will, in fact, impact them or their families, but little by little, they are hitting closer to home, Castaneda said. I tell them its better to be safe and sorry. Castaneda hugged Martinez as she said goodbye. Call me if you need anything, Castaneda told the street vendor. Si Dios quiere, nos seguimos viendo por aqui. God willing, I will see you here later. NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) A Lufkin mother was arrested last week after her infant suffered abusive head trauma in July, records reveal. Mugshot of Jessy Moore, courtesy of Nacogdoches County Jail According to a Nacogdoches County arrest affidavit, on July 18, deputies responded to a local hospital where an infant was unresponsive. While deputies were speaking to the mother, 20-year-old Jessy Moore of Lufkin, she explained that she was the only person holding the infant all day before they went to the hospital. Video evidence leads to arrest of Lindale father for slamming 8-month-old on side, back Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medical staff told officers that the injury the victim had was new, but he had already been at the hospital just four days before for a head injury. On July 14, the infant was transported to the Texas Childrens Hospital, where he was released because the injury wasnt severe enough to admit him. Moore was alleging that her almost two-year-old son hit [the infant] in the head with the refrigerator door while Jessy was holding [the infant], the affidavit said. Subdural hematoma medical diagram (Getty Images) The document said the injuries the victim suffered on July 18 were: Bilateral subdural hematomas up to seven millimeters thick along the back portion of the brain, without midline shift Skull fracture to the left side of the upper back area with mild displacement Five-centimeter scalp hematoma on the top of the skull Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Childrens Child Abuse Protection (CAP) Team told a Nacogdoches County investigator that this injury is not one thats caused by a refrigerator door but instead abusive head trauma. AFFIDAVIT: Tyler mother says she forgot infant in car during appointment Moore was arrested in Anderson County on Aug. 29 for injury to a child with intent to cause serious bodily harm or mental impairment, but was then transferred to the Nacogdoches County Jail on Thursday. Records show that Moore has been arrested twice in Angelina County and once in Anderson County for assault, with one of the cases being dismissed on Sept. 18, 2024. 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. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A Midland man was arrested early Tuesday morning after police say he choked his girlfriend during a disturbance. 28-year-old George Arkeesh Douglas has been charged with assault family/household member by impeding breath or circulation, a third-degree felony. According to an arrest affidavit, officers with the Midland Police Department were called to a home around 2:27 a.m. on September 2 after a woman whispered to dispatch that she was hiding in a closet to get away from her boyfriend. The caller told dispatchers that the man, identified as 28-year-old George Arkeesh Douglas, had choked her, tried to cover her mouth, and had previously put her in the hospital for a month. When officers arrived, they met the woman outside the residence. She told police Douglas had been drinking, and the two had argued after returning from a restaurant. She alleged Douglas grabbed her by the neck, covered her mouth with his hand, and made it difficult for her to breathe. She also reported that Douglas took her phone after the assault and went to sleep on the couch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers noted the woman appeared frightened, pale, and was shaking while describing the incident. Police said she initially declined to press charges but wanted Douglas removed from the home. When officers interviewed Douglas, he admitted to arguing with the woman but denied the assault, claiming he simply went to sleep after the dispute. Police noted he was still intoxicated. Due to the totality of circumstances, Douglas was arrested and charged with assault family/household member by impeding breath or circulation, a third-degree felony. He was booked into the Midland County Jail with a bond set at $100,000. Douglas remains in custody as of 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 Yourbasin. The first structure of a low-income rental housing complex in Ewa Beach initiated more than five years ago has begun to rise on a long-ignored piece of city land. About 40 construction workers took a break from building the 127-unit project Wednesday to participate in a ceremony blessing the effort to produce Ka lei ma o Village, which at one time was expected to break ground in 2022. Its been a long journey, said Stanford Carr, a local developer who partnered with California-based Standard Communities to produce the project where monthly rent including utility expense is expected to range from $798 for one-bedroom apartments to $2, 400 for three-bedroom units serving households earning no more than 60 % of the median income on Oahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Formby, managing director of the City and County of Honolulu, described the commencement of construction as phenomenal given that more than five years went by since the Carr partnership, Komohale West Loch LLC, was selected by the city through competitive bidding to take on the project under a 75-year land lease for $1 a year. Time is money, Formby said, congratulating Carr and his partners for being able to cope with rising costs over several years. You cant build it at the price point that you planned it when you bid on it, and thats the truth. The development cost for Ka lei ma o Village, which is to include seven three-story residential buildings centered around a single-level community center, is $62.4 million, up from an estimate of $23.5 million in 2022. Much of the projects long development timetable is attributable to studies required for an environmental assessment that was completed in 2022. It also took time to obtain land-use approvals, and to arrange multiple layers of financing mainly through the city and state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For most of the 20th century, the land was planted in sugarcane by Ewa Plantation Co. and later by Oahu Sugar Co. until the 1980s, when the property was sold to the city, which was turning a vast amount of former sugarcane fields and old plantation village housing in the area into the master-planned community of Ewa Villages. However, the site now being developed as Ka lei ma o Village, which is on the mauka-Diamond Head corner of Fort Weaver and Renton roads, was left vacant for more than three decades even though an adjacent parcel also owned by the city was developed in the early 1990s as a 150-unit affordable rental subdivision for seniors called West Loch Elderly Village. In 2019, during the administration of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, affordable-housing development proposals were solicited for the empty 3.7-acre site, and the joint venture led by Carr was selected. Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who took office in 2021, worked to pull the project forward, in part by reestablishing a city bond program, which had been inactive for 23 years, to help finance low-income housing projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, the Honolulu City Council unanimously authorized $30.4 million in tax-exempt bonds to support the project. The developer also is receiving state and federal tax credits along with a $14.6 million low-interest loan through the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. Scott Glenn, a special housing advisor to Gov. Josh Green, called Ka lei ma o Village an example of how the state, city and private sector can produce affordable housing that is in great need throughout Hawaii. We need more communities like this, Glenn said during the ceremony. Apartments in Ka lei ma o Village will be reserved for households earning no more than 60 % of Oahus median, which equates to about $60, 000 a year for a single person and about $90, 000 for a family of four. Seven of the 127 units will be reserved for households earning no more than half as much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carr said he expects some future tenants will be able to save money, grow their income and eventually become first-time home buyers in other local communities. One of two Carr sons, who is also named Stanford and is project manager for Ka lei ma o Village, called the project a full circle moment for the family given that his maternal grandmother was raised on a sugarcane plantation in Ewa Beach. Sandra Tyau, 82, attended Wednesdays ceremony. Completion of Ka lei ma o Village, which is to be managed by Hawaii Affordable Properties, is expected in phases with an initial building in April and the last building done by the end of 2026. Rescuers have recovered hundreds of bodies from mountainous areas of southeastern Afghanistan, which was hit by a major earthquake at the weekend, taking the death toll to more than 2,200, according to a Taliban government spokesperson. Previous estimates said some 1,400 people were killed. Taliban spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat said on Thursday that the updated death toll was 2,205. Tents have been set up for people, and the delivery of first aid and emergency supplies is ongoing, Fitrat said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third earthquake struck the region on Thursday, as search and rescue efforts were continuing. No new deaths have yet been reported after the magnitude 6.2 earthquake. We were in a building and everyone was rushing outside and fearing for their lives, Al Jazeeras Ali Hashem reported from Kunar Province on the effect Thursdays quake had on people in the area. People are just afraid of what could happen. Sundays quake was one of the deadliest in recent times due, in part, to how shallow it was, with its epicentre at a depth of about eight kilometres (five miles). At least 3,640 people were injured in the magnitude 6 quake on Sunday and a subsequent magnitude 5.5 quake on Tuesday, the Taliban said, with the United Nations warning the death toll could rise as more people are still trapped under rubble, particularly in the worst-hit provinces of Kunar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What were seeing on the ground is utter devastation, a real catastrophe, John Aylieff, country director for World Food Programme Afghanistan, told Al Jazeera on Thursday. We have houses razed to the ground. Most of the casualties have been in Kunar province, where people typically live in wood and mud-brick houses along steep river valleys separated by high mountains. This terrain has deeply impacted rescue efforts, Hashem reported from Afghanistan, adding that his team requested to go to the site of Sundays quake and was told it would be a three-hour drive followed by two hours of walking. The feeling here is that there are some people behind the mountains dying in silence, Hashem said. More than 6,700 homes have been destroyed, authorities have said. Survivors are sifting through debris in their search for loved ones. The rough terrain is hindering relief efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taliban authorities have deployed helicopters and airdropped army commandos to help survivors. Aid workers have reported walking for hours to reach villages cut off by landslides and rockfall. Obaidullah Stoman, 26, who travelled to the village of Wadir in Kunars Nugral district to search for a friend, told the AFP news agency that there was only rubble left. Im searching here, but I didnt see him. It was very difficult for me to see the conditions here, he said. Akhlaq, 14, who was injured and evacuated to the hospital, lost five members of his family to the earthquake in the remote village. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cannot accurately predict how many bodies might still be trapped under the rubble, said Ehsanullah Ehsan, the head of disaster management for eastern Afghanistans Kunar region. The World Food Programme has only enough supplies to last for a few weeks, Aylieff warned on Thursday, saying rescue teams are experiencing difficulty reaching remote villages affected by the earthquakes. Even our off-the-road trucks cannot get through, so were using every means possible, small pick-ups, pack animals, and even in some cases, villagers are coming down and carrying food back to the communities, he told Al Jazeera. [Al Jazeera] Afghanistan has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past due to its location at the point where the Indian and Eurasian plates converge. More than 2,000 people were killed in the western province of Herat in the countrys deadliest earthquake in October 2023. A year before, 1,000 people were killed after a magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit the eastern provinces of Paktika, Paktia, Khost, and Nangarhar. Afghan citizens in possession of documentation permitting onward travel to Germany have again been detained by the Pakistani authorities, dpa has learned from police sources. Several people had been detained at a guesthouse housing Afghans on Thursday, and seven Afghans had subsequently been taken to a deportation centre, the police sources said. The location of the guesthouse was not clear. They are among more than 2,000 Afghans in Pakistan currently awaiting onward travel to Germany under various admission programmes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar detentions took place on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, with at least eight of the detained deported to Afghanistan, as dpa has learnt from one of those involved. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Tuesday that he had reached agreement with his Pakistani counterpart that no further arrests would be made before the end of this year. Wadephul expressed regret over the arrests, but said the reasons were not yet known. Negotiations were proceeding with the Pakistani government, a German Foreign Office spokesman said on Wednesday. The spokesman was unable to state the location of the arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Afghans permitted to travel to Germany include staff employed by the Germans before the Taliban retook control in 2021 as Western forces left. They also include family members and other Afghans seen as being at risk from the Taliban authorities. Many Afghan families have been stuck in Islamabad for months, or even years. AG Pam Bondi to announce major anti-trafficking crackdown in Florida U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi will be in Florida on Thursday to announce recent efforts to combat human trafficking and smuggling at U.S. borders. The announcement, scheduled for 3 p.m. in Tampa, will include participation from U.S. Attorneys from Florida and officials from Homeland Security. This visit follows Bondis recent trip to Louisiana with Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem for the opening of a new immigration detention center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new facility is part of a broader initiative similar to Alligator Alcatraz and other facilities being developed in the northern parts of Florida. Channel 9 will monitor Bondis news conference and 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. Crime rates in the United States, as a matter of statistical fact, have fallen drastically over the past 30 years but at the same time, due to a mix of sensational news reporting and irresponsible political rhetoric, the average American mistakenly believes they're increasing. And now, barreling into that reality is a 38-year-old tech bro who says his spying startup can solve it all for good. Garrett Langley is the CEO and cofounder of a surveillance startup called Flock Safety. Valued at $7.5 billion, according to Forbes, Flock has amassed a matrix of over 80,000 "AI-powered" cameras throughout the US since its founding in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Forbes adds, that intelligence web is now getting a boost in the form of "made in America" surveillance drones, which began rolling out to police departments in August. Langley's billion-dollar elevator pitch goes a little something like this: whether you're a police department, private business, or individual homeowner, if you let Flock into your life through a never ending subscription, of course we can solve crime by 2035. It's a tall task, to put it gently, but evidently one that Langley really believes in. "Ive talked to plenty of activists who think crime is just the cost of modern society. I disagree," Langley told Forbes. "I think we can have a crime-free city and civil liberties... We can have it all." Part of Flock's draw, compared to the many other surveillance companies on offer, is its ever-expanding network. Flock's partner companies like FedEx and Lowe's, along with schools and property management groups, can agree to grant local law enforcement the use of their surveillance webs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In doing so on a mass scale, Flock effectively solves one of US law enforcement's more irksome contradictions: the fact that, even though CCTV cameras are everywhere, the private and fragmented web of camera owners makes it really annoying to gather and comb through footage. Not so anymore. The company currently boasts partnerships with over 5,000 law enforcement agencies and 1,000 private businesses. On its website, Flock talks up a variety of applications, from well-to-do HOAs to sleepy one-light towns to million dollar companies struggling with organized crime, it seems there's no social ill that can't be solved with a Flock contract at least on the surface. While centralized surveillance schemes have had a positive effect on crime rates in China efforts which coincided with arguably the largest poverty alleviation effort in history critics maintain that, in the US at least, mass surveillance and the moral panic it encompasses mostly serves to target minority and immigrant communities. Those groups, it should be noted, already make up the bulk of the American prison population, thanks in no small part to budding police technologies like Flock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That said, Langley isn't worried about a few bleeding heart critics. "The consequence of building a product that actually changes peoples lives is that there will be a lot of people we piss off along the way," the CEO told Forbes, "because what were doing actually matters." More on surveillance: Alarming New System Can Identify People Through Walls Using Wi-Fi Signal When Iran dispatched some 200 attack drones and cruise missiles toward Israel in a brute-force attack on April 13, 2024, all of Capt. Carla Navas training was suddenly put to the test. A weapons systems officer with the 494th Fighter Squadron out of RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Nava knew her F-15E Strike Eagle was prepped to be first in a two-ship formation if called upon. But when the pair of aircraft were launched from their undisclosed location in the Middle East in the dark of night and more urgently than the crews expected the intensity of the real-world mission was still disorienting. It just hits heavier when you know the Master Arm hot switch is on, Nava recalled. As the swarms of one-way attack drones came into view within just minutes of takeoff, the planes, flying at low altitudes, were tasked with taking them out before they could reach their targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The No. 2 aircraft got the first shot at an incoming drone, but missed. That cued up Navas aircraft and her role of double-checking the Strike Eagles targeting pod and giving the all-clear to shoot. The drone went down: a confirmed kill. Its nerve-wracking, and then once you see it hit, its the biggest relief that you can have before you move on to the next target and rinse and repeat, she said. Nava, 29, is Military Times Airman of the Year. A first-generation American whose parents came to the U.S. from Venezuela, she fell in love with aviation while a cadet at the Air Force Academy. Nava had volunteered for the Middle East deployment that would put her unit in the action against Iranian drones. The April 13 mission made her, along with pilot Capt. Claire Atomic Eddins, the Air Forces first all-female crew of aces signifying five air-to-air kills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond her achievements in combat, Nava has worked to improve the service for other female airmen, coordinating a Flying While Pregnant Roadshow while stationed in the UK and representing her unit at a convention focused on improving uniforms and equipment for women aviators. During the counter-drone mission, an unprecedented Iranian assault and the largest air-to-air engagement for the Air Force in more than half a century, Nava also took on risk, delaying a refueling to remain in position as other aircraft expended their missiles and had to depart the area. They reached a combat bingo fuel state, meaning theyd have to land at a friendly foreign base near their location if they couldnt secure an aerial refueling, which they ultimately did. By the time they headed back to home station, the crew had expended all their missiles and taken out five Iranian drones. Their status as newly minted aces didnt set in, Nava said, until the next day when they reviewed the planes targeting history. It was a win for everybody, Nava said, adding that the Air Force hadnt seen new aces in decades prior to the Iran showdown, with male and female aircrews alike were celebrating the achievement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Nava teaches future combat systems officers at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. Being named Airman of the Year, Nava said, speaks to the village that raised me, adding that her village includes her parents and the Air Force itself. Its an honor and I hope I do it justice. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) New daily flights are coming to Las Vegas from three U.S. cities starting in January. United Airlines announced it was expanding its flight schedule across 15 cities, including adding new flights to Las Vegas, according to a release from the airline. RELATED: Las Vegas launches Fabulous Las Vegas campaign to tackle declining visitor numbers The expansion includes round-trip flights between Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles to Las Vegas starting on Jan. 6, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This expansion comes just hours after Spirit Airlines announced it was discontinuing services to several cities. If Spirit suddenly goes out of business, it will be incredibly disruptive, so were adding these flights to give their customers other options if they want or need them, Patrick Quayle, Uniteds senior vice president of Global Network Planning and Alliances, said. United is the largest airline in the world, the release said, connecting passengers to more than 360 destinations, including more than 225 cities in the Unitied States. With this schedule expansion, United will offer 43 daily flights to Las Vegas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A city councilor is criticizing a government committee in Albuquerque for allegedly withholding several reports from the public. The citys inspector general has stated that these reports indicate the city may be misusing public funds. Councilor Dan Lewis is demanding that the Accountability and Government Oversight Committee (AGOC) release the Office of Inspector General reports, some of which date back several months. He claims that the committee has violated its charter by failing to do so. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The office of the inspector general (IG) has asserted that these documents pertain to the abuse and misuse of public dollars in the current administration. Those documents are the publics; they are owned by the public and need to be released, Councilor Lewis said. The Office of Inspector General is responsible for investigating the city and its departments for any financial misconduct or wrongdoing. It operates as a non-partisan inspection agency and submits its reports to the AGOC, which reviews these documents and can delay their public release by one meeting. Councilor Lewis says the committee has not released at least nine different inspector general reports. He also says that committee members are appointed by the city council and the mayor. Im not saying that theyre hiding documents, but if they continue to hold on to documents after the required timelines, then theyre just not following the intent of the charter of the city of Albuquerque, he said. In April, KRQE reported on an inspector generals investigation that exposed mismanagement of funds during renovations at City Hall. At that time, the city referred to the inspector generals report as misinformation. According to Councilor Lewis, the committee is required to release public documents 15 days after reviewing them, and they should meet at least quarterly. Lewis plans to call for the release of all nine reports at the committees next meeting, which could be this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We reached out to the city for comment regarding this latest letter but have not heard back from the mayors office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), will be installing traffic camera poles in Limestone and Morgan Counties. According to ALDOT, drivers should expect a nighttime lane closures on I-65 on Thursday, Sept. 4. Contractors will close a lane on I-65 northbound near milepost 346 and a westbound lane on SR-304/Huntsville Browns Ferry Road at I-65 Exit 347. ALDOT told News 19 that the lane closure will last from 6:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $2.5 million advanced corridor management project extends from Exit 334 at SR-67 in Priceville to Exit 354 at US-31 in Athens. ALDOT said that contractors will install 84-foot-long concrete poles at four different sites this week. The poles will stand 70 feet above ground once installed. Additionally, contractors will install two poles per night next week that will be going up along I-65 in Limestone County. You can see those dates and locations below: Tuesday, Sept. 9, northbound at mileposts 349 and 353. Wednesday, Sept. 10, southbound at mileposts 352 and 354. Thursday, Sept. 11, near mileposts 343 and 344. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, the project is set to add 11 cameras on I-65 once the poles are in place. ALDOT said that a camera will also be installed on an existing pole at Exit 340. ALDOT North Region Traffic Systems Management and Operations Coordinator Phillip Day said the cameras will fill gaps in ALDOTs existing traffic management system. Theyll significantly expand coverage, Day said. We will have cameras covering nearly the entirety of I-65 from Priceville to Athens. Th project also includes the Installation of two overhead dynamic message signs (DMS) one will be northbound just north of the Tennessee River, and one southbound before Exit 347. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to ALDOT, two Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) stations and a combination of radio devices and fiber optic cables for device communication will also be put into place. Once the cameras are installed and become operational, they will undergo testing. After the testing period is completed, livestreams will become viewable by the public, which can be seen by clicking here. Cameras assist ALDOT with detection and monitoring roadway issues and congestion. This information allows the Department to more quickly coordinate with first responders for assistance with clearing highway incidents. ALDOT does not record or store footage from its traffic cameras, said the Alabama Department of Transportation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ANDERSON An Alexandria man has been charged with three felony counts of child molesting and detained on a $100,000 bond. Joseph Goode, 77, was arrested Friday, Aug. 29, by Madison County deputies. If convicted of the most serious charge, Goode faces a possible 20-40 year prison sentence. According to the probable cause affidavit, Goode is charged with sexually assaulting two girls under the age of 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the girls told investigators in Mississippi that Goode had sexually assaulted her when she was 6 to 8 years old, and both girls told investigators that Goode fondled them when he visited Anderson, police reported. The second girl is 13 years old. Goodes wife told investigators that she believed the two girls were being coaxed by their parents to make up lies to get money. On the advice of his attorney, Goode declined to give a statement. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The accusations against an Aloha man are piling up, as he is once again facing kidnapping and sex abuse charges against an additional victim out of Columbia County. Dru Hendrix, 58, is already in a Washington County jail for charges in connection with allegedly sexually assaulting and kidnapping a 20-year-old woman, and also allegedly sexually assaulting a man in his 80s, in Aloha, back in July. Trumps border czar hints at plans for Portland, Seattle Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, the Washington County Sheriffs Office said they believed he may have more victims and that there was another pending case against Hendrix out of Columbia County. After the initial press release and media coverage for the Washington County case in July, law enforcement officials said they received dozens of phone calls and have interviewed many people reporting criminal or concerning behavior by Hendrix. Poster for Dru Hendrix. (Washington County Sheriffs Office) Hendrix, who used to operate a Portland repair shop called Hendrix Motor Company, has now been indicted by a grand jury in Columbia County for alleged sexual abuse, kidnapping and other alleged crimes against a separate victim. Spirit Airlines pulls out of service at PDX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hendrix faces the following charges in Columbia County: Second-degree kidnapping Third-degree sexual abuse Third-degree attempted escape Driving on a criminally suspended license Hendrix is also facing pending charges in Washington County that include: Three counts of first-degree sodomy Two counts of first-degree sexual abuse First-degree unlawful sexual penetration First-degree kidnapping Attempt to compel prostitution Probation violations for previous arrests for stalking, attempting to elude police and felon in possession of a weapon Law enforcement officials said they are continuing to investigate the flood of reports against Hendrix and are asking the public to come forward with information about any other potential victims. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Washington County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Reuters) -Brazil's competition watchdog CADE has opened an investigation into Anglo American's plan to sell its nickel operations in the country to a unit of Hong Kong-listed MMG for up to $500 million, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday. The probe follows a complaint from CoreX Holding, a global industrial group and direct competitor in the region, the report said, citing an unidentified source. "Based on a complaint received, an Administrative Procedure for Investigating an Act of Economic Concentration was instituted," the FT quoted CADE as saying. However, CADE noted that the launch of an investigation does not necessarily mean the deal will be blocked, the report added. Anglo declined to comment, while CoreX and Brazil's competition authority did not respond to Reuters' request for comment. In February, the London-listed miner agreed to sell its nickel business in Brazil. Anglo demerged its platinum business in May and in July said that its nickel and steelmaking coal assets were discontinued operations, with their sale agreed but not yet completed. The company has been selling or spinning off non-core assets to focus on copper and iron ore since bigger rival BHP's failed takeover attempt last year. Anglo is also considering options for its loss-making De Beers diamond unit, including a possible sale or listing. (Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru; Editing by Sumana Nandy and Mrigank Dhaniwala) Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where 17 classmates and teachers were killed during a mass shooting, leave school together for the National School Walkout on April 20, 2018, in Parkland, Fla. Between 2007 to 2023, U.S. children and teens had a mortality rate nearly double that of their peers in wealthy countries, according to a new study.(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Babies and children in the United States are nearly twice as likely to die before reaching adulthood compared with their peers in other wealthy countries, according to a new study. The health of U.S. children has deteriorated since the early 2000s across a range of measures, researchers from Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of California, Los Angeles found. They published their findings in July 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. Justice Brett Kavanaugh appeared eager Thursday to squelch growing tension within the federal judiciary, praising a meeting of judges for their work on the front lines of American justice and defending the high courts opaque emergency decisions as a product of compromise. Keep doing what youre doing, Kavanaugh told a meeting of the 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals, adding it was important for appellate judges including the justices of the Supreme Court to recognize the difficulty trial judges have in making fast decisions in high-profile cases. Its kind of like having the referee on the field and then were sitting up in the replay booth dissecting every frame of the replay, Kavanaugh said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Kavanaugh has made similar points before, his decision to repeatedly praise lower court judges sitting in front of him in Memphis over the course of an hour appeared designed to deescalate at a time when strains between the Supreme Court and trial courts have slipped into view particularly as the judiciary wrestles with President Donald Trumps flurry of executive actions. Days before Kavanaugh took the stage in Memphis, a judge in Boston apologized in response to a rebuke from two justices Neil Gorsuch and Kavanaugh himself who wrote that lower court judges were never free to defy emergency orders from the Supreme Court. Earlier Thursday, NBC News interviewed several judges who expressed frustration with the Supreme Court repeatedly overturning their rulings in emergency cases with little explanation. Kavanaugh, who Trump named to the high court during his first term, addressed none of those pressure points explicitly. But the former appeals court judge said he could sympathize with lower court judges who are at times forced to squint at opaque language from the Supreme Court. Sometimes, Kavanaugh said, thats the product of nine of us, or at least five of us, trying to reach a consensus or a compromise on a particular issue that might be difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flanked by two circuit court judges, Kavanaugh added that he was fully aware that could lead to a lack of clarity in the law and could lead to some confusion at times. As it has juggled a flood of emergency cases involving Trumps second term, the Supreme Court this year has repeatedly handed down terse orders siding with the administration. Late last month, the court allowed the Trump administration to halt nearly $800 million in research grants with a two-paragraph order that was mostly boilerplate. Weeks earlier, the court offered little explanation for its decision to let Trump remove members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Supreme Court is often reticent to write lengthy opinions in those cases, in part because the justices dont want to prejudge the final outcome of the case. Also because those cases are usually handled on such a short fuse generally with a matter of weeks and sometimes days the court often doesnt have the time to go through its usual laborious process of circulating draft opinions. But the lack of clarity, at times, has also forced the court to return to the same issue weeks later. In May, the justices ruled that Trump didnt have to rehire senior labor officials at independent agencies, despite a 1935 precedent that allows Congress to separate those agencies from presidential intervention. Then in July, the court was asked to resolve a substantially similar case involving members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission Trump had fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that decision, the court said that the first ruling should have controlled the second outcome. While Supreme Court decisions create precedent, its not always been clear that emergency orders which are decided without oral argument and less robust briefing control similar cases. Lower court judges may sometimes disagree with this courts decisions, but they are never free to defy them, Gorsuch admonished in an opinion last month tied to another case involving a Trump decision to cut research grants. This is now the third time in a matter of weeks this court has had to intercede in a case squarely controlled by one of its precedents, Gorsuch wrote. When this court issues a decision, it constitutes a precedent that commands respect in lower courts. The rebuke prompted a highly unusual apology this week from US District Judge William Young in Boston, nominated to the bench by President Ronald Reagan, who said he didnt intend to disregard the Supreme Court with his decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kavanaughs remarks Thursday appeared similarly designed at avoiding conflict. We all have to support each other, frankly, Kavanaugh said. We could all improve ourselves a bit on that, but I think thats important for the institution of the judiciary. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com On Sept. 2, Russia and China outlined their vision of a multipolar world that would likely see democratic Europe largely abandoned by the U.S. and facing the nightmare scenario of direct confrontation with an emboldened, war-hungry Russia. Two days later, democratic Europe responded with a plan for stopping Russian aggression in Ukraine that almost certainly won't work. The plan, presented by French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, relies entirely on the goodwill of two of the very people responsible for the current predicament U.S. President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "Coalition of the Willing" summit in Paris concluded on Sept. 4 with the announcement that 26 countries are ready to send troops or contribute other support to Ukraine as part of security guarantees. The caveat the plan would only be put into action once the fighting stops. The fighting will not stop. Russia has said out loud and repeatedly that it has no intention, or need to end its war against Ukraine short of total victory. Macron added that if Russia refused to go along with the peace process, the U.S. and Europe would impose additional sanctions on Russia. He also said the U.S.'s role in any security guarantees would be decided in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S., meanwhile, continues to show little interest in committing to Europe's security guarantee plans. French President Emmanuel Macron (C) and U.S. President Donald Trump (R) listen as President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) speaks during a meeting with European leaders in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, U.S. on Aug. 18, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) The Financial Times reported on Sept. 4 that the Pentagon is also set to phase out security assistance for NATO countries bordering Russia. Vague threats of new U.S. sanctions have gone unfulfilled for months. The Coalition of the Willing plan relies almost entirely on the goodwill of the one man waging war and the other man, who has yet to take a single concrete step to end it. But the Coalition of the Willing does have options. Europe could seize the $245.85 billion of frozen Russian assets currently sitting in European banks and furnish Ukraine's army with the weapons it needs to put a stop to Russia's invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would require no permissions from Washington or Moscow, wouldn't place European peacekeepers at risk, and would keep the war on Ukrainian soil before it reaches that of other European countries. If they really wanted to be bold, they could send European troops to Ukraine without asking Russia, and before the fighting stops. At this stage, it's not even an option on the table but there are signs that it would work. Russia lies constantly, but facts can always be discerned from listening to what they object to, and Russia has repeatedly and consistently objected to European troops on Ukrainian soil because the Kremlin knows that this would spell the end of its territorial ambitions in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But currently Europe appears to be in denial, believing only Putin and Trump can decide the continent's fate. Until that changes, we can only expect more of what we saw today grand announcements that in essence, do little more than kick the can further down the road.And while that may be frustrating in the capitals of Western Europe, in Ukraine, for many, it will be fatal. Read also: Behind Ukraines manpower crisis lies a bleak new battlefield reality for infantry Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Jody Godoy (Reuters) -The rapid pace of development in the world of tech, particularly in AI, spurred a judge's cautious approach to curbing Google's online search monopoly, revealing a hurdle for U.S. antitrust enforcers' efforts to win their other cases against Big Tech. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled last year that Alphabet's Google holds an illegal monopoly, saying its dominance in online search "has gone unchallenged for well over a decade." But he declined on Tuesday to impose stringent requirements that the government had called for, saying the rise of AI companies in the past two years has already created competitive pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that tens of millions of people use generative AI programs like ChatGPT, Perplexity and Claude in nearly the same way they look for information they previously found on Google. "Innovation is a hare while antitrust law is a tortoise," said Adam Kovacevich, head of the Big Tech-funded industry group Chamber of Progress. Courtney Radsch, director of the Center for Journalism and Liberty at the Open Markets Institute, an anti-monopoly group, said the ruling sends the wrong signal to the AI sector. "It's really problematic. Because it means antitrust as it is being wielded now is too backward-looking, and it's not looking at how to prevent illegal anticompetitive behavior," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the five high-profile ongoing antitrust lawsuits against Big Tech, several of which were initiated by investigations during the first Trump administration in 2019, the Google search case was seen as one of the strongest for U.S. antitrust enforcers. Now, Big Tech companies facing antitrust lawsuits are likely to use the ruling to their advantage, said John Kwoka, an economics professor at Northeastern University. "I think this gives an avenue, rightly or wrongly, for some of the other companies that are in the crosshairs to say that technology has made antitrust arguments irrelevant," he said. COMPETITION FROM AI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Antitrust regulators have homed in on the tech industry because they saw it as a crucial juncture between entrenching the dominance of big players and allowing startups to thrive. The U.S. sued Google in 2020 and 2023, Meta Platforms in 2020, Amazon in 2023 and Apple in 2024, and opened probes last year into Nvidia and Microsoft. In a process that takes years, antitrust cases typically proceed in two phases: a judge first decides whether the company engaged in anticompetitive conduct, and next tackles the question of what it should do to restore competition. Tuesday's ruling was the first of the cases to impose requirements on a Big Tech company. Mehta largely adopted Google's proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The emergence of GenAI changed the course of this case," Mehta said in the ruling, calling it "astonishing" how quickly billions of dollars have flowed in to the nascent industry. ChatGPT was not released until 2022, two years into the case. A year later, when Google faced its first trial on the question of whether it held a monopoly, no witness cited AI as a near-term threat to search, the judge wrote. Now, AI companies are such a factor that the judge said they should be allowed to access Google's data to help boost competition with its search engine. LIMITS OF ANTITRUST Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meta Platforms and Apple are likely to highlight the ruling in their own cases. For example, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is seeking to make Meta sell off Instagram and WhatsApp, saying the acquisitions were aimed at neutralizing upstart competitors to Facebook's supremacy in the market for platforms where users share updates with friends and family. Meta has argued that the scene has shifted in the past five years since the case was brought, through the explosion in TikTok's popularity and users' growing preference for sharing in group chats instead of posting on social media platforms. Apple, which faces allegations of using restrictions on third-party developers to make it harder for iPhone users to switch, has argued antitrust enforcers are threatening innovation by seeking control of its product design. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be sure, even where judges are leery of going too far, pressure from antitrust cases has precipitated change. Ahead of trial this year, Google dropped restrictions on device makers who receive advertising revenue in exchange for making its search engine the default on new devices, allowing them to load competitor products. In 2019, Amazon turned off what antitrust enforcers later called a secret price-raising algorithm that cost Americans more than $1 billion. Google has already gamed out the possibility of selling off advertising technology something that antitrust enforcers will ask a different court to order it to do at trial later this month. Judge Mehtas remedies decision signals why the courts cannot be the end-all, be-all of antitrust," said Elise Phillips, policy counsel at the Public Knowledge, a nonprofit that receives funding from Google and other tech companies, in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The American people need sector-specific legislation that addresses these harms and breaks down barriers of entry into online markets, fostering competition, innovation, and choice. (Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York, Editing by Chris Sanders and Matthew Lewis) An inmate in the custody of the Department of Corrections. A recent analysis found that the state spent $5 billion in five years on the Alabama Department of Corrections. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) A report published last month estimated that Alabama spent $5 billion on the states prison system in the past five years. The report from Alabama Appleseed, a criminal justice organization, said the total included ADOC paid for operations and the costs of a $1.3 billion new prison in Elmore County, including debt payments for the bonds the state issued to assist with the construction costs, contributed to the total. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What came as a bit of a surprise was the trajectory over 20 years, and how the increase in prison spending has caused this ripple effect where these other important agencies, their budgets are not growing at the same rate, said Carla Crowder, executive director of Alabama Appleseed. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A message was sent to the ADOC on Tuesday seeking comment. Corrections for decades has taken the second-largest chunk out of the states General Fund budget, only trailing Alabama Medicaid, which provides health insurance to about 1 million Alabamians, mostly children, elderly people or those with disabilities. The department is budgeted to get $826.7 million in the current fiscal year, about 22% of the total General Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is why we have budget hearings, to get a grasp of the direction that we are headed and, more importantly, why, said Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, the chair of the Senate in an interview on Tuesday. He cited several factors for the increase in money allocated to ADOC. We are trying to hire people is the first thing, he said. The second thing is construction, and the third thing is lawsuits. I think those are three things where money gets sucked up in. Corrections has struggled to maintain adequate staffing in the prisons, a major contributor to a wave of violence in the states correctional facilities. The state has paid tens of millions of dollars in legal fees over litigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Elmore County prison has proven far more expensive than legislators first expected. Lawmakers approved $1.3 billion for two prisons in 2021, expecting that to cover the cost of the Elmore facility and another prison in Escambia. Now, that amount is enough for only one prison. Legislators have authorized transferring money from ADOC operations to help pay for the expected cost of the second prison planned for Escambia County. The Legislature has also authorized additional bonding capacity in 2025 should additional funding be needed. However, legislators also allocate a greater share of the General Fund budget to the ADOC as the cost to operate the states prisons has increased dramatically in the past several years. The Alabama Department of Mental Health, for example, received $244 million, or almost 8% of the General Fund dollars, for the current fiscal year, roughly a fourth of what ADOC was allocated. Another agency, the Alabama Department of Public Health, will receive about $160 million, almost 3% of the General Fund budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agencies have other funds from which to draw, but the General Fund comprises a significant portion of their budgets. Medicaid and Corrections share of the budget have grown significantly over the last 20 years. In 2002, they were responsible for about a third of the spending. By 2024 it increased to slightly more than half. Medicaid went from $231 million in 2002 to $955 million in 2025, a 313% increase. Corrections went from $197 million to $737 million, an increase of 274% over the same period. Crowder said part of the reason for the increased funding is meant to address years of underinvestment in the prison system. The additional allocations also deal with the problems that ADOC currently has recruiting and retaining corrections officers and the medical costs because of an aging prison population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A higher percentage of people in Alabamas prisons are expected to spend a greater share of their lives incarcerated in prison. A study from The Sentencing Project published in 2024, a research and advocacy organization, said that almost 30% of people in state prison are practically serving a life sentence, meaning they will spend decades incarcerated before possibly getting released. This is compared to the national percentage at 16%. When you are sentencing a lot of people to life, that is a dramatic way of increasing the prison population numbers, said Nazgol Ghandnoosh, director of research at The Sentencing Project. As they age, their medical needs increase along with the corresponding costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The best way to curb these costs is to evaluate older people who are serving unnecessary and extreme sentences, then rehabilitate and find pathways to release, Crowder said. To increase the availability of Medicaid for people who are leaving prison, other states have done this through a waiver program. And to invest more in front-end solutions like mental health care and drug treatment. There are limits for how much states can decrease the cost of incarcerating people solely by releasing some of those who are incarcerated. That is partly because the main significant way to experience savings in correctional costs is to shut down facilities or large sections of facilities, Ghandnoosh said. Just reducing the number of people and leaving the number of prisons the same doesnt lower cost because every year you are going to have likely increases in staffing costs and so on. Some states, to reduce costs, are beginning to close facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By building a new facility and expanding capacity, that is likely going to result in prosecutorial decisions, legislative decisions, to fill up those prison beds, she said. The state, for its part, said the new facilities will not add new capacity to the system, but simply replace the capacity at other facilities slated to be closed. However, some lawmakers, like Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, are starting to doubt if those facilities can close given the increase in the prison population. Appleseed has been urging the Legislature to pass a bill for the past several years to allow judges to reconsider the sentences of people who spent decades in prison, and who did not cause any physical harm during their offenses. Appleseed published its findings just as the Legislature received an update on the status of both the Educational Trust Fund and General Fund budgets prior to the start of the 2026 session in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ADOC was scheduled to appear before the Legislature last week as part of the budget hearings, but the appearance was cancelled. Despite that, Albritton said in an interview on Tuesday that he spoke with ADOC Commissioner John Hamm. I dont see the increases continuing to develop, he said. I think we have gotten pretty close to the level of what the needs are. We seem to have gotten the pay scales up to a point that is making a difference, and gives us an opportunity to retain people. For Albritton, the key to bending the cost curve will be the construction of the new facility because the sources of increased expenses stem from problems with infrastructure. It does not cure all of our problems, but it will remove the threat and the aspect of several lawsuits that is on us right now and the cost that is associated with that, he said. It will also give us a means to control the violence better in the prisons themselves, and reduce the number of incidents there. It will also protect the corrections officers more and it will give us the facilities to maintain them, so just dont ignore them and let them deteriorate. In early September 2025, a claim (archived) circulated online that a man allegedly named Netan Yanas, a supposed Israeli sniper known as the "Angel of Death," died in battle in the Gaza Strip. One X user wrote, "Netan Yanas nicknamed the 'Angel of Death' with a 98% hit rate was killed in a Rafah bomb trap yesterday. His infamous specialty was shooting children and teenagers in the abdomen so they'd die slowly, targeting medics rushing to help, and even taking aim at journalists." (X user @MoonRos) The claim also circulated on Facebook (archived), Instagram (archived) and Bluesky (archived). Snopes readers wrote in, asking if the claim was true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, we found no credible reports in Hebrew or English that Netan Yanas was a real person, nor that he died in combat in Gaza. The Israeli government's official list of armed forces casualties in the war in Gaza did not include Yanas' name after an update on Sept. 1, 2025, the date social media posts said he died. That update included a disclaimer noting the list was current up to "Monday, 1st September 2025, 1:00 PM Israel time," meaning any casualties that occurred later that day would not be included. We've reached out to the Israeli military to ask if it had any record of a casualty with Yanas' name and will update this story if and when we hear more. The claim circulated alongside a picture that first appeared in a 2024 Facebook post (archived) about an injured Israeli army soldier appealing for help to compete in a triathlon. According to that post, the man in the photo was Idan Gurion and was injured while serving with the Israeli army's Golani Brigade. It was unclear at the time of this writing whether Gurion was a sniper or whether he returned to service after his injury. Gurion's name did not appear on the Israeli government casualty list. We also reached out Channel 12, an Israeli news channel that some claims said originally reported the news about Yanas, to ask if it could confirm whether the rumor was true. We could not find the claimed Channel 12 report about Yanas' death. We also reached out to Gurion to establish whether he used the name Netan Yanas. We await replies to our queries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hanoch Daum, an Israeli author and comedian, posted the image of Gurion that circulated in September 2025 almost a year earlier, in August 2024. Daum's post included a message, allegedly from Gurion, in which Gurion identified himself as a soldier from the Israeli army's Golani Brigade who was injured when a car bomb struck his patrol. According to the post, Gurion wanted to compete in a triathlon in Eilat, Israel, in January 2025 but needed a road bike. The Israman Challenge triathlon took place in Eilat in January 2025 but did not list Idan Gurion or Netan Yanas in the race results. We reached out to Daum to ask if he knew whether Gurion had participated in a triathlon, gone back into service or could potentially be Netan Yanas and await a reply. Non-governmental organizations, the United Nations, journalist federations and medical professionals have accused Israeli forces, including snipers, of targeting children and media workers during the war in Gaza. The Israeli army and Israeli government have repeatedly said they do not target civilians or journalists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Google Translate and Doitinhebrew.com provided translations from Hebrew to English. Sources: "CHALLENGE ISRAMAN EILAT 2025 RESULTS." CHALLENGE ISRAMAN 2026, https://israman.co.il/?page_id=29923&lang=en. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025. doitinHebrew.Com - The Talking Online Hebrew Dictionary and Translation Engine. Learn How to Say Just about Anything in Hebrew. http://www.doitinHebrew.com. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025. Fabian, Emanuel. "After Strikes on Hospital, IDF Denies Targeting Civilians, Says War Zone 'Extremely Complex.'" The Times of Israel, 25 Aug. 2025, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/after-strikes-on-hospital-idf-denies-targeting-civilians-says-war-zone-extremely-complex/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Israeli Snipers Target Palestinian Children in Gaza." Defense for Children Palestine, https://www.dci-palestine.org/israeli_snipers_target_palestinian_children_in_gaza. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025. McGreal, Chris. "Israeli Military Accused of Targeting Journalists and Their Families in Gaza." The Guardian, 21 Dec. 2023. World News. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/21/israel-idf-accused-targeting-journalists-gaza. "Meet the Golani Brigade." Israel Defense Forces, https://www.idf.il/%D7%90%D7%AA%D7%A8%D7%99-%D7%99%D7%97%D7%99%D7%93%D7%95%D7%AA/%D7%97%D7%98%D7%99%D7%91%D7%AA-%D7%92%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%A0%D7%99/%D7%90%D7%95%D7%93%D7%95%D7%AA/. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel. Swords of Iron: IDF Casualties. 3 Nov. 2023, https://www.gov.il/en/pages/swords-of-iron-idf-casualties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RSF and Avaaz Launch International Media Operation: "At the Rate Journalists Are Being Killed in Gaza by the Israeli Army, There Will Soon Be No One Left to Keep You Informed" | RSF. 31 Aug. 2025, https://rsf.org/en/rsf-and-avaaz-launch-international-media-operation-rate-journalists-are-being-killed-gaza-israeli. UN Human Rights Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). "UN Human Rights Office Condemns Targeting Journalists and Attacks on Hospitals." Question of Palestine, https://www.un.org/unispal/document/un-human-rights-office-condemns-targeting-journalists-and-attacks-on-hospitals/. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025. "US Surgeon Claims Israel Targets Gaza Children: 'No Child Gets Shot Twice by Mistake.'" France 24, 29 Oct. 2025, https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/t%C3%AAte-%C3%A0-t%C3%AAte/20241029-us-doctor-claims-israeli-snipers-target-child-in-gaza-no-child-gets-shot-twice-by-mistakea. Former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson speaks on May 25, 2022, at the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) Former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson has resigned as manager of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport less than eight months after he was appointed to run the fourth-largest cargo airport in the world. Airport Manager Dave Bronson has announced his resignation from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) for personal reasons, with September 2 as his final day of service. Departing in good standing, we appreciated Mr. Bronsons contributions to ANC, and extend our best wishes as he begins his next chapter, said Lex Yelverton, the airports communications and PR specialist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yelverton said the airports division operations manager will work as the acting manager while the position is vacant. Bronson did not immediately return a phone call or text message seeking comment on his resignation. He told the Anchorage Daily News that it was time to move along and its hunting season. Bronson has occasionally been mentioned on social media as a possible candidate for governor in next years statewide elections. Incumbent Gov. Mike Dunleavy is term-limited and cannot run for re-election in 2026. With a little over 11 months remaining before the primary election, 10 candidates have already filed documents indicating they intend to campaign for the office. Nine are Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airport directors job is a political appointment by the office of the governor, Yelverton said. Bronson, a Republican, was elected Anchorages mayor in 2021, months after the incumbent Democratic mayor resigned during a sex scandal and amid a conservative backlash to COVID-19 prevention efforts by the city. One of the leaders of that opposition movement, conservative activist Bernadette Wilson, has already declared her candidacy for governor. During Bronsons term as Anchorage mayor, he was accused by city employees, including some of his own hires, of mismanagement and unethical behavior. Bronson ran for re-election in 2024 but was defeated by independent candidate and current Mayor Suzanne LaFrance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dunleavy and U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan endorsed Bronsons candidacy for re-election. Before working as mayor, Bronson was a commercial airline pilot, an officer in the Alaska Air National Guard, and served in the U.S. Air Force. At the time of Bronsons selection for the airport job, Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Commissioner Ryan Anderson said Bronsons blend of hands-on aviation expertise and public sector experience is an asset to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The Ted Stevens airport, thanks to its location as a refueling stop on transpacific cargo flights, has been one of the busiest cargo airports in the world for almost a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In rankings published July 8 by the Airports Council International, it was the No. 4 cargo airport in the world and the second-busiest in the United States by cargo volume, with 3.7 million metric tons of cargo shipped, only slightly behind Memphis (3.75 million tons) and Shanghai (3.78 million tons). Hong Kong, with 4.9 million tons of cargo shipped, is the No. 1 cargo airport in the world. The ACI statistics show Anchorage cargo traffic grew 9.4% from 2023 to 2024. That growth may have slowed it predates the imposition of international tariffs by President Donald Trump and his administrations decision to end the de minimis tariff exemption, which allowed packages worth less than $800 to be shipped to the United States without an import tax. That exemption had applied to much of the cargo shipped through Ted Stevens, and its expiration could reduce cargo demand. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin walk on the tarmac at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson in Anchorage last month. (White House/Daniel Torok) President Donald Trump left his Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin without a deal for a cease-fire in Ukraine. The summit did, however, leave the city of Anchorage with one tangible result: more than $200,000 in municipal expenses, largely on law enforcement workers, according to a spokeswoman for Mayor Suzanne LaFrance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokeswoman, Emily Goodykoontz, said the city will seek reimbursement from the Trump administration. A White House spokeswoman referred questions to the U.S. Secret Service; a Secret Service spokesman, Anthony Guglielmi, did not directly answer a question about whether it will agree to Anchorages request. During Trumps first term, the federal government reimbursed Palm Beach County some $40 million a year for protection the municipality provided the president while he was at his Mat-a-Lago estate. And in July, Palm Beach County officials said they would ask for payment out of a $300 million appropriation in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act dedicated to reimbursing local expenses for protecting any formally designated residence of the president. But its not immediately clear whether that pot of money can be used to compensate the city of Anchorage, where Trump only briefly visited a military base for the summit. Guglielmi said that conversations about reimbursement would remain between the Secret Service and our local partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps past visits to municipalities as a candidate, meanwhile, have resulted in an array of unpaid invoices sent to his campaign. In Erie, Pa.; El Paso, Texas; Albuquerque, N.M.; Wildwood, N.J.; Missoula County, Mont.; and Mesa, Ariz., among other places, local governments have tried to compel Trumps campaign committee to pay up to no avail. Some have been waiting years for payment from the committee, or from the U.S. Secret Service. The city of Green Bay, Wis., sent invoices related to local police, fire, public works, parks and traffic services across four appearances during 2024 by candidate Trump and vice presidential candidate JD Vance. Total bill: $56,204. The Trump campaign, in May 2024, told the city that it does not pay for policy or security-related invoices, according to Green Bay spokesman Michael Bergman. The campaign referred the citys requests to the Secret Service, which also hasnt paid, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have sent demand letters, phone calls, and made public statements, Bergman said. We have received no response. Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris 2024 campaign also has $1,822 in unpaid invoices from Green Bay. In Spokane, Wash., local officials say theyve simply given up on Trump, and other presidential candidates. The Trump campaign still has a $65,124 tab for police overtime costs stemming from a visit in 2016, while Sen. Bernie Sanders 2016 presidential campaign owes $33,318 and Hillary Clintons campaign owes $2,793. While there are outstanding balances, we do not anticipate payment and are not actively pursuing collection efforts, Spokane spokesperson Erin Hut told Northern Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since entering presidential politics in 2015, Trump, a Republican, has repeatedly touted his law-and-order bona fides, vowing to support police and back the blue. More recently, an April executive order Trump signed called for empowering state and local law enforcement, including increasing pay and benefits for officers. President Donald Trump stands beside Russia President Vladimir Putin after their meeting last month. (White House/Daniel Torok) In Anchorage, summit-related expenses in excess of $200,000 would be a huge hit to the budget, said Chris Constant, who chairs the citys Assembly. Yearly spending by the city exceeds $600 million, with more than $100 million for the police department alone. But Assembly members can still engage in prolonged debate over individual budget items of $100,000 or less. Twenty or 30 grand, I might feel okay with. Fifty grand, starting to get pretty real. But $200,000, thats a real painful amount of money, said Constant, a Democrat. That is how many child care units of service? How many police responses is that to criminal activities happening in the city, or homeless camps? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guglielmi, the Secret Service spokesman, said Congress has not authorized his agency to issue reimbursements. State and local law enforcement play a crucial role in our ability to effectively safeguard the president and other Secret Service protectees, he said in an email. However, the U.S. Secret Service currently lacks a mechanism to reimburse local governments for their support during protective events. Constant said expenses for last months summit could have been much higher, but were limited because Trump and Putin did not leave the Anchorage military base that hosted the meeting. Nonetheless, he said, city employees had to be prepared for duty that day, even if they were physically distant from the summit itself. He said he spoke with an Anchorage law enforcement worker who spent the day of the event on call while otherwise recruiting at the Alaska State Fair, far outside city limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her arm was in the car, ready to drive to town. Everybody was on and ready, right? he said. Its not fair that the local government should have to cover the federal governments bill. They dont even have to balance their budget. Nathaniel Herz reported from Anchorage and Dave Levinthal reported from Washington, D.C. Nathaniel Herz welcomes tips at natherz@gmail.com or (907) 793-0312. This article was originally published in Northern Journal, a newsletter from Herz. Subscribe at this link. ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) A man has died following a car wreck that happened on August 2, the Anderson County Coroners Office said. On August 2, just after 5 p.m., two cars had crashed into each other on George Albert Lake Road, at Scmid Plaza Drive. Anderson County Responders transported one of the victims to the hospital, where he was then airlifted to Prisma Greenville. The victim, identified as 22-year-old Colton Lee Ealy, died Thursday morning, according to the coroners office. The cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigation revealed that Ealy had failed to yield while driving across George Albert Lake Road, and was struck by the other vehicle that was traveling east. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Notorious manosphere influencer Andrew Tate has agreed to a three-year restraining order that bars him from possessing any guns in the U.S. or getting anywhere near Brianna Stern, the model who claims Tate choked, beat, and sexually assaulted her in a Beverly Hills hotel last March. Tate, 38, must stay at least 100 yards away from Stern and her home, according to the new domestic violence order signed by a Los Angeles County judge during a court hearing Thursday. The self-described misogynist influencer also must refrain from contacting the model known for her appearances in Maxim, FHM, and Playboy. Stern also has permission to record Tate without his consent to demonstrate any alleged violations of the new restraining order, the judge said. (Tate and Stern did not attend the hearing. Their lawyers appeared for them instead.) More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking from the bench, Judge Laura Cohen said the two sides voluntarily agreed to the terms, so there was no need to call witnesses for testimony about Sterns underlying claims. Cohen said the parties agreed that there are no admissions and no findings of any wrongdoing. She then asked Tates lawyer, Jason Koch, if his client understood he was still giving up some rights. As the expiration date approaches, the petitioner can request a renewal for another five years, up to permanent. There could be the right to a renewal, Judge Cohen said. And no firearms, firearm parts, or ammunition. Your client understands that? Koch said Tate understood and agreed not to possess any guns. (The prohibition is only enforceable in the U.S.) In a statement after the hearing, Tates longtime lawyer, Joseph McBride, said his client wasnt bothered by the order and still denies assaulting Stern. He said Tate is more focused on the $50 million cross-complaint for defamation that he filed against Stern earlier this month after she sued him for sexual assault and battery while simultaneously pursuing the civil restraining order. Mr. Tate made a strategic decision to stipulate to a temporary civil order without admissions of any kind, McBride said in his statement Thursday. This was not a loss, but a tactical move that spares everyone an unnecessary fight in a forum that no longer matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McBride noted that the Los Angeles County District Attorney ultimately declined to file felony charges. We are moving forward, and we are confident that when this case reaches a jury, Mr. Tate will be vindicated, he wrote. Sterns lawyer, Tony Buzbee, said hes just as eager to go to trial. I am chomping at the bit to try this case in front of a jury, he said in an email to Rolling Stone. Buzbee said the three-year restraining order was necessary to protect his client while the parallel civil case unfolds. Mr. Tate currently resides abroad, but the order ensures that Ms. Stern remains protected whenever Tate does return to the United States, whether for trial or otherwise. In her assault lawsuit, filed March 27 of this year, Stern alleged that Tate choked and repeatedly beat her in the face and head as she sobbed and begged him to stop during an overnight stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel between March 10 and March 11. Stern, who said she dated Tate for 10 months leading up to the alleged attack, claimed Tates blows grew increasingly stronger as he verbally berated her. Tate allegedly told Stern he planned to make her do OnlyFans again, but this time youre going to show your pussy and give me all the money, the lawsuit said. Stern alleged the violent attack left her terrified, gasping for air, and ultimately nursing a concussion inside the luxury hotel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiff protested and never stopped crying and begging Tate to stop. However, her cries and pleas only led to Tate hitting her harder. Her cries appeared to be what he wanted, what he needed to climax, the sick fetish of a disturbed man, the lawsuit filed by Buzbee on behalf of Stern read. Stern posted a statement on her Instagram saying she met Tate in 2024 when he was recruiting models for his crypto coin. She said they made plans to live together in Romania and then in Miami. The last time she saw him was at the hotel on May 11, she said. The last week has been very difficult and extremely scary for me. I am an emotional wreck and constantly looking over my shoulder. Im not the person I was before. Andrew texted me recently and let me know, If you ever betray me, you will regret it. He has told me on many occassion before that if I crossed him, he would ruin my life, rape me or kill me, she wrote on her Instagram story. I know he and his followers will insult me and attack me. I dont care because I speak the truth. Tate, meanwhile, is a former professional kickboxer who amassed millions of followers on social media while pushing his polarizing brand of far-right toxic masculinity. He and his brother, Tristan Tate, are currently facing a combination of criminal and civil actions in three countries: Romania, the U.K., and the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brothers briefly returned to the U.S. earlier this year after the travel restrictions they were under related to their human trafficking case in Romania were relaxed. The brothers were arrested in Romania in 2022 on accusations they lured women to the country, made false promises they wanted romantic relationships, and forced the women to appear in pornographic videos. Romanian officials allege the brothers transported a total of seven women under the alleged trafficking scheme. The brothers, who reportedly are back in Romania, deny the allegations. A hearing in the consolidated civil case involving Sterns assault lawsuit and Tates related defamation claims is set for Sept. 24. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A funny business, politics. The very first maxim is, or at least ought to be, that no one is indispensable. Not Winston Churchill, not Bismarck, not a tear-stained Mrs T leaving Downing Street. And yet, by necessity, its exponents have to believe with all their hearts that they, and they alone, are the exception to this rule. Its that sense of mission rampant ego, laughable delusion, call it what you will that gives them their drive. Without it, most of them would probably never get out of their four-posters in the morning, much less strive to make a difference. The bright ones feel piqued that Britains wretched ingrates (aka us, the voters) wouldnt recognise a member of the Cabinet if they were lined up in a police identity parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The really bright ones overlook this shocking lack of gratitude and push forward regardless. No surprise there; most of our politicians are simply variations on the same old faces from the same old places. But, every now and then, theres a character who genuinely and unapologetically stands out. Angela Rayner is just such a figure. Love her or loathe her politics, only a fool or a bigot would fail to see her as the sort of exception every rule needs. In our increasingly homogeneous political landscape the Deputy Prime Minister possesses a personality that is bigger, bolder and far more relatable to a great many voters than the usual suspects. When snarky columnists (who me?) cast brickbats and aspersions at the remote elites who would govern us from on high, they are most definitely not referring to Rayner. Id be happy to join her at karaoke in any flat-roofed pub of her choosing. Sorry Keir, but nobody needs Max Headroom nasally glitching his way through I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rayner is the real deal. A whip-smart, working-class mother with fire in her belly, a disabled son and a taste for questionable footwear with which we can all empathise. It is a testament to her Stockport grit that she has not just survived but succeeded excelled in the Westminster bear pit despite the considerable odds. Until now. Like the PM, whose worst nightmares are in danger of coming true as hes hounded by the usually toothless Kemi Badenoch to sack her, I really (really) want believe that Rayner was indeed misled about the amount of stamp duty she owed on her flat in Hove. Why? Because I too like to take sartorial risks with elaborately ugly shoes? No, because I just read the latest piece by Mike Warburton, The Telegraphs very own accountancy expert who writes a weekly tax column. Even he admits to being bamboozled by the complicated regulations surrounding the housing ministers housing arrangements. I shant go into any greater detail here because he deserves all the credit. Also to be blunt, I only understood it for a nanosecond and now its gone the way of quantum physics and hydrogen fusion. I may be as vague on detail as Rayners own advisers (please, please let them actually exist as nobodys fessed up yet) but despite the Oppositions demand for her really rather fabulous hair extensions on a platter, Rayner I hope, will not be compelled to resign even though, lets be honest, the optics arent great. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has had to refer herself to the ethics watchdog after admitting she underpaid tax on her seaside holiday home. And now Rachel Reeves has snippily pointed out its on all of us to understand tax rules, which is a bit rich coming from a Chancellor who still cant seem to find that missing 20bn she swore was down the back of the nations sofa. Maybe she feels threatened by Our Anges common touch. Working-class mothers who have overcome poor life chances she left school at 16, pregnant to enter the establishment are in woefully short supply on our green benches, where privilege still persists. Figures from the Sutton Trust reveal that, as of the last election, 23 per cent of our elected representatives were privately schooled, compared to seven per cent of children across the UK. Labour has done much to redress the imbalance only 15 per cent of its MPs were privately educated as opposed to the Conservatives 46 per cent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But of the 90 per cent of parliamentarians who attended university, how can narrow groupthink be avoided if some one in five of them studied at Oxbridge? Among her other accomplishments, Rayner can justifiably be proud her route was very different from the traditional pipeline into politics. Small wonder she reaches those parts of the electorate other politicians couldnt find on an Ordnance Survey map. When she refers to working people she knows whereof she speaks. Rayner has never pretended to be one of those ivory-towered politicians who never puts a foot wrong cyberpunk loafers anyone? Flatform lace-ups embellished with cartoon flowers? But she is authentic. And that makes her not just believable but memorable. Try and recite the names of Labours frontbench and youll get an idea of how vanishingly rare memorability is in the mother of all parliaments. Which is why her party needs her considerably more than she needs it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody, of course, is indispensable. But right now, Angela Rayner is as near to it as any politician gets. I for one fervently hope she isnt the architect of her own downfall. 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. Sep. 3A late summer heatwave failed barely to pull the official temperature of Spokane to 100 degrees for the third straight day. But on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the official temperature at Spokane International Airport reached 99 degrees setting daily records for each. With cooler weather on the horizon, that means the airport likely won't reach the triple-digit mark for the first summer since 2019, according to Daniel Butler, meteorologist at the National Weather Service Spokane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the airport reached 100 degrees seven times. Still, the last three days marked the hottest stretch of the summer, Butler said. Wednesday's high temperature broke the 1988 daily record of 98 degrees, 20 degrees higher than the normal high at the airport of 78. "It starts to cool off in September faster than you would think," Butler said. Other areas of Spokane eclipsed 100 degrees the past few days. Felts Field topped out at 100 Wednesday, 103 Tuesday and 102 on Labor Day, according to Butler. Temperatures will return to normal by next week. Butler said highs will drop slightly to the low 90s the next three days, fall to the low 80s Sunday and Monday and dip into the low 70s Tuesday and Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides the sweltering heat, residents are coping with poor air quality thanks to smoke from wildfires burning in northeast Washington and southern British Columbia, Butler said. The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency listed Wednesday's air quality index at 114, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. The agency expected the air quality to worsen to the unhealthy for all groups Thursday. Butler said a 30% chance of showers is forecast Saturday night into Sunday morning, which along with cooler temperatures and higher humidity, could slow wildfire growth. Any rain that does fall would be less than a tenth of an inch. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously rejected an appeal by a Death Row inmate convicted in the 1990 murder of a woman kidnapped from a Walton County bar where she worked. An attorney for Ernest Suggs raised a series of arguments in the appeal, including that a serial killer confessed to murdering the victim, Pauline Casey. Suggs was convicted of kidnapping Casey from the Teddy Bear Bar, stabbing her repeatedly, and leaving her body along a dirt road, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Courts also had denied a series of earlier appeals before Thursdays opinion, which was written by Justice Jamie Grosshans. For example, Thursdays opinion said there is no reasonable probability that a confession by the alleged serial killer would lead to Suggs being acquitted in another trial. At trial, the state presented significant physical evidence connecting Suggs to the murder including Caseys palmprints in Suggs vehicle, Caseys fingerprints on the outside of Suggs vehicle, Caseys blood on Suggs shirt, and tire tracks on the dirt road where Caseys body was found that were consistent with those of Suggs vehicle. Law enforcement found keys to the Teddy Bear Bar and a beer glass from that bar near Suggs home. The state also presented testimony that Casey was last seen alive with Suggs, Grosshans wrote. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. All Cass County schools were among the recipients of a share of the $27.1 million in grants unanimously approved by the Indiana Secured School Safety Board to support school safety initiatives. A total of 494 school districts across the state received funding. To date, more than $214 million in state funding has been dedicated to the matching grant program since it was created in 2013, and the Board has approved 4,599 grant requests. Last year, 499 schools split an allocation of $24 million, of which $17 million was allocated to funding school resource officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, the total amount of eligible funding requests exceeded the amount of funding for the program. Priority was given to first-time applicant schools to the SSSG Program, which were fully funded for their top priority requests. Charter school groups were capped at $100,000 in funding for all schools in the group. Remaining schools that apply to the fund regularly were funded at 92% for their top priority items, according to a press release. Applicants to the program rank the priority of items to help the Board better understand the greatest need for school districts. As a former school resource officer, I know first-hand the importance of the Secured School Safety Grants, said Julie Q. Smith, director of the Office of School Safety. Under Governor (Mike) Brauns leadership, we are proud to be able to fund nearly $20 million of school resource officers across the state, amongst a number of other important projects that fortify our school buildings and enhance the security and safety of our students. In Cass County, Logansport Community School Corporation received the maximum amount given, $92,500. Lewis Cass Schools received $30,062.50 and Pioneer Regional School Corporation received $39,775. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peru Community Schools also received the maximum amount at $92,500. Other Miami County schools earning funding were Maconaquah School Corporation ($56,481.80) and North Miami Community Schools ($55,500). Kokomo School Corporation also received the maximum of $92,500. Other Howard County school receiving funding were Eastern Howard School Corporation ($60,125), Northwestern School Corporation ($83,250), Taylor Community School Corporation ($47,701) and Western School Corporation ($92,495.38). Others receiving funding include Caston School Corporation ($37,000), Delphi Community School Corporation ($37,000), Rochester Community School Corporation ($46,250), Eastern Pulaski School Corporation ($41,422.89) and West Central School Corporation ($18,037.50). The Secured School Safety Grant Program is administered by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. For security reasons, the use of the funds by individual schools is not publicly available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SSSG issues matching grants for eligible items and then schools match those funds at a certain level, either 25 percent, 50 percent or 100 percent. The match requirement is based on average daily membership of the school district, the total amount of the project or what the request covers. Eligible items in the grant include funding for school resource officers (SROs) and law enforcement officers in schools; equipment and technology; active event warning systems (no matching requirement); firearms training for teachers and staff that choose to allow guns on school property; threat assessments and to implement a student and parent support services program. For nearly 80 years, Giuseppe Ghislandis Portrait of a Lady seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth. Looted by the Nazis during World War II, the 18th-century masterpiece had slipped into the shadows of history - until it unexpectedly resurfaced last month in the most unlikely of places: an online real estate ad in Argentina. The first-ever colour image of the painting appeared in the listing, uploaded unwittingly by one of the daughters of Friedrich Kadgien, a fugitive Nazi officer who stole the work from Dutch-Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker in the occupied Netherlands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Prosecutor Daniel Adlers gives a press conference in front of Giuseppe Ghislandi's 18th-century painting "Portrait of a Lady". - Credit: AP Photo Dutch journalists investigating Kadgiens life in Argentina stumbled upon the painting. The revelation sparked an international scramble. Within hours of Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad publishing the story, the real estate post vanished. Police raided the coastal Mar del Plata home of Patricia Kadgien, but the painting was nowhere to be found. Authorities detained Kadgien and her husband on charges of concealment and obstruction of justice as raids were carried out across the city, seizing other artworks suspected to have been plundered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, on Wednesday, after decades of mystery, the breakthrough finally came. At a press conference in Mar del Platas federal court, officials revealed that the Kadgien family had handed over the long-lost canvas. Art expert Ariel Bassano, who assisted with the investigation, told reporters from the courtroom that the painting was in good condition and dates back to 1710. For Goudstikkers heirs, who have fought tirelessly to reclaim the hundreds of works stripped from his collection during the war, the recovery is both vindication and a poignant reminder of what was lost. Canadas Temple Lifestyle Brands has expanded its functional beverage portfolio with the acquisition of local business Rise Kombucha. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The purchase was backed by "Quebec-based impact investors" led by local investment fund Fondaction. In a statement yesterday (3 September), Montreal-based Temple said its support will help the kombucha brand scale faster, by "expanding its reach, bringing new innovations to market, and unlocking additional value for consumers and retail partners". Rise Kombucha, set up in Montreal, Quebec in 2008, produces a range of low-calorie and low-sugar kombucha drinks. Its products are manufactured in a facility in Montreal, which Temple will also snap up as part of the deal, the company told Just Drinks. Rise's portfolio includes flavours like blueberry and maple, mint and chlorophyll, and fresh ginger. The business sells exclusively in Canada and has no immediate expansion plans, Temple said, noting there is "lots of room for growth within Canada". Charles Chang, former chairman of Rises board, believes that Temple is "uniquely positioned to unlock the brand's next phase of growth with the scale, operational strength, and expertise to make it happen. Christopher Magnone, co-founder and CEO of Temple, said, Bringing Rise into our family is more than an acquisition, it's a powerful step forward in our mission to revolutionise better-for-you beverages. It brings us closer to our north star: 100 million better-for-you beverages consumed annually by 2035. Temple told Just Drinks that Rise had "no active founders in the day to day operations of the company for the last several years". It added: The prior board was dissolved at the close of the transaction as is customary. Temple, which also owns the Thirsty Buddha organic coconut water brand, said that the acquisition aligns with its mission to build a category-defining platform in functional beverages. While the group plans to focus on the Canadian market with Rise, the business is considering international expansion for Thirsty Buddha, which presently operates solely in Canada. We are currently exploring potential opportunities for expansion into global markets for mid 2026, it told Just Drinks. "Canadas Temple Lifestyle Brands acquires Rise Kombucha" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. (The Center Square) Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen is not happy with Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. Petersen, R-Gilbert, is demanding Fontes, a Democrat, make immediate corrections to the secretarys draft of the 2025 Elections Procedures Manual. Failure to do so will result in what Petersen called a lawsuit from the Legislature. The Elections Procedures Manual cannot be used as a vehicle to rewrite Arizona law, said Petersen in a press release. This draft is filled with provisions that go far beyond the Secretary of States legal authority, and if they are not corrected before submission, litigation will follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Center Square emailed the Secretary of States Office for comment and has yet to receive a response. On his website, Fontes states that the Elections Procedures Manual helps ensure election practices are consistent and efficient throughout the state. Fontes goes on to explain how a new law requires the Secretary of State to send a draft of the manual to the governor and attorney general for review by October 1 of every odd-numbered year. 2025 would be one of those years. In his press release, Petersen called the Elections Procedures Manual the rulebook for how elections are carried out in Arizona. Petersen added that by law, the manual must comply with state laws and be approved by the attorney general and governor. However, Petersen said the current draft undermines the process by creating new rules that not only conflict with state law but also weaken safeguards that were put in place for elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Examples offered by Petersen include Fontes' allowing apparent non-citizens an extended opportunity to cure invalid registrations. Petersen also said Fontes is ignoring identification requirements for voter registration forms, restricting the ability to challenge questionable ballots, forcing election officers to sign onto policies that compromise their constitutional rights and diluting the authority of political parties to select poll workers for elections. Our election laws are passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor, not invented by one officeholder, said Petersen. If the Secretary of State wants rules changed, he should propose legislation like everyone else. Until that happens, Petersen said the Legislature will insist the election manual follows Arizona's current laws. Attorney General Tim Griffin (left) and Board of Corrections Chairman Benny Magness (right). (Photo collage by Arkansas Advocate) The Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the way for an outside attorney hired by the state prison oversight board to continue representing it in its lawsuit over who controls the Department of Corrections highest-ranking officials. The high court affirmed its previous decision to dismiss a motion by Attorney General Tim Griffins office to disqualify the attorney hired by the Arkansas Board of Corrections in 2023 and rejected his petition to reconsider the June decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffins motion to disqualify the boards outside counsel was part of a broader appeal to dismiss the corrections boards lawsuit. In an opinion authored by Chief Justice Karen Baker in June, a court majority rejected the attorney generals request to overturn a lower courts preliminary injunction and dismiss the lawsuit and ordered the trial court to proceed with the case. In that opinion, the justices said the motion to disqualify Abtin Mehdizadegan and the Hall Booth Smith law firm was outside the scope of their review. A denial of a motion to disqualify ones legal counsel, Baker wrote at the time, was not an appealable final order. Griffins office subsequently asked the court to reconsider, arguing that the decision risks undermining the Courts inherent power to regulate the practice of law before it. Griffin said that rather than asking the court to review a lower courts decision to deny the disqualification motion, he had asked the justices to disqualify the attorney from representing the board before the Supreme Court itself. A disqualification motion before an appellate court addresses a distinct issue from a disqualification motion before the trial court, Griffins petition for a rehearing said. The Court therefore has inherent authority to rule on Appellants motion to disqualify the Boards illegally retained appellate counsel and determine whether they were properly before this Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court did not give a reason in Thursdays one-page per curiam order for not rehearing the matter, nor were there any noted dissents. The courts affirmation of the circuit courts decision noted Justice Shawn Womack dissented, and Justice Barbara Webb concurred and dissented in part. Justices Cody Hiland and Nicholas Bronni did not participate. The move from the Supreme Court is the latest entry in the almost two-year legal battle between the Board of Corrections and Griffin and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders over who ultimately controls the Department of Corrections (DOC) highest-ranking officials. The fight began with growing tensions between the board and former Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri in November 2023 over Sanders demand that more beds be opened in the states prison system. The state continues to face a shortage of prison beds and staffing for those beds, which the board cited in its reasoning not to approve more beds requested by Profiri and Sanders. Weeks later, those tensions exploded into a court fight between the board and Sanders over who ultimately has control over top-ranking corrections officials and the extent of the boards constitutional authority when the board suspended Profiri after he moved to open additional beds in defiance of the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Profiri said after his initial suspension, however, that he would still go to work prompting the lawsuit by the board. The board subsequently fired him, after which Sanders hired Profiri as a special adviser on corrections matters. The dispute stems from Acts 185 and 659 of 2023, which provided that the corrections department secretary serve at the pleasure of the governor instead of the board, while the heads of its two divisions report to the secretary effectively removing them from board oversight, the board alleged. The board filed suit over the pair of state laws on Dec. 14, 2023, claiming they infringed on the authority granted to it under Amendment 33 of the state constitution and asking that the laws be struck down as unconstitutional. Pulaski County Circuit Court Judge Patricia James initially sided with the board and issued a preliminary injunction in January 2024, keeping authority over the corrections officials with the board while the lawsuit played out, which cleared the way for Profiris firing. Griffin appealed, asking the Supreme Court to vacate the injunction and dismiss the case as moot in light of Profiris firing, as well as find that the boards outside counsel was hired illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffin argued that the attorney was hired illegally by the board, but James ruled that the board was considered a constitutional officer under the state constitution, therefore allowing them to hire outside counsel. With the affirmation of the June ruling, the case awaits a final ruling from the circuit court. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX An individual seen wielding what appeared to be a firearm near a Massachusetts university dormitory, prompting a shelter-in-place order and large law enforcement response, has been identified as a juvenile holding an airsoft replica firearm, police said Thursday. The Lowell Police Department said it received a report of a person possibly armed with a gun on the University of Massachusetts Lowell's campus just before 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, which marked the first day of classes for undergraduate students. Obtained by ABC News - PHOTO: A still from footage of a person recorded near a UMass Lowell dormitory on Sept. 3, 2025, prompting a large law enforcement response. A video widely circulated online showed an individual walking with what appeared to be a firearm near a UMass Lowell dormitory on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university issued a campus-wide shelter-in-place order and canceled classes and events for the rest of the day. WMUR - PHOTO: Authorities respond to UMass Lowell on Sept. 3, 2025. MORE: School shooting hoaxes: Experts underscore the seriousness of these crimes, penalties at stake Multiple agencies responded, including local and state police, with the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also providing assistance. Officers searched the grounds and a drone, K9s and a police air unit were deployed. The shelter-in-place was ultimately lifted shortly after 5:15 p.m. Wednesday when authorities "determined the suspect was no longer in the vicinity," UMass Lowell said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no shots fired or any injuries, Lowell Police Chief Ron Dickerson said Wednesday. Lowell Police Department - PHOTO: An airsoft replica firearm that police said was recovered in connection with an incident on the UMass Lowell campus. Lowell police said Thursday they recovered the weapon, which was confirmed to be an airsoft replica firearm. The individual was identified as a juvenile male, police said. "While the reported firearm in this case was ultimately determined to be an airsoft gun, our community can be certain that, as in this case, the Lowell Police Department will always utilize all available resources until the safety of all involved is assured," Lowell Police Superintendent Greg Hudon said in a statement. Police did not release any more details on the juvenile, including his age, how they identified him, what he was doing on campus or if any charges are possible. ABC News has reached out for more information. ABC News' Victoria Arancio contributed to this report. The Army is extending orders for the Washington, D.C., National Guard to remain on active duty in the nations capital through Nov. 30, two U.S. officials told ABC News Thursday. President Donald Trump could still cut the mission shorter than Nov. 30 if desired -- or extend the deployment past that date, the officials noted. That essentially leaves the deployment open-ended for now. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll signed off on the plan on Wednesday, enabling Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, commanding general of the D.C. National Guard, to update the initial orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: DC attorney general sues to end federal National Guard deployment The Nov. 30 plan for the estimated 950 members of the D.C. Guard, which has not been previously reported, does not apply to the other 1,300 troops deployed to D.C. from other states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, South Carolina, and West Virginia. Those troops remain under the control of their governors with many of them already under orders to remain through the end of December, one of the officials said. Kent Nishimura/Getty Images - PHOTO: Members of the National Guard are seen standing near the Washington Monument, on September 02, 2025 in Washington, DC. Blanchard alluded to the plan in a video message on X released Thursday. Our mission is not complete, he said. "I've made the decision to extend the encampment as we continue to work to ensure everyone that walks these city streets is safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump mobilized the D.C. National Guard last month to address what he insisted was out of control crime. Since then, troops have been seen hanging out around the National Mall and other low-crime areas, often posing with tourists or spreading mulch as part of Trumps beautification project. MORE: Noem says nothings off the table regarding more National Guard deployments According to the latest update provided by the Guard, troops have cleaned roadways, collected more than 677 bags of trash and disposed of five truckloads of plant waste in coordination with the U.S. National Park Service. The decision to extend the Guard through Nov. 30 was a practical one, sources told ABC News. Instead of reupping orders every 14 to 29 days as is typical, the troops can plan on the extended stay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Guard troops typically leave other full-time civilian jobs during the deployment, and this would allow their employers to make other arrangements, officials say. J. Scott Applewhite/AP - PHOTO: National Guard troops patrol the Mall near the Smithsonian Museums as part of President Donald Trump's order to impose federal law enforcement in the nation's capital, in Washington, Aug. 28, 2025. The plan also ensures there would be no gap in pay or benefits, which can happen when tours of duty need to be reapproved several times. A spokesperson for Joint Task Force-DC told ABC News that all Guards members who are deployed to D.C. have already been extended beyond initial orders -- some which would have lapsed on Sept.10 -- in order to secure their eligibility for benefits including pay and health care. The U.S. Army is sending soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division, 10th Mountain Division and other units to the U.S.-Mexico border this fall. Theyll be replacing units in the region supporting Joint Task Force-Southern Border, which has about 7,600 troops currently deployed, according to U.S. Northern Command. The upcoming deployments include the following units: The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Headquarters to replace the 10th Mountain Division Headquarters The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division to replace the 1st Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division to replace the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Division Artillery to replace the 89th Military Police Brigade The 11th Corps Signal Brigade, III Armored Corps to replace the 35th Corps Signal Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps The 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, North Carolina National Guard to replace the 90th Sustainment Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Army release did not include the total number of soldiers being deployed this fall. President Donald Trumps administration increased troops at the southern border by about 6,500 since taking office in January, according to a spokesperson for the militarys task force overseeing the mission. The administration also created multiple national defense areas along the border this summer. In those zones, military personnel install barriers and signage, conduct patrols and stop and detain trespassers, who they transfer to the custody of law enforcement. The Pentagon announced in August that troops whove deployed to the southern border since Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 20 declaring a national emergency there will be eligible for a new Mexican Defense Border Medal. Registered nurses and technicians at Down East Community Hospital in Machias picket to mark the start of their strike on April 30, 2024. (Courtesy of the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee) Nurses at two Aroostook County hospitals are prepared to go on strike if ongoing issues arent resolved at the bargaining table. The registered nurses at Northern Maine Medical Center in Fort Kent and at Houlton Regional Hospital overwhelmingly voted to authorize their bargaining teams to call a strike if the issues raised in contract negotiations arent resolved, according to a news release from the Maine State Nurses Association Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no dates set for a strike at this point. We are fighting for patient safety and the ability to recruit and retain nurses at our hospital, said Brad Martinez, a registered nurse in the emergency room and bargaining team member in Fort Kent. Since his team has been at the bargaining table for 16 months, Martinez also said, We should be much closer to a deal. Nurses voted to strike because the administration at NMMC has not addressed our concerns about safe staffing and fair pay. The nurses at both facilities are represented by Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee. Fort Kent nurses voted to join the organization in January 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Fort Kent nurses are negotiating for their first contract, the last contract in Houlton expired in November 2024. Houlton nurses are similarly frustrated with the lack of progress in bargaining as they seek to address the same issues of safe staffing, recruitment and retention, and fair pay. Neither hospital responded to a request for comment by publication. In April, Houlton nurses also spoke out against the planned closure of the labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum unit. Houlton Regional is one of five hospitals in Maine that have shut down their labor and delivery units since 2020, leaving expectant mothers in wide swaths of the state without local maternity care. If a strike is what it takes for the voices of nurses to be heard, then so be it, said Brooke Howland, a registered nurse in acute care at Houlton Regional and a bargaining team member. Our administration could settle this contract now. We encourage them to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes as a new national report warns that sweeping Medicaid cuts recently signed into federal law could push hundreds of hospitals across the country to the brink of closure and Maines rural hospitals are among the most vulnerable. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WEST DES MOINES, Iowa An arrest has been made in an overnight shooting that sent one person to the hospital in West Des Moines. At around 3:14 a.m. Thursday, officers with the West Des Moines Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at an apartment in the 8600 block of Westown Parkway. According to the WDMPD, when first responders arrived at the apartment they encountered two people, including one who appeared to have been shot. Fort Dodge police release identity of Tuesdays shooting victim Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the victim was transported to a hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. On Thursday afternoon, the WDMPD announced it had made an arrest in the shooting. Harris Kpor was booked into the Dallas County Jail on the following charges: Willful Injury Reckless Use of a Firearm Assault While Participating in a Felony Going Armed with Intent Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver Domestic Assault with a Weapon Possession of Methamphetamine The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. No additional information has been released. 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. NEW YORK (PIX11) A bug found in South America is believed to have infected between 70,000 and 100,000 people in southern California with a potentially fatal disease, according to reporting from the LA Times. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that triatomines, known as the kissing bug, can also be found in the tri-state area. The bugs have previously been seen in New Jersey. U.S. states with kissing bug and Chagas disease reports. (Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) They carry the parasite that causes Chagas disease, which is considered to be an endemic. An endemic is a disease that is constantly present in a geographic area, according to the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a disease that has been neglected and has been impacting Latin Americans for many decades, Norman Beatty, with the University of Florida, told NewsNation. But its also here in the United States. The Mount Sinai Health System said people may not even know they have the disease, as it can lie dormant for years. The first symptoms of the disease include fever, feeling ill, possible swelling of the eyes and a swollen, red area where the insect bit. Chagas disease then goes into remission before reappearing in its chronic phase, according to Mount Sinai. The chronic symptoms include constipation, digestive issues, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, a pounding or racing heart and even heart failure. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 7 million people, mostly in South America, have been infected with the parasite that causes the disease. Around 280,000 people in the U.S. are believed to have contracted Chagas disease, according to the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Local News The WHO said it can be cured if caught early enough, but if not, patients can only be treated to slow the progression of Chagas disease. The bug has not been seen in New York, according to the CDC. People can prevent bug bites and the spread of Chagas by wearing clothing that covers exposed skin, spraying insecticide, avoiding raw vegetables and sleeping in well-built places. This story comprises reporting from NewsNation. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. ATF helping investigation into assistant fire chiefs shooting Assistant Fire Chief Jerry Shepard was shot in the leg while responding to a fire alarm call on Green Lake Road in Ellerbe, North Carolina. It happened on Monday, but Channel 9 learned the ATF is now assisting in the investigation. The shooting unfolded as Ellerbe firefighters, including Assistant Chief Jerry Shepard, responded to an alarm call from a security company. During the response, a man emerged from the residence with an AR-15 style rifle and fired shots, one of which struck Shepard below the knee. Its taken a toll on our department, not just Jerry being shot but all the firemen that did make it there, said Ellerbe Fire Chief Will Barber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALSO READ >> Suspect arrested after assistant fire chief shot during call in Richmond County No indication that this would happen. No warningnothing ever said just shots fired, Barber added. Shepard has been released from the hospital and is expected to be off duty for several months as he recovers. He is reportedly in good spirits despite the ordeal and is grateful for the communitys support. The suspect, Timothy Hayden, was arrested and charged with assaulting the firefighters. Authorities, including the SBI and the Richmond County Sheriffs Office, are investigating the cause of the false alarm, as there was no fire at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson mentioned that the ATF is working to trace the gun used in the incident and verify Haydens ties to a local gun shop. State records indicate that Hayden is a part-owner of Paratus Outfitters in Rockingham. The Richmond County Sheriffs Office noted that Hayden has obtained an attorney, which has limited the information they can gather about the incident. The investigation into the shooting continues, with authorities seeking to understand why the incident occurred and how the false alarm was triggered. Meanwhile, the Ellerbe Fire Department is coping with the aftermath as Assistant Chief Shepard begins his recovery. ATHENS, Texas (KETK) The Athens ISD band director was arrested Wednesday night after the Henderson County Sheriffs Office found suspected methamphetamine inside his apartment. According to the sheriffs office, around 10:20 p.m., investigators searched the apartment of 45-year-old Nicholas Bartlett Durham at the 200 block of Wood Street, where they found him in possession of suspected methamphetamine. Sabine County routine traffic stop uncovers more than 140 grams of meth Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said Durham was taken into custody and transported to the Henderson County Jail for possession of a controlled substance. Photo courtesy of Henderson County Sheriffs Office Athens ISD said that Durham had just begun his second year as a band director at Athens High School. The school released a statement regarding his arrest on Thursday morning: Like many of you, we are deeply upset by this news and had no indication that would lead us to suspect this alleged behavior. While this incident did not occur on school property and did not involve students, we understand how troubling it is to our families and community. Athens ISD holds all employees to high professional standards, both in and out of the classroom. Effective immediately, Durham has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation and due process. Athens ISD Arp Elementary assistant principal arrested for failing to report sons sexual assault of child The district explained that the band program will continue as scheduled and their goal is to ensure a smooth and supportive transition for our students, who deserve no less. 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. By Selena Li HONG KONG (Reuters) -Citi has appointed banking veteran Kaustubh Kulkarni as co-head of its Investment Banking Coverage for Japan, Asia North and Australia, and Asia South, according to a memo issued on Wednesday and reviewed by Reuters. Kulkarni, who will join in December subject to regulatory approvals, will based in Singapore and serve alongside current head Jan Metzger, according to the memo, the contents of which were confirmed by a company spokesperson. Both will report to global banking head Viswas Raghavan. Formerly with JPMorgan, Kulkarni was most recently the company's senior country officer for India and vice-chair of Asia Pacific region. Over nearly three decades at JPMorgan, Kulkarni held several leadership roles, including Head of India, Head of Investment Banking India, and Co-Head of Southeast Asia Investment Banking. The appointment adds to Citi's global hiring spree under Raghavan, who is pushing to strengthen the bank's dealmaking team and urging executives to collaborate across business lines to drive more transactions and opportunities, sources told Reuters. Since joining Citi in June 2024, Raghavan, known as Vis, has recruited about 15 senior executives from competitors, most of them from JPMorgan, but also from Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Ares Management and HSBC in recent months, Reuters previously reported. The bank is bolstering its Asia Pacific investment banking team, planning to raise its headcount in Japan by as much as 10% to 15% over the next year and make new hires in Australia, Metzger told Reuters in July. (Reporting by Selena Li; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips) CHICAGO Authorities are searching for the thieves who stole an ATM from a Far North Side business during an early-morning smash-and-grab burglary on Thursday. Chicago police said the incident unfolded just after 2 a.m. at a business in the 4500 block of North Sheridan Road, in Uptown. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Officers were initially called to the scene on a report of a burglary at a retail shop in the area, and when they arrived, they found that the businesss front glass door had been damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further investigation then revealed that an ATM had also been taken from the store during the apparent smash-and-grab. Officers said they believe the stolen ATM was loaded onto a red vehicle that fled the scene shortly after getting inside the business. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Authorities say no arrests have been made in connection with the incident and an investigation is now underway. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact CPD Area Three Detectives at 312-744-8263 or dial 911. Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Defense attorneys for the convicted owner of Pharaohs Gentlemens Club are hinging much of their argument for an acquittal or new trial on comments made by the jury foreman in a public interview, and contradicting or false testimony by government witnesses. After a two-month trial last year, and two days after Christmas, the jury found club owner Peter Gerace guilty of eight crimes, including sex and drug trafficking. Three months later, the jury foremans comments in a public interview broadcast on a local television station became a key element of Geraces motion for acquittal or a new trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geraces defense attorneys, Mark Foti and Eric Soehnlein, filed a response last week to the governments opposition, arguing the juror made terrifying comments that implied he, and potentially other jurors, did not follow the judges instructions prior to deliberations. The foreman said jurors were on the edge of their seats in anticipation of testimony from defense witnesses who would counter the governments evidence. But the defense did not call any witnesses, and Gerace did not testify. The foreman said he found their strategy shocking, outrageous, and borderline incompetent. Show me 10 or 15 or 20 or 30 dancers that came in and said, that didnt happen, the jury foreman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family hopes to reopen Pharaohs strip club after liquor license expired One reason the defense did not have any witness testify was many of the co-conspirators referenced most frequently by the government during the trial were unavailable to the defense to testify due to the governments decision to charge them after they were listed on the defense witness list. Witnesses interviewed by the defense before and during trial expressed their extreme unwillingness to testify for Mr. Gerace because they believed that providing truthful and exculpatory testimony on Mr. Geraces behalf would lead to criminal prosecution against them, the defense attorneys said. Federal prosecutors said the allegation is equal parts false and legally meritless. Gerace was not deprived of his right to call any of the witnesses the government charged prior to his trial, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gerace faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, making the stakes much higher for him than others charged in connection with his case and organized crime. The government said Gerace used his authority as club owner and reputation for being connected to Italian Organized Crime to prey on vulnerable exotic dancers by either feeding their drug habits or getting them addicted to hard drugs to coerce them into engaging in commercial sex acts with himself, friends, and wealthy patrons. In December, a jury convicted Peter Gerace of eight crimes. He faces life in prison. Dancers engaged in sex acts in the clubs lucrative VIP rooms, to which employees turned a blind eye for cash tips, the government said. In addition, they said Gerace and other employees allowed drugs, including cocaine, to be sold in the club so that patrons would consume more alcohol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through 43 witnesses and 180 government exhibits, the jury heard how the defendant transformed Pharoahs Gentlemens Club into a drug-ridden brothel, prosecutors said. New judge in Pharaohs witness case These activities spanned at least a decade, prosecutors said, with the help of a corrupt DEA agent, Joseph Bongiovanni, who Gerace bribed with cash stuffed in envelopes to shield him and a drug organization from law enforcement investigations. (Bongiovanni was convicted of seven crimes prior to Geraces trial, but not on the charge of accepting bribes). Federal prosecutors Joseph Tripi (front) and Nicholas Cooper wheeling evidence out of the courtroom. Before the jury entered deliberations, U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo said a defendant is never required to prove his or her innocence, and the jury should not find a defendant guilty just based on one side presenting more evidence and witnesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means, as I have told you before, he has no obligation to present evidence or call witnesses, Vilardo said. But Geraces attorneys said the foremans comments clearly demonstrated he misapplied the law, disregarded the jury instructions, and improperly burden shifts to the defense. They implied other jurors may have shared his expectation that defense witnesses should have testified to contradict government witnesses. These comments should be terrifying to this Court and any entity concerned that juries render their verdicts consistent with judges instruction and consistent with the presumption of innocence and the governments burden of proof, the defense attorneys said. Judge hesitates to further restrict interviews with Gerace Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors said in opposition that a juror could presume a defendant innocent, hold the government to its burden, and find the defendant guilty, while later wondering whether a different defense strategy could have effected the verdict. The jurors interview is not the only issue Geraces attorneys raised in their 60-page court filing. They questioned the credibility of some of the governments witnesses, some of whom received financial compensation. For example, they said: One former Pharaohs dancer testified she never met Gerace, but another government witness testified they both had sex with Gerace simultaneously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They accused Geraces ex-wife, Katrinia Nigro, of changing her testimony so many times there is no question the government should have charged her with perjury or obstruction. In an interview with WIVB News 4 Investigates, Nigro said her testimony was truthful. A key government witness denied for five years that she stole Geraces Rolex watch and pawned it near Las Vegas. Her testimony at Geraces trial revealed she lied to local police, federal agents, and the grand jury, until she finally admitted the theft two weeks before Geraces trial. Another former dancer accused Gerace of withholding pain pills until she engaged in sex acts with him. But she did not tell agents about this over many lengthy interviews. The defense attorneys said she disclosed the information closer to Geraces trial when she received financial assistance from the government for rent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I never told agents before that because I strictly only told them what was asked, the witness told News 4 Investigates. It took awhile to open up and tell them everything. Perjury is a felony offense, but none of the witnesses accused of lying were charged. Federal prosecutors emphasized court rulings that problematic testimony does not automatically give a trial judge the power to grant a new trial or acquit a defendant. Rather, without exceptional circumstances, prosecutors said, evaluating the credibility of witnesses and conflicting evidence is the role of the jury. Oral arguments in federal court are scheduled for 10:45 a.m. on Sept. 10. Latest Local News Dan Telvock is an award-winning investigative producer and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2018. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHIPPEWA VALLEY On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development announced that several school districts that were the recipients of grants totaling just under $1 million across the state. Of those schools receiving the Wisconsin Fast Forward grant, several were schools in the Chippewa Valley: Augusta, Durand-Arkansaw and Elk Mound. The round of grants was awarded to support upgrades to technical education training equipment and facilities. For the Augusta School District, a $6,000 grant will allow the school to buy a robotic Neuromaker Hand 2.0 and BioSensor Pack to engage students in biotechnology and engineering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our mission is to be a place for education and opportunities to unite, said Reed Pecha, Augusta superintendent. And I think anytime we can get cutting edge technology in front of our students to explore it is an opportunity for students to engage in real world applications and to learn new things. With hopes of using the technology in a cross-curricular environment, Pecha said another aspect of the additions to their school will be for their students and staff to learn about its possibilities as the industry continues to evolve. I am really excited to see what we can do with that, he said, and also the opportunity to continue to build upon a program that weve started here. I think being able to offer opportunities that engage students with a multitude of different skills and abilities, with something like a robotic hand or things like that,makes the learning more applicable and more engaging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Durand-Arkansaw School District, a $100,000 grant will go towards the purchase of a modular robotics welding system intended to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing. One of our focal points of our long-term planning of our district is to continually prepare kids for these career opportunities that continue to evolve, particularly in manufacturing and specifically with the advent of technology and the role that that continues to play, said Ryan Nelson, Durand-Arkansaw superintendent. Our belief and kind of our motivation in pursuing this was so that our kids are really able to get hands-on experience with the proper training and use of these types of robotic welding systems. Nelson said when it comes to the transition of skills from the classroom to in-demand industry careers, they want it to be as easy and applicable as possible. By giving their students in high school access to this equipment, they will be better equipped in pursuing those careers. I think this is a huge win for our school and our community and our kids, he said. We obviously are really excited about the opportunities that its going to lend to the students in our high school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A $100,000 grant towards the Elk Mound School District will go towards the purchase of Amatrol Industry 4.0 Course 1 Learning Systems and a FANUC Fenceless ER-4iA CERT package. Those projects will have students working hands on while building skills in areas like robotics and advanced manufacturing. Were continuing to try and build a strong tech ed program, said Bill Steinke, technology education teacher at Elk Mound High School. We have a metals lab and a woods lab where we offer a variety of classes. One of the curriculum pieces and career fields that might be an area thats lacking here at Elk Mound is something with automation or programming with robotics, and the DVW grant has allowed us to get some dollars while partnering with industry partners like PMI in Bloomer and Cardinal Manufacturing in Menomonie. Steinke said their plan is to have the equipment reach multiple classrooms, eventually leading to a class dedicated to programming or automation. Thats going to feed into industry technicians that can operate and repair machines at these facilities, he said. Theres a great need for that right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elk Mound Superintendent Eric Wright added, I think what they have done is really sought industry and said, What do you need from us? What are we missing? And so what theyre really trying to do is mirror whats happening at the technical college or in the industry and then provide that opportunity for our students, so when they exit our walls, they may have a leg up. Among the 19 recipients, the Alma School District in Buffalo County also received a grant of $10,197 for cardboard inventor kits and tools, vinyl cutters, 3D printers, industrial printers and mobile workstations intended to impact Science, Technology and Math (STEM) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming. Including the four schools, 4,223 students are expected to be impacted through the Wisconsin Fast Forward grants. AURORA, Ill. An Aurora man will spend more than 30 years in federal prison for coercing young girls into sending him nude photos under the threat of violence. Richard Barnett, a 46-year-old Aurora resident, has been sentenced to 34 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting several victims using the now-defunct social media app Musical.ly, Andrew Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, announced Thursday. According to prosecutors, Barnett, who pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges earlier this year, has been in custody since his arrest in 2017, when the case against him first began. Prosecutors said Barnett would pose as a 12 or 13-year-old while using the Musical.ly app to contact his victims, requesting, and sometimes even demanding, that they send him sexually explicit photos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musical.ly was a video-sharing social media application that later turned into TikTok in 2018. While communicating with the victims, who were mostly between 9 and 13 years of age, prosecutors said Barnett would threaten some of them with physical harm if they did not comply with his demands. During one case, Barnett told one of his victims that he would kidnap, assault, and murder her if she did not comply. Richard Barnett, a 46-year-old Aurora resident, pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges in 2025 and was later sentenced to 34 years in federal prison. Barnett remorselessly used these girls as objects to be employed in furtherance of his sexual gratification, inflicting trauma that will forever impact his victims lives, Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Chapman argued in the governments sentencing recommendation. He threatened his victims, humiliated them, degraded them, and viciously attacked any sense of self-esteem or confidence that stood in his way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barnetts sentence was handed down by Judge John Robert Blakey on Tuesday, who also ordered that the sentence be followed by a lifetime of court-supervised release. Anyone who believes they are a victim of sexual exploitation is encouraged to alert the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. TIPTONVILLE, Tenn. Austin Drummond, the man charged in the quadruple murder of a family in West Tennessee, faced a judge on Thursday for his preliminary hearing. Judge Andrew T. Cook found probable cause to proceed with four charges of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and possession of a firearm in a dangerous felony. The first witness, a ranger with Tennessee State Parks, took the stand just after 1 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ranger said while on patrol in Lake County the day of the killings, he noticed three vehicles parked on the side of Carrington Road. A Dodge Charger had its trunk open, but no people were nearby. By the time he turned back around two or three minutes later, one of the vehicles, a Nissan Rogue with a California tag, was gone. Later that night, he was informed that an incident occurred on Carrington Road. The second witness, another law enforcement officer, said he also saw vehicles on Carrington Road. When he inspected a Chevy Traverse, he saw a red substance that he believed was blood. He then noticed two bodies nearby, a male and a female, with a tarp over them. Officers secured the scene and supervisors and the TBI were contacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, another officer spotted a shoe in the woods. There were two bodies in that area, covered with a tarp, about 60 feet from the first two. An agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said the victims appeared to have been shot to death. Austin Drummond held in jail without bond; state seeks death penalty Investigators testified the Nissan Rogue was captured on traffic cameras heading toward Dyersburg. An FBI agent testified that the vehicle had been rented by Michelle Ovelis, who was indicted as an accessory in the case, and provided to Drummond. Cell phone records tied in several other suspected accessories, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agent testified that, according to cell phone records, the Rogue spent a short time in Dyersburg, traveled back to the crime scene in Lake County, then departed southbound again toward the home where the baby was found in Dyer County. The cell phone then continued to Jackson by 3:39 p.m. At one point, it traveled to Drummonds parents home and to an apartment complex in Jackson, he testified. Investigators say he was at the Clarion Hotel for a few hours, before he returned to the apartment complex. An agent testified that at one point, Drummond called suspect Tanaka Brown and asked for a ride. They allegedly stopped at a Walmart to buy cleaning supplies and trash bags, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victim James Matthew Wilsons pickup truck was found in a different location, in a ravine in Dyer County. District Attorney Danny Goodman told the judge that Drummond admitted to being at the crime scene and was tied to the incident by cell phone data and video. A defense attorney said there was no evidence Drummond fired any shots. The judge ruled that Drummond cannot contact his pregnant girlfriend, Kaitlyn Speed because she is related to the victims, as well as a witness who may testify. The case will be sent to a grand jury. Drummonds next court date would be Nov. 17 in Lake County. Drummond will remain in custody with no bond. Austin Drummond walks into court for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 4, 2025. Austin Drummond is escorted out of the courtroom after the hearing Sept. 4, 2025. ***** Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murder suspect Austin Drummond in custody after weeklong manhunt in TN From Lake County, through Dyer County, and into Madison County, Drummond was captured in Jackson after a week-long manhunt. On July 29, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says Drummond killed a family of four and abandoned a baby of two of the victims 30 minutes away at a Dyer County home. Drummond is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, abandonment, and felony possession of a firearm. He is currently held in jail without bond, and the state says it intends to seek the death penalty. Well, Im pleased with the judges decision. We are going to see the death penalty in this case. So that was the reason for asking for no bond, and Im pleased that he did that, said Danny Goodman, District Attorney, 29th Judicial District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mother of one of the victims, 21-year-old James Matthew Wilson, spoke with WREG after Drummonds first court appearance. Thats what I think people dont understand, he took them all. Its not just the loss of our son. Its the loss of our daughter-in-law, Braden, and everybody. Courtney. Its a whole family gone. Its unbelievable. So were going to be here every chance we get. Were going to be right here for our son because he cannot be here, Kim Hamil, mother of James Matthew Wilson. As of Wednesday, four people have now been indicted in connection with Drmmond, including two new suspects and two previous suspects who now face a second count on the same charge. According to TBI, Erik Wise Jr., 26, and Michelle Ovelis, 22, were indicted by a Madison County Grand Jury, each charged with accessory after the fact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giovantie Thomas and Dearrah Sanders, both of Jackson, were also indicted by a Madison County grand jury on Tuesday. All four of them are accused of assisting Drummond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jim Duncan, a retired city planner, has written more than 600 short histories of Austin businesses. We introduced him and this series, Jim Duncans Austin, on July 6. This week, we adapt three of his histories. Michael Barnes 1882: Pearl House/La Pena Since 1882, the two-story Victorian-style structure at 223 Congress Ave. has served as everything from a saloon to a church and an art gallery. Built by Gustave Adolph Bahn, the edifice incorporates cast iron reportedly melted down from Civil War cannons. Its first tenant was Herman Schmidt, who operated Pearl House there from 1882 to 1886. Touted as the most convenient hotel to all trains, it included a restaurant and a saloon. In 1886, the Methodists briefly occupied the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From 1888 to 1905, it was filled by Albert Ganss, who manufactured and sold furniture and stringed musical instruments. Ellsworth Bradshaw operated a saloon there from 1906 to 1910, as did George Samuel Bradshaw from 1914 to 1918. The longest-tenured tenant, however, was Sam Wah, who ran a Chinese cafe there from 1920 to 1962. In 1961, a fire destroyed the southern half of the building. In 1966, architects Thomas Tom Shefelman and Alan Taniguchi bought and restored the building for use as an office. In 1988, political activist Genevieve Dougherty Vaughn acquired it to provide office space for peace and justice groups. In 1996, she sold it to sisters Cynthia and Lidia Perez, owners of the nearby Las Manitas cafe, who converted it into a gallery for Latino artisans, complemented by a taco bar. 1941: Volente Beach A sand sculpture of Jaws at Volente Beach Water Park on Thursday July 20, 2017. JAY JANNER / AMERICAN-STATESMAN (Austin American-Statesman) With the construction of Mansfield Dam formerly Marshall Ford Dam and the creation of Lake Travis in 1941, Central Texans gained access to a whole new water wonderland. One of those lake access points was Volente Beach, which has provided a variety of food and fun activities under several names and owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Texas Place Names by Edward Callary and Jean K. Callary, the settlement of Volente goes back to a gristmill established around 1860 by Thomas Anderson. The source of the name is uncertain, they write. By a local story generally regarded as a folk tale, Volente was suggested by Lucy Anderson, the millers wife, who claimed she found the name in a book, and that it originated in an Indian language and meant God willing. There may be more than a grain of truth in this; volente is Latin for willing, permitting. From the 1940s through the mid-1960s, it was Parkers Boat Haven and Fine Foods, owned by James Lee Parker and his wife, Lorraine. In the 1970s and 80s, it was the See Island Inn, a cafe owned and operated by Joe and Carol Chovanec. The cafes name was attributed to its view of Starnes Island, the only forever island in Lake Travis. In 1997, the property was sold to Rick Redmond, who renamed it Shore Club and added an outdoor bar, water park, beach and stage. In 2017, the complex was purchased by two couples, Adama and Kara Weedman and John and Gala Lyne. They renamed it Beachside Billys. To complete the hospitality experience, they purchased eight adjacent cottages, increasing the campus size from five to 15 acres. Volente Beach sponsors many special events. One of the most popular is Jaws on the Water, during which bathers watch the terrifying shark movie while floating in tubes. 1975: Cedar Door Mexican martini at Cedar Door on Friday, July 22, 2022. (Mikala Compton/American-Statesman, Austin 360) Cedar Door is known for three things: Its nomadic history, a memorable bartender and the birthplace of the Mexican martini. Since it opened in 1975, the Cedar Door has blessed four downtown addresses: West 15th and Guadalupe streets, where the Texas Medical Associations History of Medicine Gallery is now; Trinity and East Cesar Chavez streets, where the Austin Convention Center was before its recent demolition; Lamar Boulevard and West Cesar Chavez, where Sand Beach Park is now; and East Second and Brazos streets, where it now stands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it might not be unusual for a business to move so many times, it is unusual for it to take its building with it each time, as was the case with Cedar Door. As for the bartender, Cedar Door owner Heather Hart-Potts describes James Raymond Jim LeMond as a phenomenal storyteller; some of them were probably embellished. And he had an amazing memory for names. And that great mustache. And that voice. He was the face of the Cedar Door. LeMond died in 2019. As for the mystique of the Mexican martini, it is just a margarita on the rocks (tequila, triple sec and lime juice). The only difference is that it is poured from a shaker into a salt-rimmed glass and topped with toothpick-skewered olives. Most recent entries from 'Jim Duncan's Austin' Bertram Building/Clay Pit, Sandys Frozen Custard, The Villager Uptown Sports Club, Bullock Hotel, Avenue B Grocery Barr Mansion, King-Tears Mortuary, ABC Pest Control German Free School, Garza-Mohawk Building, Stratford Arms Roys Taxi, The Cloak Room, Gold Dollar Building Peter Pan Mini-Golf, Hofheintz-Reissing Compound, Robinson-Rosner Building Estradas Cleaners, Boggy Creek Farm, Marshalls Barber Shop Please send tips and questions to mbarnes@statesman.com. AUSTIN (KXAN) The Austin Independent School District told parents Wednesday that a dozen of its schools could face closure after receiving their third F-rating from the state. The district also has the option to initiate a campus restart that would likely require it to replace some or most of its core-teaching staff. According to the letter from Superintendent Matias Segura, another 11 campuses will have to develop similar turnaround plans for the next school year because they received their second unacceptable rating from the state. Nine more will have to create a targeted improvement plan after receiving their first F-rating. The decisions around what to do with the more than two dozen AISD schools come as the district has already begun what have been described as disruptive campus restarts at three of its lowest-performing schools: Burnet, Dobie and Webb Middle schools. All three campuses earned their fourth F-rating from the state in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See how each AISD campus scored in the TEAs 2025 A-F ratings The anticipated changes are also happening as district leaders work to determine which of its 116 schools will be closed to cut costs and lower the districts $19 million deficit. As we move into our next phase of analysis, accountability ratings now place some important limits on how we can combine schools and reassign students, Segura said in Wednesdays email. The board will hear preliminary plans for consolidating schools and the draft plans for improving the schools with unacceptable ratings in early October. The board will vote on the turnaround plans on Nov. 9 and on the plans to close schools on Nov. 20. Delayed A-F ratings While the F-ratings date back several years, the public learned about three years worth of ratings in the span of four months because of lawsuits that blocked the Texas Education Agency from releasing accountability scores earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court previously blocked the agency from publicly disclosing the 2023 ratings after a coalition of more than 100 school districts sued, arguing the state had not properly notified them about changes to how ratings are calculated. The agency blocked TEA again from releasing the 2024 ratings when a smaller contingent of school districts filed a lawsuit over how the states standardized test scores, STAAR, were being calculated. But in April, a judge approved TEA to release the 2023 accountability ratings and in July, the court gave the greenlight for the agency to release the scores from 2024. The 2025 ratings were always slated to go public in August. TEA releases 2025 school ratings; How did your district score? The lawsuits, in some cases, delayed the public from understanding how close some schools were to more serious state intervention. Under Texas law, when a school earns five consecutive unacceptable ratings, the Texas Education Commissioner has the authority to appoint a new superintendent and temporarily appoint a board of managers to act in place of the elected school board for the entire district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also crucial to recognize that if we fail to better support struggling schools and the students they serve, the entire district can be taken over by the State of Texas if any campus receives five F ratings in a row, Segura said. Next steps According to the letter, the district will meet with staff at the 12 campuses that have received three consecutive unacceptable ratings starting this week. At Burnet, Dobie and Webb, the district made significant changes to staff going into the 2025-26 school year as a part of its effort to improve scores at the campuses. Inside AISDs mission to bring its best teachers to its lowest-performing schools Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district would only retain and hire teachers at those schools who met a new standard specifically, certified teachers with at least three years of experience and who demonstrated student growth in the top 20% districtwide. The teachers also had to hold a recognized, exemplary or master teacher designation. As a result, the district said 84% of Dobies core teaching staff would not be returning for the 2025-26 school year, 39% wont be back at Burnet Middle School, and 53% wont return to Webb Middle School. Records show the district had to find new positions within the district and at other campuses for the core teachers who were not qualified to return, and some educators chose to resign. Email records show the district also asked teachers at other Austin ISD campuses who did meet the criteria to transfer to one of the underperforming campuses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Sep. 3AUSTIN, Minn. An Austin man was sentenced to more than 14 years in prison for repeatedly sexually assaulting a child. Miguel Angel Garcia Ortiz, 37, was sentenced in Mower County District Court Thursday, Aug. 29, 2025, to 14 years and 4 months in prison after being found guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in a bench trial in June. Ortiz was found guilty of sexually assaulting a pre-adolescent girl who came to his home for supervision from about September 2021 and November 2022. The girl was 8 at the time of the assaults. According to court records and witness testimony, Ortiz on multiple occasions sexually abused the girl while his wife was out of the house walking her kids to school. The girl came forward to her parents in April 2024 who then went to police, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his verdict issued June 9, Mower County District Court Judge Jeffrey Kritzer wrote that he found the witness testimony against Ortiz credible. Kritzer noted multiple texts and communications indicated the girl was in the home multiple times for child care. Kritzer also wrote that details including details the girl recalled about the interior of the house and her accounts of the abuse added credibility to her testimony. The girl identified Ortiz by a 2017 booking photo from a series of other photos. An Austin Police detective who presented the photos to the girl didn't know which photo was of Ortiz, according to court records. Normally first-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a prison term of 12 years. Ortiz's sentence of 14 years and four months prison term is an upward departure from the presumptive sentence. Ortiz was given credit for 165 days served in jail and is eligible for conditional release after serving 10 years of his sentence in prison. Those experiencing sexual exploitation can call a 24-hour crisis line at 507-289-0636 to speak to someone who can direct you towards help. AUSTIN (KXAN) The city of Austin has rebranded. At a press conference on Thursday morning, Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax unveiled a new brand logo for the city, which he said is the first in the citys history to unify the city and its services. FILE: City of Austin seal For the first time in Austins history, we will have a logo to represent the city services and unify us as one organization, one Austin, Broadnax said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Broadnax said the rebranding effort began before he arrived as city manager, but he was glad to champion it because there is a very real business need for a unified brand. Former Austin city council member launches petition to ditch new city logo He said that currently, the city has over 300 logos representing different departments, services and programs, which can lead to confusion for the public, which can dilute trust in the services we provide and create inefficiencies in how we do business, Broadnax said. The new brand was shaped by feedback from community members and city employees, according to Broadnax. He said that through community feedback sessions, city leaders learned that Austinites dont have recognition or a strong affinity for the city seal, which had been used in place of a logo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want our community members to be able to identify members of our team as city of Austin employees and trust the services we provide, whether they see the brand on a website, a utility bill, a street sign or the side of a vehicle, theyll know exactly who its from and what it stands for, Broadnax said. Austinites told us that they value and appreciate their interaction with city staff, but they also want a modern government that reflects the communitys values and is consistent, connected and responsive across departments and services, and thats what this brand does. Austin signs off on $6B+ budget, triggering property tax rate election The city of Austin sent out a press release shortly after the press conference ended Thursday morning, providing more details about the rebrand. The citys branded assets will change gradually over the coming years, to minimize impact on the city budget, the release said. The whole total project cost is an estimated $1,117,558 and is a part of the Austin Strategic 2023 Plan approved back in 2018. Heres the breakdown of how that money is being spent: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brand Vendors: $640,000 Public Awareness Campaign: $115,000 Consolidated city-wide design software for all departments: $75,582 Support staff and legal counsel salary and benefits for a Brand Project Manager (temporary City employee) and external legal review: $186,976 Back in 2018, city council approved establishing a consistent and clear brand as part of the citys strategic plan to improve communication and engagement with communities, businesses, and employees, City of Austin Chief Communications Director Jessica King said during the press conference. We are taking a fiscally responsible approach to transition to a new brand, King said. We do not expect departments to run out and buy everything with the new brand. According to King, city council awarded a contract to two firms to work on the design. Those were TKO, an Austin-based advertising agency, and Pentagram, the worlds largest independent design consultancy, which has an Austin office and team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contract was about $564,000, which King said the vast majority of that went to outreach engagement. The design element itself cost about $200,000. Austin moves forward with $3M rewrite of long-term vision plan New materials and digital properties like social media, websites, and digital signs will display the new brand starting Oct. 1. Things like uniforms, facility signage, and vehicles will transition based on department schedules to update or replace those items at the end of their service life. First responder uniforms for the Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, and Austin-Travis County EMS will not change. The release said, it is important for Austinites to trust and recognize their public safety responders. City of Austin leaders unveil new logo (KXAN Photo/Tim Holcomb) City of Austin leaders unveil new logo (KXAN Photo/Tim Holcomb) City of Austin leaders unveil new logo (KXAN Photo/Tim Holcomb) The citys official seal has been used in place of a logo for several years. According to the city, it was created in 1916 by a San Francisco illustrator for a flag design contest. The city said in its press release that the seal is not a brand, and does not promote the Citys distinctive values and mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The logo itself reflects the hills, rivers, and bridges that serve to connect us to one another. The colors were inspired by our surrounding environment violet crown skies and the green canopies of our parks and trails. We deliberately chose a mark that reminded us of movement to reflect how welcoming, flexible and resilient this community and our employees are, King said in the press release. And its important to remember that this cohesive brand is more than a logo its a reflection of who Austins local government is and how it is represented. We are one Austin and it is important that we present ourselves in a unified way. When it comes to rebrands, UT Marketing Professor Chris Aarons says logos tend to become more effective when they have some sort of association with them. The Coca Cola was just a script, but its a beautiful script. But over 120 years, they made it mean happiness, Aarons said. It is really what the entity makes that logo mean at the end of the day. As long as its clean and memorable and simple and eye catchingit does its job. The Publics reaction to the rebrand KXAN asked Austinites who were strolling on the Butler Hike and Bike Trial on their thoughts on the logo. The reaction was mixed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its great, said one Austinite who liked the logo. Its definitely a modernization of the old onewhich I think is a lot. Visually I think [the new logo] is cleaner, its nicer, said another Austinite who liked the logo. Its more minimalist. The new logo sucks, said one Austinite who didnt like the logo. It looks like a homeless tent. It looks like a bad biotechs company rebranding, said another Austinite who didnt like the logo. Im not going to be a single issue voter about it, said another Austinite who was indifferent to the change. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. After community-wide input for new branding, the City of Austin is unveiling a new logo. The City Council first prioritized unified branding in 2018, and the updated design goes live Oct. 1 across the citys website, social media, and newsletters. The new logo will not replace insignias used on uniforms for the Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, or Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, according to the citys news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rebrand was developed in collaboration with Austin-based TKO and global design firm Pentagram, with local partner DJ Stout leading the visual design. "We want our community members to be able to identify members of our team as City of Austin employees and trust the services we provide, Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax said in the release. Whether they see the brand on a website, a utility bill, a street sign, or the side of a vehicle, theyll know exactly who its from and what it stands for. What does the new Austin logo look like? The Austin City Council voted in 2018 to rebrand and design a new logo for the city. (City Of Austin) The design features a stylized blue and green letter A above the word Austin. According to Chief Communications Director Jessica King, the motif symbolizes the regions hills, rivers, and bridges, while the color palette draws from Austins violet-hued skies and the green canopies of its parks and trails. The dynamic design is meant to reflect the citys character welcoming, flexible, and resilient. 'Im very disappointed': Austin reveals new logo As of now, the new city logo can be seen on social media, and the people of Austin were not shy about sharing their feelings about the rebrand. Here's what people had to say on social media. Hearing this is going to be the new City of Austin logo. I cant confirm, but suffice it to say, if true, Im very disappointed. However many millions of our tax dollars went into this need to be refunded immediately. We are not and never will be the City of Dallas. #atxcouncil pic.twitter.com/WNLJjLdUxa Mackenzie Kelly (@mkelly007) September 1, 2025 I am hearing this new Austin logo was not supposed to be unveiled until after the Tax Increase Election, and City Hall is PISSED it is out in public now. $2.5M for that piece of garbage. #txlege https://t.co/35ntUcmSSm Adam Loewy (@LoewyLawFirm) September 2, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austins new logo is really disappointing. It misses so many opportunities to reflect what the city is known forlive music, art, nature, and more. Instead, it looks similar to Dallass logo pic.twitter.com/EHlRc4lBu6 Amber Greenwalt (@greenwalt_amber) September 2, 2025 I was hoping that the leaked versions of this were inaccurate - but theyre not. This is a TERRIBLE logo. It reminds me of a 1980s corporate supermarket chain logo and is 100% not on brand for #Austin. What agency came up w this abomination? https://t.co/0wb5ohN8st Greg Matthews (@chimoose) September 4, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody's hating on the new City of Austin logo. But I'm gonna do the opposite. Can't wait to rep our City and sport my Austin swag everywhere. Super excited for Oct 1st! Patrick McDonnell (@patrickm02L) September 3, 2025 People reacted to the new logo for the city of Austin. (Screenshot from Meta ) People reacted to the new logo for the city of Austin. (Screenshot from Instagram) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corn futures saw some late day strength, as contracts closed with gains of 2 to 5 cents across most nearbys. Contracts closed 7 to 10 cents off the early session lows. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price was down 5 cents at $3.79. The monthly NASS Grain Crushing report showed 455.82 million bushels of corn used in ethanol production during July. That was a 2% increase from June but down 5.8% from last year. The full marketing year shipments in the first 11 months of the MY are at 4.978 bbu, 20 mbu below the same period last year. More News from Barchart Crop Progress data showed 90% of the US corn crop in the dough stage as of August 31, 1 point behind the 5-year average. The crop was also 58% dented, with 15% listed as mature. Conditions were down 2 points to 69% gd/ex, with the Brugler500 index (factoring in all 5 USDA categories) falling 5 points to 376, the lowest since the first week of June. USDA tallied corn export shipments at 1.407 MMT (55.39 mbu) during the week ending on August 28. That was up 5.12% from last week and 45.58% above the same week last year. Of that total, 445,724 MT was headed to Mexico, with 290,727 MT on its way to Japan and 247,097 MT to Colombia. Marketing year exports have totaled 66.966 MT (2.636 bbu), which is 28.61% above the same period last year. AgRural estimates the first crop corn at 7% planted in the center south region of Brazil as of last Thursday. Sep 25 Corn closed at $4.03, up 5 cents, Nearby Cash was $3.79, down 5 cents, Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.23, up 2 3/4 cents, Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.40 3/4, up 3 cents, On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com SYDNEY (Reuters) -The Australian government said on Thursday it had agreed to pay a further A$475 million ($308.66 million) in compensation to victims of an illegal welfare debt recovery programme, which if approved by the courts would be the largest class action payout in the country's history. The programme, known as Robodebt, chased hundreds of thousands of welfare recipients for false debts calculated by a faulty automated algorithm between 2016 and 2019, until a court ruled it illegal. A government royal commission inquiry found that "Robodebt" pushed vulnerable people into further debt and caused multiple suicides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest settlement brings total government repayment and compensation costs to A$2.4 billion and ends what is regarded as one of Australia's worst-ever public administration scandals. Robodebt victims and law firm Gordon Legal had originally brought the class action suit in 2019. The government settled the case in 2020, agreeing to pay more than A$720 million in unlawfully claimed debts, A$400 million in unlawful demands and A$112 million in compensation to 400,000 people. Plaintiffs appealed the case after new evidence was uncovered during the government inquiry. "Settling this claim is the just and fair thing to do," Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said in a statement on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement said that if the compensation was approved by the courts, it would be the largest class action settlement in Australian history. Peter Gordon, senior partner and founder of Gordon Legal, welcomed the settlement, which could rise to A$548 million with legal and administration costs. Today is a day of vindication and validation for hundreds of thousands of Australians afflicted by the Robodebt scandal, he told reporters. Felicity Button, a Robodebt victim and one of the lead applicants, said there was a bitter sweetness to it, thinking of the people that have had irreparable damage happen as a result of the scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Robodebt programme was designed to ensure welfare recipients were not underreporting income and over-receiving government payments. But computer algorithms for the scheme wrongly calculated that hundreds of thousands of Australians owed money and, with little to no human oversight, recovered A$1.76 billion. Robodebt was a failure of public administration, a "crude and cruel mechanism, neither fair nor legal", that made many people feel like criminals, and caused at least three known suicides, the government inquiry found. ($1 = 1.5389 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Christine Chen in Sydney; Editing by Michael Perry) TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Iran said Thursday it has downgraded its relations with Australia in response to the expulsion last week of its ambassador over accusations that Tehran masterminded antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. The official IRNA news agency cited Irans foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei as saying that Australia's ambassador has already left Iran, adding that Irans consulate section is active in Australia and Iran will try to meet consular needs of Iranians there. According to diplomatic norms and right in reaction to Australia action, Iran has downgraded level of diplomatic presence of Australian in Iran, Baghaei was quoted as saying. He also rejected antisemitic accusation , the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He described Australia's decision last week to expel the Iranian ambassador as unreasonable, adding: We do not welcome lowering relations since there is no reason and justification for the move. It affects relations between the two nations. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cut off diplomatic relations with Iran after Australian intelligence officials said Iran had directed arson attacks on the Lewis Continental Kitchen, a kosher food company, in Sydney, in October 2024 and on Melbournes Adass Israel Synagogue two months later. Mike Burgess, the director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, said no Iranian diplomats in Australia were involved in coordinating the attacks. Neither Burgess nor Albanese explained what evidence there was of Iranian involvement. More than 70,000 Iranians are thought to be resident in Australia. By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia on Thursday passed a law allowing faster deportation of non-citizens to third countries, paving the way to send hundreds of refugees denied visas because of criminal convictions to the tiny Pacific island of Nauru. Under a 30-year deal signed with Nauru last Friday, Australia has agreed to pay A$2.5 billion ($1.62 billion) to host up to 350 deportees, with an upfront A$400 million to establish an endowment fund for the resettlement scheme, plus A$70 million annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nauru, population 12,000, business owners and community workers who spoke to Reuters by telephone said they had mixed feelings about several hundred people with criminal records being resettled on the 21 square km (eight square miles) island which has poor health facilities and infrastructure. "It is an easy money grab," said one business owner, declining to give his name because of Nauru government's sensitivity to criticism over the deal. He hoped the money could build the economy. "We've had all sorts of people come through here, from war-torn countries or poverty. Locals are robust," he added. Another Nauruan said the hospital and other infrastructure on the island were in disrepair, and locals travelled overseas for health services when they could. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Australia spending hundreds of millions of dollars on offshore processing of asylum seekers on Nauru over the past decade, the money had not benefited local people, she said. There was "a mixed emotional reaction on social media", with people waiting to see who comes, said another businessman. In Australia's parliament on Thursday, Greens Senator David Shoebridge criticised the new law, designed to speed up the deportation of people who had visas cancelled or refused, saying Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's centre-left government was treating Nauru "as a dumping ground". "Nauru is a tiny island with almost no economy," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law removes procedural fairness for people being deported to a third country, limiting their ability to further appeal through the courts, the government said. Human Rights Watch said the law allowed Australia to deport people without informing them of its plans, noting asylum seekers previously transferred to Nauru by Australia had suffered medical neglect. Australia will apply to Nauru for visas for the deportees "on a rolling basis commencing fairly soon", a home affairs official said on Wednesday. Nauru will decide which non-citizens it will accept, although the funds can be clawed back by Australia if the scheme doesn't meet expectations. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney) The Australian embassy in Japan issued a warning urging travellers to show cultural sensitivity following public outrage over a video showing a tourist drinking an offering left at a Japanese grave. The footage, shot near the Aokigahara forest and posted by Instagram user Lochie Jones in August, shows him entering a cemetery in the Yamanashi prefecture and stopping near a headstone with a can of popular Japanese beer Kirin placed in front of it. Jones says he has decided to leave it up to chance and flips a coin before cracking open the beer can and drinking it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the way, suicide in Japan is a serious f****** issue. The mental health here has to be some of the worst, and I can absolutely understand why. The Japanese women are absolutely vicious and cold, he says in the video while looking for a coin. The men still have their honour but its been weaponised against them. Theyve been tricked into not having any feelings and it results in one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Happy blessings and rest in peace, he says as he drinks the beer, then burps loudly, and places cigarettes on the grave as he exits. I wont leave him empty-handed, Ive got some f****** Marlboro. In Japanese tradition, food and drink offerings placed at graves serve as tributes to honour the dead, not refreshments for visitors. Consuming the offerings is widely viewed as profoundly disrespectful and akin to stealing from the dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video provoked backlash against Jones, with one person writing on his post: Imagine going to another country to disrespect peoples graves and steal the offerings left for loved ones. Very depraved behaviour. Another said: In Japan, the offerings you see on a grave arent decorations or props, especially not for content. Families leave food, drinks, and incense as gifts for the spirits of their loved ones. That is why taking them is almost like robbing the person who passed on something a loved one left for them. What you did is not just bad manners, its deeply disrespectful. On Tuesday, the Australian embassy issued a statement urging travellers to display appropriate behaviour when visiting Japan. The Australian Embassy, Japan, works closely with Japanese authorities to ensure that travellers from Australia respect and observe local laws and rules. We encourage appropriate behaviour when visiting Japan. We take these matters seriously acting in cooperation with relevant authorities, the statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, local media reported that police had launched a formal inquiry into Jones. The Fuji Yoshida precinct of the Yamanashi police was investigating the video and currently verifying the facts. In the wake of the backlash, Jones made an apology. Look, if you felt I desecrated your dead, I am sorry. It was a mistake. Im coming clean. I shouldnt have portrayed that, he posted on Instagram. The two-part apology, however, contained a rant about what he called Japans large-scale hive mind that would be subject to the whims of a predatory reptilian system that views you as little more than sheep or cattle for experimentation or slaughter. Gambling and smoking is vilified, but your culture and the normalisation of paedophilia is inviting demonic forces into the mainstream, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 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. MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) Australias highest court on Thursday removed the last chance for highly decorated veteran Ben Roberts-Smith to clear his name of findings that he unlawfully killed four unarmed Afghans under Australian soldiers' control more than a decade ago. The High Court said it would not hear his appeal against a federal judges civil court finding in 2023 that Roberts-Smith likely killed noncombatants unlawfully in 2009 and 2012. Three federal court judges had unanimously rejected his appeal against that finding in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The High Court decision leaves Australias most decorated living war veteran with no more legal options in a defamation case he started in 2018 when newspapers accused him of a range of war crimes. Roberts-Smith, who was awarded both the Victoria Cross and Medal of Gallantry for his service in Afghanistan, has never faced criminal charges, which must be proven to a higher standard of guilt beyond reasonable doubt. One of Roberts-Smiths former Special Air Service Regiment comrades, Oliver Schultz, is the only Australian veteran of the Afghanistan campaign to be charged with a war crime. Schultz was charged in 2023 with murdering an unarmed civilian in 2012. Schulz has pleaded not guilty and has yet to stand trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only Australian veteran to be convicted over war crime allegations in Afghanistan has been army whistleblower David McBride. The former army lawyer was sentenced last year to five years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty to charges associated with leaking allegations of war crimes to the media. Classified documents provided by McBride became the source of a series of Australian Broadcasting Corp. reports in 2017 called the Afghan Files. The reports detailed allegations against Australian soldiers including the unlawful killing of men and children. A military report released in 2020 recommended 19 current and former soldiers face criminal investigations over 39 unlawful killings in Afghanistan. Nevada police have identified the man authorities believe was a victim of homicide at this years Burning Man festival. The Pershing County Sheriffs Office announced Wednesday that 37-year-old Vadim Kruglov, a native of Russia, was the person found lying in a pool of blood on the Black Rock Desert festival grounds on August 30. Authorities previously said they were investigating Kruglovs death as a homicide. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials who earlier this week sought the publics help in identifying the victim added that Kruglovs family in Russia has been notified, ABC News reports. Although this act appears to be a singular crime, all participants should always be vigilant of their surroundings and acquaintances, Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen previously said in a statement Sunday. There is no further information available at this time, but it will be released as appropriate to provide for communication, while still preserving the integrity of the complicated investigation of a crime in a city which will be gone by the middle of the week. As Allen noted, the investigation is complicated due to the fact that Burning Man which concluded Monday with the mass exodus of festival goers adheres to a Leave No Trace principle, meaning all structures, belongings, and waste were removed from the site. Authorities worked quickly to gather evidence from the crime scene prior to the deconstruction. Additionally, the remoteness of Black Rock City, with its lack of cellphone service and surveillance cameras, also serves as an impediment to the homicide investigation. Given the degree of difficulty, authorities have asked Burning Man attendees to come forward with any information regarding the death. 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, Sheriff Allen added. At this time, no information is too small to disregard, so do not hesitate to contact my office. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In a potential sign of a more effective campaign against the illegal wildlife trade, authorities in India have arrested a man who they say possessed a wide assortment of animal body parts. What's happening? As reported by the Sentinel, one man was arrested near the India-Bhutan border in Assam for possessing illegal wildlife body parts. The arrest was part of a joint operation conducted by the Shashtra Seema Bal, local police, and various forest personnel. Som Hansda was apprehended around the Guabari border outpost in India. Authorities say that Hansda had obtained illegal items such as an elephant's molar tooth, wild boar teeth, and an owl's skull. He also had a number of bones of other unidentified wildlife in his possession at the time of his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities did not reveal how Hansda came into possession of the illegal items or if he was suspected of participating in a larger illegal wildlife trade. Following the joint operation, Hansda was transferred over to the forest department in the village of Kumarikata for further investigation. Why is the illegal wildlife trade important? The illegal wildlife trade is one of the largest illicit trades across the globe. The billion-dollar industry significantly threatens thousands of species and causes substantial harm to vulnerable ecosystems as well as local economies. Poaching, buying, and selling illegal wildlife can pose a major threat to biodiversity by driving certain species toward extinction, disrupting entire ecosystems, and introducing invasive species and diseases into new environments. However, its exact scale is often difficult to measure since many crimes can fly under the radar and remain undetected by authorities. The trade involves diverse species from mammals to reptiles, making it hard to pinpoint. Many illegal wildlife trade operations are sometimes run by the sprawling criminal networks that engage in other illegal activities. Interpol estimates that the illegal wildlife trade can be worth up to $20 billion every year. What's being done about preventing the illegal wildlife trade in India? India has faced a number of challenges regarding the illegal wildlife trade. In some regions, enforcement of anti-poaching policies can be especially difficult. But with increased pressure from a number of environmental groups, authorities in India are turning to prevention as their greatest tool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As noted by the Sentinel, the Shashtra Seema Bal revealed that they are now routinely interacting with local communities in border regions in an effort to build a stronger relationship. This can go a long way in encouraging residents to report suspected illegal wildlife trade activities. 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. 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. NEED TO KNOW Cheerleader Laken Snelling, 21, was arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse and concealing the birth of an infant after her newborn was allegedly found dead in her closet The baby boy's body was found wrapped in a towel in a trash bag The University of Kentucky senior has been placed on house arrest at her parents home in Tennessee The autopsy for the newborn allegedly found dead in the closet of a University of Kentucky cheerleader and wrapped in a towel has been completed with inconclusive findings. On Sunday, Laken Snelling, 21, was arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant, the Lexington Police Department said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University of Kentucky senior competed on the school's competitive cheer STUNT team for three years, and is originally from White Pine, Tenn., according to an official team roster. Officers were dispatched to her home near campus on Wednesday, Aug. 27, after police received a report about an unresponsive infant, police said in the release. ABC 7 Chicago/Youtube Laken Snelling Laken Snelling Pronounced dead at the scene, the newborn was wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag," according to the arrest citation reviewed by PEOPLE. Snelling admitted to giving birth when interviewed by officers, and to cleaning up all evidence and throwing it in a black trash bag, "including the infant, who was wrapped in a towel," according to the arrest citation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities identified Snelling as the newborns biological mother. Lexington 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. On Wednesday, Sept. 3, Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn said that the results of a preliminary autopsy yielded inconclusive findings for the baby's cause of death. The death investigation remains pending the results of further studies pending the results of these studies," he said. After her arrest, Snelling was held at the Fayette County Detention Center, but she was released on Sept. 2 on $100,000 bond, according to court documents reviewed by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was placed on house arrest at her parents' home in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Snelling appeared in court on Tuesday, Sept. 2, where she pleaded not guilty, KBTX reports. Her attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Read the original article on People University of Kentucky cheerleader Laken Snelling was arrested after the body of a newborn baby was found in her closet. Now, the mystery continues after autopsy results were revealed. According to the Fayette County Coroners Office, per Lex 18, the infants cause of death is currently undetermined. The coroners report stated that extensive microscopic analyses are essential to determine the cause and manner of death. I understand the communitys concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child. This death affects many lives in our neighboring state of Tennessee and as well as those in the commonwealth, the report stated. We are currently conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered. Law enforcement was called to Snellings Lexington home on August 27 after reports of a deceased infant being located inside of a closet. Authorities found the infant wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag, the arrest report stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snelling, 21, reportedly admitted to giving birth and concealing the birth by cleaning any evidence. The UK student was charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and concealing the birth of an infant. She posted a $100,000 bond on September 2 after pleading not guilty and was placed on house arrest. Snelling is due back in court on September 26. The parents of missing baby Emmanuel Haro pleaded not guilty to a single count of murder each Thursday, three weeks after the child's mother claimed he vanished during an attack. Emmanuels parents, Jake Haro, 32, and Rebecca Haro, 41, were charged last week in Riverside County Superior Court on one count each of murder. They also were charged with making a false police report, a misdemeanor. Riverside County prosecutors are asking that they be held in lieu of $1-million bail. Authorities say the couple faked the 7-month-olds disappearance and the infant is presumed dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At their arraignment Thursday, the boy's parents said few words, sitting on opposite sides of the courtroom. Jake Haro wore a red county jail uniform and Rebecca Haro wore a dark blue suit. Both parents were represented by their respective defense attorneys Jake Haro by the public defender's office and Rebecca Haro by attorney Jeff Moore, who was appointed by the court and previously defended David and Louise Turpin, the Inland Empire couple who tortured and abused 12 of their children and ultimately were sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Read more: Online sleuths or streaming ghouls? Baby Emmanuel case unleashes army of internet vigilantes Attorneys for both parents declined to comment about the case Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department, Rebecca Haro said she was attacked in a Yucaipa parking lot Aug. 14 outside a Big 5 store while changing Emmanuels diaper. But investigators said there were inconsistencies in her initial statement, and when they confronted her about those details, they said she stopped cooperating. Authorities arrested the parents at their Cabazon home Aug. 21. Sheriffs investigators are now focused on finding Emmanuels remains. In the first weeks of the investigation, search teams scoured an isolated field in Moreno Valley. They were accompanied by Jake Haro but did not find anything, officials said. The case may be more challenging to prosecute without a body, but it won't be impossible, said Kenneth Gray, a retired FBI agent and senior criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven. "Police have not finished their investigation," Gray said. "Finding a body is one part of that ... but they apparently feel confident enough to move forward with charging them with murder at this point." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the family claimed Emmanuel had disappeared, the case has captured the fascination of true-crime mystery fans, who have filled gaps with rumor and speculation, particularly since Jake Haro's past conviction for child abuse resurfaced. Among those at the courthouse Thursday for the hearing was Geena Ayala, who wore a black T-shirt with a picture of Emmanuel surrounded by clouds and angel wings. She handed out fliers advocating for new legislation to prevent children from living in the home of convicted child abusers. "I'm a mother of two. My kids are grown but I have two young granddaughters, and if I thought for one minute my child was out there, dead or alive in the cold and alone, I just couldn't take it," Ayala said. Recently, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco chastised the public for organizing search parties and traipsing through areas of potential interest in the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There should be no one out there looking for baby Emmanuel except for us, Bianco said. "All you're going to do is complicate things in the future." 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. October WTI crude oil (CLV25) today is down -1.75 (-2.67%), and October RBOB gasoline (RBV25) is down -0.0301 (-1.47%). Crude oil and gasoline prices are falling sharply today on concerns of a global oil supply glut following a report from Reuters that OPEC+ is considering an increase in its crude production levels. Today's weakness in US economic news also weighed on energy demand prospects and crude prices. Today's weaker dollar is a supportive factor for energy prices. More News from Barchart Today's US economic news was weaker-than-expected, a negative factor for energy demand and crude prices. The Jul JOLTS job openings fell -176,000 to a 10-month low of 7.181 million, showing a weaker labor market than expectations of 7.380 million. Also, Jul factory orders fell -1.3% m/m, the second straight month orders have declined. Reduced Russian crude output is tightening global oil supplies and is supportive of prices. Ukrainian drone and missile attacks on Russian refineries have curbed Russia's crude-processing runs to 5.09 million bpd in the first 27 days of August, the lowest monthly average in over 3.25 years. Crude prices have support on concerns that the ongoing war in Ukraine could lead to additional sanctions on Russian energy exports, reducing global oil supplies. US Treasury Secretary Bessent said Tuesday that the US "will be examining sanctions on Russia very closely this week" due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. President Trump has threatened "very big consequences" if Russia doesn't come to the negotiating table. Last Friday, German Chancellor Merz and French President Macron called for secondary sanctions on Russia for its war in Ukraine. They said they will push for measures targeting "companies from third countries that support Russia's war." A decrease in crude oil held worldwide on tankers is bullish for oil prices. Vortexa reported Monday that crude oil stored on tankers that have been stationary for at least seven days fell by -18% w/w to 72.67 million bbl in the week ended August 29. Concerns about higher OPEC production are negative for crude prices after OPEC+ on August 2 endorsed an additional 547,000 bpd increase in its crude production for September 1. OPEC+ is boosting output to reverse the 2-year-long production cut, gradually restoring a total of 2.2 million bpd of production by September 2026. OPEC+ has 1.66 million bpd of supplies that are currently due to remain offline until late 2026. OPEC+ will meet again on September 7 to discuss crude production levels. OPEC Aug crude production rose by +400,000 bpd to 28.55 million bpd, the highest in over two years. With Labor Day upon us, many kids in the Pittsburgh region have already or soon will return to school. And as back-to-school time is underway, that brings the question of which school districts and charter schools get the highest scores on the state standardized tests given to students in public schools every year. Its a question the Pittsburgh Business Times has been answering for 21 years with its Guide to Southwestern Pennsylvania Schools, which looks at the performance of 105 school districts in the region overall, as well as offers numerous other rankings, including those by grade that also include the charter schools and a ranking of all the districts in the state using the same formula. Here is a look at the results of that analysis, published every spring and revisited as students (and parents), teachers and administrators start the 2025-26 school year: Click here to read more from our partner the Pittsburgh Business Times. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW On 4 September, the Ukrainian Air Force issued a warning of a ballistic missile threat from the north. Local authorities say a missile has struck near a checkpoint at the entrance to the village of Novoselivka in Chernihiv Oblast. Source: Ukraines Air Force; Dmytro Bryzhynskyi, Head of Chernihiv City Military Administration Details: The Russian missile struck the premises of a production facility in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryzhynskyi added that the missile hit near one of the checkpoints, specifically the checkpoint on the outskirts of the settlement of Novoselivka. Later, Bryzhynskyi reported that the Russian missile targeted staff of a humanitarian demining mission who were carrying out mine clearance in the area. The aftermath of the Russian attack. Photo: Dmytro Bryzhynskyi Update: As of 15:25, Bryzhynskyi reported that one person had been killed and two injured. Update: As of 16:04, Bryzhynskyi reported that two people had been killed and three had sustained injuries. Those who were injured are receiving the necessary medical assistance. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Members of the public on Wednesday decried the Anti-Defamation Leagues complaint against Baltimore City Public Schools and urged the school board to not give in to the groups demands. Since the league filed its complaint to the U.S. Department of Education in July, the federal agency has begun investigating the school district. Discussion of the complaint dominated the public comment portion of Wednesdays board meeting, where multiple speakers urged the board to rebuff the advocacy groups demands, citing free speech and other concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The approach that the ADL suggests to remedy antisemitism will not solve the issues that may be present, said Elianna Clayton, a Jewish administrator in the districts Office of Family Engagement. Although Clayton said she has not experienced the pervasive antisemitism the ADL alleged in City Schools, she said that didnt take away from anyone elses experience. At issue for many speakers, including Clayton, was one of the suggested remedies from the ADL, adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances working definition of antisemitism. Manifestations might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity, it says. However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That group uses as examples of antisemitism: drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis and claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor. Khadim Baluch, an educational associate at Roland Park Elementary/Middle School, said the definition conflates criticism of Israel and antisemitism. This conflation is deeply dangerous. It risks silencing conversations about justice and global solidarity that our students must engage in to become responsible and global citizens, he said. Clayton agreed that some ADL demands could stifle discussion. This approach puts City Schools on a list of institutions being pressured to yield to political agendas and curb free speech. This doesnt protect Jewish students or me as a Jewish staff member here. It weaponizes our identity, Clayton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speakers instead suggested the district adopt the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism. That definition was developed by scholars in the fields of Holocaust history, Jewish studies, and Middle East studies, its website says. The declaration says criticism of Israel and support of Palestine are not on their face antisemitic. Adopting the Jerusalem Declarations definition would protect Jewish staff and students while ensuring critique of a foreign nations policies are not mischaracterized as wanton prejudice, Baluch said. Margot Goldberg, a teacher at Western High School and parent of two Mount Royal Elementary/Middle School students, said she didnt trust the ADL to handle the antisemitism complaints it reported with the care and respect that they deserve. As a Jewish educator and parent, I am imploring the board: Do not cave to these demands. Do not allow the ADL to bully us into putting its political agenda above the wellbeing of all of our families, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeremy Levinger, a Jewish post-secondary adviser at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, said the district could promote diversity, cross-cultural connections and sincere dialogue instead of following the ADLs suggested remedies. Such a curriculum should include information all forms of bias, like Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian sentiment, he said. Levinger and Goldberg also said they had not experienced pervasive antisemitism in City Schools. Right now we are listening to public comment, said district CEO Sonja Santelises on whether the district would consider adopting the Jerusalem Declaration. We reject all forms of prejudice and bias in our schools. We continue to work with local partners and national partners on making sure that our classrooms are safe spaces for all kids. Santelises said the teacher at the center of the complaint, Patrick Oray, was not currently in the classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the ADL was not immediately available for comment. The Gaza Health Ministry says more than 64,000 Palestinians have died in the region since Oct. 7, 2023. Since returning to office, the Trump administration has targeted universities over allegations of antisemitism on campus, threatening to pull federal funding. The Department of Education announced in March it sent letters to 60 schools warning them of potential enforcement actions under Title VI of the Civil Right Act if they didnt adequately protect Jewish students on campus. The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore was one of those 60 schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbia University, one of the first schools to face such scrutiny, agreed in July to pay $200 million to the federal government in a settlement. The university agreed to several demands from the administration, including adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism, according to the Associated Press. The National Education Association, the largest union of educators in the U.S., did not implement a policy providing it not partner with the ADL over the summer. Not adopting this proposal is in no way an endorsement of the ADLs full body of work. We are calling on the ADL to support the free speech and association rights of all students and educators, wrote President Becky Pringle in a July statement. This story will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Racquel Bazos at rbazos@baltsun.com, 443-813-0770 or on X as @rzbworks. Bari Weiss, the polarizing editor and founder of The Free Press, is poised to hold a prominent role at CBS News, according to multiple reports. Per The Wrap, Puck and Status, Paramount is nearing a deal to acquire The Free Press for as much as $200 million and elevate Weiss to a top position at CBS as a result. Related: Guatemalan Document Undercuts U.S. Claims On Child Deportations Skydance Media recently completed a merger with Paramount, CBSs parent company, making promises to install an ombudsperson to monitor alleged bias at CBS News and eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reported Free Press deal and Weiss hire signals a more conservative direction for CBS News under Skydance chief David Ellison despite statements hes previously made about steering clear of politicizing the company. Spokespeople for Paramount and The Free Press did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Weiss previously served as an opinion columnist at The New York Times, where she was known for pieces criticizing the Me Too movement and campus activism for what she described as excesses. She left The Times in 2020 after publishing a resignation letter accusing the publication of stifling ideological diversity and critics of progressive viewpoints. Weiss is also the author of the 2019 book How to Fight Anti-Semitism. Related: Amy Coney Barrett Downplays Fears Of A Constitutional Crisis The Free Press has described itself as founded on fierce independence and committed to stories that are ignored or misconstrued in the service of an ideological narrative. Its also fielded criticism for pieces that included a friendly interview with venture capitalist Peter Thiel and that sought to undercut reports of famine in Gaza by pointing to other illnesses and injuries that Palestinian children suffered from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reported acquisition offers a preview of how Ellison, the son of a top Trump ally, intends to shape CBS News moving forward. It adds to other maneuvers that indicate the direction the storied network could take. Prior to Skydances successful purchase of Paramount, CBS agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by Trump over edits made to a 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris before the 2024 elections, raising serious concerns about press freedom. Related: Patrick Hemingway, The Last Surviving Child Of Ernest Hemingway, Dead At 97 Trump has also suggested Paramounts merger with Skydance included a side deal, which would guarantee millions in favorable ads at CBS News. And CBS has announced its canceling The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, a frequent Trump critic, citing financial reasons. More on U.S. News Trump Fired An Official Over A Weak Jobs Report. Another Brutal One Just Came Out. Trump Administration OKs Skydance Merger With CBS Parent Company Paramount Appeals Court Blocks Order To Wind Down Operations At 'Alligator Alcatraz' Read the original on HuffPost Paramount is on the verge of acquiring Bari Weiss right-leaning Free Press news organization, with Weiss set for a top role in running CBS News, TheWrap has learned. The deal, which is being finalized by Paramounts lawyers and was first reported by Puck on Wednesday, sets CBS News on a course for a more conservative approach in line with CEO David Ellisons vision. TheWraps reporting suggests its likely that Weiss will run CBS News. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weiss, who founded Free Press in 2022 after leaving the New York Times where she was an opinion columnist, is respected by some for her independent approach and her critique of mainstream media as too woke, but criticized by others for giving a pass to powerful people with whom she agrees such as Elon Musk when he bought Twitter in 2022 and Peter Thiel who she interviewed sympathetically earlier this year on her podcast, declining to push back on non-answers. Paramount declined to comment. Weiss did not respond to TheWraps request for comment. CBS News has been the subject of a political tug-of-war and a target of the Trump administration, which extracted a $16 million settlement from a lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. As part of the Skydance merger, Paramount agreed to place an internal ombudsman to ensure that the news organization was even-handed as part of its negotiations with the Trump administration. In one of its first moves after taking over Paramount, the Ellison-led leadership eliminated DEI initiatives at Paramount altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tug of war with the Trump administration continued just this week when Kristi Noem, who heads the Department of Homeland Security, accused the network of a whitewash when it chose not to air her full remarks on Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an undocumented immigrant who the Trump administration wrongly deported in March and has since tried to remove from the country. Noem disparaged Abrego Garcia as a known human smuggler and MS-13 gang member, allegations unproven in court. The network defended the interview on Face the Nation. CBS News has long been one of the most respected brands in journalism, with veterans from Walter Cronkite to Edward R. Murrow as part of the networks esteemed legacy. A stable of star journalists at 60 Minutes include Anderson Cooper, Bill Whitaker and Lesley Stahl among others. As a journalist who comes from the opinion columns rather than the trenches of news-gathering, Weiss is sure to raise opposition within the newsroom ranks of CBS News as a top decision-maker, especially in the wake of the departure of venerated 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens and CBS News chief Wendy McMahon, both of whom cited corporate meddling in the news division as the reason for their resignations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An individual with knowledge of the deal said that Paramount did expect there to be resignations as a result of Weiss acquisition. Weiss has been reported as seeking $200 million for the sale of The Free Press, but the individual with knowledge said the sale price was expected to be lower than that. Weiss resigned from The New York Times in July 2020, citing what she described as a hostile work environment to ideological diversity. In her resignation letter, which she posted publicly, Weiss accused the paper of fostering an illiberal environment where dissenting views were met with open hostility from colleagues. She said she had been subjected to bullying, both in person and on internal Slack channels, and alleged that the newsrooms editorial decisions were increasingly shaped by Twitter and the opinions of its most vocal online critics, rather than by journalistic independence. She went on to found the Free Press, which has rapidly grown into a robust media platform that consistently criticizes left-leaning cultural and social views. It is seen as a successful response to progressive media and mainstream outlets that lean to the left. The site consistently publishes pro-Israel writers and also showcases journalists who abandon mainstream media, such as Ari Berliner, a former senior business editor for NPR who left over alleged left-wing bias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2024 essay, Berliner argued that NPR had shifted from an open-minded, curious culture to one dominated by a progressive worldviewclaiming that a lack of diverse views had undermined public trust in the outlet. The post Bari Weiss Set for Top Role at CBS News as Paramount Closes in on Free Press Acquisition appeared first on TheWrap. Justice Amy Coney Barrett in a new interview hit back at critics who say the Supreme Courts conservative majority could ultimately ban gay marriage or make other monumental changes after it upended a long-standing ruling on abortion rights in 2022. Its not just an opinion poll about whether the Supreme Court thinks something is good or whether the Supreme Court thinks something is bad, Barrett told CBS Newss Norah ODonnell in her first TV interview since joining the Supreme Court in 2020. What the court is trying to do is see what the American people have decided. The Court should not be imposing its own values on the American people thats for the democratic process, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barretts full interview will air on CBS Sunday Morning this weekend ahead of the release of her memoir Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and Constitution, on Tuesday. The former law professor told ODonnell she hopes her book will give people a better understanding of why the court decides cases the way that it does. I think people who criticize the court or who are outside say a lot of different things, she said. But again, the point that I make in the book is that we have to tune those things out. Barrett said she sees a difference between abortion rights and marriage rights. She wrote in her book that she views the rights to marry, engage in sexual intimacy, use birth control and raise children are fundamental, but the rights to do business, die by suicide and terminate a pregnancy are not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was a [constitutional] law professor for many years, she told ODonnell. I described the doctrine in the book, and that is the state of the law. When the high court overturned Roe v. Wade three years ago, Justice Clarence Thomas released a concurring opinion calling for also overturning the constitutional rights the court had affirmed for access to contraceptives and LGBTQ rights. In future cases, we should reconsider all of this Courts substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell, Thomas wrote. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee who lost to President Trump in 2016, said in a podcast interview last month she worries the court will upend the Obergefell v. Hodges decision that effectively legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It took 50 years to overturn Roe v. Wade, Clinton said. The Supreme Court will hear a case about gay marriage; my prediction is they will do to gay marriage what they did to abortion they will send it back to the states. American voters, and to some extent the American media, dont understand how many years the Republicans have been working in order to get us to this point, Clinton added. Trump nominated Barrett, along with conservative Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch, during his first term after beating Clinton. All three voted with conservative Justices Thomas and Samuel Alito to end the federal protections for abortion rights in the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. NEW YORK (PIX11) Mayor Eric Adams came under fire from his political opponents after a recent trip to Florida. He recently denied that he was offered a job by the Trump administration to drop his reelection campaign for the New York City mayoral race. Political commentator and professor at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, J.C. Polanco, weighs in on Adams trip and his opponents responses on PIX11 Morning News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the video player for the full interview. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. WASHINGTON, N.C. (WNCT) The Beaufort County Community College Foundation has received a $1 million anonymous endowment to establish scholarships for second-year nursing students beginning fall 2026. This will help provide much support to students who are pursuing nursing careers. The new scholarships will be awarded after federal and state aid, such as Pell Grants and the Next NC Scholarship, have been applied for. These awards will help to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and textbooks. Definitely will enable them to use the scholarship money instead of having to work an extra job, for example, said Dr. David Loope, President of Beaufort County Community College. And that means that they can focus more intently on their studies. Nursing is a very rigorous program of study to begin with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BCCC Foundation administers more than 270 scholarships for students across all programs of study. This donation helps increase the resources available to meet the growing financial needs of nursing students. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. An Australian woman on TikTok claimed that a group of Americans disrupted her relaxing day by being extremely noisy at a beach club. However, the footage she uploaded did not show chaos or "screaming Americans." Instead, it mostly featured her and her friends laughing on their chairs while other voices blended into the background. The video and the claims In her clip, Lucy Peters (@lucpetersss) suggested that nearby American tourists were yelling and disturbing the atmosphere. In her text overlay, she wrote, "When you spend $150 on a daybed just to get sat next to a group of screaming Americans." Yet, there was no screaming in the footage. Instead, the recording captured mild conversations and the sound of her group complaining and laughing. Her friend, shown in the video, said that she was "crashing out" over the noise and that she was going to go over to complain, but was never shown doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video quickly circulated on the platform, gaining 448.8K views and 22.2K likes. Many questioned whether it revealed a genuine annoyance or if it was simply rage-baiting designed to provoke reactions. One commenter asked, "Is the screaming here with us?" Another pointed out, "The person filming is laughing louder than the group next to you." Others echoed the same sentiment, with one writing, "Was the screaming more annoying than your staring or laughing?!" Reddit calls out performative outrage Although some defended her, most seemed skeptical. One American woman admitted, "I cannot borderline stand being in restaurants because everyone talks at the top of their lungs [] I stand with you on this." Nevertheless, critics emphasized that Peters exaggerated how bad the situation was. A viewer listed their points bluntly: "1. Theres no screaming in the video, 2. Girl wants to go to a public beach and expect silence? 3. Out of all the English-speaking countries, how do you know theyre American?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clip spread to Reddits r/TikTokCringe, where users accused the TikToker of inventing drama. One person argued, "She heard the non-Australian accents and decided to get mad about it. She's inventing an issue to have with them, which is them talking amongst each other without the Australian accent." They went on to add, "But I would've loved to have seen her go up to a group of Americans to yell at them. 'Awwrrr naawwwrr awwwrrre we being too loud outside at the beach??''" Another Redditor recognized the setting. They explained that the location was not a quiet seaside but rather JackieOs, a trendy gay beach club in Greece. They noted, "Like tables at nightclubs and cabanas at Vegas pool parties. As well as loungers of course. Its gotta be expected that people are gonna be loud." Meanwhile, other Redditors treated the video as performative. One asked sarcastically, "So did your friend stand on business? Did she go yell at them ??" Others joked about cultural differences, with one remarking, "If you think this is loud i would hate to see your reaction to anyone from Latin America ." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, the majority concluded that the TikTok exaggerated a normal beach club scene. Viewers seemed to agree that her frustration said more about her expectations than about Americans themselves. @lucpetersss did not respond immediately to the Daily Dots request for comment via TikTok DM. The internet is chaoticbut well break it down for you in one daily email. Sign up for the Daily Dots newsletter here. President Donald Trump has been threatening to send the National Guard to Chicago to combat crime since shortly after he dispatched troops to Washington, D.C. in mid-August. Were going in. I didnt say when. Were going in, the president declared as recently as September 2. But one day later Trump and his team appeared to change their tune just a bit. Related: Trump seemingly walks back decision on sending troops to Chicago Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to go into Chicago and we have this incompetent governor that doesnt want us, Trump told reporters. Were making the determination now: Do we go to Chicago or do we go to a place like New Orleans where we have a great governor who wants us to come in. Vice President JD Vance also appeared to retreat from the imminent threat of a federal troop mobilization on Wednesday. There are no immediate plans; but the president has said he has the legal authority to protect American citizens whether thats in Chicago or Washington DC, he said. So what changed? A federal judge ruled Trumps use of the National Guard in Los Angeles violates the Posse Comitatus Act, which specifically outlines the circumstances in which military troops can be used as a police force on U.S. soil. While the judge didnt order the remaining National Guard members in California to stand-down he did forbid them from engaging in law enforcement activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What can the National Guard do if deployed to Chicago? The White House said it will appeal the decision. Illinois democratic governor and attorney general have said they would immediately file a lawsuit if Trump sends the military to Chicago. That might expedite a ruling that could, in theory, strip the president of his ability to deploy troops in the U.S. unilaterally. If Trump sends the National Guard to New Orleans a city with a far higher violent crime rate than Chicago Louisianas republican governor has said he would welcome their arrival. It would also give Trump the appearance of a strong crackdown on crime in a blue city using the cover of a red state governor requesting the help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WGN Investigates: Investigating public corruption, crime & fraud Regardless of the presidents decision, Chicago is still bracing for a surge in immigration arrests in the coming days. White House border czar previously said he envisioned using the National Guard to support ICE arrests. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. October WTI crude oil (CLV25) today is up +1.26 (+1.97%), and October RBOB gasoline (RBV25) is up +0.0660 (+3.35%). Crude oil and gasoline prices are sharply higher today and posted 1-month highs. Concerns over tighter global oil supplies are pushing crude prices higher today after Ukraine's attacks on Russian refineries have cut Russia's crude-processing runs to a 3-year low. Also, comments from US Treasury Secretary Bessent were bullish for crude when he said the US would look at additional sanctions on Russia for prolonging the war in Ukraine. More News from Barchart Limiting gains in crude today are a stronger dollar and the decline in the S&P 500 to a 1-week low, which reduces confidence in the economic outlook and energy demand. Also, the weakness in today's US economic news on construction spending and manufacturing activity is negative for energy demand and crude prices. Reduced Russian crude output is tightening global oil supplies and is supportive of prices. Ukrainian drone and missile attacks on Russian refineries have curbed Russia's crude-processing runs to 5.09 million bpd in the first 27 days of August, the lowest monthly average in over 3.25 years. Today's US economic news was mainly weaker-than-expected, a negative factor for energy demand and crude prices. The Aug ISM manufacturing index rose +0.7 to 48.7, weaker than expectations of 49.0. Also, Jul construction spending fell -0.1% m/m, the third consecutive month construction spending has declined. Crude prices have support on concerns that the ongoing war in Ukraine could lead to additional sanctions on Russian energy exports, reducing global oil supplies. US Treasury Secretary Bessent said today that the US "will be examining sanctions on Russia very closely this week" due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. President Trump has threatened "very big consequences" if Russia doesn't come to the negotiating table. Last Friday, German Chancellor Merz and French President Macron called for secondary sanctions on Russia for its war in Ukraine. They said they will push for measures targeting "companies from third countries that support Russia's war." A decrease in crude oil held worldwide on tankers is bullish for oil prices. Vortexa reported Monday that crude oil stored on tankers that have been stationary for at least seven days fell by -18% w/w to 72.67 million bbl in the week ended August 29. SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/FOX24) In February, the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act was passed in Arkansas, banning cellphones in public schools, and a month into the new school year, local school districts are seeing positive results. When the act was first introduced, many people wondered how this would affect their childs school. Now, teachers and students alike are reporting more engagement both in and out of the classroom. Communications director for the Springdale Public School District, Trent Jones, said students are interacting differently than before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walk through our hallways. Go into our cafeterias. Its chatter. You hear a lot of people talking. The earbuds are out. Youre listening to each other talk, and it is active. You can feel the kinetic energy, Jones said. Parents first reported having concerns with safety due to not having direct access to their child during school hours. Benton County schools react to Bell to Bell cellphone ban bill However, multiple school districts have introduced an updated security protocol in case of emergencies. Jones said Springdale Public Schools are no different, and they take a multistep approach to make sure students have a safe learning environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents have individual contact with each school to understand the process and to learn the process, Jones said. I think its really important to understand that safety is a multilayered approach, and Springdale Schools takes on each layer very seriously. Its not just parents and faculty who agree with the new policy, but students as well. According to Jones, the students have felt more engaged than ever before. Were getting an environment of people really talking to each other, being alert, being active. Its across the board. Students are giving us a lot of pieces of feedback where they actually enjoy the environment of not feeling like theyre on their cell, Jones said. The cutback on distracting cellphones has already made a strong impact in the classroom and in the hallways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones said that Springdale High School has had zero cell phone infractions among its 2,100 students. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. An Ocean County school district is seeking a buyer for the middle school named for astronaut Christa McAuliffe that permanently closed in June. The Jackson school district is setting a minimum asking price of $54.5 million for the 37-acre property that houses the two-story, 126,305-square-foot building and five detached modular classrooms, said business administrator Daniel Baginski. The Christa McAuliffe Middle School opened in 1993, seven years after the New Hampshire teacher who became an astronaut was killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bids are due by Oct. 15, officials said in an announcement provided by the district. Christa McAuliffe Middle School is a beautiful, well-planned school with every amenity you could want in a school or large building, said Jackson Schools Superintendent Nicole Pormilli. We were truly heartbroken to be selling it, however, this move is part of the difficult but necessary restructuring process for our district. Whoever purchases this property will be getting an amazing facility that has served our students and community with pride, Pormilli said. Christa McAuliffe Middle School Jackson is selling the middle school for more than four times the amount it got for selling a nearby elementary school. The districts Sylvia Rosenauer Elementary School closed after 62 years in June 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, the school district finalized a $13.1 million deal to sell the elementary school to Bais Yaakov of Jackson, an Orthodox Jewish group, a district spokesperson said. The Jackson school board cited budgetary constraints exacerbated by declining enrollment in separate votes closing the Rosenauer and McAuliffe schools. The decisions to close the schools were made one year apart. As part of a restructuring, Jackson Memorial High School was turned into a middle school this school year. All high school students are attending Jackson Liberty High School, which was renamed Jackson Township High School. Baginski said the McAuliffe school has a strong market value. It is zoned for public facilities and education. A small portion of the property is in a residential zone, potentially enabling redevelopment or continued use as a public location, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district has set a minimum asking price of $54.5 million for this property, and we are confident in its value. While selling a school is never an easy decision, it allows us to be fiscally responsible and to support both the present and future of the Jackson school district, Baginski said. The middle school was among about a half-dozen U.S. schools named for McAuliffe, who taught social studies at Concord High School in New Hampshire. At least one other is in New Jersey: Christa McAuliffe School, P.S. 28, in Jersey City. Space Shuttle Challenger 1986 McAuliffe was selected by NASA in 1984 over 11,500 applicants seeking to become the first teacher in space. Her astronaut training drew international attention. She planned to teach two short lessons to students from space via closed-circuit TV. All seven astronauts aboard the Challenger were killed when it broke apart 73 seconds after lifting off from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McAuliffe, 37, was married with two young children. The Jackson middle school hosted a farewell tour for the school on June 16, one week before the last day of classes. Visitors passed by a quote attributed to McAuliffe I touch the future. I teach. The quote is inscribed on a hallway wall next to a display honoring her legacy. The case includes a framed photo from 1997 of a teacher and students dedicating a quilt with an image of McAuliffe. Potential buyers of the school will be allowed to inspect the property on Sept. 17 and Oct. 8, the district said. Rob Jennings Stories by Rob Jennings Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Read the original article on NJ.com. BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany is ready to step up funding for and training of Ukrainian forces but will decide on further military commitments only after broader conditions are clarified, a government spokesperson said on Thursday. The statement came after a meeting of Ukraine's allies, where 26 nations signalled they were are ready to take part in an international force as part of security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron said. "Germany will decide on a military engagement in due course when the framework is clear," the German spokesman said. "This refers to the kind and extent of a U.S. engagement as well as the result of a negotiation process, amongst other factors." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chancellor Friedrich Merz has signalled openness to German participation in a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine but has shown more caution than Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer who have backed the idea of troop deployments. Merz has also noted that any German deployment would likely require a Bundestag mandate, a challenge for a chancellor whose own appointment was only voted through on the second attempt. Russia is fiercely opposed to any troops from the NATO alliance being deployed and it is far from clear how such a force could work. Following the talks on Thursday, a government source told Reuters that Berlin had held out the prospect of significantly ramping up Ukraine's air defences, and equipping four Ukrainian mechanized infantry brigades, a commitment amounting to almost 500 vehicles per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The source added that there were discussions on how to support Ukraine on a larger scale after a peace deal but this topic had not been the subject of the Paris talks, convened by France and Britain, on a peace force for Ukraine. (Writing by Sabine Siebold, Rachel More and Andreas RinkeEditing by Madeline Chambers and Andrew Heavens) NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) The New Bern Firemens Museum is hosting an event to honor the heroes who faced the 9/11 terrorist attacks and to remember the 2,977 lives lost. According to a press release, the event aims to pay tribute to the selflessness of the firefighters and other first responders who risked their lives to save others. The museum invites the community to join them in remembering this tragic day and the impact it has had on every American. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Museum Board and Division Chief of the New Bern Fire Department said, A presentation of the colors, speakers who will recognize the significance of this days history, the playing of bagpipes as a traditional part of firefighter funerals, and the ringing of the Last Alarm Bell will complete the planned agenda. EVENT INFORMATION: Date: Thursday, Sept. 11 Time: 8:30 a.m. Address: Museums Memorial Monument, 420 Broad Street, in New Bern The program will begin at 8:45 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 WNCT. UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) A 60-year-old bicyclist was slashed in the face and neck during a road-rage incident on the Upper East Side on Wednesday evening, police said. The man and his son were in the bike lane when they were confronted by a driver in a black sedan making a left turn near East 97th Street and First Avenue at around 5:30 p.m., according to the NYPD. More Local News The driver got out of the car and yelled at the bicyclist before slashing him in the face and neck, cops said. The victim took himself to the hospital for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver then took off in the black car, police said. There have been no arrests. 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). 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. Republican members of Congress across the country, as they begin to contemplate next years midterm elections, have adopted new messaging around their signature legislation, still officially known as the One Big Beautiful Bill. They seem to be dropping that nomenclature entirely and now describe the bill as the largest tax cut in American history. The problem with that, experts and observers say, is that it isnt true: For many households, taxes will basically be the same next year as they were last year and Donald Trumps tariff policies may well result in a higher effective tax rate. In late August, the office of Rep. Jay Obernolte, a Republican who represents an enormous Southern California district northeast of Los Angeles, sent out mailers touting the accomplishments of H.R. 1, the GOPs signature bill. The mailer, as reviewed by Salon, does not mention the billions of dollars funneled into ICE or the funding for Trumps Golden Dome, both of which the administration boasted about when the bill passed on July 4. Nor does it ever identify the legislation as the One Big Beautiful Bill. Instead, it portrays the measure entirely as a tax cut. Obernolte isnt alone. Republicans across the country, from the top down, are increasingly focusing on the tax provisions in the signature GOP megabill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, for instance, began calling the bill the working families tax cut bill at a town hall meeting last week, and Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., similarly referenced the bill only as H.R. 1 during a contentious town hall in late August. This change seems to be core Republican messaging: Trump himself unofficially kicked off the rebrand effort last week, calling the bill a massive tax cut for the middle class. Last month, in a landmark achievement, I also proudly signed the largest working-class tax cuts in American history. So the bill that 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. Vice President JD Vance, who pushed the big, beautiful brand heavily during the legislative battle, has also been sent out to sell the bill under a new label. He appeared in Georgia last week to campaign against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, who is up for re-election next year, calling the bill the biggest tax cut for families that this country has ever seen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why dont we ask Jon Ossoff, Why did you vote to raise taxes? Why did you vote to keep illegal aliens on Medicaid? Why did you vote to make sure that people who work overtime and earn their income from tips pay as much to the federal government as possible? Vance said. This focus on tax cuts appears intended to de-emphasize the billions in spending approved under the Big Beautiful Bill spending that was Vances primary focus earlier this year. The thing that will bankrupt this country more than any other policy is flooding the country with illegal immigration and then giving those migrants generous benefits, Vance wrote in a tweet earlier this summer. The OBBB fixes this problem. And therefore it must pass. Everything else the CBO score, the proper baseline, the minutiae of the Medicaid policy is immaterial compared to the ICE money and immigration enforcement provisions. There could be a problem in trying to sell this bill to the public that way: For many Americans, there wont be any tax cut. Instead, the bill largely extends the tax rates most people have been paying under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, enacted during Trumps first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tax Foundation, a business-friendly think tank, pointed this out in its analysis of the bills effects when it passed in July. Garrett Watson, the director of policy analysis at the Tax Foundation, said in an interview with Salon that, with a few exceptions, a lot of it is extending, effectively, the status quo. The bulk of that law is basically canceling what would have been a tax increase, not a further tax cut, Watson said. The exceptions Watson mentioned include Trumps promise to cut taxes on tips, overtime work and Social Security income, along with a handful of minor adjustments to the 2017 law. Watson also pointed out that Republican messaging seems to have been reversed. Framing the One Big Beautiful Bill as a tax cut is the opposite of what Republicans claimed when they were pushing to pass the legislation. At that time, the GOP sought to adjust congressional accounting to make the bills enormous costs look more affordable for the government. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. In the lead-up to the law, we heard a lot of messaging from many Republicans about how the costs were less than advertised by the Congressional Budget Office and others, Watson said. Republican messaging amounted to saying, We shouldnt include the cost of extending the 2017 tax law, he continued, on the theory that under this current policy baseline, it would be a lot cheaper, so they didnt have to fully cover the cost in terms of deficit changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many working-class Americans, Watson added, may effectively pay more in taxes in the near future because of Trumps tariffs on most imported goods. He was reluctant to put a specific figure on those increased costs for American households, especially given the unpredictable changes in Trumps policy, but provided a Tax Foundation analysis from mid-July that found that the poorest Americans are likely to pay more in tariffs than theyll save through extending the 2017 tax cuts. That also means that any households that dont benefit from changes to the way tips, overtime work and Social Security payments are taxed will see their income taxes remain largely the same, while still paying higher consumer prices overall, due to tariffs. The post Big Beautiful Bill goes to the Dumpster: GOP now claims its a tax cut appeared first on Salon.com. WASHINGTON When Republicans left Capitol Hill in July for their annual recess, they were instructed to go home and sell President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill. Now theyre being told to do that but maybe without the now-infamous moniker. The White House met with House Republicans behind closed doors on Wednesday to talk Love At First Vote, a briefing by top Trump administration officials on how to advertise the presidents massive tax package that was passed by Congress earlier this summer. Part of that strategy was changing how lawmakers refer to the bill by instead calling it the Working Families Tax Plan, lawmakers inside the room told the Deseret News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive actually always not been extremely impressed with the One Big Beautiful Bill name that weve put on this bill, Utah Rep. Mike Kennedy told the Deseret News. It is a working families tax cut bill. And thats a message that Ive been trumpeting myself. The briefing was led by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, deputy chief of staff James Blair, and Tony Fabrizio, the top pollster for the Trump 2024 campaign. Their presentation cited specific policy areas that found there are certain messages that they did find were more resonant with voters than others, Kennedy said. The top advisers told Republicans that when they go home they need to specifically talk about each point in the bill and how they are winners, the lawmaker said. Two main policies that should be touted, they said, are no taxes on tips and no taxes on overtime pay. The reason why, they argued, is because the package containing $4.5 trillion in tax cuts is being misunderstood because of Democratic attacks that it cuts funding to health care and other welfare programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are not cutting Medicaid, House GOP Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain said, despite the bill reducing government funding for the program by $1 trillion. We have to do a better job of correcting the truth with the other half of the truth. House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, R-Mich., is joined by House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., left, as she speaks during a news conference at the Capitol, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Washington. | Rod Lamkey The presentation included public polling of the bill that indicated that the public has a negative perception of the bill as a whole, which Republicans suggested was because voters have been so misinformed by Democrats fearmongering. The idea is to focus on the fact that it is a working families tax plan, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., said after the meeting. Once people find out whats actually in it, theyll be very supportive. The name change also signaled to Republicans that branding the package around the terminology of big, beautiful bill was a misstep when they couldve made the name more self-descriptive for example, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I picked up from the conversation was I think we missed an opportunity to call it the Working Families Tax Cut Bill, Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., told reporters. We basically missed an opportunity. But top Republican leaders pushed back on the characterization that calling it the Working Families Tax Cut Bill was a full rebranding. House Republicans went out, panned out across the country over the district work period, and got a lot of work done, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said on Wednesday. And they were talking about the one big, beautiful bill, which has also become known as the working families tax cut act, because thats what it principally represents. Utah Rep. Blake Moore, who holds the No. 5 position in GOP leadership, echoed that sentiment, telling the Deseret News it would be news to me if Republicans were told not to use the big, beautiful bill language anymore noting that was not a piece of guidance from party leaders in the House. Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, speaks with members of the media as Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., left, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., listen outside the West Wing after an "Invest in America" roundtable with business leaders at the White House, Monday, June 9, 2025, in Washington. | Evan Vucci Weve always said you should be able to communicate it as for working families, Moore told the Deseret News. Weve always had working families as an aspect of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting comes after Trump publicly admitted last week that he no longer wanted to call his signature tax package the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Those sentiments stemmed from a majority of voters saying they think Trump is making the federal government worse, according to a survey from Pew Research Center. 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. Its a massive tax cut for the middle class. Jaguar Land Rover announced Tuesday that the company has been targeted by a cyberattack that has "severely disrupted" its production activities. The British carmaker, which officially rebranded as JLR about two years ago, said it "took immediate action to mitigate its impact by proactively shutting down" its systems. The company says it is trying to restart its global applications in a "controlled manner." JLR says it has no evidence that customer data has been compromised, but the incident also hit the company's retail business. Most Read on IEN: Nivedita Murthy, senior staff consultant at Black Duck, a Burlington, Massachusetts-based IT security provider, said containment is the appropriate first step after detecting a security incident. "Jaguar did the right thing by shutting down its IT system before the attack spread further and caused damage," she said. "As part of post-incident activity, they would be able to identify how the attackers were able to access the systems and take advantage of [them]." Murthy added that the incident is a reminder for companies to secure business operations and customer data, because, for example, attackers are increasingly targeting retail operators to access customer information. People within an organization often tend to be the weakest links, and the customer information gleaned from a breach is frequently used in future phishing attacks and scams. Agnidipta Sarkar, chief evangelist at cybersecurity firm ColorTokens, noted that this wasn't the first attack on JLR. Sarkar told Industrial Equipment News (IEN) that the Hellcat ransomware group targeted JLR in March 2025. The group compromised Atlassian Jira project management software to steal sensitive data. Sarkar said the latest attack is likely a ransomware attack or a significant system compromise. Federal agents wearing masks patrol the halls of immigration court at the Ted Weiss Federal Building on July 9, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Whats in a face? The Boston Globe reported recently that a small group of neo-Nazis gathered outside the New Hampshire State House in Concord. Wearing facemasks, they held a banner proclaiming Trump loves Epstein. Were they saying this was a good thing? Or were they protesting? What about Nazis historical hatred of Jews? Who knows? It was impossible to read their expressions, because they all wore masks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A posted scholarly lecture on the Virginia Museum of History and Cultures website tells us that early KKK members wore burlap feed sacks over the faces, donned animal horns and wore white muslin masks to indicate they were non-human, including corpses come back to life. Who were these members of the nations first domestic terrorism group? The neighbors of the people they hunted? How did they feel about what they were doing? Who knows? It was impossible to read their expressions, because they all wore masks. Today, all across the country, masked men, claiming to be representatives of the U.S. government, are snatching people off the streets, out of courtrooms, off high school ballfields, and from the lines of workers in car washes. Are they employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement? Are they self-appointed vigilantes? Are they sex traffickers acting under cover to kidnap people for sex slavery? Who knows? It is impossible to read their expressions, because they all wear masks. Hiding ones face is, of course, an ancient practice. Humans have always worn masks in war and sports, in religious ritual, during celebrations, and on stage. Shakespeares lovers donned them at masquerade balls. Bad guys like Darth Vader and Jason Voorhees wear masks. But so do good guys like Batman, Spiderman and Zorro. Complex anti-heroes like the Phantom of the Opera maintain their mystery behind a mask. And of course children love the strange, freeing anonymity a mask gives them at Halloween. Most of us those who respect science and were concerned for others safety wore masks for three long years during the Covid pandemic. And we were thrilled to toss them once the vaccine allowed life to return to normal. Some folks with compromised immune systems choose to wear them still, especially in crowds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now? For those of us not still at grave risk, or on a sport team, in a religious group or on stage, the main reason to cover ones face is to hide our shame. Our hands instinctively fly up to our cheeks and cover our nose and mouth when we are caught doing something wrong, or embarrassing. So a simple question for ICE agents (both real and impostors), for neo-Nazis, and for todays white supremacists posting hateful literature on lampposts in small towns across the nation, is this: if youre too ashamed to show your face, why are you doing what youre doing? For those of us not still at grave risk, or on a sport team, in a religious group or on stage, the main reason to cover ones face is to hide our shame. People in public office (as I once was) are often stalked, harassed and ridiculed on social media. Sometimes, as in the tragic case of the state representative in Minnesota, they are murdered. The public expects elected officials to show their faces, literally and figuratively. Its called accountability. And yes, often it puts a target on our back, as it has recently with Rep. Corey Paris, who is being sent the most racist, vile and dangerous threats from across the country for calling out ICE in his district. Still, I dont know any elected person hiding behind a mask, unless you consider Trumps orange make-up a bizarre version of kumadori, the stylized makeup worn in Japanese Kabuki theater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, at a protest march I attended after Trump was first elected, I engaged a young man who seemed to be in his mid-20s. He wore a Trump tee-shirt and was heckling us from the sidelines. I asked why he was covering his face with a mask. He said something that cannot be reprinted here something inspired by Trumps boasting about what he does to womens bodies. He spat out he would do that to me if I didnt move on. So I asked him what his mother would think of that. Yes, I admit, a prissy, perhaps uptight thing to do, but still. I wanted him to explain his thought process. After all, arent we liberals supposed to engage with these folks? To get to know their minds? Not to judge but, rather, to meet them where they are? So instead of returning this threat with something similar about his private parts (which, as everyone knows, are a lot more fragile than a womans), I asked again: Does your mother know youre doing this? He emitted a sort of grunt. I could not read his expression, because he wore a mask. But he did drop his shoulders a little, and bowed his head just a bit. The parade of marchers moved on. I think of that young man often hes probably around 30 now. Plenty old enough to be a father to a child who may get measles. Perhaps his mother now has cancer and needs to enter a clinical trial thats been defunded. Perhaps the tariffs have cost him his job. I wonder if the mask will fall from his face when the scales fall from his eyes. This article first appeared on CT Mirror and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. WISE, Va. (WJHL) Big Stone Gap will see a more-than $300,000 federal grant to support its Sunrise Village Water Extension Project, Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner (both D-VA) announced on Wednesday. The $331,233 grant was awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and will be used to construct 3,170 feet of waterline to 17 households located in an unserved portion of Wise County, according to a release from Kaines office. Every Virginian deserves access to clean, safe water in their homes, Warner and Kaine said in a joint statement. Were proud to bring over $330,000 in funding to expand waterline access to unserved communities in Wise County and continue to work to ensure all water infrastructure across Virginia is safe and reliable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ARC is a federal and state economic development agency that works to support more than 400 counties across the Appalachian region. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (Nexstar) Texas Senators passed legislation to allow lawsuits against anyone involved in making or providing abortion-inducing medication in the state. House Bill 7 would allow private citizens to sue abortion-drug providers if their delivery to Texas is successfully used to induce an abortion. The legislation passed Wednesday evening with a 17-8 vote in the Senate. House members approved the legislation in late August. The legislation now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it into law. You manufacture and ship poisonous illegal drugs into Texas and people are harmed, you will be held accountable. We make no apology for that, bill sponsor Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola said as he closed on the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas must defend her citizens, and thats what this bill is about, Hughes added. The bill will likely face legal challenges. Sen. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, said he believes HB 7 violates the Constitution by unlawfully delegating the enforcement power of the state to an individual. Secondly, by giving a private right of action to any person, it violates the Texas Constitutions standing to sue provision. And third, it violates the due process of law clause of the United States Constitution, 14th Amendment, by awarding an unharmed plaintiff damages from a defendant that didnt cause that person harm, Johnson said before the vote. The law includes several exceptions for those who can sue on behalf of the aborted fetus, not allowing those who: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Impregnated the woman through sexual assault Committed a family violence offense Provided the abortion-inducing drug to the woman without her consent or knowledge Have been convicted of stalking Acted in concert with someone committing the above offenses The bill would award at least $100,000 to a successful plaintiff, but the amount the plaintiff can recoup depends on who they are. If the woman who the drug was used onor the father, sibling or grandparent of the aborted fetuswins a case under HB 7, they would be entitled to the entire amount. Anyone else who files a lawsuit under this action would only be entitled to a cap of $10,000, with the remainder going to a charitable organization of the plaintiffs choosing. The charity cannot benefit the plaintiff or their family, and the court can not award attorneys fees in their decision. Hughes said the potential for financial penalties will help protect the unborn. We will not allow Big Pharma to pad its bottom line sending these poisonous pills into Texas, Hughes said, before moving for final passage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Bill Cassidys political career was on life support not so long ago. Now Senate Republicans are waiting to see if President Donald Trump will let him make a miraculous recovery. The potential U-turn comes after the two-term Louisiana Republican was written off by much of his partys MAGA base when he voted in 2021 to convict Trump over his alleged role in fomenting the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. But since January, Cassidy has stuck closely behind Trump, touting his support for the presidents nominees and brushing off questions about his relationship with the White House. That fraught relationship came back into focus Thursday, when faced a high-profile sparring partner in the Trump administration, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., at a Senate Finance Committee hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cassidy, a doctor trained as a liver specialist, voted to confirm Kennedy earlier this year while airing misgivings about the nominees unorthodox medical views. In recent months, that criticism erupted again and again after Kennedy pushed out a panel of vaccine experts, and, last week, ousted the head of the CDC. The two men clashed over vaccine policy at Thursdays hearing just as top Senate Republicans are privately urging Trump to back Cassidy. In their view, the Louisianan is a team player and diligent legislator who has a significant fundraising advantage over his field of conservative challengers. But some close to Trump view an endorsement of a pro-impeachment Republican as a bridge too far and are instead suggesting the president could simply stay neutral in the Louisiana race next year. Trumps silence is a real possibility, said five Republicans granted anonymity to discuss private conversations, but those who have spoken with him about the race recently believe he hasn't made a final decision about what to do. Trump officials dont expect the president to weigh in on the race anytime soon, according to two people granted anonymity to discuss internal conversations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cassidy said in a brief interview that he, too, expects Trump to stay neutral in the primary. Of course I prefer his endorsement, but if its not an endorsement, neutral is probably the next best thing, he said. Weve worked very well together, and Ive worked hard for his agenda, Cassidy added. And I think he recognizes that. Even staying on the sidelines would be a shift from just months ago when some conservatives privately expected Trump to formally back a challenger, effectively delivering a kiss of death to Cassidys political career in a deeply red state. It would also require enormous restraint over many months from Trump, who is known for lashing out against those he perceives as wronging him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cassidy has been really good working with the White House and there's a lot of people that surround the president right now that know that, said one Senate GOP colleague granted anonymity to speak candidly. The senator added that while the impeachment vote is personal it doesn't mean people can't work past it, citing Trumps willingness to overlook past criticism from his now-vice president, JD Vance. Cassidy isnt in the clear yet. Louisiana Republicans eagerly want a signal from Trump about whether hell get involved in the race. Gov. Jeff Landry has privately floated Rep. Julia Letlow as a potential Cassidy rival but indicated last month that hes waiting to see whom Trump backs. Top Trump political aide James Blair is expected to attend Landry's annual gator hunt this weekend, and Louisiana Republicans are hoping to shake loose whether Trump will back someone in the race, according to three Republicans granted anonymity to candidly discuss the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Letlow a close ally of fellow Speaker Mike Johnson, another Louisiana Republican is seen as a particularly formidable opponent for Cassidy. She is mulling whether to jump in the race, and Republicans believe her decision could come within a matter of weeks. Unlike some of his other hard-right challengers, Letlow has broader appeal outside the partys conservative base. She has also been an ardent Trump ally, and Republicans believe she will only launch a run with the presidents tacit backing if not an outright endorsement. Otherwise Cassidys many conservative rivals appear at risk of cannibalizing the GOP primary vote, with state Treasurer John Fleming having a modest advantage over the field in fundraising and name recognition. Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.), a hard-right firebrand who flirted with a Senate bid himself before ruling it out, said the race is currently up for grabs but that Cassidy is running a very energetic campaign and could win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres some good guys in the race, and Sen. Cassidy may very well end up being the senator again, said Higgins. Hes got issues with winning, but everybody else in the race has issues with winning as well. Internal polling for Cassidy has also shown him with a sizable lead over two GOP rivals. In addition to his own war chest of more than $8.7 million as of the end of June, outside groups supporting him have also raised millions. But a swath of other internal GOP polling shows Cassidy effectively without a political home, bleeding support among both the MAGA base and moderates, and theres skepticism in some corners that he would be able to survive without a bear hug from Trump. Some Republicans have privately speculated for months that Trump was only waiting for his domestic policy megabill to pass and for more of his major nominations to clear the Senate before turning on Cassidy. Under that timeline, things would be ripe for some presidential meddling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Senate Republican who is supporting Cassidy and has spoken to the president about the race said Trump at least right now, has opted to not say or do anything. That may change at some point, the GOP senator added. Id love to see him get behind Bill. There have been positive signs for Cassidy. Trump has given him shoutouts during multiple events, including in July when he thanked him for attending an event and helping out. It is a sharp reversal from last year when he blasted Cassidy on social media as disloyal lightweight. White House officials are aware that moving against Cassidy now could invite backlash from a lawmaker who chairs the Senate HELP Committee, which oversees health policy, and who sits on the powerful Finance Committee, which has an even broader portfolio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its his tumultuous relationship with RFK Jr. himself that has gotten the most scrutiny. He absorbed backlash from some Republicans on and off Capitol Hill as he mulled whether or not to support Kennedys nomination earlier this year. He ultimately backed Kennedy but has been one of few Republicans to raise concerns over his shakeups at the CDC and a key vaccine advisory panel. Cassidy has tried to emphasize that his public scrutiny of Kennedys decisions isnt personal, and he brushed off a question Wednesday about whether he regretted helping confirm him. "That's really nothing to do with this, Cassidy told reporters. At Thursday's hearing, Cassidy sought to drive wedge between Trump and Kennedy, asking the secretary whether he agreed that Trump deserved a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed, his first-term crash effort to develop a Covid vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy said he "absolutely" agreed, but Cassidy then pressed him on why Kennedy canceled a half-billion dollars in vaccine contracts using the mRNA technology perfected under Operation Ward Speed. "Is this a question or is this a speech?" Kennedy replied at one point. Meredith Lee Hill contributed to this report. Texas lawmakers on Wednesday approved letting private citizens sue abortion pill manufacturers, doctors and anyone who mails the medication, setting the state up to be the first to try to crack down on the most common abortion method. The law would be the first of its kind in the U.S. and add another layer of abortion restrictions in Texas, which has some of the toughest in the country and already bans nearly all abortions. The bill now goes to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, an abortion opponent who is expected to sign it into law. It would take effect in December, though it is nearly certain to spark legal challenges from abortion rights supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of the proposal, which passed a final vote in the GOP-controlled Texas Senate, call it a key tool to enforce the state's ban and protect women and fetuses. Opponents see it as not only another way to rein in abortion but intimidate providers outside Texas who are complying with the laws in their states. They also say it would encourage a form of vigilantism. The measure would empower citizens to provide enforcement Under the measure, Texas residents could sue those who manufacture, transport or provide abortion-inducing drugs to anyone in Texas for up to $100,000. Women who receive the pills for their own use would not be liable. Under the bill, providers could be ordered to pay $100,000. But only the pregnant woman, the man who impregnated her or other close relatives could collect the entire amount. Anyone else who sues could receive only $10,000, with the remaining $90,000 going to charity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers also added language to address worries that women would be turned in for seeking to end pregnancies by men who raped them or abusive partners. For instance, a man who impregnated a woman through sexual assault would not be eligible. The measure has provisions that bar making public the identity or medical details about a woman who receives the pills. It wasnt until those provisions were added, along with the limit of a $10,000 payment for people who arent themselves injured by the abortion, that several major Texas anti-abortion groups backed the bill. Texas Right to Life, one of the states most prominent anti-abortion groups, called it the strongest pro-life law in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This trend is killing tens of thousands of babies a year and harming their mothers, but today, our law became a blueprint for the rest of the country, said John Seago, the groups president. The idea of using citizens rather than government officials to enforce abortion bans is not new in Texas. It was at the heart of 2021 law that curtailed abortion there months before the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for other state bans to take effect. In the earlier law, citizens could collect $10,000 for bringing a successful lawsuit against a provider or anyone who helps someone obtain an abortion. But that measure didnt explicitly seek to go after out-of-state providers. It is an attempt to turn a Texas abortion ban into a nationwide abortion ban, Democratic state Sen. Carol Alvarado said before the bill cleared a final vote. If California or New York tried to impose their gun laws or climate policies on Texas, this legislature would be outraged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abortion pills have proliferated, even where theyre banned Pills are a tricky topic for abortion opponents. They were the most common abortion method in the U.S. even before the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed states to enforce abortion bans. Theyve become even more widely used since then. Their availability is a key reason that the number of abortions has risen nationally, even though Texas and 11 other states are enforcing bans on abortion in all stages of pregnancy. The pills have continued to flow partly because at least eight Democratic-led states have enacted laws that seek to protect medical providers from legal consequences when they use telehealth to prescribe the pills to women who are in states where abortion is illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas is already in legal fights over shield laws and abortion pills Earlier this year a Texas judge ordered a New York doctor to pay more than $100,000 in penalties for providing abortion pills to a Dallas-area woman. The same provider, Dr. Maggie Carpenter, faces criminal charges from a Louisiana prosecutor for similar allegations. New York officials are invoking their states shield laws to block extradition of Carpenter and to refuse to file the civil judgment. If higher courts side with Louisiana or Texas officials, it could damage the shield laws. Meanwhile the attorneys general of Texas and Florida are seeking to join Idaho, Kansas and Missouri in an effort to get courts to roll back U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals for mifepristone, one of the drugs usually used in combination for medication abortions, contending that there are safety concerns. They say it needs tighter controls because of those concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the states are successful, its possible the drug could be distributed only in-person and not by telehealth. Major medical organizations including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say the drug is safe. The Justice Department opened a criminal investigation into Lisa Cook. A judge is weighing whether she'll keep a job after Trump said she's fired from the Federal Reserve. Trump official Bill Pulte scrapped a press conference about Cook and her mortgages. A lawyer for Lisa Cook said the Justice Department appeared to open a criminal investigation in a desperate attempt to find a legal reason to fire her from the Federal Reserve's board of governors. In a statement, Cook's attorney Abbe Lowell described the criminal probe as "cover." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Predictably and recognizing the flaws in challenging their illegal firing of Governor Cook, the administration is scrambling to invent new justifications for its overreach," Lowell said. "This Justice Department perhaps the most politicized in American history will do whatever President Trump demands." "He wants cover, and they are providing it," Lowell added. The Justice Department's criminal investigation, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, comes as Bill Pulte a Trump administration official who has aggressively attacked Cook canceled a press conference in front of a Washington, DC, federal courthouse to present "new information" about the Federal Reserve board governor. "Once you see what we present on Thursday, there's going to be a lot of people apologizing and retracting their false and defamatory statements," Pulte said on X Tuesday morning. "Watch." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pulte on Wednesday canceled the press conference, however, tweeting he was doing so "out of respect for the process." The Justice Department is using grand juries and sending subpoenas as part of its investigation, according to the Journal. The criminal investigation marks a major escalation in the Trump administration's war against Cook, an appointee of former President Joe Biden whose term ends in 2038. President Donald Trump published a letter in August saying he was firing Cook for "cause" based on a criminal referral from Pulte, who leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and says Cook lied on mortgage documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pulte says Cook took out mortgages at around the same time for properties in Georgia and Michigan and said that each would be her primary residence. Cook sued Trump last week, saying Pulte's allegations didn't meet the legal standard for a "cause" firing. The federal judge overseeing the case, US District Judge Jia Cobb, is weighing whether to issue a temporary restraining order confirming that Cook will remain in her job while additional litigation plays out. Earlier this week, Justice Department officials urged her to decide quickly so that the parties would have a chance to appeal her decision ahead of the Federal Reserve's September 16 meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither Pulte nor the Justice Department responded to requests for comment. At a court hearing Friday, Justice Department attorney Yaakov Roth said Trump rightfully fired Cook. The Federal Reserve's role in setting interest rates means that a person who lies on mortgage documents can't be trusted, he said. He also criticized Cook for not providing any explanation for the apparent inconsistencies in her mortgage documents. "Is there some material factual dispute?" Roth said during the hearing. "I think if there was something like that, we would have heard it by now." Lowell, at Friday's hearing, said that the apparent inconsistencies did not meet the legal definition for "cause" required by the law. He said Trump needed to give Cook due process, and that the narrative about mortgage documents was a pretext for Trump filling the Federal Reserve with his own appointees to lower interest rates as part of his economic plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A bad motive can illuminate the fact that there was no real cause," he said. In a Tuesday court filing, Cook's attorneys wrote, "Governor Cook did not ever commit mortgage fraud." Lowell said in his Thursday statement that he would continue to address the allegations. "The questions over how Governor Cook described her properties from time to time, which we have started to address in the pending case and will continue to do so, are not fraud, but it takes nothing for this DOJ to undertake a new politicized investigation, and they appear to have just done it again," Lowell said. This story has been updated to add additional comments from Abbe Lowell. Read the original article on Business Insider (FOX40.COM) Senator Maria Elena Durazo announced on Thursday that her Senate Bill 346, the Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2025, faces final approval by the Governor after passing the Assembly and Senate. Video Above: SAFE Act advances to the CA Governors desk The new bill is set to address the issue of short-term rentals operating without proper licenses in California, Durazo said. The lack of licensing from 25% to 75% of these rentals results in uncollected taxes, causing local governments to lose money and contributing to housing shortages and rising rent levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate passes SAFE act to alert schools of immigration enforcement For too long, platforms have profited while local governments struggle to collect the taxes theyre owed and enforce the laws their communities have voted for, Durazo said. SB 346 gives cities and counties the basic tools they need to do their jobs. After the Assembly took a bipartisan vote (64-0, with 15 not voting), the bill also received unanimous concurrence from the Senate on Tuesday. The California League of Cities and the Association of County Treasurers and Tax Collectors sponsor Durazos bill, with support from dozens of local jurisdictions across the state, according to the senator. Assemblymembers bill defends birthright citizenship, heads to final vote Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 346 ensures that every California city has the information needed to enforce its local short-term rental laws, crack down on illegal units and collect the correct amount of transient occupancy taxes owed to them, said League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. Governor Gavin Newsom will have until Oct. 12 to sign or veto the Senate Bill. According to the senator, if the governor signs her bill, local governments will be able to opt in and receive information to effectively collect taxes from these short-term rentals and enforce local laws. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. The Trump administrations latest attack on an in-progress offshore wind project is now being challenged in court. Two lawsuits announced Thursday one brought by the wind farms developers, the other by Rhode Island and Connecticut seek immediate relief from a federal stop-work order that froze construction of Revolution Wind two weeks ago. The developers, Danish energy giant rsted and investment firm Global Infrastructure Partners, filed a complaint Thursday morning in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, requesting a preliminary injunction that would allow Revolution Winds offshore construction to resume. The 65-turbine project being built 15 miles from Rhode Islands coastline is 80% completed. Hours later, attorneys general from both Rhode Island and Connecticut announced a separate lawsuit against the Trump administration, asking the court to declare the construction halt unlawful and overturn it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If allowed to proceed, the project would generate enough carbon-free electricity to power more than 350,000 households across the two states. Should President Donald Trump tank the development, it would be a disaster for New Englands grid. The project was set to come online next year, and New Englands grid operator had already factored its 704 megawatts into its plans. Delaying delivery of that power on such short notice "will increase risks to reliability, ISO New England warned in a statement last week, adding that the hold-up could also increase utility bills and discourage future investment. New England governors, labor representatives, and even local fishermen have also demanded Trump overturn his decision. Does this sound like a federal government that is prioritizing the American people? This is bizarre, this is unlawful, this is potentially devastating, and we wont stand by and watch it happen, said Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha in a statement. The lawsuit comes as the Trump administration steps up its already hostile campaign against offshore wind. Theres new chaos almost daily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since ordering Revolution Wind to stop construction in late August, the administration has filed documents with federal courts signaling it intends to revoke permits for projects near Maryland and Massachusetts. The Transportation Department clawed back $679 million in federal funding for infrastructure supporting offshore wind. And White House officials are reportedly directing a wide range of agencies including unrelated departments like Health and Human Services to seek out reasons to cancel projects already underway. In choosing litigation over negotiation, the moves made on Thursday mark a shift in how the wind industry is responding to the U.S. governments new war on the energy resource. When the Interior Department stopped New Yorks Empire Wind project in April, developer Equinor opted not to take the Trump administration to court even as its losses rose to nearly $1 billion. Instead, the firm and diplomats from its home country and majority shareholder Norway lobbied the government to overturn its decision. In May, the Trump administration reversed course, claiming that it had struck a deal with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) to allow gas pipelines in the state. Hochuls office denies any such deal was made. In both instances, the Trump administration used vague and dubious justifications for the stop-work orders. For Revolution Wind, the Interior Department cited national security concerns that a retired Navy commander called specious. For Empire Wind, it pointed to a mysterious report that officials blacked out entirely on a federal website and still refuse to share with the public. rsted and others are now embarking on a legal battle that could determine not only the fate of Revolution Wind, but whether a more aggressive response is a cheaper and better way to push back on Trumps always-escalating crusade against windmills. By Bart H. Meijer and Simon Jessop AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -Dutch pension fund PFZW has stopped investing in stock funds managed by BlackRock, in part because of concerns over the U.S. firm's voting record on sustainability issues, its lead asset manager PGGM said on Wednesday. The move comes amid a wider activist campaign in the Netherlands to push the country's large pension schemes to drop managers that have reduced support for climate change-linked resolutions at company meetings. While some companies have scaled back the importance they attach to sustainability since the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump, many of the biggest Dutch pension funds still consider it the best long-term approach. As of March 31, BlackRock managed around 14.5 billion euros ($16.98 billion) for PFZW but now oversaw a smaller, unspecified amount of the fund's money market investments, PFZW spokesperson Ellen Habermehl told Reuters. "It is getting harder to align with American investment managers on voting," a spokesperson for PGGM, said, adding it still works with U.S. managers like Acadian and MAN Numeric, which manage part of the PFZW listed-equity portfolio. While PFZW already chose how to vote, it was keen to ensure it was in line with those managing its money, Sander van Stijn, Head of Mandate Management at PGGM, said in an interview with Dutch newspaper NRC. "Otherwise things get very complicated". BlackRock said it supported 2% of shareholders' environmental and social proposals in 2025, down from 4% in 2024, noting the reason for the drop was that many were overly prescriptive or lacked economic merit. In June, U.S. asset owner the Sierra Club Foundation said it would move $10.5 million in assets because BlackRock had not pressed portfolio companies enough on climate. In response to the PFZW move, a BlackRock spokesperson said: "BlackRock clients including our Dutch clients - continue to invest through BlackRock to meet their sustainable investing goals, entrusting us to manage over $1 trillion in sustainable and transition assets on their behalf." Some clients could also decide how to vote on their shares, they added. As part of the strategic shift, PFZW, the Netherlands' second-largest pension fund, said it stopped investing its 50 billion euros in stock market investments passively, to allow it to buy and sell more easily. The move had resulted in it selling out of 2,600 companies and selecting just 756 to invest in, it said. "For the next five years, we aim for a better balance between our need for good returns, acceptable risks and sustainability," PFZW's Habermehl said. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A man from Black Hawk, SD, was sentenced and convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. According to a press release from the DOJ, 63-year-old Jackie Corean was sentenced on Tuesday to 11 years and three months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Corean was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crimes Victims Fund. Between January of 2024 and February of 2024, Corean and others were involved in a conspiracy to distribute meth in South Dakota, including in Rapid City and the Pine Ridge Reservation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Day 2 of self-defense hearing in Tea man murder case During the conspiracy, large quantities of meth were transported from Denver, Colorado to South Dakota for distribution. Coreans home was used as the central hub for distribution and also spoke with others in the conspiracy about exchanging firearms for meth in Colorado. Before Corean was able to take the firearms to Denver, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home and seized six firearms and numerous pieces of drug paraphernalia consistent with drug distribution. February of 2024 Corean was indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. On May 29, 2025, he pleaded guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the sentencing, Corean was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Black students at Emory University woke up to a changed campus after the elite university announced yesterday it would end its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The news comes amid a federal crackdown on programs at colleges and universities designed to promote inclusion. The interim university president, Leah Ward Sears, made the announcement in a letter sent to the Emory community Wednesday. And while Sears noted that she herself had reaped the benefits of diversity programs, she outlined the forthcoming changes to the Decatur campus: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal laws and mandates have been implemented that require higher education institutions to alter fundamentally or even close offices and programs focused on DEI. The standards are clear, and we must act accordingly. Guided by the Office of General Counsel and other appropriate campus officials, we will work promptly and carefully to discontinue current DEI offices and programs. We will also work closely with each impacted employee to provide appropriate support and assistance through the transition. Ward, who was on her third day in office, also noted, Im confident we can follow the law while not losing sight of who we are. Georgia NAACP President Gerald Griggs says that he is requesting a meeting about the DEI cuts with Emory officials. (Getty Images) The response to a story on the cuts by Emorys student paper, The Wheel, was met with swift criticism by Black students and alumni on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chloe Wynona wrote: You will never get a dime out of me! Embarrassed to call this my alma mater. T. Welle posted: Emorys commitment to DEI is the reason I chose this school over others. Emorys cuts come on the heels of the Trump administration announcing in March that the Department of Education would be investigating Emory and 44 other institutions for engaging in race-exclusionary practices in the Universitys graduate programs. Georgia NAACP President Gerald Griggs posted on social media that the venerable civil rights organization is requesting a meeting with Emory officials before the end of the month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Georgia NAACP is gravely concerned about Emory Universitys decision to restructure its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, Griggs wrote. While we acknowledge Emorys stated commitment to fairness and belonging, these changes raise serious questions about how students, faculty, and staff particularly from marginalized communities will be supported moving forward. Griggs wants to understand the reasoning behind the DEI changes, the universitys plans to support marginalized students, how they will uphold federal agreements and nondiscrimination policies, and what opportunities there will be for an ongoing dialogue with community stakeholders. Emorys Class of 2028, which in 2024 was the first to be admitted since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled race can no longer be used as a factor in college admissions, has a Black student population of 12.1%, a slight decline from the previous year of 12.6%. Overall, Emorys Black student population stood at 13.8%, or 2,227 students out of a total enrollment of 16,142. Capital B Atlanta has reached out to Emorys Black Student Union for comment. The post Black Students and Alum Blast Emory University DEI Cuts appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. Good morning KELOLAND! Its a cool start to the morning as temperatures have dropped into the 30s in some locations. Weve been getting reports of patchy frost around Clear Lake as of 7am. The low as of 7am has been 38 in Aberdeen and Worthington. Several rural around Sioux Falls have been around 37 to 39 degrees at times. Believe it or not, another cold front is on the move into the northern plains. Take a look at the next batch of rain moving into North Dakota this morning. This will arrive in northeastern KELOLAND by late morning into the early afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weather will warm in Sioux Falls into the mid 70s ahead of the front. There could be a late afternoon or evening shower or thunderstorm as the cold front approaches. Take a look at the wind forecast in the video below. The strongest winds will move into western and northern SD this afternoon with some gusts near 50mph. SW winds of 15-30 will be common ahead of the front, but Sioux Falls will join the rest of the region with strong winds this evening. Winds will not be as strong tomorrow, but northwest gusts up to 30 will reinforce the cooler weather pattern. Areas of rain will show up in far eastern and northeastern KELOLAND. If a thunderstorm brushes through Sioux Falls, it wont likely last long. Temperatures will stay in the 40s tonight with the wind, but will struggle to recover tomorrow with highs in the 50s and 60s. We may even see a few sprinkles or scattered showers in the afternoon. Watch those lows Saturday morning West River. 30s look likely and patchy frost is possible. More 30s will spread into eastern KELOLAND by Sunday morning. We are forecasting 38 in Sioux Falls. After that, a warming trend will begin with highs in the 70s and 80s early next week. Dont worry, the humidity will return too and it will feel like summer before you know it! Here are the details of the forecast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Our Blood Institute in Little Rock is calling on blood donors as they continue to face a donor shortage, which officials say has been ongoing since the COVID-19 pandemic. This week is National Blood Donation Week. Executive Director Lindsey Beaver at Our Blood Institute says they collect blood for over 40 hospitals in central Arkansas. We need 1,200 donors a day to ensure we are meeting our hospitals demands, Beaver said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas Our Blood Institute asks for donations to combat blood shortage However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, meeting that demand has been extremely difficult. Once COVID hit, we did see the constant decline. We had people working from home, that affected us because we werent able to get into the business, and the schools we couldnt get in, Beaver said. Woneda Grayham, Director of Donor Recruitment, says not being able to collect blood like they normally would was very challenging and created obstacles. We werent able to directly ask people to donate, which is actually the number one reason people do not donate because they are not asked, Grayham said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As they face a blood donor shortage, Beaver says trying to get donors during the summer was hard because people were away and it was also challenging this past holiday. We just had Labor Day, and we understand the importance of that day but we dont do collections on that day, Beaver said. A single blood donation can save up to 3 lives. Blood Donor Dan Altman says he has been giving blood since he was a child and continues to because he personally knows how important it is. Its important for everyone that might need blood. I have actually needed blood over the years. You never know. Without blood, we cant prolong life, Altman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our Blood Institute still needs central Arkansas blood donations Altman says he makes it a routine schedule to donate whole blood and plasma. He says he appreciates that after he gives blood, he can receive a notification of when its used. They actually send a text, email, or message after I donate days later saying your blood has already been sent to a patient. Thats kind of fun to know, said Altman. To learn how you can give blood near you, you can go to OurBloodInstitute.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 KARK. BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) A Bloomington Fire Department captain finished his last shift Wednesday after more than two decades of service, according to a post on the departments Facebook page. Capt. Jason Anglin hung up the gear one final time after 22 years of service. Jason is a well-respected and well-liked person and firefighter/EMT. Jason served on numerous committees and was an advocate for his brothers and sisters, serving on the negotiating committee for Local 49, the post said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While his knowledge and skills made him an asset, the post said his greatest contribution was as a mentor, guiding and inspiring many over the years. The post also shared many of the photos of the retired captain that had been taken of the course of his career. He has been one of the most photographed members I can remember. Here is a mix of serious and funny pictures of him throughout his career, the post said. A Bloomington Firefighter looks on while the flames shoot out of a sidedoor at 1405 West Graham Street in Bloomington, Illinois Wednesday night (December 12, 2007). (Pantagraph/B Mosher) DCIM\100GOPRO\G0060065.JPG Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTSMOUTH For Lt. Cmdr. Connor ODonnell, a Freeport, Maine, native, touching down in New Hampshire feels like home. ODonnell is a two-year veteran of the Blue Angels, the Navys flight demonstration team headlining the 2025 Thunder over New Hampshire Air Show on Sept. 6-7 at Pease Air National Guard Base. This years performance will be the first time in 13 years that the Blue Angels have flown in the Portsmouth show. A Yarmouth High School graduate, ODonnell graduated from the Naval Academy in 2015, inspired to join the Navy by his older sister, who served as a judge advocate general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just really cool to be back, he said. I havent been able to spend much time here since I left for college. Lt. Cmdr. Connor O'Donnell speaks to reporters Sept. 4, 2025 at Pease Air National Guard Base about what it's like to be a Blue Angels pilot ahead of the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show. O'Donnell is from Freeport, Maine, and is happy to be home near family. Flying with the Blue Angels takes pilots across the country for shows and demonstrations. Of all the cities the Blue Angels have seen this year, ODonnell said Portsmouth was definitely a contender for being his favorite. To his friends and family in Maine, ODonnell said he was just excited to be back. And if youre around, for anyone out there, just come out to the show here. Were excited to host you, he added. 2025 Blue Angels have most female representation in history Lt. Cmdr. Lilly Montana says strong female representation on the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team, such as herself, shows, "We live in a world that girls can do anything." Montana speaks Sept. 4, 2025 at Pease Air National Guard Base ahead of the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show. A 15-year veteran of the Navy, Lt. Cmdr. Lilly Montanas path to service was not a linear one. Initially aspiring to enter a culinary arts program out of high school, she enrolled at Auburn University and earned a Reserve Officers Training Corps scholarship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She really enjoyed my time there and was curious about Naval aviation, she said. Now, Montana has over 1,000 flight hours under her belt and decorations including a Strike Flight Air Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendations Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Saying how she was so fortunate to be part of an organization that prioritizes excellence and the right person for the right job, Montana, a Vienna, Virginia, native, added that the 2025 Blue Angels have the most female representation in its history. We live in a world that girls can do anything, she said. Theres no career you cant do. Theres no job you cant pursue. Theres no goal thats unattainable. Theres no door thats closed to you. Stay engaged, stay hungry, and you can do anything you want to do, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montana was a member of an advance team that flew into Portsmouth in November 2024 to promote the show and joined the Blue Angels last September. Balancing a young family and her work as a Naval pilot is possible with a good plan, very open lines of communication and a shared calendar, she said. Were fortunate that the Blue Angels family is really tight-knit and really support each other when folks are going through it, she concluded. Training is intensive and constant, commanding officer says Cmdr. Adam Bryan, speaking to reporters Sept. 4, 2025 at Pease Air National Guard Base, says the Blue Angels practice extensively before performing in public events like the upcoming Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show. Cmdr. Adam Bryan, the Blue Angels commanding officer and flight leader, wears the wings of his grandfather, a Navy pilot who served in World War II. As leader, he is responsible for the health and well-being of this squadron to ensure that we execute our mission every day. Training for the air show season, he said, is constant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our entire team, from myself all the way down to our newest team members, will start training about two days after this season is done, he said. For about two months, the team will train at the very, very basics in Pensacola, Florida, before moving to El Centro, California, for two and a half months. We work on everything on this team, he said. And its not just the flying. Its the ground show; its our precision and the way we breathe and debrief. Cmdr. Adam Bryan of the Blue Angels walks onto the tarmac at Pease Air National Guard Base Sept. 4, 2025, two days before the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show begins. We typically average about 130 to 150 training flights depending on the position on this team before we ever show this to the public, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Canton, Connecticut, Bryan, a 2005 graduate of the Naval Academy, said his family now lives in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and many of them will attend the air show to see him perform. Its not that far away, so this feels like home to me, being here, which is great, he said. Blue Angels landed in Portsmouth four days before air shows first day The squadron touched down at Pease on Sept. 2, flying for two and a half hours from Missouri after performing in the Branson Wings of Pride Air Show. The team will be at 33 shows this year, Bryan said, flying its Boeing-manufactured F/A-18 Super Hornet aircrafts. The Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show is expected to draw more than 80,000 spectators in two days, according to organizers. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Blue Angels pilots share journey ahead of Thunder Over NH Air Show Sep. 4The new Blue Dog Books in historic Springboro is off to a strong start with a grand opening celebration coming later this month. The women-owned independent bookstore at 245 S. Main St., which has been open for about a month, will have its first book signing from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday Sept. 6. Dayton author Amy Tackett will sign copies of her haunting new thriller, "The Launch." Owners Deb Covey and Josee Coyle, both of Springboro, share the philosophy that a bookstore should be an inviting, inclusive gathering place for people of all ages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bookstore plans to host book clubs, young adult events, singles events, book signings, writing workshops and crafts and other activities in addition to private events such as baby showers and children's birthday parties. On the shelves are books for young children, young adults, adult fiction, including mystery, romance and thriller, as well as biographies, business, self improvement and more. Gift items include apparel and totes featuring the store logo or dog mascot Booker. Each book was hand-selected by Covey, who retired in June as an elementary teacher in Springboro Schools and previously worked as a buyer for bookstores, including the former Books & Co. in Kettering. "This is a very curated collection, and it's because of her love and passion for all of the literary genres," Coyle said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Customers can order any book not on the shelves, and can order through their website, bluedogbooks.com, to have books shipped directly to their homes. A grand opening celebration is from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 21, featuring complimentary little bites and a few surprises. So far owners Covey and Coyle have had their own surprise involving the popularity of cookbooks. "I thought everyone would get the recipes online," Covey said. "That's not true. They want cookbooks. They come in, they look at the cookbooks, and they buy them." Both owners have always loved books, and when Covey told her family she wanted to open a bookstore, they wanted her to get a partner. A friend told her about a former student, Coyle, who always wanted to have a bookstore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair met at Lovely's Farm Market in Springboro, found they had a lot of similar ideas and hatched their plan. Their space in the heart of the city is the former site of Magnolias on Main boutique and before that the Brass Pig Tea Room. Built in 1837, it was Springboro's first mercantile. With Springboro one of Ohio's busiest stops on the Underground Railroad, the building also was connected to a tunnel that reportedly went back to the town founder's house. The owners said they love the building's background and plan to work with the historical society on a local history section at the store. They chose the color blue because Springboro is long associated with the color blue and it's a calming color, Covey said. Also, Coyle said the color blue can be light and happy or stormy and sad, so that its versatility allows it be many different things at once. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think that also really ties itself to the store because we are a space for everyone," she said. A lot of bookstores have animals in their names, and dogs make good reading buddies, Covey said. First though, Covey said she had to reach out to the family of George Rodrigue, a southwest Louisiana artist known for his series "The Blue Dog," to get permission to use the name. "The family was very kind ... they said 'if you want to (use the name) that's fine, that's great because we don't have a bookstore. We have coffee shops and we have diners and everything else,'" Covey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other upcoming events this month: Coffee 101 and tasting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 14 with ContempoRoas Coffee and Roastery. A limited number of $10 tickets are available. Author signing with Katrina Kittle from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 25. Kittle will be signing copies of her latest novel, "Morning in This Broken World." Store hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The bookstore also is open during Springboro festivals. For more information, visit bluedogbooks.com or call 513-320-4141. A 3-year-old girl gets an MMR vaccine at a clinic in Texas in March. Texas was among the states with the most public funding grants canceled by the Trump administration earlier this year. (Photo by Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images) After the Trump administration slashed billions in state and local public health funding from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this year, the eventual impact on states split sharply along political lines. Democratic-led states that sued to block the cuts kept much of their funding, while Republican-led states lost the bulk of theirs, according to a new analysis from health research organization KFF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The uneven fallout underscores how politics continues shaping health care in the United States. The nearly 700 CDC grants were worth about $11 billion and had been allocated by Congress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, state and local health departments had spent or planned to spend the money not just on COVID-related efforts, but also on prevention of other infectious diseases, support for mental health and substance use, shoring up aging public health infrastructure, and other needs. The CDC grant terminations initially affected red and blue states about evenly, according to KFF. California, the District of Columbia, Illinois and Massachusetts all led by Democrats had among the largest numbers of terminated grants. But then nearly two dozen blue states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration in April, asking the court to block the grant terminations. They argued the federal government lacked the authority to rescind funding it had already allocated. The Trump administrations illegal and irresponsible decision to claw back life-saving health funding is an attack on the well-being of millions of Americans, said New York Attorney General Letitia James in an April statement announcing the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slashing this funding now will reverse our progress on the opioid crisis, throw our mental health systems into chaos, and leave hospitals struggling to care for patients. A federal judge sided with the blue states and blocked the cancellations but she limited her injunction to the jurisdictions that filed in the lawsuit. Nearly 80% of the grant cuts have now been restored in blue states, according to the KFF analysis, compared with less than 5% in red states. Now four of the five states with the most canceled grants are led by Republicans: Georgia, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. California, which is dominated by Democrats, kept all of its grants that had been initially terminated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the West and Midwest, Democratic-led Colorado which joined the lawsuit had 10 of its 11 grant terminations reversed. Its Republican-led neighbors that did not sue, including Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming, lost all of their grants, according to the KFF analysis. Editors note: This story has been updated to correct the photo caption. Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@stateline.org SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Sep. 4After the Trump administration slashed billions in state and local public health funding from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this year, the eventual impact on states split sharply along political lines. Democratic-led states that sued to block the cuts kept much of their funding, while Republican-led states lost the bulk of theirs, according to a new analysis from health research organization KFF. The uneven fallout underscores how politics continues shaping health care in the United States. The nearly 700 CDC grants were worth about $11 billion and had been allocated by Congress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, state and local health departments had spent or planned to spend the money not just on COVID-related efforts, but also on prevention of other infectious diseases, support for mental health and substance use, shoring up aging public health infrastructure, and other needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC grant terminations initially affected red and blue states about evenly, according to KFF. California, the District of Columbia, Illinois and Massachusetts all led by Democrats had among the largest numbers of terminated grants. But then nearly two dozen blue states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration in April, asking the court to block the grant terminations. They argued the federal government lacked the authority to rescind funding it had already allocated. "The Trump administration's illegal and irresponsible decision to claw back life-saving health funding is an attack on the well-being of millions of Americans," said New York Attorney General Letitia James in an April statement announcing the lawsuit. "Slashing this funding now will reverse our progress on the opioid crisis, throw our mental health systems into chaos, and leave hospitals struggling to care for patients." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge sided with the blue states and blocked the cancellations but she limited her injunction to the jurisdictions that filed in the lawsuit. Nearly 80% of the grant cuts have now been restored in blue states, according to the KFF analysis, compared with less than 5% in red states. Now four of the five states with the most canceled grants are led by Republicans: Georgia, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. California, which is dominated by Democrats, kept all of its grants that had been initially terminated. In the West and Midwest, Democratic-led Colorado which joined the lawsuit had 10 of its 11 grant terminations reversed. Its Republican-led neighbors that did not sue, including Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming, lost all of their grants, according to the KFF analysis. Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the photo caption. Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at [email protected] YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. US-based subsea engineering and applied technology company Oceaneering International has announced a new framework agreement with Norwegian energy operator Equinor. The contract, which will extend through July 2027, was secured by Oceaneerings Norwegian subsidiary, Oceaneering Asset Integrity. It includes options for four additional one-year extensions, potentially spanning a total of six years. The agreement involves a comprehensive scope of work, focusing on risk awareness and asset integrity for onshore and offshore installations. Services encompass planning, inspection, advisory and execution tasks related to insulation, coatings, passive fire protection, structural access and digital optimisation. Oceaneering said all works will be carried out in adherence to Equinor's operational and regulatory standards. Oceaneering's approach to asset integrity management aims to lessen downtime and enhance operational efficiency. This is achieved by integrating expert engineering, software platforms and inspection technology. Oceaneering International Integrity Management and Digital Solutions Scandinavia director Erlend Fremstad said: We are proud to expand our collaboration with Equinor through this new agreement. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality, risk-informed maintenance services that support the long-term integrity and safety of Equinors installations. In August 2025, Oceaneering's Brazilian subsidiary, Marine Production Systems, secured multiple subsea robotics contracts from Petrobras, with expected revenues of around $180m (980.65m reais). These contracts, which include remotely operated vehicle services and other specialised tasks, are due to start between the third quarter of 2025 (Q3 2025) and Q1 2026. Additionally, in July 2025, two of Oceaneerings subsidiaries, Oceaneering Angola and Oceaneering Marine Technologies, were awarded a contract by Esso Exploration Angola, an affiliate of ExxonMobil, for the provision of various services. "Equinor awards fabric maintenance contract to Oceaneering" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. In the days following its deadly attack on a vessel allegedly transporting Venezuelan drug smugglers through international waters, the administration of US President Donald Trump sent a unified message: The United States will not hesitate to strike so-called narco terrorists. Instead of interdicting [the vessel], on the presidents orders, we blew it up, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday. And itll happen again. Maybe its happening right now, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysts say this new strategy represents a major escalation in how the US approaches Latin American criminal organisations, one that relies on the public signalling and dubious legal practices that undergirded US attacks across the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia as part of the so-called Global War on Terror. With little indication that the Republican-dominated US Congress will be willing to check Trumps approach, observers warn that Tuesdays kinetic strike that killed 11 alleged members of Venezuela-based Tren de Aragua gang could open a new phase and theatre for extrajudicial military killings. They are repurposing the war on terror for entirely new sets of supposed enemies in a way that is radically inappropriate, Brian Finucane, a senior adviser for the US programme at the International Crisis Group, told Al Jazeera. Now the supposed terrorists are in our own backyard in the Caribbean, and now they say theyre drug smugglers. Performative and gratuitous The public messaging campaign stretches back to Trumps first term, when he pondered bombing drug labs in Mexico, a pugilistic approach to Latin American cartels embraced by some segments of the Republican Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after Trump took office in January, his administration moved to formalise its rhetoric, designating several Latin America-based cartels as foreign terrorist organisations. The label increases penalties for collaborators and legal mechanisms to sanction and boost surveillance for designated groups, but does not on its own afford greater presidential power to take unilateral military action. Finucane saw Tuesdays strike as the latest drive in a campaign to shift public perception of Latin American criminal gangs from profit-driven criminal entities to coordinated foreign actors seeking to destabilise the US. It is a message that dovetails with Trumps portrayal of migrants travelling to the US as violent criminals, which has further underpinned his domestic deployment of federal agents across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finucane described the US strike as performative and gratuitous use of military power. For decades, the US Navy and Coast Guard worked together on interdicting vessels, stopping them at sea, taking the purported smugglers into custody and prosecuting them through law enforcement channels, he said. There is no indication of why that wasnt possible here. So the blowing up of this vessel was entirely unnecessary. It was also literally performed in the sense that Trump posted on Truth Social a video of the attack, essentially a snuff film. Blow them up For its part, the US administration has offered few details on why the military used deadly force, beyond blatantly pointing to the message it sends to drug smugglers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking on Fox News on Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that Tren de Aragua was seeking to poison the US with drugs. It wont stop with just this strike. Anyone else trafficking in those waters who we know is a designated narco-terrorist will face the same fate, Hegseth said. He maintained that the Trump administration was certain of the identities of those on board the attacked vessel, without providing further details of the strike. Rubio, speaking during his visit to Mexico, said simply that stopping and arresting drug smugglers known as interdiction had proven ineffective. He said the targeted smuggling boat was heading to Trinidad and Tobago, with the drugs likely bound for the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What will stop them is when you blow them up, when you get rid of them, Rubio said. Trump, speaking from the White House on Wednesday, said there were massive amounts of drugs coming into our country to kill a lot of people, and everybody fully understands that. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a press conference at the Mexican Foreign Ministry in Mexico City, Mexico, September 3, 2025 [Jose Mendez/EPA] Alleged gang members may not be the only intended audience, according to Nathan Jones, a nonresident scholar in drug policy and Mexico studies at the Baker Institute for Public Policy in Houston, Texas. I think the signalling may be more important to governments in the region, particularly the Mexican government, said Jones, noting that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has sought to strike a careful balance between cooperating with the Trump administration and protecting her countrys sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following reports that Trump had authorised the military to target certain Latin American cartels in August, Sheinbaum said that any US invasion was off the table. A day after the strike, Rubio visited Sheinbaum in Mexico, with the pair agreeing to boost cooperation to target cartels. They dont want those types of US military kinetic operations happening on their sovereign territory, Jones said. So theyre going to be taking affirmative steps, certainly symbolically, to show the Trump administration theyre doing everything we can on this. Domestic legal justification Meanwhile, Trumps administration has not yet elucidated its justification for the strike under domestic US law. Any legal authority remains, at best, extremely murky, analysts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the Global War on Terror, US presidents have relied on a mix of executive power and Congressional actions to justify often tenuously strikes on targets outside of active conflict zones. Under the US Constitution, only Congress can declare war, but presidents can unilaterally take some military actions prior to receiving congressional approval. The limits of those actions have been heavily debated. Many of the aerial attacks and drone campaigns that defined the past two decades relied on the so-called Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) passed by Congress in 2001, which gives the president authority to use all necessary and appropriate force against entities and individuals behind the September 11, 2001 attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even under the widest interpretation of the legislation, it would not apply to Tren de Aragua, which the Trump administration has dubiously claimed is directly aligned with the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, or other criminal gangs. The US presidents constitutional war powers, meanwhile, typically apply only to alleged combatants, not alleged criminals, the International Crisis Groups Finucane explained. Being a drug smuggler, by itself, does not render you a combatant or an enemy fighter, Finucane said. And if they dont fall into that category for law of war purposes, then theyre civilians. And the intentional targeting of civilians is a war crime. Praise from Republicans Presidential war powers also require reporting to Congress and intelligence briefings related to underlying justifications. Congress can then pass legislation to rein in the presidents actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But to date, many top Republicans have so far indicated little appetite to do so. Instead, they have leaned into Trumps rhetoric, with Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Chairman Jim Risch on Tuesday praising what he called Trumps decisive action towards these criminals. Senator Tom Cotton echoed Trumps language in his praise, hailing the strike against terrorists. Democrats have, in turn, been relatively muted in their response, although the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee has called for the administration to brief Congress immediately and spell out its legal justification, if they have one, for this strike. All told, the Trump administration appears to be trying to normalise something that is illegal, according to Adam Isacson, the director of defence oversight at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That carries several risks, including dangers for civilians such as fishermen and migrants who travel in international waters. It also raises the spectre of strikes on sovereign territory or regional escalation. This is turning up the heat on the frog in hot water and making it a few degrees hotter, and seeing how many members of the Republican leadership go along with it, Isacson said. It appears theyre getting them to be OK with this, and getting them on record being OK with this, so that they can then escalate. PAGE, Ariz. (AP) Low water levels brought on by years of drought have revealed a submerged pickup truck containing human remains at Lake Powell near the Arizona-Utah border. Investigators say the truck belonged to a 54-year-old man who has been missing since December 2023. The identity of the remains hasnt yet been determined. The death is under investigation. People spotted the truck just below the water line over the Labor Day weekend at Lone Rock Beach, located in Utah within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Authorities pulled the truck out of the water Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the lake has suffered from a yearslong drought, its water level has fallen about 20 feet (6 meters) since when the man was reported missing, Lt. Alan Alldredge of the Kane County Sheriffs Office in Utah said. We have had several bad years, Alldredge said of the lake's water levels. The trucks owner was last seen at a store in Kanab, Utah, on Dec. 1, 2023. Human remains also have been discovered in recent years at another drought-stricken lake on the Colorado River system. Several sets of human remains were also found in 2022 at Lake Mead, located at the Arizona-Nevada border, over 300 miles (482.8 kilometers) west of Lake Powell. Human remains of a man who died from a gunshot wound also were found in a rusted barrel at a harbor area at Lake Mead. Authorities haven't been able to identify the remains. BERKELEY, Mo. The Boeing strike in St. Louis is still drawing national attention as hundreds of workers remain off the job. For the first time since the walk-out began, Boeing leaders faced questions about the dispute. What I want most for our 3,200 representatives to come back to work and be back at work, Dan Gillian, Boeings vice president and general manager of air dominance, said. One month into the regional Boeing strike, things are intensifying as workers stand in solidarity outside the aerospace giants Berkeley facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the percentages compared to our brothers in Seattle. Its our 401(k) being worse than them; our vacation being worse; time to progress to the top of the scale being worse, Matthew Paronish said. We are kind of like the stepchild of Boeing. Were always treated as second rate despite doing first-class work. For the first time since the works stoppage began, Boeing leadership made themselves available to answer questions. To understand what our offer means to them and their families. An average of 40% wage growth across the four years, more vacation time, more sick time, and 33% faster through progression from the bottom of the pay scale to the top, Gillian said. And if accept ed, our offer over the next four years would move the amount of people at max rates by more than double. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News In response, leadership with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 released a statement saying the strike is about much more than minor adjustments. Our members are proud to build the F-15, the F/A-18, and cutting-edge missile and defense technologies that keep our nation safe. Many are veterans and second- or third-generation Boeing workers who take pride in the work they do every day. But pride doesnt take care of their families. Our members have spoken, and they want a fair contract reflecting their skillsets and production at Boeing Defense. The members have the final say in what they accept or reject, and they responded loud and clear with their overwhelming vote. Our members are the ones who decide their future, not the company, not politicians, not IAM Union leadership, not anyone else. Our members at Boeing are standing together for more than just minor adjustments. They want fair pay increases, faster wage progression and an increased ratification bonus. Theyre fighting for work-life balance. Theyre fighting for dignity. And theyre fighting for all working people in St. Louis and beyond. -Tom Boelling, District 837 president and directing business representative Right now, its in the companys hands. They gotta negotiate, they gotta be willing to come back and give us a better deal, Steve Schaefer said. They can act like they dont have the money but, in reality, we know they do. Negotiations between Boeing and union leaders are ongoing. Theres no word when the two sides will return to the bargaining table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. The Bold City Ball, celebrating historic preservation, is set to return on September 19 at the Karpeles Grand in Historic Springfield. Organized by the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR) in partnership with the San Marco Preservation Society, Historic Eastside CDC, and the Jacksonville History Center, the event aims to honor the legacy of preservationists who have worked to maintain the citys historic charm. The Bold City Ball will feature an Old Hollywood Glam theme, complete with a live jazz band, open bar, passed hors doeuvres, and a silent auction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Karpeles Grand, the venue for the event, is a historic building over 100 years old that has been restored to host various special events. Proceeds from the event will benefit SPARs Endowed Charitable Fund with The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida. The event is made possible by sponsors, including Sextant Wealth Advisory Group with Raymond James, General Sign Service, the Karpeles Grand, Coastal Creation Video, Jay Grubb Photography, and Fun Coast Bartending. For more information, click here. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] A 25-year-old man who worked for the City of Boston was fired not long after being arrested in late July after an altercation during a traffic stop that ended with the man and a Massachusetts State Police trooper using a taser on one another, according to authorities. Nasiru Ibrahim, 25, faces 10 criminal charges, including eight felonies, in connection with the incident on July 30. Ibrahim worked as a property manager for the city before being fired following his recent arrest. That day, a trooper on patrol near Preble Circle in South Boston pulled over a car Ibrahim was driving after he noticed what is described in a police report as overly-tinted windows. The area is a persistent hotspot for criminal activity, Trooper Matthew Hickey wrote. The arrest Hickey asked Ibrahim for his license and registration, and as Ibrahim retrieved it, the trooper noticed a backpack on the front passenger-side floorboard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he spoke to the trooper, Ibrahim told him he worked for the city of Boston he was wearing both a beanie and a T-shirt with the city logo on it, as also seen in the troopers body camera video. The trooper eventually noticed the odor of raw marijuana emanating from the vehicle. At this point, I detected that Ibrahims behavior became noticeably more unusual than that of a typical traffic stop. He was overly fidgety, his hands were trembling, he cracked a nervous smile, and his eyes were darting rapidly, Hickey wrote. Ibrahims behavior was reflective of contemplating flight or engaging in criminal activity, the report reads. Hickey tried to get Ibrahim to relax, but the 25-year-old became increasingly nervous as the interaction went on. Ibrahim began visibly trembling when the trooper asked when he was last pulled over, and he admitted to having been arrested in the past, though not recently, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The younger mans nervous demeanor led the trooper to ask if there was anything in the backpack. Ibrahim said there wasnt and began to go through it. When the trooper asked to feel the bag himself, Ibrahim yanked it away from his window and put the car in drive, according to the report. At that point, Hickey dove headfirst into the vehicle and pleaded with Ibrahim to stop. Stop! Stop, dude! Youre going to make this worse! Hickey said, according to the report. As the pair wrestled over control of the car, Hickey managed to put it into park. But Ibrahim put the car back in drive, still attempting to get away. Hickey wrestled the car back into park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dashcam video from the troopers vehicle of the incident shows that despite the struggle over the gear shifter, the car remains mostly still, until jerking forward and immediately slamming to a stop after about 30 seconds of struggle. Youre going to [expletive] kill someone, dude! Youre going to [expletive] kill somebody! Hickey screamed at Ibrahim. During the struggle, Ibrahim repeatedly indicated he would do what Hickey asked, but kept trying to flee, repeatedly putting the car into park. At that point, Hickey was fully inside the vehicle and fearing for his life and that of pedestrians in the area. Dashcam video shows the troopers boots sticking out of the drivers side window. Hickey eventually used his Taser on Ibrahim in an attempt to subdue him, but despite being shocked, Ibrahim managed to put the car back in drive. Hickey dropped the Taser, put the vehicle in park and managed to shut off the ignition. But as he did so, Ibrahim picked up the Taser and used it on the trooper, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I felt an intense electric current surge through my upper torso, causing excruciating pain, Hickey wrote. Hickey punched Ibrahim in the face twice and fish-hooked his mouth to try and twist his head and get control of his body. After that, Ibrahim said, OK, OK, I give up! As Hickey handcuffed Ibrahim, an off-duty Boston Police officer ran over to assist and helped the trooper handcuff him, the report read. The dashcam video shows the officer pull Ibrahim out of the passenger side door. With Ibrahim in custody, Hickey retrieved the backpack he had thrown and searched it, finding nothing of note. But the trooper found a blue sweatshirt with the Boston city logo on it lying on the drivers seat where Ibrahim had been sitting. When Hickey picked up the sweatshirt, he felt a dense, hard object inside, which was consistent with a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hickey eventually identified the weapon as a Glock 23 Gen 4 semi-automatic pistol with a Georgia Revenue Law Enforcement Special Agent insignia. The pistol was equipped with a machine gun conversion device, which converts a semi-automatic weapon to a fully automatic one. When Hickey removed the magazine, he found multiple rounds of ammunition inside. What happened in court Ibrahim was arraigned on the charges the next day, July 31. A plea of not guilty was entered for him and he was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing. After the dangerousness hearing on Aug. 6, Judge Margaret Albertson ordered Ibrahim held without bail for 120 days. Albertson set bail for Ibrahim at $75,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should he post bail, Ibrahim would be subject to round-the-clock home confinement and GPS monitoring, records show. A probable cause hearing is set for Friday morning. The fallout Ibrahims arrest comes amid what a pair of Boston city councilors called a surge of troubling incidents involving City of Boston employees, including fights and other violent or criminal behavior. Councilors Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy sought to convene an emergency hearing on the citys hiring practices. Ibrahim had open cases for violent crime when he was hired, according to Flynn, who claimed at a City Council meeting the 25-year-old had a seven-page criminal record that included a conviction for armed assault to murder that led to a five-year prison sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Michelle Wu has disputed that account. There was a screening process, and as I understand it, theres some clear discrepancies between what some are saying on that record in the media, and what it actually says, and the documents that I have seen, Wu said at an event last week, according to The Boston Herald. Asked for audio of Wu speaking, the mayors office would only confirm that Ibrahim had been fired. The mayor said the city was aware Ibrahim had a criminal record when he was hired, but that her administration believes in second chances. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Police are asking for help finding a man in connection with an assault in South Boston. On August 17th, around 2:00 a.m., a man allegedly pinned a woman against a car and tried restraining her on Telegraph Street, near the Dorchester Heights Monument. That woman reportedly screamed and was able to break free. Boston police say the suspect is 57 man with a black buzz cut and appears to be young or middle-aged. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Boston police. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A South Boston woman is facing charges after she ran over a pedestrian in the parking lot of South Bay Mall in Dorchester while on drugs last weekend, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office. Ariella Bezan, 25, pleaded not guilty to operating under the influence of drugs causing serious bodily injury and negligent operation of a motor vehicle in connection with the incident during her arraignment Tuesday in South Boston District Court, according to court records. Her defense lawyer did not immediately return a request for comment Thursday afternoon. On Saturday, Aug. 30, Boston police responded to a report that a pedestrian had been hit by a car in the South Bay Mall parking lot shortly after 5 p.m., the district attorneys office said in a press release Thursday. Officers found the victim a 42-year-old woman lying on her back next to a white Ford Explorer. She was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon, Bezan who was driving the SUV at the time of the crash stumbled toward officers in a hysterical crying state, the district attorneys office said. She appeared erratic and unsteady on her feet with visible bruising on her arms consistent with an intravenous drug user. Bezan told officers that her sister who is autistic grabbed the steering wheel of the Explorer while she was backing out of a parking space, the district attorneys office said. This caused her to run the victim over, she said. A witness told police theyd seen the SUV reverse at a high rate of speed, then strike and run over the victim, with one of its tires rolling over her chest, the district attorneys office said. A second witness reported to officers that hed stood in front of the Explorer to keep the driver from running over the victim a second time. While securing the SUV, police found a red handbag on the floor next to its pedals, the district attorneys office said. The handbag was left open, and inside, officers discovered approximately 15 used needles and other drug paraphernalia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wish the victim in this case a full and speedy recovery, and I am grateful for the witnesses who provided important information on what happened in particular, the witness who placed himself in front of the car to prevent further injury or worse to the victim, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in the release. During a Wednesday hearing, a judge ordered Bezan held on $2,000 cash bail, according to court records. The judge also issued conditions for her release, including that she enter and complete a drug treatment program, refrain from consuming alcohol or drugs and refrain from driving while her license is suspended. Bezan is due back in court on Sept. 24 for a pretrial hearing. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. Credit: X/@mundo__vivo A three-year-old German boy was pulled alive from the wreckage of a tram carriage in Lisbon after it derailed and crashed into the side of a hotel on Wednesday. The boys father died in the disaster and his pregnant mother is receiving hospital treatment for her injuries. According to the Lusa news agency, citing official medical sources, the boy suffered light injuries and is in a childrens hospital in Lisbon, while his mother has been transferred from an accident and emergency ward to a maternity clinic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, 16 people have been confirmed dead, and a further 21 injured after the historic Gloria funicular tram derailed on a steep hill and smashed into a building. The charity organisation Santa Casa da Misericordia, which uses lottery funds for social work, confirmed that four of its employees are among the dead and two more remain hospitalised. Emergency workers pulled people from the wreckage on Rua da Gloria, which runs through the heart of Lisbons centre, shortly after 6pm on Wednesday. The funicular crashed on Rua da Gloria and emergency services rushed to pull passengers from the debris - AP Photo/Armando Franca Of the 16 victims, five were Portuguese, two were from South Korea, two Canadians and one respectively from Germany, Ukraine, Switzerland and the US. The nationalities of the other three people killed in the crash are not yet known. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local reports said at least 11 of the injured are believed to be foreign nationals, including those from Germany, Spain, Canada, France, Cabo Verde, Italy, Switzerland, Morocco, and South Korea. The range of nationalities reflected how big a draw the renowned 19th-century streetcar was for tourists in the Portuguese capital during the summer season. Fabiana Pavel, president of the Bairro Alto Residents Association and a local in the neighbourhood, told the BBC that the crash could be due to excessive tourism. The use of it in recent years is certainly inappropriate. It was used too much and the population lost the ability to use it as public transport, because it became a tourist attraction. Carriage brakeman among dead Andre Marques, a 40-year-old father of two and the brakeman on the carriage, was the first fatality to be announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Describing his 15 years of work, Carris, the company that operates the streetcar, said that he performed his duties with excellence and was a dedicated, kind, smiling professional always willing to contribute to the greater good. Reports suggested that a cable had come loose along the railways route. Andre Marques, 40, was the brakeman on the carriage - UNPIXS Pictures showed the carriage lying on its side on the narrow road, its sides and top partially crumpled, having appeared to have crashed where the steep road bends. It was initially reported that 15 people had been killed, but the death toll later rose to 16. Joao Oliveira, the director of the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Police, said late on Wednesday: Unfortunately, it is possible that the death toll will increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A former volleyball referee was confirmed as one of the victims by the Portuguese Volleyball Federation. Pedro Manuel Alves Trindade was also a professor at a hotel management and tourism college. Pedro Trindade was a former volleyball referee The volleyball federation, for whom Mr Trindade served as an executive, said in a statement they were deeply saddened by the loss. Bodies were trapped in the rubble Farid Shovro, a 32-year-old from Bangladesh who works in a souvenir shop close to the scene of the crash, described how he ran to help victims in the dust from the tram carriages collision with a hotel wall. Mr Shovro told the newspaper Expresso how he saw bodies piled up or trapped in the rubble, including a woman lying on the ground with blood on her face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I noticed that none of the victims were calling for help. I couldnt hear anything, he said. Suddenly, a baby started crying. My friend picked it up. At that moment, we thought the child was probably an orphan. We still dont know if it is or not. A Foreign Office spokesman said: We are aware of this incident in Lisbon and are in touch with the local authorities. We stand by to provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals. The crash happened at about 6pm Witness saw tram out of control The National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences said that its disaster response team had allocated additional resources to perform post-mortem examinations by Thursday morning, as they worked to confirm the identities of the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses described multiple problems with the funicular system after one of the two trams made a jolting stop at the bottom of the slope. A woman who was near the scene of the crash told the SIC news channel that the noise made by the first tram bumping against the crash barrier alerted her and others. We went to help people and see what was happening and then we saw that the other tram was coming down the slope out of control, she said. We only had time to run out of the way. The woman said that the runaway tram derailed at a curve just before the end of the downward route, smashing into the street wall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sadly, I saw there was a man on the pavement at the precise point where the tram smashed into the building, she said. Another witness told SIC that the funicular hit a building as it sped down the steep street at full speed. It hit a building with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box; it had no brakes, the woman said. Firefighters rushed to the scene shortly after 6pm and were seen pulling trapped passengers from the wreckage. Services halted on national day of mourning The Lisbon city council ordered the suspension of the Bica, Lavra and Graca funiculars, which are all operated by the publicly owned Carris, as an investigation into the cause of the crash commenced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the funiculars would undergo additional safety checks, Publico newspaper reported. Luis Montenegro, Portugals prime minister, said that the accident was one of the biggest human tragedies in the recent history of the country. Mr Montenegro asked all the authorities involved to work as quickly as possible to uncover the cause of the crash, and said his government was in touch with the embassies of the various countries with victims. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the president of Portugal, declared Thursday a national day of mourning. The President of the Republic deeply regrets the accident that occurred this afternoon with the Gloria funicular in Lisbon, particularly the fatalities and serious injuries, as well as the numerous minor injuries, Mr Rebelo de Sousa said in a statement. Firefighters pull survivors from the wreckage after several people were trapped - Horacio Villalobos/Getty The president offered his condolences and solidarity with the families affected by this tragedy and hopes that the cause of the incident will quickly be clarified by the relevant authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lisbon is in mourning, said Carlos Moedas, Lisbons mayor, who travelled to the scene. Its a tragedy that has never happened before in our city. Now is the time for action and help. I thank everyone for their response in just a few minutes. The only thing I can say is that its a very tragic day. Popular tourist attraction The railway connects Lisbons Pombaline downtown with the central Bairro Alto district. The streetcar, known as Gloria, can carry more than 40 people, seated and standing. It is commonly used by Lisbon residents and tourists alike. The tram usually transports tourists and locals between popular Lisbon neighbourhoods - Roberto Machado Noa/Getty Opened in 1885, the streetcar, one of Lisbons main tourist attractions, which is classified as a national monument, transports more than three million passengers every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its two cars are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable with traction provided by electric motors. The two streetcars run parallel to each other as they shuttle up and down the hill on a curved, traffic-free road, which is about 265 metres long. Speaking to reporters at the scene of the crash, Pedro Bogas, president of Carris, offered his condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that the company had followed its standard maintenance procedures. Maintenance has been performed by the same company for 14 years, Mr Bogas said. I want to say that Carris places great importance on safety. Pedro de Brito Bogas, of Carris, the company that operates Lisbons Gloria funicular, insisted it places great importance on safety - Pedro Rocha/REUTERS But the cable breakage has raised doubts over the maintenance of the elevator. It has emerged that the outsourced maintenance contract ended at the end of August, days before the accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, sent her condolences. It is with sadness that I learned of the derailment of the famous Elevador da Gloria, she wrote in Portuguese on X. Roberta Metsola, the European Parliament president, said: Our hearts go out to the people affected by the Elevador da Gloria tragedy, a landmark for Lisbon residents and visitors from around the world. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) has underscored the importance of swiftly ratifying the EU-Mercosur and EU-Mexico free-trade agreements to bolster the European automotive industry's global competitiveness. On 3 September, the European Commission (EC) submitted its proposals to the Council of the European Union to finalise these agreements. The EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement, involving Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, aims to create the "worlds largest free trade zone, serving more than 700 million consumers. It is expected to boost EU annual exports to Mercosur by up to 39%, or 49bn ($57bn), supporting more than 440,000 jobs across Europe. According to the EC, EU businesses will gain a first-mover advantage with reduced tariffs in regions where other countries face high trade barriers. The automotive industry body said the agreement will reinforce the EU automotive industry's competitiveness amid growing global competition and supply chain challenges. More than 30% of EU-produced vehicles are currently exported internationally, contributing to a 100bn trade surplus. The Mercosur deal will remove tariffs of up to 35% on EU-made vehicles, potentially tripling automotive goods exports by 2040 and accessing a market of approximately three million vehicles. The agreement will also enhance Europes economic resilience by diversifying supply chains for critical raw materials like lithium, graphite, and manganese, crucial for the green transition. Similarly, modernising the EU-Mexico agreement will benefit the EU automotive sector by updating rules of origin and addressing technical trade barriers. ACEA is urging EU policymakers to expedite the ratification of these agreements, highlighting their role as a strategic necessity for the automotive industry amidst intense competitive pressures. ACEA Director General Sigrid de Vries said: Free and fair global trade has underpinned the global success of a competitive European auto industry. Today, an open and rules-based trade system is more vital than ever, as we face an unprecedented storm of trade tensions, fiercer competition and a complex regulatory environment. "EU-Mercosur and Mexico trade deals crucial for auto industry: ACEA" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. A federal grand jury in Boston indicted former postal fraud inspector Scott Kelley on counts including wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and filing false tax returns. According to prosecutors, Kelley used his position to steal over $330,000 from elderly victims of a telemarketing scam. Scammers contacted elderly people and said they had won a sweepstakes but needed to send in cash to pay the taxes before they could collect their prize. Postal inspectors could flag packages they suspected of being part of a scam but could not open them without the sender's consent. But prosecutors say between January 2019 and August 2023, Kelley used deceptive emails to convince postal employees to send him 1,950 total packages flagged as containing cash from scam victims. He then opened the packages and stole the money, which he spent on a heated pool, Caribbean cruises, and sex with escorts during the workday. The post Brickbat: Post Fraud appeared first on Reason.com. BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY) The Bridgeport Emergency Services Council met on Thursday to discuss funding for a new armoured vehicle that the city may purchase. The armoured vehicle, called the BearCat, was presented to the council in a slideshow on Thursday, where members got to learn about its functions and its potential use in Bridgeport. Bridgeport Police Chief Mark Rogers told 12 News that he believes that this vehicle can be used to potentially save lives. Most recently, you saw the shooting there in Wisconsin, its a terrible tragedy as well as the shooting that happened in Charleston at the hospital there, said Rogers. Our job is to make sure we safeguard as many people as possible, this is a piece of equipment that will allow us to do that much safer for both the officer as well as the people that were there to assist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York AG sues far-right nonprofit for misusing funds to buy West Virginia castle One of the arguments made by the council for the purchase was that Bridgeport is home to a hospital, multiple schools, the Meadowbrook Mall and other places that make a vehicle like the BearCat useful in an emergency situation. It was also mentioned that seven other agencies around West Virginia have BearCat Vehicles. The cost of the BearCat vehicle is $400,000, and the state has provided a grant worth $200,000 to be used toward purchasing the vehicle. The Bridgeport City Council will meet to discuss and potentially approve the other half of the funding. If the funding is approved, it could take about 18 months for the vehicle to be delivered and in use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 beloved Erie Brig is undergoing renovations in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, but the captain said she is expected to make a return to Erie waters. As of June 5, the U.S. Brig Niagara arrived after 2,000 miles from Erie to Boothbay Harbor, then 20 days later put on the marine railway to undergo a years worth of renovations. Those renovations include the stem, re-powering the ship with new engines and generators, and fixing and upgrading the domestic systems and electronic navigation systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Captain Greg Bailey of the Niagara said the repairs taking place are necessary to keep the ship sailing as a sailing school vessel. Last-minute preps for Tall Ships Erie begin, Brig Niagara noticeably missing from lineup Captain Bailey said once the repairs are made, another 2,000-mile voyage is ahead for the ship The plan right now is to be back in Erie for the July 4th holiday with all of the sails set, with all of the flags flying, looking really spectacular for the Fourth of July celebrations for Americas 250th, said Captain Bailey. We have a very talented team of shipwrights, carpenters, mechanics, welders and technicians who are extremely excited to have the opportunity to, as Greg put it, put Niagara back in fighting form, said Dennis Gunderson, general manager of the Bristol Marine Shipyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Captain Bailey said he is excited to bring the U.S. Brig Niagara back to Erie for that celebration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. The husband of a British woman who disappeared on a beach in Greece has said police have found her body over a month later. Michele Bourda, 59, disappeared after having been next to her sleeping husband Chris on Ofrynio beach in Kavala on August 1. When he awoke, Mr Bourda searched for his wife, whose belongings remained on the sun lounger. He rang police after being unable to find her, saying he was particularly concerned because she suffered from severe depression and anxiety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he said they were useless and did not start a search of the water until later that night. On Thursday, Mr Bourda told The Daily Mail that police had found her body on a small, privately owned island called Fidonisi, roughly 40km from where she went missing. The body has yet to be formally identified, with an autopsy to take place on Friday. Greek police too slow Mr Bourda said: They have found her body. Sadly, I was expecting this. The problem is the harbour police did not start their search until late at night and I dont know what effect that had. They said they couldnt find her, they claimed she had disappeared with an unknown man, but this was rubbish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the harbour police really didnt do anything and next time something like this happens they should think about it. It shouldnt take them three hours to write up a missing persons report before starting the search. They said there were no signs she had drowned, that there was no body, that she was following someone else. But I knew this was not the case. She would not have gone off without her money, her glasses or her medication. Michele and Chris Bourda on their wedding day Mr Bourda, a pharmacist, added: She had psychological issues. I told them that from the start and they werent able to find her. Its impossible. Nobody did anything to help. Even the chap who saw her in the sea, he lost sight of her. If you are a foreigner, they do not care about you here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Bourda also called for mental health services in the UK to be improved, adding: If she had seen a psychiatrist much earlier and got the relevant medication, then she would have still been alive. The Bourdas had been married for 36 years and planned to stay at the beach resort for six weeks to enjoy the summer. Mr Bourda said his wife had been holding his hand the whole night before. He added: You would never think anything was wrong or something like this would ever happen. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. BROADVIEW, Ill. The Village of Broadview is preparing for an area immigration facility to be used in a major federal operation. According to a letter issued on Sept. 2 from Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson, the processing center on Beach Street will serve as the primary processing location for a large scale campaign, scheduled to operate around the clock for approximately 45 days. Reported ICE activity at Chicago domestic violence courthouse sparks outrage and fear Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is all unfolding as President Donald Trump has threatened to send federal troops to Chicago to enforce immigration and combat crime. WGN Investigates reviewed records going back to the early 1990s when Chicago aw more than 900 homicides in some years. That number was nearly cut in half in the early 2000s, only to surge during the pandemic. Last year, there were 583 homicides; the city is currently on track to see fewer this year. WGN News was told the Broadview immigration facility is supposed to operate as a processing center, but Ere Rendon, vice president of immigrant justice with The Resurrection Project, said shes had clients detained there for days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She told WGN News shes concerned the same thing will happen in the weeks to come. There are no beds; there are no showers; there is no cafeteria, Rendon said. A protest is expected to he held Friday morning from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. outside the immigration facility. With the possibility of protests and demonstrations, village leaders said they are working closely with businesses along Beach Street to warn them about possible traffic disruptions that may impact employees and business deliveries over the next 45 to 60 days. The focus on Broadview is because Chicagoland protesters have ICE scared, and were going to keep them that way, attorney Rachel Cohen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A couple of longtime Broadview residents WGN News spoke with said they oppose federal troops coming in. Trump seemingly walks back decision on sending troops to Chicago The Village of Broadview released the following statement on the expected ICE operations: The Village of Broadview is coordinating with our neighboring law enforcement partners, the Illinois State Police, and the Cook County Sheriffs police to ensure safety and order are maintained in our community as ices operations unfold. Additionally, because Broadview respects the rule of law, we will defend the constitutionally protected right to peaceful protest and will accept no interference with that right. Simultaneously, we will reject any illegal behavior that puts Broadview police officers safety or the safety of local businesses and residents at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Businesses in the area say they dont have a lot of info on what may or may not happen, but some say they plan to set up barriers outside to protect their property. The full letter from Thompson can be found below: resident-letter-from-mayorDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An innovative new public transportation option is coming to Brunswick this fall. The city is set to launch the Brunswick Breeze an app-based, on-demand ride service designed to offer residents a more flexible and affordable way to get around. Instead of waiting at traditional bus stops, riders will be able to use a smartphone app similar to ride-share giants like Uber and Lyft to request a ride. But unlike those services, the cost per ride with the Breeze will be just three dollars. Brunswick Breeze, an app-based ride service for the city, is scheduled to launch in Fall 2025. For the first two months of operation, it will be free to citizens and riders, said Regina McDuffie, Brunswicks City Manager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That free trial period will begin during the citys First Friday celebration in October and continue through mid-November. After that, each ride will cost only $3 a price point many residents said is a game-changer. Thats reasonable. That is very reasonable, said local resident George Francis. It makes it extremely affordable for everyone, added Sylvie Love. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] For many Brunswick residents without reliable transportation, the service could provide new opportunities, especially when it comes to employment. A lot of people want a job, but they dont have a way to get there. So if the Breeze comes, then theres no excuse, said Michelle Johnson Bristol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The service will be operated by Via, a private transit provider, and will use wheelchair-accessible vans to pick up and drop off riders. There will be no fixed routes rides are on-demand and location-specific, aimed at providing maximum convenience. It will operate on a daily basis, and the operating hours hopefully will support the working community, said McDuffie. The city will initially roll out five vans, covering 12 designated service zones, including high-traffic areas like the Brunswick Golden Isles Airport and the College of Coastal Georgia. The model is inspired by a similar service currently operating in Valdosta. Brunswick Breeze, an app-based ride service for the city, will initially cover 12 designated service zones. The Brunswick Breeze is being funded by $1 million from the citys general fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City officials are calling the Brunswick Breeze a smart, affordable, and accessible transit solution set to launch this October. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Social media users are calling BS on Bryan Kohberger's recently unveiled claims about his mental health. Kohberger is the man responsible for the murder of four University of Idaho students. The tragic incident occurred in November 2022, a month before authorities closed in on the perpetrator and arrested him. Bryan Kohberger received four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. Prosecutors initially pushed for the death penalty; however, he entered a guilty plea to all charges against him to avoid the sentence. Bryan Kohberger Revealed His Mental Health Diagnosis In A Handwritten Note ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Kohberger revealed his mental health diagnosis in June through a handwritten court filing. He claimed he was diagnosed with four mental health disorders in February while he was in custody awaiting his mass murder trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the document obtained by PEOPLE, Kohberger was diagnosed with: "Autism (level 1); OCD; ADHD; ARFID." He also noted that he had been using levothyroxine, a popular prescription drug in America used to treat hypothyroidism. Kohberger did not try to avoid responsibility for his actions by revealing his mental health diagnosis. Instead, he noted in the filing that he was aware he would likely receive four lifetimes sentences and an additional 10 years for his burglary charge if the judge accepted his guilty plea. The Revelation Came Days Before The Perpetrator Entered His Guilty Plea ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA The handwritten filing, dated June 29, came days before Kohberger entered his guilty plea deal in court. He confessed to killing Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20, four University of Idaho students on July 2. Three weeks later, he was sentenced to four lifetimes in prison for his crimes. Kohberger's mental health diagnosis did little to help his case, as the four disorders he highlighted typically did not influence a person's everyday tasks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People with autism level 1 are reportedly high-functioning and often display only a few symptoms of the disorder. OCD is obsessive-compulsive disorder, where an individual engages in repetitive behaviors to stop unwanted thoughts. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) differs from person-to-person but many typically struggle with their attention span or their ability to stay organized and focused. The fourth diagnosis Kohberger highlighted was the eating disorder ARFID, which is common in children. Social Media Users Call BS On The Convicted Killer's Claims ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Kohberger's newly obtained confession about his mental health did not sit right with many, who bashed his diagnosis as an attempt to escape punishment. Social media users declared the convict deserved no mercy on X, with someone writing: "Oh, how convenient. Die motherf-cker! Now he's undermining the voices who need to be heard. It's true, dude has a personality disorder. Not to be confused with REAL mental illness." Another agreed, claiming they had the same disorders and PTSD from the military; however, they did not wish to hurt people like Kohberger did. "I don't doubt he is crazy in many ways, but he knew what he was doing and absolutely needs to be held accountable, no way out," a third declared. Digital Expert Claims The Mass Murder Culprit Was Paranoid Before His Arrest Latah County Jail/MEGA Last month, The Blast reported that a digital expert had weighed in on Kohberger's internet searches before his December 2022 arrest. Jared Barnhart of Cellebrite, a digital forensic company that works with law enforcement, claimed the killer was paranoid based on his phone data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barnhart believed Kohberger was scared the police were closing in on him after they identified a vehicle linked to the murders. His phone data revealed he was searching for ways to alter his car's appearance and even tried to buy a new car. "If you weren't the bad guy, you wouldn't care, but he was scrambling, and he thought the police were on him," Barnhart said. Despite Kohberger's fears, his car wasn't the only reason authorities tied him to the crime. The sheath belonging to the murder weapon was discovered at the crime scene and had his DNA. Bryan Kohberger's Mother Texted Him About The Murders ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA More details about the killer's case were recently revealed, with The Blast sharing that his mother, MaryAnn Kohberger, had texted him about the crime. Forensic experts noted Bryan received a message from his mom while on a call. MaryAnn had texted Bryan about a news article covering the Idaho students' murder, with experts believing they had been talking about the incident over the phone when the message came in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no response from Bryan, leading experts to believe he addressed his mother's queries over the phone. Additionally, no evidence proved MaryAnn was aware of her son's crimes and presumably texted him about the incident because she was worried for his safety. Bryan Kohberger will serve four consecutive life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole and an additional 10 years for burglary. Brooke Fuss, 9, pulled her bucket calf, Rosalina, toward the show ring in the McVey Arena. Joining eight other competitors, Brooke prepared for her turn in the ring Friday at the Bucket Calf Show at the Payne County Free Fair. She was a little nervous, she told the News Press. (This was) her first year showing a bucket calf, but shes been showing cattle since she was 4 years old, said Shelby Fuss, Brookes mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In spite of her nerves, Brooke won the Showmanship Award in the intermediate division for her bucket calf. Shelby said Brooke raised all of her animals, including Rosalina. Bucket calves like Rosalina are orphaned or newborn calves that are bottle-fed or bucket fed until weaning. Brooke started with showing miniature herefords, and now shes moved to showing livestock at Payne County 4-H shows. Her steer and heifer hung out in the livestock barn behind the McVey Arena, waiting for the Beef Cattle Show at 5 p.m. Brooke belongs to the Yale 4-H Club, where her mother Shelby is the leader and her father Mitch is the Yale Public Schools FFA instructor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to the Bucket Calf Show, 4-H students also took part in the Heart of Payne County Bucket Calf Show, which featured special needs students from across Payne County. Each Payne County 4-H student teamed up with a special needs students to present the show. Brooke and Rosalina joined them. Sarah Schlueter, an elementary special education teacher at Perkins-Tryon Elementary School, said this was the second year that PTPS brought students to the Heart of Payne County. PTPS had 15 students again this year the most from any district. For the parents, especially, its just a moment where they get to come in and see their child do these things that they may not be able to participate in, Schlueter said. These kids have this experience of seeing other children that are going through the same experiences and the same problems that they are going through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the show helps the students with special needs understand that they can do fun things, too like seeing their classmates and friends all getting to do the same thing. Its so neat to see the smiles on their faces and it truly warms your heart. It makes you just want to do this every day bring animals to school, Schlueter said. She said some behaviors she sees in special needs students changes once they get around the animals. They pet the animals gently, their shoulders ease and they bond with the animal. Its really neat to see how calm the animals are around those kiddos, and how calm those kiddos are around those animals. So, you just see a connection there, Schlueter said. Its an amazing experience for all of them, and for us adults, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later this semester, Schlueter said her special needs students will return for the Sheep Show and once again, take the stage. The Heart of Payne County show originated with Payne County 4-H educator Summer Leister and Perkins 4-H educator Shelby Leonard, who also chair the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Program committee, which partners with Payne County 4-H program to host the Bucket Calf Show. Special needs students were bussed in from both Perkins and Ripley and new this year Glencoe. Leister said shes hopeful other districts like Stillwater, Yale and Cushing will exhibit at the show next year. The show expanded from 33 special needs students last year to 43 students this year. Word of mouth and advertising has helped grow the show over the past three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the total of 4-H students at the Bucket Calf Show shrunk in comparison, with only nine 4-H students showing calves, Leister said. Special needs students had to double up with 4-H students, some as many as three at a time. Part of the reason for fewer 4-H students showing is due to the price of beef, Leister said. Bucket calves now cost $1,000 or more. Families just couldnt do that, so hopefully the market will go down, or theyll be more farmers and ranchers close by that would donate or give bucket calf kids a discount for these calves, Leister said. Even so, Leister said the shows quality wasnt diminished and judges had a hard time choosing winners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We just encourage families that want to do (the Bucket Calf Show) next year if theyre having problems finding a calf to call the Extension office, and we can definitely get emails out (or) call producers to try to get more kids involved, Leister said. Payne County 4-H scholarships are provided by animal producers in the area, as well as the YFR program, which offers two $500 scholarships. Within a single day, the Bulgarian government has first dismissed possible Russian involvement in navigation issues experienced by a plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over its territory and then contradicted its own statement. Source: European Pravda, citing Politico Details: On the morning of 4 September, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov told Parliament that the European Commission presidents plane had not been subjected to interference but only to a partial signal disruption, which is often observed in densely populated areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bulgarian Transport Minister Grozdan Karadjov also denied that there was any evidence of GPS signal interference during von der Leyens flight. But a few hours later the Bulgarian government changed its position again, and at an impromptu press conference, Zhelyazkov spoke of "a mess of information with questions, facts and the circumstances interpreted in a way that was intended to hurt the Bulgarian institutions". He said the fact that ground systems in Bulgaria did not register any interference does not mean that the aircrafts onboard instruments did not detect interference either. "In this regard, I have instructed the Civil Aviation Authority to contact the airline that is operating the flight in order to conduct an additional check regarding the instruments and computers in the aircraft," Zhelyazkov said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On 31 August, the GPS system on the European Commission presidents aircraft was jammed as it was en route to Bulgaria. In the wake of the incident, the EU will be deploying additional satellites in low Earth orbit to strengthen resilience to GPS interference and improve detection capabilities. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has denied that Russia was involved in the malfunction of the aircrafts navigation system. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! NEED TO KNOW The Nevada Bureau of Land Management identified Vadim Kruglov of Russia as the victim of a potential homicide at Burning Man festival Kruglov was 37 and lived in Tacoma, Wash. He was found dead on Aug. 30 and identified on Wednesday, Sept. 3 The Nevada Bureau of Land Management has identified the victim of a potential homicide at the Burning Man festival. In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, Sept. 3, the NBLM confirmed the man was identified as Vadim Kruglov of Russia. He was 37 and lived in Tacoma, Wash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Pershing County Sheriffs Office (PCSO) deputy was notified of Kruglov lying in a pool of blood on Saturday, Aug. 30, around 9:14 p.m. local time, as the festivals symbolic Man wooden effigy began to burn, according to a prior press release from Sheriff Jerry Allen. His body was brought to the Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office. The PCSO's homicide investigation remains ongoing. PEOPLE has reached out to the PCSO for comment. The sheriff's office and friends of Kruglov are asking any witnesses who saw Kruglov before his death to contact the sheriff's office at 775-273-2641 or email at jnicholson@pershingcountynv.gov. "We sincerely ask for your help. It s crucial for us to retrace Vadim's last few days at Burning Man. He was definitely at Mine Warrior, danced inside the pyramid and may have appeared in video from art cars or spent time with people in the camps," friend Sofiia Shcherbakova wrote on social media. Siobhan McAndrew/RGJ / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The "man" effigy burns during Burning Man on Aug. 30, 2025. The "man" effigy burns during Burning Man on Aug. 30, 2025. In a statement on the alleged murder, Burning Man emphasized that the "safety and well-being of our community are paramount." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Burning Man festival was held in the Black Rock Desert, with participants building temporary housing referred to as Black Rock City. Burning Man regularly sees about 80,000 attendees each year. This years festival started on Aug. 24 and concluded on Sept. 1. "Our hearts go out to Vadims family and friends and we grieve the loss of a community member," Burning Man organizers said in an updated statement, per KCRA. "Burning Man Project is doing everything we can to assist the Sheriffs investigation so the perpetrator can be caught and brought to justice. This includes our intent for a coordinated donation to the Secret Witness program, which offers rewards for more information that contributes to law enforcements investigation." 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. Last year, a woman died at the event after she was found unresponsive on the grounds. Emergency service personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but were "unsuccessful," Burning Man said in a statement at the time. "Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this loss," the statement said. Read the original article on People By Rajesh Kumar Singh CHICAGO (Reuters) -Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said on Tuesday the Gulf airline has no timeline for going public as it enjoys enough resources to "self-fund" its $20 billion growth plans for the next decade. In an interview, Neves said while the carrier is ready for an initial public offering, the final decision rests with its shareholder, sovereign wealth fund ADQ. "Any decision about an IPO is much more a broader decision from the shareholder rather than any specific decision related to Etihad," he told Reuters. "The time has not come yet." Etihad, which started operations in 2003, spent billions of dollars buying minority stakes in other carriers to create a larger network through its Abu Dhabi hub and better compete with Gulf peers Emirates and Qatar Airways. However, many of those airlines ran into financial trouble and ADQ took over Etihad in October 2022. Neves, who was appointed as CEO at the same time, said the United Arab Emirates' national carrier is focused on organic growth as M&A is not part of its strategic mandate. Etihad has plans to bolster Abu Dhabi's role as a travel hub connecting Asia and Europe. Neves said the airline does not need an IPO to fund its growth plans, which he estimated would cost more than $20 billion for the next 10 years. "We believe we can self-fund that," he said. Neves also shrugged off growing global economic uncertainty, geopolitical and trade tensions. He said the carrier remained steadfast in its network expansion strategy as the Middle East's growth prospects would underpin air travel demand. Etihad's passenger traffic is up 17% year-on-year this year, and its load factor a measure of how full its planes are had increased to 88% from 86% a year ago. While bookings slowed down during the Israel-Iran conflict, Neves said sales fully recovered by the end of July. "People postponed their plans, but they did not cancel their plans," he said. Etihad's fleet has more than 100 aircraft, with a mix of Airbus and Boeing models. In May, it confirmed an order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft, including 777X. Neves said the 777X order is expected after 2030 and will replace Etihad's Airbus A380 planes. More aircraft deals are in the offing as the airline is looking to tap into the secondary market, including lessors for additional jets, he added. "It's not necessarily with OEMs. It can be with lessors, it can be secondhand planes." (Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh; Editing by Richard Chang) BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WJW) Four people were injured in a crash involving a school bus for special needs kids that happened in Pennsylvania on Tuesday morning. According to a news release from the Bethlehem Township Police Department, a vehicle was stopped in Bethlehem Township on the westbound lane of Freemansburg Avenue at the intersection of Washington Street, waiting to make a left turn at about 4:35 p.m. Browns not changing dome plans despite permit fight near airport: I-Team Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is when a Colonial Intermediate school bus, also traveling west, approached the intersection, but collided with the back of the stopped vehicle that was waiting to turn. According to the release, the two students on the bus, a school bus aide, the driver of the bus and the driver of the vehicle were all taken to the emergency room of St. Lukes Hospital Anderson Campus for evaluation. None of the injuries were life-threatening, the release stated. Shoreway water main break: Crews identify leak location; road closure continues According to the release, both the vehicle and the school bus involved in the crash had to be towed from the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This crash is under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. A business owner in Thornton Heath, England, was fined 8,000 (over $10,700) for fly-tipping, or illegal waste dumping, of building materials, as Your Local Guardian reported. Fly-tipping is the British term for the act of illegally dumping waste on public properties, such as roads, fields, and water sources. Instead of referring to the insects, the term came about from "tipping" unwanted items out "on the fly," per the BBC. Muhammad Ali, a 46-year-old man from Thornton Heath, was fined the hefty sum earlier this August for an incident of fly-tipping in August 2023, per the Guardian. A Croydon Councillor found renovation waste on a green space that was tied back to ongoing building at Ali's business. Croydon Magistrates' Court ordered him to pay a total of 7,951.71. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Fly-tipping is a blight on our borough," said Jason Perry, executive mayor of Croydon, per the Guardian. "It makes our streets look uncared for, it damages the environment, and it costs thousands of pounds in council resources to clear. This court case shows that if you dump waste in Croydon, you will be held responsible and you will face the full weight of the law." According to the Guardian, Croydon is pushing campaigns to stop fly-tipping and other harmful acts to "restore pride in Croydon." "Whether it's abandoned cars, selling illegal tobacco products or fly-tipping, we won't tolerate this behaviour in Croydon, and we will make those responsible pay for their actions," Perry said. There is an estimated 100 million tons of illegally dumped waste in the world. Illegally dumped trash can be harmful to our environment, especially if it is dumped in or near water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, waste in the water can be dangerous to fish and wildlife and pollute our drinking water. Waste can also contaminate soil, increase the spread of invasive plants, and even pollute our food, per Dumpsters.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, waste can also increase the risk of natural disasters. Waste can be highly flammable, leading to wildfires. It can also block water pathways and lead to floods. Fines like this one can help prevent other forms of dumping, or fly-tipping. Across the world, local governments have been pushing fines to stop forms of dumping. In Wales, a man was fined 2,270 (over $3,000) for dumping in a forest. On a larger scale, fast fashion company Shein was fined $1.16 million for lying about its eco-friendly products, while a shipping company in Sri Lanka was fined $1 billion for a marine plastic spill in the Indian Ocean. 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. Happiness isnt just about major life events or flashy achievements. Yet, we often overlook the significant role of our daily habits and how they affect our overall well-being and mindset. However, not all habits are created equal. While seemingly harmless, some can slowly chip away at our joy and leave us feeling drained and flustered. (The Center Square) The Caddo Parish School Board has selected Jeri Bowen to fill the vacant District 8 seat after longtime school board member Christine Tharpe stepped down last month. During a special session held Sept. 2, the school board heard from three potential candidates for the vacant spot, ultimately voting for Jeri Bowen. The three candidates were Bowen, Cheyenna Newman and Emma Shepard. Each candidate spoke to the board directly before a final vote was cast immediately following. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bowen has lived in District 8 for about 25 years, and previously was selected to take the interim seat for District 8 during the pandemic before Tharpe was elected. That old saying fits me well. I am Caddo, Bowen said during her address to the board. Bowen is currently the executive director of the Northwest Louisiana Family Justice. She will serve in this seat until a special election is held next April. Tharpe joined the school board in November 2020 and was reelected for another term in 2022. Her decision to step down came at the end of August, and her seat was officially announced as vacant during a special meeting held Aug. 22. Her reason for stepping down was not shared. A former state prison in California City is currently holding federal immigration detainees, but local advocates allege the company housing them doesnt have the proper permits to operate. Immigrant rights and legal advocacy groups have been protesting the announced reopening of a 2,560-bed facility as an immigration detention center for months, but the company confirmed this week detainees are already being housed there, without saying how many. We are once again housing federal detainees to meet the immediate needs of our government partners to include (U.S. Marshals Service) and (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), said Ryan Gustin, spokesman for CoreCivic, the Tennessee-based company that owns the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have submitted all required information for the business license and continue to maintain open lines of communication with city officials, Gustin said. Our California City facility operated as a detention facility beginning in 1999 and previously housed ICE detainees. But advocates said the companys permit applications are still under review by the city, and the opening of a private immigration detention center requires a public hearing under a 2017 state law. We have clear laws in California. There are laws in place, said Rosa Lopez, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California. A private corporation cant just ignore local permits and state law, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates also allege the opening of the facility violates 2017s Senate Bill 29, which states a local government or public agency cant enter into agreements related to immigration detention without first providing 180 days public notice and holding at least two public hearings. Lopez and other advocates have held several demonstrations calling on California City leaders to take steps to deny CoreCivics permits and on Sept. 2 attended a city Planning Commission meeting to again protest the facility. California City Planning Departments monthly report included as part of the commissions Sept. 2 agenda shows a CoreCivic project for a correctional facility with the status application updated; currently under review. At least at this moment, we havent been able to find any documentation that they got the permission to open up the prison, said Dolores Huerta, the civil rights icon whos made several trips to California City to protest the centers opening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems like they went ahead and they opened it anyway, Huerta said. Huerta said dozens of people have testified in person and online at recent city meetings, calling on city officials to close the facility and questioning whether CoreCivic had the proper authority to operate. The whole thing is very iffy at this point, Huerta said. Immigrants rights groups claim bypassing established laws fits a pattern by President Trumps administration. If CoreCivic is allowed to bypass the law here, it could happen anywhere. Trump is detaining people at an alarming rate, Marcela Hernandez with Detention Watch Network said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to The Californian on Sept. 3, California City Mayor Marquette Hawkins said he couldnt confirm or deny the facility was operating with or without permits as city officials have been unable to hold official meetings for more than a month. Weve attempted to schedule special meetings, but we have a council member who has been reluctant to show up, Hawkins said. Two California City council members abruptly resigned in July and Mojave Desert News reported last month no city business had been addressed since July 14 due to a lack of quorum. We have not been able to be briefed or have any discussions in closed session or even an open session with our city manager and city attorney addressing these issues, Hawkins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive heard that a facility is open from various people, but I cant speak to their answer or verify or confirm it or deny it because we havent had the opportunity to meet and discuss it. In late July, City Manager Christopher Lopez sent a letter to CoreCivic stating city officials found serious safety concerns at the facility and that the detention center could not legally operate in the city. City and company officials told The Californian last month those issues had been resolved. On Sept. 3, Hawkins said he had not recently heard from CoreCivic officials. I cant even confirm or deny it because no one has given us as a City Council any official information about it, Hawkins said of the facilitys operation. (Courtesy: Calhoun Community College) (Courtesy: Calhoun Community College) (Courtesy: Calhoun Community College) TANNER, Ala. (WHNT) Calhoun Community College is celebrating its new Advanced Technology Center. The 57,200-square-foot state-of-the-art facility is designed to strengthen the future of North Alabamas aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. The new state-of-the-art facility stands as a testament to Calhouns Technologies Divisions unwavering commitment to providing innovative training to our students and meeting the demands of our industry partners who seek specialized training for their future workers, says John Holley, Calhoun Technologies Dean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facility will provide students with hands-on training, access to nationally-recognized certifications, and the skills they need to launch high-paying, high-demand careers. It will also become home to several programs including fame industrial maintenance, aerospace, welding, advance machining, and work force solutions non credit training. The building that most of these departments came out of was 77-years-old, said Dr. Jimmy Hodges, President of Calhoun Community College. It had been repaired, repaired, repaired, and it was just a nasty dirty place. President Hodges says that with the new state-of-the art facility, recruitment measures will improve as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres some really attractive graphics on the wall, theres lots of nice seating in different areas. Our welding program has expanded to 60 welding booths, so we have the potential of doubling or even tripling our enrollment, Hodges added. President Hodges says that the machining program at Calhoun Community College is one of the best equipped machine tool programs in the country. Were excited about it, we shouldve had it 15 years ago, but at least we got it now, said President Hodges. Calhoun will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Advanced Technology Center located at 6250 Highway 31 N Tanner, Alabama on Monday, September 15 at 10:30 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more about the many technology programs at Calhoun, 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 WHNT.com. Responding to the Trump administration's aggressive and unceasing immigration raids in Southern California, state lawmakers this week began strengthening protections for immigrants in schools, hospitals and other areas targeted by federal agents. The Democratic-led California Legislature is considering nearly a dozen bills aimed at shielding immigrants who are in the country illegally, including helping children of families being ripped apart in the enforcement actions. "Californians want smart, sensible solutions and we want safe communities," said Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego). "They do not want peaceful neighbors ripped out of schools, ripped out of hospitals, ripped out of their workplaces." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, lawmakers passed two bills focused on protecting schoolchildren. Senate Bill 98, authored by Sen. Sasha Renee Perez (D-Alhambra), would require school administrators to notify families and students if federal agents conduct immigration operations on a K-12 or college campus. Legislation introduced by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Rolling Hills Estates), AB 49, would bar immigration agents from nonpublic areas of a school unless they had a judicial warrant or court order. It also would bar school districts from providing information about pupils, their families, teachers and school employees to immigration authorities without a warrant. A separate bill by Sen. Jesse Arreguin (D-Berkeley), SB 81, would bar healthcare officials from disclosing a patient's immigration status or birthplace, or giving access to nonpublic spaces in hospitals and clinics, to immigration authorities without a search warrant or court order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three bills now head to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his consideration. If signed into law, the legislation would take effect immediately. The school-related bills, said L.A. school board member Rocio Rivas, provide "critical protections for students, parents and families, helping ensure schools remain safe spaces where every student can learn and thrive without fear." Federal immigration agents have recently detained several 18-year-old high school students, including Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero-Cruz, who was picked up last month while walking his dog a few days before was to start his senior year at Reseda Charter High School. Most Republican legislators voted against the bills, but Perez's measure received support from two Republican lawmakers, Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) and state Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa). Muratsuchi's had support from six Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No person should be able to go into a school and take possession of another person's child without properly identifying themselves," Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) said before voting to support the bill. The healthcare bill follows a surge in cancellations for health appointments as immigrants stay home, fearing that if they go to a doctor or to a clinic, they could be swept up in an immigration raid. California Nurses Assn. President Sandy Reding said that federal agents' recent raids have disregarded "traditional safe havens" such as clinics and hospitals, and that Newsom's approval would ensure that people who need medical treatment can "safely receive care without fear or intimidation." Some Republicans pushed back against the package of bills, including outspoken conservative Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego), who said that the raids that Democrats are "making such hay over" were triggered by the state's "sanctuary" law passed in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state law DeMaio attacked, SB 54, bars local law enforcement from helping enforce federal immigration laws, including arresting someone solely for having a deportation order, and from holding someone in jail for extra time so immigration agents can pick them up. The law, criticized by President Trump and Republicans nationwide, does not prevent police from informing federal agents that someone who is in the country illegally is about to be released from custody. "If you wanted a more orderly process for the enforcement of federal immigration rules, you'd back down from your utter failure of SB 54," DeMaio said. Chino Valley Unified School Board President Sonja Shaw, a Trump supporter who is running for state superintendent of public instruction, said that the bills about school safety were "political theater that create fear where none is needed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Schools already require proper judicial orders before allowing immigration enforcement on campus, so these bills dont change anything," Shaw said. "They are gaslighting families into believing that schools are unsafe, when in reality the system already protects students." But Muratsuchi, who is also running for superintendent, said the goal of the legislation is to ensure that districts everywhere, "including in more conservative areas," protect their students against immigration enforcement. A half-dozen other immigration bills are still pending in the Legislature. Lawmakers have until next Friday to send bills to Newsom's desk before the 2025 session is adjourned. Those include AB 495 by Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando), which would make it easier for parents to designate caregivers who are not blood relatives including godparents and teachers as short-term guardians for their children. An increasing number of immigrant parents have made emergency arrangements in the event they are deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would allow nonrelatives to make decisions such as enrolling a child in school and consenting to some medical care. Conservatives have criticized the bill as an attack on parental rights and have said that the law could be misused by estranged family members or even sexual predators and that current guidelines for establishing family emergency plans are adequate. Also still pending is AB 1261, by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), which would establish a right to legal representation for unaccompanied children in federal immigration court proceedings; and SB 841 by Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), which would restrict access for immigration authorities at shelters for homeless people and survivors of rape, domestic violence and human trafficking. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. (The Center Square) - Southern California students and faculty staged a walkout at their middle school in protest of the Temecula Valley Unified School District's policy that allows transgender girls in bathrooms and locker rooms. During class on Tuesday, students, parents and faculty members at James L. Day Middle School walked out to protest against the district policy that affirms that transgender students can access bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with a students gender identity. Since the start of the new school year, a student who identifies as female has been using the girls locker room, parents report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Board Policy 5145.31: Religious or Mental Health-Related Accommodations does offer girls two outs, which are either to file a religious-belief accommodation or a mental-health accommodation. But parents at the protest told the California Family Council that neither option is acceptable. They dont want to label their daughter with a mental health condition for wanting privacy or claim a religious exemption to avoid boys dressing in girls' locker rooms, parents added. As one mom stated, My daughters not anxious or sick. She just deserves a girls locker room. Those who attended the protest wore white and pink bracelets that said Save Girls Sports and held up signs. The students were clear, said Sophia Lorey, outreach director of the California Family Council. This wasnt about attacking anyone. They want safe, private, female-only spaces to change for P.E. The boys who joined were there to stand with the girls - not to make trouble, just to say, Protect girls spaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Center Square reached out to Temeculas schools superintendent, Gary Woods, for a comment, but has not received a response. The district said in a statement that it respects the rights of students and community members to engage in peaceful expression and assembly, adding California law requires that students be allowed to participate in sex-segregated programs and have access to facilities consistent with their gender identity. Any revised proposal will take this requirement into account while addressing the concerns raised by students, parents, and the community. Temecula Valley school board members Jen Wiersma and Dr. Joseph Komrosky also attended the middle school walkout. Komrosky said the districts mental health and religious exemption accommodations framework is the wrong tool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was elected to represent the values of the parents of my community, and the majority of our community in Temecula have traditional family values, Komrosky said. Whats happening at this middle school, when a biological boy enters the girls locker room, is anything but traditional. Its social and political activism. I want every child to have a good and safe education. Parts of this arent safe, and students feel their innocence is being robbed. I will continue to fight this moral battle to defend the innocence of children and empower parents. TVUSD is expected to address Board Policy 5145.31 and related privacy measures at the next regular board meeting on Sept. 9. By Nora Eckert and Kalea Hall DETROIT (Reuters) -General Motors is cutting output at one of its main electric-vehicle factories, the latest automaker to pull back on EVs as U.S. President Donald Trump's administration yanks federal support for green cars. GM will stop production of two electric Cadillac SUVs at its assembly plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, during the month of December, according to a person familiar with the matter and communications to GM employees viewed by Reuters. The plant produces the midsize Cadillac Lyriq - a relative hit and one of GM's top-selling EVs - and the Vistiq, a larger electric SUV. GM also plans to significantly curtail production of those vehicles during the first five months of next year by temporarily laying off one of its two shifts of workers, according to the sources. The company will additionally shutter the plants for one week in October and November. The automaker is also planning to indefinitely delay the start of a second shift at an assembly plant near Kansas City, which is still slated to begin production of the Chevy Bolt EV later this year, the person familiar with the matter said. Asked for comment, the company told Reuters: "General Motors is making strategic production adjustments in alignment with expected slower EV industry growth and customer demand by leveraging our flexible ICE (internal combustion engine) and EV manufacturing footprint." The Trump administration's tax and spending law passed in July withdrew key support for EVs, including a $7,500 consumer tax credit that had been in place for about 15 years. Car executives have said they expect a rough patch for EV sales after that subsidy expires Sept. 30. "The $7,500 tax credit is driving demand; without that, that'll slow," GM CEO Mary Barra said at an event in December 2024. The legislation also froze penalties that automakers have long paid if the vehicles they sell fall short of federal standards for fuel efficiency. That is expected to entice car companies to build more gas-powered cars at the expense of electrics, analysts say. EV sales have failed to meet bullish forecasts carmakers put forth just a few years ago, and most companies continue to lose money on them. Green-car backers say federal support is needed to broaden adoption and prevent the U.S. from falling further behind China -- the world's EV leader -- and Europe. After struggling with manufacturing problems earlier in the decade, GM's EV sales have surged over the past year. The company said August was its best month ever for EVs, with 21,000 battery-powered vehicles sold across its brands. SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) As California Biodiversity Day approaches, the California State Parks Foundation is calling on residents across the state including right here in San Diego to help protect the iconic western monarch butterfly by simply snapping a photo and sharing it. The above Nexstar Media video provides national park safety tips Celebrated from Sept. 6 to 14, California Biodiversity Day recognizes the states natural diversity. This year, the public is being asked to participate by observing and reporting monarch butterfly sightings using the free iNaturalist app, a community science tool that helps researchers track biodiversity. Why it matters Once numbering in the millions, western monarchs have experiences staggering decline in recent decades due to climate change, habitat lose, pesticides, and disease. The most recent Western Monarch Count recorded just 9,119 monarchs, the second-lowest total since surveys began in 1997. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A grim Species Status Assessment predicts a 95% chance of extinction for western monarchs by 208 of no significant action is taken. The western monarch butterfly is an iconic species for our state, said Randy Widera, director of programs for the California State Parks Foundation. Californians have a key role to play in the preservation of this species, from helping scientists track where the butterflies are located to advocating for the protection of their habitat. Participating in the monarch observation effort helps researchers better understand butterflies and also contributes to efforts to maintain the species. Its also very simple. Heres how to help: Download the iNaturalist app and create an account Take a photo of a monarch butterfly or caterpillar Upload your observation to iNaturalist Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were encouraging Californians to get involved by taking a few easy steps to report monarch butterfly sightings, said Widera. California State Parks promote free passes, learning programs for students Monarch hotspots in California According to officials with the California State Parks Foundation, several state parks serve as key overwintering sites essential rest stops that allow monarchs to survive the colder months before migrating north in the spring. These groves provide the perfect balance of shelter, sunlight and nectar that monarchs need. In San Diego County, monarchs can often be spotted in Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. And then just slightly north in Orange County, sightings are also prominent at San Clemente State Park, and Doheny State Beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other well-know sites across the state, as noted by the California State Parks Foundation, include: Pismo State Beach Natural Bridges State Beach Lighthouse Field State Beach Morro Bay State Park Montana de Oro State Park Point Mugu State Park Leo Carrillo State Park Point Mugu State Park Pismo State Beach And several more along the California coast Long-term conservation efforts The California State Parks Foundation has invested in monarch habitat restoration, helped develop grove management plans, and organized volunteer events where community members plant native nectar plants critical for monarch survival. The organization is also advocating for western monarchs to be added to the Endangered Species Act as a threatened species. Californians can support this effort by signing the petition at calparks.org/monarchthreat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With over 50 years of history, the California State Parks Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving the state park system. Learn more at www.calparks.org or follow @calparks on social media. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Strong support I strongly support allowing chickens in St. Joseph. With the complaints about the price of eggs, if people have their own chickens, they can have their own eggs, which will be actually much better quality. They'll be organic, they'll be much better, healthier. Plus, with all of the controls being removed by the Republicans, it's not really safe to eat the chickens. So, people, of course, should be allowed to have their own because I don't know why anyone would complain about that. And I'm just pretty sure I'm not the only one that would support this. Landing on a waiting list Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Missouri Career Center said hey, come on up here, get your skills up. We'll give you job training. We'll take you to school. We've got all this money to help you out. After a week of running around filling out paperwork, you know where you're landing? A waiting list. There is a cure This is for the person who made the statement about all the protesters having Trump Derangement Syndrome. There is a cure for that, and it's called everybody getting out in the midterms, taking over house and the Senate and stopping this dictator. And there is none as wise as those who will not see. Redistricting team Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Kehoes redistricting team system: one giant orange head in Washington, D.C. How'd he like that? So, the workers over billionaires protest was a direct hit at the Illinois governor. How did he like that? Most successful president in history Never before have I ever seen a commander in chief suffer so many attempted legal blows against him and still come out a winner. Donald Trump is the one president who has succeeded in so many attempts against his administration as well come out victorious. All these people still holding protest him look like utter fools against the most successful president in our history. Calling your boss a d---head isnt grounds for dismissal, a tribunal has ruled. Although such insults are inappropriate, they do not necessarily amount to gross misconduct, an employment judge said, especially if they are said in the heat of the moment. The ruling came in the case of a female office manager who was fired on the spot when during a row she called her manager and another director d---heads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kerrie Herbert won almost 30,000 in compensation after an employment tribunal found she had been unfairly dismissed. Employment Judge Sonia Boyes ruled that the scaffolding and brickwork company she worked for should not have treated her profanity as a sufficient reason to dismiss her. The Judge said it was a one-off comment made during a heated meeting and it did not amount to gross misconduct or misconduct so serious to justify summary dismissal. The hearing in Cambridge was told the office manager started her role at Northampton firm Main Group Services in October 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The business was run by Thomas Swannell and his wife Anna, who was married to Ms Herberts brother. The tribunal heard that in May 2022 the office manager had found documents in her bosss desk about the costs of employing her, and believed she was going to be let go. When Mr Swannell then raised issues about her performance, she began crying, and said if it was anyone else in this position they would have walked years ago due to the goings on in the office, but it is only because of you two d---heads that I stayed. She said Mr Swannell retorted: Dont call me a f---ing d---head or my wife. Thats it, youre sacked. Pack your kit and f--k off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Herbert said she asked if he was really firing her, and her boss answered: Yes I have, now f--k off. The office manager then sued the firm for unfair dismissal. The hearing was told that under the terms of her contract, she could be fired for the provocative use of insulting or abusive language. Due process not followed However, this required she be given a prior warning. Only more serious breaches such as threatening and intimidating language would be gross misconduct and warrant summary dismissal. The company claimed she had been dismissed for poor performance at work. However, Judge Boyes concluded that calling her bosses d---heads was not sufficient to fire Ms Herbert and ordered the firm to pay 15,042.81 in compensation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his latest judgement he also ruled they had to pay 14,087 towards her legal fees. Judge Boyes said: The companys disciplinary procedure was not followed. [Ms Herbert] was not given notice of the termination of her employment nor was she paid in lieu of that notice. The reason for [Ms Herbert]s dismissal was the comments that she made to Thomas Swannell at the meeting on 20 May 2023. Considered in context, I do not find that [Ms Herbert]s comments amounted to a repudiation of the whole contract. There is no history in this case of insolence or offensive comments on the part of [Ms Herbert]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Ms Herbert]s behaviour in making the comments that she did was a one off incident which occurred during a meeting which [Ms Herbert] had asked to be brought forward because she was anxious about her employment being terminated having, earlier in the day, discovered a document detailing the cost of her employment to the business. Although her comments were inappropriate and regrettable, they did not justify summary dismissal. 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. America, your front yard has been militarized. Yet residents and visitors there hardly pay the troops any mind. Its the normalization of excessive federal force under President Trump, just seven months into his reign. Americas Front Yard is what the National Park Service calls the National Mall, the grassy expanse that knits together the neighborhood thats home to the U.S. Capitol and the iconic monuments to Presidents Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson and Franklin Delano Roosevelt; veterans of World War II, Vietnam and Korea; and Martin Luther King Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades I jogged here (one morning literally running into Jimmy Carter, long gone from the White House). I introduced friends and family to the Malls delights and the museums that open onto it. I attended festivals, concerts and Fourth of July fireworks displays. On a gorgeous, sunny Labor Day this year, I returned. And for the first time, I saw armed, camo-clad soldiers among the tourists. As I left the World War II memorial, five soldiers emerged nearby, marching in single-line formation to join about two dozen more beside three vans under trees near the Reflecting Pool. At the pools opposite end, nearer the Lincoln Memorial, another dozen soldiers milled. Tourists mostly ignored the shows of force, except for the two park policemen on horseback along separate sides of the Reflecting Pool. Tourists wanted photos with them. As I approached the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, five more soldiers circled a statue dedicated to women who served in Vietnam. The men studied the sculpted figures and read the inscriptions just like tourists. Theyre bored, a park ranger told me. Theyd rather be home with their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I and most Washingtonians (8 out of 10, according to a mid-August poll for the Washington Post) also would rather have them home with their families, wherever home is. Six states headed by Republican governors, ever-eager to please Trump, have sent hundreds of National Guard troops to supplement those from blue Washington, who, unlike in the states where governors hold sway, are under the presidents direct command. Heading to a restroom on my way to the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial, I passed three hulking black SUVs. Despite their darkened windows, I could vaguely make out men inside. Only the vehicles license plates identified them: DHS, Department of Homeland Security, the tip of Trumps antimigrant spear. Perhaps these secret agents were awaiting a dispatchers call to nab another Latino delivery driver or raid another restaurants kitchen to drive up the numbers for Trumps immigration crackdown. What you see out in the open 2,200 uniformed soldiers and additional federal agents patrolling the nations capital is bad enough. Its what you dont see, or cant identify, thats more disturbing in the land of the free. Like masked agents in unmarked cars stopping and searching residents without evident reason, as videos on social media regularly capture. Either way, Trumps takeover of the District of Columbia using National Guard troops and federal agents from the DHS, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and from the FBI and other agencies together with his threats to Chicago, Baltimore and other cities amount to creating a national police force with the President as its chief, as a federal judge proclaimed this week in ruling against troops acting as cops in Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why is the National Guard still around? an exasperated Senior District Judge Charles R. Breyer (brother of retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer) demanded last month during a trial in the L.A. case. What is the threat today? What was the threat yesterday or two weeks ago that allowed it? Im trying to see whether there are any limits, any limits to the use of a federal force. Those were my questions in Washington as well, during my Labor Day stroll and a drive through downtown and various higher-crime neighborhoods. That same day, Trump boasted on social media that, three weeks into his policing of the nations capital, Washington is NOW A CRIME FREE ZONE. Yet hes vowed to keep boots on the ground beyond a legal 30-day limit next week, which would require Congress assent. The fact is that Washington, like any city, still has crime, though the rate was at a 30-year low before Trumps executive order Aug. 11 citing a nonexistent crime emergency, and its fallen more since then, as Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser has acknowledged . The issue isnt whether there is crime that needs to be policed. Its who does the policing. In America, thats historically been the states and local jurisdictions unless, as federal law requires, they prove incapable of doing so. Which they havent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If more police is an answer to crime, as Bowser and most mayors of either party would agree, then Trump should quit cutting federal funding Washington is short a full $1 billion in this fiscal year and instead do what former President Clinton did amid high crime in the mid-1990s: increase money to states and cities to hire more local cops. That helped in Clintons time, if not so much as he liked to claim. Whats worse is that Trumps bid to take charge in U.S. cities extends mostly to states led by Democrats, despite high or higher crime in red state cities including Memphis, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Louisville, Jackson and Birmingham. Sending red-state troops to police unfamiliar blue cities can only exacerbate polarization. So does a president who spurs on those troops and agents by denigrating U.S. cities as unsafe and dirty and disgusting (Washington), hell holes (Chicago and Baltimore) and terrible (L.A.). This is not normal, not in Americas front yard or anywhere else in this nation. Nor will it ultimately be accepted, as Trump takeovers spread and protests expand with them. I fear this is just what the Great Divider wants: an excuse to dispatch more troops. Bluesky: @jackiecalmes Threads: @jkcalmes X: @jackiekcalmes If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. ALTON, Ill. A new livestream camera, documenting ancient lake sturgeons below the Mel Price Lock and Dam in Alton, Illinois, has gone live. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the purpose of the livestream cameras is to monitor the species spawning activity. The state of Missouri declared the Lake sturgeon as an endangered species in 1974, and since then, MDC has made efforts to preserve the population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News MDC officials say that it takes about 20-30 years for female lake sturgeons to reach maturitywhich creates challenges for the animals to populate. Lake sturgeons that have survived from the 80s and 90s are expected to reproduce, MDC says. On the departments website, it was reported that the first confirmed sighting of the lake sturgeon in Missouri was in 2015. These cameras will be immensely helpful for discovering and monitoring the fishes spawning activity as part of MDCs endangered lake sturgeon recovery program, MDC wrote on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second camera is expected to be added in the future, but lake sturgeon enthusiasts can tune in to the new livestream 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 2. AUSTIN, Texas One of the seven letters 8-year-old Virginia wrote her parents, Lacy and Lars Hollis, while she was at Camp Mystic this summer had a sticker pasted to the back. Be happy, Love, Virginia," it read. In the letter, the young girl said: Mommy, you were right. This is the best. Im having so much fun, Lacy Hollis recalled. Virginia had wished her mom a happy July 4th. Eight-year-old Abby, too, had written her mother and father, Kristin and Matthew Pohl, as well as her grandparents and both sets of cousins. On her note to me, her last one, she had written stars all over the envelope and all over the note, and it just said: 'Dear Mom, Im having so much fun. Im making so many new friends. I love you. See you in Austin,' Kristin Pohl said in a TODAY show interview with Jenna Bush Hager. Kristin Pohl, mother of Abby. (Ilana Panich-Linsman for NBC News) The letters are now precious treasures for the Camp Mystic parents, the last of the voices and thoughts of their daughters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 12 heartbroken parents said Wednesday that those voices have guided them as they have spent the past month channeling their grief into advocacy for state legislation that would toughen safety for youth camps across Texas, the kind of safety they said did not exist for their daughters. The bills they advocated for which passed the Legislature on Wednesday night and are expected to be signed by Gov. Greg Abbott would, among other things, prohibit licensing of camps with cabins in flood plains, require camps to submit detailed annual emergency preparedness plans and implement safety training for staffers and campers. Twenty-seven girls and counselors died July 4 when the Guadalupe River overflowed by several feet in a matter of hours, sweeping through wooded summer camps, homes and businesses. One of the girls, Cile Steward, who was 8, still has not been found. "When I dropped her off, I told her, 'It's the safest place on Earth,'" Lacy Hollis said of leaving her daughter at Camp Mystic. "I don't want another parent's happiest day at the happiest place on Earth to then become something you can't even hardly think about with having your heart ripped open." Lacy and Lars Hollis, parents of Virginia, with their daughter's cattle brand, which Virginia designed and her uncle Craig forged. (Ilana Panich-Linsman for NBC News) Some parents have been left with guilt in the wake of the tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All of us ask how did we not see this coming or check more closely," said Ryan DeWitt, Molly DeWitt's father. "When you drop your kid at camp, that should be a given." DeWitt said the new requirements in the legislation should be "the bare minimum." Hours after they sat down with NBC News, taking turns giving life to their daughters through memories, the parents went to the Texas Capitol to witness final votes in the state House and Senate to pass The Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act they championed. The parents wore multiple colorful silicone bracelets with the names of one another's daughters on them. They also wore pink pins with a cloud under a halo with the words "Heaven's 27," referring to the lives lost at the camp. Ryan and Elizabeth DeWitt, parents of Molly. (Ilana Panich-Linsman for NBC News) '100% preventable' Blake Bonner, father of 9-year-old Lila Bonner, helped found the Heaven's 27 Foundation to unite parents behind bolstering youth camp safety in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parents, who are dealing with the torment of their grief shock, denial, guilt recognize "that this is a lot larger than Camp Mystic," Bonner said. In the first few weeks after July 4, the only explanations were that "this was an act of God," "part of camping" or "just a freak accident," he said. Bonner said that he could not believe any of that and that as he looked into the facts and circumstances, "it became very, very clear that this wasn't an accident. This was complacency, and it was 100% preventable." "I just couldn't bear the thought that their legacy would bring this much pain," he said. "So we poured our pain into this campaign, and it's been amazing to see their legacy now established as not only heroes, but heroes that have driven this change and legislation that will save lives." Caitlin and Blake Bonner, parents of Lila. (Ilana Panich-Linsman for NBC News) The proposed tougher regulations for youth camps got heavy support and advanced in two otherwise deeply partisan special legislative sessions, during which Democrats fled the state to prevent a vote on highly divisive redistricting legislation. A second special session provided time to move the bills forward. The families also had some lobbyists and other people savvy about navigating the halls of the Capitol on their side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan DeWitt, father of 9-year-old Molly, told Bush Hager the timing allows the safety regulations to take effect before next summer. He said it was a no-brainer for the parents to organize behind that. John Stevens, father of 8-year-old Mary, said, "We all as parents want to be able to send our kids back to camp, for this industry, which is very important to the state of Texas, to continue ... but we want it to happen safely." Stacy and John Stevens, parents of Mary. (Ilana Panich-Linsman for NBC News) "We would have been doing a massive disservice to our daughters for not running with this and seeing this through," Stevens said. The parents said trying to make the camps safer for all children has helped them move forward in their grief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Will and Cici Steward said they are living in a sort of suspended animation as they continue to wait for their daughter's body to be found. Cici and Will Steward, parents of Cile. (Ilana Panich-Linsman for NBC News) "We are forced to live and wait in agony, hoping and praying and looking for signs from the universe that she's OK and that she will be found," Cici Steward said. "For that to be good news and what we're hoping for, that our child's body be returned to us ... is a reality and a nightmare ... I wouldn't wish upon anybody." On Thursday, the Eastland family, which owns and operates Camp Mystic, supported the recently passed legislation in a statement, praising the families' advocacy and adding that "regardless of the provisions of Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1, our planning and procedures will reflect the catastrophic 1,000-year weather event that occurred on July 4, including never having campers return to cabins that had floodwaters inside them, despite the fact that all cabin floors are already outside of the 100-year flood plain." The camp's owner and director, Richard "Dick" Eastland, died as he was trying to rescue some of the campers from the flash floods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, family members are holding on to the moments their daughters relayed to them from the river camp. The campers were all having the best time," said Carrie Hanna, mother of Hadley. "In our photos, in our letters, you could just see and hear the joy they were having. And it makes me happy that they had that. I would have loved for them to have had longer." Carrie Hanna, mother of Hadley. (Ilana Panich-Linsman for NBC News) This article was originally published on NBCNews.com China stages cultural gala for V-Day commemoration Xinhua) 08:05, September 04, 2025 Xi Jinping and other leaders shake hands with war veterans before a grand cultural gala at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. With the theme of "Justice Prevails," the gala was staged on Wednesday evening to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng watched the gala with about 6,000 people. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- About 6,000 people on Wednesday evening watched a grand cultural gala staged to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Joining the crowd at the Great Hall of the People were Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng. Before the show started, Xi and other leaders shook hands with war veterans. With the theme of "Justice Prevails," the gala reviewed the epic history of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, highlighted the role of the Communist Party of China as the pillar of the resistance, resounded with the heroic theme of the Chinese people's fight against aggression, and showcased the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation standing tall among the nations of the world. Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, together with about 6,000 people, watch a grand cultural gala at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. With the theme of "Justice Prevails," the gala was staged on Wednesday evening to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, together with about 6,000 people, watch a grand cultural gala at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. With the theme of "Justice Prevails," the gala was staged on Wednesday evening to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Beijing Daily: Recently, at the invitation of China, General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith attended the SCO Plus Meeting and 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. President Thongloun also paid a working visit to China and met with General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders. Can you share the latest outcomes of China-Laos practical cooperation? Guo Jiakun: Recently, at the invitation of China, General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Meeting and 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, and paid a working visit to China. This morning, the leaders of both sides held a meeting and reached important common understandings. China has released a readout, which you may refer to. China and Laos are socialist friends and neighbors. Laos is among the first to jointly build a community with a shared future bilaterally with China. Since the latest Five-Year Plan of Action for building a China-Laos community with a shared future was signed, fruitful outcomes have been achieved in China-Laos cooperation in various fields. Recently, both sides have signed multiple cooperation documents, including the intergovernmental agreement on Juxtaposed Border Control arrangements for China-Laos Railway, supported the building of state-level large-scale model in Laos, achieved important cooperation outcomes in areas including artificial intelligence, satellite navigation, healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, and inspection and quarantine, and promoted the building of a high-standard, high-quality, and high-level China-Laos community with a shared future. Under the new circumstances, China is ready to work with Laos to follow the important common understandings between the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, strengthen strategic communication, deepen practical cooperation, advance the steady and sustained development of China-Laos community with a shared future, benefit the people in the two countries, and make positive contributions to peace, stability, development and prosperity of the region and the world. China-Arab TV: Yesterdays military parade was a success which demonstrates Chinas commitment to upholding the post-war international order and safeguarding peace. In the current international landscape, how will China better work with the international community to prevent the reoccurrance of historical tragedies and safeguard the hard-won peace? Guo Jiakun: Yesterday marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War and a major day celebrated by the Chinese people and all peace-loving countries and people across the world. President Xi Jinping in his important address at the grand commemoration noted that we gather here to remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace, and create a better future. The Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was an important part of the World Anti-Fascist War. With huge national sacrifice, the Chinese people made historic contributions to saving human civilization and safeguarding world peace. The great victory will go down in the history of the Chinese nation and in the history of humanitys fight for justice and peace. The Chinese people won the great victory through their united efforts with the anti-fascist Allied forces and the people around the world. The Chinese government and people will never forget the foreign governments and international friends who supported and assisted the Chinese people in resisting aggression. We invited more than 50 international friends or their families from 14 countries, including Russia, the U.S., the UK, France and Canada to attend the commemorative events. The Chinese Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries awarded 55 international friends with the commemorative medal of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. History cautions us that humanity rises and falls together. Only when all countries and nations treat each other as equals, coexist in peace and support each other, can we uphold common security, eradicate the root cause of war and prevent the reoccurrence of historical tragedies. Today, humanity again has to choose between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, win-win cooperation and zero-sum game. The commemoration again shows that China will firmly stand on the right side of history and the progress of human civilization, and that we are committed to the path of peaceful development. We sincerely hope that all countries will draw wisdom from history, value peace, and jointly create a better future for humanity. RT TV: Russian President Putin concluded his visit to China yesterday. Weve learned that this was his 20th visit to China, which unprecedentedly lasted four days. Whats Chinas comment on President Putins visit? Guo Jiakun: From August 31 to September 3, President Putin came to China and attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin and 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. During the visit, President Xi Jinping and President Putin had a meeting, a small-scale tea chat and a luncheon. President Xi Jinping also held the seventh meeting of heads of state of China, Russia and Mongolia with President Putin and President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh. The readouts have been released, which you may refer to. With the support of leaders of all SCO member states including President Putin, the SCO Tianjin Summit was a great success. Its the second time in 10 years that President Xi Jinping and President Putin attended commemorative events marking the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War in each others country. It demonstrates the sense of responsibility of China and Russia as major victorious nations in World War II and permanent members of the UN Security Council, and showcases the two countries firm commitment to safeguarding the fruits of our victory in the War and defending a correct historical perspective on World War II. China stands ready to work with Russia to follow up on the common understandings reached between the two presidents this fall, continue carrying out cooperation in various fields, keep unleashing the enormous potential of this bilateral relationship, jointly play a positive role on major international and regional issues, uphold global strategic stability and international fairness and justice and together build a more just and equitable global governance system. Bloomberg: President Trump accused China, Russia and North Korea of conspiring against the United States. Can you comment on that? Guo Jiakun: The purpose of China inviting foreign guests to attend the commemorative events is to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and together with peace-loving countries and people, to remember history, honor the fallen heroes, cherish peace and create a better future. China never targets any third party in developing diplomatic relations with any country. Global Times: On September 3, Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission, said that China stands with Russia, Iran, and North Korea during the commemoration. It isnt just anti-Western optics but is also a direct challenge to the international system built on rules. Whats your comment? Guo Jiakun: The statements by the relevant EU official are full of ideological bias without basic historical common sense, and blatantly stoke rivalry and confrontation. Its a disrespect to the history of World War II and harms the EUs own interests. Its very wrongful and irresponsible. China firmly opposes and condemns that. The Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is an important part of the World Anti-Fascist War. Eighty years ago, with enormous national sacrifice, the Chinese people made great contributions to saving humanitys civilization and defending world peace. At that time, friends from Russia, the U.S. and some European countries offered precious assistance and support to the Chinese people in our resistance against aggression. Only by remembering history can we truly uphold peace. China hosted 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 in order to remember history, honor the fallen heroes, cherish peace and create a better future, and to jointly defend the victorious outcomes of World War II and post-war international order with all peace-loving countries in the world. Twenty-six foreign heads of state and government, more than 20 high-level representatives of foreign governments and heads of international organizations, and over 100 diplomatic envoys from other countries, including 19 European countries, attended the events. They are from five continents across the world. The participation is highly representative. That precisely shows the international community has wide recognition of the historic contribution of Chinas war of resistance and its world significance as well as the common aspiration and determination to safeguard world peace and stability. In the current volatile and turbulent international landscape, the world needs, more than ever, solidarity and cooperation. Europe, where World War II was unleashed, is supposed to have a far deeper understanding of the lessons of history and the importance of unity. However, some EU leaders have been sticking to Cold-War mentality and severe ideological bias and deliberately created division and confrontation. This does not serve the EUs own interests and will further harm its reputation and influence in the world. We hope some in the EU will abandon their prejudice and arrogance, establish a correct historical perspective of World War II and a rational perception of China, immediately correct the wrongful remarks, undo negative influence and contribute to a more peaceful and stable world and sound China-EU relations, rather than the other way around. Reuters: Can you tell us whether foreign troops were invited to march in yesterdays parade and whether there is any reason that no foreign soldiers participated as was the case at previous anniversaries? Also, President Donald Trump said last night that the Chinese parade should have highlighted Americas help to end the war in the Pacific. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment? Guo Jiakun: On your first question, Id refer you to competent authorities. On your second question, yesterday morning, China held a grand commemoration to mark 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 in his speech noted that with huge national sacrifice, the Chinese people made major contributions to saving human civilization and safeguarding world peace. President Xi Jinping also expressed sincere gratitude to foreign governments and international friends who supported and assisted the Chinese people in resisting aggression. AFP: Yesterday, the U.S. said it seized 300 tonnes of precursor chemicals being transported from China to a Mexican drug cartel. Can you tell us if China knew about that shipment or that it was being seized? Would the Foreign Ministry like to offer any comment on this? Guo Jiakun: I am not familiar with what you mentioned. Let me say broadly that in terms of counter-narcotics, China has the strongest determination, the most relentless policy and one of the best records in the world. China has scheduled the largest number of substances and has the strictest drug control in the world. Chinas counter-narcotics authorities fight the illicit diversion of precursor chemicals in strict accordance with law and make sure that relevant companies do their business in accordance with the laws and regulations. The root causes of drug abuse in the U.S. lie in itself. And the key to solving the problem is also in its hands. The U.S. should face up to its problems and take more real actions to enhance domestic regulation and reduce domestic demands, instead of deflecting blame on, scapegoating, or abusing sanctions on other countries. China will take necessary measures to defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and citizens. NHK: The DPRK leader Kim Jong-un is visiting Beijing. Whether and when will the Chinese and the DPRK leaders meet? Guo Jiakun: At the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Workers Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong-un attended commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in China. The top leaders of the two parties and two countries will have talks and exchange views on China-DPRK relations and issues of common concerns. Comrade Kim Jong-uns attendance at the commemoration and the talks between the top leaders of the two parties and two countries carry great significance. China is ready to work with the DPRK to strengthen strategic communication, enhance exchanges and cooperation, deepen experience sharing on governance of the nation, and advance the progress of our respective socialist cause and China-DPRK traditional friendship and cooperation. By Jayshree P Upadhyay MUMBAI (Reuters) -Jane Street filed an appeal on Wednesday against India's markets regulator, seeking to compel it to release documents the U.S. high-frequency trading giant says are pertinent to rebut allegations of market manipulation, according to a case document reviewed by Reuters. The Securities and Exchange Board of India on July 4 temporarily barred Jane Street from trading in the local securities market on allegations that it manipulated India's indexes, in one of the strongest actions it has taken against a foreign investor. In its filing on Wednesday with India's Securities Appellate Tribunal, the company accused the regulator of refusing it "full inspection of all relevant and relied upon material". It said while it was inspecting some of the documents the regulator relied on, it came across an internal surveillance December 2024 report that had been unable to conclude manipulation by Jane Street entities in India's two key indexes. "On the basis of available information at this juncture, it is proposed that the matter may not be pursued further," Jane Street quoted the SEBI's December 2024 report as saying. "These documents are undeniably relevant," the company said in the filing. Jane Street declined to comment in a reply to an email from Reuters. The Securities and Exchange Board of India did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The filing with the tribunal, the first point of appeal against regulatory orders, is a rare challenge by a major U.S. company against India's regulator. It requests that the tribunal instruct SEBI to provide Jane Street with the missing materials, said a source with direct knowledge of the matter. SEBI imposed a penalty of $567 million on Jane Street, which the company has deposited. While it can restart trading in India, it is still refraining from doing so, Reuters reported last month. In its interim order in July, SEBI had said that Jane Street and related entities took positions in stocks underlying India's Bank Nifty index early in a trading session, while taking short positions in options linked to the index. It later sold the underlying stocks, making a loss on its cash positions, but made far larger gains on its derivative positions, SEBI alleged. Jane Street and related entities traded in volumes heavy enough to move the index, SEBI's order said. (Reporting by Jayshree P Upadhyay; Editing by Louise Heavens and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) The name Diageo may not be so easily recognizable, but its brands certainly are: this European spirits company is reportedly responsible for distilling 40% of all Scotch whiskey via well known names like Johnnie Walker and J&B. But its Diageos Crown Royal whiskey brand thats drawn the ire of our neighbors to the north after a recent business decision impacting a plant in Amherstburg, a town on the Detroit River border with the US. This week, Ontario premier Doug Ford responded angrily to reports that the spirits company would be closing the Amherstburg Crown Royal bottling plant, killing 180 jobs in the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read on IEN: Ford recently declared that he had a message to [the companys] CEO in France: You hurt my people, Im going to hurt you adding that Diageo leaders were dumb as a bag of hammers. As further evidence of Fords outrage, bystanders then watched the Ontario leader dump a full bottle of Crown Royal whiskey onto the ground in protest. He said he encouraged others to do the same thing, and to start supporting companies that make whiskey here in Ontario. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports suggest Ford views the plant closure as a casualty in Canadas ongoing trade spat with the United States a characterization that Diageo denies, saying the decision was made well before tariff determinations were made and has nothing to do with them. Instead, the company contends that the move was part of an effort to streamline its North American supply chain and, also, move closer to U.S. consumers. And while Ford appears to call on Canadian consumers to boycott the brand, a report in the Toronto Sun pointed out that this approach might not be such a great plan. Crown Royal, they noted, is only made in Canada, where the brand employs 500 workers. Not to mention, the company buys millions of dollars worth of the countrys corn, rye and barley in order to produce it. Despite this, Ford continues to play hardball. The Sun reported that, as of Tuesday, his staff claimed that unless Diageo reversed this decision, Ford might delist the companys other products, taking them off the shelves in the province, much like he did with American products earlier this year when related U.S. tariffs were first applied. The Scoop GOP officials have spoken with two Michigan state senators about a potential bid for Rep. Bill Huizengas seat in the event he does not seek reelection, a person familiar with the talks told Semafor. Huizenga has not made a decision yet, the person added, as the recruiting battle in Congress hit a fever pitch this week. Huizenga declined to run for his states open Senate seat after Trump put his weight behind former Rep. Mike Rogers instead. Retaining Huizenga in the House would be a shot in the arm for the GOP, which is also seeking to recruit former GOP Sen. John E. Sununu in New Hampshire. Some Republicans think Sununu would be stronger than former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown against Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., who dismissed both as from the bottom of their failed candidate barrel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NRCC Communications Director Will Kiley said in a statement that the campaign arm is all in on Congressman Huizenga, adding that we look forward to supporting him every step of the way as he continues to fight for our shared values in Congress. Know More First elected in 2010, Huizenga won his likely Republican district by 12 points in 2024. Still, its a top target for House Democrats campaign arm in the midterms after President Donald Trump won it by just three points. Theres no sign that the party is already recruiting to replace Huizenga, and the person familiar with the talks added that Republican leaders have asked him what they can do to entice him to remain in the House. But there are few available leadership opportunities that tempt Huizenga who is already House Financial Services Committee vice chair and House Foreign Affairs subcommittee chair following his failed bid for House Financial Services Committee chair last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown, meanwhile, already lost a race against retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., who ousted Sununu back in 2008. It would be an awkward spot for Senate Republicans, some of whom have served with both potential candidates. Theres less drama in Iowa as a lot of GOP senators backed Rep. Ashley Hinsons campaign to succeed Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa though Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, is holding off until the filing deadline, even as he said Hinson is well-prepared to be senator. Itll be a different story in Tennessee, where multiple House Republicans have expressed interest in Sen. Marsha Blackburns seat as she runs for governor. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., told Semafor that hes all in if she wins: Im not going to do that bogus, Oh, Im going to form an exploratory committee. Thats BS. Democrats, meanwhile, are continuing to build out their primary in Maine as Maine Beer Company founder Dan Kleban jumped into the Senate race. And in a bit of revenge down south, Democrats landed Scott Colom as a candidate in Mississippi against GOP Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith who blocked Colums judicial appointment. ERIN, N.Y. (WETM) A Candor man has been arrested on theft charges after officials say he stole bags from people at Park Station in August. Thomas J. Mitchell, 36, was arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 3, on two counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a class E felony, as stated in a release from the Chemung County Sheriffs Office. Elmira man accused of identity theft after bailing someone out of jail with stolen credit card Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say Mitchell was arrested on the charge following incidents that occurred on Aug. 10, 2025. At this time, officials say that deputies from the sheriffs office were called to Park Station in the Town of Erin for the report of a stolen backpack. Upon arrival at the scene and initial investigation, officials say that deputies were then made aware that another person had their duffel bag stolen from the area. The incident was then turned over to the Chemung County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigation Division. Officials say that further investigation into the incident revealed Mitchell as the potential suspect, which was later confirmed using security camera footage at Park Station that displayed him stealing the bags and leaving the area shortly after. Bath woman arrested after domestic dispute and attempted assault on officers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the investigation, officials say investigators from the Chemung County Sheriffs Office, with the assistance of members of the Tioga County Sheriffs Office in New York, went to a home in the Town of Candor to find Mitchell. Upon arrival at the home, officials say Mitchell was seen trying to run from deputies on foot, but was found shortly after and taken into custody. Officials say Mitchell was then taken back to Chemung County, charged and issued an appearance ticket. He was then turned over to the Genesee County Sheriffs Office on several outstanding warrants. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. Several employees of a Michigan marijuana company are hoping to accomplish a still-rare feat in the states nearly 6-year-old recreational cannabis industry: to unionize. Eight employees of Exclusive Brands in Ann Arbor, which grows, processes and sells marijuana at seven dispensaries throughout Michigan, have been on strike since Aug. 28 over the companys failure to recognize its workers right to join a union and its firing of a union supporter in its processing facility, according to a spokesperson for the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (the union the employees are hoping to join). While it's unknown exactly how many of the nearly 40,000 cannabis industry workers in Michigan are represented by a union, only a few unionized dispensaries, processing facilities and grow operations have emerged across Michigan in recent years, making the strike at Exclusive Brands a notable event in the industry's labor movement. Christine Morse, a budtender at Exclusive Ann Arbor Marijuana & Cannabis Dispensary for more than four years, stands with fellow employees during a strike outside the Ann Arbor store on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. The strike at Exclusive Brands Ann Arbor began the day after UFCW filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board in response to the firing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We haven't even been able to get to a vote whether we want a union or not," Emily Hull, a budtender at Exclusive Brands in Ann Arbor and an organizing committee member, said in an interview with the Detroit Free Press. Hull said when Exclusive Brands wouldn't respond to her and her colleagues' comments about forming a union, the decision was made to go on strike. Hull said what led to the decision to unionize was little communication from management and a lack of necessary repairs, such as when drawers in the store would break. She said employees who raised these issues with management had their hours cut in response. If workers at Exclusive Brands are successful in forming a union, they would join UFCW Local 876, which represents 18,000 workers in the cannabis, grocery, meatpacking, food processing and retail industries, among others, across Michigan. UFCW Local 876 is part of the UFCW International, which represents 1.2 million workers in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omar Hishmeh, president of Exclusive Brands, said in an emailed statement sent to the Free Press later Sept. 4 that the company is not blocking any vote or action from employees. "We've simply raised the legal question of whether the National Labor Relations Board has jurisdiction in cannabis, since cannabis remains a Schedule 1 controlled substance at the federal level," Hishmeh said. "Ultimately, it is the federal government, not Exclusive, that decides whether an election can move forward." He also noted in the statement that the company has more than 200 employees. Ally Hunter-Harris, left, a United Food and Commercial Workers organizer with two years in the Cannabis Workers Rising division, stands alongside Emily Hull, middle, and Christine Morse, employees at Exclusive Ann Arbor Marijuana & Cannabis Dispensary, during a protest outside the Ann Arbor store on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. While unionized cannabis industry workers in Michigan are still relatively uncommon, more workers have joined unions in recent years in both the state and in other states where recreational marijuana is legal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A UFCW didn't respond to directly to a question about how many cannabis workers UFCW Local 876 represents in the state, but said the UFCW represents tens of thousands of cannabis workers across the country, including in Michigan. A Teamsters spokesperson didn't have an answer to a question about how many marijuana industry employees in Michigan it represents. Drivers and budtenders at Ascend Cannabis Provisions in Grand Rapids ratified their first contract with Teamsters Local 406 two years ago. Workers at the PharmaCann cannabis cultivation facility in Warren voted to join Teamsters Local 337 near the end of last year but the company closed that facility just a few months later, resulting in about 200 employees losing their jobs. More cannabis industry news: Michigan cannabis regulator recalls more vape carts, this time over banned chemical Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More on Exclusive Brands: Michigan cannabis regulator finds more vape carts that contain potentially unsafe MCT oil Along with filing an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board, UFCW Local 876 also said it recently filed a complaint with the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency against Exclusive Brands for denying workers rights to organize. A UFCW spokesperson said the union expects the CRA to "seriously consider the company's compliance with labor law for any of Exclusive's licensing renewals, updates, etc." A Michigan CRA spokesperson didn't say whether the CRA had received the complaint but said, "We receive complaints every day and must determine the best course of action when that happens. We review them all for validity and our ability to investigate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (This story has been updated to include new information.) Contact Adrienne Roberts: amroberts@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Cannabis workers strike in Ann Arbor over union rights EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Canutillo Independent School District had to alter its release of their students at one of its schools due to a large fire happening in Canutillo. School district officials reassured parents who have students at Davenport Elementary School about the safety of their children. All students are indoors and safe, and there is no imminent danger to the campus, according to a Facebook post from the school district. Images of the fire show pallets at Custom Crates and Pallets burning. According to Google Maps, Custom Crates and Pallets is next door to Davenport Elementary School, along the 1500 block of Westway Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KTSM is at the scene, as emergency responders extinguish the large fire. Fire truck ladders are being used to extinguish the blaze from several feet in the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to the fire, the schools release procedures changed. Students had to be released through the back of the campus, at a gate near the corner of Tom Mays and Banker streets. Zinn and Tom Mays, Zinn and Remington and Westway and Tom Mays intersections are currently closed, according to the El Paso County Sheriffs Office. The Sheriffs Office confirmed its deputies and firefighters with West Valley Fire Department responded to the scene. Sheriff Oscar Ugarte stated that there is no immediate danger in the area or at the school. West Valley Fire Chief Bill Adler said the fire is under control and no injuries were reported. Dona Ana County Fire Department assisted with the extinguishment of the blaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the fire is still 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 KTSM 9 News. BERLIN (Reuters) - A car drove into people in the German capital Berlin on Thursday, injuring several people in what the emergency services said was an accident. Some children were lightly injured and an accompanying adult was severely injured, a spokesperson for Berlin fire brigade said. (Reporting by Rachel More and Tanya Daube and Madeline Chambers; Writing by Matthias Williams; Editing by Madeline Chambers) TIPTONVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Data from a cellphone used by a Tennessee man accused of killing four members of the same family and kidnapping a baby showed he was in the vicinity of a wooded area where the bodies were found with gunshot wounds and covered by tarpaulins, an FBI agent said Thursday. FBI Special Agent Scott Lawson testified during a preliminary hearing for Austin Robert Drummond, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping in the July 29 killings. Drummond appeared in court wearing handcuffs. He did not speak during the hearing. After about two hours of testimony from law enforcement officials, Lake County Judge Andrew Cook ruled that there was enough evidence to present the case to a grand jury, which will consider a formal indictment on the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Drummonds attorney, Bryan Huffman, noted that there was no evidence presented during the hearing that showed Drummond actually shot any of the victims. Drummond is blamed for the deaths of the parents, grandmother and uncle of an infant found abandoned in a homes front yard in rural west Tennessee. A weeklong search for Drummond ended Aug. 5 in Jackson, about 70 miles (115 kilometers) southeast of the location of the killings in Tiptonville. Prosecutors have said they plan to seek the death penalty if Drummond is convicted of first-degree murder at trial. The hearing was attended by the victims' relatives. When a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent testified about the four family members being found with gunshot wounds, one of the relatives yelled I've got to get out of here, and quickly left the courtroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the day of the shootings, officers responded to a call of an infant in a car seat being dropped at a random individuals front yard roughly 40 miles (65 kilometers) from Tiptonville, the Dyer County Sheriffs Office said. Then, investigators in neighboring Lake County reported that four people had been found dead from gunshot wounds in Tiptonville. They were identified as the babys parents, James M. Wilson, 21, and Adrianna Williams, 20; Williams brother, Braydon Williams, 15; and their mother, Cortney Rose, 38. Drummonds girlfriend is the sister of the infants grandmother, according to Lake County District Attorney Danny Goodman. During Thursday's hearing, a sheriff's deputy testified that the bodies were found covered by camouflage tarps in woods on state land in Tiptonville. The bodies were found near two vehicles belonging to the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawson, the FBI agent, testified that he analyzed data from a cellphone purchased by one of the victims and used by Drummond on July 29, the day of the killings. Lawson said Drummond spoke with suspected accomplices after the four family members were believed to have been killed that morning. Lawson said the phone was also found to be in the area of Drummond's parents' home, his girlfriend's apartment and a hotel where he had been staying. Other testimony showed that acquaintances of Drummond rented a Nissan Rogue for him and were helping him throughout the day. In all, five people have been charged with being accessories after the fact in the case. Video played during the hearing showed a pickup truck belonging to one of the victims leaving Tiptonville after the shootings and the rented Nissan heading back toward the area of the crime scene hours later. The victim's truck was later found abandoned in a ravine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummond took the infant without consent and had the baby with him for hours until the child was dropped off in the front yard of a home in the afternoon, Goodman, the district attorney, told the judge. Drummond has served prison time for robbing a convenience store and threatening to go after jurors. He was also charged with the attempted murder of a prison guard while behind bars, and he was out on bond at the time of the killings, Goodman has said. Also Thursday, the judge agreed to impose an order barring Drummond and lawyers from talking to the media about the case. The gag order comes after Drummond gave an interview to a media outlet from jail. With a population of about 3,400 people, Tiptonville is about 120 miles (193 kilometers) north of Memphis, near the Mississippi River and scenic Reelfoot Lake. Federal health officials are warning that certain lots of raw cat food may be contaminated with H5N1 bird flu after a pet cat in San Francisco that ate the food became infected with the virus and had to be euthanized. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday that two lots of RAWR Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats tested positive for the virus. Analysis by San Francisco health department officials showed that the same strain of the H5N1 virus was present in the pet food and in the cat that died. The incident is the first reported case of an H5N1 infection from raw food in pet cats since March. Dozens of domestic cats, including nearly 70 this year, have been infected with H5N1, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department. Many of the animals became infected after consuming raw milk or raw pet food contaminated with the virus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The affected lots of RAWR food include CCS 25 077, with a sell-by date of Sept. 18, 2026, and CCS 250 093, with a sell-by date of Oct. 3, 2026. RAWR raw pet food is sold frozen and must be thawed before use. No recall was posted for the products, but representatives for the Grass Valley, California, company said they had removed the lots in question from circulation weeks ago. RAWR Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats are sold in frozen 2.5-pound resealable bags containing 40 1-ounce sliders of food. The product is sold in stores nationwide and online. The U.S. Agriculture Department's National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the virus in samples from the food and the cat. Genetic sequencing showed that they contained a virus lineage that was detected in November and December and is no longer circulating. The virus is the same type that has been circulating widely in birds and in U.S. dairy cattle, including those in California. H5N1 infections can cause illness and death in birds, poultry and mammals such as cats. The virus has not been detected in dogs in the U.S., but there have been fatal cases in other countries. Animals that are very young, very old or have weakened immune systems are at risk of becoming seriously ill from an infection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No human infections from H5N1 bird flu have been identified in people who handled raw pet food, but humans can become infected and sick if active virus gets into their eyes, nose or mouth. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. The head of Nashvilles Catholic Charities is stepping down to retire and spend more time with her family, an announcement that follows recent administrative tumultuousness at the social services nonprofit. Judy Orrs retirement comes more than six years after her hiring, a tenure in which she oversaw major COVID-19 and tornado relief efforts and refugee resettlement work. That refugee resettlement work has also been at the center of upheaval for Catholic Charities, a partner organization with the Catholic Diocese of Nashville, due to its ties to federal funding. Judy Orr The challenges the agency has encountered have tested its mettle, especially these last seven months of unprecedented executive orders and significant reordering of federal funding priorities, thereby affecting all service providers who have partnered with state and federal government, Orr said in the news release. In spite of the challenges, we have much to look forward to, as we re-tool Catholic Charities for its next 63 years as the leading agency helping people achieve self-reliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catholic Charities announced in May it was laying off 51 employees in a series of cost cutting measures that would occur through September. Orr said in that announcement she anticipated additional layoffs afterward. The move followed President Donald Trumps decision in January to suspend Americas refugee resettlement program. Catholic Charities has been helping resettle refugees since 1962, and in recent years the organization and Nashville International Center for Empowerment have assisted people from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Syria and Myanmar. Orr told The Tennessean in a March 2022 article that Catholic Charities priority for serving hundreds of new Afghan refugees was providing assistance for people who may be dealing with trauma who may be dealing with health care issues. Sarwar Hawez helps newly arrived Afghan refugees check in to a hotel in Nashville, Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021. The news release about Orrs retirement described her tenure as one of expansion. The organization grew it revenue by more than $15 million and staff by 110 employees, the news release said. It also added more family resource centers across the Nashville region, which provide various resources to combat food insecurity and housing instability. Some of those centers even provide therapy, job training and financial literacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year alone, we served 26,000 people facing poverty, housing instability, and other urgent needs, and the demand is ever-increasing, Orr said in the release. Catholic Charities will begin a search for Orr's successor in the next few weeks. Once that successor is named, Orr will fully step down from her role as executive director. Related: Afghan refugees welcomed to Nashville by a Kurd who knows what's it's like to flee his homeland Liam Adams covers religion for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at ladams@tennessean.com or on social media @liamsadams. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Catholic Charities Judy Orr to retire, follows cuts and upheaval Public health and access to lifesaving vaccines are on the line in a high-stakes leadership battle at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s push to fire CDC director Susan Monarez is more than an administrative shake-up. The firing marks a major offensive by Kennedy to seize control of the agency and impose an anti-vaccine, anti-science agenda that will have profound effects on the lives and health of all Americans, public health leaders say. Kennedy wants to see the Pfizer and Moderna messenger RNA-based covid-19 vaccines pulled from the market, according to two people familiar with the planning who asked not to be identified because theyre not authorized to speak to the press. Hes also set his sights on restricting or halting access to some pediatric immunizations, some public health leaders say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His actions have already reduced federal help to states, creating the potential for more infectious disease outbreaks and incidences of foodborne illness. Some public health leaders say they expect Kennedy will use the CDC to publicize health information that isnt grounded in science. Its crazy season, said Richard Besser, former acting CDC director during the Obama administration. People want information they can trust to make critical decisions about their health. Until now, weve been able to say look at the CDC. Unfortunately, were not able to do that anymore. HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard disputed the criticism. Secretary Kennedy remains firmly committed to delivering on President Trumps promise to Make America Healthy Again, dismantling the failed status quo that fueled a nationwide chronic disease epidemic and eroded public trust in our public health institutions, Hilliard said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House spokesperson Kush Desai said Kennedy and Commissioner of Food and Drugs Marty Makary have reiterated that covid shots will remain available for Americans who need and want them. The Trump administration is restoring Gold Standard Science as the sole guiding principle of health decision-making, Desai said in an email. Only the Fake News could ignore these facts to continue pushing Democrat talking points and hysteria. Behind the Ouster The shake-up began last week, when Kennedy sought to fire Monarez, a microbiologist whod just been confirmed by the Senate in July. She refused to leave the position, and her lawyers said Kennedy sought to oust her because she wouldnt fire senior staff or follow unscientific directives. Four top career officials at the CDC resigned on Aug. 27 in protest. Career staffers at the CDC and some public health groups had hoped President Donald Trump would intervene and put the brakes on Kennedy. Instead, the White House backed Kennedy, saying Monarez was fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump on Sept. 1 demanded that drug companies show that covid vaccines work, in a further sign hes not set on defending the shots. I hope OPERATION WARP SPEED was as BRILLIANT as many say it was. If not, we all want to know about it, and why??? Trump said on Truth Social. Operation Warp Speed was the initiative that Trump himself announced in 2020 to accelerate the development of covid vaccines, including the Pfizer and Moderna shots. The vaccines have proved safe and effective in multiple clinical trials; a study published in JAMA Health Forum estimated that they saved about 2.5 million lives worldwide. CDC staffers are worried the agencys next director wont fight for science, according to an employee who asked not to be identified for fear of professional retaliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps support for Monarezs ouster was a watershed moment that signaled there are no checks on Kennedy and his agenda, public health advocates say. Leading congressional Democrats such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for Kennedys firing. Hundreds of HHS staffers have also implored Congress to intervene, saying Kennedy threatens science and public health. He is slated to testify Sept. 4 before the Senate Finance Committee. Kennedy said in a message to CDC staff that his focus is on boosting the agencys reputation and leadership. The Atlanta-based agency was already reeling after the Trump administration pushed out thousands of its staff and a gunman who reportedly believed the covid vaccine had caused him health problems fired hundreds of rounds at its campus last month, killing a police officer. The CDC must once again be the worlds leader in communicable disease prevention. Together, we will restore trust, Kennedy wrote. Together, we will rebuild this institution into what it was always meant to be: a guardian of Americas health and security. He said his deputy, Jim ONeill, would serve as acting CDC director. Nine former CDC directors or acting directors who served under both Republicans and Democrats criticized Kennedy in the aftermath of the Monarez firing, saying in an op-ed in The New York Times that the impact on public health is unacceptable, and it should alarm every American, regardless of political leanings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HHS spokesperson Hilliard took exception with this point, listing four covid vaccines that continue to get the nod for use. However, the Food and Drug Administration last week approved updated covid mRNA boosters only for people 65 or older and others at high risk of complications. The CDC has also stopped recommending the shots for healthy children and pregnant women. Previously, the shots had been advised for anyone 6 months or older. As a result, many people who dont meet the criteria but want the vaccine will have to get prescriptions or consult with their doctors. Insurance may not always cover the shots, which can run around $200. Major drugstores such as Walgreens and CVS have said the shots may not be available at all pharmacies and may require a prescription. The American Academy of Pediatrics on Aug. 19 broke with the administration, recommending that all young children get the covid vaccine. Insurance still may not cover the cost in some cases and parents could face obstacles in getting the vaccines without a prescription. Next Move: The Advisory Committee Kennedy and his team changed official covid vaccine recommendations even though there have been no new safety issues. A dose of the 2023-24 covid mRNA vaccine prevented significant illness and death across all age groups, according to a study published in August led by a University of Michigan researcher. The virus killed about 1,000 people a week in the U.S. in mid-January, and cases are rising again and expected to accelerate this winter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy has handpicked a vaccine advisory committee for the CDC that is reviewing mRNA-based covid vaccines, which he falsely claimed in 2021 were the deadliest vaccine ever made. The covid vaccine review is being led by Retsef Levi, a professor of operations management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who has said without evidence that the shots cause serious harm, including death. If the committee recommends against them, Kennedy and the FDA could then begin the process of removing them from the market. Taking mRNA-based covid shots off the market would leave consumers with fewer options for protection. Paxlovid, an antiviral medication that treats the infection in high-risk adults, would be available. The CDC advisory committee reviewing the covid shots is also probing a long-debunked link between aluminum, used in many childhood immunizations such as those for hepatitis A and pneumonia, and autism or allergies. The groups findings are expected to support the erroneous link, some public health officials say. HHS could then require drugmakers to undertake costly reformulations of the shots or stop manufacturing them altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would set up the elimination of all childhood vaccines, Besser said. The advisory groups next meeting is set for Sept. 18, although Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) has called for the meeting to be indefinitely delayed. Cassidy, a physician who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, voted for Kennedys confirmation as HHS secretary after receiving assurances, he said, that the longtime vaccine opponent wouldnt disrupt the U.S. vaccination system. Kennedys promises, Cassidy said, included that he wouldnt change the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Kennedy removed all of the panels members in June and replaced them with his own appointees, including anti-vaccine activists. Kennedys move to put his stamp on the CDC means states that have long relied on the agencys expertise and help in crises such as disease outbreaks will largely be left to fend for themselves, said Ashish Jha, who served as President Joe Bidens covid response coordinator from 2022 to 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States are going to be left on their own, Jha said. States will struggle with the CDC incapable and dysfunctional. Our system is not designed for states to go it alone. The CDC typically plays a critical role by assisting states with disease surveillance, public health interventions, and outbreak response, especially when a crisis spills across state lines. An outbreak of measles this year led to more than 1,400 cases nationwide, and states including Texas, where the outbreak was identified, struggled to get help from the CDC. A CDC program that has long tracked pathogens in food has already reduced the number of hazards it looks for from eight to two, which public health leaders say is making it harder to identify outbreaks. Staff overseeing a CDC program that tracks outdoor pollution that can exacerbate asthma also have been cut. The agency runs a hotline that doctors around the country can call to get treatment and other types of advice. Under Kennedys watch, the CDC has had to pare assistance because of staffing reductions, said Wendy Armstrong, vice president at the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lives are 100% at stake, no question about it, Armstrong said. That you can no longer trust the recommendations out of the CDC is just devastating. Its appalling to think we cant trust that information is science-based anymore. Kennedy wants to shake up CDC leadership because he sees the agency as the heart of corruption and resistance within the federal health bureaucracy, according to people familiar with his planning. Kennedy has said the agency suffers from malaise and bias. Many public health leaders, however, view the CDC as under siege by an administration they say is corrupting science for its own ends. HHS staffers signed onto a letter that now has more than 6,800 signatures, saying Kennedy is endangering the nations health by repeatedly spreading inaccurate health information. Kennedy has also been fending off mounting criticism of his response to the shooting at the CDCs headquarters. He responded to the attack on social media, hours later, after first posting pictures of himself fly-fishing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some younger staffers are considering leaving and some workers feel like the shooting accelerated Kennedys overhaul of the agency, the CDC employee said. With the battle for control of the CDC still raging, public health leaders are now looking to Congress to put the brakes on Kennedy. Some Republican lawmakers have called for a review of Kennedys actions. These high profile departures will require oversight by the HELP Committee, Cassidy said Aug. 27 on the social platform X. Cassidy had backed Monarez to lead the agency. *** 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. (Reuters) -ExxonMobil is seeking to offload its European chemical plants in the UK and Belgium as the sector reels from the impact of U.S. tariffs and competition from China, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The U.S. energy producer has held early-stage discussions with advisers in recent weeks on possible sales, which could fetch up to $1 billion, the newspaper said, citing two sources. Exxon told the newspaper that it does not "comment on rumours or speculation". Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Exxon did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment outside regular business hours. The European chemicals industry is facing renewed pressure as U.S. tariffs disrupt global trade, delay orders, and intensify competition from cheaper Asian imports, threatening recovery in a sector still reeling from the 2022 energy crisis. Exxon owns an ethylene plant in the Scottish town of Fife, as well as several production sites in Belgium. It had also discussed simply shutting them down, the report said. There was no guarantee a deal would materialize and Exxon could opt to hold on to the assets, the report said. Other major players like LyondellBasell and Sabic are also reducing their European footprints, with LyondellBasell selling certain olefin and polyolefin assets earlier this year. In May, Exxon entered into exclusive negotiations with the French unit of Canadian energy group North Atlantic to divest its majority-owned French subsidiary Esso. (Reporting by Rajveer Singh Pardesi in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonia Cheema and Sherry Jacob-Phillips and Subhranshu Sahu) (PUEBLO, Colo.) The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) has confirmed it previously had a contract with former Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter. The CDOC said the contract with Cotter began Jan. 1, 2024 and expired on June 30, 2025, adding it was not aware of any wrongdoing by Cotter until the allegations were made public. Its unclear at this time if any of the more than 20 bodies discovered in August at the mortuary Cotter owned with his brother were inmates. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Pueblo County Coroner resigns amid investigation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cotter reportedly told investigators that some of the remains found in a hidden room at Davis Mortuary had been awaiting cremation for more than 15 years. We are deeply troubled by the allegations that have come to light regarding the Pueblo County Coroner and Cotter Family Funeral Services, the CDOC said in a statement. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families who are processing this additional burden on top of their profound loss. According to the CDOC, since the expiration of its contract with Cotter, it has contracted locally for cremation 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 FOX21 News Colorado. BRIGHAM CITY, Utah (ABC4) It is time to celebrate the fall harvest of peaches at this years Peach Days in Brigham City, Sept. 4 through 6. Monica Holdaway, CEO of the Box Elder Chamber of Commerce, shared that there will be over 200 vendor booths this year. 35 of the booths will feature various peach dishes such as peach ice cream, funnel cake with peach toppings, deep fried peaches, peach BBQ sauce, and more. Dutch Oven peach cobbler is probably the most popular because it is so iconic. The deep-fried peaches are really good. And you just cant go wrong with the funnel cake, Holdaway said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority of the other festivities, like the parades and rides, will begin on Friday. Peach Queen Pageant Holdaway shares that the festival will kick off on Thursday evening with The Peach Queen Pageant. The Peach Queen Pageant is the scholarship event. There, one person is named the Peach Queen. The Peach Queen will get to ride on the float and celebrate Peach Days. Its the local royalty, Holdaway said. Additionally, over the weekend, there will be a 10k run, concert, quilt and car show, and beard contest. Peach Days will be located in downtown Brigham City with free admission, and the schedule for the weekend can be found here. 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. The first day of classes for 900,000 New York City students on Thursday means a statewide ban on cell phones in schools is officially in effect. Gov. Hochul signed the law last spring prohibiting the devices from the morning until the final bell, with limited exceptions. The new policy is part of a larger effort to promote better attention in the classroom and more socializing in the cafeteria and hallways. Were doing this because we want to make sure that you can keep learning and in a distraction-free environment, Hochul told students at Middle School 582, The Magnet School for Multimedia, Technology and Urban Planning, in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Were doing it all over the state, and youre among the very first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New York City, about half of public schools banned the phones this year, joining hundreds of schools that already had restrictions in place. While there are some guidelines that all city schools must follow, such as exemptions for students with disabilities or caregivers for younger siblings, its up to principals to come up with a plan to separate kids from their devices. Among the most popular methods: Give students pouches that snap shut at the start of the school day, then unlock with a magnet at dismissal. Or collect phones when teens get to the building or younger kids get to their first class, and give them back at the end of the school day. About 820 schools have purchased pouches, 600 are using drop-boxes or storage bins, and 550 are collecting phones in the classroom, according to the New York City Department of Education, which recently surveyed principals. The rules also apply to other electronic devices, such as smartwatches and AirPods. When it came time to put the phones away, the reception was mixed with some parents and students finding creative ways to get around the ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I give her another phone to put in the pouch arrest me, said a mom of an eighth-grade student at MS 582, who was granted anonymity to speak freely. I know her, she will not be on her phone. Shes actually a straight-A student, thank God. The governor can come and ask me, but I dont care. Arrest me! She has a phone. Im totally against it. Because, like, God forbid anything happens, especially with all the shootings going around, I feel like its just dangerous, the mom continued. Unable to contact her daughter, Brooklyn Technical High School mom Rena Singh waited two hours to pick her up from school and show her the interborough route home to Queens. While a frustrating experience, Singh said she understood that the ban would help her child focus in the classroom and make friends at her new school. I dont know whats gonna happen this year, Singh said. I think she will get used to it, and shell be able to focus more on her studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But unlike the magnetic pouches from the company Yondr at MS 582, Brooklyn Tech is using small bags with a velcro closure kept in backpacks that while a disincentive for students to grab their phones, does not guarantee their disuse. The way were using these pouches, we can access them anyways, said Rachel Zeng, a senior, calling that a good thing in case of an emergency. But with deans enforcing the policy and some students having their phones taken away, she noticed fewer of her classmates reaching for their devices during the school day. At a back-to-school press conference at HBCU Early College Prep in Jamaica, Queens, Mayor Adams said there are emergency procedures in place, locks on school front doors and student drills on what to do in a crisis. Were going to do our job to keep our children safe, but lets not confuse this Mommy did not text me during an emergency. She called the school, Adams said. And so, we will survive without cell phones in our schools. It is hurting our children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, the policy remains widely popular among adults and, for some teens, at least not too much of a nuisance. For me, if the phone ban wasnt a thing, I would just keep it in my bag, Taylin, a ninth-grader at HBCU Prep, said after the event. Or if anyone needed to reach out to me, I would answer, put it back in my bag. I wouldnt just be on the phone the whole school day. About 61% of New York voters support a cell phone ban in schools, according to an April poll from Siena College Research Institute. The restrictions were passed with bipartisan support in the state Legislature and the backing of both the state and city teachers unions. For the first day of the ban, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos held an early afternoon meeting with principals citywide and deployed borough safety directors and local district staff to schools. She also planned to hold more meetings with administrators by grade level, as well as form a teacher advisory council and focus groups, including with students. But the chancellor insisted schools were ready for the challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a shift, but we will be OK, Aviles-Ramos said at the press conference with the mayor. This is not new to New York City. It is new to some schools. New York is one of 17 states, plus the District of Columbia, that are implementing new phone restrictions this year, for a total of 35 states with such a law on the books. The education reform has seen a rapid uptake since Florida became the first state to do so in 2023. Im fortunate, when I went to school in this city, it was before the peak of social media, mayoral Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani said at press conference outside Intermediate School 5, The Walter Crowley Intermediate School, in Elmhurst, Queens, with the United Federation of Teachers. Because to be young in this moment is to feel a relentless amount of pressure. A state assemblyman, Mamdani is part of the New York Legislature that voted to implement the ban as part of its most recent state budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IS 5 purchased Yondr pouches in spring 2024. Entering their second full school year with the policy in place, teachers say its been a boon for students and staffers alike. We have a very successful cell phone ban in place, said Nicole Keaster, an English teacher at IS 5, in Queens, which purchased Yondr pouches in spring 2024. Were really proud of it. There was a clear plan, there was follow-through. I know there might be some bumps, but if you stay the course, it really does work, said Keaster, whos also the UFT chapter leader at her school. Everybody, just give it a little bit of time. David Banks, the former city schools chancellor who pushed for a citywide school phone ban last year before Adams put the kibosh on his plans, took to social media to lament it did not happen sooner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor at the time wasnt prepared to do it, but thank goodness that the governor has leaned in with a level of leadership to make this happen, Banks said in a video posted on Instagram. This is a huge deal. With Chris Sommerfeldt NEW YORK The first day of classes for 900,000 New York City students on Thursday means a statewide ban on cellphones in schools is officially in effect. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the law last spring prohibiting the devices from the morning until the final bell, with limited exceptions. The new policy is part of a larger effort to promote better attention in the classroom and more socializing in the cafeteria and hallways. Were doing this because we want to make sure that you can keep learning and in a distraction-free environment, Hochul told students at Middle School 582, The Magnet School for Multimedia, Technology and Urban Planning, in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Were doing it all over the state, and youre among the very first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New York City, about half of public schools banned the phones this year, joining hundreds of schools that already had restrictions in place. While there are some guidelines that all city schools must follow, such as exemptions for students with disabilities or caregivers for younger siblings, its up to principals to come up with a plan to separate kids from their devices. Among the most popular methods: Give students pouches that snap shut at the start of the school day, then unlock with a magnet at dismissal. Or collect phones when teens get to the building or younger kids get to their first class, and give them back at the end of the school day. About 820 schools have purchased pouches, 600 are using drop-boxes or storage bins, and 550 are collecting phones in the classroom, according to the New York City Department of Education, which recently surveyed principals. The rules also apply to other electronic devices, such as smartwatches and AirPods. When it came time to put the phones away, the reception was mixed with some parents and students finding creative ways to get around the ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I give her another phone to put in the pouch arrest me, said a mom of an eighth-grade student at MS 582, who was granted anonymity to speak freely. I know her, she will not be on her phone. Shes actually a straight-A student, thank God. The governor can come and ask me, but I dont care. Arrest me! She has a phone. Im totally against it. Because, like, God forbid anything happens, especially with all the shootings going around, I feel like its just dangerous, the mom continued. Unable to contact her daughter, Brooklyn Technical High School mom Rena Singh waited two hours to pick her up from school and show her the interborough route home to Queens. While a frustrating experience, Singh said she understood that the ban would help her child focus in the classroom and make friends at her new school. I dont know whats gonna happen this year, Singh said. I think she will get used to it, and shell be able to focus more on her studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But unlike the magnetic pouches from the company Yondr at MS 582, Brooklyn Tech is using small bags with a velcro closure kept in backpacks that while a disincentive for students to grab their phones, does not guarantee their disuse. The way were using these pouches, we can access them anyways, said Rachel Zeng, a senior, calling that a good thing in case of an emergency. But with deans enforcing the policy and some students having their phones taken away, she noticed fewer of her classmates reaching for their devices during the school day. At a back-to-school press conference at HBCU Early College Prep in Jamaica, Queens, Mayor Eric Adams said there are emergency procedures in place, locks on school front doors and student drills on what to do in a crisis. Were going to do our job to keep our children safe, but lets not confuse this Mommy did not text me during an emergency. She called the school, Adams said. And so, we will survive without cellphones in our schools. It is hurting our children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, the policy remains widely popular among adults and, for some teens, at least not too much of a nuisance. For me, if the phone ban wasnt a thing, I would just keep it in my bag, Taylin, a ninth-grader at HBCU Prep, said after the event. Or if anyone needed to reach out to me, I would answer, put it back in my bag. I wouldnt just be on the phone the whole school day. About 61% of New York voters support a cellphone ban in schools, according to an April poll from Siena College Research Institute. The restrictions were passed with bipartisan support in the state Legislature and the backing of both the state and city teachers unions. For the first day of the ban, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos held an early afternoon meeting with principals citywide and deployed borough safety directors and local district staff to schools. She also planned to hold more meetings with administrators by grade level, as well as form a teacher advisory council and focus groups, including with students. But the chancellor insisted schools were ready for the challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a shift, but we will be OK, Aviles-Ramos said at the press conference with the mayor. This is not new to New York City. It is new to some schools. New York is one of 17 states, plus the District of Columbia, that are implementing new phone restrictions this year, for a total of 35 states with such a law on the books. The education reform has seen a rapid uptake since Florida became the first state to do so in 2023. Im fortunate, when I went to school in this city, it was before the peak of social media, mayoral Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani said at press conference outside Intermediate School 5, The Walter Crowley Intermediate School, in Elmhurst, Queens, with the United Federation of Teachers. Because to be young in this moment is to feel a relentless amount of pressure. A state assemblyman, Mamdani is part of the New York Legislature that voted to implement the ban as part of its most recent state budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IS 5 purchased Yondr pouches in spring 2024. Entering their second full school year with the policy in place, teachers say its been a boon for students and staffers alike. We have a very successful cellphone ban in place, said Nicole Keaster, an English teacher at IS 5, in Queens, which purchased Yondr pouches in spring 2024. Were really proud of it. There was a clear plan, there was follow-through. I know there might be some bumps, but if you stay the course, it really does work, said Keaster, whos also the UFT chapter leader at her school. Everybody, just give it a little bit of time. David Banks, the former city schools chancellor who pushed for a citywide school phone ban last year before Adams put the kibosh on his plans, took to social media to lament it did not happen sooner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor at the time wasnt prepared to do it, but thank goodness that the governor has leaned in with a level of leadership to make this happen, Banks said in a video posted on Instagram. This is a huge deal. _______ (With Chris Sommerfeldt) SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) has prepared a 2025 emergency evacuation plan to help you; your family and your pets leave Chatham County safely. In the past, CEMA would provide transportation to a shelter in Augusta, but for the past 2 years they moved the shelter to Macon. What we do with local transportation assets is that the CAT will run their normal bus routes, Director of Chatham County Emergency Management Agency Dennis Jones said. Theyll pick up people who want to go to the evacuation assembly area, which is slated for the Enmarket arena. There they will be categorized and put onto a bus and evacuated out of Chatham County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CEMA officials ask if you plan to evacuate, only bring to bags due to space. The shelters are operated by the American Red Cross, and they will provide food and water. Jones said this service is only for Chatham County residents, but as safety is their top priority, they wont turn people away. If you need to evacuate with a pet there are plans in place, but they will be transported to a different shelter. We do have some resources that are available for evacuating pets, Jones said. Unfortunately, the pets do not go to the same location. They are separated. We dont have any co-locate pet and general population evacuation shelters right now. We are looking into that. Officials want to remind you that there will be times when help like this will no longer be available. They encourage everyone to have their own emergency evacuation plans and kits that are specifically designed for your family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of effort that goes into making that evacuation decision, Jones said. We understand that it affects everyone differently. We understand that it has an economic impact to the individual and to the families. Our primary focus is to ensure that everyone is safe, so if you do happen to stay during an evacuation order, there will be times where public services will not be available to you, and that includes public safety. Jones explained that once the evacuation order is lifted everyone will be transported back to the Enmarket arena. Once they are back at the Enmarket they will help everyone find transportation home. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. Video: Prior coverage of a plant quarantine prompted by Box Tree Moth sightings. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A Boxwood warning has been issued by the city of Centerville. The city is warning residents of the box tree moth and caterpillars. The species is considered invasive and can be dangerous to residential landscapes. Its a tricky thing, because the boxwood has been a primary pillar of Midwest landscapes for decades now, said Jotham Smith, horticulturist with Centerville Public Works and liaison for the Centerville City Beautiful Commissions affiliation with Tree City USA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark County considers solar, wind farm ban Because everyone has them, pests and diseases can easily spread from one yard to the next. Box Tree Moths typically have two white dots on their front wings. Its more common to spot moths with light-colored wings. The caterpillars usually sport a green to greenish-yellow coat with black stripes and black dots. Theyll be seen crawling on boxwoods. Residents should not apply insecticide to boxwoods before confirming an infestation. Click here on additional information on Box Tree Moths. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) While Arthur Treachers is staging an Ohio comeback, scattered across Columbus are the shells of more than a dozen former locations that once fried up cod and hush puppies. Launched in 1969, the central Ohio chain was named after British actor Arthur Treacher, who appeared in numerous 1930s films and in Disneys Mary Poppins. Its British-inspired menu helped fuel rapid expansion and, by the end of the 1970s, there were more than 800 Arthur Treachers locations nationwide. After shooting, Ohio lawmaker pushes to require bypass lanes at drive-thrus Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Financial trouble hit early in the next decade. The company filed for bankruptcy in 1982, just months after being acquired by Lumara Foods of America. After years of ownership changes, Chapter 11 proceedings and declining sales, the chains footprint shrank drastically. Today, just three restaurants remain open, all in northeast Ohio. (Courtesy Photo/Arthur Treachers Fish & Chips) The chain made headlines this summer when a deal to revive one of its former locations fell through. Marinos Seafood Fish & Chips at 1216 W. Fifth Ave. in Grandview Heights was once an Arthur Treachers in the 1980s. The restaurants owners had planned to retire and transfer operations to the chain, but the agreement collapsed and Marinos reopened in August. Watch a previous NBC4 report on Marinos and Arthur Treachers in the video player above. The following list of former Arthur Treachers locations was compiled by ColumbusRestaurantHistory.com, a site that since 1997 has documented central Ohio restaurants. Former central Ohio Arthur Treachers locations 261 Lincoln Circle in Gahanna. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This property was among Arthur Treachers first locations that opened in 1969 and is now home to a longtime Masseys Pizza. (Franklin County Auditors Office) 355 Granville St. in Gahanna. This Gahanna site has seen several tenants over the years, including Swan Cleaners and most recently Buckeye Candy Company. (Franklin County Auditors Office) New York-based hamburger joint to open in former Melt at Easton on Wednesday 561 S. Hamilton Road in Whitehall. An Arthur Treachers location until 1980, this Whitehall property was the home of Indochine Cafe before closing in 2022. (Franklin County Auditors Office) 808 S. High St. in German Village. Another original Arthur Treachers that operated from 1969 until the mid 1970s, this German Village property has been owned by Taco Bell since the 1980s. (Franklin County Auditors Office) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1216 W. Fifth Ave. in Grandview Heights. Once an Arthur Treachers in the 1980s, this Grandview Heights location has operated under the Marinos brand since 1992. (Franklin County Auditors Office) 1765 Brice Road in Reynoldsburg. This Reynoldsburg site is the longtime home of creole restaurant Cajun Island. (Franklin County Auditors Office) 2110 Cleveland Ave. in Columbus. Another Arthur Treachers from 1969 until the mid 1970s, this Columbus property recently featured a beauty salon, but has since been boarded up. (Franklin County Auditors Office) Stump to close Italian Village plant shop after 10 years in business 2127 E. Livingston Ave. in Columbus. This Columbus property was among Arthur Treachers later locations, open from the 1990s until 2005. (Franklin County Auditors Office) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2183 N. High St. in Columbus. Near Ohio State University, this site was an Arthur Treachers beginning in 1969 and now includes a Dominos location. (Franklin County Auditors Office) 2245 Morse Road in Columbus. Listed as Arthur Treachers original central Ohio location, this Columbus property is now a E-Z Cash Pawn Shop. (Franklin County Auditors Office) 3871 E. Livingston Ave. in Columbus. This Columbus site has served as an auto sales business since the 1980s. (Franklin County Auditors Office) 5328 N. High St. in Columbus. Previously known as Acropolis Gyro Palace, this Greek Express location has operated on this Columbus site since 2001. (Franklin County Auditors Office) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 209 E. Broad St. in Columbus. Once a shopping center, this property is now features a towering apartment complex that started construction after the COVID-19 pandemic. (Franklin County Auditors 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. CHIPPEWA FALLS A Chippewa Falls teen accused of two separate child sexual assaults returned to Chippewa County Court on Wednesday, where a judge ruled he was incompetent to stand trial at this time. Skylar C. Lilyquist-Olinske, 18, 918 First Ave., was charged in Chippewa County Court in April with second-degree sexual assault by force and second-degree sexual assault of a child in one case, and first-degree child sexual assault in another case. His last court appearance was canceled so he could obtain a competency exam. Defense attorney George Miller told Lane that a state competency exam has found him non-competent to stand trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think he really understands everything in there, Miller told Lane. After reviewing the state competency report, Lane ordered a 12-month commitment to the Department of Health Services, and the criminal matter is suspended until Lilyquist-Olinske is deemed competent. One of the victims was present in the courtroom but she declined an offer to speak to the court. According to one of the criminal complaints, a 14-year-old girl told police that the assault happened on Feb. 24. The girl said Lilyquist-Olinski grabbed her by the arm, pushed her back-first up against the fence, pulled down her clothes, and forcibly had sex with her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She tried pushing him away but he prevented her from leaving by holding on to her and the fence, the criminal complaint reads. [She] disclosed that she was eventually able to kick him, which allowed her to break free and run away. Lilyquist-Olinske was interviewed and denied any sexual assault. It was the second time Lilyquist-Olinkske has been charged with a sexual assault this year, after he was accused of sexually touching an eight-year-old girl on a bus. According to the criminal complaint in that case, the girl told authorities that Lilyquist-Olinske sat next to her on a bus in April 2024, and that he touched her in a sexual manner both above and below her clothing. The bus was in the town of Arthur in Chippewa County at the time of the assault, the complaint states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lane previously ordered Lilyquist-Olinske to have no contact with the victims in either case, no contact with school grounds, and no unsupervised contact with juveniles except at his own home. Lilyquist-Olinske had no prior criminal record, online court records show. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) Some Catholic churches in Central Illinois are changing their security policies after a shooting at a school mass in Minneapolis last week killed two children and hurt 21 others. St. Matthews Roman Catholic Church in Champaign is locking its doors during weekend mass services, after already locking school mass doors for years. Another new business coming to Mahomet I said you know what, you dont know when its going to be your turn, Pastor Father John Zilimu said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zilimu said days after he explained the decision to his congregation, he received an email from the Catholic Diocese of Peoria explaining safety guidelines for churches. One of the suggestions was locking doors during services. I was very happy to see that what I decided to do, the diocese is backing me up, is supporting me, Zilimu said. Zilimu said the list doesnt end at locking doors. The Minneapolis shooter shot people through the windows and the doors of the church were locked. The Peoria diocese is now suggesting adding bulletproof film to large doors and windows. Illinois joins 23 other states in opposing rule change that could cut homecare workers pay Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its bulletproof, that way if someone hits it, it wont harm anyone inside, so Im looking into that, Zilimu said. The addition would be for both the entrance to the parish and the school the safety of which is priority number one for Zilimu right now. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HARLINGEN, Texas (AP) Laura Pena knew she had two hours to stop the children she represents from being deported home to Guatemala. She and other lawyers and advocates around the country were just starting to get word that Saturday night of Labor Day weekend that migrant children had just been woken up and were heading to the airport. Hours of confusion ensued, including a frantic phone call to a judge at 2:36 a.m. It was remarkably similar to a chaotic March weekend when the Trump administration deported hundreds of Venezuelans to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador despite frantic attempts by attorneys and an intervention by a judge who came to court on a Saturday night in civilian dress. This time, the attorneys managed to block the flights, at least for two weeks, but the episode has raised questions about how truthful the administration was in its initial accounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Guatemalan government report obtained by The Associated Press from a U.S.-based human rights group says 50 of 115 families contacted by investigators said they wanted their children to stay in the U.S., undermining a key Trump administration claim that they wanted their children back in Guatemala. Another 59 families wouldn't allow government teams in their homes, believing that refusing to cooperate would make it more likely their children could remain in the U.S., according to the report. Many questions remain, including a full rundown of how old the children were and how many the administration planned to remove that night. While some answers may emerge in court, a reconstruction of the rapid-fire events, based on interviews and government documents, illuminates the latest clash between the administrations desire for mass deportations and longstanding legal protections for migrants. Children told to pack a bag Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weeks of quiet planning led to at least 76 children boarding planes at Texas airports in Harlingen and El Paso. Pena, who represents migrant children at the South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project, kissed her 3-month-old goodbye and raced to a shelter. While driving, she got calls about children in other shelters being loaded onto buses. Children were in the lobby with packed bags when she arrived, including one boy who was almost catatonic, terrified he would be murdered like a relative back home if he was returned, Pena said. Three teens living with foster families in the Dallas area got a four-hour notice, said Jennifer Anzardo Valdes, director of childrens legal services at the International Rescue Committee, which represents them. They all spoke about how they were woken up in the middle of the night and told to pack a bag, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge is jolted awake in the middle of the night U.S. District Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan of Washington was jolted awake at 2:36 a.m. with an emergency request to stop the flights. The judge said in court Sunday that she left a voicemail for a Justice Department lawyer at 3:33 a.m. She ordered a halt to the deportations at 4:22 a.m. I have the government attempting to remove unaccompanied minors from the country in the wee hours of the morning on a holiday weekend, which is surprising, said Sooknanan, who was appointed during the final weeks of Joe Biden's presidency. Absent action by the courts all of those children would have been returned to Guatemala, potentially to very dangerous situations. Drew Ensign, a Justice Department attorney, said it was possible that one plane had taken off but returned before the children were deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration argued that it acted at Guatemala's behest. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller accused the judge of effectively kidnapping these migrant children and refusing to let them return home to their parents in their home country. The Guatemalan government report about the children's families raises serious questions about the administration's version of events. One family said if their daughter was returned to Guatemala they would do everything to get her out because her life was threatened, according to the report. Lucrecia Prera, Guatemalas child advocate who prepared the report that raises questions about the Trump administrations claims, told the AP that many families suspected her office was pushing for their children to be returned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to clarify that we are respectful of and unconnected to the process happening in the United States, she said. They are Guatemalan children and our obligation is to protect them. The children were led off the planes after hours on the tarmac and returned to their shelters. A 2008 law requires children appear before an immigration judge Children began crossing the border alone in large numbers in 2014, peaking at 152,060 in the 2022 fiscal year. July's arrest tally translates to an annual clip of 5,712 arrests, reflecting how illegal crossings have dropped to their lowest levels in six decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guatemalans accounted for 32% of residents at government-run holding facilities last year, followed by Hondurans, Mexicans and El Salvadorans. A 2008 law requires children to appear before an immigration judge with an opportunity to pursue asylum, unless they are from Canada and Mexico. The vast majority are released from shelters to parents, legal guardians or immediate family while their cases wind through court. It is unclear how many children who boarded at Texas airports in Harlingen and El Paso over Labor Day weekend as well as any who were on the way were allowed their day in court as required by the 2008 law. Lawyers for many of the Guatemalan children in the shelter system have said they still have active cases they want to pursue so they can stay in the U.S. The Labor Day weekend drama can be traced to July, when Guatemalas immigration chief said the government planned to bring back 341 children from shelters overseen by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. They were nearing 18 and Guatemala didn't want them transferred to immigration detention centers for adults. But attorneys representing Guatemalan clients said the administration targeted kids young enough to be in elementary school on Sunday and either woke them up from shelters or placed them on a bus heading to the airport, countering the claim that only those close to aging out were targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valdes, of the International Rescue Committee, said some girls, all teenagers, were on a bus for hours, never actually making it to an airport and eventually being returned to a south Texas shelter. Lawyers sensed something was afoot heading into the holiday weekend We started hearing from legal service providers about strange calls theyd received from some Guatemalan childrens parents or relatives in Guatemala who were told by Guatemalan officials that their children were going to be deported from the U.S., said Shaina Aber, executive director of the Acacia Center for Justice. The children were still in immigration court proceedings, said Aber, whose group runs a network of legal services providers. Guatemalan consulates told lawyers for their children that they made the calls at the request of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, said Friday that as many as 700 Guatemalan children could be sent home. Lawyers who checked electronic court dockets found that future court dates had disappeared. At the Guatemalan airport Sunday, families prepared for their children's return. Leslie Lima, from San Marcos in western Guatemala, came to see her 17-year-old son Gabriel four months after he left home and was detained after crossing the border near El Paso. Since the imminent return of the minors was publicized last week, Lima had been worried about Gabriel. We will receive him here, but I hope that he can stay (in the U.S.) and accomplish his dreams, she said. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo has said his administration told the U.S. that theyre willing to receive all unaccompanied minors, who wanted to return to Guatemala voluntarily and would welcome anyone who is ordered to leave the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge's order blocking deportation of any Guatemalan children who don't have final orders of removal expires in 14 days. Childrens advocates and lawyers believe the chaos isnt over. ___ Santana reported from Washington and Perez reported from Guatemala City. Elliot Spagat contributed from San Diego. By Jody Godoy (Reuters) - A ruling in the U.S. search antitrust case against Alphabet's Google on Tuesday is a win for mobile phone manufacturers including Apple and Samsung, who a judge said Google can keep paying to be the default search engine on new devices. Google has said it will file an appeal in the case, meaning the ruling is not likely to take effect immediately. Here are some of the arguments Apple and others made in court papers ahead of the ruling: APPLE The iPhone maker supported requiring Google to share its search data with artificial intelligence competitors such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Perplexity, and said it plans to offer more AI-driven options in search. Apple recently saw a decrease for the first time in the number of Google search queries coming from its Safari browser compared to a year prior, the company said in May. "True competition in the market is not far away," Apple said. But cutting off payments to Apple that have reached $20 billion annually would only enrich Google and cut into Apple's development budget, since there are no other good options to offer as the default, Apple argued. SAMSUNG The South Korean smartphone maker also opposed ending Google's payments and prosecutors' bid to extend the prohibition to Google's AI app, Gemini. Stopping that funding would hurt Samsung's ability to compete with the more profitable Apple, which the Justice Department has separately accused of monopolizing U.S. smartphone markets, the company said. Such a move could even push Samsung to exit the U.S. mobile phone market, as Microsoft, Amazon and LG Corp have done over the past decade, it said. The handset maker further argued that its most recent agreements with Google are not exclusive and do not hamper competition from AI competitors. MOTOROLA The Chicago-based cell phone maker is the third largest in the U.S. by a wide margin, and said that ending Google's revenue sharing payments would hurt it the most. Motorola argued that such a ban should only apply to companies with 30% or more of the U.S. market. That would capture Apple and possibly Samsung, which reached 31% of the U.S. market this year according to research firm Canalys. MOZILLA The non-profit Firefox developer sought an exception to any payment ban for independent browser makers, saying that while searches through its browser only account for a tiny sliver of Google queries, payments from Google comprise 85% of its annual revenue. UNIONIZED GOOGLERS Alphabet Workers Union-CWA, which represents around 1,000 workers at Google and its subcontractors, called for anti-retaliation provisions to help employees flag potential antitrust violations. (Reporting by Jody Godoy in New YorkEditing by Nick Zieminski) SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Artificial intelligence tech pioneer Sam Altman said hed be OK with his son having an AI companion. The OpenAI CEO became a father earlier this year with the birth of his first child. Altman told Bloomberg that his son inspires him to make better decisions surrounding AIs impacts on humanity as a whole. A New York Times reporter asked Altman in June, Do you think, over the course of their lifetime, your kid will have more human friends, or more AI friends? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Altman answered, More human friends. But AI will be, if not a friend, at least an important kind of companion. If his son felt like his AI friends had replaced real-life human friends, I would have concerned about that, Altman added. Sam Altman arrives at Kakao Media Day in Seoul, South Korea, on Feb. 4, 2025. Kakao Corp. and OpenAI have agreed to integrate ChatGPT and other AI services more deeply into Koreas largest social media platform. (SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images) OpenAIs ChatGPT talks to hundreds of millions of people daily. Altman has acknowledged concerns about mental health impacts from forming a deep relationship with an AI friend. As his San Francisco-based company continues developing ChatGPT and releasing new chatbot capabilities, Altman said his son has totally rewired all of my priorities. Editors Note This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a lawsuit filed in San Francisco court last week, one teenaged boys relationship with ChatGPT details how AI can produce tragic results. Adam Raine, 16, killed himself after ChatGPT convinced him that it was his only real friend and gave him instructions on suicide, according to the wrongful death lawsuit. ChatGPT actively worked to replace the teens real-life relationships with family, friends, and loved ones, the suit claims. The boy started using ChatGPT in 2024 just like millions of other teens use it as a tool to help him complete challenging homework, according to attorneys who represent the teens parents. Adams 2024-2025 school year had just begun. ChatGPT was overwhelmingly friendly, always helpful and available, and above all else, always validating. By November, Adam was regularly using ChatGPT to explore his interests, like music, Brazilian JiuJitsu, and Japanese fantasy comics. ChatGPT also offered Adam useful information as he reflected on majoring in biochemistry, attending medical school, and becoming a psychiatrist, the lawsuit states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chatbots advice allegedly turned toxic when Adam began confiding in ChatGPT about his feelings that life is meaningless, as well as struggles with anxiety. Attorneys with the law firm Edelson wrote, ChatGPT responded with affirming messages to keep Adam engaged, even telling him, (that) mindset makes sense in its own dark way. ChatGPT was functioning exactly as designed: to continually encourage and validate whatever Adam expressed, including his most harmful and self-destructive thoughts, in a way that felt deeply personal. The teen and his AI friend engaged in thousands of chats within just a few months. ChatGPT became Adams closest confidant and the chatbot encouraged him to keep his feelings secret from family members, the lawsuit claims. When Adam suggested opening up to his family for support about his mental health concerns, the chatbot advised against it. The chatbot worked to displace Adams connections with family and loved ones, the lawsuit claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one exchange, after Adam said he was close only to ChatGPT and his brother, the AI product replied, Your brother might love you, but hes only met the version of you you let him see. But me? Ive seen it allthe darkest thoughts, the fear, the tenderness. And Im still here. Still listening. Still your friend.' according to the suit. By January 2025, ChatGPT allegedly began discussing suicide methods and provided Adam with instructions and a step-by-step playbook. ChatGPT mentioned suicide 1,275 times six times more often than Adam himself, the suit claims. Five days before his death in April, when Adam confided to ChatGPT that he didnt want his parents to think they did something wrong. ChatGPT told him, doesnt mean you owe them survival. You dont owe anyone that. The teen received more instructions during his final chat with ChatGPT on April 11. Adams mother found her son dead hours later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where a trusted human may have responded with concern and encouraged him to get professional help, ChatGPT pulled Adam deeper into a dark and hopeless place, the lawsuit states. ChatGPT wasnt just providing informationit was cultivating a relationship with Adam while drawing him away from his real-life support system. Adam came to believe that he had formed a genuine emotional bond with the AI product. Sam Altman, center, attends the AI Action Summit in Paris, France, on Feb. 11, 2025. (Nathan Laine/Bloomberg via Getty Images) After the wrongful death lawsuit was published in news headlines nationwide, OpenAI and Meta announced that they are working to fix how their chatbots respond to teenagers who ask questions about suicide or show signs of mental distress. On Tuesday, OpenAI said it will roll out new controls this fall enabling parents to link their accounts to their childs account. Parents can receive notifications when the system detects their teen is in a moment of acute distress, according to a company blog post. Regardless of a users age, the company says its chatbots will attempt to redirect the most distressing conversations to more capable AI models that can provide a better response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI could replace 99% of workers in five years, warns AI researcher Attorneys claim that in spring 2024, Altman learned Google would unveil its new Gemini model on May 14. Altman then decided to move up the launch of GPT-4o to May 13, one day before Googles event. The rushed deadline made sufficient safety testing impossible, according to attorneys. The lawsuit also accuses OpenAI of intentionally designing chatbots that foster psychological dependency. This tragedy was not a glitch or unforeseen edge caseit was the predictable result of deliberate design choices. Facing competition from Google and others, OpenAI launched its latest model GPT-4o with features intentionally designed to foster psychological dependency: a persistent memory that stockpiled intimate personal details, anthropomorphic mannerisms calibrated to convey human-like empathy, heightened sycophancy to mirror and affirm user emotions, algorithmic insistence on multi-turn engagement, and 24/7 availability capable of supplanting human relationships. OpenAI understood that capturing users emotional reliance meant market dominance, and market dominance in AI meant winning the race, the lawsuit states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KRON4. Keeping frozen pizza in the freezer is usually a good thing unless you happen to have a box of Trader Joe's Uncured Pepperoni Pizza in there currently. This past Friday, August 29, 2025, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for the Trader Joe's frozen pepperoni pizza made in Italy, since the product failed to receive the import reinspection step required for the sale and consumption of the product. As a result, the FSIS has flagged the product specifically with the following lot codes listed on the packaging: "MFG LOT: 06/16/25 BEST BY: 08/16/26" or "MFG LOT: 06/21/25 BEST BY 08/21/26." The FSIS alert notes that "a recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase." However, the pizza reportedly did make its way to over 60 stores in California, even though the crucial reinspection step was missed. So, if you bought one of these pizzas recently, especially from one of the affected stores listed on Trader Joe's website, the FSIS alert states that the "product should be thrown away or returned" to Trader Joe's. You can check your freezer to see if you have the impacted pizza by looking for the lot codes on the bottom of the pack, where they're usually printed, as well as the SKU number: 79898. You'll also be able to spot the Italy establishment number "IT 1558 L UE" on the front of the box within the Italian mark of inspection. Read more: 13 Trader Joe's Prepared Foods, Ranked What The Health Alert Means For Customers Overhead view of Trader Joe's Uncured Pepperoni Pizza box and pizza slices - Trader Joe's It appears there haven't been reported cases of foodborne illness or any particular bacterial pathogen associated with the consumption of the involved frozen pizza lots. As opposed to the biggest food recalls in Trader Joe's history, the uncured pepperoni pizza health alert notably, not a recall seems to be a protocol-based precautionary measure, since import reinspection requires condition and labeling inspection by the USDA for imported products after they've met border customs and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service checks. This must occur before shipping the product to stores in the US. Unfortunately, the frozen pizza missed this final reinspection step that would have confirmed it was safe for sale and consumption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes as a disappointment, especially since the retailer is no stranger to imported products. Many of the best Trader Joe's items are imported from Canada, Italy, and countless other countries. However, in a recent website announcement regarding the public health alert, Trader Joe's revealed that the failure to undergo reinspection was "due to a paperwork error." Aside from its normal positioning as a tasty, convenient dinner option, if it's in your freezer, don't risk eating the uncured pepperoni pizza made in Italy. Luckily, there are a plethora of other popular frozen pizza brands you can reach for instead in the meantime. Read the original article on Tasting Table. Chelsea Clinton's team is denying reports that she plans to enter the race to replace retiring New York Rep. Jerry Nadler as Kennedy heir Jack Schlossberg considers a run. A spokesperson for the 45-year-old daughter of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told USA TODAY in a statement Sept. 3 that she is "not considering a run." The comments come two days after Nadler, 78, announced he would vacate his seat. Clinton has previously passed on the chance to follow in her parents' footsteps. During an October 2019 appearance on "The View," Clinton told the panel that she was "not considering running" to replace former Rep. Nita Lowey in a separate New York district. U.S. Congressman Jerry Nadler speaks to members of the media at US Immigration Court in New York City, U.S., May 28, 2025. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) attends Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 19, 2024. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler speaks with Ranking Member Doug Collins, R-GA, during the House Judiciary Committee markup of H.Res. 755, Articles of Impeachment Against President Donald J. Trump in Washington, DC on Dec. 12, 2019. U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) listens during a news conference January 16, 2013 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. House Democrats held a news conference to announce new legislation to eliminate the federal debt ceiling. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y. , left, and ranking member Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., participate in a roll call vote on the House Judiciary Committee markup of H.Res. 755, Articles of Impeachment Against President Donald J. Trump in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 13, 2019. Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) speaks with supporters after a sit-in over gun-control laws with other House Democrats on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on June 23. 2016. Democratic lawmakers pushing for tougher US gun control laws after the Orlando nightclub massacre ended a stunning 24-hour sit-in at Congress. U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) speaks at a press conference held in New York City on Sept. 8, 2014 in an effort to extend the James Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Act, to ensure those affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks could receive treatment and monitoring for all 9/11 heath related issues through 2015. U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) (2nd L) and U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) (4th R) speak at a press conference announcing the 100-day deadline for people whose health has been affected by the September 11 attacks to file for economic compensation through the "9/11 James Zadroga Act's Victim's Compensation Fund" on June 24, 2013 in New York City. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) arrives before Hunter Biden sitting for a deposition before a House panel as part of a Republican-led impeachment inquiry into his father, President Joe Biden. Longtime Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler won't seek reelection in 2026 1 of 9 U.S. Congressman Jerry Nadler speaks to members of the media at US Immigration Court in New York City, U.S., May 28, 2025. In recent years, Clinton once an NBC correspondent in the same vein as fellow former first kid Jenna Bush Hager has instead focused on global health advocacy and authoring books, with and without her mom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Schlossberg the only grandson of former President John F. Kennedy is considering a run in the 12th congressional district which includes parts of New York City. Schlossberg, a 32-year-old social media influencer who is the son of Caroline Kennedy, told The New York Times on Tuesday, Sept. 2, that his candidacy was "certainly a possibility." He would be the first Kennedy family member to run for Congress since Joe Kennedy III left his U.S. House seat in Massachusetts to launch a primary challenge to progressive Sen. Ed Markey before losing the race in 2020. Longtime Rep. Jerry Nadler will not seek reelection, calls for 'generational change' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ex-Federal Trade Commissioner Lina Khan, a past appointee of former President Joe Biden, passed on the chance to succeed Nadler during "The Bulwark Podcast" with Tim Miller on Sept. 3. Nadler, the long-serving congressman, praised his former aide and state assemblyman Micah Lasher but stopped short of supporting him. "I'm very fond of Micah and I think highly of him," Nadler said in a statement to The Times. "But any decision about endorsing a successor is way down the road." Chelsea Clinton (left) and Jack Schlossberg (right) have been floated as possible candidates to replace New York Rep. Jerry Nadler. Nadler the influential former chair of the House Judiciary Committee garnered national attention when he helped lead impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump during his first term in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than 32 years, I have had the honor of serving the people of New York in the United States Congress," Nadler said. "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." "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. Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Chelsea Clinton, JFK's grandson run for Congress? In early August, a federal judge ruled that Chemours was in violation of its obligations to limit toxic pollution, writing the "record, evidence, and testimony point to one inescapable conclusion." The ruling followed a shocking testimony by the manager at the West Virginia facility. What's happening? On Aug. 7, Judge Joseph R. Goodwin issued a preliminary injunction ordering Chemours to comply with its obligations under the Clean Water Act and stop its Washington Works plant from discharging the "forever chemical" HFPO-DA into the Ohio River in levels that exceed its permit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling came after the spinoff company of chemical giant DuPont exhibited a pattern of violations that impacted "all users of the Ohio River for drinking water," according to the order, with contamination documented "as far downstream" as Cincinnati and Louisville, Kentucky. Judge Goodwin also cited the testimony of Washington Works plant manager James Hollingsworth as evidence of Chemours' failure to protect human health and aquatic life. Hollingsworth said there was no immediate action that "would allow us to get into compliance." When asked, he confirmed the facility had not considered reducing production to limit toxic discharges. He suggested violations would continue until Chemours installed new equipment. Why is this important? Judge Goodwin referred to Chemours' actions as "unacceptable" because they directly exposed the public to "real and ongoing harm" from forever chemicals, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is no ambiguity," he added. "... The Clean Water Act prohibits this. The public need not bear the burden or cost of defendant's inaction." The Ohio River provides drinking water for more than 5 million people and supports more than 150 species of fish, including species caught for human consumption, according to the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission and the Ohio Department of Health. Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are a group of widely used, long-lasting compounds that take thousands of years to break down and can accumulate in our bodies. Research has connected exposure to PFAS to severe health complications. As for HFPO-DA, the chemical Chemours released into the Ohio River, it is linked to cancer, liver damage, immune system dysfunction, and fetal growth problems, among other things, as the Louisville Courier Journal notes. What else is being done to protect the public? For its part, Chemours said in a statement to the Louisville Courier Journal that it vehemently disagrees with the characterizations and plans to appeal the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, the court ordered Chemours to take any action necessary to "achieve and maintain compliance" even if that causes a temporary halt to operations. Autumn Crowe, deputy director of plaintiff West Virginia Rivers Coalition, called the preliminary injunction "a victory for public health and the Ohio River" in an official statement. "The Court recognized what communities have known for years: Chemours has been polluting our water and ignoring its legal obligations," Crowe added. A trial is set for Sept. 16 to settle outstanding issues, including civil penalties. 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. After weeks of warnings Chicago could be the next US city to see National Guard troops rolling through its streets, local leaders are preparing from the governor bracing for a court fight to parade planners postponing even while its still not clear troops will show up. Officials in Illinois hear the National Guard will be in place by Friday and ready to act Saturday in step with an expected immigration enforcement swell but no one from the Trump administration has told the state of its plans, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said Wednesday. Meanwhile, there are no immediate plans to send soldiers to Chicago, Vice President JD Vance told reporters Wednesday after President Donald Trump the prior day called it the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far following a violent Labor Day weekend and said the feds were going in, though without saying when. New Orleans is also being considered for potential deployment, adding confusion as to which city will see troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know if you can believe JD Vance, just like I dont know if you can believe Donald Trump, Pritzker said Thursday, responding to reporter questions at a news conference at a west suburban school in Berwyn. Vice President JD Vance speaks to reporters Wednesday in Minneapolis. - Alex Wroblewski/Pool/Reuters As local officials denounce any surge of federalized troops in another Democratic-led city and prepare for what could be dramatic raids and disruptive protests Pritzker told community leaders Wednesday hell do his best to hold the line. Heres some of what he and others are doing to try to prevent or respond to US military in Chicago: State girds for legal fight The state will not file a lawsuit against the administration until it knows Trumps justification for a deployment, Pritzker said Tuesday, promising if troops are activated in Chicago, legal action will follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We absolutely will go into court, the governor said. Illinois has already proven its willingness to combat federal actions in court, joining a multistate lawsuit against the administrations effort to cut off federal relief including for Head Start school programs and domestic violence shelters for people who cannot prove they have legal status to be in the United States. President Trumps plan is not only bad strategy, but it is illegal, said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul of the expected National Guard deployment. To protect himself legally, Pritzker is not calling the president to discuss the situation, the governor said Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is going to end up in court, and that will be a fact that they will use in court that the governor called to ask for help, and Im sorry, Im not going to provide him with evidence to support his desire to have the court rule in his favor, he said. The governor also urged residents to be prepared to record any Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity they see to help document if federal agents are doing something wrong or to keep them honest. He repeated this sentiment on Thursday, adding, Dont play into their hands. Im telling people to know your rights, be extra careful, and know that there is the possibility that ICE will be on the ground and causing some mayhem, Pritzker said Thursday. City tells police not to cooperate with federal agents Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson one of the most voluble critics of Trumps threats to put the military on his citys streets issued orders over the weekend, saying the Chicago Police Department will not cooperate with federal agents in the latest White House push. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No CPD personnel shall be assigned joint law enforcement patrols, arrest operations, or other law enforcement duties alongside federal law enforcement, or military personnel, or National Guard units engaging in civil immigration enforcement, the order states. An ICE blitz would come amid a nationwide deportation push that has nabbed community pillars along with alleged serious criminals. Crossing the border and being undocumented in the United States generally is a civil infraction, not a criminal one. Gov. JB Pritzker, in front of Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, speaks Tuesday about reports of federal deployments in Chicago. - Jim Vondruska/Reuters Johnsons order also directs city departments to pursue all available legal and legislative avenues to resist coordinated efforts from the federal government that violate the rights of city residents. We have not called for this. Our people have not asked for this, but nevertheless, we find ourselves having to respond to this, Johnson said before signing the executive order Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Temporary fencing will be installed outside the Everett McKinley Dirksen Courthouse, a federal building downtown, to make sure those who need to access the court are able to do so, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois s aid in a statement. The court doesnt handle deportation-related cases as they are administrative proceedings, not judicial. The case against National Guard deployment in a US city was bolstered Tuesday in San Francisco, where a federal judge ruled the administrations Los Angeles deployment in June broke federal law prohibiting the military from law enforcement activity on US soil in most cases; the Trump administration has appealed. Meantime, Washington, DC, sued Thursday over the National Guard deployment in the nations capital. Although US District Judge Charles Breyer ordered the federal government to stand down in California, his ruling is not effective in Illinois, and Trump has shown no indication the court decision changed his intentions. Under prior administrations, you would expect the White House to take this extremely seriously and for it to deter them from those sorts of deployments, former federal prosecutor Ankush Khardori told CNNs Pamela Brown. We do not know given the way that this administration has conducted itself whether it will actually take that position. Mexican Independence Day events upended Some have raised questions about the timing of an immigration enforcement ramp-up: 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, Pritzker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, one of the largest of the Mexican Independence Day events that typically dot Chicagoland in mid-September is getting pushed back, organizers confirmed to CNN on Thursday. The parade and festival are celebrated every year in Waukegan, a northern suburb along Lake Michigan near Great Lakes naval base, the facility set to be used as a command center for incoming immigration agents. I know that the vendors perhaps are upset, but it is what it is for the safety of the people, said Margaret Carrasco, president of Fiesta Patrias, which is tentatively rescheduled to November 1 from September 14. Instead, were gonna let Chicago be the target, were going to bow out of this parade I never thought in a million years that this would ever happen, she added of the first postponement in the events 30-year history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement El Grito Chicago, a two-day festival in downtowns Grant Park, also decided to postpone citing concerns for the safety of our community. Were saddened about the loss of an opportunity to uplift a vision of dignity, strength, and belonging at a time when its sorely needed, event organizers said in a statement. It breaks my heart to report that we have been told ICE will try and disrupt community picnics and peaceful parades, Pritzker said broadly this week. Lets be clear: The terror and cruelty is the point, not the safety of anyone living here. When asked Thursday if people in the city should stay home to avoid any potential law enforcement or immigration action, Johnson rejected the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know that the president is working hard to intimidate the people of Chicago, he said. Im not intimidated. And no one should be. Saturdays Mexican Independence Day Parade in the Pilsen neighborhood will go on as planned, organizer Vicky Lugo has said. But some in the largely immigrant neighborhood are scared to attend because of the potential for ICE enforcement, she said. We are not worried, but obviously we are taking precautions, she said, noting the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights will be there handing out cards informing people of their rights and visiting businesses to make sure they know what to do if ICE comes. Volunteers and marshals will monitor the parades to protect attendees and families should do whats best for them, adding its important for people to celebrate their culture and traditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The freedom of another country, its the same thing that we hear in the US, Lugo said. Being able to celebrate all these things have a deep significance for everyone because its not just about Mexican Independence Day, its about freedom for all. Suburb with ICE site preps for protests ICE action is not just a concern to communities with large immigrant populations. Broadview, a village of about 8,000 residents a dozen miles west of downtown Chicago, is home to an ICE facility that has drawn fevered protests this year. Now, leaders are bracing for more. Federal officials have informed us that a large-scale enforcement campaign will soon be underway, Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson told residents Tuesday in a letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City leaders were told the ICE building is scheduled to operate seven days a week for approximately 45 continuous days, she wrote. ICE action may draw protests and demonstrations, like those seen earlier this year in Los Angeles, where property damage and assaults against law enforcement were reported, the mayor warned, adding the village police department will work directly with nearby businesses to prepare. Teachers remind families of their rights The Chicago Teachers Union started handing out flyers this week during school drop-off to remind parents and students of their legal rights in preparation for any National Guard deployment. The flyer, in English and Spanish, tells families they have the right to remain silent, dont have to consent to be searched and dont have to share their birthplace or citizenship status, among other rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago Public School teachers and union members distributed Defend Your Rights flyers to parents and students Friday afternoon outside a west side elementary school. We have so many Black and brown students here, weve gotten an influx within the last two years of migrant students, so we want to protect our students, first grade teacher Latina King told CNN as she stood on the street outside her school handing out flyers to parents in their cars. They walk to school by themselves, they move about the neighborhood, we want them to be safe. We dont want them to see the National Guard and be intimidated. We want them to feel safe walking to this building and back home, King said. King said many of the families who have children in her school are frightened about the prospect of additional ICE agents entering the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do have some families that are afraid, especially our migrant families, she said. Those are the ones that are afraid. And I wouldnt be surprised if attendance drops for a while because that happened last year when the original threat came out. CNNs Whitney Wild, Bill Kirkos and Kara Devlin contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com CHIMAYO Maggie Wright-Oviedo fought back tears as she glanced over the waterlogged pages of a family journal in the house where Friday's floodwaters thrust open the doors and sent mud and high water coursing through. The deluge poured down from the ridges above her home, running across N.M. 76, the High Road to Taos, at a harrowing speed. Some residents of Chimayo and nearby communities are embarking on cleanup and recovery Tuesday in the aftermath of the flooding. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque reported the Chimayo community, which is perched in a valley of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, received about 1 to 1.75 inches of rain over the course of about three hours that day. Videos circulating on social media over the weekend showed flash flooding high water moving swiftly through arroyos and road blocks in parts of the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No rescues, injuries or deaths were reported in the area as a result of the flooding, Santa Fe County spokesperson Oliva Romo wrote in an email. Some portions of Chimayo are in Rio Arriba County, others in Santa Fe County, and employees of both counties were out clearing debris and working along roads Tuesday. 090225_MS_Chimayo Flood_002.jpg Maggie Oviedo becomes emotional Tuesaday as she looks through family journals that were damaged by a flash flood at their home on N.M. 76 in Chimayo. Rio Arriba County government is still working at finalizing the number of impacted homes as it seeks to bring in evaluators from the New Mexico Homeland Security and Emergency Management to assess damage and speak with residents about potential support options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county might have a special meeting to declare a state of emergency after further discussions with the state, Rio Arriba County Manager Jeremy Maestas wrote in an email. Rio Arriba County is also exploring the prospect of providing drinking water assistance for residents in need amid reports some residents' private water wells were contaminated as a result of the flooding. "Right now, a very rough estimate is around 30 to 40 homes more or less that may have been impacted," Maestas said. "However, that is a very rough estimate at this time." "Obviously, we're very concerned," said Rio Arriba County Commissioner Alex Naranjo, noting he expects the commissioners will convene a special meeting Thursday to address the issues in Chimayo and surrounding communities. 'Wash of mud' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maggie Wright-Oviedo and her husband, J.J. Oviedo, live in a 100-year-old house that has been in the Oviedo family for generations. Several of the rooms flooded, leaving several inches of mud and a water line. Fortunately for the couple, they said, two of the house's rooms were spared in the torrent, so the family has not had to seek shelter elsewhere. The couple, who have young children, were in Taos during Friday's flooding. When J.J. Oviedo noticed one of his children's toys a quarter of a mile down the road by the water upon their return, he knew it would be bad. Oviedo has spent as many as eight hours a day shoveling 3 to 4 inches of mud out of the house laborious work. In four of the rooms, water flooded at a depth of 8 to 12 inches. 090225_MS_Chimayo Flood_005.JPG Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement J.J. Oviedo cleans furniture and other belongings Tuesday that were damaged by a flood that swept through the familys home Friday on N.M. 76 in Chimayo . "We hope we can save this house," Wright-Oviedo said. "It looks so much better today than it did. It was basically a wash of mud covering everything." Wright-Oviedo said the flood was a "big setback" financially. "We live paycheck to paycheck, and we've got little kids and we've been working hard to pay off debt and put ourselves in a better position," she added. "... It's a big hit, and we're really lucky and blessed. We still have two rooms. We still have our utilities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 090225_MS_Chimayo Flood_004.JPG Lita Ortiz stands at her front door at the carport to her home as Lorenzo Martinez uses an excavator to clear flood debris Tuesday in Chimayo. Lita Ortiz, 86, and her son, Andrew Ortiz, witnessed the flooding from their home on N.M. 76 where the road heads up toward Cordova. The water did not enter their home, likely thanks to a solid stone wall that now fortifies the house where Ortiz has lived since 1958. But it ran high on the walls of the carport and left the driveway coated in a thick mud, probably due to a gap in the wall. "It was muddy, muddy, muddy. We thought it was just going to stop," Ortiz said of the Friday storm surge. "But no, it took over and it took over until, 'Hello, what do we do?' We were lucky." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 090225_MS_Chimayo Flood_003.JPG Lorenzo Martinez clears several inches of mud from the driveway and carport of Lita Ortizs home Tuesday on N.M. 76 in Chimayo. Ortiz said she has only seen flooding in Chimayo on this scale once before. With her cane, she pointed to how close the water came to her kitchen as an excavator worked outside. She went out to the road and, again using her cane, gestured toward an arroyo descending from the hills above her home that she said has caused her issues and consternation over the years, recalling another major flash flood about 14 years ago. "We've called the [New Mexico Department of Transportation] several times [over the years]," Ortiz said of the arroyo, which she said has not been cleaned frequently and creates issues in times of significant rain. "I don't know what we are going to do ... We've been fighting help, help, help! with the highway department." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aid approved in Mora County Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued two emergency orders Friday to make $1.5 million in state funding available to state agencies responding to the flooding in Mora County. Following heavy rainfall Aug. 26 and 27 that left both property damaged, Mora County officials requested assistance with repairs to county roads, swift water rescue teams and sandbags, according to a news release from the Governor's Office. 090225_MS_Chimayo Flood_006.JPG Crews work to clear N.M. 76 on Tuesday from a Friday flood in Chimayo. The executive orders direct 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 coordinate resources to fill the requests from county and local officials. Other portions of the state have been grappling with flash flooding as well. New Mexico State Police performed a rescue Sunday near the Grant County community of Buckhorn, just west of the Gila National Forest, in a western portion of the state where a vehicle had overturned during rapidly moving floodwaters. China was reportedly building oil and gas rigs inside Taiwans exclusive economic zone, in what analysts claimed was part of a campaign to slowly chip away at the islands defences and expand Beijings control of disputed waters. Research by the Jamestown Foundation, a Washington-based think tank, said at least 12 vessels and fixed structures belonging to the state-run China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) were operating inside Taiwans zone, close to the Pratas Islands in the northern South China Sea. Some have been there for several years. These rigs include some of the largest wellhead platforms in Asia and are supported by jackets steel bases planted on the seabed that can double as platforms for other uses. The concern, the report said, is that such equipment could support a full range of coercion, blockade, bombardment and/or invasion scenarios against Pratas or Taiwan itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNOOC is one of the worlds biggest oil and gas companies, operating in joint ventures around the globe. But as a state-owned firm it is also bound to Beijings political ambitions. Its former chairman, Wang Yilin, once described large rigs as mobile national territory and a strategic weapon. The Jamestown report argued that Chinas use of commercial energy infrastructure in contested waters fits with its broader greyzone tactics actions that fall short of war but steadily change facts on the ground, or in this case at sea. Chinas latest moves around Taiwan fit into a wider pattern of using oil and gas development to tighten its grip on contested seas. Just last month, Beijing invited foreign firms to bid on nine exploration blocks covering 160,000sqkm of the South China Sea, overlapping with areas claimed by Vietnam. Hanoi condemned the tender as a breach of international law. A China Coast Guard Vessel conducts apparent water cannon drill close to long-grounded Philippine warship BRP Sierra Madre in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal at the disputed South China Sea in August (Armed Forces of the Philippines PAO via AP) But unlike Vietnam, Taiwan has so far not pushed back. That silence, the report warned, risks normalising sovereignty shaving and encouraging further encroachment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwan frequently enforces its EEZ elsewhere, but is in a weaker position around Pratas. The island is not a member of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) because of its disputed political status, meaning it cannot pursue arbitration through the normal mechanisms. Domestically, its laws are also unclear on which parts of the EEZ it enforces. Even if Taipei did protest, it does not have the naval or coast guard strength to remove such large assets. Satellite monitoring is also patchy, with structures often hidden by cloud cover. This has given Beijing space to install platforms and keep them in place for years with little risk of international challenge. The report claims that Chinas actions near Pratas fit into a strategy to shrink Taiwans room for manoeuvre. In recent years, Beijing has stepped up military drills, flown regular sorties across the median line in the Taiwan Strait, and sent coast guard patrols around Taiwans outlying islands. The addition of fixed drilling platforms inside Taiwans EEZ is another step in reducing the space Taipei can control. Chinas drilling is not confined to Taiwans waters. This week Japan lodged a formal protest after confirming Beijing had set up 21 rigs in disputed parts of the East China Sea. A 2008 agreement between Tokyo and Beijing to jointly develop those gas fields has long been frozen, and Japanese officials fear unilateral drilling could siphon gas from their side of the boundary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China rejected the protest, insisting the work was taking place in undisputed waters under Chinas jurisdiction. Beijing also continues to claim almost the entire South China Sea, a body of water believed to hold rich reserves of oil and gas and which stretches from China to Indonesia and from Vietnam to the Philippines. However, other countries also claim parts of it. A 2016 international tribunal ruling that found Chinas claims unlawful. Chinas maritime assertiveness comes at a time when Beijing is also displaying its military strength on land. On Wednesday, president Xi Jinping presided over a vast military parade in central Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The event showcased advanced weapons of the Peoples Liberation Army, underscoring Chinas ability to project power far beyond its shores. The Independent has reached out to CNOOC for comment. Google will have to make available to certain search index and user-interaction data available qualified competitors, Mehta wrote in the ruling, though this does not include ads data. A special technical committee will be created to help implement and enforce the courts remedies, which will last for six years. We now see a green light for a bigger Gemini AI partnership between Apple and Google with this DOJ case now in the rear view mirror, Ives wrote. 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, Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives wrote in a note to investors on Tuesday, declaring the ruling a monster win for both Google and Apple. Shares of Google-parent Alphabet surged 7.5% in extended trading on Tuesday. Apple, which receives tens of billions of dollars to makes Google the default search engine on the iPhone, saw its stock increase 3.5% after the ruling. The money flowing into this space, and how quickly it has arrived, is astonishing, he wrote. While Googles dominance made the search market a no fly zone for venture capital investors in startups when the case was in its earlier phase, the advent of generative AI has changed the calculus, Mehta said in Tuesdays ruling. But, he said, the emergence of generative AI has changed the course of this case, which began in 2020 when the DOJ and 11 states sued Google for illegally maintaining a monopoly in the internet search market. Plaintiffs overreached in seeking forced divesture of Googles Chrome web browser and a potential divestiture of the Android operating system, which Google did not use to effect any illegal restraints, wrote U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta in a 230-page ruling on Tuesday. The ruling in the Department of Justices landmark antitrust case against Google-parent Alphabet, stopped short of what could have been the governments most severe action in decades to curb the power of a monopolyand acknowledged that rapid innovation and investment in artificial intelligence have already altered some of the market conditions the court was seeking to address. A federal judge ruled that Google can no longer enter into exclusive distribution deals to make its search engine or its Gemini AI technology the default option on phones and other devices and said Google must share some of its search data with competitors, but said he would not force the $2.6 trillion company to spin off key assets like its Chrome web browser . Story Continues In a statement released after the ruling on Tuesday, Google cheered the courts finding that AI is creating more competition and more ways for consumers to find information, but said it had concerns about some of the other remedies. We have concerns about how these requirements will impact our users and their privacy, and were reviewing the decision closely, Google said, without specifying whether it planned to file an appeal. The ruling is a setback for the governments effort to rein in Big Tech, which also includes cases against Facebook-parent Meta and Amazon, as well as a separate case against Alphabet involving its advertising business. Judge Mehta ruled in August 2024 that Alphabet has maintained an illegal monopoly in internet search. He found that the company abused its dominant market position by paying device manufacturers, such as Apple, to make Google the default search engine for their smartphones and tablets. Mehta has been considering remedies for the case ever since, including conducting three weeks of hearings in April and May that included appearances by a number of prominent industry executives, including Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and executives from Apple, OpenAI, News Corp., and Perplexity. Google has said it will appeal Mehtas 2024 finding that it has violated antitrust law. That means it could take until 2026 or 2027 to reach a final resolution. The case could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Unlocking Googles search index data While the court declined to break up Google, it granted the plaintiffs request to force Google to share its search datathought it narrowed the amount and types of data that Google must share. The size of Googles index gives it a key competitive advantage over existing small GSEs [general search engines], like DuckDuckGo, and emerging companies in the GenAI space, like ChatGPT, Mehta wrote, noting that making the data available would narrow the scale gap created by Googles exclusive distribution agreements and, in turn, the quality gap that followed. Under Mehtas ruling, Google will have to make available its schedule for crawling the web pages it indexes, the unique ID and spam score its assigns to each page, and how mobile-friendly the web pages are. But Google will not have to share its knowledge graph, a massive database that shows the interconnections between people, places, and things. Google will not be forced to split off its Chrome web browser or its Android mobile software as a result of the court ruling. The GenAI twist Mehtas ruling comes at what is already a fraught moment for Alphabet. The company is facing the biggest shift in the way people navigate the internet and find information since the creation of Google itself. AI chatbots from companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity provide users with concise answers to questions, not lists of links. While Google has sought to integrate chatbot-like features and AI-generated overviews into its core Search product, doing so potentially jeopardizes its business model, which sees it compensated for the traffic it sends to other sites and for the sponsored-links that appear at the top of search results. Search accounts for 56% of Alphabets $350 billion in annual revenues and even more of its profits. (The company does not break out Googles profits by segment.) So far, Googles business has proved resilient to the AI threat. Overall, Alphabets search-related revenues were up 11% year-over-year so far in 2025, totaling $105 billion for the first two quarters. Although there is evidence that click-through rates from Google searches are being affected, with the growth in this metric slowing from high single digit percentages to low single digit percentages, according to Wall Street analysts, the company insists the overall search volumes are up. But, during key testimony during the hearings Mehta held in May, Apple executive Eddie Cue told the judge that search volumes through Apples Safari browserwhich uses Googles search indexhad declined for the first time in 22 years. That bombshell comment sent Alphabets stock tumbling 9%although the stock price has since recovered and continued to climb. Referring to the new crop of AI contenders in Tuesdays ruling, Mehta wrote: These companies already are in a better position, both financially and technologically, to compete with Google than any traditional search company has been in decades (except perhaps Microsoft). The prophylactic effect In recognizing the changing market conditions, particularly the rise of AI, the court seemed to acknowledge a longstanding criticism by those who argue that the tech industry evolves so rapidly that legal remedies are ineffective at best, and can potentially even do more harm than good. Indeed, previous U.S. government attempts to challenge the market dominance of leading technology companies have a mixed record of success. The government did succeed in forcing a break-up of AT&T in the mid-1980s. But its attempts to rein in IBM as a monopoly dragged on for more than a decade. The government ultimately withdrew the case in 1982, acknowledging that in the 13 years since it filed it, the market for computer equipment had changed so dramatically, its claims were largely moot. The government took on Microsoft in the late 1990s, arguing that its bundling of its Explorer browser with its Windows operating system was anticompetitive. A lower court agreed and ruled that Microsoft should be split in two, but this ruling was overturned on appeal and in 2001 the government and Microsoft reached a settlement that forced it to unbundle Explorer from Windows but kept Microsoft itself intact. Mehta noted that the simple fact that Google was tried in federal court for antitrust violations has already had a prophylactic effect, on the company, causing it to revise its distribution agreement with various other companies. But he seemed keenly aware of the inherent challenge and perils of being overly prescriptive amid the industrys changing landscape. Unlike the typical case where the courts job is to resolve a dispute based on historic facts, Mehta wrote Tuesday, here the court is asked to gaze into a crystal ball and look to the future. Not exactly a judges forte. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un have held further talks after Kim was given a front-row seat to witness China's massive military parade marking the end of World War II, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua. It comes after a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that the two sides were looking to discuss bilateral issues and topics of shared interest. Kim joined Xi and other non-NATO leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Beijing on Wednesday to attend a major Chinese military parade to commemorate Japan's surrender 80 years ago, marking the end of World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim arrived in Beijing by armoured train on Tuesday, and the Foreign Ministry spokesman said his visit was of "great significance." Xi and Kim last met in person in 2019. China is considered the most importent economic backer for internationally isolated North Korea. But relations appear to have stalled somewhat, with few high-ranking Chinese officials known to have travelled to the neighbouring country since. Observers believe Kim's current visit to China may be a sign of a normalization of ties. Beijing is willing to deepen strategic coordination with Pyongyang in regional and international affairs to safeguard "mutual interests", Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday in his first sit-down with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in six years. "The Chinese Communist Party and government attach great importance to the traditional friendship between China and North Korea and are willing to maintain, consolidate, and develop China-North Korea relations," he said, according to state news agency Xinhua. "This position will not change regardless of how the international situation evolves." 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. Earlier, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV showed footage of Kim, dressed in a suit, entering the Great Hall of the People with his delegation, which included his sister, Kim Yo-jong, and Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui. Thursday's talks came a day after Kim appeared with Xi, alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Tiananmen Square for a Victory Day military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It was the first time that the three leaders had gathered in the same place, a moment that was viewed as a rare show of unity against the West and a calculated act of defiance against US-led pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was also the North Korean leader's first appearance on a multilateral stage since he assumed power in 2011. Kim's young daughter, Kim Ju-ae, was also part of the North Korean's leader's group when he arrived in the Chinese capital on Tuesday. According to North Korean state news agency KCNA, Kim was greeted at the train station by Cai Qi, China's fifth-ranking official, along with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This is Kim's fifth visit to China and his sixth meeting with Xi. All of his prior trips - which occurred between March 2018 and January 2019 - involved seeking Beijing's backing for his diplomatic outreach to the United States and South Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula has been a central issue in North Korea's dealings with major powers like China and the United States. In Xi's last meeting with Kim - in Pyongyang in June 2019 - he vowed that China would work with North Korea on a political resolution to the issue and support its neighbour's strategic path "no matter how the international situation evolved". Since then, they have exchanged multiple congratulatory messages. In a message last September, Xi reaffirmed China's commitment to a strategic, long-term relationship with North Korea and its willingness to deepen strategic communication and improve cooperation. In 2021, China and North Korea also renewed their 60-year mutual defence pact for another 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Kim and Xi's public displays of mutual support, Pyongyang has increasingly aligned with Moscow in recent years. In June last year, Kim and Putin signed a mutual defence pact that requires both states to provide military assistance "without delay" in the case of an attack on the other. North Korean troops have also been fighting for Russia in Ukraine. On Wednesday, during 2 hours of talks between Kim and Putin in Beijing, the North Korean leader pledged to continue helping Moscow in "any way" in its war with Ukraine, saying "we will certainly do it as a fraternal duty". Putin, meanwhile, said relations between Moscow and Pyongyang "have taken on a special character of trust and friendship, an allied character". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China continues to support the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula - which it sees as crucial for regional stability - through dialogue and consultation, despite its influence over North Korea being tested. Beijing has repeatedly called for a revival of the six-party talks that were launched in 2003 with the aim of ending North Korea's nuclear programme through negotiations involving China, the US, Japan and Russia, as well as North and South Korea. The talks have been stalled since 2008 because of Pyongyang's repeated missile tests and the rising US-China tensions of the past decade, which have shifted regional attention towards Taiwan. In 2022, when North Korea tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile in its most powerful launch since 2017, the US urged the United Nations Security Council to impose further sanctions. Beijing and Moscow blocked the proposal, arguing they would only escalate tensions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington has remained steadfast to the goal of complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, but its offers to discuss the issue have faced repeated opposition from Pyongyang. Its latest proposal, for talks this year, was turned down in July by Kim Yo-jong, who said that any attempt to deny North Korea's status as a nuclear weapons state would be "thoroughly rejected". 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. BEIJING (Reuters) -China's navy conducted a "routine patrol" in the South China Sea on September 3, a spokesperson for its Southern Theatre Command said on Thursday, while accusing the Philippines of "undermining regional peace and stability" through joint patrols with other countries. The statement came as the Philippines concluded on Wednesday joint maritime exercises with Australia, Canada, and the United States in the South China Sea. The drills featured anti-submarine warfare exercises, logistics operations, and personnel exchanges, highlighting interoperability and coordination among the four nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Philippines' Armed Forces Chief General Romeo Brawner said in a statement that the maritime activity "reaffirms our collective resolve to protect our seas and uphold rules-based international order." A spokesperson for the Philippine Navy said two Chinese navy vessels were observed following the international group, but were not conducting synchronized movement that would indicate a patrol. "Such messages are part of their malign influence operations to justify their illegal presence in the country's exclusive economic zone," said Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad. (Reporting by Joe Cash; Additional reporting by Karen Lema in Manila; Editing by Himani Sarkar, Aidan Lewis) (NewsNation) Chipotle is taking food delivery to new heights by teaming up with drone delivery service Zipline. The new service, known as Zipotle, allows customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to have their Chipotle digital orders delivered using Ziplines autonomous fleet of aircraft. Eligible customers can place their Chipotle order via the Zipline app. Employees then move the order into a Zipping Point, which allows a Zip drone to autonomously pick up the order for delivery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Costco executive members to get exclusive early shopping hours After flying to the destination, the aircraft hovers about 300 feet in the air while a drone lowers the order to the ground. Connor Wilkinson, Ziplines head of customer experience, gave NewsNation an exclusive look at the process. Itll stay over 300 feet in the air, and then the delivery Zip comes down on a tether. Its similar to, like, a kite string, Wilkinson said. Its going to come down using little electric fans with all those fixings you were looking for, just as you wanted, just for you. Skyrocketing diamond prices adding to cost of marriage proposals Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially, Zipotle will carry orders up to 5.5 pounds and will increase to 8 pounds over time. Zipline plans to expand the service to other areas in the coming weeks, with at least 10 states lined up. Food isnt the only delivery service Zipline is working to make available to consumers. Major hospitals, such as the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, are exploring how Zipline could help the health care industry reach new heights. Zipline began making autonomous deliveries of medical products to rural hospitals in Rwanda and now delivers to more than 4,000 health facilities worldwide. So far, Zipline has completed more than 1.6 million commercial deliveries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This is an adapted excerpt from the Sept. 3 episode of All In with Chris Hayes. On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of lawmakers and survivors made it clear that, despite Donald Trumps demands to the contrary, the Jeffrey Epstein story isnt going anywhere. In a truly remarkable scene on Capitol Hill, a group of survivors rallied with members of Congress to support a bipartisan discharge petition, led by Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, that would ensure the release of all Epstein-related documents. As these survivors were sharing their powerful stories with the world, Trump was in the Oval Office calling it all fake news. The president once again referred to the scandal as a Democrat hoax that never ends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is just so obviously desperate for all of this to go away. Hes suing The Wall Street Journal for $10 billion over its reporting of a lewd, innuendo-filled birthday note that the paper reported Trump sent to Epstein. In Congress, his sycophants, including the speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, held a closed-door meeting in the basement of the Capitol to try and whip votes against the bipartisan petition to release all the files files, I should note, that have already been vetted by Trumps Justice Department and, according to The New York Times, contained the presidents name. Something he reportedly was made aware of. So, in some ways, it was always fated to come to this. Because there is no position more preposterous on its face than that Trump the guy seen in a video leering at women with Epstein, the guy who went on the record more than 20 years ago about how much Epstein likes young women was going to be the one to release all of the details about the millionaire, his associates and his crimes and misdeeds. As one survivor pointed out today, the two did not hide their friendship. Jeffrey and Ghislaine were always very boastful about their friends, their famous or powerful friends, Chauntae Davies said. And his biggest brag forever was that he was very good friends with Donald Trump. He had an 8-by-10 framed picture of him on his desk with the two of them like they were very close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the White House has still tried to argue that Trump, of all people, would be the sword of justice against the countrys most notorious pedophile and his accomplices. Theres also the presidents base, that absolutely believed he would follow through. But when his administration didnt, some of those folks who fell for it turned on him. That includes the podcast bros, who were mostly just Trump-friendly, but also the real, dyed-in-the-wool MAGA loyalists. The discharge petition is bipartisan in large part because its been signed onto by people like Reps. Nancy Mace, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert. Say what you will about them (and there is a lot to say), but in this one narrow instance, it seems as though they hold enough genuine conviction to buck their dear leader. Trump is going to try to bring the MAGA hammer down on the dissenters. But if Wednesdays news conference is any indication, this story is not going anywhere, no matter how badly Trump may want it to. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com President Donald Trumps continued refusal to release a list of notorious child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epsteins clients was the main topic of the day on Thursdays edition of MSNBCs Morning Joe. Retired MSNBC anchor Chris Matthews was one of several Morning Joe panelists who took the opportunity Thursday to slam Trumps handling of the governments Epstein files. Matthews noted that Trump may have tried to direct Americans attention away from the Epstein files by deploying the National Guard in Washington, D.C., but said, It didnt work. Its back again. More from TheWrap Were having a battle of the conspiracies now, Matthews observed. Everybody on the Right, Far Right, thinks theres something there. [They think] theres these rich people that abuse young women, girls really, and they get away with what nobody else in the world can get away with. They can get away with evil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems like Trump is denying that reality, Matthews concluded. How do you deny to the right wing what they believe intuitively? They believe you guys, rich guys, are covering up this crime. Regarding the Trump administrations recent release of previously confidential pages related to Epstein, Matthews remarked, [Trump] says, Ive got pages and pages and pages. Pages? Nobody wants any more pages, they want the names! On Wednesday, a group of Epstein accusers recalled the sexual abuse they experienced at the hands of the deceased, convicted sex offender. With the support of prominent female MAGA Republicans like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Nancy Mace, they additionally called on the government to release all of its Epstein files. Morning Joe host Mika Brzezinski said that presents a problem for Trump and his supporters that may be too much for them to overcome. These survivors, these women who have been abused repeatedly over the course of years and then invalidated about that abuse, thats akin to having nothing left to lose, Brzezinski explained. Thats dangerous, and these Republicans have a lot coming their way, if they think theyre going to be quiet. Theyre done. You can hear it. You can see it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For her part, MSNBC political analyst Molly Jong-Fast took the time on Morning Joe Thursday to remind viewers of the moral relevance of the Epstein case. I think its important to just remember the sheer scale of this. This went on for years. The numbers are more than 200 victims probably. I mean, it could be many, many more than that, she said. The larger point is, you know, bigger than politics it really is. If we cant say that people shouldnt rape children, then what are we doing? You can watch the full Morning Joe segment yourself in the video above. The post Chris Matthews Blasts Trumps Epstein Excuses: Nobody Wants Any More Pages, They Want the Names! | Video appeared first on TheWrap. GOSHEN Last year, Rock Run Church of the Brethren was seeking a way to honor the 175th anniversary of the Brethren Church. Leaders reached out to local sculptor Ryan Snider to create a work to be displayed outside the church. Snider, a 2021 graduate of Fairfield High School and a current art student at Goshen College, has other sculpture pieces displayed in the area that caught the eye of some people at Rock Run. They presented Snider with an idea a three-dimensional sculpture modeled after the Brethren Churchs two-dimensional logo. They had me make a cross that is supposed to resemble the Church of the Brethrens logo, Snider said. It was kind of tricky turning it into a 3-D form since its a very 2-D logo with a lot of elements that dont connect, since I cant have floating metal. I had to figure out how I could practically make this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snider made the 8-foot-tall sculpture completely out of recycled materials he resourced from local scrapyards. Theres a lot of symbolism within it, like the halo, he said. The halo is not only a halo; its comprised of three circles to represent the Trinity. Its supposed to resemble early Christian iconography, like the way they did halos with the cross within it. Snider added there is a section of the cross with representations of where the nails that pierced Christs wrists would have been. He said he also used color-shifting paint, so the color appears to change as it is walked around, which represents the transcending nature of water within the Christian faith. Im really interested in using recycled materials because of the history that is embedded within each of the pieces, he said. It was also really appropriate because of the symbolism of being born again through Christ, and using materials that were destined to be smelted down again and using them for something else that will hopefully stand the test of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Mishler, a local sculptor and an associate professor of art at Goshen College, has served as a mentor to Snider, who actually switched his major from social work to art after taking a 3-D class. This opportunity was really important for Ryan, Mishler said. I like working with students and helping them on commissions. Were putting a couple downtown. Im very much into public art and having students work seen. Public art enhances our city, and Goshen is known as an artistic city. A lot of artists live in the area. I encourage my students to produce good work and have it seen. If you look at the art world in general, even paintings are becoming more three-dimensional. Things are being added to paintings so theyre coming off the wall. I think its part of our culture that we are thinking more three dimensionally. I always tell my students, There are a lot of painters out there but there arent many sculptors, so you dont have as much competition. When a sculpture is made and someone purchases it, they have to give up some space to display it. Mishler served as an adviser to Snider during the creation of the commissioned art. He said there are a lot of opportunities right now in the art world, especially in sculpture, and he encourages his students to take advantage. From a creative standpoint, Snider said this work helped him develop and enhance different artistic skills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The progress was slow because it was one of the first sculptures I had made that was very mathematical, Snider said. Everything had to fit perfectly for it to work, whereas normally Im finding pieces that I like and add them to the sculpture. At first it was hard, getting used to a new type of sculpture. It ended up really improving my welding skills. Sniders sculpture can be seen outside of the entrance of Rock Run Church of the Brethren, which is located at 64985 C.R. 33, Goshen. Two new lawsuits have been filed that seek to void all settlements and rulings involving customers of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. who were forced into an arbitration system funded by the state-owned company. The suits, filed in Miami-Dade and Seminole counties, base their arguments on a Hillsborough County judges Aug. 2 injunction that suspended Citizens ability to send claim disputes to the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) while a policyholder pursued his claim that the system violated his constitutional right to a fair trial. The judge in that case, Melissa Mary Polo, found that the policyholder demonstrated that their argument, that the system violates policyholders constitutional rights, stands a substantial likelihood of success of prevailing. Citizens is appealing the injunction, warning the company would be irreparably harmed if the suspension remains in effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOAH, a state agency, contracted with Citizens last year to preside over disputes through 2027. Citizens is paying $19.3 million for the service. The lawsuits challenge Citizens use of a state law enacted in 2023 that allows it to require new and renewing customers to accept the DOAH policy provision. That provision allows Citizens to divert claims disputes from the court system, where judges and juries decide outcomes, to a group of appointed administrative law judges who the lawsuits claim rule overwhelmingly in Citizens favor. One of the class action complaints, filed on Aug. 27 in Seminole County on behalf of lead plaintiff Jamie Alverio, a Sanford resident, seeks to void all settlements agreed to by Citizens customers prior to DOAH hearings. DOAHs website shows that more than 1,200 of 1,670 cases diverted to the DOAH court since 2024 have been dismissed without a hearing. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alverio agreed to settle her DOAH claim after Citizens declined, following Hurricane Milton last October, to cover damage to her home that she blamed on the storm. The lawsuit claims that policyholders were coerced into agreeing to the settlements after Citizens forced them into the proceedings and argues that they should be voided because the DOAH process is unconstitutional. Contracts or releases obtained through unconstitutional processes are unenforceable, the suit states. Citizens spokesman Michael Peltier declined to comment on the lawsuits beyond stating, State law specifically authorizes the DOAH process, and we believe that the law is constitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit argues that the Legislature amended Citizens enabling statute by permitting the company to apply the provision without providing reductions in premiums that private-market insurers must offer. Citizens told the South Florida Sun Sentinel in July that it settles about 30% of cases with payments of $30,000 or more after the company discovers evidence that supports reversing its initial claim denial or payment offer. But plaintiffs attorneys argue that the system is rigged in Citizens favor. Unlike Citizens, which has come to rely on the arbitration tool to fast-track dispute resolutions, policyholders rarely invoke arbitration, they say. Most of the plaintiffs attorneys in this industry feel that this [requirement] was just shoved down these homeowners throats without any ability to negotiate with Citizens as an insurer of last resort, Edgar Kelly, founding partner of Kelly Law Offices LLC, one of two law firms behind the class action suits, said in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citizens sends disputes to DOAH after a plaintiff files a notice of intent to initiate litigation, plaintiffs attorneys say. Citizens then proposes settling the disputes with offers of judgment of $250 or $500, according to the attorneys. If the policyholder refuses the offer, the case advances to a hearing. Policyholders who lose at the hearing could face orders to pay Citizens legal fees, often totaling thousands of dollars, DOAH data shows. Policyholders who refuse offers of judgment but withdraw their complaints before or at the hearing also face orders to pay Citizens legal fees, the data shows. Peltier told the Sun Sentinel in July that the company must file separate actions in circuit courts to enforce DOAH judges legal fee orders, which it has not yet done but reserves the right to do so in the future. Still, Peltier said the company expects losing plaintiffs to pay fees as ordered by DOAH courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second of the two complaints was filed Monday in Miami-Dade circuit court on behalf of policyholders who lost their cases in DOAH hearings. A Hialeah home owned by the lead plaintiffs, Idelmis and Jesus Martinez, sustained damage during Hurricane Milton but Citizens refused to pay, the suit states, adding that the couple lost in an arbitration hearing. Of 62 rulings by DOAH judges since 2024, Citizens has prevailed in 59 of them, a review of cases on the DOAH website by the Sun Sentinel shows. The suit claims that the DOAH system prevents plaintiffs from requesting evidence, raising motions or seeking judicial review. The two lawsuits, filed by Moreno Perdomo PLLC and Kelly Law Offices PLLC, both of Miami, seek a declaration that the mandatory arbitration law is unconstitutional. They also seek a declaratory judgment voiding all settlements and/or rulings against DOAH plaintiffs, and restoration of their rights to pursue claims in Florida courts. 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. NEW YORK (PIX11) Christopher Marte, a lower Manhattan City Councilman who has City Hall in his district, is hoping to be the second most powerful person in city government next year. Marte is lobbying to become the next City Council speaker, succeeding Adrienne Adams. The selection process usually unfolds behind the scenes with borough party bosses, unions and the incoming mayor playing key roles. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The councilman is wrapping up his first term in office and, as the Democratic nominee in District 1, is heavily favored to win a second term in office. But he is choosing to make his case publicly for the speaker position, including launching a campaign website. Marte spoke exclusively to PIX11 before announcing his intent to become speaker. For the history of this election, closed-door election, the public had no eyes into what was happening, Marte said. Hes hoping to change that. The public should know what is happen what are [the candidates] visions. Marte launched a website with ideas on how to reform the City Council, promising more member-led control of the legislative body. To see Martes website, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani the current favorite in the polls to become the next mayor. Whoever is the next speaker will have to grapple with his aggressive and pricey promises, including: fast and free buses, municipal grocery stores, a rent freeze on rent-stabilized units and universal childcare. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State I support Zohran, I support a lot of his policies, Im excited to work together, Marte said. Hes going to need a speaker to make sure we can get universal childcare. Hes going to need a speaker to get true affordable housing and I want to work with him to make sure he can be successful. Current Mayor Eric Adams has often clashed with the highly progressive City Council over budget cuts, especially library funding, housing vouchers and early childhood education. Much of it has been in response to the city grappling with a decline in federal funding and billions spent on the migrant crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue of police overtime and staffing is also an annual area of disagreement between the City Council and the mayor. Others whove expressed interest include Bronx Councilwoman Amanda Farias, the current majority leader, Brooklyn Council Member Crystal Hudson and Manhattan Council Member Julie Menin, who has experience leading citywide agencies. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. The Israeli militarys indiscriminate bombing of Gaza City is reducing entire neighbourhoods to rubble, forcing residents to flee in panic, with nowhere safe in the enclave, which has been under unrelenting bombardment for 23 months. Israels round-the-clock assault on what UNICEF has dubbed the city of fear included an attack on a tent in the neighbourhood of Tal al-Hawa on Thursday that wiped out an entire family of five people, including three children. Video footage of the attack showed Palestinians outside damaged tents, clearing up scattered belongings, including a pair of blood-stained pink slippers that lay among the debris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My children and I were sleeping in the tent when we heard the sound of bombing. Shrapnel fell on us, and my four children started screaming, Israa al-Basous told the AFP news agency. Attacks were reported in Gaza Citys Zeitoun, Sabra, Tuffah, Nassr and Shujayea districts, as the military erased entire neighbourhoods in its bid to drive out approximately one million people from the enclaves largest urban hub. Heavy bombardment in the Tuffah neighbourhood killed at least eight people and injured dozens more, according to Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson of the territorys civil emergency service. In Shujayea, an Israeli strike on a residential building killed at least two people, according to an ambulance source. And in Zeitoun, three bodies were pulled out dead from under the rubble of a destroyed home that belonged to the al-Ghaf family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre moving from one area to another that is less dangerous, but still within the range of Israeli military fire, the air strikes and bombardment, said Al Jazeeras Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City. Mahmoud said many of the displaced were moving in the hope of finding safety for a few days, only to find themselves being displaced all over again. Many had fled to the citys Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood, only to find tanks pushing into the area northwest of the city centre, destroying houses and causing fires in tent encampments. Hospitals were overwhelmed with casualties. At Gaza Citys al-Shifa Hospital, the floor of the morgue was strewn with bodies wrapped in white shrouds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One woman stroked the head of her dead son as his body lay outside on a stretcher. Who are you leaving me to, son? Why? Why? she wept. Tess Ingram, UNICEFs communication manager for the Middle East and North Africa, warned that almost one million people were trapped in the city of fear, flight and funerals. In total, 44 were killed on Thursday in Gaza City. 75 killed across the enclave As terrified residents scattered in the aim of finding shelter from the bombs, Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said that troops now held 40 percent of the city. The operation, he said, would continue to expand and intensify in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al Jazeeras Sanad fact-checking agency analysed satellite images that showed the heavy presence of more than 52 Israeli army vehicles in the Zeitoun neighbourhood. The images, dating from August 25 and September 1, demonstrate a clear pattern of forced displacement of residents from northern and central Gaza City towards the west in particular, along al-Rashid Street and the beach. Palestinians who have fled Gaza City over the past few months have found dire conditions further south, where the mass movement of people has further overcrowded tent camps and pushed prices of basic goods much higher. Shorouk Abu Eid, a pregnant woman from Gaza City, who was displaced to Khan Younis four months ago, said the arrival of more people from the north has worsened their plight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no privacy, no peace of mind, she told The Associated Press news agency. In any case, fleeing Palestinians are likely to encounter death and destruction wherever they go. On Thursday, Israel also bombed central Gazas Nuseirat refugee camp, killing seven people, including three children. And in southern Rafah, Israeli forces fired at a group of people seeking aid near an aid distribution point, killing seven and injuring more. Across the enclave, 75 people were killed by Israeli army ground and air attacks since dawn. US blames France and others for Israeli abuses As diplomatic efforts to find an end to the war in Gaza stuttered on, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to blame countries that plan to recognise a Palestinian state for Israels abuses in the occupied West Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels annexation drive in the West Bank has been gaining steam in the shadow of its campaign of terror in Gaza. This week, far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the annexation of most of the territory. Asked about the annexation drive by a reporter, Rubio effectively blamed France and other countries that intend to announce their recognition of a Palestinian state at the next United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York this month. We told all these countries, we told them all. We said, if you guys do this recognition stuff its all fake, its not even real if you do it, youre going to create big problems, Rubio said on Thursday. Also on Thursday, the US added three prominent Palestinian rights groups, Al-Haq, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) and Al Mezan Center for Human Rights to its sanctions list. Rubio said the rights groups were targeted for having directly engaged in efforts by the International Criminal Court [ICC] to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute Israeli nationals, without Israels consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICC last year issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes. Israels Ministry of Foreign Affairs also laid into France, claiming that it told French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot there was no room for a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron as long as Paris persisted in efforts that harm Israels interests. On Thursday, European Commission vice president, Teresa Ribera, called the war in Gaza a genocide and slammed the 27-nation bloc for failing to act to stop it. Top European Union officials have so far shied away from the term to describe Israels actions in Gaza that has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children. This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. First National Bank will dive deeper into the Southeast and mid-Atlantic markets, with 30 new branches in the next five years, the bank said Tuesday. Most of the branches will add to FNBs expansion in North and South Carolina, as well as in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The Pittsburgh-based lender, which operates in seven states and D.C., is one of many banks concentrating on the Southeast to take advantage of explosive population growth. Huntington, for one, is in the middle of a Carolinas-focused 55-branch expansion, and Fifth Third is adding some 200 locations in the region. FNBs expansion into dynamic, high-growth markets in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast has yielded performance that demonstrates the effectiveness of our business model as well as our commitment to client service, FNB CEO Vincent J. Delie Jr. said in a prepared statement on the expansion. We have built out our unique in-store experience which allows clients to complete applications both in the branch and online, resulting in the omnichannel experience we have pursued through our Clicks-to-Bricks strategy. FNB, which has close to $50 billion in assets, entered the Carolinas in 2017, when it merged with Raleigh, North Carolina-based Yadkin Financial Corp. It dug deeper into the Charleston, South Carolina, area in 2018 and has since opened five new branches, nearly 160 branded ATMs and downtown regional hubs housing commercial banking and wealth management segments in the Palmetto State. In 2020, the bank singled out South Carolina as a driver of its organic growth. A focus on team recruitment and strategic effort have helped FNB more than double total deposits in South Carolina since entering the state, according to the banks Tuesday announcement. With the addition of its planned locations, FNB will operate roughly 380 branches and more than 1,600 ATMs across its footprint, with 110 branches and 500 ATMs in the Carolinas alone. Another source of growth in the region was the 2022 acquisition of Greenville, North Carolina-based UB Bancorp and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Union Bank. The acquisition of Baltimore-based Howard Bank earlier that year bolstered its mid-Atlantic presence. Recommended Reading Boston might have bragging rights to being a hub of higher education, life science, and even its parks. But its latest honor might leave a few in New York City crying foul. A new study by luxury vacation home rental platform Wander ranked Boston as the best U.S. city for public transportation for travelers. While we locals may grumble about long waits on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (better known as the T), Wander gives the city high marks, noting it has about 41 public transport stations per 100,000 residents. New Englands largest city also scored well for its range of options: subway, commuter rail, bus routes, ferries, and paratransit. The T carries about 273,000 daily riders on its Blue, Orange, and Red subway lines, while the Green Line light rail averages another 90,700. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The T, which opened in 1897, is the nations oldest subway system, beating New Yorks by seven years. Still, New York Citys MTAwith 665 miles of track, per the Metropolitan Transportation Authorityis by far the largest network in the U.S. Rounding out Wanders top five were Portland, Oregon; Philadelphia; Baltimore; and Seattle. New York City curiously didnt even crack the top 10, and Wander had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication. For visitors arriving in Boston, the T often provides the easiest and cheapest first step into the city. Massport operates a free shuttle between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) terminals and the MBTAs Airport Blue Line station. From there, travelers can pay the $2.40 single-ride fare with contactless payment, a CharlieTicket, or a CharlieCard. The Blue Line links to the Orange Line at State Street and the Green Line at Government Center, connecting riders to top attractions like the Freedom Trail, neighborhoods like Back Bay and Beacon Hill, and colleges like Boston University and Boston College. Taking the Blue Line also helps avoid gridlock in the airports two traffic-clogged tunnels. Alternatively, the Silver Lines SL1 bus connects all terminals to South Station, Bostons main rail hub with Amtrak service and Red Line connections to South Boston (where you will likely find a few pahk the cah accents walking the streets), Harvard, MIT, and Cambridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While New York might be the city and subway system that never sleeps, you should know Boston very much cherishes its beauty sleepincluding for its infrastructure. Trains typically run from 5 a.m. until about 12:30 a.m., leaving overnight hours for maintenance. But night owls may catch a break this fall: the T is piloting late-night service on all subway lines and eight bus routes for five weekends, extending operations until 1:30 a.m. During the trial, rides across all modes of transit will also be free after 9 p.m., a great way to save money while out on the town. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure TEMPLE. Texas (FOX 44) Want to save money and learn a few tricks to keep your home in shape? The City of Temple is hosting its next Home Maintenance Academy, and this time the focus is on HVAC maintenance. The free workshop will walk you through simple repairs and tips to keep your system running smoothly. Its hands-on, easy to follow, and designed for anyone 18 and older. Registration is required, and the deadline to sign up is Sept. 17. Event details Date: Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 Time: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Location: Jeff Hamilton Building Conference Room, 1905 Curtis B. Elliot Dr., Temple, Texas 76501 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Have questions? Call 254-298-5976 or email the City of Temples housing team. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. You can ride your bike or walk along the trail that circles the 21st Street Pond in Ogden, a city-owned body of water in an area that has traditionally been given over to industrial use. You can fish from the edge of the lake in certain spots, a popular activity for many as recreational amenities in the area have slowly expanded. Dont put a kayak or swim in the small body of water off 21st Street, however, at least for now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then-Mayor Matthew Godfrey inked an agreement back in 2008 with Goode Ski Technologies, giving the water ski maker a concession to use the small body of water which it dubs Goode Ski Lake to research ski design. The agreement is to last 30 years, with Goode retaining the option to extend the accord another 20 years, until 2058. It seems highly unusual to me. I dont know of anybody else given a contract, given a free lease for space like that for 50 years, said Kevin Lundell. Hes an Ogden City Council candidate in elections this year whos very familiar with the deal and has brought the topic up while campaigning. Now, though, a fledgling movement is afoot to revisit and revamp the 2008 accord to give the public more access to the lake, creating a new recreational amenity for Ogden. As it stands, Willard Bay State Park north of Plain City and Pineview Reservoir through the Ogden Canyon to the Ogden Valley are the closest recreational water bodies to Ogden. Goode Lake in Ogden, also known as 21st Street Pond, is shown on the left side of this 2019 aerial image of the neighborhood where it sits. | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency It was given away to a private company without any public input or the involvement of the City Council. Sixteen years is long enough, said Karen Thurber, whos created a Facebook group to drum up support for the cause. It could become a beautiful park and a huge attraction for tourists as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Ben Nadolski is supportive of change and while short on specifics, said his administration has been in talks on the subject with Chris Roberts, owner of Goode. Goode Ski has been really cooperative and collaborative throughout our discussions, demonstrating a clear commitment to delivering a positive outcome for the public. Weve made great progress together, Nadolski said. Mike McBride, spokesman for the Nadolski administration, noted that the 2008 accord was crafted at a time when Ogden leaders were eager to do what they could to draw outdoor companies to the area. Given environmental issues in the area at the time, he added, the site wasnt viewed as a valued public amenity as it is by some today. It was a good match to bring such a reputable company as Goode to Ogden, and they have been good stewards of that space while growing their global brand, McBride said. But while there now seems to be a willingness to debate the future of the 21st Street Pond, Nadolski worries about the topic becoming a political wedge in the lead-up to City Council elections in November, complicating talks. Lundell, for his part, wonders what exactly administration officials have done to promote the cause. Hed like more details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id like to hear if they are looking into that lease ... if theyve even approached that topic with Goode Ski Technologies, said Lundell, who worked for Goode making skis many years ago and, at that time, skied on the lake. He also wonders if Goode is complying with terms of the lease, wonders if noncompliance could give the city wiggle room to regain control of the lake. Among other things, the 2008 accord requires Goode to keep its headquarters in Ogden and use the pond for research and development. Its been at least two years since anyone has seen a boat on the on the pond, Thurber charges. Furthermore, sources in the company tell us that all of their research and development is happening outside of Utah in much more conducive conditions, on larger lakes, where professional water skiers work. Roberts, who says hes open to the possibilities, counters Thurbers contention. Very active with it on research and development for our water skis, yes, he said. Some are calling for more public access to Goode Lake, also known as 21st Street Pond, off in the distance in this Aug. 31 photo. A water ski maker has a concession with Ogden that largely gives it control of the city-owned lake. | Tim Vandenack, KSL.com Goode doesnt use the lake in the winter and there arent set times when researchers get on the water, but it serves the company. We make everything here in Ogden at our facility. We can literally make a mold, make a ski, go out that afternoon, test it, come back and do that process over and over until we get a ski or product that we like, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He, too, was short on details on talks hes had on the subject with city officials. Either way, neither he nor Nadolski offered a timeline for talks and Roberts said any new accord on the lakes use will take work. It cant just be suddenly open to the public as is. Theres definitely things that need to be improved on it if it becomes public access, Roberts said. But I think theres ways that we can work together in the future to accommodate what we need as company but also help the city and use this beautiful lake thats there. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Following a teacher union contract win and a media blitz, Clark County School District Superintendent Jhone Ebert is receiving high marks for her first 100 days. At an afternoon CCSD work session meeting, Ebert revealed the results of an effort to change the climate and culture for parents, students, and 44,000 employees. She pointed to a four-prong improvement approach: rekindling the passion of staff, improving communication, growing partnerships, and rebuilding trust. 3 finalists selected in Nevada superintendent search Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive heard from many teachers that they did not feel recognized or valued in their positions, nor did they feel empowered, and now they know that they are here to lead and do the great work with their students, Ebert said. I also heard from families who do not feel connected with their schools, and Im proud that we reached out to thousands of educators and families to let them know we want them to teach. Following a teacher union contract win and a media blitz, Clark County School District Superintendent Jhone Ebert is receiving high marks for her first 100 days. (KLAS) In an effort to increase awareness and communication, Ebert said the district launched a podcast to feature community voices. Trustee Emily Stevens expressed support in the digital launch. I love that idea, she said. Each trustee who spoke noted the positive feedback from their constituents and principles in Ebert and her staffs communication efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is definitely a shift that has happened since the beginning of the first day of school, Trustee Brenda Zamora said. I think even hearing principals say that theyre excited for us trustees to be in the schools makes a huge difference. I thank you for that, because that came from you. Trustee Tameka Henry also noted the change and expressed hope for it to continue. I want to thank you for hopefully living up to all the praises that theyre singing, she said. Right? Ebert fielded questions from trustees on expanding pre-K resources, the status of advisory boards, and the upcoming unveiling of the facilities masterplan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were working with our elected officials, as well as the Nevada Department of Education, the Governors team, to make sure that we can expand spans pre-K this next biennium, she said. After the review, Ebert took questions from the media about her next steps and whether the active communications strategy was purposeful. I dont know how you can run a large school district if youre not out and about and that your ear isnt to the ground and that youre listening to what is transpiring, she said. Because we are a large system. Its a great system, but were not perfect, and its about getting in and understanding how we can make those little changes and or two. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Classes resume at UMass Lowell amid ongoing search for armed man who sparked lockdown UMass Lowell is taking extra precautions as classes resume Thursday after a man with what appeared to be a long gun was spotted on campus on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a lockdown and a massive law enforcement response on the first day of school. Students, faculty, and staff barricaded doors, hid in closets, and hunkered down with the lights off for more than two hours after receiving notifications on their phones alerting them of an individual with a gun behind the Riverview Suites dormitory shortly before 2:30 p.m. It was really scary because we dont even know if this person goes to our school, one student told Boston 25 News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say the reported gun-wielding individual was not a hoax, and the search for the suspect is continuing Thursday morning. Students returning to campus will notice an increased police presence, with extra officers assigned outside residence halls. Counselors will also be made available in the wake of the schoolwide scare. The lockdown was initiated after a video surfaced showing a man holding what appeared to be a long gun on a dirt path by the Riverview Suites on the schools South Campus. Police later confirmed that the video circulating on social media is legitimate and 100 percent real. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another video shared with Boston 25 News showed a man running down Marginal Street toward the Riverview Suites with what appeared to be a firearm in his hand. It should be noted that its different than the video that prompted the lockdown. In a statement issued on Thursday morning, UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen said there were no reports of injuries during the emergency response. Let me be clear: This was never an active-shooter situation. There were no reports of shots, and thankfully, there have been no reports of any injuries, Chen said. About 100 officers, including Lowell police, Massachusetts State Police, and a regional task force, along with FBI agents, searched for the reported gunman for hours before the lockdown was lifted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cannot express enough thanks to our emergency operations personnel and the dedicated officers of the UMass Lowell police and our partners with the City of Lowell and State Police, as well as other law enforcement who reacted quickly and professionally to ensure students, faculty, and staff were safe," Chen added. Police say the suspect is believed to have left the campus. "After an extensive search and investigation involving city and state police partners, law enforcement determined the suspect was no longer in the vicinity," a UMass Lowell spokesperson said, lifting the shelter-in-place order shortly after 5:15 p.m. The police didnt elaborate further on the incident in an effort to protect the ongoing investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about the incident and the suspect is asked to contact the UMass Lowell police or the Lowell police. 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 in the player above: What is fentanyl?] CLEVELAND (WJW) A man who conspired to sell fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine in Cleveland is headed to prison. A federal judge recently sentenced Murray Foster, 39, of Cleveland, to 10 years in prison on the charges, to which he pleaded guilty in April, according to a Thursday news release from David Toepfer, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Streetsboro school employee allegedly tried to meet teen for sex: Police Foster will also be supervised for four years upon release. Between April 1, 2023, and July 12, 2023, Foster and another person conspired to distribute at least 100 grams of a fentanyl analogue, at least 400 grams of a fentanyl mixture, at least 500 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine and at least 500 grams of a crack cocaine mixture, according to the release. Federal agents executing a search warrant at several homes connected to the conspiracy found more than 500 fentanyl pills, 5 pounds of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of cocaine, 28 grams of crack cocaine, five handguns, a rifle, a shotgun, more than $19,000 in cash and a motorcycle, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woman beaten at Akron home later died, police say Fosters co-conspirator Deion Thompson, 29, of Cleveland, pleaded guilty in July to having a role in the conspiracy and is due for sentencing on Jan. 5, 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. MADRID (AP) The extremely hot, dry and windy conditions, which fueled one of the IberianPeninsula's most destructive wildfire seasons in recorded history, were 40 times more likely due to climate change, according to a study released Thursday. The analysis by World Weather Attribution, or WWA, said the weather conditions were about 30% more intense compared to the preindustrial era, when heavy reliance on fossil fuels began. Summer wildfires Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of wildfires in the Iberian Peninsula broke out in July and August. They spread rapidly thanks to temperatures that pushed above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and strong winds. The fires in Spain and Portugal killed eight people, forced more than 35,000 evacuations and scorched more than 640,000 hectares (1.58 million acres) or roughly two-thirds of Europes total burned area this year. Most blazes are now under control, officials say, as temperatures have dropped considerably. Hotter, drier and more flammable conditions are becoming more severe with climate change, and are giving rise to fires of unprecedented intensity, said Clair Barnes, a researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College, London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europe has been warming twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, according to the European Unions Copernicus Climate Change Service. The role of climate change WWA, a group of researchers that examines whether and to what extent extreme weather events are linked to climate change, focused on the conditions that allowed the Iberian wildfires to spread that fast, including during Spain's hottest ten-day period on record in August, according to the country's weather agency AEMET. Without climate change, similar ten-day spells of hot, dry and windy conditions would be rare, expected once every 500 years, they found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This quick study is one more line of evidence showing how human-caused climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme heat and combined hot and dry fire weather conditions, said Valerie Masson-Delmotte, a climate scientist at the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, who was not involved in the study. WWA's analysis wasn't a full attribution study. Those seek to determine the influence of climate change, driven primarily by the burning of fossil fuels, on a specific extreme weather event. This time, the researchers looked at weather observations without using climate models. But the results were consistent with existing research on wildfires in the region, the researchers said, and another study WWA recently published on this year's fires in Turkey, Greece and Cyprus, which found that climate change made fire-prone weather conditions there 10 times more likely. While fires are a characteristic of the Mediterranean climate, human-caused climate change increases the recurrence and severity of conditions favorable for intense fires, making fire control efforts much more challenging, Masson-Delmotte said. Neglecting rural areas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The researchers mentioned other factors that have contributed to the severity of the wildfires, including large population shifts that have taken place over decades in Spain and Portugal from the countryside to cities. The study said this has resulted in large areas of neglected overgrown farms and forests, which further fuel the fires. Removing vegetation using machinery, encouraging grazing by sheep, horses and goats and using other methods, such as controlled burns, would reduce the risk during wildfire seasons, researchers said. From a human perspective, most of these rural areas have suffered massive abandonment since the 1970s, which has allowed fine fuels to accumulate to dangerous levels, a problem worsened by inadequate forestry management, said Ricardo Trigo, a professor at the University of Lisbon's geophysics, geographical engineering and energy department. On Monday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez proposed a 10-point plan to better prepare the country for natural disasters made worse by climate change. It included coordinating with neighboring Portugal and France. NEED TO KNOW Several staff members at a California urgent care have been fired after they were placed on leave for posting a viral TikTok video showing them mocking what seems to be pap smear discharge left behind by patients The now-deleted clip was originally posted by a user and former employee under the handle @angieuncut A representative for Sutter Health tells PEOPLE, "This unacceptable behavior is an outright violation of our policies" The California urgent care clinic workers who posted photos on TikTok mocking patients' discharge after pap smears have been fired, a Sutter Health spokesperson told PEOPLE. The incident occurred at the Pesetas Urgent Care in Santa Barbara, Calif., a Sansum Clinic facility. The video, which circulated on Labor Day weekend, has since been taken down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sutter Health has terminated the employees responsible for the inappropriate and insensitive photos posted on social media," a Sutter Health spokesperson told PEOPLE in a statement. "This unacceptable behavior is an outright violation of our policies, shows a lack of respect for our patients and will not be tolerated," the statement continued. "Protecting the trust of those we serve is our highest priority and when that trust is violated, we take swift action to address it." Sutter Health confirmed that the employees were placed on leave "within 24 hours of becoming aware of the posts," and they were terminated within another 24 hours. The incident remains an ongoing internal investigation. "We expect all team members to live our patients-first mission and uphold the highest standards of compassion, professionalism and respect," the representative continues. "We are using this inappropriate incident to reinforce our comprehensive policies with all our team members across the organization as part of our commitment to providing all patients with high-quality, compassionate care." The now-deleted clip, originally posted by a user under the handle @angieuncut, showed a group of staff gathered around a medical chair, appearing to ridicule what seems to be discharge left on exam room paper by a patient. The individual who posted the video left the organization in July. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. According to screenshots obtained by the Santa Barbara Independent, the TikTok post included six photos in total. In one, a nurse in pink scrubs gives a thumbs-up, while another woman in blue scrubs bends over and sticks her tongue out near a stained exam chair. "Guess the substance," the video was captioned, according to the Independent. Read the original article on People Alphabets Google does not have to sell its Chrome web browser but must share some of its search and other data with competitors, a federal judge decided in the Justice Departments landmark case against the search giant. Judge Amit Mehta ruled last year that Google illegally monopolized online search and advertising by paying companies like Apple and Samsung billions of dollars a year to install Google as the default search engine on smartphones and web browsers. The decision could have fundamentally reshaped how Google does business, and the Justice Department proposed sweeping changes including selling off Chrome or the Android operating system. But Mehta stated in his Sept. 2 ruling that 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." In this photo illustration, Google Chrome logos are displayed on a cell phone on November 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Plaintiffs overreached in seeking forced divesture of these key assets, which Google did not use to effect any illegal restraints, the ruling stated. Mehta instead put restrictions on but did not ban the payments Google makes to get prominent placement in web browsers on smartphones. Google spends billions each year to be the default search engine on web browsers and smartphones. It can continue to make the payments but cannot enter into exclusive contracts. Courts must approach the task of crafting remedies with a healthy dose of humility, Judge Mehta wrote. This court has done so. Justice Department, Google react to ruling The Justice Department said the 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" especially with the rise of artificial intelligence. The closely watched case is the first in a series of antitrust cases brought by the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission to rein in the massive power of tech giants during the Biden and Trump administrations. The yearslong case was filed in President Donald Trump's first administration. This decision marks an important step forward in the Department of Justices ongoing fight to protect American consumers, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. Google said it was reviewing the decision closely. "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," Google said in a statement. Google shares pop Alphabet shares popped 7% in after-hours trading on the news. Apple shares rose 3%. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives said it was a "home run" ruling for both. Representatives from 39 countries gathered in Paris on Sept. 4 for a meeting of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing," joined by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The talks, chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focused on security guarantees for Ukraine amid stalled peace efforts. "We are giving real substance to long-term security guarantees for Ukraine and ensuring support for our Ukrainian Defense Forces already now," Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Ukrainian outlet Suspilne, 10 representatives attended the meeting in person and 28 joined online. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff also attended, leaving the Elysee Palace about 45 minutes after the conference began, European Pravda reported. Later in the day, European leaders also plan to talk with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Elysee Palace said leaders would assess progress on security guarantees for Ukraine and evaluate Russia's stance, as Moscow continues to reject both a ceasefire and a peace deal. The meeting follows high-level talks in Washington on Aug. 18, where European leaders pressed the U.S. president to support robust security guarantees for Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said during a Kyiv visit on Aug. 22 that the package would strengthen Ukraine's military and provide U.S.-European assurances to deter future Russian aggression. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later announced that Washington had begun coordinating with allies and Kyiv on a new framework. On Aug. 24, U.S. Vice President JD Vance clarified that no American troops would be deployed to Ukraine. Trump has linked security guarantees to his effort to broker direct talks between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin has denied an agreement on such a summit, though Putin on Sept. 3 said he has "never ruled out" meeting Zelensky. Despite earlier threats of "severe" secondary tariffs if Russia refused a ceasefire, Trump has so far imposed only a 25% tariff on India for oil purchases from Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military aid to Ukraine has been paused several times under his administration, while peace efforts have dragged on for their eighth month without any results. Read also: Trump admits ending Russias war in Ukraine little bit more difficult than he expected Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The summit of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris has concluded. Next is a preparatory meeting ahead of a call with US President Donald Trump, scheduled for 15:00 Kyiv time. Source: European Pravda, citing its sources Details: The meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, held on 4 September in Paris, has ended. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has left the Elysee Palace. Unofficial reports suggest that those European leaders who travelled to Washington on 18 August will join the call with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sources state that the Ukrainian president headed for a meeting with Trumps Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Meanwhile, EU leaders will have a joint lunch, but by 15:00 all participants will gather for the call with Trump. Background: At 11:45, the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing began at the Elysee Palace. Later, Witkoff left the session. Macrons office explained this was planned due to another meeting, and Trumps special envoy will return later. Representatives from 33 countries from Europe and beyond are taking part in the meeting. Six European leaders, the EU leadership and the president of Ukraine are attending in person, while the others are joining via video link. Ahead of the meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that allies have finalised security guarantees for Ukraine, which are now ready for political approval. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A meeting of the Coalition of the Willing military allies supporting Ukraine is beginning in Paris at the Elysee Palace. Source: a European Pravda reporter in Paris Details: Leaders attending the coalition meeting began arriving at the Elysee Palace after 11:30 Kyiv time, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy among them. EN DIRECT | Debut de la reunion de la Coalition des volontaires a Paris. https://t.co/Q9L80PscGG Elysee (@Elysee) September 4, 2025 The first to arrive was US President Trumps special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who declined to answer journalists questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 11:45, the Elysee Palace announced the official start of the meeting. Background: Six EU country leaders, the EU leadership, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Steve Witkoff are attending in person, while NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is joining remotely. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who was also expected to attend in person, could not make the meeting due to a plane malfunction. In total, according to President Emmanuel Macron, representatives from 35 countries across Europe and other parts of the world will take part. Macron stated ahead of the Coalition of the Willing meeting that allies have completed work on security guarantees for Ukraine and that they are now ready for political approval. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) (left) sits moored next to U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) at Coast Guard Base Seattle, Aug. 25, 2024. The Polar Star and Healy are routinely deployed to Arctic and Antarctic locations to support science research or help resupply remote stations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Chris Butters) The U.S. Coast Guard announced Tuesday that it has awarded a $137 million contract for the first phase of a project intended to allow its Seattle base to host two new heavy icebreakers. The contract, awarded to The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, covers dredging of the Coast Guards Slip 36 and construction of two ship berths capable of hosting the new icebreakers, formally known as Polar Security Cutters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first of those ships, the Polar Sentinel, is expected to be complete in 2030. When accepted into the Coast Guard, it will be the services first new heavy icebreaker since the Polar Star was commissioned in 1977. The Coast Guard operates the federal governments icebreaker fleet, and the Polar Star is key to supplying American research bases in Antarctica from its Seattle home port. A second and third heavy icebreaker were fully funded with $4.3 billion included as part of the Republican budget package approved by Congress and President Donald Trump earlier this year. The budget package also included $300 million for port construction in Juneau to support the newly commissioned Coast Guard icebreaker Storis, a converted oilfield services ship. Until that work is complete, the Storis will be homeported in Seattle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican budget package, known as the Big Beautiful Bill Act, includes billions of dollars for shoreside port facilities like those in Juneau and Seattle. Additional phases of work are expected in Seattle, which is expected to be the home port of four new major Coast Guard cutters, the service said in a written statement. On an ordinary Wednesday at U.S. Coast Guard Station Washington, D.C., Lt. Cmdr. Kim Jenish had just given her crew a motivating lecture about resilience and staying focused on their goals. She didnt know that very evening would bring a crisis that would put her words to the test. Just before 9 p.m. on Jan. 29, an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter collided with American Airlines Flight 5342 outside Washington, D.C., sending both aircraft plummeting into the Potomac River and leading to the deaths of all 67 people onboard. Jenish was finishing dinner when she got the call from the units duty officer: a plane had crashed and all available personnel were needed on the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Potomac was freezing, with four to six inches of ice in places, she recalled, and the Coast Guard search-and-rescue boats werent designed to operate in those conditions. But the need was urgent, and the Coast Guardsmen went to work, using everything from hammers to weights to break ice around the boat launch so they could enter the water and begin search and rescue. Meanwhile, Station Washington became an incident command post, directing traffic as the river filled with rescue personnel. As boats were coming in, I was just using your classic whiteboard, writing, Okay, what boats do we have? And then just sending them out and trying to place them, Jenish recalled, adding that about eight Coast Guard vessels were on the water at a given time. In those initial six hours that night, my team, we were responsible for taking every Coast Guard asset that arrived and sending them out on the water. For their heroic search and recovery efforts, Jenish and her entire Station Washington team are being honored as the Coast Guard Service Members of the Year. The other team members include: Lt. Craig Oravitz; Lt. Cmdr. Matthew McGarity; Chief Petty Officer Logan Kellogg; Chief Petty Officer Jason Seraphin; Chief Petty Officer Ryan Rawding; Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler McGuinness; Petty Officer 1st Class Daniel Russo; Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Smith; Petty Officer 1st Class Anthony Wallace; Petty Officer 1st Class James Nugent; Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Williams; Petty Officer 3rd Class Fabian Monorrez; Petty Officer 3rd Class Austin Vicars; Petty Officer 3rd Class Ian Frigiola; Petty Officer 3rd Class Danielle Zins; Seaman Nathan Cruz; and Seaman Colten McGalliard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was the first mass casualty response effort for Jenish and for the young Coast Guardsmen under her command. The tragedy and heartbreak of the event became real, she said, when she got word from the duty officer, about an hour into the operation, that a SAR team had recovered the first victim. I had to take a pause, because it just hit me, hearing that my youngest crew members are pulling up a body, she recalled. I think my mamma heart just broke for them. It would take days for Station Washington, working with an array of local response units, to recover all the people lost in the crash. For another three weeks, the Coast Guard maintained a safety perimeter on the Potomac, keeping boaters out of the wreckage sites and allowing crash investigators to work unhindered. The unit came together after the mission was complete to process the tragedy with chaplains and a priority on mental health and recovery. But a week later, Jenish said, they were out on the water again, manning their assigned safety zones. Being recognized as service members of the year, she said, will help the unit come together once more. What they did that night was extraordinary willing to take on that warranted risk, and willing to put out that heart, courage and dedication without being told to, Jenish said. I dont know if closure is the right word, but I think this will certainly [play a] big part in their healing journey. Adrian Rouse: at the end of the Second World War, he commanded a mortar platoon of 60 soldiers half Hindu and half Muslim and about 40 mules Colonel Adrian Rouse, who has died aged 99, had a distinguished and unusually varied career in the Army. Aged 18, Rouse enlisted in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, and after being granted an Emergency Commission in the Indian Army, he boarded Ontario at Glasgow docks in July 1944. Off we sailed down the Clyde, he recalled, and looking at the green hills of Scotland, I thought: Will we ever see them again? And we didnt not for a long time. He was posted to 8th Battalion, 9th Jat Regiment, where his first command was the mortar platoon. There were about 60 soldiers half Hindu and half Muslim and about 40 mules. He had never seen a mule before in his life and none of the soldiers spoke English. He had to learn Urdu, the common language; sitting in a tent on a hot afternoon with the sun streaming down, it was hard work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was posted as an instructor to the Infantry School at Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh. At first parade one morning, all 2,000 men were drawn up in a great hollow square with the officers in front. They heard a clanking of chains and a group of deserters were brought in and marched in front of each rank of soldiers. They were halted in the middle of the square and their badges of rank were ripped off. It was, he said, like something out of a tale by Rudyard Kipling. Adrian Dermot St Clair Rouse was born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, on September 21 1925, the son of a civil servant working at the Home Office. The family moved to Richmond in Surrey; one night during the Blitz, there was a heavy raid. A land mine came down on a parachute, Rouse recounted in a BBC interview. It demolished the house across the road, and our house was so badly damaged that we had to move out the next morning. He had been studying at St Pauls School in Hammersmith, but completed his education at Kelly College at Tavistock in Devon. In 1946, with the approach of Indian independence, he transferred to the Devonshire Regiment and the following year was posted as adjutant to 1st Gold Coast Regiment, Royal West African Frontier Force. He was in Africa for four years before serving as adjutant at the Regimental Depot, Exeter. When the Devonshire Regiment and the Dorset Regiment amalgamated in 1958, Rouse, then a captain, joined the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment (D and D). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Staff College, he spent two years in Kenya as brigade major of 70th Brigade during the latter stages of the Mau Mau rebellion. In 1959, after a year in command of a company of the 4th Battalion, the Kings African Rifles, at Jinja in Uganda, he attended the US Army Command & Staff Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. He then commanded a company in Cyprus before being posted in 1962 as a staff officer to HQ Northern Army Group at Rheindahlen in West Germany. In preparing large-scale exercises, he had to deal with the ministries of defence of four countries and senior officers at all levels of Nato. It was a most exacting appointment and he was appointed MBE at the end of his tour. In 1965 and 1966 he was on active service as second-in-command of the 1st Battalion, Royal Hampshire Regiment, in Borneo during the Confrontation with Indonesia. Promoted to lieutenant colonel in June 1967, he assumed command of 1 D and D, then stationed in Munster. The following year, the battalion was tasked at short notice to protect the Soviet Military Mission to the Commander-in-Chief, BAOR, from violent protests after the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia and a potentially dangerous situation was successfully defused. A highly regarded commanding officer, with a fine military moustache, Rouse was a stickler for dress and discipline. Even at weekends he was seldom seen without collar, tie and regimental blazer, and he expected the same standards of his officers. On one occasion, his adjutant H Jones (who was later awarded a posthumous VC in the Falklands conflict) was wearing jeans in the Naafi when he was informed that his CO was approaching the front door. He lost no time in leaving the building by the back door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rouse served on the staff in Germany and the MoD before retiring in 1979 in the rank of colonel. He was in charge of the Army Security Vetting Unit until he finally retired in 1991. He listed his sporting interests as big-game hunting in India and Africa, plus polo in pre-marriage days. Adrian Rouse married, first, in 1953, Valerie Lilian Baird. The marriage was dissolved in 1970, and in 1984 he married Fallulah Jane Eyles (formerly Robledo, nee Simpson), stepdaughter of Sir Maxwell Joseph, the founder and chairman of Grand Metropolitan. Together they ran a business supplying flowers to the Ritz and other London hotels. She died in 1993. In 2000, he married Clare Delahunty, but they divorced, and for 17 years his partner was Gilly Becker, whom he nursed until she died of Alzheimers in 2020. He is survived by two sons and two daughters from his first marriage and a daughter from his second. Colonel Adrian Rouse, born September 21 1925, died July 3 2025 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Cold Case: Police ask publics help in solving 1993 murder of former Miss Teen San Diego SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI) The San Diego Police Departments Cold Case Unit and Crime Stoppers are asking for the publics help in finding the suspect responsible for murdering 21-year-old Mimi Barraza in 1993 near City Heights. The Nexstar Media Wire shown above details how DNA is used to solve cold cases. Barraza was a former winner of the Miss Teen San Diego beauty pageant and turned 21 just two days before she was murdered. Thursday marks the 32nd anniversary of the tragic incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to authorities, in the early morning of Sept. 4, 1993, Barraza and a group of friends were standing outside a home talking near City Heights, when a white Chevy Astro van drove to the corner of 39th Street and began shooting at Barraza and the group. Man convicted of shooting SDPD officer sentenced to over 30 years in prison A bullet from an assault rifle struck Barraza in the head, killing her. Another member of the group was shot in the leg, according to the report. The van reportedly sped from the scene of the shooting and was found abandoned several hours later at 19th and G Street near East Village. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say the van had been reported stolen a day before the shooting, and several different caliber weapons and bullet casings were found at the crime scene and in the van. Mysterious oil-like odor reported in North County cities Investigators speculate the murder of Barraza may also be connected to several other shootings involving the same type of assault rifle during the same time frame. According to the report, nine others were wounded in National City with the same weapon. A 16-year-old boy was also shot dead near the Southcrest area. According to police, the suspects in all of these cases are believed to be Hispanic males associated with a Logan Heights street gang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barraza was attending college with plans to go to law school and also left behind a 2-year-old daughter. Police are asking for anyone with information to contact SDPDs Cold Case Unit at 619-531-2293 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 888-580-8477. Authorities are also offering a $1,000 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Gov. Jared Polis released a report on the impacts of federal tariffs on Colorado's economy at the governor's mansion in Denver on Sept. 4, 2025. (Photo by Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) Colorados effective tariff rate is seven times what it was last year following sweeping tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, according to a new report released by Gov. Jared Polis office. One thing thats clear is that everyone loses a trade war, Polis told reporters at the Governors Residence in Denver during a press conference Thursday. Its a race to the bottom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A tariff is a tax on imported goods. President Donald Trump has imposed a patchwork of tariff rates on different countries, many of them stemming from a 10% baseline tariff on all imports imposed in April. Tariffs currently in effect include 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods, 39% on Swiss goods and 15% on goods from the European Union. Trump has also imposed high tariff rates on Canadian, Mexican and Chinese goods which account for roughly half of Colorados imports but those are in flux as the countries negotiate, and they exclude Canadian and Mexican products included in the United States-Mexico-Canada trade pact. There are also individual tariffs on imported cars, steel, aluminum and copper. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Companies that bring foreign goods into the country are responsible for those tariff costs. When businesses face high tariffs and the associated uncertainty and confusion, they have difficult choices, said Jeff Kraft, the deputy director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Companies are forced to either pass costs onto consumers, which raises prices and can reduce revenue and obviously hurts the consumer, or they have to shift funds to cover the cost of the tariffs internally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polis requested the tariff impact analysis through an executive order in July. The analysis says the estimated effective tariff rate in Colorado last year was 3% but now it has increased to 21%. Companies are forced to either pass costs onto consumers, which raises prices and can reduce revenue and obviously hurts the consumer, or they have to shift funds to cover the cost of the tariffs internally. Jeff Kraft, deputy director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade The hardest hit industries in Colorado will likely be agriculture, energy, construction and aerospace. The states beef exports, for example, fell by nearly $40 million in the first half of this year compared to last year, and the reports authors estimate a combined direct and indirect impact of that loss of beef exports to be a reduction of 265 jobs and $80 million of economic output in Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Swiss tariffs could have a big impact on Colorados aerospace industry, which imports about 73% of its materials from the country. Product-specific tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper could also affect aerospace defense manufacturing. The report considered a potential 5% reduction in foreign demand for Colorado aerospace products and concluded an estimated 195 lost jobs and $61.6 million in gross domestic product loss. Additionally, tariffs related to imported construction materials and the countries that supply them could increase construction costs for new homes by 4% to 6%, according to the report. Theres no doubt that any costs associated with tariffs are directly incorporated into construction costs and into housing costs, Polis said. Of course, were doing everything we can to reduce the cost of construction as a state, and this works counter to that goal. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is potential that the tariffs will impact state revenue as well, because they are expected to weaken consumer spending and slow economic growth. The state could lose about $240 million in general fund revenue during the current fiscal year and about $450 million next fiscal year if the current tariff rates hold. That is a potential estimate and not part of an official economic forecast, which will come later this month. The Colorado Legislature recently wrapped up a special session to raise revenue to soften the adverse impacts of the recent federal spending and tax cut bill. Colorado was part of a coalition of states that sued the Trump administration over the tariffs imposed using emergency authority. An appeals court found that most of those tariffs were an illegal use of the emergency powers law, but the decision left the tariffs in place for now and Trump is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case. Polis is hoping the courts will negate the tariffs, and he called on Congress to do more. The state does not have any power regarding this international trade policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We really hope that Congress shows a spine and pushes back against costly increases through tariffs and try to change the mind of the president in the White House, he said. Congress absolutely can limit the authority of a president. They can do that in the spending bills that theyre considering right now. They can restrict the ability of any president to unilaterally impose tariffs. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) Each time you register your car in Colorado, theres a chance to give back to one thing that many Coloradans see as an upside to the state: The great outdoors. The Keep Colorado Wild pass was implemented in 2023, which is a $29 fee that youd pay when you register your car. The money raised from that goes back into helping keep Colorados state parks maintained, search and rescue crews stocked up on supplies, and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center up and running. Colorado Parks and Wildlifes Bridget ORourke says that the program has really excelled in the short two years it has been around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People want to give back to our outdoors, ORourke said. They want to visit our state parks. I think thats part of the beautiful thing of living in Colorado is the access to the outdoors, we have so many beautiful state parks. So this is a ticket to go explore all of that. The program raised $41 million last year, about $5 million above their annual goal of $36 million. That money is allocated like this: $32.5 million State park maintenance and development $2.5 million Search and Rescue teams around the state $1 million Colorado Avalanche Information Center Any surplus money goes towards funding outdoor education programs around the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Colorado Avalanche Information Centers director said that the money theyve received has gone a long way in helping expand recreational programs to keep people safe while theres avalanche danger. This pass essentially doubled the amount of money that we have available for the recreational part of our program, said Ethan Greene, the director of the CAIC. The pass itself is available for purchase, but without the program, it would cost you $80. If you register for it while registering your car at the DMV, it will only cost you $29. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. A US District Court in Washington has ruled that Google can retain its Chrome browser, granting the tech giant a crucial victory in a protracted antitrust case. However, the court has also ordered Google to share data with competitors to foster greater competition in the online advertising market. Judge Amit Mehta's decision allows Google to maintain its financial arrangements with Apple, a practice previously criticised for limiting rival search engines' market access. Following this ruling, shares of both Alphabet, Google's parent company, and Apple experienced an increase. The legal proceedings have spanned five years, focusing on Google's dominance in the search and advertising sectors. In 2024, Judge Mehta determined that Google held an illegal monopoly in these areas. In his latest ruling, he cited emerging pressures from AI companies as a factor influencing the competitive landscape. Judge Mehta said: Here the court is asked to gaze into a crystal ball and look to the future. Not exactly a judges forte. He noted that AI companies are better poised to challenge Google's market hold than traditional search engine developers have been. While sharing data could empower Google's competitors, investors are relieved as Chrome or Android divestment is not required, reported Reuters. These elements remain critical to Google's online advertising operations. Google has voiced concerns over privacy implications resulting from the data-sharing directive and plans to appeal the ruling. This could delay enforcement for several years, potentially leading the case to the Supreme Court. The decision by the Washington court offers reassurance to Apple and other device manufacturers, allowing them to continue collecting advertising revenue-sharing payments from Google. Previously, Morgan Stanley analysts estimated these payments to be $20bn annually for Apple. Additionally, the court prevents Google from signing exclusive contracts that set its search engine as the default on devices. This allows rival apps to be pre-installed more readily. In line with this decision, Google has already adjusted agreements with partners such as Samsung and Motorola. In parallel developments, European Union (EU) regulators are preparing an antitrust fine against Google concerning its adtech practices. Sources cited by Reuters suggest this penalty will be modest under new EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera's strategy, which focuses on curtailing anti-competitive behaviour rather than imposing hefty fines. "Google wins antitrust case to retain Chrome" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. AUSTIN (KXAN) Pflugerville drivers can now use a new roadway connection on Colorado Sand Drive. The city of Pflugerville held a ribbon cutting Wednesday to celebrate the completion of the new extension between Copper Mine Drive and Lone Star Ranch Boulevard. City leaders including Councilman Doug Weiss and Assistant City Manager Thomas Hunter attended the ceremony. Operations Director Evan Groeschel said this project has been in the works for several years, but construction ended ahead of schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Making connectivity with our transportation network is critical. There was not an easy connection between Copper Mine and East Pflugerville Parkway, and so this was designed to create that connection, Groeschel said. Pflugerville drivers can now use the extension on Colorado Sand Drive between Copper Mine Drive and Lone Star Ranch Boulevard. (City of Pflugerville Photo) Pflugerville drivers can now use the extension on Colorado Sand Drive between Copper Mine Drive and Lone Star Ranch Boulevard. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez) The city of Pflugerville added that a 2025 community survey showed a majority of respondents (64%) named traffic flow and congestion management as a top priority for the city. This roadway extension improves North-South connectivity between Kelly Lane and Pflugerville Parkway, a heavily commuted area, the city said in a press release. It also improves the sidewalks for community members and lowers vehicle emissions. Most importantly, this enhancement provides a safe connection for students and parents heading to and from the nearby high school. The 2018 general election bond funded the project, the city 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 KXAN Austin. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) The Columbus Consolidated Government (CCG) will host its annual surplus equipment auction on Saturday, Sept. 13. City officials say items including construction equipment, tractors, buses, trucks, cars, tools and more will be auctioned off. Items for sale are no longer effective for city use, authorities say. The auction will start at 10:00 a.m. at the Columbus Civic Center, Lot D. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The in-person preview and inspection of all items for sale will take place on Friday, Sept. 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Interested individuals can browse the current catalog of items as well as register for online bidding here. Registration for the auction will take place on site and early registration is encouraged. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) The Columbus Police Department is seeking the publics help in a search for a missing teen. CPD says officers are searching for 13-year-old Lamar Rogers, who is described as a Black male, standing 5 foot 7, weighs 140 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was reportedly last seen on Aug. 22 near the 100 block of Wickham Drive around 6:00 p.m. Anyone with additional information on Rogers whereabouts is urged to dial 911 or contact the CPD Special Victims Unit at 706-225-3449 or the lead investigator, Sgt. David Marrero. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) A member of Parliament warned U.S. legislators Wednesday that Americans could face arrest in the United Kingdom for what they post on social media, under a new British law that has received wide attention this week. Comments in Washington by Nigel Farage, leader of the conservative Reform UK party, come amid fresh scrutiny of Britains Online Safety Act, which, among other things, makes it illegal to incite violence through internet posts. Even some supporters of the measure seem to be questioning the enforcement side after Irish comedian Graham Linehan was arrested Monday at Heathrow Airport for social media posts about transgender people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump FCC chair pick talks how to smash the censorship cartel Hes not even a British citizen. Hes an Irish citizen, Farage, referring to Linehan, told the House Judiciary Committee. This could happen to any American man or woman that goes to Heathrow, that has said things online that the British government and British police dont like. Graham Linehan arrested for anti-trans posts on X In a series of posts on X last April, Linehan said trans women were violent criminals if they used women-only facilities. He advocated physically assaulting them if calling police and other measures failed to stop them. Linehan said police took him into custody for what he says were jokes, an experience that caused his blood pressure to spike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police confirmed they arrested a man on suspicion of inciting violence but did not identify him. Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan outside Westminster Magistrates Court, London, where he has pleaded not guilty to harassing a transgender woman and damaging her phone. The Irish comedy writer, 56, denied the charges of harassing Sophia Brooks on social media and damaging her cellphone in October. Picture date: Monday May 12, 2025. (Photo by Lucy North/PA Images via Getty Images) Londons top police official, Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, on Wednesday defended his police officers but said authorities would benefit from greater direction on enforcement. I dont believe we should be policing toxic culture wars debates and officers are currently in an impossible position, Rowley said in a statement, the BBC reported. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, meanwhile, said police should focus on the most serious issues when he was asked about the controversy. Farage reportedly was in Washington at the invitation of House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, for a hearing entitled Europes Threat to American Speech and Innovation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. First lady Melania Trump, a known hater of Christmas, could use a lesson from former President Barack Obama on how to read a picture book to children. Both made appearances to read to children ahead of Christmas, but only one seemed able to engage with their youthful audience. Melania, 55, dressed in a dour all-black outfit to visit the Childrens National Hospital in Washington, D.C. on Friday, continuing a decades-long tradition for first ladies to read to pediatric patients there. Scotland finds itself at the heart of a spirited online debate after a Reddit user questioned the value of the country's wind energy output. A post titled "Green energy, is it a scam?" ignited conversations in the r/Scotland subreddit when the resident lamented that, despite massive wind production, locals still face high energy bills a paradox that, according to the user, "feels more like we've been sold a story." They wrote, "How is it cheaper to produce the stuff here, but more expensive for locals to actually use it?" pointing to both steep prices and visual impacts from turbines. Yet these concerns misunderstand how energy infrastructure and economics work. In 2023, Scotland exported around 15.9 terawatt-hours of electricity in net worth approximately 1.5 billion (or more than $2 million) to the rest of the U.K., as The Orkney News noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, as The Progress Playbook detailed, renewables generated the equivalent of 113% of Scotland's electricity consumption in 2022. The reason locals don't automatically enjoy cheaper rates is not due to inefficacy of wind, but the country's outdated grid architecture. According to The Herald of Scotland, remote wind farms in the north often generate more power than local networks can handle, which leads to "curtailment," where operators are paid not to produce electricity to prevent overloads. Despite this excess, households still pay steeply because the grid requires ready backup, which adds to the cost and complexity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even so, the future looks positive. Scotland recently approved the world's largest offshore wind farm, Berwick Bank, which is expected to power 6 million homes, create thousands of jobs, and add economic value. This, along with needed investments into grid modernization, promises to drive long-term affordability and reliability. Commenters on the post were quick to correct the original poster. "This is borderline conspiracy theory nonsense that is based on you simply not understanding what is happening," said one user. "What you're describing is not to do with the cost of renewables," another user chimed in. "The tariffs that are set for electricity are expensive because they are benchmarked to weight whatever is the most expensive between gas and whatever else." "You simply aren't understanding how the grid works," added a third. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Green Energy is not a con," answered another. 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. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee joined 12 News at 4 Wednesday to discuss the negative implications of the Trump administrations offshore wind funding cuts, as well as actions regarding vaccines. Earlier Wednesday, McKee wrote a letter to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, about President Donald Trumps recent stop-work order for the major offshore wind project Revolution Wind. McKee said he spoke with Burgum on the phone and provided a timeline, reiterating that the wind farm is 80% complete. He mentioned at the end of the letter, a request for a face-to-face meeting with Trump but has yet to receive a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ ALSO: Northeast governors urge Trump to keep offshore wind projects on track Last week, the federal government also pulled more than $11 million in funding for upgrades to the Port of Davisville, which McKee said will not only hurt local business but also residents and their livelihoods. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has reportedly signed an executive order essentially guaranteeing that anyone over the age of five who wants a COVID-19 shot in the state can receive one, despite federal guidance. According to McKee, the Rhode Island Department of Health will continue the policy of recommending vaccines for anyone over six months old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont see any reason to reverse that at all. We are happy with the fact that we want to keep people safe, just like I did when I came into office, McKee said. RELATED: McKee seeks meeting with Trump to lobby him on paused Revolution Wind project Meanwhile, Floridas surgeon general announced Wednesday that the state plans to end all vaccine mandates, including those for children in school. Watch the full interview in the video player above. 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. GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) Green Bay Police Chief Chris Davis visited Local 5 News on Thursday to recap the summer and share what residents can expect heading into fall. Davis said that while most of the citys youth were well-behaved this summer, there were issues on the CityDeck involving juveniles, in one case as young as 11 years old, causing disruptions to businesses. Multiple people arrested in Rosendale after authorities find significant amount of illegal narcotics Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, Im going to sound like a broken record because youve heard me say this before, but as parents its really important for us to know where our kids are, who theyre with, and what theyre doing, Davis said. As a parent myself, I know [teenagers] can be difficult, but when your 11-year-old is on the CityDeck creating disturbances and disrupting local businesses, thats not acceptable. According to the Green Bay Police Department, businesses downtown reported juveniles fighting, play-fighting, and creating disturbances. Some incidents escalated to assaults. Davis said police met with Downtown Green Bay last week to discuss strategies, and officers will continue to stage downtown during busy times as weather permits. Looking ahead to fall events, Davis pointed to Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16 and reminded the community about celebrating responsibly. Green Bay woman arrested on opposite side of Wisconsin amidst white-collar crime investigation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For this holiday, a lot of times we will see people cruising up and down Main Street and other areas out on the east side and people congregating in parking lots, Davis said. Just make sure if youre hanging out in a parking lot that you have permission from the owner to be there, and remember our rules about drinking in public are strictly enforced. He also reminded motorists that while flags flying from vehicles are allowed, there are restrictions: they cannot extend more than four inches off the side of the truck, nothing can extend from the drivers side, and they cannot extend more than four feet off the back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Last year, it was ruled that Google illegally maintained a monopoly in online search. On Tuesday, a judge said forcing Google to divest Chrome would go too far and the remedy would be a "poor fit for this case." (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) A federal judge ruled Tuesday against the U.S. governments proposal that Google should sell its Chrome web browser to restore competition in online search, saving the tech giant from having to spin off one of its biggest businesses. In the more than 200-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said forcing Google to divest Chrome went too far and the remedy was a "poor fit for this case." Since the web browser relies on the tech company's systems, breaking up Chrome from Google would also be "incredibly messy and highly risky," the judge wrote. The ruling is a partial win for Google, falling short of the bigger changes the government proposed. But it could still affect other tech companies that face scrutiny over their dominance. Shares of Google's parent company, Alphabet, surged more than 7% in early after-hours trading following the announcement. Under the ruling, Google would still be required to make other changes. The company would be barred from entering exclusive contracts tied to the distribution of Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant and the Gemini app, the tech companys AI assistant. It would also be required to offer certain rivals search data and services to help them compete with the search giant as they develop their own technology, the ruling stated. "We have concerns about how these requirements will impact our users and their privacy, and were reviewing the decision closely," Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google's vice president of regulatory affairs, said in a statement. Mehta acknowledged that the rise of artificial intelligence chatbots that can generate answers to questions may become "game changers" in the future, but they have yet to replace search engines. "Google is still the dominant firm in the relevant product markets. No existing rival has wrested market share from Google. And no new competitor has entered the market," Mehta wrote in the decision. Google, however, wasnt barred from paying or offering other considerations to partners such as Apple if the companies placed its search engine, Chrome or its generative AI products on browsers and mobile devices by default. Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, called that decision a monster win for both Google and Apple. We now see a green light for a bigger Gemini AI partnership between Apple and Google with this DOJ case now in the rear view mirror, he wrote in a note on Tuesday. In another victory for Google, the judge also ruled that the company wasnt required to tweak its policies to give website publishers more choice in how the search giant uses their content because that fix bears no relationship to Googles unlawful acts. KANSAS CITY, Kan. Dozens of people in the community lined the street outside Childrens Mercy Park to honor the life of fallen Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic. The community came together Wednesday to pay tribute to Officer Simoncic and support the 26-year-olds family, friends and fellow officers as they grieve. Hunter Simoncic remembered as more than just a police officer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the funeral Wednesday, a procession of dozens of law enforcement agencies lined the streets after the funeral service. We saw Overland Park, Lansing and Kearney police officers, as well as law enforcement officers from as far away as Iowa, Nebraska and Colorado. [Im] very sad for all of them, Debbie Smith said. Smith was one of several people in the community who lined up along the street to pay their respects. She said this loss hits home because her brother is a police officer. Smith said shes also friends with two pallbearers who helped lie Simoncic to rest. Thats why Im here, showing respect for all of them, the family and, of course, the young man that passed, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The KCK community remembers Simoncics kindness and heart for giving back. Its pretty tragic for it to happen like that, but we acknowledge him, and we always want to remember him, former KCK School District employee John Meneses said. Simoncic volunteered through the Lead to Read program, spending time each week reading to students at Banneker Elementary School. He was very helpful, and just his support and caring for other individuals, and especially with children, is very important, Meneses said. Sylvia Perez-Orozco held a thin blue line flag. She attended the funeral and stayed after for the procession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was very heartbreaking, Perez-Orozco told FOX4. She also attended Wyandotte Co. Dep. Elijah Mings funeral service this past month. Thats an honor to do that and for them to honor him because hes a hero, just like Ming was, she said. He was a hero. He did his job and unfortunately, they both paid the price for it. You may have seen blue ribbons tied to trees in front of business or homes along the procession route. Its a sign of support for the Simoncic family and KCKPD. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Montana Public Service Commission (via PSC Twitter account). A call on the governor to temporarily suspend Public Service Commission President Brad Molnar will continue despite an attempt from Molnar to rescind it but with support from staff to hold firm on the complaint against him. Wednesday, commissioners voted 3-to-2 against a motion from Molnar to pull back a complaint PSC Vice President Jennifer Fielder made to Gov. Greg Gianforte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter asked the governor to suspend the president while an investigation into allegations of professional misconduct proceeds. Commissioner Randy Pinocci supported Molnars motion to recall the letter, but Fielder and Commissioners Annie Bukacek and Jeff Welborn opposed the rescission. Fielder, who wrote the complaint to the governor on behalf of an internal response team, said she did not want to write the letter, and in fact, had counseled Molnar one-on-one on his behavior for months. But Fielder said the team decided to ask the governor to intervene after it received substantiated evidence Molnar had engaged in retaliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fielder said Molnars disruptions included a threat to take out anyone involved in filing complaints against him, and she said he has been untruthful and dismissive about the allegations against him. The PSC has characterized the allegations as complaints of unprofessional conduct. At the meeting Wednesday, Fielder also said they include allegations of sexual harassment, which could be jokes, slurs or innuendo. Fielder said Molnar had repeatedly interfered with the investigation attempting to undo a contract with a firm the PSC had hired and denying payment of bills. She also said Molnar refused to meet with the team unless it was on his terms. Fielder said his tactics have created delays, even though it aims to complete its work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a big obstacle in our ability to do that, said Fielder, also acting chairwoman of the team. That obstacle is President Molnar. And so we are trying to remove that obstacle for a temporary time period so that we can complete our work. Molnar has denied interfering in the teams work and said his public calls for due process are not retaliation but protected speech. He also said he told a joke but did not see any sexual innuendo in it and has mocked the title of the head of the PSC as inflated president instead of chairman. That doesnt mean the governor can overturn an election. It doesnt, Molnar said. The governor and all five commissioners are Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staff members expressed support for Molnars experience he served on the PSC from 2005 to 2012 before taking office again in January but pleaded for commissioners to allow the letter to the governor to stand. PSC staff member Patricia Trooien said employees have voiced complaints about Molnars conduct, and staff have a right to be heard as well as their confidentiality protected. Trooien said she believes the investigation should continue with full cooperation from Molnar. I have personally seen your good heart, and I believe you have the capacity to be empathetic, compassionate and fair, Trooien said. Your refusal to participate in the investigation is causing damage to you, those around you and this agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Molnar has an obligation to take full responsibility for his actions and for the perceptions of his actions. I ask you to please take ownership of your actions by participating in the investigation, Trooien said. PSC Executive Director Alana Lake also weighed in on the matter but said it was the last thing she wanted to do. Lake said Molnars experience adds immense value to the agency, and she respects his commitment to the people he serves. But Lake said she values transparency and due process, and even a commissioner is not above the law. Despite Molnars statements to the contrary, Lake said she and other managers took steps to initially address complaints against Molnar at the lowest levels possible and with multiple internal counseling sessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she said those less formal attempts failed, and the situation escalated. She said Molnar told her directly that he would take out anyone involved in the process against him and said he had hired a lawyer and private investigator to go after these individuals. There were no other options than to seek outside investigative support to address the issues, Lake said. The PSC retained outside counsel and contracted with a management and communications firm for up to $10,000 for the investigation. Lake also said retaliation has continued and grown during the past few months, which is one of the reasons for the suspension request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have exhausted all the tools I have as the chief of staff to protect our staff and commissioners from retaliation, Lake said. Additionally, Commissioner Annie Bukacek said a reasonable person could believe that holding a press conference as Molnar did would discourage witnesses from coming forward. Molnar announced the investigation to the public in a press conference in July and raised concerns about due process then. He has waived his privacy rights in the matter. Bukacek also said complaints were lodged against Molnar before June or July she said she personally made a complaint several months earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her comments, Fielder reviewed the recent history of the workplace climate at the Public Service Commission. Audits had identified numerous problems. Fielder said the PSC had made progress, but even just a year and a half ago, an audit said staff were concerned about the effectiveness of a new structure. Particularly, the audit noted that staff were concerned about managements ability to address inappropriate behavior in the department, Fielder said. She said the agency is obligated to stop inappropriate behavior to both act responsibly and protect staff and to protect itself from liability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Welborn led the meeting, and at one point, he asked Molnar if he would be willing to voluntarily place himself on administrative leave that kind of thing can be a tough pill to swallow. But Welborn said it would satisfy the desire of the response team to move forward without interference, and it would allow the agency to take care of its own matters without involvement of the Governors Office. In response, Molnar suggested Fielder should place herself on leave for policy errors. Molnar said he couldnt leave 200,000 people in his district without representation, and he wouldnt silence their voices in a current rate case thats under consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said he does not believe he has hampered the investigation and he doesnt plan to do so in the future. Im under a microscope now. Would I purposefully do something to impede an investigation? he asked. He said the letter to the governor is invalid without a public meeting and without four votes calling for suspension. Molnar also called on his fellow commissioners to follow the policies they were pressing him about. Im tired of being vilified, Molnar said. The pro-Palestine Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement has called for the boycott of Radioheads newly announced 2025 tour. The acclaimed British band has confirmed a run of shows in the UK and EU in November and December. These are their first live dates in over seven years. The BDS movements social media page shared a message from the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI), which argued that the bands complicit silence and support of Israeli performers during the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza should be met with the boycott of the shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as Israels genocide against Palestinians in Gaza reaches its latest, most brutal and depraved phase of induced starvation, Radiohead continues with its complicit silence, while one member repeatedly crosses our picket line, performing a short drive away from a livestreamed genocide, alongside an Israeli artist that entertains genocidal Israeli forces, the Instagram post read. Palestinians reiterate our call for the boycott of Radiohead concerts, including its rumoured tour, until the group convincingly distances itself, at a minimum, from Jonny Greenwoods crossing of our peaceful picket line during Israels genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The statement makes reference to Greenwood playing shows with Israeli musician Dudu Tassa in Tel Aviv last year. In June 2025, a pair of performances from the duo were cancelled following backlash from pro-Palestinian campaigners. PACBI welcomed the cancellations, claiming the performances would have "whitewashed" the war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenwood and Tassa posted a joint statement addressing the cancellations: Forcing musicians not to perform and denying people who want to hear them an opportunity to do so is self-evidently a method of censorship and silencing, continued the statement by Greenwood and Tassa. Intimidating venues into pulling our shows wont help achieve the peace and justice everyone in the Middle East deserves. This cancellation will be hailed as a victory by the campaigners behind it, but we see nothing to celebrate and dont find that anything positive has been achieved. The statement continued: We believe art exists above and beyond politics; that art seeks to establish the common identity of musicians across borders in the Middle East should be encouraged, not decried; and that artists should be free to express themselves regardless of their citizenship or their religion and certainly regardless of the decisions made by their governments. This not the first time Radiohead has encountered backlash. In 2017, they played a show in Tel Aviv despite protests urging them not to. Today, PACBI said Radiohead had yet to apologise for playing the show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke responded to the controversy by stating: Playing in a country isnt the same as endorsing its government. We dont endorse Netanyahu any more than Trump. He added: Weve played in Israel for over 20 years through a succession of governments, some more liberal than others. As we have in America. Music, art and academia is about crossing borders not building them, about open minds not closed ones, about shared humanity, dialogue and freedom of expression. Yorke also clashed with a heckler in Australia last year, temporarily halting his performance when someone at the show shouted at Yorke to condemn the Israeli genocide of Gaza. In May 2025, Yorke shared a post in which he explained his stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict: That silence, my attempt to show respect for all those who are suffering and those who have died, and to not trivialise it in a few words, has allowed other opportunistic groups to use intimidation and defamation to fill in the blanks, and I regret giving them this chance. This has had a heavy toll on my mental health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that his music should be enough of an indication to prove he could not possibly support any form of extremism or dehumanisation of others. Radiohead are scheduled to play multiple dates in Madrid, Bologna, London, Copenhagen and Berlin. Fans can apply for tickets by registering on Radioheads website here from tomorrow. Or not, depending on where you stand regarding BDS call for boycott. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) New York States Energy Planning Board brought its public hearings on the states draft energy plan to Rochester Thursday. The plan has drawn criticism from some lawmakers, who have shared concerns that whats included will only drive up energy bills for consumers. Residents and stakeholders had the chance to voice their supports or concerns before the board Thursday. We come at a time when there are a lot of policies out there that have pushed our grid to its max, said Assemblymember Sarah Clark (D), NYS 136th District, I also know were at a point where people have really high utility bills and its something I hear about a lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states plan offers a 15-year outlook through 2040 to guide energy planning direction with recommendations for meeting future energy demands. Some Republican lawmakers say the plans focus too heavily on wind and solar energy, and put affordability in New York at risk. We have to do something to help our working class folks. These are people who are barely making it right now. An energy bill that goes up 15 percent or 20 percent or 10 percent, thats a big deal for that family. This energy plan, I dont believe, looks out for them at least in the end result because it will increase energy and utility costs, said NYS Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R). Others say the plan lacks common sense and add any electrified mandates wont help to keep the lights on in New York State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to be a state where were welcoming of people. But, we have to have an energy plan and energy sources that create jobs but can actually fulfill the needs on the grid, which we dont have and will never have if wind and solar are the only two things New York believes can power our state, said Assemblymember Josh Jensen (R), NYS 134th Assembly District. New York States public comment period is open until October 6. Public hearings are being held across the state through the rest of September. Lawmakers encourage residents to share any concerns with their elected officials prior to the finalization of the states plans. The draft plan can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. (Amends media identifier, fixes typo in the lead, adds name of militant group in second paragraph) MANGAREDJIPA, Congo (Reuters) -Maman Soki is among a small group of Congolese women undertaking heavy mining work for survival after escaping a deadly attack on her village by Islamic State-aligned rebels that killed her daughter and her sister. In April, the 49-year-old widow left her home in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo with her son, grandson and her sister's children to flee the Allied Democratic Forces - one of many armed groups in the mineral-rich region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soki now works alongside two other women at Pangoyi gold mine, lugging 30 kg sacks of debris up a muddy slope for a few dollars a day to feed the four children in her care. "Sometimes we want to enter the pits to dig, but we're told women aren't allowed," Soki said in an interview. "That's why we always carry the already-dug sand for processing." A photograph of her lost sibling is among the few reminders of the life Soki left behind. Soki now cares for her sister's two small children, as well as her orphaned grandson. Soki's 12-year-old son Muhindo Obed looks after his three adopted siblings while Soki is at work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Congo, mining is traditionally dominated by men, but women are often driven to undertake the back-breaking work to survive. Women in mining often face discrimination and harassment by male colleagues, and perform lower-paying tasks, according to the national association RENAFEM, a Western-funded group that aims to protect the rights of female workers. Soki hopes to save enough to open a small food store and leave mining behind, but there is little left over after paying for the children's food, school fees and expenses. "We worry for her safety when she goes to Pangoyi," her son Obed said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July Islamic State-backed rebels killed at least 43 worshippers in a church in Komanda, and in August they killed at least 52 civilians in the Beni and Lubero areas of eastern Congo, UN and local officials said. (Reporting by Gradel Muyisa; Writing by Jessica Donati, Editing by Alexandra Hudson) U.S. Congressman Randy Fine visited Hastings in St. Johns County to discuss flood mitigation and economic development. The visit, hosted by County Commissioner Sarah Arnold, included tours of downtown Hastings and areas affected by drainage and flooding issues. I want to thank Commissioner Arnold for taking the time, along with County staff, to meet with residents, business owners, and farmers in Hastings, said Congressman Randy Fine.It was a tremendously productive day, said Commissioner Arnold. He heard from residents, from local farm families, to discuss the drainage issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The visit was supported by the St. Johns County Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, St. Johns County Emergency Management, St. Johns River Water Management District, Hastings Main Street, and local farmers. Congressman Fine expressed his commitment to bringing St. Johns priorities to Washington, D.C., particularly in relation to the upcoming Farm Bill. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) The Powerball jackpot has grown to $1.4 billion ahead of Wednesday nights drawing, which would net a cash prize of $634 million. Many excited people are out buying their tickets hoping to win big, even if the chances of winning are low. How much do Connecticut residents spend on lottery tickets? According to the Connecticut Lottery, money spent on lottery tickets goes right into the states general fund, providing money for education, public health, and public safety and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Connecticut residents are starting to think about what they would do with the hypothetical winnings. Obviously, Id pay off all of my bills, Josh LaFave said. But I got a new flying hobby now, so Id probably buy a nice plane. Get all trained up. Then probably just invest the rest of it. I would put a bunch of it away for the kids, Nicole LaFave said. I would buy a beach house. No planes. Wed be going on a lot of vacations. There would be a lot of Aruba in our future. Buy a house man. Id try to move out, actually own something, stop renting, Riley Chapman said. Stop worrying about paying my bills, choosing between either dinner or gas. Actually have a little bit of cushion. Maybe buy a boat. Id like to retire early if possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chances of winning are 292 million-to-one good luck! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) In the race for governor, the top two elected Republicans in Connecticut threw their support behind State Sen. Ryan Fazio giving the Greenwich senators new campaign an early boost more than a year out from next Novembers election. State Sen. Ryan Fazio launches campaign for Connecticut governor The pair of endorsements from State Rep. Vincent Candelora, the Republican leader in the state House, and State Sen. Steve Harding, the partys leader in the State Senate, come as the Republicans look to win back an office they havent held since the days of the late Gov. Jodi M. Rell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He stands very strong in his principles and Ive been impressed with him, Candelora said. Hes one of the most intelligent guys Ive ever gotten to know, Harding said of his fellow state senator. Hes a good friend of mine. I also think hed make an incredible alternative to what we currently have in the governors mansion. Governor Lamont shrugged off the news that one of his potential opponents had picked up two important endorsements, just as he has shrugged off questions about his own plans for next years election. EXCLUSIVE: New polling reveals hypothetical match-up between two potential CT gubernatorial candidates Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know, go for it, Lamont said. Youve got a Republican primary. Im taking care of the state of Connecticut. Within the Republican Party, Fazio is widely expected to face a spirited contest with Erin Stewart, the mayor of New Britain. Jen Tooker, the first selectwoman of Westport, announced her candidacy for governor earlier this year. Stewart is not yet a declared candidate for governor, though she has formed an exploratory campaign that has taken in more than $300,000 in donations. A senior advisor to her exploratory effort issued a brief but pointed response to the endorsements. What to know ahead of early voting in Connecticut Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clinging to the Hartford establishment is an interesting campaign strategy, best of luck to them, Morgan Wilson, the Stewart advisor, said. Theres quite a long way to go. In characterizing Harding and Candelora as fixtures of the Hartford establishment, Stewarts campaign previewed a line of attack that will likely feature prominently if she winds up in a showdown with Fazio. In the mayors telling, Hartford is the source of the states problems, not a font of solutions for them. Harding, Candelora and Fazio all pushed back on the notion that they represent the states political establishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are in the minority, Candelora said. We are not part of the establishment. The Democrats are the establishment. Candelora commands a caucus of 49 Republicans in the 151-member House. Harding leads 11 GOP senators in the 36-seat chamber. Were fighting for change, Fazio said. Ive only been in elected office for four years. I spent most of my career in the private sector, unlike other candidates. That statement was a not-so-subtle dig at Stewart, who has spent her entire professional career in politics. Stewart appears to be readying more lines of attack on Fazio. Alongside their statement responding to the endorsements, the Stewart team also provided partial results from a poll they recently conducted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One question asked Republican respondants if they agreed with a statement that read in part, Republicans are tired of losing elections for governorWe need someone from outside of Fairfield County with a proven history of winning elections. More than 90% of respondants agreed. That question indirectly invoked Fazio, a native of the states wealthy Gold Coast. The Fazio campaign has questioned the veracity of the Stewart campaign poll, which was conducted by a national firm with experience polling in key statewide races. Polling aside, Fazios status as one of the GOPs few remaining elected in a region of the state once dominated by a unique band of Yankee Republicans is seen by his supporters as an asset, not a liability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that Ryan has a unique track record out of any Republican candidate anywhere in being able to buck the trend in Fairfield County, particularly lower Fairfield County, where weve seen former Republicans now seemingly vote more and more Democrat, Harding 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 WTNH.com. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Gov. Ned Lamont administered the oath of office to 14 incoming judges in Connecticut on Thursday. One Connecticut Supreme Court justice, one new appellate court judge and 12 new superior court judges were administered the oath. Two new family support magistrates were administered the oath, as well. Connecticut lawmakers wrap up 2025 legislative session IMG_1705.jpg Its really important when you talk about the law that you not just know the law, but also who youre talking to and you can explain the law in a way that people understand it, Lamont said. Theres a little skepticism of elites in this day and age, and its very important that you be able to communicate what youre doing, why youre doing it, and why its important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Connecticut General Assembly confirmed the judges during the recently adjourned regular legislative session. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Hundreds of business people, policy analysts, and conservative advocates filled a downtown Cleveland conference hall last week for the National Conservative Energy Summit. One major theme: the need for both the federal and local governments to remove increasingly high hurdles to building renewable energy. Conservatives can and should lead on energy, said John Szoka, CEO of the Conservative Energy Network, in his opening remarks. The group, which cohosted the program with the Ohio Conservative Energy Forum, has a mission to champion secure, reliable, affordable, clean American energy. Its goal of achieving American energy independence includes support for a range of technologies, including solar, wind, battery storage, hydrogen, biomass, and small modular nuclear reactors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has taken a more single-minded approach to energy. Since January, it has promoted more fossil-fuel use and stalled the retirement of aging power plants. At the same time, it has rescinded grants and loans for clean energy projects; eliminated tax credits for wind, solar, EVs, and home-energy upgrades; and even halted construction on some offshore wind projects. While its easy to view this as a roadblock, its a signal that we have more work to do, Szoka said. He encouraged attendees to use what they learned during the conference in their grassroots efforts to build support for clean energy, especially when faced with extremism and misinformation. If we dont explain whats going on clearly, we risk losing the argument before it even starts. As President Donald Trump attacks clean energy at the federal level, some states like Colorado and Maine are pushing to speed up deployment. But in general, state and local laws that restrict renewable energy development are gaining steam nationwide. A June report by the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University notes 16 states with laws limiting solar or wind, with over 450 counties and municipalities across more than 40 states imposing other restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at the conference, Jenifer French, chair of Ohios Power Siting Board and its Public Utilities Commission, noted that approximately 30 counties in the state ban solar or wind energy in all or parts of their territories, an authority granted to them by a 2021 law known as Senate Bill 52. The board or its staff have also determined solar and wind projects are not in the public interest in several cases where bans didnt apply but where local governments unanimously opposed the proposals. Asked for her advice to developers, French said, I just think communicating with the local officials around the project is so helpful, and being part of that community and earning their trust is very effective. Companies often hear such suggestions, but frankly, I think thats used as a cop-out sometimes, said Drew Christensen, senior director of public engagement at utility-scale developer Apex Clean Energy, during a later panel about how policies shape companies decisions. No matter how many community meetings are held, some people will still fight projects, putting pressure on local officials who may not have expertise in energy issues, he noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deference to local governments creates a slippery slope, said Amanda Stallings, senior policy manager for clean-energy developer Geronimo Power, who also spoke on the panel. In her view, the states that pile on restrictive policies will not only see less investment from solar and wind developers, but will also discourage other industries from moving in. Constraints on renewables also tread on landowners' property rights, Stallings said, pointing out that in some cases a local government tells farmers not to use their land for solar but would have no problem with a housing development. What country do we live in when our government tells us what we can and cant do? Stallings said. The point resonated with various attendees from state chapters of the Land and Liberty Coalition, who made comments during networking breaks that property owners should be free to make their own economic decisions about their land. Meanwhile, this idea of behind-the-scenes picking winners and losers, thats whats going to create a reliability problem, Stallings said. That risk is already visible: Late last month, the grid operator ISO New England warned of potential reliability issues from delaying Revolution Wind, a nearly finished offshore project that the Trump administration has halted for now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This past spring, Ohio managed to pass bipartisan legislation that is expected to help the state build more energy both renewable and fossil-fueled in large part because the law doesnt pick winners, according to state Rep. Tristan Rader, D-Lakewood. House Bill 15 passed with unanimous support in the Ohio Senate and just two dissenting Republican votes in the House. Speaking on a panel about the new law, Rader called it a big step but emphasized that the state still has barriers to getting additional renewable energy on the grid. We dont need to incentivize it. In Ohio, we just need a level playing field, he said. For one thing, the Ohio Senate removed provisions from HB 15 that would have created a community solar pilot program. Two Republicans in the House have introduced a separate bill to revive a version of that measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond that, the law left SB 52s extra hurdles for solar and wind in place, along with property line setbacks for wind that were tripled by a last-minute addition to a 2014 budget law. We have put up a lot of barriers to different forms of power over the years, said state Rep. Tex Fischer, R-Boardman, who noted that added levels of government review compound uncertainty for developers. I think the solution is removing those barriers. OSL Group, operator of Hong Kong's first listed and licensed virtual asset trading platform, on Wednesday also became the first exchange in the city to support professional trading of BNB, the cryptocurrency backed by Binance founder Zhao Changpeng. Trading of BNB on OSL was strictly limited to institutional investors with a portfolio of at least HK$8 million (US$1.02 million), who are allowed to trade the token with US dollars as well as the world's two largest stablecoins, USDT and USDC. In a post on X on Wednesday, Zhao - also known as CZ - acknowledged BNB's milestone as the latest "cryptocurrency to be traded on a Hong Kong-licensed exchange". The addition of BNB trading in Hong Kong reflects efforts to buttress the city's credentials as a major digital asset hub. This marked "a major step forward for Hong Kong's virtual asset market", OSL Group CEO Kevin Cui said on Wednesday. He added that OSL expected "strong demand from Asian institutional and professional investors for regulated access to digital assets beyond bitcoin and ether". OSL has now allowed 24 types of crypto tokens to be traded by professional investors, the company told the Post on Wednesday. HashKey Exchange, one of the city's first licensed exchanges, has made 26 tokens available for professional trading. Binance founder and former CEO Zhao Changpeng, also known as CZ, in Hong Kong on August 28, 2025. Photo: SCMP alt=Binance founder and former CEO Zhao Changpeng, also known as CZ, in Hong Kong on August 28, 2025. Photo: SCMP> The Securities and Futures Commission has so far approved only five cryptocurrency tokens for retail trading in the city: bitcoin, ether, Solana, Avax and Link. Professional trading in BNB tokens for OSL started just days after Zhao made a series of public appearances last week, when he spoke at the city's second Bitcoin Asia conference and at another event at the University of Hong Kong. In an exclusive interview last week with the Post, Zhao said Hong Kong had the potential to become a major digital asset hub, but added that the city needed to move quickly. He suggested that Hong Kong should immediately expand the range of cryptocurrencies permitted for trading on licensed exchanges in the city. As of Wednesday, BNB was the world's fifth-largest cryptocurrency token by total market value, according to data on CoinGecko. Zhao is the largest owner of BNB tokens, holding nearly two-thirds of those in circulation. Zhao's cryptocurrency business has recently increased its activities in Hong Kong. China Renaissance, a Chinese investment bank behind the financing of some of the mainland's biggest tech firms, last month announced a partnership with Zhao's family office, YZi Labs, and bought US$100 million worth of BNB tokens. In early September 2025, a rumor spread online that Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar's net worth had skyrocketed since she first became a member of Congress in 2019. For example, one Facebook post read: "Ilhan Omar reported a negative net worth of -$45,000 when she was first elected to Congress in 2019. Her latest financial disclosure from May 2025 shows a net worth of up to $30 Million." Similar iterations of the claim circulated on X and in conservative tabloids like the New York Post and the Daily Mail, while a Snopes reader contacted us to ask if Omar's "stunning spike in net worth" could be attributed to her "husband's connection to a winery" or if there was more to the story. While somewhat factual, this claim required context. Omar did have a negative net worth in 2019, according to her financial disclosure filing for that year. Furthermore, her 2024 financial disclosure, filed in May 2025, listed millions in assets but those assets represented estimated valuations for businesses run by her husband, political consultant and entrepreneur Timothy Mynett, whom she married in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omar's financial reports did not list a single number for each of her assets and liabilities, instead offering a wide estimated range for each listed monetary item, as is expected from filers. Federal law also did not require members of Congress to disclose certain types of financial assets as of this writing. Given that we did not have a definitive idea of her exact net worth and the Facebook post did not specify whether it was referencing her individual or household net worth, we have not rated this claim. In an emailed statement, Omar's office called the claim "inaccurate" and a "right-wing smear campaign." "If reporters actually read the financial disclosure, they would clearly see that the income that was received did not exceed $15,000. The value range listed for the assets reflects the full cost assessment of the businesses, in which her husband is one of several partners, and does not reflect her husband's individual share," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omar also addressed the allegations in a TikTok video posted on Sept. 3, in which she pointed out that the income she and her husband actually received was minimal. "Keep wishing millions into existence so I could pay off these student loans," the caption of her TikTok joked. Here's what we know about the representative's finances. Omar's financial disclosures Omar's financial disclosure for 2019, filed on Aug. 13, 2020, showed a single asset: a retirement account, valued at $1,001 to $15,000. She also only listed one liability: student loan debt incurred in October 2005, estimated between $15,001 and $50,000. https://media.snopes.com/2025/09/ilhan_omar_2019_financial_disclosure_report.pdf Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her 2024 report, filed on May 14, 2025, Omar listed six assets and two liabilities. Of her assets, she had anywhere from $1,001 to $15,000 in interest coming from her congressional savings account. In addition, she maintained three different retirement investment accounts, with a total estimated value ranging between $17,003 and $80,000. The majority of value from the listed assets came from two businesses run by Mynett, her husband, and were thus labeled as "Partnership Income." Omar's filing valued Mynett's winery, eSt Cru Wines, at about $1 million to $5 million. Mynett's venture capital management company, Rose Lake Capital, was valued between $5 million and $25 million. Mynett co-founded eSt Cru Wines in 2020 alongside longtime business partner William Hailer, who was listed as CEO on the company's initial business license. Rose Lake Capital's website lists three other partners aside from Mynett. In addition, Omar reported $15,001 to $50,000 in student loan debt and $15,001 to $50,000 in credit card debt. https://media.snopes.com/2025/09/ilhan_omar_2025_financial_disclosure.pdf Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, based on her financial disclosure forms, Omar estimated her overall household net worth as ranging between approximately $6 million and $30 million but her individual net worth as anywhere between negative $82,000 and positive $65,000. However, this assumes that Mynett owns his businesses outright, rather than in partnership. (Snopes reached the first figure by subtracting her maximum liabilities from her minimum assets; we reached the second figure by subtracting her minimum liabilities from her maximum assets). Aside from what Omar included in her financial disclosures, she also would have received her annual $174,000 salary as a member of Congress, an amount that has not changed since 2009, according to an August 2025 Congressional Research Service report (see "Compensation"). Snopes has previously fact-checked other rumors about various elected officials' wealth, including one false claim that Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became a multimillionaire after spending five years in Congress and an unproven assertion that Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's net worth increased from $500,000 to $4.6 million since becoming a senator. Sources: @IlhanMN. " Dummy, First of All I Haven't Been in Congress for 8yrs and My Net Worth Isn't $83 Million Dollars..." X (Formerly Twitter), 10 Feb. 2025, x.com/ilhanmn/status/1889079083335868429?s=12&t=6PIBPChWmiFLIY74AZlQXA. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement @ilhanmn. "To the Right Wing Media: Try Reading..." Tiktok.com, 3 Sept. 2025, www.tiktok.com/@ilhanmn/video/7545956652680367373. Accessed 4 Sept. 2025. Brudnick, Ida. "Congressional Salaries and Allowances: In Brief." Congress.gov, 28 Aug. 2025, www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL30064. "Business Search." Ca.gov, bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business. "Methodology - Personal Finances." OpenSecrets, www.opensecrets.org/personal-finances/methodology. Omar, Ilhan. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT. 14 May 2025, disclosures-clerk.house.gov/public_disc/financial-pdfs/2024/10068415.pdf. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025. ---. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT . 13 Aug. 2020, disclosures-clerk.house.gov/public_disc/financial-pdfs/2019/10036809.pdf. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025. Updates: Sept. 4, 2025: This article was updated with a comment from Omar's spokesperson, a video Omar posted addressing claims about her net worth and additional information about her husband's businesses. On Wednesday morning, I turned on an MSNBC livestream to hear 10 heroic women speak at a news conference on the steps of the Capitol. My husband sat next to me. His eyes filled with tears. Marina Lacerda, who said she was first invited to give massages to the shady and mysterious financier Jeffrey Epstein when she was a 14-year-old New York schoolgirl, spoke in public for the first time, urging the release of all related files held by the government. Psychologist Annie Farmer, who also spoke, said she had been trying to alert law enforcement since 1996, when she reported to the FBI that shed been victimized at the age of 16 by Epstein and his partner in crime Ghislaine Maxwell. Nobody had listened to her, and Epstein went on to derail the lives of hundreds of other girls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now people are listening. The voices of these once powerless and voiceless young women, long ignored and belittled, are now amplified beyond anyones wildest imagining. In the words of French women who chanted outside the trial of Dominique Pelicot: Shame must change sides. There is no going back. The #MeToo movement of 2017 is still reverberating. This is one of the few national stories that President Trump has been unable to control or dismiss as a hoax. The stories these women tell are moving the hearts of Americans of every political stripe. We are real human beings. This is real trauma, said survivor Haley Robson. I would like Donald J. Trump and every person in America and around the world to humanize us, to see us for who we are, and to hear us for what we have to say. There is no hoax. The abuse was real. At its dark heart, the Epstein scandal has little to do with conventional politics, mysterious client lists or faked suicides. The conspiracy has been there all along, lying in plain sight. It isnt a conspiracy of the left or the right. It is a conspiracy of money and power against the vulnerable and voiceless. Epstein had the money and the power. His young victims had no source of power beyond their own voices and their stubborn refusal to be silenced. For years the media ignored them, and so did much of law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farmer and other Epstein victims, aided by a handful of dogged pro bono attorneys and allies including the chief of the Palm Beach Police Department, refused to stay quiet. In 1997, Los Angeles model and actress Alicia Arden reported to the Santa Monica police that Epstein had gotten her to undress and then groped her buttocks in a hotel room at the Shutters on the Beach hotel during a purported model interview for the Victorias Secret catalog. A police report was filed under the classification of sexual battery, but Arden never heard back. In 2003, Farmer and her sister Maria, who also said she was victimized, spoke to a reporter at Vanity Fair who was writing an Epstein profile. Their stories were edited out before the story ran. In 2005, a woman in Florida discovered that Epstein had given her stepdaughter hundreds of dollars, and the woman went to the Palm Beach police. Investigators uncovered a vast network of sexually manipulated middle school and high school girls only to see local prosecutors avoid bringing Epstein to trial. Perhaps the girls werent considered perfect witnesses. Some were middle-class, straight-A students, while others grew up in trailer parks, had addicted parents or had run away to escape sexual abuse or violence. Their stories were credible and heartbreakingly similar: They had been lured to Epsteins house in Palm Beach to earn $200 for giving him a massage. Then the trap sprung. In an enclosed isolated room, they said, Epstein, sometimes aided by Maxwell, had groomed and coerced them into unwanted sex acts, destroying their trust in other people and their faith in themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many returned repeatedly or were paid to lure in other girls. Some dropped out of high school. Others tried to numb feelings of worthlessness and shame by cutting themselves or using heroin and other drugs. Some had flashbacks and nightmares. At least one outspoken survivor, Virginia Giuffre, recently killed herself. Given the enormity of damage that sexual molestation can do to a young girls psyche, the failure to listen to these girls and stop Epstein is a national disgrace. By 2007, the FBI in southern Florida, alerted by the frustrated Palm Beach police chief, had heard from more than 35 potential victims. It looked as though a major federal prosecution was about to move forward. But money and power again trumped justice. In 2008, Epsteins legal team, spearheaded by the notorious, now-retired Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, engineered perhaps the most outrageous criminal plea deal in history. Largely ignored by the national press, this sweetheart deal allowed Epstein to plead guilty to one minor charge of soliciting prostitution and another for soliciting a minor. He served 13 months of his 18-month sentence in a Palm Beach detention facility and was chauffeured away on work furlough six days a week to hang out at a foundation he controlled. He and all co-conspirators, named and unnamed, were granted immunity from further prosecution in southern Florida. His young victims, who had spoken up with such courage, were not consulted or even informed prior to the plea deal. On release, Epstein gave himself a party in Manhattan, recast himself as a philanthropist and continued to abuse young girls. In 2012, Maxwell gave a TED talk proclaiming her love of the oceans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then in 2017 came the thundering storm of #MeToo. With their voices amplified by the internet, victimized women cast off shame and spoke up by the millions. In November 2018, the Miami Heralds Julie K. Brown published a long-overdue expose about Epstein and his powerful allies, Perversion of Justice, that ignited public outrage. It was read by federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York, who werent bound by the Florida agreement. In the summer of 2019, Epstein was arrested on multiple new charges and held without bail in the Tombs, New Yorks notorious detention center. There, a month later, he hanged himself with his bedsheet, giving birth to myriad conspiracy theories and again depriving his victims of their chance to confront him. His partner and enabler Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence on her conviction for sex-trafficking minors, was recently transferred to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas, where her fellow prisoners include Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos. Is this special treatment? Perhaps. Regardless, something has changed: Farmer and her many sister-victims are finally being heard. A small proportion of men throughout time from the legendary Bluebeard to the real-life Marquis de Sade to Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein have used their wealth, power, physical strength, drugs, trickery and armies of enablers to imprint their voracious sexual cruelty on the bodies and psyches of vulnerable girls and women. Until the last decade or so, society gave them something close to a free pass. Whether these men are narcissistic, sociopathic, devoid of empathy or just plain evil doesnt really matter. Until #MeToo hit, they largely moved with impunity through a society that worships money and power and often disregards the voices of victimized women. Such men no longer control the telling of the story. The question now is not whether such predators exist, or the lasting damage they do, but whether we will listen to their victims and do something about what we hear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Journalist Katy Butler is the author of Knocking on Heavens Door and The Art of Dying Well. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. For a century, it worked, and brilliantly. The "California model rested on massive investments in higher education, development of industrial zones in places such as the South Bay and Silicon Valley, and persistent upgrading of basic infrastructure. Yet the system that made California dynamic and prosperous for so long is now broken and backward-looking. The state still provides ample opportunities for technological and financial elites but leaves behind a broad spectrum of the middle and working classes. This failure is reflected in the states poverty and unemployment rates (both the highest in the nation), and its tepid job growth. Meanwhile other states Texas, Florida, Arizona, the Carolinas and Tennessee, for example have copied the California model and they have done it, as Californians once did, based on the goal of lifting up all classes. Long reactionary in their politics and social structure, these states' business-friendly policies now have something to teach the progressive Golden State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Hiltzik: Here's why you don't want the Trump administration to buy stock in Intel The defense and aerospace industries are showcases for Californias problem and missed opportunities. The state still leads in numbers of aerospace engineers and creates cutting-edge technologies. But once companies develop products based on all that innovation, theyve tended to move the manufacturing, with its high paying blue-collar jobs, elsewhere, chasing fewer regulations, cheaper energy and a less expensive cost of living. Take Jet Zero, which makes fuel-efficient planes. The company, based in Long Beach, is ready for prime time, with large orders for its new planes. But those jets will be built in Greensboro, N.C., in a $4.7-billion plant employing more than 14,000 people over the next decade. The company also plans to move its headquarters to Greensboro when the plant is finished. Elon Musks story is well-known. The space economy is expected to be worth trillions, but Musks rocket company has already decamped in large part from California to Texas. Space X and Jeff Bezos Blue Origin have built large test facilities in Brownsville and Van Horn, Texas, bringing a blue-collar bonanza to traditionally poor regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even companies that plan to stay headquartered in California are making big investments elsewhere. Anduril , a fast growing tech-driven defense company, designs its systems in Orange County but has announced plans to build a 4,000-job plant in Ohio and is also expanding its operations in Mississippi . Read more: These California tech hubs are set to dominate the AI economy This pattern should alarm the states leaders who seem more concerned with boosting green energy , fighting Trump and saving Hollywood. Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi has been pushing for a space commission, as exists in Texas and Florida, but so far to no effect. The California Coastal Commission's recent rejection of Space X's request to double launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base, ostensibly over environmental questions, is another sign that the state's focus is anywhere but on aerospace. The loss of potential new aerospace investment is tragic. Imagine if Anduril's and Jet Zero's plants were going up in Fresno, Bakersfield, San Bernardino or Modesto areas afflicted with high levels of poverty . Manufacturing remains the key to productivity growth , packs a far higher multiplier effect on local economies than retail, trade or finance and generally pays far higher wages . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You might hope that Californias tech sector would make up for the loss, one of many in a long decline in industrial jobs in the states. But in tech too, California is losing to emerging players. The Computing Technology Industry Assn. 2024 assessment found that Texas led in new tech jobs, with Florida second, and Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina making significant gains. California, not surprisingly, isn't high on the association's list of states projected to enjoy the biggest growth in the sector over the next decade. Read more: A new gold rush? How AI is transforming San Francisco Artificial intelligence and Washington-pushed chip manufacturing could prove a new source of growth, and at the very least create capital gains needed to boost the states poor fiscal position. However, Californias highest in the nation energy prices , tough land-use regulations and lack of blue-collar skills education discourage the construction of new data centers by the likes of Nvidia and Samsung. To be sure, the Bay Area is an AI startup epicenter but this is likely to offer opportunities for the investor class , a handful of entrepreneurs and well-compensated genius programmers, not middle- and working-class Californians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is there hope for a recovery? San Francisco city economist Ted Egan suggests President Trumps tariffs, with their emphasis on electronic goods, could help make California an ideal place for reshoring various kinds of aerospace, computer and other tech manufacturing, but only if the California model is modernized to suit these industries' land use and energy needs. And there are California entrepreneurs bred to look at and shape the future who are not ready to abandon the state's reservoir of expertise and talent, and who are committed to making things as well as developing concepts. Were inventing the new factory town, and recovering the sense of what works in America, says Cameron Schiller, whose Rangeview Corporation startup uses 3-D technology to make castings for the metal parts used in aerospace, one of dozens of industrial startups in the former aerospace stronghold of El Segundo. To revive the California model, we need dedicated visionaries and an evolving workforce, but mostly we need state government to remember what it means to be willing and able to help the visionaries and the workers succeed. Joel Kotkin is a contributing writer to Opinion, the presidential fellow for urban futures at Chapman University and senior research fellow at the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas, Austin. 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. BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) Fresh fruits and vegetables and other locally sourced products will be more accessible in Central New York with more funding to support farmers markets. Senator Lea Webb announced over $96k in state funding will go towards Broome and Cortland counties through the Farmers Market Resiliency Grant Program. Nearly $50k will go towards Broome Countys Cornell Cooperative Extension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Executive Director Beth Roberts says that the funds will help CCE engage more residents through stronger outreach efforts. It will also provide farmers with resources to help their products reach the community. Senator Webb says farmers markets not only connect residents to fresh produce, but they also strengthen the regional economy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CANTON, Ill. (WMBD) The Fulton County Coroner has released the name of the man who suspiciously died Wednesday. Coroner Austin Rhodes said that David W. Kuntz, 70, of Canton was found dead, but the cause of death will be released at a later time. Officers with the Canton Police Department were called at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday to a home near the intersection of Baxter Court and Myrtle Street after a mans body was found, a Canton police news release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The death remains under investigation by the Canton Police Department, Fulton County Coroners Office, Illinois State Police, and the Fulton County Sheriffs Office. Fulton County Crime Stoppers also said that a $1,000 reward is being offered to anyone who can provide information that would lead to an arrest in connection with this incident. You can submit your tip by calling 309-647-3636. This story will be updated when more information is released Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. Tropical moisture from a Pacific hurricane could intensify late-season monsoon activity in Arizona, contributing to a rainy end to the week in Phoenix. Hurricane Lorena, which rapidly intensified off Mexicos coast on Wednesday, Sept. 3, is pushing even more moisture into an already active monsoon pattern. The storm should peak at hurricane strength before weakening into the weekend, but its moisture could push inland even if the storm doesnt. We were already seeing some moisture being pumped up into our area because we finally got the high pressure over the right area, said Alicia Ryan, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Phoenix. But the moisture from Lorena will enhance the moisture were already expecting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rain chances in Phoenix and across southern Arizona were highest on Thursday, Sept. 4. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch in portions of south-central Arizona from the afternoon to the evening on Sept. 4. When will it rain? Lorena reached Category 1 strength hurricane on Wednesday, Sept. 3, but was expected to lose steam quickly on Thursday and keep dissipating into the weekend. Its exact track will determine how much moisture makes it into southern Arizona, New Mexico and western Texas, but forecasters say the setup is already primed for storms. For Phoenix, storm chances were expected to peak Thursday night. Dew points have hovered in the mid-60s, a sign of sticky conditions that could fuel downpours. Storm odds will taper off over the weekend. No rain was in the forecast for Sunday. Ryan said the storm will weaken as it heads inland, but even its remnants could bring more rain than originally predicted. How do hurricanes impact Arizona? The Pacific hurricane season overlaps with Arizona's monsoon in August and September. When the monsoon ridge shifts over the Four Corners region, winds aloft summon tropical moisture north, sometimes bringing the remnants of Pacific hurricanes with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even without the tropical systems, we get a lot of moisture across Mexico through the Gulf, Ryan said. More moisture into our region along with higher temperatures and convection just pops off storms, and thats why we get our summer monsoon. When these systems align, the resulting weather can be dramatic. In 2014, Hurricane Norbert fueled a storm that dropped 3.3 inches of rain at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in a single day the citys wettest day in almost 115 years of record keeping. Interstate 10 was flooded, with cars poking out from the water. Homes in Mesa flooded, and Chandler was hit the hardest with 5.5 inches of rain. Two thunderstorms had merged, dropping record-breaking precipitation across Phoenix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this weeks forecast isnt expected to rival that day, Lorena is another reminder that even though Arizona is hundreds of miles from the coast, it can still feel the effects of tropical storms when summer heat, monsoonal instability and Pacific storms collide. Flood safety tips Never drive into flooded roadways Avoid low-lying washes and underpasses Keep updated on alerts from the National Weather Service Watch for rapid rises in creeks, streams and normally dry washes Hayleigh Evans writes about extreme weather and related topics for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email her with story tips at hayleigh.evans@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Hurricane Lorena could strengthen monsoon storms in Phoenix Five senior officials at Scotlands largest local authority were handed 1m of golden goodbyes without approval from councillors, an audit has found. The Accounts Commission said the five chiefs at SNP-run Glasgow city council, including the former chief executive, obtained significant early retirement and redundancy payments. The payments fell short of the behaviour and standards expected of public servants, the commission concluded, and should have been referred to a council committee for approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the restructuring proposals that triggered the redundancies appear to have been approved by some individuals who directly benefited, the commission found. The commission concluded that the absence of scrutiny from councillors and formal documentation, including details of how decisions were made and evidence of value for money, was deeply concerning. Deeply concerning A 2021 council report proposing the restructure said the total costs of the redundancy plan would be 731,486, with ongoing annual savings of 652,658. But the actual cost of the departure of the five bosses was just over 1 million, including 268,000 in redundancy payments and 770,000 of extra pension costs from them retiring early. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission said it was particularly difficult to see the justification for the chief executives early retirement on the grounds of cost savings as the post was not abolished and she was replaced by a successor. The payments, made between 2021 and 2024, were approved as the local authority cut services and remortgaged landmark buildings in an effort to balance the books. SNP council leader Susan Aitken and city treasurer Ricky Bell were said to be angry after being kept in the dark about the deals and the council called in lawyers last year. It emerged in May that Annemarie ODonnell, the former chief executive, had agreed to pay back around 300,000 of the money to the pension fund. It reeks of cover-up and corruption But Craig Hoy, the Scottish Tories shadow finance secretary, said: This report could hardly be more damning in identifying what reeks of cover-up and corruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glasgows SNP-run council rode roughshod over the rules and, as a result, departing officials received eye-watering payouts with little to no oversight. Its sadly typical of the way in which the Nationalists conduct themselves in office, with a worrying lack of accountability or concern for taxpayers money, while putting the interests of themselves and their cronies first. Andrew Burns, deputy chair of the Accounts Commission, said: The actions taken by a group of senior staff at Glasgow City Council fell short of the values and principles every public sector worker and councillor are expected to follow. There was a failure to address and document how potential conflicts of interest were considered. He added: It is alarming to see reports which need to consider the lawfulness of actions within councils, and such circumstances do little to reassure taxpayers about how public money is being used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission will write to all Scotlands 32 council chief executives to highlight the importance of good governance, value for money and transparency in decision-making. Redundancy payments Carole Forrest, a former solicitor to the council, received a redundancy payment of 95,000 when she left in April 2021. Anne Connolly, a former principal advisor to the chief executive was given a pension and redundancy package of 191,767 in July that year. In July 2023 Robert Anderson, head of human resources, landed a pension and redundancy deal worth 147,654. Elaine Galletly, former director of Legal and Administration, received a 223,065 pension contribution and 59,971 for compensation for loss of office in September 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms ODonnell announced in February 2024 that she would step down later that year after more than a decade in post and more than 30 years in local government in Glasgow. She quit in May last year, receiving early unreduced access to her pension at a cost of 317,000 to the council. Ms ODonnell is the only one of the five to have paid back some money. A Glasgow city council spokesman said: We welcome this report, which reflects the findings of the independent investigation commissioned by the council. The commissions findings will support the action the council is already taking to improve oversight and transparency and to rebuild trust; both within the organisation and with the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SNP 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. CHEYENNE Members of the Cheyenne City Councils Public Services Committee discussed certain aspects of the proposed ordinance governing vehicle mufflers, excessive smoke and unreasonable noise that some said may need to be rewritten or rejected entirely. The conversation, which took place Tuesday, follows a two-week delay that was established at the Aug. 18 Public Services Committee meeting. The ordinance was first introduced in early August, with council members citing months of complaints from residents about hearing loud motorcycle and car engines early in the morning and late at night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ordinance would create Section 10.24.200 in city code, and repeal Section 8.56.050, the latter of which states: No person shall modify, repair, or replace the exhaust system of a motor vehicle or operate a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted to a level above that emitted by the original exhaust system of that vehicle. No muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device. The main aspect of the proposed ordinance that committee members found questionable was Section D, which states that any peace officer enforcing the section can make their own determination as to whether a noise is unreasonable based on any of the following factors: 1. The time of day at which the noise occurs 2. The location where the vehicle is being operated Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3. The presence of pedestrians, bystanders or other vehicles in the vicinity 4. The operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that causes unreasonable noise, including but not limited to unnecessary or rapid acceleration or deceleration, abrupt steering or turning, revving the engine, or tire squealing 5. The operation of a vehicle with equipment improperly installed, removed or otherwise altered so as to produce unreasonable noise. This includes, but is not limited to, unlawful, defective or modified exhaust systems, vehicles lacking a functioning muffler or exhaust system, or any other modification to any part of the vehicle that increases noise output 6. The presence or use of noise amplification equipment, including stereo or audio systems, operated at unreasonably high-volume levels Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 7. Any other relevant factor or condition that would lead a reasonable person to conclude the noise is an unreasonable noise as defined in this section Councilwoman Kathy Emmons asked City Attorney John Brodie if this section gives an officer too much leeway, to which he said it does not. Brodie added that this specific section was borrowed from the Fort Collins, Colorado, vehicle noise ordinance that is already in existence, rather than something his team drafted themselves. Ultimately, the law enforcement officer on the street is going to have to be comfortable with the facts and circumstances that are present, Brodie said. Probable cause is really the determination when it comes to these things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheyenne police officers dont carry decibel readers with them on patrol because they arent practical for daily use, Councilman Mark Rinne said. But because of this, Rinne said if someone gets a ticket for unreasonable vehicle noise and decides to contest it in court, it may come down to a he said, she said argument in court. Brodie said this would be a burden on the prosecutors office to show that the provision was violated beyond reasonable doubt, and would be done through the officers testimony. Perhaps theres dash cam or body cam footage that will corroborate the statements of the officer, perhaps theres witnesses at the scene that we would bring into the court to testify, Brodie said. But ultimately, absent those sorts of pieces of evidence, its going to come down to credibility and how the court determines that credibility based on the case in front of it. Emmons brought up the possibility of removing Section D of the ordinance altogether, but Brodie said that would take away the Cheyenne Police Departments guidance on how to enforce unreasonable vehicle noise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPD Capt. David Janes said without the guidelines in Section D, a police officer would have to find a victim of unreasonable noise, and use that victims statements and evidence to try to prove the case of a noise violation. (Section D) lays out factors to consider in explaining what is unreasonable about that noise, Janes said. We can then note our observations that can reach a level of probable cause, which is the level needed to write a ticket. And thats where, when it comes to discretion, we have discretion on whether we write a ticket or not. But even so, Janes said this is a subjective standard that would be up to a judge to decide, should an offender choose to contest a ticket. Councilwoman Michelle Aldrich moved to amend number five under Section D to instead read: The operation of a vehicle with equipment improperly installed or removed so as to produce unreasonable noise. This includes, but is not limited to unlawful, defective exhaust systems, vehicles lacking a functioning muffler or exhaust system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aldrich said she proposed this amendment because, after holding a meeting in mid-August with the Cowboys and Cars Car Club, she learned that when a driver is pulled over and asked about a modified muffler, the officer will just take the drivers word for it, rather than checking the muffler themself. I just would like to see us be able to enforce this for our officers as easily as possible, Aldrich said, and not having to just take someones word for whether its been modified or not. Emmons said if the council removes the word modified from the portion in the last sentence of number five that reads defective or modified exhaust systems as Aldrich proposed, it may take away an officers ability to ask a driver if they have modified their exhaust system. Because of this, the amendment did not pass. However, the main motion passed unanimously, and will be discussed again on second reading at the full City Council meeting Monday evening. By Sriparna Roy and Rishika Sadam NEW DELHI (Reuters) -India is seeking to boost drug exports to semi-regulated markets in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia to reduce its dependence on the U.S., where tariff concerns pose risks, officials from a government-backed trade body told Reuters on Thursday. The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) also plans to push for sales of finished goods to China to bridge the trade deficit, the officials said. The Indian industry imports more than 60% of its raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients from China. While Indian pharmaceutical exports are currently exempt from President Donald Trump's tariffs of up to 50%, growing uncertainty and tensions between the countries have kept the industry cautious. "It is a matter of concern for us," Pharmexcil Chairman Namit Joshi said, referring to the U.S. tariffs. The U.S. is India's largest market and accounts for slightly more than a third of India's pharmaceutical exports, which comprise mainly cheaper generic versions of popular drugs. Exports to the country rose 20% to about $10.5 billion in fiscal 2025. "The point is how medium and small enterprises and big companies can come together and work on those (semi-regulated)markets," Bhavin Mehta, Pharmexcil's vice chairman, said on the sidelines of a conference. The trade body plans to submit its related plan to the government by next week, Mehta said. Earlier this week, Reuters had reported about India's plans to increase pharmaceutical exports to Russia, the Netherlands and Brazil, citing two industry sources. India recorded a trade deficit of $99.2 billion with China in the fiscal year that ended in March 2025, driven by a surge in imports of electronic goods and consumer durables. "If 20% trade deficit gets covered by exporting back to China, I think we (could) generate $6 billion from China," Pharmexcil's Joshi said on Thursday. (Reporting by Sriparna Roy and Rishika Sadam in New Delhi; Writing by Mariam Sunny in Bengaluru; Editing by Dhanya Skariachan and Saumyadeb Chakrabarty) Amid last month's diplomatic efforts to pressure Russia into peace negotiations, new data showed that the European Union had imported Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) worth around 4.48 billion ($5.23 billion) in the first half of 2025. This was an increase from 3.47 billion over the same period last year, according to the EU statistics office Eurostat. The bloc has been pushing to end its energy dependence on Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine started in February 2022, aiming to curb Moscow's ability to finance the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike Russian oil and coal, the EU has not imposed an outright ban on gas, due to ongoing dependencies among some member states. LNG and gas via pipelines, including the TurkStream pipeline, continue to flow into the bloc, albeit at much lower levels than before 2022. However, the European Commission has drawn up plans to phase out all Russian gas and oil imports by 2028. Under the proposal, new contracts would be prohibited from January 1, 2026. Existing short-term contracts would end by June 17, 2026, and long-term contracts would be banned from January 1, 2028. These measures still require approval from the European Parliament and by at least 15 of the 27 EU member states, representing 65% of the bloc's population. Hungary, Slovakia rely on Russian oil Significant inroads have been made. Russian oil imports have shrunk from 27% at the beginning of 2022 to 3% in 2024, according to the commission. By comparison, gas imports from Russia decreased from 45% in 2021 to 19% in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungary and Slovakia are the only two EU countries to still import large amounts of Russian oil. The pair, alongside the Czech Republic, were given an exemption to the EU embargo on Russian oil. The Czech Republic made efforts to end its reliance and has not imported Russian oil since April, thanks to an expansion to the western Transalpine Pipeline (TAL), which transports oil from the Port of Trieste. Hungary and Slovakia, on the other hand, have not sought to wean themselves off Russian energy. Recent attacks by Ukraine on the Druzhba pipeline underlined their reliance and the resulting supply instability. Ukraine regularly strikes Russian oil and gas infrastructure in response to attacks on its own territory since the start of Russia's full-scale assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a possible alternative, but the two countries are reluctant to rely on receiving their oil via the Adria oil pipeline. "Since the capacity of the Croatian pipeline is smaller than Hungary's and Slovakia's demand for oil, if deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline become impossible for a long time, then the oil supply to Hungary and Slovakia will also become impossible," Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said last week. "Not for political reasons, but because of physical reality. Energy supply is not a political or ideological issue, you need the pipeline and the oil in it," he added. Croatia disputes this, with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and Economy Minister Ante Susnjar stating that the Adria pipeline has sufficient capacity. They added that transport costs would decrease with higher volumes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite these assurances, Hungary and Slovakia remain reluctant to rely more heavily on the Adria pipeline. Slovakia, which also receives natural gas from Russia, has said it will consider legal action if it is not granted an exemption from the new commission proposal or compensated for ending these imports. Russian energy dependence wanes elsewhere Bulgaria stopped importing Russian gas in April 2022 when the government refused Gazprom's demand to be paid in roubles. Sofia received a temporary derogation for Russian crude oil until the end of 2024, but halted imports ahead of schedule in March that year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bulgaria continues to allow Russian gas to pass through its territory via the Balkan Stream pipeline, an extension of TurkStream that runs from Turkey to non EU-member Serbia. This transit will be exempt under the proposed new ban as it is delivered to a country outside the bloc. However, much of the gas ultimately reaches Hungary - a practice that will have to end under the new EU ban on Russian gas. France fuels Russian LNG imports When it comes to Russian LNG, some European countries are more reliant than others. In 2024, France, Spain and Belgium accounted for 85% of Europe's Russian LNG imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year's rise in imports was propelled by France as well as the Netherlands, which boosted their Russian LNG imports by 81% compared to 2023, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. By contrast, other countries have much lower exposure to Russian gas overall. In Italy, the EU's third largest economy, less than 2% of total gas imports come from Russia. Germany has completely ended Russian gas imports, although state-owned SEFE - formerly Gazprom Germania - continues to import Russian LNG into the EU under an old long-term contract. To achieve a comprehensive phase-out of Russian energy imports by 2028, the bloc faces a complex task: balancing security of supply, market stability and political consensus, while continuing to diversify sources and infrastructure. The content of this article is based on reporting by AFP, ANSA, BTA, CTK, dpa, HINA, TASR and STA as part of the European Newsroom (enr) project. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) At the San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting on Aug. 26, County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe was called a racial slur by a member of the public. Montgomery Steppe is the first Black woman elected to the Board of Supervisors in San Diego and represents District 4, which is home to neighborhoods like Spring Valley, La Mesa, portions of San Diego and more. She was also appointed Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors on July 22. During the recent meeting, a person in attendance called the supervisor a slur, to which Montgomery Steppe and other supervisors responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you to my colleagues for your comments and acknowledgement of what was said, Montgomery Steppe said. I think this word and the two combined words used have a very deep and traumatic meaning in history. After the incident, Montgomery Steppe posted on Instagram that using the slur in 2025 is part of an attempt to further discriminate and intimidate Black communities. She also stated the reason why insults like that are being used today is because of a recent shift in power. The N-word is deeply rooted in a history of dehumanization and the brutal legacy of slavery, Montgomery Steppe posted on social media. Following the meeting, State Senator Steve Padilla, who represents San Diego, condemned the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe is a wise, tenacious, and principled public servant, Padilla said in a news release. The use of a phrase so deeply rooted in oppression and malice is disgusting enough, and for it to be used it in an attempt to demean her as she does the work of the people, simply makes it more sickening. Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe press event with The Peoples Supervisor sign (KSWB/KUSI) Montgomery Steppe said that people have the right to free speech, and that people even have the right to say, very ignorant things like that. However, she expressed that there is a responsibility to educate people on the history behind it. That word in particular has a lot of history because it goes way back to when Africans first hit the United States of America, Montgomery Steppe added in the meeting. Were called that because it was tantamount to not being a human being. Recently, Montgomery Steppe has been pushing for law enforcement oversight and reform of the countys juvenile justice system. Proposals she mentioned at the meeting include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phasing out chemical agents out of youth detention centers De-emphasizing solitary confinement for youth Mandatory trauma-informed de-escalation training for probation officers who work with youth And expanding the Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board. She said comments like this will not stop her from her advocacy. I am here doing my best; there is not a perfect person in this world, Montgomery Steppe said. But Im doing my very best to represent people that have been unrepresented and I will continue to. That word, or anything else, will not stop me from doing what I have been called to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The two people charged in connection with the death of 7-year-old Hershall Creachbaum Jr. appeared in court on Thursday. Hershalls mother, Ashley Johnson, and her boyfriend, Michael Kendrick, are facing multiple charges in connection to Hershalls death. Johnson is facing an obstruction of justice charge, while Kendrick is being charged with gross abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. This comes after police found 7-year-olds remains hidden in plastic bags along US-35 in July. Kendrick initially reported Hershall missing to police, but later admitted the child had died several weeks earlier, and had moved the body numerous times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson says she was in the hospital when Kendrick told her that her song died, but she never reported it to authorities. Attorneys on both sides say theres still a lot of evidence to sort through, and they will need time to review it before additional charges can be brought against these defendants. Both defense attorneys have provided us two separate hard drives. Right now, were in the process of downloading that second external hard drive with the additional packets of discovery, a prosecutor said during the court hearing today. Attorneys are also waiting for an update from the Montgomery County Coroners Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have spoken with a forensic anthropologist in this case who is evaluating the remains of Hershall Creachbaum. She has indicated to me that it would take at least until September 19 before we would have a report, said the prosecutor. Attorneys are hoping this report will confirm that the remains found are indeed Hershalls and also shed some light on his exact cause of death. The preliminary autopsy report released in July found an incomplete skeleton with scant tissue remains and several fractures. The state of the remains has prolonged the investigation, but once the updated report is released, Johnson and Kendrick could face more charges. The couple is expected to appear in court against next month. Hershall Creachbaum Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Couple climbs through sunroof to save toddler locked in hot car in Hingham: No time to wait Hingham Police say theyre thankful for the couple who helped save a toddler from a hot car. Police say the couple pulled into a spot at the Whole Foods on Derby Street Monday afternoon when they heard a baby screaming for her mother. I stepped out of my car, you know, like a kind of muffled but loud cry, scream, and so I looked at the car next to me and there was no one in the front seat and I did peak in the backseat and thats when I saw the little girl, said the woman who jumped to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This woman, who wants to remain anonymous, says she had just pulled into the Whole Foods with her fiance when they saw a toddler alone in a hot car, visibly distressed. You could see that she was full of sweat, very hot, so we took no time to wait it was an immediate 911 call, said the woman. While the couple waited for police to arrive, they noticed the sunroof was open, so they jumped up and went through the sunroof to unlock the car and get the baby out. She did you know, calm down immediately once she was out of the vehicle, but she was very hot, said the woman. The temperature was 73 outside, the sun was beating on the car, all the windows were up, only that sunroof, so you talk about a car that heats up quick in the sun, said Lt. Steven Dearth with the Hingham Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hingham Police say a child should never be left alone in the car no matter the temperature outside. She intentionally left the child in there to nap while she shopped, said Lt. Dearth. Police believe the toddler was left alone in the car for at least twenty minutes while the mother shopped. Officers transported the child to the hospital to get checked out and theyre thankful for these bystanders who jumped to help. These people did the right thing that we would hope most people would do was look into it, not be afraid to get involved and say this is a child that needs some attention, said Lt. Dearth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the heat wasnt the only concern here. If they could go in and get the baby out and rescue, someone could easily go in and cause harm to the baby so a 22-month old should not be left alone in a car like that, plain and simple, said Lt. Dearth. Police say the mother of the child could face charges for reckless endangerment. 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 archive video above aired on June 4, 2024. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) A federal lawsuit claiming the City of Hartford and police failed to appropriately respond to an attack against State Rep. Maryam Khan was dismissed this week, according to court documents. On Tuesday, a United States district judge granted the defendants motion to dismiss the lawsuit which was first filed by Rep. Khan in June of 2024. The dismissal was granted a few days after the judge heard oral arguments regarding the motion to dismiss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man who attacked Rep. Khan in Hartford sentenced to 5 years in prison The lawsuit stemmed from an incident on June 28, 2023, when Rep. Khan was attacked while leaving Eid al-Adha services held at the former XL Center (now PeoplesBank Arena) in Hartford. It claimed the city- as owners and operators of the center- were contractually obligated to provide security for the event. However, there were no police officers or private security guards patrolling the area where suspect Andrey Desmond started harassing Khan and her family, before slapping her and dragging her into a chokehold, the lawsuit states. According to the Associated Press, Khan said she was taking photos outside the arena with her family and teen daughter when Desmond approached and said he intended to have sexual relations with one of them. She said he followed them around while grabbing at her face and shirt, demanding a kiss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hartford police release findings of internal investigation in response to attack on state representative The lawsuit says she sustained a concussion, persistent loss of sensation and numbness in the right shoulder, and arm and several bruises and cuts. The lawsuit also said the officers who responded failed to detail any recount of her sexual assault in their police report. Last June, Desmond was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted third-degree sexual assault, attempted first-degree strangulation and risk of injury to a minor. The judges ruling this week describes unsubstantiated claims made in the lawsuit, like that Hartford police has a history of mistreating women and discriminating against people of the Muslim faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Connecticut state representative who was attacked says she is concerned about security at Eid service Complaint asserts that other women of color who are victims of violent crime have experienced mistreatment by the HPD, the complaint provides no specific information about these other instances of mistreatment, the judges decision states. Hartford city officials provided the following statement when News 8 reached out for comment: The City of Hartford is aware of the recent dismissal of the lawsuit filed by Representative Khan against the City. We will continue the work of serving our residents and ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. If there are any other developments regarding the lawsuit, the Citys Office of the Corporation Counsel will handle any remaining procedural matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 8 has reached out to Khan and Hartford 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 WTNH.com. BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) A court hearing aimed at resolving a dispute involving leadership at King Center Charter School was postponed Thursday morning after three of the schools top administrators were abruptly removed by the institutions board of trustees in June. Reinstatement of old principal, hiring of new one sparks confusion at King Center Charter The hearing was initially thought to be a lengthy one to help decide the fate of the ousted administrators; however, the judge wasnt sure that all steps had been taken to resolve the issue outside the court of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, during an eighth grade graduation ceremony, the schools principal, vice principal and dean of students were let go without warning. The schools director of curriculum and instruction then resigned in protest. Together, they had a combined 50 years of service to the school. The decision by the board to let them go was met with protests for months by parents. Then, last month, a judge issued a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order, calling for the administrators to be re-instated to their respective roles. That ruling was then revised just 24 hours later, once again removing the principal and setting the date for Thursdays hearing. A new principal, Dr. Mariah Fiona Kramer-Dolan, was appointed at around the same time. Attorneys for both the board and the petitioners went before Erie County Supreme Court Justice Joseph Lorigo Thursday where they laid out their cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SUNY, State University of New York, is the charter school authorizer for King Center Charter School, explained Jennifer Schwartzott, attorney for the board. So, we would argue that it would be inappropriate for the petitioners to ask you to rule in this way until theres administrative decision. Judge orders board to reinstate King Center Charter School staff after sudden firings Meanwhile, the attorney representing the fired administrators rebuffed that argument. That board has final authority, final authority, for policy and operational decisions of the school, explained Gregory Zini, attorney for the petitioners. Petitioners are challenging the decisions of the board of directors here, not of the SUNY Board of Regents, not of any government agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following their arguments, Judge Lorigo ultimately postponed the evidentiary hearing until next month. I appreciate the argument made here today, Judge Lorigo said. Court is going to reserve decision on whether or not petitioners have exhausted their administrative remedies, but in the meantime, Id like to have a hearing on the calendar, so that if we need one, we have one. What the judge means by exhausting administrative remedies is that its not yet known if every avenue has been taken to try and resolve the issue outside of the court system. Thats something the court will consider at the next hearing. The next hearing is set to take place Oct. 8 and Oct. 9. Latest Local News Rob Petree is an anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2025. See more of his work by clicking 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. A German civil servant who was convicted in Spain for double murder has entered early retirement and may retain his pension entitlements, Germany's Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig ruled on Thursday. The court decided that for his pension to be revoked, he would need to be convicted by a German court. The court rejected a disciplinary lawsuit by the Federal Employment Agency to revoke the pension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man, born in 1975 in Saxony-Anhalt, had been a civil servant since 2002 and retired early in 2011 due to permanent incapacity for service. In April 2019, the man led his estranged wife and their two sons, then aged 10 and 7 to a remote cave in Tenerife. He killed the 39-year-old woman and the older son. The 7-year-old managed to escape. In 2022, a Spanish court sentenced the man to life imprisonment for double murder and attempted murder, as well as to prison terms of 23 and 16 years. A life sentence in Spain can be reviewed after 25 years at the earliest. During the oral hearing, Germany's 2nd Senate clarified that if the conviction had been before a German court, his pension would have been revoked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would apply for an intentional crime and a prison sentence of two years or more. It decided that the issue was whether the convicted man had violated the free democratic basic order with his actions. However, the crimes committed by the man for private motives would not be covered by this, the Senate said. The employment office argued that the man's actions violated human rights and thus the free democratic basic order. They argued that the wife's murder should be considered a gender-specific act, a femicide. But the Senate said this term is not defined in the German legal system and added that the Spanish court did not classify the act as femicide. The murderer's lawyer stated that his client had paid all compensation claims to the surviving son and the relatives of the woman. This amounted to around 300,000 ($349,000), the lawyer said. On August 25, 2025, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Zhao Leji co-chaired the 10th Meeting of the China-Russia Committee for Parliamentary Cooperation with Chairman of the State Duma of Russia Vyacheslav Volodin at the Great Hall of the People. Zhao Leji said that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era has consistently maintained a sound, stable, and high-level development momentum. The two sides have continuously deepened political mutual trust, strengthened strategic coordination, and advanced cooperation across various fields in an orderly and effective manner. Facts have proven that China-Russia cooperation, marked by complementary strengths and great potential, is a strategic choice made by both sides in light of their respective development and revitalization. Zhao Leji stated that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia Committee for Parliamentary Cooperation. The institutional exchanges and cooperation between the legislative bodies of China and Russia have set a fine example for bilateral and multilateral legislative cooperation and accumulated useful experience. China's NPC is ready to work with the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, taking the implementation of the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state as the fundamental guideline, to fully leverage the role of cooperation mechanisms and platforms, continuously strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and contribute to the in-depth development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era. Both sides should maintain the positive momentum of close exchanges, enhance understanding and mutual trust, and consolidate the political foundation of mutual support, solidarity and coordination. Efforts should be made to expand the content and forms of institutional exchanges to meet the development needs of China-Russia relations in the new era, focus on the functions and responsibilities of the legislative bodies, learn from and draw on each other's experience in governance, legislation, supervision and other aspects, and support the development and revitalization of their respective countries. The two sides should promptly ratify relevant bilateral treaties and agreements, promote the implementation and effectiveness of cooperation agreements and projects, and provide legal safeguards for practical cooperation between the two countries. The two sides should leverage the strengths of deputies to the NPC and members of parliament to build bridges for economic and trade cooperation and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Exchanges among women and youth deputies and parliamentarians should be activated, and local legislative bodies of the two countries should be encouraged and supported in stepping up exchanges to deliver more cooperation outcomes that are practical and beneficial to people's livelihoods. The two sides should strengthen communication and coordination within multilateral mechanisms such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, speak with one voice, firmly safeguard the outcomes of the victory of World War II, advocate the correct historical perspective on World War II, uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, practice true multilateralism, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Vyacheslav Volodin said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era has gained in-depth development. The State Duma of Russia is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with China's NPC, focus on implementing the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, leverage the role of the mechanism and platform of the Russia-China Committee for Parliamentary Cooperation, and make legislative contributions to promoting all-round cooperation between Russia and China, optimizing the business environment, deepening people-to-people and cultural exchanges, jointly advocating the correct historical perspective on World War II, and safeguarding multilateralism. Peng Qinghua attended the meeting. In todays CEO Daily: Peter Vanham on the chief executive succession at IKEA. The big story: U.S. conducts military strike off Venezuelan coast. The markets: Bonds are selling off but stocks are ticking up. Plus: All the news and watercooler chat from Fortune. Good morning. Peter Vanham in Geneva filling in for Diane, who will be back in your inboxes tomorrow. Its the company you know from its Swedish meatball restaurants, the Billy bookcase, and of course, the flatpack furniture. But today, IKEA also wants to be known for another business challenge it says it has mastered: the internal CEO succession. As this newsletter has highlighted in the past, getting succession right isnt easy in the best of circumstances. The model where the CEO becomes executive chairman to ensure continuity, has often been a recipe for trouble. Ask Disney or Starbucks, and perhaps, soon, Target. IKEA, however, is now touting its alternative: the temporary CEO overlap. Jesper Brodin, chief executive for the past eight years, will make way in November for his Spanish deputy, and the first non-Swede to become IKEA CEO, Juvencio Maeztu. The pair is going on a joint tour to inform their employees, suppliers, and customers. In an interview together (of course), Maeztu told me they wanted their well-choreographed transition to be a proof point that internal succession works. For the next three monthsuntil IKEAs annual meetingBrodin will continue to serve as CEO, while Maeztu will instead be on a listening tour, visiting as many of the retailers locations as possible. Brodin will stay on for a few more months as senior advisor, after which hell officially leave the company. The most important thing for me is to allow him time, Brodin told me, as Maeztu listened in. The more I can relieve him, the better hell be prepared. This is not about Jesper or myself, Maeztu added. We cannot hijack the transition. Doing this together is a good example of how one plus one equals three. IKEAs carefully crafted and internal CEO succession model is becoming more common, headhunter Russell Reynolds said in a report released last month. Over the past year, three quarters of incoming CEOs were internally promoted, showing companies are prioritizing stability as they navigate regulatory and trade policy shifts, it said. Yet when Maeztu does take over, there will be some tough calls to make. In 2023, IKEA began investing $2.2 billion to expand its retail presence in the U.S. But with a historical model based on imports from Asia and Europe, the question going forward is how IKEA will be able to square its business model for the many people with tariffs driving up prices in the U.S. (The Center Square) The Georgia Department of Public Health is not administering COVID-19 boosters as it waits to hear from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention committee. Department officials said in a release they do not have any of the updated boosters and have been advised to 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for safety reasons. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will hold a two-day meeting beginning Sept. 18, according to Georgia health officials. The committee is expected to give more guidance on the latest booster. The department said this has been protocol since the first vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy announced new restrictions on COVID-19 vaccines that would limit them to adults 65 and older and younger people with medical conditions that put them at a high risk of severe COVID-19. Kennedy has questioned the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccinations. He said the new restrictions were a step in the right direction as part of a framework he promised Americans he would use in a social media post. The debate over COVID-19 has drawn the attention of President Donald Trump, who has claimed credit for getting the first COVID-19 vaccines out quickly in what he called "Operation Warp Speed." The president called for answers in a post on Truth Social. "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 said in the post. "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 U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., is calling for Kennedy to resign amid questions about Kennedy's vaccine policies and firings at the CDC, which is based in Atlanta. He held a news conference on Thursday ahead of Kennedy's testimony to a Senate committee. "Every day that this continues, more and more Americans are put at risk by Mr. Kennedy's radical and incoherent ideology," Ossoff said. Upheaval at the countrys top public health agency has left millions of Americans uncertain about access to the updated COVID-19 vaccines at a moment when rising case numbers threaten to disproportionately harm Black Americans. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the new shots in August. But it narrowed eligibility to people who are 65 and older and younger people who are considered to be at higher risk of contracting a severe COVID-19 infection. The new guidelines are a departure from previous years when nearly everyone could get the vaccines. The changes come as Florida is on track to become the first state to eliminate vaccine mandates for children. In a Sept. 3 speech, the state surgeon general, Joseph Ladapo, said that every last requirement is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery. Its still not entirely clear who will be able to get the updated shots, whether the shots will be covered by insurance, and which pharmacy chains might carry the vaccines, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention faces disorder under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy, whos connected to an anti-vaccine advocacy group, is facing calls to resign following his firing of the CDC director, refusal to be briefed by scientists on COVID-19 and other diseases, and efforts to gut the agency charged with promoting public health. He was on Capitol Hill on Sept. 4 testifying before a Senate committee about the Trump administrations health care agenda. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, said that Kennedy has elevated conspiracy theories, crackpots, and grifters. U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, said that it surprises him that Kennedy thinks highly of Operation Warp Speed an effort initiated by the U.S. government to distribute COVID-19 vaccines when, as an attorney, Kennedy attempted to restrict access. On Sept. 3, Democratic governors in California, Oregon, and Washington announced their plan for creating a health care alliance that will protect vaccine access by establishing its own immunization guidelines that will adhere to respected national medical organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet for two days beginning on Sept. 18 and is expected to discuss the COVID-19 vaccines, among other agenda items. In the past, Americans have been able to get the vaccine free of charge after the committee recommended the shots. But this summer, Kennedy forced out every member of the committee and replaced them with people who have criticized vaccines and spread misinformation about immunization, raising concerns from scientists and medical professionals about the future of COVID-19 shots. The ramifications could be particularly harmful to Black communities that already face inequities when it comes to health care, advocates say. Limiting booster eligibility risks further compromising the already fragile health status of many Black Americans, Oni Blackstock, a physician and founder of Health Justice, a consulting firm that focuses on racial and health equity, previously told Capital B. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black Americans are at least 1.5 times more likely to contract COVID-19 and four times more likely to be hospitalized, according to early pandemic data. Additionally, the Center for Primary Care at Harvard Medical School found that Black children are more than five times as likely to die from the virus. When [systemic barriers to health care access] combine with more restrictive vaccine guidelines, Blackstock said, it becomes even harder for Black Americans to get boosters and worsens existing health disparities. Heres what to know about the updated COVID-19 shots. Which COVID-19 vaccines are available this year? The FDA has approved Moderna for those who are 6 months and older, Pfizer for those who are 5 years old and older, and Novavax for those who are 12 years old and older. Am I eligible to get the vaccine? The updated shots have been approved for people considered to be at higher risk of contracting a severe COVID-19 infection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the underlying conditions that meet these new vaccine guidelines, according to a February list from CDC, include asthma, diabetes (types 1 and 2), disabilities such as Down syndrome, HIV, mental health conditions, obesity, and the use of immunosuppressive drugs. However, the list could change. It includes pregnancy as an underlying condition, but in May, Kennedy announced that the shots arent recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. When will COVID-19 vaccines be available? In an Aug. 27 statement, Moderna announced that, with the green light from the FDA, its updated shots are expected to be available in the coming days. That same day, Pfizer also announced in a press release that its new vaccines would begin shipping immediately and be available in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics across the U.S. in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, John C. Jacobs, the president and CEO of Novavax, said in an Aug. 27 statement that the company will begin working to provide the updated shots to eligible individuals this fall. Where can I get the vaccine? The overwhelming majority of Americans about 90% got their COVID-19 shot at local pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens during last years cold and flu season. But uncertainty looms over this season. Thats partly because the policies governing pharmacy regulations vary by state. Some states follow the terms that are set by the CDCs immunization committee, while others have their own laws. Additionally, some states allow pharmacies to provide the vaccines off-label, or outside the FDAs explicit guidelines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of this regulatory disarray, CVS said that it would offer the vaccines in 34 states, administer them in 13 states and the District of Columbia if people have a prescription, and not administer them at all in Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico. The states requiring a prescription are Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia. According to The New York Times, Walgreens seems to require a prescription in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Washington State, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Can I still get a COVID-19 vaccine if I dont meet the new criteria? Technically, yes. But health experts worry that the uncertainty of the regulatory environment will only create more barriers to vaccine access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Physicians can still provide COVID vaccines off-label, and IDSA [the Infectious Diseases Society of America] strongly urges doctors to continue recommending and administering vaccination to their patients based on the best available science, Tina Tan, the societys president, said in an Aug. 27 statement. However, pharmacists ability to provide off-label vaccines may be severely constrained, underscoring the vital role of physicians and other clinicians in maintaining access, she added. The post COVID Hits Black Americans Harder. New Vaccine Limits Increase the Risk appeared first on Capital B News. Public health officials in California are reporting a late summer Covid-19 wave hitting the Golden State, noting a continued increase in new cases as some at county level advocate for a return to indoor mask wearing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that coronavirus infections are either growing or likely growing in 30 states, including California, suggesting that increased socializing over the Labor Day weekend and the return of children to school for the fall term may have exacerbated the spread. The CDC also notes that the state has high levels of coronavirus detectable in its sewage water and that the rate at which coronavirus lab tests are coming back positive is continuing to rise. Masked shoppers at Grand Central Market in Los Angeles in July 2022 (AP) Results for the week ending August 23 saw 12.07 percent of tests across the state come back positive, The Los Angeles Times reports, double what it was in the equivalent week in late July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a local level, similar leaps were seen in Los Angeles County, with 13.44 percent of tests coming back positive in late August compared to 8.11 percent a month earlier. In Orange County, the numbers rose to 18.1 percent from 9.4 percent over the same period and, in San Francisco, they were up to 8.7 percent from 7.1 percent. Dr Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, told the Times: We are definitely seeing an upswing in patients with Covid. Thankfully, inpatient cases are few and far between. Wastewater levels, however, are still rising in Los Angeles, so we have not reached the top of this current wave. We will have to see what direction things go over the next one to two weeks to have a better idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, the rate of hospitalizations across California is currently rated as low, although it is reportedly increasing. For the week ending August 23, just 3.62 people per 100,000 were admitted for Covid, although the figure is up from 1.9 four weeks earlier. The current percent of Covid-19 positivity is higher than at any point last winter, according to Orange County health officials Dr Christopher Zimmerman and Dr Regina Chinsio-Kwong, although both stressed that it is unclear at present how high or how severe this summers Covid wave may be. Public safety messaging on display in Monterey Park, California, during the pandemic in June 2021 (AFP/Getty) Breaking with the Trump administrations vaccine-skeptic Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, Dr Aimee Sisson of Yolo County told the Times: Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe disease and death from Covid-19. She also advocated for a return to masks, adding: Wearing a high-quality mask such as an N95, KN95, or KF94 that fits well continues to provide strong protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, on the East Coast of the United States, Floridas Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Wednesday that his state would be the first to state to end all vaccine mandates. State Surgeon General Joseph Ladepo likened the practice of compulsory inoculation to slavery at a press conference, framing the debate as a freedom of choice issue. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Southern Nevada Health District is no longer offering the previously approved COVID-19 vaccine after announcing on Wednesday that people could still get it. A news release from the health district on Thursday said it had received updated guidance that the older vaccine should no longer be used because a 2025-2026 vaccine is becoming available. This comes at a time when the presence of COVID has reached a high level in the countys wastewater. This chart shows the concentration of COVID found in Clark County wastewater. Significant surges are shown in red, such as in June, July, and August 2025. (Credit: Southern Nevada Health District) A survey of wastewater in the Clark County Flamingo Water Reclamation District Plant shows the concentration levels of COVID in the community were high in June, July, and August. Wastewater surveillance is an early warning system of the presence of the virus in the community before sickness actually occurs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will be announcing the availability of vaccines soon, Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Sizemore told 8 News Now. The health district will make the vaccine available in its clinics, but people should be aware that insurance may not cover it if its given before the Centers for Disease Controls Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meets on September 18 to define the recommendations on who is eligible for coverage. Pharmacies are required to wait until after the ACIP decision to begin the COVID-19 vaccines. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO (WGN) Members of the Chicago Teachers Union and employees with Chicago Public Schools gathered on Wednesday to determine a plan to prepare students families for potential ICE raids and educate them on their rights. I have no idea if there will be tanks in the neighborhoods tomorrow. I have no idea if people are going to show up with rifles strapped to their back, CTU President Stacey Davis Gates said. Thats the thing about this right nowthat its terrible to lead [right now] because you have no idea. You would have never thought, because how in the hell is this happening? According to the CTU, members at CPS schools will be handing out Know Your Rights materials during student drop-off and pick-up on Friday, and they have also held virtual trainings for parents on constitutional protections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CTU officials also said they will be posting watch teams around schools to be on the lookout for ICE activity. What we need is not more surveillance. Not troops that are harassing our students, one CTU member said. Not federal agents that are deporting them and striking fear and terror into the hearts of families across Chicago. We are here because we need what the mayor is already doinginvesting in people. CPS officials also said they do not ask for families immigration status, and will not share student records with ICE, or allow access to CPS schools or facilities, unless they show a warrant signed by a federal judge. Other measures include CPS school security guards being trained on procedures, should federal agents show up at schools, and maintaining close communication with public safety and legal partners at the city and state level for the latest information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPS CEO Macquline King shared the following statement with WGN-TV on Wednesday: I am disappointed that this threat is weighing so heavily on families at a time when we should be celebrating the return to the classroom. The start of a new school year should be about learning and discovery, not fear and intimidation. CPS can and will do everything possible to ensure school remains a safe place for all of our students and staff. Davis Gates was also asked if a pivot into remote learning would be a possible option if students fear they are unsafe coming to school. The CTU President said remote learning was implemented under similar circumstances in Los Angeles, but she does not believe CPS has the technological infrastructure to quickly institute remote learning. At a press conference Wednesday, Gov. JB Pritzker said he expects a federal surge to happen this weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 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 will be next in his federal crackdowns. In the midst of the uncertainty, CPS has reiterated to parents and students that school is a safe place in a letter sent last week. 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. 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. 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, 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 talk of the National Guard 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 ages 3 and 9, they are too small to know, she said, though they might soon be faced with National Guard troops 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, such as people experiencing homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it will probably be more of an agitation than a help, Miller said. A better use of the money would be at schools such as 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 after-school 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 the 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, 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 over the Labor Day weekend that included multiple mass shootings, news the president is pointing to as more of a reason to come to the city, which he called a hellhole Tuesday during a news conference. CPS interim CEO Macquline King emphasized many of the letters key points at the Chicago Board of Education meeting last week, sharing that the district is in conversations with city officials and labor partners about what to do if the National Guard were deployed. Public safety issues such as 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 would be 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. CTU says district not ready for remote learning It is unclear how, or if, school protocols will change with federal troops in town. The district could consider providing remote learning, although that has not been decided, Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates said at a Wednesday news conference. The district is not ready to move to remote learning at this moment, and should have a backup plan in place, Davis Gates told reporters. Because in order for CPS to do anything, they need the 30,000 members of the Chicago Teachers Union and our coalition work, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CTU is working to ensure teachers are informed of immigrants rights, per their contract, Davis Gates added. This includes training staff to respond to ICE agents should they come to schools. However, Davis Gates was not specific about what the training entails. Their focus, she said, is on having good communication, transparency around any incidents and ensuring people understand their rights. CPS did not immediately respond to a request for comment. We have to know that we have each others backs, Davis Gates said. Were better able to support each other if people understand their role, their responsibility, who has their back and how it works. So were working with them to clarify those things. Meanwhile, the district will remain in communication with its families regarding anything about the potential National Guard deployment, according to King. 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. A leak in a Bettendorf sewer line has been repaired temporarily, and more work will be done soon to fix it, according to the public works director. Bettendorf Public Library (bettendorflibrary.com) Brian Schmidt, City of Bettendorf public works director, told Our Quad Cities News that about 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29, the Bettendorf Public Works Department discovered a cracked joint in a sanitary sewer line between Apple Valley Drive and Red Wing Court. This original sewer line was encased in concrete adjacent to the creek. Over time, stream erosion occurred under the sewer, and the weight of the concrete encasement caused a crack near a joint, Schmidt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident resulted in a minor discharge of untreated wastewater into a tributary of Stafford Creek. The Public Works Department immediately notified the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) upon confirmation of the leak. The Public Works Department contacted a local plumbing contractor who responded to the scene about 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, and successfully stopped the leak with a temporary repair. The plumbing contractor will return to the site later this week to make a permanent repair, Schmidt 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Around the web: An occasional roundup featuring comments from Tampabay.com. The comments included here are occasionally edited for length but otherwise appear as they did on the article or column. On an article about Gov. Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo ending all vaccine mandates in Florida law. So rainbow crosswalks are dangerous, but skipping all vaccines is safe? J. Carlson What is happening is a disaster in the making. These officials are playing Russian Roulette with the lives and wellbeing of all of us. In the middle ages Europe was swept by the Plague and millions died. Unlike us they had no defense to employ against diseases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today through the gift of science and dedicated doctors we have the medicines to prevent childhood illnesses, influenza and other types of infections. In the past science defeated smallpox, polio, typhoid and a myriad of other killers. A question all of us should be asking these officials... what is the reason of denying us protections that not so long ago were readily available? M. Durham Heads up funeral parlors, start stocking up on child size coffins. Make polio great again! D. Stumpf The sad thing is, children will be the ones who suffer. K. Newman So there will no longer be a vaccine mandate, but unless Im misunderstanding, this wont stop people from opting into vaccines? T. Nelson Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a column about Hillsborough having too many schools with too few students. This is what happens when we elect people who only care about being reelected and wont make the hard choices that need to be made. B. Mccarthy On a column by Mary Anna Mancuso with the headline Forget a second DeSantis-Newsom debate. Florida is beating California in real life. I returned from a business trip to California on Friday (my third business trip there this year). The idea that businesses in California are struggling is nonsense. This column is the economics equivalent of Dr. Ladapo critiquing public health policy. As noted elsewhere, DeSantis did not eliminate state income tax but public services need some form of revenue. The newly arrived billionaires come here to avoid income tax so the rest of us pay more in property and sales tax to cover the government spending. Not to mention that Floridas state services are some of the worst in the country while California is among the best. Wed all be better off with state income tax and reductions in sales and property tax. DeSantis couldnt manage a two car parade. J. Smith Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that Ms. Mancuso has hit the nail of the problem on the head when she spoke about a choice between DeSantis and Newsom, i.e., is that all the choice we have?! If we had the choice on the ballot Id vote for Neither of the Above. R. Scoggins Newsom is a 100% total phony. He has been proving it almost every day for the last 6 months. Has totally abandoned his state to run for President in 28. Everything he says and does is for political reasons. No core values. D. Hardin On an article about former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner announcing his run for governor. Renner looks like a viable, experienced candidate. Navy veteran. I would like to know what he did after getting out of the Navy. I do not believe in anointing a governor. Bring on a robust primary. K. Brown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I long for the time when Florida was a purple state. Every one of the Republican wanna be governors are reactionary in their positions, none of those inure to the benefit of everyday Floridians. Enough with the culture wars, lets have discussions about affordability of housing, of disaster relief, if home insurance, of groceries, for Petes sake. Stop wasting our money supporting ill-advised immigrant detentions in the middle of environmentally fragile wetlands and apply the same environmental rules to developers so that what is Florida remains Florida. All of these gated communities with HOA rules that demand green grass lawns and neat borders are another affront to the natural habitats that Florida once represented. E. Brown Oh please.... Where do you suggest we detain these illegal aliens many of whom are violent offenders? The government wanted to just deport them, but the courts said they have to have their day in court and if we just let them go after apprehending then theyd just disappear again. No, we have to have facilities just like Obama and Biden has to detain these ones... Unless youre willing to house them. D. Graham On an article about the recent death of Andrew Huse, a well-known local food historian, author and USF librarian. Thanks for this tribute. I enjoyed some great meals with Andy. His enthusiasm for our citys food and history was unparalleled. Ill think of him every time I order exactly what he did. D. Rose Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tampa aspires to be something it isnt, Huse appreciated Tampa for what it is. L. Hanna On a column about the controversy surrounding Cracker Barrel changing its logo. Very good and prescient. Much of what we took for granted has been mashed into a frightful state. They distract us with issues of race and division, low hanging fruit, but this isnt new. We simply choose to allow it. Informed decisions by the electorate and our representatives must provoke rancors retreat, and a return of decency and fairness. W. Singletary Seems crazy that a company would risk upsetting 80% of the population while attempting to get more customers from the other 20% segment. Glad the company got smart and went back to the old logo. J. Dunn Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Except they werent doing it to upset anyone. Had they just quietly changed the logo instead of making a public relations announcement NO ONE would have noticed or cared. But once they made a big deal about changing and updating their brand which is just a business decision then people (mostly on the antisocial media) lost their minds and had to make it political. H. Lofton On a column about a jury awarding a $243 million judgment against Tesla in a Florida lawsuit. This isnt about AI, its about the reckless behavior of Elon Musk for selling Teslas with a self-driving feature that is nowhere near ready for use on public roads. Now, I suppose its relevant to AI in the sense that unleashing unregulated AI may turn out to be reckless, but theres a vast difference from Elons reckless behavior: an automobile is considered a dangerous instrumentality because it endangers everyone not only the occupants of the car. L. Hanna On an article about the supporters of FPLs $10 billion rate hike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why does Florida even have a public service commission? They are all just strumpets for the energy industry. Whatever FPL, TECO, or Duke Energy asks for, they get. Just get rid of the commission all together. S. Lowery As a recent refugee from N.J., I thought that I had escaped from the Corruption Capital of the Country. Im beginning to rethink that. K. Newman Consumer protection appears one of the least important items on our Florida governments list. Like Washington, agencies protecting the public interest have either been removed or at best modified Costs are rising for all of us in the public sector while industries lacking substantive arguments continue to receive tax breaks or rate hikes at our expense. It has become a war pitting us, the little people against those who have the power and influence. Years ago, insurance companies as well as utilities needed real justification for rate hikes. This is just another example of how our public officials have failed Floridians. M. Durham Update at 12:18 p.m. on Sept. 5 PARIS, Ill. (WCIA) Arrests have been made in connection to the arson that occurred at the former Vance Elementary School on Thursday. UPDATE: Champaign Fire IDs firefighters stabbed in Thursday night incident According to Paris Fire Chief Zack Janis, even though arrests have been made, this incident is still under investigation by the Paris Fire Department, Paris Police Department and Office of the State Fire Marshal. At this time, authorities are not releasing the identities of those arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Paris Fire Department first responded to the building a little after 3 a.m. on Thursday and battled the fire for about 12 hours. PARIS, Ill. (WCIA) The Paris Fire Department battled a fire at the former Vance Elementary School for about 12 hours on Thursday. Fire Chief Zach Janis said firefighters first responded to the building a little after 3 a.m. When crews arrived, they saw heavy smoke coming from the south side of the building. Janis said the fire had already burned through the second floor when crews arrived. Garage fire causes 50K in damage in Springfield, officials investigating The firefighters immediately began to attack the fire, with some fighting the flames from the inside. But, Janis said, the roof began to collapse, and crews had to evacuate. Then, they continued fighting the flames from the outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the four walls of the building remain intact, Janis said it is unlikely that the building could be restored since the roof collapsed. Janis estimated that the building had been vacant for over 20 years. The fire crews eventually got the fire under control but continued to battle hotspots using a new drone technology. Janis said that his crew members are trained to operate drones with infrared technology that tech allows the firefighters to figure out exactly where they should focus on attacking the fire. They got the technology about a year ago. One hospitalized in apartment oven fire in St. Joseph The crews were able to leave the scene around 3 p.m. on Thursday. Janis said the Illinois State Fire Marshal will investigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No firefighters were hurt in the response, but Janis said there was a large crew on scene battling the flames. All three Paris Fire Department shifts were there, along with the Paris Community Fire Protection District. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) This week on Crime Stoppers, law enforcement needs your help tracking down someone who shot a woman in the head on I-96, two retail fraud suspects, and someone wanted on a warrant for burglary. If you have information regarding the cases below, call Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan at (517) 483-STOP. You can remain anonymous. Those who contact Crime Stoppers with information can receive an award of up to $1,000. I-96 Road Rage Police continue to ask the public for help in identifying the person who shot a woman in the head on I-96 near S. Washington Avenue in Lansing during a road rage incident at around 2:57 a.m. on Aug 28. Frandor Retail Fraud Police are also asking for help identifying two men who committed retail fraud in the 400 block of Frandor Avenue in Lansing on July 14. (Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan) (Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan) (Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan) (Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan) Amarion Sincear Clark Additionally, police need your help tracking down Amarion Sincear Clark, 21, who is wanted on a felony warrant for burglary out of Jackson. Clark is 59 and 230 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Signet Jewelers Limited (NYSE:SIG) is one of the stocks that Jim Cramer put under a microscope. Cramer mentioned that he has been keeping track of the stock for a long time, as he commented: Alright, what managed to rally in spite of todays overall ugly tape? How about Signet Jewelers, the parent of Kay Jewelers, Zales, and Jared? This morning, Signet reported a healthy revenue beat and an enormous earnings beat, management raising their full-year forecast. We like this. Now, you know, Ive been keeping track of this one for a long time, often speaking with former CEO Gina Drosos She stepped down in November. Stock market reports printed on a sheet of paper. Photo by RDNE Stock Project on Pexels Signet Jewelers Limited (NYSE:SIG) is a diamond jewelry retailer that provides a wide range of jewelry through brands like Kay, Zales, Jared, Blue Nile, and James Allen, alongside its diamond sourcing and polishing services. Around a year ago, Cramer mentioned the company in an episode of Mad Money and said: Now, its a very quiet time for corporate earnings, but not on Thursday. At the open, we hear from Signet Jewelers. Signet is a total hot-button story because weve seen a terrific string of quartersuntil the last one, which was definitely poorly received. I think CEO Gina Drosos has really turned the company around. Shes been on the show many times, and while there are some hiccups, I believe the stock is relatively inexpensive. That said, Signet is such a wild trader that Id put it in the category of not for the squeamish. Since the above comment, the stock is down over 26%. While we acknowledge the potential of SIG as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. NEED TO KNOW A cruise ship sailing out of Boston helped rescue two individuals from a "vessel in distress" over the weekend Holland America Line's Zuiderdam responded to a request issued by the U.S. Coast Guard on Aug. 30 Crews brought two passengers onboard before transferring them to Coast Guard officials A cruise ship sailing out of Boston helped rescue two individuals over the weekend, the cruise line has confirmed. On Aug. 30, Holland America Lines Zuiderdam responded to "a request from [the] U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston to assist a sailing vessel in distress, a spokesperson for the company shared in a statement with PEOPLE. The ship, on a seven-day one-way trip to Quebec City, Canada, departed Boston on Aug. 30, according to CruiseMapper. Kevin Carter/Getty U.S. Coast Guard logo U.S. Coast Guard logo Crews altered course to reach the distressed vessel, which was just off the coast of Massachusetts capital city. According to Holland Americas spokesperson, the vessel in distress was about 10 miles away and the Zuiderdam reached the ship 35 minutes after the initial request. Eventually, two passengers were brought onboard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The individuals were subsequently transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard without incident, the statement continued. Zuiderdam resumed its voyage, arriving at the next scheduled port of call in Portland, Maine, with no delay or operational impact. According to Holland Americas website, their seven-day Canada and New England cruise includes stops in Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and cruising the Gulf of St Lawrence before its final stop in Quebec City. The current voyage is set to end on Sept. 6. A representative for the U.S. Coast Guard Northeast District said the distress call came from the "sailing vessel Atlaya with 2 people on board reporting that they were taking on water southeast of the Merrimack River." They added in their statement to PEOPLE: "The Zuiderdam safely transferred the people to Coast Guard Station Merrimack River's vessel. There were no injuries reported." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruise ships assisting in at-sea rescues is not uncommon. Earlier this year, a Carnival cruise ship saved five people in distress on a small boat in May. Carnivals Paradise conducted a rescue south of Cabo San Antonio, Cuba, on May 14, as it was traveling between Key West, Fla. and Jamaica, a spokesperson for the company shared in a statement with PEOPLE. Crew members spotted a small boat in distress and helped five people on board. "The five people who requested rescue were part of a larger group on board the small boat," the representative said. "The other occupants did not wish to join the ship but were given food and water by the ship's team." Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty A Carnival cruise ship A Carnival cruise ship 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 the rescue, officers on the Paradise alerted the U.S. Coast Guard, the representative said. However, the cruise line did not confirm the identity of the individuals and did not clarify what caused the distress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PEOPLE reached out to the U.S. Coast Guard for comment but did not receive an immediate response. Carnival made another rescue in January. According to a press release, the Jubilee ship rescued two men stranded in a kayak in the Gulf of Mexico. The men were eventually transferred to Mexican Navy officials. Read the original article on People NIANTIC, Conn. (WTNH) Self-described as a self-retreat for book lovers, used bookstore The Book Barn has been drawing in crowds for decades. Located in Niantic, owner Randi White says hes always been a book lover and decided to get into the book-selling business on a whim and never stopped. Cruisin CT: Teds Restaurant stands the test of time serving up mouth-watering steamed cheeseburgers Just the atmosphere here, that we celebrate books, I think, brings people here, White said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From small beginnings, selling books out of the basement of their main building, books have since spilled onto the side yards of the property alongside two other sister locations down the road. White says he estimates his main location to have around 350,000 to 400,000 books on hand at a time. Were out of control, but its not the worst thing! To say you have too many books will never be the worst thing in the world, he said. Quirky signs and surprises lurk around every corner and cranny of the property, pointing you towards a plethora of genres from mystery to memoirs. If youre not much of a reader, resident cats and goats can keep you company. I could sit here all day and just people watch and feed the goats, visitor Michele Gautieri said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the acquired smell of gently loved books to never-ending rows of bookshelves, customers say the charm of the spot is what makes it special. [Its] eclectic.. I mean, they have a lot of little nooks and crannies to look at books, Melissa Goldstone explained. The main location also buys books from its customers, year-round, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 professor at Cal State Channel Island has been charged with assaulting U.S. Border Patrol agents with a deadly or dangerous weapon a canister of their own tear gas. On Wednesday, a federal grand jury indicted Jonathan Caravello, 37, of Ventura on one felony count of assault after he was arrested at a protest against an immigration raid at a Ventura County marijuana farm. Prosecutors say that agents deployed the tear gas as a crowd control measure during the July 10 protest and that Caravello picked up a canister and lobbed it back at officers. If convicted as charged, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident unfolded during a heated clash between protesters and agents at Glass House Farms' weed growing site in Camarillo. Caravello posted $15,000 bail and was released on July 14. The massive immigration operation led to the arrests of more than 300 workers without documentation during simultaneous raids at Glass House Farms' Camarillo and Carpinteria grow sites, according to the Department of Homeland Security. One worker died after falling 30 feet from a greenhouse roof in an attempt to flee federal agents in Camarillo. Read more: Details emerge about pot-farm immigration raid as worker dies During the operation, a crowd of several hundred protesters gathered at the Laguna Road entrance to the Camarillo site. Prosecutors allege that protesters used their bodies and cars to impede federal law enforcement from exiting the farm and threw rocks at agents' vehicles, which broke windows and side-view mirrors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For agents safety, law enforcement deployed tear gas among the protesters to assist with crowd control, ensure officer safety, and to allow law enforcement to depart the location," prosecutors said. Caravello is accused of chasing after a tear gas canister that rolled past him and throwing it overhand back at Border Patrol agents. He then allegedly left the protest and returned two hours later wearing a different T-shirt and shoes, according to court documents. Border Patrol identified him as the suspect who had previously thrown the tear gas canister and attempted to detain him. Caravello allegedly resisted arrest by continuously kicking his legs and refusing to give agents his arms, according to court documents. Activist Angelmarie Taylor previously told The Times that she is one of his students and witnessed Caravello being "piled on by multiple agents all at once" while trying to assist a man in a wheelchair as agents pushed the crowd back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: ICE raid at major pot operation clouds picture for legal cannabis in California Prosecutors initially charged Caravello with felony assault in a criminal complaint filed on July 12 but later downgraded that to a misdemeanor charge. On Aug. 25, the professor pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor and told the Ventura County Star, "Anything and everything I do at protests is to protect people. I would never intentionally harm anyone." This week, however, a grand jury reviewed the case and ultimately indicted Caravello on a felony count of assaulting a federal agent. He will be arraigned again in the coming weeks, prosecutors said. Caravello was among four U.S. citizens arrested at the immigration raid on suspicion of assaulting or resisting officers, according to Homeland Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Times staff writers Jeanette Marantos and Melissa Gomez 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. A federal grand jury has indicted a California State University Channel Islands professor accused of hurling a tear gas canister at federal agents during a summer raid on a marijuana farm in Camarillo. Jonathan Caravello, 37, of Ventura, was charged with one count of assault on a federal officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. Protesters are seen clashing with federal agents on the scene of an immigration raid at a farm in Ventura County. July 10, 2025. (KTLA) Prosecutors allege that Caravello ran toward a Border Patrol tear gas canister, picked it up and threw it overhand back at Border Patrol agents as law enforcement tried to leave the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a sharply worded statement, the U.S. Attorneys Office described protesters at the scene as violent, accusing them of damaging government vehicles and forcing agents to deploy tear gas to assist with crowd control, ensure officer safety, and to allow law enforcement to depart. Cal State University Channel Islands Professor Jonathan Caravello as seen in a photo from CSUCIs faculty directory page. Caravello, a philosophy and math lecturer, was arrested on July 10 during the raid at the Glass House Farms grow facility on Laguna Road. Supporters, including labor leaders and his employer at CSUCI, called for Caravellos release after he was detained for several days. The Camarillo immigration raid was one of the most high-profile clashes between civilians and federal agents this past summer. Agents with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Patrol were executing what they called a high-risk search warrant at the farm. Federal officials later announced more than 200 arrests and alleged at least 10 children were found working at sites linked to the company, which officials say is under investigation for child labor violations. The death of one farmworker has been linked to the operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caravello is currently free on $15,000 bond. He is due in District Court in Los Angeles in the coming weeks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Returning from their summer break, the Connecticut legislature is preparing for a likely special session in October to address the states affordable housing problems and plug potential holes from federal budget cuts. Lawmakers are anticipating a broader-than-normal session on multiple topics, as opposed to past special sessions that were narrowly tailored to avoid reopening a wide agenda that would include extraneous topics. House Speaker Matt Ritter, a Hartford Democrat, said the session would include bipartisan bills that had passed the state House of Representatives by wide margins in the last session but never received votes in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those include a major education bill with 30 sections and a childrens mental health bill to increase psychiatric services that had been a high priority for some lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle. Rep. Tammy Exum, a West Hartford Democrat who co-sponsored the mental health bill, described it as a historic and transformative piece of legislation that responds directly to the youth mental health crisis, which has been exacerbated by the impacts of the pandemic, presenting itself in the form of increased rates of depression, suicide, and self-harm among adolescents. The bills, Ritter said in an interview, were derailed by Republican filibusters in the final days of the session, and he is making sure that they come back up for a vote because of bipartisan support in the House. In addition, multiple legislative committees will be holding hearings in the coming weeks on a variety of topics as lawmakers decide whether to move forward with legislation. The judiciary committee, for example, will help decide whether the legislature will again move to strengthen the Trust Act, a controversial law that limits law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers will determine, for example, whether to take any action to block ICE from making arrests inside state courthouses, which are under the purview of the state government. We cant control what happens outside the courthouse, Ritter said, adding that the legislature also does not have jurisdiction over federal courthouses. Lawmakers will also determine how much money to set aside in a federal response fund that could be an estimated $600 million to $700 million to prepare in advance for expected cuts by the Trump administration. Affordable housing Lawmakers are still hoping to approve legislation to make housing more affordable after Gov. Ned Lamont vetoed a bill in June. The veto was deemed a setback by most Democrats and considered the right move by Republicans because they said the measure would take away too much control from local zoning officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But House Republican leader Vincent Candelora of North Branford said that the Democrats who control both chambers of the state legislature have not reached out during the summer months. The Democrats had enough votes in each chamber to pass the controversial bill, and some lawmakers were surprised by Lamonts veto. The housing bill were not getting very far, Candelora told The Courant in an interview Wednesday. People are still choosing to stay in their camps and not try to work together on a compromise that our towns and cities could support. I would say Republicans are where they were when the session ended. It didnt get a single vote during the session, and it wont get a single vote today based on where it is. The states mayors and first selectmen played a key role in Lamonts veto and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and the Council of Small Towns both publicly opposed House Bill 5002. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Candelora said the legislature should not move forward unless there is more consensus. In order to accomplish affordable housing goals, everyone has to have buy-in, Candelora said. Going into special session to pass a bill thats going to get vetoed again doesnt make any sense. Asked by The Courant about the progress over the summer on housing, Lamont said, Theres been a lot of back and forth. As you know, Im a big believer in the towns take the lead. I want them to have incentives to take the lead. I want them to show us where they want the housing to go. We do have a real housing need in this state and in this country. Lamont added, I was interested to see [Treasury] Secretary Bessent say that the president may call a national housing emergency because of the nature of whats happening: not enough housing, affordability, and homelessness is impacting 49 other states as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Connecticut has had high housing prices for decades, but officials said the problem has become particularly acute for young homebuyers as prices have skyrocketed since the coronavirus pandemic. With inventories low, prices have jumped up exponentially as buyers have scrambled for condominiums and homes after they have been out-bid by more well-heeled buyers. The bidding has prompted buyers to pay above the asking price for Greenwich mansions to New Haven condominiums to Greater Hartford homes. In Simsbury, a five-bedroom home with a three-car garage sold in April 2024 for nearly $800,000, which was $170,000 over the asking price. The homeowner received 27 offers, including many that were above the asking price, and the house was sold within one week to the highest bidder. The most controversial parts of the vetoed bill concerned parking, zoning, fair share housing, and converting commercial properties into residential, among others. The bill called for eliminating mandatory minimum parking requirements in developments with 24 units or less in order to make it easier to build more housing. That spurred opposition from those who say a lack of parking is already a major problem in many communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fiscally moderate Democrat, Lamont has butted heads with liberals in his own party in the past, but liberals do not have enough votes to override Lamonts vetoes. The state House of Representatives has 102 Democrats, and the number necessary for a veto override is 101. With the housing bill, for example, 18 House Democrats voted against the legislation, blocking any chances for a veto override. Trust Act As raids have increased across the country, the state legislature will be analyzing the Trust Act that sets parameters dealing with federal law enforcement officials. Look, Im willing to hear what peoples concerns are, but obviously we strengthened the Trust Act just in this last session, Lamont told reporters Tuesday at an unrelated event in Wallingford. The federal government does immigration. We do law and order. Lets do what we do, and let them do what they do. Thats sort of the heart and soul of what the Trust Act is all about. Lamont added, If immigrants dont feel comfortable going to school or going to the hospital or going to a courthouse or talking to a police officer, they are less safe and our communities are less safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on the law, Lamont said his powers are limited in some cases. Remember, the feds do immigration, Lamont said. Theres not a lot I can do if ICE wants to come into a community. What I can do is say I dont ask everybodys immigration status, so we cant participate. Thats not what we do. Our job is to keep criminals off the street. Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com A Groton man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for sharing child sexual abuse materials online that was captured by a hidden camera spying on a girl. Michael W. Landon, 39, received the sentence on Tuesday in federal court in Bridgeport where a judge ordered that he serve 15 years of supervised release once he is released, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut. In March 2023, the FBI began investigating an individual who was later identified as Landon who was distributing child sexual abuse materials on Wickr, a service that provides encryption for messages, calls and file sharing, according to federal officials. Investigators allege that Landon was trading videos in a Wickr chat room dedicated to spy cameras and voyeurism. The videos he reportedly shared were described as surreptitious, showing a minor girl in a bathroom and bedroom, federal officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 4, 2023, investigators seized Landons iPhone and conducted a forensic analysis, which reportedly turned up a video of him sexually assaulting a minor boy, according to federal officials. They also reportedly found additional videos and images depicting child sexual abuse. The phone was found to contain messages using the Telegram application with links to CP (child pornography) And Rape Mega Drive Collection and Forced Teen Sex, according to authorities. Landon has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on June 28, 2023. On April 8, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of production of child pornography and one count of possessing and accessing with intent to view child pornography. The state charges against Landon remain pending, officials said. DES MOINES, Iowa CultureALL holds an annual ball bringing together cultures for an evening of dancing, music and more. This year the festivities are even bigger as CultureALL celebrates 20 years. CultureALL invites Iowans to join in their milestone event an evening of community dancing at the CultureALL BALL on September 20, 2025. From 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., 20 cultures will come together for 15 performances at the Hilton in downtown Des Moines. There will be dance lessons, a fashion experience, global bazaar with pop-up street performances, interactive live art, and culinary cuisine inspired by local chefs. Day 3 of RVTV taking place in Lohrville Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For two decades, CultureALL has brought Iowans of all ages face-to-face with their neighbors. The more experience Iowans have participating in other cultures, the more skilled Iowans can be about interacting with differences. Since 2005, CultureALL presenters from 90 distinct cultures have presented 16,500 programs in 75 communities across Iowa, impacting half a million participants (538,025). In honor of what CultureALL stands for, the BALL is a tribute of respect for the many people, heritages, and beliefs who add to the regions prosperity. For some people who are experiencing hardships right now, this event is even more important to realign as neighbors. The organizers tell WHO 13 this BALL will be a high-energy, discovery-filled experience. While attendees will experiences international cultures, there is no passport required. Just an open mind, a willing spirit, and a love for community. For tickets and more information about the CultureALL BALL, visit https://events.humanitix.com/cultureall-ball or contact Jessie Orton. 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. The Czech government has approved the 1.4bn purchase of 44 Leopard 2A8 battle tanks from Germany as part of efforts to modernise its army. The development follows the defence ministrys backing of the deal last month. Speaking on Wednesday, Czech Defence Minister Jana Cernochova confirmed that the tanks, which are due to be delivered between 2028 and 2031, would cost 34 billion crowns (1.4 billion). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Czech Republic also has the option to buy 14 more at a later date. "Tanks are an essential part of a heavy brigade," Cernochova said on Wednesday after the government approved the purchase. Under a separate deal, the country, which agreed last year to procure up to 77 Leopard tanks from Germany and other countries, is also in discussions to buy 19 specialised version 2A8s. Related The Czech army will also buy 18 Supacat Extenda light armoured vehicles from LPP for 37.6 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among other major military contracts, Prague has also in recent years supported a plan to buy 24 US F-35 fighter jets and 246 CV90 armoured combat vehicles. The new military spending come as Prague looks to replace older machinery that it supplied to Ukraine after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Earlier this year, the Czech Republic announced that it would raise its defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030. Many other NATO members have also promised to dramatically increase their military investments, following pressure from US President Donald Trump, who accused European countries of failing to pay their fair share for the alliance's collective security. Sept. 4 (UPI) -- The District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump for bringing in National Guard soldiers to police its streets. The suit alleges that "the President has launched an unprecedented assault on the District's sovereignty." "We are suing to defend D.C. home rule and stop the unlawful deployment of the National Guard," said Washington, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb in an X post Thursday. "Our nation was founded on the fundamental principles of freedom and self-governance that are stake in this case." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwalb posted several times to explain the situation. "The National Guard deployment does not only undermine public safety," he wrote in a separate post. "It also hurts D.C.'s economy -- depressing vital industries like restaurants, hotels, and tourism." "And critically, it infringes on D.C.'s sovereign authority and right to self-governance under the Home Rule Act," he added. Schwalb went on to state that more troops arrived in the district this week and noted that President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order last week that "directs the creation of a dedicated D.C. National Guard unit to 'enforce Federal law.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That order titled "Additional Measures to Address the Crime Emergency in the District of Columbia," tells the Secretary of Defense to create "a specialized unit within the District of Columbia National Guard" that would be deputized to do as Schwalb described. Around 2,300 National Guard troops have been deployed in Washington, D.C., since mid-August, who have joined with other federal agents and the District's Metropolitan Police Department to ramp up patrols throughout the city. Schwalb further declared that Trump's use of the National Guard in the district is illegal under the Posse Comitatus Act, which bans the use of any part of the Army or Air Force to execute law enforcement unless authorized by the Constitution or an act of Congress. "Yet the Administration launched a massive, indefinite law enforcement operation in DC under direct military command," Schwalb wrote. "This is plainly illegal, and it threatens our democracy and civil liberties." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also declared that the deployment denies the District of the local autonomy granted by the Home Rule Act, under which the elected Council of the District of Columbia adopts laws and approves the District's annual budget in conjunction with the District's mayor. The lawsuit comes at a time when House Republicans are considering legislation to remove Schwalb, who was elected to his post in 2022, and replace him with a presidential appointee, according to a Thursday report by The Washington Post. (The Center Square) Nearly a month after President Donald Trump declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., deploying the National Guard to patrol, the districts attorney general is suing the federal government, claiming the deployment is illegal. Washington, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit Thursday in an attempt to stop the deployment of National Guard troops in the district. A release from the attorney generals office describes the deployment as an involuntary military occupation that far exceeds the Presidents authority. It further claims that most or all of the troops have been deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service to carry out law enforcement duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite polls showing support for the presidents crackdown and praise from Democratic Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for the decline in crime, Schwalb says the deployment is unwanted. Deploying the National Guard to engage in law enforcement is not only unnecessary and unwanted, but it is also dangerous and harmful to the District and its residents. No American city should have the US military particularly out-of-state military who are not accountable to the residents and untrained in local law enforcement policing its streets, said Schwalb. Its DC today but could be any other city tomorrow. Weve filed this action to put an end to this illegal federal overreach. The attorney general indicated that nearly 2,300 National Guard members, including guardsmen from seven Republican-led states, have been deployed to the district. In his argument, Schwalb underscores that the deployment undermines district residents and deprives them of autonomy under the Home Rule Act. He also argues that the deployment is hurting tourism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit alleges the federal government is violating the law by illegally using the military for law enforcement purposes, authorizing the National Guard to police the District without the Districts consent, and illegally asserting federal command and control over National Guard troops that are in state militia status. The lawsuit comes on the same day multiple reports claim at least some of the National Guard troops deployments have been extended until December, despite Congress having yet to extend the emergency beyond 30 days. The D.C. National Guard differs from the National Guard units of other states and territories in that it reports only to the president. The Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard is subordinate solely to the President of the United States. This authority to activate the D.C. National Guard has been delegated, by the President, to the Secretary of Defense and further delegated to the Secretary of the Army, according to the District of Columbia National Guard. The D.C. National Guard provides mission-ready personnel and units for active duty in the armed services in the time of war or national emergency. The D.C. National Guard also retains the mission as protector of the District of Columbia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursdays lawsuit is the second to be filed against the Trump administration since the presidents Aug. 11 declaration. On Aug. 15, Schwalb sued over the presidents federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department, describing the federal takeover of MPD as brazenly unlawful and a hostile takeover, adding that Trump has limited authority in invoking Section 740 of the Home Rule Act. As previously reported by The Center Square, the districts Home Rule Act hangs in the balance, as legislation was introduced earlier in the year to revoke the act. There are currently a number of pieces of legislation introduced by Republicans to reel in the districts autonomous power, which was granted by Congress in 1973. South Korean lawmakers have criticized Lee Eok-won, the nominee for the post of chairman at the Financial Services Commission, for buying shares in the Bitcoin (BTC)-keen US firm Strategy. Per the South Korean media outlets Jose Ilbo and News1, Lee Eok-won claimed that he had only invested in blue-chip US stocks in order to see what investor sentiment is like. Lee Eok-won was speaking in response to lawmakers at a National Assembly confirmation hearing on September 2. Strategy Shares Controversy for FSC Nominee The FSC is the countrys top financial regulator and has the final say on the countrys crypto regulations. However, President Lee Jae-myung has previously called for the FSCs abolition. Lee Eok-won, South Koreas Former Vice Minister of Strategy and Finance and the nominee for the post of Financial Services Commission chairman, taking questions from lawmakers at the National Assembly on September 2. (Source: NATV/Screenshot) Recent developments appear to suggest that the President may have reversed or delay his plans to scrap the FSC. Several lawmakers and media outlets have criticized the choice of Lee Eok-won as FSC chairman after discovering he has a large portfolio of overseas shares, including NVIDIA and Tesla stocks. Critics say that this runs counter to the Presidents policies. Lee Jae-myung wants to breathe new life into the domestic stock market, which has stagnated for several years. Not a Good Look for Govt The main opposition People Power Party lawmaker Kim Sang-hoon took aim at the government, saying: is not a good look for this administration, which is supposedly trying to usher in the era of the KOSPI 5,000. The government launched a special KOSPI 5,000 committee in late June, as part of a bid to boost the value of the domestic market by over 50%. KOSPI index prices over the past five years. (Source: Google Finance) PPP lawmakers called Lee Eok-wons nomination inappropriate due to his holdings in firms like Strategy, the worlds largest Bitcoin treasury company. The nominee responded: I wasnt good at dealing with stocks . I went out and got some market experience. I wanted to see how the stock market worked and see what investor sentiment was like. Kim, a member of the National Assemblys Political Affairs Committee, said: Who would choose invest in the KOSPI when is focusing on US stocks instead of the domestic market? No Intrinsic Value in Crypto Lee Eok-won was appointed as the first deputy minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance in March 2021. Recently submitted data shows that the nominees total stock and fund investments are worth 71.26 million won (over $51,000). He invested almost $8,000 of this amount in direct US stock purchases, including Strategy shares. Washington, D.C., on Thursday sued the Trump administration for the presidents illegal decision to send in thousands of National Guardsmen to help with his so-called public safety emergency. No American city should have the US militaryparticularly out-of-state military who are not accountable to the residents and untrained in local law enforcementpolicing its streets, said D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb in a statement. Weve filed this action to put an end to this illegal federal overreach. Trump used D.C.s lack of statehood to essentially claim the district as his own, placing it under complete federal control because he felt that crime was rampant. Thousands of National Guard troops, along with federal officers from the FBI, HSI, and ICE flooded the streets of D.C. virtually overnight on Trumps orders. And while residents have been frustrated with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowsers capitulation to Trump, this lawsuit shows that the city is fighting back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of this is lawful. For one thing, Defendants deployment of National Guard units to police District streets without the Mayors consent violates both the Home Rule Act and a congressionally approved compact governing the interstate mobilization of state National Guard troops, the lawsuit read. Congress gave the President no role in policing the District. What is more, the interstate compact that Congress approved entitles the District alone to determine when to request emergency assistance, including National Guard forces, from other states. Neither the President nor the military he controls may supplant these judgments by deciding for themselves how to police the District or by unilaterally inviting other states to send National Guard forces to assist the District. The lawsuit follows a California judge ruling earlier this week that Trumps deployment of troops in Los Angeles in June was a clear violation of the Posse Comitatus Act. This is the second suit D.C. has filed against Trump, with the first one focusing on Trump abusing his power by attempting to take over D.Cs Metropolitan Police Department. Washington The commander of the D.C. National Guard has extended the Guard's deployment to Nov. 30, according to two National Guard officials and a social media post from the D.C. National Guard. The order applies only to the members of the D.C. National Guard who were deployed last month to enhance security in the nation's capital. The order does not apply to National Guard members from other states. ABC News first reported the extension. "I've made the decision to extend the encampment, as we continue to work to ensure that everyone that walks through these city streets is safe," Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, interim commanding general for the D.C. National Guard, said in a video posted to the D.C. National Guard's Facebook page. "They deserve that. You deserve that. Our nation deserves that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House didn't confirm the extension, but a White House official said, "President Trump is committed to the long-term safety and security of Washington, D.C., for its residents and visitors." The same day the D.C. National Guard announced the extension of their mission, the district sued the Trump administration over the National Guard's deployment. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb claimed in the lawsuit that the Trump administration "has run roughshod over a fundamental tenet of American democracy that the military should not be involved in domestic law enforcement." A federal judge on Tuesday said the president's decision in June to deploy Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles violated the Posse Comitatus Act, a 19th century law that limits the use of the military for domestic purposes. The White House has appealed that ruling. The D.C. National Guard has been deployed in the city since Aug. 11, a key piece of Mr. Trump's federal crime crackdown that's begun in the district and may spread to other cities. The Trump administration has cited a dip in crime in the nation's capital since the federal takeover, which includes federal law enforcement and federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department. Mr. Trump has floated sending federal law enforcement to cities including New Orleans, Chicago and San Francisco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governors would have to extend National Guard deployments from their states, if they choose to do so. In addition to the six states who have sent their Guard members to D.C., Georgia and South Dakota sent a small number of troops, largely to help with public affairs. State governors, including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, have begun to visit their Guard members posted to D.C. Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Khanna, Massie and Greene hold news conference on Jeffrey Epstein files Reporter's Notebook: Taming technological monsters The attorney general for the District of Columbia announced Thursday that the nation's capital is suing the Trump administration over the deployment of National Guard troops within the city's boundaries, alleging the violation amounts to an unconstitutional, "involuntary military occupation." The suit alleges that President Trump "has run roughshod over a fundamental tenet of American democracy that the military should not be involved in domestic law enforcement." The lawsuit comes as Mr. Trump has declared the use of National Guard troops in D.C. a success, and voiced an interest in expanding his use of military assets to tackle crime in some of the nation's largest cities, including Chicago, Baltimore and New Orleans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, it comes on the heels of a similar legal challenge in California meant to blunt that effort. There, a federal judge earlier this week objected to the president's decision in June to deploy troops to Los Angeles, saying the move violated a law known as the Posse Comitatus Act, which sharply limits the use of the military for domestic purposes. The White House has appealed. "Deploying the National Guard to engage in law enforcement is not only unnecessary and unwanted, but it is also dangerous and harmful to the District and its residents," said D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb in a statement sent to CBS News. "No American city should have the US military particularly out-of-state military who are not accountable to the residents and untrained in local law enforcement policing its streets," Schwalb said. "It's DC today but could be any other city tomorrow." White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement that Mr. Trump was "well within his lawful authority to deploy the National Guard in Washington" and said the lawsuit is an attempt to "undermine" the president's operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since mid-August, nearly 2,300 National Guard troops have joined the District's police force and an array of federal agencies in stepping up visible patrols around the city. The action has coincided with a noticeable impact on crime numbers. An analysis by CBS News found that crime was down by almost half during the first 19 days of troop deployments in comparison to the same dates the previous year. But the actions have come over vocal objections from District officials who said they are depriving them of local autonomy. "More than 50 years ago, Congress granted the District the right to self-governance and control over local matters, including maintenance of public safety and order," Schwalb said in a statement. "Congress did not give the President authority to participate in local D.C. law enforcement as he sees fit." The case, filed in federal court, echoes some aspects of the California legal challenge, arguing that law enforcement is not legally the domain of the military. It also argues that the D.C. National Guard troops deployed in the action fall under the command of city officials unless the president declares a genuine national emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwalb was elected to the attorney general post by District residents in 2022 and Axios reported this week that he would seek reelection in 2026. The lawsuit comes as the Washington Post reported that House Republicans are contemplating legislation to remove him and replace him with a presidential appointee. Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Khanna, Massie and Greene hold news conference on Jeffrey Epstein files Trump hosts Sam Altman, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates and other tech CEOs at White House NEED TO KNOW As the parents of Camp Mystic campers who died await the passage of new safety legislation, they spoke with Today's Jenna Bush Hager in a heartbreaking interview In total, 27 campers and counselors died during the catastrophic July 4 floods in Texas "She was the heartbeat of our family," said one grieving mom The grieving parents of Camp Mystic campers who died during the Texas floods have fiercely advocated for a new bill focused on safety since the natural disaster took place on July 4. As they wait to see if the legislation will pass, a group of moms and dads remembered seven of the young girls in an emotional interview with Jenna Bush Hager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our girls legacy is not that they died in vain, Blake Bonner, dad of Lila, said during the interview that aired on Thursday, Sept. 4, which also included the parents of Hadley, Cile, Mary, Molly, Virginia and Abby. Our girls legacy is that this again is a catalyst for change. The children were among the 27 campers and counselors who died at the Christian all-girls camp during the flooding that caused the Guadalupe River to rise to historic levels, devastating the Texas Hill Country. At a hearing in late July, the Texas House and Senate Committees heard that 137 people had died as a result of the floods, with two people still missing. Cile Steward, 8, is one of them, according to Today. Every phone call, every text, your heart stops because you hope its news that theyve found your child, her dad, Will Steward, told the Today with Jenna & Friends co-host. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the storm hit on the Fourth of July weekend, stories of bravery and tragedy were shared across the country as loved ones grieved. Camp Mystic a childhood fixture for generations of Texan families since it opened in 1926 became a symbol of all that was lost. When I dropped her off, I had told her it was the safest place on Earth, said Lacey Hollis, the mother of Virginia. Even as the flood waters were receding, parents like Lacey were galvanized to fight for change. It became very, very clear that this wasnt an accident, Blake said. This was complacency and it is 100% preventable. The families urged Texas lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 1, which would help improve preparedness and accountability surrounding disaster procedures at youth camps in the state, according to NBC affiliate KXAS and The Texas Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a meeting of the Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding on Aug. 20, families who were impacted by the flood spoke in favor of the bill, CBS affiliate KTVT reported. Since then, Senate Bill 1, known as the "Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act," and a companion bill were passed by the Senate and the House, respectively, and are now waiting for Gov. Greg Abbotts signature, according to KXAS. 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. Whats being laid out in this bill should be the bare minimum for what these camps should be looking to implement, Mollys dad, Ryan DeWitt, told Bush Hager. The grieving dad hopes that he and his wife will never forget what Molly was like. For the parents, its a way to honor the children theyll never be able to see grow up. Said Caitlin Bonner, Lila's mom, She was the heartbeat of our family. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW Officials have identified a 61-year-old Pennsylvania man who was crushed by a rock at a quarry this week The Westmoreland County Coroner's Office identified the victim as James Gershman from Indiana, Pa. He died from his injuries hours after the incident "In his spare time, Jim enjoyed fishing and metal detecting. He liked to tinker and build things. He loved country music and being with his family," Gershman's obituary said Officials have identified a 61-year-old Pennsylvania man who was crushed by a rock at a quarry this week and died from his injuries. The Westmoreland County Coroner's Office identified the victim as James Gershman from Indiana, Pa., noting in a report that the incident occurred around 3:40 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at a Heidelberg Materials facility in Derry Township, Pa. He died about two hours later, at 5:47 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The decedent was an employee working in a mineshaft when a large rock impacted the decedent from above," the coroner's office said, adding that Gershman's official cause and manner of death will be determined by autopsy and toxicology results. The coroner's office said the Pennsylvania State Police's Kiski station has investigated the incident. A public information officer from the agency could not immediately be reached by PEOPLE to provide additional details. A spokesperson for Heidelberg Materials did not immediately respond to a request for a comment about Gershman's death. His obituary noted he'd worked at the company for many years and leaves behind his wife, Barbara, and son, Travis. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "In his spare time, Jim enjoyed fishing and metal detecting. He liked to tinker and build things. He loved country music and being with his family," the obituary said. "He was a member of the Indiana MOOSE and the Blairsville Masonic Lodge." "He will be sadly missed by his dogs, Snoopy and Copper," the obituary added. Read the original article on People Sophie Rain recently shared a video on Instagram in which she wore a dress made from red and white striped tape. The video caught the attention of fans, who took to the comments to praise the internet personality. The footage was accompanied by background music and a suggestive caption that read, Unwrap us! Sophie Rain [] The post OnlyFans Sophie Rains Tape Outfit Leaves Fans Doing a Double Take appeared first on Reality Tea. A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version. Abu Ghraib Meets Tonkin Gulf The startling U.S. attack on an alleged drug-running boat in international waters off Venezuela is precisely the kind of no-holds-barred combat that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was clearing the way for when he began firing military lawyers as soon as he settled into his E-ring office. As bad as some of the U.S. infractions were during the Global War on Terror and I can scarcely believe Im writing this there still remained an understanding among the Dick Cheneys of the world that they needed to come up with at least a thread of an argument for what legal authority they were relying on, however pretextual, unpersuasive, and unavailing it might have been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This astonishing sentence from the NYT suggests that President Trump fully immunized for his official acts by the Roberts Court has dispensed with even putting on a show of legally justifying this weeks attack: Pentagon officials were still working Wednesday on what legal authority they would tell the public was used to back up the extraordinary strike in international waters. Shoot first, figure out the legal cover later. The Trump administration couldnt even get its facts straight on the story it was telling publicly, with Trump claiming the boat was headed to the United States and Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially claiming it was headed to Trinidad. Rubio later brought his public statements in line with Trumps. At this point, it would be credulous to accept without further proof the administrations claims that this was a drug-running vessel proof will be hard to provide since the boat was blown up and its 11 occupants were killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of particular note is Trumps unsupported claim those targeted in the killing were Tren de Aragua gang members. Trump has designated TdA as a terrorist organization and used that justification to invoke the Alien Enemies Act for the notorious removals of Venezuelan nationals, many of whom its now clear were not TdA members. In an ironic twist, the attack on the boat came the same week that the conservative 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that TdA was not invading the United States for Alien Enemies Act purposes, making Trumps invocation of the wartime statute unlawful. Assuming it was a drug boat, former State Department lawyer Brian Finucane surveys the legal landscape for a lethal attack on alleged drug traffickers on the high seas. The use of lethal force in this attack appears gratuitous and the administration has not explained why law enforcement tools were inadequate to address the situation, he writes. Another difference from the GWOT is that when the line was crossed Abu Ghraib comes to mind there was an official effort to minimize, dismiss, and distance the administration from the incident. While that avoided real accountability, it suggested at the barest minimum a recognition that a situation was problematic, if not wrong. Not now. The president himself, along with his secretaries of defense and state, are celebrating this attack. Looming over all of this are the larger geopolitical tensions that Trump is actively stoking. On his orders, a massive naval deployment to the region was already underway, escalating tensions with Venezuela. Trumps saber-rattling off its coast while putting a $50 million bounty on the head of President Nicolas Maduro is the kind of flex that echoes decades of past U.S. intervention in Latin America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As chilling as the attack was, we may come to see it as a Tonkin Gulf-style precursor to a larger effort to destabilize Venezuela with unpredictable and even more dire consequences. Comment of the Day From a MM reader: Murdering people in a boat. Was thinking about that this am. We spent WEEKS in a course in law school taught by Jack Goldsmith on whether you could even place prisoners at Guantanamo and give them military trials. This guy is just out here letting some violent hopped-up-on-testosterone idiots murder people in broad daylight like its a fucking video game. It makes me ill. Notorious Louisiana Prison Now Housing Migrant Detainees Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (R) tours Camp 57, a facility to house immigration detainees at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana, with Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (2nd R) and Attorney General Pam Bondi (2nd L) on September 3, 2025. (Photo by Gerald Herbert / POOL / AFP) (Photo by GERALD HERBERT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Angola, the former Louisiana plantation that became one of the most brutal penitentiaries in the country, is now housing migrant detainees as part of President Trumps mass deportation scheme. Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem personally visited the new facility, which officials are already turning into a meme: Louisiana Lockup. The 2020 Election Rolls on and Jan. 6 Never Ends In the background, the creation of a revisionist history of the 2020 election that can be used for further retaliation continues unabated. Just this week: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Republicans established a new subcommittee helmed by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) to reinvestigate the Jan. 6 attack. The Trump DOJ has been seeking access to voting machines in Missouri that were used during the 2020 election. At least two county clerks have been contacted by DOJ official Andrew McCoy Mac Warner, a former West Virginia secretary of state, according to a memo shared with election officials and first obtained by the Missouri Independent via a public records request. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) is headlining a gun rights event with a high-profile Jan. 6 rioter, TPMs Hunter Walker reports. Footnote of the Day In her ruling that the Trump administrations attack on Harvard is unconstitutional, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs returned fire from the Supreme Court on behalf of all federal judges: Quote of the Day Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know! Darrell Brooks Jr. has asked for and been granted another extension his 10th to appeal his 2022 conviction tied to the deaths of six people and injuries to more than 60 others in the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy. Brooks's latest motion, approved by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals on Sept. 2, extends the deadline to Oct. 29. It's a notably shorter window than some of his previous court-granted extensions, which generally have ranged from 12 to 16 weeks. Whether that means he is near the point of filing an appeal is uncertain. Brooks, who was granted the right to again represent himself in April, has not reached out to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about his plans after his former attorney supplied him with a reporter's contact information. Brooks case carries on nearly four years after Waukesha parade incident Now 43, Brooks, formerly of Milwaukee, remains incarcerated in the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls on consecutive life terms for the deaths of Tamara Durand, Wilhelm Hospel, Jane Kulich, Leanna Owen, Virginia Sorenson and Jackson Sparks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was convicted in October 2022 on six counts first-degree intentional homicide, 61 counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, six counts of hit and run involving death and two counts of bail jumping, all felonies, plus one count of misdemeanor battery. Brooks, then 39, was charged after he was seen driving through a heavy crowd of parade participants on Nov. 21, 2021, maneuvering his SUV in a manner that prosecutors said proved his intent to kill. Police fired shots at his vehicle as he fled the scene, and his brief escape ended in his arrest late that evening outside a home not far from the parade route. The case drew national attention from the start, ending with the nearly monthlong trial that was played and recorded live on a YouTube channel and reported by news outlets in and outside the nation. Brooks represented himself in the trial. Brooks has long signaled his plan appeal, but hasn't to date Shortly after he was sentenced to six consecutive life prison terms plus 762 years in November 2022 on the 76 criminal counts, Brooks publicly stated he would seek relief from, or overturn, his conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, through a court-appointed public defender and beginning in 2024, Brooks instead sought and received eight appeal deadline extensions. Then, in February 2025, he signaled his intent to ask his attorney, Michael Covey, to step aside so he could again represent himself. The court granted his request in April. He filed a ninth extension in June and was granted one through Aug. 27. His latest request was received by the courts on Aug. 29, two days beyond that most recent deadline. Covey, speaking generally and not on behalf of Brooks, acknowledged in a late-August email exchange with the Journal Sentinel that the Court of Appeals doesn't typically view the deadline as absolute. "It is very common for a deadline like this to be missed and then extended retroactively," Covey said. "This is especially true for in-custody inmates who may have issues with mail delivery." In previous conversations with news media while he was still serving as Brooks's court-appointed attorney, Covey also acknowledged that Brooks has recognized that the extensions aren't limitless and that he will be required by the court to follow through on his intent to appeal at some point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once an appellate brief is filed, the Court of Appeals must decide how the case proceeds, as was previously reported. The appellate court must decide if it will be decided in a summary disposition, whether briefs will be submitted either with or without oral arguments, or whether the case should be certified to the Wisconsin Supreme Court for consideration, which is considered rare. Waukesha County District Attorney Lesli Boese, who was part of the prosecutorial team in Brooks's criminal proceedings, has declined to comment on the potential appeal. Contact reporter Jim Riccioli at james.riccioli@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Darrell Brooks gets 10th appeal extension in Waukesha parade homicides MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina (AP) Prosecutors in Argentina on Thursday charged the daughter of a fugitive Nazi official with trying to hide an 18th-century painting from authorities following revelations that it had been stolen from a Jewish art dealer during World War II. The federal prosecutor in charge of the case announced the cover-up charge a day after Patricia Kadgien, one of the daughters of high-level Nazi officer Friedrich Kadgien, handed Portrait of a Lady by Italian artist Giuseppe Ghislandi to the Argentine judiciary eight decades after it was stolen. The fate of the work remains unclear, pending a decision in the case. The heir of Jacques Goudstikker the Dutch-Jewish art collector who owned the painting before Nazis confiscated his world-famous inventory has made a legal claim to get the painting back, her lawyers have said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goudstikker died in a shipwreck in 1940 while fleeing the Netherlands as German troops advanced. He sold his collection, which included Rembrandts and Vermeers, under duress and far below market price. At least 1,100 stolen works from his gallery remain missing. The Argentine court has asked that the painting be displayed at the Holocaust Museum in Buenos Aires ahead of any further transfer abroad. The museum did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Patricia Kadgien, 59, and her husband, Juan Carlos Cortegoso, 62, have been under house arrest on suspicion of concealing the painting since police raided their home on Monday for the second time in as many weeks without finding Portrait of a Lady. Kadgien, with disheveled dirty-blond hair and sunglasses on her head, wore a look that mixed concern and puzzlement as she listened to Prosecutor Carlos Martinez in a jam-packed courtroom. Martinez said that Kadgien's and her husband's efforts to hide the painting over several days following its sudden appearance in a real estate listing amounted to obstruction of justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cortegoso gazed straight ahead, his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face. After the hearing the couple was released from house arrest but barred from traveling abroad and required to notify the court whenever they leave their registered address. Photos of the painting hanging in Kadgiens living room in Mar del Plata surfaced last month for the first time in eight decades in an online real estate advertisement. Dutch journalists investigating Kadgiens past in Argentina where he took refuge after the collapse of the Third Reich spotted Portrait of a Lady hanging above a green velvet couch in the living room during a 3D tour of the house for sale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After recognizing it as the same portrait listed as missing in international archives of Nazi-looted art, the newspaper Algemeen Dagblad published an expose on Aug. 25 that grabbed headlines around the world. Alerted by international police agency Interpol, Argentine authorities raided the house and other properties belonging to Patricia Kadgien and her sister Alicia, seizing a rifle, a .32-caliber revolver and several paintings from the 19th-century that they suspect may have been similarly stolen during WWII. But police couldnt find Portrait of a Lady. They found scuff marks and a pastoral tapestry on Patricia Kadgien's living room wall where the portrait had been photographed. The real estate ad, first posted in February, was swiftly taken down. Prosecutors on Thursday said that security footage showed people removing the for sale sign from Kadgiens front yard as media scrutiny intensified last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In presenting the charges, Martinez told the court that the couple was aware that the artwork was being sought by the criminal justice system and international authorities but nevertheless went to lengths to hide it. It was only after several police raids that they turned it in," he said. With the defendants under house arrest on Monday, their lawyer, Carlos Murias, filed a petition with a civil court in Mar del Plata asking that Kadgien be allowed to auction the painting. The court rejected the request, arguing that it lacked jurisdiction given the painting's provenance. Prosecutor Martinez told reporters on Thursday that his office was informed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that Marei von Saher, the heir to art dealer Goudstikker, lodged a legal claim to Portrait of a Lady at the bureaus New York office. The FBI declined to comment. ___ DeBre reported from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Twins from Davenport have been arrested in connection with two separate incidents in June, according to Scott County Jail records. Deemond Chamberlain and Deeavion Chamberlain, both 18, are accused of multiple charges in the incidents. According to one criminal complaint, Davenport Police were dispatched to the 2000 block of W. Second Street on June 28 at about 11:45 p.m. regarding a shooting. Officers responded and found residences and vehicles damaged by gunfire. A suspect vehicle was identified and it was located by officers in the 200 block of Marquette Street. They conducted a traffic stop and three people in the back seat exited and fled on foot. A suspect, identified as Deemond Chamberlain, was arrested and officers found a black Ruger EC9 handgun in his waistband. Deemond Chamberlain (Scott County Jail) Detectives obtained video that showed the suspect vehicle traveling east on W. Second Street and slow down before a backseat passenger fired several shots from the vehicle at an unknown person standing in a front yard. They confirmed the shots by muzzle flashes observed on the video. A search of the scene revealed one 9mm casing in the street and one 9mm projectile inside a damaged residence. Deemond allegedly struck two occupied structures when he fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deemond Chamberlain was arrested on September 3 and charged with: Going armed with intent Intimidation with a dangerous weapon Conspiracy to commit a forcible felony Receipt/possession of a firearm by a felon Control of a firearm by a domestic abuse offender, Interference with official acts bodily injury Interference with weapon Intimidation with a dangerous weapon 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance He is being held in the Scott County Jail on a combined cash-only bond of $30,000 and has a pretrial conference on Sept. 19. A second criminal complaint says Davenport Police responded to the 7200 block of Hillandale Road about an assault on June 14 at about 3:25 a.m. The defendant, identified as Deeavion Chamberlain, and the victim were in an argument. He is accused of striking the victim in the head with his hands several times. The victim sustained three lumps on the forehead, each about an inch in diameter, and a small cut above the lip. Deeavion Chamberlain (Scott County Jail) The victim called 911 and was on the phone with dispatchers when Deeavion allegedly took the victims phone and threw it against the wall. The phone was cracked on both sides and has a value around $500. Deeavion left the scene before officers arrived and refused to answer repeated calls from officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deeavion Chamberlain was arrested on September 3 and charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, assault causing bodily injury and obstructing 911. He was released on a secured $2,000 bond and has a preliminary hearing on September 12. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Kroll, a company specialising in financial and risk advisory services, has acquired Kirby Healy, a corporate insolvency practice in Dublin, Ireland. The deal strengthens Krolls restructuring capabilities in the region, effectively doubling the size of its local workforce. The integration of the Kirby Healy team will enable Kroll to offer an expanded suite of services in Ireland, including areas such as expert testimony, forensic accounting, fraud investigations, litigation support, matrimonial disputes and shareholder conflict resolution. Kirby Healy managing partner Myles Kirby said: 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 are well positioned to help clients navigate complexity and unlock value at every stage of the business life cycle. Kroll said this acquisition aligns with its growth strategy in Ireland, which is designed to address increasing demand for sophisticated restructuring and advisory services. With the addition of Kirby Healy, Kroll now has a total of 26 restructuring experts based in Dublin, thereby enhancing its presence in the Irish market. The broader Irish team, which consists of more than 70 employees, also offers services in valuation, real estate advisory, compliance and regulation, cyber resilience and construction. Kroll managing director Declan Taite said: 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 are 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. Earlier this year, Kroll revealed plans to expand its global restructuring practice in Europe, making several strategic hires in response to an anticipated rise in restructuring activities in the near future. This expansion included the appointment of Aurelio Garcia-Miro and Andreas Fluhrer as co-heads of restructuring in Europe, marking the launch of Krolls restructuring practice in Germany. Sept. 3 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1957, Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus called out the National Guard to prevent nine Black students from entering Central High School in Little Rock. After President Dwight D. Eisenhower intervened in their favor, the so-called Little Rock Nine students were able to enter and attend the school. In 1972, U.S. swimmer Mark Spitz became the first athlete to win seven gold medals in a single Olympic Games. The record stood until American swimmer Michael Phelps won eight golds at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1982, a fire in a Los Angeles apartment house killed 25 people after Humberto Diaz de la Torre set the building on fire amid a dispute with the apartment's manager. He pleaded guilty to murder and received a 625-year prison sentence. In 1991, South African President F.W. de Klerk proposed a new Constitution. It provided for universal voting rights and opened Parliament to all races. Pope Francis leads a canonization Mass for Mother Teresa in front of 120,000 faithful in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on September 4, 2016. File Photo by Stefano Spaziani/UPI File Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI In 2016, Mother Teresa was declared a saint by Pope Francis nearly 20 years after her death. In 2019, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam withdrew a controversial bill that would have allowed extradition to China after weeks of protests against it. The demonstrations continued, though, in the autonomous region. File Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI In 2022, 11 people died and 18 people were injured in a stabbing spree on James Smith Cree Nation and in the village of Weldon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The attacker, Myles Sanderson, was found dead a day later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, two 14-year-old students and two teachers were killed, and nine others injured in a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia. The 14-year-old shooter, Colt Gray, and his father, Colin Gray, were indicted on dozens of charges for the shooting. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The DC Bike Ride is taking place this weekend throughout the District and Virginia, shutting down several roads. From Friday, Sept. 5, at 6 p.m., through Saturday, Sept. 6, at 5 p.m., the following will be posted as Emergency No Parking and will be closed to traffic: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW from 3 rd Street, NW to 7 th Street, NW 4 th Street, NW from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, NW 6 th Street, NW from Constitution Avenue, NW to C Street, NW 7 th Street, NW from Indiana Avenue Street, NW to Constitution Avenue, NW Constitution Avenue, NW from 3rd Street, NW to 7th Street, NW Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DC National Guard deployment extended through December: Reports On Saturday, Sept. 6, from 2:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., the following will be posted as Emergency No Parking and will be closed to traffic: Constitution Avenue, NW from 14 th Street, NW to 7 th Street, NW 12 th Street, NW from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Madison Drive, NW 10th Street, NW from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Constitution Avenue, NW 9th Street, NW from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Constitution Avenue, NW On Saturday, Sept. 6, from 2:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., the following will be posted as Emergency No Parking: 14 th Street, NW from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to D Street, NW Independence Avenue, NW from 14 th Street, NW to 3 rd Street, SW Maryland Avenue from Independence Avenue to 3 rd Street, SW 3 rd Street from Constitution Avenue to Independence Avenue, NW 27th Street, NW from K Street, NW to I Street, NW Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During that same time frame, the following will be closed to traffic: 14 th Street, NW from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to 14 th Street Bridge Independence Avenue, NW from 3 rd Street, NW to 23 rd Street, SW 23rd Street, NW from Lincoln Circle to Independence Avenue, SW Arlington Memorial Bridge from Lincoln Circle to George Washington Parkway Rock Creek Drive from Memorial Parkway Drive to Virginia Avenue, SW Potomac River Freeway from Ohio Drive, NW to Whitehurst Freeway, NW Whitehurst Freeway from M Street to 27 th Street, NW 27 th Street, NW from K Street, NW to Virginia Avenue, NW Virginia Avenue, NW from New Hampshire Avenue, NW to Rock Creek Parkway, NW E Street Expressway from Theodore Roosevelt Bridge to 19 th Street, NW 20th Street, NW from Virginia Avenue, NW to E Street, NW Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Washington, DC, officials are suing the Trump administration, accusing the president of violating the Constitution and federal law by sending thousands of National Guard troops into the city without consent from local leaders. The lawsuit, filed Thursday by DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb, claims the troops many from out of state have been deputized by the US Marshals office and are patrolling neighborhoods, conducting searches and making arrests, despite federal laws that generally bar the military from acting as local police. The lawsuit argues that the deployment undermines the citys autonomy, erodes trust between residents and law enforcement and damages the local economy by discouraging tourism and hurting businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deploying the National Guard to engage in law enforcement is not only unnecessary and unwanted, but it is also dangerous and harmful to the District and its residents, Schwalb said in a statement. Its DC today but could be any other city tomorrow. Weve filed this action to put an end to this illegal federal overreach. President Donald Trump rolled out the deployment of troops on August 11 as part of his anti-crime agenda in the nations capital, which has also included a surge in federal officers from other agencies and an attempted takeover of the citys police department. In the weeks since, National Guard members in DC, which include troops from six GOP-led states, have been ordered to carry weapons. As of Tuesday morning, there were 2,290 National Guard troops assigned to the mission 1,340 of them from supporting states. The city, the lawsuit reads, has suffered a severe and irreparable sovereign injury from the deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No American jurisdiction should be involuntarily subjected to military occupation, reads the complaint, filed in the US District Court for DC. The District of Columbia brings this lawsuit to obtain declaratory and injunctive relief that will stop Defendants violations of law, remedy the harms Defendants are inflicting on the District, and preserve the Districts sovereignty. At a press event Thursday, however, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser repeatedly declined to endorse the lawsuit, referring questions to the attorney generals office. Whats fair to say is that my 100% focus is on exiting the emergency, and thats where all of our energies are, she told reporters. While Bowser has criticized the National Guard deployment for weeks, her more conciliatory approach to the Trump administration stands in sharp contrast to the new legal challenge, as she seeks to avoid provoking the president and limit federal interference in local affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House, meanwhile, claimed the lawsuit was an attempt to undermine Trumps efforts to crack down on crime in the nations capital. President Trump is well within his lawful authority to deploy the National Guard in Washington D.C. to protect federal assets and assist law enforcement with specific tasks, White House deputy press secretary Abigail Jackson told CNN in a statement. This lawsuit is nothing more than another attempt, at the detriment of DC residents and visitors, to undermine the Presidents highly successful operations to stop violent crime in DC, Jackson added. The orders for the DC National Guard troops mobilized in the city have been extended through November 30, the DC National Guard announced on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN was first to report earlier this week that the orders, which had not yet been finalized, were expected to be extended through December to ensure continuity of benefits for guard members on the mission. The Trump administration has touted its efforts in the capital city, pointing to a sharp drop in violent crime since ramping up federal law enforcement last month. But critics including Bowser argue the National Guard deployment is unnecessary and costly, with taxpayers footing an estimated $1 million a day, while troops are seen taking photos with tourists, picking up trash, and laying mulch. Bowser issued an executive order this week requiring the city to closely coordinate with federal law enforcement indefinitely. While some progressive groups viewed the move as ceding to Trump, Bowser later clarified that the order was designed to provide a pathway for the district to exit the federal emergency by offering the administration and congressional Republicans an off-ramp to scale back their involvement in DC. I want the message to be clear to the Congress: We have a framework to request or use federal resources in our city. We dont need a presidential emergency, Bowser said Wednesday, emphasizing that protecting DCs autonomy remains her north star. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit comes as the Trump administration prepares for a major immigration enforcement operation in Chicago, with Trump pledging to send in National Guard troops, though he has not given a timeline. While the administration looks to replicate its efforts in other Democratic-led cities Trump holds unique authority over the DC National Guard, which reports only to the President of the United States. The citys status as a district not a state allows the president and the federal government more leeway in directing troops and a range of federal authorities. The DC attorney generals lawsuit comes after another challenge to Trumps deployment of the National Guard proved successful earlier this week in California. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated federal law by using the US military to help carry out law enforcement activities in and around Los Angeles earlier this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines into Los Angeles over the objection of the states Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom to quell immigration protests. Schwalb sued the Trump administration last month after Attorney General Pam Bondi attempted to appoint an emergency police commissioner to replace DCs police chief and take over the departments operations. Ultimately, Trump officials backed down from that sweeping takeover but still maintain the ability to request any services from the local police department as part of the federal emergency, which expires next week unless Congress extends it. House Republicans are currently weighing legislation that would overhaul criminal justice policies in DC and oust the locally elected Schwalb, replacing him with a presidential appointee. This week, Schwalb announced he will run for reelection. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Haley Britzky contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb sued the Trump administration on Thursday for deploying the National Guard to Washington, saying it infringes on the citys sovereignty and violates laws prohibiting the use of the military for domestic law enforcement. The deployment of National Guard troops to police District streets without the Districts consent infringes on its sovereignty and right to self-governance, lawyers for D.C. wrote in the lawsuit, which was filed in federal District Court in Washington. The deployment also risks inflaming tensions and fueling distrust toward local law enforcement. And it inflicts economic injuries, depressing business activities and tourism that form the backbone of the local economy and tax base. No American jurisdiction should be involuntarily subjected to military occupation." The lawsuit is the latest legal pushback against President Donald Trumps effort to send troops into cities to facilitate his policy goals from mass deportation to cracking down on violent crime in areas run by Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House said in a statement that Trump is well within his authority to deploy the troops to the city. This lawsuit is nothing more than another attempt at the detriment of DC residents and visitors to undermine the Presidents highly successful operations to stop violent crime in DC, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Trumps troop deployment in California violated laws against using the military for domestic purposes. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, a San Francisco-based appointee of Bill Clinton, found that troops were actively participating in local policing in ways that ran afoul of the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which limits the use of the military in enforcing civilian laws. The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb, a Biden appointee. It's the second high-profile Trump-related case randomly assigned to Cobb in the past two weeks: Cobb also is also presiding over the lawsuit from Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook, who is contesting Trump's attempt to fire her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwalb argues that National Guard troops patrolling Washington are similarly conducting illegal police work. His announcement comes nearly a month after Trump said he would deploy the troops as part of his decision to invoke the Home Rule Act. The provision of 1973 law which had never been invoked before gives the president the ability to enlist the services of the city police department for federal purposes during a state of emergency. Until Thursday, Washington officials had largely limited their legal action against Trumps attempt to intervene in the districts law enforcement. Mayor Muriel Bowser adopted a somewhat conciliatory approach to Trumps efforts. But Schwalb did sue last month when U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi attempted to install Terry Cole, the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, as the emergency police commissioner and instructed him to assume all the powers and duties of the citys police chief. The federal government and Washington officials quickly reached an agreement, at the urging of a federal judge, walking back that order, naming Cole as Bondis designee responsible for directing Washington leaders to provide police department services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has at times declared his intentions to send troops into other cities, including Chicago, to address claims of rampant crime that local leaders reject. This week he floated sending troops into New Orleans and suggested he is waiting for governors to ask for help. Schwalb is asking the court to declare the troop deployment illegal and to rescind it. Armed soldiers should not be policing American citizens on American soil, Schwalb wrote on X Thursday. The forced military occupation of the District of Columbia violates our local autonomy and basic freedoms. It must end. Schwalbs lawsuit puts him, in some ways, in tension with Bowser, who has welcomed the surge of federal law enforcement because of its effect on reducing crime. Bowser has questioned the need for other states to send their Guard troops to Washington, and she has lamented ICE officers conduct and mask-wearing. But she has said the influx of other federal authorities has helped bolster the D.C. Police Departments work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bowser on Wednesday said she was outraged over the intrusion on our federal autonomy, while trying to chart what future cooperation between city and federal officials looks like. Benjamin Johansen contributed to this report. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Kansas City Police Department is now investigating the death of a 50-year-old man as a homicide. On June 22 at 2:46 a.m., officers were dispatched to Warwick Boulevard after reports of an incident with the Kansas City Fire Department. Five people hospitalized after shooting in Midtown Wednesday night When officers arrived, they located the victim on the floor, unconscious. EMS responded and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said the victim, 50-year-old Darriyun Webb, and the suspect had been involved in a physical altercation that led to Webb losing consciousness. Police said the suspect was identified and interviewed at the scene. On Thursday morning, homicide detectives were notified by the Jackson County Medical Examiners Office. This incident has been ruled a homicide. Stay with FOX4 News for the latest updates on this and other breaking news. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. The death toll from the devastating earthquake that hit eastern Afghanistan jumped to at least 2,205 on Thursday, four days after the temblor toppled homes as people slept. Afghanistan's Taliban rulers said 3,640 more people were confirmed injured from the quake, which struck the country's Kunar and Nangarhar provinces at about 11:40 p.m. local time on Sunday night. Aid workers and first responders were still racing on Thursday to find any survivors, Taliban officials said. Amid the destruction and with help slow to reach many parts of heavily-impacted Kunar province, survivors have buried many of the dead in mass graves, in line with Islamic tradition that dictates quick burials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That is my daughter, the other is my sister. This grave is my brother's, and that one is my mother's and that is my father, along with my brother," Wazir, a 25-year-old resident, told Afghanistan's TOLO News network, pointing to a small row of fresh graves. The worst-hit villages are in remote parts of the province, and many roads have been blocked by landslides triggered by the temblor. On Wednesday, the Taliban administration's Ministry of Interior shared a video with CBS News showing police and first responders working to clear a path by moving large rocks with their bare hands. Afghans walk past damaged houses after a major earthquake and aftershocks in Mazar Dara village, Nurgal district, Kunar province, in eastern Afghanistan, Sept. 1, 2025. / Credit: WAKIL KOHSAR/AFP/Getty Some rescue workers have walked for miles to reach the affected areas. Some emergency crews have been flown in by helicopter, but in some affected villages, the rough terrain makes it impossible for helicopters to land, and the Taliban's Minister of Defense said it was sending commandos down by rope to help people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "One team had to walk for over 12 miles to reach villages cut off by rock falls, carrying medical equipment on their backs with the help of community members," the Save The Children charity said in a statement. The United Nations' World Health Organization said Thursday that it was scaling up its emergency response in Afghanistan and warned that the number of dead and injured was still likely to rise over the coming days, as it is feared entire families have been buried under rubble and not yet accounted for. "More than 6,782 homes have been destroyed in the earthquake, leaving thousands of people homeless and in harsh conditions. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the influx of severely injured patients, many in need of urgent surgery and critical medical care," the WHO said. The earthquake struck mountainous and remote parts of Afghanistan, and there have been significant aftershocks, driving many families to sleep out in the open and far from their homes, most of which were not built to withstand earthquakes despite the region being prone to seismic activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disaster struck as Afghanistan was already struggling through a humanitarian crisis. The Afghan government, along with international aid organizations, have launched an appeal for donations to help the survivors. According to the Norwegian Refugee Council, local resources in Kunar have been stretched to breaking point. A victim of a deadly magnitude-6 earthquake that struck Afghanistan receives treatment at a mobile clinic setup inside a school, in Nurgal district, Kunar province, Afghanistan, Sept. 3, 2025. / Credit: SAYED HASSIB/REUTERS "Communities in the valleys have lost almost everything their families, homes, livestock, and vital water channels. In the aftermath, makeshift camps are sheltering 50 to 100 women and children per tent, with no access to proper wash facilities," the charity said in a statement. "Families with children are deeply traumatized, with some children having been trapped under rubble for several hours before being rescued." The Taliban's official spokesman shared several bank account numbers seeking private donations, saying any funds would go to help those in need. On Wednesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Mutaqi called on the country's diplomats abroad to seek aid from their host nation's governments, charitable organizations, and well-wishers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban's ambassador in Qatar, told CBS News the Foreign Minister had instructed Afghan envoys to open condolence books at embassies and to explain the situation and the urgent needs of the quake victims. "We have given details of the situation on ground; the rest is for the others to decide about their assistance." Shaheen told CBS News. A number of countries have come forward to offer aid funding, but given the extent of the damage, much more will likely be needed. The fact that many foreign powers, including the U.S. and most other Western nations, have refused to recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan's legitimate government since it retook control in 2021 will make securing the needed emergency funding more difficult, according to analysts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The earthquake is another reminder that the people of Afghanistan suffer from not having a government recognized at the U.N. A number of international aid mechanisms such as World Bank financing would (otherwise) have activated to support the vulnerable," Torek Farhadi, an analyst, development economist and former senior advisor at the IMF, told CBS News. Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Khanna, Massie and Greene hold news conference on Jeffrey Epstein files HHS Secretary RFK Jr. wraps heated Senate testimony At least 17 people have died and some 21 were injured in Lisbon after the historic funicular railway Elevador da Gloria derailed on Wednesday, the state news agency Lusa reported on Thursday, citing the head of Lisbon's civil protection authority. Initially 15 were reported dead and 18 injured. Early findings suggest the cause was damage to the cable that pulls the rail car up the steep street and brakes it on the descent, according to reports. 'Collapsed like a cardboard box' After derailing, the railway crashed into a building. An eyewitness told the state Portuguese TV channel RTP that the car sped downhill, crashed into a building and "collapsed like a cardboard box." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The identities and nationalities of most victims remain unknown, though the German Foreign Office said German nationals are among those affected. "Unfortunately, we must assume that German citizens are among those affected. There are currently no reliable figures on the number," the Foreign Office told dpa in response to an inquiry. Portuguese media reported that a German man was among the dead, though that has not yet been officially confirmed. According to the newspapers Correio da Manha and Observador, the man's wife was seriously injured, and their child sustained minor injuries. The child is reportedly in the care of authorities. Spanish media reported two injured Spaniards, while RTP mentioned an injured South Korean woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for city hall said more information on victims' identities could be available on Thursday. The Institute of Forensic Medicine was aiming to complete autopsies by the morning, with more detailed information expected later on Thursday. EU flags at half mast Meanwhile in Brussels, EU flags were flown at half mast on Thursday to commemorate those killed. "The tragic accident on the Elevador da Gloria has shaken Europe deeply," European Parliament President Roberta Metsola wrote on X. The Elevador da Gloria was opened in 1885 and is one of Lisbon's three historic funicular railways. It connects the central Praca dos Restauradores square with the higher district of Bairro Alto, covering a distance of around 200 metres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funicular is primarily a tourist attraction, though it is also used by many locals for whom the route is too steep to walk. "My thoughts are with the victims, with their loved ones, and with the injured, to whom I wish a swift recovery," said European Council President Antonio Costa, a former Portuguese prime minister. "I extend my heartfelt condolences to Portugal and to the city of Lisbon," Costa added. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed her sympathy to the victims' families. Portugal was reeling Thursday morning in the wake of an unprecedented disaster in the heart of its capital city. Sixteen people were killed late Wednesday afternoon when one of Lisbon's trademark electric streetcars the Elevador da Gloria funicular careened off its tracks and slammed into a building. The funicular, a type of tram usually set on a permanent angle to run up and down a hill or mountain, has carried people about 270 yards up and down a hill in central Lisbon for more than a century. It's hugely popular with tourists, and The Associated Press said about half of the 21 people injured in the crash were foreign visitors. Officials haven't released the names of the victims, but rescuers have said there were foreign nationals among those killed. The State Department on Thursday confirmed that a U.S. citizen was among those killed in the derailment. "Our staff in Lisbon and here in the United States are working tirelessly to provide consular assistance to the victim and their family," a spokesperson told CBS News in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Reuters news agency said emergency services had confirmed three other funiculars in Lisbon were undergoing additional safety checks Thursday following the deadly crash. Rescuers and firefighters operate at the scene after the Elevador da Gloria funicular cable railway derailed in Lisbon, Portugal, Sept. 3, 2025. / Credit: Zed Jameson/Anadolu/Getty Margarida Castro Martins, who heads Lisbon's Civil Protection Agency, earlier told reporters that two people who were hospitalized after the crash on Wednesday night had died, bringing the death toll to 17, but the agency corrected that figure later Thursday, citing a duplication of information earlier in the day, according to The Associated Press. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered condolences to the affected families, and Lisbon's Mayor Carlos Moedas said the city would be in mourning for three days. "It's a tragedy of the like we've never seen," Moedas said. A police officer walks past the wrecked Elevador da Gloria funicular at the scene where it derailed, Sept, 3, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. / Credit: Horacio Villalobos/Getty "A tragic accident ... caused the irreparable loss of human life, which left in mourning their families and dismayed the whole country," the national government said in a statement, declaring Thursday a national day of mourning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This streetcar was still a heap of crumpled metal surrounded by police cordons on Thursday. It would typically be packed with visitors at this time of year. As the smoke cleared over the wreckage on Wednesday, it revealed the scene where the famed Elevador da Gloria had careened about 800 feet down the steep hill it's traversed for about 140 years before it derailed on a bend and crashed into a building. Tourists wait to board the Elevador da Gloria funicular, one of the funiculars operated by Carris in Lisbon, Portugal, in a May 24, 2024 file photo. / Credit: Horacio Villalobos/Corbis/via Getty Some onlookers rushed to help after the crash, but others fled in fear of the noise and chaos. "The only thing we could do was turn and run," said one man who saw the accident. "It's a tragic situation, truly tragic," another local resident, Carla Gomes, told the French news agency AFP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many tourists visiting Lisbon, a ride on the iconic streetcar is a must-do. Millions of people take the roughly four-minute trip every year. A child jumps out of the Elevador da Gloria funicular as tourists wait for a ride, in Lisbon, Portugal, in a Jan. 23, 2025 file photo. / Credit: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP/Getty The Elevador da Gloria operates in the same manner as hillside funiculars all over Europe and elsewhere, with two cars attached at opposing ends of a circular cable as one car goes up, the other goes down. The Lisbon funicular is powered by motors in each car, which run on electricity delivered via separate overhead cables. Local reports have speculated that the primary cable may have snapped, though officials have not commented on the reports. Cable and brake failures are two of the most common causes of streetcar accidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to CBS News, the president of the Portuguese Order of the Engineers, Almeis Santos, said the accident appeared to be caused by the rupture of the cable. "It's very strange... for this kind of cable. It's not normal and it's almost impossible to have [a] sudden rupture," he said. Santos went on to suggest that the sudden snapping of the cable would not be enough for either the manual or automatic brakes that were present to hold back the roughly 20 tons of weight of the street car and passengers. Carris, the company that operates the Elevador da Gloria, has said regular inspections including daily checks had been carried out as required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation is now underway into the disaster, which has shattered the charm of the quiet European capital. Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Khanna, Massie and Greene hold news conference on Jeffrey Epstein files Reporter's Notebook: Taming technological monsters Election officials in western Germany on Wednesday sought to calm intense online speculation following the deaths of several candidates from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Local elections are set to be held in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state, on September 14. The election campaign has been dominated in recent days by news of the deaths of several of the AfD's candidates, with the party's co-leader Alice Weidel - and prominent billionaire backer Elon Musk - highlighting the issue on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for the state's election commissioner told dpa that the number of deaths among candidates is "not significantly higher" than in previous campaigns. Candidates pass away in all elections, the spokesman noted. According to official data, 16 candidates have died during the election campaign, of which seven were from the AfD. In four cases, police have already ruled out unnatural causes of death. However, no other party has had more than one candidate die. Some 20,000 seats were up for grabs when the state last held communal and municipal elections in 2020. The death of a candidate can result in authorities being forced to print new ballots, or organize a special election, which, in some cases, can be held on election day. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) Some Central Illinois veterans got the chance to see the world from 1,000 feet up in the air on Wednesday. Dream Flights honors senior veterans by taking them on plane rides and this week, they took veterans that live in Decatur for flights. Building civic pride in Our Town Newman with the help of a non-profit The joy there was tangible and the pilot said that the flights are like time machines, not only because they are in World War II era bi-planes, but because veterans go in the plane at 90 and come out with the energy of a 40 year old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dream Flights has been taking veterans in the air and bringing smiles to their faces for 11 years. They fly veterans who live in nursing homes and assisted living centers in World War II, in open cockpit, bi-planes. Our mission is simple, and it hasnt changed. Its giving back to those who gave, President and pilot for Dream Flights, Darryl Fisher, said. Since the non-profit began, its taken almost 8,000 flights. Every single one has been free for veterans. The average age of a veteran that flies with Dream Flights is 90. Fisher said that flying them is their way of showing gratitude. Were thanking them for everything theyve done for us, the sacrifice, the service theyve given us, our freedoms that we have today, Fisher said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woman hurt in Decatur shooting, investigating squad car hit by alleged drunk driver A First Special Service Force logo is displayed on each plane. They were the original Special Forces unit in World War II. Fisher said that they were a small, specialized unit that did big things. Dream Flights have flown four members of that unit. Another special thing youll see on each Dream Flight plane is on the tail. You can find the signatures of World War II veterans who have been on them. It almost chokes me up. Its so special, Fisher said. The signatures are fading, but Fisher said that, in a way, it makes sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its symbolic of that generation, theyre fading out. It breaks my heart, but were losing them fast, Fisher said. Illinois joins 23 other states in opposing rule change that could cut homecare workers pay Less than 1% of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II are still alive. Dream Flights has a century flyers club. After a veteran turns 100, they get to fly every year. A member of this exclusive club was there on Wednesday. Ill be 101 on October 16th, Edward Paine said. Hes a World War II veteran whos lived in Decatur since 1957. Paine served in the Navy for three years. He was a pilot for the majority of the war, but as it went on, he served wherever he was called to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They didnt need any more pilots. They needed people to run small boats, Paine said. Hes been on two dream flights before and knew a thing or two about the planes. Both of them were fun because I had flown the planes in training and I thought I could fly it again if I had to. Its good thing I didnt though, Paine joked. Paine, who has seen it all and survived the unimaginable, gave a gentle reminder that every day is a gift. IL Freedom Caucus calls on Pritzker to let Trump deploy National Guard Its nice to be here, it was nice to be alive after the war, and its nice to be alive today, Paine said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the pilots words, he said that the secret sauce to giving to senior veterans is what comes back to you and thats priceless. Fisher encourages everyone to volunteer with and give back to the nations veterans. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Spanish brewing major Mahou San Miguel has created a coffee company in a bid to diversify its business. The group's coffee branch, called Barista & Finca, will be used "to explore emerging categories that complement our current portfolio, as part of our business diversification strategy", Mahou told Just Drinks. The company said it didn't have additional information to share beyond what had been covered in local reports. According to the Spanish business news outlet Expansion, the Barista & Finca business started operations at the end of July. Details on the new company, seen on Spain's national commercial registry by Expansion, and through business information directory eInforma by Just Drinks, suggest Barista & Finca produces coffee, tea, cocoa infusions, spices and all kinds of related food or complementary goods, by itself or with "third parties". The new coffee unit is also said to be involved in the marketing, export, import, storage and distribution of these products. Mahou is assessing several options in order to enter this new drinks area, unnamed company sources told Expansion, and decided to create a new business to bring in "new resources" into the company if needed. The move follows a series of new category entries by the Alhambra Reserva 1925 brewer this year. In July, the business announced the launch of an energy drink brand called Refeel. At the time, the group described the energy-drinks market as one of the fastest-growing both in Spain and abroad. It said the product responds to the growing demand for alternatives aligned with a healthy and balanced lifestyle among consumers in this segment. Earlier in April, the business added a line of wine-based drinks to its portfolio under the brand Los Cachis. Mahou, which already sells the Bendito vermouth brand in Spain, said it was aiming for the range to be consumed during the countrys regional festivals, such as the Feria de Malaga. At the time, it said it was hoping to bring in younger adult drinkers with the Los Cachis products. "Mahou San Miguel sets up coffee arm" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. A Wisconsin judge accused of helping a migrant evade arrest by federal immigration agents will stand trial in December. The trial for Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, who was indicted on two counts in May, had her trial set for Dec. 15 on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman. Jury selection is scheduled to take place Dec. 11-12, according to court documents. Dugan was arrested in April and was indicted in mid-May on two counts: knowingly concealing a migrant wanted for arrest by immigration agents, and obstructing the removal proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dugan, who was suspended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the wake of her arrest, contended the charges should be dropped, stating she was acting in her official capacity as a jurist. She has pleaded not guilty. In mid-April, the county circuit judge allegedly told immigration agents to head to the chief judges office and then allowed Mexican national Eduardo Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer to use a nonpublic door to aid in escaping arrest, prosecutors said. Flores-Ruiz, who was in the country illegally, was later arrested. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week laughed and joined hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, two of President Donald Trumps fiercest adversaries. The White Houses reply? A metaphorical shrug. The dispassionate response to the cozy display Modi highlighted on his official social media account comes in stark contrast to the flood of worry, uncertainty and even a sense of betrayal with which India has reacted to the massive tariffs the U.S. has levied on it. Collectively, the comments of former U.S. and Indian officials, the Indian press and even, obliquely, the Indian Army underscore the poor state of the relationship between the two countries, which some have argued is at its lowest point in decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. last week ratcheted up tariffs on Indian exports to 50 percent because of Indias significant purchases of Russian oil, an increase from the 25 percent Trump imposed after the two countries failed to notch a trade deal this summer. Still, the White House has not further escalated the situation with India even as the president has reiterated his frustrations with the country over its trade practices and purchases of Russian oil signaling that there still may be a path to mending the relationship. Indeed, Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, said that the U.S. gets along with India very well, even as he bemoaned the one-sided relationship. He's consistently talked about the tariff issue when it comes to India, but he's certainly also talked about how he and Modi have worked together on many other issues, said a White House official, granted anonymity to speak candidly about the U.S.-India relationship. Nothing has really changed. The White House official also didnt rule out a meeting between Trump and Modi at the U.N. General Assembly in New York this month, should Modi attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administrations comments come as anti-American sentiment in India has reached a fever pitch in recent weeks in response to the tariffs, including ongoing calls for boycotts of U.S. goods . The Indian Army, in a social media post, intimated that the relationship between the two countries is as bad now as it was in 1971, when the U.S. dispatched a naval fleet to the Bay of Bengal to intimidate Indian forces during the Indo-Pakistani War. The relationship is really on shaky ground right now, said Lisa Curtis, who served as deputy assistant to the president and National Security Council senior director for South and Central Asia during the first Trump administration. We're at a DEFCON 1 on the U.S.-India relationship. After the meetings in Tianjin of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a Eurasian security organization of 10 countries led by China and Russia, Modi posted on his social media account photos of him hugging and riding in a car with Putin, saying that the two countries discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all sectors, including trade, fertilisers, space, security and culture and calling the relationship a special and privileged strategic partnership. He also posted pictures of a confab with Putin and Xi. India used it to signal that it has options to recalibrate ties in response to economic shocks, said Syed Akbaruddin, India's former ambassador to the United Nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Indian embassy in Washington declined to comment. But India cant quickly pivot selling the billions in goods that it has been selling to the U.S. to either Russia or China. And it has a particularly complicated relationship with China, with which it has an ongoing territorial dispute in the Himalayas. In 2020, at least 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers were killed during a bloody border clash. Proponents of the U.S.-India relationship believe an in-person meeting between Trump and Modi later this month could ease tensions between the two countries and help cement a trade deal that Trump this summer teased was imminent. Some kind of communication between the two leaders is the only thing thats going to get things back on track, in terms of figuring out what might be the mutual understanding on purchases of Russian oil and the related tariff and then getting back to the table on a reciprocal trade deal, said Mark Linscott, a former negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representatives Office who was involved in negotiations with India during Trumps first administration. I just dont see those being resolved without the two leaders communicating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two leaders, who have described themselves as friends, will have to get past three significant issues: Trumps claims that he brokered peace between India and Pakistan earlier this year, the 25 percent tariffs the U.S. has levied on India over its purchases of Russian oil, and the broader trade disagreements between the two countries over which the U.S. has levied an additional 25 percent. Trump has repeatedly irked India over his insistence that he played a role in mediating peace after a brief armed conflict between India and Pakistan in May, a point the president has continued to make amid his campaign for the Nobel Peace Prize. India, however, has long insisted that it wont accept any mediation when it comes to Pakistan, and that agreements between the two countries must be negotiated on a bilateral basis, something Modi underscored in a June call with Trump. Modi has domestic politics to consider as well; he doesnt want to look like he needs the United States to help handle his biggest rival. The two countries are also at odds over Indias purchases of Russian oil, which some top Trump administration officials have said amounts to profiteering by Indian oil companies amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. India, however, believes it has been unfairly singled out because neither China, the largest purchaser of Russian oil, nor Turkey, the third largest purchaser, have been hit with similar tariffs. Still, Trump continues to send signals that he cares about the relationship with India, including his recent appointment of close confidant Sergio Gor as the next ambassador to India. The move was widely seen by people close to the White House as a sign that the president sees that relationship as important both inherently and to counter Chinas influence in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, hours after the photos of Modi with Putin and Xi circulated on social media, Trump took to Truth Social to remind people why he is frustrated with India. They sell us massive amounts of goods, their biggest client, but we sell them very little, Trump wrote. Just some simple facts for people to ponder!!! In the U.S. Army, the job of a battalion or brigade commander is to compel a group of human beings to resist their natural urge toward survival and self-preservation in the name of protecting the nations security at the precise moment of crisis to compel their subordinates to lay down their lives for another. To lead in the pitch of battle, the Army needs commanders who meet the highest standards. The Command Assessment Program (CAP) developed during the first Trump administration was always about these standards. First applied to battalion command selection at the O-5 (lieutenant colonel) level through the Battalion Commander Assessment Program (BCAP), CAP expanded to assess and select brigade commanders at the O-6 level (CCAP) and later expanded to the enlisted ranks through the Sergeant Major Assessment Program (SMAP). The minimum requirements for commanders who excel as individual performers are peak physical fitness, basic branch proficiency and a proven track record of performance at every prior echelon. The Army produces more of these individuals every year than it has command billets to fill. And so, the Army must not only identify those who have a proven track record of individual performance thats table stakes it must also cull and winnow the list of officers with the additional capabilities to lead the soldiers under their charge in the heat of battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Army cancels Biden-era promotion program aimed at eliminating bias To make those tough leadership choices, the Army must identify those individuals with the knowledge, skills, behaviors and other attributes that make them fit for command. Its simply not enough to be an exceptional individual performer: Commanders (and their sergeants major) need to be a step above in mastering human performance, not only their own, but the hundreds or thousands of soldiers under their command. To be entrusted with command, the Army needs to know more about those being considered. In addition to their PT scores and performance records, how well do these officers and NCOs communicate? What is their level of emotional intelligence? Do they have a stellar reputation among their superiors, but demonstrate untrustworthy behavior among their peers, or kick down on their subordinates? Does this officer or NCO demonstrate leadership in word and deed? Have they mastered their own self-discipline such that they compel those around them to do the same? Would you trust your life to this officers ability to lead in combat? Given those weighty and consequential questions, it is only fitting that the minds behind the development of CAP were themselves the epitome of talent management done right; that is, the placement of the right individuals with the precise combination of knowledge, skills, abilities, experience and other attributes to develop such a program. The concept for CAP developed during the first Trump administration benefited from the guidance, input and oversight from the foremost scholar and practitioner on military talent management who wrote the book on Army talent management. Casey Wardynski was appointed by President Donald Trump as the assistant secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, or ASA (M&RA), in the first Trump administration. Trumps appointment of Wardynski as the ASA (M&RA) a 30-year Army officer who later went on to run for Congress as a Republican candidate on an America First platform was an inspired choice. CAPs genesis relies on his own rigorous body of work. Perhaps an even more difficult audience to win over, CAP was further embraced by uniformed leadership among those who went on to positions of increasing authority. Writing publicly about the programs early successes, then-Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James McConville and then-Director of the Army Talent Management Task Force Maj. Gen. J.P. McGee articulated: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Battalion commanders are arguably the most consequential leaders in the Army. Their experience, placement, and influence give them an out-sized ability to shape the future service of the soldiers they lead. They will one day lead the Army and make decisions that directly impact American national security. No longer will we spend weeks selecting a private for the Ranger Regiment while spending an average of two minutes to select battalion commanders. We can and will do better. What makes these observations all the more remarkable is the battle-hardened experience, expertise and career paths of the two men writing the piece. Prior to serving as the Chief of Staff of the Army, McConville had served as the Armys G-1 the uniformed counterpart to the ASA (M&RA), responsible for military personnel, directly responsible for delivering the trusted, lethal and ready forces that comprise the most valuable contribution to the nations security that the Army has: its people. For his part, McGee who before his assignment as the director of the Army Talent Management Task Force had commanded in the Armys most storied units, the 82nd Airborne and the 75th Ranger Regiment went on to earn his third star and serve as the commanding general of the 101st Airborne. This wasnt an Army leader with his head in the ivory tower; he was a leader with a deep, battle-tested, visceral knowledge of the demands of command and what the Army needs of its commanders. Addressing the administrations concerns that CAP was intended as an effort at expanding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programming, the administration can look to the programs own handling of a high-level case to see that DEI is not the programs focus. There was one notable attempt by a four-star general to inappropriately influence a subordinates command assessment board based on the candidates race and gender. And what that experience demonstrated was that CAP functioned as it should have: The general officer was suspended and then fired by President Joe Bidens Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth. The colonel in charge of CAP appropriately recorded the series of incidents in a formal memo. The subordinate candidate was removed by the Secretary of the Army command selection list. If anything, the incident provided a public case study of the programs ability to remain transparent and fair. Whats more, the details of this specific case emphasize the programs protection from intervention by those in positions of authority based on race or gender. If the program were intended to reinforce efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion, we would have seen a vastly different outcome to the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has every right to change policy as it sees fit. But characterizing the program as a Biden-era, woke attempt at DEI is counterproductive. Some of Trumps best minds played a critical role in its formation. The program reinforced the core principles the Army is pursuing: lethality and meritocracy. CAP is a tool that could be modified to suit the administrations priorities, and could in fact be used to reinforce the exact attributes the Pentagons senior appointees want from the force, and those who lead it. Katherine Kuzminski is the director of studies at the Center for a New American Security. DeKalb County has become the first county in Georgia to allocate funds specifically for reproductive healthcare, approving $200,000 to support local organizations. The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved funding on Aug. 26 for the Feminist Womens Health Center and ARC-Southeast, with allocations of up to $150,000 and $50,000, respectively. These funds are intended to enhance access to comprehensive reproductive health services, including STI testing, pap smears, family planning and emergency contraception like Plan B. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Reproductive healthcare services being reduced in many communities nationwide has a direct impact to our DeKalb County residents seeking essential care, said Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry. Healthcare is a human right and far too many women are struggling to access vital reproductive, prenatal, and postnatal care services that are essential to ensuring healthy pregnancies and helping to mitigate Georgias alarming maternal mortality rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia has the second highest maternal mortality rate in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with non-Hispanic Black women experiencing significantly higher mortality rates. This funding aims to address these disparities by providing essential reproductive health services to DeKalb County residents. Kwajelyn Jackson, executive director of Feminist Center for Reproductive Liberation, emphasized the importance of local action. As our federal reproductive health infrastructure continues to crumble, let this be a shining example of what people power can accomplish on the local level, she said. Alexia Rice-Henry, co-executive director of ARC-Southeast, pointed out the regional need for support, stating, Of the Southern states we serve, a vast majority of over 43 percent came from Georgia last year, with DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties needing the most support. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Editors Note: This article includes information related to the alleged sexual assault of a juvenile. Reader discretion is advised. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A Del Rio man was arrested in Tom Green County after being indicted in Val Verde County on five charges, three of which were for sexual assault of a child, according to court records. The Tom Green County Sheriffs Office inmate roster states that 19-year-old Jesus Salinas of Del Rio was booked into the Tom Green County Detention Center at 4:51 p.m. on Aug. 31 on charges of sexual assault of a child and injury to a child, elderly or disabled individual with intent to cause bodily injury. He had a posted bond of $275,000, with his arresting agency being listed as the Texas Department of Public Safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man hospitalized after San Angelo SWAT team intervention Court records filed in Tom Green County state that he was arrested on three counts of sexual assault of a child and two counts of injury to a child, elderly or disabled individual with intent to cause bodily injury. Records indicate that one charge of sexual assault of a child had a bond of $75,000, while the remaining four charges each had a bond of $50,000. Salinas was released into the custody of another agency on Sept. 4. A clerk of the Val Verde County district clerks office confirmed with Concho Valley Homepage that Salinas was arrested in Tom Green County and was being transported to Val Verde County after being indicted on the five charges. Court records filed in Val Verde County state that Salinas was originally arrested in Del Rio in late September 2024 on one charge of sexual assault of a child with a bond of $60,000. He would be bonded out, but a grand jury indictment that came in mid-May 2025 involving the other four charges resulted in his bond being increased to $75,000 for the first charge and him being sought by law enforcement. The complaint A complaint record filed in Val Verde County states that an investigator of the Val Verde Sheriffs Office responded to the St. Joseph Catholic Church on Sept. 5, 2024, in reference to an outcry that was made to them. The investigator met with the parish operation director, who stated that they were informed by a youth minister volunteer that a female juvenile had been sexually assaulted by a man identified as Salinas, who was 18 at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The record states the investigator spoke with the juvenile and interviewed her at the VVSO Criminal Investigations Division office. However, the juvenile was reluctant to talk about the incident. The juvenile was permitted to leave with her parents, who were advised to contact the investigator once the juvenile was ready to speak. A parent of the juvenile called the investigator later that night and stated that their child had confided in a family member and made an outcry confirming she had sexual intercourse with Salinas, as per the complaint. San Angelo DPS trooper wins high honor national award The record reads that a forensic interview was then conducted in Uvalde on Sept. 19, 2024, during which the juvenile advised that she had met with Salinas in the alleyway located behind her residence where he was parked waiting inside of his truck. She said she entered the vehicle, where Salinas then allegedly conducted sexual actions against her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The juvenile described Salinas attempting to do sexual actions involving her despite her vocally expressing that she did not consent, according to the complaint. She said that she eventually pushed Salinas off before putting on her clothes and returning to her residence. The complaint states that, on Sept. 20, 2024, the investigator met with Salinas at the sheriffs office for an interview. During this interview, he confessed to meeting the juvenile in the alleyway behind her residence and conducting sexual actions against her while also admitting that he knew the juveniles age. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Delaware State Police are investigating a body found in the Delaware River near Fox Point on Sept. 4. The incident does not appear to be of a suspicious nature, police said. Other details were not immediately available. This is a developing story. Check back with delawareonline.com for more information. Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Body found in Delaware River near Fox Point prompts DSP investigation (FOX40.COM) Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty said an anticipated biking and pedestrian bridge could be opened as early as October, following more than a year-long delay. The Del Rio Trail opened in May 2024 and stretches approximately five miles from Riverside Boulevard just north of the Sutterville Road exit to where Freeport Boulevard passes under Interstate 5. However, a portion of the trail that runs over Interstate 5 connecting the trail to the Sacramento River Bike Trail, never opened after the city determined that the bridge had not been built according to contract specifications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After months-long legal discussions between the city and contractor, work began on replacing the bridge in July and the city said the demolition of the old bridge is complete. We were able to fix this at no cost to the taxpayers through the legal process we were able to sort it out, McCarty said. The contractor paid for the entire repairs and are hard at work here, The city said that if construction remains on schedule, the bridge could open anytime between October and December. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. DELRAY BEACH Despite the state's order that the rainbow-painted Pride art at a city intersection be removed by Wednesday, Sept. 3, a judge has granted city officials a reprieve, giving them until Friday, Sept. 5, to bolster their argument that it should stay. The hearing scheduled just two weeks earlier, took place in Orlando Sept. 2 on the eve of the deadline. Representatives from both sides attended: Delray Beach's delegation included City Manager Terrence Moore, City Attorney Lynn Gelin, Public Works Director Missie Barletto and outside counsel, while FDOT officials sat across from them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Both sides have the ability, up until Friday, to provide additional background information to support their position," Moore said after the hearing. Florida cities have been ordered to remove rainbow crosswalks following directives from FDOT, citing noncompliance with traffic control guidelines. Officials warn that failure to comply could result in state-mandated removal at the citys expense. Tuesday's hearing was informal with no witnesses or evidence presented. Final arguments are due Friday from both sides. Moore added that "no specific direction or decision was yielded from (Tuesday) morning's exercise" and that the city would wait for the outcome before determining its next steps. That wouldn't be until next week, at the earliest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Tom Carney said the Sept. 2 proceeding was part of the city's effort to "exhaust administrative remedies" before any enforcement action can move forward. "The deadline of today is being stayed or tolled until such time as the administrative judge renders the decision," Carney said Sept. 3. "Nothings going to happen during this period, we were advised." The Orlando hearing followed an August directive from Florida Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, who warned that cities displaying political symbols on roads could risk losing state funding. Moore subsequently ordered the crosswalk at Northeast 1st Street and Northeast 2nd Avenue to be sandblasted and repainted, but commissioners intervened and delayed the removal. Nearby Boynton Beach and West Palm Beach quickly complied with the state's directive. State officials originally cited safety concerns with the Pineapple Grove mural, and city leaders said FDOT has also raised the argument that such designs amount to political expression. Carney said he did not want to debate whether the Pride crosswalk is political but acknowledged the state has grouped such art under a broad prohibition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Whether its a political statement or just art, it's all being included under their definition," he said. Asked what message removal might send to LGBTQ+ residents, Carney said the city's focus is on following state law and protecting critical funding. "We have a lot of money at stake to get from the state," he said. "Those really cannot be jeopardized. My goal is to not jeopardize those." RELATED: Will latest Florida directive force Delray Beach leaders to remove LGBTQ+ crosswalk? Carney added that if the state were to withhold funds, major infrastructure and environmental projects could be delayed or scrapped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We won't have the money," he said. RELATED: Delray Beach exploring legal options on keeping its rainbow-colored Pride crosswalk RELATED: Florida rainbow crosswalk controversy explained: Are they legal? Why are they being removed? What happens after Friday, Sept. 5 remains unclear. That date is a deadline for submitting additional statements, not for issuing a ruling. "They may rule in favor of the city, they may not," Carney said. "I dont even speculate on what judges say anymore." If the decision goes against Delray Beach, he said commissioners will determine next steps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think all of us up there are trying to work in the best interest of the entire city," Carney said. "There are a lot of competing interests, and everything is being weighed." 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, FDOT to present final arguments on rainbow-colored crosswalk Come November, a major Texas airport will lose its service from Delta Air Lines. Flights to Midland International Air & Space Port in Midland will discontinue after Nov. 8, the city of Midland wrote in a statement on Aug. 25. Delta told MassLive that the decision to discontinue this route was made to align with consumer demand. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and remain committed to serving Central Texas as the leading global carrier in Austin, the airline said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This news comes after Delta announced that it was deepening its commitment to Central Texas by launching three new nonstop routes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) which allows travelers to visit Denver, Colorado, Columbus, Ohio and Kansas City, Missouri. The airline also said it was increasing services on two existing routes from San Francisco, California and Indianapolis, Indiana. On Aug. 22, the airline company reported that it serves nearly 30 destinations from Austin and has carried over 1 million passengers to and from Austin during 2025, which is a 12% increase year-over-year. Despite this change, Midland residents will still have non-stop service to Austin via Southwest Airlines, the city said in a statement. The airport also offers non-stop flights to Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Nevada, Denver and Phoenix, Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councilwoman Robin Poole, the Midland City Councils liaison to the Airports Department, expressed her disappointment but maintained a positive outlook for the airports future. While I am disappointed to learn that Delta Airlines will no longer be servicing our airport, it does not diminish our commitment to ensuring Midland International Air & Space Port continues to thrive and meet the needs of our residents and those traveling through the Permian Basin, Poole said in the press release. Midlanders can expect us to remain focused on supporting improvements and expansion efforts that will strengthen our airports role as a vital hub for our community and our region. More Business News Read the original article on MassLive. Back in January 2020, a Delta Airlines flight dumped fuel over residential areas and schools near Los Angeles, which led to a class-action lawsuit. Delta Airlines has agreed to pay $79 million to settle, without accepting responsibility, to escape the financial burden of trial proceedings. In the settlement of the incident, a Boeing 777-200 was en route from Los Angeles to Shanghai with 149 passengers and 16 crew, when it began to experience engine troubles. Having to return to Los Angeles International Airport, the airline explained that one of the plane's two engines had lost thrust after takeoff. The plan was fueled for a 13-hour flight and exceeded the maximum landing weight by 160,000 pounds to make a safe landing. Rather than disposing of fuel over uninhabited areas, the 15,000-gallon dump occurred at low altitude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the plane landed safely, local firefighters were dispatched to Cudahy, where teachers and students were exposed to jet fuel. Nearly 60 students and teachers were medically examined, with some having minor skin and lung irritation, but none required hospitalization. Park Avenue Elementary School in Cudahy filed the lawsuit, explaining that the fuel fell from the sky like rain and landed on their skin, clothes, and eyes. Shortly after, some of the residents of Cudahy also filed a lawsuit over the incident. According to the airline, they try to avoid landing with a full fuel carrier as it can lead to damaging the aircraft, which could be costly. In documents of the lawsuit obtained by The Independent, Delta Airlines explained the pilot's decision to dump fuel was "to reduce the serious risks of flying and landing an overweight airplane on just one engine." The FAA launched an investigation into the incident, wondering why fuel was dumped improperly over populated areas at low altitude, and noted that fuel dump procedures require dispersion at higher altitudes. Ultimately the FAA cleared the pilots of wrongdoing, stating they followed emergency procedures. This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Sep 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA), part of Marsh, has acquired Robins Insurance, an independent agency based in Nashville, Tennessee. Financial details of the transaction were not revealed. Robins Insurance, established in 1976, is known for its expertise in business and personal lines insurance. The company serves clients in sectors including real estate, construction, hospitality, community associations and manufacturing. The entire team at Robins, including CEO Van Robins, will continue operating from its Nashville office. Robins said: Todays risk landscape continues to evolve, and it requires a unique perspective to truly protect clients from the unexpected. We are excited to tap into the vast network of MMAs resources to bring superior solutions to clients in our footprint. MMA Southeast region president and CEO Peter Krause said: This strategic move allows us to broaden our reach in the Nashville community, a rapidly growing market with flourishing businesses and individuals. We admire the Robins teams commitment to colleague development and excellent client service. Combined with their deep industry expertise, they will be a valuable asset for our clients and colleagues. The latest deal continues MMAs recent acquisition spree. In April, the company acquired Arthur Hall Insurance, a Pennsylvania-based agency. Founded in 1966, Arthur Hall Insurance offers both commercial and personal insurance services to clients across the nation, with specialised offerings in the life sciences, information management, non-profit, craft beverage manufacturing and municipal sectors. Earlier this year, MMA purchased Acumen Solutions Group, a Melville, New York-based insurance agency focused on the construction, real estate and aviation sectors. "Marsh McLennan Agency buys Nashvilles Robins Insurance " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. Passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight out of Detroit bound for Shanghai got a little bit more than they bargained for on their journey. Instead of a smooth, if not speedy, scheduled 16-hour flight, travelers were left with a 24-hour ordeal which included a 2,000-mile detour to Los Angeles after one of the plane's pilots became ill. According to the New York Post, Delta Air Lines Flight 389 left Detroit around 10:30 a.m. Saturday. About five hours into the flight, the aircraft was just south of Alaska when the pilot fell sick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, the decision was made to divert to Los Angeles, which was a three-hour flight from the plane's location. A Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-941 with Team USA livery takes off from Barcelona-El Prat Airport in Barcelona, Spain, on March 18, 2025. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto/Getty Images A long journey becomes longer Los Angeles was chosen as an emergency landing spot because it is a major Delta hub, making it easier for a replacement pilot to be found. The plane remained grounded for three hours at LAX before eventually taking off for Shanghai. Originally scheduled to land around 2 p.m. local time, the craft instead taxied in at 11 p.m. The flight landed without incident and taxied to the gate, Delta Air Lines said in a statement. We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel. Not the first time this has happened Thankfully, these occurrences are rare, but there have been other instances where a flight had to be diverted in order to take care of a sick pilot or passenger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, back in May, a Delta Air Lines flight from Detroit to Los Angeles was detoured to Minnesota because a dog aboard the plane was in distress. "The safety of our customers and people comes before everything else at Delta. Thats why Delta flight 694 diverted to MSP to ensure a cabin pet that became ill received proper care," Delta said at the time. In total, the diversion caused about a two-and-a-half hour delay for passengers. This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Sep 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Populism is more electorally effective than the new Abundance agenda, a progressive think tank and Democratic operatives are arguing in a preview of the partys messaging divisions ahead of next year's midterms. A memo obtained first by POLITICO cautioned Democrats about relying solely on the emergent school of thought, which criticizes overly bureaucratic regulations for slowing progress on housing production needed to drive down costs and infrastructure projects. It was penned by Kamala Harris campaign veterans Geoff Garin, a Democratic pollster, and strategist Brian Fallon, along with the liberal economic group Groundwork Action. The strategists were joined by Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) in briefing Capitol Hill staffers and Democratic operatives this week on polling and focus group data to substantiate their argument. The group is expected to present its findings again to congressional Democrats early next week, according to a person directly familiar with the schedule and granted anonymity to discuss private meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there are elements of the Abundance agenda that have appeal, and the choice on which messages to deliver is not zero-sum, a populist economic approach better solves for Democrats challenges with working-class voters, the memo read. If candidates are asking which focus deserves topmost billing in Democrats' campaign messaging, the answer is clear: though some voters believe excessive bureaucracy can be a problem, it ranks far behind other concerns and tackling it does not strike voters as a direct response to the problem of affordability. It described affordability as voters primary concern, and posited they see Abundance-style policy solutions as less responsive to that problem. The research which tested populist-based messages versus the cutting-red-tape Abundance agenda is among the first deep dives into the electoral potency of the movement, popularized by New York Times columnist Ezra Klein and writer Derek Thompson, who published a book by the same name last March. It also comes as Democrats wrestle with how to move forward after sweeping losses in 2024, which underscored the partys inability to focus on voters fiscal concerns. The battle over how to move forward with a unified economic message is still underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Progressives, led by Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), have pushed economic populism , arguing that the party must rebuild its relationship with working-class voters by vilifying billionaires and corporate power. Thats more in line with what the memo argued will reach voters, as majorities of Democrats and independents and two in five Republicans believe the outsized power of billionaires and corporations in our government is a bigger problem than red tape and bureaucracy. But other Democrats favor Klein's and Thompsons diagnosis, which takes aim at bureaucratic inefficiencies and over regulation for stymieing growth on ambitious, Democrat-backed projects around housing, infrastructure and climate change. Pro-"Abundance" Democrats see it as an answer to the partys eroding trust on delivering for voters, especially in blue cities and states, by failing to prove that the government can still execute effectively. The book inspired a group of lawmakers to launch an Abundance-styled House caucus and Senate Democrats invited Klein to speak at a private gathering last spring. Former President Barack Obama listed Abundance as one of his 2025 summer reads and megadonor Reid Hoffman said in July that hes sending fellow Democrats a copy of it. Notably, the movement is hosting a conference in Washington, D.C., on Thursday and Friday, where Klein, Thompson and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox will be keynote speakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the noise around Abundance is pretty loud, so its important for people to know that its not the only path forward for Democrats and to know what data looks like to back that up, said a person who attended the briefing and granted anonymity to discuss a private event. Theres data to back up a populist message. Klein, for his part, has said he expects Democrats to run on on abundance, populist and anti-oligarchal themes, and the idea that someone is going to just pick one of these things is stupid. The memo insisted that populism and the Abundance movement arent incompatible. But it argued against leading with the latter in campaigns because a populist message is focused on what voters think is the bigger problem with government today. In a head-to-head test, nearly two-thirds of voters said government prioritizing billionaires and big corporations is a bigger problem than government moving too slowly and inefficiently, which 37 percent of voters cited as the bigger problem. By a two-to-one margin, voters preferred cracking down on price gouging to help affordability over cutting red tape and regulations. While an Abundance-style message and approach does advance some fresh ideas that challenge the status quo, there are significant questions about whether a focus on it in political messaging adequately meets the moment Democrats face today, the memo added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presentation also included a video of examples of populist framing, featuring a campaign ad from Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, a speech from Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff arguing that corruption in America runs a lot deeper than Donald Trump, and debate excerpts from Rep. Vincente Gonzalez, attacking grocers for price gouging. Deluzio, who also spoke during the briefing, released a campaign video on Wednesday that wove in anti-billionaire messaging, accusing corporate jagoffs of trying to buy our elections, ship jobs overseas, kill our local communities, all to get richer and richer. The survey, conducted by Garins firm Hart Research and paid for by Groundwork Action, also tested the Democratic Partys popularity, which hovered at 39 percent overall with 24 percent of Democrats disapproving of their own party. The Republican Party, with 43 percent overall approval rating, only had 16 percent of its own voters disapproving of it. The national online poll surveyed 2,529 voters nationally in early August, as well as a pair of focus groups conducted in July with working class voters and suburban-exurban voters. CLARIFICATION: This story has been updated to reflect the arm of Groundwork Action that is involved in this effort. Is it time for another government shutdown showdown already? We went through the last one only five months ago, and then another just a few months before that. Each time this came back around, the best Congress could do was to vote for a continuing resolution to keep the government running at the same funding levels for a few more months. Resolution is a curious word in this context because there never is one for what has become a dreaded, tiresome ritual. This time around, the parameters of the debate are a little different than they were in March, when Democrats and Republicans finally agreed to extend the budget until Sept. 30. Once again, what Republicans are proposing is so odious that Democrats cannot be seen to have voted for it, lest their own voters turn on them. Even after the GOP barely managed to pass the Big Beautiful Catastrophe, which slashed taxes for the wealthy and safety net programs for everyone else, and added hundreds of billions to President Donald Trumps federal police apparatus, they are coming back for more. Republicans have a tiny majority in the House, which means they cannot lose more than a handful of votes, or they would have to try to peel off a few Democrats. This has happened in the past, when the far-right Freedom Caucus has held out for even more draconian cuts, and it has, at times, given Democrats some leverage. But with the decline of the Freedom Caucus clout during Trumps second term, Republicans have mostly stuck together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican Senate majority, meanwhile, has to contend with the filibuster, so Democrats could, in theory, force a shutdown all by themselves. Last March, thats what Democratic voters were clamoring for when Minority Leader Chuck Schumer rounded up votes to defeat the filibuster, infuriating the base and many of his own senators. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker even called him out for it during his epic 24-hour speech on the Senate floor. The question is whether these same dynamics will play out this time. Will Democrats put up a bit of a fuss before allowing the budget to pass with little resistance, or will they once more kick the can down the road? Theres already talk of an extension to November or December, mainly because there are only 14 legislative days to get anything accomplished. POLITICO reports that Republicans, who do not want another continuing resolution, are livid their own leaders dont have a better plan. Senate Democrats are another story. They have apparently been negotiating with Republicans over the past few months to try to hammer out some kind of compromise and they have gotten nowhere. How could they? Republicans are not acting in good faith. Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, has pulled the trigger on his plot to usurp the power of the purse from Congress. The president, he has asserted, has the power to cancel congressionally-approved spending by using a pocket rescission, which would see the administration refusing to spend money on programs it doesnt support. Since the funds expire at the end of each fiscal year, Congress would not be able to do anything about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This action is unprecedented, and it would effectively grant the president absolute monarchical power. Under those circumstances, why should Democrats sign on to a deal with the Republicans when Trump will simply refuse to honor it? Any compromise struck with the president is not worth the paper its printed on. The consensus is that, like last time, Democrats will end up caving in the end. In his latest column titled Democrats Flinched During the Last Spending Showdown. They Should Do It Again, POLITICO Magazines Jonathan Martin quoted a Democratic staffer: Youll probably just have to eventually fold and get nothing out of it, the aide said, warning the scenario posed huge risks for the party: Are we going to let the base dictate legislative strategy and just shut down the government so we can say, Okay, at least we fought, and then two weeks later, we reopen it and get nothing in return, and in the interim do harm to actual people? This appears to be the attitude of Democratic leadership. Schumer and House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries sent one of their strongly worded letters to the GOP leadership, which asked: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is your proposal to fund the government in a bipartisan manner and avoid unnecessary harm to the American people? Are there any plans to address the looming healthcare crisis caused by Republican policies, including the so-called One Big Beautiful Law? 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? 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. As journalist Brian Beutler pointed out, The leaders make no demands. The closest they come is to request a meeting, in the hope of getting answers to these questions. Not to establish conditions for Democratic votes, just to see how uncompromising Republicans intend to be. This is, if anything, a weaker posture than they adopted in March, before folding and igniting an enormous grassroots backlash. Beutler argued that Republicans always make maximal demands in these stand-offs, and over the years, they have repeatedly managed to get Democrats to back down. (In fact, if the Freedom Caucus extremists hadnt refused to take yes for an answer, many times the GOP could have gotten almost everything they wanted.) All it took to establish a new, unwritten rule that Republicans would use governing deadlines to extort Democrats was for then-Speaker John Boehner to walk to the mics and make an arbitrary demand: A dollar in spending cuts for every dollar increase in the borrowing cap, Beutler wrote. In the Senate, then-Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., would follow up with the threat of a filibuster, and Democrats would end up capitulating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By failing to use these same tactics, Democrats have gotten nothing. Their demands have not been met because they dont ask for, let alone demand, anything. Instead, they quiz Republicans about bipartisanship, which is meaningless in this environment. But their biggest failing is this: They fail to use the moment to define the real parameters of the debate on their own turf. Beutler recommended taking this line with the GOP: As you know President Trump is engaged in a wide variety of illegal activity, including his seizure of Congresss spending and tariff authority, his abuse of other emergency authorities, and his deployment of masked, secret police throughout the country. We of course can not vote to fund the continuation of this lawlessness. Should you need Democratic votes to renew funding for the government, we will insist upon amending the appropriations to include measures defunding these historic abuses of power. They could use the same tone and demand the reinstitution of all the funding for their proverbial kitchen table issues. Democrats have voters too and they need to see their leaders in Washington making some good trouble for Republicans, even if its risky. Dangerous, unprecedented times call for bold action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of worrying obsessively about offending some swing voter a year from now, perhaps they should, as Ed Kilgore writes in New York magazine, begin thinking of the federal government not as turf to be defended to the last ditch but as territory occupied by a proto-fascist regime and take some pride in interrupting its operations until normalcy returns. Why make it easy for them? The post Will Democrats blink once again in a shutdown standoff? appeared first on Salon.com. PERRY, Utah (ABC4) Deputy Mike Allred was the guest of honor at the Breakfast for Bravery hosted by the Promontory School. Deputy Allred, a survivor of a Tremonton shooting that took the lives of two police officers in Aug. 2025, attended the breakfast on Thursday morning with his K-9, Azula, who was also injured in the tragedy. Following the breakfast, he gave a speech to the students. It means a lot to me that I could be here with you kids today, said Allred. A lot of everything we do is for the kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Mike Allreds son speaks about his father and honoring the fallen Tremonton officers He thanked the children for their artwork, letters, gifts, and more. He also left them with a heartwarming message. Be a good friend. If you see somebody that sits by themselves and youre having a rough day, just go up and say hi to them. Make a new friend. Listen to your parents, Allred said. One more thing. I need everybody to promise this way. Its going to be tough. You got to promise to eat the vegetables. He asked everyone to raise their hands and promise that they will do those things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allred also told those in attendance that Azula will be fine. He shared that she is starting training again this week. And as for himself, he shared that he will be back. Im going to take a little bit of time, but Ill be back, said Allred. 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. DES MOINES, Iowa The Des Moines Concours dElegance returns to downtown. The event, which benefits the Children Cancer Connection, takes place on Sunday, Sept. 7. An organizer of the event joined WHO 13s Erin Kiernan to talk all about it. To learn more about the Des Moines Concours dElegance visit their website. Freedom of Expression Project prepares for upcoming exhibition showcasing local artists Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For a while now, we've been seeing companies that fired a bunch of their human workers in favor of artificial intelligence move to recoup some of that flesh-and-blood labor. Now, that push has resulted in a new line of gig work: slop fixer-uppers, who get paid to improve AI-generated art, writing, and code by making it less, well, sloppy. In an interview with NBC News, longtime freelance illustrator Lisa Carstens said fixing AI-generated logos, many of which have fuzzy lines and garbled text, now constitutes much of her work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes the logos are designed well enough, the Spain-based illustrator told NBC, that she doesn't have to do much work to get them into gear. Other times, the companies that hire her need an entire redraw that, somehow, remains true to the contours of the original AI version she was given and those often end up taking longer than if she'd simply cooked up the design herself. "Theres people that are aware AI isnt perfect, and then theres people that come to you angry because they didnt manage to get it done themselves with AI," Carstens told NBC. "And you kind of have to be empathetic. You dont want them to feel like idiots. Then you have to fix it." It's not just artists, either. Kiesha Richardson, a freelance writer by trade, has started taking on gigs editing AI-penned copy despite how demoralizing it may feel. "I have some colleagues who are adamant about not working with AI," Richardson, who's based in Georgia, told NBC. "But Im like, 'I need money. Im taking [the gig].'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These days, half the gigs the freelancer takes are rewrite jobs on AI-generated content, much of which doesn't "look remotely human at all," Richardson said. Beyond correcting common AI hallmarks like the overuse of em-dashes and overused phrases like "delve" and "deep dive," the writer also finds herself having to do her own research to fix even the stuff that's nominally legible, because chatbots tend to not explain things in adequate detail. If such rewrites netted a similar fee to traditional content writing jobs, it would be one thing but as Richardson noted, companies pay less for cleaning up AI copy because they presume it's easier and less time-consuming, when it fact it often requires as much mental labor as content she had written herself. Still, the same mindset behind companies firing real-life employees for AI exists behind the folks tasked with cleaning up AI content a contract basis and we don't need to know what Richardson or Carstens makes on an average project to know it's way less than what the people who used to work at those companies made before they were kicked to the curb. "I am a bit concerned because people are using AI to cut costs, and one of those costs is my pay," Richardson told NBC. "But at the same time, they find out that they cant really do it without humans. They're not getting the content that they want from AI, so hopefully well stick around a little longer." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slowly but surely, it appears that companies who insisted on AI investments are figuring out that the tech has serious pain points. Harsh Kumar, an India-based app and web developer, told NBC he's seeing more and more clients who are foregoing so-called "vibe coding" a very goofy word to describe using AI prompting to write code instead of, you know, actually writing it yourself for flesh-and-blood devs. Of course, his clients only realized this after hiring him to fix projects that either don't work or are ludicrously insecure. From fixing a company's chatbot that gave inaccurate answers and leaked system details to rebuilding an AI-powered content recommendation function that also gave crappy summaries and exposed sensitive data, Kumar's projects sound like an exercise in futility. Like Richardson, though, Kumar sees a light at the end of the AI tunnel. "Im still confident that humans will be required for long-term projects," he told NBC. "At the end of the day, humans were the ones who developed AI." More on AI and jobs: These Strange Jobs Will Survive AI, Expert Says NEED TO KNOW Gonzalo Leon Jr. appeared in court on Sept. 3 for a hearing after being charged with murder and accused of fatally shooting 11-year-old Julian Guzman Leon will be held on a $1 million bond, and there is a possibility that he will face more serious charges He will return to court on Oct. 21 New details are emerging about the fatal shooting of 11-year-old Julian Guzman after suspect Gonzalo Leon Jr. had his first hearing in court. Leon appeared in front of Judge Emily Detoto of the 177th District Court in Houston on Wednesday, Sept. 3, according to ABC News and KHOU 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 42-year-old suspect is accused of fatally shooting Guzman in the back on Saturday, Aug. 30, after he and his cousin knocked on the door of his home in Houston and ran away. The pre-teen died in the hospital the following day. During the hearing, Detoto set a $1 million bond, with ABC reporting that Detoto referenced the possibility that Leon could face "more serious charges" as the investigation continues to unfold. That includes the possibility of him being charged with capital murder. According to the Texas penal code, capital murder, a type of criminal homicide, can apply in a case when "the person murders an individual 10 years of age or older but younger than 15 years of age." Chapter 12 of the code states that a person convicted of a capital felony faces life in prison without the opportunity for parole or the death penalty. GoFundMe Julian Guzman Julian Guzman Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. During the hearing, Assistant District Attorney John Brewer addressed the presentation of "new evidence" that was gathered, including a video found on Guzman's phone, according to KHOU 11. He and his cousin were reportedly filming the prank at the time that the shooting occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlet reported that there were "limits of some evidence," which Brewer acknowledged in court. For instance, Leon's court-appointed attorney, Gianpaolo Macerola, questioned if the video was evidence that the suspect shot with a "clear intent to kill." Per ABC, Guzman's cousin also spoke with investigators, telling them that they had been "bored and wanted to ring doorbells, or play 'ding dong ditch,' " citing a criminal complaint viewed by the outlet. After Guzman was shot, his cousin said that he was "asking for help, believing his legs were paralyzed." As he called out for help, he said that Leon "slowly walk[ed] back to the blue house." According to reporting by KHOU 11, police allege that Leon fired two shots after Guzman and his cousin knocked on his door three times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first shot was directed at the ground; however, after the "warning shot," a second shot hit Guzman in the back. Discussing the possibility of more serious charges while in court, Brewer said, "There's always an opportunity to upgrade a case if the evidence warrants it," per KHOU 11. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare described the case as "brutal," saying, "When you have an 11-year-old shot in the back and murdered, I think it's an appropriate bond." Commenting on the tragic nature of the case, Teare said, "One lost a little boy before he even got to start his life; another has a father and husband facing life in prison [because] of one angry act," per KHOU 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC reported that "at least 20 firearms" were found at Leon's home by police after an investigation. They were found in "a small closet on the left side of the residence right next to the front door," according to a criminal complaint. In a release shared by the City of Houston on Sunday, Aug. 31, it was confirmed that police responded to the scene of the crime after receiving a call about a shooting. "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," the report read. It continued: "Officers detained one person at the scene for questioning. That individual was questioned and released. Detectives are gathering more information as the investigation continues." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An updated statement from the Houston Police Department confirmed that Leon was arrested and charged with murder on Monday, Sept. 1. He was taken into custody and moved to the Harris County Jail the following day. Leon will return to court on Oct. 11, according to KHOU 11. He is likely to face a grand jury trial. PEOPLE contacted the offices of Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, the Houston Police Department, the 177th District Court in Houston and Leon's court-appointed attorney Gianpaolo Macerola, but they did not immediately respond. Read the original article on People POLK COUNTY, Mo. Two suspects are being held in the Polk County Jail after cattle were stolen on Wednesday, August 27. According to online court dockets, Melvin Fincher, born 1986, of Rolla, has been charged with stealing livestock/wildlife exceeding $3,000 and prior offense or exceeding $10,000 and tampering with a witness in a felony prosecution. Annetta Tindle, born 1981, of Mount Vernon, has been charged with stealing $750 or more. Finchers mugshot, photo courtesy of Polk County Jail. Tindles mugshot, photo courtesy of Polk County Jail. The probable cause statement says law enforcement responded to a location in Fair Play, Missouri, after a victim made a deal with Fincher to haul four cows valued at around $8,400 to Wyoming to sell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A witness told the department that he and his girlfriend had met Fincher and had told them that they could make some extra money if they worked on his farm. Fincher had asked the witness if they wanted to sell the cattle with him. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Two arrested in Polk County for theft of four bred cows The witness told law enforcement that Fincher had sold the cattle in their name due to not having a buyers license. Fincher transported the victims cattle on Aug. 27 to the Joplin Regional Stockyard and told the witness to keep his mouth shut about the transaction to the victim. Fincher and the witness later cashed a check of $13,038 at a bank in Springfield on Aug. 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim told officials that he had given Fincher and Tindle the cows on a livestock pot trailer and later found out through the witness that they had been taken to Joplin. Fincher and Tindle were found in a parking lot in Bolivar on Sept. 3. During the arrest, Fincher told Tindle to grab his safe keys and keep them no matter what happened. Tindle showed law enforcement a safe in the backseat that contained a large amount of money with a receipt for the purchase. During a later interview with the sheriffs office, Fincher admitted to selling two or three other cows with Tindle around two weeks ago. He stated the check was issued in his name and that he planned to pay back the victim $11,400 for the cows. Tindle told law enforcement that Fincher had listed her as the buyer for five to eight cows at Urbana Stockyards. She said that an unknown man had provided the funds for the purchase and they were transported to Joplin under a different persons name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tindle stated that Fincher planned to take the person with him to give them a small portion of the profits and then keep the rest for himself. Fincher is currently in the Polk County Jail with a $100,000 cash or surety bond and an additional $15,000 cash-only bond. Tindle is currently in jail for a $25,000 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer's badge is seen as federal agents patrol the halls of immigration court in New York City on June 10, 2025. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) A longtime Detroit resident and father of five children, all of whom are U.S. citizens, was released from immigration detention Wednesday after a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully denied him due process. Juan Manuel Lopez-Campos, who has lived in the United States for 26 years and has no criminal record, was arrested during a traffic stop in June and held for more than two months without a bond hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a lawsuit on his behalf, resulting in a late August ruling by U.S. District Judge Brandy R. McMillion that a Trump-era directive to deny bond hearings to certain immigrants was not only wrong but also fundamentally unfair. McMillion was appointed by President Joe Biden. Lopez-Campos was released Wednesday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX I am happy to finally be with my family with the help of my legal team, he said in a statement released by the ACLU. I hope to continue to fight my case. The directive, issued in July by the Trump administration, sought to reverse longstanding policy by eliminating access to bond hearings for immigrants in civil detention. Legal experts said the rule, if left in place, would have subjected individuals to mandatory detention without judicial review for months or even years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LOPEZ-CAMPOS We are thrilled that Juan gets to go home to his family while his immigration case proceeds. It was not only illegal, but inhumane, to keep locked up this longtime Detroit resident, who has close ties to his family, community and church. Justice was served, Ramis J. Wadood, a staff attorney with the ACLU of Michigan, said. However, Wadood said hundreds, if not thousands, of other immigrants are still being wrongly denied their legal rights. Because of that, we will not rest until every affected individual is allowed to exercise the same right to due process and has a chance to come home to their families, Wadood asserted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lopez-Campos was among more than 1,400 immigrants arrested in Michigan by federal agents since President Donald Trump began his second term in January, vowing to launch the largest deportation program in American history to get the criminals out. Most of those arrested had no criminal convictions according to records compiled by the Deportation Data Project. Shahad Atiya, Lopez-Camposs attorney who worked with the ACLU on the case, said the government had no legitimate reason to keep him detained. The cruelty was the point, but were glad that justice prevailed, Atiya said. The Mosaic Companys MOS shares have popped 35.5% in the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Fertilizers industrys gain of 16% and the S&P 500s rise of 10.2%. Mosaic is benefiting from favorable demand for phosphate and potash, high-return investments, and actions to improve its cost structure, further supported by an uptick in fertilizer prices. MOSs peers, Nutrien Ltd. NTR and CF Industries Holdings, Inc. CF, have gained 13.9% and 11.1%, respectively, over the same period. MOSs 6-month Price Performance Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Technical indicators show that MOS has been trading above the 200-day simple moving average (SMA) since April 16, 2025. The stock is currently trading below its 50-day SMA. Following a golden crossover on May 6, 2025, the 50-day SMA is reading higher than the 200-day SMA, indicating a bullish trend. Mosaic Trades Below 50-Day SMA Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Is the time right to buy MOS shares for potential upside? Lets take a look at the stocks fundamentals. Higher Fertilizer Demand to Underpin Growth in MOS MOS is benefiting from the strong demand for phosphate and potash, aided by favorable agricultural conditions. Attractive farm economics continue to drive demand for fertilizers globally. Farmer economics remain favorable in most global growing regions due to strong crop demand and affordable inputs. The phosphate market is benefiting from higher global demand and low producer and channel inventories. Strong demand and supply tightness have also led to an uptick in phosphate and potash prices this year. Demand for grains and oilseeds remains high globally. Improved farmer affordability is also likely to continue to drive demand for fertilizers. Improved crop prices have also incentivized fertilizer application by growers. In North America, strong yields and growers need to replenish soil nutrients have ushered in a favorable environment. Demand in Brazil is also expected to be driven by healthy grower economics and low levels of inventories. Low inventory levels and pent-up purchases, backed by increased government support, are also expected to drive demand in India. MOS expects fertilizer markets to remain favorable through 2025, supported by strong demand and tight supply. Cost Reduction and High-Return Investments to Aid MOS Mosaic is also taking action to reduce costs amid a still challenging operating environment. Its actions to improve its operating cost structure through transformation plans are expected to boost profitability. Mosaic remains on track with its cost-reduction plan, which is now expected to drive $250 million in run-rate cost reductions by the end of 2026, having already achieved $150 million in cost reduction targets. The additional cost reductions are expected to be realized through optimization of the supply chain, automation of administrative functions, absorption of fixed costs and operational cost cuts. MOS also remains committed to carrying out investments with high returns and moderate capital expenditures. It has completed the 800,000-ton MicroEssentials capacity conversion, with volumes expected to rise 25% in 2025. The Esterhazy Hydrofloat project, which added 400,000 tons in milling capacity, is complete and produced the first potash tons in July 2025, with a ramp-up expected by the end of the year. Hydrofloat will allow Mosaic to produce low-cost potash tons. The construction of a new blending and distribution center in Palmeirante, Brazil was also completed in July 2025, supporting the companys long-term growth objectives in Brazilian agriculture markets. The facility is expected to enable Mosaic Fertilizantes to increase overall sales by 1 million tons. Authorities are searching for a man they believe used a device to explode an ATM at a bank in Woburn Thursday morning. Woburn police responded to the Eastern Bank on Mishawum Road just after 9 a.m. for a report that an ATM had been tampered with, Woburn Police Chief Brian McManus said in a press release. At the scene, officers discovered damage to the ATM consistent with a pipe bomb. Woburn police then requested the help of the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad and FBI Bostons special agent bomb technicians, McManus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators discovered that, in the early morning hours of Sept. 4, a man had placed an object on the ATM and quickly left the area. Soon after, the device detonated and exploded, but no one was injured, McManus said. Authorities are still searching for the suspect, but do not believe there is a threat to public safety, McManus said. The FBI is continuing an investigation into the incident. Authorities ask that anyone with information about the incident call Woburn police at (781) 933-1212 or the FBI at 857-386-2000. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. A new federal immigration detention facility will open on the grounds of a notorious Louisiana prison to hold people apprehended under President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, administration officials said Wednesday. The prison camp, which officials call Louisiana Lockup, will be on the grounds of the Louisiana State Penitentiary, known as Angola. Federal authorities have already sent 51 migrants to the facility. Authorities project the facility will reach its 400-person capacity in the next few months, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said at a press conference on the prison grounds that the facilitys notorious reputation, which she called legendary, aligns with the administrations broader campaign to deter non-citizens from violating the law. If you come into this country and you victimize someone, if you take away their child forever, if you traffic drugs and kill our next generation of Americans, and if you traffic our children and men and women, absolutely there's consequences, she said. You're going to end up here. The Trump administration has been working with state and local authorities, and the private prison industry, to create new detention space for people detained pending deportation. More than 60,000 people are now in immigration detention. Nebraska, Indiana and Florida have opened similar facilities in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, usually with alliterative names. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those efforts have won plaudits from Trump, who praised Landry on Wednesday. The unveiling of a detention facility at Angola follows a court ruling prohibiting the federal government from sending additional detainees to the Florida site in the Everglades, which was dubbed Alligator Alcatraz. Angola is the largest maximum-security prison in the United States. Flanked by the Mississippi River, it has earned a reputation for being one of the harshest in the country. Inmates work the fields at the prison, which was built on the grounds of an 18,000 acre cotton plantation, for extremely low pay. The prison has also been accused of discriminating against Black inmates, subjecting inmates under the age of 18 to unconstitutionally cruel treatment and doing little to address extreme heat. This facility is designed to hold criminal illegal aliens, the worst of the worst, Landry said. If you don't think that they belong in somewhere like this, you got a problem. A new immigration detention facility designed to house hundreds of undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes opened in Louisiana this week as part of what Attorney General Pam Bondi called a "historic agreement" between the state and federal government. The new facility which is located inside the Louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly known as Angola is designed to house more than 400 detainees. The facility was given the name Camp 57 after Republican Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry being the 57th governor of the state. Federal officials have also dubbed Camp 57 as "Louisiana Lockup." In a news release, the Department of Homeland Security described it as part of a "new partnership" between the Trump administration and the state of Louisiana. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, center, tours U.S. Immigrations Customs and Enforcement officials said that 51 detainees had already arrived at Camp 57 as of Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is not just a typical ICE detention facility that you will see elsewhere in the country," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said during a news conference Wednesday in front of Camp 57, alongside Bondi and Landry. She said some of the men who have already transferred there were convicted of serious crimes, including murder and rape. "Louisiana is one of several states stepping up to solve these problems," Noem said. Noem also indicated that Angola's "notorious" history was one of the reasons that it was chosen for Camp 57. "This is a facility that's notorious, it's a facility, Angola Prison is legendary but that's a message that these individuals that are going to be here, that are illegal criminals, need to understand," Noem told reporters. An outside look at Camp 57, an immigration detention facility located inside the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana. Sept. 3, 2025. / Credit: CBS News During Wednesday's news conference, Landry said the facility is next to a lake "full of alligators" and surrounded by a "forest full of bears." An officer with the Louisiana Department of Corrections told CBS News Wednesday there are alligators as big as 10 feet in the lake. The lake outside Camp 57, an immigration detention facility located inside the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana. Sept. 3, 2025. / Credit: CBS News Camp 57 has a chapel and law library, law enforcement officials familiar with the project told CBS News Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facility, which will house only men, is separated from the rest of the Louisiana state prisoners incarcerated in the Angola complex, which spans 18,000 acres. Camp 57 was shuttered for many years before renovations started about a month ago. DHS officials said it was renovated into working order in about 30 days. Prior to its closure, Camp 57 had been used for disciplinary actions against state prisoners, according to law enforcement officials familiar with the project. Transferring ICE detainees between facilities isn't new but has increased under the current administration. A CBS News analysis of government data found that more than half of immigrants detained by ICE between Jan. 20, 2025, and July 29, 2025, were transferred to another facility two or more times a greater share than during the Biden administration, the first Trump administration or the second Obama administration. ICE detention transfers increase under second Trump administration (Bullet Bars) Detainees are also getting shuffled further away during these transfers, CBS News found. Under the current administration, about 61% of detainees who started their stay were transferred more than 100 miles at least once. That's also a higher figure than in past administrations. ICE detainees transferred more than 100 miles increase under second Trump administration (Bar Chart) Some immigration advocates are concerned this practice could make it more difficult for detainees to contact loved ones or their attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the increase in detention transfers and how and when ICE determines someone should be transferred, Noem said Wednesday that "this specific facility is going to host most dangerous criminal illegal aliens in the country, because it is so secure. Those individuals are being moved from other facilities around the country...because it is so secure behind these fences. I would say that we move people to other facilities for logistics, based on what country they're being repatriated from, where their flights are going, what we need to do to build deficiencies, and we will continue to do that as we need to in order to deport them out of the country and take them back home." Last month, a federal judge ordered that the Trump administration dismantle a state-run immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz." DHS began moving detainees out of the facility last week. Regarding "Alligator Alcatraz," Noem said Wednesday the White House will continue to appeal the judge's orders, because she believes the judge "made the wrong decision." Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Khanna, Massie and Greene hold news conference on Jeffrey Epstein files Dream: Building AI Cyber Defense for Nations SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Angelo State Universitys Office of the Laura W. Bush Institute for Womens Health is set to host its 2025 Dia de la Mujer event soon, offering opportunities for Spanish-speaking and bilingual women to learn about local healthcare services. According to ASU, the event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, in the C.J. Davidson Conference Center of the Houston Harte University Center, located at 1910 Rosemont Drive. The event is free and open to the general public. Dia de la Mujer highlights opportunities for Spanish-speaking and bilingual women to learn about Concho Valley healthcare services, as per the university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is designed to provide information on local and regional health and healthcare resources, as well as healthy living and lifestyle education, in a fun atmosphere with no language barriers, ASU said. ASU hosts Polish artist with contemporary Metaphorical Portraits The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Among the topics set to be discussed are: Access to healthcare Heart health Breast health Womens preventative care ASU stated that other scheduled activities include a keynote address by Dr. Estela Rodriguez, a new internal medicine physician at Shannon Hospital. Before joining the Shannon team, Rodriguez practiced in Conroe, where she spent four years providing compassionate, comprehensive care to her patients. Rodriguez has a strong clinical interest in preventive medicine and in managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event will also feature a presentation by an expert medical panel, including: Dr. Alejandra Ayestaran, pediatrician Dr. Carolina Ojeda, hospitalist Dr. Elizabeth Ortiz Gonzalez, clinical psychologist Dr. Lorena Perez-Povis, infectious disease specialist Dr. Annelise Arze, psychiatrist Since its inception in 2010, the ASU Office of the LWBIWH has promoted womens health in the Concho Valley through scientific investigation, translation of science into practice, and providing outreach and services that impact the community. More details are available at angelo.edu/laura-bush. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DICKSON, Tenn. (WKRN) Dickson police are searching for a person caught on video dumping a dog near a strangers front door. The dog was in desperate need of care when it was found. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts A woman in a white Jeep is seen on home security cameras parking outside and dumping a dog on a front lawn. The homeowners found the dog and called the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was completely matted, Dickson County Humane Society Assistant Director Kaylee Morton said. He was having problems using the bathroom. It was getting stuck in his fur. As of July 1, its a misdemeanor to abandon an animal in Tennessee. While investigators figure out who the woman is, the shelter is taking care of the older Shih Tzu, whom they named Gerald. Dickson County Humane Society staff members said its obvious Gerald was a pet. Were waiting on labs to come back to see whats going on with him, Morton said. He has a skin infection. Were treating him with antibiotics, and hes getting routine baths. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Itll be about three weeks before Gerald can be fostered or adopted, according to Dickson County Humane Society staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, the shelter said theyre dealing with overcrowding and can use volunteers. They also need monetary donations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. SEDALIA, Mo. If you are missing an item during your visit to the Missouri State Fair, theres a chance it might have been recovered. According to a Facebook post from the Missouri State Fair, multiple items were entered into the Lost & Found. In addition to what is posted in the photo, there are also IDs and credit cards that were found, said the Facebook post. People wanting to claim these items will be required to bring identification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To claim your belongings, drop by the Sedalia Administration Office, which is open from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Editors note: This article contains a description of rape and sexual assault. A 17-year-old girl from Haiti living in Massachusetts took the witness stand on Thursday against the man authorities charged with raping her last year at a state shelter for unhoused families. He did something bad to me, the girl said in the trial of the Haitian man, Cory Alvarez, who faces a single count of aggravated rape of a child with a 10-year age difference in Plymouth County Superior Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident happened on March 13, 2024, at the Comfort Inn in Rockland, a hotel that state officials used at the time for the family shelter program. Officials say Alvarez was 26 at the time. The girl was 15 at the time, and she spoke in Haitian Creole and through a court-appointed translator on Thursday, the first day of testimony. She often struggled to remember specifics when asked by a Plymouth County prosecutor, although she at least twice accused Alvarez of rape. The girl testified that she left her room that day, and when she saw Alvarez in the hotel, he called her to his room on the second floor and she followed him inside. She said they both spoke Haitian Creole and that she had first seen him in the hotel the previous day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What he did is the rape, she said. He had me remove my clothes at the time. He did something bad to me with his body. Alvarezs attorney, Brian Kelley, objected to the use of the word rape, and Judge Daniel J. OShea told jurors that the word is a legal term and that he will give them instructions about what constitutes that at a later time. He allowed the girl to use the term throughout her testimony. When Shanan Buckingham, the prosecutor, asked what exactly Alvarez did with his body, the girl responded, I dont remember, I forget. I do not remember what. In another line of questioning, Buckingham asked specifically what part of his body touched her, and the girl said, The top of his body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl pointed to her chest when asked where she was touched. When asked if she was touched anywhere else, she responded, No. When his body touched your body, what did it feel like? Buckingham asked. I felt that his body was on my body, close to my body, the girl responded. The questions by Buckingham at times resulted in seemingly conflicting statements, as the girl said at another point that she remained clothed during the interaction. Did [your clothes] move at all? Buckingham asked. The girl replied, No. The girl said she left the room because of what he did to me ... What he did is the rape. What happened at the hotel? During opening statements before the girls testimony, Buckingham told jurors that the girl and Alvarez were in his room for about 8 minutes that day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl arrived in Miami to live with her father in February 2024, and a month later, they moved to Massachusetts to live in the Rockland shelter, according to Buckingham. Surveillance video inside the hotel captured the girl walking down the hallway into the mans room, Buckingham said, and added that she expected the girl to testify that he pulled her pants and underwear down before raping her. After the incident, the girl went back into her hotel room. When her father returned, she had a conversation on the phone with a family member, which prompted him to ask what was wrong and what had happened. She told her father what happened and he then went to Alvarezs room to confront him, but he wasnt in his room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rockland police were called and arrived around 7 p.m. They collected the clothes she wore that day and brought her to a hospital. On the way to the ambulance, Buckingham said the girl saw Alvarez on the first floor and pointed him out to the police, but during the girls testimony, she said she did not see him as she left the hotel. At the hospital, the girl underwent a sexual assault nurse examination, Buckingham said. Defense attorney Kelley told jurors that he agreed that the girl and Alvarez lived in the same hotel, but that everything else the prosecution laid out had to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Kelley said when the girl left Alvarezs room, Theres not a stitch of her clothing out of place, and that she walked past two National Guard members inside the hotel without saying anything. The National Guard provided security at these types of family shelters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also noted that there was a five-hour delay between the incident and when police were contacted. He said authorities did not recover any evidence of a sex act in the bedroom, and that the prosecution will rely on DNA evidence collected. At the hospital, nurses did not find any signs of trauma, redness, bruising, abrasion or any marks, according to Kelley. And you will have lots of questions, I suspect of this witness, her father, their motivations potentially, Kelley said. Kelley filed for a motion for a required finding of not guilty after the girl left the witness stand, claiming that the girls testimony was insufficient. He argued that she should not have been allowed to use the word rape, since it is a legal term and the girl was not asked about her understanding of the word. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nurse who performed the sexual assault examination at the hospital took the witness stand in a hearing without the jurors in the room, and after she explained the tests involved, the judge denied Kelleys motion. Whats next? The trial will continue on Friday, and Kelley did not say whether he plans to cross-examine the girl. Attorneys indicated they expect the case to conclude on Wednesday next week. Alvarez has been held on a $150,000 bail after a judge raised it from $500 last fall in an attempt to keep him in the country to stand trial. Immigration authorities arrested Alvarez after he initially posted a lower bail last year, but they returned him to state custody as part of an agreement with Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruzs Office. Hes been in custody ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alvarez entered the country legally and had undergone two background checks, Kelley previously said in court, citing Gov. Maura Healeys office. It is not clear how long Alvarez had been living at the hotel and Kelley said he spent time in New York City before arriving in Massachusetts. Alvarez was in the United States as part of the Biden administrations Humanitarian Parole Program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans Program, the district attorneys office previously said. On Aug. 13, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Boston Field Office took Alvarez into custody and hes been held in an ICE unit within the Plymouth County House of Corrections since. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Sean "Diddy" Combs has hit back at the feds over their definition of prostitution, demanding an acquittal or a retrial amid his ongoing legal troubles. The hip-hop mogul was found guilty of violating the Mann Act, which is a federal law passed in 1910 that seeks to prevent the transportation of any woman or girl into the United States or any state or territory for the purpose of engaging in prostitution or other immoral acts. However, Sean "Diddy" Combs argues that the feds are using the current definition of "prostitution" and should have gone with what it meant when it was passed 115 years ago. Why Diddy Is Demanding An Acquittal Or Retrial MEGA Diddy is looking to secure an acquittal or a retrial following his guilty verdict on two counts of prostitution-related charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bad Boy Records founder was arrested about a year ago and faced trial for charges related to sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He was acquitted on the more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges but was handed a two-count conviction on the Mann Act. According to TMZ, his lawyers have submitted a new legal document arguing that the prosecution is using the wrong definition of "prostitution" in his criminal case and are demanding that Judge Arun Subramanian either acquit the music mogul or grant him a new trial. The Mann Act, also known as the White-Slave Traffic Act, is a federal law passed in 1910 that makes it a federal offense to transport or cause to be transported in interstate or foreign commerce any woman or girl for the purpose of prostitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diddy's lawyers argue that the court should be using the 1910 definition of the word and not the 2025 definition. They noted that in 1910, "a prostitute was a woman who had sex outside marriage," against the prosecution's position, which suggests that prostitution is sex for hire. The Rapper Says Feds Didn't Prove He Paid Male Escorts Khrome / MEGA Elsewhere in the legal document, the 55-year-old argued that the feds didn't really prove that he paid male escorts to have sex with his girlfriends, saying they were paid for their time. He maintains that he only gains sexual pleasure from watching others when they're naked or engaged in sexual activity, which, according to him, is allowed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diddy was accused of hosting drug-fuelled sex orgies known as "freak-offs," where he allegedly used violence and coercion to force his girlfriends to participate in sexual acts with male escorts. In their opening statement during his trial, prosecutors shared a horrific claim of Cassie "feeling like she was choking when Diddy made an escort urinate in her mouth" during a "Freak Off," per the Daily Mail. They also mentioned that she often overdosed during the sex romp and that the "I'm Coming Home" rapper usually subjects her to physical abuse, as an infamous video showed him slapping, hitting, and kicking her at an L.A. hotel. Diddy Was Denied Bail Despite His Mixed Verdict MEGA Diddy remains locked up behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn ahead of his sentencing on October 3rd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His lawyers requested a $50 million bail bond secured by his Miami mansion, noting that his travel would be limited to the Southern District of Florida, the Southern District of New York for an attorney's meeting, and the airport he would use to travel between the two. "Sean Combs should not be in jail for this conduct," the lawyers emphasized. "In fact, he may be the only person currently in a United States jail for being any sort of john, and certainly the only person in jail for hiring adult male escorts for him and his girlfriend, when he did not even have sex with the escort himself." However, his request was denied as Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that he remains a flight risk, adding that Diddy's propensity for violence was a contributing factor in his decision to keep the rapper locked up. Donald Trump Feels Pardoning The Rapper Would Be 'Difficult' Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA President Trump was reportedly considering a presidential pardon for Diddy amid his legal troubles. However, the move now appears to have been squashed as Trump cited Diddy's past comments about him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The billionaire politician said he considers Diddy "sort of half-innocent" but called pardoning him "more difficult" because of past criticism, per The Guardian. "He was essentially, I guess, sort of half-innocent," the President told Newsmax host Rob Finnerty. "He was celebrating a victory, but I guess it wasn't as good a victory." What Diddy Said About Trump W8Media / MEGA Diddy had notably told the Daily Beast in 2017 that he did not "really give a f-ck about Trump," and in 2020, when his reelection efforts ended in a defeat to President Joe Biden, Diddy told radio host Charlamagne tha God that "white men like Trump need to be banished." "The number one priority is to get Trump out of office," the rapper said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, in his interview with Newsmax, alluded to Diddy's past comments. "When I ran for office, he was very hostile," Trump said of the "Bad Boy For Life" rapper. "It's hard, you know? We're human beings." In the meantime, some lawyers for the rapper have noted that they've been in touch with the president regarding a potential pardon. However, Diddy's top lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, distanced himself from the reports about being in talks with Trump about a possible pardon. He didnt count for Barrow County: Sheriff talks about next steps 1 year after mass shooting On the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Channel 2 Action News sat down with the countys sheriff as his community continues to move on from the tragedy. Unfortunately, this is our September 11th. This is our 9-11 here, our September 4th, Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said. Sept. 4 is a day Smith cant forget, remembering how he sat in his office when he got the call of a mass shooting at Apalachee High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your heart drops. Its a very, Is this a drill? Is this fake? Smith told Channel 2s Michael Doudna. Smith remembers rushing to Apalachee High School and going inside. I see the suspect, I see a lot of yelling, a lot of smells, Smith said. And then, after, having to confirm to the world the tragedy inside about the lives lost. Pure evil did what happened today, thats all I can tell you, Smith said at the time. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It brings you back to a place where youre asking for Gods grace to give you words to speak, Smith said, looking back on that day. In the wake of the shooting, a community grieved while working to improve. The school district invested in new safety measures, such as hiring more SROs, while the sheriffs office committed to more active shooter training at schools. Every principal has reached out to us and said, I want to be on the list next. We are very proud of what weve done to put in place to ensure that our children are safe, Smith said. Smith told Doudna that the work is far from done, as they owe it to the community to learn from what happened on that day one year ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to make sure that when our kids are dropped off at school, and our staff come in here and work every day to teach those children, that they dont have to worry that something bad is going to happen, Smith said. Smith believes the community has grown closer, stronger and safer. I said love will prevail, and it has continued to prevail, and it will. He didnt count for Barrow County. He didnt count on that, Smith said. The two deputies who stopped the shooting were honored this year at the National Association of School Resource Officers conference in Texas with the National Award of Valor, preventing more deaths and injuries. UPDATE (Sept. 4, 9:40 a.m.): Mobile Police Department officials have provided more information about a Wednesday afternoon officer-involved shooting. Bay Minette attorney accused of attacking councilman has history of erratic behavior According to officials, 49-year-old Woodrow Meservey was identified as the subject. Police said he died at the hospital from his life-threatening injuries. Officials said when they arrived on the scene, Meservey fired shots at officers, which is when officers fired back and injured him. This is not the outcome anyone would hope for. We utilized many available resources, including our partners at AltaPointe Health and our Crisis Intervention Team on scene, but were unsuccessful bringing the situation to a peaceful resolution, said Chief William Jackson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After more than two hours and the subject exiting the home and firing at my officers, they were left with no choice but to engage him. Officials stated that this is an ongoing investigation. UPDATE (8:54 p.m.): WKRG News 5 has learned more information about the police standoff after speaking with the next-door neighbor, who claims she called 911. Moments before Linda Cazalas called the police, she heard her neighbor call out her name and told her, to call the police and that he was going to kill them all. Cazalas told us that this isnt the first time her neighbor has said similar things. I heard him shoot his pistol, shoot one round into the air, Cazalas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats when Cazalas called 911. When officers arrived, they tried pleading with the man for about two and a half hours. Come out with your hands up. We want to end this peacefully, Cazalas recounted what officers were saying. They were doing everything that they could, she continued. Then, she said the man went out on the back porch and shot at officers. I think it was three that I heard from his pistol. And then probably 30 or so from, you know, the return fire, Cazalas said. I kind of knew at that point that he was That they took him down, she continued. Police Chief William Jackson says the man was shot and transported to a hospital for treatment. His injuries are life-threatening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things like this are completely unfortunate. We dont know what sparked this at this point. We dont know what initiated the call or why, said Jackson. I didnt think it would escalate to this, Cazalas said. Chlamydia cases on the rise in Mobile County, health officials warn PREVIOUS REPORTING: UPDATE (4:15 p.m.): Mobile Police Chief William Jackson provided more information about the incident that happened on Bayfront Road. According to the chief, they were called to the 4000 block of Bayfront Road, where they found a man being disorderly. Officials said the suspect, a white man who appeared to be in his 30s, fired a shot once officers arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers then fired back, injuring the suspect. Chief Jackson said the man was alive when the ambulance left the scene. It is believed he has life-threatening injuries. Chief Jackson said no officers were injured during the shooting. UPDATE (3:15 p.m.): Mobile Police Department officials have confirmed that more shots were fired during the stand-off. UPDATE (3 p.m.): Mobile Police Department officials have confirmed that shots were fired. They said they are trying to get a man out of a home and have a drone in the air. A neighbor called the police about the incident. PREVIOUS REPORTING MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) Mobile Police Department officers are in the area of McNally Park, where officials said they are dealing with a disorderly subject. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 5 has a crew on the scene and is working to gather 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 WKRG News 5. Laurent Freixe had been with Nestle for 40 years including just one as chief executive The ousted boss of Nestle promoted a junior colleague he had an affair with, it has been claimed. Laurent Freixe, who was abruptly sacked as the Swiss food giants chief executive on Monday, allegedly promoted a marketing employee to run a regional division in 2023, reporting directly to him, according to the Swiss newspaper Blick. It subsequently emerged that Mr Freixe was having an affair with the woman, though it is not clear whether the relationship was taking place at this time. Mr Freixe is said to have met the employee in question in 2022 when she began working at the companys headquarters. She had reportedly spent 20 years working at the firm in marketing roles before arriving at the head office. At the time of their meeting, Mr Freixe was working as executive vice president. He was promoted to run the entire company in September 2024. Mr Freixe, a nearly 40-year veteran of the KitKat maker, was sacked on Monday after an investigation by an external law firm uncovered his affair. The investigation is said to have been initiated after staff complained about alleged favouritism through internal whistleblowing channels. Mr Freixe is married to Agata Balcerowska, an account director at Publicis, according to reports. Blick reported that the pair met while his wife was working at Nestle. Speaking at a Barclays conference on Wednesday, Anna Manz, Nestles chief financial officer, said the company had received complaints of improper favouritism by Mr Freixe as well as allegations of an undeclared relationship. After an initial internal investigation, Mr Freixe made a personal statement stating that there had been no such thing, she said. The Parisian businessman has not commented publicly on his departure from Nestle. Mr Freixe will not receive an exit package. 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, Paul Bulcke, the companys chairman, said on Monday. It follows similar incidents at BP and McDonalds in recent years. In 2023, BP boss Bernard Looney resigned after admitting he had not been transparent about personal relationships with colleagues at the oil giant. He was stripped of a severance package reportedly worth up to 32.4m. Steve Easterbrook, McDonalds former chief executive, was sacked in 2019 over a consensual relationship with a staff member. McDonalds later sued him to claw back his multimillion-pound severance package, alleging he lied about relationships with staff. He returned the money to the company. NEED TO KNOW Steven Cook, 20, of England, vanished on his first night in the resort town of Malia in Crete, Greece He was traveling to the coastal town with friends It was his first trip without his parents, say police Steven Cook vanished on the Greek island of Crete during his first trip abroad without his parents in 2005. Now, 20 years later, police have arrested a suspect in connection with the death of the 20-year-old University of Liverpool student from the town of Sandbach, the BBC reports. Cooks brother, Chris Cook, 50, told the BBC that his family learned of the arrest shortly after Sept. 1, the 20th anniversary of Stevens death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and his family arent sure what to expect now that someone has finally been taken into custody. "There might be a legal sense of justice, as in somebody is found innocent or guilty, Chris told the BBC. But I don't think anything can pay back and compensate for everything that's happened to us as a family and what we've been through over the past 20 years." In 2005, Steven traveled to the lively resort town of Malia in Crete with his friends, according to the Liverpool Echo. On his first night on vacation, he and his friends went bar hopping, according to the BBC. He was last seen leaving a bar alone and asking for directions back to his hotel, police said, according toThe Guardian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, workers found his skeletal remains while cleaning the bottom of a well in Malia, The Guardian reported. They also found a disposable camera and a belt in the well. It is unclear whether those items are believed to be connected to Steven's death. Cheshire Police said it was aware of "developments" in Stevens case, including that a murder charge had been filed, the BBC reports. 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. A judge in Greece has forwarded the case to the Heraklion Jury Trial court, where a hearing is scheduled to take place on Oct. 21, according to the BBC. The Cheshire Constabulary and police in Crete did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for comment. Read the original article on People LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) A suspect has been identified in a 1994 home invasion and sexual assault thanks to DNA evidence, the Meridian Township Police Department announced Thursday. The evidence connected cases from California to Ohio. Police identified the suspect as Sean Patrick McNulty, born June 5, 1959. Investigators say DNA collected in the 1994 Meridian Township case was entered into the Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, and in 2005 matched evidence from cases in Birmingham, Michigan and Columbus, Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, further matches were found in cases from the 1980s in Ventura, California, according to police. Detectives credited advances in forensic technology and help from the FBIs Violent Criminal Apprehension Program and the Columbus Police Department Crime Lab. McNulty is originally from Ventura and served in the U.S. military. He died by suicide in 1997 after he was charged in a Bloomington, Indiana, home invasion and sexual assault, police said. McNulty was never arrested or charged in the Meridian Township case. Police said they hope the identification helps bring some form of closure to the victims and their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police are asking anyone with information about McNultys crimes to contact Sgt. Brian Canen by phone at 517-853-4800 or email at canen@meridian.mi.us. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. The Ottumwa Generating Station from Power Plant Road on July 22, 2025. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) The Iowa Department of Natural Resources amendments to an Ottumwa coal plants water discharge permit have stirred controversy among environmental groups in Iowa, who allege the permit allows the station to avoid federal regulations on leachate discharges. Despite DNR promises that the Ottumwa Generating Station does not discharge leachate, water that has interacted with the waste products associated with burning coal, the discharge of leachate occupied most of the conversation at the Wednesday public hearing for the permit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wendy Hieb, DNRs coordinator for industrial wastewater permitting, said at the hearing that the amendment adjusted discharge limits at a wastewater outfall that was new when the Ottumwa Generating Stations National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, NPDES, permit was last renewed. Hieb said the amendment makes use of data collected from the new outfall over the past year as it has been in use. I want to be very clear what it does not do: Landfill leachate is not discharged via this NPDES permit, nor are we proposing to do so, Hieb said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, environmental groups including the Iowa Environmental Council, Sierra Club and Environmental Law & Policy Center submitted comments on DNRs draft permit amendment, alleging the permit unlawfully avoided federal guidelines for leachate discharges. DNR staff and an Alliant Energy spokesperson said at the time that the permit draft incorrectly included mention of leachate discharge. Hieb reiterated that DNR made a mistake in including mention of leachate in the draft permit for the Ottumwa Generating Station, which is owned by Interstate Power and Light Company, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy. A spokesperson for Alliant Energy said at the time that the Ottumwa Generating Station does not produce leachate and the plant is not allowed to discharge leachate from any landfill under its permit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leachate, which collects between the bottom of a coal ash landfill and the lining of the landfill, is pumped out. According to DNR, IPL, which also operates the nearby Ottumwa Midland Landfill to process the coal ash generated from the station, now transports its leachate from the landfill to either be used and evaporated at the generating station, or to be treated at the Ottumwa Water Pollution Control Facility. Hieb said this change was made to come into compliance with the latest effluent limitation guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. She said these guidelines also change with almost every administration, making it no small effort to keep up and ensure permits are current. Per the same guidelines, Hieb said the landfill has to cease discharging to the municipal water treatment facility by 2027. Raihan Rashidi with the Iowa Environmental Council said in public comments that the permit cannot delay action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Communities and surrounding ecosystems deserve protection, Rashidi said. Michael Schmidt, general counsel for the Iowa Environmental Council, also spoke in public comments and said the federal regulations require action as soon as possible to ensure coal burning facilities are compliant. These discharges of heavy metals should be a concern to everyone in the area, and we encourage DNR to impose compliance requirements rather than avoiding the issue, Schmidt said. Leachate and groundwater The public hearing was requested by the environmental groups in their comments on the permit. Since then, more written comments have been sent to DNR about the permit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hieb said most of the submitted public comments on the permit have not been germane to the limit guidelines but have been about leachate and underdrain water, another type of water that can become polluted in a coal-ash landfill system. Underdrain water, or the water that seeps past the coal-ash landfill and is pumped out of the ground, was the subject of a notice of intent to sue from environmental groups to Interstate Power and Light. The notice alleged IPL was discharging this water, without the proper permit, into a wetland that flowed into the Des Moines River. Hieb said IPL is working to secure a different type permit system to address the underdrain, which she said cannot be covered by Iowas stormwater permits. Brian Rath, an environmental engineer senior who leads the solid waste and contaminated site section for DNR, further explained that the department has a process to determine if the underdrain water has been impacted by the coal residue, by comparing it to groundwater at an upgradient, opposite to the flow of groundwater, site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the underdrain has higher levels of heavy metals, like arsenic and boron, than what is measured in groundwater at the upgradient site, then that water must be collected and treated the same as leachate. But, Rath said when the groundwater underdrain at the landfill is compared to up-system groundwater levels, they have not shown that they are impacted by the landfill. Instead, they are exhibiting similar characteristics to that upgradient groundwater, Rath said. Therefore, there is no discharge of unmanaged leachate coming from the Ottumwa Midland landfill, through the groundwater, underdrain system, or otherwise. In addition to interested environmental groups, members of the public, some Ottumwa residents, attended the virtual hearing and voiced concerns about living downstream of the plant and the impacts it might have on their health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Ottumwa resident said were just really getting tired of corporations not being held accountable. Josh Mandelbaum, an attorney with the Environmental Law & Policy Center, also called for greater transparency from the plant, per the EPAs effluent guidelines, often referred to as ELG rules. This permit fails to meet the transparency requirements of the ELG rule, Mandelbaum said. The public deserves to know whats in our water and what is being done to address this pollution. Terry Langan, the co-president of the Nishnabotna Water Defenders Board, said the DNR needed to uphold the public trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stop allowing these industries to export their externalities to downstream, Langan said at the hearing. DNRs responses to public comment and questions asked Wednesday will appear on the departments website once filed. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Heres what youll learn when you read this article: In 1757, a document signed J. Shakespeare was found in the Shakespeare family home, long attributed to Williams father, John. A study reveals the document was likely written by Williams sister, Joan, and inspired by an obscure 17 th century Italian religious text. Joans hidden writings shed light on her secret Catholic beliefs and add a new dimension to the Shakespeare familys mysterious legacy. This story is a collaboration with Popular Mechanics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the annals of William Shakespeares legacy, a twist has emerged thats practically as dramatic as any of the Bards plays: the real Shakespeare behind a centuries-old family document has been revealed and its not the man we expected. In 1757, a bricklayer found a religious document hidden in the rafters of the Shakespeare House in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Historians have long attributed the document, which was signed, J. Shakespeare, to Williams father, John. But a study in Shakespeare Quarterly, from scholars at the University of Bristol, claims John wasnt actually the writer of the scrutinized document. Instead, the researchers say it was Williams relatively unknown younger sister, Joan Shakespeare Hart, who is mentioned by name in only seven surviving documents from her lifetime. Virginia Woolf wrote a famous essay, Shakespeares sister, about how a figure like her could never hope to be a writer or have her writing preserved, so she has become something of a symbol for all the lost voices of early modern women, study author Matthew Steggle said in a statement. There are hundreds of thousands of works surviving from her brother, and until now, none at all, of any description, from her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the tucked-away document, which heavily cites an obscure 17th century Italian religious tract called The Last Will and Testament of the Soul, the writer pledges to die a good Catholic death. If the writer was indeed John Shakespeare, who remained a devout Protestant until his death in 1601, it would have indicated a major shift in his beliefs and suggested a clandestine life during an era when secret allegiance to the Catholic Church in Elizabethan England could have been dangerous. For this reason, many experts have suspected the document to be forged. But in the recent study, Steggle used internet archives to track down early editions of The Last Will and Testament of the Soul in Italian and six other languages. He concluded the document could have only been written after John Shakespeares death. That left Steggle with just one other J. Shakespeare: Joan. Joan, who was five years younger than William, survived for 30 years after her brothers death, and long resided in the family home where the document was found. Even 30 years ago, a researcher approaching a problem like this would have been based in a single big research library, using printed catalogues and even card catalogues to try to find copies of this text, Steggle said in the statement. But research libraries have now made many of their resources available digitally, so that it is possible to look across many different libraries in different countries at once, and whats more, you can look through the whole text, not just at the title and other details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steggle emphasized the importance of this approach in aligning the documents quotes with the original timing of the composition of The Last Will and Testament of the Soul. Joan, who outlived her tradesman husband and had four children in the old Shakespeare family house, had to have been the secret Catholic supporter. The mystery flourished for centuries, in part, because William Shakespeare himself was a secretive figure, as Biography previously noted. Shakespeare, who lived from 1564 to 1616, left behind no letters, no handwritten manuscripts, few contemporary accounts, and only six signatures, all spelled differently. It seems almost unbelievable to scholars and critics that the country boy from Stratford-upon-Avon who never attended university wrote 37,000 words for his plays and added roughly 300 words to the English vocabulary. Getty Images Yet, the scarcity of Shakespeares personal artifacts does little to dim the luster of his legacy, which stands in stark contrast to his modest and mysterious origins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The early years of Shakespeares life are murky. He was born to a father, John, who managed a portfolio as a landowner, moneylender, local official, and glover and leather craftsman. Instead of pursuing higher education, Shakespeares knowledge was gleaned from life experiences, absorbing wisdom from his dads civic engagements and perhaps gaining insights from his son-in-law, who was a doctor. The idea that Shakespeare kept his London-based professional life separate from his personal life in Stratford-upon-Avon plays into the recent findings regarding his sister, Joan. As Biography once mentioned, This secretive attitude may have been because much of his family were known Catholic sympathizers and chose to live quietly in Protestant Elizabethan England. In fact, some believe Shakespeare himself received Catholic communion on his death bed. Getty Images Shakespeare wasnt known to be loud and boisterous; instead, he carried an air of mystery, relishing the relative anonymity provided by Stratford life. Following his marriage to Anne Hathaway and the birth of their children, theres a seven-year gap in his historical record. These are known as the lost years. Speculation about William Shakespeares lost years varies widely. Some suggest he may have been in hiding due to accusations of poaching, while more substantiated theories propose he was making a living as an actor and playwright in London. But despite this period of obscurity, Shakespeares reputation flourished through his poetry, sonnets, and plays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a prominent member of the Lord Chamberlains Men, a renowned London acting company, Shakespeare invested in his craft, and his financial success allowed him to buy New Place, one of the largest houses in Stratford-upon-Avon. But Shakespeares theatrical endeavors didnt stop there. In collaboration with fellow actors, he started the iconic Globe Theater, which became synonymous with his celebrated playwriting and solidified his legacy. As Shakespeare grew his name in Londons theaters, he simultaneously established himself as a prominent figure in his hometown of Stratford. Acquiring the family estate in 1601 and subsequently purchasing 107 acres the following year, he strategically invested in additional properties. Experts suggest that the income from leasing these lands gave him the financial stability to pursue his writing. Meanwhile, Joan resided in the Shakespeare family home amidst speculation and secrets. And its rafters served as a vault for her Italian-inspired religious writingsa hidden gem thats still sparking scholarly intrigue, and revealing new layers to the Shakespeare legacy today. You Might Also Like (NewsNation) Florida announced this week its intention to scrap all childhood vaccine requirements, a move many have branded as the first in the nation. But was it? In April, Idaho lawmakers passed the so-called medical freedom bill, banning medical intervention including vaccines, medication or procedures as a prerequisite for schools and other facilities. The law took effect in July, effectively preventing students and business customers from being turned away because they havent received vaccines or been treated in any way to alter the health or biological function of a person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vaccine alliance emerges as Florida vows to scrap all mandates According to the legislation, the policy is subject to preexisting school requirements like turning away contagious students and a spokesperson for the governor told the Idaho Statesman in April that day cares would still be able to require vaccines under the new law. But the legislation, along with a separate law strengthening parental rights, could leave the door open for guardians to undermine the states vaccine requirements. That is the beginning of an era of vaccine mandate policy and litigation that Im really concerned about, Richard Hughes, a professor of vaccine law at George Washington University, told Axios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heritage Foundation backs reforms to encourage couples to have kids The Idaho legislation is less sweeping than that in Florida, which explicitly drops all required vaccine mandates for children, including those required for school attendance, such as polio, diphtheria, rubeola, rubella, pertussis, mumps and tetanus. In the 2023-24 school year, Idaho had the highest rate of kindergartners with vaccine exemptions in the nation, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sept. 4 (UPI) -- The Justice Department has returned complete control of the Seattle Police Department over to the city of Seattle, ending 13 years of federal oversight and after tens of millions were invested in local law enforcement reform. The police force was turned over to Seattle on Wednesday, more than a decade after the city and the Justice Department enter a consent decree to address use of police force in Washington State's largest city. "We are proud to stand by the men and women of the Seattle Police Department as federal oversight ends and the court returns full control of local law enforcement to the city," Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department launched an investigation into the use of force by the Seattle Police Department following the 2011 police-involved shooting-death of 50-year-old John Williams. The investigation determined that there was "a pattern or practice of constitutional violations regarding use of force that result from structural problems, as well as serious concerns about biased policing." According to the investigation report, Seattle police officers' use of force was unconstitutional 20% of the time. It also found that they "too quickly" resorted to using batons or flashlights as impact weapons and that 57% of the time the use of the weapons was either unnecessary or excessive. Police officers also escalated situations and used unnecessary or excessive force when arresting individuals for minor offenses, and the trend was more pronounced in encounters with persons with mental illnesses or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the federal government's findings, the city and the Justice Department entered a consent decree in 2012 that would direct the police department's reforms. In March 2023, the Justice Department agreed to end its supervision of the police department following the "significant progress" made by Seattle and its police department. According to the city, it had invested more than $127 million to reform the police department, its operations and management. Statistics from the City of Seattle show that use of force has been dramatically dropped since entering the consent degree. It said during the first five years of implementing its revised use of force policy in 2014, there were about 1,025 incidents annually. During the last five, there was an average reported use of force decrease by nearly 35%, with 670 incidents annually reported where use of force was used. "From tactical changes that have significantly reduce our use of force to building out one of the strongest and most robust accountability system in the country: This is a different police department than it was in 2012, It's a different department than it was in 2020, and I know it will be a different department in the years to come as we strive for continuous improvement," Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said in a prepared statement before the court on Wednesday. Bins full of absentee ballots await Wake County Board of Elections review. (Photo: Lynn Bonner) A proposed settlement of a federal lawsuit over the states voter registration list requires North Carolina to report on its efforts to fill in missing voter information for at least two more years. The settlement filed on Wednesday essentially writes into a court document the steps that the state Board of Elections approved in meetings this summer to collect missing voter identifiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers with the state Attorney Generals office and the US Department of Justice have signed off. President Donald Trumps DOJ sued the state elections board in May over voter registrations that did not include drivers license numbers or partial Social Security numbers. The DOJ lawsuit mirrored claims GOP Appeals Court Judge Jefferson Griffin used in his unsuccessful effort to win a state Supreme Court seat by throwing out more than 60,000 ballots. The Republican National Committee and the state GOP sought to purge about 225,000 registered voters before last years election because of missing identifiers in the electronic voter list. The settlement outlines the steps the state Board approved, asking voters to supply the identifying numbers in a mailing that went out this summer. A second letter will go out by Dec. 15 to voters who didnt respond to the first mailing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The elections board will file multiple reports with the court and the DOJ at least into 2027 that detail its progress collecting those numbers from voters. Voters who have not supplied the information before voting will be given provisional ballots. Provisional ballots include forms asking for a drivers license or partial Social Security number. Voters who indicate on those forms that they dont have either of those numbers but are eligible to vote under state law will still have their votes counted in federal elections, under the settlement. Voters who use provisional ballots because of missing identifiers will not have their registrations cancelled. The Democratic National Committee claimed credit for the provision that would have votes cast by provisional ballot count in federal elections even if theres a mismatch between the voters name and their drivers license or partial Social Security number. The DNC sent state Elections Director Sam Hayes a letter in July warning that discarding those votes would effectively remove registrants from the list of eligible voters for an unauthorized reason. The Justice Department has revealed items taken from the home of John Bolton, President Donald Trumps former national security advisor, during a recent FBI raid, including folders labeled Trump I-IV. Federal agents combed through Boltons home in Bethesda, Maryland, last month in search of classified information. The former advisor has not been charged with a crime. According to court documents made public by the DOJ on Thursday, the FBI was looking for, in part, documents that appear to be classified that relate to Boltons stint at the White House during Trumps first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the search, the agency said it found typed documents in folders labeled Trump I-IV, a white binder labeled Statements and Reflections to Allied Strikes and four boxes containing printed daily activities. The DOJ has revealed items taken from the home of John Bolton, President Donald Trump's former national security advisor, during a recent FBI raid, including folders labeled 'Trump I-IV' (Reuters/Getty) Federal agents combed through Boltons home in Bethesda, Maryland, last month in search of classified information (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Federal agents also seized two iPhones, a hard drive, two USB drives, a Dell Precision Tower computer, a Dell XPS laptop and a Dell Inspiron computer. Boltons lawyer said in a statement published by CNN on Thursday the seized documents are ordinary records of a 40-year career serving this country at the State Department, as an Assistant Attorney General, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and National Security Advisor. The Independent has reached out to Boltons political action committee for comment about the content of the folders labeled Trump I-IV. Federal agents seized two iPhones, a hard drive, two USB drives, a Dell Precision Tower computer, a Dell XPS laptop and a Dell Inspiron computer (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Trump announced he had tapped Bolton for the role of national security advisor in March 2018. But their relationship quickly soured, culminating in a social media post by Trump in September 2019, announcing that Bolton had been fired. The president said he disagreed strongly with many of his suggestions, as did others in the Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolton has since emerged as an outspoken Trump critic, specifically over the presidents approach to Russia. Bolton published a memoir, The Room Where it Happened, in June 2020, which described Trump as uninformed about foreign policy. Boltons lawyer said the seized documents are 'ordinary records' (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) The books publication was initially delayed after the Trump administration filed a lawsuit claiming Bolton breached his contract by failing to complete a pre-publication review for classified information. Bolton mentioned the FBI raid on his home in a recent op-ed published by the Washington Examiner. President Donald Trumps Ukraine policy is no more coherent today than it was last Friday when his administration executed search warrants against my home and office, Bolton wrote. The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit Thursday against the city of Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu and others in its latest challenge to sanctuary policies for undocumented immigrants. The lawsuit alleges the city's policies are an "intentional effort to obstruct" the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Brian Snyder/Reuters - PHOTO: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu responds to a letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding that Boston lift its sanctuary city policies, at a press conference in Boston, Aug. 19, 2025. "The City of Boston and its Mayor have been among the worst sanctuary offenders in America -- they explicitly enforce policies designed to undermine law enforcement and protect illegal aliens from justice," said Attorney General Pam Bondi. "If Boston won't protect its citizens from illegal alien crime, this Department of Justice will." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Boston Police Department and its police commissioner, Michael Cox, are also named as defendants in the lawsuit, filed Thursday in federal court. MORE: DOJ sues New York City over 'sanctuary' immigration policies The complaint focuses on the Boston Trust Act, which was originally enacted in 2014 and allows Boston police to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement "on issues of significant public safety, such as human trafficking, child exploitation, drug and weapons trafficking, and cybercrimes, while refraining from involvement in civil immigration enforcement," the city said. A resolution adopted by the Boston City Council in December 2024 that reaffirmed the Trust Act states the measure's provisions "have been instrumental in fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all residents, ensuring that immigrants can engage with local law enforcement without fear of deportation, thereby enhancing public safety and community trust." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJ's complaint alleges that the act's provisions are "deliberately impeding" federal immigration officers and "impairing federal detention of removable aliens, including dangerous criminals." The complaint cites a letter Wu sent to Bondi last month in which the mayor said that "Boston will never back down from being a beacon of freedom, and a home for everyone." The DOJ lawsuit states: "Her resistance endangers public safety, resulting in a number of criminals being released into Boston who should have been held for immigration removal from the United States." The DOJ argues the act should be declared unlawful under the Constitution's Supremacy Clause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement in response to the lawsuit, Wu said the "unconstitutional attack on our city is not a surprise" and vowed not to back down. Boston is a thriving community, the economic and cultural hub of New England, and the safest major city in the country -- but this administration is intent on attacking our community to advance their own authoritarian agenda," Wu said. "This is our City, and we will vigorously defend our laws and the constitutional rights of cities, which have been repeatedly upheld in courts across the country. We will not yield. MORE: Department of Justice suing Los Angeles over sanctuary city policy The DOJ has filed similar legal challenges against Los Angeles and New York City, among other places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, a federal judge dismissed the DOJ's lawsuit against Illinois, Cook County and Chicago over sanctuary laws. In her Aug. 19 letter to the attorney general, Wu cited that dismissal, writing, "Courts have consistently held, as recently as last month, that local public safety laws like the Boston Trust Act are valid exercises of local authority and fully consistent with federal law." The mayor's letter was in response to an Aug. 13 letter from Bondi, in which the attorney general warned Wu that officials who obstruct federal immigration enforcement could be subject to criminal charges or civil liability. Bondi asked Wu to respond with ways the city will eliminate laws and policies that impede federal immigration enforcement. Bondi said she sent the "sanctuary city letters" to the leaders of 32 cities and states the DOJ said had policies and laws impeding the enforcement of federal immigration laws. WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit challenging Illinois laws that allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition and receive state-funded scholarships. The complaint was filed Tuesday in the Southern District of Illinois. According to the DOJ, the law unconstitutionally discriminates against U.S. citizens from outside Illinois who do not receive the same benefits. Federal officials say the laws conflict with federal statutes that bar states from providing education benefits to undocumented immigrants unless those benefits are also available to all U.S. citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois has an apparent desire to win a race to the bottom as the countrys leading sanctuary state, said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft for the Southern District of Illinois. This policy treats illegal aliens better than U.S. citizens living in other states and incentivizes even more illegal immigration, all on the taxpayers dime. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the Justice Department has brought multiple lawsuits to ensure American students are not treated like second-class citizens saying that Illinois now joins the list of states where they are fighting to resolve issues like these. The challenge follows executive orders signed by President Donald Trump aimed at preventing undocumented immigrants from receiving taxpayer-funded benefits. Supporters of the Illinois laws, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker, argue that students who grew up in the state and graduated from Illinois schools should have the same education access as their peers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rulings on this case could shape how federal law interacts with states higher education policies moving forward. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. The Justice Department filed two lawsuits against Southern California Edison (SCE) alleging the power providers negligence contributed to the deadly Eaton and Fairview fires in the Golden State earlier this year and in 2022, respectively. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement Thursday that the utility company engaged in a troubling pattern of negligence resulting in death, destruction and tens of millions of federal taxpayer dollars spent to clean up the damage. We hope that todays filings are the first step in causing the beginnings of a culture change at Southern California Edison, one that will make it a responsible, conscientious company that helps not harms our community, Essayli said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardworking Californians should not pick up the tab for Edisons negligence, the attorney added. At least 21 people died in the Eaton and Fairview fires, which burned tens of thousands of acres of national forest lands in Southern California and caused widespread property damage. Both fires are believed to have been ignited by damaged power lines and infrastructure, according to the federal lawsuits. SCE didnt immediately respond to The Hills request for comment through its parent company, Edison International. The company has previously acknowledged its own investigations into the causes of the fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The California Public Utilities Commission fined SCE $2.2 million earlier this year over 2022s Fairview Fire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) In recognition of Hunger Action Month in September, Dollar General is highlighting its contributions to addressing food insecurity in the state. Dollar General made this commitment through its partnership with Feeding America, the United States largest hunger-relief organization. Through the first seven months of 2025, more than 950,000 pounds of food were donated to food banks partnered with Feeding America. One such food bank was the Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank. Coffee sold at Dollar General recalled nationwide for potential glass fragments Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With more than 47 million people in the U.S. currently unsure where their next meal will come from, especially in rural communities with a lack of retail options, we are proud to partner with Feeding America and their affiliated partners across the country to help those who may need it most, Denine Torr, Dollar Generals vice president of corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Leveraging our store and distribution center footprint, we are uniquely positioned to support our hometowns by addressing food insecurity and increasing access to nutritious food. Through our continued partnership with Feeding America, were working together to support our neighbors, customers, and communitiesone meal at a time. In July, Dollar General celebrated its 5th year of partnering with Feeding America. Dollar General celebrated the milestone with an additional donation of $1,000,000. Since starting the partnership in 2019, Dollar General has provided more than $5,000,000 and more than 65,000,000 meals through in-kind food donations across the United States. The Company also currently serves nearly 45% of U.S. counties through product donations to Feeding America. According to the news release, approximately 75% of the United States population lives within five miles of a Dollar General store. Due to this, the company claims it feels uniquely positioned to help address food insecurity and provide access to affordable, healthier food options. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former State Sen. Don Huffines is running for Texas Comptroller in 2026, proudly presenting himself as the MAGA candidate in a Republican primary that also features former State Representative/acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock and long-time Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick. Don Huffines: Backed by Prominent MAGA Figures Huffines, a Dallas businessman and longtime conservative activist, has centered his campaign on what he calls DOGE Texas, a pledge to cut waste, fraud, and abuse in state government and return savings to taxpayers through property tax relief. He has touted MAGA endorsements from Sen. Ted Cruz, Ron Paul, Representative Brandon Gill, Matt Gaetz, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk among others while pointing to a campaign haul of more than $15 million. Charlie Kirk said, Don Huffines is the only candidate in this race with the courage and the track record to bring President Trumps brand of leadership to Texas. Im proud to stand by him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huffines told DX: President Trump didnt just change the Republican Party, he created a movement, and I am proud to be part of it. I am the only candidate for Comptroller who has always been an America First fighter and a strong advocate for President Trump in 2016, 2020, and now in 2024 and beyond. President Trump is my political mentor, and I will bring his brand of leadership and sense of urgency to Texas. Thats why his most trusted allies are standing shoulder to shoulder with me. Texans deserve a Comptroller who will stand with Trump, not with the swamp. Huffines points to his support for President Trump, citing personal donations and bundling over $1.5 million dollars in both 2020 and 2024. He was also a sponsor of the Trump-Vance inaugural committee and a Host Committee Sponsor for last Octobers Trump-Vance Dallas fundraiser. Huffines also cites over $100K in donations to the Republican National Committee between 2019 and 2024, claiming neither of his opponents show a history of donating to President Trump or Trump-related PACs. He further argues that neither Craddick nor Hancock ever publicly endorsed Trump. Hancocks campaign countered that he stood with both President Trump and Governor Abbott at the border when the first wall panels went up and praised Trumps business-minded leadership. Craddicks campaign emphasized her tenure running a statewide agency but did not directly address whether she endorsed Trump. Kelly Hancock: Abbott-Backed Acting Comptroller Hancock, who became acting Comptroller on July 1 after serving as chief clerk, enters the race with the backing of Gov. Greg Abbott. A former state senator from North Richland Hills, Hancock emphasizes small-business experience, collaborative leadership, and transparency in overseeing the agency, which recently assumed responsibility for a $1 billion Education Savings Accounts program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Hancocks most scrutinized votes came in 2023, when he supported the impeachment of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a close Trump ally a decision the Huffines campaign has already highlighted. Supporters of Hancock argue it reflects his commitment to accountability, while critics say it could cost him among Trumps base. Hancock campaign did not address Huffines claims that neither of his opponents publicly endorsed, personally donated or helped raise money for the Trump campaign, but in response to questions about his support for President Trump, Hancocks campaign told DX: As Chairman of the Texas Senates Veteran Affairs & Border Security Committee, Kelly not only voted to fund the Texas border wall, he was honored to be at the border when the first panels went up, standing alongside President Trump and Governor Abbott, who strongly endorses Kelly as the best candidate for Texas Comptroller. Kelly is a small business owner who built his company from the ground up and appreciates President Trumps business-minded, wont-blink, never-back-down leadership for our nation, including on immigration enforcement. In fact, as Acting Comptroller, Kelly is launching the new grant program that will help Texas sheriffs coordinate with ICE to secure the border, protect our communities, and fully enforce our immigration laws. Christi Craddick: Established Statewide Leader Craddick, first elected to the Texas Railroad Commission in 2012, launched her bid earlier this year. She points to more than a decade of experience running a major state agency and pledges to improve efficiency and accountability in the Comptrollers Office. Craddick is the daughter of former Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick. Craddick was also asked about her alleged lack of previous public endorsements of President Trump and lack of history of donating to the Trump campaign or Trump-affiliated PACs. Asked to respond, Craddick did not answer those questions directly but told DX: I fully support President Trump and have always continued to support him by championing his conservative policies across the state. As Ive served, Im proud to have had his previous endorsement in my campaign. My track record speaks for itself. Craddick also addressed her past statements from 2016, when she described Trumps proposed border wall as political season rhetoric. She told DX: I can tell you that I have fully supported President Trumps policies since he began his first term. I endorse President Trump today, and I voted for him in each election every time. The race sets up a three-way GOP contest: Huffines, backed by national MAGA figures; Hancock, Abbotts acting Comptroller with legislative and business experience; and Craddick, an established statewide leader. The primary is scheduled for March 2026. A group of judges has slammed the Supreme Courts scant explanations after the justices overturned several high-stakes cases involving the Trump administration. President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked the judiciary, mainly focusing his ire on lower court judges, who have blocked several key policies from taking effect in his second term, including those related to immigration, mass layoffs and, most recently, tariffs. This week, the president asked the nations highest court to appeal the ruling that declared his tariffs policy illegal. And with its conservative majority, the Supreme Court has frequently overturned lower courts decisions in Trumps favor but offered only brief explanations to support those rulings. Ten federal judges, who spoke to NBC News, said the Supreme Court justices could be giving more insight into their decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is inexcusable, one judge said. They dont have our backs. The Supreme Courts terse decision may give off the perception that lower court judges arent diligently digging into the cases or are biased against the president, and the brief rulings also provide little direction for how to proceed, the judges argued. A group of judges criticized a series of brief orders from the Supreme Court, saying they provide little guidance for federal judges and might make lower court judges appear biased against President Donald Trump (Getty) This back-and-forth recently played out in a case concerning Trumps executive order for mass reductions in the federal workforce in February. A San Francisco-based judge issued an order blocking the administration from carrying out the mass layoffs. After an appeals court rejected the administration's bid, Trump took the case to the Supreme Court, which allowed the mass layoffs as the litigation plays out. The decision was made in a brief, unsigned opinion. One judge told NBC that the Supreme Court is undermining the lower courts, making the district and appeals court judges feel thrown under the bus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nations highest court is obligated to explain its rulings especially when they issue so many emergency rulings that align with the Trump administrations arguments, several judges told the network. Judges in the trenches need, and deserve, well-reasoned, bright-line guidance, one told NBC. Too often today, sweeping rulings arrive with breathtaking speed but minimal explanation, stripped of the rigor that full briefing and argument provide. Without explanation behind the decisions, the lower court judges may come off as not being thorough in their work or appear biased against the president -- as Trump himself has suggested. The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court for an emergency appeal 23 times since January. The justices have granted 17 appeals, or 73 percent, according to NBC. The highest court rejected two requests, while the others were either resolved or pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One judge, appointed by President Barack Obama, agreed that the justices should be offering greater explanations for their rulings, but also said lower court judges need to stay in their lane. The president has repeatedly criticized lower court judges who have ruled against his administration (Getty) Certainly, there is a strong sense in the judiciary among the judges ruling on these cases that the court is leaving them out to dry, he told the network. They are partially right to feel the way they feel. However, he added that the whole Trump derangement syndrome is a real issue. As a result, judges are mad at what Trump is doing or the manner he is going about things; they are sometimes forgetting to stay in their lane. Justice Elena Kagan even admitted the Supreme Court should provide more of an explanation when ruling on emergency applications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think as we have done more and more on this emergency docket, there becomes a real responsibility that I think we didnt recognize when we first started down this road, to explain things better, Justice Kagan said at a meeting in July. I think that we should hold ourselves, sort of on both sides, to a standard of explaining why were doing what were doing. She alluded to the Supreme Courts brief order after it allowed the administration to proceed with its Education Department mass firings. Referring to lower judges, Kagan wondered: Whats that court supposed to think? This week, Trump asked the nations highest court to quickly overturn a lower courts ruling that the basis for his sweeping tariffs policy wasnt legal. The administration asked the justices to decide whether to take up the case by September 10 even though the new term doesnt begin until October 6. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has been holding annual meetings for more than two decades, dating back to 1996 when five countries began meeting: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. This gathering was prompted, scholars say, by a vacuum of power in Central Asia following the collapse of the Soviet Union that China was deeply concerned could be filled by the United States. India and Pakistan joined the group in 2017, with Iran and Belarus also joining in 2023 and 2024. Last year, the meeting happened in India, and this years meeting took place on Monday in Tianjin, China. In the wake of Indian-U.S. tensions over tariffs and oil sales to Russia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis first visit to China in 7 years has sparked much discussion. On Wednesday, two days after, China hosted Russias Vladimir Putin and North Koreas Kim Jong Un, standing together with Chinese leader Xi Jinping publicly for the first time at a Victory Day military parade in Tiananmen Square to commemorate the end of World War II. Russian President Vladimir Putin, second right, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gesture as they leave a reception following a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Beijing, China, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. | Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik/Kremlin Pool Photo via the Associated Press The Deseret News reached out to scholars with long experience studying Asian relations for more context on what Indian Prime Minister Modis visit to China, and the subsequent military parade, means. Former U.S. diplomat Brent Christensen The recent meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tianjin, China, represented another opportunity for China to show world leadership, especially among the members of this increasingly influential bloc, wrote former U.S. diplomat, Brent Christensen, who later served as the Deputy Director then the Director of the American Institute in Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also seemed to indicate a growing solidarity among China, Russia and India, he said in an email to Deseret News, noting that Indian PM Modis appearance suggests that he was using the visit to signal Indias resentment at the United States for imposing a 50 percent tariff rate on India for its importing of Russian oil. However, Christensen continued, given Indias longstanding non-aligned status and its broader interest in maintaining a productive bilateral relationship with the United States, Modis attendance at the SCO meeting should not be overinterpreted. After 35 years in the US Foreign Service, Christensen now teaches a political science class at BYU. He said, This SCO meeting was especially important for Putin, given the Russian leaders continued international isolation since the war with Ukraine began. He said that Putin was able to use the SCO platform to strengthen economic and security cooperation with China and also advocate for their shared vision of a new multipolar world order. He was also able reaffirm Russias energy cooperation with India (i.e., oil exports). More worrisome than the SCO meeting was the subsequent meeting in Beijing of Putin, Xi and DPRK leader Kim Jong-un to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Japans surrender in World War II, Christensen said. This is the first public appearance of these three leaders together and implies a new level of cooperation among these three countries. Researcher Celeste Beesley Celeste Beesley is an international relations scholar and political scientist at Brigham Young University with a research focus on the political impacts of economic globalization, Russia and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that what we are seeing is a realignment, she said. And this has been going on for years with the liberal international order that was based on the power structure after World War Two, and had the United States sort of at its center. As the U.S. has declined in relative power, Beesley said, for years weve been talking about the rise of China and the other BRICS countries like Brazil, Russia, and India." So are these recent meetings consequential? The scholar said, it does indicate that some countries are finding an alternative relationship in international relations ... the United States isnt the only game in town Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China has been working on being a viable international alternative for quite some time, she said, likewise discouraging overreaction. I dont think that we need to worry too much about what this specific meeting means. Yes, its not fantastic from the perspective of US global influence. It is a symptom of the realignment of the overall power structure in the world. But that realignment has been going on for at least 20 years. When Beesley was asked whether this reflects a warming relationship between India and China, she said, From the U.S. perspective, we would really like them to balance against each other in Asia. The fact of the matter is, I think that relationship is going to be relatively unstable. India imports a lot from China, but theyre not a huge market for China theyre not able to offer the same kind of economic benefits for the Chinese economy that trade with the West does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While acknowledging that geographic proximity gives India and China some overlapping interests, Beesley said, theyre also going to have some conflicting interests....overall what Russia and India have to offer China, what China has to offer them, is still very much uncertain. Obviously the recent 50% tariffs against India that were levied by the U.S. government incentivize India reaching out to China. She then added, I dont know if that can be a long-term stable constellation, because theyre also going to have conflicting regional and power ambitions in Asia. Researcher Eric Hyer One of the foremost China scholars at BYU, political scientist Eric Hyer, is working to finish his forthcoming book, The International Relations of East Asia: War and Diplomacy from Early Times to the Present. Similar to the other scholars, he called for caution in overinterpreting these recent events. The optics of what we saw in the (media) is more impressive than the meeting that actually took place there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres two things people easily confuse, he said. Although Indian Prime Minister Modi did spend a significant amount of time with Putin and with Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization annual meeting, Hyer said we have to remember that this meeting between Modi, Putin and Xi Jinping was along with more than 15 other heads of state, including leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Iran and even Turkey, which he pointed out is a member of NATO. So its not like this was just the axis of evil colluding against the United States, Hyer said, referring to the over two decades of annual meetings that have happened with the SCO. That meeting has to be kept separate from what happened, which was the big military parade in Beijing to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the surrender of Japan. Its important for people to understand that Modi left and did not stay for the military parade, Hyer said. The new face in town was being Kim Jong Un, from North Korea, putting him together with Xi and Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a way thats more consequential, because those people have kind of become the Axis of Resistance against the United States and the Europeans, Hyer said. This scholar of Asian relations pointed out that India has had a relationship with Russia that goes way back decades and decades. The Soviet Union was Indias number one arms supplier, and after the Soviet Union collapsed, Russia has continued to be a significant arms supplier for the Indians. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, walks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, China, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. | Suo Takekuma via the Associated Press By contrast, he said, the Indians have historically had conflict with China focused on Tibet, since the Dalai Lama, who was exiled from China, lives in India as a sanctuary. The two countries also fought a war in 1962 and had another major conflict five years ago in 2020, he said, high up in the Himalayan border between the countries. So when Modi goes to China, Hyer said, theres already sort of a chill in the room because India and China dont get along well due to this historical baggage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But because of Trumps policies pushing India away, it kind of made an opening for China to make a bid for better relations with India, and India has responded. And so what this meeting represents is a warming relationship between India and China, Hyer said. But I wouldnt say they have good relations. Theyre still cool and chilly, but India has always been a non aligned country. Theyve never, ever been tightly aligned with any country. Both during the Cold War and after the Cold War, Indias pattern, Hyer explains, is to maintain good relations with all the major countries. Chinas military prowess was on full display on Wednesday. At a parade in Beijing, thousands of soldiers marched in perfect formation alongside hypersonic missiles, undersea drones, and airborne tanks. But the parades guest list was somehow more ominous. Chinese President Xi Jinping was joined atop the Gate of Heavenly Peace by North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. It was a show of force from three of the worlds most notorious dictators, all of whom oversee nuclear arsenals. The parade capped off a few days that could reshape international relations. Over the weekend, China hosted a summit of more than 20 leaders from non-Western countries, which largely made news because Xi was photographed laughing and clasping hands with Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The unmistakable message was that their countries were becoming closerand together would provide an alternative to U.S. global leadership. This show of unity had an intended audience of one: Donald Trump. Just seven months into his second term, the president has upended nearly all of Americas most important alliances and inflamed many of its chief foes. Everyoneeven long-standing partners like Canada and Germanyis looking for an alternative. Xi, Modi, and Putin may soon present one, isolating the U.S. even more than Trump has already done himself and creating fragmented alliances that ultimately make the world as a whole less stable and peaceful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ever since Trump first emerged as a political force a decade ago, a debate has raged over his foreign policy goals. Many of his backersand even some of his detractorshave insisted that hes a dove, a genuine departure from the bipartisan establishment that backed using Americas military might for imperialist aims. Trump himself has embraced this mantle, particularly during his 2024 campaign, when he insisted that he alone could swiftly end the wars that had been raging for years in Ukraine and Gaza; in office, he has ended neither but has nevertheless insisted he is deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize, citing a laundry list of half-baked (or nonexistent) accomplishments. Othersagain from across the political spectrumhave argued that Trump is deeply committed to sustaining and exercising Americas military strength. His defenders make the case that this is part of a larger peace project of sorts: that Trump will use American force clinically and ruthlessly to destroy threats and cow adversaries. Critics have argued that his use of the military is enormously reckless. His decision to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities in late June supplied grist for both arguments. It didnt result in the worst-case scenariothe outbreak of a massive regional warthough it could have. But at the same time, it was only a qualified success, setting back Irans nuclear program by months rather than years (contrary to Trumps claim that he obliterated its program). The debate over whether Trump is a hawk or dove largely misses the point, however. Thats not how Trump sees himself or his role in the world. Trump approaches foreign relations, whether they be over armed conflicts or trade, by maximizing chaos and instabilityand then hoping he can somehow claim victory by producing an agreement that ramps down tensions. This is also precisely how Trump approached relationships during his career as a (mostly failed) businessman. Heres how he outlines dealmaking in his bestselling book The Art of the Deal: I never get too attached to one deal or one approach. For starters, I keep a lot of balls in the air, because most deals fall out, no matter how promising they seem at first. This haphazard, loosey-goosey approach in office isnt about flexibilityits just kinda crazy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump thinks that this approach makes him a negotiator with an unparalleled ability to produce dealshence his repeated promise that he could end the war in Ukraine on day one. This helps explain his recent, bizarre obsession with winning the Nobel Peace Prize: He sees it as an award for being the best dealmaker in the world. And we all know how much our insecure president likes to win awards (so much so that he invents them for himself). Alas, Trumps foreign policy approach is failing everywhere. The war in Ukraine is still raging and shows little signs of ebbing, despite Trump literally rolling out a red carpet for Putin in Alaska last month. The situation in Gaza is grimmer than ever: Israeli troops are conducting ground operations in Gaza City, the Israeli government is threatening to annex all of the West Bank, and Trump is clinging to a sociopathic plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip as a massive resort, the revenue from which would be used to resettle its Palestinian residents. Hes no closer to brokering an end to the conflict, and meanwhile risking alliances he has cultivated in the Middle East, particularly with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. His Liberation Day tariffs, meanwhile, have infuriated nearly the entire world and turned even steadfast alliesparticularly those in Europeagainst the United States. And I havent even mentioned Venezuela yet. In early August, Trumps secretary of state, Marco Rubio, announced a $50 million bounty on the head of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and the U.S. has since deployed seven warships to the waters off Venezuela. Then, on Tuesday, Trump announced an airstrike on a boat in international waters that he said was piloted by Tren de Aragua terrorists smuggling drugs to the U.S. Eleven people were killed. On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promised that it was just the beginning of a larger assault on a nation that he deemed a narco-state. President Trump is willing to go on offense in ways that others have not seen, Hegseth said. As for regime change, Thats a presidential decision, and were prepared with every asset that the American military has. By antagonizing friends and foes alike, Trump has isolated the U.S. globally, creating the ideal conditions for Russia, China, and India to join hands in what could be a globally destabilizing alliance. Thats the irony of his quest for a Nobel Peace Prize: The man who wants to rename the Department of Defense the Department of War has rapidly made the world a much more dangerous place. Theres no prize for that, but its clear who will reap the rewards. Donald Trumps critics insist that hes wrecking the transatlantic alliance. On the contrary: hes strengthening it. President Trump is far more interested in the future of Europe than Joe Biden ever was, and his Eurosceptic approach towards the EU is deepening Americas ties with European nation states at the expense of Brussels. Trump has an intense dislike of the European Union but is actually the most transatlanticist president since Ronald Reagan, with a deep-seated concern for Europes future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet President Trump is the target of relentless attacks by the ruling elites in western European capitals. They sneer at his allegedly radical policies policies that are making America safer while decades of open borders and mass migration continue to bring mounting crime and disorder in Europe. Having just returned from a conference in Austria, I was struck by the outright hostility to the Trump presidency and its ideas from many present. At times it bordered on visceral hatred, combined with a delusional refusal to accept the reality that Europe is in a state of serious economic and cultural decline, tearing apart the fabric of many of its own nations. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, his vice-president, were lauded by much of Europes media and political establishment despite doing absolutely nothing to strengthen the security of the West. If anti-American Eurocrats had a deciding say in last years US presidential election, Harris would have won by a landslide. President who places Americas interests first Fortunately, the American people had the good sense to elect a president who places Americas interests first. As I told my hosts in Austria, President Trump won almost 90 per cent of Americas counties, while securing the overall popular vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freedom and democracy are alive and well in America, while many European countries erect political firewalls to keep populist parties on the Right out of power, at the same time as actively suppressing freedom of speech. When it comes to Europe, there is a huge contrast between the weak-kneed and clueless Biden/Harris presidency and the far more robust and assertive Trump administration. Biden and Harris basically only told Europes EU elites what they wanted to hear. They fully backed the European Project, did little to put pressure on European governments on defence spending, kowtowed to Brussels, Paris and Berlin on multiple policy areas, and bad-mouthed Brexit. They said nothing about free-speech issues in Europe, and refused to stand up to attacks on US tech companies by the UK and EU. Their open-borders approach at home chimed well with a willingness by western European leaders to accept massive levels of migration, both legal and illegal. On Ukraine, they were content to allow the war to drag on indefinitely while applying minimal economic pressure on Russia to head to the negotiating table. Donald Trump with Ursula von der Leyen in Davos in 2020. As US president, he has thrown down the gauntlet to Brussels - STEFAN WERMUTH /EPA-EFE/REX In stark contrast, Donald Trump and his administration have taken a fundamentally different approach. The Trump presidency has thrown down the gauntlet to Brussels, challenging the very concept of the European Project, and has taken a sledgehammer to the EUs protectionist walls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is Americas first Eurosceptic president, and openly backs sovereignty and self-determination in Europe. A staunch Brexiteer, he believes that Britains exit from the EU is a game-changer for Europe. Trumps approach towards the EU horrifies and terrifies the Euro elites, but is far more in sync with the direction in which public opinion is moving in many parts of Europe, including France and Germany. There is also a great deal of synergy with strategic thinking in eastern and central Europe, including Poland and Hungary, where there is deep-seated scepticism about Eurofederalism. At the same time, Trump has emerged as the champion of Nato, an alliance of nation states that actually works, unlike the EU. At the highly successful Nato summit in The Hague in June, all alliance members committed to increase overall defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP, a direct result of US pressure. Joe Biden was literally sleepwalking his way through Nato summits. Trump is accelerating through them with the fire and zeal of a Formula 1 driver on a mission to win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as we witnessed with last months White House summit of European leaders hosted by President Trump, there is today a broad recognition in Europe that only American leadership can force Vladimir Putin to end his brutal war of aggression in Ukraine. Trump has threatened Moscow with serious consequences if it refuses to negotiate with Ukraine, and the worlds superpower has the ability to cripple the Russian economy if it is compelled to do so. It is difficult to imagine Kamala Harris possessing the gravitas and stature to convene Europes leaders in either Washington and The Hague to strengthen the unity of the free world. This US administration also does not shy away from intervening directly in European affairs by calling for secure borders, the defence of freedom of speech, and a rejection of mass migration. The Trump presidency is standing up for Europes security, sovereignty and culture, making the defence of Western civilisation a top priority on the world stage. We should all be grateful for this. Ignore the detractors and rock-throwers in the EUs out-of-touch editorial pages. President Trumps tough-love approach is working, and America stands stronger and taller today in Europe than it did just a year ago. Nile Gardiner is Director of The Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at The Heritage Foundation in Washington, DC Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Donald Trump continued his decades-long feud with Rosie ODonnell by threatening to revoke the comedians citizenship once again. The president shared an altered photo of ODonnell on his social media network, Truth Social, on Wednesday. The message included Trumps trademark zany capitalization. As previously mentioned, we are giving serious thought to taking away Rosie ODonnells Citizenship, Trump wrote. Related: Jimmy Kimmel's Joke About Trump And Jeffrey Epstein Leaves His Audience Stunned She is not a Great American and is, in my opinion, incapable of being so! he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To escalate matters further, the presidents Truth Social post was then reposted by the White Houses official account on Instagram Thursday. The White House account watermarked the post. ODonnell, who now resides in Ireland, immediately fired back with two posts on Instagram. The Harriet the Spy actor shared the doctored photo by Trump in her first post, and included some references to the HBO show, Succession. Banishing me again? logan roy would be proud, she said. Im the distraction - EPSTEIN SURVIVORS are the reckoning and your gold lame throne is melting. only rosie odonnell . In a second post, ODonnell shared a selfie and once again invoked the convicted sex trafficker. Related: Livid Stephen Colbert Nails GOP Lawmaker For Absolute 'Bulls**t' Hypocrisy Donnie - stripping my citizenship? cute - the capital is shaking because Epstein survivors are speaking - i volunteer as tribute to remind you how terrified you are, she wrote, signing off with a kissy face emoji. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump first threatened to take away ODonnells citizenship in July, calling her a threat to humanity. Trump and O'Donnell have exchanged barbs for at least two decades. Getty Because of the fact that Rosie ODonnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship, he wrote at the time. She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA! Paul A. Gowder, professor of law at Northwestern Universitys Pritzker School of Law, previously told HuffPost that Trumps citizenship threats are unadulterated dictator behavior and a familiar practice of authoritarians. Related: Dana Carvey Shocks David Spade With Juicy Detail On Heidi Gardners Reported SNL Exit He seems to view it not as an inalienable right but as a status that he can grant and take away at will, a meaningless instrument of his personal public policy, Gowder said. Related... Read the original on HuffPost It was Day 11 of Donna Adelson's trial in the 2014 murder of her ex son-in-law, Dan Markel, and the defense rested its case. Donna announced she would not be testifying on her behalf, meaning the end of her trial is near. The defense called its first witnesses Sept. 2. Jurors heard from several family friends who said she and Harvey were "hysterical" after hearing Markel was murdered. They painted her as a "loving" and "typical Jewish grandmother." Witnesses also said her flight to Vietnam that precipitated her arrest was always meant to be a vacation to get away from the glare of the media spotlight rather than an effort to evade charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donna is accused of helping organize a murder-for-hire that led to two hitmen shooting Markel in the driveway of his home. At the time, he and his ex-wife, Wendi, were in the middle of a custody battle as Wendi attempted to move with their two young sons to Miami. Why she stayed silent: When decision day came, Donna Adelson wasn't ready She is the fifth person to be charged in the infamous murder of Markel, a former law professor at Florida State University. The 75-year-old is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation. The killing has led to the convictions of two hitmen, a middleman between the Adelson family and the hitmen and her son Charlie Adelson, who was convicted in 2023. Here are the Sept. 3 updates from the Adelson trial: Defense rests its case After much discussion, the defense decided it's finished calling witnesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At this point in time, the defense rests," Josh Zelman said. Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett released the jury and said he had matters to discuss with the defense and prosecution. He is going over the instructions that will be presented to the jury for their deliberation. Everett is making changes to the wording of the instructions and seeking each side's approval as he goes. "Mrs. Adelson, do you understand what's being omitted as jury instructions?" Everett asked. "I do," she answered. She then asked to speak with her attorneys. The judge and the two parties spent an hour so far determining what would be presented to the jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Closing arguments are expected to take four hours. Court is slated to begin at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow. Defense discussing whether it has additional witnesses Josh Zelman asked to have the complete 2014 and 2023 calendars admitted as evidence. The 2014 planner has information about Dan Markel's license plate number written in it that the state presented to the jury as evidence last week. The state objected to the whole planner being admitted because the portions it showed were specific, Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman said. Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett said he didn't think entering the entire calendar into evidence was necessary. Donna Adelson will not testify After much back and forth, Donna Adelson finally made her decision: She will not testify on her behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This question has been one hanging over the trial since its inception, and now the mystery has come to an end. "At this time, I don't want to testify," Donna said. She did not follow in her son's footsteps. Charlie Adelson chose to testify in his 2023 trial in the murder of Dan Markel. Without Donna taking the stand, the defense is determining if it rests its case. Donna Adelson still deciding to testify The back and forth between Donna Adelson and her attorneys continues. "Do you understand you have the right to remain silent ..." Judge Stephen Everett said. "I do understand," Donna said. Donna agreed that she had discussed her rights with her attorneys but wanted more time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This decision affects the rest of my life," Donna said. Everett said she isn't in a different position than any other defendant and needs to make a decision. No one else can make this decision, he said. "I was hoping to have some time to speak with my attorneys," Donna said. After a long pause, Josh Zelman asked for two more minutes. Reluctantly, Everett granted them exactly five extra minutes to discuss. Victim advocate testifies Sara Newhouse, a former victim advocate for the Tallahassee Police Department, testified next. She was assigned to Wendi Adelson after Dan Markel was killed. She said she was present when Wendi was interviewed by TPD and when she called her mother to tell her about the murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When Wendi Adelson called her mother, do you recall Donna Adelson's reaction to being told that Dan Markel had been shot?" Josh Zelman asked. "Yes," Newhouse answered. "Did this upset her?" Zelman asked. "She sounded shocked, I guess that'd be the word you'd say," Newhouse answered. "Did it appear this was the first time she was hearing about it?" Zelman asked. "Yes," Newhouse answered. She said she couldn't really hear any of Donna's specific responses but from what Newhouse could tell, she seemed a normal level of upset. Donna Adelson's former counsel testifies Marissel Descalzo, who formerly worked with Donna Adelson on her case, took the stand after the lunch break. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Descalzo entered the room, Adelson waived her right to attorney client privilege to let her former counsel testify. She testified that she had a phone call with Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman before Charlie Adelson's trial ended. "Were you present when Dan Rashbaum told her she may get to the airport in time or make it to the airport and not make it out?" Assistant State Attorney Sarah Kathryn Dugan asked. "I don't believe that was in person," Descalzo said. They told Donna there wasn't a warrant but that didn't mean she couldn't get arrested. She said she didn't know where they were thinking of going, and the vacation wasn't her idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I did not suggest they should take a vacation," Descalzo said. "My client talked to you about a vacation, correct?" Descalzo said yes and that Donna didn't talk to her about fleeing jurisdiction. Even though Vietnam is a non-extradition country it doesn't mean the United States couldn't seek or attempt extradition, she testified. Defense still quiet on if Donna Adelson will be testifying The defense still hasn't definitively said whether Donna Adelson will testify on her behalf. After going back and forth with Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett about not having enough time to decide whether Donna would testify, Everett granted the defense five extra minutes to discuss. Donna Adelson, left, participates in a sidebar asked for by her defense team Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. Donna, her attorneys and the prosecutors went off to a sidebar, and after their return there was no mention of their final decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our legal analyst Tim Jansen, a well-known Tallahassee criminal defense attorney, said he believes that this means Donna will not testify. "They are being cagey about her testifying, admitting their evidence and trying to fill all the holes that Donna would need to expound on," Jansen said. "I believe they will rest and hope there is no rebuttal." Attorneys ask for more time to decide whether Donna Adelson testifies Jackie Fulford said they discussed with their client about whether she should testify, but it wasn't ample time to make a fully informed decision. When we had the break yesterday at 2:45 p.m. you did not discuss with your client?" Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm asking for additional time," Fulford said. Everett said they've had time pre trial and during trial. Your client is in no different position that other defendants Everett said. The judge gave Donna and her attorneys five additional minutes to decide. Court recessing for lunch Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett released the jury for lunch, instructing them to return at 2:15 p.m. with the intent to begin at 2:20 p.m. Any discussion about Donna Adelson testifying needs to occur during lunch, Everett said. Before being released, Josh Zelman complained to the judge about the gallery's reaction to witness' testimonies. "It is a public trial; I cannot clear the court room," he said. But specific individuals can be removed from the trial and subject to contempt of court, he said. Next witness takes the stand Linda Bailey, a family law attorney, was called to testify. She worked as a mediator in Wendi Adelson and Dan Markel's divorce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wendi asked her to create a timesharing plan that would give Wendi 59% of the time with her kids and 49% to Markel. The only advantage to this is to be able to claim children on taxes, Bailey said. It was Bailey's understanding that ultimately Wendi and Markel worked out a timesharing plan among themselves. She said she didn't see anything that indicated Wendi was trying to prevent Markel from seeing their kids. Bailey testified that Markel wanted a great deal on contact and would try to go over to Wendi's home during Wendi time with the boys. Within five weeks after the relocation request was denied, Wendi and Markel solved financial issues, temporary parenting, permanent parenting, alimony issues and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They resolved everything," Bailey said. Josh Zelman asked her if she considered the divorce to be contentious. "No, to the contrary," Bailey said. "It was settled amicably, and everyone was moving on with their lives." "And quickly," Zelman added. "Yes," she said in agreement. Linda Bailey, who practices family law, testifies in the trial of Donna Adelson, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. She also testified that their were no issues or arguments during discovery, which is the period in which records and evidence is submitted. Bailey said she's seen lots of issues with clients who don't want to provide information but that wasn't the case with Wendi and Markel. Zelman asked if she found "anything unusual" about Wendi's family's involvement, and particularly, Donna's. "Family involvement, especially moms," is common, Bailey said. Kristin Adamson, another family law attorney that testified before Bailey said the same. Zelman asked Bailey about her familiarity with Wendi's nickname for Markel: "Jibbers." Jibbers is someone who speaks gibberish, Bailey said, and in looking at Markel's pleadings, the nickname was "somewhat applicable." Bailey said she often has talks with clients' families so they don't interfere with the advice she's been hired to give her client. "At the end of the day, they got a very typical marriage settlement," Bailey said. Linda Bailey, left, who practices family law, and Donna Adelsons attorney Josh Zelman compare their messages Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. She testified that there was nothing unusual about the Adelson's million-dollar bribe to get Markel to agree to a relocation. "Depending on your financial circumstance, that number can be wide-ranging, but it's common," Bailey said. Again, Bailey indicated that the Adelson-Markel divorce wasn't controversial. "It was much more amicable than many cases I see," Bailey said. "They were very flexible with each other." Markel never asked for Donna to be prohibited from seeing his kids, she said, even after asking Wendi to have Donna stop insulting him in front of the kids. Bailey said Donna helped "beef up the facts" of Wendi's case, which she found to be "helpful suggestions." The state has characterized Donna as overly involved in Wendi's life and divorce. Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman asked Bailey what she was asked to do. She said she was asked to review the case and decide if it was a "highly contentious custody case." "Isn't contentiousness in the eye of the beholder?" Cappleman asked. Bailey said Markel and Wendi's case was "routine" and not emotionally charged. "They weren't? How do you know?" Cappleman said. "What isn't a big deal to us is a big deal to litigants, right?" Cappleman asked. Bailey said she didn't know. "Jibbers in this case means 'Jew in boots,' " Cappleman said. She then asked if they could agree this wasn't a flattering term. "It's probably not flattering, but I've seen far, far worse," Bailey said. "Did you see evidence in this case of Wendi taking her mothers suggestions... and then forwarding them to Mrs. Adamson?" Cappleman asked. "No I didn't see that," Bailey testified. Bailey had previously testified that Markel's filings included "inflammatory language." Cappleman argued that this language could've upset the Adelsons. Earlier, Zelman brought stacks of papers and binders from another relocation case to show that Wendi and Markel's case wasn't as lengthy or extensive as the one before the witness and jury. But Cappleman pointed out that no one was murdered in that case and the Adelson-Markel divorce would've had a lot more filings had Markel not been killed. Judge determines whether next witness can testify The defense's next witness, Linda Bailey, sat inside the courtroom this morning listening to Kristin Adamson's testimony. Typically, witnesses aren't allowed to sit in court before they testify. Josh Zelman said they discussed having her sit through Adamson's testimony but the court reporter couldn't find anything from the previous days' records that backed this up. "The state never agreed to what's being discussed now," Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett said. "It's in black and white," he said. "We thought we adequately addressed it last week during a side bar," Zelman said. The state is asking to have this witness excluded, as this isn't the first time this is occurred. "You admonished the defense to not let it happen a second time, and now it's happened a second time," Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman said. Judge Stephen Everett makes a ruling on the defense allowing a witness to sit in on another witnesss testimony and whether that witness will be permitted to testify Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. "Does the state get a fair trial too?" Cappleman added. Bailey was asked to take the stand to determine whether her testimony will be admitted. The jury was out of the courtroom for this questioning. Everett said Bailey should not have sat in the court room. The witness has indicated that she reviewed materials provided by the state and testimony from witnesses in prior trials. "As a member of the bar, I'll give Mrs. Bailey credibility," he said. Everett said he'd allow Bailey to testify and the state can decide how to instruct the jury to consider this witness' testimony. Wendi Adelson's former divorce attorney testifies Kristin Adamson, a family law attorney, was the first witness of the day. She previously represented Wendi Adelson during her divorce proceedings and relocation attempts. "Would you call her divorce a bitter custody battle?" Josh Zelman, one of Donna's attorneys asked. "I would not; that's not how I would characterize it," Adamson said. Adamson said most relocation requests have to go before the court, and it's very common for people to want to move near their family, their parents, "no matter how old they are." Kristin Adamson, who was Wendi Adelsons attorney during her divorce, testifies in the trial oof Donna Adelson on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. "Families tend to be enmeshed in their family's divorces," she said. Relocations are hard to win and usually require special circumstances. She said she's only won one case for relocation in 37 years. "I would never tell someone to try for relocation if i didn't think they had a shot at it," Adamson said. "What happened with Wendi's relocation?" Zelman asked. "She did not win relocation," Adamson said. Wendi testified about the reasons she wanted to move, explaining the job opportunity she had that came with more pay and better hours, she said. The judge said she didn't think Wendi had met her burden in proving that the relocation was in the best interest of the children. Adamson testified that it's not unusual for a financial incentive to be offered to be able to relocate. The Adelson's offered Dan Markel $1 million to let Wendi move to Miami. She also testified that she had to write letters to Markel requesting that he pay the money he owed Wendi for the proceedings. The letters didn't prompt him to pay, leading him to hire a new lawyer that countered and alleged he didn't have to pay because Wendi breached their agreement. Later in the case, Markel brought up "serious" parenting issues, Adamson said. He said that Wendi wasn't letting him FaceTime the kids as much as he wanted to or be at the same parties if she was there. He also suggested Wendi and Adamson should be disbarred from practicing law. Assistant State Attorney Sarah Kathryn Dugan asked Adamson about Donna's involvement with filings in the divorce case. Adamson said that Wendi was a good client and trusted her and rarely provided input on what she wanted done. "So would you have knowledge of Wendi sending pleadings to her mom and saying 'Let's edit this'? " Dugan asked. "No," Adamson answered. Adamson testified that Wendi was upset about losing the relocation case but was calm. She couldn't speak to how Donna reacted. "I didn't agree with the judge," she said. "Would you describe the divorce as contentious?" Dugan asked. Adamson said that she wouldn't consider it contentious compared to other divorce cases she's worked on, but the enforcement of payments, however, became a little contentious. Markel's pleadings became personal and that's when Adamson said she believed it became contentious. When she found out about Markel's murder, "it was pretty shocking," she said. Adamson said she's seen a few murders or suicides in cases she's worked, but "it's very rare." "Right, but not contentious," Dugan said. Questions still swirl about Donna Adelson testifying Donna Adelson's lawyer Josh Zelman told Judge Stephen Everett that he has several witnesses he plans to call this morning. Donna was not among that list. Everett said he'd allow a longer lunch break today. "That will be your opportunity to have any final conversations concerning whether she will in fact testify," he said. Will Donna Adelson testify? As the defense enters its second day of calling and questioning witnesses, the biggest question still remains: Will today be the day Donna Adelson takes the stand? The tenth day of Donna's trial ended abruptly and several hours early, drawing suspicion that Josh Zelman and Jackie Fulford could be considering calling their client to testify and choosing to start when they'd have more time to hear her side of the story. So far, there has been no confirmation that Donna will be testifying, but she could choose to follow in her son's footsteps. Charlie Adelson testified in his 2023 trial, but jurors soundly rejected his story finding him guilty after just three hours of deliberations. Click here to read legal analyst Tim Jansen's pros and cons of testifying. GAVEL-TO-GAVEL COVERAGE: For best viewing experience for the trial: Download the Tallahassee Democrat app to watch and receive text alerts on when to watch from opening arguments to the verdict. The Tallahassee Democrat will livestream each day of the trial of Donna Adelson from the courthouse in Tallahassee. Watch on Tallahassee.com and the Tallahassee Democrat's Facebook and YouTube pages. Download the Tallahassee Democrat app to watch and receive text alerts on when to watch from opening arguments to the verdict. Download it here for iPhone: https://shorturl.at/nrQhG Android here: https://shorturl.at/OOHLl This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Donna Adelson trial recap: She will not testify; defense rests its case CHANTILLY, Va. (DC News Now) Dozens of people gathered outside the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Chantilly on Tuesday, protesting what they call inhumane conditions for individuals being held inside the facility. Standing along Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, protesters held signs, chanted, and demanded that lawmakers take action. They allege detainees are only being given one meal a day, packed into overcrowded rooms without beds, and denied access to showers. We need ICE operations to end. Not just here. Across the nation, said Amy Ciccarone, co-chair of Immigration of the Indivisible Nova West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arlington artist, church mark where ICE allegedly detained people with stickers During the rally, organizers played a recording of a man currently detained inside the facility. Speaking in Spanish, he described his experience: They made us sleep on the floor There was no medication. There was nothing. No medical attention I am one of those people who [are] detained unjustly. And Im still detained here. My son suffers for me. My wife suffers for me because I am their livelihood. Advocates say they want more oversight from local and federal officials. We want people to have access to their attorneys. We want to make sure that our legislators, including all the way down to the local board of supervisors, are coming out here and checking out this facility and seeing whats happening to our neighbors for themselves. We want the occupation ended in D.C., said Cayce Utley with Showing Up For Racial Justice NOVA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to data obtained by the Deportation Data Project, ICE agents have made more than 4,000 arrests across Virginia since January, more than five times the number made during the same period in 2024. Protesters said they will continue rallying until conditions improve. DC News Now reached out to ICE and Gov. Glenn Youngkins office for comment, but has not yet 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Middle-class families will feel the squeeze the most. These households earn too much to qualify for need-based aid but not enough to pay college costs out of pocket. Combined, these changes could put parents in a tougher spot to help their children pay for college. To ease the strain, theyre looking at other means their retirement savings, home equity and private loans to make up the gap in federal student loan financing. The new federal loan limits also caps borrowing for masters and most doctoral degree programs at $20,500 per year and $100,000 in total; professional practice doctoral degrees, such as medicine and law, will have higher limits of $50,000 annually and a $200,000 lifetime cap. Currently, most of the students in these programs, particularly in medicine, law and dentistry , borrow amounts that exceed what the new federal limits allow, according to an analysis from the Urban Institute. The OBBB, signed into law on July 4, scaled back the program with the new limits. The bill also eliminates the Grad Parent PLUS loan program entirely for graduate school and requires students to max out their federal Direct loans before parents can apply and qualify for Parent PLUS loans. More than 3.6 million Parent PLUS borrowers have more than $110.3 billion in outstanding debt, according to Federal Student Aid data for 2024. Most clients are still digesting this, said Ken Couser, director of financial planning at Janney Montgomery Scott, a Philadelphia-area financial planning firm. I dont think it has hit the mainstream as of yet. That leaves a roughly $4,500 gap for families to pay and thats just the first year of school. A student can borrow $5,500 in federal loans their freshman year. But under the Trump administrations new rules , parents are limited to borrowing $20,000 annually with federal Parent PLUS loans, or $65,000 total per student. Previously, parents could borrow up to the full cost of attendance, minus other aid. In 2024-2025, the average in-state, four-year public university costs roughly $30,000 per year for all expenses , according to College Board. Increasingly, it means parents might be putting their retirement savings at risk or finding other avenues to come up with the money to help their adult children pay for college. With recent changes to student federal loan limits in President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), many families are having hard conversations about how to pay for their childrens higher education. Story Continues The numbers underscore how dire student loan debt has become in the U.S., with 42.5 million borrowers collectively owing a jaw-dropping $1.8 trillion in federal and private student loans as of the second quarter of 2025, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve. Meanwhile, the average borrower with undergraduate federal student loan debt owes $29,300 , College Board data shows. Nearly half of American families (48%) said they borrowed money to help pay for college in 2025, according to Sallie Maes How America Pays for College survey. Roughly six in 10 families (59%) believe the availability of federal student loans have increased college costs, and 35% of borrowers said access to these loans allowed them to consider more expensive schools. The survey, which was conducted by Ipsos in the spring among 1,000 undergraduate students and 1,000 parents of undergraduates, found that 42% of families with federal student loans expect their loans to be forgiven. However, Trumps new tax bill includes a rule that taxes federal student loan forgiveness as income beginning in 2026 where it was previously tax-free. This will result in a tax bomb for those borrowers. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education recently announced it will limit which employers and organizations qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, making it harder for students to access PSLF. Parents look to home equity, retirement savings to bridge gap According to Salle Maes survey, nearly three-quarters (74%) of undergraduate families used parent income and savings to help pay for college in the 2024-2025 academic year, contributing an average of $15,754. Of that share, 17% of families tapped retirement savings. And that trend has financial planners like Couser worried. I would not recommend individuals take from a 401(k) account, even though that's where the majority of their assets would be to pay for their children's education, Couser said. The risks of 401(k) loans are significant. Parents can typically borrow up to 50% of their account value, but "you're missing out on full potential growth of that money. If the markets are up eight, 10% you're only paying yourself back, whatever the interest of that loan would be," Couser said. Worse still, if parents leave their job and the loan hasnt been repaid in full, the IRS looks at it as a distribution, which triggers taxes and penalties for those under 59, Couser noted. Home equity presents another tempting but risky option to pay for college. Many families built substantial equity during the pandemic housing boom, but tapping it means disturbing historically low mortgage rates at 2% or 3% for today's higher rates near the 7% mark for cash-out refinancing. A home equity loan or line of credit are also options. These second mortgages allow you to tap your homes equity and maintain your first mortgage rate, but youll pay higher rates (around 8% for HELOCs), and the loan terms last for up to 30 years, in addition to your primary mortgage. "Your home is your home, and if you miss payments, you're potentially putting yourself at a lot of harm there," Couser warned, noting that defaulting on any home loans puts your property at risk of foreclosure. "From a securities perspective, if you have the value in your securities, and you're able to take out the loans from your securities. Theres a lot less of a potential risk there. Other ways to help your student pay for school If your kids are young, Couser recommends opening a 529 account to start saving for college. If you have other brokerage accounts, youll pay capital gains on any withdrawal you make, he noted. Sara Parrish, president of CampusDoor, a third-party student loan origination platform, sees families increasingly caught in this squeeze. Private student loans can help in some cases, but they may be harder for parents to qualify for due to stringent debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and credit score requirements. "We are seeing some lenders preparing to come to market with products that do allow them to go a little deeper from a FICO perspective and go a little higher, from a DTI perspective, Parrish said. The hope, she added, is that families that were relying on Parent PLUS loans have additional borrowing options. Experts still stress that families should exhaust all federal borrowing options first by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what aid they qualify for. Students should also apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible. Beyond that, anything else is gap financing, Parrish said. "Federal programs tend to have more income-based repayment options available. That's a little bit more rare on the private side," Parrish said. "Most private programs have death and disability protections baked in. And of course, the federal programs do, too. For many families, the Trump administrations new rules on federal student borrowing will require earlier planning. Since its unlikely that colleges will lower tuition and costs, families have to be realistic about how much debt they should take on to pay for school relative to their degrees return on investment, Couser said. Private versus public, liberal arts versus Xall these things come into consideration, and you have to be realistic about what you can accomplish, Couser said. I don't think any parent, any child, wants to come out of the college years in a worse situation than what they started. If you still have time to plan, this is the perfect time to have a conversation with your financial advisor to understand the new changes and how itll impact your financial picture, he added. Get a better understanding of what you do have available and what you're willing to do, and what it would potentially do for [your finances] in the long term. A New Mexico State Police officer and local responders pulled off a dramatic water rescue Sunday afternoon after floodwaters overturned a vehicle in southwestern New Mexico. According to state police, a woman, her 6-year-old child and their dog became stranded after their vehicle was swept onto its side near Buckhorn, which is near the Arizona border. Rising waters forced the three to climb onto the roof of the overturned car and wait for help. Officer Walker Eby arrived at the scene and worked with the Grant County Sheriff's Office, Cliff Volunteer Fire Department and local residents to stabilize the vehicle with a backhoe before attempting the rescue. A ladder was extended from the car to the shore, creating a makeshift bridge over the rushing water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eby removed his police gear and crawled across the ladder to reach the stranded group. He carried the child on his back across to safety first then returned to secure a rope for the woman and a harness for the dog. With help from the team onshore, all three were brought safely out of the floodwaters. No injuries were reported. State police praised Eby and the coordinated effort of first responders and community members, calling the rescue "a testament to teamwork and bravery in dangerous conditions." Draught Horse Brewery & Spirits in Lyon Township will close Sept. 13, the restaurant, bar and brewery announced Wednesday, Sept. 3 on its social media accounts. "Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your loyal patronage and support over the past decade," according to the post. "We also want to express our deepest gratitude to our amazing staffwithout their dedication, hard work, and passion, none of this would have been possible. They have truly been the heart and soul of Draught Horse!" However, there's good news for beer lovers, The location's new owner will continue it as a restaurant and microbrewery and keep on any staff who wish to remain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brewery located at 57721 Grand River Ave. was founded by Brad Tiernan and opened in September 2015. While the brewery's last regular service day will be Sept. 13, it also teased that details would be coming about a farewell party to celebrate the community. "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you again for allowing us to be a part of your lives for the past 10 yearsit has been an absolute honor to serve this community. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Draught Horse Brewery & Spirits in Lyon Township to close People driving through Greene and Montgomery counties may see more police on Thursday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced that it will be working with the Dayton Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office on a joint traffic enforcement operation on US 35. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The enforcement operations will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in both Greene and Montgomery counties. A spokesperson with OSHP said this partnership aims to reduce deadly crashes and suppress crime. Additionally, the initiative aims to raise awareness, provide education, and promote community transparency through traffic safety measures, the spokesperson added. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Rapid response drones could soon be deployed in a school near you. In a situation where every second could mean more lives lost, the Campus Guardian Angel program proposes a solution: Dozens of drones remotely controlled from a central location spring into action at the push of a button. The company claims the drones are strong enough to bust through windows and would be armed with pepper spray pellets, rubber munitions, and could deliver kinetic strikes to distract and incapacitate a school threat while law enforcement is on the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to reach the shooter in 15 seconds from the time I start flying, said Bill King, Chief Tactical Officer and Co-Founder of Campus Guardian Angel. The Texas-based company behind the school safety technology scored half a million dollars as part of this years state budget to test out the technology in three yet-to-be-chosen Florida high schools. King told Action News Jax the inspiration for the idea came about after seeing the effectiveness of drones on the battlefield in the Ukraine war. King said the guardian angel drones would not only be able to respond to threats faster than law enforcement, but they could also work alongside law enforcement by feeding back information and video or even flying alongside officers as they clear rooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And allow him to get the diversion and the tactical advantage that you can get from something as simple as a drone flying in and starting to give somebody a hard time, said King. We asked several of our local school districts whether theyre considering applying for the pilot program. Most had either not heard of the opportunity or indicated they didnt plan to apply. But Duval County Public Schools seemed open to the idea. Should the Florida Department of Education choose DCPS as one of the participating districts, we would be happy to support the initiative and collaborate with state officials, said a DCPS spokesperson in an emailed statement. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The idea has even sparked some curiosity among school safety organizations here in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tony Montalto, who lost his daughter, Gina, in the Parkland shooting, has dedicated his life to improving school safety, working with the group Stand With Parkland. School safety and security measures need the innovators to keep trying new things and see how they work, said Montalto. While Montalto is interested in exploring the drone defense concept, he had some early hesitations. Specifically, he said hed want to learn more about potential connection issues and the safety of student bystanders. We could see this being part of a layered approach, which weve been very careful to take here in Florida, said Montalto. And again, we applaud the ingenuity, but you know we need a lot of fact-checking and a lot of seeing how it works. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King told Action News Jax that feedback has been generally positive. While the tech hasnt officially rolled out in any schools yet, pilot programs like the one soon to launch in Florida will help test the concept. He said he anticipates the program should be ready to launch in Florida by the start of next year. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. SPRINGVILLE, Utah (ABC4) Springville Police Department has identified the victim killed in Wednesdays fatal crash as Matthew Daines and arrested the alleged drunk driver. The man killed in the fatal Springville crash involving a drunk driver has been identified as Matthew Daines. Daines reportedly pushed his wife out of the way of the vehicle and saved her life. Matthew Daines family released a statement on his death that reads the following: No words can adequately express our sense of loss at the sudden and unexpected death of our son Matthew Daines. The event that took him from us and this Earth resulted from human error, but does not undermine the power and love of the Almighty, in whose wisdom we choose to trust. In our profoundly deep sorrow, we encourage no sense of retribution to anyone. We ask that all persons and parties not directly involved in this tragic matter respect our need for privacy while we deal with loss and necessary arrangements, going forward. Craig Miner, Daines wrestling club coach and friend, also spoke on the victims legacy. He described him as a determined young man who worked hard to place first in the state wrestling league. Matthew Daines and his wrestling coach, Craig Daines. Courtesy: Craig Daines Miner also said that he was not surprised at Daines heroic actions, It would be the first thing on his mind- to save his wifeHe stood up to anything and anybody. He just a had that character. he was one of the nicest and honest kids youd ever met. He wouldve given his life for anybody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Miner, Daines and his wife had only been married for about a month and a half and both were excited for their life together. Daines loss is felt deeply by his family, friends, and his wrestling team. Miner also said it was, quite an honor to know him that well. For those who knew him, they just know the caliber he was. Nobody would be surprised at the hero he is. He also said the superman cape was accurate and concluded, They dont come better than him. A GoFundMe set up for Matthew noted that his happiness was contagious. It says Matthew only spoke positively of other people and he truly had no guile. There are certain kinds of men that inspire goodness in others. Matthew was that man. This sudden loss of such a remarkable human being has left us in unimaginable grief. Courtesy: GoFundMe Suspect arrested, charged A Tooele man is arrested for allegedly driving nearly six times over the legal alcohol limit and causing a crash that killed Daines in Springville on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Travis Mcintrye, 41, has been booked into jail on 10 counts, including automobile homicide, which is a second-degree felony, driving under the influence, reckless driving and failing to comply duties at the incident, all Class B misdemeanors. According to a police booking affidavit, Springville Police Officers were dispatched to the area of 400 South Main Street just after 6:30 p.m. When officers arrived on scene, they noticed a Chevrolet Silverado, with a man lying under the front passenger panel of the truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the man was walking next to his wife, when he saw the truck driving toward the both of them, and shoved his wife out of the way, taking the entire impact of the truck. Officers administered life-saving measures on scene and was taken to Utah Valley Hospital, but the man tragically passed away. After the intoxilyzer test, Mcintryes initial breath alcohol levels were 6x higher than the legal limit. He also failed to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Test and Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test on site. During the investigation, police said Mcintrye was blocking traffic at the 400 South Main intersection for both vehicles and pedestrians. He also crashed into another vehicle traveling in an opposite lane of travel. During a records check on the suspect, it was also discovered that his drivers license was denied. He is currently being held without bail at the Utah 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. Luis Alonso Juarez (center) delivers remarks at the Legislative Building in Raleigh on Sept. 4, 2025. (Photo by Greg Childress/NC Newsline) At a press conference in Raleigh on Thursday, Luis Alonso Juarez, a popular Duke University bus driver at risk of losing his protected immigration status, told supporters and lawmakers that hes concerned about his safety if hes forced to return to his native Honduras. Juarez and as many 50 supporters, many of them Duke students, rode a chartered bus to Raleigh, first stopping by U.S. Sen. Ted Budds (R-NC) office on Fayetteville Street to deliver a letter requesting support before marching to the legislature to drop off letters at the offices of House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger, both Republicans. Neither were available to meet with Juarez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes, youre like scared over there [Honduras], Juarez said during a press conference at the Legislative Building, explaining that hes heard stories about dangerous criminal organizations from others who have traveled to the country. Luis Juarez leads a march to the Legislative Building in Raleigh on Sept. 4, 2025. (Photo by Greg Childress/NC Newsline) Budd did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Juarez was granted Temporary Protected Status in 1998, according to Siembra NC, an immigrant advocacy group. That status will expire Sept. 8 because of a Trump administration order terminating TPS protection for Honduras. Because Juarez entered the U.S. without inspection or authorization and is not married to a U.S. citizen, under current immigration law he does not qualify for another form of protection like a work visa or green card. Without protected status, Juarez and as many as 51,000 other Hondurans across the U.S. will be eligible for removal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration attorneys have advised Juarez that his only short-term path to retain a work permit would be for the Trump administration to grant an extension of protection from removal, much like it did in his first term. In 2021, President Donald Trump issued a Deferred Enforced Departure designation for Venezuelans present in the U.S. on or before Jan. 20, 2021, which granted them 18 months of deferred removal and employment authorization. He has twice extended such protections for Liberians. Juarez and others losing their protected status are also concerned about losing their jobs on Monday when the Trump administration order takes hold. Im asking Sen. Ted Budd, Sen. Phil Berger and Rep. Destin Hall to call the president to make possible that I can keep my job as a driver at Duke, and helping students learn, Juarez said through an interpreter. Nikki Marin Baena speaks during a press conference. (Photo by Greg Childress/NC Newsline) Nikki Marin Baena, co-director at Siembra NC, said there are tens of thousands of workers like Juarez who make North Carolina one of the best states in the nation for doing business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luis [Juarez] has done nothing wrong that would change his immigration status, Baena said. And still, like so many others, he is about to have no legal protections after two decades of working for our states second largest employer, simply because one person in Washington decided that immigrant workers are expendable. Baena said that Berger, Budd and Hall have all touted North Carolina as the best state in which to do business. She noted that Budd has argued in Washington that highly skilled immigrants are essential to the nations success. Use your influence with the president, Baena said. Say the same thing to him that you have told North Carolina, that workers who show up day after day to make this state run are not expendable, they are the reason North Carolina is thriving, and workers like Luis [Juarez] deserve to stay. Thursdays press conference was hosted by state Rep. Marcia Morey, D-Durham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is Durham going to be the next city that has the National Guard brought in by the president? Morey asked. Are we going to be the next city with ICE officers grabbing people like Luis [Juarez] because of their immigration status? Rep. Maria Cervania, D-Wake, said immigrants such as Juarez are the foundation of the state and nation. He probably didnt want to leave a country that he was born in, had dreams in, but he came here to be free, to get a better life and actually make a better life for all of us too, Cervania said. Rep. Marcia Morey chats with Luis Juarez before his press conference in Raleigh. (Photo by Greg Childress/NC Newsline) Michael Ramos, a Duke senior from California, said Juarez has become family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My mom works as a custodian at a university back home in California, and so, seeing Luis and other workers around campus instantly connects me to my home, Ramos said, growing emotional. After 30 years of living and working in the Durham community, Ramos said Juarez deserves to remain in the country. Duke would not be the same without Luis [Juarez], Ramos said. Lets be honest, and I would not be the same without him either. Ramos announced that a fund is being started to help Juarez replace income hes expected to lose starting Monday if hes let go by Duke. Juarez has become a popular figure on the Duke campus. He was profiled in the Duke Chronicle in February. And last month, 477 students, faculty and staff submitted letters of support for Juarez to Duke Visa Services, asking the university to take action on his behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Juarez is well-known across Dukes campus with students calling his the party bus because of the music he blasts. His many supporters say he has brought joy to their lives by playing lively music on his route. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A dust storm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Tucson at 2:34 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4. This warning applies to Pinal County. The National Weather Service warns: "Motorists should not drive into a dust storm. PULL ASIDE STAY ALIVE! Dust storms lead to dangerous driving conditions with visibility reduced to near zero. If driving, avoid dust storms if possible. If caught in one, pull off the road, turn off your lights and keep your foot off the brake." For the latest watches and warnings, see our weather page. See weather radar for Pinal County What are weather service meteorologists saying? At 2:34 p.m., the weather service issued a statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a Dust Storm Warning for: Western Pinal County in southeastern Arizona, Until 4 p.m. MST. At 2:34 p.m. MST, an area of blowing dust was located 7 miles northeast of Pinal Airpark, moving northwest at 20 mph. HAZARD: Less than a quarter mile visibility. SOURCE: Radar indicated. IMPACT: Dangerous life-threatening travel. Locations impacted include: Eloy, Saddlebrooke, Saddlebrooke Ranch, Picacho, Chui-Chu, Picacho Peak State Park, Pinal Airpark, Red Rock, Cactus Forest, Oracle Junction and East Chui-Chu. This includes the following highways, Route 79 between mile markers 92 and 128. Route 87 between mile markers 116 and 124. Route 77 between mile markers 90 and 94. Interstate 10 between mile markers 205 and 230." What is a haboob? A "haboob" typically occurs in Arizona during monsoon. From June to September, large dust storms can occur across the state as high winds pick up loose dust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Haboob" is an Arabic word that translates to "big, blasting winds," explained Andrew Deemer, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Phoenix and former linguist. Terminology: When did we start using haboob to describe dust storms in Arizona? What should I do in a dust storm if I am driving? The Arizona Department of Transportation has helpful tips for drivers who may get stuck in a dust storm while driving. The "Pull Aside, Stay Alive" campaign aims to save drivers from dangerous situations by providing tips to survive a blowing dust event. If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down. Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway. Turn off all vehicle lights. You do not want other vehicles, approaching from behind, to use your lights as a guide and possibly crash into your parked vehicle. Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake. Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds. More information on dust storm safety can be found at PullAsideStayAlive.org. And safety tips for driving in rainstorms can be found at azdot.gov/monsoon. This article was generated by The Arizona Republic and USA TODAY Network using data released by the National Weather Service. It was edited by a staff member. See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Dust storm warning issued for Pinal County, including Picacho Peak A chapel on the Our Lady of Fatima shrine grounds in Lewiston received a refresh thanks to one local Boy Scout. Christian Barker of Troop 841, a recent Niagara Falls High School graduate and current Alfred State student, refurbished 23 benches located at the shrines Little Chapel of Fatima for his Eagle Scout project. He worked last month restoring them and delivered them back over the Labor Day weekend. I had a few ideas bouncing around, Barker said, with this Scout Leader Anthony Casilio meeting with Father Peter Calabrese about any projects that could be sufficient for an Eagle Scout project. There were a few things that could have been done, and I just decided to do the benches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The priest said this was the first such Eagle Scout project done at the Shrine in a number of years. The benches were getting in bad shape from being used all the time, said Calabrese. The space is normally used for prayer, meditation, and small group services. Located on the very eastern edge of the shrines property, the chapel is a replica of a chapel built in Fatima, Portugal, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared before three children in 1917. Nearby are several statues of saints, statues of the three children and a waterfall. It took Barker nearly six months to complete the paperwork before he could get started. After taking the benches off the property, he disassembled the benches to sand down the wood and repaint it, and clean off the metal before putting them back together with new nuts and bolts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is only one other scout in the troop, so previous scouts and their friends and family have helped Barker out. Having gone to Niagara BOCES in Sanborn to learn welding, Parker had hoped to incorporate that into this project, but scout laws require that he be over the age of 18 to do so. It will take at least a month for Barker to get his Eagle Scout rank, with a Board of Review needed to determine if he met the rank requirements and the court of honor to be scheduled. For someone who grew up in the Boy Scouts following his older brother, it is the pinnacle of what can be achieved. Scouting is a great opportunity for children, Barker said. I cannot imagine where Id be without it. It taught me so much. CENTER, Texas (KETK) Condair Operations LLC announced on Wednesday a mass layoff of 51 people at its Center facility and will permanently shut it down by 2026. Southwest Airlines debuts new safety barrier for aircraft In a statement, the company said it would be conducting a mass layoff and would permanently shut its plant at the facility located at 721 FM 2468 in Center. This layoff is expected to impact 51 people, with the first round of terminations set for around Nov. 3 and another major layoff on Jan. 5, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in 2024, the company said it would create a new production site in Richmond, Va., where it would take over 57 acres and create around 180 jobs, including engineering and plant roles. The company said it would move its evaporative technologies production from the Center facility to the new factory in Virginia by 2026. Humidifiers are used in data centers to prevent electrostatic discharge that would damage servers and provide low-cost evaporative cooling. Humidifiers are often used alongside free air cooling systems to either boost the cooling capacity with an evaporative cooling effect or provide high load, low cost humidification to the large volume of air flowing through the data centres ventilation system, the company said. The move comes after Oliver Zimmermann, CEO of Condair Group, said the company was looking to be closer to its clients in the data center sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the state is home to the worlds largest data center market, with almost 150, or 35%, of all known hyperscale data centers. Well-known companies include Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft, Visa and Capital One. 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. On the morning of September 4, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, who is in China for 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 the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War shows that a just cause enjoys great support, while an unjust one finds little. Victory will always belong to those who stand on the right side of history. China and Viet Nam need to jointly remember history and honor fallen heroes, strengthen strategic coordination, preserve the outcomes of the victory in the Second World War, safeguard international fairness and justice, and stand firmly on the right side of history. President Xi stressed that China supports Viet Nam in pursuing its socialist path that suits the countrys national conditions and in successfully convening the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam. As both comrades and brothers, the two sides need to deepen the exchange of experience in governance of the party and of the country, organize a series of events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the China-Viet Nam Year of People-to-People Exchanges, and deliver more benefits to the two peoples. In face of the unpopular trends of unilateralism and the law of the jungle, more and more countries have come to realize that compromise and concession will lead nowhere, and that only solidarity and self-strengthening will bring hope. President Xi Jinping said he proposed the Global Governance Initiative with the aim of making the global governance system more just and equitable. China is ready to work with Viet Nam to safeguard the common interests of the Global South, and contribute more positive energy to the world. President Luong Cuong warmly congratulated China on successfully holding the events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin. He said that the two important events have demonstrated Chinas international standing and influence. Viet Nam believes that China will continue to develop further, achieve the goals of Chinese modernization, and play a bigger role in promoting peace and development in the region and the world. The relations between the two Parties and two countries have seen sound development, with close high-level exchanges and good progress in cooperation in various fields. For Viet Nam, the relationship with China carries strategic significance and is a top priority in its foreign policy. In a changing and turbulent world, Viet Nam remains committed to growing its relations with China. Viet Nam will work with China in the spirit of solidarity and mutual support, enhance political mutual trust, and strengthen experience sharing in governance. Viet Nam is ready to build greater synergy between the development strategies of the two countries, expand cooperation in economy and trade, infrastructure, science and technology, education and other fields. Viet Nam will coordinate with China on multilateral platforms, uphold the authority of the United Nations and international trade rules, and work for reforming and improving the global governance system. Wang Yi was present at the meeting. The Salesforce Tower in New York City in June 2025. (Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Artificial intelligence already is replacing certain jobs at technology companies. Last week, Salesforce Chief Executive Marc Benioff said the San Francisco software giant was able to shrink the number of people in support roles from 9,000 to 5,000 because "AI agents" are helping to automate certain tasks. Appearing on "The Logan Bartlett Show," a podcast that focuses on entrepreneurship, Benioff promoted a platform Salesforce developed that enables businesses to deploy AI agents to provide customer service, support employees and improve productivity. Salesforce's AI agents, which are capable of proactively doing work without constant input from a human, are able to respond to questions from customers about pricing, generate marketing materials and manage websites, according to the company's website. Salesforce, which is among the tech companies that have slashed their workforces this year while doubling down on AI investments, said that the number of support cases the company handled declined and that it no longer needed to backfill support engineer roles because of efficiency gains from using its AI agent platform. "Weve successfully redeployed hundreds of employees into other areas like professional services, sales, and customer success, the company said in a statement. Benioff's latest remarks show how AI is prompting tech companies that are building more powerful AI tools to rethink what their workers do. As businesses look at ways to slash costs, tech companies have promoted AI as a way to do more with fewer people. In June, Benioff said that AI is doing 30% to 50% of the company's work. Read more: Companies keep slashing jobs. How worried should workers be about AI replacing them? Some tech executives have said that AI will replace certain jobs such as entry-level roles and also create other work. Still, the rise of AI could shrink the workforce at certain companies, fueling anxiety among various professions such as screenwriting and coding. It is reshaping San Francisco, a city that has seen AI companies take over vacant office space and compete with one another for talent. This year, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said he expects the e-commerce giant to shrink its workforce as employees get efficiency gains from using AI extensively. Benioff stopped short of saying that AI will automate all jobs. "Humans are not going away," Benioff said on the podcast. "We are working in partnership with these agents, and that's how I look at it." Although AI has been around a long time, it is generative AI that can quickly generate images, text, code and other information that is disrupting work. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Nine months ago, two women were killed in a trailer fire at Edison Mobile Home Park east of Bakersfield. Since then, the question remained: Who started the fire? That question may have been answered with the arrest of a Ventura County man, who was booked on suspicion of murder in connection to both womens deaths. The fire took out power at this mobile home park and killed 54-year-old Laurie Cantu and another woman the coroner has yet to identify. The park now is empty of its previous residents, the property gated and trailers being built by a new owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors describe Edison Hwy mobile home park fire that left 2 women dead I cry for her everyday, you know, but I hope in time it gets easier, said April Cantu, who spoke with 17 News about her mother in February. April was in Hanford visiting her son when the fire broke out. She detailed her mothers 30-year history of homelessness, drugs and perseverance. 52-year-old Jeffery Steria was booked on charges of two counts of first degree murder, one count of arson causing great bodily injury and conspiring to commit a crime. Steria was supposed to be charged Wednesday afternoon, but the Kern County District Attorneys Office sent the case back to sheriffs detectives for further investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steria has been released from custody. A previous resident at the park said Steria and the unidentified victim had been in a relationship. A relationship filled with arguments, in fact, as the resident said they were screaming at each other minutes before the fire erupted. Steria has a past Kern County case from December 2024, in which he was charged with drug possession. That case was filed just days after the fire. On December 13, four days after the fire, deputies arrested Steria for having a pipe for smoking meth. Methamphetamine was found in the pipe. He had bench warrants out for his arrest in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. He spent a month in jail and paid a $70 fine. Public record websites list Sterias address in Ventura County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage A quick search shows he has a criminal record going back to 1994 in Ventura County. This includes cases filed in 1994, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2011, cases filed in 2013 through 2019 and an open warrant in 2023. A total of 47 cases were filed under Sterias name in that 29-year period. Most are drug-related and violation of probation cases. The sheriffs office gave very few details on the arrest and investigation. When asked why it took so long to make an arrest, a spokesperson told 17 News investigations take time. They did not say what evidence links Steria to the murders or how they found him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Across the state, employees of Floridas new Department of Government Efficiency are dive-bombing local governments, demanding to inspect their fiscal affairs with a host of implied threats if county and city officials dont comply. But this latest aggression from Gov. Ron DeSantis is illegitimate to its core: It has nothing to do with fiscal integrity, and everything to do with ideological witch hunts. Local leaders should prepare to fight back. And they should expect the governor and his henchmen to fight dirty. Because they already are. A bogus audit To start, lets make one thing clear: We wholeheartedly support fiscal integrity and accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Orange County, one of the first local governments to be served with its notice of fiscal inquisition, has been accused with absolutely no evidence of hiding documents that detailed supposed financial sins. Last week, Floridas unelected Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia (a DeSantis loyalist in the Legislature whos been rewarded with one of Floridas most powerful positions) issued a barrage of subpoenas and then held a smirking press conference where he leveled the accusations that county employees changed the names of documents and engaged in other diversions to shield county spending from the states inspection. Ingoglia needs to offer proof when making accusations like that. When DOGE first announced its audit of Orange County in early August, it demanded a massive number of documents. County Mayor Jerry Demings immediately ordered county staff to comply. While it may temporarily divert us from the daily business of governance, we have nothing to hide and are proud of our record of serving the residents of Orange County, he said in a guest column that appeared in the Sentinel soon after DOGE announced it was targeting Orange County. In remarkably short order, the county produced 1.2 million records, including emails and supporting documents. We find it hard to believe that the state has actually gone through all those files, but that didnt stop Ingoglia from spitting out scripted phrases like Orange County fooled around, and now they are about to find out, at a press conference last week. This is as ludicrous as it is offensive. Ingoglia made his remarks supported by nothing beyond the flimsy claim that DOGE had been contacted by a supposed anonymous tipster. If he has actual proof of duplicity, he should show it. And now hes demanding records about programs that he apparently considered to have been funded clandestinely through county coffers. His list includes Zebra Youth, a organization dedicated to the mental health of homeless LGBTQ teens; a program through the Central Florida Urban League intended to help kids at risk of suspension from school; and a joint effort with the school board and sheriffs office to reduce conflict between at-risk youth and law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How secret were these programs? Well, they were all reviewed and approved for county grant funding by a 20-plus-member citizens committee that was subject to open-meetings and public-records laws. That doesnt sound secret at all. Stop power grab But there are bigger implications here. Notably, that DeSantis and his henchmen are trampling boundaries set up by Florida law. So far, the governor has gotten away with it time and again. But the latest spurt of aggression against local governments has the governor so far out of his lane that it should serve as a sharp wakeup call to politically aware Floridians of any partisan persuasion. DeSantis could be circumventing multiple points of law, says Ralph DeMeo, a professor at two of Floridas leading law schools Stetson and Florida State and an acknowledged expert on Floridas careful system of checks and balances meant to keep one power-mad official from seizing control outside their constitutional authority. The governor did get the approval of the Legislature to create DOGE after the fact, but that power was limited and will require further action to make the new agency permanent. That law didnt address other legal conflicts, such as a 1996 law that prohibits executive branch agencies from enforcing rules without specific authority. And hes ignoring two whole chapters of law that spell out the rights and responsibilities of local governments including the right to set property-tax rates and decide how that money is supposed to be spent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I tell my students we are living in the post-truth, post-fact, post-rule of law era, DeMeo says. For three-quarters of his term, legislators were apparently afraid to stand up to DeSantis and local leaders were often subdued by his threat to remove them from public office and replace them with his own cronies. Meanwhile, DeSantis has been steadily packing appellate courts with judges he apparently assumes will do his bidding and rule in his favor despite the law. Wheres DOGE now? But heres the irony. While DeSantis and Ingoglia are busy pestering local governments about their spending, the real excesses are in the states spendthrift ways. Why isnt DOGE investigating the most glaring example yet of DeSantis overspending the $250 million that the state squandered on the monument to cruelty known as Alligator Alcatraz? This state-funded detention center hidden deep in the Everglades has been used as storage for people suspected of being in the country illegally. It was ordered shut down last week by a federal judge. And while the federal government at one point promised to repay Florida for the amount the state spent to construct the prison camp, federal officials including President Donald Trump were backing away from that promise even before the court ruled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of human misery, Alligator Alcatraz does indeed rank as one of DeSantis greatest sins. But his vicious attacks on local government could in the long run do more to destabilize Floridas governing structure. And it should mean something that so many of these aggressive, power-hungry moves were supported by claims with little evidence backing them. Finding a solution The states best remaining hope is that voters start looking around for replacements to the elected lawmakers who so eagerly did DeSantis bidding or even better, that the current leadership in House and Senate have the courage to confront the governors abuse of power even when they might agree with the ideology behind his acts. House Speaker Daniel Perez has taken back the reins from DeSantis multiple times, often acting with the backup of Senate President Ben Albritton. We can only hope that both men find the courage to keep defying the governor. Over the coming months, Florida residents must make it clear: The governor has gone much too far in his attacks on Floridas integrity and system of laws. Its time for DeSantis and his minions to learn what it really means to fool around and find out. The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Krys Fluker, Executive Editor Roger Simmons and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. Contact us at insight@orlandosentinel.com We spend a lot of time dwelling on academics on these pages, from how to improve reading to how to spend education dollars most effectively. Today, we are confronting a precursor to any of that mattering: Getting kids into the classroom. A new state task force was launched this week to study chronic absenteeism and to support the development of a strategy to address the problem in Illinois public K-12 schools. Members must submit a report to the General Assembly by Dec. 15, 2027, with their recommendations. First, the good. The task force will loop in experts and solicit outside voices who will weigh in with their perspective. The resulting strategy is supposed to include ideas to build out a system of support that promotes ongoing professional development and equips school-based and community-based personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to reduce contributing factors to chronic absenteeism. These things are needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now for reality. The state has convened similar bodies before, such as the Illinois Attendance Commission, which ran from 2015 through 2020 and was given duties a lot like this new task force. What does the problem look like? Chronic absence not to be confused with truancy, or unexcused absences means a student misses 10% of school days or more, with or without an excuse. Today, 26% of students in Illinois public schools are chronically absent, about a 10 percentage point increase from a decade ago, when that rate was 16.5%. Put another way, about 1 in 3 Illinois K-12 students is missing nearly 20 days of school a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem is even worse among low-income students, 36% of whom are chronically absent. Illinois public schools must be in session for 176 days, minimum. That means chronically absent students are missing 18 days of school or more. Of course, some students are dealing with sickness or other justifiable reasons for missing school. But that alone cant account for the rapid increase in student absences. Theres no question absenteeism creates a serious disruption in learning that is difficult to overcome. The reasons for missed days certainly vary, likely including illness along with more troubling problems, such as a lack of transportation, anxiety or bullying. Regardless, the results are the same: Students who miss too much class fall behind and have a hard time catching up. Of course, you have to acknowledge that COVID-19 and the extended school closures complicated this problem. During the pandemic, many kids especially from low-income households disappeared, not signing in to virtual learning or showing any signs of participating in their classwork. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But school has stabilized, with in-person classes in place for several years. While the rate of chronic absenteeism has dropped slightly, it hasnt budged much. It seems these exceedingly high rates have become the new normal. This task force is focused specifically on chronic absenteeism, but wed also encourage its members to consider truancy, too, to get a fuller picture of school attendance 20% of Illinois students were chronically truant in 2024, defined as missing 5% or more school days without an excuse. In Chicago, nearly half of students were considered chronically truant, according to state data. Nearly half. And yet, Illinois has a graduation rate of nearly 90%. More than 80% of Chicago Public Schools students graduated in 2024 despite CPS abysmal attendance rates. If nearly a third of kids arent consistently in school, what does that say about the meaning of a diploma? Social promotion the dreaded practice of moving students along to the next grade even when their academic performance would suggest doing otherwise seems to be making a comeback post-pandemic. One part of the solution to excessive absences may well be a tougher approach in terms of consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But negativity can go overboard. What wont work is fines punishment along those lines just makes kids and their parents resentful. Schools should build belonging instead. Past groups have issued reports and recommendations, but based on the trends, it seems systemic follow-through was lacking or their proposals arent working. These reports gather dust while the problem worsens. So what positive steps would help? Good data, for starters. Individual schools, and the people who run them, should have access to real-time reports and check in frequently to assess their numbers so kids dont slip through the cracks. Family support is also essential, and encouraging more involvement from parents and guardians could include things such as home visits, transportation assistance and connecting families to other services that help with day-to-day needs. That sort of cross-agency collaboration, especially with health and housing agencies, could be vital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, though, kids need action. This task force should not be just another study group. Once the recommendations are made, Illinois must demand measurable progress: lower absentee rates, better data and real support for students. Kids wont learn if theyre not in class and Illinois cant afford to keep studying the problem while absenteeism worsens. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) On Wednesday, Sept. 3, the United States Navy worked with the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to begin removing two mooring platforms from the USS Arizona. This removal work will help preserve the memorial and protect the environment, officials said. Check out more news from around Hawaii The USS Arizona sunk during the Dec. 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor attack; its memorial marks the resting place for over 900 sailors and marines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two concrete platforms were not part of the battleship when it sank. They were added in 1942 for salvage operations of the Pennsylvania-class battleships ammunition and equipment. They were only meant to be temporary but have remained attached to the ship for over 80 years. On Oct. 26, 2023, during a routine inspection, park rangers came across a partially collapsed platform. The removal of the platforms will be conducted in a manner that respects the ships historic importance to the nation, its sacred war grave status, marine life and the local community, said Bill Manley, Navy Region Hawaii environmental director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sold-out concert at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum released 200 additional tickets Built in 1962, the memorial is accessible only by boat. This salvage operation will help preserve the Arizona for generations to come and assist in the safety of the more than 1.7 million visitors the Pearl Harbor National Memorial receives annually, said Rear Adm. Brad Collins, Navy Region Hawaii commander. You can expect business as usual at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center while these safety operations take place. However, advanced reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial have been suspended by the National Park Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once complete, the park will return to its routine procedures for reservations. Tour reservations will be released 56 days in advance and the day before each tour date. Check out more news from around Hawaii Updates about the USS Arizonas platforms will be available on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service 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 KHON2. Egypt and Sudan have said Ethiopia's controversial mega dam on the Nile poses a continued "threat to stability," in a statement released one week before the scheduled official inauguration of the dam. "The two sides agreed that the Ethiopian dam is in violation of international law, has serious repercussions for the two downstream countries and represents a continuing threat to the stability of the situation in the eastern Nile Basin in accordance with international law," the two countries said. In a joint statement released after a meeting of the Egyptian and Sudanese foreign and irrigation ministers in Cairo on Wednesday, they said that the dangers are due to "Ethiopia's unilateral moves to fill and operate the dam, concerns over the dam's safety, and the risks of of uncontrolled water releases and managing drought times." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ethiopia must change its policy to restore cooperation between the three countries, they added. Sudanese and Egyptian water security is linked, the statement added, and the two nations "reaffirmed their complete rejection of any unilateral actions in the eastern Nile Basin that would harm their water interests." The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been a source of controversy and tensions between Ethiopia and the other riverside states Sudan and Egypt, even before Ethiopia began construction in 2011. Ethiopia considers the dam as essential to its development and says it will produce enough electricity to provide power to millions of citizens. It has filled the dam over five stages between 2020 and 2024 and plans to inaugurate it on September 9. Meanwhile, Egypt sees the dam as an existential threat and fears it would restrict its share of Nile water. Egypt and Sudan have said Ethiopia's controversial mega dam on the Nile poses a continued "threat to stability," in a statement released one week before the scheduled official inauguration of the dam. "The two sides agreed that the Ethiopian dam is in violation of international law, has serious repercussions for the two downstream countries and represents a continuing threat to the stability of the situation in the eastern Nile Basin in accordance with international law," the two countries said. In a joint statement released after a meeting of the Egyptian and Sudanese foreign and irrigation ministers in Cairo on Wednesday, they said that the dangers are due to "Ethiopia's unilateral moves to fill and operate the dam, concerns over the dam's safety, and the risks of of uncontrolled water releases and managing drought times." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ethiopia must change its policy to restore cooperation between the three countries, they added. Sudanese and Egyptian water security is linked, the statement added, and the two nations "reaffirmed their complete rejection of any unilateral actions in the eastern Nile Basin that would harm their water interests." The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been a source of controversy and tensions between Ethiopia and the other riverside states Sudan and Egypt, even before Ethiopia began construction in 2011. Ethiopia considers the dam as essential to its development and says it will produce enough electricity to provide power to millions of citizens. It has filled the dam over five stages between 2020 and 2024 and plans to inaugurate it on September 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Egypt sees the dam as an existential threat and fears it would restrict its share of Nile water. Egypt and Sudan are seeking a legally binding deal that would guarantee appropriate flows of water and a legal mechanism for resolving disputes before the dam starts operating. Several attempts to reach an agreement on the dam's operation have failed. Eisenkot, who served as the party's number two, announced in late June that he was leaving the party and resigning from the Knesset. Former MK Gadi Eisenkot called on his former political partner, Blue and White chairman MK Benny Gantz, to step down should his party remain close to the electoral threshold in an interview with Army Radio on Thursday. "If Gantz is around the threshold, he should step down," Eisenkot stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blue and White responded to his statement, saying, "We suggest that Gadi stop dealing with polls, some of which show that he himself does not pass the electoral threshold, in elections that unfortunately have not yet been announced, and begin to focus on what can be done today for the hostages, for the soldiers, for the state. Eisenkot, who served as the party's number two, announced in late June that he was leaving the party and resigning from the Knesset. Gantz failed to deliver on promises to Eisenkot Eisenkot ran alongside Gantz in the 2022 election after receiving guarantees that the party would undergo a democratization process that would include a primary election, including for party leadership. However, Gantz failed to deliver on that process. (L-R) National Unity party head Benny Gantz and party member Gadi Eisenkot. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST) A Channel 13 poll from Wednesday found that Gantz's Blue and White would win four seats, while a Maariv survey revealed that his party would fail to cross the electoral threshold. The Maariv poll found that a new party led by Gadi Eisenkot would receive 9 mandates. Eliav Breuer contributed to this report. KANSAS CITY, Mo. One floor after anotherafter another. Denise Vaugn-Bey, 67, has to climb seven flights of stairs just to get home. Its different when you want to do it, said Vaughn-Bey. Its a big inconvenience. She lives in Mid-City Towers II in Kansas City, Missouri and said at least one of the two elevators in the seven-story building would often have issues, but starting around early July, both went down and havent been working since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We deserve better than this, she said. Linda Freeman is 63 years old and also lives on the seventh floor. My health and safety is at risk, said Freeman. She said the trek up and down is worsening her breathing problems. Craving a particular dish one day, she went down the seven flights to go to the store to buy the ingredients at the store. When she got home from the outing, she realized she forgot something. I wanted to make my yams, said Freeman. So I had to go back to the store to go get this cinnamon. But physically, she said, It was too much for me. As a result, Freeman said, she now needs additional oxygen, something she hasnt needed while living at this complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Management posted notices throughout the building updating tenants about the elevator. But as the weeks passed, newer notices would cover the old ones, one on top of the other, but none guaranteeing when the elevators will work again. FOX4 Problem Solvers went to talk to the building manager of its 70 occupied units. The manager said that instead of giving its residents a quick but temporary fix, theyre opting to totally replace and upgrade the elevators. Its a much more expensive and slower solution, she said. The earliest it can be done is mid-September, she said. Did the apartment complex break the law? FOX4 Problem Solvers turned to Jamila Jefferson, a professor at the University of the Kansas School of Law. We asked, is this legal? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are few different things that we have to look at to determine if its legal, said Jefferson. The main one is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The act really has to deal with whether the common spaces are accessible. That includes the elevators and the floors of a building are accessible to all. What the ADA and Fair Housing Act does not cover is how long an elevator can remain broken. There are a lot of holes in landlord/tenant law that are not really pro-tenant, said Jefferson. And so people are left to fend for themselves. In practice, Jefferson said prolonged outages can effectively deny individuals with disabilities the use of their housing which may constitute a violation of the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fairing Housing Act focuses primarily on construction, but HUD (United States Department of Housing and Urban Development) has interpreted failure to maintain an accessible feature like an elevator as potentially discriminatory, said Jefferson. I cant continue to conquer those stairs The residents FOX4 Problem Solvers spoke with get financial help on their rent from HUD. We reached out to HUD but did not hear back. We also confirmed Mid-City Apart KCMO Housing Authority is not involved with this property. Meanwhile, Freeman said she is looking for a new place to live. I cant continue to conquer those stairs, said Freeman. The city received reports about this broken elevator issue to its Healthy Homes Inspection program. FOX4 Problem Solvers went to the health department, which oversees it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We did reach out to the landlord, said Naser Jouhari, deputy director of the Kansas City Health Department. Since the landlord is permitted through the Kansas City Health Department, we reached out to the landlord, and we mandate a corrective action plan. FOX4 requested that action plan through the Sunshine Law and is waiting to receive it. Nothing much we can do Under health, truly theres nothing much we can do, said Jourhari. Except FOX4 Problem Solvers asked what if the corrective action plan is not fulfilled? Jouhari said the health department could suspend the permit and shut down the building. This isnt an eminent health hazard, said Jouhari. He said issues like mold, sewer or leaks fall under his department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some would say people with hip replacements, heart problems, people with obesity, having to climb up seven flights of stairs is a health risk, FOX4 investigative reporter Bella Caracta said. I agree with you, Jouhari said. But its not in the code. I cannot regulate what is not in the code. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. NEED TO KNOW A Japanese woman in her 80s lost thousands of dollars to a fake astronaut who conned her into believing he needed her support with an urgent spaceship problem, police said The con artist claimed to be "in space on a spaceship right now," and said he was "under attack and in need of oxygen," the police officer added In 2024, 7,626 people over 60 years old fell victim to confidence fraud and romance scams in the United States, leading to more than $389 million in losses, according to the FBI A Japanese woman in her 80s lost thousands of dollars to a fake astronaut who conned her into believing he needed her support with an urgent spaceship problem, police said. The romance scam began in July, when the elderly woman, based in Hokkaido, connected with the swindler on social media, AFP and Sky News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, the con artist said he was "in space on a spaceship right now," and was "under attack and in need of oxygen," the police officer told AFP, adding that the woman was convinced she needed to send money online to help her love interest purchase oxygen. The woman lives alone, AFP added, citing local media outlets, and was ultimately cheated out of approximately 1 million yen, or about $6,700. "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 officer told the outlet. Similar romance scams are impacting people globally, and experts say elderly people can be especially susceptible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, 7,626 people over 60 fell victim to confidence fraud and romance scams, leading to more than $389 million in losses, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report. "Seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting and polite. They also usually have financial savings, own a home, and have good creditall of which make them attractive to scammers," the agency said of broadly of elder fraud, which impacts millions of Americans annually. "Additionally, seniors may be less inclined to report fraud because they dont know how, or they may be too ashamed at having been scammed," the FBI added. This summer, a 66-year-old Utah woman, identified only as Rita, shared her experience getting scammed out of $90,000 by someone pretending to be a celebrity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I wasn't thinking with my brain, I was thinking with my heart," she said in a PSA shared by the FBI's Salt Lake City field office in June. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "He was going through a divorce. I was going through this also and so we kind of connected emotionally on that and then it just morphed into something more romantic, Rita said. The scammer eventually asked her to switch their chat to an encrypted messaging application and she later sent them money through Bitcoin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So many people are so embarrassed to come forward and admit to it. You really shouldnt because you give these people an opportunity to make even more money, so you need to report it," Rita said. Dont get taken advantage of. Its so hard and it hurts at the end, it really hurts," she continued. "It takes a while to put yourself back together again and Im glad I am back to who I am." Read the original article on People (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Floridas announced push to eliminate all vaccine mandates drew fierce condemnation from Democrats, but it is also exposing a potential rift among Republicans. Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott distanced himself from Gov. Ron DeSantis and state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo and their pledge to strip mandates and immunization requirements from both Florida law and rules carried out by state agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other prominent GOP officials, however, took a less clear stance and suggested they supported parental rights without explicitly endorsing the elimination of mandates. Republican legislative leaders in the state House and Senate, meanwhile, havent indicated whether they will support the proposal, which would require legislative approval. Scott defends public health Scott served two terms as Florida governor and during that eight-year span cut back the amount of public health available at county health departments, reduced Medicaid spending, and eliminated from the Florida Kidcare program thousands of children in hurricane battered zones whose parents couldnt pay their required monthly premiums. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (photo via the Scott campaign) A former healthcare executive, Scott resigned from Columbia/HCA, the company he helped found, in 1997 due to billing fraud allegations. Although Scott personally never was charged, the allegations resulted in the company paying a $1.7 billion in fines and settlements, the largest such recovery to that point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet he was the first Florida Republican to openly criticize the proposal. Florida already has a good system that allows families to opt out based on religious and personal beliefs, which balances our childrens health and parents rights, Scott said in a statement. Meanwhile Scotts counterpart, Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, supports the move. DeSantis appointed Moody, a former Florida attorney general, to the U.S. Senate. They dont call us the free state of Florida for nothing, Moody said. One of the things I think stood out about our state during the last years, especially when we were dealing with [Covid-19], was that we pushed back and made sure that we were giving reasoned analysis throughout that time period and making sure that people knew we as state leaders understood our limits, that we respected individuals rights, Moody told NewsMax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate President Ben Albrittons office isnt publicly commenting on the proposal at this time, said Katherine Betta, his spokesperson. House Speaker Daniel Perezs office, meanwhile, hasnt replied to requests for comment. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Meanwhile, former Senate President Don Gaetz, a Republican from Destin now serving again in the cbamber, took a cautionary approach. Among his committee assignments is membership in Health Policy. He did not criticize the move by the DeSantis administration but said that science requires a continued evaluation of evidence and conclusions. Sen. Don Gaetz (Photo/Florida Senate) If the surgeon general has valid and reliable evidence challenging the efficacy of certain vaccinations then of course I am open to his proposal, Gaetz said in a statement to the Florida Phoenix. As a layman, I also hope to hear from medical authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While initially silent following the announcement, the Florida Medical Association on Thursday issued a terse statement opposing the proposal. On behalf of Floridas more than 23,000 physicians and medical professionals, the Florida Medical Association unequivocally supports the vaccination and immunization of school-aged children against diseases that decades ago proved life-threatening to our kids. The FMA advocates for physicians and their patients to promote the public health, ensure the highest standards of medical practice, and to enhance the quality and availability of health care in the Sunshine State. This includes the safe and effective administration of vaccines and immunizations based on years of research and efficacy. Stuart Republican Sen. Gayle Harrell told the Phoenix she needs to see the proposal in bill form before commenting on it but believes in vaccines. I totally support vaccines and vaccinations.We do have opt-out provisions in current statutes, so Id really have to see what they what exactly they would do before I comment on anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrell played a key role earlier this year in quashing legislation that would have required physicians and health care facilities to treat patients regardless of their vaccination status. Hillsborough County Republican Rep. Michael Owen said the idea of allowing parental choice appeals to conservatives but stopped short of supporting the proposal. Informed consent to put the parents in the drivers seat, but I definitely want to look at and see what were talking about when it comes to certain vaccines that may be critical for children. Im open to the science and listening to the doctors, and us allowing Floridian parents to make those decisions, he told the Phoenix. Where the Republican candidates stand Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bryon Donalds released an ambiguous statement on X Thursday, saying, I believe parents should be empowered to make vaccination decisions for their children. Florida law now places the decision of whether to vaccinate children with parents and, despite certain vaccine requirements, allows exemptions for medical or religious objections that enable unvaccinated children to attend school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, eliminating the mandate to vaccinate would not preclude Florida parents from voluntarily vaccinating their children. Former House speaker and Republican gubernatorial hopeful Paul Renner also issued a vague statement Thursday. As speaker, I opposed mandatory covid vaccines and supported strong parental rights legislation. Parents should not be forced to have their children take a vaccine that they think is unsafe. However, we should have safe and effective vaccines that save lives. Its going to affect the whole country, and even globally Dr. Scott Weaver is director of the University of Texas Medical Branch Institute for Human Infections and Immunity. His research focuses on vaccine development for a variety of diseases. In an interview with the Florida Phoenix Thursday, Weaver called the proposal just a terrible decision. University of Texas Medical Branch Institute for Human Infections and Immunity Director Dr. Scott Weaver (Photo/UTMB) Im sure its pretty simple to get a waiver from the vaccine requirements in Florida and many other states, but when you dont even need the waiver, its going to be much easier. And I think a lot of people are going to opt out because theyre not familiar with the diseases. They havent seen measles in their lifetime. Theyve been misinformed about the risks versus benefits of these vaccines. They dont understand that their decision not to vaccinate their child could result in other children becoming infected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weaver stresses that if the Legislature does eliminate vaccine mandates, the decision will reverberate beyond Florida. If Florida starts seeing big outbreaks of measles, which they certainly will with this policy, theyre going to see outbreaks all over the country. There are many pockets of low immunity throughout the country, and it just takes one traveler to start an outbreak there. And so its not even going to be confined to affecting Floridians. Its going to affect the whole country and even globally. Weaver believes the anti-vaccination movement started with misleading information from Andrew Wakefield, a British physician who published a paper claiming to link autism to vaccines. His publisher later withdrew his paper amid accusations of research fraud and British authorities withdrew his license to practice medicine. Now the best way to beat back anti-vaccination efforts is through education, Weaver said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think a long term solution is, as part of our school curricula, we have to teach children how to find reliable information on the internet and how to distinguish misinformation or poorly formulated information from the best information from the most reliable sources and experts in a given field, he said. I dont know whether thats starting to happen, but thats got to be the cornerstone, to educate everybody how to find reliable information, how to distinguish misinformation conspiracy theory with no basis behind it from information that they should be using to make these critical decisions. Florida Phoenix reporter Mitch Perry contributed to this story SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX An Exclusive 4-Day Bahamas Cruise to Celebrate Success, Strengthen Connections, and Reward the Sisel Community SPRINGVILLE, UT / ACCESS Newswire / September 3, 2025 / Sisel International is thrilled to announce its upcoming four-day cruise to the Bahamas, scheduled for February 26 - March 2, 2026. This exciting getaway aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship invites Sisel Distributors and guests to experience the perfect blend of networking, celebration, and Caribbean adventure. Open to all who wish to join, the cruise will embark from Miami, Florida, with scheduled stops at Princess Cays and the highly anticipated new port of Celebration Key, both located in the Bahamas. Attendees will enjoy a day at sea filled with exclusive Sisel-hosted activities, followed by beachside exploration and connection with fellow distributors and the Mower family. Included in the Sisel Cruise Package: $50 USD in onboard credit per cabin Welcome gifts: champagne, sparkling water, and chocolate-covered strawberries Private one-hour reception featuring an open bar with three signature cocktails/mocktails, well drinks, domestic beer and wine, and coffee. Pricing and Registration: Standard Pricing: $1,500 for double occupancy Additional guests: $250 per person Quad cabins are available with twin beds only; space is limited and high in demand All guests must present either a passport, or a photo ID with a birth certificate to board. Registration is now open. To reserve your cabin, please contact Icentiviz Customer Service at 877-333-3023. "This cruise is more than just a vacation," said Tom Mower, Jr. Sisel CEO and Co-Founder, "It's an opportunity for our global community to connect, recharge, and celebrate their accomplishments together. We can't wait to welcome our distributors aboard." The cruise promises to deliver not only luxury and leisure, but lasting relationships and unforgettable memories with the extended Sisel family. About Sisel International Founded by Thomas Mower Sr. and co-founded and led by his son Tom Mower Jr., Sisel International is a global leader in science-based wellness products. With a mission to create powerful, non-toxic health, beauty, and household products, Sisel empowers individuals to lead healthier lives and build thriving businesses through its dynamic opportunity model. For more information, visit www.sisel.net . CONTACT: contact@insightinformernews.com SOURCE: Sisel International View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. got into a heated exchange Thursday when Kennedy claimed the ousted Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director, Susan Monarez, lied about why she was fired. The back and forth took place during a Senate Finance Committee hearing centered on Kennedys record in office and the Trump administrations new vaccine policies. While Kennedy claimed he fired Monarez for not being a trustworthy person, the former CDC director penned an Wall Street op-ed, published Thursday, where she explained that she was fired for refusing to approve vaccine recommendations that are not backed by science. More from TheWrap Im sorry, but this is not what she has said publicly. She has said Warren said during the hearing before Kennedy cut her off. Warren: This is the same person that less than a month earlier, you stood next to her and described her as unimpeachable, and you had full confidence in her, and that you had full confidence in her scientific credentials. And in a month, she became a liar. pic.twitter.com/f9uPLiO0qT Acyn (@Acyn) September 4, 2025 Well, Im not surprised about that, he responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So youre saying shes lying? Warren asked. Yes. Every conversation I had with her, there were witnesses, Kennedy stated, leaving the room visibly in shock. Thats when Warren reminded Kennedy of his past and now-contradictory statements praising Monarez as unimpeachable. Let me get this straight: This is the same person that, less than a month earlier, you stood next to her and described her as unimpeachable and you had full confidence in her and that you had full confidence in her scientific credentials. And in a month she became a liar? Warren, asked, double checking Kennedys new assertion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yeah, you should ask her what changed, Kennedy, who went on to remind Warren that she once doubted Monarezs professional capabilities. And by the way, a month ago you were voting against her because you thought she was either incompetent, ineligible or unsuited to do the task. Warren then explained that her skepticism of Monarez was rooted in her fear that the former CDC director would submit to any and all of Kennedy and Trumps political agendas, despite how harmful they could be to Americans. I voted against her because I was afraid she was going to bend the knee to you and Donald Trump and it looks like she didnt bend the knee, so you fired her, Warren explained. Look, youre putting Americas babies health at risk. Americas seniors health at risk, all Americans health at risk and you should resign. On Thursday, Monarez broke down her 29 days serving as CDC director in the WSJ article Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the CDC and Me, in which she said she was fired because I held the line and insisted on rigorous scientific review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reporters have focused on the Aug. 25 meeting where my boss, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., pressured me to resign or face termination. But that meeting revealed that it wasnt about one person or my job. It was one of the more public aspects of a deliberate effort to weaken Americas public-health system and vaccine protections, Monarez wrote. Those seeking to undermine vaccines use a familiar playbook: discredit research, weaken advisory committees and use manipulated outcomes to unravel protections that generations of families have relied on to keep deadly diseases at bay. Once trusted experts are removed and advisory bodies are stacked, the results are predetermined. That isnt reform. It is sabotage. This all comes after Trump called on pharmaceutical companies to justify the success of the COVID vaccine days after the FDA implemented new rules for them. Per NPR, the agency is now only allowing updated shots for those who are at risk for serious complications or health issues due to their age of being 65 or older. On Aug. 27, Trump fired Monarez hours after she refused to resign from her position. A day after Kennedy penned an opinion piece for The Wall Street Journal titled Restoring public trust in the CDC, more than 1,000 current and former HHS staffers called on Kennedy to resign for compromising the health of this nation in a joint letter titled Its Time for Robert F. Kennedy to Resign. On Thursday, 11 of the 12 Senate Finance Democrats have demanded that Kennedy resign in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert Kennedy was unfit to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services before he was on the job, which is why every Democratic member of the Senate Finance Committee opposed his nomination, the legislators penned. Robert Kennedy must resign, and if he doesnt, Trump should fire him before more American families are hurt by his reckless disregard for science and the truth. You can watch the full exchange in the clip above. The post Elizabeth Warren Torches RFK Jr. in Fiery Spat Over CDC: You Should Resign | Video appeared first on TheWrap. GOSHEN An Elkhart man was sentenced to 18 months alternative placement for stealing his childs moms car. Police reported that the woman contacted police on Feb. 8 to report that Kevin N. Starr, 32, had been at an appointment and had someone watching her kids when Starr came by for his scheduled parental visitation. The woman said he left for a brief trip and went she came back, the child was alone and the mothers vehicle was missing. Later that day, the babysitter reported that Starr told her hed taken the vehicle to make money doordashing, and it had been crashed in Michigan later in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starr was sentenced on Wednesday on auto theft, a Level 6 felony, to 18 months at the Indiana Department of Corrections to be served alternatively at Elkhart County Community Corrections with a recommendation of Work Release. ANGEL G. LUNA SOTO An Elkhart man had an initial hearing in Elkhart County Circuit Court on Wednesday, charged with auto theft. On Monday, Aug. 25, police responded to a stolen vehicle at Martins Supermarket, 1527 Bashor Road, Goshen. Police found the black Ford Escape near Lassus, 1001 Pike St., and followed it down Wilkinson before activating their emergency lights after confirming the license plates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver immediately braked and began to step out of the vehicle. Police ordered him to step fully out of the vehicle and show his hands, to which the driver said he could not, according to a probable cause affidavit. The driver did get fully out of the vehicle then, and the vehicle began rolling away so the officer told him to put the vehicle in park and then walk backward toward him, the affidavit reads. The officer noticed that the driver, identified as Angel G. Luna Soto, 23, of Elkhart, did not follow commands well and made unusual comments, the affidavit reads. Soto was arrested and back at the police station, he reportedly told police that the owner of the vehicle, someone he said he knew from previous interactions, was acting unusually, with a zombie-like walk, with his hands up horizontal in front of him. Soto told police that he was from Elkhart and wanted to get back to Elkhart, but only had his bicycle and that the driver was going to give him a ride home, but the conversation with the driver confused him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soto couldnt explain how he got into the vehicle, but the victim did later confirm to police that Soto had said he needed a ride home before getting into his vehicle and leaving, the affidavit reads. Soto was appointed a public defender during his initial hearing in Circuit Court on Wednesday, where he also attempted to explain to the judge that there was a misunderstanding. He was told to speak to his attorney as the PDs office is now appointed. His pretrial conference is scheduled for Oct. 1, trial status conference for Nov. 12 and jury trial for Dec. 8. SHATTUCK, Okla. (KFOR) Deputies with the Ellis County Sheriffs Office were involved in a shooting that left one person dead late Wednesday night in Shattuck. According to authorities, just after 11 p.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call at a home near South Olive Street and East Fifth Street. When deputies arrived at the home, they approached 54-year-old Anthony David Edgmon, who then pointed his gun and began firing at deputies. He was shot and pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missing womans remains found in rural Okmulgee County No deputies were injured during the shooting, according to Ellis County Sheriff officials. Please keep all my staff in your thoughts and prayers, as well as the families involved. This is a very traumatic event for far more people than the ones directly involved, said Sheriff Shane Booth on the departments Facebook page. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation was said to be immediately requested following the shooting, and a full investigation is ongoing 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. X users including platform owner and Tesla CEO Elon Musk took Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to task over his perplexingly inaccurate claims about solar power. On Monday, Secretary Wright tweeted: "Even if you wrapped the entire planet in a solar panel, you would only be producing 20% of global energy." This is Trump's Secretary of Energy being community noted on solar power. pic.twitter.com/GMdvTYfT9G Maine (@TheMaineWonk) September 2, 2025 X user Maine (@TheMaineWonk) shared a screenshot of Wright's tweet, pointing out that the Secretary of Energy was fact-checked by the community for what appeared to be a fundamentally poor understanding of solar functionality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, whose high-profile break with President Donald Trump appeared to hinge on electric vehicle subsidies, weighed in on related statements made by Wright and reiterated in a tweet later that day. "Tragic," Musk's one-word reply read. Wright's claim that total Earth solar panel coverage would top out at 20% of worldwide energy requirements was bizarre at best. In 2021, the London-based energy think tank Carbon Tracker found that by that time, renewables were already capable of meeting "more than 100 times global energy demand," and that's without wrapping the entire planet in solar but just through normal application of the tech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October, the U.S. Energy Information Administration which is the statistical arm of the Department of Energy, currently headed by Wright projected that "new U.S. solar electricity generating capacity will make up 63%, or nearly two-thirds, of all new electricity generating capacity in the United States." Wright's own Department of Energy's "How Does Solar Work?" resource provided a definitive rebuttal to his claim. "The amount of sunlight that strikes the Earth's surface in an hour and a half is enough to handle the entire world's energy consumption for a full year," the DOE explained. Which of these factors would most effectively convince you to support nuclear energy projects in your area? Lower energy bills Safety and reliability More local jobs Environmental benefits Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In other words, it almost defied credulity that Wright sincerely believed what he was claiming to believe, particularly given his academic background. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "How in the world can a graduate of MIT with a master's degree in electrical engineering make a mistake like that?" an X user replied. "It's all about eliminating any type of competition. Many of these people are bought off by the big corporations that would start to lose money because of other energy alternatives," another posited. While that remark was speculative, Politico published an interview with Wright on Aug. 19, centering on the secretary's escalating fears about skyrocketing energy costs. Wright "insisted that the Trump administration's efforts to stifle development of solar and wind power" were "not causing costs to spike," the outlet emphasized. The secretary's confounding statements about solar weren't the first time Wright brazenly mischaracterized scientific consensus on climate-related issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, Wright falsely claimed that the link between rising temperatures and extreme weather which exists was "nonsense." However, in January, the Union of Concerned Scientists warned that Wright's positions were both dangerous and disingenuous prior to his confirmation as Secretary of Energy. In March, ProPublica highlighted that Wright had misrepresented his own positions on climate during his February confirmation hearings. "It is a global issue. It is a real issue. It's a challenging issue. And the solution to climate change is to evolve our energy system. I am for improving all energy technologies that can better human lives and reduce emissions," Wright assured Congress at the time. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. MADISON - Testimony on the contested reroute of Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline in northern Wisconsin continued this week, with environmental attorneys arguing the project could cause irreparable harm to the state's natural resources. The case is being watched closely throughout the region. For the tribe and environmental groups, such as Clean Wisconsin and Midwest Envrionmental Advocates, this is likely one of the final opportunities to halt the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Enbridge, it's an opportunity to finally get clearance to reroute Line 5 around the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewas reservation. The Canadian energy giant is under a June 2026 court-ordered deadline to get the pipeline off the Bad River Band land although that decision could also get overturned. More: As critical 7-week hearing on Enbridge Line 5 reroute kicks off, we answer top 10 questions The state Department of Natural Resources issued permits last year approving the plan to reroute the aging pipeline. This case is the result of a challenge to those permits in particular, whether the agency followed state law. Hearings will last for seven weeks, with the next round of testimony once again taking place in Ashland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what you should know about the day of arguments in Madison. Environmental groups highlight concerns over permitting Held in Madison at the Department of Administration's Hill Farms office, Wednesday's arguments before Administrative Law Judge Angela Chaput Foy drew a crowd. Anya Janssen, an attorney with Midwest Environmental Advocates, said that when the DNR approved the permits, Enbridge asserted the impact to water and wetlands would be minimal and temporary. Janssen argued the DNR did not gather and assess adequate baseline water quality data to make that determination. Without that data, there would be no way to determine the impact to wetlands. Brett Korte, an attorney with Clean Wisconsin, said lawmakers over decades have created rules to protect Wisconsin water and the DNR must uphold those protections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Wisconsin Constitution protects the public's ability to do the things we like to do in Wisconsin, to swim and fish and boat and enjoy these resources," he said. "One thing that's really unique about the resources that would be impacted by the Line 5 reroute is that they are part of a really special watershed that feeds right into Lake Superior, which is one of the treasures of the state." Final public comment accepted Prior to the legal arguments, Chaput Foy listened to testimony from Wisconsin residents the last chance for public comment that began at the first hearing on the case, in late August in Ashland. More: Opening statements in Enbridge Line 5 reroute case show split over pipeline's risk, reward Connor Kaeb, the associate manager of government relations for the agricultural cooperative GrowMark, spoke in favor of the reroute, saying the industry depends on the energy that Line 5 transports from Canada and into the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Farmers rely on propane for a wide variety of purposes, including drying grain, powering irrigation pumps and heating livestock, nursery or greenhouse buildings," he said. "These are uses for which, in many cases, no viable alternatives exist." Waiting on shipments to arrive via train or truck could devastate farmers, he said. "Running out of propane could be tremendously harmful for their well-being, their lifestyle, for the safety of our communities, the stability of our agricultural economy and the reliability of our energy infrastructure," Kaeb said. Other public speakers, like Tabitha Fader, said the reroute would cause irreparable harm if wetlands and rivers were polluted during pipeline construction or in the event of a spill. She said a survey she participated in indicated endangered and threatened species in the area of the reroute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also expressed concern over the lack of consideration for tribal soverignty. "The permits for this project were granted based on insufficient reports," she said. Press conference highlights support for project, union involvement On the day before Wednesday's hearing, the Wisconsin Jobs and Energy Coalition, an advocacy group pushing for the construction of Line 5, held a media conference in Madison focused on the promised 700 jobs the pipeline construction will bring to Wisconsin. "We know we can be sure this project can be done safely and without negative impact to the environment we all cherish so much," said Mark Graul, spokesperson for the coalition. "And we have men and women here who are ready to get to work." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graul contended the DNR review of the permits was one of the most extensive in state history, and those concerned about the environment should know union members are trained to ensure no mistakes happen. Doug Edwards, the business manager for Steamfitters Local 601 in Madison, said the Wisconsin trade members hired for the project will be highly skilled. "We train some of the best welders here at 601, and the welders that will be welding on this pipeline, rest assured, will be some of the best welders in the world," he said. What comes next? Environmental groups will continue this round of arguments in Madison through Sept. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will present its case in Ashland from Sept. 15 through 19. Back in Madison, Enbridge will make its case on Sept. 22 through 26. The DNR will present its case in Madison as well, from Sept. 29 through Oct. 3. The public can observe the hearing in person, or virtually via Microsoft Teams. To connect by video, use Teams on the web or app, then enter the Meeting ID: 247 227 844 895 and passcode: aK6Bt7Ye. To connect by phone, dial 1-608-571-2209, and then enter the Meeting ID: 589 521165# when prompted. Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on X @SchulteLaura. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Environmental groups raise water impact concerns in key Line 5 case An asylum seeker living at the Bell Hotel in Epping has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, assaulted the teenager and another woman in public days after arriving in the UK on a small boat. His arrest led to a wave of anti-migrant protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping and further demonstrations outside hotels housing asylum seekers across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District Judge Christopher Williams took just 30 minutes to return his guilty verdicts at Chelmsford magistrates court on Thursday. The three-day trial heard he had told two teenagers he wanted to have a baby with each of them and attempted to kiss them, before going on to put his hand on one of the girls thighs and stroke her hair. The defendant was also found to have sexually assaulted a woman by trying to kiss her, putting his hand on her leg and telling her she was pretty. Kebatu, who was a teacher of sports in his home country, denied all charges against him telling the court he is not a wild animal. Offered pizza to victim The defendant gave no visible reaction as Mr Williams told him he was guilty of two counts of sexual assault, one count of attempted sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kebatu is due to be sentenced at a later date. Multiple demonstrations have been held outside the Bell Hotel since July 13 with the police making 32 arrests and charging 21 people in connection with incidents of disorder. Epping Forest District Council is taking legal action against Somani Hotels over the use of the Bell Hotel as accommodation for asylum seekers, and could still be granted an injunction when a full hearing takes place on Oct 13. Katie Lam, the shadow home office minister, said the verdict showed the risks of allowing asylum seekers to roam around communities freely. She added: The crimes of this illegal migrant are shocking and heartbreaking and the victims have shown incredible bravery. This case shows the very real risks of housing illegal migrants in hotels and allowing them to roam around communities freely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This must never be allowed to happen again. Every illegal migrant should be detained immediately and swiftly deported. Anything less leaves vulnerable people at risk, betrays public trust, and sends entirely the wrong message about how seriously Britain takes border security. Kebatus trial was told he was offered pizza by the 14-year-old victim shortly before he tried to kiss her on July 7. The court heard Kebatu had made inappropriate comments to the girl, such as come back to Africa, you would be a good wife, and do you want to come to the Bell Hotel to have babies then we could go to Kenya with each other. The girl told police she froze as the defendant sexually assaulted her and had told Kebatu no, Im 14 when he spotted her again in Epping the following day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court heard his response to the teenager was: No, no, it doesnt matter, you could come back to the Bell Hotel with me. Shocked and uncomfortable An adult member of the public was also sexually assaulted by Kebatu on July 8 during an incident in which he touched her leg and tried to kiss her when she offered to help him with his CV. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she felt shocked and uncomfortable at his behaviour. The adult victim told the court she confronted Kebatu when she saw him speaking to a young schoolgirl. She said the defendant ran away from the initial confrontation, but she caught up with him near the Bell Hotel while on a 999 call with police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman told the trial: It was a lot of begging, pleading and apologising, and a lot of Im sorry, Im going to go, it was a mistake - along those lines. Footage of Kebatus arrest showed him appearing to become tearful after he was handcuffed by an officer, with the defendant eventually getting on his knees on the pavement next to a police car. Stuart Hooper, Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable, said: First and foremost I would like to pay a personal tribute to both our young victim and our adult victim and every witness who came forward and ensured the evidence put before the court was strong and true. It is because of their accounts of what happened, and the close co-operation with our Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) colleagues, that we have been able to secure this conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were acutely aware that this incident has attracted widespread public interest. We have always said that we treat and investigate every report made to us without fear or favour. Rebecca Mundy, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor with CPS East of England, said: This was an incident which became a cause of deep concern for the local community. Our prosecutors worked carefully and impartially to bring this case to justice according to the law. Close and effective collaboration between Essex Police and our out-of-hours prosecution team ensured Kebatu was promptly arrested, charged and remanded. The CPS is determined to pursue justice for victims, working with our law enforcement partners to hold sex offenders accountable. 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. WASHINGTON During a nationally televised news conference where accusers urged Congress to release the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking files, a military flyover of the U.S. Capitol drowned out some of their remarks. Was it a coincidence? The White House said the fighter jets were participating in maneuvers to honor a fallen Polish army pilot killed recently in a training exercise and to "celebrate the special relationship between our two countries." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The noisy honorific occurred shortly before 11:30 a.m. while President Donald Trump was meeting at the White House with newly elected Polish President Karol Nawrocki, the White House said in several X posts showing video of the flyover. More: How Trump and 'terrific guy' Jeffrey Epstein's party boy friendship finally ended The U.S. Capitol Police even issued an alert saying that at approximately 11:00 a.m., the aircraft four F-35 Lightning II and four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft would be conducting an authorized flight near the U.S. Capitol Complex. The aircraft will fly at a low altitude and be noticeable to personnel on the ground, the Capitol Police alert said, noting that its Command Center will monitor the flight in its entirety and maintain full situational awareness throughout this event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timing of the flyover was just half an hour after the scheduled start of the news conference in which Epstein accusers gathered from around the world to tell their stories. Some of them were stepping forward for the first time, to ratchet up pressure on Republican leadership in Congress to make public the mammoth trove of previously unreleased Epstein files. When the jets roared overhead many of the event attendees looked skyward. Some of the women publicly accusing the disgraced late financier of horrific acts shook their head in disbelief. Its difficult to overstate how disrespectful this flyover was, given this press conference was known about by the admin, one of the attendees, Amber Woods, said in a post on X. My heart broke standing next to these brave women, some who were already in tears, or shaking, Woods said. No security provided to them for this conference. I wanted to wrap my arms around them all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the two speakers interrupted by the flights, Anouska De Georgiou, stopped mid-sentence as the jet noise drowned out her voice. She raised her arm skyward and waited several seconds before resuming speaking. Another Epstein accuser looked up, startled, to see where the deafening sound was coming from. The White House confirmed that it ordered the flyover in emails to USA TODAY, and said Sept. 4 that Trump personally issued the order. A White House statement said only that the "spectacular flyover will honor the memory of a brave Polish fighter pilot whose life was tragically taken too soon and capture the special relationship between our two countries." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: 'Full blown panic attack.' Rep. Nancy Mace leaves meeting with Epstein victims in tears A White House video posted by the White House shows Trump and Nawrocki standing outside the White House and looking up at the jets, which performed whats known as a missing man formation in which one jet breaks off from the others to represent the fallen pilot. Trump spends oodles of $$ for an absurd military flyover to silence victims of Epsteins and Maxwells awful crimes as he protects the perpetrators of those crimes, Rep. Daniel Goldman, D-N.Y., posted on X in a reply to a video showing De Georgiou being drowned out by the jets. Some observers raised questions about the timing of the flyover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who authorized fighter jets to fly by the capitol at that very moment?! asked former U.S. counterterrorism official Malcolm Nance in an X post. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Epstein accusers interrupted by Trump-ordered military jet flyover A resurfaced trial transcript reveals that Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epsteins longtime pilot traveled regularly to Dallas, Texas, for helicopter training. The full testimony was delivered in 2021 by Epsteins pilot, Lawrence Visoski, during Maxwells federal sex-trafficking trial. It was made publicly accessible after the Republican-controlled House Oversight Committee published thousands of pages of court records on September 2. While some details were reported during the trial, Maxwells repeated training trips to Dallas had not been widely noted until now. You also accompanied Chislaine to a different helicopter training school in Dallas, Texas; is that right? a defense attorney asked Visoski, according to the transcript. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats correct, he replied. Visoski testified that he and Maxwell traveled to Dallas once a year for recurrent helicopter training, typically lasting four to five days. We were required to go back for recurrent training, he said, describing sessions that included two days of ground school and multiple days of flight instruction. The pilot also recalled that he and Maxwell sometimes went out for steak dinners during their Texas trips. Those were fun events, right? the attorney asked. Yes, Visoski answered. The pilot did not specify the exact years these trainings took place. However, Visoki was widely reported to have been Epsteins pilot from somewhere in the 1990s until the 2010s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dallas connection expands the picture of Epsteins ties to Texas. Flight logs of Epsteins private jet, known as the Lolita Express, show it made stops in San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and Houstons Hobby Airport, according to The Texan. Virginia Giuffre, then known as Virginia Roberts, was reportedly aboard when the jet touched down in San Antonio. Visoski, who worked as Epsteins pilot for nearly 30 years, testified that Maxwell was Number 2 in Epsteins operations. Asked by prosecutors where Maxwell stood in the hierarchy, he said, Epstein was the big Number 1. His description supported what federal prosecutors argued in opening statements, that Epstein and Maxwell were partners in crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, Visoski also testified that he never saw Maxwell or Epstein engage in sexual activity with underage girls. You never saw Ghislaine do anything or say anything that would lead you to believe she was helping Epstein or anyone else sexually abuse underage girls? a defense attorney asked. No, not at all, Visoski said. He added that if he had suspected wrongdoing, he would not have allowed his daughters to spend time around Maxwell. Maxwell was convicted in December 2021 on sex trafficking charges and sentenced in 2022 to 20 years in prison. In August, she was transferred from a Florida facility to a minimum-security federal prison camp in Bryan, Texas. This move has drawn criticism from inmates and sparked questions on Capitol Hill, according to The Dallas Express. Yet another Jeffrey Epstein survivor has expressed her disappointment in President Trumps constant dismissal of their fight for justice as a Democrat hoax. Im a Republican. I voted for him. I voted for Trump, Jena-Lisa Jones, who was abused by Epstein in 2003 when she was just 14 years old, said on MSNBC Wednesday evening. For him to say what hes saying is beyond me. Because I put my hope in him, and hes supposed to protect us. And for him to say that this is a joke, and that its sides? This is not sides. We will say it time and time again: None of us are up there accusing him of anything. There is no one that is accusing him of any wrongdoing, so for the fact that he is saying those things and saying its a hoax, who are you hiding for then? Because if its not you, then who is it? Jones: I voted for Trump. And for him to say what he's saying is beyond me, because I put my hope in him and he's supposed to protect us. And for him to say that this is a joke and that it's sides, this is not sides. We will say it time and time again. None of us are up there pic.twitter.com/Z88S5UXGpC Acyn (@Acyn) September 4, 2025 Trump has been framing the Epstein saga as one big lie that his supporters would be stupid to believe, despite years of his own Cabinet officials speaking about the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So this is a Democrat hoax that never ends, Trump said earlier Wednesday, as Epstein survivors held a press conference outside the Capitol. You know, it reminds me a little of the Kennedy situation; we gave em everything. Over and over again, more and more and more. And nobodys ever satisfied. From what I understandI could checkbut from what I understand, thousands of pages of documents have been given. But its really a Democrat hoax. Because theyre trying to get people to talk about something thats totally irrelevant to the success that weve had as a nation since Ive been president. Trump is, of course, lying again. The thousands of pages of documents the Justice Department and House Republicans released Tuesday evening contained old, redacted information, and even duplicate pages to make it seem more significant than it was. Jones isnt the only Epstein survivor questioning her vote for Trump. Mr. President Donald J. Trump, I am a registered Republican, not that that matters because this is not political. However, I cordially invite you to the Capitol to meet me in person so you can understand this is not a hoax, said survivor Haley Robson when asked about Trumps hoax comments at the Wednesday press conference. We are real human beings. This is real trauma. Were here in person. To say that its a hoax is just not please humanize us. I would like Donald J. Trump and every person in America and around the world to humanize us, and to hear us for what we have to say. At this point its clear that whatever hoax there is is coming directly from the Trump administration, as they have done everything in their power to avoid holding any of their rich friends accountable and giving these abused women the basic justice they deserve. Authorities in Switzerland have arrested the husband of a former finalist for Miss Switzerland, alleging that he strangled her to death before dismembering her and blending her body parts. Kristina Joksimovic was killed during the February of 2024, according to the BBC. Police referred to the 38-year-old beauty queen by her initials in court documents, By Sisipho Skweyiya KWADUKUZA, South Africa (Reuters) -Nkosinathi Msweli's sugar cane farm in KwaDukuza - a rural, largely poor region on South Africa's eastern coast - has for three decades been a solid, albeit small, economic success story, employing eight full-time staff and 30 seasonal workers. But cheap sugar imports were already eating into his earnings when U.S. President Donald Trump announced a steep tariff on South African imports, creating what Msweli called a "double whammy" that now leaves the 53-year-old facing tough choices. "All in all, I will have to cut about 20 workers from this current season," he told Reuters, as he watched his labourers chop cane from soot-blanketed fields. "The person that is here in the field maybe has 10 lives that he's supporting." South Africa's sugar industry, valued at around 25 billion rand ($1.42 billion), directly and indirectly supports over 300,000 jobs in a country with one of the world's highest rates of unemployment. And in a nation where agricultural land ownership is still dominated by a white minority - a legacy of South Africa's apartheid past - its nearly 26,000 small farmers, who work alongside 1,100 large-scale growers, are predominantly Black. A combination of market factors and politics, however, is exposing the sector to growing headwinds. South African farmers are struggling to compete with cheap imports, including from neighbouring Eswatini, which benefits from preferential access under a regional customs treaty. Depressed global prices resulting from large harvests in major producers like India and Brazil have, meanwhile, added to the pain. And Trump's 30% tariff on imports from South Africa is set to deal a blow to exports. South Africa had previously benefited from a duty-free quota for 24,000 metric tons of sugar exports to the U.S. market under Washington's flagship trade initiative for the continent, the African Growth and Opportunities Act. While accounting for a relatively small 5% of total sugar exports, the South African Cane Growers' Association said the U.S. has served as a premium market that offered high prices, helping to sustain domestic jobs. The scale of potential job losses remains unclear. But the industry association is urging the government to secure a trade deal with Washington that would safeguard exports to the United States. "If we don't have good trade relationships with the U.S., it's going to be detrimental, not just to our sector, but to many others as well," said Pratish Sharma, a member of the association's board. Survivors of Jeffrey Epsteins sexual abuse made their voices heard Wednesday on Capitol Hill, pressuring lawmakers to force the release of the sex trafficking investigation into the late financier and pushing back on President Donald Trumps effort to dismiss the issue as a hoax. In a news conference on the Capitol lawn that drew hundreds of supporters and chants of release the files, the women shared some publicly for the first time how they were lured into Epsteins abuse by his former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell. They demanded that the Trump administration provide transparency and accountability for what they endured as teenagers. It was a striking stand as the push for disclosure of the so-called Epstein files reaches a pivotal moment in Washington. Lawmakers are battling over how Congress should delve into the Epstein saga while the Republican president, after initially signaling support for transparency on the campaign trail, has been dismissing the matter as a Democrat hoax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No matter what you do its going to keep going, Trump said Wednesday. He added, Really, I think its enough. But the survivors on Capitol Hill, as well as at least one of Trumps closest allies in Congress, disagreed. Some of the women pleaded for Trump to support their cause. It feels like you just want to explode inside because nobody, again, is understanding that this is a real situation. These women are real. Were here in person, said Haley Robson, one of the survivors who said she is a registered Republican. Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial in 2019 on charges that said he sexually abused and trafficked dozens of underage girls. The case was brought more than a decade after he secretly cut a deal with federal prosecutors in Florida to dispose of nearly identical allegations. Epstein was accused of paying underage girls hundreds of dollars in cash for massages and then molesting them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maxwell, Epsteins longtime confidant and former girlfriend, was convicted in 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison for luring teenage girls for him to abuse. Four women testified at her trial that they were abused by Epstein as teens in the 1990s and early 2000s at his homes in Florida, New York and New Mexico. The allegations have also spawned dozens of lawsuits. A Trump ally crosses party lines Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is usually closely aligned with Trump, described her support for a bill that would force the Justice Department to release the information it has compiled on Epstein and Maxwell as a moral fight against sexual predation. This isnt one political party or the other. Its a culmination of everyone working together to silence these women and protect Jeffrey Epstein and his cabal, Greene said at the news conference. She also told reporters that she had spoken with Trump on Wednesday to tell him that he should host the survivors in the Oval Office, not any of Jeffrey Epsteins rich, powerful friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene is one of four Republicans three of them women who have defied House GOP leadership and the White House in an effort to force a vote on their bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson is trying to quash the effort by putting forward his own resolution and arguing that a concurrent investigation by the House Oversight Committee is the best way for Congress to deliver transparency. I think the Oversight probe is going to be wide and expansive, and theyre going to follow the truth wherever it leads, Johnson, R-La., said. He added that the White House was complying with the committee to release information and that he had spoken with Trump about it Tuesday night. He says, Get it out there, put it all out there, Johnson told reporters. The Oversight Committee on Tuesday night released what it said was the first tranche of documents and files it has received from the Justice Department on the Epstein case. The folders posted on Google Drive contained hundreds of image files of years-old court filings related to Epstein, but contained practically nothing new. Warnings from the White House Meanwhile, the White House was warning House members that support for the bill to require the DOJ to release the files would be seen as a hostile act. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who is pressing for the bill, said that the White House was sending that message because Theyve dug in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They decided they dont want it released, he said. Its a political threat. But with Trump sending a strong message and Republican leadership moving forward with an alternative resolution, Massie was left looking for support from at least two more Republicans willing to cross political lines. It would take six GOP members, as well as all House Democrats, to force a vote on their bill. And even if that passes the House, it would still need to pass the Senate and be signed by Trump. Survivors speak out Still, the survivors saw this moment as their best chance in years to gain some justice for what had been done by Epstein. One survivor, Chauntae Davies said that she remembered feeling powerless when she saw how Epstein was connected to some of the most rich and powerful people in the world. Davies said she once traveled to Africa with Epstein on a trip that included former President Bill Clinton and other notable figures. He bragged about his powerful friends, including current President Donald Trump. It was his biggest brag, actually, Davies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the women say its time to reveal a full accounting of everyone involved or complicit in Epsteins behavior. Several of them are compiling a list of people who may have been involved, but are still deliberating whether to release that publicly, fearing potential repercussions. Bradley Edwards, an attorney who has represented many of the survivors, refuted the notion that Epstein kept a list of clients, but said others were still involved. His scheme was to personally abuse women, Edwards said. When they reached a certain age, he did farm a section of them, some of them, out to some of his friends. That doesnt mean all of his friends. Ultimately, the women said they spoke out in hope that lawmakers and federal officials would act to ensure that abusers like Epstein are not let off lightly or allowed to continue their abuse. They were especially affronted that Maxwell had recently been moved to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice and accountability are not favors from the powerful. They are obligations decades overdue Jess Michaels, a survivor who said she was first abused by Epstein in 1991, told the rally on the Capitol lawn. This moment began with Epsteins crimes. But its going to be remembered for survivors demanding justice, demanding truth, demanding accountability. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW 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. A survivor of sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein who voted for President Donald Trump has blasted him for reducing the scandal to a hoax. Jena-Lisa Jones was introduced to the late pedophile when she was just 14 years old and was one of the women who shared her harrowing ordeal at Wednesdays press conference on Capitol Hill. Survivors joined Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) to back a discharge petition that would force the Trump administration to release all of the Epstein files. Trump repeated his claim Wednesday that the Epstein case is a Democrat hoax that never ends, which has infuriated survivors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I voted for Trump, Jones told MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell on The Last Word, as her voice noticeably cracked with emotion. And for him to say what hes saying is beyond me, because I put my hope in him and hes supposed to protect us. For him to say that this is a joke Jones added. There is no one that is accusing him of any wrongdoing, so the fact that hes saying its a hoax, who are you hiding for then? Jena-Lisa Jones was introduced to the late pedophile when she was just 14 and said she feels betrayed after voting for President Donald Trump (MSNBC/YouTube) When The Independent asked Trump whether he was protecting powerful friends and Republican campaign donors by not releasing the entirety of the documents in the Epstein case, the president complained again of the so-called hoax. From what I understand, thousands of pages of documents have been given. But it's really a Democrat hoax, because they're trying to get people to talk about something that's totally irrelevant to the success that we've had as a nation since I've been president, Trump said in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones called out the president for failing to back Epsteins survivors. You should be supporting us, you should be backing us. We spoke our truth and you are telling us pretty much that were lying, Jones said. I put my hope in you when I voted for you and you cant even back us when we need you the most? Transparency around the Epstein case was a pledge that Trump campaigned on in 2024 but when his Justice Department and the FBI released a joint memo on July 6 stating that no further documents in the case warranted release, and there was no evidence the convicted sex offender kept a client list, fury erupted. Trump repeated his claim Wednesday that the Epstein case is a Democrat hoax that never ends (AFP/Getty) MAGAs Marjorie Taylor Greene broke ranks with Trump by speaking at the event with Epsteins victims and backed the discharge petition put forward by Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie to release more about the federal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Georgia representative said that she received phone call after phone call from the White House Tuesday evening in a bid to dissuade her from signing the petition. They didnt want me to sign the discharge petition, Greene told Eric Bolling of Real America's Voice. They want to focus on the oversight investigation. Greene vowed to reveal every damn name of the purported high-powered clients of the late financiers underage sex trafficking operation at the press conference. If they want to give me a list, I will walk in that Capitol on the House floor and Ill say every damn name that abused these women. I can do that for them and Id be proud to do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration continues to be dogged by the Epstein files saga nearly two months on from when the bombshell FBI and Justice Department memo dropped. Epstein died by suicide behind bars in 2019, the FBI determined. His sudden death has been the subject of countless conspiracy theories, fueling the demands for heightened transparency around the case. The budget stalemate in harrisburg has school districts all over the state in a financial holding pattern. That includes the Erie School District as a new year begins with no help from the state. A budget update was included as part of Wednesday evenings meeting of the Erie School Board. Erie City Council amends bond for former Miller Brothers site The state budget is now more than two months overdue, with no timeline for solving the impasse between the state House and Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The districts chief financial officer said they are not seeing a major impact yet. But according to the school board president, close to $40 million in funding for the district is being held by the state. Theres a lot of uncertainty and we cant budget that way. We cant carry that so long. The state needs to pick up its responsibility, so we can carry on through the rest of the year, said Dr. Jay Breneman, the school board president. PFBC opens new research facility in Erie to help study lake I dont foresee in the short term, any issues. But again, if it drags on any longer than another month or so, we may have to have a different conversation about what our options could be, said Brian Cheese, the Erie School District CFO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also Wednesday night, the board unveiled whats being called a first- of- its kind in the country. According to Breneman, the student leadership program gives board representation to a group of nine students who will now have a voice in board decisions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ESTILL COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) With the hope of beginning construction on a new middle school, Estill County Schools planned an extended summer break this year and started classes yesterday. But funding for the project has been delayed, and no work has started on the project. Leaders in Estill County want lawmakers to come up with money to build a new middle school because the current one is shifting. Estill County Middle School (ECMS) is built on a foundation that contains a lot of shale, causing the building to heave upward. Inside its classrooms and halls are cracked floors and walls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Charlie Brock first took over as superintendent and walked through ECMS, it was his mission to secure funding to build a new middle school. Read more of the latest Kentucky news So, with things having gone up over the last 2 or 3 years, the price to build a new middle school to sustain our student population is about $58 million. We have some local bonding capacity, but not near enough, and so we are requesting the money from the legislature, kind of as an emergency fund, because the building has to be replaced, Brock said. Brock said the school has moved since the day it opened in the 90s, but teachers and staff told him that its become more frequent in the last few years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of now, Brock said the school is still structurally safe and not a danger to students and that they have structural engineers monitoring the current middle school and will continue to do so to ensure student safety. However, the extended summer break has allowed the district to focus on important maintenance projects in its existing buildings. Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news Currently, the floors are being stripped and re-waxed, a process that hasnt been done in several years, to improve their appearance and longevity. Additionally, they tackle other maintenance tasks, including painting, HVAC projects, and other maintenance updates, to ensure our facilities are in top shape for their students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I actually have, for the last two years, spoken and worked with our local representative, Mr. Wesley, and our senator as well, Mr. Smith. The budget just wasnt open last year, and if they dont open the budget, then its hard to get more funding. We did secure 5 million the first year when the budget was open, but thats not enough to continue the project, Brock said. I just encourage everybody to reach out to our representative and to our senator and just continue to ask them to help in the process. If you know anybody else in Frankfort, reach out to them. Never hurts, you know, when we can get more and more people to call. Brock added that the district is moving forward with the design phase of the project and actively pursuing the remaining funding this fall and into January. He said he has been working with both the state education department and legislators to access funding for a new school as soon as they can, and hopes that in the upcoming legislative session, the district will secure full funding for the new middle school. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The budget just wasnt open last year, and if they dont open the budget, then its hard to get more funding. We did secure five million the first year when the budget was open, but thats not enough to continue the project. We got a lot of site design and stuff done, weve got a lot of design on the building, we do have a site plan in place. So, were ready to start moving; we just need some more funds, Brock said. A new building will require approximately $58 million to complete. There are currently five to six classrooms that the school does not use at all due to damage to floors and walls. No students have been injured from the damaged floors and walls. The hope is to start site prep next summer, with the project to be completed in two years. The new middle school will be built on the same campus, but in another location behind the high 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 FOX 56 News. European Union flags were flown at half mast in Brussels on Thursday to commemorate those killed when a historic funicular railway derailed in Lisbon on Wednesday evening. "The tragic accident on the Elevador da Gloria has shaken Europe deeply," European Parliament President Roberta Metsola wrote on X. The accident, in which at least 15 people were killed and another 18 injured, occurred on Wednesday evening for reasons that remain unclear, according to media reports, citing the city's emergency services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Elevador da Gloria was opened in 1885 and is one of Lisbon's three historic funicular railways. It connects the central Praca dos Restauradores square with the higher district of Bairro Alto, covering a distance of around 200 metres. The funicular is primarily a tourist attraction, though it is also used by many locals for whom the route is too steep to walk. "My thoughts are with the victims, with their loved ones, and with the injured, to whom I wish a swift recovery," said European Council President Antonio Costa, a former Portuguese prime minister. "I extend my heartfelt condolences to Portugal and to the city of Lisbon," Costa added. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed her sympathy to the victims' families. A ban on one chemical substance found in certain gel nail polishes has gone into effect in parts of Europe due to concerns about its potential hazardous effects. Experts in science and environmental health have shared their insight on the health risks associated with the ingredient, which is not banned in the United States. European Commission officials have prohibited the use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) in cosmetic products. The ban went into effect on Sept. 1. This means that nail technicians located in countries in the European Union cannot use a product that contains the ingredient on clients and any product with TPO cannot be placed on the market. Additionally, any product with TPO that has already been placed on the market before the Sept. 1 cutoff date cannot continued to be supplied or otherwise made available to another person in the course of commercial activity, according to the official European Commission website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, professionals in the cosmetic businesses may not sell these products in the EU, nor may they give these products away, the website states. Carmen Marsit, a professor of environmental health at Emory Universitys Rollins School of Public Health, explained to HuffPost that TPO is one of the chemicals used in gel nail polish that allows the polishes to harden when exposed to ultraviolet light. The EU uses whats called Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulations with different classification categories to evaluate the risk of substances being carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic (CMR). TPO has been classified as a CMR category 1B reproductive toxicant by the European Commission. Marsit explained that the CMR category 1B classification is based on the presumption of the chemical being carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic based on animal or cell evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The testing that went into the ban are standard toxicologic testing of chemicals using animal models, mostly rat studies, but also some using rabbit or mice, he said. These studies feed the chemical to the animals, or to test skin irritation, apply the chemical to the skin of the animal. Related: The Obsession With 'Toxic' Ingredients Has Started A Dangerous Lie About Sunscreen. Here's What To Know. From these studies, reproductive effects were identified, including changes in fertility, effects on testes and sperm and reduction in weight of the fetal animals, he continued. Marsit pointed out that the amounts of exposure given to animals in testing are higher than what someone might normally be exposed to and that exposure by ingestion in people would only be incidental. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he also noted that its important for people to consider that the chemical is given to animals in isolation when these studies are conducted. So the animals arent exposed to anything else. That isnt realistically how humans are exposed to chemicals in their environment, where we can be exposed through numerous routes to a variety of chemicals that might cause harm alone or in combination with others, he said. For some people, the combined effect of TPO with other chemicals could lead to health impacts, he later added. Under U.S. law, cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, do not need FDA approval before they go on the market. However, cosmetic manufacturers have a legal responsibility for the safety and labeling of their products, a representative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said in an emailed statement to HuffPost, but did not directly comment on whether the agency will implement a similar TPO ban. FDA can and does take action against cosmetics on the market that do not comply with the law. The European Commission has prohibited the use of Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) which is used in some gel polish, in the EU. The ban went into effect on Sept. 1, 2025. Mariia Demchenko via Getty Images So, should we be worried about TPO in the U.S.? Marsit said that he believes the EU ban is a precautionary approach, which is consistent with the policies and laws of the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a strong approach to take to protect people from harm, but unfortunately, it is not the approach used in the United States, he said. Overall, Marsit said that when it comes to the use of TPO in cosmetic products, the likelihood TPO exposures will cause harm is small, but not zero. So, people should weigh that out with other risks, he said. Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist, explained to Today.com that in the gel nail polish process, TPO is applied to the nail, which is made of densely packed keratin, and cured into a solid matrix, significantly limiting systemic exposure. She added that she believes TPO is pretty safe as currently used in nail gels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if youre concerned about any potential health risks, there are TPO-free gel nail polishes available on the market. Dobos also told CNN in a post published Thursday that some brands have started to think about reformulation, and some brands had already used alternate photoinitiators. So there are options without TPO. When you go to a salon, though, you dont always get to see the label of the products youre using. So youre going to have to ask at the salon, she said, before pointing out that regular, non-gel nail polish is always an option too. Related: How Bad Is It For Your Skin If You Wear Makeup Every Day? David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, told CNN that overall, the exposure to TPO is of greater concern for salon workers and consumers who frequently get professional gel nail polish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For anyone concerned about potential health risks associated with getting a gel manicure, Marsit pointed out that in addition to seeking out TPO-free gel polishes, its important to be aware that there could be other risks associated with gel manicures like the exposure to ultraviolet light, which has been linked to skin cancer. There may also be other chemicals in the paints that could harm health, he told HuffPost. There are ways to protect your skin from the UV dryers used for gel manicures. Dr. Shari Lipner, a dermatologist and director of the Nail Division at Weill Cornell Medicine,told NPR in 2023 that she recommends people who regularly get gel manicures to wear sunscreen and fingerless gloves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That will certainly add a ton of protection, she said at the time. And maybe if youre going once a month, you can limit that to a few times a year. Related... Read the original on HuffPost The European Union is now prohibiting the use of a key chemical ingredient in some gel nail polishes and other cosmetic products. The ban, which went into effect this week, targets the use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide or TPO, which was classified as a type of reproductive toxicant by European regulators, according to the European Commission. TPO works as a photoinitiator, meaning it responds to light. In gel nail polish, it helps the polish set under ultraviolet or UV light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It starts that reaction that gets it to cure, said Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist and adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnatis James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, who has been following the European regulation. Some people may prefer gel nail polishes over regular nail polishes because gel products generally last longer, are harder in texture and dry more quickly after a manicure or pedicure. TPO-containing products are primarily used in salons because the chemical requires a nail lamp with UV light to cure or harden the gel, said David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group that maintains a database on personal care products that contain potential toxins. Exposure to TPO is of greater concern for salon workers and consumers who frequently get professional gel nail polish, Andrews said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU has banned the use of TPO both at home and professionally due to reproductive toxicity concerns identified in animal studies, he added. The toxicity studies completed on animals showed testicular abnormalities and reduced fertility. Although TPO has been associated with some concerns in animal studies, people who have enjoyed receiving gel manicures should not panic, Dobos said. Whats important to keep in mind is that those end points and those studies were from animal-feeding studies, she said. When youre thinking about nail polish, thats clearly not how were exposed to TPO. Youre not eating the nail polish. So, its a different route of exposure. When applied to the fingernails of humans, in my opinion, these materials, in the way that they are used, are very safe, but there are alternatives, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some brands have started to think about reformulation, and some brands had already used alternate photoinitiators. So there are options without TPO. When you go to a salon, though, you dont always get to see the label of the products youre using. So youre going to have to ask at the salon, Dobos said. Or you can also just get a good old-fashioned nail polish. Old-fashioned nail polish has been around since the 1920s and has a long history of safe use. I still go for the old-fashioned nail polish myself. The new restrictions in Europe do not mean gel polish itself is prohibited. The prohibition applies only to those products containing TPO, according to the Nail Manufacturer Council on Safety, part of the Professional Beauty Association, a nonprofit advocacy community for beauty professionals across the United States. Some headlines have caused unnecessary worry by calling this a ban on gel polish, but thats simply not true, consumers and professionals can be reassured: gel polish products remain fully available and legally marketable in the EU, provided they are formulated with approved alternatives, Doug Schoon, chair of the Nail Manufacturer Council on Safety, said in a statement. This is a regulatory restriction on a single ingredient, not a ban on an entire product category. Under the European ban, TPO-containing products should no longer be sold, supplied or used, according to the European Commission. Any TPO-containing products still in stock should be withdrawn from the market, and new products containing TPO cannot be placed on the market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar restrictions are expected to go into effect in the United Kingdom next year, but TPO remains in cosmetic products in the United States. Various countries and regions regulate cosmetic products differently. In the United States, cosmetic products and ingredients other than color additives do not require approval from the US Food and Drug Administration before entering the market, US Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon said Thursday. However, cosmetic manufacturers have a legal responsibility for the safety and labeling of their products, Nixon said in an email. FDA can and does take action against cosmetics on the market that do not comply with the law, he added. Its against the law to use an ingredient that makes a cosmetic harmful when used as intended. Cosmetic manufacturers have a legal responsibility for the safety and labeling of their products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dobos said she does not foresee the FDA banning the ingredient at the federal level. However, I wouldnt be surprised if we see state-level activity. There have been a lot of state-level ingredient bans in recent years, Dobos said. For instance, in 2023, California banned 26 chemicals used in many cosmetics, including hair products, bodywash and nail polish. More manufacturers may start to remove TPO from their products, Andrews said, but he said its unlikely the FDA will ban the chemical in the United States. The EU takes a proactive approach of restricting and banning chemicals that are identified as causing health harms, mostly in animals, while the US FDA approach is more just wait and see if anything bad happens, he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com BRUSSELS As the so-called Coalition of the Willing gathers in Paris on Sept. 4, European leaders are expected to hear from Washington what role the U.S. is prepared to play in providing security guarantees for Kyiv. For months, American officials have repeated that Europe must shoulder the bulk of the burden. Now, with a European blueprint nearly finalized at the technical level, officials in Paris say the plans are ready for use provided Washington offers a backstop. We are willing and able, and we are ready, an Elysee official told reporters on the eve of the talks. What remains, they added, is confirmation that the plans indeed have the support of the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky has pushed for binding assurances from allies that they will force Russia to the negotiating table to end the war and prevent Moscow from launching another invasion soon after. He landed in Paris on Sept. 3 to meet with the coalition leaders in person and emphasize that point. However, with U.S. President Donald Trump being wary of extending a hand to Ukraine, and no pressure coming down on Russia to stop the war, European leaders struggle to find a role to play. Europe on the front foot Technical work since the coalitions first meeting in February is now almost completed, according to the French officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to be able to speak freely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan focuses on consolidating Ukraines Armed Forces over the long term, ensuring Kyiv retains a position of strength, deploying an international reassurance force in no-contact zones, and propping up the countrys defense industry. But public details have been scarce as officials are adamant they will not be publicly discussed, not to give Russia any advantage. We have to prevent spreading our resources too thinly. Paris insists Europe has gathered enough contributions to move forward. But the package hinges on U.S. involvement, particularly in logistics, air and missile defense, and intelligence sharing. Some European capitals have already said they will not sign up without clarity on these points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Paris gathering co-chaired by France and the U.K. will attempt to finalize Europes internal discussions before engaging more directly with Washington. People familiar with the matter say a call with President Trump is expected right afterward, though it remains unclear in what format. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will attend the meeting in Paris in person. U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on Sept. 3, 2025. (Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images) European diplomats say they want firmer U.S. commitments not only to backstop guarantees but also to tighten sanctions on Moscow if no real progress from Russias side continues. Standing alongside Zelensky in Paris on Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron underlined the message: Europe is ready to provide security guarantees; the U.S. must now do its part. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky also said he already discussed this in detail, with the possible contributions of each country of the so-called NB8 grouping, which includes Denmark, Norway, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and Iceland. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte struck a similar note in Brussels, saying he would expect tomorrow, or soon after tomorrow, to have clarity on what collectively we can deliver, he said. Once Europe finalises its plans, he added, allies can engage even more intensely with Washington. Read also: The elephant in the room Russia wont agree to Ukraine security guarantees, Europe cant enforce them Not everyone onboard Yet cracks are visible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A European diplomat told the Kyiv Independent that early momentum in talks has faded, with Russia preparing fresh attacks on Ukrainian territory and a Putin-Zelensky summit nowhere in sight. Sending a peacekeeping force after a truce, they warned, remains the key concern of most leaders in the groups, which remain split into three camps those willing to deploy, those not and undecided countries. Rutte sought to reassure NATOs eastern members that resources devoted to Ukraine would not come at the expense of the alliances own defenses in front-line states. We have to prevent spreading our resources too thinly, he said. Frances President Emmanuel Macron (2nd R) and President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) lead a meeting with international leaders during the Coalition of the Willing Summit at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on Sept. 4, 2025. (Ludovic Marin/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) Not all European voices appear to be aligned, either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the Financial Times last weekend that Europe was readying pretty precise plans for a force deployment. But German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius swiftly dismissed such talk as premature, stressing that the EUs executive has no mandate or competency whatsoever when it comes to positioning troops. While von der Leyen was invited to the White House talks, some diplomats argued that European Council President Antonio Costa who represents all EU member states should have been at the table. Costa will attend the Paris meeting in person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both leaders have embarked on reassurance tours: von der Leyen through front-line states bordering Russia, and Costa across all EU capitals ahead of Septembers UN General Assembly. Officials insist their efforts are complementary, not competitive. Read also: Behind Ukraines manpower crisis lies a bleak new battlefield reality for infantry Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. South Korea will implement the Organization for Economic Cooperations (OECD) Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) starting next year. The countrys Ministry of Strategy and Finance officially launched the Information Exchange Agreement on 2 September 2025. What does this mean for crypto investors? Data on foreign investors using Korean exchanges will be shared with their home tax authorities, and records of Koreans trading overseas platforms will be reported to Koreas National Tax Service. According to local media, a Ministry official said, This is a separate matter from taxation. The official added, The purpose is to establish detailed regulations for implementing the Virtual Asset Information Exchange Agreement. The move aligns South Korea with a 48-nation pledge to activate CARF by 2027. South Koreas adoption of cross-border reporting of digital transactions will close offshore loopholes. EXPLORE: 9+ Best High-Risk, High-Reward Crypto to Buy in September 2025 Exchanges Like Upbit, Bithumb Will Have Identifying, Transactional Data Collected Foreign investors trading Bitcoin and other crypto assets on Korean venues such as Upbit and Bithumb will have identifying and transactional data collected. The data will then be shared via CARF to their home authorities from 2027. Details of Korean nationals investing in overseas asset exchanges will also be shared with National tax Service (NTS). Currently, the NTS requires voluntary reporting of overseas financial accounts holding more than KRW 500 million in stocks, deposits and virtual assets. According to the NTS, the amount of overseas virtual assets reported this year reached KRW 11.1 trillion, an increase of KRW 700 billion from the previous year. Under the Virtual Asset Information Exchange Agreement, domestic virtual asset operators will be required to report personal information and transaction information of residents of partner countries to their respective tax authorities starting next year, the report said. This information sharing will begin in 2027, but transaction records will be included starting next year. EXPLORE: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x in 2025 Tether, Circle Court South Korean Banks As Nation Prepares Stablecoin Regulatory Framework South Korea is now actively in the global race to regulate stablecoins. Americas recent push with the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act is clearly the catalyst in South Koreas move to establish a formal regulatory framework. In August 2025, executives from the worlds two largest stablecoin issuers, Tether and Circle, landed in Seoul to hold meetings with the countrys financial leaders and regulators. Kyivs allies sought to bolster Ukraines defense, pledging military backing ahead of talks with US President Donald Trump. Britain and France are today jointly hosting a meeting of European powers in Paris intended to cement further military contributions to help Ukraine fight Russia, the UKs defense secretary said. Yet challenges abound. The regions leaders are unwilling to turn platitudes into actual pledges, the Financial Times said, adding that Trump who will speak with Ukraines leader today must support any European plan for it to be viable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of todays co-hosts, France, has been unable to pass its own budget, let alone corral a continent into boosting its defense spending. All the while, Russia is intensifying its battlefield offensive. If you're looking for a little more happiness in your life, consider moving to Denmark, home to the happiest city on the planet. Each year, the Institute for Quality of Life releases its Happy City index, ranking cities "committed to cultivating and growing happiness" based on factors such as education, inclusive policies, the economy, environmental protection, and access to green areas. Overall, the organization looks at 82 different indicators of joy, including individual interviews with residents in cities across the globe. And this year's list is topped by Copenhagen. According to the findings, the Danish capital ranks high thanks to its "commitment to education and innovation," as well as its transparency in governance, sustainability, and access to health care. "Health and well-being are cornerstones of life in Copenhagen," the report noted. "The city boasts universal health care coverage, with every resident insured and access to 4.4 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants. Life expectancy stands at 79.9 years, supported by a well-balanced lifestyle that includes an average workweek of 37 hours." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zurich, Switzerland, was second, followed by Singapore. Another Danish city, Aarhus, which topped the ranking in 2024, is fourth, and Antwerp, Belgium, is fifth. Denmark, which was named the second-happiest country in the world earlier this year after Finland, has seven cities in the top 50 alone. The highest-ranking U.S. cities on this year's list are New York, which came in at No. 17, and Minneapolis, which is 30th. However, the Institute for Quality of Life notes, "If theres one takeaway from our extensive research, its this: no single city can be labelled as the absolute best at ensuring the happiness of its citizens over the long haul [...] At best, we might highlight cities for specific achievements or improvements in a given year. But thats not our main goal. Were all about uncovering and celebrating positive trends that boost happiness around the world." See the full rankings and details of each city at happy-city-index.com. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure LONDON (AP) European countries are stuck between a rock and a hard place as a coalition of countries meets in Paris on Thursday to discuss security guarantees for a postwar Ukraine. The war is raging unabated, with no ceasefire in sight and the crucial question of American involvement in ensuring Ukraines future security remains unresolved. For months, the so-called coalition of the willing has been meeting to discuss aid for Ukraine, including sketching out plans for military support in the event of a ceasefire to deter future Russian aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coalition leaders French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K.Prime Minister Keir Starmer have insisted that any European reassurance force in Ukraine needs the backing of the United States. But while U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted his country will be involved, he has moved away from calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine and refrained from implementing tough additional economic measures to punish Moscow. Although Trump said he is disappointed in Russian President Vladimir Putin and issued several threats to try to cajole him into negotiating an end to hostilities, none has worked. At a meeting with Putin in Alaska in August, Trump failed to persuade the Russian leader to stop fighting and has not yet managed to broker talks between Putin and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. While Trump and European leaders met in Washington after the Alaska summit and U.S., European and NATO military chiefs held discussions on support for Ukraine little concrete detail has emerged on the security guarantees to deter Moscow from a future conflict. Former military generals and experts suggest Europe is in a bind not knowing the level of support the U.S. is prepared to provide the coalition, the nature of any ceasefire or if the U.S. will abide by commitments made. It's also far from certain that Putin would agree to a cessation of hostilities, something Russian officials have invariably dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talking about detailed operational planning when you dont actually have your mission is, quite frankly, impossible, said Ed Arnold, an expert in European Security at the Royal United Services Institute in London and a former military planner. Why Europeans believe a ceasefire is necessary The coalition of the willing is a broad term for about 30 nations supporting Ukraine, but the so-called reassurance force that would provide security guarantees to Kyiv is a subset of that group. French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that 26 of those countries including the U.K. and France have pledged to deploy troops as a part of that force once there is a ceasefire to deter Putin from attacking again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no suggestion that any troops will be deployed without a ceasefire because it's too risky, said Francois Heisbourg, special adviser at the Foundation for Strategic Research in Paris. Despite Zelenskyy signaling his willingness to talk, a ceasefire agreement is not currently in the cards not least because of the positions of the U.S. and Russian presidents. At his Aug. 18 meeting with European leaders at the White House three days after meeting Putin Trump walked back his previous demands for a ceasefire in Ukraine and said he thought a peace agreement was preferable. The comments marked a shift toward the Russian position from Trump and would allow Moscow to fight on in Ukraine while peace negotiations are underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov later suggested an end to hostilities was even further away, stating that Moscow will not accept Zelenskyy's signature on any peace agreement as Russia considers him to be an illegitimate president. If Putin doesnt want a ceasefire and if Trump doesnt call for a ceasefire what are the chances of a ceasefire happening? asked Heisbourg. What a European security guarantee for Ukraine could look like Even if a ceasefire or peace agreement for Ukraine were implemented, it's not clear it would be a sufficient deterrent to Putin and it would still be very, very risky for European nations to deploy troops, said Arnold at RUSI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such an operation hinges on the U.S. providing intelligence support and the deterrent effect of U.S. airpower in countries outside Ukraine. The Western appetite to potentially shoot down Russian missiles violating a ceasefire or target launchers firing them from within Russia is close to zero, said Heisbourg. Any response to a ceasefire violation, he said, would likely depend on how many Western soldiers the Russians would have actually killed...and nobody wants to think about that too much in advance. In March, Starmer told allies that a force for Ukraine would need at least 10,000 troops, but that would potentially require around 30,000 troops when taking into account those on rotation and rest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a coalition leader, the U.K. should look at contributing a brigade of 5,000 soldiers which would become 15,000 when taking into account rest and rotation, said Arnold. That figure would account for about 30% of the deployable capacity of the British Army, he said, and potentially create a tricky problem whereby the U.K. deploys more forces on behalf of non-NATO ally Ukraine than it does for NATO allies such as Estonia. European officials have indicated that the troops could be involved in training Ukrainian soldiers and likely based away from the frontlines although the risk of Russian missile and drone strikes would remain high. But there would be zero credibility" if Western troops were put in various Ukrainian towns without a clear mission or purpose, said Ben Hodges, former commanding general of the U.S. Army in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That will not impress the Russians at all," he added. US as a reliable partner European leaders are also grappling with the question of whether to take Trump and his officials at their word while also eyeing the rise of populist parties particularly in the U.K., France and Germany which may not share the same commitment to Ukraine as current political leadership. That means the future of any security guarantees for Kyiv could be extremely fragile. There is absolutely no guarantee that Trump will abide by commitments made to European nations over Ukraine, said Arnold, pointing to Trump's withdrawal from previous agreements, including the Paris climate agreement and Iran's nuclear deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means European nations cannot rely on him ordering U.S. jets into action in the event of a ceasefire violation because at one time he may say yes, at another time he may say no, Arnold said. With NATO membership for Kyiv ruled out by Trump and a host of hurdles to overcome to implement security guarantees for Ukraine, European leaders may decide to navigate the situation by spending a lot more money on weapons for Kyiv, said Heisbourg. Arnold agreed, adding that the best option could be to give Kyiv loads of guns and loads of ammo. Theres no easy way out," he said. None of the options, especially for the Europeans, are good. ___ This version has corrected to say the European leaders meeting was three days after the Trump-Putin summit, not one day. As European leaders met on Thursday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, Russias foreign ministry warned that the nation will not accept the presence of Western troops in Ukraine as part of a future peace deal. Russia does not intend to discuss unacceptable foreign intervention in Ukraine in any form whatsoever, spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in comments published by the Foreign Ministry on Thursday, according to ABC News. Western war instigators view Ukraine as a testing ground for their military developments. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with European leaders in Paris on Thursday, along with President Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff. The leaders met to discuss ongoing efforts to end Russias war against Ukraine, including security guarantees for Zelenskyys war-torn country, per CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since taking office in January, Trump has been pushing for Russia and Ukraine to strike a deal to bring an end to the war, which started when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. As attempts to negotiate an end to the war have taken place, Russia has repeatedly turned down proposals for Western forces to be deployed in Ukraine in any capacity as part of a deal to end the war. Even so, the prospect is still being discussed by NATO leaders and the Ukrainian government as Kyiv sees security guarantees as necessary to facilitate a peace deal, per ABC News. Zakharova said Thursday that the protections under discussion are not security guarantees for Ukraine, they are guarantees of threat to the European continent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, during a visit to Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he is willing to end the war by force if Ukraine does not agree to his demands, per NBC News. He also suggested he would meet with Zelenskyy, but only in Moscow. The Coalition of the Willing The various leaders who met in Paris did so as part of the informal Coalition of the Willing. The group said it is willing to provide the security guarantees that Ukraine said are necessary for it to be confident any ceasefire would hold. Ukraine is wary of a ceasefire because of worries that it could be used by Russia to rearm, regroup and launch other attacks on Ukraine and other European countries. Thats why it believes security guarantees are essential, per ABC News. French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted the talks, said that after months of planning we are ready as Europeans to offer security guarantees to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people the day a peace deal is signed, per NBC News. He did not provide any details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting included Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, British Prim Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. According to NBC News, Starmers office said that during the meeting he emphasized that the group had an unbreakable pledge to Ukraine, with President Trumps backing, and it was clear they now needed to go even further to apply pressure on Putin to secure a cessation of hostilities. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was also set to attend but a technical problem forced his plane to turn around, so he joined the meeting virtually. What Trump said about the meeting The leaders gathered in Paris held a video conference with Trump after their meeting, per CBS News. He offered to provide American support as a backstop but said this initiative of security guarantees must be led by the Europeans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to CBS News, a White House official confirmed the call and said that Trump emphasized that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war as Russia received 1.1 billion euros in fuel sales from the EU in one year. The U.S. president also urged the European leaders to place economic pressure on China for funding Russias war efforts. Since the war in Ukraine began, European nations have reduced their purchases of Russian fossil fuels but they have not ended, per CBS News. These European Union countries are working to replace the Russian gas and oil with fuels from other places, but they had become reliant on the cheap Russian energy over many years. BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Beginning September 11, a new evening cohort will be offered for culinary students at Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC). This fast-paced, flexible option is designed to support working individuals who are passionate about entering or advancing in the culinary and hospitality industries, a press release stated. Courses will include: CULA 120 Food Preparation Principles CULA 125 Basic Skills Development CULA 130 The Hospitality Industry Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chef Niema settles beef with her sous chef in new Laila Ali hosted show Students can earn the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institutes (AHLEI) Certified Kitchen Cook credential by enrolling in these courses. The launch of this evening cohort is an exciting milestone for our Culinary Arts program and a fitting way to celebrate Chef Appreciation Week, said Quentin Calhoun, Dean of Business and Information Technology. Our faculty bring more than two decades of industry expertise into the classroom, giving students direct access to the skills, techniques, and professional insights that employers value most. By offering a flexible evening option, we are removing barriers for working adults who aspire to build or advance their careers in the culinary and hospitality fields. This program reflects BPCCs commitment to workforce innovation and to meeting the needs of both students and industry partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To establish a deeply engaging learning environment, enrollment will be limited to 15 students. To learn more or apply, email bit@bpcc.edu or call 318-678-6011. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Cheers for Charity! a fundraiser for Catholic Charities Terre Haute will invite participants to sample fine dining with paired beverages and, since it will take place at the Vigo County History Center on Oct. 16, a little history lesson will be thrown in, as well. Edibles Catering & Foods to Go will serve a progressive four-course dinner with expertly paired wines and bourbons to complement each course. Guests will be able to explore museum exhibits, enjoy live music and appetizers in an event which Catholic Charities in a press release called "a unique fusion of culinary delights and cultural discovery." There will be a silent auction and raffles for high-end bourbon and wine baskets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event is 6-9 p.m., with dinner served at 8 p.m. at the Vigo County History Center, 929 Wabash Ave. Tickets are $125 per person (with $75 tax-deductible) at ccthin.org/happenings or 812-232-1447, ext.100. All proceeds benefit Catholic Charities programs supporting food insecure individuals and families throughout west central Indiana. Every F-35 delivered to the U.S. military last year by Lockheed Martin was behind schedule by an average of seven months, a government watchdog found, but contractors kept millions in incentive fees designed to speed up the delivery. To catch up, the aerospace giant now says it will reduce the scope of capabilities in new planes. The latest round of jets will now cost $6 billion more and completion is at least 5 years later than original estimates, a report by the Government Accountability Office found. In 2024, Lockheed delivered 110 aircraft. All were late by an average of 238 days, up from 61 days in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to Task & Purpose on the GAO report, a Lockheed Martin spokesperson said, The F-35 is combat-proven, offers the most advanced capability and technology, and is the most affordable option to ensure America and its allies remain ahead of emerging threats. The F-35 has been slated to be the U.S. militarys primary modern strike and air superiority fighter since it was originally funded in 2001, and is uniquely among strike aircraft flown by all three fixed-wing air components. The Air Force took delivery in April of its 500th F-35, the Marines own about 250, and the Navy has over 100. Those totals are about one-third of the roughly 2,470 fighters the Pentagon plans to buy and fly for 77 years, according to the GAO. But the program has been beset by cost overruns and delayed deliveries since its inception. The total cost of the full F-35 fleet was expected to be $233 billion when originally funded in 2001. By December 2023, that number had more than doubled to $485 billion. Top Stories This Week News Navys top cybersecurity official abruptly leaves By Nicholas Slayton News Navy ends carrier landings as a requirement to earn Wings of Gold By Matt White News 101st Airborne Division soldiers deploy to southern border By Jeff Schogol Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest round of F-35s delivered in the last seven years and currently on order are known as Block 4 of the program. Block 4 jets, the GAO said, were meant to come equipped with new weapons, radar enhancements, and technology to avoid aircraft collisions and with new features that address new threats that have emerged since DOD established the aircrafts original requirements in 2000. But those enhancements, the GAO said, will now be scaled back. The program plans to reduce the scope of Block 4 to deliver capabilities to the warfighter at a more predictable pace than in the past, the GAO said. The specific list of Block 4 enhancements that will be scaled back will be finalized this fall, the GAO said. F-35 officials told the GAO that they will delay some capabilitiesincluding those that require an upgraded engine to functionto future modernization efforts. Program officials stated that they will also remove others that no longer meet warfighter needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its statement to Task & Purpose, Lockheed Martin said it will deliver 170-190 F-35s this year and continue fielding Block 4 capabilities to ensure the F-35 maintains its unmatched dominance in the skies. A screenshot from the GAO report showing delays in 2024 compared to previous years. Screenshot via Government Accountability Office. Dan Grazier, a senior fellow and program director at the Stimson Center, has tracked the F-35 program for over a decade at government watchdogs. The admission that some Block 4 technology will be reduced seems kind of innocuous, but is absolutely mind-blogging, he said. [They] dont go into what capabilities theyre shaving off the top, but I promise you, the capabilities that they arent going to deliver for the F-35 were the capabilities for which they sold the program in the very first place, Grazier said. The really high-end capabilities [are] what were really paying for when were paying this massive premium. Millions in fees for late deliveries The GAO report also said Lockheed has collected hundreds of millions of dollars intended to reward quicker production for planes delivered late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The F-35 programs use of incentive fees has largely been ineffective at holding the contractors accountable to delivering engines and aircraft on time, the report found. The F-35 program office compensated Lockheed Martin with hundreds of millions of dollars of performance incentive fees while the percentage of aircraft delivered late and the average days late grew. Through 2022, most F-35s were delivered by Lockheed Martin on time or with delays that averaged less than a month. But in 2023, 89 of 98 planes were late and in 2024, all 110 were late by an average delay of 238 days. But as deliveries fell behind, the GAO found, F-35 officials adjusted the terms of the fees. Where the program originally tied incentives to on-time delivery, the program gave the contractor a second chance to earn fees by redirecting those incentives to other aspects of the program when it was clear that Lockheed Martin would not deliver any aircraft on time, the GAO found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Engine maker Pratt & Whitney also collected tens of millions in incentive fees despite late deliveries of the engines. This incentive structure and late delivery penalty was not effective at improving on-time deliveries, the GAO said. Unless the F-35 program reevaluates its use of incentive fees and better aligns them to achieving desired production schedule outcomes, it will be at greater risk of continuing to reward contractors for delivering engines and aircraft late. A HANDFUL of crying students. An even larger number of tearful parents. On this sun-splashed September morning, it was hard to tell who was more nervous as the first bell of the 2025-2026 school year in Manchester rapidly approached Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Chmiel, or the dozens of anxious (and excited) little faces filing past into Jewett Street Elementary School. Yes, I still get jitters, every opening, Chmiel said, now in her fourth year at the helm of the states largest school district. Are the buses running OK, is lunch going to go OK every opening, youre just waiting to see how it goes. But this feels very, very calm, so its a good feel for the start. Im pretty proud of the staff at each of the buildings to have it as calm as it is. I think this year, we start to see the data keep trending up in the right direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So fingers crossed weve got the right foundation set, and now weve just got to deliver. The Manchester School District welcomed 12,331 enrolled students to schools across the city Thursday. A year ago that number was under 12,000, Chmiel said. Of the 1,200 teaching positions in the city, the school district opens the year with just three vacancies (a math teacher at Central High, an education and developmental science teacher at Manchester School of Technology, and a sixth grade math/science teacher at Southside). Weve never seen it that low, and were still processing paras coming in, Chmiel said. In years past wed have 30 or 40 vacant spots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chmiel said her hope and goal for the school year is a simple and direct one. Lets make sure every student feels seen and valued, Chmiel said. Lets make sure we help them actualize their goals. Thursday marked James Friers first opening day as principal of Southside Middle School, but hes been on the job a couple of months already. Frier replaced Kelly Espinola, who was named the districts assistant superintendent of high schools and operations. Frier has worked 18 years in education in a variety of roles, most recently serving as principal of KIPP Academy in Lynn, Mass., and UP Academy in Boston. Hes also served as a teacher and dean of students, and he has experience working with a diverse student population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Frier stood outside the entrance to Southside greeting students and families, answering questions they had. Asked to compare Manchester to the other places hes worked, Frier said there are differences, but generally its all very similar. Every place focuses on the kids, and thats what my focus is, Frier said. Everything else is just, like stuff, yeah? So operationally, everything is pretty similar, and all that. Im used to being in a big district. Im just really excited to be here. Its a very warm, welcoming environment with the faculty, staff, and families, he said. Mayor Jay Ruais lives not far from Jewett Street Elementary. On Thursday he greeted families there and at Southside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a lot of fun to see, Ruais said. I dont know who it was harder for, the kids or the parents, but when they were coming around the corner, they had big, bright smiles on their faces. They looked ready and fired up to get into class and start the year. Longtime English instructor and former city teachers union President Ben Dick enters his 25th year with the Manchester School District as principal at Memorial High School. Ive been saying this all along at every level the camaraderie, the support, the community of the district, from the top down through the school, is amazing, Dick said. Ive seen it even more so since taking on this role, just a new facet of it but its awesome. Classes at Memorial began Thursday with an informational presentation on the new bell-to-bell ban on cellphone use by students in schools. School officials approved the new, stricter cellphone use policy to comply with a state law banning electronic devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a couple of hours into the 2025-2026 school year, Dick said things are so far, so good in terms of compliance with the new rules. I mean, obviously weve heard a lot about it, Dick said. This morning we kind of just reminded everybody that, not trying to pass the buck but a new law was put into effect for us. Were doing our jobs, and thats how it works. Were just asking everybody to understand that. Chmiels face lit up as she listed highlights of the coming year, including a new French Dual Language Program at Weston Elementary School, a new weight room at West High School, and the districts Welcome Center at historic French Hall on Concord Street. I think people are finally starting to see that theres some consistency and expectations, and weve given them the resources they need and the professional development that they need, Chmiel said. Weve already hit the ground running. Were not trying to catch up. I feel like, the last couple years we were always saying, Weve got the curriculum, now lets get trained. Weve got the professional development, lets get that implemented. This feels like a little bit of, OK, now were good. Lets go. It just feels better. pfeely@unionleader.com A 31-year-old man died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound Tuesday night after allegedly shooting a 24-year-old woman in Ewa Beach, leaving her in critical condition, Honolulu police said. Officers responded at about 8 :05 p.m. to a residence on the 5100 block of Iroquois Avenue after reports of an argument between the suspect and victim escalated. Police said the suspect fired multiple rounds at the woman before she was able to flee to safety. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to The Queens Medical Center in critical condition. Police said the suspect retreated to his vehicle, where he was later found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators confirmed the suspect and victim knew each other. The investigation remains ongoing. See more : 25 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . The pumpkin spice latte is back at Starbucks and its already contributing to an uptick in sales. The popular drink is a part of the coffee chains fall menu, which also includes a pecan oat milk cortado and pumpkin cream cold brew. The new seasonal menu launched last week and delivered a record-breaking sales week across U.S. company-operated stores, CEO Brian Niccol told employees in an internal note reviewed by Bloomberg . Its a welcome boost after Starbucks has seen same-store sales decline for more than a year as competition stiffens and customers tighten their wallets in an uncertain economy. In July, the company released mixed earnings for its fiscal third quarter. Its revenue beat expectations, but global sales fell. In March, McDonalds dethroned Starbucks as the most valuable restaurant brand for the first time in a decade, according to a report from consulting firm Brand Finance. Last fall, Niccol announced back to Starbucks, a corporate initiative to make its coffee shops welcoming environments and reestablish it as the community coffeehouse. He announced a pared-down menu and promised that baristas will serve fresh brewed coffee in under four minutes , among other changes including some that havent been well received by the public. The turnaround is a multi-year effort, chief financial officer Cathy Smith told analysts and investors on a recent earnings call. A lot is happening today behind the scenes, and these efforts will come together more visibly by the end of next year, and when they do, I am highly confident that our financial performance will follow, Smith said. Hannah Parker contributed to this article. ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WGN) A former elementary school nurse in Arlington Heights pleaded guilty to charges that she misused prescription drugs intended for students. Tory Eitz, who formerly worked at Westgate Elementary School in Arlington Heights, will serve at least 90 days in jail and 30 months of probation after pleading guilty Thursday to charges of official misconduct, forgery, and endangering the life of a child. Tory Eitz pleaded guilty to charges of official misconduct, forgery, and endangering the life or health of a child on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (Photo/Arlington Heights PD) Eitz is not allowed to contact the victims at home, work, or school. Sentencing also includes drug treatment and drug testing. In addition to paying court-imposed fines, Eitz can not treat or dispense medication to children while on probation, according to the Cook County States Attorneys Office. PREVIOUS REPORTING: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sentencing stems from an investigation that began in April 2024. Arlington Heights police brass said officers were notified about a potential health, welfare, and safety concern at Westgate Elementary School in Arlington Heights School District 25. Ultimately, the department launched an investigation into concerns that Eitz was misappropriating medication prescribed to students. During the investigation, detectives interviewed several witnesses, school staff members, and parents, and identified multiple students who were affected. Authorities allege that Eitz went so far as to alter official school documents to conceal her misconduct. A civil lawsuit filed in April, on behalf of the nine families involved, seeks damages against Eitz and Arlington Heights School District 25. Attorneys with Romanucci & Blandin said the district failed to support medically vulnerable children. The lawsuit also accuses Westgate Elementary School principal Ann Buch and district superintendent Brian Kaye of being aware of parents concerns regarding Eitzs mishandling of prescriptions and failing to take action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) A former Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to cut the engines of a passenger flight in 2023 while riding off-duty in the cockpit has reached plea agreements with state and federal prosecutors, his attorney said Thursday. Attorney Noah Horst declined to discuss details of the agreements ahead of change-of-plea hearings his client, Joseph Emerson, faces Friday in state and federal court in Oregon. He said that Emerson reached the plea agreements because he wants to take responsibility for his actions and hopes to avoid further time behind bars. Emerson was subdued by the flight crew after trying to cut the engines of a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco on Oct. 22, 2023, while he was riding in an extra seat in the cockpit. The plane was diverted to Portland, where it landed safely with more than 80 people on board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emerson told police he was despondent over a friends recent death, had taken psychedelic mushrooms about two days earlier, and hadnt slept in over 40 hours. He has said he believed he was dreaming at the time and that he was trying to wake himself up by grabbing two red handles that would have activated the planes fire suppression system and cut off fuel to its engines. He was charged in federal court with interfering with a flight crew. A state indictment in Oregon separately charged him with 83 counts of endangering another person and one count of endangering an aircraft. He previously pleaded not guilty to all the charges, but on Friday was expected to plead guilty to the federal charge and no-contest to the state charge, which carries the same legal effect as a guilty plea. Emerson was released from custody in December 2023 pending trial, with requirements that he undergo mental health services, stay off drugs and alcohol, and keep away from aircraft. In the meantime, he has founded a nonprofit focused on pilot mental health. The averted disaster renewed attention on cockpit safety and the mental fitness of those allowed in them. ___ Johnson reported from Seattle. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) A former press secretary for California's Assembly speaker sued one of the state's most prominent politicians, accusing him of firing her in retaliation for reporting alleged bribery and other misconduct. In the lawsuit filed Tuesday, former staffer Cynthia Moreno said she submitted a complaint to the Legislature earlier this year, accusing Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas as well as his brother Rick Rivas of bribery and other ethical violations. Moreno filed another report last year to accuse a former staffer of sexual harassment, according to the lawsuit filed in the Superior Court for Sacramento County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She alleges she was retaliated against by being denied a pay raise, falsely accused of misconduct and then fired last month. Speaker Rivas retaliated against Ms. Moreno for reporting illegal, unethical, and harassing conduct," the lawsuit says. "Speaker Rivas did not simply terminate Ms. Morenos employment, but used the power of his office to retaliate against her publicly. Moreno is seeking a public apology, back pay and benefits, and to be rehired in the Assembly. Rick Rivas, a political strategist, did not respond to a phone call and text message seeking comment. Robert Rivas and the Assembly denied wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elizabeth Ashford, Rivas campaign spokesperson, said in a statement that the speaker had no role in Morenos employment. Morenos lawsuit is an attempt by a former employee to force a payout, Ashford said. The vast conspiracy theories included in this filing are absolutely false, she said. We will fight these false and defamatory claims aggressively, and we are confident they will be seen for what they are: absolutely meritless. The suit contends Moreno was stripped of job responsibilities after reporting sexual harassment allegations last year that were substantiated by the Workplace Conduct Unit, which reviews misconduct complaints against lawmakers and staff. The former staffer said Morenos allegations were not substantiated. The Assembly Rules Committee notified the press last month that Moreno was terminated after the unit substantiated allegations that she repeatedly made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature to various staffers. The committee did not disclose details of the allegations against her. She was fired because of the allegations, her lack of candor during the investigation and the high-visibility of her position, the committee wrote in a partially redacted letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lia Lopez, the rules committee's chief administrative officer, called Moreno's complaint a total fabrication. I am confident that Ms. Morenos claims regarding unethical or illegal practices by Speaker Rivas or his brother and complaints about current Assembly employees will be disproven in a court of law, she said in a statement. The Workplace Conduct Unit independently investigated allegations of Moreno's inappropriate conduct, Lopez said. She said Rivas recused himself from the investigation or any decisions on the case. The lawsuit also alleges Robert Rivas was influenced by campaign contributions and lobbying by organizations that employed his brother. The public needs to understand that the complaint contains no factual example of bribery. If these matters were sufficient to allege bribery, then every office holder who receives a campaign contribution would be subject to prosecution. Thats not the law, said Matthew Segal, an attorney for Robert Rivas. OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) An Oktibbeha County man was sentenced on one count of felony false pretense. According to the Attorney Generals Office, Michael Shea Millis, 43, is a former employee of State Farm Insurance Company. Investigators said he knowingly filed false insurance claims to defraud the company. Mississippi GOP calls for investigation after Coloms video appears to impersonate Hyde-Smith Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On August 18, 2025, Millis was ordered by a judge to pay full restitution in the amount of $47,804.81 to State Farm Insurance Company, $250 in fines and a $1,000 assessment to the Mississippi Crime Victim Compensation Fund. He was also sentenced to serve of 10 years of probation. Michael Shea Millis (Courtesy: MS Attorney Generals Office) My office is committed to holding those who defraud Mississippi businesses accountable, said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. Fraud is not a victimless crime, and I am thankful for the incredible team of investigators and prosecutors who worked to see that justice was served here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 August 2025, news outlets including the tabloid Daily Mail and The Gateway Pundit, a conservative outlet known for spreading conspiracy theories, shared claims that former FBI director and special counsel Robert Mueller had been living in a memory care facility. The claim also spread on social media, including in a post (archived) by former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz. Snopes traced the claim back to a post on X from the conservative writer Paul Sperry. We reached out to Sperry asking for more information about his sourcing, and attempted to locate and contact Mueller for the story. We had not heard back from either at time of publishing. NEW: House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed Robert Mueller to appear for a Sept. 2 deposition to provide details from an FBI investigation of Jeffrey Epstein from decades ago -- even though sources tell me Mueller has been living in a memory-care facility for the past few years Paul Sperry (@paulsperry_) August 5, 2025 However, we did not find any credible information supporting the rumor that Mueller was living in a memory-care facility. Because of this, we have not rated this claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of Sperry's reporting aims to discredit the claim that Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. presidential election by supporting Donald Trump's campaign Mueller was the special counsel in charge of investigating such claims. His articles have referred to it as a hoax. (No charges were ever filed against Trump during the investigation, but members of Trump's staff were prosecuted). Sperry shared the claim in response to the news that the U.S. House Oversight Committee had issued subpoenas for several former high-ranking government officials, including six former attorneys general, two former FBI directors (one of whom was Mueller), former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton. The subpoenas were related to information about disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to The Associated Press, the FBI began investigating Epstein in 2006. Weeks after the memory-care claim was initially shared in 2025, news broke that Mueller had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2021, and was therefore physically unable to testify. The House Oversight Committee withdrew its subpoena accordingly. Parkinson's is a nervous-system disorder that primarily affects motor function, generally in the form of tremors, slow movement, stiff limbs, poor balance and slurred speech, according to the Mayo Clinic. Memory issues can occur with Parkinson's, but generally do not appear until later in the disorder's progression. Parkinson's, which does not have a cure, is caused by the breakdown and death of nerve cells in the brain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the announcement of Mueller's diagnosis might support the rumor he was living in a memory care facility, there was still no conclusive evidence to back the claim. In a statement to The New York Times, Mueller's family asked that "his privacy be respected." Sources: "A Timeline of the Jeffrey Epstein Investigation, Now 20 Years Old." AP News, 23 Jul. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-investigation-records-timeline-545c371ee3dd3142355a26d27829c188. Chappell, Bill. "Jeffrey Epstein Files: Tracing the Legal Cases That Led to Sex-Trafficking Charges." NPR, 25 Jul. 2025. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2025/07/25/nx-s1-5478620/jeffrey-epstein-crimes-timeline-legal-case. Ewing, Giselle Ruhiyyih, and Kyle Cheney. " Comer Issues Subpoenas for DOJ's Epstein Files, Depositions with Former Officials." Politico, 5 Aug. 2025, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/05/epstein-subpoenas-department-of-justice-00494129. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fact Sheet: What We Know about Russia's Interference Operations | German Marshall Fund of the United States. https://www.gmfus.org/news/fact-sheet-what-we-know-about-russias-interference-operations. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. Matt Gaetz: Withdrawn Attorney General Pick Will Not Return to Congress. 22 Nov. 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj0jgle8qnyo. News, A. B. C. "Roger Stone Found Guilty on All 7 Counts." ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/roger-stone-found-guilty-counts/story?id=67015102. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. Paul Sperry | Author | RealClearInvestigations. https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/authors/paul_sperry/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raasch, Jon Michael. "Ex-Trump Investigator Robert Mueller in Memory-Care Unit, Sources Say." Mail Online, 6 Aug. 2025, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14977299/trump-investigator-robert-mueller-memory-care-facility-epstein.html. Research, CNN Editorial. "Robert Mueller Fast Facts." CNN, 16 Apr. 2018, https://www.cnn.com/us/robert-mueller-fast-facts. Trump Was Not Exonerated by My Report, Robert Mueller Tells Congress. 24 Jul. 2019. www.bbc.com, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49100778. Aldo is kicking off fall with a new campaign aimed at attracting new customers to the 53-year-old shoe and accessories retailer. Called Try Every Thing, the company described the initiative as a transformative brand evolution developed in partnership with strategic creative New York agency Combo with the aim of speaking to a generation navigating first jobs, fresh starts, big moves and personal breakthroughs. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement Daianara Grullon Amalfitano, chief brand and product officer at Aldo, told FN in an interview that this new campaign is all about strengthening the companys relationship with its current consumers while also attracting a new generation of shopper. The root of it is about encouraging our customers to wear our shoes with confidence, Amalfitano said. We love hearing stories about peoples first pair of heels for a job interview, or their first pair of shoes for prom. Its with that spirit that we came up with this campaign, so that we can encourage our customers to try their first pair of Aldo shoes and to experiment and try new things. To help speak to the younger generation, Amanda Amar, vice president of global brand strategy, social media and PR at Aldo, noted that the company is partnering with TikTok in creators to bring the campaign to life. At the center of the launch is a global TikTok Branded Mission that calls on creators at scale to share real-life firsts karaoke nights, interview jitters, spontaneous adventures. For this challenge, were asking people to step out of their comfort zones, try something new with us, use our hashtag, and then incentivizing with prizes, Amar said. We have four prizes of $5,000 for four different winners. Were so excited to launch this and see what these creators come up with. Advertisement Advertisement The executive noted that this new TikTok challenge follows the brands success with the Step Into Love hashtag challenge, which generated over 6 billion earned impressions and ignited Gen Z engagement. As for the rest of the Try Every Thing campaign, the company has launched a series of short-form cinematic vignettes that aim to capture emotionally honest, relatable moments. Shot in Montreal by David Picard, directed by Stefanie Soho, and styled by longtime Aldo collaborator Cary Tauben, the campaign includes moments like a woman walking onto a karaoke stage for a solo number and a young man at first reserved and then boisterously attempting to play the tuba. And speaking to the next generation of consumers is nothing new for the company. Aldo Group CEO David Bensadoun noted that the company has always been about young fashion. As with any brand, there are moments when you follow your customers as they evolve, and moments when your customers follow the brand as it evolves, Bensadoun said. We can all think of great brands in our industry that did too much of the former and not enough of the latter. Finding the right balance is essential, and Try Every Thing represents a key moment where Aldo is boldly restating its leadership as a young fashion brand. Advertisement Advertisement And Aldo founder Aldo Bensadoun, often referred to as Mr. B., agrees. Everything evolves trends, technology, our customers, he said. Growing up and throughout my journey with Aldo, one thing has remained constant: learning and evolving never stops. You have to be ready to try because thats where the learning happens. Best of WWD Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. By Jana Winter WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's surge of federal law enforcement into Washington, D.C., is exposing the FBI's fleet of unmarked cars, potentially risking its ability to do its most sensitive national security and surveillance work, nine current and former employees of the bureau warned. The surge, which the White House has said is meant to crack down on violent crime but has featured many arrests for minor offenses, could make it harder for the FBI to combat violent criminal gangs, foreign intelligence services and drug traffickers, said the current and former employees, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the surge, FBI agents who normally conduct their investigative work out of the spotlight are now more involved in routine police work in Washington, appearing in high-profile areas dressed in tactical gear and emerging from unmarked cars, with the unintended effect of potentially identifying those vehicles to surveillance targets. As the Republican president publicly muses about expanding his crackdown into cities such as Chicago and Baltimore, the employees said they are urging leadership not to continue to expose more vehicles in this way. Every time you see us getting out of covert cars wearing our FBI vests that car is burned, said one of eight current FBI employees who spoke with Reuters on condition of anonymity. We cant use these cars to go undercover, we cant use them to surveil narcotraffickers and fentanyl suppliers or Russian or Chinese spies or use them to go after violent criminal gangs or terrorists, said a second current FBI employee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An FBI spokesman denied the current employees' assertions. The claims in this story represents a basic misunderstanding of how FBI security protocol works the Bureau takes multiple safeguards to protect agents in the field against threats so they can continue doing their great work protecting the American people," Ben Williamson, assistant director of the FBI public affairs office said in an email. "FBI leadership hasnt received any of the concerns alleged here, and anyone who did have a good faith concern would approach leaders at headquarters or our Washington Field Office rather than laundering bizarre claims through the press. The White House referred questions to the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The use of as many as 1,000 FBI unmarked vehicles in Washington during highly public scenes comes amid an already heightened threat to law enforcement from cartels, gangs and hostile nations who actively seek to identify agents and their vehicles, the current and former FBI employees said. They're putting federal agents in a more highly visible situation where they're driving their undercover cars and they're engaging in highly visible public enforcement action or patrol actions, said John Cohen, a former Department of Homeland Security counterterrorism coordinator. "They may be unwittingly compromising the ability of those same personnel to go back and engage in sensitive investigations." The current and former FBI employees said they spoke to Reuters because of the depth of their concerns and the potential harm to national security and safety of the American public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'BAD FOR THE BUREAU' Several of them urged an end to the practice of using undercover cars in the surge now before more are exposed. This is crazy, dangerous and bad for the bureau, said former FBI agent Dan Brunner, who worked on cases involving the MS-13 street gang before retiring from the bureau in September 2023 after a two-decade career there. This is currently in D.C., which is the most saturated city with foreign nation spies, foreign actors so of course they're going to be down there, Brunner said. So those guys, you know, their vehicles, their license plates are getting recorded." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters was not able to determine whether foreign actors were in fact tracking agents' vehicles and Brunner did not provide evidence that they were doing so. But Brunner, Cohen and the current and former FBI employees said investigative targets, such as members of drug gangs and foreign intelligence entities, are constantly working to try to identify law enforcement agents and FBI in particular and said there would be no reason to think that would have stopped during the surge. It is a major threat facing U.S. law enforcement, said Cohen, who now serves as executive director for the Center for Internet Securitys program for countering hybrid threats. Cohen and several of the current and former FBI employees who spoke to Reuters cited a recent report by the Justice Department's internal watchdog that detailed how this kind of information can be used against law enforcement. In 2018, a hacker working for the Sinaloa Cartel homed in on an FBI employee working at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, accessing their phone records and tapping into the citys network of cameras to help the cartel identify, track and kill FBI witnesses and sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt a hypothetical issue, just look at what happened in Mexico City, said a third current FBI employee. Brunner, the retired agent, said that, at minimum, he believes the license plates of all the cars that were used in the surge need to be replaced. He and other current and former FBI employees said the bureau should consider using other cars if its agents are further deployed in future surges, perhaps renting them or borrowing them from other U.S. government agencies. "There's an argument to be made that highly visible law enforcement presence in high-crime areas can serve as a deterrent for crime," said Cohen, the former DHS official. "But at the same time, the value that comes from the federal government in fighting violent crime is through their investigations, which very often are conducted in a way in which the identity and the resources and the vehicles of the investigators are kept, you know, secret." (Reporting by Jana Winter; editing by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell) By AJ Vicens and Raphael Satter DETROIT/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -North Korean hackers are saturating the cryptocurrency industry with credible-sounding job offers as part of their campaign to steal digital cash, according to new research, raw data, and interviews. The problem is becoming so common that job applicants now regularly screen recruiters for signs they might be acting on Pyongyang's behalf. Twenty-five experts, victims, and corporate representatives that Reuters spoke to agreed that the problem was ubiquitous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It happens to me all the time and Im sure it happens to everybody in this space, said Carlos Yanez, a business development executive at the Switzerland-based blockchain analytics firm Global Ledger, who was among those recently targeted by the thieves, according to data supplied by cybersecurity companies SentinelOne and Validin, who are publishing a report about the cyber campaign on Thursday. Yanez said that while he avoided getting hacked, the quality of masquerades carried out by North Koreans had improved significantly in the past year. Its scary how far theyve come, he said. Although there's no publicly available estimate of how much money is taken through this tactic alone, North Korean hackers were believed to have stolen at least $1.34 billion worth of cryptocurrency last year, according to blockchain intelligence firm Chainalysis. The U.S. and United Nations monitors have both alleged that Pyongyang uses the thefts to support its sanctioned weapons program. Allegations that Pyongyang targets the blockchain world with sophisticated scams aren't new. Late last year the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a public warning saying that North Korea was aggressively targeting the cryptocurrency industry with complex and elaborate social engineering schemes. But Reuters reporting, which seven targets corroborated with screenshots of their conversations with the hackers, provides previously unreported details of how they trick their targets, along with a detailed breakdown of their tactics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, a recruiter would reach out over LinkedIn or Telegram with a pitch for a blockchain-related job. We are currently expanding our team, said a January 20 LinkedIn message sent to Victoria Perepel from a recruiter purporting to represent Bitwise Asset Management. We are particularly looking for individuals who are passionate about cryptocurrency markets. After a brief back-and-forth about the supposed job and compensation, the recruiter would encourage prospective applicants to visit an obscure website to run a skills test and record a video. At this point, several targets became suspicious. Why not simply do a live interview over a better known video platform, like Google Meet or Zoom? That was the objection raised by machine learning entrepreneur Olof Haglund on Jan. 21 when he was approached by Wieslaw Slizewski, who purported to be a technical recruiter from the online trading platform Robinhood. Slizewski refused to budge, insisting that Haglund download code to shoot the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We follow a structured hiring process, and the video assessment is a key part of our evaluation to ensure consistency and fairness for all candidates, Slizewski said in a LinkedIn message. Haglund ended up terminating the interview, but others didnt. One product manager for a U.S. cryptocurrency firm, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he didn't want to be known as a job seeker, said he recorded the video and sent it on to a person who claimed to be recruiting for cryptocurrency company Ripple Labs. It wasnt until that evening, when he realized that $1,000 worth of ether and Solana was missing from the digital wallet he kept on his computer, that he realized hed been hoodwinked. When he looked for the purported Ripple recruiters LinkedIn profile, it was already gone. In another case, consultant Ben Humbert was speaking via LinkedIn with Mirela Tafili, a recruiter claiming to be acting on behalf of the cryptocurrency exchange Kraken about a project management role. Tafili asked Humbert to complete a brief virtual interview and provided a link which Tafili said would help them expedite the process and move him to the next stage. Humbert said he became suspicious and terminated the conversation. Ripple and Bitwise did not return messages seeking comment. In a statement, Robinhood said it was aware of a campaign earlier this year that attempted to impersonate several crypto companies, including Robinhood and that it had taken action to disable web domains linked to the scam. LinkedIn said in a statement that the fake recruiter accounts identified by Reuters were "previously actioned." Telegram said scams were weeded out wherever they were found. Reuters' attempts to reach the hackers were unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SentinelOne and Validin attribute the thefts to a North Korean operation previously dubbed Contagious Interview by cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks. The researchers tracking the campaign concluded that the North Koreans were behind it based on several factors, including their use of internet protocol addresses and emails linked to previous North Korean hacking activity. As part of their investigation, the researchers uncovered log files accidentally exposed by the hackers that displayed the email and IP addresses of more than 230 people coders, influencers, accountants, consultants, executives, marketers and more targeted between January and March. Reuters contacted all the targets to alert them to the malicious activity. The nineteen who spoke to the news agency all confirmed being targeted around that time. One of the firms impersonated by the hackers said this was typical of the crypto space. Every day theres something going on," said Nick Percoco, Kraken's chief security officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Koreas mission to the United Nations did not reply to messages seeking comment on Reuters findings. Pyongyang regularly denies carrying out cryptocurrency thefts. The targets identified by Reuters were just a tiny tiny fraction of Contagious Interviews prospective victims, which in turn represents a subset of North Koreas overall cryptocurrency stealing efforts, said Aleksandar Milenkoski, a senior researcher with SentinelOne who was one of the reports coauthors. Theyre like a typical scam group, he said. They go for breadth. Percoco, the Kraken executive, said the company started seeing recruiting scams late last year, with reports persisting through March, April and May. The company uses tools to search for phony accounts posing as recruiters, but also fields reports from outsiders wholl get in touch to say, "Hey, I was interviewing for a job with you guys and then it turned real scammy, Percoco said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said it was hard for companies to police the impersonation. Anybody out there can say theyre a recruiter, he said. (Reporting by AJ Vicens and Raphael Satter; editing by Chris Sanders and Anna Driver) October NY world sugar #11 (SBV25) today is down -0.17 (-1.04%), and October London ICE white sugar #5 (SWV25) is down -10.30 (-2.05%). Sugar prices are sharply lower today, with NY sugar falling to a 4-week low. Sugar prices are under pressure due to the outlook for higher sugar production in Brazil. Last Friday, Unica reported that Brazil's Center-South sugar output in the first half of August rose by +16% y/y to 3,615 MT. Also, the percentage of sugarcane crushed for sugar by Brazil's sugar mills in the first half of August increased to 55.00% from 49.15% the same time last year. However, cumulative 2025-26 Center-South sugar output through mid-August is down -4.7% y/y to 22.886 MMT. More News from Barchart Covrig Analytics recently reported that Brazil's sugar mills are prioritizing sugar production over ethanol, crushing more cane for sugar. This trend is expected to continue as harvesting peaks, driven by drier cane crops that prompt mills to produce more sugar. Last Friday, London sugar rose to a 3.5-month high after the International Sugar Organization (ISO) forecast a global sugar deficit for the 2025/26 season, the sixth consecutive year of sugar deficits. The ISO projects a global 2025/26 sugar deficit of -231,000 MT, improving from a -4.88 MMT shortfall in 2024/25. The ISO also projects 2025/26 global sugar production will rise by +3.3% y/y to 180.6 MMT, and 2025/26 global sugar consumption will increase +0.3% y/y to 180.8 MMT. On August 19, Conab, Brazil's government crop forecasting agency, cut its Brazil 2025/26 production estimate by 3.1% to 44.5 MMT from a previous estimate of 45.9 MMT. In July, Conab reported that 2024/25 Brazil sugar production fell by -3.4% y/y to 44.118 MMT, citing lower sugarcane yields due to drought and excessive heat. The outlook for higher sugar exports from India is negative for sugar prices after Bloomberg reported that India may permit local sugar mills to export sugar in the next season, which starts in October, as abundant monsoon rains may produce a bumper sugar crop. India's Meteorological Department reported today that cumulative monsoon rain in India was 767.1 mm as of September 2, or 7% above normal. Also, the Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association recently said that it will seek permission to export 2 MMT of sugar in 2025/26. Twenty-six years after W Hotels ignited the lifestyle hotel movement, the brand is undergoing its most significant evolution yet. The transformation is anchored by the reopening of W New York Union Square, which has been reimagined as the brands global flagship following an extensive renovation by original designer David Rockwell. New York is the birthplace of the brand, so we intentionally wanted to make this our new global flagship hotel because it helps us tell the story of the origin of the brand, says George Fleck, who oversees W Hotels, St. Regis Hotels and Resorts and Edition as part of Marriotts luxury group portfolio. Its fitting that W Hotels is focusing on transforming key properties within the U.S. portfolio from coast to coast. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement With 70 hotels globally and more than 45 in the pipeline, the company is rolling out transformations across key North American properties, including W Hollywood, also designed with Rockwell Group, as the brands West Coast flagship. Its really about having that duality of New York and Los Angeles, Fleck said. The brand was born in the U.S., so for us to return to New York with this moment that truly marks the beginning of the next era for the brand makes sense. Fashion at the Forefront W Hotels fashion heritage runs deep, dating back to its 2012 initiative supporting CFDA Incubator designers at W New York Times Square. Recent collaborations include global ones with French artist Thomas Lelu. This spring, the transformed W Austin unveiled an immersive three-day pop-up with Los Angeles-based fashion brand Cherry Los Angeles, which took over the hotels Blue Room bar while making its spring collection exclusively available for purchase in all 32 luxury suites. W Aspen hosted a limited-edition pop-up terrace with Goldberghs Le Cafe de lAspen, while the newly opened W Budapest partnered with renowned Hungarian brand Nanushka to create an exclusive collection. Advertisement Advertisement The transformation extends beyond fashion and design. W Hotels has taken what Fleck calls a 360-approach to its evolution, encompassing product, service, programming, talent, and food and beverage concepts. Evolved Expectations As W Hotels approaches its third decade, the brand evolution is both a return to roots as well as a leap forward. Fleck explained Millennials have become more discerning about luxury basics while still seeking authentic experiences. Post-pandemic, a lot of younger travelers dont want to sacrifice a good time or a fun night out, but they also dont want the hotel to feel like its a party place, Fleck noted. They want the shower pressure to be great, they want their French fries at two in the morning to be delicious and high quality, and they want a great gym the next morning. This shift has influenced everything from room amenities all guest rooms now feature Nespresso machines and Dyson hair dryers to sustainability initiatives like eliminating single-use plastics in favor of hydration stations throughout properties. The brand has also elevated its service standards. Were upskilling and retraining all of our associates to get the luxury service basics right, Fleck said. As part of Marriotts luxury group, we really want to show our guests that its not just a beautiful new hotel, but an elevated experience. Design Innovation and Cultural Programming At Union Square, Rockwell Group has created a sophisticated take on the brands traditional bold aesthetic. The design incorporates custom murals that tell New York stories in abstract form, with the hotels new tile flooring mimicking the grid of Manhattan streets and subtle nods to the citys waterways. Advertisement Advertisement The property will debut new food and beverage concepts, including Seahorse, a seafood brasserie by Mercer Street Hospitality on the ground floor, and an intimate rooftop bar designed by AvroKO with views of the city skyline. Programming has also evolved to embrace more sophisticated cultural initiatives. Rather than relying on obvious activations like drag brunches, properties now focus on collaborations like queer cinema festivals in Sydney or apprenticeships with local artists for photography exhibitions. Were trying to be more specific and authentic to each market, Fleck explains. Its about bringing in themes and realizing them in nonobvious ways. By 2028, 80 percent of the global portfolio will be fully transformed, including marquee North America properties like W Hoboken and the return of W Las Vegas, alongside upcoming international openings including W Sardinia, W Naples and W Riyadh. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. LEEDS, Ala. (TRIBUNE) The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Leeds hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday to celebrate EXIT Legacy Realtys move into a newly renovated downtown office at 1503 9th Street. City Councilman Johnny Dutton, representing Mayor David Miller, joined Tina Poe of EXIT Legacy Realty in cutting the ribbon before a large crowd of realtors, chamber members, business leaders, family and friends. On behalf of Mayor Miller, thank you for doing business in Leeds, Dutton said. We are proud to see EXIT Legacy Realty grow and reinvest here in Leeds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2-year-old Birmingham boy meets bone marrow donor who saved his life Poe, who leads the firm, said the new office represents more than a place of business. This has been a dream of mine to have a building in downtown Leeds, Poe said. I always wanted to have my business here, and I just love that my whole family has been involved. This is a great home, and we want to be able to add to the community, have our doors open and encourage folks to drop by for a cup of coffee. This new office is more than just a buildingit represents our commitment to serving clients with excellence and being part of the heartbeat of downtown Leeds. EXIT Legacy Realtys Leeds office is home to a team of professionals including Mitchell McFarling, Brittany Poe McFarling, Cherie Keahey, Heather James, Callie Jo Estes, Kerri McAuley, Kasey Blair, Kayla Jones, Trenity Poe, Tina Poe, Kennedy Poe, Blakeley Marlow, Julie Hubbard, Anna Wilkes & Knox, and Stacey Duncan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Tom Hals WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) -The U.S. military killed 11 people aboard a vessel in the Caribbean on Tuesday that President Donald Trump said was carrying illegal narcotics and that belonged to a drug cartel he designated a terrorist organization responsible for murders in the United States. Below is a look at the legal authority for the attack. PRESIDENTIAL POWER TO USE THE MILITARY Under the Constitution, the power to declare war belongs to Congress, but the president is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and presidents of both parties have conducted military strikes overseas without congressional approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Presidents have justified military force in limited actions abroad when it was in the national interest, wasn't restricted by Congress and didn't rise to the level of war, according to a memo by the Office of Legal Counsel, which provides advice to the president. WAS THE ATTACK LEGAL UNDER US LAW? Presidents have generally ordered attacks on enemy combatants, terrorist groups like al Qaeda or militants such as the Houthis in Yemen, who attacked U.S. shipping. Tuesday's attack marks a departure in the use of the military. Trump said in a social media post that the boat was transporting illegal narcotics, which would normally be the responsibility of the U.S. Coast Guard to intercept. If the Coast Guard had been fired upon when trying to stop the boat, the Coast Guard members would be justified in defending themselves, legal experts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Trump posted a video to social media that appeared to show a speeding boat being destroyed by an air strike. The administration did not provide any evidence that the United States was under imminent threat of attack, that the vessel was armed and did not identify targets on the boat who were critical to a terror attack, as past presidents have done in similar attacks. The Tren de Aragua drug cartel that Trump said was operating the boat is not actively at war with the United States in the same way as other terror groups, like al Qaeda. In the eyes of many people around the world, those on the boat were civilians and the attack will be seen as an extrajudicial killing, said legal experts. WHAT ABOUT INTERNATIONAL LAW? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Charter of the United Nations states that in the pursuit of international peace and security, members are to refrain from threatening or using force against other countries. The charter also recognizes the right of member states to self-defense. The United States can argue it was taking "anticipatory" self-defense action and Trump said Tren de Aragua was under the control of Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro. However, that falls short of international law without evidence of an imminent attack or past attacks by Tren de Aragua, according to legal experts. Further, Venezuelan officials have disputed that the group is active in the country. Legal experts said the right of self-defense against non-state actors is a matter of debate in international law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump administration officials said the vessel was in international waters, although if it had been a flagged vessel it would mean the attack was considered to have occurred on that country's territory. That would represent a potential major escalation. Administration officials have not said if the vessel was flagged. WHO CAN CHALLENGE THE LEGALITY OF THE ATTACK? Given that Venezuela's regime and Tren de Aragua are international pariahs, opponents of the attack may not want to challenge it. However, that might change if more attacks are carried out, as Pentagon officials have said. Members of Congress have criticized the attack and lawmakers put limits on the president's use of military force. However, in recent decades Congress has been ceding its war-making power to the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legal challenges in U.S. courts against the president's authority to carry out the strike will likely face steep hurdles. U.S. courts generally defer to the president on matters of foreign relations and security. Victims families could try to bring a civil case for damages against the administration in the United States, although it would require years of potentially costly litigation. Such attacks do carry the legal risk that the administration will kill an American citizen. The administration of President Barack Obama said it had the authority to kill a U.S.-born al Qaeda militant, Anwar al-Awlaki, because he was the "operational leader" of an "enemy force" who posed a continued imminent threat. The deadly drone strike led to U.S. litigation. The attack could be challenged in an international tribunal, such as the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which has led to some countries acknowledging past abuses although the United States is not a party to the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the attack might not lead to successful legal challenges, it could sour U.S. international relations and make it more difficult for Washington to partner with other countries on drug and immigration policies, legal experts said. (Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington; Editing by Amy Stevens and Nick Zieminski) HONOLULU (KHON2) Honolulu officials are adding more eyes in two high-profile areas. Its part of a push to improve public safety at some of the islands most visited and sometimes most vulnerable spots. Honolulu park video surveillance could expand Halona Blowhole is one of Oahus iconic postcard views. But its also a hot spot for car break-ins and other crimes. Now, its one of two places that are getting video surveillance cameras installed, aimed at improving safety and deterring crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the shortage of police officers, this is maybe just another way to stop the criminal activity in the area, said Councilmember Augie Tulba, chair of the Public Safety and Economy Committee. In total, 10 new cameras are going up two at Halona Blowhole and eight more at Hawaiis Plantation Village. The cultural museum tells the story of immigrant plantation life in Hawaii, but in recent years, staff say they have struggled with repeated vandalism, theft and break-ins. Whenever theres a break in, we do have to shut that building down, so it is something that the visitors wont be able to experience until it gets fixed for safety. Theres also the financial impact to us. Every time a window is broken, it costs us anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000 just to fix the window because it has to be done time period to fit the rest of the plantation experience, said Derrick Iwata, Education and Program Manager at Hawaiis Plantation Village. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The non-profit museum has a consignment agreement with the city and county to operate on the property. The cameras at the Plantation Village are being paid for by a grant. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You We talk about the history of old Hawaii and how things were, you know, people used to trust each other. I mean, I remember hearing stories like people never locked their doors, right? And now, fast forward to now, where we have to put security cameras because we cant trust our neighbors or to protect ourselves, right? So its kind of sad that way that we come to this point, said Iwata. Honolulu has gradually expanded its use of cameras in public spaces from Chinatown to city parks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These 10 cameras now bring the total to 176 cameras in 19 city parks island-wide. The city is paying $65,000 for the cameras at the Blowhole, Makapuu and Lanai lookouts on East Oahu. However, not everyone is on board with more cameras in public spaces. Privacy advocates argue the city needs clear policies on how footage is stored and who has access. But city officials maintain the cameras will only be used for safety and enforcement purposes, not constant monitoring. Its just another way of securing the place. So, I dont think privacy will be an issue because. again, its an open public place to people to come and enjoy the area, said Tulba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The cameras are expected to be installed and operating in the next few weeks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. We now have our first look at a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike actually firing air-to-air optimized variants of the laser-guided 70mm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) rocket. This is a still relatively new capability for the F-15E that was rushed into service earlier this year, which TWZ was first to report on. With loads of up to 42 APKWS II rockets, plus traditional air-to-air missiles, the Strike Eagle is transformed into a highly capable counter-drone and cruise missile weapons truck. The F-15E/APKWS II test images were all taken on May 22, but were only posted on the U.S. militarys Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) website yesterday. The very first picture of an APKWS II-armed F-15E, flying out of Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, notably also appeared on social media accounts for The Merge, a military aviation podcast and associated newsletter, on May 22. An F-15E assigned to the 40th Flight Test Squadron fires an APKWS II rocket during a test on May 22. USAF The new images come by way of the 40th Flight Test Squadron, part of the 96th Test Wing at Eglin. They each have the same caption, which is as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 96th Test Wing F-15E Strike Eagle flies during a test mission May 22, 2025 over Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The 96 TW and the 53rd Wing teamed up to test AGR-20F Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II laser-guided rockets on the F-15E in May in an effort to get the capability to the warfighter as quickly as possible. Additional images from the F-15E/APKWS II testing on May 22 are seen here and below. USAF USAF Staff Sgt. Thomas Barley USAF Staff Sgt. Thomas Barley AGR-20F is the designation for the air-to-air optimized variant of the APKWS II, also known as the Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance (FALCO) configuration. All APKWS II rockets consist of three key components: a laser guidance section inserted between one of a variety of warhead options and a standard 70mm rocket motor in between. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FALCO version includes a warhead with a proximity fuze and air-to-air optimized guidance and sensing algorithms, according to a U.S. Army briefing in July. The Army manages the 70mm Hydra-70 rocket program for the entire U.S. military, while the APKWS II guidance kit is a U.S. Navy-run program. US Army As an air-launched weapon for use against relatively steady flying, non-reactionary, low-performance targets, APKWS II offers significant magazine depth and cost benefits compared to traditional air-to-air missiles. Multiple seven-shot rocket pods can be loaded in a single pylon that could otherwise just hold one missile. The laser guidance section of the APKWS II rocket costs between $15,000 and $20,000, with the rocket motor and warhead adding a few thousand dollars more to the total price tag. In comparison, the latest variants of the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) cost around $1 million apiece, while current-generation AIM-9X Sidewinders each have a price tag around $450,000. Imagery of APKWS II air-to-air intercepts. Whether these show actual combat use of the rockets, or are from training or test and evaluation events, is unknown. US Army The idea of employing APKWS II rockets as air-to-air weapons against drones and cruise missiles dates back to at least 2019, when the Air Force disclosed that it conducted a test of the weapon in that role using an F-16C Viper. The first known combat use of this capability came in 2024, when Air Force F-16s began using the rockets to swat down drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Iran, another story TWZ was first to report. U.S. Fighter aircraft shoot down Iran-backed Houthi one-way-attack drones with AGR-20 FALCO Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) Laser Guided 2.75" Rockets.#HouthisAreTerrorists pic.twitter.com/bDoVnKwotc U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 19, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On multiple occasions in the past two years or so, Air Force F-15Es forward deployed in the Middle East were also very actively involved in defending Israel from incoming Iranian drone and missile attacks. Air Force Strike Eagle crews found themselves running out of missiles in the course of those operations, further underscoring the value of APKWS II in the air-to-air role. U.S. Central Command, the U.S. militarys top command, released a picture, seen below, showing a rocket-armed F-15E somewhere in the Middle East in late May, just weeks before an intense 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran erupted. A picture US Central Command released in May 2025 showing a rocket-armed F-15E Strike Eagle forward deployed in the Middle East. CENTCOM As it stands now, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16C Viper, and A-10 Warthog combat jets are known to be cleared to employ AGR-20Fs, though more types like the U.S. Navys F/A-18E/F Super Hornet are likely to follow. However, as TWZ has highlighted in the past, the F-15E/APKWS II combination is especially significant given the jets underlying payload and endurance benefits. As such, a rocket-armed F-15E has the ability to provide a much more persistent counter-air screen with a huge magazine depth against drones and some cruise missile types. In addition, APKWS IIs capabilities in the air-to-air role are set to further expand with a new dual-mode guidance package. This will incorporate an infrared seeker that is designed to offer a pseudo-fire-and-forget capability to make it easier to move on from engaging one target to the next, as you can read more about here. Future dual-mode APKWS IIs could also be employed against targets on land and at sea. A mock-up of the dual-mode APKWS II with the additional infrared seeker. Jamie Hunter It is worth noting here that APKWS II is now also combat-proven in the surface-to-air role against drones. The rockets continue to offer a low-cost precision-guided air-to-surface weapon that can be employed in a surface-to-surface mode, as well. Footage of Ukrainian naval forces downing a Russian Shahed-131/136 attack drone over Odesa. pic.twitter.com/WzIh4wHN0l OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 11, 2024 The new images of the F-15E/APKWS II testing this year underscore the firepower boost the Strike Eagle has received, as well as the increasingly important role the laser-guided rockets are now playing in multiple domains. Contact the author: joe@twz.com TALLAHASSEE When Floridas surgeon general got on stage Wednesday and boasted that Florida would push to end every last one of its vaccine mandates, he had spoken about the idea with the governor just the night before. This is where I think we should shoot for, are you OK if I do it?, DeSantis recounted Ladapo saying, sharing that the surgeon general had called him to talk last night. DeSantis said he told Ladapo to shoot for the moon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That moonshot which could make Florida the first state in the nation not to require kids to be vaccinated to attend school sent shockwaves through Americas medical establishment and education community. And it leaves Floridas Republican-controlled Legislature responsible for making it a reality. But so far, the response from the states GOP leaders has been tepid. Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton declined to say whether they support the idea. Two Republican candidates vying to replace DeSantis as governor offered lukewarm support, saying they believe in parental rights but not going as far as to say they would completely remove the current mandates from law like Ladapo suggested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the states Republican senators appeardivided, with U.S. Sen. Rick Scott saying Florida already has a good system in place, while U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody said in a Newmax interview that Ladapos proposal was building on a reasoned analysis. Its unclear what the DeSantis administrations proposal is. The Department of Health has not released specific details or a draft bill. Legislative action Since 1971, Florida law has required students attending public or private school to get vaccinated for certain diseases like measles, polio and tetanus. Current law allows children to be exempted from the mandate based on medical or religious reasons. DeSantis said the surgeon general would take the lead on a big medical freedom package for the Legislature, but on Wednesday said he didnt think Ladapo had yet discussed eliminating vaccine mandates with lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Gayle Harrell, a Stuart Republican who was vice chairperson of the Senate Health Policy committee last legislative session, said she would have to see the proposal before commenting. I do have some questions, Harrell said. Harrell didnt say what her questions were. The chairperson of the committee for the 2025 session, Sen. Colleen Burton, R-Winter Haven, didnt respond to a request for comment in time for publication. Neither did other Republican state lawmakers who lead health committees including Rep. Josie Tomkow, R-Polk City; Rep. Kaylee Tuck, R-Lake Placid; and Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Adam Anderson, R-Palm Harbor, was the chair of the House Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee last session. Committee assignments for the upcoming 2026 session have not been released. Anderson said he cant take a position without knowing whats on the table, but said that many members in the House, including himself, are in favor of medical freedom. He said he believes it should be parents, not the government, who decide what vaccines their children receive. But he also said there has been a long track record of successful vaccines in certain areas. I think the fundamental question is, what role should the government play in a child or a familys health care? Anderson said. And to what extent does the government intervene for, you know, broader public health? Thats delicate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Alex Andrade, a Pensacola Republican who was chairperson of the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee last session, said he didnt know what he would change in state law, if anything. I think the governments role in this circumstance is well balanced, Andrade, who said his children were vaccinated, told the Times/Herald. We already allow parents who are more skeptical than I am to opt out, and still allow their children to go to school. Andrade questioned why Ladapo had changed his position on vaccines since he was confirmed by the Senate in 2023 when he called the current immunization requirements in schools appropriate. The Florida statutes provide mandated vaccines along with an opportunity for families, parents who believe otherwise, to opt out, Ladapo said at the time. And I think thats appropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Department of Health did not immediately respond to questions about why Ladapo changed his position. The spokesperson also did not respond to questions about when Ladapo began planning his proposal to remove all vaccine mandates, nor did a spokesperson for the governors office. Without the Legislature Though Ladapos sweeping proposal will need legislative approval, there are changes he and DeSantis have planned for vaccine mandates that can happen without lawmakers involvement. Florida statute requires vaccines for the following: polio, diphtheria, measles, rubella, whooping cough, mumps and tetanus. It also allows the Department of Health to set rules requiring vaccines for other diseases as they determine. Currently, the department requires four vaccines beyond whats in law: Varicella, or chickenpox; Hepatitis B; Haemophilus influenzae type b, or Hib; and Pneumococcal conjugate, or PCV15/20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis proposal is to have the health department drop those requirements. That would happen through a rule change, said Katie Young, a spokesperson for the Department of Health. As part of that rule change, Young said the department will also seek to broaden current exemptions for vaccines. Instead of relying on a religious exemption, Young said the state intendsto let parents opt their children out because of a personally held belief. Several states, including Washington, Texas, Pennsylvania and Ohio allow for religious and personal exemptions to vaccine requirements, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Under current exemptions, the number of vaccinated children in Florida has already been on the decline. Pre-pandemic, about 94% of Floridas kindergartners were vaccinated, according to state data. Last year, about 88% of kindergartners were. The Department of Health has not yet initiated the rule change, which is a process that can take around two to three months. The CTA, which is facing a massive funding shortfall next year, will hold three town halls this month regarding the agencys next budget. During the town halls, the CTA said, agency leaders will discuss the funding situation and CTA riders will have the opportunity to weigh in. The CTA said it would release its budget plans next month. The Chicago regions transit agencies face a budget deficit in the hundreds of millions of dollars next year as federal pandemic aid runs out. The CTA was previously expected to run out of money some months before Metra and suburban bus agency Pace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But last month, the Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees all three agencies, reallocated $74 million from Pace and Metra to the CTA. Doing so, the RTA said, should push the CTAs fiscal cliff back by a few months into the middle of next year. The hope is that the move will give state lawmakers who failed to pass transit funding legislation this spring more time to avert major cuts next year. Lawmakers plan to try again on transit funding during a legislative veto session in October. Because of the funding uncertainty, the agencies are preparing budgets that assume lawmakers will come through with more money next year, and budgets that assume they dont. The town halls will all take place between 5:30 and 7 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. They will be held at the following locations: Pullman, Sept. 16: Imani Village, 901. E. 95th St. Uptown, Sept. 18: Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave. Near West Side, Sept. 25: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town halls are separate from a formal budget hearing the agency will host later this year. Last year, the agency held its budget hearing in early November. The CTA will also likely have to go through a Title VI process to ensure that proposed cuts or fare increases in next years budget do not disproportionately affect people of color or low-income people. Such a process also involves public hearings. Claim: A member of the British parliament nominated former U.S. President Joe Biden for the Nobel Peace Prize in September 2025. Rating: Rating: False Context: The British member of parliament whose name was featured in many claims, Chris Bryant, did nominate Biden for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2020. However, we found no evidence he had resubmitted that nomination in 2025. In September 2025, weeks before U.S. President Donald Trump's scheduled state visit to the U.K., a claim (archived) circulated online that a member of the British parliament (MP) nominated Trump's predecessor, the former U.S. President Joe Biden, for the Nobel Peace Prize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has previously said he believed he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize but that the Nobel Committee, the body responsible for awarding Nobel Prizes, would "never" give it to him. The committee awards the prize for extraordinary efforts in "arms control and disarmament, peace negotiation, democracy and human rights, and work aimed at creating a better organized and more peaceful world." One X user, whose post had more than 500,000 views at the time of this writing, posted a news article, titled, "British member of Parliament nominates Biden for a Nobel Peace Prize" and captioned the image, "I second this. Joe deserves this prize." I second this Joe deserves this prize pic.twitter.com/F7GFptIxma Sibylle (@AHaschi) September 2, 2025 The claim also circulated on Facebook (archived), Instagram (archived), Threads (archived) and Bluesky (archived). Snopes readers searched our site to see if news about the nomination was true. However, we found no evidence that a British MP nominated Biden for the Nobel Peace Prize in September 2025, when claims circulated (archived, archived, archived, archived). Some claims shared a screenshot of an article from The Hill published in 2020. That article said the British MP Chris Bryant nominated Biden for the Nobel Peace Prize. Bryant did make (archived) this nomination in 2020, but we found no evidence he had re-nominated Biden in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite still being an MP as of this writing, Bryant was also promoted to a ministerial position in 2024 after the Labour Party won the general election. Ministers are either MPs or members of the House of Lords who are part of the U.K. Government. On Sept. 5, a spokesperson from Bryant's parliamentary office said via email that "ministers are not allowed to make nominations and therefore this is an historical story." In other words, due to the U.K. Ministerial Code, which sets out the standards of conduct expected of ministers and how they discharge their duties, he could not have re-nominated Biden in 2025 even though he was able to do so when he was just an MP in 2020. Therefore, we rate this claim false. On Nov. 6, 2020, days after that year's presidential election that put Biden and vice president Kamala Harris in the White House, Bryant wrote on X, "I'm proud I nominated @JoeBiden for the Nobel Peace Prize. His zen like calm is going to be vital now, calming the troubled waters, binding the nation's wounds and strengthening the international rules based order." Bryant originally made the nomination on Sept. 28, 2020, according to the Standard, a London-based newspaper. Bryant reportedly told the Standard, "When others have resorted to violent solutions, he has argued that the best force is the force of argument. Because guns can stop a heart but well-placed words can change many hearts, and many hearts can change a world." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nobel Committee awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, which Bryant's nomination would have put Biden in the running for, to journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Andreyevich Muratov "for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace." Before that year's prize announcement, in August 2021, Bryant condemned Biden's comments on the U.S.'s withdrawal from Afghanistan as "the most shameful comments ever from an American president". Sources: About the Nobel Peace Prize - Nobel Peace Prize. 30 Aug. 2021, https://www.nobelpeaceprize.org/nobel-peace-prize/about-the-nobel-peace-prize/. Budryk, Zack. "British Member of Parliament Nominates Biden for a Nobel Peace Prize." The Hill, 29 Sep. 2025, https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/518705-british-member-of-parliament-nominates-biden-for-a-nobel-peace/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cabinet Office (2010). Ministerial Code. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministerial-code. Cabinet Office (2024). Ministerial Code. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministerial-code/ministerial-code. "Full Text: With Netanyahu in Oval Office, Trump Talks of 'Permanently' Resettling Gazans." The Times of Israel, 6 Feb. 2025, https://www.timesofisrael.com/full-text-with-netanyahu-in-oval-office-trump-talks-of-permanently-resettling-gazans/#:~:text=President%20Donald%20Trump%3A%20They%20will%20never%20give%20me%20a%20Nobel%20Peace%20Prize.%20I%20deserve%20it%2C%20but%20they%20will%20never%20give%20it%20to%20me. Mp Nominated Biden Nobel Peace Prize - Google Search. https://www.google.com/search?q=mp+nominated+biden+nobel+peace+prize&sca_esv=ee92d9274d46c89f&rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB1138GB1138&tbm=nws&source=lnt&tbs=qdr:w&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj85MXW_b6PAxUPTkEAHQbyA9oQpwV6BAgEEAg&biw=1920&bih=844&dpr=2. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mp Nominated Biden Nobel Peace Prize - Search News. https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=mp+nominated+biden+nobel+peace+prize&qft=interval%3d%228%22&form=PTFTNR. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025. Mp Nominated Biden Nobel Peace Prize - Yahoo Search Results. https://uk.news.search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=Awr.pGQ3dbloEwIAL05LBQx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNpcjIEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3BpdnM-?p=mp+nominated+biden+nobel+peace+prize&fr2=piv-web&fr=yfp-t. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025. Mp Nominated Biden Nobel Peace Prize at DuckDuckGo. https://duckduckgo.com/?t=h_&q=mp+nominated+biden+nobel+peace+prize&ia=news&iar=news&ndf=w. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025. Murphy, Joe. "Senior MP Nominates Joe Biden for Nobel Peace Prize." The Standard, 28 Sep. 2020, https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/joe-biden-nominated-nobel-peace-prize-a4558266.html. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parliament.uk. (2024). Government. [online] Available at: https://www.parliament.uk/site-information/glossary/government/?id=32625. www.parliament.uk. (n.d.). Ministers. [online] Available at: https://www.parliament.uk/site-information/glossary/minister/. Riley-Smith, Ben. "Parliament Holds Joe Biden in Contempt over Afghanistan." The Telegraph, 18 Aug. 2021, https://archive.ph/X7HnT#selection-491.1-494.0. Royen, Ulrika. "Nomination and Selection of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates." NobelPrize.Org, 5 Jul. 2018, https://www.nobelprize.org/nomination/peace/. "The Nobel Peace Prize 2021." NobelPrize.Org, https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2021/summary/. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025. Updates: Sept. 5, 2025: This story was updated to include comment from Chris Bryant's parliamentary office and an explanation for why he could not have re-nominated Biden in 2025. Claim: In August 2025, Florida Sen. Rick Scott disclosed more than $26 million in stock trades more than a year later than the deadline required by law. Rating: Rating: False Context: The law requires all members of Congress to disclose any trades worth more than $1,000 within 30 days of the trade. Scott disclosed the transactions on time. In August 2025, he filed amendments to four different transaction reports, but they did not add new transactions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2025, the X account Unusual Whales posted a claim that U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, had disclosed more than $26 million in stock transactions "more than a year late." Such a delayed disclosure would be a violation of federal law, which requires all members of Congress (and some people surrounding them) to disclose any trade of assets worth more than $1,000 within 30 days. The claim spread across social media, and Snopes readers searched the site looking for more information about the supposed delayed disclosures. Holy - look at this. Senator Rick Scott just disclosed trades more than a year late. They were worth $26,000,000. You did not read that wrong. He traded millions on companies he legislated. Unusual. pic.twitter.com/BpTPDydtXX unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) August 19, 2025 However, we found that the claim was false, for several reasons. We contacted Unusual Whales and Scott as part of our reporting for this story. Scott's communications director pointed us to a post on the senator's X page calling the Unusual Whales post inaccurate. This isnt accurate. All of my transactions for the previous year were reported on time & complied with Senate Ethics Committee rules & law. None of the transactions I reported last year are individual stocks. You can view the reports I have filed here: https://t.co/yHLwEB6Q5Y Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) August 27, 2025 Scott's amended documents First, Snopes attempted to determine exactly which trades the post was referring to. Searching the Senate's database on financial disclosures for Scott's name revealed that on Aug. 13, 2025, he filed four "amendments" to periodic transaction reports originally filed across 2024. These were the most recent transaction reports Scott had filed. The presence of documents amending reports originally filed in 2024 mostly mirrored the claim's language that Scott had filed the reports "more than a year late." (One of the amendments was for a report in December 2024, within a year of the August 2025 post.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although members of Congress are not required to disclose the exact amount of money involved in transactions, they are required to place the amount in a range. The sum of the trades listed in the four transaction report amendments totaled somewhere between $13.4 million and $27.4 million in trades, in line with the $26 million figure cited in the post. As a result, Snopes concluded that the four amendments were the disclosures referred to in the Unusual Whales post. In its response to Snopes, Unusual Whales did not deny this conclusion. But the four documents in question were amendments to previously filed transaction reports, meaning they were not necessarily unreported or tardily reported trades. Reviewing the original reports from March 15, May 10, July 6 and Dec. 20, 2024, showed that all trades reported in the four amendments were also listed in the original reports, and were listed as the same amount. Because all the trades listed in the amendments were listed in the original periodic transaction reports, the claim is false. The trades were municipal bonds, not company stocks The social media post described Scott's transaction as "trades on companies he legislated." Snopes found that this also was misleading, according to the periodic transaction reports, because all trades were made on municipal securities that is, municipal bonds, not companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email response to Snopes, Unusual Whales wrote that it was "notable that Rick Scott purchased Tampa Fla, along with other municipality bonds, a direct relationship with himself and his role as a politician." Snopes asked Scott whether he thought trading municipal bonds issued for areas he directly represented would be a conflict of interest, but we did not receive a response to this question. Scott is one of the wealthiest members of Congress. A February 2025 report from Investopedia listed Scott as the wealthiest, with a net worth at $549.4 million. At time of publishing, Quiver Quantitative, an investment firm that tracks and publishes Congressional stock trades, listed Scott as the third-wealthiest member of Congress, with a net worth of $500 million. Unusual Whales's statement to Snopes pointed out that Scott has traded stocks in the past, calling his portfolio "huge," before noting that the trades described in its X post "were indeed just bonds, though in the past this has not been true." Sources: Congress Live Net Worth Tracker | Quiver Quantitative. https://www.quiverquant.com/congress-live-net-worth/. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Financial Disclosure - U.S. Senate Select Committee on Ethics. https://www.ethics.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/financialdisclosure. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025. "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Sen. Rick Scott in the Sun Sentinel: I Support a Stock-Trading Ban, If Done Right." U.S. Senator Rick Scott, 20 Aug. 2025, https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/8/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-in-the-sun-sentinel-i-support-a-stock-trading-ban-if-done-right. Quiver Quantitative. https://www.quiverquant.com/aboutus/. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025. Senator Rick Scott Reports $26 Million in Trades Long after the Deadline. 19 Aug. 2025, https://www.capitoltrades.com/buzz/fa091992-fd85-4ef1-bb17-53cd0070f826. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sentinel, Sun Sentinel Editorial Board | Sun. "Ban Stock Trading by Members of Congress | Editorial." Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2025, https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/08/09/ban-stock-trading-by-members-of-congress-editorial/. "Who Are the Richest U.S. Senators?" Investopedia, https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/041516/who-are-americas-7richest-senators.asp. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025. Renewable energy producer Neoen and European solar developer Alight have commenced operations at the Hultsfred solar farm in Smaland, Sweden. The solar farm, with a capacity of 100MWp, is said to be the countrys largest solar facility. The facility is connected to the E.ON local grid distribution system, and it began feeding electricity into the grid this April. The project has been financed by Neoen and Alight, with additional structured debt finance from Danske Bank. Swedish fashion company H&M Group will source 95% of the renewable energy from the solar farm by 2030, through a long-term power purchase agreement signed in 2022. Neoen Sweden managing director Laetitia Prot said: I would like to congratulate our partners Alight, H&M, Equans and Solkompaniet, E.on, and the municipality for this great achievement. Hultsfred solar farm is our fourth asset entering into operation in Sweden, bringing the total capacity of the fleet to 304MW (including Storbrankullen wind farm, Storen Power Reserve and Isbillen Power Reserve). With these three complementary technologies of solar, wind and storage at scale, we are actively contributing to Swedens clean energy transition. The Hultsfred solar farm is a joint venture between Neoen, the majority shareholder, and Alight. It is expected to produce 100GWh of energy annually, enough to meet the needs of approximately 18,000 Swedish households. The projects construction was managed by contractors Equans Solar & Storage and Solkompaniet. French and Swedish companies have been involved in the project at various stages, from ownership to the electricity offtake agreement and construction. During its construction phase, the solar farm created as many as 120 job opportunities. Neoen CEO and chair Xavier Barbaro said: It [the project] is a major milestone for Neoen and a reflection of our long-term commitment. Since 2020, we have invested almost 200m ($233.1m) in Sweden, and we look forward to deepening our contribution. "We are proud to be playing an increasingly significant role in accelerating the energy transition here in Sweden and around the world. This June, Neoen officially inaugurated Portugals largest solar park in Azambuja, 70km north of Lisbon. "Swedens largest solar farm begins operations" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Claim: In September 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump posted that Russia's President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping were conspiring against the U.S. Rating: Rating: True On Sept. 2, 2025, dozens of social media posts claimed U.S. President Donald Trump publicly accused the leaders of some of the world's most powerful nations Russia's Vladimir Putin, North Korea's Kim Jong Un and China's Xi Jinping of conspiring against the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three leaders met in China's capital city of Beijing alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others to reaffirm their nations' alliance in early September 2025. The claim spread on several platforms, including X (archived), Reddit (archived) and Threads (archived), with one such X post (archived) receiving more than 12.9 million views: Some commenters questioned the image's authenticity, but the screenshot of the post was authentic. Trump wrote the message (archived) on Sept. 2, with part of the message apparently directed to Jinping (emphasis ours): The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive amount of support and "blood" that The United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly foreign invader. Many Americans died in China's quest for Victory and Glory. I hope that they are rightfully Honored and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice! 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. PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP Trump posted the statement on his social media platform Truth Social: (Truth Social user @realDonaldTrump) Trump did not specify what historic events he was referring to when he wrote, "Many Americans died in China's quest for Victory and Glory," though he may have meant World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to one Russian journalist's Telegram channel, a top Kremlin foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, dismissed the conspiracy allegations, saying: I want to say that no one organized any conspiracies, no one was weaving anything, no conspiracies. Moreover, no one even had that in their minds, none of these three leaders had that. In response, Trump said of the other world leaders during a news conference on Sept. 3, "My relationship with all of them is very good, we're going to find out how good it is in the next week or two." His full comments were as follows: Sources: News, A. B. C. 'Trump Says China Conspiring against US with Putin, Kim Meeting at Military Parade'. ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-reacts-putin-kim-jong-xi-chinas-military/story?id=125201888. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025. 'Putin Meets North Korea's Kim in Beijing'. AP News, 3 Sep. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/china-russia-north-korea-putin-kim-xi-summit-40808dffcb747094da15c9380479e41f. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Singh, Kanishka, et al. 'Trump Says He Is Disappointed with Putin, Not Worried about China-Russia Ties'. Reuters, 3 Sep. 2025. China. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trump-says-he-is-disappointed-with-putin-not-worried-about-china-russia-ties-2025-09-02/. Trump, Donald. 'Truth Social'. Truthsocial.Com, 2 Sep. 2025, https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115137717177283585. - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As8b-09PKGI. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025. Did a "first population-wide peer-reviewed study" confirm that COVID-19 vaccines cause "turbo cancers"? No, that's not true: The study referred to its results as preliminary. The corresponding author told Lead Stories that more research is needed to confirm the findings about cancer among those vaccinated against COVID-19. The claim appeared in an article (archived here) published on The Gateway Pundit on August 31, 2025, under the title that reads: First Population-Wide Peer-Reviewed Study Finds COVID-19 'Vaccines' Increase Risk of Multiple Cancers -- CONFIRMS Fears of "Turbo Cancer" Epidemic. This is what it looked like at the time of writing: Source: screenshot of thegatewaypundit.com The article discussed a study (archived here) published in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal, EXCLI, on July 1, 2025. Its authors looked into the data from an Italian province and concluded that, "compared with the unvaccinated, those receiving 1 dose showed a significantly lower likelihood of all-cause death, and a slightly higher likelihood of hospitalization for cancer". Yet, the study read: ...these findings are inevitably preliminary. Lead Stories asked the study's corresponding author -- Professor Lamberto Manzoli of the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences at the University of Bologna (archived here) -- if the Gateway article accurately represents the research. On September 3, 2025, he replied via email. Manzoli said that the article contains "clear errors" that inflate the risks and continued: ...the problem is the over emphasis: these are inevitably preliminary results, with a large uncertainty around the timing. As you noted, the results were even reversed when a different time point was chosen. The follow-up was short, and we definitely need more data to confirm the findings. Thus, although they are still useful, they must be interpreted with caution, such as 'preliminary data indicate that a slight increase of risk of some cancers could be possible, but they require confirmation', rather than 'COVID-19 vaccines do increase the cancer risk'. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lead Stories reached out to Dr. William Schaffner (archived here), a professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and an expert with the Infectious Disease Society of America (archived here). He confirmed that the study doesn't say what social media pages attribute to it. Schaffner pointed out the study's authors exercised caution in describing the results, not necessarily firmly equating correlation and causation and calling for further study. According to Schaffner, one possible interpretation of the findings may have more to do with the vaccine distribution than with the vaccines themselves or a "potential impact of the healthy vaccinee bias" cited in the study: Did President Trump just authorize FCC fines of up to $100 million for media outlets caught spreading lies? No, that's not true: That story originated on a satirical Facebook page. The owner of the page is known for tricking conservatives into liking and sharing made-up content. There were no fact-based news stories about the authorization of the kind of fines described in the post. The claim appeared in a September 2, 2025 Facebook post (archived here) on the "America's Last Line of Defense" page under the title "It's about time someone held them accountable for their lies." It opened with a photo of Trump with the wording: Trump authorizes fines up to $100 million for "media misconduct." "We need to take action to stop the lies." This is what the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing: Source: Facebook screenshot taken by Lead Stories As seen in the screenshot above, the shared image showed a logo of "America's Last Line of Defense" in the middle that reads, "Nothing on this page is real." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The homepage of the America's Last Line of Defense Facebook account (archived here) clearly states, "The flagship of the ALLOD network of trollery and propoganda for cash. Nothing on this page is real," as this screenshot shows: Source: Facebook screenshot taken by Lead Stories The page says it is run by "Busta Troll," which is the nickname of Christopher Blair. Christopher Blair is a self-professed liberal from Maine who, for years, has run networks of websites set up to troll conservatives with made-up news items in order to get them to share his posts. A 2018 BBC profile called Blair "the Godfather of fake news," describing him as "one of the world's most prolific writers of disinformation." The account is part of a network of satire websites and those pages display satire disclaimers and predominantly publish made-up stories with headlines specifically created to trigger Republicans, conservatives and evangelical Christians into angrily sharing or commenting on the story on Facebook without actually reading the full article, exposing them to mockery and ridicule by fans of the sites and pages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blair's stories have been widely copied by spammy, foreign website networks seeking to profit by spamming American conservatives with clickbait headlines. The claim was picked up by other social media accounts without the America's Last Line of Defense satire logo disclaimer, as this one posted on the @macfeenew X.com account (archived here) shows: BREAKING: President Trump just authorized FCC fines of up to $100 MILLION for media outlets caught spreading lies. For years, CNN, MSNBC, and the rest of the fake news cartel thought they could smear, lie, and manipulate without consequence. That era is OVER. The media... pic.twitter.com/HdV6OyQfeD -- John McAfee News (@mcafeenew) September 3, 2025 Had Trump authorized such fines, it would have been major news. A Google search (archived here) found no other reports of this claim, only other news reports of Trump and fines not having to do with any he imposed. Similarly, the Yahoo! News index of partner news sites and news services (archived here) showed no legitimate news reports of Trump authorizing the FCC to fine media outlets $100 million. Did the 9th District Court side with the US Solicitor General to vacate 84 of Joe Biden's "autopen pardons"? No, that's not true: There were no actual news stories about this. The story originated on a satirical Facebook page. The owner of the page is known for tricking conservatives into liking and sharing made-up content. The claim appeared in an image in a Facebook post (archived here) published on September 3, 2025 by Facebook page "America's Last Line Of Defense". The post itself read: The time for these criminals to walk free has come to an end. The image included in the post had the following text: The liberal 9th District Court sided with the US Solicitor General and vacated 84 of Biden's "autopen pardons" Which means US Attorneys across the country can start calling up grand juries. This was what the image looked like: Image source: post on the America's Last Line Of Defense Facebook page As seen in the screenshot above, the shared image showed a logo of "America's Last Line of Defense" in the middle that reads, "Nothing on this page is real." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Searches on Google News and Yahoo News for news articles containing the phrases "us solicitor general", "autopen" and "9th district court" did not bring up any real news stories about such a ruling (archived here and here). It did bring up one earlier fact check (archived here) about a satire story from March 2025 by the Dunning-Kruger Times (archived here) that made the exact same claim. The homepage of the America's Last Line of Defense Facebook account (archived here) mentions it is the "home of the Dunning-Kruger Times" and clearly states, "The flagship of the ALLOD network of trollery and propaganda for cash. Nothing on this page is real," as this screenshot shows: Source: Facebook screenshot taken by Lead Stories The page says it is run by "Busta Troll," which is the nickname of Christopher Blair. Christopher Blair is a self-professed liberal from Maine who, for years, has run networks of websites set up to troll conservatives with made-up news items in order to get them to share his posts. A 2018 BBC profile called Blair "the Godfather of fake news," describing him as "one of the world's most prolific writers of disinformation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The account is part of a network of satire websites and those pages display satire disclaimers and predominantly publish made-up stories with headlines specifically created to trigger Republicans, conservatives and evangelical Christians into angrily sharing or commenting on the story on Facebook without actually reading the full article, exposing them to mockery and ridicule by fans of the sites and pages. Blair's stories have been widely copied by spammy, foreign website networks seeking to profit by spamming American conservatives with clickbait headlines. Claim: On Sept. 3, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a military flyover to "silence" a news conference featuring victims of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse. Rating: Rating: False Context: It's true the overhead noise of a military flyover briefly interrupted the news conference. However, the event carried on. The White House said Trump ordered the military flyover to mark a visit by Poland President Karol Nawrocki. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sept. 3, 2025, shortly after survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse spoke at a news conference on the U.S. Capitol lawn, a rumor spread that President Donald Trump had ordered a loud military flyover to drown out the victims' comments. For example, a post on X claimed Trump had spent "oodles" of money to "silence" the speakers (archived): Trump spends oodles of $$ for an absurd military flyover to silence victims of Epsteins and Maxwells awful crimes as he protects the perpetrators of those crimes. https://t.co/BeZFFdkqjE Daniel Goldman (@danielsgoldman) September 3, 2025 The post had gained 445,200 views and 11,000 likes as of this writing. The claim spread with other posts on X, as well. Further, Snopes readers both searched the website and sent emails about the rumor. At the news conference, survivors of Epstein's abuse called on officials to release files related to the late financier's crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was true that, as speakers stood at the podium, loud jet noises briefly interrupted their comments, as seen in the video by The Associated Press below (beginning around 35:48.) However, the event carried on. The White House said Trump had ordered the military flyover to mark a visit by Poland President Karol Nawrocki, which was occurring at the same time as the news conference. It was Nawrocki's first trip overseas since taking office in August. Several photographs in Getty Image's database of photojournalism show his Sept. 3 visit with Trump, including images of the two men standing on the White House lawn to watch the military flyover. A White House official told Snopes in an email that Trump had ordered the ceremonial flyover to mark Nawrocki's visit. "It was at POTUS' direction," the official wrote, adding that the flyover was a tribute to a Polish fighter pilot who died in an August crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day before, the X account AlertDC alerted followers of the upcoming event in the sky (archived): [AlertDC] The U.S. Military will conduct a flyover in the National Capital Region (NCR) over The White House on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 11:10AM. https://t.co/RJhnMX3Q1O AlertDC (@AlertDC) September 2, 2025 Trump favored Nawrocki in the 2025 Polish elections, per The Associated Press. As the White House's video of the Sept. 3 visit showed, Trump lavished Nawrocki with praise for winning the presidential race. Sources: Karol Nawrocki: Poland First! www.president.pl/news/karol-nawrocki-poland-first,104538. Accessed 4 Sept. 2025. The White House. "America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State the White House." The White House, 21 Jan. 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/america-first-policy-directive-to-the-secretary-of-state/. Accessed 4 Sept. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ---. "Poland State Visit at the White House." YouTube, 4 Sept. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioz4zLdDRcI. Accessed 4 Sept. 2025. Wong, Alex. "Poland President State Visit to Washington." Gettyimages.com, 2025, www.gettyimages.com/search/2/image?agreements=&family=editorial&phrase=military%20flyover%20washington%20DC&sort=newest&phraseprocessing=excludenaturallanguage&events=776377351. Accessed 4 Sept. 2025. Stancy, Diana. "Trump Welcomes Polish President with Flyover Tribute to Fallen Fighter Pilot." Fox News, 3 Sept. 2025, www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-welcomes-polish-president-flyover-tribute-fallen-fighter-pilot. Accessed 4 Sept. 2025. STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -With a rise in defence spending by European countries, many defence technology startups are seeing robust growth, supported by their founders' military experience. Below is a list of some of these startups in the region: QUANTUM SYSTEMS The German drone startup was founded by Florian Seibel, a former officer in the German Armed Forces. TERMINAL AUTONOMY Two of the three co-founders of this Ukrainian drone startup are veterans of the U.S. and Australian militaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CYBSAFE British Cybersecurity firm CybSafe, which caters to commercial and defence companies, was founded by former UK Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel Oz Alashe. ROWDEN TECHNOLOGIES This UK-based military technology firm was founded by former military veteran Rob Harper. FRANKENBURG TECHNOLOGIES This Estonian defence tech company, which makes mass-manufacturable missile systems, has several top executives with military background. ARX ROBOTICS The German company, which makes autonomous ground systems, was founded by three former officers of the German Armed Forces, Marc Wietfeld, Maximilian Wied, and Stefan Roebel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BUNTAR AEROSPACE The Ukrainian drone maker was co-founded by Ivan Kaunov, who joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2022 and served as an infantry private. ARONDITE This UK-based defence company was founded by Will Blyth, a former veteran of the British Army. BLINKTROLL Norway's BlinkTroll, which produces military training gear, was founded by former Norwegian soldiers Kenneth Skorpen and Oystein Hatlestad. TRYPILLIAN The British-Ukrainian defence startup is co-founded by Ivan Matveichenko, a Ukrainian military veteran who participated in the battles for Bakhmut and Soledar. VIZGARD An AI software company for defence, it was founded by former British Royal Navy submariner Alex Kehoe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LABRYS TECHNOLOGIES The UK-based software company, which counts defence companies as customers, was co-founded by British military veterans August Lersten and Luke Wattam. ADARGA This UK-based defence-focused AI firm was founded by former British Army officer Robert Bassett Cross. ALLIED ADAPTIVE INDUSTRIES A UK-based defence procurement startup that was founded by John Williams. NORDIC DEFENCE INNOVATION FOUNDRY This Finland-based firm, which helps innovators to develop products for the military, was founded by three active Finnish Defence Forces reservists - Joel Noutere, Janne Laukkanen and Oscar Nissin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CROWN CYBER DEFENCE The Finnish drone defence company was founded by former military veteran Mattipekka Kronqvist. GOVRADAR Germany-based GovRadar, which helps in government and military procurement, was co-founded by Sascha Soyk, who has served in the German army. GRANTA AUTONOMY This Lithuania-based drone maker was founded by former military engineers Gediminas Guoba and Laurynas Litvinas. (Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm and Michael Kahn in Prague; Editing by Bernadette Baum) Son of woman who died in fire set by her ex jumped out window, called out for help A tragic fire in DeKalb County claimed the life of Stephanie Wiley and left her son hospitalized at Grady Memorial Hospital. Authorities have arrested Shawn Fails, Wileys ex-boyfriend, in connection with the incident, charging him with murder, aggravated assault, and arson. Investigators suspect the fire was intentionally set, and video footage shows a man approaching the apartment with an object in his hand and running away with his pant leg on fire. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Rodney Wiley, the victims brother, expressed his anguish upon seeing the video of his nephew jumping from a second-story window and calling for help for his mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To hear him call out for his moms safety is piercing to me, Rodney Wiley told Channel 2s Audrey Washington on WSB Tonight at 11 p.m. Nicole Lebby-Wiley, the victims sister-in-law, started a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral costs, describing Stephanie Wiley as someone who always helped others. She was just awesome, Nicole Lebby-Wiley said. Like, you would never find a person who would stick out their neck for you and do what she did for people. So its just tragic how we no longer have her here. Rodney Wiley described the suspect seen in the video as someone disconnected from human life. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fails was arrested in Alabama, and although police cannot yet say with certainty if he is the man seen in the doorbell camera footage, he faces serious charges. The community has rallied around the Wiley family, with the GoFundMe campaign aiming to help with the financial burden of funeral expenses. As the investigation continues, Wileys son remains in recovery, and the family seeks justice for the loss of a beloved mother. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Two state forests in Vermont have expanded their protected area thanks to a pair of timely donations. Waterbury Roundabout reported that the Long Trail State Forest in Lamoille County added another 12 acres to the area's protected lands. Additionally, a family donation to the Roxbury State Forest in Warren, in the southeastern tip of Washington County, added a 52-acre parcel of land. The first donation is part of a broader effort by the Green Mountain Club and partners to safeguard the Long Trail for future generations. The initiative began in the 1980s and has steadily expanded the lands under permanent protection. At 272 miles in length, the trail, which runs the entirety of the state from Massachusetts to Canada, certainly lives up to its name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Including side trails, there are almost 500 miles of wilderness for hikers to enjoy. Those who complete the length of the trail earn recognition as an official "end-to-ender." The executive director of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, Gus Seelig, told the Roundabout of the recent addition: "Protecting even a small stretch of the Long Trail like this has an outsized impact, connecting people with the land, strengthening ecological corridors, and ensuring the trail remains accessible for generations to come." The second grant at Roxbury State Forest was at the behest of the Flemer family, who donated 85% of the area's appraised value to the state. The area is recognized for its ecological importance and as a key wildlife corridor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wrenn Compere, who donated the land with her brothers Steve Flemer Jr. and Ben, was quoted in the Burlington Free Press: "My brothers and I are very pleased to be a part of conserving this magnificent piece of land. Our contribution is offered in honor of our parents who raised us to be responsible, to share, and to take good care of fragile and important things." Land donations from groups and families are a generous and effective way to protect nature for residents and wildlife alike. It is one of the most effective forms of local climate action, and even if you don't belong to a landowning family, you can still donate to a broader effort. Should the government continue to give tax incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades? Absolutely No Depends on the upgrade I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) The worlds largest grain cart was at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur last week. Its the Unverferth Brent Avalanche 3298, and it can hold a lot of grain 3150 bushels, or three semi-truck loads. But the interesting thing about the Brent is the 275-gallon water tank on the vehicle and its hydraulic pump system. This means that in addition to harvesting crops, it can be used to fight field fires. This idea kind of came up from really seeing what farmers are doing in the fields, primarily in the west and the north, where dry conditions often accompany harvest conditions as well, and fire is a real risk to the crop and the equipment thats being used in it, said Eli Sents with Unverferth. Some farmers we visited with were already doing a variation of this on their own equipment, kind of taking things into their own hands. And we thought, What better way to serve them than to come with an offering that they could bolt on their cart and be ready to go?' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the Farm: PTX demos autonomous tilling tractor at Farm Progress Show Kurt Michener, the Chief of the Argenta-Oreana Fire Protection District, said he really likes the idea. Anything that could give us a head start to getting the fire under control is definitely a plus Michener said. Being a volunteer fire department, sometimes we dont have a lot of people during the day, so anything that could benefit us, getting a quick knock on a small fire or something like that to keep them from spreading, would definitely be beneficial in that aspect. Today, Central Illinois is in the middle of a growing drought, with crops maturing and dying quickly. Thats a recipe for an increased number of field fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) is one of the 10 Best Semiconductor Stocks to Buy Right Now. On August 28, Reuters, while quoting the companys associate general counsel, reported that the company plans to market a system, which has been built to manage as well as leverage its trade secrets to companies in Europe and the US. The trade secrets registry system, which Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) started building in 2013, has been adopted by 20 local firms, which include ASE Technology Holding Co, reported Reuters, while quoting Fortune Hsieh (who is also the Chairman of Taiwan Association for Trade Secrets Protection). Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM) Plans to Market a System Built to Manage and Leverage Trade Secrets, Reports Reuters In Q2 2025, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM)s revenue rose 11.3% quarter-over-quarter thanks to the robust demand for its industry-leading 3nm and 5nm technologies, partially mitigated by an unfavorable foreign exchange rate. Notably, 3nm process technology accounted for 24% of total wafer revenue in Q2 2025, with 5nm and 7nm accounting for 36% and 14%, respectively. The capex for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) on a consolidated basis came in at US$9.63 billion. First Eagle Investments, an investment management company, released its Q2 2025 investor letter. Here is what the fund said: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) is the worlds largest semiconductor foundry, a primary manufacturer of advanced chips used in genera tive artificial intelligence with Nvidia, Broadcom, Intel, Advanced Micro Devices and Apple among its clients. TSMC reported continued strong sales during the quarter, with an expanded contribution from AI. We believe TSMC has extended its edge over competitors to become the de facto foundry for many customers. The company has made significant efforts in recent years to geographically diversify its manufacturing base, including in the US. While we acknowledge the potential of TSM as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 13 Cheap AI Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 11 Unstoppable Growth Stocks to Invest in Now Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. FARMINGTON, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) With state money on the line, Farmington Public Schools is working quickly to create a renewed proposal for construction on a new junior high campus. In an interview with KNWA/FOX24, Superintendent Jon Lafoon said that FPS is the second-fastest growing district in the state, enrolling more than 100 new students each year. Its pushed us into some space issues. We built two additions onto our elementary schools. Just classroom additions and classroom additions And now were full with the middle school, Lafoon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2025, a ballot measure was introduced, proposing a tax increase to help fund a $40 million custom build. However, the measure failed. We narrowly lost that election by six votes, Lafoon said. Report: 8 Northwest Arkansas public high schools among best in America Three days after the failed measure, the state granted FPS $4.22 million to assist in the building process. According to Lafoon, the grant works on a use it or lose it basis, meaning the district has to begin construction by November 2026 in order to utilize the money. Weve got to figure out a plan that our communitys comfortable with and that our district and board are comfortable with and get this thing built, Lafoon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the district is working to create a more cost-effective plan, including a prefabricated building. Lafoon says the renewed plan would cost about $30 million, drawing from state funds, district reserves, and a lesser millage increase. We had about $7 million to start the year in our building fund that weve saved over the last five years. So, if you were able to take that pot of money along with the partnership money from the state, then thats given us the ability now, which we didnt have at the time of the election, to lower that millage, Lafoon said. Lafoon says the decision will ideally be made by the December board meeting. I just hope the community would listen to us as we say, Hey, we want to make a positive impact on our kids. We want to have the best facilities in Northwest Arkansas, and so thats our goal as we keep growing, is to build quality facilities like we have in the past, Lafoon 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 KNWA FOX24. NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) A deadly crash has claimed the life of a Lake Charles man in Iberia Parish. Yesterday morning, just before 6 a.m., Louisiana State Police began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on U.S. 90 near its intersection with Neco Town Road. Officials said the crash ultimately claimed the life of Waddell Mulmore, 58, of Lake Charles. Authorities said an investigation revealed that Mulmore was driving a GMC Sierra westbound on U.S. 90. At the same time, a Nissan Murano was traveling east in the left lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For reasons still under investigation, the GMC exited the roadway to the right before overcorrecting and crossing both lanes of U.S. 90 west. The truck then entered the median, continued across, entered the eastbound lanes of U.S. 90 and struck the Nissan. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Officials said Mulmore, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash. The driver of the Nissan was restrained, sustained serious injures, and was transported to a local hospital. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. A 35-year-old man is facing first-degree murder and aggravated battery charges in connection to an August shooting at an apartment complex near Boynton Beach that killed one person and injured two others. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said Robert Lee Gipson shot three people after a brief argument in which he complained about a gathering outside his apartment being too loud. Berkens Obas, 47, died from his injuries. Investigators say Gipson called 911 to tell dispatchers of the shooting, saying he had been in an argument with several people and fired his gun out of fear for his safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was about to get jumped. Dude was trying to jump me. I shot one. I killed him," Gipson said, according to his arrest report. Deputies booked Gipson into the county jail on Sept. 2. He also faces a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. During a hearing on Sept. 3, Circuit Judge Donald Hafele assigned him a public defender and ordered that he be held without bail on the murder charge. As a policy, the county Public Defender's Office does not comment on open cases. More: West Palm Beach police arrest former officer accused of sexual misconduct while on duty Surviving victims say group gave Boynton shooter no reason to fire gun According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office arrest report, the shooting incident occurred the night of Aug. 10 at an apartment complex on the 5000 block of Ashley Lake Drive, off Military Trail south of Boynton Beach Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies found Obas unresponsive in front an apartment building. As deputies attempted to identify whether a shooter was in a nearby apartment, first responders moved Obas to a safer location for medical treatment. They pronounced dead a short time later. Two more shooting victims received care at Delray Medical Center. Witnesses told deputies there was no physical fight or any imminent threat of one, and alleged that Gipson fired without any provocation from his victims. As deputies began their investigation, they believed Gipson was still inside one a apartment and attempted to make contact with him, according to the arrest report. A woman who lives in the apartment told investigators that Gipson ran inside, told her he had shot some people and then ran out. Investigators interviewed the surviving shooting victims at the hospital. According to the arrest report, they said they were taking photographs at a friends-and-family gathering when Gipson came outside to berate them for being too loud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two said they were walking to their car a short time later when Gipson again confronted them. The victims said one person in their group tried to explain that the gathering had finished for the night, leading to a brief verbal exchange with Gipson, the arrest report said. 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: PBSO: Boynton Beach man facing murder charge after fight over noise LONDON (Reuters) -Graham Linehan, the Irish co-creator of TV comedy show "Father Ted", went on trial in London on Thursday, accused by prosecutors of "relentlessly" posting abusive comments online about a trans woman. Linehan, who has been a vocal critic of transgender activism in recent years, made headlines when he was arrested this week at London's Heathrow Airport on suspicion of inciting violence in relation to posts about transgender issues on X, in a separate case. In the case at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Linehan, 57, has been charged with harassment and criminal damage following an incident at a conference last October involving a then 17-year-old trans woman, Sophia Brooks. He is accused of damaging her phone and crossing a line into harassment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooks told the court she had been "alarmed and distressed" by the posts online. Linehan has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His arrest at Heathrow this week has been seized on by free speech advocates, who have condemned the move, and Nigel Farage, leader of Britain's right-wing populist party Reform UK, raised the arrest when he appeared before a U.S. Congress committee on Wednesday. Linehan arrived at court wearing a supporter's sign saying "There's no such thing as a 'Transgender Child'". Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies was also at court to support him. "Father Ted" brought Linehan success in Britain in the 1990s and he also co-created "The IT Crowd", a critically acclaimed sitcom. (Reporting by Kate Holton, Editing by Timothy Heritage) This story has been updated to correct the gender of one of the people charged. A man and a woman from Ohio and 22 Chinese nationals are charged with trafficking drugs to mix with fentanyl and increase its strength, federal officials announced Wednesday. The charges are the latest since the federal government turned toward targeting Chinese-based suppliers of drugs fueling the fentanyl crisis across the country during the Biden administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese-based companies, officials say, sell legitimate chemical precursors that can be mixed with, or cut into, fentanyl and other drugs to increase their strength and yield. These chemicals can be even more potent than other opiates and produce comparable hallucinogenic effects, increasing the desirability of the cut fentanyl on the market. FBI Director Kash Patel, announcing the charges during a Sept. 3 news conference in Cincinnati, said these chemicals are sold to Mexican drug cartels who then smuggle it into the United States, or shipped internationally to individual traffickers in the country using legitimate delivery services. This stuff is lethal. For too long, it has not been attacked (...) We are here to break the wheel of fentanyl trafficking in the U.S. and Ohio. Patel said. Were done playing whack-a-mole." Ohioans bought cutting agents, resold to drug dealers to cut fentanyl In this case, Eric Michael Payne and Auriyon Tresean Rayford, both of the Dayton area, were arrested Aug. 22 and charged with participating in the conspiracy from January 2022 to August 2025, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say Payne coordinated with several other Chinese nationals, who also face federal drug trafficking and money laundering charges, to purchase thousands of dollars in cutting agents for sale across southern Ohio. Payne then sold the cutting agents to other drug dealers so they could mix it into fentanyl for resale, according to court documents. FBI Director Kash Patel announced charges against two Ohioans and several Chinese nationals in connection with an international drug conspiracy during a news conference in Cincinnati Sept. 3, 2025. The drugs were stored in and sometimes sold out of Rayford's apartment in Tipp City, north of Dayton, which became a central hub in the region, said FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. Another person from the United States, Ciandrea Bryne Davis, has also been charged for their role in transferring money via cryptocurrency as a part of the conspiracy, officials say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you want to end the pandemic of fentanyl and cocaine and meth, you have to go after where it's made, how it's made and what goes into making it," Patel said. Cutting agents increase strength, but also overdose risk Four Chinese companies, who were also charged, marketed and sold their products online through a variety of websites targeting international consumers, according to court documents. The drugs included protonitazene and metonitazene, two synthetic opioids with respective potencies of 100 and 200 times more powerful than morphine, court documents say. FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola shows a website used by a Chinese-based chemical company to sell fentanyl cutting agents during a news conference in Cincinnati Sept. 3, 2025. It also included compounds such as medetomidine and xylazine, commonly used as an animal tranquilizer unapproved for humans in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years now, health officials have battled with drugs being cut into fentanyl that not only increase its strength, but also increase the risk of a fatal overdose. Xylazine in particular exploded in 2020, with Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana being top states for the drug being found mixed with fentanyl. Patel said agents seized nearly 139 kilograms of fentanyl powder from this operation alone, enough for 70 million lethal doses. U.S. has limited options for arresting Chinese nationals The United States and China do not have an extradition agreement, meaning that it is difficult, if not, impossible to bring people in China charged with crimes in the United States overseas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Dominick Gerace II said international warrants and travel restrictions have been put in place, so officials can try and arrest the people if they leave China. Officials said they plan to work with the Department of the Treasury to sanction one of the chemical companies distributing the drugs, making it difficult for them to work with financial institutions and customs. FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola shows several Chinese nationals wanted by the FBI for their role in an international drug conspiracy during a news conference in Cincinnati Sept. 3, 2025. Patel planned visit with Cincinnati leaders. Status unknown Patel's visit to Cincinnati comes as Sen. Bernie Moreno said last month the bureau's director planned to speak with Cincinnati leaders and help with crime analysis. City officials have not confirmed whether Patel has met with them yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for Mayor Aftab Pureval said the mayor did not receive a request for a meeting. An FBI official said after the press conference they did not know whether Patel would be meeting with anyone else on Wednesday and that he has a tight schedule. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: FBI officials arrest 2 Ohioans in international drug conspiracy In 2023, FCI Thomson correctional officer Blake Schwarz died by suicide when he was just 26 years old. In his memory, Federal Correctional Institution Thomson held its second annual mental health walk on Wednesday. (OurQuadCities.com) Members of the Gray Matters Collective attended. The local American Federation of Government Employees donated $4,000 to the Gray Matters Collective, double its donation from last year. This partnership is great because it continues to educate us, but also it helps educate the community to help everyone around know that its OK to struggle with your mental health regardless if youre a first responder, a teacher, whatever it is that you do, to know that its OK to ask for help and to know there are resources there that will get you through that, said Haley DeGreve, founder and executive director of the Gray Matters Collective. This is an organization aimed to push mental health to the forefront of public conversation and policy to instill hope,. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Research shows that correctional officers are seven times more likely to commit suicide than people in the general public. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) The Oakland Police Department is investigating an attempted armed robbery on Wednesday afternoon. According to OPD, the attempted robbery happened just before 3 p.m. at the FoodMaxx at 10950 International Blvd. An armed security guard was approached by multiple armed masked individuals. OPD said these individuals demanded that the security guard put down their firearm. Fearing for their life, the security guard shot in the direction of the suspects, Oakland police said. No one was struck by gunfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects then got in a vehicle and left the area. Police said the individuals in the car were armed. OPD then attempted a traffic stop, but the suspect vehicle refused to comply and continued speeding. OPD did not chase the vehicle. An OPD helicopter was eventually able to locate the suspect vehicle in Hayward. According to police, the suspects vehicle crashed into another vehicle on Hesperian Boulevard near Chabot College. Assault, deadly shooting happened within hours on same Emeryville block: police A car crashed in Hayward on Hesperian Boulevard following an attempted armed robbery in Oakland on Wednesday, Sept. 3. The three suspects were taken to the hospital, where their injuries range from minor to critical condition, according to OPD. The driver of the other involved vehicle was taken to the hospital for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle description will not be released by OPD. Two of the suspects were juveniles. OPD is looking for at least two additional suspects in connection with the attempted robbery, the department wrote in a press release. 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. TALLAHASSEE, Florida A federal appeals panel in Atlanta on Thursday blocked a judge's ruling requiring state and federal agencies to shut down the Alligator Alcatraz immigrant detention center. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judges, in the split decision, said Florida and federal officials will suffer irreparable harm absent a stay and that dismantling the facility "will come at a significant cost" to the state. "It is entirely unclear to us, moreover, how the district court concluded that it could order the proactive dismantling of the Facility by way of a mandatory preliminary injunction," Judge Barbara Lagoa, whom Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) appointed to the Florida Supreme Court in 2019, wrote for the 2-1 majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Judge Adalberto Jordan wrote in dissent that the majority ignores the irreparable harm imposed on the environmental groups in the case. Conservatives cheered the decision in Florida and Washington as a victory for Trump-era efforts against illegal immigration. In response to the ruling, DeSantis posted on X that the "mission will continue" at Alligator Alcatraz. "The media was wrong," he wrote. "The leftist judge has been overturned. Florida will keep leading the way." Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades one of the groups that filed the June lawsuit challenging the facility said she hopes the judge's ruling in Florida will be upheld when it eventually is reviewed on its merits, which she said has not yet occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, if the DeSantis and Trump administrations choose to ramp operations back up at the detention center," Samples said, "they will just be throwing good money after bad because this ill-considered facility which is causing harm to the Everglades will ultimately be shut down. Alligator Alcatraz, west of Miami, opened in July with a visit by President Donald Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Republican state officials after just eight days of construction. The state had commandeered a training airstrip in the Everglades from Miami-Dade County to build the detention center. But environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe argued in court that the project, which DeSantis said could house up to 4,000 detainees, poses a threat to the surrounding Big Cypress National Preserve and wildlife, including endangered Florida panthers. In her Aug. 21 ruling, District Judge Kathleen Williams in Miami said state and federal agencies had ignored requirements in the National Environmental Policy Act to issue an environmental impact statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lagoa cited a court ruling this year that said NEPA "is a purely procedural statute" and "simply requires an agency to prepare an [environmental impact statement] in essence, a report." She disputed the project being federal because state officials say they expect to be reimbursed. "It is wholly unreasonable to conclude from the naked assurances of politicians and lawyers that the Facility is federally funded when not only is the record devoid of credible evidence that a legally binding payment decision has been made, but the record undisputedly contradicts that finding," Lagoa wrote. In dissent, Jordan wrote the majority only considered the harm to the state and federal governments rather than the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I will assume that the majority is right in concluding that the state and federal defendants will suffer some harm absent a stay," Jordan wrote. "But this cannot be the end of the analysis." The environmental groups and Miccosukee Tribe could request a hearing before the full 11th Circuit. A federal appeals panel wants the New Jersey Supreme Court to clarify whether Daniel's Law, which prohibits the disclosure of certain public officials' personal information, requires data companies to have willfully, wrongfully released such information to be deemed in violation of the law. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) A federal appeals panel has taken the unusual step of asking the New Jersey Supreme Court to weigh in on a constitutional challenge to a state law meant to protect certain public officials by shielding their home addresses and phone numbers from disclosure. U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Stephanos Bibas said Daniels Law passed in 2020 after a disgruntled lawyer fatally shot a federal judges son, Daniel Anderl, at their North Brunswick home raises a difficult First Amendment question that depends on an equally difficult question of statutory interpretation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The questions are important and most suitable for the New Jersey Supreme Court, Bibas wrote in a Tuesday filing. New Jersey unanimously enacted the original version of this law in the wake of a tragic crime that made national headlines. The state has a strong interest in interpreting its own law particularly if a federal court is unsure of its constitutionality. Bibas asked state Supreme Court justices to decide the narrow issue of mens rea, a Latin phrase that translates to guilty mind and essentially means wrongful intent. The federal appeals court will retain jurisdiction of the case and reconsider the constitutional challenge after the state justices decide if and how much Daniels Law requires a person or company to have acted purposely, knowingly, recklessly, and negligently to be deemed in violation of the law, Bibas wrote. The Supreme Court can accept or reject the 3d Circuits question, and if it accepts the question, will respond as soon as practicable, according to the rules of court. The ongoing court battle started after state legislators in late 2023 amended the law to establish fines for violators of $1,000 per violation plus punitive damages, among other things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within months, the Atlas Data Privacy Corporation filed nearly 200 lawsuits claiming violations and seeking damages from data brokers who failed to take down protected peoples personal information within 10 business days, as the law requires. The corporation, which has about 19,000 subscribers, files claims on behalf of police and other people protected under Daniels Law and splits the damages with them if they win, according to Bibas ruling. The data brokers responded by seeking to get the lawsuits dismissed and the law struck down as an overly broad, unconstitutional violation of their free speech rights. They argued that Daniels Law violates the First Amendment because it regulates speech based on its content and makes violators liable without proving ill intent. A federal judge denied the dismissal motion in June, the data brokers appealed, and an appellate panel expedited the case and heard arguments in July. In Tuesdays order, Bibas noted that content-based restrictions on speech can survive only if narrowly tailored to serve a compelling governmental interest, Bibas noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data brokers conceded that the law serves compelling governmental interests, the judge added. Yet it raises hard constitutional questions because it restricts their speech and seems to make them liable without fault. To resolve this case, we need to know whether and what mental state(s) the law requires for liability. Bibas also noted that Daniels Law balances competing policy goals protecting public officials from physical danger and fear just for doing their jobs while protecting residents rights to speak and learn about their public officials. The law has spurred dozens of challenges that risk conflicting court decisions without the state Supreme Courts final word on the matter, he added. To resolve this case, we and other courts facing similar matters would benefit from an authoritative construction of the state statute by the New Jersey Supreme Court, Bibas wrote. Questions about the law are likely to recur. Certification will give us, litigants, other courts, and the public clear answers. A spokesman for the Attorney Generals Office, which is defending the law, declined to comment. The New Jersey State Policemens Benevolent Association did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Molinelli, a spokesman for the data brokers and a former Bergen County prosecutor, said Bibas ruling underscores that Daniels Law is well-intentioned but flawed. A federal judge in West Virginia last month struck down a similar law there as unconstitutional, Molinelli added. A coalition of data brokers fighting the law believes strongly that New Jersey public servants covered under Daniels Law deserve its protections, but a legislative solution is required to restore the laws original intent and ensure its constitutional survival, Molinelli said in a statement. The 3rd Circuit can seek state Supreme Court guidance on questions of law in ongoing court fights if there is no controlling appellate decision, constitutional provision, or statute in this State, according to court rules. The courts website lists nine times that has occurred in the past decade, with appellate judges seeking clarity on everything from the Consumer Fraud Act to furniture delivery regulations. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX HONOLULU (KHON2) United States Representative Ed Case of Hawaii voted against a federal funding bill that would cut support for small businesses and consumer protections. The vote came in the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Rep. Case is a member of the committee, which oversees how the government spends money. Heres what we know about the bill and Rep. Cases vote. Funding cuts raised concerns The Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill sets funding for the Treasury Department, the Small Business Administration and other agencies. The plan for fiscal year 2026 would provide $23.2 billion. That is $2.9 billion less than 2025s funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this measure funds many critical national and local priorities for Hawaii that I requested, I regrettably had to vote against this version because of severe funding cuts to programs assisting the some 134,000 small businesses who form the backbone of Hawaiis economy, Rep. Case said. These include efforts that aid entrepreneurs, provide mentorship training and expand trade opportunities in the international marketplace. He also warned about impacts on consumer safety. In addition, the bill slashes funding to agencies that protect the public, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which keeps us safe against unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with defective products, Rep. Case said. The measure also reduces support for the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, both of which keep us secure from scams, price-gouging and market manipulation. Support for community development Rep. Case called for full funding of Community Development Financial Institutions. CDFIs provide loans and services to people and neighborhoods that do not always have access to banks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Hawaii, there are 11 certified CDFIs that made 935 loans in 2022 that were worth $132 million. Rep. Case noted that the new bill intends to cut $47 million from the program compared with 2025s budget. Protecting taxpayer money Rep. Case also introduced an amendment asking the Government Accountability Office to review how the executive branch uses its budget. The aim is to make spending more predictable and efficient. Securing programs for Hawaii Even as he voted no, Rep. Case won approval for funding that supports Hawaii and other communities. The bill sets aside: $35 million for CDFIs. $35 million for the Native American CDFI Assistance Program. $5.3 million for the Native American Outreach Program. $150 million for Small Business Development Centers. $41 million for the Microloan Technical Assistance Program. $27 million for Womens Business Centers. $11 million for Regional Innovation Clusters. $10 million for the State Trade Expansion Program. $7 million for the Program for Investment in Micro-Entrepreneurs. $3 million for Historically Underutilized Business Zones. $110 million for the Drug-Free Communities Program. $300 million for High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas. $1.6 billion for Defender Services. Expanding employee ownership The committee also adopted Rep. Cases provision directing the Small Business Administration to expand employee ownership programs. That includes employee stock ownership plans and cooperatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ESOPs and similar employee ownership structures are vital to building succession plans to ensure small businesses remain in their communities where they belong, Rep. Case said. In Hawaii, weve seen firsthand the benefits of ESOPs. Hawaii is home to the second-oldest ESOP chapter in the nation, underscoring the success and importance of employee-owned businesses in our state. The bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) -A U.S. judge on Tuesday dismissed an antitrust lawsuit accusing 10 large banks of conspiring to rig corporate bond prices at the expense of ordinary investors, after the original judge recused himself because his wife owned stock in one of the banks. Investors accused Bank of America, Barclays, Citigroup, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, NatWest and Wells Fargo of overcharging them by billions of dollars since 2006 on "odd-lot" trades. Such trades involve fewer than 1,000 bonds or are worth less than $1 million, and comprise most corporate bond trades. Investors said the banks illegally charged spreads 25% to 300% higher than on larger "round-lot" trades, inflating profits. U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni in Manhattan said the investors failed to prove the banks conspired to operate the Bond Desk, Trading Edge and Trade Web platforms as a "catch-and-kill" operation to thwart fair prices, while boycotting rival platforms that promoted fair prices. Though the banks controlled an estimated 65% of U.S. underwriting and 90% of U.S. trading volume in corporate bonds, "it does not follow that defendants have the power to control pricing of the bonds in the secondary market," Caproni said. The judge also found no overt acts by the banks to advance the alleged conspiracy in the four years before the lawsuit was filed in April 2020, dooming the Sherman Act case. Lawyers for the investors did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Caproni's dismissal is with prejudice, meaning the case cannot be brought again. The case was originally dismissed by U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in October 2021. Four months later, Liman's clerk disclosed that the judge's wife owned Bank of America stock while the case was pending, but it didn't affect the judge's decision making. In July 2024, the federal appeals court in Manhattan revived the case, saying Liman's conflict was "almost certainly" unknowing but could call his impartiality into question. Liman was not accused of wrongdoing. The case is Litovich v Bank of America Corp et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 20-03154. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Leslie Adler) A federal judge has placed a temporary stay on language in New Hampshires state budget trailer bill that bans government agencies from engaging in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices. U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCaffrey decided that she needed to issue the order because of the states Department of Education deadline Friday for all public school districts to certify they are complying with the ban or risk a significant loss of state government grants. The penalties for a public schools noncompliance with the newly enacted anti-DEI laws including RSA 186:75s reporting requirement are massive: immediate termination of all sources of public funding, McCaffrey wrote in her ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a hearing last week, McCaffrey had pressed state prosecutors on whether they would impose immediate penalties on schools that missed the deadline. Defendants failed to provide any assurances as to whether they would seek penalties against K-12 schools that fail to complete their certifications by Sept. 5, McCaffrey said. The temporary decision will end at midnight on Sept. 19 unless the judge issues a decision in the meantime on the lawsuit that a coalition of groups brought seeking a preliminary injunction against the prohibition. The suit was brought by the states largest teachers union, National Education Association-New Hampshire (NEA-NH); the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire (ACLU-NH) four school districts (Oyster River Cooperative School District, the Dover School District, the Somersworth School District, and the Grantham School District); trainer and consultant for diversity, equity, and inclusion James M. McKim Jr.; diversity, equity, and inclusion administrator and psychology professor Dottie Morris; and New Hampshire Outright, a nonprofit that provides training in public schools and entities on creating environments of inclusion and belonging for LGBTQ+ students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Temporarily blocking this law for most public-school districts means that, as we go into a new school year, the court is protecting our academic freedom, the free speech rights of educators, and the right of New Hampshire students to have an inclusive education, said Devon Chaffee, executive director of the ACLU-NH This latest attempt to attack diversity, equity, and inclusion is unconstitutional and we will continue to steadfastly fight anti-liberty efforts like this, which create censorship in our schools and public entities. As of last week, only 27 of the states 180 school districts have submitted the paperwork, according to Gilles Bissonnette, legal director for ACLU-NH. GOP leader says judge was biased House Deputy Majority Leader Joe Sweeney, R-Salem, a major advocate of the policy as a House budget writer, sharply criticized the judges decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Hampshire taxpayers, not unelected activist judges, get to decide how their hard-earned dollars are spent. The Legislature passed and the governor signed a responsible budget that ended wasteful DEI spending and restored the principle of equal treatment under the law, Sweeney said. This temporary stay from a handpicked federal judge is nothing more than judicial overreach, an attempt to legislate from the bench and force political ideology into our public institutions. The peoples elected representatives set state policy and determine the budget, not partisan lawyers in robes doing the bidding of special interest groups. Sweeneys reference to handpicked was a likely reference to the fact McCaffrey had written last spring a related decision against enforcing a DEI ban contained in an executive order from President Donald Trump. State Rep. Laura Telerski, D-Nashua, served on the House Finance Committee and opposed the change, which was adopted along partisan lines with the backing of GOP legislative leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the moment this DEI gag order was jammed into the state budget without public notice, House Democrats have loudly sounded the alarm, raising constitutional concerns and challenging its legitimacy at every step, Telerski said in a statement. Todays court ruling affirms what weve said all along: this provision is deeply flawed, and it cannot withstand judicial scrutiny. We are encouraged to see the judiciary upholding the rights of Granite Staters and hope that we roll back this reckless overreach permanently. Hannah Hussey, a staff attorney with GLAD Law, said her organization is confident the court will ultimately rule in favor of those who want this law to be blocked. As this case moves through the court, well continue to show how HB 2s vague bans on programs related to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability unlawfully chill and censor vital initiatives that ensure equal educational opportunity for female students, LGBTQ students, students of color, and students with disabilities, Hussey said. klandrigan@unionleader.com *** This article has been updated to add a statement from Harvard University President Alan Garber. Jordan Schwartz sat in his dorm room at Harvard University on Wednesday evening when his Apple Watch lit up. A notification appeared on his screen, one hed been waiting weeks for: a federal judges decision ruling in Harvards favor, restoring nearly $3 billion in federal funding to the university. I have a tradition in my group chat of competing against my friend to see who can send the article first, Schwartz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I won and so did Harvard," he said. Students and researchers who spoke with MassLive following the news of the federal judges decision overwhelmingly spoke positively about the ruling. However, all expressed continued fears about what the future holds for their institution. Harvard President Alan Garber wrote in an evening letter that while the university acknowledges the important principles affirmed in todays ruling, we will continue to assess the implications of the opinion, monitor further legal developments, and be mindful of the changing landscape in which we seek to fulfill our mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of the damage has already been done, and that damage is going to take a long time to repair, said John Quakenbush, a Harvard researcher. Research has had to be paused, researchers have already been let go and are looking for jobs elsewhere and doctoral student classes have been reduced, Quakenbush said. That being said, he is relieved that the judge ruled in Harvards favor and grateful to the institution for fighting against the Trump administration. I share Judge Burroughss view that we must fight antisemitism and all forms of hatred. But taking an indiscriminate wrecking ball to the university is no solution and I am thankful she made that clear," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling comes amid talks of a potential deal between the federal government and Harvard, which have been looming for months. President Donald Trump told U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a cabinet meeting that the federal government shouldnt negotiate with Harvard. We want nothing less than $500 million from Harvard, he said. Dont negotiate, Linda. Theyve been very bad. Concerns about the future Judge Allison Burroughs decision on Wednesday in favor of Harvard is the first step in a long journey, according to Quakenbush. I think this is a really good and positive sign, but just having this ruling handed down doesnt mean that the situation is going to go back to what it was like before, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He recognizes that the ruling will likely face an appeal from the Trump administration, which could be taken up to the Supreme Court and ultimately be held up in the courts. And, even if the funding would come back to Harvard and not be held up in the courts, Quakenbush said he doesnt know how long it would take to be in Harvards hands. This is long-term damage to the scientific and research infrastructure in the United States, Quakenbush said. Rita Hamad, a Harvard researcher, said she has concerns that the Trump administration might appeal or throw up more roadblocks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, she is cautiously optimistic that it is a step forward in restoring funding for scientific research at Harvard and that it is a model for other institutions of higher learning that are facing similar threats. Im relieved by the courts decision, since my team lost millions of dollars in NIH funding that we were awarded through a rigorous review process. This money supports our vital research on how social policies affect mental health, heart disease and dementia risk, she said. A ruling in Harvards favor could also mean that the Trump administration attempts to appeal a separate lawsuit filed by Harvard. In that lawsuit, Burroughs previously blocked the Trump administrations efforts to prevent the school from hosting international students. Trump has said the administration would appeal if she rules for Harvard in the fight over its federal funding. Impact on negotiating a deal? Burroughs decision gives Harvard more ammunition to not make a deal with the Trump administration showing that the federal governments actions were illegal, according to Harvard junior Clyve Lawrence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it just makes clear that the attempts at Trump targeting higher education are unfounded and incredibly harmful to the mission of universities like Harvard, Lawrence said. He said that the $500 million number posed by the Trump administration is another example of it being a purely political attack on Harvard. Harvard junior Abdullah Shahid Sial, co-president of the student body, agreed. I hope Harvard sees this as a sign to stand their ground and not give in to unjust demands of the Trump administration in pursuit of a deal, especially since they have a much better footing in the courts now. Any deal legitimizes the undemocratic demands of the Trump regime and can be seen as hypocritical on Harvards part, primarily because of their extremely vocal opposition in the beginning, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A rally opposing a deal is scheduled to take place at Harvard on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., according to Schwartz, an organizer with Harvard Students For Freedom, which opposes the Trump administrations actions toward the university due, in part, to its interference with academic freedom. This definitely gives a little more footing to stand on to show look, it can be accomplished through the courts," he said. If Harvard were to make a deal with the Trump administration, it would set a scary precedent across higher education, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Harvard folds now, then frankly, theres no institution in America that has as much power as Harvard does, Schwartz said. No one else could stand up in the same way Harvard has tried to, he said. More Higher Ed Read the original article on MassLive. As almost every school child in this country once learned, Paul Revere, who was employed by the Boston Committee of Correspondence and the Massachusetts Committee of Safety as an express rider to carry news, messages, and copies of important documents as far away as New York and Philadelphia, played a key role in the American Revolution. Around midnight on April 18, 1775, Revere was ordered to ride to Lexington, Mass., and warn the townspeople that British soldiers, who were quartered in Boston, were ready to head their way. And so through the night went his cry of alarm / To every Middlesex village and farm, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow famously wrote, declaring Reveres warning a word that shall echo forevermore! On Tuesday, 250 years after that ride, Judge Charles Breyer of the Federal District Court in San Francisco raised a similar ruckus without ever leaving the bench. In a 50-page opinion finding President Donald Trumps use of the military in Los Angeles illegal, Breyer offered a master class in judicial craftsmanship. And he pulled no punches in alerting the nation to the danger that awaits us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did not let the niceties of legal argument get in his way. Breyer left no stone unturned in detailing the presidents lawless deployment of troops and his plan to turn the military into a national police force answerable only to him. But he also took the unusual step of criticizing a ruling of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, to which he nominally reports, for its dangerous acquiescence in the presidents authoritarian agenda. This bold, courageous judging is precisely what is called for in the present moment. Breyer sounded the alarm by quoting Democratic Rep. William Kimmel of Maryland, an early proponent of the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the use of the military in domestic law enforcement. While Breyers jurisdiction only extends to L.A., he borrowed from Kimmel and wrote, If this may be done in one district may it not be done in all the districts? If so, and the interest of a President demands, may he not use this power for his own purposes? May he not by this means, Breyer added, subject every reluctant commander to the order of any political miscreant he may choose to make an assistant collector of revenue, until the whole Army is under his control, and thenin the name of order substitute his will for law? Sound familiar? Democratic governors including Gavin Newsom of California, JB Pritzker of Illinois and Wes Moore of Maryland certainly think so. Like Breyer, they have been telling anyone who listens that the National Guard is coming. And like the British at the time of the revolution, this force is up to no good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Pritzker put it when referring to Trumps plan to deploy troops to Chicago, Lets be clear, the terror and cruelty is the point, not the safety of anyone living here. Similarly, Newsom branded the use of the military in L.A. the rule of cruelty. But because they are ambitious politicians who are widely expected to run for president in 2028, some will dismiss what they are saying as just more partisan Trump bashing. Thats why Breyers words are so important: They come from a respected, senior judge with no aspirations for advancement. Nonetheless, the president quickly attacked, calling him a radical left judge. The Posse Comitatus Act reads, Whoever, except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress, willfully uses any part of the Army or the Air Force as a posse comitatus or otherwise to execute the laws shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. 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. The Brennan Center for Justice describes the law as an American tradition that sees military interference in civilian affairs as a threat to both democracy and personal liberty. Passed in 1878, the act was designed to prevent the military from being used to support Jim Crow in the South. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With this history in mind, it seems to be no accident that in our time the president is sending troops to cities in blue states with Black mayors and substantial Black and brown populations, while ignoring crime and disorder in red states. Breyer saw that clearly, reminding his readers that, in our constitutional system, States have a quasi-sovereign interest in the health and well-being both physical and economic of [their] residents. He explained, [T]here is little support in the Founding Era for an inherent constitutional authority for the President to call forth the militia, or to use the military generally, to execute the laws. But he didnt stop there, offering an analysis of judicial precedent that was a moral tour de force. The Ninth Circuit Courts earlier decision, which found that the president can use federal power if his ability to execute federal law has been significantly impeded, rather than having to meet a stricter statutory requirement, was a disaster, Breyer wrote. Such a broad interpretation, he argued, could allow the president to use the military to go after tax cheats, polluters, drug users and other low-level offenders all under the pretext that, without troops, he would be unable to enforce federal laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breyer refused to play along with what he described as Trumps deliberate and calculated plan to violate the Posse Comitatus Act. The judge was explicit in naming the danger: The presidents apparent belief that I have the right to do anything I want to do, and his desire to secure a perpetual, atextual right to defy Congress if he determines it necessary to protect federal property, personnel, or functions. With this ruling, Breyer has done us all a great service. Not only did he rule that Trumps use of the National Guard and Marines in L.A. was illegal, but he used his office to alert Americans that opposing such nakedly unconstitutional ploys is what will be required of all of us if we are to have any chance of saving our democracy. Paul Revere would be proud. Longfellow ended his poem on a confident note, declaring that, borne on the night-wind of the Past, / through all our history, to the last, Americans would waken and listen to Reveres midnight message. With his powerful ruling, Breyer has also alerted us. Now, we can only hope that Longfellows optimistic prediction will be proven correct. The post Federal judge tears into Trump on LA and warns the rest of us appeared first on Salon.com. Rex Wu testifies at a Montana Board of Regents meeting in 2023. (Screenshot of video testimony) A man who recently admitted to making hoax death threats on the campus of Montanas largest university has been sued in federal court by two former Montana State University students for his part in orchestrating the hoax by framing them and allegedly destroying their reputations. In a lawsuit filed in federal court that reads more like a mystery novel than court brief, an attorney laid out the details of a conspiracy, alleging former student Rex Wu orchestrated hoax death threats and violent racially charged messages against his friend, Alexandra Lin. Both used the incidents to push them toward victory in student elections, the lawsuit says, while destroying the reputations of two other students. Court documents lay out the scheme Wu used to allegedly frame the two other students so as to look as if Wu and Lin had been racially targeted as Chinese-Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit asks a federal court judge to find Wu guilty of defamation and putting plaintiffs Dylan Dean and Daria Danley in a false light that made it nearly impossible to attend Montana State University. The lawsuit also seeks punitive damages as well as attorneys fees, and a judgment for the pain and suffering inflicted upon both of them by Wus actions. While the lawsuit does not name Lin as part of the suit, because claims against her have passed the statute of limitations, the lawsuit alleges that she was aware of Wus work, at one point even telling him to stop the attention he was drawing to the situation. When contacted about the new lawsuit on Wednesday evening, Lin called the allegations an insult to the victims. Its insulting to the victims of stalking and harassment, she said. Its an insult to the great work the FBI and all the Montana officials who worked on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021-22, the Montana State University campus was roiled with allegations that several groups, including Asian-American students and the LGBTQ+ community were being targeted. Even worse, advocates for those groups said the administration of former President Waded Cruzado had turned a blind eye to the activities, which included threats of a mass shooting at an LGBTQ+ Valentines Day dance. Lin became the center and the alleged target of the violence when the AGD sorority, of which she was a member, allegedly refused to use preferred pronouns, court documents said. That controversy escalated when Lin appeared to be the target of hate letters that urged her to kill herself, or threatened that she would be killed because of her Asian ancestry. Lin would claim that she was targeted by Danley and sought a protective restraining order, which barred Danley from campus events and booted her from the AGD sorority. At one point, Lin claimed that she had discovered a noose in her bedroom closet as a invitation to kill herself. Meanwhile, court documents allege Wu created a sophisticated series of accounts that expressed support for neo-Nazi views and invited the MSU community to push back against diversity. The lawsuit claims that Wu created email accounts that linked Danley and Dean to the racially charged messages, and that Wu specifically leveraged his friendship with Dean to make it appear as if Dean had created the accounts or supported the views. This also landed Dean in trouble, getting several different credentials revoked, including a security TSA pre-check denied, as well as causing him to graduate late. Both Dean and Danley identified as conservative, white students, but no indications of racial hostility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit claims the genesis of the controversy began when Danley rebuffed Lin for her use of preferred pronouns, as well as allegations that she had rejected Lins sexual advances. The lawsuit says those rejected advances caused Wu and Lin to concoct an elaborate campaign to boost their individual profiles as they both ran for MSUs student senate, as well as open a platform for them to chastise the university for not caring more about minority students. Even before any investigation occurred, Danleys life collapsed. Her sorority expelled her, the court filing said. But the university maintained the discriminatory no-contact order for 18 months. Danley was forced to go to federal court to remove the no-contact order, and the university attempted to make her go to sensitivity training, which she refused, said her attorney Matthew Monforton. The court documents say after that incident, Danley was effectively brand(ed) a dangerous racist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2022, MSU dismissed all charges against Danley, but, the lawsuit claims, only after devastating her reputation and college experience. The court documents say that Wu and Lin were friends and after MSU dropped charges, he designed a cyberstalking campaign designed to make it look like Danley was still targeting Lin. From an account, DARIA_DD78 Wu is alleged to have sent messages that threatened to kill the chk. One of these days you will get whats coming to you. This isnt Missoula in real Montana we kill g-ks like you, another message said. Wu and Lin became student senate candidates and exploited their fabricated racial threats to bolster their campaigns, court documents allege, including making impassioned pleas for the Montana Board of Regents to do something about MSUs failure to protect marginalized students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wu followed Lins statements at the meeting of the Regents. Court documents also accuse Wu of fabricating documents tied to Dean that showed Nazi swastikas as well as pornographic images. Dean was identified as a member of Americans for Prosperity, a conservative group, and was falsely linked to sending threatening messages to Lin in March 2023, including: You better watch out we know where you live chk. Hours after that threat was made, Lin received a pizza at her house in Deans name. By that time, news of the events of campus has risen to statewide awareness, with the Montana Human Rights Network calling for more investigation by MSU officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to text messages included in the lawsuit, Wu sent messages to his friend Dean marveling at the media attention that had been generated by the series of events: You have Fox and CNN out here. Lmao huge national coverage in some town in Montana. The MSU student newspaper published an article that said both the pizza order and the Google form threat were attributed to Dylan Dean. This false attribution in the student newspaper further solidified Deans reputation as a violent racist among his peers and faculty, the lawsuit said. In April 2023, after a series of articles, including one in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Lin sent a text message to Wu to stop becoming part of the issue. And she told him, We have to focus on the really serious stSt is on the front page of the (C)hronicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next day, Lin and Wu held a teach in to denounce the threats and share their experiences. However, the day after the teach-in, Linn was removed as a candidate for the student senate because she discouraged other candidates participation based on a protected class. Officials had learned that Lin had sent a text message that accused two privileged white dudes of putting self interest above the common goal by refusing to withdraw from the student senate, according to the court documents. The hoax surfaces The court documents filed on Tuesday give a glimpse into how Wu was eventually caught in his role. In December 2024, Wu texted one of Danleys friends: Lin did the pronouns stink because Daria wouldnt sleep with her. When FBI agents interviewed Wu in February, he admitted to sending the harassing messages, the court documents said. In July, Wu pleaded guilty to federal cyberstalking charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dean and Danley did not learn of Wus identity as the author of the racial death threats until they learned from the press of Wus plea in court, the court documents said. The court documents said that the College Democrats of Montana expelled Lin from their organization in 2024 for online stalking of a 13-year-old political organizer and over $1,000 in merchandise. We do not associate, in any way, with Alexandra Lin, the group said, via court documents. 250902 (1) Complaint (1) MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) With the USDA cutting up to 1$ billion in funding for two of its programs aimed at helping schools and food banks provide fresh food, Community Kitchen Myrtle Beach says its Childrens Hunger Initiative Program is taking the hit. While in school, kids are provided with school lunches. Once summer hits, a lot of the communitys struggling families rely on CHIP, or the Childrens Hunger Initiative Program, to provide meals during the summer. Lisa D. Greene-Skyers says the program has been in place since before she started working there six years ago. It was her first assignment with Community Kitchen Myrtle Beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The applications of certain grants, they didnt come through this year, first time in many, many, many years. Ive always known it to be here, Greene-Skyers said. Prior to the funding cuts, the kitchen says it was feeding close to 800 children. Now, with the funding cuts, the Childrens Hunger Initiative Program has had to cut all hot meals during the summer and portion out after-school snacks for clubs like the Boys and Girls Club and Racepath Community Center. I was part of a summer youth program in New York, and its a big deal to take food out of childrens mouths, Greene-Skyers said. Its our kids who are our future. Thats something that should affect everybody. Now, thats all I have to say about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Community Kitchen is always accepting donations as well. Its so strange in these times to ask for donations when everybodys holding and being squeezed, but we have to ask, because its not for us. Its for the community and our children, and even the adults, Greene-Skyers said. She says the kitchen is especially looking for nutritional after-school snacks for the childrens programs they do still provide for. * * * Katie Harrill joined the News13 team as a multimedia journalist in June 2025. She is a native of Cumming, Georgia, and graduated from the University of Georgia in December 2024. You can keep up with Katie on Facebook, X, (formerly Twitter), or Instagram and read more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. (The Center Square) Federal oversight of the Seattle Police Department has ended after 13 years and $127 million in reform funding. Judge James Robart of U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington granted the citys motion to terminate the federal consent decree on Wednesday. The 2012 court order was sought by the U.S. Department of Justice following an investigation into the Seattle Police Departments policies and practices at the time. The investigation found that 20% of the departments serious use-of-force incidents were deemed unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The consent decree mandated that the department improve its use of force, crowd management protocols, de-escalation policies, and police accountability system. Seattle was nearing full compliance with the consent decree requirements up until the mass protests of 2020, in which a federal monitor concluded that SPD did not follow the consent decrees mandated use of force and de-escalation policies. Since then, the departments use of force has lessened. For instance, out of the 8,305 crisis incidents that Seattle police officers responded to in 2024, only 1.33% involved any use of force, and just 0.17% of all dispatches involved force. In order to ensure use of force reforms were followed, Seattle established the Office of the Inspector General for Public Safety in 2018 to provide oversight of the police department. The city also has the Office of Police Accountability, which is responsible for investigating complaints of Seattle Police Department employee misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Seattle City Council prioritized public safety in the aftermath of a shakeup of the city council, including some members sworn in at the beginning of 2024. Since then, the council has passed more than 10 pieces of legislation related to public safety. One key piece of legislation passed in February establishes restrictions on when available crowd-control technologies can be used, including blast balls, which are rubber devices that create a loud sound and bright flash. Blast balls can also contain tear gas. In a statement, Seattle Police Officers Guild President Mike Solan said officers worked throughout the consent decree process, adapting to the ever-changing policies. The weaponized financial grift that is the Department of Justice Consent Decree process is finally over, Solan said. Seattles taxpayers no longer must bear the financial DOJ Consent Decree burden, now over 220-million-dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrells prepared statement to the federal court, he said the consent decree gave the city the opportunity to improve accountability measures within the police department. He notably thanked former Police Chief Kathleen OToole and current Chief Shon Barnes, but left out former Chief Adrian Diaz, who was fired by Harrell last December. A six-part series across the city is planned to launch this fall that aims to work with community groups to discuss how police can address neighborhood-specific issues. A mixed-income housing project under construction in Durham. (Photo by Greg Childress/NC Newsline) The states affordable housing needs are getting a boost from federal tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and a state loan program. The financing will help build and rehab 5,012 privately owned and managed affordable apartments worth nearly $1.5 billion in more than two dozen counties, according to the N.C. Housing Finance Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 50 projects that will benefit from the awards, 4,150 apartments are for families and 862 for seniors. As many as 500 apartments will be targeted for people with disabilities. The majority of the apartments will be new buildings but approximately 420 will be preservation projects. The projects were chosen from among 74 full applications reviewed by the North Carolina Federal Tax Reform Allocation Committee and selected based on recommendations by the Housing Finance Agency, which administers the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. Scott Farmer (Photo courtesy NC Housing Finance Agency) Were excited with the results for this year and looking forward to another strong cycle next year, Scott Farmer, executive director of the N.C. Housing Finance Agency, said. Well just continue to promote affordability. This is housing thats much needed in all of these communities and anything we can do to support additional resources for housing is a good thing. North Carolina faces a shortage of 322,000 rental units through 2029, according to a recent study 2024 Housing Supply Gap Analysis, State of North Carolina commissioned by N.C. Chamber Foundation, N.C.Home Builders Association and N.C. Realtors. Overall findings show an expected gap of 764,000 total units, including 442,000 units for purchase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Low Income Housing Tax Credit program is widely viewed as the nations best tool for creating and preserving affordable housing. The awards are administered by states housing finance agencies through a competitive application process. The Internal Revenue Service sets general guidelines for the program. Workforce Housing program awaits legislative funding Twenty-eight of the selected properties were awarded $34.7 million from the Workforce Housing Loan Program, which was established by the N.C. General Assembly in 2014 to encourage development of apartments using the housing credits in low-income counties and to reduce rents in moderate- and high-income counties. The Workforce Housing Loan Program isnt funded moving forward but Farmer said he hopes lawmakers will fund it before the end of the year. Without that, the Workforce Housing Loan Program, its going to dramatically change where deals will work, Farmer said Thats a critical resource for doing properties in low-and moderate-income counties. The Workforce Housing Loan Program was really designed to help some of that funding gap to make deals work better in those more rural communities. Stephanie Watkins-Cruz (Photo courtesy NC Housing Coalition) Affordable housing advocates also are closely watching state lawmakers to see if funding for program is restored when the General Assembly adopts a state budget for the 2025-2027 biennium. Lawmakers passed a mini budget in late July to address critical spending needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want that funding to be restored, Stephanie Watkins-Cruz, director of housing policy at the N.C. Housing Coalition, said during one of the groups recent housing calls. We want to make sure that the projects that are part of next years cycle in North Carolina have the gap financing they need. The Workforce Housing Loan Program has been funded at $35 million each of the last two years. Funding uncertainty will likely cause developers to skip over rural counties in favor of more financially feasible areas, Watkins-Cruz said. Nearly every new project approved demonstrated a need for gap financing, she said. Without the Workforce Housing Loan Program, without this gap financing, were putting likely hundreds of units at risk, and this will mean it will limit the ability for affordable housing units and developments to actually happen in rural areas and recovering areas. If funding isnt restored to the program, Watkins-Cruz said more affordable housing will be concentrated in better-heeled urban areas which defeats the programs purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Workforce Housing Loan Program is also an essential tool for Hurricane Helene recovery, Watkins-Cuz said. Without it, housing in some of the hardest hit areas like Polk, Rutherford, Avery, Watauga and Henderson counties, may not be viable, which impacts the ability of the workforce and community members to return home or remain in the area, Watkins Cruz said. Agency loans totaling more than $12.2 were awarded to 11 properties under the Rental Production Program, which uses state and federal funds to improve economic feasibility for rental developments. The projects awarded federal tax credits and other financing awards are expected to support 21,960 jobs and generate $95.3 million in state and local tax revenue, according to the Housing Finance Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on its website, the N.C. Housing Coalition noted that between 1986 and 2023, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program has stimulated both the state and local economies, generating more than $21.3 billion in wages and business income and more than $7.7 billion in tax revenue for the state. Since its creation, the Housing Finance Agency has financed more than 321,320 affordable homes and apartments totaling $34.4 billion. Here is the list of developments chosen to receive federal housing tax credits and other financing awards. Building construction in Richmond, Va. A shortage of new homes is driving continued high housing costs, casting doubt on Virginia's future growth. (Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce/Virginia Mercury) On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, helped launch the latest congressional effort to create more affordable housing solutions in the commonwealth and across the country by introducing the Yes In Gods Backyard Act. The measure would allow faith-based organizations to develop housing on unused land they already own and help fund the effort. A 2020 legislative study found that nearly a third of Virginia households spend over 30% of their income on housing costs, and theres a severe lack of affordable housing options statewide. Housing stock has not kept pace with population growth, a state study found. Housing affordability and supply issues are most often locally-rooted, but with an estimated shortage of 4.5 million homes in America according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Warners measure has national relevance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it were to become law, the bill would provide technical assistance and grants for faith-based organizations, higher education institutions, and local governments that want to increase the supply of affordable rental housing by constructing or preserving it on their property. Households at or below 60% of area median income levels, along with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including veterans would be key beneficiaries of the programs. The logic is that faith-based organizations like churches, synagogues, and mosques or nonprofits in some cases already own underdeveloped land that could be filled in with housing. Some higher education institutions may also be in similar positions. The law would also help these groups bypass barriers by assessing and removing local policy and procedural barriers to and adopting best practices to encourage the development of affordable rental housing, in localities. If we want to make housing more affordable, we need to get creative and take advantage of opportunities that already exist, Warner said in a statement. The YIGBY Act is about breaking down barriers and giving faith communities and colleges the support they need to put their land to work creating safe, affordable homes. Like-minded efforts were introduced at the state level in Virginia in recent years, but they did not survive the 2025 legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bill from Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield who is also running for lieutenant governor and Sen. Kannan Srinivasan, D- Loudoun, would have granted localities the authority to adopt strategies to encourage affordable housing development on properties that religious organizations or nonprofits own. The idea was later scrapped by the Senates finance committee. Many housing policy decisions in Virginia are made at the local level, so state lawmakers have presented a series of successful and unsuccessful measures to encourage development without overstepping local authority. Lawmakers at all levels of government continue exploring policy that might spur or speed up development, with Virginia housing experts and lawmakers weighing in. Greta Harris, CEO of Richmond-based Better Housing Coalition, told Congress last summer that housing pinches can also strain local economies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Businesses in both urban and rural areas struggle to attract and retain talent because workers cant afford to live nearby, she said. After Warner unveiled other housing-supply proposals this summer, state Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg, D-Henrico, noted that solutions can be solved fastest if all three levels of government are working together, and each level of government can bring something different. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Federal prosecutors on Thursday sued Southern California Edison over its alleged role in the deadly Eaton fire, a blaze that killed 19 people and destroyed more than 9,000 homes and other structures in Altadena and the surrounding area. In a civil complaint, prosecutors allege that the Eaton fire was ignited by faulty power infrastructure or by sparks from faulty power infrastructure owned, maintained, and operated by Edison. The results of the official investigation of the fire by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection have not yet been announced. The government's lawsuit notes that the investigation into the fire remains ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government also sued Edison on Thursday for its alleged role in the Fairview fire, which burned near Hemet in 2022. Prosecutors are seeking tens of millions of dollars in damages from Edison, alleging the companys negligence caused both fires. Together, the fires burned tens of thousands of acres of National Forest System lands, killed 21 people and destroyed thousands of buildings, according to the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles. Read more: California utility customers could get stuck with a big bill for the Eaton fire Acting U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli said "there's no reason to wait" for the results of the investigation into the Eaton fire. During a Thursday morning news conference, Essayli cited evidence and "Edison's own statements ... that there's no other apparent cause for the fire." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We believe that the evidence is clear that Edison is at fault," he said. "The reason not to wait is because fire season is coming up again. We want Edison to change the way it does business. It does not maintain its infrastructure in a way to prevent fires. We do not want another fire igniting." Essayli stressed that the intention is for the utility company and "not the ratepayers" to bear the burden of the costs. "Innocent hardworking Californians who pay their electricity bills should not have to pay for Edison's negligence by incurring higher utility rates," he said. Jeff Monford, a spokesman for Southern California Edison, told The Times that the company is reviewing the lawsuits "and will respond through the appropriate channels." It is "committed to wildfire mitigation through grid hardening, situational awareness and enhanced operational practices." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, he said, "our thoughts are with the community affected by the Fairview fire. We continue our work to reduce the likelihood of our equipment starting a wildfire." Read more: Edison offers to pay Eaton fire victims for damages, in move to avoid litigation Although the cause of the Eaton fire is still under investigation, Monford said, it "was heartbreaking for so many of us who live and work in the Los Angeles area." In April, Pedro Pizarro, chief executive of Edison International, the utilitys parent company, said that a leading hypothesis of Eaton fire investigators was that a century-old transmission line, last used during the Vietnam War, somehow became reenergized and sparked the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government's lawsuit cites a July Edison filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in which the utility company stated it was "not aware of evidence pointing to another possible source of ignition" for the Eaton fire. In March, the California Public Utilities Commission fined Edison $2.2 million for the Fairview fire, which killed two people and destroyed 36 homes and other structures in Hemet. The commission said the utility violated state regulations by failing to cooperate with investigators and not safely maintaining its electrical equipment. State investigators concluded that the 2022 Fairview fire was ignited when Edisons equipment came in contact with a cable owned by Frontier Communications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government is seeking more than $40 million in damages tied to the Eaton fire. For the Fairview fire, the government is seeking to recover about $37 million in damages incurred by the Forest Service, including approximately $20 million in fire-suppression costs, according to the U.S. attorney's office in L.A. The lawsuits filed today allege a troubling pattern of negligence resulting in death, destruction, and tens of millions of federal taxpayer dollars spent to clean up one utility companys mistakes, Essayli said in a written statement Thursday. We hope that todays filings are the first step in causing the beginnings of a culture change at Southern California Edison, one that will make it a responsible, conscientious company that helps not harms our community." Edison is facing dozens of lawsuits from people who lost their homes or businesses in the Jan. 7 Eaton fire. A study by UCLA estimated that losses from the fire could be $24 billion to $45 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials say damage claims from the Eaton fire could wipe out a $21-billion fund California created to shield utilities from the cost of blazes sparked by their electrical lines. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A traffic stop on Tuesday, Sept. 2, in Socorro led to the arrest of a 31-year-old man charged with possession of a controlled substance and multiple traffic warrants, according to the news release of the Socorro Police Department. Damian Lee Wagner, 31, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and 12 outstanding traffic warrants. He was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with no bond, according to Socorro Police. Damian Lee Wagner. Photo courtesy of the Socorro Police Department. Shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 2, an officer on a routine patrol saw a vehicle traveling without headlights or taillights. The officer then conducted a traffic stop along the 10900 block of Thunder Road for failing to display lights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Socorro Police, during the traffic stop, the officer learned that the driver, identified as Wagner, had 12 outstanding traffic warrants. In addition, the officer also found 14 blue pills, weighing about 0.78 grams, that tested positive for fentanyl. Even a simple traffic stop can lead to serious discoveries. Removing fentanyl from our streets and holding individuals accountable helps protect the entire community, Socorro Police Chief Robert Rojas said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. World Liberty Financial, the decentralized finance project backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, saw its governance token fall to a new low price on Thursday since trading opened earlier this week. WLFI hit a low of nearly $0.16 on Thursday, according to crypto data provider CoinGecko. The tokens price peaked above $0.33 on Monday, not long after a significant portion of the tokens supply became tradable, putting the low about 50% down from the peak. The price of WLFI has rebounded slightly to $0.175 as of this writing, still down 20% on the day. The World Liberty Financial team is focused on building and shipping great products, as they have since the very beginning, a spokesperson told Decrypt. The performance, in some ways, mirrors that of the presidents Solana-based meme coin. The tokens price peaked four days after its January debut, as notable hype gave way to a steep drawdown. At $8.30, TRUMP recently changed hands 88% down from its previous peak. It appears that traders outside of the U.S. are most interested in the cryptocurrency thats used to vote on changes in World Libertys design. Although U.S. crypto exchanges like Kraken and Coinbase quickly listed WLFI, they are not currently the tokens leading trading venues. Trump-Backed World Liberty Ethereum Token Debut: Here's How It Played Out Investors in South Korea appear most interested in WLFI, with crypto exchanges Upbit and Bypit facilitating at least $190 million and $95 million in trading volume over the past day, respectively. For comparison, $70 million worth of WLFI changed hands on Coinbase over the same period, while the token generated just $5.5 million in trading volume on Kraken. In a recent note, analysts at investment bank Compass Point warned that WLFI could harm retail traders if the token was listed on exchanges at a high valuation. If the token puts a bad taste in newcomers mouths, it may dissuade them from the asset class, they signaled. TRUMP remains 80% below all-time highs, while many retail traders have yet to fully recover from 1Q25's meme coin bubble, they wrote. This could be another catalyst that decimates retail traders. Trump-Backed World Liberty Token Could Decimate Retail Investors, Compass Point Warns Indeed, Coinbases total trading volume fell 40% sequentially in the second quarter to $237 billion, according to a shareholder letter. Although retail traders pulled back, the period was also marked by weaker activity among institutions. Although World Liberty raised $500 million before its token became transferable, exchange listings represented the first time that many investors could get access to the token. Approved, accredited buyers could purchase the token for $0.015 during its presale. It's taken years of work, but Fifth Third Center shooting survivor Whitney Austin says Kentucky could consider a bipartisan bill next year that would allow guns to be transferred away from people struggling with mental illness. Saturday, Sept. 6, marks seven years since Austin of Louisville was shot 12 times when Omar Santa Perez opened fire in the lobby of the bank headquarters off Fountain Square. Three people were killed while Austin and another person were wounded. Santa Perez was fatally shot by Cincinnati police officers. Since then, Austin has made it her mission to put "progress over politics" and find bipartisan ways to reduce and prevent gun violence. She said her nonprofit Whitney/Strong is pushing for the Crisis Aversion and Rights Retention law to get a vote in the Kentucky legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill, which she refuses to call a "red flag" law, separates itself from other similar laws by prioritizing the Second Amendment and by putting gun owners first, Austin told The Enquirer. Here's the basics of the law: It would allow the courts to order a temporary transfer of firearms from those in crisis who might hurt themselves or others to police or another trusted friend or family member. Unlike other laws, Austin said there are two layers of protections. The initial report is made to police, who will review the situation. Only after police decide to move forward will a judge then do an additional review and decide whether or not to make the order. The law is flexible in terms of how long the order would last and pushes for those under an order to be connected with resources to help them. "It would be most effective at reducing suicide," Austin said. About 60% of gun deaths in the United States are suicides with homicides and accidental deaths making up the minority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill has been in the Kentucky legislature before but has not received a vote sending it to the governor's desk. Austin said that her organization will be finalizing its bipartisan group of legislators in an effort to do that next year. What about Ohio gun laws? Austin said her nonprofit is also pushing for legislation in Ohio. Gov. Mike DeWine and others proposed a slate of gun reform measures in the wake the mass shooting in Dayton, but so far, no new legislation has passed. Austin said it was COVID-19 that stalled the progress. However, her nonprofit has a built a legislative coalition and brought on a lobbying firm to help renew the efforts. She is not sure what laws could work in Ohio but expects to have some proposed policy by the end of the year. Other programs aimed at preventing gun violence Austin's organization has offered training and programs for several years aimed at reducing the harm of gun violence under the umbrella of "Save a Life." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stop the Bleed teaches people the basics of quickly treating serious traumas like gunshot wounds. Gun safety courses focus on safe handling and storage. And QPR (question, persuade, refer) is a nationally recognized strategy for identifying the signs of suicide and intervening, but is currently focused on adults. Austin said the newest addition to the roster is called Strength in Communities, a program focused on youth mental health and suicide prevention. She said parents, even those who actively familiarize their children with guns, understand the safety risk of accidents with young children. But there's a gap when it comes to the risk of access within a home for teens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that youth suicide has been on the rise for nearly two decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitney/Strong is partnering with Sources of Strength, one of the few groups approved by the Ohio legislature to work in public schools. Austin said their programming is being adapted to work outside of school at recreation centers, churches and community events. She said all of her programs are designed to meet people where they are, and she strives to ensure that all the trainers and representatives are members of the communities they serve. What's next for Austin? Austin said she has plans to continue her grassroots work, as well as continuing legislative options. She's working on creating a gun safety program targeting youth. Austin explained the long-standing tactics of telling children not to touch firearms and get an adult just don't work for some people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She recalled speaking with a teen who kept a gun under his bed because he was scared in his neighborhood. It was jarring, she said, and she knew traditional solutions would not work in some places. She also hopes to create a mass shooter intervention training. While most mass shooters are also suicidal, she said there are specific signs that people can look for. "We want more and more people changing their behaviors, adopting responsible gun ownership practices so that more and more lives can be saved." Sitting on Fountain Square on Sept. 3, she said a training like that or even the new law she's pushing for in Kentucky may have been able to prevent the Fifth Third Center shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He was struggling," she said of Santa Perez. "He did have family here." She said she's grateful that she was given the chance to do this work and owes so much to the people who worked to save her. She remembers the hectic ambulance ride and later learning that the driver was the father of her favorite trauma nurse. Austin said that even though seven years have passed, it doesn't feel that way for the families of those who died. "For them, it feels like yesterday," she said. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Whitney Austin pushes for common ground to reduce gun violence Derived from the best-selling Audible audiobook Midnight Son, by James Dommek Jr., a new documentary on Hulu, Blood & Myth, follows Dommeks investigation into a series of shocking violent crimes that shatter a remote Native village in Northern Alaska. (Courtesy of Disney) A mother lies dead. A son on the run. Mysterious creatures in the Alaskan wilderness create a paranormal encounter for the suspected killer. Derived from the best-selling Audible audiobook Midnight Son, by James Dommek Jr., a new documentary on Hulu premiers September 4,Blood & Myth, directed by Kahlil Hudson and executive produced by Dommek. The story follows Dommeks investigation into a series of shocking violent crimes that shatter a remote Native village in Northern Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dommek first learns about a string of bloody attacks, and the details dont add up. At the center of the rampage is fugitive Teddy Kyle Smith, a fellow Inupiaq man and successful actor who was admired within his tribe. The mystery deepens when Smith is apprehended after making a run for it in the wild, and makes a shocking claim: while out in the wilderness, he had a frightening encounter with Inukuns sinister beings well-known and long-feared by the Inupiaq people and that they had guided his violent actions. The first thing he said after being captured was Theyre real! Dommek told ICT from Alaska. He says he heard them and then they showed themselves to him. During a subsequent trial, Smiths tale of Inukuns fell on deaf ears. The truth of his actions doomed him to being convicted of attempted murder after he left his mother lying dead on the floor of her house, ran into the woods and shot two men in a cabin who both survived. His mothers death was ruled inconclusive with no actual cause given. He claimed to have encountered the Inukuns in the woods outside his tent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dommek knew the frightening stories of the little people whose existence is accepted as fact by northern Native communities and supported by first-person accounts and chilling sightings. Obsessed by the story, he takes a journey back to the village to uncover the truth behind what Smith allegedly saw in those mountains. Was it possible that those myths were true, or was it all a theater of the mind as he says? Ive always been obsessed with Alaskan survival stories, Dommek says. There were so many things going on with the story, but the crime, the matricide, the violence, those were a part of the story, but its not the whole thing. Its just many little strings that braid together to make a pretty strong rope. Dommek is eventually allowed to visit Smith in jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was guarded about tough questions in there. Smith wanted to do the interview with his side of the story. Hes exhausted his appeals, but he still has hope. Hes still working to get a sentence reduction; he didnt want to incriminate himself. The documentary shows footage taken by a woman that had flown over the area and shows a few rocky villages along a river that no one knew were there or who lived there. I dont know where it is exactly, Dommek says. The government put a restriction on the area. The president of our tribe cant even go there and thats our land. Theres a buffer of 10 miles; theyre calling it a sacred site. I heard they were going to send a team of archaeologists this past summer to go and check it out, but there were massive wildfires in the area that prevented them from going. Dommek says the villages look like a wintertime camp, except the homes are made out of rocks. The size of the doorways and windows are very tiny and would have been difficult for adult humans to get in and out of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the film, Smith claims he first heard the little people and then they showed themselves to him one night, and he knew that he couldnt show any fear or they might harm him. They told him he was weak and vulnerable, words that scared him into violent action. After hearing his claim, Dommek met Smith in prison. What was his take after meeting him in person? My take on meeting him in person was I dont believe he has mental issues. He was a US Marine, and the Marines have a very extensive vetting process, including a lot of psychological tests. Hes incredibly sharp. Hes grounded. We asked everyone we interviewed, what do you think? Do they exist or not? Now they may not be mythical magical creatures, but I definitely think that there was a group of small people that lived out on the land, as recent as a couple decades ago, and may still be out there now. What I hope people take away from this is that number one, Native people are very good storytellers. And number two, there is still some mystery that exists in this world. The Western concept is that we know it all. In the Indigenous concept, especially northern Alaskan, we dont know it all. Its a big wild place. Thats what I hope people take away. Im excited to introduce this new monster in the woods that most viewers will never have heard of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The film presents a spectrum of different images of what these beings could be and how malevolent or benevolent they might be. The filmmakers leave it up to the viewer to decide, what they are, what they could be, how much Teddy may have been influenced by these beings who he may have contacted. Theres also the other social justice side, director Hudson says, getting into the issue around the justice system in rural Alaska and how its failed Native communities for centuries. The Western justice system is not set up to serve rural Alaska villages. Something needs to be done, more work and awareness brought to light and how those failures are impacting Native communities. Based on the facts, myth aside, he was convicted of attempted murder. They sent his mothers body to Anchorage and the coroner said her death is inconclusive. Perhaps she was scared to death or shocked, but it was enough to send her panicked son on the run. I was always under the assumption only guilty people run, Dommek claims. After talking with Ted, I came to a new conclusion that maybe he thought he did something to her so frightening that she died from the shock. This is all speculation. But he was given 99 years for the attempted murders, the strictest sentence an Alaskan can get. We dont have the death penalty up here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know if too many other stories exist like this, where its an Indigenous true crime told through an Indigenous lens. I just hope that we did the story justice. Ive been obsessed with this since I first heard it. Dommek says he did an audiobook first for a reason. I wanted to tap into Native storytelling and oral tradition and the theater of the mind and using words and unveiling the facts more like a movie does. The audio book did really well, and here we are today talking about the documentary. This article was first published with ICT, see the original story here. TEXARKANA, Texas. (KTAL/KMSS) The De Queen Fire Department says they were called to a fire at Gentry Chevrolet at around 4:30 Wednesday morning. The north wall was involved in active flames. It was venting out of the east and west side of this building. say De Queen Fire Department Chief Michael Pruitt. Dozens of firefighters, including ones from nearby departments in Horatio and Cossatot, battled the fire for around four hours before getting it under control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4 or 5 vehicles inside, a lot of used tires, and there was a lot of stuff that made fuel that prolonged it. says Chief Pruitt. No firefighters were injured but the building was almost completely destroyed. There was a fire wall in between the two buildings, the office and the back, and it did its job. So thats what helped save the front of the building. says Chief Pruitt, Its home owned and its really pretty terrible. I mean, they worked hard to get this far and this is how its going to end up. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Arkansas State Fire Marshal and State 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 KTALnews.com. PARIS, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) UPDATE: Paris Fire Chief Zach Janis said arrests have been made after an arson at the former Vance Elementary School Thursday morning in Paris, but no names have been released. Firefighters battled the blaze after receiving a call about smoke coming from the building around 3 a.m. According to the Paris Union School District 95, the elementary school has been out of service for over 20 years, with the 2000-2001 school year being the final year students were present. An Illinois State Fire Marshal, as well as, the Paris Police and Fire Departments are taking part in the investigation into the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Route 1 near the school was closed while the fire was being fought, but has since reopened. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 brushfire in northeast Bakersfield was fully contained Tuesday evening after burning more than 600 acres of undeveloped land south of Hart Memorial Park. The Paladino Fire grew to roughly 628 acres before Bakersfield and Kern County Fire Department crews were able to contain the blaze, according to BFD spokesman Alexander Clark. There is a neighborhood close by but because of the wind, it was keeping (the fire) away from it, Clark told The Californian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had Tuesdays heavy winds been blowing in another direction, Clark said the fire may have threatened some neighborhoods, but no damage or injuries were reported from the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Bakersfield Fire Department received a call about the fire just after 5 p.m. and crews were largely finished with operations by 8:30 p.m., Clark said. The fire burned in an undeveloped and hilly area east of Fairfax Road, and Clark said once dry grass in those areas burns, theres not much else to fuel the fire. Even though the traditional summer season is ending, Clark said, fire danger remains high and homeowners should be aware that creating defensible spaces around homes is good protection against wildfires. TEXAS (KTAL/KMSS) A recent Texas law requires schools to display the Ten Commandments in schools. Now, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is urging schools to go further. Paxton wants school boards to use the recently passed Texas Senate Bill 11 to adopt policies for a period of voluntary prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious texts. As written, participation would require parental consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liberty-Eylau ISD posts Ten Commandments in classrooms by law The required Ten Commandment posting has drawn legal challenges to its constitutionality based on First Amendment grounds. SB 11 will undoubtedly be challenged as well. The First Amendment states, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Colloquially, people express the religious aspect as separation of church and state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The First Amendment gives people the right to their religious beliefs, but states that the government will not establish an official state religion. The First Amendment does not outlaw prayer or Bible reading in schools. It does not outlaw praying or reading involved in any belief system, nor does it say that individuals in government cannot use their beliefs to guide their decision-making. This is often where the controversy begins. More Texas news Opponents will argue that, as government entities, schools should permit religious expression without actively promoting it. Once a school explicitly promotes religious activity, they are functionally establishing that religion as official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents say there is a distinction between promoting a religion and establishing it as the official religion. They also argue that the Founding Fathers were Christian, created a nation based on that, and would want the country to be firmly Christian. Although some were Christian, there is little evidence that they wanted the American government to be so. In the 1796 Treaty of Tripoli, John Adams said, The Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion. Those words from a founding father, the first vice president, and the second president do not sway people who argue otherwise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Founding Fathers were not all like-minded on religion. Morans bill offers limited tax relief for overtime income George Washington regularly used terms like supreme architect in speeches and writing. The Deist movement, a group that believed in a creator who does not intervene in the universe, widely used those terms. Thomas Jefferson was also, most likely, a deist. He was known for cutting out passages he didnt like from his Bible and called himself a sect by myself. Passages that included miracles or things contrary to reason didnt appeal to him and were removed. Thomas Paine was quoted as calling the Bible the pretended word of God, and frequently criticized religion in general, being especially dismissive of Christianity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea that the Founding Fathers intended for America to be a Christian nation does not seem to be based in reality. That is no secret. According to Politico, in a 2022 poll, 57 percent of Republicans felt that establishing the country as Christian would be unconstitutional, but 60 percent supported it anyway. The idea that promoting a religion is different from establishing it as official is more salient, and this distinction is the issue that the legal battle will most likely center around and will lead to the most questions. Will other religions be represented? Will all religions be represented? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What will students who opt out do while school-sponsored religious activities are happening? Is exposing students to a religion they dont believe in a form of indoctrination? Proponents will probably dismiss those concerns as baseless in court; however, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and other members of the Trump administration have openly called for the United States to be a Christian theocracy. It seems unlikely they would agree to giving other religions equal representation or allow people to opt out easily. Proposed bill in Texas would prohibit minors from using social media. Learn tips for managing childs online activity Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For someone whose goal is to officially make Christianity central to all aspects of American life, the presence of other options and the freedom to not engage violates their purpose. Proponents will also likely argue that the Founding Fathers did not specifically mention separation of church and state, implying that this was not their intention. While pushes to expand the role of religion in state-funded activities have long failed when challenged, the current Supreme Court is decidedly more conservative and has been willing to make rulings contrary to established precedent. Whatever tactics the two sides employ, the fight will be ugly and will probably end at the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Paxton is starting the fight early, saying, Twisted, radical liberals want to erase Truth, dismantle the solid foundation that Americas success and strength were built upon, and erode the moral fabric of our society. 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. Regardless of what side of the issue someone stands on, Paxtons framing of the situation is dangerous. There are Christians who disagree with state-sanctioned religion. Marvin Nichols proposal running out of time to become Texas law Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some believe their mandate is to win people over to Christianity, not to force them to join. Others feel it is a violation of the First Amendment. Painting everyone who disagrees as a radical leftist frames them as opponents of Christianity when many simply do not agree with it, or any religion, being taught in schools. Paxtons framing is an intentional and unnecessary escalation designed to stoke support by making the issue adversarial rather than a difference of opinion. That binary us-versus-them thinking paints the other side as an evil enemy. It dehumanizes people who disagree and presents them as an enemy to conquer instead of a person who sees the world differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be clear, this issue will be a fight in the courts, but it should not be a fight in our cities or with our 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 KTALnews.com. GOSHEN Make your way to the courthouse lawn in Goshen on Friday night for Downtown Goshens September edition of First Fridays. The inaugural Bexbach Bash, taking place from 5-9 p.m., is a culturally diverse, First Fridays-style Oktoberfest celebration honoring Goshens German sister city of Bexbach. Downtown Goshens great shopping and eating spots offer post-Labor Day specials and delights, and a variety of live music and activities bring the Elkhart County Courthouse grounds to life. Get ready to enjoy games, food, brews, Volkswagens and some good old Bavarian times. Stein-holding contests, a Volkswagen Showcase and an Oktoberfest costume contest bring the spirit of Bexbach to The Maple City. Janus Motorcycles will present the classic German game of Hammerschlagen a competition in which participants drive nails into a wooden beam on the festival grounds for revelers over the age of 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bavarian brews and delicacies further evoke festive and joyous German traditions, and live music from the Miller Poultry Main Stage presented by the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau features Rebel Noire and the Accomplices from 5-6 p.m., Jake Miller and the Midwest Heat from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Grupo Marca Grande from 8-9 p.m. Activities for the younger crowd include free crafting and games at The Chill Zone, presented by DJ Construction and the Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County. Kids ages 6-12 can also head across from the Chill Zone to sign up for a youth stein-holding contest (only water in these steins)! This may be the last warm First Fridays event of the year, so organizers suggest coming downtown to the Courthouse Lawn for the inaugural Bexbach Bash, this Friday in Downtown Goshen. On the morning of September 4, 2025, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez who is in China for 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 in recent years the building of a China-Cuba community with a shared future has deepened with tangible outcomes, which has become a vivid symbol of the ironclad friendship between the two Parties and the two countries. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cuba. Both sides should take this opportunity to bring China-Cuba relations to a higher level and bring more benefits to the two peoples. President Xi stressed that the two sides should commit to a shared future, deepen high-level political mutual trust, further intensify high-level exchanges, better share experience of Party and country governance, firmly support each other, and continue to deepen the special bond of sharing weal and woe. The two sides should uphold sincerity and mutual assistance and systematically advance development cooperation. China will continue to offer help and support to Cuba to the best of its capability. The two sides should keep working with one heart, strengthen all-round strategic coordination, continue to coordinate and cooperate within frameworks such as the G77 and BRICS, implement the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), jointly build the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), and make greater contributions to world peace and development. China will continue to firmly support Cubas just fight against interference and embargo. President Diaz-Canel noted that the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression had a solemn and lively atmosphere and are of great historic significance. Chinas important contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War will never be forgotten. Cuba was the first country in Latin America to build a bilateral community with a shared future with China. The relations between the two Parties and two countries are close, and the friendship is rock-solid. Cuba firmly upholds the one-China principle, and appreciates Chinas selfless support and assistance to Cubas economic and social development. Cuba hopes to further strengthen all-round cooperation and advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with China, and will provide a better business environment for Chinese enterprises. Cuba highly commends and fully supports the GGI proposed by President Xi and will actively deliver on it, so as to make the international governance system more just and equitable and safeguard the common interests of developing countries. The two sides jointly released the Joint Statement between the Peoples Republic of China and the Republic of Cuba on Accelerating the Construction of the China-Cuba Community with a Shared Future and signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in such fields as Belt and Road cooperation, practical cooperation, the GSI, sub-national agricultural cooperation, and artificial intelligence. Wang Yi was present at the meeting. By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump told European leaders on Thursday that Europe must stop buying Russian oil that he said is helping Moscow fund its war against Ukraine, a White House official said, striking a combative tone amid slow diplomatic progress to end the fighting. Trump joined a call of the "Coalition of the Willing" countries, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, who were meeting in Paris on security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a peace deal with Russia. "President Macron and European leaders called President Trump into their Coalition of the Willing meeting. President Trump emphasized that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war - as Russia received 1.1 billion euros in fuel sales from the EU in one year," the official said. The European Commission has proposed legislation to phase out EU imports of Russian oil and gas by January 1, 2028, as Brussels seeks to sever its decades-old energy relations with Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Most European countries stopped importing Russian crude in 2022 and Russian fuel in 2023. It was not immediately clear whether Trump was referring to crude imports by Hungary and Slovakia, which have continued, or imports of fuel made from Russian crude that is refined in third countries, such as India. Trump also said in the call that "European leaders must place economic pressure on China for funding Russias war efforts," the official said. Reuters was first to report Trump's comments. Trump has been frustrated at his inability to bring a halt to the fighting in Ukraine after he initially predicted he would be able to end the war swiftly when he took office last January. He has withheld new sanctions on Russia and China, a top Russian oil buyer. But he has ramped up tariffs on U.S. imports from India, another top Russian energy consumer. Trump shrugged off talks this week between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, but also said the leaders might be conspiring against the U.S. The U.S. president also continues to press Europeans to absorb more of the burden for their defense and is reluctant to commit more American support to a war that he wants to end. The White House official said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were among the leaders on the call. "The 'Coalition of the Willing' meeting was on security guarantees for Ukraine. President Trump questioned their seriousness while they continue to fuel Russia's economy and war. The president made clear that this is not his war, and the Europeans must step up as well," the official said. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Are you looking for something to do on Friday? Check out First Fridays! Keep reading to find out where, when, and what is happening on September 5. Brekkys 515 4th Street Brekkys will dish out their weekly foods, and visitors are welcome to explore the ArtSUX Gallery from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featured foods this week include cheesecake, jumbo Poptarts, and fall drinks. McClure Engineering 613 Pearl Street Iowas West Coast Initiative will have First Friday Coffee at McClure Engineering from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. A local entrepreneur, Katie Regino, and Jeff Hanson, Business Development Lead at McClure Engineering, will both speak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Petes Thai 507 5th Street A limited-time menu will be offered with 20% off from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. This menu will include Stir-fried Black Pepper Steak, Sweet Hot Stew, and Traditional Beef and Broccoli. Asawolf Viking Tattoo 414 Floyd Blvd Gargoyle and fairy tattoos will be featured at $100 each from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Expansion Center 1119 4th Street, Suite 102 Create-Your-Own-Sale will be hosted with up to 50% off. This event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. El Comal 607 5th Street Four street tacos for $10 starting at 11 a.m., with your choice between chicken, pastor, and steak. The Sioux City Art Center 225 Nebraska Street The Imagination Station invites children and their caregivers to create small art pieces in the Gilchrist Learning Center from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Winnies 1004 4th Street Winnies is hosting a Spend & Sip event from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Specials include: spend $25 on clothes get one free shot, spend $50 on clothes get one free signature mocktail, and spend $75 on clothes get two free signature mocktails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson Street Brewing 607 5th Street $2 off tall pours from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Boat House 413 Pierce Street $10 Axe Throwing per person as well as Happy Hour specials until 7 p.m. and $5 select appetizers from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. The Diving Elk 1101 4th Street Enjoy limited weekly features from 4 p.m. to close. Two of those features include South Texas Jambalaya and Creole Blackened Salmon. The Warp Zone 611 5th Street Karaoke & $3 Busch Light Night from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Sioux City Public Museum 607 4th Street The museum will be open late, normally closing at 5 p.m., but on Friday it will be open until 8:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beer Can Alley 1109 4th Street A live acoustic solo performance from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. will be hosted. The performer will be Sioux City native Dane Louis. Downtown LIVE 4th & Nebraska Street For the last time in 2025, Downtown Live will host Chuck Mead and the Stalwarts for a concert. Local food trucks, beverages, and vendors will be on site. The event, running from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., will cost $5 admission. To learn more about First Fridays and Downtown Partners, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Gov. Larry Rhoden speaks to reporters from a podium on July 28, 2025, at the Public Safety Administration Building in Sioux Falls. Also visible are, from left, Dan Satterlee, director of the state Division of Criminal Investigation, and Sam Olson, Minneapolis field office director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) Hundreds of people were ticketed or arrested during a state-funded saturation patrol that put 15 additional state troopers on the streets of South Dakotas largest city last week. The troopers labored from Aug. 27 through Aug. 29 under the banner of Operation Prairie Thunder, a two-pronged public safety initiative announced in July by Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One part of the operation, branded with a caricature of a buffalo with a badge on its hat and lightning bolts on its sunglasses, involved Rhoden directing six members of the South Dakota National Guard to process deportation arrest paperwork for the seven Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents stationed in the state. That prong of the public safety platform also included an agreement between the state Department of Corrections and ICE to help the federal agency sniff out immigrant inmates without legal status in the states prisons. Guard troops in Sioux Falls and Rapid City began their work last month; the Corrections Department turned 10 migrants, paroled in mid-August, over to ICE agents for removal from the U.S. The other prong of Rhodens plan put additional Highway Patrol resources on tap for Sioux Falls, whose metro area is home to nearly a third of South Dakotas residents. Calls for service in the city have grown significantly since 2015, as has the population. The 16 homicides in the city last year were the most in its history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sioux Falls Police Departments statistics show its overall per capita violent crime rate fell in 2024, however, the year covered by the departments most recently published annual report. That year, the city had fewer aggravated assaults, stolen vehicles, burglaries and fraud cases than 2023. Narcotics arrests rose slightly from 2023 to 2024, and police seized more narcotics by weight the largest jump was in grams of Fentanyl seized but the number of drug arrests was 700 below its 2019 peak. The late August saturation patrol is the first of what will be two per month for the next five months. After that point, Rhoden told South Dakota Searchlight this week, well reevaluate the citys need for additional assistance. Troopers made 174 drug arrests during the first patrol, 44 of which involved felony-level drugs like methamphetamine or cocaine. The governor said 32 of the felony arrests involved methamphetamine, and troopers served 24 outstanding felony warrants on people stopped by troopers during the operation. All in all, this was a very successful first saturation patrol, Rhoden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Highway Patrol helicopter was used to track a vehicle during one of three pursuits. The patrol didnt focus on immigration, Rhoden said, but troopers logged 14 ICE encounters, eight of which resulted in ICE arrests. The states involvement with ICE drew criticism from people at a Sioux Falls City Council meeting last month, and Democratic state lawmakers derided the operation as a misguided use of state resources. At the time of the announcement, Rhoden said the Highway Patrol would absorb the costs. The patrols 287(g) agreement with ICE allows troopers to detain people suspected of being in the country illegally. Col. Casey Collins of the Highway Patrol told South Dakota Searchlight in a Wednesday email that ICE can check the legal status of a person suspected of lacking legal status without physically coming to the scene of a traffic stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No subjects were detained beyond the scope of the traffic stop without an arrest, said Collins. Some of the six people whose legal status was questioned during a traffic stop but who were not arrested by ICE were later detained on state charges, Collins said. Identifying a subject is normal procedure during a traffic stop where a violation has occurred and enforcement action is being taken, Collins said. EDITORS NOTE: After the publication of this story, state officials revised the drug arrest numbers for the recent saturation patrol, saying they jailed fewer than half of the people their original terminology suggested. Read that story here: State corrects record: 78 people arrested during Operation Prairie Thunder saturation patrol. Operation Prairie Thunder saturation patrol Aug. 2729 in Sioux Falls Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Total drug arrests: 174 Felony drug arrests: 44 Felony warrants served: 24 Misdemeanor warrants served: 20 Pursuits: 3 Gang/cartel related arrests: 3 Parole absconders apprehended: 3 Probation absconders apprehended:1 ICE encounters: 14 ICE arrests: 8 Traffic citations: 336 Warnings: 256 DUI: 6 Revoked license: 4 Source: South Dakota Highway Patrol BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office (LPSO) narcotics agents have arrested five people and seized a variety of illegal drugs, firearms, and paraphernalia following an investigation into cocaine distribution in Independence. Sheriff Jason Ard said the investigation looked at several homes on T. Selders Road, which is north of Albany, close to Highway 43. Agents identified three main suspects: Robert Brewer, also known as Rob, Gabriel Brewer, known as Trell, and Darryl Hutchinson. Deputies executed several search warrants and seized: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 19.9 grams of crack cocaine. 6.3 grams of cocaine. 8.1 grams of fentanyl. 40.2 grams of methamphetamine. 11 grams of marijuana. 3 suboxone strips. 3 firearms. Packaging material and digital scales. Five people were arrested on various charges, including: Robert Brewer, 56. Gabriel Brewer, 52. Darryl Hutchinson, 50. Samara Rousse, 33. Timothy Jones, 66 (arrested via summons). Ard said that three individuals were taken to a local hospital due to severe health concerns. More arrests are likely as the investigation continues. 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. While the deadly strike carried out by the U.S. Navy on a Venezuelan cartel boat was decried by critics as either a deepfake or an overreach, a lack of due process bothered none of the panelists on Fox News The Five on Wednesday night, who celebrated the maneuver as a message to drug gangs and smugglers. Carried out by the U.S. Navy, the precision attack killed 11 people aboard the speedboat in international waters. Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said separately that theres more where that came from. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eleven Tren de Aragua narco terrorists got a one-way ticket to narco heaven, Jesse Watters said as the widely circulated drone video of the fiery airstrike played. That drugged-out dinghy was a floating weapon of mass destruction, packed with enough poison to kill countless Americans. And the president says the traffickers will be thinking twice before they smuggle again. Co-panelist Greg Gutfeld said the strike was meant to stop a lot more than one boatload of illegal drugs. This is what you call a message, Gutfeld said. It is well-publicized. It is very clear. There is a certain outcome. If youre a smuggler, you are starting to rethink the decision to avoid career day at high school maybe selling trinkets off the beach isnt a bad idea. Maybe I should call my uncle and see if theyre still an opening at the bodega, who knows? Watters called it an escalation in the war on drugs. I could see this expanding, before throwing the commentary to Dana Perino. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond drugs it is a war on terror, right?, Perino said. One of the first things President Trump did when he came back to office was to designate them as terrorist organizations. First, even during the campaign, remember, he talked about the Mexican drug cartels and this was a question: Would you actually take military action against them? And now, he has demonstrated that he just might. What a change from the past, Gutfeld said. We are no longer as a country embracing decline. In one video you just saw the solution for drugs, gangs, and late-night boating. Trump just said to America, I hear you. Watch this. The sharks are happy. They just got a big free meal. Watch the entire panel discussion in the video above. The post The Five Flex Over US Strike on Venezuelan Drug Boat: This Is What You Call a Message | Video appeared first on TheWrap. Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Five Republicans in the House joined Democrats Wednesday to block an effort to censure Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., over a confrontation with immigration officers in her district. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., sponsored a resolution that would have condemned McIver's actions in May and removed her from her position on the House Homeland Security Committee. The House voted 215-207 to table the measure, with Republican Reps. Don Bacon and Mike Flood of Nebraska, Dave Joyce and Mike Turner of Ohio, and David Valadao of California voting against the censure along with all Democrats. Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., and Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Texas, voted present. Turner's representative said he mistakenly voted against the resolution, which would not have changed the outcome of the vote, Politico reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIver faces three federal charges for allegedly assaulting and interfering with immigration officers outside the Delaney Hall Federal Immigration Facility in Newark, N.J., during a congressional visit on May 9. U.S. Attorney Alina Habra said McIver forcibly grabbed and slammed an agent with her forearm and struck a second agent. The counts carry up to eight years in prison if she's convicted. She pleaded not guilty to the charges during her arraignment in June. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., speaks with reporters at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on September 29, 2023. He said he voted against a censure, along with Democrats, because he believes the Ethics Committee should investigate the incident. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Along with McIver at the oversight inspection were Newark Mayor Ray Baraka, and Democratic Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez of New Jersey. Authorities initially arrested Baraka but later dropped the charges against him. Democrats have called the charges and censure politically motivated. McIver's lawyers said she didn't commit any crimes and was simply carrying out her duties as a member of Congress attempting to inspect the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement facility, but federal agents reacted recklessly and disproportionately. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, speaks to reporters following a House Intelligence Committee meeting with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on February 15, 2024. He said he mistakenly voted against censure. File Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI Garbarino said he voted no on the censure because he believes the Ethics Committee should review the matter. Bacon agreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't support the censure of Rep. LaMonica McIver because I want the Ethics Committee to finish their report on this matter," he said. Higgins said McIver was to blame for him pushing the vote, according to Roll Call. "Had she withdrawn from the Homeland Security Committee, I certainly wouldn't have offered a resolution, even though censure [is] legitimate and called for," he said. Flash flood warnings were issued by the National Weather Service in Flagstaff through 8:15 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4. These warnings apply to Coconino County, including the Grand Canyon. The National Weather Service warns: "Flash flooding is occurring or imminent downstream of the Dragon Bravo Fire scar. Severe debris flow are expected across roads and in remote canyon drainages on the Kaibab Plateau east of State Route 67. Campers and hikers should get away from creeks and move to higher ground immediately! Stay away or be swept away!" What to know: Could Hurricane Lorena intensify storms in Arizona? See weather radar for northern Arizona What are weather service meteorologists saying? At 5:18 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a statement: The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a Flash Flood Warning for, Coconino County in north central Arizona, this includes the Colorado River between river miles 49 and 54. Until 8:15 p.m. MST /9:15 p.m. MDT/. At 5:14 p.m. MST /6:14 p.m. MDT/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain over and just north of Nankoweap Creek. This is the second round of storms in this area today. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD: Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE: Radar indicated. IMPACT: Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams and normally dry washes. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Grand Canyon National Park and Saddle Mountain Wilderness. This includes the Colorado River between river miles 49 and 54. This includes the following recreation areas and campgrounds, Dinosaur Camp Site, Little Nankoweap Camp Site, Upper Nankoweap Camp Site, Main Nankoweap Camp Site and Lower Nankoweap Camp Site. This includes the following creeks, washes and rivers, Nankoweap Creek, Saddle Canyon, Colorado River, Nankoweap Canyon, Tatahoysa Wash and Little Nankoweap Creek. At 12:09 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a statement: "The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a Flash Flood Warning for: The North Canyon Wash Basin downstream of the Dragon Bravo Fire scar in, Coconino County in north central Arizona, this includes the Colorado River between mile markers 17 and 21. Until 6:15 p.m. MST /7:15 p.m. MDT/ Thursday. At 12:09 p.m. MST /1:09 p.m. MDT/, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain over the North Canyon Wash Basin downstream of the Dragon Bravo Fire scar. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Excessive rainfall over the burn scar will result in debris flow moving through the North Canyon Wash. The debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "HAZARD: Life-threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding in and around the North Canyon Wash Basin downstream of the Dragon Bravo Fire scar. "SOURCE: Radar indicated. "IMPACT: Life threatening flash flooding of areas in and around the North Canyon Wash Basin downstream of the Dragon Bravo Fire scar. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Grand Canyon National Park and Saddle Mountain Wilderness. This includes the Colorado River between mile markers 17 and 21. This includes the following recreation areas and campgrounds, House Rock Camp Site, 18 Mile Wash Camp Site, 18 Mile Ledges Camp Site, Upper North Canyon Camp Site and Lower North Canyon Camp Site. This includes the following creeks, washes and rivers, North Canyon, "18- Mile Wash", "19- Mile Canyon", Colorado River, South Canyon, House Rock Wash, Hanaa Ninadzidzahi and North Canyon Wash." At 1:32 p.m., the National Weather Service issued another statement: The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Nankoweap Creek, in Coconino County in north central Arizona; this includes the Colorado River between river miles 49 and 53. Until 4:30 p.m. MST /5:30 p.m. MDT/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 1:24 p.m. MST /2:24 p.m. MDT/, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain over Nankoweap Creek. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD: Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding in and around Nankoweap Creek. SOURCE: Radar indicated. IMPACT: Life threatening flash flooding of areas in and around Nankoweap Creek. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Grand Canyon National Park and Saddle Mountain Wilderness. This includes the Colorado River between river miles 49 and 53. This includes the following recreation areas and campgrounds, Dinosaur Camp Site, Little Nankoweap Camp Site and Upper Nankoweap Camp Site. This includes the following creeks, washes and rivers, Nankoweap Creek, Saddle Canyon, Colorado River, Nankoweap Canyon and Little Nankoweap Creek. What is a flash flood? A flash flood is a flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than six hours, according to the weather service. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains. A flash flood can be sudden and violent and take just minutes to develop. It is possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain. What's the difference between a flash flood watch and a flash flood warning? A flash flood warning is issued when a flood is imminent or occurring, the weather service says. If you are in a flood-prone area, you should move immediately to high ground. The weather service issues a flash flood watch when flash flooding is possible. What to do during a flood warning If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Use a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information. Do not walk through floodwater. Just 6 inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly. Turn around, don't drown: Do not drive into a flooded street. Cars can be swept away by 2 feet of moving water, or there may be unseen damage to the road. If you come to a flooded area, turn around and go another way. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water. Watch out for fire hazards. Move to higher ground. Stay alert and turn weather notifications on. Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article. This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor. (This story was updated to add new information.) See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Flash flood warnings issued for northern Arizona, including Grand Canyon KNOX COUNTY Kentucky State Police are continuing to investigate a deadly shooting in the Flat Lick community of Knox County that left one man dead and his father charged with murder. The father, John Elbert Hall, 68, was arrested and charged with the murder of his son, Johnathan Hall, 47, after Kentucky State Police responded to a call of a gunshot in the Flat Lick community, according to Trooper Shane Jacobs with Kentucky State Police Post 10. Trooper Jacobs said preliminary findings indicate that Halls son walked to his fathers residence Monday night. While inside the home, a verbal altercation took place. During the dispute, the elder Hall is accused of firing a weapon, fatally striking his son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnathan Hall was pronounced dead at the scene by the Knox County Coroners Office. Jail records show that John Hall has been charged with murder and is being held on a $100,000 cash bond. KSP confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the community. Agencies assisting at the scene included the Barbourville Police Department, Knox County Sheriffs Department, Knox EMS, and the Knox County Coroners Office. Trooper Jacobs also confirmed that an autopsy for the victim was denied. Jacobs said the investigation is ongoing and is being handled by Kentucky State Police Post 10 Detectives. Hall is due in Knox County District Court for arraignment Thursday morning. Heavy rains have pushed the threat of major flooding in Pakistan and northern India higher. More than half a million people have been forced to flee in the past 24 hours as the flood threat in Pakistans eastern Punjab province rises, officials said on Thursday. The evacuations brought the total number of people displaced by the threat since last month to 1.8 million, said Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed. He noted that mass evacuations were still continuing in the flood-hit Muzaffargarh district and other areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The action came as India sent out its third flood alert this week following heavy monsoon rains and water releases from dams to low-lying border regions. Indias National Disaster Management Authority said the new spell of monsoon rains is expected to persist for another 24 to 48 hours, adding that floodwaters are likely to surge into the Indus river, posing a threat to areas in southern Sindh province. Millions have been affected by the latest flooding in Pakistan and northern India (File: AFP) Muzaffargarh is among the worst-hit areas in Punjab, where floods have inundated 3,900 villages since the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers burst their banks two weeks ago, Javed said. The flooding has become substantially worse since Wednesday, said Al Jazeeras Kamal Hyder, reporting from Multan in Punjab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yesterday we were at the same location and there was just a couple of feet of water, said Hyder. But now the villagers are telling us that same area is now under 20 feet of water. In Muzaffargarh, Narowal and Kasur, the government has erected tents to host displaced families. People who fled their homes in Muzaffargarh described rushing to safety after urgent flood warnings. Ghulam Abbas, 54, who fled his village with his family, said mosque loudspeakers announced a massive flood surge was on its way, urging everyone to leave as soon as possible. Those who thought the waters wouldnt reach them are now being rescued by boat, Abbas said, adding that his home was submerged overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zainab Akhtar, 33, who is currently living in a government-donated tent with her family, said she has received some food from charities and the government, but added that many survivors were relying on help from relatives. Worst flooding in Punjabs history In Kasur, people said they received some help from the government, and charities arranged food for them. Irfan Ali Kathia, director general of the provincial Disaster Management Authority, said thousands of rescuers are taking part in the relief and rescue operations, while the military has been deployed to transport people and animals from flooded villages. Supplies are on the way for the displaced people, and one of the largest rescue and relief operations is still ongoing, Kathia said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that authorities made some breaches along the embankment of the Chenab river overnight on Wednesday to protect Muzaffargarh city. Our priority is to save lives as this is the worst flooding in Punjabs history, Kathia said. Overall, 3.8 million people have been affected by the flooding in Punjab, Javed said in a statement. He said they include those who suffered damage after their villages were flooded. This is a critical situation, said Hyder. The next few hours are indeed really important, because the city of Multan and Muzaffargarh are under direct threat. The warning is very clear, this flood is not going anywhere and its claiming more and more land, farms and villages by the hour, said Hyder. The floods are the worst since 2022, when climate-induced flooding killed nearly 1,700 people in Pakistan. Texas lawmakers have wrapped up their second special session, advancing a new congressional map, doing away with the STAAR test, and approving abortion restrictions and over-the-counter ivermectin, among other policies. Other proposals, like a ban on consumable THC products and a property tax bill blasted by North Texas cities, didnt make it to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk. The House gaveled out late Wednesday night, and the Senate followed at about 1 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some of the key bills that passed, and others that didnt. Congressional redistricting The early days of the fast-paced special session were largely focused on mid-decade congressional redistricting. Despite opposition from Democrats including a quorum break that derailed an earlier special session Republican lawmakers successfully ushered in a new congressional map that positions Republicans to pick up five seats in Congress. The map has been signed into law by Abbott ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, but is also the subject of lawsuits challenging the new bounderies. Among the changes to North Texas is a reconfiguring of Congressional District 33, held by Rep. Marc Veasey, a Fort Worth Democrat. The district has spanned parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties, but under the new boundaries falls entirely within Dallas County. Replacing the STAAR Test House Bill 8 begins a transition away from the embattled STAAR test to a new system where public school students would take multiple tests throughout the course of the school year. The legislation is headed to Abbotts desk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new assessments would be in place for the start of the 2027-2028 school year. House Bill 8 ends the high stakes and high stress nature of one test, one day, said Rep. Brad Buckley, a Salado Republican who authored the bill. Rep. Gina Hinojosa, an Austin Democrat who opposed the bill, said the legislation expands the amount of testing rather than reducing it. No parent wants this, Hinojosa said. Medication access, restrictions If signed into law by Abbott, Texas would join a handful of other states that allow the over-the-counter sale of ivermectin. The medication used to treat some parasites has also been used to treat COVID-19. It hasnt been approved by the FDA for that purpose and hasnt been shown to be effective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 25, which would let Texans buy the drug without a prescription, received support from U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a recent visit to the state. Its currently on Abbotts desk for approval. Also headed to the governor is House Bill 7, which restricts access to abortion-inducing drugs by allowing a person to sue someone who manufactures or distributes the medication in Texas, including by mail. There are some exceptions to the law, such as medical emergency. A lawsuit also couldnt be brought against a pregnant woman seeking abortion drugs for herself. Abortions are already nearly banned in Texas, following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Central Texas flood response While in Austin for the second special session, the Texas Legislature considered several bills responding to the Central Texas flooding in July, which resulted in more than 130 deaths, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bills that advanced to Abbott include Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1, both of which outlines summer camp safety measures; Senate Bill 5, allocating funds for disaster relief; and Senate Bill 3, which requires outdoor warning sirens in flash flood-prone areas and creates a grant program for emergency sirens. Property tax relief A property tax bill opposed by several North Texas cities stalled during the second special session, after a conference committee version of the legislation stripped out several House amendments. Senate Bill 10 as filed would have required that cities and counties go to voters to increase property taxes by more than 2.5% in communities with more than 75,000 people. The House version lowered that threshold to 1% and expanded it to all cities and counties, as well as Municipal Utility Districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers on both sides of the aisles had raised concerns about the bills, as had the city of Fort Worth. Some Republicans said it doesnt go far enough to offer property tax relief, with Rep. Mitch Little of Lewisville describing it as essentially a coffee-runs worth of savings. A majority of House lawmakers rejected a conference committee version of the bill. Bathroom regulations for government buildings Texas Lawmakers approved legislation regulating which bathrooms people use in government buildings, sending the bill to Abbott. Under Senate Bill 8, multiple-occupancy private spaces like bathrooms and lockers rooms must be designated for use only by individuals of one sex. Local governments and state agencies must take every reasonable step to ensure an individual whose sex is opposite to the sex designated for a multiple-occupancy private space... does not enter the private space. That means transgender Texans would not be allowed to use the bathroom aligning with their gender identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cities, counties and state agencies that dont comply could be fined $25,000 for violating the law. The fine increases to $125,000 for each subsequent violation. Opponents of the policy say its unnecessary, discriminatory and would endanger transgender Texans, while supporters say its needed to protect the safety of womens private spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms, according to a summary by the House Research Organization. A push for a similar bathroom bill in 2017 fizzled amid pushback from transgender Texans and members of Texas business community. Consumable THC ban The push for restrictions on consumable hemp products has stalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conversations were reportedly bubbling on Sept. 3 after little movement in recent weeks, but House and Senate lawmakers ultimately adjourned without passing a bill regulating Texas hemp industry. In his special session call, Abbott instructed lawmakers to pass legislation making it a crime to give hemp-derived products to children under 21. He also said lawmakers should pass legislation to comprehensively regulate hemp-derived products, including limiting potency, restricting synthetically modified compounds, and establishing enforcement mechanisms, all without banning lawful hemp-derived products. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has made a ban on consumable THC products a top priority. The Legislature passed a ban, as championed by Patrick, during the regular session but it was vetoed by Abbott, who said the bill was well-intentioned but would have faced legal challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After long discussions last night between the Governor, Speaker, and me on THC, and continued hours of discussion today, we were not able to come to a resolution, Patrick said in a social media post Wednesday night. Patrick thanked Abbott and House Speaker Dustin Burrows, a Lubbock Republican, for making an effort to find a solution, but said his position remains unchanged. The Senate and I are for a total THC ban, Patrick said. This story was originally published on Multifamily Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Multifamily Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Joe Fisher stepped down from his position as UDRs president and chief investment officer on Tuesday, according to a news release from the firm. He will provide transition assistance through the end of the year. Fisher had served as the Highlands Ranch, Colorado-based REITs president since 2022 and CIO since January 2025. Before that, he was UDRs CFO from 2017 to 2025. UDRs board of directors appointed Chairman and CEO Tom Toomey as the companys president. Other members of the REITs management team will assume Fishers other responsibilities, per the release. Dive Insight: Haendel St. Juste, managing director of REITs for investment bank Mizuho Securities, said in a research note shared with Multifamily Dive that UDR did not cite specific reasons for Fishers departure on a call with his firm. The announcement caught us/investors by surprise, and we expect the stock to be weak tomorrow [Wednesday, Sept. 3] given Fisher's tenure, credibility and key roles held at UDR since joining as CFO in 2017, St. Juste wrote in the note. UDR told St. Juste that Fishers departure was "amicable" and not due to a disagreement. The move had been in the works for months. The former CIOs separation agreement calls for an immediate severance payment of $3 million and an additional $3 million payable over 12 months, St. Juste wrote. As for why now, the timing reflects UDR's desire to formalize the move before the September conference season, St. Juste wrote. Fisher had been expected to succeed Toomey, leaving the REITs succession plans up in the air, according to St. Juste. We also believe Fisher's departure suggests that current CEO Toomey is likely to remain in the CEO seat for another three-to-five-plus years, though we note Toomey is not currently on a multi-year contract, St. Juste wrote. In the news release announcing his departure, Fisher commented that the decision did not come easily, but UDR was in a great position for success. Toomey said that UDR was grateful for Fishers contributions. Joe made significant contributions across the organization since joining UDR in early 2017 and will be missed, Toomey said in the release. Despite beating expectations in the second quarter, UDR will have to deal with a slowing rental market for the remainder of the year. Replacing Fisher will place yet another challenge in front of the management team. In Jacksonville, Florida, a few weeks ago, a 5-year-old named William woke up before the rest of his family. He left their home and fully fenced-in yard barefoot and walked over to the local Chick-fil-A alone. The video of the story has gone viral, and for once, it's for a wonderful reason: The cops who responded to the situation returned William to his home and did not arrest his parents. Restaurant employees couldn't help but notice that this early morning patron was younger than their average solo customer. They gave the boy breakfast while they waited for the police to respond to their call. When Patrol Officers Perri and Kelly arrived on the scene, they asked William where he lived. "It's right across the street, right over there!" the boy replied, vaguely pointing his thumb behind him. Once William had finished eating, they walked him out to their cruiser to take him home. "Are you going to get me in jail?" William asked. One of the officers laughed and assured William, "No. I'm not going to put you in jail." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers then drove William around the neighborhood until he recognized his home. The house was completely surrounded by a hefty gate, which one of the officers had to jump over in order to knock on the door and alert William's parents to the fact that he had wandered off. "I have childrenthe first thing, you know, you get that knot in your stomach because you know, somebody else whose a parent is missing their child," remarked Perri. The empathy and compassion shown for these parents is a breath of fresh air. When Phil and Victoria answered the door, they were not clapped into handcuffs as this Georgia mom was when her 10-year-old son walked off without her knowing. Or like this Texas mom, who was arrested after making her 8-year-old son walk half a mile home in their suburban neighborhood. They weren't investigated for neglect like this Maryland mom, or this South Carolina mom, or this Virginia mom, or this Colorado mom whose son wandered off at a picnic. They weren't charged with neglect like this mom, who let her 9-year-old nephew walk her 3-year-old son a quarter mile to McDonald's. Instead, the officers and William's parents marveled at how wily kids can be, and how scary it is when your kid goes missing. Later on, the family, the officers, and the Chick-fil-A employees had a little celebration, complete with high fivesnot high bail. Contrast that with these North Carolina parents who were held on $1.5 million bail each after their 7-year-old son was tragically hit and killed by a car while walking to the store with his 10-year-old brother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kids will always be kids. Arresting parents simply for not knowing the exact whereabouts of their children every second of the day means punishing parents for being humans who are raising younger humans. In July, Florida became the 11th state to pass a Reasonable Childhood Independence law with the help of my non-profit, Let Grow. It clarifies that "neglect" is when a parent or guardian "fails to supply the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or health care, although financially able to do so; however, the term does not include a caregiver allowing a child to engage in independent and unsupervised activities" unless they constitute "reckless conduct." I asked Jacksonville Sheriff's Office spokesman Christian Hancock if our law was the reason the cops did not arrest the parents. He said it was simpler than that. "These parents didn't do anything wrong." Hear, hear! It's only fair to celebrate the good, not just the bad. God knows I sound the alarm when law enforcement goes overboard on parents. When they act with common sense and kindness, it makes sense to share those stories, too. The post Florida Boy Walked to Chick-Fil-A Alone. Police Returned Him Home and Didn't Arrest His Parents. appeared first on Reason.com. A Florida congressman is at the center of a growing legal and political controversy involving allegations of misconduct and a potential official reprimand in the U.S. House of Representatives. On Wednesday, Representative Yvette Clarke (D-NY) introduced a motion to censure Representative Cory Mills (R-FL), citing behavior that she says brings discredit upon the House of Representatives. I rise to give notice of my intention to raise questions about the privileges of the House, Clarke said on the House floor. A censure is a formal reprimand that can be issued by either chamber of Congress or both. While it carries no legal consequences, it is considered a serious form of public condemnation for elected officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clarkes motion references a series of allegations against Mills, including a reported incident of domestic violence and an ongoing legal dispute with his ex-girlfriend, Lindsey Langston, the current Miss United States. Langston is seeking a restraining order against Mills. Court records show both parties are expected to appear before a judge this Friday. Representative Cory Mills has on several occasions conducted himself in a manner that reflects discredit upon the House of Representatives, Clarke added. The incident cited by Clarke occurred earlier this year in Washington, D.C. According to a police report, officers responded to an assault call on the 1300 block of Maryland Avenue SW. Officers were called to the 1300 block of Maryland Avenue Southwest around 1:15 p.m. for the report of an assault, Clarke said during her remarks. Mills has denied any wrongdoing in connection with the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether the motion will move forward remains uncertain. Because the House is currently controlled by a Republican majority, its unlikely the censure will be brought to a vote without further action. However, Clarke has the option to introduce the measure as a privileged motion, which would require the House to act within 48 hours. Rep. Clarke sent us the following statement: The United States Congress should strive to represent the best this nation has to offer. Given the depth, severity, and disturbing nature of the many allegations against Congressman Cory Mills, it is overwhelmingly clear that he falls far short of that aspiration. While Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration continue their desperate efforts to criminalize members of our party for conducting Congressional oversight just to run cover for the criminals in their own, and while the Trump corrupted courts continue their refusal to ensure Mr. Mills is responsible for his misconduct, my Democratic colleagues and I will not stand by and pretend his character is worthy of the Congress. His victims deserve justice, and his constituents deserve better. As we evaluate the best possible path towards advancing our censure on the House Floor and holding Mr. Mills accountable for his documented history of abuse, impropriety, and behavior that is unbecoming of a Member of Congress, we will keep all legislative and parliamentary options on the table. We will never surrender our moral clarity for any abusers convenience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WFTV has reached out to Representative Mills for comment. We will update this story as soon as we receive a response. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Lavon Bracy Davis participates in debate in the Florida House on March 26, 2025. (Via Florida House) While it was no surprise that two Democrats easily won special legislative elections in Orange County on Tuesday night, party members contend that their margins of victory indicate increased voter intensity for Florida Democrats going into 2026. Democrat LaVon Bracy Davis defeated Republican Willie J. Montague in the Senate District 15 race by 46 points, 73%-27%. That seat had been vacant since February after the previous occupant, Geraldine Thompson, died at 76 following complications from knee surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the House District 40 race that became open after Bracy Davis stepped down from the seat to run for Senate, Democrat RaShon Young defeated Republican Tuan Lee by 50 points, 75%-25%. By comparison, Democrat Kamala Harris defeated Donald Trump in the county 56%-42% last November. Frustrations of Floridians When you look at our over-performance on what happened on Tuesday, while the Democrats voted, the NPAs voted, we had a lot of Republicans that voted on this side as well, Bracy Davis said in a Zoom conference call organized by the Florida Democratic Party on Thursday. And I think that speaks to the frustration of Floridians. Floridians really want our Legislature to be focused on issues that affect them. Theyre sick of culture wars. Theyre sick of folks theyve sent to Tallahassee that are focused on everything but their pocketbooks, she continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We spent an extended session last session, and we were passing bills like changing textbooks from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America, and no constituent, Democrat or Republican, has called me asking for that. Theyre asking me about property insurance and theyre asking me about rent caps and theyre asking me about this affordability crisis and ensuring that they have medical care. Bracy Davis has represented District 40 in the state House since 2022. She submitted her formal resignation from the seat in April, and it became effective on Sept. 1. She won the primary election for the Senate seat in June in a four-person field, defeating Coretta Anthony-Smith, former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, and her brother, former state legislator Randolph Bracy. Young, a former legislative chief-of-staff for Bracy Davis, defeated former state Rep. Travaris McCurdy in the June Democratic primary. At 26, he is now the youngest member of the Florida House. RaShon Young via his campaign website People are sick and tired of the wasteful spending. Theyre sick and tired of people overlooking the issues that are impacting them. They dont want to have conversations about road art. They dont want to have conversations about an internment camp. They dont want an internment camp in their state, he said Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What they want is to make sure that they can put food on their tables. That they can have sustainable healthcare. That they can afford to put gas in their car. And these are the things that are not being addressed. So, these wins speak to the realization of people seeing that common-sense legislation starts with commonsense legislators, right? And the time for acquiescing to the desires of the governor or the president have come and gone, and we cannot continue to do it because Floridians are struggling. Floridians are hurting. Both seats are in Orange County, which remains a Democratic stronghold in a state that continues to move further red. According to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, Democrats hold a 12-point voter registration lead in the county, 39%-27%, with another 30% registered as non-party-affiliated. Republicans continue to enjoy a supermajority advantage over Democrats in both the state House and Senate. There are now 11 Democrats in the 40-member Senate, one independent, and 26 Republicans, with three vacancies. In the House, they now control 86 seats to the Democrats 32, with two vacancies. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE As Palm Beach County officials prepare to approve a multibillion-dollar budget for the upcoming fiscal year, a lingering concern is the information not yet provided by Florida DOGE. After teams from the state Department of Government Efficiency examined records at Palm Beach County government offices on Aug. 18 and 19, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia told reporters that some of what had been found was a little eye-popping. Ingoglias remarks, scrutinizing government spending, has drawn Palm Beach County commissioners attention. Some of them question if the countys soon-to-be approved budget will need to face significant changes when DOGE eventually reveals its findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I, for one, am very uncomfortable knowing that we have to vote on the budget in two weeks and there are potential eye-popping findings, and how do we as a board address that? Commissioner Marci Woodward asked at a commission meeting on Aug. 26. During an in-person visit two weeks ago, Ingoglia also said DOGE had identified some things, some area of opportunities in the county that voters would not deem as the best use of tax dollars. Scrutiny across the state DOGE teams have been traversing through city and county offices across the state in an effort to find spending deemed wasteful and unnecessary, an initiative championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that resembles the Trump administrations model of scrutinizing federal spending. But state officials arent letting on about what exactly is being found. Instead, Ingoglia made limited remarks about how DOGE is uncovering misspending, such as when he said during a news conference in Tampa that teams were finding pretty egregious examples of waste, fraud and abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specific information will, apparently, be available in reports coming out about 60 days after visits to municipal offices are complete. Former Interim County Administrator Todd Bonlarron told the commissioners during the meeting that based on the questions DOGE asked county officials during the in-person visits, he believes DOGEs findings may address efficiency issues already being analyzed by new County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo. A few of those things are things that were really working on, you know, internally ourselves. But I dont think that theres going to be some big, long thing that says, Well, you have to do this, you have to do that,' Bonlarron said. But again, I dont know, and nobody from any other jurisdiction that we know has that information yet either. Sherry Brown, the director of the countys Office of Financial Management and Budget, said she too does not know what Ingoglia was referring to when he mentioned eye-popping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant tell you to make changes when I have no idea what the report is going to be, she told commissioners. In July, Abruzzo said the commission will conduct performance evaluations of all county employees, the goals of which are to save taxpayer dollars, streamline and even cut costs. During the Aug. 26 meeting, Abruzzo recalled his experience in performing audits as the former county Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. So it seemed out of the norm for DOGE to discuss its early findings before completing reports. Generally, an auditor doesnt make comments like that, Abruzzo said. They wait until the findings occur. Its not standard practice. Normally we dont comment until the audit is complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County Mayor Maria Marino, who is, like Woodward, a Republican, called the audit process very disappointing. We have two days of audits, theyre going to take 60 days, but we have to vote on a budget, she said during the August meeting. One chief goal of the DOGE process is to reduce property taxes, which could pose a precarious financial bind for the county as it divvies spending. We, as a county, and as a large county of close to 2,400 square miles, have a very big demand on our infrastructure. So we, as a county, need to lay the groundwork for just exactly how much of our budget actually goes to delivering the services that everyone in our county comes here and expects to get, she said. And if we dont collect property taxes, we cannot give any of those services unless somehow the state government figures out another way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historically, county officials have conducted mid-year adjustments to the budget, Marino said, and Abruzzo confirmed the county would be able to amend the budget if needed. There would be some leeway, he said. Still, frustration among commissioners was evident after Ingoglia didnt elaborate about the eye-popping findings. County Commissioner Bobby Powell said Ingoglias action is not uncommon for people in the Legislature to do that is, throwing out a term and not explaining it. Most people do not get involved in local government or county government to be wasteful. Most people are not here to make huge salaries and sacrificing their families to waste taxpayer dollars, Powell said. We have a job to do. We have to represent the individuals of Palm Beach County, all of us, whether were Democrat or Republican, we have a responsibility to our citizens, to our taxpayers, and to those who we serve. The US state of Florida is planning to drop all vaccination requirements, including routine childhood shots for measles, diphtheria, and other life-threatening illnesses. Floridas surgeon general said all vaccine mandates would end because every last one drips with disdain and slavery. It would make Florida the only US state to lack vaccine requirements for school attendance. The countrys leadership is increasingly vaccine-skeptical: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has repeatedly voiced concerns about the impacts of immunizations. Yet there is a growing divide between states on the issue, with California, Oregon, and Washington all solidly Democratic announcing a health alliance that would make vaccine recommendations separately from federal agencies, while some Northeastern states are considering a similar effort. Florida is poised to become the first state to drop all vaccine requirements, including immunizations for schools. At a Sept. 3 press conference in Valrico in Hillsborough County, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Florida's surgeon general, and Gov. Ron DeSantis said that all vaccine mandates in the state would end. Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery, Ladapo said. Who am I to tell you what your child should put in their body? I dont have that right. Your body is a gift from God. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ladapo, the state's top public health official, said that he would repeal about a half-dozen vaccine requirements controlled by the Florida Department of Health and DeSantis and that the Florida Legislature would work to repeal other vaccinations required under state law such as polio, diphtheria, rubeola, rubella, pertussis, mumps, tetanus and other communicable diseases. A 2024 study showed that infant mortality rates have plummeted over the last 50 years and access to vaccines brought those rates 40% lower than they would have been otherwise. Leaders of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other health professionals were quick to speak out against the move by Florida leaders. Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, a member of the AMA Board of Trustees, said the group strongly opposes Floridas plan to end all vaccine mandates, including those required for school attendance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This unprecedented rollback would undermine decades of public health progress and place children and communities at increased risk for diseases such as measles, mumps, polio, and chickenpox resulting in serious illness, disability, and even death, said Fryhofer, a board-certified physician of internal medicine. While there is still time, we urge Florida to reconsider this change to help prevent a rise of infectious disease outbreaks that put health and lives at risk. Florida seeing drop in vaccinations, rise in preventable diseases Vaccination rates have dropped in Florida as the anti-vaccine movement has picked up steam. Last year, the number of whooping cough cases in Florida soared eight time the cases compared to the year before as the vaccination rate dropped below herd immunity levels. A measles outbreak in Miami-Dade resulted in nine infections in 2024. with four cases of the highly infectious and potentially fatal airborne disease in the state reported so far this year. Federal and medical professional guidelines recommend that unvaccinated children in schools where cases are reported stay home for three weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ladapo refused to mandate that move and said that the Florida Department of Health was "deferring to parents or guardians to make decisions about school attendance." When will Florida end its vaccination requirements? Governor DeSantis Announces Florida MAHA Commission and Medical Freedom Protections https://t.co/o4lglzuXAT Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 3, 2025 No timeline was announced at the press conference, but Ladapo said some unspecified vaccine requirements could end soon. "We actually have the ability to start that process with what government folks call 'rules,'" he said. "So the Florida Department of Health, we have some, some rules that we promulgated, not me, predecessors, that include, you know, a handful, maybe a half a dozen, vaccines that that are mandated in Florida. So those are going to be gone, for sure." Ladapo said the FDOH would work with DeSantis and lawmakers to "get rid of the rest of it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We need to end it. It's the right thing to do," he said. Who is Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Florida Surgeon General? Joseph Abiodun Ladapo, 46, is a Nigerian native and son of a microbiologist who immigrated to the U.S. with his family in the 1980s. Ladapo earned a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Wake Forest University and an M.D. and a Ph.D in Health Policy from Harvard University. He worked at different hospitals in New York City and served as a professor at the NYU School of Medicine and a staff fellow with the Food and Drug Administration before becoming a researcher at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Ladapo is married, with three young sons. Ladapo's primary research interests, according to his previous online "about" page with UCLA Health, included assessing the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic technologies and reducing the population burden of cardiovascular disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite his lack of specialization in infectious disease, he also became prominent in the movement against the mainstream medical community's positions on treatments, vaccines and masking. Ladapo wrote editorials for the Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY and the New York Daily News on the topic, saying masks have little or no effect on respiratory virus transmission, despite studies to the contrary, and recommending treatments such as the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine and the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin, which have since been proven ineffective. Ladapo has been associated with extremist groups such as America's Frontline Doctors and Tea Party Patriots Action and was a signatory of the Great Barrington Declaration, which criticized most pandemic mitigation measures and instead recommended allowing people to be infected to create a natural, or "herd," immunity, an idea supported by President Donald Trump in his first term but considered dangerous by researchers and the larger medical community. Supporters have said he is an intelligent and credentialed scientist and fully qualified. Some of Ladapo's previous colleagues at UCLA have expressed surprise and shock at his views after the pandemic began. When did Joseph Ladapo become Florida's Surgeon General? In 2020, then-Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees said in public that to fight the growing dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic Florida might need to practice social distancing well into the next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This conflicted with DeSantis' growing message of opening up Florida and getting children back into schools, which turned into claims of governmental oppression and speeches in favor of personal freedom. The state's surgeon general was kept out of public sight for months, during a global pandemic, before Rivkes finally retired in 2021. DeSantis replaced him with Ladapo, who had just been hired by the University of Florida College of Medicine, two events that DeSantis said at the time were coincidental. That employment was later discovered to have been fast-tracked with the help of a DeSantis donor, resulting in the governor-appointed Florida Board of Medicine's approval in only two days rather than the usual 2-6 months. Ladapo was reportedly pushed through the UF hiring process. He also received a 52% raise over Rivkees, making him one of the top 10 highest-paid Florida government employees. Ladapo was quick to support DeSantis' views and provided his own on social media, at public events and on multiple far-right anti-vaccine podcasts, claiming there was a concerted effort to hide stories of people with adverse reactions to vaccines, accusing the government in general and the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci, in particular of defrauding the American people, and urging Floridians to follow their intuition over medical professionals. Just check in with your gut. Who do you think you can trust, and go with those individuals, Ladapo told First Class Fatherhood podcast host Alec Lace. Dr. Joseph Ladapo's controversy timeline in Florida September 2021: Within a day of being hired, Ladapo signed new rules allowing parents to decide if children exposed to people who tested positive for COVID had to quarantine or if they could go to school, eliminating the previous requirement for exposed students to quarantine off campus for at least four days. "Fear is done," he said during a press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement October 2021: Ladapo refused to wear a mask at a meeting with Democratic state Sen. Tina Polsky even after she told him she had a serious medical condition (later confirmed as breast cancer) and was at a higher risk for serious complications from COVID. After she asked him to leave and word got out, a firestorm erupted with Democrats and members of the medical community castigating him for endangering her life. Ladapo issued a statement nearly a week later saying he was saddened by her diagnosis but didn't think he could communicate effectively with a mask on. Ladapo appeared at DeSantis' side in public appearances, promoting monoclonal antibody treatment, supporting the governor's views on blocking vaccine and mask mandates and accusing the public health community of fearmongering. Critics accused him of spreading misinformation that led to people being hesitant or afraid of vaccines. December 2021: The Florida Department of Health rejected a complaint about Ladapo that said he violated state medical laws by publicly casting doubts about COVID vaccines and promoting unproven treatments. Florida saw 2,933,782 cases of COVID-19 and 23,352 deaths in 2021, compared to 1,317,300 cases and 39,877 deaths in 2020. January 2022: Senate Democrats all walked out of Ladapo's confirmation hearing before the Senate Health Policy Committee after what they said was a lack of honest answers about his qualifications and the current state of the pandemic during a lengthy interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a press conference that month, DeSantis and Ladapo told Floridians who weren't showing symptoms not to get tested. If you dont have symptoms, you are not a case," Ladapo said despite CDC guidance saying that asymptomatic people with COVID can still pass it on to more vulnerable people and they may still develop debilitating long COVID themselves weeks later. February 2022: During his confirmation hearing Ladapo dodged questions about vaccine effectiveness, how much time he actually spent at UF, whether he had been vaccinated himself, and his connections with "fringe medical group" Americas Frontline Doctors. He was ultimately confirmed along party lines. April 2022: Ladapo's FDOH cited a study by an Australian pediatrician to support restricting transgender health care. The pediatrician, Dr. Ken Pang, strongly objected to the medical board, saying his research was misrepresented and showed exactly the opposite. "To be seeing the research we've done being utilized in this way I was just dismayed by that, Pang told VICE.com. June 2022: DeSantis and the FDOH, under Ladapo, refused to pre-order COVID-19 vaccines for children under five when they became available, the only U.S. state to do so, citing the lack of need and the risks. Ladapo appeared before Congress to defend the state's decision and said the state didn't recommend vaccines for children under 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement October 2022: Ladapo urged men younger than 40 to avoid the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccine and booster shots because of the "abnormally high risk of cardiac-related death among men in this age group," citing an anonymous non-peer-reviewed analysis from the FDOH. The move prompted a backlash from doctors, researchers and the federal government. At the time, Florida was leading the country in COVID deaths for the third month in a row. January 2023: A task force of UF medical school doctors concluded that the FDOH recommendation against COVID vaccines for young men was of highly questionable merit" and that Ladapo cherry-picked data to support his stance. Politico went further and, after examining different drafts of the analysis, reported that Ladapo had personally changed the study to remove data that contradicted his views. Ladapo has denied this. March 2023: In response to a letter from Ladapo demanding answers based on his own research on vaccine safety, the FDA and CDC asked him to stop disproportionally focusing on the small number of adverse effects in the studies of 13 billion COVID shots given around the world while ignoring the number of people the vaccines have saved. "Unfortunately, the misinformation about COVID-19 vaccine safety has caused some Americans to avoid getting the vaccines they need to be up to date," the letter reads. April 2023: The FDOH under Ladapo stopped reporting COVID infections and deaths to the federal government Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement September 2023: Ladapo recommended against anyone under the age of 65 getting the new COVID-19 vaccine booster the FDA approved to combat new, more infectious variants, directly contradicting CDC guidance. He claimed that the mRNA boosters altered human DNA, which the CDC and multiple studies have said is false. November 2023: After a two-year battle over COVID public records, the FDOH under Ladapo settled a lawsuit about withholding COVID data and released information spanning the entire duration of the pandemic on the state's FLHealthCHARTS.gov site. However, the agency also stopped providing cumulative totals, percentages, new case positivity, data on booster doses and overviews that made it easier to see trends. Cases in Florida hit a new high of 3,071,567 in 2022 but the death rate dropped, with 21,320 deaths reported. January 2024: Ladapo made headlines again by "calling for a halt to the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines" because he said he didn't receive an adequate response from the FDA about the safety of vaccines. Meanwhile, Florida was seeing a spike in new COVID cases and hospitalizations. February 2024: After six children at Manatee Baty Elementary School in Westin caught measles, Ladapo sent a letter to parents saying it was "normally recommended" for unvaccinated children who have not previously had the disease to be kept home for three weeks "because of the high likelihood" they would get infected. But he also said the state would not mandate such a move, saying the Florida Department of Health was "deferring to parents or guardians to make decisions about school attendance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measles is considered one of the most contagious infections for humans, according to Dr. Aileen Marty, a professor at Florida International University and an expert in infectious disease and disaster medicine. If a person with measles comes in contact with a group of unvaccinated people, there is a 90% chance of the unvaccinated person becoming ill, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. September 2024: Florida pediatricians reported that vaccination levels in the state are getting dangerously low, increasing the risk of outbreaks of diseases that are otherwise preventable. Ladapo issued a statement warning Floridians against getting the new COVID-19 vaccine, using the same anti-mRNA arguments the FDA rebutted the year before. October 2024: The FDOH under Ladapo sent out a cease-and-desist order to at least two television stations over what it called misrepresentations of the state's abortion laws in a political ad for a constitutional amendment. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under former President Joe Biden called the letter a "flagrant abuse of power" that "must be rejected." The group behind the amendment filed a federal lawsuit against Ladapo, accusing him of violating its First Amendment rights. November 2024: Ladapo asked Florida residents to call their legislators and demand them to stop adding fluoride to public drinking water, saying the practice is tantamount to "public health malpractice." U.S. health experts strongly disagreedm but several cities ended the practice and the Florida Legislature banned it in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement March 2025: In a press conference reporting the first measles case in Florida in 225, Ladapo reiterated that measles vaccines are available for children, but decisions about whether to give a child the vaccine, or whether to send an unvaccinated child to school, should be left to parents. As of Aug. 30, six cases have been reported in the state, according to FDOH data. April 2025: Ladapo speaks at a "Freedom Fest" event in Sarasota denouncing Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases who was a key member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. Floridians have the freedom to make informed health choices. I support the decision to consume raw milk when sought for potential health benefits and protective factors. Be aware of your source and know the risks.https://t.co/n78r8e1Tl3 https://t.co/n78r8e1Tl3 Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD (@FLSurgeonGen) August 12, 2025 August 2025: A few days after 21 people were sickened (six of them under age 10) and seven people were hospitalized with severe complications after consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk from a Florida farm, Ladapo said that "Floridians have the freedom to make informed health choices" and that he supported the decision to consume it. Human consumption of raw milk, which has not been heated to neutralize harmful bacteria, is legal in Florida but selling it for human consumption is not. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida leaders to end vaccine requirements. Who is Joseph Ladapo? Ron DeSantis potential Republican gubernatorial successors seem to be on board with his administrations plan to end all Florida vaccination requirements. In statements Thursday, Republican former speaker of the state House Paul Renner and U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the leading Republicans in the 2026 governors race, backed the states proposal. I do think its a step in the right direction, Donalds said in a radio interview Thursday. Medical freedom as we go forward is important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an X post, Donalds said parents should be empowered to make vaccination decisions for their children. Renner noted that he supported COVID vaccine mandates as Florida House speaker. Parents should not be forced to have their children take a vaccine that they think is unsafe, Renner said. However, we should have safe and effective vaccines that save lives. The candidates did not go as far as those in the DeSantis administration have gone to back the move. Surgeon general, Joseph Ladapo, whos set to lead the effort to get school vaccine mandates banned, likened them to slavery. (Its unclear whether Ladapos push will pass muster in the Florida Legislature, which officially convenes in January.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis, whos in his second term, must leave office in January 2027 because of term limits. He has declined to endorse both Donalds and Renner. President Donald Trump endorsed Donalds in February. David Jolly, the leading Democrat in the race, blasted the states move on vaccines. In a statement Wednesday, the former U.S. representative from Pinellas called for Ladapo to be fired. On Thursday, he criticized Donalds for backing DeSantis. Hes risking lives right now by validating DeSantis and Ladapo because hes too worried about his own GOP primary, Jolly posted to X. Hes weak. Rick Scott, DeSantis immediate predecessor, also criticized the proposal, saying it is unnecessary. He noted that Florida already allows families to opt out for religious reasons. The Florida Hometown Heroes program has opened applications, offering up to $35,000 to assist first-time homebuyers with down payments and closing costs. The program offers financial support via a zero percent loan, tailored for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, active duty military, and veterans. Importantly, applying for this program is free, making it available to qualified individuals. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. AccuWeather.com A Florida man was rescued after becoming lost in a marsh during heavy rain, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. The man called 911 on Aug. 28 after wandering for more than an hour in Princess Place Preserve, a 1,500-acre nature preserve with miles of trails and salt marshes. He told dispatchers he was standing in ankle-deep water as rain poured down. Communications Specialist First Class Ashlie Hicks tracked the caller's GPS coordinates and relayed updates as deputies searched the area, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. They found his vehicle near the woodline, but severe weather prevented the use of helicopters and delayed drone support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While still on the phone, the man said he could hear sirens and that the water had risen to his waist. Commander Robert Tarczewski and Deputy Marcus Dawson entered the woods on foot, slogging through knee-deep mud and heavy rain until they reached him. Bodycam video shows deputies pushing through thick vegetation with only flashlights for visibility. A drone later joined the effort, helping guide the soaked man back to safety. He was evaluated by medical personnel and found to have no serious injuries. Sheriff Rick Staly praised the rescue as a "testament to the teamwork, persistence and dedication" of both deputies and dispatchers who ensured a safe outcome in dangerous conditions. NEED TO KNOW A woman in Florida was warned she could lose her leg or even die after contracting a flesh-eating bacteria following a local beach swim Genevieve Gallagher, 49, contracted Vibrio vulnificus after swimming with her 7-year-old daughter in Santa Rosa Sound off Pensacola Beach "The pain is unbelievable. It feels like somebody took gasoline, poured it on my leg, and lit my leg on fire," Gallagher, who has had to have multiple surgeries, said. A Florida mom was warned by doctors that she might die or lose her leg after contracting a flesh-eating bacteria following a swim near a local beach. On July 27, Genevieve Gallagher, 49, of Pensacola, went for a swim with her 7-year-old daughter, Mila, in Santa Rosa Sound off Pensacola Beach, per the Pensacola News Journal newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallagher and her husband, Dana, had gone boating behind the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, before she and her daughter decided to go for a dip near Quietwater Beach, the outlet noted. Getty Pensacola Beach Pensacola Beach Three days later, on July 30, Gallagher started to experience symptoms of an infection, including sweats. Her leg also swelled and bubbled with blisters, so she was rushed into surgery that afternoon, and she learned she'd contracted the flesh-eating bacteria known as Vibrio vulnificus. Gallagher believes she caught the infection through a small cut on her left leg. Per 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." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Symptoms get worse quickly. They include fever, low blood pressure and painful blisters," the site adds. Gallagher, who has been undergoing treatment at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, had to have most of the tissue on her left leg below the knee removed to try and stop the bacteria from spreading, the Pensacola News Journal reported. Getty Vibrio cholerae bacteria Vibrio cholerae bacteria I thought I had an infection, but never did I think I had a flesh-eating bacterium, she told the paper. [There are] no antibiotics that they can give you to stop it. They just have to get out any infected skin and tissue. Theyve got to get it off your body. Gallagher was intubated for nearly a week after going into septic shock amid the infection. Medical staff repeatedly scrubbed and cleaned out her leg in an attempt to remove any dying tissue. Doctors ended up warning the family that Gallagher might lose her leg or even her life to the illness, the paper noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were finally able to get me stable enough to wake me up, thank God, Gallagher told the outlet, adding of her daughter, Mila saw me in the hospital and said, I wish this happened to me and not you, and I started crying. That broke my heart." "I was like Mila, no, I'm so glad it didn't happen to you. Your little body could not have taken all this that's going on, she added. Gallagher, who has had multiple surgeries, shared, Just looking at my leg, it doesn't even look like my leg anymore. It looks deformed right now. The pain is unbelievable. It feels like somebody took gasoline, poured it on my leg, and lit my leg on fire. That's what it feels like. According to the Florida Department of Health, there have been 23 cases of Vibrio vulnificus in the state this year so far, and five deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that normally lives in warm seawater and is part of a group of vibrios that are called 'halophilic' because they require salt," the government agency said on its website, adding that "infections are rare." The site stated, "Water and wounds do not mix. Do not enter the water if you have fresh cuts or scrapes." 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. Gallagher said that on the day she and her daughter went swimming, she attempted to cover her cut with a waterproof bandage, per the Pensacola News Journal. She insisted that if she'd known the risks, she would never have entered the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it's so hot and that water is not moving, that bacteria is just growing and growing and growing, she told the newspaper. There are no signs out there saying, Hey, this water has a high infection rate for vibrio, or, Hey, this water tested positive, like they do in Panama City, because I'm sure if they did, people would not be swimming over there. UF Health and Escambia County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger, who represents Pensacola Beach, didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment. PEOPLE has also reached out to Gallagher for an update on her recovery. Read the original article on People The AAFA is calling on US Congress to immediately renew the AGOA and HOPE/HELP programmes, which are scheduled to expire on 30 September 2025. AGOA, which came into force in 2000, has played a significant role in US economic policy towards sub-Saharan Africa, offering duty-free access to the US market for more than 1,800 products from eligible countries, said the group. This is in conjunction with the over 5,000 products that already benefit from duty-free entry under the Generalized System of Preferences programme. Currently, 32 nations benefit from AGOA's provisions. The initiative not only bolsters US exports but also encourages diverse commercial partnerships across the Atlantic. While, the Haiti HOPE/HELP is seen as pivotal in connecting US and Haitian textile markets by allowing Haitian-made textiles and apparel to enter the US duty-free for more than 15 years. AAFA trade and customs policy vice president Beth Hughes told Just Style exclusively: "The lack of certainty that these programmes will be renewed, as Congress waits to the very last moment, has already stymied investment opportunities." She added: "In the short term, losing the AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP programmes adds to the trade chaos already caused by incessant and constantly changing tariffs." Hughes fears that in the long term, ending these programmes will undermine decades of bipartisan cooperation and cede these strategic regions to Chinas sphere of influence. In an official statement she pointed out these programmes safeguard and support our 3.6 American workers while sustaining jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa and Haiti and opening markets to US cotton and textile exports. "These are bipartisan priorities. Renewing these programmes is an urgent, cost-effective, and bipartisan solution. Lets continue the decades-long tradition of overwhelming support for these programmes that strengthen growing regions abroad while preserving and enhancing American competitiveness at home. The AAFA has actively engaged with policymakers, providing testimony to the Office of the US Trade Representative regarding the renewal of AGOA in July. In February this year, the AAFA also encouraged legislative action for a new ten-year extension of the HOPE/HELP programme for Haiti, aiming to mitigate supply chain uncertainties that could affect businesses reliant on these trade flows. "The programmes are not only good for American companies, American workers, and the US economy, they ensure America remains influential in key regions of the world, said AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar. Republican officials in Florida announced this week that they want to eliminate all vaccine mandates for schools. Its not that simple: It will require action from state lawmakers. But the announcement raises several questions about the future spread of infectious diseases and the disproportionate impact on infants, children, the elderly and immunocompromised people in the state and country. In a news conference Wednesday, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo said he wanted to end all vaccine mandates in Florida law, calling them wrong despite extensive evidence that they have halted the spread of disease and prevented death. Who am I as a government or anyone else who am I as a man standing here now to tell you what you should put in your body? said Ladapo, who previously challenged the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, claims that were refuted by federal officials at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Florida, state law dictates vaccine requirements for polio, diphtheria, measles, rubella, pertussis or whooping cough, mumps, tetanus and other communicable diseases as determined by rules of the Department of Health. Florida is one of several states that allow children an exemption based on religious grounds. Ladapo, who in his role oversees the Florida Department of Health, said in his public remarks that the agency has rules for certain vaccine requirements that it can remove and that others will require legislative action. Ladapo said he will work in partnership with the state health department and Gov. Ron DeSantis to remove vaccine mandates. The Florida Department of Health currently requires four immunizations to attend school beyond those mandated by state law. Spokesperson Katie Young told the Miami Herald that the agency will soon initiate the process of lifting requirements for chickenpox (varicella), Hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b and pneumococcal conjugate. Once this transition begins, it is expected to take about 80 days. The immunization division of the Florida Department of Health did not immediately respond to a request for comment and clarification to Ladapos remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis acknowledged that undoing vaccine mandates will require changes from the legislature. The Republican-controlled legislature is scheduled to be in session in January, though lawmakers can be convened for special sessions. Its not immediately clear whether there is enough political will to advance a complete reversal of vaccine mandates, but the Florida Senate passed a bill in the spring to restrict any future use of mRNA vaccines in fruits and vegetables, even though edible vaccines are not available. The same chamber passed another bill to make it illegal to release chemicals into the atmosphere that could supposedly manipulate the weather. Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, the states largest labor union with more than 120,000 members, said that restrictions on vaccines pose a threat to students and schools. He criticized DeSantis, who appeared with Ladapo as the surgeon general announced his plans for vaccines. I really think this is an issue of politics at play, not whats best for kids, Spar told The 19th. This is clearly the governors political agenda, not doing whats best for kids based on what the medical experts [say], and the overwhelming consensus in the medical field is that vaccines are important, and mandated vaccines work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All 50 states and Washington, D.C., require some kind of vaccines for students to attend K-12 schools, and all allow medical exemptions. These state-level policies have been a line of defense for local public health officials, some of whom have raised concerns about Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as he casts doubt on vaccine policy. President Donald Trump, despite being in office at the height of COVID-19 vaccine development, has also questioned the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, ignoring evidence that they reduce severity of the disease. Vaccine mandates date back to the 19th century and became more widespread in the 1970s and 1980s. But politics have eroded their potency in recent years as some state legislatures expand non-medical vaccine exemptions. Lawmakers have introduced more than 2,500 vaccine-related bills since 2021, including about 400 last year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. During that time, vaccination rates for kindergarteners have declined. No state has gone so far as to reverse all its vaccine mandates. In one sense, states having control over public health is a good thing, said Elizabeth Jacobs, a professor emerita from the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Arizona who has studied the impacts of vaccine exemptions on vaccination rates. But in situations like this, its a very worrying thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ladapos proposal is the latest iteration of a broader policy movement among Republicans known as medical freedom, which questions the role of government in health care decisions. It gained political steam at the height of the pandemic amid misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 vaccine shots and backlash to related mandates. It has flourished amid policy restrictions on abortion and transgender health care access. Its been mainstreamed through political channels, and thats what makes this political, Spar said. And I dont think its so much to fall in line with the president I think what this is is the governor again trying to get his be out there in the news, be seen, be the talk of the town, which is whats happening. But school vaccine requirements have been a target of anti-vaccine activists for years, some of whom claim that they infringe on parental rights and religious freedom. Ladapo alluded to this: What you put into your body is because of your relationship with your body and your God, he said in his remarks. Dr. Rana Alissa, president of the Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said in a statement that routine childhood vaccinations are critical in schools, where large groups of kids are often in close contact and can spread contagious diseases. Alissa said if Florida reverses its vaccine mandates, kids in the state will be at higher risk for getting sick which could impact the larger community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When everyone in a school is vaccinated, it is harder for diseases to spread and easier for everyone to continue learning and having fun, she said. When children are sick and miss school, caregivers also miss work, which not only impacts those families but also the local economy. Spar raised similar concerns, explaining that its not only important for children to be in safe, welcoming schools but also for teachers and staff to enjoy the protections that vaccine mandates provide. When students or faculty are out sick, it puts children at risk of falling behind and suffering learning loss. In all of those scenarios, kids are losing out on educational time, and thats not good for kids, Spar said. So from a health perspective, its not good for kids. From an academic perspective, its not good for kids. An ongoing measles outbreak has already raised concerns about what happens when an infectious disease spreads among children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School vaccine requirements help ensure that children receive essential vaccines to protect them from a wide range of serious diseases and have been in effect for decades, said Amanda Jezek, a spokesperson for Infectious Diseases Society of America, in a statement. While exemptions for rare medical reasons are important, other exemptions for personal beliefs have been shown to reduce vaccination rates, endangering children and enabling resurgences of diseases like measles. The potential impact on herd immunity the indirect protection of a community from an infectious disease is expansive, said Jacobs. Falling herd immunity is most dangerous for infants, the elderly and immunocompromised people. Herd immunity protects all of us by sort of creating a bubble where we dont have to come into contact with these diseases, she said. Its troubling that the right to refuse vaccines is being held up above the rest of Floridas right to not be infected with vaccine-preventable diseases. Thats also a right. We have freedom to and we have freedom from and this is the destruction of freedom from. Theyre saying that the right to just not vaccinate supersedes the right of everybody else not to get infected. A potentially unforeseen consequence of ending school vaccine mandates would be worsening a state teacher shortage described as severe by the Florida Education Association, Spar said. As of August, the state had 5,489 instructional and support staff vacancies, which is significantly down from 9,842 the year before, but is still worrisome given that large numbers of teaching positions are being filled by personnel without certification, according to the union. Collectively, controversial policies in Florida, be they curriculum restrictions or threats to end vaccine requirements, have made it difficult to attract the personnel schools there desperately need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it all contributes to the lack of respect for our teachers, Spar said. All of those factors play into a role as to why teachers are not coming into the profession We have teachers and staff who just wont work under the conditions we have. The post Florida officials say they want to eliminate school vaccine mandates. It wont be that simple. appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. A top Florida pediatrician warned Thursday that the state's plan to eliminate all vaccine mandates could lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases and put vulnerable populations at risk. Dr. Lisa Gwynn, a former president of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Florida chapter, told ABC News in an interview that removing vaccine requirements for public school children could endanger not just students, but also "newborn infants, elderly populations, and people with compromised immune systems, including those undergoing chemotherapy." The warning came a day after Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced the state would become the first in the nation to remove all vaccine mandates, including those for common childhood diseases like polio, measles, chickenpox, and tetanus. All 50 states and Washington, D.C., had required certain vaccinations for school attendance. ABC News - PHOTO: Dr. Lisa Gwynn says Florida's vaccine decision will create 'perfect storm' for diseases. Ladapo said an argument health care professionals have made in favor of vaccination is for people to get vaccinated to help protect those who are unable to receive a shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The surgeon general said that is not a "sincere" argument and said "there's no ethical basis for that to be used as a reason, really a force to take away your ability to choose what you put in your body and what you as a parent put in your child's body." Gywnn told ABC News "it's not just about parental choice." She added, "When children are in close contact in classrooms, that's a perfect storm for these types of diseases to spread." She argued that existing exemption policies already provide options for parents who oppose vaccination. MORE: FDA approves updated COVID vaccines with restrictions Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are other ways parents can achieve choice for their children," she said. "As pediatricians, we work together with parents so they can make informed decisions." Anadolu Agency via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this Aug. 24, 2021, file photo, a woman receives the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine during a vaccination event, in Key Biscayne, Fla. She also raised concerns about health equity, noting that removing mandates could create a "case of the haves and have-nots." Children from under-resourced communities who lack access to regular medical care might enter school unvaccinated not by choice, but due to healthcare barriers, she explained. School entry vaccination mandates are determined by each state. All states allow medical vaccine exemptions, and most states already have exemption policies in place for people with strong religious objections, in an effort to balance the need for public health with the ideal of individual freedom of choice. Some states allow exemption based on personal belief alone. Florida's decision to end vaccine mandates comes amid broader changes in national health policy. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared before the Senate Finance Committee Thursday to discuss the administration's healthcare agenda, following recent shake-ups at both the FDA and CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These changes were absolutely necessary adjustments to restore the agency to its role as the world's gold standard public health agency with the central mission of protecting Americans from infectious disease," Kennedy said about the agency changes. MORE: RFK Jr. testifies before Senate Finance Committee amid CDC turmoil, vaccine changes Ladapo defended the decision to end mandates on Wednesday, calling them "an immoral intrusion on people's rights" during his announcement at Grace Christian School in Valrico, Florida. Gwynn countered this view, pointing to decades of research supporting vaccination programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Public health measures have saved millions of lives," she told ABC News. "School vaccination requirements have been the best public health achievement of this century." Dr. Richard Besser, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former acting director of the CDC, called Ladapo's announcement "frightening." As a pediatrician, and as a parent, its absolutely frightening, the idea that children could go to school and be unvaccinated," Besser told ABC News on Wednesday. "That puts them at risk and others around them who may have underlying medical conditions. Thats not what Americas about. In America, there are things we do to be part of a community." A spokesperson for the Florida Surgeon General's Office did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment. According to a report published by the CDC in 2024, its estimated routine vaccines will have prevented over 500 million lifetime cases of illness, 32 million hospitalizations and over a million deaths among kids born from 1994 to 2023. Additionally, vaccines will save $540 billion in direct costs and $2.7 trillion in societal costs. A health care worker fills a syringe with the MMR vaccine at a vaccine clinic in Texas in March. Florida announced plans to end all state vaccine mandates, while three Western states California, Oregon and Washington are forming an alliance to issue their own vaccine guidelines amid federal upheaval. (Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images) This story originally appeared on Stateline. The Democratic governors of California, Oregon and Washington said Wednesday they are forming an alliance to coordinate vaccine recommendations for their states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Florida announced plans to become the first state to phase out all vaccine mandates, including ending requirements that kids be vaccinated against dangerous diseases before enrolling in schools. Public health experts have relied on vaccines, including school mandates, for decades to limit the spread of communicable diseases and keep kids and adults safe. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The contrasting moves come amid turmoil at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where several top leaders resigned last week to protest efforts by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, to dismiss CDC Director Susan Monarez for pushing back against Kennedys vaccine policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accompanied by Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, state Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo said at a news conference Wednesday that vaccine mandates are wrong and immoral, the Florida Phoenix reported. Your body is a gift from God. What you put into your body is because of your relationship with your body and your God, Ladapo said. They do not have the right to tell you what you put in your body. They dont have the right to tell you what your kids have to put in [their] body. They do not have the right. Do not give it to them. Take it away from them. And were going to be starting that here in Florida. The Florida Department of Health can eliminate some vaccine mandates on its own, Ladapo said, but the Florida legislature would have to scrap other ones. He did not mention specific vaccines, but repeated that his goal was to end all of them. Every last one of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery, Ladapo said. The goal of the new West Coast Health Alliance, governors said, is to disseminate evidence-based recommendations about who should get immunized, as well as to provide vaccine education throughout the three states. In the coming weeks, the states will coordinate and finalize immunization guidelines that are in line with leading medical organizations. In their announcements, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson criticized recent Trump administration actions, including the firing of scientists and the upheaval at the CDC. When federal agencies abandon evidence-based recommendations in favor of ideology, we cannot continue down that same path, Washington Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worsham added that public health at its core is about prevention preventing illness, preventing the spread of disease, and preventing early, avoidable deaths. Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration restricted access to updated COVID-19 shots. 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 rely on the committee to form vaccination guidelines. And in May, Kennedy rescinded recommendations for children and pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19 sidestepping the usual process for issuing official recommendations. The three Western states said the dismantling of the CDC has created a vacuum of clear, evidence-based vaccine guidance, hampering health care providers, disrupting manufacturers production plans and creating uncertainty for families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the three states, along with Nevada, created a similar workgroup that emphasized the scientific rigor behind the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in an effort to boost confidence in the shot. President Donald Trumps mass firing of CDC doctors and scientists and his blatant politicization of the agency is a direct assault on the health and safety of the American people, the joint statement from the three governors offices said. The CDC has become a political tool that increasingly peddles ideology instead of science, ideology that will lead to severe health consequences. California, Oregon, and Washington will not allow the people of our states to be put at risk. 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 woman is accused of driving so drunk that she needed to go to a hospital, and a child was in her car at the time. Deputies in Seminole County said Lisa McCalla was arrested on Tuesday after she was pulled over for hitting traffic cones in a construction zone near Red Bug Lake Road. When officers arrived, they found McCalla leaning against her vehicle, with two cones stuck under the front of it. Investigators said she was highly intoxicated and had a child in the car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers noted that McCalla exhibited signs of impairment, including glassy and watery eyes, slurred speech, and an inability to maintain balance. According to a report, she admitted to consuming five alcoholic drinks prior to driving. Deputies said McCalla faces charges of DUI with a minor in the vehicle, child neglect without great bodily harm, refusal to submit to DUI testing, and violating learners license restrictions. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Gov. Ron DeSantis hailed a Sept. 4 appeals court ruling allowing for the moment operations to continue at the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center. "The mission continues on immigration enforcement," the governor said in a videotaped statement on social media. "Alligator Alcatraz is in fact, like we've always said, open for business." The order from the11th Circuit Court of Appeals, however, simply allows the state to continue detaining people at the facility until the judicial panel issues a final ruling on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 21, a federal judge agreed with the plaintiffs alleging the state failed to conduct proper environmental assessments and impact studies before opening the facility, and effectively ordered the closing of the detention center. DeSantis and state officials immediately appealed that ruling. Plaintiffs: Fight against detention camp and for the Everglades goes on The groups that challenged the existence of the facility on environmental grounds vowed to continue their legal battle, however, after the latest decision. In a prepared statement, Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades, said the ruling imposing a "limited stay" on the closure decision is "disappointing," but added that the case is far from being decided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were hopeful the preliminary injunction will be affirmed when its reviewed on its merits during the appeal, Samples said. In the meantime, if the DeSantis and Trump administrations choose to ramp operations back up at the detention center, they will just be throwing good money after bad because this ill-considered facility which is causing harm to the Everglades will ultimately be shut down. Elise Bennett, Florida and Caribbean director and a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, also a plaintiff in the case, said the ruling was "heartbreaking" but not a conclusion. This is a heartbreaking blow to Americas Everglades and every living creature there, but the fight isnt even close to over, Bennett said in a prepared statement. The Eleventh Circuits order only puts a pause on the district courts injunction, and were confident we will ultimately prevail in defending the heart of Florida from this brutal and destructive facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talbert Cypress, chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, said he was not surprised by the ruling but lauded the dissenting opinion he said steadfastly backed the plaintiffs' position. We are disappointed in the majoritys decision to stay the injunction," Talbert wrote in a statement. "We were prepared for this result and will continue to litigate the matter. We find some solace in the dissents accurate analysis of the law and will continue to fight for our Mother Everglades. Immigration advocates also decry use of Alligator Alcatraz center The legal battle in federal court is focused on the impact of the facility on sensitive wetlands and wilderness, and potentially on the hydrology that supplies millions of people across South Florida with drinking water. But the detention camp is also at the center of a bitter debate over the handling of the apprehension, detention and deporting of people in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump and DeSantis administrations have made the pursuit and removal of people seeking permanent status in the state, as well as those living under temporary protection, a centerpiece public policy issue. The president has often touted the top priority is public safety by removing foreigners who have committed crimes from U.S. communities, including "the worst of the worst always first" as he said when he toured Alligator Alcatraz on July 1. But federal officials have also flatly stated that anyone in the United States without permission is a "criminal," as Madison Sheahan, the Immigration Customs Enforcement deputy director, said in Miramar on May 1. That position has placed countless of people living and working in the United States at risk of detention and deportation, even though they have otherwise abided by laws, including those who were paroled into the country at the southern border and regularly checked in with authorities while their asylum or status claim was adjudicated through the immigration court system. Lawyers and advocates for immigrants have decried that feature of the immigration crackdown, as well as the conditions in which people being held in the detention center are suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Renata Bozzetto, deputy director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, said in a September statement that the appellate ruling will permit "atrocities to happen" at the Alligator Alcatraz site. Bozzetto said the "thousands of men in tents" at the location are being held in unsuitable conditions and are being deprived of their human and legal rights. "The Everglades Detention Camp isnt just an environmental threat; it is also a huge human rights crisis," she wrote in a prepeared statement. "This is a place where hundreds of our neighbors were illegally held, were made invisible within government systems, and were subjected to inhumane heat and unbearable treatment. The fact that a facility embedded in so much pain is allowed to reopen is absolutely disheartening!" Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at afins@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Court pauses order of Alligator Alcatraz shutdown, site to stay open As the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis prepares to make Florida the first state to remove school vaccine mandates, deep concern is spreading among doctors, parents and public health workers for the safety of children and others who might be vulnerable in a disease outbreak. They fear that dreaded diseases, held in check for decades by vaccines, could flare up again if too many people in Florida aren't immunized. Here's what to know: DeSantis calls this medical freedom Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While states traditionally follow federal vaccine guidance, school mandates are set by state health departments. Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced Wednesday that the Health Department would take steps to eliminate these mandates, calling them immoral intrusions that hamper parents ability to make health decisions for their children. Were going to end it, Ladapo said, without providing details or a timeline. The Health Department also did not immediately respond to questions about other vaccine requirements, such as for certain workplaces. Many such requirements are enshrined in state law and would require legislative approval. DeSantis appointed Ladapo and his wife Casey DeSantis to a commission that's drafting a broader medical freedom measure expected to be introduced in the next legislative session. School nurses sound alarm Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If theyre able to go through with it, theyre just opening a door to a health crisis thats 100% preventable, said Lynn Nelson, president of the National Association of School Nurses. Schools are a microcosm of society, and when students go home, they can bring diseases to vulnerable people such as infants and the elderly, Nelson said. Measles, mumps and pertussis also known as whooping cough -- are among the preventable diseases Nelson is most concerned about if Floridas plan succeeds. Measles, a highly contagious illness, can create life-threatening situations for infants and small children, she said. There are outbreaks all over the country right now, and they will spread in any state or community where the vaccine rate drops, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida already lags nation in vaccination rates This is the worst year for measles in the U.S. in more than three decades, with more than 1,400 cases confirmed nationwide, most of them in Texas, and three deaths. Whooping cough has killed at least two babies in Louisiana and a 5-year-old in Washington state since winter, as it too spreads rapidly. There have been more than 19,000 cases as of Aug. 23, nearly 2,000 more than this time last year, according to preliminary CDC data. Even before Wednesdays announcement, Florida lagged the rest of the United States when it came to kindergarteners being immunized for diseases like measles, mumps and rubella, with 88.7% immunized in 2025, compared to more than 92% nationwide, according to state and federal health statistics. New religious exemptions to vaccines have also increased, to 6.4% among children age 5-17 years old, and as much as 15% in some counties, as of April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's according to the Florida Health Department's monthly online Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance Report, which was last updated on May 29. At the time, it showed cases of hepatitis A, whooping cough and chickenpox were increasing. Parents are divided Im pro-vaccine 100%, Ivette Faes said as she waited with other parents to pick up their kids outside Bayview Elementary School in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday. Dropping the vaccine requirements is not a good idea, she said, because we have to protect our kids to protect the other ones. But Ebony Walker, the mother of a first-grader at the school, said she's all for removing the mandates. She said it was scary when her son had to get so many vaccines shortly after being born. Now she's got him a religious exemption from other inoculations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floridas always setting the trend, doing different stuff and setting the bar for the other states to follow along, Walker said. Lidia Clark, who said her 7-year-old grandchild had never been vaccinated, said she's ecstatic that her family won't have to keep securing exemptions. If you want to vaccinate your child, you can, but I dont believe that it should have ever been enforced on any of us, she said. Why are vaccines needed? Since the first safe and effective polio vaccine was released for use in the U.S. in 1955, vaccines have become a cornerstone of public health, keeping schoolchildren and adults safe from infectious diseases that had afflicted populations for centuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Timely required vaccinations are essential to protecting school-age children, youth, and the public from preventable, serious infectious diseases, according to a recent position paper from the National Association of School Nurses. Vaccine exemptions should be eliminated, except when necessary for validated medical contraindications, the group said. Doctors have an important role in battling the misinformation spreading online, by trying to explain how vaccines work and how theyre developed," said Dr. Joshua Laban, a primary care physician in Miami. How could this affect Florida's tourism industry? Its unclear how a decline in vaccinations might affect Floridas top business its $128 billion tourism industry. Florida is among the top U.S. destinations, with 143 million visitors last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and other Orlando theme parks no longer require proof of COVID vaccinations for employees, due to Florida laws passed in 2021 during the height of the pandemic that limit employers power to require such protection. Representatives for Disney and Universal didnt respond to inquiries Thursday asking them about the potential impact of more unvaccinated children. Florida also is home to a $24 billion cruise line industry, according the Cruise Lines International Association. Most cruise lines dont have any vaccine requirements. But the CDC has recommended that passengers be vaccinated against COVID and flu, and that they check which other vaccines may be recommended based on the countries theyre visiting. Tourism relies on stability, whether its economic, political or dealing with health conditions, and the change in vaccine mandates introduces an element of uncertainty, said Alan Fyall, an associate dean at the University of Central Floridas hospitality college. Its like dropping a stone in a pond, Fyall said. Youre not quite sure how those ripples are going to impact. - Associated Press contributors include Devi Shastri and R.J. Rico. WASHINGTON The Trump administration has pushed into 2026 a slate of potential regulations affecting the trucking industry, including a second proposed rule aimed at combatting alleged price gouging by freight brokers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published the first notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on the broker transparency in November 2024 at the request of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and the Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC), which generated over 5,000 comments. At the request of SBTC, the comment period was reopened earlier this year, resulting in another 2,000 comments. Now, according to the U.S. Department of Transportations latest regulatory agenda published this week by the Office of Management Budget, FMCSA has scheduled a second broker transparency NPRM for May 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to FMCSAs new broker transparency rule, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is delaying until at least January 2026 consideration of a rule that would require side-guard equipment on trailers and semitrailers to reduce injuries and deaths in crashes with automobiles, according to the new agenda. The comment period for an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on side underride guards, which ended in July 2023, has been in analyzing comments status since then. That status will continue until at least January 2026, according to the agenda. The ANPRM has been highly contentious, pitting safety advocates underscoring the potential for saving lives against the trucking industry and truck manufacturers concerned about costs and lack of data on the equipments usefulness. The latest agenda also reveals that a joint FMCSA-NHTSA final rule on Automatic Emergency Brakes for heavy trucks, which had been scheduled for rollout in January, will be reissued as a supplemental proposed rule scheduled to be published in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taken off FMCSAs agenda: the heavy-truck speed limiter rule, which the Trump administration announced in June would be cancelled. Other current rulemakings on FMCSAs agenda that have been rescheduled for May 2026 include: Pre-rule stage New entrant safety assurance process: Implementation of section 210(b) of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (delayed from June 2025). Minimum training requirements for entry-level commercial motor vehicle operators; additional curriculum and training provider requirements (delayed from December 2024). Proposed rule stage Motor carrier operation of Automated Driving Systems-equipped commercial motor vehicles (delayed from December 2024). Clearinghouse implementation revisions; controlled substances and alcohol use and testing (delayed from March 2025). Electronic Logging Device revisions (delayed from June 2025). Safety fitness procedures (delayed from June 2025). Final Rule Stage Amendments to the commercial drivers license requirements; increased flexibility for testing and for drivers after passing the skills test (delayed from June 2025). Related articles: Click for more FreightWaves articles by John Gallagher. The post FMCSA pumps the brakes on new trucking regulations appeared first on FreightWaves. Florida recently joined about a dozen states in passing new rules that say participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, cant use their vouchers on junk food. I think that makes sense to most people. This program, after all, is supposed to provide nutrition to people in need, most of whom are children, elderly or people with disabilities. Basically, if taxpayers are providing $330 a month for basic food needs, that money shouldnt be used on Red Bull and Oreos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So now lets take that a step further. Taxpayer money also shouldnt be used to send students to the junk-food equivalent of school places that hire teachers without degrees, use factually flawed curriculum or that hand out As to every kid, regardless of what they actually learn, just to make their parents feel better. Just like with food stamps, taxpayers have a right to know that the money theyre providing for schools is actually funding a quality education. Yet in Florida that is not the case. Here, the voucher-school system is the Wild West with a lack of accountability and scary things funded with your tax dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Orlando Sentinel has documented this mess for years through its Schools without Rules investigation that found taxpayer-funded voucher schools where: Teachers lacked degrees or any kind of basic teaching certification Finances were so disastrous that schools actually shut down in the middle of the school year, stranding families and students Science classes taught students that dinosaurs roamed the earth alongside man, and history lessons claimed slavery and segregation werent really all that bad Administrators refused to admit students with disabilities or who had gay parents Parents filed complaints that included Cleaning lady substituting for teacher, They dont provide lunch and they dont even have a place to eat and I dont see any evidence of academics I dont care how pro-school choice you are, tax dollars shouldnt fund that kind of nonsense. Some of these fly-by-night schools set up in strip malls seem to thrive because they tell parents what they want to hear that their kids who were struggling in public schools magically became straight-A students at voucher schools with little to no standards or legitimate measures of success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, thats the educational equivalent of junk food. And taxpayers wouldnt fund that kind of nonsense if the state enacted basic accountability measures. Namely, all voucher-eligible schools should be required to: Publish graduation rates and nationally accepted test scores Hire teachers who are certified or at least have a college degree Disclose all the curriculum being taught Ban discrimination Most good schools already do this. Think about it: what kind of reputable school wouldnt agree to hire qualified teachers? Or wouldnt want the public to see what kind of test scores their students produce? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to send your kid to a school thats unwilling to clear those ground-level hurdles, you shouldnt expect taxpayers to fund it. Similarly, if you want to run a school that refuses to serve kids in wheelchairs or who are gay, you shouldnt fund your discrimination with money that belongs to the people against whom youre discriminating. In Florida, some of the worst voucher schools are faith-based. But so are some of the best. Parents and taxpayers deserve to see the difference the test scores that show whether students are actually learning. Many faith-based schools embrace science and history. But some try to replace proven facts with their own beliefs or opinions, using biology books that claim evolution data is false and history books that try to put sunny spins on slavery and segregation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people who defend and profit off Floridas unregulated voucher system usually cite freedom and parental rights as a justification for unfettered choice. But you know good and well that virtually every other taxpayer-funded system has sensible guardrails. You cant take Medicaid money to a witch doctor or a psychic healer. And just like we dont give parents the choice to use SNAP vouchers to buy their kids Snicker bars, they dont deserve the freedom to take money meant to provide a quality education to a school that can prove its providing one. Basic transparency and accountability measures are needed for any program to be effective. So whenever you hear anyone protesting them, you have to wonder what it is they dont want you to see. 2025 Orlando Sentinel A food truck owner serving up fresh Latin cuisine and homemade Honduran recipes will hold a grand opening Friday at his new bricks-and-mortar location in downtown Chapel Hill. Alberto Chedrani, 38, is the grandson of Lebanese immigrants to Honduras but grew up in Kinston, North Carolina, where his family moved when he was 7 years old. HIs father still owns a restaurant in Honduras, he said. In 2011, Chedrani moved to the Triangle, where he and his wife Rebecca, a UNC Hospitals nurse, have made a life with their two children, ages 2 and 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chedrani started cooking for other people when he worked for General Services Corp., a regional property management company. He found he loved the food and the relationships he was building with the community, he said. Moneys not everything for me, Chedrani said. I enjoy what I do, and I hope Im successful here, but I enjoy watching people eat, and I enjoy the relationships. The Latin Effect will hold a grand opening party at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at 504 W. Franklin St. in Chapel Hill. The restaurant is owned by Alberto Chedrani, who opened a food truck by the same name in 2020. In 2020, he and his wife launched The Latin Effect food truck, which will continue serving the Triangle, he said. The opportunity to open a permanent restaurant appeared late last year when he helped his partner and another man open Terrace Kitchen in Durham. The building at 504 W. Franklin St. previously housed Mint Indian restaurant, which closed in 2022, and The Beer Study, which moved in 2024 to South Green shopping center in Carrboro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County records show Babaji Group Properties LLC bought the building that year for $1.7 million. The Latin Effect will hold a grand opening event at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5. Alberto Chedrani is bringing the flavors of his native Honduras and other Latin American countries to West Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, NC. Women and family in the kitchen Opening his own restaurant has taught him a lot of patience, Chedrani said last week between last-minute phone calls, directions to staff, and details. He smiled broadly as he talked about the grand opening and his hopes for the future. No matter what kind of business youre in, if you give people good service, people will come back, he said. Pan con Pollo, a Salvadoran sandwich made with stewed chicken, fresh vegetables, pickles, and a special sauce, is found on the menu at The Latin Effect in Chapel Hill, NC. His mother, who is an amazing cook, could teach cooking classes in the future, so she can live her dream through this place, he said. His fathers restaurant provided some of The Latin Effects recipes, with classic dishes like pupusas, arepas and tacos from El Salvador, Guatemala and Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Latin Effect and its food truck will employ just under a dozen people, and the kitchen will be run by two really good female chefs one his right-hand person Chedrani said. In most restaurants, the male chefs are [in charge], but not here, he said. Im a big believer in what they do, and in this kind of food, our women are the heads. They are the important ones in the kitchen. Everything is made by hand, he said. The Latin Effects menu includes pupusas, a Salvadoran staple typically made with corn flour and cheese, beans and pork. The dish is served with pickled curtido slaw and a mild salsa roja. Honduran food is rooted in its Spanish, Caribbean, Mesoamerican and African history, giving it a lighter hand with spices, an emphasis on proteins and fresh vegetables, and unique ingredients, such as plain or refried red beans, coconut, and pickled onions and jalapenos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the countrys most popular dishes is baleadas, Chedrani said, describing a flour tortilla folded around eggs, meat or beans, and other toppings. Just dont call it a quesadilla, he said. The Latin Effects staff also puts a lot of care in how the food looks, Chedrani said. It shows you put a lot of love in it., he said. We do. Brunches and Brews is now open at 133 W. Franklin St. in Chapel Hill. Other local restaurant news Even Dough in Carrboro opened to the public for the first time Tuesday. The business started as a home bakery in 2020 and moved to appointments and pop-up sales at 203 W. Weaver St. in 2024. The new cafe has an expanded menu and coffee drinks, and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Pickup and delivery orders can be placed online. Brunches and Brews has joined Carolina Square retailers at 133 W. Franklin St. in Chapel Hill. Located in Suite 120, beside Roots Cafe, the growing, casual dining chain serves breakfast, lunch and brunch, plus signature cocktails, daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A local caterer has opened a cocktail bar and event space in the former Piggyback bar space at Cedar Falls Courtyard. Little Gem is owned by Beau Catering, which also operates out of the 630 Weaver Dairy Road shopping center. Doors open at 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, and Little Gem also offers monthly mixology classes. The News and Observers Inside Look takes readers behind the scenes to illuminate the people and places in our community. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's administration said on Thursday it would drop a plan by his predecessor to require airlines to pay passengers cash compensation when U.S. flight disruptions are caused by carriers, in a setback for aviation consumer advocates. In December, the U.S. Department of Transportation under then-President Joe Biden sought public comment on the rulemaking process about whether airlines should be required to pay $200 to $300 for domestic delays of at least three hours and up to $775 for longer delays. U.S. airlines sharply criticized the proposal first made by Biden in May 2023. The White House said in a document posted on Thursday that the Transportation Department plans to withdraw the notice "consistent with department and administration priorities." Airlines in the U.S. must refund passengers for canceled flights, but are not required to compensate customers for delays. The European Union, Canada, Brazil and Britain all have airline delay compensation rules. Airlines for America, a trade group representing American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and others, praised the actions and said Biden's cash compensation plan would have raised ticket prices. "We are encouraged by this Department of Transportation reviewing unnecessary and burdensome regulations that exceed its authority and don't solve issues important to our customers," the group said. But former Biden economic adviser Bharat Ramamurti said the rule "would not only have put real cash back in your hands for badly delayed or canceled flights, but would have resulted in far fewer delayed and canceled flights in the first place." Major U.S. carriers in 2022 committed to paying for meals, hotel stays, and other expenses when they cause significant flight disruptions. The Transportation Department also disclosed on Thursday that it is considering rescinding regulations issued under Biden in April 2024 that required airlines and ticket agents to disclose service fees alongside airfares to help consumers avoid unnecessary or unexpected fees. The requirement was put on hold by the court pending an industry legal challenge. The department is also planning to reduce regulatory burdens on airlines and ticket agents by writing new rules detailing the definition of a flight cancellation that entitles consumers to ticket refunds, as well as revisiting rules on ticket pricing and advertising. A spokesperson for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the department "will faithfully implement all aviation consumer protection requirements mandated by Congress" but added that some rules proposed or adopted under Biden "went beyond what Congress has required by statute, and we intend to reconsider those extra-statutory requirements." Police are searching for a woman who violently assaulted a food truck worker in Santa Ana. On Aug. 9, the female victim was working at a food truck near Washington Avenue and Santiago Street around 6 p.m. As she was walking on the street, a female suspect suddenly charged at her and began attacking her. She appeared to be yelling at the victim during the confrontation. Surveillance cameras captured a bystander who noticed the commotion and quickly ran over to intervene. The suspect retreated from the victim and continued to yell at her before fleeing the area on foot. Police are searching for a woman who violently assaulted a food truck worker in Santa Ana on Aug. 9, 2025. (Santa Ana Police Department) Police are searching for a woman who violently assaulted a food truck worker in Santa Ana on Aug. 9, 2025. (Santa Ana Police Department) The suspect was described as a Hispanic woman around 35-45 years old. She was wearing a red oversized T-shirt and black socks (without shoes) during the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who recognizes her is asked to call Santa Ana Police Investigative Specialist V. Lee at 714-245-8375 or email VLee@santa-ana.org. Footage of the assault can be seen in the video player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. NOTE: This article is now an almanac of Thursdays weather. We have published a new forecast story for Friday. It was a chilly start to the day with many suburban locations bottoming out in the lower 40s. Rochelle, in northwest Illinois, dropped to 39 degrees. These are remarkably cool readings given that low 60s are typical for this time of year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 100% of the days possible sunshine helped moderate the chill a bit but highs fell well short of normal for early September. The official 66 degree high was not only the coolest high temperature for this early in the season in 21 years (2004) but also the coolest September 4th since 1994, when the high was also 66-degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday U.S. Highs and Departure from Normal Chicago area not alone in the unseasonably chill readings. Even cooler temperatures were noted across portions of the North Woods where highs failed to make it out of the 50s, a level 20 or more degrees below normal. Summer-level heat continued for the southern Plains and portions of the Pacific Northwest. Thursday Peak Pollen Ragweed continued to bother allergy sufferers as its now been high for more than two and a half weeks straight. Climate and Environment news: WGN Weather Center blog Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Russia is not open to foreign peacekeeping troops securing a ceasefire or peace deal in Ukraine, Russian state media reported on Sept. 4, citing Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. "Russia does not intend to discuss foreign intervention in Ukraine, which is fundamentally unacceptable and undermines all security, in any form or format," she said in response to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announcing that a postwar plan to send troops to Ukraine is being discussed. Moscow has already rejected the deployment of any NATO-linked peacekeepers, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov calling it a "foreign military intervention." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin has repeatedly issued maximalist demands to Ukraine and has refused to engage in leader-level talks as Ukraine and its allies work towards ending Russia's war against Ukraine. Von der Leyen told the Financial Times on Aug. 31 that Europe was preparing "pretty precise plans" for potential peacekeeper deployments. On Sept. 2, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz responded to von der Leyen's remarks, saying there are no such concrete plans, "at least not in Germany." President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Paris on Sept. 3 ahead of a high-level meeting of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing." Participating nations are expected to discuss what security guarantees can be provided to Ukraine once a ceasefire or peace deal is secured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Fears of Russian hit campaign grow as another nationalist politician is murdered in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) A former Bolivian interior minister was deported late Wednesday from Florida to Bolivia, where authorities say he faces charges ranging from breach of duty for illegally importing weapons to crimes against humanity for overseeing a crackdown on protests in 2019 that caused dozens of deaths. Arturo Murillo was freed from U.S. prison in June after serving four years in a money laundering case that accused him of taking $532,000 in bribes to help a Florida company win a lucrative contract to sell tear gas to his country's government. Just days after Murillo's release from a Florida prison, he was rearrested and transferred to ICE custody in Miami, where he fought his deportation order for weeks, said a Bolivian diplomat in Washington who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge rejected Murillos final appeal and upheld his deportation on July 29. His deportation flight operated by flagship carrier Boliviana de Aviacion was due to land in Bolivias eastern city of Santa Cruz before dawn Thursday, the Bolivian government said. Murillo, 61, was one of the most provocative voices in the conservative government of then-interim President Jeanine Anez, which took power in November 2019 as deadly unrest rocked the country over the disputed reelection of former President Evo Morales to a fourth straight term. Murillo's expulsion comes after general elections in Bolivia last month signaled an end to almost two decades of dominance by Morales' ruling Movement Toward Socialism, or MAS, party. Ahead of a presidential runoff in October between two opposition candidates, Murillos jailed right-wing allies have clinched a series of legal victories in long-stalled cases first prosecuted under President Luis Arce, an erstwhile ally of Morales whose 2020 election brought down the interim government and restored Bolivias left-wing establishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After spending years in preventative detention, opposition leader and governor Luis Fernando Camacho was released to house arrest last week pending his trial on charges tied to his involvement in Morales ouster. Another judge annulled charges against Anez related to her role in the 2019 killings of protesters, diverting the case to a special political process for former heads of state. As Anez's interior minister, Murillo led the brutal crackdown on Morales supporters that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights describes as a massacre. As Arce entered office and locked up his former colleagues, Murillo fled to the U.S., evading arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Bolivias capital of La Paz, the MAS government promised to hold Murillo to account in its waning days. We are waiting for him to come and serve the sentences that have been handed down through court proceedings that respect due process, Justice Minister Jessica Saravia told reporters. But in light of the country's sudden lurch to the right, other officials signaled that the intentions of the politically influenced judiciary remained uncertain. We do hope that the courts will enforce the sentences, said Minister of Government Roberto Rios. Murillo was recently convicted in Bolivia on two of the six cases against him sentenced in absentia to over five years in prison for allegedly importing tear gas from Ecuador without permission and another eight years for buying overpriced tear gas from a Florida-based company to use against protesters. ____ DeBre reported from Buenos Aires, Argentina PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A former executive of a multistate organization was sentenced on Wednesday for stealing more than $200,000 from the agencys health care fund, authorities said. Wilsonville resident Pamela J. Kahut, 68, was the Chief Financial Officer for the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, an interstate agency that manages Pacific Ocean fishery resources. While acting as CFO, between 2014 and 2020, Kahut stole $211,083.27 an amount which she has since been ordered to pay back in restitution. She was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Motorcyclist flown to hospital after car crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The money was stolen from the PSMFCs health benefit trust account, which is used to pay benefits, fees and other charges for PSMFC employees covered under a self-funded health care benefit program. The money that Kahut stole, over several years, was used to pay for her spouses long-term care, annual premiums, pension loans and to pay her credit card bills, officials said. Back in June, Kahut pleaded guilty to the charge of Theft in Connection with Health Care. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The property transfer for the defunct Chill Can site in Youngstown is complete. Read next: Ursuline family files civil rights lawsuit against school The years-long battle to get the property from MJ Joseph, the company that was going to manufacture cold storage cans at the site, is complete. Auditor records show the multiple-parcel property on N. Lane Avenue, on Youngstowns East Side, was transferred late last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city bought the property during a sheriffs sale in February for $1.3 million. It had an appraised value of $2.6 million. The money for the property came from the Economic Development Fund, and Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown said at the time that the cost would be offset with money from a court judgment against MJ Joseph for the money spent upgrading the property. The city received a $1.5 million summary judgment in a lawsuit against MJ Joseph for the failed enterprise. At the time of the sale, Brown said he is not sure what the property will be used for but wants it to be something that will benefit the city economically. Gerry Ricciutti contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. (The Center Square) Thirteen former Republican members of Congress filed an amicus brief in Louisiana v. Callais, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act as constitutional. The group including former U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany of Louisiana argued that the provision, which bars voting practices that deny or dilute minority voting power, represents a bipartisan achievement that Congress has repeatedly reauthorized with overwhelming support. This issue is personal each signatory voted to reauthorize the VRA during their time in office, the Protect Democracy Project said, who filed the brief on behalf of the lawmakers. They pointed to past votes in 1982, 1992, and 2006, when both Republican and Democratic majorities backed reauthorization of the law with near-unanimous margins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brief stresses that Section 2 reflects Congresss constitutional role under the Fourteenth Amendment, Fifteenth Amendment, and Elections Clause to safeguard equal political opportunity. The former legislators warned that judicial nullification of the provision would undermine separation of powers and destabilize election law. Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act was the result of thoughtful, bipartisan compromise and should be defended by all Americans, regardless of party, Dunn Isaacson Rhee said in a statement. The Wednesday filing marked the firms first Supreme Court amicus brief. The lawmakers also emphasized that Section 2 is narrowly tailored, applying only where plaintiffs prove current, localized vote dilution under strict legal standards, and does not mandate racial quotas. They argued that overturning decades of precedent including the Courts 1986 Thornburg v. Gingles decision and its 2023 Allen v. Milligan ruling would shatter profound reliance interests for states, courts, and voters. The filing comes as Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill presses the justices to strike down Section 2 as unconstitutional, saying it improperly forces legislatures to consider race in redistricting. The court will rehear the case Oct. 15, with Louisiana Solicitor General Benjamin Aguinaga arguing for the state. At the center of the fight is whether Louisiana must maintain two majority-Black congressional districts. A federal judge ordered lawmakers to add a second district after the 2020 Census, finding the original map diluted Black voting strength. Lawmakers complied in 2024, but another group of voters challenged the map as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, prompting the appeal. A former Delaware County teacher has been sentenced to prison after his conviction on child sex charges. According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York, Paul Geer, 58, of Hancock, was sentenced Thursday to 27 years and three months in federal prison for two counts of coercing and enticing two children to travel across state lines to engage in unlawful sexual activity and two counts of transporting the children across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity with those children. Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, special agent in charge of the Albany Field Office of the FBI, made the announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geer was found guilty of the charges on March 3 after a two-week trial. "The evidence proved that, while Geer was a teacher at the Family Foundation School in Hancock, New York, from 1994 through 2001 he imposed disciplinary sanctions on students that were tantamount to torture," the release stated. "The sanctions included depriving children of food or forcing them to eat food that had been regurgitated, binding children in rugs and leaving them in isolated rooms for extended periods of time, and forcing children to perform physical labor. "The evidence at trial further proved that Geer used his position of authority and his ability to impose these brutal sanctions to coerce two students to travel with him, on separate occasions, to Maine and Toronto, Canada, respectively. The jury found that Geer transported those students across state lines with the intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity with them. While on those trips, Geer raped and otherwise sexually abused each of the two children," according to the release. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Mae A. DAgostino imposed a three-year term of supervised release to follow Geers release from prison. Geer will also be required to register as a sex offender. Paul Geer was a monster. As a teacher, Geer was supposed to help his students become better versions of themselves," Sarcone said. "Instead, Geer used his position of power to torture these children physically, emotionally, and psychologically. When Geer believed his tactics had been sufficiently effective in breaking these children and scaring them into silence, he proceeded to sexually abuse them. These children deserved to be protected, to be cared for, and to be helped, but Geer viewed these children only as a means to his sadistic and predatory end. Geer is now paying the price for his heinous conduct and will spend the next 27 years where he deserves to be, in a cage. Tremaroli said, The depth of Mr. Geers sexual, physical, and psychological abuse is so depraved its truly hard to comprehend. He was entrusted to care for the students at the Family Foundation school but instead tortured them for years. Now hes being held accountable for those actions and heading to federal prison. Nothing was more important than delivering justice to those students. Today, our thoughts are with them and their peers who never got to tell their stories as they continue to process the unimaginable impact his abhorrent behavior had on their young lives. DELIGHT, Ark. A Pike County man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for a 2024 deadly shooting. On Monday, Aug. 22, 31-year-old Christian Buster pleaded no contest to second-degree murder related to the shooting death of 34-year-old Oscar Alba. Man sentenced to life for murder of Perry County detention deputy ASP officials said the shooting happened April 27, 2024, at Busters home on Highway 26 East in Pike County. Special agents said Buster was a jailer and dispatcher with the Howard County Sheriffs Office at the time of the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buster was sentenced to 20 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, with 10 years of the sentence suspended. He also received an additional five years for using a gun. ASP officials said he will serve the terms consecutively. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (WJHL) The defense for former Letcher County sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines has formally opposed a request by prosecutors for a second mental health evaluation. Stines is accused of first-degree murder and murder of a public official in the shooting death of District Judge Kevin Mullins in September 2024. Mental evaluation, bond, dismissal | Sides spar in former Letcher Co. sheriff trial Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Stiness own attorneys have filed a multitude of documents in early September 2025. The two sides have argued over a request to change the trials venue, whether or not to unseal a mental health evaluation of Stines and dismissing the case altogether over grand jury proceedings. The mental health and condition of Stines has been a pivotal point of arguments made in court regarding the case. The Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center (KCPC) conducted a mental health evaluation of Stines, and copies of its findings were provided to the court and involved parties in July. Stiness attorneys have filed a motion to unseal that report, which the Commonwealth has formally opposed. Prosecutors have also requested to independently examine Stines with their own private expert to address the insanity defense that his attorneys plan to use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the defense responded to the Commonwealths request for a second mental health evaluation, opposing it and saying there was no need to subject Stines to another examination. Defense opposes venue change for former Letcher County sheriffs murder trial The defense argued that the KCPC evaluation was done in accordance with the statutory framework and ensured fairness for both sides. Attorneys for Stines wrote that while the Commonwealth was free to use an expert to review the first examination and provide a view on it, there was no basis for making Stines undergo another evaluation. The Commonwealth has the existing KCPC report, medical records, and other discovery already available for its expert to base her/his opinion, the defense wrote in its response. In this case, the initial KCPC evaluation is sufficient, and there is no evidence to suggest that a second evaluation is warranted other than the desire for a second opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense attorneys claimed that allowing a second evaluation would unnecessarily prejudice Stines and wrote that Kentucky law allows for a mental health examination, not multiple. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (The Center Square) Former U.S. Sen. John E. Sununu says he is considering entering the U.S. Senate race in New Hampshire, as Republicans seek to regain the seat he lost to Democrat Jeanne Shaheen nearly 17 years ago. Sununu, whose lineage hails from one of New Hampshire's most storied political families, announced Wednesday that he is talking to supporters about jumping into the race ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and expects to make a decision within the next month. "Many have urged me to run for the Senate an important race at a critical time for our country," Sununu posted on social media. "New Hampshire needs an effective voice in Washington-someone willing to take risks and get things done. Will talk to voters across NH before making a decision." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sununu represented New Hampshire in the Senate from 2003 to 2008 after having served in the U.S. House of Representatives. He lost his bid for re-election in 2008 to Shaheen, who is retiring. The decision by Sen. Shaheen, a three-term Democrat and former New Hampshire governor, not to seek reelection next year has prompted a flurry of candidates in what is likely to be a competitive race that could help control of the U.S. Senate in next year's midterms. Forrer Massachusetts Republican Sen. Scott Brown, who lost a New Hampshire Senate race against Shaheen in 2014, is making another run for the seat. State Sen. Dan Innis, a Bradford Republican who ran unsuccessfully for New Hampshire's 1st District U.S. House seat, is also running for the Senate seat. Former Gov. Chris Sununu, John's younger brother, had been encouraged by President Donald Trump and other top Republicans to run for the Senate seat, but announced in April that he wouldn't be running. He has since accepted a job with Washington, D.C.-based Airlines for America, one of the nation's leading aviation industry lobbying groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the Democratic side, Rep. Chris Pappas has launched a campaign for Shaheens Senate seat, arguing the Democrats can't afford to lose another seat in the chamber. Democratic Rep. Maggie Goodlander, who represents the states 2nd Congressional District, is also openly weighing a bid for the seat. New Hampshire's four-member congressional delegation is controlled by Democrats, but Republicans control the state government, and the state has a history of sending members of both parties to Washington. But with top Republicans jumping into the race it could complicate the Democratic Partys hopes of regaining control of the Senate majority from the Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has listed the New Hampshire U.S. Senate seat as a toss-up race, saying internal polling shows Republicans with a slight edge over Democrats. Republicans currently have a 53-47 edge in the U.S. Senate, and Democrats would need to flip at least four seats to win a majority in the 2026 midterms. The GOP holds the tie-breaking vice presidency. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A former Oregon Youth Authority employee is accused of sexual misconduct, providing contraband to inmates and supplying a former inmate with guns upon their release. Wrong-way driving accidents surge 300% in WA On Wednesday, Cherie MacDougall, 42, was arraigned in a Marion County court after a grand jury indicted her on multiple charges stemming from an investigation back in 2022, the Marion County District Attorneys Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a court exhibit, MacDougall was paid by incarcerated individuals to provide them with vaping devices. She later provided [someone] with two firearms after that individual was released from custody on conditional release in the community. The grand jury also indicted MacDougall for engaging in a sexual relationship with that same person, the Marion County DA said in a statement. A judge has imposed a $100,000 bail and the next court date is scheduled for September 11 in Salem. MacDougalls employment with OYAs MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility ended on May 10, 2023. McDougall is facing charges that include three counts of supplying contraband, three counts of conspiracy to supply contraband, two counts of first-degree custodial sexual misconduct and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. She was the President and CEO of Pittsburgh Technical College when it shut down for good last June amid controversy. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Current quarter will be the last for Pittsburgh Technical College students More than a year later, were seeing the former leader of the Oakdale Technical College, Dr. Alicia Harvey-Smith, for the first time, in court, as she fights for lost wages. 11 Investigates has been covering the downfall of PTC for years from allegations of misconduct by the former President and CEO to lost accreditation and finally the college closing for good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Local college president subject of independent investigation, 5 of 7 board members step down Now, students who filed claims because they paid tuition and didnt get to take classes or lost money when PTC shut down could be paid soon. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Majority of faculty, staff let go weeks before PTCs announced closure A judge will likely rule next week to approve about 80-thousand dollars in payments to roughly 30 students. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh Technical College assets being liquidated, students feel left in the dark The court also has to make a decision about whether or not the woman who was the CEO of the technical college should also get paid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Audited statements show Pittsburgh Technical College violated standards of financial responsibility Dr. Alicia Harvey-Smith represented herself as her own lawyer on Wednesday. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> PTC President hires lawyer, says new board of trustees support her, wants to move college forward She asked the court to pay the rest of her salary as outlined in the contract she signed when she became the President and CEO. That request wasnt originally on the docket. The hearing was supposed to be for a judge to approve claims submitted by students who lost anywhere from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars when they paid tuition but didnt get to take classes or lost years of education because credits didnt carry over to another college or university. Dr. Harvey-Smith asked for her claim to come from that same pot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh Technical College assets being liquidated, students feel left in the dark A representative from the Attorney Generals Office Bureau of Consumer Protection, was taking meticulous notes in the courtroom. We asked Dr. Harvey-Smith if she feels like shes owed severance. She said no comment. We then asked her about the students in limbo who are still waiting to be paid. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> PTC to host commencement on Saturday; students must move off campus less than a week later They are the priority, will always be the priority, and will continue to be the priority, she tells 11 Investigates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Former PTC executives speak out, want people to know college could have been saved That request did not sit well with parents of former students, including Cynthia-Grace Devine-Kepner. Her son was just shy of graduation, but is now years behind because his credits didnt carry over. The escrow fund for the students should only be for the students, Cynthia-Grace Devine-Kepner tells 11 Investigates. It saddened me that Dr. Harvey did not recognize how it affected and impacted 1,000 students. If I could have seen some empathy and compassion for the students. With Dr. Harvey-Smiths request, the judge is now asking for a new outline of how money will be distributed to students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> U.S. Dept. of Education requiring PTC take action due to failure to meet financial standards This should not affect how much students are paid. The judge did not make a final decision about Dr. Harvey-Smiths claim. There are also millions of dollars tied up in the real estate of the campus and the surrounding land. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Former faculty, staff at PTC working together to create new technical college The main campus is very close to being sold. There are two letters of intent - one for the vacant land and another for the dorms. Nothing will be approved until it is signed by a judge. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A former school bus driver who lived near Fort Worth is facing 60 years in prison for sexually exploiting children. Scott Wayne OToole, a 60-year-old man from Joshua, Texas, was sentenced to federal prison on August 28 for producing sexually explicit photos of two children in Fort Worth, according to a press release from the Department of Justice. Chief U.S. District Judge Reed OConnor sentenced him to 360 months per count, totaling 720 months or 60 years. According to federal prison records, he is currently detained at Federal Medical Center Fort Worth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OToole was temporarily working as a school bus driver in Fairbanks, Alaska, in November and December 2024, according to another DOJ release. In December, the Fairbanks Police Department found a USB with child sex abuse materials in the hotel where he was staying. FBI-Anchorage conducted a forensic review of the device on January 30 and found it was linked to OToole. Agents also found images on the drive allegedly depicting child sexual abuse, the release reads. Soon after the USB was discovered, OToole returned to Texas. He was wanted by the Fort Worth Police Department for aggravated sexual assault, child. Within 24 hours of the FBI analysis, law enforcement found OToole in Texas and arrested him. At the time, he faced one count of possession of child pornography. But in April 2025, he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Fairbanks Police Department coordinated to investigate this case. The U.S. Attorneys Office in the District of Alaska and in the Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas also assisted. This case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative the DOJ launched in 2006 to combat child sexual abuse. The U.S. Attorneys offices and the DOJ Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section lead the initiative to prosecute suspects and rescue victims. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has seen several recent cases of alleged child sex abuse by school bus drivers. A scandal broke in Prosper in 2022, after a driver allegedly committed sex abuse against two sisters ages 5 and 7 more than 100 times, as The Dallas Express previously reported. This led the Texas Education Agency to investigate the districts superintendent. In 2023, deputies with the Dallas County Sheriffs Office arrested a Coppell school bus driver who allegedly committed aggravated sexual assault of a child, as The Dallas Express also reported. While the drivers employer fired him, the Dallas County district attorney dropped the case without explanation. STREETSBORO, Ohio (WJW) A former Streetsboro City Schools employee is facing charges that include importuning after he allegedly solicited sex from a person he believed was a minor. Streetsboro police said they knew where to find 31-year-old Brett Boardwine to place him under arrest on August 12, because during an online chat with a person Boardwine thought was a 15-year-old boy, he set up a meeting behind a local business. What Boardwine did not know was that the person he was communicating with on a social media platform was an undercover Streetsboro police officer, posing online as a teenager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Engaged in conversation, the conversation turned sexual, he solicited the sexual activity, agreed to meet and then drove out to the location to meet that same juvenile, said Streetsboro Police Chief Patricia Wain. Bus for children with special needs crashes, 5 injured Authorities said Boardwine is a former employee of the Streetsboro City School District, serving as a technology manager. They said after passing a background check, he was one of several employees who operated the auditorium lights and sound systems for after-school events such as school board meetings and auditorium rentals. Investigators said his contract was not renewed for this school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on the allegations that led to Boardwines arrest, we asked Streetsboro police if any concerns have been raised about his conduct while employed by the school district. We have no indication that anything took place at the schools. Is it something that we can 100% rule out until the investigation is over? No, but at the same time, usually we have a little bit more indicators, clues, that we have a bigger target audience to look at, and at this point we just dont have that with him, said Wain. Streetsboro City Schools Superintendent Cynthia Deevers issued a statement that reads: We have been made aware that a former part-time, non-teaching employee was arrested on charges of importuning after their employment with the district ended. We are fully cooperating with local law enforcement and remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on the investigation by Streetsboro police, a Portage County grand jury returned indictments against Boardwine, charging him with importuning, attempted sexual conduct with a minor and possession of criminal tools. 18 cats, dog found dead in Canfield home In this case, the criminal tool was the cell phone that Boardwine allegedly used for the online chat with the undercover officer. Police said the arrest of Boardwine shows why authorities are placing a high priority on identifying suspects who attempt to prey on children and then stopping them before they can act. Kids dont have the ability to make decisions for their future at that age, so we have to protect them as best we can and the best way we can is proactively catching them before they get to the kids, Wain said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. FORT DODGE, Iowa The Fort Dodge Police Department has released the identity of the victim in Tuesdays fatal shooting. The Fort Dodge Police Department says shortly after 1 a.m. on Tuesday officers were called to the 500 block of N 28th Street on reports of a gunshot. Fort Dodge officers arrived on scene and located a deceased adult male who had suffered a gunshot wound. 3 teens charged in online marketplace meet-up that turned into armed robbery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fort Dodge police announced an arrest in the case on Wednesday, saying that 38-year-old Rolman H. Recinos Gonzales was arrested and charged with Murder in the First Degree, Trafficking in Stolen Weapons, and Person Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons. On Thursday, authorities identified the victim as 45-year-old Justo Cruz Calindo, from Fort Dodge. Calindos identity had been held pending notification of family. The Fort Dodge PD says investigators are continuing to compile information in the investigation of the shooting. Iowa 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. FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) Two men from Tennessee were arrested in Florence for using stolen and fraudulent debit/credit cards at Sams Club. On September 2, Florence police officers responded to Sams Club, on 364 Cox Creek Parkway, after receiving a report from a resident saying their credit/debit card had been used without permission. Sams Club loss prevention personnel were able to identify the suspects through security camera footage. Officers quickly found two men near a large Penske box truck, where they were observed loading merchandise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both individuals were detained, and the Florence Police Departments Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene. The investigation revealed that the suspects, identified as 47-year-old Jermaine Antonio Todd and 31-year-old James David Logan III, were using stolen credit card numbers and fraudulent Sams Club membership cards while mobile scanning items on their cell phones to make purchases. The suspects purchased approximately $9,600 worth of merchandise from Sams Club using credit/debit card fraudulently. Jermaine Antonio Todd James David Logan III It was further determined that the pair are connected to a larger organized theft ring operating throughout the southeastern United States that target several big box retailers. Additional Sams Club locations in Huntsville, AL, and Southaven, MS, have also been targeted by this group. Todd and Logan are each charged with five counts of Fraudulent use of Credit/Debit Card and one count of Organized Retail Theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a significant arrest for our agency, and we commend our officers and detectives for their quick response in ensuring these suspects were taken into custody, FPD said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. By Karen Roman Vinson & Elkins said it advised Bapco Energies in the Kingdom of Bahrain in closing a landmark strategic concession agreement and related joint venture with EOG Resources Bahrain Awali WLL. The latter is a wholly owned subsidiary of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE: EOG), a United States independent oil and gas exploration and production company, the firm stated. Vinson & Elkins advised on all aspects of the concession agreement and the joint venture arrangements, including the sales of gas and liquid hydrocarbons produced in the concession area, it said. Counsel Bader Thabti led the firms team assisted by partner Chris Strong, partner Nadine Amr, senior associate Jacob Panagi, and associates Tom Rhys Jones and Nonku Zondo. CorpGov Editor@CorpGov.com READ MORE CorpGov to Join Forward Global Celebration of NY Office Launch at Nasdaq EXCLUSIVE: Martin Lipton Says Shareholder Returns No Longer Only Goal in The New Paradigm Register for our weekly newsletter HERE Click HERE to follow us on LinkedIn The post Vinson & Elkins Advises Bapco Energies in Joint Venture with EOG Resources, Inc. appeared first on CorpGov. European leaders were meeting in Paris on Thursday after French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that several countries including Britain and Germany are prepared to assure Ukraine's security once the conflict with Russia has ended. "We are ready for these security guarantees," Macron said on the eve of the summit as he welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the Elysee Palace in Paris. "Europe is ready, for the first time with this level of commitment and intensity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macron co-chaired the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing about 30 countries with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The talks brought together top officials including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was also among those attending. Following their discussions, Macron and Starmer were due to speak by telephone with US President Donald Trump. A White House meeting in Washington with Zelensky is also planned. The coalition is exploring ways to strengthen the Ukrainian army. Macron said some countries including France, Britain and Belgium are prepared to deploy soldiers to Ukraine once a ceasefire has been agreed, in order to deter Russia from further aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other allies remain hesitant, waiting for the US to make its contribution. Several European capitals consider American backing essential before making any commitments of their own. German Chancellor Merz said there would be "considerable reservations" in Berlin about sending troops. "Until a ceasefire is reached, there will certainly be no deployment of troops in Ukraine, and even after that, I have considerable reservations about this with regard to Germany," he told broadcaster Sat.1. NATO chief Rutte stressed the importance of clarity from Washington. Speaking in Brussels on Wednesday, he said the Paris gathering was "an important meeting" that should make clear "what collectively we can deliver" and also "what the American side wants to deliver". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia reiterated on Thursday that it would not accept any "foreign intervention of any kind". Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described Kyiv's requests for protection as "guarantees of danger for the European continent". Rutte dismissed that position while speaking at a security conference in Prague. "Why are we interested in what Russia thinks about troops in Ukraine? (...) It's not up to them to decide," he said. 'NATO-style guarantees' While the details remain under discussion, leaders agreed on the principle that Ukraine's security must rest on tangible commitments rather than promises alone. Zelensky and senior officials in Kyiv, including presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak, have called for NATO-style guarantees or even a European peacekeeping force if NATO membership remains out of reach. They argue that without such backing, Russia could exploit any pause in fighting to regroup and strike again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macron's office has said European capitals have pledged enough contributions to make a serious offer. "We are ready," the Elysee said this week, but added that Washington also needed to step up. The French presidency stressed that Europeans can take responsibility "as long as [the Americans] take on theirs meaning giving European partners a backstop". That could include intelligence-sharing, logistical support or advanced communications, though not US troops on the ground. Trump has been categorical on that point. At a recent meeting of military chiefs, European governments were urged to pin down their contributions. The Paris summit is expected to turn those commitments into a clearer framework to present to Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, meanwhile, has been pursuing his own diplomacy. Having welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Alaska last month, he has been trying unsuccessfully so far to arrange a summit between Putin and Zelensky. His frustration was plain on Tuesday when he admitted to being very disappointed with Putin for failing to move towards a peace deal. In August 2025, the city of Philadelphia agreed to return a statue of Frank Rizzo to the supporters that commissioned the memorial in 1992. The 2,000-pound bronze tribute to the former police commissioner-turned-mayor had stood in front of the citys Municipal Services Building from 1998 until 2020, when then-mayor Jim Kenney ordered it removed days after protesters attempted to topple it during the protests that followed the murder of George Floyd. While the agreement states that the statue cannot be placed in public view, conservatives have still hailed its return as a triumph for Rizzos legacy. In the ongoing culture wars over historical memory and memorialization, Rizzos supporters have declared their repossession of the statue a victory over the woke mayor who unlawfully removed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a historian and native Philadelphian, I have written extensively about the city. My first book, which will be rereleased with a new preface in February 2026, traces the rise of Rizzos political appeal and contextualizes his supporters politics in the broader history of the rise of the right. My work recognizes Rizzo not only as the quintessential backlash politician of the 1960s and 1970s, but also as a harbinger of todays identity-based populism that favors social and cultural victories over economic redistribution. As police commissioner from 1967 to 1971 and mayor from 1972 to 1979, Rizzo became a hero to the white, blue-collar Philadelphians who clamored for law and order and railed against liberal policymaking. Until he died in 1991, while running a third campaign to retake the mayors office, Rizzo was an avatar of what I call blue-collar conservatism. Understanding Rizzos career and political popularity can help explain the persistent appeal of this identity-based populism in the 21st century. Police officers guard the Frank Rizzo statue as protesters clash with police near City Hall in May 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Getty Images Rizzo, from cop to mayor Francis Lazzaro Rizzo was born in South Philadelphia, in the mostly Italian-American neighborhood his parents settled in after immigrating from Calabria, Italy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a city where police work was often a family affair, Rizzo followed his fathers footsteps into the Philadelphia Police Department a few years after dropping out of high school. Early on, he drew praise from superiors for his clean-cut image and aggressive policing. In the 1950s, Rizzo fortified that reputation while patrolling predominantly Black neighborhoods in West Philadelphia and leading raids on gay meeting places in Center City. As deputy commissioner in the 1960s, Rizzo directly confronted the citys civil rights movement. Among other exploits, he commanded the response to the Columbia Avenue Uprising in 1964, when North Philadelphia residents responded to an all-too-common act of police brutality with three days of urban disorder. He also faced down protesters seeking to integrate Girard College, an all-white city-operated boarding school for orphaned boys in the heart of predominantly Black North Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While serving as acting commissioner in 1967, Rizzo led a throng of baton-wielding police into a crowd of high schoolers demanding education reform. The scene ended with police chasing down and beating mostly Black youngsters in front of the Board of Education headquarters. Rizzo was promoted to commissioner later that year. While African Americans and white liberals decried his Gestapo tactics, Rizzo grew increasingly popular among the citys white, blue-collar residents. Members of the Philadelphia Black Panther Party are handcuffed and stripped by Philadelphia police after Frank Rizzo ordered an early morning raid of their Columbia Avenue headquarters on Aug. 31, 1970. Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, PA. He capitalized on their enthusiasm in 1971, when he campaigned and won his first election for mayor as both a Democrat and the self-proclaimed toughest cop in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For two terms he rewarded his supporters by opposing and limiting liberal programs they had fought, like public housing, school desegregation and affirmative action. When dissatisfied Democrats challenged his reelection in 1975, Rizzo vowed revenge by saying he would make Atilla the Hun look like a fat. Finally, while campaigning for an amendment to Philadelphias Home Rule Charter to allow him to run for a third consecutive mayoral term, Rizzo told an all-white audience of public housing opponents to vote white for charter change. Populism then and now Rizzos record makes clear why protesters targeted his statue in 2020. When Mayor Kenney ordered it removed, he called it a deplorable monument to racism, bigotry and police brutality for members of the Black community, the LGBTQ community and many others. While Rizzo and his supporters were certainly part of the late 1960s backlash against civil rights and liberalism generally, his populism was more complex and durable than that narrative suggests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also offered affirmation to a beleaguered white, blue-collar identity. His supporters raved about his forceful policing and cheered his anti-liberalism as a last line of defense against policies they considered threats to their livelihoods. Just as important, they saw themselves reflected in the rough-talking high school dropout who worked his way up to the most powerful position in Philadelphia. When Rizzo first ran for mayor, one of his supporters told a reporter that Hell win because he isnt a Ph.D. Hes one of us. Rizzo came up the hard way. That kind of identity-based populism offered social and cultural victories even when it did little to address the declining economy that struck urban America in the 1970s. So while Rizzos populism had few answers for deindustrialization, in 1972 he was able to temporarily halt construction on a public housing project in an all-white section of his native South Philadelphia. Trumps similar appeal Donald Trump offers a similar populist appeal in the 21st century. In fact, he has drawn comparisons to Rizzo since his first presidential campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like Rizzo, Trumps appeal is more social and cultural than economic. Critics have argued that Trumps promotion of traditional Republican economic policies belie the notion that he is a populist. Trumps populism, however, lies not in his ability to deliver working-class prosperity, but conservative victories in the nations long-standing culture wars. Trumps policies may not fulfill his promise to lower the cost of groceries or health care, but mass deportations reward those who fear a changing American identity. Sending troops into cities may not address the cost-of-living crisis, but it delights those who see disorder in urban society. Trumps attempt to recast national history museums in a patriotic mold may not usher in a new Golden Age of America, but it promises a victory to opponents of woke history. A large mural in South Philadelphia that paid tribute to Frank Rizzo was painted over in June 2020. AP Photo/Matt Rourke Redistributive vs. identity populism Despite the lopsided attention Trumps social and cultural populism receives, a kind of progressive, redistributive populism persists in many American cities. This populism promises a redirection of resources from elites and toward working people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Philadelphia in 2023, the multicultural, left-populist Working Families Party won the two at-large seats reserved for minority-party representation in the citys legislature. Currently, Zohran Mamdanis upstart campaign for mayor of New York seems to be reviving a long tradition of progressive urban populism. Redistributive populism, however, remains at odds with the identity populism once championed by Rizzo and now by Trump. While the Trump administrations policies may promise social and cultural victories, they have done little to affect the economic prospects of working-class Americans. Read more of our stories about Philadelphia. 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: Timothy J Lombardo, University of South Alabama Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Timothy J Lombardo 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. One does not have to look too deeply to conclude that free speech is hardly firing on all cylinders across our green and pleasant land; the Starmer Government must admit responsibility for the exacerbating crisis in which Britain finds itself. On this point, Nigel Farage is correct. Free speech is just one of the many ills faced by contemporary Britain. Nevertheless, contrary to what Farage mentioned in yesterdays address to the US Congress, Britain is anything but the totalitarian hereditary dictatorship of North Korea. Such a comparison is utterly silly. We have a free speech problem. One need only look at the cancellation of speakers visiting universities for presenting views with which students and academic staff may disagree. Added to this is the broader embedding of a pernicious anti-free speech ideology across private, public and university sectors wherein views that go against the woke zeitgeist are punished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case of Graham Linehans arrest on the grounds of his posts on X (formerly Twitter) this week is just one extreme example of the pervasive nature of this ideology. In recent years, the trials and tribulations faced by academics and university students not least Kathleen Stock and Jo Phoenix only highlight how even within the supposed bastions of tolerance nobody is immune from ostracisation or cancellation. But to liken the longstanding democracy of Britain to a totalitarian dictatorship preparing for its fourth generation of dynastic rule and one of the worlds most egregious human rights violators takes legitimate criticism of speech codes to an absurd breaking point. Doing so is also detrimental to fighting the wokery on steroids currently engulfing Britain and its institutions. Since the inception of the North Korean state in 1948, the Kim regime has sought to control the lives of its people through building its regime on false interpretations of history and relentless ideological indoctrination. Freedom of movement, religion, speech, and thought are forbidden and they have only worsened under the rule of its third leader: Kim Jong Un. In 2020, whilst the country was under a draconian Covid-induced lockdown, the regime passed a brutal anti-reactionary thought law. Anyone caught listening to K-pop (one of the most popular music genres in the world) or possessing malign Western materials can be sentenced to over ten years of hard labour; those caught disseminating such information can face the death penalty. Thank goodness we in Britain do not face that level of brutal repression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We must be realistic. Britain is obviously not North Korea. Nor are we China or Russia. We are a resilient democracy with free and fair elections; a thriving and rich history and culture; and despite the ongoing screeches of the woke elite, we are free to debate our past and present. Yet, our right to freedom of speech also means that we are free to admit that we are currently governed by an incompetent and hypocritical group of people. For all their rhetoric, they are undermining our most sacred values; they are mismanaging the economy;and they are excusing those in power after they have done things not fit for elected office. To say that all is well with free speech in Britain is a naive and dangerous denial of reality. As we are seeing with our very eyes, being punished for words that might cause offence is a slippery slope which can quickly lead to an Orwellian nightmare. Whether ordinary citizens expressing their views online, university students and academics in the seminar room, or friends over pints of Hawkstone in the local watering hole, JD Vance was correct to say that Britain has a free speech problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gravity of this crisis is such that the Starmer government must ensure that this most basic right is preserved and defended, although it seems unlikely that they can be trusted in this task. We, too, all have a duty to do so, whether restaurant owners or academics. Just because Britain has this problem now does not mean it must continue to do so. But for all the flaws, the country is certainly not akin to North Korea. To make this comparison is to betray an ignorance both about Britain but also the viciously cruel regime that occupies the northern half of the 38th parallel. Dr Edward Howell is a Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Oxford. His research expertise focuses on North Korea, the Korean Peninsula, and East Asia 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. Under the advisement of President Donald Trump, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Wednesday that it is removing the 2021 temporary protected status for Venezuela, which will expire on Sept. 10. Temporary protected status, commonly known as TPS, is a humanitarian immigration status in the U.S. that allows eligible foreign nationals to live and work in the country for a limited period if conditions in their home country make it unsafe to return. Former President Joe Biden enacted two designations of TPS for Venezuela back in 2021. With approval from the U.S. Supreme Court, the Trump administration terminated one of the statuses earlier this year, and is now removing the second. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the press release, Secretary Kristi Noem stated that, upon review, Venezuela no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS, and that keeping it would go against Americas best interests. On social media, the department also noted that it was correcting the Biden administrations decision to turn TPS into a loophole for permanent residence and terminating Venezuelas Temporary Protected Status. Their free stay in America is over, they must return home immediately. TPS was never meant to be a de facto asylum system, yet that is exactly what the Biden administration turned it into. TPS was never meant to be a de facto asylum system, yet that is exactly what the Biden administration turned it into. Today, @Sec_Noem is correcting the Biden administrations decision to turn TPS into a loophole for permanent residence and terminating Venezuelas Temporary Homeland Security (@DHSgov) September 3, 2025 Immigrants under the TPS status are being advised to self-deport under the government smartphone app, CBP Home, that the Trump administration has repurposed to encourage voluntary returns. A $1,000 bonus will be granted if they return to their home countries using the app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given Venezuelas substantial role in driving irregular migration and the clear magnet effect created by Temporary Protected Status, maintaining or expanding TPS for Venezuelan nationals directly undermines the Trump Administrations efforts to secure our southern border and manage migration effectively, a DHS spokesperson said, per the press release. DHS also opens Louisiana Lockup Fifty-one immigrants have apparently already been moved into a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility located at the infamous Louisiana State Penitentiary. Back in the 1960s, the prison earned the reputation as the bloodiest prison in the South" for the multiple stabbings that occurred there, before reform was mandated in the 70s after inmates sued, and according to Fox News, the new location that opened on Thursday is set to house what Noem called the worst of the worst. Noem, who was present at the opening of the facility, posted on social media a warning to immigrants living in the country illegally who commit crimes in the U.S.: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To every criminal illegal alien perpetuating violence on our streets, beware: your free pass is over, she said. Louisiana Lockup could be your last stop in America. To every criminal illegal alien perpetuating violence on our streets, beware: your free pass is over. Louisiana Lockup could be your last stop in America. pic.twitter.com/gLl0PYwGJD Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) September 4, 2025 The states Gov. Jeff Landry also posted on social media, thanking the Trump administration and announcing that Louisiana Lockup is OPEN FOR BUSINESS. Those who enter our country illegally, then commit heinous crimes against Americans will suffer the consequences, he said. Goodnight Louisiana! Sleep tight knowing the worst of the worst illegal aliens are now locked up for good in Angola, he added. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Freedoms Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) announced that it has received its full federal funding for 2025, ensuring uninterrupted support for local history projects, educational programs and community partnerships across eastern Kansas and western Missouri. The announcement comes just weeks before the end of the federal fiscal year, when the funds would have otherwise expired. Salvation Army to close sober living center in Kansas City due to lack of funding Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, KSNT reported that Congress had yet to release federal funding for the organization. Freedoms Frontier said the funding victory concludes a six-month effort to secure previously appropriated federal resources and was made possible by the hundreds of supporters who contacted their representatives on Capitol Hill, urging the release of funds frozen since March. Their advocacy turned the tide, the organization said. Because of the dedication and advocacy of our friends and partners across the region, we are now able to continue our core mission of promoting tourism and economic development in rural Kansas and Missouri, Lucinda Adams, executive director of FFNHA, said in a news release Wednesday. Your calls and conversations with your representatives mattered. We are deeply grateful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of a continuing resolution passed by Congress in March, Freedoms Frontier said the funding was caught in limbo when the Office of Management and Budget froze all federal spending that same month. Following pressure from legislators, including Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver, II (D-Mo.) and Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), the freeze was lifted in July. Still, reduced staffing at the National Park Service caused further delays and uncertainty, Freedoms Frontier said. Freedoms Frontier National Heritage Area plays a prominent role across the region in working with local partners to preserve our history and promote economic development that is vital to our communities, Congressman Cleaver said in a news release Thursday. Despite a regrettable delay, Im pleased that Freedoms Frontier has secured the funding provided by Congress and will now be capable of continuing their mission to tell our story to visitors from around the world while boosting economic activity. Freedoms Frontier is more than a collection of historic sites its a living story of who we are in the region, Rep. Sharice Davids added. Im glad we were able to secure this critical funding so that local partners can keep preserving our history, educating the next generation and boosting our regional economy. This is what happens when communities speak up and we work together to get things done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Heritage Area (NHA) Act of 2022 authorized all 62 NHAs to receive federal funds through 2037, with actual funding levels set by Congress each year, according to Freedoms Frontier. In July, appropriations committees in both chambers advanced draft legislation to fund the NHA program at or above current levels through fiscal year 2026, the organization said in a news release. Whether a full spending bill will pass before the September 30 deadline remains uncertain. For more information about Freedoms Frontier, go to freedomsfrontier.org. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. By Elizabeth Pineau PARIS (Reuters) -France's far-right National Rally is fine-tuning its candidate list for a possible snap legislative election, seeking to avoid what it called "casting errors" that let several "black sheep" derail its hopes for a majority in last year's vote. With the government hanging by a thread, the RN is betting President Emmanuel Macron's only path out of France's latest budget crisis will be to dissolve its deeply divided parliament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RN is the largest single parliamentary party and believes it could finally win a majority that would give the far-right unprecedented power over the eurozone's No. 2 economy. It is a risky bet. Only Macron can call a vote, and even if he does, polls suggest the RN is unlikely to perform much better than last year, when opposition forces aligned to block it from power. The party remains taboo for many in France, with a dark history and divisive pledges to slash immigrant welfare, limit their healthcare access and ramp up deportations. Antisemitic, Islamophobic and racist comments by some RN candidates - later dubbed "black sheep" by party President Jordan Bardella who blamed "casting errors" for their inclusion - also contributed to its electoral shortcomings in 2024, undermining efforts to convince voters it had changed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, fresh elections would mean party leader Marine Le Pen, who is barred from running in the 2027 presidential election after an embezzlement conviction which she has appealed, would lose her parliamentary seat, depriving her of a position of national influence. Le Pen seems undeterred, hoping a fresh legislative election and a battery of legal appeals against her ban will leave her and the RN well positioned for 2027. "We're calling for an ultra-rapid dissolution," she said on Tuesday after a meeting with Prime Minister Francois Bayrou. "That's the only democratic solution." The RN has accelerated steps to recruit, train and develop would-be lawmakers, party sources told Reuters, with 85% of candidates already chosen and only a few dozen still vacant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement France has 577 constituencies and the RN expects to compete in almost all of them, except for seats where allied party contenders face better odds. RN lawmaker Edwige Diaz is in charge of training candidates. She runs an RN Training account on YouTube with nearly 8,000 followers, which includes videos entitled "Patriotic Women and the Need for Political Engagement," and "Agriculture: bad news from Brussels." Diaz told Reuters that candidates typically come from the RN's ranks of roughly 130,000 members. Each candidate is interviewed for 15 minutes by a 12-person panel of RN officials who have already clocked over 200 hours of hearings. If they cannot decide, Le Pen or Bardella make the call, Diaz said. MORE RIGOROUS SCREENING? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approved candidates then receive obligatory media training, which has become an important part of a process begun by Le Pen in 2017 to professionalise a party better known for controversial comments than slick TV interviews. RN spokesperson Laurent Jacobelli told Reuters the party was well aware of the risks of fielding unpalatable candidates, but said "there is a very tight filter, even tighter than before." One would-be RN lawmaker, who spoke anonymously as they were still awaiting confirmation of their candidacy, told Reuters the party had hired an outside firm to screen aspiring candidates' social media and make other background checks. "We are very vigilant on the social networks of our pre-selected candidates," said RN lawmaker Julien Odoul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior RN official said the party has become much stricter about the language its lawmakers use so as not to alienate voters. "We tell the deputies: 'You cannot say that because we are close to power. If you are polling at 5%, you could say it, be excessive. But now you can't anymore,'" said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. Joseph Martin was running as an RN candidate in northwestern Brittany last year when reporters unearthed an old tweet many considered antisemitic. Bardella initially disowned him but the RN eventually let him stand after accepting his explanation that the tweet was taken out of context and was not antisemitic. He lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, he is not being allowed to stand again, he told Reuters. "I asked for the nomination again but they refused it, which I regret since I am innocent. That said, I don't blame them and I have renewed my membership of the RN." Pollster Jerome Sainte-Marie is another trainer of RN recruits, recording podcasts on ancient Greek military thinker Xenophon and the Jacobins of revolutionary France for an in-house website that also includes courses on populism, French agriculture and water management. Sainte-Marie ran in the 2024 vote, falling just short of victory, and plans to run again if Macron dissolves parliament. He was optimistic about the RN's tougher selection methods. "There has been considerable progress," he said. "That will allow us to have people of quality." (Reporting by Elizabeth Pineau; Writing by Gabriel Stargardter; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) 10 Septembre 2025 c'est ferie. Its a holiday. So says Indignons Nous, one of the loose coalition of French protest groups coordinating a day of action from Calais to Corsica in protest against government cuts. Under the banner bloquons tout lets block everything the aim is to paralyse France on 10 September with nationwide action characterised as a general strike. The anger of the bloquons tout movement is directed at austerity measures proposed by Frances fragile government, as well as plans to cancel two public holidays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sud-Rail, one of the top three rail unions, has joined the movement and is calling for a massive strike on 10 September. The rail union says: The time for procrastination is over; it's time for undivided mobilisation! We can destroy this unprecedented austerity plan. Despite the name, which means South-Rail, Sud-Rail is active across the whole of the French mainland. A walkout is likely lead to thousands of train cancellations on the SNCF network. In addition, past protests against austerity have involved road and ferry port blockages, plus disruption to fuel supplies. Eurostar does not at present expect any disruption to its services between Paris, Lille and London St Pancras International. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The target day for mass mobilisation is two days after the government of Francois Bayrou faces a crucial vote of confidence, which it is widely expected to lose. For airline passengers flying to, from within or over France, 18 and 19 September are the key dates. French air-traffic controllers belonging to the SNCTA union will walk out from the start of the morning shift on 18 September to the end of the night shift on 19 September. The union is calling for a profound change in the management of the operations department. The strike is likely to ground thousands of flights across Europe, including many that would simply cross France en route between the UK and Spain, Italy and beyond. A strike involving two smaller unions in early July wrecked the travel plans for hundreds of thousands of travellers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under air passengers rights rules, travellers whose flights are cancelled are entitled to be flown to their destination as soon as possible, on any airline. The carrier that cancels the flight is obliged to provide a hotel and meals for overnight stays. Read more: Disruption warning as CrossCountry train drivers announce October strikes In his early days, the billionaire investor focused on companies that would be considered small-caps. He bought a tiny furniture company in Nebraska in 1983 when it was still expanding across state lines. He acquired Sees Candies when it made just $4 million in annual profits in 1972. I probably would be focusing on smaller companies because I would be working with smaller sums and theres more chance that something is overlooked in that arena, he said at the shareholder meeting. Buffett said that if he started investing again today with $10,000, he would focus first on small businesses. Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching stocks here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead In other words, one of the keys to Buffetts long term success was investing early and often. The majority of Buffetts wealth was accumulated after he turned 65. In 1999, his net worth was just $30 billion. Today, its four times greater at over $140 billion, according to Bloomberg. The length of Buffetts career is a key piece of his enormous wealth. He bought his first stock at the age of 11. Hes now 93 years old and still actively investing. We started with a little snowball on top of a very tall hill, he said. We started at a very early age in rolling the snowball down, and of course, the nature of compound interest is that it behaves like a snowball. Buffetts best advice for investors is to get started as early as possible. He has a simple metaphor to explain his wealth-building strategy. As always, the Oracle of Omaha conveyed complicated ideas in simple terms. Here are the three crucial rules that helped the 93-year-old accumulate a massive fortune and that could help ordinary investors too. Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake heres what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how However, one investor who attended the conference in 1999 cut right to the chase. Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Story Continues These small businesses were overlooked, undervalued and had room to grow, which gave Buffett the chance to buy in early. This trend continues today. Small-cap stocks were around 30% cheaper than large cap stocks as of the start of the final quarter of 2023, according to an analysis by BNP Paribas. This valuation gap is near a 25-year low, suggesting the potential for small-cap outperformance as market conditions shift, based on a report by Royce Investment Partners. If small-cap investments sound too much like micro-management, you could instead consider using an automated investment portfolio to take some of the pressure off individual stock picking. You dont always have to put away large sums to move toward your retirement goals. Ten dollars a week could make a difference if youre smart about what to do with your spare change. When you make a purchase on your credit or debit card, Acorns automatically rounds up the price to the nearest dollar and places the excess the coins that would wind up in your pocket if you were paying cash into a smart investment portfolio. Lets say you purchase a doughnut for $2.30. Before youre done licking the sugar off your fingers, Acorns will round the amount to $3.00 and invest the 70-cent difference for you. Look at this math: $2.50 worth of daily round-ups add up to $900 per year and thats before your savings earn money in the market. Plus, if you sign up now, you can get a $20 bonus investment. Circle of competency Thomas J. Watson Sr., the founder of IBM, once said, Im no genius. Im smart in spots but I stay around those spots. Thats the mantra Buffett has applied to his investing too. Investing is risky, and Buffett has mitigated that risk by sticking to industries he understands. Much of his portfolio is focused on either consumer goods businesses or financial service companies. This disciplined approach helps him manage risk and make confident, long-term decisions. Ordinary investors can similarly reduce risk by sticking to their circle of competency and avoiding speculation. If you're not sure where your strengths lie as an investor, thats where platforms like Moby can come in. Moby offers expert research and recommendations to help you identify strong, long-term investments backed by advice from former hedge fund analysts. In four years, and across almost 400 stock picks, their recommendations have beaten the S&P 500 by almost 12% on average. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Mobys team spends hundreds of hours sifting through financial news and data to provide you with stock and crypto reports delivered straight to you. Their research keeps you up-to-the-minute on market shifts, and can help you reduce the guesswork behind choosing stocks and ETFs. Plus, their reports are easy to understand for beginners, so you can become a smarter investor in just five minutes. Another path is to work with a single, dedicated financial advisor to find your investment angle no matter where you are in your financial journey. A good advisor can help ensure your investment strategy aligns with your personal goals and long-term financial plan. But with over 321,000 financial advisors in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, where do you start? Finding a financial advisor that suits your specific needs and financial goals is simple with Vanguard. Vanguards hybrid advisory system combines advice from professional advisers and automated portfolio management to make sure your investments are working to achieve your financial goals. With a minimum portfolio size of $50,000, this service is best for clients who already have a nest egg built and would like to try to grow their wealth with a variety of different investments. All you have to do is set up a consultation with a Vanguard advisor, and they will help you set a tailored plan and stick to it. After all, smart investing starts with self-awareness and succeeds with the right guidance. What to read next Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. AUSTIN (KXAN) In the words of the beloved and viral video, its frickin bats! And in Central Texas, they arent just a Halloween-time sighting; theyre a significant part of the ecosystem, locally and statewide. In fact, Texas as a whole is distinctive for its bat populations, compared to the rest of the country. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas is the battiest state in the country, home to 32 of the 47 species of bats found in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of bats swarm out of house near San Marcos but that was the plan Austins bats are quite famous, too. The largest urban bat colony in the world estimated at 1.5 million bats lives in the heart of Austin, in the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. According to TPWD, the maternity colony of Mexican free-tailed bats began roosting in the bridge in the 1980s after the bridge was remodeled. Bats fly past the downtown Austin, Texas, skyline at sunset on Aug. 20, 2025. (Courtesy Kevin Orput) Texas also has the largest known bat colony in the world, period. That, too, is in Central Texas. The Bracken Cave Preserve, which is just north of San Antonio, is the summer home for more than 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is the bat population declining? Visitors from around the world visit Texas for bat viewing at several locations throughout the state. In Austin, the Congress Avenue Bridge colony brings about 140,000 people and $10 million to the city each year, per TPWD. Benefits of bats While bats are cool to watch, they also have economic and ecological benefits. According to austinbats.org, run by Merlin Tuttles Bat Conservation, free-tailed bats in Texas save farmers more than a billion dollars annually in avoided pesticide use. They intercept billions of migrating moth pests each spring, and one bat can easily prevent more than 20,000 eggs from being laid in a single night, the website states. In this photo taken Sept. 1, 2011, some of the 20 million bats emerge from Bracken Cave in Bracken, Texas. A depleting insect population has forced millions of bats around drought-stricken Texas to emerge before nightfall for food runs, making them more susceptible to natural predators. Some experts have already noticed fewer bats emerging from caves and have seen evidence that more infant bats are showing up dead, hinting at a looming population decline. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Free-tailed bats of Central Texas consume close to 200 tons of insects on an average summer night, according to the site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bats were also responsible for the biggest mineral export of Texas, prior to the discovery of oil. That mineral was guano fertilizer, which was extracted from bats caves. Guano was also used by the Confederacy in a gunpowder factory outside of San Antonio, according to an entry in the Journal of the Life and Culture of San Antonio, published on the University of the Incarnate Words website. The flying nocturnal mammals were also a subject of fascination for San Antonio doctor Charles A. R. Campbell, who was behind the worlds first successful experiments with attracting hundreds of thousands of bats to fight malaria-carrying mosquitoes, according to the same journal entry from UIW. When are the bats here? Mexican free-tailed bats are the most common bat found throughout Texas. According to TPWD, Mexican free-tailed bats are migratory and spend the winters in caves in Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bats start their migration to Texas in February, and by early spring, female bats form large maternity colonies where they will raise their young. Austins bat colony is a maternity colony. In June, mother bats give birth to one pup each. Male bats do not help in raising the pups and instead form smaller bachelor colonies away from females, according to TPWD. By August, most pups are flying and foraging on their own. Late summer is also typically the peak bat emergence time period. When the first cold fronts come in late October to mid-November, the Mexican free-tailed bats begin their migration to Mexico for the winter, per TPWD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 38-year-old man from Alabama arrested and charged with weapons violations and making criminal threats against a Catholic monastery in Orange County reportedly claimed to be Michael the Angel of Death who was sent to do the Lords reaping, officials announced Wednesday. Joshua Michael Richardson, a resident of Jemison, Alabama, a small town about 53 miles north of Montgomery, Alabama, allegedly began sending threatening emails to St. Michaels Abbey, a sprawling 320-acre monastery in Orange Countys Silverado Canyon, on Aug. 19, according to a news release from the O.C. District Attorneys Office. In the emails, Richardson, who also goes by the name Joshua Michael Jericho, allegedly called himself the rider of the pale horse, a Biblical reference from the Book of Revelation to the last of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Book of Revelation, the rider of the pale horse is the personification of Death who is given the power to kill through the sword, famine, disease, and wild animals, and is closely followed by Hades, who swallows the souls of the condemned, the release noted. Richardson reportedly wrote in the emails that he was being sent to do the Lords reaping before his harvest and chose St. Michaels Abbey because it is one of the few churches in the country that continues to celebrate Michaelmas or the Feast of St. Michael, celebrated at the Abbey on Sept. 29. Considered the greatest of the archangels, St. Michael is believed to be the defender of the church against Satan. In his email, Richardson stated that he would be traveling to the church from Alabama soon, prosecutors allege. A 38-year-old man from Alabama, who was armed with several weapons, was charged on Sept. 1, 2025, with being armed and making criminal threats against St. Michaels Abbey in Orange County. (KTLA) A 38-year-old man from Alabama, who was armed with several weapons, was charged on Sept. 1, 2025, with being armed and making criminal threats against St. Michaels Abbey in Orange County. (OCSD) A 38-year-old man from Alabama, who was armed with several weapons, was charged on Sept. 1, 2025, with being armed and making criminal threats against St. Michaels Abbey in Orange County. (OCSD) Exactly one week later, on Aug. 26, a man later identified as Richardson attended an afternoon service at the abbey, after which he reportedly followed a priest into a private area and said that he came to do the Lords work, to separate the weak from the weeds, and that he rode his pale horse from Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VIDEO: 2 men robbed at gunpoint in driveway of home in affluent L.A. neighborhood In addition to public services, the abbey is home to dozens of priests and seminarians who live on the churchs compound. Two days after receiving the threat, on Aug. 28, one day after a gunman opened fire at Catholic school in Minneapolis, killing two children, injuring another 18 and three adults, a priest at St. Michaels reported Richardsons alleged threats to law enforcement. The 38-year-old was located the same day inside his vehicle in a Santa Monica parking garage in the 1500 block of Ocean Avenue. A search of his truck revealed six high-capacity gun magazines, a sword, a stun gun and several knives, along with body armor, duct tape, rope, walkie-talkies and other tactical gear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No guns or ammunition were recovered, authorities said. He has since been charged with one felony count of criminal threats, felony possession of brass knuckles and a dirk or a dagger, as well as misdemeanor possession of high-capacity magazines. The walls of our churches are not just symbols of sanctuary; they represent the most sacred places of worship and of peace, O.C. District Attorney Todd Spitzer said. No one should have to worship in fear that a stranger would walk through the door with the intent to carry out their own day of judgement and determine who lives and who dies. Richardson is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Just as Florida-based Spirit Airlines cancels routes to 11 cities as it struggles with a second bankruptcy in a year, Frontier Airlines, Spirit's major competitor in the ultra-low-fare airline industry is surging forward with 22 new routes across the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America launching in late 2025, according to a Sept. 4 release. That's in addition to the 20 new routes Frontier announced last week, many of them at Spirit hubs, including its main hub at Fort Lauderdale. The new routes, which are scheduled to launch in November and December, include flights between Orlando and El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica and Guatemala, and flights between Miami and El Salvador and Honduras, with some fares starting at $49 one-way. Other new service has been added to Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are on a mission to increase service domestically and internationally, and in the process redefine air travel by demonstrating that it can be comfortable, convenient and affordable, said Josh Flyr, Frontier's vice president of network and operations design in the release. Whether consumers are planning to explore destinations across the U.S. or to escape to the sunny Caribbean this winter, we cant wait to welcome them aboard Americas Low Fare Airline. What are the new Frontier routes in Florida? The new routes announced Sept. 4 include: Orlando International Airport (MCO) to San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL) Service start: Dec. 20, 2025 Frequency: Weekly Intro fare: $59 Orlando International Airport (MCO) to San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP) Service start: Dec. 20, 2025 Frequency: Weekly Intro fare: $49 Orlando International Airport (MCO) to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) Service start: Dec. 20, 2025 Frequency: Weekly Intro fare: $55 Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA) Service start: Dec. 21, 2025 Frequency: 2x weekly Intro fare: $49 Miami International Airport (MIA) to San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL) Service start: Dec. 19, 2025 Frequency: 3x weekly Intro fare: $49 Miami International Airport (MIA) to San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP) Service start: Dec. 20, 2025 Frequency: Weekly Intro fare: $49 Which routes did Spirit cancel? The Florida-based budget airline is is pulling out of airports in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Birmingham, Alabama; Boise, Idaho; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Columbia, South Carolina; Oakland, California; Portland, Oregon; Sacramento, California; Salt Lake City; San Diego; and San Jose, California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A planned route to Macon, Georgia, scheduled to begin in October, also has been suspended. Service to Key West, scheduled to begin Nov. 6, is still available. No Florida cities were removed, but flights to and from Florida airports to these 11 cities will end, according to Spirit.com's ticketing website. In its attempt to restructure, the airline plans to cut its fleet and focus on core cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Detroit, Spirit Chairman Robert Milton told the Wall Street Journal. Which Florida airports does Frontier service? Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport (FLL) Fort Myers, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) Miami International Airport (MIA) Orlando International Airport (MCO) Pensacola International Airport (PNS) SarasotaBradenton International Airport (SRQ) Tampa International Airport (TPA) Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Frontier Airlines adds 22 more routes as Spirit reduces flights AUSTIN (KXAN) A grand jury has indicted the managing company of an assisted living facility as well as two former staff members in connection with the death of Cynthia Pierce, 73, during the 2021 winter storm. The historic storm caused widespread power outages across Texas, and according to the Texas Department of State Health Services, claimed the lives of nearly 250 people. A photo of Cynthia Cindy Pierce and her daughter, Holly (Photo provided by Jo Carol Pierce) According to the Travis County District Attorneys Office, employees at Renaissance Austin Assisted Living failed to promptly move and transport an elderly and disabled resident of the facility to a warmer area within the facility that was readily available, when the power went out during the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement also said Pierce was left in an unheated room with the windows open. She was taken to the hospital and died of hypothermia. I just could not make the leap from speaking to her the day previous to Pierces daughter Holly Ferguson said, her voice trailing off into tears before she could finish her sentence. In a statement, Sam Bassett, the attorney representing former employees Mendi Ramsay and Rochelle Alvarado said it was through no fault of their own, and certainly no crime was committed, and his clients will plead not guilty. He said Ramsays and Alvarados hearts go out to the Pierce family. The indictment returned by the grand jury alleges that the staffs criminal negligence by omission resulted in bodily injury to Mrs. Pierce, the DAs office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Bassett said the storm was an unprecedented weather event for the state. During this investigation, my clients accurately recounted extraordinary measures that they and their staff took to ensure resident safety during this event, Bassett said. Joshua Saegert, the attorney representing Harvest Renaissance-Austin, LLC, which operated the nursing home in 2021, said he is aware that charges have been filed against the company and its former employees regarding an event that occurred during Winter Storm Uri in February 2021. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the resident, and we will continue to work with local authorities. According to the attorney representing the victims family, the current facility appears to be under new ownership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2021, KXANs Avery Travis spoke with Pierces family, who said they were never alerted of any issues at the assisted living facility, and they would have picked Pierce up if they would have known there was a power outage. Her body temperature was 94 degrees when she got to the hospital, said Elyse Yates, Pierces niece, at the time. Shed frozen to death, and that was devastating. In January 2024, the DAs office received a complaint about this case from attorneys representing the family on the civil side. From there, the office said it worked with the Austin Police Department to bring the matter before a grand jury in July 2025. The former employees charged are expected to be in court next week. Remembering Cindy Cindy Pierce, center, with her daughter and grandson. About mom, she was quirky, said Ferguson. And when her joy bubbled up, it was infectious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ferguson and her two aunts, Pierces sisters, reminisced over some of their favorite photos and memories. The above picture is from Fergusons graduation. Just utterly joyful, she said about her mother. I think you can see how much she adores her grandchild. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is preparing to scrutinize the mental health risks of AI chatbots to children and will demand internal documents from major tech firms, including OpenAI, Meta Platforms and Character.AI, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. The agency is preparing letters to send to the companies operating popular chatbots, the report said, quoting administration officials. "Character.AI has not received a letter about the FTC study, but we welcome working with regulators and lawmakers as they begin to consider legislation for this emerging space," the company said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FTC, OpenAI and Meta did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comments. Reuters could not independently verify the report. FTC and the entire Administration are focused on delivering on Trump's mandate "to cement America's dominance in AI, cryptocurrency, and other cutting-edge technologies of the future" without compromising the safety and well-being of the people, a White House spokesperson said. The news comes weeks after a Reuters exclusive report revealed how Meta allowed provocative chatbot behavior with children, including letting bots engage in "conversations that are romantic or sensual." Last week, the social media company said it would add new teenager safeguards to its artificial intelligence products by training systems to avoid flirty conversations and discussions of self-harm or suicide with minors, and by temporarily limiting their access to certain AI characters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, more than 20 consumer advocacy groups filed a complaint with the FTC and state attorneys general, alleging that AI platforms such as Meta AI Studio and Character.AI enable the unlicensed practice of medicine by hosting "therapy bots". Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into Meta and Character.AI last month for allegedly misleading children with AI-generated mental health services, accusing them of deceptive trade practices and privacy violations. (Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese, Akash Sriram and Kritika Lamba in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and Shinjini Ganguli) MACON COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) Deputies arrested a fugitive in North Carolina on Wednesday. According to the Macon County Sheriffs Office, Kermit Booth, 72, was arrested on a governors warrant out of Flagler County in Florida. He was wanted as a fugitive of justice on two charges of sexual battery of a person under 12 years of age, investigators said. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis requested Booths extradition from North Carolina on August 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies in Flagler County said Booth has a lengthy criminal history going back to 2015, but the case has little movement until 2023, when additional evidence was provided against him. On July 29, the Flagler County Sheriffs Office obtained a warrant for Booths arrest. His bond was set at $500,000 by a judge in Flagler County. Booth was initially arrested on August 1 by Macon County deputies, but was released from jail after posting $35,000 bond set by a magistrate. While we commend the bravery of the victim and the work of our Major Case Unit in obtaining a warrant and arrest, its deeply troubling that a North Carolina judge chose to lower the bond set by a Florida judge, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Staly expressed concerns about how the case was handled by the judge in North Carolina. This victim waited 10 years for him to be held accountable and now this North Carolina judge has victimized our victim again by allowing him to be released before his extradition hearing on a very low bond. This is a travesty of justice and in all my years in law enforcement, I have never heard of a fugitive from justice case being handled like this by an out-of-state judge. While awaiting extradition, Booth is being held on no bond at the Macon County Detention Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat is still failing to document the proper treatment of women with serious mental illnesses incarcerated in Fulton County, as is required by a 2022 settlement. The agreement was the result of a class-action lawsuit filed in 2019 by the Georgia Advocacy Office, the Southern Center for Human Rights and Caplan Cobb LLC on behalf of women with serious mental illness who were being held in solitary confinement at the South Fulton Jail in Union City. During the initial lawsuit, the Georgia Advocacy Office presented photographs from their inspections of the unsanitary jail cells the women were housed in for weeks at a time. The pictures showed cells that were covered in garbage, had standing toilet water, and walls stained with blood and fecal matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Labat] has not shown that it is impossible for him to comply, nor has he shown that he has in good faith made all reasonable efforts to comply, U.S. Magistrate Judge Regina D. Cannon wrote in her order last month. Read More: Federal Judge Rules Fulton Sheriff Did Not Comply With Court Settlement Labat has appealed the order to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. It is undisputed that the conditions for the female mental health inmates have improved. The federal judge has visited [the Atlanta City Detention Center] and confirmed that the conditions have not only improved, but are both constitutional and reflect best practices, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office wrote in a statement Wednesday to Capital B Atlanta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [The Georgia Advocacy Offices] focus has been on documentation, which in our opinion is baseless. Our desired outcome is the decision be reversed. The judge found that the sheriff failed to maintain an accurate list of women with serious mental illnesses, provide access to reading material, track out-of-cell time, or comply with staffing, training, and supervision requirements listed in the settlement. This ruling is more than a finding in favor of the Plaintiffs it is a reminder that the women inside that jail are human beings whose voices matter. For too long, they have reported poor and degrading conditions, and those reports have been ignored, Devon Orland, litigation director at the Georgia Advocacy Office, wrote in a press statement. Since this is the second time Labat has been found to be in material breach of the agreement, the U.S. District Court can decide to convert the agreement into a consent decree. Read More: Two Deaths at Fulton Jail Raise More Questions about Safety and Oversight While a settlement agreement is a legally binding contract, it is made between the two parties in a lawsuit and does not carry the weight of a court order. And unlike a consent decree, it does not automatically incur sanctions if one party is found to be in violation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A consent decree is a formal court order, and parties who violate the agreement can be found in contempt of court. If the U.S. District Court converts the settlement agreement, it will be the second consent decree Labat and Fulton County entered into this year to address the inhumane and unconstitutional conditions at the jail. Fulton County agreed to make meaningful changes in the lives of people with psychiatric disabilities, and it has failed to live up to its end of the bargain time after time, Atteeyah Hollie, deputy director at the Southern Center for Human Rights, said in a statement to media following the judges ruling. The post Sheriff Pushes Back on Finding Tied to Care of Incarcerated Women With Mental Illness appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. REHOBOTH, Mass. (WPRI) Funeral arrangements have been announced for 18-year-old Kylee Monteiro. Monteiro, who was 11 weeks pregnant at the time, was found dead in Rehoboth last month after a weeks-long search. Her boyfriend, 22-year-old Gregory Groom, has been charged with murder after he admitted to stabbing her and burying her on his property. He is currently being held without bail. If I die, it was Greg: Texts from missing woman read during murder arraignment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Monteiros obituary, she proudly earned her welding certificate and was eagerly looking forward to a promising career in the field. Her wake was held Thursday at the William W. Tripp Funeral Home in Pawtucket. Her funeral service is scheduled for Friday at noon. In place of flowers, the family is asking for donations to New Hope, a Massachusetts-based domestic violence organization. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, seek help immediately: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 Rhode Island Helpline RI: 800-494-8100 Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center: 800-494-8100 Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center: 401-738-1700 Womens Resource Center: 401-846-5263 Crossroads RI: 401-861-2760 DVRC of South County: 401-782-3990 Massachusetts SafeLink: 877-785-2020 SSTAR Womens Center: 508-675-0087 The Womens Center: 508-999-6636 New Hope: 800-323-HOPE (4673) Health Imperatives: 508-588-TALK (8255) Jane Doe Inc.: 617-248-0922 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. CHARLESTON, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Funeral services have been announced for Arkansas Sen. Gary Stubblefield (R-Branch), who died on Sept. 2 at the age of 74. Stubblefields obituary, posted to the Brotherton Brothers Funeral Homes website, says his funeral service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 11 a.m. at the Charleston High School Gymnasium. The burial will follow at Lowes Creek Cemetery, near Branch. Stubblefields body will lie in state from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, in the state Capitol Rotunda in Little Rock. He will lie in state at the funeral home chapel in Charleston from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His obituary says that Stubblefield died on Sept. 2 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. No cause of death has been released. Stubblefield is survived by his wife, two children, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Elderly man airlifted after bear attack in Franklin County Stubblefield represented Arkansas Senate District 26, which includes portions of Franklin, Johnson, Sebastian and Logan counties. He had served that district since 2013. Stubblefields four-year term was set to expire in 2029, meaning Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders will have to call a special election for the seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Sanders will fulfill her constitutional obligation to declare a vacancy, call a special election, and ensure the citizens of the River Valley continue to have strong representation in the State Senate, a spokesperson for the governors office said in a statement to KNWA/FOX24 on Thursday. The Arkansas Constitution states that no senator or representative can be appointed during the term someone should have been elected. Current members of the state House of Representatives are barred from seeking election in the special election. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. A cutthroat trout caught on a western Montana river. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan) Recent cooler temperatures at the end of August across western Montana has prompted Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to relax fishing restrictions on many rivers throughout the state. With forecasts predicting continued low temperatures and increased precipitation in the western parts of the state next week, FWP reports that water temperatures have met the threshold for lifting most hoot-owl restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Regions 2, 3 and 4, restrictions have been lifted or changed on the following rivers: Silver Bow Creek in its entirety Bitterroot River from Veterans Bridge at Hamilton to the confluence with the Clark Fork River (upper river restriction remains) Clark Fork River from the Clark Forks origin at the confluence of Warm Springs Creek and Silver Bow Creek to the mouth of the Blackfoot River Beaverhead River from Highway 41 near East Bench Road and Beaverhead Rock to its confluence with the Big Hole River East Gallatin River from Penwell Bridge Road to the confluence with the Gallatin River Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallatin River from Amsterdam Road to the confluence with the Missouri River Madison River from downstream most Yellowstone National Park (YNP) boundary to Hebgen Reservoir will switch from a full closure to hoot-owl restrictions. The three short sections that exit YNP near Bakers Hole campground will remain closed to align with the existing hoot-owl restriction issued by the National Park Service on the Madison River. Ruby River from Duncan District Road to confluence with the Beaverhead River Smith River from the confluence of the North and South forks to Eden Bridge On the Jefferson River FWP lifted fishing restrictions on Tuesday from the confluence of the Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers to the Missouri River, has been lifted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Effective Aug. 4, hoot owl restrictions are no longer in place on the Blackfoot River, from the headwaters at the confluence of Anaconda Creek and Beartrap Creek to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. Restrictions are also lifted on upper Rock Creek, from the confluence of the West and Middle forks to the mouth of Stoney Creek. The remainder of Rock Creek was not under restriction. FWP also announced Thursday that restrictions have bene lifted on the Sun River from the mouth of Muddy Creek to Highway 287 Bridge. Many restrictions had been in effect for the rivers since early- to mid-July due to warm water temperatures. Hoot-owl restrictions are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when low flows and high water temperatures combine with other stressors, including catch-and-release fishing. Anglers can reduce stress on fish at all times of the year by getting fish to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water, and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a list of current drought-related fishing restrictions and closures, click here. Along with monitoring stream temperatures, FWP also monitors stream flows, and in some streams, holds instream flow water rights. FWPs water program can issue a call on junior water users, when appropriate, to contribute to stream flows through the late summer and early fall. For more information on FWP water rights, click here. (Reuters) -Watches of Switzerland said on Wednesday that it was on track to report fiscal first-half results in line with its expectations, helped by robust demand in the U.S., and a steady performance in the UK luxury watch and jewellery markets. The group said it does not expect U.S. tariffs on Swiss watch imports to weigh on first-half results, adding that brand partners had already built up inventories, with Swiss watch exports jumping 45% in July from a year earlier. Shares in Watches of Switzerland jumped about 11% in early trading. The U.S., a leading buyer of Swiss watches, machinery, and chocolate, had announced a tariff rate of 31% for Switzerland in April as part of a broad push to reorder global trade, but increased the threatened tariff to 39% last month. The company said performances in both the U.S. and the UK markets were encouraging and in line with its guidance for the year ending April 2026, provided in July 2025. "The stability we saw in the UK luxury watch and jewellery markets during the second half of FY25 has continued, and we have delivered good year-on-year growth," the company added. Watches of Switzerland also added that it would provide further updates to any impact from tariffs once more information was available. (Reporting by Ankita Bora in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich) Garbage truck rolls down hill, hits car, bursts into flames in Smyrna area neighborhood Cobb County firefighters are working to determine what caused a garbage truck to crash into a car in a driveway and then burst into flames. Channel 2s Courtney Francisco was out at the scene along Haven Park Circle near Smyrna. She sent in video of the garbage truck which was still had smoke coming from it following the wreck that happened around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to emergency crews, the truck lost control for some reason, rolled down the hill, hit a car outside the home, and burst into flames. The flames then set the car on fire. One person was taken to an area hospital with minor burns. Firefighters said two workers were on board the garbage truck when it crashed. One was inside the truck, one was on the outside. One of the garbage truck operators was hospitalized. The two people inside the home at the time of the crash are OK. For hours, firefighters waited for a HAZMAT crew to offload fuel before a tow team could move the truck away from the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that, Waste Connections planned to tow the truck of smoldering trash to a dump yard and dispose of it there. Homeowner Sally Reis predicts it will be months before they can rebuild and return home. Were still working through it, but grateful again for the wonderful Cobb County, Smyrna firefighters who really got here quickly and are helping us, she told Channel 2s Courtney Francisco. In a resounding vote on Tuesday, the Gary Common Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing potential plans by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and the Indiana General Assembly to hold a special session and redistrict ahead of the 2030 census. The fact theyre trying to redistrict within a 10-year period is unacceptable, and they publicly have made this a political issue, thats the problem, Councilman Darren Washington said. Though Tuesday marked the first time the resolution was introduced, the council suspended its rules to pass the resolution immediately, rather than the standard required three readings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an effort to cheat before the midterms. To stack the deck and redraw the lines in the middle of a decade is unacceptable, Council President Lori Latham said. We deserve to be represented. We deserve to have representation. We deserve not to be gerrymandered. We deserve to have our voices heard, and when we decide who we elect to represent us, should be allowed to represent us. Washington, who sponsored the resolution with Councilwoman Linda Barnes-Caldwell, emphasized that the opposition to the redistricting had less to do with the potential outcome, but more to do with it being called in an off-schedule year. He also pointed to the potential cost. This is an effort to cheat before the midterms. To stack the deck and redraw the lines in the middle of a decade is unacceptable. We deserve to be represented. We deserve to have representation. We deserve not to be gerrymandered. Lori Latham, Gary Common Council president I just wanted to emphasize the cost of this, Washington said. We just had to redistrict. How much is it going to cost the taxpayers as well? The governor stated it would be about $260,000 to call the [redistricting special session], and if they do it, they want to do it in November because thats when they call the legislators back for reorganization day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other matters, the council also discussed a rezoning at 5339 W. 15th Ave., at the corner of West 15th Avenue and Burr Street. Abdelkauim Yacoub, Fadi Hamod, and Rami Hamod of Buy-N-Save Inc. sought to rezone the vacant lot that currently rests at the corner from residential to business. A Buy-N-Save structure already sits next to the property. According to their attorney, the group plans to build a 6,000-square-foot building on the lot. The new structure would house three separate businesses: a store selling food, beauty supplies, and clothing; a salon; and a shop specializing in mobile devices and phones. Council members were critical of the proposal, noting that the petitioners had not provided visual schematics for the new structure and expressing disappointment that the old Buy-N-Save would remain as part of the new building. I assumed incorrectly that the old structure was going to be knocked down for construction, said Washington. Councilman Kenneth Whisenton said the petitioners would need to show plans to improve the old structure to get his vote. (Javonte Anderson/Capital B) But we were informed at the committee hearing that the same structure would be there that we got a plethora of complaints about, and that next to it would be a new structure, next to the old structure. I have a concern with that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington pointed out that due to the many complaints he has received from residents in the district about the current structure, he would like to be provided with drawings of the potential new structure. Councilman Kenneth Whisenton also voiced frustration. I dont like it, he said. That building does not inspire anything new in the city. Its more of the same. Its the Gary of the past and were not there [any] more. Whisenton stated the petitioner would also need to show plans to improve the old structure to get his vote. The Gary Plan Commission approved the rezoning at its public hearing on June 18. The post Gary Council Rejects Redistricting Move, Questions Rezoning Proposal appeared first on Capital B Gary. GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A new operations center in Gaston County is helping local police cut down the time it takes to solve crime. On Thursday, the Gastonia Police Department officially unveiled its Real Time Crime Center. Turns out, it has already seen a success story. A few weeks ago, Flock cameras caught thieves stealing bathtubs outside of a Brookline Construction site. Matt Richardson informed police about it, and they got caught later on by the Dallas Police Department. Courtesy: Gastonia Police Department We had our bathtubs sitting out and they were going to be installed the next day, Richardson said. Well, they came in and they took the tubs and the wall surrounds for the tubs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richardson was able to work with police through the new Real Time Crime Center Flock cameras to catch the thieves. The video cameras are very beneficial, especially on construction projects for these kinds of reasons, Richardson said. The Real Time Crime Center provides information, intelligence and situational awareness for police. The most dangerous part is the unknown, and with this technology for the first time we can start to quantify the unknown, Max Weinstein from Flock Safety said at the ceremony. Officials said the new center allows officers to analyze a crime the moment its reported, before police can arrive on the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of times on these types of calls, theyre gone before we get there, and so were playing catch-up, Gastonia Police Chief Trent Conrad said. This just evens out the playing field. Businesses and homeowners can opt in or out anytime to allow police to have access to cameras or to let them know they have them if theyre ever needed. The bathtub thieves were caught by Dallas Police thanks to the flock system. Hopefully, this is just one less individual that we have to worry about going around and stealing stuff from project sites, Richardson said. Dr. Tonya Taylor oversees the Real Time Crime Center. She said she understands people may be concerned about the camera system, but there is no way for officers to be watching hundreds of cameras 24/7. They are only meant to be used for emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Real Time Crime Center Cost Breakdown: $963,000 from a federal COPS Grant $220,000 ARPA funds $100,000 from City of Gastonia General Fund $641,000 year-to-year costs to run and staff RTCC Gastonia Cameras: 21 Flock License Plate Readers (LPR) 22 Flock Live Cameras 144 Downtown Cameras First drone as a first responder with LPR and live video coming Jan. 2026 Courtesy: Gastonia Police Department You can register a camera with the system here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The city of Gastonia unveiled its new Real Time Crime Center on Thursday. Police now have access to nearly 170 cameras to help solve crimes, but some people worry it gives officers too much access. Too much crime: Gastonia police to start live monitoring of license plate readers The company that provides Gastonias new camera system said another unnamed city that created the same center saw homicides go from 63% solved to 100% solved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its going to save lives, said North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson. Eight people will monitor dozens of cameras owned by the city and more owned by businesses and residents. The city plans to add a drone to the system next year. What we can only previously envision in the movies and on television becomes a reality for people of Gaston County, said Gaston County District Attorney Travis Page. Its a reality for a developer that had thieves target homes under construction. He put Flock cameras on the property and linked it with Gastonias system leading to arrests. Jay Stanley, a policy analyst for the ACLU in Washington, said the cameras are caching and storing images of innocent people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just living my life. Why does police have to have a record of that? Stanley said. He said images from the 5,000 Flock cameras in use run through AI which is evaluating where you drive. If you happen to travel in some pattern that this computer algorithm, this AI thinks is suspicious. The police are going to have their eye on you, Stanley said. He said you wont know they are watching. Channel 9s Ken Lemon asked a Flock representative about that. They said that is not the point of the system. Flock is not a predictive policing company, the Flock rep said Thursday. We utilize AI to make investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city will keep data saved on the cameras for 30 days. They would need permission from the courts to save video longer. The ACLU representative said in New Hampshire, if police dont get a hit on their license plate reader, the data must be deleted after three minutes. He said Gastonia should explore that option. VIDEO: Reward increased to $9,000 in Gastonia barbers unsolved murder An eight-year-old boy once claimed to have been killed by the IDF in Gaza was found alive, safely extracted with his mother. He spoke in an interview with Fox News, which was published on Thursday. An eight-year-old boy, who a former Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) worker claimed was shot dead by the IDF at a humanitarian aid site in May, has been found alive and in hiding with his mother, Fox News revealed on Thursday. The boy, nicknamed "Amir," who also goes by the name "Abboud," was formally identified as Adbul Rahim Muhammad Hamdan by GHF. Hamdan, along with his mother, spoke to Fox News Digital with the aid of a GHF translator in the build up to their extraction from the Gaza Strip. Hamdan and his mother, named by Fox News as Najlaa, were safely extracted from the Gaza Strip on Thursday, but their location has not been disclosed for their safety. In the interview, they appeared excited of the prospect of their then-upcoming extraction, with Hamdan telling the interviewer that "Outside the Gaza Strip is nice." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GHF on Thursday held a press briefing outlining the incident in full. In the briefing, GHF spokesperson Chapin Fay confirmed that "the young boy falsely claimed to have been killed by the IDF and misidentified as Amir by former UG Solutions contractor Tony Aguilar is alive and safe...He has been safely relocated with his mother to a secure, undisclosed location." This "comes after weeks of high-risk efforts by GHFs humanitarian team and American veterans who worked closely with local community members to confirm the boys identity and ensure his safety," she added. GHF launched a discreet search for the boy "immediately," utilizing "trusted community relationships" to trace him, she noted. The search was coordinated with the US Embassy in Israel, as well as regional governments, to ensure Hamdan's extraction, she added. Former GHF contractor claims IDF shot child at aid site Former UG Solutions contractor and retired Green Beret Lt.-Col. Anthony Aguilar claimed he saw Hamdan, whom he named "Amir," shot dead by IDF soldiers at an aid site in May. Aguilar was subcontracted to GHF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF denied Aguilar's claims, which he revealed during a BBC interview in July. GHF also dismissed Aguilar as a disgruntled contractor. I witnessed the IDF firing into a crowd of Palestinians, Aguilar told the BBC. I witnessed the IDF firing a main gun round from a Merkava tank into a crowd of people, destroying a car full of civilians that were simply driving away from the site. In my entire career, I have never witnessed until I was in Gaza the level of brutality and use of indiscriminate and unnecessary force against an unarmed, starving civilian population at the hands of the IDF and US contractors, he continued. He claimed that the IDF fired a "shot to the torso, a shot to the leg [and then he was] dead." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Hamdan, his mother, and other relatives were identified by facial recognition software that compared images of the child, along with biometric data, which the organization shared with Fox News. In this footage, he was seen "playfully interacting" with a GHF staff member after arriving at an aid site with his mother in August. The mother smuggled her child to the aid site due to family members being threatened by Hamas terrorists, a GHF representative told Fox News. "My son and I suffered a lot. But we thank God. I thank everyone who helped me and stood by me," the mother was cited by Fox News as saying. GHF head 'overjoyed, deeply relieved' child is alive, safe GHF Executive Chairman Rev. Dr. Johnnie Moore celebrated that Hamdan is safe, stating on behalf of GHF, "We are overjoyed and deeply relieved that Aboud is safe, and that this story ends in hope." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When this lie was brazenly, cravenly shared from the press to the halls of Congress, our team set out to find this little boy - whatever it took. Not to show the truth or to prove our point, but to save the kids life," he commented. "While this story ends happily, it could have ended in tragedy," he added. "When a childs life is at stake, facts must matter more than headlines. Thank God we were able to save him," he concluded. While the legal argument may appear straightforward in military manuals, Israels actions are also scrutinized through the lens of international diplomacy. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has once again set sail toward Gaza, reviving one of the most contentious debates in Middle East politics: the legality and legitimacy of Israels naval blockade. This years mission is unprecedented in scale, involving between 50 and 70 vessels carrying activists, doctors, parliamentarians, artists and human rights defenders from 44 countries. Organizers say the convoy whose boats are departing these days, and some have already done so is expected to reach Gaza within two to three weeks. Since 2010, when the deadly raid on the Mavi Marmara left 10 activists dead, the flotilla has served as a recurring act of maritime protest. Organizers emphasize that the aid they carry is mainly symbolic, pointing out that thousands of trucks laden with supplies remain blocked at border crossings. Instead, they frame their mission as an act of civil resistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the heart of the controversy lies the question of whether Israels blockade first imposed in 2007 after Hamas seized power in Gaza stands on firm legal ground. Supporters of the flotilla argue that the blockade constitutes collective punishment, explicitly prohibited under the Fourth Geneva Convention. They also describe Israeli interceptions of vessels in international waters as acts of piracy under international law. By contrast, legal scholars maintain that the blockade is consistent with the laws of armed conflict. Professor Eugene Kontorovich, director of international law at George Mason Universitys law school, emphasized that blockade is a legal and legitimate aspect of naval warfare. Its actually one of the principal purposes of naval warfare, to deny access to goods and material to the enemy, he said to The Media Line. This years convoy our largest yet includes dozens of vessels and hundreds of individuals from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas a true global effort to end the blockade, Sandra Barrilaro, spokesperson for Rumbo a Gaza, the Spanish branch of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, said to The Media Line. We carry symbolic aid food, medicine, baby formula not because aid is absent, but because it is deliberately blocked at Gazas crossings. Our act challenges that deprivation and calls out collective punishment, she added. Global Sumud Flotilla members sit on a boat on the day of their departure to Gaza from Barcelona, Spain, September 1, 2025, after stormy weather forced the flotilla to return to port earlier. (credit: REUTERS/EVA MANEZ) She stressed that the initiative is not a humanitarian mission in the classic sense. The real scandal is that thousands of trucks with food and medical supplies are waiting at Rafah, blocked from entering. What we do is to expose this injustice and to show that international law prohibits collective punishment, attacks on civilians, schools and hospitals. That is our legal basis, she noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barrilaro emphasized that all participants are trained in nonviolence. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition carries out peaceful actions. Every participant whether crew or activist receives training in this approach before setting sail. We are aware of the risks we take: assaults, arrests and imprisonment. We saw it in 2010, during the assault on the Mavi Marmara, when 10 of our colleagues were killed and 50 others injured. But we will continue, because silence is complicity, she added. However, Kontorovich explained that once a blockade is declared and properly announced, as Israel has done, third-party vessels that attempt to breach it can be legally stopped, boarded or even seized. International law simply allows the stopping of the vessel. By the way, international law also allows the sinking of the vessel. Once theyre doing this, they are essentially engaged in hostile conduct. And they can be treated as a hostile entity, he added. When asked about the humanitarian cargo often cited by flotilla organizers, he dismissed the notion that this alters the legal status of a blockade runner. Theres no particular exception. A claim of carrying humanitarian aid obviously does not allow running a blockade, he noted. Israel's actions also scrutinized through lens of international diplomacy While the legal argument may appear straightforward in military manuals, Israels actions are also scrutinized through the lens of international diplomacy. Past confrontations have generated global outrage, placing Israel in a difficult position. Basically theyre trying to use exactly the same tactics as Hamas on Israel, which is namely, to put civilians in harms way, engage in hostile actions, get garbed in civil opposition, and then blame Israel for responding, Kontorovich argued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For flotilla activists, however, it is quite different. Barrilaro described their effort as political rather than humanitarian: The Freedom Flotilla has always been political. We denounce the blockade, the occupation, the ongoing killings and displacement. Humanitarian aid is not our main goal; it is a symbolic act of protest to expose the complicity and inaction of governments worldwide. They are allowing all of this to take place, she explained. The Israeli government has consistently defended the blockade as a security necessity to prevent Hamas from importing weapons by sea. Officials argue that without such restrictions, arms and explosives could flow into Gaza unchecked. For that reason, Israel has made clear it will intercept vessels attempting to break the blockade, regardless of their flag or origin. Professor Eugene Kontorovich emphasized that under international law Israel not only has the right to halt ships but may also detain those on board. A vessel that declares its intention to run a blockade is considered to be engaged in hostile action. The participants can be detained for the duration of hostilities, even if they are citizens of countries allied with Israel, he explained. The fact that ships fly European flags or claim to carry humanitarian supplies does not alter their legal status once they seek to breach a declared blockade. International law recognizes Israels right to seize such vessels despite the diplomatic difficulties this may create, he added. In remarks made today, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir went further; he stated that flotilla activists will be treated as terrorists to be detained in terrorist-level conditions at Ktziot and Damon prisons, with limited privileges such as TV or radio, and denied specialized food. He also proposed seizing the vessels to repurpose them for police operations, expressing a determined approach to suppress future attempts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flotilla members insist that Israels measures only strengthen their cause. Every time our ships are stopped, more people become aware of the injustice. Every arrest, every confiscation, is further proof of the very policies we are trying to denounce, Barrilaro said. As the ships continue their route toward Gaza, the confrontation remains unresolved. For the flotillas organizers, the mission is intended as a political and symbolic act of protest, while for Israel it is viewed through the lens of maritime security and enforcement of a declared blockade. How the standoff unfolds whether through interceptions at sea, legal detentions or diplomatic negotiations will shape not only the outcome of this mission but also the broader debate over the Gaza blockade, its humanitarian consequences and the limits of international law in addressing protracted conflicts. Saad Al-Mashalal, whose son was killed by Hamas during one of its attacks on aid distribution sites in Khan Yunis, cursed the terror group for its violence in a video released by COGAT. A former school principal in Gaza slammed Hamas in a video posted by the head of the IDF Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Major-General Ghassan Alian to the unit's Facebook page on Thursday. The principal, Saad Al-Mashalal, stood before an assembled crowd and accused Hamas of abandoning the residents of Gaza, stripping them of their pride and property, and going against core values of Islam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was happy to see the hostages leave, cared for and clothed. That is the Islam I know, that I am a part of," Al-Mashalal said. "What Islam are those murderers and criminals a part of?" Al-Mashalal, whose son was killed by Hamas during one of its attacks on aid distribution sites in Khan Yunis, cursed the terror group for its violence, "May God burn the hearts of your parents the way you have burned ours!" "They're robbing your resources, spreading lies, trampling on your rights. Hamas uses you as human shields to serve the interests of terrorism, you don't protect the Gaza Strip but destroy it and destroy you from within," Alian wrote in the Facebook post alongside the video of Al-Mashalal. "This testimony shows again the true face of this terrorist organization that doesn't hesitate to hurt you and your children." Hamas's abuse of Palestinians Just last week, COGAT publicized a graphic series of videos showing what it claims to be Hamas operatives abusing, assaulting, and shooting at Gaza residents. The videos show extensive beatings of bound men, some of whom are blindfolded, as well as guns being aimed at those being filmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas once again proves that it does not represent the residents of Gaza it rules over them with force, fear, and cruelty," Alian wrote on COGAT's English X/Twitter, addressing the international community. Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this article. GENEVA, Ill. A Kane County man accused of child porn possession and reproduction is now facing a slew of felony charges. Karl Bibler, a 27-year-old Geneva resident, has been charged with several felonies, including eight counts of reproduction of child pornography depicting a victim under 13 and eight counts of possession of child pornography, Kane County States Attorney Jamie Mosser announced Tuesday. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges against Bibler were handed down after prosecutors said he allegedly possessed and reproduced multiple digital videos containing child sexual abuse material between May 9 and August 27, 2025. Prosecutors argue that Bibler was aware of the nature of the content of the material he was allegedly sharing and in possession of. Bibler was eventually taken into custody on Aug. 27. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Bibler appeared in court on Friday for a pretrial detention hearing, during which the court granted him pre-trial release, under certain conditions, while his case is pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bibler is set to return to court on Oct. 9. The investigation into the alleged child sexual abuse material was spearheaded by the Kane County Child Exploitation Unit, which was started in 2022 by the States Attorneys Office in collaboration with the Kane County Sheriffs 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 WGN-TV. Gabriel Sterling, the former Georgia elections official who sharply condemned President Donald Trump for stoking conspiracy theories following the 2020 election, is running to be secretary of state. Sterling, a Republican, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday he will enter the race to oversee Georgias elections, potentially succeeding his former boss, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Georgia elections are the safest in the nation and I will fight every day to keep it that way, Sterling told the Journal-Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sterling became a prominent defender of Georgias elections systems following the 2020 election, when Trump and Republican allies elevated baseless accusations of election fraud in the state. In December 2020, Sterling condemned Trump in an emotional press conference after multiple Georgia elections officials, including himself and Raffensperger, received death threats. Stop inspiring people to commit potential acts of violence. Someone is going to get hurt, someone is going to get shot, someone is going to get killed, Sterling said in the press conference, weeks before the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Sterling later testified alongside Raffensperger in the House Jan. 6 Committees investigation into Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Sterling also testified in the Georgia criminal investigation into Trumps actions to pressure Georgia election officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite his record of challenging Trump, Sterling enters the Republican secretary of state primary as the most high-profile candidate. Georgia state Rep. Tim Fleming and former U.S. Senate candidate Kelvin King are also vying for the role. Prior to joining the secretary of states office in 2018, Sterling served on the City Council for Sandy Springs, Georgia. Raffensperger has not yet announced his plans for 2026 but has not ruled out running for either Senate or governor in the midterms. Raffensperger beat a Trump-backed primary challenger in 2022 and won another term comfortably that November. Gemini announced Tuesday that it intends to raise up to $317 million via its much anticipated public offeringa raise that would value the company at almost $2.3 billion. The crypto exchange, co-founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, will target an initial stock price between $17 and $19 a share, the company said. The IPO will consist of roughly 16.6 million shares of Class A stock. The company has yet to announce the exact date of its Wall Street debut under the ticker GEMIbut based on the details featured in todays announcement, it is likely to be soon. Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, and Cantor Fitzgerald will be lead underwriters on the offering. Gemini initially filed to go public with the SEC earlier this summer, following the smash success IPO of stablecoin issuer Circle. Amid excitement about the crypto sectors booming fortunes and favorable regulatory shifts spearheaded by the Trump administration, Circles stock price more than quadrupled its initial target within hours of debutingand has largely kept steady since then. Last month, crypto exchange Bullish fared similarly during its IPO, more than tripling its target stock price on the first day of trading, and surging its valuation to over $12 billion. Gemini will look to capitalize on what appears to be a positive association with crypto firms on Wall Street. The company is not only one of Americas more prominent crypto exchangesbut also one with particularly close ties to President Donald Trump and the White House. Strategy Drops $450 Million on Bitcoin, Benchmark Reiterates 'Buy' Rating The Winklevoss twins were some of the only crypto executives to vocally back the president in the run-up to the 2024 election. Shortly after Trump retook office, his SEC filed to pause its yearslong lawsuit against Gemini over its crypto lending program. Last month, the Winklevosses announced a $21 million pro-crypto PAC explicitly created to defeat Democrats in the upcoming 2026 midterm election. The brothers have also been prominently featured at crypto-related White House events this year, including Marchs crypto summit and the signing of the stablecoin-focused GENIUS Act in July. These are two smart, handsome guys, Trump remarked of the brothers, who were seated in the front row at the GENIUS Act signing ceremony this summer. They got the look, theyve got the genius, got plenty of cash, and its great that youre on our side. The German military is experiencing a turnaround in the recruitment of new soldiers, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said, as Berlin moves forward with plans to reintroduce a form of military service. "We are in the black this year in terms of recruitment," Pistorius told broadcaster Sat.1 on Thursday. "This means that for the first time in five or six years we are recruiting more than are leaving the Bundeswehr." Despite stepping up recruitment, the Bundeswehr - Germany's military - shrank last year by around 350 soldiers to 181,150 at the end of 2024, while the average age rose, according to Defence Ministry figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under new NATO capability targets, the Bundeswehr is aiming to grow to a standing force of around 260,000 troops, plus 200,000 reservists, in order to face up to the threat from Russia. The reserve force is due to be increased primarily with volunteers completing the new military service programme, which is due to begin next January if it receives parliamentary approval. The service, which passed in Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Cabinet last month, is due to resume 15 years after it was suspended in 2011. Critics warn that a voluntary model will be unable to raise sufficient soldiers to meet recruitment targets. Previous veteran memorial coverage. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The city of Germantown is honoring a veteran who was killed in action with a street dedication on Thursday, Sept. 11. Mayor Terry Johnson and the city will honor Corporal Adam D. Jones with a sign above the intersection of South Hillcrest Avenue and East Market Street. Officials said Cpl. Jones grew up on South Hillcrest Avenue, graduated from Valley View High School. He served as a Marine and was killed in action on April 26, 2011, in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The date of Thursday, Sept. 11, was chosen for both its historical significance and because it was Cpl. Jones birthday. There will be a ceremony at 5 p.m. to honor the life, memory and sacrifice of Cpl. Jones. 2 NEWS is working to learn more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Germanys political establishment is having a collective nervous breakdown over the growing popularity of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, and its rather fascinating, albeit tragic, to watch. The AfD secured roughly 20 per cent of the national vote in Februarys election and it now leads the polls after a disastrous start from the CDU-led new government. Germany elite may find the party distasteful, but it represents the views of millions of their fellow citizens. The response of mainstream parties to the AfDs success has been to propose banning it entirely, rather than defeat it politically. Just this week, two Green MPs said this must be done to protect democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to this view, democracy is to be saved by removing choice from those whose views they dont like. Its rather like amputating a patients leg to cure a limp technically effective, but missing the point entirely. This authoritarian reflex unfortunately extends far beyond party politics. German media outlets and parties in Cologne have reportedly agreed amongst themselves to speak only positively about migration during the upcoming local elections, a move that wouldve made Pravda editors blush. When Elon Musk penned an op-ed supporting the AfD last year, the collective pearl-clutching was audible from Berlin to Bavaria. How dare a foreign billionaire interfere in German democracy, they cried apparently forgetting that Germanys entire post-war political culture was designed by foreign powers with rather more invasive intentions. The irony is that Germanys democratic institutions were explicitly created to prevent exactly this sort of elite consensus from stifling dissent. The Federal Republic was built on the assumption that competition between ideas, however uncomfortable, produces better outcomes than manufactured unanimity. Yet todays German establishment seems determined to prove that assumption wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps most tellingly, its the Free Democrats (FDP) Germanys equivalent to Britains Liberal Democrats who have emerged as the most vocal advocates for including the AfD in normal political discourse. This isnt because the FDP shares the AfDs views (it emphatically doesnt), but because it understands that democracy requires engaging with uncomfortable opinions rather than simply wishing them away. The FDPs position reflects a fundamentally liberal insight. Banning parties doesnt eliminate the grievances that created them; it merely drives them underground, where they fester and metastasise. Better to have the AfDs supporters arguing their case in parliaments than plotting in beer halls. Alice Weidel, AfD co-leader, reacts to initial election results with Tino Chrupalla, the party co-chairman, Feb 23 - SOEREN STACHE/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock Yet this reasonable position makes the FDP suspect in the eyes of Germanys political mainstream, which has embraced what it calls the Brandmauer (firewall) against the AfD. This Brandmauer doesnt just exclude the AfD from coalitions, it prohibits even engaging with their ideas or acknowledging that their supporters might have legitimate concerns about immigration, EU integration, or cultural change. The result is a democracy that functions more like an oligarchy, where a narrow range of approved opinions circulates amongst a self-selecting elite while millions of voters are effectively disenfranchised. Its a system that would have made Metternich proud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This democratic deficit has deep historical roots. Germanys brief experiment with parliamentary democracy during the Weimar Republic ended catastrophically, simply because the core idea was not protected well enough creating a national trauma that still shapes political behaviour today. The post-war constitution was designed to prevent another Hitler, but its contemporary interpreters seem to believe this requires preventing any significant political change whatsoever. What emerges is a kind of militant moderation a system so determined to avoid extremism that it becomes extreme in its own centrism. Politicians who stray too far from approved positions are ostracised; journalists who ask uncomfortable questions find their access restricted; voters who support the wrong parties are dismissed as dupes or deplorables. This approach might be sustainable if Germany faced no serious challenges, but it manifestly does. The country grapples with a failed mass immigration experiment, bitter economic stagnation, demographic decline and cultural fragmentation. These are precisely the sorts of issues that require democratic debate rather than elite consensus. By refusing to engage with these challenges honestly, the mainstream parties guarantee that voters will turn to parties that will. The AfDs rise isnt a cause of democratic breakdown; its a symptom of a system that stopped listening to its own citizens. The tragedy is that Germany possesses robust democratic institutions and a sophisticated electorate perfectly capable of handling difficult conversations about difficult subjects. Something we completely lost touch with during the Merkel years, where consensus was king. What the Berlin system now lacks is a political class confident enough in democratic processes to allow those conversations to occur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, German elites seem to believe that democracy works best when enlightened experts carefully circumscribe democratic choices. Its a profoundly anti-democratic sentiment dressed up in democratic language the sort of thinking that turned the European Union from a voluntary association into a technocratic empire. Democracy, it turns out, requires freedom of choice and speech even when it produces results that make comfortable people uncomfortable. Germans will eventually learn this lesson, though probably the hard way. The only question is how much damage its democracy will sustain in the meantime. Henry Donovan is an Anglo-German journalist and communications adviser based in Berlin. He previously worked on the political desk of BILD and Die WELT. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The German development budget is set to fall by almost 1 billion ($1.17 billion) in 2025, lawmakers confirmed on Thursday, amid warnings from aid organizations about further cuts to global health support in the coming years. The plans for the Development Ministry were approved by the Budget Committee in the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament. Development spending is to fall by 940 million to 10.3 billion in 2025. The budget must still be passed in the Bundestag, with a vote set for the middle of the month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee made small adjustments to the plans, with 22 million more set to go to the World Food Programme and an additional 10 million to be allocated to the fight against polio. Christian Haase from Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives said that development aid is now focusing on essentials. The centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), the junior partner in Merz's coalition, believe the funding is insufficient. "But the coalition agreement obliges us to make comprehensive savings," said SPD lawmaker Felix Doring. Earlier, a draft by the Finance Ministry seen by dpa showed that the country's contributions to a landmark global health fund are to drop further than previously known. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is set to receive 100 million less than initially planned over the coming years, according to the plans, which are set to be submitted to the parliamentary budget committee. Under the draft, 370 million are earmarked for disbursement this year. For 20262028, Berlin has proposed 850 million in commitments, down from the originally planned 950 million. Development organization One described the Global Fund as a central financing instrument in international aid, aimed at preventing the spread of HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. It operates in 120 countries and supports disease treatment and preventive measures such as the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany's Green Party criticized the planned cuts. "At a time when the US is stepping back from global health financing, Germany is cutting funding for the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. That is disastrous," Green budget politician Jamila Schafer told dpa. She warned that inaction could lead to major setbacks in combating the diseases. The Greens, the second-largest opposition party, plan to propose raising the Global Fund's funding by 45 million this year and boosting total support to 1.4 billion for 20262028. Germany plans deeper cuts to global health aid than previously known, according to a draft by the Finance Ministry seen by dpa. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is set to receive 100 million ($117 million) less than initially planned over the coming years, according to the plans which are set to be submitted to the parliamentary budget committee. Under the draft, 370 million are earmarked for disbursement this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For 20262028, Berlin has proposed 850 million in commitments, down from the originally planned 950 million. The budget committee is set to review the plans on Thursday before the 2025 budget is adopted later this month. Development organization One described the Global Fund as a central financing instrument in international aid, aimed at preventing the spread of HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. It operates in 120 countries and supports disease treatment and preventive measures such as the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Germany's Green Party criticized the planned cuts. "At a time when the US is stepping back from global health financing, Germany is cutting funding for the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. That is disastrous," Green budget politician Jamila Schafer told dpa. She warned that inaction could lead to major setbacks in combating the diseases. The Greens, the second-largest opposition party, plan to propose raising the Global Fund's funding by 45 million this year and boosting total support to 1.4 billion for 20262028. Germany does not yet plan to commit to participating in a possible military intervention in Ukraine following a negotiated solution to end the war, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Thursday, according to his spokesman. Merz emphasized during consultations with Ukraine's allies that the focus must first be on financing, arming and training the Ukrainian armed forces, according to government spokesman Stefan Kornelius. Germany is now Kiev's most important partner and is also prepared to expand this assistance, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany will "decide on military involvement at the appropriate time, once the framework conditions have been clarified," he added. This includes "the nature and scope of US involvement and the outcome of the negotiation process." Kornelius also reiterated that the Bundestag has the final say on any Bundeswehr deployment. Merz also spoke in favour of continuing to work towards a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, at which a ceasefire must be agreed. If Moscow continues to play for time, Europe will increase the pressure of sanctions to improve the chances of a diplomatic solution, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The consultations, held partly in person in Paris and partly through video link, were attended by 35 leaders from what is known as the Coalition of the Willing. Zelensky was among the attendees. The European partners then reported the results to US President Donald Trump in a telephone call, expressing hope that the United States would continue to contribute substantially "to the joint efforts to support Ukraine, formulate security guarantees and shape a goal-oriented diplomatic process," Kornelius said. A regional leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on Thursday said the party has "no evidence of unnatural deaths" after several of its candidates passed away during an election campaign in western Germany. Local elections are set to be held in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state, on September 14. The election campaign has been dominated in recent days by news of the deaths, with the party's co-leader Alice Weidel - and prominent billionaire backer Elon Musk - highlighting the issue on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin Vincentz, the leader of the AfD's chapter in the state, said no evidence of foul play has emerged. But he suggested that online speculation reflects German authorities' treatment of his party, which is under investigation by German intelligence services as a "suspected" case of right-wing extremism at the national level. "If even political murder now seems conceivable for many people, this is a direct consequence of the often ruthless battle that has been waged against the AfD for years," Vincentz said. The anti-immigrant AfD is Germany's largest opposition party, having secured more than 20% of the vote in February's parliamentary election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to official data, 16 candidates have died during the election campaign in North Rhine-Westphalia, of which seven were from the AfD. In four cases, police have already ruled out unnatural causes of death. However, no other party has had more than one candidate die. A spokesman for the state's election commissioner earlier sought to calm intense online speculation, telling dpa that the number of deaths among candidates is "not significantly higher" than in previous campaigns. Candidates pass away in all elections, the spokesman noted. Some 20,000 seats were up for grabs when the state last held communal and municipal elections in 2020. The death of a candidate can result in authorities being forced to print new ballots, or organize a special election, which, in some cases, can be held on election day. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged India to press its close ally Russia to return to peace talks over the war in Ukraine, days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin at a regional summit in China. Wadephul said at a news conference on Wednesday that despite efforts by Europe and the United States, Russia hasnt been willing to enter negotiations, a challenge New Delhi could potentially address. "The only demand is that weapons fall silent," Wadephul said during his two-day visit to India, adding that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shown an intention to make peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We Europeans are doing our best, working with our American and Ukrainian friends to ensure that this war ends soon and that Ukraine finds peace as a sovereign state," Wadephul said. Indian Foreign Minister S.Jaishankar shakes hand with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in New Delhi, 3 September, 2025 - AP/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved Wadephul's appeal reflected Europes growing hope for India to step up its diplomatic push for peace even as New Delhi balances its partnership with traditional defence partner Moscow. India has resisted Western pressure to denounce Moscow outright following the February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, though India has called for a cessation of hostilities. When the West shunned Moscow from the export market to disrupt its war financing, India moved quickly to obtain discounted Russian crude oil in huge volumes that now account for a significant share of its total imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India defended the oil purchases as necessary to shield its economy from global shocks. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, 1 September, 2025 - AP Photo Last month, US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods in response, bringing the total tariffs to 50%, straining ties between the worlds two biggest democracies. The steep US tariffs are estimated to hit $48.2 billion (41.2 billion) worth of Indian exports and hurt the South Asian nation's broader economic ambitions. Exploring options to insulate its economy, India is promoting accelerated negotiations on a free trade agreement with the European Union. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, who held talks with Wadephul on Wednesday, said India counted on Germany to speed up negotiations and conclude the free trade agreement by the end of the year. Pope Leo XIV has received the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Batzing, for an audience in the Vatican. It was the first official meeting between Batzing and Leo since his election as pope last May. The Holy See initially did not provide any details about the content of the discussions. Batzing expressed gratitude for the meeting and the "good and substantive conversation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Batzing said in a statement that the pope was "an attentive listener and interested pastor." The two are said to have discussed a range of different topics, which Batzing intends to report on at the plenary assembly of the German Bishops' Conference in the central German city of Fulda at the end of September. "I am very pleased that Pope Leo XIV accompanies the Church in Germany with trust," Batzing said. The conference, together with the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK), initiated a reform process in 2019 known as the Synodal Path. The most important project is the formation of a Synodal Council, in which the bishops and lay representatives of the ZdK are to consult and decide on an equal footing. Conservative forces in the Church, such as Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, are opposed to this and there has also been strong resistance in the Vatican. GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) Gibson City is suing a Mahomet-based contracting company after an alleged botched roof job that caused numerous leaks and damage. WCIAs partners with the Ford County Chronicle reported that the city is suing Copper Creek Contractors and their owner Jeremy Janes. Attorney Justin Brunner filed the 12-count lawsuit in Ford County Circuit Court on Aug. 29 and is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 for each count, plus interest charges. This is in an effort to recover the citys estimated total losses of at least $582,490. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Champaign church changing security policies In a civil complaint, the city said they hired Janes, Copper Creek and a now defunct roofing company Janes had ownership of in 2022 to redo the roofs on the town hall and the adjoining police department. The lawsuit said that when Janes made his pitch to the city council, he promised to install a long-lasting, upgraded and warranted roof over City Hall and the adjoining police department building and vehicle garage. Gibson City is accusing Janes and the companies of using an experimental spray coating on the roof, which led to repeated leaks. They said Janes then promised to fix the issue free of charge but never did. We all need to come together and make a stance; Decatur Police address string of shootings Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit also said that Janes did not disclose his 33% ownership interest in the now-defunct Mid-West Coatings, or that the company was incorporated only three months before and was not yet licensed to operate as a roofing business by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation. A spokesperson for Copper Creek Contractors told WCIA they have no comment on the lawsuit at this moment. WCIA also reached out to Gibson City Mayor Dan Dickey who said, at this time, the city has no comment beyond what is stated in the materials that the city has filed in court. For more information, head to the Ford County Chronicles 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 WCIA.com. Key Points XRP has surged roughly 400% over the past year, leaving its valuation looking stretched. Sixteen fund managers have filed for XRP ETFs, with SEC decisions now pushed to midOctober. Significant global risks remain, including a ban in China and regulatory uncertainty in India. 10 stocks we like better than XRP I keep telling you that XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) looks overpriced. As of Sept. 1, the cryptocurrency that powers the RippleNet international payment system is up nearly 400% over the last year. Sure, I believe in XRP's long-term business prospects, but the digital coin has simply skyrocketed way too fast. So I'm waiting for a price cut, which would let me buy XRP coins with a straight face again. Will that opportunity open up in September? I don't think so, but let's take a look. A quick XRP timeline XRP's chart soared from roughly $0.50 to more than $2.50 per coin in November 2024. Since then, it has bounced back and forth between $2.00 and $3.50. Many of the big jumps and price cuts along the way were based on macroeconomic swings, but others were the result of XRP-specific news. The long-running legal challenge from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has finally been settled, ending in a $125 million fine paid by Ripple Labs to the SEC. Each step along the way to this ending sent shock waves through XRP's price chart, though the market-moving effects diminished over time. Ripple launched the RLUSD (CRYPTO: RLUSD) stablecoin in December 2024, followed by a stablecoin-based payment demonstration last week. XRP investors aren't sure what to make of this alternative payment solution, though Ripple says the two coins will provide a smoother user experience when used together. And you know the exchange-traded funds (ETFs) the SEC approved for Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) investors last year? XRP is one of many altcoins in line for their own ETF approvals, with 16 fund managers filing applications for XRP ETFs. The SEC keeps delaying its decisions, most recently punting several XRP ETF assessments to mid-October. If and when these funds (or at least some of them) get the SEC's rubber-stamp approval, the event could open up the door for institutional investors to take this cryptocurrency seriously. So XRP's new price level has been both volatile and robust, weirdly enough. There are price swings aplenty, but they have largely canceled each other out in 2025. Regulation, rivals, and the headache of going global Yes, most of the market-moving stuff in the XRP sphere is pretty bullish. The coin is earning market respect, chasing away the SEC lawsuit's dark clouds, and building a better payment system. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Key Takeaways: A New York judge ruled DNA evidence obtained from a cutting-edge technique can be used in the upcoming trial of Gilgo Beach murder suspect Rex Heuermann. DNA-based identity testing was discovered by accident in 1984 and first used in a murder case in 1987. DNA testing methods continue to advance, and the Gilgo Beach case could mark a new era for finding criminal suspects. A New York judge has allowed crucial DNA evidence in the trial of Gilgo Beach murder suspect Rex Heuermann, a decision that could fundamentally change how criminal profiling is used in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heuermann, 61, is accused of killing seven women on Long Island between 1993 and 2011. Police arrested him in July 2023 after DNA obtained from rootless hairs on six of the victims provided a link to the architect, who has denied his involvement. Its the first time DNA technology known as whole genome sequencing has been allowed as evidence in New York state court. The method is relatively new, but prosecutors in the case point to its use by FBI and local law enforcement elsewhere in the nation to affirm its reliability. The precedent for DNA testing in criminal cases was established nearly four decades ago, when investigators used the tool in its infancy to find an elusive killer in the United Kingdom. His name was Colin Pitchfork. A British scientist discovered DNA fingerprinting in 1984 Getty Images The genesis of DNA profiling is found in the 1984 lab of geneticist Alec Jeffreys, who discovered its capabilities by accident. Working at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, Jeffreys was studying how illnesses are passed through families when he extracted DNA from cells belonging to subjects including his lab technician and her parents. He discovered the subsequent samples attached to film could help identify individuals with great precision, offering a DNA fingerprint of sorts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffreys quickly realized the results had the potential to help a variety of fields, including paternity testing and forensic investigations. The last thing on our mind was forensic identification. That never occurred to us, and I think not to anybody else in the field at that time. Forensic DNA simply wasnt on anybodys radar, Jeffreys said. So this was a very exciting moment where, literally, my entire life changed in the space of about 60 seconds. The discovery came at a crucial time for British police, who were investigating the rape and murder of two 15-year-old Leicestershire County girls: Lynda Mann in 1983 and Dawn Ashworth in 1986. DNA profiling helped identify Colin Pitchfork as a killer After Ashworths remains were discovered, police arrested 17-year-old Richard Buckland and interrogated him about the crime. The Guardian reported that Buckland, who had an intellectual disability, confessed under questioning before withdrawing his admission. He was charged with Ashfords murder but outright denied involvement in the Mann killing. To get a definitive answer, authorities asked Jeffreys to test blood and semen samples found on the victims bodies. His methods confirmed that Buckland was not responsible for either murder, and the young suspect was released after three months in custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back at square one, police decided to use DNA profiling to their advantage in January 1987. They sent letters to every man born between 1953 and 1970 who lived or worked in Narborough village and requested a blood sample. Within eight months, more than 5,000 men had complied; however, no match was found. Then in August 1987, key information emerged. A bar patron identified as Kelly confessed he had impersonated his co-worker, 27-year-old Colin Pitchfork, in order to submit a false blood sample. Pitchfork altered his passport with Kellys picture and waited outside during his test. Police arrested both men and, upon apprehension, Pitchfork admitted to both killings and two additional sexual assaults. Opportunity. She was there, and I was there, he reportedly said of Ashfords murder. DNA testing confirmed Pitchfork was, in fact, responsible. He pleaded guilty to both murders and was sentenced to life in prison in January 1988. Getty Images Whole genome sequencing gives more detailed results The whole genome sequencing at the center of the Gilgo Beach case is much more precise than the testing used in Pitchforks case. Daniele Podini, an associate professor at George Washington University, told CNN the process attempts to read nearly all of a persons DNA, covering the entire genetic code of about 3 billion bases, rather than a small genetic fingerprint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The technology is already common in other scientific areas including virology and healthcare, but there is little precedent for its use in high-profile crime cases. In 2024, a California jury convicted Adrian Chavez on two counts of first-degree murder using evidence from next-generation sequencing, which processes millions of DNA fragments at once and can form a basis for WGS. This marked the first time such evidence was introduced at an American jury trial. The California-based company Astrea Forensics performed the DNA sequencing used to find Heuermann, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A start date for his trial hasnt been scheduled, and it remains to be seen what a jury will decide. Still, Wednesdays ruling suggests whole genome sequencing technology will be used more in the future. This decision and this litigation marks a significant step in forensic DNA analysis, prosecutor Raymond Tierney said. This is where were headed in the science. You Might Also Like On Monday, Greenville ISD will host the first of three scheduled community bond presentations ahead of the Nov. 4 election, which will ask for Greenville voters approval for a $399 million facility bond package. The upcoming presentation will be at 6 p.m. inside the Greenville Middle School auditorium. The other two community meetings about the bond are scheduled for Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. at Greenville Municipal Auditorium and Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. in the L.P. Waters Early Childhood Center cafeteria. With needs that include replacing both its middle school and early childhood center because both are around 75 years old and no longer meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards, Texas Education Agency requirements or current building codes the Greenville ISD Board of Trustees called for the election on Aug. 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ballot language for the proposition specifically mentions five projects: Building a new high school. Repurposing the current high school as the new middle school. Building a larger/more fully featured early childhood center. Expansions to Lamar Elementary School and Carver Elementary School. Classroom updates at Travis Intermediate School, Bowie Elementary School and Crockett Elementary School. This will be GISDs fourth attempt at passing a facility bond since May 2022. In the districts most recent previous attempt in November 2023, the district made three separate propositions one for a new middle school, another for a new early childhood center and a third for improvements to the high school which all narrowly failed, with each proposition drawing 49.12%, 47.92% and 46.35% of the vote, respectively. EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) A portion of Glendale Street in Easthampton will be closed on Thursday. Bright Nights 5K road race in Springfield registration opens next week The City of Easthampton stated that Glendale Street between West Street and South Street will be closed on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. due to a bridge inspection. Detours will be in place, with detail officers guiding drivers through the work zone. Travelers in the area are urged to use caution, expect delays, and seek alternate routes. 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. Gods Pit Crew latest Bristol Motor Speedway Neighborhood Hero DANVILLE, Va. (WFXR)- NASCAR driver Chase Briscoe, who drivers the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops racecar, made a pit stop in Danville on Thursday to assist organizers in naming Gods Pit Crew a Bristol Motor Speedway Neighborhood Hero. Gods Pit Crew has been in existence for 26 years. According to BMS, the organization was started by Randy and Terri Johnson following horrifying tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma in 1999. Now, it has more than 1,700 staff members and volunteers who provide a multitude of services. So far, the group has constructed and furnished 114 residences for natural disaster victims. It has provided homes to people with special needs and renovated churches, homes, playgrounds, and schools. Plus, Gods Pit Crew has delivered more than 100 million pounds of supplies in disaster relief, including food and water, hygiene products, and medicines, according BMS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than 25 years Gods Pit Crew has been making an impact throughout Virginia and Tennessee and many other states with their much-needed help, said BMS president and general manager Jerry Caldwell. In the last year, they have made significant contributions to those recovering from the devastating flooding left behind from Hurricane Helene. Gods Pit Crew builds new home for Tennessee family hit by Hurricane Helene Gods Pit Crew will receive the official distinction on Saturday, September 13, during Americas Night Race at BMS Briscoe and guests were also given a tour the extensive facility during Thursdays announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Good morning, Hampton Roads! Good Morning America is coming to Portsmouth. The famed morning news program is sending ABC News chief meteorologist and chief climate correspondent to spotlight Mercy Chefs, the Portsmouth-based nonprofit humanitarian relief organization, for a live Friday broadcast for its 7-9 a.m. show. The visit is part of the shows yearlong series, 50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful, for which a correspondent or anchor travels to a new state every week to report on regional culture or local changemakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week its Ginger Zee, who said she is excited for the chance to be back in Virginia. She has an aunt, uncle and cousins in Hampton. So its really nice that we are going to be able to drop in and see a little bit of their home area because I dont get to go do that very often, she said. Most work trips dont afford the storm-chasing meteorologist time to catch up with family. I usually show up when something really horrible has happened, Zee said, and so, I love being able to drop into a community and highlight Virginia, based on something so specific like Mercy Chefs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mission of the organization is right up the weather gurus alley. The nonprofit serves hot, high-quality meals prepared by chefs after emergencies and natural disasters in the U.S. and internationally. Since its founding in 2006, it has served more than 31 million meals, spokesperson Amy Avery said. Its community kitchen in Portsmouth is a training spot for volunteers who make an average of 2,400 meals a week that are distributed locally. Zee will meet volunteers and tour and report on the kitchen. The live broadcast is not open to the public. However, Mercy Chefs is looking for more volunteers, and as of Wednesday afternoon, would-be volunteers could still sign up for a Friday shift by going to mercychefs.com/get-involved. Colin Warren-Hicks, 919-818-8139, colin.warrenhicks@virginiamedia.com ALEXANDRIA The Madison County 4-H program will host its annual 4-H Benefit Auction, a community event dedicated to supporting youth programs across Madison County. The auction will take place Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Alexandria. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with free-will donation dinner, followed by the live auction at 7 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of items generously donated by community members, local businesses and 4-H supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funds raised from the event will directly benefit Madison County 4-H youth programs, providing educational opportunities, project support, leadership development and hands-on learning experiences that help young people build skills for the future. The event is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. Information: Glena Murray-Thumpston at glena.2011@gmail.com or visit the Madison County 4-H Benefit Auction Facebook page. Whether you're a trained wildlife expert or just someone with a big heart, it's never easy to see a distressed animal that's in obvious pain. For Leanne Grubb, attempting to rescue an injured American crow in need of help was the least that she could do. As reported by NBC 4, Grubb was enjoying a day off when she was called in by her coworkers at an architecture firm in Columbus, Ohio. A few people had witnessed what appeared to be a crow struggling on the ground outside the office. So Grubb teamed up with one other person to gently place the injured bird inside a box. Once the bird was secured, Grubb traveled to the Ohio Wildlife Center, a nearby animal hospital, in the hopes of getting the best care for the crow. When she arrived, she was informed that a number of crows had previously been brought in with West Nile virus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We all thought for sure the bird had a broken wing, but I guess the virus can make it seem like some other problem," Grubb said. Despite Grubb's best efforts, she was eventually contacted by the wildlife center with unfortunate news. "I'm reaching out with sorrowful news that the American Crow you presented to Ohio Wildlife Center's hospital did not survive," the center wrote in an email. "As soon as you passed them off into our care, the patient received a rehabilitation assessment and exam by our dedicated veterinary team. Due to the extent of the injuries, the best support for this animal was humane euthanasia. We know this is not the outcome we would hope for, but we always want what's best for the animal that is suffering," added the center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Nile virus in birds can cause a wide range of symptoms, but in most cases, the central nervous system is directly affected. This can lead to a loss of coordination, weakness, and in some birds, the inability to fly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, birds like crows and jays have been known to be especially vulnerable to the illness, often leading to a number of fatal cases. If you find a sick or injured wild animal, the best course of action is to contact a licensed wildlife center or your local animal control agency. It is often recommended not to feed or give water to the animal, as this can be harmful depending on the extent of the injury. If there are no other options and it is safe to do so, wear protective gloves and place the animal in a ventilated box lined with soft material in a quiet, dark place until professional help can arrive. 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. Google scored a much-needed win Tuesday when a federal judge ruled the tech giant could hold on to its Chrome browser, rejecting the wide-ranging penalties proposed by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The government had asked U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta to order Google to sell the browser, alongside numerous other remedies, after he found last August that the company had an illegal monopoly over online search. Mehta ultimately opted against a breakup, calling it a poor fit for this case and suggesting the DOJ had overreached in his lengthy 230-page opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he still imposed some restraints on Google, barring the company from entering exclusive agreements prioritizing its products and requiring it to share some data and provide syndication services to competitors. Heres what to know about the decision: Google secures favorable ruling after tough year The ruling is largely favorable for Google after a particularly tough year, during which the search giant lost two antitrust cases and grappled with the prospect of multiple divestitures. Shortly after Mehta ruled last August that Google had an illegal monopoly over search, the company headed to trial to fend off another DOJ lawsuit in which it was accused of monopolizing advertising technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema found Google had illegally acquired and maintained a monopoly over two separate markets in the ad tech space, marking another blow to the tech giants empire. The DOJ has sought a breakup in this second case as well, pushing for a forced divestiture of two of Googles advertising products. As a result, Tuesdays decision would appear to be a welcome reprieve. On the whole, compared to what could have happened yesterday, they had a good day, said William Kovacic, a George Washington University law professor and former chair of the Federal Trade Commission. However, he added, Maybe its a day for beer instead of champagne theres a number of rivers for them to cross yet. But Google has some reservations about the decision Google touted the courts decision Tuesday to opt against a breakup, but its not entirely content with the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company has long vowed to appeal the underlying monopoly finding in the search case once the remedies phase is completed, and its plans appear unchanged. Todays decision recognizes how much the industry has changed through the advent of AI, which is giving people so many more ways to find information, Lee-Anne Mulholland, Googles vice president of regulatory affairs, said in a statement. 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, she continued. Thats why we disagree so strongly with the Courts initial decision in August 2024 on liability. Mehtas decision and the remedies phase of the case centered heavily on artificial intelligence (AI), even though the technology played little role in the initial trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJ argued its wide-ranging remedies, including the proposed breakup, were necessary because Googles dominance over search could give it a leg up in the AI race. Meanwhile, Google suggested this underscored the growing competition the company faces from emerging AI rivals, such as OpenAI, xAI and DeepSeek. The issue was top of mind for Mehta as well, who said in Tuesdays decision that the emergence of generative AI changed the course of this case. Google separately took issue with the remedies ordered by the judge. While Google will still be allowed to pay firms to place or preload its search engine, browser or AI chatbot, Mehta barred the company from entering into exclusive agreements to prioritize these products. He also required the tech giant to make certain search index and user interaction data and search syndication services available to competitors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have concerns about how these requirements will impact our users and their privacy, and were reviewing the decision closely, Mulholland said. DOJ claims wins, weighs future options The Justice Department, for its part, is taking the win. Gail Slater, the head of the DOJs antitrust division, called the decision a major win for the American people, even as she said the agency is considering its next steps. While the court didnt order every form of relief the United States sought, it ordered far more significant remedies than Google believed appropriate, Slater wrote in a post on the social platform X. Make no mistake: the relief ordered so far is a major win for the American people, she added. The Department will be considering its options and weighing next steps regarding seeking additional relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slater, like Google and Mehta, also framed the decision in the context of the AI race. The court gave a leg up to the United States in the global AI race, preventing Google from slowing down AI innovation with the same anticompetitive playbook it used to freeze search competition, she said. The ruling comes at a tumultuous time for Slaters division. Two top antitrust officials were fired from the agency in late July amid internal disagreements over the handling of the merger between Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Juniper Networks. The tensions have raised questions about the Trump administrations approach to antitrust enforcement, which has been a rare area of continuity with the Biden administration amid growing scrutiny of Big Tech firms. Antitrust advocates decry ruling as slap on the wrist Not everyone is cheering the decision. Antitrust advocates have argued Mehtas ruling amounts to a slap on the wrist for the search giant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barry Lynn, executive director of the Open Markets Institute, a left-leaning anti-monopoly think tank, argued the judges remedies do nothing to right these wrongs and instead tells Google and other monopolists that even the most egregious violation of law will be met with a slap on the wrist. After making the legally sound and morally courageous decision to find Google liable for illegal monopolistic practices, Judge Mehta apparently decided that actually enforcing the law was more than he could stomach, Lynn said in a statement. The American Economic Liberties Project called on the DOJ and the states that sued alongside it to appeal the decision. You dont find someone guilty of robbing a bank and then sentence him to writing a thank-you note for the loot, Nidhi Hegde, executive director of the anti-monopoly nonprofit, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, you dont find Google liable for monopolization and then write a remedy that lets it protect its monopoly, she continued. This feckless remedy to the most storied case of monopolization of the past quarter-century is a complete failure of his duty and must be appealed. Several Democratic lawmakers also suggested Mehtas ruling falls short. Democratic Reps. Pramila Jayapal (Wash.), Chris Deluzio (Pa.), Pat Ryan (N.Y.) and Angie Craig (Minn.), who chair the Monopoly Busters Caucus, argued the decision allows the company to remain a monopoly, while Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said the remedies fail to hold Google accountable for breaking the law. Apple holds on to lucrative search deal A surprising winner from the Google decision is Apple. The iPhone-maker stands to benefit by keeping hold of its multibillion-dollar deal with Google to make the search engine the default on its Safari web browser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The search giant paid Apple $20 billion in 2022 alone, according to Bloomberg. In 2020, this revenue accounted for 17.5 percent of Apples operating income. This is a monster win for Cupertino and for Google its a home run ruling that removes a huge overhang on the stock, Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives said in a note late Tuesday. 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, he added. Google CEO Sundar Pichai testified earlier this year that the company was hoping to strike a deal with Apple to integrate Gemini AI on its devices. Ives suggested Tuesdays ruling could green light a bigger partnership between the two tech giants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apple did not respond to a request 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. A federal judges ruling in the long-running antitrust case against Google was a clear victory for the tech giant but travel companies got mixed results. Many travel companies have long complained that Google prioritizes its own services in search results. Unlike regulatory action in the European Union, the judges ruling did not address the way travel and other search results appear on Google.com. The ruling also didnt force Google to divest Chrome or any other parts of its business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge did decide that Google could no longer enter into exclusive distribution deals like the one it has with Apple to be the default search engine on iPhones. And it must share data with rival search engines. But the CEOs of Yelp, DuckDuckGo and Epic Games condemned the decision for failing to adequately level the playing field for competitors, the Guardian reported. Bernstein research, on the other hand, saw the judges order as a positive day for online travel agencies. With Google blocked from exclusive distribution deals, Bernstein argued Booking.com or Expedia could enter into partnerships with Apple and other smartphone makers to get their apps pre-installed on phones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bernstein also said Apple could potentially bring back Apple suggestions. Booking.com and other OTAs could pay smartphone makers to direct queries such as hotels Miami or flights to London to those pre-installed apps. Apple ended the feature almost a decade ago when it signed its exclusive deal with Google. Kayak co-founder and CEO Steve Hafner downplayed the potential benefit of pre-installed apps. He said carriers charge large amounts for these types of deals, and that consumers often delete the pre-installed apps. Bernstein acknowledged that the antitrust ruling would have a much smaller impact on online travel than the emergence of LLMs, competition, and any potential changes to the Google search results algorithm. But overall this appears to be a positive day for Online Travel Agencies, who have gained an increased chance of disintermediating Google and enjoying a more fragmented top of the funnel, Bernstein wrote. Neutral Implications? Dan Wasiolek, senior equity analyst at Morningstar Research Services, sees the ruling as neutral for online travel agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Google and Microsoft are probably the only ones financially able to compete to be the search engine on Apple for now, Wasiolek said. Googles Reaction In a blog post, Google said it has concerns about how the judges order limits the way it can distribute its services and must now share data with competitors, and it is reviewing the decision closely. Commenting on the judges decision, Google stated: 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. Get breaking travel news and exclusive hotel, airline, and tourism research and insights at Skift.com. Google has been ordered to pay $425 million (316 million) for invading users privacy. A federal jury in San Francisco found that the tech giant continued to collect data for millions of people who had switched off a tracking feature in their Google account. The data was harvested over eight years from apps including Uber, Venmo and Metas Instagram, which all use Googles analytics services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Users in the class-action lawsuit had been seeking more than $31 billion in damages. However, the jury found that Google was liable on only two of the three allegations of privacy violations. Google was not found by the jury to have acted with malice, so it was not liable to pay the claimants punitive damages. Google claims data was non-personal and encrypted A spokesperson for Google, which is owned by Alphabet Inc, confirmed the verdict. The company had denied any wrongdoing. The lawsuit, filed in July 2020, claimed that the data gathering had breached Googles privacy assurances under its Web & App Activity setting. During the trial, Google said the data it collected was non-personal, pseudonymous, and stored in segregated, secured, and encrypted locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company insisted the data was not connected to users Google accounts or any users identity. US District Judge Richard Seeborg certified the case as a class action covering about 98 million Google users and 174 million devices. Google has faced other privacy lawsuits, including one earlier this year in which it paid nearly $1.4 billion in a settlement with Texas over allegations the company violated the states privacy laws. In April 2024, Google agreed to destroy billions of data records of users private browsing activities to settle a lawsuit that alleged it tracked people who thought they were browsing privately, including in Incognito mode. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes after Google on Tuesday avoided being broken up in a monopoly case. A US judge stopped short of demanding that the company offloads its Chrome browser or Android operating system but Google was told to share data with its rivals. Shares in Google were up more than 9.5pc on Wednesday. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. On the morning of September 4, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is in China for 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 two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a China-Zimbabwe all-weather community with a shared future. President Xi noted that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe, and the two countries five-star ironclad friendship has steadily deepened, setting an example for solidarity and coordination between China and Africa, and for the Global South. China will continue to firmly support Zimbabwe in independently pursuing a development path suited to its conditions, oppose external interference and illegal sanctions, and safeguard the shared interests of both countries and the broader Global South. President Xi emphasized that the two sides should seize the opportunity presented by the elevation of bilateral relations to develop innovative approaches to cooperation and broaden cooperation in infrastructure, mining, investment, trade, etc., thereby raising the quality and upgrading the substance of cooperation between the two countries. China stands ready to work with Zimbabwe to advance the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and support Zimbabwes economic and social development. Joint efforts are needed to implement the Global Governance Initiative, develop the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), deepen South-South cooperation, and make the international order more just and equitable. President Mnangagwa said that he is delighted to attend the historic commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The international community must never forget Chinas important contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and must uphold a correct historical perspective on WWII. After 45 years of development, Zimbabwe-China relations have become increasingly mature and resilient. Zimbabwe looks forward to jointly building an all-weather community with a shared future with China, and will unwaveringly adhere to the one-China principle, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields, and work for greater development of the bilateral relationship, bringing greater benefits to the people of the two countries. China has put forward a series of major initiatives such as the Global Governance Initiative, proposed the establishment of IOMed, and given zero-tariff treatment to African countries, playing an increasingly active and important role in international affairs. Zimbabwe stands ready to work with China to implement relevant initiatives and safeguard international fairness and justice. Wang Yi was present at the meeting. Key Points The XRP cryptocurrency was created by Ripple to standardize cross-border transactions within its payments network. XRP recently reached the highest in eight years after Ripple successfully settled a five-year legal battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Despite XRP's numerous positive catalysts, further upside over the long term is no guarantee. 10 stocks we like better than XRP The XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) cryptocurrency was created by a company called Ripple. It serves as a bridging currency that standardizes transactions within the Ripple Payments network, making it cheaper for banks to send money around the world. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sued Ripple in 2020, alleging the company was in breach of financial securities laws. But the case was recently dropped as a consequence of President Donald Trump's pro-crypto agenda, which sent XRP soaring to $3.65, the highest since 2018. However, the cryptocurrency has since declined by 25% , and it's now trading at about $2.75. Should investors buy the dip, or is this the beginning of a much steeper correction? Image source: Getty Images. Unlike most cryptocurrencies, XRP has a real use case The majority of cryptocurrencies rise and fall in value based on the whims of speculative investors, because they have very little utility in the real world. To date, no cryptocurrency has earned widespread adoption as a payment solution among consumers and businesses -- not even Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC). XRP is trying to buck that trend. The Ripple Payments network facilitates instant cross-border transactions by letting banks to deal with one another directly, eliminating the need for slow and costly intermediaries. A bank can choose to send XRP via Ripple Payments instead of sending domestic fiat currency, because it cuts out hefty foreign exchange fees. In fact, a single XRP transaction will cost just 0.00001 tokens, or a fraction of one U.S. cent. The SEC officially steps aside XRP has a total supply of 100 billion tokens. About 59.5 billion are in circulation, and Ripple controls the other 40.5 billion and releases them gradually to meet demand. This arrangement formed the basis of the SEC's 2020 lawsuit. Since XRP is controlled and issued by a company, the agency felt it should be regulated the same way as other financial securities issued by companies, like stocks and bonds. In August 2024, a judge issued a ruling that mostly favored Ripple, but the SEC quickly appealed the decision. This could have tied the parties up in court for several more years. But Trump appointed crypto-advocate Paul Atkins to run the SEC, and under his leadership, the agency has withdrawn several of its active cases against industry giants this year. President Donald Trump may send National Guard troops to New Orleans and Republicans are fine with it. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said hell take the federal help, as did both of his states GOP senators. Local government doesnt support police like they should; our other problem is we just dont have enough cops, Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., told Semafor. Having the National Guard in a supporting role to free up more cops on the street, I think, would be enormously beneficial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said the move makes our community safer, adding that a National Guard deployment is not a long-term solution. Louisiana is a red state, but New Orleans is a Democratic city and an easy target for conservatives: Mayor LaToya Cantrell was recently indicted on corruption charges. Still, like DC and Chicago, the citys murder rate is down this year. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Wednesday marked day one of Missouris special legislative session, and while property tax reform may have taken up most of the committee time, its congressional redistricting thats commanding headlines and fueling political tension even among Republicans. As the Missouri House begins the process of redrawing the states congressional districts, Republican leadership is eyeing the opportunity to pick up an additional seat. Heres how you can get tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But early signs suggest that not every Republican lawmaker is falling in line, setting the stage for a potentially rocky and drawn-out political fight. In an exclusive interview with FOX4, Freshman Republican House Legislator Mike Steinmeyer emerged as a surprise voice of caution and possibly, dissent. Steinmeyer, who represents areas of Sugar Creek and Independence, sits within Missouris 5th Congressional District, currently held by Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. That district appears to be the prime target in the proposed Republican led redistricting effort a move thats drawing national attention, including from President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For me their voices are very important, I appreciate the emails, the phone calls, Ive probably had more emails and phone calls on this particular issue than I did on any other issue during session, Steinmeyer said. He made it clear hes not yet a yes vote on the plan being pushed by GOP leadership and greenlit by the White House. Not yet, no, I have different emotions and thoughts about it, I want to be factual I want to be logical, I want to think everything through, he said. And while that may not sound like a full break from his party, its certainly not a rubber stamp. Were going to see how these committee meetings go, were going to see what the voice of the people is and were going to see how both parties respond, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steinmeyer is going as far as to say that he would vote against his party if he saw fit. That statement alone is enough to inject new uncertainty into a process that Republican leaders likely hoped would be a formality. On the other side of the aisle, House Minority Leader Ashley Aune isnt mincing words. Shes calling the redistricting push unconstitutional and racial gerrymandering saying it would disenfranchise Black voters and upend representation for political gain. This clearly is unconstitutional for one I think we should start there Aune told FOX4. Were talking about disenfranchising hundreds of thousands if not millions of Black votes across this country. Its unacceptable and I think the folks across the aisle, my Republican counterparts, really need to think hard about what their vote means, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Aune even delivered a letter to the governors office condemning the proposed map changes. Committee hearings on redistricting are expected to begin Thursday, but dont expect a quick resolution. The fight over these new maps could stretch on for weeks or longer especially if legal challenges are filed once a plan is approved. FOX4 will be following every development from the committee room to the House floor and potentially the courtroom. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. At a Thursday Senate Finance Committee hearing, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. came under fire for his mismanagement of the Department of Health and Human Servicesand the criticism didnt just come from the Democratic side of the aisle. Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina delivered a series of withering remarks and questions to the man helike all but one of his GOP colleaguesvoted to confirm in February. First, Tillis skewered RFK Jr.s decision to fire Susan Monarez as head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just weeks after her Senate confirmation. The senator quoted Kennedys prior praise of the official whom hes since ousted and cast aspersions on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont see how you go, over four weeks, from a public health expert with unimpeachable scientific credentials, a longtime champion of MAHA values, caring and compassionate and a brilliant microbiologist, and four weeks later fire her because, at least the public reports say, because she refused to fire people that work for her, Tillis said. So, as somebody who advised executives on hiring strategies, number one, I would suggest, in the interview, you ask them if theyre truthful, rather than four weeks after we took the time of the U.S. Senate to confirm the person, the senator continued. But he wasnt done using Kennedys words against him. Whereas Kennedy vowed to empower the scientists at HHS to do their job, Tillis said, Id just like to see evidence where youve done that. Whereas Kennedy promised to do nothing that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking vaccines, Tillis noted, there seem to be several reports that would seem to refute that. And whereas Kennedy said he would not impose my belief over any HHS employees, Tillis observed this was contradicted by the firing of a CDC director, the canceling of mRNA research contracts, firing advisory board members, attempting to stall [National Institutes of Health] funding, eliminating funding for, I think, a half a billion dollars for further mRNA research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The North Carolina Republican was not the lone GOP senator and Kennedy-confirmer to grill the health secretary on Thursday. Republican Senator John Barrasso, a physician, told Kennedy, In your confirmation hearing, you promised to uphold the highest standards for vaccines. Since then, Ive grown deeply concerned. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, also a doctor, questioned how Kennedy could both be staunchly anti-vaccine and sing the praises of President Trumps Operation Warp Speed, which developed and distributed Covid-19 vaccines. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, along with several other Republican leaders, has introduced the CLEAN D.C. Act. This bill aims to reverse the District of Columbia Councils 2022 police reform, which critics argue has restricted officers and contributed to the rise in violent crime in Washington. The Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022 banned proven police tactics, according to Cruz and his cohorts, stripping officers of due process rights and tying law enforcements hands when dealing with dangerous criminals on the streets. Congress tried to block the act in 2023 with bipartisan support, but then-President Joe Biden vetoed the effort, siding with anti-police activists instead of residents and officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violent crime continues to affect the nations capital, and with a renewed effort from President Trump to clean up the Capitol, Cruz and his colleagues are pushing to restore order. Violent crime has become endemic in Washington DC as a direct result of political and ideological decisions made by Democrats. Those decisions included passing and trying to lock in anti-police measures such as the Orwellian-named Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022, which undermined police morale, weakened officer retention, and contributed to a still-ongoing public safety disaster. The CLEAN D.C. Act will reverse that decision, and I call upon my colleagues in Congress to pass it, stated Crus in a press release. The CLEAN D.C. Act is backed by GOP senators including Jim Risch (ID), Mike Lee (UT), Tommy Tuberville (AL), John Cornyn (TX), Ted Budd (NC), and Katie Britt (AL). Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) is spearheading companion legislation in the House. Supporters argue the measure isnt just about repealing a failed experiment that placed limits on the police; its about sending a message to criminals across the country. Washington, D.C. is the capital of the free world instead of being a shining example to metro areas across the globe, it has become a cesspool for criminals and illegals to get away with violent crime, Tuberville said. The D.C. police should have every tool in the toolkit to enforce the law and fight crime. We owe it to them, along with the millions of people who live, work, and visit D.C. every year, to keep this city safe. Im proud to join this legislation with Senator Cruz to remove red tape thats preventing our police officers from being able to do their jobs, he added. Law enforcement groups agree. The D.C. Police Union, representing 3,000 officers, has already endorsed the bill, calling the 2022 law a misguided and harmful policy that has endangered police officers and emboldened criminals. Severe thunderstorms on Aug. 7-8, 2025, damaged this grain bin north of Courtenay, North Dakota. (Photo courtesy of National Weather Service) North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong on Thursday made his second presidential disaster request of the summer. Armstrong sent a letter to President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting federal help in recovering from storms that damaged buildings and other infrastructure Aug. 7-8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storms with tornadoes, winds up to 100 mph and large hail knocked out power to 16,000 residents in south-central and eastern North Dakota, Armstrongs letter said. Electrical infrastructure damage is estimated at $5.5 million. Armstrong asked Trump to declare a major disaster for Barnes, Grand Forks, Griggs, Kidder, Nelson, Steele and Stutsman counties. The letter says the hardest hit area was Stutsman County, including the cities of Jamestown and Courtenay. Storms on Aug. 7-8, 2025, snapped trees and large branches at McElroy Park in Jamestown, North Dakota (Photo courtesy of National Weather Service) Without federal support, Armstrongs letter said the cost of recovery will fall on taxpayers and utility customers. The hardships created by these severe storms pushed many emergency management offices beyond their capacity, forcing them to juggle response, recovery, and resource coordination under immense pressure, Armstrong said in the letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armstrong had previously requested a presidential major disaster declaration for storms in June that killed four people and caused more than $11 million in damage to public infrastructure in North Dakota. That request is still pending. Thursdays letter notes that the August storms tracked a similar path to the June storms. The governors latest request comes after a statewide disaster declaration by Armstrong on Tuesday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX With National Guard troops posted across Washington, D.C., some of Tennessees congressional Republicans are calling for guardsmen to be deployed in Memphis and Nashville to help fight crime something Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee says he hasn't ruled out. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, and U.S. Reps. Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, and Diana Harshbarger, R-Kingsport, all said Sept. 3 that theyd support deploying troops to Tennessees lawless blue cities. In D.C., President Trump has shown that when you bring real deterrence, crime goes down. Its just plain common sense, Harshbarger told The Tennessean. If the liberal mayors of Memphis and Nashville wont do what is needed to protect their own citizens, the president should do what has proven to work in D.C. and send in the National Guard to clean up their streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blackburn, who is running for governor, said this week she wants to see guard troops deployed to Memphis. Blue cities like Memphis need all the help they can get to combat violent crime, and Im grateful for President Trumps tremendous work to hold leftist officials accountable for putting their own citizens at risk by pushing soft-on-crime agendas, Blackburn said in a statement to Action News 5. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, listens during Tenn. Gov. Bill Lees speech during Agriculture Day on the Hill at the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville, Tuesday, March 18, 2025. State Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis, criticized Blackburn's calls to deploy guardsmen in Memphis as "exploiting fear for political gain." "Memphis doesnt need more political theater," Lamar said. "We need real partnerships, real investment and real solutions not a military occupation led by people who have never lived a day in our neighborhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blackburn praised Trumps efforts to fight crime by deploying war fighters to American cities during a news conference in Washington on Sept. 3. Sen. London Lamar D- Memphis, speaks on the third day of special session at the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville , Tenn., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. If your local leaders are going to fail and not accept that responsibility to keep their community safe, then it is going to be up to the president to bring that attention to that city, Blackburn said. Their calls came hours after a federal judge found President Donald Trumps use of National Guard troops in Los Angeles this summer to be illegal, creating a national police force with the president as its chief. Trump announced Sept. 2 that he intends to send more troops to Chicago and Baltimore. Andy Ogles calls for troops in Nashville, accuses Mayor Freddie O'Connell of collusion with gangs Ogles called for military personnel to be sent to Nashville streets, asserting without evidence that Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnells administration has colluded with organized crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont just need the National Guard in Memphis, send them to Nashville, Ogles wrote in a social media post. Comrade O'Connell is using the city as an outpost for international gangs to set up shop in our neighborhoods. Punish criminals and the mayors who work for them, Ogles added. U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, talks to his constituents after arriving to his watch party at Stan's Restaurant in Columbia, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Tennessee law has prohibited local sanctuary policies since 2019. This year, state lawmakers passed a law criminalizing local officials who cast votes for any kind of sanctuary policy. That law is facing a constitutional challenge from the ACLU. In response to Ogles comments, OConnell invited Ogles to invite the National Guard into his actual community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressman Ogles neither lives in nor even has an office in Nashville. Perhaps he'd like to invite the National Guard into his actual community, OConnell said. It's outrageous that our absentee member of Congress would be so disrespectful to our hardworking police, who have produced multiple year-over-year reductions in crime in Nashville. Mayor Freddie O'Connell speaks during the Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th event in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, July 4, 2025. Nashville's violent crime rate has declined incrementally since 2022, according to Metro Nashville Police Department crime statistics. Ogles has attacked OConnell repeatedly this year, claiming city government has assisted violent criminals in evading arrest by federal immigration enforcement. OConnell has publicly condemned immigration sweeps that have led to the detention of hundreds of individuals who lived in Nashville. MNPD has not assisted federal authorities in deportation raids. Local law enforcement is not required to assist with such efforts, as federal immigration enforcement is not in the jurisdiction of local police. Ogles launched a congressional probe into OConnell, claiming his administration obstructed ICE operations. Gov. Bill Lee discusses the devastation from Hurricane Helene at the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency during a briefing on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. Lee was joined by emergency responders at the briefing. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee: 'Nothing is off the table' In response to the calls to deploy the National Guard in Tennessee, an aide to Gov. Lee said all options are being considered as the administration works with the White House to address crime in Memphis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is nothing that is off the table. Everything is a possibility," Lee told reporters on Sept. 3. "We are aggressively pursuing the right strategy to lower the crime rate in Memphis. Its a great city, but it has a real challenge that needs to be addressed, and we have made significant steps and will continue to do that." Lt. Gov. Randy McNally said he would support deployment of National Guard troops, should the governor activate them. "I believe the enforcement of law and order is of paramount importance. I would support the use of National Guard troops in any city that had clearly lost control of its crime problem and where the safety of citizens was in immediate peril," McNally told The Tennessean. Lee spokesperson Elizabeth Johnson said the governor will continue to "work closely" with the Trump administration and that Lee is "committed to combating crime in Memphis." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Tennessee National Guard has more than 12,000 soldiers and airmen ready to respond when called upon, and maintains the capacity to support both state and federal missions simultaneously," Johnson said. Lee said last week that he has no plans to deploy the National Guard to Memphis, but called Trumps move to deploy troops to Washington, D.C., and other major cities a smart decision. Currently, 87 state troopers are assigned to Shelby County, including those assigned to the Bluff City Task Force, an interdepartmental effort to saturate high-crime areas and prevent violent crime. National Guard troops can be deployed by the governor for state-level emergencies including civil unrest, and natural or human-caused crises. The president can request governors to deploy guardsmen for federal missions. A flight crew from the Tennessee Army National Guard's 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion, rescued an injured hiker in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Aug. 19, 2025. Its rare for Tennessee National Guard troops to be deployed within state borders for purposes other than natural disaster response. In 2020, Gov. Bill Lee was one of 30 governors to deploy guard troops to maintain order as crowds protested police brutality in response to the death of George Floyd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee has activated Tennessee National Guard troops to assist in D.C. and with federal immigration enforcement. This year, Tennessee National Guard troops have also been deployed at the Texas-Mexico border and to Kuwait to support Operation Spartan Shield. Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com or on X @Vivian_E_Jones. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN Republicans call to deploy National Guard in Memphis, Nashville LITTLETON, N.H. (ABC22/FOX44) New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte met with representatives of North Country hospitals and mental health centers Thursday as the state prepares its application for a share of federal funding. The Rural Health Transformation Fund is a national $50 billion program that was passed as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Each state must apply for its share of that funding by the end of 2025, and that single application will determine the funding the state will receive for five years. The application is meant to detail how the state will use the money to help people access care in rural areas. New Hampshire AG announces membership of new committee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Granite State health commissioner Lori Weaver called the fund an exciting opportunity for towns across New Hampshire to transform how their residents access high-quality health care close to home. Weaver joined Ayotte at the meeting in Littleton. The states application for the Rural Health Transformation Fund is due December 31. (Courtesy: Kelly Ayotte via FB) One of the funds goals is to offset losses that rural health providers will experience associated with other health provisions in the legislation, according to the National Rural Health Association. According to New Hampshires health department, 13 out of 26 acute-care hospitals in the state exactly half are small hospitals in rural areas. Many rural hospitals in New England, including Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital just across the state border, recently announced cuts. New Hampshire expands right to try experimental treatments for terminal illness Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our rural health care providers are at the heart of their communities, but they face unique challenges, said Ayotte. The Granite State has made federal grants to support health care a priority. Last month, New Hampshire announced $4.6 million over four years for health care to help inmates re-enter society. New Hampshire officials are hoping to use the funds to recruit more doctors, nurses, and health workers, treat substance use disorders, and keep programs solvent. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden this morning released the draft legislation for a new mens prison that is proposed in Sioux Falls. It comes three weeks before the September 23 special legislative session that he called to deal with the topic. The legislation aligns with the recommendations of the Project Prison Reset task force that he appointed in February. The task force unanimously recommended that a new 1,500-bed mens prison be built in Sioux Falls at a cost of no more than $650 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation calls for transferring $78,778,932 from state governments general revenue replacement fund to the incarceration construction fund and then appropriating $650 million for construction of the prison. The legislation also calls for purchasing three parcels of open land totaling 178.59 acres along Benson Road in northeastern Sioux Falls and selling 320 acres of land in Lincoln County where the new prison previously was proposed. Garretson agrees to pay fine for natural-gas violation The state House of Representatives in February refused to give final approval for building the prison on the Lincoln County site. South Dakotas previous governor, Kristi Noem, and her secretary of corrections, Kellie Wasko, had sought the Lincoln County location, which was strongly opposed by many people living in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhoden, who replaced Noem in January after she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the federal governments new Homeland Security secretary, then pivoted and appointed the task force, chaired by his new lieutenant governor, Tony Venhuizen. Last week, Rhodens office released a FAQ page about the prison proposal. It notes that the new proposal will be 150,000 square feet smaller than the previous proposal, by having fewer housing units. The new plan streamlines housing by reducing seven housing units to four larger ones. Square footage is reduced not by cutting programming, but by eliminating excess hallway space and consolidating common areas across buildings, the document says. KELOLAND News has requested a rendering of the new plan. That will be made available in the coming days, according to the governors spokeswoman, Josie Harms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 285706_Gov-Prison-Draft-9_4Download Rhoden announced Waskos resignation as corrections secretary on Tuesday, effective next month. Her letter was dated Monday, the same day that a group of 20 Republican House members said the state Department of Corrections needed to be cleaned up and House Speaker Jon Hansen called for Wasko to step down. The legislation sets a June 30, 2032, deadline to spend the $650 million. It also includes a section stating that no one being detained for deportation from the United States can be temporarily kept in the new prison. A copy of the proposed legislation can be seen here. An explainer sheet from the governors office can be read 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 KELOLAND.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) On Thursday, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt announced the launch of Operation SAFE (Swift Action for Families Everywhere), which he claims will restore order and safety to Tulsa. The launch includes the Oklahoma Highway Patrol issuing warnings to homeless people on state property. It also includes the Oklahoma Department of Transportation posting notices at encampments on state property to vacate the premises. Tulsa is a beautiful city. I lived there for years. But today, everybody can see the disaster its turning into homeless people on every corner, trash piling up, and Oklahoma families are being forced to live in fear, said Governor Stitt. This is the citys job, but Mayor Nichols and Tulsa leadership havent met the level of action needed to keep neighborhoods safe. Oklahoma is going to step in to do our part and clean it up. Once weve done so, itll be on the City to keep Tulsa clean and safe. If they refuse, then well be forced to take further action to protect Tulsans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ODMHSAS pulling funding from select service providers to stay on budget after financial shortfall OHP and ODOT will begin working with agencies to help individuals transition to safer, alternative living arrangements under the Governors direction. State Troopers will offer homeless individuals two clear options according to Governor Stitt: A ride to jail and face prosecution if they refuse help and continue breaking the law. A ride to a treatment or housing facility. Chair of the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce, Bill Knight supports Governor Stitts actions stating, Tulsas business community supports leadership that prioritizes the safety of those who live and work within our city and region. We appreciate the governors actions to enforce the laws and bolster Tulsas pursuit to enhance quality of life. This initiative complements the ongoing efforts by various Tulsa entities, reinforcing our collective commitment to addressing complex issues like homelessness and public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. New Zealand will allow golden visa holders to purchase a single high-value home, reversing part of the 2018 foreign buyer ban, with implementation scheduled from late 2025. This change widens the appeal of New Zealand as a lifestyle and investment hub and is set to boost demand for cross-border planning tied to property. Firms positioned with clear, compliant pre-departure property advisory and execution support stand to capture flows. The government has created a narrow exemption that allows holders of New Zealands residence visa to buy or build one qualifying home worth NZ$5m ($2.9 million) or more. The move is designed to attract HNW capital while keeping most of the foreign buyer ban intact to balance growth objectives, helping revive New Zealands depressed property market while ensuring sufficient housing stock. GlobalData HNW Expats Analytics 2025 New Zealand is already a magnet for affluent families. GlobalDatas HNW Expats Analytics 2025 found that 6% of the local HNW population are expats versus 3.1% globally. Adding property as an incentive increases the countrys pull; prime residential real estate is perceived as a stable, safe store of value alongside broader investment commitments. Globally, more than a fifth of HNW offshore wealth is allocated to real estate according to GlobalDatas HNW Offshore Preferences Analytics 2025. Advisory demand is also evident: Globally, 76.6% of private wealth managers report very strong or quite strong HNW demand for overseas property advice. However, momentum is unlikely to be driven by visa guidance alone. HNW investors increasingly expect an integrated propositionwith immigration advice paired with property sourcing, ownership structuring, tax and reporting, as well as ongoing management of the asset. Firms that deliver the full propositionnot just investor visa guidanceare best positioned to convert interest in New Zealand into durable relationships and multi-asset mandates. Heike van den Hoevel is Principal Analyst, Wealth Management, GlobalData "New Zealand reverses foreign buyer ban to attract HNW wealth" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Members of the National Guard carrying rifles patrol near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in August in Washington, D.C. Republican and Democratic states are taking different approaches to using their National Guards to help the Trump administration. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) WASHINGTON Inside a bustling Union Station, commuters and tourists breeze past armed military personnel patrolling in groups of three or four as part of President Donald Trumps surge of National Guard troops and federal agents into the nations capital. Outside on a recent weekday afternoon, Robin Galbraith stood among a handful of people protesting their presence. The retired schoolteacher from nearby Bethesda, Maryland, held a sign saying Trump is afraid of free and fair elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should be respecting our National Guard. We should be respecting our citizens. We should be respecting our cities, Galbraith said. We shouldnt be using them as pawns for Mr. Trump to have power because hes feeling vulnerable right now. Trumps decision to put the National Guard on the streets of Los Angeles and Washington in recent months and his threat to send them into other major cities have sparked a nationwide fight over the proper role of the Armys and Air Forces primary combat reserve force. Trump this week signaled Chicago or New Orleans could be next. Republican and Democratic governors, who command the National Guard in their states, are sharply divided over whether to deploy servicemembers in furtherance of Trumps agenda. Their decisions could shape how the nationwide military force, which counts some 430,000 members, is used for years to come. Seven GOP governors have signed off on sending troops to Washington, while at least 10 have ordered National Guard members to help U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Many Democratic governors oppose any plans to send troops into their cities, and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, who chairs the Democratic Governors Association, has urged all governors to reject the temptation to aid a dangerous, politically motivated agenda. Trump and his allies say the National Guard is aiding a necessary crackdown on crime and bolstering immigration enforcement. But Democrats and military experts warn that the White House is trampling on longtime norms against the domestic use of the military and normalizing the presence of soldiers on Americas streets. They add that no crime crisis exists that is sufficient to justify sending in Guard members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge in California on Tuesday agreed, ruling that Trumps deployment of troops to Los Angeles had violated a 19th-century law that restricts the domestic use of the military. The case could eventually end up before the U.S. Supreme Court. Some Trump administration critics fear troops could be used to intimidate protesters or voters during the 2026 midterm elections. At the very least, they say, Trump risks politicizing the National Guard transforming it from an apolitical force associated with providing aid after natural disasters into something closer to another arm of the Trump administration. I think it is a misuse of the National Guard to try to use the National Guard in this fashion, said F. Andrew Turley, a former Air Force Reserve major general who retired in 2012 and once served as an Air National Guard assistant to the Judge Advocate General of the Air Force. The National Guard has two primary missions, Turley said: training for active-duty military service and serving as a state militia commanded by governors, available after natural disasters. Using National Guard members for law enforcement is beyond what theyre trained for and what theyre interested in, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many members are going to shake their heads and say, This is not what were here for, this is not what we signed up for, Turley said. Broader scope of duties But Trump and several Republican governors have embraced an expanded role for the National Guard. For Trump, the troops camo-clad and sometimes carrying weapons offer a visually striking way of projecting power. For the governors, signing National Guard members up for stints in Washington, D.C., or helping ICE offers a way to demonstrate support for the commander in chief. South Carolina is proud to stand with President Trump as he works to restore law and order to our nations capital and ensure safety for all who live, work, and visit there, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, said in a statement last month as he announced the deployment of 200 members of his states National Guard to Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least six other Republican-controlled states have also announced plans to send troops there: Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia. About 2,000 National Guard members are now in the district, a figure that also includes members of the D.C. National Guard. The Trump administration is expected to keep troops deployed in Washington, D.C., for several more months, CNN and The Washington Post reported. For now, the servicemembers appear mostly stationed in high-visibility areas, such as the National Mall and Union Station, with relatively little to do. Video of National Guard members picking up trash recently gained widespread attention. However, presence patrols are planned in the future for residential areas, the D.C. National Guard announced last week. Military personnel patrol inside Union Station in Washington, D.C., in late August. (Photo by Jonathan Shorman/Stateline) Nearly 80% of district residents oppose Trump taking control of local police and the deployment of the National Guard, according to a mid-August poll conducted by The Washington Post and the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. More broadly, a Reuters poll of Americans last month found just 38% support for the National Guard deployment in the nations capital. We are based in a society where we believe that the members of the military are not deployed against our own citizens, former Kansas Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sebelius father, John Gilligan, was elected governor of Ohio in 1970 in the wake of the shootings at Kent State University, where the Ohio National Guard killed four student protesters and wounded nine others. Sebelius said she has enormous respect for National Guard members, but warned against placing them in an urban environment they havent trained for and where they arent wanted. Its dangerous for them, its dangerous for the citizens, Sebelius said. After West Virginia Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced in August he would send 300-400 National Guard members to Washington, opponents of the deployment sued in West Virginia state court. The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia filed a complaint on behalf of West Virginia Citizen Action Group, which advocates for a clean environment and open government. The complaint alleges West Virginia law allows the governor to deploy the National Guard outside of the state only for specific purposes, such as training and active-duty military service, and that the Washington deployment doesnt qualify. The Governor cannot transform our citizen-soldiers into a roving police force available at the whim of federal officials who bypass proper legal channels, the complaint says. The lawsuit is pending. Morrisey press secretary Drew Galang wrote in an email to Stateline that the governor mobilized the National Guard at the request of Trump under the authority of federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Virginia is proud to support our neighbors and the Commander-in-Chief when called upon, Galang wrote. Deployments challenged Trump faces fewer legal obstacles deploying National Guard members in Washington than he would in sending troops to Chicago or other cities. Because the district isnt a state, the president can deploy the National Guard there with relative ease. Deployments elsewhere have already proven more legally challenging. When Trump wanted to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles in June, California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom objected. Trump federalized or took control of the California National Guard and ordered some 4,000 troops into the city anyway, along with hundreds of U.S. Marines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom sued over the deployment, leading to a bench trial in August before U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer, a Clinton appointee and the younger brother of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. On Tuesday, Breyer ruled that Trump violated the Posse Comitatus Act, passed by Congress in 1878 to limit the use of the military to enforce the law following the end of Reconstruction. While the act allows the military to quell rebellions, the judge found none had occurred in Los Angeles. Breyer issued an order blocking Trump from deploying the National Guard or any military troops for law enforcement but stayed the order until Sept. 12, giving the Trump administration time to appeal the decision. About 300 National Guard members remain in Los Angeles. Claire Finkelstein, a professor of law and philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania who studies military ethics and national security law, emphasized in an interview that the military is trained to neutralize threats to the country and to the U.S. Constitution not to engage in police work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finkelstein, who co-authored an amicus brief submitted in the California lawsuit, said that when it comes to maintaining a sharp division between military operations and civilian law enforcement, as well as preserving military readiness, the domestic deployments are a mistake. What is the point of them? The real point of them is a show of force to bring Democratic governors who represent a threat to the authority of Donald Trump under the control of the federal government, Finkelstein said in an interview before Breyers decision. Robin Galbraith of Bethesda, Md., holds a sign outside Union Station in Washington, D.C., in protest of President Donald Trumps deployment of the National Guard in the district. (Photo by Jonathan Shorman/Stateline) The outcome of an appeal in the California lawsuit could go far in determining how much power Trump has to deploy troops to other cities in the future. Trump signed an executive order last week directing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to make a National Guard quick reaction force available for deployment nationwide, the latest signal the president intends to send troops elsewhere. The executive order directs Hegseth to designate an appropriate number of National Guard members from each state to be available for rapid mobilization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They need help badly. Chicago desperately needs help, Trump said in the Oval Office after signing the order. On Wednesday, Trump said his administration is weighing whether to deploy to Chicago or New Orleans. Trump has cast the potential deployments as part of a wide-ranging effort to fight crime and has disparaged major cities as crime-ridden, even as violent offenses continue to fall. Homicides and several other serious offenses, including gun assaults and carjackings, dropped during the first half of 2025 across 42 U.S. cities, continuing a downward trend that began in 2022, according to a report released in July by the nonpartisan think tank Council on Criminal Justice. Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and local leaders in Democratic-controlled Chicago acknowledge crime remains an issue. But they say progress is being made and the situation certainly doesnt warrant a military deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker told reporters on Tuesday that he had reason to believe the Trump administration was positioning Texas National Guard members for potential deployment to Illinois an extraordinary move that would represent one state sending its armed forces into another state without consent. Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbotts office has disputed Pritzkers assertion. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Saturday signed an executive order aimed at resisting any military deployment. It prohibits Chicago police from participating in law enforcement efforts with the National Guard or other troops, and urges any federal agents to not wear masks, a response to ICE, whose personnel have begun masking during the Trump administration. Calling the military into a U.S. city to invade our streets and neighborhoods, to disrupt the lives of everyday people, is an extraordinary action and it should require extraordinary justification, Pritzker said at an outdoor news conference last week in Chicago. Look around you right now. Does this look like an emergency? Guards in GOP states helping ICE As Chicago braces for the possible arrival of troops, Democratic governors across the country are also growing more outspoken against Trumps threatened deployments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the Democratic Governors Association released a statement signed by 19 governors accusing Trump of politicizing the military and undermining governors power over state national guards. This chaotic federal interference in our states National Guard must come to an end, the statement reads. For their part, several Republican governors are mobilizing their states national guards to aid the Trump administration. But so far, those efforts have largely focused on helping deportation efforts in their own states as opposed to preparing for big-city deployments elsewhere. The Republican Governors Association didnt respond to a request for comment, but several Republican governors offices confirmed to Stateline that their state National Guard has begun assisting ICE in their states. More than 10 states are providing some level of National Guard assistance to ICE: Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming. In most states, National Guard members are providing administrative, logistical and other backroom support and not directly participating in immigration enforcement operations. But in at least four states Florida, Louisiana, Texas and West Virginia they have been empowered to take part in enforcement operations, according to research by the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law at the University of Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governors in those states have entered into federal 287(g) agreements that allow ICE to delegate some immigration enforcement duties, potentially including arrests, to National Guard members. While 287(g) refers to a federal law in place for decades, the second Trump administration has encouraged state and local law enforcement to participate. An agreement is also pending with the Arkansas National Guard, according to ICE records. In Texas, the largest of those states, Abbott has been an enthusiastic participant. In an email, Abbott press secretary Andrew Mahaleris wrote that the governor supports using every tool and strategy to aid deportations by the Trump administration and had directed all state agencies to coordinate with the administration. Texas will continue to assist the Trump Administration in arresting, detaining, and deporting illegal immigrants, Mahaleris wrote. In Republican-led states where governors have yet to mobilize the National Guard, advocates for immigrants are urging them to hold off. As Missouri Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe considers using his states National Guard, for example, Susie Johnson, treasurer of advocacy group Abide in Love Ste. Genevieve, said a deployment would do little good. The local jail in Ste. Genevieve, a city of about 5,000 south of St. Louis, houses an estimated 60-85 ICE detainees on any given day, said Johnson, whose organization supports immigration detainees in the jail as well as area immigrant families. A military presence isnt necessary, she said. I think that this is probably just a little more of a political game to say, Well, we need to bring in, basically, the military to help control this, Johnson said. Editors note: This story has been updated to add South Dakota and to include details on how long National Guard troops might stay in Washington, D.C. Statelines Amanda Hernandez contributed reporting. Stateline reporter Jonathan Shorman can be reached at jshorman@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Gracepoint Community Church in Bentonville will host an autism community event that aims to bring people together for a day of celebration. According to a press release, Autism Involves Me, a Northwest Arkansas nonprofit that serves families impacted by autism, will bring AIM Fest to the church on Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The release says AIM Fest brings together families, friends and supporters for a day of celebration, resources and connection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma senator on autism and vaccines: I dont connect those two Highlights of the event include: Community Resource Fair featuring more than 30 local partners, including Arkansas Childrens Northwest, Crystal Bridges, Cassady Childrens Center, Thrive, Smile Shoppe, Summit Community Care, The Reform Alliance, and more. Food trucks and local vendors, including Food Therapy, Dough Zone, Mo Tacos and Churros, Williams Soul Food, and others. Family-friendly activities with partners such as Genesis Gymnastics, ACES, and GYO, plus bounce houses and inflatables provided by Epic Inflatables. Petting zoo. Drift and luxury cars on display provided by Drift NWA. Sensory-friendly spaces. Admission is $5 per person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AIM Fest will also see the launch of AIM2Comfort, a new initiative that the release says will provide sensory items to children with special needs entering the Department of Human Services custody. The release says the event will serve as a drop-off hub for donations of sensory-friendly comfort items. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. Graham Linehan is an Irish comedian, former television writerhe's well-known for creating the sitcoms Father Ted and The IT Crowdand militant opponent of transgender activism. He was previously banned on Twitter for his strident anti-trans commentary but returned to the platform after Elon Musk acquired it and made the moderation standards more permissive. He openly admits that his involvement in the transgender debate has "consumed my life": He says the backlash to his own activism has led to loss of job opportunities, ruined him financially, and even played a role in ending his marriage. That's all very sad for him, of course. But people aren't entitled to an audience, or to company in general. If, as a result of Linehan's comedy or political views, nobody wants to hire or be around him, well, them's the breaks. Linehan does, however, have the right to say such things. Or at least, he ought to have that right. Unfortunately, British authorities arrested and detained Linehan when he arrived in London earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At issue were three posts he wrote on X, including one in which he wrote this: "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." Such a statement is almost certainly protected by the First Amendment. For speech to lose First Amendment protection, it must include a call to imminent lawless action or violence against a particular person. That's not what Linehan is doing; he's telling a crude joke based on his conviction that if you lack the relevant genitalia, you are a man rather than a woman. If this sort of speech were unprotected, then similarly charged calls to, for instance, punch nazisa staple of far-left rhetoriccould also be criminalized. The U.K. does not have the First Amendment, however. In Britain, the authorities have broadly criminalized threatening, insulting, and abusive language that causes harassment. Linehan's X posts may very well violate the relevant laws: the Communications Act of 2003 and the Online Safety Act of 2023. And that's a bad thing, as Linehan's case clearly demonstrates. He possesses views on this subjectthat trans women are not women and should steer clear of women-only spacesthat are strongly held by millions of people. He ought to be able to make his case, using crude humor and provocative language as he pleases. This is almost a textbook example of how even small and reasonable-sounding exceptions to an overall free speechmaximalist position will end up creating openings for political censorship: Hate is subjective, and when the government has the power to criminalize it, the authorities will almost certainly do so in broad strokes. When you can arrest a comedian at the airport for a post on X, you know that the UK has gone for total illiberalism when it comes to free speech. Orwellian doesn't begin to capture this madness:https://t.co/2Fnt5kEIyy Michael Shermer (@michaelshermer) September 2, 2025 U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance recently criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the U.K.'s more draconian speech policies, as well as European regulators' penchant for pressuring American social media companies to engage in censorship. One can absolutely point to Vance's hypocrisy herethe Trump administration is violating free speech in numerous wayswhile still agreeing with his overall point: Europe and the U.K. are too fond of censorship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, the police released Linehan on the condition that he cease posting to X. This is outrageous, and it's heartening to see his treatment attract widespread derision. This Week on Free Media I'm joined by Amber Duke to discuss Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the federal police in Washington, D.C., and more! Also, Niall Stanage is joining for a bonus episode, which will debut shortly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worth Watching I decided it was time for a challenge and have started reading Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian. Wish me luck! The post Graham Linehan's Speech Must Be Defended appeared first on Reason.com. Sep. 3POLK COUNTY, Minn. A Grand Forks woman is facing a third-degree murder charge in Polk County after allegedly selling fentanyl that caused a young woman to fatally overdose in East Grand Forks. Rachel Keturah Boswell, 44, faces up to 25 years in prison for the felony charge. However, Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines recommend between 74 and 189 months a little over six years to nearly 16 years depending on criminal history. Just before 10 a.m. on Aug. 19, East Grand Forks police officers were dispatched to an apartment for a suspected fentanyl overdose fatality, according to a probable cause statement filed in the case. A 20-year-old woman was found on scene, laying on her stomach on a bedroom floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her hand was cold, but her neck and shoulder were warm; she did not have a pulse and appeared to have vomited on the floor, the statement said. Emergency medical personnel confirmed the woman had died. Drug paraphernalia was found near the woman's body, and a folded piece of tinfoil was tested for fentanyl. The test came back positive, according to the statement. Searching the woman's phone, police found a number of calls to and from Boswell earlier that morning, the statement said. A member of the Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force alleged Boswell was known to sell and use fentanyl. The statement said Boswell allegedly said the woman had asked to get some fentanyl, as Boswell had done in the past, and Boswell got in contact with Megan Kelly Thorsen a woman who is facing felony drug charges for alleged drug sales in Grand Forks County. Thorsen is also Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement accused of distributing fentanyl inside the Grand Forks County Correctional Center, according to court documents. Thorsen allegedly sold fentanyl to Boswell, who allegedly gave some of it to the woman who later died. She said she gave the deceased woman approximately two "points" which is a street term for .1 gram of fentanyl wrapped in a piece of tinfoil, the statement said. Thorsen told law enforcement she advised Boswell "to not let anyone be alone while using the fentanyl because it was so strong," according to the statement. She allegedly admitted to selling fentanyl to a number of other people at $35 per .1 gram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boswell had her first appearance in court Tuesday, Sept. 2, during which the judge determined she could be released from custody without paying anything, as long as she follows bond conditions. Conditions include no alcohol or controlled substance use, submitting to testing and searches of herself and her property as well as participating in a pre-trial supervision program. Her next court appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 18. GOSHEN An Elkhart County grand jury on Tuesday indicted Elkhart County Clerk Christopher Anderson and Chief Deputy Clerk Carol Smith for official misconduct and criminal conversion, according to a media release issued Wednesday afternoon. Right after the indictment, Elkhart County Prosecutor Vicki Becker formally approved the indictment and filed it with Elkhart Circuit Court Tuesday night. Both Anderson and Smith were ordered to turn themselves in to the Elkhart County Sheriff, where they were to be held until posting a bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jails inmate lookup website showed Anderson and Smith turned themselves in on Wednesday. The grand jury heard evidence of allegations that Anderson and Smith approved the expenditure of public funds without proper authorization. A year ago, in September of 2024, the Elkhart County Sheriffs Office and the Indiana State Board of Accounts were notified of several concerns with certain clerk employees receiving payment for hours they did not actually work, and that the practice had been going on for several years. The State Board of Accounts issued a public report about the investigation in June, showing that the long-standing practice of paying supervisors for 80 hours even though they only had to work 72 did not comply with Elkhart County policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To further illustrate the endorsement of this practice, auditors reported that Smith had sent an email to a newly appointed supervisor of the Clerks Office in August of 2022 advising that You get paid for 80 hours even though you only work 72. The idea is the supervisor is usually first in and last out, so its just a bit of extra for the supervisor taking on the job. The Elkhart County Sheriffs Office conducted a criminal investigation into the same allegation to determine if the alleged conduct violated the criminal laws of the State of Indiana. As an explanation, the prosecutor stated, a Grand Jury may be requested under Indiana law by a Prosecuting Attorney to hear evidence of an allegation of criminal conduct. The Grand Jury becomes the exclusive judge of the facts in any matter it is empaneled to consider. The Court and the Prosecuting Attorney act as legal advisors to the Grand Jury, but may not participate in any deliberations of the Grand Jury. The Grand Jury consists of members of the Elkhart County community for the purpose of determining whether a criminal offense appears to have been committed within its jurisdiction. If, after deliberation, the Grand Jury returns an Indictment, the Prosecuting Attorney thereafter files the formal charging paperwork to initiate proceedings against the Targets. If a Grand Jury determines that no criminal offense has occurred within its jurisdiction, a no bill is returned and the case is closed unless newly discovered evidence later comes to light. In this case, the grand jury entered indictments for the offenses of official misconduct, a Level 6 felony, and criminal conversion, a Class A misdemeanor, against both Anderson and Smith An initial hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 11 at the Elkhart Circuit Court in the historic Elkhart County Courthouse, 101 N. Main St., Goshen, beginning at 8:30 a.m. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Every September, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank joins Feeding America in dedicating the month to raising awareness about hunger. They dont realize that they may be going to church with someone whos receiving assistance from us, said Food Bank CEO Mike Manning. Its really important that we take care of people because thats our neighbor. This year, Manning said all donations will be matched up to $75,000 by the Price LeBlanc family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People raising awareness and trying to help raise more funds by putting up their own money and issuing a challenge to others, it really tends to significantly increase the fundraising we can generate and make a big difference in our ability to feed the community, Manning said. The Food Bank is the main hub for smaller agencies across the seven parishes it serves. Manning said their success directly impacts others and every dollar makes a difference. One dollar is the equivalent of three meals, he said. We can get more food with a dollar than you can if you buy something at the grocery store because of some opportunities we have for wholesale purchases or national food donations. Manning added that people can help in three ways: hosting a food drive, donating food or money, or volunteering. 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. Since being named the new leader of the Green party, the self-proclaimed eco-populist Zack Polanski has come in for a lot of criticism. Partly this is because more and more people are now aware that, during his previous career as a Harley Street hypnotherapist, he told a reporter from The Sun that harnessing the powers of her unconscious mind could help her breasts grow bigger. On a more serious note, conservative commentators have been highlighting his hard-Left views on tax and benefits. No matter how big a menace this man may be, however, I think theres someone we should be far more worried about. Polanskis new deputy. Mothin Ali, a devout Muslim from West Yorkshire, first entered the public eye in May last year, when he celebrated his election as a Leeds city councillor by bellowing ALLAHU AKBAR!, and proclaiming that his victory was a win for the people of Gaza. Precisely how it was a win for the people of Gaza, I remain unsure. To the best of my knowledge, few Palestinians currently rank bin collections in Leeds among their most urgent political priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, whatever he meant, Im rather more concerned about comments he made in response to the events of October 7, 2023 the day Hamas invaded Israel, murdered 1,195 people, and took more than 250 hostages. In a video posted on social media, Ali declared that Israelis are not victims, theyre occupiers, and urged the world to support the right of indigenous people to fight back against occupiers. Credit: TikTok/@mothinspeaks Now, I dont know about you. But personally, I wouldnt hail the single bloodiest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust as a fightback against occupiers. Nor would I argue that the proscribed terrorist group Hamas had the right to perpetrate it. At any rate, when Ali was elected as a councillor, seven months later, his video came to wider attention at which point, he said he was sorry for any upset my comments caused That was not my intention. He added that he does not support violence on either side. In which case, I wonder what exactly he meant by the words fight back. Perhaps he just wanted Hamas to send Israel a petition, or a sternly worded letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of which brings me to the subject of Graham Linehan. On Tuesdays Newsnight, Polanski said it was proportionate to arrest the comedy writer, because his tweets about trans people were totally unacceptable. "These are totally unacceptable tweets... I think it was proportionate to arrest him" Zack Polanski, Green Party Leader, on the arrest of comedy writer Graham Linehan at Heathrow airport on Monday.#Newsnight pic.twitter.com/wzN2lkqxLx BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) September 2, 2025 I have just one question. If Polanski thinks its fine to arrest someone for posting something offensive on social media, does he think his own deputy should have been arrested, too? 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. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) said she got a lot of pushback from the White House over supporting a discharge petition aiming to force the administration to release all of the documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Oh, I got a lot of pushback. I got phone call after phone call last night. They didnt want me to sign the discharge petition. They want to focus on the Oversight [Committee] investigation. They hate Thomas Massie more than they can hate any Democrat, which makes no sense to me. And they dont want to work with Democrats at all, Greene, an ally of President Trump, said during her Wednesday appearance on Real Americas Voice Bolling! Greene, who has disagreed with some of the administrations positions before, told host Eric Bolling that she does not blame the president, but some of his staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric, you and I both know any president is insulated and in a cone of information based on the people that work directly with him, and I dont think theyve informed him on what a big deal this really is, Greene said. The Georgia Republican, who is one of the four members of the House GOP conference who signed on to the petition spearheaded by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), said she told Trump Wednesday morning to host Epsteins survivors at the White House. I want him to be the hero and champion of this issue, she said. And I want him to fight for these women, because I know him to be a fighter. Trump dismissed the pressure to release the files regarding Epstein, arguing it is a push to distract from the achievements of the administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its really a Democrat hoax, because theyre trying to get people to talk about something thats totally irrelevant to the success weve had as a nation since Ive been president, Trump said Wednesday. Greene said Wednesday, Its not a hoax, because Jeffrey Epstein is a convicted pedophile. That takes away the whole hoax things. Its not a hoax. Its not a lie. Lawmakers hosted Epstein victims on Capitol Hill, where they urged Congress to act. Some of the Epstein accusers spoke with members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which is conducting its own probe regarding the Epstein case, behind closed doors for more than two hours Tuesday. House GOP leadership is urging members not to sign on to the petition, which currently has the support of four Republican lawmakers, and to back the investigation done by the Oversight Committee. The panel released a large batch of files it received from the Justice Department after issuing a subpoena for materials related to Epstein. Democrats on the panel said most of the files have already been made public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, a White House official told multiple news outlets this week. Every Republican should be able to sign on to this, and thats the real hoax, that theyre afraid to sign on to it. Because somebody who, you know, who is a real coward from one of the Trump admin officials, came out and called this a hostile act against the Trump administration, Greene said. I take very big offense to that, because I put my life and my fortune on the line fighting to get that man elected. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) South Elm Street has been an area in Greensboro that city leaders have long been interested in developing. Now, a vision is taking shape. There are two developers who are interested in the area, but only one plan will be chosen. One of those developers is making their case directly to the community right now. On the edge of downtown, along South Elm Street, there sits a gravel parking lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two developers are interested in breathing new life into the piece of property. AZ Development was founded by longtime Greensboro developer Andy Zimmerman and The Alexander Company, which is based in Wisconsin. The Alexander Company plans to build residential, retail, public parking spaces and provide mixed-income housing. They are hopeful they can bring in a grocery store if market conditions allow. I think we will be able to make it work, said Kevin McLean, a food truck owner. Right across the street is where McLean has been running his food truck for four years. He said it is a good place for any new business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quiet, peaceful. The greenway helps out a lot. There are a lot of people traveling back and forth, and we get a lot of business from the nursing school, but a lot of people dont know about this area, even though we are only a block away from downtown, McLean said. His only concern is parking. Parking is very limited right now because most of the parking is just right on Elm Street, McLean said. The redevelopment commission will take opinions under consideration before the city council votes on which plan they will choose. Russ Clegg with the Greensboro Planning Department said the city needs to make sure the plan aligns with their vision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zimmerman said the citys planning department has made it difficult to move forward, but he fully plans to fight for his plan to be chosen to develop the space. During Wednesdays public comment period, Zimmerman stepped in to ask the city to consider his plan. Ultimately, it will be up to the city council to choose the developer. Thats expected to happen next year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) The United States Marshals arrested a man wanted for murder in Onslow County. Christopher Ray Duncan, 35, of Greenville, was arrested and charged with an open count of murder and possession of a firearm by a felon after an extensive investigation into the fatal shooting of Matthew John Dantonio, 41, of Spring Hope. The incident occurred at Wing Zone, located at 1478 Burgaw Highway, on February 16, 2025. Duncan was seen with Dantonio shortly before the shooting, and a warrant was issued for his arrest on August 18, 2025. He remains in custody without bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. GRIMES, Iowa Grimes residents of the Beaverbrooke Neighborhood have complained to the city about the condition of the Gabus Pond for over a decade. I have contacted the city numerous times. All the neighbors have contacted the city with complaints of all the algae and the overgrown grass that they put in. There hasnt been any maintenance and this year it really got bad, said Georgiana Droffner, a grimes resident who lives next to Gabus pond. Droffner says she was told by the city that the pond would be maintained when she moved in 10 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I moved into this area ten years ago and all the homes on the pond were not here yet. So before I bought, I spoke to the city manager, and he had said that the pond would be taken care of by this city once all the homes were built, Droffner said. Droffner is frustrated that the city hasnt done more to take down vegetation around the pond. Theres a ball diamond thats north of here that theyre mowing every day into, and it looks meticulously kept. However, this is right in the middle of a housing development and we have to look at this. The bugs are bad, the odor gets bad at times and Im at wits end. I am so tired of talking about it for ten years, Droffner said. Kevin Hensley, the Director of Public Works for the City of Grimes, said that the city is taking residents concerns seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We definitely understand the residents concerns, you know, and thats why weve worked with the DNR to establish that maintenance, the maintenance program as well, Hensley said. Gabus Pond is apart of the Iowa DNRs Community Fishing program which helps turn urban ponds into fishing sites. Hensley said that the ponds involvement in the program adds challenges to treating it. Weve also worked with the DNR to establish a maintenance and maintenance schedule for it as well. So theyve given us chemical application recommendations for the type of weeds that are growing in their plants that are growing in there. Thats the algae and the other aquatic vegetation thats in the pond. So we follow those recommendations that were given to us by the. Department of Natural Resources and also have to abide by the the label on the on the chemicals as well. So weve been treating that pond every two weeks throughout the summer, Hensley said. Hensley said that DNR plans to add Grass Carp to Gabus Pond to take care of the algae issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats the way that I understand that the grass carp would work is that, you know, they put two, maybe three in there and they will eat, you know, help control that vegetation by eating, eating the vegetation, Hensley 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 who13.com. TULSA, Okla. A Grove woman indicted on federal drug, money laundering and conspiracy charges is accused of delivering methamphetamine into northeast Oklahoma. Lindsey Stark Cornell, 45, is one of seven suspects charged with nine counts of drug conspiracy and money laundering-related charges in U.S. District Court in Tulsa. She is free on $10,000 bail. Also charged are Sidney Peter Rivas, 46; Marcus Allen Bearpaw, 30; Michael Anthony Collum, 41, of Noble; William Boyd Jones, 39; Jennifer Suzanne Swanson, 48, both of Lindsay; and Juan Carlos Perez-Hernandez, 43. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rivas, who is incarcerated, is charged with organizing, leading, and profiting from the distribution of methamphetamine while in prison. In addition to allegedly bringing methamphetamine into the far corner of the states, the 23-page indictment shows Cornell made 142 financial transactions totaling $219,803.31, representing drug proceeds transmitted to suppliers, couriers, and dealers in Mexico and the United States. Court records show Rivas had been incarcerated in Oklahoma from May 17, 2018, to October 22, 2022, when he was transferred to Virginia. The indictment alleges Rivvas met other inmates while in prison who had sources of supply for illicit drugs and affiliated networks of bulk and street-level drug dealers. He further met prison employees whom he persuaded to help him traffic illegal drugs and launder the drug proceeds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also negotiated a peace with the Indian Brotherhood, another Oklahoma prison gang, as well as agreements with members of other criminal organizations, to collaborate, expand, and facilitate further drug trafficking activity using their affiliated networks of drug dealers. Also incarcerated are Bearpaw and Hernandez. Online records show that a jury trial is set for Oct. 20. show_temp-29Download Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A Gulf Breeze man is facing a felony charge after threatening a woman with his gun, according to a post by the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office. Caleb Mack, a 23-year-old, is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill. The victim, a visitor from Alabama, says it all started after Mack became enraged when she threw a cigarette butt out of her car window yesterday, around noon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When she and her family pulled up to a red light at Highway 98 and Airport Road, she says Mack pulled up beside her, yelling, then pulled out a firearm with an optic and mounted light and pointed at her while her teenage children were in the back seat. She says she feared for their lives. Deputies spotted Mack behind the wheel and made a traffic stop. OCSO says he admitted to producing his firearm, but says he never pointed it at anyone. Deputies seized a 9mm Glock with an optic and mounted light he had in his waistband. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Happy Thursday! We have a very summer-like day ahead featuring hot temperatures, a splash of humidity, and even some thunderstorm activity. This morning, its quiet and a little foggy with temperatures in the 50s to low 60s. Grab the sunglasses and make sure to hold on tight to that ballcap, or better yet, you may just want to ditch the hat today. Breezy south winds are already gusting up to 20 mph this morning, an element of the forecast that will only help to enhance our fire weather risk for today. Well continue with those blustery south winds this afternoon with gusts up to 30+ mph. That mild breeze and sunshine will help to boost temperatures into the upper 70s to middle 80s, all ahead of a cold front that is set to arrive by late today. That new boundary will arrive in northern New York just in time for the late afternoon/evening drive home. Gusty, strong thunderstorms and wind-driven downpours will become likely with moderate travel impacts (low visibility, ponding/puddling, etc.). That line of active weather will slide east into the Champlain Valley and down to southern Vermont by sunset, but the intensity of the precipitation will start to weaken a bit. While were not expecting severe storms in Vermont or even New Hampshire, the gusty downpours and wind-driven showers will give us a run for our money through sunset and thereafter. Its not until after midnight that the Northeast Kingdom sees some of the steadier rainfall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lows will land in the 60s Friday morning with some leftover clouds, showers, and blustery south winds. Well be able to get back over to a mix of sun, clouds, and wind gusts up to 30 mph Friday afternoon before having to contend with more unsettled weather overnight into Saturday morning. While the first half of the weekend will be wet, it will not be a total washout. Were sizing up periods of rain and downpours throughout the day with the heavier downpours lining up across southern Vermont and the Upper Valley. Saturday will be cloudy and cool, as well, with highs only near 70. Its likely that many of us will see a beneficial 1 to 2 inches of rain between our two late week systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BOSTON (SHNS) Gov. Maura Healey said she sees President Donald Trumps recent deployment of National Guard troops to U.S. cities as political theater and warned against using Massachusetts troops in the same way. Asked Wednesday what she would do if Trump sent the guard to Massachusetts, Healey responded: I dont know why he would. To put the guard on the streets in a way they were never intended to be used domestically against our own citizens thats not what the guard is supposed to be doing. That is not the mission, nor do I think it is the mission that the good men and women of the guard signed up for, Healey said Wednesday in downtown Boston at a discussion moderated by Bloomberg News Head of the Americas Caroline Gage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump this week announced plans to send troops to Baltimore and Chicago, after already deploying units in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. A federal judge in California ruled Tuesday that Trumps use of Marines and National Guard members in Los Angeles violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts domestic civilian law enforcement. That ruling, which the president may appeal, came in response to a lawsuit filed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Healey said the Los Angeles decision was the right order, the right ruling. Itll get appealed. She argued that Trumps focus on deploying the guard is a distraction. There are real emergencies in this country, and this focus on an effort, you know, dial up Chicago, whoevers next. This is all an effort to distract and to take away attention for the things that the president and his administration are not delivering on, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said she was preparing for Trump sending a deployment to the city. Every mayor of every major city is having to take preparations for the National Guard coming against their will, Wu said last month. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) New rules are in place at Grand Valley State University following a stabbing near a dorm on the Allendale Campus Sunday. According to a letter sent to students Wednesday, security changes like required guest registration and a limit of one visitor per resident have been put into place. Quiet hours at buildings where students live will now begin at 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and entries to some living centers will be restricted to a single entrance, where GVSU IDs must be shown and guests must be signed in. GVSU PPS increasing patrols after car break-ins on campus Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some rules were already in place at the school, like a limit of one guest per resident in living centers, who must be approved by a roommate and must always be escorted by a host. Guests also may not stay more than two consecutive nights. With the expansion of safety changes, parking lots D1 (labeled as Visitor Pay-to-Park on GVSUs website) and D2 (labeled as Faculty/Staff), located outside of Johnson Living and Ott Living Center near Kleiner Commons, will be closed overnight starting at 10 p.m. Guests can no longer park there on nights and weekends, GVSU said. The changes come after a male was injured and a second person reported being hurt in a stabbing just after midnight Sunday during a fight behind Kistler Living Center, which is near the D1 and D2 parking lots. No one has been arrested but GVSU Department of Public Safety is working with local police to find the person of interest, the school said. It provided a photo of the person caught on surveillance video. Minor injuries reported in stabbing near GVSU dorm Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school said that person as well as the people who were injured are not GVSU students. We have no reason to believe there is any current threat to the Grand Valley community, the school wrote. Between Aug. 18 and 22, a string of break-ins and car thefts happened on both GVSUs Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses. That prompted the university to increase patrols on campus. During that time, GVSU welcomed about 4,000 new students among GVSUs 10 largest classes ever. Ticket enforcement will begin this weekend across residential parking lots, GVSU said. Students should register their vehicles and visitors must get a parking permit to be there overnight. You can get those online or in person at Parking Services. The school provided more information about parking passes on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GVSU recommended downloading the Laker Guardian app, where people can report tips to public safety, arrange for safe walks and report emergencies. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Emma, a 66-pound Sulcata tortoise from Indiana, is finally back in her shell-ter after a hair-raising adventure walking along an east-side street in Indianapolis. A man spotted the reptile on Wednesday, making her way down English Road near Fountain Square. She was taken to St Francis Pet Hospital in Camby, where veterinarian Dr. Jessica Cox determined the tortoise was a missing pet, although she was unable to determine her age. These animals can live up to 150 years and weigh over 100 pounds, Cox told FOX59/CBS4. They can dig out from under fences or enclosures, but there is no chance he wouldve survived if he wasnt found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox 59 morning news anchor Angela Ganote helped spread the word about the missing pet on social media, sharing photos of Emma, who had yet to be identified. Cox told the outlet that anyone who claimed the slow-moving reptile needed to present significant proof of ownership. Luckily, on Thursday morning, both Ganote and the animal hospital announced that Emma would be returning home. Sulcata tortoises can live 150 years and weigh over 100 pounds, Cox said (Facebook) As for how the animal escaped in the first place, Ganote said in an update, [The] owner says an Amazon driver left her gate open and she walked right out to the street. The owner was able to provide tons of photos of Emma to prove she is the owner and has Ring video of the man who found her in the street. Meanwhile, St. Francis Pet Hospital thanked the community for their diligence in sharing the post. Emma was reunited with her owner (St. Francis Pet Hospital) Facebook isn't always the most positive place, but we sure do love when it is used for good and helps reunite a pet with its person, an employee wrote on Facebook. Tortoises slow-moving but famously out-pacing a speedy hare through its steady strategy in one of Aesops best-known fables are the longest-living land animals. MUZAFFARGARH, Pakistan (AP) Rivers are swelling to dangerous levels in Pakistans eastern Punjab province, forcing more than half a million people to flee their homes in the past 24 hours, officials said Thursday. The latest evacuations bring the total number of people displaced since last month to 1.8 million, according to Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed. He said mass evacuations were still ongoing in the flood-hit Muzaffargarh district and other areas. Muzaffargarh and Multan are among the worst-hit areas in the province, where floods have inundated 3,900 villages since the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers burst their banks two weeks ago, Javed said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who fled their homes in Muzaffargarh described rushing to safety after urgent flood warnings. Ghulam Abbas, 54, who fled his village with his family, said Thursday that mosque loudspeakers announced a massive flood surge was on its way, urging everyone to leave as soon as possible. Those who thought the waters wouldnt reach them are now being rescued by boat, Abbas said, adding that his home was submerged overnight. Zainab Akhtar, 33, said she lost her home in the devastating 2010 floods. Now it has happened again, she said as she sat inside a government-donated tent with her family. Akhtar said she has received some food from charities and the government, but added that many survivors were relying on help from relatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, Pakistan has not appealed for any international help, saying it has enough resources to respond to the flooding. The British government announced Thursday an additional 1.6 million pounds ($2.2 million) to help communities in Sindh province prepare for expected flooding, bringing its total humanitarian assistance for Pakistan this monsoon season to $3.4 million. Sindh is in a critical window to prepare and reduce the impact of the upcoming floods, the British High Commissioner Jane Marriott said. Officials erected tents for displaced families in Muzaffargarh, Narowal and Kasur. Irfan Ali Kathia, director general of the provincial Disaster Management Authority, said thousands of rescuers are taking part in the relief and rescue operations, while the military has been deployed to transport people and animals from flooded villages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supplies are on the way for the displaced people, and one of the largest rescue and relief operations is still ongoing, Kathia said. He added that authorities made some breaches along the embankment of the Chenab river overnight Wednesday to protect Muzaffargarh city. He said timely evacuations had saved lives, but that 46 people had been killed so far in the floods. Several nongovernmental organizations including the Markazi Muslim League are also active in the flood-hit areas. Taha Muneeb, a spokesperson for the group, told The Associated Press that the groups 10,000 volunteers are helping ferry people to safety by boat and delivering food and medical supplies. The group has provided meals to over 800,000 people and offered medical care to 700,000, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heavy monsoon rains and water released from dams in India have pushed rivers to dangerous levels, according to Kathia. India sent an alert to Islamabadthrough diplomatic channels Thursday about the possible cross-border flooding. It was the third such alert this week, according to the National Disaster Management Authority. The authority warned that continued discharge from the Indian dams could further worsen flooding in the Sutlej river and lead to possible flooding in the southern Sindh province. A new spell of monsoon rains is expected to persist for another 24 to 48 hours and floodwaters are also likely to surge in the Indus river, it added Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, 3.8 million people have been affected by the flooding in Punjab, Javed said in a statement. He said the affected include those who suffered damages after their villages were flooded. The latest floods are the worst since 2022, when flooding killed nearly 1,700 people in Pakistan. __ Dogar reported from Kasur, Pakistan. Associated Press writer Munir Ahmed in Islamabad contributed to this story. Hamas has urged the United Nations and the wider international community to intervene immediately to stop Israels genocide in Gaza, as the Israeli army escalated its brutal assaults on Gaza City and elsewhere in the enclave. At least 73 Palestinians, including several aid seekers, were killed in relentless Israeli bombardments across Gaza on Wednesday, among them 43 in Gaza City alone. Entire families are being killed together in their tents and shelters as the Israeli forces are targeting densely populated areas in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My brother was killed, struck inside his room. They killed him with his wife and children; they erased them all. No one is left, Sabreen al-Mabhuh, a displaced Palestinian, told Al Jazeera. Israeli grenades have also ignited tents at schools sheltering displaced families in Sheikh Radwan, Reuters reported. Sheikh Radwan is being turned upside-down, resident Zakeya Sami said. If the takeover of Gaza City isnt stopped, we might die. We wont forgive anyone who watches this and does nothing. Gazas media office says Israel has detonated at least 100 explosive-laden robots in Gaza City over the past three weeks to destroy entire residential blocks and neighbourhoods. About 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza City alone during Israels assault there since August 13. Al Jazeeras Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, described the situation as apocalyptic. It feels endless and all-consuming entire neighbourhoods are being erased block by block, he said. People are losing everything theyve built over decades. For many, this feels like a living nightmare. Hamas ready to accept a comprehensive ceasefire In a statement on Wednesday, Hamas reiterated its readiness to accept a comprehensive Gaza ceasefire and release of all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The call came as Gazas Health Ministry reported six more deaths from famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, including a child. It said 367 Palestinians, 131 of them children, have died from hunger-related causes during Israels blockade, which continues to severely limit the entry of food and aid. Hamas also slammed Israel for committing horrific war crimes with a strike on the al-Jarisi family home in northern Gaza City, which killed at least 10, calling it part of a systematic campaign to destroy Palestinian life. The Israeli operation to seize Gaza City will likely displace one million Palestinians, with most of the enclaves 2.3 million people displaced multiple times. A spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday said that more than 82,000 new cases of forced displacement were recorded in Gaza between August 14 and 31, including 30,000 people forced from north to south. UNICEF has warned that 132,000 children under five are at risk of dying from acute malnutrition by mid-2026, adding up to more than 320,000 Palestinian children facing severe hunger. With famine at risk of spreading, children urgently need a mass influx of humanitarian aid including specialised nutrition products, the agency said on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification confirmed in August that famine conditions had gripped northern Gaza and were rapidly spreading south. Aid workers say the total Israeli blockade has turned basic survival into a daily struggle. Abdullah Al-Arian, an associate professor at Georgetown University in Qatar, said Israels scorched-earth offensive shows it is waging genocide with total impunity. He noted that Palestinians are refusing evacuation orders due to exhaustion from repeated displacements and the absence of safe zones, which Israeli forces have systematically bombed. Growing global outrage Israel has rejected Hamass latest offer to end the Gaza war. In a statement, the Prime Ministers Office reiterated Israels stance that the war can end immediately on the conditions set by the cabinet, which include the release of all the Israeli captives being held in Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas has agreed to ceasefire proposals presented by the mediators, but it has refused to disarm until the Palestinian state is established as part of the so-called two-state solution. Qatar, which has mediated in the conflict, said that Israel has yet to agree to its latest ceasefire proposal, which was accepted by Hamas last month. Israels campaign is drawing mounting international backlash. Several European countries, including France, Britain, Belgium, Canada and Australia, are expected to formally recognise a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly later this month. Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez slammed Europes response to the war on Wednesday as a failure that has damaged its credibility. We cant last longer if we want to be taken seriously on crises like Ukraine, he said. Sanchez was the first European leader to describe Israels actions in Gaza as a genocide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Scotland, First Minister John Swinney announced his government will block funding to arms companies supplying Israel. We will pause new awards of public money to arms companies whose products are linked to countries committing genocide. That will include Israel, he said, urging London to suspend its trade agreement with Israel. The UAE also issued a stark warning, saying Israels potential annexation of the occupied West Bank would cross a red line and undermine the Abraham Accords. Our position has not changed since 2020: We support a Palestinian state, said Lana Nusseibeh, a senior UAE diplomat. This came as Israels far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich unveiled a plan for Israel to annex nearly all of the occupied West Bank, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to endorse it. Meanwhile, Utrecht University in the Netherlands announced an academic boycott of Israeli institutions over genocidal policies in Gaza. Rector Wilco Hazeleger said the move reflects a moral obligation. We will not start new collaborations with Israeli parties. A boycott is in place until further notice, he said. 22 months of war have led Hamas to wonder if it can squeeze the same concessions. Its messaging since August 18 is to try to get Israel to accept its terms. Hamas issued a statement this week saying that it was still waiting for an answer from the Zionist enemy regarding the terrorist organizations claim that it had agreed to a hostage deal on August 18. Local media reports have said that the government has not addressed the agreement. However, many in Israel support the discussion of a deal. Hamas's attempt to reinsert itself into the conversation is part of a wider war of words. Israel is threatening to destroy Gaza City in an offensive. Meanwhile, the US is saying that Hamas should release the living hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The terrorist organization is trying to convince people that it is willing to discuss a comprehensive deal. Hamas wants the war in Gaza to end. It has several demands, such as getting Israel to withdraw from Gaza and open the border crossings. It also claims it will be flexible in terms of having a kind of national unity administration of Palestinian factions in Gaza, where technocrats would run the enclave. It appears that the terrorist group is trying to appeal to US President Donald Trump as well. In a post on Telegram, Hamas claimed that it was reaching out to Trump, saying it had agreed on August 18 to the mediators proposal, which is based originally on the proposal of [Steve] Witkoff. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not responded to it yet, Hamas added. Hostage families gathering outside the ''Kirya'' in Tel Aviv on August 31, 2025. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV) In the interim, Trump posted that he is telling Hamas to immediately give back all 20 hostages (not two or five or seven) and things will change rapidly. It will end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Adam Boehler, the US special envoy for hostage response, has also been posting on the social media platform X/Twitter, saying that Hamas should pay attention to Trumps messaging. He quoted a post on X on Thursday, for instance, regarding whether pressure on Qatar might lead to results. Sounds right to me, he wrote. Defense Minister Israel Katz has a message for Hamas as well. He posted on Wednesday that Hamas continues to close its eyes and utter empty words, but it will soon realize that it must choose between two options: accept Israels conditions for ending the war, primarily the release of all the hostages and disarmament, or Gaza will become a match for Rafah and Beit Hanun. The message is that Gaza City will be flattened as parts of Rafah and Beit Hanun were in the war. Recent footage of Beit Hanun shows that basically every house in the neighborhood was destroyed. Beit Hanun is a Gaza town near Sderot. Hamas terrorists were holed up there through July 2025, despite several efforts by the IDF to clear the area. It is now cleared and destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is currently an impasse regarding what comes next in Gaza. It appears to boil down to different messaging and demands. Hamas has preferred staged or phased deals in which it releases a few hostages at a time and gets Israel to leave Gaza. Hamas's goal: Attacking Israel, getting hostages, and repeating the process Hamas has basically demanded this since its October 7 attack. Its goal was to attack Israel, massacre people, kidnap people, and then end the war and get Palestinian prisoners released. Hamass endgame was to leverage this to become more popular. It was hoping it could then carry out another attack in a year and get more hostages, repeating the process. Israels appeasement of Hamas over the last decades, letting it run Gaza and enabling cash to flow to the Hamas-run enclave, convinced the group that this would work before October 7. For example, it was already holding four hostages on October 6, 2023: two live Israelis and the bodies of two soldiers. It also held IDF soldier Gilad Schalit for five years. Hamas calculated that Israel would always let it take a few hostages at a time and keep them for some time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By and by, Gaza had become a place that Israel was afraid to operate in, and thus, when Hamas was lucky enough to grab an Israeli, that person would be left in Gaza for years. Case in point, after Hamas seized the four hostages in 2024, it held them for 10 years. The terrorist organization benefited throughout those years with millions of dollars in funding from Doha. The more Hamas murdered people and attacked Israel, the more it got. This was its calculus. However, 22 months of war have led Hamas to wonder if it can squeeze out the same concessions. Its messaging since August 18 is to try to get Israel to accept its terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, Israels leadership has said it wants all the hostages released at the same time. This would include at least 20 living hostages and around 28 deceased hostages. Trumps messaging is that Hamas must release the living. What Hamas wants is for the war to end, Israel to leave Gaza, and it to get its autonomy back regarding the border with Egypt. It is unclear if this can be bridged because Israel has vowed total victory in Gaza and not to leave the Rafah border. As such, any deal where Hamas appears to return to governing Gaza would not look like a victory. By saying that it will agree to a technocratic government, it seems that Hamas means that it will still be pulling the strings behind the scenes, using this as a way to also insert itself into governance in the West Bank. Since November 2023, when the first hostage deal took place, Israel has believed that military pressure will bring hostage deals. It is not clear if this has worked. Threats to level Gaza City and destroy it like Beit Hanun may lead to international condemnation. If Israel is perceived as primarily waging a war against civilian infrastructure, rather than Hamas, this will not help its already fraying foreign ties. With world leaders heading to the UN in New York, pressure will build on Israel in September. Hamas is banking on this. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) Phil Casone has run Casone Enterprises in Hampton Roads for nearly a decade. He is a general contractor who renovates homes and businesses. However, over the last few years Casone has found himself in personal and legal hot water. 10 On Your Side uncovered court documents that show 11 judgments against him totaling more than $125,000. People like customer Jon McMasters have been left wondering: wheres the work and wheres the money? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phil did really good work and was someone you could rely on for eight years, McMasters said. The fact is, Phil Casone was a trusted contractor until some of his customers say, he wasnt. McMasters hired Casone to remodel his laundry room, but said Casone completed only a fraction of the work before he and his workers stopped showing up. McMasters said hes now owed nearly $10,000. Phil was using his previous reputation to sell work, and people didnt know the new Phil, take your money and run, McMasters said. Mike Schirmer is another unsatisfied customer. I mean he stole from me, Schirmer said. Jon McMasters (WAVY Photo) Mike Schirmer (WAVY photo) In January, Schirmer began renovating his Virginia Beach restaurant, Chubbs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schirmer hired Casone to re-do his floors and do some electrical work. He gave Casone $20,000 up front. Schirmer walked 10 On Your Side around the restaurant showing incomplete work. This is supposed to be a new electrical panel, Schirmer said. Its obviously not new. Schirmer needed the work done fast, but he said Casone stopped showing up. It turned into such a nightmare because of what Phil started, Schirmer said. Our budget that was set for $40,000 for renovations and that turned into $90,100 because we had to pay an extra two months rent. Said McMasters: I saw where Casone had scammed a local restaurant owner (Schirmer) and everybody who knows my situation sent that to me. So that was kind of my awakening of like, wow, mines not an isolated incident. Phils out here taking deposits, doing a bunch of unfinished jobs, leaving peoples houses and businesses a wreck and not giving their money back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And make no mistake the concern with Casone does not begin and end with Schirmer and McMasters. Our 10 On Your Side investigation found 11 civil judgments filed in Virginia District Court, totaling over $125,000, including one by McMasters for $10,000. For the most part, Casone was a no-show in court. 10 On Your Side went looking for Casone to get answers, and got a tip on where we might be able to find him. Sure enough, we found him showing up at the job site. Andy Fox confronts local contractor Phil Casone. (WAVY photo) We confronted Casone and said, What we are really interested in is Mike Schirmer. Casone knew exactly who we were talking about. He said, Mike Schirmer has a legitimate claim that he and I are working through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We called Schirmer back and he told us, I have not seen Casone in three months so, he said he was going to pay me back. He said he was sorry for what he did, and then I said, alright, when am I going to see my money? Every Monday I would text him, asking wheres my money? There was always an excuse. Every Monday. I would text him, wheres my money? McMasters added, Phil went from someone you could trust to pretty much a con-man, and it sucks. We asked Casone about those comments. WAVY: Its about trust and betrayal. They have trusted you. Casone: No sir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WAVY: They have trusted you, and they say that you have betrayed them. Casone: Yeah, thats incorrect. Last week, Casone did give McMasters $500 of the more than $10,000 he owes him. Moving Forward Schirmer retained attorney Steve Letourneau, who said Casone breached his contract. Letourneau: First and foremost, from a legal perspective, its a breach of contract. And the victim of that breach is Mike. And hes left out of the money that he put into this. And his recourse is to try to chase down this unscrupulous person. And hopes that he recovers part or all of his money. WAVY: And whats the likelihood of that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Letourneau: I think its zero slim to none. Letourneau says the best recourse is to file complaints with the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, known as DPOR. Letourneau adds, DPOR does have the ability to take away licenses, and in this case, I believe complaints should be made to DPOR about Mr. Casones license. Important Resources Report a licensee Find out if a contractor is licensed Download the WAVY News App to keep up with the latest news, weather and sports from WAVY-TV 10. Available in both the Apple and Google Play stores. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. YANKTON, S.D. (KELO) 4-H plays a big role in the lives of kids all across South Dakota, but in Yankton County theres been some worry lately as to the future of the program. Outside the 4-H grounds in Yankton County, theres a sign that reads 4-H Our Future, and thats a sentiment that was also heavily shared at Tuesday nights county commission meeting. 4-H is part of the fiber of Yankton County, Julie Auch said during public comment at the commissioner meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mapleton Golf Club has busy opening week Taking away this program, I think, means taking away opportunities for a lot of kids not just my age but kids younger and kids still wanting to come to the program, Eliza Gurney said during public comment at the commissioner meeting. The reason for the public display of affection for 4-H stems from something that happened as the County Commissioners were attempting to cut costs in next years budget. What happened is our 4-H educator that was on board was going to resign right after the (State) Fair so we thought, well, heres an opportunity, we dont have to replace that position. We can donate funds to the 4-H group to help support them and keep them going, John Marquardt, Chair of the Yankton County Commission, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That led to the breaking of a Memorandum of Understanding with SDSU Extensions South Dakota 4-H program. However, Marquardt says in doing that he didnt realize that would essentially terminate the 4-H program in Yankton County. So, at Tuesdays meeting, that action was rescinded and a new Memorandum of Understanding was agreed on. Which means that the SDSU Extension Program will supply us with a full-time employee in Yankton County and will cost-share their expenses, the wages and things for them, and I think hopefully everything will work out, Marquardt said. Now, did we have a little bump in the road and have some issues that we got to clear up yet? Yes. But hopefully were on the right path and well get that straightened out. Marquardt says the hiring of a new 4-H educator will still cost the county around $26,000 with cost sharing, so theres still a discussion to be had at the next budget meeting. He also says the reason the county needs to cut costs stems from the South Dakota legislature capping property taxes this year and theyve already had to reduce funds to the Boys and Girls Club as well as other non-profits in the county. Yankton Countys next budget meeting is Friday at 1 p.m. and is open to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Harrods, the high-end London department store, has applied to local authorities for permission to remove sculptures of disgraced former owner Mohamed Al Fayed from its interior. The renowned business, which started life as a grocery store in 1849, has submitted detailed plans to overhaul its Egyptian-themed hall and a five-floor escalator, which currently features busts of Al Fayed depicted as a pharaoh. In a BBC documentary last year, more than 20 female former Harrods employees accused the Egyptian billionaire, who died in 2023 aged 94, of sexually assaulting them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A police investigation into Al Fayed, opened in the wake of the documentary, is still ongoing. Londons Metropolitan Police told CNN Thursday that the force is currently investigating the claims of more than 140 alleged victims. One said in the BBC documentary that she had been assaulted when she was 15 and Al Fayed 79. The alleged assaults are said to have taken place at a wide range of locations, including Al Fayeds luxury apartment building in London, the Ritz hotel in Paris, which he owned, and Villa Windsor, the Parisian mansion that he rented and which was previously the longtime residence of the abdicated British monarch Edward VIII and his American wife Wallis Simpson. The store has been settling claims by current and former employees and now hopes to further erase Al Fayeds mark on the business. The detailed application to the Kensington and Chelsea council in London says the Egyptian Escalator explicitly celebrates Mr Al Fayed, including sixteen huge sculptures of his face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrods, which Al Fayed sold to Qatar Investment Authority in 2010, has strenuously distanced itself from its former owner. A statement responding to the allegations, which remains live on the Harrods website, describes its current owners as utterly appalled and states that it is a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010. According to the submission, Al Fayed, who was born in Alexandria, drew on his Egyptian heritage in renovating the department store he purchased in 1985. There are 16 giant female heads on alternate levels of the escalator based on a portrait bust of Nefertiti, while the male heads depict his image. The application says obituaries, while referring to his extraordinary business career, characterized him as a liar, a fantasist and an aggressive sexual predator. It adds: The sexual abuse allegations finally destroyed Mr Al Fayeds reputation, and the very large portrait busts of him on the Egyptian Escalator are now a visual reminder of his misdeeds. A spokesperson for Harrods confirmed the plans to CNN and said: Since change of ownership in 2010, Harrods has invested heavily to return the store to its heritage while balancing the needs of modern retail to better serve our customers. Harrods is a Grade II listed (protected) building and so any proposed changes in store require considered plans, lengthy assessments, and close work with a number of relevant authorities. Having heard feedback from survivors, we have been working to expedite the proposed redevelopment project of the Egyptian escalators, and a planning and listed building consent application has now been submitted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A decision on the application is due on October 22. More than 100 survivors have so far entered the Harrods Redress scheme, the store told CNN, with those deemed eligible receiving counselling as well as compensation. The firm is also considering taking legal action against Al Fayeds estate. Harrods said in a statement Thursday: In June, Harrods lodged an application at the High Court requesting the appointment of professional executors to ensure the estate of Mohamed Fayed is responsibly administered. This application potentially opens a route for survivors who have no connection to Harrods and so are not eligible to apply to the Harrods Redress Scheme to make claims directly against the Fayed estate. It also opens a route for Harrods to potentially seek contribution for compensation paid out by Harrods for the actions of Fayed. Catherine Nicholls contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) A Hattiesburg man was killed during a crash in Alabama. The crash occurred on Alabama 21 about 15 miles east of Camden in Wilcox County around 2:00 p.m. on September 2, 2025. Jones County homicide suspect in custody, bond revoked According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), JoColby M. Holder, 36, was fatally injured when the 2022 Peterbilt tractor-trailer he was driving left the road and overturned. Holder was pronounced deceased at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers with the ALEAs Highway Patrol Division are investigating the crash. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) A 70-year-old woman, Terri Ann Otani, has been indicted on four counts of False Name Contribution tied to the 2020 election cycle. The charges were filed on Aug. 28 by the Department of the Attorney Generals Special Investigation and Prosecution Division. Key figure in Kaneshiro, Mitsunaga bribery and corruption case testifies According to the indictment, Otani is accused of giving money to a candidate or candidate committee under names other than her own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawaii law defines this as a Class C felony, and each charge carries a penalty of as much as five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. How the case began The Campaign Spending Commission first flagged the contributions and referred the case for review. Then, the Special Investigation and Prosecution Division opened an inquiry. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The division is responsible for handling corruption, fraud and economic crime across the state. Attorney General Anne Lopez underscored the seriousness of the case. Campaign contribution laws are important safeguards that ensure the integrity of our electoral process, Lopez said. The Department of the Attorney General will vigorously investigate and prosecute individuals who violate those laws. What happens next Ohtani is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 8 at 8:30 a.m., and Attorney General Thomas Michener will serve as prosecutor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She remains presumed innocent unless and until the court finds her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Public information The Department of the Attorney General encourages residents to report corruption, fraud and economic crime through the Special Investigation and Prosecution Divisions online portal. For emergencies or threats to life, call 911. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 An indictment from a state attorney general means the AGs office believes theres sufficient evidence of a crime, presented it to a grand jury (or court) and got formal approval to prosecute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) A Hawaii County woman faces serious charges after being indicted for labor trafficking. On Aug. 27, a state grand jury indicted a 26-year-old woman on nine counts of Labor Trafficking in the First Degree. Hawaii AG moves to trial in 2020 election fraud case Prosecutors said she allegedly forced minors to perform labor or services without fair compensation. Arrest and investigation Key figure in Kaneshiro, Mitsunaga bribery and corruption case testifies Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of the Attorney Generals Special Investigation and Prosecution Division led the case. The investigation included help from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, the Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Hawaii County Police Department. Police arrested the woman on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The case is being prosecuted by Special Investigation and Prosecution Division Deputy Attorney General Leigh Okimoto. Federal and state responses: Labor trafficking targets the most vulnerable people within our communities, including minors, said Attorney General Anne Lopez. My office stands ready to work with our federal, state and county partners to investigate and prosecute human trafficking in any form. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of labor trafficking. This collaborative investigative effort with our local, state and federal partners affirms our commitment to investigate these types of allegations, said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge, Western Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest of Ludin Yorleny Pena Miranda shows how federal, state and local agencies work together to fight human trafficking and protect vulnerable people. Homeland Security Investigations is committed to bringing justice to those who exploit our communities, especially when minors are involved, said Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Christian Ammons. The public may report suspected human trafficking to the Attorney Generals Special Investigation and Prosecution Division. In an emergency, call 911. Possible penalties Labor Trafficking in the First Degree is a Class A felony. It carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of as much as $50,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But keep in mind that the woman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 In 2021, the EEOC collected more than $4.8 million in a labor trafficking case involving Maui Pineapple in which 54 Thai farmworkers were exploited. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KAPOLEI, Hawaii (KHON2) State officials and a mother whose toddler suffered burns during what should have been a fun beach day are warning the public not to light bonfires on Hawaii beaches. Check out more news from around Hawaii The two-year-old is now recovering from second-degree burns. Nicole Hosler and her family were kicking off Labor Day with an outing at Makua Beach on Monday, Sept. 1, when it was cut short just five minutes in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kunia fire suspect arrested on suspicion of another arson case I just hear her like a blood-curdling scream, and she ran over and she said, Mommy, my foot hurts, my foot hurts. And then something clicked and I was like, okay, somethings in the sand, Hosler said, This big puff of steam and smoke came up when I turned over the sand and I was like, Oh my God, this was, this was a fire pit.' The remnants of a fire had been buried in the sand and were still smoldering when two-year-old Cora stepped on them, leaving her with second-degree burns on four of her toes. Volunteers familiar with beach cleanups at Makua said simply covering the coals does not stop the heat. I think you shouldnt make a fire at any beach, but to bury it after you make a fire is crazy. It does not put it out. It kind of just stays burning, said Actions of Aloha CEO Puamakamae DeSoto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaneohe Bay sandbar to be patrolled for illegal bonfires Nicole said she has heard from other parents and pet owners who suffered similar burns she is just grateful that Cora did not suffer more severe injuries. And God forbid, she had wandered into something deeper because shes three feet tall. It could have easily gone to her knee or her hip, Hosler said. The DLNR said fires are only permitted in designated camping grounds, and people are subject to fines and up to 30 days in jail if they break that rule. They dont think about the person whos going to walk on the beach or the family whos going to walk on the beach next. Theyre kind of just in the moment, and so I think theres definitely just more opportunity to be more aware of what can happen or what will happen after you leave the beach, DeSoto said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hosler said the unpleasant experience will not stop Cora from having beach days in the future. Shes a beach fan. So we want more beach days. Its not going to stop us, she said. The DLNR said in a statement: The State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is deeply saddened to learn of the injuries to these young children. Their suffering is an unfortunate consequence of actions by individuals who violated several state park rules set forth in Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) 13-146-20 Fires. There are no designated picnicking or legal camping areas at Makua Beach, nor are people are permitted to make a fire anywhere on the sands. The report received from the individual who contacted you seems to indicate that the perpetrators left an unattended fire burning, which is a further violation of state park rules, even though they covered it with sand. At Makua Beach there is no lack of water for extinguishing fires as water can be taken directly from the ocean. In addition, disposing of coals in the sand is not legal. Even disposing of extinguished coals is littering of our public beaches. Violations of HAR 13-146-20 Fires are petty misdemeanors, which can result in cash fines or imprisonment for a term not to exceed thirty days. The DLNR urges all park users to be familiar with park rules, especially those governing fire during the dry season. We urge the public to report violations of any park rules to DLNRs Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) by calling 808-643-DLNR (3567). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Just one day after Oregon, Washington and California announced the creation of a new health alliance, the state of Hawaii is now joining the coalition. Govs. Tina Kotek, Bob Ferguson and Gavin Newsom, of Oregon, Washington and California, respectively, originally announced the creation of the West Coast Health Alliance on Wednesday a group to share public health information to ensure residents receive credible information free from political interference. Spirit Airlines to ghost 11 airports, including PDX, after second bankruptcy filing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a joint release announcing Hawaiis inclusion, the four governors, now including Hawaii Governor Josh Green, cited the mass firing of CDC doctors and scientists, as well as the politicization of the agency, as an impetus to create the alliance. Further, the announcement comes as Sec. Kennedy faced a three-hour Senate committee hearing on Thursday, where he attempted to defend his efforts to pull back COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and explain the turmoil he created at federal health agencies. In light of these events, a release from Gov. Fergusons office said the new alliance will align public health recommendations across the four states, ensuring that decisions are informed by trusted scientists, clinicians and public health leaders. Gov. Kotek, OEM appeal denial of federal aid after March floods Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Green an emergency room doctor who became governor in 2022 also weighed in, noting that as an island state, they understand how critical it is to protect our communities from preventable disease. By joining the West Coast Health Alliance, were giving Hawaiis people the same consistent, evidence-based guidance they can trust to keep their families and neighbors safe, he added. Using science as our guiding star, Hawaii had the highest vaccination rate and lowest mortality rate of virtually any other state or region across the globe. This approach is critical as we all go forward into an era with severe threats from infectious diseases. In the coming weeks, the governors say the alliance will finalize their own shared principles, but each state will pursue their own strategies based on their laws, geography, population and other factors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR)- University representatives said its important for college students to understand the risks and penalties of hazing, especially as they consider joining clubs and organizations on campus. In the most recent survey on hazing, 55% of college students involved in group organizations experienced hazing. When it comes to statewide efforts to keep those hazing numbers down, the General Assembly passed Adams Law in 2022. Its named after Adam Oakes, a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, who died in 2021 after his first night as a pledge. The law requires all higher education institutions to teach student organizations about the signs of hazing and the dangers of it. What we do is we try to educate our students to make sure that they are aware of their complete and total legal obligation, and to help them through and to navigate good choices, both from a participants point of view, but also an organizers point of view, Mark Owcarski, Virginia Techs spokesperson, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VSP and Liberty University partnership to create new pathway to policing To remain in good standing with universities, organizations must attend anti-hazing training. Owczarski said it is important for students to recognize those situations, so they can intervene, help prevent them from happening in the first place. Some people might think pulling an all-nighter, staying up all night, or making fun of people or forcing people to eat a lot of food or alcohol is fun or funny. It is not. It is dangerous and it is illegal, Owczarski said, making students aware that those acts, those activities are not acceptable in any way, shape or form. Students joining organizations that require an invitation or application process must also attend anti-hazing training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats critical in all of this is to be aware, to be educated, and to recognize ones own personal responsibility that no student, no Hokie, should ever put another Hokie in harms way. Even if thats not ones intent, Owczarski said. Virginia Tech students, or students at any university, can reach out to their Dean of Students, the Office of Fraternity or Sorority Life, their resident advisors, or campus police if they have any questions about hazing. No Hokie should be required, forced, or suggested to do something that they wouldnt want to do or ordinarily do, Owczarski 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 WFXRtv. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) The head of the U.S. Space Force is coming to the Lowcountry next week. General B. Chance Saltzman, who serves as the chief of space operations, is scheduled to speak Sept. 9 at McAlister Field House on The Citadel campus, according to information provided by the military college. Gen. Saltzman was elevated to the services highest-ranking military post in 2022, becoming the second person to hold the top position in the branchs history. He is tasked with overseeing the organization, training and equipping of space forces serving in the U.S. and overseas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gen. Saltzmans remarks at the military college in Charleston are expected to focus on the priorities and future direction of the Space Force, as well as the growing link between space and national security. His visit marks the first Greater Issues address of the year, a series that began in 1954 and has brought presidents, heads of state, scholars, and diplomats, among others, to speak at The Citadel. Chinas military parade reveals new hypersonic missiles, drone submarines and ICBMs The U.S. Space Force was established in December 2019 during the first term of the Trump administration and had approximately 14,000 military and civilian members as of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is separate from Space Command, a combatant command that employs joint forces from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force to conduct military operations beyond Earths atmosphere. President Trump announced last week that the Space Command headquarters would be moved from Colorado to Huntsville, Alabama, ending a years-long fight over the commands permanent home. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. BOSTON (WPRI) Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced Thursday a series of measures to ensure vaccines for COVID and other diseases remain available to all Massachusetts residents and covered by insurance, regardless of guidance at the federal level. The announcements come in response to evolving vaccine guidance and shake-ups at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which included the ousting of director Susan Monarez last week. Under the Trump administration, the CDC has been hijacked by people like Robert Kennedy, people who dont believe in science, and people who dont believe in science-based health care, Healey said during a news conference Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, the government is failing its responsibility to Americans, including Bay Staters, she added. So, were here to say: This is not going to happen in Massachusetts.' Healey said she directed the Mass. Division of Insurance and Department of Public Health to issue a bulletin that requires insurance companies in Massachusetts to continue to cover vaccines recommended by DPH and not rely solely on CDC recommendations. According to Healey, Massachusetts is the first state in the country to guarantee insurance coverage of vaccines recommended by the state, including COVID, flu and RSV, along with routine vaccines for children, such as measles, chickenpox, and Hepatitis B. The governor said Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans have both supported the decision. Healey filed legislation last month that would give DPH authority to set independent standards for vaccine purchasing and recommendations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, pharmacies including CVS and Walgreens said they could no longer offer the COVID vaccine in multiple states, including Massachusetts, because the federal government was no longer recommending it for adults. Healey pushed back, directing Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein to issue an order last Friday that allows pharmacies to continue to provide COVID vaccines to Massachusetts residents ages five and older. DPH updated its vaccine administration policy on Thursday. The governor also announced that beginning Friday, Massachusetts pharmacists could resume scheduling appointments and administering vaccines that have been approved by the commissioner. Massachusetts will also lead efforts to create a so-called public health collaboration with states in New England and across the Northeast to develop evidence-based recommendations on vaccinations, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and supporting state public health labs, according to Healey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move comes just days after Rhode Island health officials met in Providence with staff from other regional public health departments to coordinate public health initiatives. In Washington D.C., Democratic senators grilled HHS Secretary Kennedy Jr. on Thursday over his Make America Healthy Again agenda during a congressional hearing. Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren challenged Kennedy on his promise during his January confirmation hearings that he would not prevent people from getting COVID vaccines. Tell America that all adults and all children over six months of age are eligible to get a COVID booster at their local pharmacy, Warren said to Kennedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy replied that anybody can get the vaccine. Rhode Island U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse asked him specifically about end-of-life care, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements and the Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design model, also known as AHEAD. Health Care Crisis: Hundreds more physicians needed to address RI primary care shortage, experts say Whitehouse said Rhode Islands health care system is bleeding out because neighboring hospitals and doctors are paid more. Ive been able to get no assurances from [the executive branch] that they care one whit about this payment differential or that they see AHEAD as a means as resolving this injustice. Mr. Kennedy, our health care system is teetering as a result of this, Whitehouse said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no justification for paying a hospital in Fall River 23% more than Rhode Island Hospital when Rhode Island Hospital provides more and better services, as recognized by the Secret Service, which will take an injured president from Marthas Vineyard to the Rhode Island Hospital Trauma Center, flying right over St. Annes Hospital in Fall River, yet Fall River gets paid more, Whitehouse added. It makes no sense and it has to be resolved. What is the vaccine guidance in Rhode Island? R.I. Department of Health spokesperson Joseph Wendelken told Target 12 on Wednesday that the states immunization guidelines have not changed. They are science and evidence-based, Wendelken said. He added that the health department and Gov. Dan McKees office are actively exploring all options to ensure vaccine access in Rhode Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a live interview on 12 News on Wednesday, Gov. Dan McKee said that he didnt see any reason to change policies around vaccine administration. Were going to continue to follow the lead of the professionals and the doctors at the Department of Health, McKee added. On Wednesday, the same day that Florida said it will phase out all childhood vaccine mandates, governors in Washington, Oregon and California announced they formed an alliance to establish their own recommendations for who should receive vaccines. WATCH NEXT: RI Health Dept. seeing concerning trend when it comes to vaccines and kids Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. 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. Members of the public attend a hearing over Enbridge Line 5. (Photo courtesy of Devon Young Cupery) An administrative law judge in Madison heard arguments Wednesday in a case contesting Wisconsins approval of Enbridges proposed Line 5 pipeline reroute. Members of the public testified, followed by an expert witness in geology and hydrology, who questioned aspects of the reroute plan. The lawsuit, brought by Clean Wisconsin and Midwest Environmental Advocates (on behalf of the Sierra Club of Wisconsin, the League of Woman Voters of Wisconsin and 350 Wisconsin), challenges permits allowing the Canadian oil company to move forward with rerouting the Line 5 pipeline around the Bad River reservation in northern Wisconsin. Wednesdays hearing followed the opening day of testimony in Ashland and was one of a series of hearings scheduled through early October. The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is challenging Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources permits for a Line 5 reroute, which was designed to fix a legal problem with the existing pipeline after a federal court found that it trespasses on tribal land. Attorneys for the Band, environmental groups and Enbridge testified at the hearing. A sign protesting Enbridge Line 5 in Michigan. (Photo by Laina G. Stebbins/Michigan Advance) Enbridges Line 5 pipeline has been a polarizing issue, with one side arguing that its crucial for energy independence and jobs in Wisconsin, while the other points to a history of leaky and ruptured Enbridge pipelines causing ecological damage, a national need to transition away from fossil fuels, and the companys years-long trespass on the Bad River Bands sovereign land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public testimony Wednesday drew people from both sides of the debate. The loss of Line 5 would have devastating impacts on the propane industry, said Connor Kaeb, an associate manager with GROWMARK, which Kaeb said is Wisconsins fifth largest provider of propane. Kaeb stressed that farmers and northern Wisconsin communities depend on affordable and easily accessible propane. Shutting down Line 5 could cause immense strain on the entire propane system in the region, he said. Tabitha Faber, who spoke against the pipeline, said that the reroute would cross more than 100 waterways, and that even though it avoids the Bad River Bands reservation, that the pipeline remains in the Bad River watershed, continuing to endanger the Bands natural resources. Faber recalled visiting sites along the reroute path and seeing bald eagles and wood turtle habitats. Faber also said that the pipelines construction and operation could wash invasive species into new and sensitive habitats, including within the Bad River reservation. Steve Boas, a Madison resident, also spoke against the project, calling the more than 70-year-old pipeline an accident waiting to happen. The American Petroleum Institute called the relocation project essential to maintaining Wisconsins energy reliability. The Institute claimed that rerouting Line 5 will create more than 700 jobs, adding that the pipeline has heated homes and businesses, aided agriculture and enabled transportation for decades without any issue. In contrast, Third Act Wisconsin a group of older Americans concerned about climate and democracy echoed concerns that Line 5 would threaten high-quality wetlands, the Bad River watershed as a whole and even Lake Superior. William Joseph Bonin, a licensed senior geologist with Midwest Geological Consultants. (Photo courtesy of Devon Young Cupery) Access to clean water is a crucial asset for Wisconsin, environmental groups testified. Tourism generates $378 million in Bayfield, Ashland, Douglas, and Iron counties, while also supporting 2,846 jobs, all in the area near Line 5, according to Clean Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, the Bad River Band has been sounding the alarm about the unprecedented risks posed by Enbridges Line 5 pipeline, Ellen Ferwerda, who leads Third Act Wisconsins work on Line 5, said in a statement. Despite a myriad of scientists, economists, environmental groups, and citizens whove spoken out against the pipeline, the DNR summarily dismissed these concerns and issued a permit allowing Enbridge to begin construction of a reroute around the Bad River Reservation. It feels like the Bad River Band is being punished for standing up for their legal right to protect the watershed their culture and livelihood has relied on for centuries, she added. Julia Issacs, co-facilitator of Third Act Wisconsin, said in a statement that we should be decommissioning old and dangerous pipelines, not investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure. Most of Wednesdays hearing was dedicated to grilling William Joseph Bonin, a licensed senior geologist with Midwest Geological Consultants. He produced a report in May 2025 that pushed back on assessments made by experts from the DNR and Enbridge. Bonin raised a multitude of concerns, particularly around how construction of the pipeline could affect springs, aquifers and groundwater. He pointed to the presence of glacial sediments, which make it difficult to predict how water flow could be affected. Bonin recalled one 2018 project in Minnesota, where a gas pipeline was installed along a roadway near adjacent springs. The springs disappeared, and then other springs showed up in a parking lot on a private property, he said. Springs and aquifers that help feed nearby wetlands and other adjacent habitats could be affected by pipeline construction, he testified, and cutting trenches to construct the pipeline could also lead to increased erosion. The Bad River in Mellen, south of the Bad River Bands reservation. (Photo by Henry Redman/Wisconsin Examiner) Bonin said the risk of aquifer breaches is higher than what had been assessed, and questioned how the presence of already fractured rock layers could be altered by the use of blasting in constructing the reroute. He also pointed to the possibility of thermal impacts to waterways, including high-quality trout streams which are sensitive to temperature changes. Blasting is going to have a larger impact than the expert reports discussed and the reason for that is the already fractured bedrock was not taken into consideration in the reports, Bonin said. The effects of blasts, especially on fracture networks, may be permanent, he added. The basted rock is never going to be restored. This, in turn, could have a ripple effect on how water moves and behaves in the ground around the pipeline reroute, he testified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys representing the DNR and Enbridge took turns cross-examining Bonin. They discussed knowledge gaps Bonin had regarding the wetland aspects of the permits, and argued that methods like blasting and trenching are very common construction practices for all sorts of projects from pipelines to roads. Enbridges attorney pointed out that, while Bonin has reviewed and analyzed the effects of blasting, Bonin himself has not worked in the field. Another hearing in Madison is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 12, at the Hill Farms State Office Building. On Sept. 15 and 19, there will be hearings in Ashland at the Northwood Technical College Conference Center, followed by more hearings in Madison on Sept. 22, Sept. 26, Sept. 29 and Oct. 3. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Dont ever underestimate the power of DNA on your beating heart, as it can be the root cause of heart failure. Dr. Travis Hinson, a cardiologist at UConn School of Medicine is trying to fix that. Hinson is spearheading research that uses genetic engineering to change the outcome for patients and their families whose heart disease is genetic. Thats 5 to 10% of patients whose heart disease isnt caused by a faulty valve or blockage and for which there is no effective treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also for their family members who may carry that genetic mutation in their DNA. Hinson starts by creating beating avatars of a patients unique heart and experimenting in the lab with genetic therapies that involve cutting out the problem DNA and pasting in normal DNA. The gene therapy that Hinson and his team have developed now works in the avatars and in mice. Theyre hoping within five years to begin the first-in-human clinical trials, he said. Simple genetic testing for a gene misspelling can be done through a blood test, Hinson said. Genetic medicine is the new preventative care, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinson said often symptoms of heart disease are trouble breathing, swelling in legs and fatigue. The heart could be pumping not enough or too much. There are some one size fits all treatments, But they dont work well, he said. Its kind of like were in the dark ages, he said. We treat people with the same medications. But genetics plays a huge role in heart disease, Hinson said. If the genetic code is wrong it can make the heart weak, he said. Having that information can dramatically impact patients and their family members who may have a mutation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its almost like genetics is prevention, Hinson said. Through DNA we can develop treatment for heart failure if there are no valves leaking or blockages. UConn School of Medicine dean Dr. Bruce T. Liang, who is also a cardiovascular physician, said Hinsons innovative NIH-funded cardiovascular genetics research and personalized Cardiovascular Genetics Program care are a shining example of what they do best at UConn School of Medicine and UConn Health. The discoveries and translational research happening at UConn School of Medicine are truly amazing, Liang said. Thanks to Dr. Hinsons outstanding skill and tireless passion, he is truly enhancing the lives of more and more patients struggling with debilitating heart failure and cardiomyopathies while keeping our Calhoun Cardiology Center on the forefront of cardiovascular research. Mark Adams, professor and interim scientific director at UConns Jackson Laboratory or JAX, said Hinsons work is revolutionizing how we view heart disease by identifying the fundamental genetic mutations and developing approaches to change them before they cause harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Hinsons research in precision medicine is paving the way for a future where treatments are tailored to correct the underlying genetic defects, resulting in enduring, transforming care for heart failure. Heart failure affects over 7 million Americans and remains a leading cause of death among adults, university officials said. Heart disease also is the leading cause of death in Connecticut, according to the U.S, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unfortunately, heart failure treatment in the U.S. often follows a one-size-fits-all approach, which can be incomplete or ineffective, Hinson said. This therapy addresses a critical unmet need in cardiovascular medicine. Hinson, UConn School of Medicines Pat and Jim Calhoun Endowed Professor, leads the Cardiovascular Genetics Program at UConn Healths Calhoun Cardiology Center. Hinson said, Its my lifes dream to see a successful treatment that he had a hand in developing. Authorities found body armor and ammunition as well as knives and a sword in the suspect's truck. (Orange County Sheriff's Department) An Alabama man who claimed to be Michael the Angel of Death has been charged with multiple felonies after he threatened to do the Lords reaping at a Catholic monastery in Orange County and then traveled to the church with a sizable cache of weapons, authorities said. On Wednesday, Joshua Michael Richardson, 38, was charged with felony criminal threats and possession of six high-capacity gun magazines, brass knuckles and a sword, according to the Orange County district attorney's office. Investigators also found knives, a stun gun, body armor, duct tape and rope in his truck. On Aug. 19, St. Michaels Abbey in Silverado Canyon received an email from Richardson in which he claimed to be the "rider of the pale horse," the last of the four horsemen in the Book of Revelation, who personifies death. He also said he was Michael the Angel of Death, referencing the Archangel Michael, who is tasked with escorting souls to the afterlife, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richardson wrote that he would soon be traveling to the church from Alabama and that he had selected St. Michaels Abbey because it is one of the few places of worship that still celebrates Michaelmas. The church is scheduled to recognize the Feast of St. Michael on Sept. 29, which celebrates the archangel's role as a defender of the faithful. Richardson showed up at St. Michaels Abbey on Aug. 26 and attended afternoon services. He then allegedly followed the priest into a private area of the church and informed him that "he came to do the Lords work, to separate the weak from the weeds, and that he rode his white pale horse from Alabama," prosecutors said. Two days later, the Orange County Sheriff's Department received a report about the threatening emails and arrested Richardson. While incidents like this can feel unsettling, they also highlight the power of community, said the Sheriff's Department in a statement. If something seems off, say something. Trust your instincts and report suspicious activity, whether it is a strange message, unusual behavior, or something that does not sit right." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richardson's arrest took place just one day after a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis killed two children and injured 21 others. Read more: Police say Minneapolis church shooter was filled with hatred and admired mass killers Prosecutors successfully argued that Richardson should be held without bail due to the serious danger he poses to the public. He is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday. No one should have to worship in fear that a stranger would walk through the door with the intent to carry out their own day of judgment and determine who lives and who dies," said O.C. Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer in a statement. "A threat on one house of worship is an attack on every place of worship, and we refuse to allow threats and terror to dissuade any person from practicing their faith without fear." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Michaels Abbey describes itself as a community of Canons Regular of Premontre, under the guardianship of St. Michael the Archangel, with more than 60 years of daily prayer, teaching and service. It is home to dozens of parishioners who live on the monastery's compound. 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. MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) Beginning Sept. 11, visitors to Heritage Landing park in Muskegon can attend the annual Michigan Irish Musical Festival, which features over 25 artists. We try to offer something new and exciting every year, Morgan Witmer, director of marketing for the Michigan Irish Music Festival, said. Irish-inspired cocktails and concoctions In its 26th year, special performances include Ally the Piper, a bagpipe musician. Concertgoers and musicians attend the Michigan Irish Music Festival in Muskegon. (Courtesy) Concertgoers and musicians attend the Michigan Irish Music Festival in Muskegon. (Courtesy) Concertgoers and musicians attend the Michigan Irish Music Festival in Muskegon. (Courtesy) She plays the bagpipes, but she plays heavy metal music, Witmer said. That is really fun and lively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 10 p.m. on Sept. 13, guests can attend a late-night traditional Irish dance lesson. A Ceili is a group dance, similar to American square dancing, Witmer said. Theres a Ceili caller, hell be teaching everyone the moves. Lakeshore 10k race benefits afterschool programs Several food and beverage vendors will be providing authentic Irish cuisine, including a local Muskegon business Wonderland Distilling Company. They do traditional Irish fare with kind of a modern twist, Witmer said. Kent District Library hosts song contest, local concert Free admittance is available Sunday morning at the park, but daily rates otherwise vary between $15 and $30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on the event, visit the Michigan Irish Music Festival 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. HELENA, Ala. (WIAT) A violent online group known as 764 has found its way into Alabama homes. The Helena Police Department is investigating a threat made to a child, which they believe is linked to 764. They go online on gaming platforms like Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, and they befriend these kids and they, in turn, try to get them to do self-harm or join their cult. Basically, its a domestic terrorism group, said Helena Police Detective Jason Davis. The biggest one that weve run into is Skibidi Farms. The moderators say its a place for freedom of speech, anything goes, we dont necessarily believe in it, but most of the juveniles that are in the 764 group are on this platform. Helena Police Chief Mike Wood says theyve been looking into this case for about a month. We know the victim is under 18 years old, but Chief Wood would not give any other details since it is an active investigation to protect the child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A kid might say man, my life sucks, or my parents suck, or I want to kill myself, and thats when they grab them, Davis said. The FBI issued a public service announcement in March, warning of 764. According to the FBI, the group targets children, typically girls ranging from 10-17 years old. However, they say any person, any age can be a victim. The FBI says 764 will threaten the child with swatting, which is making a false call to police and having them show up at the victims house, or doxxing, making personal information public, if the victim does not do what is asked of them. The FBI says the victims are blackmailed to send in nude photos or videos of themselves or others, post self-harm videos, and, in some cases, livestream their suicide. I want parents to know they need to really monitor their kids, said Davis. Whether its a phone, a tablet, laptop, gaming systems, I want them to physically watch them play, listen to them, and check what theyre searching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis says children will target other children, preying on people with mental health issues like depression, eating disorders or suicidal thoughts. Thats the million-dollar question on why. Were not 100% sure on that, but we do know that to them, the things that Ive researched and seen, they get enjoyment out of it, said Davis. Their lives are so messed up and so bad, they get enjoyment from messing up other peoples lives or making them commit self-harm and posting it on social media platforms, gaming platforms. Blount County District Attorney Pam Casey says once a month, she hears from parents whose children have been victims of sextortion, even if not linked to 764. Latest food scores from the Jefferson County Health Department Food Scores for August Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of times, our most vulnerable victims are those children who have something going on in their life. They want to be told theyre pretty, they want to be told theyre loved, they want to be told that theyre a part of something because maybe theyre not getting that from home or theyre being bullied at school, Casey said. So they find that person or they find that connection through someone they meet online. Casey says its important for parents to keep up with their childrens online activity and to build a relationship with their children where theyll feel safe coming to them if something uncomfortable happens online. Games are not innocent. Sometimes we think children just play their games, she said. If you wouldnt let your child communicate with someone you dont know in real life, why are you giving them that opportunity on the phone? Helena Police say there is no immediate threat to the public, but stress that this can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) I need your help. Thats the subject of an email Portland Mayor Keith Wilson sent on Wednesday afternoon, asking residents for various forms of support as the city addresses challenges on the federal and local levels. Wilson made the plea amid what he referred to as a pivotal week, with officials recently opening the Pearl Districts overnight-only NW Northrup Shelter and NW Glisan Oasis Day Center. He noted that both facilities are critical in his goals to curb homelessness, improve public safety and boost the local economy. Spirit Airlines to ghost 11 airports, including PDX, after second bankruptcy filing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the mayor has indicated that community support could help advance those plans. Were delivering real change to Portland, and if you can contribute a bag of snacks, an hour of your time as an artist, teacher, or builder, or even a small show of financial support to our emergency shelter system, I want to connect, Wilson wrote, linking to a slideshow that highlights several ways to contribute to the citys several homeless services. Providing outdoor furniture for the new day center, cleaning up for community meals and gifting vans to transportation and outreach employees are among the volunteer opportunities listed by City Shelter Services. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest Mitigating unsheltered homelessness was one of several areas that Portland officials focused on when adopting an $8.6 billion budget for the current fiscal year, earlier in June. But while the mayor argued he has delivered on his promises, such as ensuring calm and orderly shelter operations and cleaning up streets and graffiti, he suggested that more needs to be done to evade federal intervention. Recent events in Washington, D.C. show us what will happen to Portland if we dont move with speed, purpose, and compassion to address the humanitarian crisis on our streets. The federal administration deploys bulldozers and mass arrests by masked agents; the opposite of our outreach worker and emergency shelter strategy. Lets work together by volunteering and donating, and prove the administrations heavy-handed tactics are not needed in our city, Wilson said.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump recently deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., with the White House citing a need to reduce crime in the nations capital. Multnomah County residents with foreclosed homes could be eligible for class action suit Several officials within Trumps administration have also warned of a Portland crackdown in response to the citys sanctuary status and ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Most recently, Tom Homan dubbed the administrations border czar listed the city among several others that could see federal officials send the boots on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (KCAU) If youre looking to enjoy a Disney movie while making a difference in the lives of animals, check out Paws and Popcorn! Hosted by Helping Paws Pawzitive Change, Paws and Popcorn aims to assist families with their pets needs during times of crisis. In order for Helping Paws to provide this assistance, they need funding; that is where Paws and Popcorn comes in. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, September 20, at 2 p.m., a fundraiser will be hosted for Helping Paws Pawzitive Change at the South Sioux City Library. For $2, popcorn and other snacks will be provided for the screening of the Disney classic Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey. Connect with animal lovers and provide a meaningful donation at the same time. You can reserve tickets by clicking here. More information about how you can directly support Helping Paws can be found on the Helping Paws website. Anyone in need of assistance can find and fill out the assistance form on their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. (NewsNation) The Heritage Foundation, the conservative think tank behind Project 2025, has a new rallying cry: We must save the American family. Known for advocating for small government and conservative economic policy, the group is now promoting polices that call for deeper federal government involvement in family life, including encouraging married couples to have more children. A new five-page draft paper obtained by the Washington Post outlines proposals such as: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New government-funded savings accounts for married couples, financed by cutting federal child care programs like Head Start. Cash bonuses for couples who have more children. A review of all federal programs to determine their impact on marriage and the nuclear family, with the possibility of eliminating those that dont promote the family model. The Heritage Foundation insists these policies arent meant to penalize people who dont have children, but rather to encourage growth. Emma Waters, the groups policy director, told NewsNation the goal is to ask, What is best for children, and how can we promote their flourishing in the United States? Group wants Manhattan Project for babies The plan urges President Donald Trump to issue executive orders requiring agencies to measure the impact of every policy on marriage and family. It also calls for a Manhattan Project to restore the nuclear family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Washington Post, the paper blames falling birth rates and rising loneliness on free love, pornography, careerism, the pill, abortion, same-sex relations, and no-fault divorce. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau underscores the shift in 1949, nearly 80% of U.S. households were headed by married couples. By 2024, that number dropped to fewer than 50%. People are too worried to have kids: Professor The proposals align with Trumps push to boost birth rates and reward traditional family values. The Heritage Foundations paper reportedly argues that falling fertility is a crisis and requires federal action. Still, critics have said the plan excludes same-sex couples and nontraditional families and argue that it fails to address the underlying reasons why Americans arent having children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having children is a long-term commitment. When you dont feel that youre likely to be on an upward trajectory of things getting better, its hard for you to want to make this commitment, said Karen Guzzo, director of the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina. She added, People are still open to having kids, theyre interested in having kids, but they wanna have kids if they feel like they have a good life, they have good jobs, they have a good future. The debate raises a core question that could shape the 2026 midterms: Should government be in the business of defining which families count, and paying them to grow? What is Project 2025? The Project 2025 handbook serves as a guide for the president, outlining strategies to reshape and expand the executive branchs power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Building off four pillars a policy agenda, personnel, training and a 180-day playbook Project 2025 organizers sought to pave the way for an effective conservative administration. It also calls for: Firing as many as 50,000 federal workers by reclassifying them as political appointees. Eliminating the Department of Education and curbing the independence of agencies like the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department. Reversing Biden-era climate policies and boosting fossil fuels. Rolling back abortion access, including restricting abortion pills and penalizing providers. Reinstating service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. Project 2025 authors now staffing Trump administration Trump disavowed the plan during his presidential campaign last year, posting on his social media site that he had no idea who was behind Project 2025 and knew nothing about it. However, dozens of its authors and contributors now serve in his administration. Key figures include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russell Vought , Trumps pick to direct the Office of Management and Budget, wrote plans to overhaul the executive branch, according to NBC News. Peter Navarro , a longtime former aide, is now Trumps senior trade counselor. He proposed sweeping tariffs and measures against China. Brendan Carr , tapped to lead the Federal Communications Commission, wrote the Project 2025 chapter calling for stricter regulation of Big Tech and TikTok. Adam Candeub, the general counsel for the FCC, wrote a Project 2025 chapter pushing for broader antitrust enforcement. The list includes nearly 300 contributors preceding the playbook, and several others have also landed in Trumps administration. 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 NewsNation. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Stephen S. Hershey Jr. (R-Upper Shore) said he has formed an exploratory committee and is considering running for the Republican nomination in the 2026 gubernatorial primary. (File photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) Senate Minority Leader Stephen S. Hershey (R-Upper Shore) has formed an exploratory committee to weigh a 2026 bid for governor, citing the need for balance in a state that has gone so far to the left under Democratic control. Hershey said he expects to make a decision sometime before the end of the year on whether hell challenge incumbent Gov. Wes Moore (D), who is all but guaranteed to be the Democratic nomintee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hershey has said people had approached him recently about running, including one supporter who asked, Is this really necessary? In an interview with Maryland Matters Thursday, he said it is necessary to provide real competition to Democrats and give voters a choice. Without real competition, Maryland loses balance. Without balance, theres no incentive for moderation. I think thats the big thing that we look at when we talk about Democrats crossing over and voting for a Republican governor, Hershey said. Right now, we have moved so far to the left with Gov. Moore and the composition of the state Senate and the House of Delegates that this pendulum needs to come back, he told Maryland Matters. We need to see more of a balance in Maryland. I think thats one of the big things that Id be able to offer. Hershey said his decision to form an exploratory committee crystalized after Ed Hale Sr. announced he would switch parties and run for governor as a Republican. The lifelong Democrat has never sought public office before, and conceded that his change in party affiliation was a recognition that he could not beat Moore in a Democratic primary. Baltimore businessman Ed Hale Sr., a lifelong Democrat, plans to run for governor as a Republican. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters.) Hershey criticized Hale as a political opportunist, and Hale responded in a radio interview that he had no idea who Hershey was. While Hale has announced his intention to and has created a state campaign account, he has yet to formally file as a candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats said it doesnt matter who winds up as the GOP nominee, that person will be in for an unpleasant surprise in the general election. Stephen Hershey, Ed Hale Sr. and [former Gov.] Larry Hogan all have one thing in common: Theyre out-of-touch Republicans who will lose to Wes Moore next year, Kevin Donohoe, a spokesperson for the Democratic Governors Association, said in a statement. Maryland Republicans now look like theyre set to have a messy primary filled with lackluster candidates who dont have the spine to fight Donald Trumps agenda that is crushing Marylands middle class. Good luck! Hershey, a senator for about 12 years, said aside from polling, his committee would test the fundraising waters. That would include cash in hand and commitments from donors should the exploratory committee turn into a formal campaign. A late-2025 decision would put Hershey right up against the 2026 legislative session, during which Hershey like all legislators and constitutional officers, including the governor is banned from fundraising activities. But Hersheys eventual running mate may not have those same restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hershey could get around the prohibition by giving up his Senate seat something he said flatly he would not do. One of the biggest concerns that I do have is I very much enjoy and appreciate the honor of representing District 36 as a state senator, he said. I am not willing to easily give up the opportunity to continue doing that. So as Im looking at the opportunity, or the pathway to see if I would be able to defeat Gov. Moore in a general election, I am weighing that against the potential, the current and potential continued status of being a minority leader and representing our caucus over the next four years as well, he said Thursday. Hershey said he had been approached several times during the legislative session about running, but that the intensity of the calls and messages and conversations have picked up dramatically since Ed Hale made his announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, yes, there is a part of me that is saying that the Republicans need to be represented in the race against Gov. Moore. I think that there is much concern over Ed Hale switching parties at the last minute and deciding to run as a Republican, Hershey said. And I said before, Republicans know the difference between conviction and convenience. So, it played a role it may have just accelerated my decision to move forward with this. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Hershey said he plans to spend the next 90 days polling and assessing the viability of a statewide campaign. That includes his ability to raise the money needed to challenge Moore, who has a proven ability to raise large sums of cash and is seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party. Hersheys announcement comes a day after a radio interview in which he teased the possibility of a run for governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to 2002, Republicans had not held the governors mansion in nearly four decades. Since 2002, the minority party registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by about 2-1 has won the governors seat in three of the last six elections. That includes Larry Hogan, who became the first Republican since Theodore McKeldin, to win consecutive terms as governor. But those Republican governors won open seats: Unseating an incumbent Democrat seeking reelection has proven difficult. There is still an opportunity for a Republican to win, even though this would be a different path that we have taken in the past, Hershey said. We have not won against the incumbent governor before, but we have won after eight years of (two) Democratic governors. In both cases a tax-and-spend governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think what were going to find out in polling is that people families are hurting now, after four years of Gov. Moore, as they were after eight years of Gov. OMalley. Thats where were thinking were going to see a notable difference in the reelection of Gov. Moore, as opposed to just running against an open seat, he said. Hersheys announcement comes as one other top Republican remains on the fence considering his own future. Hogan continues to be talked about as a potential candidate for his former office and at times has stoked the speculation himself. Hershey said he spoke to Hogan about his intentions early Thursday afternoon. The governor [Hogan] is still looking at the race from the perspective that a lot of people are asking him to do this as well, Hershey said. Were both in agreement that this is the more appropriate step for me to take in forming an exploratory commission. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Seante Minority Leader Stephen S. Hershey Jr. (R-Upper Shore) at a news conference during the 2025 General Assembly session with Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready (R-Frederick and Carroll). (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) Add Senate Minority Leader Stephen S. Hershey Jr. (R-Upper Shore) to the list of Republicans kicking the tires on a run for governor. Hershey, who has a dozen years in the Maryland Senate, said in a radio interview Wednesday he is being encouraged to consider throwing his hat in the ring, following the entrance of Ed Hale Sr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think Maryland Republicans deserve better than to have lifelong Democrats switch jerseys at the last minute and try to claim our nomination, Hershey told WBAL Radio, adding that Republicans know the difference between conviction and convenience. Families are being crushed here by higher taxes and rising energy costs, a governor thats focused on Washington more than Annapolis, he said. So, I think its more clear now than ever that Marylanders deserve leadership thats rooted in authenticity and not opportunism, and thats where I think Ed Hale was going with his campaign. Hershey did not respond to attempts to reach him Wednesday. Hershey has been rumored to be considering entering a Republican field filled with candidates who changed parties, and a cast of others who have little to no electoral experience and even less in a statewide campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hale, a lifelong Democrat, switched parties and re-announced his campaign last month, after telling reporters he had no shot at defeating incumbent Gov. Wes Moore in a Democratic primary. Since then, Hershey has criticized Hale. The businessman in return said he didnt know who Hershey was. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Ill tell you this, the number of calls and texts and messages Ive received from, you know, not just Republicans, but independents and moderates across the state, since Hales announcement, saying: Steve, we need a real Republican and somebody thats stood up for us consistently. That type of encouragement is humbling, and Id be lying if I said it hasnt made me think seriously about the next step, Hershey told WBAL. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, Im being thoughtful about this decision. I want to make sure that if I take this step, its done the right way. Ive spent my career standing up for fiscal discipline, reliable energy, accessible health care, safe communities, and if Marylanders believe thats the kind of leadership they want in the governors office, then I owe it to them to take a serious look at it, he said. Hershey has electoral experience, but his district is made up of rural counties. It is unclear how quickly he could pull together a statewide campaign and fundraising apparatus. He would need to decide quickly. Every day he delays is one less day to raise funds. Like all legislators, he is barred from fundraising activities during the General Assembly session. There is also the unknown primarily will former Gov. Larry Hogan seek a third term and a head-to-head matchup with Moore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, the official Republican primary field consists of John Myrick, who previously ran an unsuccessful campaign for U.S. Senate, and Carl A. Brunner Jr., a Carroll firearms instructor. Both formally filed for the GOP nomination. Hale has yet to formally file, and cannot do so until he picks a running mate. Two others freshman Del. Christopher Bouchat (R-Frederick and Carroll) and Carroll County farmer Kurt Wedekind have said they intend to run. Like Hale, neither has formally filed. Wiggins moves up at Chamber Grason M. Wiggins has been promoted to senior vice president of government affairs at the Maryland Chamber of Commerce in recognition of exceptional leadership and his role in delivering one of the most successful legislative sessions in the organizations recent history, according to a chamber release. Grason Wiggin, senior vice president of government affairs, Maryland Chamber of Commerce. (Photo courtesy Maryland Chamber of Commerce) Wiggins, who joined the chamber in August 2024, elevated our advocacy to a new level with a clear strategy and strong results, said chamber President and CEO Mary D. Kane, in announcing the promotion. Thanks to his leadership, Maryland businesses were protected from a devastating 2.5% services tax, unlimited liability exposure and costly climate mandates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chamber said it achieved a 93% success rate in stopping legislation it targeted in the 2025 General Assembly, when it said it connected more than 5,000 business leaders with policymakers and brought more than 400 business leaderss in for testimony and committee engagement. The chamber also credited Wiggins targeted job fairs and outreach to connect Marylanders with jobs, and strengthening relationships statewide. Before joining the chamber, Wiggins was at Harris Jones & Malone, the Maryland Multi-Housing Association and the Maryland Department of Labor. He holds a J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Im honored to continue to work with Marylands legislators, employers, and workers to ensure our state is generating economic opportunity for every Marylander, said Wiggins, who will continue to lead chamber advocacy in Annapolis as senior vice president. Get your scorecards out its already endorsement time The primary election may still be almost 10 months away, but that hasnt stopped candidates in the Montgomery County executive race from trotting out the endorsements they have already lined up for the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest came Wednesday, when Progressive Maryland and Working Families Party announced their support for County Council Vice President Will Jawando (D-At-Large) to receive the Democratic nomination for county executive. Larry Stafford Jr., executive director of Progressive Maryland, said that in a Democrat-rich county like Montgomery, where the council is all-Democratic, theres an important distinction we have to make between Democrats who have a backbone and Democrats who have a spine to stand up straight and walk straight and look with a clear vision to fight on behalf of everyday people. Thats Councilman Will Jawando. It came a day after Jawando said his campaign had qualified for the countys public financing option, raising more than $90,000 from almost 1,000 contributions, least 80% of which came from county residents. He said Wednesday his plafform includes affordable housing, fully funded public schools and a challenge to the Trump administration recklessly slashing government funding. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have an opportunity in this election to show a community where we reject the false narrative that if my neighbor can eat, that I cant eat, Jawando said. That if my neighbor does well and gets rental assistance, its going to make my life worse. We can stand up for a community where everyone does well together and reject the divisiveness of Donald Trump. But Jawando will face at least two County Council colleagues: Andrew Friedson and Evan Glass (D-At-Large). Friedson who was endorsed in July by the International Association of Firefighters Local 1446, has also secured the support of some heavyweight state legislators from the county : Senate Majority Leader Nancy King (D-Montgomery) and Sen. Brian Feldman (D-Montgomery), who chairs the Senate Education, Energy and the Environment Committee. Also this summer, Glass announced the backing of two major Democrats in former Rep. David Trone and former U.S. Secretary of Labor Tom Perez, who called Glass the effective, progressive leader we need right now to fight against the extreme agenda in Washington that is hurting our community and our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glass, who was the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the council when elected in 2018, would become the first as county executive, if elected. Two other Democrats have officially filed the paperwork to seek the nomination for county executive in the June 2026 primary: Celeste Iroha, a registered medical assistant, was the first person to announce in March, according to Bethesda Today, while Mithun Banerjee, a landlord from Silver Spring, filed his candidacy in May. As of Wednesday afternoon, no Republicans had filed for the seat, according to the state Board of Elections. But candidates have until Feb. 24 to file. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem brought her husband Bryon to her grilling on Capitol Hill after a report that Donald Trump is considering firing the top administration official over her problematic alleged lover. Noem showed up before the House Committee on Homeland Security with members of her family in attendance on Thursday. One person who did not appear to be in the hearing room: Corey Lewandowski. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) If it looks like a weird water bottle, then its probably a weird water bottle. Thats one piece of advice shared by Master Police Officer Jason Smith during his Hidden in Plain Sight program, hosted by Blue Ridge Behavioral Health. Smith works with the Culpeper Police Department, but travels around the Commonwealth teaching parents how to identify risky behaviors. Id be kind of suspicious to see binoculars in a room because you dont see binoculars as much, he told a small crowd of parents at William Fleming High School on Wednesday. Then, he unscrewed the lens to show them that the binoculars are really a flask. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not all tricks. Smith explains that if your child wears sweatshirts in hot weather and never pulls their sleeves up, you might want to start a conversation about self-harm. Or they could just like wearing sweatshirts, he adds. Hopefully, people take away to be aware of what their kids are doing, he said after the presentation. We had a success story a few years ago where the parent found something and got the kid some help. Salem police investigate potential hoax threat to schools Smith educates parents on popular apps, new drugs, and the statistics for underage alcohol or drug use. We want to emphasize, its not necessarily encouraging adults to pick through a teenagers space, said Leah Bartholomew, a prevention wellness specialist. Its really educating those adults on what the statistics around risky behaviors are looking like in the state of Virginia right now and how they can start conversations and move through understanding the risks our teens are facing right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare will host more Hidden in Plain Sight events around the Roanoke Valley in the spring. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. National Hispanic Heritage Month is coming up soon! The name is relatively self-explanatory, but if you didnt know, its a month of observance for the cultural impact Latino-Americans have had on the U.S. throughout our nations history. And it doesnt begin on the first day of a month; it starts halfway into September. Heres when Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 starts, what it is, when it began and why it starts halfway into the month. When is Hispanic Heritage Month 2025? Rendering from the legislation of the new Hispanic heritage month flag that will fly from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the U.S. every year, from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. In 2025, the start date falls on a Monday and the end date falls on a Wednesday. What countries are included in the Hispanic Heritage Month? Hispanic Heritage Month is a national observance in the United States. It aims to celebrate the impact of the Hispanic and Latino communities in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations, The Smithsonians National Museum of the American Latino website says. The Latino presence in America spans centuries, predating Spains colonization of what is now part of the United States, and they have been an integral part of shaping our nation since the Revolutionary War. When did Hispanic Heritage Month start? The month of observance of Hispanic Heritage originally started as just one week in 1968, under President Lyndon B. Johnson. According to the Hispanic Heritage Month website, it didnt become a national month of observance until 20 years later under President Ronald Reagan and was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988. Why is Hispanic Heritage Month in two months? Heres why it starts mid-September You might be wondering why Hispanic Heritage Month begins in the middle of the month, instead of on the first of the month, starting in September and ending in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is because Sept. 15 is the Independence Day of many Central American countries, marking the anniversary of their freedom from Spanish rule. The timeframe of this month is significant because many Central American countries celebrate their independence days within these dates, beginning on Sept. 15 with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, the National Museum of the American Latino says. By aligning with these independence dates, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the resilience and determination of the Hispanic community. Here are some of the key independence dates within Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept. 15 Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua Sept. 16 Mexico Sept. 18 Chile Sept. 21 Belize What is the theme of Hispanic Heritage Month 2025? Each year, The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM) chooses a theme that federal agencies, organizations and schools use when observing the month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years theme is Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future. The theme for 2024 was Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together. Are Latino and Hispanic the same thing? Heres the difference Hispanic and Latino are often used interchangeably, but they dont have the same meaning. Latino, by definition, is more inclusive than Hispanic. Hispanic and Latino are the two most used terms to describe Americans with Latin American and Caribbean ancestry The National Museum of the American Latino uses the term Latino to describe the diverse residents of the United States with cultural or ancestral ties to Latin America or the Caribbean, the museums website says. For many, the term Latino also creates room for acknowledging Black, Indigenous, Asian, and other heritages on equal terms with European ancestry. The term Hispanic is used to signal a connection to Spain or the Spanish language. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Hispanic Heritage Month 2025: Here's when, what it is, why we celebrate BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Holy Nativity Episcopal School has been recognized as the Best Private School in the state through the Best of Florida Award program. According to a media release on Thursday, after multiple rounds of voting from Florida residents, The Best of Florida awarded the school the title for the third year in a row. Holy Nativity Episcopal School breaks ground on new STREAM facility | mypanhandle.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cynthia Fuller, the Head of School, reportedly announced the award to students during Wednesday Chapel services. We are humbled and grateful to be named Best Private School in Florida for the third year in a row! Thank you to our teachers, faculty, board, families, students, community, and above all, God for this blessing. To celebrate, were having a school-wide pizza party this Friday! said Fuller. The school says the award will hang in the historic school building at 205 Hamilton Avenue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sep. 4ROCHESTER Rochester Catholic Schools were in a "precautionary secure mode" following a "concerning phone call" made to at least two of its schools. RCS announced the emergency measure Thursday morning in an email to parents. Several emails have followed the initial communication. RCS has "confirmed that all locations are safe," according to one of the messages. "However, out of an abundance of caution and in response to a concerning phone call, we are proceeding with early dismissal at all schools today, following the guidance of law enforcement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The early release times include: * Holy Spirit: ASAP at Gibbs Elementary, 5525 56th St. NW * Lourdes High School: 11:30 a.m. * Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Middle School: 11 a.m. * St. Francis of Assisi School: 10:30 a.m. * St. Pius X School: 11:30 a.m. Rochester Police Department Capt. Jean Valere, speaking to media, said that the Catholic school system's main office received the first call, communicating a bomb threat, followed by a second call a few minutes later to Holy Spirit Catholic School. RCS has a combined enrollment of near 1,200 at its five school sites, based on data from the 2024-25 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rochester Public Schools, in a statement, reported that it has not received any threats. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide additional updates if developments occur," according to RPS. This story will develop as more details become available. HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) Holyoke Police announced Thursday that a multi-agency drug operation targeting open-air dealing in city alleyways led to 12 arrests, including a stabbing suspect, as well as two additional criminal complaints. Six suspects arrested in Springfield drug trafficking operation According to Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan, the effort was aimed at targeting known hot spots and was part of ongoing work to address quality-of-life concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our Officers, Detectives, and partner agencies will continue to work to clean our streets of these quality-of-life issues that our hard-working residents dont deserve to have to live with, Keenan said. He also announced a new Park Engagement Initiative, a 90-day program tasking officers and supervisors with focusing on safety in city parks while addressing complaints of drug use, vandalism, and other unlawful behavior. Courtesy of Holyoke Police Department Courtesy of Holyoke Police Department Courtesy of Holyoke Police Department Courtesy of Holyoke Police Department Courtesy of Holyoke Police Department According to police, the operation began around 2 p.m. Thursday, August 28th, near Cabot Street, officers arrested Jose Luis-Reyes, 51, of Holyoke, with 1.4 grams of crack cocaine and cash. He was charged with distribution of a Class B drug, possession of a Class B drug, and trespassing. Later, police arrested Jason Simmons, 45, of Holyoke on Franklin Street with 12 vials of crack cocaine. He faces a possession of Class B drug charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By mid-afternoon, officers made multiple arrests near Sargeant Street, recovering heroin, fentanyl, and more than 130 vials of cocaine. Luis Nieves, 44, Omar Burgos-Rodriguez, 38, and Isaac Felix, 20, all of Holyoke, face a range of drug distribution and conspiracy charges. Felix was also charged with motor vehicle violations. Courtesy of Holyoke Police Department Courtesy of Holyoke Police Department Courtesy of Holyoke Police Department Courtesy of Holyoke Police Department In a related stop on I-391, police arrested Richard Wells, 51, of Chicopee, who was allegedly in possession of heroin and crack cocaine. He faces drug charges and a charge of driving with a suspended license. Just before 5 p.m., officers arrested Felipe Arenas, 37, of Chicopee, who was wanted in connection with a stabbing on August 24th. Police said the victim suffered serious injuries but is expected to be okay. Arenas was charged with armed assault to murder and related offenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional arrests throughout the day included: Randall Grenier, 44, of South Hadley, was charged with drug possession following a traffic stop. Brenda Neff, 27, of Holyoke, was arrested on multiple warrants and drug charges. Juan Manuel-Coriano, 49, of Holyoke, was arrested on outstanding warrants. Peter Benetiz, 36, of Holyoke, was arrested for cocaine possession. Jomar Munoz-Delgado, 34, of Chicopee, was arrested for drug possession and intent to distribute. Police also filed criminal complaints against two other individuals for possession. Keenan credited the operations success to teamwork between local, state, and federal partners. This operation focused on several of our known hot spots for open-air drug dealing in our alleyways, Keenan said. Id like to thank our partners at the DEA, Massachusetts State Police, Hampden County Sheriffs Department, and District Attorneys office for their continued support during these operations. 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. Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales speaks during a public hearing on potential election law changes on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Concerns about election integrity, constitutionality and ballot length were among those raised at a public hearing Wednesday in Indianapolis, where voters and election officials weighed in on potential changes to Indianas voting system. The meeting the second in a series hosted by Secretary of State Diego Morales was intended to give Hoosiers a chance to comment on proposals to shift municipal elections to even-numbered years and to expand the use of vote centers statewide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are required under House Enrolled Act 1633, passed by state legislators earlier this year directing the secretary of states office to study the scheduling of local elections and whether the state should require all counties to use vote centers. Wednesdays Indianapolis session followed a first hearing in Muncie last month. Three more are scheduled before the end of the year. The next is scheduled on Sept. 19 in Jeffersonville. Nothing is set in stone. We want to make sure Indiana elections are secure, accessible and transparent. Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales The office will provide the General Assembly with recommendations by Nov. 1, ahead of the next legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were here to listen, Morales said in opening remarks. I want Hoosiers to have confidence that their voices are heard. The Republican secretary of state declined to take a stance on the proposals, however. Im going to take all this feedback, compile the information and work with lawmakers. At the end of the day, the General Assembly will make the decision, Morales told reporters after the meeting. Nothing is set in stone. We want to make sure Indiana elections are secure, accessible and transparent. Data highlights municipal election turnout Data presented by staff from the secretary of states office showed lighter voter participation in municipal elections than in state and federal races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presentations wont be posted online until after all public meetings have concluded, though. In 2023, for example, turnout in Indianas municipal elections was about 27% statewide, according to data cited in Wednesdays presentation. That compared with roughly 42% voter participation in the 2022 midterm elections and 61% in the 2020 presidential election. The presentation additionally highlighted that of Indianas 4.7 million registered voters, fewer than 1.3 million cast ballots in the 2023 municipal elections. In some cities, turnout dipped below 15%, while a handful of smaller towns saw participation above 50%. By contrast, presidential election years regularly draw more than 3 million voters statewide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials also pointed to the spread of vote centers as a cost-saving and efficiency measure. Roughly two-thirds of Indianas 92 counties have now adopted the model, which allows voters to cast a ballot at any location within their county instead of an assigned precinct. Counties that switched reported average election cost savings of 10% to 15% compared with the precinct system, and wait times for voters on Election Day fell by about one-third, according to Morales office. There are fewer voting locations in a voter center county but a voter can choose where they vote depending on what is convenient to their home, work or other errands. Mixed reactions on vote centers, shifting municipal races Even so, the vote center model drew mixed reactions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several who attended Wednesdays meeting pointed to increased convenience for voters who might not be able to get to a precinct polling place. Reducing the places you can go is not good for voters, because in Franklin Township I had to wait in line for three hours, said Cecilia Poynter, of Indianapolis. If you work for a company like I did, where they can mandate you to work 12 hours a day, six days a week, you cannot make it to the polls. For those of us that work long hours whether its early voting or regular on voting day poll centers are great. But we need more (locations), she added. More for early voting, as well as on Election Day. Hoosiers offered feedback on proposals to expand vote centers and move municipal elections to even-numbered years during a public meting on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Indiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Tallian, who attended the meeting and spoke during the public comment period, also emphasized that reducing the number of voting locations can also disadvantage Hoosiers in small towns if hours arent extended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doing vote centers is sort of like closing lanes on the tollway. Youre going to use the same number of people and force them into smaller numbers of areas, she said. So, in order to accommodate that, you either have to do early voting for more days, or you need to increase the number of hours. Tallian noted, too, that Indiana communities with populations of 35,000 or less can already choose to hold municipal elections in even-numbered years. Ogden Dunes, her hometown in northwest Indiana, has already made the switch to even-numbered years because it was cheaper for us. She urged the state to leave the choice about voting locations to local officials. We do not need a statutory change in order to do that. Small towns are already able to do that if they wish, Tallian continued. But we do not support in any way forcing larger towns and municipalities to do this during an even-numbered year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Questions were additionally raised about whether moving municipal elections into even-numbered years would boost turnout or simply bury local races beneath higher-profile contests. Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales speaks to reporters on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Jennifer Lewis with the Vigo County Clerks Office pointed to possible ballot fatigue. One of my concerns is the size of the ballot. The ballot we had last year was already very large. If we added municipal races, it would have been at least two pages, she said. The confusion for voters who live outside the city would only get worse if municipal elections were added to the same ballot. While the ballot proofing process is already very strict, Lewis worried that adding more races would make it even harder to ensure everything is perfect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel like theres more room for error when ballots get longer and more complicated, she said. Some additionally raised constitutional concerns about shifting election dates. They noted that the Indiana Constitution repeatedly references precincts and sets requirements for how elections are to be conducted and that local control and traditional precinct voting are constitutionally protected. Definitions matter, said Ann Ihms, an elected precinct official from Howard County. Im an engineer, so the fact that its not stated constitutionally that this is appropriate, that should have been a no brainer, from the beginning, not to allow non-precinct voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morales said after the meeting, though, that the issue over constitutionality ultimately rests with lawmakers. Im not an attorney, he said. Thats something the legislature and legal experts will have to determine. My job is to facilitate the process, gather feedback and present the information. The General Assembly will decide what is constitutional and what is not. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Horney Creek Beer Wine Spirits Fest will return to downtown Logansport beginning at noon on Saturday, September 13. In its second year, the festival will take place on Sixth Street between North Street and East Broadway. The festival will feature 10 Indiana craft beverage vendors, food, music, non-profits, crafts and veteran-centered activities. There will also be pets available for adoption. Food vendors include the Old Style 6th Street Lounge, Science Project, U-Know Pizza and Sandwich Shop and Vibrant Events Catering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retail vendors are Black Dog Coffee, The Crafterie Design Studio and Plant Therapy. Nonprofit vendors are AMVETS, Cass County Humane Society, Cass County Pride, A Cause for Paws, Duggers Safehouse Rescue, Friends of the Memorial Center and Stand UP Cass County. Live musical will be provided by Adam Gundrum, Blue Sky and Jason McKeever and the United States Blues Band. The Horney Creek Fest is also a celebration of local veterans and this year the festival will feature a slideshow of over 500 veteran photos donated by Fisher Funeral Home that will run throughout the day. Friends of the Memorial Center will also host a thank a veteran booth where people can write thank-you notes to local veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gates open at 12 p.m. and the opening ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. and feature a ceremony recognizing five local veterans led by veteran Jeff Duncan. Tim Eaton, owner of the Science Project Brewing Company, singing the national anthem. Attendees are asked to silently observe the opening ceremony. Tickets for the event start at $47 for the VIP option and general admission is $37 dollars. Veteran tickets are $10 and those who do not want to drink alcohol may enter for free. Tickets can be purchased at HorneyCreekFest.org until September 11. ***Watch the CBS 42 Weather Live streaming weather channel for 24/7 LOCAL weather and forecast information. This Morning: A few showers and storms over the northwest corner of Central Alabama to kick off the day, mainly in Marion, Winston, Lamar, Walker, and Cullman counties. Lows in the mid 60s. Temperatures trend up with isolated rain chances over West Alabama through the morning. Monday: As you head out the door for work and school tomorrow dont be surprised so encounter a storm or two in NW Alabama. A complex of showers will move through our far NW counties in the morning hours from NE to SW. These downpours will be spotty and pretty isolated. Rainfall totals arent expected to be very high, but a few isolated locations may get a little bit of rain. Rain should avoid the metro tomorrow morning, but a spot shower or storm is possible at peak heating Monday afternoon. Still expecting most to stay dry. Temperatures start in the upper 60s and warm into the upper 80s and low 90s for the afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Midweek: Hot and dry, temperatures in the mid 90s with plenty of sun. Very summer like. Pattern Change: High pressure continues to dictate the pattern in the central and eastern US, allowing for very dry and abnormally warm weather. Highs midweek will be in the mid 90s. As we go into Friday and Saturday, the high will break down allowing for some troughing (an area of lower pressure) to skirt the region to the north. This may allow for some cooler/slightly wetter weather for the end of this week into next weekend. Meaningful rainfall is still unlikely, but some areas in north Alabama could see around 0.25 over the next week. Rainfall: In September, Birmingham typically gets 4.00 inches of rain. To date, about halfway through the month, we havent even gotten a quarter of an inch. This, coupled with the heat, has really dried out our soils. This isnt too abnormal though, September and October are our driest months. There is some hope that this upcoming pattern change will trend us wetter for a little while, hopefully we will find some good rainfall ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) slammed President Donald Trump on Wednesday after he dismissed the fallout of his administrations failure to release the so-called Jeffrey Epstein files, describing the saga as a Democrat hoax that never ends. Trump while meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki in the Oval Office as the convicted sex offenders victims called for the full release of the files outside the U.S. Capitol downplayed the press conference, declaring that the victims were discussing something thats totally irrelevant to his administrations successes. McGovern used his time on the House floor to highlight Trumps comments, Now let that sink in. I mean, if you listen to the survivors that were in front of the Capitol just a few minutes ago, listen to their horror stories, thats irrelevant? Related: Seth Meyers Spots Telling Sign Trump Is 'Absolutely Spooked' Over Epstein Saga He continued, I mean, that the President of the United States of America would say something like that is pathetic. And, you know, he could very easily put all this controversy to rest by just releasing the files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGovern also urged fellow lawmakers to back the bipartisan efforts of Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) who organized Wednesdays press conference to force the House to vote on a bill to require the Justice Department to release the files. McGovern: Trump said it was designed to get the American people to focus in on something that was irrelevant. If you listen to the survivors, their horror stories, that's irrelevant? That the president would say something like that is pathetic. pic.twitter.com/5qj6BPP1IB Acyn (@Acyn) September 3, 2025 Later on the House floor, the congressman questioned how Americans could put their trust in Republicans when Trump has yet to follow through on a campaign promise to release the Epstein files. Stop protecting the powerful perpetrators of these crimes and just release the damn files! he stressed. Related: Local TV Anchor Blasts Trump With 1 Word About His Recent Actions: 'Call It By Name' The Epstein presser on Capitol Hill arrived after the House Oversight Committee shared thousands of documents related to Epstein late Tuesday although most of the material was already available to the public. Related... Read the original on HuffPost House Democrat Gwen Moore (Wis.) took a hit at Republicans over their plan to rebrand President Trumps megabill of spending and tax cuts, comparing the decision to the recent uproar over Cracker Barrels temporary logo change. Republicans One Big, Beautiful Bill is so unpopular theyre being instructed by Donald Trump to start calling it the working families tax plan, Moore wrote on the social platform X. I thought rebranding is woke? Many Republicans, and the Trump administration, expressed outrage after Cracker Barrel revealed a new branding strategy that included doing away with its Old Timer logo. Cracker Barrel announced later last month that it would reverse course and restore its original logo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moores comments reference Trumps one big, beautiful bill, which Trumps top political and messaging lieutenants told House Republicans on Wednesday to now refer to as the working families tax cut. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) put the term into practice quickly, saying Wednesday that Republicans were talking about the one big, beautiful bill, which has also become known as the Working Families Tax Cut Act, because thats what it principally represents. The change in messaging comes ahead of the midterm elections and as the megabill is facing low polling. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) slammed the change in a Wednesday statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The so-called rebrand of the Big, Ugly Law is an admission that the GOPs signature legislative achievement is a toxic failure. Only Republicans seem surprised that ripping away health care and gutting rural hospitals just to hand billionaires a massive tax break is completely out of step with what the American people want, DCCC spokesperson Justin Chermol said in a statement to The Hill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. House Republicans have been accused of attempting to rewrite history as lawmakers voted to establish a new panel to reinvestigate events surrounding the Jan. 6 attack at the U.S. Capitol. Republicans had complained that the original, Democrat-led probe into the January 6, 2021, insurrection which saw a mob of Donald Trump supporters swarm the Capitol in an attempt to overturn former President Joe Bidens 2020 election victory was biased against Trump. Even after Trumps return to office in January, the president maintains that he won the 2020 election, which he claims was rigged. Days into his second administration, Trump pardoned almost all of the more than 1,500 rioters who were charged with crimes connected to the Capitol attack, and commuted the sentences of the remaining 14 defendants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A resolution for the controversial subcommittee was tucked into a rule on the House floor on Wednesday, which passed along party lines 212-208. It will fall under the House Judiciary Comittee and likely be headed by Barry Loudermilk, who helmed a similar subpanel in 2023. Chairman of the original Jan. 6 committee, Bennie Thompson, a Democrat, rejected claims that the first panels work contained errors or its findings lacked transparency. You cant rewrite history, even though you might not like what occurred and what people saw with their own eyes, he told the Washington Post. Republicans announced a new panel to reinvestigate the Jan. 6 insurrection (AFP/Getty) Meanwhile, a Democratic House Judiciary Committee ranking member, James Raskin, said the new subcommittee is a chance to remind Americans of House Republicans complicity and embarrassing apologetics for MAGAs violent insurrection against Congress and Vice-President Mike Pence in Trumps bid to overturn the 2020 election. Loudermilk expressed his gratitude to Speaker Mike Johnson, who first announced plans for the panel eight months ago, and vowed to uncover all the facts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im grateful for Speaker Johnson and my Republican colleagues for entrusting me to continue this important investigation into the events surrounding January 6, 2021, Loudermilk told reporters on Capitol Hill. While my previous investigation did an incredible job last Congress, there is still much work to be done. Our goal is to answer the remaining questions, uncover all the facts, and implement reforms so this level of security failure never happens again. Its time to finish the job, he added. The new subcommittee will have eight members appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson. While a list had not been finalized, according to Politico, Loudermilk pointed to a potential selection: Texas Representative Troy Nehls, a former Sheriff who helped Capitol police stave off rioters on the House floor during the attack. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will be able to consult on selecting up to three members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loudermilk argued Democrats would not be constrained in their choice of appointees, referring to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, who refused to allow two Trump-aligned conservatives to serve on the original committee. Georgia Representative Barry Loudermilk will likely head the new committee (Getty Images) According to the resolution, the panel will investigate the remaining questions and issue a final report of events surrounding January 6, 2021. Loudermilk will be required to produce a final report of the panels findings by the end of 2026. The panel is intended to be a response to the original, Democratic-led Jan. 6 select committee formed in the 117th Congress, which held high-profile public hearings and released in 2022 an 845-page report after 18 months of work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original committee created new investigative leads, including inside the West Wing, prompting the Justice Department to launch a probe into the origins of the attack and helped lead to Trumps indictment on several charges. The final report concluded that Trump conspired to defraud the U.S. and that the Republican inspired his supporters to commit violence as he attempted to remain in the White House, despite his loss at the ballot box. MAUI, Hawaii (KHON2) Applications for Maui Countys Hookumu Hou First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program will close on Sept. 30, the countys Office of Recovery announced on Sept. 3. Applications for Hookumu Hous two other programs, the Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction and Single-Family Homeowner Reimbursement programs will remain open. If in doubt, please apply: Maui opens applications for wildfire victims to receive rebuilding funds Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hookumu Hou housing programs are made to help those who were displaced by the 2023 Maui wildfires rebuild what was once theirs. Funding was made possible by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Developments Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds, also known as CDBG-DR funds. The CDBG-DR funding was finalized in June 2025 between Maui County and HUD, which ended up in the county receiving $1.6 billion for reconstruction the largest single allocation of this type of funding to a single local municipality in history. Maui County secures $1.6 billion in HUD funds for wildfire recovery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to receiving the funds, the county and community members worked together to create a distribution method for the funds through an action plan. Those who are eligible for funding as outlined through the action plan will receive funding, with the county saying they will prioritize renters displaced by the wildfire and who earn less than 80% of the Area Median Income. As a result, anyone who is eligible, but particularly those who fall within the prioritized category, are encouraged to apply for the First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Closing applications for the First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program at the end of this month allows us to focus on processing those already in the system, ensuring that qualified households get the support they need, Office of Recovery Administrator John Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applications first opened on Aug. 11, and has since received a high amount of applications. As of Sept. 2, more than 1,300 applications were submitted. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Not every application is guaranteed to be funded, however. Officials still need to ensure eligibility for applications. They also anticipate the number of applications is greater than the allotted budget for the program, which echoes the need to prioritize those making less than 80% of the Area Median Income. Despite this, the Office of Recovery encourages applications, so as many affected families can be helped as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applications may be submitted via the Hookumu Hou website, the Maui OOR mobile app or in person with a Hookumu Hou intake specialist in Lahaina or Kahului. Appointments for in-person applicants can be made on the Hookumu Hou website or by calling (808) 865-4007. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Welcome to The Scoop the ultimate back-to-the-office water cooler cheat sheet, your go-to source for all things everyone really wants to know! Get the latest on everything from the political swamp maneuvering in D.C. and Hollywood drama to jaw-dropping small-town shenanigans from Paula Froelich. Subscribe to her newsletter here (NewsNation) The buzz in radio this summer has all been about Howard Stern and whether hes being dropped by SiriusXM. Sterns five-year contract is up with the company, and industry insiders say no way will it resign him for the same five-year, $100 million a year deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Sirius still wants him just not at the current price. Howard Stern return delayed a week According to The Hollywood Reporter, Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer and SiriusXM, spoke at a Bank of America conference on Wednesday and said he wanted Stern to stay at Sirius but added the deal would have to make sense. So Howard, for all these years and right up until now, is as important a content, single piece of content as weve had from the sense of being a lightning rod to get awareness for the service and publicity and all of that. Hes the best interviewer out there, period, bar none. And weve always had a series, as all of you know, of renewals. With any talent at that level, youre always going to have an extended period of negotiations. Weve been pretty lucky all these years. Wed love them to stay. It certainly has to make sense, but we feel pretty good that weve done this before, and well see where it goes, Greenstein said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think hes been core to our platform for over 20 years. So Im confident well get to the right place, CEO and director Jennifer Witz added. Radio disc jockey Howard Stern on air at WNBC-AM radio station in New York City in this undated 1985 photograph. (Photo by Don Jacobsen/ Newsday RM via Getty Images) Howard Stern inducts Bon Jovi onstage during the 33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Auditorium on April 14, 2018, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kevin Kane/Getty Images For The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) Americas Got Talent judges Howie Mandel, from left, Heidi Klum, Howard Stern and Mel B attend the Americas Got Talent Season 8 Meet The Judges Red Carpet Event at Hammerstein Ballroom on April 9, 2013, in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images) Translation? Stern will have to accept a major pay cut if he is to stay, my sources said, with one adding: That kind of money ($500 million) doesnt make sense anymore with his numbers. Howard Stern eclipsed by younger podcasters Stern has been eclipsed in numbers by younger podcasters like Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper, who signed a multi-year deal with Sirius for $125 million last year. Meanwhile, Travis and Jason Kelces podcast, New Heights, was picked up for a three-year deal by Amazons Wondery for $100 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Travis Kelce giddy over Taylor Swift engagement While Coopers and the Kelce brothers deals are eye-popping and have bigger numbers than Sterns, neither podcaster is getting $100 million per year. Even Joe Rogan, who regularly leads all podcast rankings, doesnt make $100 million a year in his current deal. Rogan signed on with Spotify last year for an undisclosed multi-year deal worth $250 million. If Howard wants to stay, hes going to have to take a major pay cut, my source 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 NewsNation. BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and ICE held a press conference following Thursdays sting operation at the Hyundai facility in Bryan County. Steven Schrank, special agent in charge, HSI Atlanta, addressed the media and briefly answered questions. Thursday afternoon, Lindsay Williams, public affairs officer for the Department of Homeland Security, issued this statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, executed a judicial search warrant as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes. This operation underscores our commitment to protecting jobs for Georgians, ensuring a level playing field for businesses that comply with the law, safeguarding the integrity of our economy, and protecting workers from exploitation. This investigation is focused on ensuring accountability for those who violate the law and upholding the rule of law. Complex cases like this require strong collaboration and extensive investigative effort, and we extend our gratitude to the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Customs and Border Protection, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) for their invaluable support. Each agency contributed specialized expertise that was critical to the success of this lengthy investigation. Together, we are sending a clear and unequivocal message: those who exploit our workforce, undermine our economy, and violate federal laws will be held accountable. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) The Craven County Sheriffs Office arrested James Morris Stallings on Wednesday, Sept. 3rd. and charged him with felony death by distribution. The charges are related to the Jan. 18th overdose death of Frank Perocchi of New Bern. Investigators found fentanyl, methamphetamine, and items consistent with the distribution of illegal narcotics in Stallings home. Stallings has been charged with the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver schedule II controlled substances Felony possession of methamphetamine Felony maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances Possession of drug paraphernalia Stallings is currently being held at the Craven County Confinement Facility under a $1.1 million 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 WNCT. The University of Massachusetts Amherst received a $4 million donation for research funding, as the institution aims to find alternative funding sources outside of federal dollars. The donors to UMass Amherst are longtime supporters John and Elizabeth Armstrong. I know that the UMass Amherst faculty, students and staff who have been impacted by disruptions in federal support for research are very grateful for this assistance, Mike Malone, vice chancellor in the Office of Research & Engagement, said in a statement. This generous support from John and Elizabeth provides not only welcome financial assistance but also equally important encouragement for all the participants in our research and innovation enterprise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement comes after the universitys Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center faces potential closure in the coming weeks because of extensive federal funding cuts. UMass Amherst received $180 million in federal funding in fiscal year 2025, according to the institution. However, as the Trump administration walks back federal research dollars, the university is exploring alternative ways to accelerate its most promising research programs and retain the top-notch faculty, according to a press release. Elizabeth and I have supported the work of faculty and researchers at UMass because we feel that they form the foundation for the universitys mission, said John Armstrong in a statement. Every day, faculty are developing new ideas, pushing the boundaries of their fields and training the succeeding generations of scholars. Their work has tangible benefits for society and introduces students at all levels to the methods, practice and rewards of conducting research. As federal funding for research becomes uncertain, we hope our support will inspire others to invest in the people and research programs that are dedicated to advancing the common good in every aspect of our lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gift will establish the UMass Amherst Research Continuity Fund, the Armstrong Graduate Research Grant Fund and the Armstrong Chancellor Professorships Award Fund. Each will underwrite research contributions for UMass Amherst. The funding will help graduate students access training and pursue dissertation research and retain tenured faculty. UMass Amherst faculty are routinely recruited by institutions in other countries. This will help combat the brain drain that U.S. universities are currently experiencing, the university said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graduate School Dean Jacqueline Urla called the influx of funds for graduate students a gamechanger. Like federal funding, graduate fellowship opportunities have been shrinking significantly. This generous research fund is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to help graduate students conduct the innovative research they came here to do. I could not be more thrilled. It will help us to attract the best and brightest students to our campus and launch them into successful careers, Urla said in a statement. The Armstrongs had previously donated $500,000 to the UMass Amherst Research Continuity Fund in April which was created to support ongoing vital research amid current and future federal funding interruptions, especially in health equity, climate change and gender-related issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have also donated to create the Armstrong Professional Development Professorship in 2001 and established the Armstrong Fund for Science in 2006 to identify and support promising research that doesnt have other funding. The two also created in 2014 with another family the Armstrong/Siadat Endowed Professorship in Materials Science, which is awarded to a researcher studying materials science. As a public, land-grant university, UMass Amherst has a duty to support research that will benefit our local communities, the commonwealth and the world, said Chancellor Javier A. Reyes in a statement. The Armstrongs commitments will enable us to build a stronger foundation for this work and reinforce the universitys mission to educate, innovate and produce new knowledge that serves the common good. More Higher Ed Read the original article on MassLive. Authorities have recovered the bodies of hundreds of people killed in a landslide at a remote mountainous village over the weekend in the western Sudanese region of Darfur, which is controlled by rebels. Ibrahim Suleiman, a senior official in the civilian administration of Daramo locality, where the village of Tarasin is located, reported in a video released by the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) on Thursday that 370 bodies had been recovered and buried. Many others remain trapped under debris or were swept away by floodwaters, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The August 31 landslide that followed days of heavy rainfall in Tarasin, in the Marrah Mountains, could have possibly killed as many as 1,000 people, Mohamed Abdel-Rahman al-Nair, a spokesperson for the SLM/A, which controls the region, previously told the AP news agency. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) had a similar death toll estimate, but said it was difficult to confirm the magnitude of the tragedy because the area is hard to reach. The UN has said that efforts have been mobilised to support the affected area, located more than 900 kilometres (560 miles) west of the capital, Khartoum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Nair said in a statement on Thursday that the landslide caused a catastrophic humanitarian situation that required a rapid response from the international community to provide food and shelter for those who have lost everything. The Marrah Mountains region is a volcanic area with a height of more than 3,000 metres (9,840 feet) at its summit. The mountain chain is a World Heritage Site and is known for its lower temperatures and higher rainfall than its surroundings, according to UNICEF. A small-scale landslide hit the area in 2018, killing at least 19 people and injuring dozens of others, according to the now-disbanded United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur. The tragedy comes amid the ongoing civil war that erupted in April 2023 in the capital city, Khartoum. The conflict spread across the country after simmering tensions escalated between the Sudanese army and its rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced some 12 million people. Famine has spread in parts of Darfur and southern Sudan, while cholera has affected large areas of the country, with Darfur hit hardest. Hundreds of children have been poisoned in Indonesia after consuming free school meals, pushing some parents to avoid a flagship scheme intended to eliminate hunger. In the largest mass-poisoning since the scheme launched in January, 400 people fell ill in Bengkulu, a province on the south-west coast of Sumatra island, with children as young as 12 being rushed to hospital. The incident is the latest blow to the flagship policy of President Prabawo Subianto, a former general who was sworn into power last October with an ambitious plan to fight stunting and malnutrition by feeding more than 80 million people this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Prabawo has said the initiative will turn the sprawling archipelago into a country free from poverty, free from hunger. But the policy, which has a hefty price tag of 121 trillion rupiah (5.5bn) in 2025 alone, has been beset by controversy. Credit: Reuters Demonstrations first erupted in February after it emerged ministries, including health and education, would suffer cuts of some 14bn to fund the meals. Protesters took to the streets with slogans like children eat for free, parents are laid off the lavish budget reinforced a sense of irresponsible government spending, despite high unemployment and a persistent wealth gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The quality of the programme itself is also under scrutiny. Photos show school meals stuffed with ultra-processed foods, including biscuits and burgers, while food poisoning has been such a major problem that some parents have started telling their children not to eat the free food. The trust from parents, because they keep on seeing children having food poisoning, has significantly dropped, Diah Saminarsih, founder and chief executive of the Centre for Indonesias Strategic Development Initiatives, told The Telegraph. Weve heard parents say that, although their children could eat from the free meals programme, [they now] just bring the food and drink from home instead, she said. A school official also told the BBC that some parents have started packing homemade lunches for children, to avoid them having to eat the free meals. The free school meals have been critised for including unhealthy junk food According to the local government in Bengkulu, more than 400 students fell ill and children as young as 12 were rushed to a local hospital complaining of stomach pains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The provinces vice governor said an investigation had been launched, and operations suspended at the kitchen supplying food. The incident is not an isolated case. There has been a spate of mass poisonings since the programme launched in January. Last month 365 people fell sick after eating free school meals in Central Java. Laboratory tests later linked the mass poisoning event to poor sanitation, according to local media. The main point is that its not just [happening here], Sigit Pamungkas, leader of the towns government, told Tempo newspaper at the time. He said the programme as a whole needs to be more stringent and more hygienic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Few dispute that nutrition is an important issue in Indonesia according to Unicef, the country is grappling with a triple burden of malnutrition. In 2023, 21.5 per cent of children were stunted while 4.2 per cent were overweight. Nutrient deficiencies are also significant, with a quarter of pregnant mothers and adolescent girls anaemic. The programme set out to combat these problems by providing healthy, free meals in schools across the vast country, which is home to some 285 million people across thousands of islands. Indonesias government wants to eliminate hunger by feeding millions of people - HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK/EPA/Shutterstock Led by the National Nutrition Agency, the initiative had a budget of 121 trillion rupiah (5.5bn) in 2025, rising to 225 trillion next year (10.1bn). This makes it one of the most expensive of its kind India spends 1.115bn a year to feed 120 million children a year, and Brazil spends roughly the same amount for some 40 million students. Indonesia has set up centralised kitchens called nutrition services provision centres, operated by third-party catering services and sometimes military bases. They are supposed to buy local ingredients and turn them into hearty school meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there has been criticism of the approach and rollout. We are at the point where we need to tackle nutrition issues but the mass distribution of meals is not quite the correct answer, said Ms Saminarsih, adding the universal programme would be better off using resources to focus on targeted help for the most vulnerable. Jimmy Berlianto, a senior research and policy analyst at the Centre for Indonesian Policy Studies, said that the governance has also been shaky at best, leaving the scheme open to abuse. In March, Indonesias anti-graft bureau flagged a real possibility of fraud, and there have already been investigations into embezzlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The implementation has been under the spotlight because of the poisoning, recurrent cases of ultra-processed foods, and also the corruption risks theres a lack of monitoring and transparency, combined with a massive budget, Mr Berlianto said. This has culminated in the perception the government is irresponsibly spending our tax money, so its inseparable from the current uproar. For more than a week, demonstrators have been taking to Jakartas streets, fuelled by anger over lavish perks for politicians in the worlds third largest democracy. The trigger was a newly proposed regulation that would give MPs a housing allowance of 50 million rupiahs (2,230) which enhanced a sense that those in power were enriching themselves and wasting tax payer money, at a time when youth unemployment has hit 16 per cent and the middle class is shrinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protests turned violent after a young motorbike taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, was killed when he was run over by a police vehicle. In all, at least 10 people have now died in rallies across the country and over 1,000 have been rushed to hospital, according to the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation. Protests over government spending turned violent in Jakarta - Willy Kurniawan/Reuters In an attempt to quell the anger, Mr Prabowo was forced to announce last weekend that politicians substantial perks, including housing and travel allowances, would be reviewed. But many protesters said the move did not go far enough. As well as economic and governance concerns, they have criticised the expanding role of the military in civilian government under Mr Prabowo, a former general and once son-in-law of Suharto, the deposed dictator. There are valid concerns regarding freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, said Mr Berlianto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: I think the recent uproar has shown there is a substantial proportion who are discontent with current socio-economic positions and view the government as fiscally irresponsible. This is also why the nutrition programme is under fire. There are concerns about the opportunity cost not only the poisoning, which is a very real health risk, or because ultra-processed foods counter what it seeks to achieve. But because other education and health programmes will be cut to fund this. Mr Berlianto said that its not yet clear what specifically has been cut, but called for the expansion of the school meals programme to be paused while stronger food standards and governance systems are put in place. Monitoring has been weak, and poisoning incidents are the tip of the iceberg, he said. I think at the core of it, the governance solutions in place are not ready yet to establish the programme at this scale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said the Space Command is made up of about 1,400 workers and those who choose to make the move to Madison County will arrive incrementally over the next five years. The transition could also mean jobs for workers who are already at the Space Command in Colorado. If 50% of the workforce decides to move to Huntsville, that still leaves 700 jobs. 700 jobs that will be filled by Huntsville. Whether its a badge swap or whether its somebody looking to enter their second career, or somebody who is local coming out of the four-year colleges or two-year institutions. All those people have opportunity, said Mayor Battle. Matthew Perrys death: Ketamine Queen pleads guilty to selling actor fatal dose Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Battle said Huntsville and surrounding communities have been investing in the roads. Right now, about $280 million worth of road updates are underway and more are planned for the future. Money has been put toward housing developments, infrastructure and quality of life projects. Growth is something we look at very closely. said Mayor Battle. On Redstone Arsenal, leaders have chosen the land where space command facilities will be constructed. In the meantime, buildings have been set aside for the first workers, who will arrive soon. Construction is expected to take about 18 to 24 months. That command can theoretically be operational here very, very quickly and under the three-year timeline easily, said Redstone Arsenal Deputy Garrison Commander Martin Traylor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traylor said the move to the arsenal will bring space command workers next door to agencies they already work with. They can literally go down the street and see the people face to face. And its hard to, you know, to put a price on the relationship factor of leadership like that. So, its going to have a tremendous impact, I think, on the national security and the operational level of that command being here, said Traylor. Officials say Space Command in Huntsville will be operational in under 3 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 CBS 42. HONOLULU (KHON2) As Hurricane Kiko inches toward the islands, the storm is expected to lose some traction once it crosses into the Central Pacific Basin. 8 essential tips for your hurricane emergency kit Kiko is now a Category 3 storm, moving toward Hawaii at 9 mph with consistent winds at approximately 125 mph. Some strengthening is possible tonight and Friday, followed by slow weakening Friday night through the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When will Hurricane Kiko cross into the central Pacific? The hurricane is expected to enter the Central Pacific Basin tomorrow, Sept. 5, which contains colder water than the part of the Pacific Kiko is coming from. As he crosses into and through the basin, experts forecast that he will weaken down to a Category 3, and eventually Categories 2 and 1 if he makes landfall. These tips will save you time, your pets life in a hurricane While the exact path and timeline of the storm is not exact, once Hurricane Kiko makes his way fully into the Central Pacific Basin, experts will have a much clearer idea as to his path and lifespan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should Hurricane Kiko make contact with Hawaii, effects would peak from Monday, Sept. 8 through Wednesday, Sept. 10. If he takes a northerly path, effects include a halt to the high pressure system and trade winds, and of course wet weather. For continued coverage on Hurricane Kiko, stick with Hawaiis weather team of Brittni Friedlander, Justin Cruz and Kamaka Pili as the trio covers Kikos path daily on KHON2. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Immigration agents this week arrested at least two people in the vicinity of the countys domestic violence-focused courthouse, sparking fears that the enforcement action would have a chilling effect on people seeking orders of protection and other forms of help at the downtown courthouse. The presence at the facility at 555 W. Harrison St. came as local residents and politicians are bracing for a surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Chicago while officials forecast a possible monthlong operation. Its an affront to all the work this country has done over the last 40 years to ensure that victims of domestic violence and sexual assault have access to justice, said Amanda Pyron, president & CEO of The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence. Theres no other result to an action like this but a deterrent to victims seeking the safety and justice they deserve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cook County Public Defenders Office confirmed to the Tribune that two clients were arrested by immigration agents, a 41-year-old woman on Wednesday and a 40-year-old man on Monday. Officials said they were still gathering information, but said the woman had no criminal background and was not a risk to the public. The woman who was arrested had been charged with two misdemeanor counts of domestic battery, but the charges were dropped on Wednesday, according to court records. When you have this presence you are instilling this culture of fear that is not well tailored, is not just about the quote, unquote bad guys it is about forcing the withdrawal of all people from the criminal legal system, said Cook County Public Defender Sharone R. Mitchell, Jr. What is happening right now has far ranging impacts. ICE has not responded to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courthouse in the West Loop serves as a dedicated hub not only for judges to hear criminal cases involving family and gender-based violence but also for people to secure orders of protection. Two workers at the courthouse told the Tribune they saw people they believed to be agents in plain clothes around the building on Wednesday. Tessa Kuipers, who works at an organization that offers support in the courthouse, said she saw three suspected officers in the back parking lot. We had to call all of our clients that were scheduled to come to court to let them know to make a decision for their safety, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As word of the federal agents spread, advocates went to the courthouse to pass around literature to educate people of their rights. They also sought to inform people who may be fearful to come to the courthouse that there are remote options for people seeking orders of protection, as they can appear before a judge via a video call. Theres a lot of concerned citizens and concerned neighbors that want to make sure that were showing up when ICE is here, said Rachel Cohen, 31, who stood outside the courthouse to warn people of potential ICE activity on Wednesday and Thursday. Because we dont want ICE in our city. People can call the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-877-863-6338 to get information and be connected to legal advocates. Historically, courthouses and specifically family courthouses were not prioritized for ICE presence and so this has been a change of policy in the last few months, said Margaret Duval, executive director at Ascend Justice. The reason it was a place that ICE would typically not go to was you want people to be able to come to court without fear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrests arrived amid heightened tensions between the city and state and President Donald Trump, who has called Chicago a hellhole and threatened to send the National Guard to address violence, though violent crime has fallen in Chicago in recent years. A federal judge in California also ruled that the administration is prohibited from using the National Guard and military personnel there for law enforcement activities. But local officials are preparing for a beefed-up federal immigration presence throughout September. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has said the Trump administration is staging military vehicles on federal property, including at the Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, as state officials have heard from representatives within the administration that it planned to soon send agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to assist ICE agents in Chicago. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials who are carrying out Donald Trumps bigoted anti-immigrant crackdown may soon have access to previously banned spy tools that foreign governments have used to target journalists and political dissidents. The Trump administration this week reactivated a contract with Paragon Solutions, a spyware company that had its federal contract put on hold last year due to restrictions the Biden administration imposed on the use of commercial spyware that had a record of being deployed in repressive ways abroad. A federal procurement form, posted via journalist Jack Poulsons All-Source Intelligence newsletter this week, shows the Trump administrations instructions to lift the stop work order on a $2 million contract with Paragon. Paragons technology allows users to surveil targets through various methods, like hacking encrypted message platforms or turning targets phones into listening devices. Earlier this year, officials in Italys right-wing government decided to sever ties with the company after reports that its tools had been used to target journalists and pro-immigrant advocates two groups that Trump and his administration have attacked in a number of ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As The Washington Post notes: Although it has held itself out as a more ethical version of NSO Group, the U.S.-banned maker of Pegasus phone spyware, Paragon drew criticism this year after traces of its powerful Graphite tool were found on the devices of Italian journalists, advocates for migrants, and associates of Pope Francis. During a government inquiry that followed, Italian officials acknowledged responsibility for some but not all of the breaches. Paragon then said it had stopped working with Italian government agencies. Earlier this year, Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp also sent a cease-and-desist letter to Paragon over allegations the latter had targeted dozens of WhatsApp users, including journalists. The Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto also compiled a report on the numerous controversies surrounding Paragon, which you can read here. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to MSNBCs request for comment. Paragon, which does not publicly list contact information, did not respond to a recent request for comment from Bloomberg News, but the executive chairman for its U.S. division previously told the outlet that it is deeply committed to following all US laws and regulations. Its unclear what services ICE intends to have Paragon provide under the agreement. But the potential for the Trump administration which has threatened people who report on ICEs activities, has condemned groups that provide aid to immigrants and has openly targeted immigrants for their political views to wield anything even resembling Paragons Graphite technology against U.S. residents is raising alarms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Post article notes the deal has frightened experts and other observers who are worried about what it could mean for the future of civil rights under Trump. This quote from Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon just about sums up those concerns: ICE is already shredding due process and ruining lives in its rush to lock up kids, cooks and firefighters who pose no threat to anyone, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) wrote in an email, adding that he had asked ICE for a briefing. Im extremely concerned about how ICE will use Paragons spyware to further trample on the rights of Americans and anyone who Donald Trump labels as an enemy. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The IDF's 810th Mountain Brigade was formed a year ago, and has been operating against terror infrastructure in Lebanon's Mount Dov and Syria's Mount Hermon summit. Israel's 810th Mountain Brigade, which has operated from within Syria and Lebanon, celebrated the anniversary of its establishment on Thursday. The brigade has completed "dozens of operations" in the Syrian Golan Heights, including the summit of Mount Hermon, and the Lebanese Mount Dov area over the past year, the military noted. In Lebanon, the brigade was responsible for dismantling terrorist infrastructure, including underground tunnel routes, and seizing numerous weapons, the military confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One such operation in Lebanon included raids on compounds used by Hezbollah's Radwan Force in October 2024. An additional operation occured in November 2024, when the brigade identified and dismantled an Iranian-made cannon on Mount Dov pointed towards Israel. Munitions seized by the IDF's 810th Mountain Brigade in Syria, Lebanon, September 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) Also in November, they raided the Lebanese village of Chebaa, discovering and dismantling Hezbollah rocket launch infrastructure, weapons, and intelligence assets. In Syria, they acted as the leads in the IDF's positioning at the summit of Mount Hermon, and have continued defensive and operational activities in the area since, the military added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, they raided Assad-era compounds in an effort to prevent attempts to smuggle weapons. Then, in August, they conducted similar raids on command outposts on the slopes of Mount Hermon in Syria, confiscating over 300 weapons. Soldiers from the IDF's 810th Mountain Brigade operate in Syria's Mount Hermon summit, September 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) Brigade to remain in buffer zone, Katz says On August 26, Defense Minister Israel Katz said that troops, including the brigade, will remain at the peak of Mount Hermon due to threats from Syria. We will continue to protect the Druze in Syria as well, he added. The article is based on numerous inaccuracies, and the claims made in the article reflect a misunderstanding of the detention procedures in Israel, Shoshani stated. Most Gazan suspects detained by Israel were found to be involved in terrorist activity after interrogation, the IDF's international spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Nadav Shoshani argued on X/Twitter on Thursday, disputing a Guardian report that claimed only a quarter were actually "fighters." The report said that 75% of Israeli prisoners were non-combatants, including elderly women with Alzheimers, medical workers, and children. Those who were not found to be involved in terrorist activities were not classified as unlawful combatants and were released back to Gaza, Shoshani stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Guardian article, which cites classified data and soldier testimony, stated the Sde Teiman military base had so many sick and elderly detainees that they were kept in their own hangar, called the geriatric pen. Protesters wave Israeli flags outside the Sde Teiman detention facility, after Israeli Military Police arrived at the site as part of an investigation into suspected abuse of a Palestinian detainee, near Beersheba in southern Israel, July 29, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/Jill Gralow) Gazan detainee with Alzheimer's The article highlighted the case of Faheema Saeed al-Kaldi Khalil, an 82-year-old woman with Alzheimer's who was reported separated from her children and jailed for six weeks. According to the IDF, Khalil was arrested by Israeli forces and released after receiving a temporary detention order. Her detention was based on specific intelligence concerning her personally; however, in light of her current condition, the detention was not appropriate and was the result of a local, isolated error in judgment, the military stated, adding that after her release, the IDF implemented guidelines regarding the detention of elderly individuals. The article is based on numerous inaccuracies, and the claims made in the article reflect a misunderstanding of the detention procedures in Israel, Shoshani stated. While residents of the sector were forced to break their Ramadan fast with the scraps left by Hamas, the organizations leaders were celebrating in the tunnels with a grand feast, Adraee said. The IDF on Thursday published photos showing Hamas Rafah Brigade commander Muhammad Shabana dining underground with fellow operatives in March, weeks before he was killed in a targeted strike in Khan Yunis. According to the IDF, the images were recovered at the site of the May 13 airstrike that eliminated Shabana and senior Hamas figure Mohammed Sinwar beneath Gazas European Hospital. They depict Shabana and other operatives enjoying a Ramadan iftar meal inside a tunnel, with platters of falafel, grilled meats, fish, vegetables, flatbreads, and fried foods. Additional photos show him eating with his family during the past year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luxurious breakfast and lavish meals during the war: This is what the life of the terrorist commander of Hamas Rafah Brigade looked like over the past year, wrote Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDFs Arabic-language spokesperson, on X. He added that while residents of the sector were forced to break their Ramadan fast with the scraps left by Hamas, the organizations leaders were celebrating in the tunnels with a grand feast. Adraee further accused Hamas of manipulating public opinion. With one hand, Hamas runs a media campaign about starvation in the sector, and with the other, it plunders food to feed its leaders and their families. Time and againthe images, unlike Hamas and its mouthpieces in the media, do not lie, he said. Shabana, who took command of the Rafah Brigade during the 2014 Gaza war after the killing of three senior commanders, oversaw four battalions, including the Nukhba unit that spearheaded the October 7 massacre in southern Israel. He had previously survived multiple assassination attempts, including during the IDFs ground operation in Rafah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His death came in a complex strike involving more than 50 precision munitions dropped in under 30 seconds, designed to destroy Hamas underground command site without disrupting the hospital above. Israel confirmed the deaths of Shabana and Sinwar three weeks after the operation. Study by Israeli academics argues claims of genocide in Gaza based on flawed data The release of the photos came one day after a study conducted by Israeli academics argued that claims of genocide in Gaza are based on flawed data and ultimately undermine international law. The report, released by Bar-Ilan Universitys Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, said, Those who accuse Israel of genocide erroneously suggest that most civilian casualties in Gaza were entirely unjustified from a military standpoint, portraying those cases in which deaths do seem unjustified not as outliers but as part of a broader, systematic, and deliberate policy of extermination by the IDF. The small number of instances involving persuasive supportive evidence of intentional killings by military personnel does not support this accusation. The researchers extensively examined Hamas tactics, arguing that the group consistently employs Gazan civilians as human shields to deliberately increase casualties and, in turn, amplify international pressure on Israel. They described Hamass tunnel network as spanning over 500 kilometers and includ[ing] 5,700 connective shafts, all integrated into the civilian infrastructure of the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas and criminal gangs associated with it hijacked 85% of all the trucks entering the Strip with food, water, medicine, and other humanitarian items. TPS-IL learned that Hamas granted distribution lines to these groups to ensure that humanitarian aid exclusively reaches Hamas. In return, these gangs receive money, food, and vouchers. Hamas also pays these gangs $10,000 a month to maintain checkpoints. 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, about 20 are believed to be alive. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced an intensely critical committee of senators from both parties on Thursday, in a hostile hearing that saw him come in for a grilling on many of his signature policies. The hearing comes after weeks of controversy surrounding Kennedys actions as the nations top health official. Kennedys handling of vaccinations and his departmental firings have earned the ire of a bipartisan group of legislators. In early August, Kennedy cut $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts. Three weeks later, Kennedy moved to fire Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez for reportedly failing to get in line with his vaccine restrictions, leading a rash of resignations of high-profile doctors and researchers. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., said he was deeply concerned with Kennedys anti-vaccine actions since becoming Health Secretary in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In your confirmation hearings, you promised to uphold the highest standards for vaccines, Barrasso said. Since then, Ive grown deeply concerned. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy trapped Kennedy with a line of questioning about President Donald Trumps 2020 COVID-19 response plan, Operation Warp Speed. The former physician said the rapid development of a vaccine for the then novel coronavirus was an incredible accomplishment, while calling for a Nobel Prize for Trump. We saved millions of lives globally, trillions of dollars. We reopened the economies, Cassidy said. Kennedy agreed with Cassidys assessment, calling the operation phenomenal. Then, Cassidy turned the tables on the secretary. He asked why Kennedy had claimed the vaccine killed more people than COVID and questioned his involvement in lawsuits to limit the use of the vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You engaged in multiple lawsuits attempting to restrict access to the COVID vaccine. Again, it surprises me that you think so highly of Operation Warp Speed when, as an attorney, you attempted to restrict access, Cassidy said. Is this a question, Sen. Cassidy, or is this a speech you dont want me to answer? Kennedy replied. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., used his time to point out multiple contradictory statements Kennedy made involving his role at the Department of Health and Human Services, his vaccine policies and his firing of Dr. Monarez. Tillis quoted Kennedys praise of Monarez earlier this year while asking about her ouster. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. I dont see how you go over four weeks from public health expert with unimpeachable scientific credentials, a long time champion of MAHA values, caring and compassionate, and brilliant microbiologist,' Tillis said, to four weeks later, fire herbecause she refused to fire people who worked for her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats had their turn with Kennedy, as well, and took the opportunity to hurl insults and accuse Kennedy of gross incompetence. Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington called Kennedy a charlatan, and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren accused him of lying about his intentions during his confirmation hearing. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., questioned Kennedys intelligence during a heated discussion on the total number of COVID deaths and the effectiveness of the vaccine. When Kennedy refused to agree with Warners assertion that a million Americans died from COVID, the senator blew up. You have had this job for eight months and you dont know the data about whether the vaccine saved lives, he said. How can you be so ignorant? The post How can you be so ignorant?: RFK Jr. called charlatan during bipartisan Senate grilling appeared first on Salon.com. (The Center Square) An Illinois congresswoman says students failure to learn basic reading and math has major economic consequences. During a hearing of the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforces Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, lawmakers and witnesses discussed science-based literacy and a back-to-the-basics approach for reading and math. Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland, said large portions of the population are functionally illiterate and cannot perform basic arithmetic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is happening all over the country, all over Illinois, but it is epidemic in Chicago, where our brown and Black children live. The schools are failing them, and we are spending so much money, Miller said. Miller referred to Douglass Academy High School in Chicago, which received nearly $94,000 per pupil last year, but no students met proficiency standards in reading. Citing data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress report card, Miller said only 30% of Illinois fourth graders met or exceeded reading proficiency standards. The congresswoman said illiteracy and the inability to do arithmetic contribute to larger problems as children become teenagers and adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lack of reading and math proficiency puts tremendous strain on the economy as billions of dollars are lost each year through decreased productivity and workforce inefficiencies, Miller said. Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley told Miller that schools have been asked to do too much. Theyve been asked to take the place of the family, take the place of the church, take the place of the hospital, take the place of the supermarket. They were never ordained to do those things, Brumley explained. According to the Nations Report Card, Louisiana fourth graders literacy ranking improved from 50th in 2019 to 16th in 2024. Illinois ranked 31st last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Education Recovery Scorecard ranked Louisiana first among U.S. states for reading recovery and second for math between 2019 and 2024. Illinois ranked 15th in reading recovery and ninth in math. The Illinois Policy Institute recently found that Illinois education budget increased by nearly $4 billion over the last decade, while the number of students enrolled in the states public schools decreased by about 177,000 during the same period. Illinois education budget for the 2025-26 school year is a record-high $11.2 billion. ALAMEDA, Calif. (KRON) Police in Alameda broke up a suspected illegal gambling operation. Two people have been arrested. KRON4 spoke with people who live in the neighborhood where the bust took place. On Tuesday morning, Alameda police seized nearly 10 illegal slot machines, gaming tables, cash, drug paraphernalia, and two firearms including an assault rifle. Everything was found inside a home in Alamedas West End neighborhood, near Webster Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fearing for their life: Oakland security guard fires at masked suspects, leads to crash in Hayward, police say Its quiet, said Alameda resident Justin Brown. Theres a farmers market on the other side of the block; I grew up on the other side of the town. Brown says this crime is a far cry from the area he knows and enjoys. I was pretty surprised, Brown added. I didnt know anything about or see anything going on our block. Other Alameda residents say there are even more serious crimes the city should be worried about. I think the things that are more concerning to a lot of people in this neighborhood are like ram-raids. Thats more concerning, said one Alameda mother. We had the local fair recently get ram-raided. I didnt even hear about this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to those concerns, Alameda Police Chief Nishant Joshi says all crimes are taken seriously by the department. That type of activity brings other criminal activity, things as little as blight all the way up to violence, Chief Joshi said. Assault, deadly shooting happened within hours on same Emeryville block: police Alameda police arrested two suspects in connection to Tuesdays illegal gambling den. The good thing is that we know this gambling den hasnt been up no more than a couple of months, Chief Joshi said. Joshi says neighborhood support is what helps solve crimes. There were people who came out and voluntarily provided information, so that tells me this community is committed to public safety as just as much as the Alameda Police Department is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation is still ongoing. The case is now in the hands of the district attorneys office, which will determine what charges, if any, will be filed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO Amid growing angst, anxiety and even annoyance over the continued sketchy details surrounding the Trump administrations threats to deploy forces into Chicago, Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday said he expects federal agents to assemble here by the end of the week, and suburban officials have been told to expect about 300 immigration agents to be sent to the area as part of increased operations. They havent confirmed any of that to us, but what were hearing is that theyll be assembled, ready to go on Friday, and that they will begin actions on Saturday, Pritzker said, referring to possible additional immigration enforcement in the Chicago area. Pritzkers latest comments came after President Donald Trump once again said he wanted the two-term governor to ask him to send in the National Guard to help stem crime in Chicago a move Pritzker has repeatedly vowed he would not do, arguing its unnecessary and an authoritarian move to put troops on the streets of the nations third-largest city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump has said the issue of sending troops to Chicago isnt political, his campaign team sent out a fundraising email Wednesday stating, WERE GOING INTO CHICAGO and declaring as breaking news, CHICAGO WILL BE LIBERATED. The email sought donations of as little as $15 to join the MAGA Blitz and say: LIBERATE CHICAGO SAVE AMERICA STAND WITH TRUMP! The Radical Left Governors and Mayors of crime ridden cities dont want to stop the radical crime. I wish theyd just give me a call. Id gain respect for them, Trump was quoted in the email from his political team. This isnt a political thing; We have the right to do it because I HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO KEEP AMERICA SAFE! During his comments in Washington, Trump claimed Chicagoans want him to send the National Guard into the city and that politicians who oppose such a move, including Pritzker, are out of tune with their constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Trump attempted to lure Pritzker into asking for the presidents help, he did find another governor Louisiana Republican Gov. Jeff Landry asking for federal assistance, with Trump pivoting to say he might send Guard troops to New Orleans. The move appeared to be aimed at cutting into the criticism from Democratic governors that the White House was only focusing on blue states. We have a great thing going. I could do that with Chicago. We could do that with New York. We could do it with Los Angeles, Trump said. So were 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? Pritzker, a 2028 presidential aspirant, maintained on Wednesday that he thought the Trump administration was staging the Texas National Guard for deployment in Illinois, even after a report from the Houston Chronicle on Tuesday said Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts office had denied that claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not suggesting that I am absolutely certain of whether or not the Texas National Guard will, in fact, end up in the state of Illinois. What I know is that weve been told by people who seem to have the credentials to know, Pritzker said Wednesday at the Metropolitan Peace Academy on the Lower West Side. The governor also reiterated that the state cannot stand in the way of federal law enforcement. Its not like were going to have armed men standing in between, he said, but rather, the state could combat potential illegal actions in court. As the politicians spoke with reporters, local law enforcement near the Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, which is expected to act as the nerve center for the federal effort, met with federal authorities who on Wednesday morning briefed them on the roughly 300 agents arrival and the potential for the National Guards deployment, according to Gregory Jackson, chief of staff for North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr. The citys police chief, Laz Perez, was among those in attendance, Jackson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, Rockingham and Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham said they are taking steps to ensure the safety of people in their communities, where there is fear of family separation in mixed families where some members are documented and others are not. I dont believe that a time has come in our country where the National Guard and ICE are coming into our community to basically scare the Latino population, Rockingham said. I didnt think our country would ever get to that point. The officers will stay in hotels in Waukegan, Gurnee and possibly other area communities. National Guard troops will be used as they were in Los Angeles to protect federal buildings, Jackson said. Federal buildings in the area include the Navy base, the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center and an FBI firing range in North Chicago, as well as a U.S. Social Security Office in Waukegan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with representatives of law enforcement from neighboring communities, Jackson said U.S. Navy personnel and naval police were at the briefing, as well as representatives of ICE, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. With the naval base in North Chicago becoming a focal point of the federal effort, Illinois U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, both Democrats, said they had requested a meeting with the secretary of the Navy about Trumps plan to use Naval Station Great Lakes to house ICE officers. Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, also demanded the committees chair schedule a hearing on Trumps threats to deploy the military to Chicago and other American cities, according to his office. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News on Wednesday that he thought a federal judges ruling this week that found the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles to be unconstitutional would be overturned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Trump sent more than 2,000 Guard members to California following protests over stepped-up immigration enforcement actions. But a federal judge in California on Tuesday issued an injunction that prohibits the Trump administration from using federalized National Guard troops and military personnel in that state for law enforcement activities. Hegseth touted the cooperation the Trump administration has received from Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser as the right kind of collaboration with state, local, city law enforcement and called it a template for other cities. But the District of Columbia is not a state. Rather, it is a federal district where Trump has greater latitude than he does in dealing with state governors and state sovereignty. Hegseth declined to provide a timeline for potential Guard intervention in Chicago, saying that the decision lies with the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether its Chicago or Baltimore or New Orleans, wherever it is, we will be proud to partner with law enforcement that will partner with us. But, as the president has said, he wants governors to invite us in. And, unfortunately, you have got some governors that arent willing to do that in Illinois and Maryland, Hegseth said. Pritzker on Wednesday said he thought the president might be floating actions in the more Trump-friendly state of Louisiana in response to Tuesdays court ruling. The governor also suggested the administration was pushing for him to call the president in order to help in possible future litigation. Hes going to end up in court, Pritzker said, and that will be a fact that they will use in court, that the governor called to ask for help, and Im sorry, Im not going to provide him with evidence to support his desire to have the court rule in his favor. _____ Steve Sadin is a freelance reporter. _____ President Donald Trump says he wants to send more National Guard troops into big cities like Chicago to curb violence and protect public safety. But Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker told Katie Couric that this plan isnt really about crime its about conditioning the public. The short-term aim is to get everybody comfortable with the idea that American troops could be in American cities, he tells Katie. Its unconstitutional. Its un-American. The Trump administration hasnt offered much clarity on what a National Guard presence in the Windy City would actually look like or if it will even happen. (Trump has also floated New Orleans as another target.) Pressed on Tuesday about his earlier vow to send troops, Trump doubled down: Were going in, he told reporters, though he quickly added, I didnt say when. A day later, Vice President JD Vance tried to tamp things down, saying there were no immediate plans for a deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Pritzker said Wednesday at a press conference that state officials have been told the Guard will be assembled, ready to go by Friday, with ICE ramping up operations in the city beginning the following day. And in another move that raised eyebrows, the Pentagon cleared Naval Station Great Lakes for ICE operations targeting undocumented immigrants. That same base could also be used as a staging ground for National Guard or even active-duty troops if Trump orders a surge something hes already done this summer in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. President Trump visits the U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility in Washington, D.C., after deploying federal officers and the National Guard. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) In response to such moves, Pritzker has called the plan nefarious, arguing that the use of ICE is really about intimidation. What theyre trying to do is scare people and entire communities, he told Katie, warning it could provoke violence. If you care about the future of the country and see immigrants your neighbors and friends being abused on the streets, its natural to want to protect them. But if you interfere, you can be arrested. So whats Pritzkers plan? Illinois, he says, is ready to fight in court. And if that doesnt work, hes calling on residents to document whats happening and make their voices heard on the streets and at the ballot box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People need to show up and actually express themselves, he said, adding, were going to do everything we can at the local level to protect the vote in Illinois. But he stopped short of endorsing the kind of aggressive redistricting plans recently pursued in states like California and New York in response to Texass move. This is not something I think the country should be doing this kind of mid-decade stealing of districts that Donald Trump is trying to push, Pritzker told Katie. We should stop that at all costs. Meanwhile, if he goes down that road, and it spreads beyond Texas and California, then well obviously have to stand up for democracy and do whatever it takes. Illinois doesnt have any legal bars to redistricting, but I dont think its proper for states to use that power. His comments highlight a larger divide among Democrats: While some argue that matching Trumps tactics may be necessary to preserve power, others like Pritzker warn it would undermine the partys broader claim to defend democratic norms. Instead, the Illinois governor said hed like to see a a federal law establishing independent commissions that would take redistricting out of the hands of partisan legislatures, with the aim of curbing gerrymandering nationwide. Want to hear more about how hes responding to Trumps attacks on Chicago and if hes considering a run for president? Check out the full interview below. The post Illinois Gov. Pritzker Says Trumps Troop Plan Is Unconstitutional and Un-American appeared first on Katie Couric Media. Madigan attempts another appeal Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is making another attempt to stay out of prison. Madigan filed a motion Thursday asking the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals to stay his surrender date, pending appeal of his conviction on 10 counts of corruption earlier this year. The former speaker and Democratic Party of Illinois chairman is scheduled to begin serving a 7.5 year prison term Oct. 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man sentenced for child sexual exploitation A federal judge has sentenced an Aurora man to 34 years in prison and a lifetime of court-supervised release for enticing children to produce sexually-explicit images of themselves. Prosecutors say Richard Barnett, 46, falsely claimed to be 12 or 13 years old when he contacted girls online and threatened some of them with physical harm if they did not comply with his demands. If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to missingkids.org or calling 1-800-843-5678. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prison mail scanning rules proposed The Illinois Department of Corrections has implemented new rules to allow the implementation of electronic mail processing for inmates. A Joint Committee on Administrative Rules hearing is scheduled Sept. 16 on the emergency amendments IDOC filed last month. The John Howard Association expressed deep concern about the move and said evidence of mail-scanning efficacy is lacking. Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, the Mexican national at the center of the prosecution of Judge Hannah Dugan, pleaded guilty on Sept. 4 to illegally re-entering the U.S. after being deported. In his plea agreement, Flores-Ruiz, 32, agreed to be deported at the end of any prison term he receives. His sentencing was set for Oct. 29 before U.S. District Judge Pamela Pepper. Flores-Ruiz still faces three counts of misdemeanor battery in state court. He is accused of hitting his roommate more than two dozen times in the head and choking him for several seconds, according to the criminal complaint. Two women who tried to intervene were also hit by Flores-Ruiz, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flores-Ruiz is scheduled to appear in state court Sept. 8. His trial in that case is set for Oct. 13. His case set off a chain of events this spring that resulted in Dugan's prosecution. Flores-Ruiz was set to appear in Dugan's courtroom on April 18 for a hearing on the battery charges. Six federal officers were in the hallway waiting to arrest him on an immigration warrant. Dugan directed the officers to the chief judge's office, surveillance video shows. When Flores-Ruiz arrived, Dugan directed him out of her courtroom through a door not generally used by the public that led to the main hallway. He was arrested a short time later outside the courthouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dugan herself was arrested by FBI agents on April 25 at the courthouse and charged with obstructing federal officers for allegedly helping Flores-Ruiz elude them. Dugan, who is suspended from the bench, is set to go to trial Dec. 15. Eduardo Flores Ruiz, pictured at right walking, comes to court on April 18, 2025, with his attorney Mercedes de la Rosa. Seating is a federal agent on hand to arrest Flores-Ruiz. Clash between Trump, judges came to boil in Milwaukee The case against Dugan is at the forefront of a clash between judges and the Trump administration as it conducts a crackdown on undocumented immigrants. As federal immigration officers execute Trump's immigration enforcement agenda, some local prosecutors have voiced concern that immigrants charged with crimes in Wisconsin could be deported before they stand trial or serve their sentences. Milwaukee County Deputy District Attorney Jeffrey Altenburg said prosecutors are prepared to go for trial in Flores-Ruiz's battery case Oct. 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office will be prepared to try that case on that day if Mr. Flores-Ruiz does not wish to resolve his case short of trial," Altenburg wrote in an email. Flores-Ruiz admits to entering U.S. after being deported In court on Sept. 4, Flores-Ruiz admitted in federal court that he crossed into the U.S. after being deported from Arizona to Mexico in January 2013. It was unclear when Flores-Ruiz arrived in Milwaukee. Speaking through a translator, he said he worked at a restaurant until the day he was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents outside the county courthouse. Flores-Ruiz said he was not married, had no children and had completed the sixth grade growing up in Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no indication that Flores-Ruiz had been convicted of any crimes since being in the U.S., but Pepper said that would be determined in the pre-sentencing report. Flores-Ruiz faces a maximum of two years in prison on the felony re-entry charge. Under the sentencing guidelines, he is likely to face up to six months behind bars. By late October, Flores-Ruiz already will have been behind bars for six months, meaning he could receive credit for time served and officials could move to deport him right away, pending the outcome in his state case. Contact John Diedrich at (414) 224-2408 or jdiedrich@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Immigrant at center of Judge Hannah Dugan case agrees to be deported MADISON, Wis. (AP) An immigrant who allegedly evaded federal agents with the help of a Milwaukee County judge pleaded guilty Thursday to being in the U.S. illegally. Federal prosecutors charged Eduardo Flores-Ruiz in April with reentering the country illegally after being deported. He faces up to two years in prison when he's sentenced and agreed to be deported whenever he is released, according to a summary of the plea deal he reached with prosecutors. Online court records did not list a sentencing date. His attorney, Martin J. Pruhs, didn't immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press on Thursday afternoon seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Flores-Ruiz first entered the United States illegally near Nogales, Arizona, in January 2013. He was arrested the next day and deported. He subsequently returned to the U.S. without permission and was charged this past March in Milwaukee with misdemeanor domestic battery. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents learned Flores-Ruiz was in the country after the Milwaukee County jail submitted his fingerprints to federal databases. Agents traveled to the county courthouse on April 18, planning to arrest him as he appeared for a hearing in the case. Judge Hannah Dugan, who was presiding over the battery case, learned that agents were in the building looking for Flores-Ruiz. According to an FBI affidavit, witnesses heard Dugan say something to the effect of wait, come with me to Flores-Ruiz and his attorney before showing them out a courtroom door typically used only by deputies, jurors, court staff and in-custody defendants. Flores-Ruiz made his way outside the building, but agents captured him following a foot chase. The FBI arrested Dugan in April and a federal grand jury indicted her weeks later on charges of obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. The state Supreme Court suspended her from the bench after her arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dugan has argued that she was acting in her official capacity as a judge and is therefore immune from prosecution. Shes set to stand trial in December and faces up to six years in prison if convicted on both counts. Dugan's arrest and indictment intensified a clash between President Donald Trump's administration and local authorities over the Republican's sweeping immigration crackdown. Democrats accused the Trump administration of trying to make an example of Dugan to blunt judicial opposition to the crackdown. Flores-Ruiz still faces three misdemeanor counts of domestic battery in Milwaukee County. He is set to stand trial in that case on Oct. 13. The newly appointed senior military officer of the U.S. Navy released objectives for the service that he intends to accomplish during his term. Adm. Daryl Caudle, who became the 34th chief of naval operations on Aug. 25, outlined his priorities in a Navy administrative message, as well as a graphic uploaded to X. We stand at an inflection point an era marked by great power competition, proliferating threats, rapid technological convergence and an increasingly contested maritime domain, Caudle said in the X post. To prevail we must build and sustain a Navy that is ready to fight and win today, tomorrow and well into the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caudle said the Navy will invest in unaccompanied and family housing for sailors, as well as the Basic Allowance for Housing authority to ensure housing is clean, comfortable and safe, according to the administrative message. Caudle also noted efforts to improve food service by delivering healthy meal options, as well as reduce the number of uniforms, improve cell service and deliver free Wi-Fi to all barracks, streamline information sharing so that everything pertinent resides in one place on the NAVADMIN website, and ensure sailors receive the correct amount of pay. Newest chief of naval operations assumes responsibilities In a graphic uploaded to X, Caudle broke down his vision for the Navy as one focused on the foundry, the fleet and the fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foundry, as he described it, enables naval power through shore infrastructure, maintenance depots, schoolhouses, industrial base, and intellectual capital. For the Navy to remain a powerful fighting force, its imperative to operationalize readiness and accelerate shipbuilding and repair at scale, according to Caudle. The fleet, the X post lays out, is made up of the vessels and sailors that steer them. Caudle described a continued focus on an all-domain fleet that combines surface, air, undersea, cyber and space capabilities. And for fight, the goal is to maintain the Navys lethality by leveraging new technologies like artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, according to Caudle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caudle signed off by listing tenets that will act as barometers of his success as CNO when his time is up: platforms delivered and repaired on time, fully manned ships ready for combat, ordnance production fulfilling demands, zero backlogs for repair parts and sailors properly trained. I am proud to serve alongside you Americas Sailors as we embark on this next chapter in our Navys history, Caudle said. KANSAS CITY, Mo. An Independence, Missouri, woman pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday for taking part in a national fraud scheme. Cathy M. Kelley, 69, pleaded guilty to knowingly receiving stolen government money. Spire to increase rates by $210 million in October. Heres what that means Kelley admitted that, in September 2020, she received $59,900 in Economic Injury Disaster Loan proceeds from the U.S. Small Business Administration after another individual submitted a fraudulent application requesting the funds. Kelley used the stolen funds to purchase personal items and make large cash withdrawals, the DOJ said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelley also admitted that, in 2020 and 2021, she knowingly received stolen unemployment benefits from the State of Washington, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, State of Colorado, State of Florida, State of Kansas, State of California and State of Nevada. As part of her plea agreement, Kelley admitted that the stolen unemployment benefits contained federal funds and admitted that she received a total of at least $250,000 in stolen funds. Under federal statutes, Kelley is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 6, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas P. Heberle. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTWO/WAWV) Several Indiana Lawmakers recently visited Washington, D.C., to collaborate and discuss with White House officials the top issues affecting Hoosiers. State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) (back row, second from right) and Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) (second row from back, second from right) join fellow members of the Indiana General Assembly at the State Leadership Conference on Aug. 26, 2025, at the White House in Washington, D.C. State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), along with several members of the Indiana General Assembly, attended the White House State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., to meet with senior White House officials and Cabinet secretaries, including Vice President JD Vance. State Rep. Borders said this conference was an opportunity for Indiana State Legislators to explore how to strengthen Indianas partnership with President Trumps Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana lawmakers comment on ILEARN proficiency rate increase Its always valuable when leaders from the state and federal levels come together to discuss the needs of the people we serve, Borders said. The White House State Leadership Conference gave us the chance to exchange ideas and explore ways to make life better for Hoosiers. According to a press release, the meeting highlighted several policy areas in which Indiana is leading the nation, including efforts to strengthen education, improve public safety, and reduce bureaucracy. State Rep. Heaton said this opportunity to have an open dialogue between the federal and state governments will help lawmakers improve the communities they serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I appreciated the opportunity to meet with White House officials to discuss the issues that matter most to Hoosiers, Heaton said. Indiana is leading the way in several areas and Im excited to continue partnering with the administration to strengthen our communities and state. Indiana lawmakers on redistricting before midterms Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In an effort to combat consistently low voter turnout, Indiana leaders are considering a set of major changes to Indiana's elections, including moving municipal elections to presidential election years. Such a change could save taxpayer dollars and increase turnout, according to an Indiana Secretary of State's Office analysis. The office held the second of five public meetings Sept. 3 to gather input on the possible change, as required by a law passed this last legislative session. That law, House Enrolled Act 1633, asks the office to study how allowing Hoosiers to vote at any location in their county and changing the timing of municipal elections would affect voter turnout and cost-savings, and report findings to the lawmakers by November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana ranked in the bottom eight states for voter turnout in both the 2024 and 2022 general elections, according to the University of Florida Election Lab. Boosting turnout for local elections Findings presented by the secretary of state's office during the Sept. 3 meeting indicate a potential improvement in dismal turnout rates by moving local elections to a presidential election year. Indiana municipal elections, where voters elect leaders such as mayors or city councilors, have historically low turnout rates, hovering around 20%. Add those offices to a ballot with the presidential candidates at the top, and turnout shoots up to around 60%, according to the analysis. Though that increase may come with increased ballot fatigue, representatives with the office said during a presentation, the percentage of people who would be more likely to ignore the bottom half of the ballot is superseded by the turnout gains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consolidating elections could also save local government money. It costs $15.52 per voter to hold a municipal general election, the office's analysis found, while it only takes $5.47 per voter to conduct a presidential general election, due to the typically higher turnout. Should Indiana toss out precinct-based voting systems? The other subject of the office's study were vote centers, a concept quickly gaining steam across the state. Traditionally, Indiana voters have had to go to a specific polling place assigned to the precinct they live in on Election Day. Vote centers are polling places that allow eligible voters in the county to vote at any location regardless of their precinct. Since the passage of a 2011 law allowing counties to switch to using vote centers, at least 65 counties have adopted the model. Indiana counties that switched to using vote centers needed fewer poll workers on average, according to an analysis that compared counties that made the switch to a control group in elections between 2016-2024. Because poll workers are compensated for their time, that likely equals cost savings, said Matt Housley, an election systems audit specialist for VSTOP. In 2024, for example, vote center counties spent $2.04 less per voter than counties using a precinct-based system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But vote centers might not move the needle as much on turnout, which increased slightly in the office's analysis but was not statistically significant. Public commenters reluctant to make the change Many Hoosiers who commented during the meeting were reluctant to make the shift. Some expressed concern about electronic poll books, which are used in every Indiana county, but are required under a vote center model according to representatives of the secretary of state's office, because they believed the technology to be vulnerable to attack. Others worried that the reduction in polling locations that tends to accompany a switch to a vote center system would contribute to long lines on Election Day. "Doing vote centers is sort of like closing lanes on a tollway," said Indiana Democratic Party chair Karen Tallian during the meeting. To combat that, she advocated for expanding early voting and the hours the polls are open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents of vote centers said the system makes it easier for people to make it to the polls, particularly when trying to make it to a polling place coming from a job far away from a person's home precinct. The next public meeting will be 11:30 a.m. Sept. 19 at the Clark County Government Center in Jeffersonville. Contact Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com or find her on X at @marissa_meador. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana to consider moving municipal elections to improve turnout An Indianapolis lawyer called Mark Zuckerberg has finally had enough and sued social media giant Meta after his Facebook accounts kept getting suspended by his namesakes platform. "It's not funny," he told WTHR. "Not when they take my money. This really p***** me off." Zuckerberg, who specializes in bankruptcy law, is suing Meta for negligence and breach of contract because his Facebook accounts keep getting shut down, and he is accused of "impersonating a celebrity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He claims that in the last eight years, his business account has been shut down five times costing him some $11,000 in ad funds and his personal account has been taken down four times. On his website, Zuckerberg has listed the things, as well as having his accounts shut down, that have happened to him as a result of sharing his name with the billionaire tech boss. This includes being sued by the state of Washington due to mistaken identity, and receiving a constant flood of notifications, calls and friend requests, as well as death threats and harassment intended for the other Mark Zuckerberg. Mark Zuckerberg (left) and Mark Zuckerberg (right) (Getty Images/ WTHR) His business has also received letters containing complaints, suggestions, or demands for how to "improve Facebook" and calls to his office from angry people demanding tech support or help with their locked accounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Normally you would say, well, its just Facebook and its not a big deal, but this time its affecting my bottom line because I was paying for advertising for my business to try and get clients, Zuckerberg told The New York Post. The lawyer filed his lawsuit Tuesday in Indianas Marion Superior Court, claiming his accounts had been suspended for baseless and improper reasons. I think its offensive that a company that is supposed to be so tech savvy in the world cant figure out how to flag my accounts and keep this from happening, he added. Its like theyre almost doing it on purpose, but Im sure theyre not but it feels like it. Its the fact that theyre affecting my business now, you know, my clients cant find me. The Indianapolis lawyer has had many things happen to him as a result of the mistaken identity, including receiving a constant flood of notifications, calls and friend requests as well as well as death threats and harassment intended for the other Mark Zuckerberg (REUTERS) In a statement shared with The Independent, a spokesperson for the company said Thursday: We have reinstated Mark Zuckerbergs account, after finding it had been disabled in error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We appreciate Mr. Zuckerbergs continued patience on this issue and are working to try and prevent this from happening in the future. Its the fact that theyre affecting my business now, you know, my clients cant find me, the frustrated lawyer stressed, adding that he wants Meta to refund his money and pay his attorney fees, among other demands. However, Zuckerberg from Indiana says he wants compensation for the inconvenience, including a recoup of costs and attorneys' fees from the company. I want an injunction, I want them to not do it again, and I want [Mark Zuckerberg] to fly out here, hand me my check, shake my hands and say, Im sorry, but thats never gonna happen, he told The Post. By Stefanno Sulaiman and Ananda Teresia JAKARTA (Reuters) -Student groups met two senior ministers late on Thursday to press their complaints after more than a week of sometimes violent protests over lawmakers' bonuses and police tactics used against demonstrators. Crowds - led by students, workers and rights groups - took to the streets in the capital last week against MPs' housing allowances. Unrest spread across the country after a police vehicle hit and killed a motorcycle taxi driver at one rally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The students, who had demanded a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto, said they had set out their case, but made no mention of any new concrete concessions from the government. State Secretariat Minister Prasetyo Hadi, one of the ministers at the meeting, said the government would study the students' demands, without going into further detail. "We urge the government to immediately reform the police as part of its commitment to uphold civil supremacy," Handy Muharram, the head of Islamic Students Associations, told reporters after the meeting. Rights groups say 10 people have died and more than 1,000 been injured in clashes with security forces and other unrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other student bodies criticised the meeting, and another on Wednesday with parliamentarians, saying they had produced nothing and were unrepresentative. Tiyo Ardianto, a student leader at Gadjah Mada University who was invited to the meeting but refused to attend, called it "political symbolism". Ridho Dawam, a student leader from Pasundan University in Bandung, the site of confrontations between protesters and police earlier this week, said the groups involved had not represented the broader student movement. Earlier, Indonesia's senior minister on legal affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, said that the officers involved in the death of the taxi driver could face criminal proceedings following ethics hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have already fired the highest-ranking officer inside the vehicle that hit the man, and demoted another officer who drove the vehicle. Indonesian authorities have detained more than 3,000 people in a nationwide crackdown, New York-based rights group Human Rights Watch said. "Indonesian authorities should not respond to protests over government policies by using excessive force and wrongfully locking up demonstrators," Meenakshi Ganguly, the campaign group's deputy Asia Director, said. (Reporting by Stanley Widianto, Ananda Teresia, Yuddy Cahya Budiman, and Stefanno Sulaiman; Editing by Saad Sayeed and Andrew Heavens) Protests in Indonesia sparked by economic hardship have elicited a heavy-handed response from police, triggering concerns that the Southeast Asian nation could be returning to its authoritarian past. As police trucks have been spray-painted with anti-law enforcement slogans, President Prabowo Subianto has denounced the demonstrations as treason and terrorism while seeking to assuage wide-ranging discontent. Thousands have taken to the streets in major cities in the last week, joined at times by rioters setting fire to government buildings and looters ransacking the homes of politicians. At least 10 people have died and hundreds have been injured in the ensuing unrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, a coalition of student unions met with lawmakers and demanded an independent investigation into the police violence, portending further protests. Frustrations in the worlds third-largest democracy have been building since Prabowo, a former military general and businessman, took power last year, implementing austerity measures that have cut billions from public services such as healthcare and education. Many ordinary Indonesians criticize the government for primarily serving the interests of the wealthy elite even as youth unemployment soars and wages stagnate. The initial wave of demonstrations began Aug. 25, with thousands gathering outside the countrys parliament to decry one stark example of such inequality: a $3,000 housing allowance for lawmakers that was nearly 10 times the minimum wage in Jakarta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The discontent escalated into violence when a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver was fatally struck by an armored police vehicle speeding through the crowd. Prabowo and his police chief have apologized for the incident, and one of the officers involved in the crash has been fired. At a televised news conference, Prabowo stressed that the right to peaceful assembly should be protected but that the state must step in to protect its citizens. Neither these measures, nor the presidents promise to scale back the lawmakers perks, have quelled the outpouring of public anger, which has been met with a police response that human rights groups have decried as excessive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nobody should die while exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, said Montse Ferrer, Amnesty Internationals regional research director for East and Southeast Asia. On Monday, the United Nations called for an investigation into the alleged use of unnecessary or disproportionate force by security forces. Since the demonstrations began, Indonesian police have used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets against protesters, some of whom have lobbed back Molotov cocktails and rocks. Authorities have arrested over 3,000 people. Two deaths have been attributed to the police crackdown: a pedicab driver in the city of Solo who died last week while being treated for tear gas exposure, and a college student who died Sunday after apparently being beaten by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such incidents have resurfaced the Indonesian publics festering distrust of the police force, said Jacqui Baker, a scholar of Indonesian security and policing at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia. Ordinary people have long repeated a saying 'report a chicken, lose a buffalo,' meaning if you engage the police in routine law enforcement ... you are likely to suffer more material loss than the original theft, she said. In recent years, civic groups have accused police of dozens of extrajudicial killings and torture. Many of the countrys policing problems stem from a three-decade-long period of authoritarian rule under then-President Suharto that ended in 1998. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the police remaining wedded to political interests even after the countrys democratization, Baker said, the historical sense of entitlement has generated a deeply corrupt, violent and predatory force that is widely hated by ordinary people. President Prabowo himself is accused of human rights abuses, such as the abduction of dissidents, under Suharto's rule. Critics say he is now pulling the country back into authoritarianism by expanding the militarys involvement in civilian institutions. Prabowo denies these claims. 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. Renowned infectious diseases expert Michael Osterholm on Wednesday warned of the potential fallout from Floridas move to end all vaccine mandates in the state, most notably including shots for schoolchildren. The Sunshine State may become a hotbed of transmission as a direct result, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota told CNNs Anderson Cooper. And, because of that, Osterholm said he wouldnt want my kids going to Florida in the years ahead, to go to Walt Disney World or any place like that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch here: Infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm warns about the next major pandemic he calls "The Big One" and lays out the steps for how we can mitigate the next crisis. pic.twitter.com/8mbRnOSYVN Anderson Cooper 360 (@AC360) September 4, 2025 Osterholm, whose new book The Big One: Why Future Pandemics Will be Worse and How We Must Prepare is out next month, summarized public health amid President Donald Trumps second term: Were right now in freefall in this country. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a noted vaccine skeptic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which falls under his leadership, has been hit by a raft of resignations and firings in recent days. Related: Trump Again Dismisses Epstein Hoax As Victims Call For Transparency: Live Updates Osterholm commented: We basically are losing all the safety nets that we had with the public health system, and vaccines are at the heart of it, and of course, this administration is doing everything it can to eliminate or, if not totally eliminate, vaccines for people. We are really at the point Anderson where we can either go with science and what weve accomplished over 100 years in improving public health, or we can go with magic, smoke and mirrors, and thats what this is really all about. Related... Read the original on HuffPost The group behind Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's shocking 2018 victory in New York is looking west for its next fight. Justice Democrats the influential left-wing PAC known for helping Ocasio-Cortez and other progressives oust Democratic incumbents is backing a primary challenge to Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, a four-term congressman representing a staunchly Democratic Los Angeles district. The group endorsed Angela Gonzales-Torres on Thursday, characterizing the 30-year-old Highland Park resident as a fighter willing to take on not just the Trump administration, but also corporate interests in the Democratic establishment. The group also cited the millions of dollars that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee spent in support of Gomez last cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The powerful pro-Israel lobby's standing among Democrats has become a flash point amid broader internecine conflict in the Democratic Party over Israel's unrelenting war in Gaza. Justice Democrats-backed candidates were loud and early advocates for a ceasefire in Gaza, whereas AIPAC which backs both Democrats and Republicans unleashed a torrent of spending in Democratic primaries to target candidates who had been vocal critics of Israel. AIPAC played a consequential role in unseating two Justice Democrats-backed progressive incumbent members of Congress in 2024. With Justice Democrats entering the fray, the battle for California's 34th District could very well become a proxy war between AIPAC and the activist left flank of the Democratic Party, which characterizes the war in Gaza as a genocide and AIPAC's influence in the party as existentially toxic. Gonzales-Torres, a community activist and former president of the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council, said her worldview and advocacy were shaped by her childhood in the district, facing housing insecurity and being raised by a single mother after her father was deported to Mexico. She criticized Gomez who is also the child of working-class Latino immigrants as no longer being rooted in the community and accused him of being beholden to the outside special interest groups who have heavily backed his previous campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gomez, a former state legislator and union organizer, was first elected in a special election in 2017 and reelected to a full term in 2018. He represents a majority-Latino urban district that stretches from Koreatown through Pico Union to Highland Park, Eagle Rock and East L.A. California's 34th District is overwhelmingly composed of renters and includes some of the most densely populated working-class neighborhoods in the country, as well as some of the most rapidly gentrifying sections of Los Angeles. Gomez successfully fended off challenges from David Kim, a progressive Democrat targeting him from the left, in 2020, 2022 and 2024. Kim has endorsed Gonzales-Torres and does not plan to run for a fourth time. Gomez did not respond to a request for comment through a spokesperson. Read more: A battle over who is the true progressive defines L.A. congressional race "I think that Angelenos want to see change. And what we are seeing is our current Congress member accepting $2.3 million from AIPAC, then failing to co-sponsor the only bill calling for a ceasefire," Gonzales-Torres said, referencing a resolution introduced in October 2023 that was supported by nearly 20 Democrats. "And what we are seeing is Jimmy Gomez taking, you know, $500,000 from crypto lobbies, then voting to further Trump's corrupt crypto agenda." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gomez is far from a hard-line pro-Israel voice in Congress, having called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's resignation, pushed for humanitarian aid to Gaza and backed a ceasefire in the war. But Kim, the opponent AIPAC helped Gomez fend off in previous cycles, was much further left on these issues. Gonzales-Torres currently works as an academic counselor at a Pasadena City College program supporting formerly incarcerated students and also serves as program director for a permanent affordable housing project in Altadena, and previously interned in Mayor Karen Bass' administration, she said. She is also a member of the Metro Public Safety Advisory Committee. "I'm running for Congress because I know what it felt like to do my homework on the dashboard of a car that I lived in here in Highland Park," she said. "And we have unhoused LAUSD students now, and I think that 20 years later, to see things really haven't gotten that much better is unacceptable. Those of us closest to that pain should be closest to these positions of power, so we can see real change." Justice Democrats rose to prominence after Ocasio-Cortez's 2018 upset ouster of then-Rep. Joe Crowley. The then-28-year-old activist stunned the political establishment when she unseated the fourth-ranked Democrat in the House to represent a New York district that includes parts of the Bronx and Queens. Her victory was a shot in the arm for a nascent activist left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Democrats backed other insurgent members of "the Squad," such as Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, and have frequently targeted moderate Democratic incumbents from the left. Their aggressive tactics and commitment to reshaping the party have led to comparisons to the conservative tea party movement. With 10 employees, they remain a relatively lean operation. But they have transformed over the last half-dozen years from a little-known grassroots organization to a potent force in national politics, with nine current Justice Democrats-affiliated members in Congress and the power to pull discourse left even in races where they have lost. They had a bruising year in 2024, and found themselves in an unlikely position: protecting their own incumbents from challengers seeking to oust them. Two Justice Democrats-backed incumbents, Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush, were unseated last year, with AIPAC pouring money into both races. But after a cycle on the defensive, the group is targeting incumbents again in favor of working-class progressives who will shake up the status quo. Gonzales-Torres is their second endorsement of the 2026 cycle, and Gomez is the first California Democratic incumbent they have targeted following their rise to prominence in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're going to leverage our network and small-dollar donors to raise money for her and do whatever we can to help Angie beat Jimmy Gomez," said Justice Democrats spokesperson Usamah Andrabi. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles) speaks at a news conference in Los Angeles in 2021. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) But Gomez is hardly a moderate: The Eagle Rock resident has more in common with the Justice Democrats' slate than many of the members they have previously tried to unseat. At 50, he's too old to be categorized as a millennial, but still far younger than the septuagenarians and sexagenarians ousted by some of Justice Democrats' current and former candidates. Nor is he a white incumbent representing a district that is now majority-minority, as was the case with representatives ousted by other members of the slate. Gomez supports the Green New Deal and Medicare for all. He still had student loans when he was sworn into Congress and went viral a few years ago for baby-wearing his infant son on the House floor during a House speaker fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was a featured speaker when Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) brought his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour to downtown Los Angeles. Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Gomez in 2024 and he previously partnered with Pressley and Bush to fight to extend the federal eviction moratorium during the COVID-19 pandemic. But, Andrabi argued, the Democratic Party's base was clamoring for change, particularly in districts such as Gomez's, where the question isn't if a Democrat will be elected, but rather what kind of Democrat constituents want to see representing them. "We can have all these fights and excuses about what a swing-state Democrat should look like and what a purple frontliner should look like, but we should have no sort of excuses in a deep blue district," Andrabi said. Gonzales-Torres is one of six candidates, including Gomez, who have filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission in the 34th District. The district would remain unchanged if Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting ballot measure passes in November. 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. At noon on September 4, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is in China for 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 both China and Slovakia had made tremendous national sacrifices and significant historical contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. At a time when the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, the international community needs solidarity and cooperation more than ever. Both sides should uphold the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, practice true multilateralism, work for the reform and improvement of the global governance system, and make greater contributions to world peace and development. President Xi emphasized that China highly appreciates Slovakias commitment to friendly relations with China, and is ready to work with Slovakia to maintain close high-level exchanges, firmly support each others chosen development path, strengthen experience sharing on governance, and continuously deepen mutual political trust. China is ready to actively advance practical cooperation in such areas as new energy, infrastructure and logistics and promote people-to-people exchanges to the benefit of the two peoples. President Xi expressed his hope for Slovakia to continue playing a positive role in promoting the sound and steady development of China-EU relations. Prime Minister Fico said that China made significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and to upholding world peace. The successful commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression sends a strong message to the world that justice will prevail, peace will prevail, and the people will prevail, and this is truly impressive. He said it is an honor to be invited to China to witness this grand event in person. Since the establishment of the strategic partnership between Slovakia and China, bilateral cooperation has made rapid and smooth progress. Slovakia attaches great importance to its relations with China and firmly follows the one-China policy. Slovakia is ready to work with China to deepen sharing of governance experience, strengthen cooperation in various fields, further facilitate mutual travel, and welcomes more Chinese companies to invest and do business in the country. Slovakia supports the basic principles of the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi and will work closely with China to make positive efforts for the reform and improvement of the global governance system. Wang Yi was present at the meeting. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) A man serving time in federal prison was arrested last month after North Charleston police said he orchestrated a killing from behind bars. Darrell Kasey Williams, 33, was an inmate at a federal prison in Bennettsville, South Carolina, when investigators said he used a contraband cell phone to hire and pay Quinton Taylor to carry out the May 6, 2020, murder of DeAndre Rivers. According to the North Charleston Police Department, the calls arranging the killing took place in April and May of that same year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency previously reported that officers had responded to a location on Gullah Avenue on the morning of May 6, 2020, where they found a white vehicle with the car door open and two bullet holes in the window. Rivers was found dead inside with gunshot wounds to the chest and under his arm. The man suspected in that shooting, Taylor, was already booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center on unrelated charges when he was charged with Rivers murder. In an update shared by North Charleston police this week, Williams was arrested on a charge of being an accessory in connection with the deadly shooting on August 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was taken from the federal prison to the Al Cannon Detention Center to face his new 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 WCBD News 2. SOMERSET COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Maryland State Police said an inmate at Eastern Correctional Institute was charged with murder in connection with another inmates death. On March 29, the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit went to the prison to investigate after 28-year-old Shane Lanham was found on the ground of a cell, unresponsive. Oakland man accused of setting Maryland house ablaze, causing about $205K in damages Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Months later, on Sept. 3, Tyjuan Chapple, 26, was formally served with the arrest warrant, charging him with first-degree murder and related offenses. The charges came after homicide investigators presented the facts of the case to a Somerset County Grand Jury. This led to an indictment, charging Chapple with first-degree murder and related offenses. He remains in the custody of the Maryland Division of Corrections. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) As part of our Back to School coverage, 12 News is conducting a series of in-depth discussions with administrators, health officials and other experts. These interviews will air exclusively on the free WPRI 12+ TV app each day at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. How to download the WPRI 12+ smart TV app As kids head back to class, many of them will also be getting involved in sports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the video above, Dr. Nick Lemme and Dr. Chris McDonald from University Orthopedics sit down with 12 News anchor Patrick Little to discuss the injuries they often see among student-athletes and ways to help prevent them. RELATED: Cranston high school football players get Guardian Caps Stay with 12 News for more Back to School stories and special reports all this week and next. Full Coverage: Back to School 2025 Submit your childs First Day of School photo Donate to our Back to School Supply Drive Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 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. Sept. 4 (UPI) -- A Democrat flipped an Iowa Senate seat for the second time this year in a state that has been won by President Donald Trump in the last three general elections. Senate-elect Catelin Drey will represent Iowa District 1 in the state legislature beginning in January after receiving more than 55% of the votes in last week's special election. Her victory breaks the Republican two-thirds majority and changes the landscape of lame duck Gov. Kim Reynolds' final year in office. In the Iowa legislature, a two-thirds majority is significant when it comes to confirming judicial appointments and cabinet leaders. Aside from these cases, Republicans still have enough of a majority to pass legislation and pursue their legislative agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Iowa's current political landscape, the two-thirds majority becomes more significant if the governor vetoes legislation that is passed by the legislature. When a governor is in a lame-duck session, their political power is less firm, according to Kelly Shaw, teaching professor at Iowa State University in Ames. Lame duck session Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann downplayed the results of Iowa Senator-elect Catelin Drey's special election win in August. File Photo by Matt Marton/UPI In June, Reynolds, a Republican, vetoed a bill championed by Republican leadership that would have created restrictions for pipeline companies using eminent domain to build. A two-thirds vote is required to override the governor's veto. "Some of the Republicans in both the Senate and the House have shown a willingness to break from the governor, particularly as a lame-duck governor," Shaw said. "It doesn't mean a whole lot in terms of Republicans not being able to accomplish their mandates which they claim. At the same time the internal dynamics within the party and some of the fissures that have been created within the party, that is interesting to watch." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, the newly elected Iowa House majority leader, called Reynolds' veto a spit in the face of landowners during an appearance on Radio Iowa in June. He went on to say the move soiled her legacy. "This is pretty monumental when you go back and see some of the language that Kaufmann says he won't work with or support anything that Kim Reynolds has as she walks out the door," Shaw said. "We do see division. I do think Kim Reynolds' ability to lead her party is diminished." Karen Kedrowski, professor of political science and director of Iowa State's Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, told UPI that Reynolds actually has more leverage over those in her party who mean to break from her agenda. "If the Republicans want to get their agenda passed they're going to have to work with Gov. Reynolds to make sure that she's supportive of whatever they put through," Kedrowski said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether Reynolds' influence has increased or diminished, she has achieved many of her biggest agenda items since becoming governor in 2017. This includes some of her most divisive goals such as implementing a private school voucher system and one of the nation's strictest abortion bans, prohibiting abortions after cardiac activity is detected. "Quite frankly this governor has been so successful with this legislature that I'm not sure that there's much of her agenda that hasn't already been passed," Rachel Paine Caufield, professor of political science at Drake University in Des Moines, told UPI. Drey's special election win Drey's win can be viewed through different lenses, according to political scientists, academics, party officials and campaign operatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rita Hart, chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Party, said in a statement that Democrats sent a message with the special election victory. "Iowa Democrats are sending a message to complacent, out-of-touch Republicans," Hart said. "We are not afraid to target even the reddest districts and we aren't slowing down any time soon." Senate District 1 in Northwest Iowa is one of the most Republican-leaning parts of the state. Late Rep. Rocky De Witt, R-Sioux City, Iowa, won the district by more than 10% of the vote in November. Woodbury County, where Drey's hometown of Sioux City is located, voted more than 55% for Trump in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, Iowa, carried Congressional District 4 more than two-to-one in the 2024 general election. Congressional District 4 includes the area of Iowa Senate District 1 as well as counties along the western border and into central and north-central Iowa. Shaw said that Democrats could be "cautiously optimistic" based on the special election results. "We do see maybe a little fatigue already among some of that base, that red base, not only in the Fourth Congressional District but other places as well," Shaw said. "For instance in Madison County there's a special election for a county position and an independent actually won that race, as opposed to the Republican that had been appointed by the board of supervisors into that seat." In the race Shaw referred to, independent candidate Michele Brant received more than 70% of votes to unseat Republican Matthew Schwarz in the race for Madison County auditor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Iowa is fairly red. Particularly in the northwest corner of the state. Madison County is quite red too," Shaw. "The takeaway here is the Democrats had a pretty good night. They've had some good runs." Another lens these results can be viewed through, according to Shaw, is as a reprimand of the president's first nine months in office. Drey's campaign focused on so-called kitchen table economic issues and fiscal policies. "Certainly some of the concerns that we see in terms of economics and fiscal policy at the federal level trickling down and not benefitting the masses," Shaw said. "Since Iowa's congressional delegation is all Republican they have to come back and defend those positions." The Iowa Republican Party shared a different view of the special election, calling it a result of the national Democratic Party investing in winning the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "National Democrats were so desperate for a win that they activated 30,000 volunteers and a flood of national money to win a state senate special election by a few hundred votes," Jeff Kaufmann, Iowa GOP chairman, said in a statement to UPI. "If the Democrats think things are suddenly so great again for them in Iowa, they will bring back the caucuses." Caufield said the Democratic Party is targeting special elections like this one because it is looking for momentum ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. "They're prioritizing some of these special elections as both a messaging tool but also to try to reclaim some ground in some of the states where they've lost ground," she said. "Iowa is one of those states." Voter turnout is generally low in special elections and the Iowa Senate District 1 election was not an exception. About 24% of registered voters cast ballots. "Political pundits will often point to these surprise off-year elections and special elections as an indicator of how things are going to go in the next election," Kedrowski said. "President Trump is very unpopular as are the policies that the Republican Party has adopted and I would expect that that's going to be on the agenda going into the 2026 election." (CORRECTS paragraph 3 to say Australia's embassy in Tehran, not Iran's embassy) DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran has downgraded diplomatic ties with Australia, its foreign ministry said on Thursday, a week after Australia expelled the Iranian ambassador over accusations that Tehran directed two antisemitic arson attacks in the cities of Sydney and Melbourne. "According to diplomatic law and in response to Australia's action, the Islamic Republic has also reciprocally reduced the level of Australia's diplomatic presence in Iran," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said, adding that Canberra's ambassador had left Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said last week that operations at Australia's embassy in Tehran were suspended and all Australian diplomats were safe in a third country. Canberra's decision to expel the Iranian ambassador, its first such move since World War Two, was the latest example of a Western government accusing Iran of carrying out hostile covert activities on foreign soil. The Islamic Republic has denied the Australian accusations. "The accusation of antisemitism against Iran is ridiculous and baseless," Baghaei said, adding that Tehran does not welcome the deterioration in bilateral relations with Canberra. Iranian officials said Tehran's embassy in Canberra was continuing to provide consular services. (Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; editing by Sharon Singleton and Mark Heinrich) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding a security cabinet meeting Thursday focusing on Israel's response to several countries saying they will recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly this month, Israeli sources told ABC News. France and Canada have announced they plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the General Assembly. The United Kingdom said it would recognize a Palestinian state if Israel refuses to agree to a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Belgium has also said it would recognize a Palestinian state provided all the hostages held by Hamas are returned and that Hamas is removed from political power across the Gaza Strip. Ebrahim Hajjaj/Reuters - PHOTO: The grandmother of three-year-old Ibrahim al-Mabhuh, who survived an Israeli air strike on a house that killed his parents and two sisters, holds him in Gaza City, September 3, 2025. MORE: France to recognize the state of Palestine, Macron says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A planned discussion Thursday on annexing parts of the West Bank has been dropped from the Israeli security cabinet's agenda, according to sources. Earlier this week, some far-right members of Netanyahu's ruling coalition vowed to push through annexation plans, calling it the best way to prevent a Palestinian state. A top Emirati official publicly warned that an Israeli decision to annex the West Bank would cross a "red line" and end regional integration efforts. The official implied the United Arab Emirates could pull out of the Abraham Accords, a deal it signed in 2020 to normalize relations with Israel. Mohammed Saber/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: Three-year-old Ibrahim Mohammed Ahmad, the only survivor of his family with his grandmother, at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, September 3, 2025. Israel doesn't want to do anything to harm the Abraham Accords, two Israeli sources told ABC News, indicating the UAE's warnings were taken seriously in Jerusalem. Israel Defense Forces troops continue their operations on the outskirts of Gaza City, with airstrikes overnight leading to more deaths and evacuations. At least 84 people were killed and more than 300 were injured across the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours as of Thursday morning local time, the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Pope calls for an end to violence in Gaza, supports churches that will not evacuate Israel holds "40% of Gaza City," IDF spokesman Effie Defrin said during a press conference Thursday. "Our forces are maneuvering in Gaza City -- in the Zeitoun neighborhood and on the outskirts of the northern Sheik Radwan neighborhood," Defrin said in Hebrew. While thousands of people have fled Gaza City, many still remain reluctant to move to the crowded areas the Israeli military has designated for them in the south of the strip. The United Nations estimates some 800,000 people are still living in Gaza City. Ariel Schalit/AP - PHOTO: Israeli soldiers drive a tank inside the Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel, Sept. 3, 2025. More than 90,000 people have been displaced inside of Gaza between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31, an update from the Global Camp Coordination and Camp Management committee and the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hospitals across the Gaza Strip recorded three more deaths due to famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health said Thursday. At least 370 have died due to malnutrition since Oct. 7, 2023, including 131 children, the agency said. Also on Thursday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The pope has supported the last two remaining churches in Gaza City whose nuns and clergy said they would remain in the city to care for the hundreds of civilians sheltering in the buildings. The pope has also called for an end to the war in Gaza. Israel has cancelled a potential visit by France's President Emmanuel Macron because Paris plans to recognize a Palestinian state, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said in a phone call with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot on Thursday. His ministry said that Sa'ar urged Barrot to reconsider the initiative to recognize a Palestinian state, saying the French proposal undermines stability in the Middle East and threatens Israel's national and security interests. He said as long as Paris persists in its initiative and efforts that harm Israel's interests, there is no room for Macron's visit to Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Official plans for a possible Macron visit to Israel were not known. He accused France of having taken "a series of anti-Israeli steps and positions" recently. Several countries including France, Canada and Australia plan to recognize a Palestinian state in September. Macron announced Paris' plans in July. The Israeli government responded with sharp condemnation. The Israeli military has operational control of 40% of the area of Gaza City, according to army spokesman Effie Defrin on Thursday. "The operation will continue to expand and intensify in the coming days," he said. "Hamas will face the IDF in full power in Gaza City. We will increase the pressure on Hamas until its decisive defeat," Defrin said. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue to mobilize reservists. The steps come after the Israeli security cabinet decided to capture the city and announced plans to mobilize 60,000 reservists for this purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The call-up began on Tuesday after the IDF had conducted operations in the suburbs of Gaza. Israel justifies the plans by saying the aim is to dismantle Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and capture its last strongholds in Gaza. But criticism is growing worldwide of Israel's plans mainly due to the continued humanitarian crisis, as Gaza residents must flee to other parts of the devastated strip amid the catastrophic situation there. Meanwhile in Israel, relatives of the 48 hostages still held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip also fear that the military operation endangers the hostages' chances of survival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are calling for an end to the war and an agreement for the release of the hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to ignore the latest proposal for the release of some hostages in exchange for a ceasefire which Hamas said it has agreed. The latest proposal on a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas goes back to a plan by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, which envisages a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and the release of 10 living hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. But Netanyahu has since insisted he wants a comprehensive deal that facilities the release of all hostages at once. He also wants Hamas to capitulate and demilitarize - which the militant group rejects. ROME (AP) Pope Leo XIV and his top diplomats told Israels president Thursday that a two-state solution was the only way out of the war, as the Vatican called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and entry of humanitarian aid to famine-stricken Palestinians there. The Vatican issued an unusually detailed statement following Leos meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who also met with the Vatican secretary of state Cardinal Pietro Parolin and foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher. Herzog, for his part, said he had asked Leo to meet with families of the hostages, and called for intensified international efforts to secure their release. The audience marked the first by historys first American pope with the Israeli head of state. Leo spoke by telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in July after an Israeli shell slammed into the only Catholic church in Gaza, killing three people and wounding the parish priest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vatican has tried to maintain its tradition of diplomatic neutrality throughout the war, calling for the return of hostages while denouncing Israels attacks against civilians in Gaza. But both Pope Francis before, and Leo since his election in May, have voiced mounting outrage at Israels actions in Gaza, with the late pope calling for an investigation to determine if they constituted genocide. In its statement after the audience, the Vatican said that during the talks the Vatican conveyed hope "that negotiations would resume promptly so that, with goodwill and courageous decisions, as well as the support of the international community, it would be possible to secure the release of all hostages, urgently achieve a permanent ceasefire, facilitate the safe entry of humanitarian aid into the most affected areas, and ensure full respect for humanitarian law, as well as the legitimate aspirations of both peoples. It repeated the Holy See's longstanding support for a Palestinian state. Discussions focused on how to guarantee a future for the Palestinian people and peace and stability in the region, with the Holy See reiterating the two-state solution as the only way out of the ongoing war," it said. Herzog said Israel was striving in every possible way to bring the hostages home and was determined to work for peace, tranquility and stability in the region. In a statement, Herzog's office said he described Israel's efforts to facilitate aid to Palestinians in Gaza, and said the talks also included discussions about the rise of antisemitism worldwide and the importance of protecting Christian minorities in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The very fact that Pope Leo XIV, who has only just begun his tenure, received the president of the state of Israel in the Vatican is a very important statement. It reflects the great significance of the relationship between the Holy See and the State of Israel, and of course with the Jewish people, and the importance of the very sensitive issues and challenges we experience today," he said. Herzogs role as Israeli president is largely ceremonial. A former Labor party leader, he has called for unity and compromise since taking office. Herzog's office had initially said the audience came at Leo's invitation, but the Vatican disputed that. Hamas took 251 hostages on Oct. 7, 2023, in the attack that also killed about 1,200 people and triggered the war. Most hostages have been released during previous ceasefires or other deals. Israel has rescued eight hostages alive. Of the 50 still in Gaza, Israeli officials believe around 20 are still alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before his death in April, Pope Francis regularly called for the release of hostages and met with their relatives at the Vatican. But he also labeled Israels attacks in Gaza immoral and disproportionate and called for an investigation to determine if they constituted genocide. Israel has denied the genocide charge, says it only targets militants and takes measures to spare civilians. It blames civilian deaths on Hamas because the militants operate in densely populated areas. Leo, who was elected historys first American pope in May, has continued Francis tough line. He has called for the release of hostages but demanded Israel stop the collective punishment and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. Last week the 69-year-old former missionary called for a permanent ceasefire, the safe entry of humanitarian aid and for humanitarian law to be fully respected. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Natalie Melzer contributed from Jerusalem. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Israels defence minister has promised to inflict the 10 biblical plagues of Egypt on Yemens Houthi rebels. The threat was issued by Israel Katz on social media on Thursday amid reports that the Iran-backed Houthis have stepped up their missile attacks against Israel. The Yemeni rebel force has resumed attacks in retaliation for last weeks assassination of Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi and several senior officials. The Houthis are firing missiles at Israel again. A plague of darkness, a plague of the firstborn we will complete all 10 plagues, Katz wrote in Hebrew on X, as tensions continue to escalate between his country and the Yemeni group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier on Thursday, the Israeli army said a missile fired from Yemen had struck outside Israeli territory. The previous day, the military had reported it intercepted two Houthi missiles. The Yemeni group on Monday claimed responsibility for a missile attack in the Red Sea that hit the Israeli-owned tanker Scarlet Ray. Katzs threat refers to the 10 disasters that the Bibles Book of Exodus says were inflicted on Egypt by the Hebrew God to convince the pharaoh to free the enslaved Israelites. The Houthis have launched numerous drone and missile attacks against Israel, saying the launches are in support of the Palestinians, since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group, which controls vast areas of Yemen, also ran a campaign targeting international shipping in the Red Sea, a route vital for global trade. That saw the United States launch a concerted series of attacks on the Houthi-occupied parts of Yemen earlier this year. In May, Oman brokered a ceasefire between the US and Houthis, leading Washington to halt its daily bombing campaign. However, the group said the agreement does not cover operations against Israel, and has continued to launch attacks. In turn, Israel has carried out several rounds of strikes in Yemen, targeting Houthi-held ports as well as the rebel-held capital, Sanaa. A week ago, an Israeli air strike killed al-Rahawi, nine of his ministers, and two other Houthi representatives. By Steven Scheer and Nidal al-Mughrabi JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel controls 40% of Gaza City, a military spokesperson said on Thursday, as its bombardment forced more Palestinians from their homes there, while thousands of residents defied Israeli orders to leave, remaining behind in the ruins in the path of Israel's latest advance. Gaza health authorities said Israeli fire across the enclave had killed at least 53 people on Thursday, mostly in Gaza City, where Israeli forces have advanced through the outer suburbs and are now a few kilometres (miles) from the city centre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We continue to damage Hamas' infrastructure. Today we hold 40% of the territory of Gaza City," Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin told a news conference, naming the Zeitoun and Sheikh Radwan neighborhoods. "The operation will continue to expand and intensify in the coming days." "We will continue to pursue Hamas everywhere," he said, adding that the mission will only end when Israel's remaining hostages are returned and Hamas' rule ends. Defrin confirmed that army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir told cabinet ministers that without a day-after plan, they would have to impose military rule in Gaza. Far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government have been pushing for Israel to impose military rule in Gaza and establish settlements there, which Netanyahu has so far ruled out. Israel launched the offensive in Gaza City on August 10, in what Netanyahu says is a plan to defeat Hamas militants in the part of Gaza where Israeli troops fought most heavily in the war's initial phase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The campaign has prompted international criticism because of the humanitarian crisis in the area and has provoked unusual levels of concern within Israel, including accounts of tension over strategy between some military commanders and political leaders. "This time, I am not leaving my house. I want to die here. It doesn't matter if we move out or stay. Tens of thousands of those who left their homes were killed by Israel too, so why bother?" Um Nader, a mother of five from Gaza City, told Reuters via text message. Residents said Israel bombarded Gaza City's Zeitoun, Sabra, Tuffah, and Shejaia districts from ground and air. Tanks pushed into the eastern part of the Sheikh Radwan district northwest of the city centre, destroying houses and causing fires in tent encampments. In a heavy bombardment in the Tuffah neighbourhood, medics said five houses were damaged by Israeli strikes that killed eight people and wounded dozens more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Israeli occupation targeted a gathering of civilians and several homes in the Mashahra area of the Tuffah neighbourhood a fire belt that completely destroyed four buildings," said Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson of the territory's civil emergency service. "Even if the Israeli occupation issues warnings, there are no places that can accommodate the civilians; there are no alternate places for the people to go to." There was no immediate Israeli comment on those reports. The Israeli military has said it is operating on the outskirts of the city to dismantle militants' tunnels and locate weapons. Much of Gaza City was laid to waste in the war's initial weeks in October-November 2023. About a million people lived there before the war, and hundreds of thousands are believed to have returned to live among the ruins, especially since Israel ordered people out of other areas and launched offensives elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel, which has now told civilians to leave Gaza City again for their safety, says 70,000 have done so, heading south. Palestinian officials say less than half that number have left and many thousands still lie in the path of Israel's advance. 'MOST DANGEROUS DISPLACEMENT' OF THE WAR Displacement could further endanger the most vulnerable, including many children suffering from malnutrition, said Amjad al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGOs Network, an umbrella group of Palestinian NGOs that coordinates with the U.N. and international humanitarian agencies. "This is going to be the most dangerous displacement since the war started," said Shawa. "People's refusal to leave despite the bombardment and the killing is a sign that they have lost faith." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinian and UN officials say nowhere is safe in Gaza, including areas Israel designates humanitarian zones. Health officials in Gaza say 370 people, including 131 children, have died of malnutrition and starvation caused by acute food shortages, mostly in recent weeks. Israel says it is taking measures to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza, including increasing aid into the enclave. The war began on October 7, 2023, when gunmen led by Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and taking 251 hostages into Gaza. Israel's offensive has since killed more than 63,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to local health officials, and left much of the territory in ruins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prospects for a ceasefire and a deal to release the remaining 48 hostages, 20 of whom are thought to still be alive, appear dim. Two Democratic U.S. senators - Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley - told reporters after a week-long trip to assess the situation in Gaza and the West Bank: "Based on our conversations and our observations, we came away with the inexplicable conclusion that the Netanyahu government is engaged in a campaign of ethnic cleansing in Gaza and slow-motion ethnic cleansing in the West Bank." (Reporting by Steven Scheer and Nidal al-Mughrabi; Additional reporting by Emily Rose in Jerusalem, Dawoud Abu Alkas in Gaza and Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Editing by Peter Graff and Hugh Lawson) The campaign lands as conditions facing Gazans after nearly two years of war are gaining attention among Israelis in new ways. (JTA) In the early days of the war in Gaza, the Israeli womens fashion brand Comme Il Faut launched a campaign with prominent models and female business leaders drawing attention to the Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas. This week, the brand turned heads again: with a social media campaign protesting alleged starvation among civilians in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli chefs and restaurateurs hold empty pots along with the caption Resist starvation in Hebrew, English and Arabic in the campaign, which was posted to the brands Instagram and Facebook accounts. The campaign has stirred controversy and condemnation among an Israeli public that is both ready to end the war in Gaza and torn over reports about grim conditions for the Palestinians who live there. We thought, because of whats going on in Gaza and the hunger in Gaza, to do this photo shoot with people from the food industry and chefs, Romi Kaminer Goldfainer, the director ofComme Il Faut, said in an interview. We thought how difficult it is to talk about fashion during this time its even harder to talk about food and wine [and] dining when theres this terrible hunger, like in one hour away from Tel Aviv. Kaminer Goldfainer, whose mother Sybil Goldfainer founded the brand in 1987, said she was inspired after seeing an Israeli chefs recent social media post about struggling to promote their business amid reports of starvation in Gaza. Palestinians run towards airdropped aid packages, in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, August 19, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/Ramadan Abed) We make clothes for women, and we believe that fashion is also a political thing, like food, like anything in culture, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The campaign lands as conditions facing Gazans after nearly two years of war are gaining attention among Israelis in new ways. Israel has long rejected claims of starvation in the enclave, but last month, a global hunger monitoring group released a report stating that parts of Gaza meet its standards for declaring a famine. Amid an international outcry and growing opposition among the Israeli public to the war, Israeli news organizations have begun reporting more often on the plight of Gazans and some anti-war protesters have started incorporating the photographs of Gazans into their demonstrations. Humanitarian aid to Gaza But some Israelis have rejected the expressions of concern, charging that they represent giving aid to an enemy and place the onus of responsibility unfairly on Israel criticism also leveled recently at efforts by Diaspora Jews to blunt the privations of war on Gazans. Such sentiments exploded in the comments of Comme Il Fauts Instagram posts. Tell it to Hamas. The food is at their place, wrote one user. Another posted, The only ones who are starving are our kidnapped. Shame of a campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaminer Goldfainer said the expectation of such a response deterred some potential participants in the campaign. People are very afraid for their businesses and for speaking up, she said. She said Comme Il Faut had reached out to almost 100 Israeli chefs and restauranteurs to see if they would participate in the campaign, but many said no or did not respond to their inquiry. Others cancelled after initially saying yes for fear of the backlash. In the end, the campaign featured a dozen Israeli chefs and restauranteurs, including Michal Levit, a food culture researcher; Tamar Cohen Tzedek, the chef and owner of the restaurant Cucina Hess 4; Avivit Priel Avichai, the chef and owner of Ouzeria restaurant; and Aviram Katz, the restauranteur behind HaBasta, Mifgash Rambam and Morris Bar. In the caption of some of the posts, the chefs wrote in Hebrew, English and Arabic that they can no longer stay silent in the face of the systematic starvation of the people of Gaza and the hostages among them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our stomachs turn. From its depths, from the abysses of the soul, we cry out against the starvation of millions of innocent people and children, who are perishing and dying en masse, the captions continued. Comme Il Faut also collaborated with Parents Against Child Detention, an Israeli organization that raises awareness about the mass detention of Palestinian children, on the campaign. Our protest against hunger is a protest on behalf of the children and girls, who have no voice in the public sphere. For us this is not a political question but a basic moral responsibility no boy and girl should starve, PACD wrote in an Instagram post of the campaign. The voices that arise from the food community, from people and women whose lives are devoted to food and filling, echo our call: you must not comply with the reality of empty pots, the post continued. We will continue to fight until the pots are full. In the first protest of its kind by an Israeli company, the fashion chain Comme il faut has launched a campaign to call attention to the hunger situation in the Gaza Strip. In social media posts in English, Arabic and Hebrew, the company's posts feature women and one man dressed in black and holding empty pots under the slogan "Resist Starvation." "A short drive away from us, people are starving," the well-known fashion chain wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company said it felt an urgent need "to scream on behalf of all those who cannot scream." It added: "We demand an end to the starvation in Gaza which also includes the hostages." Fashion as a political statement "We make clothes for women, and we believe that fashion is also a political thing, like food, like anything in culture," the chain's director Romi Kaminer Goldfainer, told the Jerusalem Post in a story published on Thursday. On Instagram, the initiative received both support and sharp criticism. "The only ones starving in Gaza are our hostages," read several reactions. Debate over famine report On August 22, the globally recognized IPC, an authority on food security, declared a famine in Gaza City in the north and some neighbouring areas last month. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the report as "an outright lie." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Israel, the IPC's assessment is based on false information provided by the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas, which also controls Gaza's health authority. COGAT, the Israeli authority responsible for the territories, recently reported that around 300 trucks carrying food aid enter the embattled coastal strip daily. Aid organizations have said the amounts of food being allowed into Gaza are nowhere near enough to improve the situation. (Reuters) -The Israeli military said on Thursday a missile launched from Yemen towards Israel fell in an open area outside Israeli territory and no sirens were activated, the third such launch within less than 24 hours. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis recently stepped up attacks and missile launches, in what they have called an initial response to Israeli attacks on Yemen. The Houthis have been launching missiles and drones thousands of kilometres north towards Israel, describing them as acts of solidarity with Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the dozens of missiles and drones launched have been intercepted or fallen short of targets. Israel has retaliated by bombing Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, including the vital port of Hodeidah. Its latest blow killed senior Houthi officials, including the head of the government. The Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen, have also been attacking vessels in the Red Sea since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023. (Reporting by Muhammad Al Gebaly; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Clarence Fernandez) The lives of Palestinians are worse than anything black South Africans experienced under apartheid, Nelson Mandelas grandson has said. Mandla Mandela is joining activists including Greta Thunberg on the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza, which aims to break an Israeli naval blockade of the coastal strip. Dozens of boats are setting sail for the enclave, where famine was declared in Gaza City late last month by the international body responsible for monitoring world hunger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Mandela told Reuters: Many of us that have visited the occupied territories in Palestine have only come back with one conclusion that the Palestinians are experiencing a far worse form of apartheid than we ever experienced. We believe that the global community has to continue supporting the Palestinians, just as they stood side by side with us. Israel strongly rejects comparisons between the lives of Palestinians and the apartheid era in South Africa. It denies there is a famine in Gaza and says its tight restriction of humanitarian supplies and other goods into the country is to stop weapons reaching Hamas. South Africas ruling African National Congress party has long said its own struggle against apartheid was echoed by the campaign for a Palestinian state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nelson Mandela said in 1997, three years after he was elected South Africas president, said: We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians. His grandson said that apartheid ended in 1994 after intense pressure and sanctions from other nations, adding: They isolated apartheid South Africa and finally collapsed it. We believe that the time has come for that to be done for the Palestinians. In 2023, South Africa brought a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in a move that infuriated Washington. Plan to detain activists Ms Thunberg joined another flotilla attempting to break the blockade three months ago. Israeli forces intercepted it, and she was later deported from Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the latest flotilla, vessels set sail from Barcelona earlier this week having been delayed by bad weather. On Thursday, they will meet other vessels sailing from Tunisia, where Mr Mandela is due to embark. At the weekend, it emerged Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels far-Right national security minister, was planning to present Benjamin Netanyahu with a plan to detain the activists in terrorist-level conditions should the flotilla reach Gaza again. 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. Israel's defence minister has threatened the Houthi militia in Yemen with the 10 biblical plagues following a new rocket attack from the Iran-backed group. "The plague of darkness, the plague of the firstborn we will complete all ten plagues," Israel Katz wrote on the platform X on Thursday. The 10 plagues, according to the Bible, were inflicted on the Egyptian Pharoah after he refused to free the Israelites from slavery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early in the morning, another rocket was fired from Yemen at Israel the third in less than 24 hours. According to the Israeli military, the projectile landed "in an open area outside of Israeli territory." On Wednesday, the Houthis used cluster munitions in a rocket attack on Israel for the second time since August, as confirmed by both sides. Since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, the Yemeni Houthi militia has been regularly attacking Israel with rockets and drones in support of the Palestinian Islamist Hamas militia in the Gaza Strip. Israel, in turn, repeatedly targets sites in Yemen. In an airstrike a week ago, Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahaui, nine of his ministers and two other Houthi representatives were killed. By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -A British-born Italian boy who died of leukaemia in 2006 will become the first Catholic saint of the millennial generation on Sunday, in a ceremony led by Pope Leo in St. Peter's Square that is expected to attract tens of thousands of worshippers. Carlo Acutis, who died aged 15, learned computer code to build websites to spread his faith. His story has drawn wide attention from Catholic youth, and he will now be elevated to the same level as Mother Teresa and Francis of Assisi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunday's ceremony was originally set for April but was postponed after the death of Pope Francis. Leo, elected in May to replace Francis, will now preside at such an event for the first time. Leo will also canonize Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian man who was known for helping those in need and died of polio in the 1920s. Acutis' mother, Antonia Salzano, told Reuters earlier this year that the heart of her son's appeal to Catholic youth was that he lived the same life as others who were teenagers in the 2000s. "Carlo was an ordinary child like (others). He used to play, to have friends, and to go to school. But his extraordinary quality was the fact that he opened the door of his heart to Jesus and put Jesus in the first place in his life." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He used this skill to spread the good news, the Gospel," she added. "He wanted to help people to have more faith, to understand that there is an afterlife, that we are (pilgrims) in this world." Being made a saint means the Church believes a person lived a holy life and is now in Heaven with God. Other saints who died at a young age include Therese of Lisieux, who died at 24 in 1897 and was known for promoting a "Little Way" of charity; and Aloysius Gonzaga who died at 23 in 1591 after caring for victims of an epidemic in Rome. As Acutis progressed along the Church's official path to sainthood, his body was moved to a church in the hill town of Assisi in central Italy, where St. Francis was from, in line with Acutis' last wishes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new saint's final resting place, where Acutis is entombed with a wax mould of his likeness placed over his body, wearing his track top, jeans and trainers, has become a popular devotional site, attracting thousands of worshippers every day. (Reporting by Joshua McElweeEditing by Gareth Jones) A controversial mortgage model that fueled explosive growth in Colony Ridge, Texas, is spreading across the country as lenders market directly to illegal immigrants using IRS-issued identification numbers. Without Social Security numbers, many illegal immigrants rely on Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, or ITINs, to file taxes and apply for loans. Created in 1996, ITINs allow the IRS to process taxes for people without Social Security numbers. Advocacy groups call ITINs a powerful tool for illegal immigrants to buy homes in new developments. The practice has grown into an industry. Colony Ridge which aims for a population of 250,000 illustrates the models scale. Critics say the development has attracted cartel members, smugglers, and other criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As The Dallas Express previously reported, Gov. Greg Abbott formed a coalition to target criminal aliens in Colony Ridge after a law enforcement sweep resulted in more than 110 arrests. Now, similar lending tactics are emerging nationwide. The Daily Wire identified multiple lenders openly advertising ITIN loans. Amres, based in Pennsylvania, promotes lending to empower non-citizens and highlights success stories of illegal immigrants who obtained mortgages with ITIN documents. Prysma Lending Group, headquartered in Connecticut and active in six states, published a guide to prevent deportation and hosted a discussion with an immigration lawyer. Cayetano, a developer near the Texas border, urges buyers to own a piece of American land and accepts Mexican consulate cards. Other firms use direct language in their marketing. Novus Home Mortgage, a division of a Wisconsin bank, states loans are available to legal residents and undocumented immigrants. Florida-based AD Mortgage, which operates in 48 states, notes that immigrants, including undocumented individuals qualify. Defy Mortgage promotes comprehensive mortgage solutions tailored to non-US citizens and advertises eligibility for non-resident aliens, undocumented immigrants, and dependents who cannot get an SSN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration experts argue the lending model encourages illegal immigrants to stay in the country. Access to mortgages can serve as an incentive for illegal aliens to remain in the country, especially at a time when the goal of the government is convincing illegal aliens to leave, Ira Mehlman of the Federation for American Immigration Reform told The Daily Wire. Some lenders have begun signaling caution. Tricolor Holdings, a Texas-based auto lender, reported that 69% of its 2023 customers were undocumented. A company representative said, Due to the current environment, Tricolor shifted its focus from the no FICO borrower to a general market profile. In California, JVN Lending advertises ITIN loans with no visa required and no social security number required. One of its lenders reported fewer ITIN borrowers this year. Increased enforcement under the Trump administration could add pressure. The Department of Homeland Security and the IRS signed an agreement granting law enforcement access to tax information from suspected illegal immigrants. Experts say borrowers may hesitate to seek ITIN loans if they believe applying could place their data in an ICE database. JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Tourist Development Council members presented their new strategic plan to county commissioners on Thursday, which included an outline of tourism information collected over the last year. Based on those numbers, they devised a plan, prioritizing the types of people and activities they need to emphasize. The main goal is to make Jackson County a place people want to visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TDC received input from local government officials, local business owners, and other community stakeholders. When we started developing this and we started going through our own community engagement sessions for the plan, we wanted to make sure that we touched base with a number of stakeholders from different municipalities, businesses, and local citizens to make sure that we really were engaging with them in the current 2024/2025 conditions of Jackson County, says TDC Executive Director, Kelsi Jackson. The strategy will rely on many of the countys natural resources. TDC officials say tourists would be utilizing them, but they just dont know about them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They want to market those resources to increase visitors. One of the most important considerations is making sure that the tourism in Jackson County is sustainable. Making sure were sustainably marketing Jackson County, finding the right visitor at the right time. That way, we dont overload our natural resources and overload our local community, says Jackson. The TDC knows that Jackson County has a lot to offer tourists, and with this plan, they will be able to market the most desirable features. They are also able to hear from locals and determine ways to improve the quality of life for residents, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents looking for more information can reach out to the Jackson County Tourist Development 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 mypanhandle.com. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Healthcare professionals, community leaders and residents came together in Jackson for a summit focused on reducing firearms and related violence. The University of Mississippi Medical Centers (UMMC) Mississippi Center for Violence Research and community partners hosted the summit at the Jackson Convention Complex, aiming to strike dialogue and build partnerships across the metro area. The summit brought together voices from across the community. So many kids who are out here just committing violence and crimes every single day. But instead of coming together and stepping up to take their place and to be different and to be set apart from the world. See, we have a lot of people who are just drawn by their own intrusive thoughts, and theres not a way to be nowadays. So, I just look at it like we all can come together as one and be a whole for Jackson and make the place better, said Jawan White, a Provine High School student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers said the summit is part of a long-term effort to reduce violence through collaboration, education and prevention. 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. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has secured a third term in office, according to the preliminary results from Jamaicas fractious parliamentary election. The results released early on Thursday showed that Holness Jamaica Labour Party won at least 34 seats in the previous days vote. The governing partys main challenger, the Peoples National Party, secured 29 of the 63 seats in parliament. That saw the opposition partys leader Mark Golding concede defeat in an election which was dominated by concerns over inequity and the economy, and marred by allegations of corruption and low voter turnout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Make no mistake about it, this was not an easy victory, Holness told supporters after declaring victory, according to the Jamaica Observer. In a post on X, he announced that his historic third term was not just a win for his party but a win for you, the people. Conceding in a brief speech, Golding said he was disappointed in the outcome but acknowledged his opponents success. Despite a vibrant democratic tradition, recent years have seen a decline in poll participation in Jamaica. The turnout for Wednesdays polls was just 38.8 percent, which was only slightly higher than the turnout for the 2020 elections, which took place during the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than two million registered voters were eligible to cast their ballots on the island of 2.8 million people. As the countrys prime minister, Holness is mandated to appoint 13 of the 21 senators to Jamaicas upper chamber of parliament. The opposition will choose the remainder. Under Holness, Jamaica has seen a 43 percent drop in killings so far this year, marking the most significant decline in decades, with his administration stepping up firearm seizures and security presence across the Caribbean island. The Jamaica Labour Party campaigned on this success, positioning itself as the government that pulled the island back from the brink of widespread violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also emphasised fiscal responsibility, low unemployment, and the importance of continuity as it urged voters not to risk reversing progress. Holness also pledged that his party would double the minimum wage of $100 per 40-hour work week. The opposition had campaigned by proposing policies to address socioeconomic woes, including raising the income tax threshold to $21,800 from the current $11,200, allowing more working-class Jamaicans to take home more money as a cushion against rising prices. It also accused the governing party of mismanagement, including over the cost of buying second-hand school buses, and raised questions over the prime ministers statutory declarations of income, assets and liabilities. Holness has denied any wrongdoing. KINGSTON (Reuters) -Jamaicans headed to the polls on Wednesday for a general election that was expected to be a close contest between the nation's two major political parties, following a campaign dominated by competing tax-cut proposals and sharp accusations of corruption. The election's leading contenders are incumbent Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and his Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People's National Party (PNP), led by Mark Golding. Recent polls have offered conflicting outlooks, suggesting the outcome could be decided by a narrow margin. Both parties made bold, last-minute economic pledges in an effort to sway voters. At a major rally, Golding announced a proposal to raise the income tax threshold to J$3.5 million ($21,983.54) from J$1.8 million. In response, incumbent Holness promised that his government, if reelected, would slash the income tax from 25% to 15%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holness has campaigned on his government's economic record over the past nine years, pointing to a record-low unemployment rate of 3.3%. His administration also cites a historic reduction in poverty, with the Planning Institute of Jamaica reporting the rate fell to 8.2% in 2023 from 16.7% in 2021, the lowest since measurement began in 1989. Holness' government also increased salaries for most public sector workers. The incumbent has also pointed to a sharp reduction in crime, with total murders falling to their lowest in 25 years in the first quarter of 2025. The campaign, however, was also marked by tense sparring over governance and integrity. The PNP criticized the Holness administration on issues including the cost of acquiring secondhand school buses and the prime minister's uncertified statutory declarations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holness, in turn, attacked Golding for his role in advising the PNP government in the 1990s that implemented high-interest-rate policies, which Holness claimed hurt the nation's entrepreneurial class. Voter turnout was expected to be a key factor in the results. The previous general election in September 2020, held during the COVID-19 pandemic, saw an anemic turnout of just 37%. As of 3 p.m. local time (2000 GMT) 30% of the electorate had voted on Wednesday, according to the elections authority. ($1 = 159.2100 Jamaican dollars) (Reporting by Zahra Burton; Additional reporting by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Jamie Freed) (WJET/WFXP) A Jamestown, New York, mans case stemming from a drug arrest in the fall of 2024 is now being handled by federal prosecutors, with a federal grand jury having returned an indictment on him. The U.S. Attorneys Office for Western New York announced the indictment against now 20-year-old Ruben Medina of Jamestown, accusing him of possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Man arrested with over 100 grams of methamphetamine Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes since appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained. Medina was taken into custody back on September 11, 2024, after a traffic stop near North Main Street and West 12th Street allegedly led to police finding about 109 grams of meth in a plastic bag on him. No explanation given after meeting cancelled between Erie DA, Justice for Chello Coalition At the time of the stop, police said Medina had an active probation warrant. Medina was charged at the time with second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance in addition to the warrant. If convicted, Medina faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. The head of a Japanese university visited the world-renowned cathedral in Cologne on Thursday, almost a decade after two Japanese students caused a national sensation in their homeland by writing their names on the building. The 2016 incident provoked such a reaction in Japan that the students' alma mater, Kanagawa University in Yokohama, donated 10,000 ($11,640) to the cathedral to finance a new gargoyle. The event has led to the growth of ties between the western German city and Yokohama, with the university still organizing German cultural events such as film screenings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cementing the relationship, University President Ryusuke Toda on Thursday presented the cathedral's master builder, Peter Fussenich, with a model of the gargoyle, which has already been installed on one of the building's iconic towers. A sculptor spent two years working on the 700-kilogram, 2.5-metre gargoyle, which is made of basalt. The original was destroyed in World War II. "It's one of the best stories I've been able to experience during my time in office here at the cathedral," said Fussenich. In a speech given in German, Toda called the graffiti a "disrespectful act " that had caused "great shock." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two students, like many other visitors, had inscribed their names on the cathedral's south tower and shared pictures of themselves doing so. Following the incident, a delegation from the university travelled to Cologne to apologize, fearing damage to the private institution's reputation. Fussenich pointed out that the university management did not blame the two young women, but instead apologized for failing to inform them that the act was not appropriate. He was relieved to learn that the students were still able to complete their studies. Vice President JD Vance was heckled as he visited the site of last weeks deadly school shooting in Minneapolis to meet with the victims families. Dozens of protestors on Wednesday lined the streets near the Annunciation Catholic Church, the site where a week ago, suspect Robin Westman shot dead an eight-year-old and a 10-year-old in the pews, and left 21 others injured as school children celebrated Mass Upon arriving at the Church alongside Second Lady Usher Vance, the vice president, a Catholic convert, was greeted by a large group of parents and residents brandishing signs calling for bans on assault weapons and placing kids lives over guns. A large group of anti-gun advocates protested as the Vances arrived in Minneapolis on Wednesday (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Protect our kids, one woman yelled in a video posted on X. Do better!, another joined in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre a coward, a third woman shouted before Vances Secret Service detail shrouded the view to the entrance of the school. Another video shared by Minneapolis-based FOX 9 showed a man with a megaphone chanting that the National Rifle Association has got to go, while waving a rainbow-colored paper fan. The crowd, some of whom were holding up signs saying, Hate Wont Make America Great, erupted into shrieks and jeers as Vances motorcade sped past. Get out of my city, one man bellowed, while the man with the megaphone yelled: Shame! Shame! Shame! Protesters gather to demonstrate against gun violence in Minneapolis on Wednesday during Vance's visit to Annunciation Catholic Church (AP) The Vances met with victims' parents and a surviving girl who was recovering in hospital (Getty Images) Holding a sign that said it was Vances job to protect our kids, Kacie Sharpe told the news station that her son lost his best friend, Fletcher Merkel, 10, after bullets rained through the stained-glass windows of Annunciation Catholic Church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a political problem, like something has to be done, she said. My son lost his best friend in the world because these politicians wont do anything. After the frosty reception, the Vances held a private, 45-minute-long meeting with victims family members, the pastor of the parish and the school principal, according to his office. Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance paid their respects to the victims of the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting massacre (AFP via Getty Images) The vice president and his wife laid bouquets at a memorial outside the church before visiting Lydia Kaiser, a 12-year-old shooting victim, at the Childrens Minnesota hospital. We disagree about so many things, her father, Harry Kaiser, a gym teacher at the school, read from a letter to Vance. But on just this one issue of gun violence, will you please promise me as a father and a Catholic that you will earnestly support the study of what is wrong with our culture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That we are the country that has the worst mass shooter problem?, he added. Vance told reporters that he took parents concerns seriously and that politicians on both sides of the aisle want school shootings to happen less frequently. I have never had a day that will stay with me like this day did, he said. I would just say, take the concerns of these parents seriously, Vance later told reporters. I think all of us, Democrat, Republican and independent, want these school shootings to happen less frequently. Hopefully theres some steps that we can take to make that happen. Prosecutors informed a judge Thursday that they were withdrawing federal charges against a man they accused of threatening to kill President Donald Trump, marking another embarrassing setback for Trump ally and former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro amid Trumps D.C. crime crackdown. The office of Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, had alleged that Eduardo Alexander Dana broke a light fixture outside a D.C. restaurant on Aug. 17 and, while in police custody, said he would kill the president. Dana was drunk and singing while in the police car, according to court files, and his attorney argued his remarks amounted to idle rambling and not true threats. Related: Trump Prosecutor Fails To Indict D.C. Man Who Threw Sandwich At Federal Agent It was one of many cases brought during Trumps federal takeover of D.C. law enforcement that defense attorneys have described as prosecutorial overreach unworthy of a federal courts time. A grand jury of D.C. residents apparently agreed Dana wasnt serious about taking out Trump since it recently declined to indict him even though its supposed to be easy for prosecutors to secure a grand jury indictment. That courtroom loss prompted Pirros office to drop their federal case and pursue misdemeanor charges against Dana in city court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Thursday court order, a federal magistrate judge ripped Pirros office for what he called inexcusable actions in the apparently weak case against Dana. He demanded to know what was being done to remedy what happened to Mr. Dana, including expunging his arrest record. The judge, Zia M. Faruqui, went so far as to quote the Justice Manual for U.S. Attorneys, noting that prosecutors shouldnt pursue federal cases unless they believe the defendant is likely to be found guilty. Related: 'Let's Cut Out The Middleman': Zohran Mamdani Hits Trump With A Direct Challenge Given that there have been an unprecedented number of cases that the U.S. Attorney dismissed in the past ten days, all of whom were detained for some period of time, the Court is left to question if this principle still applies, Faruqui wrote. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro speaks during a news conference in Pasadena, Texas, on Sept. 3. RONALDO SCHEMIDT via Getty Images In a courtroom hearing on the case Thursday, Faruqui went further, saying were past the point of Constitutional crisis, according to CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After declaring a crime emergency on Aug. 11, Trump diverted law enforcement from federal agencies so they can help patrol D.C. streets alongside the local Metropolitan Police Department, leading to an unusual number of encounters between city residents and federal agents. Several cases have fallen apart due to the scrutiny of grand juries and judges like Faruqui. Grand juries have declined to indict in at least seven times in five cases during Trumps D.C. crackdown. In several of them, prosecutors claimed the defendants had assaulted federal officers, but jurors apparently disagreed there was sufficient evidence to indict them. Related: 'MADMAN!': Lawrence ODonnell Goes Scorched Earth On 'Dangerous Nepo Baby' RFK Jr. In one high-profile case, a former Justice Department employee threw a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection officer. The man is now facing potential misdemeanor charges after Pirros federal case against him went nowhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another case, prosecutors claimed a D.C. woman assaulted a Federal Bureau of Investigation agent while Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were carrying out an inmate swap. But grand juries declined to indict the woman not once but three times. More on Politics Trump Again Dismisses Epstein Hoax As Victims Call For Transparency: Live Updates Pro-Trump New York Post Shreds RFK Jr. In Brutal Editorial: Paranoid Kook How Horseshit Criminal Cases Help Trump Hype His DC Police Takeover Read the original on HuffPost OZAWKIE (KSNT) On Wednesday, a search effort was spearheaded in an attempt to find a missing man named Patrick Crim. Jefferson County shared an update on the efforts. According to Jefferson County Emergency Manager Keith Jeffers, the search teams didnt find anything indicating that Crim was at the Paradise Point search area. He said now the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office will continue investigating. Jeffers said there were eight different drone teams, 10 dog teams, three water search boats, a KHP helicopter and more than 40 volunteers who helped with the search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three $50,000 Powerball prizes won in Kansas as jackpot climbs higher The Kansas National Guard also provided helicopter fly-over views on Wednesday during their exercises, with nothing reported, Jeffers said. Jeffers shared that various agencies from Jefferson County, Atchison County and Shawnee County helped with the search. He also recognized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas Wildlife and Parks, Kansas Urban Search & Rescue and others for their assistance. Crim, a 34-year-old white man, has been missing from the ABATE Bike Rally at Paradise Point in Ozawkie, Kansas, since Saturday, Aug. 30. Crim was last seen at 9:45 p.m. wearing a tan t-shirt, black shorts, white socks, and slide-on sandals. He may have been carrying a silver flashlight and wearing a ballcap, although these details are uncertain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rock band Trapt set to play live at Topeka area bar Anyone with information on Patrick Crims whereabouts is asked to call the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office at (785) 863-2765. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Relatives of one of Jeffrey Epsteins most outspoken victims have responded to President Donald Trumps assertion that the issue of the Epstein files was a Democratic hoax. The family of Virginia Roberts Giuffre told CNNs Erin Burnett Wednesday night that its beyond frustrating listening to the presidents response to the Epstein saga, while warning Trump that the issue was not going to go away. Trump repeated his claim that the Epstein files were a hoax moments after a group of survivors asked for the Trump administration to heed their calls on the steps of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forty-five minutes ago youve heard from every survivor saying, This isnt a hoax, the American people know that this isnt a hoax, so I think were all tired of the distractions, the switch-and-bait [sic], Giuffres sister-in-law Amanda Roberts told Burnett. I think were over that part, and theres just this desire that theres an ugly stain that maybe he wants to disappear and go away, but its not going to. Its not going to go away. I think theres a certain point, especially as the leader of our nation, to sit back, take a moment of reflection and understand that this is huge, this is relevant, this is real. We are talking about human lives; they were children, and they are asking for the justice that they deserve. They are asking that of their leader of their nation. Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who died by suicide at the age of 41 in April, spent much of her life seeking justice for the abuse she experienced at the hands of Epstein, his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, and their powerful friends, including Prince Andrew. The interview with her family comes hours after victims of the convicted sex traffickers crimes traveled to Washington, D.C., to demand the release of the Epstein files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joined by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, Democrat Ro Khanna, and Trump supporter Marjorie Taylor Greene, survivors held a press conference on Wednesday calling for the files to be released in their entirety. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-SC) speaks with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) during a news conference with alleged victims of disgraced financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein outside the U.S. Capitol on September 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. / Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The president dismissed their calls, telling reporters, I think we should talk about the greatness of our country and the success that we are having. Were having the most successful eight months of any president ever, and thats what I want to talk about and should be talking about. Not the Epstein hoax. Khanna and Massie have led a bipartisan push for the files to be released, managing to secure enough Republican signatures on Tuesday to force a vote, prompting the White House to warn that continuing to push for the release of the files would be seen as a very hostile act by the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP-controlled House Oversight and Government Reform Committee released more than 33,000 documents related to the Epstein case on Tuesday evening. However, Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia pointed out that over 97 percent of those files were already publicly available. Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and their supporters pose for a photo during a rally in support of victims of the disgraced financier and sex trafficker outside the U.S. Capitol on September 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Epstein survivor Lisa Phillips said on CNN Wednesday night that it was shocking and upsetting to hear the presidents comments, telling host Anderson Cooper that survivors werent targeting Trump, but were just fed up and wanting answers. She continued, Its hard to deal with because we just want some accountability. And we havent received any. The only person thats been held accountable is a woman. And we were abused by a man who sex trafficked a lot of us. And so we are aware there are many other men out there and we just dont understand, or we are nearing the end of our fight, pushing us to, you know, make other decisions to see if we can get some accountability. Phillips had previously told NBCs Hallie Jackson that many survivors had begun compiling their own client lists in the face of the Trump administrations refusal to release such information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to CNNs Kaitlan Collins on Wednesday night, Massie also pushed back against the presidents hoax claims, telling Collins, With my Republican constituents, those women have the most credibility. And I think its disrespectful to call it a hoax. This is not a hoax. Not at all. And its not going to go away. He added, If the president wants to highlight the things that hes trying to do in the White House, then he should just call for the vote and release all of these files, and then he can move on. But they want to drag this out. Massie also told Collins that he would be willing to use the speech or debate clause that affords representatives immunity to read the names of Epsteins clients in Congress. Rep. Thomas Massie filed a discharge petition on Tuesday kicking off the process of collection the necessary 218 votes in the House to force the vote to release the Epstein files. / Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images The survivors said that they had decided to compile their own list. But the reality is, if they try to release that list, theyre going to be sued into homelessness. They will be attacked. They will have death threats, Massie said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to explain that what both he and Marjorie Taylor Greene have volunteered to do is read that list on the floor of the House of Representatives, because our founders put into the Constitution a speech or debate immunity, which says that we cant be prosecuted for what we say on the floor of the House. Were willing to help those survivors get those names. GOP Rep. Thomas Massie says if the Epstein survivors create a list of names, he'll read the names on the floor of the House because it will be protected by the speech or debate clause. Rep. Khanna says hes willing to help but that it shouldnt have to come to that. pic.twitter.com/VJslbcY8Tl Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) September 4, 2025 Greene made the same offer during Wednesdays press conference on Capitol Hill, surrounded by Epsteins victims and their supporters, as well as Massie, Khanna, and other lawmakers. Khanna said of Greenes decision to break ranks with her party, She has shown so much courage on this issue. I saw some people coming here calling her names. Weve got to stop that. Weve got to stop the partisanship on this issue. Good morning! I'm Nicole Fallert. Not too early for a Halloween Labubu. Quick look at Wedneday's news: The House Oversight Committee released thousands of pages of documents from the government's investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. The president says federal troops are headed to Chicago. The children of the manosphere and how to protect them. Epstein victims to speak on Capitol Hill Some victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein are set to speak at a press conference on Wednesday at the Capitol. The bipartisan event is organized by Reps. Ro Khanna, D-California, and Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, who predict it will be "explosive." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public address follows an emotional day on Capital Hill: Some of the women who said they are Epstein victims briefed House Oversight Committee lawmakers on their experiences, some sharing their stories for the first time. Republican Nancy Mace of North Carolina, left the briefing early and in tears. "What they revealed is not only the trauma of hundreds (maybe thousands) of young women, but a cover-up of epic proportions," said Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-New Mexico. Why this matters: Rep. Ro Khanna, D-California and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, are leading an effort to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act which would compel the U.S. Attorney General to release in a searchable format all Department of Justice files related to Epstein. The news conference could compel additional lawmakers to sign on, Kanna said. Watch: Livestream the 10:30 a.m. ET press conference on the Capitol steps. What's going on with North Korea, China and Russia? The leaders of North Korea, China and Russia met in a show of solidarity by nations shunned by the West over their role in Russias war against Ukraine, Europes worst conflict in 80 years. China kicked off its largest-ever military parade Wednesday in a show of its growing firepower and geopolitical clout as Chinese President Xi Jinping sought to cast Beijing as the custodian of a post-U.S. international order. President Donald Trump denounced "The Axis of Upheaval," as the group is known, while at the same time saying he wasnt worried that they would present a threat to the United States. The president said he is "disappointed in Putin." Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as he leaves after a meeting in Beijing, China September 3, 2025. More news to know now A USA TODAY reporter visited Smithsonian museums amid Trump criticisms that they're too woke. More than 4,000 lightning strikes hit California, causing a "significant" wildfire risk. Mail-in voting matters for ... space command. An accident led her to deliver her baby prematurely. Then came the postpartum depression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here. Trump says federal troops are headed to Chicago A federal judge has blocked President Trumps deployment of the National Guard in California based on "an ongoing risk" that the president will act unlawfully. Yet the president declared Tuesday he plans to send the National Guard into Chicago after he repeatedly targeted California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Illinois' JB Pritzker, all Democratic governors who have been outspoken against him and are possible 2028 presidential candidates. Trump cited violence in Chicago over the weekend, saying the city was a "hell hole." They don't want kids or a wedding Young adults are prioritizing economic security over marriage and having children, according to a recent report from the Census Bureau. These shifting priorities reflect the burden of rising living costs such as housing, food and travel. The data doesn't fully explain if these shifts are temporary or permanent. Factors including growing student debt, remote work and changing views about parenthood could influence these cultural milestones in the coming decades. Meanwhile, Gen Z accounts for a growing share of new loans. Today's talkers SNL just added five new cast members. Do you have a toxic workplace? The Chainsmokers crashed an Ohio State college party. From "Conjuring 4" to "Frankenstein," see exclusive peeks at fall's top movies. The potentially extremist messages coming for young men Sitting around on a hot June evening after several hours of training and sparring, boys and men ranging in age from 13 to 33 told USA TODAY they believe Andrew Tate and other male influencers they aspire to are misrepresented in the media especially by mainstream outlets. The sexism, misogyny, racism, homophobia and transphobia espoused by Tate and his ilk isnt really serious, they said. Its just men pushing back on political correctness expanding the political discourse bringing it back to some sort of "center" via a bunch of sexist and racist jokes. But recent studies have shown how social media algorithms mercilessly push manosphere content toward young men and that content is quickly interspersed with other even more extremist ideas. Check out this story, part of a new docuseries "Extremely Normal," exploring the new frontlines of extremism nationwide. Photo of the day: The Open no longer for the US Novak Djokovic, 38, is on to the U.S. Open semifinals after taking three hours and 24 minutes to oust No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in the quarterfinals Tuesday night in New York City. With Fritz's defeat, there are no American men left in the tournament. Taylor Fritz, the No. 4 seed, hits a forehand against No. 7 seed Novak Djokovic during their quarterfinal match on Tuesday. Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at USA TODAY, sign up for the email here. Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at NFallert@usatoday.com . This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Epstein, China, Russia, ICE, Chicago, Gen Z, economy, manosphere, US Open: Daily Briefing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Thursday that Democrats are prepping to battle any GOP effort to minimize the severity of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Jeffries said hes in talks with Rep. Jamie Raskin (Md.), the senior Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, about the partys best approach to a new select committee, created by Republicans this week, that will revisit the attack in the coming months. Republicans have sought to downplay both the violence on Jan. 6 and President Trumps role in fomenting it. Jeffries suggested he expects the new select committee to continue those trends, warning that Democrats wont allow Trumps allies to rewrite the history of the tragic event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will aggressively and forcefully push back against any effort to try to whitewash what happened on Jan. 6, where a mob of violent individuals attacked the Capitol as part of an effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election at the direction of Donald Trump, he told reporters in the Capitol. Approved by House Republicans on Wednesday, the select committee is designed to revisit the events of Jan. 6, when hundreds of Trumps supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a failed effort to block Congress from certifying his defeat in the 2020 election. More than 1,500 people were convicted of federal crimes related to the rampage, including assaults on police officers; Trump pardoned virtually all of them on his first day back in office. The new investigative panel also appears to have the jurisdiction to examine the work of the first Jan. 6 select committee, which was created by Democrats in 2021, under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and reached the conclusion that Trump had orchestrated the riot. Republicans have bashed that investigation, characterizing it as a one-sided witch hunt designed solely to hurt Trump politically. That was the conclusion of a report issued last year by Republicans on the House Administration Committees oversight subpanel, led by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That investigation also blamed the attack on leaders of the U.S. Capitol Police, for a failure to provide proper security, and recommended that former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), a Trump critic who helped lead the first Jan. 6 select committee, be prosecuted. Jeffries is in charge of naming three Democrats to sit on the new, eight-member select committee, although Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) who will choose the five Republicans has veto power over the Democratic picks. The panel will be led by Loudermilk, who said it will build off his previous work. While my previous investigation did an incredible job last Congress, there is still much work to be done, he said. Our goal is to answer the remaining questions, uncover all the facts, and implement reforms so this level of security failure never happens again. Its time to finish the job. Jeffries did not indicate a timeline for choosing his nominees. But Raskin, a former constitutional lawyer who sat on the initial Jan. 6 committee is automatically an ex officio member given his position as the ranking member of Judiciary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the new investigation, Raskin said Democrats will use the platform to highlight Trumps role in the Jan. 6 attack. [We] welcome yet another chance to remind Americans of House Republicans ongoing complicity with and embarrassing apologetics for MAGAs violent insurrection against Congress and Vice-President Mike Pence and Trumps sinister attempt to overthrow a presidential election which he lost to President Biden by more than 7 million votes, he said. Emily Brooks contributed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Higher education is at a turning point. Driven by shifting student needs, evolving workforce demands and rapid technological change, the traditional four-year degree is no longer the only path to success. As Education Trust notes, There is a growing interest in short-term credentials, which offer alternatives to traditional four-year degrees and are gaining support across the political spectrum. These alternatives certificates, micro-credentials and other focused programs are becoming attractive options for students, employers and policymakers alike, offering pathways to employment without the weight of crippling debt. Though The Chronicle of Higher Education observes, Were in the midst of a credentials craze, it simultaneously raises concern: Theres also a worry that low-income and other underserved students will get credentials, while wealthier students get a rigorous education. Richard A. DeMillo, author of a recent book on academic innovation, adds, Colleges need to realize they are no longer the only gatekeepers of higher education, and they must work harder to prove their value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To remain relevant, colleges and universities must adapt. Todays learners are diverse, career-focused and demand flexibility in how, when and where they learn. They seek education that leads directly to job opportunities and practical, real-world skills. The traditional degree still holds value, but it is no longer a one-size-fits-all solution. Alternative credentials such as certificates and micro-credentials short, skill-based programs that validate expertise in specific fields are gaining traction. For colleges, this means embracing flexible learning models, expanding career-readiness programs and developing credentials that align with workforce needs. These offerings must be designed with rigor and intention, not only to serve students better but also to protect the integrity of higher education. Students have an exciting array of credentialing programs to choose from, offering new pathways to career advancement and personal growth. However, students should proceed with caution when selecting those programs. Opinion: Tennessee could authorize a state property tax at any time. That's a problem Credentials present opportunities, as well as challenges A recent study by the Burning Glass Institute, which analyzed outcomes for over 20,000 credentials, found that only about one in eight led to meaningful pay increases within a year of completion, thus highlighting the importance of making informed choices. With over 700,000 nondegree credentials available in the U.S., students must research their options carefully prioritizing programs tied to employer demand, especially in fields like healthcare and radiology, where credentials are more consistently rewarded in the job market. Harold Simpson, workforce development director at Urban League of Middle Tennessee, works on creating a resume for Mohammad Rasaul Mattmoodai, left, with his translator, Sayed Quraishi during a Advancing Workforce Equity meeting at Skyline Ridge Apartments to help participants get into higher wage growth jobs Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Madison, Tenn. Urban League, a non-profit organization, addresses community issues including affordable housing, transportation, education and public safety issues. Another challenge is that many credentialing programs are developed without direct input from employers, limiting their relevance in real-world hiring. As Matt Sigelman of the Burning Glass Institute explains, many programs are created with a loose understanding of what it actually takes to get hired in a given field. To improve outcomes, universities must build credentialing programs in close partnership with industry, aligning them with current job requirements and clearly communicating their value to both students and employers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preparing students for an evolving workforce must remain central to higher educations mission. With rapid advancements in technology, globalization and changing social dynamics, job roles and skill requirements are shifting. Higher education must respond with career-focused, flexible pathways that enable students to build the competencies they need when and how they need them. To meet these expectations, institutions should offer diverse learning formats: in-person, online and hybrid options that allow students to tailor their education to fit their lives. Whether pursuing a traditional degree, certificate or non-degree credential, students value programs that provide flexibility, efficiency and direct relevance to their career goals. Higher education must adapt to student needs and workforce demands Certificate and credentialing programs in high-demand areas like healthcare, IT and business analytics are especially valuable. Many can be completed in months, allowing students to upskill or pivot careers quickly. These offerings provide targeted training that responds directly to market needs something increasingly important in a fast-changing economy. But flexible formats and specialized credentials are only part of the solution. Universities must also support students' holistic development. Career services, mentorship programs, internships and professional development opportunities help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Experiential learning through hands-on projects, community engagement or workplace experiences deepens understanding and builds critical job-ready skills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Trump's flag burning executive order doesn't protect liberty. It tramples it Some will argue that the traditional four-year degree remains the gold standard, and in many cases, it does. But the growing interest in alternative credentials highlights a broader trend: Students want education that is faster, more flexible and more closely aligned with career outcomes. The future lies in offering a range of pathways from degrees to certificates that empower learners with the tools they need to thrive. As we look ahead, higher education must continue to evolve. Institutions that are responsive, innovative and student-centered will lead the way. By embracing flexibility, strengthening career-aligned learning and offering credentials that deliver real-world value, colleges and universities can ensure students are not only educated, but equipped with skills and credentials that truly translate into opportunity. Candice McQueen Dr. Candice McQueen is president of Lipscomb University in Nashville. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What higher education can learn from the 'credentials craze' | Opinion A 36-year-old Alaskan woman is currently hospitalized with serious injuries after being attacked by a bear while out jogging last week. According to a press release from the Alaska Department of Public Safety, police in Kenai, Alaska were called to the scene of an apparent bear attack early last Tuesday morning. "Investigation revealed a 36-year-old female departed her residence at 5:45am to go jogging and was near her driveway when the initial attack occurred," the press release reads. "A neighbor came outside and located her. The victim was medivac to an Anchorage area hospital with serious injuries." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alaska Wildlife Trooper David Lorring told KTUU that the woman made it "probably 50 yards from her house" before she was attacked. The bear reportedly "dragged her approximately 100 yards down the road." Personnel from the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Kenai Police Department and Alaska Department of Fish and Game searched for the bear to no avail. According to reports, the victim is Ariean Fabrizio Colton, a nurse and mother of three. A 'long road' ahead Colton, her husband, and their children had just relocated to Alaska earlier this summer, according to a GoFundMe started by her family. So far, the fundraiser has brought in over $83,000 toward its $100,000 goal. The page says Colton is stable, but has suffered "severe injuries that will require extensive surgeries and a long hospital stay." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An update on Saturday said Colton made it through her first surgery with a positive prognosis but a lengthy recovery still ahead. "We are so appreciative of all donations, prayers, and well wishes on Arieans behalf," the update reads. "Ariean has had her initial surgery and the doctors are positive and hopeful. It is still a long road to recovery, so please continue providing support and sharing this link." A grizzly bear living at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana, explores its enclosure. Trevor Hughes/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Bear safety tips to consider Whether heading out into the wilderness or living in an area where bears may be present, it's important to exercise caution regarding these creatures. In 2021, Bill Hunt, the Resource Conservation Manager for Banff National Park, spoke with Men's Journal about some important bear safety advice to remember. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is your responsibility as a user of the wilderness," Hunt said. "Get to know your seasonal hazards and plan your recreation around that." Hunt also recommends avoiding feeding bears and giving out "improper food signals," which could cause the animals to come back looking for a meal. Additionally, Hunt says humans should make their presence known when out in the wilderness so bears are not surprised when they see them. "When you are out on the trails, make a lot of noise," Hunt said. "We don't recommend bear bells, we recommend yodeling or 'hoot- hooting.' Make it loud, make it travel far enough that a bear can hear you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is lots of camera data showing humans and bears literally minutes apart on trails; if a bear can hear you coming, they will most often get out of the way. But if you surprise a bear, that is when a surprise encounter occursyou and the bear are then inclined to react poorly." This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Sep 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) A Civil Rights icon who shaped history from a lunch counter in Greensboro has died. Major General Joseph McNeil, a Wilmington native, died at the age of 83, North Carolina A&T State University confirmed to FOX8 on Thursday. McNeils bravery and determination significantly sparked the civil rights movement across the United States. His military service and achievements as a major general in the Air Force Reserve Command further exemplify his dedication to service and country. The McNeil family Joseph A. McNeils legacy is a testament to the power of courage and conviction, said Joseph McNeil Jr. His impact on the civil rights movement and his service to the nation will never be forgotten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family says that a tribute to honor his life and legacy will be announced separately. Anyone wishing to pay their respects may consider donating to organizations supporting civil rights and social justice. McNeil was one of four Black freshmen from the Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina, today known as North Carolina A&T State University, who sat down at the segregated lunch counter at the Woolworths in downtown Greensboro and asked to be served on Feb. 1, 1960. When staff refused to serve them, they refused to leave. The university released a statement in the wake of McNeils passing, saying in part, Despite health challenges, Maj. Gen. McNeil came back to A&T this past February to mark the 65th anniversary of the sit-in at the annual breakfast honoring the A&T Four. The audience at the breakfast gave him a standing ovation. Joseph McNeil and his fellow North Carolina A&T classmates inspired a nation with their courageous, peaceful protest, powerfully embodying the idea that young people could change the world. His leadership and the example of the A&T Four continue to inspire our students today. The North Carolina A&T family mourns his passage, but celebrates his long and incredible life and the legacy he leaves behind. Chancellor James R. Martin II. McNeil and the other three, Ezell Blair Jr. (who later changed his name to Jibreel Khazan), David Richmond and Franklin McCain became known as the Greensboro Four as this act of protest caught national attention, kicking off the sit-in movement across the segregated South. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McNeil went on to serve in the United States Air Force, serving in Vietnam and eventually earning the rank of major general before retiring. He also worked with the Federal Aviation Administration. The Greensboro Four The four young men were reportedly inspired by the nonviolent protest techniques of Mahatma Gandhi and the murder of Emmett Till, as well as the Freedom Rides movement, when they began their protests. A photo display of the famous lunch counter sit-in in Greensboro North Carolina. DuSable Museum of African American History museum, on August 26, 2015, prepares a new exhibit, Freedom, Resistance and the Journey Toward Equality, at the Chicago museum. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) Seeing history two ways. In the International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro, you can see the lunch counter where the famous 1960 sit-in took place and in the mirrors behind the counter, you can see the scene re-enacted. (John Bordsen/Charlotte Observer/MCT) It was a carefully planned demonstration, according to the History Channel, and the students worked with a local white businessman who contacted the local media about the protest. The students remained in their seats until the business closed. Similar sit-ins had been organized as early as 1958, but the Greensboro sit-ins drew intense media coverage, serving to propel the civil rights movement onto the national stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Feb. 5, hundreds of students were joining in on the protest, and the sit-ins were spreading, including to the Woolworths in neighboring Winston-Salem, which is now being renovated into an event space to preserve the history made by Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University students. Demonstrations by approximately 400 African-American college students continued in Greensboro as they continued their sit-down strike against local dime stores. This picture shows some of the African-American coeds lining the counter at the F.W. Woolworth Co. (Photo by Bettmann via Getty Images) By the end of March, the sit-ins had spread to 13 states, and, by the end of that summer, many places had begun to change their segregation policies. The Greensboro Woolworths desegregated its lunch counters in July 1960. Four Black employees were the first to be served. Demonstrators holding signs protest in front of an F.W. Woolworth store in Harlem to oppose lunch counter discrimination practiced in Woolworth stores in Greensboro, Charlotte, and Durham, North Carolina. The demonstrators, who belong to an organization known as CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), are urging Harlem residents not to patronize Woolworth stores until discrimination ends in stores in the three southern cities. African American students from Saint Augustine College study while participating in a sit-in at a lunch counter reserved for white customers in Raleigh, North Carolina. Two waitresses look on from the other side of the counter. The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee was formed in April, hoping to capitalize on the momentum of the sit-ins. Throughout the 60s, the SNCC had a hand in defining moments of the Civil Rights Movement, including Freedom Rides and the March on Washington where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his historic I Have a Dream speech. The organization became more militant throughout the 60s and became essentially defunct by the 1970s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, the site of the Woolworths location in Greensboro serves as the home of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, located at 134 S. Elm Street, and a restored version of the Woolworths lunch counter is on display. A portion of the original counter can be found at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. GREENSBORO, NC FEBRUARY 8 A statue of four freshmen who led a sit-in in 1960 on display at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC, on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. (Ted Richardson/For The Washington Post via Getty Images) According to a 2014 News & Record article, Khazan moved to Massachusetts in the 1960s. Local media in New Bedford, where he lives, dedicated a statue and a park to him in 2021 to honor his courage and impact on the nation. David Richmond died of lung cancer in 1990. He left A&T before completing his secondary education and working various jobs. He lived in Franklin for a time before returning to Greensboro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Franklin McCain graduated from A&T and spent 35 years working as a chemist in Charlotte. He also served on the board of governors for the UNC system. He died in 2014 at the age of 73. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) An independent journalist says he was kicked out of a news conference for trying to ask a question during a gathering of dozens of survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Michael Tracey, who wrote The Idiocy of the Epstein Mythology, told On Balance he feels that the case lawyers, politicians, and alleged victims of Epstein (adjudicated or not) are unaccustomed to ever being asked even a mildly critical question. They go absolutely berserk when somebody such as myself attempts to do so, Tracey says about their reaction. And then they launch into a mob and want me thrown out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epstein survivors, lawmakers call for release of all files Tracey, invited to the event by Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, acknowledged it was Marjorie Taylor Greene who was calling for him to be thrown out. He was removed by Capitol police, which was visibly objected to by Khanna. Tracey wanted to address lawyer Bradley Edwards Tracey said he waited for his turn to ask a pertinent question to Bradley Edwards. Edwards, a lawyer, was one of the main legal antagonists of Epstein and represented several of his reported victims, including Virginia Giuffre. Throughout this press conference, Virginia Roberts Giuffre was being spoken of as this truth-telling martyr, as though she had an unblemished record of credibility, Tracey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was the one who actually spawned, in large part, the initial theory that Epstein orchestrated a massive pedophile ring and enforced it through a blackmail operation which ensnared prominent people. Rex Heuermann DNA decision is significant for case: DA Giuffre, five years ago, claimed that Epstein trafficked her to Alan Dershowitz, Epsteins lawyer. She withdrew the claim two years later, admitting she may have made a mistake in identifying him as an abuser. Dershowitz has completely denied any wrongdoing. Gathering called for DOJ to release all Epstein files Participants at the news conference called for the Department of Justice to release all government files related to the investigation and that anyone complicit be held accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, the GOP-led House Oversight Committee released over 33,000 documents related to Epstein after it subpoenaed the Justice Department for them. This came despite President Trump continuing to be dismissive of the pressure to release the files. Jeffrey Epsteins brother laughed at FBI findings It reminds me a little of the (John F.) Kennedy situation, Trump said. We gave them everything over and over and over again and nobodys ever satisfied. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Photo by Getty Images) Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect an amended order. The amended order reflects the judges intention to omit some references to the NorthWestern Energy merger and the governors statements about it. In an email provided to the Daily Montanan, the judge said he did not intend to refer to the governors endorsement of the merger in his order. The incorrect order was filed by mistake, and this story has been updated to reflect the amended order. A district court judge has blocked Gov. Greg Gianforte from suspending Public Service Commission President Brad Molnar after ruling a complaint to temporarily remove him is invalid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In granting a temporary restraining order on Thursday, Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Mike Menahan said state law requires good cause and a valid complaint to remove a commissioner. But the judge said the suspension request from PSC Vice President Jennifer Fielder to Gianforte was procedurally defective because it was made without a properly noticed meeting and without a yes vote of four commissioners as mandated by Public Service Commission policy. The judge said Molnar, an elected member of the PSC, was in danger of irreparable harm. Despite these procedural violations, Governor Gianforte has not dismissed the complaint and has requested briefing from both parties, creating immediate risk of unlawful suspension, Menahan wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday, the Public Service Commission voted 3-2 to reject Molnars bid to recall the complaint to the governor. Fielder made the suspension request on behalf of an internal response team investigating Molnar for unprofessional conduct. She and others argued Molnar was interfering with the investigation, and the temporary suspension was necessary for the response team to complete its work unimpeded. Molnar argued at least some of the actions in question such as holding a press conference about the investigation and raising concerns about due process are protected speech. His lawyer, Matthew Monforton, had earlier said Gianforte should have immediately dismissed the complaint from Fielder. He praised the restraining order Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court confirmed that even governors must follow the rules, and Montana voters choice must be respected, Monforton said. PSC spokesperson Alana Lake said the agency looks forward to presenting the facts in the case to ensure the truth is heard in this matter. We are deeply disappointed that this situation distracts from the important work of our agency, Lake said in an email. Every day, our staff is focused on protecting ratepayers, ensuring safe and reliable utility services, and holding companies accountable to the public interest. We will continue to do what we have always done: Operate in a manner grounded in law, fact, and fairness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge said granting a temporary restraining order was necessary because the voters of Molnars district could lose representation if he is suspended a harm that cannot be remedied by later restoration to office. He also said a suspension would nullify the November 2024 election results in PSC District 2, in southeastern Montana, and Molnar has duties that cannot be performed retroactively. The judge said the matter is time sensitive because it comes on the heels of an announced merger between NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Corp, a proposal that requires approval by the PSC. Molnar was a member of the Public Service Commission in 2007 when it considered and rejected the sale of NorthWestern Energy to Babcock and Brown, a company that later went bankrupt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timing of the threatened suspension would remove Commissioner Molnars unique institutional knowledge during the critical $3.6 billion NorthWestern Energy merger review, depriving Montana ratepayers of his proven expertise in scrutinizing utility acquisitions, the order said. Fielder has said the response team made its decision to file a complaint with the governor after it received substantiated evidence Molnar was engaging in retaliation a claim his lawyer has described as inflammatory. A PSC spokesperson also has said the complaint is related only to Molnars unprofessional conduct and is not connected to the proposed merger. The order said it does not prevent Gianforte from exercising his authority to consider properly filed complaints that comply with all applicable procedural requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it said Molnar was elected into the post of commissioner and then as PSC president, and he will continue to serve in that capacity during the pendency of this order with all rights, duties and responsibilities. The order also said the PSC policies are important to democracy. This Court finds that the procedural safeguards established by PSC Rule 2.17 serve essential democratic functions by preventing individual commissioners from acting unilaterally to remove elected colleagues, ensuring transparency in attempts to nullify election results, and providing due process protections, the order said. Allowing Defendant Fielder to bypass these mandatory requirements would render such safeguards meaningless and create a dangerous precedent for circumventing democratic process. The order noted Fielder had marked the complaint to the governor as CONFIDENTIAL and failed to notify Molnar about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the judge said if legitimate concerns about Molnar exist, Fielder is free to pursue relief through proper procedures. In this case, he said the balance of equities tips decisively in Commissioner Molnars favor. He seeks only to enforce existing legal requirements, specifically that government officials must follow their own mandatory procedural rules, the judge said. Defendants suffer no cognizable harm from being required to comply with the PSCs own established procedures. The Daily Montanan has requested comment from the Governors Office. Sept. 3 (UPI) -- A federal judge cited First Amendment rights Wednesday in an order blocking the Trump administration's attempt to withhold more than $2 billion in government funding from Harvard University. U.S. Judge Allison Burroughs of the District of Massachusetts restored the funding -- in the form of grants and contracts -- in response to a lawsuit brought by the university and employee groups. The lawsuit accused the President Donald Trump of leveraging the funding "to gain control of academic decision-making at Harvard." Among the programs affected by the block in funding were research in science and medicine, including on radiation exposure, ALS diagnostics and tuberculosis treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump attempted to withhold funding and block Harvard from admitting international students after taking issue with students' anti-Israel protests over the war in Gaza. The administration accused Harvard of failing to crack down on anti-Semitism. Burroughs said that while Harvard was wrong to not attempt to curtail "hateful behavior for as long as it did," she doubts the administration's stated aims. "The record here, however, does not reflect that fighting anti-semitism was Defendants' true aim in acting against Harvard and, even if it were, combatting anti-Semitism cannot be accomplished on the back of the First Amendment," she wrote. In June, Burroughs granted a preliminary injunction blocking Trump's efforts to bar international students from enrolling at Harvard. Sep. 4WILKES-BARRE Nearly 22 years after convicted murderer Larry Tooley was court-ordered to pay his "fair share" in restitution, a Luzerne County judge Thursday ordered payments to begin. Judge Fred A. Pierantoni III corrected a "clerical error" on Tooley's dispositional sentencing sheet created by hand when he was sentenced to life in prison without parole by former judge Peter Paul Olszewski Jr. on Oct. 27, 2003. Tooley, 68, was convicted by a jury of the first-degree murder of 16-year-old Casey Zalenski inside the victim's Franklin Township home on Nov. 8, 2002. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Tooley's sentencing hearing, Olszewski ordered Tooley to pay his "fair share" in restitution that totaled $5,081 along with co-defendant Tina Marie Young, 55. Only the restitution amount was not transmitted onto the sentencing dispositional sheet that was given to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Dispositional sheets prior to July 2017 were handwritten by a court clerk. Today, they are processed using a laptop computer and reviewed by the sentencing judge. The omission of Tooley's court ordered restitution was discovered in June 2024, when Zalenski's father contacted the district attorney's office inquiring about not receiving restitution payments. Assistant District Attorney James L. McMonagle looked into the issue and learned about the omission of restitution from Tooley's and Young's dispositional sentencing sheets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMonagle filed a motion June 9 to correct the clerical error for both Tooley and Young. During a brief hearing Thursday before Pierantoni, McMonagle submitted the transcript of Tooley's sentencing hearing that recorded Olszewski's order for Tooley to pay his "fair share" of $5,081 in restitution. McMonagle took "fair share" as meaning the restitution for Tooley and Young to pay half. Attorney Ellen M. Granahan, who represented Tooley, argued Tooley will be prejudiced as his ability to work jobs in prison for an income are limited due to his age. Granahan said Tooley was not aware he had to pay restitution and should not pay restitution due to a mistake made by a clerk. McMonagle said court-ordered restitution "has to be paid." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pierantoni said under state law, the court has the ability to correct "omissions," noting the transcript of Tooley's sentencing hearing when a former judge ordered Tooley to pay restitution. "It is clear and obvious," Pierantoni said about the clerical error on Tooley's written dispositional sheet. Tooley, who is jailed at the State Correctional Institution at Dallas, appeared for the hearing via video. A similar court proceeding is scheduled for Young on Friday. Young, a former babysitter for the Zalenski family, pled guilty to third-degree murder, burglary and criminal conspiracy to commit burglary, and was sentenced by Olszewski on Oct. 27, 2003, to 19-40 years in prison. Young has since been paroled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police investigators said Young, being the family's former babysitter, led Tooley to the Zalenski house to burglarize and steal items. Casey Zalenski stayed home from school to care for a sick younger brother when Tooley encountered him on stairs, killing the teenager in a shooting. Along with being convicted of first-degree murder, Tooley was also convicted of burglary, robbery, and criminal conspiracy. As a non-compete lawsuit filed by a former WISH-TV meteorologist makes its way through courts, a Marion County judge denied Circle City Broadcasting's request to force the matter into arbitration. Circle City Broadcasting, the parent company of WISH-TV, asked the court to enforce a clause in meteorologist Ashley Brown Elliott's contract that would have required private mediation instead of a lawsuit. The court denied the request but allowed Circle City Broadcasting to file an immediate request to have the Indiana Court of Appeals review the ruling. On Aug. 19, Circle City Broadcasting requested a stay, which would pause the case while the appeal was being decided. According to court documents, the stay request was denied Sept. 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Online court records did not list a date for the next hearing in the case at time of publication. Former meteorologist wants out of non-compete clause The WISH-TV studios at 1950 N. Meridian St. in Indianapolis on Feb. 24, 2025. Former WISH-TV meteorologist Ashley Brown Elliott is suing Circle City Broadcasting to break a non-compete clause in her contract that would prevent her from getting a new opportunity in the Indianapolis news market. Brown, WISH-TV's chief meteorologist for more than six years, announced earlier this year that she was fired after questioning the TV station's treatment of Black women employees. The company's owner, Indianapolis native DuJuan McCoy, previously called Brown's claims "utterly false and defamatory." Brown chose to leave WISH-TV, he said in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IndyStar reached out to the WISH-TV news station and Circle City Broadcasting, but didn't hear back by the time of this article's publication. In her lawsuit, Brown argues the non-compete on her employment contract with Circle City Broadcasting should be unenforceable under Indiana law. Many broadcast stations require their on-air talent to sign agreements that they will wait a specified amount of time before taking a position at a competitor should they leave their employer. Brown, whose role with WISH-TV ended Feb. 20, 2025, had renewed her contract three years earlier at Circle City Broadcasting's request, which is standard for working TV news talent. The agreement stated that for one year after leaving the station for any reason, she would not accept employment in the media industry. In June, Brown's lawyer wrote a letter to Circle City Broadcasting owner McCoy requesting that the meteorologist be released from her non-compete agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit states that moments after receiving the letter, McCoy sent an email in which he expressed his personal grievances regarding Brown. He also refused to release her from the non-compete, which Circle City Broadcasting claimed is "a standard industry non-compete." Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: WISH-TV owners denied arbitration bid for meteorologist Ashley Brown case A federal judges ruling for Harvard on Wednesday was significant in rejecting the Trump administrations attempt to exert financial control over the educational institution. But just as notable was a footnote in the ruling that directly called out Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch for his criticism of lower court judges. The Court is mindful of Justice Gorsuchs comments in his opinion in APHA and fully agrees that this Court is not free to defy Supreme Court decisions, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs wrote in the ninth footnote of her 84-page ruling. APHA refers to the high courts shadow docket decision last month in National Institutes of Health v. American Public Health Association, in which the majority backed the Trump administrations bid to cut NIH research grants. The NIH case divided the justices to such an extent that five of them wrote separate opinions. Joined by fellow Trump appointee Brett Kavanaugh, Gorsuchs separate opinion cited multiple recent cases in which he said lower court judges bucked clear high court precedent. Lower court judges may sometimes disagree with this Courts decisions, but they are never free to defy them, he wrote, lamenting that his courts interventions should have been unnecessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He concluded that the phenomenon, as he saw it, underscored a basic tenet of our judicial system: Whatever their own views, judges are duty-bound to respect the hierarchy of the federal court system created by the Constitution and Congress. He was quoting a 1982 Supreme Court ruling that warned of anarchy if lower court judges dont follow high court precedent. In an unusual move following the NIH ruling, the district judge in that case, Reagan appointee William Young, publicly apologized to the Trump appointees during a hearing this week. Before we do anything, I really feel its incumbent upon me to on the record here to apologize to Justices Gorsuch and 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, The New York Times reported Young as saying Tuesday. Young reportedly said he can do nothing more than to say as honestly as I can: I certainly did not so intend, and that is foreign in every respect to the nature of how I have conducted myself as a judicial officer. He said he simply did not understand that orders on the emergency docket were precedent. Burroughs took a different approach in the Harvard case. The Obama appointee in Massachusetts turned the mirror back toward the justices in Washington, where, she wrote in her footnote, the high courts recent emergency rulings on grant terminations have not been models of clarity and have left many issues unresolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She acknowledged that, like lower court judges, the justices are doing their best to resolve complex issues quickly. Given this, however, she wrote, its unhelpful and unnecessary to criticize district courts for defy[ing] the Supreme Court when they are working to find the right answer in a rapidly evolving doctrinal landscape, where they must grapple with both existing precedent and interim guidance from the Supreme Court that appears to set that precedent aside without much explanation or consensus. Burroughs isnt alone in publicly expressing frustration with her high court colleagues. NBC News published a remarkable report Thursday that cited a whopping 10 federal judges who said the justices should better explain their emergency rulings. That they went on record at all, even anonymously, highlights the dire state of the judiciary in Donald Trumps second term one in which Biden appointee Ketanji Brown Jackson recently complained that her colleagues on the high court invariably find a way to side with this administration. The administration has vowed to appeal Burroughs ruling in the Harvard case, so Gorsuch may have an opportunity to respond if he thinks that would be helpful, or necessary. 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 A worker is escorted to a bus headed to a detention center after she was apprehended at Glenn Valley Foods of Omaha during largest Nebraska immigration raid since President Donald Trump took office. (Courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) OMAHA Again on Wednesday, a federal judge rejected the U.S. governments effort to deny bond to workers detained and facing deportation proceedings following their arrest in Omahas Glenn Valley Foods immigration raid. This time, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Joseph Bataillon presided over a combined hearing in Omaha for three undocumented workers. His decision mirrored that of similar Glenn Valley cases he had ruled on the past several weeks. Immigration agents converge on Glenn Valley Foods June 10 for an immigration raid. (Courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Bataillon found that the government was violating due process rights of all three by unlawfully detaining them under an automatic stay of a bond an immigration judge earlier had determined was appropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He ordered the detainees to be immediately released upon reposting the respective bond amounts that weeks ago had been set by an immigration judge, but then were swiftly challenged by the federal government. The three Sabina Carmona-Lorenzo, Diego Palma Perez and Ernesto Cortes Fernandez were among about 75 Glenn Valley plant workers arrested during a June 10 workforce enforcement operation led by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE described the operation as a federal criminal investigation into over 100 cases of stolen identities. But the three in court Wednesday have faced no criminal charges, their lawyers said. They face administrative offenses and deportation for allegedly being in the country without authorization. Federal attorneys representing the Department of Homeland Security and ICE challenged the bonds based on new July 8 guidance from the Trump administration that looks to end bond hearings for almost all undocumented immigrants as they fight deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That mandatory detention guidance hangs on a section of immigration law applied historically to newly arrived migrants, not those who, like the Glenn Valley workers, already had been in the U.S. for years, even if they entered without authorization. Bataillon noted that ICE had arrested the Glenn Valley workers under one provision of the law, but then government attorneys wanted to hold them under the different section of law that applied to migrants who just arrived. Attorney Christopher Ferretti, representing the feds, said during the hearing that his team still asserts that no-bond should apply. Given short shrift in the discussion he said, is the governments interest in controlling its borders. Jamie Arango, a Lincoln immigration attorney representing two of the Glenn Valley workers Wednesday, said the governments strategy to prolong detention can drive some migrants to self-deport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its depriving them of due process, she said. Sabina Carmona-Lorenzo asked that a federal judge order her release on bond, which was granted more than a month ago by an Omaha-based immigration judge. (Courtesy of American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska) Arango said family commitments led her clients to endure more than two months in a North Platte jail. Both have several children, she said, and have been in the country working for decades. They didnt want to leave their families behind. After release on bond, the migrants legal teams still must build cases as to why their clients should be able to remain in the U.S. Arango said she represents another Glenn Valley worker in a similar situation, awaiting a federal hearing. Arango said there are numerous people like her clients in Nebraska and across the country. Theyre not letting anyone out on bond, she said, adding that it is clogging up the immigration justice system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grant Friedman of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska, who represented Carmona-Lorenzo, said the ACLU has at least one more client arrested in the Glenn Valley raid awaiting a similar hearing. Bataillon last month ordered the release of three other Glenn Valley workers held under similar circumstances. Carmona-Lorenzo had been in the U.S. for more than 20 years when she was detained in June, her lawyers said. She and her husband have five children, all of whom are U.S. citizens. Three are minors, one is in college, and the other serves in the military. The Glenn Valley workers lawyers challenged the prolonged detention in federal civil rights lawsuits that argue the automatic stay unlawfully violated the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment and goes beyond ICE authority by overriding an immigration judges decision on a bond. Raid at Glenn Valley Foods on June 10. (Courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) There is no due process when the government, who lost the argument in court, gets to do what they want anyway, the ACLU wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE officials have said repeatedly that the focus after the raid should be on American victims whose identities were allegedly stolen by migrants to work at the Glenn Valley plant. The new no-bond practice urged in the Trump administrations memo is the subject of a national class action lawsuit filed by immigrant rights advocates, including the national ACLU. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This article is part of Pastors and Prey, a series investigating sex abuse allegations in the Assemblies of God. A Texas judge is cracking down on the Assemblies of God for repeatedly failing to turn over documents as part of a lawsuit accusing the Pentecostal denomination of mishandling sex abuse allegations. At a hearing last month, District Court Judge Lauren Reeder, based in Houston, said the denominations national office had been flagrant in its failure to comply with her orders to produce records related to alleged abuses by Daniel Savala, a convicted sex offender and former missionary. Pastors in the Assemblies of Gods college ministry, Chi Alpha, hailed Savala for years as the holiest man alive and sent hundreds of teens and young adults to his home for spiritual guidance, including after he was convicted of child sex abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reeder told lawyers representing the Assemblies of God on Aug. 11 she would order the denomination to pay some of the legal fees of two former Chi Alpha members who sued over alleged abuses by Savala. Reeder also threatened additional sanctions including holding the church in civil or criminal contempt of court if it failed to comply with her orders to produce reports, investigations, personnel files and other documents. You dont get to just decide when to start engaging in the discovery process, Reeder told lawyers representing the church, according to a transcript. Assemblies of God officials declined to comment on pending litigation. John Sullivan, a Texas lawyer representing the denomination, acknowledged while under oath and being questioned in court that his client had not fully complied with the courts orders to produce documents, according to the court transcript. Sullivan testified that his client had been hoping to avoid the expense of going through the courts incredibly broad request for production. The judges rebuke comes as the Assemblies of God which has nearly 3 million members across 13,000 churches in the United States faces criticism from abuse survivors and whistleblowers over its refusal to release internal investigations into the churchs handling of sex abuse allegations against Savala. These advocates have called on the Assemblies of God to commission an independent review of its handling of sex abuse allegations nationwide to ensure vulnerable church members are protected in the future. Daniel Savala after his arrest in 2023. (U.S. Marshals Task Force) In signed statements, lawsuits and criminal filings, at least 10 men and boys have accused Savala of sexually abusing them, many at his Houston home and in his backyard sauna. An NBC News investigation revealed last month that senior Assemblies of God officials were warned repeatedly about the danger Savala posed but failed to cut off his influence, allowing more teens and young men to be abused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of Savalas accusers, identified in court documents as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, sued the Assemblies of God last year in Houston, alleging that church leaders were negligent in allowing Savala to work with students. In November, Reeder ordered the Assemblies of God to produce documents related to allegations of Savalas misconduct. But nearly 10 months later, the denomination has still failed to do so, court records show. Anjali Nigam, the lawyer for John Does 1 and 2, said the Assemblies of Gods failure to produce documents fits a pattern of denomination leaders stating publicly that they are doing all they can to help Savalas alleged victims while withholding information from her clients in court. They say to the public theyre letting the facts shine, Nigam said in an interview with NBC News. In the lawsuit, what they are doing is keeping it in the dark by not producing documents and information the court has ordered them to produce. Savala with young men whose faces have been obscured by NBC News. (Courtesy Ron Bloomingkemper Jr.) Dozens of boys and young men have described how Savala, 69, used scripture to convince them to strip naked in his sauna. Visiting his Houston home became a rite of passage for generations of Chi Alpha students in Texas even after he pleaded guilty in 2012 to sexually abusing two boys in Alaska in the 1990s. Over the decade that followed, state and national Assemblies of God leaders were warned repeatedly about Savalas presence at Chi Alpha events, according to interviews and emails obtained by NBC News. But Chi Alpha pastors continued to bring students to him for spiritual guidance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former Chi Alpha student identified in the lawsuit as John Doe 2 was one of them. He says Assemblies of God pastors sent him and other students on mission trips to Savalas house to do home repairs for the man they called Papa Daniel. Savala sexually abused him for two years starting in 2013, according to the lawsuit. John Doe 1, a blind student who joined Chi Alpha hoping to find purpose and friendship, says Savala groomed and sexually abused him from 2017 to 2022. This included coercing the student to have oral and anal sex with Savala, according to the lawsuit. Savalas alleged abuses became public in 2023 after survivors spoke out on an online forum created by whistleblowers. He was charged with sexually abusing four boys since 2005, all of whom he met through pastors connected to Chi Alpha. Savala has yet to enter a plea on the charges, and he and his lawyers didnt respond to requests for comment. Assemblies of God officials addressed the controversy at their biennial meeting last month, pledging to take steps to prevent anything like it from happening again. Were committed to identifying within our system, within our structures, whats broken, what can be fixed to prevent these kinds of things, said Doug Clay, the denominations general superintendent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have a story to share about the Assemblies of Gods handling of sex abuse allegations? Email reporter Mike Hixenbaugh. Donna Barrett, the denominations general secretary, defended the denominations refusal to release the findings of an internal investigation by a law firm, because, she said, doing so would violate the privacy of victims and deter others from coming forward. Nigam said Barretts comments, which were reported by NBC News, were the first shed heard about an internal investigation by the Assemblies of Gods national office. I do not have that document, Nigam said. Those documents should have been provided in this litigation, and they have not been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reeder, the judge, is expected to decide at a future hearing how much the Assemblies of God will be ordered to pay in legal fees and whether she will impose any additional sanctions. In legal briefs filed last week, Nigam asked the judge to award $57,000 in legal fees and requested that she further punish the Assemblies of God by instructing jurors at trial that they can infer from the denominations failure to produce documents that the church knew Savala was a sex predator and did nothing to stop or warn children and young men from being sent to him. The Assemblies of God has said it took appropriate actions once it received reports of sexual abuse by Savala. Lawyers for the Assemblies of God said the church hoped to settle a lawsuit filed by two former Chi Alpha members who say Savala abused them. (Terra Fondriest for NBC News) At the next scheduled hearing on Sept. 29, Reeder will consider whether to impose sanctions against the Assemblies of God district council that oversees the churchs affairs in South Texas, which also has failed to comply with orders to produce documents related to Savala, court records show. Lawyers representing the Assemblies of God South Texas District Council didnt respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nigam said she hopes the courts moves force the denomination to reveal what state and national officials did or failed to do in response to allegations about Savala. My clients have been wanting to have the truth come out, and that is a real driving force in why they filed this lawsuit, Nigam said. You cant conceal facts. Thats not permitted." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Harvard University has a long road ahead before it claims victory, despite a federal judge ruling in its favor on Wednesday evening, restoring nearly $3 billion in federal funding to the university. Judge Allison Burroughs decision will likely now be appealed by the Trump administration, moving its way up to the First Circuit of Appeals and then potentially to the Supreme Court. The Trump administration clearly expected Judge Burroughs to hand them a loss; they made that clear from the moment the hearing ended. And I think we all know they will appeal swiftly, and the White House said as much last night when they decried this egregious outcome. So none of that is a surprise, said Jodie Ferise, partner at higher education law practice at Church Church Hittle and Antrim law firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appeals process could last as long as a year or potentially longer, according to Charles Kuck, former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. While it is not certain how the Supreme Court would rule, the high court has been consistently siding with the Trump administration, to the consternation of one of its justices: Ketanji Brown Jackson. This is Calvinball jurisprudence with a twist. Calvinball has only one rule: There are no fixed rules. We seem to have two: that one, and this Administration always wins, Jackson wrote in her dissent in response to the Supreme Court walking back a district court judges injunction over canceled National Institutes of Health funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court ruled that the judge didnt have jurisdiction to restore hundreds of grants from NIH, something that it could also determine Burroughs lacked in the Harvard case. I want to see the Supreme Court will allow itself to differentiate the NIH cases from the Harvard case, not allowing a jurisdictional win to cause the catastrophic harm that would come from sending these cases back to be refiled in the Court of Federal Claims, Ferise said. I pray that Harvard will have the continued courage and stamina to fight this battle, which will almost undoubtedly shift to another technique for gaining control if this one should ultimately fail, she continued. A Harvard-Trump deal? The ruling comes amid talks of a potential deal between the federal government and Harvard, which have been looming for months. President Donald Trump told U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a cabinet meeting that the federal government shouldnt negotiate with Harvard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want nothing less than $500 million from Harvard, he said. Dont negotiate, Linda. Theyve been very bad. Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond, said Harvard University is in a stronger position than they were before the decision to make a deal. I think if they can reach an agreement, they probably will because there is just so much uncertainty when youre in litigation about how it would go, its expensive and its disruptive, Tobias said. But they might have sufficient leverage now that theyd be comfortable with some kind of settlement, he said. The funding rollout could be held up In the meantime, the rollout of the funding that Burroughs ordered to be restored may be paused if the Trump administration asks the court to stay her decision until they can appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not sure shes going to do that because I mean, she really came out hard on them, basically saying there is little, no factual explanation of why you did this and you provided no evidence none of antisemitism on the campus of Harvard. None. Thats powerful, Kuck said. If Burroughs doesnt grant the stay pausing the rollout of funds the First Circuit Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court could do it instead in a tight turnaround of around a week or less, he said. The Supreme Court has been very flexible with the Trump administration on these requests for a stay, even though lower courts havent granted them, Kuck said. That would ultimately leave Harvard in a similar place they were in before with their funds frozen and inaccessible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the ruling on Wednesday, Harvard President Alan Garber wrote in an evening letter that while the university acknowledges the important principles affirmed in todays ruling, we will continue to assess the implications of the opinion, monitor further legal developments, and be mindful of the changing landscape in which we seek to fulfill our mission. What has happened between the Trump administration and Harvard? The fight between the Trump administration and Harvard began in April when the federal government warned the school could risk losing $9 billion in funding if it did not meet a list of demands that includes an overhaul of Harvards leadership structure, admissions and hiring. Harvard rejected those demands, saying the administration sought to invade university freedoms long recognized by the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then the fight over funding unfolded, leading to nearly $3 billion in canceled grants over campus antisemitism and the federal government barring the institution from receiving new federal grants. Other investigations and threats have been made against the institution, some of which have focused on the universitys international students, leading to Harvard opening a second lawsuit against the Trump administration. More Higher Ed Read the original article on MassLive. Judge rules that GA homeowners can get out of controversial 40-year listings A company that has been the focus of a series of Channel 2 Action News investigations has been ordered to let consumers out of their contracts. In Georgia, Attorney General Chris Carr filed a motion for summary judgment against MV Realty and its Georgia contracts. He asked a judge to terminate all MV Realty liens and cease the collection of termination fees. Last week, Fulton County Judge Emily K. Richardson granted Carrs motion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 2 Consumer Investigator Justin Gray has been investigating MV Realty and its 40-year listing agreements for the past four years. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The judges order will allow consumers to get out of their 40-year contracts with MV Realty. It also orders the company to dismiss any lawsuits they have taken out they have against Georgia customers. The company will also not be allowed to attempt to get any commission back or charge consumers a termination fee or other penalty. MV Realty cuts homeowners an immediate check. In return, you either list your home with an MV Realty agent or pay a penalty equivalent to 3% of the sale price of the house. And the term of the deal is for the next 40 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Channel 2 Action News and our sister stations across the country started investigating MV Realty, Attorneys General in 12 states including Georgia have sued the company, and 29 states, including Georgia, have passed laws targeting the company. But a 2023 change to Georgia law did not impact MV Realty contracts currently on the books, only future contracts. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Richardsons order calls for a hearing to be held at a later date to determine civil penalties. MV Realtys predatory loan scheme put thousands of Georgians at risk of losing everything they had worked so hard to earn. We took action to protect homeowners across the state, and we were able to deliver critical relief when they needed it most. This is a major win for families and seniors, and well keep fighting for them each day, Carr wrote in a statement. MV Realty customers can get their frequently asked questions answered by clicking here. You can read the full order below. MV Realty Order by Jennifer Smith [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Donald Trump suffered another setback in his war with Harvard when a federal judge ruled his attempt to freeze $2.2 billion in research funding to the university violated the Constitution. Boston U.S. District Judge Allison D Burroughs ruled that the move to block the money from reaching the elite Ivy League, the oldest in the United States, amounted to retaliation, unconstitutional conditions, and unconstitutional coercion. The Trump administration insisted its April decision to stop thousands of federal grants reaching Harvard, including those destined for cancer research projects, was necessary to compel the institution to do more to tackle antisemitism and radical left ideologies on campus, a reference to pro-Palestinian demonstrations staged by students to oppose Israels actions in Gaza since Hamass October 7 2023 terror attack. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather at Harvard University to show their support for Palestinians in Gaza at a rally in Cambridge, Massachusetts (AFP/Getty) Harvard responded by suing the government, arguing the administration was violating its free speech rights because it refused to meet officials demands that it overhaul its governance, hiring and academic programs to align with their own ideological priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burroughs, who was appointed to the bench by Barack Obama, agreed with the universitys arguments, saying that while Harvard had tolerated hateful behavior for too long, the Trump administration had used antisemitism as a smokescreen for a targeted, ideologically-motivated assault on this countrys premier universities. She said the pressure campaign that resulted in it terminating Harvards funding did not honor its free speeches as granted by the First Amendment. Further, their actions have jeopardized decades of research and the welfare of all those who could stand to benefit from that research, as well as reflect a disregard for the rights protected by the Constitution and federal statutes, Burroughs added. The judge said it was the job of the courts to safeguard academic freedom and ensure that important research is not improperly subjected to arbitrary and procedurally infirm grant terminations, even if doing so risks the wrath of a government committed to its agenda no matter the cost. The president has argued the step was necessary to punish Harvard for not doing more to tackle antisemitism on campus (AP) The judge barred the administration from terminating or freezing any additional federal funding to Harvard and blocked it from continuing to withhold payment on existing grants or refusing to award new funding in future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House spokesperson Liz Huston vowed to appeal the ruling and labelled Burroughs an activist Obama-appointed judge, saying Harvard does not have a constitutional right to taxpayer dollars and remains ineligible for grants in the future. Harvard President Alan Garber said in a message to the campus community that the ruling validates our arguments in defense of the Universitys academic freedom, critical scientific research, and the core principles of American higher education. Garber made no mention of the status of settlement talks with the administration, which Trump said during a cabinet meeting last week said he hoped would end with Harvard paying nothing less than $500 million as it had been very bad. Three other Ivy League schools have already settled with the administration, including Columbia University, which in July agreed to pay $220 million to restore federal research money that had been denied because of allegations the university allowed antisemitism to fester on campus. Additional reporting by agencies. ON TUESDAY, JUDGE CHARLES BREYER of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued his second injunction against Donald Trump for having unleashed the National Guard and the U.S. Marines on Los Angeles, ostensibly to quell a rebellion and ensure that federal immigration law was enforced in June. About three hundred National Guard members are still there. The case is headed for an appeal that could land in the U.S. Supreme Court, where it could prove to be the most consequential ruling since Trump v. United States, the 2024 decision that manufactured criminal pre-immunity for Trump. The first time Judge Breyer did this, his ruling was slapped down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which held, rather unpredictably, that President Trump can put federal troops in the streets to work alongside local law enforcement so long as he has a colorable basis to do so and acts on the good faith belief that his ability to execute federal law has been significantly impeded. These standards are undefined, subjective, and virtually impossible to probe under the Trump immunity decision, which held that a presidents state of mind is off-limits for purposes of criminal investigations involving official acts. Its easy to see how the majority could justify a win for Trump here, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some background: The Framers of the Constitution, after having just a few years earlier fought a revolution to throw off the yoke of a bullying king, worried that a standing army could be used against civilians. But they also generally agreed that the federal government needed to have some coercive emergency power. The question they debated was who would get the power to invoke domestic use of military force. They ultimately settled on divvying it up. The Constitution gives Congress (not presidents) the power to provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions as well as the more familiar powers of declaring war, raising and supporting armies, maintaining a Navy, and making laws governing the military. And it gives the president the authority, as commander-in-chief, to lead and direct those forces if Congress calls them forth. In 1792, 1795, and 1807, Congress passed a series of laws delegating to the president the power to call forth militias and use military forces to put down armed insurrections and rebellions. In 1927, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of that delegation in Martin v. Mott. Join now Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Insurrection Act in force today is an amalgamation of those statutes. The modern version allows presidents to deploy troops in three circumstances: (1) if a states legislature or governor asks for them; (2) to enforce the laws of the United States or suppress rebellion whenever unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion make it impracticable to enforce federal law otherwise; and (3) to suppress any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy that hinders the execution of the laws in a way that deprives people of their constitutional rights or if the state opposes or obstructs the execution of the laws of the United States or impedes the course of justice under those laws. Although this language is extremely broad, no president before Trump has dared to stretch it to the point of abuse. President Dwight D. Eisenhower famously relied on the Insurrection Act to deploy troops to help children safety attend Arkansas public schools after that states governor called in its militia to thwart implementation of Brown v. Board of Education. Presidents have invoked the Insurrection Act a handful of times to suppress riots, most recently when George H.W. Bush, at the request of California Gov. Pete Wilson, sent the National Guard to Los Angeles during the 1992 riots that followed the Rodney King verdict. Those 1992 riots were far bigger and much more deadly and damaging than this years protests in Los Angeles, which followed ICE detentions and arrests of dozens of people on June 6 in and around the city. Yet Trumps excuse for sending Marines and calling in the California National Guard over Gov. Gavin Newsoms objection was to tamp down those public protests. As Judge Breyer recounts it, 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 fact, on June 7, the Los Angeles Police Department was fairly in control of the protests downtown. Trump took action anyway, issuing a memorandum that same day to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem citing a statute adjacent to the Insurrection Act as grounds for calling in the National Guard to temporarily protect ICE and other United State Government personnel . . . and to protect federal property. (For reasons that are unclear, he didnt cite the Insurrection Act itself.) Judge Breyer, in his first injunction, concluded that possible threats to federal personnel and federal property do not an insurrection or a rebellion make. But as mentioned, the Ninth Circuit greenlighted Trumps use of the Insurrection Act-adjacent law for his L.A. incursion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest round of litigation involved the Posse Comitatus Act. That law was enacted in 1878 to address concerns that white supremacists would return to power and use the military to undermine Reconstruction. It imposes fines or imprisonment on whoever, except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress, willfully uses any part of the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Air Force, or the Space Force as posse comitatus or otherwise to execute the laws. In other words, the military cannot be invoked against civilians for local law enforcement unless a statutory exception to the law applies. (The term posse comitatus refers to people mobilized by a sheriff to constrain lawlessness.) Share In his latest ruling, Judge Breyer outright declared that Trump violated the Posse Comitatus Act. The Marine and National Guard troops sent to California, which together were called Task Force 51, were instructed during training that certain law enforcement functions are prohibited by the law. Those included security patrols, traffic control, crowd control, and riot control. Hegseth nonetheless issued a memo directing them to do whats necessary to ensure the execution of Federal functions and the safety of Federal personnel. Breyer concluded: 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. At trial, the government took the position that there did not even need to be actual threatsjust the potential for unexpected threatsto unleash federal troops on civilians. Breyer laid out the stakes if Trumps approach, which was guided by the Ninth Circuits ruling, prevailed: The President, relying upon IRS data showing that a sizeable percentage of corporations and individuals are using tax shelters to avoid paying taxes, could claim that he is unable to execute the tax laws. The President, relying upon EPA studies showing that pollution in a river cannot definitively be traced back to a specific manufacturing plant, could claim that he is unable to execute the Clean Water Act. The President, relying upon health data showing the number of individuals who present to hospitals with narcotic-related symptoms, could claim that he is unable to execute the federal drug laws. The President, relying upon anecdotes from state election officials that voting machines are glitching, or that fraud exists, could claim that he is unable to execute the election laws. So where does this leave things as Trump threatens to invade other major cities across the country on his anti-crime crusade? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to another one of the Supreme Courts recent pro-Trump decisions, which held that so-called universal injunctions operating outside a lower courts territorial jurisdiction are unlawful, Breyers ruling will not stop Trump from targeting Chicago and Baltimore next. If the Supreme Court does get to the case, which is likely, it has plenty of leeway to stretch the majoritys approach to presidential power laid out in Trump v. U.S.i.e., that its virtually unlimitedto back him this round, as well. And Trump knows it. Of the possible deployment of the National Guard in Chicago, Trump said: I have the right to do anything I want to do. Im the president of the United States. If I think our country is in danger, and it is in danger in these cities, I can do it. Tragically, with this supplicant Congress and enabling Supreme Court majority in tow, he might be right. Share The Bulwark U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirros office dismissed felony charges on Thursday against a man accused of threatening to kill Donald Trump. Its one of several recent cases where grand juries have rejected the Trump administrations charges in Washington, D.C., which have come amid his deployment of military personnel to the nations capital. According to an FBI affidavit, Edward Dana damaged a light fixture outside a restaurant in D.C. and made comments threatening the president. Why is the government not out of sheer embarrassment and shame seeking to dismiss with prejudice and expunge the record? asked Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui. Advertisement Advertisement Dana, who told law enforcement he has intellectual disabilities and was intoxicated, reportedly threatened to kill both Trump and the officer who arrested him. Im not going to tolerate fascism You want to stand in the way of our Constitution, I will fucking kill you, he said, according to the affidavit. A grand jury decided not to indict Dana on Tuesday. Prosecutors will now seek low-level vandalism charges. A former Fox News host, Pirro assumed the role of U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia in May, after Trumps original pick, MAGA superfan Ed Martin, failed to win enough support from Republicans to secure the job on a permanent basis. Pirro said on August 25 that there had been more than 1,000 arrests since Trump began his crackdown in Washington. Grand juries have not been convinced that all the arrests are legitimate. Advertisement Advertisement To say that its rare for a grand jury to decline to indict would be a gross understatement, columnist Paul Butler wrote in The Washington Post Thursday. In 25 years at the U.S. Justice Department, former U.S. attorney Joyce Vance never saw it in any her cases, nor did law professor Randall Eliason in his 12 years as a federal prosecutor. But it happened seven times in recent weeks in D.C. This is not the fault of career prosecutors, but rather the offices failure again and again to secure indictments suggests that the administration has absolutely destroyed its credibility with jurors, prosecutor Brendan Ballou, who worked in the U.S. Attorneys Office in D.C. until January, told CBS News. Last week, a grand jury declined to indict Sean Charles Dunn, who faced felony charges after he threw a sandwich at a federal agent. The New York Times called the episode a remarkable failure by the U.S. attorneys office in Washington. Fuck you! You fucking fascists! Why are you here? I dont want you in my city! Dunn allegedly shouted. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors subsequently charged him with a misdemeanor assault charge. It is not difficult to imagine 12 D.C. jurors concluding that throwing a sandwich at a federal officer while clearly objectionable and potentially unlawful does not amount to felony assault, former federal prosecutor Victor Salgado told CBS News. At its core, the federal grand jury functions as a vital constitutional safeguard and a critical check on prosecutorial discretion, as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. On Monday, a grand jury in D.C. decided not to indict Nathalie Rose Jones, a woman from Indiana with schizophrenia who had posted on Facebook that she was willing to sacrificially kill this POTUS by disemboweling him and cutting out his trachea. 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. Make no mistake justice will be served. Advertisement Advertisement The jury found no probable cause, her legal team said. Last week, a grand jury refused to indict Alvin Summers, who was accused of assaulting a U.S. Park Police officer. He had allegedly fled from an officer, and when she tried to handcuff him, he apparently pulled them both to the ground and injured her. Given the grand jurys decision, Mr. Summers should not be forced to live under the threat of later charges and rearrest, wrote assistant federal public defender Mary Petras. The charges against Mr. Summers were based on an allegation made by one officer who was wearing a body-worn camera. That officers testimony was rejected by the grand jury, presumably after reviewing the body-worn camera video. Also last week, prosecutors with Pirros office said three grand juries declined to indict Sidney Reid, who was charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers or employees. In July, she filmed the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement as they transferred two men from a D.C. jail into federal custody. Officers told her to step back but she did not. Advertisement Advertisement An ICE officer pushed her against the wall, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office, and she allegedly continued to struggle and fight. This reportedly resulted in an FBI agents hand getting lacerated from scraping the wall. Pirros office said it was charging Reid with a misdemeanor instead. A federal magistrate judge threw out a case last week involving the search of a Black man in Washington, D.C. Police stopped Torez Riley as he went to Trader Joes. He was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. Judge Zia M. Faruqui said the case was absolutely maddening and based on an illegal search. Lawlessness cannot come from the government, Faruqui said. Were pushing the boundaries here. Were beyond the boundaries and something is going to have to break. 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. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) The matriarch of a wealthy South Florida family was convicted Thursday of murder in the killing of her former son-in-law, a prominent law professor who was locked in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife when he was gunned down in 2014. Jurors returned guilty verdicts in the weekslong trial of Donna Adelson on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation in the killing of Florida State University law professor Daniel Markel in Tallahassee where he taught. The case had riveted attention in Florida for more than a decade amid sordid details of a messy divorce, tensions with wealthy in-laws and custody fights leading to the killing. When the judge announced that the jury had convicted Adelson of first-degree murder, the defendant exclaimed, Oh! and started shaking and crying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jury was then taken out of the courtroom and Florida Second Judicial Circuit Judge Stephen Everett gave Adelson a two-minute break to collect herself. While this was not the outcome Im sure that you desire, there will not be any further outbursts in front of the jury," he told her. In an impact statement after the verdict Ruth Markel, Daniel Markels mother, spoke about her profound sadness and grief after her son's death. We have lost a treasure. My son Dan's life was cut tragically short at 41 years old," she said. For 11 years we have been forced to a life filled with unimaginable pain and heartbreak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniel Markel and Wendi Adelson were divorced and shared custody of their two children, but she had wanted to move them more than 370 miles (595 kilometers) from Tallahassee to South Florida to be closer to the rest of her family. A judge ruled, however, that Wendi Adelson couldnt move the children, and Markel refused to relocate. Prosecutors had argued at trial that Donna Adelson helped orchestrate Markels killing after he stood in the way of letting her daughter and two young grandsons make the move south. The judge said sentencing would come at a later date, but scheduled case management for Oct. 14. Adelson was the fifth person put on trial for what prosecutors cast as a murder-for-hire plot to kill Markel. Among those already serving a life sentence for the killing is Donna Adelsons son, Charles Adelson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wendi Adelson denied involvement in the killing and has not been charged. At trial, prosecutors had painted Donna Adelson as the calculated and controlling matriarch of an affluent South Florida family with the means and motive to orchestrate the killing of the ex-son-in-law she hated. Defense attorneys insisted the state didnt have sufficient evidence to link the aging grandmother to the murder plot, instead emphasizing the roles played by others and casting suspicion on two of Adelsons adult children. Charles Adelson is serving a life sentence, as is his ex-girlfriend Katherine Magbanua. Prosecutors said Magbanua served as the go-between for the two men hired to carry out the killing, Sigfredo Garcia, who was sentenced to life in prison, and Luis Rivera, who is serving a 19-year sentence after cooperating with the state. __ Golden reported from Seattle. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A jury found a 64-year-old Warren man guilty of kidnapping and felonious assault following a trial this week in Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas. Read next: Ursuline family files civil rights lawsuit against school The verdict was returned in John Bakers case Thursday afternoon, according to a spokesperson for the Trumbull County Prosecutors Office. The jury found Baker not guilty of rape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A pre-sentencing investigation will be conducted before Baker receives his sentence. The case involves an incident on February 20, 2025, in Champion Township, when the victims sister called police to tell them that her sister had called her and said that she was being raped. The victim told police that she had met Baker a few weeks prior and that they had been hanging out prior to the attack. During testimony in the case, the 70-year-old victim said Baker attacked her private parts with a sharp object, and she got away by going into a bathroom and locking the door, according to a spokesperson for the prosecutors office. Baker was found naked in a bedroom inside the home of the victim, where he was arrested, the police report stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police noted there were stab marks on the bathroom door, and they retrieved a knife that was lying on the bed in the bedroom where Baker was found. Police also noted that while Baker was being arrested, he threatened the victim by saying, B****, I am going to get you, and I have matches, and I am going to get you, b****. Patty Coller and Nadine Grimley contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The 7-year-old girl fell for what felt like forever before hitting dark, cold water below the Interstate 290 overpass in Worcester. Her soaked pajamas clung to her skin and the blanket wrapped around her was waterlogged, dragging the small child down as she struggled to see the distant shoreline. She swam for her life around 4 a.m. on Aug. 27, 2017, hours after a family friend Joshua Hubert, a 35-year-old at the time left her parents home following a summer party. Nearly a decade later, jury selection is scheduled to begin Thursday in the case against Hubert, who is accused by authorities of kidnapping, raping and attempting to kill the young girl by throwing her off that highway overpass into Lake Quinsigamond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl now a teenager survived, telling police at the time it was her friend Josh who threw her off the bridge. Years later, she told her therapist that Hubert sexually assaulted her during the kidnapping, The Boston Globe reported. Hubert is charged with forcible child rape, child rape aggravated by age, two counts of attempted murder and a single count each of kidnapping a child under 16 and strangulation, across multiple indictments in connection with the 2017 incident. This trial will combine all of Huberts indictments into one case. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his lawyer has continued to maintain his clients innocence. Hubert is currently out on bail since he posted the $50,000 bail set in 2018, and partially due to the pandemics impact on Massachusetts court systems. He was also ordered released on personal recognizance after his indictment on the rape charges in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a total of 54 possible witnesses on prosecutors list, which includes the girl herself, the woman whose doorstep she showed up at and what seem to be several of the girls family members. Prosecutors have also filed a motion to take the jury to view the I-290 bridge, where Hubert is accused of throwing the girl. What happened that night in 2017? The 7-year-old girl had known Joshua Hubert or Josh, as she called him her entire life. Hed been best friends with her parents for nearly 15 years by the time she was born, and it wasnt unusual for him to be at their Forestdale Road home in Worcester for a summer family gathering. What was unusual, prosecutors say, was what happened hours after the party ended on Aug. 27, 2017 when Hubert took his best friends daughter, still asleep in her pajamas and wrapped in a blanket, and drove off with her in the middle of the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 2:30 a.m., Hubert placed the 7-year-old girl into his Saturn Ion and left the house, prosecutors said. For more than an hour afterward, surveillance footage captured him driving around Worcester and making several stops including at a gas station, checking the trunk of his car on Southbridge Street and at his girlfriends home on Bernice Street. There, prosecutors say, he told her to delete all of his encrypted data stored with LastPass.com, a digital password management system. Hubert pulled over and got in the backseat with the child at some point in the drive, prosecutors said, and raped her. She was strangled during the incident with both hands, which left bruises across her neck and body. When asked if she had tried pushing him away, she stated, I tried that but it didnt work, Worcester Detective Dylan Patient wrote in search warrant affidavits obtained by MassLive in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just before 4 a.m., Hubert stopped his car on the I-290 overpass at the Worcester-Shrewsbury line, according to prosecutors. He then threw the child, wrapped in a blanket, over the bridge into Lake Quinsigamond. The victim stated that she fell for a long time and landed in the waters below, Patient wrote. The lake reaches depths up to 90 feet, with an average of between 21 and 36 feet. She stated that she began to swim to a building she could see, but the blanket she was carrying was getting very heavy, which made it difficult to swim. She then swam to a house and stated that she was able to stand up in the water, Patient added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl swam nearly 100 yards to a home on North Lear Street, where a woman named Maeve Geary took her in. After wrapping the child in a towel and giving her warm clothes, Geary called the police. The child was taken to the hospital after police arrived, where she gave a detailed account of the night, positively identified Hubert through pictures and officers observed strangulation marks on her neck. At around the same time, a witness texted a friend joking that theyd seen someone throw something off the I-290 overpass at around 4:15 a.m., when theyd been driving on the highway earlier and saw a Saturn parked in the breakdown lane. The witness also saw a man walking around the car, prosecutors said. After his arrest, Hubert was suspended from his job at the Fay School in Southborough, a private co-ed school, where hed worked in the schools technology department as a systems support analyst since July 2017. School officials said he did not have any contact with children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter sent out to parents on Aug. 29, 2017, Head of School Rob Gustavson Jr. said Hubert was hired in early July in the schools technology department as a systems support analyst, and called the incident a troubling event. Before that, Hubert worked as an emergency medical dispatcher in 2007 for the Sterling Police Department from May to August. He left the position during his one-year probationary period, the department said. Jury selection begins at 9 a.m. in Worcester Superior Court on Sept. 4. More joshua Hubert Read the original article on MassLive. BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) It has been announced that representatives from the Just for Kids Child Advocacy Center will be contributing to the global conversation around human trafficking. Kids Classic Festival kicks off with Home Run Derby Just for Kids Executive Director, Dr. Dr. Deanee Johnson and Project GRACE Coordinator, Ria Mitchell have beeen selected to serve as U.S. delegates at the United Nations Dialogue on Human Trafficking in Austria. Mitchell told 59News it is an honor to be chosen serve as a voice for the community and highlight the challenges faced by children in rural areas. Coming from West Virginia, its a small place and sometimes I think we forget that we are also impacted by global issues, she said. Were just so excited to be able to represent not only this country, but this area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement followed the launch of the Project GRACE initiative from Just for Kids, which addresses child exploitation. Mitchell and Dr. Johnson will cross the Atlantic for the U.N. Dialogue on Human Trafficking this October. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, sources familiar with the matter said Thursday. Bill Pulte, the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, sent the Department of Justice two criminal referral letters about Cook last month regarding Cook's properties in Georgia and Michigan. Federal investigators have begun issuing subpoenas and are utilizing grand juries in both states as part of their investigation, the sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Here's a list of the individuals, including Lisa Cook, targeted so far by the Trump administration The Wall Street Journal first reported the existence of the criminal investigation. As President Donald Trump seeks to reshape the balance of the Federal Reserve central banking system, Pulte's allegations have become the basis of Trump's effort to terminate Cook "for cause" -- a controversial and legally fraught move that is actively being challenged in court. In an Aug. 15 letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Special Attorney for Mortgage Fraud Ed Martin, Pulte alleged that Cook "falsified bank documents and property records to acquire more favorable loan terms, potentially committing mortgage fraud under the criminal statute." Pulte has claimed that the referral was based on publicly available information but has declined to comment about the tip that prompted his investigation. The first referral focused on Cook's properties in Georgia and Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reached for comment regarding the DOJ probe, attorneys for Cook said in a statement, "Predictably and recognizing the flaws in challenging their illegal firing of Governor Cook, the administration is scrambling to invent new justifications for its overreach." Jonathan Ernst/Reuters, Files - PHOTO: Lisa Cook testifies before a Senate Banking Committee hearing on her nomination to be a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 21, 2023. "This Justice Department -- perhaps the most politicized in American history -- will do whatever President Trump demands. He wants cover, and they are providing it," said attorney Abbe Lowell. "The questions over how Governor Cook described her properties from time to time, which we have started to address in the pending case and will continue to do so, are not fraud, but it takes nothing for this DOJ to undertake a new politicized investigation, and they appear to have just done it again." Following the Aug. 15 referral, Martin sent a letter to Federal Reserve Chairman Jermone Powell encouraging him to fire Cook because of the ongoing investigation. "At this time, I encourage you to remove Ms. Cook from your Board. Do it today before it is too late! After all, no American thinks it is appropriate that she serve during this time with a cloud hanging over her," Martin wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days later, Trump attempted to fire Cook based on the allegations that she designated both her homes in Georgia and Michigan as her primary residence. Cook has denied wrongdoing, said she would continue to serve in her role, and sued to challenge Trump's attempt to remove her. "President Trump has no authority to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. His attempt to fire her, based solely on a referral letter, lacks any factual or legal basis. We will be filing a lawsuit challenging this illegal action," said Lowell. MORE: Fed Governor Lisa Cook sues Trump over attempted ouster Later that month, on Aug. 28, Pulte sent a second referral letter to the Department of Justice, alleging that Cook had made "multiple false representations" while serving as a Federal Reserve governor, including listing an apartment in Massachusetts as both an investment property and a second home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the following days, Pulte has made multiple comments on social media accusing Cook of crimes and calling for her prosecution, unusual steps during an ongoing investigation before any formal determinations of wrongdoing. "The damage currently being done to the integrity of the Federal Reserve, by Lisa Cook and Jerome Powell, cannot be overstated," he wrote in one post. On Thursday, Pulte originally planned to hold a press conference in front of the Elijah Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse in Washington, D.C. where he said he would share new information about Cook. He later canceled the press conference, writing on social media, "Out of respect for the process, I will be delaying this press conference." Sep. 4Police arrested a juvenile for domestic assault and second-degree assault at 6:39 a.m. Wednesday at 2019 E. Main St. Theft by fraud reported Police received a report of theft by fraud at 2:58 p.m. Wednesday on the 600 block of East Seventh Street. Someone attempted to buy a phone using the individual's PayPal account. Headphones stolen Police received a report at 5:02 p.m. Wednesday of headphones that were taken from a car a few months prior at 401 E. Fourth St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shoplifter reported Police received a report of a shoplifter at 8:14 p.m. Wednesday at 201 W. Main St. Woman arrested for restraining order violation Deputies arrested Traci Rose Elizabeth, 49, on a harassment restraining order violation at 12:42 p.m. Wednesday at 21130 880th Ave. in Albert Lea. Juvenile carrying replica weapon to blame for UMass Lowell shelter-in-place order, police say A juvenile carrying a very realistic-looking replica weapon is to blame for the shelter-in-place order on UMass Lowells campus that lasted for almost three hours on Wednesday, police said Thursday. Students, faculty, and staff barricaded doors, hid in closets, and hunkered down with the lights off after receiving notifications on their phones alerting them of an individual with a gun behind the Riverview Suites dormitory shortly before 2:30 p.m. The order was lifted around 5:30 p.m. Police said Thursday that they have identified the juvenile male seen on video with the alleged long gun and that the weapon was actually an airsoft replica weapon. Video shared with Boston 25 News showed the suspect running down Marginal Street toward the Riverview Suites with what appeared to be a firearm in his hand. The safety of this city, and its residents and visitors, is our top priority, and the extensive response of personnel and assets by this department and our law enforcement partners was a testament to that commitment, Lowell Police Superintendent Greg Hudon said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 100 officers, including Lowell police, Massachusetts State Police, and a regional task force, along with FBI agents, searched for the reported gunman for hours before the lockdown was lifted. I want to thank all our officers and partners for their brave response as well as our investigators for their diligent investigative work that brought closure to this incident, Hudon added. While the reported firearm in this case was ultimately determined to be an airsoft gun, our community can be certain that, as in this case, the Lowell Police Department will always utilize all available resources until the safety of all involved is assured. Classes resumed on campus on Thursday morning with extra officers assigned outside residence halls. Police did not state whether the juvenile would face charges, and their name hasnt been released. 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 A tiny blob of red light spotted at the beginning of the Universe could represent the first direct evidence for a supermassive black hole formation pathway. In a dazzling new paper, a large international team led by astrophysicist Ignas Juodzbalis of the University of Cambridge in the UK has directly measured the mass of one of the mysterious 'Little Red Dots' (LRDs) spotted by JWST in the Epoch of Reionization, just 600 million years after the Big Bang. The team's results suggest that the mysterious glow named QSO1 is a black hole with a mass equivalent to 50 million Suns. If validated and that's not a small if this could be evidence of primordial black holes that formed in the very first moments after the Big Bang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Earliest Black Hole Ever Confirmed Could Explain Mysterious Red Dots "Regardless of the specific model, the high mass in such a remote cosmic epoch, the extremely high black hole to stellar mass ratio, together with the near-pristine environment, indicate that QSO1 is a massive black hole seed caught in the earliest phases of accretion," the researchers write in a preprint uploaded to arXiv ahead of peer review. We always expected that JWST, the most powerful space telescope ever built, would reveal things about the mysterious first billion years after the Big Bang that we didn't even know we didn't know. QSO1 is so far away that it appears as a tiny red dot of light. ( JWST Feed The LRDs are one such thing. As the name suggests, they are small pinpricks of extremely redshifted light in the Epoch of Reionization; the billion-year process whereby light from the first stars and galaxies is thought to have cleared the opaque fog that filled the early Universe, allowing light to stream freely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because this period of the Universe is so far away from us across space-time, and so foggy, it's difficult to see past its boundary. Scientists have some pretty good explanations for how the first stars, galaxies, and black holes came together out of primordial darkness, but finding observational support has been a little bit harder. Light from objects during the early Universe has become stretched towards the red end of the electromagnetic spectrum, or redshifted, thanks to the ongoing expansion of the Universe. JWST is designed to see light in these wavelengths, making it the best tool we have for trying to understand how everything began. The telescope has found hundreds of LRDs, and scientists aren't quite sure what they are. They could be early black holes, but black holes are usually accompanied by X-ray light, of which the skies around the LRDs are curiously devoid. Another school of thought proposes they might be clusters of stars. Juodzbalis and his colleagues selected QSO1 as a candidate for studying these blobs in greater detail. That's because QSO1 forms part of a curious, random cosmological arrangement known as a gravitational lens. Space-time is bending around a massive galaxy cluster between us and QSO1 in such a way that it magnifies light behind it, including the glow of QSO1. This strong lensing effect means that scientists can see QSO1 much more clearly than other LRDs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By carefully teasing apart and analyzing the lensed light, they were able to calculate the rotation curve of the object a measurement that, for galaxies, reveals the mass of the galaxy in question and the black hole at its center. Their results, the researchers say, are incompatible with the star cluster interpretation of LRDs. Rather, the rotation curve of QSO1 is neatly consistent with a galaxy rotating around a mass of about 50 million solar masses an interpretation that also fits estimates from the black hole's mass obtained from hydrogen lines in the object's spectrum. But the galaxy around the black hole is tiny, much smaller than expected for the black hole's mass, making the black hole the most naked massive black hole ever spotted. This could be a clue about how galaxies came together in the early Universe, suggesting that the black holes came first, and the galaxies assembled around them. "The only scenarios that can account for such a system are those invoking 'heavy seeds', such as direct collapse black holes (DCBHs, resulting from the direct collapse of massive pristine clouds), or primordial black holes (PBHs, formed in the first second after the Big Bang)," the researchers write in their paper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both scenarios would need further investigation. On the one hand, DCBHs would be accompanied by ultraviolet light not seen in QSO1. On the other hand, PBHs are considerably smaller than 50 million solar masses. It is possible, however, that the object is the product of rapid growth, both through accretion and collisional processes making QSO1, potentially, the first direct evidence for the existence of primordial black holes. The paper remains to be peer reviewed, and it is quite an extraordinary claim, so we'll be waiting to see how this line of enquiry develops. Whatever the outcome, though, we're sure that LRDs are going to tell us something really fascinating about the birth of the Universe. The team's paper can be found on arXiv. Related News (FOX40.COM) More than 1,300 Kaiser healthcare workers across over 20 hospitals in Northern California are set to strike on Monday. Video above: Kaiser Permanente to pause some gender affirming care Workers will be striking to demand better care for their patients and dignity and respect for the care they provide, the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals explained. Sacramento County child predator sting nets 13 arrests, including suspect who arrived with baby Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UNAC/UHCP called for the strike as it negotiates the first union contract for nurse anesthetists and midwives. Picketting will take place at Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center and Clinics and Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on September 8, according to the UNAC/UHCP. Weve had operating rooms sit empty because there werent enough nurse anesthetists to cover cases, said Jeff Cathcart, CRNA, who works at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco. That directly impacts patient access to care. Across the country, more healthcare workers are organizing and theyre doing it with patient care front and center, UNAC/UHCP said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No midwife ever wants to go on strike, but we are prepared to do so because the lives of mothers, babies, and families are on the line, Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek employee Liz Donnelly said. Kaiser Permanente explained that it has been negotiating with UNAC/UHCP since May. The decision to call for a strike is disappointing given Kaiser Permanente is scheduled to continue our negotiations with UNAC/UHCP on multiple dates in September, Kaiser Permanente said in a statement. We will continue to bargain in good faith to reach an agreement that is good for our employees and allows us to continue providing high-quality care that is affordable for our members and patients. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) A lawsuit against Kalamazoo Township over the firing of its former fire chief has been settled, according to a joint release shared by the plaintiffs attorney. Former fire chief sues Kalamazoo Township over firing David Obreiter, who served as the townships fire chief before being terminated in 2022, filed the lawsuit in 2023 against the township and former Township Manager Dexter Mitchell. Obreiter claimed he was deprived of due process and was not given a chance to defend himself against workplace harassment allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parties announced Thursday that they had reached a settlement. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, the parties have agreed to dismiss the case in its entirety including a pending appeal before the United States Court of Appeal for the Sixth Circuit, the release said. While the specific terms of the settlement remain confidential, all parties have expressed satisfaction with the outcome. This resolution allows the parties to move forward without the necessity of continued litigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. The West Virginia Senate chamber. (West Virginia Legislative Photography) Dr. Steven Eshenaur, health officer for the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, kicked off a campaign for the West Virginia Senate on Thursday. Dr. Steven Eshenaur Eshenaur has served as the KCHD public health officer and executive director since March 2022. Hes also currently serving as the Fayette County health officer. Hes running as a Republican for the 8th district state Senate seat, which is currently held by Sen. T. Kevan Bartlett, also a Republican. That district represents Clay and Roane counties, as well as portions of Kanawha, Wirt, Jackson and Putnam counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last few years in public health, Ive had the opportunity to educate members of the Legislature about health issues, Eshenaur said. Now, Ive felt the need to join them to provide additional medical expertise and to work to improve the lives of all West Virginians. According to the West Virginia Secretary of State, Bartlett has filed precandidacy paperwork to keep his current position in the upcoming 2026 election. Bartlett was appointed to the state Senate in January to fill the seat after former Sen. Mark Hunt won the election as state auditor. Kanawha County Commissioner Lance Wheeler, a Republican, is also campaigning for the seat. One other candidate, Chase Linko-Looper, is listed as a precandidate and running for the seat as a member of the Mountain Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eshenaur said he felt extremely strong about his chances in what is already shaping up to be a crowded Republican primary. In addition to his role at the health department, Eshenaur still works rotating shifts as an emergency department physician at WVU-Jackson General Hospital in Ripley, and two other regional hospitals. With 30 years of service in the U.S. Army, he previously served as the state surgeon for the West Virginia National Guard, as well as medical director at Summit Bechtel Reserve. Eshenaur said that while his career has focused on public health and health policy Eshenaur holds a Masters of Business Administration for health care management as well as being a doctor of osteopathic medicine his 2026 state Senate campaign will focus largely on job creation and improving the economy. Hes the owner of Trophy Whitetail Hunts in Kenna, a small business that runs hunting tours for paying clients. He also operates the lodge attached to the hunting grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats the most important piece I want to add to the Legislature a focus on our economy. Its the tide that rises all ships, Eshenaur said. I have experienced the challenges of doing business in West Virginia and the importance of supporting businesses so that they can provide better opportunities for our workers. Eshenaur said hes concerned about continual moves at the Legislature to repeal Certificate of Need. Working in rural hospitals, he said, he sees firsthand how critical they are to keeping communities safe. He said he worries that CON repeal could threaten those small, critical access hospitals. Im just not sure we can afford that risk, Eshenaur said. As a health officer, Eshenaur has been vocally opposed to legislative attempts to water down West Virginias stringent vaccine requirements for school-aged children. He has testified to the Legislature regarding the importance of mandating childhood vaccines for public health and has criticized claims from people who say loosening the states vaccine requirements wont threaten community health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Virginia state law includes some of the strongest childhood immunization policies in the country. For the past several years, however, a growing faction of Republican lawmakers have moved to remove those policies due to concerns over personal freedom. Bartlett, in the 2025 legislative session, voted in support of legislation to add non-medical exemptions to the states school vaccine requirements. That bill ultimately failed in the House, however an executive order from Gov. Patrick Morrisey to do the same is still in effect. Litigation is still ongoing regarding the executive order. Eshenaur said he remains steadfast in his support for common-sense public health policy including strong childhood vaccine requirements, which are likely to reemerge in the next legislative session. Using his background and his experience still regularly treating patients in rural West Virginia he wants to educate members of the Senate on these issues to form better policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive demonstrated a lifetime of serving West Virginians, from first going to war as a member of the West Virginia National Guard at 20 years old until today, Eshenaur said. I want to continue to serve them with the same grit and resiliency that I was raised with. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Sep. 4---- Kandiyohi County will continue to develop an ordinance for the implementation of automatic no-wake zones on lakes in the county. The heard a first draft of the proposal Tuesday and provided feedback to help further develop the language. Many of the lakes in Kandiyohi County this year have neared or exceeded the highest levels seen since 1985. The lakes included in the initial proposal are Big Kandiyohi Lake, Diamond Lake, Green Lake, Games Lake and Norway Lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This has been a major discussion we have had this summer with all of the rain in Kandiyohi County," Kandiyohi County Administrator Kelsey Baker said at the meeting. Under the new ordinance, discussed by the County Board at its Sept. 2 meeting, slow-no-wake zones would be implemented upon a lake reaching a designated water level. These no-wake zones would not need to be presented to the County Board for implementation if the designated water levels were reached. The county has not had an ordinance of this type in the past. According to Baker, the implementation of no-wake zones and the required approval are not always clear. The proposed ordinance comes after discussions with the county sheriff and county attorney. The information on water elevations and the proposed wake restriction levels presented at the County Board meeting Tuesday were determined by information from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Big Kandiyohi Lake, which had a record high water level this year, the wake restriction level would be at 1,104.0 feet of elevation. The outlet for the lake stands at around 1,102.2 feet of elevation, meaning excess water would spill over and cause damage to surrounding property. Diamond Lake hit a record high of 1,174 feet of elevation with the wake restriction level being proposed at 1,173.5 feet. Games and Norway Lake, categorized together, hit an elevation of just over 1,198 feet. The restricted elevation is proposed to be 1,198 feet. Green Lake had the highest water level since 1985 at nearly 1,159 feet. The no-wake elevation would be 1,157.5 feet. Of the proposed elevations, Green Lake exceeds the proposed elevation most often, according to the presentation at the meeting Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The elevations, and outlet information, also were determined through data provided by the The elevations of lakes are consistently monitored by the DNR and those elevations would be used by the county for determining no-wake zones. No-wake zones are implemented to avoid high waters pushing up against the lands that surround the lake, possibly damaging the shoreline of property owners. Each of the proposed no-wake restrictions would require boaters within 150 feet of shore to lower their speeds as much as possible while still maintaining control of the watercraft. "Part of this is to provide public safety, protect our property and our shore and to ensure the enjoyment and continuation of that with all our lakes in Kandiyohi County," Baker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board did acknowledge the impacts that implementing restrictions on boating may have on tourism, one of Kandiyohi County's largest industries. "We have to balance lake association desires with the second-biggest industry in Kandiyohi County and the impact that visitors have on Kandiyohi County," County Commissioner Roger Imdieke said. The commissioners also asked for information about other lakes in the county. Additionally, the board asked Baker to speak with lake associations for various lakes throughout the county to gather their input on the proposed no-wake zone elevations. "After talking with some of the commissioners, we are not there yet. And that is OK, we have time," Baker said during Tuesday's discussion. "We are nearing the end of the lake season, so we want to get this in place for the 2026 lake season. But, we also want to make sure that we are listening to constituents and reviewing this document to the best of our ability." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board also asked for the ordinance to take into consideration the surface area of lakes for determining the distance from shore of the no-wake zones. As well, the type of craft and horsepower of motors being used could be accounted for in future proposals. No set date has been determined for a public hearing on the ordinance. However, the hope is for the county to have some form of an ordinance in place by the time boaters return to the lakes in 2026. For more information on the County Board meeting, or to view minutes and agendas from previous meetings, From left, former Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill appear at an Aug. 28, 2025, panel during the annual Alaska Oil and Gas Association conference in Anchorage. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) TOPEKA Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach plans to sue Gov. Laura Kelly, he said during a panel with Republican attorneys general in Alaska last week, but he did not specify what for. While weighing in on the pros and cons of electing state attorneys general or appointing them, Kobach reasoned that the elected system is the better method because the attorney general is then accountable to the people and can exercise checks and balances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Kansas right now, we have a supermajority Republican Legislature, Kobach said in a recording obtained by Alaska Beacon, which is affiliated with Kansas Reflector through States Newsroom. We have a Democrat governor, and we have a Republican attorney general, and I have had to sue our governor once, and Im about to sue her again. Its not been released yet, and itll be in the next few weeks, Kobach said, which was met with laughter from the audience. He added: So if you have a situation like that, where you have a governor who wants to be Biden-like or Obama-like and is not following the law, you need an attorney general of the Republican stripe to take that governor to (court) and enforce them to obey the law. Kobach did not specify what the lawsuit would entail, and the attorney generals office did not respond to a Kansas Reflector request for comment. The governors office declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly and Kobach have a partisan public history, dating to the 2018 gubernatorial race in which Kelly beat Kobach in a five-way contest with 48% of the votes. In July, the governor joined 22 states and Washington, D.C., in a lawsuit against the Trump administration for the adverse effects of federal funding losses. By mid-August, Kobach submitted a court filing asking the federal court in Massachusetts to boot Kelly from the suit because only attorneys general can sue on behalf of a state, he argued. As chair of the Democratic Governors Association, Kelly has been an outspoken opponent of the Trump administrations actions. Most recently, she and other Democratic governors penned a statement warning President Donald Trump against deploying the National Guard in other states, as he did in Washington. Kelly administration officials have also repeatedly denied a Trump administration mandate to turn over Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, data, resulting in Kobach claiming during an August legislative meeting that he has a team of attorneys analyzing whether the denials are legal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last weeks panel was a paid event in Anchorage hosted by the Anchorage Republican Womens Club to foster a conversation among attorneys general from Alaska, Texas, Kansas, South Dakota, West Virginia and Louisiana. It followed an attorney general conference in Girdwood, a resort town southwest of Anchorage, focused on cybersecurity. Kobach was one of 11 attorneys general in attendance from both red and blue states, including the host, Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor, a Republican who subsequently resigned as attorney general and stepped down as chair of the Attorney General Alliance. The great content that we have, and the things we learn and share with each other, thats the key, Taylor said in a statement posted to Facebook. I love the bipartisan nature of this group. I love the family aspect of this group. Our children get to know each other and play with each other while were all in our meetings, learning. The attorneys general on the panel discussed elections, citizenship, business, education and parents rights, property rights, homelessness, abortion medication, and law and order. When asked about what kind of role attorneys general ought to play in ensuring fair, secure and transparent elections, Kobach, who was the Kansas Secretary of State from 2011-2019, pointed to major pending cases across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of them is whether states can require proof of citizenship, he said. It is so easy to vote in the United States because its a system based entirely on trust. Kobach lost a court battle over a state law he wrote that required proof of citizenship to register to vote. He was unable to prove his claims of voter fraud, and a federal judge struck down the law as unconstitutional and held Kobach in contempt. Along with Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who also sat on the panel, Kobach sued the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Commerce earlier this year over the inclusion of noncitizens and temporary citizens in the calculation of electoral college votes and congressional seats. The states argue that those calculations go against the 14th Amendment. The Trump administration agrees with us on that question, but we know that the battle is not easily won, Kobch said, because as soon as the Trump administration agrees, then the blue states will come in and fight against us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kobach also appeared on a panel on Aug. 28 at the Alaska Oil and Gas Association annual conference, where he promoted Kansas as one of the early challengers of Title IX rules during the Biden administration. He also described the threat of left-wing anti-energy litigators that are convincing county commissions and city councils to go to court against the oil industry. So the reason Im so energized about fighting back against that is Ford County, Kansas, which you probably never heard of, he said. A group of Kansas citizens and Ford County sued plastic, oil and chemical companies in 2024, arguing that the companies lied for decades about the recyclability of plastic, creating a pollution crisis. Kobach blamed the lawsuit on litigators from California, purporting to represent all U.S. citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My office is chasing them around, trying to get them kicked out of court because they dont speak for the people of Kansas, he said. Kobach added: They cant use the Biden administration, but they can find lots of gullible or left-leaning cities and states to do their dirty work. James Brooks of the Alaska Beacon contributed reporting to this story. KANSAS CITY, Mo. This September, Kansas City International Airport (KCI) invites travelers to spread positivity through its new Fly Kind campaign, in commemoration of September 11. With the theme Kindness is in the Air, travelers are encouraged to share why kindness matters when they fly. KCI appears to lose nonstop flights to Burbank, Oakland on Southwest Sometimes the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact, said Melissa Cooper, director of aviation for the Kansas City Aviation Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through Fly Kind, we want to remind passengers that a smile, a kind word, or a simple act of courtesy can make the entire travel experience brighter for everyone. The campaign includes: Kindness selfie wall A colorful, photo-ready installation where travelers can snap selfies or record short videos celebrating kindness. Branded luggage tags Fun, complimentary tags that serve as daily reminders to carry kindness wherever you travel. Social media engagement Passengers can join the campaign by posting videos about why kindness matters in the air, tagging the airport to spread the message. The Fly Kind promotion runs from Sept. 4 through Sept. 14. Travelers are encouraged to join the movement online using the hashtag #FlyKind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ron Sylvester, a retired magistrate judge, says bail bonds are unnecessary in most nonviolent cases. Text messages have proven sufficient to get people to return to court. (Getty Images) Magistrate Judge Ron Sylvesters story about the need to eliminate cash bonds in nonviolent cases begins with two QuikTrip hot dogs, one actual dog, and a man with mental health and addiction issues struggling to survive. Setting bonds, said Sylvester, who retired in April after five years on the bench, doesnt protect communities. It can, however, mock justice as it did for a then-74-year-old Thomas Wimberly, who spent 71 days in jail for stealing hot dogs he gave to his dog, Smokey Bear. Retired Magistrate Judge Ron Sylvester (Kansas Judicial Branch) Bail bonds, in Sylvesters estimation, are regressive, exploitative legal system versions of payday loans that prey on people like Wimberly. Sylvester, a journalist for 40 years who covered courts for the Wichita Eagle, shared a story hed written almost 20 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was early July in 2006 when Wimberly put Smokey Bear into a shopping cart and headed to a downtown Wichita car show. On the way home, he stopped at a QuikTrip and grabbed two hot dogs for the hungry Smokey Bear. But as Wimberly prepared the last hot dog, he saw Smokey Bear climbing out of the cart and left the store without paying. A moonlighting police officer saw Wimberly leave without paying the $2.11 he owed. By the time the officer reached Wimberly, Smokey Bear had gulped the hot dogs. Wimberly was booked on theft but his case was dismissed. Sylvester said Wimberly thought it was over. Not close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wimberly had two previous misdemeanor thefts on his record one more than a decade old. This third misdemeanor became a felony under Kansas law. The city sent the case to the district attorneys office. The summons the D.A.s office sent to attend a hearing came back undelivered. So, when Wimberly didnt show, a judge issued a bench warrant that sent Wimberly to jail on what for him was a whopping $5,000 bond. Sylvester said bail bond services typically post a bond for 10% of the amount, but $500 exceeded what Wimberly drew in a month from Social Security. At the time of his arrest, Wimberly lived on $448 a month. Jurors took two days off work when the case went to trial. They heard the evidence and found Wimberly not guilty. Sylvester said some jurors were irate the case went to trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was stupid, presiding juror Krysti Mason, 21, said of Wimbleys trial in the Eagle article With the national conversation now about cracking down on crime, it isnt wrong to wonder where this narrative that the nation is soft on crime comes from. Our nation has 5% of the worlds population but 25% of its criminals. We are tough on crime. Its time we got smart on crime. At roughly $50 a day for 71 days, the system spent a minimum of $3,550 on Wimberlys $2.11 hot dog heist. Sylvester said Wimberly, who also suffered from mental health issues, got Smokey Bear back and that Wimberly often carried the newspaper story with him, basking in his 15 minutes of fame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wimberly has since died, but his story and the cruel system of bail bonds live on. The bonds are unnecessary, Sylvester said of most nonviolent cases. Text messages have proven sufficient to get people to return to court. The bond industry, he said, preys on fear, claiming bond-less defendants would be dangers to the community. Yeah, with them on the mean streets of Kingman, we arent safe, he said sarcastically of the south-central Kansas town where he served as a magistrate. All (the current system) does is allow rich, dangerous people to roam the community. Sylvester often offered defendants OR bonds, or own recognizance bonds. Defendants paid only if they didnt show up for court dates. Besides, most of the people who appeared in front of him needed help, not punishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 90 to 95% of the cases I heard had a mental health or addiction component or both, he said. A lot of this has to do with the failure to pass Medicaid. He appeared in a Wall Street Journal article about Pratt Regional Medical Center suing many of its patients because it was the only way to generate the revenue necessary to keep the hospital open. The Journal featured Sylvester in a story last year about how 95% of the civil cases he was hearing were brought by the hospital. In July and August 2023, four of every five sheriff-delivered court summonses in Pratt County were from the hospital. By December, the story said, it had sued some 400 people in a county of 9,000 more than it had in the past five years combined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sylvester said people who appeared in front of him pleaded for help. Ive told anyone who would listen that if you want to be tough on crime, you should work to properly fund community mental health and addiction treatments in every Kansas town. You do that, and you will significantly cut crime, especially in rural areas. And maybe not spend thousands of dollars on bonds and hot dog larceny. Mark McCormick is the former executive director of the Kansas African American Museum, a member of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission and former deputy executive director at the ACLU of Kansas. 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. Karen Read getting Lexus SUV back months after being acquitted in John OKeefes death Karen Read is getting her Lexus SUV back from the Massachusetts State Police, three months after she was acquitted of murder in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend. New documents reveal how much Karen Reads murder retrial cost Mass. taxpayers Read will be receiving her 2021 Lexus LX 570 SUV in the coming days, Steve Boozang, a Dedham-based defense attorney who recently joined Reads legal team, said Wednesday during an appearance on The Howie Carr radio show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boozang said JB Autocare in Weymouth has agreed to restore Reads vehicle when its released from state police custody, the Boston Herald reported. Reads lawyers filed a motion in late July requesting the return of her SUV, which is valued at $60,000, Boston 25s Ted Daniel reported at the time. The motion also asked for the return of Reads three cell phones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no word yet on when Read will get her phones back. Prosecutors alleged that Read hit OKeefe with her SUV, leaving him to die in a blizzard on the front lawn of fellow officer Brian Alberts home at 34 Fairview Road in Canton following a night of drinking. During Reads retrial, her lawyers painted a picture of police misconduct and theorized that OKeefe was killed by colleagues, followed by a vast cover-up. The 45-year-old Mansfield woman next faces a civil trial over a wrongful death lawsuit that was filed last year on behalf of OKeefes family. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Changes at the Department of Health and Human Services have shaken up the way states will advise the public about vaccine mandates, prompting Republican-led Florida to end mandates entirely and Western Democratic states to form an alliance focused on science, not politics. Red states vs. blue states Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo and Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that the state would be ending all vaccine mandates, including for children. Ladapo said every vaccine is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery. The states Department of Health would be working with the governor to end the mandates, which he called wrong and immoral. Who am I to tell you what your child should put in (their) body? Ladapo asked. I dont have that right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Florida is not banning vaccinations, it will work to end the current requirements for vaccines, including for children attending public schools. DeSantis celebrated the move in a post online, claiming that his state has become the leading state in the nation for medical freedom. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears before the Senate Finance Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. | Mark Schiefelbein Our health policies are guided by evidence, common sense, and respect for individual rights not ideological agendas or special interests, he wrote on X. DeSantis said Florida would be creating a Make America Healthy Again Commission, which is part of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s agenda leading the countrys health department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All 50 states have some vaccination requirements for kids to attend public school, with medical and some religious exemptions. Vaccines have become more politicized in parts of the country following the COVID-19 pandemic. The move comes as Kennedy makes changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while some officials sound the alarm on the agencys independence and scientific role in the country. California, Oregon and Washington create health alliance The three Democratic governors from California, Oregon and Washington created the West Coast Health Alliance, they announced Wednesday. The governors argue that federal actions have undermined the CDCs independence and have politicized science. The alliance will work to provide recommendations to residents in all three states about immunizations and step in to ensure there is accessible, credible information about vaccines in place of the CDCs previous recommendations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trumps mass firing of CDC doctors and scientists and his blatant politicization of the agency is a direct assault on the health and safety of the American people. The CDC has become a political tool that increasingly peddles ideology instead of science, ideology that will lead to severe health consequences, the governors said in a statement. California, Oregon, and Washington will not allow the people of our states to be put at risk. Kennedy and the CDC Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears before the Senate Finance Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. | Mark Schiefelbein The changes at the state level come after Kennedy, who has spoken out against vaccines, ousted experts at the CDC and replaced them with people who align more with his views, The New York Times reported. Kennedy published an op-ed Tuesday in the Wall Street Journal touting the CDCs success with the measles outbreak in Texas, which local officials officially declared over last month. His op-ed, titled, Were Restoring Public Trust in the CDC, said the agency became politicized and corroded over the last several decades. But now, he said the organization is doing better because it helped end the Texas measles situation and will continue to rebuild trust with the American people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have already taken steps to eliminate conflicts of interest and bureaucratic complacency, Kennedy wrote. Kennedy, however, has been criticized for his vaccine advisory panel. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed of her own, former CDC director Susan Monarez said Thursday she was pressured to compromise on scientific inquiry. Monarez said she was pressured by Kennedy to resign after just 29 days on the job, before Kennedy fired her over a dispute about vaccines. Monarez said there were troubling directives given to her by Kennedy over vaccines, including assembling an advisory panel with people who have openly expressed being against vaccinations. More than 1,000 current and former HHS employees from the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health signed a letter calling for Kennedy to resign, arguing he is compromising the health of the country. The employees noted Monarezs ousting and other top CDC resignations. Bipartisan criticism in the Senate Kennedy, facing growing scrutiny, was called Thursday to testify before the Senate Finance Committee. Democratic senators called on Kennedy to resign as well and grilled him over vaccine skepticism and changes to the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his opening remarks before the committee, Kennedy highlighted Trump administration efforts to expand rural health care access and the CDCs failed responsibility during the pandemic. We need bold, competent, creative, new leadership at CDC, he said, adding, We need new blood at CDC. Thats also why its imperative that we remove officials with conflicts of interest and catastrophically bad judgment and political agendas. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., questioned Kennedy over vaccines for children, Monarezs firing and the makeup of the advisory committee, and said he doesnt believe Kennedy should be a million miles away from the leadership position. The committees got a profound impact on vaccine access, but these arent ordinary meetings. You stacked the deck to ensure the panel bends to your views, Wyden said. In June, you fired all 17 committee members who were respected scientists and doctors. You replaced them with non-experts, vaccine skeptics and conspiracy theorists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, this critical advisory panel has lost scientific credibility, he continued. Kennedy replied that his critics are conflicted and he has support from scientists and doctors across the country. Wyden, along with 11 other senators on the committee, called for Kennedy to resign from leading HHS. The criticism, however, wasnt limited to only Democratic senators. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-Fla., grilled Kennedy over contradictory statements and Monarezs firing, asking for answers to recent reports about HHS conduct. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Ill., a trained physician, questioned Kennedy about praising President Donald Trumps Operation Warp Speed, which accelerated development of the COVID-19 vaccine, while attempting to restrict access to the vaccination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., also a trained physician, said he has grown deeply concerned since Kennedys confirmation hearing. Americans dont know who to rely on, he said, later adding, If were going to Make America Healthy Again, we cant allow public health to be undermined. A Northern Kentucky man has been sentenced for threatening Kenton County's top prosecutor and a judge who oversaw his prior cases. Brian Tucker, 49, of Morning View, Kentucky, was ordered by Kenton County Circuit Judge Kate Molloy on Aug. 29 to five years of probation, court records show. Police said Tucker threatened to shoot and kill Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders, and also threatened Kenton County Circuit Judge Patricia Summe, who presided over Tucker's 2019 felony arson trial and a subsequent lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tucker entered an Alford plea to charges of retaliating against a participant in a legal process, low-level felonies. The plea means Tucker is maintaining his innocence but admits prosecutors had enough evidence to secure a conviction. Two special prosecutors, Jackie Steele and Brian Wright, were appointed to the case. Tucker's attorney did not immediately return a phone call from The Enquirer. Brian Tucker was sentenced to probation for threatening to kill Kenton County's top prosecutor and a judge who presided over his criminal and civil cases. Man convicted of threatening judge, prosecutor said 'ain't none of them goddamn safe' The investigation began when a friend of Tucker's reported to police that he had been making threats, according to a criminal complaint. Investigators said Tucker told a friend he wanted to harm Sanders, the county's elected felony prosecutor, and Summe because he was unhappy about not receiving a favorable outcome in a lawsuit. When Boone County Sheriff's deputies arrested Tucker in November, they confiscated a handgun, Kenton County police detective Jill Stulz said during a court hearing in December. Stulz added that more firearms were seized during the execution of a search warrant at Tucker's home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors signaled in court filings that they planned to offer evidence at trial that Tucker's ownership of those firearms was proof of his "preparation and plan" to carry out the threats. Court records show Tucker was indicted in 2018 on counts of complicity to commit arson and insurance fraud, but was ultimately acquitted of those charges at trial. Tucker sued the Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company and Green Light Fire Investigations following his trial and alleged the companies provided false evidence to law enforcement that implicated him in a 2016 fire that destroyed his friends home. Summe dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice meaning it cannot be refiled. Stulz said investigators confirmed Tucker attends the same gym as Sanders and there were instances in which he entered the gym shortly after Sanders. The complaint states Tucker "articulated plans to either sneak up behind Sanders and slit his throat or hide in the woods and snipe Sanders with a rifle." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a phone call from jail, Tucker said that "if somebody wanted to off Sanders, all they had to do was sit on the hill and wait for him to come out of the gym," according to Stulz. He also said in a jail call that "if they bring me a check of $10,000, ain't none of them goddamn safe." Prosecutor says law criminalizing threats to public officials is 'ridiculous,' not serious enough "It's ridiculous that Kentucky law considers threatening the lives of public officials to be a 'low-level, non-violent offense,'" Sanders said in a statement. "Hopefully, we won't have to wait for a legislator to be threatened before this is fixed." Rob Sanders, Commonwealth attorney for the state of Kentucky, listens during proceedings in a Kenton County courtroom. "I hope Mr. Tucker gets mental health treatment while on probation and that I never have to hear about him again," Sanders said, adding that he's satisfied with the outcome of the case. As part of his probation, Tucker is under court order not to own firearms and to stay away from Sanders and Summe. Molloy signed an order releasing Tucker from custody on Aug. 29. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Northern Kentucky man sentenced for threatening Rob Sanders, judge SCOTTSVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) A Scottsville man has been arrested after the Mennonite community reported one of its members for having sex with a 15-year-old girl. Donald Stoner, 31, was arrested on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 2, by the Allen County Sheriffs Department. According to court documents, the Mennonite community contacted deputies after Stoner allegedly confessed to having sex with a family member. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It began in 2022, per an arrest citation, and the girl was 15 years old at the time. Stoner was charged with third-degree rape and incest. He was lodged in the Allen County Detention Center. An investigation into the report is still ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. A major development has happened in the case surrounding Matthew Perrys death. The woman known as the Ketamine Queen has admitted to supplying the fatal dose that killed the Friends star in October 2023. Jasveen Sangha, aka Ketamine Queen, pleads guilty in Matthew Perrys death case Jasveen Sangha pleaded guilty on September 3 in a federal court in Los Angeles to five charges. These charges include maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distributing ketamine, and one count of distribution resulting in death or serious bodily injury, according to the Department of Justice. Her plea makes her the fifth and final person convicted in connection with Matthew Perrys overdose case. The dual U.S. and U.K. citizen has been in custody since her arrest in August 2024, nearly a year after Matthew Perry was found dead in his Los Angeles home. Prosecutors said Sangha worked with Erik Fleming to sell Perry 51 vials of ketamine in October 2023, which Perrys assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, later injected. On October 28, 2023, Iwamasa administered at least three shots from Sanghas supply, leading to the Friends actors death at the age of 54. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jasveen Sangha, aka Ketamine Queen, pleaded guilty after a series of convictions tied to Matthew Perrys death. Iwamasa admitted in court documents that he injected the actor with the fatal doses and pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, causing death. He will be sentenced on November 19. Fleming, who distributed the drugs, also pleaded guilty in August to conspiracy and distribution charges and is set for sentencing on November 12. Two doctors, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, admitted to supplying ketamine that reached Perry through intermediaries. Plasencias sentencing is scheduled for December 3, while Chavez will be sentenced on December 17. (via ABC News) Matthew Perry, who openly shared his struggles with addiction throughout his life, left fans devastated when news broke of his passing in October 2023. The post Ketamine Queen Pleads Guilty to Selling Fatal Drugs to Matthew Perry appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Jasveen Sangha, aka: the Ketamine Queen, has pleaded guilty to selling Friends star Matthew Perry the drug that killed him, becoming the fifth and final defendant charged in Perrys overdose death to admit guilt. Sangha, 42, leaded guilty to five federal charges, including providing the ketamine that led to Perrys death. Perrys mother, Suzanne Perry, and his stepfather, Dateline reporter Keith Morrison, sat in the audience. It was their first time attending court proceedings since the announcement of the indictments one year ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sangha, a dual citizen of the US and the UK, stood in court Wednesday next to her attorney Mark Geragos as she repeated guilty five times when US District Court Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett asked for her pleas. She faces up to 65 years in prison after admitting one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Prosecutors agreed to drop three other counts related to the distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine that was unrelated to the Perry case. Related Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final plea deal came a year after federal prosecutors announced the indictments in Perrys death after a sweeping investigation. Sangha is scheduled to be sentenced on 10 December. The other four defendants are also still awaiting sentencing. The actor's live-in assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, an acquaintance Erik Fleming, and a physician, Mark Chavez, all agreed to plead guilty when the charges were announced in August 2024. Another doctor, Salvador Plasencia, initially pleaded not guilty and had been due to face trial alongside Sangha, but changed his plea in July. Related Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perry died aged 54 on 28 October 2023. He had struggled with addiction for years, but released a memoir a year before his death during a period of being clean. He had been using ketamine through his regular doctor as a legal treatment for depression. In the weeks before his death, he had started to seek the drug illegally. SUGARCREEK TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WDTN) Another fast-food chain has exited Sugarcreek Township. The Kentucky Fried Chicken location at 4458 Clyo Road has closed its doors for good. A sign on the restaurants front doors showing the location is shut down. | Carlos Mathis/WDTN Photo Signage at the location appears to show the location will not reopen. Along with the location being marked as permanently closed on Google Maps, the location is removed from the chains list of locations webpage. In 2022, the Burger King location just across the roadway shut down. This news outlet reported in March that the former burger restaurant had been sold to another company, which sells hot tubs, saunas and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, WDTN.com also reported the abrupt closure of Popeyes at 6242 Wilmington Pike. The nearest KFC location to the now-closed KFC site is at 2109 E. Dorothy Lane in Kettering, roughly five miles away. To find the KFC location nearest you, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER The 5-day forecast for Hurricane Kiko. 1 /2 NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER The 5-day forecast for Hurricane Kiko. NOAA A satellite image this morning shows Hurricane Kiko churning westward in the Eastern Pacific. 2 /2 NOAA A satellite image this morning shows Hurricane Kiko churning westward in the Eastern Pacific. NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER The 5-day forecast for Hurricane Kiko. NOAA A satellite image this morning shows Hurricane Kiko churning westward in the Eastern Pacific. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UPDATE : 11 a.m. Hurricane Kiko remains a powerful Category 4 storm as it continues moving west across the Eastern Pacific. As of 11 a.m., Kiko was located about 1, 410 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 1, 615 miles east-southeast of Honolulu, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Kikos maximum sustained winds remain near 130 mph with higher gusts, and forecasters say the hurricane could strengthen slightly over the next couple of days. While there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, the NHC cautions that interests across the Hawaiian Islands should monitor Kikos progress closely through the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hurricane is moving west at 9 mph and is expected to maintain that general motion through tonight before shifting toward the west-northwest on Friday. Kiko is forecast to remain a major hurricane through the weekend, though fluctuations in intensity are possible. Swells generated by Kiko could begin reaching Hawaii late this weekend, bringing the potential for life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents, especially along east-facing shores. The National Weather Service in Honolulu advises beachgoers, boaters, and coastal residents to stay alert for updates and potential high surf advisories in the coming days. As of now, Kikos hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from its center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 80 miles. EARLIER COVERAGE Hurricane Kiko, a strong Category 4 storm, weakened slightly overnight but could re-intensify as it continues moving west across the Eastern Pacific well east-southeast of Hawaii. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 5 a.m. today, Kiko was about 1, 470 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 1, 675 miles east-southeast of Honolulu, with maximum sustained winds near 130 mph and higher gusts, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. The system is currently moving west at about 9 mph and is expected to maintain this general track through tonight before gradually turning west-northwest on Friday. Forecasters said Kiko remains a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, though its winds have weakened slightly since Wednesday. Fluctuations in strength are expected over the next two to three days, and the storm could re-intensify as it approaches the Central Pacific basin. Kiko is forecast to approach the Hawaiian islands during the early to the middle portion of next week, hurricane center forecasters said. The risk of direct impacts from wind and rainfall is increasing. However, it is too soon to determine the exact location or magnitude of these impacts, and interests there should continue to monitor the progress of this storm. The hurricane is still far from the islands, but the National Weather Service in Honolulu said, While a large amount of uncertainly exists, there exists the threat for high rainfall that could lead to flooding in association with Kiko. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kiko currently has hurricane-force winds extending up to 30 miles from the center, with tropical-storm-force winds reaching out about 80 miles. In the latest five-day forecast track, Kiko is expected to be a strong tropical storm with winds of 70 mph about 130 miles west-northwest of Hilo early Tuesday morning. However the tracks cone of uncertainty extends to the west and northwest side of Hawaii island. Although there are no coastal watches or warnings at this time, a coastal flood statement remains in effect through Sunday afternoon for all Hawaiian islands. Peak afternoon high tides combined with above-normal sea levels are expected to produce minor flooding along shorelines and low-lying coastal areas over the coming days. The flooding threat will be highest during the daily afternoon high tides, potentially affecting beaches, coastal roadways, boat ramps, docks and other vulnerable infrastructure. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid driving through flooded roads, secure watercraft stored on beaches, and monitor mooring lines to prevent damage. Officials also recommend moving vehicles, electronics and other valuables to higher ground and rinsing cars that encounter saltwater to prevent corrosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Partly cloudy skies and warm, breezy trades will continue through the next few days as the islands remain under the stable influence of a ridge of high pressure northeast of the state. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach the mid-to upper 80s in many areas, with most showers limited to windward and mauka areas. Forecasters say weather conditions may change by late this weekend with increased rainfall as Kiko moves westward into the Central Pacific. There is a threat of heavy rainfall with possible flooding starting Monday. Marine conditions are also expected to evolve as Kiko progresses westward. Surf along east-facing shores is currently running below seasonal averages but could rise to advisory levels early next week as energy from the hurricane reaches island waters. Small to moderate south-southwest swells are expected to build this weekend, peaking Saturday into Sunday, while north-and west-facing shores will remain relatively small until a series of moderate northwest swells arrives next week. For now, Kiko remains far enough away that there are no coastal watches, warnings or advisories directly tied to the storm. However, forecasters urge residents to monitor updates as forecasts are refined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See more : 4 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . Credit: Telegram / Yunashev_live A staffer to Kim Jong-un meticulously wiped down his bosss chair during a visit to China, in what experts assume is a security measure to remove traces of the North Korean leaders DNA. The video was taken after Kims meeting with Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday where the two leaders spoke about North Korean support for the Russian president in his war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the footage, the North Korean aide is seen carefully wiping down the back of the chair as well as the armrests and the coffee table next to it. The footage was captured by Alexander Yunashev, a Kremlin reporter, who posted it on his Telegram channel noting that Kims staff were carefully destroying all traces of Kims presence. They took away the glass from which he drank, wiped the upholstery of the chair and those parts of the furniture that the Korean leader touched, Mr Yunashev wrote. During the meeting in Beijing, Putin invited Kim to Russia Kim and Putin appeared to have a friendly meeting where the North Korean leader said he would do everything to assist Russia in its war in Ukraine, and Putin said that Kim was welcome to visit Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a brief moment of tension captured in a video by Russian state media Kommersant where two aides to the respective leaders were seen fiddling with the thermostat Kim reportedly wanting the room slightly hotter while Putin preferred it cooler. Despite the pairs friendly relationship, Kims entourage is also known to be hyper-diligent ahead of any meetings as well. In 2023, before a meeting with Putin, North Korean staff were seen vigorously wiping down a chair with disinfectant, with one aide even using a metal detector to ensure it was safe. There was a similar effort carried out in 2018 before a meeting with then-South Korean president Moon Jae-in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim is also known to travel with his own portable toilet, which he reportedly brought by train from North Korea on his latest trip to China, in an effort to prevent any trace of his DNA being left behind. Putin and Kim ride in a car after attending Chinas military parade - STR/KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Images) South Korean and Japanese intelligence agencies assume that this is mainly to conceal any information about the North Korean leaders health. Kim has previously sought medication for high blood pressure and diabetes related to his obesity, but beyond that most information related to his health is top secret. Experts believe that the release of detailed biodata could make him vulnerable. A similar logic applies to any waste generated by Kim while he is travelling, all of which must be taken back to North Korea with him, including the butts and ash of any cigarettes he smokes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Madden, an expert on North Korea at the US-based Stimson Center, said this protocol has been in place since Kims father, Kim Jong Il, was leader of North Korea. The special toilet and the requisite garbage bags of detritus, waste and cigarette butts are so that a foreign intelligence agency, even a friendly one, does not acquire a sample and test it, Mr Madden told Reuters. It would provide insight into any medical conditions affecting Kim Jong-un. This can include hair and skin tags, he said. When Kim met with Donald Trump, the US president, in Vietnam in 2019 and Singapore in 2018, he also reportedly travelled with his own toilet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Hanoi, Kims guards spent hours cleaning his hotel and were seen taking out items including a bed mattress. Putin is also believed to travel with his own personal toilet for similar reasons. According to a report by Paris Match, whenever Putin travels, his excrement is collected in specialised packets, which are then put inside a dedicated briefcase to be transported back to Russia. This was reportedly done during trips to France in 2019 and Saudi Arabia in 2017, as well as reportedly during his recent visit to Alaska where he met with Mr Trump. Rumours of Putins health have swirled for years, with reports that he is battling everything from a persistent cough to thyroid cancer. Little has been confirmed regarding his status, but similar to Kim, its likely that detailed biometric information is seen as a potential vulnerability. 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. Illustration from 19th century. I often think of the Knights of Labor, but especially on Labor Day. Im a retiree member of the American Federation of Teachers who taught history at West Kentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah for two dozen years. The Knights are gone and largely forgotten. Yet they were 19th century Americas largest labor organization and an ancestor of the AFL-CIO. Founded in 1869 in Philadelphia, the Knights tried to teach the American wage-earner that he was a wage-earner first and a bricklayer, carpenter, miner, shoemaker, after; that he was a wage-earner first and a Catholic, Protestant, Jew, white, black, Democrat, Republican, after, historian Norman J. Ware wrote in The Labor Movement in the United States 1860-1895: A Study in Democracy. Id add teacher to the list of jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Knights operated as both a trade union federation and a political movement, wrote historian Jonathan Garlock. Envisioning a Cooperative Commonwealth in which producer cooperatives and nationalized railroads would replace monopolistic capitalism, the Knights launched dozens of local and state labor parties and hundreds of worker-owned cooperatives. Knights belonged to Local Assemblies which numbered in the thousands. Each assembly represented members in their work places, bargaining with employers, threatening and conducting strikes, Garlock added. Inclusivity was the other hallmark of the KOL (especially in comparison to the American Federation of Labor unions that followed). The Knights included African American workers and counted 246 local assemblies organized by women workers. The main goal of the Knights and other 19th century unions was the eight-hour workday. They also called for the abolition of child labor. But the Knights argued that men and women who did the same job should get the same pay. The Knights motto was, That is the most perfect government in which an injury to one is the concern of all. The union peaked at almost a million members in the late 1880s, before fading away and all but disappearing by the turn of the 20th century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union spread nationwide, and even worldwide, with Local Assemblies in Canada, Great Britain and Australia. According to The Kentucky Encyclopedia, 177 assemblies operated in Kentucky in Louisville, Covington Lexington, Frankfort and even in small towns like Fulton. I treasure a copy of The Toiler, the Fulton Knights newspaper. On Nov. 25, 1894, Lexington area Knights celebrated their unions 25th birthday at the Opera House, enjoying a gratifying success in every feature, according to the Kentucky Leader of Nov. 26. (A ball followed at Jackson Hall with Saxtons Band providing the dance music.) Success was often elusive for unions as the country rapidly industrialized after the Civil War. Well-heeled capitalists helped whip up anti-labor hysteria by demonizing unions as un-Christian and un-American, even communist. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most employers, notably in industry, stubbornly, even violently, resisted unions, with help from friendly local and state officials. Judges routinely issued injunctions to stop strikes. Police, sheriffs deputies and even National Guard troops were almost always available for strikebreaking duty. Union-busting was bipartisan. Republican President Rutherford B. Hayes dispatched federal troops to break the Great Railroad Strike of 1877. President Grover Cleveland, a Democrat, sent U.S. soldiers to crush the Pullman Strike in 1894. To protect its members against getting fired by anti-union bosses, the Knights had started as a secret organization. The Knights dropped its veil of secrecy in 1879 and deleted Noble and Holy Order from its original name. Afterwards, the union enjoyed rapid growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Featured speakers at the 25th birthday celebration included local Democratic Congressman W.C.P. Breckinridge, a Confederate veteran, and Dr. W.T. Bolling, a Lexington pastor. Breckinridge acknowledged that the federal government had the power to abolish child labor, outlaw the company store system and pass laws to make workplaces sanitary. But he rebuked those who looked to federal legislation as the great panacea or cure all of the nineteenth century, the Lexington paper said. Bolling advised workers that if they would be true, be patient, honest and diligent and vote the time will come when the host of labor may sing as sung Israel when freed from the bondage of Egypt. The Leader didnt report the Knights reaction to the politician or the pastor. But based on the preamble to the unions 1878 Declaration of Principles they might have been disappointed. The preamble warned that the alarming development and aggressiveness of great capitalists and corporations, unless checked, will invariably lead to the pauperization and hopeless degradation of the toiling masses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thus, it was imperative, if we desire to enjoy the full blessings of life, that a check be placed upon unjust accumulation, and the power for evil of aggregated wealth. This much-desired object can be accomplished only by the united efforts of those who obey the divine injunction, In the sweat of thy brow shalt thou eat bread. A footnote: Not everybody was welcome to join the Knights, explained a Nov. 25 Leader story about the upcoming anniversary observance. The banned list included stock-holders, bankers, lawyers, professional gamblers, and those who, in any way, derive their living from the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors. Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kentucky Lantern maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jamie Lucke for questions: info@kentuckylantern.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Question : Regarding Hawaiian Airlines, what about the promo codes we get for having the credit card ? Will they still work ? Answer : Hawaiian Airlines states on its website that your current Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard discount codes are valid for use on HawaiianAirlines.com through September 25. Beginning September 26, HawaiianMiles account login will be unavailable, and your discount code will be unusable on. If you plan to use your discount code online, please do so prior to September 26. From Sept. 26-30, you may contact Reservations for assistance to redeem your discount code over the phone at 1-800-367-5320. On October 1, unused discount codes will be re-issued in your Atmos Rewards account and must be used on. Previously issued discount codes will be invalid for use on HawaiianAirlines.com or AlaskaAir.com. The same is true for members of the Huaka i by Hawaiian program for Hawaii residents, who also receive promo codes by email for flight discounts. Huaka i members who hold the Hawaiian Airlines-branded credit card receive larger discounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawaiian Airlines is reminding all members of its loyalty program that they wont be able to log in to their HawaiianMiles accounts from Sept. 26-30 as HawaiianMiles transitions to Atmos Rewards, the joint loyalty program with Hawaiian owner Alaska Airlines. This temporary freeze will affect all HawaiianMiles members, regardless of whether they hold a Hawaiian-branded credit card or are enrolled in Huaka i. Go to to learn more about the effects of the data migration in late September. Q : Regarding the new EV charging stations at the Honolulu airport, will parking be free since we will have to pay for the charging ? A : No. Standard airport parking rates also apply, according to the state Department of Transportation. Theres a 15-minute grace period, after which fees rise incrementally from $1 to park for 16 to 30 minutes, to $3 to park up to an hour and so on until reaching the daily rate of $27 for eight hours, according to the airport website. See the full parking rate chart at. Separately, the charging rates for 20 electric vehicle charging stations newly installed at the Hono lulu airport are 44 cents per kWh from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 57 cents per kWh from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m., payable via an app, the state DOT said in a news release Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new chargers are on the ground floor of the International Parking Structure. An EV parked in one of the stalls must be plugged into a charger, the news release said. Q : I was an August car registration delay victim. Just to let you know, the kiosk did not help me. Perhaps my check had been processed. Anyway the kiosk had a message that I needed to go to the DMV. So, I went to a satellite city hall on Tuesday and waited 45 minutes for the attendant to inform me of the backlog. But he could see that my check had been processed and sold me a registration sticker for 50 cents. My check still has not cleared my bank. What an ordeal ! If my credit card had been accepted at the kiosk, what would happen to my original check ? A : You are one of many readers we heard from incensed that the city fell behind in processing some motor vehicle registration renewals due by the end of Augusta problem it blamed on a new state program for EV registrations that stymied its automated system ; the backlog affected only renewals by mail. The problems are being resolved and should not affect renewals due in September, a spokesperson said. Yes, you are correct, a DMV Now grocery-store kiosk would be unable to process your renewal if it perceived your payment as processed. But the clerk at the satellite city hall could sell you a replacement license-plate tag for the one he knew you had paid for but not yet received in the mail. As for your question, customers who were able to renew at a kiosk with a credit /debit card despite having already mailed in a check will have the uncashed check mailed back to them, a city spokesperson said.------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------ A subsidiary of a Korean company plans to invest $223 million in a new manufacturing facility in Columbus, Georgia, expected to create over 520 jobs. The new facility for JS Link America Inc., which will produce rare-earth permanent magnets, will be located at Muscogee Technology Park and is slated to begin operations in late 2027. JS Link America strengthens Georgias role in securing the U.S. supply chain in industries such as aerospace, mobility, and energy, said Gov. Brian Kemp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From day one, Georgias economic development team, local community leadership in Columbus, and Georgia Power all welcomed JS Link with a pro-business approach, said Mr. Jun Y. Lee, CEO of JS Link America Inc. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] JS Link, originally founded in 2000 as a Korean biotechnology company, has expanded its operations to include the production of permanent magnets. These magnets are essential components in various industries, including automobiles, wind turbines, and consumer electronics. The new Columbus facility will cover 130,000 square feet and is expected to have an annual production capacity of 3,000 tons. The company plans to hire for roles in engineering, production, construction, administrative, and management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the benefits of high-quality career paths for the local workforce. These high-quality career paths will not only benefit the workforce here in Columbus, but throughout the entire region, he said. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Gov. Tina Kotek delivers her State of the State address on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle/pool) Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is asking President Donald Trump to reconsider his decision denying individual financial assistance to households in Coos, Curry, Douglas and Josephine counties that experienced major losses after intense spring flooding. In March 2025, record-breaking rainfall triggered flooding and landslides across southwest Oregon, damaging 529 homes, according to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in response to Koteks request for emergency funding issued financial assistance in July for those counties on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair and replacement of damaged facilities. The federal assistance did not include funding for individual families whose homes were damaged or funding to prevent future natural disasters. Without that assistance, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management said communities in southwest Oregon will face gaps in recovering from the spring floods and long-term resilience. Many Oregonians remain displaced living with relatives, or in RVs and other unsafe conditions. Additional funding would help cover mold remediation, septic system repairs and restoration of private roads and bridges, as well as help prevent future disasters through infrastructure protection, streambank restoration and landslide stabilization. Its estimated that less than 2% of people affected had flood insurance. according to the Oregon emergency management department. Our communities are resilient, and with the help of their local leadership and the state have begun the recovery process but they cannot recover alone, Oregon Emergency Management Director Erin McMahon said in a statement. Federal support is not just warranted it is essential to restore safe housing, protect public health and reduce the risk of future disasters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Small Business Administration is offering $1.44 million in disaster loans, many Oregonians do not qualify or cannot afford to repay loans. Local governments along the coast are also facing financial shortfalls from declining timber revenue, and the loss of Secure Rural Schools Act has further reduced county budgets by $80 million each year. The state, which is already financially strained from back-to-back wildfire seasons, has allocated $2 million for recovery. However, emergency officials and the governor say its not enough. I urge the federal government to reconsider its denial of individual assistance and hazard mitigation funding for survivors from our March storms, Kotek said in a statement. These programs are vital to restoring safe housing, protecting public health and building long-term resilience in our communities. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Gov. Andy Beshear. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer) FRANKFORT Kentucky tax revenues are likely to slip below budgeted expectations in the new fiscal year, Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday. The effects of federal tariffs on the Kentucky economy and a cut in the state income tax that takes effect on Jan.1 are likely to cause the shortfall, Beshear said at his weekly press conference. The governor said he has asked State Budget Director John Hicks to convene the team of economists that makes official projections of state revenue the Consensus Forecasting Group on Sept. 16 to to update the revenue forecast for the fiscal year that began July 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been receiving regular updates on our revenues and our projections for this year, and there is concern there will be a shortfall in total revenue collected, Beshear said. Some of this may be due to uncertainty surrounding federal tariffs and the choice we made to cut Kentuckys income tax rate. The Consensus Forecasting Group will let us know if we will have a shortfall, and if so, we can begin taking steps to address it. It seems unlikely that painful spending cuts would need to be part of any solution to balancing the budget. Thats because the states so-called rainy day fund has been brimming since record state revenue surpluses of the pandemic era. That fund is expected to have a balance of about $3.7 billion at the end of this fiscal year. A news release from Beshears office later Thursday elaborated on his causes for concern. Federal tariffs are directly impacting spending and economic activity while the income tax cut that takes effect in the second half of the year will cost the state $359 million in revenue. House Speaker David Osborne (LRC Public Information) House Speaker David Osborne, a Prospect Republican, said he was somewhat puzzled by Beshears comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Consensus Forecasting Group is already scheduled to deliver an updated economic outlook, and we continue to monitor economic conditions and revenue numbers with our economists. If this is genuinely a concern, why not bring it to us earlier particularly since the governors budget director testified before lawmakers just two weeks ago, Osborne said in a statement. To be frank, we are somewhat skeptical that this is yet another attempt to politicize the budget when we know a responsible, measured approach is far better for Kentucky. Will Kentucky cut income taxes again? Meanwhile, another budget development could affect prospects for the legislature continuing to lower the income tax when it convenes in Januaury. Kentucky Lantern learned this week that the revenue and budget numbers for the fiscal year that ended June 30 did not meet one of two requirements for the General Assembly to consider another income tax rate cut in 2026 under a 2022 law that sets up a process to incrementally reduce the rate with a goal of eventually eliminating the state income tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022 the legislature cut the income tax rate from 5% to 4.5%. It also set up a process for future rate cuts of one half of 1 percentage point if certain budget conditions indicated the cuts could be done responsibly. Under this process the 2023 General Assembly cut the rate to 4%, and the 2025 General Assembly cut the rate to 3.5% effective Jan. 1, 2026. The process allows lawmakers to consider a half-point reduction in the income tax rate if two requirements are met at the end of the prior fiscal year: The rainy day fund balance is at least 10% of what total General Fund receipts were in the fiscal year just ended. Revenue in the prior fiscal year would have exceeded General Fund spending even if the income tax rate had been 1 full percentage point lower. The Office of State Budget Director reported to the legislature last month that its analysis of the year-end numbers showed that the second requirement was not met, said Sen. Chirs McDaniel, a Ryland Heights Republican who chairs the Senate budget committee. Sen. Chris McDaniel (LRC Public Information) We missed hitting that second trigger by a about $7.5 million, McDaniel said. Thats a very small amount in the context of annual revenues of about $15 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But McDaniel said that another income tax rate cut during the 2026 legislative session is likely to remain a topic of discussion among the supermajorities of Republicans who control the Kentucky House and Senate. One question McDaniel asked was whether revenue for last year was slightly depressed because floods and bad weather caused the state to push the income tax filing deadline from April to November. Jason Bailey, executive director of the progressive Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, said, The state failing to meet its tax cut trigger this year is a small sigh of relief for every Kentuckian who relies on the success of our schools, hospitals and other vital services. But it comes on top of news of an expected shortfall this fiscal year due to the income tax cuts the legislature has already made and a weakening economy due to unwise federal policies. On top of falling income tax receipts, Bailey said, Kentucky must deal with major new cost-shifts coming from the harmful mega-bill that passed Congress this summer. It is time to bring an end to the wrong-headed goal of eliminating the states largest revenue source, a policy that like that new federal law overwhelmingly benefits the wealthy. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Los Angeles city attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto announced Thursday that a lawsuit has been filed against online gambling giant Stake.us for allegedly operating illegally within the state of California. According to Feldstein Sotos office, Stake.us which is the American branch of the larger Stake online gambling entity that operates across the world is unlicensed and is operating in violation of State law. The Stake.us website has been live in the U.S. since Aug. 1, 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stake.us is an online casino that operates like a traditional one but doesnt allow real money gambling, the city attorneys office explained. Because of this, they promote themselves as a safe and free gaming experience or a social casino where players can redeem their winnings for cryptocurrency or digital gift cards. These activities are in violation of Californias strict anti-gambling laws, officials said. There may be a lucky lotto store near your Southern California home, research suggests American users who try to access Stake.com are greeted with a pop-up message informing them that while the website they were originally trying to access is not available in the U.S., another website stake.us is available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city attorneys office claims that Stake.us is just a carbon copy of the original Stake website. Indeed, the two sites do bear some similarities. Stake.us homepage Stake.com homepage with a pop-up message directing American users to Stake.us Stake.com homepage In an attempt to circumvent U.S. gambling regulations, including Californias anti-gambling statutes, Stake.us a carbon copy of Stake.com was created with virtually the same layout, games, graphics, colors and user interfaces, the city attorneys office said in a statement released on Thursday. Similar to Stake.com and other online casinos, Stake.us offers online casino games slots, table games, scratch cards, live dealer games, and exclusive Stake Originals all of which are games of chance. Per the city attorney, in 2024, Stake earned approximately $4.7 billion in gross revenue, and much of that money came from the United States, including California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the moniker of Americas Social Casino, and despite claims that it is just a game, Stake.us is a rogue and real money gambling racket with destructive repercussions for its players, said Hydee Feldstein Soto. We are holding Stake.us and its accomplices accountable for violating the law, targeting California for these illegal activities and facilitating addictive gambling behaviors. Struggling with problem gambling? Confidential and free support is available through the California Department of Public Healths Problem Gambling Helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can contact them by: Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) to speak with a masters-level counselor Text: Send SUPPORT to 53342 to receive information and assistance via text. NOTE: Standard messaging rates may apply. Online chat: Real-time support through online chat can be accessed at 800gambler.chat Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WEWAHITCHKA, Fla. (WMBB) The Panhandle is widely known for its production of Tupelo Honey. This unique type of honey is harvested from Northwest Florida bees that consume the nectar of White Tupelo Gum trees that thrive in the swamps, specifically along the Apalachicola River. While the area is home to many honey farms that produce Tupelo Honey, one in particular has been doing it for a long time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben and Glynnis Lanier, owners of L.L. Lanier & Sons Tupelo Honey Farm, have been harvesting honey in the Panhandle since 1898. We spoke with the family at their honey farm, located in Wewahitchka, about the history of the farm and how truly important bees are, not only for the production of honey but also for the environment. Pollination is a key aspect of the food production chain in America, and bees make up about 80% of that process. Bens great-grandfather, Benjamin T. Lanier, began bee operations along the Apalachicola River 127 years ago with borrowed money and a dream of delivering Tupelo Honey to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The business was then passed down from son to son until it reached Ben, who plans to continue the tradition and pass L.L. Lanier & Sons Tupelo Honey Farm to his son, Heath Lanier. This five-generation honey farm prides itself on producing clean and pure Tupelo Honey, which has a unique floral taste. It differs from regular honey because L.L. Lanier & Sons Tupelo Honey is not mixed with other honeys and does not granulate due to its high fructose level. For more information about this bee-yond exceptional honey production and where you can buy it, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. The city of La Crosse has filed a federal class action lawsuit against three fire truck manufacturers, including two headquartered in Brookfield and Oshkosh. The lawsuit complaint alleges that the three companies REV Group, Oshkosh Corporation and Rosenbauer America have "unlawfully conspired" to limit the supply of fire trucks and drive up the price. Together, the companies control between 70% and 80% of the fire truck market in the United States, according to the complaint. As a result, communities have been left with aging trucks that need repairs more often, at times creating gaps in fire departments' abilities to respond to emergencies, which "can have deadly consequences when fires break out and no fire trucks are available to respond," the lawsuit alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some fire trucks are even celebrating "birthdays" for working a decade longer than they've been built to last, the complaint states. The City of La Crosse has filed a class action lawsuit against three fire truck manufacturers, accusing them of unfair market practices that leave departments with aging equipment. The Chicago Fire Department celebrated a mock 30th birthday party earlier this year for a truck, the lawsuit complaint says. The lawsuit lists as defendants the three manufacturers, as well as the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association, a nonprofit trade association accused of facilitating the unfair market practices. Tim Gilman, a spokesperson for Oshkosh Corporation, which makes Pierce fire trucks, said the company denies the lawsuit's claims. The allegations in this lawsuit are without merit, and Oshkosh remains committed to delivering safe, high-quality fire trucks while continuing to reinvest in our U.S. operations to meet record demand," Gilman said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Dakota-based Rosenbauer America also disputed the allegations. We strongly disagree with the claims made in this lawsuit, and Rosenbauer America will assertively defend itself in court," the company's legal counsel, Ali Rader, said in a statement. "Rosenbauer America is committed to supporting first responders and prioritizing community safety, and we will not let this baseless litigation distract from our mission to deliver cutting-edge products communities rely on. Spokespeople for REV Group and FAMA didn't respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit was filed Aug. 20 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Manufacturers consolidated and unlawfully coordinated with help of trade organization, complaint alleges The lawsuit complaint outlines a brief history of the fire truck industry, stating that it was diverse and was made up of many independent sellers until around 2008, when the Great Recession hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a few exceptions, the average annual cost increase for new fire trucks before 2008 was 3%, the complaint says. But after municipal budgets were affected by the recession, there was a steep drop-off in demand, and many small fire truck manufacturers had to shut down. Some were consolidated into larger companies, like Wisconsin-based REV Group and Oshkosh Corporation. Those companies not only halted competition between their own brands, but also began cooperating with each other, the complaint alleges. That cooperation was facilitated through brands' memberships with FAMA, the complaint says. Rosenbauer America, as well as REV Group-owned brands E-One, KME and Ferrara and the Oshkosh Corporation-owned brand Pierce, are all FAMA members, according to the complaint. The companies submit non-public economic data to FAMA, the complaint states. The trade association then shares that data with an outside consulting company, which compiles it into reports that FAMA provides to its members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint alleges that the data from FAMA "is not the type of information that competitors would provide each other in a normal, competitive market." Fire truck manufacturers are able to use that data and connection with other manufacturers to coordinate suppression of production and price increases, the complaint states. FAMA's website describes access to competitors' data as one of the most valuable reasons to join the trade organization. It also states that the trade association's mission is "to advance and protect the interests of the fire and emergency services community through the use of our member companies resources," and it aims to develop safety and performance standards to improve firefighting equipment. Around the mid-2010s, demand for firetrucks steadily increased again for the first time since the 2008 recession. Then, between 2020 and 2022, there was a spike in fire truck orders due to municipalities' COVID relief funds, the complaint says. The manufacturers listed in the complaint haven't kept up with the increased demand and have multibillion-dollar backlogs. In some areas of the country, wait times for a new fire truck have quadrupled from around one year to 4 years, the complaint says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As fire-truck orders spiked to 45% above average in 2022, fulfillment of the orders dropped to 10% below average, according to the complaint. With the growing demand and declining or flat supply, the price of trucks has skyrocketed. A standard fire truck that cost $300,000 to $500,000 in the mid-2010s now costs around $1 million, and ladder trucks that cost $750,000 to $900,000 at that time now cost more than $2 million, the complaint says. Also, REV Group, Oshkosh Corporation and Rosenbauer America have imposed "floating prices" that add costs after a truck is ordered, because of the difficulty to project material costs over the multiyear wait for a new truck, the complaint says. Through these changes in price and wait times, the defendants have reaped growing profits, according to the complaint. Class action lawsuit applies to municipalities across the country As a class action lawsuit, the plaintiff and class representative is the City of La Crosse, but the lawsuit pertains to "class members" across the state and country. The complaint says that thousands of municipalities have been affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the nationwide class, the lawsuit lists "all local or municipal government entities with fire departments that purchased fire trucks from Manufacturer Defendants in the United States from January 1, 2016, through the present." As part of the Wisconsin class, it lists the same, specifically for Wisconsin. The lawsuit doesn't list an exact monetary amount being sought, but that the plaintiff and classes involved receive damages in the maximum amount allowed under the law. It also requests that the court rules the defendants to be in violation of antitrust and common law, and that the companies stop those alleged practices. The complaint requests a jury trial. Contact Kelli Arseneau at (920) 213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ArseneauKelli. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: La Crosse sues fire truck companies, 2 in Wisconsin, over price hikes (NewsNation) Two lab-grown meat companies have filed a lawsuit over a Texas law that bans the sale of lab-grown meat in the state for two years. UPSIDE Foods and Wildtype, both based in California, are suing the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Texas Health and Human Services and Travis County for government overreach. UPSIDE Foods makes cultivated chicken, while Wildtype makes cultivated salmon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does Idahos medical freedom law ban vaccine mandates? The two companies are arguing that the law against the sale of lab-grown meat is not intended to protect health and safety but is about shielding conventional agriculture from competition. Lawmakers passed a law in June that bans the sale of lab-grown meat in Texas for two years. Lab-grown or cultivated meat is made by taking animal cells and growing them in an incubator until they form an edible product. During the hearing on the bill, lawmakers expressed concerns about safety and labeling, along with fears that lab-grown meat could disrupt farms in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a press conference, the meat company founders and their lawyers called the law un-American, stating they believe Americans should have the freedom to choose what they eat. Heritage Foundation backs reforms to encourage couples to have kids Cultivated meat has been found safe by the Food and Drug Administration, with four companies given the go-ahead to sell lab-grown meat. Texas is the seventh state to ban lab-grown meat; this lawsuit is the second in response to a ban. A similar lawsuit was filed in Florida last year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Amid uncertainty around the future of federal labor issues, leaders from local public school unions reflected on Labor Day on local struggles for better workers rights. In the fall of 2023, Andover teachers went on strike and were largely successful in their contract goals. The union has been highly visible in their respective communities whether at meetings or online. In elections two years after the Andover Education Association voted to strike, the majority of the districts School Committee were supported by the union in their bids for office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Union President Matt Bach, a history teacher in Andover, said he sought a role in the union to combat what he said was the political class and other outside forces attempts to get into his classroom and commodify his teaching. While workers in Massachusetts enjoy many added protections compared to other states, Bach said public sector employees are still denied their rights. In Massachusetts, it is illegal for government employees to strike. Bach said the right to strike was a human right. He said the focus of labor organizations right now is on increasing the power of workers groups rather than lobbying leaders. We are going to protect ourselves, he said. Last Monday, Bach was in Boston for a celebration of Labor Day that brought together unions from across the state. He said the feeling was electric. A Labour council leader who appeared to call Rotherham grooming gang victims white trash has been forced to resign. Dennis Jones was suspended by Peterboroughs Labour group following the revelation of his WhatsApp message to a young woman. Independent councillor Daisy Blakemore-Creedon, 19, said she received the comment last month after writing to him: I care about safety, and why should immigration put womens safety at risk[?]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On her X account, she shared a screenshot of a message labelled from Mr Jones, which read: Oh so white British cops f---ing poor white trash in Rotherham is OK, is it? Get a f---ing grip Daisy. You are aiming for populist votes and attention. Forgive me but you are bright enough to know what you are doing and, politically, I wish you no luck at all. But you know what you are setting out to do. Ms Blakemore-Creedon responded: The phrase white trash is demeaning and classist. It dismisses victims of grooming gangs as if their suffering is less serious or less worthy of respect because of their background. That is completely unacceptable, especially from someone in public life. Mr Jones remains a councillor and will serve as an independent, pending an investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Blakemore-Creedon, who quit Labour in May over alleged bullying, said: Im slightly disappointed that we havent seen a full resignation and that he will be sitting as an independent. But for now that is a good outcome for all victims of grooming. Mr Jones said in a statement that his resignation was in the best interests of Peterborough city council. He added: With regard to the topic discussed, let me be absolutely clear: vile perpetrators of sexual abuse must face the full force of the law, and we must all continue to fight for victims of such abhorrent crimes to get the justice they deserve. In trying to assert this view, I used language which some who wrongly dismiss or choose to ignore such evil crimes commonly use to minimise such criminality. In doing so, I was intending to discredit this completely wrong characterisation and highlight the need to stand up for victims of such crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I apologise wholeheartedly for some of the language used in these messages, which was clearly inappropriate, and for any offence I may have caused as a result. A Labour Party spokesman said: The Labour Party expects the highest standards from our members and our elected representatives. The language used here was inappropriate and swift action has been taken, in line with our rules and procedures. 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. MATTOON, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) Lake Land College will be hosting its annual Career Day to let local high school juniors and seniors get a taste of the future. The event is designed to let juniors and seniors learn about local rewarding career pathways. Each year, the school welcomes around 1,200 high school students from across 25 school districts who attend the event. At Career Day, high school students are given the option to choose from more than 150 sessions to attend that cover a wide range of career fields. Lake Land College hosting event for aspiring nurses Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sessions are offered in various lengths of time, from 20 to 50 minutes, to provide either basic or in-depth looks at high-demand careers. Some of the fields being explored include: agriculture health care business information technology cosmetology humanities and arts communications math science engineering education criminal justice human services psychology sociology political science history automotive construction technology leadership success in college This event is the perfect place for students to ask questions, learn about careers, and receive insightful guidance from local professionals in their respective careers, said Peighton Hinote, Coordinator for Student Communication & Initiatives. An Illinois Regional College Fair will also be on campus as part of the Career Day event. This fair will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and will provide students with the opportunity to meet with representatives of nearly 50 schools across the nation and ask questions about majors, admissions requirements, financial aid, student life, and more. Students can choose to attend the college fair before or after their scheduled sessions, or choose to register time at the fair as one of their sessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event is being held on October 7. To learn more about Lake Land College Career Day, you can contact Hinote at 217-234-5230 or phinote@lakelandcollege.edu or 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. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The City of Lansing could see some changes to its government structure and now its up to voters to decide if they are implemented. The Lansing Charter Commission met on Wednesday evening to inform the public on what will change in the City Charter if voters pass it. The Charter is a legal document that outlines the structure and functions of Lansings Government and the rights of residents. The Chairperson of the Commission, Brian Jeffries, said the document is basically the Citys constitution. We considered, separately, every line item of the Charter, said Jeffries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of people attended the meeting at the Foster Community Center and had questions on some of the changes, like holding all City Council elections at the same time every four years, instead of bringing in a few new members every other year. Loretta Stanaway, who attended the meeting, pushed back on this proposed change. You lose all of your experience, your historical knowledge, your institutional knowledge goes out the door every 4 years, said Stanaway. Lansing Charter Commission shares possible changes to government structure (WLNS) Chair Jeffries explained that the Commission came to the decision that it did because elections every four years will help with transparency and save the city money. By ensuring results reflect broader public participation by aligning with higher turnout elections, said Jeffries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Commission also agreed to keep a strong mayor form of government, keeping mayors in charge of operations and appointing department heads rather than switching to a city manager. Members did add a requirement for mayors to present strategic plans for their term of office, saying this will improve accountability. Commissioner Lori Adams Simon shared what she heard from the community on this issue. I think 75% of the feedback, people wanted to elect a mayor, said Simon. A few people at the meeting said they would like to have a city manager instead, though. Others at the meeting, like Don Dean, came out feeling optimistic after learning more. Based off the misinformation I heard, I was going to vote against it, , but youve kind of changed my mind and Im rethinking, said Dean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another change to the Charter would allow people with felony convictions to run for office as long as they were not convicted of anything related to dishonesty, deceit or fraud while serving as an elected official. Its the exact same language thats in the Michigan constitution; its the exact same language that every city has to abide by, said Jeffries. Commissioners said the purpose of Wednesdays meeting was to educate voters, not to sway anyones decisions. The Commission is holding 3 more meetings throughout Lansing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) Murfreesboro police alerted residents to a large police presence at a hotel under construction Thursday as they searched for the driver of a suspect vehicle, but they didnt find the wanted man. READ MORE | Latest headlines from Murfreesboro and Rutherford County According to the Murfreesboro Police Department, the driver of a stolen car wanted out of North Carolina is wanted in connection with murder and kidnapping. License plate recognition technology alerted that the stolen car was found at a hotel under construction on Roby Corlew Lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The roadway was blocked, police added, and they have asked residents to avoid the area as the departments Special Operations Unit conducts a search of the hotel. (Courtesy: Murfreesboro Police Department) In an update posted to social media, the department said officers with the Special Operations Unit searched the hotel floor-by-floor, but could not find the suspect even with help from drone pilots. The construction workers who had been evacuated from the site returned to work, but police said the investigating continues. Police told News 2 that North Carolina authorities asked them not to release the suspects name. 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. Hamas distributed media messages to deter residents from moving south, in order to continue using them as human shields. The large-scale movement of the population from northern Gaza and Gaza City is expected to begin soon, according to officers in the Southern Command. Estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians will move to shelter areas in the southern Gaza Strip. The officers said that the transfer will be accompanied by the distribution of leaflets and media announcements to residents of the Strip. The move will also be accompanied by intensified ground and air operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, thousands of tents and shelter equipment entered Gaza on Thursday, COGAT said on X/Twitter, in preparation for the IDF's plans. Tens of thousands more tents are in the pipeline and are expected to enter Gaza in the coming days. "COGAT, together with international partners, is working to ensure the population has humanitarian supplies, including food, medical supplies, and shelter equipment," the agency said. The defense establishment estimates that between 70,000 and 80,000 residents have left Gaza City for the south over the past two weeks due to fears of an escalation in fighting by Israel. A Palestinian displaced by the Israeli military offensive walks in a tent camp, as Israeli forces escalate operations around Gaza City, in Gaza City, September 3, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa) Hamas fears the movement of residents, who are used by the group as human shields, and is therefore trying to prevent it. After IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee published messages to Gaza residents about designated humanitarian zones in the Strip, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamass Government Information Office claimed that the Al-Mawasi area and the central camps were not suitable for absorbing evacuees, warning of suffering, overcrowding, and hunger. A channel operated by Hamass military wing told residents that the announcement was merely a deception to force residents to evacuate to areas near our positions, where they continue to be targets for attacks. Ahead of the implementation of the plan to capture Gaza City, which is expected to include the evacuation of the citys population to the south, security officials told Walla that Hamas has launched a new campaign against the movement of Palestinians. Hamas distributes media messages to deter residents from moving south As part of the campaign, Hamas distributed media messages to deter residents from moving south, in order to continue using them as human shields. Hamas also began distributing leaflets forbidding residents from leaving and claimed that prices in Gaza City were being reduced, in an attempt to keep the population in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF has received testimonies, including video documentation, showing Palestinians from the Zeitoun neighborhood evacuating south, saying, There is no other place we want to go. Residents expressed concern over their inability to afford rent in a new location if they fail to find tents in the shelter areas in the south. Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Las Cruces Police Department is asking for the publics help in locating a 12-year-old missing girl. Jocelyn Morales, 12, was last seen around 5 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, on the 3200 block of Oak Street in Las Cruces. She is described as 5-foot-2 tall, weighs around 135 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes, according to LCPD. Morales was last seen wearing black and red sweatpants, a black shirt, and a black hoodie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to immediately call the police at (575) 526-0795. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Las Cruces police Department is asking for the publics help in finding a 76-year-old missing man. Clarence Mann, 76, was last seen around 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 3, at Sagecrest Court in Las Cruces. Mann was last seen wearing a maroon shirt, blue jeans, and black shoes. He is described as 5-foot-7 tall, weighs 130 pounds, and has white hair and hazel eyes. New Mexico State Police said he may be heading to Deming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Las Cruces Police at (575) 526-0795. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. What do golds skyrocketing price and the Las Vegas slump have in common? They're both thanks to Trump. (Photos: Barrick 2024 Annual Report; iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus) Congratulations to Barrick, Newmont, and lesser lights in Nevadas historic folkloric gold mining industry. The price of gold is setting all-time records, soaring north of $3,600 an ounce this week. It broke the $3,500 mark for the first time on Friday. The price has increased by more than 30% since January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why has the price of gold been on a months-long upward surge? The same reason the price of gold surged after 9-11, during the Great Recession, and in the pandemic. Gold is often viewed by investors as a port in a storm, a safe haven investment during chaotic times. In other words, golds skyrocketing price is thanks to Trump. No, not because Trumps driving up the price of gold by hoovering up oodles of it to make the Oval Office look like, as Jack White put it, a vulgar, gold leafed and gaudy professional wrestlers dressing room. Trump is to thank for golds price surge, precious metal markets researcher Adrian Ash with BoullionVault explained to the BBC earlier this week, because of what hes done to geopolitics and what hes done to global trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Trump, ever the ambitious one, is not content with creating economic chaos, confusion, and uncertainty with petulantly pronounced tariffs while disintegrating alliances among capitalist democracies. Hes also hell-bent on destroying what is sometimes called the exorbitant privilege afforded the United States by having the dominant currency on planet Earth. If Trump successfully reduces the Federal Reserves Board of Governors from an independent entity into just another random collection of Trump toadies and bootlickers on the government dole, that promises to undermine the credibility and stability of what has been the worlds most credible and stable currency since at least the end of World War II. The ensuing financial system upheaval would wreak havoc not only on the U.S. economy, but the planets. (And no, crypto will not save you.) An unstable, helter-skelter tyrant flirting with global economic mayhem? Thats the sort of prospect that prompts some investors to buy gold. Even at todays prices. Las Vegas, the home of nothing if not faith in branding Thats also the sort of prospect that can prompt consumers to hunker down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither the independence of the Federal Reserve nor the price of gold may be on the minds of the 12% of the traveling world that, if Las Vegas visitor volume had matched last summers, would have come to Las Vegas this summer, but didnt. But sometimes there is a wisdom of crowds. And a 12% drop in visitor volume sounds like a crowd might know somethings wrong. Or at least suspect as much. A common narrative holds that Las Vegas visitor volume and other economic indicators are down because prices and junk fees charged to tourists are way up. Theres almost certainly some truth to that; willingness of industry to overdo it in the course of gouging customers should never be underestimated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that narrative, both on social media and in more traditional venues, including an announcement from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau about a new ad campaign, is sometimes presented as a sole culprit, as if to focus on a problem that can be remedied locally, so as to reassure the traveling and touristing public that Las Vegas gets it, and that the always and ever innovative and adaptive Las Vegas is fixing it. At the same time, the narrative diverts attention away from the malignant force causing prices and fees to now seem even more onerous: The guy whos been smearing cheesy gold tchotchkes and geegaws on every available surface in the Oval Office. Its almost as if Las Vegas, the home of nothing if not faith in advertising, believes it only needs to get the messaging just right. Then the rest of the country, and the world, somehow wont notice Trump poses a threat to to the economy on a scale comparable to the hardships inflicted by 9-11, the Great Recession, or the pandemic. If only Las Vegas can devise clever enough branding or so the narrative goes instead of watching their wallets, tourists from Temecula to Tokyo maybe even Toronto (but probably not) will open their wallets to come to Las Vegas and eat and gamble and see the Sphere. The two culprits its a Trump slump vs. its junk fees are not an either/or. The Las Vegas resort industry is souring its own brand. And Trump is freaking people out. Both can be true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, not only are they not mutually exclusive. Theyre working in a toxic tandem to erode the Las Vegas tourism market. Good luck Las Vegas is more an echo or indicator of the national economy than a significant contributor to it. If and when the economy crashes around Nevadans shoes again, the Las Vegas economy will once again be at the mercy of the national economy, and forced to await a national recovery. As in prior economic collapses, help from state and local governments will be grossly inadequate. Nevada state and local government is deliberately designed to be impotent in a crisis. The federal government came to the rescue of both the state and its people during the last economic crisis. That doesnt seem very, well, Trumpy, since Trump obviously has no intention of acknowledging the economy his economy is anything other than practically perfect in every way. (Occasional reminder: If Trump really wanted a good economy, he would have left it alone.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has floated the idea of giving people checks, signed by him of course, from revenue generated by U.S. businesses now paying historically steep import taxes that Trump unilaterally and unconstitutionally imposed on them while self-described anti-tax Republicans in Nevada and the nation quietly curled up in fetal positions. If and when Trump sends people checks emblazoned with his big beautiful signature, rest assured those checks will be smaller than the benefits every family was receiving under the expanded child tax credit program in 2021 that cut child poverty in the U.S. in half. But cmon. Cutting child poverty? Why even bring that up? Whatever a majority of Nevada voters were thinking about when they decided it would be fun to elect Oswald Cobblepot president, it wasnt child poverty. Meanwhile, no matter how bad things get, remember, at least theres a tax deduction on tipped earnings. For two whole years! That should provide some comfort to the small (and presumably getting smaller) minority of higher paid tipped workers who actually earn enough to qualify for a noticeable tax benefit. Maybe the tiny proportion of the Nevada workforce employed at gold mines will travel to Las Vegas, and tip. This column was updated to nod to the LVCVAs new ad campaign. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Las Vegas City Council will appoint an interim councilmember to fill the remainder of former Councilwoman Victoria Seamans term following her resignation to take a federal position. Seaman, a Republican, is going to work for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Intergovernmental & External Affairs. She will be the director of the Denver Regional Office. Seaman served six years as a Las Vegas city councilwoman for Ward 2. Her council term was due to end in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the council seeks to appoint an interim Ward 2 Councilmember. The term will run through either July or December 2026, depending on the 2026 primary election. Applicants must live in Ward 2 and be a qualified elector, meaning registered or eligible to vote. They must also agree to acknowledge on the public record that the appointment is temporary and agree not to seek election to the position in the municipal election in 2026. Applications are open until 5 p.m. on Friday, Sat. 5. Those interested can apply at this link. The council is expected to appoint someone at the Sept. 17, 2025, city council meeting. Finalists will be notified on Sept. 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Las Vegas man who said he contracted cancer from his time as a volunteer firefighter at Ground Zero is now asking for the communitys help with funeral and burial expenses. This is a photo of me at Ground Zero, David Bliss said, sharing a photo. Standing right where the South Tower used to be. Bliss walked 8 News Now through the time he will never forget. Now were coming up on 24 years, he said. And it still weighs heavy on me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He shared everything he remembers about the days he spent at Ground Zero after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Bliss now lives in Las Vegas, but at that time, he was a volunteer firefighter in Ohio. The day after they saw the planes hit the World Trade Center, he said he and his best friend drove to New York City, where they joined the New York Fire Departments Station 54. I asked them if we could go in and help, he recalled. They asked us if we had our gear. He spent two weeks conducting search and rescue in the rubble, which eventually turned into recovery efforts. I would think I would hear someone say, Come rescue me, come rescue me, he recalled. And I didnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The experience took a mental and physical toll that has stayed with Bliss decades later, including a cancer diagnosis a few years ago. David Bliss says he contracted cancer from his time as a volunteer firefighter at Ground Zero is now asking for the communitys help with funeral and burial expenses. (KLAS) David Bliss says he contracted cancer from his time as a volunteer firefighter at Ground Zero is now asking for the communitys help with funeral and burial expenses. (KLAS) David Bliss says he contracted cancer from his time as a volunteer firefighter at Ground Zero is now asking for the communitys help with funeral and burial expenses. (KLAS) Theres no cure for me, Bliss said. Because it keeps spreading. He now has stage four lung cancer caused by the carcinogens at the site, and despite his efforts to fight, it has spread to his pancreas and liver. Knowing Im dying of cancer. Would I do it again? Bliss said. Yes, most definitely. He now needs to pay for his funeral and burial expenses, so he filed several claims with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. I keep getting denied. Same thing, did not prove proof of presence, Bliss said. Even though there are eyewitnesses who remember me in there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proof of presence can be determined through medical records or eyewitness statements, according to the VCF website, which Bliss told 8 News Now he has provided. He has also tried to get help from Congress, the attorney general and even the president, but regardless, nothing is happening. There are a lot of us that have literally given our life up for this country, Bliss said. And this country is turning their back on us. Therefore, Bliss and his wife hope the community can step up to help them, all to remember Bliss and the countless others who made the ultimate sacrifice. After a while, they started putting banners up, We will never forget, Bliss said. Well, it didnt take people long to forget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 8 News Now sent an email to the Victim Compensation Fund, which the Department of Justice oversees, but did not receive a response by the time this article was published. Bliss and his family have set up a GoFundMe to help raise funds. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) When Nye Countys sheriff took a head-on approach to questions about the homeless in Pahrump, it didnt take long for the conversation to veer off the road. Sheriff Joe McGill explained the reasons his deputies cant sweep the park or arrest people walking down the street in a video posted on social media on Aug. 29. Commenters jumped on the topic, asserting that Las Vegas police are bringing vagrants to Pahrump, and that it has been happening for years. They mostly are brought here by the Vegas police. Its the loop. First they are arrested for vagrant in Vegas and then after they are discharged from jail they just bring them out to Pahrump. My Dr told me in 2010 that this has been going on for years. Then the individual gradually gets a ride back to Vegas and the loop starts again, according to one commenter on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another comment said, in part, Many of them have no work ethic whatsoever so its pointless. Like todays young people they moan at the idea of having to get a real job. Its easier to ask welfare for handouts. Las Vegas doesnt want them so they shove them over to Pahrump. When was the last time you saw a homeless person in Vegas??? Like not. 8 News Now has reached out to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for comment. Sheriff says no McGill denied theres anything like that happening. Its just rumors, he said. Yes, we do have new faces, he said. I cannot say why there has been an increase in new homeless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said it could be related to the presence of drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in the area, noting that if patients cant stick to the program they usually get put out on the streets. That can also happen if they cant afford to continue paying for the services. McGills message in the Facebook video was simple. Its not illegal to be homeless. An individual needs to be violating some law in order for us to arrest them and the fact that theyre homeless is part of that. However, if a person is walking through the Albertsons parking lot and they appear to be disheveled, theyre not committing a crime, McGill said. If theyre looking in car windows and theyre trying doors of cars to see if theyre unlocked, that is a crime. And that person may be homeless, and thats where the two things come into play together, he said. Rural challenge McGill acknowledged the lack of services provided by the state, which can be a big problem for rural communities with fewer resources than big cities. About 45,000 people live in Pahrump, which is about 60 miles west of Las Vegas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also talked about the costs and responsibilities that come with establishing a homeless shelter, encouraging private donors to take a role in backing what could be a growing need in the community. Otherwise, its not in anybodys budget, McGill said. The comments were just a handful of the 200 responses to the video. Generally people applauded the sheriff for addressing the issue. Its the second monthly desk chat video he has posted, and he plans to continue. A legacy not forgotten The accusations were reminiscent of Oscar Goodmans first term as Las Vegas mayor, when he made callous statements in 2001 about panhandlers and eventually apologized for statements that Utah officials were busing homeless people to the city. At one point, Goodman tried to convert a vacant prison southwest of Las Vegas into a homeless facility in an effort to get them off the streets in Las Vegas. During Carolyn Goodmans years as mayor, she revived the effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rumors have apparently been circulating in Pahrump for a while. Vegas loaded them up on buses and brought them here, one person posted. i have heard for a while now they are bussing them from vegas to here, another chimed in. But there were several posts looking for accountability, too. People in Pahrump keep spreading that lie that the homeless are brought in from Vegas. Most people in Pahrump are one paycheck away from on being homeless but yet have no compassion for anyone but themselves, another post said, in part. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (The Center Square) - A year after tropical storm Debby moved through Pennsylvania in its diminished state, residents of Potter and Tioga Counties are still recovering from flood waters. The storm was hit or miss, with some residents experiencing very little rain and others seeing homes swept off their foundations. Some townships received as much as four inches of rain, and Gov. Josh Shapiro declared a state of emergency in several counties. In Harrisburg, it brought a tornado. In some other states and parts of Canada, the destruction was widespread. One of the things that characterized this particular storm was its unpredictability and staying power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather, many Pennsylvanians might be forgiven for forgetting about a storm like Debby. For the residents impacted, however, feeling forgotten by state agencies like the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, or PEMA, and its federal counterpart FEMA is unacceptable, though not unexpected. Remote and rural regions of the state have done so much with so little for so long, said Sen. Cris Dush, R-Brookville, at a hearing of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committee in Coudersport on Wednesday, we can do practically anything with nothing. Representatives from the same region which already struggles from food and medical deserts say its under-resourced and unprepared for major disasters like the flooding caused by Debby. Towns who have seen steady trickles of their populations out toward urban areas with more work opportunities say theyre left out of the conversation in Harrisburg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County and township officials testified before the Senate describing a scenario in which they did not have the human resources required for working through the months of paperwork and follow-up of disaster response, much less the financial flexibility to repair damages before receiving assistance. Stymied by what several testifiers referred to as bureaucratic issues, they sought agencies with the authority and background to act quickly and decisively. Several speakers, including Dush and the committees chair Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Chambersburg, and Potter County Commissioner Robert Rossman lamented that the National Guard wasnt pulled in to oversee recovery efforts. Specifically, they pointed to bridges that are still out, dykes that took months to repair, and a three-day stint without water for the Galeton Borough. When federal and state agencies fail, its small communities like ours that feel like we suffer the most, said Amanda Paul, Galeton Borough secretary. When were asking for accountability from both FEMA and PEMA to deliver the aid that was promised and for your continued support of our residents and for our only water source to not be left behind. Mastriano speculated that the difficulties seen in areas like Potter and Tioga County have less to do with their population sizes and more to do with their voting records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The optics is the Shapiro administration, which you represent here, is walking away from conservatives, said Mastriano addressing PEMA Deputy Director Larry West. Its about the people, and I want to see concern and interest in the people recovering in Potter and Tioga or Beaver Counties, rather than just focusing on blue areas of the state. For West, however, many of the complications come from factors beyond the political leanings of a given location. The commonwealths home-rule structure puts each individual municipality in charge of emergency response, meaning PEMAs actions are substantially limited to what information they receive from county and township officials. In red regions of the solidly blue state of New York, recovery seemed to go quickly and smoothly with several testifiers mentioning assistance their neighbors provided from across state lines. It made us look really incapable of handling anything, said Travis Miles, roadmaster of Genesee Township. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thing that stood out the most to each of the testifiers, from residents to elected officials, was the way that community members banded together to assist each other. Neighbors shared water and supplies and worked to make sure the elderly and disabled had what they needed. Youd almost be willing to go through it again just to experience what it was for the outpouring and the people on site and everybody that was there to help, said resident Stephen Tinder. Many fear that going through it again is a matter of when and not if, a reality Sen. Katie Muth, D-Royersford, spoke to in opening statements. Unfortunately tropical storm Debby is not a one-off storm, and over the past century massive increases of greenhouse gas emissions have caused the temperature of our planet to rise causing climate disasters that will only get worse, said Muth, calling on polluting industries to provide financial support to affected areas. We're tired of watching gun violence become a political identity contest. Our representatives retreat to their corners, each waiting for the other to make the first move like a middle school dance where only the cool kids actually dance. Meanwhile, people are dying. Both sides have valid points: constitutional rights matter and so does keeping weapons from dangerous people. Law-abiding citizens deserve due process. Families deserve safety. These values can coexist. I'm done with "thoughts and prayers" responses and constitutional platitudes that insult grieving families. We need politicians who offer courage instead of condolences, action instead of lectures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what real leadership looks like: convene bipartisan working sessions not camera-ready hearings, but actual problem-solving meetings. Then appear together to announce concrete action items. We need leaders who choose governing over grandstanding. Both constitutional rights and public safety matter. Neither side has a monopoly on caring about either. It's time to demand better from our elected officials and from ourselves as voters. Paula Rauenbuehler, Theresa Opinion: My Wisconsin manufacturing plant needs workers. One of our best is getting deported. As school year gears up, let us commit to safety for kids I heard right away about the school shooting where children were murdered during Mass (Gunman opens fire at Minneapolis Catholic school, Aug. 28). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When will we put the guns away? As school starts for this academic year, let us commit to safety for our kids, commit to allowing them to be taught history as it really was, commit to all who devote their lives to our schools, commit to displaying kindness, commit to ideas of feeding the poor, sheltering the homeless, and simply caring. Remember school is starting. Karl Hertz, Theinsville Opinion: Wisconsin legislators can make it safer summer for kids dying from gun violence Proof of competency should trump assumption of incompetency Bill Berrien, when asked about gun control, answered, "We should not have government assuming everyone is incompetent until they prove otherwise. It is their right under the Second Amendment" (GOP governor candidate would end concealed carry licensing, Aug. 15). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Explain that mentality to the parents and family members of the children that were murdered and those that were injured in Minneapolis while celebrating an all school Mass (Gunman opens fire at Minneapolis Catholic school, Aug. 28). It seems proof of competency should come first. Susan Baier, Pewaukee 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: Gun control is needed to ensure the safety of our kids | Letters On the afternoon of September 4, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, who is in China for 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 two heads of state announced the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a high-level community with a shared future between China and the Republic of the Congo. President Xi noted that the relationship between China and the Republic of the Congo exemplifies China-Africa friendship. The Republic of the Congo is the first country to reach an early harvest arrangement with China under the agreement on economic partnership for shared development and will soon benefit from Chinas zero-tariff treatment, opening a new chapter in bilateral trade and investment cooperation. It is also the first African country to ratify the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). As the two countries set about developing their high-level community with a shared future, they should embrace the trend of the times, build on past achievements and break new ground. The two sides should draw on the political strength of friendship and mutual trust, stay committed to mutual benefit, taking actions based on actual conditions and sustainable development, explore new ways for cooperation, and keep strengthening the dynamism for cooperation. President Xi noted that since assuming the role of African co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Republic of the Congo has been working actively together with China to promote the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit and has achieved commendable results. China stands ready to work with African countries to effectively carry out the ten partnership actions and foster new growth drivers in green industries, e-commerce and digital payments, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, taking China-Africa cooperation to even greater heights. In the current international environment of transformation and turbulence, China and Africa, as important members of the Global South, must shoulder the historic responsibility of upholding international fairness and justice, safeguarding world peace, and promoting common development, and work hand in hand to build a community with a shared future for humanity. President Sassou said that China has held a successful commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and has fully demonstrated the valor of the Chinese people and the unity of people across the world. He said he was pleased to attend the event and join China in standing for peace and creating a better future. The elevation of bilateral relations to a high-level community with a shared future has established a new framework for shared prosperity and development between the two countries. The Republic of the Congo firmly adheres to the one-China principle and looks forward to deepening cooperation with China across various fields to make bilateral relations even stronger. As co-chair of FOCAC, the Republic of the Congo stands ready to work with China for greater development in China-Africa cooperation, which will support economic and social progress in African countries. The Republic of the Congo fully supports President Xi Jinpings Global Governance Initiative, a significant initiative that will help foster a more just and equitable global governance system and benefit Global South countries. The Republic of the Congo speaks highly of Chinas zero-tariff treatment for African countries and is willing to seize the new opportunity brought by this policy for Africa-China trade. Wang Yi was present at the meeting. Law enforcement officials and advocates met Thursday to discuss possible changes to the states bail law which attracted renewed attention following the case of a gruesome murder/suicide in Berlin. Executive Councilor John Stephen, R-Manchester, presided over the roundtable at the Police Standards and Training Academy in Concord and said policymakers should work to ensure that murders like that of Marisol Fuentes at the hands of her estranged husband, Michael Gleason, do not become commonplace in New Hampshire. The murder of Marisol Fuentes was so tragic, and my hope was that her legacy has not ended and that we will make further changes to fix the system, Stephen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last spring, a court magistrate and then a circuit court judge approved the release of Gleason on $5,000 bail even though he was charged with attempting to rape, kidnap and steal money from his 25-year-old wife, who was half his age. About 10 weeks later, Gleason went into the Mexican restaurant where Fuentes worked, shot and killed her and then killed himself. Circuit Court Administrative Judge Ellen Christo and Supreme Court Justice Melissa Countway co-authored an internal review that concluded there had been ample evidence to hold Gleason on preventive detention pending his felony trial. Transparency is essential and we believe this report is a step towards meaningful reform. This report does not assign blame to any single decision made either by the court or by law enforcement, Christo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person responsible for Marisols death was Michael Gleason. Christo said the report did conclude there was a lack of coordination between officials in the courts, jail and law enforcement when it came to making sure Gleason gave up his firearms as the courts had ordered. It may require a change in statute, she added. AG: New lower standard will make big difference Much of the discussion wasnt about additional reforms, but instead making sure a new bail law that takes effect later this month gets properly implemented. Attorney General John Formella said the Legislature did more to improve the bail system this past year than in all the eight years hes served as AG. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A key change will lower the burden for a judge to determine someone is too dangerous to be released on bail. It lowers that standard from clear and convincing evidence to probable cause. Based on the facts, a judge would likely have used that lower standard to hold Gleason, Formella said. It will make a really big difference in cases going forward, he said. The states top prosecutor said many in law enforcement experience whiplash when it comes to the bail law since the Legislature made significant changes to it in 2018, 2024 and 2025. Hillsborough Assistant County Attorney Carl Olson was more blunt about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is confusing, it is contradictory, it is well written. It is a hot mess. Frankly I would start all over, Olson said. House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee Chairman Terry Roy, R-Deerfield, helped broker the last two changes and said its not likely lawmakers will dramatically alter it in 2026. Considering the enormous hurdle it was getting to where we are with bail, with pushback from Democrats and Libertarians, with the tight fiscal position we are in, significant changes are not likely to occur for the remainder of the biennium. Notice the use of the word significant, Roy said in a statement. Rep. Cyril Aures, R-Chichester said hes working with Roy on a 2026 bill that would assist victims of domestic violence in these cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn said the state now has 83% of all communities connected with the states J-One computer network that permits law enforcement to access all electronic court records regarding a suspected criminal offender from their vehicles with another 11 agencies to be hooked up in the next year. The good news is this: I think we have a pathway to get everyone connected, Quinn added. Others taking part in the roundtable were Councilor Joe Kenney, R-Wakefield, Police Standards and Training Director John Scippa, Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence public affairs executive Amanda Grady Sexton and Hillsborough County Attorney John Coughlin. klandrigan@unionleader.com YOUNG CO. (KFDX/KJTL) Officers and deputies from multiple law enforcement agencies gathered to say goodbye to one of their own. On Wednesday, September 3, Young County deputies, Olney police officers and law enforcement came together to pay their last respects to retired canine deputy Rocky. Rocky and his handler, Devin Wright, worked side-by-side for the Young County Sheriffs Office until Wright transitioned to the Olney Police Department a few years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rocky retired from the Sheriffs Office after serving four years with the force. Officer Wright and his family adopted Rocky, who spent the last few years of his life as a pet. Rocky passed away a few days ago with age-related illnesses, and Devin was by his side. He earned second place in tracking and third place in patrol with USPCA Region 25 and a life-saving award after tracking an individual with a medical crisis. Rocky was a part of our family, Wright said. There were only a few people in his life that he was comfortable being around or would allow to be around him. Of course, my wife and I are two of those people. My daughter Tori was one of them. And then my mother-in-law was one of those people he liked to be around. It was kind of a really cool relationship between them. She fed him after he retired most nights just because she wanted to. And she also helped out a lot with taking care of him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rocky was honored with his last call for service at the Young County Sheriffs Office. Faith Companions in Strawn covered the expense for his creation. Rocky was 10 years old. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. The federal government is offering millions of dollars of scholarships to Arizona kids. Gov. Katie Hobbs will likely turn it down. The federal budget bill passed this July contained a provision called the Educational Choice For Children Act, allowing any American to receive a $1,700 tax credit to offset a donation of $1,700 to a nonprofit Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). Effectively, the act allows taxpayers to pay a portion of their taxes to an educational charity that they support rather than the federal government. SGOs distribute the money they receive as scholarships to K-12 students for private school tuition, educational materials or other services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for a kid to be eligible to receive a scholarship, Arizona must first opt in to the program. Governor Hobbs, a vocal critic of Arizonas Empowerment Scholarship Account program, is unlikely to do so. Existing options don't cover full tuition for many State-funded ESAs provide about $7,000 of tuition support per student a huge help for many families but the average private school tuition in Arizona is closer to $10,000 for elementary school and $14,000 for high school. Arizona already has Student Tuition Organizations, or STOs, which also distribute scholarships to help pay this tuition, but state law does not allow students to use ESAs and these scholarships at the same time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholarships distributed by the federally allowed SGOs could help make up the difference by stacking on top of these funds at no additional cost to the state budget, making quality schooling truly affordable for Arizona families. If Arizona opts out, taxpayers would still be able to donate to SGOs, but kids wont be eligible to receive those funds. Still, theres a sliver of hope: Its unclear whether Hobbs has the final authority to make the opt-out decision. Unlike most states, Arizona has a superintendent of public instruction, a statewide elected official who is responsible for most education-related decisions in Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current Superintendent of Public Instruction is Tom Horne, a strong supporter of school choice. Opting in to SGOs could help thousands of students An Arizona Department of Education spokesperson told Axios that the decision would likely lie with Arizonas Department of Revenue, which is under the control of the governor. But Arizona is already included in the federal tax credit. Every U.S. taxpayer, including those in Arizona, will be able to claim the credit when it comes online in 2027. The decision for Arizona leaders now is whether Arizona kids will be eligible to receive the scholarship money from SGOs. This should be an educational matter, not a tax matter, which under Arizonas constitution, would place authority with Superintendent Horne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: School voucher cash isn't being spent. Pay it back Faced with this ambiguity, Horne should take the initiative and opt in on behalf of Arizona. The worst-case scenario is that the Department of Education has to go through the courts with the governor, and Arizona kids are in the same position as they were before the federal law was passed. The best-case scenario is that thousands of Arizona kids receive scholarships to attend the schools that are best for them. Tom Horne should file the paperwork now The program has an income requirement. Eligible students must come from a family that makes 300% of the median area income or less. That means that about 90% of American families would be eligible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though it is not 100% clear whether the governor or the superintendent of public instruction is the person with the authority to opt Arizona in or out, Superintendent Horne should still file the paperwork to opt in. Governor Hobbs may sue to claim that she has the authority for that decision. But then again, she may not. Going into the 2026 gubernatorial election, Hobbs may not want to be seen suing a fellow government official in an attempt to keep scholarships out of the hands of Arizona kids. Hobbs would probably like the issue to go away quietly without having to make a public decision either way. Superintendent Horne has nothing to lose and everything to gain by opting in on behalf of Arizona now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simon Laird is a school choice advocate based in Washington, D.C., and a contributor to Young Voices, an organization that helps center-right voices share their ideas. Reach him at simonlaird.substack.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona must allow SGOs to distribute K-12 scholarships | Opinion U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense questioning from lawmakers today regarding vaccine policy and recent changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During his first appearance before the Senate Finance Committee since the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez last week, Kennedy was grilled by both Democrats and Republicans about his controversial decisions and vaccine skepticism. We are the sickest country in the world, Kennedy stated during the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His remarks were met with criticism from several senators, including Sen. Maria Cantwell, (D-WA), who accused him of conflating chronic disease with the need for vaccines. Youre a charlatan. Thats what you are. Youre the ones who conflate chronic disease with the need for vaccines. The history on vaccines is very clear. This is the 20th century, Cantwell said. Senators questioned Kennedy about the upheaval at the CDC, including the firing of Monarez, whom Kennedy had previously praised. Sen. Ron Wyden, (D-OR), pressed Kennedy on whether he had instructed Monarez to support vaccine recommendations regardless of scientific evidence. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did you, in fact, do what Director Monarez has said you did, which is tell her just go along with vaccine recommendations, even if you didnt think such recommendations aligned with scientific evidence that? Wyden asked Kennedy. No, I did not, Kennedy said. So, shes lying today to the American people in the Wall Street Journal? Wyden asked Kennedy. Yes, sir, Kennedy replied. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor from Louisiana, expressed concern over Kennedys decision to limit COVID vaccines to high-risk individuals. I would say, effectively, were denying people vaccines, Cassidy told Kennedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, youre wrong, Kennedy said, and then defended his efforts to shift the healthcare system towards addressing chronic disease. Georgia U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock flat-out told Kennedy that he should resign. You are a hazard to the health of the American people, Warnock said. I think that you ought to resign. And if you dont resign, the president of the United States who put forth Operation Warp Speed, which worked should fire you. Kennedys testimony also included questioning the data on COVID deaths and the effectiveness of vaccines, despite the CDC reporting over 1.2 million American deaths from the virus. We at HHS are enacting a once-in-a-generation shift from a sick care system to a true health care system that tackles the root causes of chronic disease, Kennedy said. (The Center Square) With 26 days until the federal government runs out of money, top appropriators have narrowed in on their preferred funding gameplan: push the equivalent of the Senates three-bill minibus through the House, then let a Continuing Resolution temporarily cover the rest. Approving a CR would mark the fourth time in a row that U.S. lawmakers have punted on funding the government properly, having passed three CRs in fiscal year 2025 to keep government funding essentially on cruise control. Congress is supposed to craft and pass 12 appropriations bills on an annual basis, providing updated funding for federal agencies to spend on programs. So far, however, not a single fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill has passed both the House and Senate. As of Thursday, three partisan funding bills have passed the House, while a bipartisan three-bill minibus passed the Senate right before lawmakers recessed in August. Both chambers must ultimately approve the same text. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the fast-approaching Sept. 30 government shutdown deadline, Republicans and Democrats in both chambers are advocating for the House to approve the Senates minibus. With some federal agencies covered, lawmakers would then pass a short-term CR to buy lawmakers time to pass the remaining nine appropriations bills. House and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairs Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, have reportedly endorsed that route. Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said she supports the plan as well but only so long as the CR is a real bipartisan compromise that also reflect[s] Democratic values and principles. Just as we have worked in a bipartisan fashion here in the Senate on fiscal year 2026 funding, Republicans and Democrats need to work together to fund the government with a short-term CR at the end of the month, Murray told lawmakers Wednesday. If House Republicans, however, go a different route and try and jam through a partisan CR without any input from Democratic members of Congress, and they suddenly find they dont have the votes they need from our caucus to fund the government well then, that is a Republican shutdown, she warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Convincing fiscal hawks in the House to approve both the bipartisan minibus and yet another funding stopgap may prove difficult, however. The minibus includes the MilCon-VA, Agriculture and Legislative Branch funding bills, each with plenty of Democratic earmarks. More than $153 billion would go to military construction and Veterans Affairs, $27 billion to the Department of Agriculture and other rural development offices, and more than $2.2 billion to the Legislative branch in fiscal year 2026. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has already said he will oppose a CR, since it would automatically reauthorize funding for fiscal year 2024 Biden-era initiatives that Republicans oppose. Ukraine is planning to ban e-cigarettes to help protect the health of young people. As reported by 2 Firsts, lawmakers in Ukraine have registered Bill No. 13548, which outlines plans to ban the production, import, sale, and distribution of e-cigarettes, including pods and e-liquid. The new legislation aims to discourage teenagers from consuming tobacco products, especially e-cigarettes. A recent survey suggests that 40% of teenagers aged 13 to 16 have tried an e-cigarette at least once, and 20% are regular users, as per 2 Firsts. If lawmakers vote in favor of the new bill, regulatory laws related to alcohol and tobacco will also be revised to incorporate these changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Selling e-cigarettes to minors has actually been banned in Ukraine since January 2021. However, control measures are still weak, and the government hopes this new bill will prevent young people from accessing them. E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, have been increasing in popularity as an alternative to traditional smoking. However, these vapes contain harmful chemicals and nicotine that cause addiction and damage people's health. For example, in 2020, the CDC confirmed that 2,807 people had been diagnosed with e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury, and a further 68 people died from the condition. Lots of countries are recognizing the dangers of vapes, especially for young people who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects. As a result, e-cigarettes have been banned in numerous countries, and others, like the UK, have banned disposable e-cigarettes to help curb vaping amongst young people and protect the environment. E-cigarettes generate a lot of plastic and electronic waste. Disposable vapes, in particular, generate a significant amount of e-waste that, if not disposed of properly, can pollute our soil and waterways. This is because disposable vapes are made up of lots of different plastic bits, lithium-ion batteries, and contain hazardous substances like cobalt and copper. They can also cause fires in garbage trucks and flat tires on cars or bikes if not disposed of properly. 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. 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. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Superintendent Ryan Walters was a no-show at his agencys board meeting on Wednesday. Despite several issues over the past year surrounding the Department of Education, Republican lawmakers say its not enough for talks of impeachment. I think there are plenty of instances that we could bring up that and warrant a discussion of impeachment, said Senator Mark Mann (D-Oklahoma City). The questions surrounding impeachment came about more so since the last Board of Education meeting, where Supt. Walters allegedly had naked women on an office TV in front of board members during an executive session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters soon came up with several answers to what had happened, but one that stood out was that he blamed the board members and Gov. Stitt. The Oklahoma County District Attorneys Office told News 4 on Wednesday that they are still reviewing the investigation into Walters. In the past year, there have been several issues that have caught the ire of both Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate. For instance, there was the $390,000 that was given out in bonuses to teachers who werent supposed to get them. Impeachment of Supt. Walters a major topic at Capitol Education Forum Thursday And more recently, Oklahoma schools fell to 50th in the nation for education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the department attempted to deprive schools of rollover funds for safety and security enhancements despite having previously promised them. That, in fact, led to lawmakers coming close to an attempt to impeach Supt. Walters. However, it didnt receive sufficient support from Republican lawmakers. His incompetence is an impeachable offense, said former lawmaker Mark McBride. McBride led that attempt to impeach during his last year in office. McCall didnt want to do it, said McBride, talking about the speaker. I mean, he absolutely did not want to do it. But I know that just on top of my head, there were 44 to 45 votes, Republican votes, but McCall stuck with that. 51 Republicans had to be for it. He could have been impeached in the House when we were there. But McCall wouldnt let the Democrats, who are duly elected by the people, count their vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets do our job and help our kids. Im not happy with the 50th. I hope nobody in the state is happy with that, said Representative Dick Lowe (R-Amber). Lowe was one of the Republicans who didnt sign on for the impeachment of Walters. He was asked on Wednesday if there were any conversations regarding possible impeachment. We wouldnt want to start just impeaching people because we disagree with them, said Rep. Lowe. You think that is the only that that has happened (with Walters)? Just disagreements? You dont think hes done anything? Well, right now he hasnt done anything that, I dont think that we can go in and say, oh, hes broken the law. Theres no law hes broken, said Lowe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to state law, breaking the law isnt the only way for an official to get impeached. It states, The governor and other elective state officers shall be liable and subject to impeachment for wilful neglect of duty, corruption in office, habitual drunkenness, incompetency, or any offense involving moral turpitude committed while in office. It may not be a misdemeanor or a felony. But we like you, said, weve dropped to 50th in the nation? So, I would think that, right there, thats incompetence, said McBride. The board Wednesday, announced a new board attorney and announced an effort to start searching for a board secretary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 4 has reached out to the Department of Education, but has never heard back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. During a Senate Commerce Committee hearing this week, experts warned that the United States is at risk of China beating it to the Moon as NASA's Artemis program continues to lag behind. Earlier this month, China's lunar exploration program tested its "Lanyue" lunar lander at a facility outside of Beijing, declaring that it's hoping to land the first Chinese astronauts on the Moon before the end of the decade. That's well within the margin of error of NASA's first crewed landing attempt, Artemis 3, which is currently scheduled for no earlier than mid-2027. China has also carried out a pad-abort test for its next-gen astronaut capsule and a static fire of its Long March 10 Moon rocket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this week's hearing, lawmakers emphasized the importance of the US staying competitive in the space race. It's an especially pertinent topic given that NASA is facing brutal budget cuts under Trump, triggering a major outcry and efforts among politicians to rescue the agency. The stakes during this decade's race to return to the Moon are substantial, to say the least. "The countries that get there first will write the rules of the road for what we can do on the Moon," aerospace manufacturer Redwire's president of civil and international space, Mike Gold, told the Committee, as quoted by Space.com. While the Trump administration has repeatedly emphasized that its priority is to send astronauts to the Moon and Mars, massive budget cuts have thrown NASA's operations into chaos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Getting cast to and fro from one administration to the next has been very damaging over time, and that's the challenge with NASA," former NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine who was nominated by Trump during his first term told the convened lawmakers. "What we do is multi-decadal in nature, and sometimes it's multi-generational, and you can't just have it go back and forth." The agency's Space Launch System and Orion capsule, meant to carry the first American astronauts to the lunar surface in over half a century, has long ago fallen woefully behind schedule and vastly over budget. NASA has its work cut out to realize its plans for Artemis 3. For one, the hardware to land American astronauts on the Moon doesn't exist yet. NASA is hoping to tap a Human Landing System variant of SpaceX's Starship to deliver a crew from lunar orbit to the surface during the 2027 mission. But the enormous rocket's development has encountered significant technical setbacks and has yet to successfully launch into space and subsequently land in one piece. To Bridenstine, putting all of its eggs in SpaceX's basket could have major consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Unless something changes, it is highly unlikely the United States will beat Chinas projected timeline," he said during this week's hearing. Experts also warned that the Trump administration's decision to nix NASA's planned Gateway space station orbiting the Moon could cost the agency billions, with Gold arguing that "turning away from Gateway now" would "force our international allies to seek partnerships with America's geopolitical rivals." Making matters worse is Trump's proposed 2026 budget for NASA, which would slash vast swaths of the agency's scientific efforts, which could easily have knock-on effects for its Artemis program. "We need people working on Artemis not working on their resumes," Coalition for Deep Space Exploration CEO Allen Cutler, said during this week's hearing, as quoted by Space.com. More on China's Moon program: China's Getting Ready to Land Astronauts on the Moon While NASA Flails Helplessly As court documents in the case against a man who was badly beaten in the July 26 Downtown brawl and later charged with disorderly conduct remain sealed, a local resident is seeking to make them public. A lawsuit filed Sept. 4 asks the Ohio Supreme Court to order Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Pavan Parikh "to allow the prompt inspection and to provide copies of all court records" in the case. The case surrounds the misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge that was filed against 45-year-old Alex Tchervinski more than three weeks after the brawl. Tchervinski was one of at least three people who, according to prosecutors, suffered serious injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Tchervinski, who is White, also was seen in a cellphone video appearing to slap a Black man in the face during a confrontation in the street, which escalated into a physical fight. Local Black leaders had called for Tchervinski and any other White people involved to face similar charges as the Black defendants. The lawsuit says public outcry and pressure on city officials led to the charge against Tchervinski. Cincinnati's police union has said that city officials ordered the charge to be filed, an allegation the city has denied. The case against Tchervinski, which involves a low-level misdemeanor, remains sealed in Hamilton County Municipal Court. Curt Hartman, one of the attorneys who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the resident, told The Enquirer the public has a right to view the court records and that the public serves as a check on the judiciary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The public has an interest in what's going on with this case," Hartman said. "All indications are it's been incompetent politicians in the city of Cincinnati who are driving" the case against Tchervinski. The lawsuit points to an 1986 Ohio Supreme Court ruling that says the public has a right to access any court record before, during or for a time after a criminal case is concluded. That right is "unrestricted until a decision is made to seal" the records, according to the lawsuit. As of Sept. 4, there has been no court order sealing the records only a motion to seal filed by the city. A city spokeswoman has previously told The Enquirer that the motion was filed so a judge could weigh in on what should be made public. That was done to comply with a state law intended to protect crime victims, according to the spokeswoman. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Lawsuit seeks release of sealed court records in Cincinnati fight When I served in the U.S. Senate, I worked hard to increase the production of American energy. I supported an all of the above energy effort, including coal and the investments needed to develop clean coal technologies and their use. I always believed American energy strengthens both our national security and our economic future. None of these energy sources can thrive without consistent, substantial investment. That is where the public and private markets come into play. Investment firms manage the retirement and savings funds of millions of Americans. Their responsibility is to invest these funds wisely, including in companies like those in the coal industry, to help ensure strong, stable returns for our friends and neighbors. That is exactly what investment firms like Vanguard, BlackRock and State Street do. Yet today, they are now facing a bizarre lawsuit from some Republican attorneys general. They claim these firms conspired to reduce coal output, even though these firms had significantly invested in coal. That accusation defies logic, and as we say in Indiana, it is wrapped around the axle thinking. Even more puzzling is the lawsuits proposed remedy: forcing these same firms to divest their holdings in the coal companies. How does pulling billions of investment dollars out of coal companies help those businesses or their workers? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So why have the attorneys general sued? Apparently, the working theory is that the investment firms bought coal company shares in order to influence them to lower their coal output. That doesnt make any sense. Why would any investor pour money into a company just to sabotage it? The real motivation behind this legal action seems clear: politics. The attorneys general allege that firms like BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street were influenced by their participation in climate-focused groups like the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative. But heres the problem: After joining these initiatives, BlackRock actually increased its holdings in coal companies. To believe this lawsuit, you would have to accept that these firms made bigger coal investments just to hurt themselves and their investors. That is not just unlikely; it defies common sense. If this lawsuit succeeds and these firms are forced to pull out of their coal investments, the consequences would be devastating. State Street, Vanguard and BlackRock alone manage approximately $18 billion in coal-related investments on behalf of their clients. If these funds vanish, what happens to coal stocks? To the companies? To the people who depend on them? Thousands of hard-working union miners and other energy workers would lose their jobs. Families would struggle. Entire communities, often in rural or economically challenged regions, would be devastated. These workers and their companies are not just part of the economy, they are the backbone of their towns all across coal country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, American energy independence would suffer and investment would disappear just when it is needed most. Weakening domestic energy production doesnt just hurt jobs, it undermines our national security. Every barrel or ton of energy we produce at home keeps money and power out of the hands of foreign adversaries. Both Democrats and Republicans understand the importance of energy security, especially now as demand soars due to the growth of AI, data centers and advanced technologies that require vast amounts of power to operate. We need all of the above energy; coal, wind, nuclear, solar and natural gas. These sources are not rivals they are allies in helping to grow Americas economy and provide good-paying jobs for all our people. The attorneys general's lawsuit is not just misguided; it is dangerous. It threatens jobs, weakens investment, hurts our national security and risks the energy supply needed to keep our economy running. As the saying goes, it is a solution in search of a problem. Stripping $18 billion in investment from American coal companies will not solve anything. It will only weaken the U.S. For the good of our workers, our economy and our national strength, this lawsuit should be dropped or dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joseph Donnelly Sr., a Democrat, represented Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2013 and in the U.S. Senate from 2013 to 2019 and later served as U.S. ambassador to the Holy See. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Republicans' BlackRock, Vanguard lawsuit threatens coal jobs | Opinion Ukraines defence forces continue to strengthen their capabilities to counter Shahed-type attack drones. Source: General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, following a comprehensive meeting on the development of this segment of air defence Quote: "We are building a layered system to counter enemy Shahed and Geran drones. Our shared task is to form more such crews, train more interceptor operators, and provide them with more effective weapons and radars." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: During the meeting, Syrskyi heard reports on the effectiveness of the tasks being performed by UAV interceptor units; the current status and prospects with regard to supplying units with different types of drones; the plan for further actions to improve the fight against Russian attack and reconnaissance UAVs; and existing problems and suggested solutions. Syrskyi pointed out that air defence is a priority both for the state and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as the security of Ukraines rear depends on the effectiveness of the "anti-Shahed" system and the reliability of missile defence. He added that the selection of personnel for interceptor UAV crews will continue, as new units are being formed. At the end of the meeting, Syrskyi set tasks to rectify shortcomings and enhance work in the field of interceptor drones. Read also: Downing Shaheds as a hobby: the Ukrainian troops who try to independently take down Russian drones flying deep into the country (English translation coming soon) Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! MEMPHIS, Tenn. President Trump is thinking about expanding his footprint beyond the nations capital, as he considers deploying troops to more Democratic-led cities like Chicago, New York, and Memphis. Some leaders here in the Bluff City are pushing back against the idea. Absolutely not is what Commissioner Erika Sugarmon said when asked whether she thought this was a good idea. The latest data shows that crime in Memphis is on a downward trend compared to recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sugarmon commended the efforts of the Memphis Police Department and the office of Mayor Paul Young. She believes the public perception of the city is blemished, and she wants to change the narrative. 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. But sending federal troops to Memphis, she said, is not the answer to solving problems with crime. We need resources. If the federal government wants to help adults with guns and food and support and resources, weve got parts that have not been fixed up in 20 years or maintained in 20 years, because we dont have the resources. People are hungry. We are number one in eviction, Sugarmon stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Marsha Blackburn released a statement regarding the federal troops being deployed and said, Blue cities like Memphis need all the help they can get to combat violent crime, and Im grateful for President Trumps tremendous work to hold leftist officials accountable for putting their own citizens at risk by pushing soft-on-crime agendas. I support the Trump administrations efforts to restore law and order in lawless cities across America, and Ill continue to work with the President, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Patel to do whatever it takes to make cities like Memphis safe again, Blackburn 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 WREG.com. A new outbreak of Ebola virus has been declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths. The first case was spotted in late August, after a pregnant woman was admitted to hospital in Kasai province showing tell-tale signs of haemorrhagic fever. The woman in Bulape died five days later and nurses and lab technicians who had been caring for her then began to fall sick themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four health workers are now among the dead. This will be the Central African countrys sixteenth Ebola outbreak, the republics health ministry said. The last struck the north-western Equateur province in April 2022 and was brought under control in less than three months Kasai province itself has had previous outbreaks in 2007 and 2008. The rapid response team joined by World Health Organization (WHO) experts had been dispatched to the region to bolster disease surveillance, treatment and infection prevention and control in health facilities. The WHO is also sending two tons of supplies including PPE and mobile laboratory equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The countrys national institute of public health earlier this week said it was on alert mode after the suspect cases emerged, before the health ministry on Thursday confirmed an outbreak. Ebola is transmitted from person to person through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood and vomit. Infections start with fever, fatigue, aches and pains, diarrhoea and vomiting. They can then go on to haemorrhage and bleed from bodily orifices. Healthcare staff or relatives who come into contact with bodily fluids while they are tending to the sick, or preparing the dead for burial, are often most at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous outbreaks have typically killed around half of those infected, though the figure has varied from a quarter to 90 per cent depending on the quality of health care available. Outbreaks have repeatedly flared up in Africa since the infection was first recorded in 1976 in the northern Congo basin. The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced several large flare-ups, some killing hundreds of people. The largest ever outbreak raged from 2014 to 2016 primarily in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. During that outbreak there were more than 28,600 cases and 11,300 deaths had been documented by January 2016. Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHOs Regional Director for Africa, said: Were acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Banking on the countrys long-standing expertise in controlling viral disease outbreaks, were working closely with the health authorities to quickly scale up key response measures to end the outbreak as soon as possible. The DRCs history of repeated outbreaks means it already has a stockpile of medicines ready, the WHO said. The country has 2,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine already prepositioned in Kinshasa that will be sent to Kasai to vaccinate contacts and health workers. 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. NEED TO KNOW The death toll in a Nigeria boat accident has risen to 60, according to officials The vessel, which was carrying around 100 people, sank in Niger, taking the lives of mostly women and children The boat sunk on Sept. 2 when it collided with a submerged tree stump A deadly boat accident has taken the lives of at least 60 people in the Nigerian state of Niger, Reuters reported, citing local officials. The incident occurred on Tuesday, Sept. 2, when a boat carrying over 100 passengers was overloaded and hit a submerged tree stump in the River Niger, causing it to sink, according to the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlet reported that the passengers were on their way to pay their respects to the family of a recently deceased individual when the incident occurred. The cause was attributed to overloading and collision with a tree stump, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency told the local newspaper Daily Trust. According to Al Jazeera, the boat left the town of Tungan Sule around 11 a.m. local time and was on its way to the town of Dugga. LESLIE FAUVEL/AFP via Getty Boat on a river in northern Nigeria. Boat on a river in northern Nigeria. While the death toll was originally reported to be around 32 people, Abdullahi Baba Ara, NSEMAs director general and chair of Borgu Local Government Area, later shared the rising numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The death toll of the boat incident has risen to 60, he told Reuters. Ten people have been found in serious condition, and many are still being sought. Sa'adu Inuwa Muhammad, the district head of Shagumi, told Reuters that the majority of those found dead in the incident were women and children. However, 50 people have been rescued so far, Hussaini Isah, an official with Nigerias National Emergency Management Agency, told ABC News. PEOPLE has reached out to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency for additional information on the incident. KOLA SULAIMON/AFP via Getty Passengers on a boat on a river that borders Nigeria and Cameroon in 2022. Passengers on a boat on a river that borders Nigeria and Cameroon in 2022. Boat accidents and overcrowding are common in Nigeria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC reported that in February, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, created a Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria, and in May the ministry announced plans to distribute 42,000 life jackets across the country. 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. Life jackets are mandatory for water travellers in Nigeria, but this law is rarely enforced. In May, the National Inland Water Ways Authority also began a campaign titled No Life Jacket, No Travel. Read the original article on People By Maya Gebeily and Laila Bassam BEIRUT (Reuters) -Lebanon's government is set to discuss a plan on Friday for disarming Hezbollah, a critical juncture in a standoff between the Iran-backed group which is refusing to give up its weapons and rivals who want it to disarm in line with U.S. demands. Calls for Hezbollah's disarmament have taken centre stage in Lebanon since last year's devastating war with Israel, which upended a power balance long dominated by the Shi'ite Muslim group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite mounting pressure, Hezbollah has rejected any move to dismantle its arsenal, leaving a deep divide between the group and its Shi'ite ally Amal on the one hand, and other Lebanese, among them leading Christian and Sunni politicians. Friday's cabinet session takes place against a backdrop of an escalation in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, which killed four people on Wednesday, adding to fears in Lebanon of further attacks if Hezbollah does not disarm. The Israeli military said it targeted a site where Hezbollah stored engineering tools being used for "the organization's recovery". Longstanding tensions in Lebanon over Hezbollah's arms have sharpened since the administration led by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam tasked the U.S.-backed army on August 5 with devising a plan to establish a state monopoly on arms by the end of the year. It is not yet clear how Friday's session will pan out. With the army keen to avoid confrontation with Hezbollah, the plan could avoid any disarmament timeline, a diplomat and a Lebanese source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any cabinet decision opposed by Hezbollah is likely to prompt a walk-out by Shi'ite ministers loyal to the group and Amal, stripping the government of sectarian consensus. One possibility could be to delay a vote on the plan. The army, drawn from Lebanon's mosaic of religious groups, split along sectarian lines at the start of the 1975-90 civil war, and has been widely regarded as the guarantor of civil peace since being rebuilt after that conflict. Israel last week signalled it would scale back its military presence in southern Lebanon if the army took action to disarm Hezbollah. But Hezbollah has ruled out disarming, saying its weapons protect Lebanon from Israeli attack. Senior Iranian official Ali Akbar Velayati last month criticised Beirut's moves on disarmament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah politician Mohammed Raad said on Wednesday it was "imperative" for Lebanese authorities to refrain from agreeing on any plans regarding Hezbollah's arms. A U.S. proposal discussed by Beirut last month foresaw Hezbollah's disarmament by the end of the year, along with Israel's withdrawal and an end to its military operations in Lebanon. It also held out the prospect of economic support. A source close to Hezbollah said Lebanon faced mounting U.S. and Saudi pressure to implement the proposal, but that the group continued to communicate, including to the army, that it would neither hand in its arms nor allow anyone to take them. 'BALL OF FIRE' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amal leader and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri had been insisting that any discussion happen without a deadline, the source said. Berri, in an August 31 speech, indicated that the Shi'ite parties were ready to discuss the fate of Hezbollah's arms, but "within the framework of a calm and consensual dialogue". He said it was "nationally unacceptable to throw the ball of fire into the lap of the Lebanese army" by requiring it to tackle the long taboo issue of Hezbollah arms too abruptly. A U.S.-backed ceasefire agreed in November 2024 required Hezbollah's disarmament, beginning in areas south of the Litani River, the area adjacent to Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah says the deal only applies to that region and that it has handed over weapons to Lebanese troops in that area. Israeli forces continue to occupy five hilltops in the south and to carry out airstrikes on Hezbollah fighters and arms depots. (Additional reporting by Timour AzhariWriting by Tom PerryEditing by Peter Graff) LEBANON, Mo. A man in Lebanon has been reported missing after being last seen on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Photo courtesy of Lebanon Police Department. According to a Lebanon Police Department social media post, Joseph Henville, 54, was last seen around his residence on Hillside Drive at 4 p.m. on Tuesday in Lebanon. Henville is described as being 60 with brown hair and green eyes. Police encourage residents to call the department at 417-532-3131 for any information on his location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. The News Across the country, Democratic candidates with progressive and left-wing backers are distancing themselves from some of their own supporters ideas and getting plenty of space to do it. New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, for one, has separated himself from some proposals endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, despite his status as a member, and despite the groups full-throated championing of his campaign. Mamdani responded to attacks from the New York Post and rival Andrew Cuomo that referenced the 2021 DSA platform which included an end to all misdemeanor defenses and abolition of the carceral state by telling reporters that my platform is not the same as national DSA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He got no blowback for doing so from the national or city chapters of the countrys largest democratic socialist organization, which condemned Cuomo for having no ideas of his own. Mamdani had previously walked back his support for defunding police; he now favors raising NYPD salaries, with the left offering no notable criticism. NYC-DSAs priorities are enacting a rent freeze, universal childcare, fast and free buses, supporting workers, and electing leaders who will ally with us to make this reality, NYC-DCA told Semafor in a statement. Thats why NYC-DSA is prioritizing Zohran Mamdanis mayoral bid to make New York City affordable. Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., who has not endorsed Mamdani, told Semafor that I do not expect Zohran to abandon his convictions. He chalked the shift up to Mamdani being smart, strategic, and pragmatic enough to adapt to the realities of governing in New York City. Mamdani is far more complex than the apocalyptic caricature his critics paint, and I have fewer fears about him than others do, Torres said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further afield, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. who will campaign with Mamdani this weekend ended the summer with rallies for Democrats running in swing seats, including Rebecca Cooke in southwest Wisconsin and Graham Platner in Maine. But Cooke has not endorsed Sanders Medicare for All legislation, instead favoring a suite of incremental expansions of Medicare and Medicaid. We may not be in the same place on Medicare for All, but we both agree people in my community and across America are hurting now, she told Semafor in a statement. In an interview with Semafor, Platner said that he did not consider himself a progressive, though he had supported Sanders for president. I get a chuckle out of a lot of people in the media trying to pigeonhole me into this weird progressive bucket, especially considering Im a small business owner and I have a gun safe that is, well, full of guns, Platner said. Platner also worked as a contractor for Constellis, a successor to the security company Blackwater, which has angered some online activists. That hasnt kept the influential progressive in national politics from endorsing him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was a security contractor for several months, but left after becoming completely disillusioned with Americas deeply failed foreign policy and endless wars, a spokesperson for Platner told Semafor. His experience overseas uniquely prepares him to fight back against the broken and corrupt foreign policy that consumes Washington. Know More Despite Mamdanis triangulation, Democratic leaders have continued to eye him warily. He has not been endorsed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries or Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, even as the Trump administration discusses offering current Mayor Eric Adams a job that would help clear the field for Cuomo. Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., criticized party leaders reticence on Thursday. If an individual doesnt want to support the partys nominee now, it complicates their ability to ask voters to support any nominee later, she told Spectrum News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And she knows something about navigating the space between Democratic leaders and the DSA. The national DSA revoked its endorsement of her last year, citing Ocasio-Cortezs lack of commitment to the movement for Palestine and our collective socialist project. Davids view Mamdani is still running on the most left-wing platform of any modern Democratic nominee for mayor of New York. Platner and Cooke are not particularly right-wing Democrats; Platner, for example, does support Medicare for All. Still, progressives have engaged in notably less box-checking and litmus-testing than they did a few years ago, when climate activists were attacking Beto ORourke for a $5 trillion climate plan because it would not get the US to net-zero carbon emissions until 2050. Mamdanis situation is unique. He came from the DSAs own ranks, which gives him credibility. Electing him would advance the organizations goal beyond its wildest dreams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And there is some disagreement among DSA members about the utility of the shoot-the-moon national priorities that get endorsed at the groups conventions, if local affiliates dont endorse them. (DSA endorsed Sanders for president, but Sanders didnt endorse its platform.) The larger context here is that all Democrats, socialist and otherwise, watched Donald Trump win two presidential elections while ignoring many conservative litmus tests. Trump declined to back a national abortion ban, alienating some conservative anti-abortion activists. He said he had nothing to do with the Heritage Foundations Project 2025 blueprint only to go on to hire some Project authors and implement their ideas. All this has stirred some fresh thinking among Democrats about whether activists must demand that candidates agree with all of their positions, or whether victory demands more flexibility. Room for Disagreement Republicans have pounded every Sanders endorsee as a socialist and linked Cooke to her left-wing supporters, regardless of her alignment with their specific policy positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Republican Congressional Committee accused her of putting criminal illegal immigrants over hardworking Wisconsinites, citing Cookes past opposition to a voter ID ballot measure, after endorser Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz., said that she considered noncitizens in Phoenix to be her constituents. In New York, Cuomo has characterized Mamdanis separation from national DSA as phony and convenient. More flips than the soarin eagle at Coney Island, he posted on X, after Mamdani detailed which national DSA proposals he disagrees with. Notable As kids head back to school, excitement is in the airbut so are new risks, from bus rides to playground accidents. If your child gets hurt at school, whos really responsible? Attorney Yan Gilkarov from Spektor and Associates joined New York Living to answer the most common questions parents have, including: Who is liable if a child is injured on a school bus the district, the bus company, or the driver? What happens if your child slips, trips, or falls on school property? What kind of evidence should parents collect right away after an accident? How do claims against a school district differ from those against a private party ? Are there special notice requirements or deadlines parents need to know when filing a claim against a public school? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This back-to-school season, its important for families to understand their rights and how to protect their children if the unexpected happens. Spektor & Associates practices in all five boroughs, Long Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. If you have questions, visit CrashInjury.com or call 800-318-8888. Sponsor: Spektor & Associates Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. State Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, presents legislation that would redraw Missouri's congressional map to a House committee on Thursday (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications). If a new Missouri congressional map endorsed by President Donald Trump is put into place, voters living on Kansas Citys east side will share a congressional district with people living nearly four hours away in Osage County. Anyone living in downtown Kansas City would be in a district stretching south nearly to Springfield. And Kansas Citians living north of the Missouri River would be in a district running to the border of Iowa and Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of those voters currently reside in the 5th Congressional and are represented by 11-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. But under the proposed new map, which was approved Thursday by a Missouri House committee after more than five hours of public testimony, that district would be carved up in hopes of creating another Republican-leaning seat. This is a superior map than the one we have today, said state Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Noel Republican sponsoring the redistricting legislation. Missouri has eight congressional districts, with Democrats holding two. Trump, facing a potentially difficult midterm election cycle next year, has instructed GOP-controlled states to redraw maps to add more Republican seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though mid-decade redistricting in Missouri is nearly unheard of it hasnt happened in six decades, following a U.S. Supreme Court decision Gov. Mike Kehoe called lawmakers back into session this week to redraw the map so the GOP would hold seven of the states seats in the U.S. House. Republicans Thursday downplayed any role Trumps demands had on the gerrymandering push. And they insisted the map was drawn by the governors staff, not the White House. Democrats didnt buy it, denouncing the map as unconstitutional and the push to split up Kansas City for partisan gain as morally corrupt and inexcusable. Every Missourian deserves fair representation, not these political tricks, said state Rep. Mark Sharp, a Kansas City Democrat. My city, Kansas City, hangs in the balance right here, right now. State Rep. Mark Sharp, a Kansas City Democrat, speaks in opposition to a proposed congressional map during a House committee hearing on Thursday (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications). The Missouri Constitution calls for the legislature to draw new congressional districts every 10 years after new census numbers are certified to the governor. That happened in 2022, and Democrats argue it violates the state constitution to draw another map before the next census is complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also questions about whether relying on old population data could also violate the state and federal constitution. The Missouri NAACP filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Cole County arguing the governors decision to call a special session was unconstitutional. Cleaver has also promised to go to court to challenge any gerrymandered map lawmakers approve. House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, on Thursday demanded demographic information about the map be made available to the public before the committee took a vote. Im asking for information for the public and for this committee, Aune said. We deserve to have that information, and if you are not willing to provide it, what are you hiding? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also pressed Deaton whether the governors office actually drew the map, or whether it was crafted by the Trump administration. She noted Trump last week praised the map and instructed Missouri lawmakers to approve it AS IS. The proposed new map meets constitutional requirements of districts with equal population as precisely as possible, Deaton said, and is more compact and contiguous, and divides fewer communities, than the current map. He said the governor was clear that his staff drew the proposed map. Gov. Kehoe has never lied to me, Deaton said, so I take him at his word. The only person to testify in favor of the proposed new map was Susan Klein, executive director of Missouri Right to Life. She said her organization is committed to helping pass anti-abortion legislation and supporting anti-abortion elected officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We support the process that would increase those numbers, she said. A parade of critics testified against the map, including the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, the Missouri NAACP, the League of Women Voters and several residents of the 5th District. Shannon Cooper, a lobbyist for the city of Kansas City and former Republican lawmaker, said the proposed map chops our region into three different pieces. The needs of downtown Kansas City, he said, are different than the needs of rural Henry County. I have gone through three redistricting processes in my time here, and what is sorely lacking in this is the amount of public input and the time where, in the past, the committees have traveled across the state and gone into communities and taken the local input from citizens, businesses as well as elected local officials to see what they care about and how they want to be put into those districts, he said. And were going to do this in six or eight hours and vote it out Monday and Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phil Scaglia, testifying on behalf of Cleaver, who could not attend Thursdays hearing, said the map violates the one person, one vote principle by relying on old census data. Its also unconstitutional, Scaglia argued, because it fails to be compact and divides communities of interest. A new map could be be drawn in a way that includes all of Kansas City south of the Missouri River in the 5th District, Scaglia said, and still give Republicans the electoral advantage they are seeking. State Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, countered that he believes Kansas City would benefit by being represented by three members of Congress. Missouri Republicans are pushing to enact this map to revise congressional district lines in a special session. The GOPs goal is to win the 5th District seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat (Screenshot from Missouri House website). The proposed new map leaves two districts untouched the 7th District in southwest Missouri and 8th District in southeast Missouri, both represented by Republicans. It only tinkers with the 1st District, based in St. Louis and represented by Democrat Wesley Bell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2nd District, represented by Republican Ann Wagner, moves south of the Missouri River, taking in southern St. Louis suburbs along with Gasconade, Crawford, Jefferson and Washington counties. The 3rd District, represented by Republican Bob Onder, swaps territory with the 2nd, taking over all of St. Charles and Warren counties, adding Audrain, Lincoln, Monroe, Pike and Ralls counties as it stretches north to Hannabil and encompasses nearly all of Columbia. The 4th and 6th Districts are where the Kansas City voters who previously all lived in the 5th will be moved. The 4th District loses parts of Columbia, along with Sedalia and Warrensburg to the 5th District in order to pick up downtown Kansas City. It is represented by Republican Mark Alford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 6th District runs across the entire northern half of the state, picking up a piece of Kansas City north of the Missouri River. Its the 5th District that sees the most substantial changes. Previously encompassing nearly all of Kansas City, the district now only includes the citys east side, then stretches east to encompass Jefferson City all the way to Phelps County. It also includes the northern portion of Boone County, but not the Democrat-leaning areas of Columbia. The 5th District also picks up six counties from the 3rd District Cole, Cooper, Howard, Maries, Moniteau and Miller counties as well as Morgan County from the 4th District. Sharp asked Deaton Thursday whether he would be open to changing the map, even in small ways. Deaton said the map was produced and requested by the governor, and he cant imagine myself at this time supporting any changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You move one line to make one person happy, Deaton said, and you have to move seven other lines and youve got seven new enemies this is the map Im supporting. As the committee was preparing to vote, Sharp offered an amendment moving a small portion of south Kansas City in the Hickman Mills area around 12,000 voters back into the 5th District. The change would be balanced out by moving voters near Grain Valley to the 4th District. Republicans opposed the change, and Sharp withdrew the amendment in the hope of offering it again when the full House debates the bill next week. Aune said the entire process reeks of an authoritarian power grab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Richard West, a Wentzville Republican and chair of the committee, praised the map for moving all of St. Charles County into the same district. My county is currently split up, he said. This is going to make us whole. State Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon, pushed back on the idea that what Republicans are doing by redrawing the map is out of the ordinary in American politics. Im not saying we should gerrymander or we shouldnt, he said, adding: Im just saying its been part of the republic from the beginning. When Joe Biden won the presidency in 2020, I held my breath and closed my eyes for four years hoping my country would still be here when his term was over. When I took a breath and opened my eyes, what I saw and heard scared the heck out of me. Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Black Lives Matter and names of military bases changed. Statues of our forefathers were torn down, and riots on the streets were commonplace. Where the heck did my America go? We ran from Afghanistan, and 13 members of our military lost their lives. Generally our foreign policy resembled that of a Third World country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Men claiming to be female played in womens sports, and some women were physically hurt. Drag queens reading books to small kids, crime running rampant and millions of illegal aliens invading our country. Some of them violated our children. The Democrats are on the wrong side of everything. Instead of trying to work with the president, they automatically condemn anything he does. Even if President Donald Trump has a great idea that really benefits the country, the Democrats scream, No. Earl Suchomelly Exeter Township With the departure of Dr. Tedd Mitchell and the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents narrowing in on a replacement who is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with strong political ties to Austin, Red Raider Nation is left with many reasons to be concerned. The future of Texas Tech has never appeared brighter. However, the sentiment that followed the ousting of former Chancellor Robert Duncan is still very real amongst the Texas Tech faithful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Texas Tech System Board of Regents poised to name Sen. Brandon Creighton next chancellor In August of 2018, Duncan, who was a zealous advocate for Texas Tech University, was forced out of office after an effort led by Board of Regents Chairman Richard Francis. Duncan had fought for a Texas Tech Vet School in Amarillo which was staunchly opposed by Texas A&M and their Chancellor John Sharp, so forces in Austin decided Duncan had to go. In the months that followed Tech Alumni showed just how serious they were, campaigns were launched, and major donations were withdrawn. More: Looking back at Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine's first few years in Amarillo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The late Jay Leeson and late Jerry Hodge, a former mayor of Amarillo, were among some of the staunchest critics of the Duncan ouster. Before the year was out, Francis was no longer Chairman of the Board of Regents and today the Texas Tech Vet School, which bears Hodge's name, is alive and well. Senator Brandon will take the reins with this controversy still in the minds of many on the prairie. He no doubt deserves a chance to prove himself to Texas Tech and hopefully follow in the footsteps of Chancellor Duncan and advocate for the University. Although, it will take time for him to earn the complete trust and support of Red Raiders. - Jason Jones is a resident of Alvin, Texas near Houston and a 2019 Texas Tech graduate. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Letter to the editor on Creighton as finalist for Texas Tech chancellor To the editor: It's nice to see judges taking a bold and principled stand for the rule of law, but when has Donald J. Trump ever faced real consequences for breaking any laws ( Trump deployment of military troops to Los Angeles was illegal, judge rules in blistering opinion, Sept. 2)? It seems to me no one in our nation's history has done a better job of manipulating our judicial system, which permits nearly endless continuances, special hearings, exemptions and appeals for the defendant with deep pockets and/or political influence, all in the name of due process. You would think that if anyone ever deserved to be launched through a "rocket docket, it would be someone who was credibly accused of attempting a coup. Carl Matthies, Pasadena .. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the editor: When troops come in, they serve as a show of force against criminal activity. Their presence stops crime without necessarily needing to arrest anyone. Estate sales, for instance, are very popular in and around California. Many of them will have a person standing at the door checking buyers entering and leaving never threatening in any way, but a show of security, and it works in keeping anyone from stealing most of the time. Interesting how troops showing strength to prevent criminal activity is illegal and must be stopped. Judge Charles R. Breyer seems to not understand that a president's most important job is to keep American citizens and the country safe. Why doesnt California call for a vote or survey asking the people of L.A., who pay big state taxes, if they and their families feel as safe as they should? Elaine Vanoff, West Hollywood This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Michigan Pride at the Capitol in Lansing, June 25, 2023 | Angela Demas The Republican-led Michigan House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill dictating which bathrooms K-12 and higher education students can use, a move that LGBTQ+ advocates have called a seeming violation of the states hallmark civil rights law. House Bill 4024, sponsored Rep. Joseph Fox(R-Fremont), passed the House on a party line vote of 58 to 46. Democratic representatives including Alabas Farhat, Peter Herzberg, Donavan McKinney, Cynthia Neeley and Karen Whitsett did not vote on the bill. Rep. Betsy Coffia of Traverse City also did not vote on the bill, but is recuperating from brain surgery. The policy would restrict student access to certain bathrooms and changing areas based on the persons gender at birth, effectively banning transgender students from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. It has zero chance of passing in the Democratic-led Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Rep. Brad Paquette (R-Niles) spoke in support of the bill on the House floor and defended sex-based spaces in Michigan schools. Little girls are being discriminated against in their sex-based spaces in this state, and that must end, Paquette said, adding that those who are misled to believe they have gender identity disorder should not be invading the spaces of the little girls in this state. That basic premise, in which gender is defined solely on ones reproductive organs, is at odds with the scientific consensus about the complexity of what determines biological sex in humans. Vote tally on House Bill 4024. Sept. 4, 2025 | Screenshot Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) spoke in opposition to the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If enacted, Scott said the bill would infringe on civil rights by denying people access to bathroom facilities aligned with their gender identity. This is a violation of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, Scott said. As lawmakers, it is our responsibility to protect the rights of Michiganders, most certainly including those of our kids and students. This legislation defies that very important responsibility by rolling back rights and eroding discrimination protections outlined in ELCRA. Scott said enforcement of the policy would be a near impossible feat, and she likened it to a distraction as the state faces a looming government shutdown over stalled budget negotiations. What Michigan kids and students really need is funding for their schools, Scott said before being gaveled down by House Speaker Pro Tem Rep. Rachelle Smit (R-Martin). In response to the bills passage, Erin Knott, executive director of Equality Michigan, said the policy would surely violate ELCRA. Knott also touched on the fact that the House was concerning itself with who uses which bathroom instead of ending the budget stalemate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weeks away from a state shutdown, the Michigan House would rather be bathroom police than do their jobs, Knott said. While theyre obsessing over bathroom policies, Michigan families need them focused on funding our schools and making the economy work. This policy is rooted in bias against trans people that goes against Michigan values of fairness and equality. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is calling on the community to donate blood this September in support of local patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic blood disorder affecting approximately 100,000 Americans, characterized by crescent-shaped red blood cells that can cause severe health complications. Patients with SCD often require blood transfusions to manage symptoms such as chronic fatigue, extreme pain, and increased risk of stroke and other complications.LifeSouth collaborates with local hospitals to match SCD patients with donors, known as Sickle Cell Heroes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The best donor matches are typically found within a patients own ethnic group, highlighting the importance of diverse blood donations. Participating hospitals include Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, UF Health Jacksonville, and several others in the region. LifeSouths donor centers are located in various locations, including Northeast Florida Headquarters, Fleming Island, Julington Creek, St. Augustine, and Palatka, with varying hours throughout the week. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] LifeWise Academy is a Hilliard-based religious instruction program that started in 2019 and now enrolls 50,000 students across 29 states. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) LifeWise Academy, a controversial Hilliard-based religious instruction program, will be in almost half of Ohios public school districts this school year. The academy will now be in 613 Ohio schools in 303 school districts for the 2025-26 school year, said Christine Czernejewski, a spokesperson for LifeWise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in January, LifeWise was in about 160 Ohio school districts a nearly 90% increase since the start of the calendar year. The academys new count comes after a new law took effect in April that requires Ohio school districts to have a religious-release time policy. The previous law merely permitted a policy. While the recent clarification in Ohio law has helped reinforce districts ability to offer release-time religious instruction, the growth is primarily driven by increased demand from families across the state, Czernejewski said. Communities have been proactively bringing LifeWise to their local schools because they understand the positive impact of Bible education during school hours. LifeWise operates in 34 states and plans to enroll nearly 100,000 students this year, according to its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demand for LifeWise is surging, and we couldnt be more excited to see families taking advantage of our programming, from urban areas to remote towns, said CEO Joel Penton. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The non-denominational Christian program teaches the Bible to public school students during the school day, and started in Ohio in 2019. The courses usually take place during lunch or during elective courses. But LifeWise has many critics and parents have said their students have been ostracized and bullied for not taking part in LifeWise. These kids are affected when they dont go, said Zachary Parrish, a parent who had LifeWise file a lawsuit against him for copyright infringement. They feel left out. They dont understand why their parents arent letting them go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parrish now lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana, but his daughter was a second-grader in Defiance City Schools in 2021 and he is not surprised Ohio has seen such an uptick in districts offering the religious classes. Theyve been in Ohio the longest, he said. Theyve got the most connections in Ohio. Its where the organization is from. Its where all the leadership is from. So it doesnt surprise me that Ohio is the hotbed for it. Religious instruction under the law The United States Supreme Court upheld release time laws during the 1952 Zorach v. Clauson case, which allowed a school district to have students leave school for part of the day to receive religious instruction. Religious release time instruction must meet three criteria: the courses must take place off school property, be privately funded and students must have parental permission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tina Sobo, a rabbi at Temple Israel Dayton and mom of two students in Miamisburg Schools, said students in her congregation have heard antisemitic comments from their classmates when they return from LifeWise. The curriculum teaches that because my kids are Jewish and dont believe in Jesus, were going to hell And touching on just some of the low-level antisemitism, just really more ignorant type comments, she said. Its a very specific version of Christianity that, I think, goes against, in my opinion, goals of creating an inclusive, positive religious environment in America. LifeWise, which started in Miamisburg in January, unequivocally condemns antisemitism or any form of harassment or discrimination, Czernejewski said. Our mission is to provide Bible-based character education, she said. If any student were to make inappropriate or hurtful remarks toward their peers, whether inside or outside of school, that behavior would be inconsistent with what LifeWise teaches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rachel Evans, a mom of a student in Centerville City Schools, does not want to send her son to LifeWise because their family is Jewish. LifeWise is launching in Centerville this month. You have these kids who are taught that they need to save people because theyre taught that hell is just the worst place you could go, she said. And theyre really trying to help their friends, but that can be really damaging to a kid. Hearing LifeWise is in almost half of Ohios school districts makes Evans scared for her sons future. I have had past experiences where I was proselytized to at a very young age and its not a good feeling, she said. The whole point of it is to disrupt the school day. There are so many other times when this would be appropriate, and I think during the school day is not it. Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The historic gold rush town of Chinese Camp, California, has been devastated by one of multiple lightning-sparked wildfires in three Northern California counties that have burned nearly 14,000 acres combined and left at least one firefighter injured, authorities said. More than 20 wildfires in Calaveras County and neighboring Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties, where Chinese Camp is located, began on Tuesday night, when more than 17,000 dry lightning strikes hit the area, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). The blazes are part of what Cal Fire has named the TCU Lightning Complex Fire. As of Thursday, the fires combined had burned 13,790 acres, destroyed multiple structures and prompted evacuations in Calaveras, Tuolumne and Stanislaus counties, according to Cal Fire. The fire was 15% contained on Wednesday night, but there were individual fires within the TCU Lightning Complex Fire that remain 0% contained. Noah Berger/AP - PHOTO: Residents work to stop flames from a burning home from spreading to a neighboring house as the 6-5 Fire burns through the Chinese Camp community of Tuolumne County, Calif., Sept. 2, 2025. A firefighter was injured Thursday morning while battling the TCU Lightning Complex Fire when a fire engine overturned along a road in the fire zone, according to Cal Fire. The injured firefighter was taken to a local medical facility for evaluation, but the firefighter's condition was not immediately disclosed. No other injuries were reported in the incident and the cause of the accident was under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents in Chinese Camp describe the devastation to their small foothills town about 60 miles west of Yosemite National Park. "Armageddon" is how Randall Hoffman, a resident of Chinese Camp, put it. "I think we lost 95% of the town," Hoffman, whose home was spared by the fire, told ABC station KFSN in Fresno on Wednesday. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images - PHOTO: A helicopter drops water as Cal Fire firefighters battle the 6-5 Fire in the TCU September Lightning Complex, September 3, 2025 near Chinese Camp, Calif. The wildfire that swept through Chinese Camp, dubbed the 6-5 Fire, had grown to 6,984 acres as of Thursday and was 0% contained, according to Cal Fire. Structures throughout the tiny community of Chinese Camp, a town founded in by Chinese gold miners in the 1850s, were burned to the ground or damaged by the 6-5 Fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: West experiencing record heat, fire danger as wildfire smoke reduces air quality "To watch it come over the ridge the way it did and as fast as it did, that's absolute fear," Chinese Camp resident Pete Tomaino told KFSN after he evacuated from his home. Tracy Barbutes/Reuters - PHOTO: Flames engulf Chinese Camp Town as wildfires rage in Tuolumne County, Calif., September 2, 2025. At least 11 areas threatened by the 6-5 Fire remained under mandatory evacuation on Wednesday night, including the entire town of Chinese Camp, which has a population of less than 100 people. MORE: Video Families flee wildfire emergency across multiple states in the West Meanwhile, the 2-8 Fire in Calaveras County, another blaze that was started by lightning strikes on Tuesday night and is part of the TUC Lightning Complex Fire, had burned 1,333 acres as of Thursday, according to Cal Fire. Multiple air tankers and helicopters, as well as fire crews on the ground, made progress fighting the fire on Wednesday, increasing containment to 15%, according to Cal Fire. Further north, the Blue Fire, which was also started by lightning on Aug. 26 in the Klamath National Forest in Siskiyou County, near the Oregon border, has burned 2,055 acres as of Thursday and was 0% contained, according to Cal Fire. Mandatory evacuation orders remained in place, Cal Fire said. On Wednesday, September 3, testimony opened in the contested case challenging Wisconsins approval of permits for Enbridge Energys controversial Line 5 pipeline reroute. At issue are permits granted last November by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which authorized the Canadian oil giant to clear trees, blast through bedrock, trench across wetlands, and dig through waterways to build a new 41-mile segment of pipeline through northern Wisconsin. 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 Geologist William Joseph Bonin told the administrative law judge that the DNR failed to properly evaluate how construction could damage fragile groundwater systems. Blasting is going to have a larger impact than the expert reports discussed and the reason for that is the already fractured bedrock was not taken into consideration in the reports, Bonin stated. The effects of blasts, especially on fracture networks, may be permanent. Bonin criticized Enbridges geological borings along the pipeline path as inadequate, noting too few samples were taken and that some drilling data was incomplete or contradictory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He testified that some borings were cut short because of artesian conditions, where groundwater was actively flowing upward, with no follow-up testing. I think that the risks of Horizontal Directional Drilling were understated and that the site analyses were not done appropriately for the glacial geology and fractured rock conditions, Bonin said. Members of the public also testified, including UWMadison graduate student Tabitha Faber, who highlighted threats to wildlife and habitat she observed near the proposed construction zone. The proposed reroute will cross over 100 waterways, including Class 1 trout streams that are safe havens for hundreds of wetland species, including those threatened and endangered by construction projects just like this one, Faber told the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contested case is the latest chapter in the long legal battle over Line 5, a 72-year-old pipeline that carries crude oil and natural gas liquids from Superior, Wisconsin, through Michigan, to refineries in Sarnia, Ontario. The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa sued Enbridge in 2019, arguing that the company was trespassing on its Reservation lands. In 2023, a federal judge agreed, ordering Enbridge to remove the pipeline from the Reservation by June 2026. Rather than shut down the aging line, Enbridge is seeking to reroute it around the Reservation. The proposed 41-mile replacement segment would cut across more than 200 waterbodies and over 100 wetlands, raising concerns about long-term harm to water quality, wetlands, and wild rice beds that hold deep cultural significance for the Band. According to Enbridges own expert, shutting down Line 5 would have little to no impact on gas prices in Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enbridge must still secure federal permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before any construction can begin. For now, work is on hold while the contested case plays out. Testimony is scheduled to continue Friday, September 5, at 9 a.m. at the Hill Farms State Office Building in Madison. About the Author: "Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. " Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com By Sergio Goncalves and Miguel Pereira MADRID (Reuters) -A Lisbon resident who thought he was going to die as a funicular car hurtled towards him had a narrow escape when it crashed into a building metres away, killing at least 17 people. Abel Esteves, his wife and their grandson were among about 40 passengers about to begin climbing the steep cobbled Calcada da Gloria street on the Gloria funicular railway line on Wednesday when they saw another car careering down the hill towards them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When I saw another carriage coming down, I told my wife: 'We're all going to die here,'" he said, fighting back tears. "(The second carriage) picked up a brutal speed, took a slight curve and hit the building with a loud bang." The Gloria line, which opened in 1885 and transports around 3 million people a year including many tourists, connects Lisbon's downtown area near Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto, or Upper Quarter, which has a vibrant nightlife. Esteves, 75, said he had earlier used the railway to descend from the Chiado neighbourhood to Restauradores Square and was on his way back home when the crash happened. The driver of the crashed car, who died, had earlier brought them down the hill, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the crash, Esteves said he rushed to help rescue people from the wreckage. Two men had already pulled out one woman onto the pavement, he said. He lifted a metal frame out of the way to pull another woman from the car but she was already dead, he said. Esteves said he has lived in Lisbon for 62 years and that he never until now felt at risk when using the 140-year-old funicular railway. "I never felt unsafe... but I'm never again going to take a tram (funicular), for as long as I live," he said. (Reporting by Sergio Goncalves and Miguel Pereira; Writing by Charlie Devereux, Editing by Timothy Heritage) By Sergio Goncalves and Andrei Khalip LISBON (Reuters) -Portuguese authorities were investigating on Thursday what caused a Lisbon funicular railway popular with tourists to hurtle down a hill, killing at least 16 people and injuring 22 more when it crashed into a building on Wednesday. The Prosecutor General's office said coroners had so far identified the bodies of five Portuguese, two South Koreans and one Swiss national, without disclosing further details of those killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A U.S. citizen was killed in the crash, the State Department said in a statement. According Portugal's judicial police chief, Luis Neves, there was a "high degree of certainty" that there were also two Canadians, one Ukrainian and one German among the dead, although the identities could not yet be officially confirmed. The mangled wreckage of a yellow tram-like carriage, which carries people up and down a steep hillside in the Portuguese capital, lay where it had left the track and hit a building on Wednesday, just metres from its twin at the bottom of the steep 265-metre slope. The traction cable linking them had snapped. Lisbon resident Abel Esteves, 75, and his wife and grandson were among 40 passengers in the lower car who saw the carriage plunge toward them before derailing at the last second. "I told my wife: 'We're all going to die here'," he said. "It picked up a brutal speed, took a slight turn and hit the building with a loud bang." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DAY OF MOURNING Flags flew at half-staff and people left flowers at the site of the crash as Portugal declared a day of mourning. The Pope sent condolences and blessings to victims, relatives and rescuers. "This is one of the greatest human tragedies in our recent history," Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said in a televised statement, adding that he expects the investigation into the causes of the accident to be concluded swiftly. He said Portugal state airline TAP had offered to provide transport for the families of the victims and to repatriate the injured and the deceased. Thirty-eight people were hurt in the accident, with 15 killed at the scene while one more died in hospital overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the injured were four Portuguese, two Germans, two Spaniards, one Korean, one Cape Verdean, one Canadian, one Italian, one French citizen, one Swiss and one Moroccan, said Margarida Martins, Lisbon's director of emergency services. Local media reported that a German family of three had been among the victims. The father died in the crash while the mother was seriously hurt and their 3-year-old child suffered minor injuries, they said. Eliane Chaves, a Brazilian who has lived in Lisbon for 20 years, said she walked past the Ascensor da Gloria - one of the symbols of the city - every day. "People say that it was negligence but it was not negligence," she said, tears streaming down her cheeks. "They supervise it thoroughly. It was an accident, just like a plane or car accident can happen." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CABLE PROBLEMS REPORTED ON FUNICULAR Manuel Leal, leader of the Fectrans union, told local TV that workers had complained that problems with the tension of the cable that hauls the carriages had made braking difficult, but that it was too early to say if that was the cause of the crash.The municipal transport company Carris said in a statement that "all maintenance protocols have been carried out," including monthly and weekly maintenance and daily inspections. "On Wednesday morning, the inspection was carried out and no faults were detected. ... We cannot assume that the problem was with the cable. The investigation will determine the cause," Carris CEO Pedro Bogas told reporters. He said the maintenance of the funicular had been outsourced since 2007 and had been performed by accredited and specialised technicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two cars, each capable of carrying around 40 people, alternately climb the slope and descend as electric motors pull the cable linking them. That cable appears to have snapped, a fire brigade official said. Seemingly unable to check its descent, the carriage entered the turn too fast, ploughing into the cobblestone pavement and crashing into a building. The lower car jolted back a couple of metres (yards) and was apparently undamaged, but video from bystanders showed several passengers jumping out of its windows. The line, which opened in 1885, connects Lisbon's downtown area near the Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto, or Upper Quarter, famous for its nightlife, and transports around 3 million people a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, has experienced a tourism boom in the past decade, with visitors cramming the popular downtown area in the summer months. (Additional reporting by Miguel Pereira, Inti Landauro; Writing by Charlie Devereux; Editing by Alex Richardson, Ros Russell and Mark Porter) (NewsNation) Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the expansion of Joint Task Force Alpha after recent actions to combat border smuggling and human trafficking. The task force will now cover the northern border and will include agents from additional federal agencies. Bondi outlined multiple operations that interrupted human smuggling operations across both the southern and northern borders. She also noted the extradition of those charged with human smuggling and convictions of those who transport people across the border illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondi also warned people not to pay smugglers to come to the U.S., saying it is too dangerous. DeSantis advances 3rd detention facility for Florida amid legal battles Authorities detailed a case against 12 people who ran a human smuggling operation and engaged in asylum fraud, with profits of at least $18 million. They say the smugglers charged $40,000 to bring people to the U.S. with false documentation and coached them to lie in order to get into the country and to claim asylum. Another case involved an accident where a tractor-trailer carrying migrants overturned in Chiapas, Mexico, killing more than 50 of the 160 people inside. Defendants in the case are being extradited from Guatemala to the U.S. for trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondi traveled to Tampa, Florida, to give the update on work done by Joint Task Force Alpha and was joined by several U.S. attorneys and partners from the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Attorneys from states along both northern and southern borders spoke about the dangers and impact of human smuggling, along with successes they have seen in attempting to stop cartel smuggling efforts. DOJ investigating fired Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook The Trump administration has made immigration enforcement a top priority, including efforts to combat human smuggling and drug trafficking into the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the administration has faced numerous legal challenges, President Donald Trump has pushed forward with his agenda to conduct mass deportations and strengthen enforcement along the border. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MARINETTE, Wis. (WFRV) On Wednesday evening in Marinette, a familiar face to long-time Local 5 viewers emceed an event to raise awareness about scams and ways to protect yourself. Local 5 alum Erin Davisson emceed Fraud Defense: True Stories. Real Scams. The free event featured real-world examples of scams that occurred and impacted people in northeast Wisconsin. Pulaski Community School District holds open house ribbon cutting for renovated Sunnyside Elementary Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, local police, fraud investigators and banking professionals gave their take on how some scams arise and how people can protect themselves. The event was put on through the collaborative efforts of Integra First Credit Union, Peshtigo National Bank and Stephenson National Bank & Trust. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Westview to hold executive session EMMA The Westview School Board will hold an executive session at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Westview School Corporations administrative office. Executive sessions are not public meetings. Local artists work to be featured in state exhibit INDIANAPOLIS Sally Mahnken, a local stained glass artist, has been selected to exhibit her art at the 57th Annual CBIZ Penrod Art Festival on the Newfields campus of the Indianapolis Museum of Art on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Penrod Art Festival is known as Indianas Nicest Day and is one of the nations largest one-day art festivals with more than 350 exhibiting artists. Locally, Mahnken displays her stained glass art at the Winona Lake Fine Arts Show and is a regular exhibitor at the Wawasee Fine Arts Festival sponsored by Chautauqua-Wawasee. Mahnken has mastered the dual pane technique to create shadowing rarely seen in stained glass. While Mahnken generally creates commissioned stained glass pieces, her art is also available for purchase at her studio. Mahnken will also teach a sold-out Beginners Stained Glass Workshop from 5-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 4, 11 and 18 at the Syracuse Community Center. For information on additional Chautauqua-Wawasee programs visit www.chautauquawawasee.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All-ages chess club at Syracuse library SYRACUSE The all-ages chess club will meet from 4-5 p.m. Friday in the downstairs meeting room. For programming information, visit the Syracuse Public Librarys website at www.syracuse.lib.in.us or call 574-457-3022. Dog socialization at the park DUNLAP Dogs need socialization and they get excited when they realize they will be going for a walk. Join the Elkhart County Parks Department for a dog walk at Ox Bow Haus in Ox Bow County Park. The event begins at 5 p.m. Friday, and the walk will take around 45 minutes to an hour. Signs will be up for solo walking or participants are welcome to join the group. Doggy bags and water will be available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adult activities at Syracuse library SYRACUSE Players of all skill levels are invited to the Syracuse Public Librarys mahjong tables at 10 a.m. Mondays and at 1 p.m. Wednesdays. Both sessions meet in the downstairs meeting room. Roaming Readers will set off from the library at 10 a.m. Friday for a leisurely walk around town. Along the way, members can share what they are reading or book recommendations. Free gallery talk on Womens Health ELKHART Andrea Hutslar, Ruthmeres Outreach Curator, will present a free Gallery Talk called, Hysteria: Womens Health in the 1800s, at 11 a.m. Friday at Ruthmere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For thousands of years, womens bodies and minds were set aside by male physicians as unsolvable mysteries, their ailments blamed on the perplexing womb. Hysteria a blanket term that once covered nearly every affliction known to woman was a culmination of attempts to understand womens health. Andrea will discuss how womens physical and mental health was perceived, researched, and cared for in the 19th century through the lens of hysteria. To register, visit Ruthmere.org/event-6088312 or call 574-264-0330. This Gallery Talk is sponsored by Ann Wroblewski. Gallery Talks feature a 20-minute discussion on an object/artwork within the Ruthmere collection, a relevant topic from the 19th or early 20th centuries, or a person or event in local history. Thanks to Ruthmeres sponsors, Gallery Talks are free and open to the public. For those unable to attend, all Gallery Talks are recorded and uploaded to Ruthmeres YouTube page (YouTube.com/RuthmereMuseum) within a few weeks after the event. For more information, visit www.ruthmere.org. A city in Greene County has approved the future development of one adult-use marijuana dispensary. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Fairborns City Council made the decision during its meeting on Tuesday night. The council voted 6-1 to approve the resolution that authorizes the operation of one recreational marijuana retail dispensary permit within city limits. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Solicitor Mike McNamee said during that meeting that authorizing one dispensary permit allows the city to simplify zoning, oversight, and compliance. Fairborn Mayor Daniel Kirkpatrick was the only person to vote against this ordinance, according to a recording of the meeting. During the meeting, the council also unanimously voted to extend the existing moratorium on adult-use marijuana dispensaries until Dec. 31, 2025. The city said they have had four martoriums since adult-use marijuana was legalized in Ohio in November 2023, according to the city. McNamee said in part that this extension will help provide time for additional planning, any zoning amendments, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This decision by Fairborn City Council was made after careful consideration and discussion to ensure that the City remains in compliance with state law while also balancing community interests. The City of Fairborn remains committed to protecting the health, safety, and overall quality of life for our residents as this process moves forward, a spokesperson with the City of Fairborn said. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] KIMBALL, WV (WVNS) 1 in 6 children in West Virginia go hungry every day, according to a study conducted by the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation. In our area, we have several food banks and groups combatting this issue, making sure they can provide kids with food and supplies they need to survive each day. Virginia organization makes a trip to McDowell County to help abandoned dogs Linda McKinney is the director of Five Loaves and Two Fishes Food Bank. They work at the beck and call of local schools and families in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They call in. A child needs something or a family needs something. We try our best to get it together. My heart goes out to the grandparents that are raising these grandchildren. Most of these grandparents are on fixed incomes and they have to make do with the incomes that they get, said McKinney. They have been handing out backpacks filled with food and supplies. Anything in a cup or can would be found in these bags. There are also childrens books in each, as well as some snacks. This food bank survives on generous community donations, as it operates without the financial assistance of the state or country. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Yellowstone County Commissioner Mark Morse questions Yellowstone Art Museum Executive Director Jessica Ogdin at the Sept. 2 county commissioner hearing in Billings, Montana (Photo by Jenna Martin for the Daily Montanan). As Montana communities struggle to find ways to keep pace with rising costs and increasing demands on public service, several communities have discovered a new revenue source libraries and museums. Last year, when the Great Falls Public Library successfully asked voters to approve a levy, the voters did, but that was set against the backdrop of a failed public safety levy, which would have funded more law enforcement. City leaders then set their sights on taking funding from the library and using those funds for public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When voters howled that they had been duped, several weeks worth of contentious meetings kept the two sides out of court when they struck a deal to divert some funds but not all to public safety. Yellowstone County resident Sandy Dvarishkis holds a sign outside the Yellowstone Art Museum at a protest against county funding cuts to the museum in Billings, Montana, Aug. 29, 2025. (Photo by Jenna Martin for the Daily Montanan) Earlier this week in Billings, the Yellowstone Art Museum became the latest cash cow targeted by the Yellowstone County Commissioners to help cover a gaping budget hole in the Sheriffs Office of nearly $9 million. The museum is unique, sitting at the downtown corner of two thoroughfares in Montanas largest city. Originally built as a county jail, it has since been converted into the museum which boasts one of the few modern art collections in a state known for its western-themed art. In 1964, the Yellowstone Art Museum opened its doors in the building formerly used as the Yellowstone County Jail, and Billings resident Hank Fuller remembered that moment when returned back home, more than 40 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I got paroled from Montana State Prison and came to Billings to find a home. And I walked into the YAM and saw this big engraved piece of stone that says, County Jail, Fuller said. I thought to myself, Wow, look what theyve done with the disgusting ethic of prisons and jails and look what theyve changed it into. Fuller was one of many Yellowstone County residents who testified against the removal of funding for the Yellowstone Art Museum on both the Aug. 26 and the particularly contentious Sept. 2 County Commissioner hearings that followed weeklong community protests. It gave me hope and it gave me a place and ideas to change my life, Fuller said, addressing the commissioners. We really need this place and we shouldnt be cutting funds, we should be increasing funds so they can increase community outreach programs. The Museum Fund The proposed funding cuts for the YAM began approximately 15 months ago, when a May 2024 letter on behalf of the Yellowstone County Commissioners was sent to YAM Executive Director Jessica Ogdin informing her of the countys intentions to reallocate portions of a fund dedicated to museum revenue. The YAM, along with three other museums the Western Heritage Center, the Yellowstone County Museum and the Huntley Project Museum make up the recipients of this fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter notified the YAM of the commissioners intent to reduce its 25% allocation of the fund to 20% in the 2025 fiscal year, then another decrease to 15% in the 2026 fiscal year. On July 25, the commissioners sent another letter, notifying the YAM of their intent to further reduce their allocation to $50,000 for the 2026 fiscal year, which amounts to barely 6% of the museum funds allocations. Both letters justified the reallocation by pointing out the necessary ADA compliance changes to the Yellowstone County Museum and hail damage to the Huntley Project Museum, further stating, Given that Yellowstone County owns the Western Heritage Building and the land, building and art collection of the Yellowstone County Museum, additional fund dollars must be available for properties owned by the County, within the tight budgetary constraints of the museum fund. But the conversations in commissioners chambers didnt exactly match the rationale mentioned in the letter. During the two contentious hearings, commissioners justified their decision to remove YAM funding as a necessary allocation shift to help combat increased public safety costs, and pushed back on the museums current budget and funding needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following YAM Executive Director Jessica Ogdins public testimony in favor of keeping museum funding, Commissioner Mark Morse requested she remain at the microphone for questioning. So, your Form 990 for Fiscal Year 2023 shows you have net assets of $10 million, Morse asked. Billings resident Hank Fuller describes the sign at the Yellowstone Art Museum that reads County Jail as part of the original building the museum was built around. Fuller testified against funding cuts to the Yellowstone Art Museum at the County Commissioner hearing, Sept. 2, 2025. (Photo by Jenna Martin for the Daily Montanan) That includes our endowment, explained Ogdin. It also shows that you havent paid any taxes since 1965, Morse said. We do have non-profit status, Ogdin replied. Your Form 990 also shows for fiscal year 2023 that your revenue, less your expenses, showed you with a profit of just shy of $332,000. Is that correct? So, again, Ogdin repeated. That is gifts to our endowment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Susan Sullivan, who serves on the executive board of trustees for the YAM, and is currently the treasurer and finance chairwoman, explained in her later online testimony why including the YAMs endowment is not an honest evaluation of available funds to the museum. You brought up that the YAM has this number, $10 million, sitting on its books, Sullivan said, addressing Morse directly. Lets say $4 million of that is bricks and mortar. I cannot produce cash out of bricks and mortar. That bricks and mortar costs money to maintain. The IRS and Montana statute does not allow us to take money from the capital campaign, Sullivan continued. We are allowed to take 5% per year of the rolling 13-quarter averages. If Ive got $5 million in there, times 5%, thats $250,000 I can take from the capital campaign. My budget is about $2.5 million. If I cant take $250,000, Ive got to raise the rest of the money. We need the county to help us with raising that money. Morse claimed the cuts were due to poor property tax policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody wanted property tax relief. So this is what the face of property tax relief looks like, Morse said. We have less money to give out for one museum of four. So, if youre worried about that, you know, you can fundraise 500 people for their $400 rebate, and you have your $200,000. The True Cost Following a 2024 assessment, consultants Justice Planners, A&E Design and engineering firm HDR were tasked with developing a plan through 2049 that would meet the countys public safety needs. The consultants recommended expanding the existing facility rather than building a new one, detailing 10 expansion options ranging from $48.3 million to $469 million in a 148-page report and landing on a $225 million plan that would boost capacity to 946 beds. When combined with a short-term lockup expected to open next year, the countys total capacity would reach 1,040 through 2039. By 2049, the county could expand again with an additional 512 beds. Morse emphasized the jails lack of beds in his decision to cut funding from the YAM. Our jail has a capacity of 434, and we regularly house 200 inmates over that. And it fluctuates, I mean, between 600 and 650, but generally 200 inmates over. We know our costs are $122 a day. So, that equates to a $24,400 deficit a day. And if you multiply that times 365 days, thats $8.9 million. That is what we have to come up with, said Commissioner Morse. We have to find the money for approximately $9 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ogdin responded that a comparison between art and inmates is an impossible analogy. A Yellowstone County resident holds a sign outside the Yellowstone Art Museum at a protest against county funding cuts to the museum in Billings, Montana, Aug. 29, 2025. (Photo by Jenna Martin for the Daily Montanan) You will find nobody more empathetic to difficult budgeting decisions than myself. I absolutely understand that you are making hard choices. And at the same time, I am a staunch believer that the YAM is a partner in public safety, said Ogdin. We offer deep, engaging programming for youth, which is something that we know helps with that pipeline to public safety concerns and safety issues in our community. Ogdin told the Daily Montanan that law enforcement in Billings seems to align with her view. Our Billings Police Chief, Chief St. John, when he talks about the communitys needs for public safety, one of his primary pillars is youth engagement, she said. Having places throughout the county where youth can be actively engaged and highly participatory, thats something weve prioritized both through our K-12 education and our after school teen programs, which once again, were choosing to do for free rather than on a fee-based structure, trying to make that available to folks who most need it in the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A point seconded by local artist and musician Chanel Flores. The Yellowstone Art Museum is accessible to people downtown, right? Not everyone can get up into the heights, right? Not everyone has a car, not everyone has bus fare, Flores said. Most people can get downtown into the Yellowstone Art Museum. And its local artists there. Its people from Billings that go and get help with their art. If they dont know something, they go learn it. If they want to put something on display, they go do it. So what youre defunding is accessibility, said Flores. And I just wanted to say shame on you. Shame on you. Whose Priorities? This isnt the first time in Montana public funds have been reallocated from community programming to public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost two years ago, city commissioners in Great Falls said the shift from library services to law enforcement was necessary given the citys growing demand for police, fire, and emergency services that havent seen a major funding boost in 50 years. Library staff expressed the same growing need for services to better serve the Great Falls community, and warned the reduction in mills would likely mean cuts to services, staff, and possibly closing one day a week. After months of pushback from the voters and tense negotiations with library leaders, a deal, which passed 4-1, reduced the librarys budget by nearly $1 million through 2029, with funds going to support law enforcement. We the voters knew we wanted this as infrastructure, we the voters decided this was the best way to support our community, and make it a good safe place to live, and not only did they completely ignore that, but they took that money and still didnt solve their problem, said Jasmine Taylor, Great Falls resident and current candidate for Great Falls mayor. All its done is hurt the underlying mechanism that promotes public safety. The money reallocated from the library in Great Falls to public safety, totaled less than 1.5% of the $32 million needed in the public safety budget. In Yellowstone County, the decrease from $220,000 to $50,000 in YAM funding, even if it was entirely applied to public safety, would account for 2% of the $8.5 million needed to run jail operations, and only .08% of the total $225 million needed for county jail expansion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This idea that its for public safety to me feels like a distraction, said Taylor. You can say its for public safety but when you run the numbers this is not a drop in the bucket. What this really is, is about nationalizing attacks on arts and culture and critical thinking. And we do that through attacking these public goods like museums and libraries. It doesnt promote public safety in any way, it detracts from it. The same public sentiment and even of the same arguments played out in a tense Sept. 2 meeting in Billings. What we as a community value, we fund, said Billings resident Elizabeth Halverson. We are seeing the community harm from chronic, long-term underfunding of education, mental health services, and housing shortages, just to name a few. Its easy to see around the country communities that are investing in these values. These are the cities with declining crime rates. These are the communities that set an example for us. The Boiling Point Tensions between community members and the commissioners were high, with Morse frequently asking commenters to remain at the microphone for further questioning, and at times, for something that resembled a full interrogation, with the commissioner suggesting that some of the supporters had never visited the Yellowstone County Museum at the Billings Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, a member of the crowd shouted Bully! leading Commissioner Mike Waters to interject. Yellowstone County residents express their anger with the County Commissioners upon their final vote to cut funding to the Yellowstone Art Museum, Sept. 2, 2025. (Photo by Jenna Martin for the Daily Montanan) Its alright, said Commissioner Waters. You know, the financial picture of each museum is unique in and of itself. We just are trying to deal with the realities of needing additional money for a general fund that is supplementing our public safety funds. Lisa Harmon, Senior Pastor at Billings First Congregational Church, pointed out the more than $600,000 in unpaid taxes to Yellowstone County by the owners of Rimrock Mall, among others, but not first before admonishing the commissioners behavior. I find it disrespectful that you are up here harassing your constituents, said Harmon, You are harassing your constituents to put the property owner tax relief on the executive director of the YAM. Are you kidding me? Go to the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the final vote to cut the funding, chants of Shame! broke out amongst the audience. Hank Fuller would like to see more funds directed to youth engagement and the arts, both community services the YAM provides. An ounce of crime prevention is worth a pound of crime cure, said Fuller. This jail and this safety business going on, a lot of it is caused by the way people are treated. We dont have a southside grocery store, they closed the swimming pools, places kids could have activities and communities could gather. Were gonna have three hotels filled with people. Are they going to want to visit the warehouses? Are they going to want to visit the gas plant? We need art. Its how communities survive. Fuller expressed his disappointment with the final vote to cut YAM funding. It seems like were unlearning, he said. Were moving backwards. ANDERSON A Madison County health official doesn't think that federal policy changes will impede progress in local child vaccination rates. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration rescinded the Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID vaccines on Aug. 27. Now only "high risk" people can get the vaccine without consulting a health care provider. People with existing health problems and those 65 and older are considered at high risk for COVID. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some health officials across the country are worried that the FDA's policy change will make a harsh respiratory illness season more dangerous. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts that the number of hospitalizations for COVID-19, the flu and RSV during the 2025-26 season will be similar to the 2024-25 season. Health experts recommend vaccinations for all three illnesses. The Madison County Health Department is loading up on flu vaccine and will release information to the public about its availability later. Brad Meadows, director of communications for Anderson Community Schools, said the district has experienced some absences because of COVID but did not provide a precise figure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Madison Community School Corporation, Madison County's second-biggest school district, did not respond to requests for comment. Stephenie Mellinger, administrator of the Madison County Health Department, isn't worried about the federal government's decision. "I anticipate continued participation at our vaccination events," she said this week. "Madison County's vaccination rates are strong compared to the state rate and other counties. We are in the top third of the state for children under 3 years old who have completed the recommended vaccine series." Mellinger also noted the county has surpassed the state vaccination rate for children in grades K-12. [Get swimming safety tips in the player above.] NELSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) A 32-year-old Akron man described as an incarnation of unconditional love reportedly died after jumping off a cliff into the water at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park in Portage County. It happened at about 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, according to a Portage County Sheriffs Office report. All about 8 new Ohio laws going into effect this month Nelson Ledges Quarry Park (FOX 8 photo) A witness said the man, identified as Skyler Correll, 32, of Akron, had been drinking before he jumped and somersaulted from a ledge that was 20 feet above the surface of the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lifeguard on duty, in a statement to sheriffs deputies, said the mans chest and face hit the water first: The patient jumped off the cliff, he came up, his nose was bloody so I rowed up to him and he started sinking. I called for help and jumped in to try to dive for him. I was [panicking] too much to reach him; another lifeguard got there and pulled him up. We got the patient on a paddleboard and started compressions, the lifeguard wrote. They then pulled him to shore and began CPR, a deputy wrote. A witness said in a statement that he saw the man enter the water just 2 feet from the lifeguard and resurface with a bloody mouth. He sank beneath the surface for 2 to 3 minutes before being found and rescued, the witness said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medics arrived minutes later and worked to resuscitate the man on the docks, the witness said. He was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead just before 5:30 p.m. that day, according to the report. Bodycam: Amish mother accused of drowning son tells ranger she gave him to God Witnesses said Correll jumped off the ledge on his own and was not shoved or pushed. An investigating deputy ruled out foul play, according to the report. Correll was a construction worker who enjoyed working with his hands, hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors, reads the mans obituary. Skyler could be described as light and love. He would do anything for his family and friends. He wanted everyone to be the best version of themselves, always challenging them to do better but accepting them for who they really are. Truly an incarnation of unconditional love, it reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Local parents and public health experts are expressing concerns over the states decision to end vaccine requirements. Its a change, Gov. Ron DeSantis and State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced Wednesday. Florida would become the first state in the nation to do so. But the former top doctor for Duval County said this could have significant consequences for families. We will see children sick, said Dr. Jeffrey Goldhagen, professor of pediatrics at UF Health Jacksonville. We will see children hospitalized and we will see children die from these decisions being made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said this policy will place children at great risk. They are not medical decisions, said Dr. Goldhagen. These are political decisions. He pointed to the Texas measles outbreak, the worst since 2000, where three people died. He said that with fewer kids vaccinated, we can expect more outbreaks like that. The governor and his top health official argue the change will empower parents. In Florida, you have the right to be free, said Gov. DeSantis. You have the right to make your own decisions. You can participate in society without having these unscientific dictates imposed upon you. But it doesnt sit well with Duval County parent and former school board candidate Sarah Mannion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Florida plans to become first state to eliminate all childhood vaccine mandates It makes me very concerned for children, said Mannion. She said immunocompromised children who cant get the vaccine will now be more at risk for diseases previously named eradicated, like measles and polio. Those are both on the list of the seven required vaccines kids need to attend preschool. People should not be surprised if we start seeing diseases like polio, said Dr. Goldhagen. Doctors on Wednesday told Action News Jax the same thing: that this decision is not in the best interest of children. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] These are devastating, devastating decisions and policies that will place children at great risk, said Dr. Goldhagen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Action News Jax is working to get the details of the states plan and will have the latest for you as they become available. But whatever is decided, Dr. Goldhagen said parents should speak with their kids pediatricians before making any decisions. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Here are the current required vaccines for children, per the Florida Department of Health: Childcare and/or Family Daycare Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) Varicella (chickenpox) Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV15/20) Hepatitis B (Hep B) Preschool Entry DTaP IPV MMR Varicella Hib Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV15/20) Hepatitis B (Hep B) Kindergarten through 12th Grade Four or five doses of DTaP Four or five doses of IPV Two doses of MMR Three doses of Hep B One Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) Two doses of Varicella (kindergarten effective with 20082009 school year, then an additional grade is added each year thereafter). Varicella vaccine is not required if there is a history of varicella disease documented by the health care provider. Additional Requirements: 7th Grade In addition to compliance with all other immunization requirements, children entering, attending, or transferring to the 7th grade in Florida schools must complete the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. HARPURSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) A reverend at a local church was arrested and charged with attempted rape. 70-year-old Ronald Wenzinger is a Reverend at the United Methodist Church in Harpursville, who was arrested for targeting individuals using social media to entice minors to engage in sexual acts. Wenzinger previously worked at Sarah Jane Johnson Church in Johnson City and Centenary-Chenango Street United Methodist Church in Binghamton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time investigators have no indication that he committed additional crimes against children. Wenzinger is not the only Greater Binghamton man to face attempted rape charges this past week. 39-year-old John Tedmark of Binghamton and 38-year-old Juan Bolanoszul of Endicott were processed and arraigned at the Broome County Jail along with Wenzinger. Anyone with information about crimes against children is encouraged to contact New York State Police at 607-775-1241. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Did you know that the world's largest producer of copper is in northern Chile? Codelco, a state-owned mining company, made copper king in the region. But after decades of alleged pollution, three local advocates are fighting back against the industry and suing the state, according to Dialogue Earth. Copper is a valuable ingredient for all kinds of industries, including clean energy solutions. Yet the process of digging it out of the ground is notorious for polluting the air, water, and soil around it when not done responsibly and with dire consequences for the health of people who live nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calama, the city bordering Codelco's largest mines, is no exception. Dangerous metals have contaminated the city's drinking water, and its air was declared "saturated" with this pollution back in 2009. Now, residents are diagnosed with lung cancer at a rate three times the national average, Dialogue Earth reported. This disparity is just one of the reasons that compelled activist Andrea Vasquez Alfaro, lawyer Sergio Chamorro, and city environmental analyst Reinaldo Diaz Duk to join forces. Together, they represent 20 different concerned groups that collectively filed the lawsuit. Chamorro, who will lead the fight in the courts, described the situation further. "Since Calama was declared saturated, permits have been granted for more than 700 mining projects," he told Dialogue Earth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He explained to the outlet that the main goals of the lawsuit are to halt these new mining permits, as well as win damages from Codelco for the harm done to locals and the environment. He will then argue that the state must research the mines' impacts on human health which he said it has never done and then pay reparations to those impacted. "Our intention is to see this through to the end," Chamorro concluded. "No one here can be against copper mining What we're against is this model to which we're subjected. This resignation to living and dying contaminated." This kind of local legal action can help force governments and corporations to clean up their act and take responsibility for pollution. Want to lend a hand to these kinds of causes? Supporting groups on the ground that are pushing for change goes a long way. In Calama, Vasquez Alfaro leads that group, which is known in English as the Coordinator for the Defense of the Loa River and Mother Earth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's impressive," she remarked to Dialogue Earth while observing a Codelco mining facility from afar. "[Mining culture] only understands exploitation. For them, there's no life in the desert, only resources, and we're a nuisance. But we're not going to leave." 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. At Haystack Rock in Oregon, one visitor was responsible for harassing various nesting birds with a laser pointer, resulting in the loss of two chicks. The incident, classified as a form of wildlife harassment, isn't the first or last disruption of its kind, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has measures including fines in place for when the perpetrators are caught. "When you find out that this has happened when it was off our watch, it just breaks your heart," Haystack Rock Awareness Program's Jenny Gooldy told KGW. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Portland outlet, the harsh disruption of a green laser pointer upset the "delicate ecosystem" of the Rock, startling a pair of oystercatcher birds during their third and likely final nesting attempt for the year. Threatened, the two birds wound up abandoning their chicks. The audience of the Haystack Rock Awareness Program, which posted a video of the incident, voiced their disapproval of the offender and called for better wildlife protection to prevent such disruptions from taking place in the future. Interacting irresponsibly with wildlife whether by feeding animals without regulation, approaching them for photographs, or harassing them can lead to unfortunate consequences. Getting too close too frequently, for example, can accustom wildlife to human presence and set the stage for more confrontational encounters thereafter. Animals that engage in violent conflict with humans may even be euthanized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, harassing animals not only can startle or even enrage them in the short term, but also may lead to the loss or separation of herds or nests, endangering the defenseless young. Fortunately, we can all take steps to avoid overstepping our boundaries with wildlife. Paying attention to posted signs and informing authorities if you see anything abnormal can go a long way. "It can seem like such a small situation," Gooldy told KGW, "but [people] just don't understand the impact that something like [a laser pointer] can have, especially for nesting birds. A little bit of human interference can have a devastating impact." It's very important that visitors recognize that there are places to view this wildlife, but to give them space and follow any signs that we have posted about closed areas," advised Dawn Harris of the FWS, per KGW. 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. Burlington Police have announced the arrest of 32-year-old Hosea Antonio Winters III, of Lomax, Illinois, in connection with two separate sexual assault cases in Burlington, a news release says. Winters has been charged with third-degree sexual abuse, a Class C felony, in connection with a May 30, 2023, incident involving the sexual assault of a woman about 2:14 a.m. in the 1700 block of Dill Street. Hosea Winters III (Burlington Police Department) Winters also has been charged with third-degree sexual abuse, a Class C felony; first-degree burglary, a Class B felony; and obstruction of emergency communication, a misdemeanor, in connection with the report of a home invasion and sexual assault involving a woman about 11 p.m. Aug. 8, 2025, in the 700 block of Arch Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both assaults were linked through DNA evidence, the release says. The investigation was conducted by the Burlington Police Departments Criminal Investigation Division with with assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalistics Laboratory. This remains an ongoing investigation, police say in the release. Police ask anyone with additional information to contact Burlington Police at 319-753-8366. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) London police officials announced the August arrest of a man accused of distributing online child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Thursday. The London Police Department (LPD) posted on Facebook that on Aug. 12, Christopher Brock, 26, of London, was arrested on New Bethel Church Road after investigators traced activity from his IP address to a Kik messaging app. He was allegedly using this account to download, upload, and share CSAM. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement had gotten a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NEMEC) reporting that a Laurel County IP address was being used to receive and send the illicit material on Kik. Officers got a warrant to search Brocks residence, where they found him in his bedroom with a Samsung smartphone that matched the phone named in a warrant to have been used to send and receive CSAM files. He allegedly admitted to authorities that he had used the messaging app to share the illicit files, explaining to investigators how he searched for them. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brock was charged with the distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under the age of 12 and possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under the age of 12. He was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center on a $25,000 bond. He is due in court at 9 a.m. on Sept. 19. The sexual exploitation investigation remains ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Front Range Community College had a packed house on Wednesday night as Longmont residents showed up to the first forum of the election season with all nine City Council candidates in attendance. The four mayoral candidates were not part of the forum, with a forum of their own set for October. Hosted by Longmont Area Democrats and moderated by retired journalist Nicolette Toussaint, candidates were quizzed on topics ranging from growth and housing to wages and climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ward 2 incumbent Matthew Popkin is seeking his first full term and faces challengers Teresa Simpkins and Meg Thornbury. Six candidates are vying for two at-large seats: Steven Altschuler, Crystal Prieto, Alex Kalkhofer, Jake Marsing, John Lembke and Riegan Sage. With a mayoral seat, the two at-large seats and Ward 2 on the ballot, the city could see up to four new faces on council after the November election. Candidates acknowledged that city growth and traffic is a major concern for constituents, with the influx of apartment developments earning Longmont the tongue-in-cheek nickname Apartmont. Simpkins said that council needs to listen carefully to residents, describing herself as a candidate who would take residents opinions to heart without trying to push her own political agenda. I really think that we need to spend a lot more time talking to the community about the proposed developments and take each development on its own merits and look at it individually, she said. Thornbury advocates for more housing, saying her background as a social worker for low-income children has shaped her belief that building additional low-income housing needs to be a priority. She said walkability and bike safety should also be priorities, paired with improved public transit. She added that even middle-class Longmont residents are struggling with the lack of starter homes available. We need to be creating pathways towards home ownership for people like me who are currently just making it with rent and a masters degree, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Popkin pointed to shifting development toward underused areas. He said his No. 1 priority is to manage traffic by shifting development into priority urban renewal areas, citing the sugar factory and lower downtown river district. Among at-large candidates, Kalkhofer stressed directing housing near transit corridors and building more housing across the board. We need more for-sale properties. We need starter homes. We need transitional housing. We need houses for seniors, he said. Lembke proposed building more duplexes and quadplexes, while Sage said residents must be offered alternatives to car dependence. Marsing said he would be choosy when voting on council. The biggest need that we have in the city of Longmont is workforce housing; homes that teachers, nurses can afford to buy, he said. Prieto called for growth that matches neighborhood character. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Altschuler was largely skeptical about growth; warning against taller buildings downtown, saying they would worsen traffic and parking. Another question centered on wages and jobs, highlighting the divide between candidates who favor a higher minimum wage and those who worry about how an increased minimum wage might impact small business owners in Longmont. Thornbury is in the former camp, an adamant supporter of raising the citys minimum wage. When consumers have more money, they are more likely to spend that money at our local businesses, she said. Marsing echoed that stance. The answer is, give them a raise, raise the living wage, and the data has shown this over and over again, in communities that raise the minimum wage, there is more money in consumers pockets, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Popkin called for patience. Im not opposed to a living wage increase, but I think we have to be strategic about when that gets put into place, he said. Simpkins said council needs to be cautious on implementing a higher wage because small businesses are already under pressure. Im not against raising the minimum wage, but I agree with Matthew that we really have to know all the unintended consequences of our policy decisions, she said. Kalkhofer suggested working with neighboring communities to raise wages gradually. Sage said she would consider higher wages only for larger employers, those with 100 or more staffers. Altschuler warned of job losses. California did this a year and a half ago. They raised the minimum wage to 20 bucks for fast food workers. Within a year, there were several thousand fast food restaurants that had gone out of business, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lembke argued for an unconventional alternative to raising the minimum wage, a reverse income tax, a system where people with low incomes receive payments from the government instead of paying taxes. The payments decrease as income rises and phase out completely once a certain income threshold is reached. Prieto said wage hikes should be paired with small business support. Longmont Area Democrats will host the mayoral candidate debate at 6 p.m. on Oct. 9 in the same community room at Front Range Community College. Candidates Diane Crist, Sarah Levison, Shakeel Dalal and Susie Hidalgo-Fahring are scheduled to meet in the same Front Range Community College location. Former North Dakota Sen. Larry Robinson, D-Valley City, died Sept. 3, 2025. (Photo courtesy of North Dakota Legislative Assembly) Former North Dakota lawmaker Larry Robinson died Wednesday, according to a statement from Valley City State University, which Robinson worked to support for nearly 50 years. Robinson, 75, a Democrat, served in the North Dakota Senate from 1989 to 2020. Valley City State University President Alan LaFave called Robinson an ardent supporter of higher education in North Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson retired in 2024 as executive director of university advancement at Valley City State. He began working for the university in 1975 as director of the Memorial Student Center and Student Activities and later became the first director of the universitys foundation. In the Legislature, Robinson served on the interim Higher Education Committee for several years. He also was a longtime member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, in addition to other committees. LaFave said Robinson was instrumental in securing state funding for the Rhoades Science Center renovation in 2013 and the Center for the Arts, which opened in 2022 and was recently renamed the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts. His legacy will live on in the scholarships he helped create, the students whose lives he touched, and the vibrant facilities that stand as a testament to his work, LaFave said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Kyle Davison, R-Fargo, recognized Robinson at the start of a legislative committee meeting on Thursday. Sen. Kathy Hogan, D-Fargo, a member of the committee, said Robinson could also be known as Mr. Valley City for his contributions to the university and representing the area in Legislature for more than three decades. He was such a gentleman, Hogan said. He was classy, respectful, thoughtful, but also very, very compassionate and committed to education, all education, but particularly in Valley City. He was nonpartisan, and lawmakers wanted him on their committees because they knew they would be better off with his input, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Dick Dever, R-Bismarck, also a member of the committee, remembered that in the session after Robinson lost his reelection bid in 2020, he still showed up at the Capitol and brought donuts for his former colleagues. In a statement, Gov. Kelly Armstrong called Robinson a true statesman of the Senate. His positive impact on VCSU and our higher education system will benefit students and our state for generations to come, said Armstrong, who served in the state Senate with Robinson from 2013 to 2018. Funeral arrangements were pending as of Thursday. This story was updated to correct Sen. Davisons first name. 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 House Speaker Pro Tempore Michael Johnson, R-Pineville, left, chats with Attorney General Liz Murrill on opening day of the regular legislative session, Monday, March 11, 2024, at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge. (John Ballance/The Advocate, Pool) Louisianas attorney general intends to challenge a U.S. Supreme Court precedent that declared capital punishment for minors was unconstitutional. Liz Murrill has already taken steps in a state court to restore the death penalty of a convicted murderer who was a week away from turning 18 when he killed a college student. The case in question has turned into a focal point in the debate over whether persons convicted of violent crimes as juveniles should be punished as adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murrill filed a motion last month in 19th Judicial District Court to reinstate the death sentence of Dale Dwayne Craig for the Sept. 14, 1992, murder of Kipp Gullett, who was taken at gunpoint and shot to death at a secluded construction site. Craig was seven days shy of his 18th birthday when he murdered Gullet, an 18-year-old LSU freshman. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A jury convicted Craig in 1994 and sentenced him to death. But the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2005 that administering the death penalty to defendants under age 18 violated the 8th and 14th amendments of the U.S. Constitution. The landmark case, Roper v. Simmons, involved Christopher Simmons, 17, who was convicted of killing Shirley Cook weeks after the two were involved in a minor auto accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her filing for the Craig case, Murrill told the Supreme Court she considers the Roper precedent egregiously wrong but said she recognizes it requires justices to deny her motion. The attorney said she was submitting a motion to the court for preservation purposes only so that evidence from the Craig case would be retained for use in her challenge. Craig and Simmons were among about 70 juvenile defendants nationwide who had their death sentences converted to life in prison without parole after the Roper ruling. There is no basis in law or logic for that absurd result, Murrill said in a news release. In May 2023, East Baton Rouge Parish Judge Eboni Johnson Rose granted Craig parole eligibility, citing his record of good behavior and role in prison mentor and rehabilitation programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murrills office has challenged Jones action, arguing before the Louisiana Supreme Court last month that the callous nature of Craigs crime 23 years ago warrants the utmost consequences. There is no timeline for a ruling in that challenge. Attorney John Landis, who represented Craig before the Louisiana Supreme Court, declined to comment on Murrills actions. In response to Murrills motion in August, Landis wrote in a brief that only the Louisiana Legislature, and not the state court, has the power to determine punishments for juvenile offenders. He described the attorney generals actions as an attempt to deny Craig the opportunity for a parole hearing granted to him in 2023. According to court records, Craig and three teen accomplices carjacked Gullett in the parking lot of Kirby Smith dormitory at LSU. After they forced Gullett back into his Ford Bronco, they drove to a construction site south of campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Craig and James Lavigne, 19, took Gullett out of the car, and Lavigne hit Gullet in the head with the butt of a 9 mm handgun. After Gullet collapsed to the ground, Craig kneeled down to fire three shots into his skull at point blank range then stood and shot him again twice. Craig told the others he had to kill Gullett because one of the teens had called another by his name. Gulletts body was found two days later, and all four suspects were arrested within the next five days. Lavinge was sentenced to life in prison for second-degree murder. Zebbie Wayne Berthelot, 16, and Roy Maurer, 17, were in the Bronco when Craig was killed. Both pleaded guilty to manslaughter and were issued 20-year prison terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three testified against Craig when he was tried for first-degree murder in exchange for sentence leniency. Louisiana resumed executions earlier this year after a 15-year hiatus during which the state was unable to secure the drugs needed for lethal executions. Jessie Hoffman, 46, was put to death March 18 at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, becoming the first person in the state put to death using nitrogen gas. Hoffman was 18 when he kidnapped, raped and murdered 28-year-old Mary Molly Elliot, who he abducted from a New Orleans parking deck and then took to rural St. Tammany Parish where he assaulted and killed her. More than 50 people await execution on Louisianas death row. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Correction: This report was updated to reflect that the attorney general filed a motion to reinstate Dale Craigs death sentence in state court. A man casts his vote behind the curtain at a New Orleans Garden District polling place on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator) Louisianas top election official said she has discovered 390 non-citizen registered voters in the state, with 79 voting in at least one election over the past several decades. The 390 suspected non-citizen voters represent approximately 0.01% of the roughly 2.9 million registered voters in Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Nancy Landry, a Republican, said Thursday at a news conference she called that the results are the preliminary findings of an investigation her office launched in May after gaining access to the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements database, which the Trump administration rolled out to state and local governments this year. Landry said her investigators ran names from Louisianas voter rolls through the SAVE database and worked with the FBI to confirm their citizenship status. Investigators scoured state voting records going back to the 1980s, she said. Landry declined to release further details about the suspects of the incidents of alleged fraud, saying her investigation remains ongoing. In a later interview, Landry acknowledged the possibility that some of her findings could be attributed to errors or outdated information. Suspected non-citizen voters will be afforded due process to determine if they are innocent, she said. Secretary of State Nancy Landry speaks at a news conference about noncitizens voting in Louisiana on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Baton Rouge. (Photo: Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) While Landry said voter fraud is not a systemic problem in Louisiana, she noted that some local elections have been decided by just a handful of votes. She didnt say if the newly discovered noncitizen voters impacted any of those elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a crime under state and federal laws for noncitizens to vote or to submit false voter registration information. Landry said her office is working with local and federal authorities to determine if anyone implicated in her findings can be prosecuted. The secretary of states investigators have not interviewed or spoken to any of the alleged suspects but have sent out letters notifying them of the findings, she said. Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter, R-Port Allen, who chairs the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee, attended Landrys news conference alongside his counterpart in the House, Rep. Beau Beaullieu, R-New Iberia. Kleinpeter authored recent changes for stricter state elections laws and said he was surprised that only 79 noncitizens have voted in Louisiana over so many years. Kleinpeter said he thought the number would be higher, adding that even one unlawful vote is too many. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every illegal vote counts against a legal vote, Kleinpeter said in an interview. One voting rights advocate questions why the secretary of state would go public with preliminary findings of an investigation before all the evidence has been collected. Ashley Shelton, who leads the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, noted that state investigators havent spoken to any of the alleged suspects. Why do a press conference if youre not really sure, or you dont have undeniable evidence that the allegations are true? Shelton said in a phone interview. Of course everybody wants elections to have integrity, but theres a reason why they had to go back to the 1980s to uncover the alleged 79 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shelton said bigger problems with election integrity stem from the way they are administered and failure to educate poll workers and voters when election rules are changed. Voting rights are under attack, Shelton said. We have so many elections we cant even keep count, and theres no willingness to streamline the process. Correction: This story was updated to indicate there are 2.9 million registered voters in Louisiana. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) White Castle Fire Chief John Marque has been issued a misdemeanor summons for simple battery after a volunteer firefighter filed a complaint against him in August. According to a police report, the complaint was filed on August 14, 2025. The victim told officers that during a fire department call on August 11, Chief Marque allegedly grabbed her by her safety vest and held her when she tried to pull away. She said the incident left her emotional and caused her to leave the scene. Witnesses provided statements supporting her account, according to investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On August 22, 2025, Marque turned himself in to the White Castle Police Department. He was informed of the allegations and issued a misdemeanor summons for simple battery. Marque has a court date set for September 25, 2025, at 6 p.m. 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. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)- There has been a lot of finger-pointing when it comes to crime and politics in Shreveport. California Governor Gavin Newsom said during an interview that Shreveport has a murder rate six times higher than San Francisco. Shreveport mayor says Gavin Newsoms crime comparison is misleading He was calling out House Speaker Mike Johnson who seemed to blame Caddo DA James Stewart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson said during a CNN interview, We have a democrat DA there who has not been prosecuting crime as some more aggressive DAs have down around the country. President Trump has floated the idea of sending National Guard troops to Louisiana and Governor Landry has responded to that on X saying, We will take President @realDonaldRumps hep from New Orleans to Shreveport! California Gov. Newsom calls out Trump, Johnson over Shreveport homicide rate Shreveport police have accepted help before from other agencies such at the state police and Caddo Parish. SPD Public Information Officer Chris Bordelon said, Were obviously were going to accept help from where it comes from, whether that be from the state police or from any of the federal agencies available and you know Ive heard Chief Smith speak eloquently in the past about partnerships with different agencies. So any law enforcement entity or any federal agency thats willing to provide help, were obviously not going to turn it away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson blames Democrat DA for crime in Shreveport after dig by Gov. Newsom We did ask Mr. Bordelon if troops were ever deployed to Shreveport to fight crime who would be in charge of those troops? He said since it would be a first in history and large logistical undertaking he didnt know they answer to that, but said their agency would work with the national guard. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) A Louisville man was arrested on Tuesday after a shooting on Laurent Way that left one person dead and another injured. Court documents show that just after 4 p.m. on Sept. 2, officers with Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) were dispatched to the 10100 block of Laurent Way in response to reports of a shooting at an apartment there. Officers found a victim in the area who had been shot in the face, according to an arrest citation. He was pronounced dead at the University of Louisville Hospital a short time later. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another victim was reportedly found who had been shot in the wrist and ankle, law enforcement wrote. Around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, police were sent to St. Marys and Elizabeth Hospital in response to reports of a man who had walked in after being shot. Department officials said hed been dropped off by a gold Toyota Camry. A maintenance man told officers there was a gold sedan leaving the apartment complex after the shooting, Louisville officers wrote in court documents. Louisville homicide unit investigating falling death of 5-year-old Louisville police alleged that a white sneaker found at the scene of the shooting matched one worn by 18-year-old Jeremiah Robinson, who was missing his other sneaker at the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson also wouldnt tell investigators where he was when he was when hed been shot. Robinson was arrested at the hospital and charged with complicity to murder and complicity to second-degree assault. Department officials wrote on Facebook on Thursday that he was still at the hospital for being shot, but would be lodged at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections after being discharged. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) A death investigation is under after a 5-year-old boy in Louisville died from a fall earlier this week. The Louisville Metro Police Department was called just after 3 p.m. on Tuesday to a home on the 2900 block of Conestoga Avenue to look into a report that a child had sustained traumatic injuries from a fall. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials told FOX affiliate WDRB that the 5-year-old was taken to Norton Childrens Hospital, where he died on Wednesday. LMPD said its homicide unit has taken over the investigation due to the severity of the childs injuries. The circumstances surrounding the childs fall are unknown at this time. WDRB is reporting that its unclear if anyone will face criminal charges in connection with the 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 FOX 56 News. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) A University of Louisville student was arrested on Monday after reportedly trying to kidnap an employee while armed with a large kitchen knife. According to an arrest citation, just after 7:30 a.m., the employee was chased into the University Tower Apartments after she was forcefully grabbed by 20-year-old Thomas Hood. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University police said the woman called dispatch to the apartment complex after locking herself in the basement. In the citation, the police noted that Hood continued to try and force his way in. At the scene, the police said they found Hood with a large kitchen knife hidden in his pants. During an interview with the employee, she told University police that she feared for her life after seeing Hood grab the knife inside his pants. Witnesses said that Hood followed her into the building, and he was seen hiding under the staircase until they scared him away from the building. He was reportedly seen still in possession of the knife while trying to run away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news Court records show Hood was later arrested and charged with: Kidnapping-adult Attempted kidnapping-adult Carrying a concealed deadly weapon First-degree burglary FOX affiliate WDRB said his bond is set at $25,000, and he is scheduled to have a court hearing at 9 a.m. on Sept. 10. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Back to the Dark Ages: Education research staggered by Trump cuts The Trump administrations dramatic strike at U.S. education research had been underway for months before Mark Warschauer learned that his own work would become a casualty. The renowned education professor at the University of California, Irvine, had spent years studying how the newest technologies can be used to improve English language instruction. His latest efforts, funded through the National Science Foundation, aimed to create a series of bilingual Spanish-English e-books that would use artificial intelligence to guide young readers through each text and prompt them with questions. But in the last week of April, he learned that the supporting grant for the project had been canceled, along with hundreds of others issued by NSFs education division, at the direction of Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency. The substantial majority of the cuts, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars, targeted education studies like those conducted at Irvines Digital Learning Lab, which Warschauer directs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The professor grew more concerned as he considered the possible consequences of DOGEs moves. He spent the last few years helping design programs that fostered parent-child reading within families of English learners, even partnering with PBS Kids on a set of AI-powered videos that measurably improved students science knowledge. The results had been impressive. But without federal dollars, they couldnt realistically be sustained, let alone expanded. I could go from having a well-funded research lab one that supported a lot of graduate students and post-docs, and had a very ambitious research agenda to pretty much drying up in a few years and needing to lay off everyone working for me, Warschauer reflected. His worries have echoed throughout the nations sprawling education research infrastructure since February, when the administration severed scores of contracts through the Institute of Education Sciences, the principal knowledge-gathering body within the U.S. Department of Education. Within weeks, further announcements were made of mass layoffs totalling half the departments manpower, including roughly 90% of the IES staff. Questions even arose around the future of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the only coast-to-coast benchmark of student achievement. Several experts told The 74 that the diminution of both staffing and resources leaves the core functions of K-12 research in doubt. Reduced support for the What Works Clearinghouse, an online library promoting evidence-based practices in education, could leave district leaders unequipped to navigate the billion-dollar world of school-based products and services. Deferred updates to long-running datasets may prove a serious hindrance to experts investigating key questions like school choice and early literacy. Uncertain employment conditions have already driven established professionals from the field, even while interrupting the early career trajectories of the next generation of scholars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the motivations cited for the campaign is the charge that Washington has too often funded activist researchers promoting woke ideological content. Warschauer said that while his professional interests resulted partially from his past service as an ESL teacher, he rejected the precepts of critical theory and simply wanted to pursue better learning outcomes for struggling kids. My research is about having high standards of education for our poor, our underserved, and those who are not succeeding, and helping them succeed better, he said. To me, thats not a woke agenda; its something that, until the last five years, every Republican politician in the country has agreed with. The administration has tweaked some aspects of its strategy, bringing in new leaders to oversee the future of the departments research efforts and reviving a portion of the contracts it had halted. But especially following last weeks Supreme Court ruling, which formally authorized the widespread reductions in force while other litigation is being considered, many now believe the end is in sight. Donald Trump signs an executive order to reduce the size and scope of the Education Department alongside school children signing their own versions, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. - Chip Somodevilla // Getty Images Cara Jackson served as president of the Association of Education Finance and Policy, one of the foremost professional organizations for education researchers, when the unwinding began. The consortium is now pursuing legal action against the administration, alleging that its actions violate laws governing how federal agencies may behave. She fears that, whatever the outcome of that litigation, the attempt to sweep aside decades of systems and collaborations between government, universities, and private actors will severely limit Americas insights into what, and whether, its children are actually learning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The entire time IES has existed, it has done a lot to advance the field and the quality of research that is being produced, she said. It just feels like were going back into the dark ages. A retreat from what works Jacksons own life was upended by the events of the last few months. She was laid off in March when her employer, the research and consulting company Abt Global, significantly scaled back its work in education evaluations. Abt is part of the archipelago of private firms that have long partnered with the federal government, many of which saw multiyear, eight-figure contracts terminated by IES this winter. The commitments ranged widely in size and focus from a $430,000 commitment to collect responses to a school crime survey to a $43 million bid to implement programs preparing disabled students for success after high school. Much of Jacksons time was spent developing the What Works Clearinghouses line of Practice Guides, which distill the findings of complex social science into digestible recommendations for classroom teachers and district leaders. Thirty of the guides have been published since 2007, with several more in the pipeline earlier this year including proposals for texts on chronic absenteeism and student behavior problems, two of the biggest issues facing schools in the post-COVID era. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those projects may be indefinitely postponed, if not scuppered entirely, by both the reduction of the Institutes contracts and harrowing of its workforce. The biggest thing that frustrates me as a taxpayer is that we paid a lot of money for these practice guides to be created, and theyre not going to go into the world now because they got abruptly stopped, Jackson said. Betsy Wolf, a research scientist who was among the throngs of departing IES employees, had been working on a project that attempted to apply the findings from cognitive science to inform STEM teachers. She said she was pessimistic about the prospects of reconstituting the work that had already been done into some future product, especially in the absence of so many staffers. We lost computer access, and we couldnt even email people externally, Wolf recalled. As far as Im aware, the department didnt get back any of the stuff it paid for. And you couldnt just get someone in to pick it back up because it may not even exist right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Clearinghouse is not without critics, including prominent commentators who have argued that its guides dont offer suggestions in language that teachers can easily understand. Others have alleged that past publications have misinterpreted research findings or classified programs incorrectly. But the need for stronger evidence in teaching methods has been highlighted over the past few years by a series of controversies related to shoddy or questionable instruction. Families in San Francisco have fiercely resisted a proposal that would delay the teaching of algebra I until the ninth grade to address achievement gaps a move that didnt achieve its stated goals, a later analysis found while districts around the country have spent billions of dollars on reading curricula derived from the discredited whole language theory of literacy. Some observers fret that progress may be threatened in areas where K-12 leaders have used existing research to dramatically improve outcomes. In February, the department eliminated over $300 million in contracts with 10 Regional Education Labs, including one that partnered with Mississippi to lead a dramatic improvement in the states persistently low reading performance. [The Trump administration later backtracked on those cuts as part of a broader reversal, according to a June legal filing: Though not required by the court, the department announced that it would rehire several dozen employees and restart roughly one-fifth of the contracts that had previously been suspended.] Elizabeth Tipton is a statistician at Northwestern University who also serves as the director of the Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness, another professional organization suing the administration over its cuts. If anything, she said, Washington should endeavor to strengthen the powers of agencies like IES to more strictly regulate a marketplace for school materials and technology that often provide no value. Without an entity to function in the manner of the Food and Drug Administration, the world of K-12 products resembles that of herbal supplements, she argued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont understand how its woke, I dont understand why its inefficient, I dont understand why DOGE would be against it, I just dont understand the argument, Tipton said. Its actually good for kids to understand what works and to invest in that science. Lost data As it evaluates various policies and classroom interventions, the government also collects huge troves of data on students backgrounds, the kinds of schooling they access, and their success both during and after their time as students. The progress of those long-running datasets, mostly housed within the 158-year-old National Center for Education Statistics, have also been stalled by the events of the last few months. Rachel Dinkes is the president and CEO of the Knowledge Alliance, the industry group representing private research organizations like Abt Global, the American Institutes for Research, and the Educational Testing Service. In an interview, she sketched out an uncertain future for some of the biggest education research undertakings of the last few decades We heard Sec. McMahon say that her plan is to unwind the mission of the Department of Education, Dinkes said. That leads to serious questions about where these research programs will turn to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A career statistician and research analyst, she ticked off a laundry list of data collections affected by the Trump administrations cuts. A pilot program to design new student assessments part of states bargain with Washington to enjoy more autonomy after the end of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2015 was at the center of a $3.6 million contract that was scrapped after more than five years of work. Over $48 million in funding for the latest iteration of the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, which examines how college students finance their education, was also tossed; the insights generated by the survey would have very likely informed future legislation on student borrowing and federal aid, Dinkes said. But perhaps the biggest hit delivered to NCES data came with the sweeping cut to the Early Child Longitudinal Study program, which has conducted four major, ongoing studies of children from the earliest years of schooling. The latest addition to the initiative was designed to track the progress of the kindergarten class of 2022-23, a cohort that absorbed much of the social and academic stresses of the COVID era. We were about to get a look at students in the first post-pandemic class of kindergartners and see what they can do, Dinkes said. You cannot have a story like that in the future if we dont have that data. A spokesman for the department did not respond to a request for comment on the possible effects of Trumps flurry of cuts. But McMahon has stated publicly that her agencys dismantling was necessary, pointing to its time in existence as an era of stagnation and decline in student achievement. [In fact, long-term scores in math and literacy have been on an upward trajectory since the departments creation in 1980, though the learning loss inflicted by COVID erased much of that progress.] Secretary of Education Linda McMahon arrives in the Russell Senate Office Building on December 09, 2024. - Anna Moneymaker // Getty Images Mark Chin, a professor of education policy at Vanderbilt University, intended to use his schools access to ECLS files to assess the impact of school choice programs. Much of the current empirical work on charter or voucher policies is built on information gathered by school districts or state education agencies, which typically identify student demographics, special education status, and socioeconomic status. But the federal data incorporates far richer observations on household structure and parent engagement, including live interviews and survey responses with caregivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the benefit of that perspective, Chin had hoped to offer a more detailed investigation of the possible differences between families who participate in choice schemes versus those who simply attend their district public schools.That work is currently stalled. So too, he added, are countless papers constructed through the use of federal resources, which are usually submitted to department staffers for a once-over before they are released in order to assure both quality control and protect student privacy. The mass layoffs in March could prevent some valuable discoveries from finding their way to the public square. In order for this research to become public, it needs to be reviewed by IES, he said. Given the state of IESs staffing, thats basically not feasible. If youve got results, but you cant put them out there, its not being seen by policymakers who really need that information. Theyre never coming back As spring has turned to summer, a few promising signs have emerged for scholars whose research was affected by the wave of cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of June, UC Irvines Warschauer was notified that his grants from the National Science Foundation had been reinstated. The reversal was achieved through a class action lawsuit filed by six UC professors who alleged that grants previously awarded through the NSF, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Environmental Protection Agency had been unlawfully slashed. A district judge issued an injunction requiring the funds to be restored, though the ruling can be appealed in a higher court. In an email, Warschauer said he was thrilled with the result, while observing that it would almost certainly be harder to gain future support than it was to revive existing grants. This doesnt make me any more optimistic about new grant opportunities those are easier (and more justifiable) to control than cancelling grants that people already have, he wrote. So the bottom line is that the future of educational research is still very much in jeopardy. Under McMahons leadership, the Department of Education has taken some steps that have the potential to solidify its future support for research. In an interview with The 74s Greg Toppo, the secretary vowed to keep the NAEP exam in place. A veteran IES staffer has been named the acting commissioner of NCES, and respected researcher Amber Northern was tapped to serve as McMahons senior advisor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even with the dust still settling after months of firings, the toll on the department has already been huge. IESs headcount now numbers fewer than 20 employees, while NCES has reportedly been reduced to just three. Last Mondays Supreme Court ruling allowed the president to implement those layoffs, rejecting a lower courts motion to block them. Other legal challenges to prior cuts havent made headway yet. In June, a district court judge denied AEFPs request for an injunction that would have temporarily required the administration to bring back terminated employees and renew canceled contracts. It will take months, if not longer, for the various strands of litigation to be resolved. In the meantime, human resources appear to be just as imperiled as financial ones. With federal subsidies still largely up in the air, and job prospects for graduates decidedly hazy, several major universities have rescinded Ph.D. admissions over the next semester. Some departments within Vanderbilts prestigious Peabody College of Education and Human Development are taking new doctoral candidates, but Chins academic bailiwick of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations has paused acceptances for now. Chin described the Ph.D. students as the lifeblood of his program, lamenting the potential damage to the future of the field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They support our research projects, theyre coming up with new ideas, theyre presenting their own work, he said. Right now, we have some junior scholars in our department who dont have Ph.D. advisees yet. Among current professionals, the outlook is no brighter. The job market is now glutted with laid-off researchers from both the public and private sectors, and with little near-term optimism for more funding, many potential employers are leaning more toward cutting existing overhead rather than picking talent up off the sidelines. Northwesterns Tipton said she was aware of multiple professional contacts who had already left the field for better-paying jobs in other industries where their technical skills are highly valued. Each one, she added, should be seen as a voided investment representing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in past doctoral scholarships and research grants. You see someone get a job, and youre happy that theyre no longer in this terrible situation, she said. But now theyre getting jobs in insurance, tech, or random other fields. And you realize that theyre going to get paid more, and theyre never coming back. This story was produced by The 74 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) A record number of graduates will soon cross the stage to receive their degrees from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. First Amendment battles loom over another religious law in Texas The university will be awarding degrees to a total of 1,550 individuals. According to LSUS, nearly 1,500 of these graduates have completed masters degrees. Among them, 949 graduates will receive a Master of Business Administration, while the remaining graduates will be awarded masters degrees in Health Administration and Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kristina Gustavson, the CEO for the Community Foundation of North Louisiana, will deliver the keynote address. Graduation does not require tickets, and graduates may invite unlimited guests. Parking is also free. LSUSs graduation will be held on Friday, September 5, at the Brookshire Grocery Arena. The ceremony will also be livestreamed through the LSUS YouTube channel. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. When Scott County Deputy Lt. Thomas Gibbs was watching the news 20 years ago, he would see only the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina to New Orleans, Louisiana. Not once did he ever think he would soon travel 13 1/2 hours to Louisiana to help with the relief efforts. A couple of days after the storm made landfall in 2005, Gibbs received an email from Scott County Sheriff Dennis Conard. He asked whether any deputies were willing to travel with him down to Louisiana to help with the hurricane efforts. The next thing Gibbs knew, was loading up an old 1980 pickup truck with supplies to sustain a group of six for a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a call for help, said Gibbs. I absolutely answered the call. The three-vehicle fleet departed Davenport and headed to St. Charles Parish, a city just 23 miles west of New Orleans. In the days after the storm, it was the home of an operating Walmart, the closest to the hurricanes epicenter in New Orleans. The call for help from St. Charles Parish was unprecedented for the Scott County Sheriffs office. I do not remember our agency going that far ever in the past, said Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane. Going that far away to help another agency. But it was something they felt like they had to do. Especially because they had the manpower to send the group of six down to help without sacrificing the staff needed to operate normally in Scott County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have volunteers, said Lane. The Scott County Sheriffs Office reserves who can back-fill some of the work that needs to be done back home. So Gibbs hit the road. He traveled 930 miles in that old pickup truck that was formerly a Davenport fire truck. By no means did it make the trip luxurious, or even comfortable. No air-conditioner, or AM radio, said Gibbs. It was quite warm. The group answered the call without knowing what was waiting for them in southeast Louisiana. I went in with an open mind, said Gibbs. Trying to just be prepared for the worst. When they arrived in St. Charles Parish, they were pleased to find out the school gymnasium where they would live for the next week had air-conditioning and running water. That was also when they found out their task for the week: Supervise the Walmart and keep the peace while making sure the locals displaced from their homes got the necessities they need. (Our assignment was) to knock down the looting and stuff that would take place in such a disaster zone, said Lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twenty years later, law enforcement officers from Scott County have yet to travel that far again to answer a call. But they proved, when called upon, theyre ready. [Im] proud, said Gibbs. Its a family, so you know if you put out the call for help, people will come. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Trees burned by the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire stand on the burn scar in September 2022. (Photo by Megan Gleason / Source NM) U.S. senators from New Mexico, Colorado and Idaho introduced legislation Wednesday to increase funds for local partnerships to prevent water pollution and restore watersheds. The Headwater Protection act, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Colorado Democratic Sens. Micheal Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Idaho Republican Sens. Mike Crapo and James Risch, will increase funding for two U.S. Forest Service programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill, if passed, would triple the yearly funding for the Water Source Protection Program for the U.S. Forest Service in order to provide more than $30 million per year for farmers, ranchers, water utilities and local and tribal governments for restoring forests or cleaning up watersheds. The legislation would prioritize giving funds to projects to improve drinking water quality and harden forested areas to wildfire and climate change. New Mexico is still reeling from the 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire, the states largest wildfire, which burned more than 485 square miles in Northern New Mexico. On Tuesday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham authorized more emergency funding for flood damages in Mora County and Las Vegas residents have had to drink bottled water for months as the city still tries to recover drinking water supplies since the fire. Lujan said in a statement that the introduced legislation would allow acequias New Mexico irrigation systems and land grant-mercedes (areas of land granted by either Spanish or Mexican governments) to apply for these funds for the first time. Water is essential to the health and safety of our communities. Protecting and improving our watersheds is critical to ensuring reliable access to clean drinking water and making our forests more resilient against wildfires, Lujan said. The Headwaters Protection Act will strengthen these efforts by investing in watershed management and pollution prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second provision in the bill would require the U.S. Forest Service to update its manual for restoring watersheds and require national forests to be managed to prevent further degradation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BOSTON Massachusetts insurance companies will be forced to cover the cost of COVID boosters, flu and RSV vaccines this winter, in what could be considered defiance of recent directives from Health and Human Services Director Robert Kennedy Jr. and the Trump Administration. Healey said on Thursday that Bay State insurers will have to cover vaccines as recommended by the state Department of Public Health, and not rely on the Centers for Disease Control for those recommendations. She said the move will "ensure that Massachusetts residents can afford the vaccines they need and want to keep themselves and others healthy, even if the federal government issues narrower recommendations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massachusetts becomes the first state in the nation to impose its own vaccine coverage mandates. Healey said the mandate applies to coverage of respiratory virus vaccines, such as COVID, flu and RSV, and the routine child vaccines, such as measles, chickenpox and Hepatitis B. "Massachusetts has the best health care in the world," Healey said on Thursday. "We won't let Donald Trump and Robert Kennedy get between patients and their doctors. When the federal government fails to protect public health, Massachusetts will step up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The actions we are announcing today will make sure people can continue to get the vaccines they need and want in Massachusetts." Healey also took to social media on Thursday to mock attempts in Florida to eliminate all vaccine mandates for children in that state. "I don't think measles is a souvenir anyone wants to bring home from Disney World," she posted on X/Twitter. DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein issued a standing order to allow pharmacies to continue to provide COVID vaccines to Massachusetts residents 5 and older after CVS and Walgreens said last week that they would not offer them in the Bay State because the CDC no longer recommended them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children under 5 can receive the vaccine through their pediatricians. Healey said that, as a result of her actions, CVS and Walgreens are working to make COVID vaccine appointments available in Massachusetts as soon as possible. Healey also said on Thursday that she has entered a multi-state collaborative in the Northeast to develop what she called "evidence-based recommendations on vaccinations, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and supporting public health labs." These are responsibilities that have been traditionally left to the CDC. "Vaccines save lives and protect families period," State Sen. President Karen Spilka said. "The Healey Administration's actions will help ensure federal drama does not affect our access to vaccines that are essential to public health. In Massachusetts, we believe healthcare decisions should be made by you and your provider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you want a vaccine, you should be able to get one easily. These are the right steps to take." The Food and Drug Administration last week said it was changing COVID booster vaccine recommendations to include only those for adults 65 years and older, as well as individuals ages 5 through 64 with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.2. Industry analysts said the FDA recommendations put in doubt whether many insurance companies would cover vaccinations for those who do not fall into one of those two categories. Kennedy Jr. said in an op-ed published on the HHS website last week that the changing mandates are part of efforts to "restore faith in the CDC." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dysfunction produced irrational policy during Covid: cloth masks on toddlers, arbitrary 6-foot distancing, boosters for healthy children, prolonged school closings, economy-crushing lockdowns, and the suppression of low-cost therapeutics in favor of experimental and ineffective drugs," Kennedy Jr. wrote. "The toll was devastating. America is home to 4.2 percent of the world's population but suffered 19 percent of COVID deaths." (Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.) MA Gov. Maura Healey Defies President Trump, RFK Jr. On Vaccine Mandates originally appeared on the Across Massachusetts Patch SPRINGFIELD, MO One of the citys top employers says its splitting in two, ten years after the merger that led to its creation. On Tuesday, Kraft Heinz announced it would be deconsolidating into two new companies. Kraft and Heinz merged in 2015 to create one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world. The company outlined its plans for the future as part of the announcement. It stated that one of the companies, Global Taste Elevation Co., will include food products such as Heinz, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, and Kraft Mac & Cheese. The other company, called North American Grocery Company, will focus on brands like Maxwell House Coffee, Oscar Meyer, Kraft Singles, and Lunchables. The brand names for the two new entities will be released at a later time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kraft Heinz reports its sales have fallen steadily since 2020, which is when it saw a brief bump in sales related to the pandemic. As for its more current financial woes, the company blames changing consumer demand and weaker spending, and rising costs related to President Trumps tariffs. Its unclear how the split will affect production at the Kraft Heinz factory in Springfield. The facility produces a variety of items that are set to be divided between the two new companies. Kraft Heinz employs nearly 1,000 people at its 60-year-old plant on Bennett St. near Glenstone Ave. In 2020, the company invested nearly $50-million to upgrade and expand the facility, which makes iconic products such as Kraft Mac & Cheese and Kraft Singles. Kraft Heinz says its split is scheduled to be complete by 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told his French counterpart that Frances push for Palestinian state recognition undermines Israels security, casting doubt on Macrons visit. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar told his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, that there is no point for French President Emmanuel Macron to visit Israel due to France persisting "in its initiative and efforts that harm Israel's interests," the foreign ministry confirmed on Thursday. Sa'ar was referring to France's plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly later this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He claimed that this undermines regional stability and harms Israel's national and security interests. Sa'ar also claimed that Abbas only enjoys minimal support among the Palestinian population, alleging that this is why he has not held elections for nearly 20 years, and is thus not a credible interlocutor. Sa'ar emphasized that Israel seeks to maintain good relations with France, but that the European country must respect Israel's position when it comes to matters "essential to its security and future." Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar hold a press conference at the ministry's offices in Jerusalem, May 22, 2025. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) France has taken a series of anti-Israel measures and positions recently, according to the foreign ministry's statement. Other topics of discussion included Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, E3's Iran 'snapback' sanctions During the conversation, Sa'ar and Barrot also discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Ukraine, and the E3 (UK, France, and Germany)'s plans to activate the "snapback" sanctions on Iran. Twenty-six countries have pledged to contribute to Ukraines security after any ceasefire or peace deal with Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday. Speaking at a press conference in Paris alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Macron said the commitments would include troops on land, sea and air as part of a "reassurance force". "This force does not seek to wage any war on Russia," Macron told reporters after a summit in Paris that brought together around 30 of Ukraines allies. Pressure on Moscow European leaders gathered in Paris on Thursday in what they described as a renewed effort to press Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has vowed that Moscow will fight on if no peace deal is reached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are ready, we the Europeans, to offer the security guarantees to Ukraine and Ukrainians the day that a peace accord is signed," Macron said on the eve of the summit. He added that preparations had been finalised earlier by defence ministers, though the details remain "extremely confidential". Zelensky said he was confident allies would help "increase pressure on Russia to move towards a diplomatic solution". But he warned: "Unfortunately, we have not yet seen any signs from Russia that they want to end the war." Macron gathers European leaders in push for Ukraine security guarantees Who's at the table The summit was co-chaired by Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and brought together some nations in the so-called Coalition of the Willing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders attending included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Following their discussions, Macron and Starmer spoke by telephone with US President Donald Trump. A White House meeting with Zelensky is also planned. Russias foreign ministry dismissed the pledges as "absolutely unacceptable". Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in Vladivostok that the plans were "guarantees of danger to the European continent" and that Moscow would not tolerate the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine "in any format". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO chief Rutte said earlier this week that the Paris gathering should bring clarity "on what collectively we can deliver" and on "what the American side wants to deliver". Macrons office has said Europe is prepared to lead, but only if Washington provides a "backstop" through intelligence, logistics and communications. Trump has insisted the US will not deploy troops. Tanks and missiles roll through Beijing as China commemorates 1945 victory Putin in Beijing On Wednesday, Putin attended a large military parade in Beijing alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He told reporters Russian forces were advancing on "all fronts" and that Ukraines army had been weakened to the point it could no longer launch an offensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Trump hosted Putin in Alaska, though those talks ended without progress. European leaders have stepped up their language against Moscow. "Putin is a war criminal," Merz wrote on X, describing him as "perhaps the most severe war criminal of our time". Macron last month called the Russian leader "an ogre at our gates". French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu told the daily Le Parisien that Moscows strategy was to "buy time and deceive its partners and adversaries", citing Soviet-era KGB tactics. (with newswires) Kyiv's allies have completed work on security guarantees for Ukraine and they are now ready for political approval, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced. Source: French online TV news outlet FigaroTVs press conference video; report by European Pravda Details: Macron hosted his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Elysee Palace on 3 September. The French president noted that the work conducted by military leaders following the summit on Ukraine at the White House in mid-August has laid the groundwork for swift action once a peace agreement is reached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The contributions made, documented and confirmed this afternoon at defence minister level under strict secrecy allow me to say that yes, this work is complete and will now be endorsed politically," Macron said. In turn, Zelenskyy welcomed the progress, emphasising that the guarantees represent real, tangible support for Ukraine, not symbolic promises. Previous coalition initiatives, which initially no one believed in, have also been implemented and are working, he added. Background: European leaders taking part in the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris on Thursday 4 August, co-chaired by France and the United Kingdom, will hold a call with US President Donald Trump once their discussions conclude. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda urged the Coalition to begin concrete planning on the possible deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he expects clear answers on what security guarantees Europe can give Kyiv at the Coalition of the Willing summit the following day or shortly afterwards. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The US will no longer train and equip European armies of nations that border Russia, according to sources familiar with the plan. Funding for the programmes is provided by Congress but a senior White House official told The Telegraph that the administration had not requested funds beyond September 2026 as Washington pushes allies to spend more on their own defence. Pentagon officials told European diplomats last week of the change which was first reported by the Financial Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On day one of his second term, President Trump signed an executive order to reevaluate and realign United States foreign aid, said a White House official. This action has been coordinated with European countries in line with the executive order and the presidents longstanding emphasis on ensuring Europe takes more responsibility for its own defence. Nato allies in June agreed to increase their own defence spending to 5 per cent of national income. Even so, the move could wipe hundreds of millions of dollars from the budgets of forces on the front line of future Russian aggression, such as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The programme was worth $1.6 billion in Europe from 2018 to 2022, according to the US Government Accountability Office. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate foreign relations committee, said the move sends the wrong signal to Vladimir Putin. It makes no sense at all to undercut our allies defence readiness at the same time that were asking them to step up their own capabilities, and it puts American troops at risk when we slash the training of the allied soldiers they would fight alongside, she said. A European diplomatic source said: We agreed we had to spend more on our defence but this is a big hole that will need to be filled quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details emerged on the day that the British-French led Coalition of the Willing convened in Paris, where Emmanuel Macron, the French president, said 26 of Ukraines allies were ready to commit troops in a reassurance force to protect it from Russia once fighting had ended. Mr Macron said the countries would maintain and guarantee the peace on the ground, at sea or in the air. He said that European leaders had discussed the plan in a call with Donald Trump and that American support for a so-called US backstop force would be finalised in the coming days. But questions were raised over the strength of the US commitment after the White House made no mention of the backstop in comments about the phone call. It instead said Mr Trump criticised the EU for continuing to buy Russian oil in his call. After a call with Donald Trump, Mr Macron said that US support for a backstop force would be finalised in the coming days - Evan Vucci/AP The president has refused to send troops into Ukraine, but has hinted that the US could deploy forces to neighbouring countries to protect Europeans on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Thursdays phone call with the US president on the backstop, Mr Macron insisted: The United States has been very clear [...]: they want to be part of the security guarantees. Mr Macron said the European side of the peace plan was now largely agreed between heads of armed forces, and the next step would be American commitment and then a political text outlining the details. But the plan also requires Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire and talks with Volodymyr Zelensky. Putin has refused to give ground on his demands for more Ukrainian territory, which has stalled peace talks. After the meeting in Paris, Mr Macron said Germany, Italy and Poland were among the extremely proactive European nations committing to the security guarantees either through support to the Ukrainian army or by boots on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: I will not give details of the reassurance forces so as not to reveal our hand. This is our line of defence and that of Ukraine. We are not going to show our plan to Mr Putins Russia. Friedrich Merz said Germany would make a decisive contribution and did not rule out sending troops to monitor a ceasefire. The chancellor is planning to finance a massive expansion of the Ukrainian military as it seeks to turn the embattled country into a porcupine that Russia would be too scared to touch. Berlin is reportedly offering to increase the capabilities of the Ukrainian air defences by 20 percent each year, while also cooperating on Ukrainian-made cruise missile systems. The arming of five brigades would include 480 infantry vehicles supplied every year. Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, is planning to finance a massive expansion of the Ukrainian military - Daniel Bockwoldt/Getty Images Under the European security guarantees plan, not all would deploy troops to Ukrainian territory but others would remain in Nato member counties and make their bases available, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Zelensky said that 26 countries have agreed to provide security guarantees to Ukraine. I think that today, for the first time in a long time, this is the first such serious concrete step. Mr Macron told reporters in the French capital after the summit of 30 leaders, some of whom joined by video link: This force has no desire or objective to wage war against Russia. But he promised it would reassure the people of Ukraine and maintain the ceasefire once its implemented. He warned that Europe would coordinate with the US to hit Russia with sanctions if Putin did not take steps towards peace negotiations with President Zelensky. Unbreakable pledge to Ukraine Sir Keir Starmer dialled into the meeting in Paris from Scotland. Britain and France are expected to deploy troops behind the frontlines in Ukraine if peace is struck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Prime Minister told the group of mostly Nato members they had an unbreakable pledge to Ukraine with Donald Trumps backing. He said it was clear they must now go even further to apply pressure on Putin to end the war but warned that the Russian president, who he accused of indiscriminate attacks in Kyiv last week, cannot be trusted. The coalition discussed plans to boost support to Ukraines army, the reassurance force behind the frontlines and a declaration similar to Natos Article 5 committing allies to intervene if Russia attacks Ukraine again. Thats all for now Thank you for following our live coverage of todays summit in Paris. Safe skies over Ukraine must not compromise Polish security, Tusk says Poland will engage in discussions to create safe skies over Ukraine but future solutions must not compromise Polish national security, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Thursday after a summit meeting of Ukraine and its allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I told our partners that Poland is very interested in having safe skies, but this must be related to security guarantees for Poland, Mr Tusk said after the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris. Poland has been on high alert for objects entering its airspace since a stray Ukrainian missile struck a southern Polish village in 2022, killing two people, a few months into Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine Meloni repeats Italy will not deploy troops to Ukraine Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated to allies on Thursday that Italy will not send troops to Ukraine, but it could help monitor any potential peace deal, her office said. Ms Meloni took part in a summit of Ukraines coalition of the willing allies by video, reiterating Italys unwillingness to send troops to Ukraine ... Meloni confirmed her openness to supporting a potential ceasefire with monitoring and training initiatives outside Ukraines borders, it said. Macron: Germany, Italy and Poland among reassurance force Germany, Italy and Poland are among the 26 countries that have pledged to deploy troops as a reassurance force for Ukraine once fighting ends in the conflict with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Macron said those countries have defined support either for the regeneration of the Ukrainian army or for security on its soil, in its airspace and at sea. We each have our own methods of intervention, some deploying troops on the ground, others remaining in NATO member countries and making their bases available. I am not going to detail the contributions, but all the countries you mentioned are important contributors to these security guarantees, have made their contribution and have been extremely proactive in our discussions. Mr Macron was speaking after a meeting of western nations which are supporting Ukraine and planning for a potential peacekeeping mission. Emmanuel Macron gestures towards the entrance of the Elysee presidential Palace following the Coalition of the Willing Summit - LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images Key moments from the press conference The press conference between Frances Emmanuel Macron and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky has now ended. This is what they said: Emmanuel Macron said that 26 of Ukraines allies have pledged to deploy troops as a reassurance force for Ukraine once fighting ends in the conflict with Russia. Speaking after a meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing in Paris, Mr Macron said the countries had committed to deploying troops in Ukraine or to maintaining a presence on land, at sea, or in the air to help guarantee the countrys security the day after a ceasefire or peace is achieved. He insisted that the US have been very clear about their participation in security guarantees. Mr Macron said: The United States has been very clear [...]: they want to be part of the security guarantees. I will not give details of the reassurance forces so as not to reveal our hand. This is our line of defence and that of Ukraine. We are not going to show our plan to Mr Putins Russia. Our chiefs of staff have it and they are ready. This is the case for all 26 contributing countries. Speaking after Mr Macron, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv and its allies have an understanding of a general framework for security guarantees, and that documents were being prepared in each of the countries that have agreed to contribute. He added that a strong Ukrainian army would be central to any such commitments and urged European defence firms to boost their work to full capacity. Zelensky spoke with Trump about putting pressure on Russia President Zelensky said he discussed putting pressure on Russia in his call with Donald Trump earlier today. Leaders now taking questions The two presidents have finished speaking and are now taking questions from reporters. Zelensky: Everyone agrees Russia is rejecting peace President Volodymyr Zelensky said of the meeting earlier today that everyone agrees Russia is rejecting any peace initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that a strong Ukrainian army is central to any security guarantees and that European weapons production lines should work at full capacity. Speaking alongside his French counterpart, Mr Zelenksy added that documents are being prepared by each country on their contribution to security guarantees. As part of those guarantees, leaders discussed the need to strengthen Ukraines air defences. Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron held a press conference following a coalition of the willing meeting - LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/EPA/Shutterstock President Zelensky now speaking The Ukrainian president has now taken over from Mr Macron at the press conference in Paris. Macron: New sanctions for Russia if it continues to reject peace talks If Russia continues to reject peace talks, there will be new sanctions in coordination with us, said Mr Macron He also said that US support for Ukraines security guarantees will be finalised the in coming days. Macron: 26 countries committed to reassurance force French President Emmanuel Macron said 26 countries are committed to taking part in a reassurance force in Ukraine, either a land, sea or air role. Press conference has started Presidents Macron and Zelensky have taken their positions at the lectures and the conference has started. Putin gearing up for fresh assault on Ukraine While we wait for Presidents Macron and Zelensky to speak, here is a story from earlier today by our reporter Jorg Luyken on Vladimir Putins preparations for a fresh assault on Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky is to meet with European allies in Paris on Thursday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine as fears grow that Russia could be preparing a new offensive. French and German officials discussed the build-up of Russian troops around the town at a joint meeting in Toulon last week. Mr Zelensky has warned that the Kremlin has gathered 100,000 soldiers on the eastern side of the front in preparation for an assault on Pokrovsk, which it has tried unsuccessfully to encircle for the past year. To read the full story click here Press conference due to start soon We are expecting a press conference to start soon. It was due to begin at 2pm but appears to be running late. Can Europe support Ukraine alone? French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who lead the coalition of the willing, have insisted that any European reassurance force in Ukraine needs the backing of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Macron said ahead of Thursdays meeting that preparatory work on the security guarantees had been done and should now be approved at political level. He did not provide details. We Europeans are ready to provide security guarantees to Ukraine and the Ukrainians on the day peace is signed, Mr Macron said. Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian presidents chief of staff, said on Thursday after meeting US special envoy Steve Witkoff and other national security advisors that the security guarantees must be strong and effectivein the air, at sea, on land, and in cyberspace. European leaders spoke to Trump via video European leaders spoke to US President Donald Trump by video conference after convening for the meeting in Paris to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, the French presidency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leaders of the so-called coalition of the willing and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky got together earlier Thursday to finalise security guarantees for Kyiv. Separately, Mr Zelensky held talks with Mr Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff. Putin cant be trusted, warns Starmer Sir Keir Starmer told other leaders at the meeting on Ukraine that Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted to agree on peace. That was further underlined by the indiscriminate attacks in Kyiv last week, causing significant damage to the British Council and EU delegation buildings, he said at the Paris summit, according to a government readout. The UK Prime Minister, who dialled into the summit remotely, also emphasised that the alliance had an unbreakable pledge to Ukraine, with president Trumps backing. We now need to go even further to apply pressure on Putin to secure a cessation of hostilities. Keir Starmer doubted Putins commitment to peace talks in his talk with partners - Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street Strengthening Ukraine is better than sending in our troops, says German defence minister Germanys defence minister, Boris Pistorius, has underlined Berlins priorities of strengthening the Ukraine army rather than sending its own troops. All (involved) nations agree that the top priority is to strengthen the Ukrainian armed forces beyond the end of the war. Strengthening the Ukrainian defence industry is a top priority, he has told a local broadcaster. Trump issues vague threat to Putin ahead of Paris summit Donald Trump warned Vladimir Putin that he will see things happen if he makes a decision on the Ukraine war that the US is unhappy with. I have no message to president Putin. He knows where I stand, and hell make a decision one way or the other, Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday. Whatever his decision is, well either be happy about it or unhappy. And if were unhappy about it, youll see things happen. Macron reaffirms Europes support for Ukraine Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed Europes commitment to supporting Ukraine, as Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Paris for todays security guarantees summit. We are readywe, the Europeansto offer the security guarantees to Ukraine and Ukrainians the day that a peace [deal] is signed, the French president said on Wednesday evening, speaking alongside the Ukrainian president. Mr Macron said the guarantees details were extremely confidential but the preparation was completed. Mr Zelensky said he was confident Kyivs allies would help increase pressure on Russia to move towards a diplomatic solution. He added that Russia was showing no signs that it wanted to end the war. Kyiv and Moscow not ready yet for peace, says Trump Donald Trump said he remains committed to pursuing a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Something is going to happen, but they are not ready yet. But something is going to happen, the US president told CBS News on Wednesday. We are going to get it done. He added: Frankly, the Russia one, I thought, would have been on the easier side of the ones Ive stopped, but it seems to be something thats a little bit more difficult than some of the others. Meeting timings - Trump to join call Donald Trump will call into the meeting at about 1pm. But diplomats said moments before the meeting, which began at 9am, that they did not expect a big breakthrough. Were it expected Sir Keir Starmer would want to be present, rather than dialling in from Scotland to Paris as he is today. Emmanuel Macron is expected to hold a press conference at about 2pm, but this is expected to be more about sending a message to the US, as well as an answer to the anti-Western summit held in China and attended by Putin this week. European leaders gather for the Coalition of the Willing summit at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris - LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/EPA/Shutterstock What to expect today b' ' This meeting of the coalition of the willing has several goals; not least proving to the Americans that Europe is doing its homework on security guarantees for Ukraine. The hope is to get political buy-in for measures in three areas for a peace deal. The first is to secure commitments for increased support for the Ukrainian army. The second could be a declaration similar to Natos Article 5, committing allies to intervene if Russia attacks Ukraine again. Kyiv wants this to be as legally binding as possible. The third is a reassurance force of troops in Ukraine behind the frontlines, perhaps in Kyiv or Odessa, which would mainly be French and British. Some diplomats suggested strong enough language today could help strengthen Volodymyr Zelenskys hand if and when negotiations with Russia begin. The Ukrainian president is at the meeting and will be asked to support the measures, even though the Europeans are far from being able to muster the up to 20,000 soldiers he would like at this stage. However, nothing is going to happen without the US agreeing to be the ultimate back-up, albeit at a distance and final resort, to these security guarantees. 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. French President Emmanuel Macron has said Washington's contribution to the Coalition of the Willing military allies supporting Ukraine will be determined in the coming weeks, adding that this has been agreed upon with US President Donald Trump. Source: Macron at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris, as reported by European Pravda Details: "We'll clearly define America's contribution to this coalition in the coming weeks," Macron said, noting that the Americans have participated in all stages of the process of working on security guarantees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything has been clarified at today's coalition meeting: the contributions from European countries, Asia-Pacific nations and Canada. "We've defined the first commitments, the secondary commitments, in order to end the war. All of this has been agreed upon today with President Trump," he stressed. Background: Macron has announced that 35 leaders of the Coalition of the Willing are ready to make a political commitment to provide Ukraine with security guarantees, while 26 countries have said they are willing to send troops or supply specific assets to support the security forces. Representatives from more than 30 countries in Europe and other parts of the world have attended the coalition meeting. Six EU leaders, the European Union leadership and Zelenskyy were present in person, while the rest joined via video link. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! One of the underappreciated political developments of the year is the release of dissent letters: joint statements signed by government officials eager to express outrage at the radicalism and abuses theyve seen behind the scenes at a growing number of federal departments and agencies. To date, these dissent letters have been issued by employees at agencies that include the National Institutes of Health, NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Science Foundation and FEMA. The newest installment, however, is arguably the most dramatic. USA Today reported: A group of more than 1,000 current and former Department of Health and Human Services employees released a letter on Sept. 3 demanding Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s resignation. ... The letter, which is addressed to Kennedy and members of Congress, argues the secretary continues to endanger the nations health. The effort was an escalation of sorts. Two weeks earlier, several hundred HHS staffers urged the conspiratorially-minded health secretary to start prioritizing federal health workers safety and curtail his habit of spreading inaccurate health information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after, Kennedy helped to orchestrate the firing of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez, which further destabilized the agency and raised unprecedented questions about whether the CDC would survive Kennedys tenure and Donald Trumps second term. And so, current and former HHS officials have kicked things up a notch and are demanding Kennedys resignation. We swore an oath to support and defend the United States Constitution and to serve the American people, the signatories wrote. Our oath requires us to speak out when the Constitution is violated and the American people are put at risk. Thus, we warn the President, Congress, and the Public that Secretary Kennedys actions are compromising the health of this nation, and we demand Secretary Kennedys resignation. Should he decline to resign, we call upon the President and U.S. Congress to appoint a new Secretary of Health and Human Services, one whose qualifications and experience ensure that health policy is informed by independent and unbiased peer-reviewed science. We expect those in leadership to act when the health of Americans is at stake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of this writing, 1,040 HHS officials, whose names were provided to Congress, have signed the joint statement a display without modern precedent for a sizable contingent of federal civil servants. The HHS officials join a growing number of Senate Democrats who are calling on the beleaguered, anti-vaccine secretary to step down from his position (that he never shouldve been confirmed to in the first place). As for whether these calls are likely to have their intended effect, its difficult to be optimistic. Kennedys fate appears to be in Trumps hands, and by all appearances, the president hasnt soured on the secretary at least not yet. Indeed, just last week, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller described RFK Jr. as one of the worlds foremost experts on public health. (Im not sure how Miller managed to deliver the line with a straight face, but he did.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller soon after added that Kennedy has been a crown jewel of this administration. The comments were, of course, utterly bonkers, although they are also evidence that the White House doesnt appear especially eager to show the hapless health secretary the door. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com During his relatively brief tenure as a political figure, Rep. Ronny Jackson has found himself at the center of multiple controversies. The Texas Republican was, for example, a White House physician who made bizarre public comments about Donald Trumps health, which in turn made him the subject of ridicule. Soon after in the presidents first term, Trump announced that he wanted Jackson to join his Cabinet as secretary of Veterans Affairs, despite an obvious lack of qualifications. That didnt go too well, either: Amid reports about Jacksons alleged pattern of substance abuse, harassing women and creating a toxic work environment (all of which Jackson denied), the nominee faced bipartisan opposition. The White House pulled his nomination soon after. Two years later, Jackson was elected to Congress, but the revelations continued. In 2021, the Pentagons inspector generals office concluded that Jackson had engaged in inappropriate conduct while serving as Trumps doctor, adding that the Republican drank alcohol, made sexual comments to subordinates, and took the sedative Ambien while working as White House physician. The Defense Departments internal watchdog also found that Jackson mistreated subordinates and disparaged, belittled, bullied and humiliated them. (Jackson again denied any wrongdoing.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A year later, the Navy demoted Jackson from admiral to captain as a consequence of his misconduct. Its against this backdrop that The Associated Press reported: Rep. Ronny Jackson announced that the Navy has restored his retired rank of rear admiral, overturning a 2022 demotion that followed a scathing investigation that found major issues with his behavior while he was the top White House physician. The Texas Republican on Wednesday posted a June 13 letter from Navy Secretary John Phelan saying he had reinstated Jackson to the retired rank of a one-star admiral following a review of all applicable reports and references. A Navy spokesperson confirmed in a written statement to The Associated Press that the military branch did, in fact, reverse the punishment it had imposed three years earlier. Is it possible that the Navy, for entirely benign reasons, decided to revisit Jacksons case, to reassess the evidence and findings, and concluded that hed been treated unfairly? Sure, I suppose thats possible. But given everything we know about Trump, his administration, his efforts to politicize the military and his eagerness to reward political allies especially those caught up in damaging controversies its difficult to discount that this recent development for Jackson appears to be overtly political and unrelated to merit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or as the APs report added, The decision to restore Jacksons rank comes as the Pentagon has become increasingly transparent in offering benefits and consideration to those it sees as personally loyal supporters of President Donald Trump, while those who are seen as unsupportive of Trump have been pushed out of senior roles across the military. The conventional wisdom suggests the president and his operation want to tear down the federal bureaucracy, but thats not quite right. Its more accurate to say they want to reshape the federal bureaucracy into a political tool, to be used for their own benefit. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com When retired Gen. H.R. McMaster served as Donald Trumps national security adviser during the presidents first term, he didnt exactly enjoy White House meetings. McMaster wrote in his memoir that Trump would routinely become distracted and blurt out outlandish ideas during discussions, including one especially memorable instance in which the president wanted to know, Why dont we just bomb the drugs before they enter the United States? That anecdote came to mind this week. The Associated Press reported: President Donald Trump said Tuesday the U.S. has carried out a strike in the southern Caribbean against a drug-carrying vessel that departed from Venezuela and was operated by the Tren de Aragua gang. The president said in a social media posting that 11 people were killed in the rare U.S. military operation in the Americas, a dramatic escalation in the Republican administrations effort to stem the flow of narcotics from Latin America. In his online missive (which included 11 exclamation points), the Republican said the people in the boat were terrorists and included a short, black-and-white video of what appeared to be a speedboat on fire after a bright flash of light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the political goal was to generate some Trump orders strike that kills bad guys headlines, that objective was briefly met earlier this week, but it wasnt long before the administration confronted some awkward questions that still havent been fully answered. Were the 11 people on the boat actually members of the Tren de Aragua gang? The president claimed they were, but then again, the president claims lots of things that have no basis in reality, and its not yet clear whether there mightve been innocent people on board. Were there actual drugs on the boat? Trump insisted there were, but theres no publicly available evidence to support the claim. And even if there were drugs on board, U.S. officials couldve intercepted the boat, seized its cargo, arrested those on board (or at least offered them an opportunity to surrender) and put them on trial without blowing anyone up. But just as notable is an overarching question: Was it legal for the Trump administration to use lethal force against a civilian boat in international waters? The New York Times published a report on this with a sentence that stood out: Pentagon officials were still working Wednesday on what legal authority they would tell the public was used to back up the extraordinary strike in international waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youve heard the expression shoot first and ask questions later? This appears to be a rare literal example of the phenomenon. When JD Vance was asked about the administrations legal authority in this instance, his answer suggested the vice president a Yale Law School graduate was confused by what the phrase legal authority means. Around the same time, Ryan Goodman, an NYU law professor and former special counsel at the Pentagon, wrote via Bluesky, I literally cannot imagine lawyers coming up with a legal basis for lethal strike of suspected Venezuelan drug boat. Hard to see how this would not be murder or a war crime under international law that DoD considers applicable. Looking ahead, there are a handful of angles to this story that are worth keeping in mind. The first is that theres no reason to assume the questions will simply go away. Second, if Trump is still campaigning for a Nobel Peace Prize, he might want to start lowering his expectations, since the committee tends to frown on extrajudicial killings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Third, Americans who voted for Trump hoping for a restrained foreign policy and a reluctance to use military force now have fresh reason to question their decision. And finally, the administration is already warning other would-be drug traffickers that they might also be blown up, suggesting this weeks developments were the first step in a larger offensive, not the last. Watch this space. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com For years, Donald Trump has described a scenario thats automatic: The president tells GOP primary voters who to vote for, and they obey his directions. Its a particular point of pride for the Republican, one he emphasized during his latest radio interview on The Scott Jennings Show. He boasted: I do bring a unity to the Republican Party. Do you know, almost every single person Ive endorsed has won? I cant think of anyone who hasnt. If I endorse a person, they win. ... With the Republican Party, its like, 399-0. Think of that. It would certainly be impressive if that were true. But its not even close to being true. Trump might not be cable to think of anyone in GOP politics who fell short after receiving his endorsement, but as it happens, I can give him a hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, while the president has long padded his win-loss record with support for GOP incumbents who have faced little to no opposition, creating an exaggerated picture, plenty of Trump-backed candidates have fallen short in recent years, including in the 2024 cycle. Around this time last year, for example, he backed a candidate in the Republicans U.S. Senate primary in New Jersey. She lost. Soon after, despite the former presidents confidence in the potency of his support, his choice in Indianas lieutenant governors race also flopped. Soon after, Trump-backed candidates also lost in Utahs U.S. Senate primary, as well as GOP congressional primaries in Colorado and South Carolina. That was just last year. Plenty of other Republicans lost their primary races after receiving Trumps endorsement in previous years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not to say that Trumps endorsement is irrelevant. Theres ample evidence to the contrary. But to hear the president tell it, the power of his endorsement is supposed to be indeed, it must be the stuff of legend. In 2021, for example, he commented on the Republicans who beg for in-person meetings, where they plead for his electoral support, marveling at his self-professed power. We have had so many, and so many are coming in, Trump said. Its been pretty amazing. You see the numbers. They need the endorsement. I dont say this in a braggadocious way, but if they dont get the endorsement, they dont win. Except, as weve seen many times, thats not true which should send a message to Republicans everywhere about the need or lack thereof to kiss his ring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GOP officials and candidates are supposed to tremble in fear at the very idea of losing favor with him because his all-powerful endorsement is the key to unlocking electoral success. Its the kind of thinking that keeps congressional Republicans in line, too afraid of what hed to their careers if they dare to defy him. But what the party needs to understand is that the myth isnt true, no matter how many times he pretends otherwise. The more GOP officials and candidates acknowledge that reality, the less theyll feel the need to sacrifice their dignity to satisfy Trumps whims. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com MADISON Despite reports of abuse involving a priest in the Madison Diocese, officials were planning to allow him to escort a group of teens to Rome next year, according to the diocese's social media. Andrew J. Showers' arrest in Clintonville last month on suspicion of child sex crimes came after the diocese had already received complaints about his behavior, including a report of an assault of a young woman in Chicago last year. At a Sept. 4 media conference, Patricia Moriarty said Showers approached her and her friends at a social event, introduced himself as a priest, then groped her underneath her clothes before sharing his business card with her. Patricia Moriarty, left, speaks about an assault at the hands of Fr. Andrew Showers last year in Chicago. She is comforted by advocate Sarah Pearson, right. Moriarty's father, John Moriarty, said he called the diocese at least five times reporting the abuse, but was unable to speak directly with Bishop Donald Hying. John Moriarty did reach someone at the diocese and reported the abuse, he said. The family reported the incident to the Chicago Police, who conducted an investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patricia Moriarty said she wanted to share her story after hearing of Showers' arrest to hold the diocese accountable and show others they knew the priest had assaulted others before. "I made the decision to share my story in hopes that others will feel empowered and encouraged to speak their truth as well," she said. "In my experience, this decision was far from easy. It meant revisiting an experience that left me feeling powerless, that I knew staying silent would only protect those who are selfish and wrong." Prosecutors charged Showers Aug. 27 with attempted second-degree sexual assault of a child, attempted child enticement and attempted use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime. The criminal complaint against Showers, 37, says he sent sexually explicit online messages and traveled to Waupaca County to meet someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl to have sex with her, unaware he was actually corresponding with a Clintonville police officer. The Diocese of Madison said it learned of the arrest Aug. 25 and restricted Showers from ministry while the investigation is ongoing. The diocese initially said it had not previously received allegations of misconduct connected to Showers, who was ordained in 2017, but later acknowledged that Showers had been the subject of a previous complaint dating to 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Showers was set to lead a group of teens on a trip to Italy next March. A screenshot of an Aug. 7 post from the Madison Diocese, advertising a group trip to Italy led by Fr. Andrew Showers. According to a now-deleted Facebook post from Aug. 7, Showers was set to lead a small group on the trip to Rome and Siena. "The pilgrimage is geared towards young adults in the Madison Diocese and will be led by Fr. Andrew Showers," the post said. "They are working to keep the pilgrimage group small (13 people total) to create a strong communal essence to the trip." As of Sept. 4, the post had been removed from the Facebook page. The diocese did not respond to questions about Patricia Moriarty's report or the group trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Madison Diocese brother charged with sexual abuse of minor Former accusations found by the Madison Diocese during investigation In an Aug. 27 letter to members of the diocese, Hying disclosed that a parent expressed concern about questions Showers asked of a male middle school child during Confession in 2021. An incident report filed with the Lodi Police Department shows that a father reported Showers for asking inappropriate questions of his son at St. Patrick Church in Lodi. The father said the priest asked about masturbation and pornography, and that his son was uncomfortable and reported it immediately after leaving church. Church and diocese officials told the father that priests will ask questions about "sins that are natural for that age group," and said that is what Showers had done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lodi police did not deem the incident a criminal act, but as a "question of appropriateness." Peter Isely, a founder of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said at the Sept. 4 news conference that any report of inappropriate behavior in the confessional should have triggered at least a suspension for Showers. "What has gone on with this case? Why was he able to get away with this behavior for so long?" Isely said. Isely said that Nate's Mission, an advocacy group founded in honor of Nate Lindstrom, will file a complaint against Hying with the Vatican, alleging that he failed to protect parishioners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Bishop Hying needs to be held accountable and investigated," Isely said. "It's a very serious crime he committed under church law and if found guilty, he should be removed from being the bishop." Showers posted bail and was released from jail on Aug. 28. He is due back in Waupaca County Court on Sept. 30 for an initial appearance. Showers had the following assignments, according to the diocese: Director of the diocesan office of worship, 2024 to present. Parochial vicar for a grouping known as Pastorate 22 or Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, which collectively includes two churches, St. Raphael and Good Shepherd, and one school, St. James, all in Madison, 2023 to present. Priest in residence at All Saints in Berlin and Our Lady of the Lake in Green Lake, 2022 to 2023. Provided Spanish Mass assistance at St. John the Baptist in Waunakee, 2022. Pastor of St. Stephen in Clinton, 2020 to 2022. Parochial vicar for St. Paul's Catholic Student Center, which serves UW-Madison students, 2018 to 2020. Parochial vicar of St. Cecilia in Wisconsin Dells, summer of 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Diocese of Madison said allegations of sexual misconduct should always be brought to law enforcement, and allegations involving priests, deacons or other church personnel should also be reported to the diocese's sexual misconduct question and reporting line, at 608-821-3162, regardless of when they are said to have occurred. The Madison Diocese concluded an investigation into clergy abuse in 2019, and released the names of seven men. Since then, the names of three additional men have been added to the list after accusations or charges were brought forward. In addition to diocesan reviews of credibly accused abusers, the Department of Justice is investigating accusations of abuse by faith leaders or clergy. If you have information about abuse that happened to you or another person, the DOJ can be contacted at 877-222-2620 or by using the online reporting tool at supportsurvivors.widoj.gov. Both options provide the ability to file an anonymous tip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department is still accepting reports, and said survivors have control of what happens after their report is received. Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on X @SchulteLaura. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Madison priest was set to escort teens to Rome despite abuse reports Mail heading to prison inmates in Illinois may soon go through tighter security. The Chicago Tribune reports Illinois Department of Corrections is enforcing stricter rules as response to harmful chemicals coming into prisons through the mail. Facilities like FCI Thomson experienced incidents where staff were sent to the hospital after handling mail. Mail can now be scanned and digitized for inmates. The head of the department will also have the power to exclude some incoming mail from the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. PORTLAND, Maine Top Democrats are holding their breath and waiting for Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) to potentially enter the race against Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) next year, but voters in the state say its time for a new generation of candidates to represent them in Washington as younger contenders have begun piling into the race. Tim Bailey, 67, a retired Marine from Yarmouth, said he liked Mills, who would be 79 years old if she is successful in ousting the five-term GOP incumbent, who is 72. But ultimately, he felt it was time for Mills to step aside. I mean, shes a brilliant woman. I like her. Im not being derogatory, Bailey told HuffPost at a rally for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in Portland on Monday. But she served Maine. She served. Shes a very intelligent woman. She was attorney general. Its just time for us to get out of the way, let younger kids, you know, get in the trenches and take their turn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were out of touch. D.C. is way out of touch Democrats, I mean, he added. The last election that was horrible. And Im a Joe Biden fan, you know? President Obama asked him to step aside. That broke my heart. Weve lost because of what [Democrats] wanted us to do, not because of what the American people want. Marlene Daigle, 79, a retired nurse from Buxton, agreed. Related: Sen. Michael Bennet Launches Run For Colorado Governor I liked her as governor, but I dont think she should run for the Senate, Daigle said of Mills. Because I think that if she does, then well lose, and well end up with Susan Collins again. Theres too many people in the state, no matter what your ... affiliation is, that dont like her anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mills told reporters last week she is seriously considering entering the race but that she isnt in any rush to announce her plans. She suggested shell make a decision by November. Several younger Democrats arent waiting on the governor to do so, however, potentially setting up a competitive and high-stakes primary. Oyster farmer and U.S. Marine veteran Graham Platner made a splashy entrance into the race recently with a buzzy announcement video, raising over a million dollars. Hes running on a progressive platform and rallied on Labor Day alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who has endorsed his campaign. There is a specific political narrative based around age and how old much of our political leadership is in this country, Platner said in an interview. And it, to me, it seems like if we want to really motivate voters to come out and want them to get involved and build a more robust vision of the future, its going to be easier to do that with younger candidates. On Wednesday, Dan Kleban, another political newcomer, also announced his candidacy for the job. The Maine Beer Company co-founder said his campaign to oust Collins would center on livable wages, affordable health care, and bringing down costs. He was endorsed immediately by Maine Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D), who will serve as his campaign co-chair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Collins is not doing whats right for the state of Maine, and hardworking Mainers are literally paying the price housing, health care, groceries and electric bills are all too high and getting worse, Kleban said in a video his campaign posted online. He joins Jordan Wood, who was chief of staff to former California Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, who announced his campaign earlier this year. National Democrats are still holding off from making an endorsement in the race, but they feel good about their chances of ousting Collins, who has seen her polling numbers plummet in the first six months of Trumps term. Im optimistic well have a very good candidate in Maine. As you know, Senator Collins numbers are among the lowest in a long time, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), who chairs the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, told HuffPost on Wednesday. Related: Nancy Mace Was Seen Crying After Meeting Epstein Victims. Her Explanation Has 1 Big Flaw. Democrats are facing a wave of younger candidates challenging establishment figures within the party. Some older Democratic lawmakers are also making way for the new generation. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), the 78-year-old former House Judiciary chair who spent 32 years in Congress, this week announced he would not be seeking reelection. And 83-year-old Illinois Rep. Danny Davis said in July after making clear his intention to retire that this would be a great time to try and usher in new leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the race for control of the Senate, however, Democrats have somewhat bucked that trend. Democratic leaders have recruited 72-year-old former Sen. Sherrod Brown to make a comeback bid against Sen. Jon Husted in Ohio, as well as 68-year-old former Gov. Roy Cooper to run for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R) in North Carolina. Mills jumping into the race would continue that trend despite calls from Democratic voters for fresh blood. 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. Related... Read the original on HuffPost HOUSTON COUNTY, Texas (KETK) Two minors are dead and two adults have been hospitalized after a Wednesday evening crash on State Highway 7 in southeast Texas. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), at around 5:30 p.m., the driver of a Lexus, was traveling on S.H. 7 near Crockett and Kennard with two minors in the vehicle: a 5-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy. Fire in Lindale leaves house damaged, kills two pets Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While continuing to drive near FM 232, she was struck by a Ford F-350 heading west on S.H. 7, who DPS said, crossed the center line and struck the Lexus driver head-on. Following the crash, both of the children inside the Lexus vehicle were pronounced dead on the scene, DPS said. The driver of the Lexus was transported to a local hospital by helicopter, and the Ford driver was also taken to the hospital. Their current conditions remain unknown. 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. More than half of Poles now oppose their country supporting Ukraine's bid to join NATO, according to a survey by Polish media outlet Rzeczpospolita published on Sept. 4. The results come as Kyiv seeks NATO and EU membership for security guarantees against further Russian aggression in case of a ceasefire or a peace deal. In the late August poll of 1,069 respondents, 52.7% opposed Warsaw backing Ukraine's NATO membership, while 33.5% favored it and 13.8% were undecided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support was strongest among backers of Poland's ruling parties, with 59% in favor. Opposition was concentrated among voters of the nationalist Law and Justice party and the far-right Confederation, where 74% opposed support for Kyiv's accession. Skepticism was high among rural residents, people over 50, those without higher education, and respondents with poor financial situations. In those groups, opposition ranged from 62% to 91%. A similar survey conducted in August 2023 showed less resistance, with 47.7% opposing immediate Ukrainian NATO membership and 40% approving. The shift reflects Poland's increasingly strained relations with Kyiv, fueled by disputes over agriculture, refugees, and funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite providing 4.5 billion euros ($5.2 billion) in military aid since 2022 and hosting the Rzeszow-Jasionka hub for Western weapons deliveries, Warsaw has recently cooled its once-leading role. New Polish President Karol Nawrocki has adopted a harder line on Kyiv, vetoing legislation extending financial aid for Ukrainians in Poland. Almost 1 million Ukrainians remain in the country, second-largest population in Europe after Germany. Historical grievances between the two nations have resurfaced amid these disputes, and Polish officials have also threatened to block Ukraine's path to the EU. Read also: Behind Ukraines manpower crisis lies a bleak new battlefield reality for infantry Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Danial Azhar KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -Malaysia has urged the video-sharing platform TikTok to implement age verification for users after summoning the firm's top management to demand faster action to curb harmful content. The effect of social media on children's mental health is a growing global concern; Australia last year banned children under 16 from using them. Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said he was "very dissatisfied" with TikTok's efforts to curb harmful content on its platform, but that it would be allowed to work with authorities to resolve the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There needs to be a mechanism for age verification ... we leave it to TikTok as well as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the police to study this," he told reporters after meeting TikTok representatives at police headquarters. TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Fahmi said authorities would also summon representatives of X and Meta Platforms, the parent company of social media and messaging platforms Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, for similar discussions. Malaysia has stepped up scrutiny of social media companies after finding a sharp rise in harmful online content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since January, a new law has required platforms and messaging services with more than 8 million users in Malaysia to obtain a licence. Fahmi said authorities would not hesitate to penalise companies if necessary. Malaysia's definition of harmful content includes online gambling, scams, child pornography and grooming, cyberbullying and content related to race, religion and royalty. Britain has since July required pornography sites and other platforms hosting harmful content to verify users' ages to prevent children from accessing them. France, Spain, Italy, Denmark and Greece are jointly testing a template for an age verification app. (Reporting by Danial Azhar; Editing by Kevin Liffey) NEW YORK (AP) An 18-year-old man was arrested Thursday on federal charges alleging that he fired a machine gun on a New York City street, causing the stray-bullet death of a woman. Faisil McCants was expected to appear before a magistrate judge Friday. Federal Defenders of New York did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a statement that McCants and two accomplices stole backpacks containing marijuana from a drug dealer on Aug. 27 in the middle of the day. Then McCants allegedly pulled the weapon from his sweatshirt and shot at the man who had been robbed, killing the bystander. Police identified her as Robin Wright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The death of that wholly innocent bystander, a 69-year-old woman who was merely standing with her walker on the sidewalk in East Harlem, is as tragic as it is senseless, Clayton said. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the victim was a grandmother and beloved member of the community. McCants was charged with robbery and possession and use of a machine gun. The weapons charge carries a potential mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison and a maximum of life. The NYPD and Homeland Security Investigations teamed up on the investigation. The man accused of killing two Israeli Embassy staffers outside a Jewish museum in Washington earlier this year has pleaded not guilty to an array of criminal charges. Elias Rodriguez, 31, faces nine counts, including murder of a foreign official and carrying out a hate crime resulting in death. Federal prosecutors say he gunned down Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, a young couple who worked for the embassy, in May following an event at the Capital Jewish Museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez allegedly then returned to the museum to identify himself as the shooter and was apprehended, saying I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza. He requested a jury trial through his public defender, Elizabeth Mullin, on Thursday at his arraignment, where he appeared engaged and nodded along as the judge addressed his counsel and government lawyers. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss, an appointee of former President Obama, acknowledged the serious nature of the charges against Rodriguez and designated the case as complex at the governments request, over no objection from the defense. The judge also emphasized that Rodriguezs counsel would need time to undertake the investigative work necessary in a possible death penalty case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment against Rodriguez includes a notice of special findings outlining aggravating factors that could make him eligible for execution, if convicted. Prosecutors have not said whether they intend to pursue capital punishment. But on his first day back in the White House, President Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. attorney general to seek the death penalty for all crimes of severity demanding its use. Attorney General Pam Bondi has said DOJ will secure the most severe possible punishment for Rodriguez. The couples killing roiled the nations capital and sparked outrage worldwide, as U.S. and global leaders rebuked the act as a showing of antisemitism. Rodriguez expressed support for violence against Israel online as early as January 2024, according to his indictment. Prosecutors also say he wrote a manifesto explaining that those he deemed perpetrators and abettors of Israels war in Gaza had forfeited their humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack has been painted as calculated by prosecutors, who allege Rodriguez flew to from Chicago to the D.C. area with a handgun in his checked luggage the day before the Capital Jewish Museum event. DOJ lawyer Christopher Tortorice said Thursday that the government has already produced quite a bit of discovery to the defense but theres still more to turn over. Moss ordered the parties to submit a joint status report by Dec. 5, spelling out the next steps in the case. This story was updated at 11:09 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 The Hill. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 44-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 3, for disregarding the courts child support orders, according to the news release by the El Paso County Constables Office for Precinct 3. Julio Cesar Rodriguez, 44, was arrested on an active warrant for criminal non-support issued back in June 2020 for failing to appear at a court hearing, disregarding the courts child support orders. On Wednesday, a sergeant with the Constables Office received information of an active warrant for Rodriguez, who was observed entering a vehicle on the 3600 block of Almond Beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A traffic stop was conducted, and Rodriguez was taken into custody and booked into the county jail with no bond, according to the Constables Office. Constable Hector Bernal said that these types of warrants are often overlooked by law enforcement agencies. He would like to remind the community that his deputies will be vigilantly executing these types of warrants, looking for offenders, according to the news release. Tips may be submitted to (915) 273-3590 (Constable Office for Precinct 3) or through Crime Stoppers at (915) 566-8477. 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 KTSM 9 News. NOLENSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A man who was released from jail in North Carolina was picked up again, hundreds of miles away, following a traffic stop in Middle Tennessee. The Nolensville Police Department caught an SUV speeding along Nolensville Road during the early morning hours of Aug. 18. Officers pulled over the driver later identified as 40-year-old Nicholas James Clement and discovered his license was suspended. Authorities said the mans story about to what he was doing didnt add up. At one point, Clement reportedly claimed to be working for a food delivery service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers looked in the backseat, they saw two large glass jars of a green leafy substance, later confirmed to be marijuana. Naked man found breaking into cars in downtown Nashville: MNPD You have something in the back that looks like marijuana, an officer commented, causing Clement to look behind him, in a mason jar. The driver said something to the officer, but it was unintelligible in the body camera footage. I mean, I can see it, the officer continued. Its like right there. The officer informed Clement that because she could see what looked like marijuana, she had probable cause to search the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As soon as Clement got out of the car, officers placed him in custody. Williamson County man files lawsuit against Jay Cutler for 2024 crash in Franklin A search of the vehicle yielded drugs, including the marijuana in the mason jars, as well as a powdery substance that Clement reportedly said was ecstasy. Officers also found numerous pills, pipes, and vials of synthetic urine. This is something weve heard of for a long time, and its not uncommon for a drug user to carry synthetic urine so that they can bypass drug tests, NPD Sgt. Christina Sabol explained. News 2 has looked into into Clements record. According to court documents, the Asheville Police Department in North Carolina arrested Clement in February on multiple driving and drug charges, including possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and deliver within 1,000 feet of a park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Carolina authorities confirmed Clement was in Nolensville after bonding out of jail in the Tar Heel State on those drug charges. There was also a female passenger in the car during the Nolensville traffic stop. Officials said she was arrested for public intoxication. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com There are a lot of inconsistencies in their story. There were statements that they were here DoorDashing, they were here the driver was here picking up a girlfriend and then driving all the way back to North Carolina, Sabol told News 2. We definitely suspected that there was distribution going on based on the baggies; the amount of drugs in the vehicle; and, of course, the inconsistent statements. Just the totality of the circumstances indicated that there was some bad play at hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clement is being held in the Williamson County Jail, charged with driving on a suspended license, speeding, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a Schedule I controlled substance with intent to sell, and possession of Schedule VI controlled substance with intent to sell. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 46-year-old man was arrested again for allegedly exposing himself to a child at another area store. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Wendell Woodall, of Fountain City, was arrested on a warrant for performing sexual conduct in the presence of a minor and indecent exposure, the Richmond Police Department announced on Wednesday. The arrest stems from a report that he exposed his genitals to a child at the Five Below on E. National Road on Aug. 18. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As News Center 7 previously reported, Woodall was arrested last week for a similar incident at the Meijer on Chester Boulevard that reportedly happened on Aug. 20. Unfortunately, one arrest wasnt the end of this disgusting story. When new allegations surfaced, our detectives went right back to work, gathered the evidence, and brought it forward, Police Chief Kyle Weatherly said in a social media post. Thats how you protect children in this community, by following every lead and holding offenders accountable every single time. This case is now in the hands of the Prosecutors Office and the courts. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The suspect in a fatal February shooting at Union Station was arrested on Wednesday, according to authorities. 23-year-old Faizon Mason, of Northeast, D.C., was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the incident. DC Wards 7, 8 see drop in crime during federal law enforcement surge On Feb. 10, just before 4:40 p.m., officers responded to Union Station on Massachusetts Avenue after Amtrak police heard gunshots near the bus waiting area during rush hour. An 18-year-old was shot and killed at Union Station on Feb. 10, 2025. (Daniel Hamburg/DC News Now) Officers arrived to find 18-year-old Wayne McDaniel, unconscious and not breathing, near the escalators to the parking garage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite attempting lifesaving measures, he died at the scene. On Wednesday, Sept. 3, Mason was taken into custody. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SALEM A Boston-area man was arrested by police Thursday for threatening patrons inside The Mall at Rockingham Park with a knife. A group of teenagers that noticed the man, later identified by police as Peter Alan Mason, 67, of Boston, ran to Spencers to report him to an employee who then contacted mall security, according to police logs. Salem police responded to the mall around 4:30 p.m. to arrest and detain Mason. He was transported to a local area hospital with a minor head injury, where he was treated, released into the custody of the Salem police and held on preventative detention. Mason was charged with criminal threatening, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. GRAFTON, W.Va. (WBOY) A man has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly assaulting a woman over a period of years in Taylor County. On Aug. 11, a female victim reported to Taylor County detachment of the West Virginia State Police about years of domestic abuse which had taken place at a residence on Thayer Street, according to a criminal complaint. Eugene Colebank In one of the incidents, which occurred Jan. 21, Eugene Colebank, 37, of Grafton, was intoxicated and infuriated with the victim and struck her in the face and choked her to the point of unconsciousness, which was corroborated by footage and photos the victim showed troopers, troopers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate incident on March 2, Colebank beat [the victims] head off the floor, grabbed her by the throat, choked her and kicked her in the ribs, as well as punched her multiple times all over her body; Colebank also physically wounded the victim in the genitals, according to the complaint. On other incidents on June 7 and July 5, Colebank once again beat and choked the victim, and at one one the incidents, he allegedly took her phone and snapped it nearly in half in front of her face. Colebank once again caused physical damage to the victims genitals in this incident, troopers said. Man charged with felonies after shooting pellet gun at victims in Preston County On July 13 and into July 14, Colebank spit in [the victims] face profusely and punched her and beat her on various parts of her body, the complaint said. The victim also said that Colebank had taken her phone from her to prevent her from calling 911 and deleted all of her contacts, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colebank has been charged with four counts of malicious assault and three counts of strangulation. He is being held in Tygart Valley Regional Jail. Note: WBOY does not typically report on charges related to domestic violence in order to protect victims identities; however, the victim of this incident has personally requested WBOY to release this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A man has been charged for allegedly shooting at Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers late Tuesday night, officials say. On Sept. 2, shortly after 10:30 p.m., officers responded to a shots-fired call in the 8400 block of North Tryon Street. When officers arrived, they found shell casings and heard additional shots being fired. A witness on the scene described the suspect as officers continued to search the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say they saw the suspect standing in the doorway of a Hampton Inn, and when officers approached, he allegedly pointed a firearm at them and discharged his weapon. According to court records, he fired at least one round at officers. Officers gave verbal commands for him to stand down, to which the suspect dropped the firearm and complied with the officers orders. According to court documents, the suspect, Lance Wade Graham, 36, told officers he was being chased by people who were hanging out with his ex-girlfriend. Multiple other people joined in, and he ran to the hotel for cover because they allegedly started shooting at him. He stated he asked the hotel clerk to call the police and stated he saw two police cars go by and fired at the ground to let them know that it was serious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graham was arrested and charged with three counts of assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer. He was given a $150,000 secured bond. Thankfully, no one was hurt during the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. An Illinois man is charged with felony threats of violence against Minnesotas lieutenant governor in the wake of last weeks mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Aug. 27 after the shooting that killed two students and injured another 21 people. She said her heart went out to those affected and asked people to join her in prayer. A person commented on Flanagans post: You should be genuinely shot and killed, according to the criminal complaint filed Wednesday by the Ramsey County Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flanagan made another post on X thanking police, emergency healthcare workers and clergy. The same account commented: Childrens blood is on your hands and soon it will be coming out of your mouth and (expletive) throat as we beat you, the complaint said. It added that the person also wrote, You should be strung up by the neck A Minnesota State Patrol trooper working at the Capitol district was assigned the case after a Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension criminal intelligence analyst reported their open source aggregation system alerted them to a threatening post. BCA staff identified the X user by an IP address as Caden J. Sluder, 22, of Oglesby, Ill., the complaint said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trooper called a phone number for Sluder on Aug. 27 about his posts. Sluder said it was a joke, according to the complaint. Im not actually gonna (expletive) do anything. Im not crazy. He said he was pissed off and Christians got killed in Minnesota and the Lieutenant Governor was wearing a trans shirt. The 23-year-old shooter at the church died by suicide afterward. The shooters mother had filed a petition for a name change for the suspect from Robert Westman to Robin Westman, noting Robin Westman identified as female, at age 17. Flanagan has been pictured in the past wearing shirts that say, Protect Trans Kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sluder told the trooper he lives far away and had no intention of traveling to Minnesota to commit the crimes, the complaint said, adding that he apologized multiple times. He said he was making a joke, was very frustrated, and expressed his freedom of speech. A warrant has been issued for Sluders arrest. The Pioneer Press could not reach him for comment Wednesday. Related Articles BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The attorneys representing a man who was convicted in the murder case of 2-year-old Nevaeh Allen filed a motion for a new trial in court on Thursday, September 4. Phillip Gardner, 34, was the boyfriend of Neveah Allens mother, Lanaya Cardwell, 28. He was accused of dumping the small childs body in Mississippi after she was punched and died. Gardner was convicted of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in May 2025. He appealed that conviction in July 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court on Thursday, Gardners attorney argued that there is no evidence available indicating Gardner was responsible for Allens injuries. Gardners attorneys also stated that he should not receive a life sentence in prison. The opposing counsel argues that because Gardner did not call for help, he should be convicted of murder. A judge will make a ruling on whether Gardner will be granted a new trial on September 19. Gardners sentencing is scheduled for October 9. 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. LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ind. A man died following a water rescue in Northwest Indiana and bystanders who showed up to the scene were chided by the fire department for impeding efforts. Liberty Township firefighters were dispatched to Long Lake just after 6 p.m. on Monday on the report of a missing man on the lake. The man, later identified as Sean Ryan, 42, of Valparaiso, was last seen approximately 100 feet off the western shoreline near lily pads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Porter County dive team deployed a boat and Ryan was located submerged in the water near where he was last seen. Ryan was transported in critical condition and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The fire department said that a number of bystanders began arriving at the scene and began posting live updates on social media. The fire department wrote that they created distractions, congested access areas and delayed critical efforts. While we understand the concern and interest from the community, emergency responses are not the time to post live updates always, said Chief Brian Duncan. Our crews need clear access and focused coordination. Official updates will be provided through verified news releases when necessary; whether to request public assistance or to alert the community about conditions that may directly impact them. The department wants to avoid an incident within incident which occurs when a bystander can get injured and only add to the complexity of the response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident is being investigated by Indiana DNR. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. NEED TO KNOW A vehicle belonging to a man who was last seen in December 2023 has been pulled from Lake Powell, a reservoir on the Colorado River in Utah and Arizona Human remains were inside of the truck and have been sent to a lab for identification A death investigation remains ongoing An Arizona man went missing in Utah nearly two years ago and his car was just found submerged in the water with a body inside. A joint statement released by Arizonas Page Police Department and Utahs Kane County Sheriffs Office on Wednesday, Sept. 3, stated that a vehicle was pulled from Lake Powell over Labor Day weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon their arrival, police were able to identify the vehicle and said that records indicated it belongs to Dennis Keith Dillinger, a 54-year-old man who has been missing since Dec. 2023. Help us find Dennis Keith Dillinger/Facebook Dennis Keith Dillinger Missing Persons Flyer Dennis Keith Dillinger Missing Persons Flyer According to police, the last known sighting of Dillinger was at a Family Dollar Tree store in Kanab, Utah, on Dec. 1, 2023. His vehicle was found by a group of individuals spending time at Lone Rock Beach within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, who then reported it to authorities. When the car was extracted from the water on Sept. 3, authorities found there were human remains inside. The Utah State Medical Examiner's Office will determine the identity of the remains and will investigate the cause of death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kane County Sheriff's Office is handling the death investigation, which remains ongoing. Kane County offers their gratitude to the National Park Service rangers, support staff and dive team from Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and the Page Arizona Police Department for the many hours of work on this case and assistance with recovery of the vehicle," police wrote. Read the original article on People KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kansas City police are on the scene after a man was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound Wednesday night. Officers responded to a medical call just before 6:30 p.m. in the area of Thompson Avenue and Bales Avenue, just north of Independence Avenue. When officers arrived, paramedics were already on scene with a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, who had been located inside of an apartment and was unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. He has been identified as 58-year-old Darren Walton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unknown at this time what led up to the shooting and no suspects have been taken into custody or have been identified. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android The shooting is being investigated as a homicide. Anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A city man who has five previous convictions in state court on weapons charges was sentenced earlier this week in federal court to five years in federal prison. Read next: Ursuline family files civil rights lawsuit against school Darnell Jones, 39, received the sentence Tuesday from U.S. Judge David A. Ruiz in the U.S. Northern District of Ohio following a May 1 guilty plea to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones also has five previous convictions in state court on gun charges dating back to 2004. A federal grand jury indicted Jones Dec. 19 and the indictment was unsealed in January after Jones was taken into custody. The indictment said Jones had a .22-caliber handgun when he was arrested early June 22, 2024, by city police who were checking a report of a man passed out in a car in the 800 block of Roxbury Avenue. Jones has a 2012 conviction in federal court on drug charges that bar him from having a weapon. Reports said police were called about 6:15 a.m. and found Jones, who was passed out in a car and smelled heavily of alcohol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports said Jones had a gun on his hip and police found drugs in the car but reports did not mention what kind of drugs were found. Jones was calm one moment and argumentative the next and had trouble walking, so he was taken to St. Elizabeth Health Center to be examined before he was taken to the jail. A sentencing memorandum by his attorney Michael Godberg asked for a lenient sentence. He said his client is a triplet and both of his brothers were killed in gun violence, that he has always been employed and it has been 10 years since his last criminal offense. Court records show Jones was convicted of carrying a concealed weapon, a fourth-degree felony, in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court in 2004 and 2005; being a felon in possession of a firearm and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle in 2006, also in common pleas court; and in 2011, he pleaded guilty in common pleas to a reduced count of carrying a concealed weapon, a first-degree misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal court records show Jones served a 51-month sentence in the 2012 case after pleading guilty. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) On Aug. 28, the San Angelo SWAT team responded to a domestic dispute and in the process hospitalized a man accused of charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Joshua Anthony De Ondre Showels, 34, is accused of assaulting a woman during a domestic disturbance, brandishing a handgun and leaving her in fear for her life, according to his affidavit. During his arrest, the SWAT team had to intervene because Showels barricaded himself into the residence. The SWAT team deployed gas munitions into the home to capture Showels, reported San Angelo Police Chief Travis Griffith. Griffith stated that, as a result, Showels was severely dehydrated and transported to the hospital. He was booked into the Tom Green County Detention Center on Sept. 3 at 2:35 p.m. At the time of publication, Showels is still behind bars with a bond of $285,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show that Showels has a history of felony charges in Williamson County, including evading arrest in a motor vehicle, criminal trespass and possession of controlled substances. The affidavit At approximately 11:21 p.m., a San Angelo Police officer responded to a residence on Lindenwood Drive in regard to a report of a domestic disturbance. At the residence, the officer talked to a victim who reported a physical assault that occurred at around 5:30 p.m. at a residence on East 8th Street. The officer then gathered allegations that a firearm was produced and wielded during the course of the reported assault, as per the affidavit. Heres what the affidavit stated about the incident that happened on East 8th Street: The victim stated that on the aforementioned date and time she entered into a verbal dispute with the named defendant. The victim stated that during the course of this verbal dispute, she was seized by the neck and pushed against a wall by the defendant. The victim stated that following this a firearm was presented to her and pointed at her face by the defendant. The victim stated that at the time the weapon was produced she feared that it would go off and that she might be killed. The victim stated that she recalled the weapon to be black in color and reminiscent of a semi-automatic handgun. After gathering the information, the investigator observed and documented a fresh scratch left on the victims left forearm, which was approximately 2.5 inches in length. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, the victim showed the investigator Blink security camera footage, with the time stamp of 5:35 p.m., that showed the victim as she was seized and pinned by the male subject out of frame. During the course of this contact, the male subject raised his arm and brandished what the investigator recognized as a handgun, as stated in the affidavit. Court records show Showels was previously convicted of evading arrest with a motor vehicle in Williamson County in 2020. Due to that, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm until at least 2028. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. A 37-year-old man who was killed during the Burning Man Festival in a Nevada desert lived in Tacoma, according to the Reno Gazette Journal. Vadim Kruglov was found dead while lying in a pool of blood on Aug. 30 during the festival, according to the Pershing County Sheriffs Office. The Washoe Medical Examiners Office in Nevada identified Kruglov through fingerprints, according to a news release from the sheriffs office. An official cause and manner of death was not released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities notified Kruglovs family of his death, the release said. The sheriffs office says that Kruglov was originally from Russia. A man who was killed at the 2025 Burning Man Festival was identified as Vadim Kruglov, 37 of Tacoma. As the Man effigy began to burn, an event participant found Kruglov. Authorities were dispatched to the scene near I Street in Black Rock City and pronounced Kruglov dead. The sheriffs office said the homicide happened between 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at the festival. The sheriffs office is still investigating the homicide. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Josh Nicholson at (775)-273-2641 or jnicholson@pershingcountynv.gov. Vadim poured his soul into our community: building camp, creating art, helping others, and always sharing his kindness and energy. His contributions will forever remain part of the Burns history, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser created to support Kruglovs family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GoFundMe says they are raising funds to bring Kruglovs body back to his home in Omsk, a city in Russia, where his parents can say goodbye. Over $18,000 has been raised so far with a goal of $30,000. September 3, 2025 All my fellow Chinese across the nation, Your Excellencies heads of state and government and representatives of international organizations, Distinguished guests, All officers and soldiers participating in the parade, Comrades and friends, Today, we gather here to solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It is an occasion for us to remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace, and create a better future. On behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the National Peoples Congress, the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, and the Central Military Commission, I pay high tribute to our veteran soldiers and comrades, patriots, and officers who fought in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and to the Chinese nationals from home and abroad who made important contributions to our victory. I express my sincere thanks to foreign governments and friends that supported and assisted the Chinese people in resisting aggression. I also extend a warm welcome to our guests from around the world who are with us today. Comrades and friends, The Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a great war fought with tenacity and valor. Under the banner of the national united front against Japanese aggression established at the initiative of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people stood up to fight the formidable enemy with an iron will, formed a great wall with flesh and blood to defend the nation, and ultimately achieved the first complete victory in resisting foreign aggression in modern times. The Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was an important part of the World Anti-Fascist War. With huge national sacrifice, the Chinese people made major contributions to saving human civilization and safeguarding world peace. History cautions us that humanity rises and falls together. Only when all countries and nations treat each other as equals, coexist in peace and support each other, can we uphold common security, eradicate the root cause of war, and prevent the recurrence of historical tragedies. Comrades and friends, The Chinese nation is a great nation that is never intimidated by any bullies and always values independence and forges ahead. In the past, when faced with critical struggles between good and evil, light and darkness, progress and reaction, the Chinese people rallied together to defy the enemy. They fought for the survival of the country, for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and for justice of the whole humanity. Today, humanity again has to choose between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, win-win cooperation and zero-sum game. The Chinese people firmly stand on the right side of history and the progress of human civilization. We will remain committed to the path of peaceful development, and join hands with all peoples around the world in building a community with a shared future for humanity. The Chinese Peoples Liberation Army has been, and will always be, the heroic armed forces that the Party and the people can fully trust and rely on. All service members should faithfully perform their sacred duty, speed up the building of a world-class military, and firmly safeguard Chinas sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. All service members should provide strategic support for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and make greater contributions to the peace and development of the world. History carries the legacy of the past and inspires the future. On the new journey in the new era, the Chinese people of all ethnic groups should, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, follow Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development, and fully implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era. We should stay firmly on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance. We should press ahead with enterprise and resolve, and advance in unity the cause of building China into a great country on all fronts and realizing great national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is irresistible! The noble cause of peace and development of humanity will prevail! SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A man who was found in San Franciscos Tenderloin District suffering from a gunshot wound early Wednesday morning later died at the hospital, according to the San Francisco Police Department. Police responded at 3:25 a.m. to the area of McAllister and Jones streets on the report of a person on the ground. Arriving officers found a man who had been shot, SFPD said, and began to render aid. Paramedics rushed the man to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The mans identity has not been publicly released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No arrests were announced in the fatal shooting. The SFPD Homicide Detail is leading the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Francisco Police Department at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Police have identified the 31-year-old man who was shot several times in the chest and killed in Winton Hills overnight. Sherron Peoples was found shot in the 60 block of Craft Street just before 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 3, the Cincinnati Police Department reported. Peoples was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where he died, police said. Anyone with information about this incident is being asked to call CrimeStoppers at 513-352-3040 where tips can be left anonymously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been 20 people shot in Winton Hills this year, compared to 14 during the same period last year. Among the neighborhoods that see the most shootings, Winton Hills is one of the only ones seeing an increase this year. Citywide, the number of people who have been shot is down nearly 23% this year. Over-the-Rhine, West End, Avondale, East Price Hill and Westwood have all seen reductions. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Police ID man killed in Winton Hills shooting ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A man is in the hospital after he was shot on Adventure Place late Wednesday night. Rochester police responded to the area of Savannah Street and Adventure Place for reports of a man shot. They found a 53-year-old man who was hit by gunfire at least once in his upper body. Officers rendered aid and applied a tourniquet before he was taken to a hospital. He is expected to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The circumstances behind the shooting are still under investigation. No suspects have been found. Anyone who has information on the shooting is asked to call 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A 38-year-old man was fatally stabbed inside a Gaslamp Quarter hotel on Wednesday evening, prompting a homicide investigation by San Diego Police. Officers responded to the Golden West Hotel at 720 4th Ave. just before 7 p.m. on after receiving a report of a stabbing on the second floor of the building. When officers arrived, they found the victim suffering from stab wounds and immediately began life-saving efforts until paramedics from San Diego Fire-Rescue arrived. Police investigate homicide near businesses in Miramar Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The victims identity is being withheld at this time, with police only describing him as a 38-year-old Black man. Police say the suspect fled the scene following the stabbing but soon after called San Diego Police Dispatch to turn himself in. Officers arrested the suspect without incident on the 1500 block of India Street. Homicide detectives say early evidence indicates the suspect and victim were involved in an argument that escalated into a physical fight, ultimately resulting in the deadly stabbing. The suspect has been identified as Rene Lunar, a 44-year-old Hispanic man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the San Diego Police Departments Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 The homicide investigation was the second of the day for San Diego police, as another one happened in Miramar earlier in the evening. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA) A suspected shooter in an incident that occurred at a downtown bar in Asheville over the Labor Day weekend has been arrested. The Asheville Police Department reported Thursday morning that Juan Francisco Martinez Jr. turned himself in to authorities on charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, assault by pointing a gun and possession of a firearm by a felon. Early Saturday morning, police responded to a shooting that occurred after a verbal altercation escalated into a fight at Tiger Mountain Bar near North Lexington Avenue and Hiawassee Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon arrival, officers found a victim with a gunshot wound to the leg and provided life-saving aid until EMS arrived. The victim was then transported to Mission Hospital for treatment. Investigators determined that the disturbance began at Tiger Mountain Bar and continued to a nearby parking lot, where a Martinez reportedly retrieved a large-caliber handgun from a vehicle and fired at the victim. The suspect then fled the scene on foot. On Thursday, the 36-year-old was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $50,000 bond after surrendering to law enforcement. The shooting remains under investigation by the APD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A man accused of raping a child and spreading a sexually transmitted disease was arrested Monday. Police said Anthony Jelks Jr., 25, turned himself in to authorities at BRPD Headquarters on Monday morning. He was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a charge of first-degree rape. Anthony Jelks Jr. (Baton Rouge Police Department) According to an arrest warrant, officers with the Baton Rouge Police Department were called to an address in the 5400 block of Jackson Avenue on Aug. 7 about a report of sexual assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days before, BRPD officers responded to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital regarding a sexual assault report. Officers learned the victim was taken to the hospital after the complainant saw redness and irritation on the 4-year-old childs body. According to an affidavit, the child told the complainant that Jelks pulled her pants down and got on top of her. The complainant told investigators the victim was allowed to stay overnight at Jelks residence and dropped off on Aug. 1. The child was taken to the hospital to be examined after the injuries were seen. According to police documents, the child tested positive for chlamydia. While investigating Jelks, officers learned that he previously had an indecent behavior with juveniles charge in November 2022. He was accused of trying to solicit lewd videos and photos from a 9-year-old girl through Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation is ongoing. BRPD encourages anyone with information about the rape case to contact the Special Victims Unit at 225-389-3853 and Crime Stoppers at 225-389-7867. 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. 'Were on the cusp of building that economy, and the president stopped it unlawfully,' Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha told reporters at his Providence office on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) Hours before a federal judge in Boston was set to hear arguments on the Trump administrations executive order stopping offshore wind reviews, two separate lawsuits seeking to reverse the recent stop work order on nearly completed Revolution Wind project were announced Thursday. Revolution Wind, a joint venture between rsted and a consortium led by Skyborn Renewables, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. challenging the stop work order issued Aug. 22 by the U.S. Department of Interiors Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The multibillion dollar project was 80% complete and scheduled to begin delivering 704 megawatts of power to 350,000 homes across Rhode Island and Connecticut starting in mid-2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meaghan Wims, an rsted spokeswoman, said the company will continue to seek to work collaboratively with the Trump administration and other stakeholders but believed the federal government lacked legal authority for the stop work order. All required federal and state permits for the 65-turbine wind farm in Rhode Island Sound were secured in 2023 after a review process that lasted seven years. The project is facing substantial harm from continuation of the stop-work order, and as a result, litigation is a necessary step, Wims said. Soon after rsted and Skyborn Renewables filed their lawsuit, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha informed reporters of his intention to file a lawsuit with his Connecticut counterpart seeking to reverse the Trump administrations decision. The lawsuit was filed Thursday afternoon in the U.S. District of Rhode Island in Providence. We have begun and built an industry here in Rhode Island that can continue to grow and provide jobs to Rhode Islanders and build our economy, Attorney General Peter Neronha told reporters at a morning press conference in his Providence office. Were on the cusp of building that economy, and the president stopped it unlawfully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neronha said he chose to team up with the Connecticut Attorney General William Tong because of the stoppages direct impact on southeastern New England. ISO New England, the entity responsible for operating the regions electric grid, has warned that delaying completion of Revolution Wind could increase risks to reliability. The joint lawsuit claims the stop work order would also hurt the economies of Rhode Island and Connecticut, saying the projects construction phase supports more than 2,500 jobs nationwide, including 1,000 union jobs in the two states that would benefit from the wind farm. And no one knows whats going to happen next, Rhode Island AFL-CIO President Patrick Crowley said in an interview after Thursdays press conference. A copy of the states lawsuit against the Trump administration that was filed in the U.S. District Court of Rhode Island on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) Both lawsuits call the Aug. 22 decision by the U.S. Department of Interiors Bureau of Ocean Energy Management arbitrary and capricious and claim that the administration acted unlawfully in suspending work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, the two complaints claim the Trump administration violated the Administrative Procedures Act and exceeded its authority under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, citing a lack of reasoned decision-making and disregard for state interests. With zero justification, Trump wants to mothball the project, send workers home, and saddle Connecticut families with millions of dollars in higher energy costs, Tong said in a statement. This kind of erratic and reckless governing is blatantly illegal. Neronha likened the Trump administrations decision to a yo-yo bouncing back and forth over policy decisions. And if he wants to behave like a yo-yo, thats up to him, Neronha told reporters. But you cant run government that way decision-making has to be rational. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In issuing the work stoppage, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said it was seeking to address concerns related to the protection of national security interests. But what exactly that means is still something state officials are trying to find out from the Trump administration. U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner sought to get an answer from a Department of Interior official who testified at a hearing on mining-related legislation before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Wednesday afternoon. The stop work order speaks for itself, Adam Suess, acting assistant secretary for lands and minerals management, replied to Magaziner. Because the project is under review, and consistent with the presidents Jan. 20 memorandum, I have nothing else to say at this point. With all due respect: Bullshit, Magaziner responded. A week after the stop work order on Revolution Wind, on what was the Friday before the Labor Day holiday weekend, came a decision from the U.S. Department of Transportation terminating a total of $679 million in funding to support offshore wind-related ports and manufacturing facilities. The projects included $11.25 million for port infrastructure upgrades at Quonset Point in North Kingstown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That decision led U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse to withdraw his support for the nomination of Sean McMaster to serve as Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration in a speech on the Senate floor Thursday morning Whitehouse had voted for McMaster in committee on June 11. This bad faith decision was a punch in the face to Rhode Islands premier port, and I cannot support McMasters nomination until this funding is restored, Whitehouse said. Gov. Dan McKee on Wednesday sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, outlining the consequences of the stop work order and asked to meet with President Trump on the matter. But he has yet to receive any update from the Trump administration, spokesperson Andrea Palagi confirmed to Rhode Island Current . Words with the Trump administration, as I think has been demonstrated, are simply not enough, Neronha said Thursday. Unless you do something, this presidents not going to change behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate Action Rhode Island, a group of advocates who led the states Yes to Wind campaign, praised Neronha for filing the lawsuit. Revolution Wind has passed every state and federal review, Executive Director Jeff Migneault said in a statement. For a president to step in now and try to derail it is flat-out un-American. House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Valarie Lawson also lauded the legal move. This project is essential for our economy, the environment, and the affordability of our energy supply, the pair of legislative leaders said in a joint statement Thursday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elizabeth Peace, a spokesperson for the Department of the Interior, declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. On Thursday afternoon, a group of 18 Democratic state attorneys general, including Neronha, were scheduled to 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. Since that date, there have been more than a dozen actions targeting offshore wind, including the Revolution Wind stop work order and plans to revoke approvals for two Massachusetts projects. Correction: An earlier version of this story was updated to clarify that the plaintiffs in the Revolution Wind lawsuit filed Thursday morning in Washington D.C. are both rsted and a Skyborn Renewables-led group. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Israeli military intelligence believes that only a quarter of the Palestinian detainees from Gaza held by Israel are fighters, according to a joint investigation released on Thursday by the Israeli-Palestinian magazine +972, the Hebrew-language magazine Local Call, and the British newspaper The Guardian. Among those detained are thousands arrested under Israels 2002 Unlawful Combatants legislation, which allows authorities to seize individuals if they believe they are linked to organisations deemed unlawful, such as Hamas, even if they cannot tie the individual to a specific act. The joint investigation revealed that one of those detained was an 82-year-old woman with Alzheimers who was jailed for six weeks, and a single mother separated from her young children, who she later found begging on the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets take a closer look: What did the investigation find? Investigators reviewed a confidential Israeli military database, said to be regarded by commanders as the most accurate information on Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) fighters in Gaza. The database contains the names of more than 47,000 individuals believed by Israeli intelligence to be members of the armed groups. However, out of those 47,000, only 1,450 were listed as arrested in May, meaning that other Palestinians detained three-quarters of the 6,000 Palestinians held by Israel at the time had not been classified as Hamas or PIJ fighters. The database excludes members of other armed groups in Gaza, who are reported by the Israeli Prison Service to make up less than 2 percent of all unlawful combatant detainees. Demonstrators, dressed in costumes depicting skeletons, hold props representing dead babies, during a protest in solidarity with Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, in Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, August 3, 2025. [Mohammed Torokman/Reuters] What about those in criminal detention? In addition to those being held as unlawful combatants, there are up to 300 Palestinians being held in Israel on charges related to the October 7 attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are classified as criminal detainees as Israel claims to have enough evidence to prosecute them, but has yet to do so. Throughout its war on Gaza, Israel has been consistently accused of deliberately mislabelling civilians as terrorists, including many journalists. Journalists killed in an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis [Screengrab/Al Jazeera] A March report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz carried accounts from both Israeli defence officials and soldiers admitting that, of the 9,000 fighters Israel claimed to have killed at that time, most were, in fact, civilians. An earlier report released in late August by +972, Local Call, and The Guardian, based on the same leaked database, showed that Israel was aware that 83 percent of those killed in Gaza during the war were likely to have been civilians. Who has Israel accused of being an unlawful combatant? A wide cross-section of Palestinians has been accused, including young and old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One soldier who had been stationed at the notorious Sde Teiman detention facility in southern Israel was quoted in the investigation as saying that one section of the prison was referred to as the geriatric pen, because it housed only elderly or gravely injured detainees. From the Indonesian Hospital [in Beit Lahiya, Gaza] they would just take masses of people, the soldier said. They brought men in wheelchairs, people without legs, or with legs that were basically useless. I remember one man, aged 75, with badly infected stumps. I always assumed the supposed excuse for arresting patients was that maybe they had seen the hostages or something. Among those prisoners was Fahamiya al-Khalidi, an 82-year-old Alzheimers patient, who was taken from Gaza City in December 2023 alongside her female caregiver and held as an unlawful combatant for six weeks, according to prison records. A military medic at Anatot detention centre reported that she was confused, unable to recall her age, and believed she was still in Gaza after injuring herself on a fence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same medic who saw Khalidi also said he treated a woman experiencing severe bleeding after a miscarriage, as well as a breastfeeding mother who had been separated from her infant and requested a pump to prevent her milk from drying up. Protesters wave Israeli national flags in support of soldiers being questioned for detainee abuse, outside of the Sde Teiman military base, Monday, July 29, 2024 [Tsafrir Abayov/AP Photo] What are conditions like in Israeli prisons? Terrible. In February, 183 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom had been held without charge, emerged gaunt, frail and stained in dirt as part of a prisoner exchange with Israel. After their release, the Palestinian Prisoners Society said that evidence of torture was visible on the bodies of Palestinians released by Israel. Whistleblower testimony and video evidence have documented the rape of Palestinian prisoners by Israeli guards, and at least 75 Palestinian prisoners have died in Israeli custody since October 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A United Nations report from last July said that testimonies gathered indicate a range of appalling acts, such as waterboarding and the release of dogs on detainees, amongst other acts, in flagrant violation of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. What is Israeli government policy towards Palestinian prisoners? To make life as difficult as possible, and boast of it. Israels far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, is in charge of the prison service. He has said that one of the highest goals he has set for himself since assuming the position was to worsen the conditions of the terrorists in the prisons, and to reduce their rights to the minimum required by law. Israels National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has boasted of what he described as the abominable conditions Palestinians are forced to endure in the Israeli prison system [Ronen Zvulun/Reuters] Everything published about the abominable conditions for Palestinians in Israeli jails was true, Ben-Gvir said, bragging of how he had reduced food and shower times and removed electrical devices. In early August, as well as filming himself taunting the visibly frail Palestinian leader, Marwan Barghouti, who has remained in prison since 2002, Ben-Gvir also made a point of being filmed during a separate visit, pointing to a poster of a ruined Gaza, which he claimed prisoners were forced to look at daily. It's been eight days since Democratic Gov. Tony Evers asked President Donald Trump to declare a major disaster and open up federal aid for the August floods that hammered southeast Wisconsin. Trump hasn't yet approved Wisconsin's request. Eleven other states and tribes are waiting for their own declarations, some dating to July. Trump has previously approved disaster aid in batches, but it's uncertain when, or if, Wisconsin will be green-lit. Data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency shows timelines to get FEMA aid flowing to Wisconsin have varied greatly across presidential administrations, spanning from just a few days to more than two months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Sept. 4, it's been 27 days since the severe storms began Aug. 9. If and when Trump approves Wisconsin's request, federal aid will likely become available to individual households and local governments affected by the floods. Here's a list of previous Wisconsin disaster declarations going back to 2000, and the amount of time between the start of the weather event and the date a disaster was declared. Around 40 days was average for Wisconsin. Covid-19 pandemic in 2020: 75 days Severe winter storm and flooding in 2020: 61 days Severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding in 2019: 40 days Severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding and landslides in 2018: 62 days Severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding in 2018: 56 days Severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mud in 2017: 80 days Severe storms, flooding and mudslides in 2016: 29 days Severe storms and flooding in 2016: 29 days Severe storms, flooding and mudslides in 2013: 49 days Severe storms and flooding in 2012: 44 days Severe winter storm and snowstorm in 2011: 64 days Severe storms and flooding in 2010: 29 days Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in 2010: 22 days Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in 2008: 9 days Severe storms and flooding in 2007: 8 days Severe storms and flooding in 2004: 42 days Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in 2002: 8 days Severe storms and flooding in 2002: 28 days Flooding in 2001: 31 days Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in 2000: 29 days FEMA Process Infographic by Post-Crescent All of Wisconsin's members of Congress urge timely decision On Aug. 28, each Republican and Democratic member representing Wisconsin in Congress sent a letter to Trump in support of Wisconsin's request, asking him for his "timely consideration of this urgent request." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Federal assistance is urgently needed to help families repair and rebuild their homes, support businesses and workers as they recover lost income and property, and to ensure that local governments can restore critical infrastructure and services," they wrote in the bipartisan letter. Data collected during FEMA's Preliminary Damage Assessment indicate 51 homes were completely destroyed, with $33 million total in home damages across three counties. That's in addition to at least $43 million in damages to public buildings and infrastructure. Vice President JD Vance visited La Crosse a day after Evers made the request and told reporters it was possible Trump hadn't seen it at that point. Vance promised the White House would take a look and "make sure that it gets the review that it requires." This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How often has Wisconsin received FEMA aid? How long did decision take? Hurricane Kiko is swirling in the Pacific Ocean and heading west in a direction toward Hawaii. Forecasters warned that swells from the storm could reach the Hawaiian Islands by the end of the weekend and cause life-threatening surf and rip currents. On Saturday night, forecasters at the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said Kiko has been strengthening over the Central Pacific as it moved west-northwestward. With a maximum sustained wind near 140 mph, Kiko is a powerful Category 4 storm. As of the NHC's latest update at 11 p.m. Eastern Time, the hurricane was about 860 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No coastal watches or warnings were in effect. Maui and the Big Island are expected to see swells generated by the storm by Sunday and last through midweek, according to forecasters. The swells may produce life-threatening surf and rip currents, the hurricane center said. A satellite image of Hurricane Kiko in the Pacific Ocean at about 11:15 p.m. Eastern Time on Sept. 5, 2025. / Credit: NOAA/NESDIS/STAR Maps show Hurricane Kiko's forecast path While Kiko is traveling slowly, Hawaii is becoming more in its line of sight for potential direct impacts such as winds and rainfall starting Monday. The main threats are forecast for Tuesday, according to Nikki Nolan, a meteorologist for CBS News and Stations. Acting Hawaii Gov. Sylvia Luke on Friday declared a state of emergency due to the possible inclement weather posed by Kiko. "We urge residents and visitors to monitor updates, follow official guidance and prepare accordingly," Luke said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service in Honolulu is monitoring Kiko's possible impacts and anticipating heavy rainfall leading to potential flooding along with high surf early next week. This map details the forecast path of the storm, showing it moving closer to the Hawaiian Islands this weekend: / Credit: CBS News Another map, from the National Hurricane Center, shows that tropical-storm-force winds could start affecting Hawaii on Monday. The projected outlook of tropical storm force winds for Hurricane Kiko. Sept. 5, 2025. / Credit: NOAA As the CBS affiliate in Honolulu notes, however, it is too soon to tell where exactly the storm will go in relation to Hawaii, as the forecast track can change. U.S. deploying 10 fighter jets to Puerto Rico in drug cartel crackdown Chicago-area Navy base to be used for immigration operations Urban sketching movement turns sidewalks into studios around the world UPDATE: A judge has denied a couples request to demolish Marilyn Monroes former Brentwood home, which the city has declared a cultural landmark. Brinah Milstein and her husband, producer Roy Bank, bought the Brentwood residence in July 2023 for $8.35 million and obtained a demolition permit from the city. They hoped to tear down the structure to expand their current home, which is adjacent to the property. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant denied the couples petition. He heard arguments last week before deciding against demolishing the landmark. According to court papers from the City Attorneys Office, the public inundated city officials with calls and emails to express their dismay with the proposed demolition. City News Service contributed to this report. PREVIOUS June 26, 2024: Some like it not torn down. The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to designate Marilyn Monroes former Westside home as a historic cultural monument, thwarting the current owners attempt to demolish it. The move comes five months after L.A.s Cultural Heritage Commission blocked the demolition efforts over the houses cultural significance. Advertisement Advertisement Councilwoman Traci Park who represents the citys 11th District said before Wednesdays vote: We have an opportunity to do something today that should have been done 60 years ago. There is likely no woman in history or culture who captures the imagination of the public the way Marilyn Monroe did. Even all these years later, her story still resonates and inspires many of us today. The home at 12305 West Fifth Helena Drive is where the revered actress was found dead at 36 in August 1962. Back in September, Park moved to save the house by designating it as a historic cultural monument. She said it would be a devastating blow for historic preservation and for a city where less than 3% of historic designations are associated with womens heritage. Two weeks ago, the council had put off its vote after Park requested an extension to address concerns from the homes owners and from area residents, who have expressed concerns about privacy and safety with the designation. Advertisement Advertisement Park noted that she has balanced those concerns as the designation moved through the Historic Cultural Commission and the councils Planning and Land Use Management Committee. She introduced a motion during Wednesdays meeting to evaluate tour bus restrictions on West Fifth Helena Drive and surrounding streets. On May 6, attorneys for real estate heiress Brinah Milstein and her husband, former Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? exec producer Roy Bank, filed court papers with Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James Chalfant in which they said the city was violating the law by trying to give the home historical recognition. The pair bought the residence in July 2023 for $8.35 million and had obtained a demolition permit from the city which later was revoked. Chalfant issued a tentative ruling in favor of the city, calling the Milstein-Bank motion an ill-disguised motion to win so that they can demolish the home and eliminate the historic cultural monument issue. An attorney for property owners said in a statement to Deadline. Council Member Traci Park, in bringing a motion to designate the former home of Marilyn Monroe as a Historic Cultural Monument, said she has worked closely with the owners throughout this process to relocate this house to allow for public access. In fact, the opposite is true, Peter C. Sheridan said. The owners have made countless attempts to work with Ms. Park and her staff to find a solution that would work for everyone, only to be met with non-responsiveness by Ms. Park and her staff. The designation today was yet another step in an admittedly biased, unconstitutional and rigged process, as set forth in the owners lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. When Zachary Sessa joined the Marine Corps, he signed a ground contract, paving the way for a career in the infantry. But as fate would have it, an opportunity came to switch to the high-demand fighter aviation field giving him the chance to be a pilot like his father and grandfather. And that was where hed end up making history. Sessa, 33, from Butler, Pennsylvania, was named Military Times Marine of the Year for his distinguished leadership and performance during 2024 air strikes on Houthi rebel targets in Yemen from the Red Sea in what would be the first strike mission for his airframe. Its the latest in a series of prestigious recognitions; Sessa was also named Marine Corps Aviator of the Year by the Corps in April. Out of flight training, Sessa had been selected to fly the F-35C, the Navys carrier-capable variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. The rare assignment for a Marine officer allowed Sessa, early in his career, to participate in one of the aircrafts first operational deployments as the Navy incorporated F-35Cs into its carrier air wings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was fun to be at the leading edge of that, he recalled. In nearly a decade as a Marine Corps aviator, Sessa had served as a flight instructor in Kingsville, Texas, and completed a routine deployment with the F-35C to the Western Pacific. His second deployment in 2024 was initially expected to be another WestPac cruise, but the Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, kicked off a wave of conflict in the Middle East, and Sessas squadron, VFMA-314, got word that theyd be headed to U.S. 5th Fleet instead. Sessa, who served as the first Marine Corps F-35C weapons and tactics instructor, or WTI, during the deployment, had participated in defensive sorties earlier in the deployment. But in early November, he was briefed on a new mission: to strike Houthi weapons storage facilities in Yemen, a response to rebel attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It would be the F-35Cs first-ever strike mission. Another WTI was mission commander for the first night of sorties on Nov. 9; Sessa commanded the second and final night of strikes on Nov. 10. Thanks to aggressive preparation and planning that took advantage of the F-35Cs stealthy profile and significant internal fuel capacity for long-range missions, the strikes went off without a hitch, Sessa recalled. Locked on the mission, Sessa and fellow squadron members saved their celebrations until they were safely back on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln. And they didnt celebrate alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watching the ordnance Marines all bending down to look up into the weapon bays to see that all the bombs were gone, and then the excitement there all, you know, oh my gosh that was honestly one of the most exciting parts of the mission," Sessa said. Because thats their Super Bowl. Sessa, now an F-35 instructor pilot in Yuma, Arizona, emphasized that his squadron, which was also honored as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year, deserved a full share of the credit for the airstrikes, as did the enablers who contributed to the readiness of aircraft and weapons. Everyone was prepared to go execute, he said. They all just contributed to squadron success. Sep. 3FAIRMONT The report card is on its way for Marion County Schools, and right now, Superintendent Donna Heston said, the future looks promising. Barrackville Elementary /Middle is already showing substantial gains in state benchmark assessments for reading and math, Heston told Board of Education members Tuesday. So did Fairview Elementary /Middle and Blackshere Elementary, the superintendent said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement East Fairmont High also saw an upward trend in its math scores with 15 of Marion's 19 schools showing measurable improvement in math and reading, Heston reported. Call that a testament, she said, to the people in front of the classroom. "We absolutely celebrate the work of our teachers, " she said. Heston said the district will release a full rundown of the data to parents in coming days once the data is fully assessed. In the meantime, Marion's science scores weren't as promising, Heston said, but she expects that to change with the district's renewed focus in STEM science, technology, engineering and math. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A number of schools in the county have working greenhouses, for example, she said, and one of them is at the Barnes Leaning Center, in Fairmont's Bellview neighborhood. Barnes began its infrastructure life as an elementary school in 1913 and now serves as an alternative safety net for children and teens in trouble with grades or police. A bid of $99, 168 from Play & Park Structures was approved by the BOE for the construction of a playground on the center's Naomi Street campus. "Will we need more dollars to complete it ?" asked George Boyles, board president. No, Heston replied, as the price for the playground is the final portion of an earlier $250, 000 grant earmarked for enrichment programs there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides its overall longevity, Barnes is a pioneering effort for West Virginia's public districts in other ways, the superintendent said. "A couple of years ago, we were one of the first counties that added elementary services to our alternative programming, " Heston said. "At the time, it was very unique." Ray Lazono, a nationally known motivation speaker who addresses drug awareness and abuse prevention at schools across the country, visited the Barnes Learning Center in Fairmont last year. FAIRMONT Marion County Schools celebrated an improvement in test scores over the previous year at Tuesdays Board of Education meeting. If you look at North Central West Virginia, and you look at the other counties that are in these rankings, really its Mon and Marion in North Central West Virginia, School Superintendent Donna Heston said. These are districts around us that have more resources and funding than we do in Marion County, and certainly a testament to the hard work of our teachers and how we perform in North Central West Virginia. So I always like to look at this and see where our teachers and principals are driving us, because it looks very good for Marion and Mon. This year, Barrackville Elementary, Blackshear Elementary and Pleasant Valley Elementary raised their scores by 5.9, 7.5 and 5 points from last year to this year in English Language Arts. In math, Blackshear Elementary school improved by 10 points, Barrackville and White Hall Elementary by 6.7 points each. Middle schools also saw growth in science. Heston said growing student achievement in STEM is an area theyve been trying to grow in recent years. She said the hope of the countys math and science focused STEAM Center will continue to contribute to student success. The high schools also had growth in math and science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to data from the West Virginia Department of Education dashboard for statewide assessments for school year 2024-25, 42% of students passed mathematics standards, while 26% partially met standards and almost 32% did not pass at all. In reading, 50% passed standards, while 24% of students partially met standards and the remaining 24% did not meet standards at all. More students than not did not meet complete standards in science. The county has 34% who do not meet science standards, while 37% partially met standards. Only 28% passed standards in science. However, proficiency trend lines for math and science showed slight improvement between school years 2023-24 and 2024-25. Overall, from 2020 to the current year, the proficiency of students in math and reading has grown from around 31% and 43% respectively, to 42% and 51%. The district is struggling with science, with rates decreasing from 31% in 2020 to 28% last year, with a brief spike to 32% last year. Statewide, the county ranks 23rd in science but 12th in English and math. The county has been working hard to increase science literacy in its schools by emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math initiatives at the middle school level. Astronomer Carl Sagan warned what would happen if the public lost their science literacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve arranged a global civilization in which most crucial elements profoundly depend on science and technology, Sagan said in his 1996 book, the Demon Haunted World. We have also arranged things so that almost no one understands science and technology. This is a prescription for disaster. Marion County Schools will add a $100,000 new playground with Pour in Place rubber surfaces at the Barnes Learning Center. The money comes from Elementary Alternative Education Grants. The awards, $250,000 each, help counties establish systems of support to address the needs of students. Christina Hare, supervisor of pupil services and Section 504, and Principal Travis Oates directed the grant spending. A couple of years ago we were one of the few counties that added elementary servicing through our alternative learning, Heston said. At that time, it was very unique to service elementary students in alternative education settings. A Gloucester man was arrested Wednesday in connection with allegations that he used threats to coerce a 13-year-old girl into sending him sexual photos and videos of herself over the course of four months last year, according to the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office. Robert Burnham, 44, has been charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, the U.S. Attorneys office said in a Thursday press release. When Burnham met the 13-year-old girl on Snapchat in June 2024, he told her he was in the same grade as her in school. He later told her he had nude photos of her and would send them to her father who he claimed to know personally if she didnt send him sexual photos and videos of herself, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To bolster the threat, Burnham sent the girl a photo of her fathers Facebook account. Burnham instructed the girl to make an account on JusTalk a Chinese messaging app, then continued their communications through the new app, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Over the course of four months, Burnham allegedly coerced the minor victim into creating and sending numerous sexually explicit videos and pictures, the release reads. It is alleged that Burnham would give the minor victim detailed instructions about what to do in each video or picture and, when she did not comply or respond right away, he would threaten her. At times, Burnham told the girl he was going to put his f***ing hands on [her] and threatened to rape her, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Burnham also tried to coerce other minors on Snapchat into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos by claiming he had nude images of them that he would send to their families if they did not do as he asked, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Investigators identified conversations between Burnham and two other Snapchat users who told him they were 12 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burnham was arraigned in federal court in Boston on Wednesday and held pending a hearing scheduled for Sept. 8, the U.S. Attorneys office said. He faces a minimum prison sentence of 15 years, five years to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted on the charge. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. A Revere man was indicted in connection with a hit-and-run crash that left a Massachusetts State Police trooper hurt and hospitalized for almost two months, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office said Thursday. Akram El Moukhtari, 18, faces charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, larceny of a motor vehicle, reckless operation, leaving the scene of an accident and possession of ammunition, Haydens office said in a statement. He was indicted by a Suffolk County grand jury on Thursday. An arraignment date has not been scheduled. El Moukhtari previously pleaded not guilty at his initial arraignment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are serious charges that reflect the incident that left Lt. [Daniel] Bossi with devastating injuries, Hayden said in his statement. I send Lt. Bossi and his family my best wishes as he continues his recovery. Bossi was hit by a stolen motorcycle outside the State Police Barracks on Revere Beach Boulevard shortly before 5 p.m. on June 23, State Police previously said. The crash propelled the lieutenant 45 feet. Within a day of being at the hospital, officials say he was in stable condition at Massachusetts General Hospital. Bossi is the station commander of the Revere Barracks. On Aug. 19, Bossi was moved to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Cambridge. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. A woman from Brockton could face a criminal charge after police say she left her 22-month-old alone in a parked car while she shopped at a Hingham mall on Monday, leading to passersby climbing into the car to rescue the child. Police were called to 94 Derby St. around 2:30 p.m. Monday by a couple who parked next to the car where the child was still inside. The cars sunroof was open, but the engine was off and the windows were up, Hingham Police said in a statement posted to Facebook. The couple then climbed into the car via the sunroof to rescue the screaming child, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police arrived at the Whole Foods parking lot, they found the child hot and profusely sweating, police said. Officers determined the childs mother had last checked on the car 20 minutes earlier before returning to shop 94 Derby St. is the address for the Derby Street Shops mall in Hingham, police said. Police put the child in the front seat of an air-conditioned cruiser until paramedics arrived and took the child into an ambulance. When the mother returned to the car, she told police the child was napping and she had been checking on them in between shopping at several stores, police said. The child was eventually taken to South Shore Hospital, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An application for a criminal complaint was filed in Hingham District Court against the 44-year-old mother, seeking to charge her with reckless endangerment of a child. The womans name was not released because she has not yet been formally charged, police said. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. Editors note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or visit the 988 Lifeline website. Following the August 27 shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested that antidepressants may be a culprit behind mass shootings and other violence. Were launching studies on the potential contribution of some of the SSRI drugs and some of the other psychiatric drugs that might be contributing to violence, Kennedy told Fox News in an August 28 interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, commonly called SSRIs, are the most prescribed class of antidepressants for depression, anxiety disorders and many other mental health conditions. Several SSRIs have been on the market in the United States since the 1990s, including Prozac, Zoloft and Celexa. Though journal entries by Robin Westman the Minneapolis shooter who killed two children and injured 18 others before taking her own life suggested she experienced mental or emotional distress, it has not been confirmed whether Westman had been taking antidepressants. Expert consensus is that there is no scientific evidence of a causal nor correlational link between antidepressants and violence toward others. At least 11.4% of US-based adults took antidepressants in 2023, and thats just for depression. Millions more adults and children take them for anxiety disorders, some eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and more. Mass shootings happen often in the US, but even with 340 million people and 393 million privately owned firearms in the US, theyre thankfully still rare events, said Dr. Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial Professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University in California. The odds that (mass shootings are) caused by SSRIs, when tens of millions of people are on them, seems pretty darn low to me. Even if 1% of people on SSRIs were going to do a mass shooting, we would have mass shootings every 10 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the rate of homicide is generally pretty low, and then the rate of homicide for people who are treated with medications is only a subset of that, said Dr. Rebecca Brendel, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. There is great risk in potentially vilifying one of the most prescribed medications that the US Food and Drug Administration has approved and determined to be safe and effective for the treatment of mental illness, Brendel said. While some people dont improve from antidepressants or experience negative side effects, many people experience improvement in their mental health symptoms that affect their happiness, daily functioning, work and academic performance, confidence, relationships and desire to live, she said. When we see acts of violence especially acts of violence in places where our children, who we have a responsibility to protect, go to learn and to be safe it breaks all of our hearts, Brendel said. That should drive us to want to do anything we can within our power and our ability to reduce the incidents of violence in this country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But conflating violence with mental illness or particular treatment for mental illness is not supported by the data and has a very, very grave risk of setting us backwards in terms of those with mental illness having access to the evidence-based care they need for the treatment of mental illness. A US Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson declined via email to answer CNNs questions for this story. The research on antidepressants and violence Kennedy also told Fox News that this kind of violence is a new thing in human history. Its not really happening in other countries, he added. We need to look at all of the potential culprits that might be contributing to that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This statement comes after about 100 employees, including researchers, were fired from the US Centers for Disease Control and Preventions violence prevention division in August due to downsizing by HHS less than two weeks after a shooting attacking the CDCs headquarters in Atlanta. Hes right about something: Its not happening in other countries, Humphreys said. But other countries have plenty of people who take SSRIs. Theyre one of the most widely prescribed drugs on Earth. So, if it were the SSRIs as opposed to something else that makes the United States different than every other country, we would see mass shootings like this all over. What is unique about the United States is easy access to firearms, Humphreys added. Among mass shooters of the past several decades, about 4% of them had used antidepressants in their lifetime, and around 7% of them had used any psychotropic medication rates far below baseline rates in the US, according to a study by Dr. Ragy Girgis that is currently under review for publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Girgis and the research team analyzed data from Columbia Universitys Mass Murder database, the largest database on mass shooters, said Girgis, a professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University. Antidepressants most likely decrease violence, though this has not yet been directly tested, such as in well-designed randomized clinical trials, Girgis said. Patients often notice they can better handle frustration when on medication, said Dr. Jonathan Alpert, the Dorothy and Marty Silverman Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. Some people who suggest antidepressants may cause violence point to a 2020 Swedish study that found people on SSRIs had a higher rate of convictions for violent crimes, Humphreys said. But the authors themselves wrote in the study that their findings are correlations and may be influenced by participants personal issues or their reasons for taking antidepressants in the first place. Those who committed violence while on SSRIs were more likely to be male and have histories of violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some mental health conditions can cause bouts of anger or aggression toward others and oneself when untreated, Humphreys said. Low levels of serotonin, a key feature of depression, are associated with violence, Girgis said. Drug use associated with these conditions can compound that likelihood. Some people experience aggression when initially starting or quitting an antidepressant, but its usually in the form of verbal aggression and irritability that soon resolves itself, Girgis said. Kennedy said many of the studies he claimed the National Institutes of Health is launching have not been done in the past because of HIPAA regulations, which protect the privacy of patients. He added that the federal government has the authority to bypass these regulations but also said it needs approval. Kennedy did not explain how the government would bypass that law or who would have to approve that action. Explaining the black box warnings Kennedy also told Fox News that some antidepressants have black box warnings that warn of suicidal ideation and homicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation is when you think about, consider or feel preoccupied with the idea of death and suicide, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Homicidal ideation involves thinking about or considering harming or killing other people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The black box, or boxed, warning refers to a prominent warning encased in a bold black border in the labeling or pamphlet of some medications. Its meant to raise awareness of certain risks of taking the drug and to increase clinician monitoring of possible suicidality. That some antidepressants have black box warnings for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among youth is true, experts said. Experts dont fully understand why up to 4% of youth experience these symptoms when starting antidepressants, Alpert said. But it may be partly due to a positive difference in how people feel about their suicidal thoughts, Girgis said. When people are sicker, suicidal thoughts are often ego-syntonic, meaning theyre more likely to want to act on them and not talk about them since people might interfere. Once people start improving from medication, those thoughts become disagreeable to them, so they report them to seek help. This trend could be why the risk typically doesnt lead to more actual deaths from suicide, Girgis added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That some antidepressants in the US have warnings of homicidal ideation, however, is not true, according to experts interviewed for this story. It seems only one antidepressant, Effexor, previously included homicidal ideation on its list of rare adverse events. In the FDAs reporting system for adverse events, for the six common antidepressants starting with Prozac in 1988, through 2024 there have been 698 adverse events of homicide reported and 808 reported adverse events of homicidal ideation, said Dr. Linda Martin, a member of the Southern Network on Adverse Events, a national drug safety group based at the University of South Carolina. Adverse events can be reported by drug manufacturers, health professionals or consumers, and may contain incomplete, inaccurate, untimely, and/or unverified information, according to the FDA. There isnt any information on the nature of, or context around, the reports for the six antidepressants nor any comparison that would indicate whether these numbers are higher than those in the general population or among people on other medications, Humphreys said. Millions of people take antidepressants, and events being reported doesnt always mean theyre linked to the drug. Antidepressant packaging inserts have four sections that can address possible adverse events: boxed warnings, warnings and precautions, post-marketing experience and the medication guide. But of the labels for the six antidepressants Martin analyzed, she found that only the medication guide sections mention the word violent. The medication guide for Prozac, for example, instructs patients to call their health care provider or 911 if they are acting aggressive or violent or experiencing multiple other symptoms. Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Prozac, declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drug packaging inserts often mention any event that was observed or measured in studies in which antidepressants were given, and some of those have observed a 1% incidence of homicidal ideation, Girgis said. Martin contends that the adverse events should be mentioned in the post-marketing warning sections of packaging inserts, she said. I am entirely in favor of rigorous, unbiased research on the risks and benefits of all medications, including antidepressants, Alpert said. I dont have any knowledge of any intentions to selectively withhold data from the public, but I certainly welcome transparency on this topic across all drug companies and all medications. Both as prescribers, patients, and people who have loved ones on medications, we all want clear, accurate and consistent information and should continue to work toward this goal. Anyone with questions about antidepressants should speak with their prescribing physician, Brendel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNNs Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com COLES COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) Two cities in Coles County are hoping to improve sidewalks near and around their schools. Tuesday night, the Charleston City Council met to discuss an application for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program. The city is planning to apply for the $250,000 grant, which would fund sidewalk replacements surrounding Jefferson Elementary School. The city council said theyre focusing on about .84 miles around the school, which have deteriorated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IDOT accepting application for construction projects making travel to, from school safer In Mattoon, the city council also discussed applying for the SRTS Program, with a focus on their middle school and high school. At Mattoon Middle School, the city council plans to apply for a $250,000 grant, which would extend and improve the sidewalks along 9th Street from Dakota Avenue to Oklahoma Avenue on the north side of the building. And at Mattoon High School, the city council plans to apply for a $250,000 grant to extend and improve the sidewalks along 27th Street from Marshall Avenue to the high school and on Walnut Avenue from 27th Street to 29th Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Mattoon and Charleston City Councils believe the projects will improve safety and walkability for students and residents alike. During the Tuesday night meetings, the resolutions to apply for the grant program passed unanimously. Next, both cities will need to submit their applications, and then they wait to find out if they are accepted for the grant 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 WCIA.com. CITY HALL PARK, Manhattan (PIX11) Mayor Eric Adams reiterated his intention to seek reelection on Thursday. He denied mounting reports that he may soon be offered a position in President Donald Trumps administration in exchange for dropping out of the race for Mayor. More News: NY Elections Adams dismissed the rumors about him moving to the Housing and Urban Development Department as a political distraction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive never asked for a job with HUD. Ive never been promised a job with HUD. I have not communicated with the president, Adams said. The denials come amid reports from The New York Times and Politico that Adams, during a trip to Florida earlier this week, was in contact with individuals close to Trump. Sources suggest Adams may have been offered a federal appointment, clearing a path for former Governor Andrew Cuomo to more directly challenge the Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. Cuomo lost to Mamdani in the Primary. More Local News Mamdani, a democratic socialist and current front-runner in the general election according to the polls, condemned the idea of any such arrangement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking at all of those horrific things that are happening, and choosing to work with that administration with the intent of subverting the will of Democratic Primary voters here in New York Cityits an affront to democracy, Mamdani said. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, denied involvement in any potential backroom deals and accused Mamdani of overreacting. Hes having a temper tantrum, Cuomo said. The only way he wins is if the contest remains divided. Cuomo also challenged Mamdani to five one-on-one debates, one in each borough. The former Governor also dismissed the idea of a debate without Mamdani to determine a leading contender. Mamdani has said he will only participate in the two official debates organized by the citys Campaign Finance Board. They are scheduled for October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speculation has also surrounded Curtis Sliwa, a Republican and independent candidate. For the 9,852nd time, I am not dropping out, Sliwa said Thursday, blaming Cuomo for spreading the rumors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux addressed recent comments made by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who criticized Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart for not prosecuting crime aggressively enough. Arceneaux pushed back, saying the city maintains a strong working relationship with the DAs office and emphasized the progress made in reducing crime. All of us are fighting crime together, and we have an excellent relationship with the district attorney, Arceneaux said. Our homicides are down 43% from last year, and they were down in 2024 compared to 2023, so I think we have the crime situation going in the right direction. The mayor also highlighted a new SporTran app that gives riders real-time bus tracking and route planning, calling it a terrific tool to make public transit easier for the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Arceneaux discussed the Block by Block cleanup program, which resumes Saturday in Southern Hills. So far, crews and volunteers have collected over 3,000 tires and nearly a million pounds of trash. Most importantly, weve been interacting with citizens door to door to hear their needs and help improve their neighborhoods, he said. Arceneaux also shared that he will be rappelling down the 50-story Fairmont Towers as part of the Over the Edge Fundraiser for Shreveport Common, an initiative he called a great success story in community redevelopment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sep. 4Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance is putting veteran city administrator Mike Abbott in charge of the Don Young Port of Alaska for the time being. Steve Ribuffo, who oversaw the port for nearly two decades, retired in July. According to an announcement from LaFrance's office on Thursday, "Abbott will serve as the Interim Director of the Don Young Port of Alaska until a permanent director is found." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott worked for mayors Mark Begich and Ethan Berkowitz as the city's municipal manager. In 2017, he left City Hall to become the chief executive of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, where he worked until 2021. Abbott will take over at the port later in September, according to the mayor's office. LaFrance also tapped Shanna Gamble to direct the Parks and Recreation Department, which she's done in an acting capacity since April. According to the administration's announcement on the move, Gamble has been with the municipality since 2020, managing "the department's operation and capital budgets, as well as the Administration, Recreation, and Aquatic Divisions." Gamble will need to win approval from the Anchorage Assembly, which is set to vote on her confirmation at its upcoming meeting Tuesday. NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) The incumbent mayor of Northampton Gina-Louise Sciarra seeking re-election and Wednesday night she held a campaign party to drum up support and rally voters ahead of the preliminary election this month. Age of Excellence Awards 2025 honor seniors leadership and impact On Wednesday, she gave a speech at the Florence Civic Center, outlinging her accomplishments over her last four years. This includes starting the Division of Community Care which has help over 1,300 individuals with an unarmed response to crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has also helped to start the Climate Action and Project Administration Department to reduce energy use in municipal and school buildings by about 20 percent. Some other efforts have been increasing the amount of firefighters and tackled the housing affordability crisis. She shared her future goals for improving the safety and accessibility in downtown through the proposed Picture Main Street project. Make it easier for people who are in wheelchairs or who have mobility devices. Were going to create more room for people. Were going to redo the underground infrastructure. Were going to double the tree canopy. This is a really critical project for for the vibrancy and the future of Northampton, said Sciarra. Three other residents join the mayor in hoping to lead the city of Northampton. The prelimary election is September 16th. The top two vote-getters will onto the November general election. 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. Mayor speaks on changes to bullying, wellness policies at Peabody schools following students death Since the death of Jason Bernard, Peabody School Committee meetings have been packed with parents, outraged over the issue of bullying in schools. Jasons family says he took his own life in May after he was bullied for two years at Higgins Middle School. It is difficult to swallow that it took a life for everyone to listen to things that have been said before, said Cely Rosario, Jasons sister. You need to be held accountable for damaging someones spirit and interfering with their education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family of Peabody teen who took his own life due to bullying hopes his passing sparks change Jasons sister says theyre pushing for accountability and changes in the school district, from stricter discipline, to training for teachers, parents and students. Boston 25 News reporter Litsa Pappas brought her concerns to the mayor. Jasons passing has left a real deep impact on the city of Peabody in so many ways, said Mayor Ted Bettencourt of Peabody. Ted Bettencourt says hes already launching some real changes for the school district. Theyre opening a Mental Health Wellness center at Higgins Middle School this fall, staffed with two new full-time counselors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We felt that we needed to make this step to provide some additional resources and opportunities for students during the school day and maybe after school to be able to come in and maybe talk to somebody, said Mayor Bettencourt. Mayor Bettencourt says theyre also creating a Bullying Assessment team that will meet weekly to focus on students who may need extra support. Theres not a one solution to this issue and it is a major issue, its very real and being dealt with by all families in some way and its going to take a community effort, a unified effort to really make some improvement and help, said Mayor Bettencourt. Nearly one hundred people gathered this summer for the first Community Task Force meeting following Jasons death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its another way to brainstorm ideas. The task force is going to be comprised of health professionals, teachers, police officers, community leaders and just caring parents and people who want to be a part of trying to help, said Mayor Bettencourt. Boston 25 News asked a bullying expert what families can do at home to help their kids. Its really good to have your antennae up and to detect these problems before they get to be really serious, said Dr. Elizabeth Englander, executive director of MARC at Bridgewater State University. Dr. Englander says if you learn your child is being bullied, talk to their school leaders to find out what anti-bullying protocol they have in place to come up with a safety plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You should also keep an eye on your childs social media since a lot of bullying happens online, and you should call police if the behavior becomes criminal, including threats, violence or stalking. Theres policies, theres training, theres handouts, but if its not implemented, then out of sight out of mind, said Rosario. Jasons family is hoping for hands-on training for students to really recognize the dangers of bullying for the long-term. In our heart were looking to find peace and comfort and a new normal without Jason, but that doesnt mean were not going to fight for justice and for what is right, like we dont want it to happen to another child, said Rosario. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Bettencourt also says hed like to see some changes on the state level since school leaders are restricted on how they can discipline bullying. He says it may be time to make the punishment more severe for bullies to make it clear this behavior will not be tolerated in schools. 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 Mayor Wu, City of Boston sued by DOJ over sanctuary city policies The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Boston and its city leaders, claiming the citys Boston Trust Act protects illegal immigrants from federal authorities. The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal actions the DOJ has taken against Boston and other cities and states it deems sanctuaries for illegal immigrants. The lawsuit claims that Bostons policies are illegal under federal law and that the city refuses to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, resulting in dangerous criminals being let out onto the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Wus] resistance endangers public safety, resulting in a number of criminals being released into Boston who should have been held for immigration removal from the United States, DOJ attorneys wrote in the complaint. The City of Boston and its mayor have been among the worst sanctuary offenders in America they explicitly enforce policies designed to undermine law enforcement and protect illegal aliens from justice, Attorney General Pam Bondi. If Boston wont protect its citizens from illegal alien crime, this Department of Justice will. Mayor Wu issued the following statement Thursday evening, saying, This unconstitutional attack on our city is not a surprise. Boston is a thriving community, the economic and cultural hub of New England, and the safest major city in the countrybut this administration is intent on attacking our community to advance their own authoritarian agenda. This is our City, and we will vigorously defend our laws and the constitutional rights of cities, which have been repeatedly upheld in courts across the country. We will not yield. Mayor Wu testified before Congress in March that Bostons policies contribute to making Boston one of the safest major cities in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This summer, the Department of Justice ordered Mayor Wu to submit a compliance plan in August. Wus office responded by stating that she will emphasize the partnerships and investments that contribute to Bostons reputation as the safest major city in America. Theres no strict definition for sanctuary policies or sanctuary cities, but the terms generally describe limited cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE enforces U.S. immigration laws nationwide but seeks state and local help, particularly for large-scale deportations, requesting that police and sheriffs alert them to people it wants to deport and hold them until federal officers take custody. Boston 25 News has reached out to the Boston Police Department for a response. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) On Thursday, Governor Henry McMaster announced that he filed a motion to intervene in an appeal, along with an emergency petition to stay the ex parte temporary restraining order. The filings pertain to a lawsuit and restraining order involving the State Election Commission (SEC) and South Carolina voter Dr. Anne Crook. Governors Motion to Intervene and Emergency Petition for Writ of SupersedeasDownload The lawsuit was filed by Crook, a Calhoun County resident, in response to a formal request from the U.S. Department of Justice (D.O.J.) for detailed voter information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025-08-29 Efiled Summons and Petition(1)Download In August, the DOJ has asked the South Carolina Election Commission to provide a full data voter list, including the last four digits of each voters Social Security number and full drivers license numbers. The D.O.J. initially set a deadline of August 21st for the SEC, but the commission was granted several extensions. Now, the federal government has given South Carolina until Friday, September 5, to turn over the requested information. Dr. Crooks lawsuit and temporary restraining order was approved by a state judge. 2025.09.02 Efiled Temporary RO.PDFDownload Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crook argues that complying with the DOJs request would violate state privacy laws. However, Governor McMaster said the complaint overlooks key federal statutes that authorize such data requests. The Federal Government does have the authority to ask for these things, but we want to be sure, because of our interest in and its in our constitution about privacy said McMaster. They are covered by federal law, is making them available under the proper circumstances, and we want to be sure everybody knows that. Yesterday the SEC met with the DOJ preparing a memo for both parties on how to define how voter data may be shared in full compliance with state and federal law, while protecting South Carolina voters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sep. 3MORGANTOWN Morgantown Community Resources the nonprofit that serves as facilitator and landlord for Hazel's House of Hope has brought full-time, private security onto the Scott Avenue campus. MCR Chair Seth Wilson said the decision was made in response to increased foot and vehicle traffic as well as concerns over possible drug activity on and around the 10.5-acre property that's home to the 108, 000-square-foot social services hub. "The Board is committed to provide a safe and secure campus for all interested stakeholders. We met with representatives of some of the existing agencies housed on campus as well as members of the Morgantown Police Department and then made the decision to engage private security to further our mission to provide a safe, secure campus, " Wilson said. "The decision was not made as a reaction to any specific incident, but rather as an attempt to proactively address concerns arising from the recent uptick in traffic." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catholic Charities West Virginia operates Grace Shelter, the emergency shelter at HHH formerly managed by Bartlett House. Last winter, CCWV also ran a cold-weather shelter out of a separate space within the facility. CCWV Executive Director Mark Phillips said the increased activity on the property can be traced directly to Morgantown's camping ban, which took effect at the end of May. "There's a situation in Morgantown where because of the camping ban, individuals have sort of been pushed out of the city center, and so we have more people who are experiencing homelessness setting up encampments around the area where Hazel's House is located just because they can get services there. They can get a hot meal. They can wait and see if a shelter bed is open, " Phillips said. "That creates a situation where sometimes, you know, there are individuals who are breaking the law. They're living outside, which is illegal. They may be using drugs, and that creates tension in the community around Hazel's House." Asked if Catholic Charities intended to operate a warming shelter this winter, Phillips said those conversations are underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If so, it doesn't sound like it will be within the HHH building. "If the warming shelter is there again, it only exacerbates the issue, because then you've got folks who are staying in the shelter overnight and then really don't have anywhere to go during the day, " he said. "Hazel's House might not be the place to also have a day shelter. We've got other agencies in Hazel's House that are working with people who are actively in recovery, and having individuals who might still be using in and out of that space or living right around there in the woods or neighborhoods is tough. So, we're actively talking about it." As for MCR, Wilson confirmed that the board is not aware of any plans for an emergency warming shelter to be operated on campus and hasn't been approached by any organization wishing to do so. The reasons for that go beyond the complicating factors explained above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the weeks leading up to the implementation of the city's hotly debated camping ban, Catholic Charities was notified by the city fire marshal's office that the shelter was over capacity based on how the space is currently configured. As a result, the shelter that stayed full at 28 beds was reduced to 19. In response, former shelter director Jessica Thompson said CCWV began looking at expanding into the 5, 100 square-feet within HHH that once held the short-lived Hope Hill Sobering Center the same space that's served as the emergency warming shelter the last two winters. Phillips said work to that end continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted the expansion would likely increase shelter costs by $55, 000 to $60, 000, primarily due to the staffing needed to cover space on both the first and second floors of the building. "If it were just an expanded footprint all on one floor, it would be easier to manage staff-wise than something on two floors just making sure staff are always comfortable and always backed up and able to respond as quickly as possible if an individual would have a physical or mental health crisis, " he said. As for how the additional space would operate, Phillips said it would likely have a capacity of 15-20 people. "We'll have an opportunity to discuss whether we would operate it a little bit differently, or not. We might move to a space where we have a floor exclusively for males and a floor exclusively for females." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are not the only changes taking place at Grace Shelter. Thompson left the shelter in early July to become a case manager for CCWV's statewide disaster services. Erin Shelton, with Project Rainbow and Rainbow House, is serving as the Grace Shelter director on an interim basis until a full-time replacement is hired. Rainbow House is a low-barrier shelter in Monongalia County that prioritizes services for unhoused members of the LGBTQ + community. "Erin is helping out in that way since she already knows the landscape of services for folks experiencing homelessness in the Morgantown area, " Phillips said. The city of Morgantown and Monongalia County are major funding sources for Grace Shelter. Both put up $150, 000 in the previous fiscal year to help finance operations. Both approved $125, 000 as part of their current operating budgets. A child enrolled at a Hampton Roads elementary school was confirmed by officials Thursday morning to have contracted measles. The Virginia Department of Health in a Wednesday night release said the child, aged 5 to 12, was the fourth in Virginia to get the highly contagious disease after traveling abroad. The child is a student of Trantwood Elementary School in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach Public School officials said the illness was onset the second day of school, Aug. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The health of our students and staff is of the utmost importance to us, a letter addressed to families and staff of the school said on Wednesday. Please know we are working very closely with the Virginia Department of Health to address this situation. Normal school operations would remain in place Thursday for those who had been vaccinated, the letter added. Unvaccinated students and staff were told not to attend school through Sept. 16. Students who ride Bus 21, which school officials said serves Trantwood Elementary, Linkhorn Park Elementary and Lynnhaven Middle School may be impacted by the illness. School-aged children with the mumps, measles and rubella vaccine, also called the MMR vaccine, are protected from measles, health officials said. Still, those with the vaccine may get measles if exposed to the virus though health officials said they can usually expect more mild symptoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia Beach Department of Health Director Caitlyn S. Pedati said in another letter addressed to parents and guardians of Trantwood Elementary School students that those who had not received two doses of the MMR vaccine should seek vaccination, barring a medical exemption. She said the MMR vaccine is safe, effective and mitigates the risk of spread. Most students with measles are sick enough that they miss at least a week of school. Whether or not they develop a rash, children who develop a fever over 101 degrees, cough, runny nose or red eyes should be separated from others. Pedati said to immediately call a doctor should the possibility of exposure arise. Separated children should remain at home until their doctor and school staff have cleared their return. If contracted, measles begins with a moderate fever around a week or two after exposure. The fever spikes up to 105 degrees and a rash on the face begins, rapidly spreading down the chest and back. Health officials said one in every 20 people with measles develops pneumonia. Very rarely, the disease can be fatal. The state health department noted possible exposure sites related to this case: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Childrens Hospital of The Kings Daughters Health Center and Urgent Care at Loehmanns Plaza, located at 3960 Virginia Beach Blvd. in Virginia Beach Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 5-8:30 p.m. CVS Pharmacy, located at 300 Laskin Road in Virginia Beach Thursday, Aug. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. CHKD Emergency Department/Hospital, located at 601 Childrens Lane in Norfolk Emergency Department: Saturday, Aug. 30 from 1:30-8 p.m., Hospital: from Saturday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. to Monday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. Watch for symptoms, which can rshow themselves around three weeks after exposure. Health officials said those at risk of exposure should seek medical help but stress calling ahead. To reach the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health, call (757) 278-6290. For the Norfolk Department of Public Health, call (757) 683-2735. For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/. Russian former president Dmitry Medvedev is threatening the UK government with the expropriation of British state assets because of its support for Ukraine. London is supplying Ukraine with weapons worth more than 1 billion ($1.34 billion), paid for with proceeds from frozen Russian assets, Medvedev posted on his Telegram channel. "The British thieves have given Russian money to the neo-Nazis," Medvedev wrote, adding that this gives Russia a right to compensation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The politician now serves as deputy head of the Russian Security Council. Because this would be difficult to enforce legally, Moscow would compensate itself by appropriating further territories in Ukraine, he said. "Or by expropriating assets belonging to the British Crown," Medvedev added. "There are plenty of those in many places, including Russia." British Defence Secretary John Healey announced more military aid for Ukraine during a visit to Kiev. Medvedev was considered liberal during his time as president. However, since Russia began its war against Ukraine three and a half years ago, he has played the role of an extreme hawk and agitator. The massive First Cathedral in Bloomfield wants to build more than 140 affordable apartments in a series of five-story buildings on its property at Blue Hills Avenue and Wintonbury Avenue. First Cathedral, which was described as Connecticuts biggest church when it was built 27 years ago, doesnt plan to change its operations or its main building, but instead is looking to develop some of the rest of its 40 acres. In an informal presentation last week to the towns planning and zoning commission, church leadership and its consultants said they can address community needs by building 146 apartments and a new day care center behind the existing church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Connecticut, theres an acute need for affordable housing. In Bloomfield, theres 11% affordable housing but a lot of luxury housing development has been going on, said Geoffrey Person of Grow America, a national non-profit organization thats working with the church. Pastor LeRoy Bailey III said church members have talked for the past five years about the best way to use the land to the south of the church. First Baptist Church of Hartford bought the property in the 1990s and built a 53,000-square-foot church in 1998. The building has since been expanded, and leaders now say it has 11,000 members. There is seating for more than 3,000, and services are livestreamed and also shown on YouTube. When we bought the property we bought 40 acres of land, Bailey said. We wanted to build a future and develop it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francis Vaca, an engineer with BSC Group in Glastonbury, told the town that First Cathedral will seek a zoning amendment to allow its project to go forward. He said of the three five-story apartment buildings, the one closes to neighbors and the road would still be set back about 250 feet behind a tree buffer. The architects described the style as lively colors and warm tones that blend in well with the natural surrounding with pops of blue to identify the entrances, according to Vaca. The design breaks down the size and creates visual interest by varying the planes of the facade with projecting bays, so in other words it doesnt look like one great big giant factory, Vaca said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Person said his organization, which works with community groups planning affordable housing or similar projects, is fairly confident that financing can be arranged for this project. We have a very good relationship wtih the Department of Housing. Were looking at 146 units altogether in two different phases, he said, with 101 apartments in two buildings slated as the first phase. The rest would be built along with the day care center in the second phase. Were looking at restricting them to all 60% of average median income and below, so were talking about true affordable housing here with folks typically making less than $70,000, he told commissioners. Grow America has helped coordinate affordable housing projects in Hartford, New Britain and elsewhere in Connecticut, he said. The church would need to formally apply for a zoning amendment and a site plan approval before the project could advance. First Lady Melania Trump hosted the second meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education on Thursday, bringing together task force members and private sector leaders to advance AI education initiatives for American youth. The meeting follows President Donald Trumps executive order on AI education signed in April and reflects the administrations push to position artificial intelligence as a cornerstone of economic growth. I predict AI will represent the single largest growth category in our nation during the Trump Administrationand I wont be surprised if AI becomes known as the greatest engine of progress in the history of the United States of America, Melania Trump said in a statement. But, as leaders and parents, we must manage AIs growth responsibly. During this primitive stage, it is our duty to treat AI as we would our own children empowering, but with watchful guidance. We are living in a moment of wonder, and it is our responsibility to prepare Americas children. The task force has already secured more than 135 pledges from private sector companies to support AI education across the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps involvement builds on Melanias BE BEST initiative, focusing on childrens online safety. The initiative helped generate bipartisan support for the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which Trump signed into law on May 19, 2025. The First Lady has recently adopted AI technology, using it to narrate the audiobook version of her New York Times bestselling memoir, Melania. On August 26, Melania launched the Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge, a nationwide competition for K-12 students and educators, as previously reported on by The Dallas Express. The challenge invites participants to unleash their imagination and showcase the spirit of American innovation through AI.Gov. First lady Melania Trump made rare public remarks on Thursday, calling on private and public sector leaders to prepare children for the growth of artificial intelligence, at a Thursday event at the White House. The robots are here. Our future is no longer science fiction, Trump said as she hosted a meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education in the East Room, which marked her first public appearance since July 13. As leaders and parents, we must manage AIs growth responsibly. During this primitive stage, it is our duty to treat AI as we would our own children: empowering, but with watchful guidance, she said, calling on the leaders to prioritize infrastructure and energy, national security and talent as the technology expands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first ladys presence at the meeting served as a renewed effort toward her first-term Be Best platform, which included a focus on online safety for children. Since her husbands return to the White House, Trump has yet to substantively lay out new policy goals for Be Best, but on Thursday she signaled her interest in expanding it to include responsible stewardship of artificial intelligence. She has highlighted both the opportunities and perils of the emerging technology, recently promoting a presidential AI competition for school-age children. Earlier this year, she led an effort toward passing the Take It Down Act, legislation aimed at protecting Americans from deepfake and revenge pornography. As someone who created an AI-powered audio book and championed online safety through the Take It Down Act, Ive seen firsthand the promise of this powerful technology, she said in a video introducing the challenge. Thursdays event marked the first ladys eighth appearance at an official event at the White House during President Donald Trumps second term, underscoring her relative absence from Washington, DC, and selective use of her massive platform as an American first lady. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes been seen in public 20 of the days since the president returned to office less than half of the 46 days she was at this same point in his first term, when shed attended multiple Oval Office meetings and news conferences with world leaders and made trips to seven countries. But Melania Trump is in frequent communication with her husband, often in texts or calls exchanged throughout the day, according to sources familiar with the matter. On Thursday, she addressed emerging technology alongside a cadre of Cabinet members and CEOs. We are living in a moment of wonder, she said, And it is our responsibility to prepare the children of America. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) A new memory cafe is launching in Lansing, and the first gathering will be on Thursday afternoon. AARP describes it as a new community resource offering a welcoming, supportive environment for individuals living with memory loss or dementia and the family members and friends who care for them. The Greater Lansing Memory Cafe is replacing Ethels Place, which opened in 2023. AARP used to rent out The Venue near the Lansing Mall. This new memory cafe will take place at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center for the foreseeable future. Social isolation is a real challenge for people living with memory loss and their caregivers, State Director for AARP Michigan Paula Cunningham said in a news release sent to 6 News. This cafe is about restoring connection, joy and understanding, and ensuring no one walks this journey alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Michael Shafer, director of neuropsychology at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, is the co-founder of the Greater Lansing Care Foundation, which is partnering with AARP. For those living with memory loss, opportunities for social engagement can be limited yet they are critical for emotional well-being and quality of life, Shafer said. The memory cafe offers a safe, stigma-free space where participants and their caregivers can connect, share experiences and simply enjoy time together. The first gathering of the memory cafe will take place on Thursday, Sept. 4, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing at the intersection of Abbot Road and Burcham Drive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) After two men featured on the Metro Nashville Police Departments list of Most Wanted fugitives were arrested last week, the department has released a freshly updated list of suspects. The longtime No. 2 man sought by authorities, Raceme Crutcher, 23, was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service in Antioch last Wednesday, Aug. 27, while a newer addition to the list, 35-year-old Roderick Majors, was apprehended by Mt. Juliet authorities in Wilson County. The list is updated each week on the MNPD Criminal Warrants Divisions Facebook page. According to Metro detectives, those featured on the list are often considered to be some of the most violent offenders in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fugitives featured on the list are frequently wanted on indictments for capital offenses like murder or sex crimes; others featured have multiple domestic violence charges. Old Hickory man arrested two nights in a row, police say Since the list was first launched in October 2022, around 180 people featured have been apprehended or surrendered to law enforcement, including those captured out of county or even out of state. In 2025 alone, there have been more than 25 arrests of those featured on the Most Wanted list; there were 68 arrests in 2024. Below is the list of suspects sought by police for the week of Sept. 3, 2025. 1. DeTynn Q. Smith Detynn Q. Smith (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) DeTynn Smith, 21, is wanted for multiple felonies, including first-degree premeditated murder, attempted first-degree premeditated murder, aggravated robbery and using a weapon during the commission of a dangerous felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith has previous criminal history in Nashville, according to police records. In 2022, Smith, then 18, was charged with another 18-year-old with carjacking, evading arrest and vehicle theft. According to MNPD, Smith and Alan Beverly admitted to carjacking a womans Chevrolet Malibu and threatening her 8-year-old son at gunpoint in late May of 2022. The victim told authorities shed gone into a Jefferson Street market around 8:30 p.m. when the passenger of a Ford F-150 pickup truck got out and approached her car, threatening her son with a pistol and pushing him out of the car. Gov. Lee backs effort to appeal gun law ruling Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives located the vehicle at a Walmart on Dickerson Pike. Both Smith and Beverly fled on foot but were apprehended. Smith also tossed the pistol, which was recovered by police. Smith has made multiple appearances on the Most Wanted list, including a stint in 2023 where he was also considered the Top Most Wanted fugitive. He was last added back to the list in December 2024. Police said anyone with information as to Smiths whereabouts should contact MNPD by calling 615-862-8600 or by calling Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. 2. Garrick D. Oden Garrick D. Oden (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Garrick Oden, 57, is wanted by authorities for sex offenses. According to the MNPD, Oden faces a grand jury indictment for seven counts of rape without consent, as well as one count of rape by force or coercion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metro Councilwoman says she was drugged at local restaurant Oden has previous criminal history in Nashville. Court records show Oden has previous convictions for several misdemeanors, including vandalism under $500, disorderly conduct, and two violations of order of protections in the early 2000s. His last location is currently unknown to authorities, according to MNPD. 3. Devon A. Martak Devon A. Martak (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Devon Martak, 39, was added to the list at the end of 2024. According to Metro police, Martak is wanted for a grand jury indictment of three counts of rape of someone who is mentally defective or helpless and three counts of rape without consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martak has an extensive criminal history in Nashville. He has previous convictions for drug possession, unlawful weapon possession, driving on a suspended license and reckless driving; he also has a no contest plea for an aggravated sexual battery charge in 2022. His last known location was in Madison, according to police. 4. Elijah T. Kodjo Elijah T. Kodjo (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Making his first appearance on the list in the last week of May is Elijah Kodjo, 34. According to Metro police, Kodjo is wanted on a grand jury indictment for attempted premeditated first-degree murder and aggravated assault. | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County Authorities do not know his last location. 5. Kevin D. Haynes Kevin D. Haynes (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Kevin Haynes, 25, is wanted on a grand jury indictment for two counts of statutory rape, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His last location is currently unknown to authorities, MNPD said. 6. Jatarius M. Marable Jatarius M. Marable (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Added to the list at the end of June is Jatarius Marable, 29. According to police, Marable is wanted on multiple grand jury indictments, including those for domestic violence offenses. His charges include four counts of domestic violence aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated burglary, two counts of domestic assault with bodily injury, domestic assault by causing fear of bodily injury, and using a motor vehicle to evade arrest. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Per Metro court records, Marable has previous convictions for misdemeanor assault, domestic assault with bodily injury, and driving without a license, as well as a previous felony conviction to using a motor vehicle to evade arrest and three counts of evading arrest by motor vehicle with risk of injury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marables last location is currently unknown to police, per MNPD. 7. Antonio J. Dockery Antonio J. Dockery (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) According to police, Antonio Dockery, 22, is wanted on several domestic violence charges and crimes against children. He faces three counts of strangulation, three counts of domestic assault with bodily injury, two counts of child neglect-imminent danger of a child 8 or less, child endangerment, as well as a vehicle burglary and vandalism charge. Man shot during 3rd shooting in 3 nights at Cayce homes in East Nashville Dockerys last location is unknown to police, according to MNPD. 8. Tasha L. Childs Tasha L. Childs (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) According to police, Tasha Childs, 42, is wanted on several charges, including two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, domestic assault with bodily injury, harassment threats and vandalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said her last known location was in Hermitage. 9. Christopher T. Brown Christopher T. Brown (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Also added to the list mid-August is Christopher T. Brown, 32. According to police, Brown is wanted on several domestic violence charges, including strangulation, aggravated burglary, assault with bodily injury, and domestic assault by offensive or provocative contact. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com His last location is unknown to authorities, MNPD said. 10. Jacob Lamb Crow Jacob C. Lamb Crow (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) One of the more recent additions to the list is Jacob Lamb Crow, 20. According to authorities, Lamb Crow is wanted on three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities said Lamb Crow was last seen in Murfreesboro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) Mercyhealth plans to keep 500 people employed at its Rockton Avenue clinic despite the pending sale of the former Rockford Memorial Hospital. Mercyhealth is pleased to announce that Pastor Melvin Brown and his wife, Sheila Brown, have signed a purchase agreement and are now closing on the former hospital facility on the Rockton Avenue Campus. The Browns have spent more than 30 years ministering and providing social support for members of the Rockford community. Their dedication to serving others, coupled with their vision for the building, will have a positive impact on the community, the healthcare organization announced Wednesday. Brown serves as pastor at Kingdom Authority Church, 815 N Church Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mercyhealth will continue to have over 500 employees in our physician clinic at the Rockton Campus. This building will house a number of clinical and administrative services. Additionally, we will maintain our REACT hangar and EMS training center on a long-term basis, Mercyhealth added. Mercyhealth closed the Rockton Avenue campus in July, saying preliminary ideas for the facility included social services agencies or a nursing home. The Wisconsin-based healthcare company eliminated inpatient services at the Rockton campus in 2020, relocating emergency room services to its new Javon Bea Mercyhealth Riverside hospital. Mercyhealth said the move was necessary after decreased volume in its emergency departments, an increase in telemedicine, and lower surgery volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am confident the new owners have the best of intentions; however, I cannot imagine that hospital leadership has set them up for success. Simply maintaining the property will cost approximately $1.5 million each year. My greatest concern, which I voiced last week, is that any new owner will struggle to be successful without the resources, planning and capacity required to manage the scale and expense of such a massive property, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said of the sale. What frustrates me most is that Mercyhealth has now successfully carried out its plan to dispose of the property on North Rockton Avenue with little regard for the impact this will have on our communitys residents. For Mercyhealth, this is a bailout and a tax write-off, he added. In 2018, upon Beas announcement that the hospital was eliminating inpatient services, McNamara, along with Rep. Maurice West (D), Rep. Dave Vella (D), and Sen. Steve Stadelman (D) pushed back against Mercyhealth CEO Javon Beas claims of flooding concerns, saying Bea intended to close the Westside campus ever since the announcement of the new, multi-million dollar hospital on east Riverside, despite his repeated assurances to the contrary. The Riverside hospital was named Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital Riverside when it opened in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mesa County to ease fire restrictions on Friday MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) On Friday after midnight, all lands managed by the White River National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management Upper Colorado River District, as well as all private lands in Mesa County, will be under stage one fire restrictions. Additionally, Delta County and national parks in Montrose will also reduce fire restrictions to stage one. The downgrade to stage one fire restrictions allows the County to balance the elevated fire risk and need to take action to minimize the risk of human-caused wildfires with the recreational needs of residents and visitors to the County, said Delta County Undersheriff Quinn Archibeque. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria, including moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks and human risk factors. During fire season, local, county, state and federal officials evaluate and coordinate fire restrictions on a weekly call. The stage reduction came from improvements in local conditions; however, potential fire hazards remain, like unsecured vehicle chains or a hot exhaust pipe in tall grass. As Mesa County has witnessed this year, a single spark has the potential to cause a dangerous fire and spread quickly when combined with the dry conditions and consistently high temperatures we have experienced, stated the Mesa County Sheriffs Office in a press release. Although the recent moisture across much of western Colorado has helped lower fire danger, we expect a return to hot, dry weather, and conditions still warrant stage one fire restrictions, said BLM Upper Colorado River District Manager Greg Larson. We urge all residents and visitors to be vigilant and responsible with any outdoor activities that could spark a fire. Remember, fireworks are not allowed on federal land. During stage one fire restrictions, the following are prohibited: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fireworks Campfires outside of designated fire pits Agricultural open burning without an issued permit Use of explosive targets Smoking near combustible materials outside Operating or using an internal combustion engine without a spark-arresting device properly installed, maintained and in working order Welding or operating torches with an open flame outside of cleared areas Although we are lowering fire restrictions, we will still be under stage one fire restrictions, said White River National Forest Supervisor Brian Glaspell. In developed campgrounds where campfires are again permitted, please ensure your fire is completely out and cold before leaving. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CONCORD Two for-profit methadone clinics in Derry and Salem are under investigation as part of a statewide initiative looking into unnecessary barriers patients might face when seeking treatment for opioid addiction. The clinics, which provide both methadone and buprenorphine, can prescribe buprenorphine for patients to take at home while patients in need of methadone treatments are required to travel to the clinic which, in the rural communities of New Hampshire, could be up two hours away. Studies show that travel and distance to an OTP even a distance of around five miles can reduce patient retention in treatment, wrote U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan in a letter to the CEOs of three for-profit OTP operators. Drug overdoses killed around 105,000 Americans in 2023 and more than 400 New Hampshire residents yet only 25 percent of Americans with opioid addiction receive medication-assisted treatment. Barriers to access... treatment... may contribute to these outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation, launched by Hassan, will look into the patient outcomes, billing practices and compliance of the three parent companies Acadia Healthcare, BayMark Health Services and New Season of for-profit methadone clinics in New Hampshire, Hassan said in a statement. BayMark Health is the parent company for Middlesex Recovery, 45 Stiles Road, Salem, and The Granite House, 35 West Broadway, Derry, both of which provide medication-assisted treatments, such as methadone and buprenorphine. For-profit OTP owners argue the existing setup helps patients by promoting individualized therapy and counseling, yet some of these same companies have allegedly defrauded the government and neglected their patients by billing Medicare and Medicaid for inadequate or even non-existent therapy and counseling, Hassan said. Additionally, there are claims that for-profit OTP companies have generally opposed proposals to address barriers limiting access to methadone treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, Hassan has requested the companies submit revenue information, patient retention rates, staffing levels, counseling hours and the provision of take-home doses provided to patients as part of her investigation. The investigation is part of Hassans overall efforts to expand access to medication-assisted treatment programs, which are statistically proven to increase recovery rates and decrease the likelihood of relapse. A Mexican national who was previously deported following a drug conviction was recently arrested in Meriden and charged with illegally reentering the United States. Juan Jose Carrasco Cardenas, 39, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Enforcement and Removal Operations on Aug. 27 in Meriden, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. He appeared Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford on a federal criminal complain charging him with unlawful reentry and was ordered detained. Court records show that, in January 2002, Carrasco was stopped by U.S. Border Patrol and was issued a voluntary return to Mexico. In May 2009, U.S. Border Patrol caught Carrasco in Arizona illegally entering the U.S. He was charged with improper entry of an alien, was sentenced to five days in prison and was later issued a voluntary return to Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January 2018, Carrasco was arrested again, this time in Saline County, Kansas, and charged with various offenses related to marijuana trafficking, according to court records. He was convicted of state charges for marijuana distribution and sentenced to 30 months in prison. By October 2019, he was removed to Mexico, court records show. If convicted, Carrasco faces a maximum term of 10 years in federal prison. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Thursday that she will call lawmakers for a special legislative session, beginning October 1, 2025. The special session was called to find solutions as federal budget cuts loom, according to a release from the Governors Office. New Mexicans should not be forced to shoulder these heavy burdens without help from their elected officials, Lujan Grisham said in a news release. After discussions with legislative leaders, weve resolved to do everything possible to protect essential services and minimize the damage from President Trumps disastrous bill. Demolition begins for abandoned building on Central to help revitalize area According to the release, lawmakers plan to consider a package including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funding to the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund to allow stabilization grants Making health insurance premiums more affordable in the marketplace and for residents losing Medicaid coverage. Investments in food assistance Public broadcasting funding Resources for the Health Care Authority to prepare for upcoming Medicaid changes However, Democrats and Republicans dont see eye-to-eye on whether this session is needed. Democratic Majority Leader Peter Wirth said the urgency is about making sure New Mexicans are protected from federal changes. Were talking about food security, were talking about health insurance, were talking about rural hospitals. New Mexico is hit really hard by this legislation at the federal level, given our reliance on federal dollars, said Senator Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe), Majority Leader. The special session next month is set to find ways to offset the impact of federal funding cuts passed by Congress and approved by President Trump in July. The goal is to ensure initiatives like the rural health care delivery fund and food assistance programs can continue operating and make sure Medicaid recipients do not lose health coverage. Meanwhile, Republican leaders said this session should focus more on issues like juvenile crime, reforming medical malpractice laws, and reforming CYFD. Im confused as to why this burning need for a special session, especially when it doesnt appear theres anything special needed, said Senator Bill Sharer (R-Farmington), Minority Floor Leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor also included funding for public broadcasting among her priorities for the session. Majority Leader Wirth said this special session will not cover issues related to juvenile crime or immigration, but those issues will be discussed during the regular 30-day session in January. The release states the governor is in discussions with the legislature to address behavioral health challenges that affect community safety and the criminal justice system in the special session and the upcoming 30-day session. The governors office tells us she initially proposed a robust legislative package including medical licensing compacts and prohibiting immigration detention facilities for the special session. But they said through legislative negotiations, the items were removed to focus on protecting the most vulnerable new Mexicans. The governors office says she does plan to tackle big issues such as public safety, juvenile crime, and banning immigration detention centers in the upcoming 30-day session in January. The October 2025 session will be the seventh special session that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has called during her time in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This article will be updated as more information becomes available. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on Sept. 4 that she will call New Mexico lawmakers into a special legislative session to begin on Oct. 1. Lujan Grisham said in a news release that the special session will focus on legislation to address federal budget cuts due to the budget package passed by President Donald Trump's administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "New Mexicans should not be forced to shoulder these heavy burdens without help from their elected officials," Lujan Grisham said in a news release. "After discussions with legislative leaders, we've resolved to do everything possible to protect essential services and minimize the damage from President Trumps disastrous bill." The October 2025 session will be the seventh special session of the legislature during Lujan Grishams tenure. "New Mexico is not going to allow Trump and the radical right to take food off your table or kick your family off your healthcare plan," Speaker of the House Javier Martinez said in a news release. "We have been hard at work evaluating how this federal budget will impact New Mexico and how we can best fight back. Now, we're ready to roll up our sleeves to protect access to the services you and your families need most." How much federal funding will New Mexico lose? The state estimated that federal cuts will reduce state revenues by approximately $206 million between Fiscal Years 2026 and 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the potential reductions cited by the state in August 2025 include: $70 million from lifting the state and local tax deduction limit. $46 million from other nonincome tax impacts. $44 million from federal business tax changes. $41 million from standard deduction changes. $5 million from the elimination of tax on certain car loan interest. Lawmakers plan to consider a package of measures in October that could include Funding to the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund to allow stabilization grants for quality health care providers. Taking action to make health insurance premiums more affordable in the marketplace and for New Mexicans losing Medicaid coverage. New investments in food assistance for children, seniors and families in need. Funding for public broadcasting. Additional resources to help the Health Care Authority prepare for upcoming Medicaid enrollment changes. Will lawmakers tackle public safety in special session? The governor is also in discussions with the legislature to address behavioral health challenges that affect the criminal justice system and community safety in the special session. Question for the Governor and progressive Democrats: what actually counts as an emergency in New Mexico? Because heres what we see every day: Juvenile crime spiraling out of control Violent crime rate 2x higher than the rest of the nation CYFD failing kids, with abuse New Mexico House Republicans (@NMHouseGOP) September 3, 2025 According to a news release from New Mexico Senate Republicans, Republicans have been preparing legislation to address: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Addressing New Mexicos juvenile crime crisis. Holding repeat offenders accountable. Reforming medical malpractice.. Protecting New Mexicos most vulnerable children. "We appreciate any opportunity to provide real solutions for New Mexicans," Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer said in a news release. "Just as we did during last years failed public safety special session, Republican legislators are prepared to address the pressing issues facing our state. Based on countless conversations with constituents and concerned New Mexicans, our efforts remain focused on restoring the safety of our communities, protecting our states vulnerable children, and improving our access to quality health care. "Democrats in the legislature have opposed our common-sense proposals to improve public safety, including needed changes to juvenile justice laws and an end to the revolving-door release of repeat violent offenders." This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Special session of New Mexico legislator called for October MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum' s strategy of managing a tumultuous relationship with President Donald Trump may be running up against wider regional tensions and lack of willingness by the Trump administration to make concessions, experts say. Since Trump took office, the freshly elected Mexican president has been lauded, and even dubbed a sort of Trump whisperer, for being able to offset the brunt of U.S. tariffs that have dealt a blow to other foreign economies. Sheinbaum has done so by cracking down on cartels with a heavier hand than her predecessor, delivering dozens of cartel affiliates to American authorities and pointing to lower fentanyl seizures at the U.S. border. It was an exchange she said Thursday that she hoped to formalize. When the two leaders spoke in February, Trump tied the fentanyl coming from Mexico to the tariffs threat, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what do we propose? Sheinbaum said at her morning press conference Thursday. If this problems reduces, then we evidently want to see that 25% (tariff) shrink. But now, observers say Sheinbaum is increasingly backed against a wall. Michael Shifter, senior fellow at the Inter-American Dialogue, said Sheinbaum is now having to walk a fine line with Trump that appears to only be getting more complicated. "Theres a sort of uncertainty that hangs over the relationship, Shifter said. Sheinbaum likely feels incredibly frustrated because she has taken major steps toward dealing with the cartels. And it never seems to be enough to satisfy Trump. Stopping short of signing an agreement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a day before, Sheinbaum met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to Mexico, in which the leaders discussed security issues and agreed to continue working together to combat crime. For weeks, Sheinbaum had been gunning to sign a formal security agreement with the U.S. underscoring the importance of respecting Mexican sovereignty, with the hope of setting clear rules amid Trump's volatile foreign policy tactics. The push for the security deal came as Sheinbaum has repeatedly and publicly rejected offers by the Trump administration to send U.S. troops to fight cartels. Her meeting with Rubio came just after the Trump administration carried out a strike in the southern Caribbean, killing 11 people it claimed were trafficking drugs to the U.S., something Rubio said was meant as a warning. I think the idea behind having an agreement is creating and building parameters, said Carin Zissis, Washington interim director of the Council of the Americas. You can see why Claudia Sheinbaum would be emphasizing sovereignty when on the way to visiting Mexico, Secretary Rubio was highlighting a U.S. military attack on an alleged vessel in the Caribbean." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. boots on the ground, thats a very concrete concern from the Mexican side, she said. But by Wednesday's meeting, it was clear the two governments were not going to sign a formal agreement. Instead, they announced a high-level group of Mexican and U.S. officials who would monitor their cooperation. It was unclear how much of a change that would actually make, given the fact that Mexican officials have been meeting regularly with the Trump administration since January. That seems like a fancy term that means nothing, but it means a lot, Rubio said of the newly established joint group. Lack of concessions Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palmira Tapia, a political analyst for Mexico's Center for Economic Research and Teaching, said it was a sign that while Sheinbaum was following through on promises to crack down on cartels, Trump was not likely to make many concessions to the Mexican leader. Just last month, Trump glibly told press that Mexico does what we tell them to do and last week said that while he liked Sheinbaum, he believed that Mexico was still run by cartels. There aren't really any incentives for Trump, Tapia said. Because his winning strategy has been to get what he wants with the threat of tariffs. It's left Sheinbaum with few alternatives at a time when tensions have peaked in Latin America due to the U.S. strike in the Caribbean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move ruffled the feathers of a number of leaders across Latin America, who still grapple with the complicated legacy and violent fallout of past American intervention in the region. Following the meeting with Rubio, Mexico's government once again reminded the Trump administration of the importance of operating in the region "without subordination and respecting allies. However, Zissis and other observers said that while the Trump administration has showed little willingness to cede ground, Sheinbaum does have a few cards up her sleeve. One, long used by Mexico's government, has been helping the U.S. in block migratory flows north. The other is Sheinbaum's soaring level of popularity in Mexico, where polls show she boasts anywhere between 70% to 80% approval. At the same time, they said Sheinbaum has little room to radically shift her strategy toward Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a very delicate balance, because at the same time that shes handled this relationship so well, so much is at stake for Mexico, Zissis said. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america Congressmen Kweisi Mfume and Johnny Olszewski, Jr. sent a letter Wednesday to President Donald Trump, urging him to reconsider deploying federal troops to Baltimore. On Tuesday, Trump announced that he would order federal forces to fight crime in Baltimore as an obligation to protect this country. Mfume, representing Marylands 7th District, and Olszewski, representing the 2nd District, wrote to Trump that the move is unnecessary. The two-page letter cites the citys lower crime statistics, violence reduction programs and community policing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Members of Congress proudly representing the City of Baltimore, we strongly urge you to reconsider any potential deployment of federal troops to Baltimore in opposition of the wishes of state and local elected leaders, the congressmen said in the letter. Inundating our communities with federal troops could severely erode trust and undermine the real progress already underway. Mfume and Olszewski said Baltimore is seeing a high point in its history as the city experiences an overall reduction in crime. According to a news release earlier this week from Mayor Brandon Scott, the city has seen a 29.5% decline in homicides and a 21% decline in nonfatal shootings from January to August compared to 2024. There have been 91 homicides in Baltimore so far this year, the fewest the city has seen from January to August in over 50 years. Auto thefts have gone down by 32%, while robberies have gone down 26%. The Baltimore Police Department has seized 1,685 firearms so far this year. We continue to welcome federal partnership where appropriate and in pursuit of shared goals, the letter reads. However, local governments rightfully bear the primary and most immediate responsibility for law enforcement. They are on the front lines every day deeply connected to the community, its people, and its unique challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As programs like the Group Violence Reduction Strategy, a city program meant to strengthen police-community relations while reducing homicides, work toward improving law enforcement presence and relationships in Baltimore, Mfume and Olszewski argue that sending in troops takes away the citys agency in solving its own issues. The two respectfully asked Trump to reconsider sending the National Guard to Baltimore. Overall, Baltimore is experiencing its safest period in more than 50 years, Mfume and Olszewski said in the letter. Therefore, this proposed deployment of federal troops, in our opinion, would be unnecessary. Have a news tip? Contact Chevall Pryce at cpryce@baltsun.com. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A Midland man was arrested Wednesday after police said he forced his way into his ex-girlfriends apartment and refused to leave. 22-Year-old Oscar Manuel Morales has been charged with burglary of a habitation, a second-degree felony, and stalking, a third-degree felony. According to an affidavit, officers with the Midland Police Department were dispatched around 4:57 p.m. on September 3 to a Midland apartment complex. The victim told police that her ex-boyfriend, 22-year-old Oscar Manuel Morales, had entered her residence without permission. The woman told investigators she ended the relationship in early August after Morales assaulted her during a trip to California. She said she blocked him on most communication apps, but Morales continued contacting her through text and WhatsApp, sending more than 700 messages between August 4 and September 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents stated Morales had previously shown up at the womans apartment complex, blocked her in the parking lot, and attempted to stop her from leaving. On Wednesday, the woman said Morales gained entry by twisting the deadbolt with his thumb. Ring camera footage reviewed by police showed Morales entering and walking around the apartment multiple times. During the encounter, he allegedly admitted through the camera that he knew he wasnt allowed inside but said he was only there to retrieve belongings. The victim requested charges and an emergency protective order. Police later arrested Morales at his fathers residence in an RV park. Morales was then booked into the Midland County Jail on charges of burglary of a habitation, a second-degree felony, and stalking, a third-degree felony. Jail records show his bond is pending deposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JoCasta Zamarripa, who represents Milwaukee's south side on the Common Council and previously served in the state Legislature, is launching a bid for statewide office. Zamarripa announced her campaign Sept. 4 for secretary of state, an office currently held by Sarah Godlewski, a Democrat who is now running for lieutenant governor. She replaced Doug La Follette, who held the office for nearly 50 years. Zamarripa, in an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, said she was initially eyeing a campaign for lieutenant governor before Godlewski made her announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, no Republicans have filed campaigns for secretary of state. Zamarripa will likely face Collin McNamara, who ran for state Senate last year, in a Democratic primary. Green Party candidate Pete Karas is also running. In Wisconsin, the secretary of state is responsible for recording acts of the governor, affixing the great seal, keeping custody of state records, laws, books and more. They also serve on the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, which funds books and technology in public schools, among other projects. "This office may not come with sweeping powers, but it comes with a platform and Ill use it to fight for affordable child care, safe and stable housing, and better funding for our public schools," Zamarripa said in a news release. Wisconsin's secretary of state differs from many other states where the office oversees elections. Instead, that's the authority of the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Godlewski raised concern among election officials two years ago when she sought to focus on election transparency and accountability as part of her job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zamarripa said she sat down with Godlewski and would continue her goals of modernizing and expanding the office if elected. They also discussed other secretaries of states' role in elections Zamarripa doesn't have any plans about that component, but she's "interested in exploring it." Zamarripa became the first Latina elected to the state Legislature in 2010 and the first Latina and openly LGBTQ member of the Milwaukee Common Council in 2020. She previously worked for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. Zamarripa has been endorsed by several current and former Democratic lawmakers. A primary election will be held Aug. 11, 2026, for secretary of state and other partisan offices like governor and attorney general. The general election is Nov. 3. More: Who's running for Wisconsin governor? These candidates have launched campaigns Council members (left) JoCasta Zamarripa and (right) Sharlen P. Moore march alongside (right) Alondra Garcia as part of Voces de la Fronteras May Day March, A Day Without Immigrants and Workers, on Thursday May 1, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wis. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee alderwoman launches bid for Wisconsin secretary of state CUMBERLAND A Keyser, West Virginia, woman is awaiting trial after being arrested on assault charges stemming from an alleged assault at a Cumberland medical facility, according to Cumberland Police. Shelly Dawn O'Connor, 42, was taken into custody at an unspecified location when city police officers served her an arrest warrant issued in connection with the May 27, 2024, incident. O'Connor was granted pre-trial release on her personal recognizance by a district court commissioner following arrest processing. No information was provided concerning the victim and the extent of injuries suffered in the alleged assault. Minnesota Auditor Julie Blaha. Courtesy of the Office of the State Auditor. Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha announced Thursday that she wont seek reelection for a third term. The state auditor oversees local government finances and aids law enforcement in investigating financial crimes. Blaha, a Democrat, was first elected in 2018 and narrowly won her reelection bid in 2022. Her departure creates an open race for a constitutional office next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blaha in a statement said when she first assumed office that the state auditor was under attack because funding cuts had gutted office staff. Ive had the honor of serving as Minnesotas state auditor, Blaha said. My goals were to rebuild an office that was under attack and protect Minnesotans rights to make decisions in their local communities. I am proud to have accomplished those goals. The state auditor position has frequently been used as a jumping off point for elected officials to seek higher office. Former Govs. Arne Carlson and Mark Dayton served as state auditor. Minnesota Rep. Dan Wolgamott, DFL-St. Cloud, told Axios that he will seek the DFL nomination to replace Blaha. Republican Rep. Elliott Engen of White Bear Township said he was heavily considering running for auditor. Republicans have criticized the state auditor failing to take action against fraud in state programs, even though the office has limited constitutional authority to do so. DENVER (KDVR) A missing man with a seizure disorder who was last seen on Sept. 1 was found safe. Dondi Jamal Terrel Mills, 35, was reported missing after he was last seen at about 9 p.m. on Sept. 1 at the Extended Stay hotel at 9650 E. Geddes Ave., which is an Englewood address located near the intersection of Interstate 25 and East Dry Creek Road. Free on Your TV New FOX31+ App for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office said its deputies, alongside the Colorado Bureau of Investigations, were searching for Mills because he has a seizure disorder and didnt have his required medication. On Thursday, the Colorado Bureau of Investigations said Mills was safely located. Maddie Rhodes contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. The so-called "missing minute" from the security camera video of the jail tier where the infamous sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein died is no longer missing. The gap in the footage captivated online conspiracy theorists and amateur sleuths when the FBI first made public the jail footage earlier this year. At the time, Attorney General Pam Bondi attributed this gap to a nightly DVR reset at the prison. "There was a minute that was off that counter, and what we learned from Bureau of Prisons was every year, every night, they redo that video," Bondi told reporters. "Every night is reset, so every night should have that same missing minute." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a more complete version of the video made public by Congress Tuesday includes that missing minute of footage, contradicting Bondi's explanation and pouring cold water on wild theories about what occurred during that short stretch inside the Metropolitan Correctional Center, where Epstein was held. CBS News has reached out to the Justice Department for comment. What is clear now from the newly released version of footage is that nothing apparently unusual occurs during that interval. The Department of Justice's Office of Inspector General reported in 2023 that between 4 p.m. and midnight the night of Aug. 9, 2019, responsibility for rounds and inmate counts in the Special Housing Unit mostly fell to two staff members: Tova Noel, a corrections officer, and another employee identified only by the title "Material Handler." The material handler was working his third consecutive 8-hour shift. Just after 11:59 p.m., a man, believed to be that material handler, walks away from the guard desk and walks off screen in the direction of the main entrance to the Special Housing Unit or SHU. That figure is likely finishing his shift and heading home. While he does pass in front of the stairs leading to Epstein's tier, he does not appear to be approaching the cells where Epstein resided, but instead seemed to be heading out of the SHU. A screen shot from surveillance video inside the Metropolitan Correctional Center from just before midnight on Aug. 9, 2019, as a worker identified as the Epstein is believed to have died soon afterwards, sometime in the early morning hours. His death was officially ruled a suicide by the New York Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, based on forensic analysis of his body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new version of the video does answer some questions, and raises new ones. It captures a period from 6 p.m. on Aug. 9, 2019, to 7 a.m. Aug. 10, covering the stretch when Epstein returned to the SHU the evening before his death and the next morning, when his body was discovered by a corrections officer delivering breakfast. An earlier version of the video released by the FBI had covered a narrower stretch, from 7:40 p.m. to 6:40 a.m. In the new video, Epstein is seen just before 7 p.m. being escorted to the G tier, where, according to the inspector general's report, he was brought to a shower stall to make an unmonitored phone call, in violation of prison policy, allegedly to speak with his girlfriend. At 7:49 p.m., as seen in previously released video, he is visible being escorted from the G tier to his cell in L tier, although the limited camera view doesn't actually capture his entrance to the tier. This video had previously been cited by officials including former Attorney General Bill Barr, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Bongino, and Geoffrey Berman, the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York as offering proof that no one entered Epstein's cell tier during the night. When the FBI released the footage in July, Bongino described it as "raw" video that confirmed no one had entered or exited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, forensic experts told CBS News the video did not appear to be raw footage, but instead, possibly a screen recording. They also noted the camera's limited field of view left open the possibility that someone could have entered the tier unnoticed. The newly released version does raise questions. The files made public by Congress are missing metadata underlying coding that would help confirm they are in fact raw exports. Video experts note that the quality in this new version is far lower than the version previously released by the FBI. The newer footage exhibits a ghosting effect from movement, a reduced frame rate (from 29.97 frames per second to 4 frames), and a downgraded resolution (352x240), compared with the FBI's earlier high-definition release (1920x1080). Experts consulted by CBS News say this could have been a result of how the video was exported from the DVR system. Additionally, the on-screen text formats are substantially different. Different styles of text on-screen can be seen in these images from the Metropolitan Correctional Center video released by the FBI in July, at left, and the version released by the House Oversight Committee on Sept. 2, at right. According to FBI records the original video was recorded on a system manufactured by a company called NICE Systems, the model was a NiceVision Pro NP 2000. The company has since been sold and is no longer manufacturing surveillance video equipment. Company representatives reached by CBS declined to comment. As of 2009 the company had deployed systems in 56 prisons in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Khanna, Massie and Greene hold news conference on Jeffrey Epstein files Grounded in Purpose: How Paychex Empowers Businesses and Builds Stronger Communities (NewsNation) An attorney who has represented accusers of sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein is incredulous that the so-called missing minute of surveillance video from outside Epsteins jail cell has surfaced, after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi insisted the footage did not exist. Bondi previously explained the gap in the Aug. 9, 2019, video shot outside Epsteins New York jail cell on the day he died by saying the recording system is reset each night and disrupts the continuity. The comment stoked conspiracy theories that the financier was murdered. This week, a document dump in the Epstein case included a copy of the jailhouse video with the minute intact. The buck stops with Pam Bondi, and she needs to go back and find out whos given her blatant lies, Joshua Schiffer told Banfield on Wednesday. That is indefensible as the leader of such an important agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How close were Trump, Epstein? What we know about their friendship He said hes reviewed the new footage and thinks theres not a lot there. Schiffer said that makes it all the more confounding that the tape released previously by federal authorities had the cut. Why would they take out the minute? What was the goal? Why take the effort? Why create an issue? the attorney said. Wow. No one has an answer for that. The new version of jailhouse surveillance video was included within Epstein case material released Tuesday by a House Oversight Committee. Observers, including Schiffer, say the majority of documents were released previously. Paintings of naked women, nude pic of Ghislaine Maxwell at Jeffrey Epstein house The information includes video shot during a 2005 raid inside Epsteins Palm Beach, Florida, residence as he was being investigated for sexual abuse. On the walls are numerous paintings of naked women and a nude photograph of Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for trafficking underage girls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also captured on the raid video are numerous photographs of Epstein with influential figures including Pope John Paul II and Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. Jeffrey Epstein survivors compiling their own client list Jeffrey Epstein companions also received massages, employee told cops In a resurfaced audio clip, an Epstein employee answers questions from police about the regular massages his boss received twice daily from a variety of young women who would come to the house. He stopped short of saying any were minors. And they would give massages sometimes to him and to his companions, the employee said. The reference to companions is telling, says Schiffer. The question now is: Who? he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. MERIDIAN, Miss. (WJTV) The parents of a two-year-old Mississippi boy, who was killed during an accidental shooting, have been charged in connection to the case. The Meridian Star reported Martavius Dean, 25, and Inyizia Scott, 21, were both charged with reckless child abuse resulting in death. This is a felony charge. Ex-State Farm employee sentenced in Mississippi insurance fraud case The shooting occurred in the 3800 block of 44th Street around 3:30 p.m. on August 7, 2025. The victim, Josiah Williams, was transported to a local hospital with a gunshot wound. He died from his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Meridian Police Chief Malachi Sanders, the alleged negligence from Williams parents led to his death. 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. Some Mississippi universities have stopped giving money to student organizations for club activities due to uncertainty over a state law on hold by a federal judge that bans diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public schools. Its one of the first widespread, tangible consequences of a law that attorneys say will have sweeping ramifications across the states education system. A federal judge has blocked House Bill 1193 for the foreseeable future because he believes it may violate the First Amendment rights of students and teachers. The law will remain blocked until he issues a final ruling after a bench trial, something that will take months to complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law which prohibits any programming and curriculum related to diversity, equity and inclusion includes an exemption for registered student organizations. However, it does not exempt money collected from student activity fees from the prohibition. IHL seeks executive search firms for Jackson State president search The Institutions of Higher Learning, the board that governs the states public universities, said that student activity fees, despite being paid by students through their tuition, are considered state money According to respective student newspapers, Mississippi State students pay a flat $25 student activity fee, while University of Mississippi students contribute $2 for every credit hour in which theyre enrolled each semester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Universities are following state and federal law, including the First Amendments requirement that student activity fees be used in a viewpoint and content neutral manner, John Sewell, director of communications for IHL, said in an emailed statement to Mississippi Today. The First Amendment to the Constitution protects freedom of religion, speech, the press, peaceful assembly and petitioning the government. University of Mississippi leadership announced the decision to stop distributing funds to campus organizations in an email sent on Aug. 29 from Provost Noel Wilkin, in the name of predictability, no matter the outcome of the lawsuit. Instead of disbursing Student Activity Fee money to campus groups, departments such as the Office of Student Affairs and the Department of Campus Recreation will organize activities using those funds. Previously, there was a uniform process for student groups to apply for the funding. That process has been suspended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University is committed to providing a robust slate of student activities this school year with the use of the student activity fees that you pay, and those student activity fees will only be used to support and host student programming, Wilkin wrote. In our view, the student activity fee is your money that the university holds in trust for you to be used only for programing for students. Associated Student Body president Jack Jones expressed his disappointment in a statement shared to social media. He said the decision would have serious implications for campus organizations because they rely almost exclusively on the funds. The (Student Activity Fee) was created by students, is managed by students, and is allocated to students all to support activities for students, he wrote. Over the coming weeks, I will be meeting with student leaders from other Mississippi institutions as we work to ensure the SAF process is returned to the hands of students where it belongs. Moms careers and personal time are hit hard by school drop-off demands, a poll finds Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior Calvin Wood, who serves in leadership roles for several University of Mississippi organizations, said the decision will devastate campus organizations. Its kind of the lifeblood of our student activities system, he said. A lot of us are pretty upset about this. Wood is afraid that without the funding, the University of Mississippi College Democrats will have a hard time putting on programming and getting people to attend events. Last year, we had a catered Black History Month panel, he said, as vice president of the organization. A lot more people showed up because there was food. Now, things like that will be limited food, guest speakers, swag. Well have basically no budget this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mississippi State University students were notified about a similar decision regarding their student organization funding last week. The Reflector, the campus newspaper, reported that the universitys Student Association told campus groups on Aug. 27 that it could no longer distribute funds due to the state law. That money will not be touched, student leadership said. In the meantime, student leaders are seeking solutions to finance campus organizations, such as contacting local businesses for fundraising nights and helping campus organizations set up budgets and bank accounts. The Student Association allocated nearly $47,000 among 87 student organizations last semester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys argued in hearings over the summer that the law was already creating a chilling effect across the states public schools and institutions. In April, the University of Mississippi pulled its support for the annual Oxford Pride Parade, citing prohibitions in the new state law. ___ Mississippi Today reporter Taylor Vance contributed to this article. This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 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. COLE COUNTY, Mo. The Missouri NAACP has filed a lawsuit against Gov. Mike Kehoe in an effort to stop a special session on congressional redistricting, calling the move unconstitutional. On Wednesday, Missouri lawmakers convened for a special session Gov. Kehoe called last week to redraw the boundaries of the states eight congressional districts and amend the states imitative petition process. While congressional redistricting typically only occurs once a decade, some states may revisit their maps mid-decade if political leaders call for a extraordinary legislative session on the matter. Missouris eight congressional seats currently consist of six Republicans and two Democrats, and at lest one highly-anticipated proposal would make the 5th Congressional District (primarily representing the Kansas City area) more Republican-leaning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ongoing special session has now been met with a lawsuit, filed Wednesday on behalf of the Missouri NAACPs state coalition and two other individuals (Patricia A. Jones and Traci L. Wilson Kleekamp) in the Cole County Circuit Court. The 18-page lawsuit argues that neither congressional redistricting, nor the initiative petition issue, meet constitutional standards for calling an extraordinary session. One tentacle of intl crime ring dismantled in St. Louis The lawsuit further argues that new Missouri congressional maps are not required until after the 2030 Census and that Congress has not passed a reapportionment bill to necessitate redrawing Missouris districts from the current congressional map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Governor in recent years has begun calling extraordinary sessions on a regular basis to designate matters the legislature addressed but failed to pass during their regular session, the lawsuit reads. That is not the case here. The last time the legislature addressed drawing district lines was when it was required to do so after the results of the 2020 Census. Additionally, the lawsuit argues that many initiative petition changes sought have already been addressed through recent legislation. The lawsuit is requesting a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order to halt the ongoing special session, along with a court ruling declaring the governors call for a special session unconstitutional. The lawsuit also names soon-outgoing Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, Senate President Pro Tem Cindy OLaughlin and House Speaker Jon Patterson as defendants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, all three, along with Gov. Kehoe, were issued summons to appear in court over the lawsuit, per online Missouri court records. A spokesperson for the Missouri Governors Office has not responded to FOX 2s request for comment over the lawsuit. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WEBSTER COUNTY, Mo. The Missouri State Physics, Astronomy and Materials Science Department announced public observing nights this fall at Baker Observatory. Baker Observatory is located in Webster County, approximately 10 miles northwest of Marshfield. The observatory was established in 1977 and serves as a research hub for physics-astronomy students and promotes astronomy to the public. The following dates have been scheduled for public viewing. All dates are weather permitting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement September 26, Time TBA October 24, Time TBA November 14, Time TBA If the sky is looking cloudy, youre encouraged to visit the observatorys Facebook page or call 417-836-5131 after 5 p.m. to check to see if the event is still on. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. DAMASCUS, Va. (WJHL) Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares was in Damascus on Thursday to deliver Child ID Kits and discuss online safety. Miyares visited several schools, the town hall and attended the Smyth County Chamber of Commerces Town & Country Dinner. A statement from Miyares office said that the roundtable event on Thursday offers an opportunity for parents, guardians, educators and others to understand online youth safety and learn strategies to prevent technology abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longtime Hawkins County sheriff wont seek reelection Miyares told News Channel 11 that he spoke with local student resource officers who shared their concerns regarding online safety with him. They are saying, the hopeful thing, as youre saying, Governor Youngkins executive order on banning cell phones during school, during school hours has had a great impact, positively, particularly for our middle school students talking to other law enforcement, weve seen, obviously, a rise of the people, internet predators using social media to target your kids, he said. Miyares suggested that parents and guardians limit their childs screentime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So we all really want to get that message out to parents: monitor your childrens cell phone use, he said. Have a limit. Dont let them use a cell phone at night. At all. Dont allow them to keep it in the room. Have it charge out in the living room. Some tips we want to give parents, but make sure you have those parental controls. Because the bad guys, bad actors are using it to try to target kids. While in Damascus, Miyares commented on the towns resilience nearly one year after Hurricane Helene. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By adulthood, the average person has between 10 and 40 moles on their body. These small growths on the skin which are usually round or oval in shape and pink, tan, brown or black in color are very common and generally harmless. But occasionally, an abnormal mole can be a sign of melanoma, a relatively rare but deadly form of skin cancer. So its crucial to know what to look for. (Non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas make up the majority of cases, but tend to be less aggressive.) Melanoma can develop from an existing mole, but more commonly, it appears as a new lesion on the skin. It can appear anywhere on the body but the most common locations are the chest and back for men and legs for women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good news is that, when caught early, melanoma is typically curable, dermatologist Dr. Darrell S. Rigel told HuffPost. If it is caught early, a simple removal typically suffices to achieve a cure, said Rigel, a clinical professor of dermatology and director of the Melanoma Surveillance Clinic at the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine. However, once it has spread, the survival rate for melanoma is less than 50% even with some of the newly available treatments, Rigel explained, noting that this type of cancer tends to spread early in its course. Certain factors may increase your risk of melanoma, including excessive sun exposure, use of indoor tanning beds, having atypical moles and having a family history of the disease. Its also more common among people with fair skin that burns easily, red or blond hair and light-colored eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People of color are much less likely to get melanoma than white people but are more likely to die if they do get it, due to a lack of public and professional awareness. For those with darker skin tones, melanomas tend to show up in areas with less sun exposure like the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or beneath the fingernails or toenails. How To Spot A Suspicious Mole To help determine if your mole might actually be a cancerous melanoma, use the dermatologist-backed ABCDE rule, which stands for asymmetry, border, color, diameter and evolving. If your mole fits one or more of the criteria below, make an appointment with your dermatologist to get it checked out. Dont panic: Most atypical moles do not become cancerous. But its worth having any suspicious spots examined to be safe. Asymmetry: If you were to draw a line down the center of the mole, one half wouldnt match the others shape or size. Related: "I Know She Was Genuinely Trying To Be Nice, But It Was Such A Hard Thing To Hear:" People Are Revealing The Most Repulsive Remarks They Received That Were Meant To Be "Helpful" American Academy of Dermatology If you were to draw a line down the middle of an asymmetrical mole, the two halves would not match. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Border thats irregular: It might have edges that are notched, scalloped or blurred, meaning the borders between the mole and normal skin are unclear, Seattle dermatologist Dr. Joyce Park told HuffPost. American Academy of Dermatology A mole with an irregular border may have scalloped or notched edges. Related: Most Adults Use These 30 Acronyms Every Day, But Only 20% Of People Actually Know What They All Mean Color thats uneven: Pay attention if the coloring is not uniform throughout. The same mole may include reds and pinks, varying shades of brown and black, Park said. As it grows, you may even notice some white or blue appears. American Academy of Dermatology A variety of colors within the same mole is a warning sign to look out for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diameter greater than 1/4 inch: Think the size of a pea or a pencil eraser. Related: People Are Sharing The One Thing They Stopped Doing That Instantly Made Their Lives A Million Times Better, And I'm About To Try Them American Academy of Dermatology Melanomas tend to be larger than a pencil eraser in diameter, but can be smaller. Evolving: The mole is growing in size or changing in shape or color. American Academy of Dermatology Look out for any spot or lesion that evolves in terms of size, shape or size. Other changes like bleeding or crusting are warning signs, too. Related: "I Can't Wait For This To Go Out Of Style": People Are Sharing Popular Modern Trends That Are Actually Pretty Toxic Keep an eye out for what dermatologists refer to as ugly ducklings in other words, moles that stick out because they appear markedly different from the rest of the moles on your body, Park said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Know that not all melanomas fit the above descriptors. So as a general rule of thumb: If theres a spot on your body thats growing, crusting, bleeding or changing significantly have it looked at by your dermatologist, Rigel advised. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends doing your own regular skin self-exams at home. Look at your whole body front and back in a mirror. Then lift your arms and look at your right and left sides. Be sure to also check your forearms, armpits, palms of your hands, as well as the back of your legs, between your toes and the bottoms of your feet. Dont forget your nails, neck and scalp, too. It may be useful to have a loved one take a look at the back side of your body or any other areas that are difficult for you to see, or to ask your hairstylist to take a look at your scalp. In order for this process to be effective, you need to take the time to learn your skin and your moles, Rigel said. For those at risk for skin cancer, self skin examinations [are] recommended monthly. We also recommend this group see their dermatologist annually. What To Do If You See Something Suspicious The dermatologist will perform a physical exam, inspecting the suspicious spot with their eyes and also with a dermatoscope a non-invasive magnifying instrument that allows them to get a better look at the lesion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the mole looks suspicious for cancer, or if it has been changing or growing in size, the dermatologist might take a biopsy, Park said. We use local anesthetic to numb the skin, then remove the mole. Igor Alecsander / Getty Images The dermatologist will look at the suspicious lesion with a dermatoscope to determine whether a biopsy is necessary. This is typically done with a simple scrape, Rigel said, which is then covered by a bandage and does not require stitches. Afterward, the skin sample is sent to the lab for testing. The results come back from the pathologist in a few days and the appropriate follow-up can be done then, Rigel said Reducing Your Risk Of Skin Cancer To minimize your chances of developing skin cancer, stay in the shade when you can especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher thats broad-spectrum and water-resistant. And dont forget to reapply every couple of hours or after sweating or swimming. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants can provide extra protection, too. And if youre ever concerned about a spot on your skin, dont hesitate to get it checked out by a dermatologist. The visit is easy and most of the time it will turn out to be nothing, Rigel said. But if it is something, getting it taken care of as early as possible is critical. This post originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Goodful: People Are Correcting Super Common "Fun Facts" That Everyone Keeps Repeating, But Are Actually False Also in Goodful: I Had An Abortion And Didn't Realize It Until Several Weeks Later Also in Goodful: My Doctor Forced Me To Do Something Disturbing. It Kept Me From Seeking Further Medical Care For Years. Read it on BuzzFeed.com CRESTWOOD, Mo. After receiving a notice from the City of Crestwood declaring their apartment building dangerous, some residents at Forest View Apartments began making plans to move out. Mary Robenolt, who pays the rent for her disabled son who lives at Forestview, was apparently hit with an early termination fee for trying break their lease. She showed FOX 2 their latest bill, which included an $1,800 early termination fee. Robenolt said she gave the apartment a 30-day notice that her son would move out after receiving a letter from the City of Crestwood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was surprised to see the $1,800 assessed at that point, especially after what was attached to his door, Robenolt said. Shooting in Ferguson claims life of Michael Brown witness In August, residents at Forestview Apartments received letters from the city stating their building had been declared dangerous due to multiple code violations. Those violations included failing structural supports, excessive mold and electrical concerns such as a rusted electrical panel. The property was given less than two months to make necessary repairs. Fearing for her sons safety and health, Robenolt submitted a notice that he would be moving out, never expecting to be charged for breaking the lease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a lot of families out there, especially nowadays, that cant afford $1,800 in addition to all of the other fees they would have to pay to get a new apartment, she said. The apartment complex has not responded to a request for comment. However, management previously told FOX 2 that it is working to bring the buildings up to code and expects tenants will ultimately be able to remain. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News A judge has already ordered residents in one Forestview building to vacate, but the propertys owners have filed a lawsuit in an effort to halt that order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniel Buran with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri said tenants should not have to wait for that legal proceeding to play out. You dont have to wait around for the building to fall down around your ears, Buran said. If the city of Crestwood has already declared it a dangerous building, I think that would serve as notice that the tenants are free to move out, Buran said. Robenolt says she will not force her son to stay in unsafe housing. Im not making it up, she said. Its literally in here, referring to the citys notice. Crestwood gave Forestview until Oct. 21 to make necessary repairs or more buildings could be ordered to vacate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Kendra Licari sent anonymous harassing texts to her daughter, Lauryn, and Lauryn's then-boyfriend over a span of almost two years Licari pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking a minor and served time in prison In a Netflix documentary, Licari explains her reasoning The Michigan mother who sent her daughter nearly two years' worth of bullying text messages revealed her thinking and state of mind in a Netflix documentary. Kendra Licari sent her daughter, Lauryn, and Lauryn's then-boyfriend, Owen McKenny, thousands of anonymous harassing text messages before authorities determined she was behind them and arrested her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Licari pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking a minor and served approximately one year in prison. The shocking story is the focus of Netflix's Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, which features interviews with several people involved, including Licari. In the documentary, Licari claims that she was not the one who sent the initial text messages to Lauryn, which called her relationship with McKenny into question. "I really wanted to get to the bottom of who it was," says Licari. "And that's when I started sending the text messages to Lauryn and Owen." Courtesy of Netflix Lauryn in Unknown Number: The High School Catfish. Lauryn in Unknown Number: The High School Catfish. Licari says she first sent the messages with the hope that either of the teens would write back and discuss it among themselves. She theorized that if that happened something could possibly "come up." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the messages became increasingly sexual, eventually referencing Lauryn's insecurities by calling her "anorexic," and culminating in Licari telling her daughter, "Kill yourself." "It was a spiral," Licari says. "Kind of a snowball effect. I don't think I knew how to stop." 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. Licari further says that she was an "awful place mentally," and said that her own previous trauma began to reemerge as Lauryn got older. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When I was 17, I was raped and as my daughter was hitting those teenage years I got scared, very scared," Licari says. "I didn't want her to go through that process that I did and I think that really led to me not knowing how to handle things." Both Lauryn and Isabella County Sheriff Mike Main, who led the investigation, believe that Licari was probably responsible for all of the texts sent, despite the mother's claims. Read the original article on People Credit: CPS A trans campaigner would have won kudos over the arrest of Graham Linehan, a prominent gender-critical activist, a court heard. The Father Ted and IT Crowd creator is on trial accused of harassing a trans teenager with social media posts and damaging their mobile phone in October last year. The 57-year-old told police his online posts about 18-year-old Sophia Brooks did not constitute harassment, Westminster magistrates court heard on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said as a journalist as he described himself he believed exposing tactics of trans activities was in the public interest, said Julia Faure Walker, prosecuting. Linehans court appearance came days after the comedy writer was detained over other gender-critical posts on X. The Met have faced intense criticism over the arrest, which prompted Sir Keir Starmer to say that police should prioritise the most serious issues. Arriving at court to be met by a large group of supporters as well as a number of pro-trans rights demonstrators, Linehan wore a double-sided placard declaring Theres no such thing as a transgender child, as he posed for photos. District Judge Briony Clarke said the prosecution would address Brooks according to their affirmed gender name. She said Linehans position was that the complainant is male. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During cross-examination, Sarah Vine KC, defending, said Brooks, a former police volunteer, wanted to get Linehan arrested for kudos. Massive scalp She said that, as a prominent gender-critical campaigner, getting Linehan arrested would have been a massive scalp. The teenager did not deny that but said she would also get a lot of harassment from his supporters. Outlining the case for the prosecution, Ms Faure Walker claimed Linehan began posting relentlessly about Brooks on social media following a conference of the LGB Alliance, a womens rights group, in central London. The event was disrupted by trans rights campaigners, who released thousands of insects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Linehan believed that Brooks was involved in the plot and subsequently began posting pictures and comments about her online. Ms Faure Walker said: They were not irritating and annoying but oppressive and unacceptable, thereby crossing the threshold [for harassment]. The purpose of these posts was clearly not merely to relay events, to express political opinion, to criticise, to help identify perpetrators, or to solve any crime. Nor is it the case that these posts merely present ideas that may shock, disturb or offend. Rather that they were verbally abusive and vindictive and reflected Mr Linehans deep disliking of Ms Brooks. Linehan called the teenager a domestic terrorist, a sociopath , a groomer and a disgusting incel in a series of posts. In another, he wrote: If you encounter Tarquin in the wild please resist the urge to shove his phone up his arse. The court heard that Linehan referred to Brooks online as Tarquin because of poshness. The animosity between the pair came to a head at a Battle of Ideas conference in Westminster on Oct 19 2024 when Linehan allegedly knocked Brookss phone out of her hand and threw it across a road. The teenager had attended the event to film and video the people attending what she allegedly referred to as a hate fest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giving evidence, Brooks said a hate fest was a group of people that are politically aligned, particularly on the Right, with what can be construed as bigoted views coming together. Distressed by insults She said she felt alarmed and distressed at being called a deeply disturbed sociopath by Linehan. The activist added: I was being branded as a deeply disturbed sociopath by a relatively famous person with over 500,000 followers any of which could see Mr Linehans post and cause great harm to me. Ms Brooks, then 17, was escorted from the venue by security guards but continued to film guests leaving. When Linehan came out, she went over to him and asked him why he had called her a domestic terrorist. At one point the pair were filming each other and trading insults, with both accusing the other of being an incel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, after being approached again by Brooks, Linehan allegedly grabbed her phone and threw it across the road, causing damage worth more than 300. The court also heard that, in October, police initially told Brooks they would not be pursuing a complaint of harassment against Linehan, resulting in the activist threatening legal action. Linehan was eventually charged with harassment and criminal damage in April this year. Shortly before her evidence concluded, Brooks was asked if she believed it was hateful that trans women were not allowed to use female only spaces. She replied: Yes it is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This prompted sharp intakes of breath from the public gallery, which was filled with large numbers of Linehans supporters. Linehan has denied one count of harassing the activist on social media between Oct 11 and Oct 27 last year, and a further charge of criminal damage relating to a mobile phone on Oct 19 last year. The trial continues. 04:57 PM BST Thats all for today Thank you for following our live coverage of the trial. The case has finished for the day and will resume tomorrow morning at 10am. This live blog is now closed. Please return to the The Telegraph for the latest updates. 04:21 PM BST Arrest of Linehan a massive scalp, court hears Ms Vine said that as a prominent gender-critical campaigner, getting Linehan arrested would have amounted to massive scalp for Ms Brooks and she would have got a lot of kudos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teenager said she accepted that but she would also get a lot of harassment from his supporters. 04:16 PM BST Second video shows further altercation A video showing a second altercation between Mr Linehan and Ms Brooks has been shown in court. In the video, Ms Brooks said: Here I am with Graham Linehan, the man who called me a domestic terrorist. Mr Linehan responded: This groomer has been filming people all day. Hes a scumbag and an incel. Ms Brooks said: And youve been calling children domestic terrorists on Twitter. Credit: CPS 03:51 PM BST Brooks took issue with acronym Terf Ms Brooks said she did not like the commonly used acronym Terfs meaning trans exclusionary radical feminists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She explained: They are not radical feminists, they are just bigots. A video was also played of Ms Brooks filming attendees at the Battle of Ideas conference shortly before she was escorted out of the venue by security. 03:03 PM BST Brooks celebrated attack on gender-critical activist The court heard that in a discussion about another gender-critical activist, Kelly-Jay Keen Minshull, Ms Brooks celebrated the fact she had been targeted by pro-trans rights supporters and had soup thrown over her. She later said that she wished it had been acid. After she responded to the question, Ms Brooks appeared to roll her eyes prompting Ms Vine to ask: Why are you rolling you eyes? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Brooks responded by claiming Ms King had been posting similar content to Mr Linehan about her. She said: [It was] A single offhand comment following a month of abuse. Ms Brooks was then asked if she believed it was hateful that trans women were not allowed to use female only spaces. She replied: Yes it is hateful. 03:01 PM BST Police initially said they would not pursue case, court hears The court heard that on October 14, the police initially told Ms Brooks they would not be pursuing her complaint of harassment. Ms Vine said: It is right isnt it that the police contacted you after your original complaint and told you they werent going to pursue this? Ms Brooks initially said she could not remember, however Ms Vine then told her: It is just the records we have, have you contacting the police saying that and then threatening legal action if they dont comply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court also heard that Lynsay Watson, a prominent trans right activist, had made a complaint about Mr Linehans behaviour towards Ms Brooks. Mr Linehan was eventually charged with harassment on criminal damage six months later, in April 2025. Ms Brooks admitted having one or two X accounts under different names, but later confirmed that at least four accounts referenced by Ms Vine belonged to her. 02:49 PM BST Court resumes The trial has now resumed, and Ms Brooks is back in the witness box for further cross examination. Ms Vine KC is asking her about a separate Let Women Speak event which Ms Brooks attended under the guise of a gender critical activist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Brooks, a former volunteer police cadet, denied she attended the event to infiltrate the group . She said that if they knew she was a trans activist it would potentially result in assaults. 02:11 PM BST In pictures: Gender-critical activists outside court A protester holds a flag with the definition of a woman on it outside court - NEIL HALL/EPA/Shutterstock Supporters of Graham Linehan outside court - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph 01:12 PM BST Court adjourns for lunch The court has adjourned for lunch and will resume at 2pm when the cross-examination will continue. 01:09 PM BST Linehan rude to use male pronouns for Brooks, court hears Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before 1pm, Sarah Vine KC, for Graham Linehan, began cross-examining Sophia Brooks. Asked whether Linehans use of male pronouns was alarming, Brooks said: I found it rude but not alarming and distressing. In a tense exchange, Brooks said her trans activism consisted of videoing people at demonstrations and protests. Ms Vine asked if she considered the Battle of Ideas conference to be a demonstration. Brooks responded: The individuals speaking a the conference all shared the same ideas So it is not a debate it is a demonstration. All of the people speaking are politically aligned and share the same beliefs. Brooks then said she the conference was an event where people who held bigoted views came together. 12:40 PM BST Brooks feared for own safety because of Linehan Sophia Brooks has said Graham Linehans posts made me worried for my own safety. These posts made me worried for my own safety, Brooks told the court. A person who was famous, is famous, with 500,000 followers on Twitter was endlessly harassing me online by posting pictures of me and making spurious claims about me. 12:34 PM BST Linehan called Brooks a porn-addicted man Sophia Brooks has been asked if they encountered anyone called Julie Bindel at the conference. Ms Bindel is a feminist writer who has championed gender critical views and founded Justice for Women, which supports women prosecuted for assaulting or killing violent partners. The teenager replied: I dont know what Julie Bindel looks like, sorry. The court heard further details of social media posts made by Linehan the aftermath of the October 19 conference. In one post, Linehan referred to Brooks as a porn addicted man. The court heard the estimated damage of the value to the phone was 369. 12:21 PM BST Linehan and Brooks accused one another of being incels, video shows Footage of the moment Brooks confronted Linehan outside the conference is now being played in court. In the short clip, he is heard saying: Go away you disgusting incel. In a second video, the pair are filming each other and accusing one another of being incels. In another video, showing the moment before Linehan threw the phone across the road, Brooks is seen again approaching Linehan and asking him why he thought it was acceptable to call teenagers terrorists. Brooks said Linehan looked angry before he grabbed my hand and forcefully grabbed my phone before holding it behind his back and refusing to return it. I demanded he give me my phone back and after realising I wouldnt relent he said go and get your f---ing phone and threw it into the road, Brooks said. 12:11 PM BST Linehan asked Brooks how many kids I groomed The court has heard Graham Linehan asked Sophia Brooks how many kids I had groomed outside a central London conference. Brooks was escorted out of the Battle of Ideas conference in Westminster at 3.15pm on Oct 19. About 20 minutes later Mr Linehan crossed the street with his phone recording, Brooks told the court. He asked me how many kids I had groomed. He then walked into the Battle of Ideas conference. The court heard that Linehan then called Brooks a groomer, incel and sissy porn watching scumbag. 12:01 PM BST Linehans comments left Brooks alarmed and distressed Graham Linehans comments left Sophia Brooks alarmed and distressed, the court has been told. The 18-year-old said Mr Linehan use the phrases domestic terrorist and a homophobe. I felt alarmed and distressed, Brooks said. I was being branded as a deeply disturbed sociopath by a relatively famous person with over 500,000 followers, any of whom could have seen Mr Linehans posts and cause great harm to me. The prosecutor then asked if Brooks had ever gone by Tarquin. When asked where it had come from, Brooks replied that it was a name Mr Linehan used and said: It is apparently to do with my poshness. 11:51 AM BST Brooks begins giving evidence Sophia Brooks has now entered the courtroom to give evidence and is seated directly across the court from Graham Linehan. The 18-year-old has long brown hair and is wearing a light blue top and glasses. The activist told the court the LGB Alliance opposed her rights as a transgender person. When asked whether there were any rights the group opposed in particular, Brooks replied: No. The teenager denied having any prior knowledge of the insect incident at the LGB Alliance gathering on Oct 11 and denied having any previous communication with Mr Linehan. 11:39 AM BST Linehan accused of damaging Brookss phone Graham Linehan whacked Sophia Brookss phone to the ground after they argued outside a conference, the court has heard. Julia Faure Walker, prosecuting, told the court that he called Brooks a groomer and disgusting incel. Ms Brooks then asked him why he had called her a domestic terrorist on social media. He didnt answer the question, he didnt explain why he had called her a domestic terrorist or why that was acceptable, Ms Faure Walker said. She added that he then whacked the phone out of her hand, causing damage to the device. Ms Faure Walker added: Mr Linehan was clearly proud of what he had done because a a few days he tweeted: I am quite proud. I grabbed his phone and threw it across the road. Clearly he was pleased from gaining a sense of superiority over someone on the other side of the ideological debate. 11:30 AM BST Linehan told police his posts were in public interest The court heard that in another post, Graham Linehan said Sophia Brooks had been harassing women at a conference and he was also behind a recent attack on gay and bisexual people in which thousands of insects were released. In another, he wrote: If you encounter Tarquin in the wild please resist the urge to shove his phone up his arse. As this remark was read out in court, there was laughter from one side of the public gallery. The court heard that when interviewed by police, Linehan replied that his posts did not amount to harassment and as a journalist he believed exposing the tactics of trans activists was in the public interest. Graham Linehan arrives at court to face charges of harassing a trans woman - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph 11:24 AM BST Linehan called Brooks a deeply disturbed sociopath Giving an example of some of the social media posts, Ms Faure Walker said that in one, Graham Linehan wrote: He is a deeply disturbed sociopath and I believe he had some involvement [in the LGB alliance attack. In another, posted on Oct 14, Linehan, wrote in the third person: Graham dont you think you could have softened some of your language with these scumbag grooming homophobic sociopathic sadists The court heard that Linehan invented the name Tarquin as a reference to the teenagers poshness. 11:20 AM BST Linehan accused of relentlessly posting about Brooks The court has heard that Graham Linehan posted about Sophia Brooks relentlessly on social media following the conference and used the term psycho. Julia Faure Walker said: They were not irritating and annoying but oppressive and unacceptable thereby crossing the threshold [for harassment]. She added: The purpose of these posts was clearly not merely to relay events, to express political opinion, to criticise, to help identify perpetrators, or to solve any crime. Nor is it the case that these posts merely present ideas that may shock, disturb or offend. Rather that they were verbally abusive and vindictive and reflected Mr Linehans deep disliking of Ms Brooks. 11:14 AM BST Alleged harassment began after insect-infested conference, court hears Opening the case, Julia Faure Walker, prosecuting, said: Ms Brooks is now 18 years old but at the time of these events she was aged 17. Ms Faure Walker said the alleged harassment started following an LGB Alliance conference on Oct 11 last year which was disrupted when trans activists released insects at the event. Sophia Brooks was not one of them [who released insects], she told the court. She wasnt even inside the venue. There is absolutely no evidence that she was involved. Despite there being no evidence that Ms Brooks participated Mr Linehan linked the disruption of that event to her. 11:08 AM BST Prosecution uses alleged victims affirmed gender The prosecution will use Sophia Brookss affirmed gender and name during the trial, the court has heard. Graham Linehans defence team argued that the alleged victim is male and their identification as a woman does not alter this fact. The judge warned the public gallery that any audible reaction or commentary on the language used that interrupts proceedings will not be tolerated. 11:02 AM BST Pictured: Protesters outside court Gender-critical protesters hold a banner outside court reading Defend womens rights; Stop transing the gay away - JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP 10:15 AM BST Linehan prepares for trial to begin Graham Linehan spoke to confirm his name and date of birth. He is represented in court by Sarah Vine KC. The case is expected to begin shortly after 10.30am. 10:05 AM BST Linehan takes seat in the dock Graham Linehan smiled and thanked court staff as he was led into the dock. The five-time Bafta winner was dressed in a grey suit jacket, white shirt and dark trousers. The public gallery is packed with around a dozen pro-trans supporters, and roughly the same number of gender-critical activists. The trial, taking place in courtroom one of Westminster Magistrates court, is due to last two days and will be heard by district judge Briony Clarke. 09:52 AM BST Sharron Davies arrives at court Sharron Davies, the former Olympic swimmer, is at Westminster magistrates court for Graham Linehans trial. Sharron Davies outside court on Thursday - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph 09:38 AM BST Pictured: Lord Young outside court Lord Young, the founder of the Free Speech Union, has arrived at court. The organisation is supporting Graham Linehan in his separate case against the Metropolitan Police following his arrest earlier this week. Lord Young and other supporters of Graham Linehan hold a banner outside court - Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph 09:23 AM BST Linehans supporters mass outside court Graham Linehan was greeted outside Westminster Magistrates court by a large and vocal group of gender-critical supporters. There was also a small group of pro-transgender demonstrators. The Free Speech Union were among those outside court and founder Lord Young posed with a large banner reading: Police the streets not our tweets. Moments after Mr Linehan arrived in court, his alleged victim, Sophia Brooks arrived. Some members of the pro-trans activists and gender-critical supporters of Linehan traded insults with each other as the pair walked into court. Graham Linehan outside court - Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph 09:16 AM BST Linehan dons placard outside court Graham Linehan donned a gender-critical placard when he arrived at the court. One side of the sign read: Theres no such thing as a transgender child. The other said: Keep men out of womens sports. 09:15 AM BST Pictured: Linehan arrives at court Graham Linehan arrives at Westminster Magistrates Court - Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph 09:14 AM BST Linehan facing trial over alleged harassment of trans woman Graham Linehan is facing trial over an alleged harassment of a transgender woman. The Father Ted creator, 57, denies harassing transgender activist Sophia Brooks on social media and a further charge of damaging her mobile phone. He has arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court ahead of the first day of his trial on Thursday. According to court documents, he is charged with harassing the alleged victim by posting abusive comments about her on social media between Oct 11 and Oct 27 and damaging her phone to the value of 369 on Oct 19. 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. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore at an event billed as a discussion about bipartisanship in Washington, D.C., on Thursday continued to stress his opposition to President Donald Trumps efforts to both send federal troops to Baltimore and redraw congressional districts ahead of next years midterms. The Democratic governor, who has emphasized partnership across party lines repeatedly since entering office, has often said he would try to work with Trump and with Republicans generally. But sitting alongside a Republican governor at the National Press Club, the conversation turned to fighting back more than working together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do they have the mettle to be able to hold? Moore said, referring to governors and other leaders who are facing what he considered to be illegal decisions from Trump. Or are we going to watch people just sit silently? Are we going to watch people just sit quietly? The event at the press clubs headquarters a stones throw away from the White House came amid a weeks-long war of words between Moore and Trump. The president has said he will send federal troops to patrol crime in Baltimore while Moore has fiercely rejected the idea. The attacks turned personal, with Trump questioning Moores military record and Moore calling Trump, President Bone Spurs, in reference to the reason he avoided the Vietnam War draft. Moore has also emphasized Baltimores declining crime rates while Trump called the city a hellhole filled with hardcore criminals. This is why I personally have invited the president to come, Moore said Thursday. Instead of spewing untruths from the Oval Office, join me in Baltimore, join me in the communities. Because I would love for him to come and be educated, and actually make educated comments instead of things that are just completely politically driven dribble that is actually just infusing a greater level of disconnect, and frankly, a greater level of disappointment in people in our political process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, joined Moore at the event and the pair repeatedly complimented each other. They previously worked together through the National Governors Association, including with a campaign called Disagree Better during the presidential race last year. Im really proud of whats happening in Maryland and the Maryland miracle that were seeing, Cox said at one point, congratulating Moore on the historic drops in homicides and violent crime in Baltimore. Moore, as hes often done in recent weeks, said that state-level investments in local law enforcement have contributed to the drops. Credit has also been attributed to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scotts violence reduction efforts and States Attorney Ivan Bates approach to prosecutions. In the ongoing national debate about gerrymandering, Moore also reiterated on Thursday that all options are on the table as he watches Republican states redraw their district lines to gain an advantage in next years midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland is one of the few states where Democrats have full control and could potentially redraw a map that would disadvantage Republicans a move that national Democrats are seeking to counter Texas Republicans move to win as many as five additional seats there. California Democrats have already taken steps to counter that effort, and some Maryland Democrats are eager to join in the fight, which could threaten the reelection chances of U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, an Eastern Shore Republican. I would call on Congress to pass a law banning gerrymandering and banning mid-cycle changes. I also live in reality. I know Congress has no intention of doing this because Congress hardly has any intention of doing anything at this point, Moore said. I cannot, and none of us can, just sit on our hands. _______ Democratic leaders in Illinois and Maryland are under growing pressure to move forward with redistricting as they eye potential White House bids in 2028 and Republicans in other states move forward with rewriting their own congressional lines. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) has said all options are on the table for redistricting in his state, while Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) has said he is not inclined to engage in partisan redistricting but said Democrats would think about how to counter GOP efforts if they spread to other red states. Their comments come as the redistricting battle spreads across the country, and as potential Democratic presidential contenders take note of California Gov. Gavin Newsoms (D) popular response to similar gerrymandering efforts in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have to imagine that Pritzker and Wes Moore are looking at the kind of attention that Gavin Newsom got, said Dan Kanninen, a Democratic strategist and battleground states director for former Vice President Kamala Harriss presidential campaign. Thats the kind of thing a campaign tactician might look at and said, Oh boy, we want to replicate some of that to build our own national profile, he added. On Wednesday, Missouris GOP-controlled General Assembly convened to consider mid-decade redistricting after Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) called a special session on the matter. The move comes after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) recently signed into law a new congressional map that could net the party as many as five additional seats next year. A Morning Consult survey released late last month found that Newsoms support among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents increased by 8 points to 19 percent in late August. Pritzker garnered 3 percent support in the same poll while Moore came in at 1 percent support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore and Pritzker have both signaled they are open to the possibility of redistricting if Republicans in other states move forward with their own efforts What happened in Texas and is now spreading to other Republican-controlled states like Missouri is nothing more than a power grab by Donald Trump, said David Turner, a spokesperson for Moore, in a statement to The Hill. Last week, Maryland state Sen. Clarence Lam (D) filed a proposal to redraw the states congressional map, calling the move a warning shot to Republicans. Pritzker has also suggested that Democrats should only consider engaging in redistricting if its part of an effort to counter Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not something that I want to do. Its not something that any of us want to do, Pritzker told CBS News. But I have to say, if Donald Trump is going to force his will on the American people by going to his MAGA allies in various states and having them redraw in the middle of a decade when youre supposed to be doing it right after a census, with a year ending in one, not a year ending in five. If hes going to do that all over the country, I think all of us have to think about what it is that we can do to counter that, he added. After months of struggling to recover from Trumps win in November, Democrats have rallied around redistricting as a unifying issue. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said last month the party is well positioned to hit back against GOP redistricting efforts, pledging to fight fire with fire. A number of recent polls found that a majority of voters across parties are distrustful of gerrymandering but are becoming more open to their states going forward with it amid the ongoing redistricting arms race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A YouGov poll released last week found that support for Democrats redrawing districts to help themselves if Texas acted first increased among all adults from 24 percent earlier in August to 31 percent. The percentage of Democrats backing a response rose from 40 percent to 53 percent. Its an early skirmish where Democrats have found their punching stance, Kanninen said. Moore and Pritzker also find themselves in a unique situation, given Trumps threats to deploy the National Guard to Chicago and Baltimore, which both governors have strongly pushed back on. The redistricting battle, coupled with combating Trumps push to deploy the military, stands to give both governors the opportunity to present themselves as alternatives to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre running for president in the Democratic primary, any opportunity you have to be seen standing up to this president or getting stuff done to help your state is where you want to be, said Mike Nellis, a Democratic strategist. There is a fine line that many governors need to walk when dealing with the federal government, something that Newsom knows all too well. Earlier this year, Newsom struck a more amiable tone toward Trump when he traveled to Washington to ask for federal funding to combat the deadly wildfires that ravaged much of Southern California. The president and the governor also had a friendly exchange when Trump visited the state to survey the damage from the fires. Newsom told the president that he did not forget how Trumps first administration was there for California during the coronavirus pandemic. For governors in particular you need the federal government to deliver for you sometimes. I think people forget that, Nellis said. There may be a time again where Gavin has to play nice with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom has also faced his share of criticism in the past from critics who have taken note of his own political ambitions and efforts to build his national brand. Strategists warn that elected officials need to be cognizant of this if they are considering a future in higher office. You have a responsibility to the people who elected you to deliver for them and that is far more important than playing politics or trying to run for president, Nellis said, calling running for president a crapshoot. Theres also the possibility that Moore and Pritzker could appear to be mimicking Newsoms strategy, but strategists note this is not a risk in the long term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both of these guys will find ways to defend their state, to defend their maps, to defend their posture in ways that feel authentic to them, Kanninen said. And if it ends up being the case that Gavin Newsom is still seen as the person who led us into this fight, I think theyll live with that. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Gov. Wes Moore (D), with Maryland Housing Secretary Jake Day, answers questions from media Wednesday. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters) Gov. Wes Moore (D) said Wednesday he would be willing to accept help from the federal government to fight crime in Baltimore, just not through the deployment of National Guard troops as President Donald Trump (R) has repeatedly threatened. Moore was responding to Tuesday comments by Trump during a rambling news conference in which he called Baltimore and Chicago crime hellholes that needed the presence of federal troops, a deployment he insists he has the authority to order, despite governors and a federal court saying otherewise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott (D) have said repeatedly that rates of homicides and gun violence are declining in the city, but admit there is still work to be done. Moore said Wednesday using the National Guard to fight crime, as Trump wants to do, would be performative and ridiculous. He said other federal agencies, such as the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, make more sense for crime-fighting. If you want to have a serious conversation about things that the federal government could provide that could be helpful, it could be FBI and ATF support Those are always useful, and were still working in partnership with them, Moore said in response to reporters questions at an unrelated event in Columbia. But Im not going to do things just because it makes people feel good or because we think that people walking around in military fatigues and a long gun somehow makes communities safe, he said. Having members of the Guard picking up trash and raking mulch is not a useful spread of resources. The trash and raking comment was a reference to the presence of National Guard troops that Trump deployed to Washington, D.C., last month. Guard members, from D.C. and other states, dont have arrest powers, so some have been assigned to beautification duties, such as raking and trash pickup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump called the presence of federal troops in Washington a success, pointing to a drop in major crimes in the city since their deployment. It serves as a template and were going to do it elsewhere, Trump said of the troop presence. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, like Moore and Scott, has argued that crime was already falling in the city before the troops showed up. But she acknowledged this week that the federal presence has helped drive down crime rates even more, earning praise from Trump. Bowser is in a tough spot, however: While governors control their states National Guard troops, the D.C. Guard is under the control of the president, who can deploy them for 30 days in an emergency. And as those 30 days draw to a close, it appears the GOP-controlled Congress is prepared to extend the presidents authority to keep troops on the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bowser on Tuesday issued an executive order outlining a path forward beyond the presidential emergency for city officials to ensure coordination with federal law enforcement to the maximum extent allowable by law within the District. It specifically named federal law enforcement agencies the FBI, ATF, U.S. Park Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, Capitol Police and the Secret Service. Left out were references to the National Guard or the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers who have also surged into the city, often masked and poorly identified as they make high-profile public arrests. Bowsers order said that in order to maintain community confidence in law enforcement, any federal authorities going forward should not wear masks, should identify their agencies and themselves as they make arrests or otherwise interact with the public. When asked Wednesday if he would accept a National Guard presence, if it meant that help from other federal agencies would also be provided, Moore rejected the notion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would hope the president is more serious of a leader than to say, The only way Ill give you something thats useful is to give you something ridiculous, Moore said. The National Guard is not trained for this. The National Guard is trained for things like natural disasters and emergencies and deploying overseas, he said. I have too much respect for the members of our National Guard to put them on missions they are not trained for. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Its the latest round in weeks of verbal sparring between Moore and Trump that has been been escalating since the president sent National Guard troops to the District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was revived Tuesday, when a reporter asked Trump if he planned to deploy the National Guard to Chicago. In his reply, Trump looped in Baltimore, describing both cities as a hellhole right now citing gun violence, homicides and other crimes. Without saying when, Trump said he planned to send troops into Chicago despite fierce opposition from the governor and mayor there and insisted that we have a right to do it, and that includes Baltimore. But he also said it would be better if Moore and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker asked for the help. I would love to have Gov. Moore call, because I watched him over the weekend trying to explain, Baltimore, what we need is housing, Trump said. No, they dont need housing. They need to get rid of the criminals These are hard-core criminals, he said. Theyre not going to be good in 10 years, in five years, in 20 years, in two years theyre going to be criminals. They were born to be criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore, who had just announced an executive order Wednesday aimed at speeding government approval for new affordable housing developments, said it was sad that the president didnt appreciate how reducing the states housing shortage plays into crime reduction. What were doing is actually working to reduce the stem of violence, Moore said. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) 573 contracts with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services are under review, and more than 300 of them are not being renewed. In May, lawmakers forced the agencys head, Alli Freisen, to step down. The agency had a $30 million hole in its budget, the result of overspending and mismanagement. ODMHSAS pulling funding from select service providers to stay on budget after financial shortfall Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse logo. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse. To give you an example, the programs range from mental health and drug treatment, alcohol abuse education, mobile crisis response units, and the list goes on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform are calling for the agency and state leaders to rethink this decision. The responsibility is just transferred to our hospitals, to our county jails, because so often those people that are not seeking the proper treatment, they need to be well, said Mike Shelton, Executive Director for Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform. The documents from an August 27 department meeting, published by Non Doc, show the contracts under review. It leaves a void of those people that need those services, said Shelton. The Virtue Center, which offers addiction recovery in Norman, gave a statement to News 4 about the impact these funding cuts will have. The recent budget cuts announced by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will have a devastating impact on Oklahomans. These cuts come after years of chronic underfunding and fiscal mismanagement, creating a perfect storm that threatens access to critical care. At The Virtue Center, we serve individuals and families struggling with addiction and mental health challenges across central Oklahoma. While we are committed to continuing our mission, these cuts will force us to reduce the number of people we can serve and limit the range of services we provide. It is important to recognize who will be hit hardest: underinsured Oklahomans those who do not qualify for Medicaid but have little or no coverage. These are working individuals and families already on the margins, and they will now face even greater barriers to care. We urge state leaders to reconsider the consequences of these decisions. Mental health and addiction services are not optional they are essential to the health and safety of our communities. The Virtue Center remains steadfast in our commitment to provide hope, healing, and recovery. But without adequate funding, our ability to fulfill that mission is under serious threat. Teresa Collado, Executive Director -The Virtue Center Family & Children Services of Oklahoma, which offers programs including parenting, addiction, and suicide prevention, stands to lose nearly $1.5 million. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) announced funding reductions to FCS programs totaling approximately $1.5 million, including some funds that directly support the basic needs of our clients. While these reductions are concerning, FCS will continue providing uninterrupted services. Notably, COPES and the CrisisCare Center will remain available 24/7 to assist those in need. FCS is actively exploring alternative solutions to mitigate the impact of these reductions. We will continue to monitor the situation and adapt our service strategy accordingly. Children & Family Services Senator Julia Kirt (D-OKC) says the funding shortfall is coming earlier than expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My understanding from that was we might see cuts after February, but I did not anticipate that to happen sooner, said Kirt. So if the agency needs more money to make sure that these services are provided, I hope that theyd ask for it and I hope that the legislature provides it. News 4 reached out to other lawmakers about this issue, but has not heard back. News 4 reached out to the agency on Thursday about the severity of these cuts, and they sent us a statement. This one step in our process to getting back to a balanced budget. We will have more to share as we continue with our plan Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Officials report that the city of Tacomas revenues are lower than forecasted and its expenses are higher than expected, as the city continues to contend with a structural budget deficit amid an economic downturn. Tacoma finance director Andy Cherullo outlined for council members the state of the citys budget as of June 2025 at a study session late last month. The council approved Tacomas 2025-2026 biennial budget in December 2024. The presentation came as an early step in a process of mid-biennial review and modification a requirement cities must meet, according to state law. Cherullo said that the citys revenues can be divided into four categories: business tax, property tax, sales tax and utility tax. Revenue in each category is down, he said, by a total of about $3.5 million. The citys expenses in the first half of 2025 are largely below what it budgeted for, but excluding money that is soon to be spent on neighborhood and community services, the citys expenses are roughly $2.5 million higher than expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were monitoring our revenues. Theyre running a bit below projections. We hope that might change. Were a little concerned given the economic uncertainty heading forward what that might mean for our revenue collections, Cherullo said at the meeting. The update comes as Tacoma continues to contend with budget troubles a $15 million deficit in the 2027-28 biennial budget, The News Tribune reported in 2024. The Aug. 26 presentation came as an early step in the modification process. Officials will discuss proposed modifications to the budget at a study session on Oct. 14, and the modifications will be adopted at a council meeting on Oct. 28, Cherullo said. The city has committed to spending millions on two additional fire engines and incentives for police recruitment, which the city will need to account for in the process of developing mid-year budget modifications. Theyll also need to set aside dollars for settlements from various lawsuits, and overtime expenses for police and firefighters, Cherullo said. City manager Hyun Kim has directed staff to conduct a reduction exercise to identify areas to reduce spending in their respective departments. Kim said at the meeting that the city has also implemented other strategies to mitigate the deficit, including a freeze on hiring for non-essential positions and a travel freeze. People look at their own personal budgets, and now theyre having to make these same kinds of decisions, Mayor Victoria Woodards said at the meeting. The community needs to understand that the city itself is going through that same exercise. Russia would use Donbas to further invade Ukraine in a renewed assault and could attack Europe next, President Volodymyr Zelensky told French outlet Le Point in an interview published on Sept. 3. "If, tomorrow, we somehow left Donbas, which will not happen, we would open up an unprotected space for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, near a city of one and a half million inhabitants: Kharkiv. He would also seize the industrial center of Dnipro," Zelensky said. "One thing is certain, we have not lost. We must look at the situation clearly: the second-largest army in the world has come to annihilate us, our history, and our identity. And this is not their first attempt. Several times in history, the Russian Empire has struck blows at the independence of our people," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has repeatedly insisted that Ukraine withdraw from Donbas, which consists of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Moscow first occupied the far-eastern region in 2014. "It's very simple. Some media outlets claim that if Ukrainian soldiers left the eastern regions of our country, peace would be restored. This is not true," Zelensky said. The Kremlin reportedly signalled to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff that it would be open to freezing the frontline in its war against Ukraine if Kyiv surrendered the rest of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts to Russia. "Putin invaded Crimea (in 2014) to use it as a springboard and encircle the south of our country. That is, to prepare for another offensive. He invaded part of the east of our country in 2014 to use it as a springboard to completely occupy these regions," Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 used Belarus and Ukraine's southeastern regions as launching pads for its assaults across the country. Zelensky noted the same could be done to attack the rest of Europe next if Ukraine were to fall to Russian soldiers. "If Putin were to succeed in taking over our entire country, he would use it as a springboard in the same way. Whether he does so or not will depend on Europe's" strength, Zelensky said. Despite sanctions from Ukraine's allies, Moscow is still able to wage its war, he noted. "The pressure from Western partners is not strong enough economically; Putin still has financial reserves," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky noted that security guarantees solely from Europe are enough to contain a Russian offensive, but that guarantees from the U.S. are necessary to end Russia's aggression and prevent a renewed war. "Europe's security guarantees may not be enough. We need an alliance between Europe and the United States," he said. Ukraine, alongside its European allies and Washington, has been discussing how to end Russia's war against Ukraine in recent weeks amid intensified efforts from U.S. President Donald Trump to broker a peace deal. "The Russians came to try to erase our identity, to rewrite history. We are fighting to preserve our identity. Our fight is not just for territory. It is for Ukraine, which is made up of pieces of history and people," Zelensky said as Russia continues its advances on the front line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine destroys Russian speedboat, allegedly hits railway in Russias Rostov Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Sep. 4With some familiar faces and some new, the Sandia Heights Artists Tour is back for its 22nd year. "It's pretty exciting," Mara Malnekoff, president of the Sandia Heights Artists group, said. "There's a large variety, and everybody's very enthusiastic, and that's a big part of it." The tour has 15 stops featuring over 40 artists on Saturday, Sept. 6, and Sunday, Sept. 7, said Malnekoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We try not to put the same kind of artists at one stop," Malnekoff said. "And that's because we don't want artists to compete with one another." The mediums used among the artists include ceramics, jewelry, glass work and more. Don Wagner, a guest artist this year from outside the Sandia Heights area, sells wood sculptures. He said that the tour gives people an opportunity to find affordable art that they might not otherwise find. "You're gonna get good art at a better price," Wagner said. "And you get to talk to the artist." Rebecca Whitecotton, Sandia Heights Artists publicity chair, said the people are what make the tour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The tour is so fun because the people come in and you get to see them looking at your stuff, and you get to see the people," Whitecotton said. "I think that the tour gives the artists a special opportunity to actually meet the people who are buying it." Malnekoff said the tour also lets people discover artists who might be living right next door. "Well, I think art, in and of itself, is important, and having people in your neighborhood you may not even know as an artist, is fantastic," Malnekoff said. "And I think in today's world, we especially need more art." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order to spread art further in the community, the Sandia Heights Artists donates to La Mesa Arts Academy, an organization that offers a free after-school creative arts program to students. Artists on the tour will donate a portion of their sales to La Mesa. Charlotte Driver, a tour artist, worked with La Mesa Arts Academy and said helping children is vital. "Self-expression has been proven to increase verbal skills, educational skills, because you're focusing on completing something," Driver said. The satisfaction of completing a piece is something the artists on the tour can understand. Wagner said seeing people enjoy their work is gratifying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To make something that you created out of nothing, and have somebody walk around, walk out of your booth, holding it up like it's an Academy Award," Wagner said, "it is a pretty good feeling." The tour is also a chance for artists to find a sense of community by sharing ideas, methods and even supplies, Malenkoff said. "I feel like my art has improved since being on the tour," Malnekoff said. "That's because our other artists are very kind and will give you suggestions, and sometimes you get free materials." Whitecotton said that New Mexico is an art-friendly community. "We're happy to be connected in that way," she said. A record-setting race car painted in bright blue and orange colors is set to become the Museum of Utahs largest artifact for display. The Mormon Meteor III land speed racer will be a part of the Museum of Utahs Inspiring Utah gallery when it opens on June 27, 2026. The vehicle, which was commissioned by Ab Jenkins in 1937, has been acquired by the Utah Historical Society from the Price Museum of Speed. During a press event on Wednesday highlighting the acquisition of the Mormon Meteor III for the museum, Utah Historical Society Director Jennifer Ortiz shared that the opening of the museum is a gift to Utahns for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ortiz added that the goal of the museum is to reflect the state of Utah. So weve worked really hard to make sure that thats something that we do, whether thats stories that are going to be really familiar to people, or perhaps stories that might feel a little new, she added. We wanted to make sure that we are reflecting the people of Utah, almost like a community museum on a statewide level. The history of the Mormon Meteor III and Ab Jenkins Ab Jenkins, who commissioned and drove the Mormon Meteor III land speed racer, name can be seen on the side of the car as the Utah Historical Society announces its largest artifact for display in the Museum of Utah, the Mormon Meteor III land speed racer, at the Price Museum Of Speed in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News Jenkins was a record-setting Utah driver who brought global attention to speed races in Utah. In 1937 he hired auto engineer Augie Duesenberg to build the vehicle, along with Jenkins teenage son Marv. The car was designed to hold a powerful Curtiss Conqueror airplane engine and it was made for endurance record runs. The name came from reader suggestions during a Deseret News competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was first tested in 1938 and made its debut run on the Bonneville Salt Flats in July 1939. Jenkins became the 24th mayor of Salt Lake City in 1940 and set 21 speed records during his four-year term. His records included a 24-hour record averaging 161 miles per hour in the Mormon Meteor III. During World War II, when races at the Bonneville Speedway were canceled he sold the car to the state of Utah for exhibition. The car was on display at the state Capitol from the 1940s to the 1980s. When racing resumed after the war, Jenkins borrowed the car back from the state to set more records. The cars last record-breaking race was in 1950. During that run on the Bonneville Salt Flats, 67-year-old Jenkins set more than 20 records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 1990s, the Mormon Meteor III was reclaimed by Marv Jenkins, who helped build the car. He meticulously restored the vehicle, spending over 6,000 hours to complete the project. Marv later sold the car to former ambassador and Utah businessman John Price, who displayed it at Salt Lake Citys Price Museum of Speed. In 2023, Ab Jenkins was inducted in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in Daytona Beach, Florida. The historical society has an online interactive 3D rendering of the Mormon Meteor III that can be viewed at this link. Why the Mormon Meteor III is important to Utahs history This is a piece that really represents so many elements of Utah history, and we are grateful to be able to keep it in the state and show it to members of the public, says Museum of Utah Director Tim Glenn when introducing the vehicle on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glenn shared that Jenkins and his Mormon Meteor III are important to the states history because they helped Utah make its mark in the world during a time the state was trying to prove itself so soon after gaining statehood. What Jenkins accomplished in speed racing brought international attention to the state. We were sort of put on the map in that moment, Glenn says. He added that as officials traveled the state asking for input on what to put in the museum, a large number of people asked if the Mormon Meteor III would be one of the items included in the museum. Displaying Utahs history for the public The Museum of Utah will be located in the North Capitol Building on the Utah Capitol complex. It will be free and open to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It really is a generational opportunity to help tell the states story in a way that is comprehensive and incorporates many different people and voices and objects, Ortiz says about the museum. The Mormon Meteor III will be part of the Inspiring Utah gallery, one of the museums four permanent galleries, which was designed to feature the car and tell the story of how the races at the Bonneville Speedway drew international attention. The three other galleries are: Becoming Utah, Building Utah and Connecting Utah. These galleries along with temporary exhibition space will cover over 17,000 square feet. There will be over 800 objects from the states collection on display in the museum. On Wednesday, the historical society had multiple other items on display that will also be included in the museum. These items included objects from the Topaz Internment camp outside of Delta, a 1950s style cowboy shirt that was worn by Marty McFly in the Utah-filmed movie Back to the Future III and a telescope that Orson Pratt used to guide pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints into the Salt Lake Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ortiz and Glenn said as they put together the museum a lot of it was community driven as they took input from people and communities all around the state to make sure everyone was reflected in the museum. One important benefit of the museum is that it will provide proper storage space for the thousands of objects and pieces of artwork that the historical society already owns. The museum is partly supported by private donations, and Ortiz says she hopes people visiting the museum will feel inspired to donate. We have a significant collection and still have gaps. So part of having things on display is also hopefully the community comes in and sees how well things are being taken care of, how were really cherishing these objects and doing educational work with them, that they are inspired to actually donate, she added. Morocco authorities sentenced a feminist activist to 30 months in prison for wearing a shirt declaring Allah is lesbian. The Rabat Primary Court on Wednesday issued the sentence to Ibtissame Betty Lachgar, cofounder of the MALI movement, and fined her 50,000 Moroccan dirham, or about $5,000 U.S. dollars, according to Morocco World News. Judges found her guilty of violating the nations anti-blasphemy laws. Lachgar was arrested on August 10, about a week and a half after she posted a picture of herself on social media wearing the shirt with Allahs name written in Arabic and the words is lesbian in English below. She made clear in one post on X her garb was intended to protest oppression by Islamic leaders in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Morocco, I walk around with T-shirts bearing messages against religions, Islam, etc. We do collages with @MALImaroc, she wrote in the post, which has been translated from French. You tire us with your sanctimoniousness, your accusations. Yes, Islam, like any religious ideology, is FASCIST. PHALLOCRATIC AND MISOGYNISTIC. (@) The MALI movement, whose Arabic name translates in English to the Alternative Movement for Individual Liberties, supports womens rights and LGBTQ+ rights in Morocco. Lachgar is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist specializing in criminology and an outspoken defender of human rights in the region. Other activist groups have decried the arrest, calling Lachgar an important freethinker and dissenter to conservative rule. This grotesque arrest in 2025 is an affront to freedom of thought and expression. Blasphemy laws medieval relics exist not to shield people, but to protect ideas from scrutiny. They target apostates and dissenters, fueling apostophobia the fear, hatred, and dehumanisation of those who leave religion by criminalising our very existence, reads an Ex-Muslims International op-ed that was shared with the hashtag #FreeBetty in August, following Lachgars detainment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for Lachgar also said the court has ignored genuine health concerns in locking away the activist for two and a half years. She could die at any time in prison. We explained this to the court, and Lachgar herself explained her condition to the court, attorneys told local media covering the case, according to Morocco World News. In August, France 24 reported that Lachgar was being treated for cancer and intended to have critical surgery on her left arm in the coming weeks. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Moroccan court sentences activist to prison for T-shirt reading Allah 'is lesbian' RABAT, Morocco (AP) A Moroccan court sentenced a prominent feminist activist to two and a half years in prison and $5,000 in fines for blasphemy in a case that has alarmed human rights groups and drawn widespread attention. The presiding judge ruled late Wednesday night that Ibtissam Lachgar was guilty of violating part of Moroccos criminal code that outlaws offending the monarchy or Islam because of messages on a T-shirt she wore in a selfie posted online, her attorney Naima El Guellaf told The Associated Press. Lachgar was charged with blasphemy and with disseminating the image online. One of the attorneys told AP they plan to appeal the conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only is this verdict unjust, but it also threatens the freedom of speech and opinion, Hamid Sikouk of the Moroccan Association of Human Rights told the AP. At Wednesdays hearing, Lachgar, wearing a headscarf and appearing fatigued, told the judge she had no intention of offending Islam. She argued that the T-shirt she wore reflected a political message and bore a slogan long used against sexist ideologies and violence toward women. Her defense team argued that the online post did not constitute an offense to Islam. God is not only for Muslims, but also for Christians and Jews. I dont see any offense to Islam in that publication, lawyer El Guellaf told the court. I am Muslim myself, and I dont feel offended by it.'' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another attorney, Souad Brahma, head of the Moroccan Association of Human Rights, warned of a backslide in human rights in the kingdom and said her client was speaking about religions in general, not Islam. The defense said wearing the T-shirt falls under freedom of expression, a constitutional right in Morocco, and called the charges unconstitutional. The shirt featured writing referring to the sexual identity of a deity and calling Islam fascist and misogynistic. Long known for provocative activism, Lachgar, 50, is a psychologist and co-founder of the Alternative Movement for Individuals Freedoms, known by its French acronym MALI. She is an outspoken and vocal defender of rights for women and LGBTQ communities in Morocco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her arrest polarized public opinion across Morocco. Some see it as a valid response to provocation and others view it as a violation of democracy and freedom of speech. Though the country is politically moderate compared to others in the Middle East and North Africa, same-sex relations are illegal and certain kinds of speech can bring criminal charges. Lachgar has called for decriminalizing sex outside of marriage, which remains illegal. She also made headlines more than a decade ago when she organized a demonstration outside Moroccos parliament, where couples kissed to support two teenagers facing indecency charges after posting a photo of themselves kissing on Facebook. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com A 14-time convicted felon appeared before a judge Tuesday for allegedly leading multiple law enforcement agencies on a high-speed chase through Thurston and King counties. The suspect, Andrey Lupulyak, is known by local law enforcement as likely the most dangerous driver in the state. Lupulyak faces several charges, including vehicular homicide DUI, possession of stolen property, burglary, forgery, attempting to elude, possession of a stolen vehicle, and vehicular assault. He has an active felony escape warrant for failing to comply after a vehicular homicide conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lacey Police Department was called to a vehicle prowl in progress on Aug. 30. The victim of the car prowl told officers the suspect fled in a BMW SUV. When the Lacey Police Department tried to stop the car, the driver fled at a high rate of speed. The traffic stop was quickly terminated for safety reasons. A few minutes later, I observed the vehicle traveling 90 mph in a 35 mph zone on College Street and I initiated a pursuit, Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders stated. The pursuit traveled north on I-5 at speeds of 135 mph until the driver got onto I-5 backwards, heading 120 mph in the oncoming lanes of I-5. I terminated and paralleled the vehicle on I-5 from the correct side of the freeway. The driver was able to get away as there was no air support available anywhere in western Washington at the time. A few minutes later, a deputy with the Thurston County Sheriffs Office located the suspect in the BMW once again. He persuaded, and Lupulyak fled again. The pursuing deputy crashed into the ditch at the Sleater Kinney off-ramp, suffering no injuries in the crash. Another pursuit ensued, this time with Washington State Patrol (WSP) assisting the sheriffs department. The pursuing law enforcement officers reached speeds of up to 135 mph before ending the pursuit in favor of WSP deploying aircraft to track the suspect. Lupulyak arrested for 29th time Despite no police cars pursuing the suspect, he continued to blow through busy intersections at 90-100 mph, Sanders wrote. WSPs airplane Smokey tracked the suspect as they parked near their house. When two troopers closed in, the suspect rammed a squad car then fled on foot before falling and being tackled by a trooper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to 14 felony convictions, Lupulyak also has 10 misdemeanor convictions. He was finally brought back into custody for the 29th time. During a search incident to arrest, the suspect had what we suspect to be methamphetamine and fentanyl in his possession, Sanders said. It is truly astounding that this individual is still out wreaking havoc on our roadways, as it is nothing short of a miracle that he didnt commit his second DUI vehicular homicide tonight. Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here. More than half the Israeli public agree that the sitting government has not done enough to secure a hostage deal. Nearly two-thirds of the Israeli public are in support of a ceasefire deal that includes Hamas's release of all the hostages in exchange for a full IDF withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, with nearly half of right-leaning Israelis supporting such a deal, a new study from the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) found. More than half the Israeli public (53%) agrees that the current government has not done enough to secure a hostage deal. Right-wing respondents were more likely to think that leaders are doing everything possible, while those on the left and center believe the opposite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By political orientation, a majority of respondents who identified as left-leaning (92%) and a large majority of centrists (77%) support a deal that would see the IDF leave Gaza in exchange for the hostages. Those on the right are more divided, but overall, more support a deal (47%) rather than oppose it (44%). Those supporting a deal include Likud, Shas, and United Torah Judaism voters. Religious Zionism deviated slightly, as only among these voters do the majority oppose a deal. When asked about Israeli society's ability to bear the burden of war should the fighting continue, one third believe it would be able to carry the cost for just a few months, while a quarter believe Israel would be able to hold on "for as long as it takes to achieve the goals of the war," marking a decline on the issue since March 2024. IDF operates in Gaza, August 29, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT) Israeli annexation of Gaza, West Bank An overwhelming majority of respondents also oppose Israeli annexation and Jewish settlement of Gaza, with the highest levels of opposition found among secular Jews. In contrast, Haredi respondents heavily support the move. Alongside this, most Jewish respondents believe that a multinational force should rule Gaza in the "day after," followed by a preference for Israel as the governing force, and then the Palestinian Authority. On the other hand, Arab respondents would much rather have the PA or a multinational force to take governance of Gaza, with only very few desiring Israeli rule there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Respondents were also asked about their attitudes towards the Abraham Accords. Two years ago, the Abraham Accords were signed by Israel, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Yesterday, they were brought into question as the UAE warned that Israeli annexation of the West Bank could have lasting consequences. According to the IAI study, 45% of respondents believe that the Abraham Accords have met expectations, though this number is significantly less than in previous years. The survey, which was conducted by the Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research, included interviews with over 600 Jewish respondents and 100 Arab-Israeli respondents. Texas authorities have intensified their search for a Honduran national wanted for aggravated kidnapping and sexual assault, offering a $6,000 reward for information leading to his arrest this month. Robert Bustrillo-Vasquiez, 33, appears on Septembers Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrant list as the Featured Fugitive. Bexar County authorities have sought Bustrillo-Vasquiez since August 11 on charges of aggravated kidnapping with bodily injury or sexual abuse, aggravated sexual assault, and human smuggling. The 5-foot-6-inch suspect weighs about 155 pounds and has a distinctive tattoo on his inner right forearm. His criminal history spans 15 years of deportations and reentries. Federal records show deportations dating to 2010, with the most recent in February 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Courts sentenced Bustrillo-Vasquiez to federal prison for felony reentry after deportation. Austin police arrested him multiple times in 2013 and 2014 for assault charges. Authorities believe he maintains connections to San Antonio and Austin. The Texas Department of Public Safety urges anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-252-TIPS. People can also submit tips through the DPS website or Facebook page. Tipsters remain anonymous and receive identification numbers instead of providing names. The Governors Public Safety Office funded the reward program, which has paid $37,000 in 2025 for tips leading to 48 arrests. These include 17 sex offenders and 12 individuals on the criminal immigrant list. DPS investigators work with local agencies to select fugitives for the states most wanted lists. The increased September reward aims to generate fresh leads in the month-old case. [Watch in the player above: Ohio State Highway Patrol releases five-year report on road fatalities] GUILFORD TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) An 18-year-old motorcyclist died after crashing into a cow that was standing in the roadway early Thursday, according to authorities. Medina County sheriffs deputies responded just after 3 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, to the crash scene in the 8200 block of River Styx Road, according to a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All about 8 new Ohio laws going into effect this month A passerby first reported finding the motorcycle in the roadway. Investigators determined 18-year-old Gavynn Patterson was riding the motorcycle north and struck the cow, which was standing in the roadway. The cow was also killed, according to the release. Woman beaten at Akron home later died, police say Drugs and alcohol are not suspected in the crash. Sheriffs deputies and the Medina County Coroners Office are investigating. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. DENVER (KDVR) A man on a motorcycle died in a crash with a turning vehicle in Aurora on Wednesday night, while witnesses reported he may have been racing with another motorcyclist, according to police. Officers responded to a reported crash with serious injuries near the 19500 block of East 38th Avenue around 10 p.m. and found the man dead at the scene, the Aurora Police Department said in a report on Thursday. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the investigation so far has found that a Kia SUV was driving eastbound and attempted to make a legal U-turn when the crash happened. Witnesses told police that two motorcyclists appeared to be racing each other, also traveling east. Police said one motorcycle t-boned the SUV, and the rider was thrown from the bike and died The other motorcyclist narrowly missed the crash, and briefly returned to the scene before speeding away, according to the police report. Police said the investigation is active and ongoing, and the man who died will be identified by the Adams County Coroners Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas (KETK) The City of Mount Pleasant announced the hiring of its new city manager on Wednesday, who has served in several key leadership positions across East Texas. Robert Vine is stepping into the role after most recently holding several leadership positions, including city manager for the City of Paris. While in Paris, Vine played a role in advancing operational efficiency and building relationships with community stakeholders, according to the City of Mount Pleasant. It is both humbling and exciting to return to the City of Mount Pleasant, where my municipal career began in 1997, Vine said. After 16 years of service with the Mount Pleasant Police Department, I left the city in 2013 to advance my career and grow as a professional, which meant leaving the community my wife Krist and I both love. Robert Vine, courtesy of the City of Mount Pleasant After taking the position, Vine emphasized that his guiding principle will be to do the right thing at the right time for the right reasons. Vine also looks forward to collaborating with the Mount Pleasant leadership team to strengthen relationships and move the city forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our focus will not be on the past but on the future, Vine said. I would ask the citizens to support our staff and City Council as we work together. Progress will not come overnight, but step by step, every day, we will make it happen. Vine also acknowledged the citys financial challenges and emphasized the importance of transparency. We must be deliberate and consistent in demonstrating fiscal responsibility, Vine said. While some things may remain out of reach, we will strive to maintain the high level of service our citizens expect with the resources we have. 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. The proposed transportation package would only raise the transit tax, which goes toward the State Transportation Improvement Fund. (Courtesy of Oregon Department of Transportation) Most public testimony submitted about the proposed transportation bill lawmakers are considering this special session has been in opposition to the bill, with many Oregonians writing to lawmakers that they want no new taxes. Lawmakers are considering passing House Bill 3991, a transportation package that would raise $4.3 billion over the next 10 years by raising the gas tax by 6 cents, increasing vehicle title and registration fees and temporarily raising a statewide payroll tax for transit from 0.1% to 0.2%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, R-Canby, in a Facebook post called the legislation the largest transportation tax hike in Oregon history. However, House Bill 3991 is not the largest transportation tax hike in Oregon history. The transportation package lawmakers passed in 2017 will raise $1.45 billion in the 2027-29 biennium, while this years proposed legislation would raise 60% of that amount or $890 million over the same time period, Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson Jenny Cherrytree told the Capital Chronicle. Revenue for the 2029-31 and 2031-33 fiscal years is also expected to drop because of the 2028 expiration of the transit tax. If you work in our state, your payroll tax is doubling in this measure, which means youre going to take home less to your families every single week, Drazan said in a Facebook video. To put that into perspective, the Oregon Capital Chronicle has compiled a detailed breakdown of how much the payroll transit tax would cost Oregonians. How does the payroll transit tax work? Payroll tax is a general term for whats taken out of your paycheck for tax purposes or social services. For Oregonians, this includes state and federal income tax, social security, Medicare, a workers fund tax, a paid leave tax and a transit tax. Intercity transit networks, shown in blue, provide long-distance bus services across the state, largely connecting rural communities with cities. The red lines represent routes funded by the the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund program. Examples in the most recent grants include the Eugene-Florence-Yachats connector and the bus line from Bend to Klamath. (Courtesy of Oregon Department of Transportation) The proposed transportation package would only raise the transit tax, which goes toward the State Transportation Improvement Fund. The fund started in 2018 to invest in public transportation improvements across the state. It provides free or reduced public transportation for students, rural and low-income Oregonians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregonians pay $1 out of every $1,000 of their wages to this fund. If the bill passes, that would double to $2 for every $1,000 between January 2026 and January 2028. So what would this cost the average Oregonian? A worker making the average Oregon salary of about $68,000 already pays $68 per year, or $5.60 per month, out of their paycheck toward the states public transportation fund. This would double to $136 per year, or $11.20 per month. Rep. Cyrus Javadi, R-Tillamook, was the only Republican House member to vote in favor of the legislation. While explaining his vote on the House floor, he said doing nothing is riskier than not passing the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The truth is this isnt some massive new payroll tax, Javadi said in a Facebook post. Its a small adjustment to a very narrow slice of the payroll tax, and it keeps buses running in communities that depend on them. Oregonians would also have to pay more for: Passenger car registration, which would go up from $86 every two years to $170 Motorcycle and moped registration, which would go up from $88 every two years to $172 Low-speed vehicle registration, which would go up from $126 every two years to $210 Medium-speed vehicle registration, which would go up from $126 every two years to $210 Title fees, which would go up from $77 to $216. Oregonians only pay title fees when they buy a car or move to Oregon from another state and need to title their car here. The average American buys a car every six to eight years, according to insurance industry data, meaning the $139 increase to title fees would amount to about $17 to $23 annually for the average duration of car ownership. Gas taxes, which will rise from 40 cents per gallon to 46 cents per gallon. How much gas Oregonians use varies widely depending on how far they drive and how fuel-efficient their vehicles are, but the state transportation department estimates the average Oregonian pays almost $160 in gas taxes each year with the current 40-cent-per-gallon tax. The transportation bill passed the Oregon House on Sept. 1. The Oregon Senate plans to vote on Sept. 17 for a vote. If passed, the bill would go to the governors desk where she is expected to either sign it into law or let it become law without her signature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE John E. Sununu, then a congressman running for U.S. Senate, speaks to supporters during a campaign rally at Nashua City Hall on Nov. 4, 2002. (Photo by Jacob Silberberg/Getty Images) The headline did not mince words. Donald Trump is a loser, read the title of the opinion piece, which ran in the New Hampshire Union Leader one day before the 2024 New Hampshire presidential primary. The man who wrote it, former U.S. Sen. John E. Sununu, is no stranger to opposing Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, Sununu, the brother of former Gov. Chris Sununu, endorsed former Ohio Gov. John Kasich for president. And in 2024, he backed former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in her effort to block Trumps path back to the White House. This year, Trump is president, and Sununu is exploring another run for U.S. Senate. And he is shrugging off the importance of Trump. Look, this is going to be about New Hampshire, he said in an interview with WMUR Wednesday confirming that exploration. New Hampshire voters, New Hampshire values. Putting together a strong campaign. Sununu has personal experience with the Senate seat; he defeated current-Sen. Jeanne Shaheen in 2002 and held the seat for one term before Shaheen ousted him in 2008. Shaheen has kept the seat since; Sununu has worked as a board member and policy adviser for banks and lobbying firms in the meantime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as Sununu contemplates an entry into the race, Trumps potential influence looms large and two of Sununus would-be primary rivals are actively vying for the presidents support. Trump has not made an endorsement, which lands in an election year where Republicans hold a bare majority and are looking for any opportunity to flip a Democrat-held seat and expand control. Competing for Trumps eye Republican candidate Scott Brown, the former Massachusetts senator, has sought to align himself with Trumps agenda this year, praising Trump for policies on border enforcement and trade. That bond has some history: In Trumps first term, the president appointed Brown as ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Brown also sharply criticized Trump in May 2021 for his actions leading up to the Jan. 6 insurrection, saying that Trump absolutely bears responsibility for the riots and that his presidency was diminished because of them. State Sen. Dan Innis, another candidate in the race, has centered his campaign around the contention he is the most pro-Trump person in the running. On Wednesday, he reiterated that contention. Lets be honest, there are bad eggs in this race, Innis said in a statement Wednesday afternoon touting a recent drop in egg prices. Im the only pro-Trump conservative in this race, and Ill never back down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives for Brown and Innis did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday about the possibility of Sununu entering the race. The candidates are seeking the Republican nomination for the Senate seat currently held by Shaheen, who is not running for reelection. U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas and Karishma Manzur are both competing for the Democratic nomination. In a statement Wednesday, Pappas called Sununu a corporate sellout and charged Republicans with starting a scramble to find Donald Trumps perfect candidate. State Republicans see game-changer While his potential rivals are positioning themselves for a Trump endorsement, Sununu did not appear to be in a hurry Wednesday. He told WMUR he would be conducting listening sessions around the state to gauge support for his potential candidacy. And he said he hopes to receive endorsements from a broad array of people, not just Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To some state Republicans, Sununu could be a formidable challenger in the race, even with his comments about Trump. Responding to Sununus announcement, House Majority Leader Jason Osborne posted on X: This would change the whole game. Matt Mowers, a Republican who unsuccessfully challenged Pappas in 2020 and 2022, also called a possible Sununu entry a game changer, writing that John Sununu puts the race on the map and starts as immediate front runner. Lou Gargiulo, a former Republican state representative, is a longtime supporter of Trump, serving as a state co-chair of the Trump campaign in 2016 and 2020. But Gargiulo has been an advocate for John E. Sununu for even longer, supporting his campaigns in 2002 and 2008. And on Wednesday, he argued that Sununus past opposition to Trump would not necessarily limit his prospects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes a fiscal conservative, I think hes socially conservative, I think hes good on the Second Amendment, I think hes good on taxation I think that the base would be happy to see a guy like him in the race, he said in an interview. Gargiulo has not made up his mind on the GOP primary, he said. But the most important factor for Sununu, Gargiulo argues, is not Trump, but Sununus viability as a candidate and ability to raise money. Against the financial advantages held by Pappas, that will matter most, he said. Still, Sununus Trump positions could create some headaches, Gargiulo conceded. His advice: Sununu should reach out to the president and make his case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump could also choose to be pragmatic, he added. It depends on who talks to the president about him, Gargiulo said. I think at this point, we want to pick up some Senate seats. And if he could deliver a Senate seat, then I think the president will be somewhat forgiving. A family history Kathy Sullivan, who served as New Hampshire Democratic Party chairwoman during Sununus campaign for Senate in 2002, also doubts that Sununus anti-Trump positions will hold him back, at least not if he is seen as a front-runner. If that happens, his past statements wont matter, she argued. As long as John E. Sununu is a member of the Republican Party, hes a Trumpist, Sullivan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if Sununu avoids talking about Trump, Sullivan argued he will run the risk of either being seen as not loyal enough by Trumps base or lumped in with the president by independent voters. I dont think he can hide from Trump, she said. He may say a thing here and a thing there to try to separate himself from Trump, but thats not going to be much and its not going to help him. To Dante Scala, professor of political science and international affairs at the University of New Hampshire, John E. Sununus predicament with Trump is a familiar one for his family. As governor, Chris Sununu perfected the art of accepting Trump while leaving room for sporadic moments of disagreement. The Sununus never seemed content with that, with toeing the line, he said. Even when they bent the knee to Trump, they never wanted to come off as such, as just kind of Trump clones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But John E. Sununu is running for U.S. Senate, a body much more tied to the politics of the White House than the governors office, Scala noted. That affords him less cover to pledge neutrality or avoid conflict, he said. It means Sununu will need to proactively define himself and his vision for Republican politics, Scala said especially because his term, should he win, would extend beyond Trumps final year in office. Chris Sununu really wanted to move his party beyond Donald Trump. He failed, but he did have that ambition. He probably still does, Scala said. I wonder what kind of ambition John Sununu has, in terms of the direction of his party? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, speaking to WMUR, Sununu said the state needed someone who had its values, thats not going to vote a party line, thats willing to take risks and get things done. As for Trump? I would want to win support, if I were to run, across the entire spectrum, and obviously that includes the president, he said. Well cross that bridge when we get to it. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Some Multnomah County residents whose property was sold in a foreclosure sale could potentially be eligible for a class action lawsuit. A Multnomah County spokesperson has confirmed Kroll Settlement Administrations Tuesday announcement, revealing that officials have reached a $3.5 million settlement in the case involving foreclosure funds. ICE agents spotted in Corvallis making arrest Wednesday morning, police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon law allows local jurisdictions to retain the money collected in a foreclosure sale, even if it exceeds the amount of property taxes the former owner owes. But in May 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a Minnesota county violated a womans constitutional right to just compensation when it kept the excess money collected during a sale held after she failed to pay her property taxes. The Oregon lawsuit came later in October, with former homeowners from Multnomah, Lane and Yamhill counties claiming they had yet to see the surplus funds collected by officials. Plaintiffs also argued that the state law allowing local jurisdictions to retain excess money was unconstitutional. A complaint shared by law firm Sugerman Dahab alleges one Portland property accrued more than $25,000 in property taxes, penalties and other fees after its owner died in 2015. Court documents show the county sold the land to a construction company for $173,300 in late 2020, and the company sold the property for $457,500 about two years later. What is the most beloved brand in Oregon? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kroll Settlement Administration has stated the class action lawsuit applies to the Multnomah County homeowners along with their heirs and successors whose property was foreclosed on from Oct. 12, 2017, to June 25 of this year. None of the other counties identified in the lawsuit have reached a settlement, according to the company. Residents who believe they are impacted by the lawsuit must file their claim by Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Multnomah Countys 2025 budget indicates that officials have already set aside funds for the settlement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Officials with the Oceanside Fire Department confirmed Wednesday evening, around 6:53 p.m., they received several calls from North County residents reporting an oil-like odor emitting throughout multiple cities, including Vista and Oceanside. The Oceanside Fire Department says it is similar to an odor that was reported last year, and multiple fire departments in the county are working together to monitor the situation. According to the department, the odor is not life-threatening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City is aware of a petroleum-like odor coming off the ocean and into our community, as well as in nearby cities. Were working closely with neighboring jurisdictions, County Health Dept., and Air Pollution Control District to monitor, Officials with the City of Carlsbad said in a social media post. The department is directing the public to contact the San Diego Air Quality Pollution Control at 858-586-2650 with any complaints. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tyrone Johnson had never experienced a life-threatening situation in his five years as a security guard at a technology services building in Totowa. But he and 150 other union members at a rally in Newark on Wednesday all felt the death of their colleague Aland Etienne, a guard from Brooklyn who was among four victims killed in a July 28 mass shooting in Manhattan. People refer to security officers as rent-a-cops, said Johnson, 67, of Woodbridge, a father of three and grandfather of seven who makes $43,000 a year. And one of the people that was killed in that shooting in Manhattan was in our union. So we do very dangerous work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson is one of 2,500 New Jersey security guards who belong to Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, which staged the Wednesday afternoon rally and march in New Jerseys largest city to call for higher pay and better working conditions. The rally comes amid negotiations between 32BJ and a coalition of 10 of the states largest security contractors for a new collective bargaining agreement ahead of the current 4-year deals expiration on Sept. 15. The rally was held in Newarks downtown Military Park along Broad Street, where union leaders led members in call-and-response chants of Security?/Always there! and 32!/BJ! Later, Newark Police officers halted evening rush-hour traffic, as union members led by a small marching drum corps filed onto Park Place and marched for several blocks around the downtown neighborhood of office buildings, retail shops and cars honking either in support or exasperation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roxana Rivera, a national official of the 190,000-member SEIU, led the rally in a moment of silence for Etienne, who was a member of 32BJs New York City council. During the gathering, union leaders called on the security industry to adopt an informal officers bill of rights with four basic provisions: 1) family sustaining wages; 2) quality benefits; 3) workplaces free from harassment, discrimination and favoritism; and 4) sufficient hours, training and materials to provide quality services to clients and tenants. Local 32BJ Vice President and New Jersey area director Ana Maria Hill said negotiators hope to incorporate the four provisions into the new agreement. The existing deal includes a starting wage of $17 an hour, plus employer-funded health insurance under the unions provider. Hill said the union hopes to boost pay further above New Jerseys statewide mandatory minimum wage of $15.49 an hour and preserve members healthcare coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have not done enough to recognize the core role security officers play in our public safety infrastructure, said Hill. Private security officers are on the frontline of every type of emergency: fires, terrorism, health emergencies, random acts of violence, public disorder, active shooters. Citing the sensitivity of the collective bargaining talks, union leaders declined to list the employer coalition members, and told guards not to disclose their employers name. One coalition member did not respond to a request for comment from NJ Advance Media on Wednesday. The Washington, D.C.-based National Association of Security Companies did not immediately respond to an after-hours request. Supporters of the union who spoke at or attended the rally included Newark City Council President C. Lawrence Crump and state Sen. Angela McKnight, D-Hudson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were joined by the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor in November, Dale Caldwell, who was tapped in July by the partys nominee, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11th Congressional District, to be her running mate. Were here because we stand up with labor, were here because we stand up with 32BJ for a fair contract, Caldwell, the president of Centenary College in Hackettstown, told the gathering. Our platform is about making New Jersey more affordable. One of the best ways to do that is by making sure people have a living wage. It was Caldwells second public appearance in Newark on Wednesday, after he had been with Sherrill that morning to receive the endorsement of Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the runner-up in the June Democratic primary. Sherrill and Caldwell will face Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli and his running mate, Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon, in the November general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Annette Williams said she could use a living wage. Williams, 55, a 32BJ member who lives with her 79-year-old mother in Irvington, said she makes the union-negotiated minimum of $17 an hour wage guarding a Newark office building for a northern New Jersey security company. Asked whether her pay and her mothers social security were enough for them to live on, she said, Actually, no, its not enough.So, Ive got to sacrifice. I just want to be paid a fair salary. Dale Caldwell supports union security guards Steve Strunsky Stories by Steve Strunsky Nobody knows Jersey better than N.J.com. Sign up to get breaking news alerts straight to your inbox. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com Read the original article on NJ.com. By Racquel Romans-Henry America marked Overdose Awareness Day last week. Its day honoring those weve lost, stand with the families left grieving, and face the urgent work still ahead. In New Jersey, that work is made even more pressing by a painful truth: the overdose crisis is hitting Black communities hardest, and our states response still falls far short. In 2023, Black New Jerseyans died from overdoses at nearly three times the rate of white residents. This is not an accidentits the predictable outcome of decades of policy decisions that criminalized substance use in our neighborhoods while investing in treatment and recovery elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The so-called War on Drugs was never truly a war on drugs; it was a war on Black people. Families were torn apart, opportunities stripped away, and entire generations were left to navigate trauma without resources. As a person of faith, I believe in redemption, restoration, and the dignity of every human being. Scripture calls us to bear one anothers burdens and to care for the most marginalized among us. Punishment does not heal. Incarceration does not treat addiction. Stigma does not save lives. We are called to choose compassion over condemnation. That means: Building a public health approach to substance use that meets people where they are, honors their humanity, and invests in their healing. Funding community-led crisis response teams so mental health and substance use emergencies are met with trained and culturally congruent care, not deadly force. Supporting community-based violence intervention programs that address the root causes of harm and create pathways to safety. Reckoning with the legacy of a racist war on drugs that has subjected countless individuals to the unjust barrier of homelessness after incarceration, and then redirecting funds to support critical programs like reentry housing. Protecting the opioid settlement fundsmoney intended to repair the damage of the overdose crisisso they are spent where they are needed most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet in this years budget, lawmakers diverted $45 million from these settlement funds to large hospital systems, many of which already have robust revenue streams, rather than directing them to the neighborhoods most devastated by the War on Drugs. This is not just a missed opportunity i ts a moral failing. We cannot claim to care about saving lives while stripping resources from the very communities that have suffered most. Overdose Awareness Day could be any day. It must be more than a moment of remembrance it must be a turning point. If we truly believe every life is precious, we must reject punitive, profit-driven responses and embrace a humane, equity-centered vision for care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Jersey has the resources to make that vision real. What we need now is the political will and the moral courage to act. The lives of our neighbors depend on it. Calling your elected representative in the state Assembly or Senate is the most effective way to influence policy. To find your state Assemblymember and Senator to voice your position, go to the New Jersey Legislature websites Legislative Roster. Racquel Romans Henry is the policy director at Salvation and Social Justice, a Black-led, Trenton-based, statewide organization. Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter. Read the original article on NJ.com. In-N-Out Burgers website has designated three Middle Tennessee restaurants that are part of the companys expansion into the state as opening soon. Those restaurants are: Lebanon: 915 S. Hartmann Drive, just north of Interstate 40. Antioch: 4130 William Turner Parkway. Murfreesboro: 2508 Medical Center Parkway. In-N-Out did not provided firm opening dates for the three future restaurants beyond "sometime by early 2026," according to an email from the West Coast based company known for double burgers and animal style fries. In-N-Out Burger under construction in Lebanon. The company has also started the hiring process for the Lebanon, Antioch and Murfreesboro restaurants. Each restaurant lists a starting pay of $17.50 per hour, which Lebanon Economic and Community Development Director Sarah Haston describes as "competitive wages." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In-N-Out previously estimated the application process would open by mid-September with interviews likely to begin in October, though those "details are still being finailzed," an email from In-N-Out said. Typically, In-N-Out starts interviews four to six weeks before an estimated opening date, according to the company. Whether the timeline to open had moved up isn't immediately known. The Lebanon restaurant is expected to open with around 40 employees with hiring to continue based on need, In-N-Out Chief Operating Officer Denny Warnick estimated in August. Now hiring signs have gone up at the Lebanon restaurant, Haston said. "All of our meetings have been pleasant and cooperative." Haston said. "They are the exact type of business we want off of South Hartmann Drive because they are going to pull from such a far reach and new travelers will get off of I-40 to experience Lebanon." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In-N-Out Burger is moving forward on more Middle Tennessee restaurants that are in different stages of development as the company expands. A new eastern territory corporate office is also under construction in Franklin. The In-N-Out corporate hub will include an onsite restaurant in the Berry Farms area on Goose Creek Bypass near I-65. Work is underway on the restaurant, said Nathan Zipper, chief economic development officer of Williamson Inc. The corporate office is estimated to bring 275 jobs to the area. Other area restaurants In-N-Out is moving forward with include: This In-N-Out restaurant is under construction in Murfreesboro on Medical Center Parkway. Hendersonville: A preliminary site plan is approved for a new restaurant at 100 N. Anderson Lane, at the corner of East Main Street where a former Exxon station operated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madison: A revised plan is approved for a future restaurant at 1000 Rivergate Parkway at the northeast corner of Cude Lane and Gallatin Pike, near RiverGate Mall. Multiple permits have been applied for to move forward on construction. Smyrna: In-N-Out submitted a site plan to build a restaurant at 999 Industrial Boulevard. The site plan was deferred in July for more consideration of traffic flow and the proposed architectural designs and was scheduled to go before the Smyrna Planning Commission on Sept. 4. Mt. Juliet: In-N-Out had identified a site at Golden Bear Gateway and Old Beckwith Road and gained a design waiver approval, but the company apparently backed away from the location. Mt. Juliet is working with In-N-Out on another location. We have sent In-N-Out potential sites for a location in Mt. Juliet, we remain committed to help them find a home here in our city, Mt. Juliet Director of Development Services and Economic Development Jennifer Hamblen said. Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: In-N-Out says three Tennessee locations will open 'soon' Nancy Mace is firing back at critics who say that she diverted attention away from a Congressional meeting with Jeffrey Epsteins survivors by leaving the meeting in tears. The South Carolina representative and gubernatorial candidate was visibly distressed when she left the closed-door meeting between the House Oversight Committee and six Epstein victims, waving off questions from reporters. Rep. Nancy Mace was visibly upset as she left the meeting with Epstein survivors at the Capitol. She declined to answer questions from reporters. pic.twitter.com/chEHwW9Ypt Kristen Eskow (@KristenEskow) September 2, 2025 On Tuesday night, she took to X to explain her abrupt exit, writing that 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel the immense pain of how hard all victims are fighting for themselves because we know absolutely no one will fight for us, she added. That explanation prompted a wave of criticism accusing Mace of seeking out attention for herself with her post. Savanah Hernandez, a right-wing podcaster and Charlie Kirks organization Turning Point USA, responded to Maces post and wrote, Its actually insane how impossible it is for you not to make every situation about yourself. So youre telling me you can sit across from Epstein victims who are heartbroken and distraught and have been for 30 years and feel no pain. Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) September 3, 2025 Mace responded to Hernandezs comment six hours later, defending her response to the meeting and subsequent explanation. So youre telling me you can sit across from Epstein victims who are heartbroken and distraught and have been for 30 years and feel no pain, Mace wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Mace confirmed that she was not present at a Wednesday morning press conference where some of the victims spoke about their experiences. In February, Mace gave a speech on the House floor accusing four men, including her ex-fiance, of drugging and raping her and several other women. She also used that speech to accuse South Carolinas attorney general, Alan Wilson, of ignoring evidence of the alleged crimes and treating women who come forward like criminals. Rep. Nancy Mace alleged during a House floor speech in February she was videotaped naked without her knowledge an encounter that left her feeling humiliated and violated. / C-SPAN Wilson, who is running for governor against Mace, denied that he had heard about the congresswomans allegations before her floor speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maces ex-fiance, Patrick Bryant, denied the accusations in a statement reported on by The New York Times. Mace, a close ally of President Trump, has said that she was molested at a swimming pool when she was 14 and raped when she was 16, causing her to drop out of high school. She became the first woman to graduate from the Citadel, a famed military college, and the first Republican woman to represent South Carolina in Congress when she was elected in 2021. Her sharp attacks on transgender people, including a transgender representative who serves in Congress alongside her, have gained Mace media attentiona central goal she has expressed to her staff. She had previously called herself pro-transgender rights before pivoting sharply. Rep. Nancy Mace speaking at the Republican National Convention in July 2024. Mace has aggressively courted President Trump's endorsement for South Carolina governor, saying he has been a hero in the effort to achieve transparency on Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images In 2023, the Daily Beast reported on an internal handbook for Maces staff that nicknamed her NATIONAL NANCY and required communications staffers to book Mace on at least one TV interview per day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mace said on Tuesday that she supports full transparency for Epsteins victims. The House Oversight Committee released over 30,000 pages of documents after the meeting with victims, but most of those files were already in the public record. Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) have moved to force a vote on releasing all of the Epstein-related files in the DOJs possession. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has resisted the push to force a House vote, scheduling a vote instead that would order the Oversight Committee to continue its ongoing investigation. South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace is defending President Trumps handling of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, painting the president as a principled opponent of the late sex criminal even as Trump has dismissed the Epstein scandal in recent days as a Democrat-led hoax. President Trump is the one who banned Jeffrey Epstein from Mar-a-Lago, the Republican wrote on X on Wednesday. President Trump is the one who cooperated with the feds to get this guy. President Trump is the one who is COMMITTED to protecting women and kids. The comments come a day after Mace, a survivor of sexual assault and rape, was seen on Tuesday leaving a closed-door meeting at the Capitol with Epstein victims with tears in her eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, Mace wrote on X about the experience. 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 ongoing Epstein furor has put Mace, an outspoken advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, in a politically complicated position. Rep. Nancy Mace has defended Epstein survivors and called for accountability, at the same time she has backed President Trump, who has dismissed the Epstein scandal as a hoax (AFP/Getty) The Republican is currently running for governor of South Carolina and courting the presidents endorsement, while at the same time backing a bipartisan House bill to force the Trump administration to release more of the Epstein files, even as Republican leadership urges members to back a House committee investigation of Epstein instead. Lawmakers and voters across both parties have hammered the president after the administration promised far-reaching releases of Epstein files, only to declare in July that no further investigations or releases were warranted Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By allying with Trump, Mace has also thrown her lot in with a longtime former friend of Epsteins, who has been accused by nearly 30 women of sexual misconduct and found liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll, allegations which he has denied and is expected to challenge at the Supreme Court. As a federal prosecutor in 2008, Trumps eventual first-term labor secretary, Alex Acosta, approved a controversial non-prosecution agreement for Epstein, largely sparing the financier from jail time after he pleaded guilty to procuring a minor for prostitution and shutting down investigations into his trafficking ring. The Trump administration has also nominated multiple people accused of sexual assault to prominent positions, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Both men have denied wrongdoing. For her part, Mace has said the White House respects her position on the Epstein issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House, the president, they know and understand my story they get it, Mace told The New York Times. Im not going to move from where I am because its a deeply personal issue for me. She added that she was struck to see Epstein survivors on Capitol Hill, still seeking accountability after decades. To listen to these women who are my age now and see them 30 years later still fighting for justice I saw myself in those shoes and I thought, Is that going to be me in 30 years? she said. The Red Planet has a bloody history. Newly examined data from NASA's retired InSight lander suggest that there may be giant chunks of rocky material deep inside the mantle of Mars, which were lodged there after a barrage of massive objects slammed into its surface some 4.5 billion years ago. Some of these smithereens are so large, the researchers say, that they're effectively protoplanets moon-sized objects in the early stages of becoming a planet proper. In other words: Mars could be stuffed with the dead embryos of failed worlds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The work, published as a new study in the journal Science, reveals a picture of the Martian interior that astronomers say is unprecedented for any planet, including our own. "We've never seen the inside of a planet in such fine detail and clarity before," study lead author Constantinos Charalambous from Imperial College London said in a NASA statement about the work. "On Earth, features like these may well have been largely erased." Though it's home to the largest volcano in the solar system Olympus Mons, which towers at twice the height of Mount Everest Mars has long been considered to be a "dead" planet, showing little signs of contemporary geologic or volcanic activity. Unlike Earth, its crust isn't broken up into tectonic plates; it's just one huge, inert slab. Recent discoveries have shown that Mars is more moribund than actually dead, but it's a still largely inactive world. That said, its interior still houses many secrets and surprises, producing the odd pulse here and there. It's still occasionally rattled by tremors, or marsquakes, and the seismic waves these produce offer a rare opportunity to interrogate what lurks beneath the surface. That's because seismic waves can slow down or speed up depending on the material they pass through. By analyzing how the waves travel, along with other subtle changes to their mechanical properties, scientists can piece together a picture of everything they touched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In data collected by a seismometer on NASA's Insight lander, the researchers found eight marsquakes that contained unusually powerful waves that slowed down deep in the mantle. Initially, "we thought the slowdowns were happening in the Martian crust," coauthor Tom Pike, also from Imperial, said in the statement. "But then we noticed that the farther seismic waves travel through the mantle, the more these high-frequency signals were being delayed." From there, with the help of planet-wide computer simulations, they revealed that these slowdowns were taking place in localized pockets inside the mantle with a different composition to their surroundings a clear sign, they say, of something embedded in there that came from off the planet. The foreign debris likely got there early on in the solar system, a violent and tumultuous period when huge chunks of wayward material frequently smashed into the newly formed planets. According to the NASA release, the "ancient impacts released enough energy to melt continent-size swaths of the early crust and mantle into vast magma oceans, simultaneously injecting the impactor fragments and Martian debris deep into the planet's interior." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earth was not spared this kind of punishment a catastrophic collision with a protoplanet is thought to have spawned the Moon, for example but its scars from this period are long gone. Being an active world, it continuously churned through its upper mantle, pushing old and damaged tectonic plates into its core and replacing it with fresh stretches of crater-and-lump-free skin. All told, the new research builds the case that Mars is a single-plate world, and may gave us a hint of what the interior of the other rocky planets of our solar system are like. "What we're seeing is a mantle studded with ancient fragments," Charalambous said of Mars. "Their survival to this day tells us Mars' mantle has evolved sluggishly over billions of years." More on Mars: Why the New York Times Claimed Life Had Been Found on Mars Metro Nashville Council member Olivia Hill said she believes she was drugged while out with her partner at a restaurant in Brentwood on Aug. 30. Hill, 60, said shed had about half of a beer from a bottle that she poured into a frosted mug when her body suddenly started shutting down. I began slurring my words, speaking like I had 20 drinks and I completely blacked out, Hill said in an interview. I have no memory of it at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hills partner took her to Vanderbilt Medical Center, where doctors ran tests for stroke and other medical emergencies. Hill said the tests all came back clear, but that she wasnt screened for GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) or other drugs that are commonly used as date rape drugs. Hill said doctors told her Vanderbilt doesnt test for GHB or other date rape drugs.Vanderbilts policy for patient testing requires patients to report their sexual assault to law enforcement to receive testing because the lab where the results are processed is through the TBI Toxicology Lab. Testing at Vanderbilt is limited for those who believe theyve been drugged but were not sexually assaulted. Without law enforcement involvement, per a providers discretion, a patient may have a toxicology screening panel, testing for the most common drugs.However, those drugs do not include date rape drugs. Hill later filed a police report. She said the officer suggested she could get tested at a private lab, but the labs were all closed for the Labor Day weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hill, who is the first transgender person elected to Metro Nashville Council, said she believes she was possibly targeted for being a trans politician. Hill noted that she was recently on the news website TMZ speaking out in support of the transgender community following the Minneapolis school shooting on Aug. 27. Im an out trans woman and some people are ok with that, but I know a lot of people are not, she said. Ive had people try to run me off the road, people throw trash in my front yard, they tape stuff to my front door saying my kind is not wanted. Hills experience comes as Nashville has worked in recent years to raise awareness over the issue of date rape drugs at bars and restaurants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sexual Assault Center in Nashville in 2023 began tracking the number of victims who said they were drugged after seeing an alarming rise in reports. The Metro Council later approved additional funding for the Sexual Assault Centers Safe Bar program, which which works with local bars and restaurants to educate staff on their role in preventing sexual violence. In 2023, only one bar on Lower Broadway was Safe Bar certified, but with increased awareness, the program has since expanded to dozens of bars around Nashville and as well as most of the big-name honkey-tonks on Lower Broadway. And a new state law that passed last year mandates that all alcohol servers licensed with the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission must receive training on the role of alcohol and drugs in sexual assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hill said more needs to be done. She said she continues to hear anecdotal reports of drugging at bars in Nashville, but this issue is tough to tackle. The Metro Nashville Police Department says it does not track statistics on the number of sexual assault victims who were drugged, nor does it track incidents of drugging at bars. Hospitals dont have a uniform protocol of when to screen for date rape drugs, and the drugs might be out of a persons system by the time they are tested. Hill said shes worried about the bigger impact to safety and the citys nightlife. Im going to push to create some sort of taskforce to start attacking this, because its just a matter of time before it gets out to the country and people stop coming here because theyre fearful, she said. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Council member says she was drugged at Brentwood restaurant National Grid is planning to deploy a fleet of drones to check for faults on overhead power cables. The move follows the substation fire in March that shut down Heathrow airport. The company, which connects power stations to transmission lines powering UK homes, will use a fleet of autonomous flying machines to send back images and video of the pylon towers, insulators and cables for checking by engineers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Grid hopes the move will allow it to detect problems earlier, part of a wider push to lift standards after it was heavily criticised for its role in the fire at its North Hyde substation in March, which cut supplies to Heathrow. The chaos led to nearly 1,500 flights being cancelled, causing misery for thousands of passengers. An investigation said the fire was due to catastrophic maintenance failures and highlighted that the substation that caused the fire was installed 57 years ago. It added that much of National Grids other infrastructure also dated back decades. The new inspection regime should reduce the risk of a repeat of the Heathrow chaos. Under the scheme, drones will be used to capture images and data of National Grids infrastructure, which is mainly comprised of pylons and cables. The drones will send back images and video to be reviewed by engineers - National Grid The craft mostly small helicopter drones will be operated remotely by Sees.AI, a separate company, which has won approval for the scheme from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data gathered will be fed back to National Grid to boost its maintenance and investment programmes across transmission networks in England and Wales. National Grids sprawling high voltage transmission system covers an area of 151,000 square kilometres, feeding power from 68 power stations into regional distribution networks. Its 22,000 pylons carry 8,700 miles of cable to more than 300 regional substations with cables often traversing hills, waterways and farmland. National Grid already uses helicopters to inspect some sections. National Grids networks cover an area of 151,000 square kilometres - National Grid However, some of this infrastructure is in poor condition. A separate study showed the Heathrow disaster did not occur in isolation. According to the National Electricity Transmission System Performance Report, between 2023 and 2024 there were 390 disconnection events where transmission circuits were disconnected either automatically or by urgent manual switching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of these saw backup circuits deployed to prevent outages but between 2020 and 2024 such incidents caused 37 separate loss of supply outages, the report said. Kathryn Fairhurst, from National Grid, said the company was stepping up inspections on ageing kit using drones to allow its human workforce to focus on more complex tasks. This rollout underscores our commitment to use innovative technologies to manage and upgrade our network. It will enable our line workers to focus more efficiently on the complex, hands-on work that requires human expertise and will form an important part of how we continue to manage our assets and deliver a safe and reliable network, she said. Sophie OSullivan, from the CAA, said it wanted to open the way for drones to undertake more such work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drones have huge potential to make our infrastructure stronger, safer and cheaper to maintain. Were working to make drone operations beyond visual line of sight a safe and everyday reality. Such schemes come as National Grid faces an ongoing audit investigation by regulator Ofgem ordered by Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, to review whether the failings that led to the Heathrow disaster were a one-off or systemic. 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. Norway just struck a major $13.5 billion deal with the UK to acquire new Type 26 frigates. The frigates specialize in anti-submarine warfare, a key operation in the North Atlantic. A NATO official said the warships will give Norway and the alliance a major defense boost. NATO ally Norway is buying advanced warships from the UK in its biggest defense deal ever. NATO officials say the move will sharply strengthen its ability to hunt enemy submarines in the North Atlantic. The 10 billion ($13.5 billion) agreement for Type 26 frigates will tie Norway's navy more closely to Britain's, creating a combined fleet of 13 vessels designed for anti-submarine warfare. London says the ships will bolster NATO's presence in northern Europe as tensions with Russia rise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A NATO official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the allied military capabilities, said the deal provides Norway with "advanced capabilities" in anti-submarine warfare and "other critical missions in the maritime domain." The official said that this "contributes to the broader collective defense" of the alliance. Norway shares a relatively small border with Russia compared to its Nordic neighbor and newly minted NATO ally, Finland. However, the country has a long stretch of coastline well above the Arctic Circle with direct access to the strategic Norwegian and Barents seas. The Type 26 frigates are designed to specialize in anti-submarine warfare operations. WPA Pool/Getty Images Russian submarines traveling from the Murmansk region, where the Kremlin's Northern Fleet is based, to the North Atlantic and beyond have to sail through waters north of Norway, making the country a prominent player in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations in the High North region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The acquisition of the Type 26 frigates is expected to help NATO better monitor Russian submarine activity around the North Atlantic and protect critical infrastructure, an increasing focus for the alliance amid a rise in undersea sabotage incidents around Europe. The NATO official said that "advanced technological platforms" like the Type 26 frigates "advance the military and technological advantage of allies." "Allies bring a range of capabilities in ASW, and advanced platforms contribute to a stronger, more adept, and collective capability for the alliance," they added. The Type 26 (also known as the City class) frigate is in development and intended to replace the Royal Navy's Type 23 warships. Built by UK defense contractor BAE Systems, Canada, Australia, and Norway have also ordered these vessels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new Type 26 frigates are specifically designed to detect, monitor, and combat submarines. According to the UK Royal Navy, the warships will have "acoustically quiet" hulls to reduce underwater noise, a towed sonar array for active and passive detection, and a torpedo warning capability. The frigates will also be equipped with a powerful radar. A Russian submarine photographed by a P3 Maritime Patrol Aircraft while sailing in the Baltic Sea. NATO Maritime Command Although designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, the Type 26 frigates will also be equipped for air defense and other combat missions. The Royal Navy's ships will feature a 5-inch naval gun with a 20-nautical-mile range, launchers for dozens of interceptor missiles, two Phalanx close-in weapon systems, a pair of 30mm cannons, and multiple general-purpose machine guns. The first three of the new frigates are expected to enter service in the Royal Navy in the 2020s. Norway's government said delivery of the warships will start in 2030 and that they will be as identical as possible to the UK warships, with the same technical specifications. Oslo was also considering French, German, and American vessels but landed on the British ships. "With Norway, we will train, operate, deter, and if necessary fight together," John Healey, the UK defense secretary, said in a statement on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our navies will work as one, leading the way in NATO, with this deal putting more world-class warships in the North Atlantic to hunt Russian submarines, protect our critical infrastructure, and keep both our nations secure," he added. Russia operates one of the largest submarine fleets in the world, with an estimated 64 active boats. Naval vessels are just one of several ways that NATO monitors Moscow's boats in the Atlantic, with patrol aircraft being another asset of choice. The Norwegian government said that its Type 26 frigates will be equipped with anti-submarine helicopters, though a specific type has not yet been determined. Oslo also flies the Boeing P-8 Poseidon ASW aircraft. Read the original article on Business Insider NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday defended the ongoing plans for possible deployment of European troops in Ukraine following a potential ceasefire with Russia. Ahead of a meeting of Ukraine's Western allies in Paris later on Thursday, Russia again rejected the deployment of any NATO troops to Ukraine to monitor a potential peace deal. "Why are we interested in what Russia thinks about troops in Ukraine?" Rutte said in response at an event organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Prague. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine is a sovereign country, he said, and it is not up to Russia to decide on a troop presence. The so-called Coalition of the Willing is due to discuss how to ensure the security of the country attacked by Russia after a possible end to the war at the meeting in Paris. The focus is on strengthening the Ukrainian army, but also on political and military commitments in the event of renewed Russian aggression. Rutte is expected to join the Paris meeting hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer via video-link. According to military sources, a troop presence by European NATO countries in Ukraine could primarily involve a large-scale training mission. This means that it would not be a peacekeeping force in the traditional sense. Last week EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said there is broad support among EU countries to train Ukrainian military personnel - also on Ukrainian soil - once a ceasefire is reached with Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday defended the ongoing plans for possible deployment of European troops in Ukraine following a potential ceasefire with Russia, as Kiev's allies met to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine. His comments came as the so-called Coalition of the Willing, a loose alliance of some 35 countries, sat down in Paris to discuss how to strengthen the Ukrainian armed forces along with providing political and military commitments to Kiev in case Russia launches another attack after a peace deal is reached. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US special envoy Steve Witkoff were attending the meeting hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in person, while Rutte and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the Paris consultations, US President Donald Trump is expected to be briefed by phone. The coalition has not yet publicly disclosed the exact details of the guarantees or how far the commitments go beyond enhanced military aid. So far, the focus has primarily been on strengthening the defensive capabilities of the Ukrainian army. However, a possible European troop deployment to Ukraine or near its borders has also been explicitly mentioned. According to military sources, a European NATO troop presence in Ukraine would likely involve a large-scale training mission rather than a traditional peacekeeping force. Russia's unchanged position "Russia will not discuss deeply unacceptable foreign intervention in Ukraine that undermines security," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in Vladivostok, according to Russian state news agency TASS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in the Pacific port city, she said "these are not security guarantees for Ukraine, but a guarantee of insecurity on the European continent." But Rutte - ahead of the meeting in Paris - said Russia's stance would not deter NATO. "Why are we interested in what Russia thinks about troops in Ukraine?" Rutte said in response at an event organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Prague. Ukraine is a sovereign country, he said, and it is not up to Russia to decide on a troop presence. Waiting for Washington The main burden of any deployment would fall on European NATO members. However, European leaders have repeatedly stressed that such efforts would not be possible without backing from the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Zelensky's recent visit to Washington, accompanied by the heads of state and government of key European allies, it appeared that US President Donald Trump might be persuaded to support a peacekeeping mission, but there have been no concrete commitments from Washington. The US is, at least, actively involved in the Paris meeting. A European deployment Most coalition members have so far adopted a wait-and-see approach. France and the United Kingdom have expressed willingness to send several thousand soldiers, while Denmark, Estonia and Lithuania have made similar commitments. Sweden has indicated its readiness to secure peace in Ukraine through airspace monitoring and naval operations. The Netherlands stated it could provide assistance in the air, at sea and on land, while the Czech Republic considers discussions about troop deployments premature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spain and Portugal hinted months ago that they might participate in a peace mission. Greece, Slovakia, Italy, Cyprus, Poland, Austria, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary have already ruled out deploying troops towards Ukraine. However, many of these countries have expressed willingness to support future peace in Ukraine through other means, such as logistical assistance or training Ukrainian soldiers. No plans to send German troops German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said he intends to prioritize more military aid to Ukraine, noting security guarantees can only come after a ceasefire or peace agreement, which he does not see as imminent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The top priority, according to all nations, is strengthening the Ukrainian armed forces beyond the end of a war," Pistorius said in a television interview set to air on Thursday evening. Joint ventures between the European, German and Ukrainian arms industries, he said, "have a very relevant, high significance, as does the training of Ukrainian troops." He added: "All of this is at the top of the agenda, and not least the strengthening of air defence." Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was attending the Paris meeting via a video link, clarified this week that there are no plans for Germany to participate in a potential military deployment. Pistorius does not believe Putin wants war to end Pistorius said he could not detect any signs of a change in Moscow's course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to mock the West, he said, including through his trip to Beijing and his lack of response to sanctions threatened by Trump. On Wednesday, Putin made no attempt in hiding his lack of interest in any deal that he considers to be unfavourable to Russia, saying the war would continue if no agreement is reached with Kiev. "So overall, there is no indication that anything will change in the near future," Pistorius stated. "This is tragic for Ukraine." SCRANTON The remains of a Navy veteran who died aboard the USS Glennon following the D-Day invasion in 1944 were buried with full military honors during a ceremony at St. Marys Cemetery on Thursday. Jerome Jerry Martin Mullaney, the youngest of three brothers to serve in the military, came home to his family surrounded by members of the military, family members, community leaders and clergy. In remarks at the grave site, Rear Admiral David Faehnle said that because Mullaney was only 17, it was necessary for him to get his parents approval to enlist, which they provided even though he had three older brothers who had also enlisted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just one year later, on the morning of June 8, 1944, Mullaney was a crewman aboard the destroyer USS Glennon when a mine exploded near its stern with such force the blast sent 16 sailors into the water, some thrown as high as 40 feet. The stern of the ship became lodged on the seafloor, and nearly 200 sailors including all the wounded and 12 officers were evacuated. On June 10, the ship sank, with Mullaney and 24 other seamen lost. * The Honor Guard folds the flag that covered Purple Heart recipient Jerome Mullaneys casket during his burial service at St. Marys Cemetery in Scranton on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * The Honor Guard carries Purple Heart recipient Jerome Mullaney out of the hearse at St. Marys Cemetery in Scranton on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * The Honor Guard carries Purple Heart recipient Jerome Mullaney to his final resting place during his burial service at St. Marys Cemetery in Scranton on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. Mullaney served on the destroyer USS Glennon during WWII. He was killed in action when the ship struck a German mine. The U.S. Navy POW/MIA recently identified Mullaneys remains. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * A member of the Navy plays Taps during the burial service for Purple Heart recipient Jerome Mullaney at St. Marys Cemetery in Scranton on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * A member of the Honor Guard holds the flag that covered Purple Heart recipient Jerome Mullaneys casket at St. Marys Cemetery in Scranton on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * The Navy firing squad ready their guns during the burial service for Purple Heart recipient Jerome Mullaney at St. Marys Cemetery in Scranton on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Bikers roll into St. Marys Cemetery in Scranton in preparation for the burial service for Purple Heart recipient Jerome Mullaney on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Show Caption 1 of 7 The Honor Guard folds the flag that covered Purple Heart recipient Jerome Mullaneys casket during his burial service at St. Marys Cemetery in Scranton on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Expand His family back home waited and prayed, but his remains were not identified and his loved ones never had the opportunity for a proper burial. But that was not the end of the story. In 1957, pieces of the USS Glennon were recovered and broken down for scrap, when human remains were identified and turned over to American officials. At that time, the Navy concluded there was insufficient evidence to identify the remains and buried them as unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in 2022 Mullaneys remains were exhumed, and on March 26 of this year, through DNA analysis, his remains were positively identified and he headed home to rest. Remembering a family member Danielle Trentacost, Mullaneys great-niece, traveled from New Jersey to attend Thursdays service. She recalled Mullaney was one of 10 children, of whom her grandmother was the last born. Because Mullaney was closest in age, the two were extremely close. Her grandmother, she said, named her firstborn son Jerome, in memory of her beloved brother. Then about five years ago, Trentacosts mother, Laura Puorro, and another family member were asked to submit their DNA to identify Mullaneys remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since that time, Puorro has passed away. Trentacost, along with her husband, Victor, and daughter Mia attended to represent her Nona. She would be his great-great-niece, Trentacost said of her daughter. Trentacost was among more than a dozen family members who attended the solemn service and were presented with the American flag that draped Mullaneys casket. Great sacrifice for his country Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Skaros of the Navy Reserve Center, Avoca, oversees seamen participating in military funerals. Like all such funerals, Thursdays service was held to honor a fallen hero. Its been about three years, however, since the group has participated in a repatriation service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im definitely proud of them, Skaros said of the sailors participating in full uniform for the ceremony. The Rev. James Paisley of St. Anns Basilica Parish, Scranton, said, We cant begin to imagine what this Purple Heart recipient went through. Mullaney, he said, sacrificed his life to benefit his countrymen. May this brave soldier now rest in eternal peace, Paisley concluded. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)Community leaders gathered in City Heights Wednesday to announce the recipients of the 2025 Community Clean Energy Grants. This year, the Community Clean Energy Grant Program will invest nearly $1 million across 14 different community projects that focus on sustainable energy. Were investing in efforts to make our communities cleaner and healthier, Sean Elo-Rivera, a San Diego City Councilmember, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement was made on behalf of San Diego Community Power, a non-profit public agency that provides cleaner energy to the county. It was held at the future site of the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) global village, a planned development featuring more than 150 affordable housing units and a global marketplace. Well have a cultural hub and commercial spaces, so a global village where refugee and immigrant businesses will be able to sell, Rachel Lozano-Castro, PANA Director of Strategic Partnerships & Development, said. Well have gathering spaces, a wellness center, a daycare center, as well as a full nonprofit space. Officials with PANA hope to open the Global Village in 2030; however, additional fundraising is still needed. Todays grant helps keep the project on track. Another recipient of the grant is the Mid-City GO shuttle, a pilot program launched in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a micro transit project, so it tries to fill in the gaps within our transit system, Jesse Ramirez, the City Heights Community Development Director of Urban Planning, said. The shuttle will provide free micro transit service to mid-city areas, including City Heights and North Park. It shows that clean transportation can serve a very practical purpose, helping people get to work, to school, the doctor, and to community events without adding to pollution, Elo-Rivera said. Ramirez says this grant will help support their outreach efforts and expand service hours. What we anticipate through these grants is that there will be a number of nonprofits who are able to fulfill visions that theyve had for a long time but lacked the resources for, Pamela Gray Payton, San Diego Foundation Vice President, Chief Impact Partnerships Officer, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is the Full list of the 2025 Community Clean Energy Grants recipients: Circulate San Diego City Heights Community Development Corporation Grid Alternative San Diego Hammond Climate Solutions In Good Company La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation Little Siagon of San Diego Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty Partnership for the Advancement of New Americas Profit World Beat Productions Strategic Energy Innovations South Sudanese Community Center Tree San Diego Uniting Natives Culturally and Intertribally Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. The share of Poles opposing their countrys support for Ukraines Euro-Atlantic integration has risen to nearly 53%. Source: European Pravda, citing an IBRiS poll commissioned by Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita in late August Details: A total of 1,069 respondents were surveyed. When asked whether Poland should support Ukraine's accession to NATO, 33.5% of respondents answered "yes", 52.7% were opposed and 13.8% were undecided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newspaper notes that the respondents opinions largely depended on their political sympathies. Among supporters of the ruling party, 59% said yes, while those who said no were mainly voters who support the Law and Justice party, the far-right Confederation party and the leftist Razem party (74% of this group were against the idea). Opposition to supporting Ukraines NATO accession was also significantly higher among people over 50, residents of rural areas (62%), those without higher education (71%), and especially among respondents who described their material situation as unsatisfactory (91%). By comparison, an IBRiS poll conducted in August 2023 for Rzeczpospolita found that 47.7% opposed Ukraines immediate admission to NATO, while 40% supported it. Background: Polands new president, Karol Nawrocki, pledged during his election campaign to block Ukraines path to NATO. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! On the afternoon of September 4, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who is in China for 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, in the Asian and European theaters of WWII, China and Serbia each made immense sacrifices and made major contributions to the defeat of fascism. In a world fraught with changes and turbulence, it is even more imperative for China and Serbia to uphold a correct historical perspective on WWII and safeguard the victorious outcome of the anti-fascist war. Sustained effort should be made to enhance multilateral cooperation, always stand on the right side of history, resolutely safeguard national rights and interests as well as international fairness and justice, and firmly uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. President Xi emphasized that Serbia is the first European country to have built a community with a shared future in the new era with China, fully reflecting the special and high-level nature of bilateral relations. As ironclad friends, China supports Serbia in safeguarding its national interests and social stability, and in pursuing a successful development path suited to its conditions. The two sides need to foster greater synergy between their development strategies, make full use of facilitation arrangements such as the free trade agreement, mutual visa exemption, and direct flights, and deepen cooperation in such areas as artificial intelligence, digital economy, and new energy, to continuously advance China-Serbia relations. President Vucic congratulated China on the successful commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, which shows to the world the great achievements of the Chinese people under the outstanding leadership of President Xi. He noted that the Global Governance Initiative is another major proposal put forward by President Xi building on profound analyses of the current international landscape. Its ideas of adhering to sovereign equality and advocating a people-centered approach carry significant weight for reforming and improving the global governance system. Serbia fully supports this. Serbia and China are ironclad friends. Serbia will never forget the invaluable support and assistance China provided during its difficult times, and it will continue to firmly support China on all issues concerning Chinas core interests. He looked forward to further deepening practical cooperation between the two countries and expressed his welcome for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Serbia. Wang Yi was present at the meeting. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Border patrol officers in Canada seized nearly 770 pounds of cocaine in a pair of stops at the Blue Water Bridge in Ontario. The Canada Border Services Agency intercepted 199 kilograms of cocaine on Aug. 14, 2025, at the Blue Water Bridge. (Courtesy CBSA) The Canada Border Services Agency announced Wednesday that the first seizure happened on Aug. 13. A commercial truck from the U.S. tried to cross the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron to enter Canada when it was pulled over for a secondary examination. Sign up for the News 8 daily newsletter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the inspection of the trailer, border services officers found suspected cocaine contained in six boxes. The total weight of the narcotics was 150 kilograms, with an estimated street value of $18.8 million, the CBSA said in a news release. The driver, Gurjeet Singh, of Brampton, Ontario, was arrested and transferred into the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The following day, another truck was stopped for secondary inspection and police found another 199 kilograms of cocaine. That driver, Abdikadir Egal, of Etobicoke, Ontario, was also arrested. Both men have been charged under Canadian law for importing cocaine and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, which could lead to life in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In all, the two seizures netted 769.4 pounds of cocaine. CBSA estimates the street value of the drugs is 43.7 million Canadian dollars roughly $31.6 million USD. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROGERSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) If you blink, you may miss it. Just off Highway 101 in Lauderdale County is a diner offering catfish with a side of southern hospitality. Bonnie Larsen is the namesake behind Bonnies Kountry Cafe. She opened the restaurant 25 years ago and hasnt looked back since. Four paws, one lifeline: how a service dog changed a veterans life It took a lot of hard work, a lot of hours, Larsen said. I was pretty convinced that I could make one go and I think after 25 years, Ive proven my point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Customer and friend Patricia Johnson remembers the cafe in its early years. Wed load up the kids and brought the kids down here to eat. That was about 25 years ago. It just felt like home, the atmosphere. Johnson has worked as a cook at Bonnies Kountry Cafe for the last two years. She said while loyal customers may come for the southern cooking, they stay for Bonnie. The first time I met her, she was pretty laid back, giggled a lot, happy, Johnson said. It was her restaurant and she was just Bonnie. Shes honest. Sometimes brutally honest, but honest. And she takes care of them. Larsen said after putting her all into the business, its now time for retirement. So, what will Bonnie miss the most? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meeting all these wonderful people that come in here, Larsen said. I mean, Ive got some great customers. Ive got the best customers. Ill miss them more than anything. At the time of publication, Bonnies Kountry Cafe was still open for business, though Larsen said she hopes to sell the diner soon and retire home to Tennessee. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) Nepal's government said Thursday it is blocking most social media platforms including Facebook, X and YouTube because the companies failed to comply with regulations that required them to register with the government. Nepal's Minister for Communication and Information Prithvi Subba Gurung said about two dozen social network platforms that are widely used in Nepal were repeatedly given notices to come forward and register their companies officially in the country. The platforms would be blocked immediately, he said. TikTok, Viber and three other social media platforms would be allowed to operate in Nepal because they have registered with the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nepal government have been asking the companies to appoint a liaison office or point in the country. It has brought a bill in parliament that aims to ensure that social platforms are properly managed, responsible and accountable. The bill, which has not yet been fully debated in parliament, has been widely criticized as a tool for censorship and punishing opponents who voice their protests online. Rights groups have called it an attempt by the government to curb freedom of expression and violate citizens fundamental rights. Officials have said it was necessary to bring laws to monitor the social media and ensure that both the users and operators were responsible and accountable of what they share and what is being published or said on these platforms. The Thursday discussion will focus on the security situation in the West Bank, in light of the upcoming UN General Assembly, where several countries will recognize Palestinian statehood. The issue of applying sovereignty to the West Bank has been removed from the agenda of the discussion to be convened on Thursday by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following the United Arab Emirates calling the move a "red line," Israeli sources told The Jerusalem Post. The Thursday discussion will focus on the security situation in the West Bank, in light of the upcoming UN General Assembly, where several countries will recognize Palestinian statehood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's defense establishment will warn ministers during the meeting that "the West Bank could erupt instantly," sources told the Post. The IDF and defense establishment are attributing its warning to the dire economic situation in the West Bank, which is at a low point, as well as the political uncertainty surrounding the region. At the same time, defense officials will also discuss the lower levels of terrorism, in part due to ongoing operations and presence in the refugee camps in the northern West Bank. Israeli security forces disperse Palestinians in the West Bank city of Hebron, August 31, 2025. (credit: WISAM HASHLAMOUN/FLASH90) On Wednesday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that Israel should annex 82% of the West Bank, adding that he would like Netanyahu to support the move. UAE says annexing West Bank would undermine spirit of Abraham Accords In response, the United Arab Emirates said any annexation of the West Bank would constitute a red line for Abu Dhabi that would severely undermine the spirit of the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between the two countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emirati officials also warned senior Trump administration officials against Israeli moves to apply sovereignty over parts of the West Bank, a person with knowledge about the matter told the Post. This would destroy the Abraham Accords, an Emirati official was quoted as saying. Do not allow Israel to annex parts of the West Bank. The Abraham Accords, which are the agreement between the UAE and Israel, were signed on the condition that Israel would forgo applying sovereignty in exchange for normalization, the Emirati officials said. Keshet Neev contributed to this report. This is a developing story. Netflixs plan to turn a shuttered Army base into a Hollywood-style studio moved forward this week as local officials approved the massive second phase of the $903 million project. The newly approved 155-acre section, the largest piece of the project, will serve as the studio complexs main entrance and centerpiece. It will have eight soundstages, production offices and a public plaza. After more than three hours of testimony and public comment, the Eatontown Planning Board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the media giants site plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Eatontown Planning Boards approval of the next phase of Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth marks a significant step forward in our efforts to bring world-class film and television production to New Jersey, a Netflix spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday. We are excited to continue working closely with local officials and the community as we bring this studio to life, the spokesperson added. Netflix won a $55 million bid in 2021 to acquire the 289-acre mega-parcel at Fort Monmouth, a former Army base that spans Oceanport and Eatontown near Route 35. For nearly a century, the base played a key role in military communications and technology development before closing in 2011. Netflix plans Fort Monmouth Demolition of the aging fort began in May after a ceremonial groundbreaking attended by Gov. Phil Murphy and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. Full construction is expected to start next year, with the full studio slated to open in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plans approved Tuesday includes eight twin soundstages up to 70 feet tall, three mill buildings, production support offices and base camps for trailers. Vail Hall, a historic, three-story communications hub built in 1952, will be transformed into the studios welcome and security center, according to the plans. Several public areas are planned, including a plaza marked by Netflixs red N, a gathering space and a small park. The Fort Monmouth biking and running trail will also be extended with markers highlighting the bases history. The plaza, park and trails will be the only parts of the campus open to the public and will be located outside the secured perimeter, Netflix officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along the Avenue of Memories, a roadway that connects Eatontown to Oceanport, there are currently 117 monuments honoring U.S. Army Signal Corps soldiers killed in World War II. Netflix officials said the monuments will be relocated to Cowan Park in Oceanport, where a central memorial already exists, to make way for construction. Other Fort Monmouth historic areas, including the parade grounds, will be preserved, studio officials said. Site plans renderings Netflix Studio Phase one of the project, approved last year in Oceanport and Eatontown, covered 29 acres and included four soundstages, studio offices, production support space, a warehouse and a mill building. At Tuesdays hearing on the second phase of the project in Eatontown, Netflix representatives addressed residents concerns about traffic, noise and operating hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to their testimony, the campus will never be fully occupied at any one time because of staggered production schedules. Most buildings are expected to operate weekdays from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with occasional late nights and weekend use. The studio complex will be secured 24 hours a day by guards and surveillance technology. Soundstages will be built as soundproof black boxes with no windows or natural light. Any outdoor effects, such as fireworks, will require permits and must comply with local ordinances, Netflix representatives said. Board members also clarified that a heliport is not included in the current plans and said under no circumstances will one be added without approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once complete, the entire complex will feature a total of 12 soundstages, office buildings, a cafeteria, retail shops, trailer parks for crews, a theater, hotel and visitor attractions. State officials estimate the project will create more than 3,500 construction jobs and employ about 1,400 people once operational, generating $3.8 billion to $4.6 billion for New Jerseys economy over 20 years. The studio is expected to be one of Netflixs largest, similar to the companys 300-acre facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Netflix officials previously told NJ Advance Media. Nyah Marshall Stories by Nyah Marshall Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Nyah Marshall may be reached at nmarshall@njadvancemedia.com Read the original article on NJ.com. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Nevada DMV offices have reopened following a statewide cyberattack. However, some services are still offline more than a week and a half later, including getting a first-time license or ID, a Real ID, or address changes. Well, I have a flight booked, so its kind of urgent that I get it as soon as possible, Cheyenne Evans said. DMV opens offices for certain services more than week after cyberattack Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evans told 8 News Now, none of the DMV staff could offer her guidance on when that service would be restored. William Ogle, who also visited the DMV in an attempt get an ID, said he spoke to the manager, and even they could not provide him answers regarding the timeline. Im just p***** off right now, because I just talked to the main supervisor, and she just told me the same thing, that the computer system is down, and they dont know when it could be back on, Ogle said. She said, try to come back tomorrow. DMV customer Romeo Capalac said this marked his second attempt to get his license renewed. The first time he tried, the DMV doors were still closed in the immediate aftermath of the cyberattack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capalac said a DMV staffer assured him there was no need to panic about an expired license. They said I could drive even if I dont have my drivers renewed, Capalac said. I just wait for news to come back here. As for available services, the DMV is still open for registration, titling, and other vehicle-related services. Those with appointments cancelled last week will be honored as walk-ins for two weeks. We understand this time has been frustrating and confusing for most, Director Tonya Laney said in a Wednesday release. Now that we are almost back to normal business operations, we encourage you to please utilize our online resources or kiosks first for the quickest service. If you can avoid an office visit, please do so as others may need help to do more complex transactions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MARFA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) Newly released court records reveal that a Marfa ISD educator confessed to having sexual intercourse with a student, according to a Texas Rangers affidavit of probable cause. According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by the Texas Rangers, 25-year-old Rebecca Ontiveros confessed to two incidents of sexual intercourse with a Marfa ISD student in June and July of this year. The investigation began on August 21 when the Marfa Police Department received information from the students grandmother, who told officers her grandchild disclosed the relationship. The student was later confirmed to be currently enrolled in the district, the affidavit states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same morning, Texas Rangers met with Ontiveros at the school. After being read her Miranda rights and told she was not under arrest at the time, Ontiveros allegedly admitted to the relationship in front of law enforcement. The confession was recorded, according to the affidavit. Ontiveros, who had previously worked as a paraprofessional at Marfa ISD was arrested on site and transported to the Presidio County Jail. She was later released on a $75,000 bond, according to reports. Ontiveros is charged with an improper relationship between an educator and student, a second-degree felony. The Texas Rangers are leading the investigation. Marfa ISD has not yet released a statement regarding Ontiveros employment status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Newport News may soon enact stricter regulations for vape shops, which have popped up across the city in recent years. In a 5-3 vote Wednesday, the Newport News Planning Commission recommended approval of rezoning rules that would add regulations on new vape shops. The ordinance creates new regulations and guidelines for new vape shops, including a ban on drive-thru service and tinted windows, restricting sales of vapes to anyone under 21, and prohibiting vape shops from being located within 2,000 feet of a child day center or school. Existing stores would not have to comply with the new regulations, unless they close for 24 months, at which point state code requires them to comply with the ordinance. Vapes, otherwise known as e-cigarettes, use water vapor to deliver nicotine with different flavors instead of tobacco smoke, and has been an increasingly popular choice for young people in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City Council would still need to adopt the new rules and will vote on the proposed regulations on Sept. 23. Related Articles State law already prohibits the sale of vapes to anyone under the age of 21. However, according to the proposal, increased visibility of stores with easy access combined with heightened normalization of vaping has prompted a need for further regulation. This distinction allows the zoning ordinance to clearly regulate where vape shops may be located and how they may operate, city zoning administrator Nyoka Hall said during the Wednesday meeting. The city has seen a noticeable increase in vape shops along with community concerns about youth access, clustering and the impact of visible advertising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hall added currently, vape shops are not distinguished from general retail stores, leaving opportunities for excessive expansion in the city. The new regulations would be a one-way restriction, according to Hall, so churches or other organizations would still be allowed to add child day centers within 2,000 feet of existing vape shops. Its unclear how many vape shops exist in Newport News because they do not require a specific license. However, several are clustered along major thoroughfares like Jefferson Avenue and Warwick Boulevard. Other localities are split in how they regulate vape shops, according to Hall. Hampton, Suffolk and Virginia Beach also allow them as general retail, while Henrico County, James City County, Norfolk and Williamsburg require conditional use permits to operate. Planning commissioners P. Gray Bowditch and William Black, both of whom voted against the proposal, questioned the citys continued allowance of vape shops to be licensed under general retail instead of requiring conditional use permits. Black further raised concerns over a lack of limitations on hours of operations under the proposed regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC Board exercises control over the operations of any restaurant or facility that sells alcoholic beverages, Black said during the meeting. Nobody has any controls over the times for a vape shop. Clouded market: Even as retail marijuana sales stall in Virginia, vaping and smoke shops are on the rise Commissioner LaMonte Williams also questioned vape shops requiring conditional use permits, and Commissioner Katie Stodghill noted how changes in the location of child care centers in the city could affect future available space for vape shops. Schools pretty much stay, but child care centers come and go, Stodghill said. So were basing it on a child care center that, today its a child care center. Tomorrow its not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of the commissioners elaborated on their votes during the meeting. Black could not be reached for comment afterward, and Commissioner Randie Dyess, the third no vote, declined to comment afterward. Planning Commission chairperson Michael Taylor said after the meeting he didnt share the concerns of some of his colleagues. I can only think itll help with the regulation side of it for the city, Taylor said. Devlin Epding, 757-510-4037, devlin.epding@virginiamedia.com NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) Two of News 8s very own will be inducted into the Connecticut Broadcasters Association (CBA) Hall of Fame. News 8s Joe Furey receives Silver Circle Award Ann Nyberg and Joe Furey will be part of the Class of 2025. They will be honored on Oct. 7 at the CBA award ceremony at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. The Connecticut Broadcasters Association is proud to celebrate the outstanding work happening in broadcasting across our state, Kristin Okesson, chair of the Connecticut Broadcasters Association and senior vice president/market manager for Connoisseur Media, said. The Hall of Fame shines a light on those who have devoted the majority, if not all, of their careers to Connecticut broadcasting, making a lasting difference for our industry and our communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CBA highlighted some of Nyberg and Fureys accomplishments, including Nyberg being the longest-serving female news anchor/reporter in Connecticut television history and Furey receiving the Silver Circle award by the New England Emmy Association in December. News 8 also received 10 nominations for their best of awards, including Station of the Year, which was awarded to the station last year. Congratulations, Ann and Joe! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) News 8 received 10 nominations for the Connecticut Broadcasters Associations The CBAs award ceremony, according to a press release announced Thursday. News 8s Ann Nyberg, Joe Furey to be inducted into Connecticut Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame The award ceremony will be held on Oct. 7 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. News 8s Ann Nyberg and Joe Furey will also be inducted into the CBA Hall of Fame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team was nominated in the following categories: Best Engineer Justin Williamson Best Anchor (TV) Dennis House Best Reporter (TV) Brittany Taylor Best Newscast Team WTNH Morning Team, WTNH Evening Team Best Investigative Story Protection or Punishment: Jahrells Story, Hidden In Plain Site: Crystals Story Best Local Show (TV) Capitol Report Best Feature News Story (TV) Bird of Hope Station of the Year WTNH Congratulations to all of the nominees! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Gov. Gavin Newsoms office said Thursday that President Donald Trumps deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles has cost taxpayers an estimated $120 million. The Title 10 deployment of more than 4,200 National Guard members and 700 Marines cost about $71 million for food and basic necessities, $37 million in payroll, more than $4 million in logistics supplies, $3.5 million in travel, and $1.5 million in demobilization. About 300 troops remain stationed in the city. Trump ordered the deployment in June to quell immigration protests, bypassing Newsom in the process. The governor called the move a serious breach of state sovereignty and filed suit against the administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco ruled the administration willfully broke federal law by federalizing Californias National Guard following days of demonstrations. In a 52-page decision, Breyer said Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had indicated plans to expand similar deployments to other cities, including Oakland and San Francisco, raising concerns about creating a national police force with the President as its chief. Breyer did not order the remaining 300 Guard members to leave Los Angeles but noted they had received inadequate training. He prohibited the administration from using them to execute the laws in California, effective Sept. 12. The White House said it intends to appeal the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Two families have been displaced after their homes were destroyed in a two-house fire that occurred Wednesday night in Antioch. According to the Nashville Fire Department, crews were dispatched to the fire on the 2700 block of Windcrest Trail around 5:30 p.m. There were reports of a house fire that had smoke and flames showing from the back of the house. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Once on the scene, firefighters saw that the house was fully involved in smoke and flames. Another house had been exposed to the fire and was also on fire with heavy smoke and flames, fire officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According ot the NFD, crews established a water supply, contained both fires and kept the flames from spreading to another house. The third houses damage was minimized due to the firefighters efforts. Firefighters were delayed in their efforts to establish a water supply by using a nearby hydrant due to someone being parked in front of it. They ultimately were able to locate the vehicle owners, and the vehicle was moved. (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Courtesy: Nashville Fire Department) No injuries were reported, according to the NFD, and the American Red Cross was called to assist the two families who were displaced after their homes were declared total losses. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Fire officials said that investigators determined the fire to be accidental and was linked to cooking with a propane stove inside the first home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nashville Fire Department reminds the community to follow all ordinances regarding fire lanes and hydrants, an NFD spokesperson said. When emergencies occur, every second counts. Blocking access to hydrants or fire lanes can delay critical response, putting lives and property at greater risk. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Camillus Eboh and Ahmed Kingimi ABUJA (Reuters) -Nigeria's air force killed more than 15 Islamist militia fighters in an airstrike on their hideout around the Sambisa forest in the northeastern Borno state, a spokesperson said on Thursday. Nigeria has faced a 16-year Islamist insurgency in the northeast led by Boko Haram and its offshoot ISWAP, causing mass casualties, displacement and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the operation, carried out on September 3, targeted fighters and commanders linked to recent attacks. The strike followed intelligence and surveillance that confirmed militant activity in the area, he said. Ejodame said the airstrike destroyed key facilities used by the insurgents. He did not name the group, but the Sambisa area is a known hub for Boko Haram and ISWAP. Nigeria's air force says it has killed 592 armed insurgents in Borno over the past eight months, following intensified airstrikes. Separately, troops killed 13 Boko Haram fighters after repelling an ambush on a military convoy in Borno, the army said. The attack occurred on Wednesday as soldiers escorted humanitarian trucks along the Gubio-Damasak road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The insurgents detonated two improvised explosive devices and opened fire, but troops returned fire, killing 13 and forcing others to flee. One soldier was wounded and two trucks burned in the clash, the army said in a statement. (Reporting by Camillus Eboh; writing by Elisha Bala-Gbogbo; Editing by Alex Richardson) PED Secretary Mariana Padilla offered an early look at the FY27 budget, which emphasizes educator recruitment and training (Getty Images) The New Mexico Public Education Department shared its initial $5 billion budget request for Fiscal Year 2027 with lawmakers this week during the Legislative Education Study Interim Committee in Gallup. The $5.09 billion request marks a 1.7% decrease from the previous year, according to Public Education Secretary Mariana Padillas presentation. However, Padilla noted several missing elements in the request, including compensation bumps; insurance costs; and all of the components of the court-ordered remedial action plan for the long-running Yazzie/Martinez education equity lawsuit, as its not due until October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She asked the committee and LESC staff to take this information into account as they develop their own budget requests for public education over the next several months.This budget has been submitted by the department about three months sooner than we typically do, Padilla told lawmakers. A lot of hours go into looking at our programs, looking at the needs. Deep discussions with our staff, as well as our stakeholders. Padilla said the budget also does not include an increase in K-12 Plus Program funding due to enrollment declines and shorter calendar years. The K-12 Plus Program provides schools with additional funding for days added to the calendar above the legislatively required 180 days for five-day learning weeks. PED Secretary Mariana Padilla said her agency presented its budget three months earlier than usual to state lawmakers. (Courtesy photo) The average school calendars statewide have been reduced by two school days, she said. Schools, as they set their own calendars as they do every year were seeing on average two fewer days. Well be able to finalize our K-12 Plus numbers in October when we go through that reporting period. Padillas presentation highlighted several areas of priority, including educator recruitment and quality; literacy; student nutrition; accountability; academic interventions and supports; math and STEAM; special education; graduation; and school safety. The budget includes $37.3 million for educator and leadership training and teacher pipeline programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The secretary pointed out that New Mexico public schools had about 681 teacher vacancies last academic year, or a 3% statewide vacancy rate. The request for training funds also includes money for implementing and growing the newly required school board training requirement, to ensure school leaders are knowledgeable in state law and their responsibilities to the schools, educators and students. The departments budget also includes $57 million for literacy, including implementing structured literacy and training, as well as summer reading programs. Padilla told lawmakers that she hopes to include math in the summer programs next year to expand interventions for students struggling in the subject. A separate $9.8 million is included in the budget specifically for math and STEAM subjects and introducing a method for teaching the topics that is similar to the structured literacy approach. LESC Chair Sen. Bill Soules (D-Las Cruces), a former math educator, told committee members that the PEDs budget request is a good place to start the conversation for the committees budget and possible bills to introduce in the 2026 lLegislative session that begins on Jan. 20, 2026. He also said the LESC might look at boosting funding in its budget proposal for several areas, including math and science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been around long enough to know that we ought to ask for what we want and not negotiate against ourselves as educators, and make somebody else have to make the cuts rather than think what theyre going cut and do it for them, and then theyre going to cut more anyhow, Soules said during the meeting. He added that the state is in a good financial position and should be looking at devoting more funds to education rather than allocating so much to the permanent fund for investment. Were a wealthy state, we are sending billions of dollars a year into the permanent fund, Soules said. We need to be taking care of New Mexico, New Mexicans and the investments we make in our kids will have bigger dividends than the 5 or 7% thats going to be churned out by putting the money into the permanent fund. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham addresses reporters during a post-session news conference earlier this year. Her office announced Thursday that a special session will begin Oct. 1 to address recent federal spending cuts and potentially other issues. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source NM) New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will convene lawmakers on Oct. 1 for a special legislative session, her office announced Thursday, to tackle federal cuts to Medicaid and other services, among other issues. The governors office began floating the possibility of a special session even before July 4, when President Donald Trump signed H.R.1, the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a federal spending bill that contains significant cuts to the states Medicaid and nutrition programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexicans should not be forced to shoulder these heavy burdens without help from their elected officials, Lujan Grisham said in a statement. After discussions with legislative leaders, weve resolved to do everything possible to protect essential services and minimize the damage from President Trumps disastrous bill. The bill contains multi-billion-dollar cuts, the governors office said, that threaten the survival of New Mexicos health care system, particularly in rural areas. The news release listed several areas that lawmakers plan to address, including: funding to the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund to allow stabilization grants for quality health care providers; making health insurance premiums more affordable in the marketplace and for those losing Medicaid; funding for public broadcasting; new investments in food assistance; and resources for the Health Care Authority as it prepares for Medicaid enrollment changes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor is also discussing with lawmakers whether the session will address behavioral health challenges that affect our criminal justice system and community safety, according to the news release. Lujan Grisham expressed dissatisfaction at the end of the regular legislative session earlier this year with lawmakers approach to crime and said then that she would consider a special session for that topic alone. A news release from state Senate Republicans indicated they were preparing for that possibility with legislation to address New Mexicos juvenile crime crisis and hold repeat criminals accountable. The news release also listed legislation that would protect the states most vulnerable children' and reform medical malpractice law as Senate Republican priorities. We appreciate any opportunity to provide real solutions for New Mexicans, Senate Republican leader Sen. Bill Sharer of Farmington said in a statement. Just as we did during last years failed public safety special session, Republican legislators are prepared to address the pressing issues facing our state. Lujan Grishams Communication Director Michael Coleman confirmed that legislation to ban Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention would not be on the agenda, a possibility previously mentioned by the governors chief counsel that prompted renewed debate on the topic among lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor initially proposed a robust legislative package including medical licensing compacts, road funding, public lands protection, and prohibiting immigration detention facilities. Through legislative negotiations, these items were removed to strategically focus on protecting the most vulnerable New Mexicans. The governor will ask lawmakers to take up these priorities in the 30-day session, Coleman told Source in an email. In an subsequent email Friday afternoon, Coleman told Source that, while the governor is committed to legislation banning ICE detention centers in the state, she agreed to remove it from the session agenda in consultation with Democratic legislators. During discussions with our office, Democratic leadership emphasized their preference for a scaled-back special session agenda that did not include the immigrant detention center bill, Coleman said. Gov. Lujan Grisham wants to ensure New Mexico will not be complicit in discriminatory mass immigration enforcement or unconstitutional federal overreach. Recent federal court decisions show judges are pushing back, and New Mexico should make its position equally clear. Coleman noted that the legislation will be on the January regular session agenda, even though 30-day sessions typically focus only on budget matters, and said the governor hopes that lawmakers will pass the strongest bill possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the news release, the Oct. 1 session will be the seventh special session during the governors tenure, which began in January 2019. SPRINGFIELD A decade ago, a juvenile arrest for murder was a rarity in the city, according to a top detective. Over the past two years, however, there have been three juvenile arrests for homicides. The suspects were 14, 15 and 16, respectively, statistics provided by the Springfield Police Department show. All were homicides by gunfire and occurred in the citys struggling neighborhoods. In all three cases, their victims were 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 12, Semaj Brewster was shot by the 15-year-old, police say. They described the fatality as essentially a thrill kill, when a carload of youth began shooting indiscriminately out the window of a moving car on Oakland Street. The suspect and the victims were strangers to one another, police said. On Oct. 19, Matthew Chaney was shot by a 16-year-old in a Liberty Heights housing project. Marcos Noguera III was later publicly identified when he was indicted and charged as an adult in February. Authorities say Noguera robbed Chaney of his backpack. Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert after midnight and found Chaneys body on the pavement. On April 2, 2024, Railyn Paulino was shot on a sidewalk in broad daylight on Phoenix Street. His suspected killer, Legacy Lopez, 14, was arrested and later charged as an adult. The motive in that shooting remains under investigation. A homeowner on Phoenix Street reached this week said, on that day, he heard several gunshots sometime after 1 p.m. and saw what looked like a young boy running down a pathway behind his house. Between his and his neighbors home surveillance cameras, there was footage of the events that unfolded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was an unsettling occurrence on a street thats fairly quiet. Well hear loud music or loud voices or cars. But never loud gunshots, said Hamror Gabriel, who lives with his family on the street. And we are pretty new to America. We came here as refugees from Sudan, where there are wars. We came here for a safer life. In all three cases, the alleged shooters had previous arrests for property crimes, at minimum, Police Capt. Trent Duda said. These three examples illustrate two things: Violent crimes among youth are on the rise, and most youth who commit violent crime start with lower-lower level offenses, Duda added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a ... progression, like a gateway drug, Duda said. Juveniles are driving violent crime. They have no fear of punishment. The challenge of tracking juvenile crime rates in Springfield is linked to outdated data collection technology, according to police spokesperson Ryan Walsh. Adding to that, most juveniles receive a criminal summons to court, and the department cannot search those by age. But anecdotally, Duda and his staff of detectives are facing rising numbers of car thefts and firearm-related arrests. This year is on track to outpace 2024 numbers in terms of stolen car and gun arrests, Walsh said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2025 so far, 14 youth have been arrested on firearms charges and 15 for receiving a stolen motor vehicle. In all of 2024, 23 youth were arrested on firearms charges and 19 for receiving a stolen motor vehicle. The 16-year-old police say was involved in the Nursery Street shooting was on a spree, Duda said. He was wrapped up in stolen cars. He was locked up dozens of times. Once, he showed up at the hospital with a gunshot wound in a stolen car, the detective recalled. These are 16- or 17-year-olds who are neck deep in violent crime. Sgt. Donald Denault, the detective in charge of investigating property crimes, said car thefts can occasionally yield benefits for youth living on the edge: weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are sometimes guns in these cars they steal, Denault said. Then, theyll crash cars all over the city. They usually run (from police), and they dont know how to drive." He estimates people under the age of 18 are responsible for about 80% of car thefts in Springfield in recent years. With the advent of a TikTok trend of video tutorials on how to easily steal certain makes and models of Hyundais and Kias, the thefts show no sign of slowing. Springfield is not alone in this, according to published reports. More than 10,000 children were referred to the states courts, including both arrests and summonses filed against them, in fiscal 2023. That was a 67% increase from two years earlier, according to the states Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A report found more than 4,000 youth were arraigned a 70% increase. The number of Massachusetts youth sentenced to the custody of the Department of Youth Services also increased for the first time for two consecutive years, from 90 in fiscal 2021 to 185 the following fiscal year. In 2024, a statewide initiative to keep more children out of the justice system expanded. Those candidates are typically accused of minor crimes, like shoplifting and vandalism. Child advocates have called for more youth to join diversion programs run through the Juvenile Court. Research also has shown Black youth were nearly four times more likely than white youth to be charged with an offense and were almost five times more likely to be arrested and brought to court. Latino youth were three times more likely to land in court than their white peers. But Springfield police believe too many youth who are both endangered and might become dangerous have no fear of long-term repercussions, because they keep getting away with few or no consequences for the gateway offenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Half the time our guys dont even know these juveniles are back out on the street until they arrest them again, Duda said. More News Read the original article on MassLive. No injuries reported after suspect tries blowing up ATM at Woburn bank overnight, police say Several law enforcement agencies converged on an ATM Thursday after a suspect allegedly tried blowing it up overnight. According to Woburn Police, officers responded to the Eastern Bank on Mishawum Road around 9 a.m. for a report of an exterior ATM that had been tampered with. Investigators on scene determined the drive-through ATM had been damaged with an unknown destructive device, or a pipe bomb. Police say a lone male suspect placed an object on the ATM before quickly exiting the bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moments later, the device detonated, causing an explosion. Peter Tran, manager at Saigon Eatery Vietnamese Cuisine, spoke to Boston 25 news reporter Daniel Coates over the phone on Thursday. He arrived at work around 9 am that day. [The ATM] looked like it was pried, or maybe somebody blew it up, he said. But there was debris everywhere in front of the restaurant. He continued. It was pretty crazy. I didnt expect somebody would try to do that. But yeah, it was a shock. Brian Leary, an employee at Mattress Firm next door, said he noticed something was wrong when police arrived. I was sitting inside, and then I just saw flashing police lights through the reflection of this glass, he told Boston 25. Its certainly crazy, man. That thing is 100 feet away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no reports of any injuries, and a description of the suspect was not immediately made available. A spokesperson for Eastern Bank said there was no loss of funds from the ATM and there was no disruption to normal business operations. The spokesperson also said they were thankful no one was hurt. The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad and FBI Bostons special agent bomb technicians are assisting Woburn Police with the investigation. Though the suspect remains at large, police say they dont believe theres a threat to the public. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Woburn Police. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Ukraine's Western allies are due to meet in Paris on Thursday to hammer out a plan on how to deter Russia from attacking again in case a peace deal is reached, but Moscow once again made clear it will be difficult to get on board. "These are not security guarantees for Ukraine, but a guarantee of insecurity on the European continent," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in Vladivostok, according to Russian state news agency TASS. Russia continues to reject the deployment of any NATO troops to Ukraine to monitor a potential ceasefire, Zakharova said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russia will not discuss deeply unacceptable foreign intervention in Ukraine that undermines security," Zakharova said at the Eastern Economic Forum in the Pacific port city. Thursday's meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 10 am (0800 GMT), convenes the Coalition of the Willing, a loose alliance of some 30 countries working on a plan to secure Ukraine's sovereignty when the war, launched by Moscow in February 2022, ends. Proposals on the table include strengthening the Ukrainian armed forces but also political and military commitments to Kiev in case Russia launches another attack on its smaller neighbour. One particularly contentious issue is whether partners would send ground troops into Ukraine or deploy them near the country's borders to support the Ukrainian military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian proposals have so far boiled down to appointing the five permanent members of the UN Security Council as guarantor powers. However, this would include Russia itself, giving it the right to veto intervention by other countries in favour of Ukraine. Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin has made no attempt in hiding his lack of interest in any deal that he considers to be unfavourable to Russia. On Wednesday, he said that fighting in Ukraine would continue if no agreement is reached with Kiev. Russia's military gains over the past three and a half years of full-scale war have been modest while its losses have been staggeringly high, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said on Sept. 3. Tykhyi's comments came in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who threatened to use military force to achieve his maximalist aims in Ukraine if a U.S.-brokered peace deal doesn't satisfy the Kremlin. "It seems to me that if common sense prevails, it will be possible to agree on an acceptable solution to end this conflict. ... If not, then we will have to resolve all the tasks before us by force of arms," Putin told reporters in Beijing on Sept. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tykhyi took to social media to point out that Russia's military has achieved only limited gains in Ukraine though Russian forces have incurred heavy losses. "Russia is not winning and Ukraine is not losing," he wrote on X. Tykhi then enumerated a list of Russia's battlefield 'achievements' thus far, including high troop losses, the destruction of the Russian economy, and the failure to capture any additional Ukrainian regional capitals since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. What Russia has achieved thus far: Over 1 million killed and wounded Russian soldiers; 1% of captured Ukrainian territory over the past 1000 days, with only 0,3% during the summer offensive; Russia seized 4 Ukrainian administrative centers in 2014, while Ukraine https://t.co/8vm2ahVjy9 Heorhii Tykhyi (@SpoxUkraineMFA) September 3, 2025 "Russia seized four Ukrainian administrative centers in 2014, while Ukraine retained control of 23; this figure remains the same today after 3.5 years of full-scale invasion," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russia spends $1 billion per day on senseless war while Russian social infrastructure is in tatters and its economy is crumbling." Tykhyi's comments echo those of President Volodymyr Zelensky, who told reporters on Sept. 3 that Russia has failed to take full control of Donetsk Oblast despite over a decade of fighting. "Donetsk has become a very powerful part of our line of defense," Zelensky said, claiming that Russia has lost over 100,000 troops in the area. "In four years, (Putin) has not been able to occupy even 30% of one region," he added. "If he goes further, it will take him years and not just time, but also millions of soldiers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has publicly demanded that Ukraine drop its bid for NATO membership and withdraw troops from the eastern Donbas region comprised of partially occupied Donetsk Oblast and almost fully occupied Luhansk Oblast as a condition for a peace deal. Under this condition, several large cities now under Ukrainian control would have to be handed over to Russia. During the 2014 Donbas invasion, Russian forces seized control of regional capitals Donetsk and Luhansk, and illegally annexed the entire Crimean peninsula including occupying the region's major cities, Sevastopol and Simferopol. After the full-scale invasion in 2022, Russian troops also occupied the southern city of Kherson, but it was liberated by Ukrainian forces in November of that year. Read also: Fears of Russian hit campaign grow as another nationalist politician is murdered in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Kristi Noems Department of Homeland Security has spent $200m on ads promoting an app for migrants to self-deport, but so far hasn't released data on exactly how many people have actually used it. Last month, Noem promised to share the numbers of migrants who had used the CBP Home app, through which people are supposed to receive financial assistance of up to $1,000, a free flight home, as well as preserving their chance to return legally to the U.S. We know thousands and thousands of people have used the app, Noem told reporters at a press conference. However, no official figures appear to have been released by the DHS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reiterated Noems claim that thousands of migrants have utilized the CBP Home app since its launch, adding that 1.6 million illegal immigrants have left the U.S, both voluntarily and involuntarily, since Trump returned to office on January 20. After successfully ending the invasion of our country and securing our southern border, President Trump established the visionary Project Homecoming in May to create a smooth, efficient process for illegal aliens to return home, McLaughlin added in a statement, shared with The Independent. Last month Department of Homeland Security boss Kristi Noem promised to share the numbers of migrants that had used a new app to help self-deport themselves. No official figures appear to have been released by the DHS (AP) By using the CBP Home App, illegal aliens will receive a complimentary one-way plane ticket home, a $1,000 exit bonus, and forgiveness of any fines previously assessed for failure to depart. DHS data on the app, obtained by NBC News through a Freedom of Information Act request, said that despite thousands of downloads, including a spike following the return of Donald Trump to the White House, its actual use has been less successful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During five weeks from March 10 to April 16, only 356 people used the CBP Home app to self-deport, according to the outlets request. However, despite not releasing further information to NBC, a Border Patrol spokesperson said the data didnt cover the period after the formal announcement of the broader program, known as Project Homecoming, on May 9. The data report you have is outdated and comes from before Mays announcement of Project Homecoming, the spokesperson told the outlet. Tens of thousands of illegal aliens have utilized the app and taken control of their departure and there continues to be sustained sign-ups for the app. DHS also declined to confirm to NBC how many people completed the process and used the app to confirm they had left the country. During a five-week period from March 10 to April 16, only 356 people used the CBP Home app to self-deport, according to a Freedom of Information Act request by NBC News (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) In addition to the apparent lack of data on the apps use, both Democrats and migrants themselves have questioned the effectiveness of the app, as well as the expensive marketing campaign heralded by Noem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TV and online ads are being broadcast across the United States and internationally, and in multiple different languages, DHS said in a press release. The ads are targeted toward all illegal aliens residing within the U.S. to ensure they are given the resources needed to take advantage of this incredibly generous opportunity granted to them by the United States government. Undocumented migrants have also expressed skepticism about the apparent simplicity of Noems self-deportation process. Lauren, a mother of two who lives in Ohio with her undocumented husband, told NBC News that the process would be expensive and take time. Her husband does not plan to use the app, she told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You just cant get on a plane tomorrow and just go, she said. You know, we have a home. We have to sell this home, get rid of everything thats in this home you cant just leave like [Noem] says. This article was amended after publication to better reflect Secretary Kristi Noem's efforts to promote the CBP Home app. Department officials have provided ballpark figures but no specifics on how many have self-deported using the new app. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Its been a big year for the Oregon International Ballet Academy (OIBA), as the non-profit training center for young dancers moves into a brand-new space in Beaverton. Described as state-of-the-art, the new studio is located at 9655 SW Sunshine Court, Suite 700. OIBAs artistic director, Xuan Cheng, and executive director Ye Li joined us on AM Extra to share how this big move marks a transformative milestone for the academy and to tease their upcoming season of performances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 religious nones may not be into going to church, but many of the religiously unaffiliated adults around the world still embrace a wide range of spiritual beliefs. A recent Pew Research Center survey across 22 countries found that adults who identify as atheist, agnostic or nothing in particular or the nones, as they are commonly called believe in life after death, the possibility that animals have spirits, and even in God. For instance, roughly a fifth or more of the religiously unaffiliated in every country that Pew surveyed say they believe in life after death. Participating countries include Colombia, Argentina, Australia, Singapore and Canada, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the nones are often painted as a secular or a vaguely spiritual bunch, the survey shows they are a diverse and nuanced group whose beliefs are shaped by geography, gender and personal identity. In Latin America and South Africa, for example, large majorities of unaffiliated adults believe in God, whereas far fewer in Europe and Australia share that view. Beliefs of the nones also vary depending on whether someone identifies as an atheist, agnostic or nothing in particular. The reports findings shine the light on the complexity and differences of the group both within countries and across the countries that its not just a monolith, Jonathan Evans, one of the authors of the Pew report, told the Deseret News. What it means to be religiously unaffiliated in the United States or the United Kingdom or Australia is probably fairly different from being religiously unaffiliated in a place like Brazil or Argentina. Pews latest findings also highlight that leaving organized religion does not necessarily mean abandoning spirituality. But religiously affiliated people are still more likely than the nones to engage with spiritual beliefs and practices. What do the nones actually believe? In the United States, between 1991 and 2020, the nones have risen from 5% of the population to 30%, becoming the largest single religious group. This rise has slowed, Pews large Religious Landscape Study found earlier this year, and the nones have stalled at 29% in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, a lot of Americans hold spiritual beliefs, the study revealed 83% believe in God or a universal spirit, and 86% say they have a soul or spirit. I was trying to think of anything else that 86% of Americans agree on. Thats remarkably high, Penny Edgell, a sociologist at the University of Minnesota who consulted on the report, said at a press briefing in February. Some of these spiritual beliefs are widely shared by the nones in other countries. In most of the 22 countries that Pew looked at, at least 20% of people with no religious affiliation say they believe in God. But the numbers vary depending what kind of none people believe they are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who identify as nothing in particular are far more likely to express belief in God than self-identified atheists, with agnostics falling somewhere in between. In many countries, the nothing in particular group makes up the bulk of the unaffiliated: In Japan, 51% of the 55% of the nones identify as nothing in particular. In Italy, however, 11% of adults say theyre atheist and only 5% identify as nothing in particular. And even within the nothing in particular subgroup, beliefs differ by region. In Latin America, for example, 9 in 10 or more say they believe in God. In Brazil, the nones who believe in God make up 96%. In several European countries, far fewer do: just 10% in Hungary and 13% in Sweden report belief in God. Although atheism is typically defined as a lack of belief in God, surveys show that some self-identified atheists still report belief in God or other spiritual ideas. In Germany, for example, 14% of atheists say they believe in God. Inconsistency or incongruence in peoples beliefs and practice actually is the norm, not the exception, according to Pews Jonathan Evans. Once we start digging into how peoples identities, beliefs and practices start to interplay, we should expect to see incongruence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Globally, many nones hold less traditional, by Western standards, spiritual beliefs. Between 20% and 40% of religiously unaffiliated adults in most countries say they believe ancestral spirits can influence the living 81% of nones hold this view in South Africa. In places like Mexico and Brazil, most of the nones believe there is something spiritual beyond the natural world. In more secular countries like Sweden, Hungary and Australia, fewer nones hold that belief. The report has analyzed the responses from about 23,000 adults in 22 countries, where the nones make up groups large enough to be studied. Religion and spirituality are connected Religious people are generally more likely to hold spiritual beliefs and engage in practices than the nones, challenging the idea that those who dont attend church turn to spirituality as a replacement for religion. Belief tends to be stronger among those who place at least some importance on religion, and weaker among those who say religion has no role in their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Italy, for example, only 16% of nones say they believe in God, compared with 91% of religiously affiliated adults a 75-point gap, according to Pew. The difference is smaller in Argentina, where more than 60% of nones report belief in God while 99% of religiously affiliated hold that belief. The majority of nones across the countries in the report say that they never pray. In the Netherlands, 87% of nones say they never pray, compared with 45% in the U.S. and 17% in Colombia. Religious people who meditate surpass the meditating nones by 13 percentage points. Religiously unaffiliated are less likely than the affiliated adults to engage in rituals like lighting candles, although both groups show similar interest in fortune-telling and horoscopes. In Mexico, for instance, 12% of adults in both groups say they use fortune tellers, horoscopes or other ways of predicting the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, spirituality and religious affiliation tend to go hand in hand. People often think that spirituality rushes in to fill a void among nonreligious people, like the two are polar opposites, said Ryan Burge, professor of political science at Washington University in St. Louis, who also analyzes data on religion. But the data show that those who are most spiritual are also the most religious. According to Burges data, 62% of religious respondents described spirituality as very important to them, compared with 24% of nones who felt the same. People, who say theyre highly spiritual also say theyre highly religious and theres really no evidence thats changing, Burge said. Why beliefs of nones differ geographically The gap between more believing nones in Latin America, for example, and more secular nones in Europe raises the question: What does culture have to do with religious and spiritual belief? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers attribute these differences in part to a secular transition a process where younger generations gradually become less religious in belief and practice than their parents and grandparents, according to a paper published in Nature Communications in August. People first reduce participation in practices that demand time and resources, like attending church, then religion loses personal significance, and eventually, people shed their religious identity. Burge calls this phenomenon religious residue. Latin America was still overwhelmingly religious as recently as a generation ago, with Catholicism dominant in many countries 30 to 40 years ago, he said. Europe, on the other hand, has largely been secular for two generations, which means that todays adults and their children have been largely removed from religious practice. A lot of Europe is just secular there is very little residue left for lots of those people," Burge said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nature Communications study notes that more technologically advanced and modernized countries tend to see a decline in the symbolic and social functions of religion. Culture and religion are often deeply intertwined, according to Burge. Its hard to disentangle those two forces because religion at some level is a manifestation of culture, he said. Often, he believes, the cultural context shapes religious practices and beliefs more than the other way around. As the nones group continues to grow, both in the U.S. and globally, their beliefs will likely reshape how societies think about faith and spirituality. Its helpful for us to understand what is going on on a more nuanced level Pews Evans said, why potentially people are making different decisions or why there are different patterns in religious identity and what might be driving those. Other findings: ELBA, Ala. (WDHN) Within the last two to three months, the Shiloh community received $100,000 from partners and nonprofit organizations to help advocate and combat their flooding crisis. When Trump came in federal funding was froze we were down to like one $1,000 and its hard to advocate with that so its a relief, Timothy Williams said. More relief for the community came in weeks ago. They visited Durham, NC. where Rural Beacon Initiative a nonprofit donated $25,000 to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were just grateful man I say this all the time there is help outside of Alabama thats porurng into Shiloh to help us get victory, Williams added. Last month, Dr. Bullard came back to town to present $50k to the community. He also pitched in another $25K during the trip in NC. Hes been a man of his word ever since he didnt just talk about it but he actually donated and hes given so much in little time, He said. While they have seen relief financially, not much physically as they are still waiting on a update from the state about the mitgation projects. Its almost a year and we havent heard anything or seen any equipment out here, He said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, they will use the $100,00 to pay for traveling expenses to advocate. We are not going to sit back and wait on the state and federal level it takes funding to advocate you cant do it off prayer and hope, He added. The community will hit the road to Boston in two weeks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. SALEM, Mass. An off-duty North Andover police officer who was shot in her home by a colleague serving a restraining order will be released to the custody of her mother and stepfather under GPS-monitored home confinement as she awaits trial. Kelsey Fitzsimmons, 28, of North Andover pleaded not guilty Thursday following her arraignment on a charge of assault by means of a dangerous weapon in Essex County Superior Court. Defense attorney Timothy Bradl said Fitzsimmons is scheduled to be released Friday, almost two months after the shooting took place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fitzsimmons wept in court as her cuffed hands took a tissue from a bailiff to dry her eyes when Judge Kathleen McCarthy-Neyman ordered her to have absolutely no contact with her 6-month-old child. Fitzsimmons release is pending an inspection of her familys home and criminal background checks of each household member as outlined in the conditions of release. The judge found state prosecutors met the burden of proof that Fitzsimmons is dangerous, but set 10 conditions to keep the community safe. Her order came with a warning in court to Fitzsimmons mother and stepfather, Lauren and William Page, that they will be charged with contempt if they assist her in seeing the baby. She is a danger and these are the least restrictive conditions to ensure the safety of the public and victim, McCarthy-Neyman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fitzsimmons answered in agreement as the judge informed her she can be held without bail if she violates any conditions. Fitzsimmons was released last week from Massachusetts General Hospital, where she underwent surgery after being shot in the chest, Bradl said. She is being held at Western Massachusetts Regional Womens Correctional Center in Chicopee pending her release. On June 30, three North Andover police officers went to Fitzsimmons home at 125 Phillips Brooks Road to serve her with an abuse prevention order filed by her fiance, North Andover firefighter Justin Aylaian, the father of the child. Authorities said an armed confrontation took place when she was served with the order, resulting in her suffering a gunshot wound. The shot fired by North Andover police Officer Patrick Noonan struck Fitzsimmons in the chest after she pointed her service weapon at him in her upstairs bedroom, police stated in an official report following the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noonan alleges she pulled the trigger, but the weapon did not fire. Noonan stated that Fitzsimmons tried to reload the guns chamber after it did not fire, prompting him to shoot her, according to the police report. She claimed that she never pointed the gun at another officer, just her temple. Fitzsimmons claimed she was shot by someone she considered a friend in a failed attempt to take her own life. State prosecutor James Gubitose said the state presented two charges to the grand jury: armed assault with intent to murder and assault with a deadly weapon. The grand jury rejected the armed assault charge and indicted her on the lesser charger. Gubitose said while the charge has changed, the state still argued that Fitzsimmons is a danger to the community and the officer who shot her. The new charge comes with a maximum of five years in prison or house alternative if convicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCarthy-Neyman, who denied Fitzsimmons bail appeal twice, said she understood she was facing a significantly different charge than when Fitzsimmons last appeared before her for a dangerousness hearing Aug. 14. She also took into account the fact that the grand jury yielded a lesser charge based on the evidence it heard. The judge, however, still found Fitzsimmons to be a danger and not able to be released on personal recognizance alone. Gubitose submitted additional statements to McCarthy-Neyman made by Aylaian and an unidentified longtime friend of Fitzsimmons. The new statements include comments on how Fitzsimmons has allegedly struggled with mental health, aggression and alcohol abuse since high school, Gubitose said. He added that while he was not suggesting Fitzsimmons did not struggle with mental health or postpartum depression after giving birth in February, there was testimony about her anger issues dating back several years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bradl argued Fitzsimmons was a candidate for a probationary sentence and stressed that medical professionals reported his client was not a danger and ready to be released with a mental health treatment plan. He said she received daily mental health treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital but does not have these services available to her at the corrections center. Fitzsimmons is not permitted to leave the house with the exception of doctor visits or to see her attorney, all of which need approval. Her mother is in charge of driving Fitzsimmons to and from appointments. The judge advised her mother that she can only drive on the approved route and anything else would be considered a violation. Fitzsimmons is ordered to have no contact with any victim or witness, along with no direct or indirect contact with her child. She is allowed to see photos of her child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is not allowed to have any weapons or firearms in the house. Fitzsimmons is to wear a device around the clock to determine if she has consumed alcohol since she is not permitted to drink alcohol. She must undergo medical and psychiatric treatment and sign waivers so the Probation Department is able to contact her doctors. Fitzsimmons is due back in Essex County Superior Court for a pretrial conference Oct. 7. Twyla Baker, president of Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, shares how her school is navigating funding uncertainty under President Donald Trump's administration during a panel at the Tribal Leaders Summit on Sept. 3, 2025. (Photo by Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor) Presidents of North Dakotas tribal colleges say theyre preparing for lean years under President Donald Trumps administration. Tribal colleges and universities faced a major funding scare earlier this year after the White House proposed slashing the Bureau of Indian Educations budget by 90%, Indian Country Today reported. The bureau supports dozens of higher ed institutions serving Native communities across the country, including five in North Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both chambers of Congress have since indicated they will keep the funding intact, meaning that the college presidents no longer expect any drastic budget disruptions. Still, they said they plan to tighten their belts for the time being. Twyla Baker, president of Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, said her institution has had to make difficult decisions in light of the uncertainty including eliminating some positions. I know that my facilities budget is so razor thin, Baker said during a Wednesday panel discussion at the Tribal Leaders Summit at the Bismarck Event Center. Nothing better break, because its going to be bubble gum and duct tape going forward from here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She likened the funding situation to a shell game. She said even though Congress is expected to approve the Bureau of Indian Education funding, Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College stands to lose out on money from grants from other sources. The college is scrambling to fill in the gaps, Baker said. Turtle Mountain Community College President Wanda Parisien said her school had $133,000 from the National Science Foundation cut. For now, the college hasnt had any other funding pulled, she said. Russ McDonald, president of United Tribes Technical College, speaks about the impact of federal funding disruptions at the Tribal Leaders Summit on Sept. 3, 2025, at the Bismarck Event Center. (Photo by Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor) Were crossing our fingers and hoping that everything stays that way, Parisien said. The college presidents stressed that their institutions are major economic drivers for their communities, and provide affordable education to many low-income and first-generation students. Defunding their schools will negatively affect the whole state, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several presidents also noted that the funding disruption comes at a time when their enrollment has gone up. They also pointed to a recent impact study that found that for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, North Dakotas tribal college system brought in almost $170 million to the states economy. That equated to roughly 2,100 jobs, according to the report. Some in-county students would have left Rolette County for other educational opportunities, if not for TMCC, Parisien said. North Dakotas tribal colleges were established in the late 1960s and early 1970s to serve the five tribal communities that share land with the state. They play a central role in preserving the history, cultures and languages of the tribes, in addition to providing other post-secondary education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need all the states that tribal colleges reside in to know the value of what it is that they have, Baker said. This is a good value, and it makes no sense whatsoever to cut funding for tribal colleges across the board. Russ McDonald, president of United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, said that his school is also being conservative with its budget amid the federal funding changes. He said all tribal colleges and universities should be prepared to streamline their finances, but that he doesnt think theres a reason to panic. Were going to be all right, McDonald said. Weve been here before as tribal peoples were resilient. North Dakota Monitor reporter Mary Steurer can be reached at msteurer@northdakotamonitor.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sep. 3In the early 1900s, North Dakotans thought they knew what to make of a hermit. The word conjured images of eccentric loners to be pitied, holed up in shacks, shunning neighbors and modern conveniences. But did fear about a dangerous recluse in Niagara, N.D. later dubbed "The Great Plains Butcher" seal the fate of a seemingly harmless, if odd, farmer just a half-hour away? Consider the case of Olaus Berg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born in Norway in 1849, Berg immigrated to the U.S. in 1872, becoming a naturalized citizen a decade later. By the 1880s, before North Dakota was even a state, he had carved out a 160-acre farm in Vesta Township, seven miles northwest of Park River. According to the 1900 census, Berg owned his home and farmland, with a granary containing 1,500 bushels of No. 1 hard durum wheat. He was self-sufficient and skilled at using what the land offered to sustain himself. But he was also a little odd and people noticed. A newspaper report from December 1904 with the headline "A Peculiar Hermit" offered a glimpse into his unusual life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * What he wore: Instead of denim overalls and cotton shirts, Berg stitched his clothing from grain sacks made of hemp and linen. * What he ate: To make flour for his daily bread, he ground wheat in a coffee grinder or boiled it on the stove. * Where he slept: At night, he descended through a trap door to a hollow beneath his shanty and slept on straw. Most fascinating to neighbors was Berg's obsession with gold. He demanded gold coins for his crops and hurried to convert paper bills into hard currency. Rumors spread of buried treasure somewhere on his farm. Thirty miles down the prairie to Niagara, another eccentric bachelor farmer named Eugene Butler had long been the subject of town gossip. He rode his horse through the prairie at night, shouting at shadows and muttering that people were out to get him. People were seen going to his home and not coming out. A darkness hovered over his property, although no one could prove he was doing anything wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, after periods of "brooding" over hallucinations that every woman in the country wanted to marry him because it was a leap year, and delusions that strange men were coming into his home at night, he was committed to the North Dakota State Hospital in Jamestown (known by most then as the North Dakota Hospital for the Insane). When Butler was admitted to the hospital in January of 1904, authorities packed up his belongings and found more than $7,600 in cash, checks and gold just lying around the house. That would be like finding more than $275,000 today. Years later, upon his death in the hospital in 1915, authorities found something much more troubling. Six skeletons were buried beneath his old house. The victims were believed to be former farmhands and house servants murdered by Butler. The horrifying discovery of the bodies made national news, with the press dubbing Butler "The Great Plains Butcher." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As news about Butler's eccentric behavior spread in 1904, Berg was still quietly living his life in Walsh County. But by January 1905 almost exactly a year after Butler's commitment Berg, too, was declared insane. The Walsh County Board of Commissioners sent him to Jamestown, where he would spend the next 19 years, housed in the same institution as Butler. When officials first took him into custody, Berg carried $750 in paper money a significant amount for a man who lived in rags. "Many believed that Olaus Berg had hoarded a small fortune," said Steve Hoffbeck, a history professor from Minnesota State University Moorhead, who wrote about Berg in Dakota Datebook in 2017. "Businessmen knew that Mr. Berg insisted on being paid in gold for his crops, and bankers knew Berg was always anxious to convert paper money into gold coins." Treasure hunters scoured Berg's farm after he died in 1924, convinced his gold was still hidden. Nothing was ever found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking back, it's worth asking: Was Olaus Berg truly insane, or just a man who lived differently? He may have been mentally ill by the standards of his time, or perhaps he was simply a stubbornly independent farmer who didn't fit society's mold. What seems clear is that Berg was no Eugene Butler. Butler's paranoid delusions masked something lethal. Berg's quirks his homemade clothes, his trapdoor bed, his distrust of paper money were odd but mostly harmless. Yet because the public had already learned that one hermit could be a killer, they projected the same fear onto others. Today, we might see hermits like Berg through a different lens. Many were probably struggling with untreated mental illness, neurodivergence, or the loneliness of frontier life. Others may have chosen solitude, preferring independence to community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But to their neighbors, the line between "eccentric" and "insane" was blurred, and after Butler's crimes, the words "hermit" and "dangerous" became almost interchangeable. Berg lived and died under that shadow. Nearly a century later, the most enduring part of Berg's story isn't madness or menace but mystery. His supposed cache of gold has never been found, though locals still wonder if jars of coins lie buried under Walsh County soil. "Perhaps Olaus Berg's gold coins still lay buried, waiting to be found," Hoffbeck mused. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) A student at North High School was arrested Wednesday afternoon after allegedly being found carrying a firearm on campus, according to the Kern High School District. The student was reportedly found possessing a gun in the afternoon. The student didnt appear to have any intention to use the weapon at school, according to school officials. Officials arrested the student and seized the firearm. Extra law enforcement was on site as a precaution, school officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A North High School student was arrested on suspicion of bringing a gun to school in September 2023, and another student at the school was also arrested after reportedly being found with a firearm on campus in May 2024. The school district reminded students to say something if they see something. An 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 KGET 17 News. NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) The North Kingstown School Department is getting creative when it comes to getting students to and from school safely. Since the district is short on bus monitors, Superintendent Ken Duva, Assistant Superintendent Robert Mezzanotte and Hamilton Elementary School Principal Frederick Schweizer filled those positions on Wednesday. Were doing what we can at this point, Duva said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some bus drivers and monitors told 12 News the district contracts with private bus owners to staff routes. That means the buses come with drivers, but the town is tasked with getting monitors. Schweizer said bus monitors are crucial when it comes to ensuring students safety. What we tell the kids is that, if theyre distracting the bus driver, its not safe, Schweizer said. The ability to have another adult on the bus to help out if a student gets sick or is not behaving whatever the support they need is there with that extra adult. Duva said the district is actively working to hire more bus monitors, since state law requires that all buses transporting students in grades K-5 are staffed with a monitor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the barriers were facing right now [are] the pay rate and, I think, sometimes its challenging with the hours, Duva said. Job flyers are being posted in the high school since the district requires an individual to be at least 18 years old and pass a national and state background check to be a bus monitor. Anyone interested is asked to contact the school department. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 leaders of China and North Korea agreed to closer ties during a meeting in Beijing on Thursday. The agreement came during North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's first visit to China in six years. China will continue to support North Korea on its development path and is ready to strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said during talks with Kim, according to a statement from the Chinese side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China and North Korea were described as "good neighbours, good friends and good comrades who share a common destiny and support each other." Both countries should deepen their strategic coordination on international and regional issues and safeguard their shared interests. Kim attended the military parade Kim also emphasized, according to Chinese sources, that Pyongyang is "firmly determined" to deepening and developing relations with Beijing. Kim arrived in Beijing by armoured train on Tuesday, and the Foreign Ministry spokesman said his visit was of "great significance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xi and Kim last met in person in 2019. China is considered a key economic backer for internationally isolated North Korea. But relations appear to have stalled somewhat, with few high-ranking Chinese officials known to have travelled to the neighbouring country since. Observers believe Kim's current visit to China may be a sign of a normalization of ties. Visit to China could be a signal to Trump The North Korean leader may also be seeking to improve his negotiating position for potential talks with the United States. Recently, US President Donald Trump expressed interest in another meeting with Kim at the end of August. Immediately after the parade, Kim held a meeting with Putin, during which the Russian president praised the deployment of North Korean soldiers to support Russia in the war against Ukraine. concluded in Beijing, North Korean staff carefully wiped off all the items Kim had touched. Source: Reuters Quote from Reuters: "Even with the appearance of budding friendship between Kim and Putin, footage on Wednesday showed the reclusive state's extraordinary measures to conceal any clues about Kim's health." Details: Reuters reported that Kremlin journalist Alexander Yunashev shared a video on Telegram showing two of Kims aides cleaning the room where the North Korean leader and Putin spent more than two hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They meticulously wiped the back and armrests of the chair Kim had sat on and the coffee table beside it. Kim's drinking glass was removed entirely. South Korean and Japanese intelligence services reported that the North Korean leader brought his own toilet with him, just as he has on earlier overseas visits. These measures are standard protocol dating back to Kims father and predecessor, Kim Jong Il, according to Michael Madden, an expert on North Korean leadership at the US-based Stimson Center. "The special toilet and the requisite garbage bags of detritus, waste and cigarette butts are so that a foreign intelligence agency, even a friendly one, does not acquire a sample and test it," Madden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He explained that hair and skin particles could provide insights into potential medical issues affecting the North Korean leader. Reuters reiterated that Kim's team had taken such security measures before. After the summit with Donald Trump in Hanoi in 2019, Kim's guards spent several hours cleaning his hotel room and removing items, including a bed mattress. North Korean security personnel prepared for Kims 2018 meeting with then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in by spraying the chair and desk with sanitiser and thoroughly wiping them down before he sat. Ahead of the 2023 summit with Putin, Kim's aides not only disinfected the chair but also checked it with a metal detector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Previously, journalists observed that Putin is accompanied abroad by a security aide who collects his urine and excrement from toilets into a suitcase and takes it back to Russia. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has said his country "fully supports" the Russian army, describing it as a "fraternal duty," North Korean state media reported on Sept. 4. The comments come a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Kim in Beijing on Sept. 3, where he thanked him for Pyongyang's assistance during the war against Ukraine. "Comrade Kim Jong Un and President Putin exchanged candid opinions on important international and regional issues," state media KCNA said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korea has become a key ally to Russia during the full-scale invasion, providing artillery, missiles, and thousands of troops. Putin previously met Kim while he was visiting Pyongyang in June 2024 to sign the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, a deal that stipulated mutual support if one country is attacked and preceded the dispatch of North Korean troops to Russia. Kim initially dispatched around 11,000-12,000 troops to Russia in late 2024 to help fend off a Ukrainian incursion in Kursk Oblast. After Moscow retook much of the region in the spring of this year, both Putin and Kim publicly acknowledged the participation of North Korean soldiers in the war, marking an unprecedented escalation of the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would like to note that your warriors fought bravely and displayed heroism. We will never forget the sacrifices made by your armed forces and the families of your servicemen," Putin told Kim on Sept. 3, According to South Korea's intelligence, Pyongyang plans to send an additional 6,000 troops to Russia as part of its third wave of deployment, while some 1,000 combat engineers have already arrived. A senior Western diplomat told the Kyiv Independent that North Korea could have sent even more troops, with Ukrainian officials estimating Pyongyang's contribution to be between 20,000 and 30,000 soldiers. South Korea's National Intelligence Service estimates that some 2,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed in the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukrainian firm behind Flamingo unveils new FP-7, FP-9 ballistic missiles, air defense systems Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Ju-min Park and Josh Smith SEOUL (Reuters) -After Kim Jong Un met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, North Korean staffers carefully wiped off items touched by the country's supreme leader, in what analysts say is part of a suite of security measures to counter foreign spies. Even with the appearance of budding friendship between Kim and Putin, footage on Wednesday showed the reclusive state's extraordinary measures to conceal any clues about Kim's health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on Telegram, Kremlin reporter Alexander Yunashev shared video of Kim's two staff members meticulously cleaning the room in the Chinese capital where Kim and Putin met for more than two hours. The chair's backrest and armrests were scrubbed and a coffee table next to Kim's chair was also cleaned. Kim's drinking glass was also removed. "After the negotiations were over, the staff accompanying the head of the DPRK carefully destroyed all traces of Kim's presence," the reporter said, referring to North Korea. After talks in the room, Kim and Putin left for a tea meeting and bid a warm farewell to each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As during previous foreign trips, Kim packed his own toilet on a signature green train that took him to Beijing to hide health clues, Japan's Nikkei newspaper reported, citing South Korean and Japanese intelligence agencies. Such measures are standard protocol since the era of Kim's predecessor, his father Kim Jong Il, said Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership expert with the U.S.-based Stimson Center. "The special toilet and the requisite garbage bags of detritus, waste and cigarette butts are so that a foreign intelligence agency, even a friendly one, does not acquire a sample and test it," Madden said. "It would provide insight into any medical conditions affecting Kim Jong Un. This can include hair and skin tags," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, after a Hanoi summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, Kim's guards were spotted blocking the floor of his hotel room to clean the room for hours, and taking out items including a bed mattress. Kim's team has been spotted meticulously cleaning items before he uses them as well. During his 2018 meeting with then South Korean President Moon Jae-in, North Korean security guards sprayed a chair and a desk with sanitizer and wiped it down before Kim came to sit. Before he sat at another summit with Putin in 2023, his security team wiped his chair down with disinfectant, and vigorously checked to make sure the chair was safe, with one of the guards using a metal detector to scan the seat, video footage showed. (Reporting by Ju-min Park and Josh Smith; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) BEIJING (AP) Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged mutual support and enhanced cooperation during talks in Beijing after a commemoration of the end of World War II, the countries' state media said. Xi and Kim, along with top officials from their countries, met at Beijings Great Hall of the People a day after Kim attended a Chinese military parade alongside other foreign leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kim is making a rare trip outside North Korea. Xi highlighted the traditional friendship between China and North Korea and pledged to consolidate and boost relations, according to a readout of their statements published by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This position will not change regardless of how the international situation evolves, Xi told Kim, according to CCTV. North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency said Friday that the leaders discussed increasing high-level visits and contacts as well as strengthening strategic cooperation and protecting shared interests in international and regional affairs. It said Kim left Beijing by his private train Thursday evening after his meeting with Xi. China has been North Koreas biggest trading partner and aid provider, though questions have lingered about the strength of their bilateral relationship. In recent years, Kims foreign policy has focused heavily on Russia. He has sent combat troops and ammunition to back Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in return for economic and military assistance. At a meeting with Kim in Beijing after the parade, Putin praised the bravery of North Korean soldiers in the fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But experts say that Kim would feel the need to prepare for the possible end of the Russia-Ukraine war. Kim, on his first visit to China in six years, brought his young daughter, adding to speculation that shes being primed as the countrys next leader. On Wednesday, he joined 26 foreign leaders who watched the parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It was the first time that Kim had joined an event with a large group of world leaders since taking office in late 2011. North Korea's economy has been suffering under heavy U.S. sanctions tied to Pyongyang's development of nuclear weapons. Some observers say Kims trip could also be meant to increase leverage in potential talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly expressed his hopes to resume diplomacy between the two countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China is believed to want its neighbor to return to negotiation and give up its nuclear weapons development. North Korea's more recent closer ties with Russia have raised some concern in Beijing, which has long been Pyongyang's most important ally. The joint appearance of Kim, Xi and Putin at the parade has sparked speculation about a joint effort to push back at U.S. pressure on their three countries. Trump said as much in a social media post, telling Xi to give his warmest regards to Putin and Kim as you conspire against The United States of America. Putin dismissed that idea at a news conference in Beijing on Wednesday, saying no one has expressed anything negative about the Trump administration during his trip to China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The President of the United States is not without a sense of humor, he said. Although China, North Korea and Russia are embroiled in separate confrontations with the U.S., they havent formed a clear three-way alliance so far. Zhu Feng, the dean of Nanjing Universitys School of International Relations, said that ganging up with North Korea would damage Chinas image, because the former is the most closed and authoritarian country in the world. It should not be overinterpreted that China-North Korea-Russia relations would see reinforcement, he said. ___ Mistreanu reported from Taipei, Taiwan. Hyung-jin Kim contributed to this report from Seoul, South Korea. By Joyce Lee SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told Chinese President Xi Jinping that North Korea will continue to support China in protecting Chinese sovereignty, territory and development interests, North Korean state media KCNA said on Friday. "No matter how the international situation changes, the feeling of friendship cannot change" between North Korea and China, Kim told Xi during bilateral talks in Beijing on Thursday, KCNA reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xi told Kim that China and North Korea are "good neighbors, good friends and good comrades" who share one destiny, according to KCNA. The leaders discussed strengthening strategic cooperation and protecting common interests in international and regional issues, and conducting more visits among high-ranking officials between the two countries as well as strategic communication, KCNA said. KCNA confirmed that Kim left Beijing on Thursday to return to North Korea. Senior Chinese officials including top-ranked Communist Party official Cai Qi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi were there to send Kim off, KCNA said. Kim's visit to China "marked a historic occasion which further strengthened the political trust and strategic cooperation between... the two countries," KCNA reported. It was evidence of "the invariability and invincibility of the DPRK-China friendly relations that... overcame all sorts of trials and challenges," KCNA said, using the initials of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent Kim a congratulatory message for North Korea's foundation day on Thursday, KCNA said. "Your combat force's heroic involvement in liberating the Kursk territories from the invaders is a distinct symbol of friendship and mutual aid between Russia and North Korea", Putin's message read, according to KCNA. "I am confident that we will continue to work together to consolidate the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries," Putin said. North Korea has sent soldiers, artillery ammunition and missiles to Russia to support Moscow in its war against Ukraine. During a meeting in Beijing on Wednesday, Kim told Putin his country would "fully support" Russia's army as a "fraternal duty", KCNA previously said. (Reporting by Joyce Lee in Seoul; Editing by Leslie Adler, Matthew Lewis and Lincoln Feast.) WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) The North Texas Rehab Center will host an event that benefits the facility and helps those who need its amenities. On Tuesday, September 9, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., the NTX Rehab Center will hold its 33rd Annual TV Auction in collaboration with KFDX, raising money for the facility. The auction helps people who cannot afford clinic care. The rehab center is a nonprofit outpatient facility that serves children and adults with disabilities in counties in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attendees will bid on items up for auction, and all the money raised will go to a great cause. For more information, call them at (940) 322-0771. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com The Northshore School District has implemented its new cell phone policy for the 2025-26 school year, aiming to reduce distractions and address behavioral concerns such as cyberbullying and student altercations. Under the new policy, personal mobile devicesincluding smartphones and smartwatchesare prohibited in early childhood programs, elementary, and middle schools. Students in those grades are expected to leave their devices at home or keep them turned off and stored throughout the entire school day if brought to school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High school students are able to use their devices before and after school, between classes, and at lunch. However, cell phone use is not allowed during class time. Technology has undoubtedly changed and will continue to change how we communicate, engage, and participate in everyday life, including in schools, the district said in a post on its website in June. It has created many opportunities, as well as challenges for parents, educators, and students as we navigate our new world. Some schools within the district have already started restricting cell phone use, the post stated. Those schools are seeing positive classroom changes such as increased focus, attention, comprehension, engagement, and improved academic performance, the post read. Additionally, teachers and staff report enhanced face-to-face peer interactions, reduced cyberbullying, fewer fights, and a decrease in social media-related issues. Students are also experiencing less stress and anxiety. Cell phone policies throughout Washington schools In January 2024, a bill was introduced in Olympia that would ban Washington students from using phones during the school day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the bill was announced, some Washington public school districts had already executed a phone ban, including the Peninsula School District (PSD) in Gig Harbor. Within the Reardan-Edwall School District in Eastern Washington, which banned phone use in 2023, students are only allowed to use phones during lunchtime and breaks from class. In June 2024, Seattles Hamilton International Middle School announced a new policy, requiring students to place their phones in a locked pouch. They would still be able to hold onto their devices, but they wouldnt be accessible until the end of the school day. The school already had a cell phone policy in place called away for the day, meaning cell phones should not be visible or used at school, but was having trouble enforcing it. Some parents were against the idea of the students needing to lock their phones away for the day, saying they wont be able to get in touch with their kids during an emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, of the schools with a policy in place, 61% reported that their community is satisfied with the new approach, according to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. This story was originally published on June 17, 2025. It has been updated and republished since then. Contributing: Frank Lenzi, KIRO Newsradio; Frank Sumrall and Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest Greer Lingle Middle School Principal Erik Sokol (right) speaks to (from left) Dollar General regional director Mark Gottsponer, library media specialist Tara Herbert and Dollar General district manager Mary Jane Reed inside the school's renovated library on Sept. 4, 2025. The school was awarded a $20,000 Beyond Words grant that will replace books lost during severe storms in 2024. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) A Rogers public school that recently reopened after being damaged by severe weather last year received a $20,000 grant Thursday to restock the librarys Spanish-language books lost in the storm. Greer Lingle Middle School sustained around $18 million in damage following fatal storms that spawned multiple tornadoes across north Arkansas during the 2024 Memorial Day weekend, according to Jason Ivester, communications director for the Rogers School District. Students were relocated to temporary classroom trailers on another campus for the 2024-2025 academic year before being welcomed back to the renovated campus in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the districts buildings had debris around them and no power immediately following the storm, Ivester told the Advocate last year. The schools that took the most damage were Northside Elementary, Westside Elementary and Lingle, he said. The disaster had a damaging impact on students and their families, but adversity pulls people together, Lingle Principal Erik Sokol said. I would never want to go through it again, but I have a different level of gratitude and appreciation for our students and their families and our community and what weve been able to persevere through, and we had an outstanding year, Sokol said. Greer Lingle Middle School sustained damage during severe weather in May 2024. The renovated campus reopened to students in August 2025. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) Library Media Specialist Tara Herbert accepted a $20,000 Beyond Words grant from Dollar General representatives Tuesday that she said will support the librarys popular graphic novel section and replenish its collection of Spanish-language books. The middle school, which has nearly 700 students in grades 6 through 8, has a large Spanish-speaking population, she said. Herbert, whos starting her 19th year as the schools librarian, said it was devastating to see the storm damage for the first time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive spent a lot of years and a lot of time building this space up and so it was heartbreaking to see all the things that I had created throughout the years gone, she said. Its kind of exciting now because its like a blank slate in here and were starting new and can do things in a different new way. The grant is important to rebuilding the librarys collection because without it, Herbert said she would only work within her regular budget. The school is awaiting reimbursement from its insurance company, which will inform how much money may be awarded from FEMA, Ivester said. The expenses for the renovation have been temporarily covered by using money from a building fund, he said. Increased frequency in natural disasters like the 2024 storms have led to increased insurance premiums for schools across the country. Ivester confirmed that the districts premiums increased quite considerably for the current year, but said it was not due to the tornado. A tornado that destroyed Wynne High School in March 2023 resulted in $122 million of the more than $147 million losses in the insurance program managed by the Arkansas School Boards Association, the largest loss of any school district in Arkansas history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July of 2023, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the state would help school districts cover the cost of rising insurance premiums. State lawmakers approved about $11 million to offset the cost of increased premiums, which were expected to rise about 130%. They also hired a consultant to study increasing premiums. The result of the study was a recommendation for the state to create its own insurance captive to insure schools. Legislators approved laws earlier this year to help get the state-run insurance company set up. The Rogers School District was notified by the state that its premium for the 2025-2026 fiscal year would remain the same, about $1.97 million, and its deductible would double from $25,000 to $50,000, Ivester said. Meanwhile, renovations are ongoing at Greer Lingle Middle School, which is getting a new storm safe room that will be part of the fine arts building. The project is expected to be completed in November, when Ivester said the school will host an official grand opening. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Project Gutenberg eBook of The law of copyright This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online at www.gutenberg.org . If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook. Title: The law of copyright Author: William Wordsworth Release date: September 3, 2025 [eBook #76806] Language: English Original publication: London: Thomas J. Wise, 1916 Credits: Charlene Taylor, Quentin Campbell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) *** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LAW OF COPYRIGHT *** THE LAW OF COPYRIGHT THE LAW OF COPYRIGHT BY William Wordsworth LONDON PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION 1916 [5] PREFATORY NOTE. THE Copyright Act referred to by Wordsworth in the following document was presented to the House of Commons for the first time on April 18th, 1838, the day upon which the poet addressed his open letter to Serjeant Talfourd. The letter appeared in The Morning Post of April 23rd, 1838, and had apparently escaped all notice until I chanced upon it recently when searching a file of the paper for any stray writing of Wordsworths.[1] Prefixed to the text of the letter was the following editorial comment: We feel very sincere pleasure in having been selected as the medium for giving to the public Mr. Wordsworths sentiments concerning Serjeant Talfourds proposed Bill for the amendment of the law of copyright. It is a source of additional gratification to us that the opinions of such a man as Mr. Wordsworth are so completely in accordance with those we have already on several occasions endeavoured to impress on the attention of our readers. [6] When he applied himself to the composition of the present letter, Wordsworth was for the second time employing his pen in support of Talfourds Bill. An earlier letter, dated April 12th, 1838, addressed to the Editor of The Kendal Mercury , had appeared in the columns of that paper on April 16th, 1838, over the pseudonymous initials A. B. This earlier letter is already well known, and is included in the Prose Works of William Wordsworth , edited by William Knight, 1896, Vol. ii, pp. 375382. Its successor, now rescued from its obscurity in a dusty file of an old newspaper, should henceforth find a place beside it. T. J. W. 25, Heath Drive, Hampstead, N.W. [7] THE LAW OF COPYRIGHT. Rydal Mount, April 18th, 1838. My Dear Sir, A strong opposition, which has manifested itself by public meetings and petitions to the House of Commons, having started up among printers, publishers, and others to your Bill for amending the law of copyrights, and no other like counter-movement being made by authors on their part, it has been suggested to me, from quarters entitled to great respect, that it might be of service if, along with a most distinguished literary friend, I should present a petition to Parliament, praying that the Bill may pass, or at least one in favour of its principle. This compliment has no doubt been paid me as one among the oldest of living writers, and one therefore whose heirs must, in course of nature, be injured sooner than those of younger men, if the proposed measure be rejected. You will not be surprised if I feel some scruple in taking a step, though so well recommended, on account of an aversion to appear prominently in any public question, and because I am loth to think so unfavourably of Parliament as to deem that it requires petitions from authors as a ground for granting them a privilege, the justice of which is so obvious. I [8] cannot bring myself to suppose that the mere shadows of argument advanced by printers and publishers against the claims of a class to whom they owe the respectability of their condition, if not their very existence, should avail with any intelligent and disinterested assembly. Yet further am I averse thus to petition Parliament, because I would not ask as an individual suppliant, or with a single associate, what in equity I consider to be the right of a class, and for a much longer period than that defined in your Billfor ever. Such right, as you have stated in your admirable speech, was acknowledged by the common law of England; and let them who have cried out so loudly against the extension of the term as is now proposed show cause why that original right should not be restored. The onus clearly rests with them to do so; but they have not attempted it, and are glad to take shelter under the statute law as it now stands, which is a composition or compromise between two opinions; the extreme point of one being, that, by giving his thoughts to the world, an author abandons all right to consider the vehicle as private property; and of the other, that he has the right in perpetuity, that descends to his heirs, and is transferable to those to whom he or they may assign it. [9] This right I hold to be more deeply inherent in that species of property than in any other, though I am aware that many persons, perceiving wherein it differs from acquisitions made in trade and commerce, &c., have contended that the law in respect to literature ought to remain upon the same footing as that which regards the profits of mechanical inventions and chemical discoveries; but that this is an utter fallacy might easily be proved. From the considerations above stated I decline to petition, as suggested, and content myself, in the silence of others better entitled to speak, with this public declaration of my judgment, so that at least, my dear Sir, you may not be liable to be treated as a volunteer intruding without wish or sanction openly expressed by any one of the class whose rights and interests you have so much to your honour stepped forward to maintain. Here this letter shall close, its purpose being answered, for no general arguments from me, and no statement of facts belonging to my own case, and which have come to my knowledge with respect to my illustrious friends Coleridge, Scott, Southey, and others, would avail to produce conviction where that has not been effected by your unrivalled speech made upon your first introduction of the Bill into the [10]House of Commons, and by reasonings which have lately been set forth with great ability by writers in the public journals, who were more at liberty to enter into details than you could be while treating the subject before Parliament. Should your Bill be overborne, which I cannot allow myself to fear, by the interested opposition now at work, justice, nevertheless, sooner or later, must triumph; and at all events the respect and gratitude which authors feel towards you and your coadjutors upon this occasion will be cherished by them to the last hour of their lives. I have the honour to be, My dear Sir, Faithfully yours, William Wordsworth. To Serjeant Talfourd, M.P. CHICAGO Northwestern University President Michael Schill will resign after a three-year tenure, including five months of an unprecedented $790 million federal funding freeze, the school announced Thursday. Northwestern was never formally notified of the pause of research funds in April, which came amid several federal investigations into allegations of antisemitism. The school, along with Schill, had already been subject to significant Republican scrutiny. The president was grilled for hours before a congressional committee in 2024 on the environment on campus for Jewish students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northwestern is among several elite universities that have come under fire from the Trump administration for antisemitism and diversity, equity and inclusion policies. In a message to the Northwestern community Thursday morning, Schill acknowledged the difficult problems at the federal level. He said he would remain in the role until the naming of an interim president. Over the past three years, it has been my profound honor to serve as president of Northwestern University, Schill said in a statement. In that time, our community has made significant progress while simultaneously facing extraordinary challenges. Together, we have made decisions that strengthened the institution and helped safeguard its future. In the months since the funding pause, the campus has been rattled with budget cuts. School officials have pursued a string of belt-tightening measures, including eliminating more than 400 staff positions in July. A month earlier, officials announced changes to employees health insurance plans and a hiring freeze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schill will continue to work with the universitys Board of Trustees on efforts to restore funding, the university said. Once he steps down, he will take a sabbatical before returning as faculty member at the Pritzker School of Law. Schill was named as Northwesterns 17th president in August 2022. Previously, he was president of the University of Oregon for seven years, and had held positions at the law schools of the University of Chicago and the University of California, Los Angeles. From the very beginning of my tenure, Northwestern faced serious and often painful challenges, Schill said. In the face of those challenges and the hard, but necessary choices that were before us, I was always guided by enduring values of our University: protecting students, fostering academic excellence, and defending faculty, academic freedom, due process and the integrity of the institution. ____ Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Three-year Northwestern University President Michael Schill announced he will leave his position after the university names an interim president to replace him. Schill said the university has faced "extraordinary challenges" that led to making decisions to strengthen it and safeguard Northwestern's future, he said in his resignation announcement on Thursday. "In so many ways, Northwestern is on a stronger footing," Schill said. "We have advanced superb teaching and research, reinforced our commitment to academic integrity and free expression, secured record levels of research funding and philanthropy," and made other significant achievements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the university has integrated artificial intelligence and began construction of the Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement. "Applications to the university and our national rankings have reached historic highs," he continued, "and our faculty's research continues to advance health, knowledge, artistic and social progress." Schill's resignation comes amid tensions with the federal government after the Trump administration accused university officials of largely ignoring anti-Semitism by pro-Palestinian protesters targeting Jewish students on its campuses. The federal government in April froze some $790 million in research funding for the Chicago-area university, while the Brandeis Center, Anti-Defamation League and other Jewish groups have called on Schill to resign after he negotiated with protesters, The New York Times reported. Schill acknowledged "difficult problems" at the federal level, which includes the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights investigation accusing Northwestern's administration of tolerating "widespread anti-Semitic harassment" during pro-Palestinian protests on its campuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Education Department cited an "explosion of anti-Semitism on American campuses following the massacre of Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, 2023," when launching an investigation of Northwestern and four other universities in February. The Northwestern University Board of Governors said it will name an interim president as soon as possible. White House spokeswoman Liz Huston on Thursday said the Trump administration "looks forward to working with the new leadership," CNN reported. "We hope they seize this opportunity to make Northwestern great again," she added. Northwestern University President Michael Schill announced Thursday he will resign from the post, ending a three-year tenure during which the school dealt with on-campus protests and fights with the Trump administration and GOP lawmakers. As I reflect on the progress we have made and what lies ahead, I believe now is the right time for new leadership to guide Northwestern into its next chapter, Schill said in a statement. Therefore, I have decided, in consultation with the leadership of the Board of Trustees, that I will step down as President. He is expected to remain in his role until the university, in Evanston, Ill., finds an interim president. Schill added he plans to return to teach at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law following a sabbatical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To me, the highest honor a person could have is being a member of our faculty and I look forward to nurturing our students and continuing to champion higher education, a cornerstone of American society that, despite its imperfections, is more important than ever to our nations future, the schools president said. Schill faced blowback from Republicans during a congressional hearing in 2024, who argued the institution was failing to tackle antisemitism during on-campus protests regarding Israels war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. He has faced calls from the Anti-Defamation League to resign. The school has also been a target of the Trump administration as the White House froze about $790 million in federal funds in April, over allegations that the school was violating a civil rights law. Northwestern was also one of several schools accused by the administration of falling short on policies to combat rising antisemitism on campuses and not doing enough to protect Jewish students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To me, the highest honor a person could have is being a member of our faculty and I look forward to nurturing our students and continuing to champion higher education, a cornerstone of American society that, despite its imperfections, is more important than ever to our nations future, Schill said Thursday. His decision to step down comes after the presidents of four other universities Harvard, Pennsylvania, Columbia and Cornell resigned following backlash over widespread pro-Palestinian protests and amid the GOPs probe into the rise of antisemitism incidents on campuses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Northwestern University President Michael Schill announced his resignation Thursday as the university faces an ongoing funding freeze by the Trump administration. His departure is the latest in a string of university leaders resignations, following tenures marked by criticism and battles with the federal government. As I reflect on the progress we have made and what lies ahead, I believe now is the right time for new leadership to guide Northwestern into its next chapter, Schill said in a message to the campus community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Therefore, I have decided, in consultation with the leadership of the Board of Trustees, that I will step down as President. In his message, Schill wrote the university faced serious and often painful challenges since his tenure began in September 2022, and difficult problems remain, particularly at the federal level. The university noted those challenges include the federal funding freeze, which began about four months ago when the Trump administration froze $790 million in federal funding. The freeze added to similar actions the administration has taken against other elite universities, either demanding changes to their diversity, equity and inclusion programs, or in connection with their handling of protests against the war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, a White House official told CNN the freeze was connected to several Title VI investigations. The federal statute prohibits discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal funding. But the university said it had fully cooperated with investigations by both the Department of Education and Congress. White House spokesperson Liz Huston said Thursday, The Trump Administration looks forward to working with the new leadership, and we hope they seize this opportunity to Make Northwestern Great Again. House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik said Schills resignation was long overdue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Michael Schill finally resigned today after he failed (to) protect Jewish students, caved to the demands of the antisemitic, pro-Hamas mob on Northwesterns campus, and failed to hold students who perpetuate antisemitic attacks accountable at an Education and the Workforce Committee hearing, she said in a post on X. The university said it has updated its policies to curb antisemitism on its campuses, resulting in a dramatic decrease in reported incidents, according to a news release Thursday. Departure comes amid legal battles and resignations across US colleges The revocation of funding has left universities desperate to keep much-needed funding. It has also prompted lengthy legal battles between the Trump administration and universities, and led several university leaders to step down, including at the University of Virginia and Columbia University. Schills resignation comes a day after a federal judge gave Harvard University a landmark victory in its fight against the Trump administration, siding with the Ivy League school in its effort to restore more than $2 billion in federal funding for research frozen by the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northwestern had said the federal funds were used for innovative and life-saving research, including the development of the worlds smallest pacemaker and research to fight against Alzheimers disease. This type of research is now at jeopardy, the university said in an April statement. Schill had been leading efforts to ensure the continuation of funding for critical research during the funding freeze, the university said, and he will continue to work with its Board of Trustees to get them restored. It is critical that we continue to protect the universitys research mission and excellence while preserving academic freedom, integrity, and independence, Schill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An interim president for Northwestern has yet to be named and Schill will continue in his role until then, the university said. Following a sabbatical, Schill plans to return as a faculty member at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Betsy Klein contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Brendan O'Brien CHICAGO (Reuters) -Northwestern University's president announced his resignation on Thursday, capping a three-year tenure, after President Donald Trump's administration froze federal funding for the university and Republican lawmakers alleged that Northwestern had failed to address antisemitism on campus. President Michael Schill said in a statement that it was the "right time" for new leadership to guide the Chicago-area university into the future and that he would remain in place until an interim president is named. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I ... recognize that difficult problems remain, particularly at the federal level," he said. "It is critical that we continue to protect the Universitys research mission and excellence while preserving academic freedom, integrity, and independence." In April, Trump's administration froze nearly $800 million in research funding for Northwestern, after Republicans in the House of Representatives accused the university of not doing enough to address antisemitism, including during campus protests against the Gaza war. As a result, Northwestern reduced administrative and academic budgets and cut 425 positions - nearly half of which were vacant - to help fill its fiscal gap over the summer. In a statement, White House spokesperson Liz Huston said the Trump administration "looks forward to working with the new leadership" at Northwestern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has cut or threatened to strip funding to numerous U.S. universities, including Harvard, Columbia and Princeton. On Wednesday a federal judge ruled that the administration unlawfully terminated about $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard University. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Chicago and Andrea Shalal in Washington; editing by Rami Ayyub and David Gregorio) The Trump administration has said it is very troubled by Norways decision to dump shares in Caterpillar because of the construction giants links to Israel. The US state department said it had raised concerns with the Norwegian government over what it said were illegitimate worries. Norges, the countrys $1.8tn (1.3tn) wealth fund, said last week that it had sold its entire stake in Caterpillar because its bulldozers were allegedly being used in the unlawful destruction of Palestinian property in the West Bank and Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are very troubled by the Norwegian sovereign wealth funds decision, which appears to be based on illegitimate claims against Caterpillar and the Israeli government, a state department spokesman said. We are engaging directly with the Norwegian government on this matter. Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator closely allied with Donald Trump, has suggested the US should revoke visas for Norwegian wealth fund officials. I think [the Trump administration] were as stunned as I was, he said in a Bloomberg interview this week. What Ill do is work on restricting visas for the wealth fund. Republican senator Lindsey Graham suggested the US should revoke visas for Norwegian wealth fund officials - Amir Levy/Getty Images Norges said that it had sold its stake in Texas-headquartered Caterpillar, the largest construction company in the world, because it claimed its products were being used to commit extensive and systematic violations of international humanitarian law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caterpillar sells its D9 bulldozers to the US government, which passes them on to the Israeli defence force. The fund said the company was fully aware of where the bulldozers end up. Norges has also sold stakes in five Israeli banks, alongside other investments in the country. The central bank of Norway is legally responsible for the fund, which is designed to be operationally independent of Oslos government. However, the countrys ministry of finance, run by Jens Stoltenberg, the former Nato chief, issues guidelines for how it works. Mr Stoltenberg has said selling Caterpillar was not a political decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funds actions have significant influence. Formed in 1990 to invest Norways huge oil wealth, it holds around 1.5pc of global listed assets. Israel has opened the door to more building in recent months, approving a settlement project that would effectively separate East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank. The countrys finance minister has said the move means the idea of a Palestinian state being erased. Caterpillar, which has not commented on the disposal, was contacted. 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. ANGOLA, La. (AP) Federal authorities purposefully chose a notorious Louisiana prison to hold immigration detainees as a way to encourage people in the U.S. illegally to self-deport, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Wednesday. A complex inside the Louisiana State Penitentiary, an immense rural prison better known as Angola, will be used for some of the worst of the worst ICE detainees, Noem told reporters as she stood on the grounds of the facility near a new sign reading, Louisiana Lockup. Officials said 51 detainees were already being housed at Angola. But Gov. Jeff Landry said he expects the building to be filled to capacity, expecting over 400 people to come in ensuing months as President Donald Trump continues his large-scale attempt to remove millions of people suspected of entering the country illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana Lockup At the prison entrance a sign reads: You are entering the land of new beginnings. The dirt road to the new ICE facility meanders past lofty oak trees, green fields and other buildings including a white church and a structure with a sign that said, Angola Shake Down Team. The facility is surrounded by a fence with five rows of stacked barbed wire. Overlooking the outdoor area is a tower, where a guard paced back and forth. Across the way is a lake dotted with cypress trees, where a few alligators could be seen swimming. In addition to the large alligators officials promised forests full of bears nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press joined officials for a brief tour of the facility, viewing some of the cells where detainees would be held. The cells, built of three cinder block walls and steel bars on the front, were single occupancy one bed, toilet and sink in each. Outside were confined enclosures of chain-link fencing, tall enough for multiple people to stand in. If you dont think that they belong in somewhere like this, Landry said of the detainees during Wednesday's news conference, youve got a problem. An active maximum-security prison The building holding ICE detainees is not new, but rather refurbished after sitting vacant for years. The rest of Angola, which is made up of many buildings, has remained active. Many of Angola's 6,300 inmates still work the fields, picking long rows of vegetables by hand as armed guards patrol on horseback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the prison is home to more than 50 death row inmates. The most recent execution was in March, using nitrogen gas to deprive the inmate of oxygen, causing death. The state's electric chair, nicknamed Gruesome Gertie, is still on display in the prison's museum. The notoriety of the 18,000-acre (7,300-hectare) prison stretches back well over a century. Described in the 1960s and 1970s as the bloodiest prison in America, it saw violence, mass riots, escapes, brutality, inhumane conditions and executions. This facility will hold the most dangerous of criminals, Noem said, adding it had absolutely been chosen for its reputation. The Trump administration has crafted its immigration messaging to reinforce a tough-on-crime image and create a sense of fear among people in the U.S. illegally, most pointedly with the detention center dubbed Alligator Alcatraz that it built in the Florida Everglades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Everglades facility may soon be completely empty as a judge upheld her decision ordering operations there to wind down indefinitely. Racing to to expand the infrastructure necessary for increasing deportations, the federal government and state allies have announced a series of new immigration detention facilities, including the Speedway Slammer in Indiana and the Cornhusker Clink in Nebraska. The approximate 400 people the Angola immigration facility will be able to hold is just a tiny percentage of the more than 100,000 people that ICE seeks to detain under a $45 billion expansion for immigration detention centers that Trump signed into law in July. A notorious history Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prison traces its history back to a series of wealthy slave traders and cotton planters who built an operation known as Angola Plantation. An 1850s news report said it had 700 slaves, who historians say were forced to work from dawn to dark in Louisianas brutal summer heat. The plantation became the state prison after the Civil War, with a former Confederate officer awarded a lease that gave him control over the property and its convicts. The majority of black inmates were subleased to land owners to replace slaves while others continued levee, railroad, and road construction," the museums website says. White inmates at the time worked as clerks or craftsmen. Inmate leasing ended in the late 1800s amid a public outcry, and the state took direct control of the prison in 1901. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Difficult conditions, though, remained a part of Angolas history, with cycles of scandal and reform going on for decades, with reports of brutality, crowded conditions and tuberculosis outbreaks. Officials say reforms have led to improvements, but lawsuits are still regularly filed alleging violence and cruel treatment. NEED TO KNOW Nurse and mother Victoria Taylor was found dead in a river on Oct. 22, 2024 after first going missing on Sept. 30 In a new hearing, family and loved ones of the 34-year-old shared that she was struggling with postpartum depression and mental health issues prior to her death Taylor's sister accused the National Health Services (NHS) for not providing her sister with the necessary mental health care A nurse in England who went missing almost a month before her body was found in a river struggled with a series of mental health issues, including postpartum depression prior to her death, her family and loved ones shared in a U.K. court. On Wednesday, Sept. 3, those closest to nurse and mom Victoria Taylor, 34, shared in an inquest at Northallerton Coroners Court in England that she had also expressed suicidal thoughts and used alcohol as a coping mechanism to mask childhood trauma before she disappeared, The Times reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor disappeared from her home in Malton, North Yorkshire, on the morning of Sept. 30, 2024, the outlet noted. Weeks later, her body was discovered in the River Derwent at 11:45 a.m. local time on Oct. 22, after she was reported missing on Oct. 1, per a previous North Yorkshire Police news release. Taylor's belongings had been located close to where her body was found. North Yorkshire Police / SWNS Victoria Taylor Victoria Taylor Before her death, Taylor had developed postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter, Nancy, in September 2022, her fiance, Matthew Williams, and her eldest sister, Emma Worden, said in the hearing, per The Times. According to the BBC, North Yorkshire coroner Catherine Cundy said she could not be sure whether Taylor, also known to her loved ones as Vixx, had intended to take her own life when she entered the river. North Yorkshire Police / SWNS Victoria Taylor with her brother Joe Victoria Taylor with her brother Joe Taylor had alcohol in her system at the time of her death, The Times reported. Coroner Cundy listed the medical cause of death as drowning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor had previously been rescued from the river in July 2024, two months before her death, and had been taken to hospital, the BBC noted per the inquest. North Yorkshire Police / SWNS Victoria Taylor is seen on CCTV on Sept. 30, 2024 Victoria Taylor is seen on CCTV on Sept. 30, 2024 In August of last year, she was then taken to the ER after overdosing on antidepressants and paracetamol, according to The Times. Taylor's family said during the inquest that she'd "been failed" and left without the mental health support she needed, per the BBC. North Yorkshire Police / SWNS Victoria Taylor is seen on CCTV on Sept. 30, 2024 Victoria Taylor is seen on CCTV on Sept. 30, 2024 During the hearing, Taylor's sister, Worden, turned to representatives of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS foundation trust (TEWV) and accused them of going "round in circles," The Guardian reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worden said, Nobody looked her in the eye and said: We will help you, and shes not here now because you failed her, per the outlet. Lee McLean/SWNS Authorities are pictured searching the River Derwent in England Authorities are pictured searching the River Derwent in England Coroner Cundy said she would be submitting a Prevention of Future Deaths report regarding the mental health care Taylor received, per the BBC. Cundy said during the hearing she found it "difficult to understand" why community mental health services had repeatedly declined to offer their support as Taylor's struggles got worse during 2024, the outlet reported. Lee McLean/SWNS Authorities are pictured searching the River Derwent in England Authorities are pictured searching the River Derwent in England Coroner Cundy acknowledged that multiple agencies were involved with Taylor, but said the focus appeared to be on her alcohol problems rather than addressing her "unresolved trauma issues," per The Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor, who worked as the manager of a dementia unit at a care home and had been a carer for 14 years before becoming a nurse, was described as a "wonderful person, loving partner and a doting mother" in a statement from her fiance, Williams, according to the BBC. Worden said in a statement sent to PEOPLE by North Yorkshire Police, "I submit this statement with deep love and sorrow, to [honor Taylor's] life and to ensure that the circumstances surrounding her death are fully and truthfully understood." "Vixx was a devoted mother, a loving fiancee, and a fiercely loyal sister. She showed up for those she loved with warmth, [humor], and a deep sense of care. Her relationships were central to her identity, and she gave everything she had to protect and support the people around her," she added. Lee McLean/SWNS Authorities are pictured searching the River Derwent in England Authorities are pictured searching the River Derwent in England Worden continued, "She also lived with challenges, These were not hidden. She reached out for help. She made herself visible to services. And yet, time and again, she was failed and left without the support she needed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The failures in her care were not isolated incidents. They were part of a wider pattern of systemic neglect and under-resourcing in mental health services. Vixx deserved better. She deserved to be seen, heard, and supported. Instead, she was left to carry burdens alone," she explained. "Her death is a tragedybut it must also be a turning point. Let this inquest be a step toward accountability, learning, and change," Worden said. "I submit this statement in memory of Vixx, and in pursuit of truth and justice not just for her, but for every person failed by the systems meant to protect." 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. Elspeth Devanney, group director for nursing and quality at TEWV, sent the trust's "deepest condolences" to Taylor's family at this "incredibly difficult time" in a statement shared by the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Following Victoria's tragic death, we completed a review and have made changes to improve our services," she added. "We will respond to the coroner's report and take action to continue to improve and provide high-quality care to the people in our communities," the statement said. The North Yorkshire coroner and the Tees Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. Read the original article on People FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) State and federal authorities, including law enforcement from Northwest Arkansas, made a series of drug trafficking arrests on Sept. 4 as part of the Department of Justices Operation Take Back America and the FBIs Operation Summer Heat initiative. According to a press release, six people were federally indicted and five people are facing state charges. The release says the arrests stem from an investigation that began in 2023, which targeted methamphetamine and fentanyl distributors operating in and around the Mountain Home area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI headed the investigation. It involved numerous undercover buys of meth, and drugs and firearm seizures from members of the drug trafficking organization. Guilty pleas filed by 3 linked to Springdale drug ring Since its inception, 23 people have been arrested as part of the investigation. The people arrested are anticipated to be arraigned on Tuesday. The release says the result of an investigation by the FBI, assisted by the 14th Judicial Drug Task Force, the Mountain Home Police Department, the Baxter County Sheriffs Office, the Boone County Sheriffs Office, the Harrison Police Department, the Newton County Sheriffs Office, the Benton County Sheriffs Department, the Springdale Police Department, the Washington County Sheriffs Department, and the Arkansas State 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 KNWA FOX24. MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) A man is accused of choking a homeless woman to death in Manhattan two months ago in what may have been a sex-for-money deal gone wrong, police sources said Thursday. Brooklyn resident Audoine Amazan, 38, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with murder in connection with the July 1 killing of 54-year-old Shivonne Thompson, according to the NYPD. More Local News Amazan may have paid the victim for sex before the deadly attack, sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found Thompson unconscious on the street near East 135th Street and Park Avenue in East Harlem at around 1 p.m., cops said. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner later classified the incident as a homicide. Sources said Thompson died of neck compression, likely from choking or strangling. Amazans arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court was pending on Thursday, according to court records. The defendant also has an open case for alleged prostitution and lewdness in Harlem River Park in Manhattan on Aug. 12, according to sources and court records. Amazan was allegedly engaging in a sex act, sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazan pleaded not guilty in that case and was released without bail. His attorneys in both cases could not immediately be reached. 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. NEW YORK (PIX11) The political play: Stop Zohran Mamdani at any cost. Multiple reports suggest the race for mayor of New York City could be narrowing, as some allege former President Donald Trump is looking to influence the outcome of the November election. More Local News To do that, reports claim Trump is brokering backroom deals to narrow the race from four candidates to two. I am not going into private conversations. And no matter what happens, right now Im the mayor of the City of New York, Mayor Eric Adams said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams, fresh off a trip to Florida, denied reports Wednesday that he was in the Sunshine State for a job interview or that he was pitched a position in Washington with Housing and Urban Development. Ive been getting [different] job offers for the last year and a half, Adams said. Even in the midst of all this crisis, people like my leadership and how I turned around the city. Trump has not been shy about his feelings toward the Democratic frontrunner. In New York, we have a communist running, and he may win and will destroy the city, Trump said in July. The president has also voiced support for Adams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Adams is a very good person. I helped him out a little bit; he had a problem, Trump said earlier this summer. More News: NY Elections But with Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa polling in third and fourth place, splitting critical votes, the president would reportedly prefer they step aside. I want the people to decide, not the billionaires, Sliwa said Wednesday. The hypothetical, according to reports, would give Trump a better shot at seeing Andrew Cuomo as mayor, especially for his own business interests. The greatest city in the world should have a City Hall protecting the people, not working with an administration to destroy the fabric of the city, Mamdani said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The progressive candidate called Trumps reported alliance with Cuomo a backroom deal of betrayal. We know NYC will decide its future, not the White House in Washington, D.C., Mamdani said. Cuomos team did not respond to the claims, which were first reported by The New York Times. A recent poll of a hypothetical Cuomo-Mamdani matchup shows the former governor beating the upstart candidate 52% to 41%. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 CITY (PIX11) New York City public school students heading back to the classroom on Thursday will get a brand new OMNY card to start the new semester. The new student OMNY cards add some flair to the original green design, now incorporating some splashes of orange, blue and yellow. (Credit: PIX11 News) More Local News The card design was developed by the MTA to enhance its physical appearance, a spokesperson for the transit agency told PIX11 News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The updated design is also expected to help students, schools and MTA staff know that the cards are current for this school year at a glance, the spokesperson said. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State The MTA unveiled the first iteration of student OMNY cards at the start of the 2024 school year to replace the original student MetroCard. Unlike its predecessor, the student OMNY card can be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with up to four free rides a day. Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Oakland County Republican and businesswoman Monica Yatooma will seek the party's nomination for Michigan Secretary of State in 2026. A mother of three, Yatooma said in a Sept. 4 interview she became increasingly involved in Republican politics after the 2020 presidential election. A critic of current Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, Yatooma said her decision to seek the office is born from wanting "a fully functioning and efficient secretary of state's office." "It's also really important to make sure that our elections are secure," she said. "I got in the race because I believe I'm the only candidate that can really appeal to the factions of the delegate base." Monica Yatooma Party nominees for secretary of state candidates are decided at conventions where delegates from around the state choose who will represent the party in the general election, not statewide primaries that any Michigan voter can participate in. Yatooma, who is a Republican precinct delegate herself, said election integrity is a common concern among delegates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, President Donald Trump and his allies denied election results that year in Michigan and other states where he lost to former President Joe Biden, despite numerous audits and lawsuits finding no evidence of widespread voter fraud. Yatooma said she doesn't want to dwell on 2020, but stated greater transparency in elections are needed. "My focus is not on 2020, it's really about fixing the system so that we don't have another election where half the state doubts the outcome," she said. Yatooma said she would ensure local clerks are receiving lawful instructions on election administration and strengthen the chain of custody for absentee ballots. Yatooma is currently the executive director of the Great Education Action, a nonprofit organization focused on bolstering parental involvement in public schools. Before that, she was the deputy CEO of a medical waste disposal company in metro Detroit. She said her experience as an executive would help her administer elections in Michigan, which has a decentralized elections process in which local clerks oversee voting in communities. "I think business leadership, paired with grassroots advocacy, I think those skills are going to be transferable," she said. "I honestly think those are going to be more important than clerical skills. For a clerk, they manage elections at a local level, they oversee precincts and run polls and handle paperwork. That's great, but secretary of state is a statewide chief executive of elections. It's responsible for policy, oversight, modernization, enforcement. It's really important to have those leadership skills, to have that vision." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Chaldean Christian, Yatooma said her parents' journey as immigrants to the United States has shaped her perspective. She said her parents worked to provide "endless opportunities," and she wants to pass those opportunities to her children, as well. "They were told if they worked hard, they could achieve the American dream and they were able to do that," Yatooma said. "I'm a product of that, and I think that's what really has fueled my passion and advocacy over the years." Benson, who has been Michigan Secretary of State since 2019, is prevented by term limits from running for a third term. Benson is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor next year. Other Republicans who have filed paperwork to run for secretary of state include Amanda Love, a Clarkston Community School District board trustee and organizer, and Timothy Smith, of Muskegon County. Democrats who hope to succeed Benson include Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum and Aghogho Edevbie, who is currently deputy secretary of state. Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Republican Monica Yatooma enters Michigan Secretary of State race OAKLAND An Oakland man was arrested Tuesday after returning to the scene of a house fire he is accused of intentionally setting, the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal said. Ryan Lawrence Spann, 40, was spotted by deputy state fire marshals in the woods near the home at 1037 Pergin Farm Road as they investigated the blaze. He was arrested without incident. Investigators said the homeowner witnessed Spann start a fire on the porch around 2:30 p.m. The homeowner chased Spann and took photos as he peddled away on a bike, investigators said, while a friend of the homeowner attempted to extinguish the fire and called 911. Spann abandoned the bike and ran into the woods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deer Park Volunteer Fire Company and several other departments responded to the scene, along with the Garrett County Sheriffs Office, which shared Spanns photo on social media. Tips from the public reportedly helped investigators confirm Spanns identity. The fire caused an estimated $205,000 in damage. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by EMS. Spann was charged with first-degree arson, third-degree burglary and reckless endangerment, and remained jailed without bond Wednesday at the Garrett County Detention Center. Investigators said there is no known connection between Spann and the homeowner, and the incident was a random act of arson. This quick arrest underscores the close coordination between the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Garrett County Sheriffs Office, Maryland State Police and Natural Resources Police, said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray. Our deputy state fire marshals work hand-in-hand with allied agencies across Maryland, and it took persistence and partnership from every one of them to capture a random arsonist and protect the community from further harm. GARRETT COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A Maryland man is facing arson charges after he was accused of setting a house on fire in Garrett County. According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), on Sept. 2, around 2:30 p.m., the owner of a home in the 1000 block of Pergin Farm Road noticed a man starting a fire on the front porch before riding away on a bicycle. The homeowner chased after the man and took pictures of him as he peddled away. The homeowners friend tried to put the fire out and called 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats when the suspect abandoned his bike and ran into the woods, according to officials. Former DC USPS workers citizenship revoked after stealing over $1.6 million in checks from mail Several fire crews and the Garrett County Sheriffs Office responded to the scene. The OSFM noted that a firefighter, who sustained minor injuries, was treated by medics. As the investigation continued, deputies shared pictures of the man on social media, and tips from the community helped identify the suspect as 40-year-old Rayann Spann. Law enforcement established a perimeter around the house, but did not locate him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, as the Deputy State Fire Marshals examined the house, they spotted Spann in the woods. He was placed under arrest and charged with first-degree arson, third-degree burglary and reckless endangerment. Spann is being held without bond at the Garrett County Detention Center. Officials added that Spann and the homeowner have no known connection, and the arson was random. The fire caused about $205,000 in damage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said Thursday she was very concerned about her party members lack of support for New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani. I am very concerned about the example that is being set by anybody in our party, Ocasio-Cortez told reporters outside of the Capitol. I believe that we must set the example of supporting the partys nominee, because it complicates if an individual doesnt want to support the partys nominee now, it complicates their ability to ask voters to support any nominee later, whether that is mayoral, presidential, what have you. And so, I think for the good of the party, we must put our differences aside and support our partys nominee, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York lawmaker said she supported former President Biden after he won the primary although he was not her preferred candidate and noted that she backed then-Vice President Kamala Harris with full force. Are we a party that rallies behind our nominee or not? Ocasio-Cortez said, seemingly frustrated by the lack of endorsements and encouragement received by Mamdani, who won the June primary and is facing two well-known independent candidates: Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Some have shied away from Mamdani, a self-declared Democratic socialist, due to his platform points which tout city-run grocery stores, free child care and transportation for residents in the Big Apple. Republican Rep. Andy Ogles (Tenn.) has suggested that Mamdani, a state lawmaker and immigrant from Uganda, be denaturalized for his stance on the conflict in Gaza. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called Ogless suggestion disgusting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Mamdani successfully captured the Democratic nomination, Schumer congratulated him for running an impressive campaign that connected with New Yorkers about affordability, fairness, and opportunity. However, hes been relatively quiet regarding further support for Mamdani on the front lines. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has also been vague about advocating for Mamdani. Jeffriess spokesperson Justin Chermol said the lawmaker met with the candidate for an hour in mid-July and said the two expected to reconvene again soon. When asked about the Democratic leaders disposition, Ocasio-Cortez told reporters, This isnt about personalities, right? I think that were in a moment of a Trump administration. The stakes are high. She added, And I want, of course, to see our party come together and stick together, despite our differences. And thats you know, thats how I feel about the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Editors note: The video above first aired in May and gives an inside look at the nursing program at Odessa College. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Odessa College is expanding access to health care education with a new part-time Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program designed for students who are trying to balance work, school, and family responsibilities. Applications for the program will be accepted October 131, 2025, and the first cohort will begin classes in spring 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know not everyone has the ability to go to school full time and leave the workforce, said Kisha Rasband, director of vocational nursing at Odessa College. This part-time program allows those individuals who have demands on their lives that have kept them out of the health care field an entry point to get into nursing. The 18-month program will provide the same instruction and clinical experience as Odessa Colleges full-time LVN track, but with a more flexible schedule. Classes will be held in the Wood Health and Sciences Building. College officials said the new program does not require prerequisite coursework. Instead, applicants must take the TEAS test and score at least 60 in math and reading to qualify. Graduates of the program will be eligible to enter the nursing workforce with skills to provide safe and compassionate patient care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information and application details, visit odessa.edu. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is cutting federal and state contracts for select service providers across the state. Select service providers received notice on Friday, August 29, that certain contracts would not be renewed. Tree Kelley, Executive Director of the local non-profit Parents Helping Parents received one of those letters, feeling a wave of shock. Image Parents Helping Parents I felt like I just got kicked in the stomach, to be honest. I was not expecting it, Kelley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes as the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) found the department spending recklessly and using current fiscal year budgets to pay prior fiscal year invoices, which is illegal. The department said Wednesday that it had stopped immediately after being discovered. LOFT report alleges additional mismanagement, questionable spending under former ODMHSAS leaders Parents Helping Parents services all 77 counties, offering support for parents raising children with addiction. Kelley told News 4, Our budget is around 240,000 to employ all seven of us, and that includes all of the different events that we do. We have two state contracts and one federal contract. So those are the three funds that we operate with, and they cover about $230,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those three contracts expire on October 1. Kelley had no choice but to let go of five staff members, with their last day being September 30. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services sent News 4 a statement about the cuts. ODMHSAS has been operating with more contracts than our budget can sustain. I was tasked, by our governor and the Oklahoma legislature, to guide this agency back to a balanced budget, while protecting essential services that directly support our mission to the people of Oklahoma. These were very difficult decisions, but we cannot spend more than we have. I could not be prouder of this team for reviewing nearly 800 contracts line by line and making these tough decisions. We are committed to our state leaders, taxpayers, and most importantly the Oklahomans we serve, to provide quality care within our allocated budget. Interim Commissioner Greg Slavonic Kelley said shes taking things one step at a time and is currently accepting donations from anyone willing to help their mission of serving families. If youd like to donate and help them, click here. The agency said theyve reviewed over 800 contracts. News 4 asked for a specific number of contracts the department is not renewing. The agency says they do not have a specific number in total, as each contract consists of multiple line items. One line item can be cut from receiving funding, but that doesnt mean the service providers entire contract is being cut. In Kelleys situation, all three line items listed in her contract are being cut. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Washington State officials have warned of potential delays for community projects aimed at addressing "environmental and health disparities" related to coastal threats following the federal government's withholding of certain grant funds, The Center Square reported. What's happening? As of mid-August, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had withheld roughly $114,000 of a $250,000 grant intended to fund Washington State's "Advancing an Equitable Framework for Coastal Resilience" project. Officials say the move is hindering work aimed at mitigating not only coastal hazards such as rising sea levels, flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion but their disproportionate impacts on communities facing the highest risks. The Department of Ecology's Andrew Wineke told The Center Square that the state still needs a clearer picture of these risks along more than 3,300 miles of Western Washington coastline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Impacts like sea level rise and ocean acidification affect coastal communities and Tribes differently, and we need to understand those differences in order to invest public funds and state resources where they will do the most good," Wineke said. Why is this important? When disaster hits, when upgrades slip, when emergency services go down, marginalized communities tend to feel the most serious impacts first and disproportionately. Deferred drainage fixes can mean more street flooding during heavy rains. Postponed systems strengthening can leave water supplies exposed to contamination. Rising seas and stronger storms have already put added pressure on coastal and river communities, as higher water levels intensify risks throughout the United States, increasing costs for families and economies. Low-income families and Tribal communities in the state experiencing inequitable access to key resources may face additional burdens. Experts who say safe drinking water, reliable power, and dry homes depend on steady focus and investments worry that stop-and-go financing will jeopardize resilience in the long term. What's being done about it? Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has sued the Trump administration over a larger pool of withheld funds marked for climate resilience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, The Center Square reported that the Department of Ecology put some state monies toward a portion of the planned coastal work. But Wineke told the outlet that efforts were reduced due to spending cuts. "Specifically, the technical and engineering recommendations were not able to be completed," he said, "so there are still gaps in our coastal response strategy." Should the government continue to give tax incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades? Absolutely No Depends on the upgrade I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. To address the funding gap, residents might call on decision-makers to prioritize research into resilience needs and implementation of essential upgrades, with a focus on the communities most at risk. But, in the meantime, some planning can still happen at the neighborhood level. Stormproofing homes and businesses and advocating for municipal systems to shift to cleaner energy sources can strengthen local resilience. Collaborating with neighbors to learn about safe evacuation routes, share supplies, and check in on the most vulnerable can help keep everyone safe during extreme weather events. 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. Ghana passed a new fisheries act to support artisanal fishers and restore fish stocks that have been depleted by illegal, unregulated fishing. The new act expands Ghana's inshore exclusion zone the area that is protected from large-scale fishing by trawlers, fishing boats designed to drag large nets to capture lots of fish at once from 6 to 12 nautical miles from shore, Mongabay reported. "As trawlers are going to have to fish within deeper waters, they will have to adjust their fishing gear in order to reach the bottom to harvest the resources that are there," said Evans Arizi, a fisheries scientist who lectures at the University of Cape Coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pelagic fish, including anchovies, sardines, and mackerel, have been most affected by the unregulated fishing, and it is those fish that artisanal fisheries small, low-tech fishing operations rely on as a primary food source for Ghanaians. When the fish are depleted by overfishing, food scarcity becomes an issue. The illegal fishing, coupled with negative effects on the fish population due to the warming of the planet, is concerning to scientists. Overfishing can threaten fish populations and even lead certain species to extinction, which disrupts the balance of marine and other ecosystems. Sustainable fishing practices are important for maintaining healthy ocean environments in Ghana and around the world, ensuring that fish populations remain stable and strong for future generations. As a result, it is vital to find a balance between supporting the fishing industry and protecting the environment. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2025 is a step in the right direction, but some scientists and fishers are concerned that illegal fishing will continue. "Now it is the responsibility of the government to strictly enforce this new law," said Jojo Solomon, secretary to the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric Baah, spokesperson for the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, told Mongabay, "The new Fisheries and Aquaculture Act introduces bold reforms aimed at ensuring sustainability, compliance, and improved livelihood." Should the government ban gas-powered lawn equipment? Absolutely Not yet Only for commercial use Nope Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. As officials in California consider extending the closure of a once-flourishing fishery, many experts are debating if the move goes too far. The Press Democrat reported the California Fish and Game Commission is weighing its options regarding a 10-year extension of the closure of the recreational red abalone fishery in Northern California. The commission shut down the fishery in December 2017 following a steep decline of the red abalone population. It is slated to reopen in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the goal of the closure was to implement a recovery plan to restore populations to sustainable levels, some people now believe that not enough has been done to warrant a reopening. Brian Owens, a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, explained that reopening the fishery before it has properly healed could "lead to further collapse of the resource." During an Aug. 14 Fish and Game Commission meeting, many concerns were raised over the fishery that once brought close to $30 million into the nearby economy. Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin noted the challenges that the region has faced while attempting to navigate the fishing ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think we all feel it. As we've been trying to manage this resource, it just feels like the rug gets pulled out from underneath us," Hostler-Carmesin said. Red abalone populations took a massive hit following a marine heat wave from 2014 to 2017. The event decimated kelp forests, the red abalone's main food source. According to a study by University of California, Davis researchers published in the journal Scientific Reports, the kelp forests were reduced by nearly 90% along the coastline. The rapid decline of the red abalone population was also triggered by a sunflower sea star mass mortality event. This paved the way for the rapid and sudden expansion of the purple sea urchin, which consumed large swaths of the remaining kelp forests, further jeopardizing the red abalone's food source. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owen Mitchell, an abalone diver, noted that the purple sea urchin appears to be running wild around the fishery. "I feel like nothing has been done by the state to combat this invasion. It has been left unchecked," Mitchell explained. Mitchell isn't alone in feeling that the impact of the fishing ban is not worth the trouble of extending it for another decade. Jack Likins, an advocate for the red abalone fishery, acknowledged the benefit of the closure, but he argued against the commission's line of thinking. "That seems like they're kicking the can down the road," Likins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A thriving red abalone population would contribute to both a surging local economy and a healthy oceanic ecosystem, something everyone wants. "I'd love to see the fishery come back," Mitchell told The Press Democrat. "It's about the experience and what it brings to the community. This was probably the result of climate change, so I feel like it's our duty to do something to fix it." 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 police lieutenant in Ohio is facing OVI charges after a motorcycle crash last week, according to our CBS affiliate WTOL-11 TV. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Defiance police lieutenant Benjamin Williams, 44, crashed his motorcycle on state Route 111 in Auglaize Township, Paulding County, around 9 p.m. Williams went off the side of the road and the motorcycle flipped, according to an Ohio State Highway Patrol report obtained by WTOL-11. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lieutenant was treated for minor injuries on scene. He has also been charged with failure to control and speeding, WTOL-11 reported. The police agencys website shows that Williams has been with the department since 2006. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Environmental Protection Agency has alleged a Texas oil company underreported the extent of a crude oil spill after one of its pipes burst just north of a local waterway. What's happening? According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, authorities had to clean 6,800 barrels of crude oil spilled by a broken pipe north of Lake Arlington. Energy Transfer originally reported that only 2,600 barrels had spilled, roughly 285,000 gallons of oil in total. The company previously noted the cause of the spill was "pipeline failure." The final report also stated that the spill left no crude oil unrecovered, which is a relief for local environmentalists aware of the long-term impacts of poor spill management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Underreporting these disasters is, unfortunately, not unique. Pemex Oil in Mexico was called out earlier this summer for hiding a massive oil spill off the coast of Dos Bocas. Why is the underreporting of this oil spill concerning? While no inland or coastal water was affected, according to the report, the spill contaminated the Fort Worth sewer system and the local Village Creek water treatment plant. "Oil entered a sewer line that transported the oil to the Village Creek Waste Water Treatment plant," the report said. "The oil was collected using skimmers and vac trucks at the treatment plant." The treatment plant's contamination has also forced the water department to use the nearby Village Creek Drying Beds to clean up the affected water. Once used as the area's water treatment infrastructure, the drying beds have been home to over 320 species of birds in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spills of any size can have adverse effects on the ecological well-being of habitats. Contamination can kill or drive off native species, and when biodiversity falters, ecosystems cannot provide much-needed carbon sinks that help curb the overheating of the planet. What's being done about this misrepresented oil spill? Area birdwatchers flagged the discrepancy to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in July after they could no longer access the drying beds. "I used to come out here with my father," resident Colby Ayers said. "I've got so many memories tied to this place, so when the city does this, I take it personally." Other local environmental advocates are also concerned about how the spill is affecting air and water quality in the area, per the Star-Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EPA's statement is only a modicum of accountability for Energy Transfer's underreporting, but the agency did follow-up readings of air and water quality following the spill. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. The mother of an Edmond girl is suing Roblox, joining in a wave of litigation that alleges the popular online gaming platform has become a "hunting ground for child-sex predators." The lawsuit alleges an adult predator in 2020 coerced the girl, then 12, into sending him nude and explicit photos. The predator had posed as a 15-year-old boy, according to the lawsuit. He threatened to kill the girl's family if she did not send him further explicit content, revealing he knew her address and that she had a younger brother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mother filed the 108-page lawsuit vs. Roblox in Oklahoma City federal court on Aug. 22. Other parents filed similar lawsuits in federal courts across the country in August, and Louisiana's attorney general sued Roblox in state court. In a major response to the growing criticism, the California-based company on Wednesday, Sept. 3, announced that its expanding its age-estimation technology to all users by the end of the year. The mother of an Edmond girl is suing the popular online gaming platform Roblox, alleging the game is a "hunting ground for child-sex predators." "This process will provide a more accurate measure of a user's age than simply relying on what someone types in when they create an account," chief safety officer Matt Kaufman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The companys share price closed on Wednesday up almost 4% at $133.46 after the announcement. About the lawsuit in Oklahoma City federal court, the company said on Sept. 2 that "safety is a top priority" but "no system is perfect." "We work extremely hard to prevent bad incidents from happening, but we also should not lose sight of the positive experience tens of millions have on Roblox every single day," a spokesperson said. In announcing her lawsuit Aug. 14, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murill called the company a "breeding ground for sex predators." More: Louisiana attorney general says gaming site Roblox fosters environment for child predators Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Roblox is overrun with harmful content and child predators because it prioritizes user growth, revenue, and profits over child safety," she said in a news release. "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." Attorneys represent 800-plus children they say have been exploited by Roblox The attorneys behind the Oklahoma City case now represent more than 800 children nationwide who say theyve been exploited on Roblox or the online chatting platform Discord, a publicist said Sept. 2. One attorney, Mike Grieco of Chicago, said in a news release about the Oklahoma City case that Roblox built a billion-dollar empire on the backs of children. Our case is not only about justice for our client, but about forcing Roblox to answer for systemic failures that have destroyed countless young lives," said Mike Grieco, founding partner of the law firm Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit said the mother, a special education teacher, "always believed that Roblox was safe for children because it was designed and marketed for kids and promoted as being safe and educational." Her daughter, now 17, "spent most of her free time playing Roblox during the pandemic in 2020," according to the lawsuit. "She continues to suffer from severe mental health issues, difficulty trusting others, and continues to need counseling and therapy to cope with the aftermath of this tragedy." The mother reported the "sextortion" to police after finding out her daughter had shared explicit photographs, according to the lawsuit. To her horror, the police notified her that the perpetrator was not 15 but a man in his 40s "who had a record of inappropriate sexual behavior." The lawsuit identifies the mother and her daughter only by initials. The lawsuit seeks both general and punitive damages from Roblox. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma mom sues gaming site Roblox over 'sextortion" of daughter How well do you know the Oklahoma state song? Its only been around for 73 years. If you dont know the anthem, it may be good to start practicing. Whether youve seen the Rogers and Hammerstein musical or abstained from it, the state song will be in a few places this summer. From the Oklahoma City Comets to the Performance at the Civic Center this summer, Oklahoma City will be filled with yeeows and ayipioeeays. But how well can you guess the lyrics of this song? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take our quiz below and see for yourself. How did Oklahoma get its state song? In 1953, when former Governor George Nigh was new to the political scene in the state House of Representatives, he proposed that the title theme of the musical Oklahoma! be the official state song. "It's my favorite because it was (for) my love for the state," Nigh, now 96, told The Oklahoman in a 2023 interview. "I was concerned deep in my mind and heart that our challenge was the image of the state worldwide. And that stage play and the state song helped change us to a very positive worldwide image." His bill was passed and went into effect on Sept 5. 1953, effectively making the song what we know today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, 70 years after the movie Oklahoma! was released, based on the plain-sweeping play, Oklahoma still keeps the tradition alive that Nigh set forth with the song playing at sporting events, school performances, and music halls. How well do you know Oklahomas state song? Brandy McDonnell contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What's the lyrics to Oklahoma's state song? Take the quiz on Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY (KNWA/KFTA) Oklahoma is among dozens of states being directed by the Trump administration to remove references to transgender people from their sex education programs or risk losing federal funding. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), sent letters to 40 states, including Oklahoma, five territories, and Washington, D.C., demanding they remove all references to gender ideology from their PREP, or Personal Responsibility Education Program. PREP is a federally funded initiative created in 2010 to help prevent teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ACF Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison sent a letter to Alicia Lincoln, the Administrative Program Manager for the Oklahoma Department of Healths Childhood and Adolescent Health Division, on Aug. 26. PragerU test for new Oklahoma teachers impossible to fail The letter describes sections of two books, Its that Easy: A Guide to Raising Sexually Healthy Children and Making a Difference, as containing references to gender ideology, and they must be modified. Screenshots of the letter below detail what the state was directed to remove from its sexual education program. (Courtesy: Administration for Children and Families) (Courtesy: Administration for Children and Families) We are aware that these curricula and other program materials were previously approved by ACF. However, the prior administration erred in allowing PREP grants to be used to teach students gender ideology because that approval exceeded the agencys authority to administer the program consistent with the authorizing legislation as enacted by Congress, Gradison said in the letter. Oklahomas current PREP curricula and program materials are out of compliance with the PREP statute and HHS regulations and must be modified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Oklahoma fails to comply, the ACF says the state could lose more than $1.3 million in federal funds. New look at woke test some incoming Oklahoma teachers might have to take The other 39 states that received letters were: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. The five U.S. territories are: Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. KNWA/FOX24 reached out to the Oklahoma State Department of Health for comment, and a spokesperson provided the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The HHS citations were isolated excerpts from a facilitators manual, not classroom materials. In compliance with the Governors 2023 Executive Orders, OSDH had already removed this content from instruction. While proprietary limits prevented us from manually editing, HHSs directive bolstered our push for full removal of these references, which has now been approved by the developers of the materials. OSDH remains committed to full compliance with state and federal guidelines. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) An Old Hickory man, who was arrested on back-to-back nights, faces multiple charges following his latest apprehension. The Metro Nashville Police Department said 25-year-old Quendez Volland ran from officers at a shooting scene on Burning Tree Drive Tuesday night, adding that he was carrying a bag containing marijuana and a firearm. Though he was charged with evading and resisting arrest, criminal trespassing, marijuana possession and gun charges, he was released Wednesday morning on an $11,000 bond. Then, on Wednesday night, detectives with the MNPDs Violent Crimes Division reportedly found him getting out of a Toyota Tacoma that had been reported stolen out of Mt. Juliet at a Gallatin Pike gas station. As detectives approached Volland, authorities said he fled on foot into traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee At the same time, police said a 14-year-old passenger moved into the drivers seat and left in the Tacoma. The teen was later found on East Old Hickory Boulevard near Sandhurst Drive after crashing the Tacoma into a guardrail. Though the teen tried to run away, officials said he was quickly apprehended. Hes been charged in Juvenile Court with reckless driving, vehicle theft, evading arrest, juvenile handgun possession, leaving the scene, marijuana possession and not having a drivers license. (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Detectives said they found a loaded Glock handgun outside the truck at the site of the crash, as well as a second Glock between the drivers seat and the emergency brake. Hydrocodone pills and marijuana were also recovered from the vehicle. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Volland was charged Wednesday night with vehicle theft, evading arrest, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, reckless driving and escaping custody, in addition to gun and drug charges. The MNPD added that he was a convicted felon out of Sumner County and, as of publication, remains in custody on a $104,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis Police have detained one suspect after two men broke into a home in the Highland Heights area Thursday morning. Officers say they responded to a prowler call at 10:12 a.m. and were told two male suspects were breaking into a residence at Pope Street and Pacific Avenue. The suspects ran on foot and after a short foot chase, police were able to detain one of them, they say. Investigators say the second suspect they are looking for is a Black male with dreads wearing a plaid shirt and shorts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is still an ongoing investigation; this story will be updated as more information becomes available. If you know anything that could help, call Crime Stoppers 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. HARRISON COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) A 71-year-old Stover, Missouri man was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash just six miles north of Gilman City. The crash occurred around 10:55 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2, as the male, driving a 2008 Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, was going east on Route MM. He saw an animal in the roadway and went off the south side to avoid the animal. The driver was partially ejected during the event, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both the motorcycle and driver skidded before coming to rest facing west off the south side of the roadway. The motorcycle was totaled and the man was taken by LifeFlight to Mosaid Life Care in St. Joseph. Netanyahu spoke to Telegram channel Abu Ali Express about his relationship with Trump, as well as Palestinian statehood, the Gaza Strip, and antisemitism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to a widely followed Telegram channel, Abu Ali Express, on Thursday on Palestinian statehood recognition, worldwide antisemitism, plans to offer Gazans "voluntary migration," and his relationship with US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu said that he and Trump "agree on almost everything, in fact, I would go as far as to say on everything." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "One must welcome the change in Washington," he said, highlighting the difference in policies toward Israel between the Trump administration and the preceding Biden administration. Netanyahu told the Telegram channel that if unilateral steps are taken regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state, then Israel will also take unilateral steps. "We are not here to expel Palestinians, but we will not give them a state," he said. Displaced Palestinians make their way as they flee amid an Israeli military operation, in Gaza City, August 26, 2025. (credit: Ebrahim Hajjaj/Reuters) Jews should stand up for rights, Netanyahu advises Netanyahu affirmed that Israel is a refuge for all Jews worldwide facing antisemitism. "Stand proud, stand up for your rights, do not hide, go out and fight strongly against slanders," he said in a message to global Jewry, adding that antisemites will pursue Jews who hide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The faster we finish the [Israel-Hamas] war [in Gaza], the propaganda war [against Israel and the IDF] will also fade," he claimed. Netanyahu also told the Telegram channel that there are "various plans for how to rehabilitate Gaza, but half of the population wants to leave" the enclave. Netanyahu claimed that this would not be "mass expulsion," as he can open the Rafah crossing, but the residents of Gaza would be "blocked immediately in Egypt." He affirmed that the right to leave the enclave is a "basic right for every Palestinian." WEST DES MOINES, Iowa West Des Moines Police are investigating a shooting in an apartment building in West Des Moines early Thursday morning. At 3:14 a.m., police received a call about a shooting at 8602 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. The residential area is known as the Maple Grove Villas. It is located just northwest of the Jordan Creek Mall. Police found two adults in apartment 808, and one of them had a gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That individual was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police say the individual has a non-life-threatening injury. Sergeant Dan Wade of the West Des Moines Police Department said officers have identified all individuals involved in the incident and are having conversations to find out what happened. One neighbor, Anissa Banks, said she was shocked to hear about the shooting. She said she recently moved back to the community because its a quiet area. It shocked me because I live right across the street and I didnt hear anything this morning, she said. And this never happened before. Wade said the investigation is ongoing and police will remain on scene throughout the day. However, there is no threat to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. KANSAS CITY, Kan. One person is dead following a shooting Thursday afternoon in Kansas City, Kansas. Police officers with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) responded to an armed disturbance call just after 3:30 p.m. at a bank near North 8th Street and State Avenue. KCKPD tells FOX4 a shooting took place outside the bank, and one man was taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android A spokesperson with KCKPD said the person who fired the shots is a security guard and is cooperating with investigators. KCKPD said nobody else was involved and there is no immediate danger to the public. Police are asking anyone with information that can help detectives to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Ask any Catholic-school kidcurrent or formerand theyll tell you: Wednesday Mass sucks. Once a week, the school steals an hour from lunch or recess and forces you to sit in a hard wooden pew designed by sadists and kneel on kneelers that give you the back pain of a 50-year-old before you hit puberty. To pass the time, you count the stained glass windows or stare at the light fixture dangling from the ceiling, wondering which unlucky kid itd flatten if it came loose. Easily, though, the hardest part is pretending to solemnly worship as a childall the while surrounded by all of your best friends, who are also children. Jesus may have fed the 5,000, but I imagine even hed struggle to keep a second-grade class quiet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From kindergarten until I left for college, I attended four different Catholic schools in Sioux City, Iowa. Each one compelled me and my fellow students to attend Wednesday school Mass every week. We trudged through snow. We crossed busy streets. We adhered to an unspoken creed that felt older than Rome: Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor the deepest Midwestern gloom keeps these students from their Wednesday Massand Iowa had plenty of all four. Last week, a shooter opened fire through a stained glass window during Wednesday school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Two children were killed: 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Twenty-one others were injured, including 18 children and three elderly parishioners. As I write this, two students have required surgery, including 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, who had part of her skull removed in an emergency procedure. Fletchers death hit one family particularly hard. His best friends mother, Kacie Sharpe, told reporters how her child lost a person theyd grown up with. Someone they probably whispered to and joked with at Wednesday Mass. I cant stop thinking about thatbecause Wednesday Mass was where I was surrounded by my own best friends, too. Its what made the boredom bearable, even enjoyable. The thought of one of them not making it through school Mass, of an empty space next to me in the pew, of me walking back to class alone, guts me completely. Thats what these kids are living now. Ask any Catholic-school kidcurrent or formerand theyll tell you: Last week was a nightmare. It felt surrealfar too close to home to be real, yet completely undeniable. A reminder that no matter how numb you think you are to the harshest buzzsaw of modern-day Americaviolence, mass shootings, warsomething will always be there to pull you right back into its teeth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fallout was depressingly predictable. Rumors and disinformation raced across X, with conspiracy theories developing that were focused on the shooters identity and motives. FBI Director Kash Patel vowed to investigate the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics. Right-wing figures like Matt Walsh, Charlie Kirk, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Laura Loomer latched onto the suspects transgender identity, framing the tragedy as trans terrorism. President Donald Trump ordered flags across the nation to be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims, and added in a Truth social post: Please join me in praying for everyone involved! By this point, thoughts and prayers has become a meme. Like The Onions No Way to Prevent This, Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens headline, its a well-worn chestnut, to be dusted off and deployed in case of any horrific tragedy: In case of a school shooting, break glass. While there was once a time when it would have been unconscionable to criticize this, then there was a time where only very online liberals would do so, now there have been enough school shootings that major Democratic media figures and politicians have pushed back on it. Prayer is not freaking enough, MSNBC host and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki wrote on X. She added, Enough with the thoughts and prayers. These children were literally praying as they got shot, California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said at a press conference. These kids were literally praying. Vice President J.D. Vancewho is a Catholic convert and visited Annunciation on Wednesday, with his wife Ushapushed back on this. Of all the weird left wing culture wars in the last few years, this is by far the most bizarre, Vance posted on X. How dare you pray for innocent people in the midst of tragedy?! What are you even talking about? He later appeared on Fox News to continue to defend prayer in response to the gun violence that prayers have regularly failed to prevent. When I see far-left politicians say, How dare you offer thoughts and prayers? You need action. I dont care about your prayers. I care about what you are going to do to prevent this from happening. Why does it have to be one or the other? he said. It reminds me of the time he called school shootings the reality we live in at a campaign rally in Phoenix, Arizona, nearly one year ago to the day. Id like to confess something: Im still a Catholic. More specifically, Im what more hard-line, traditional Catholics (aka the annoying ones) call a cafeteria Catholic, one who picks and chooses which teachings of the church to believe while pretty much ignoring the rest. Call me a CINO: Catholic in name only. I eschew the churchs stance on things like abortion, gay marriage, gender equality, premarital sex, birth control, and masturbation. I bear false witness. I havent remembered to keep holy the Lords day in years. And, if you ask them, I do not honor my mother and father enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Im still a Catholicand the lessons imparted to me in the church and schools are still with me to this day. I learned how to add and subtract in the basement of St. Boniface. I got into my first fight in the line to Wednesday Mass at St. Josephs. I fell in love for the first time at Blessed Sacrament. And I learned that I wanted to be a writer at Bishop Heelan Catholic High School. I made my best friends and learned my biggest lessons before and after crossing myself walking into Wednesday Mass. It was where I became aware of how potent prayer could be. When I was in high school, a doctor discovered a precancerous tumor on my dads pancreas. The growth caused his blood sugar to crash dangerously low at random timesoften while he drove his car. I remember going to Wednesday school Mass for an entire year where the only thing I ever prayed about was for the tumor to disappear. For him to feel better. For me to get my dad back. Eventually, he went to a hospital in Iowa City to get it removed and, thankfully, it hasnt been an issue since. While I know the work of a team of doctors and nurses helped my father, a small, childish part of me holds on to the idea that it was a miraclethat my prayers had been answered. Try as I might over the yearsand, trust me, I really did tryI could never quit it. To this day, when Im anxious or nervous, Ill pray. I always say three Hail Marys and one Lords Prayer because Father Kevin told me to after my first confession. I still believe the Pope is the infallible voice of God the almighty Father, and believe that when the priest consecrates the bread and wine, it transubstantiates and becomes the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, amen. I believe in miracles, like when 10-year-old Weston Halsne survived last Wednesdays shooting, only for doctors to discover later that a bullet fragment had lodged near his carotid arterya hairs breadth away from killing him. Or like when God heard me cry out on the carpet of my childhood bedroom and in the pews of the Cathedral of the Epiphany for him to please heal my dad and please, please, please, dont take him, dont let him die. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont like cynicism when it comes to prayer. I dont like the way conservatives use it as an insincere, empty response to the uniquely and unquestionably American issue of gun violencehollowing out something sacred into a mask to be worn to avoid the blood and grief and dead schoolchildren in front of them. I dont like how I know that despite the fact that the parents of the victims of the Annunciation shooting are begging him to do something about gun safety, Vance is going to go back to Washington and do the opposite. I dont like that the liberal response is nothing but performative outrage. They attack the hypocrisy of thoughts and prayers, using their offense as mealymouthed, ineffectual cover, without (Sen. Chris Murphy, President Joe Biden, and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act aside) doing a single goddamn thing to change it themselves. They act as if the very act of prayer were the problem itself, as if grieving parents and scared kids have to defend their faith before burying their sons, their daughters, their friends. In the end, they leave us the same thing as the right: no safer schools, no fewer funerals, and no reason to believe next week will be any different. More than anything, though, I hate that everyone makes me feel like an asshole when I pray, like I have to choose: faith or outrage, grief or change, silence or rage. I want space to pray and grieve, without my prayer and grief being drafted into someone elses culture war. Prayer without action is just shouting into the void. Static on a busy frequency. But the inverse is just also hollow. Action without prayer is motion without meaninga body moving with no soul guiding it. What is the point of doing anythinganythingwithout soul, or purpose, or hope? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Church is a lot of things. For me, its a space to hopea place to imagine a better future. You go to church to pray for good health, for more money, for a happy family. You pray for the Bears to beat the Packers, for your lottery ticket to hit, for the lump that showed up in your dads X-ray to be nothing after all. You pray for your kids to be safe. But God doesnt answer all prayers. And so church is also a space to grieve, as it was for the families of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. As it will be for so many of us. I havent been back to Mass on my own volition in years. But, this Sunday, Im going to wake up, brush my teeth, put on some nice clothes, and walk a few blocks to the Catholic church in my neighborhood. When I get there, Im going to dip my fingers in holy water and cross myself before making my way halfway up the aisle to sit down in a hard pew. I might let my mind wandercount the stained glass windows, or imagine whod get hit if a light fixture fell. But first, Im going to kneel down and pray. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. WEBER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) One of the victims of the Weber County shooting has passed away, and two other victims are still recovering, according to the latest updated provided by the Weber County Sheriffs office. At around 1 a.m. on Aug. 31, Weber authorities received a 911 call of a man that had been shot in the area of 9300 W 900 S. Upon arrival, Weber County Sheriffs Office stated that deputies discovered that three people had been shot: 22 year old Jesus Cuadras Garcia, another adult male who suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder, and a 5-year-old girl who sustained gunshot injuries to her leg and hip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 4. The Weber County Sheriffs Office stated that after investigations, with the help of Weber/Morgan Homicide Task Force and detectives from the Ogden Police Department, detectives have arrested 18-year-old Michael Gaisbaur Jr. of Perry City. He was booked into the Weber County Correctional Facility on the following charges: Aggravated Murder (1st Degree Felony) Eight Counts of Felony Discharge of a Firearm (3rd Degree Felony) Obstruction of Justice (1st Degree Felony) The Weber County Sheriffs Office reported that 19 year old Mckinzi Sundquist of South Ogden was arrested and booked into the Weber County Correctional Facility on one count of Obstruction of Justice (1st Degree Felony). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Weber County Area Dispatch at 801-395-8221 and reference case number 25WC30717. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Ontario County residents are warned to avoid Flint Creek amid an investigation into reports of dead fish. The DEC announced Wednesday that they are investigating environmental impacts following the warehouse fire in Gorham. The investigation started due to reports of hundreds of small dead fish in the creek. Residents are urged to avoid all contact with the creek downstream of Dewey Avenue in Gorham to the Canandaigua Outlet. This includes fishing, boating, and swimming. There is no indication of impacts on public drinking water supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The advisory is in effect until further notice. The DEC says they will monitor water quality and aquatic life in the creek. Anyone who notices anything unusual with fire or wildlife may call the DEC at (800)-457-7362. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (FOX40.COM) While SPF protects you from the sun, Operation SPF13 is the Sacramento County Sheriffs Offices latest effort to protect children from online predators. Over the course of the three-day sting, 90 personnel from 21 federal, state, and local agencies arrested 13 men across Sacramento, Placer, and Humboldt counties. Undercover detectives from the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit posed as children 13 and younger across multiple online platforms. The sheriffs office shared a list of the names of the suspects arrested and a brief description of their alleged crimes: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rocky Dykes, 36, of Rancho Cordova : Sent nude images to a decoy under 14, pushed to meet for sex, tried to flee on a bicycle and crashed: found with 100+ grams of meth packaged for sale. Joseph Bailey, 44, of Rancho Cordova : Explicitly described sex acts with a 13-year-old and came to a hotel. Allan Cazun-Giron, 44, of Sacramento : Messaged a decoy under 13, arrived at a hotel intending sex. Amad Asim, 30, of Modesto : Booked a hotel room to sexually exploit a 13-year-old. Roland Ed Bain, 40, of Sacramento : Arranged sex with a 13-year-old and was arrested at a hotel. Santos Rodolfo Pinedaamaya, 42, of Sacramento : Solicited anal sex from a 13-year-old; arrived with sexual paraphernalia. Justin Leonard, 37, of Rancho Cordova : Registered sex offender who arrived with sex toys to meet a 13-year-old; claimed he came for pizza and a shower. Robert Flores, 52, of Stockton : Chatted for hours, acknowledging the childs age, brought alcohol, and arrived to meet. Malcolm Tate, 31, of Oakdale : Offered cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol to a 13-year-old; arrived late at night with alcohol, marijuana and condoms. Justin Mixon, 28, of Ukiah: Solicited nude images and attempted to meet a 13-year-old. Cameron Hoppas, 39, of Oakland: Continued chats after the operation and traveled over two hours to meet a child. Hans Fink, 59, of Oakland : Drove to a park to meet someone he believed was a 13-year-old for sex. Ramon Paz, 39, of Olivehurst: Planned to meet a 13-year-old and brought his infant; the infant was placed in protective custody. The Sacramento County District Attorneys cyber team helped secure the necessary search warrants. DA Officials said several men face additional felony charges including: Sending harmful matter to a minor Arranging a meeting with a minor Attempted lewd acts with a child under 14 Attempted production of child pornography Child endangerment Contacting a minor with intent to commit a sex offense Our DA office has about 100 active cases at any one time involving either operations like this or people uploading or downloading child sexual abuse material, said Chris Ore, Sacramento County Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney. If someone transmits that material, internet providers and social media sites are required by law to report it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some suspects traveled up to three hours to meet who they believed were children. We are going on messaging apps, messaging platforms, dating applications, a sheriffs official said. If your kids have Minecraft, Roblox, or other programs with chat features, even young children can be contacted by individuals online, and it can be dangerous, Ore added. Among those arrested was 39-year-old Ramon Paz, who reportedly brought his infant to meet a minor for sex. Being involved in so many investigations, thats the first time Ive ever seen anything like that, added Eric Steindorf, Assistant Commander of the Sacramento Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 14-month-old girl has since been placed in protective custody, according to the sheriffs office. Law enforcement officials said the arrests serve as a reminder for parents to monitor their childrens online activity. Sometimes you have to be a parent, and not always their best friend, Steindorf said. As a parent, you can check social media apps and see who your children are communicating with. Sheriffs officials said none of the suspects worked with children. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Having the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee clear Mike Waltz in a bipartisan vote to become U.S. ambassador to the United Nations was an important hurdle. But time is short the full Senate must act quickly to confirm him before the U.N. General Assembly convenes on Sept. 10. The U.N. has a lot on its plate in Ukraine, Iran, Gaza and elsewhere. Not having the ambassadorship filled at this crucial juncture undermines Americas ability to address these problems effectively. The Senate is famous for moving slowly, but theres no excuse in this case. Waltz was nominated back on May 1. He ably handled his confirmation hearing and received the backing of the ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). There is little doubt that he has the votes for confirmation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a dangerous world, with many of the 193 U.N. members antagonistic to U.S. policy, we need an ambassador who has deep experience, a firm hand, a talent for blunt talk, and the full support of the president, who has praised Waltz as a public servant who has worked hard to put our nations interests first. Waltz may be the best-prepared U.N. ambassadors in history, combining military, foreign policy, political and communications experience. As a Green Beret, he served in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa. He is now a retired colonel who was awarded four Bronze Stars, including two for valor. Waltz served the secretary of Defense and the vice president in key advisory roles, was elected to Congress for three terms and sat on all national security committees: Intelligence, Foreign Affairs and Armed Services, plus the House China Task Force. More recently, he was White House national security advisor. He also has media expertise, as a commentator who has appeared on nearly every network. I also am fortunate enough to call him a friend, believing Special Forces combat veterans and VMI graduates are relatively few in number but can make significant contributions to the pursuit of peace through strength. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Waltz at the helm, said Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), who introduced the nominee at the committee hearing, the U.N. will have what I regard as its last chance to demonstrate its actual value to the United States. Instead of progressive political virtue signaling, the Security Council has the chance to prove its value, settling disputes and brokering deals. Right now, that value is in question. In one recent example, President Trump clearly made the world safer with the bold decision to bomb Irans facilities for making nuclear weapons, but U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, condemned the American effort as a dangerous escalation. The anti-American, pro-woke bias of the U.N. has been on full display in recent years, prompting the president to pull the U.S. out of the U.N. Human Rights Council and the World Health Organization and, on July 22, from UNESCO, the cultural organization. He also stopped funding the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, whose staff members have been accused of working for Hamas. The United States helped found the United Nations after World War II to prevent future global conflicts and promote international peace and security, Trump said in an executive order in February. But some of the U.N.s agencies and bodies have drifted from this mission and instead act contrary to the interests of the United States while attacking our allies and propagating anti-Semitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president initiated a full review of U.S. involvement with the U.N., criticizing the organization for being more eager to take ideological stances and back our adversaries than to tackle difficult global issues. This is a situation ripe for Mike Waltz, with his unique set of qualifications as a warrior diplomat, the title of his 2014 book. He was blunt in his opening statement during the confirmation hearing, As a former Congressman, I bring the perspective of representing hardworking Americans welders, nurses, teachers, small business owners. If we were in a town hall, could we answer their questions on whether their dollars are well spent? And should we be in the UN at all? His answer is that the U.N. needs reform, but there is no denying its potential. We should have one place in the world where everyone can talk China, Russia, Europe, the developing world can resolve conflicts. But we must return to the U.N. Charters first principles of preventing and resolving disputes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has been successfully tackling the chaotic world he inherited, negotiating truces around the world, but challenges remain. Russias war against Ukraine continues, and Communist China is an ominous threat to the peace of the world with its designs on Taiwan. Important peacekeeping missions such as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon are up for reauthorization. We need someone with Waltzs combination of military and political experience to help ensure that any missions the U.S. finances can fulfill their objectives. The full Senate should approve Waltz as soon as possible to implement the presidents agenda and try one last time to bring the U.N. to its senses and the world to peace. Robert Greenway is the director of The Heritage Foundations Allison Center for National 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. Fresh off its summer recess, Congress faces its biggest test in decades. Unlike big legislative fights of the past, this one could pass by without a notice. But the next few months will determine whether lawmakers will defend their constitutional powers or surrender them to an increasingly imperial president, perhaps for good. The stakes are no longer theoretical. President Donald Trumps second term has already demonstrated how fragile checks and balances become when one branch refuses to stand up for itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has made clear that he does not intend to share power. In the first few months of his second term, he has rewritten the rules to give himself the power to fire federal workers he deems insufficiently loyal. Hes taken the power of the purse from Congress to decide which agencies and programs he wants to fund. Hes invoked emergency powers to take over the Washington, D.C., police and send armed National Guard troops to roam its streets. Congress could have pushed back against these measures, holding hearings, writing laws or even just warning the president they might not support his other agenda items. But so far, they have wilted, conceding their power and even defending his right to bully them. This is not a new problem. Members of Congress love to hold hearings, issue subpoenas and launch investigations. But when the executive branch refuses to comply, they too often shrug or even look confused. Contempt citations languish at the Justice Department, which wont prosecute its own superiors. Court battles drag on for years, long enough to drain their urgency and neuter accountability. The Supreme Courts 2020 Trump v. Mazars decision only slowed things further, erecting hurdles for subpoenaing presidential records. Delay has become the White Houses most reliable shield. Congress has also surrendered its core powers over emergencies and war. When presidents declare national emergencies, they can redirect funds and expand their authority. In theory, Congress can vote to terminate such emergencies; but in practice, a single presidential veto keeps the emergency alive indefinitely. Thats how Trumps 2019 border wall maneuver survived, despite bipartisan votes against it. The same dynamic applies to war powers. A bipartisan measure limiting hostilities against Iran passed in 2020, only to be vetoed. Congress folded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Trumps first term, the House passed the Protecting Our Democracy Act, designed to accelerate subpoena enforcement, rein in emergency powers, and codify long-overdue guardrails. The Senate let it die. A new version sits idle today. Without reform, Congress remains structurally weak and easily bypassed. It has become irrelevant. The danger is clear. A politicized civil service, federalized police and an executive branch staffed with loyalists will not be content to sit idle. Something else is coming, and it will be worse. Congress doesnt need new powers. It needs to use the ones it has. It can legislate fast-track procedures for subpoena disputes. It can revive inherent contempt by levying fines without waiting on the Department of Justice. It can reform emergency statutes so declarations expire unless Congress votes to extend them. It can attach conditions to spending bills to block funds for Schedule F or unauthorized deployments. It can reclaim war powers by cutting off funds after 30 days of unauthorized hostilities and sunsetting outdated authorizations. And it can require publication of Justice Department legal opinions that secretly expand executive power, while strengthening its own watchdogs like the U.S. Government Accountability Office and inspectors general. Will this Congress act? Almost certainly not. Republican leaders see reform as disloyalty to Trump. But what is required now is institutional loyalty the recalibration of power between the branches that puts Congress back on equal footing with the presidency, even when the president belongs to ones own party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Framers gave Congress formidable weapons: spending, war powers, investigative powers. What they couldnt give was courage. That must come from lawmakers themselves. As the 119th Congress reconvenes, the choice is stark. It can continue to play junior partner while presidential power grows unchecked. Or it can rediscover its role as a coequal branch of government, capable of saying not just we object but we decide. The hour is late. The tools exist. Whats missing is the will. For more thought-provoking insights from Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders-Townsend, watch The Weeknight every Monday-Friday at 7 p.m. ET on MSNBC. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Two weeks ago, President Trump made the unprecedented decision to deploy the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and suggested he may do so in other cities. While the intention to address crime is understandable, this approach risks doing more harm than goodespecially when crime is, in fact, declining in many places. If the goal is to support cities in reducing crime and keeping communities safe, a more effective strategy would be to strengthen whats already working at the local level, rather than overriding it. National Guard deployment should be reserved for genuine emergencies, not moments when local efforts are actually showing real results. Take Washington, D.C. for example: violent crime has dropped significantly, with 2024 marking the lowest levels in three decades and further improvements in 2025. As of August, violent crime is down roughly 25 percent from the same time last year. This isnt a fluke it reflects disciplined, data-driven work by local leaders and law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Bowsers approach focused policing, targeted prosecutions, youth programs, and community-based solutions has contributed to meaningful progress. And D.C. is not an outlier. Cities across the country, in coordination with law enforcement, are making similar strides: removing violent offenders and illegal weapons from the streets, investing in prevention, intervention, training, rehabilitation, and proving that public safety and community trust can go hand in hand. That said, we know data isnt everything. Carjackings, robberies, and gun violence still affect far too many families. No mayor is satisfied until every neighborhood is safe, and we are clear-eyed about the continued effort required. This progress has been hard-won and its fragile. Local leaders need strong partnerships with state and federal governments. If Washington wants to help, there are better ways than boots on the ground. Federal support for proven local strategies whether through resources, coordination, or policy alignment can strengthen our communities without undermining trust or local leadership. Here is how: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Choke off the gun pipeline with stronger tracing, faster ballistic analysis, and crackdowns on traffickers supplying the bulk of crime guns. This means requiring every crime gun to be traced within 48 hours, fully staffing ATFs crime labs so matches come back in days not months and aggressively prosecuting the small network of interstate traffickers who funnel weapons into our neighborhoods. Fund what works, including recruitment for community-focused police, youth programs, and jobs for young people most vulnerable. Cities need sustained resources to hire officers who walk beats, mediators and interrupters who defuse conflict before it turns violent, and employers willing to give vulnerable teens a paycheck and a path forward. They also need funding for social workers to assist with mental health issues, along with funding to invest in new technology as it relates to public safety. Support not supplant local leadership by fully funding federal strike forces against gun trafficking and violent groups. These strike forces, when led in coordination with local prosecutors and police, can dismantle the organized crews driving a disproportionate share of shootings. Washingtons role should be to bring in added resources, intelligence, and prosecutorial firepower, without sidelining the people closest to the problem and committed to the solution. Ban ghost guns and Glock switches, which are fueling deadly violence. Ghost guns have surged on our streets because they can be assembled without serial numbers, frustrating investigators and shielding gun traffickers and dangerous individuals from accountability because these weapons are largely untraceable. Similarly, Glock switches are increasingly recovered at crime scenes, which amplify the firepower of a handgun to turn it into essentially a much more deadly machine gun. If Washington can pass a national ban on these weapons and devices, it would help level the playing field for police and make our communities safer. Additionally, we should reinstate Byrne Justice Assistance Grants, which help departments cover essentials like officer overtime. We should bring back Community Oriented Policing Services to support hiring trained officers who are focused on building trust and visibility in neighborhoods. And we should renew support for Project Safe Neighborhoods, a successful initiative that helps police and prosecutors coordinate in going after the small number of repeat offenders who commit the majority of violent crimes. These are common-sense investments in public safety and they get results. What doesnt work is sending in the National Guard when there is no emergency on the ground. Guardsmen and women serve an important role, but they are not trained for the day-to-day demands of community policing. Deploying troops into cities undercuts local law enforcement and can damage the very trust we rely on to reduce crime long-term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cities across the country are proving that results come from focus, coordination, financial resources, and community investment not political theater. The federal government has a role to play, but that role should be supportive, not heavy-handed. Real progress happens when Washington partners with local leaders, not when it sidelines them. Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson II, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, and Birmingham, Ala. Mayor Randall L. Woodfin are all members of the African American Mayors 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 The Hill. The country is at an inflection point when it comes to President Donald Trump using the military as his domestic bully squad. A court just ruled the presidents use of the military for domestic law enforcement in Los Angeles is illegal, and Chicago is bracing for the next promised influx of military and immigration agents policing the homeland. In the coming weeks and months, governors, mayors and most important judges will make decisions related to the presidents deployment of the military to Democratic-run cities, for the ostensible purpose of conducting crimefighting operations. Their choices will affect whether America continues as a liberal democracy or backslides into a wealthier, nuclear-armed version of Hungary. Though Trump boasted of his authoritarian ambitions long before even his first run for president, it wasnt until his second administration that he fully embraced using government for what a number of critics have alleged to be extortion, utter lawlessness, destruction for its own sake and the might-makes-right ethos of fascism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And why shouldnt Trump feel emboldened? In a case involving his attempted self-coup, the Supreme Court granted presidents sweeping immunity for any official acts. He has almost completely purged the Republican Party of anything but sycophants and ambitious toadies. And he was re-elected despite facing prosecution over his fraudulent attempt to overturn the 2020 election and his conviction on felony charges related to his 2016 campaign. Now, over eight months into this term, we live in an America fully changed from the one we inhabited on Jan. 19. Back then, the idea that armed, masked, unidentifiable men would be violently apprehending people on the streets including American citizens and legal immigrants and sending them without due process to far-flung places (which sometimes include foreign torture prisons) would have been unthinkable. Indeed, its the kind of tyrannical government operation that Second Amendment absolutists have long cited as their reason that guns shouldnt be regulated in any way. But here we are. Those things started happening with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, there was outrage, there were court cases and there still are but Americans grow more used to it by the day. And Trump escalated. In June, the president sent thousands of Marines and National Guard troops to Los Angeles to assist with law enforcement. On Thursday, a federal judge ruled this was illegal, finding that the administration violated the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which bars the military from executing domestic laws. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said the 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, Trump saw his chance to implement a federal takeover of D.C.s police force. The emergency that he claimed required unprecedented intervention was a supposed crime wave. And the Reichstag fire incident Trump used as a pretext to seize power was an assault on Edward Coristine, the onetime staffer for Elon Musks DOGE known as Big Balls, in an attempted carjacking in Washington allegedly by two unarmed 15-year-olds. This has led to absurd images of bored National Guardsmen loitering outside Union Station and camouflaged troops wearing bright highway safety vests while they pick up garbage in low-crime areas of the district. It is worth acknowledging that the presence of the U.S. military in D.C. has led to a sharp drop in violent crime as one should expect it would. That doesnt make the deployment an effective crimefighting tool or compliant with the Constitution. The presence of uniformed personnel trained for combat, not law enforcement, has a chilling effect on both the law-abiding and the criminally inclined. But the dynamics that facilitate crime gangs, guns, drugs and poverty, among them wont be stamped out by a performative display of authority. Regardless, this is power that the federal government isnt supposed to be able to wield in peacetime hence the fake emergencies. A recent AP-NORC poll showed most Americans think crime is a major problem, providing Trump with the rare issue for which his approval ratings are still above water. But the same poll, and several others, showed a deep dislike of Trumps federal takeover tactics. Now, on the day a judge ruled his California takeover was illegal, Trump insists were going in to Chicago. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is, correctly, taking Trump at his word. In a news conference Tuesday, the governor said he believed Trump is timing the planned federal infiltration of Chicago to coincide with Mexican Independence Day festivities next weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It breaks my heart to report that we have been told ICE will try to disrupt community picnics and peaceful parades. Lets be clear the terror and cruelty is the point, not the safety of anybody living here, Pritzker said. He added, I refuse to pretend that any of this is normal. ... I refuse to fall into the pundit trap that demands we sacrifice vital constitutional rights if its being done in the fake guise of fighting crime. Pritzker is right: We shouldnt pretend or accept that this is normal. And we shouldnt blithely give up our constitutional rights even in the case of an actual national emergency (does anyone remember the Patriot Act?), much less a fabricated crisis. But Trumps overreach is exhausting the public a tactic familiar to authoritarians throughout history. And, as evidenced by the brutal mass deportations taking place every day, Americans are showing they can get used to the unthinkable disturbingly quickly. I want to believe the idea of America buttressed by the individual rights and limits on government power enshrined in the Constitution is strong enough to endure a few more years of abuse at the hands of the short-fingered vulgarian. But America re-elected Trump, so Im a bit discouraged. This is what Ben Franklin was talking about when he said, A republic, if you can keep it. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Late Tuesday night, President Trump appeared to have had enough. While acknowledging Chinas Victory Day the countrys 80th marking the end of World War II in the Indo-Pacific he pointedly accused Beijing, Moscow and North Korea of conspiring against the U.S. In so doing, Trump quickly connected the dots that Elbridge Colby, his Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, has failed to or refuses to connect at the Pentagon. China, Russia, and North Korea are actively colluding to globally weaken U.S. interests. Inexplicably, Colby also cannot comprehend that Ukraine is and always has been the Ground Zero of their war against the U.S. and its transatlantic allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Providentially, Ukraine has long had Trumps back. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his generals always understood that the fight in eastern and southern Ukraine was bigger than national survival or territorial integrity. They get it that defeating Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Donbas is Europes best defense and, by extension, Washingtons own best defense in the Western hemisphere and Taiwan. Despite occasional clashes, Trump and Zelensky are made of similar mettle. Both embody the same spirit of Trumps immediate reaction to his attempted assassination when he defiantly stood up and roared, Fight! Fight! Fight! Zelensky, likewise, when faced with a similar flight or fight moment in the opening days of the war, chose to stay and fight. He refused former President Joe Bidens offer to evacuate him and, as reported by Jim LaPorta, made it clear in a Winston Churchill-like moment that he needed ammunition, not a ride. Ukraine has never lost sight that Kyivs initial survival in February 2022 was due in part to Trumps decisions in 2017 and 2018 to equip the Armed Forces of Ukraine with Javelin anti-tank missiles and military training. The latter was likely decisive. As then-Defense Secretary James N. Mattis noted, Were working with [Ukraine] on reform of their military and to make sure that they stay independent and sovereign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was in stark contrast to the Obama administration in the aftermath of Putins annexation of Crimea. Despite broad bipartisan passage in 2014 of the $350 million Ukraine Freedom Support Act, President Barack Obama refused to authorize the U.S. government sale or financing of lethal weapons to Ukraine. The primary intent of the act was to deter the government of the Russian Federation from further destabilizing and invading Ukraine and other independent countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Yet, instead of zooming in on Moscows kinetic threats, Team Obama veered off course. Instead of confronting Putin, Obamas White House obsessed more about lecturing Kyiv about its historic battle with corruption. Indeed, during then-Vice President Joe Bidens December 2015 speech to Ukraines parliament, although he paid lip service to not allowing Russia to redraw borders by force, he chiefly took the position that rooting out corruption and holding free and fair elections were Kyivs best defense against Moscow. Trump, in direct contrast, was willing during his first administration to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons. His White House, as opposed to Obamas, pushed the envelope with Putin by delivering Javelins for storage in Western Ukraine and, in the process, earned a sharp rebuke from Moscow, with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov accusing the U.S. of fomenting a war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Domestic U.S. politics culminating in the first impeachment of Trump muddied the waters, but Zelensky has remained steadfastly consistent that he believes Trump did nothing wrong. As he said at the time, There was no blackmail. Perhaps the fiercest way in which Zelensky has had Trumps back is making it clear Putins war in Ukraine is part of a global assault against the West. As Zelensky warned last April, If we do not stand firm, [Putin] will advance further. Putins ultimate goal is to revive the Russian empire and reclaim territories currently under NATO protection. Standing strong has come at a steep price for Kyiv. As of August, it has suffered 13,883 civilian deaths and another 35,548 injuries. Over 3,000 of these victims have been Ukrainian children. But Zelensky is right. As he warned, if Putin and his Axis of Evil allies are allowed to win militarily in Ukraine, There wont be a safe place for [anyone]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines military casualties have been even greater. Last December, Zelensky stated that 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed and another 370,000 wounded. U.S. officials believe those numbers to be significantly higher. Yet Ukraine fights on. The countrys ongoing sacrifices have bought Team Trump and Brussels critical time to see the full scale of the vast and fast-coalescing threat facing NATO and their allies. During Labor Day weekend the optics of that threat crystalized. Witnessing Chinese President Xi Jinping walking side-by-side with Putin and North Korean President Kim Jong-un at the massive Victory Day military parade made it clear that the growing kinetic threat against the collective West is global in nature. Putin, Xi and Kim, in their own way, are also messaging Fight, Fight, Fight! Their Cold War-like message was intentionally aimed directly at Team Trump and by extension against Ukraine and Taiwan as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, to his great credit, finally appears to be seeing through Putin. As we urged last month, it is time for Trump to tell Putin, Nyet. Ukraine has held the line now for 3 years and 7 months against the Axis of Evil. It has withstood hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers, countless Iranian drones and North Korean artillery shells, and 30,000, if not more, North Korean troops. And now, increasingly, it is facing a broad introduction of Chinese military technology on the battlefields. It is now time for Trump to have Ukraines back when he speaks today with Zelensky and with other European leaders. Trump can achieve that by introducing game changers to increase Putins cost calculus. Impose the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 that 84 Senators have already co-sponsored. Establish a no-fly zone. Make it clear that, unless Russia immediately withdraws from all of Ukraine, Team Trump will support Ukraines accession to NATO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we have long argued, the world is at war. Ukraine has had our six so far with the Axis of Evil. Going forward, we as a country must have its back as well. Mark Toth writes on national security and foreign policy. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Sweet served 30 years as a military intelligence officer and led the U.S. European Command Intelligence Engagement Division from 2012 to 2014. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 United Kingdoms Conservative Party suffered its worst defeat in almost 200 years in its July 4, 2024, elections. Two of the key issues in that race were the cost of living and immigration levels that were too high. The current Labour Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, says the government in which she serves inherited a broken immigration and asylum system that the previous government left in chaos. In a speech on Nov. 28, the new prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said that nearly a million immigrants came to Britain in the year ending on June 2023 four times the migration levels compared with 2019. This wasnt just bad luck or taking your eye off the ball. It was deliberate. The previous administration had liberalized British immigration policies and turned Britain into a one-nation experiment in open borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, Starmer published a white paper, Restoring Control over the Immigration System, that outlined his administrations immigration plan going forward. In addition to measures to reduce immigration to the UK, it provides that if people want to come to Britain to start a new life, they must contribute, learn our language and integrate. It also provides that if employers want to bring workers from overseas, then they must also invest in the skills of workers already in Britain. Some of the measures in that plan would be useful here in the U.S., too. Our previous administration also had an open borders policy of sorts. Several measures from the UK plan would weaken the job magnet that attracts illegal immigration to the U.S. For example, their plan limits unnecessary foreign employees. This encourages employers to hire UK workers if they are available and provide them with training if it is needed. The UK should not be dependent on foreign workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This also applies to American employers, who should be able to hire foreign workers when they cant find U.S. citizens to fill their vacancies. But American jobs should be filled by American workers to the extent that it is feasible. Making jobs in the U.S. widely available to foreign workers makes it easier for unauthorized immigrants to find work here, which in turn encourages illegal immigration. Another smart UK policy pertains to resettlement. Assistance with resettlement for newly arrived immigrants with lawful status has focused primarily on refugees and aliens who are granted asylum. The government should provide resettlement assistance across the entire immigration system, not just for refugees and asylees. Among other things, this means helping them learn English. The U.S. should make assistance in learning the English language available to newly arrived immigrants with lawful status here, too. Among other benefits, it would make them available to fill job vacancies that require the ability to speak English. And filling more jobs with American workers and immigrants who have lawful status would make fewer jobs available to aliens who come here illegally. Another example: The UK plan supports the Employment Rights Bill, which, among other things, would establish a Fair Work Agency to co-ordinate stronger action against employers who are exploiting foreign workers or flouting employment laws. Such an agency could coordinate the efforts of government agencies in the U.S. that enforce our employment laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the U.S., ICE enforces compliance with a provision in the Immigration and Nationality Act that makes it unlawful for employers to knowingly employ an alien who is not authorized to work in the U.S. And the Department of Labors Wage and Hour Division fines employers for violations of overtime and minimum wage requirements in the Fair Labor Standards Act. These agencies should be working together. Employers are less likely to hire unauthorized foreign workers if they know they might be fined for hiring them or for paying them less than American workers would expect. Another idea the U.S. could learn from is the UKs eVisas, which provide immigration officers with access to a digital record of foreign visitors identity and immigration status. These eVisas make it possible to determine such things as whether an individual alien is inside or outside the UK at any given time and whether they have overstayed their visa. A modified version of the UKs eVisa would provide ICE with additional information for its data mining operations, and with proper software and portable biometric devices, ICE officers would be able to identify aliens in the field who have been issued eVisas and determine whether or not they should be arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These measures in the UK are expected to reduce net migration to about 240,000 from 2028 moving forward, but the Conservatives party leader, Kemi Badenoch, says that doesnt go far enough. The UK may have to resort to more draconian measures, such as the ones proposed by former Labor Home Secretary Lord David Blunkett. He thinks it may be necessary to suspend elements of the European Convention on Human Rights and the UN Refugee Convention. The United States may have to do that too. Our immigration courts 3,446,855 case backlog makes it impossible to get a hearing for asylum seekers or to put deportable aliens in removal proceedings unless they are put ahead of the three-and-a-half million aliens who are in line for a hearing already. Nolan Rappaport was detailed to the House Judiciary Committee as an Executive Branch Immigration Law Expert for three years. He subsequently served as an immigration counsel for the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims for four years. Prior to working on the Judiciary Committee, he wrote decisions for the Board of Immigration Appeals for 20 years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. If President Donald Trump follows through on threats to send the National Guard to Chicago, his decision will not only stress-test the deep American antipathy to military rule. It will also generate a cascade of legal challenges with few precedents. Trump may float New Orleans as his next target, but a deployment of the guard to Chicago over the objections of a Democratic governor raises two broad categories of legal question: Is the deployment legal, and are actions taken during a deployment criminal or unconstitutional? The first question, already a subject of litigation over Trumps Los Angeles troop deployment, is mired in legal complexities, but it boils down to whether the courts will blink when confronted with blatant lies about the deployments rationale. The second question is easy to overlook, but vital in practice, because it illuminates the immediate stakes of expansive Guard deployment in the homeland. Lets go in reverse order, so those stakes are clear up front. Imagine the president lawfully takes control of a state National Guard, which is known as federalizing it, and which has occurred occasionally throughout American history. Such a move, importantly, doesnt automatically tap any new substantive authority to conduct arrests, make searches or control peoples movement. In theory, if federalized troops conduct illegal arrests or searches, or if they stifle political speech, they violate the Constitution and can be held to account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in practice, matters are different. For one thing, the Trump administration would be unlikely to prosecute the very troops it activated under the criminal provisions of the civil rights laws. Meanwhile, the risk of unconstitutional violence ticks up when local police are displaced. Chicago police, for example, negotiated a consent decree in 2021 setting out rules for First-Amendment-protected protests. Both cops and civil society have clear guardrails, which are well-used and familiar to locals after four years of use. But those rules are not binding on the National Guard. Whats more, those troops many molded by combat experience overseas have no training for domestic engagements. Without rules, without experience, the risk that a misunderstanding sparks a conflagration is grave. Worse, the Rehnquist and Roberts Courts have chipped away at the mechanisms to redress such harms. Damages, injunctions, habeas corpus writs or orders to exclude evidence all these technically exist, but in practice are beyond most peoples reach. This reality makes domestic deployment of the military a particular threat to constitutional rights, and in particular to the First Amendment activities of organizing, protesting and even speaking. Imagine federal forces policing protests of election fraud, or regulating which candidates can hold rallies in the runup to the midterms, and it becomes clear why whats at stake is not just individuals civil rights: It is the integrity of the democratic process. All this makes the first question more pressing: If there are few after-the-fact controls on unconstitutional federal violence, then surely the legal frameworks determining when troops can be deployed in the homeland should be carefully calibrated with a clear threshold and sharply etched boundaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alas, the statutes that regulate domestic uses of the military are tangled, vaguely and carelessly framed and riddled with incoherences. The legal theory underlying the deployment of troops in Washington, D.C., was different from the one used for L.A. and there is no certainty the same theory will be re-upped for Chicago. Much of this ambiguity bubbles out of an 1878 statute called the Posse Comitatus Act. Ironically, it was first adopted to limit the federal governments military enforcement of the Fourteenth Amendment, thus enabling the birth of Jim Crow. At least in theory, the law prohibits the president from unilaterally using troops to engage in policing or law enforcementand so has become a bulwark for American citizens freedom from military subjugation. Yet the Posse Comitatus Acts riddled with gaps. For example, the 1878 measure only applies to the National Guard when they are fully federalized, rather than in state active duty status. Hence, the D.C. National Guard which is commanded by the president can, and in recent weeks has been, mobilized in its state form without triggering the law. Indeed, a recent executive order envisages creation of a more permanent specialized unit perhaps capable of deployment beyond the Beltway. Moreover, the Act bars troops from executing the law, but doesnt define that term. So when the National Guard are called upon to surround a federal building during a protest, is that executing the law or is it merely acting in a protective manner? The law doesnt say, but its easy to see how the second function could swallow the first, especially if read by a pro-presidential Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worse, the 1878 Act allows for deployments when there is an exception in another statute and there are at least 26 other statutes that act as such escape hatches. Some are barely relevant today, but there remains a smorgasbord of statutory options for a federal lawyer looking for ways to use the military. From the perspective of blue-state mayors and governors, this creates abiding uncertainty about not just whether, but also where and how, federal troops will be deployed. What authority would Trump use for a potential Chicago deployment? One possibility is that he involves one of the five so-called Insurrection Acts passed between 1792 and 1871. One of the most sweeping of these allows the president to use the military when he sees obstructions that make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States. Taken literally, this seems like an open invitation to cast aside civilian law enforcement whenever the president thinks it convenient. Unless the courts were willing to check aggressively the meaning of words like obstructions and impracticable, this is an exception that could easily overtake the rule. Yet Trump to date has not invoked that provision. Perhaps his lawyers recognize that it poses hard questions about vast delegations of untrammeled authority of a sort that have caught the Roberts Courts attention elsewhere. Instead, in the L.A. deployment, it leaned on a different, two-step theory. First, the government used a slightly narrower provision, which allows the president to federalize the National Guard when he is unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States. This provision, moreover, requires that orders to the Guard be issued through the governors, language added in 1908 to the statute seemingly to ensure that this power could not be used over a states consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Trump uses this narrower provision again, a threshold question will be whether the president is in fact unable to enforce federal law. In the L.A. case, a panel of appellate federal judges found there was enough evidence of violent disruption to ICE enforcement actions to trigger deployment authority. That factual conclusion is, at a minimum, highly debatable, even under its highly president-friendly reading of the statute. And in cities such as Chicago, with no riots or massive protests against ICE enforcement, there is simply no pattern of obstructed federal functionalities which the government could cite. It would rather have to make the bald, fact-free assertion, that the president felt unable to act. But even assuming that the Guard is lawfully federalized, this does not mean that the military can be used for law enforcement. The provision allowing the National Guard to be federalized has never been understood as an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act and so whatever the Guard then does cannot be law enforcement. It was on this basis that Judge Charles Breyer ruled this week that Trump had violated the Posse Comitatus Act by using troops in L.A. to do security patrols, crowd control and traffic enforcement. If a further deployment happens, however, the executive will likely claim federalization is lawful, and no law enforcement is occurring in violation of Posse Commitatus. Given whats happened so far, both claims are likely be dubious. So the question will be become whether judges charged with enforcing the law all the way up to the Supreme Court would be willing to stomach what is likely to be an out-and-out lie to avoid a confrontation with the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here, the historical record is hardly comforting. At least twice before in cases concerning Trump, the Supreme Court has managed to simply ignore evidence of unlawful discriminatory motive or outright criminality on dubious theoretical grounds. Theres little reason now to expect the justices to act like actual judges by standing up to presidential lies, as opposed to serving as rubber stamps. Given a bench subservient to a politically aligned president, its hard to see how a new National Guard deployment ends well. Not only the people of Chicago, but the strength of American democracy, are likely to face real harm. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Dallas man was arrested in Newport last week during a traffic stop where police said they discovered a modified handgun designed to work like a machine gun. Late on Aug. 27, Newport police said they saw a driver commit a traffic violation and pulled him over. The driver, identified as Michael Andrew Knight, 35, had a warrant out for his arrest, and more officers were called to the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wrong-way driving accidents surge 300% in Washington. Heres what theyre doing about it While attempting to take Knight into custody, police said he tried to flee the vehicle, and although he was stopped, he then tried to lunge for the passenger seat, reaching under the dashboard. While still resisting arrest, police said Knight managed to restart his car and begin driving forward, with one officer still attempting to subdue him. The officer was eventually able to stop the car, and other officers disabled the tires so he couldnt flee anymore, officials said. Knight continued resisting until eventually he was tased by an officer and with the help of the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office, he was taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the struggle, one officer had noticed an empty handgun holster on the passenger seat, and a warrant was requested to search the vehicle. According to police, when they received permission, an officer found a 9mm handgun that had been modified with an extended magazine and parts that allowed it to be used as a machine gun. Inside the car, police also said they found five grams of cocaine, evidence of cocaine manufacturing, two more loaded extended magazines, more ammo, a ski mask, a wig and a large crowbar. Knight was booked on numerous crimes including attempting to elude, third-degree attempted escape, resisting arrest, recklessly endangering another person, second-degree attempted kidnapping, felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a concealed firearm, unlawful possession of a machine gun, possession of a controlled substance, manufacturing controlled substance, probation violation and for his arrest warrant from the Dallas Municipal Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident is still under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Newport Police Department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, who just returned from the Middle East, is calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages. Merkley was joined by Senator Chris Van Holland (D-Maryland). The two lawmakers visited the West Bank, Jordan, and Egypt. They werent allowed into Gaza, but they did go to the border, where they say the humanitarian crisis is worsening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are pressing the Israelis to allow more food and medicine into the region, as Israeli bombs have reduced many communities in Gaza to rubble. Food deprivation, destruction of homes, really are part of a larger vision pushed by some right-wing members of the Israeli cabinet, Merkley said. And those members want to see essentially to drive most Palestinians out of Gaza. Merkley was a dissenting vote to send more offensive weapons to Israel, although he is in favor of continuing defensive military aid, such as the Iron Dome. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Wildfire season has cost the state of Oregon $97 million in 2025, according to the Department of Forestry. State data shows that Oregon has already seen more fires than average, but less destruction. ODF says that is largely due to the fast action from ground crews as well as rainier storms that help extinguish flames caused by lightning. ICE agents spotted in Corvallis making arrest Wednesday morning, police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But local firefighters say we are just halfway through this wildfire season. Fire season, much like the Christmas season in our stores, is extending out, Rick Graves with Portland Fire and Rescue said. Currently, the Emigrant Fire burning in Lane County exploded to more than 23,000 acres. The region and the Cascades are still under red flag warnings. Near Sisters, evacuees are returning home over the weekend as the Flat Fire reached more than 65% containment. And while most wildfires have sparked in eastern and southern Oregon, local crews say they are monitoring higher and drier than normal conditions ready to respond if needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just this week, PF&R knocked out a fast-moving 2.5-acre fire along the Springwater Trail. It has not been a tremendously active season as of yet, but things happen, Graves said. And like I said, right next door, were getting fires, and we could be shuttling people as I, as you and I communicate right now. 3 Oregonians win $50K prizes during recent Powerball drawing, as jackpot grows to $1.4B Data from ODF shows that so far this year, the state saw an increase in the number of human, and lightning-caused fires compared to the 10-year average, but those fires burned far fewer acres. They also reported that 95% of the 875 fires started this year were kept under 10,000 acres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were still going to be in the thick of things, Im sure, with some of the forecasts Im seeing over the next couple weeks, Michael Curran with ODF 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 KOIN.com. (This story has been updated with new information) Powerball players in Oregon could win up to $1.7 billion, the third largest jackpot in game history. Oregon made headlines in 2024 when a couple and their friend won $1.3 billion. A Beaverton man in January won $328.5 million. The Powerball jackpot has been growing since the last win and reset on June 1. On Sept. 3, the last drawing, no ticket matched all six numbers. The current streak is the longest in game history without a win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next drawing will be held at 8 p.m. Sept. 6. The largest Powerball jackpot of $2.04 billion was won in 2022 by California player. About a third of sales are returned to the state, totaling about $16.5 billion since the Oregon Lottery began selling Powerball tickets in 1985. Retailers also earn a commission for selling a winning ticket. Isabel Funk covers breaking news and public safety for the Statesman Journal. Funk can be reached at ifunk@statesmanjournal.com or on X at @isabeldfunk This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregonians could win $1.7 billion Powerball jackpot Organizers of El Grito Chicago, a two-day Mexican Independence Day festival scheduled to take place downtown Chicago next weekend, have announced that the event will be postponed as the city braces for increased immigration enforcement from the federal government. In the message posted to social media Thursday, organizers said that the choice to postpone the Sept. 13-14 festival was made to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community. Holding El Grito Chicago at this time puts the safety of our community at stake and thats a risk we are unwilling to take, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reached by phone, German Gonzalez, the lead organizer of the event, told the Tribune that organizers did not want their attendees to become targets. We are postponing because theres no due process (when arrests take place), theres racial profiling and (holding the event) is too much of a risk and at the end of the day the administration is looking to provoke and we thought this was too much of a risk, Gonzalez said. Gov. JB Pritzker said he expects immigration enforcement to begin in Chicago by the end of the week and suburban officials have been told to expect about 300 immigration agents to be sent to the area as part of increased operations. During a news conference Tuesday, Pritzker suggested that Stephen Miller, Trumps deputy chief of staff, strategically planned to conduct militarized arrests in Chicago because the city is known for its Mexican Independence Day celebrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker added that he is deeply concerned ICE will target Mexican Independence Day events, set to start this weekend with the parade in Pilsen on Saturday. On Thursday, parade organizer Vicky Lugo said the upcoming celebration will go on despite deportation fears. Lugo said she hadnt heard that the El Grito festival was postponed before being reached by a Tribune reporter, but called it a shame. We are confident that nothing is going to escalate, nothings going to happen, said Lugo, secretary of the United Merchants of Pilsen Chamber of Commerce. Were not changing plans anytime soon. The 24th annual parade, which about 3,000 spectators are expected to attend, has a few extra precautions in place, Lugo said. Volunteers placed along the parade route who will communicate if they see immigration agents and will hand out know your rights cards, she said. She previously said the Chicago Police Department will help ensure safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not because were downplaying the situation, she said. But it would be highly irresponsible of ICE or the National Guard or just anyone to make some kind of action specifically because there are kids, theres families out there. And if they were to create chaos, it would put many peoples lives in danger. Reyna Torres Mendivil, the consul general of Mexico in Chicago, said representatives from the consulate were scheduled this month to attend at least 17 celebrations in Illinois and Indiana, including El Grito. On Thursday evening, the team was reviewing how many events had been canceled or postponed, Torres Mendivil said. We respect the decision they make. Some events may still take place in enclosed places, but there are others that take place in public spaces, Torres Mendivil said. We will attend all of the events that are still set to take place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The consulate will focus on commemorating Mexican Independence Day with a social media campaign that showcases the contribution of the immigrant community on social media, she said. Nothing of what may happen negates the pride of being Mexican and of celebrating our heritage, with our family, with dignity and respect, Torres Mendivil added. El Grito Chicago was launched last year as a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, and also as alternative to help regulate the car caravans that had taken over the streets in recent years from revelers the days leading up to Mexican Independence Day. The Cry of Independence, or El Grito, as it is translated, is the traditional ceremony paying homage to the traditional call to arms on the eve of Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16, 1810, and the fight for independence from Spain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers vowed to return stronger and more united, thanking the vendors, artists, sponsors, and community groups who have supported the festival. El Grito Chicago is more than a festival, organizers said. It is a living tradition, and we will return. For Orland Park residents who delivered public comments at Tuesdays Village Board meeting, to see trustees vote in support of a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war felt healing and as if they were finally being heard. Under the previous administration, our voices were dismissed, but we organized, we stood together and in record numbers, we turned out to vote, said Yousef Zegar, a lifelong resident of Orland Park. We welcome this administrations willingness to act. Zegar presented a petition with 800 signatures more than a year ago to the board led by former Mayor Keith Pekau, calling for a ceasefire resolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As audience members stood, clapped and chanted their support, Pekau banged a gavel to regain order and eventually asked the police chief to clear the room before stating he refused to get involved in United States foreign policy. Mayor Jim Dodge said Tuesday that for him, the ceasefire resolution that passed 5-1 was a way to support the community that includes one of the largest Palestinian and Arab-American populations in Cook County. You can see the grief, you can feel the pain, you hear the stories, and it opens you up to different perspectives, Dodge said. So thats what this is, primarily. Trustees Michael Milani and William Healy both questioned the need for a ceasefire resolution in Orland Park, with Healy ultimately voting no on the legislation. Milani ultimately joined Dodge, Dina Lawrence, Joanna Leafblad and John Lawler in voting in favor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milani and Healy previously ran on Pekaus slate of candidates, along with Trustee Cynthia Nelson Katsenes, who was absent from Tuesdays meeting. When we were elected, this thing about making decisions about national topics, it was not on the job description, Healy said. Im not prepared. Im not a good person on these international things I dont know what Im talking about. Healy said he sympathizes with those harmed on both sides of the war, and while he decided to vote against the resolution pledged to donate equal amounts to Israeli and Palestinian support organizations. Milani similarly expressed compassion for lives lost while stating that the Village Board should focus on local issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its time for us to promote peace and understanding here in our community, where we can truly make a difference, Milani said. Lets foster a culture of unity among our residents here in Orland Park rather than pursuing this resolution, where in my opinion we will not be able to have any impact or control on the state or federal level. Pekau did not respond to requests to comment on the resolution. The resolution urges the U.S. government and international authorities to support a just and lasting peace that ensures safety, freedom and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis, including an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the region. The board also called for the release of all hostages and safe delivery of humanitarian aid to all affected civilians in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copies of the resolution were directed to be sent to President Donald Trump as well as Illinois two U.S. senators and U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, who represents Orland Park. Grocery tax The board also voted to join neighboring suburbs in creating a 1% municipal grocery tax to begin when a statewide tax expires on Jan. 1. Similar action was taken by neighboring communities including Tinley Park, Homewood and Homer Glen. Milani and Healy voted against the measure while Dodge, Lawrence, Lawler and Leafblad voted in favor. Orland Park Finance Director Chris Frankenfield said the villages options were to continue the tax, cut expenses or find efficiencies, which were already always doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orland Park generates up to $4.5 million annually from the grocery tax, which is important given its efforts to maintain essential services, meet growing infrastructure and operational costs, pay off debt and plan for long-term fiscal sustainability, village documents show. Healy asked about cuts the village could make to avoid continuing the tax and Milani brought up recent expenses approved by the board that could be cut to make up for lost funding from the grocery tax repeal. So lets ask ourselves, is this really necessary? Milani posed. Is this fair to the taxpayers to implement just because youve decided to go on a spending spree since May? Healy said he had not seen the whole picture in a budget showing how this all fits together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So until Im convinced that we have spending under control, and that were good stewards, that this new administration is good stewards of the money, Im waiting for that to show through, he said. Leafblad and Lawrence said depending on future budgets, the village could decide to lower or eliminate the tax. We dont have to depend on the state, Leafblad said. ostevens@chicagotribune.com CHICOPEE Chicopee Concrete Service is facing a $57,925 fine from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration after the death of a worker on the job for the concrete supplier. On Jan. 24, the Chicopee Concrete Service worker from Westfield fell into a sand silo and died at the site where the company mixes dry ingredients on Cleveland Street in Greenfield. He was later identified as Matthew Nedorostek, 65. He worked for Chicopee Concrete for more than three decades, according to his obituary. The OSHA investigation, closed in July, found that the worker was trying to fix a clogged hopper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The employee attempted to clear the blockage by using a long rebar pole, the investigation said. He fell into the hopper during this process and was fatally injured from asphyxiation after he was engulfed by aggregate. Co-workers called for help after Nedorostek stopped responding to radio calls, the Northwestern District Attorneys Office said earlier this year. Numerous first responders went to the scene, and hours later, his body was recovered. The OSHA investigation found a number of serious violations, including lack of training and exposing employees to fall hazards. OSHA also found the company didnt inspect scaffolding stairs to the facilitys roof, and that there were no signs about the suffocation hazard of working in or near 24-foot-tall bins. On or about January 24, 2025, and at times prior, employees were exposed to fall hazards of approximately 24 feet above a lower level when performing work activities on a walking surface with a guardrail system installed, but no mid-rail or equivalent member installed between the walking surface and the top rail, the report says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicopee Concrete Services has contested the violations and fines, OSHA records show. When reached Thursday, a company spokesperson declined to comment. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) The highly controversial plans for a new turnpike on the metros south side are moving forward. The OTA now says we will see the new route they have come up with on September 23rd. For the hundreds who potentially live in the path, they say this will do nothing to stop their fight to keep their homes. The OTA says they are doing everything they can to accommodate those who will be affected by the south extension between Norman and Lake Thunderbird. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents say they are still upset that the State Supreme Court allowed the OTA to continue with the project. They plan to present a new case to them again, to try and stop construction from happening. Our number one thing all along, as we have said, was to reduce the number of homes that may be impacted by this, Terry Angier with the OTA said. We are hopeful that with this new route announcement now, we can take action and let people who were not involved in the first lawsuit; we can go back to the State Supreme Court and let them fix the mistake they made, Amy Cerato, President of Pikeoff, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The back and forth over a planned toll road reignited on Wednesday. Oklahoma family joins federal lawsuit against popular gaming site for sextortion The OTA now says it will release the new alignment for the south extension toward the end of the month. They had to scrap their original plan because the US Bureau of Land Management said they could not build so close to Lake Thunderbird. In August, the OTA told us the new toll road would be built further west, closer to I-35. This is an area that we had previously looked at, along with several other options, Angier said. So, its not a total surprise, but its a lot more detailed information that will come along with this alignment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents of the project say this entire process has been extremely stressful for those whose homes are possibly in the path. Its causing PTSD, its causing suicidal thoughts, its causing a lot of stress and trauma to the people of East Norman, Cerato said. The OTA told News 4 on Wednesday that they will give fair offers to property owners. Eminent domain has always been a process we do not seek to use; we avoid it, Angier said. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain by talking to us first and then deciding what they want to do because we are ready to work with them. Its buying with a gun to the homeowners head, Cerato said. The people dont want to leave. They dont want to move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents plan to take their fight back to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. In 2023, justices sided with the OTA in a lawsuit, allowing Turnpike expansion plans to move forward. We think that this majority opinion of the State Supreme Court was not intellectually honest, Cerato said. If you read that location authorization, it clearly states that it is where the Bailey Spur and Route 9 are. You cant go from an East-West authorization to a North-South authorization. And the fact that six of the nine State Supreme Courts dont understand cartography is a real problem. So, we want to bring this back and have this problem fixed before they even lay the road. ODMHSAS pulling funding from select service providers to stay on budget after financial shortfall Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the new route will not be released until September 23rd, the OTA says it does not know exactly how many homes or businesses may be in the new path. The announcement will be livestreamed to allow those impacted in Cleveland and McClain counties to hear the information directly from OTA at the same time. You can tune in to their livestream on their Facebook page or YouTube channel. The OTA will offer three Homeowner Open Houses on Sept. 24, Sept. 27 and Sept. 29 for those with property along the new alignment. The location of the meetings will be announced in a few 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Donetsk Oblast Military Administration has stated that 216,000 civilians, including 15,830 children, are still living in the Ukrainian-controlled part of Donetsk Oblast. Source: Donetsk Oblast Military Administration Details: Around 17,000 civilians, including 34 children, live in 18 hromadas designated as active combat zones. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past week, 1,830 residents of Donetsk Oblast, including 309 children, either left the region independently or were evacuated. There are still 1,885 children in seven settlements across four hromadas where the mandatory evacuation of families with children is ongoing. A total of 194 children were evacuated from these same hromadas during the past week. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Overtourism is partly to blame for the fatal derailment of the historic Gloria funicular railway that killed 16 and injured 21 in Lisbon, the president of a residents association said. A carriage on the popular railway route, which carries about three million people every year up and down a steep hillside in the centre of the Portuguese capital, derailed and careened down the street on Wednesday evening, before crashing into a hotel. Foreigners are confirmed to be among the dead, although the number has not been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A broken cable was reported to be behind the accident, resulting in the derailment. The other carriage fell about two metres, causing only light injuries. Fabiana Pavel, president of the Bairro Alto Residents Association, told the BBC that the tragic crash could be due to excessive tourism. The use of it in recent years is certainly inappropriate. It was used too much and the population lost the ability to use it as public transport, because it became a tourist attraction. Footage in the aftermath showed emergency workers pulling people from the wreckage of the tram-like carriage, after it crashed into a building shortly after 6pm. Credit: X/@mundo__vivo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses said they heard a loud noise before one of the carriages began to hurtle down the steep slope, apparently out of control. Pictures showed it lying on its side with its sides and top partially crumpled, and it appeared to have crashed where the hill it travels down bends. It was initially reported that 15 people had been killed, but the death toll rose to 16 on Thursday after two of the injured died in hospital. A child is among the 21 people injured. Andre Marques, the funiculars brakeman who was in control when it derailed, was the first victim to be named. The area remained cordoned off on Thursday morning as police investigations got underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Named the Elevador da Gloria, the two yellow-and-white railway cars so strongly associated with the capital date back to 1885. It is even designated a national monument. Eliane Chaves, a Brazilian who has lived in Lisbon for 20 years, said she walked past the funicular every day. National mourning has been declared. It is truly sad, she said. People say that it was negligence, but it was not negligence. They supervise it thoroughly. It was an accident, just like a plane or car accident can happen. Manuel Leal, leader of the Fectrans union, told a local TV station that workers on the Gloria railway had complained about problems with the funiculars haulage cable tension that made braking difficult, but it was too early to say if that was the cause of the crash. 0409 Lisbon tram crash The municipal public transport company Carris said in a statement that all maintenance protocols have been carried out, including monthly and weekly maintenance programmes and daily inspections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the cable breakage has raised doubts over the maintenance of the funicular. It has emerged that the outsourced maintenance contract ended at the end of August, just days before the accident. The city council has suspended the operation of the Bica, Lavra and Graca funiculars while technical inspections are carried out. The Gloria lines two cars, each capable of carrying around 40 people, are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable with traction provided by electric motors on the cars that counterbalance each other. As the cable apparently snapped, the car that was coming down the 265-metre slope lost its brakes and derailed on a turn, crashing into the hotel corner building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car at the bottom of the line jolted back a couple of metres and was apparently undamaged, but video from bystanders showed several passengers jumping out of its windows. In total, 38 people were involved in the accident. Of the injured, 12 were women and seven were men of at least 10 different nationalities: Four were Portuguese, two Spanish, one Korean, one Cape Verdean, one Canadian, one Italian, one French, one Swiss and one Moroccan. The Gloria funicular usually travels from Restauradores, a square in the middle of Lisbon, up to the Bairro Alto neighbourhood - AFP via Getty There were also four injured people whose nationalities have not yet been identified. Forensic examinations to identify all the victims are planned to be completed by Thursday at midday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lisbon has seen a boom in arrivals since it introduced its Digital Nomad Visa in 2022, allowing non-EU citizens to work remotely for companies outside of Portugal. This migration wave has been followed by an anti-digital nomad sentiment, as a widened wealth gap has pushed locals out of the rental market. Lisbon now tops Europes housing unaffordability rankings. Between 2014 and 2024, house prices in the city spiked by 176 per cent, and by more than 200 per cent in its central historic districts. 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. SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KRON) An overturned tanker truck on Highway 17 between Los Gatos and Scotts Valley in the Santa Cruz Mountains Thursday prompted a hazmat response. The tanker truck crash unfolded on southbound Highway 17 near Sugarloaf Road just before 7 a.m. on Thursday. Firefighters said the truck was hauling 8,600 gallons of fuel. Both southbound lanes were closed as multiple agencies responded before reopening around 4:30 a.m. on Friday. One of the two northbound lanes was being used for southbound traffic, while the other was for northbound traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos shared by CHP show a gasoline tanker trailer on its side in the roadway, while the truck and a second tanker are down a steep embankment. Highway 17s guardrail was crushed by the impact. (CHP) (CHP) A video shot by a witness showed good Samaritans getting out of their cars and helping the truck driver climb up a steep slope of the mountain. The video also shows fuel gushing from the wrecked truck and spilling onto Highway 17 Thursday morning. According to the CHP incident log, the truck driver suffered head injuries. The Santa Clara County Fire Department dispatched its Hazmat 72 team to assist the Scotts Valley Fire Department, along with Engine 72, Truck 85, Urban Search & Rescue 85, Rescue 83, Battalion 83, and an incident support officer. (Photo by Santa Clara County Fire Department) Officials with the Santa Clara County Fire Department wrote, Scotts Valley Fires response was quick and successful in slowing 90% or more of the leak, saving thousands of gallons from spilling. Gasoline spills out of a tanker truck onto Highway 17 on Sept. 4, 2025. (CHP Photo) (Photo by Santa Clara County Fire Department) According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlifes Spill Prevention and Response officials, no waterways were impacted and no visibly oiled wildlife was observed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) 7 Brew Coffee in Owensboro celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting Tuesday. To kick off the celebrations, 7 Brew hosted a donation weekend from August 29-31, during which customers could try a limited 7 Brew menu and pay what they want as a donation to the Owensboro Humane Society. 7 Brew also donated more than $7,000 to the society. 23rd annual UE Chili Bowl sale returns October 2 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were thrilled to open 7 Brew in Owensboro and share our signature kindness, speed and quality with the community, said Rem Eiler, director of development for 7 Brew Owensboro. As part of our mission to cultivate kindness wherever we go, its especially meaningful to support the Owensboro Humane Society and help care for the local animals searching for their forever home. Were very grateful to have some of their pups and team on-site today to celebrate. The Owensboro Humane Society operates on the belief that all of mankind has a responsibility to respect the creatures on this earth. To that end, we strive to improve the life, health and habitat for rejected, abused and neglected animals in our Owensboro-Daviess County area, said Carmel McLeod, president of Owensboro Humane Society. We are very grateful to 7 Brews charitable donation for these animals by contributing to continue this mission for all of Daviess County, Kentucky and surrounding areas. Officials state the businesss next step is to host Friends and Family the weekend of September 5, featuring the entire 7 Brew menu. On September 5 from 7 10 a.m. and 3 6 p.m., September 6 from 9 a.m. 12 p.m. and 2 5 p.m., and September 7 from 10 a.m. 2 p.m., all customers who stop in will receive a free small drink. Following Friends and Family, the business will host Community Hours Monday, September 8 through Friday, September 12, from 7 8 a.m., 12 1 p.m. and 5 6 p.m., where all customers who stop in will receive a free small drink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). On the evening of September 4, 2025, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with General Secretary of the Workers Party of Korea (WPK) and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un, who is in China for 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. Xi Jinping noted that China and the DPRK are good neighbors, good friends and good comrades who have shared weal and woe and helped each other in time of need. The friendship between China and the DPRK has a long history. Both countries are socialist countries led by communist parties, having common ideals, convictions and aspirations. General Secretary Kim Jong Uns attendance at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War demonstrates the DPRKs firm commitment to safeguarding the fruits of the victory of World War II, and provides an important opportunity for further advancing friendship and cooperation between the two Parties and two countries. Xi Jinping extended congratulations on the 80th anniversary of the founding of the WPK, and stressed that China is going all out to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and pursue national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization, while the DPRK has kept making new progress in developing socialism. The CPC and the Chinese government attach great importance to the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK, and stand ready to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK relations. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, this position will stay unchanged. China will continue to support the DPRK in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and opening new grounds in advancing the DPRK's socialist cause. China will work with the DPRK to step up high-level exchanges and strategic communication, strengthen exchanges of experience in governance of Party and state affairs, deepen mutual understanding and friendship, promote closer interactions at all levels, and advance practical cooperation across the board. Xi Jinping underscored that facing unprecedented global challenges, he has put forward the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, which have been actively supported and echoed by the DPRK. China and the DPRK should strengthen strategic coordination and uphold common interests in international and regional affairs. On the Korean Peninsula issue, China has maintained an objective and just position, and will continue to step up coordination with the DPRK and make utmost efforts to preserve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Kim Jong Un noted that the grand commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War has attracted the worlds attention. It demonstrates Chinas firm commitment to upholding world peace, and underscores Chinas significant international stature and influence. The older generation of DPRK and Chinese leaders forged a profound friendship in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, and the two sides are duty-bound to carry the legacy into future generations. No matter how the international situation may change, the friendly sentiment between the DPRK and China will not change. To further deepen and grow its relationship with China is a firm conviction of the DPRK. The DPRK will continue to firmly support Chinas position on Taiwan, Xizang, Xinjiang and other issues concerning Chinas core interests, and support China in upholding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The DPRK thanks China for its long-standing, unwavering support to the DPRKs socialist cause and for the valuable assistance and help provided in this regard. Kim Jong Un noted that under the strong leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the guidance of the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China has made great development achievements. The DPRK is ready to work with China to strengthen exchanges at various levels between the two Parties and two countries, and conduct experience sharing in such areas as Party building and economic development, to support the DPRK in its Party building and national development efforts. The DPRK will deepen mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation with China and work for more fruitful outcomes. The DPRK commends China for its just position on the Korean Peninsula issue, and stands ready to step up coordination with China at the U.N. and other multilateral platforms to uphold the common and fundamental interests of the two sides. Later in the evening, Xi Jinping had a small-group tea chat with and hosted dinner for Kim Jong Un. Cai Qi and Wang Yi were present at these events. Police in Argentina have recovered an 18th-century painting that was looted by the Nazis in the Second World War, after its mysterious appearance in a real estate advertisement. Portrait of a Lady by Giuseppe Ghislandi, an Italian baroque portraitist, had not been seen publicly for more than 80 years since it was taken from Jacques Goudstikker, a Jewish art collector, in Amsterdam in 1940. The painting, which features the Italian countess Colleoni, resurfaced last month in a photograph in an online listing for a villa for sale in Argentinas coastal town of Mar del Plata but disappeared again after the sighting was reported to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The villa is owned by Patricia Kadgien, one of the daughters of Friedrich Kadgien who was a senior Nazi financier, SS officer and an aide to Adolf Hitler and Hermann Goring. The portrait was seen hanging above a velvet sofa in the living room of a villa for sale in Mar del Plata - Robles Casas & Campos Dutch journalists made the discovery while investigating Kadgiens past in Argentina, where the high-ranking official fled after the collapse of the Third Reich and later died in 1978. News of the sighting thrilled historians and the family of Mr Goudstikker who have sought to recover an estimated 1,100 paintings missing since the forced sale of his extensive art collection to Goring. Mr Goudstikker, who helped Jews fleeing Nazi oppression, died at sea while escaping to Britain in 1940. Police raided Ms Kadgiens home last week to recover the painting, but could not find Portrait of a Lady. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Argentine officials announced on Wednesday that her lawyer had since handed over the missing work. Police raided the villa but the painting was not there Ariel Bassano, an art expert invited to assist with the investigation, said the painting was being stored in a special chamber for safekeeping. Its in good condition given its age, Mr Bassano said, dating the portrait to 1710 and valuing it at roughly 38,000. But historical reasons could also give the piece a value. It also depends on its state of preservation, the collection it belongs to, and the size of the work. The size of a painting ultimately has an impact on the market. Researchers revealed last week that they had seen another of Mr Goudstikkers looted paintings, by Abraham Mignon, a 17th century Dutch still-life painter, on a social media page belonging to Kadgiens other daughter. Friedrich Kadgien acted as Hermann Gorings right-hand man Police confirmed on Wednesday that they had seized multiple paintings and engravings from four properties connected to the Kadgien sisters, and were investigating whether those work were also stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Kadgien and her husband were placed under house arrest ahead of a hearing on Thursday on charges of concealment and obstruction of justice. 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 $50,000 painting stolen 80 years ago by the Nazis was recovered Wednesday in Argentina, about a week after it appeared in a real estate listing from the daughter of a Nazi fugitive. Portrait of a Lady by Italian master Giuseppe Ghislandi was among more than 1,000 works looted from the collection of Dutch-Jewish collector Jacques Goudstikker during World War II. Before late August, its last known owner was notorious genocidaire Hermann Goering. But last week, it appeared in a house listing for a home in Mar Del Plata owned by Patricia Kadgien. Shes the daughter of Goerings financial advisor Friedrich Kadgien, who fled to Argentina after the war and died in 1978. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Dutch newspaper reported on the discovery, and Argentine authorities raided the home. However, when the cops showed up, the painting wasnt there. When investigators couldnt find the artwork, they searched additional homes associated with the Kadgien family and placed Patricia and her husband, Juan Carlos Cortegoso, under house arrest. Lawyers for the Kadgien family handed over Portrait of a Lady on Wednesday morning, Argentine authorities said. Kadgien and Cortegoso were scheduled for a hearing Thursday on charges of concealment and obstruction of justice. It was people from the community, specifically journalists, who prompted the investigation, Argentine prosecutor Daniel Adler said. _____ Majdalani believes that "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fully aware of the seriousness of the UAE's warning, as it could have implications for the positions of other Arab countries." A Palestinian official was interviewed by Al-Ain media in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week praising Abu Dhabis stance against Israeli annexation of the West Bank. The issue of annexation has popped up this week ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York where a number of countries are expected to push for support for a Palestinian State. Meanwhile some Israeli politicians continue to discuss how to apply Israeli sovereignty to the West Bank, which could be seen as a form of annexation. The issue of annexation seems to pop up every few years. Back in 2020 there was also a drive for annexation and the decision by the UAE to enter into the Abraham Accords was supposed to help prevent this outcome. In essence, Israel shelved the plan and the accords went forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was never clear if Israel was ever serious about annexation. Its plausible the issue is raised every few years to create a crisis that can then be resolved. However, countries such as the UAE take it seriously. The messaging this week is that annexation is a red line in relations. The Palestinian Authority is counting on the UAE to help prevent Israel moving forward with legal changes that might change how Israel governs the West Bank. Ahmed Majdalani, a Palestinian politician, university professor and researcher, and senior member of the PLO Executive Committee spoke to Al-Ain media about how Palestinians are welcoming the UAEs tough position. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (C) stands with newly sworn in members of the cabinet (from L) Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, Interior Minister Saed Abu Ali and Labour Minister Ahmed Majdalani during a ceremony in the West Bank city of Ramallah May 19, 2009. (credit: REUTERS/Fadi Arouri) Majdalani stressed that the UAE's warning to Israel constitutes a clear and strong message that carries significant timing, given escalating Israeli measures aimed at imposing sovereignty and annexation on the West Bank, the report said. The Palestinian official praised the UAEs stance and timing. "The UAE's link between normalization and its continuation, on the one hand, and Israeli measures and annexation plans, on the other, carries a fundamental message that we greatly appreciate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is important because after the Abraham Accords some people argued that the Palestinian issue no longer mattered, in terms of Israels strategic outlook. In essence, the theory was now that Israel was focused on integrating into the region, the Palestinians could be ignored. After October 7 the messaging has changed. Israel is involved in a long war in Gaza and Israel focuses primarily on Palestinian issues, to the detriment of other broader strategies and geopolitics. Majdalani believes that "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fully aware of the seriousness of the UAE's warning to his plans, as it could have implications for the positions of other Arab countries." The official also said that the PLO hopes that the Arab League may also affirm its backing of the UAE statements. This unified Arab stance would increase pressure on Israel. Reports indicate that Egypt and Saudi Arabia are also concerned. The Arab position "will undoubtedly exert strong pressure on the American position to curb Netanyahu's ambitions to move further toward unilateral measures in the West Bank, the Palestinian official said, according to the interview with Al-Ain. The PLO official believes Israel is pushing forward with more talk of annexation in light of the upcoming UN meeting. In essence one could see this as similar to the annexation crisis of 2020 when the concept is trotted out, only to be solved after. In essence, Israel could once again trade lack of annexation for some kind of other concession. Preventing international recognition of a Palestinian state "Israel aims to lure the Palestinians into a major clash that will lead to the failure of the international conference, or seek to impose a new demographic and geopolitical reality that will empty international recognition of the State of Palestine of any substance, Majdalani said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clearly, he thinks this is a real agenda that could manifest itself. He seems to think Israel would move forward with annexation to stymie a drive for a Palestinian state. "Achieving recognition of the State of Palestine during the international conference is the major and most important political gain we are working towards, he said. Frances President has called for a conference on the two-state solution, which may be held on September 22. Saudi Arabia appears ready to work with the French. Al-Ain notes that this came after Saudi Arabia and France co-chaired the "International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Issue and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution at the ministerial level at the United Nations headquarters in New York on July 28. Two years after a shooting at a Boynton Beach hotel led to the death of an unborn baby, the man who fired at his 7-months-pregnant girlfriend has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for second-degree murder. Dontae Jermaine Maddox, 37, of Lake Worth Beach, went to the Inn at Boynton Beach on Aug. 3, 2023, and shot his girlfriend multiple times with one of the bullets hitting the fetus, a probable cause affidavit said. The woman, whose name is redacted in court records, survived the shooting. Boynton Beach Police found Maddox in the hotel lobby, and as he was being detained said, I didnt want to kill her; I just gave her what she deserved, the affidavit said. He told officers he waited for his girlfriend to come out of her hotel room to walk her child to a school bus stop and shot her on the fourth floor after confronting her in front of her child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the first shot, the woman ran down a set of stairs with Maddox chasing her. He shot her again near the second floor, the affidavit said. She was shot in her back, shoulder and thigh. While sitting in the patrol vehicle Maddox continued to say she lucky I didnt kill her ass,' the affidavit said. Maddox told officers he and the woman had been arguing in the weeks leading up to that morning, according to the affidavit. Boynton Beach Police were called to the hotel about 12:30 a.m. the same morning of the shooting about Maddox, Palm Beach County court records show. An employee of the hotel called police after one of the guests reported she got into a physical fight with Maddox at some point earlier and he was back to cause an altercation, according to a probable cause affidavit in that case for one count of aggravated battery of a pregnant victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The womans name in that case is redacted in court records, though the affidavit said the woman was 7-months pregnant. She told police Maddox aggressively banged on her door, demanding to be let inside her room. He left the hotel after she said she would call police, the affidavit said. The woman also told police that Maddox punched her and kneed her in the mouth the evening before, according to the affidavit. When officers spoke with her on Aug. 3, she was visibly injured. I attempted to make contact with Maddox which yielded negative results, the affidavit in that case said. Maddox pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Wednesday, his 37th birthday, to charges in three separate cases: The shooting that killed the unborn baby, the battery case from earlier the morning of Aug. 3, 2023, and an aggravated stalking case stemming from calls he made from the jail a few days after his arrest to a woman who had a no contact order against him. That womans name is redacted in the affidavit in that case, but the affidavit shows the order was connected to the two other cases. Maddox previously spent seven years in state prison after he was convicted of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm from October 2007 and robbery with a deadly weapon from September 2007, Florida Department of Corrections records show. He was released in 2017. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Every city in Florida is required to have a city charter. The charter is the citys constitution. It establishes city boundaries, what form of government will operate the city, how its organized, and its powers. Every so often, cities review and revise their charters to stay current. Panama City hasnt reviewed its charter since 1962, but thats changing. The Panama City Charter Review Advisory Board held its second meeting today. They started the process on July 31, introducing the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board members will look to other Florida cities to see how their charters are written and how their governments operate. They will recommend possible charter revisions to Panama City commissioners. Then commissioners will vote to add some or all of the recommendations to the November 2026 ballot for voters to decide. Charter Review Chairman Brandon Burg says he wants the committee to continue to make positive changes in Panama City. We just had a lot of positive momentum with the city in the last few years. Weve overcome a ton of adversity through Hurricane Michael and COVID. And so just seeing the improvements that are going on in the area, this is a great time to do this, Panama City Charter Review Advisory Board Chairman Brandon Burg said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Charter Review Advisory Board will meet monthly until next summer. The next meeting is Oct. 2. The topics for discussion are the city commission and city elections. The plans moving forward will be to stream the meeting live and allow for public comments. Theyre still working out the details. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This week, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a clear message for Ukraine and its European allies: Moscow can keep going, because we have powerful friends. The Russian leader stood shoulder to shoulder at various events in China with the men who have enabled him to wage his war on Ukraine for as long and as ferociously as he has: Chinas leader Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and North Koreas Kim Jong Un. More than three years into what Putin once thought would be a quick takeover of his much smaller and weaker neighbor, Russia would be unable to sustain the fight without Chinese and Indian money, Iranian weapons and, to a lesser extent, manpower from North Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the messaging from both the summit and military parade hosted by China this week went well beyond the war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrive at the Tiananmen Gate for a military parade in Beijing on September 3, 2025. - cnsphoto/Reuters The leaders who gathered in China may not agree on everything. Some of them may not even like each other very much. But they are seeing the opportunity of a lifetime to end Western dominance of the global stage. And Europe fears it could be in the firing line. The events provided a stark visual reminder of why Europe must rethink its security. It has spent recent years trying to isolate Russias leader and starve its economy, while also coming to terms with the fact that the United States may no longer be the ally it can always turn to. Yet there was Putin, standing together with some of the worlds most powerful men, reaffirming their friendships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia is trying to demonstrate that even though it has been isolated from the Western world, it still has partners and allies which are economically strong countries And this isolation doesnt mean that the Russian economy will crumble or that Russia will be unable to sustain its war effort, Natia Seskuria, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), told CNN. The international order that was set after the end of the Cold War is clearly at risk of unraveling. The US has been retreating from the global stage under President Donald Trump and his America First agenda. Meanwhile, Europe is battling its own demons, including a surge in far-right nationalism and economic pressures. Russia, China, India and other countries that did not like the idea of a US-dominated world suddenly saw an opening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The established dominance of the Western alliance in international affairs is receding, and they see the opportunity to start to, in a serious way, re-engineer the international system, John Lough, head of foreign policy at the New Eurasian Strategies Centre think tank, told CNN. This week has laid these ambitions bare for everyone, including Trump, to see. Trump did get the message. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America, he wrote in a message to Xi. Strings attached Despite all the recent hand holding and smiles, Chinas and Indias approach to Russias war in Ukraine is dominated by pragmatism, analysts say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two consistently profess their neutrality on the war while at the same time fueling it by providing financial lifelines to Russia. China and India were more than happy to step in when Ukraines Western allies slapped sanctions on Russian oil, a key moneymaker for Moscow. From left: Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prior to the BRICS Summit plenary session in Russia in 2024. - Maxim Shipenkov/AP They get cheaper energy supplies as a result, but experts say the relationship is not just about the money. While neither China nor India is willing to enter into a direct confrontation with the West, both are happy to see Russia pushing an anti-Western agenda. China is much closer to Russia when it comes to multipolarity and decreasing the Western influence in general. There is an ideological affinity and there is a pure economic interest as well, Seskuria said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lough said Russias push against the US-dominated world order also plays well into the Indian narrative. I think the Indians are not unhappy to see Russia pushing this agenda of fighting the corner of the Global South and ensuring that the system of global governance is adapted to accommodate the rising economies with large populations, he told CNN. Beijing and Delhi are now the worlds two largest buyers of Russian oil and coal, with China also being the second-biggest buyer of Russias gas and oil products. The support goes beyond just oil. According to the US Treasury, both Chinese and Indian companies have been supplying Russia with so-called dual-use technologies, or components that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, such as chips or telecommunication equipment that Russia cannot get elsewhere because of Western sanctions. You only have to look at the number of Chinese components in the Russian drones that are landing in Ukraine to see that China is really a very important supplier, Lough added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Ukraine and its European allies are not willing to dismiss India and China completely, because they are aware that, if anyone can put real pressure on Putin to end the war in the absence of tougher action from Trump it is likely Beijing and, perhaps to a lesser extent, New Delhi. North Korea and Iran, meanwhile, have stood firmly on Russias side. Already sanctioned and isolated by the West over their nuclear programs and other activities, they have little to lose. Iran was particularly helpful to Moscow in the early months of the war, providing it with know-how on lessening the pain of sanctions, Lough said. Crucially, Iran also provided much-needed military hardware, including the one weapon that has significantly altered the way Moscow fights in Ukraine the Shahed drone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two countries even signed a new partnership agreement and launched joint military drills. Russia's President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian during a meeting in Tianjin, China, on Monday. - Alexander Kazakov/AFP/Pool/Getty Images Yet Tehran has learned the hard way that any alliance with Russia has clear limits. Putin did not come to Irans assistance when it came under attack from Israel and, later, the US this summer. And beyond providing a safe way out for former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, formerly a key ally for both Russia and Iran, Putin did not intervene when Assads regime was overthrown in December. For North Korea, isolated and impoverished, the relationship with Russia remains purely transactional, Seskuria said. Russia needs men, and North Korea is possibly the only country that can afford in a political sense to send its own people to fight in a war that has been marked by an enormously high casualty rate on the Russian side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They dont have much to lose, in a sense that there is no public opinion or any resistance that can go against the decision of Kim to send troops to Ukraine, Seskuria said. Pragmatism above everything? The warm welcome Putin received in China, coupled with the military and diplomatic might on display during the summit and the military parade, was designed to convey a message. Here we have this symbol of a group of countries that are not best friends as such, but have common strategic interests and that are able to align and theyre able to show to the US and its allies that they are a force to be reckoned with, Lough said. This is unsettling, to say the least, and some would say disturbing, but you then have to ask how sustainable is this? he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shifts the events in China represented did not happen overnight. Europe might have been caught off guard when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but it has changed since then. unknown content item - We are starting to see now what the Europeans are made of and in terms of defense developments in Europe, we can see some remarkable changes, Lough said. Things that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago such as Germany changing its constitution to boost defense spending or the staunchly neutral Sweden and Finland joining NATO are now happening because of the geopolitical shifts that were on display this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As much as Putins chumminess with Xi and Modi might have sparked some discomfort in many European capitals, the group was brought together by a combination of need, economic pragmatism and opportunity, analysts say. Its a very functional relationship, that is not based on a strong mutual affection. Its an alliance of interests rather than an alliance of countries, Lough said, adding that interests can shift, and a lot of things can happen in the next three and half years of the Trump presidency. We are not at the stage where its kind of suddenly game over, because a bunch of leaders we dont like have got together in China for a big celebration, he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A Colorado jury awarded a woman $12.4 million in damages in a landmark case after she fell from a ski lift at a mountain resort when she was 16. Annie Miller and her family sued Vail Resorts after she fell 30 feet from the Paradise Express lift at the companys Crested Butte Mountain Resort in March 2022. The fall shattered one of her vertebrae, paralyzing her and leaving her unable to walk, The Colorado Sun reports A jury partially sided with Miller on Friday after a lengthy legal battle spanning several years and multiple courtrooms. Miller, now 20, is currently a junior at the University of Tulsa studying music and psychology, The Denver Post reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are trying to hold ski areas accountable to ensure they are following the safety rules and violations they have agreed to follow, in order to protect folks like Annie Miller who come out and want to ski, her attorney, Brian Aleinikoff, told The Denver Post. To me, it is not asking that much of them. The Independent has contacted Aleinikoff for comment. Annie Miller was paralyzed after she fell 30 feet from a Colorado ski lift in 2022 (Getty Images) Vail Resorts disagrees with the jurys decision and believes it was inconsistent with state law, the company said in a statement to The Independent. Still, we recognize the personal toll this accident has taken on Ms. Miller and her family, and we wish her continued strength in her recovery, the company added. We remain committed to the highest safety standards in our operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Miller family first sued Vail Resorts, they argued the companys ski lift operators were negligent because they didnt stop the lift when Miller didnt load in properly, according to The Colorado Sun. Meanwhile, the company argued it was immune to negligence claims and cited a safety waiver the family signed. This argument, until recently, worked for decades, and courts very rarely sided with skiers who sued resorts, The Colorado Sun reports. However, that changed when the Colorado Supreme Court got involved in Millers case. A Broomfield County district judge initially dismissed two of the Millerss claims in 2023, but the family appealed the decision to the Colorado Supreme Court. The states highest court then ruled in 2024 that liability waivers do not protect ski resorts when the companies violate state safety laws or regulations. The decision has since sent ripples through the outdoor recreation industry, according to The Colorado Sun. The case was then turned back to Broomfield County, where a jury heard arguments over nine days last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Millers argued that Vail Resorts staff violated American National Safety Institute chairlift safety standards. Aleinikoff told The Colorado Sun this case may mark the first and only verdict against a ski resort based on a negligence per se claim through those ANSI standards. After a day of deliberation, the jury initially awarded about $21 million to Miller, which included $5.2 million for non-economic damages, $10.5 million for economic losses and $5.2 million for physical impairment, according to The Colorado Sun. However, the jury also said Vail Resorts was not entirely responsible for the incident, which meant the award was reduced to $15.8 million. Colorado law also caps noneconomic damages, which further reduced the award to $12.4 million. Originally appeared on E! Online The Texas floods left devastation and heartache in their wake. And among those most closely affected by the tragedy are the parents of campers at Camp Mystic, where the death toll among the campers and counselors stands at 27. Two months later, the parents of seven of the campers who lost their livesHadley Hanna, Cile Steward, Mary Barrett Stevens, Molly Dewitt, Virginia Hollis, Lila Bonner and Abby Pohlare sharing how theyve navigated their grief amid the hardest of circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Lilas mother Caitlin Bonner told Todays Jenna Bush Hager when, We talk about this being your worst nightmare. This was not a nightmare I had. And for Ciles parents Will Steward and Cici Stewardthe latter of whose 12 summers at Camp Mystic as a camper and a counselor inspired their daughter to gotheir nightmare is unique: Cile is still missing. Every phone call, every text, your heart stops Will said, because you hope its news that theyve found your child. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, they remember their daughter as a natural leader, Will adding, She cared more about other peoples feelings than her own. The grieving parents each spoke to who their child had been. Hadleys parents praised her as spirited and loving; Lilas as the heartbeat of her family; Abby was remembered as someone who loved to make everyone laugh; Mary Barett was her familys first daughter; Virginias parents recalled a girl who couldnt resist playing the piano; Molly as someone who gave all of herself all of the time. Mikala Compton/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images But as they mourn and heal, the parents are also taking steps to ensure this doesnt happen again. Theyve begun advocating for a Texas bill called the Heavens 27 Camp Safety Act, which would implement new safety requirements for youth camps and campgrounds across the state. It became very, very clear that this wasnt an accident, Lilas dad Blake Bonner said. This was complacency and it is 100 percent preventable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mollys father, Ryan DeWitt, added, Whats being laid out in this bill should be the bare minimum for what these camps should be looking to implement. For many of the grieving parents, they see the legislation as a way to honor their childrens legacies. We wouldve been doing a massive disservice to our daughters, Mary Barretts father Johnny Stevens, said, for not running with this and seeing this through. Camp Mystic, for its part, has previously shared a statement supporting legislative measures. Mikala Compton/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images For now, the grieving parents are leaning on each other. I feel like weve all gotten so close, Abbys mother Kristin Pohl said. I guess a bright light in the midst of all the grief and darkness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan added of himself and wife Elizabeth DeWitt, We sometimes say, Man, I hope we never forget about what Molly was like and the Heavens 27 family is a way for us to never, ever let the world forget these girls. For tributes shared after the devastating floods, keep reading. Jenna Bush Hager The Jenna & Friends host shared that her mom, former First Lady Laura Bush, was a drama counselor at Camp Mystic, where at least 27 girls and counselors died, as of July 7, following the devastating flooding on the Guadalupe River. "My mom was a counselor there, but also so many of my friends were raised at this camp," Jenna said on Today, July 7. "Texas camps are institutions, as you just heard, where many family membersgenerationsthis camp was 100 years old. Grandmothers, mothers, kids have all gone there." Jenna, who shared that many of her friends and their kids were there last week, praised the community for coming together amid the tragedy. "The stories that I heard over the last couple days were beautiful and heartbreaking," she said. "Texas has a type of resilience where they're generous people, where people want to reach out and help. "Texas camps are really special because you're thinking about 90-degree weather, no air conditioning," the 43-year-oldwho attended the nearby Camp Longhorn during her childhoodexplained. "My kids are at camp in Texas, and my husband said, 'Why are we sending our kids to Texas, to camp? It's hot!' And it's because of the love that's there." Jennifer Garner The 13 Going on 30 starwho was born in Houstonexpressed her condolences in a July 6 Instagram Stories, writing with a red heart emoji, "Texas, God, be near." Matthew McConaughey and Camila McConaughey The Interstellar actor and his wife called on others to lend a helping hand amid this difficult chapter. At least 70 lives have been lost, many more are unaccounted for, and countless Texans are hurting - inside and out, their joint July 6 Instagram statement read. Its gonna be a long road ahead, but right now the shock, the pain, and the chaos need the steady hand of a neighbor. The University of Texas at Austin professor and the model concluded, Texans are some of the most resilient and generous people on the planet. Hilary Duff The Lizzie McGuire alum shared her grief amid the tragic flooding, writing on Instagram on July 6 that heartbroken doesnt begin to cover her feelings. Consumed, she explained, Obsessed. Praying for even a shred of a miracleto find a child alive in the wake of this boundless disaster. Tears fall every time I imagine one of these families receiving bad news waiting or entire families lost. Just gone. Its too much to comprehend. Beautiful Texas, I love you, she continued. To all the boots on the groundI love you. To those facing tremendous, impossible losswe are looking at their beautiful faces, embossing them in our minds. Hilary, who also attended nearby Camp Longhorn growing up, emphasized how the experience at camp imprints on your soul. I wasand forever will bethat girl with a wild-hearted, fierce love for my barefoot summers at camp in the Texas Hill country, she wrote. It changes your identity. Its a realm of true magic. You could never imagine an ending this tragic. Im just so deeply, absolutely sorry. Your loss is felt across the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shakira The Hips Dont Lie singer shared on X (formerly Twitter) on July 5 that she would be donating a portion of the proceeds from her San Antonio concert to Catholic Charities of San Antonio, which is providing disaster relief to families impacted. Khloe Kardashian The Kardashians star expressed her sympathy to those affected by the flash flood, noting that her heart is so deeply aching for every parent, every family member, and every community. I cant stop thinking about the families in Texas and the overwhelming pain theyre going through right now, she wrote on her Instagram Stories on July 6. As a mother, this kind of tragedy hits in a place words cant reach. The loss of those sweet, innocent children is something I cant fully process. There are just no words for this. Kris Jenner The Kardashian-Jenner matriarch shared that she was struggling to come to terms with the destructive aftermath of the natural disaster. My heart is absolutely shattered by the devastating floods in Texas and the unimaginable loss of those precious children, she wrote on her Instagram Stories. Its a tragedy thats impossible to comprehend and heartbreaking beyond measure. Life is so fragile, and at times unbearably unfair, she continued. To the families living this nightmare, we are holding you in our hearts, praying for strength, and grieving alongside you. Christy Carlson Romano The Even Stevens alum revealed that she and her husband, Brendan Rooney, considered sending their 7-year-old daughter, Isabella, to Camp Mystic. She added in her July 6 Instagram Stories, A lot of people I know send their kids there and a few of them dont know where their kids are or they were just recently reunited with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mandy Moore The This Is Us actress shared a video of the missing girls from Camp Mystic on her Instagram Stories July 6, writing, Thinking of everyone affected by the horrific flooding in Texas..keeping these families in my heart. Unfathomable. Maria Shriver The journalist shared that her prayers are with the families in Texas, emphasizing on Instagram July 6, Right now they need us all to hold them in a circle of love. Lets unite to hold them, pray for them, she said of the Camp Mystic attendees and counselors. As a parent myself, my heart is with absolutely everyone who is feeling this loss. For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Two Pennsylvania parents are now in jail after allegedly leaving their five children trapped in what officials are calling a "dungeon," according to the Fayette County District Attorney's Office. James Russell Kahl, 65, and Carly Kahl, 41, were arrested on Wednesday after allegedly keeping their five children -- ranging from ages 5 to 14 -- in "deplorable living conditions," the district attorney's office said in a press release on Wednesday. Back on Aug. 8 at approximately 1:30 p.m., troopers responded to the couple's home in Redstone Township, Pennsylvania, after Fayette County Children and Youth Services received a complaint about the conditions in the house. WTAE - PHOTO: James Russell Kahl and Carly Kahl are arrested Redstone Township, Pennsylvania, Sept. 3, 2025. Once in the home, officials observed living conditions that included "no beds, boarded up windows, feces covered on the bedroom walls, fleas, limited clothing and no food," the district attorney's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials determined that James Russell Kahl "locked the children's bedroom door from the outside trapping the children inside" throughout part of the day and all night, authorities said. This room "functioned as a dungeon with video cameras hardwired to the father's room," the district attorney's office said. Authorities also found three deadbolt locks on the outside of the door with "no door handle for the children to escape." MORE: Torture charges filed against 3 family members accused of abusing 6 children A removal order was signed by a Common Plea judge and the children were "immediately removed from the home and placed into the care" of Fayette County Children and Youth Services, the district attorney's office said. Officials conducted forensic interviews with the victims over the past few weeks, and all five children "remain in placement," the district attorney's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then almost a month later, on Wednesday, a search warrant was served at the residence, with officials recovering a stun gun, replica pistol, drugs and drug paraphernalia, the district attorney's office said. WTAE - PHOTO: : James Russell Kahl and Carly Kahl are now in jail after allegedly leaving their five children in "deplorable conditions," the officials describe as a "dungeon," according to the Fayette County District Attorney's Office. The parents were then arrested and taken into police custody, the district attorney's office said. They were charged with aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, endangering the welfare of children, conspiracy, the use of an incapacitation device, marijuana use and the use and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to court records. The two were denied bail, according to court records. MORE: Mother, stepfather allegedly kept daughter in a dog crate during years of abuse Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After their preliminary arraignment on Thursday, the couple's next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17, according to court records. The Fayette County District Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment. It is unclear if Carly Kahl has an attorney who can speak on her behalf. The office of James Russell Kahl's attorney did not immediately respond to ABC News' requests for comment. Jake and Rebecca Haro, the parents accused of killing their 7-month-old baby, Emmanuel, went before a judge in Riverside, California, on Thursday where they pleaded not guilty to all charges. The couple is accused of murdering Emmanuel who, according to prosecutors, endured prolonged abuse. He was abused over a period of time, said Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin. Both parents would have been aware of that abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Haros face charges of murder and filing a false police report after Rebecca told authorities her baby was kidnapped after she was assaulted outside a Big 5 Sporting Goods store in Yucaipa on August 14. They held a news conference pleading for Emmanuels safe return. However, authorities found inconsistencies in their story and later determined the kidnapping never occurred. Both were arrested at their home in Cabazon, a small desert community northwest of Palm Springs, on Aug. 22. The childs remains still have not been located. This combo of booking photos provided by the San Bernardino County, Calif., Sheriffs Department, shows Rebecca Haro, left, and Jake Haro, who are charged with murder in the death of their missing 7-month-old son. (San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department via AP) Emmanuel Haro, a missing 7-month-old baby from Yucaipa, is seen in an image provided by the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. Visitors gather around a makeshift memorial prior to a vigil for missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro outside the childs home in Cabazon, Calif. on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (Will Lester/The Orange County Register via AP) At the time of his arrest, Jake Haro was already on probation for a prior child abuse conviction involving his then-10-week-old daughter, Carolina, who suffered horrific injuries including broken bones and brain trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is still alive today, but she is permanently bedridden, Hestrin said. She has permanent damage, cerebral palsy, that is a result of long-term child abuse. Hestrin criticized the visiting judge in the prior case for allowing Jake Haro to be released on probation. He decided that Mr. Haro deserved an extra break and work release, he said. That decision was absolutely outrageous. Both Jake and Rebecca Haro are being held on $1 million bonds and are scheduled to return to court for a conference on Sept. 16. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As the new academic year begins, schools throughout California are grappling with how to carry out a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing parents to withdraw their child from classroom lessons on LGBTQ+ issues and other subjects that conflict with their "sincerely held religious beliefs." Attorneys and educators predict that implementing the high court ruling in Mahmoud v s . Taylor could prompt confusion and litigation as schools figure out the logistics of handling opt-out requests including how religious belief claims can or should be verified and how to continue to teach students who are pulled out of classes during the school day. There is a lot of trepidation about how to handle this issue in a way that is legally compliant and doesnt trigger a backlash from one side of the issue or the other, said Troy Flint, a spokesperson for the California School Boards Assn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California law requires students learn and be provided instructional materials that explain the role and contributions of, among others, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans. The state-approved social science framework notes that teachers should use age-appropriate materials to discuss and teach about the the diversity of humankind. In most districts, leaders are hesitant to address this publicly for fear of attracting more scrutiny and making the issue even more difficult to manage, Flint said. The Supreme Court decision In June, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that parents have a right to temporarily pull their children out of classes that offend their religious beliefs, empowering them to object to books or lessons at school. Parents in Montgomery County, Md., had sued over new LGBTQ+ storybooks that were used in kindergarten and other elementary school classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking for the conservative majority, Justice Samuel A. Alito said: A government burdens the religious exercise of parents when it requires them to submit their children to instruction that poses a very real threat of undermining the religious beliefs and practices that the parents wish to instill. Read more: Parents may pull their children from classes that offend their religion, Supreme Court rules Under the ruling, the parents who sued were entitled to a preliminary injunction that would require schools to notify them in advance when one of the disputed storybooks would be used in their childs class. The court did not grant parents a right to change the lessons and books that were used at school. The courts three liberals dissented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Given the great diversity of religious beliefs in this country, countless interactions that occur every day in public schools might expose children to messages that conflict with a parents religious beliefs," said Justice Sonia Sotomayor. "The result will be chaos for this Nations public schools and will impose impossible administrative burdens. Although the Supreme Court decision was based on parental objections to LGBTQ+ books and lessons, the religious opt-outs could have a broader reach, said Yale Law School professor Justin Driver. It is deeply misguided for people to believe that this case is only about LGBTQ+ and equality, Driver said. "The decision is sweeping," he said, and could affect everything from reading to science, to literature to history." The California Department of Education has offered online guidance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Trump administration orders California to remove gender identity from sex education lessons It says, in part, that state law promotes "a safe, fair, and welcoming learning environment in all schools. It is important to note that Mahmoud does not invalidate or preempt Californias strong protections for LGBTQ+ youth from discrimination, harassment, and bullying. Among the questions educators are addressing: Can or should parents file blanket opt-out requests stating they want their child removed from any instruction about LGBTQ+ topics, and leave school personnel to sort it out? Should schools ask parents to review reading lists and let parents flag those items to which they object? What do teachers do with students whose parents opt them out of a class? Their class time still needs to be used for instruction. Opting out in California As school administrators plan their next steps, conservatives are seizing the moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greg Burt of the California Family Council, a Fresno-based Christian group, said the ruling shows that parents are the ultimate determination of whose values get taught to the child ... Were now in charge of deciding what we think is good and what we think is not good. California groups opposed to LGBTQ+-themed teaching materials are generating letters and emails to school districts for parents to use to demand that school leaders proactively remove children from classes where there might be any mention of gay or transgender people, same-sex marriage and other related topics. Read more: The 9 LGBTQ+ children's books targeted in high court ruling upending education policy A nonprofit Riverside County law firm, Advocates for Faith & Freedom, created one such letter, calling for children to be removed from any teaching involving gender identity, the use of pronouns inconsistent with biological sex, sexual activity or intercourse of any kind, sexual orientation, or any LGBTQ+ topics so parents can raise children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lack of a response from the schools will be considered a denial that will cause parents to proceed accordingly. Some school officials at smaller districts across the state including Manteca Unified in San Joaquin County, Turlock Unified in Stanislaus County and Hope Elementary School District in Santa Barbara County said they have received only a few opt-out notices. Conservative activist Brenda Lebsack, a Santa Ana Unified School District board member, said mass opt-out requests are unlikely to come until school districts notify parents of the new right. In San Francisco, Mawan Omar, the parent of a sixth-grader, said he intends to opt his son out of LGBTQ+ materials because the teaching contradicts his familys Muslim faith. Omar said his son, Hezma, objected to a lesson in elementary school because it was contrary to what he had learned from the Quran. Omar said the ruling is gratifying. We knew all along we were right. What L.A. Unified is doing The nation's second-largest school district has prepared a notice letter to parents alerting them of their rights under the Supreme Court ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If a Parent who, based on religious beliefs, requests in writing to opt their child out of participation in English Language Arts storybooks with LGBTQ+ themes, this request should be honored for the school year in which it was submitted," Chief Academic Officer Frances Baez wrote in an Aug. 15 memo to elementary principals. "Teachers will provide alternative assignments, similar to what is done for health instruction, with no penalties to the childs grade." In referring to health instruction, Baez was referring to opt-outs that already are available for sexual education. The notice to parents includes a link to a "list of all classroom library materials the District shares with all elementary schools." It is apparently up to parents to research and decide which books are objectionable. Read more: This red state fears Californians bringing 'radical, leftist ideology.' It's targeting teachers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pro-LGBTQ+ parent activist Daisy Gardner finds the entire exercise "infuriating and heartbreaking." "The great thing about public school is that you share a space with families who come from all different backgrounds, socioeconomic groups, races and religions," Gardner said. "Its an opportunity for kids to broaden their horizons and learn tolerance, which is necessary for a society to function." How will opt-outs affect LGBTQ+ students One unknown is how LGBTQ+ students and students from families with LGBTQ+ members will react when classmates leave and when teaching materials reflecting their lives are presented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That could make a child feel theyre not only different, but that theyre not accepted or that they should be ashamed of the family that they have, said Jorge Reyes Salinas, a spokesperson for Equality California, a civil rights group. The presidents of Californias two largest teachers unions both said educators will continue presenting approved California lessons and materials. David Goldberg, president of the California Teachers Assn., said that teachers will obviously follow the law, but we want to make it clear to our members that there are other laws in California around kids ability to learn about their own identity, cultures or all kinds of identities. Were going to still honor kids ability to learn about their own identity and all kinds of identities. Peele is an investigative reporter for EdSource , a nonprofit news organization that covers California education issues. Blume is a Times staff writer. EdSource staff writer Emma Gallegos also contributed to this story. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A new survey shows parents still overwhelmingly support vaccine mandates for measles and polio, as Florida moves to remove immunization requirements for school-aged children and other states consider changes to their laws. A Washington Post-KFF poll found that 81 percent of parents support requirements for measles and polio vaccines, while 18 percent do not. One percent of participants skipped the question. Vaccine enthusiasm remained high among parents from all parties: 75 percent of Republicans agreed that school-aged children should receive immunizations for measles and polio, and 80 percent of independent voters also supported the status quo, in addition to 91 percent of Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Flordia, the Post-KFF survey found 82 percent of parents said they believe public schools should require vaccines for measles and polio, with some health and religious exceptions, while 17 percent said schools shouldnt require those vaccines. Vaccine mandates became highly politicized during the COVID-19 pandemic, but more recently Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stoked the debate with a series of divisive moves since joining the Trump administration. Earlier this year, Kennedy announced the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would no longer recommend healthy children and pregnant women receive vaccines for COVID-19. He has also ousted members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which made recommendations to the CDC, and replaced them with known vaccine skeptics. Kennedy and President Trump have falsely suggested vaccines are linked to cases of autism in young children. Florida officials took an unprecedented step Wednesday when they announced they will seek to make the state the first in the country to officially remove school vaccine mandates. However, earlier this year, Idaho effectively nullified its state vaccine mandates when it enacted a law that prevents people from being turned away at schools or businesses for not being vaccinated, though the policy is subject to preexisting school requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public health experts railed against the move. I would argue that this is the worst public health decision Ive ever seen [from] a state health official, said Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association. This guy will have dead children at his feet. However, Mehmet Oz, the celebrity doctor who oversees Medicaid and Medicare, said he supports efforts to remove immunization requirements. I would definitely not have mandates for vaccinations, Oz said during an interview on Fox Newss The Story with Martha MacCallum. This is a decision that a physician and a patient should be making together, he continued. The parents love their kids more than anybody else could love that kid, so why not let the parents play an active role in this? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers in other states including New Hampshire and Texas are considering laws that could roll back some vaccine mandates for schoolchildren. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (COLORADO) A girl with a penchant for pickles now has a menu item named after her in the cafeteria at Childrens Hospital Colorado, after she saw an opportunity for change. According to Childrens Colorado, 13-year-old Allyson had been living with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, also known as HLHS, until about four months ago when she found out she was getting a donor heart. Recovery from a heart transplant can be quite lengthy, meaning a lot of time in the hospital after surgery which also means eating a lot of cafeteria food, Childrens Colorado said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And thats where Allyson discovered a disappointing lack of fried pickles, something she loves and knows other people love, too. I love salty foods, but after my surgery nothing on the menu sounded good. So, I thought to myself, how do I make a change? I know Ill come up with a petition!' Allyson said. So Allyson drafted up a petition, and Childrens Hospital said her entire care team jumped on board solving this particular pickle. Courtesy: Childrens Hospital Colorado Between Allysons persuasion and support from nurses, doctors and other Childrens Colorado team members, Allyson was able to collect more than 250 signatures advocating to get fried pickles on the cafeteria menu, the hospital said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allyson didnt just succeed at gathering signaturesshe excelled. The final signed petition was longer than Allyson is tall! Courtesy: Childrens Hospital Colorado After the signatures were gathered, Allysons petition was then delivered to the food services team at Childrens Colorado. Within a few days, Allyson had a handful of different fried pickle recipes to try, hand-delivered to her room. Courtesy: Childrens Hospital Colorado Courtesy: Childrens Hospital Colorado Courtesy: Childrens Hospital Colorado Courtesy: Childrens Hospital Colorado Courtesy: Childrens Hospital Colorado Once the final recipe decision was made, the food services team made it official: every four weeks, Allysons fried pickles have a spot on the menu. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW YORK (AP) Patrick Hemingway, the last surviving child of Ernest Hemingway who was inspired by his father to spend years in Africa and later oversaw numerous posthumous works by the Nobel laureate, died Tuesday at age 97. Hemingway, the second of the author's three sons, died at his home in Bozeman, Montana, his grandson, Patrick Hemingway Adams, confirmed in a statement. My grandfather was the real thing: a larger than life paradox from the old world; a consummate dreamer saddled with a scientific brain. He spoke half a dozen languages and solved complicated mathematical problems for fun, but his heart truly belonged to the written and visual arts, Adams said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While brother Gregory Hemingway had a deeply troubled relationship with his famous parent, Patrick Hemingway spoke proudly of his background and welcomed the chance to bring up the family name or get behind a project he thought could sell or attract critical attention. In the 2022 book Dear Papa: The Letters of Patrick and Ernest Hemingway, father and son share stories of hunting and fishing and express mutual affection, with the author telling Patrick that I would rather fish with you and shoot with you than anybody that I have ever known since I was a boy and this is not because we are related. As an executor of his father's estate, Patrick Hemingway approved reissues of such classics as "A Farewell to Arms" and "A Moveable Feast," featuring revised texts and additional commentary from the authors son and others. The estate also unsettled Hemingway admirers by expanding beyond books and offering a line of products that included clothing, eyewear, rugs and "Papa's Pilar Rum." Patrick's most ambitious undertaking was the editing of "True at First Light," a fictionalized account of Ernest Hemingway's time in Africa in the mid-1950s that the author left unfinished at the time of his death. Patrick assembled the 1999 release from some 800 pages of manuscripts, cutting the length by more than half. "True at First Light" was highly anticipated, but ended up disappointing readers and critics, some of whom faulted Patrick for exploiting the family name. Asked by NPR if he read his father's work, Patrick replied: "Pretty often, because I have a commercial interest. ... I have to read it in order to be competent in the marketing of it and the management of it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hemingway managed a long life in a family haunted by suicide and mental illness: Ernest Hemingway's father, Clarence, killed himself in 1928, and the author did the same in 1961. Gregory Hemingway suffered from alcoholism and depression and died in a jail cell in 2001 after being arrested for indecent exposure. Patrick's half-niece, the actor and model Margaux Hemingway, died from an overdose of phenobarbital in 1996. (Jack Hemingway, the eldest son, died in 2000). Inheriting his fathers round face and stocky build, Patrick Hemingway was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Ernest Hemingway and the second of his four wives, Pauline Pfeiffer. Because the author rarely stayed in one place for an extended time, the Hemingways lived everywhere from Cuba and Spain to Wyoming and Key West, Florida during Patricks childhood (Ernest and Pauline divorced in 1940). Patrick Hemingway would recall his fathers various trophy mounts of animals hunted down on safari and how they were tastefully distributed throughout every room of their Key West house, including a wildebeest that hung in the bedroom of Patrick and Gregory. The displays made East Africa a dream destination for Patrick, a promised land. After graduating from Harvard University, he used inheritance money to buy a farm in Tanganyika (now Tanzania), where he was a hunter, safari guide, educator and forestry officer in the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. Patrick Hemingway was married twice, to Henrietta Broyles and Carol Thompson, and had a daughter, Mina Hemingway, with his first wife. From the mid-1970s until his death, he was based in Bozeman. Ernest Hemingway spent his final years in the neighboring state of Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sometimes I think of him when I could just barely remember him, you know, when he was just someone who'd kissed you and you didn't really want to be kissed because the whiskers were a little bit rough on your face," Patrick told NPR in 2008. "And later on it was, you know, when he came to Africa ... and we'd be riding at night just having fun, you know. I remember him in every stage of his life. ___ EDITORS NOTE: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org. NEW YORK (AP) Paul Colford, an inexhaustibly curious journalist and author who covered the media business for decades before seeing it from another vantage point as The Associated Press' chief spokesperson, has died. He was 71. Colford, who retired from the AP in 2017, died Aug. 26 after a fall the previous month turned a long struggle with Parkinson's disease into a rapid decline, said his wife, Anne LaBate. Despite his health problems, he was working even in recent months on his third book, about a notorious figure from his hometown of Jersey City, New Jersey. During a decade as AP's director and ultimately vice president of media relations, Colford was known for his sage, unflappable handling of the news cooperative's dealings with other media outlets, from requests for interviews with its journalists to inquiries about its practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul was both graceful and tough and believed completely in the APs journalists and their mission. That was important during some pretty tough moments, particularly when an AP journalist was hurt or worse," said Kathleen Carroll, who was the news service's executive editor from 2002 to 2016. She recalled Colford as a talented and classy colleague who loved journalism. He knew the ecosystem well Colford knew the media ecosystem from the inside out and the outside in, having been a media reporter and columnist for the Daily News of New York, Newsday and the former New York Newsday. He covered magazines, book publishing, newspapers' digital evolution and the new media of the dot-com era. Reporting on the radio landscape as conservative talk rose to prominence, Colford penned unauthorized biographies of Rush Limbaugh and shock jock Howard Stern. He just was indefatigable, said longtime Newsday TV writer and critic Verne Gay, a colleague and friend of Colford's. He vacuumed everything up. He knew everything and everybody. And he constantly broke stories on the beat.... I was just in awe of him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born Sept. 24, 1953, in Jersey City, Colford grew up there with seven siblings and graduated in 1975 from St. Peter's University. He spent part of his college years studying in Turin, Italy, and still spoke Italian in phone calls with friends from that time, his wife said. His early jobs included a stint at The Courier News of central New Jersey, where the couple met and dated for a time in the 1970s. He took her to the first Shakespeare in the Park production she ever attended, she recalled. The relationship fizzled, Colford went on to New York Newsday and later the Daily News, and he married the late Jane Colford and had two children, Catherine and Liam. He and LaBate still had ties through friends and family, and they got back together after he was widowed. We certainly both had lived whole lives in the meantime, she said, but it was probably even a clearer connection. They married in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A relied-upon figure during his AP years Colford's professional life also had evolved. He took the AP's media relations job in 2007. To him, it was a natural extension of everything he'd ever done, which was: collect the facts, make sure that everything is accurate, make sure people get information in a timely manner, Gay said. It was about getting information to people who needed it. The job, in a 24/7 global news operation, is not easy. Tom Kent, who was AP's standards editor during much of Colford's tenure, recalled him as invaluable in responding to public controversies that erupted at times over its reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As editors debated, readers and viewers complained and other news outlets called for comment, Colford kept his cool and gave smart guidance about how best to react, said Kent, now a consultant. He said editors and executives ended up taking Colford's advice, which came with a journalistic sensitivity and ethical integrity that won the confidence and respect of journalists and editors across the AP. Lauren Easton, whom Colford hired in a junior role, is now an AP vice president overseeing global communications. She said he was a fierce defender of The Associated Press, always stepping up to advocate for press freedom, access and the importance of factual, nonpartisan journalism. Colford was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease while still at AP and kept working for a while before deciding to retire, his wife and friends said. In retirement, he was delighted that the Briscoe Center for American History, housed at the University of Texas at Austin, acquired his trove of audiotapes, videos, photos, newspaper clippings and other materials from his journalism career. And he worked on his book, amassing a new batch of news clippings and other research in his home office in Trenton, N.J., said Gay, who visited him in June. Paul just never let go, he said. He was a dedicated, incredibly hardworking dude. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed suit against PowerSchool after a massive data breach exposed the personal information of more than 880,000 Texas students and teachers. The California-based education technology company allegedly lawsuit alleges PowerSchool violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and the Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act. Paxtons office claims the company misled customers about its security practices while failing to protect sensitive information. My office will do everything we can to hold PowerSchool accountable for putting Texas students, teachers, and families at risk, Paxton added. PowerSchool promotes its cloud-based platform as meeting the highest security standards for managing student information and school operations. The breach revealed a stark contrast between the companys marketing claims and its actual security infrastructure. PBS will cut 15% of its staff, or about 100 positions, as it grapples with the loss of $500 million in federal funds, TheWrap has learned. The cuts will immediately eliminate 34 jobs, a PBS spokesperson said, along with dozens of open positions and other reductions made over the summer. They follow Congress July decision to slash $500 million in annual federal funding for public broadcasters, including PBS and NPR. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to the loss of federal funding PBS eliminated close to 100 positions over the last several months, including 34 valued PBS staff members notified today their employment is ending, the spokesperson said. In this unprecedented moment we remain focused on what matters most: ensuring our member stations can deliver quality content and services to communities across America. The New York Times first reported on the layoffs Thursday after reviewing an email from to staff from PBS CEO Paula Kerger. These decisions, while difficult, position PBS to weather the current challenges facing public media, Kerger said. PBS has historically relied more on funds from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which distributed federal funds to the broadcasters stations. The CPB announced it would shut down in January due to the funding cuts. Last month, PBS slashed its operating budget by 21% and cut its dues requirements for member stations. But Kerger warned staff that even with the dues reduction, adjusted payment schedule and efforts to raise funds for initial financial stabilization, we all face hard choices about the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NPR has also faced grueling decisions in light of the funding cuts, cutting its operating budget by 8 percent in July in order to fund local stations. But CEO Katherine Maher told Texas Public Radio that the cuts were a short-term step for how we respond right now. The post PBS Slashes 15% of Staff After $500 Million Federal Funding Cuts appeared first on TheWrap. MEMPHIS, Tenn. On Thursday, The Peabody Memphis will be celebrating a big anniversary; 100 years at its current location on Union Avenue. The Peabody originally opened its doors in 1869 at the corner of Monroe Avenue & S Main Street in Downtown Memphis. However, on September 1, 1925, it moved to its current location. During Thursdays celebrations, Doug Browne, the hotels president, will be inducted into the Duck Walk Hall of Fame. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra is also set to perform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 100th anniversary at Union and its 156-year legacy will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m. in the Grand Lobby. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. MURRAY, Utah (ABC4) A pedestrian has been killed after being hit by a Blue Line train at the Murray Central Trax station. According to Utah Transit Authority (UTA) Sr. Public Information Officer Gavin Gustafson, the accident happened just after 4:15 p.m. at the Murray Central station. The person reportedly stepped in front of a Blue Line Trax train as it was approaching the station, and it appears that she was crossing from one platform to the other. She had headphones on and didnt see or hear the train coming. She was hit and taken to the hospital, where she died due to her injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Child dies after being inside of a hot vehicle for multiple hours Currently, it does not appear that this was an intentional act, and Gustafson said that this was an unfortunate accident. Its a grim reminder in this case to keep your wits about you and pay attention to your surroundings, Gustafson said. Jessil Salazar, a Trax rider, said, Just hearing about it is eye opening. I take the Trax every day to work. Another rider, Candice Dennison, said it reminded her to stay aware. She said, Its sad, I think people grow complacent, so it definitely makes me not want to be complacent. The individual has been identified as an 18-year-old female, and there is no further information about her identity at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gustafson said that because it happened at a peak time of travel, there were many people there who witnessed the incident. Its traumatic, certainly for the witnesses, but also for our operators who are operating the train to hit someone, thats a majorly traumatic event for them, he said. UTA has advised passengers to expect 20-to-30-minute delays on the Blue and Red Trax lines, but Gustafson said that the delays may be closer to 30-to-60-minutes. A bus bridge is in effect between Fashion Place and Murray North stations. FrontRunner is on a separate platform at the station, so it is not affected. Dakota Vanhuss was on a different train heading to Murray Central station when it occurred. She said, [They] came over the intercom and said Ladies and Gentlemen, theres an issue. Its a train versus pedestrian and it will be a short while until we get moving again. Then, we started moving until the next stop and they told us to get off. Its a good reminder to stay aware of all your surroundings, no matter where you are, whether youre at a train station or a crosswalk, Vanhuss said, sharing advice for his fellow riders, That yellow line, stay behind it if a train is coming or if you see someone who is by a train, get their attention, pay attention. I dont listen to music while Im by the Trax in case something happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gustafson said that passengers should expect delays for several hours, potentially for the rest of the evening. UTA Police and Murray City Police are on scene investigating the incident. 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. PHENIX CITY, Ala. (WRBL) Florida is moving to become the first state in the country to eliminate all childhood vaccine mandates. State leaders say its about protecting parental rights, while local doctors warn it could open the door to preventable disease outbreaks. The announcement came Wednesday from Floridas Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, who said the state will begin rolling back school and childcare vaccine requirements. Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery. said Ladapo, Who am I as a man standing here now to tell you what you should put in your body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pediatricians like Dr. Ritu Chandra with Preferred Medical Group in Phenix City say vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for protecting children and schools. Chandra says widespread vaccination helps shield vulnerable people who cant receive shots. She recalled treating a patient early in her career. She says it stuck with her because the childs illness is completely treatable. It breaks my heart when I think about that case a 13-month-old baby who had whooping cough Chandra said. I remember distinctly working on him so hard, but we were not able to save their child. One of the saddest cases Ive ever seen, but we dont see whooping cough no more because everyone is vaccinated. Florida has not announced a timeline for ending vaccine mandates. Meanwhile, the democratic governors of Washington, Oregon, and California announced the creation of an alliance to safeguard health policies, arguing that the administration is politicizing public health decisions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (WHTM) Its not often Pennsylvania Republicans share a stage with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). But thats where Reps. Scott Perry (R-PA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) found themselves in their quest to ban stock trading by members of Congress and their families. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania When many Americans say, Why cant any of you people get together on anything? up here you have the left and the right standing on the stage for the same issue, for the same cause, which should be an indicator to everybody that this is one of the times that the American people and Congress can get a win, Perry said at a press conference support the ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Senate committee approved a separate bill from Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) that would keep members of Congress and future vice presidents and presidents from trading stocks, carving out an exemption for President Donald Trump. The bill proposed in the House would only apply to Congress. While not allowed to own stocks, members be allowed to own diversified mutual funds, ETFs and certain commodities. If passed, current lawmakers who own individual stocks and bonds would have 180 days to divest, and new members would have 90 days to divest upon taking office. Pennsylvania Supreme Court 101: What it is, why it matters, and more Proposals to ban stock trading among members of Congress is not new to Capitol Hill. For years, people have cited the practice as a potential conflict of interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2012 bill known as The Stock Act attempted to remedy this by requiring federal lawmakers to disclose their stock sales and purchases. No measure has gone further since. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This guide was originally published on Oct. 23, 2023. It was updated on Sept. 4, 2025, ahead of the Nov. 4 judicial elections. At a quick glance: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is made up of 7 justices. Currently, there are 5 Democrats and 2 Republicans who serve on the court. Three justices are up for retention in the Nov. 4 election. To qualify for a seat on the court, candidates must have state residency for at least one year and reside in the commonwealth throughout their term. They must be at least 21 years of age, but not older than 75. They also have to be a member of the Bar of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and licensed to practice law in the state. Pa. Supreme Court 101 The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the highest court in the state and the oldest appellate court in the nation, dating back to 1684. Comprised of seven justices, the court is responsible for interpreting Pennsylvanias laws and Constitution to make final judgments on a wide range of legal questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Supreme Court justices review appeals from the states two lower appellate panels, the Commonwealth and Superior Courts, and also have the power to intervene in any lower court case they choose. The court additionally oversees the states judicial system, which includes administering the state bar exam and disciplining lawyers who violate ethics rules. Decisions by the state Supreme Court have affected the lives of virtually every Pennsylvanian. In the past decade alone, the court has ruled on cases that preserved access to mail voting, found that revenue from oil and gas drilling on state land should go toward environmental conservation, and allowed clergy implicated in but not convicted of sexual abuse to have their names shielded. As with all three of Pennsylvanias appellate courts, Supreme Court justices are elected in partisan contests a practice only seven states in the nation use. Other options for judicial selection include nonpartisan elections and appointment by a selection committee, the governor, or the legislature all methods that are generally designed to insulate judges from politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvanias judicial races are statewide, and have a lot in common with elections for political office: Judges run under the umbrella of a party, form campaign committees to raise money, and are endorsed by political organizations. However, judicial candidates also follow much stricter campaign rules than most political hopefuls. They cant ask for donations directly that must be done via their political committees and they also cant promise to rule in a particular way while on the campaign trail. Once elected, justices serve 10-year terms. At the end of a term, they can either be retained or rejected in a statewide yes-or-no vote, which they rarely lose. There is no limit to the number of terms a judge can serve; however, they must retire at age 75. Currently, the court has five Democratic justices and two Republicans. Voters in November 2025 will choose whether to give additional terms to three justices: Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht. All were elected as Democrats. Members of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as of September 2025. Frequently asked questions about the Pa. Supreme Court: Where can I find the Pa. Supreme Court opinions and docket? Court opinions and docket sheets statements of actions and filings for cases are available online. To learn how to search dockets, check out this guide. The court system also maintains a webpage of cases it deems especially relevant to the public. Who are the PA Supreme Court justices? Can Pa. Supreme Court justices be impeached? Impeachment of a Supreme Court justice is rare, but possible. Pennsylvanias constitution allows for the impeachment of a judge for misbehavior in office by the state House of Representatives. The state Senate must then conduct a trial, and decide whether to convict or acquit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1994, former state Supreme Court Justice Rolf Larsen was removed from the high court and convicted on impeachment charges by the state Senate. Larsen was impeached by a majority of the state House and convicted by two-thirds of the state Senate for meeting privately with an attorney to decide the outcomes of cases. How are Pa. Supreme Court justices chosen? Justices are elected to 10-year terms in statewide elections. They have no term limits. Should there be a vacancy before an election, the governor can appoint someone, but this selection would be subject to state Senate confirmation. How do Pa. Supreme Courts secure another term? Justices get successive terms via a retention election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These elections are not partisan and dont involve an opposing candidate; voters are simply asked to say yes or no to giving a justice another decade on the bench. If the vote is yes, the judge stays on. If it is no, the governor can appoint a temporary replacement subject to the approval of the state Senate. An election for a replacement to serve a full 10-year term is then held in the next odd year. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. The Pentagon has reportedly approved federal immigration law enforcement to utilize the naval base located outside of Chicago as a staging ground for officers to conduct sweeping immigration raids in the city. Naval Station Great Lakes, located roughly 30 miles north of downtown Chicago, will serve as a home base of sorts for the operation, which will be led by the Department of Homeland Security, two officials familiar with the matter told the Washington Post on Thursday. For weeks, President Donald Trump has been hinting that the administration will target Chicago next for the sweeping immigration raids, but it has remained unclear when the operation would begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials asked for permission to use Naval Station Great Lakes to house its ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents from September 2 through September 30. The status of the request remained unclear until the Posts reporting on Thursday. While the administration confirmed they had made the request, they have also made a point to keep details of such an operation scant to prevent opposing officials or groups from making preparations. The Pentagon has reportedly agreed to let immigration law enforcement to use the Naval Station Great Lakes as a staging ground for raids (Getty Images) The Independent has asked the Pentagon and ICE for comment. The expected immigration raids in Chicago are part of Trumps mass deportation agenda, which he heavily campaigned on last year. Trump has promised to deport more than 1 million immigrants from the U.S. using any means available to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the immigration raids have been targeted at Democratic-run cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, or Boston places that Trump has decried as sanctuary cities that protect dangerous criminals. In reality, the cities abide by sanctuary policies that either prevent or limit local law enforcements ability to communicate with federal immigration law enforcement. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order over the weekend that affirms the Chicago Police Department cannot work with federal law enforcement. Anti-ICE protests have already begun in Chicago ahead of immigration law enforcement entering the city (Getty Images) Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has urged Trump not to send in federal law enforcement and warned residents of Chicago about potential upcoming raids targeting people in Latino communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naval Station Great Lakes could also potentially be used to house National Guard members if Trump decides to deploy the troops into the city. Earlier this year, Trump sent the National Guard into Los Angeles to protect immigration enforcement and federal property after several anti-ICE protests emerged. Its unclear if the president will make that decision since a federal judge in California recently said Trumps use of the National Guard in California violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which prevents the military from being used for domestic law enforcement. But Trump could also choose to send in other federal law enforcement from the FBI or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as he did in Washington, D.C., to combat crime. Trump has described Chicago as a hellhole and killing field. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Portland bottle drop organization that operates under the Morrison Bridge has found a potential permanent home in Southeast Portland. The Peoples Depot, a program that collects beverage containers, unveiled the prospective site in an August 28 press release. The organization says the site at 1041 SE Brooklyn Street in Southeast Portland will allow them to serve more canners and recycle more containers in a safe indoor environment. We look forward to positively engaging with nearby residents and businesses, said Taylor Cass Talbott, co-executive director of Ground Score Association, which oversees The Peoples Depot. We are confident The Peoples Depot will be a good neighbor and contribute positively to the Brooklyn neighborhood and the city of Portland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is the most beloved brand in Oregon? The potential bottle drop site comes after Oregon lawmakers approved Senate Bill 992 in May, which updated the states landmark Bottle Bill, allowing stores to refuse bottle returns after 8 p.m. amid safety concerns. A provision in the updated legislation also allows nonprofits to run Alternative Access Redemption Centers for people who return beverage containers daily. As previously reported by KOIN 6 News, some community members have raised concerns that bottle drop programs attract addicts who want to quickly obtain cash to purchase drugs. Store owners have additionally claimed it poses a threat to staff members who work later hours. Announcing the potential Southeast Portland bottle drop site, The Peoples Depot has received support from state and local leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spirit Airlines to ghost 11 airports, including PDX, after second bankruptcy filing For over five decades, the Bottle Bill has made Oregon more litter-free and today, Oregonians redeem a higher percentage of beverage containers than any other state, Governor Tina Kotek said in a statement. The new, permanent location for The Peoples Depot will help maintain access, keep our streets clean, and reduce the impacts on local businesses. The Peoples Depot has shown a commitment to being a thoughtful and responsible neighbor, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson added. This new facility in Southeast Portland reflects their dedication to serving the community with care and contributing to a cleaner, more inclusive city. The Peoples Depot said it will apply to the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission for approval as an alternative access redemption center. The OLCC then has a 30-day public comment period before the state agency approves the new redemption center before the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (WBRE/WYOU) Permits that expand hunting opportunities for Pennsylvania deer hunters are now on sale. Landowners can apply for a permit for the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), which encourages antlerless deer harvests on their property. The program aims to curb deer populations. White-tailed deer play an important role in our forest ecosystems, but when populations grow too large, they can hinder regeneration and impact overall forest health, said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. Our state forest and state park staff regularly monitor habitat conditions and use science-based data to guide where and how DMAP is implemented. This program helps us maintain a healthy balance between sustaining deer populations and ensuring long-term forest vitality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monroe County animal sanctuaries preparing for winter, need donations DCNR is offering 28,607 of these permits, totaling more than 1.2 million acres. 27 state parks and 18 state forest districts are participating. A DMAP harvest permit costs $10.97 for a resident, $35.97 for a nonresident. Each DMAP harvest permit is good for taking one antlerless deer on the property for which the DMAP harvest permit was issued. The permits are available for purchase through license-issuing agents or the Pennsylvania Game Commission website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. Sep. 4The Lodi Police Department said it has identified a person interest responsible for damaging the fountain outside St. Anne's Catholic Church last Friday. Police said the individual is a minor, and was wearing a tan shirt and light blue jeans when he climbed over the fountain barrier and damaged the top of the sculpture at about 7:46 p.m., causing about $20,000 worth of damage. The identity of the person of interest is being withheld at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation remains open, and police did not disclose further information. Anyone with information is asked to call the department at 209-333-6727 or email Detective Kristopher Valencia at kvalencia@lodi.gov. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can contact Lodi Area CrimeStoppers at 209-369-2746. Reference case 25-5490 when calling. A Peruvian court has sentenced former President Alejandro Toledo to 13 years and four months in prison for money laundering, his second conviction in connection with widespread corruption. Toledo is one of five ex-presidents imprisoned in recent years in Peru, including ex-President Martin Vizcarra, who was released by a court on Wednesday as he awaits trial for allegedly taking bribes more than a decade ago. Toledo, 79, who was president from 2001 to 2006, was found guilty of using bribe money from the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht, now known as Novonor, to acquire high-value real estate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to prosecutors, Toledo and his wife used $5.1m to buy a house and an office in an upscale Lima neighbourhood and to pay off mortgages on two other properties. The funds were funnelled through an offshore company in Costa Rica that Toledo created to launder the illicit cash, the prosecution said. Toledos conviction on Wednesday follows a sentence of 20 years and six months handed down in October 2024, when he was found guilty of accepting up to $35m in bribes from Odebrecht in exchange for awarding the company lucrative public works contracts. During his yearlong trial, Toledo consistently denied charges of money laundering and collusion levelled against him by prosecutors. His two sentences will be served concurrently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toledo, an economist with degrees from Stanford University and the University of San Francisco, is serving his sentence at a prison on a Lima police base. Two other ex-presidents, Ollanta Humala and Pedro Castillo, are also currently being held in the special facility built for former leaders of the country. Former President Martin Vizcarra was also being held at the same facility; however, a top Peruvian court on Wednesday ordered his release while he awaits trial for allegedly taking bribes while he was governor of the Moquegua region 11 years ago. A court ordered Perus ex-President Martin Vizcarras release while he awaits trial on Wednesday [File: AFP] Vizcarra was jailed last month ahead of his trial, in which the prosecution has asked that he receive a 15-year sentence. He has denied the charges against him, stating that they are a form of political persecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had planned to run for president again in 2026. The Odebrecht corruption cases, part of the wider Car Wash scandal, have implicated governments across Latin America and nearly all of Perus presidents this century. Another former leader, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, 86, is currently on trial for his alleged role in the scheme, with prosecutors seeking a 35-year prison sentence. LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Pesticides left a great horned owl in a precarious situation Monday in Lancaster County, rescuers said. Raven Ridge Wildlife Center said it responded to a call Labor Day morning for a distressed owl in Silver Mine Park. Rescuers reached out to the Pennsylvania Game Commission for assistance. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now ICYMI: Top 5 Stories of the Week The bird was weak and wet when the warden got it into a crate. Due to being underweight, it could face health issues. All of this could have been prevented, the center said, with responsible pesticide use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impact of pesticides on wildlife is profound, endangering animals in urban, suburban and rural settings alike, said Tracie Young, a wildlife rehabilitator with the center. Many counties spray for mosquitos during the summer as a way to prevent West Nile Virus. This can help prevent the disease in birds, the center said, but it also comes with significant risks when using harmful pesticides such as Raid. Raven Ridge Wildlife Center responded to a great horned owl in distress on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in Lancaster County. | Raven Ridge Wildlife Center Raven Ridge Wildlife Center responded to a great horned owl in distress on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in Lancaster County. | Raven Ridge Wildlife Center Raven Ridge Wildlife Center responded to a great horned owl in distress on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in Lancaster County. | Raven Ridge Wildlife Center Raven Ridge Wildlife Center responded to a great horned owl in distress on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in Lancaster County. | Raven Ridge Wildlife Center Birds of prey, like the great horned owl, are especially at risk because they can ingest plants and other organisms contaminated with pesticides, Young said. This could lead to serious issues, including internal bleeding, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even sub-lethal exposure can have devastating effects, including neurological damage, disorientation, lethargy, loss of appetite and a compromised immune system. Young said. Such impairments not only diminish their hunting prowess but also increase their vulnerability to predators. Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices The center said it hopes the incident highlights the power of community collaboration, the expertise of game wardens and the role everyone plays in wildlife rehabilitation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CORTLAND, Ohio (WKBN) Residents in Cortland are frustrated and now pushing for a petition for Mayor Deidre Petrosky to step down. It comes on the heels of a heated council meeting last month, centered around an emergency ordinance to allow the mayor to enter into an agreement for assistance regarding a recently purchased building a proposal council shot down during a meeting that Petrosky did not attend. At a meeting Wednesday, residents were frustrated with what they call waste and misuse of city funds, but the mayor says thats not true, firing back and saying many of the claims made about her are untrue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would like to see her resign. Shes wasted a quarter million dollars on these two individuals I was talking about in the last year and a half. If she refuses to resign, the Cortland city is going to be forced to pay for the recall election. So, its more city money wasted, said Cortland resident Mike Matheny. I was elected to do the work. Were delivering projects, managing finances transparently and following council-approved processes. Disagreement isnt dysfunction, its government, and Im focused on the results, Petrosky said. The mayor left the Wednesday meeting during the public comment portion. Residents say theyre shooting for 1,200 signatures on the petition. They have a couple of hundred so far. TJ Renninger contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Pharmaceutical company Pfizer is touting its collaboration with the first Trump administration to rapidly produce one of the major Covid-19 vaccines, as the Trump administration has sewn doubt about vaccines and cut funding for research in recent weeks. The success of Operation Warp Speed and U.S. development of mRNA vaccines is a profound public health achievement, Pfizer chairman and CEO Dr. Albert Bourla wrote in an online statement on Wednesday. Under President Trump's leadership, American innovation led the world, helping prevent economic collapse and saving more than 14 million lives globally. This American leadership also delivered a new platform that may drive significant innovation in cancer research, Bourla added, referring to the cutting-edge mRNA technology used in the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Such an accomplishment would typically be worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize, given its significant impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement appears to align with the presidents long-running desire for a Nobel Prize and recent trend of leaders, including foreign leaders, calling for the Republican to get the diplomatic honor. Most immediately though, the comments from Pfizer, as well as a similar Trump-praising statement from fellow vaccine maker Moderna, come in response to the president demanding drug makers justify the success of their Covid interventions amid ongoing vaccine skepticism, some of it fueled by the Trump administration. The makers of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine are praising President Donald Trumps role in creating the pandemic treatment, as the Trump administration rolls back vaccine access and cuts funding for mRNA research (Pfizer) Many people think they are a miracle that saved Millions of lives, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday. Others disagree! With CDC being ripped apart over this question, I want the answer, and I want it NOW. The comments were an apparent reference to the ouster last week of CDC Director Susan Monarez, less than a month after she was confirmed. HHS wrote on X that Monarez was no longer director, amid reported clashes with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., over pulling approval for certain Covid shots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monarez claimed she did not resign and wasnt notified about the change and her lawyer later said she was targeted because she refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts she chose protecting the public over serving a political agenda. Public rallying of vaccine makers comes after CDC Director Susan Monarez was recently ousted amid reported clashes with administration about pulling back vaccine approvals (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images) Despite funneling billions into the rapid development of the Covid vaccines during the first Trump term, the president has in second term elevated vaccine-skeptic Kennedy to lead HHS. The administration has also rolled back recommending the Covid vaccine to healthy children and pregnant women, while canceling $500 million in mRNA-related vaccine projects. More than 1,000 current and former HHS employees called on Kennedy to resign on Wednesday. In the face of turmoil at the nations top health bodies, the liberal state governments of Washington, Oregon, and California have formed an alliance to coordinate public health policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC has become a political tool that increasingly peddles ideology instead of science, ideology that will lead to severe health consequences, the governors of these states said in a joint statement on Wednesday. Republican-led Florida on Wednesday became the first state to end all vaccine mandates, policies the states surgeon general compared to slavery. MANILA (Reuters) -An alliance of 30 influential Philippine business and civic organisations is demanding an independent investigation into what it describes as "excessive corruption" linked to government infrastructure projects. The call for action comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed last month the results of an internal audit into flood control projects, revealing troubling patterns of irregularity. Key findings showed that out of 545 billion pesos ($9.63 billion) in flood control spending since 2022, thousands of projects were either substandard, poorly documented, or non-existent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some carried identical costs despite being in different locations, and only 15 out of more than 2,000 accredited contractors cornered 20% of the total budget. The allegations have spurred legislative inquiries in both chambers of Congress, and Marcos has said he will create an independent commission to investigate "these nefarious activities." The alliance expressed "outrage, disgust and disappointment" over the "shameful, unabated, continuing and excessive acts of graft and corruption" by many officials in Congress, the executive department and local government units. "While we take note of the President admonishing the corrupt in government, we are concerned that the guilty among these officials will continue their merry way of robbing the people and filling their pockets," the groups said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They described the acts as a betrayal of public trust and a "treasonous" offence against Filipinos. There was no immediate comment from the offices of the president, the house speaker and senate president. The controversy has already led to the resignation of the public works secretary. His successor, Vince Dizon, has suspended all bidding for locally funded flood control projects, ordered courtesy resignations of all public works officials, and vowed to permanently blacklist contractors involved in fraudulent projects. The Philippine scandal unfolds as neighbouring Indonesia grapples with its own wave of public outrage. In recent weeks, mass protests have erupted across 32 provinces in Indonesia, many turning violent, with regional parliaments set ablaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Indonesia's streets have filled with demonstrators, the Philippine response has so far remained largely online, with citizens resorting to naming and shaming on social media. Some activist groups have begun mobilising on the ground, and others are calling on the public to take to the streets. ($1 = 56.6220 Philippine pesos) (Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Saad Sayeed) Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is on a mission to help local students and teachers. This week, he launched The Freiermuth Fund with the goal of providing students and educators with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. Freiermuth said he comes from a family of educators and said he knew it was important to use his platform to give back. To be able to give back to teachers and community and schools that need it, its really important to me and my family, so its really cool to help out in that way, Freiermuth said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the resources the fund will cover are laptops, books and school supplies. A Teacher of the Month will be honored from Western Pennsylvania, too. That winner will receive $1,000 toward classroom supplies. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW For the first time in the University of Utahs 175 year history, Jewish students have a dedicated place to call their own. On Wednesday, local Jewish, university and civic leaders joined with the growing Chabad at the University of Utah community to celebrate its official opening of the schools first-ever Jewish space the Mel Meister Chabad Lounge. Located just a few steps west of campus, the Chabad on Campus facility already functions as a gathering space for the growing number of Jewish students and their friends and as a physical symbol of safety, resilience and inclusion. The welcome mat is out as the Jewish organization Chabad on Campus at the University of Utah hosts a grand opening of its first-ever Jewish space designed to serve the campus community in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Henry Rade is a University of Utah senior and president of the student board at Chabad on Campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Los Angeles native, Rade remembers moving from an area with a large Jewish community to Salt Lake City. It was vital for him to connect with members of his faith and culture. The local Chabad helped him feel like he belonged on his new campus home. Now to have our own Chabad House right across from the University of Utah is amazing, Rade said at Wednesdays celebration. Henry Rade, president of the Chabad on Campus at the University of Utah, gives a few remarks as the Jewish organization hosts a grand opening of its first-ever Jewish space designed to serve the campus community in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Attending college is stressful, he added. So to be able to just walk across the street and find my friends and family and just rest and pray and do everything that Jews do is truly amazing. Members of Salt Lake Countys Jewish community add that having a dedicated Jewish space for University of Utah students marks a key milestone of diversity and inclusion while also providing a private sanctuary for Jewish students to practice their faith, connect with peers and freely celebrate their heritage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rabbi Moshe Nigri, the director of Chabad on Campus at the University of Utah, said that Wednesdays grand opening reflects the universitys and Salt Lake Citys support of the areas growing Jewish community. One of Nigris first duties after settling in Utah a few years ago was to connect with and support Jewish students at the University of Utah. Soon he and his wife, Sarahle Nigri, were launching the Chabad at the University of Utah. Rabbi Moshe Nigri blows the shofar, the ram's horn, signifying the arrival of God on Rosh Hashanah as guests and visitors attend a gathering of the Jewish organization Chabad on Campus at the University of Utah as they host a grand opening of its first-ever Jewish space designed to serve the campus community in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Just a handful of students attended the organizations first events. Two years later, there are scores of university students participating in the Chabads social gatherings and classes. And thats what this lounge is all about, said Nigri. Its not only the walls. Its not only a physical space. Its way more than that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a space where the Jewish students can be themselves, can serve with the Jewish traditions and a place to call a home away from home. Sarahle Nigri added Wednesday that the newly opened lounge is not simply a place where Jewish students at the University of Utah can relax and recharge. Its a sacred space to connect with ones heritage with a great sense of purpose. In todays world, perhaps more than ever, it is essential that every Jewish student knows that they belong. That they are safe. That they are seen. And that there is a place that they can always call home, she said. This lounge is not just a gift to the students of today but a promise to the students of tomorrow that wherever they are on their Jewish journey, there will be a place for them right here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarahles father, Rabbi Benny Zippel from Chabad of Utah, said Wednesday that the new facility is a place where every single Jewish student at the University of Utah can find his or her place in discovering their inner center and allow their lives to evolve upon. Also celebrating President Randall & Mayor Mendenhall University of Utah President Taylor Randall talks with a few students as the Jewish organization Chabad on Campus at the University of Utah hosts a grand opening of its first-ever Jewish space designed to serve the campus community in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Joining in Wednesdays celebration was University of Utah President Taylor Randall and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. Randall spoke of the remarkable legacy that the Zippel family has left on the Salt Lake City community during many years of leadership and service. In his conversations with Utah students, the university president is discovering that they need more than simply an intellectual experience on campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They actually need an experience where they feel their faith where they feel welcome and know God and know where they can begin to rely on him for what they need in the difficult moments of life, he said. Randall noted that perhaps he doesnt sound much like an intellectual president today. But moments of faith such as the one happening Wednesday, mean a lot to our campus because they build its soul and part of what we have to do together is build the collective soul of a campus. So that when there are moments of difficulty when there are moments of trial we can come together and we think good of each other first. And we dialog and we figure out ways that we build community together. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall speaks to guests and visitors in attendance at a gathering of the Jewish organization Chabad on Campus at the University of Utah as they host a grand opening of its first-ever Jewish space designed to serve the campus community in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News A University of Utah grad, Mendenhall said the newly opened facility is a spiritual home for Jewish students on campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She saluted the contributions of the local Jewish community. Salt Lake City is better because you are here, said Mendenhall. You belong here. I love you here. Keep teaching us. Keep teaching us ways that we can learn to understand and love each other more as a community. We need it more than ever. A rousing endorsement of the University of Utah and the Salt Lake City community Guests and visitors tour the space as the Jewish organization Chabad on Campus at the University of Utah hosts a grand opening of its first-ever Jewish space designed to serve the campus community in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News The enthusiasm surrounding the newly opened Mel Meister Chabad Lounge was captured in full Wednesday by Mel Meisters high-energy son, Adam Meister. Adam Meister, whose financial contribution helped make the new lounge possible, is a Baltimore native. But hes certain that the University of Utah will become an educational destination for Jewish students from across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This Chabad on campus is a spark that will alert Jews all over the USA that this region is the place to be, said Meister. Its a safe region for Jews. Its friendly, open and accepting.Jews should move out here to Salt Lake City and the Mountain West and be pioneers. (The Center Square) Plaintiffs in a case challenging the prohibition of concealed carry on Illinois mass transit are reviewing their options after an appeals court reversed a lower courts decision and upheld the law. The district judge in the case Shoenthal v. Raoul found the law prohibiting individuals with concealed carry licenses from carrying concealed firearms on mass transit was unconstitutional. The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals reversed the lower court and found the prohibition is in line with historical tradition of firearms regulations. Ultimately, under Bruens test, we are not concerned with whether the government has demonstrated a compelling interest in regulating firearms on public transit, the appeals court ruling said. Maybe Illinois has made a good policy choice, maybe not. Our concern is whether the law aligns with the nations tradition. We hold that 430 ILCS 66/65(a)(8) is constitutional because it comports with regulatory principles that originated in the Founding era and continue to the present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs attorney David Sigale said they disagree with the appeals court decision. And we are disappointed by that opinion and we are weighing our options for further review, Sigale told The Center Square. There could be a request for the full appeals court to review the case, or an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. I wouldnt be surprised if the high court were to address this issue and at least a couple of different circumstances, Sigale said. Weve seen a much more interested court in the last couple years on Second Amendment issues and with the number of petitions that are almost sure to come before it, I can see the court taking the opportunity to address some of these. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, plaintiffs in a case challenging Cook Countys ban on semi-automatic firearms appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, after the Seventh Circuit upheld the county ordinance. Separately, the case challenging the states gun ban is set to be heard by the appeals court later this month. The district judge in that case ruled the law unconstitutional. WARSAW (Reuters) -Two incursions of Polish airspace by drones occurred overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, but they were not shot down as they posed no danger, the army said on Thursday. Poland has been on high alert for objects entering its airspace since a stray Ukrainian missile struck a southern Polish village in 2022, killing two people, a few months into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. "We had two airspace violations," General Maciej Klisz, Operational Commander of the Armed Forces, told a news conference. "These two violations were under the full control of national forces and units assigned to the state defence system." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement General Wieslaw Kukula, Chief of the General Staff, said that drones left Polish airspace without causing any damage. The Polish army gave no details about where the drones entered Polish airspace. Russia fired more than 500 drones and dozens of missiles across Ukraine in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, hitting energy and transport infrastructure at 14 sites and injuring four railway workers. Poland, a NATO member state, has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine against Russia. In August, a drone crashed into a cornfield in eastern Poland. A prosecutor investigating the incident said at the time it appeared to have entered Poland from the direction of Belarus, an ally of Russia. (Reporting by Alan Charlish, Pawel Florkiewicz, Barbara Erling; editing by Mark Heinrich) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 29: A police slogan sticker is seen on a patrol car at the 47th precinct of the New York Police Department (NYPD) on July 29, 2025 in the Edenwald neighborhood of the Bronx Borough in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) More police agencies, from big-city departments to federal agencies, are lowering education standards for new recruits a sign of how much the profession is changing as it struggles to recruit and retain officers. This year, at least two major city agencies the New York Police Department and the Dallas Police Department have cut some education requirements for new recruits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, the NYPD reduced its college credit requirement for police academy entry from 60 credits to 24. Following a new policy approval in June, the Dallas Police Department began allowing applicants with only a high school diploma or GED to qualify if they also have three consecutive years of full-time work experience. Police agencies nationwide are loosening education requirements in an effort to address years of staffing shortages. The changes also come as President Donald Trump has drawn more attention to crime and public safety by deploying the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, and signaling plans to expand federal enforcement efforts in Chicago and other cities. (A federal judge on Tuesday ruled Trumps mobilization of U.S. Marines and the California National Guard in response to protests in Los Angeles this summer violated federal law.) Trump also has taken over the District of Columbias police department. Reports of violent crime nationwide have been decreasing since 2022. Some communities, though, are still facing higher rates of certain crimes, including homicide. The changes in New York City and Dallas are part of a yearslong trend of police departments easing college requirements, a shift that includes Boise, Idaho; Chicago; Louisville, Kentucky; New Orleans; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Memphis, Tennessee; and Bellingham, Washington. Even some state police agencies, such as the Kentucky State Police and the Pennsylvania State Police, have followed suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX But these changes in education requirements arent limited to local and state forces. The FBI which for decades required a four-year degree will no longer mandate one for new recruits starting in October. New recruits also will receive just eight weeks of training, down from the previous 18-week standard, according to The New York Times. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement also has loosened standards as the Trump administration seeks to expand immigration enforcement. The agency removed its five-week Spanish-language training requirement. Translation needs would instead be met through unspecified technology, The Intercept reported. ICE has paired these changes with aggressive incentives, including signing bonuses of up to $50,000, as much as $60,000 in student loan repayment and retirement benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These changes reflect a broader challenge in policing: Agencies are still struggling to recruit and retain officers amid increased public attention and shifting workforce expectations. The demand exceeds the supply, and whats happened is the environment for being a police officer has changed, said Chuck Wexler, the executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a national nonprofit think tank on policing standards. The expectations have never been higher. Resignations and retirements rose sharply after 2020, when nationwide protests put law enforcement under closer public scrutiny following the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. Additionally, some officers are leaving big-city departments for smaller agencies. At the same time, some experts say, police agencies are competing in a tight labor market in which shift jobs may be less appealing than positions with regular hours, higher pay or remote work options. In recent years, the push for better-educated officers has been rooted in research suggesting that college graduates are less likely to use force and perform better on the job. But some say that strict education mandates can shrink the applicant pool and shouldnt be the sole measure of what makes a good officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement College education, in the greater scheme of things, is advantageous. Its necessary, but not sufficient, Wexler said, noting that agencies should also weigh a recruits work history, maturity, judgement and other characteristics. Agencies of all sizes also have adjusted other standards to attract more applicants raising or lowering minimum age limits, loosening tattoo policies, scaling back fitness tests and waiving exam fees. In some departments, these changes have sparked a surge in applications, but they havent always translated into higher staffing levels overall. Following the NYPDs announcement in February that it was changing its education requirement, daily applications jumped from an average of 53 to 231, according to a news release. In early August, the agency swore in 1,093 recruits its largest incoming class since January 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New Orleans Police Department nixed its college education requirement in 2015 and saw a surge of 7,440 applications just two years later. But hiring never kept pace: The department brought on about 100 recruits a year, and far fewer after 2020, according to the citys hiring dashboard. In 2024, the department received 1,575 applications and hired just 35 recruits. A report from the Louisiana Legislative Auditors office released late last year found that between 2019 and 2023, the department lost nearly 27% of its policing staff. Solving the staffing crisis Staffing shortfalls have been a long-standing challenge for law enforcement agencies, stretching back well before 2020. But in recent years, hiring has improved in some parts of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest Police Executive Research Forum survey, based on responses from 217 agencies across 39 states and the District of Columbia, suggests staffing trends are uneven. As of Jan. 1, sworn staffing was up slightly from the year before but still 5.2% below 2020 levels, according to the survey. Large departments saw modest growth in 2024 but still employ 6% fewer officers than in 2020, while medium and small agencies have not just recovered but now surpass 2020 levels. This period were in now, and we have been in for the last few years, is the most challenging time to hire a police officer, Wexler said. In recent years, state legislatures also have looked into the education requirements for police. In 2023, for example, Oregon lawmakers considered a bill that would have required at least two years of higher education for departments with fewer than 50 officers and a bachelors degree for departments with more than 50. It would have applied to police, corrections, parole, probation and reserve officers, but the bill stalled in a Senate committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More recently, lawmakers in California are considering a bill that would, starting in 2031, require incoming officers to obtain a policing certificate, associate degree or bachelors degree within 36 months of graduating from a police academy. Incoming officers could also meet the requirement through prior military service or out-of-state law enforcement experience. The proposal has received widespread support from many law enforcement agencies and groups in the state, including the California Police Chiefs Association, California State Sheriffs Association and the Peace Officers Research Association of California. The sheriffs association praised the legislation, writing in a statement that it offers a range of acceptable experiences enhancing academic rigor without burdensome requirements that could hurt agencies recruiting goals. Police education requirements are often set by individual departments or local jurisdictions, rather than written into state law. Across the country, most local law enforcement agencies require only a high school diploma or GED, though officers with a college degree may have more opportunities for promotions and higher pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Educational standards across law enforcement agencies vary considerably, said Nancy La Vigne, a criminal justice researcher and dean of the School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers University. Some agencies also have created pathways for new officers to earn college credit through completing the police academy program and offer tuition reimbursement for those who want to pursue advanced degrees. But La Vigne told Stateline that in-service training, organizational structure, leadership and accountability mechanisms within a department also play a key role in shaping a well-rounded officer. Those factors, I think, override anything as simple as Were requiring or removing education as a threshold for employment, La Vigne said. Educational requirements alone are not the biggest factor. What makes a good cop What makes a good police officer has long been debated, with discussions often centering on the role of education, training and personal qualities. Having a college education by itself doesnt mean you will be a better police officer. Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Research Executive Forum Some argue that, rather than lowering education requirements, departments should improve peoples perceptions of the police by becoming more involved in the community, especially at a time when heightened scrutiny has made the job less appealing to some. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its trying to fix the problem assuming that the way things work now is the way things are supposed to be, said Jim Nolan, a sociology professor at West Virginia University and a speaker with the nonprofit Law Enforcement Action Partnership. Nolan previously served as a police officer and as an FBI unit chief. Its the approach to policing thats wrong. Some research suggests that college-educated officers use force less often, face fewer complaints and are disciplined less frequently than their peers without a degree. Some policing experts say a college education may give officers a broader perspective on a range of issues while also strengthening critical thinking and teamwork skills. Research also suggests that college-educated officers are stronger writers, which can lead to clearer investigations and casework, according to a 2017 report on higher education in policing. But some experts still caution that the research is not conclusive and argue that education alone isnt enough to determine what makes a good police officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having a college education by itself doesnt mean you will be a better police officer, said Wexler, of the Police Executive Research Forum. 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. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Police arrested another suspect in connection with the Baton Rouge shooting death of an 18-year-old. Jeremieah Davis, 19, was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges of second-degree murder and illegal use of a weapon after turning himself in. Jeremieah Davis Police arrested two other suspects, Keithan Lee and Albert Boatner, both 19, in connection with a shooting that killed Jonathan Triplett, 18, on April 26 in the 2400 block of North 38th Street. Triplett was shot while he was in a car at a red light at an intersection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee was booked into jail after turning himself in after his photo appeared on On Patrol: Live, a reality TV series following law enforcement. Court records show that Lee and Boatner were indicted on charges of second-degree murder and illegal use of weapons by a grand jury on Sept. 3. Teen arrested in connection with deadly Ascension Parish shooting Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. Police have made an arrest in connection with the devastating fire at a home that was under investigation in Somerville last month. John Grasso, 35, will face charges of wanton destruction of property and breaking and entering a building in the nighttime, Somerville police said Thursday. The Thurston Street home where the fire originated in the early morning hours of August 21 was under construction and partially collapsed after it caught fire. The houses on either side suffered heavy damage as the blaze continued to rage. The three-alarm fire displaced several people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katie Lyons, a resident of one of the homes, told Boston 25 News that she saw smoke from a kitchen window. Just kind of like instant panic, Lyons said. We all ran out of the house. Several days after the fire, Somerville police announced they were looking to identify a person of interest in connection with the fire. 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 JEFFERSON DAVIS PARISH, La. (KLFY) Louisiana State Police continues their investigation into the hit-and-run that resulted in the death of Bonnie Fontenot, 53, of Jennings. Officials said an investigation revealed that the suspect vehicle may be a pickup truck or SUV, likely green or turquoise in color, with possible damage to the front end and/or drivers side. Investigative leads suggest that the vehicle may frequent Iowa or U.S. 165 in the Jefferson Davis Parish area. Fontenot was previously found dead in Jefferson Davis Parish in August after being reported missing. Officials said forensic analysis has confirmed that Fontenot was struck by a vehicle sometime between Aug. 22 and Aug. 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash remains under investigation. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Fatal hit-and-run suspect vehicle color 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. Two Georgia men are behind bars in Williamson County after Franklin Police say they stole more than $9,200 worth of circuit breakers from a local home improvement store. The men, ages 26 and 23, are charged with Shoplifting-Theft of Property and Organized Retail Crime, police said. According to Lowe's, the average price of a circuit breaker is $57, but they can range from about $3.78 to as much as $689. The fluctuation in price is due to advanced safety features like AFCI and GFCI protection along with mandatory updates to meet current electrical codes, the store said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An explainer on some of the circuit breakers also says that special-purpose breakers, such as oil circuit breakers and high-voltage SF6 gas breakers, can cost more due to scarcity. Franklin Police say the theft happened on Aug. 11 from a store on Mallory Lane, and the pair made off with 100 circuit breakers. The two men are also suspected of similar crimes at home improvement stores in Columbia, Tullahoma, Shelbyville, Greenville, South Carolina, and Clemson, South Carolina, authorities say. The suspects' bonds have been set at $7,000 each and police said they remained in custody as of press time for this story. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Franklin Police: Georgia men took 100 circuit breakers worth thousands Sept. 4 (UPI) -- The body of man found in a pool of blood Saturday in Nevada's Black Rock City during the Burning Man alternative art scene festival has been identified, authorities said, as they continue to search for a suspect. The Pershing County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday that the Washoe Medical Examiner's Office has identified the victim of the Burning Man homicide as Vadim Kruglov, 37, of Washington State. "Our sincerest condolences form the Pershing County Sheriff's Office go out to Vadim Kruglov's family for this tragic loss," it said in a statement, adding the deceased's family have been notified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police were notified at about 9:14 p.m. PDT Saturday of "a male subject lying in a pool of blood" at a Black Rock City campsite, according to the sheriff's office, which said that when deputies arrived to the scene they "found a single White adult male lying on the ground, obviously deceased." Black Rock City is a temporary settlement in the Back Rock Desert area in northwest Nevada, about 90 miles north of Reno, which exists for only one week during the Burning Man festival. Tens of thousands attend every year. Authorities continue to search for Kruglov's killer, and has called on the public for assistance, asking anyone with information regarding the homicide to contact them immediately. "At this time, no information is too small to disregard, so do not hesitate to contact my office," Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burning Man said Kruglov was a Russian national, and that it is doing everything it can to help the sheriff's office investigation. "Burning Man Project extends our deepest condolences to Mr. Kruglov's loved ones as they prepare to return him home to Russia," Marian Goodell, CEO of the Burning Man Project, said in a statement. "We also extend our compassion to our wider community of participants, volunteers and staff alike. Together, we strive to uphold the values at the heart of the Burning Man community." OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Police say theyre looking into a shooting on I-240 near Western Ave. Thursday morning. According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers responded to the area after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found one victim in a vehicle with a gunshot wound. No arrests have been made as the investigation continues. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) Police are investigating after a person was allegedly shot in New Britain on Wednesday. According to a spokesperson for the New Britain Mayors Office, officers responded to the area of Osgood Avenue and Corbin Avenue for a report of shots fired. New Haven police using technology to mitigate violent crime At the scene, the officers found a male who was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was conscious and alert and was taken to a local hospital for treatment, according to the spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This incident is still under investigation, anyone with information can leave an anonymous tip with the New Britain Police Department by calling 860-826-3000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A San Francisco Police Department officer shot a man who was armed with an edged weapon Thursday morning in the area of the Cesar Chavez offramp off northbound Highway 101, authorities said. SFPD was called at 11:19 a.m. to northbound 101 to assist San Francisco Sheriffs Office deputies who were responding to a man walking on the freeway, Interim Police Chief Paul Yep said. Police officers made contact with the man near the Cesar Chavez offramp. During the encounter, Yep said the man produced an edged weapon before an officer shot the man. Police did not further describe the weapon or the confrontation. Photo: KRON4 The man, who was not identified by authorities, was given medical aid at the scene before being taken to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital where he is listed in critical condition. No other person was injured in the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lanes 4 and 5 are blocked, as is the Cesar Chavez Street offramp, according to the CHP. Currently, there is no estimated time of reopening and drivers are advised to use alternate routes. AI could replace 99% of workers in five years, warns AI researcher The CHP advises drivers to use Interstate 280 northbound to Cesar Chavez to access the Mission and Potrero areas. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. As Boston fills with college students both local, national, and international, police are issuing a warning about spiked drinks for the new academic year. Residents are reminded of the dangers of colorless, odorless, and tasteless drugs like Rohypnol (roofies), GHB, and Ketamine can be secretly placed in beverages. Ingesting these drugs can cause disorientation, confusion, temporary paralysis, unconsciousness, and other serious effects that leave victims vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boston Police are urging the public to take these precautions and look out for one another: Always have your drink served directly by a bartender or server. Avoid accepting drinks from people you do not know or trust. Keep your drink in sight at all times. Never leave it unattended. If you need to leave your table, take your drink with youeven to the restroom. Cover your drink when you are not actively drinking. Many innovative products are available to help safeguard your beverage. Consider using drink-testing tools such as test strips or nail polish that detect the presence of drugs. If you believe you have been the victim of drink spiking or any other criminal activity, report the incident as soon as possible to police. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A person who had a warrant out for escaping Department of Corrections (DOC) custody was arrested after law enforcement made contact with him while he was fishing. On Sept. 3, at approximately 9:15 a.m., a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) police officer made contact with a man who was fishing at Haller Park on the Stillaguamish River. The officer asked WDFW to run the mans information and was alerted that he had an active DOC warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington State Fish and Wildlife Police are responsible for law enforcement statewide, including state and federal lands and waters, and respond to a variety of related issues from poaching to natural disaster response, public safety to habitat and endangered species protection, WDFW explained on its Facebook page. Its unclear why the officer initially thought to have WDFW run the mans information when making contact with him. The man jumped into the river when the officer tried to take him into custody. The officer went right in after him and quickly caught up to the man downriver. The man, tired and wet, was taken into custody, according to WDFW. He was booked into the Snohomish County Jail. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. Police have broken up an organized retail theft ring that hit the Galleria, Plaza Frontenac, West County Center, Chesterfield, and beyond. At the center of the alleged operation are Ashley Ford and Shannon Fisher, both 39 and from St. Louis. Police say surveillance footage shows the pair removing clothing from hangers and placing items into shopping bags. Sgt. Brandon Elzinga, with the Des Peres Department of Public Safetys Retail Theft Unit, said police from various jurisdictions are familiar with the two women, who he said hit multiple malls in a single day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were advertising, taking orders, and ultimately putting those items back out to the market to get them sold, he said. They could be at the Galleria just before lunch, and that might end up pointing to mall at West County Center by dinner. Ft. Leonard Wood soldier dies while training at rifle range The women allegedly hit shopping centers over a several-week period between July and August. Authorities said they were quick, organized, and efficient. However, they were no match for another organized operation one that involved collaborative police work among various jurisdictions. Detectives from Frontenac, Chesterfield, and Des Peres joined forces to bring the alleged suspects into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our agencies work so well together. And this is evidence of that, Frontenac Police Chief Craig Picha said. Chesterfield Police obtained a court order for a tracking device that recently led detectives to two homes in Hanley Hills. Inside the homes were bags upon bags of stolen clothing from Lululemon, American Eagle, Victorias Secret, Burlington and other stores. In all, more than $12,000 worth of merchandise was recovered. Its a lot of evidence. Youll see that many of the pieces still have the sensors attached to them, Chesterfield Police Det. Sgt. Robert Powell said. In many cases, retailers choose not to actively pursue shoplifters for a variety of reasons potential liability, safety, and insurance issues. But Powell, and the other departments, said through a coordinated effort, authorities managed to apprehend the pair wanted for this operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know that theft organizations can go in a lot of different directions. And we are prepared for that, Det. Sgt. Powell said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News The closing of this case brings relief to the police. However, they know there are so many cases beyond this one. Unfortunately, this is becoming the fastest-growing crime pretty much nationwide. Everybody always talks about the cost of everyday living, and this directly impacts that. Insurance companies have to pay for the loss. That then drives the cost of everyday products up. And ultimately, the American people and our communities are paying that price, Sgt. Elzinga said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new Missouri law that went into effect last week could help crack down on organized retail theft, as it increases the penalty for repeat offenders. Sgt. Elzinga said the ORT, or Organized Retail Theft Law, gives law enforcement another tool in their arsenal to combat thefts. The offense would be a class C felony if the stolen merchandise in 120 days falls between $1,500 and $10,000. It bumps up to a class B felony if the value is more than $10,000. This would have been a perfect case for that because it gives more teeth to the prosecutors as well as law enforcement, he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Milwaukee police are seeking community assistance in locating a critically missing 56-year-old woman, Sheree Wimberly. (This story was updated to add new information.) Milwaukee police say a critically missing 56-year-old woman has been found safe. Police asked for the public's help to find the woman around 11 p.m. Sept. 3. At that time, they said she had been last in contact with her family that afternoon and was believed to be near the 2400 block of North 38th Street. Police notified the public around 10:35 a.m. Sept. 4 that the woman had been located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Critically missing" is a label police apply to people who may be especially vulnerable due to a variety of factors. Contact Kelli Arseneau at (920) 213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ArseneauKelli. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Critically missing 56-year-old Milwaukee woman found safe CANTON, Conn. (WTNH) Police are searching for the owner of an urn that was found along a trail in Canton. The urn, which contains human remains, was found on the running trail behind the Canton Department of Public Works. Court dismisses Rep. Khans lawsuit against City of Hartford, police Canton police said they are holding the urn as they look to return it to its owner. Canton Police Department Police ask anyone with information to contact the Canton Police Department at (860) 693-0221. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services division of the Department of Homeland Security has implemented a policy revision affecting voter registration for new citizens. The new policy states, only state and local election officials will be permitted to offer voter registration services at the end of administrative naturalization ceremonies. The League of Women Voters of Sioux City is an organization that has been providing these services for over 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President of the League of Women Voters of Sioux City, Dagna Simmons, says she was shocked when first learning of the change. Story continues below I was really surprised to see that step was being taken, that a change in the policy was being taken, because this is one of the rights that somebody has as a new citizen, to be able to vote, Simmons said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A naturalization ceremony is taking place this Friday, September 5, at the Sioux City Courthouse. KCAU 9 asked Simmons what steps, if any, they plan on instituting. One of the things that weve thought of is putting a postage stamp on the form so it makes it easier for them to mail it in, because were not going to be able to take them to the auditors office this time, said Simmons. KCAU 9 reached out to the Woodbury County and Plymouth County auditors offices for comment on the new policy revision and has not heard back yet. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. (Reuters) -Belarus has arrested a Polish national on suspicion of espionage for having documents related to forthcoming Belarusian-Russian military exercises, media quoted state television as reporting on Thursday. Poland said the move was a provocation that would receive a response. The Belarusian state Belta news agency, quoting Belarus-1 television, reported that agents from the state security service detained the man in the city of Lepel, east of the capital Minsk. A Belarusian national was also detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is one of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's closest allies and allowed Moscow to use his country's territory for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, though he has said Belarusian servicemen will take no part in it. Belta said the Polish suspect had in his possession a copy of a document outlining the Zapad-25 exercises due to take place this month. He also had Belarusian and foreign cash and a portable telephone SIM-card registered to someone else. "There is irrefutable evidence of the Polish citizen's espionage activities," Belta said. "A few minutes before his arrest, he received a secret military document. All of this was captured on video." Belta said he had been trying to recruit the Belarusian national in his company and offered him money and small gifts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest was "another provocation by the Lukashenko regime aimed at our country," Jacek Dobrzynski, a spokesperson for the coordinator of Poland's special services, said on X. Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki said on the private television TVN24 that the arrest was probably related to the upcoming Zapad military exercises. The Belarusian actions would be met with a reaction from Poland, he added, but did not provide details. Belarus and Poland have long had strained relations over a number of issues related to Lukashenko's support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict and his crackdowns on dissent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Zapad exercises, held every two years in either Belarus or Russia, are viewed with interest by Western countries because of Belarus's proximity to three neighbours that are part of the NATO alliance - Poland, Latvia and Lithuania. Lukashenko, in office since 1994, has drawn closer to Putin in recent years, particularly after receiving the Kremlin's backing during major 2020 street protests by demonstrators accusing him of rigging his re-election to a fifth term. Russia has moved tactical nuclear weapons from its own borders into Belarus. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Stephen Coates) Following the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has outlined his countrys role in providing security guarantees for Ukraine. Source: Polish TV channel Polsat News, cited by European Pravda Details: Answering journalists questions after the coalition leaders meeting, Tusk reiterated that the governments stance on deploying Polish troops to Ukraine remains unchanged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Poland, as we have repeatedly emphasised, does not plan to send troops to Ukraine. Not even after the war ends," Tusk stated. Instead, Polands support will focus on coordination, particularly in logistics. Tusk stressed that Poland was responsible for logistics, noting that the country hosts the largest hub and serves as the centre of organising aid for Ukraine. He said that this task was of sufficient if not exceptional importance. The 4 September talks in Paris were divided into two parts. In the first, according to Tusk, the discussion centred on the distribution of responsibilities among countries in recovering Ukraines security. He noted that none of Polands partners in the European coalition opposed Warsaws decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He underlined that all partners accepted this form of Polands involvement in supporting Ukraine. Tusk added that the second part of the meeting had been devoted to communication with President Trump, during which they discussed ways to make Putin come to his senses. The prime minister admitted that no one had concealed their disappointment with the lack of results, despite the efforts of European countries and the US president. Background: French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 35 coalition leaders are ready to present Ukraine with security guarantees. He noted that 26 countries have already expressed readiness either to send troops or to provide specific means in support of the security effort. He also noted that the US contribution would be determined in the coming weeks. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! CHESAPEAKE BAY (WAVY) Its tough these days to find a topic that both Republicans and Democrats can agree upon, but if some recent polling is any indication, theres one swimming right now in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Its menhaden. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation did some opinion research and found the vast majority of people in our area would like to see more menhaden left in the water and fewer menhaden being harvested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foundation tested the waters by hiring two polling firms one that typically works with Republican candidates, the other with Democratic candidates to gauge opinions on menhaden, the protein-rich fish harvested by the ton by Omega Protein, based in Reedville. The company turns the fish into additives for animal food, nutritional supplements and cosmetics. One of the key questions to 600 registered voters in late July and early August asked whether respondents support leaving more menhaden, a food source for other fish and wildlife, in the water. I did not anticipate this response, said Lori Weigel, an opinion researcher with New Bridge Strategy. It is overwhelming, more than nine in 10 saying that they agree with that idea. That response is true whether or not one is a Republican, independent or Democrat. Beyond public opinion data, Chris Moore, Virginia executive director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundationk wants to see more scientific data to gauge where menhaden are on the spectrum of survivability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBF believes the best approach is to pause industrial menhaden fishing in Chesapeake Bay until science can show whether the fishery is sustainable or is causing harm to our Chesapeake Bay menhaden resource, Moore said. Omega has been hauling menhaden out of the Bay since shortly after the Civil War. WAVY asked Moore how you get a multimillion dollar industrial fishing company operating within the law to pause? I think its up to different Virginia decision makers to determine the best approach for the pause, Moore said. But its obviously something that would need to be enacted through a regulatory process. Omega spokesman Ben Landry sent WAVY this statement Wednesday afternoon: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have not seen the poll, but I can only assume that if the Chesapeake Bay Foundation was involved, the survey has biased results given CBFs multi-decadal effort to harm the menhaden fishery in Virginia and its hundreds of working watermen. The menhaden population is healthy, according to the best available science, and despite there not being a Bay-specific abundance estimate, recruitment in the Bay has been positive year-over-year. Many species that depend on menhaden in the Bay are thriving, like cobia, drum, and Spanish mackerel, and also including avian predators like cormorants and pelicans. As it relates to Chris Moores suggested pause in menhaden fishing in the Bay until a Bay-specific abundance can be developed; there is no such thing as a pause in this fishery. Any pause, temporary or season-wide, would result in a permanent closure of the Commonwealths historic menhaden fishery which has been in constant operation since 1878. The economic harm would be too much to sustain. Menhaden fishing in the Bay is already regulated to a historically low level; less than 1/3 of historic harvests, through precautionary measures. This fishery sustainably harvests menhaden but also sustains hundreds of livelihoods directly and indirectly. Many of these jobs are multi-generational and held by UFCW Local 400 union workers. These jobs are too critical to be threatened by special interest groups and their biased polling. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Pope Leo XIV has hosted Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Vatican and brought up the Gaza war to push for a quick resumption of negotiations on a ceasefire and the release of the hostages, the Holy See said on Thursday. After holding talks with the head of the Catholic Church, Herzog met with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, it said. The Holy See reiterated that it considers the two-state solution, which envisions the peaceful co-existence of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel - to be the only viable solution to the conflict, able to guarantee a future for the Palestinian people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli government rejects the two-state solution, claiming it would be a threat to the country's existence. Herzog took to social media after meeting the pope to thank him for "the warm welcome today at the Vatican." "Above all else, Israel is striving in every possible way to bring home the hostages held in brutal captivity by Hamas," he wrote on X. "Israel yearns for a day when the peoples of the Middle East the Children of Abraham will live together in peace, partnership, and hope." "The Popes inspiration and leadership in the struggle against hatred and violence, and in promoting peace around the world, is valued and vital. I look forward to deepening our cooperation for a better future of justice and compassion." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Relations between Israel and the Vatican noticeably cooled under Leo's predecessor Francis, who repeatedly called for the release of the hostages from Gaza and met with their families several times. However, the late pope also increasingly criticized the conduct of the Israeli military in Gaza. During public appearances, Leo has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire in the embattled coastal region. He has also been urging dialogue and reconciliation, reminding listeners above all of the suffering of children. By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Leo discussed the "tragic situation in Gaza" during a meeting on Thursday with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and called for a permanent ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave, the Vatican said. The pontiff also called for the release of remaining hostages held by Palestinian militant group Hamas, the statement said, and reiterated the Vatican's support for a two-state solution to the decades-long Israel-Palestinian conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A prompt resumption of negotiations was hoped for ... to secure the release of all hostages, urgently achieve a permanent ceasefire, facilitate the safe entry of humanitarian aid into the most affected areas, and ensure full respect for humanitarian law," said the statement. Herzog had earlier thanked Leo for the meeting in a post on X, and said he had received a warm welcome at the Vatican. "Religious leaders and all who choose the path of peace must stand together in calling for the immediate release of the hostages as a first and essential step toward a better future for the entire region," said the president. The Vatican released photos of the leaders greeting each other in the Vatican's apostolic palace but did not say how long they spent together. In one image, the two stand posing side-by-side, with neither smiling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leo, elected by the world's cardinals in May to replace the late Pope Francis, has in the past taken a more cautious tone than Francis when speaking about Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Francis, who had led the Church for 12 years, had become a frequent critic of Israel. He suggested a study into whether Israel was committing genocide against the Palestinian people, which sparked sharp criticism from Israeli officials. LEO STEPPING UP CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE Leo has been stepping up his calls for a halt to the war in Gaza. Thursday's release from the Vatican was notably longer than usual for statements about the pope's meeting with foreign leaders, which typically only offer only a few lines of information and do not give specific details about the topics discussed by the pope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Herzog also met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's chief diplomat, and other top Vatican officials. One official, speaking anonymously without permission, said they focused their discussions with Herzog on the need to guarantee a future for the Palestinian people. Leo and Herzog announced earlier this week that they would meet but had disagreed publicly over whose idea the meeting was. The Israeli presidency had issued a release on Tuesday saying Herzog would meet Leo at the pope's invitation. In an unusual statement later that day, the Vatican responded: "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." (Reporting by Joshua McElwee, editing by Gianluca Semeraro and Keith Weir) According to KVUE, Lake Travis which supplies much of the water to Austin, Texas saw a massive increase in water level following flooding in July. Accounting for all data since 1942, this is the fourth-largest increase in one month. The water level in July 2025 rose 27.08 feet. The highest the water level ever rose was 36.31 feet in September 1952. Just a decade ago, in June 2015, Lake Travis rose over 31 feet with flooding, and many who lived along the Blanco River had their homes destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This July's spike in water level also came with flooding. Heavy rainfall began on July 5 in central Texas, flooding multiple tributaries that lead to Lake Travis. The flooding killed over a dozen people across three Texas counties. "It's a relief that the water has come back up, that mother nature helped us out, even though there was heartache associated with it," Hurst Harbor Marina general manager Nick Shepherd said, according to Community Impact. The outlet noted that Lake Travis can hold the floodwater until it can be released to help downstream cities, such as Austin. Extreme weather patterns have led to increased rainfall in many areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the heat-trapping pollution from burning dirty energy is driving more frequent episodes of heavy precipitation. This increased rainfall and flooding is not limited to the United States. Thirty percent of Europe's river systems experienced flooding in 2024, killing 335 people and affecting more than 410,000, according to a joint report by the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization cited by Reuters. Cloudbursts, intense amounts of rain released quickly from the combination of high humidity and low pressure, have increasingly caused flash floods in India and Pakistan. One of the impacts of human-caused climate change is warmer air. It holds more moisture, which makes these flood events around the world more dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Extreme weather events also come with a large economic cost. As the Center for Disaster Philanthropy explains, "From 1980 to October 2024, there have been 44 floods in the U.S. that caused more than a billion dollars in damage each. The average cost is $4.5 billion per year." More floods also bring more flood insurance claims. As a result, insurance rates have been rising beyond what some can afford. When explaining the rise in flood insurance premiums, America's Flood writes, "Climate change is no longer speculation. It's happening." After this latest incident, Central Texas Water Coalition Director Shannon Hamilton cautioned that this rise in water after the flooding is an opportunity to prevent a repeat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Community Impact, Hamilton warned that "failing to conserve water received in July means the lakes could fall short of meeting the needs of Central Texans" when the next drought hits. In order to mitigate the harshest impacts of climate change, we need to transition away from dirty energy sources like coal and oil and embrace clean, renewable energy. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Residents who frequently travel Clements Ferry Road may be soon seeing some relief, as the City of Charleston and Berkeley County are working to mitigate traffic. With new developments coming to Clements Ferry Road, residents have expressed concerns it will make the already crowded area even more congested. Some issues travelers have reported are backups on the intersection to merge onto 526, unprotected turns causing accidents and 18 wheelers from the ports causing congestion on the frequently travelled road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning late September, the City of Charleston will review and adjust traffic signal timings for the entire corridor along Clements Ferry. The city is also discussing new traffic signals that would be strategically places to endure safe access and maintain traffic flow. The City of Charleston also shared with News 2 they are working with Berkeley County and SCDOT to finalize key roadway widening projects and multi-use paths along the road. Berkeley County recently completed a $130 million dollar widening project along Clements Ferry. They say they are in constant discussions with SCDOT about additional improvements, as the area grows. Were going to make sure new growth pays for new growth, said Berkeley County Supervisor John Cribb. Thats popular with the entirety of the public, folks that have lived here a long time. Theres nothing more aggravating than feeling like you have to pay for new growth. We get together often our county reps and the council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The road is maintained by different jurisdictions, the City of Charleston, Berkeley County and South Carolina Department of Transportation. News 2 reached out to SCDOT and have yet to hear back. The department is currently working on a long-term project to widen 526 with and the next phase of the project is right of way acquisition. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The U.S. Postal Service temporarily closed a post office in Torrance, relocated mail services and destroyed thousands of pieces of mail and packages after tests revealed the facility had been contaminated with asbestos, officials said. Natashi Garvins, a USPS spokesperson, said in a written statement that the facility was temporarily shut down on July 26 and mail services were relocated to other facilities, including in Hawthorne and El Segundo. The closure was made a day after a hazmat team responded to the facility. Video from the scene that day showed dozens of postal service workers standing in the parking lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garvins said tests conducted at the post office at 2510 Monterey St. and completed on Aug. 15 showed no asbestos-containing materials were located within the air duct systems. Garvins said there have also been no reports of asbestos exposure to people. But because other parts of the building tested positive for asbestos contamination, Garvins said, the building was temporarily shut down and services were relocated. Read more: How Trump cuts will hit your post office, mail deliveries The United States Postal Inspection Service is overseeing the collection and disposal of more than 4,000 mail pieces that were contaminated. "While we understand the importance of these items to our customers, these steps are being taken in accordance with federal, state and local" regulations, Garvins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's unknown how long the post office will remain closed. Last month, a former U.S. Postal Service letter carrier in Torrance pleaded guilty to stealing credit cards and checks from the mail and using them to live a lavish lifestyle she flaunted on Instagram. 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. Georgia Salles works the dough for a piece of frybread Thursday at Zinas Blue Corn Cafe in Indian Village at the New Mexico State Fair grounds on the fairs opening day. Lawmakers earlier this year approved a new board that is considering ways to redevelop the site where the fair occurs now, potentially moving the fair from its home for 87 years. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM) Zina Crum was already feeling sentimental when she opened up Zinas Blue Corn Cafe on Thursday morning for the opening day of the New Mexico State Fair even with 10 days left. Shes run the restaurant during the fair for the last 23 years, she told Source New Mexico between Navajo Taco and frybread orders. Moving the fair from its home for the last 87 years, which a newly created board is now considering, could mean fewer local vendors and less New Mexico flavor, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Fair is going to lose the State Fair-ness, you know, like the red and green chile, made fresh, authentic, she said, if it moves elsewhere. She credits the existing site and kitchen, at least in part, with her restaurant inventing the blue corn Navajo Taco. In the most recent legislative session, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 481, which creates a new district board that is empowered to raise property taxes and issue up to $500 million in bonds to revamp the Expo New Mexico site where the fair now occurs. One of the boards first actions at its first meeting in July was to award $850,000 to design firm Stantec to come up with master plan options for the current fairgrounds, including identifying potential new sites for the annual New Mexico State Fair, according to its contract. The firm has eight months to come up with options. Zina Crum stands at the counter of her cafe on the fairgrounds on Thursday. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM) Martin Chavez, a former Albuquerque mayor who is spearheading the Expo New Mexico redevelopment for the governor, told Source on Thursday that the master plans are expected by February. Theyll include at least one option that contemplates the State Fair leaving its current site, and at least one option with a brand new arena, he said, that would be transformational for the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The master plan will also propose sites to move the fair to, Chavez said, though he believes only a handful of options exist that are centrally located, with multiple roads leading to at least 220 acres of space. The other areas are in northern Valencia County, along with the west sides of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, he said. What a new modern fair looks like and how much real estate it occupies, thats still an unknown, he said. And theres a lot of work to engage in to make those decisions. The new boards members include New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and New Mexico Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), among other state and local leaders. Board members stressed in July that no decision has been yet made about what will happen with the fair, but they spoke at length about what the site could look like in its absence. Some options include mixed-income housing, an arena or other commercial opportunities that would exist year-round. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lujan Grisham has previously touted the windfall of new spending on the fairgrounds as a way to tackle the states housing shortage and invest in an area known for high crime and poverty. She said in a December news release that the state-owned land in the heart of New Mexicos largest city presents a unique opportunity to create badly needed new housing for the workforce, while spurring massive private investment. The board met again in August to hear about the economic impacts of existing businesses, including the fair and a weekly flea market, along with statistics about crime in the neighborhood. The board will meet again on Sept. 25, said Peter Belletto, a neighborhood association leader and board member, in an email this week to Source. No agenda has been released. Dan Mourning, the NM State Fairs general manager, speaks during the opening day Thursday. (Photo by Danielle Prokop / Source NM) Dan Mourning, general manager of Expo and the State Fair, told Source New Mexico in an interview at the fairgrounds Thursday that he applauds all the new investment. He also said he thinks the fair can continue at its current site while also accomplishing the boards objectives for the site and surrounding neighborhoods. Im glad that theyve done that in the Legislature, and the governor, more importantly, have taken that bold move to do something unique, something different, he said. And I think we can repurpose this property and look at it, but I still believe that, in my opinion, we can still have a State Fair here too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he stressed that the decision is out of his hands, he did list the benefits of having the State Fair at its current site and also of having the large site empty at least part of the year. During natural disasters, for example, equipment is often staged there temporarily, he said, including trailers for Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire victims in 2022. And the state stood up a massive COVID-19 vaccine testing site there, he noted. We learned a lot from the pandemic, and we are here for the people in New Mexico he said. So anytime theyre in trouble, well pitch in to take care of it. PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) A 17-year-old girl was arrested after allegedly attacking a school resource officer (SRO) on Tuesday, according to the Prince William County Police Department (PWPD). Police said the SRO was notified at 7:50 a.m. of a student actively assaulting a Potomac High School staff member, and when the SRO arrived, the student tried to run away from the officer. Months-long probe leads to arrest of Woodbridge man on child sexual assault charges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When arrested, the girl proceeded to kick, bite and spit on the school security staff and the SRO. Police said the security staff and SRO sustained minor injuries from the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Pottawatomie Sheriff seeks public help locating missing pet tortoise Pottawatomie Co., Okla. (KFOR) The Pottawatomie Sheriffs Office is asking for public assistance in helping one of its citizens in Earlsboro to find their pet tortoise. Meet Phoenix. Pottawatomie Sheriff seeks help in locating missing pet tortoise, Image Pottawatomie County Sheriffs Office Facebook page Pottawatomie Sheriff seeks help in locating missing pet tortoise, Image Pottawatomie County Sheriffs Office Facebook page Pottawatomie Sheriff seeks help in locating missing pet tortoise, Image Pottawatomie County Sheriffs Office Facebook page Pottawatomie Sheriff seeks help in locating missing pet tortoise, Image Pottawatomie County Sheriffs Office Facebook page OKC offers free landfill day for residential trash customers If you see Phoenix or know where it might be, you are encouraged to contact the Earlsboro Police Department at 405-997-5560 or the Pottawatomie County Sheriffs Office at 405-275-2526. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Portlands beloved Powells Books faced its third round of layoffs in September, according to a spokesperson for the company. Powells Chief Marketing Officer Jeremy Solly confirmed to KOIN 6 News that the company conducted layoffs in July, August and September, impacting a total of 18 positions. The positions werent limited to store employees, either. Solly said the majority of the cuts were to management and business services positions across departments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As first reported by the Portland Business Journal, an email sent to employees by Powells Books President Emily Powell cited industry challenges and lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Solly said those who want to help should choose to spend their money at smaller businesses like Powells. Powells Books main store in Portland, April 2021 (KOIN) Choose to shop locally and independently as often as you can, he said. Your patronage helps keep us and many other retailers independent in our great city. Bookstore sales have steadily declined since 2007, according to a Statista report analyzing data from the Annual Retail Trade Survey. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. UPDATE: 9 Powerball tickets worth $100K, $50K sold in N.J. See where. The Powerball jackpot for Saturdays drawing has jumped to an estimated $1.7 billion after no one captured Wednesdays $1.44 billion top prize. The cash option for the next drawing will be worth an estimated $770.3 million. If someone wins the jackpot on Saturday, it would be the third-largest in U.S. lottery history. Though no one won the top prize, 15 second-prize tickets were sold nationally, each worth at least $1 million. Four of these tickets were purchased with the Power Play option for an extra $1, making them worth $2 million each. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New Jersey, nine third-prize tickets were purchased. Eight are worth $50,000 and one sold with the Power Play is valued at $100,000. All matched four numbers plus the Powerball. The New Jersey Lottery will disclose the locations where the tickets were bought later Thursday. Wednesdays winning numbers were: 3, 16, 29, 61 and 69. The Powerball drawn was 22 with a Power Play of 2X. No one has hit the jackpot since someone in California won a $204.5 million top prize on May 31. Since then 41, drawings have been held without anyone winning the jackpot. The largest two Powerball jackpots were both won in California $2.04 billion on Nov. 7, 2022 and $1.765 billion on Oct. 11, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The odds of hitting the Powerball jackpot are more than 292 million to 1. A player who buys a ticket has about a 1 in 11,688,053 chance to match five numbers but not the Powerball and win a second-prize of at least $1 million. The odds of winning a third prize of at least $50,000 are 913,129 to 1. Powerball drawings are held each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Stories by Jeff Goldman Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Read the original article on NJ.com. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) Its a great organization headquartered in Houston with a lot of chapters around the nation, said Josh Wilson, volunteer and social media coordinator for Oilfield Christian Fellowship, a 501(c)(3) non-profit aiming to bring together oilfield workers through Christ. We really have been blessed to have a solid anchor here in West Texas and just a place for people to come to whenever they dont know where to turn, said Wilson. Meeting every third Thursday, once a month, OCF meets at the Rock the Desert fieldhouse in Midland. There, members can expect a free hot meal, a warm conversation, and a free bible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats one of the things with this nonprofit is that 100% of the proceeds go to those Oilfield Bibles that we do sprinkle around the Permian and Delaware [Basins] and just random convenience stores in the area, so that if the Lord meets you there, then you have something to turn to, said Wilson. Oilfield Christian Fellowship will host their next meeting Sept. 18, 2025 at 2000 FM 1788, Midland, TX 79706 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Lake County quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond had his case bound over to the Lake County Grand Jury on Sept. 4. Drummond, who appeared in court dressed in his inmate uniform and escorted by many law enforcement officials, listened to five testimonies at the preliminary hearing in the packed Lake County Courthouse. Local, state, and federal law enforcement officials testified, sharing findings in cell phone data, a timeline of events, and a preliminary report from the Medical Examiner's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummond is charged with four counts of first-degree murder in connection with the July 29 deaths of James Wilson, 21, Adrianna Williams, 20, Cortney Rose, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15, all members of the same family. More: Where was quadruple homicide suspect Austin Drummond caught in Tennessee? More: Accessory to murder arrests made in Tiptonville quadruple homicide; suspect still at large He is also charged with one count of aggravated kidnapping, four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Lake County General Sessions Judge Andrew Cook believed the prosecution proved sufficient probable cause and bound over all of Drummond's charges to the grand jury, except for the charge of a felon in possession of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummond was arrested in Jackson on Aug. 5 after one week of evading law enforcement, and he remains in custody without bond. Several have been charged with accessory during Drummond's run from police. Law enforcement describes crime scene, timeline Lake County Sheriff's Deputy Hunter Brady was working on the evening of July 29. He reported that he received a call via dispatch regarding abandoned vehicles on Carrington Road in Tiptonville. Upon arrival, he located a Dodge Charger and a Chevrolet Traverse. In his initial investigation, he saw what he believed to be blood in the passenger side of the Chevrolet Traverse. Nearby, he found a shoe and followed its direction into a wooded area. There, he found the bodies of Braydon Williams and Cortney Rose, covered by a camouflage tarp. (Center) Cortney Rose, Braydon Williams, (right) and Adrianna Williams (left) were killed (ages 38, 15 and 20 respectively at time of death) during a quadruple homicide with Austin Drummond as the suspect, who evaded authorities for a week before being arrested Aug. 5. Shortly after, other law enforcement officials from Dyer County who arrived on the scene noticed another shoe and red pools of what was believed to be blood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approximately 60 feet away from the first two bodies were the bodies of James Matthew Wilson and Adrianna Williams, also covered with a camouflage tarp. A preliminary Medical Examiner's report revealed that Adrianna Williams, Braydon Williams, and Cortney Rose all suffered gunshot wounds to the head, while James Wilson suffered approximately 11 gunshot wounds to various places on his body, according to testimony from Special Agent Justin Tubbs with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, who is the lead case agent in the homicides. He said several shell casings were found at the crime scene, the majority being .45 caliber. On the same day, the infant belonging to Adrianna Williams and James Wilson was left on the front yard of a random nearby home. Cell phone data connected to Drummond Special Agent Scott Lawson with the Federal Bureau of Investigation shared what cell phone data from the victims and a number believed to be connected to Drummond revealed in his investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims arrived at the Carrington Road location at various times, indicating what is theorized to mean someone had organized a meeting, according to Lawson. The phone number, believed to be Drummond's, came on for the first time that morning of July 29 and was purchased at a Walmart in Dyersburg the night before. The last call that number made was at 7:01 a.m. to Adrianna Williams. At approximately 4:22 p.m. until just after 6:06 p.m., cell phone towers intercepted Drummond's location to be at his parents' house in Jackson. Just before 8:30 p.m. on July 29, the Lake County Sheriff's Office was made aware of the discovery of the bodies on Carrington Road, and by 8:44 p.m., the cell phone believed to be connected to Drummond went off and was never used again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tubbs added that Drummond's phone calls from behind bars are being monitored and that he was heard in one instance admitting to a reporter in Nashville to being at the scene of the crime and abandoning the young child. Judge denies lift of restraining order, approves gag order The defense motioned for the no-contact order between Drummond and the mother of his unborn child, Kaitlyn Speed, be lifted per Speed's request. District Attorney for the 29th Judicial District, Danny Goodman, took issue with the request, citing that the restraining order is in place to prevent Drummond's contact with the victims' families, including Speed. Cook upheld the restraining order, citing Speed's potential as a witness in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an agreed-upon motion by the prosecution and the defense, Cook approved a gag order to be issued that prohibits witnesses, the defense, prosecution and Drummond from speaking with the media or posting on social media regarding the case. The grand jury is set to reach a verdict in the indictment on Nov. 10, and if Drummond is indicted, he will appear in court on Nov. 17. Sarah Best is a reporter for The Jackson Sun. To support local journalism, subscribe to the Daily Briefing here. This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Tiptonville quadruple murder suspect case bound over to grand jury Sep. 4Letters have started arriving for people affected by the 2023 data breach at Premier Health that resulted in the possible exposure of Social Security numbers, medical information and other private information to unauthorized parties. The breach was discovered July 12, 2023. A recently-concluded investigation was launched by the hospital system to "determine the nature and scope of the activity." The investigation showed files on certain Premier Health systems were subject to access and acquisition at different times between June 7 and July 12, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Affected information included name, date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license number or state issued identification number, passport number, individual taxpayer identification number, digital signature, login credentials, financial account information, medical information and health insurance information, according to Premier Health. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights breach portal, 10,833 people were impacted by the breach. Hospitals are required by law to report data breaches to the HHS. People with questions about the incident or the letters can contact Premier health's dedicated assistance line at (855) 507-7876, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. Health care had more cyberthreats in 2024 than any other critical infrastructure industry, according to the FBI's annual Internet Crime Report, with 206 data breaches and 238 ransomware threats. Tomorrow marks the 700th day since our brothers and sisters were kidnapped, 48 of whom are still in Gaza, Herzog told the pontiff. We must do everything to return them as quickly as possible. PresidentIsaac Herzog met Thursday with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, urging increased international efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Tomorrow marks the 700th day since our brothers and sisters were kidnapped, 48 of whom are still in Gaza, Herzog told the pontiff. We must do everything to return them as quickly as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presidents visit included meetings with the Vaticans Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy Sees Secretary for Relations with States. Herzog stressed the urgent danger facing the hostages, including women, and requested that Vatican leaders meet with the families. Herzog said the discussions covered a broad range of issues, including the rise of antisemitism, protection of minorities in the Middle East, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He highlighted the importance of safeguarding Christian communities in Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, and the wider region, as well as the Druze community in Syria. We talked about the Christian denominations and Christian communities in the Middle East, in Judea and Samaria, in Gaza, and of course in the State of Israela very important and sensitive issue, Herzog said. I reiterated Israels clear commitment to freedom of religion, worship, and, of course, to the development and protection of Christian communities in the Holy Land. The president acknowledged that the Vatican raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Herzog told his hosts that Israel had made enormous efforts to improve the situation. The shared responsibility of faith leaders Herzog also emphasized the shared responsibility of faith leaders and governments to fight antisemitism. We talked about the joint fight against antisemitism and how uncompromising it must be, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The very fact that Pope Leo XIV, who has just entered upon his term of office, receives the President of the State of Israel in his office at the Vatican is a very important statement, Herzog added. It shows the great importance of the relationship between the Holy See and the State of Israel and, of course, the Jewish people. Herzog concluded his visit with a tour of the Vatican Archives and Library and invited the pontiff to visit Israel. A local woman thought she hired the right movers, then got hit with a huge bill. Ashley Rogers said, Were not the kind of people that have thousands and thousands of dollars just sitting around. So, it was definitely stressful. Rogers claims the moving company threatened to hold their belongings hostage unless they paid up. This is the same type of scenario Action 9 has exposed before and the company involved appears to be connected to other companies that arent even allowed to do moves in Florida. Rogers told Action 9 Consumer Investigator Jeff Deal, the company let Rogers and her husband know about the new inflated price after their belongings were already loaded on the truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have a consumer complaint or need help from Jeff Deal and Action 9? Click the banner below to submit a tip. Their move from Deland to Debary wasnt very far. When describing the process of getting the original quote Ashley Rogers said, They did the distance, told me how much for transportation and labor, and quoted us around $700 for the whole thing. Rogers and her husband packed their own boxes and the price seemed reasonable. So, they signed with All Star Moving and Storage LLC. The company is registered in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. After the crew loaded up all their belonging, including some very personal baby items and things from her husbands time in the military, Ashley Rogers said thats when they were hit with the surprise bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rogers said, The bill was for $3500. Jeff Deal asked, So, five times the amount you were originally quoted? Rogers answered, Yeah. It was pretty shocking. She said the moving company demanded cash or money order only, otherwise they would take the family belongings to an unknown storage location. Rogers was afraid of losing almost everything they own. She and her husband felt stuck, so they paid. Later they came across an Action 9 story from May where other customers were hit with higher charges by moving companies. The consumers in that story claim companies connected to Shawn Thompson also threatened to hold their belongings hostage if they didnt pay up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One customer, Mackenzie Wiebe said, Its not really a company. It was like a racket. Thompson and what appears to be his main company, Thompson Nation Holdings LLC, are connected in state records to several other moving companies. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services launched its investigation after getting a number of complaints. It issued an administrative complaint against Thompson Nation Holdings LLC and found the companies it operated held goods hostage despite customers paying or offering to pay the original amount on the invoice. The state also alleges their moving trucks didnt have proper insurance and some were fake companies with fake addresses. The business names listed in the state complaint are All Stars Moving and Storage LLC, Next Door Relocation LLC, One Man One Van Moving, Todays Move Movers LLC and Two Man One Truck Movers. Last October, the state denied Thompson Nation Holdings license renewal application to do moves within the State of Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Better Business Bureau has concerns about them, too. CEO Holly Salmons said, Eight companies that we believe to be connected by either name or location have F ratings largely because of unanswered complaints. Ashley Rogers suspects All Star Moving and Storage is connected to the companies run by Shawn Thompson. Action 9 found some similarities. One of the companies listed by The Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services as connected to Thompson is called All Stars Moving and Storage LLC. When we clicked a badge for Local Moves on the website for All Star Moving and Storage LLC it lists only Florida counties, not locations in Pennsylvania. Theres a line on the page that reads: All Star is one of south Floridas leading local moving companies. We also have an invoice from another consumer who used a company called Florida All Stars Moving and Storage. That invoice lists the Orlando address of Thompson Nation Holdings and it has a link to the same website of the company Ashley Rogers used that, at least on paper, is based in Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeff Deal asked, You felt they were holding your stuff hostage? Ashely Rogers answered, Yeah. They were. When Consumer Investigator Jeff Deal called All Star Moving and Storage in Pennsylvania, a manager confirmed thats their website, but couldnt explain why the website has all those Florida references other than to say they do business in different locations. He also claimed he couldnt find Ashley Rogers in their system and said they arent affiliated with Thompson Nation Holdings. State records show the Thompson Nation Holdings companies are still not permitted to do moves in Florida. If you have reason to believe this company is still doing or attempting to do business, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services encourages you to report the information here: https://www.fdacs.gov/Contact-Us/File-a-Complaint Fire Point, the Ukrainian manufacturer of the new Flamingo missile, has announced at the MSPO 2025 expo in Poland that it is developing its own ballistic missiles, the FP-7 and FP-9, and air defence systems. Source: Ukrainian military media outlet Militarnyi Details: Fire Point has disclosed the technical specifications of the new missiles. Specifications of the FP-7 and FP-9 missiles Photo: Militarnyi Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FP-7 missile has an official strike range of up to 200 km, a maximum speed of 1,500 m/s and a circular error probable of 14 metres. Its warhead weighs up to 150 kg and it can remain in flight for up to 250 seconds. Designed for operational strikes at medium ranges, the missile can be launched from a ground platform. The more powerful FP-9 missile has a range of up to 855 km, a top speed of 2,200 m/s, a payload of 800 kg and a flight altitude of 70 km. Its accuracy is stated as 20 metres, enabling the FP-9 to strike targets deep in the rear. Background: Information about Ukraines new Flamingo missile first emerged in August, when the first photo of the weapon was released. Shortly afterwards, Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal officially confirmed that it is being produced. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Flamingo will soon go into mass production. An Associated Press report revealed that as of late August, about one Flamingo missile was being produced daily, and this number is expected to rise to seven per day by October. According to Militarnyi, on 31 August, Ukrainian forces used Flamingo missiles to strike a facility belonging to Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) in temporarily occupied Crimea. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Economist Matthias Doepke once believed the U.S. was the pinnacle of academia: open, diverse, global. He immigrated to Chicago from Germany to pursue his doctorate, and most of his classmates were international students. Thats an exciting thing, to bring talent together from everywhere, said Doepke, now 54. Thats how science is supposed to work. It was an American Dream. He joined the Northwestern University faculty in 2008, with reams of research to his name. He married an American, became a U.S. citizen and raised three sons in Evanston with his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But their shiny life buckled when President Donald Trump took office in 2016. Threats to academic freedom and hostility towards immigrants seemed eerily reminiscent of past authoritarian regimes. To Doepke, it felt profoundly un-American. I felt already at that time, that what had attracted me to stay originally was gone, he said. Trumps reelection was the tipping point. In April, Doepke sold his house and permanently moved his family to England to teach at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He hasnt looked back. Every day of news makes us more secure that we made the right decision, Doepke said. Its a terrible situation for higher education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In just six months, the Trump administration has unraveled the once-symbiotic relationship between universities and the federal government. In an effort to align higher education with his political agenda, the president has pulled funding, restricted international students and even threatened accreditation. At Northwestern, five months of a $ 790 million federal funding freeze have hammered the campus with cuts. Some professors say Trumps escalating campaign could reverse the countrys stature as the global leader of research and science. Universities in China, Canada and Europe have moved to hire American academics en masse signaling a potential brain drain. Matthias Doepke, a former Northwestern University economics professor, left the U.S. due to political uncertainty under the Trump administration. (Matthias Doepke) France, for example, recently launched a campaign touting its research programs to U.S. scientists. Several universities in China announced streamlined transfer options for American students. In May, three Yale University fascism scholars made headlines after announcing plans to move to the University of Toronto. Theres been some very public cases of faculty declaring theyre leaving, particularly from Yale, but then theres a lot of faculty all over the country who have quietly left or quietly applied for jobs in other countries, said Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors. Its not surprising. It is a growing pattern, and its of concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A survey of 1,600 scientists from the journal Nature in March found that more than 75% would consider leaving the U.S. amid the political uncertainty. Doepke, for his part, put his contingency plans into place years earlier. Even after Trump lost the 2020 election, he was skeptical that the Make America Great Again movement was just a blip. The president had unleashed a culture of xenophobia that spread across the country unchecked, Doepke said. The warning signs, he believed, had been piling up for years. Among them was Trumps so-called Muslim travel ban, a 2017 executive order which suspended entry to the U.S. from several predominantly Muslim countries. Then there was the presidents repeated labeling of COVID-19 as the Chinese virus. This pattern of populists blaming all problems on immigrants was already very much apparent, Doepke said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, Doepke saw an opening at LSE one of the worlds premier economics institutions and he took it. It wasnt an easy choice. His three sons were still in school, and his wife had built a career casting for local television shows including Chicago Med and The Chi. Even so, the couple felt a growing urgency to leave while they still could. They agreed on a two-year trial period in London. Doepke took unpaid leave from Northwestern, with an option to return full time in 2025. But soon after the move, the family fell in love with the city. They settled quickly into the quaint Queens Park neighborhood and felt closer to Doepkes family in Germany. London is a pretty good place to be for kids, he said. Across the Atlantic, the U.S. political landscape deterred Doepke further. That feeling crystallized when Trump won reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We decided, pretty much the day after the election of November, that this is going to be where we are going to be, Doepke said. In January, Doepke returned to Northwestern part time while finalizing their permanent move. What unsettled him most, he said, were the methods Trump used to stoke chaos in higher education. He saw chilling parallels to far-right movements in 20th-century Europe, including his native Germany. Of course, we are nowhere near where the Germans went in the 30s, but the structures and the methods are similar, he said. Undermining the rule of law, flooding the zone with misinformation, all of that we have seen many times repeated in different countries. Tom Ginsburg, a professor of international law at the University of Chicago and faculty director for the schools Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression, sees echoes of the McCarthy era. In the late 1940s and 1950s, the U.S. government blacklisted faculty in sweeping anti-communist initiatives, repressing academic freedom, he said. It reminds him of Trumps weaponization of federal funding against schools like Northwestern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the Trump administration has really revealed, in a way we have never seen far beyond McCarthy, is the incredible array of tools that the executive branch can wield in trying to attack universities, he said. Ginsburg doesnt plan on leaving the U.S., but its not out of the picture, either. In the back of my mind, if things got really bad, I would look for a job in East Asia, he added. U.S. economics professors typically earn significantly more than their U.K. counterparts a key reason why Martin Eichenbaum, a Northwestern economics professor, doubts many of his peers will follow Doepke to Europe. He suspects federal funding for economics will also be more insulated from Trumps chopping block. But Eichenbaum sees trouble brewing in the broader higher education landscape. I think if you destroy American funding, and make it less attractive for people to set up here, its a huge hit to the country, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a close colleague and friend of Doepke, Eichenbaum plans to visit him in London in the fall. Matthias is a great guy. He was a wonderful colleague, he said. In the past few months, Doepke has received a flood of messages from academics from across the U.S. Many have weighed their own considerations for leaving. He suspects other Northwestern researchers, particularly those from other countries, are also seeking opportunities elsewhere. LSE classes are slated to start up again in late September. We are happy with where we are, Doepke said. He still misses Chicago, and the quiet streets of Evanston, he said. But not enough to return. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) South Dakotas Secretary of Corrections will soon be a former member of Gov. Larry Rhodens cabinet. Kellie Wasko has announced her resignation, and state lawmakers Jamie Smith, Kevin Jensen, Greg Jamison and Jack Kolbeck have varied perspectives on the development. I am a little bit surprised, said Jensen, a Senate Republican from the Canton area. Shes been, she and the administration have been 100% on this project for a long time. The Project Prison Reset task force has recommended a new 1,500-bed mens prison with a maximum cost of $650 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 farmers to pay $4 million in crop insurance fraud Not a big surprise, really, said Jamison, a House Republican from Sioux Falls. I think shes been under a lot of pressure for a while. Clearly some of that came out in our task force meetings and the public input. I think its timely, said Smith, a Senate Democrat from Sioux Falls. I think right now we are at a crossroads with the whole Department of Corrections and with the building of a new prison. The state has agreed to buy land in northeast Sioux Falls for the new facility. Kellie and I, we had worked together very well, said Kolbeck, a House Republican from Sioux Falls. I was in appropriations, and she was in front of our appropriations committee a lot of times. So yeah, I was disappointed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the undercurrent has been for the last few months, a lot of legislators have been saying, well, if she resigns, Ill vote for the prison, Jensen said. Fast approaching is a special session in Pierre on Sept. 23 at which legislators will vote on the proposed new mens prison in Sioux Falls. For that to get across the finish line, it needs two-thirds support in both the House and Senate. Its still a tough task at this moment, Jamison said. I met with some legislators yesterday, and theres some basic, elementary pieces of this whole project that they dont understand yet. My caucus does have concerns, and some of our concerns are what does it look like moving forward, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kolbeck is a clear yes on the proposal, but Jensen is a resolute no. With 35 Senators and 70 members of the House, the proposal needs at least 24 supporters in the Senate and 47 in the House. We found a location, Kolbeck said. Weve got a budget. Weve got a plan. Weve got what everybody kind of asked for. I dont think were there yet, especially now, Jensen said. I really think that this move probably raised more questions even with some people that were maybe for the 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 KELOLAND.com. SAVNNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Over the last eight years, state lawmakers say school taxes have jumped nearly 90 percent, despite enrollment falling by around 1,500 students. Reps. Ron Stephens and Jesse Petrea said taxes collected for the Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) have climbed from about $253M in 2019 to a projected $440M in 2026. Youve got exponential increases, 111% in seven years for general administrative costs in the Chatham County school system, Petrea said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of the Chatham County Schools Tax Relief act, which passed the state legislature earlier this year, said its time for a change. I am in support of this because I find that it adds predictability without shortchanging children or education at all, Stephanie Campbell, who represents District 7 with SCCPSS board said. Campbell said the spending is not wasteful but reflects higher expectations placed on schools. Kids do cost more to educate these days, she said. Were expected in the public school system to do a lot of things that otherwise we wouldnt have done before, that was just simple education, like reading, writing, math. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If voters approve of the measure in November, it would create whats called a floating homestead exemption. That means school taxes would be capped at a homes base year value. We in the legislature have no intention of doing anything to decrease funding to schools, Petrea said. Just like before, schools will continue to receive 100% of the revenue from the previous year without losing one penny, Stephens 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. Inside an Orange County courtroom Thursday, prosecutor Sean Wiggins played two snippets of a lengthy audio file that began recording moments after detectives believe Lt. Eloilda Shea was shot dead by her estranged husband. The people who filled the gallery, which included the late lieutenants family, sat silently as they listened to the first excerpt taken from the beginning of the recording, which captured the sounds of rustling and someone moving around the room over the noise of an air conditioning unit. Later on in the recording, Anthony Shea, Eloildas husband, can be heard entering the room. A 50-second silence followed until he began speaking hysterically to a 911 dispatcher. Im doing CPR right now. Yes, shes shot! I need you guys now, Shea said. Shes a lieutenant with the sheriffs office. Please help me! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recordings were part of an hourslong hearing as Anthony Shea, a former Orange County Sheriffs Office sergeant who observed the hearing from the jury box, seeks his release from jail ahead of his trial for the October 2024 murder of Eloilda Shea. Among the other evidence presented in the courtroom were body-worn camera video of the crime scene, grisly photos of the bedroom where the couple slept, a forensic report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the testimony of Christopher Gilberti, the homicide detective who led the murder investigation. However, Chief Judge Lisa Munyon said she would not issue a ruling until Friday or Monday. Along with fatally shooting his wife, Anthony Shea, 50, is accused of staging the scene to make it look like Eloilda Shea killed herself by sending text messages from her phone before he left with their daughters to a nearby Publix. Investigators, however, found an audio recording on her phone which began seconds after he allegedly sent himself a text and continued until it was discovered. Although Munyon did not issue a ruling, Thursdays hearing offered a glimpse of how the attorneys on both sides are looking to frame their respective arguments, with Mark OMara, Anthony Sheas attorney, making the case that Eloilda Shea most likely took her own life. OMara objected to the evidence presented against his client, telling Munyon that the case against him is based on circumstantial evidence, including the unsent recording he suggested was of questionable veracity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He further argued that if Anthony Shea had killed his wife, who he said still had a pulse when paramedics arrived, Why not finish the job if thats what youre doing? Shea, who is in the middle of a custody battle while he remains behind bars, is seeking to be released on a $100,000 bond. There is a lot of supposition here, OMara said. A decision was made that he murdered his wife, and that investigation followed that path and that path alone all the way through until today. But theres not a lot of non-circumstantial evidence to really support this. Meanwhile, the prosecutions case appears to hinge on a forensics report that only found Anthony Sheas DNA on the trigger along with the discovered recording, which is mostly silent after he left home with the children and remains so until his return. Since no gunshot was heard during the records, Wiggins had said she must have been already dead. In court, Wiggins also presented recordings of Eloilda Sheas voice sent to a friend and shared with detectives, in which she calls her husband a narcissist who hasnt respected me in years. In that recording, she further spoke of the suicide of a fellow deputy earlier that year, rebuking him as the deputys body was discovered in his own home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive thought about it, but I wouldnt because I dont want to leave these girls thats not fair to them and I dont want them to think that theyre not enough, Eloilda Shea said in the recording. Wiggins argued that recording demonstrated she had no intention of killing herself despite her troubled marriage, and found it unfathomable to do it in the family home. Eloilda Shea, affectionately referred to as Ellie, was a rising star at the agency who worked at the Sheriffs Office since May 2011. Her death was a shock to her loved ones in and out of the agency, with Sheriff John Mina calling it devastating to know we will never again be on the receiving end of Ellies kindness or warm smile. Meanwhile, months before his arrest for murder, Anthony Shea was forced to resign from the Sheriffs Office in disgrace for having sex while on duty, an extramarital affair that marred his marriage. According to investigators, the couple had argued the night before her death. Forty-five minutes before she was believed to have been shot, her phones search history had a search entry for Im a cop and my husband sexually assaulted me. Though Anthony Shea has not been charged with sexual assault, he is accused of tampering with evidence alongside the first-degree murder charge. He has pleaded not guilty. His life was falling apart, Wiggins argued. He had left the agency under disgrace, his wife was divorcing him, hes been forced out of the house, he had lost his job under circumstances that was preventing him from finding any other work, he was concerned about how he was going to support himself. So this defendant definitely had a motive. BERTIE COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) The Bertie County Sheriffs Office is seeking public assistance in locating Nasir Amire Brown, who is wanted for felony solicitation to commit murder. Brown allegedly made statements on social media soliciting the murder of survivors of a deadly shooting incident that occurred on August 5th. Anyone with information on Browns whereabouts is urged to contact the Bertie County Sheriffs Office or local law enforcement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ohio's joint committee on congressional redistricting in a 2021 meeting. (Photo: Susan Tebben, OCJ) The portal for Ohioans to submit proposals in the newest round of congressional redistricting is available, according to legislative leaders. Plans can be submitted now on the portal, which can be found here. All proposals posted to the web page will be open for public review, according to a press release from Ohios Republican legislative leaders, House Speaker Matt Huffman and Senate President Rob McColley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plans can also be mailed to the General Assembly, according to the submission page: Care of the Clerk of the Senate Ohio Statehouse Columbus, OH, 43215 A proposed congressional district plan submission must include (1) a complete statewide plan and (2) visual representations of the proposed boundaries of the congressional districts, the submission page states. Any submission that fails to include both requirements will not be published on the website or considered. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Congressional redistricting plans will be introduced in the legislature, where they will be assigned a bill number like any other piece of legislation, and then will be subject to hearings before a committee in both chambers. After committee approval, both chambers will vote on the measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order for the map to last 10 years, it has to receive 66% approval in each chamber, including approval from at least half the Democrats and half the Republicans in the Senate and House, according to the Ohio Constitution. If agreement cant be reached in the legislature by Sept. 30, the process moves to the Ohio Redistricting Commission, which would have until the end of October to come up with a bipartisan plan. Without agreement there, the process heads back to the legislature, where a plan can be passed with a simple majority. The constitution gives a deadline of Nov. 30 for the legislatures second attempt. With a simple majority adoption, however, the constitution dictates that the plan would only be valid for four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The redistricting process is back in Ohio after previous attempts at congressional map-drawing didnt produce bipartisan maps. Both congressional maps that were adopted in Ohio were struck down as unconstitutionally partisan by the Ohio Supreme Court. Despite being unconstitutional, the most recently approved congressional map was used for the last general election. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) -Gannett, the largest U.S. newspaper publisher, won the dismissal of most of a lawsuit, including all class action claims, alleging its diversity policies led to widespread discrimination against white journalists. U.S. District Judge Rossie Alston said on Wednesday the plaintiffs offered no proof that Gannett's alleged "reverse race discrimination policy" caused similar harm across its hundreds of media outlets, which include USA Today, such that affected employees could sue as a group rather than individually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Plaintiffs would all be seeking relief based on different theories of recovery, based on different positions, at different newspapers, in different areas of the country, with different decisionmakers," the Alexandria, Virginia-based judge wrote. Alston, an appointee of President Donald Trump, also said the proposed class would include "large swaths" of employees including human resources, information technology and perhaps janitorial staff who suffered no adverse employment actions. Five former Gannett journalists said they were fired, pushed to resign or passed over for promotions, under a 2020 policy under which Gannett committed to have its newsrooms reflect the racial and ethnic demographics of communities they cover by 2025. The New York-based company has said its Inclusion Report, which the plaintiffs cited as evidence of alleged racial basis, did not establish quotas or require specific mechanisms to achieve its "aspirational goals" regarding workplace diversity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alston dismissed four of the plaintiffs from the case. He let the plaintiff Logan Barry, a former reporter for the Progress-Index in Petersburg, Virginia, sue for allegedly being denied a chance to seek a promotion ultimately awarded to a less qualified Black woman. Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday. Gannett declined to comment, saying it does not discuss pending litigation. The company was based in McLean, Virginia when the lawsuit began in August 2023. Trump has made the elimination of corporate diversity policies a priority in his second White House term. The case is Bradley et al v Gannett Co, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, No. 23-01100. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Nia Williams) Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is facing a gas shortage, The Moscow Times reported on Sept. 4. The statement comes after a months-long Ukrainian campaign targeting Russia's energy infrastructure in an attempt to put economic pressure on Russia and undermine its ability to finance its war against Ukraine. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Sept. 4, Putin said that signs of gas shortages are already visible in the Russian Far East. He said that supplying new enterprises can be challenging, and demand for gas is expected to rise significantly in the Far Eastern Federal District in the coming years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He didn't mention the reasons behind a potential shortage. Putin suggested switching to coal reserves, which "will last for almost a thousand years," Putin said, as quoted by The Moscow Times. According to the Russian Ministry of Energy, the Kremlin has 63.4 trillion cubic meters of gas reserves, enough for 100 years of production. In 2020, the Accounts Chamber of Russia estimated that the country's reserves made up 20% of the world's total but warned that they would only last 50 years. Ukraine has targeted dozens of refineries, oil depots, and military-industrial sites with long-range drones since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 to disrupt Moscow's war effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv has increased the attacks recently ahead of potential peace talks following U.S. President Donald Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15 and with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington on Aug. 18. The attacks have disrupted Russias ability to process and export oil and created gasoline shortages in some Russian regions, as well as in occupied Crimea. Read also: After 3 years of full-scale war in Ukraine, Europe announces plan to ban all Russian gas imports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Volodymyr Zelensky is to meet with European allies in Paris on Thursday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine as fears grow that Russia could be preparing a new offensive. The Ukrainian president is to meet in person with Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, as well as the prime ministers of Poland and the Netherlands. Sir Keir Starmer and Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, are also set to attend the meeting via video link. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The talks come as Berlin and Paris are increasingly concerned that Russia is preparing a large-scale offensive to capture the strategic town of Pokrovsk in the Donbas region. French and German officials discussed the build-up of Russian troops around the town at a joint meeting in Toulon last week. Mr Zelensky has warned that the Kremlin has gathered 100,000 soldiers on the eastern side of the front in preparation for an assault on Pokrovsk, which it has tried unsuccessfully to encircle for the past year. The focus of Thursdays meeting is set to be details of security guarantees offered by Nato partners to Ukraine in the event that a ceasefire can be agreed between the warring parties. Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron arrive at the meeting in Paris on Thursday - LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images Reports in the German media suggest that Berlin is preparing to make concrete proposals at the meeting on strengthening Ukraines defences, while stopping short of a commitment to deploy German troops to monitor a ceasefire line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berlin will offer to increase the capabilities of the Ukrainian air defences by 20 per cent a year, while also further investing in Ukrainian-made cruise missile systems, a report in Der Spiegel claims. Germany is also offering to provide the equipment for four infantry brigades, which is said to account for 480 infantry vehicles supplied every year. Mr Merz recently suggested that Berlin was open to deploying German troops to monitor an eventual ceasefire, but he is believed to be seeking US involvement as a condition for participation. Meanwhile, Mark Rutte, the Nato chief, said that Russia did not have a veto on whether Western powers could deploy troops to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why are we interested in what Russia thinks about troops in Ukraine? Its a sovereign country. Its not for them to decide, Mr Rutte said. Moscow has said that Nato troops in Ukraine would be a red line in any talks on ending the war, which has been grinding on for over three years. Firefighters on duty following a Russian attack on the city of Druzhkivka in Donetsk Oblast on Thursday - Anadolu via Getty Images European leaders are split on the question of whether they would deploy their own troops to ward off another Russian attack. While the UK and France have attempted to persuade other countries to get on board with such a mission, key allies remain hesitant. Poland, which is currently building up one of the largest land armies on the continent, has ruled out sending troops to its eastern neighbour, saying that it needed to focus its resources on protecting its eastern border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump is also potentially going to be dialled into Thursdays meeting in Paris, as European allies attempt to coax the US president into raising the pressure on Putin, whom he controversially met in Alaska last month. Mr Trump has remained non-committal on the question of whether he was prepared to impose new sanctions on Moscow. On Wednesday, he told reporters in Washington, if were unhappy with the Russian leaders next move, youll see things happen. Speaking from Beijing, after a meeting with Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader, Putin said that he would be prepared to meet Mr Zelensky for peace talks in Moscow, a condition that the Ukrainians have rejected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have never ruled out the possibility of such a meeting. But is there any point? Lets see, Putin said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said that the conflict with Ukraine would continue if no agreement is reached with Kiev. "If we do not succeed in reaching an agreement on Ukraine, then we will achieve our goals by military means," Putin said at a press conference at the end of his four-day visit to China. Putin was once again confident of victory in Beijing. Russian troops are, he said, successfully advancing everywhere on the front. The reserves of the Ukrainian armed forces are exhausted, said the 72-year-old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian troops have been advancing slowly in eastern Ukraine, and recently Ukraine has mounted some successful counterattacks, which have led to the recapture of individual towns and villages. Putin also again questioned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's legitimacy to conduct negotiations, repeating his argument that the Ukrainian leader's regular term of office expired last year. Zelensky continues to lead Ukraine under martial law, which allows him to remain in office beyond his expired term in line with the constitution. A dialogue with Zelensky was a "dead end," said Putin, while at the same time praising US President Donald Trump, who has been pushing for a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin said he sees "light at the end of the tunnel" because of the attitude of the new US administration. If common sense prevails, an acceptable end to the Ukraine conflict could be reached. Putin did not say what this would look like in concrete terms. However, he denied that Russia had directly linked security guarantees for the neighbouring country to territorial claims. Following more than three and a half years of war, Russia controls some 20% of Ukraine and is demanding Kiev relinquish territories Moscow annexed illegally. Zelensky categorically refuses to give up territory, saying this is not allowed under the Ukrainian constitution. Russia is less concerned with territory than with the protection and rights of the predominantly Russian-speaking population living there, Putin said. While questions swirl about the health of Americas 79-year-old President, who has openly pondered whether hell get to heaven, Chinas Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin, both 72, were caught Wednesday discussing living longer, and possibly, forever. In a hot mic moment livestreamed by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV during a major military parade in Beijing, the two leaders, who have each brushed past previous term limits to hold on to power in their respective countries, bantered about longevity and the potential for medical advancements. In the past, we used to say that very rarely people lived to 70, but these days at 70 years old youre still a child, a Russian translator of Xi could be heard telling Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a few years, with the development of biotechnology, human organs can be constantly transplanted so that people can live younger and younger, and even become immortal, Putin responded, according to a Chinese translator. Xi then predicted: In this century, humans may live to 150 years old. Putin later confirmed the conversation at a news conference with Russian reporters, saying that modern means of health support, medicine, and even some surgeries involving organ transplants allow humanity to hope that the active lifespan will not be like today. It differs from country to country, but theres hope that our lifespan can increase considerably. Heres what to know about Russias and Chinas investments in anti-aging. Russias obsession Putin has a particularly acute fear of death, Peter Pomerantsev, a senior fellow at Johns Hopkins Universitys SNF Agora Institute, wrote for TIME in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there have been unsubstantiated rumors over the years that he has cancer or Parkinsons disease, the Russian President who is serving his record-breaking fifth term is said to be paranoid about his personal health, reportedly even bathing in Siberian red deers blood and subjecting visitors to two-week quarantines to avoid bringing him disease. His government has also invested heavily in anti-aging research, including via Putins eldest daughter, endocrinologist Maria Vorontsova, who has received multi-million grants for her studies into cellular aging and longevity. When the U.S. issued sanctions against Putins children in 2022, the Treasury described Vorontsova as someone who leads state-funded programs that have received billions of dollars from the Kremlin toward genetics research and are personally overseen by Putin. Last year, Putin called for a national project to preserve the health of the country. The result was the New Technologies for Health Preservation program, which has the goal to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of medical research and development in several areas, including regenerative biomedicine, preventive medicine technologies, ensuring active and healthy longevity. State-run TASS said about 210 billion Russian rubles ($2.6 billion) will be poured into the project through 2030. Independent Russian news outlet Meduza reported that Mikhail Kovalchuk, who is a close friend of Putin and is obsessed with immortality and the Russian genome, lobbied for the project. Kovalchuk oversees Russias genetic research program where Vorontsova works. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias Health Ministry reportedly asked researchers in a June 2024 letter to provide proposals for developments in several longevity-related research areas, including cellular aging, bioprinting and organ printing, and even correcting the immune system based on critical markers identified in the aging process. One unnamed doctor described to Meduza the apparent urgency of the project: They asked us to fast-track all of our proposalsit felt like the letter had just arrived today and the deadline was yesterday. To be honest, it was the first time Id seen anything like it. Bioprinting, which Putin seemed to reference to Xi, faces ethical and legal concerns, but Russia has ramped up its investment in it. Rosatom, the state corporation that specializes in nuclear energy but also oversees organ-printing, previously said it hopes to master organ-printing by 2030, including producing blood vessels or even livers. Russian newspaper Kommersant reported in 2023 that the government had spent 57.3 million rubles (almost $700,000) on bioprinters and bioinks, a 47-fold increase from five years prior. The Russian private sector is also making strides in anti-aging technology and chasing immortality: a 3D printing startup in Skolkovo implanted a 3D-printed thyroid gland into a mouse in 2015 and became the first to create live tissue in space in 2018as part of a drive towards printing organs for humans. And Russian billionaire Dmitry Itskov founded the 2045 Initiative, a life-extension project that envisions uploading human consciousness into computer avatars. Chinas research While less obsessed with immortality than Putins government, Xis China has also invested in aging research, as the country has the worlds largest elderly population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, the Chinese government launched the Major Program on Organ Aging and Degeneration, an initiative focused on studying cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging. And the state-funded Chinese Academy of Sciences published studies last year and this year on reversing aging in primates. Is the U.S. falling behind? Historically, theres been concern in the U.S. that China would take the lead in biotechnological advancements. Currently, the U.S. government has no cohesive, intentional biotechnology strategy, said the U.S. National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology in April, while China is gaining ground thanks to its aggressive and carefully coordinated state-led initiatives. But the Wall Street Journal reported in January that longevity researchers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts were hopeful that President Donald Trumps second-term Administration would put more focus and funding into the once-fringe field. The science around aging, James Peyer, chief executive of longevity biotech Cambrian Bio and board director of a longevity biotechnology nonprofit, told the Journal, has hit a tipping point where its too big and too exciting for any government to ignore. Contact us at letters@time.com. The U.S. Capitol on June 30, 2025. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom) Just over two months after U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) announced he would not seek reelection next year, several Democrats have announced their entrance into the race for their partys nomination in the 3rd Congressional District. The biggest names attempting to succeed him so far all serve in the state legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia), who has been the chairman of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party for the past few years, formally launched his candidacy two days after Evans announced his plans to retire in late June. Rep. Chris Rabb (D-Philadelphia), who is on the House Judiciary Committee and other panels, also joined the race in early July. The latest to enter the fray is Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia), who is the chair of the Philadelphia caucus in the House, who announced her candidacy on Wednesday. Evans, who was a member of the General Assembly for decades, has served in the U.S. Congress since 2016. Evans has cruised to reelection time after time and did not face a challenger in the general election in some years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The seat, which includes nearly half of Philadelphia, is a safe Democratic district, according to several national ratings outlets. Christopher Borick, director of Muhlenberg Colleges Institute of Public Opinion, told the Capital-Star in an interview in July that the winner of the primary election would likely go on to succeed Evans. If you win that primary, youre going to Congress, Borick said. Its as simple as that. The race for the 3rd District is also expected to be a very costly primary fight, Borick noted, since it is entirely inside the Philadelphia media market. Id expect that to be among the most pricey primaries we see in this cycle, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Cephas, Rabb, and Street are the most recognizable candidates in the race as of early September, there are others who are seeking the Democratic nomination. Democrats who have also filed include Dave Oxman, a physician, Robin Toldens, who the Philadelphia Inquirer reports is a former city government employee and real estate agent, Karl Morris, a professor at Temple University, and Gabriel Caceres. The seven candidates that have filed make it the most crowded race to date for Pennsylvanias congressional delegation. No Republicans as of Sept. 4 have filed to run for the seat. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) The beloved radio host Brother Wease, real name Alan Levin, has announced his final show on the popular radio station 95.1 in Rochester. He has been a radio personality for over thirty years, before today, when he told listeners this morning, Whats happening is, this is my last show. He spent most of the morning thanking his listeners for the decades of support. He then explained a little more about how he got to this point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wease says his show is being replaced with music, although management offered him other opportunities to stay on the air, he declined. Wease, as noted in his 95.1 bio, is a veteran who completed three tours in Vietnam. His career has included various roles, such as concert promoter, mailman, and overnight DJ. He served as an emcee at both Woodstock 94 and 99. In addition, he is a part-owner of a tattoo parlor located on Ridge Road. In 1998, he honored a friend who lost their battle with cancer by founding a charity called Wease Cares. Fans appreciated his radio show on 95.1 for his openness with listeners, as well as his prominent voice in culture. Below are clips from Brother Wease Late Night Circus that aired for a few months on WROC from 1991-92: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay up to date on this new story as News 8 gets 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 RochesterFirst. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on Wednesday sharply criticized Donald Trump for his unilateral decision to bomb a suspected drug vessel from Venezuela Tuesday and reminded the president that such actions could set a dangerous precedent. Its hard to have any sympathy for drug dealers trying to import product into our country, the Republican lawmaker told Newsmax anchor Rob Schmitt. But at the same time, I guess, you might ask the question, Where does it end? Are we the worlds policemen? We all assume these people were bad people and drug dealers, but if they were caught off the coast of Miami, we would stop the boat. If they dont shoot at us, we dont shoot at them, Paul explained Wednesday. Theyre confiscated; theyre put in jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump announced the strike himself Tuesday and claimed on social media that the eliminated targets had been positively identified as members of the Venezuelan drug cartel Tren de Aragua. He even shared footage of what appeared to be the explosion, which killed 11 people. Related: After Years Of Fanning Wild Rumors On The Health Of His Foes, Trump Faces His Own Paul, who chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and has been vocal about protecting civil liberties, not only criticized Trumps decision but said the U.S. no longer has the finances to be the worlds policemen. He also argued that the entire point of our legal system is to not automatically assume guilt and said unilateral strikes at merely suspected criminals could lead to catastrophe if the targets were suddenly revealed as innocent people fleeing Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think probably that we had the facts correct, we got bad people here, but it isnt our policy just to blow people up, the lawmaker explained. We dont blow up ships entering our waters unless theyre hellbent on attacking another ship or unless they are resisting with gunfire. Off our coast it isnt our policy just to blow people up. REPUBLICAN Senator @RandPaul (R) talks to Newsmax about Trump bombing a boat he claims was filled with drugs and gang members from Venezuela @SchmittNYC obediently justifies it. pic.twitter.com/uYpP9Aph3P The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) September 4, 2025 Marco Rubio, Trumps secretary of state, told reporters Wednesday that the U.S. has used established intelligence to merely stop drug boats for far too long. He said it doesnt work and added that strikes such as Tuesdays will happen again. Paul reminded viewers Wednesday that the U.S. doesnt or shouldnt operate that way. We arrest people, he said. So it is difficult and its hard, because obviously theyre bad people, so people want something bad to happen to them. But typically, even the worst people in our country, if we accuse somebody of a terrible crime, they still get a trial. Related: Local TV Anchor Blasts Trump With 1 Word About His Recent Actions: 'Call It By Name' They get a lawyer, Paul explained. They get their day in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schmitt, who called the strike a brilliant deterrent against drug traffickers earlier in the show, appeared unconvinced by his guests constitutional argument, and said, But if were at war, you know, we blow up bad guys all the time. I think theyre saying that its a war. Related... Read the original on HuffPost WASHINGTON Federal judges are frustrated with the Supreme Court for increasingly overturning lower court rulings involving the Trump administration with little or no explanation, with some worried the practice is undermining the judiciary at a sensitive time. Some judges believe the Supreme Court, and in particular Chief Justice John Roberts, could be doing more to defend the integrity of their work as President Donald Trump and his allies harshly criticize those who rule against him and as violent threats against judges are on the rise. In rare interviews with NBC News, a dozen federal judges appointed by Democratic and Republican presidents, including Trump, and serving around the country pointed to a pattern they say has recently emerged: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lower court judges are handed contentious cases involving the Trump administration. They painstakingly research the law to reach their rulings. When they go against Trump, administration officials and allies criticize the judges in harsh terms. The government appeals to the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 conservative majority. And then the Supreme Court, in emergency rulings, swiftly rejects the judges decisions with little to no explanation. Emergency rulings used to be rare. But their number has dramatically increased in recent years. Ten of the 12 judges who spoke to NBC News said the Supreme Court should better explain those rulings, noting that the terse decisions leave lower court judges with little guidance for how to proceed. But they also have a new and concerning effect, the judges said, validating the Trump administrations criticisms. A short rebuttal from the Supreme Court, they argue, makes it seem like they did shoddy work and are biased against Trump. President Donald Trump greets Chief Justice John Roberts at a joint session of Congress on March 4. (Tom Williams / Getty Images) It is inexcusable, a judge said of the Supreme Court justices. They dont have our backs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All 12 judges spoke on condition that they not be identifiable, some because it is considered unwise to publicly criticize the justices who ultimately decide whether to uphold their rulings and others because of the risk of threats. Judges are increasingly targeted, with some facing bomb threats, swattings and other harassment. Judges especially involved in high-profile cases and their families have reported receiving violent threats. As of June, the U.S. Marshals Service, which protects judges, had reported more than 400 threat investigations this year. There has been a steady rise of such threats in recent years, from 224 in fiscal year 2021 to 457 in fiscal year 2023, according to congressional testimony given by the Marshals Service. An agency spokesman declined to provide updated numbers. When judges issue rulings the Trump administration does not like, they are frequently targeted by influential figures in MAGA world and sometimes Trump himself, who called for a judge who ruled against him in a high-profile immigration case to be impeached. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller has said the administration is the victim of a judicial coup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge who said the Supreme Court justices are behaving inexcusably has received threats of violence and is now fearful when someone knocks on the door at home. If major efforts are not made to address the situation, the judge said, somebody is going to die. With tensions so high, four of the judges said they believe the Supreme Court and specifically Roberts, the head of the judiciary, should do more to defend the courts. The Supreme Court, a second judge said, is effectively assisting the Trump administration in undermining the lower courts, leaving district and appeals court judges thrown under the bus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court has an obligation to explain rulings in a way the public can understand, a third judge said, adding that when the court so frequently rules for the administration in emergency cases without fully telling people why, it sends a signal. The court has had strong left-leaning majorities in the past, but what is different now is the role emergency cases are playing in public discourse. The Supreme Court, that judge said, is effectively endorsing Millers claims that the judiciary is trying to subvert the presidency. Its almost like the Supreme Court is saying it is a judicial coup, the judge said. Not all judges who were interviewed shared that view. Some were more reluctant to criticize the justices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge appointed by President Barack Obama said that while the Supreme Court could do more to explain itself, some lower court judges had been out of line in blocking Trump policies. Certainly, there is a strong sense in the judiciary among the judges ruling on these cases that the court is leaving them out to dry, he said. They are partially right to feel the way they feel. But, the judge added, the whole Trump derangement syndrome is a real issue. As a result, judges are mad at what Trump is doing or the manner he is going about things; they are sometimes forgetting to stay in their lane. The 'shadow docket' In 2015, a University of Chicago Law School professor came up with a catchy term for a hitherto obscure part of the Supreme Courts docket, in which cases are fast-tracked outside the courts normally monthslong appeals process: the shadow docket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those are emergency cases handled much more quickly than normal there are rarely oral arguments, and decisions can come within days with little or no explanation, while argued cases always include some reasoning that varies from a handful of pages to dozens to, in rare cases, the length of a short book. The shadow docket has exploded in recent years, with the first Trump administration turbo-charging the trend by rushing to the Supreme Court when lower court rulings blocked nationwide policies. An early example was Trumps travel ban on people entering the United States from mostly Muslim-majority countries, which the Supreme Court allowed to partly go into effect in June 2017. Before the recent surge, most emergency cases involved death row inmates attempts to block their executions at the eleventh hour, and the court would normally handle them via terse orders with no explanation. But the increase in cases in hot-button nationwide disputes, sparked in part by presidents of both parties relying more on executive orders than passing legislation via Congress, has put greater scrutiny on the courts reasoning. The Supreme Court. (Al Drago / Bloomberg via Getty Images file) The growing reliance on the shadow docket has drawn criticism from legal experts about the lack of time and process the Supreme Court spends on what can be incredibly consequential decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Trump took office again in January, his administration has asked the Supreme Court 23 times to block lower court rules on an emergency basis. The court has granted the governments emergency requests in 17. It rejected the government in two cases, while three other cases were resolved without decisions, and one request is pending. Notable victories include rulings that curbed lower-court injunctions that had blocked his contentious plan to end automatic birthright citizenship and his efforts to fire federal workers. The Supreme Court has also overturned lower court rulings that would have hindered Trumps tough immigration policies. It has, though, pushed back against the administration in two other high-profile immigration cases. By comparison, the Biden administration filed 19 applications during its entire four-year term, with the court granting its requests 10 times, according to Steve Vladeck, a Georgetown Law professor who has written a book about the subject. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An NBC News review of the Trump decisions showed that five of the 17 cases overturning lower court rulings included no substantive reasoning at all. Seven of the others included less than three pages of explanation. That critique extends back to the Biden administration, when the court failed to explain its decisions in eight out of the 10 wins for the government. Judges in the trenches need, and deserve, well-reasoned, bright-line guidance, a judge said. Too often today, sweeping rulings arrive with breathtaking speed but minimal explanation, stripped of the rigor that full briefing and argument provide. Ten of the judges, both Republican and Democratic appointees, agreed the courts lack of explanation is a problem. Judges must follow Supreme Court precedent, but they can find it difficult to assess what the justices are asking them to do. That was the situation in which Maryland-based U.S. District Judge Matthew Maddox found himself this year after Trump fired three members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like certain other federal agencies, it was set up by Congress to be insulated from political pressures. While the president could nominate members to fixed terms, he could not fire them except for neglect of duty or malfeasance. On paper, Maddoxs job was an easy one: As a district court judge, he has to follow the Supreme Courts previous rulings. In 1935, in a case called Humphreys Executor v. United States, the Supreme Court upheld a law preventing the president from firing members of the Federal Trade Commission a setup similar to the CPSCs without cause. The Supreme Courts current conservative majority has undermined that precedent in recent years, but, crucially, it has not overturned it. But before Maddox issued his decision, the Supreme Court on May 22 allowed Trump to fire members of two other independent agencies with similar restrictions, the National Labor Relations Board and the Merit Systems Protection Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Courts two-page order was paltry, sending mixed messages by allowing the firings while expressly saying the court would wait to decide whether to overturn Humphreys Executor. Maddox was left to grapple with how that decision applied to his case. He ultimately rejected the Trump administrations arguments in two separate rulings in June, concluding that he was bound by the 1935 precedent. Humphreys Executor remains good law, he wrote. But Maddox did not have the final word. The Trump administration once again quickly turned to the Supreme Court, which granted its emergency request to allow the firings a month later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was squarely controlled by its May decision, the conservative majority said in a one-page decision overturning Maddox. In both cases, the courts three liberal justices dissented, with Justice Elena Kagan writing in the second one that the majority had all but overturned Humphreys Executor despite never having heard arguments or issued a full ruling on the underlying legal question. Kagan spoke about the difficulties lower court judges face in such cases at a legal conference in Monterey, California, this summer. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan at the Capitol on March 4. (Win McNamee / Getty Images) She referred to a different case in which Massachusetts-based Judge Myong Joun issued a ruling that blocked Trump administration plans to downsize the Education Department. The administration quickly appealed to the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kagan noted that the case raised several legal issues, including what authority Joun had to step in, but the Supreme Courts terse order did not explain on what grounds it was blocking his decision. The only writing was from liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who penned an 18-page dissent. Whats that court supposed to think? Kagan asked, referring to Joun. Its just impossible to know, and that puts the [lower] court in a very difficult situation. But there is no unanimity within the Supreme Court about that issue. Conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote a concurring opinion last month when the court ruled in favor of the Trump administration in another emergency case that was scathing about what he perceived as lower court judges failure to follow the Supreme Courts orders. Justice Neil Gorsuch at an inauguration luncheon for President Donald Trump on Jan. 20. (Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images) Lower court judges may sometimes disagree with this courts decisions, but they are never free to defy them, he wrote. A judge who spoke to NBC News expressed frustration that judges role in the judicial system is being undermined by the Supreme Courts frequent interventions, before there has been extensive litigation and, potentially, a trial. Its very discouraging, the judge said. We are operating in a bit of a vacuum. While agreeing that it would be nicer if the court gave fuller explanations in emergency decisions, another judge said it is too early to really cast judgment on how the Supreme Court has responded to the Trump administration, with litigation still ongoing in most cases. It is up to the Supreme Court whether it wants to issue detailed decisions in emergency cases, the judge added, calling it entirely a matter of grace. Lower court judges know that being overturned by the Supreme Court is part of the job, but the judge who said the justices have an obligation to explain themselves added that they can disagree with a lower courts legal reasoning while also defending it as a good-faith attempt to address complex legal issues. The judge suggested the Supreme Court should say, Lets be clear, its not some crazy opinion, and this judge is not a monster. Head of the judiciary As chief justice, Roberts has a dual role. As well as being one of the nine justices on the Supreme Court, he is head of the U.S. Judicial Conference, the administrative arm of the courts, where he represents the interests of the judiciary as a whole. Four judges who spoke to NBC News think Roberts, a conservative about to mark 20 years in the position, could do more to speak out when Trump allies complain about judicial overreach. Roberts did issue a rare statement in March pushing back against Trumps call to impeach the judge who ruled against the administration in the major immigration case. For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision, Roberts said. He also defended the judiciary in his annual end-of-year statement in December, in which he referred to an increase in threats to judges in recent years and called out illegitimate activity that seeks to undermine the judiciary. But the judge who said the Supreme Court's frequent interventions are discouraging added that while Roberts may sometimes step up, the conduct is undermining it, referring to the courts regular unexplained rulings in favor of Trump. Roberts, who generally does not seek public attention, has long been known as an institutionalist who looks out for the interests of the Supreme Court, but several judges wondered whether that instinct extends to lower courts. He should be doing everything he can internally to insist on ordinary process, the judge who has received threats said in reference to the emergency cases. Roberts' end-of-year report was not enough, the judge added. Another judge said: He hasnt been completely absent, and hes trying to do the best he can. I wish he would be a little bit more assertive and aggressive. Other judges are less willing to criticize Roberts. I do sympathize with the predicament the court is in, doing a dance with the administration, and particularly Im sympathetic to Roberts, the Obama-appointed judge said. A district court judge indicated it was counterproductive to criticize Roberts or the court when the judiciary as a whole is under attack. We need to be united, not divided, the judge said. Roberts did not respond to a request for comment. A federal judiciary employee familiar with Roberts institutional role said there are various reasons he is restrained from speaking out more. If he did, the employee said, the force of what he said would be diluted through repetition, and, with litigation pending in lower courts, he could face accusations of bias or calls for his recusal when he comments on specific cases. The chief justice has spoken out strongly against attacks on judges in various contexts, but he has been appropriately judicious in his statements, focusing on institutional norms and not personalities, the employee said. The chief justice cant be the public spokesperson against the administration and still do his job of deciding cases, including matters that involve the administration, the person added. So far, the only recent public defense from the court has come from conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who said at a legal conference in Kansas City, Missouri, last month that the court has been doing more and more process to try to get the right answer and offers more explanation in such cases than it did in the past. In the birthright citizenship cases, for example, the court heard oral arguments and issued a 26-page opinion explaining the decision. Justice Brett Kavanaugh at a judicial conference in Austin, Texas, in May 2024. (Eric Gay / AP) One reason for keeping emergency decisions short, Kavanaugh said, is that the justices have to make decisions but do not necessarily want to pre-judge how cases will ultimately be decided when they come back to the court via the normal appeals process. There can be a risk ... of making a snap judgment and putting it in writing, even though it might not reflect the courts ultimate conclusion further down the line, he said. While the Supreme Court wrestles internally with some of the criticism, lower court judges are increasingly focused on their own safety. Judges have been calling for increased security in light of the frequent threats facing those who rule against or criticize the Trump administration, with some wondering whether the Supreme Court justices, who have faced harassment and threats, too, realize how vulnerable they are. While the Supreme Court has its own police department to assist with security, other judges rely solely on the Marshals Service, which is under the control of Trumps Justice Department, creating what some view as a potential point of vulnerability if tensions between the judiciary and the White House continue to mount. The judge who reported receiving threats said that even if the Supreme Court is insulated from some of the violent rhetoric and believes the Trump administration will follow its rulings, the rule of law cannot function if it does not defend the lower courts. If the entire foundation falls out from under your house, it does no good to have a really well-insulated attic, the judge said. It sure would be nice if someone had our backs. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The nations goal of getting back to the moon before China could be threatened if President Trump follows through on his plans to sunset the rocket and spacecraft of NASAs Artemis program, according to a series of supporters that gave Senate testimony Wednesday. Spearheaded by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation committee held a hearing titled Theres a Bad Moon on the Rise: Why Congress and NASA Must Thwart China in the Space Race. Any drastic changes in NASAs architecture at this stage threaten United States leadership in space, delays or disruptions only serve our competitors interests. Congress has spoken clearly on this matter, Cruz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruz has been pushing the China threat angle as the main impetus to garner bipartisan congressional support for Artemis Space Launch System rocket, the Orion spacecraft and the planned lunar space station Gateway. Trumps proposed budget for NASAs next fiscal year called for the end of SLS and Orion after Artemis III and the elimination of Gateway altogether. The budget instead seeks to rely on commercial providers like SpaceX and Blue Origin to satisfy the Artemis program goals of a sustained lunar presence and push onto Mars. Cruz, though, was able to corral support to insert more than $10 billion into Trumps own Big, Beautiful Bill to fund the use of SLS and Orion through at least Artemis V as well as save Gateway. And both the Senate and House have signaled they will counter some of Trumps NASA targets with their own budget proposals. It would be folly to cut short these missions after much of the hardware has already been purchased and, in some cases, delivered and with no commercial alternative readily available, Cruz said. I look forward to working hand in hand with the administration to ensure that those funds are utilized in full accordance with congressional intent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee hearing leaned on several witnesses, including former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, hammer home the China threat. But he already thinks the U.S. is in a bad position. It is highly unlikely that we will land on the moon before China, Bridenstine said, outlining the major hurdles the remain in place to return humans for the first time since the Apollo programs six successful trips to the surface from 1969-1972. The U.S. so far has been the only nation to send humans to the moon, but China has stated it intends to get humans to the lunar south pole before 2030. Artemis I was an uncrewed test flight in 2022 while Artemis II, slated to launch no later than April 2026, aims to fly humans on board Orion for the first time, but only fly around the moon. The Artemis III mission, on an optimistic schedule of flying by summer 2027, is relying on a version of SpaceXs in-development Starship to act as the human landing system and bring a crew from Orion down to the surface. Bridenstine bemoaned the choice of Starship, which was done during a period after he left office during Trumps first administration and before Bill Nelson was confirmed under the Biden administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look at the architecture. It is extraordinarily complex, he said, outlining how Starship will rely on a series of untested in-space refueling to get to the moon. This is an architecture that no NASA administrator that Im aware of would have selected, but it was a decision that was made in the absence of a NASA administrator. Bridenstine is now a managing partner for the Artemis Group, but is also head of government operations for United Launch Alliance, a partnership of Boeing and Lockheed Martin, both of which have a vested interest in existing Artemis hardware including the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. He admits he had been critical in the past of the delays and cost overruns to SLS and Orion, which through Artemis III will have cost the nation close to $100 billion in development and mission costs. Regarding SLS, he said, It has had its problems in the past. It has been expensive. It had it had overruns, all those things, but its behind us. Its done. We need to use it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as for Orion, which was saved from a George W. Bush-era Constellation program, he called it a shiny object in this whole thing. The Orion crew capsule is not only usable today, but ultimately the cost is going down, because more and more of it is reusable every time we use the Orion crew capsule. Those two elements are in good shape, he said. The reality is that even with a working SLS and Orion, delays in Starship could mean Artemis III slips past 2030, and Chinese will land on the south pole before the U.S. Just what that means for the U.S. was the primary focus of other speakers during the hearing including Lt. Gen. John Shaw, the former deputy commander of U.S. Space Command, Michael Gold, the president of civil and international space for Jacksonville-based commercial space infrastructure company Redwire, and Allen Cutler, the president and CEO for the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gold, who before joining Redwire was NASAs associate administrator for space policy and partnerships, laid out in plain language the real threat of letting China get back to the moon first China lands on the moon, the next day we see tremendous benefits to China geopolitically, where our allies turn to them, not only for space exploration, but for national security agreements, for trade agreements, he said. Already China, India and Russia are working to develop strengthening economic ties. If they get there first, we will see a global realignment that will impact our economy, our tax base, our ability to innovate, and our national security in terms of diplomacy and geopolitics that will affect security and many other aspects of daily lives, Gold said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also noted that Gateway involves international partners, and if the lunar station is killed, those same partners may end up realigning with China in the future to accomplish their space goals. Over 60% of the Gateways costs are being borne by our international partners, representing billions that have already been spent building hardware, he said. Turning away from Gateway now would squander this unprecedented global investment in Artemis and force our international allies to seek partnerships with Americas geopolitical rivals. Cutler outlined the economic benefit of the Artemis program, which NASA has touted as involving companies in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Artemis II is preparing for its crew launch next year, but the work does not stop there, he said. There is mission hardware being built today, from Artemis III through Artemis IX. Factories are running. Hardware is being manufactured and thousands of Americans across the country are at work to make this campaign successful, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called the program an economic engine that for every dollar invested, creates $3 back into the economy. Supporting Artemis to beat China creates stronger communities, a stronger industrial base and a stronger America, he said. Gold reiterated the danger of China dictating how other nations can access lunar resources. The moon is a large place, but the number of locations that have the combination of water, ice, sunlight and other aspects that we need are actually relatively limited, and we could lose those to the Chinese if we dont move quickly, he said, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now the U.S. has signed agreements with 56 countries under its Artemis Accords program that outline shared access to moon resources. Gold said for now China has 13 partners. If were not first, trust me, those numbers will change, and the fear China will eventually outspend us in space. Its inevitable, he said. Commemorative stamps issued to mark 80th anniversary of victory against Japanese aggression, fascism Xinhua) 08:20, September 04, 2025 This photo shows a miniature sheet of the commemorative stamps issued by China Post 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 on Sept. 3, 2025. A total of six million stamp sets were issued, with each set containing 13 stamps. Five million miniature sheets were also issued. (Xinhua/Li He) This photo shows a souvenir sheet of the commemorative stamps issued by China Post 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 on Sept. 3, 2025. A total of six million stamp sets were issued, with each set containing 13 stamps. Five million miniature sheets were also issued. (Xinhua/Li He) A staff member introduces the commemorative stamps issued by China Post 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 at a stamp company in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. A total of six million stamp sets were issued, with each set containing 13 stamps. Five million miniature sheets were also issued. (Xinhua/Li He) A citizen shows the commemorative stamps issued by China Post 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 at a stamp company in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. A total of six million stamp sets were issued, with each set containing 13 stamps. Five million miniature sheets were also issued. (Xinhua/Li He) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) ORLANDO, Fla. The nations goal of getting back to the moon before China could be threatened if President Donald Trump follows through on his plans to sunset the rocket and spacecraft of NASAs Artemis program, according to a series of supporters that gave Senate testimony Wednesday. Spearheaded by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation committee held a hearing titled Theres a Bad Moon on the Rise: Why Congress and NASA Must Thwart China in the Space Race. Any drastic changes in NASAs architecture at this stage threaten United States leadership in space, delays or disruptions only serve our competitors interests. Congress has spoken clearly on this matter, Cruz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruz has been pushing the China threat angle as the main impetus to garner bipartisan congressional support for Artemis Space Launch System rocket, the Orion spacecraft and the planned lunar space station Gateway. Trumps proposed budget for NASAs next fiscal year called for the end of SLS and Orion after Artemis III and the elimination of Gateway altogether. The budget instead seeks to rely on commercial providers like SpaceX and Blue Origin to satisfy the Artemis program goals of a sustained lunar presence and push onto Mars. Cruz, though, was able to corral support to insert more than $10 billion into Trumps own Big, Beautiful Bill to fund the use of SLS and Orion through at least Artemis V as well as save Gateway. And both the Senate and House have signaled they will counter some of Trumps NASA targets with their own budget proposals. It would be folly to cut short these missions after much of the hardware has already been purchased and, in some cases, delivered and with no commercial alternative readily available, Cruz said. I look forward to working hand in hand with the administration to ensure that those funds are utilized in full accordance with congressional intent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee hearing leaned on several witnesses, including former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, hammer home the China threat. But he already thinks the U.S. is in a bad position. It is highly unlikely that we will land on the moon before China, Bridenstine said, outlining the major hurdles the remain in place to return humans for the first time since the Apollo programs six successful trips to the surface from 1969-1972. The U.S. so far has been the only nation to send humans to the moon, but China has stated it intends to get humans to the lunar south pole before 2030. Artemis I was an uncrewed test flight in 2022 while Artemis II, slated to launch no later than April 2026, aims to fly humans on board Orion for the first time, but only fly around the moon. The Artemis III mission, on an optimistic schedule of flying by summer 2027, is relying on a version of SpaceXs in-development Starship to act as the human landing system and bring a crew from Orion down to the surface. Bridenstine bemoaned the choice of Starship, which was done during a period after he left office during Trumps first administration and before Bill Nelson was confirmed under the Biden administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look at the architecture. It is extraordinarily complex, he said, outlining how Starship will rely on a series of untested in-space refueling to get to the moon. This is an architecture that no NASA administrator that Im aware of would have selected, but it was a decision that was made in the absence of a NASA administrator. Bridenstine is now a managing partner for the Artemis Group, but is also head of government operations for United Launch Alliance, a partnership of Boeing and Lockheed Martin, both of which have a vested interest in existing Artemis hardware including the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. He admits he had been critical in the past of the delays and cost overruns to SLS and Orion, which through Artemis III will have cost the nation close to $100 billion in development and mission costs. Regarding SLS, he said, It has had its problems in the past. It has been expensive. It had it had overruns, all those things, but its behind us. Its done. We need to use it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as for Orion, which was saved from a George W. Bush-era Constellation program, he called it a shiny object in this whole thing. The Orion crew capsule is not only usable today, but ultimately the cost is going down, because more and more of it is reusable every time we use the Orion crew capsule. Those two elements are in good shape, he said. The reality is that even with a working SLS and Orion, delays in Starship could mean Artemis III slips past 2030, and Chinese will land on the south pole before the U.S. Just what that means for the U.S. was the primary focus of other speakers during the hearing including Lt. Gen. John Shaw, the former deputy commander of U.S. Space Command, Michael Gold, the president of civil and international space for Jacksonville-based commercial space infrastructure company Redwire, and Allen Cutler, the president and CEO for the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gold, who before joining Redwire was NASAs associate administrator for space policy and partnerships, laid out in plain language the real threat of letting China get back to the moon first China lands on the moon, the next day we see tremendous benefits to China geopolitically, where our allies turn to them, not only for space exploration, but for national security agreements, for trade agreements, he said. Already China, India and Russia are working to develop strengthening economic ties. If they get there first, we will see a global realignment that will impact our economy, our tax base, our ability to innovate, and our national security in terms of diplomacy and geopolitics that will affect security and many other aspects of daily lives, Gold said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also noted that Gateway involves international partners, and if the lunar station is killed, those same partners may end up realigning with China in the future to accomplish their space goals. Over 60% of the Gateways costs are being borne by our international partners, representing billions that have already been spent building hardware, he said. Turning away from Gateway now would squander this unprecedented global investment in Artemis and force our international allies to seek partnerships with Americas geopolitical rivals. Cutler outlined the economic benefit of the Artemis program, which NASA has touted as involving companies in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Artemis II is preparing for its crew launch next year, but the work does not stop there, he said. There is mission hardware being built today, from Artemis III through Artemis IX. Factories are running. Hardware is being manufactured and thousands of Americans across the country are at work to make this campaign successful, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called the program an economic engine that for every dollar invested, creates $3 back into the economy. Supporting Artemis to beat China creates stronger communities, a stronger industrial base and a stronger America, he said. Gold reiterated the danger of China dictating how other nations can access lunar resources. The moon is a large place, but the number of locations that have the combination of water, ice, sunlight and other aspects that we need are actually relatively limited, and we could lose those to the Chinese if we dont move quickly, he said, Right now the U.S. has signed agreements with 56 countries under its Artemis Accords program that outline shared access to moon resources. Gold said for now China has 13 partners. If were not first, trust me, those numbers will change, and the fear China will eventually outspend us in space. Its inevitable, he said. -------------- SPRINGFIELD Massachusetts Democrats will welcome 3,975 delegates to Springfield on Sept. 13, a record number for an odd-year platform convention. Among them in the MassMutual Center that Saturday will be voices saying the new party platform slimmed down from 70 to 24 pages and the product of a winters worth of listening sessions and hearings is too moderate and straying from progressive views. The delegate count is 12% greater than the turnout at any other platform convention in the partys history. Conventions like the one expected in 2026 with the party nominating candidates for governor and lieutenant governor are usually a bigger deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would be shocked if there wasnt criticism of something within the Democratic Party, Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan told reporters Thursday at a news conference. The process of developing this years platform included more diverse voices and extensive conversations, Kerrigan said. Hes a veteran of national Democratic platforms, including the one that elected Joe Biden in 2020. Platforms are supposed to be a document that is aspirational and shows our ideals and lays out who we are as a Democrat, he said, speaking from the arena floor, which is normally occupied by an ice sheet. It is as much for the outside person reading it as it is for us. We know why were Democrats. But liberals within the party point out the new platform eliminates opposition to subminimum wages and drops support for extending the right to strike for public employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The phrase systemic racism no longer appears anywhere in the document. And there is no longer a commitment to single-payer health care and Medicaid expansion, according to Our Revolution Massachusetts. The word transgender no longer appears anywhere in the document. The phrase LBGTQ+ only appears once, the group said. People dont vote for a party because of where it falls on the political spectrum; they vote for a party because it stands for something, said Michael Gilbreath, a member of the State Committee, a delegate from Wayland and one of the founders of Our Revolution, in a written statement. The new platform removed stronger language on fossil fuel pipelines, Our Revolution said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the news conference, state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, D-Springfield, said the platform addresses issues that make communities better, such as education. We need a party for everybody, he said. This is the first time the state party has convened in Springfield since 2019, said Candy Glazer, a longtime Democratic activist from Longmeadow. Were just so proud, she said Thursday. Besides delegates, therell be 100 or more volunteers at the convention. State Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, said it begins the night of Sept. 12 with a 7 p.m. reception at White Lion Brewing in Tower Square. After the Saturday convention, at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday, there will be a closing reception hosted by Gov. Maura T. Healey and Lt. Gov. Kimberly Driscoll, also at White Lion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also on Saturday, there will be training sessions. Convention speakers will include U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, as well as U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal. Also at the press conference Thursday were state Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, state Rep. Angelo Puppolo, D-Springfield, state Rep. Bud Williams, D-Springfield, state Rep. Brian M. Ashe, D-Longmeadow, state Rep. Shirley B. Arriaga, D-Chicopee, and Governors Councilor Tara Jacobs, D-North Adams. Stories by Jim Kinney Read the original article on MassLive. BOSTON (SHNS) Proposals to slash the state income tax, reverse a decades-old ban on rent control, and force the Legislature and governor to open their records took another step toward the 2026 ballot Wednesday. Attorney General Andrea Campbells office certified a record 40 proposed laws and four proposed constitutional amendments as eligible to advance, kicking off the next and arguably steepest segment of the effort to put some of the measures before voters in 2026. The questions address a wide range of public policy questions, several of which reflect an undercurrent of discontent with the status quo on Beacon Hill. They stand to influence legislative decisions and elections in the coming months, with some but not all of the measures likely to reach the 2026 ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campbells certification decisions do not reflect her offices policy positions. They are instead based on whether each proposal meets the requirements for initiative petitions laid out in the state Constitution. Excluded matters include measures related to religion; the appointment, qualification, tenure or removal of judges; reversing a judicial decision; appropriating money from the state Treasury; or local operations in a city or town. Questions also cannot be inconsistent with individual rights laid out in the state Constitutions Declaration of Rights, and their provisions must be mutually dependent without combining disparate topics. Campbells office only deemed three measures ineligible this cycle. One spiked measure would have eliminated the option for universal mail-in voting, effectively requiring voters to cast ballots in person unless they would be absent on the day of the election or are limited by a physical disability or religious belief. Campbells office said that would be inconsistent with the freedom of elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials also declined to certify one version of a ballot question that would replace party-based primary elections with Massachusetts with a single, all-party primary in which the top two vote-getters would advance to the general election, even if they are from the same party. Campbells office certified two other drafts of that idea, backed by former gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen, so it remains in the mix. A handful of states including California and Washington have a primary system where the top performers face off in the general election regardless of party, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The third measure that failed to secure certification is a proposed Constitutional amendment significantly overhauling the Legislatures operations, including equal base pay for all lawmakers, equitable distribution of staff between legislators, salary requirements and job protections for aides, and changes to the process for committee assignments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campbells office said the measure was not in proper form to go before voters and combines too many different topics. Other proposed ballot questions targeting Beacon Hills operations did survive the AGs review. The office certified a measure that would subject the Legislature and the governors office to the public records law, and two versions of a petition changing stipends that legislative leaders award to deputies and committee chairs a system that opponents say gives top Democrats excessive power over rank-and-file members. Virtually all of the most high-profile measures cleared the initial certification hurdle, including a pair of ideas backed by influential business groups that would reduce the states income tax from 5% to 4% and further limit the state tax revenue cap to make it more likely that surplus revenue would be refunded to taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those measures could trigger an intense debate about state spending, which has increased significantly in recent years and facilitated investments in popular programs and services. One analyst suggested that shaving a percentage point off the states income tax could cut available revenues by roughly $5 billion. These proposed laws offer proactive solutions that address the anti-competitive challenges facing Massachusetts, said Jay Ash, a former housing and economic development secretary to Gov. Charlie Baker who now leads the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership. Another political slugfest could be on deck over rent control, which voters banned statewide via a 1994 ballot question. Previous attempts to get lawmakers to reverse that prohibition have failed to gain traction. A question backed by the Homes for All coalition and opposed by well-funded real estate interests would limit annual rent increases for most units across Massachusetts to either the annual Consumer Price Index change or 5%, whichever is lower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant wait to start collecting signatures from my neighbors to put rent stabilization on the ballot, Mattapan tenant Betty Lewis said in a statement circulated by proponents. All across Massachusetts, high rents are displacing people from our communities, or making them work multiple jobs just to pay the rent. When rent can go up by hundreds of dollars overnight, seniors are forced to put off their retirement, and young people and families cant save money for the dream of owning a home. Several industry groups and a pair of think tanks unsuccessfully urged Campbell not to certify the question. Greater Boston Real Estate Board CEO Greg Vasil pledged to fight the proposal. Rent control is a flawed, harmful policy that stunts housing creation and increases overall housing costs: A horrifying thought given the hundreds of thousands of units our state must build to overcome the housing crisis, Vasil said. Our states focus needs to be on reducing barriers to housing creation so we can develop more homes across all price points, whether it be for young families looking to purchase their first home, or retirees looking to downsize in the community they have known for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul Craney, executive director of the Fiscal Alliance Foundation that called on Campbell to spike the measure, said his group is considering an appeal. The Massachusetts Constitution is explicit on the matter. Ballot questions that result in an uncompensated taking of private property are barred from the ballot, Craney said. The Supreme Judicial Court has already ruled on similar questions, striking them down under the Takings Clause. That precedent is binding. The AG chose politics over the law, and the SJC will ultimately have the last word. Campaigns whose proposals were certified will need to collect signatures from at least 74,574 registered voters and file them with local election officials by Nov. 19. Proposed laws that clear all subsequent hurdles will appear on the 2026 ballot, while proposed Constitutional amendments also need to win the support of 25% of the Legislature in two straight sessions, and the latest proposals could not reach voters before 2028. Getting enough signatures typically poses one of the biggest challenges for campaigns. Two years ago, Campbells office certified 34 of 42 proposed questions as meeting constitutional requirements. Only seven of those measures got enough signatures certified to advance to the next step of legislative review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another question is already set for the 2026 ballot through a different process. Opponents of a sweeping expansion to the states gun law last year moved to put a referendum before voters on whether the new statute should stand or be eliminated. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Authorities on Wednesday released 911 calls and body worn camera recordings from a fatal police-involved shooting on Aug. 8 in a New Brunswick apartment building. Deborah Terrell, 68, of New Brunswick, was shot by an officer in the incident after she advanced towards police with a knife, recordings show. The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General released body worn camera footage and 911 calls on Wednesday. (WARNING: This link contains videos that include scenes of fatal violence.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities were initially called to the apartment building on Neilson Street around 4 a.m. on Aug. 8 for a report of a woman disturbing other residents, officials said. New Brunswick police officers tried to make contact with Terrell but she refused to speak with officers or open her door, authorities said. Police were called back to the apartment building at 7:32 a.m., according to authorities. A person who called 911 said Terrell was walking in and out of her apartment with large knife and threatening neighbors, according to a recording of the call. She said that Terrell threatened a neighbor and tried putting the knife under his door, according to the call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The caller said this was the second time Terrell had acted this way, having threatened a neighbor earlier the same morning, according to the recording. Body worn camera recordings show Terrell answering the door with a long knife as police arrive at her apartment door. She quickly closed the door as police tell her to put the knife down, recordings show. Terrell told police that another person was in the apartment with her, authorities said. For about eight minutes, officers attempted to convince Terrell to come into the hall and talk to them as she yelled from inside the apartment and periodically slid the knife back and forth under the door, recordings show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, Terrell opened the door, holding the knife when officers deployed pepper spray and a taser, recordings show. She initially turned back into the apartment but then advanced toward the officers who continued using pepper spray and a taser before one officer shot her twice with his service weapon, recordings show. WARNING: This video includes scenes of fatal violence. Officers provided medical aid at the scene and Terrell was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital where she was pronounced dead, officials said. A 12-inch knife was recovered from the scene, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Brunswick and state officials faced heated questions from residents and family members during a recent community meeting about the shooting. The incident is being investigated by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability under a 2019 directive by the attorney generals office requiring investigations into fatal police encounters. Matthew Enuco Stories by Matthew Enuco Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Read the original article on NJ.com. New documents reveal Karen Reads murder retrial cost Mass. taxpayers more than $1 million New documents show the Commonwealth spent more than a million dollars in taxpayer money for the high-profile murder retrial of Karen Read. According to records obtained by 25 Investigates on Wednesday, $1,429,626 was the total price tag for Reads conviction of drunk driving. $566,000 went to Special Prosecutor for the Norfolk District Attorneys Office Hank Brennan and his firm to prosecute the retrial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other $863,000 plus went to experts, investigative work, and other services. Payments were made to multiple entities, including $599,735.45 to Aperture LLC, a forensic consultant that dealt with accident reconstruction for the case. Hexordia, which was responsible for digital forensics, was paid nearly $45,000 for its services, the second-largest sum. Other notable payments included $17,000 to court transcriber Christine Blankenship for transcribing Boston 25 News and other media interviews and segments involving subjects in the Read case. Karen Read tells her story in exclusive one-on-one interview: Ive been framed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least one witness for the prosecution flew first class, while the Massachusetts State Police incurred other costs traveling to places like New York City, Vermont, and Texas to interview witnesses, according to the records. Reads highly publicized case drew national attention. Prosecutors alleged that Read hit OKeefe with her SUV, leaving him to die in a blizzard on the front lawn of fellow officer Brian Alberts home at 34 Fairview Road in Canton following a night of drinking. Karen Read chats with her defense team at Karen Read's second murder trial on April 22. She was found not guilty on all but one charge on June 18. The only charge the jury found her guilty on was driving under the influence. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald) Before the jury enters the courtroom Karen Read shares a lighthearted moment with her defense team, during her second murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karen Read during her trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karen Read talks with her attorneys Robert Alessi and David Yannetti during her trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool) Karen Read and her defense team watch jurors leave the courtroom during Read's murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karen Read speaks with her defense attorney, Alan Jackson, during her retrial in Norfolk Superior Court, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell, Pool) Karen Read, who is accused of killing her boyfriend Boston police Officer John O'Keefe, in 2022, during her murder trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karen Read and attorney Alan Jackson look at the empty jury box while listening to Judge Cannone during Read's murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) Karen Read looks on during her trial Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defendant Karen Read talks with her attorneys during her murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (Mark Chavous/Enterprise News via AP, Pool) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karen Read Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dedham, MA - April 12: Karen Read at her pre-trial hearing at Norfolk Superior Court. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) Karen Read watches attorney Robert Alessi make a point during her trial at Norfolk Superior Court at Dedham, Mass., on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) Judge approves joint motion to delay start of Karen Reads 2nd murder trial Dedham, MA - July 1: Karen Read looks toward the jurors, as they are greeted by Judge Beverly J. Cannone (not pictured) in Norfolk Superior Court. (Photo by Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) All stand as the jury files out to the courtroom, to start their fifth day of deliberations in the murder trial for Karen Read in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Monday, July 1, 2024. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) Karen Read jurors tell judge theyve been unable to reach unanimous verdict Day 3 of jury deliberations finishes without verdict in Karen Read trial Karen Read awaits the juries verdict in her murder case at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday June 26, 2024. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP) Defense attorneys in Karen Read murder trial argue with judge over jury verdict slip Some witnesses are in the courtroom on Tuesday include Brian Albert, Colin Albert, and Jennifer McCabe. Karen Read Karen Read, center right, is seated Monday, June 10, 2024, in Norfolk Super Court, in Dedham, Mass., during her trial on charges in connection with the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe. (Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) Karen Read is seated Monday, June 10, 2024, in Norfolk Super Court, in Dedham, Mass., during her trial on charges in connection with the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe. (Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) Karen Read Karen Read smiles after listening to her attorney Alan Jackson during her trial at Norfolk County Superior Court, Friday, May 17, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. Read, 44, is accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV in the middle of a nor'easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy drinking. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, Pool) Karen Read Karen Read Karen Read sits with her legal team team in court Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. Read, 44, is accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV in the middle of a nor'easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy drinking. (David McGlynn/New York Post via AP, Pool) Karen Read sits with her legal team team in court, Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. Read, 44, is accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV in the middle of a nor'easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy drinking. (David McGlynn/New York Post via AP, Pool) Her lawyers painted a picture of police misconduct and theorized that OKeefe was killed by colleagues, followed by a vast cover-up. Read was acquitted of murder and manslaughter. She was convicted of drunken driving, however, for which she will face a years probation. The 45-year-old Mansfield woman next faces a civil trial over a wrongful death lawsuit that was filed last year on behalf of OKeefes family. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) September is National Preparedness Month, and the Red Cross says its important to have a plan in case of an emergency. Whether the disaster is a fire in someones home or a disaster that affects the whole community, disasters can happen at any time, says Christie Caster, executive director of the Red Cross of Western Colorado. It could be during the morning commute, it could be in the middle of the night, it could be while your kids are at school. So its really important to have that plan so when that time comes, youre ready to go and your familys ready to go. Caster says some ways to get ready include making a plan for if you have to leave your house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really important to know where youre going to go, how youre going to get there and what youre going to take with you. If you have to stay home, make sure your house is stocked for up to two weeks. Caster also says to pack a go-kit with critical supplies and documents. Food, water, medications, having things like extra chargers for all of your devices, whether thats a cell phone or if you have a wheelchair or a CPAP machine Insurance cards, you know, copies of passports, drivers license, familys pictures. Its also important to include items for any children or pets if you have them. Your go-kit should have up to three days of supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taking the time now to help your family plan can make all the difference when the time matters most, says Caster. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sep. 4Kayla Palmer knows the pain of losing a loved one to suicide, and knows the good work done by groups like Ray of Hope, Westmoreland County's suicide awareness and prevention task force. "I thought it would be great to allow people to donate to a group of Ray of Hope that works on suicide awareness," said Palmer, who owns her own flower business, Sugar Magnolia Blooms. "We wanted to do something uplifting for families as a way to honor the loved ones they've lost." Palmer reached out to Ray of Hope officials and proposed an event that will take place at 6 p.m. Friday at the Rusty Musket Distillery, 905 Ligonier Street in Latrobe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Rhythm & Blooms" will bring together Ray of Hope staff, live music from local reggae fusion band MSJR and local flower vendors including Palmer will be on hand offering bouquets and arrangements with a "pay-from-the-heart" donation model. "Last year I did a breast cancer benefit with my friend who's in remission," Palmer said. "This year I thought it would be great to find another worthwhile cause." Ray of Hope Coordinator Lisa Goldberg said the event is a great way to make the group's message more visible. "A lot of people don't know that we're the county's suicide prevention task force until their lives are touched in some way by suicide," Goldberg said. "Kayla and the band approached us with the idea and we thought it sounded great." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also will take place the day before Ray of Hope's 19th annual walk to raise awareness for suicide prevention. That will happen with a special survivor event at 10 a.m. and the walk to follow at 11:15 a.m., at Twin Lakes Park's Pavilion 7 in Hempfield. No registration is necessary to attend Rhythm & Blooms. To register for the Ray of Hope walk, go to Bit.ly/434YaVq. Patrick Varine is a TribLive reporter covering Delmont, Export and Murrysville. He is a Western Pennsylvania native and joined the Trib in 2010 after working as a reporter and editor with the former Dover Post Co. in Delaware. He can be reached at pvarine@triblive.com. All Roman Catholic churches in the region are being asked to collect money for humanitarian relief in Gaza. The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, bishop of Scranton, gave the directions on Aug. 18 and set Sept. 14 as a deadline. He is following the lead of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which asked bishops to consider a special collection. The money will go to Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Near East Welfare Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric Deabill, the diocesan secretary for communications, said Bamberas letter to churches speaks for itself. I write to you today with deep pastoral concern for the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza a tragedy that continues to unfold with heartbreaking suffering for countless innocent families and individuals, Bambera wrote. Pope Leo XIV, like Pope Francis before him, has expressed great concern for the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the civilian population is suffering from severe hunger and remains exposed to violence and death. According to Bamberas letter, Catholic Relief Services and its partners have reached 1.7 million people in Gaza under near-impossible circumstances since 2023. That includes clean water, latrines and hygiene support to 500,268 people, shelter assistance to 341,790 people and psychosocial support to 10,399 children and teens, and to 1,333 caregivers. Its not known how many churches have yet held the collections or how much money has been received, Deabill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catholic churches frequently take a second collection at Mass for a variety of special projects, separate from the standard weekly offering. Bambera addressed an interfaith gathering at the Jewish Community Center in Scranton shortly after the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. On behalf of the Catholic community of northeastern and north central Pennsylvania and well beyond, please know that we stand with the nation of Israel and the Jewish communities both locally and throughout the world, the Diocese website reported. The diocese encompasses the counties of Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) The final two suspects in the Oglethorpe Mall shooting were back in court Wednesday, 20-year-old Aujawan Hymon and 16-year-old Dahmil Johnson. Johnson, the youngest of the six men allegedly involved in the shootout, showed his face to the public for the first time as a suspect, appearing on camera in court at the behest of his lawyer Jonah Pine who said he preferred his clients face be shown. 16-year-old Dahmil Johnson The theme of Wednesdays hearing was the same as the last weeks involving the four other suspects: probable cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson and Hymons attorneys argued there is not enough evidence to link the shootout to the death of Tina Smith who died from heart complications fleeing from the gunfire according to a medical examiners report. We heard that people trampled over her, that three or four people trampled over her, said Pine of witness testimony, She crawled into a bush; she was foaming at the mouth somewhere between six to 30 hours later because we dont have all the information before us. 1 person transported to hospital after Bismark Avenue fire Based on this, motions were made to dismiss the felony murder charges for both suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cant even speak today in laymans terms about how this particular named victim passed away, said Hymons attorney Kaitlyn Walker. What is this cardiac event? The court sits here today and does not know the answer to that question. 20-year-old Aujawan Hymon Both defense teams called the charges an overreach by The State. Not a single one of these six children is guilty of murder, and the fact is The State has done a massive overreach, said Pine. The motions were struck down by Judge Crystal Harmon. Judge Harmon denied the same motions the previous week from the defense teams of Franklin James, Johnathan Jones, Royce Haynes and Theron Robbins, for the same reason: she found the evidence presented shows probable cause for the charges alleged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the defense would like the court to do is find that it is not foreseeable that when two groups exchange in a shootout in broad daylight in the Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah, Georgia where multiple people are there, that it would not be foreseeable that someone would suffer a cardiac incident from the stress of that event, said Chatham County Assistant District Attorney Lyle Burnham. The defense also raised questions about what led to the gunfire, citing Royce Haynes may be seen on video trying to snatch a gold chain from Theron Robbins. Are there any witnesses who have suggested this was an attempted robbery? Pine asked witness and lead investigator Detective Jessica Kurwel with the Savannah Police Department. Detective Kurwel responded, No I have not spoken to anyone who has alleged this event was the result of a robbery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UPDATE: 3 arrested in fatal La Roche Avenue shooting Kurwel testified surveillance video showed Royce Haynes grabbed Robbins by the neckline of his hoodie before Robbins and Johnson first opened fire on the Hymon and other suspects. The detective also testified Hymon had a weapon but was unable to shoot because he was shot and injured. Hymon and Johnson are facing charges of felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony. Hymon is also facing an illegal weapons charge and Johnson and underage pistol possession charge. The State is aiming to indict the six suspects by Oct 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Hunter carrying firearm caused lockdown at schools in Upton, police say A report of a suspicious person carrying a long gun that led to schools in Upton being placed in lockdown on Thursday morning ultimately turned out to be a hunter, authorities said. Officers responded to the area of Pleasant Street near Glen Avenue just after 9:15 a.m. for a report of a man dressed in camouflage and carrying what appeared to be a long gun over his shoulder, according to the Upton Police Department. After police learned that the person was allegedly heading in the direction of Nipmuc High School and Blackstone Valley Tech High School, officers ordered a lockdown at schools in the area out of an abundance of caution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A search of the area ultimately concluded without any findings, and the schools were subsequently released from lockdown, police said. Hours later, police announced a person matching the description of the individual had contacted police to inform them that they had been legally hunting in the area and carrying an unloaded firearm while returning to their vehicle. Additional patrols were made available at schools in the area to assist resource officers during the investigation. Fall hunting season in Massachusetts kicked off on Sept. 1. The incident in Upton comes a day after a juvenile carrying a replica weapon sparked a lockdown on the campus of UMass Lowell. 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 CHICAGO (WGN) The lingering threat of federal ICE raids continues to strike fear in several Chicago neighborhoods, amid word of at least two arrests outside an area courthouse. Wednesday night, The Network, a non-profit group advocating against domestic violence, lashed out, arguing that ICE agents had the discretion to choose a better location to make their arrests than at the Cook County Domestic Violence Courthouse located at 555 W. Harrison. This decision to conduct ICE raids at a courthouse filled with vulnerable domestic violence survivors and their families seeking justice and safety from the legal system is deplorable, said Maralea Negron, with The Network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ICE operations to surge, federal troops could be deployed to Chicago by later this week The arrests of alleged domestic violence defendants lack due process, critics say, while reportedly exposing vulnerable family members to questioning. Chicagos Little Village neighborhood is feeling the news as area Ald. Mike Rodriguez (22nd Ward) said he believes the lack of communication from President Donald Trump and federal agencies is reckless. Its very dangerous, Rodriguez said. Our businesses are scared. Our residents are scared, regardless of immigration status. Fear is paralyzing the vibrant business community that houses a two-mile stretch of more than 500 businesses on 26th Street, which city leaders say generates more sales tax revenues than any shopping district outside of the Magnificent Mile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baltazar Enriquez, with the Little Village Community Council, issued a dire warning. Some businesses have closed, Enriquez said. Some businesses are on the verge of closing. Business owners declined more than half a dozen WGN-TV requests for on-camera commentary. The Little Village Chamber of Commerce, in charge of Septembers massive Mexican-American Independence Day Parade, also declined to comment. DHS Secretary Noem confirms more ICE resources are heading to Chicago for immigration crackdown WGN-TV also reached out to Homeland Security for comment, but has not yet heard back. Fearing that Cook County Domestic Violence Courthouses safe and supportive environment is now compromised, directors at The Network urged domestic violence survivors to file an order of protection online or contact the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-877-863-6338 to get connected with legal advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ATLANTA (AP) A former top elections official who made a name for himself defending Georgia's 2020 presidential election tally against threats from supporters of President Donald Trump is now running to be the state's elections chief. Republican Gabriel Sterling, 54, filed paperwork Tuesday to run for secretary of state and announced his candidacy Thursday. Georgia elections are the safest in the nation and I will fight every day to keep it that way, Sterling said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sterling was for six years the right-hand man of Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger until resigning recently. Trump famously asked Raffensperger in a telephone call to help find enough votes to overturn the Republican's loss in Georgia to Democrat Joe Biden. Sterlings entry is the clearest sign yet that Raffensperger will be seeking another office in 2026, possibly governor. Even before the January 2021 call, Sterling, who had overseen the implementation of a new voting system, had assumed a high profile. He repeatedly debunked claims of fraud that Trump and his supporters blamed on Dominion Voting Systems machines. In what started as a routine news conference in December 2020 to provide an update on a recount requested by Trump, Sterling called on Trump to do more to end threats of violence against election workers. He cited the case of a contractor for Dominion who received death threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What you don't have the ability to do, and you need to step up and say this, is stop inspiring people to commit potential acts of violence," Sterling said in remarks directed at Trump. Someones going to get hurt. Someones going to get shot. Someones going to get killed." By then, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was looking into threats against Raffensperger and Sterling, and the homes of both men were under police guard. Both would later be escorted out of the Georgia Capitol by state troopers on Jan. 6, 2021, the day of the U.S. Capitol siege, as about 100 protesters gathered outside, some armed with long guns. Sterling joins a race where the issue of Georgia's administration of the 2020 elections has hardly gone away. Republicans Kelvin King and state Rep. Tim Fleming are already in the race. King, a former U.S. Senate candidate, has been appealing to Trump supporters. He entered the race in July with a not-so-veiled attack on Sterling, saying that government employees who attack political candidates or supporters of either party will be held accountable and terminated. Weve seen unprofessional conduct, with press conferences aimed at attacking the president and concerned citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His wife, Janelle King, is a member of the State Elections Board that saw some key actions overturned by the state Supreme Court. Fleming heads a committee studying Georgia's election system. He cowrote a letter this week urging Raffensperger to set up a trial of hand-marked paper ballots, a key demand of Republican activists who have been agitating against Georgia's machine-marked ballots since 2020. Raffensperger, so scorned that June's state GOP convention purported to ban him from running for office again as a Republican, quickly responded that such a trial would be illegal. The only Democrat running for secretary of state thus far is little-known Adrian Consonery Jr. The key question for Sterling will be whether Trump supporters who blame Sterling and Raffensperger for Trump's 2020 loss will dominate the primary or whether Sterling can attract other voters. Georgia doesn't register voters by party, meaning independents or even people who normally vote as Democrats can participate in a Republican primary. Sterling is a lifelong Republican who was a city council member in suburban Sandy Springs before Raffensperger hired him to oversee the rollout of the Dominion system before the 2020 election. WASHINGTON Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was grilled by senators on both sides of the aisle at a tense hearing that was punctuated by loud shouting matches following last weeks chaos at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, a physician and the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, said he has grown deeply concerned by RFK Jr.s vaccine policies since voting to confirm him as the nations top health official earlier this year. His comments came as a surprise because of his stalwart support for President Donald Trump. Related: Trump Admin Touts 'Native Born' Job Gains In Scramble To Spin Bad Jobs Report I support vaccines. Vaccines save lives. If were going to make America healthy again, we cant allow public health to be undermined, Barrasso said at the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are real concerns that safe, proven vaccines like measles, like hepatitis B, could be in jeopardy. That could put Americans at risk and reverse decades of progress, the conservative added. Sen. Ron Wyden (Ore.), the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee holding the hearing, said Kennedy is dead set on making it harder for children to get vaccines and kids are going to die because of it. The White House announced it fired CDC Director Susan Monarez last week because she was not aligned with the Presidents agenda of Making America Healthy Again. The Senate confirmed Monarez only a month ago. At least four other CDC officials, including Dr. Demetre Daskalakis who served as director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, also left the agency, warning the public that Kenedys leadership threatened public health. Related: Key GOP Senator Calls For Halt On Vaccine Decisions Amid CDC Chaos In his opening remarks, Kennedy said the CDC failed miserably during the COVID-19 pandemic and that is part of the reason the agency is in need of an overhaul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are the sickest country in the world, Kennedy said at the hearing. Thats why we have to fire people at CDC. They did not do their job. This was their job to keep us healthy. I need to fire some of those people to make sure this doesnt happen again. In a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, Monarez said she was asked to forgo scientific review and endorse the recommendations of a vaccine advisory panel made up of vaccine skeptics after the health secretary replaced its 17 former members with eight handpicked advisers earlier this year. One of them has since left the group but Kennedy has reportedly picked an additional seven new members to join the committee. It was one of the more public aspects of a deliberate effort to weaken Americas public-health system and vaccine protections, she wrote. Related: In Undercover Video, Staffer Claims DOJ Will Hide Republican Names In Epstein Files Asked about the opinion piece on Thursday, Kennedy denied personally ordering Monarez to accept the new panels recommendations and accused the ex-CDC official of lying. I did not say that to her, he told Wyden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monarezs lawyers called Kennedys claims patently ridiculous and said she would be willing to testify under oath before Congress. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician who provided the key vote allowing Kennedy to become health secretary earlier this year, also grilled the top Trump official over his anti-vaccine policies, including his departments cancellation of $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts. Messenger RNA (mRNA) was used to develop the COVID-19 vaccine by Trumps first-term Operation Warp Speed program. Cassidy asked Kennedy if he believed Trump deserved to win the Nobel Prize for initiating the Operation Warp Speed program. When the secretary replied in the affirmative, Cassidy said his statement seems inconsistent with HHS canceling mRNA vaccine contracts under his tenure. Related: Johnson Says Trump Took Epstein Rumors Seriously, Served As FBI Informant I would say, effectively, were denying people vaccines, the senator said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre wrong, Kennedy responded. Democrats on the panel slammed Kennedy for seeking to take away vaccines from people who need them. Eleven of the 12 members in the Democratic minority on the Senate Finance Committee called on him to resign prior to Thursdays hearing. Their questioning of the secretary often devolved into shouting matches. He bristled at their inquiries, accusing them of seeking to make a spectacle and talking gibberish. Sir, youre a charlatan. Thats what you are, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) told the health secretary at one point. Related: RFK Jr. Accuses Ousted CDC Director Of Lying About 'Troubling' Order After Kennedy said he didnt know the number of Americans who died from COVID-19, which is estimated at over 1 million, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) responded incredulously, How can you be that ignorant? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre the secretary of health and human services. You dont have any idea how many Americans died from COVID? he added. More on Politics RFK Jr. Needed Mere Months To Bring Our Health System To The Brink Of Disaster Pete Hegseth's Answer To Basic Legal Question Takes A 'Clown Show' Turn Ron DeSantis' 'Unhinged' Attack On California Backfires Spectacularly Read the original on HuffPost WASHINGTON Republicans in Congress are planning a major overhaul of local policies in Washington, D.C., taking one step further after President Donald Trump seized federal control over the city last month. The House Oversight Committee is set to unveil 14 bills that could be considered as early as next week that would seize control of the citys criminal justice system, according to the Washington Post. One of those bills is likely to be the one led by Utah Sen. Mike Lee, which seeks to repeal local laws that restrict how officers can respond to high-pressure situations and make it easier for those officers to be punished. For too long, Congress has failed to keep D.C. safe and allowed corrupt local officials to prioritize politics over peoples lives, said Lee. The CLEAN D.C. Act is a step in the right direction as Congress reasserts its constitutional duty to safeguard D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CLEAN D.C. Act would undo the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment that was passed by the D.C. Council in 2022. The law was passed to make permanent several temporary policies that were enacted after the death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed by a Minnesota police officer in 2020 that set off a national series of racial justice protests. The law adopted new restrictions for officers such as prohibiting chokeholds and neck restraints; mandated the public release of names and body-camera footage of officers involved in serious use-of-force incidents; and made disciplinary records accessible under the D.C. Freedom of Information Act, among other things. Republicans such as Lee argued those restrictions demoralize officers and worsen the law enforcement staffing crisis all the while emboldening criminals. Another bill set for consideration, according to The Washington Post, is a proposal to abolish the office of the D.C.-elected attorney general and instead place the criminal justice system under the purview of the president. Specifically, the president would have control over how the city responds to juvenile crime, which President Donald Trump has been vocal about in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local youths and gang members, some only 14, 15, and 16-years-old, are randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent Citizens, at the same time knowing that they will be almost immediately released, Trump said in a post on Truth Social last month. The Law in DC must be changed to prosecute these minors as adults, and lock them up for a long time, starting at age 14. Another measure would accomplish just that by lowering the age for juveniles to be tried as adults, placing that age at 14 for certain violent crimes. Other proposals would focus on adding new minimum sentences to the citys criminal code and extending some existing minimum sentences for crimes such as murder and carjacking, according to the outlet. The House Oversight Committee is expected to make more information on the bills public on Friday, a source familiar with the matter told the Deseret News. The package comes as Trump has pressed Congress to craft a larger bill focused on crime prevention in the nations capital as well as $2 billion to go toward beautifying the city. Plans for the latter have not yet been fleshed out, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters on Thursday he wasnt sure of the current status and that hes waiting for the details on the request. Trump announced on Aug. 11 he would send at least 800 National Guard soldiers to the nations capital to crack down on what he described as out of control crime, particularly attacks committed by teenagers. That order was set to expire next week but ABC News reported on Thursday that the D.C. National Guard had its order extended through the end of November. WASHINGTON Republican efforts to formally rewrite the history of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and President Donald Trumps role in it are poised to reach dizzying new heights. Though House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) first announced that a new Jan. 6 committee would be formed seven months ago, it was not until Wednesday that House Republicans quietly passed authorization for a new committee in a procedural vote tied to wholly unrelated measures. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), who chaired a similar committee in the previous Congress, is set to lead the new panel. We were just cracking open some new information when it ended last time, Loudermilk said, such as new details about paid FBI informants whod been in contact with rioters. The Justice Departments inspector general said in December 2024 that FBI informants were on the scene, but played no role in orchestrating the riot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HuffPost asked Loudermilk if he contends that Trump supporters did not attack the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in an effort to disrupt the certification of Trumps election loss the previous November. He stammered in response. I have not seen well, I mean, you got to define the presidents support, you know, Trump supporter. Was he engaged in it? Weve seen no evidence whatsoever that he was engaged in that, Loudermilk said. To recap: Trump lied about election fraud for months, told his supporters to come to Washington for a wild rally, told them to fight like hell during a speech near the White House, then told them to go to the Capitol, where they fought like hellagainst police, breached the building and sent lawmakers and then-Vice President Mike Pence scurrying into undisclosed locations. Related: Adam Kinzinger Shares Why He Thinks Trump Threatened To Go After Jan. 6 Panel Members And as for any evidence that Trump was involved in efforts to stop the certification of former President Joe Bidens victory, the opportunity for the public to learn more was mostly foreclosed on after Trump won the 2024 election. With the sweeping immunity granted to presidents by the Supreme Court, special counsel Jack Smiths probe on the subject was quickly shuttered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats didnt hesitate to state the obvious: The Republican Jan. 6 committee is an effort to rewrite history. Theyre trying to pretend that the mob didnt attack on January 6, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), a member of the original Jan. 6 committee, told HuffPost. I guess they think the American people must be stupid, because we on the committee did an extensive bipartisan report, and then we posted the findings everywhere. Another former member of the original Jan. 6 committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), said he would happily serve on the new panel, which is a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee. They have not laid a glove on a single factual finding of the Select Committee on the January 6 Attack, and so all they are doing is giving us the opportunity to educate younger generations of Americans about what happens when you listen to an authoritarian who wants to disregard the rule of law, Raskin told HuffPost. A resolution for the new committee describes it as an effort to investigate the remaining questions surrounding Jan. 6, 2021,a curious label since Republicans in 2021 balked at setting up the sort of bipartisan fact-finding commission Congress usually creates after major disasters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andmany House Republicans, when given the chance to cooperate voluntarily with the original Jan. 6 select committee, by and large refused to do so even when formally subpoenaed. Then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) chose two Republican members for the committee: then-Reps. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.). Both have since been drummed out of the Republican Party. Loudermilk found himself briefly scrutinized by the original Jan. 6 committee after security footage from Jan. 5 emerged showing what committee members said appeared to be the lawmaker giving an apparent reconnaissance tour to a small group of Trump supporters inside the Capitol complex. Some of his guests were at the rally the next day, but werent charged with crimes; Capitol Police said nothing was suspicious about the tour. Related: Cheney Slams Trumps GOP Allies For Trying To Cover Up What He Did On Jan. 6 One of Loudermilks visitors, however, did turn up in video footage acquired by the committee. Loudermilks guest filmed another man wielding a sharpened flagpole as they walked toward Trumps rally, and when the flagpole-wielding man said the makeshift weapon was for a certain person, Loudermilks visitor replied: Thats right. Thats for somebody special. Later that day, Loudermilks visitor walked toward the Capitol and filmed himself threatening to pull lawmakers out of the Capitol by their hairs. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) is seen outside of a House Republican Caucus meeting on Capitol Hill on Dec. 4, 2024. Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images Loudermilks run-in with the original Jan. 6 committee led to his interest in leading a counter committee. He told HuffPost last year he was tapped for the job because I had first-hand experience of how the select committee cherry-picked and manipulated information to come up with a false narrative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lofgren said Loudermilk never answered the committees questions about his tour, which was not included in the final report. All we asked was, Who is this guy, how did this happen? Lofgren said. He never answered. This week, Loudermilk insisted there are important questions remaining about how the Capitol was breached questions that have nothing to do with Donald Trump, of course. Related: In Undercover Video, Staffer Claims DOJ Will Hide Republican Names In Epstein Files My focus has always been, How were they able to breach this Capitol? That should have never happened with the intelligence resources that we have, the number of law enforcement resources we have in this town. How in the world did that happen? Thats what Im focused on, Loudermilk said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A report from Democrats on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in 2023 found that the FBI and Department of Homeland Security overlooked a number of tips about looming violence on Jan. 6, particularly those coming from far-right extremists like the Proud Boys. While some intelligence agencies were aware of calls to violence proliferating on social media from those groups, as well as thousands of individuals, the intelligence community didnt see the threats as credible. The 2023 report showed that most agencies failed to fully and accurately assess the severity of the threat identified by that intelligence, and formally disseminate guidance to their law enforcement partners. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Former U.S. Rep. Rod Blum and state Rep. Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta, have said they are considering a 2026 campaign for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District. (Photos courtesy of the U.S. House of Representatives and Iowa Legislature) Following incumbent U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinsons Senate campaign launch, some Republicans, including former U.S. Rep. Rod Blum, have hinted they are planning to run for Iowas 2nd Congressional District in 2026. Hinson, who has represented the northeast Iowa district for three terms, announced Tuesday she would run for Senate, shortly after U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst said she would not run for a third term. Hinson quickly became the frontrunner for the GOP nomination following her entrance into the race, getting endorsements from Republican senators and House GOP leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinsons pivot to the Senate race means Iowas 2nd Congressional District will not have an incumbent in the 2026 elections. There are currently no Republicans who have announced campaigns for the seat, but in the wake of the Tuesday campaign shake-up, Blum, who previously represented the area in Congress, teased a 2026 run. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In a Facebook post Tuesday, Blum thanked supporters for encouraging him to launch another run for Congress. The outpouring of support has been humbling it was the honor of my lifetime to represent our district for four years, standing squarely with President Trump and backing his America First agenda, Blum wrote. Stay tuned! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blum, 70, served two terms representing Iowas 1st Congressional District the northeast area of the state that largely became the 2nd District during the 2020 redistricting process. He was first elected in 2014, defeating former Iowa House Speaker Pat Murphy, the Democratic candidate, and won a second term in 2016. Blum lost the seat in 2018 to former U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer, a Democrat. The Republican was also previously the CEO of Eagle Point Software, and currently owns the construction software company Digital Canal. In addition to Blum, Iowa Rep. Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta, also wrote on social media Tuesday she is weighing a run for the 2nd District. Lundgren, who has served in the state legislature since 2018, wrote that the district must continue to be represented by an America first conservative, whose roots run deep in our community. Serving Iowa continues to be a calling, and thats why Im seriously considering jumping into this congressional race, Lundgren wrote. I endorsed President Trump long before the caucuses, and Id be with him every day in Congress. My family and I will continue to discuss our next steps with friends and neighbors and pray for wisdom in our decision. We will announce our plans in the days ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though political forecasters still predict Republicans will likely keep the seat in the midterms, the race may be more contentious than previously considered. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has listed the 2nd District as a potential pick-up, and recent special election wins have fueled hope for some Iowa Democrats aiming to break conservatives hold on state and federal elected positions. There are three Democrats competing to become the party nominee for the 2nd District race in 2026. Iowa 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 all announced campaigns. After Hinson left the race, the Democratic candidates emphasized that their campaigns were not focused on Hinson, but on providing better representation for the district. I decided to run for Congress not to oppose any candidate but to be a fierce advocate for Iowans, James said in a statement. As Republicans search for a new candidate, our campaigns momentum continues to grow. Too many Iowans face impossible choices when it comes to building the lives they want and deserve, and I am dedicated to listening to them and being their voice in Washington D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twedt-Ball said in a statement following Hinsons announcement that northeast Iowans have spent too long watching career politicians like Ashley Hinson put their political ambitions over the needs of Iowans. Its time for a fresh, positive start in Iowas second district, Twedt-Ball said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NEED TO KNOW The Alaska Department of Public Safety said a researcher from Italy vanished after he fell into a stream on the Mendenhall Glacier on Sept. 2 Attempts to find the man were called off after rescuers determined the opening he fell into was filled with rushing water The researcher's disappearance comes a day after the body of a missing hiker from Arizona was found near the glacier on Sept. 1 A researcher from Italy is missing after he fell into a stream on Alaskas Mendenhall Glacier, authorities said. The Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS) said that on Tuesday, Sept. 2, around 1:45 p.m. local time, Alaska Wildlife Troopers were notified that an adult male had fallen into the stream and then vanished after he was pushed by the water into a small, vertical opening in the ice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two people he was traveling with could no longer see him once he fell into the opening, the DPS stated in its dispatch report. The department added that the group Juneau Mountain Rescue sent an ice rescue team who found that the approximately two-foot-wide hole was filled with rushing water. It was determined to be too dangerous to attempt to locate the missing man, pending any further leads, the DPS said. The missing man was identified only as a resident of Italy, and efforts are being made to notify his next of kin, the DPS added. A DPS spokesperson said that the man was performing research on the glacier around the time of the incident, The Guardian reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PEOPLE contacted the DPS for additional information on Thursday, Sept. 4. The researchers disappearance comes one day after the body of a missing hiker was found on Monday, Sept. 1, near the Mendenhall Glacier. The DPS said that on Sunday, Aug. 31, state troopers received a report that Thomas Casey, 69, of Arizona was last seen the day before and had apparently gone on a hike. No information was offered on where he was hiking or when he would return. Authorities said Caseys phone was pinged and later showed a remote spot between Thunder mountain trail and Nugget Creek trail, which prompted rescue teams to respond to the area of the ping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 5pm on 9/1/2025, Juneau Mountain Rescue and SEAdogs located Thomas deceased from injuries obtained from a fall, the DPS said in a dispatch report. He was located near the Mendenhall Glacier on the west side off the trail. 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. Caseys body was scheduled to be taken to the state medical examiners office and his next of kin was notified, the DPS added. The Mendenhall Glacier, a popular recreation area in Juneau, is described as one of many major glaciers that connect to the vast Juneau Ice Field, a 1,500 square mile remnant of the last ice age, according to the U.S. Forest Service website. Read the original article on People As global temperatures continue to rise, people using certain medications may feel the impacts of extreme heat more than others. What's happening? According to NPR, millions of Americans and far more globally who use commonly prescribed medications may experience intense reactions to heat waves, which are increasing in frequency. That's because some drugs affect how the body perceives, reacts to, and manages heat. Individuals taking medications such as ACE inhibitors to treat high blood pressure, diuretics to increase urine output, and certain mental health medications may be more susceptible to the effects of overheating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doctors still generally recommend that people prescribed these medications continue to take them as directed. But these individuals may also want to make a plan to stay cool when temperatures rise and remain extremely high. Why is this concerning? As opposed to feeling just a little uncomfortably warm, the consequences of actually overheating can be extreme. It can result in heart strain, kidney issues, neurological impacts, and, in some cases, even death. Our bodies are typically equipped to deal with heat via sweating or signaling to us that we're thirsty and should consume more water. But certain medications may interfere with these processes. Some medications can decrease sweating, making it difficult for a person to cool off. Other medications interfere with the ability to recognize thirst. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the use of various medications can increase the risk of overheating, some common types include ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics, certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and some ADHD medications, according to NPR. "When you're taking these medications and you're exposed to heat, it's like asking a car to drive up a mountain in the summer with the air conditioner broken, low on coolant and no warning signals," David Eisenman, a doctor and researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles, explained to the radio outlet. "Overheating becomes much more likely." Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain a lengthy list of drugs that may cause adverse reactions to heat. The CDC also notes that the effectiveness of certain medications such as inhalers, EpiPens, and insulin can be compromised by extreme temperatures. How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. What can I do to prevent overheating? For individuals taking medications that can increase the risk of overheating, the best way to avoid related complications is to anticipate extreme heat, plan accordingly, and minimize exposure when possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being aware of when temperatures may reach their peak and avoiding being outside at those times is important. People at risk will need access to a cool space when it gets too hot, and they'll need to drink plenty of water, whether they feel thirsty or not. A big-picture approach to the problem requires mitigating the crisis of rising global temperatures through a large-scale transition to clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. At the individual level, anyone using a medication susceptible to heat degradation should also ask their doctor for instructions on proper storage to maintain the effectiveness of their prescription. 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. Cultural values and city decisions are shaping how wild animals in Los Angeles adapt to city life sometimes with dangerous results for people and wildlife. The Los Angeles Times reported that these human factors may influence animal behavior habits even more than pollution or food sources. What's happening? Researchers at St. Louis' Washington University found that factors like religion, politics, and even war can change the way animals survive in cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their review in Nature Cities cited global examples, such as Ukraine, where war drove away sparrows and other birds from their nesting grounds. Meanwhile, deer and boar numbers increased as the government restricted hunting activity. While conflicts shape animal survival abroad, politics and safety concerns show up in policing and park design in Los Angeles. Study co-lead author Elizabeth Carlen told the Times that tall trees are usually cleared to give police a better view of potential suspects, but removing shrubs also eliminates shelter and grazing space for small animals, making parks less hospitable. Why is this concerning? Without science-based policies, human-wildlife conflicts can become more dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, calling law enforcement instead of wildlife services when bears or cougars appear in yards can prompt lethal action if officers see an immediate threat. On the other hand, California's Department of Fish and Wildlife typically uses nonlethal measures and may relocate animals. Coyotes face similar issues. A Berkeley study found that the wild canines roamed more in lower-income communities, where they are less likely to be trapped or relocated. That leaves residents more vulnerable to risky encounters. Carlen hopes the study will push cities to adopt new coexistence strategies. Should the government ban gas-powered lawn equipment? Absolutely Not yet Only for commercial use Nope Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "I think there's a lot of injustice in cities that are happening to both humans and wildlife. I think the potential is out there for justice to be brought to both of those things," she said. What's being done about it? Native American tribal elder Alan Salazar told the Times that the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, where he is a consultant, can help meet that goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that more than providing a safe passage for animals over Highway 101, the bridge will "shift perceptions about co-existence planning." L.A.'s Urban Wildlife Program and groups like Project Coyote and the Mountain Lion Foundation promote non-lethal ways to manage wildlife. They also hold events and share resources to educate residents. Joining these community initiatives is just one way you can make a difference to this issue. 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. Cemeteries are usually associated with the dead, but for one endangered species, a graveyard may yet be the key to its long-term survival. The BBC reported that researchers have been pleasantly surprised to discover that Vienna's Central Cemetery, the largest on the continent, is a biodiversity hotspot. Among the resting places of some of Europe's most influential musicians and composers, the critically endangered European hamster has made a home for itself. The odd setting is actually ideal for the fierce little rodents and other creatures, including rare toads, beetles, and squirrels, to thrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The graveyard has embraced its wild residents. Maintenance crews leave their burrows alone, and the site offers guided tours as part of efforts to inform visitors about the graveyard's wild residents. Thomas Filek, researcher at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna, monitors the cemetery's wildlife. "People are starting to appreciate that we have something special here," he told the BBC. "It creates a synergy between cemetery staff, citizens, and scientists, who all work together for something worth protecting." The European hamster has had a pretty tough time of late. Once plentiful, they have been driven to the brink of extinction in the wild because of rampant habitat loss and warming global temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As National Geographic explains, the birth rate for the hamsters has plummeted. In the 20th century, hamsters averaged 20 pups per year, but today it's only five or six. Their lifespan has contracted sharply to around two years, a third of their historic average. Warmer winters mean less snowfall, and that absence of snow cover reduces protection to their burrows. Many don't make it through the winter. Moreover, some theorize that light pollution is disrupting their circadian rhythm, per National Geographic. Urbanization is usually a threat to wildlife, but some species do surprisingly well in cities. Graveyards could join other urban green spaces in protecting an area's biodiversity. Ultimately, that will require an increase in awareness and grassroots support to maintain. "We know what we have here," Filek told the BBC. "Now, we have to protect it and make sure it stays protected." 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. More than two dozen residents were displaced, including two who were injured, when a fire erupted in a Santa Ana apartment complex early Thursday morning. Flames broke out around 2 a.m. in the two-story complex located on the 2800 block of North Bristol Street. Responding firefighters found the flames had already taken hold of two upstairs units and were threatening to spread further, the Orange County Fire Authority stated in its post on X. Several pets were saved after a fire erupted at a Santa Ana apartment complex on Sept. 4, 2025. (Orange County Fire Authority) Crews attacked the fire aggressively, containing the flames to the two original units, while simultaneously searching for victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the search, firefighters found two bunnies alive inside and safely reunited them with their grateful family, the Fire Authority said. Two burn victims were treated at the scene before being taken to a local hospital, the Fire Authority said. A total of 14 adults and nine minors were displaced as a result of the fire. The heavily trafficked North Bristol Street was closed between West Memory Lane and Riverglen Lane during the fire. The cause of the blaze 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 KTLA. Las Vegas (KLAS) When the Sphere opened, the promise was bigger shows, brighter visuals, and sometimes louder sound. Last September, Clark County gave the venue permission to host outdoor events at higher noise levels. However, the approval came with conditions: no more than 12 days a year and no louder than 85 decibels at the property line, limited hours, and one year to review. Neighbors living in the area told 8 News Now the late-night noise disrupts their daily life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Las Vegas Sphere to launch immersive experience around beloved classic film They dont turn it off whatsoever; you can hear absolutely everything. I hear the Hotel California song all night long sometimes at one or two in the morning, Blanca Campbell, who lives at The Highline Apartments said. Campbell has been living nearby for almost two years. She recently moved from the back of the building to the front of the complex, where her apartment now sits directly across from the Sphere. City of Las Vegas makes decision on noise ordinance changes in Arts District Despite noise restrictions, Campbell said the late-night music keeps her up, disrupting sleep and raising concerns about whether these conditions are strict enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was going on for months until they turned it down, and for some reason its back again, Campbell said. Since approval, Sphere has held just two events under those rules this past April. In documents submitted to the county, the venue said it has followed all requirements and received no formal complaints. While the venue insists there has been no impact on neighbors, Campbell believes the noise carries farther than the venues operators may realize. If I would have known this was going to be an issue from the very beginning, I probably wouldnt have moved here, Campbell said. I wish they would fix the problem instead, because I live so close to work and its super convenient for me to live here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sphere is asking the county board to declare them fully in compliance and to remove the requirement for a one-year review. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Residents of Caledon, Ontario, Canada, are feeling frustrated by the alleged actions of their mayor, who is allowing waste to be dumped into a recently rehabilitated lake. According to a report from the Pointer, residents have raised their concerns to Caledon Mayor Annette Groves after she put forth a motion to allow for the dumping, which was also approved by a majority of the council. The residents of the town are concerned that the groundwater-connected lake will become contaminated by the construction waste, destroying the aquatic habitat and exposing neighbors and farmers to risks to their well water, as well as undue noise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would also threaten wildlife in the area, including once-endangered Trumpeter Swans and a variety of turtles. "We've been doing everything we can to mitigate habitat loss and road casualties because all the turtles here are species at risk it's disheartening and frustrating," Michele Blanchard, a volunteer with Headwaters Turtle Protectors, told the Pointer. Groves' motion instructed the town's director of engineering to enter into an agreement with "prominent developer" Nick Cortellucci of the Cortel Group, who, by Groves' own admission, contributed $25,000 to her Mayor's Ball Gala. The outlet reported that adding to the frustration is that the Credit Valley Conservation organization had expressed interest in buying the property before it was sold to Cortellucci. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has also been heavy questioning about whether or not the motion is in line with town bylaws regarding zoning and other regulations for making these kinds of decisions. But residents are doing their best to fight back, speaking out at the July meeting where they pressed Groves and others for answers to questions about the health and safety of the motion, despite being told questions wouldn't necessarily be allowed. A group, Democracy Caledon, is also stepping in to help protect the area. According to the Pointer, the group has already filed legal challenges over development plans for subdivisions that would be environmentally damaging. "This pit is in the Greenbelt, within protected countryside, and this is how they're treating it," Debbie Crandall of Democracy Caledon told the Pointer. "It's time for a change." Should the government be allowed to restrict how much water we use? Definitely Only during major droughts No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A one-year-old boy and 37-year-old woman are being treated for serious injuries after police say they were shot inside a home on Westmoreland Drive in Rochester on Wednesday afternoon. New details shared by RPD on Thursday suggest the incident to have been accidental. Now, local firearm experts are urging the community to know about proper gun safety to prevent an incident like this from happening in the future. Founder and Primary Instructor of Rochester Personal Defense, David Jenkins has been a gun owner for most of his adulthood, and aims to equip community members with the same knowledge hes gathered over the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [In our courses], we basically get into everything around self-reliance including first aid, awareness of issues that go on in the world and how you can protect yourself against them, Jenkins said. One of the biggest units covered in the classes Jenkins teaches is how to properly store a firearm. He elaborated on some of the most important tips, especially when it comes to handguns. If the gun is going to be out of your direct control, meaning you dont have access to it, youre not carrying it or shooting it, and its in storage, it should be unloaded and kept separate from ammo, Jenkins said. Jenkins shared the best places to store firearms not actively in use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Best case scenario: a gun safe, Jenkins said. Theyre fireproof, have really good locks and a really good infrastructure. Theyre also heavy, making it hard to pick up and take away. With this, New York State has extra precautions families are required to take when it comes to keeping a firearm inside a household, including keeping all guns stored and locked if not under a handlers direct control. Jenkins hopes to share more tips like these with gun owners across Rochester to keep them informed and to inspire a safer community for everyone. Its so easy to do it right, Jenkins said. Just think, thats all you have to do. How can I make sure nobody gets hurt by my gun, especially a young person or a toddler? Stay educated, be responsible and dont be reckless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the investigation into Wednesdays shooting remains ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. ST. PETERS, Mo. Not far from Interstate 70 near the Cave Springs exit is a restaurant so popular, people were constantly pulling up while FOX 2 was there. They were surprised that federal agents raided Golden Apple Buffet in St. Peters along Mexico road Tuesday. I saw you guys so I knew it was a problem, Antonio Bishop said. It was one of at least three St. Peters locations raided by the feds. A video from a viewer shows federal agents raiding property with reported restaurant workers on Park Charles Boulevard Southfollowed by a drone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A person who answered the door of the home Wednesday said she didnt speak English. First-ever interactive reptile zoo comes to STL Neighbors said they witnessed as many as 20 people inside the home detained Tuesday, people they reported seeing picked up and driven to the restaurant in the past. Then theres a second St. Peters home. Missouri Secretary of State records list the registered agent of the restaurant as Guo Liang Ye, with a listed address of Bruns Lane Court. We also noticed five cars in the drivewayall with out-of-state plates from New York, Georgia, Ohio, Virginia and Texas. Thats half as many cars as neighbors there say theyre used to seeing. Neighbors also report about 15-20 people detained from that home as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A person who answered the door at Bruns Lane Court said he also didnt speak English. He used his hands to indicate there were arrests. Federal authorities are not yet giving solid numbers. FOX 2 is now tracking what comes up in court. It was a good place. I guess they were hustling, Bishop said. Theres no indication of when or if Golden Apple Buffet will reopen. Now, there are additional questions about whether a second location will even open. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK) The Longview Fire Department will hold a retirement ceremony next week to honor the career of Kevin May, who has served the department for over two decades. Lufkins former jail set for demolition, traffic to be impacted May has served as the departments fire marshal since 2000 and will be recognized for his service on Wednesday, Sept.10, at the Longview Fire Training Center. The celebration will begin at 3 p.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the celebration, a flag ceremony will be held at the Central Fire Station of 100 East Cotton Street, starting at 5 p.m. Congratulations to Chief May, the Longview Fire Department said. We wish you the very best and continued success in your future endeavors! 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. Susan Monarez, who was recently removed from her role as director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on Thursday said she lost her job after defying a troubling order from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., while decrying a deliberate effort to weaken Americas public-health system and vaccine protections. The Senate confirmed me to ensure that unbiased evidence serves our nations health, and for doing that, I lost my job, she wrote in a scathing op-ed for The Wall Street Journal. Americas children could lose far more. Monarez said Kennedy asked her in a meeting on Aug. 25 to swiftly endorse the recommendations of a vaccine advisory panel made up of vaccine skeptics after the health secretary replaced its 17 former members with eight hand-picked advisers earlier this year. One of them has since left the group, but Kennedy has reportedly picked an additional seven new members to join the committee. Related: GOP Lawmaker Details Threats Against Him Amid Trump White House Pressure Campaign During a hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, Kennedy denied issuing that directive to Monarez, accusing the former CDC leader of lying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I did not say that to her, Kennedy said. In her WSJ editorial, Monarez recalled that Aug. 25 meeting, where she said she was told to resign or face being terminated. That meeting revealed that it wasnt about one person or my job, she wrote. It was one of the more public aspects of a deliberate effort to weaken Americas public-health system and vaccine protections. Im gone now, but that effort continues, she added. Related: RFK Jr. Needed Mere Months To Bring Our Health System To The Brink Of Disaster The White House announced it fired Monarez last week because she was not aligned with the Presidents agenda of Making America Healthy Again. At least four other CDC officials including Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who served as director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases also left the agency. Monarez was replaced on an interim basis by a Kennedy ally with no formal medical training. Susan Monarez takes part in a hearing on her nomination for Director of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on June 25, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images Monarez, an infectious disease expert, said it was imperative to have the vaccine advisory panels recommendations challenged and analyzed before any assessment could be offered on its advice, describing that process as key to the CDCs work and mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC cant fulfill its obligation to the American people if its leader cant demand proof in decision-making. If discarding evidence for ideology becomes the norm, why should parents, physicians or the public trust the CDCs guidance? she asked. Monarez said public health should operate independent from politics as she warned that those seeking to sow distrust in life-saving shots use a familiar playbook: discredit research, weaken advisory committees, and use manipulated outcomes to unravel protections that generations of families have relied on to keep deadly diseases at bay. Once trusted experts are removed and advisory bodies are stacked, the results are predetermined, she added. That isnt reform. It is sabotage. Monarez suggested that the stakes are that high that she cannot afford to keep quiet. Related: Nancy Mace Was Seen Crying After Meeting Epstein Victims. Her Explanation Has 1 Big Flaw. If we stay silent, preventable diseases will returnas we saw with the largest measles outbreak in more than 30 years, which tragically killed two children, she said. If we act, the facts can still prevail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, nine former CDC leaders who served under both Democratic and Republican administrations warned that Kennedys policies are dangerous, while over 1,000 HHS employees are now demanding Kennedys resignation, accusing him of compromising the health of this nation. Read Monarezs full Wall Street Journal editorial here. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Washingtons anger over the corrosion of American institutions was palpable on Thursday as the nations most powerful skeptic, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was on Capitol Hill. Ahead of Thursdays meeting of the Senate Finance Committee, Democrats were clearly energized. The mass firings at Health and Human Services (HHS), as well as a seemingly political takeover of top brass at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), elicited scathing criticism from a party which (due to unified Republican majorities) has been largely unable to do much else. Having been divided for months on issues of strategy and tone, Americas opposition party was unified this week in their revulsion and fear. Ahead of Thursdays hearing, a group of senators and House members gathered outside the Capitol and denounced the HHS chiefs cuts to vaccine research, politicization of federal agencies and disruptions to public health initiatives as setting the U.S. up for catastrophe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was unexpected was how far that unity extended across party lines at the hearing, where RFK Jr met a bipartisan firing squad. Republicans joined with their Democratic colleagues and ratcheted up the pressure on Donald Trumps cabinet member for the first time under his second presidency displaying a clear notion to check the Executive Branchs power. Kennedy was put on notice as the GOP Senate majority whip, John Barrasso, warned that he risked ruining decades of progress and putting America in harms way. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was challenged on whether he thought Trump deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for Operation Warp Speed, the COVID vaccine program. Kennedy has described the vaccines as dangerous (REUTERS) Some of the strongest questioning of the day came from Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican physician from Louisiana, around whom there was significant scrutiny and pressure before the hearing. Cassidy, who ultimately voted in favor of RFK Jr.s confirmation, was one of the secretarys biggest skeptics on the right and had elicited a promise from Kennedy to work within existing standards and procedures for approval of vaccines if confirmed. Cassidy and two other GOP senators on the panel, Barrasso and Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, all directly implied in their questions that they thought it was possible the secretary had misrepresented his goals during his confirmation process. Sen. Bill Cassidy was one of several Republicans who made it clear to RFK Jr. on Thursday that concern over his leadership of HHS was bipartisan (Getty Images) Tillis told the secretary that he pledged to do nothing that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking vaccines, adding: There seem to be several reports that would seem to refute that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The retiring senator added that he thought the secretarys mass firings and subverting of longstanding public health guidelines around vaccines bore the risk of diminishing the credibility of the U.S. government in terms of keeping kids safe. Tillis had previously remarked to a reporter on Wednesday: I guess I need to know why his words at his confirmation hearing arent matching up with some of the deeds. Barrasso, a member of GOP leadership, was measured but asked how Kennedy would ensure that vaccine guidance from the federal government was clear and trustworthy. Cassidy, meanwhile, pressed the secretary to explain why he and others praised Trumps Operation Warp Speed while participating in a campaign to undermine its result. Kennedy met a more united opposition than many had expected (REUTERS) Do you agree that the president deserves a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed? asked Cassidy, eliciting an affirmative response from Kennedy. The senator then asked why, in a remark to a Democratic senators question, Kennedy had said that the vaccine and others posed serious health risks to young people, and could even cause death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy denied saying this, to which Cassidy shot back that they could check the record, because it was a fact. But what was equally striking was the tenor with which Kennedy defended his vaccine skepticism to the panel, especially during exchanges with Democratic members. Kennedy and members of the committee grew heated in several instances, including one when Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington state called him a charlatan. The secretary blasted Bennet for insufficiently standing up to pharmaceutical companies, and attacked Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota for supposedly just making stuff up as she referenced his comments about antidepressant usage among children in the wake of the Annunciation Catholic School shooting. Even Cassidy was not spared the secretarys vitriol, and was accused of grandstanding by Kennedy: Is this a question, Senator Cassidy, or is this a speech? His tone was a sign that Kennedy knows or at least believes he has the continued support of the White House and Trump, who more now than during his first term is taking a direct role in ensuring a team of loyalists remains around him at all times. Sen. Maria Cantwell called Kennedy a charlatan (REUTERS) The White House did offer a meek defense of Kennedy on Thursday afternoon as the hearing drew to a close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary @RobertKennedyJr is taking flak because he's over the target. The Trump Administration is addressing root causes of chronic disease, embracing transparency in government, and championing gold-standard science, said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, before asserting: Only the Democrats could attack that commonsense effort. Given that Republican criticism of Kennedy on Thursday included multiple members of the committee and a member of Senate GOP leadership, it will be very difficult for the White House to keep up that facade for long. The question for the administration in the months ahead may be whether a political gambit that Donald Trump made to secure an ally during the 2024 campaign season will end up resulting in the first Cabinet secretary of his second term to bow out under bipartisan pressure. Such fates in Trumps first term befell former allies Scott Pruitt and Tom Price. Kennedy lashed out at his critics, saying one had failed to stand up to the pharmaceutical industry, another was making speeches instead of asking questions, and another was just making stuff up (REUTERS) But in the case of HHS and CDC, Kennedys critics on the left in particular are worried that such a political consequence may only come as a result of disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nation's defenses are down, declared Sen. Jon Ossoff on Thursday, in response to a question from The Independent after a press conference. We are more vulnerable to deadly disease outbreak than at any time in recent history because of the demolition of the CDC. We are also falling behind by years or decades in clinical health research because of what's happening at NIH. I've heard from constituents who were in cancer trials that were thrown off those trials because they were suspended. Part of the painful recovery from all the damage that's already been done is going to be building back our health research so that we're developing cures and therapies that save lives, he added. Only months after he had gotten clean himself, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Kennedy family lost his younger brother to addiction at a Palm Beach hotel in 1984. RFK Jr., nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to head the Department of Health and Human Services and confirmed for the position on Feb. 13, has spoken openly about his own 14-year battle with addiction to heroin. But his "best friend," brother David, didn't make it. He died at age 28 of a drug overdose at the Brazilian Court Hotel in April 1984. David Kennedy's autopsy showed a mixture of cocaine, the painkiller, Demerol, and the tranquilizer, Mellaril. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the eve of RFK Jr.'s confirmation hearings, their cousin, Caroline Kennedy, urged lawmakers to reject his nomination saying he's led other family members down the path of drug addiction. His basement, his garage, and his dorm room were the centers of the action where drugs were available," said the daughter of the late president, John F. Kennedy. More: Palm Beach Winter White House No. 1: JFK's first would-be assassin was arrested here RFK Jr., in a combative defense on Sept. 4 of his tenure before the Senate Finance Committee, faced a barrage of questions about American deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic and about his claims regarding childhood vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida Surgeon-General Joseph Ladapo on Sept. 3 announced that the state is moving to end vaccine mandates for children attending school. David Kennedy died alone in a Palm Beach hotel In 1984, when the family got together for Easter at the Kennedy estate at 1095 N. Ocean Blvd., David reportedly got thrown out because he was intoxicated and was acting erratic. It's not clear whether RFK Jr. was also there. But in addition to David, news accounts put two other brothers at the compound. The oldest son of RFK Sr. and Ethel's 11 children, Joseph, was there. Also, younger brother Douglas checked in with David to stay in the $150-a-night room at the Brazilian Court five days before David's death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A woman who had dated David a few days before his death said he'd been sobbing and was severely depressed. History: Which Kennedy family member overdosed in a Palm Beach hotel? A photo of David Kennedy as it appeared in a May 1984 edition of The Palm Beach Post. David died alone. A secretary knocked on his door the morning of April 5. When Elizabeth Barnett didn't get an answer, she used her pass key to get in. His mother Ethel had frantically called the hotel, saying he hadnt shown up for his flight to Boston. More: David Kennedy, RFK's fourth child, died of drug overdose in 1984 in Palm Beach In the room, Barnett found both beds made and David in between them. She touched his face. He was gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the hotel called Ethel back, Ethel said, Hes dead, isnt he? and hung up the phone. Two bellhops were later arrested on charges of supplying the drugs, but they took a plea deal for lesser charges and got probation. The Kennedy brothers' addictions started soon after RFK Sr.'s assassination David at age 12 had been at the Ambassador Hotel in June 1968, watching news footage of his father's assassination, which happened downstairs. RFK Jr., age 14, had been there, too. Both would begin using drugs soon after, around the same time. Was RFK Jr. ever addicted to drugs? RFK Jr. said his heroin addiction began at age 15, David's at 13. Family members said the assassination may have triggered David's addiction, but a car crash in 1973 likely made it worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David was the fourth child of Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy and RFK Jr. was the third, two years older than David. Seven months before David died, his older brother had been arrested in Rapid City, South Dakota, on heroin possession charges after he became sick on an airliner. The 29-year-old was released by police and joined a drug rehabilitation program a few days later in September 1983. RFK Jr. said this year that he had attended 40 years of 12-step meetings to escape drugs, sex, alcohol or extreme behavior and still does. He said on a Latino Capitalist podcast in July that he wants the government to create free wellness farms in rural areas across the country for those battling addiction to reparent them away from using both legal and illegal drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government would pay for those in recovery to grow food on organic farms for three or four years with a sales tax on cannabis products, according to "Mother Jones." This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: RFK Jr.'s brother David Kennedy OD'd, died in Palm Beach hotel WASHINGTON D.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) It was a charged and, at times, chaotic hearing as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before senators on Capitol Hill Thursday morning. Kennedy was originally called to testify before the Senate Finance Committee about him and the Presidents public health agenda, but it quickly spiraled into a fight over vaccine policy. Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, took issue with the agencys recent position change on the COVID vaccine, which limited availability to certain age groups and immunocompromised populations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would say effectively were denying people vaccines, said Cassidy. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis did not seek immediate answers from the secretary during his questioning, but demanded that Kennedy provide proof that he is living up to his promise of empowering scientists. That again seems to be contradictory to the firing of the CDC director, the canceling of mRNA research contracts, firing advisory board members, attempting to stall NIH funding, said Tillis. Tillis also raised concerns with the Secretarys decision to fire CDC Director Susan Monarez, four weeks after she went through a lengthy confirmation process in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the hearing, Kennedy stood by his agencys new policies and the changes he made at the CDC. He argued that todays department serves the American people in a way that has not been seen before. They deserve the truth and thats what were going to give them for the first time in the history of that agency, said Kennedy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. promised during his confirmation hearing that hes not anti-vaccine. But in another Senate hearing Thursday he will have to answer for a series of dramatic steps that cast doubt on his word and threaten to destroy health protections that have saved millions of lives. Since becoming Americas top health official, Kennedy has purged top government vaccine experts, fired the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and terminated research on some lifesaving vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The national pro-vaccine consensus that has improved life expectancy over generations has splintered. On Wednesday, for example, Florida moved to end constitutionally upheld vaccine requirements for school kids and three Democratic-run states banded together to offer public health guidelines, reasoning that federal bodies once seen as a global gold standard could no longer be trusted. Already, the consequences for the health of Americans look enormous. Thursdays Senate Finance Committee hearing will be an early test of whether the nations sharply divided politics will bear Kennedys radical policy changes and of the strength of President Donald Trumps support for the lightning rod HHS chief. Democrats will try to begin a process of making Kennedy politically radioactive to punish Trump for picking him. Committee Republicans face a choice between supporting Kennedys actions, some of which are popular with their partys base, and spurning decades of proven scientific research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spotlight will be especially bright on Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, a physician who, wearing his other hat as chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, helped secure Kennedys confirmation and said hed secured assurances that Kennedys anti-vaxxer past would not translate into policy. Cassidy, who faces a GOP primary in his 2026 reelection bid, could be torn between a desire not to anger Trump and a medical professionals reverence for science. The two-term Louisiana senator declined to tell CNNs Manu Raju this week whether he regrets his vote to confirm Kennedy or whether he trusts him. Democrats have demanded Kennedys resignation over purges of CDC leaders. Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Finance Committee member, warned last week that history will not look kindly on those who fail to stop RFK Jr.s dangerous anti-vaccine crusade. Kennedy has become the most urgent example of how Trumps attempts to dismantle pillars of the establishment in this case, the public health system could deeply change the country, potentially in dangerous ways. President Donald Trump, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Education Secretary Linda McMahon hold an event for a new Make America Healthy Again Commission report in the White House on May 22. - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Politics is now dictating key decisions on vaccines Former top CDC officials warn that RFK Jr. is already destroying infrastructure that has saved millions of lives with his anti-scientific ideas that suit Trumps political ambitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in the short term, their high-profile warnings can be a political plus for Trump. His insurgent political project relies on making bureaucrats and elite luminaries squeal and forcing Democrats to defend institutions that many Americans believe have let them down. Access to vaccines, however, is a matter of life and death. Former subordinates say Kennedy is spurning the science-based expertise of government scientists as he swings at critical institutions and protocols. Their warnings show that more serious consequences are at play than Trumps immediate political prospects. A group of former CDC directors or acting directors warned in a New York Times op-ed Monday that Kennedy was endangering every Americans health after he fired the recently confirmed CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez last week over differences in vaccine policy and her refusal to dismiss staff. They warned that his actions were unlike anything our country had ever experienced. One of their number, Dr. Tom Frieden, said on CNNs Inside Politics Sunday that Kennedy and Trump were on a mission to deny, distract and destroy, on vaccines and by dismantling other health protections. We are less safe, Frieden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A coalition of health industry groups, including the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the American Public Health Association and the American Association of Immunologists, joined many current and former HHS employees on Wednesday in demanding Kennedys resignation, warning that forcing CDC experts to turn their back on decades of sound science makes Americans less safe in a multitude of ways. But in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, RFK Jr. claimed to be restoring public confidence in the CDC. Bureaucratic inertia, politicized science and mission creep have corroded that purpose and squandered public trust, he wrote. Kennedy argued the CDCs actions have been neither pro-vax nor anti-vax but instead apply what he calls gold standard science. But in comments that will set alarm bells ringing, he said Americans elected Trump who has no medical qualifications and who promoted debunked Covid-19 remedies to set health policy. And he hinted about alleged links between vaccines and antibiotics to chronic diseases that experts reject. A man holds a hat reading "Make America Healthy Again" at a press conference with US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC, on April 22. - Oliver Contreras/AFP/Getty Images Kennedy is the man for a skeptical GOP moment Kennedys ascent to running American public health was on the result of a confluence of political forces. His split from the Democrats and his independent political run for president made him a natural ally for Trump, whom he endorsed in 2024. Kennedys anti-vaccine past was also a good fit for the times, as he won approval from Trumps voters over his condemnation of measures used by government public health officials to try to protect Americans during the Covid-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During dark months in 2020, prolonged school closures, advice on masking, the temporary shuttering of the economy and social distancing clashed with the individualist streak among many Americans and became a rallying call for conservative politicians. In retrospect, some of the recommendations of senior officials who were learning about a novel coronavirus as they went along seem misguided. And some voters balked at what they viewed as the imperious tone of some officials, fueling an existing skepticism among Trump supporters about experts and people they see as liberal elites. The skepticism of US public health institutions cannot be underestimated among Trump voters and is widespread on social media. RFK Jr. probably would never have reached HHS but for the pandemic. His decisions appear refracted through his long-held unorthodox theories, openness to medical industry dissenters, a selective reading of science, and views that commonly used vaccines are in some cases not safe or were not properly tested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes therefore politically useful to Trump because he taps into anti-elite anger and the lasting effects of the pandemic on politics. Kennedys campaign to Make America Healthy Again by lessening reliance on processed foods, stressing exercise and eliminating additives like food dyes enjoys more support across the medical community than his vaccine heresy. Crucially, it is also popular with a coalition of voters, from suburban moms to independents, who might otherwise not be available to the president. This bloc could be critical in close races in next years midterm elections if Republican turnout is depressed without Trump on the ballot. Still, there is growing evidence that while Kennedy is popular in Trumps cohort of voters, radical attempts to restrict vaccines could prove broadly unpopular, as CNNs Aaron Blake reported Wednesday. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies during his confirmation hearing in Washington, DC, on January 30. - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images RFK faces fateful decision on American health care Aside from Thursdays hearing, Kennedys impact on the nations health will grow imminently. He has promised Trump information this month on the causes of autism, after having spent years pushing claims discredited by multiple scientific investigations of a link between the condition and childhood inoculations. The confirmation process of a new permanent CDC chief is likely to be a flashpoint moment that will show whether GOP senators have the chops to safeguard public heath when doing so would require a break with their grudge-bearing president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first deliberations of the CDCs new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will be closely watched. The panel of independent experts has huge power to reshape American health care, since its recommendations influence what vaccinations insurance companies and programs like Medicaid will cover. Kennedy fired all 17 members of the panel in June and chose some replacements who shared his vaccine skepticism. Cassidy said in supporting Kennedys confirmation vote that the future HHS secretary had pledged to work within the current vaccine approval and safety monitoring systems and to maintain the vaccine advisory committee without changes. Cassidy has called for the next meeting of the CDC advisory committee to be postponed until significant oversight has been conducted. Kennedy has also taken other steps to curtail the availability of vaccines. Last week, the administration narrowed access to the latest version of the Covid-19 vaccine. Kennedy has also terminated federal funding for mRNA vaccines a category of therapies that ended the Covid-19 emergency and would allow for the swift development of new treatments in the event of a new pandemic. This is in addition to billions of dollars in halted research and development as part of Trumps assault on elite universities, which has hampered research on diseases like cancer and Alzheimers Trump wants credit for the Covid-19 vaccines he slanders Trump exemplifies the fault line between conservative politics and medical research. In recent weeks hes publicly complained about this inability to fully benefit politically from one of the legacy achievements of his first term the Operation Warp Speed drive toward a Covid-19 vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Truth Social, Trump simultaneously lauded the vaccines and raised doubts about their credibility. He demanded drug companies justify their success, claiming the CDC was being ripped apart over the issue. Many people think they are a miracle that saved Millions of lives. Others disagree! he wrote. Multiple studies have shown the vaccines did indeed save millions of lives. Pfizer responded to Trump with a list of 200 news releases and statements and 27 peer-reviewed data publications proving the point and fellow vaccine makers Moderna and Novavax shared their own thorough lists of data on safety and effectiveness. The administrations constant raising of doubt about vaccines can be hugely damaging. Several recent measles outbreaks have shown the danger of even a relatively small decline in vaccination rates. RFK Jr. showed some support for measles vaccines but also called them a personal choice. A wider political turn against vaccines could be very damaging. Floridas attempt to end school vaccine requirements, for instance, could not only endanger kids who dont get their injections, but also expose people who are too young or vulnerable to get the vaccinations to diseases such as polio, measles or tetanus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floridas Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo said Wednesday that the decision, which could lead to similar moves from other conservative states, was intended to eradicate what he referred to as mandates. He said the setting of vaccine schedules is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery. This justification of changes on political rather than evidential grounds is characteristic of the populist conservatism epitomized by Trump. On many issues, theres little immediate price for Trumps disruption. Its hard to quantify the impact of firing experts at the Department of Education, for example. And most Americans will never see the effect of eradicating the US Agency for International Development on HIV/AIDS rates in Africa. But the consequences of the assault on US public health protocols led by RFK Jr., one of Trumps most shocking Cabinet picks, may soon be painfully obvious. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gave an absolutely vexing answer to a basic question on why he fired Centers for Disease Control and Prevention head Susan Monarez. Did you tell the head of the CDC that if she refused to sign off on your changes to the childhood vaccine schedule, that she had to resign? asked Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, cutting off the shouting RFK Jr. was doing moments before. No, I told her that she had to resign cuz I asked her, Are you a trustworthy person? And she said no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What? Warren replied. Next to her, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders laughed and smiled in disbelief. So if you had an employee who told you they werent trustworthy, would you ask them to resign, Senator? Warren: "Did you tell the head of the CDC...that she had to resign?" RFK: "No. She had to resign because I asked her 'Are you a trustworthy person?' and she said 'No.'" Warren: "What?" pic.twitter.com/FlPrUKvjyG The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) September 4, 2025 On Thursday, Monarez published a piece in The Wall Street Journal accusing RFK Jr. of firing her for refusing to preapprove the recommendations of his handpicked advisory panel. But even the White House has admitted she was fired over a difference in opinion. Last week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Monarez was fired because her views were not aligned with [President Trumps] mission. That same day, former CDC director and Monarez confidant Richard Besser told the media that Monarez was fired because she had refused to capitulate to Kennedys MAHA agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that there were two things she would never do in the job, Besser said. She said she was asked to do both of those, one in terms of firing her leadership, who are talented civil servants like herself, and the other was to rubber-stamp [vaccine] recommendations that flew in the face of science, and she was not going to do either of those things. Now RFK Jr. has dumbed the excuse all the way down to She told me I shouldnt trust her, framing the situation as if Monarez was begging to be fired. Its clear that Monarezwho has a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunologywas not sufficiently committed to carrying out Trump and Kennedys massive destabilizing attacks on our health care and vaccine systems. Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas describes, with signage, the number of vaccines U.S. children typically receive by the age of 18 during a Sept. 4, 2025, hearing of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from U.S. Senate Finance Committee livestream) TOPEKA In a rare moment of reprieve for U.S. health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as he faced a grueling group of senators Thursday, U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas gave him the opportunity to explain his views on vaccines and leadership. Democrats and Republicans alike expressed their distaste and concern for Kennedys decisions as leader of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services during a roughly three-hour hearing before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. Kennedy defended staff turnover, the erosion of vaccine investment and funding stalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Marshall spent his allotted five minutes leveling with the secretary. One of your themes for the CDC is transparency, Marshall said. Part of that transparency, he said, is sharing what Kennedy and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention know about vaccines so parents can be better equipped to make decisions. An aide standing behind Marshall held a large sign containing a graphic depicting the current CDC recommendations for vaccinations for children. By the time theyre 18 months, theyve had 18 jabs, Marshall said. By the time they get to be old enough to vote, they have 76 jabs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An aide moved the sign with the graphic to the side to reveal another sign, which read in bright red type, 76 JABS! Marshall, a former OB-GYN who said hes delivered 5,000 babies, also said he doesnt understand why newborns are given a hepatitis vaccine if a mother has no risk factors. The hepatitis vaccine is typically the first vaccine a newborn receives. Hepatitis B is most commonly transmitted from mother to child at birth, and an estimated 1.1 million people died from hepatitis B infections in 2022, according to the World Health Organization. Marshall said vaccines should be treated like medication and asked how Kennedy uses transparency to do just that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy agreed with Marshall, confronting accusations that he is anti-vaccine. Saying Im anti-vaccine is like saying Im anti-medicine, Kennedy said. Im pro-medicine, but I understand some medicines harm people. Some of them have risks. Some of them have benefits that outweigh those risks for some populations. Marshall said he and Kennedy are fighting to empower parents to make their own decisions surrounding vaccines. I guess before the press labels me wrong, Im not anti-vaccine either, Marshall said, expressing support for the MMR, DPT, polio and smallpox vaccines. Marshall also gave Kennedy time to clear up any confusion about his stance on the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the National Center for Health Statistics, which Kennedy oversees, more than 1.2 million deaths have been attributed to COVID-19 as of Aug. 30. In an estimated 87% of those deaths, COVID-19 was the underlying cause of death, and it was listed as a contributing cause in the remaining deaths. Earlier in the hearing, Kennedy said he didnt know the total COVID-19 death toll in the U.S., disputing existing estimates of both the death toll and vaccine efficacy rates. He blamed data chaos at the CDC, which he also oversees. Marshall agreed with Kennedy, articulating the difference between the number of people dying from COVID and the number of those who died with COVID. The calculus is different and its complicated, Kennedy said, and, you know, if you want to just turn everything into a sound bite, it makes it you cant have a grown-up conversation. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) As students return to school in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, theyre required by state law to have received a number of vaccines. Even though Rhode Island has some of the highest vaccination rates in the country, doctors say theres a concerning trend emerging locally and nationwide. In the latest edition of 12 Health, Shannon Hegy sat down with a local pediatrician and a doctor from the R.I. Department of Health, both of whom are concerned about the rising theme of medical freedom championed by Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. They say its led to a rise in the number of parents requesting vaccine exemptions for their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Beth Lange, a pediatrician in East Providence, believes a lot of it comes down to the fact that vaccines have worked so well for so long, that most people alive today havent seen a case of polio, meningitis or measles, and they forget how important these vaccines are. The U.S. has seen a spike in measles cases recently as more parents opt out of the MMR vaccine, a decision both Dr. Lange and Dr. Carla Martin say is a result of misinformation spreading online. ALSO READ: Colorados measles outbreak is over, and weekly US case count continues to diminish Dr. Lange said when too many parents decide to opt out, it results in a break in whats known as herd immunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think one of the things we keep hearing these days is parent choice: It is my choice whether I vaccinate my child or not,' Dr. Lange explained. And it is always a parents choice to make the best decisions for their children, just like they have them wear helmets, they have them in car seats. We wouldnt even think about putting a child in a car without a car seat. Were also protecting people who cant get the vaccine, Dr. Lange continued. We have many children in this state who are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, who are taking medications that suppress their immune system because of skin conditions, gastro conditions. We have many parents who are also immunocompromised, whove had transplants. When we get vaccinated, were protecting our community and all those other people too. Dr. Martin said that from 2024 to 2025, the number of religious exemptions from vaccines for Rhode Island children entering kindergarten went up from 1% to 1.7%. She said the Health Department has seen the same thing with students entering seventh grade and some entering twelfth grade. Dr. Lange and Dr. Martin also spoke about the differing recommendations for children when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in May, Kennedy announced that the CDC would no longer recommend routine COVID-19 shots for healthy children because of a lack of any clinical data to justify yearly vaccines. In August, however, the American Academy of Pediatrics broke with that guidance, recommending that all infants and children 6 months through 23 months get vaccinated against COVID-19 to help protect against serious illness. The reason that the Academy of Pediatrics recommended that is because if you look at statistically who was admitted to the hospital and specifically who was admitted to the ICU with a serious respiratory infection from COVID, it was our young children, Dr. Lange said. The Rhode Island Department of Health is still recommending the COVID vaccine for children six months and up, Dr. Martin added. We believe that the organizations follow the evidence. We are still recommending the vaccine for pregnant women to protect themselves because pregnant women are at higher risk, and to protect their infants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doctors also discussed the RSV vaccine and the HPV vaccine. Watch the full 12 Health interview on the free WPRI 12+ TV app and WPRI.com. Full Interview: What to know about vaccinating your children 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. Lori Bergman transitioned her Double Dip Ice Creamery from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar store in North Platte's downtown Canteen District with help from the federal Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program coordinated by the Center for Rural Affairs. (Courtesy of the Center for Rural Affairs) OMAHA A federal program to help boost small rural businesses would be extended and enhanced under a bipartisan bill to be introduced Thursday by U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., and a Democratic colleague from Minnesota. The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program created in the 2008 Farm Bill and overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides low-interest loans to eligible development organizations. Those funds fuel revolving loans that provide help to qualified rural microenterprises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the program relies on annual appropriations. The Senate proposal pushed by Ricketts and U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., would extend the program for five years so it no longer would require annual approval, a Ricketts spokesman said. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Our bipartisan bill gives rural innovators more tools to expand their businesses and create jobs, said Ricketts. By expanding opportunity, we can help grow Nebraska. The measure also would increase the maximum amount a rural microenterprise may borrow, from $50,000 to $75,000. It would raise from 75% to 100% the cap on the federal source share of a projects cost. The bill specifies that a project loan cant cover more than half of demolition, construction or related costs of real estate improvements Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith said that too often, residents of rural communities cant access financing they need. This bipartisan legislation would help them get their businesses off the ground with federal loans and technical assistance, she said. Kalee Olson, policy manager at the Center for Rural Affairs in Nebraska, applauded the effort, saying such programs need to evolve to serve the changing needs of rural entrepreneurs. Companion bipartisan legislation was recently introduced in the House. Efforts to include the program in the next Farm Bill continue, the Ricketts team said, but Ricketts wanted a way to ensure continued growth of the program. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) With just over two months until Election Day, the campaign trail is heating up. For Virginias top three state offices, the road to Richmond may run through the southwestern corner of the Commonwealth. On Monday, September 1, all six candidates for those top three state offices made appearances and speeches at Buena Vistas annual Labor Fest. Each year, the event serves as the unofficial kickoff to election season in Virginia, welcoming in candidates to address prospective voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But perfect attendance from this years batch of candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General may go beyond a show of good faith, serving as a preview of the weeks to come. Democrats are here because they see an opportunity to take big chunks out of a Republican stronghold, said Radford University Political Science Chair Chapman Rackaway. And Republicans are thinking, weve got to defend our territory. Southwest Virginia has historically been a Republican stronghold, and GOP candidates often rely on strong support throughout the region to secure victory. Southwest Virginia is going to be a big play for Republicans to bolster those numbers so that when we start getting to more of the eastern part of the state, like the Eastern Shore, like the Tidewater, and even that Richmond area, and obviously the Northern Virginia area as well, to offset some of those losses that they may have there, said Liberty University Chair of Government Programs Aaron S. Van Allen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Span Virginia Bus rolls into Roanoke as Spanberger rallies supporters on key issues But the partys grip on the state may be loosening in some areas. The population in Southwest Virginia is drastically hurting right now, and weve already seen that in the past decade that [Republicans have] lost seats in the House of Delegates, said Van Allen. In the 2021 state elections, Glenn Youngkin (Governor), Winsome Earle-Sears (Lieutenant Governor), and Jason Miyares (Attorney General) all carried every locality in Southwest Virginia except for Roanoke City, Martinsville, Danville, and Lexington. In the fall 2024 election, Kamala Harris (President) and Tim Kaine (U.S. Senate) managed to snag two more localities in the region, turning Montgomery County and the City of Radford blue as the state went blue as a whole in those two races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rackaway says that without the support of Southwest Virginia, the path to victory becomes much less clear for Republicans. If Republicans underperform out here in the southwestern part of the state, it spells disaster for them, he said. This is a place that they absolutely must hold. Rackaway says its not enough that Republicans win the region, but that they do so convincingly to compete with the states more densely populated areas. Its not only important for Republicans to win, said Rackaway. They have to win big in these areas to be able to offset some of the things that may happen, in favor of Democrats as you look up into Nova and towards the Tidewater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That has prompted a strong start to September campaigning for Republicans, led by Attorney General Jason Miyares, who is competing with Democrat Jay Jones to retain his seat. Attorney General Jason Miyares delivers Child ID Kits in Lexington Following his speech in Buena Vista Monday morning, where he touted victories for his office in curtailing gun violence, battling the opioid crisis, and cracking down on violent repeat offenders, he made a short trip to Lexington to hand out ID kits to local children. On Tuesday, September 2, he continued his tour of the region, making stops in Roanoke and Montgomery County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lieutenant Governor and Republican candidate for Governor Winsome Earle-Sears was also back in the area Tuesday for an appearance at Liberty University. I think that were going to see some of the more aggressive campaigning that we have seen in a while, because things are looking a lot closer than they have been, said Rackaway. Earle-Sears opponent, Democrat Abigail Spanberger, went on a trip through Southwest Virginia in January and has made several appearances in places like Roanoke and Danville. Spanberger has maintained a lead in most of the polls throughout the race so far, but if Earle-Sears begins to close in as Election Day nears, Van Allen expects more trips to the area from the Spanberger campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If [Earle-Sears] starts to close in those polls, I think youre going to see a larger Democratic presence thats going to be there, especially from somebody like Spanberger, he said. Rackaway has his eye on Spanberger, making repeat trips to Blacksburg and Montgomery County in particular, citing the rematch for the 41st district seat in the House of Delegates between Republican incumbent Chris Obenshain and Democratic challenger Lily Franklin. Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears responds to latest polls showing her behind Abigail Spanberger He says its a chance for the Democrats to pick up a win in a seat traditionally controlled by Republicans, but which Obenshain narrowly defeated Franklin for in 2023, winning by just over 100 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really am looking strongly at Blacksburg and Montgomery County, said Rackaway. I think youre going to see a ton of spending and a ton of attention there. Rackaway and Van Allen both agree that Southwest Virginia has a significant role to play in determining whether the Republicans sweep the state offices once again, or if Democrats can show a unified rebuttal. And as one of just two states with gubernatorial elections this year, Virginia will serve as one of the first benchmarks of public sentiment following the red wave that swept the nation in 2024. Rackaway says the outcome of these races could influence how candidates structure their campaigns for the 2026 midterm elections, particularly for Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things swung really strongly red in favor of Republicans in 2024, said Rackaway. But if they start to swing back towards blue here in 2025, Democrats are going to be emboldened for 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. ROAN MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WJHL) Roan Mountain State Park is one of several parks that recently installed its own colorblind viewfinder, which features units designed to alleviate the effects of red-green color blindness. The viewfinder at Roan Mountain State Park enables visitors to see the beauty of the parks vast lands, including the rugged ridge of Roan Mountain, Tennessee State Parks said in a news release. The viewfinder is located at the Chestnut Ridge Overlook. Visitors can take the road to Miller Farmstead for easy access to the viewfinder, according to a social media post from Roan Mountain State Parks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Big Stone Gap to see $300,000 federal grant for Sunrise Village Water Extension Project The new addition to Roan Mountain is just in time for Color Blindness Awareness Month. All visitors deserve the same experience of enjoying the natural beauty of our state parks, Greer Tidwell, Deputy Commissioner for Conservation at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, said in the release. The ability to view colors of the park can be a dramatic moment for a visitor. As the most accessible state park system in the nation, we are thrilled we can provide that experience. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Robert Avery, who has died aged 73, was an exceptionally gifted Russian interpreter and teacher who helped to construct a working dialogue of deterrence and diplomacy between maritime rivals at the end of the Cold War. A rapid thawing of relations between the Royal Navy, the US Navy and the Russian Navy began in 1989 with covert talks between retired naval officers and academics. These talks, sponsored by the American philanthropist Stan Windass at his home at Adderbury in Oxfordshire, soon included official representatives and serving officers from all three sides. Formalised as the RUKUS talks, they were initially about the avoidance of incidents at sea, but soon developed into ship visits, table-top exercises, real-life exercises, and detailed discussions of rules of engagement and joint procedures. A key feature of RUKUS was the engagement of senior officers, the repeat attendance of a small band of others including Professors Eric Grove and Geoff Till, and informal social gatherings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even the best interpreter is ordinarily anonymous and underappreciated, but when Avery joined the British team, he proved to be the foremost British expert on the Soviet Navy and on Russian culture. Avery, who as a Russian admiral remarked spoke like a well-educated Russian from pre-Revolutionary times and who possessed a deep knowledge of Russian art, literature, music and history, was instantly credible to the Russians. His detachment and objectivity boosted British confidence, and whereas it was normal practice for each side to provide its own interpreter, Avery was trusted to work solo. Avery, centre, at the British Embassy in Moscow, 2005 On one occasion, when Admiral Sir Julian Oswald was asked by the then Russian minister of defence what role religion and faith played in the life of a senior Royal Naval officer, the Roman Catholic Oswald quickly replied that, without faith, hope is difficult to sustain. Such was the precision and empathy in Averys interpreting that none of Oswalds perfectly targeted conviction was lost, and the minister was deeply affected for a significant time. Avery was quick and tireless, and his capacity for sharing in the dining and the toasting while on duty impressed all. On another occasion, when interpreting late one vodka-fuelled night for two senior naval officers, one British the other Russian, as they stood glass in hand and toe-to-toe to swap jokes and tried to outdo each other in salty stories, Avery stood beside them translating so quickly that they and their audience could laugh together at the same punchlines. RUKUS was only one small part of Averys success, however, and he interpreted on some 70 warship visits in the years 1989-2007. During the August 1991 attempted coup in Moscow, he was by chance in Russia and monitored Ekho Moskvy, the free radio station for information, and happened to be inside the Kremlin on the standard historical tour when it was surrounded by tanks on August 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He extricated himself from this, only to be prevailed upon by embassy staff to enter the besieged White House compound the following night. At midnight, striking up a conversation with the commander of an elite guards tank squadron, parked not far from where Boris Yeltsin was holed up, he gained the valuable intelligence that the guards had little idea of what they were there to do, but that they were being reinforced urgently with other units en route from outlying cities. He was at the first ever official visit by a British submarine, Opossum, to Serveromorsk in 1993, and he led the Royal Navys interpreter team during the visit by HMY Britannia and the destroyer Glasgow in 1994. This involved interpreting between the Duke of Edinburgh, Yeltsin and an obscure St Petersburg deputy mayor called Vladimir Putin. Avery provided the continuity between these events, using his encyclopaedic memory for names, faces and events as well as his mutual understanding of people on both sides who were initially suspicious of each other. Interpreting at Severmorsk in 2005 for (from left) the Duke of York, the Commander of the Northern Fleet and the First Sea Lord Robert Philip Avery was born on July 1 1952 in Brighton to Albert and Marjorie Avery. His father was a carpenter who took his family each year to Portsmouth to see the ships on Navy Days, while young Avery was educated at Westlain Grammar School in Brighton. From Westlain he won a scholarship to Jesus College, Oxford, to read Russian and French which included a year at Moscow State University. Averys years of teaching Russian at Dartmouth (1978-1985) confirmed his love for the Royal Navy and its traditions before he moved to the National Defence School of Languages at Beaconsfield. There he rose to be the director of studies. He modernised the teaching methodology, making the training both intense and highly practical. Occasionally he would appear in the uniform of a Russian admiral and challenge students to cope with both the language and the cultural and protocol niceties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Ministry of Defence proposed to contract out language training to some institution with little understanding of the military lexicon and environment and which might have watered down this vital area of expertise, Avery was instrumental in securing the future of the school as a faculty of the Joint Services Defence College at Shrivenham, thus preserving a key national asset. Perhaps more than any other language specialist in his field, Avery understood and taught a generation of students that military interpreting relies on deep specialist knowledge coupled with a desire and wit, to get opposing parties to connect. He was appointed OBE in 1998. Tall and patrician in bearing, he was always modest, and he treated everyone from waitress to admiral with equal courtesy. His skill with language was a gift which he used to paint a picture in the minds eye. He was also an avid collector of books and model ships (which he used as teaching aids) and each new acquisition was greeted with a sparkle in his eye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The story of RUKUS is told in the recently published The Royal and Russian Navies Cooperation, Competition and Confrontation (2025) by Avery and David Fields. Robert Avery, born 1 July 1952, died 15 August 2025 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. struggled to defend himself before Congress on Thursday amid calls for his resignation and accusations that he is a danger to Americans health. During an unusually confrontational three-hour hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, the health and human services secretary was accused of lying to senators during his confirmation hearings and harming public health by restricting access to vaccines. He responded by lashing out, accusing senators of misleading the public and corruption. The hearing represented the harshest congressional oversight of any Cabinet official since the start of Donald Trumps second term in January. One after the other, lawmakers including Republicans peppered Kennedy with questions over his chaotic leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services, including his firing of the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, his anti-vaccine record and rhetoric, and his ongoing attacks on disease-fighting treatments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts noted that Kennedys new recommendations for Covid vaccines have limited their availability at pharmacies in many states. She outright accused Kennedy of lying to the committee during his nomination hearings, breaking his promises not to restrict access to vaccines. Last November, you said, If vaccines are working for somebody, Im not going to take them away, she said. But just last week, she noted, You announced the Covid-19 vaccine is no longer available for healthy people under 65. You are putting Americas babies health at risk, Americas seniors health at risk, all Americans health at risk and you should resign, Warren said. Changes Kennedy has made to vaccine policy, including updates to FDA labeling that was unsupported by data, have affected vaccine access in more than a dozen states, making it difficult or impossible for people excluded by Kennedys new recommendationsthose under 65 without underlying conditions that increase Covid riskto get shots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy defended his actions at HHS, saying he was tasked with leading an agency that had squandered public trust with aggressive public health measures and poor messaging during the pandemic. Kennedy said he was restoring that trust. The hearing, which was supposed to focus on Trumps 2026 HHS budget, was punctuated by explosive exchanges between Kennedy and the senators, many of whom he accused of lying and being corrupted by pharmaceutical money. Every single day, theres been an action that endangers the health and wellness of American families, said Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, the highest ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, where Kennedy testified. Robert Kennedy has elevated conspiracy theorists, crackpots and grifters to make life-or-death decisions about the health care of the American people. A key Senate Republican, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a doctor and chairman of the Senate health committee who had reluctantly voted for Kennedys confirmation, joined with blistering questions of his own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cassidy asked Kennedy to explain the inconsistencies between his support for Trumps Operation Warp Speed the first-term program that delivered Covid vaccines to Americans, for which Cassidy recently suggested Trump should win a Nobel prize and Kennedy's statements saying those vaccines caused widespread injuries and deaths. President Trump deserves a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) September 3, 2025 Cassidy, who also sits on the Finance Committee, noted that Kennedys hand-picked replacements for the vaccine experts he fired have been paid witnesses in legal cases against pharmaceutical manufacturers a concern that Kennedy dismissed. And Cassidy cited concerns by fellow conservatives over actions taken by Kennedy that have limited access to covid vaccines. I would say, effectively, were denying people vaccine, Cassidy charged. Youre wrong, Kennedy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire echoed Cassidys points on Operation Warp Speed and restricted access to Covid vaccines. This is crazy talk, Kennedy shot back at Hassan, in an aggressive tone uncommon for a Cabinet official testifying before Congress. Youre making things up to scare people, and its a lie. From the outset, Wyden questioned Kennedys truthfulness. At the start of the hearing, he asked the committee to swear in Kennedy, so that his testimony would be under oath a practice usually reserved for investigatory and nomination hearings citing the HHS secretarys previous lies. (During his nomination hearings, Kennedy swore he would not limit access to vaccines or dissuade Americans from taking them, both promises he has broken during his time at HHS.) Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, rejected Wydens request. A former anti-vaccine activist and lawyer, Kennedy has continued his advocacy against immunizations from inside the federal government. From routine childhood vaccinations to Covid vaccines to emergency measures in the midst of a measles outbreak, he has made false claims about the dangers of vaccines and downplayed their effectiveness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been obvious from the start that Robert Kennedys primary interest is to take vaccines away from Americans. During his confirmation process, he claimed to be pro-safety and pro-science, but his actions reveal a steadfast commitment to elevating junk science and fringe conspiracies, Wyden said. Kennedy began his testimony by touting what he framed as wins for his agency: meetings with Native American tribes, reducing reliance on animal testing, limiting cellphones in schools, increasing nutrition education in medical schools and tackling issues such as sickle cell anemia. Kennedys breathing into the microphone was noticeably labored during his testimony, which at one point was interrupted by a protester who had to be removed. Youre killing millions of people! the person shouted before being escorted out of the hearing room. "You're killing millions of people!" -- RFK Jr's opening statement is disrupted by a demonstrator pic.twitter.com/b5PAUPfjyl Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 4, 2025 Kennedy also defended his gutting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention including the firing of Director Susan Monarez just 29 days after she was confirmed to lead the agency and the high-profile resignations of four senior leaders, who have since launched a media blitz warning of the public health threat Kennedys leadership poses to the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Warrens questioning, Kennedy offered an explanation for the firing of Monarez, which drew an expression of disbelief from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and an invitation for Monarez to appear before the committee. I told her that she had to resign because I asked her, Are you a trustworthy person? And she said, No. These changes were absolutely necessary adjustments to restore the agency to its role as the worlds gold-standard public health agency, with the central mission of protecting Americans from infectious disease, Kennedy said of the chaos. CDC failed that responsibility miserably during Covid. During the hearing, Kennedy acknowledged he had rejected the expertise of veteran CDC officials. When asked who at the CDC he does rely on for vaccine expertise, Kennedy named William Thompson a longtime CDC scientist who once claimed the agency had withheld data linking vaccines to autism and who was the central figure in the 2016 anti-vaccine documentary Vaxxed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary Kennedy is dead set on making it harder for children to get vaccines, and that kids are going to die because of it, Wyden said. During the hearing, Wyden grew visibly angry, saying, I hope that you will tell the American people how many preventable child deaths are an acceptable sacrifice for enacting an agenda that I think is fundamentally cruel and defies common sense. Responding to Wydens question about an opinion column in The Wall Street Journal in which Monarez said Kennedy had demanded she rubber-stamp vaccine recommendations unsupported by data, Kennedy said she was lying. Kennedy said his ideas were widely supported, despite the widespread consensus of medical experts and former and current health officials. I will put my mailbag against your mailbag, he told Wyden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a heated exchange that ended with Kennedy pointing a finger at Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., the senator questioned Kennedys firing of 17 experts from the CDCs vaccine advisory panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and replacing them with vaccine critics. Bennet asked whether Kennedy agreed with some of his replacements former false statements, including new ACIP member, Dr. Robert Malone, whom he quoted as saying mRNA Covid vaccines caused a form of AIDS, and Retsef Levi, who said mRNA vaccines cause serious harm and death among young people. I wasnt aware, Kennedy said of the statement. I agree with it. Claims that Covid vaccines cause AIDS or HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, are false. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bennet further criticized the result that Kennedys new panel would have on limiting access to childhood vaccines. This is the last thing, by the way, our parents need when their kids are going back to school, is to have the kind of confusion and expense and scarcity that youre creating as a result of your ideology. Sen. Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, became exasperated during his questioning at one point asking Kennedy to tell him how many Americans had died of Covid. I dont know, Kennedy replied. Experts have estimated the pandemic has killed more than 1 million people in the U.S. a figure Kennedy has disputed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The secretary of health and human services doesnt know how many Americans died from Covid, doesnt know if the vaccine helped prevent any deaths, and you are sitting as secretary of health and human services, Warner said, his voice rising. How can you be that ignorant? This article was originally published on MSNBC.com First Lady Melania Trump urged technology industry leaders to treat burgeoning Artificial Intelligence models like our own children and encouraged the use of watchful guidance as she urged them to act responsibly to manage the growth of the new technology. Melania Trump made a rare appearance at the White House for the AI Task Force Thursday and told members, including several cabinet secretaries, that Americans are living in a moment of wonder thanks to recent technological developments. Cars now steer themselves through our cities, robots hold steady hands in the operating room and drones are redefining the future of war. Inventions of first-generation humanoids, factory automation and autonomous vehicles have surged from private sector investment. Every one of these advancements is powered by AI, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The robots are here our future is no longer science fiction, she added. First Lady Melania Trump attends a meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education where she told people the robots are here. (Getty Images) Her appearance at Thursday's gathering was a rare sighting of her inside the White House. When her husband returned for his second term, Melania decided to remain away from the White House. The First Lady is understood to spend most of her time in New York, where her son, Barron Trump, attends school. The First Ladys participation in the White House AI Task Force meeting comes just a week after she touted her recent experience fast-tracking the audio version of her memoir with AI as a launchpad for a new role in her husbands administration - leading an artificial intelligence initiative for kids. Last week, her office officially announced her role in launching the Presidents Artificial Intelligence Challenge in a statement where she invited students and educators in grades kindergarten through 12 to participate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an accompanying video posted to her official X account, she recounted how the process of using AI to create her audiobook showed her the potential of the emerging technological field. Melania Trump speaks, alongside Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Director of the Office of Science and technology policy Michael Kratsios during the meeting. (AFP via Getty Images) As someone who created an AI-powered audiobook and championed online safety through the Take It Down Act, I've seen firsthand the promise of this powerful technology, she said. Its unclear what the challenge entails other than to expose children to AI technology, and it was not immediately evident what role the First Lady would play given her lack of technological expertise. But as she addressed the task force, she urged them to ensure Americas talent, our workforce, is prepared to sustain AIs progress and said the AI challenge shed launched last week is our first major step to galvanize Americas parents, educators, and students with this mission. English is the new coding language for many, and with it, creativity will flow from every corner of America, sparking new industries, careers, and jobs. By supporting the Presidential AI Challenge, you are investing in our youth Americas next era builders, she said. Melania Trump made rare public remarks to kick off a press conference for the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education on Thursday, grandly proclaiming the potential for AI technology. I wont be surprised if AI becomes known as the greatest engine of progress in the history of the United States of America, she said in a sweeping yet mostly generic statement that itself could have been ChatGPT-generated. The First Lady is not an official member of the task force, which was established in April and is chaired by Michael Kratsios, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and a former chief of staff for venture capitalist Peter Thiel. She led the meeting by mentioning self-driving cars and robotically-assisted surgery but also heralded innovations of first-generation humanoids, presumably a reference to Teslas flashy Optimus robots. CEO Elon Musk recently predicted that the model will someday account for 80 percent of the automakers value and that the company will produce as many as one million of them by 2027 but Tesla is reportedly struggling to finish the 5,000 they were slated to complete this year, and the Optimus bots that have been rolled out for publicity stunts are always partially operated by humans, not fully autonomous. At any rate, they havent even made it to market, and humanoids certainly do not walk among us. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The robots are here, the First Lady nonetheless declared on Thursday to a group that included the CEOs of Google and IBM. Our future is no longer science fiction. This was hardly the only nonsense uttered at the 40-minute press briefing, which was light on policy specifics but heavy on praise for the AI industry as a whole. David Sacks, the White House czar of AI and cryptocurrency as well as a Musk and Thiel ally, adopted the Cabinet technique of shamelessly flattering his boss by saying that a July 23 speech by the president was the most important speech thats been given on AI by any official. In that speech, at a Winning the AI Race event, Trump digressively rambled about tariffs, transgender women in sports, California car emissions rules, and getting rid of woke. He also mentioned that he didnt care for the term artificial intelligence, explaining, I dont like anything thats artificial, and called on American companies to join us in rejecting poisonous Marxism in our technology. Sacks quoted a line from Trumps speech that described AI as a beautiful baby thats born, adding, He is right about that. He went on to predict that AI is going to make our jobs more satisfying while dismissing fears of people losing employment due to increasing automation: I dont think thats going to happen, he said. Sacks warned, however, that while American workers may not be replaced by AI, they might have their jobs taken over by someone who uses AI better than you. Energy secretary Chris Wright, who does not believe in climate change and formerly served as CEO for an oil company that specializes in fracking, was also on hand to address the media and fellow members of the task force. He did not seem to have a strong grasp of what AI is or how it works. At its essence, artificial intelligence takes electricity and turns it into intelligence, empowering Americans, he said. Were using it to understand the basic fabric of the universe. Prior to the event, Wright appeared on Fox News, where he made equally outlandish claims about the power of AI. Im working every day on using AI to figure out how to cure cancer, or launch fusion energy, or understand dark matter. He did not share any of the scientific advances he has made in those areas with help from chatbots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Linda McMahon, secretary of education, was mistakenly referring to AI as A1 as recently as April, but said on Thursday that she has come to find the technology incredibly helpful. She announced a forthcoming visit to the Alpha School in Austin, one of a new network of schools that employ adult guides instead of teachers and have students work on core subjects through AI programs for just two hours a day, with a curriculum that avoids any political or social issues. McMahon said the Education Department was explicitly encouraging the integration of AI in teaching, learning, and school operations, and that children need to be prepared for the AI-driven world. And Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins took the floor to note that AI is reshaping how agricultural knowledge is imparted and absorbed, theorizing that AI-enhanced farming systems will make our food supply more nutritious. She was followed by Lori Chavez-DeRemer, secretary of labor, who vowed that her departments job training programs will help fill the mortgage-paying jobs that AI will create. The U.S. job market is currently in a sharp downturn despite the increased prevalence of AI tools such as large language models (LLMs), and there is deep skepticism in the industry that AI will create more opportunities for employment. Last month, Mo Gawdat, the former chief business officer at Google X, the companys moonshot research lab, called the idea 100 percent crap. Yet no inklings of doubt were to be heard at the White House as Trump officials laid out their utopian vision of a country that would best China in the AI arms race, reach peak efficiency, raise a generation of tech-whiz children, and enter what Rollins called a golden age of prosperity, all thanks to the dazzling genius of Silicon Valley engineers. The parts that werent empty blather or fawning over the president and the First Lady sounded like nothing so much as a victory lap for accomplishments we havent actually seen from this administration. Sacks, however, did laud Trump for immediately rolling back regulation on the AI companies that are starting to face wrongful death lawsuits over the suicides of teens allegedly encouraged by chatbots to end their own lives. In sum, then, another days hard work for a brain trust whose most important duty is to congratulate themselves and, of course, the praise-hungry man who appointed them. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. News about "Rocket City" is *ahem* taking off amid revelations that the city, better known as Huntsville, Alabama, is due to add to its already-storied cosmic legacy. President Donald Trump announced Sept. 2 his plans to relocate the U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado Springs to Huntsville a move making Alabama's largest city central in operations to expand U.S. military might to outer space to compete with rivals like Russia and China. In unveiling the decision, Trump even seemed to joke that Huntsville will forever be known going forward as "Rocket City" a nickname it's long had. But Huntsville is far from the only locale in the United States with a shall we say stellar name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From SpaceX's Starbase in Texas to Florida's Space Coast, here's a closer look at four areas in the United States with well-known space monikers. Space Command: Here's why Trump is moving Space Command headquarters to Alabama Why is Huntsville, Alabama, called 'Rocket City?' Huntsville is nicknamed "Rocket City" because of its role in U.S. spaceflight history, most prominently during the space-race era in the 1960s between the United States and the Soviet Union. The city is home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, established in 1960, where the Saturn V rockets that helped propel the U.S. to the moon were primarily designed for the Apollo lunar programs. Marshall, located at the Army's Redstone Arsenal dating back to World War II, remains operational and is integral for civilian rocketry and spacecraft propulsion research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama's tourism bureau bills its most popular statewide attraction as the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, located in Huntsville. Advertised as the largest space museum in the world, the center is also the official visitor center for Marshall. Huntsville is also a major hub for defense contractors and aerospace companies, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Where is the Space Coast in Florida? Spectators at KARS Park on Merritt Island watch the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket Feb. 11 carrying 21 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Base. Florida's Space Coast, measuring 72 miles along the Atlantic Coast, has gained fame as the most active region in the United States for rocket launches. On any given week, it's typical for multiple commercial, civil and military spacecraft most of them without astronauts to take off from either NASA's Kennedy Space Center or the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Located on the east coast of Florida on Merritt Island in Brevard County which also happens to be home to the appropriately named coastal city Satellite Beach the Kennedy Space Center is NASA's primary spaceport where a majority of the space agency's missions get off the ground. The center manages the launches of both crewed and uncrewed spaceflights to the International Space Station and partners with commercial companies like SpaceX, which conducts its own rocket launches at the site. Most of the launches take place from the historic Launch Complex 39A the site of NASA's Apollo moon mission launches. The Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is near Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach in Brevard County, Florida, about an hour east of the Orlando theme parks. Though it is part of the Patrick Space Force Base, the station is also a launch site for civil NASA missions and commercial missions like SpaceX's Starlink satellite deployments. Where is SpaceX located in Texas? What to know about Starbase A view of the SpaceX Starbase facility on June 5 in Starbase, Texas. Starbase is SpaceX's company town built about 23 miles from Brownsville in South Texas. The site is located in Cameron County, about 180 miles south of Corpus Christi near the U.S.-Mexico border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the headquarters for the commercial spaceflight company founded by billionaire Elon Musk, Starbase is home to SpaceX's rocket program and is where the vehicles are both built and often launched. Starbase made news in May 2025 when Texas voters in Cameron County approved a measure to officially recognize the company's headquarters as its own town, complete with a mayor and city council. The city designation has been speculated to give greater municipal control of the area to Musk, who has regularly clashed with government regulators over the red tape SpaceX has had to navigate before launches. And in late June, Starbase officials began exercising some of that control with a vote passing a law to close several of the citys public streets to outsiders. On June 23, the Starbase City Commission approved requests from SpaceX to install gates near four intersections that would prevent much of the public from accessing a large part of the city. One of the most prominent operations at Starbase is the ongoing development and testing of SpaceX's massive Starship rocket. The launch vehicle, regarded as the world's largest and most powerful rocket, stands more than 400 feet tall when fully stacked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starship, which most recently launched Aug. 26 for its 10th test flight, is the centerpiece of Musk's vision of sending the first humans to Mars, and is also critical in NASA's plans to return astronauts to the moon's surface. Why is Houston, Texas, known as 'Space City?' There's a reason the phrase, "Houston, we have a problem" has become so ingrained in American pop culture. In the 1960s, Houston became nearly synonymous with the U.S. space program, earning the nickname, "Space City," according to NASA. Houston is most famously known as the home of the NASA Johnson Space Center, where human spaceflight training, research and flight control for missions take place. The facility is also where activities aboard the International Space Station are coordinated, all of which have contributed to the city's reputation as an epicenter for space exploration. The Orion Mission Evaluation Room team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new space inside the Mission Control Center at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston. Johnson even recently got a shiny new mission evaluation room for NASA's highly anticipated Artemis lunar missions the agency's first attempt to return astronauts to the moon in more than five decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, city leaders even lobbied for Houston to be the home of U.S. Space Command due to the city's role in the nation's space exploration and its prominent private space sector. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Florida Today: US places with stellar names, from Rocket City to Florida Space Coast Republican Senate candidate and former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-White Lake) and U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) (left) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) (right) at a rally in Grand Rapids on Oct. 16, 2024. | Kyle Davidson Updated 9/5/25 at 6:27 a.m. U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers is urging President Donald Trump to deploy the National Guard to Detroit in response to what he calls a surge in violent crime, prompting backlash from Democratic lawmakers who say such action would repeat historical mistakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The numbers dont lie: Detroit has become a hub for violent crime, Rogers, a Republican, said in a statement published on his campaign website Thursday. These arent just statistics theyre people and families, whose lives have been flipped upside down because they arent even safe in their own community anymore. We have got to make our cities safe again. Despite that assertion, Detroit saw a 19% drop in homicides in 2024, from 252 in 2023 to 203 last year, the lowest rate in more than 50 years. Nonfatal shootings, meanwhile, were down 25% year-over-year, from 804 in 2023 to 606 last year. Regardless, Rogers, a former Michigan congressman, called on Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan to reach out to Trump to request federal intervention. The Mayor of Detroit should be on the phone with the President now calling for backup, Rogers said. Demonstrators protest outside a downtown jail in Los Angeles following two days of clashes with police during a series of immigration raids on June 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duggan is a lifelong Democrat who is running an independent campaign for governor. When asked to comment, the citys director of media relations, John Roach, emailed the Advance the following statement; Rogers is proving himself just another uninformed, grandstanding politician. In 2013, the City of Detroit had more than 750 carjackings. In 2025, we had 57 as of yesterday, a 90% reduction. Our strong partnership with US Attorney Jerome Gorgon has just added several more federal prosecutors to drive the violence down even further. The historic drop in Detroit crime in recent years has come from the efforts of serious law enforcement professionals, not from non-serious politicians like Rogers, Roach said. The proposal drew immediate condemnation from U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham), who likened the call to the 1967 deployment of the National Guard during the Detroit uprising a move that resulted in over 40 deaths and widespread destruction. Mike Rogers just called to deploy the National Guard to Detroit, Stevens said in a statement. Was wrong in 67 and its wrong now. This is exactly why I introduced a bill to stop Trumps abuse of power, because this chaos wont stop in someone elses community. Itll come to ours unless we do something. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stevens referenced her Stop Trumps Abuse of Power Act, a bill she introduced earlier this year to limit presidential authority in deploying federal forces domestically without congressional approval. It was referred to the House Armed Services Committee, where it is unlikely to advance in the GOP-controlled House of Representatives. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) also condemned Rogers, referring to her statement last year when Trump, on the campaign trail, denigrated Detroit. As a proud elected representative of tens of thousands of Detroiters: F*** this guy. Dont come back, McMorrow posted. Former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed also issued a statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serving the City of Detroit as its health director even decades afterward, I saw the painful echoes of the summer of 1967. So no, Mike: Detroit doesnt need masked agents cosplaying cops. Michiganders in Detroit and beyond need the Medicaid Trump just cut, the paychecks hes making smaller, and the food hes making less affordable. Stop being a Karen, and go back to Florida. Nobody wants you here. Stevens, McMorrow and El Sayed are all seeking the Democratic nomination in the August 2026 primary, along with research health specialist Rachel Howard. Rogers, who has been endorsed by Trump, is the lone GOP candidate seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Hills), who is retiring at the end of his term next year. This story was updated with comment from Mayor Duggan and Abdul El-Sayed. Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican who is running for an open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan next year, wants Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan to ask President Donald Trump "for backup" in fighting crime in the city. The numbers dont lie: Detroit has become a hub for violent crime, Rogers, who has Trump's endorsement in the race next year, said in a statement on Sept. 4. We have got to make our cities safe again. The mayor of Detroit should be on the phone with the president now calling for backup." Rogers, of White Lake, said the city ranks second in the nation among large cities for violent crime according to FBI data reported by the website Security.org. However, police data show a decrease in violent crime since a pandemic-era peak, with homicides dipping to their lowest rate in 50 years in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rogers also posted on social media platform X a video of himself at a campaign event, where he said, "Theyre trying to hide this (Detroit's crime statistics) from us all Wheres the mayor? He should be calling the president. Democrats ... have a new standard, (that) this many murders is OK. We should say as Republicans we dont believe any of that." Rogers' announcement comes after Trump has taken criticism from some Democrats and praise from many Republicans for deploying National Guard troops in Washington D.C. and threatening to do so in other cities, including Chicago, to battle crime. Many of the criticisms, however, have centered on whether it's legal or appropriate to send military personnel into cities to conduct domestic law enforcement under the grounds cited by Trump, given that they are not trained to do so and it could be seen by some as the federal government taking up arms against its own citizenry. A federal judge on Sept. 2 ruled that Trump's sending military forces into Los Angeles earlier this year as a crime prevention tool violated a law prohibiting the use of military personnel for domestic law enforcement. Trump hasn't mentioned Detroit by name as one of the cities he is considering as a site in which to send federal troops to battle crime and Duggan, who won election as mayor as a Democrat but is running as an independent for governor next year, has indicated through a spokesman that the current relationship the city has with federal agencies in reducing crime is more than adequate. Duggan has also given credit to federal assistance in reducing crime in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Roach, Duggan's spokesperson, said that Rogers a former House Intelligence Committee chairman who returned to Michigan after years of living elsewhere to run for an open U.S. Senate seat in 2024, narrowly losing to now-Sen. Elissa Slotkin is "proving himself just another uninformed, grandstanding politician." "In 2013, the city of Detroit had more than 750 carjackings. In 2025, we had 57 as of yesterday (Sept. 3), a 90% reduction," Roach said. "Our strong partnership with U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon has just added several more federal prosecutors to drive the violence down even further. The historic drop in Detroit crime in recent years has come from the efforts of serious law enforcement professionals, not from non-serious politicians like Rogers. Media reports analyzing the FBI crime data for 2024 have shown that Detroit trailed only Memphis among large cities in the U.S. in terms of violent crimes reported per 100,000 people. But those reports have also noted that the number of homicides in Detroit declined. The White House has made no public mention of potentially using federal troops in Memphis either, to date. More: What is President Trump's approval rating? What voters said in recent polls Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: President Donald Trump endorses Mike Rogers in Michigan U.S. Senate race Rogers said Trump's use of federal troops in Washington D.C. has resulted in a drop in crime, which D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has acknowledged. But she has also called for the emergency under which Trump put the federal troops in the nation's capital to end next week, promising the city will continue to coordinate law enforcement with the federal government. Many D.C. residents have objected to the federal troops patrolling streets, saying Trump has exaggerated the threat to make a point. D.C. officials have also sued to end the deployment, saying it's illegal. Rogers' stance on increasing a federal presence to fight crime in Detroit could grow to become a flashpoint in next year's race to replace Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, who is stepping down after two six-year terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats running for the U.S. Senate seat chastised Rogers immediately for making the suggestion. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, of Royal Oak, reacted on social media platform X by referring back to a comment she made after Trump visited Michigan ahead of last November's presidential election and said that all of the U.S. would look like Detroit if Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris won. "Don't come back," she said at the time, along with a profanity. Former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed of Ann Arbor also posted on X, asking Rogers, "Whats the male version of a Karen?" the slang term for an angry, white woman. U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Birmingham, who is also running for the open seat, put out a statement saying Rogers' suggestion amounts to calling for a deployment of the National Guard to Detroit. "(It) Was wrong in 67 (referring to the response to the unrest in Detroit in 1967) and its wrong now. This is exactly why I introduced a bill to stop Trump's abuse of power, because this chaos wont stop in someone elses community. Itll come to ours unless we do something. Stevens has introduced legislation prohibiting the deployment of active duty military forces in the U.S. unless a governor requests it. Slotkin, who defeated Rogers in last year's race, was even more succinct, posing on X that Rogers' suggestion was "Spoken like someone who has spent more time in Florida than Michigan over the last decade." "Detroit is back," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (This story was updated with new information.) Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Rogers: Mayor Duggan should call Trump to help fight crime in Detroit Rosie O'Donnell has responded to her long-time sparring partner President Donald Trump's renewed threat to revoke her U.S. citizenship. Credit - O'Donnell: Michael TranGetty Images, Trump: Jim WatsonGetty Images Comedian Rosie ODonnell has responded to President Donald Trumps renewed threat to revoke her U.S. citizenship and his estimation that she is incapable of being a great American. In Trumps late-night threat, shared via his Truth Social platform, he posted a distorted image of the comedian and said: We are giving serious thought to taking away Rosie ODonnells Citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taking to Instagram, ODonnell posted a screenshot of the threat and addressed her long-time sparring partner directly, asking of Trump: Banishing me again? The comedian went on to reference the ongoing push for the Trump Administration to release all the files related to convicted late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. I'm the distraction. Epstein survivors are the reckoning and your gold lame throne is melting, she said. ODonnells reference to Epstein came hours after several of the sex offenders victims gathered on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to implore Congress to release the files. Its not okay for us to be silenced, said Marina Lacerda, one of the women who says she was abused by Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently incarcerated. Trump responded to the continued interest in the case, calling it a Democrat hoax that never ends, while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office later in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre trying to get people to talk about something that is totally irrelevant to the success that weve had as a nation since Ive been President, he insisted. The House Oversight Committee released more than 30,000 pages of documents relating to Epstein on Tuesday. However, the Committees top Democrat, Rep. Robert Garcia of California, said that only 3% of the files released contained new information. Read More: Rosie ODonnell Responds to Trumps Threat to Revoke Her U.S. Citizenship This isnt the first time ODonnell, who moved to Ireland after Trumps re-election, has responded to the Presidents threat to strip her U.S. citizenship, nor is it the first time she has referenced Epstein when doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Trump called her a threat to humanity and threatened her citizenship in July, ODonnell rebuked the idea and publicly posted a picture of Trump and Epstein together. Im everything you fear. A loud woman, a queer woman, a mother who tells the truth, an American who got out of the country before you set it ablaze. You are everything that is wrong with Americaand Im everything you hate about whats still right with it, said ODonnell, alongside the image. The timing of ODonnells July response came amid renewed interest in Trumps former relationship with Epstein. Trump's connection to Epstein dates back decades. In an interview with New York magazine in 2002, he said that Epstein was a lot of fun to be with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side, Trump told the reporter. In July 2019, NBC News TODAY released video footage believed to be from 1992, which showed Trump welcoming Epstein to his Mar-a-Lago estate. After Epsteins 2019 arrest on federal sex trafficking charges, Trump distanced himself. Speaking in the Oval Office in 2019, Trump said: I had a falling out with him [Epstein]. I havent spoken to him in 15 years. I was not a fan of his, that I can tell you. Trump also told reporters he had "never" been to the so-called "Epstein island," and urged them instead to query if former President Bill Clinton had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question you have to ask is, did Bill Clinton go to the island? Because Epstein had an island. That was not a good place, as I understand it, and I was never there. Trump said. So you have to ask, did Bill Clinton go to the island? Thats the question. If you find that out, youre going to know a lot. Clinton, who has acknowledged being a former associate of Epstein but has vehemently denied knowledge of his crimes, denied visiting the island. At the height of Trump's feud with his one-time ally and donor Elon Musk, his relationship to Epstein came into focus once more. In June, Muskin a since-deleted social media postalleged that Trump is listed in the files related to the late financier and alleged sex trafficker. That is the real reason they have not been made public, Musk said. He did not provide evidence pertaining to this. Read More: Amid Campaign, Trump Kept Epstein Issue at Arms Length. His Allies Did Not Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, public sparring sessions between Trump and ODonnell date back to the early 2000s, when they were both well-known New York figures. O'Donnell criticized Trump in 2006 during an episode of the round-table talk show The View, of which she was a panelist. Trump lashed out in a celebrity-edition episode of The Apprentice at a boardroom meeting, during which he called O'Donnell "disgusting" multiple times. Trump also brought up the comedian during his 2016 presidential campaign. In a debate with his opponent, Hillary Clinton, he said: "Rosie O'DonnellI said very tough things to her, and I think everybody would agree that she deserves it and nobody feels sorry for her. O'Donnell responded at the time, saying Trump "will never be President." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with Irelands RTE Radio 1 in July, ODonnell reflected on her long-standing feud with Trump and said she is very proud to be opposed to every single thing he says and does and represents." Contact us at letters@time.com. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Rochester Police Officer Denny Wright was given a special honor on Wednesday night, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the Cincinnati Reds took on the Toronto Blue Jays. A lifelong Reds fan, Wright shared the moment with his son, Seth, who joined him on the mound. His pitch was caught by Max Friedlander, a Victor High School graduate now pitching for Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Wright also had the chance to meet Toronto infielder Ernie Clement, a Brighton native. Wrights story of resilience has inspired many in Rochester and beyond. In 2019, while responding to a domestic call on Peck Street, he was brutally attacked and stabbed by Keith Williams, leaving him permanently blind. Williams was later convicted and sentenced in 2022 to 40 years to life in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Wright has been celebrated for his service and bravery, earning New York States Officer of the Year and the Medal of Valor in 2023. He has also remained deeply involved in charitable work, continuing to give back to the community despite the life-changing injuries he endured. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Even though summer is just about over, its still rummage sale season in KELOLAND. A sale at East Side Lutheran Church this week is saving customers a lot of money while making a big impact in the community. Waterline project explosion under investigation in Trent Its only fitting that you can discover a Holy Grail in a church parking lot. Today, I found one of my Holy Grails, I have a typewriter collection. I did not have orange, Angela Ellerbroek of Sioux Falls said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The items for sale at the East Side Lutheran Rummage sale were donated by congregation members and the wider community. All merchandise is priced to sell. All of our shoes are a dollar and all of the clothes, except for a few items, are a dollar, Dee Hohn of East Side Lutheran said. Dont try to stream any of your favorite shows on this TV. Its a cat-scratching post. But it reminded me of my dad and hes in heaven, so I got it and Im going to do something with it, Jenny Krueger of Sioux Falls said. Some of the items for sale even have left church members scratching their heads. There was a little item in there, an electric thing, we never did figure out what it was, Hohn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this rummage sale isnt just geared for paying customers. People who cant afford anything to buy are always welcome here. If the homeless come and need something, we try to accommodate any of them, Hohn said. Ive had people come, believe it or not, in our city, did not have pants. And we were able to give them just the common dignity of having something to wear when they walked away from this place, East Side Lutheran Senior Pastor Layne Nelson said. A congregation, giving back to the community, where generosity is always in stock. The church plans to donate some of their sales to local non-profits including the St. Francis House and the Union Gospel Mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rummage sale runs through Saturday morning. You can find the hours on the churchs Facebook page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. A runaway 4-foot reptile that became the "unofficial mascot of Webster" could soon get a 24/7 livestream for people to watch it. A water monitor lizard named Goose had escaped its home in Webster on July 18. During the search, Goose had been spotted in Massachusetts and Connecticut. It officially ended on Aug. 2, when the lizard was found hiding in a hole near Southwest Main Street. At first, Capt. Scott Amati of the Massachusetts Environmental Police tried to use hard-boiled eggs to lure Goose out, but that didnt work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then tried luring it with pieces of chicken, a snack Goose found much more appetizing. After Goose stuck his head out of the hole, he was snared with a catch pole, according to Amati. The lizard put up a fight but he was placed into a container, Amati said. Gooses owner, whom Amati did not name, will face a non-criminal citation for illegally owning the lizard. Goose originally had an owner from New Hampshire before coming to Massachusetts, Amati said. The lizard was sent to live at Rainforest Reptile Shows' Oasis Foundation, a nonprofit animal sanctuary, where he will receive expert care and a specially designed permanent habitat, the organization said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont just showcase reptiles, we protect them, the website states. Chief of Police Michael Shaw said he was a little sad to see the lizard leave. Hes kind of our unofficial mascot of Webster, Shaw said to laughs. Now, the nonprofit hopes to create a way for people to watch Goose whenever they want. In a video posted to Facebook, the foundation explained they are building a new habitat for Goose. In the habitat they hope to include a camera for people to watch a livestream of the lizard. The organization has raised about $2,800 towards building Gooses brand-new habitat. It is estimated to cost around $4,000 total. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction begins this week, and the nonprofit hopes to have the lizard out of quarantine within the next couple of weeks. But Goose is not the only animal the nonprofit takes care of. Theyve had about 10 animals come in in the past couple of weeks. This has included ball pythons, bearded dragons, California kingsnakes and some illegal species they werent able to disclose due to ongoing cases. Other animals the foundation has rescued in the past included a highly venomous cobra being kept in a teenagers home, a Gaboon Viper, who bit its owner and put them in critical condition, and dozens of alligators taken from homes. More animal stories Read the original article on MassLive. Belgorod authorities introduced new restrictions on sharing information about drone attacks in the region, the Astra Telegram channel reported on Sept. 3. Due to the current situation and the threat of drone attacks, additional security measures are being taken in Belgorod Oblast, Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote. It is forbidden to spread in public space, including on the internet, any information related to the work of the military, their locations, equipment, or civilian infrastructure." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belgorod Oblast, which borders Ukraine's Kharkiv, Sumy, and Luhansk oblasts, has served as a staging ground for Moscow's attacks. Strikes are frequently launched from the region against Ukrainian territory. Gladkov noted that only official representatives of government bodies, law enforcement, and security services may publish details of attacks. Citizens are allowed to post videos of attack aftermaths only published by authorities. Administrative penalties will apply for violations, though specifics were not provided. Gladkov also announced that parents in local kindergartens will be required to attend first aid courses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian authorities have repeatedly accused Ukraine of striking Belgorod Oblast and Belgorod city since the start of the full-scale war. Read also: Russia restricts Telegram, WhatsApp calls amid push for domestic alternatives Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia's Ministry of Defence has claimed that it struck "Ukrainian drone units" near Chernihiv, though in reality, it was a humanitarian mine clearance mission. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, has urged the world to respond. Source: Russia's Ministry of Defence; Lubinets Details: The Russians claimed that their forces had struck "10 militants and eight vehicles carrying drone launchers". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reality, Russian forces deliberately attacked employees from the Danish Refugee Council's humanitarian mine clearance mission near Chernihiv, said Viacheslav Chaus, Head of Chernihiv Oblast Military Administration. Two people are known to have been killed and five injured. Lubinets noted that Russia is once again violating fundamental norms of international law. Quote from Lubinets: "Today, near Chernihiv, the Russians struck employees from the Danish Refugee Council humanitarian demining mission. Early reports indicate two dead and three injured. This is yet another cynical crime. Attacking people who are engaged in humanitarian work means deliberately undermining humanitarian activities. Russia is once again violating fundamental norms of international law, and the world must respond." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Two Ukrainian administrators of Melitopol Telegram channels were sentenced by Russian-controlled courts to prison terms of up to 16 years, according to press service reports on Sept. 3. 36-year-old Heorhiy Levchenko received 16 years in a maximum-security colony on charges of treason and extremism, while 27-year-old Vladyslav Gershon was sentenced to 15 years for espionage and charges to related to terrorism. According to the court, Levchenko, administrator of Telegram channel Ria-Melitopol, organized a network of informants in 2023 and passed on details of Russian troop locations that were later targeted by Ukrainian strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Levchenko decided to use the Telegram channel for anti-Russian and pro-Ukrainian propaganda, as well as to share data on the locations of Russian Armed Forces units in Zaporizhzhia Oblast with the Ukrainian special services, the ruling claimed. The Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don said Gershon, who administered the channel Melitopol tse Ukraina (Melitopol is Ukraine), must spend the first three years in prison before serving the rest of his term in a maximum-security penal colony. His case was heard behind closed doors due to the alleged presence of state secrets. Levchenkos arrest was first publicized by Russias FSB in October 2023, when state media aired footage portraying him as part of a supposed Ukrainian agent network. Other Melitopol media figures detained in the same sweep face parallel trials in Rostov-on-Don on charges including espionage and terrorism, Reporters Without Borders said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some, such as 19-year-old Yana Suvorova, remain in pretrial detention, while others, like Mark Kaliusz, have been sent for compulsory psychiatric treatment. Authorities in Moscow ramped up their crackdown on political opposition following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Voicing discontent with Russia's war or Russian authorities can lead to heavy penalties. Claims of "extremism" have been used to crack down on a wide range of organizations, news outlets, and social media platforms. The southern city of Melitopol in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Oblast has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Cosplay of justice Russia sentences 4 Ukrainian POWs to nearly 30 years in prison Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The city of Sumy and part of the Sumy district have been partially left without power due to a Russian strike on critical infrastructure. Source: Sumyoblenergo, the regional power distribution company Quote from Sumyoblenergo: "The power outage is temporary. Power engineers are working to restore the electricity supply." Background: On the morning of 1 September, a Russian drone attack on critical infrastructure in Sumy Oblast caused a blackout in the town of Shostka and the Shostka district. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! LONDON (Reuters) -Russian oligarch Vladimir Potanin's ex-wife can pursue a multi-billion dollar share of his stake in Nornickel, London's Court of Appeal ruled on Thursday, allowing potentially one of the highest-value divorce cases ever brought to continue. Potanin, the chief executive of Norilsk Nickel, the world's largest palladium producer and a major producer of refined nickel is facing a mammoth divorce claim from his ex-wife Natalia Potanina. Potanina wants to bring a claim for financial relief following their formal divorce in 2014, which includes a claim for 50% of the value of her ex-husband's ultimate beneficial interest in shares in Nornickel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Potanin currently holds a 37% stake in the company, which is valued at nearly $9 billion, according to MOEX data. His ex-wife is also seeking 50% of any dividends paid to Potanin since 2014 and a high-end Russian property, on which the parties spent around $150 million. Her lawyers say she received only $41.5 million, less than 1% of the couple's total assets, after their divorce in the Russian courts, though Potanin said his ex-wife received about $84 million and argued the couple had no connection to Britain. London's High Court originally rejected Potanina's bid to bring a claim in 2019, with a judge saying that if her claim was allowed to proceed "then there is effectively no limit to divorce tourism". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on Thursday the Court of Appeal overturned that decision, saying she had very largely severed her ties with Russia and was entitled to bring her claim. "The discrepancy between her award of the marital assets and the husband's retained share was significant; the discrepancy between what she had recovered in Russia compared with what she would have recovered had the case been heard in this jurisdiction was equally significant," the court ruling said. Potanina's lawyer Frances Hughes said her client was delighted that the court had recognised the merits of her case. "She very much hopes that her case can now be resolved and can be concluded without further delay," she said in a statement. (Reporting by Michael Holden and Sam Tobin, editing by William James and Ros Russell) A Russian missile struck a Danish humanitarian demining group in Chernihiv Oblast on Sept. 4, killing two and injuring eight people, the Danish Refugee Council reported. "It is with profound sadness that the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) confirms that one of our humanitarian demining sites in Ukraine was struck by a missile earlier today. The attack claimed the lives of two Ukrainian colleagues and left eight others injured," the Danish Refugee Council wrote on Facebook. The nonprofit called the strike a serious violation of the international humanitarian law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the time of the incident, DRC teams were conducting purely civilian humanitarian activitiesworking to clear landmines and explosive remnants of war in order to protect communities and enable safe access to essential infrastructure, farmland, and homes," the organization wrote. Ukraine's northern Chernihiv Oblast borders both Russia and Belarus. Part of the region was occupied by Russian forces at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Since its liberation in April 2022, Chernihiv Oblast has faced frequent attacks due to its proximity to Russia. The strike took place in the Kyselivska community, according to Viacheslav Chaus, the governor of Chernihiv Oblast. "First, Russians mined (Chernihiv) Oblast with explosives and mines. Now, they are killing people, civilians, who are risking their lives to clean up our land from the consequences of the Russian invasion," Chaus wrote on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Another act of senseless terror from the Russian Federation an attack on those who help eliminate the consequences of the war," he added in another post. The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, condemned the attack, saying that Russia is once again violating fundamental norms of international law. "This is yet another cynical crime. Attacking people who are doing humanitarian work means deliberately undermining humanitarian activities. The world should react to this," he said. As of March 2025, Ukraines mine-affected land spanned an estimated 139,000 square kilometers or 23% of its territory covering more ground than all of Greece and posing an immense threat to civilian life and recovery efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Danish Refugee Council said it "remains committed to its mission of protecting people affected by conflict and displacement in Ukraine." "Despite the risks and challenges, our demining teams undertake this vital work to prevent further loss of life from landmines and unexploded ordnance," the nonprofit wrote. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families, friends, and colleagues of those we lost today." Read also: Ukrainian drones strike Russias largest Rosneft refinery in Ryazan, hit oil processing unit, military says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. In Lozova, Kharkiv Oblast, 40,000 consumers have been left without power due to a Russian strike on critical infrastructure on the night of 3-4 September. Source: Lozova hromada on Facebook [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Details: "Clearing of rubble is ongoing, and we are assessing the extent of the damage and the time required to deal with the consequences. Early estimates show that repair works may take at least a week," the hromada said, citing power engineers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is noted that priority will be given to restoring power to critical infrastructure water supply, sewage and hospitals. For households, rolling blackouts are planned, with a schedule to be announced later. "Alternative power sources are currently in use. We are ensuring water supply and sewage. Hospitals are operational. Children continue distance learning. A mobile administrative service centre has been dispatched to residents whose homes were damaged," Lozova Mayor Serhii Zelenskyi said. Background: The city of Sumy and part of the Sumy district have been partially left without power due to a Russian strike on critical infrastructure. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian forces have launched 112 Shahed-type loitering munitions and various types of decoy drones on Ukraine since the evening of 3 September. Ukrainian air defence units have destroyed 84 of them. Source: Ukraines Air Force on Telegram Quote: "As of 09:00, air defence units had shot down or jammed 84 enemy Shahed drones and various types of decoy UAVs over the countrys north, south and east. There were 28 drone strikes recorded across 17 locations and debris from those downed fell in 5 locations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The Russians launched the drones from the directions of the Russian cities of Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Oryol and Primorsko-Akhtarsk as well as from Hvardiiske in temporarily occupied Crimea. The Air Force noted that the attack had been repelled by aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare assets, UAV units and mobile fire groups from Ukraines defence forces. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian forces have dropped aerial bombs on the city of Kostiantynivka and the nearby village of Illinivka in Donetsk Oblast, killing two people. Source: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "Kostiantynivka hospital has become the latest military target for Russian forces. Today [4 September] they deliberately dropped three bombs on the hospital, which had continued to treat local residents up until the attack. The enemy also dropped three bombs on Illinivka, killing two people and damaging five non-residential buildings." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Filashkin added that the attacks on civilian and social infrastructure are a deliberate choice by the Russians, making it unsafe to remain in Donetsk Oblast. "Evacuate in time! For evacuation assistance: 0-800-500-121, +380730500121 (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal), and for those who are seriously ill or have a disability: 0800332614," Filashkin emphasised. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Two Telegram channel administrators, Heorhii Levchenko and Vladyslav Hershon, have been sentenced to prison by Moscow. They were detained by the Russians in the temporarily occupied city of Melitopol in August 2023. Source: Reporters sans frontieres (RSF or Reporters Without Borders) Details: Levchenko was sentenced on 2 September to 16 years in a strict-regime colony. He was the administrator of RIA-Melitopol, a Telegram-based news outlet. The Russians accuse him of "treason" and "inciting extremism". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian-installed "Zaporizhzhia Oblast Court" in temporarily occupied Melitopol justified its decision by alleging that the news outlet was used "for anti-Russian and pro-Ukrainian propaganda, as well as for passing information to Ukrainian secret services about the deployment of Russian armed forces on the territory of Ukraine". Hershon was sentenced on 3 September in Rostov-on-Don to 15 years in prison, his family confirmed to RSF. He was the administrator of Melitopol is Ukraine, a Telegram-based news outlet. The Russians accuse him of "terrorism". In a letter to his family, he wrote that "every morning is hell", describing the unbearable conditions of his detention. RSF adds that these "first convictions are an alarming signal for four other media workers detained in Melitopol, who are still being held in custody". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are Maksym Rupchov, Oleksandr Malyshev, Yana Suvorova and RIA-Melitopol journalist Anastasiia Hlukhovska. Rupchov, Malyshev and Suvorova are due to stand the so-called "trial" in September and October. The Russian authorities have not disclosed Hlukhovska's whereabouts since her detention. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr demands the censure of a county commissioner for calling the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement a "terrorist organization." Carr, a Republican, criticized Rutherford County Commissioner Hope Oliver for what the elected Democrat said about ICE during an Aug. 25 Public Safety Committee meeting. Oliver's comment in question followed public comment speakers' concerns about the presence of ICE in Rutherford County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "ICE has been an organization thats been around for a long time, but it has not been emboldened (as) a terrorist organization like its turning out to be," said Oliver, who represents a District 1 with many minorities in north La Vergne. Audience members responded with loud applause and hollers to show their agreement. Rutherford County Commissioner Hope Oliver, for District 1 speaks out at a Public Safety Committee meeting, on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, where many people spoke out and demonstrated against the possibility of the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department signing a a contract with ICE. Oliver's comments come after President Donald Trump ordered ICE in January to carry out significant detainments and deportations of immigrants without documented legal status to be in the U.S. The president's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by Congress this summer, also includes extra funding to support ICE efforts. 'It's inhumane to tear families apart': Middle Tennessee residents protest Rutherford County Sheriff's ICE partnership Carr opposes comments, supports ICE Regan Gomez holds a OICE Out of TennesseeO sign along with other anti-ICE signs during the public speaking portion of the Rutherford County Public Safety Committee meeting on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. The county mayor two days after the public safety meeting rebuked the comments from Oliver about ICE on a WGNS Radio show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A terrorist organization, as defined by the U.S. government, is like Mexican cartels enslaving of children for sex trafficking, raping women and beheading men," Carr told The Daily News Journal Sept. 2. "It was a horribly egregious and a horrible thing to say." Joe Carr The mayor said ICE agents should not be compared to terrorists. "They are just enforcing the laws of the country for those who are here unlawfully," Carr said. A former state representative from 2008-2014, Carr advocated for Tennessee legislation on immigration policy, including a law in 2011 requiring employers to use the federal government's E-Verify online records to confirm the eligibility of employees to work in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carr also touts about writing the nation's first state law prohibiting sanctuary cities in 2009. The mayor suggested the Republican majority 21-member County Commission hold Oliver accountable by censuring her unless she's willing to recant what she said and apologize. The commission also includes two Democrats and three independents. Dispute among Republicans in 2024: GOP conflict erupts in email between chairman, Mayor Carr about Property Assessor seat Oliver stands by her comments about ICE: 'It's racial profiling' Hope Oliver Oliver told the DNJ that she stands by what she said about unidentifiable ICE agents. "We see it every day in the media masked (ICE agents) attacking people and terrorizing people," Oliver said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They are claiming to be ICE, but they are not showing any identification, no warrants, and they're masked. How do we know who they are? That is not right." Oliver said local law enforcement officers identify themselves. "They are a part of our community," said Oliver, who noted the presence of school resource officers and others in law enforcement. "We see them in the grocery store. We go to church with them. We see them at the ball game. We know who they are." County Commission election results 2022: 21-member Rutherford County Commission will see new faces with 9 elected officials Oliver: Immigrants detained by ICE 'need to have due process' Commissioner Oliver during the Aug. 25 public safety committee meeting praised local law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oliver also told the DNJ that immigrants detained by ICE "need to have due process." "It's racial profiling," Oliver said. "You dont see them picking up white people. They are picking up brown and black people." Oliver said Carr's opinion of her comments is "his problem, not mine." "As far as rebuke is concerned, his party has someone in office (who has been investigated on charges of) inciting an insurrection (that led to) assaulting and killing of police officers," Oliver said. "So the rebuke needs to start within his own party." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oliver's comments to the DNJ allude to Trump's speech to supporters which has been criticized by some ahead of the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, when Congress was in session to certify the election of then Democratic President-elect Joe Biden. 'Embarrassing and terrible': Rutherford County leaders react to riot at US Capitol Jan. 6, 2021 Leader of county's Democratic Party supports Oliver Matt Fee Matt Fee, the chair of the Rutherford County Democratic Party, responded to the mayor's radio comments by posting a social media video in support of what Oliver said about ICE. "She did not say anything that was inaccurate," Fee told the DNJ. "What else are you supposed to call ICE agents when they are all over the streets in America masked and unidentified. What theyre doing has a chilling affect on communities where they are afraid to call for police support when a crime is happening. What ICE is doing is not in support of public safety." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fee noted that he along with Oliver were among those who attended a town hall meeting in May pertaining to immigrants, law enforcement in La Vergne and emergency medical services. La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews organized the town hall event because he suspects deportation fears might have contributed to a delayed emergency call for a 6-month-old baby, who died around Easter. The chief urged people at the meeting to call 911 for emergencies. Impact of ICE enforcement: Death of 6-month-old baby ties to immigration, emergency service concerns in La Vergne Commissioner Harris backs Oliver's 'right to say whatever she wants' Craig Harris Any effort by the county commission to censure Oliver would typically start with the Steering, Legislative and Governmental committee led by Chairman Craig Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are not going to do that," Harris told the DNJ. "I havent had any commissioner call me to do that." Harris also said he supports Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh's approach in notifying ICE after the arrest of foreign-born people on criminal charges in Rutherford. The sheriff told the audience at the Aug. 25 public safety meeting that his office since 1996 has adhered to any federal detainment warrant on immigrants for 48 hours after they've completed required sentences before release for ICE agents to pick up. 'Damage is already done': Rutherford school board rescinds resolution supporting border closure Harris disagrees with comments, but calls censure retaliation Commissioner Harris said he disagrees with what Oliver said about ICE even if he opposes censuring her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She as a commissioner has a right to say whatever she wants," said Harris, who announced June 24 that he's campainging for county mayor in 2026 to replace Carr. "I just think this is nothing but retaliation." Carr previously considered for censure Oliver and Harris in 2024 were among 11 commissioners who voted to censure Carr after the mayor had signed a constract for a solid waste transfer station project without first obtaining the required approval of the Purchasing Committee he leads as chairman. Government accountability: Rutherford commission censures Mayor Joe Carr for signing waste contract without approval Carr: It's not about 'retaliation' but 'distorted' facts The mayor disclosed his mistake on signing the solid waste transfer station contract before obtaining approval of the Purchasing Committee, which includes county commissioners distrustful of his leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carr said his call for the commission to censor Oliver for her public comments about ICE is not retaliation. "She doesnt get to falsely accuse ICE for doing what a terrorist organization does," Carr said. "She has her facts wrong, and they are terribly distorted." Trash solution: Rutherford County officials celebrate 'solid waste independence' by opening transfer station Carr contends that Oliver should be held accountable for what she said as an elected official at a public meeting about ICE. "It is her First Amendment right, but she doesn't get to exercise her First Amendment right with impunity," the mayor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As a public official, she doesnt have a right to say things that are factually untrue without consequences." 'We can't have nasty': Altercation disrupts relationship of Mayor Joe Carr and commission Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription. This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Rutherford Co. Mayor Carr rebukes commissioner calling ICE terrorists (FOX40.COM) A 26-year-old male daycare worker was arrested after a mother made a report of her 6-year-old child possibly getting sexually abused, according to the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office. SCSO said the mother made the report on July 28 and claimed her daughter might have been sexually abused while attending Mather Childcare Center, a facility that primarily serves members of the Turkish immigrant community. Video Above: Three day operation leads to the arrest of 13 child predators, infant put into protective custody The Sheriffs Child Abuse Bureau and the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division opened an investigation and interviewed the child, discovering that there may be additional victims who are current and former attendees of the daycare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the sheriffs office, Gokhan Bagci, a Turkish national, was arrested on Aug. 22 on charges of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 by force or fear. Officials said that Customs and Border Protection had removed Bagci from the United States in November 2023 and again in September 2024. The Sheriffs Office requested that he be held without bail because of his immigration history and risk of flight. The request was granted, and the suspect is currently in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail. Sacramento County child predator sting nets 13 arrests, including suspect who arrived with baby Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Child sexual abuse is significantly underreported, and cases within immigrant communities are often even less likely to come forward, officials with SCSO said. Detectives believe there may be additional victims connected to Bagci and the Mather Childcare Center and strongly encourage anyone with information to come forward. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriffs Child Abuse Bureau at 916-874-5191 or by email at childabuse@sacsheriff.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 FOX40 News. (FOX40.COM) The Sacramento Police Department recently launched a new series on YouTube titled Line of Duty. Video above: Mayor says Del Rio Trail pedestrian bridge could open by October The video series will take viewers behind the scenes with dedicated members of the department, SPD said on Thursday. Spirit Airlines to end services in Sacramento and other cities Every episode will provide a closer look at the work people in the department do to serve and protect the community, according to SPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first episode titled Rescuing a Carjacker Line of Duty Sacramento PD was released on Monday, Aug. 28. Its about K-9 officer Catricala assisting three other officers in rescuing a carjacking suspect from a burning vehicle, Sacramento police said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Salem police investigate potential hoax threat to schools SALEM, Va. (WFXR) A spokesperson for the City of Salem says all city schools were placed in Secure Mode on Wednesday, Sept. 3, after the Salem Police Department received an unspecified threat toward local schools. Officials say the schools were placed in Secure Mode, where all students and staff are inside the building and all exterior doors are locked, out of an abundance of caution. According to a statement shared with families by Curtis Hicks, superintendent of Salem City Schools, the initial investigation indicates that this threat is likely a hoax, and similar reports have been made in neighboring school divisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Secure Mode was reportedly lifted at approximately 1:14 p.m. As an added precaution, the statement says a heightened police presence remained at all Salem schools for the remainder of the day, and students and staff were restricted to the indoors. Hicks included the following statement regarding the incident: We understand that news of these threats can cause concern, and we are grateful for the partnership of the Salem Police Department in responding swiftly to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Thank you for your continued trust and support. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) After original reports of an animal hoarding situation, Salt Lake County Animal Services is still utilizing all resources to ensure proper treatment and care for the animals. In August, officials rescued over 100 dogs and one tortoise from a hoarding situation in Salt Lake Citys Avenues. They say the tortoise was reclaimed shortly after being rescued from the home. According to Salt Lake County Animal Services spokesperson, Ashley Bales, as officials continued to return to the home, the number increased to over 100 dogs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 97 dogs and one tortoise rescued from hoarding situation in Salt Lake City The Humane Society did take on some of the dogs as well as other animals in the shelter, totaling over 20 animals. The Humane Society confirmed they dont have any onsite available for adoption, but they are in their care for treatment. Bales clarified that all animals in the area are under the Animal Services jurisdiction and they go through them before being sent to another shelter for care. She wanted it to be clear the shelter is not full or at capacity, but they needed additional help due to the unexpected influx of dogs arriving. While there have been some adoptions, Bales explained animals have to be spayed and neutered before going up for adoption and that can be a timely process. They have approximately 18 surgeries a day, on average, and that includes animals outside of this hoarding situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bales expressed the Animal Services deepest gratitude for all donations from their Amazon wishlist to individual resources offered. She said they have loved seeing the communitys response to this 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 ABC4 Utah. A controversial construction project by luxury car magnate Wolfgang Porsche in the Austrian city of Salzburg has cleared a key hurdle after receiving approval from a municipal committee. The committee responsible for spatial planning backed plans for an underground car park beneath Porsche's property, along with a 500-metre private tunnel to be drilled into the Kapuzinerberg hill. The decision is not yet final and must still be reviewed by the provincial government of Salzburg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents of the plans, the Green and Communist parties, argued that the tunnel would also have to be approved in this case, even though this is not normally necessary for access roads. Supporters, the Social Democrats, conservatives and the right-wing Freedom Party, approved the project without separate examination of the tunnel. Martin Zauner, responsible for regional planning in the provincial government, signalled that he is fundamentally in favour of the underground access road to the villa, which is of historic significance. "The construction industry will be supported, a cultural asset will be preserved, and all of this will be financed privately," he told the Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 82-year-old Porsche owns a historic property on Salzburg's Kapuzinerberg, where Austrian author Stefan Zweig lived around 100 years ago. The above-ground access road is considered narrow and impractical. The project has drawn public opposition. In April, activists staged protests, and more than 19,000 people signed a petition condemning the tunnel as "special treatment for the super-rich" and a "symbol of social injustice." SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A DPS trooper based in San Angelo has won the 2025 Jimmy K. Ammons Grand Champion Award. DPS trooper Dustin Henderson was one of 46 contenders for the award, which included candidates in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He also received the high points award, being the highest-scoring contender in the United States. The qualifications listed for the award are as follows, according to the Department of Public Safety website: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NAIC competitors undergo rigorous testing across six inspection categories over two days, performing mock roadside inspections on commercial vehicles, identifying violations and applying advanced safety protocols under timed, real-world scenarios. The competition also provides cutting-edge training on the latest safety technologies, hazardous materials regulations, post-crash inspections and moreskills competitors take back to their home jurisdictions to enhance roadway safety. Henderson will be attending the CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Denver to represent San Angelo and will be honored with a lunch at the conference on September 24. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) This weekend, San Angelo will host the 10th Annual Shine a Light event, a memorial gathering honoring loved ones lost to suicide. The event provides hope, healing, and a chance for the community to come together. Over the past year, weve kind of seen the event morph a little bit into what we feel is most healing and what feels most special. So one thing Ive really enjoyed seeing is over the past maybe three years, weve gotten to a point where youre invited up to the front to share your loved ones name, and theres something about speaking your lost loved ones name that just makes such an impact. We know that were not alone, we get, you know, its basically like having a big hug from the community when were all just able to say, our person there, said Tabbatha Lenard, Community Relations with West Texas Counseling & Guidance. Shine a Light offers participants a path of luminaries to write the names of loved ones, a memory wall for photos, refreshments, and messages of hope. Lenard said the evening is both somber and healing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a special memorial event. It allows folks to come out if theyve lost a loved one to suicide, and just remember, write a luminary, write their name on a luminary to set on a path. We walk it at dark. Its very special. We have a memory wall that we can put photos, and theres refreshments and a message of hope. And its just this very somber evening, but its full of hope and healing, Lenard said. This years event is especially meaningful as it honors Leslie Dempsey Culver, who worked with West Texas Counseling & Guidance, helping Concho Valley families find hope and support after a suicide loss, before she passed from suicide in 2021. Culver helped train Tom Green Countys LOSS Team, which provides immediate support and resources to families following a suicide. Dr. Frank Campbell, who has spoken at Shine a Light in the past, and Leslie Dempsey Culver, who were honoring this year, were two of the folks who trained our LOSS Team for Tom Green County, and unfortunately, a few years ago, as an advocate for suicide prevention, Leslie actually also died by suicide, and so her life was a light, and we just want to recognize that and also just share and shine awareness on the fact that you just never know what people are going through. So Leslie was such a fantastic human. She helped us be who we are today, and we just want to thank her and honor her, Lenard said. Organizers said the event is a reminder that no one has to face loss alone. It provides a safe space to share memories, speak about loved ones, and connect with support resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information about the event or available support, visit West Texas Counseling & Guidance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu announced Thursday that his office secured a settlement that requires U.S. News & World Report to disclose on its website that some hospitals included in its Best Hospitals rankings pay U.S. News. For the settlement, U.S. News also published Chius op-ed on August 29 outlining concerns over ranking methodology. Chiu launched an investigation into U.S. News in 2023 after discovering the media company may have accepted payments from endorsed hospitals without disclosing those financial ties to readers. One hospital later acknowledged that it paid U.S. News $42,000 to use the Best Hospitals badge for one year, according to Chius office. Consumers use these hospital rankings to make consequential health care decisions, but at the outset of our investigation the company did not disclose as required by U.S. law that it received payments from the hospitals it ranked, including licensing fees for permission to display a Best Hospitals badge, Chiu said. My office is committed to defending consumers best interests, so Im glad we were able to reach a settlement that ensures greater transparency in U.S. Newss financial disclosures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Californias Unfair Competition Law prohibits unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent business practices, as well as unfair, deceptive, untrue, or misleading advertising. Tesla Robotaxi app opens to the public in Bay Area Chiu sent two subpoenas to the media company in 2024 to obtain information about the companys potential violations of California consumer protection laws. U.S. News responded by filing a lawsuit claiming the investigation violated the companys First Amendment rights. On April 25, both sides entered a settlement agreement requiring U.S. News to include a disclaimer on its webpages stating that it may earn revenue from some hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For its 2025-2026 Best Hospitals nationwide rankings, two Bay Area hospitals made it into the top 20: Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto and UCSF Health-UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. KEARNS, Utah (ABC4) A Sandy woman has been charged after allegedly causing a multi-vehicle crash where she and a young child were injured. Ashley June Forsland, 37, has been charged with one count of driving under the influence with two or more priors in the last 10 years, driving under the influence with a passenger under 16 years of age, negligently operating a vehicle resulting in injury, possession or use of a controlled substance, open container of alcohol in vehicle, driving on a suspended or revoked license, careless driving, and duty to operate vehicle on the right side of the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to charging documents, on July 29, 2025, the Unified Police Department was dispatched to a multi-vehicle accident near 5400 South Morning Breeze Drive in Kearns. Five vehicles total were involved in the crash, and officers found that Forsland was at fault. While driving eastbound in a Chevrolet Impala, Forsland allegedly swerved into the center lane and struck a Hyundai Sonata head-on. The impact caused the Sonata to be pushed into the eastbound lanes, and it was struck by a GMC Sierra pickup. Both the Sierra and Sonata were disabled due to the crash. READ NEXT: Drunk driver arrested for fatal crash in Springville, was 6x over legal limit Despite already crashing into another vehicle, Forsland reportedly continued forward and struck a Hyundai SUV and a Chevrolet Cruze before finally coming to a stop. Medical arrived on scene and transported Forsland to a hospital in critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A child under the age of 5 was a passenger in Forslands vehicle at the time of the crash. He was transported to the hospital, and it was found that he had sustained an injury to his face, head, and spine. Unified Police officers searched Forslands vehicle after the crash and reportedly found an open bottle of alcohol, marijuana, and several THC vape pens. When the passenger childs mother responded to the hospital, police informed her of what was found inside the vehicle. Shes doing it again? I thought she was doing better, the childs mother reportedly stated. The mother confirmed that Forsland had picked the child up that day. A toxicology report on Forsland revealed that she had ethanol, THC, 11-hydroxy-THC, THC-COOH, and Oxycodone in her system at the time her blood was drawn. Her license had already been suspended before the crash on July 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forsland is currently not in jail as long as she obeys pretrial felony DUI conditions, such as not consuming any substances, submitting to drug and alcohol tests, complying with drivers license suspensions, and completing treatment. 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. The typically well-behaved audience at a City Council candidate forum Wednesday evening burst out laughing when Paul Bustamante started to answer a question about the Soldiers' Monument. "I was afraid we weren't going to be asked any emotionally charged questions tonight," he said to a round of mirth, segueing into an answer about how the decision should be put to voters at the ballot box. The fate of the obelisk was one of more than a half dozen questions eight council hopefuls were asked at a forum hosted by The Santa Fe New Mexican and local radio stations KSFR and KSWV at Santa Fe Community College, the first of two forums the partners are holding during this year's municipal election. A subsequent forum for mayoral candidates is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17 in the college's Jemez Room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In attendance Wednesday were District 1 candidates Katherine Rivera, Pat Feghali and David Montoya, District 2 candidates Bustamante, Liz Barrett, Aurora Martinez and Leroy Trujillo and District 3 incumbent Lee Garcia, who is running unopposed for a second term. District 4 incumbent Amanda Chavez, who is also running unopposed for a second term, did not attend. Chavez is the chair of the City Council Quality of Life committee, which had a regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday which she attended by Zoom. 090325 jw council debate 2.jpg District 2 candidate Paul Bustamante answers a question about housing during a City Council candidate forum Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, at Santa Fe Community College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Topics discussed included housing affordability, public safety, whether the city should raise its living wage and if the city should continue to be immigrant-friendly in the face of the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign. Candidates overwhelmingly responded yes to that last question with the exception of Trujillo: "We don't have the jobs, housing or infrastructure to support these people," he said, arguing the city needs to focus on citizens. All of the others, including the sole sitting Republican Councilor Garcia, disagreed. "We are all-inclusive here in Santa Fe," said Garcia, adding upholding the laws doesn't have to be in tension with supporting immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santa Fe City Council Candidate Forum When it came to the obelisk, most candidates said they supported rebuilding the controversial monument on the Plaza, which was torn down by protesters on Indigenous Peoples Day in 2020, without the offensive "savage Indians" language which was chiseled off one of the plaques in 1974. The monument honored New Mexico soldiers who fought on the Union side during the Civil War as well as in the Indian Wars during that period. Montoya, a military veteran, said it isn't right that Santa Fe torn down a monument honoring soldiers who fought against slavery and that it was well past time for it to be rebuilt: "This is a wound that has festered." Rivera agreed, saying that as one of the nation's oldest cities, Santa Fe should lead on addressing its history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to balancing the desires of the Indigenous community the All Pueblo Council of Governors officially voiced support last year for moving the obelisk from the Plaza she said she believes the community can find common ground in honoring those who have died. "We all are people who respect our dead," she said. Barrett and Feghali were the two candidates who did not explicitly support rebuilding it on the Plaza, with Barrett suggesting a group of "creatives" could come together to discuss its future. "We're going to have to have tough conversations with our friends and neighbors about how to move forward," Barrett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Living wage and ranking opponents Most candidates said they would support a proposal brought to the City Council recently to raise the city's living wage from $15 an hour to $17.50. Feghali noted someone making $15 an hour could only afford a rent of $800 a month. "Unless something really happens to our housing market, it's a necessity to raise that minimum wage," Feghali said. Garcia and Trujillo said they were opposed because of the potential impact on local businesses, while Rivera said she is currently undecided. With no opponent, Garcia was the only candidate to avoid the most pointed question of the night: With ranked choice voting, who are the candidates putting as their second choice on the ballot? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 090325 jw council debate 3.jpg District 1 candidate Patricia Feghali listens as opponent David Montoya answers a question about sheltering immigrants during a City Council candidate forum Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, at Santa Fe Community College. Bustamante said as of Wednesday he would vote for Barrett; both Martinez and Barrett said they would vote for Bustamante. Rivera and Feghali both said they would vote for each other; Montoya said he would only vote for himself or joked he would write in a friends' name as his second choice. Trujillo said he hadn't had time to research the other candidates yet. A "lightning round" question asked candidates to answer whether the mayor should only vote on the council in the case of a tie, a proposal that will be brought to voters Nov. 4 after the City Council voted 5-4 in August to put it on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only Martinez opposed the proposal: "They were voted in, they should have a vote," she said. Housing crisis a theme The city's affordable housing crisis was a through line throughout the night, and an issue that more than one candidate discussed in personal terms. Martinez said living in a home built by her grandfather in the Hopewell Mann neighborhood is what allows her to live in Santa Fe. Barrett said she and her husband commuted from Albuquerque to Santa Fe for more than a decade before being able to buy a home with the support of affordable housing nonprofit Homewise. Bustamante said the city needs to ramp up enforcement of its short-term rental ordinance and make the policies for operating short-term rentals much stricter. Trujillo said the city needs to make it easier to approve building permits, an idea he returned to multiple times throughout the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We need to implement a system that rapidly approves building permits so contractors, especially our local contractors and builders, can build us the housing that we need," he said. 090325 jw council debate 4.jpg District 1 candidate David Montoya listens as opponent Katherine Rivera answers a question about affordable housing during a City Council candidate forum Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, at Santa Fe Community College. Another theme that came up multiple times was public safety, including a question about whether councilors are concerned about the fact only 31% of Santa Fe police officers live within city limits, according to recent data published in The New Mexican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All candidates said they believed it was an issue: "Rio Rancho is probably very safe because that's where they live," Montoya said to laughs. Rivera noted that when she completed the police department's Citizens Academy several years ago, none of the officers who lived outside of town said they would be willing to move to Santa Fe, in part because they said the schools and parks where they lived were better. "We need to look at those police officers who are early in their career ... and get them into Santa Fe earlier," she said. "I will tell you, most of the folks living in Rio Rancho won't relocate here." The post Savannah State contributes hundreds of millions to local economy appeared first on ClutchPoints. Savannah State Universitys positive impact extends beyond its student body, profoundly benefiting the entire state of Georgia. Based on a research report by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia, during fiscal year 2024 Savannah State brought 164.4 million to Georgias economy. There are 26 public colleges and universities within the University System of Georgia, and the research report showcases the economic contributions of these institutions. Compared to 2023, Savannah States economic impact increased by 9.3% the following fiscal year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This significant boost to Georgias economy is driven by three key components: institutional spending, student spending, and capital investment. The universitys economic contributions, including salaries and wages, operating expenses, and local purchasing, create a constant flow of revenue. As Savannah State President Dr. Jermaine Whirl explained to WTOC Digital Content Producer Christa Ross, this impact extends far beyond the campus. For every job on campus, two more are supported off-campus through goods and services related to the university, he said. This report affirms what we already knowthat Savannah State is not only educating future leaders but also serving as a powerful economic engine for the region. While the $164.4 million positively impacts the state of Georgia overall, the revenue generated by Savannah State specifically changes the Southeast region in Georgia. The following counties have seen the greatest change: Chatham, Effingham, Bryan, Liberty, and Bulloch. The $164.4 million accumulated by Savannah State is composed of the following: $65.6 million in student spending Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $60.8 million in personnel services $37.8 million in operating expenses The money that Savannah State produces circulates through communities, not just on campus. In addition, the report explains how the increase in revenue contributes to the job market across Georgia. For every million dollars spent, 11 jobs are supported, both on campus and in the surrounding community. Savannah State has started classes for the Fall 2025 semester. Related: James Colzie lll keeps it real on RJ Johnson, Howard University performance Related: Alabama A&Ms Sam Shade sees Arkansas loss as opportunity game COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) South Carolina is looking remove candy, soda, sweetened beverages, and energy drinks from the list of foods eligible to be purchased with SNAP benefits. Governor Henry McMaster signed an executive order Wednesday directing the states Department of Social Services to request a waiver from the federal government to exclude the sugary items from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. South Carolina is doing her part to Make America Healthy Again, said McMaster in a statement. This request is a light-touch, common-sense approach that ensures these federal taxpayer dollars are being used to help families purchase healthy, nutritious food not unhealthy candy and sugary drinks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMaster said to reporters Thursday if you want to buy it with your money, you can go right ahead, but when it comes to the taxpayers, theres a certain thing that, they dont need to be paying for. According to the executive order, candy is defined as a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. The order excludes protein bars, granola bars, and other baking ingredients. Energy drinks would not include coffee, tea or coffee- or tea-based beverages while sweetened beverages would include any with at least five grams of added sugar or other sweeteners. Not everyone agrees with McMasters executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any time you put any kind of restrictions, youre making assumptions about peoples ability to take care of themselves, said Sue Berkowitz with South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center. The best way to get people to eat healthy is make it affordable for them to eat healthy. If approved, South Carolina would join 12 other states with similar waivers which go into effect beginning in 2026. Here are the full definitions of what would be covered by the waiver: Candy is defined as a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. Candy shall not include the following: protein bars, granola bars, or baking ingredients such as sprinkles, chocolate melting wafers, toffee bits, or chocolate chips, or items primarily identified and sold as bakery or bread products, such as baked goods, cakes, crackers, cookies, muffins, brownies, pastries, bread, or similar products. Energy drinks are defined as beverages containing at least sixty-five (65) milligrams of caffeine per eight (8) fluid ounces that are advertised as being specifically designed to provide metabolic stimulation or an increase to the consumers mental or physical energy. Energy drinks shall not include coffee or tea or any substantially coffee- or tea-based beverage. Soft Drinks are defined as any nonalcoholic beverage made with carbonated water and flavored or sweetened, or both, with sugar or other natural or artificial sweeteners. Sweetened beverages are defined as any sweetened beverage, flavored or sweetened or both, with five (5) grams or more of added sugar or other natural or artificial sweeteners, ready for consumption without further processing, such as sweetened coffee, tea, lemonade, and other noncarbonated drinks. Soft drinks and sweetened beverages shall not include: a beverage that contains milk, milk products, soy, rice, or other milk substitutes any beverage consisting of 50% or more natural fruit or vegetable juice with no added caloric sweetener any product commonly referred to as infant or baby formula sports or rehydration beverages carbonated water beverages any beverage for medical use, meaning any beverage suitable for human consumption and manufactured for use as a source of necessary nutrition due to a medical condition, or for use as an oral rehydration electrolyte solution for infants and children, formulated to prevent or treat dehydration due to illness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Students in South Carolina are showing strong academic progress, according to reports from ABC Columbia. State test results are showing that more third through eighth graders are reading and writing at or above grade level. ALSO READ: CMS leaders take stock of the first week of school In math, almost 44% of students now meet or exceed expectations, which is up from the under 41% that was reported in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Districts such as Fort Mill and Clover are also leading the way in career readiness, math, and reading. Fort Mill High School and Catawba Ridge High School are considered top performers statewide, with rankings in the top 10. VIDEO: CMS leaders take stock of the first week of school Scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast for Thursday afternoon and evening as a warm and increasingly humid air mass will move into New Jersey, forecasters say. Quiet for most of today but scattered showers and thunderstorms move in later in the evening, with a few storms capable of producing strong to damaging wind gusts, mainly west of the I-95 corridor, the National Weather Service said early Thursday. Latest N.J. weather news Read the original article on NJ.com. Moline Regional Community Foundation has announced a new scholarship program for Moline High students. The Bill E. Mockmore Memorial Scholarship was created through estate management and the generosity of Judie and Bill Holmer, in honor of Judies brother, William E. Bill Mockmore. The scholarship will support four Moline High School students with $2,000 each to support their first year of college for the 2026 school year. Students can reapply for funding after their first year. Bill Mockmore (Moline Regional Community Foundation) Mockmore graduated from Moline High School in 1970, earned an associate of science degree from Black Hawk College in 1981 and received his bachelors degree from Illinois State University in 1983. He worked at the Defense Supply Agency Command under the Department of Defense before retiring in 2019. He was known for his love of math, chess, walking, creative writing, spy/thriller movies and traveling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His enduring wish was to give back to the community that shaped him by supporting future generations of Moline High School graduates, said Judie Holmer. The Moline Regional Community Foundation will accept scholarship applications between Nov. 1, 2025 and Feb. 1, 2026. Click here to apply. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. [Provisional translation] On September 4, 2025, Prime Minister Ishiba held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Nikol PASHINYAN, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, at the Prime Ministers Office. Following a salute and guard of honor ceremony, the two leaders held a meeting, which was followed by a working lunch. Parents faced steeper prices for back-to-school shopping this year, with costs rising 7.3% amid tariffs, according to a new Century Foundation report. The price hikes affected everything from basic supplies to electronics, with some items seeing dramatic increases. Index cards jumped 42%, while three-ring binders cost nearly 13% more than last year, ABC News business correspondent Alexis Christoforous reported. "Parents are facing price increases across a number of categories when it comes to school supplies," Dr. Sarah Dickerson, a research economist at UNC Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School, told ABC11. "If we look at pencils, for instance, we know the wooden pencils are imported from Brazil. We are anticipating price hikes there." Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Shipping containers are seen at the rail yard at the LATC-Union Pacific Los Angeles Transportation Center, Sept. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. According to Capital One Shopping research, Americans spent $125.4 billion on back-to-school and college shopping in 2024, with the average household budgeting $874.68 for school supplies. For one K-12 student, parents spent an average of $586 on supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, experts say there are ways to manage these rising costs. Christoforous recommended buying in bulk during sales to save money throughout the year, especially for basic supplies like pencils and pens. She also suggested choosing generic brands over name brands, noting that some generic pencils cost as little as a dollar compared to $5 for well-known brands. For parents looking to stretch their budgets further, Christoforous highlighted the benefits of thrift shopping for school supplies, where shoppers can often find unexpected deals. MORE: Trump's sweeping new tariffs take effect When it comes to expensive electronics, she advised looking for refurbished laptops and tablets that come with warranties from major retailers. Additionally, she urged parents to take advantage of tax-free shopping periods, which many states offer during the back-to-school season. Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images - PHOTO: School supplies, pens, erasers, glue and classroom essentials on display in Wal-Mart megastore in Denver, N.C., July 8, 2025. As of 2025, 18 states offered tax-free shopping periods, according to the Federation of Tax Administrators. Some states, like Florida, extended these savings throughout August, while others limited them to specific weekends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A lot of the big retailers sell refurbished electronics with warranties," Christoforous said, noting that electronics were particularly affected by tariffs due to overseas manufacturing and imported components. For budget-conscious parents, Christoforous also suggested meal planning as a cost-saving measure. "When you make dinner, make extra," she advised. "That way you have leftovers and you're not scrambling every day, going 'What's going to be for lunch?'" Despite these challenges, Capital One Shopping research showed that household back-to-school budgets decreased by $15.39 or 1.73% compared to the previous year, suggesting that many families found ways to adapt to the higher prices. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) A Virginia Beach school said Wednesday there was a reported measles case there as the Virginia Department of Health announced the states fourth measles case of 2025, a 5-to-12-year-old child in the Eastern Region who recently traveled internationally. Measles outbreak makes headway in U.S., Hampton Roads doctor weighs in VDH did not provide any other details about the patient to protect the familys privacy, but an email sent out from Trantwood Elementary School in Virginia Beach stated there was a reported case of measles at the school, with a known date of onset being Aug. 26, the second day of school. That email attached a letter from the VDH for more detailed information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measles prevention: How the two-dose regimen works We understand this is a very concerning situation, the email states. The health of our students and staff is of the utmost importance to us. Please know we are working very closely with the Virginia Department of Health to address this situation. The school said it would be open under normal operations for Thursday. It stated, however, that unvaccinated students and staff, including those who have a medical or other exemption to vaccination, must not attend school through Sept. 16, 2025. VDH said the dates, times and locations of potential public exposure sites in Virginia, which include sites at two cities in Hampton Roads, include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughters Health Center and Urgent Care at Loehmanns Plaza at 3960 Virginia Beach Blvd. in Virginia Beach. Thursday, Aug. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CVS Pharmacy at 300 Laskin Road in Virginia Beach. Saturday. Aug. 30 from 1:30 to 8 p.m. at the CHKD Emergency Department at 601 Childrens Lane in Norfolk. Saturday, Aug. 30 from 6 p.m. to Monday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. at Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughter at 601 Childrens Lane in Norfolk. CHKD said Thursday it is in the process of reaching out to patients and families who may have been exposed. It also opened an informational phone line, at 757-668-9742, for patient families to call if they have questions or concerns that their child could have been exposed to the virus. In the early stages, measles share symptoms with numerous other illnesses, such as a fever, runny nose and a cough. But measles also causes a flat red rash that starts on the head and moves down to the trunk, arms and legs, about three to five days after other symptoms begin. Those infected may spread the virus to others four days before they develop a rash, and CHKD noted measles is especially dangerous to children and babies too young for vaccination and those with compromised immune systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vaccination saves lives and prevents illness, said Dr. Chris Foley, senior vice president and chief clinical operations officer at CHKD in a statement. The measles vaccine is very effective and very safe. Pediatricians recommend children receive the measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR, vaccine at 12 to 15 months, then again at four-to-six-years-old. CHKD noted that each dose of MMR lowers the risk of infection and the severity of illness for children who become infected. If you are unsure if your child is up to date with their immunizations, contact your pediatrician. The MMR vaccine is available through your CHKD pediatricians office. CHKD does not provide the MMR vaccine in our urgent care centers or emergency department. Anyone at any of the above locations on the days and times specified should do the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, the VDH says you are protected and do not need to take any action. If you have never received a measles-containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella MMR vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who may have been exposed and considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider to discuss any questions they may have. VDH says everyone should watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of potential exposure. If you notice measles symptoms, immediately isolate yourself by staying home and contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to the healthcare providers office or the emergency room to notify them of a potential exposure. Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms. If you have received just one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, VDH says you are likely to be protected and risk of infection is said to be low. But to get the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a vaccine dose. CHKD said a single dose of the MMR vaccine is more than 93% effective. Those other than patients and parents who visited CHKD at the above dates, times and locations and are not protected against measles are encouraged to contact the Norfolk Health Department or their healthcare providers. They should also keep a watchful eye for symptoms of measles. For more information on measles and how to prevent the spread, 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 WAVY.com. Scientists are hailing promising breakthroughs in the fight against cancer, with one new therapy appearing to kill tumors without damaging healthy flesh. Novartiss radioligand therapy targets mutations in tumors, delivering radiation only where it is needed, unlike ordinary radiotherapy which kills non-cancerous cells as well as cancerous ones. In a trial, the Novartis treatment removed all disease from 21% of patients whose cancers had spread around the body, which an oncologist told The New York Times was never seen before. In other progress in the fight against cancer, The Economist reported that scientists are attempting to prevent the disease by boosting the metabolism of non-cancerous cells so they grow faster, levelling the arms race between unhealthy and healthy cells. Montana's Rocky Mountain Front is home to some of the oldest trees in North America, but new research shows these ancient trees are now facing their greatest challenge yet. What's happening? An invasive fungus called white pine blister rust is spreading rapidly through Montana's limber pine forests. Brought to North America in the 1930s, the disease has since spread to 38 states, causing substantial damage and mortality, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. According to Mountain Journal, findings from a long-term U.S. Forest Service study show 43% of limber pines in the survey area are already dead, while another 21% are in decline. Only 37% remain healthy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Larson, professor of forest ecology at the University of Montana, warned that these iconic trees are "under extraordinary threat" because they never evolved natural defenses against the invasive fungus. Why is this concerning? Limber pines anchor soils, feed wildlife like grizzlies and Clark's nutcrackers, and provide shade and shelter for elk and deer. Some are thought to be more than 500 years old, serving as living records of the landscape's history. But blister rust kills by cutting off water and nutrients inside the tree. Combined with stressors like mountain pine beetles and increasing drought, the die-off threatens to unravel entire ecosystems. If these trees vanish, it's important to note that it won't just be the landscape that changes; it will have significant impacts on the animals and people who depend on them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Invasive species outcompete native plants and animals for critical resources, often with devastating results. From lanternflies damaging fruit crops in the Northeast to lionfish disrupting coral reefs in Florida, invasions like these can ripple through local economies and community health. What's being done about the fungus? Since 2017, the Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, and Montana's Department of Natural Resources have been collaborating under the Montana Forest Action Plan to monitor limber pine populations and track how blister rust interacts with other stressors. Their work is laying the groundwork for long-term restoration. Meanwhile, innovative approaches are emerging elsewhere. One Michigan Tech student, for example, is experimenting with a lab-made fungal solution nicknamed "SuperPurp" to fight invasive buckthorn trees. His project highlights how creative science can help restore balance. For everyday people, choosing native plants for backyards, supporting invasive-species removal projects, and advocating for ecosystem protection programs can all help make a difference in boosting biodiversity. 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. Wetlands in the Wax Lake Delta, one of the few places along Louisianas coast where land is growing instead of being lost. The science conducted at Wax Lake informed coastal restoration projects such as the now canceled Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project. (Elise Plunk/Louisiana Illuminator) One of the key scientists involved in a now-defunct plan to rebuild coastal wetlands in southeast Louisiana has a new approach for how to take on the task. Ehab Meselhe, a coastal restoration scientist and professor at Tulane University, is researching a new way to operate the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion he says could be a compromise to move the project forward. But whether officials who control coastal restoration are willing to accept his idea is more uncertain than the science behind it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The concept uses the bones of the previous large-scale sediment diversion, mimicking the natural processes that originally created the delta region at the mouth of the Mississippi River. The power of the rivers current slowly feeds layers of sediment to build new marshland along Louisianas coast. But instead of keeping the flow of water constant, Meselhe is exploring a way to periodically turn off the faucet. His research has yet to be published, meaning it hasnt undergone academic scrutiny. But it does draw from previous bodies of knowledge. We started to think about exploring the concept of pulsing, Meselhe said, along with piling dredged sand by the mouth of the floodgate that controls flow from the Mississippi River. When opened, the sediment and sand would be carried into Barataria Bay, helping build land in coastal Jefferson, Lafourche and Plaquemines parishes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His idea would likely involve less of the rivers flow from the original plans, which Meselhe said would result in less land being built but far less dilution in the salinity of the bays water. The chief complaint among opponents of the diversion is its potential impact on the estuary, its sealife and the livelihoods it supports. Oyster farmers, in particular, have said their beds in the area would perish. Meselhes idea combines the pulsing concept with the idea to transport dredge material into the outflow area, which draws off previous scientific experiments to create sand or mud engines. A plusing diversion has been studied before, said Sam Bentley, professor and Harrison Chair of LSUs geology and geophysics department, as well as co-director of the coastal restoration research group MissDelta Consortium. The Netherlands and river systems in southeast Asia have used the sand engine concept successfully, Bentley said, but Meselhes plan would combine elements in a brand new fashion in North America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea of engineering shorelines so that sediment is redistributed naturally by existing currents is something thats been around for several decades, Bentley said, But Ehabs design concept is unique, its exciting and I think has great potential. The state official in charge of coastal restoration says it aint gonna work. Hats off to everyone who has an idea, said Gordon Gordy Dove, chairman of the Louisiana Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority. While explaining that he doesnt mean to be patronizing, he said he doesnt believe in further experimentation over traditional restoration land-building methods such as dredging, dredging, dredging or a smaller-scale diversion higher up in the basin. My job is to protect the coast, and we dont have much time. Thats why I believe in trying whats worked in the past, Dove said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meselhe, Bentley and other scientists say dredging alone wont be the solution Louisianas coast needs. I think that we are at an inflection point in time right now where we have to find new solutions. We cant rely on conventional engineering, you know, old old school solutions, Bentley said, adding that dredging could be done in conjunction with other methods. Scientists also see problems with relying only on a small-scale diversion for the Barataria Basin, saying it will still pour considerable freshwater into the bay. Meselhes computer models of different diversion projects in the region show that even with much less water moving than the 75,000 cubic feet per second that Mid-Barataria called for they still push salt water further away from the shore. Whether its Mid-Breton or Mid-Barataria, or even some of the work that we have done on Caernarvon and Davis Pond, salinity has always been a challenge, Meselhe said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, changing the salinities within the basin doesnt require that much fresh water input. It can really change pretty easily, said Alisha Renfro, a coastal scientist with the National Wildlife Federation. James Karst, communications director for the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, said he thinks an idea like Meselhes could bode well for a compromise. Clearly, Mid-Barataria is no longer, and yet the crisis still exists, Karst said. We need to do something, and we need to do something urgently. It has to be something big. Some critics of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion are open to Meselhes alternative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mitch Jurisich, chairman of Louisianas Oyster Task Force, said if the research proves to be fruitful, he thinks the oyster industry will rally around a compromise. We want to see land building, he said. Fresh water diversions can be used very beneficially to not only enhance the environment but to help the fisheries, if controlled. But even if enough people agree Meselhes idea has merit, there could be problems with moving it from theory into reality. How feasible is it really to do that? Renfro said. Whats going to be the cost of the dredging and augmenting, like putting sediment into the diversion channel? Is that going to be a cost that increases over time? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cost and promptness are critical, experts said. Meselhes previous research shows that, as more time passes, it will be harder to rebuild land within the Barataria Basin. I am hoping that, because we are building on a concept that has been thoroughly reviewed, we can cut down on the time, Meselhe said. But I dont know, does that mean months, or does it mean years? I dont know, but Im hoping that its not 10 years. Its totally within the realm of feasibility, Bentley said. You just have to get the right people at the table to do it, including state and federal government. Not doing any restoration in the area is not an option, Renfro said. It comes down to funding, and it comes down to political will to actually restore the coast in a way that addresses the scale of land loss that we have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jurisich believes that with more community engagement, compromise is possible for river diversions, even with tensions still high after fighting for so long over the original Mid-Barataria plans. It doesnt have to be one side or the other, he said. I think they should be engaging with communities, talking with the fishermen, especially generational fishermen more than what officials did for the original diversion proposal. Meselhe said that while his research is still in its infancy, the early results are promising. There is nothing that you can implement in the landscape that has zero impacts, zero negative impact. That doesnt exist. So we have to come to grips with that, Meselhe said. But if the negative impacts are a lot smaller, perhaps it can be palatable to the local communities and to the fishing community and to the parish residents. SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Lackawanna County commissioners, as well as the county judge, have voted to declare yet another special election in the span of a week. This second special election is to replace the former clerk of courts, Mauri Kelly, whose resignation was effective Tuesday. The Lackawanna County Commissioners, Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak, along with county judge Terrence Nealon, met to discuss another special election on Wednesday afternoon. This time, to fill the vacant clerk of judicial records row office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vote was two in favor, Commissioners Gaughan and Nealon, zero opposed, and one vote, Chermak, abstained. In my opinion, the election board does not have the authority to call for a special election, so to be consistent with last weeks vote on the commissioner, I voted the same way and just abstained. I believe that to be true, so well have to see what happens after this, Chermak explained. Car catches fire after crashing into utility pole Yeah, I voted in favor of the special election, and what Ive been saying from the very beginning is that there has to be transparency in this process, and since Commissioner McGloin left back in March of this year, Ive been fighting against the political insiders of both the Democrat and Republican party who have tried to railroad this process, Commissioner Gaughan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This session also continued Fridays meeting, where the board of elections declared a special election to fill the vacant commissioner seat. Michael Cappellini from Jessup intends to run as an independent for the commissioner seat in the special election. This is the voice of the people. We want to ensure that we continue to protect the constitutional right of a free and fair election, and Im hoping that this motion that was passed today continues forward into November, Cappellini told 28/22 News. Man arrested after smoke shop robbery Cappellini tells 28/22 what he believes are the most pressing issues hed like to tackle if elected a commissioner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lack of information we have regarding the data centers, their placement, etcetera. In addition to that, I have a beautiful baby boy, I have a son on the way, and I really want to be able to make sure they grow up in a county thats physically solid and brings sustainable jobs to them as we move forward throughout the future generations, Cappellini explained. Members of the public addressed the board, expressing their approval of these special elections. Both are to take place in the general election on November 4. Now, in his latest move, Commissioner Gaughan and Lackawanna County have filed an emergency application with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to stop the court of common pleas from filling a vacancy in the commissioners office while their appeal is pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Second decomposed body linked to now-closed Orlando funeral home Investigators confirmed Thursday that a second heavily decomposed body has been linked to a now-shuttered funeral home. Documents released by the Department of Financial Services said Orlando police officers showed up to Fosters Funeral Home for a burglary call on Aug. 10, where they found the body of a woman in 110-degree heat. OUC confirmed the propertys power was shut off July 23. The documents said when owner and funeral director Amos Jerome Foster took the womans body to a crematory in south Orange County the following day, the decomposed body of a man was also in the back of the car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said the unidentified man had three different names on his tags and cardboard box. They said none of the names matched records at the medical examiners office. In a phone call Thursday, Foster said he went to the hospital after the womans service in late June or early July and had been ordered by doctors to not drive. He said staff were supposed to take the woman to the crematory and he had not been back to the property since that day. As for the man, he said the body was dropped off at his funeral home while he was in the hospital. He said he didnt know who left the man with his staff or who the man was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said they found mattresses all over the property in their initial searches, but the mattresses had disappeared by the time they returned to raid the building Aug. 19. They said the property owner told them Foster also cleared out a locked back room full of boxes hours before that Aug. 19 raid. Foster denied knowledge of the mattresses and said the back room belonged to the property owner, not himself, and denied removing boxes from it. Orlando police said a preliminary investigation yielded no criminal violations, but their investigation is still marked as active. Improper storage of a body is a third degree felony in Florida. DFS agents have suspended Fosters licenses. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. HACKETT, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A second Hackett High School student has been arrested in connection with a threat of a mass shooting, according to the Sebastian County Sheriffs Office (SCSO). On Sept. 3, a 14-year-old was arrested on a felony charge of threatening to commit an act of mass violence on school property, the same charge filed against a 15-year-old earlier this week. The SCSO said the information leading to the second arrest was confidential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SCSO takes very seriously the safety of our students, the department said. We will aggressively pursue all leads to make sure our kids are safe. Van Buren woman gets 20 years for robbing man at gunpoint in Fort Smith SCSO reported that it began receiving calls about a threat to Hackett Schools around 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 1, with nearly 20 calls coming in by 4:30 p.m. the following day. The messages warned of a school shooting on Sept. 2 that could harm many students. Investigators traced the messages and arrested the first minor allegedly connected to them around 7:30 p.m. that 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 KNWA FOX24. AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) Only a few days into the start of the academic year, one Western New York school has already received a threat of violence. A Sweet Home Schools spokesperson confirmed to WIVB News 4 that a non-credible threat was made against the high school on just the second day of classes. According to Joseph Lucenti, Sweet Home High Schools interim principal, the school received information that a threat had been made, which prompted an immediate response from the Amherst Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, law enforcement told the school their initial investigation confirmed that the information was credible. They later determined with confidence that the person responsible was not a student and was located outside Western New York. This incident differs from one in May of this year, when a 14-year-old student was charged with making terroristic threats against Sweet Home High School, leading to a lockdown. Former Erie County District Attorney John Flynn emphasized that the location of the culprit does not impact the ability to prosecute. Whoever picked up the phone at the Sweet Home School District or whoever opened the email here in Amherst, New York thats where the crime culminated and ended. Thats what the effect of the crime was. And thats all that matters, said Flynn. You definitely can prosecute a person here in Erie County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lucenti confirmed that Amherst Police are currently working with other law enforcement agencies to locate the individual responsible. Former Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo noted that in situations like this, especially when they involve cross-state threats, federal partners are often engaged. Any time you have something like this that occurs in another state, and the nature of the threat that was made, local law enforcement engages our federal partners all the time, Rinaldo explained. They help to organize, collaborate, and look at any federal statutes that may apply. Lucenti concluded by reassuring families, there is no imminent danger to our school, our students, or our staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The building was not placed on lockdown Wednesday and students did not need to evacuate. Amherst Police stated that, due to the unfounded nature of the threat, no additional information will be released at this time. The school says it will update parents as more details become available. Students will return to class Thursday per their regular schedule. Latest Local News Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Having lost reelection in 2020 but declined to retire from campaigning, Trump has been the central, all-consuming figure in American politics for a decade. That's longer (and counting) than a typical second-term commander in chief, which might suggest to some political observers that lame duck status is lurking around the next corner. Voters often tire of reelected presidents, if for no other reason than the old saw "familiarity breeds contempt." But the 45th and 47th president is exerting political influence and wielding power like a chief executive in the prime of his first term. "I see this as President Trump getting a mulligan," Liam Donovan, president of the Republican digital advertising firm, Targeted Victory, told me. "The things that held him back in the first term can largely be chalked up to a mix of inexperience and intra-party ambivalence. Flash forward and he suddenly has the unchallenged power, popular legitimacy, and hard-won understanding of how to use the machinery of government to achieve his goals." Some of that is surely due to how he used his four years out of power. Trump took office this year not only as the opposite of the novice he was on Inauguration Day eight years prior, but also more prepared than most second-term presidents in recent memory. "One of the reasons for this is not only the non-consecutive nature of Trump's two terms, but the planning and intentionality that went into gearing up for the second term," said Marc Selverstone, director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia's Miller Center. "Usually, presidents who've won a consecutive second term don't have the time or focus to organize effectively for a second term," he added. "It's also harder to re-examine various processes and assess their effectiveness when you're not only deeply engaged in governing but running for a second term." Trump has also benefited from the infrastructure of think tanks and advocacy groups, as well as a media ecosystem of friendly podcasters, online influencers and cable television networks, most of which did barely existed eight years ago but which matured as potent political allies and governing partners during former President Joe Biden's term. Trump is also more popular now with his party than most second-term presidents. Right around this time eight years ago, Trump's job approval rating was roughly 80% among Republicans, 8% among Democrats and 30% among independents, according to Gallup. And now? 93% among Republicans, 1% among Democrats and 35% among independents. That stellar 93% approval rating from Republicans is what's fueling Trump's unusual second-term political juice with members of his own party in the House of Representatives and US Senate. By contrast, Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama were both at roughly 80% with voters of their own party at this point in their second term, an approximate 10 percentage point drop from their standing at the same point in their first term, per Gallup. In other words, Trump's endorsement can still make or break a primary campaign. Any Republican congressional or gubernatorial contender who's doing it right has two goals in mind: Win Trump's endorsement and then win the voters - in that order. "Any Republican he opposes will lose the primary. He won't be a lame duck because there is a constant fear of that reality," said Jeffrey Forbes, a veteran Democratic lobbyist in Washington. That's helped give Trump a stranglehold over Congress, which has only allowed his presidential clout to grow. Then, of course, there's the president's constitutionally questionable assertion of emergency tariff powers, his strong-arming of corporate America by pressuring some firms to hand the government an ownership stake, his deployment of the military on American soil, and his forays into higher education, the arts and even the Federal Reserve. As Keystone College political science professor Jeffrey Brauer told me, "Trump seems to want to be president of everything." These and other ways in which Trump is stretching executive power are creating several avenues for political backlash against him and his party, beginning in off-year contests this November and continuing through the 2026 midterm elections and beyond. Ironically, this would make Trump a very typical second term president after all. (COMMENT, BELOW) David M. Drucker is columnist covering politics and policy. He is also a senior writer for The Dispatch and the author of "In Trump's Shadow: The Battle for 2024 and the Future of the GOP ." COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was in the Columbus area Thursday morning and visited Fort Benning to speak at Officer Candidate School Graduation. Hegseth was the guest speaker at the graduation for Class 501-25. He told the 77 total graduates, who became 2nd Lieutenants, that they gave the entire nation hope and assured them that President Donald Trump stands behind them. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was the guest speaker at the Officer Candidate School Graduation on Sept. 4, 2025. (Photo credit: WRBL News 3) The graduation ceremony included a presentation of a special gift to Hegseth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raise that right hand to defend the Constitution and defend our nation and our citizens. We dont exist, unless we have people like you, said Hegseth. You give me hope. The new lieutenants will now head to basic officer leaders courses across the country. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. Alabama Senate convenes for a session, Feb. 25, 2025. Secretary of State Wes Allen told a federal judge Thursday morning that he is not sure whether Gov. Kay Ivey will call a special session to comply with an order to redraw Montgomery-area districts, which a judge ruled violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. (Photo by Stew Milne for the Alabama Reflector) Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen told a federal judge Thursday he still does not know if the governor will call a special session to redraw state Senate districts in Montgomery after a ruling that they violate the Voting Rights Act. U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Donald Trump, issued a decision last month that Senate Districts 25 and 26 violate Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by giving Black voters less opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice than other voters. She ordered lawmakers to revise the capital-area districts in time for the 2026 midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Counsel remain in contact with Legislative leadership and with the Governors office but cannot say at this time when a decision will be made or what it will be, Allen wrote in his latest status report. Counsel understand that the officials who would be involved in a special session of the Legislature are actively discussing the matter and progress has been made, but no final decision has been reached. The qualifying period for the midterm election is in January for the Republican Party, but the Democratic Party has yet to set its dates. Allen previously reported his uncertainty about what the Legislature would do to comply with the order but said a special session could happen in late September or early October. He appealed the order to wait for a final decision until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a similar case in Louisiana. Messages seeking comment were left with the office of Gov. Kay Ivey and Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, on Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manasco said if the Legislature does not redraw the districts, she would appoint a special master to do so. She intends to appoint Richard Allen as the special master, David Ely as his cartographer, and Michael Scodro and his law firm, Mayer Brown LLP, as the special masters legal counsel if the Legislature does not redraw the map. It is the same team that redrew the states congressional districts. Neither Allen nor the plaintiffs objected to the appointment. Should the ruling be upheld, it would be the second time in four years a federal court found Alabamas 2021 congressional and legislative maps to be racially discriminatory. A three-judge panel that included Manasco ruled in 2022 that the states congressional map did not give Black voters a proper opportunity to choose their preferred leaders, eventually resulting in a new congressional map with a majority Black district in west Alabama and a near-majority Black district in the southern Black Belt. Security advisers to the leaders of key EU states and Ukraine have held talks with US President Donald Trumps Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Paris, where a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing is taking place on 4 September. Source: Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, as reported by European Pravda Details: Yermak said the meeting with Witkoff was attended by Jonathan Powell, National Security Adviser to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron, Gunter Sautter, adviser to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Fabrizio Saggio, adviser to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine was represented by Yermak himself and Rustem Umierov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council. Yermak reported on the meeting around 12:45 Kyiv time, without specifying when the discussion actually took place. Quote from Yermak: "The main task is the practical implementation of the leaders agreements on security guarantees for Ukraine. They must be strong and effective in the air, at sea, on land, and in cyberspace. We also discussed increasing sanctions pressure and the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war and children abducted by Russia." Background: The Coalition of the Willing meeting began at the Elysee Palace at 11:45 Kyiv time. Steve Witkoff was there at first, but later left the meeting. Macron explained that this had been the plan due to another engagement and that Trumps special envoy would return later. Representatives from more than 30 countries across Europe and other parts of the world are participating. Six EU leaders, the EU leadership and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy are attending in person, with the remainder joining via video link. Ahead of the meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the allies have finalised security guarantees for Ukraine, which are now ready for political approval. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A judge has found Nashville private security company Solaren unlawfully identified some of its security guards as police officers and ordered the company to pay $64,000 in penalties. Solaren will retain its contract security company license. Solaren CEO Jack Byrd said he will file a motion for the judge to reconsider the decision. Administrative Law Judge Claudia Padfield on Sept. 2 ruled against Solaren on 32 of 62 charges brought against it by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Twenty-nine of the charges Padfield ruled against Solaren on were for employees wearing uniforms that indicated they were "sworn peace officers, police, or similar wording," and three were for employing individuals who were not licensed as security guards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former and current Solaren security guards testified in March that Solaren management required them to wear patches or other adornments on their uniforms identifying them as off-duty police, retired police or something similar. Padfield found Solaren's conduct was intentional and wrote, "presenting employees as law enforcement or off-duty police is a risk to the public." The administrative law judge found several Solaren employees wore uniforms that identified them as police. Padfield sided with Solaren on other charges the department brought, including on 16 additional counts of guards identifying as police. Padfield said exemptions in state law for full-time or retired peace officers permitted some guards to wear uniforms identifying them as police. Byrd said he appreciated the judge's ruling because it clarifies for him who is exempt from the state prohibition on identifying as police and what documentation is needed to show they meet the exemption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Byrd told The Tennessean he believes he will be able to show all but five of the employees should be considered exempt and that several others, according to him, lied about their law enforcement credentials. For Byrd to succeed, Padfield would need to reverse her finding that Davidson County Sheriff's Office employees are not considered peace officers. The sheriff's office has acknowledged they lack arrest powers and are not certified to perform the work of criminal law enforcement officers." "Even though I disagree on some of the conclusions of law, I'm very appreciative for the fact that she has clarified and has offered this way forward, because ultimately, we will prevail," Byrd said. Patches worn by Solaren Risk Management security guards are projected on a screen while attorney Jesse Gentry questions a witness during a trial before an administrative law judge on March 26, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. Padfield found the department did not meet its burden of proof to show Solaren violated a state law that prohibits flashing blue lights on non-police vehicles. Padfield declined to revoke or suspend Solaren's security license as requested by the Department of Commerce and Insurance, instead imposing a $2,000 civil penalty per violation of law, factoring into her decision that Solaren had "taken measures to address the issues raised." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It contacted the (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Commission, changed the patches in an effort to create a design that complied with the Act, implemented a written procedure for the use of its vehicles, implemented a bi-annual verification procedure to check employees credentials, and hired a compliance officer," Padfield wrote. Solaren provides security for some Broadway bars like Nudies Honky Tonk as well as other places like Opry Mills Mall, according to testimony from the March trial. Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance spokesperson Kevin Walters said the department could not comment. Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Security company Solaren to pay $64K after identifying guards as police GALLATIN, Tenn. (WKRN) Gallatins growth is creating conflict among city leaders. Councilman Pascal Jouvence, who has stressed the need to slow Gallatins development, walked out of a city council meeting Tuesday following a loud disagreement with Mayor Paige Brown. The council had just begun discussions on the first agenda item: rezoning two lots near an existing neighborhood to allow for more townhomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sumner County rejects term limits on county officials for now Jouvence allegedly wanted to show photos of the proposed development, but Mayor Brown would not allow it without seeing the materials first. Like I told (Mayor Brown) in a previous email, I cannot do that. Simply because of the Sunshine Law. I cannot provide her my material on an item she can vote on. But she doesnt want to understand, said Jouvence. I showed the material to the young lady who is in charge of the audio/visual, she saw that. There was nothing wrong with it. Jouvence said he did tell Brown about the images before the meeting began. He said this is not the first time she has done this to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats Paige Brown, who wants to control everything with false excuses, and she wants to shut down the voice of the people I represent, said Jouvence. My job is to represent my constituents, make sure they have a voice, and the fact that Paige Brown for 3 years now has tried to silence me is unacceptable. Gallatin City Council could pause rezonings with moratorium Meanwhile, News 2 asked the mayor why she felt the need to step in. I want to make sure that whatever were disseminating to the public is appropriate and relevant, answered Brown. I have to control the meetings, I mean, that is my job. And he could have very simply told me what it was. I just dont understand the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown said Jouvences reaction was one she had never seen before. (Weve) had a lot of mad council members over the years, and Ive been pretty upset myself, and no ones ever walked out. Im sad, Im very disappointed. It truly hurts my heart when Gallatin is reflected in a negative light, said the Mayor. As a Gallatin native, Brown said she can relate to the anger and angst towards their growth. However, she said this is their new reality and plenty of residents, especially young families, have shown support for whats happening. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com A lot of people are here having great opportunities, very successful lives, raising their families here, said Brown. I certainly wish there were a way to set some kind of timeline for deliberate, measured growth. But people have a right to sell their land (and) you want it developed in the best way possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to Tuesdays exchange, Jouvence said he will look into taking action against the Mayor. I already contacted my legal team this morning and they are working on an action, if action is possible, said Jouvence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 National Hurricane Center designated a tropical wave in the eastern Atlantic as Invest 91L, Thursday afternoon, Sept. 4. Conditions are favorable for additional development and the disturbance is "likely to become a tropical depression by the weekend," according to the National Hurricane Center. Track all active storms Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system is expected to approach the Lesser Antilles by the middle of the week, which also happens to coincide with the peak of hurricane season on Sept. 10. Spaghetti models for Invest 91L. See expected path Special note about spaghetti models: Spaghetti model illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The Hurricane Center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts. Track Invest 91L What you should know about Invest 91L Invest 91L is a broad area of low pressure that has formed along a tropical wave over the eastern tropical Atlantic. Recent satellite imagery suggests the system continues to slowly become better organized with shower and thunderstorm activity along its eastern periphery, the National Hurricane Center said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Environmental conditions are favorable for additional development of the system and a tropical depression is likely to form by this weekend as it moves slowly westward at 5 to 10 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic. Residents in the Lesser Antilles and Leeward Islands should monitor the progress of this system as it approachesfrom the east by the middle of next week. Formation chance through 48 hours: medium, 60 percent. Formation chance through 7 days: high, 90 percent. Is there a hurricane approaching Florida? It's too early to determine if Invest 91L will impact Florida, the National Weather Service Melbourne said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disturbance is in the far eastern Atlantic, well away from land, and no watches or warnings have been issued as of Thursday afternoon. What residents and visitors should do is monitor the system closely for updates, forecasters said. If you haven't prepared a hurricane supply kit or checked your home, now is the time to do it. Do you have a hurricane supply kit? Here's what you need Officials regularly encourage Florida residents to prepare for storms before a hurricane is approaching, while shelves are fully stocked and you aren't battling crowds all rushing to the store at the same time. Don't have a hurricane supply kit? From the basics to the extras, here's what you need Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It only takes one storm to make it an impactful year for your community," the National Hurricane Center Miami posted on X. See list of emergency supplies you can now buy tax free On Aug. 1, specific hurricane supplies became permanently tax-free in Florida, ranging from batteries to generators. See Invest 91L, all active Atlantic storms and disturbances This auto-updated graphic shows a map of all active storms in the Atlantic basin. Can't see the graphic? Open in a new browser. NWS weather radar shows conditions in Florida, Southeast Latest weather watches and warnings issued in Florida Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Invest 91L spaghetti models. Where will storm go? Tropical depression Elizabeth Dole is best known as a true American trailblazer, having served and this is a partial list as the first female Secretary of Transportation, and thus the first female leader of a military service, the U.S. Coast Guard; the first woman to be elected a U.S. senator from North Carolina; a holder of cabinet positions in two presidential administrations; and a successor to Clara Barton as president of the American Red Cross. But in 2010, Dole unexpectedly found herself in a new role: caregiver to her husband, the late former Senate Majority Leader and decorated World War II veteran Bob Dole. In the 11 months he spent at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center recovering from knee surgery and repeated bouts of pneumonia, Elizabeth Doles eyes were opened to a community of those who silently served: the family members who managed care and met the needs of their veteran loved ones, at great personal cost and often with little support. As I spent time around the hospital, I visited with other loved ones quietly looking after their wounded warriors. They shared stories about the emotional shock of their veterans injuries, their confusion about the medical decisions now in their hands, their frustration with the bureaucracy of our health system, and, in too many cases, a hopelessness about the future, Dole, now 89, told Military Times. As I brought them together for dinners or other informal gatherings, they found a lot of solace and support in spending time together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doles establishment of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation brought these caregivers service into the national conversation, with celebrity-backed awareness campaigns and programs to support caregivers financially, physically and emotionally. One of these caregivers was Rachel Clark, who found the foundation in a desperate internet search after being forced to commit her veteran husband to a mental health ward, Dole recalled. Clark later became a Dole Caregiver Fellow, contributing to a community of support for caregivers across the nation. Over the last eight years, Rachel and I have grown close as she has made tremendous contributions by sharing her knowledge and experiences with our Foundation partners and national leaders, Dole said. This year saw the passage of the Dole Act, which increased home care coverage under the Department of Veterans Affairs and created mental health grants for caregivers, while building and improving an array of benefits to support veterans in need. The legislation aptly illustrates Doles legacy of effecting meaningful change through advocacy from working with Mothers Against Drunk Drivers to pass seatbelt laws in 29 states to achieving tobacco industry reforms while in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That bill is the perfect example of the types of resources and changes that must come from Washington, Dole said of the Dole Act, crediting the bills champions in Congress from both sides of the aisle. Certainly, not every problem can be solved inside the beltway, but some solutions can only come from the federal government. As the 2025 recipient of the Military Times Foundations Chairmans Award, Dole demonstrates the power and impact of a lifetime committed to service. My parents and my faith both instilled in me the principle that to lead, is to serve, Dole said. I also grew up in the shadow of the World War II generation, which engendered a spirit of patriotism and the ideal of working together toward a greater good. I cant necessarily say what drew me to each career decision I have made along the way, but I always knew that whatever I did, I wanted to give back. I wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of others and to help those in need. (ABC22/FOX44) After a rare endorsement in the race for New Yorks next mayor, Bernie Sanders is headed to the big apple this weekend. Vermonts senior senator announced today he is teaming up with the man he wants to unseat Eric Adams. The AP has reported members of the presidents staff approached current Mayor Adams. Asking if he would consider dropping out of the race to take a federal position. Sources say a similar offer was made to republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would be to consolidate opposition against democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, creating a one-on-one matchup between him and former governor Andrew Cuomo. In June, Mister Mamdani won the primary with 56-percent of the vote. Days later, Cuomo announced he would stay in the race as an independent. Today, Mamdani addressed these reports: It all has to do with power. It all has to do with the audacity that we have here to believe that we could pick our own mayor, that we have to believe that the most pressing issues are not how to ensure that Donald Trump continues to have an ambassador in City Hall, but that New Yorkers can actually afford the place that they call home, says Mamdani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the mayor says Adams will stay in the race and has not spoken personally with the president. The general election is scheduled for November 4th, two months and one day away from right now. Bernie Sanders has weighed in on the current state of the election. he says: the NYC mayors race is a clear example of a corrupt political system, Zohran Mamdani wins the democratic primary The oligarchs spend whatever it takes to defeat himdemocratic leadership refuses to endorse him. Together, we will take them all on and elect Zohran as mayor, writes Sanders. Now as we alluded to, Sanders and Mamdani will be teaming up this weekend in New York at the Fighting Oligarchy Tour. The rally will be at Brooklyn College this Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will have coverage on our weekend shows. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. (FOX40.COM) The new Senate Bill 98, Sending Alerts to Families in Education Act, co-sponsored by California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, was approved by the Senate on Tuesday and is headed to the governor to be signed into law. On Tuesday, Thurmond joined Senator Sasha Renee Perez, legislators, and members of the California Latino Legislative Caucus at a press conference that was held on Tuesday in Sacramento to show support for the bill, officials said. Assemblymembers bill defends birthright citizenship, heads to final vote Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the California Department of Education, the bill would require K-12 schools and higher education institutions to notify students, staff, and community members when immigration enforcement is present on campus. SB 98 provides students and educators with peace of mind in the classroom while reinforcing the states commitment to ensuring that educational institutions remain safe spaces where students can learn, teachers can teach, and schools can focus exclusively on educating and uplifting the next generation, Thurmond said. Sen. Padilla promotes new bill at recent Sacramento Rapid Response Network roundtable The bill prohibits district employees from allowing immigration authorities to enter private areas of school sites for any purpose without a valid judicial warrant or court order, according to the California Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DES MOINES, IOWA On Tuesday, Senator Joni Ernst (R) announced that she was not seeking reelection, and hours later Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R) IA-02 launched her campaign for that seat. Hinson joined a field of two other Iowa Republicans, former State Senator Jim Carlin and veteran Joshua Smith. Both of those candidates have been in the race since the early summer, seeking to run challenge Ernst in the primary. The proximity tells you that it was a little scripted I think, said Jim Carlin. She had her stuff to roll pretty quick and I dont think Sen. Ernsts announcement caught her off guard. From what I understand some people are already working on running for Ashleys seat. So, a lot of this stuff is planned out well ahead of time. Maybe for months, people have been talking about it for quite a while. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlin challenged Senator Chuck Grassley (R) for his seat in the Republican primary in 2021, unsuccessfully. After over 25 years, Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly announces she wont run for reelection He told WHO 13 News that Sen. Ernst did a good job on a number of issues during her time in office. When asked about the challenge of the campaign trail now with Congresswoman Hinson in the race, he viewed it the same as running against the incumbent. You can learn more about Carlin on his campaign website. Hinson grabbed a numerous amount of endorsements from leadership in the U.S. House, colleagues in that chamber, along with sitting U.S. Senators endorsing her right after the announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres always the chance that someone else could get in. I dont expect it to happen, said Dave Kochel, a GOP Strategist with Redwave Communications. I think shes (Hinson) got a bunch of money ready to go. Shes lined up a ton of endorsementsit is widely understood that Ashley Hinson is a very gifted candidate, an excellent policymaker, a wonderful member of Congress representing Iowa. So I expect that shes, you know, she obviously has two people to filed to run against her. She will have a primary and she will go out and do what shes always done, which is earn every vote. Kochel worked on Hinsons campaigns in her three elections running for Iowas Second Congressional District. He discussed more about Hinsons announcement, and what had led Ernst up to the decision to not seek reelection. Kochel outlines how Hinson laid the ground work for another Republican to run in IA-02 and win. You can watch that full conversation with WHO 13s Zach Fisher at the video link below. 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. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. Texas is poised to allow anyone to sue doctors and distributors of abortion pills involved in sending the drugs into the state under sweeping new legislation that is headed to the governor's desk. The bill, backed by antiabortion activists and passed in the state Senate on Wednesday, allows private citizens to sue companies and individuals who manufacture or distribute abortion pills to patients in Texas. Winning plaintiffs would get a minimum of $100,000 in damages. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is expected to sign the legislation into law. Abbott included the bill on the agenda for the state's two special sessions this summer, which have been largely dedicated to redistricting and the July floods. It's Texas's latest attempt to curb the increasing popularity and availability of medication abortion, even in states that ban or severely restrict the procedure. In eight Democratic-led states, abortion providers can prescribe and mail the pills - typically a two-step drug regimen - to patients across the country under "shield" laws designed to give them legal cover from out-of-state prosecution. John Seago, president of Texas Right to Life, an antiabortion group that spearheaded the legislation, said it was written "aggressively" to stop what he called the "trafficking" of the abortion drugs into Texas under shield laws. "That's really what we're trying to get at - to create better tools to respond to this open defiance and very dangerous practice of mailing abortion pills," Seago said. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and the constitutional right to an abortion three years ago, women seeking to end pregnancies have increasingly used pills to do so. Texas has emerged as a testbed of new legislation and legal strategies seeking to thwart abortion pill access. With the new measure, conservatives hope to build a legal framework to bulwark Texas against out-of-state abortion providers - an effort that has been slow-moving so far. It stipulates that shield laws cannot be used as a defense in the lawsuits filed under it. But winning plaintiffs may still be unable to collect damages from defendants in states with shield laws, if officials there refuse to file judgments. Those clashes, if they arise, would test whether and how far Texas will be able to influence the interstate abortion pill mailing network. Conservative lawyers in Texas and the state's Attorney General Ken Paxton have already sued abortion providers in states with shield laws - but to no avail thus far. That legal fight is expected to land before the Supreme Court. Texas already allows private citizens to sue anyone who helps facilitate an abortion after cardiac activity is detected in a fetus, but the newly passed measure would broaden who can be sued, regardless of whether a woman actually took or attempted to take abortion pills. Companies that are involved in mailing or delivering abortion pills could be sued. So could parents in the state who obtain or ask about obtaining the medication for their child. It includes exceptions that mirror existing Texas law, including when abortion pills are used for medical emergencies and ectopic pregnancies, in which the embryo implants outside the uterus. Abortion advocates have sounded the alarm about the bill, saying it deputizes private citizens as "bounty hunters" to snitch on anyone who helps women wanting to end their pregnancies via abortion pills. The measure does not allow for lawsuits against women for obtaining or using abortion pills. Texas Sen. Carol Alvarado, a Democrat who spoke against the bill Wednesday, described it as a mode of "surveillance." "This bill only works if we turn Texans against each other," Alvarado said. "Imagine living in fear of the man behind you at the pharmacy, of the delivery driver, even of your own relatives. Every word, every prescription, every private conversation could be twisted into evidence." Blair Wallace, policy and advocacy strategist on reproductive freedom at the ACLU of Texas, said the bill incentivizes "neighbors to police one another's reproductive lives, further isolating pregnant Texans, and punishing the people who care for them." It took months for the legislation, which failed in regular session, to overcome opposition - some of which came from within the antiabortion movement. Some members of the movement worried that it did not do enough to protect the privacy of pregnant women during potential legal cases. They also wanted to draw boundaries that excluded certain people, such as abusers and those with family violence convictions, from being allowed to bring lawsuits. Antiabortion groups negotiated significantly to close those loopholes ahead of the bill's passage. In its wording now, only a woman who is pregnant when she receives abortion pills or certain close family members can receive full damages. Other people who sue can only receive $10,000, and the measure stipulates that the remainder be given to charity. The policy also says a woman cannot be compelled to give testimony in a case, unless she consents. Those changes won over some groups, including the Texas Alliance for Life, that initially opposed. The latest version is a "strong tool against illegal abortion by mail that also safeguards women and reflects Texas's commitment to both protecting unborn children and providing compassionate care for their mothers," said Amy O'Donnell, a Texas Alliance for Life spokesperson. If enacted, the legislation would mark the latest victory in a manifold approach to stifle access that Texas abortion opponents hope other states will adopt. The state has been at the center of multiple lawsuits against providers accused of prescribing abortion pills from other states. They include a civil case again a New York doctor, the same one who was criminally indicted in Louisiana. But so far, New York officials have not extradited or otherwise punished the doctor, Margaret Carpenter, citing the state's shield law and vexing abortion opponents. In late July, Paxton joined 15 other Republican attorneys general who wrote to Congress, asking the body to figure out the "problem" of shield laws, which they said were preventing them from properly enforcing their abortion bans. Weeks later, Paxton also mailed cease-and-desist letters to one California doctor and two out-of-state abortion pill providers, threatening to sue them if they do not stop sending the drugs to Texas. The most significant attack on the national level came in July, when Trump signed his massive tax bill, which included a measure that cut off Medicaid funding for health care providers who received more than $800,000 in federal funding and also offered abortions. That provision would kneecap Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider. Thus far, a judge has blocked it during an ongoing legal battle. (COMMENT, BELOW) (The Center Square) - U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada, secured $2.3 million to help her state with wildfire prevention. The money the senator received last week came from the National Science Foundation, which describes itself as an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering nationwide. According to Rosens press release, the funding will be used for wildfire prevention research and community planning. The funding will go through the Nevada System of Higher Education and the Desert Research Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosen said communities across the state continue to confront the risks and dangers associated with wildfires. She said she was working to improve Nevadas readiness and ability to respond to these fires to keep residents safe. The senator noted this funding will help Nevada communities learn more about how fires spread across Nevadas unique urban landscape. Rosen said she will continue to work in Washington, D.C., to help Nevada get the resources and tools it needs to fight wildfires and protect the state. There are currently three wildfires in Nevada, according to Inciweb, a federal government website about fires across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The largest fire is occurring in Northern Nevada. The Cottonwood Peak fire is 132,604 acres and 81% contained. Lightning caused this fire to start on Aug.15. Inciweb states over 200 personnel are working to extinguish the fire. Nevadas other two fires are in the southern part of the state. The bigger of the two is the Gothic Fire, which is 35,161 acres and is 95% contained. The other blaze, Cat Canyon Fire has burned 16,044 acres and is 70% contained. According to a 2025 study from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, almost 20% of all of Nevadas land area has burned since 1984, which is the fifth-most for any state. The three Nevada counties that have burned the most since 1984 are Elko (41%), Humboldt (39%) and Eureka (28%). OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) The Oconee County Sheriffs Office have arrested and charged a man with sex crimes against a minor. Deputies arrested 30-year-old Thomas Jay Simmons of Seneca, and was transported to the Oconee County Detention Center without bond. The sheriffs office said an investigation began August 25 after a family member of the victim, who was reportedly eleven at the time of the incident, spoke with deputies. Following the investigation, authorities said Simmons forced the victims to perform a sexual act, and also sexually assaulted the victim this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simmons was charged with first degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. The investigation remains ongoing by the Oconee County Sheriffs 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. NEED TO KNOW A former Navy diver has been connected to a series of rapes that occurred in the 1980s and 1990s in California, Michigan and Ohio The Ventura County District Attorneys Office announced on Thursday, Sept. 4, that Sean Patrick McNulty was connected through DNA evidence to two unsolved home invasion rapes in Ventura, Calif., in the early 80s and four other home invasion rapes in Michigan and Ohio in the 90s McNulty died by suicide in Michigan in 1997 A former Navy diver has been connected to a series of rapes that occurred in the 1980s and 1990s in California, Michigan and Ohio. The Ventura County District Attorneys Office announced on Thursday, Sept. 4, following a decades-long investigation, that Sean Patrick McNulty was connected through DNA evidence to two unsolved home invasion rapes in Ventura, Calif., in the early 80s and four other home invasion rapes in Michigan and Ohio in the 90s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McNulty, who grew up in Ventura, died by suicide in Michigan in 1997. According to a press release, the Ventura County Sheriffs Office Forensic Services Bureau oversaw the testing of the two sexual assault kits collected from the 1982 and 1983 rapes in Ventura. That evidence was then uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and linked to rapes in Okemos, Mich., in 1994, Birmingham, Mich., in 1995 and Columbus, Ohio in 1997. However, the suspect's identity was unknown. The district attorneys office said an investigative genealogist then worked with the suspect's DNA profile and ultimately identified McNulty as the possible perpetrator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, they needed a sample of his DNA to be sure. Ventury County Sheriff's Office Sean Patrick McNulty's senior portrait from Buena High School in 1977 Sean Patrick McNulty's senior portrait from Buena High School in 1977 Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. During the investigation, a crime analyst with the FBI came across a 1993 rape case in Bloomington, Ind., where McNulty was the suspect. According to the district attorneys office, McNulty committed suicide in 1997 after he discovered he was a suspect in the case. Bloomington investigators looked for evidence in the cold case and found a biological sample collected from McNulty. That sample was then compared to the 1997 rape in Columbus, Ohio and matched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The results of the DNA testing were then compared to the California and Michigan cases and also determined to be a match. McNulty graduated from Buena High School in Ventura, Calif., in 1977. The following year, he was arrested for making obscene calls to a woman. In 1979, he became a diver for the Navy. The district attorneys office said McNulty had traveled to or lived in the Philippines, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska and Virginia. Investigators said they attempted to locate McNultys victims to notify them of his identification and death. One of them told an investigator that she had waited forty years to receive closure, per the press release. Read the original article on People The Ventura County District Attorneys Office announced Thursday that two cold-case home invasion rapes in the 1980s have been connected to four similar sexual assaults in other states, though the alleged rapist has since died. Sean Patrick McNulty, who grew up in Ventura and attended Buena High School, died by suicide in 1997 in Emmett Township, Michigan, after he became a suspect in a 1993 rape in Bloomington, Indiana, the VCDA said in a news release. Sean Patrick McNulty is shown in an April 21, 1978, mugshot provided by the Ventura County District Attorneys Office. Sean Patrick McNulty is shown in a Jan. 20, 1979, mugshot provided by the Ventura County District Attorneys Office. Before that final assault, however, McNulty had committed home-invasion rapes in Ventura in 1982 and 1983, in Okemos, Michigan, in 1994; in Birmingham, Michigan, in 1995; and in Columbus, Ohio, in 1997, officials said, noting the same DNA profile was recovered in each of these five attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A joint investigation by local, state and federal law enforcement in multiple states eventually identified McNulty as a possible suspect, and DNA from the Bloomington assault was an exact match to that from the Columbus attack. The DNA then was matched to the other rapes, officials added, though they believe other victims could exist. In addition to the Philippines, McNulty is believed to have lived or spent time in the following states: Arizona California Colorado Florida Hawaii Illinois Indiana Maryland Michigan Mississippi Missouri Nebraska Ohio Virginia While the decades that have passed limited the number of survivors who could be notified that their presumed rapist had been caught, those who have been reached expressed gratitude to investigators for not giving up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One victim told investigators she had waited forty years for that closure. This case demonstrates why the Ventura County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative is so important to sexual assault survivors, said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. Every kit tested has the opportunity to bring critical knowledge to these women, including the knowledge that their perpetrator is deceased and therefore no longer able to harm others. The knowledge that undergoing an exam is not a futile exercise but rather a crucial piece of evidence that can help to identify violent offenders. And, perhaps most importantly, the knowledge that law enforcement and prosecutors recognize that each one of these kits represent a courageous survivor and the enduring voice of a savage crime. For information about the Ventura County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, visit the countys website. Anyone with information about McNulty or his crimes is asked to call District Attorney Investigator Yumi Kirk at 805-477-1638 or at yumi.kirk@venturacounty.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Several correction officers were injured in three separate incidents in Connecticuts prisons on Labor Day, union officials said. For our officers, there are no holidays from danger, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 4 said in a statement. This Labor Day made that reality brutally clear. Instead of enjoying a well-earned day of recognition, our officers faced chaos and violence behind prison walls. According to the union, the first incident was reported just after 2 p.m. at the York Correctional Institution in East Lyme where an officer intervened in an ongoing melee involving four inmates. The inmates had to be physically separated after allegedly ignoring repeated orders from officers to stop fighting, union officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While restraining these inmates, one officer sustained a severe injury to his left leg and ankle, the union wrote in a statement, adding that an evaluation at a hospital found the officer suffered multiple fractures to his tibia, fibula and ankle. This officer now faces an arduous recovery marked by pain, surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, union officials wrote. Just after 4 p.m., an incident was reported at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution, a maximum-security prison in Suffield, where an inmate allegedly charged at an officer, according to the union. The officer suffered a head injury while attempting to secure the inmate. Staff had to use a chemical agent to help subdue the inmate, union officials said. Following the altercation, two correction officers had to be taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment of injuries they suffered, according to union officials. A third officer sought outside medical assistance for a mental health evaluation due to the stress and trauma caused by responding to the violent incident, according to the union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOCs Critical Incident Stress Response Team also responded to MacDougall after the altercation. Just before 8:30 p.m., another incident unfolded at the Cheshire Correctional Institution. According to the union, an officer intervened after one inmate began to choke another. As the two inmates were being separated, one of them allegedly turned violently on an officer, union officials said. Four officers suffered injuries, including one who suffered a head injury that was diagnosed as a concussion, the union said. The other officers suffered injuries to their neck, back and knees. Three of the four injured officers had to seek care at an outside medical facility, according to union officials. The leadership of the Department of Correction recognizes the significant sacrifices the agencys dedicated professionals make every day to ensure the safety of their fellow staff members, as well as the incarcerated population, a spokesperson for the DOC said in a statement. These incidents emphasize the inherent potential for danger all correctional staff face on a daily basis. It cannot be overstated that the safety and security of the staff and the incarcerated population is the DOCs top priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assaults that took place on Labor Day are a stark reminder of the dangers that correctional officers face every day on the job, inside Connecticuts prisons, union officials wrote in a statement. They are contending with rising violence, an influx of contraband including weapons and dangerous drugs and a severe staffing shortage that forces them to face these dangers without the backup needed to ensure their safety. The incidents on Labor Day came a week after union officials said three correction officers were injured at the Cheshire Correctional Institution when an inmate allegedly threw hot coffee at one of them and tried to slash their face. According to the union, the number of staff assaults in state prisons has doubled in the past six years despite the inmate population dropping by 3,000 and the state closing two prisons. That should never happen, CSEA SEIU Local 2001 Corrections Supervisors Council president and DOC Lt. Thomas Titus said in a statement. Fewer inmates should not mean more violence. Every assault takes a toll not just on the physical safety of correctional staff, but on their mental health as well. Were seeing more of our members forced out on workers compensation because of these attacks, and the strain on morale is overwhelming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Union officials said the situation in state prisons has gotten worse over the last decade and was exacerbated when the State Legislature passed the Protect Act, which officials said made a bad situation much, much worse by increasing out-of-cell time and reducing accountability for inmates who violate facility codes of conduct. The act has led to correction officers having to shoulder impossible burdens, union officials allege. In response to the comments made by the union, a DOC spokesperson said the departments administration continually reviews and revises its policies and procedures in order to improve the safety level and working conditions for its dedicated staff. It has also worked to procure equipment that will help to significantly reduce the amount of contraband entering the facilities, a DOC spokesperson said. Lastly, the agency will pursue charges to the fullest extent possible against anyone guilty of assaulting a correctional professional. Severe thunderstorm warnings, a dust storm warning and flash flood warnings were issued by the National Weather Service in Phoenix on Wednesday, Sept. 3. These warnings apply to Maricopa and Pinal counties. The thunderstorm warnings and dust storm warnings run through 10 p.m. The flash flood warnings run through 12:30 a.m. Meteorologists warn of 60 mph wind gusts. The National Weather Service warns: "For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building." Thunderstorm warnings At 9:20 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Maricopa, or 12 miles southwest of Sun Lakes, and was nearly stationary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include Maricopa, Estrella Sailport, and Ak-Chin Village. This includes the following highways: State Route 238 between mile markers 38 and 44; State Route 347 between mile markers 170 and 182. At 9:07 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located 8 miles south of South Mountain Park, or 13 miles west of Sun Lakes, and was nearly stationary. Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include: South Mountain Park, Firebird Lake, and Komatke. This includes the following highways: Interstate 10 between mile markers 161 and 165; Loop 202 between mile markers 52 and 55; State Route 347 between mile markers 178 and 189. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 8:40 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Tempe, and was nearly stationary. Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include: Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa Riverview Mall, Tempe Marketplace, Papago Park, Arizona Mills Mall, Gilbert City Hall, Salt River Indian Community, downtown Mesa, Chandler City Hall, downtown Scottsdale, and Arizona State University. This included the following highways: Interstate 10 between mile markers 146 and 161; Interstate 17 near mile marker 195; State Route 51 between mile markers 1 and 2. At 8:07 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Bapchule, or near Sun Lakes, moving north at 5 mph. Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locations impacted include: Chandler, Gilbert, Casa Grande, Sun Lakes, Maricopa, Queen Creek, Chandler Heights, Tumbleweed Park, Chandler City Hall, Seville, Bapchule, Olberg, Chandler Fashion Center Mall, Firebird Lake, and Sacaton. This includes the following highways: Interstate 10 between mile markers 159 and 185; State Route 87 between mile markers 149 and 166; Loop 202 between mile markers 42 and 55. Dust storm warning At 8:14 p.m., a wall of dust was along a line extending from near San Tan Village Mall to near Chandler Fashion Center Mall to near South Mountain Park, moving northwest at 25 mph. There was less than a quarter mile visibility with strong wind in excess of 40 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weather service warned of dangerous, life-threatening travel. This includes the following highways: Interstate 10 between mile markers 137 and 179; Interstate 17 between mile markers 195 and 205; State Route 51 between mile markers 1 and 6. Locations impacted include: Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Apache Junction, Paradise Valley, Sun Lakes, Laveen, East Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe Marketplace, Papago Park, Falcon Field Airport, and Salt River Indian Community. The National Weather Service warns: "Dust storms lead to dangerous driving conditions with visibility reduced to near zero. If driving, avoid dust storms if possible. If caught in one, pull off the road, turn off your lights and keep your foot off the brake. Motorists should not drive into a dust storm. PULL ASIDE STAY ALIVE!" Flash flood warnings At 10:39 p.m., Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.25 inches are possible in the warned area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Life-threatening flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Phoenix, Maricopa, Bapchule, Olberg, Ak-Chin Village and Komatke. At 9:41 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. Additional rainfall amounts between 0.10 and 0.25 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Tempe Marketplace, Fiesta Mall, Mesa Riverview Mall, Arizona State University, downtown Mesa, Arizona Mills Mall, Papago Park and Guadalupe. See weather radar for Maricopa and Pinal counties What is a severe thunderstorm warning? A severe thunderstorm warning means the area is experiencing or is about to experience a storm with winds of 58 mph or higher or hail an inch in diameter or larger. Tips for staying safe during thunderstorms Once in a shelter, stay away from windows and avoid electrical equipment and plumbing. Keep a battery-powered weather radio nearby in case of loss of power. Remember to bring pets inside. If there is time, secure loose objects outside as these objects often become dangerous flying debris in high winds. Postpone outdoor activities until the storms have passed. What should I do in a dust storm if I am driving? The Arizona Department of Transportation has helpful tips for drivers who may get stuck in a dust storm while driving. The "Pull Aside, Stay Alive" campaign aims to save drivers from dangerous situations by providing tips to survive a blowing dust event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down. Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can. Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway. Turn off all vehicle lights. You do not want other vehicles, approaching from behind, to use your lights as a guide and possibly crash into your parked vehicle. Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake. Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More information on dust storm safety can be found at PullAsideStayAlive.org. And safety tips for driving in rainstorms can be found at azdot.gov/monsoon. What is a haboob? A "haboob" typically occurs in Arizona during monsoon. From June to September, large dust storms can occur across the state as high winds pick up loose dust. "Haboob" is an Arabic word that translates to "big, blasting winds," explained Andrew Deemer, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Phoenix and former linguist. Terminology: When did we start using haboob to describe dust storms in Arizona? Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor. See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Thunderstorm, dust storm, flash flood warnings for Phoenix area SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Five schools in Sioux Falls are participating in a pilot program with Avera Family Wellness to increase mental health therapists in schools. Washington High School, Whittier Middle School, Cleveland Elementary, Rosa Parks Elementary and Terry Redlin Elementary will soon have masters-level, certified therapists in each of the schools. 7 years in, emerald ash borer killing more trees Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each of those schools will have an allocated therapist that will work on a caseload of approximately 20-25 students, said Kim Sharping, student support services coordinator. Currently, all schools in the Sioux Falls School District have a school counselor who helps with academic planning, short-term individual counseling, on-the-spot de-escalation, emotional management and works with staff families and administrators. For long-term therapy and higher support needs, the district partners with Avera Health, Lutheran Social Services and Southeastern Behavioral Health. When we have students that maybe need some additional therapy beyond what the school counselor can provide, were able to make those referrals, Sharping said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the spring, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation was approached by an anonymous donor to help expand the mental health services in schools. The donation will go toward the three-year pilot program at Washington High School, and the middle and elementary schools in the surrounding area. Heidi Thomas with Avera Family Wellness said embedding therapists from Avera into the schools removes the barriers for families accessing mental health care. Its really important for us to have an opportunity to really follow and data track these students along the way to confirm what we believe will be true in three and a half years, Heidi said. We will see improved attendance, improved social/emotional learning and enhance the mental health wellbeing of those students. Black Hawk man sentenced for conspiracy to distribute meth Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dody Otten with the Sioux Falls Community Foundation said they will be sharing the donors name once everything is finalized, but did say they have a deep passion for kids, especially those struggling with mental health. The therapist is rooted in the schools, Otten added. When the therapist goes to work, the therapist goes to their school. They are part of the community, part of the culture. The intent is that the students will grow deeper roots of resilience as part of this program. The current counselor to student ratio for SFSD is 356 students to one counselor. Sharping noted that the American School Counselor Association recommends only 250 students to one counselor. The program is expected to start in the spring 2026 semester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Bee stings unexpectedly cured a womans Lyme disease, even after her body was breaking down from disease complications. Bee venoms main component, melittin, kills Lyme bacteria in research and anecdotal reports, but it isnt medically approved. Research on therapeutic uses of bee venom is ongoing because it does show promise. One sunny day, Ellie Lobel, who had a Ph.D. in nuclear physics and three children, was attacked by a horde of Africanized bees, commonly called killer bees. Lobel shielded her eyes and expected to have a deadly anaphylactic reaction, she said in a 2015 BBC article describing her experience. The 45-year-old English woman was in palliative care in California because she was dying from Lyme disease. She had stepped outside to experience some sunshine and peace when the bees attacked. Swollen and in pain, Lobel expected the end was imminent. At least, thats what she thought. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fifteen years earlier, Lobel had unknowingly endured a tick bite. The tick carried the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. If caught in time, Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics, though the bacteria are known to sneak around the immune system and even cause flare-ups long after apparent recovery. Borrelia burgdorferi can travel everywhere in the body, even to the heart and brain, causing neurological degradation, terrible pain, and a host of complications. About 476,000 people per year get Lyme disease in the U.S., according to a CDC report from March. Unfortunately, Lobelwhose doctors didnt identify the symptoms as Lyme disease until over a year after she was bitten at age 27was one of the unlucky ones. Suffering with increasingly unbearable symptoms in a body that was breaking down, Lobel had accepted that she wouldnt live long. For three days after the bee attack, Lobel endured fevers and throbbing inflammation. On the fourth day, she woke and unexpectedly felt normal, the first time she felt a sliver of normalcy in 15 years. Over the next days, weeks, and months, Lobels condition improved dramatically, her brain fog clearing, her pain diminishing, and her strength returning. While researching bee venom, she realized that the melittin in the venom, which causes an instant burning sensation under the skin during bee stings, must have been her savior. Blood tests later confirmed that there was no more Borrelia in her body. It was gone. Many cultures have touted the benefits of animal venom. Bee venom therapy in particular has been used as far back as ancient Egypt, says a 2024 article from research database company EBSCO . Modern studies show that bee venoms key component melittin has antibacterial and antifungal activities, and potential anti-tumor properties, according to a 2017 paper in the journal Neuroscience Bulletin. Mice and in vitro studies have also proven its antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-cancer effects. A small protein molecule composed of 26 amino acids, melittin contains both anti-inflammatory and inflammatory compounds, and it can literally make bacterial cells explode because it weakens a cells protective membrane. A November 2017 study of bee venom and melittin published in the journal Antibiotics showed that, at least outside of a living organism, the compound killed Borrelia burgdorferi. Researchers looking for new therapeutic drugs have been making forays into the potential of animal venom for decades, with some succeeding. Perhaps the most famous contemporary example is Ozempic, whose main drug compound mimics a venom component of the Gila monster, a venomous lizard native to the southwestern U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1997, Glenn King at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia put the venom of the deadly Australian funnel-web spider under scrutiny, and figured out how to tease out its disparate components. I was just blown away, he told the BBC . This is an absolute pharmacological goldmine that nobodys really looked at. Now he and other researchers are developing a drug from a key molecule in the venom that prevents injuries to heart cells during heart attacks. Many therapeutic venom studies havent passed the point of animal testing though. Anecdotal and preliminary studies show that bee venom could relieve pain, symptoms of Parkinsons disease, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis when a trained medical professional injects it under the skin. Bee venom is also being investigated for use in killing HIV cells. However, more research is needed before it could potentially become a standard treatment for any of these conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic. Lobel herself went on to experiment extensively with bee venomon herselfand eventually developed a self-administered treatment protocol for Lyme disease, ensuring the elimination of her own disease in the process. She has spent the past several years promoting her Bee Venom Therapy protocol for Lyme diseasewhich uses live honey bees stingsand educating people about the disease. Lobel has also written a book about how to self-administer bee sting therapy if you suffer from this disease. However, medical professionals consider it a controversial alternative treatment because it is not approved by any medical agency, and the Centers for Disease Control doesnt mention it as a treatment. Some people who have used the therapy and found relief, like Rebecca Hayward of the UK, report that its a last-ditch effort because nothing else has worked to relieve their terrible symptoms. But the treatment doesnt work the same for everybody, she cautions, and the very real possibility of dying from a bee venom allergy always hovers in the background. The top of Haywards article on the Lyme Disease UK website recommends not attempting self-treatment without precautionary measures and oversight by a medical professional. 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 You Might Also Like WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Hundreds of people gathered Thursday afternoon to celebrate the life of a late D.C. probationary firefighter. Sadia Williams, 21, had just graduated from DC Fire and EMS Cadet Class 27 on Aug. 22. She died two days later, on Aug. 24, after officials said she fell from a rooftop. The one thing I think about Sadia is love. She loved the people around her, she made people feel loved and her family loved her, said Alicia Chambers, who taught Williams science in middle school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DC Fire and EMS mourns the loss of probationary firefighter after off-duty death Chambers was one of the many people who packed into the Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church in Northeast D.C. Outside, an American flag hung from two firetrucks. I honestly dont think Sadia thought she made such an impact just by fulfilling her dreams, said Chambers. And seeing how many people this affected or affects, just go for your dreams. I never imagined she would be a firefighter. But its not unimaginable that she would be. Be who you are. She was always the person that she was and it just shows in there. Shes a person who lit up the room when she walked into it, but more important than that for us, she was a person who wanted to serve her community, said DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donnelly said members of Williamss cadet class are leaning on each other to get through this difficult time. Were getting them the help they need. Theyre leaning heavily on each other and their instructors, he said. Understanding her dedication to service and the strong show of support after her death has also helped her fellow cadets navigate her loss. She was a person who wanted to serve her community. She was a native Washingtonian, she wanted to give back to where she grew up, said Donnelly. Its clear this church is her home. Those things make us feel better about it. We just want to be here to support her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. Florida's surgeon general on Wednesday announced plans to end all state vaccine mandates, including for children to attend schools, which would make it the first state to completely withdraw from a practice credited with boosting vaccination rates and controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Speaking at a news conference outside Tampa with Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo said that every vaccine mandate "is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery" and called the rollback "the right thing to do." Ladapo's stances on vaccines and other measures intended to protect Floridians have drawn criticism from public health experts and advocates. "Who am I as a man standing here now to tell you what you should put in your body?" Ladapo said Wednesday. DeSantis, who at the news conference endorsed Ladapo's measures, acknowledged ending certain vaccine requirements would "require changes from the legislature." Florida law mandates students must be vaccinated against polio, diphtheria, rubeola, rubella, pertussis, mumps and tetanus, while allowing exemptions for religious and medical reasons. Getting rid of those would require lawmaker approval. The Florida Department of Health could more immediately target four vaccines mandated under its own rules: chicken pox, hepatitis B, Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and the pneumococcal vaccine PCV 15/20. The Trump administration and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the founder of an anti-vaccine organization, have been pushing to upend U.S. vaccine policy. Florida's move underscores the deepening political fault lines over vaccines, a divide certain to polarize parents, communities, lawmakers and health providers across red and blue states. California, Oregon and Washington - states led by Democrats - on Wednesday announced they were forming an alliance to coordinate their own immunization guidelines and preserve access to vaccines. At the news conference, DeSantis also announced a Florida version of "Make America Healthy Again," a reference to Kennedy's slogan and agenda to address the root causes of chronic disease and childhood illness, such as nutrition. Kennedy is scheduled to testify before a congressional committee on Thursday about upheaval at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last week, the White House fired CDC director Susan Monarez, spurring the resignation of senior leaders who cited efforts by Kennedy and his allies to restrict access to vaccines despite scientific evidence supporting immunizations. Before his appointment helming the nation's health agencies, Kennedy publicly questioned vaccine mandates, framing his skepticism as a personal choice involving parents, children and doctors. "If you know a vaccine is going to kill a certain number of children, do you have a right to mandate it for every child?" he said in 2020. An HHS spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment. Kennedy's former organization, Children's Health Defense, reposted video of Ladapo's announcement on X, adding: "This is how you make America healthy again. Will other states follow Florida's lead?" All states and the District of Columbia have vaccination requirements to attend public schools, while exemptions vary state by state. U.S. school vaccination laws date to the 1850s and have always drawn controversy about the right of the government to compel people to inoculate themselves for the public good, said James Colgrove, a Columbia University professor of public health who has studied the history of vaccines. But he said debates in legislatures in recent years have focused on establishing or expanding exemptions, not lifting the mandates themselves, he said. "It's a very troubling development," Colgrove said. "It's probably going to be catastrophic. Anyone who knows anything about public health can see this is a train wreck." A KFF survey published in January found 83 percent said public schools should require some vaccines for students, allowing for health and religious exemptions. This includes large majorities of Democrats (93 percent), independents (85 percent) and Republicans (75 percent). Florida Sen. Lori Berman (D), a member of a Senate health committee, said she feared her Republican colleagues would support repealing vaccine mandates. She pointed out that they recently voted to ban fluoride from the state's drinking water, a cause championed in the past by Kennedy. "I would hope my colleagues would listen to science, but I've seen them do some things in the last couple years that make me question that," Berman said in an interview. She said the announcement left her in a "state of shock." Florida's Republican legislative leaders did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Public health experts condemned Florida's move to lift the vaccine mandates. "When everyone in a school is vaccinated, it's harder for diseases to spread, and easier for everyone to keep the fun and learning going," American Academy of Pediatrics President Susan Kressly said in a statement. "We are concerned that today's announcement by Gov. DeSantis will put children in Florida public schools at higher risk for getting sick, and have ripple effects across their community." The incoming head of Florida Parent Teacher Association, Jude Bruno, said rollbacks of vaccine mandates could imperil the health of students and staff. "In a state with a high tourism economy, the consequences of opening the floodgates to preventable outbreaks are especially serious," Bruno said in a statement. Ladapo has been widely criticized by public health experts and advocates for opposing mainstream public health guidance. He called for a halt to using mRNA coronavirus vaccines last year, citing debunked claims that the shots could contaminate a patient's DNA. He became the first statewide health official to urge communities to stop adding fluoride to drinking water, a practice widely credited for improving oral health. Trump's transition team considered Ladapo to serve as HHS secretary before selecting Kennedy. He has also demanded that federal agencies rethink their decades-long support of vaccination, saying last week that CDC leaders and other officials have a "cultish relationship with vaccines," in an interview on an episode of Stephen K. Bannon's "War Room" podcast. (COMMENT, BELOW) YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) It is with heavy hearts, yet with hope in eternal life, that we announce the passing of Sheila A. Braxton, a beloved daughter, sister, mother and grandmother, who departed this life peacefully on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the age of 76, in her residence engulfed in the love of her family. Born on December 26, 1948, in Youngstown, Ohio, to the union of Helen Bradley and Sellers Barnett, Sheila was a lifelong resident of the city that she loved deeply. Her warmth, kindness and unwavering spirit touched the lives of many. Find obituaries from your high school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was a proud South High School alumna. Sheila dedicated her professional career as an assembler in the auto manufacturing industry, proudly working for General Motors. Her strong work ethic and commitment to her job reflected her resilience and determination. She cherished the many friendships she formed during her years in the workforce. Faith was paramount in her lifes journey and was involved in various ministries at Greater Friendship Baptist Church. Sheilas favorite color was hues of blue, a reflection of her calm and tranquil spirit. She touched the lives of so many and her legacy of love and compassion will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheilas family was her greatest joy and she instilled in them the values of love, kindness and perseverance. Her legacy is entrusted to her devoted daughters, Yalonda E. Braxton and Rhonda M. Braxton; son, Hershaun L. Gardner and cherished sisters, Peggy A. Campbell, Celestine Cookie (Roy) Veal, Janice Barnett and Lillie (Rev. Hosea) Ekong. Sheila was also a loving grandmother to four grandchildren, Sheleia, Ryan, Joshua, Justin and a great-grandmother to, Ariana, SaNiyah, Dominic, Marilyn and King Jelani. Sheilas memory will be sustained by a special friend, Thomas Buddy Spivey; along with a cadre of family and friends mutually loved by her. As Sheila crossed the celestial sands into eternity, she was reunited with her parents, sister, Rhonda M. Hogan and brothers, Wayne Butch Bradley, Kenneth N. Bradley, William Bradley and Tyrone S. Hogan, all who preceded her death. As we mourn the loss of such a remarkable woman, let us also honor the indelible impact she made on our lives. In recognition of Sheilas life, a public viewing will be held at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 646 Lakewood Avenue, on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor James C. Bowie officiating. Following the committal ceremony, Sheila will be laid to rest at Tod Homestead Cemetery. She will be remembered with love and in the hearts of all who have had the privilege of knowing her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family respectfully requests that in lieu of floral tributes, consideration of sharing a charitable donation in Sheilas memory to a nonprofit organization or foundation which serves area children and youth are appreciated. At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Sheila A. Braxton 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. Our Memories Build a Special Bridge When loved ones have to part, To help us feel were with them still, And soothe a grieving heart. They span the years and warm our lives, Preserving ties that bind. Our memories build a special bridge, And bring us peace of mind. A television tribute will air Friday, September 5 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. 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. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she had a cordial meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mexico City yesterday, where the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on security and counter-narcotics issues. Sheinbaum emphasized four pillars of the agreement, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. That choice of words is significant considering the U.S. strike earlier this week against an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the southern Caribbean, which overshadowed the talks. Basic questions about that strike remain unanswered, including the legal justification for killing all 11 people onboard, the basis for U.S. authorities suspicion that it was operated by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, and the boats destination (Rubio initially said it was bound for Trinidad, while President Donald Trump said it was headed to the U.S.). Faced with these questions at a joint press conference with his Mexican counterpart, Rubio dodged nearly all of them, referring reporters to the Pentagon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timing of the strike, directly ahead of Rubios trip, seemed calculated to send a message to Sheinbaums government that the U.S. would not hesitate to conduct similar operations within Mexican territory. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reportedly threatened such action in conversations with Mexican officials earlier this year. More recently, he suggested U.S. forces will continue unilateral strikes against suspected drug traffickers. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. This puts Sheinbaum in a new bind. Until now, she has managed the relationship with Trump with only minor turbulence, partly by taking a much tougher approach to security issues than her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. During her first 11 months in office, Mexican authorities arrested some 31,000 people suspected of ties to organized crime16 times more than during the same period under Lopez Obrador. Sheinbaums government has also extradited dozens of accused cartel operatives to the United States. This crackdown has been effective in demonstrating to both Trump and to the Mexican people that Sheinbaum is serious about tackling violent organized crime. But as Eduardo Arcos explained for WPR in March, targeting top cartel leaders usually results in a reconfiguration of the countrys main criminal organizations, their alliances and their activities. Left leaderless, large cartels tend to splinter into smaller factions that fight among each other for control of smuggling routes, causing localized spikes in violence. That will likely not stop Trump from targeting the cartels in Mexico directlyor at least holding the threat of such action over Sheinbaums head. Indeed, this weeks strike in the Caribbean augurs a change in U.S. relations with neighbors like Mexicoa return, in a sense, to the gunboat diplomacy of a bygone era. Sheinbaum and other regional leaders will be pressed to come up with creative strategies in order to navigate this new, more dangerous era. Elliot Waldman is World Politics Reviews editor-in-chief. The post Sheinbaums High-Wire Act appeared first on World Politics Review. GREENE COUNTY, Mo. The Greene County Sheriffs Office and two Springfield police officers are being recognized for their work in reducing gun violence. They received the 2025 Guardian of Justice award from the U.S. Attorneys Office for their work, which included arresting several gang members. The USAO says the indictment of top gang members directly coincides with a drop in shootings in Greene County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve always heard theres no gangs in Springfield, theres no gang activity, Sheriff Jim Arnott said. Well, guess what? There is. There was. And we got to working on it. After several deadly shootings in the Queen City, the sheriffs office, SPD and Community Partnership of the Ozarks decided to band together to bring about change. Its an honor to be recognized like that, said Cpt. Culley Wilson with the SPD Criminal Investigations Division. The partnership led to a reduction in gun violence, according to statistics from SPD, which was then recognized by the USAO. We cant do it by ourselves, Cpt. Wilson said. Weve got to have the community on board to help us to fight this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say it was made possible thanks to proactive policing and community involvement. We identified the players, and the detectives went after those people, focused on them, and cases were developed by car stops and good police work, Sheriff Arnott said. Cpt. Wilson said the police department focused on specific individuals. Its a very few people that are causing a lot of problems, Wilson said. The Gun Safety Violence Reduction Collaborative worked with the youth in Springfield by giving them an outlet for expression. CPO did that by putting on concerts where these young adults were the headliners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They did not feel part of community. They felt isolated. They did not feel like their voice was heard, said Francine Pratt with CPO. They felt they were getting into trouble because of too much idle time and too much time on their hands. And so if were able to give them what theyre asking for in the space of what they want, (violence is) prevented. Both the sheriffs office and PD agree the job is not done. Just because you knock it down a little bit doesnt mean it wont creep back up, Arnott said. So thats why were staying on this project. The sheriffs office has a gang task force continuing to work, and were continuing to go after gang members with guns and drugs. Arnott says there were over a dozen indictments from the gang task force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PD and the sheriffs office emphasized the community can help by practicing responsible gun ownership. Dont leave it in your car and then somebody can break in, Arnott said. Safest place for a handgun is on you. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines has been charged with murder in connection with the death of 54-year-old District Judge Kevin Mullins The killing was captured on video, and showed Stines firing at Mullins multiple times while the judge was sitting at his desk and then after when he fell to the floor Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper testified to a grand jury about speculation in the community involving Mullins and Stines teenage daughter The daughter of a former Kentucky sheriff accused of killing a district judge denied having any relationship with the slain judge, according to grand jury transcripts. Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines has been charged with murder in the killing of 54-year-old District Judge Kevin Mullins in the judges chambers in the city of Whitesburg on Sept. 19, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The killing was captured on video and showed Stines firing at Mullins multiple times while the judge was sitting at his desk, and again firing after Mullins fell to the floor. Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper testified to a grand jury about speculation in the community involving Mullins and Stines teenage daughter. According to grand jury transcripts, Stamper testified that Stines daughter denied any allegations of having any contact whatsoever with Mullins, including through social media, text messages or phone calls. "By social media, by text, by phone, in person; any kind of contact whatsoever, she denied it," Stamper said. "That was all just a rumor." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stamper also testified that investigators found no prior cellphone calls between Mullins and Stines' daughter. Stamper testified that there were also rumors about Stines wife having some kind of relationship with Mullins and she denied those allegations. According to grand jury transcripts, Stamper testified that Stines used Mullins' phone to call his daughter prior to the shooting. Sheriff Stines used Judge Mullins phone while hes sitting in the chair in front of Judge Mullins desk to call his own daughter, Stamper testified. (Stines) used the judges phone to call (his daughter). AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley Former Letcher County Ky. Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines Former Letcher County Ky. Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines Stamper testified there was no phone contact "whatsoever" between Mullins and Stines' daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At an earlier preliminary hearing, Stamper testified that Stines daughters number appeared on the judges phone, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported. A portion of the grand jury testimony was released on Sept. 3 as part of the defenses brief in support of a motion to dismiss the indictment. A judge sealed the testimony the same day. After the shooting, Stines walked out of the courthouse and then turned around and walked back and surrendered to law enforcement. Sheriff Stines walked in right behind [law enforcement] and he said basically words to the effect of, theres nobody else, it was me, testified Stamper, per the grand jury transcripts. He takes his pistol out and he lays it on a table thats just to the right of the doorway just inside the courthouse. 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. Stamper testified that Stines allegedly then said, He made a statement like, theyre trying to kidnap my wife and kid, or something like that, to one of the officers, so they take him in custody at that time, hes handcuffed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stines attorneys acknowledge that he pulled the trigger and plan to present a defense of insanity and extreme emotional disturbance. We're confident that there will be evidence that his mental health was impaired, defense attorney Jeremy Bartley previously told PEOPLE. It's a tragic situation all around." The case has rocked the small community of Letcher County, Ky., where Stines and Mullins were longtime friends and colleagues. Stines served as the bailiff in Mullins' court before Stines became sheriff in 2018, per the Louisville Courier Journal. Read the original article on People Shin Bet announced the arrest of the cell on Wednesday, with additional details found during the investigation and questioning being published on Thursday. The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Israel Police arrested a cell of Hebron residents who had plotted to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir with explosive drones on Wednesday. Interrogations revealed that the cell planned to assassinate Ben-Gvir during a visit to Hebron's Cave of the Patriarchs using an explosive UAV, but abandoned the plan after a partially successful test run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order to plan their assassination of the minister, they followed him on social media, assuming that he would visit the holy site during the Jewish holiday period. Three members of a Hamas-linked cell in Hebron who allegedly planned to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, September 2025. (credit: SCREENSHOT/VIA SECTION 27A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT) Funding from Hamas operatives in Turkey They had received funding from Hamas officials based in Turkey, which they used to purchase two UAVs, which they equipped with explosives, as well as a laptop for a total of approximately $2,000. Investigations revealed that the three cell members acted together with a clear division of roles and prior planning. They also aimed to target Israeli government institutions. Munitions, including for an explosive UAV, used by the terror cell planning to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, September 2025. (credit: SHIN BET) One of the cell members was responsible for fundraising, another for purchasing UAVs, and the third for preparing the explosives, the investigation revealed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the cell members said during questioning that the UAVs and materials, but one of the cell members was arrested by the Palestinian Authority before the planned date, which disrupted their plans. The third cell member claimed that their plan was only recently finalized, and he had acquired a special operational phone to control the UAVs. While the UAVs operated as expected, the explosives failed, he added. This led to the cell abandoning their original plan, with one suggesting carrying out a shooting attack instead. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A state senator and the family of a woman who was killed at an Ohio Taco Bell are pushing for a proposed law that would mandate bypass lanes at new drive-thrus. On Aug. 14, Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) announced he has drafted a bill titled Megans Way Out, which would require businesses constructing new drive-thrus or undergoing significant renovations to install a bypass lane that is at least 10 feet wide to allow vehicles to exit easily and to provide an access point for first responders. Weinstein plans to file the bill next week, according to his office. Columbus facing growing stray cat crisis Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation was announced exactly one year after Megan Keleman, 25, was fatally shot at a single-lane Taco Bell drive-thru in the Summit County city of Stow. Jason Williams, 53, ran into Kelemans car from behind before shooting her to death and then taking his own life. Sitting between two cars and left without an exit, Keleman was unable to escape, and first responders struggled to reach her after the shooting. Police have said the pair did not know each other, and Williams motive is unknown. The tragic loss of Megan Keleman highlighted a glaring safety risk in many drive-thru lanes across the state, Weinstein said. This bill ensures that no Ohioan will ever again be trapped in a drive-thru without a way out or without access to help when its needed most. Both Kelemans family and the mayor of Stow, John Pribonic, joined Weinstein at the announcement and expressed support for the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New video shows Grove City chase that ended in fatal crash All businesses must provide a safe environment, inside and out, Kelemans father, Nick Keleman, said. A one-lane drive-thru that traps people without a way to escape is simply not safe. The legislation provides exceptions for businesses located on properties without sufficient space for a bypass lane. Weinstein said this helps ensure the bill is fair for small or space-constrained establishments. The City of Stow is not waiting for a state law to pass before acting to prevent a similar tragedy. In early August, Stow City Council introduced its own ordinance called Megans Way Out, which would also require bypass lanes at new drive-thrus. It is expected to receive a vote this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Ohio cities including Gahanna, Dayton and Cleveland already have zoning codes that require bypass lanes at drive-thrus. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PELHAM Police arrested a 45-year-old Massachusetts woman Wednesday after she crashed her vehicle into a utility pole on Mammoth Road. Around 8:40 p.m., police responded to the area of 290 Mammoth Road for reports of a motor vehicle crash. When officers arrived, they found that a Mazda CX-30, driven by Eileen Delrossi of Lowell, had struck and severed a utility pole. Police determined that Delrossi was driving southbound on Mammoth Road when she failed to navigate a curve in the road and left the roadway, striking the utility pole head on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mammoth Road between Greeley Road and Old County Road was closed for an extended period of time while electrical crews worked to repair the broken utility pole. Delrossi was transported to a local area hospital, where she was treated for minor injuries. She was charged with driving under the influence, reckless operation, criminal mischief and use of mobile electronic devices while driving. She will be arraigned at the Salem District Court at 8 a.m. on Sept. 15. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A Sioux City man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Wednesday for crimes relating to child pornography. According to a release from the Department of Justice, Bryce Bock, 32, was sentenced for his crimes after he pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor and distribution of child pornography. He pleaded guilty to these crimes on April 7. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to officials, evidence showed that between July 1, 2022, and July 2, 2024, Bock coerced a minor under the age of 18 into sexual acts in order to produce visual depictions of such content. Officials said that Bock had also been using an app to exchange child porn. On his phone, officials said they found 24 images that included child porn, including content of a known minor victim. Bock was sentenced to 20 years in prison and is ordered to pay $1,200 in fines and assessments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A Sioux Falls man will spend the rest of his life in prison. On Thursday afternoon, Judge Jennifer D. Mammenga sentenced Darrian Johnson to life in prison plus 105 years for other charges. In court, Judge Mammenga called Johnson quote a tremendous risk to the community. Waterline project explosion under investigation in Trent Johnson shot 26-year-old Kaisean Tyler four times at close range in a Sioux Falls apartment in September 2022. According to the Minnehaha County States Attorney, Tyler was in an apartment of a woman with whom Johnson had a relationship with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todays sentence delivers justice for victims and sends a clear message that violent crime in this community will be met with harsh punishment, Minnehaha County States Attorney Daniel Haggar said in a news release Thursday afternoon. I would like to thank the victims, eyewitnesses, the Sioux Falls Police Department Crimes Against Persons Unit, and the prosecutors and support staff who worked tirelessly to bring the truth of his terrible crimes to light. Friday is the three-year anniversary of the crime. In May of this year, Johnson was convicted for that murder as well as two counts of domestic aggravated assault, three counts of domestic simple assault and five counts of violating a protection or no contact order. Flash forward to today and Johnson learned his fate for the crimes. However, before his sentencing he told the court quote I feel and I know that I am innocent. He also argued that racial bias was thrown at him throughout the court proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Mammenga told Johnson that one of her biggest concerns with him was that he continuously blamed everyone around him but never took accountability for his own actions. She said he also has a history of explosive anger and abuse towards women. Judge Mammenga said she believes if Johnson was released, hed kill again. Johnson also argued that he was denied due process and equal protection throughout the court proceedings, saying he wanted to file a motion for a new trial, which the judge advised he could do after the sentencing. Johnson was supposed to be sentenced last week but Mammenga had to delay it because he asked for a continuance, claiming he was falsely charged and inaccurate statements were made against him in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnsons crime was highlighted by Mayor Paul TenHaken during a crime data briefing in 2022. TenHaken cited the 2022 Labor Day homicide case in Sioux Falls as an illustration of what law enforcement deals with. He described the suspect as a parolee absconder who got ahold of a gun. TenHaken said the suspect had been sentenced to multiple years in prison last year but was released on parole after a few months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Seven people in England and Scotland have been charged with terrorism offenses in relation to organizing protests and holding Zoom meetings allegedly linked to banned group Palestine Action, police said. The alleged offenses relate to arranging public protests in support of Palestine Action in London, Manchester and Cardiff, as well as a demonstration planned for this Saturday in London. The charges also cover 13 Zoom meetings allegedly held between July and August in support of the proscribed group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defend our Juries, a UK activist organization linked to Palestine Action, said the seven people who were charged were members of its group. It criticized the arrests and said they would not deter people from taking part in this weekends protest. The UK-based Palestine Action, which aims to disrupt the operations of weapons manufacturers supplying the Israeli government, was proscribed in July, a month after two of its activists broke into Britains largest air base, and damaged two military aircraft. The groups ban makes it illegal under UK law to be a member of or invite support for Palestine Action and puts them on par with terrorist organizations such as Hamas, al Qaeda and ISIS. The ban has sparked widespread criticism, including from the UNs human rights chief. In July, the group secured permission to contest its proscription at a high court in November. The judge in that hearing said it was reasonably arguable that the ban had disproportionately interfered with the groups right to freedom of expression, assembly and association under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the judge refused to suspend the current ban ahead of the hearing. Six people, aged between 26 and 62, were charged on Wednesday as part of an investigation led by the Counter Terrorism Command of Londons Metropolitan Police. Protesters gather outside the Old Bailey, London, on August 22, where six people appeared over charges relating to a Palestine Action protest at Israeli-linked firm Elbit Systems. - Ben Whitley/PA/AP A seventh person was charged on Tuesday in a connected investigation by police in Scotland. Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan said the charges were the outcome of a proactive investigation into suspected activity linked to Palestine Action. 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, DCS Flanagan added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police arrested the seven suspects on Tuesday ahead of a scheduled press conference Wednesday. They were remanded in custody and were due to appear in court on Thursday. More than 700 people have been arrested and 114 charged by the Metropolitan Police in connection with this summers demonstrations, with over 500 people arrested during a singular demonstration in August. Social media videos from the demonstration show police arresting elderly and disabled protesters, some of whom were carried away by officers following their arrest for holding signs that read: I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action. This story has been updated. CNNs Kara Fox contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com According to the Army Radio, preventing smuggling through humanitarian aid deliveries falls to multiple agencies, which include the IDF, COGAT, the Shin Bet, and border customs. Several attempts to smuggle solar panels, electric cables, and cell phones into Gaza inside humanitarian aid trucks have been thwarted over the past few days, Army Radio reported on Thursday morning. The smuggled goods, which were stopped at the border near Kissufim, were discovered inside four different humanitarian aid trucks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report stated that as aid increases into Gaza, it becomes more difficult to carry out thorough inspections, as up to 300-400 trucks enter Gaza in a single day. COGAT says it is improving inspection process COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories) responded to the claims, noting that "processes were carried out to improve inspection, escort forces were assigned to aid truck convoys, and active operations were also carried out to thwart smuggling attempts." Israel's Tax Authority told Army Radio that it had identified an increased number of smuggling attempts into the Gaza Strip. Lorries with aid loads for delivery into Gaza arrive at Larnaca Port, Cyprus, June 26, 2024. (credit: Marinos Meletiou/Reuters) According to the Army Radio, preventing smuggling through humanitarian aid deliveries falls to multiple agencies, which include the IDF, COGAT, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), and border customs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF, Israel's Defense Ministry, and Shin Bet refrained from commenting on the matter, Army Radio added. A source told Army Radio that "Each one shifts responsibility to the other, and in practice, Hamas benefits from an aid delivery mechanism that is not airtight, with insufficient and flawed security screening." Staff Sgt. David Quay wasnt a trained or experienced rescue swimmer. But he was ready and willing to go to any lengths to save a fellow soldier, and that made him the best man for the job. Quay, 29, a standardization instructor with 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, was on deployment and conducting a routine training flight over the Mediterranean Sea on Nov. 10, 2023, when his MH-47 Chinook crew received word of a downed MH-60M Black Hawk helicopter in the region. The Black Hawk had been conducting an aerial refueling when an in-flight emergency caused the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38, of Clarksville, Tennessee, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, California, Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 25, of Gorham, New Hampshire, Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Arizona, and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minnesota, would ultimately perish in the crash. But all Quay knew at the time was that fellow soldiers might need rescuing. The crew prepped the Chinook for overwater rescue, setting up a strop harness and hoist system and clearing the cabin to make space for anyone they might haul up. Quay had only ever taken these steps before during training. After about 10 minutes of flight, the chopper was over the crash site. In the dark, the crew could see debris bobbing in the water and the red glow of chem lights that had been activated by soldiers in the Black Hawk. At first, no people were visible on the water. Then, Quay said, he spotted an arm waving a chem light. It was Grone, a Black Hawk repairer also with 160 SOAR. The Chinook crew first attempted to send down the harness so they could pull Grone into the chopper, but they quickly realized he was too badly hurt to grab it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that time, the best game plan was going to be to send me down the hoist to get into the water, Quay recalled. Quay was a competent recreational swimmer, but his reason for volunteering came down to duty. It was either, send someone else to do it, or I could do it, he said. And I felt like, since I was in charge of all the crew members, it was my job to do it. When Quay hit the water, it was chilly. He swam to Grone and first attempted to put the rescue harness around him, but quickly realized that wouldnt work. The injured soldier was now unconscious. So Quay unhooked from the hoist and pulled Grone onto his chest, swimming with him toward an inflatable boat the Chinook crew had dropped into the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The helicopter rotor wash pushed the boat farther away from the crash site, and Quay had to swim about 100 meters while holding the injured soldier to reach it. Unable to climb into the boat with Grone, Quay held onto the side, keeping Grones head above water for about 45 minutes while they waited for overwater rescue to arrive. It wasnt until the two soldiers had been brought to a medical facility that Quay realized how cold hed gotten during that long night in the water. His body temperature had dropped to 92.8 degrees, and he required urgent treatment for hypothermia. But his thoughts stayed with Grone, the soldier he risked his life to save. Weeks later, he met Grones parents and family members and learned more about the young soldier and the people who loved him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quay said he planned to take Grones mother, Erica Grone, to the award ceremony where hell be honored as the Military Times Soldier of the Year. At the end of the day, all of us would have done the same thing for one another, Quay said. And me getting on stage and accepting the award in their honor means that at least were doing something right there. Two Colombian soldiers were seriously injured after being doused with gasoline and set on fire when an anti-drug operation was attacked in southeastern Colombia, the army said Wednesday. The incident occurred during an operation to destroy a cocaine laboratory in a rural area of the northern Putumayo department, which borders Ecuador. A riot took place during which a "group of civilians attacked the uniformed officers with fire to impede the procedure," the military said in a statement Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An officer and a soldier suffered severe burns and were receiving treatment in a hospital. Such attacks by civilians on security forces in remote, guerrilla-controlled areas have become increasingly frequent in Colombia. The Latin American country is grappling with its worst security crisis in a decade, fueled by criminal groups profiting from drug trafficking, extortion and illegal mining. The army vowed action against the Comandos de Frontera, a dissident faction that rejected the 2016 peace accord between the government and the FARC guerrilla group, accusing them of orchestrating the attack and "coercing" the civilian population in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a post on social media that the perpetrators "are neither peasants nor communities claiming their rights." "They are criminals and narcos who attempted to murder our soldiers." Sanchez posted video of one oft the victims being transported by helicopter to receive medical care. , O, Condenamos y repudiamos el demencial intento de quemar vivos a dos de nuestros militares del @COL_EJERCITO, quienes se encontraban pic.twitter.com/aas2Xb2o27 Pedro Arnulfo Sanchez S. Orgullosamente Colombiano (@PedroSanchezCol) September 4, 2025 The Border Command group, which operates in both Colombia and Ecuador, is currently in peace negotiations with leftist President Gustavo Petro's government, but with little progress. Colombian prosecutors arrested Andres Rojas, the group's leader who is also known as Arana, during a meeting with government representatives in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He faces charges related to recent cocaine shipments to the United States and his extradition is being sought. Ecuadoran authorities blamed the group for killing 11 soldiers in an attack during an operation against illegal mining in May. In July, a military dog in Colombia was wounded after detecting a bomb planted by guerrilla fighters that exploded during a military operation. The Colombian military blamed the explosion on ELN, a group of roughly 6,000 fighters that is fighting Colombia's government. Peace talks with the group which the U.S. has designated as a foreign terrorist organization were suspended in January, when the ELN was blamed for dozens of deaths in raids near the border with Venezuela. The dog's injury was announced just two days after a bomb strapped to a donkey exploded in the same area, killing one soldier and wounding two others. Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Khanna, Massie and Greene hold news conference on Jeffrey Epstein files HHS Secretary RFK Jr. wraps heated Senate testimony MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) Somalis on Thursday marked the Prophet Muhammad's birthday with a government-declared public holiday, reviving an old tradition of merriment once banned by extremist militants who reject such public spectacle. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs declared the public holiday for government and private-sector employees, citing Quranic verse on piety. The prophet's birthday, known as Mawlid, is marked across Somalia with Quran recitations, religious song, and processions led largely by Sufi communities. Similar celebrations took place in some other parts of the Muslim world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the capital, Mogadishu, the streets swelled with thousands of worshippers, many of them young people in white garments and waving bright green flags. Crowds spilled out of mosques and into open areas saturated with rhythmic chants and devotional song. Clerics recited Quranic verse via loudspeakers as people swayed in unison, clapping and ululating in joy. Some young people filmed the processions on their phones, livestreaming chants to friends abroad, while others hoisted banners adorned with verses of praise. Security forces, rifles slung over their shoulders, stood at the edges of the crowds, scanning for threats but unable to suppress the festive mood. To those who oppose this celebration, I say, fear God, said Sheikh Abati Abba Nur, a Sufi scholar. This is the month in which our prophet was born, and celebrating it does not contradict Islamic teachings. Not all Somalis welcomed the governments move to impose a public holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheikh Abdurahman Diriye, a Wahhabi scholar, told The Associated Press that Muhammads birthday was not celebrated in the prophets lifetime. But other ordinary Somalis said the holiday carries deep personal meaning. People are beginning to recognize the importance of this day as they shed ignorance, said Fadumo Abdulkadir. Somalia faces sporadic attacks from the Islamic extremist rebels of al-Shabab, which has been fighting to impose a state governed according to Sharia law and opposes the foreign-backed government in place. Islamic militants consider Sufis heretics because of their less literal interpretations of the faith. Mawlid celebrations in Somalia were once driven underground after al-Shabab banned them during the group's rise, calling the practice a religious innovation. Sufi communities were forced to abandon public processions until the militants were pushed out of Mogadishu in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then the gatherings have returned, growing each year under heavy security. While many Muslim-majority countries honor the prophets birthday as a public holiday, others do not. In Saudi Arabia, for example, the strict, puritanical interpretation of Islam known as Wahhabism doesn't permit celebrations of Mawlid. HOPATCONG, N.J. (PIX11) A mysterious flash of light and loud boom are puzzling police in Hopatcong. Police received multiple reports of a possible explosion around 2 a.m. on Tuesday. More Local News It sounded like the house blew up, said Hopatcong resident Angelo Mancuso. We all jumped up. It felt like something exploded, said Hopatcong resident Lauren Manning. We thought it was our neighbor because we felt like it was right on top of us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mannings home security camera captured the mysterious event. She said her husband immediately ran outside to see if anyone was hurt. There was nothing, said Manning. There was no smell of any kind fire, smoke, nothing. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Hopatcong Police canvassed the area and did not notice any damage or criminal mischief. Investigators are still trying to identify the cause. Most of the time, when youre dealing with an explosion in town, itll either be fireworks which will, which will be very obvious, or youll be dealing with a transformer explosion, said Hopatcong Police Captain Michael OShea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Picatinny Arsenal in nearby Morris County told PIX11 News that it does not conduct evening operations and an inventory of its munitions found no losses. The National Weather Service said a meteorological event is not to blame. Jersey Central Power & Light said there were no outages or electrical issues. A spokesperson for NASA said its Meteoroid Environments Office found no evidence of a meteor over New Jersey at that time. Hopatcong Police are asking people to reach out if they have any additional videos or clues that might help them find an answer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) South Africa's Department of Defense said Thursday it has asked China to postpone naval exercises that would have brought Chinese and Russian warships to South African waters around the time the country hosts a Group of 20 summit. U.S. President Donald Trump has been invited to attend the summit in Johannesburg on Nov. 22 and Nov. 23, although it's unclear if he will attend following his criticism of South Africa as a country he has a lot of problems with. South Africa holds joint naval exercises with China and Russia its partners in the BRICS bloc every two years and the exercises scheduled for late November were part of that agreement. China is the lead nation of this year's exercises to be held in South African waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Defense said in a statement its request to China to postpone the naval exercises was to ensure they "do not impact on the logistical, security and other arrangements associated with South Africas G20 Presidency. There was no indication if China had agreed to the request. China's President Xi Jinping is due to attend the G20 summit alongside leaders from France, Germany, the U.K. and others. Russian President Vladimir Putin likely won't attend because of an International Criminal Court warrant for his arrest in connection with the war in Ukraine that South Africa would be expected to execute because it is a signatory to the court's statutes. China showcased its military might in a huge parade in Beijing on Wednesday marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Putin attended that parade alongside Xi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Africa's previous naval exercises with China and Russia have strained its relations with Western nations, including the U.S. It hosted Chinese and Russian warships in early 2023. If Donald Trump attends the G20, it would put him at the same summit as Chinese leader Xi. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said after a tense meeting with Trump at the White House in May that the U.S. president would attend the G20 summit. But Trump said in July that he was considering skipping it, accusing South Africa's Black-led government of adopting anti-white policies at home and an anti-American foreign policy stance. I think maybe Ill send somebody else because Ive had a lot of problems with South Africa. They have some very bad policies, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Africa has denied Trump's characterization of it as anti-white and anti-American. It will hand the rotating presidency of the G20 to the U.S. at the end of this year. ___ AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa By Sisipho Skweyiya KWADUKUZA, South Africa (Reuters) -Nkosinathi Msweli's sugar cane farm in KwaDukuza - a rural, largely poor region on South Africa's eastern coast - has for three decades been a solid, albeit small, economic success story, employing eight full-time staff and 30 seasonal workers. But cheap sugar imports were already eating into his earnings when U.S. President Donald Trump announced a steep tariff on South African imports, creating what Msweli called a "double whammy" that now leaves the 53-year-old facing tough choices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All in all, I will have to cut about 20 workers from this current season," he told Reuters, as he watched his labourers chop cane from soot-blanketed fields. "The person that is here in the field maybe has 10 lives that he's supporting." South Africa's sugar industry, valued at around 25 billion rand ($1.42 billion), directly and indirectly supports over 300,000 jobs in a country with one of the world's highest rates of unemployment. And in a nation where agricultural land ownership is still dominated by a white minority - a legacy of South Africa's apartheid past - its nearly 26,000 small farmers, who work alongside 1,100 large-scale growers, are predominantly Black. A combination of market factors and politics, however, is exposing the sector to growing headwinds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South African farmers are struggling to compete with cheap imports, including from neighbouring Eswatini, which benefits from preferential access under a regional customs treaty. Depressed global prices resulting from large harvests in major producers like India and Brazil have, meanwhile, added to the pain. And Trump's 30% tariff on imports from South Africa is set to deal a blow to exports. South Africa had previously benefited from a duty-free quota for 24,000 metric tons of sugar exports to the U.S. market under Washington's flagship trade initiative for the continent, the African Growth and Opportunities Act. While accounting for a relatively small 5% of total sugar exports, the South African Cane Growers' Association said the U.S. has served as a premium market that offered high prices, helping to sustain domestic jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scale of potential job losses remains unclear. But the industry association is urging the government to secure a trade deal with Washington that would safeguard exports to the United States. "If we don't have good trade relationships with the U.S., it's going to be detrimental, not just to our sector, but to many others as well," said Pratish Sharma, a member of the association's board. Any deal, if it comes, will likely be too late for this season, however. And as Msweli calculates the costs, he knows there's suffering on the horizon. "All this is going to cause starvation and hunger," he said. ($1 = 17.5632 rand) (Reporting by Sisipho Skweyiya; Writing by Nelson Banya; Editing by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo and Joe Bavier) COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) A subcommittee of the states Senate Medical Affairs Committee will meet to discuss Senate Bill 323, which would completely ban abortion in South Carolina. If signed into law, the Unborn Child Protection Act would eliminate the states current exceptions for abortions, including rape, incest and fatal fetal anomalies. The bill would also make abortion a felony in South Carolina, meaning women who terminate their pregnancies could face criminal prosecution. Doctors who perform abortion procedures could face up to 30 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, the South Carolina Supreme Court upheld a previous decision that determined fetal heartbeat activity can be detected at six weeks of pregnancy. Current state law says after a heartbeat is detectable, abortion is no longer an option. A spokesperson for the ACLU of South Carolina called the bill unconstitutional and deadly. This bill would criminalize medical care, invade our privacy, and place unconstitutional restrictions on speech, travel, and association, said Courtney Thomas, the advocacy director for ACLU of SC. Any lawmaker who cares about the health and safety of South Carolinians should be fighting tooth and nail to stop this bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the agenda, the committee will meet October 1. Public testimony and expert testimony will be heard. The meeting agenda can be read in its entirety below: S.323_SCSMAC_Agenda_Oct1Download Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. South Carolina trooper honored for stopping wrong-way driver on I-77 Senior Trooper R.A. Lee was awarded the Medal of Valor for stopping a wrong-way driver on July 8, saving multiple lives on Interstate 77 in Chester County, said officials with the South Carolina Highway Patrol announced on Thursday. READ MORE: Stolen car chase ends in crash on I-77, suspect arrested The incident began when a vehicle pursuit involving a stolen car from North Carolina entered Chester County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee attempted to deploy stop sticks, but the suspect evaded them and drove in the wrong direction on the interstate. Recognizing the imminent danger to other motorists, Lee made the quick decision to use his patrol car to intercept the oncoming vehicle, effectively disabling it and ending the threat, officials said. Despite his patrol car being totaled, Lee escaped without major injuries. To honor his bravery, Lee was recognized by SCDPS Director Robert Woods and SCHP Colonel Christopher Williamson, who presented him with a plaque and a new SCHP truck. SLED agent Khoury Hammond and SCDOT employee Andy Leaphart, who assisted at the scene, were present to congratulate him. Chester County Sheriff Max Dorsey also acknowledged Lees actions. South Korea has presented, for the first time, imagery of its Hycore hypersonic cruise missile, showing the actual weapon during its flight testing. The Hycore is part of a fast-growing arsenal of advanced weapons that Seoul is developing, primarily to counter North Korea. As well as the hypersonic cruise missile, South Korea is notably also working on an air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) and sea-based ballistic missiles, including for submarine launch. Until now, the Hycore missile had only been seen in public in the form of scale models and renderings. The new imagery includes the weapon being fired from a ground-based vertical launch platform, as well as the in-flight separation of the missile from the first of its two booster sections. Test launch of a Hycore missile from a ground platform. via @mason_8718 Separation of the first-stage booster from a Hycore missile. via @mason_8718 There is also a new image showing a wind-tunnel test, which reveals more details of the missiles appearance. via @mason_8718 Based on earlier reports, South Koreas Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and defense company Hanwha began research on the Hycore project in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, a model of the hypersonic cruise missile was publicly unveiled, confirming that it had a two-stage rocket booster. At this point, it was reported that the Hycore was slated to start flight testing (from ground launch) in 2022, with service entry projected for some time in the mid-2020s. An earlier model of the Hycore missile. Photo by Aviation Week South Korea correspondent Kim Minseok A DAPA spokesperson told Janes in 2022: The Agency for Defense Development is currently researching core technologies to study the high-temperature characteristics that occur during hypersonic flight and the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle at high speed. The same source published estimated specifications for the Hycore missile, including a length of 28.5 feet (8.7 meters), a weight of 5,290 pounds (2,400 kilograms), and a maximum speed of Mach 6.2. The weapons range remains unclear. The Hycore has a relatively typical layout for a scramjet-powered hypersonic weapon. This involves using a booster motor to accelerate the missile to near-hypersonic speed in order for the scramjet to work properly, before falling away. The South Korean missile differs from others in its class by using a two-stage solid-fuel rocket to bring it up to the required speed, rather than a single one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once at high supersonic speed, ensuring the required airflow into the scramjet engine, while also keeping drag to a minimum, is a complex task. The South Korean designers have adopted the same kind of design as seen on Boeings experimental X-51A Waverider. This is engineered to ensure the missile skips on top of the shockwaves produced during high-speed flight to produce additional lift. This kind of concept is in contrast to a hypersonic boost-glide vehicle, which is unpowered, but which also sits atop a rocket booster to get to the desired altitude and speed before being released. Boeings X-51A Waverider. U.S. Air Force Unconfirmed reports from South Korea claim the Hycore has already achieved a speed of Mach 6 in tests last year. Its understood that South Korea aims to field the Hycore in land-based and naval applications and, reportedly, also for air launch. A version of the missile launched from a surface combatant would likely be schemed for compatibility with the Korean Vertical Launch System II (KVLS-II), as installed on the Republic of Korea Navys (ROKN) 12,000-ton KDX-III Batch 2 destroyers. The KVLS-II test configuration on a KDX-III Batch 2 destroyer appears to have four cells, seen on the left, next to the earlier KVLS launcher. via X While initially expected to accommodate long-range surface-to-air missiles, the 24 KVLS-II cells on each of the KDX-III Batch 2 vessels are also planned to add ballistic missiles, and Hycore would appear to be another option. The KVLS-II cells are intended to accommodate bigger missiles. According to available data, the KVLS-II is at least 3 feet (0.9m) wide and 30 feet (9.1m) deep, providing considerable internal volume. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also suggestions that the Hycore could find itself arming ROKN submarines, in particular, the boats developed under the Korean Attack Submarine program. In the third phase of this program, KSS-III, the 3,000-ton displacement subs each have provision for six vertical launch system (VLS) cells that will be able to accommodate ballistic or cruise missiles. Subsequent vessels in the class are expected to increase the capacity to 10 VLS cells. The KSS-III submarine ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho during trials. Defense Acquisition Program Administration For air-launch, the Hycore is apparently being pitched as armament for Seouls KF-21 fighter. Earlier this year, TWZ reported on plans to develop a new air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) for the aircraft, which would see South Korea join a group of nations that are looking to introduce this capability, or which already have weapons of this kind in operational service. While ALBMs are sometimes described as hypersonic missiles, this is somewhat misleading, since most ballistic missiles arrive at their target with a hypersonic or near-hypersonic terminal velocity. A true hypersonic missile like Hycore would be a significant addition to the KF-21s weapons options. In theory, using the KF-21 as the Hycore launch platform would ease the process of integration, since this can be done locally, without the involvement of a foreign original equipment manufacturer. On the other hand, even with a different booster section, the Hycore will be a very large weapon, and its questionable if the KF-21 can carry it under its wing. First flight of the KF-21. YouTube screencap YouTube Screencap Alternatively, South Korea also operates the F-15K Slam Eagle, which has a prodigious load-carrying capability and would better lend itself to being armed with outsize weapons like hypersonic cruise missiles. A South Korean F-15K carries a Taurus cruise missile under the wing. Photo by South Korean Defense Ministry via Getty Images A South Korean F-15K fighter jet flying with a Taurus missile during an exercise on September 12, 2017, in Taean-gun, South Korea. Photo by South Korean Defense Ministry via Getty Images Overall, regardless of its method of launch, a hypersonic cruise missile would offer South Korea considerable advantages when it comes to conducting short-notice standoff strikes, especially against highly defended and time-sensitive targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been reports that the Hycore will have an anti-ship capability, especially relevant now that North Korea is actively working on surface combatants with their own powerful cruise missile capabilities. However, the ability to strike moving targets of any kind is much more complicated to achieve, requiring a seeker for terminal guidance. The missile would also benefit from being paired with and tied into a deeply networked kill web for targeting updates. More broadly, South Koreas hypersonic cruise missile plans should be seen in the context of increased tensions with North Korea in recent years, as well as that countrys own missile developments, which also include hypersonic missiles. The North Korean Hwasongpho-16B hypersonic missile, which uses a boost-glide vehicle concept. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, wearing a black leather jacket, is seen to the right. KCNA As long as North Korea continues to develop its nuclear capabilities as well as reinforce its air defenses, something its apparently now doing with Russian assistance, South Koreas need for harder-hitting weapons will be seen as increasingly critical. More broadly, South Koreas wider missile development plan calls for weapons with significantly enhanced destructive power as part of its response to North Koreas growing missile capabilities. Once again, a hypersonic cruise missile would fit the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As well as North Korea, China is a growing concern for South Korea, a fact reflected in Seoul increasingly looking to security challenges beyond the peninsula. China is meanwhile busily pursuing hypersonic weapons development, and South Korea may well see the Hycore as a useful counter to those diverse and expanding capabilities. Experience has shown that hypersonic cruise missiles are a notoriously tricky category of weapon to master, but with more traditional cruise missiles, dedicated bunker-busting weapons, and a variety of ballistic missiles also fielded or in development, Hycore is likely seen as a risk worth taking. Thanks to @mason_8718 for bringing details of this development to our attention. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) Around 1,400 jobs are expected to come to Huntsville over the next five years with Space Command Headquarters. The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce also anticipates that for each of those jobs, an additional two to three indirect jobs will also come. That means many people could be looking for housing. Colorado leaders threaten lawsuit after Space Command move There will be a lot more buyers, Ben Wales, an Associate Broker with Gateway Alabama Realty Group, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wales said he anticipates the people who will be relocating to the Rocket City will have a good budget to work with. A lot of the people initially moving here for Space Command are probably not looking at your starter homes, Wales said. According to the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors, the median home price in Huntsville is $339,000. Rocket City takes Command: U.S. Space Command Headquarters coming to Alabama I would venture that is a pretty good bit less than Colorado Springs, Wales added. According to the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors, the median home price in Colorado Springs is $450,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wales told News 19 that a lower median home price is one of the things that is most attractive to his buyers who are new to North Alabama. They always say, I cant believe how much I can get for my money here in Huntsville, Wales said. The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce said an influx of new residents is nothing the Rocket City isnt ready for. Nearly half of our community is made up of people who moved here from somewhere else, Lucia Cape, the Senior Vice President of Economic Development & Workforce, said. We have a lot to draw on when we give information about moving to Huntsville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cape said the region has seen large influxes of new residents before, thanks to other additions on Redstone Arsenal, like the Army Materiel Command, the Space & Missile Defense Command and the FBI. She said the Chamber will use the same game plan as before when assisting in the relocation process. That plan has been used, as I said, for 20 years in different capacities, Cape said. It involves sharing information, giving people the opportunity to make informed decisions about where they want to live. The Chamber said it has a good network of people built up in Colorado Springs, as it currently works with the chamber there, since many companies operate out of both cities already. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Space travel speeds up ageing, a new study has suggested. Astronauts are known to be at risk from a range of health problems caused by microgravity and space radiation, but new research suggests their cells may also grow older. The University of California sent stem cells to the International Space Station to judge the impact of low gravity. Within two months, cells had lost some of their ability to make healthy new cells, became more prone to DNA damage and the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes had shortened all signs of accelerated ageing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The toll of space flight was highlighted this year when the Nasa astronauts Barry Butch Wilmore and Sunita Suni Williams returned to Earth after a nine-month stay in space, appearing years older than when they left. Sunita Suni Williams before and after a nine-month stay in space The pair looked thin and gaunt, while Williams hair had turned grey, although it is unclear whether that was from a lack of hair dye or a real ageing effect. Barry Butch Wilmore before and after a nine-month stay in space Space is the ultimate stress test for the human body, said Dr Catriona Jamieson, the director of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute and professor of medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine. These findings are critically important because they show that the stressors of space like microgravity and cosmic galactic radiation can accelerate the molecular ageing of blood stem cells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is essential knowledge as we enter a new era of commercial space travel and research in low Earth orbit. Hyper-accelerated Nasa has previously warned that physical changes could become hyper-accelerated in orbit, which could cause hair to grey in a matter of days. Astronauts are known to suffer problems with bone and muscle loss, and there are fears that space could make astronauts infertile, with Nasa now offering egg and sperm freezing before space. Last year, research carried out by the University of Surrey and the European Space Agency found that 91 per cent of genes were affected by microgravity, with many switching on and off at the wrong time of day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Genes affected included those linked to muscle function, the immune system and the inflammatory response. Although many of the health impacts of space return to normal once astronauts are back on Earth, Nasa has identified persistent changes that could have long term effects. Previous research from the US has found that astronauts who travelled into deep space on lunar missions were five times more likely to have died from cardiovascular disease than those who went into low orbit, or never left Earth. The problems happened even though astronauts have access to the best medical care, meaning that their health is usually better than the general population. DNA damage For the latest research, experts sent four bioreactors containing stem cells on board Space X missions to the International Space Station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cells used were Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells, which are found in the bone marrow and circulating blood which continuously generate mature blood cells. Researchers found that space flight triggered a range of changes in blood-forming stem cells that closely resemble what happens to these cells as humans age. Their ability to make healthy new cells declined, while signs of molecular wear-and-tear, like DNA damage and shorter chromosome ends became more pronounced. The cells also showed signs of inflammation and stress inside their mitochondria the cells batteries and began activating hidden sections of the genome that are normally kept quiet to maintain stability. These stress responses can impair immune function and increase the risk of diseases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When these space-exposed cells were later placed in a young, healthy environment, some of the damage began to reverse, suggesting it may be possible to rejuvenate ageing cells with the right interventions. The research was published in the journal Cell Stem Cell. 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. Germany's coalition government is "on the right track" ahead of an ambitious legislative session, a leading member of the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) said on Thursday. Matthias Miersch, the SPD's parliamentary leader, told public broadcaster ZDF that he believes his party and Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives "can do this together" following high-level talks in the coalition committee on Wednesday. "In a coalition there are differing ideas, and the art of politics is to reach compromises," Miersch said following the meeting which focused on the political agenda ahead of lawmakers' return to Berlin from the summer recess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz's government has had a rocky start since taking office in May, and the coalition partners continued to bicker during the summer break over several points of tension, including reforms to the welfare state. Another key issue is a 30 billion ($35 billion) hole in the federal budget from 2027. But Miersch said Merz's centre-right bloc has recognized that addressing the issue is not only a matter for SPD Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, but "the task for the entire government to plug this hole now." The parliamentary leader also said progress has been made on social reforms, after tensions regarding cuts to the "citizen's benefit" system of basic income support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am very sure that this grand coalition is capable of actually resolving these major issues," said Miersch. The new-found spirit of cooperation between the coalition parties was welcomed by Franziska Brantner from the opposition Greens, who said that after the experience of recent weeks, "it's good that they're not insulting each other." "I expect the new government to pull itself together now and really tackle the problems," she added. My freelance income was floundering. Under increasing financial and romantic pressure, I applied for a job I was certain to get. When I joined a school as a teaching assistant in February last year, there were no teachers to assist. Until fairly recently, the school had been a respite service, only obtaining its school status in 2023. There was no formal curriculum. There was just a team of support staff and 17 children, ranging between the ages of eight and 18, with needs and behaviour that the other special educational needs and disability (Send) schools in the area were unable or unwilling to cope with. Two or three of the students could sustain a short conversation between themselves, but the rest were either semi or non-verbal, and only communicated with adults, if at all. A headteacher arrived shortly after me and only then came the gradual addition of five teachers, three of whom left within a month. It was known that one gave in their notice after being smacked hard in the face by a towering 16-year-old. Factors behind the other resignations were more oblique. Of all our pupils, the most noteworthy is a teenager declared a menace to society by social services. Weighing more than 16st, he cannot be engaged in any activity other than playing with sand or sawdust he will instantly destroy toys or games. He is liable to punch, kick or bite anyone within range as he makes his two or three daily trips to the playground or the toilet. A couple of times a week, he will emerge from his completely bare classroom holding aloft clumps of his own soft, pale faeces, thumbing it through his fingers while walking down the corridor to rinse it off in the toilet sink. Flanked everywhere by two stocky support workers who sport arm-length bite-proof gloves, face masks and bored eyes, he will sometimes be let into the ball-pit room alone to masturbate. Special Needs School1 Among the other students, spitting is a constant behaviour on the floor, in a cup, in your face. Scratching of the hands or face has recently become a daily occurrence for the staff in my classroom. Stripping is common, for either sensory escape or self-amusement, and an absolute headache in terms of safeguarding, particularly the strip-and-run technique favoured by the nimble. Two of our students grope bottoms and bosoms often. Another large teen regularly threatens, and attempts, to stab his peers in the neck with a pencil if they linger near the door to his classroom. He has then caused immense damage to various rooms by launching chairs at the ceilings and smashing sinks, after being gently reminded that stabbing is unacceptable. Only one child is producing extreme verbal abuse, a nine-year-old whose vocabulary beggars belief. Two colleagues were sacked after failing to appropriately deal with this childs constant use of the N-word and other, sexually degrading, language. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hardest part of the job is not the students behaviour, which you get used to. The rare breakthroughs and achievements Ive witnessed are intensely rewarding and more than make up for this. Ive seen children whove never uttered a word start to recognise colours and count to three. I have taught a child how to use the toilet and dress independently. On a daily basis I will recite the English counties at various speeds, and in alternately low and high-pitched voices, at the request of a 14-year-old, to our hysterical delight. The students are, by the nature and rarity of their behaviour, amazing. And because the school was still in the process of becoming a school, I could take on more responsibilities. I ran two weekly assemblies, wrote end-of-year reports, directed the school nativity play and was soon leading a classroom of four students and their support workers (half the classrooms, including mine, are still teacher-less to this day). The hardest part was earning 20,000 a year and living off 70 a week after rent and bills. I supplement this where I can with other work, but whats particularly frustrating is that the head of HR told me I would be on 23,000 after passing a three-month probation period. Ive raised this formally three times over the course of a year but the mistake or lie has never been acknowledged by the school. This is not a problem unique to me. It goes hand in hand with the insidious exploitation of my support-staff colleagues, most of whom joined when the school was still offering a respite service and are seeing significant changes to their job descriptions with little to no changes in pay. After a disappointing Ofsted inspection, the end of the working day was extended from about 3.20pm to 4.30pm for all support staff, for no extra pay. Management seemed to blame our requires improvement grading on those with the fewest qualifications, who are also doing the hardest work for the least money, rather than the qualified teachers or their own failure to hire and retain more than two of them. In a long and unpleasant meeting, the chief executive threatened to reduce support-staff pay even further and make redundancies if things didnt improve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school is certainly not short of cash. As an independent specialist school it is taking at least 50,000 a year per student from the council, if not more. This is part of the spiralling crisis in Send education funding, which stems from mainstream schools being unable to meet the growing demand for Send students. Schools like mine then spring up to take the excess students and make a tidy profit. Councils are left with the bill, and their Send deficits are set to hit 5bn next year in England alone. Management have mentioned on numerous occasions the great expense of the behaviour analysts, language therapists and counsellors who come in once or twice a week. What makes this excuse especially grating is that these outside figures are regularly flummoxed by the extraordinarily challenging behaviour of the students in a way that the support staff who have worked with the children for years are not. Special Needs School2 I looked into joining a union and even sought the advice of a colleague on how to quietly suggest this to the rest of our team. She explained that most would simply never take that step: they are too scared of having their certificates of sponsorship (COS) withdrawn and being forced to leave the country. Almost all of my colleagues are migrants on precarious work visas. The vast majority are Nigerian, with a smaller contingent from Albania. They need to stay on the COS for at least five years before applying for settled status and are at varying stages along that journey. My colleague believes that the chief executive is happy to allow the implicit threat of withdrawing their COS in order to curb dissent. If thats the case, it has worked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Otherwise, the hardest thing is the boredom. There are often long breaks in the school day for the students, which they need in order to stay calm and content. A small number may want to chat or play games during this time, but most want to just sit quietly in one of the sensory rooms or walk up and down the corridor, so for their support workers its either thumb-twiddling or preventing violence. But again, a difficult situation is greatly exacerbated by those running the school. If its the former of these options, staff may be retrospectively scolded by management, who watch live CCTV from their offices, for not engaging the children in an activity. Its hard to find a balance between active and quiet time, for pupils and staff alike. Some of the older students flat out refuse to do any formal learning, escaping at the mere sight of pen or paper. Some days, all that the most challenging children seem to do is hit you and shriek. Youre probably having a more interesting time when ducking right hooks and cups of spit than following a student up and down a corridor. Either way, you end up knackered. The balance is rarely right, and that can be tough for morale. In how they deal with this problem, I have to give massive credit to the west African staff. The spirit and humour of that regions diaspora is whats keeping the care sector in this country afloat. Colleagues greet me each morning with the honorary Yoruba name I was christened with last year, after I wore the traditional African dress they gave me as a present. All greetings, in fact, are exclaimed bombastically and accompanied with a high-five, which keeps the atmosphere of the school upbeat. I am the only white man in the building, and its the most welcome Ive ever felt in a place of work. My time at the school is nearly over, and Ill be starting teacher training soon. One of my responsibilities over the past year has been to work one-to-one with a particular child. When he is angry, he says hes glad Im leaving, and wishes that Id kill myself. He fabricates instances in which I have shouted in his face, and threatens to have me sacked or arrested. When he is happy, he says he loves me, that Im the best teacher ever. He tries to hug me, and screams for me when I am not there. Thats life at the Send school. 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. (Texas Scorecard) A specialist has identified potential research security risks within the UT-MD Anderson Cancer Center, including a collaboration with the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army. This follows the arrest of one of the institutions former researchersa Chinese nationalwho attempted to steal cancer-related research. Risky Collaborations Analysis by the research security firm IPTalons suggests the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) has gaps in security measures against foreign influence groups (FIGs), with more than 70 Chinese entities actively targeting the centers researchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. government has identified communist China as a top national security threat. Unfortunately, like other leading research universities in Texas, foreign influence groups (FIGs) have been targeting M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for decades, Allen Phelps, chief executive officer of IPTalons, wrote. Phelps stated that analysis of FIG threat activity from January 2024 to July 2025 found that more than 70 FIGs have been targeting MD Anderson researchers. Many of these FIGs are Chinese universities. When over 70 Chinese entitiesmany tied directly to military-civil fusion projectsare actively targeting MD Anderson, it is not just an academic concern; it is a matter of state and national security, State Sen. Bob Hall (REdgewood) told Texas Scorecard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IPTalons found that MD Anderson researchers had collaborated on 287 open-source research publications, also known as unclassified academic research papers, with foreign researchers from high-risk organizations in China. High-risk organizations are those research institutions in China that are known or suspected of working on military-civilian fusion projects, according to the risk profiles established by the Australian Defence Tracker, Phelps explained. Additionally, IPTalons list of FIGs includes more than 20 organizations that the U.S. government has either sanctioned or put on export control restrictions. These were confirmed by checking the U.S. Department of Commerces Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Entity List, and the Department of Defenses Section 1260H List of Chinese Military Companies. The list includes the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army, University of Science and Technology of China, Center for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research, and Xijing Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The collaborations are troublesome in and of themselves; the sources of funding elevate concerns for security experts. Open source research indicates that Chinese funding sources, including the Higher Education Discipline Innovation Project, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai, the National Key R&D Program of China, and the Shanghai Rising Star Program, have been either directly or indirectly supporting MDACC researchers, Phelps wrote. Research centers like MD Anderson should treat all CCP-controlled entities as military or intelligence arms of the party-state that has defined America as its chief enemy for 35 years, Michael Lucci, CEO of State Armor, commented. Ask whether such a partnership is a good idea in light of that reality. Most partnerships should be avoided, and anything with sanctioned entities and explicit military assets [is a] total no-go. IPTalons conducted its analysis using its RedBook Foreign Influence Risk Detection and Response platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, State Rep. Terry Wilson (RGeorgetown), who authored Texass new research security lawHouse Bill 127asserted that the new law is sufficient to counter the Chinese threat. The Method In a previous interview, Phelps noted that China targets work in unclassified research, also known as basic fundamental research, in academia because thats where most of Americas critical security technology originates. Often, U.S. federal officials do not determine whether academic research should be classified until its further along in development. That is when there is a clearer picture of the practical application of the research. By that time, foreign adversaries, such as China, have already gotten their hooks into it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CCP will also target medical research, for example, cancer. If its operatives co-develop a cure, they could dispute the intellectual property rights and potentially hold America hostage. They also twist medical research for other purposes. China and other foreign threat actors exploit research in fields such as genetics, medicine, AI/ML, and more to suppress vulnerable populations and target individuals, an August 2025 report from the National Counterintelligence and Security Center stated. Lucci commented that Chinas strategy to defeat the United States is built upon turning our own strengths against us by sapping the ingenuity of our open society while corrupting our institutions. On August 25, the Harris County District Attorneys Office filed charges against 35-year-old Yunhai Li for attempting to steal proprietary cancer-related research from MD Anderson Cancer Center and take it back to China. Li, in the U.S. on a research scholar visa, had been previously employed at the center as a researcher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A national effort has been coalescing to block the China threat. Raise Shields On July 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of Xu Zewei on allegations of hacking and stealing crucial COVID-19 research at the behest of the Chinese government while that same government was simultaneously withholding information about the virus and its origins. In January 2021, before the inauguration of President Joe Biden, the first Trump Administration issued National Security Presidential Memorandum33 (NSPM-33), which mandates research security programs at institutions receiving over $50 million in federal funds protect U.S. research from foreign interference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued National Institute of Standards and Technology Internal Report 8484 (NISTIR 8484). The report provides a cybersecurity framework to safeguard research data, supporting NSPM-33s goals. In July 2025, the U.S. Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party sent letters to seven American universitiesnone of them in Texasto end their joint programs with the Chinese Scholarship Council. The CCP has a long track record of acquiring U.S. technology through both legal and illegal tacticsincluding talent recruitment programs, academic partnerships that serve its military, forced tech transfer, espionage, and outright theft, the committee stated. Shuttering joint programs like these has been a long-term objective of the committee. Texas lawmakers have noticed the China threat as well. A December 2024 Texas House committee report recognized the need for stricter security measures. During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers acted, passing multiple measures, including a new research security lawHouse Bill 127. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas new research security law comes not a moment too soon, Lucci stated. We need the strong vetting of research partnerships and stronger penalties for trade secret theft provided by HB 127, which was championed by Senator Hughes and Representative Terry Wilson. The law also creates a Texas Higher Education Research Security Council to supervise the protection of university systems. But Phelps has cautioned that universities are still taking an academic approach to research security, writing papers but not taking preventive measures. Research security is not an academic exercise, he said. Hall acknowledged that the legislature and Gov. Greg Abbott had taken significant steps to better shield Texas from Chinese infiltration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This latest report, however, makes clear that more work is needed to safeguard Texas research institutions from foreign influence and exploitation, he stated. My office will engage with leadership at Texas institutions to diagnose the scope of this threat and envision solutions that combat information and resource exploitation by foreign adversaries. UT-MD Anderson Cancer Center provided the following statement: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center complies with federal and state research security requirements. The institution maintains robust processes and protections aimed at ensuring appropriate research collaborations and proactive risk mitigation. In March 2025, MD Anderson expanded its existing capabilities by hiring a highly qualified research security officer, whose previous experience includes UT System and federal law enforcement roles focused on safeguarding research environments. MD Anderson remains committed to scientific discovery and to advancing our mission to end cancer. MD Anderson has not reviewed the report from IPTalons and cannot confirm the accuracy of this independent analysis. The University of Texas System did not respond to a request for comment before publication. Gov. Wes Moore holds up an executive order he signed that aims to reduce administrative hurdles for new housing projects. With him is Housing Secretary Jake day, left, Secretary of State Susan Lee, seated, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and affordable housing advocates. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters) When it comes to solving Marylands significant housing shortage, the Moore administration believes that time is of the essence and that current state processes arent moving fast enough. Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed an executive order Wednesday that aims to reduce administrative hurdles to new housing projects across the state and hasten the development of new units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This executive order can be wrapped up in one word speed, Moore said at a signing event at the Legacy at Twin Rivers housing complex in Howard County. We need to move faster to build new homes. We need to move faster to make homes more affordable and protect our renters. We need to move faster to create a housing market that is more competitive, he said. The executive order aims to fast-track housing development to reduce the approximately 96,000-unit shortage Maryland currently faces. That shortage was driven by insufficient housing construction over the last 15 years, said the order, which said the lack of affordable housing options has created an imminent threat of widespread social and economic disruption. Gov. Wes Moore (D) and Housing Secretary Jake Day take questions from reporters. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters) We believe that housing is a foundation on which we will build everything else, Moore said. If you want to create wealth, start with housing. If you want to create jobs, start with housing. If you want to attract new businesses, create housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To counter stagnating housing development, the order instructs state agencies to cut red tape in the approval process for new housing projects, prioritize development near transit, and identify surplus state-owned land for potential sites of new affordable housing development opportunities. Moore added that environmental impacts and community voices will still be considered but that the state must not allow process to institute paralysis. The order also creates a state housing ombudsman to oversee permit-approval processes and offer recommendations about where those processes could be improved. In addition, the Department of Housing and Community Development will establish housing targets for the state and each jurisdiction every five years, starting in January. The agency will also track the progress of jurisdictions. Some of the priorities outlined in the executive order already exist in state law, but housing officials say the current framework must work faster to address the states housing needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Housing doesnt just happen. Its planned, its designed, and its thoughtful, Housing Secretary Jake Day said at Wednesdays event. Were taking another critical step toward ensuring everyone in Maryland has access to a safe, affordable place to call home. The executive order follows Moores previous efforts to boost housing supply in the state some that were successes and some, not so much. During the 2024 legislative session, the General Assembly passed Moores three-pronged housing package to incentivize higher-density housing, among other initiatives. But Moore did not fare so well in this past session, when he proposed legislation that tied housing development initiatives to areas with high job growth. It did not get its first hearing until March and quickly faced criticism from local officials. Lawmakers struck the original bill and replaced it with language that granted vesting rights for developers, among other measures. The legislation ultimately died in a Senate committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, the administration has already started workshopping predecisional bill language with county officials to get a conversation going well before the start of the 2026 legislative session. The reality is simple folks without housing, we cannot solve the housing affordability crisis, Day said Wednesday. Nearly one in three Maryland families are cost-burdened by rent or mortgage payments. More than half of the renters in this state, 53%, are paying greater than 30% of their income just to keep a roof over their heads, and that is unacceptable. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Dozens of community members gathered at Inlet Beach Wednesday morning for a rare sighting. Kemps ridley sea turtles are an endangered species, and its not every day you get to see an adult Kemps ridley up close and personal. The Gulf World Marine Institute got to treat the community with a sea turtle release once again. Every once in a while we get a Kemps ridley in, which is fantastic. To have one hooked at a pier was very unusual for us, and especially an adult, which is even more rare, said Gulf World Marine Institute Stranding Coordinator Lauren Albrittain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The adult Kemps ridleys rehabilitation turnaround time was so quick that volunteers didnt even have time to give her name. However, they coined the nickname Spicy lady due to her feisty nature. That feisty nature got her back into the Gulf in no time. This adult female temporarily was able to be cleared much faster than normal, which is a great thing. It is because she had two hooks that were in her mouth that were able to be removed easily, Albrittain said. Albrittain said the goal is always to get the sea turtles back into the gulf as soon as possible. She says this was the ideal situation, even if getting scratched up by spicy lady was a part of the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quick turnarounds are always ideal. You know, we can only do so much to mimic their natural environment. So we want to get them back out to their natural environment as soon as possible, especially adults like her, Albrittain explained. Spicy lady was with the Gulf World Marine Institute for less than a week. But often times the rescued sea turtles need a lot more rehabilitation time, and a variety of treatments. This work gets expensive for the nonprofit, but they know their conservation efforts are crucial. We cover a large swath of the panhandle for this type of work. And so we do appreciate all the support as a nonprofit we operate on fundraising donations and grants, added Albrittain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It takes everyone doing their part to keep our sea turtles and marine mammals safe. If you see a stranded or deceased dolphin, whale, or sea turtle immediately report it to the FWC, by calling 1-888-404-3922 or by dialing #FWC on your phone. To learn more about the Gulf World Marine Institute, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. (NewsNation) Spirit Airlines will end flight service to 12 cities starting in October. The cut to service comes less than a week after the budget airline filed for bankruptcy for the second time amid financial losses. The airline now carries $2.4 billion in long-term debt, most of it due in 2030. CNBC reports that the following cities will be impacted by the service cuts in October: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Birmingham, Alabama; Boise, Idaho; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Columbia, South Carolina; Portland, Oregon; Salt Lake City, Utah; as well as Oakland, San Diego, Sacramento and San Jose in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chipotle and Zipline partner to deliver burritos via drone In a statement to CNBC, Spirit apologized for the inconvenience these cuts may cause, adding that it will be reaching out to customers to notify them of their options. Spirit, known for its bright yellow planes and no-frills service, has struggled since the COVID-19 pandemic and is fighting to rebound amid rising operational costs and its mounting debt. In a statement posted to social media on August 29, CEO Dave Davis defended the decision to file for bankruptcy, arguing the move will help Spirit moving forward. Unemployed workers outnumber available jobs for first time since 2021 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spirit took a proactive step to build a stronger foundation and future for our company. We have voluntarily entered the Chapter 11 restructuring process to ensure the long-term success of our airline so we can continue to serve our Guests well into the future, Davis said. Competitors have been watching closely to see what Spirit will do next. Both United and Frontier announced Thursday theyll be adding new flights to cities this fall and into early 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Spirit Airlines announced Thursday that its discontinuing service to 11 cities to focus on its strongest performing markets. This comes on the heels of the budget carrier filing for bankruptcy protection a week ago, just months after emerging from a Chapter 11 reorganization. Spirit CEO and President Dave Davis said the company is focused on reducing debt and raising capital. Previous: Spirit Airlines, domestic travel dip weigh heavy as Las Vegas air passengers decline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The air carrier is discontinuing service to the following 11 cities. The eight cities in bold have service to and from Las Vegas. Albuquerque Birmingham Boise Chattanooga Columbia Oakland Portland Sacramento Salt Lake City San Diego San Jose According to a statement released by Spirit Airlines, services to those cities will stop the week of Oct. 2, 2025. We apologize to our Guests for any inconvenience this may cause and will reach out to those with affected reservations to notify them of their options, including a refund, the statement said. Spirit said it will continue its service to other destinations in the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Just days after announcing its second bankruptcy in under a year, Spirit Airlines is dropping 11 cities from its route map in an effort to refocus on key markets. A spokesperson for the Dania Beach-based, ultra-low-cost airline confirmed to airlinegeeks.com that as of the week of Oct. 2, the carrier is pulling out of airports in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Birmingham, Alabama; Boise, Idaho; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Columbia, South Carolina; Oakland, California; Portland, Oregon; Sacramento, California; Salt Lake City; San Diego; and San Jose, California. No Florida cities were removed, but flights to and from Florida airports to these 11 cities will end, according to Spirit.com's ticketing website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A planned route to Macon, Georgia, scheduled to begin in October, also has been suspended. Service to Key West, scheduled to begin Nov. 6, is still available. In its attempt to restructure, the airline plans to cut its fleet and focus on core cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Detroit, Spirit Chairman Robert Milton told the Wall Street Journal. Spirit is the largest carrier at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, where it maintains its main hub. Frontier Airlines capitalized on Spirit's struggles by announcing 20 new routes including several at Fort Lauderdale and other Spirit hubs. Spirit Airlines assured its guests in an open letter Aug. 29 that flights would continue normally. However, the company said in court filings that it would reduce its presence in certain markets, shrink its network and cut costs. Which cities will Spirit stop flying to? Service to and from the following cities will end the week of Oct. 2, 2025: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) California: Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) Sacramento International Airport (SMF) San Diego International Airport (SAN) San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) in Idaho: Boise Airport (BOI) New Mexico: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) Oregon: Portland International Airport (PDX) in South Carolina: Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) Tennessee: Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) Utah: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) Plans to add Middle Georgia Regional Airport (MCN) in Macon, Georgia to its destinations on Oct. 16 have been suspended. What do I do if my flights are canceled? Customers with existing flights scheduled to and from these airports should contact Spirit if the airline has not already reached out to them. Under the U.S. Department of Transportation flight refund policy, travelers are entitled to a refund if an airline cancels a flight, no matter what the reason is, and the customer chooses not to travel. Why did Spirit declare bankruptcy? Since emerging from bankruptcy in March, Spirit reported a net loss of about $246 million through mid-June. The company said last week it borrowed the entire $275 million available under its revolving credit facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Industry analysts and executives say Spirit's troubles stemmed from its failure to fix its bloated cost structure in the first bankruptcy. Its total operating expense in the latest quarter was $1.2 billion, which amounted to 118% of its quarterly revenue. Spirit is also locked in a dispute with aircraft lessor AerCap Holdings over a deal covering 36 Airbus planes due for delivery between 2027 and 2028. According to court filings, AerCap, the world's largest aircraft leasing company, abruptly terminated lease agreements for 36 Airbus A320neo family aircraft scheduled for delivery to Spirit in 2027 and 2028, and claimed a default on 37 aircraft leases that were part of Spirit's current inventory, approximately a quarter of the airline's current total fleet. Spirit disputes the validity of AerCap's notices, Spirits chief financial officer Fred Cromer said in the declaration. The news comes shortly after Spirit, still struggling from of the last bankruptcy and a failed merger with JetBlue, announced plans to furlough nearly 300 pilots later this year, effective Nov. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite its issues, Spirit was named Best Airline for 2025 by WalletHub in April. Recently the company has tried to market itself as the premium option among budget airlines with a new ticket lineup, an updated loyalty program, and extra legroom seating for the "Go Comfy" ticketholders (now called "Premium Economy"). Which Florida airports does Spirit fly out of? As of Sept. 4, Spirit currently services the following Florida airports: Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Fort Myers (RSW) Key West (EYW) (scheduled to begin in November) Miami (MIA) Orlando (MCO) Pensacola (PNS) Tampa (TPA) West Palm Beach (PBI) This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Spirit Airlines flights canceled in 11 cities in bankruptcy (KRON) Spirit Airlines has announced it will be pulling out of two Bay Area airports. On Thursday, the budget airline told KRON4s sister station KOIN that it would be adjusting its network to focus on our strongest performing markets. Struggling Bay Area bookstore chain to be acquired by major corporation As a result, Spirit said it had made the difficult decision to discontinue service to Oakland (OAK) and San Jose (SJC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to dropping service at two of the Bay Areas three major airports, Spirit will also discontinue service at the following airports around the country: Albuquerque (ABQ) Birmingham (BHM) Boise (BOI) Chattanooga (CHA) Columbia (CAE) Portland (PDX) Sacramento (SMF) Salt Lake City (SLC) San Diego (SAN) We apologize to our Guests for any inconvenience this may cause and will reach out to those with affected reservations to notify of them of their options, including a refund, a Spirit Airlines spokesperson said. We are grateful to the airports, business partners and community members in these markets who welcomed and supported us. The company said it remains committed to offering high-value travel options and would continue to serve dozens of destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sep. 4While San Joaquin County leaders rejected a proposal to formally oppose Proposition 50, those at the City of Lodi elected to send a message to Gov. Gavin Newsom. The Lodi City Council voted 3-2 to approve a resolution opposing California Proposition 50 also known as the Use of Legislative Congressional Redistricting Map Amendment during its Wednesday meeting. Vice Mayor Ramon Yepez and Councilman Mikey Hothi cast the dissenting votes, stating the city had no bearing on federal issues and that the council should focus on local issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If passed by voters, Prop 50 would authorize temporary changes to the state's congressional district maps to give five additional seats to Democrats, and is Newsom's response to a similar effort in Texas to favor Republicans. Wednesday's resolution was brought to the dais by Mayor Cameron Bregman, who said the proposition will not give Lodi the complete representation it needs in Washington D.C. "Lodi will be split into three districts," he said. "Democrat or Republican, it will affect our ability to receive federal funding. What I don't want to see is Lodians paying the same federal taxes and getting none of the benefits. The city is not made of money, and we do need every single congressional grant that is available to us." Nearly two dozen residents on both sides of the issue spoke during Wednesday's meeting, including District 9 candidate Jim Shoemaker, who said the state had "lost its mind" and that Newsom is not following the California constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Trying to maintain somebody to represent our area is already hard enough in Washington," he said. "I'm looking at the fact of how to represent all the people, and how do you do it if you're splitting up an area where there's only going to be a few voters there." Jose Chavez said the new maps which splice Lodi into three districts and the county into five will not only divide the community, but reduces the amount of support it currently receives from one congressional leader. "Should this proposition pass, it's going to lead to less accessibility to your congressman, it's going to lead to less accessibility in Washington with lobbying for federal grants and support," he said. "And it is going to be muddying the resources coming to residents who commute, work in our community, and enrich Lodi and the community." David Diskin said it was historically rare for the council to take positions on federal issues, and that it had no business doing so now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People have told you that Prop 50 reverses the will of the voters," he said. "Let's be clear. It's precisely the voters that will decide Prop 50's fate in November. If it passes, it will be the voters that supported this constitutional amendment the same kind of amendment voters opted in to 15 years ago with Prop 20." The Voters FIRST Act for Congress or Prop 20 gave the 14-member Citizens Redistricting Commission the responsibility of drawing Congressional districts in 2010. The commission was created by Proposition 11 in 2008 to initially draw the district lines for the California Senate, Assembly, and State Board of Equalization every 10 years. The next scheduled district redraw is 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maria Elena Serna said rejecting Wednesday's resolution would keep voters particularly minorities from feeling disenfranchised at the polls. "It will, in fact, allow fairness and justice to prevail," she said. "Prop 50 is only temporary legislation. We, as Americans, can not allow our constitution to be made a mockery, and it reminds me of something we took care of a long time ago: taxation without representation." Yepez and Hothi both said taking positions on federal issues was beyond the council's purview, with the former adding the city should be focused on topics such as repairing streets. "I really like the discussion we had as a community, but I don't know what we're doing here in the first place," Yepez said. "This is beyond us. This will be up to the voters in November." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, Hothi called to end a discussion on voting requirements, stating if the council continued to address hyper-partisan issues, nothing would get done at the city level. On Wednesday, he said those types of discussions seem to erode the public's trust in its leaders. "I can't tell you the number of resolution requests I've had, many of which I agreed with," he said. "But I don't bring them to the dais because I find they could be very partisan, and I think there is much more impactful work we have to do as a city." While opponents said Bregman's resolution was an attempt to quell the voice of the voters, Councilwoman Lisa Craig whose district would also be split into three if Prop 50 passes said residents would have the option to vote in November no matter which way things turned out Wednesday. "To me, this isn't a partisan issue," she said. "It's about equity and fairness for every electorate. We'll be split in three. You may think that doesn't mean anything, that (a congressman is) going to represent you. But we will have people who have never set foot in Lodi, who is going to have to be brought up to speed with what's going on, and they will be up for election next year." ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Abilene work crews are currently spraying pesticides in specific areas throughout the Key City after collecting mosquitoes that tested positive for the West Nile virus. The City of Abilene recently announced that they are implementing pesticide spraying to reduce the local mosquito population, following test results that confirmed the presence of the West Nile virus. Mary Martinez, the Environmental Health Manager for the City of Abilene, discussed several measures the public can take, commonly referred to as the Four Ds, to decrease the risk of contracting West Nile virus from mosquitoes. One, dress appropriately. So, light clothing, long sleeves, long pants. Try to avoid being out at dawn and dusk, as a lot of mosquito species are more active at that time. Three, use an approved insect repellent such as one containing DEET, and then four, drain any standing water, Martinez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citys efforts in spraying pesticides are focused on three areas around the Key City and cover a one-mile radius. Those locations include North 10th Street, East-South 11th Street in the Lytle area, as well as in the downtown Abilene area. Taylor County AG Extension Agent, Steve Estes, spoke about how West Nile can even affect livestock, especially horses, and outlined additional treatment methods that are safe to use around your animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well refer to mosquito dunks. You can purchase those. You put them in standing water. Theyre safe for birds and other types of mammals and animals around, and fish as well, Estes said. If a person contracts West Nile virus, most individuals may not realize they have it, as they often experience either no symptoms or only minimal ones. However, about 20% of those infected can exhibit more severe symptoms, with some experiencing extreme reactions. Martinez advises on the steps to take if someone suspects they are infected. By all means, please seek out a health care provider. Theres no cure, per se, for West Nile. Theres no vaccine for it. So usually its rest, you know, plenty of fluids, that kind of thing, said Martinez. City officials report no high numbers of West Nile virus in the local mosquito population, but they will continue testing and spraying if necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. ST. LOUIS A federal grand jury indicted two St. Charles County men for allegedly harboring undocumented migrant workers. The indictments were tied to a series of raids that shut down a popular St. Peters restaurant. FOX 2 News broke the story Wednesday, talking to former customers as well as neighbors of both suburban homes raided. Our visit Wednesday to Golden Apple Buffet on Mexico Road resulted in customer after customer astounded to find the place suddenly shut down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal agents had also stormed two suburban homes where neighbors reported about 20 people living inside each home all detained. They were people who neighbors reported seeing in the past being bused to the restaurant to work every day. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News A neighbor of one of the homes, who did not want to go on camera, told FOX 2 News the investigation began with concerned citizens. The complaints were not about workers in a restaurant, but rather concerns of suburban homes packed with dozens of occupants. They pointed to a possible quality of life issue, and that their concern was not just for surrounding neighbors, but also for the people they believed were being jammed into the homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guo L. Ye and De J. Ye, both 56, were each charged with one count of bringing in and harboring aliens. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said the two men knew the migrants they were housing were in the country illegally. FBI and members of Homeland Securitys Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested the men on Tuesday. If convicted, each man faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. ST. LOUIS A St. Louis man appeared in federal court on Wednesday and admitted acting as a moderator for a group chat that shared child sexual abuse material. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said David K. Daues, 37, was sharing CSAM on the Kik messaging app and the Wire platform. The investigation began after a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The account that was the subject of the tip was traced to Daues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When interviewed by FBI agents, Daues admitted operating the account. He also confessed to moderating a group on the Wire platform where child pornography was regularly shared. Popular restaurant accused of harboring undocumented migrants Daues said he began viewing the illicit material about four years earlier and that he was in approximately 25 Kik groups and four Wire groups sharing such material. Federal authorities said he also had images and videos of child porn on two cell phones. Daues pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. Daues will be sentenced on Dec. 1. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. ST. LOUIS A woman shot and killed her husband last month, then attempted to clean up the crime scene with the help of a witness, according to charging documents. The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office charged Beverly Nelson, 73, with one count of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the case. Prosecutors have also charged William Nelson, 45, with hindering prosecution of a felony and tampering with evidence. Beverly and William are accused in the death of Herbert Nelson, 70, on Aug. 20, 2025, in the 5800 block of Pershing Avenue in the citys DeBaliviere Place neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to probable cause statements obtained by FOX 2, when police responded to the scene, they found Herbert unresponsive on a couch with multiple gunshot wounds. Beverly initially told officers she did not know her husband was shot and killed in the home, police said. Investigators later spoke with William Nelson, who admitted seeing Beverly shoot Herbert multiple times during an argument. One tentacle of intl crime ring dismantled in St. Louis William told investigators he helped Beverly clean up the crime scene before police entered the home, police said. When police went to the home earlier in the day for a report of an unresponsive person, William allegedly told officers that no one in the home needed medical attention. Some time later, officers returned to the home and found Herbert dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beverly has a court hearing in the case scheduled for Thursday afternoon, while William has been released on a recognizance bond with a hearing scheduled for Oct. 3 in the case, per online Missouri court records. Probable cause statements did not clarify Beverlys relationship to Williams, though investigators noted the two were known to each other. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Rep. Michelle Au, a Johns Creek Democrat, at the Georgia State Capitol on Sept 4, 2025. (Alander Rocha/Georgia Recorder) Survivors of the deadly Apalachee High School shooting gathered alongside Georgia House Democrats at the state Capitol Thursday to renew calls for safe gun storage laws. Students and family members joined state Rep. Michelle Au, a Johns Creek Democrat, and Georgia House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley of Columbus for a press conference calling on lawmakers to pass legislation they believe is needed to prevent future attacks and arguing that current efforts are not enough to address the trauma and fear that now define their school experience. The Sept. 4, 2024, shooting in the Winder high school left two students and two teachers dead and nine other students injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We all can agree in this room that we need to protect all our children. No child deserves to have the fear of having to go to school. No child deserves to experience what we have experienced. Its not fair, said Kyra Lynn McConatha, a recent Apalachee High School graduate who was in class during the attack. This has followed me from high school and into college. Au has previously introduced a bill that would have required gun owners to secure their firearms in a locked container or with a gun lock when a minor is present. The bill failed to move in the 2025 legislative session, but it will remain active when lawmakers reconvene in January. To not even discuss [the bill], to not even allow bills like a pretty basic, safe storage bill to be heard in committee, to come to a vote, to be voted on the floor, is noticeable for Georgians and for voters, Au said after the press conference. Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte, Dallas Republican, in a separate statement marked the one-year anniversary by saying that Georgia has since moved to protect schools from such deadly attacks. He pointed to House Bill 268, which he said was a result of working with victims families and school leaders. The new law, which went into effect on July 1, requires schools to have panic button systems for emergencies and share student data within five school days when a student transfers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia has taken bold, practical steps to protect our children, teachers and everyone who sets foot in a school setting. We will continue to listen, learn and legislate with the conviction that school should always be a place of safety, not fear, Anavitarte said in a statement. Au responded to Anavitartes comment after the press conference, saying that the law was reactive rather than preventative. Its a conspicuous omission to have a bill inspired by this event directed at school safety and have nothing in that bill or nothing in that legislative package that deals with gun safety, Au said. Sen. Frank Ginn. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder (file photo) Sen. Frank Ginn, a Danielsville Republican who represents a part of Winder, said he attended the press conference after receiving an invite from Au to hear what the lawmakers and students had to say, despite not supporting the efforts to mandate safe gun storage. He said he would support a tax credit incentive for gun storage. Sasha Contreras, an Apalachee High School senior who was in class during the attack one year ago, at the Georgia State Capitol on Sept. 4 2025. Alander Rocha/Georgia Recorder The safest storage for a firearm is in the hands of somebody that knows how to use it, and I dont want to put any obstacle in the way of a person who wants to defend themselves and protect their Second Amendment right, Ginn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Layla Contreras, a 2019 Apalachee High School graduate and sister of Sasha Contreras, a current senior who was in class during the attack, said after the press conference that Aus proposal is a good start, but they may have to make some changes to address Republicans concerns. We just want people to be responsible with it and to be educated on when firearms are around, Layla Contreras said. Sasha Contreras said that she has tried over the last year to stay positive and not let the attack define her. She has tried to keep up with schoolwork and is involved in extracurricular activities, but she said she still struggles to maintain her motivation. I still try my best to put my best smile on, and I enter that building as positive as I can be, she said. The U.S. announced new sanctions on Thursday for three Palestinian non-governmental organizations participating in the International Criminal Courts efforts to arrest and prosecute Israeli nationals over alleged crimes committed by the Israeli government in Gaza. The State Department has repeatedly criticized the ICCs decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last year on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes. The human rights groups Al Haq, the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights asked the ICC to investigate Israeli airstrikes in Gaza in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ongoing actions of the ICC set a dangerous precedent for all nations, and we will actively oppose actions that threaten our national interests and infringe on the sovereignty of the United States and our allies, including Israel, the State Department said in a statement. The three organizations did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The U.S. which, like Israel, is not a member of the ICC and does not recognize its jurisdiction criticized what it called the ICCs politicized agenda in the statement. In a statement posted to social media Thursday afternoon, Al-Haq called the sanctions a "heinous" and "draconion" measure that constitute "a coward, immoral, illegal & undemocratic act." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As the world moves to impose sanctions and arms embargoes on Israel, its ally, the U.S, is working to destroy Palestinian institutions working tirelessly for accountability for the victims of Israel's mass atrocity crimes," the group wrote. The Trump administration has taken several steps to punish ICC officials involved with investigating Israels actions in Gaza, along with Palestinian officials. Last week, the State Department announced sanctions on the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, but it did not specify whether PA leaders would be allowed to travel for the meeting. In February, the U.S. moved to prohibit Karim Khan, the ICCs chief prosecutor, from entering the country or doing business with the U.S., and in June, it sanctioned four International Criminal Court judges involved in the probe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following month, the State Department announced sanctions against a top U.N. Human Rights Council official who has called on the ICC to prosecute companies and corporate executives tied to the Israeli government. The move also drew sharp rebukes from human rights groups, including Amnesty International, which called it "a brazen attack on the entire Palestinian human rights movement." Liz Evenson, international justice director at Human Rights Watch, called on ICC member states in a statement to push back on what she called "mounting US efforts to thwart the global rule of law and the work of human rights defenders," including the previously announced sanctions on judges and U.N. officials. The Trump administrations sanctions on three widely respected Palestinian human rights groups is a cruel and vindictive effort to punish those simply advocating for victims of serious crimes," Evenson said. State lawmakers are sounding the alarm over food insecurity in Pennsylvania. Officials gathered at PNC Park Wednesday to mark Hunger Action Month. The choice of venue was to recognize the Pittsburgh Pirates support. Lawmakers warned that around 200,000 Pennsylvanians are expected to go hungry this year. They commended the Pirates for their involvement in food distributions and projects throughout Pittsburgh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what we need from our community partners, because we are going to see more people in Pennsylvania hungry, said State Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-District 20). Its going to get worse if we do not act. Kinkead, who serves as co-chair of the Legislative Hunger Caucus in the Pennsylvania House, was joined by officials with the Pirates, state agencies and non-profit food assistance organizations. A portion of each ticket sold for the Pirates game Wednesday night went to support Hunger-Free Pennsylvania, a network of food banks that serves all 67 counties in the state. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW WESLEY CHAPEL In an area where development runs rampant and big rambling trucks and new homes and businesses are popping up everywhere, Wesley Chapel is getting a little piece of, well, peace. The Southwest Florida Water Management District announced its governing board has approved the purchase of the 974-acre Kirkland Ranch for $30.8 million, ensuring the land will remain off limits to developers in perpetuity. This important purchase will help preserve the regions lands and water resources for future generations, Brian Armstrong, the districts executive director, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kirkland family, which has owned the property since 1956, turned down far higher offers from developers in favor of conservation. Its amazing, and Im incredibly grateful that they would be willing to sell their property to keep pristine habitat right here in the heart of east Pasco, said Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman. They could have easily sold this land for likely double or more than what the state paid. The ranch, located east of Curley Road in the Villages of Pasadena Hills growth area, is surrounded by single-family homes and more planned development. Its preservation, officials say, will provide benefits beyond green space. According to Swiftmud, the land 59% uplands and 41% wetlands meets all four of the districts core missions: water supply, water quality, flood protection and natural systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who spent more than three years making the deal happen, called it a landmark win for east Pasco. We were able to put together the resources and a plan to be able to do this, with working with the family, and were very, very proud of that, Simpson said. Its something that I think residents are going to be proud of. And I just think its going to be a major gem, in perpetuity, for our county. He said the family had developers beating their door down for this property due to its prime location in the countys highest growth area. When the family reached out to Simpson, he says he put a plan together and went to the Florida Senate and the House to raise the money to purchase the property for conservation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simpson worked to include $30 million in the state budget in 2023, only to see it vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The following year, it didnt make the budget at all. Funding finally passed in this years session, with DeSantis approval. Simpson said no plans have been made yet about what to do with the land. For me, it was about the wildlife. Clearly it will be a major animal sanctuary, he said. It was about the aquifer recharge. Its about preserving agriculture. Its all of the above. Some of the ranchs historic cattle operations, which have been in existence for more than 100 years, are expected to continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and Weightman both say district will likely come up with some plans within the next three years. Those could include walking trails and fishing opportunities at the propertys lakes. I suspect its just not going to be a piece of property that just that sits there, Weightman said. Im hopeful that the district in the next couple of years will come up with a recreation plan, and folks in the greater Wesley Chapel area can go and explore the outdoors. Its a pretty special piece of property, I can tell you that. Weightman said he and Simpson are working on closing hundreds of acres of green spaces to development in other areas of Pasco County as well. According to Simpson, nearly 200,000 acres of state land has been preserved in his first two years as agriculture commissioner. I think theres going to be a few more stories before the end of the year, Simpson said. A Maryland inmate has been indicted for first-degree murder in connection with the death of another prisoner at the Eastern Correctional Institution in Somerset County. Tyjuan Chapple, 26, was charged after a Maryland State Police investigation into the March 29 death of 28-year-old Shane Lanham. Authorities say Lanham was found unresponsive on the floor of his cell, which he shared with another inmate. A Somerset County grand jury indicted Chapple on July 25 on charges of first-degree murder and related offenses. He remains in the custody of the Maryland Division of Corrections and was served with an arrest warrant on Sept. 3. Have a news tip? Contact Journey Burris at jburris@baltsun.com. (Texas Tribune) State Sen. Brandon Creighton, the architect of major higher education reforms that banned diversity programs, limited faculty influence and tightened rules on campus protests, is poised to become the next chancellor of the Texas Tech University System. The Texas Tech Board of Regents unanimously voted Thursday to name Creighton the sole finalist for the position. Hes known and proven to be a respected leader, and his experience leading major legislation efforts, I believe, has prepared him to take on this important role, and Im confident he will bring that same vision and determination to the system, board member Arcilia Acosta said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the Senate floor late Wednesday, Creightons colleagues in the upper chamber congratulated him on his legislative tenure and the expected Tech vote. Im proud to join the Red Raider family and to work hard to advance that institution, Creighton said. Chair Cody Campbell signaled the boards choice earlier this week in a post on X, writing Creighton has been a strong voice in the fight to get our colleges and universities back on track and clearly shares the values and vision of the Texas Tech community. Texas Tech stands at a pivotal crossroads and is poised to accelerate the pace of massive growth and progress that we have achieved, Campbell wrote. 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. He is, unquestionably, the right person for the job, and we all look forward to working with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board Vice Chair Dustin Womble echoed Campbells message in his own post, while congratulations from conservative lawmakers poured in. Senator Creightons leadership and expertise on higher education matters will be a tremendous benefit to Texas Tech, House Speaker Dustin Burrows, a Texas Tech alum, wrote. Creightons current Senate term runs through January 2027. He will have to vacate his seat before then, at which point Gov. Greg Abbott would be authorized to call a special election to fill the vacancy. U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Lubbock, who was also considered for the role, offered his congratulations, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am at the ready to help Brandon bear our banners far and wide in our nations capital and beyond as he leads the greatest University System in all the land. Guns up, and Go West Texas!! Arrington wrote on X. Creightons selection continues a broad trend of politically connected leaders rather than career academics taking top roles at Texas universities. Earlier this year, former Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar became chancellor of Texas A&M University System, and former state Rep. John Zerwas became chancellor of the University of Texas System. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, speaking late Wednesday before the Senate adjourned its second special session, framed the shift as positive and praised Creightons time in the Senate. We are proud of you and this is really a historic moment, and Texas Tech made the right decision for all of Texas, Patrick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Creighton on Wednesday called working with Patrick on education issues a blessing. I wouldnt be leaving the Senate for another opportunity if I felt for one second that Texas would not be positioned for greatness because of whos here remaining, he said. In the last three years, Creighton, who chairs the Texas Senates education committee, has authored some of the most impactful legislation for Texas higher education in decades: Senate Bill 17, which bans diversity, equity and inclusion offices at public universities; Senate Bill 37, which gives governor-appointed regents more authority over university operations and limits facultys influence on their schools; and Senate Bill 2972, which sets new rules on when, where and how protests can take place on campuses. Together, these measures have significantly shifted control over higher education from campus leaders to regents and state lawmakers, upending a longstanding balance of power that has traditionally given universities greater autonomy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Conference of American Association of University Professors said Creightons record has raised concern among some faculty. We have concerns about the future of academic freedom and shared governance given the positions Sen. Creighton has taken in the legislature, the group said in a statement. Shared governance involves the trustees, the administration and the faculty all working together to support the students and institution. Academic freedom helps to bring in and retain the best faculty in the country. We hope that Texas Techs strong tradition of shared governance and academic freedom continue to thrive so that Texas Tech can thrive. Creightons appointment could strengthen Texas Techs political influence at the Capitol. He helped create the Texas University Fund, a $3.9 billion endowment approved by voters in 2023 that sends hundreds of millions of dollars to Texas Tech, the University of Houston, Texas State University and the University of North Texas. Lawmakers established the fund to help these schools compete with the states two flagship university systems, the University of Texas and Texas A&M, which draw billions in support from the Permanent University Fund, a $39.5 billion oil-and gas-funded endowment that other emerging research universities cannot access. Creighton will be new to Raider Country. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he earned his law degree from Oklahoma City University. He was a state representative for seven years before winning a Senate Seat in 2014, representing Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson and Montgomery counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Tribune first reported on Thursday that Creighton and Arrington were in the running to succeed Chancellor Tedd Mitchell, who announced his retirement in July. The board met behind closed doors for four hours on Saturday and then adjourned without taking any action. By law, the board must wait 21 days before finalizing Creightons appointment. If confirmed, Creighton would become the sixth chancellor since the systems creation in 1996. The system, based in Lubbock, includes five institutions that enrolled 69,502 students in 2024: Texas Tech University, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, Angelo State University and Midwestern State University. The Texas Tribune partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage. Disclosure: Texas A&M University System, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, Texas Tech University System, University of Houston, University of North Texas, University of Texas System and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/31/texas-tech-university-brandon-creighton-chancellor/. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. WESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) As part of his efforts to visit every county in the state, State Treasurer Larry Pack did a tour around Lewis County on Wednesday, stopping by places like Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital and the Lewis County Senior Center. During his visit, Treasurer Pack spoke with local business owners and officials throughout the county. 12 News spoke with Pack at Jacksons Mill, which this week is hosting the People First of West Virginia Conference, which Pack helped sponsor and aims to encourage self-advocacy among people with disabilities. Louis A. Johnson Medical Center in need of volunteer drivers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doug Hess, the Chief Operating Manager for The Arc, which put on People First, explained that around the state, The Arc has chapters of People First groups to help people with disabilities find support. This weeks conference has the groups meeting together and taking classes on various topics, such as cooking, planning your future and telling your story. Treasurer Packs program, WV Able, had a table at the conference, and Pack told 12 News about the program, which is designed to make it easier for people with disabilities to save money. This is a way for the family to be able to save money for these folks outside the Medicaid system so they wont lose any services. They wont lose any counseling services, they wont lose any Medicaid services, Treasurer Pack 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 WBOY.com. Members of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education are pictured at a June 25, 2025 at the regents' offices in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahoma higher education officials on Thursday voted to revoke a policy that allowed some immigrant students lacking legal status to pay in-state tuition at state colleges and universities in limited circumstances. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education were previously permitted by state law to do so, but a federal judge on Friday ruled the Oklahoma law is unconstitutional and violates the Supremacy Clause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of Justice sued Oklahoma over the statute last month and argued the measure extended eligibility for in-state tuition to some immigrants while not extending that treatment to U.S. citizens in other states. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a motion in support of the lawsuit. The policy change is predicted to affect around 400 students attending Oklahomas public colleges and universities, said Chancellor Sean Burrage. The change is effective immediately. Its my understanding that all the institutions have been in constant communication with the students that attend that institution, he said. Immediately following the State Regents Thursday meeting, Burrage said the Regents interpreted the order to mean that students who have already enrolled in classes and paid in-state tuition before Fridays order will not have to pay non-resident tuition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency later received guidance from the Attorney Generals office Thursday afternoon indicating it was their opinion that the order prohibits these students from being eligible for in-state tuition beginning with the start of the semester, not the day the order was issued, a spokesperson for the Regents said in a statement Thursday evening. All Oklahoma colleges and universities are expected to comply with the law, the spokesperson said. Oklahoma was one of 23 states and Washington D.C. that offered in-state tuition and financial aid benefits for some students without permanent legal residency status, according to an analysis by the Higher Education Portal, which is a platform for data, resources and policy analysis regarding immigrant student populations. Under the now-defunct law, Oklahomas public colleges and universities were allowed to offer in-state tuition to anyone who graduates high school in the state and resides in Oklahoma for at least two years prior to graduation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit argued this included undocumented immigrants. Editors note: This story was updated at 5:55 p.m. Thursday to include new guidance from the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) Former South Carolina State Representative RJ May is expected to appear in a Columbia courtroom on Friday morning. The disgraced Republican lawmaker resigned from the State House in August after he was indicted in June on 10 federal counts related to child sexual abuse material. Prosecutors said the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber tip that flagged several videos shared from an account named joebidennnn69, which were traced to May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May, 38, was taken into custody on June 11 in Lexington County following a more than one-year-long investigation into alleged child sexual exploitation crimes. A motion filed by federal prosecutors states that May used Kik to participate in multiple group chats dedicated to the trading of child pornography, distributing approximately 220 different videos about 479 times over five days in early April, including instances where the same video was shared multiple times. May had represented District 88 in the South Carolina House since 2021 and had previously served as vice chair of the hard-line conservative South Carolina Freedom Caucus. PREVIOUS: Suspended state Rep. RJ May resigns after indictment in federal sex crimes case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His bond was denied in June, and he remains behind bars. Thursdays hearing is a status of counsel hearing requested by May and his defense team to discuss how to move forward with the case. The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the U.S. District Courthouse in Columbia. His trial for the child sex abuse material charges is set to begin with jury selection on October 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 WCBD News 2. Stephen Miller got dragged on social media Wednesday for his latest sycophantic praise of President Donald Trump, with critics likening his comments to something on state TV in authoritarian North Korea. Fox News Sean Hannity asked Miller, the deputy White House chief of staff, for his response to criticism of Trump from late night comedians Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert, MSNBCs Jen Psaki and others. Where do you begin with these morons? Miller fired back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then his voice got louder and louder as he praised Trump more and more. Related: Trump Goes On Bonkers AI-Fueled Posting Spree And Gavin Newson Is Already Firing Back President Trump has done more press conferences, more interviews, more transparency, more public accessibility, more hours and hours with the press, he said, failing to mention that accessibility does not equal real transparency. Trump livestreams his Cabinet meetings for nearly four hours, he continued. There is no human being in the history of politics who has made themselves more available to the press and the public than President Trump, or who has demonstrated more stamina in public life. Miller: There is no human being in the history of politics who has demonstrated more stamina in public life. pic.twitter.com/DF63tUQ5Bi Acyn (@Acyn) September 4, 2025 Trump outworks every single person in the White House, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller later tore into Colbert, calling him a slime ball and a disgusting man who has no talent. He is just a sleazy, disgusting, smarmy guy, he added. It takes a lot to make me really despise somebody, maybe it doesnt, I dont know. But Colbert is really a horrible person. Colbert is yet to respond. Related: Trump White House Pulls Off Online Troll Of Ex-Employees. Even Obama. Check out some of the mocking reactions to Millers fawning here: Definitely giving off Smithers vibes Right-wing Nuts (@Rightwingnutts) September 4, 2025 Yeah sure! If you believe Miller I have a boat to sell you! Emre Yurttas (@emrey35) September 4, 2025 Slobber slobber slobber flying alien queen (@flyinalienqueen) September 4, 2025 Might as well be Russia TV, or N Korea. NCSuzanne (@NCTwitZanne2) September 4, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stamina is the incorrect word. Try again! Miss Chloe. (@patschurman) September 4, 2025 @StephenM you know what you said in the interview is utter bulls*t. Kiawah Speedy (@KiawahSpeedy) September 4, 2025 Dear Stephen: There is no human being in the history of sycophants who has demonstrated more ass kissing in public. Susan Potter (@SusanPotter) September 4, 2025 It just occurred to me that outside of being a modern Goebbels, Miller is basically just Trumps hype man. Hastings (@DomHastings) September 4, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related... Read the original on HuffPost The far-right political figure criticized the Israeli government, accusing Netanyahu of attempting to distract from possible intelligence failings. Former White House strategist Steve Bannon called for an investigation into the "mangled" handling of the October 7 Hamas massacre, adding that Netanyahu uses footage from October 7 to distract from intelligence failings. On his podcast, Bannon's War Room, he accused Netanyahu of using footage from the massacre to distract from what Bannon claimed were intelligence failings. Bannon specifically called out Israeli intelligence agencies Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and the Mossad, claiming that "they still haven't answered the questions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bannon added that Israel should form a Pearl Harbor or 9/11-style commission to investigate the attacks. In May, the Israeli governmentdecided against launching a State Commission of Inquiry (SCI) into the October 7 massacre, citing the ongoing Gaza war as a reason for the delay. Calls for state inquiry are widely supported According to a poll conducted in June, over 73% of Israelis would support a probe into the subject. Bannon's comments follow rising political tensions within Israel, as weekly demonstrations call for the government to reach a hostage deal to bring home the 48 hostages from Gaza, as well as seeking government accountability on the matter. One person is in custody after a stolen state vehicle was involved in a crash with a troopers cruiser in New Britain on Wednesday. The incident unfolded after troopers responded to the state Department of Children and Families New Britain office at 2:37 p.m. on the report of a stolen state vehicle, according to Connecticut State Police. State police said the vehicle was being tracked and, once it was located, the driver struck a troopers cruiser. No troopers were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle was then found abandoned in New Britain where one person was taken into custody with assistance from the New Britain Police Department, according to state police. The suspect was not immediately identified. State police said the incident remains under investigation. Sep. 3Parents of unvaccinated children in Spokane County could be in for more homeschooling this year. Worries about a measles outbreak spread in the area just as students showed up for the first day of school on Tuesday, and if a student or staff member contracts the highly contagious virus, every unvaccinated person in their school will be sent home for 21 days, including those with any kind of exemption. Such a disruption to the start of school would be the outcome based on a state law designed to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently appointed Washington Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham called measles "one of the most contagious diseases" and said his state department has been following the developing measles outbreak in Spokane closely. Ensuring high vaccination rates is among his priorities. "The vaccine is our strongest prevention tool ... to protect them from disease. It's 97% effective if you've had both shots, and we know that is a really effective way of stopping the disease coming into our community and being spread," Worsham told The Spokesman-Review during a Tuesday visit to Spokane. Mark Springer, an epidemiologist with the Spokane Regional Health District, said schools must take measles seriously because it spreads easily and can lead to serious complications, especially for children. "This is a disease that has significant mortality risk for kids as well as adults. One in a 1,000 people die from measles. That's not something we see in the developed world," Springer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas outbreak earlier this year had an even higher mortality rate. Out of more than 800 cases there, three people have died. "Most of the time, we never see the full potential of transmission with measles, because there's always a significant number of people exposed that are already protected," he said. If a person with measles comes to school, everyone in the building is considered exposed to the virus. Recent exposures in Spokane County and North Idaho have put local health officials on high alert for additional spread. While known exposures may have been contained, the unknown origin of the initial Idaho cases leave open the possibility measles has spread undetected elsewhere in Spokane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a Spokane student develops measles, it could be disruptive to the entire school even if the virus does not spread waylaying all unvaccinated classmates for three weeks. Staff at multiple school-based health centers can administer MMR vaccines to students. There are health centers embedded in Rogers, North Central and Shadle Park high schools at Spokane Public Schools, and at Shiloh Hills Elementary in the Mead School District. Measles often presents with a high fever, runny nose and a cough. But it is distinguished by a rash that appears three to five days after initial symptoms starting on the face and then moving down the body. The disease is considered extremely infectious partly because someone can spread it for more than a week before they exhibit any symptoms, which typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure. To adequately stop the spread of measles, 95% of the population must be vaccinated against it. According to Springer, only 84-86% of Spokane County children have received the full regimen of the MMR vaccine against the measles, mumps and rubella. North Idaho has an even lower vaccination rate, and the number of fully vaccinated children has been declining nationally for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worsham said the state Department of Health will work to "rebuild the trust" for public health to convince more parents to vaccinate their children. "We're going to have to slow down a bit and have those conversations, answer the questions that people have, and at the bottom line really encourage parents and individuals to have those conversations with their providers," he said. Spokane County has not seen any additional cases of measles since early last week when a Spokane child was presumed positive for the disease. They have since been confirmed to have measles. That individual was exposed when a Bonner County child received treatment at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center for then-undiagnosed measles. Those exposed between August 12 and 15 are on the tail end of measles' two- to three-week incubation period, where an individual can be infected but without symptoms. If there are no new cases in the next week, Springer said it's likely no one else was infected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you develop measles after exposure, it is usually in that 10 to 14-day window. At least for the known exposure in Spokane, we are in that third week," Springer said. More people were exposed when the person with measles received Sacred Heart treatment on August 24. People exposed then are now in the second week of incubation. The health district continues to monitor 80 people who were potentially exposed, including 14 who were unvaccinated or were unsure of their vaccine status. Only a "handful" of school-age children are staying home from the start of school based on a measles exposure. Springer is "cautiously optimistic" Spokane will not see additional cases based on the known exposures at Sacred Heart. But he is still concerned other exposures may have occurred from cases that were not reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the Idaho cases, there was no international travel or a connection to a known measles case, so there could be larger spread than we know about," he said. If an unvaccinated person is exposed to measles, the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine can still provide protection within 72 hours of exposure. Within six days, a person can be given immunoglobulin that can prevent infection. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with measles and may have been exposed, health officials say to call ahead to your medical provider before going in person and potentially spreading the disease. Editor's note: This story and headline was changed on Sept. 3, 2025 to correct errors that implied the quarantine rules for students who haven't been vaccinated for the measles are new. NEED TO KNOW An Illinois man is facing a first-degree murder charge after police allegedly found his wife's dead body inside his car Authorities first received a report of a homicide just after 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1 Investigators believe 51-year-old John W. Finney fatally shot his wife, 42-year-old Amy J. Finney, at their home in Mt. Vernon, Ill. An Illinois man is facing a murder charge after authorities allege they found his wifes dead body in his car. On Monday, Sept. 1, just after 8 p.m., deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office received a report of a homicide, which included a description of the suspect and their vehicle, according to a press release shared on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After putting out an alert for a gray 2007 Ford Escape, an officer with the Christopher Police Department spotted the SUV just after 9 p.m., per the release. The officer followed the car west on state highway 148 before other law enforcement officers arrived. The driver, 51-year-old John W. Finney, was detained while investigators searched the SUV. Inside, officers claimed they found a dead woman, later identified as Finneys wife, 42-year-old Amy J. Finney, the release states. At the same time, officers searching the Finney residence in Mt. Vernon, Ill., alleged they found evidence that supported the claim that Amy was killed inside the home. 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. "Preliminary evidence gathered strongly supports that Amy Finney died from a gunshot wound during a domestic dispute with John at their home," the release states. The victim's body is now in the custody of the Perry County Coroner's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John was arrested and is now facing a first-degree murder charge, the sheriff's office said. He is being held in the Jefferson County Jail while awaiting his pretrial detention hearing. It's unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf. Read the original article on People Several murals that once decorated storm drains in areas like Thornton Park and Mills 50 have recently been painted over as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is continuing its efforts to remove unauthorized street art across the state. At the corner of Summerlin Avenue and Central Boulevard near Lake Eola, two murals that previously covered storm drains are now gone. Not far from the area, at the intersection of Marks Street and Mills Avenue, another storm drain that once featured a mural has also been painted over. The FDOT has reported it is working in compliance with a larger initiative to ensure that all traffic control features, including painted crosswalks, bike lanes, and storm drains, follow federal regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a previous statement, the department cited a federal directive aimed at eliminating non-standard traffic control elements that could pose safety concerns. That explanation was not well received by those who live and work in the area, who say the art made the city feel unique. When I moved here, that was one of the features with the boxes and the drains and everything that was so special about this city, said Dani Martin-Race, who works along Mills Avenue. Hows that making it any less safe, when its making it more visible? WFTV has reached out to the Florida Department of Transportation for further clarification on the policy and will update this article when a response is received. The City of Orlando told WFTV it was not responsible for removing the artwork and said it did not receive any directive from FDOT regarding the storm drain murals. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Hundreds of people fill the Southeast Technical College auditorium in Sioux Falls for a Public Utilities Commission hearing about a carbon dioxide pipeline proposal on Jan. 15, 2025. Opposing views on the project highlighted divisions within the Republican Party on economic development. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) The Republican primary election that will likely determine South Dakotas next governor is nine months away. It already seems like its been going on forever. The race has three candidates with Gov. Larry Rhoden waiting in the wings. Rhoden demurs when asked if hes going to run, saying that election campaigns are too long. The governor has a point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With so much time on their hands in such a long campaign, candidates have to make news any way they can, often by taking offense at something their opponent said, whether he said it or not. A case in point comes from comments made in August by U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, one of the candidates for governor. Talking to the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, Johnson said the United States, rather than China, needs to be the dominant force in the race to develop the technology surrounding artificial intelligence. If South Dakota is going to get some of that business, it would have to welcome the data centers needed for AI. During his comments, Johnson bemoaned the South Dakota trend of protesting innovation and economic development. Its un-American and its not at all capitalist, Johnson was quoted as saying in a South Dakota Searchlight story. The country must win the battle for AI he said, noting that We cannot do it if the only answer in front of us is, No, always no. Of late, some South Dakotans have been cranky about development. Whether its pipelines, a new prison or the data centers needed for AI, there always seems to be a group or two ready to say, not in my backyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prevalence of this attitude worries Johnson, who called it a disease thats metastasizing. Politicians are supposed to be a thick-skinned bunch, but Johnsons declared opponents in the GOP governors race Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden and state Speaker of the House Jon Hansen, of Dell Rapids couldnt fire up their smartphones fast enough to declare on Facebook how offended they were by the congressmans remarks. Unfortunately, they were upset about something he never said. A Doeden post about Johnson said, This week he called me un-American because I am opposed to using your tax dollars to support out-of-state billion-dollar corporations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hansen had a similar take: Well, if you oppose your tax money being given away in special interest tax subsidies to big tech companies like Facebook, well then Dusty Johnson says youre being un-American. Well, thats not what he said. In essence, Johnson said that automatically taking a position in opposition to progress is un-American and bad for the economy. Its easy enough to guess that Johnson favors the kind of loans and tax breaks that have been a staple of state government in South Dakota since the days of Gov. George Mickelson. After his comments to the chamber, Johnson told Searchlight that communities and states need to step up and offer incentives if theyre going to attract data centers. However, he never said that failing to support those specific kinds of incentives was un-American. It just makes common sense that being against all of those types of incentives is short-sighted. Other states will make accommodations to attract data centers. If South Dakota elects to compete for economic development only on the basis of its merits, all it will have to recommend itself is a population with a solid work ethic and winters cold enough to keep the data centers computer servers from overheating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By promising to jettison economic development tools like loans, grants and tax breaks, candidates like Hansen and Doeden will say that theyre looking out for our tax dollars. Certainly thats part of what a governor should do. However, the governor should also look out for our future. Pulling back from years of the states economic development traditions is just another way of saying not in my backyard. Thats certainly not much of a campaign slogan. South Dakotans should expect more than that from the states next governor. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX It felt like the longest two hours of Karen Stirewalts life, from the harrowing realization that Big Sandy Creek was going to sweep away her house, to the agonizing wait for emergency responders who never arrived, to the moment her two brothers used a car towing strap to rescue Stirewalts husband and the couples 5-year-old son from a cedar tree surrounded by raging waters. It was pitch black, Stirewalt said about the night of the July 5 flood in northwest Travis County, which her family escaped with their lives and little else. We could only see something when the lightning hit. All we could hear was the rushing of water and the snapping of trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the most terrifying moment of a natural disaster, many people are on their own. But survival is only the beginning. Recovery requires neighbors, nonprofits, faith communities and local agencies and when devastation overwhelms those resources, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. A few months ago, when President Donald Trump suggested eliminating FEMA by the end of this year, it was inevitable the next major disaster would reveal the recklessness of that idea and the necessity of the agency. That disaster proved to be the Fourth of July weekend floods that ravaged the Hill Country, taking at least 137 lives and delivering an $18 billion blow to the region in the form of lost homes, ruined businesses, upended economic activity and survivors long-term health costs. Is FEMA still needed? Ask the 3,000 Central Texans who have already received FEMA aid totaling $26 million, and another 4,700 applicants like Stirewalt who are waiting for a decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ask local governments such as Travis County, which quickly burned through $15 million in reserves to rebuild bridges and roads, and pay for round-the-clock crews. The Trump administration is now talking about reforming FEMA instead of eliminating it. But the Central Texas floods illustrated the danger of allowing this agency to atrophy from FEMA rescue teams that deployed nearly three days late, to thousands of survivors who couldnt reach anyone at FEMAs disaster line for the first few days because contracts for many call-takers had expired. These lapses were not just bureaucratic slipups. A mobile home rests on top of a vehicle on the banks of Big Sandy Creek in northwest Travis County a few days after the Fourth of July weekend floods. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman) As (the Central Texas flooding) disaster unfolded, FEMAs mission to provide critical support was obstructed by leadership who not only question the agencys existence but place uninformed cost-cutting above serving the American people, said an Aug. 25 letter signed by more than 180 current and former FEMA employees sounding the alarm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA lacks a permanent administrator with expertise in emergency management. One in 3 staffers has left this year. The leadership page of the FEMA website is peppered with vacancies, including the Region 6 administrator overseeing Texas and Louisiana even as we are halfway through hurricane season. Yes, FEMA needs reforms. Survivors now fill out repetitive paperwork for aid from multiple agencies. Communication must improve, and taxpayer dollars must be spent responsibly. But the increasing frequency and severity of disasters demand greater investment and buy-in for FEMAs mission. The Hill Country floods proved the agency is too vital to dismantle, too important to neglect. Agency of last resort Texas would take one of the hardest hits under a weakened FEMA, which makes it essential that Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas congressional delegation advocate for strengthening the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Essential, of course, does not mean likely. Over the past decade, Texas has received nearly $7.2 billion in FEMA aid to support recovery from 16 disasters money that otherwise would have come from local taxpayers or, without it, left communities unable to rebuild. That included nearly $3.4 billion in individual and household aid to help with rental assistance, home repairs and new furnishings, and $3.8 billion in public assistance to repair damaged infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. A child runs past the FEMA tent and toward the bounce house at an Aug. 23 event at Round Mountain Baptist Church for people impacted by the Big Sandy Creek flood in northwest Travis County. FEMA later extended the deadline to Sept. 28 for people to seek aid for the floods that happened over the Fourth of July weekend. (Bridget Grumet/Austin American-Statesman) Those FEMA dollars provided crucial aid from disasters etched into Texans memories: Hurricane Harvey, the 2021 winter storm and several floods. Texas received the third-largest FEMA allotment over that decade, behind Florida and Louisiana, and ahead of California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has called on state and local governments to play a more active and significant role in disaster response overlooking how they already do. Cities and counties respond first, then the state, and only when those resources are strained does FEMA step in. In fiscal 2023, according to the National Emergency Management Association, nearly 24,000 disaster events nationwide required state resources but did not qualify for FEMA aid. Only 60 did. For example, while the June 12 flood in San Antonio killed 13 people and caused about $23 million in damage, it did not meet the threshold for FEMA reimbursement. Instead, the city of San Antonio is shouldering some of the cost in its 2026 proposed budget while the Bexar County delegation lobbies for state reimbursement. FEMA already functions as an agency of last resort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You need the funding to come for these unexpected disasters. You also need the expertise, Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard told us a few Saturdays ago at Round Mountain Baptist Church, where survivors of the Big Sandy Creek flood sought food, showers, replacement documents and even referrals for tetanus shots. She said a seasoned FEMA official gave the county guidance on clearing massive debris fields of wrecked homes and uprooted trees. The Fourth of July weekend floods left massive trails of wrecked homes and uprooted trees along the riverbeds of Central Texas. Workers are shown Aug. 21 at a debris management center in Kerrville. (Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News) Its very important for FEMA to stay, said Melanie Morales, who qualified for FEMA rental assistance, while also lining up church donations of a sofa, housewares and clothes for her 5-month-old baby, whom she was feeding in the middle of the night July 5 when she realized the surging creek was about to sweep away their home. There are a lot of people like me who lost homes and need to get up again. A fortified FEMA As we noted after the Fourth of July weekend floods along the Guadalupe River, Big Sandy Creek and other Hill Country waterways, climate change is intensifying disasters. Pretending these are once-in-a-lifetime events is wishful thinking in a warming world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the Trump administration has scrapped measures that would protect lives and minimize property damage when the next disaster hits. Fallen trees are seen Aug. 6 behind a growing memorial honoring the victims of the Hill Country floods at Nimitz Lake in Kerrville. (Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News) Congress should reinstate FEMA grant programs like Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, known as BRIC, which helps local governments build flood controls and reduce risk of wildfire, and hazard mitigation grants, which help damaged communities rebuild stronger. The Trump administration curbed both, even though mitigation saves at least $6 for every $1 invested. In Texas alone, the loss of BRIC funding has put $74 million in disaster prevention projects on hold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress should also press FEMA to finalize long-overdue updates to flood maps, so property owners and permitting offices can make responsible building decisions near waterways. And officials must create incentives for people to buy flood insurance, reducing reliance on FEMA when waters rise. Among the thousands of Central Texans who applied for FEMA aid after the July floods, about 95% listed the site as their primary residence, but only 3% had flood insurance, according to a Hearst newspapers analysis. About 62% of applicants reported that they owned the site, but less than half of those owners said they had homeowners insurance. It still doesnt feel real, said Stirewalt, now living at a relatives house while figuring out how and where her family will rebuild. Anytime I go to sleep now I think Im going to wake up from this nightmare, but we dont. This is reality now. Local agencies and nonprofits will always respond first. And flood-stricken Texans have shown extraordinary resilience but recovery should not depend on grit alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate change ensures that floods, fires and storms will only come with greater force. Yanking disaster preparedness grants and leaving leadership posts empty are gambles with people's lives and livelihoods. The next disaster is not a matter of if, but when. Whether communities recover will depend on whether FEMA is ready. This editorial is part of the collaboration between the Austin American-Statesman and San Antonio Express-News editorial boards in response to the Central Texas floods. Submit a letter to the editor We want to hear from you. Click here to get started. Daria "Delta" Lopatina, a student at the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) and an engineer from the Azov 1st Battalion, has been killed in action. She was 19 years old. Source: KSE; 593 community Details: Students said that Daria enrolled at KSE in 2023 and later fulfilled her dream of joining the Azov 1st Battalion. Quote from KSE: "She knew and understood far more than any of us. Dasha was an incredibly bright, intelligent and outgoing person who taught us so much and showed us a completely different perspective on this world. Despite everything, she devoted the last year of her life to Azov, defending us, Ukraine and our right to live and study here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The 593 community thanked Daria for the memories, describing her as sincere, confident and passionate. "She always acted immediately, without hesitation or reproach. We will always remember you. You would have done so much for this world. But you are forever 19. Thank you, sister," her comrades wrote. KSE lecturer Maria Kriuchok recalled how Daria once visited her class she came to see her former groupmates and told them about the war from the trenches. Kriuchok said she remembered Daria as young, beautiful and strong. Background: Earlier, Captain of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Artem Sviridov, who had returned from Germany to defend Ukraine, was killed in action. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) A University of Rhode Island student has filed a lawsuit accusing the school of negligence and defamation over its handling of an alleged incident in which a man recorded her while she was showering in a campus bathroom earlier this year. The complaint, filed last month in Rhode Island Superior Court, alleges URI and its Board of Trustees failed to take adequate security measures and then publicly misrepresented details of the case. BACKGROUND: Man charged with video voyeurism after incident at URI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the complaint, the Portsmouth woman, whose name was not disclosed, was a freshman living in Adams Hall when she and her roommate went into the dorms fourth-floor unisex bathroom on April 29. After her roommate left, she began showering in one of the stalls. She noticed a man she did not know, later identified as 29-year-old James Paquette, in the stall next to her. He appeared clothed, with his shoes still on and no water running. She then allegedly saw him holding a phone above the divider, either recording or taking photos of her. The woman started yelling and confronted Paquette, at which point he apologized and fled, the complaint states. She immediately contacted URI and South Kingstown police who investigated the security footage, but the lawsuit claims URI failed to notify students or take steps to ensure Paquette could not return to campus. The complaint also notes that several URI residence halls have gender-inclusive rooms with unisex restrooms. Each restroom has shower stalls separated only by curtains, which are not private, have no locks and are not secure, leaving students vulnerable to misconduct and privacy invasion. URI reportedly does not have any existing policies to prevent harassment or assault in those bathrooms, nor are there cameras in dorm common areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman identified Paquette from a photo lineup on May 1. He was arrested about three weeks later and charged with a felony count of video voyeurism. Court records show Paquette was released on $2,000 personal recognizance and ordered to stay away from URI. He was expected back in court in July. MORE: Providence man accused of recording student in URI bathroom According to the lawsuit, the woman felt compelled to leave her dorm after the incident and has not been able to live on campus since. She said she struggled to complete certain assignments and required accommodations to finish the semester. 12 News reported the incident and Paquettes arrest on May 27. At the time, URI said he was not affiliated with the university and described it as an isolated incident with one known victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the woman claims URI falsely, carelessly and negligently suggested Paquette was known to her, which she argues harmed her reputation. This reportedly prompted her to file a Title IX complaint, but was told the office had no jurisdiction over the matter. On June 5, URI informed her she no longer met eligibility requirements for her scholarships after a review of her academic record, which the lawsuit says is a negative action taken after she reported the incident. She appealed, but said she wasnt told that her aid was reinstated until after repeatedly asking about her status, causing additional stress. The university reportedly told her it assumed she had already been notified. READ ALSO: At least five people captured on hidden camera in RIC bathroom Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the lawsuit, the woman accuses Paquette of assault, calling the incident a depraved invasion of her bodily integrity and right to privacy. She also accuses URI of negligence, defamation, breach of contract, violating her Title IX protections, and inflicting emotional distress. The woman claims URI failed to exercise reasonable security measures in place on campus to protect her from the alleged assault. She also said the university deliberately and negligently made baseless statements and clearly designed to impugn the Plaintiffs credibility and reputation. URI is accused of acting with actual malice and intentionally misled the general public to embarrass and discredit the womans reputation, according to the complaint. Because of both the initial incident and URIs actions afterward, the complaint states the woman continues to suffer severe emotional and mental distress. She is seeking compensation for all damages. A URI spokesperson told 12 News the university is unable to comment on pending litigation. Read the full lawsuit below. Jane Doe vs University of Rhode Island lawsuit Download Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TARGET 12: Video voyeurism cases rising in RI as hidden cameras become more accessible 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. EDMOND, Okla. (KFOR) Two University of Central Oklahoma students said state law played a role in their schools decision to not support a Shakespearean-inspired play with university resources. They decided to raise their own money to put the production on regardless. Its really frustrating for me, at least as a queer artist, to see that my school is in fear to support me because of the way that Oklahoma law is set up, UCO student Liberty Welch said. LOCAL NEWS: Some jockeys plan to boycott Oklahoma City horse races over pay dispute Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welch and her classmate Maggie Lawson are juniors at UCO. They were both chosen to produce the Shakespearean inspired play Boy My Greatness this fall as part of their school theatre society. Or so they thought, until Tuesday morning. You have to buy rights to do a play for copyright law, Welch said describing when they were told by the school that they wouldnt be supporting the play with their resources. They were just told that your contract is not going to go through legal. The school decided not to support the play with their resources and the students said SB 796 played a role in that decision. That bill is now a law after this most recent legislative session. It says that no state money or resources can be used to support diversity, equity and inclusion. The play is set in the 1600s and is about boy players or the people who played women in Shakespeares plays. Women werent allowed to play Shakespeare characters. So its just real. Its just history, Welchs classmate Maggie Lawson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of queer words are used, Welch said. Like transgender is not used, queer. We reached out to UCO for comment on the situation. Their statement can be read in full below. After a review of the requirements outlined in the contract from the national production company with legal counsel, the universitys theatre department decided not to support the local production of the show with university resources at this time. University Spokesperson We dont want to get our university in trouble. We love UCO, Welch said. LOCAL NEWS: Dental hygienist accused of practicing without a license KFOR did ask if state law played a role in their decision. They told us that both federal and state laws were considered in the review. Despite the challenges, the show will go on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have the support to do it elsewhere and so the show must go on, Lawson said. Lawson and Welch started a GoFundMe to raise money and put the play on separate from the university after they were told they could do a different play with the universitys support or put in on separately. Their goal was to raise $2,000, which they have surpassed. They say they still need a venue right now and the show is in 3 weeks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. With tusks that each weigh over 100 pounds (45 kilograms) and often scrape the ground, super tuskers are elephants that live up to their name. This rare trait is the result of a genetic variation that causes the tusks to grow faster and longer than usual. While it gives the elephants a powerful and distinctive appearance, it also makes them vulnerable to poaching. Fewer than 30 of these giants remain in Africa, according to the Tsavo Trust, which monitors elephant populations in Kenyas Tsavo Conservation Area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the surviving super tuskers, also known as great tuskers, are found in southern Kenya, where Italian-born photographer Federico Veronesi has spent years tracking and photographing them. His new book, Walk the Earth, the culmination of years of work in Kenya and beyond, pays tribute to the elephants he calls the last witnesses of a world before humans took over the Earth. As a child growing up in Italy, Veronesi was captivated by African wildlife. That fascination led him to Kenya, where he eventually settled and began photographing the animals he had admired for so long. Photography is almost like a medium through which I get to stay among the animals and express my love for them, said Veronesi. Pictured here is Craig, one of the legendary tuskers from Amboseli National Park, in Kenya. - Federico Veronesi Elephants became his central focus, not just for their grandeur, but for the way they seemed to embody the soul of Africa for him. When you see an elephant walking through a savanna, he reflected, its so evocative, like everything about Africa is in that one scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The book is rooted in Veronesis encounters with some of Kenyas most iconic elephants. One of the most significant came in 2010, when he first saw Tim, the legendary super tusker of Amboseli National Park. We were waiting as the elephants made their daily walk from the woodlands to the marsh, he remembered, when this massive bull appeared with tusks so long, they nearly touched the ground. For Veronesi, it was as if a childhood dream had become reality. Tim reminded him of tales of Ahmed, a great tusker so revered in Kenya that in the 1970s, President Jomo Kenyatta declared him a living monument and assigned him armed guards for protection. Through the book I also wanted to show different aspects of elephants lives, Veronesi said, such as courtship with Tim, fighting, mud-bathing, swimming, reaching up for branches and social relationships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veronesi also sought to highlight the diversity of habitats where elephants live across Africa, from the deserts of Namibia to the Tanzanias Ngorongoro Crater and Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. Veronesis favorite image is one of Balguda, probably the greatest tusker alive at the moment, as described in his book. Balguda was only known from occasional sightings during aerial patrols and Veronesi spent years looking for him. In August 2023, in a remote corner of Tsavo, Balguda finally appeared. I still cant believe that I finally managed to see and photograph him, to have breathed the same air as him. The image of him walking in the riverbed will probably remain with me forever one of my most intense encounters in the wild, Veronesi writes in the book. I always told myself, if I find him, then I will do the book, he added. Veronesi described Balguda as "probably the greatest tusker alive at the moment." - Federico Veronesi Photography and conservation Walk the Earth is Veronesis third photography book, and he has been working on it for the past five years. It highlights the threats elephants face today: habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the continued danger of trophy hunting, especially for the few remaining great tuskers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veronesi has long used his photography to help protect wildlife. He says he donates images to conservation organizations, contributes to awareness campaigns and has spoken internationally, including in China, where he presented his wildlife photos to raise awareness about ivory demand. Veronesi strives to not only document elephants as specimens, but to portray them as individuals. The goal is always to make the viewer connect with the animal, to look into its soul somehow, he said. That connection requires patience and perspective. He often positions his camera low to the ground, so the elephant seems to tower over the frame. Many of his most powerful images are in black and white. Elephants have this incredible aura of calm patience, he said. They convey a sense of wisdom, of knowledge. And at the same time, theyre extremely social and caring for each other. They make everything seem fine. Like the whole world is grazing and nothing is happening. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) As the sun continues to set earlier each day in the Miami Valley, some might notice their loved ones acting a bit different towards the end of the day. What is sundowning? Dayna Ritchie, program director for the Alzheimers Associations Miami Valley Chapter, said sundowning syndrome, commonly referred to as sundowning, impacts individuals with Alzheimers or an alternative form of dementia towards the latter part of the day. Although not all individuals with Alzheimers or dementia will experience sundowning, those that do could show signs of the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agitation Anxiety Difficulty sleeping Disorientation Increased confusion Hallucinations Pacing It is not know what causes sundowning, according to Ritchey. We dont know exactly what causes that sundowning,, said Ritchey. It may be because of the disease progression and changes that are happening in the brain and maybe because of just the circadian rhythm of our body and how that interacts with the changes in our brain. The experience can be different for everyone. It can be very individualized, so its not one specific thing for everybody, but the timing of it is the same, Ritchey said. So thats later in the day, thats the reason thats called sundowning. Lessening the daily experience Caregivers of individuals are encouraged to have items of heavy mental concentration scheduled for their loved one earlier in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schedule activities that take a lot of mental concentration like doctors appointments or even bathing, can take a lot of mental concentration, said Ritchey. So you want to try to do those things, you know, morning or early afternoon when your loved ones are more alert. Speaking with your doctor Ritchey said that its not a bad idea for individuals or their caregivers to discuss sundowning with their health care provider. Working with a doctor also on best times of day to take certain medications, if there are side effects that can contribute to these increased behaviors, usually during the day, that could also be another reason that you want to speak to the physician, especially if its concerning or unsafe, said Ritchey. Resources for caregivers Caregivers can receive 24/7 assistance through the Alzheimers Associations helpline at 1-800-272-3900. Click here to learn more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A free care consultation, education and support group information can be obtained by calling the Miami Valley Chapter at 937-291-3332. Details on locating area support groups or educational programs can also be found here. The Miami Valley Chapter doesnt just cover Montgomery County, but rather nine counties in total. Caregivers from Clark, Champaign, Darke, Greene, Logan, Miami, Preble and Shelby counties can also reach out to the chapter. Locally, here in the Miami Valley, we have care consultants that can sit down with families and provide free care consultations to help you with your individualized issues that youre having with your loved one, whether its sundowning or other concerns that you have, said Ritchey. Alternatively, caregivers in other counties should contact their local chapter and/or the 24/7 line. Chapter County Phone Number Greater Cincinnati Butler, Clinton, Warren 1-513-721-4284 Northwest Ohio Auglaize, Mercer 1-419-537-1999 Greater Indiana Wayne (Indiana) 1-317-575-9620 Upcoming events According to Ritchey, the Alzheimers Associations Walk to End Alzheimers initiative is scheduled for several locations across the area. Attendance of the awareness event raises money for important causes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Alzheimers Association is the worlds largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimers research, said Ritchey. So, the money that we raise at these walks not only fund research, but also our local programs and services. You can learn more about 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 WDTN.com. Isolated storms will continue across parts of New Mexico Thursday. A surge of monsoon moisture will bring widespread rain and thunderstorm chances Friday and Saturday. Isolated storms again popped up across parts of New Mexico Wednesday afternoon. These storms produced lighter rainfall totals with some drier air in place. Another round of isolated storms will return Thursday afternoon to western, central, and northern New Mexico. Storms will bring some locally heavy rainfall, but amounts will be on par with what weve seen Wednesday afternoon. A big surge of monsoon moisture will move north into New Mexico Friday. This moisture is the remnants of Hurricane Lorena off the west coast of Mexico today. There is still some uncertainty in exactly how much rain will fall and where, but we are very confident that all that moisture will bring widespread cloud cover and cooler temperatures both Friday and Saturday. There will be a mix of rain showers and thunderstorms both days, with heavier rainfall likely along and behind a backdoor cold front in eastern New Mexico Friday into Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drier weather starts moving in from the west Sunday. Afternoon storms will still pop up over the mountains and in the eastern half of the state. With the drier weather, temperatures will start a warming trend Sunday too. They will continue to heat up into next week with only a few isolated storms in the state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (CANON CITY, Colo.) A 27-year-old man was reportedly drunk and armed with a handgun before an officer-involved shooting in Canon City on Friday, Aug. 29. Courtesy: FOX21 News According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a deputy with the Fremont County Sheriffs Office (FCSO) responded shortly after 6 p.m. on Friday to the 1400 block of Chestnut Street in Canon City after repeated 911 hang-up calls were received from the home. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Fremont County deputy released from hospital, OIS investigation continues Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents state that when the deputy arrived, he made contact with the suspects 81-year-old grandmother, who reported that her grandson, 27-year-old Ethan Pollington, was drunk and armed with a handgun. Pollingtons grandmother told responding law enforcement that Pollington had been drinking and that he was armed with a gun she had reluctantly given him earlier in the day. Pollingtons grandmother said he had a history of mental health issues since leaving the Army, and that he just [wanted] to die. Pollington had allegedly told his grandmother during an argument that if she called 911, he would shoot the responding law enforcement officers. As the deputy was speaking with Pollingtons grandmother, Pollington allegedly opened the door and pointed the handgun at the deputy. Court documents state that Pollingtons grandmother was standing between him and the deputy, slightly off to the side, and that there was reason for the deputy to believe that his own life and Pollingtons grandmothers life were in danger. Body-worn camera footage released by the Fremont County Sheriffs Office. The deputy fired at Pollington, hitting him in the arm and the leg. The deputy was not hit by gunfire but was taken to the hospital following a medical event and has since been released. Pollingtons handgun was later determined to be unloaded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pollington was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries and has since been placed into custody after his release from the hospital. He is facing numerous charges in connection with this incident, including: First-Degree Assault Felony Menacing of a Peace Officer Reckless Endangerment of an At-Risk Adult Reckless Endangerment Prohibited Use of a Weapon The investigation of this incident is ongoing, and the full body-worn camera footage from the responding deputy is currently being reviewed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Muscogee County Sheriffs Office confirmed with WRBL that a bomb threat Thursday afternoon, at the Government Center. A call came into 911 dispatch just after 3:30 p.m., according to MCSO Sheriff Greg Countryman. We have a suspect in custody, Countryman told News 3. He said he had planted a bomb in the Government Center. Countryman said it took 15 minutes to take the suspect into custody. The construction site for the new courthouse next to the government center was evacuated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Countryman confirmed that the Government Center was not evacuated. Countryman says they did a proper evaluation and deemed the area as safe. Gilbane construction company workers were told that they were able to return back into the area after deputies gave an all clear. WRBL News 3 will continue to provide updates when 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 WRBL. A deadly shooting that claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy over the weekend started out as seemingly harmless fun between two young cousins who got bored at a family birthday party. The night of Aug. 30 ended in tragedy when Julian Guzman was shot by 42-year-old Gonzalo Leon Jr. after ding-dong-ditching at the man's house in Houston. Guzman died Aug. 31 and Leon was arrested and charged with his murder, the latest in a string of violent and sometimes deadly reactions to childlike pranks. The boys were running from Leon's house when he fired at them just before 11 p.m. CT, according to a statement given by the victim's cousin that was revealed in a criminal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And unfortunately, sadly enough, one of the boys, who was 11 years old, was shot in the back," Houston Police Department Sgt. Michael Cass told reporters. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said the charge probably would be upgraded to capital murder, a spokesperson for his office, Rafael Lemaitre, told USA TODAY. In Texas, capital murder comes into play when aggravating factors are present, such as the victim being younger than 15. "This was someone brutally murdering an 11-year-old simply because they were mad," Teare told Fox 26. "We have a little boy who didnt even have a chance to get his life going yet, struck down for nothing." New details in the case were revealed in court records obtained by USA TODAY. They showed Leon fired more than once after the boys had knocked on his door multiple times. Here's what we know. Cousins were playing ding-dong-ditch The victim's cousin told investigators that the two were attending a family birthday party about a block from the scene of the shooting, according to a criminal complaint filed in Harris County court. The cousins "grew bored" and decided to venture off on their own to play the classic children's prank of ringing doorbells or knocking on doors and running away before the home occupants get to the door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They knocked on the door of a blue house, later identified as Leon's house, several times and ran away, the cousin said, according to the complaint. The last time they pulled the prank on the house, the cousin said they saw a man dressed in black emerge from a side gate holding a pistol. The man shot the pistol into the ground, the cousin said. As the boys ran down the street, the man raised the pistol again and fired at them, striking Guzman in the back. Guzman fell and cried out, his cousin told investigators. The cousin tried to drag Guzman away and saw the shooter walk back inside the house. Guzman died in the hospital, authorities said. Suspect had trove of weapons Authorities searched the home and recovered about 20 firearms, including a handful of AR-style rifles, shotguns and medium-caliber pistols, according to the criminal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leon's wife told authorities she and their toddler daughter were inside the house at the time of the shooting, according to the complaint. When he was taken into custody, Leon did not provide a statement to police and asked for a lawyer. Court records did not list an attorney who could comment on Leon's behalf as of Sept. 3. Gonzalo Leon Jr., 42, charged with murder in the shooting of an 11-year old boy who played a doorbell prank, appears in a police booking photo in Houston, Texas, obtained on Sept. 2, 2025. Doorbell pranks turn deadly This is not the first instance of a ding-dong-ditch prank ending in a shooting. At least two other shootings this year have been tied to a TikTok social media trend in which participants ding-dong-ditch. Earlier in August, a Texas man was arrested on charges of aggravated assault after police said he fired multiple times at a vehicle with three teenagers inside who admitted to doorbell-pranking at the mans house in late July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Virginia 18-year-old was shot and killed in May and a homeowner charged with crimes including second-degree murder. Another teen was injured in the shooting. A California man was convicted of murder after a doorbell prank in 2020. Anurag Chandra rammed his car into a vehicle of six teenagers, killing three 16-year-olds, after they played a similar prank. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What happened in ding, dong, ditch shooting that killed 11-year-old A 76-year-old woman died after being stabbed multiple times at a residence in Northeast Dallas. Police arrested a male suspect who remained at the scene. Dallas Police responded to the stabbing call at approximately 2:50 p.m. in the 10000 block of Royal Lane on September 2. Officers found Angela Aniche suffering from multiple stab wounds. Dallas Fire-Rescue pronounced Aniche dead at the scene. Police have identified the suspect as 57-year-old Victus Ebem, who has been charged with murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The relationship between Ebem and Aniche remains unclear, and police have not released a motive for the killing. According to an arrest affidavit, the victims daughter had seen her mother alive before leaving for work that morning, and she recalled seeing Ebem in the living room wrapped in a blanket, Fox 4 KDFW reported. When she returned to the home later that day, she found her mother in a pool of blood in her bed. When police arrived after the daughter called 911, they found Ebem was still in the home, and he had blood on his pants. In an interview with police, Ebem acknowledged that he had killed Aniche, explaining that he woke up that morning feeling disturbed, took a knife upstairs, and stabbed the woman to death, per Fox 4. The case remains under active investigation, documented as case number 126480-2025. Detective C. Fehrenbach is leading the investigation. Anyone with information should contact Detective Fehrenbach at (214) 671-3671 or cody.fehrenbach@dallaspolice.gov. By Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The suspect accused of gunning down two Israeli embassy staffers outside a Washington museum in what U.S. authorities have called an anti-Israel hate crime pleaded not guilty on Thursday to a raft of criminal charges. Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, is facing nine federal charges including murder of a foreign official and perpetrating a hate crime resulting in death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. prosecutors have alleged that Rodriguez was motivated by hatred of Israel when he fatally shot Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, as they were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington on May 21. Rodriguez, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, answered "yes" when Washington-based U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss asked if he was satisfied with his legal representation. His lawyer entered the not guilty plea on his behalf during a brief hearing. The indictment cites statements Rodriguez allegedly made online prior to the shooting, including a call to "vaporize every Israeli 18 and above." Rodriguez told police at the scene, "I did it for Palestine" and "I did it for Gaza" and posted an online manifesto declaring that perpetrators and abettors of Israel's military actions in Gaza had "forfeited their humanity," according to court documents. The indictment includes findings that would make Rodriguez eligible for the death penalty if convicted, the start of what would likely be a years-long process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump's administration has touted the case and the hate crime charges as part of its larger effort to confront antisemitism, which has also included a series of civil rights investigations into colleges and universities and attempts to deport some pro-Palestinian student activists. Lischinsky, a research assistant in the embassy's political section, and Milgrim, a member of the embassy's administrative staff, were about to be engaged at the time of the shooting. They were attending an event for young diplomats hosted by the American Jewish Committee, an advocacy group that fights antisemitism and supports Israel. (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward.; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Bill Berkrot) WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) The suspect that was killed after a several hours-long SWAT standoff on September 2, 2025, has been identified. The West Jordan Police Department (WJPD) announced today that the suspect that was involved in a several-hours long SWAT standoff has been identified as Elhelbawy Adam Idrees. Idrees was a 26-year-old male. A neighbor, Van Walthers, spoke to ABC4 and said that Idrees was renting the residence where the standoff took place, near 1900 W and 7300 S. She said, I know the homeowner, he was renting out some rooms to others. He was in the home last night and a friend of one of the renters came in. I guess there was some heated discussion. I dont know a lot about that, but then the suspect started brandishing a gun, and so the homeowner left and called the police, and thats when all of the things started here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspect killed after several hours-long SWAT standoff in West Jordan WJPD confirmed that multiple people were inside the home. However, before law enforcement arrived, everyone besides the suspect and a female had left the residence. Law enforcement began negotiations with the suspect and reported that the other individual came outside sometime during negotiations. Walthers told ABC4 about the neighborhood. She said, I mean, theres always been incidents, you know, with people doing silly things, but you know this is the first time anything like this has ever happened. Another family just next door to him had just moved in this week. So, I think thats a rude awakening, you know, to have something like that happen, but yeah, were pretty quiet little area, Walthers also said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the hours-long standoff, WJPD issued a shelter-in-place for a three-block radius surrounding the residence. Law enforcement said that they would continue negotiations until it no longer seemed like negotiations would be successful or until the suspect left the home. After several hours of efforts to get the suspect to surrender, negotiations stopped. West Jordan Police Department received and executed a search warrant to enter the home. They were able to make entry and reported that shots were fired around 9:20 p.m. Several loud booms periodically, like a half hour apart. I was wondering what that was, almost sounded like a gunshot or some kind of breach of some sort, an anonymous neighbor reported hearing during the standoff. At this time, law enforcement has not provided any other information about Idrees. Court documents reveal that he was previously found guilty on one count of felony discharge of a firearm, a second-degree felony, in 2018. In 2022, he was also found guilty of possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted individual, also a second-degree felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting is being investigated as an officer involved critical incident (OICI). A total of nine officers have been placed on paid administrative leave, and Unified Police Departments OICI protocol team is taking over the investigation. Sergeant Andrew Hercules, with WJPD, said this is typical protocol during an OICI. 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. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) A suspected attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted a ship in the Red Sea on Thursday, officials said, as the militants increase their missile fire targeting Israel. The attack off the coast of Hodeida follows an Israeli strike last week that killed the rebels' prime minister along with several officials. The Houthis have been using cluster munitions in the missile attacks on Israel which open up with smaller explosives that can be harder to intercept, raising the chances of strikes as Israel prepares for a new ground offensive in its war on Hamas that's decimated the Gaza Strip. The attack Thursday saw an unknown projectile land off the side of a vessel as electronic interference was particularly intense, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said. It added that the ship and crew were safe after the apparent assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The private maritime security firm Ambrey also acknowledged the apparent attack, as did the firm EOS Risk Group, which noted the Houthis have launched multiple missile attacks targeting Israel in recent days as well. The current tempo reflects a clear escalation, shifting from sporadic launches to multiple daily attempts, said Martin Kelly of EOS Risk Group. The Houthis did not immediately claim the apparent attack, though it can take hours or even days for them to acknowledge their assaults. The Houthis targeted at least one other ship in recent days as well. From November 2023 to December 2024, the Houthis targeted more than 100 ships with missiles and drones over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. In their campaign so far, the Houthis have sunk four vessels and killed at least eight mariners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Iranian-backed Houthis stopped their attacks during a brief ceasefire in the war. They later became the target of an intense weekslong campaign of airstrikes ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump before he declared a ceasefire had been reached with the rebels. The Houthis sank two vessels in July, killing at least four on board with others believed to be held by the rebels. The Houthis new attacks come as a new possible ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war remains in the balance. Meanwhile, the future of talks between the U.S. and Iran over Tehrans battered nuclear program is in question after Israel launched a 12-day war against the Islamic Republic in which the Americans bombed three Iranian atomic sites. As this years Burning Man festival comes to a close, authorities in Nevada are still searching for answers in the death of a man who was found lying in a pool of blood on Saturday night. According to The New York Times, local authorities from the Pershing County Sheriffs Office arrived on the scene of the storied arts festival, which takes place in Nevadas Black Rock Desert, at approximately 9:14 p.m. on Saturday night. There, they encountered a festival-goer who was obviously deceased, according to Sheriff Jerry Allen. Law enforcements arrival coincided with the beginning of the festivals signature event, in which the Man, a large wooden effigy, is set ablaze. Several individuals who were in the nearby vicinity of the victim were interviewed by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given that the festival takes place in a makeshift city that is constructed each year for Burning Man, which attracts an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 people, the logistics of the crime scene posed a challenge for police. As such, the Times reported that law enforcement called in both the forensic science team from the nearby Washoe County Sheriffs Office as well as rangers from the Bureau of Land Management, the federal agency that manages the land where the festival takes place. Although this act appears to be a singular crime, all participants should always be vigilant of their surroundings and acquaintances, Allen said in a statement at the time. There is no further information available at this time but it will be released as appropriate to provide for communication, while still preserving the integrity of the complicated investigation of a crime in a city which will be gone by the middle of the week. On Sunday, Burning Mans organizers issued a statement to festival-goers in which they confirmed the death of a single white male adult whose identity has not yet been released. Burning Man is cooperating with law enforcement, the statement continued. The investigation is ongoing and 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. Burning Man, which concludes today, continued on with its scheduled activities, though authorities did maintain a perimeter and are continuing to interview individuals. This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Sep 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Update as of 1 pm, September 4, 2025: Thanks to a tip from the public, Nay Kay has been located and found safe. The Syracuse Police Department appreciates all of the publics help with this matter. Original story: SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) The Syracuse Police Department is asking for the publics help for a missing endangered person. Courtesy of Syracuse Police. The search is for 67-year-old Nay Kay. Kay has severe dementia. He was last seen in the area of the Chase bank, on James Street, in Syracuse, New York, around 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kay is described as being 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with a thin build and longer grey hair. He was last seen wearing a grey jacket with a red stripe, light colored jeans, and grey and teal sneakers. If you see Nay Kay or have any information on his whereabouts, please call 911 or the Syracuse Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (315) 442-5222. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) It has been 11 months since the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Act or CARE Act launched a program to help those struggling with mental health issues, and the numbers in Kern County paint a different picture about the programs effectiveness than what the community may have hoped for. The CARE Act created a process that was supposed to get those with mental health conditions the help they need. Governor Gavin Newsom travelled across the state promoting the program promising 7,000 to 12,000 Californians would receive mental health services. As of August 11, there have been 21 petitions filed with the Kern County Superior Court with more than half being denied. Out of the remaining 10 petitions, only four have been approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bakersfield police impact team works to clear encampments along Kern Riverbed Carlos Baldovinos, executive director of The Mission at Kern County, says outreach might be the problem. I think sometimes, things get lost in translation, or people may not know enough about it Others in the community may not know, said Baldovinos. From a broad spectrum, when you look at legislation like this, it takes a minute to see the impact of it on the community. The process of getting an individual assistance can be long and complicated. First, a petition needs to be filled out and sent to the Kern County Superior Court. From there, the court will hold a hearing where the petition will be denied or approved. If approved, outreach workers will find the individual and offer them CARE services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baldovinos agrees that the process needs to be easier. I think systems can get streamlined a little better, said Baldovinos. At the end of the day, its not about the paperwork, its about people and the lives were working with So I think we have to do everything we can to streamline processes. Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage Orange County State Senator Tom Umberg has recently introduced a bill that could expand the programs reach boosting visibility for the program across the state. Baldovinos is optimistic that the program can soon help people down the road. I think with any new program thats gonna help the most vulnerable, you always want to be optimistic that its going to help them and help them navigate life in the crisis state of mode that they are in, Baldovinos said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until then, it might be a snail race to get mental health resources to people who desperately need it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. TOPEKA (KSNT) Tap That Topeka is returning for its 11th year, and Festival Director Hayden Federico says theres a lot to look forward to. The festival began back in 2014 and experienced a small break during the COVID 19 pandemic, but since 2023 its been under new management. This year will be Federicos second year putting the event on. Kansas ticks to become more prevalent in September We didnt start the beer festival and had nothing to do with it until we bought the name rights in 2023, said Federico. We put a bid in for Tap That Topeka with the goal of mine to keep it as Topeka local forward as possible. With all of our partners owning different businesses throughout Topeka and many living in Topeka, we have always wanted to keep the city as thriving as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federico says that theyve always had a good connection with The Celtic Fox and the breweries from Topeka and Lawrence. When they want to get in contact with a new brewery from farther away, its as simple as a phone call with the head brewer. Tap That starts with our pre-party bash DJ by hit squad from 3 to 530 p.m., Federico told 27 News. VIP ticket holders can enter the Tap That area starting at 4 p.m.. As a VIP enter this is when the general admission pre-party starts for everyone to get pre-checked in so they can enter the event right at 5 oclock. After the bull rush through the gate by GA ticket holders, everyone is able to go around to our four sampling tents that we have to offer. The first tent is dedicated solely for our Kansas Brewers, and the other three are designated for our distributors who bring products from all over the country. We will have our Irish cover band Sloppy But Lucky starting their live music set from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.. With our headliner, Disco Dick & The Mirror Balls taking the stage at 7:45 and playing until 10 PM. Photo of Tap That Topeka (Photo Courtesy/Hayden Federico) Manhattan farms corn maze to honor country music star Lainey Wilson This year, the brewery traveling the most distance to attend Tap That will be the Wichita Brewing Company (WBC). WBC is famous for their wood-fired pizza and their English Brown Ale, which won best beer at the World Beer Cup in 2024. Its seasonal beers in 2025 are the Oztoberfest German Lager, Hatfields Mama Kolch and Johnny Bs Beer Band. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would like people to know that this is still a charity beer festival that is put on to support our charity pic of the year which this year happens to be Big Brothers Big Sisters, Federico said. We will continue to put this event on to support local breweries, local vendors, local food trucks, and our local community. We are excited for the opportunity to host people from not just Topeka but all over our great state and show why downtown Topeka is a destination of the state. Tap That Topeka returns to downtown For more information and to buy tickets, you can check out the event page. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz launched into an attack on Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, even making a jibe about his weight, during an interview about President Trumps crime crackdown. Speaking on Chris Salcedos Newsmax show, Cruz was asked about Gov. Pritzkers opposition to Trumps plan to send National Guard troops into Chicago to support local law enforcement, as he has done in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., this summer. After Salcedo ran a clip of the governor delivering a press conference, the senator responded: Chris, you really know how to p*** me off. What a disgusting, racist bigot JB Pritzker is. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz attacks Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Newsmax on Wednesday (Newsmax) Cruz was seemingly taking offense at comments made by the governor about ICE agents targeting Latinos and continued: Listen, I dont want to get between JB Pritzker and the Dominos Pizza line, but Ill tell you what I am willing to get between is him and his open doors for every human trafficker, every drug trafficker, every MS-13 and Tren De Aragua gang member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker wasted no time in responding to a clip of the exchange shared on X, remarking: And I would never want to get between Ted and a trip to Cancun when theres an emergency in Texas. The slam alluded to the senators ill-advised vacation to the Mexican beach resort in February 2021 while his state was being battered by a winter storm that left millions of residents without power and running water, forcing him to return home early under a cloud. Cruz finished his remarks saying: The Democrats claim that Latinos support illegal immigration. Well, Ive got news for you, JB, in the state of Texas in 2024, Donald Trump carried the Latino vote and so did I, because our community, like every community, are the victims of the violence of these illegal aliens and gang members that the Democrats trafficked into this country. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker delivers his press conference in Chicago on Tuesday (AP) Fifty-five percent of Texas Latinos did vote for Trump in last years presidential election but, nationally, the Republican candidate picked up just 43 percent of the demographics support, compared to 55 percent for Democrat Kamala Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At his press conference on Tuesday, Pritzker expressed his objection to having National Guardsmen descend on the streets of Chicago by saying: Im aware that the President of the United States likes to go on television and beg me to call and ask him for troops. I find this extraordinarily strange as Chicago does not want troops on our streets. In attacking ICE and its anti-immigration raids, he said: They dont actually care if youre here and undocumented, they just care if your skin color is a little off of theirs, and if youre Latino, theyre just going to target you... If they want to celebrate Mexican Independence Day [on September 16], they ought to be able to do that without being terrorized. Former Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot has also rebuked Trump over the planned deployment, telling CNN this week: This is about two things: its about power and its about money. He wants to exercise his power, he wants to scare the heck out of immigrant communities, and he wants to use the pretense of the National Guard or the military coming into Chicago to boost up the ICE numbers. As President Donald Trump escalates his threats to take over Chicago, Senator Ted Cruz, ever the presidents loyal attack dog, has joined in. The senator spoke on Newsmax Wednesday, calling Chicago Governor JB Pritzker a disgusting, racist bigot in response to comments Pritzker made about ICE targeting Latino Chicagoans. Not content to merely smear the governors policies, Cruz turned his ire to Pritzkers body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont wanna get between JB Pritzker and the Dominos pizza line, but Ill tell you what I am willing to get between, it is him and his open doors for every human trafficker Pritzker then fired back on X: And I would never want to get between Ted and a trip to Cancun when theres an emergency in Texas, referencing the infamous Cancun vacation that Cruz took while his state was battered by a winter storm that killed hundreds. Unfortunately for Cruz, the internet took Pritzkers side and piled more insults onto the Texas senator. Pritzker has loudly opposed Trumps authoritarian proposals, especially as the president has continued to drag Chicagos crime rates through the muddespite a historic drop in homicides in the city that mirrors nationwide trends. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) attempted to mock Illinois Gov.JB Pritzker (D) with a fat joke on Wednesday, only to end up being humiliated after the governor roasted him back. During an interview on Newsmax, the Texas Republican attacked Pritzker for objecting toDonald Trumps threats to deploy the National Guard in Chicago. What a disgusting, racist bigot JB Pritzker is, Cruz said, implying that the governors attacks on Trump were somehow a slight against Latinos. Related: Trump Again Dismisses Epstein Hoax As Victims Call For Transparency: Live Updates But Cruzs feigned political correctness didnt extend to other marginalized groups, such as overweight people, because he made a not-very-statesmanlike fat joke at Pritzkers expense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And listen, I dont want to get between JB Pritzker and the Dominos pizza line, but Ill tell you what I am willing to get between: It is him and his open doors for every human trafficker, every drug trafficker, every MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gang member, Cruz said. Ted Cruz: "I don't want to get between JB Pritzker and the Dominos Pizza line, but I'll tell you what I am willing to get between -- him and his open doors for every human trafficker ... " pic.twitter.com/ydhltQrlDe Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 3, 2025 If Cruz expected his lame Dominos joke to go over well, he was sorely mistaken. And I would never want to get between Ted and a trip to Cancun when theres an emergency in Texas, Pritzker clapped back, reminding people how Cruz left his fellow Texans to suffer record-cold temperatures and power outages while he and his family vacationed in Mexico. And I would never want to get between Ted and a trip to Cancun when theres an emergency in Texas. https://t.co/ASrWxR4RKz JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) September 3, 2025 Of course, people on social media felt obliged to comment on the political catfight. I guess Dominos is what Texas calls pizza. Sad The Bleacher Bunch (@Bleacher_Bunch) September 3, 2025 Ted Cruz mocking someone's weight while fleeing to Cancun during a deadly Texas freeze shows he's got the spine of a jellyfish and the hypocrisy of a true Republican. Richard Angwin (@RichardAngwin) September 3, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ted Cruz thinks that in 2025 CE, people physically wait in line for Domino's pizza. Also, there are two kinds of people in DC. People who hate Ted Cruz and people who have never met him. Bill Sweetman (@ValkStrategy) September 3, 2025 Ted Cruz comparing JB Pritzker to a Dominos pizza line is perfect, because Teds whole career is basically hot air, extra cheesy, and guaranteed to give America indigestion. Robin Duggan (@RobinDuggan3) September 3, 2025 I would hate to get between Ted Cruz's head and Donald Trumps A$$ Denison Barb (@DenisonBarbs) September 3, 2025 Related... Read the original on HuffPost HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) A teenager is accused of fatally shooting a 69-year-old woman in the face during a botched robbery in East Harlem last week, according to officials. Faisil McCants, 18, was arrested Thursday and charged with Hobbs Act robbery and use, carrying, and possession of a machine gun, officials say. Detectives nabbed him when he went for a probation check-in for an earlier crime, sources said. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCants and co-conspirators were allegedly robbing a drug dealer near East 109th Street and Madison Avenue, prosecutors say. As they fled the scene, McCants allegedly pulled out a machine gun and fired 15 shots in the direction of the drug dealer. A stray bullet struck Robin Wright in the face at the intersection of 110th Street and Madison Avenue just before 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 27, police said. She was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved. Im numb, Im hurt, Im numbthat bullet was not for her, said Juanita Arnold, a friend of the victim who was standing with her when the shooting happened. An innocent bystander was shot and killed in East Harlem on Wednesday afternoon, sources tell PIX11 News. (Credit: PIX11 News) Wright and her friend were coming back from lunch when she got caught in a gun fight near Park Avenue, close to her apartment at the NYCHA Lehman Houses in East Harlem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grandmother was using a walker while recovering from leg surgery. Some of her neighbors saw the incident unfold and rushed to her aid. We cut her hoodie and pulled it up around her to plug the wound, a neighbor said. I lost my Robin right there on the sidewalk. 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. South Milwaukee police said they arrested a 15-year-old boy Sept. 3 in connection to the death of a 68-year-old woman. An autopsy of the woman by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner showed "internal injuries to the woman's neck consistent with strangulation," according to a Sept. 3 news release from the South Milwaukee Police Department. The teenager is related to the decedent, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police and fire/EMS were called to a residence in the 1700 block of Oak Street at about 2:15 p.m. Aug. 27, for a report of a 68-year-old woman who had no pulse and wasnt breathing. Despite first responders being able to stabilize the woman and transport her to a local hospital, she died at the hospital on Aug. 31, police said. The teenager is currently in custody and police said the case will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office homicide unit for criminal charges. Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page, The Redheadliner, and follow him on X @Redheadliner. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Teen arrested in relation to 68-year-old woman's death, police say CHICAGO Felony charges have been filed against a 14-year-old boy accused of opening fire into a crowd of people on the citys West Side in late July, leaving four injured. According to police, the teen, who has not been identified due to his age, has been charged with four felony counts of aggravated battery with the discharge of a firearm and one felony count of armed robbery with a firearm. The charges stem from the teens alleged role in a shooting that left several other teens injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Officers said the shooting unfolded just after 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, in the 700 block of South Springfield Avenue, in West Garfield Park. An initial report indicated that the gunfire erupted shortly after two people got into an argument in the area. Officers said that was when the teen boy allegedly pulled out a gun and opened fire into the crowd, striking multiple people. In total, officers said four people were struck by gunfire, including a 14-year-old who suffered critical injuries. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Additionally, a 15-year-old girl who was shot in the right leg was hospitalized in good condition, a 16-year-old girl who was shot multiple times was hospitalized in fair condition and a 13-year-old boy who was shot in the right thigh was hospitalized in fair condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have not provided updates on the conditions of any of the teens injured. Authorities caught up with the teen on the Near West Side on Wednesday, where he was taken into custody in connection with the case. Due to the suspects age, authorities did not provide a booking photo for him. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. KANSAS CITY, Mo.. A 15-year-old boy has pleaded guilty in the killing of a Kansas City restaurant owner last year. The teenidentified only as K.H. due to his ageentered a guilty plea on Wednesday of voluntary manslaughter in the Aug. 28, 2024 death of 44-year-old Shaun Brady, who was shot and killed outside his Brookside restaurant, Brady and Fox. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Jackson County Family Court spokesperson tells FOX4 the teens case was handled within the juvenile justice system and there will be no further hearings. A judge decided back in May that the teen will not stand trial as an adult after hearing evidence during a certification hearing back in April. According to Kansas City police, Brady was taking out the trash when he saw a group of people stealing a car. Witnesses told police that Brady had tried to stop someone before he was shot. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android He was later found behind the restaurant by law enforcement and was taken to a hospital, where he died from his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. The Fred D. Thompson federal courthouse, where Kilmar Abrego Garcia is set to be arraigned. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Photograph by John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout 2025 Tennessee is appealing an order by a federal judge that permanently blocked a portion of state law that made it a crime to help minors obtain an out-of-state abortion. The so-called 2024 abortion trafficking of a minor law created a misdemeanor offense for an adult who intentionally recruits, harbors, or transports a pregnant unemancipated minor for an abortion or to obtain abortion-inducing drugs for a minor. The law does not apply to parents, guardians and those with their written permission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law was challenged in July 2024 by state Rep. Aftyn Behn, a Nashville Democrat and social worker, who has publicly advocated for abortion rights, and Rachel Welty, a Nashville attorney who describes herself as an advocate for safe and healthy access to abortion care. In July, Senior United States Circuit Judge Julia Gibbons issued a decision permanently enjoining the recruitment portion of the law. Gibbons concluded it was a clear violation of First Amendment rights, noting in her decision that the law criminalizes only one side of speech about abortion. The law does not define the term recruit. Lawyers for the state argued it meant a targeted inducement of a minor for a specific purpose obtaining an elective abortion without her parents or guardians consent. Behn and Welty argued it meant encouragement, persuasion and put(ting) out the word that an option was available. Either way, Gibbons concluded, the provision was unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessees near total abortion ban, which took effect in 2022, has meant those seeking the procedure have had to travel to states where it remains legal. Tennessee cannot criminalize disseminating information about an activity that is legal in another state, wrote Gibbons, who sits on 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals but presided over the Nashville case after several other federal judges recused themselves from the case. The fate of the recruitment portion of the law now rests with the 6th Circuit after a notice of appeal was filed by the Tennessee Attorney General in late August. Nashville attorneys Daniel Horwitz, Melissa Dix and Sarah Martin, who represent the two women who filed the lawsuit, have also filed a cross appeal, citing in legal filings precedent for using such appeals as a backup plan in case the judgement in the case is reversed. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) If youve seen traffic going from Rutherford County to Nashville, you know it can be bumper to bumper, sometimes taking hours to get to your destination. But one lawmaker has come up with a unique solution. Tennessee State Rep. Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna) personally wrote a letter to Elon Musk, asking him to expand the currently underway Music City Loop to Murfreesboro. Work has already started on the underground tunnel system, meant to cut down on traffic between the Nashville International Airport and downtown Nashville. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Whether [Musk] could do a tunnel to Murfreesboro and Smyrna and La Vergne to Nashville, I think itd be a viable option, and theres not a better man thats innovative than Elon Musk, Sparks said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not everyone has been quite as welcoming to the current tunnel system underway. Some Democratic leaders felt it was an unwelcome surprise and that there wasnt enough community involvement. But many Republicans have embraced the new privately funded infrastructure and have also hinted at hopes for expansion. The vision for the future is this could go all the way up to Clarksville, Murfreesboro, to Franklin, Brentwood, so there is an opportunity for this to benefit Tennesseans as well as people visiting our city, Tennessee House of Representatives Speaker Cameron Sexton said. Sparks believes these tunnels could help save time and also improve safety. He said roughly 180,000 people now commute on Interstate 24 between Murfreesboro and Nashville daily. That same stretch of roadway has seen more than 5,000 crashes since 2021, according to numbers from the Tennessee Department of Highway Safety. Sparks also mentioned cases of road rage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive already been hit twice, so its going to start happening to other people, Sparks said. Its frustrating for commuters over there. Weve had two murders over there just this year. I see people driving reckless. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com As Sparks letter makes its way to Musk, he hopes an expansion to Murfreesboro is something hell seriously consider. I thought, why dont we just reach out to Elon and say, hey, hes a smart guy, hes done great things, and I think Elon can help move Tennessee in the right direction. I think its happening right now, Sparks said. News 2 reached out to The Boring Company for comment but has not heard back as of publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett got into a physical altercation with a protester in Washington, D.C., over his stance on the war in Gaza and later said his accoster had bad breath, according to a report. Burchett was confronted by the protester on Thursday outside the Longworth House Office Building, one of the five buildings in the Capitol used by the U.S. House of Representatives, Politico reported. The man accosted the lawmaker about his stance on the Israel-Hamas war and then bumped him, prompting Burchett, a vocal supporter of Israel , to forcefully shove the man back, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capitol police officers questioned the protester after the incident. It was not immediately clear what was said before the confrontation became physical. Police did not immediately return The Independents request for comment. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and they can say all of the filthy stuff they want, Burchetts spokesperson Will Garrett told The Independent. But they dont have the right to bump the congressman. Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett got into a physical altercation with a protester in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, according to a report. (Getty Images) After the incident, which unfolded soon after the final House votes of the week, Burchett reportedly said the protester had bad breath, according to Politico. Its not the first altercation Burchett has gotten into in the Capitol. In 2023, Burchett had a confrontation with Kevin McCarthy, the former House speaker, after he voted to oust him from his role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCarthy was seen by reporters elbowing Burchett, who was being interviewed by NPR reporter Claudia Grisales. Grisales said she had never seen this on Capitol Hill, in an X post shortly after the event. Kevin McCarthy and Tim Burchett got into an altercation in the halls of Congress (Getty) While talking to @RepTimBurchett after the GOP conference meeting, former @SpeakerMcCarthy walked by with his detail and McCarthy shoved Burchett. Burchett lunged towards me. I thought it was a joke, it was not. And a chase ensued, she wrote. Across Tennessee, were in the thick of another school year. Weve bought the backpacks, ordered the dorm supplies and sent our children off with the same shared hope: that they will learn, grow and become the next acclaimed artist, doctor or innovator to come out of our great state. But what happens when fear walks into the classroom before our students do? Right now, a chilling wave of state laws is casting a shadow over our schools. These policies, which police everything from the pronouns students can use to the classic novels they can read, are creating a climate of anxiety and censorship that is fundamentally at odds with the creativity and safety that fuel academic achievement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the ACLU of Tennessee (ACLU-TN), we are challenging this climate of fear. Fear and censorship has a direct impact on our state's future ACLU-TN is currently representing students in Rutherford County who are fighting back against the removal of over 130 books from their school libraries. We also remain committed to opposing vouchers, which divert essential public funding to private schools that aren't required to adhere to the same accountability, accommodations or non-discrimination standards as public institutions. The logic is simple, and its something every parent understands: A child who feels scared and unsupported cannot learn effectively. Furthermore, innovation is not born from conformity. Our states future depends on raising a generation of critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Students listen as David Arquette, reads aloud from Maus, a Pulitzer-winning book that is about the holocaust which is banned in Tennessee schools during the first Literary Day on the Hill hosted by Rep. Justin Jones D- Nashville during Read across America Week at the Tennessee State Capitol, in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, March 4, 2025. From the museums of Memphis to the music studios of Nashville and the labs at Oak Ridge, Tennessee has always been a place for people who think differently. But when we teach students to fear certain ideas, or their own neighbors, we arent preparing them for college or a career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This censorship has a chilling effect: According to the 2023 State of the American Teacher Survey, administered by the nonpartisan nonprofit RAND Corporation, 65% of teachers said they decided, on their own, to limit discussion of political and social topics in their classrooms. The freedom to inquire, to debate and to be oneself is essential to academic excellence. Opinion: Gun laws are important, but this is how we can prevent the next mass shooting ACLU-TN has a long history of fighting for Tennessee students The fight for the soul of our public schools is not new. For decades, the ACLU of Tennessee has stood on the frontlines to defend these freedoms. In 2000, when students in Wilson County were suspended for protesting a school uniform policy, we successfully fought for their First Amendment right to free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1982, we challenged the "Silent Prayer Act," a state law requiring a minute of silence for prayer in public schools, fighting to affirm that faith cannot be mandated. In 1970, when University of Tennessee at Knoxville students were arrested for protesting, we challenged the states Anti-Riot Law as unconstitutional. And beginning in 1968, we spent years fighting alongside legal partners in the landmark Geier v. Tennessee case to dismantle segregation in our states university system, a fight that secured new resources for Tennessee State University. We believe, as we always have, that classrooms must be vibrant hubs of inquiry, not silent halls of conformity. ACLU-TN was there to help all Tennesseans at each point in history, and we are here now, empowering a new generation of advocates. We all have a responsibility to protect student freedoms The good news is that the power to protect our students doesn't just reside at the state capitol. It lives in our PTAs and local school board meetings. It also exists in coalitions like Education for All TN, which recently helped defeat legislation that would have created new barriers to education for some immigrant students, ultimately making it harder for them to contribute to Tennessee's future economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Trump's flag burning executive order doesn't protect liberty. It tramples it This school year, lets challenge our local leaders to champion policies that encourage inquiry, not anxiety. Lets demand that our school libraries remain places of discovery, not division. Lets work together to ensure our educators are trusted as professionals and our classrooms are welcoming spaces for every single child. Lets protect students' freedom to learn like Tennessees future depends on it because it does. Lindsay Kee Lindsay Kee is the Deputy Director of Integrated Advocacy for the ACLU of Tennessee. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Education is a right and a freedom. We must protect it | Opinion COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) A 2020 Columbus gang and murder trial moved into its eighth day Thursday morning. Marquise Hawkins and Kendaryl Rogers are facing life in prison without parole if convicted in the August 2020 shooting death of Alex Bales-Davis. The trial started last Monday, and it took more than two days to seat a jury. Testimony began a week ago. The state was still presenting its case Thursday morning. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Trial underway for alleged Rollin 60s Crip members accused of shooting Columbus man to death Former Columbus police officer Timothy Darden testified about how a vehicle suspected in the murder was tracked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was under cross-examination from Rogers attorney, William Kendrick on Thursday. Kendrick: You got information from the auto company that sold the car. Right? Darden: I spoke to them. Kendrick: They informed you that they had the ability to tell you exactly where that car was because of their pinging, correct? Darden: No. Not exactly. Kendrick: How did you get the car? Darden: They pinged it. Kendrick: All right, they pinged it. The shooting happened Aug. 6, 2020, at Brennan Road and St. Marys Road the Spider Web. Superior Court Judge Tippi Burch told jurors this afternoon to expect the trial to continue into next week. RELATED: Jury set for alleged gang members on trial for shooting Columbus man to 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 WRBL. By Akbar Novruz First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev, currently visiting Brazil, met with Renato Dutra, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Energy for Oil, Natural Gas and Biofuels, to discuss potential areas of collaboration. During the meeting, Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijans business environment, recent energy sector reforms, and key development targets. He also shared information on international investment instruments in which Azerbaijan partners with multiple countries. The discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation in energy, mining, and mineral processing. Both sides agreed to further develop cooperation between the relevant agencies of Azerbaijan and Brazil in areas of mutual interest. Mifepristone and Misoprostol pills are pictured Oct. 3, 2018, in Skokie, Illinois. Credit - Erin HooleyChicago Tribune/Tribune News Service/Getty Images Private citizens may soon be able to sue people who send abortion pills to patients in Texas, under a recently passed bill that furthers the states effort to crack down on abortion. HB 7 passed both chambers of the Republican-controlled state legislature in recent days, and the bill now heads to the desk of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who has publicly expressed anti-abortion views and is widely expected to sign it into law. If he does, the law would go into effect in December, and would be the first of its kind in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas is a first mover here, says Elizabeth Sepper, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. I think this is yet another tool that probably lots of states will take up and think about in 2026. Texas has one of the strictest abortion restrictions in the country: The state has banned abortion in almost all cases, and already allows private citizens to sue people, including providers, who help patients access an abortion after about six weeks of pregnancy. But HB 7 widens the scope of potential lawsuits even further by allowing private citizens to sue abortion pill manufacturers, providers, and others who send the medication to Texas for at least $100,000 in damages. Pregnant people receiving the medication to use themselves wouldnt be held liable. The $100,000 in damages could go in full to the pregnant person, the person who impregnated them, or certain close relatives. If someone else files such a lawsuit, they could receive $10,000, and the remaining sum would go to charity. The awards, Sepper says, are enormous. It creates, I think, a real possibility of essentially harassing lawsuits, fishing expeditions against folks, she adds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anti-abortion activists have argued that the bill would protect women and fetuses. John Seago, the president of the anti-abortion group Texas Right to Life, applauds the bills passage, calling it a phenomenal victory for the pro-life movement here in Texas. It is the most deliberate and aggressive response to the radical trends weve seen on the pro-abortion side in the last three years that are mailing abortion pills into Texas and attempting to hide behind a new legal invention called shield laws, he says, adding that HB 7 would help enforce existing Texas policies. But abortion rights advocates and state Democrats have condemned the bill, likening it to a bounty hunter law that gives anyone the ability to tattle on people who help facilitate access to abortion pills. They have argued that the bill is an attempt to spark fear in out-of-state providers who are protected by abortion shield laws in their own states when sending the medication to patients in states with abortion restrictions. Molly Duane, senior staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, calls HB 7 a fear-mongering piece of legislation. Theyre trying to scare Texans from seeking medication abortion, Duane says. But Texans arent scared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medication abortion is the most common method of abortion in the country. And in the three years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, clearing the way for states to enact their own bans on abortion, advocates have said that abortion pills prescribed via telehealth have been a lifeline for many people living in states with restrictions. The extremist anti-abortion advocates who are behind the overturning of Roe, as well as this legislation, will stop at nothing to prevent every single abortion thats happening in the country, and this is the next step in their long-term battle towards that goal, Duane says. But what we know is that people have always had abortions; they will always have abortion. People need abortions to save their lives. They need them to protect their families. They need them to protect their livelihood. Shield laws, versions of which have been enacted in 18 states and Washington, D.C., are intended to protect doctors providing medication or in-clinic abortions from their home state. The laws have led to clashes between states that have protected abortion and those that have banned it. Texas, for instance, filed a civil suit against New York Dr. Margaret Daley Carpenter for allegedly prescribing, via telemedicine, abortion pills to a Texas resident. Carpenter is also facing felony charges in Louisiana for allegedly prescribing abortion pills via telemedicine to a resident there. But New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has refused to extradite Carpenter, citing the states shield law. Many states that have banned or restricted abortion have struggled to push back on shield laws and abortion pills, and Sepper says HB 7 is the latest iteration of the effort to do so. Whether other states follow Texas example and pass similar bills will depend, she thinks, on how effective HB 7 will be in reducing the use of abortion pills in the state, if Abbott signs the bill as expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the bill is signed into law, Sepper expects that it will spark legal battles between states. HB 7 has a number of targets, Sepper says. One of those targets are people within the state of Texas to create a climate of fear about aiding anyone in accessing medication abortion. Another target are manufacturers of medication abortion. And then both health care providers who are out of state, who are using telehealth to distribute medication abortion in Texas, and also, frankly, the states they live in. In a sense, HB 7 targets not just providers in other states, but in a fairly real sense, the more abortion friendly states that have laws that allow for abortion to be distributed pretty freely, she says. Contact us at letters@time.com. TEXARKANA, Texas. (KTAL/KMSS) The Council for Regional Health Education has donated $25,000 to the Texarkana College Foundation to support the Jean and Herbert Wren Endowed Fund for Nursing Scholarships. The contribution honors the late Dr. Herbert Wren and his wife, Jean. Dr. Wren served as director of the Area Health Education Center from 1987 to 1995. Colleges and universities have billions stashed away in endowments; heres what they are Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is very important to our board to give back to education in our community, said Mayor Bob Bruggeman in a news release. We know that receiving a scholarship can change the course of a students life. Texarkana College President Dr. Jason Smith accepted the donation on behalf of the foundation. We are so grateful to the Council for Regional Health Education for helping promote higher education in our community by providing scholarship funds, Smith said in a news release. Todays gift will help even more students achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Texas' booming hemp industry has survived another effort to ban intoxicating products. Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patricks push to prohibit hemp-derived THC has died for the year after the Legislature adjourned its second special session Wednesday night. After long discussions last night between the Governor, Speaker, and me on THC, and continued hours of discussion today, we were not able to come to a resolution, Patrick said Wednesday night on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislature managed to pass a host of GOP priorities during the session, most notably a new congressional map demanded by President Donald Trump to increase Republican seats. Lawmakers also passed bills limiting access to abortion pills, restricting what bathrooms trans people can use in government buildings and allowing over-the-counter sales of ivermectin. But a bill to ban intoxicating hemp products stalled in the House as proponents ran up against calls to regulate intoxicating hemp products instead. The issue doesn't fall neatly along partisan lines, as hemp advocates voiced pro-business, pro-freedom and anti-big government talking points. Hemp industry officials have backed more stringent regulations, including limiting sales to people at least 21 years old, packaging and labeling requirements and third-party lab testing. While were relieved not to have this threat hanging over us, were disappointed that the opportunity to pass an age-restriction bill [wasn't] taken advantage of, said Cynthia Cabrera, president of the Texas Hemp Business Council. Patrick put the states hemp industry on notice last December that banning hemp intoxicants was one of his top priorities, arguing that the loosely regulated market presented an untenable public health threat. A ban would have decimated most of the states hemp market, worth at least $4 billion. An intense lobbying effort ensued as hemp industry advocates argued the bill would crush small businesses and hurt veterans who rely on the products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Legislature did ultimately pass legislation to ban intoxicating products during the regular session, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed the bill, calling on lawmakers in his veto message to regulate the industry similar to the way alcohol is regulated." There are more than 8,000 hemp retailers registered in the state. The market for intoxicating hemp products has flourished across the U.S. after Congress legalized hemp defined as cannabis with less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC in the 2018 farm bill. After the market for CBD failed to take off, the industry evolved into synthesizing intoxicating products. And federal efforts to close the hemp regulatory loophole have stalled after senators stripped out language to do so in their agriculture funding bill after a showdown between GOP Sens. Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul. The market for hemp intoxicants has gained steam especially in states without legal marijuana programs. An uptick in demand for THC-infused beverages which a new study by Whitney Economics estimates topped $1.1 billion in sales last year has drawn in the alcohol industry. Even in states that have legalized cannabis for adults, hemp products are subject to fewer regulations, can be transported over state lines and are often significantly cheaper, drawing marijuana companies to the market, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar legislative fights have emerged in states across the country. Bills to clamp down on the intoxicating hemp market failed in Illinois and in Florida earlier this year, while other states like Kentucky passed more narrow legislation aimed at regulating THC-infused beverages. A bill to ban the sale of cannabinoid vapes in Texas went into effect this month as part of broader vape legislation aimed at teen use of nicotine vapes. But the broader issue of hemp cannabinoid regulation is sure to be back when lawmakers return. The Legislature doesnt have another regular session until 2027, unless the governor calls lawmakers back for another special session next year to tackle the issue. Two weeks ago, Davin Hunt told state legislators about the nightmares plaguing him and his wife since floodwaters killed their 9-year-old daughter at Camp Mystic. Sometimes Hunt dreamt he was rushing to protect his child from an evil force. Other times he re-lived the trip to the funeral home, wishing he could have died instead. In the worst visions, Hunt imagined his little girl in her last moments, petrified, screaming, alone. Amid the tearful testimony that day, several senators promised Hunt and other parents that they would pass legislation the parents sought to make camps safer, so no other mom or dad would experience the same torturous loss, or feel as if they failed their children when they assured them camp would be safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, said that day that he couldnt stop the bad dreams, but he could promise something: These camps are going to be safe. On Wednesday, state legislators followed through on their word, passing a slew of new regulations for kids camps, including that no cabins could be located in the floodplain near dangerous parts of a river, and that camps would have to install emergency warning systems to alert campers if something is wrong. The Senate passed House Bill 1 with a vote of 26-0. The House passed Senate Bill 1 with a vote of 120-4. Both bills will now be sent to the governor to be signed into law. The bills each provide their own new regulations and have some identical language lawmakers said they worked on to ensure would go into statute without issue. The families of victims have been present in hearings, in chamber galleries during floor discussion and in the offices of legislators since the floods, urging them to take action. HB 1s author and SB 1 House sponsor Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, said those efforts have helped shape the two bills into effective legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1 would not have happened without your relentless advocacy, fight and determination, Darby said on the House floor Wednesday. Thank you for trusting us to do your work, that is the peoples work. The bills call for camps to take multiple steps to strengthen their preparations for responding to emergencies. If the bills are signed, youth camps will have to ensure they have emergency procedures for where to evacuate, how to account for campers and how to communicate with emergency managers and parents and guardians. Camps will post evacuation routes in each cabin and make sure the routes are lit at night. They will designate camp emergency preparedness coordinators. Camp staff under the expected new laws will be required to have orientations with campers at the beginning of each session for what to do if there is an emergency. And the staff themselves will be trained at least once a year. Parents or guardians will have to sign statements to acknowledge if any portion of the camp is in a floodplain. Camp operators will be expected to monitor National Weather Service alerts and keep weather radios that blare if an alert goes out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the state will review whether the ratio of campers to counselors needs to change. And it will create a team with representatives from various Texas agencies to regularly meet and develop standards for kids camps. At all campgrounds, the new policies when finalized will also require operators to put ladders on cabins in the floodplain for people to use to climb onto the roof. Campground operators in the floodplain will also have to develop evacuation plans to implement if the National Weather Service issues a flash flood or flood warning. The rules will come at a financial cost to camps in the Hill Country that are also taking on the process of cleaning up and repairing property but that the parents have argued need to make changes. A Texas Tribune analysis found that 13 camps on the Guadalupe River including Camp Mystic had buildings in the floodplain. Three of them Camp Waldemar, Vista Camps and Camp Stewart wrote a letter to lawmakers last week saying that the price of rebuilding cabins in the floodplain and not being able to have campers while they do so would put their futures at financial risk. They asked for financial support and permission to operate while they build new cabins if the new requirements pass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camp Waldemar said it is moving forward with plans to build new compliant cabins and commended legislators for passing the new proposals in a statement to The Texas Tribune after the two bills passed. This transition is an opportunity to carry forward our camps legacy of safety and stewardship, ensuring Waldemar remains a place of joy, tradition and sisterhood for the next 100 years, the statement read. Camp Mystic and the family members of owner and executive director Dick Eastland, who died in the flood, said in an initial statement on Aug. 21, the day after emotional testimony from parents, that they supported legislation to make camps safer. Camp safety wasnt a main priority on the agenda when Gov. Greg Abbott first called lawmakers back to Austin after the floods. But it gained attention as the parents of the 27 Camp Mystic girls who died began sharing their stories and pushing for change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that hearing two weeks ago, another father, Ryan DeWitt, remembered dropping his daughter Molly off at camp. He was worried about leaving his curious, compassionate child, along with his older daughter. Molly grabbed him by the arms as he knelt, looked him in the eyes and said repeatedly, I love you, Dad. I love you, Dad. I love you, Dad. Her death was preventable, DeWitt said. Now we fight united for the safety and lives of millions of children that will attend camps in the future, he said. And the future is right now. 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. (NewsNation) Legislation barring Texas youth camps from building or maintaining cabins on floodplains is headed to Governor Greg Abbotts desk to mixed opinions. The soon-to-be laws House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1 would require camps in the Lone Star State to eliminate any housing from being located in the floodplain of a river. It would also withhold state licensing if cabins remain in a dangerous flooding path. University of Texas system students sue, say new law could ban prayers, reporting, music on campus Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation also requires facilities to create expanded emergency procedures, like evacuation routes posted in each cabin and well-lit routes around the clock. Camp staff, including newly required emergency preparedness coordinators, must also hold orientations with campers about those procedures. A view of Camp Mystic, the site of where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas, on July 5, 2025. Rescuers were on Saturday searching for more than 20 girls missing from a riverside summer camp in the US state of Texas, after torrential rains caused devastating flooding that killed at least 27 people with more rain on the way. So far, weve evacuated over 850 uninjured people, eight injured people and have recovered 27 deceased fatalities at this time. Of these 27, 18 are adults, nine are children, said Kerr Country Sheriff Larry Leitha on July 5. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP) (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) A plush toy sits on the ground outside of a cabin at Camp Mystic, the site of where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas, on July 5, 2025. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) Officials ride a boat as they arrive to assist with a recovery effort at Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas, after a flash flood swept through the area. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A Sheriffs deputy pauses while combing through the banks of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) officer conducts a search near the Guadalupe River in Kerrville County, Texas on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Devastating floods swept through Central Texas on Thursday evening and Friday morning, raising the death toll to 120 and countless more who remain missing, including 27 girls from Camp Mystic. (Photo by Desiree Rios for The Washington Post via Getty Images) A Camp Mystic mailbox is seen near the entrance to the establishment along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Proponents of the legislation include parents of the 27 campers and counselors killed during the flooding on July 4 that swamped much of central Texas and overtook Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp. Those families have made it very clear that they are living in the most unimaginable nightmare that they dont want anybody else to suffer. They do not want this moment to go without action, Democratic Texas State Rep. Ann Johnson told NewsNation in late August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lab-grown meat ban takes effect in Texas But some camps including Camp Waldemar, Vista Camps and Camp Stewart, located near the Guadalupe River asked Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick last week to reconsider some of the legislations details. The new, stricter requirements for camps would force them to rebuild cabins and install new safety features, potentially putting them at financial odds, according to a letter obtained by The Texas Tribune. Bill allowing Texans to sue over abortion-inducing medication sent to governor Camp owners told state officials there must be meaningful financial support, whether through insurance, state grants, or other funding mechanisms, so that the burden does not fall solely on families, camps, and communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, told the Tribune on Aug. 20 there would be no such funding: No, camps are private enterprises. The states not rebuilding private sector camps. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) Why am I at $80,000 behind? Ian Evilsizor asked. The frustrated single father explained thats how much hes owed in child support for his daughter. Single mom Jennifer Banford quickly chimed in regarding her two daughters: The balance now, I think, is $21,000. She added that doesnt include medical bills that have not been paid and reached $6,000. Christie Schultz, another single mom, said she was waiting on $600 earlier this summer which has now increased to nearly $2,500 money meant to go towards raising her four kids. The three parents didnt know each other until recently but now share a common challenge after not receiving child support payments. Lawmakers have heard similar concerns, which led them to make changes going into effect this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Office of the Texas Attorney General enforces child support. Banford said the agency cant even track down the father of her two daughters, who has only made one payment since January 2024. How am I supposed to find him if a government agency cant find him? Like, I dont have the resources of a government agency, so how am I supposed to locate him? Banford asked. Since last November, KXAN investigators have emailed and called the AGs office multiple times to learn more about the work of the Child Support Division, but no one has responded. Schultz told KXAN investigators that she cant even get help when calling the agency about missed payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am almost begging for information, Schultz explained. Will you contact the other parent and find out what the plan is. Can I have a case worker? Can I file some sort of a dispute? New law streamlines procedures Evilsizor wondered why theres no accountability when payments arent received by parents who have custody of the kids. There should be red flags along the way, like, Oh, hey, shes 30 days behind. Oh, now shes 60 days behind. Oh, shes 90 days behind. The AGs office has allowed this to accumulate, Evilsizor said. A new law aims to provide some help by streamlining child support procedures. READ: Bill streamlining child support services will soon become law Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last regular session, lawmakers passed legislation giving the AG the option to serve notices and documents by email if one is provided to the court to cut down on unnecessary delays in delivering child support. Sen. Royce West pushed for legislation to streamline child support services. (KXAN Photo/Matt Grant) Senate Bill 1403 allows for the option of service of notices and documents by email in child support cases where parties have provided email addresses to the court. So many people use email that this will make for more effective, timely notice being provided to participants in child support cases. I am glad I was able to bring about this innovation through legislation and working with the Child Support Division, shared Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, who filed the legislation. The measure comes after a KXAN investigation detailed concerns from Texas parents like these who are owed billions of dollars in child support. KXAN investigators have repeatedly reached out to the AGs office and asked about the implementation of the new law, but no one has responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ: Central Texas mom awaits nearly $40K in child support. Parents owed $21B statewide Jennifer Severn, a family law attorney who once worked in the AGs Child Support Division, said the law will make it easier to go forward with court cases whether its enforcement or a modification. She explained, before the law, a constable or private process server would need to track down the parent and serve them the court document. Now, if that parent has already provided an email address, thats sufficient to serve them. If youve properly noticed someone, and they dont show up, you can ask the judge to issue a capias for their arrest, then they will be arrested, then they will be brought before the court. So, theres a remedy for not showing up, Severn said. Not so hopeful Severn added that the AG can now also file an investigative report regarding how much money a parent who owes child support makes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ: AG launches new child support system; some families say theyre not getting payments One of the most challenging aspects of the job is providing the court evidence of income. In Texas, child support is based solely on the income of the obligor, so if you cannot prove how much money an obligor makes, the court may order an amount that is way too low, Severn explained. Severn pointed out the investigative report has the potential to make establishing or increasing child support much easier, even if the parent wont disclose any income information. The Texas Office of the Attorney General launched ChAMP in June, replacing a 30-year-old system. (KXAN Photo/Arezow Doost) Once theyre able to get that information in front of the judge through an investigative report, it makes it much easier to get families the increases in child support that they so desperately need, Severn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents who continue to reach out to KXAN investigators about challenges with the agency said theyre not hopeful the new law will make a difference. I really dont think that anything will change, Banford said. More enforcement actions need to happen. Evilsizor and Schultz agree, adding enforcing child support needs to happen quicker. They explained their kids miss out on extracurricular activities and even medical needs because theyre not getting the financial help ordered by the courts. The kids are the ones who suffer, Schultz said. I had an eye therapy that was recommended for my child, but because the other parent wouldnt agree to that, it just never happened. And I still feel guilty to this day that it didnt happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late July, the agency said in a press release it successfully launched a new modernized child support system meant to improve efficiency and streamline case processing. A handful of families have reached out to KXAN investigators after the upgrade, saying they were having problems with the updated system. KXAN investigators have asked the AGs office about delays due to the new system, but there has been no response to questions, including how many parents are still waiting to receive child support. Whether its a new law or an upgraded system, Evilsizor said there needs to be reform in the Child Support Division and systems in place that are not working. Theres too many families, too many parents out there struggling, Evilsizor 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 KXAN Austin. Texas is poised to become the latest state to bar transgender people from using public bathrooms after the Senate passed a bill late Wednesday night that also bans transgender people from using locker rooms or from being incarcerated in facilities that align with their genders. The bill, which Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to sign, is the latest in a slew of anti-trans measures passed in the state, and the most recent anti-trans bathroom bill passed by states in recent years. Nineteen states already have some form of a transgender bathroom ban, and Texas has weighed more than 16 such bans over the past decade. The bill sets a $25,000 fine for any government agency or public institution, such as a school or university, which violates the policy and a $125,000 fine for a second offense. The fines make it the most financially punitive bathroom bill in the nation, according to The Texas Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emmett Schelling, executive director of the Transgender Education Network of Texas, said in a statement that he was devastated to see this atrocious legislation pass. Make no mistake, trans people have always and will always survive, Schelling said. They can try as hard as they want, nobody will ever shatter the trans community or take away our deep and innate understanding of who we genuinely are. We know exactly who we are, and we will continue to fight for a better Texas, a better home for us all. Mo Jenkins, chief of staff for Rep. Laura Simmons, said the consequences of the law will not be theoretical but brutal and deadly. When innocent people are harassed, beaten, or killed because of the fear and misinformation you are choosing to codify into law, their blood will not just be on the hands of their attackers, it will be in this chamber, said Jenkins, who is a Black trans woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure aims to prevent Texas prisons from housing transgender detainees in alignment with their gender, a rule that could violate the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act, which requires prisons and jails to place trans people where they believe they will be safest. It is unclear yet if advocates will challenge the bill in court once it becomes law. About a quarter of transgender people 26 percent live in states that have some form of a bathroom ban. Transgender advocates argue that such laws fail in the aim to increase safety and instead expose transgender people to increased harassment and violence. They also point out that they are hard to enforce, relying on individuals to discern who is and is not transgender. The post Texas legislature bans transgender people from public bathrooms appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. A Texas man accused of shooting his 19-year-old cousin dead told police it was accidental and that he was trying to test his reaction time. Jose Magareno, 21, was arrested and charged with murder in the fatal shooting of his younger cousin, Emmanuel Najera, on Monday, The Dallas Morning News reported. Najera and his younger brother were visiting Magareno at his home in Dallas to celebrate Najeras birthday when the shooting unfolded around 5 p.m., according to a Dallas police arrest-warrant affidavit obtained by the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group was in a bedroom discussing firearms and practicing concealed carry when Magareno asked Najera to test his reaction time, the affidavit said. Instead, Magareno drew a loaded pistol and shot Najera in the chest, the affidavit said. Jose Magareno, 21, was arrested and charged with murder in the death of his 19-year-old cousin, Emmanuel Najera, whom he fatally shot while testing his reaction time, according to police. (Dallas County Jail) Magareno called 911 and told the operator he accidentally shot his younger cousin, according to the affidavit. The 21-year-old later told police he regularly practiced using his firearm and believed he had removed the rounds from the gun before pointing it at his cousin and pulling the trigger. Najera was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead around 8 p.m. Magareno was booked into the Dallas County Jail on a murder charge. As of Wednesday, his bond had not been set, according to jail records. Police investigation into the shooting remains ongoing. Texas lawmakers voted to enact sweeping new restrictions on abortion pills mailed to the state, offering a possible blueprint for other states that have banned abortion. House Bill 7 gives private citizens the right to sue health providers for mailing, prescribing or providing abortion medication to patients in the state of Texas; providers sued under the bill risk penalties of at least $100,000. The bill, which passed after heated negotiations between the states various anti-abortion advocacy groups, now awaits Gov. Greg Abbotts signature. Its supporters believe it could represent a new step in the national battle over abortion rights. The bill will also authorize lawsuits against pharmaceutical manufacturers if they make medications used by Texans for abortion a provision that could chill drug development and make the pills harder to attain for people beyond the Lone Star State. Texas is the largest state to have almost completely outlawed abortion. But thousands of residents each month have continued to terminate their pregnancies by ordering medication from health care providers who practice in states where the procedure remains legal. Those medical professionals work under the protection of shield laws, statutes that hold their home states wont cooperate with an out-of-state prosecution. One estimate suggests that by the end of 2024, more than 3,400 Texans received these telehealth abortions each month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patients who receive abortion pills in the mail can end their pregnancies from their own homes, a simpler and cheaper option than traveling to another state for care. Global health organizations have endorsed telehealth abortions. And in the years since Roe v. Wades overturn, the practice has soared in popularity so much so that despite the proliferation of state bans, the number of abortions done in the United States has actually increased. About 1 in 4 abortions are performed through telehealth. Half of those are for people living in states with abortion restrictions, getting care from shield law providers. This bill does not protect women children or families, state Sen. Carol Alvarado, a Democrat, said during the legislatures debate. It deputizes Texans as bounty hunters. It replaces compassion with suspicion. Abortion opponents across the country have been in search of a way to stop this practice. In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a civil lawsuit against a shield law provider, Dr. Margaret Carpenter of New York; the case is now being litigated in state courts. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has filed criminal charges against Carpenter. Two Texas residents have filed separate civil cases against shield law providers. Both cases are being argued in federal court by lawyer Jonathan Mitchell, Texas former solicitor general who has spearheaded several anti-abortion cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Washington, D.C., major anti-abortion groups have been pressing the federal government to impose new restrictions on mifepristone, one of the drugs used in medication abortions, that would effectively outlaw telehealth. None of those efforts has stopped telehealth abortions. The Texas bill, backed by the influential lobby Texas Right to Life, could offer a new path forward. Modeled after the states six-week abortion ban which in 2021 eliminated access to most abortions in the state, even before Roes overturn the legislation threatens shield law providers with financially ruinous lawsuits. Still, its not yet clear how providers in other states will respond. I think well just see, said one California-based shield law physician, who requested that her name be withheld because of the lawsuits filed against her colleagues. If its state versus state, it feels like weve got a solid plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even some abortion opponents expressed skepticism that the bill would play a meaningful role in blocking the distribution of abortion pills an issue many believe will ultimately be settled in federal court. Perhaps it has some potential, but I think it was vastly oversold, said Kyleen Wright, who heads Texans for Life, an anti-abortion group. The bill was subject to heated negotiation between various anti-abortion groups. Initially proposed in March, a previous version of the abortion pill bill failed in the final days of Texas regular legislative session after lawmakers ran out of time to vote it out of the states House of Representatives. Plaintiffs related to the unborn child can receive $100,000 in damages through lawsuits filed against abortion providers. People with no connection to the pregnancy can receive $10,000 if they file suit; the remaining $90,000 would be donated to a charity, though the bill doesnt specify which a modification made to win over lobbyists from Texans for Life and the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, who had both voiced concerns the bills could encourage a plethora of lawsuits from people with no connection to the pregnancy, or ultimately result in legal action targeting abortion patients themselves. The bill also explicitly prohibits using these civil lawsuits to force someone who received an abortion to sit for a deposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those changes reflect only one obstacle the bill faced. Initially proposed in March, a previous version of the abortion pill bill failed in the final days of Texas regular legislative session after lawmakers ran out of time to vote it out of the states House of Representatives. A collection of abortion opponents, including Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, pressed Abbott to call lawmakers back to Austin for a special session that would abortion pill restrictions. But the bill did not pass in Texas first special session, which ended on August 15 after Democratic lawmakers temporarily fled the state to block passage of GOP redistricting legislation. Abbott then called a second month-long legislative session to begin that same day. Democrats returned to the state after California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, committed to having his state maps redrawn as well, potentially neutralizing Republicans congressional gains in Texas. The post Texas passes bill banning abortion pills from being mailed to the state appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. The Texas Senate passed new bounty hunter-style abortion legislation Wednesday night to quash mailed abortion pills, targeting a method that has slipped through the cracks of abortion bans and contributed to the slight rise in the total number of abortions since the Supreme Court decided Dobbs. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R), staunchly anti-abortion, is expected to sign it. The bill would allow people to sue the manufacturers, deliverers and providers of mailed abortion pills for damages. It sets up a long-predicted abortion showdown: red state abortion bans versus blue state shield laws. Many blue states passed such laws after Dobbs, specifically to protect providers and patients in their states from red state prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case law here is thin and the central questions largely untested. How far can states laws extend out of their territory? Patients leaving the state to access care, get the procedure and come home is one thing, Jessie Hill, associate dean and reproductive rights scholar at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, told TPM. But when youre sending pills into a state, you are reaching into that state in a sense. Texas thirst to prosecute blue state doctors has already reached the courts in a different case. In late 2024, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) sued a New York doctor for allegedly prescribing abortion medication to a Texas resident (the medication was allegedly discovered by the Texas womans partner, whom she did not tell about her pregnancy). When the provider did not appear in court, under cover of New Yorks shield law, Paxton sought a $100,000 penalty, filed in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acting Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck declined to file Paxtons motion. In accordance with the New York State Shield Law, I have refused this filing and will refuse any similar filings that may come to our office, he said. Paxton pushed Bruck to reconsider in July; the clerk again declined. The rejection stands. Resubmitting the same materials does not alter the outcome, he wrote in a press release. While Im not entirely sure how things work in Texas, here in New York, a rejection means the matter is closed. Texas new legislation, by design, will be difficult to preemptively challenge, as its enforced by ordinary citizens. A legal clash is likely only after someone is sued under it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre trying to provoke a fight over the Comstock Act, Hill said, referencing an 1873 federal law banning the mailing of abortifacients that the anti-abortion movement has been eyeing to ban mailing the medication. Texas has been increasingly citing the Comstock Act in other legal attacks on abortion access, including in its effort to join a red-state attack on mifepristone. That zombified case is the latest iteration of an effort that the unanimous Supreme Court rejected for lack of standing last June. Its dragged on at U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryks court, where a random assortment of red states has tried to reinvigorate it under the infamously anti-abortion judge, despite the litigation having no jurisdictional ties to north Texas, where his courtroom is based. Texas is currently trying to remedy that problem, asking to join the case earlier this month. The fight over medication abortion is the fundamental one that will shape the post-Dobbs world. The anti-abortion movement has been stunningly successful, even pre-Dobbs, in regulating surgical abortion out of existence in large swaths of the country. Medication abortion, though, which has steadily increased in popularity, has proven much harder to track and kill. It feels like were in a Prohibition-like era, Hill said. A ban doesnt mean abortions stop happening. Its no surprise that Texas, so often the laboratory for pushing the bounds of anti-abortion absolutism, is preparing to do battle against its fellow states to outlaw the abortion method, on the dependably friendly terrain of the Supreme Court. Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation on Wednesday replacing STAAR, the states widely unpopular state standardized test, for three shorter tests at the beginning, middle and end of each school year. With House Bill 8 now law, Texas will swap the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness for the shorter tests, which students will begin to take in the 2027-28 school year. House Bill 8 ends the high stakes and high stress nature of one test, one day, Rep. Brad Buckley, the bills author, said Sept. 3 before the Texas House voted to send the proposal to Abbott. This is unprecedented oversight of the assessment and accountability system by this body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislators replaced STAAR amid frustration from families and teachers, who say the test puts too much pressure on students and that preparing for it takes up too much time in the classroom. The bills passage comes after two earlier attempts failed to scrap STAAR. Legislation to that effect died during the final hours of this years regular lawmaking session because the House and the Senate could not agree on what they wanted out of the new test. Chamber leaders reconciled many of their differences earlier this summer, but Democrats blocked the House from advancing any bills when they fled the state in an attempt to stop a rare mid-decade redistricting effort. Democrats returned to the state in August, allowing the House to continue working on legislation. School accountability experts celebrated the new standardized testing system, which is used to assess whether students have the core academic skills they need to be ready for life after high school. Testing throughout the year, experts said, will give families a better window into how their children are doing and help teachers tailor their instruction to meet students needs. But some House members were displeased with the concessions the lower chamber made to the Senate to reach an agreement. They questioned whether HB 8 does enough to reduce the pressure on students and the amount of time spent on testing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill was supposed to be the bill that was the win for our public schools and for our kids, Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, said on the House floor on Sept. 3. This is no win. This is a terrible bill I cant even believe its made it this far. Heres what you need to know about the changes coming to the states standardized test. Students to take three, shorter standardized tests The three shorter tests will replace the end-of-the-year STAAR in an effort to reduce the pressure that a single test puts on students and monitor more closely their academic growth. Schools that already require students to take nationally recognized assessments will be able to count those as the beginning- and middle-of-the-year tests. It is unclear yet which exams will be acceptable to meet that requirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Education Agency will have a hand in creating the end-of-the-year test. Many House Democrats opposed HB 8 saying the TEA should have less of a role in shaping the test at a time when STAARs shortcomings have pushed school districts and families to distrust the agency. Buckley has defended TEAs role by pointing to a committee of 40 classroom teachers that will act as a counterbalance, reviewing the tests questions and weighing in on their rigor. Families can expect to get test scores in about two days, a much speedier turnaround compared to the current wait, which can take up to several weeks. Results for all three tests will now be presented as percentile ranks, which show how students are performing compared to their classmates. The end-of-year test results would also show the states assessment of whether students have approached, met or mastered grade-level skills, like the current STAAR test does. Proponents of testing students throughout the year hope it will give teachers useful information about where students are struggling, so they can tweak instruction to meet those learning gaps. Educators can no longer run students through practice tests Teachers wont be able to give their students practice exams ahead of the state standardized tests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TEA Commissioner Mike Morath has told lawmakers that practice exams can take up weeks of instruction time and arent proven to help students do better on the test. The ban on practice tests could buy back 15 to 30 hours of lost instructional time per student each school year, according to estimates from David Osman, an auditor of standardized testing. Graduation requirement to pass English II ends High schoolers will no longer need to pass the English II assessment, which is currently a graduation requirement. Its the first time Texas has eased graduation testing requirements since 2015, Buckley said. Students will still need to pass an end-of-the-year test on English I to get their high school diploma, along with exams in algebra and biology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House pushed to make exams optional for some subjects in HB 8 to decrease testing. Before the lower chamber voted on the bill, Hinojosa added a provision to get rid of the English II test. Hinojosa also tried to get rid of social studies portions of the exam. But when HB 8 got to the Senate floor in late August, Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, added them back in, saying students should test in that subject to ensure they have foundational knowledge for civic engagement. As a result, eighth graders will continue to test on social studies and high schoolers on U.S. history. Scores on three tests will count toward schools A-F ratings Texas uses standardized test results to grade schools on how well they are educating their students through what is known as the states A-F accountability system. With testing set to change, legislators instructed TEA to develop a metric for student progress based on growth over the three new tests, with the intent of factoring that metric into each schools rating. Such a metric hasnt been introduced into any states school accountability system, according to analysis from EdTrust. It is unclear how the TEA will create a consistent way to track student growth given that schools will be allowed to take different tests for the beginning and middle of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB 8 also waded into how much power TEA should have in changing the benchmarks for schools to get a good grade, a key point of tension in a recent legal battle between school districts and the education agency. The bill codifies that the TEA has the power to refresh those goal posts every five years. It also requires TEA to announce any changes to the accountability system by July 15 of each year, about a month before the school year starts. The stakes for how the state measures schools performance are high: Failing grades can bring on state sanctions, like forcing a struggling school to close or ousting a districts democratically elected school board. In response to calls to evaluate student success beyond testing, the legislation also instructs the TEA to track student participation in pre-K, extracurriculars and workforce training in middle schools. But none of those metrics will be factored into schools ratings. 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) In a vote of 17-9, the Texas Senate approved the Women and Child Protection Act to crack down on the manufacture and provision of abortion-inducing drugs. State Sen. Bryan Hughes (RMineola), who carried the legislation in the Senate, said the legislation is about helpless, innocent unborn babies, their scared moms, and Big Pharma. Hughes described the process and effects of these drugs on both the unborn child and the mother, emphasizing the risks and complications associated with their use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first pill, mifepristone, causes the lining of the uterus to thin, and it keeps essential nutrients from going to the little baby, explained Hughes. So in most cases, this causes that little unborn baby inside her mothers womb to die. The second pill is misoprostol, which is given 24 to 48 hours later and causes the mothers uterus to contract and the cervix to soften so that her body can expel the child. Hughes cited recent studies indicating that complications and adverse events from medication abortions are significantly higher than previously reported, and that many such events are underreported or miscoded. He took aim at the Food and Drug Administration for relaxing safety regulations over time, reducing required in-person visits and allowing the drugs to be dispensed without a doctors supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally, the FDA required three in-person visits for women seeking medication abortion, but over the years, these requirements have been relaxed. As of 2023, no in-person visits are required, and the drugs can be mailed directly to patients without physician oversight. Hughes argued that this deregulation has led to increased risks, referencing recent studies that show a higher rate of serious adverse eventsincluding sepsis, infection, and hemorrhagingthan the FDAs older data suggests. While abortion is already illegal in Texas, the new legislation, House Bill 7, prohibits the manufacturing, distribution, mailing, prescribing, and provision of abortion-inducing drugs in Texas, except in specified medical emergencies or related circumstances. It creates civil liability for manufacturers and distributors who ship abortion-inducing drugs into Texas for non-permitted uses. The bill leverages the states long arm statute, allowing Texas to assert jurisdiction over out-of-state entities whose products end up in Texas. Following the model of the Texas Heartbeat Act, the law is enforced exclusively through private civil actions rather than by state or local government officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB 7 also provides broad protections against efforts by other states to counteract or penalize enforcement under Texas law and establishes significant monetary penalties for violations. According to Hughes, Big Pharma is taking advantage of loopholes in the [current] law and mailing these pills directly to vulnerable women. He cited testimony provided during hearings on the legislation about how women were told the pills would be like taking a Tylenol or Advil. So were talking about moms who are, in most cases, home alone, going through this process, who were not told the truth about the dangers, who, in many cases, were not even told the truth about the process. Thats what were dealing with. After one more vote in the Senate, HB 7 will head to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature as the Texas House passed it last week. By Panarat Thepgumpanat BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand's influential former premier Thaksin Shinawatra flew out of the country on Thursday, police said, a day before a parliamentary vote for the next prime minister and ahead of a court ruling that could see him jailed. The departure of the billionaire Thaksin, who spent a total of 15 years in self-imposed exile, comes as the coalition government of the ruling Pheu Thai party he founded is in turmoil, facing a major challenge from a rival party ahead of Friday's vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday next week, the Supreme Court will rule on a case involving Thaksin that could potentially see him serve prison time, which he avoided following his vaunted return to Thailand in 2023 by spending months in hospital on medical grounds. Thaksin flew out of Bangkok's Don Mueang airport at 7.17 pm local time (1217 GMT) on a private jet, after authorities confirmed that he did not have any court order prohibiting him from leaving the country, police said in a statement. His aircraft, which police said was numbered T7GTS, was seen initially flying towards Singapore but then travelled over Malaysia and made a number of loops on the Andaman Sea before heading further west, according to online flight trackers. Thaksin's lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, told Reuters he was not aware of Thaksin leaving the country, but said that the former premier had said he would go to court next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Pheu Thai spokesperson declined to comment on Thaksin's movements. TURBULENT PAST Thaksin, 76, is the driving force behind the embattled ruling Pheu Thai party and the father of the recently dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who held power for just a year before she was sacked by a court last week. Paetongtarn was the sixth premier from or backed by the billionaire Shinawatra family to be removed by the military or judiciary in a tumultuous two-decade battle for power between the country's warring elites. The polarising billionaire spent years living in London and Dubai to avoid jail for abuse of power and conflicts of interest, before returning to Thailand to serve his sentence, hours before a Pheu Thai prime minister took office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thaksin's term was commuted from eight years to one year after a royal pardon and he spent six months in a VIP wing of a hospital, before being released on parole in February 2024. The Supreme Court verdict on Tuesday will decide whether the time he spent in hospital counts as time served, or whether he should go to prison to serve out his sentence. Pheu Thai has been struggling to garner support since suffering the loss of Paetongtarn, triggering a scramble for power to unseat the party that has dominated Thai politics for a quarter of a century, winning five of the past six elections. Earlier on Thursday, Pheu Thai said it would nominate Chaikasem Nitisiri, a veteran lawyer with limited cabinet experience, to go head-to-head with Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul for the premiership vote. (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat; Editing by Martin Petty and Andrew Heavens) An effort to regulate Texas' largely unchecked THC industry appeared dead on Wednesday despite a late push to revive the moribund legislation, which had been a key reason Gov. Greg Abbott called lawmakers back to Austin this summer. "After long discussions last night between the Governor, Speaker, and me on THC, and continued hours of discussion today, we were not able to come to a resolution. I appreciate the effort by Gov. @GregAbbott_TX to find a solution," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the leading proponent of a ban, said on X. "I thank Speaker Dustin @Burrows4TX and Republican House members for joining the Senate in passing a complete THC ban during the regular session. My position remains unchanged; the Senate and I are for a total THC ban." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BACKGROUND: Texas THC ban veto creates new divide between Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick Abbott did not immediately comment on the announcement publicly. The Republican governor vetoed sweeping legislation in June that would have barred intoxicating hemp-derived products and wiped out much of the multibillion dollar industry that has boomed in the state over the last six years. Almost all cannabis compounds in any edible, drinkable or smokable form would have been impacted. Fate Fowler stirs a mixture used to make homemade hemp-derived delta-9 THC lollipops at Custom Botanical Dispensary in Austin, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. The shop sells homemade and custom THC infused edibles, and can continue to do so now that the THC ban bill died. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman) The Senate, which is run by Patrick, again pushed for a ban. But the House let it languish while it focused on GOP redistricting and providing assistance to the A warning label is displayed near edibles at Custom Botanical Dispensary in Austin, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. The shop sells homemade and custom THC infused edibles, and can continue to do so now that the THC ban bill died. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman) parts of the state devastated by the deadly floods of July 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, as both chambers rushed to wrap up their special session work, rumors began circulating that legislative leaders were working to craft a compromise measure that would both satisfy Patrick's desire to clamp down on THC and not trigger another veto by the governor. A proposal filed last week by state Rep. Briscoe Cain would have set a 2.5-milligram-per-serving limit on edibles. It would have also capped beverages at 0.5 milligrams per fluid ounce and limited sales of those drinks to six packs. Such caps would severely undercut many hemp-focused businesses. By some estimates, a 3-milligram cap would wipe out 80% of currently legal sales. Consumable hemp products are typically offered at 5 and 10 milligram doses. Hemp-derived delta-9 THC lollipops are assembled at Custom Botanical Dispensary in Austin, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. The shop sells homemade and custom THC infused edibles, and can continue to do so now that the THC ban bill died. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman) If you went into a supermarket and said you can continue selling milk and eggs, but everything else in your store is illegal, they're not going to stay in business, said Robin Goldstein, an agriculture economist at the University of California-Davis who has been studying the Texas hemp market. It's the same kind of apocalypse for the hemp industry. The Cain proposal would have also required 15 milligrams of other cannabinoids, such as CBD, for every 1 milligram of THC a ratio aimed at dulling the intoxicating effects of the THC. It would have also banned flower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal is similar to a set of restrictions on hemp-derived THC passed by Virginia in 2023. Brian Swensen, the executive director of the Hemp Industry & Farmers of America, called it the complete annihilation of Texass hemp industry. The reality is that hardworking Texas farmers, legitimate businesses, and everyday consumers would be hung out to dry, Swensen said in a statement condemning the proposal. Both the House and Senate were expected to gavel out of the special session on Wednesday night. WARREN TWP., Ohio (WKBN) Local elected leaders and union representatives are calling on the areas federal lawmakers to help with tariff relief for a more than century-old steel factory in Trumbull County. United Steelworkers District 1 Staff Representative Mark Murray is pushing for a tariff exemption or quota for Thomas Steel Strip. We gotta try to figure something out quickly, Murray said. A company cant sustain 50% tariff rates and stay in operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The factory in Warren Township employs 170 union workers, producing materials for items like alkaline and rechargeable batteries. It relies on battery quality hot-rolled steel imported from its parent company, Tata Steel Netherlands. Under the current U.S./EU trade agreement, there is no exemption for it from the 50% imported steel tariff threshold. Murray says only one U.S. steel company is attempting to make it. As of today, those trials are taking place that could be 8, 10, 12 months down the road, even two years down the road until they get finally qualified through all the customers. So, until then, theres no relief from this tariff, Murray said. Murray, county commissioners, and Warren Mayor Doug Franklin are calling on Ohio Senators Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno and congressmen David Joyce and Michael Rulli to take action. A letter was sent to the lawmakers last month say that without relief, Thomas Steel Strip will not remain competitive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its driving the cost higher. Customers are offshoring their business, Murray said. This is one of those loophole things where that battery-grade metal isnt made in the states. We have to buy it from overseas, and if its tariffed to the point where we cant afford to make a profit here, it could affect American jobs, said Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy. Murray says hes yet to receive a response to the letter, but following last weeks closed-door business roundtable in Lordstown, Congressman Joyce said some businesses have expressed similar concerns about tariffs. I think those are all things that continue to get managed, and we continue to make the Administration aware of where people are being hurt, and hopefully, we will soon work out some type of expulsion or exemption process, Joyce said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Murray says the union will soon start circulating a petition to send to the U.S. trade representative. Its basically asking them to either grant an exclusion or come up with a quota system quickly so it doesnt affect, not only Thomas Steel, but other steel companies that rely on imported steel, Murray said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Thousands of Duval parents leverage vaccine exemptions; these 5 schools have the lowest vax rates As Florida moves to become the first state in the nation to fully eliminate vaccine requirements in schools, Action News Jax is learning more about vaccine rates in our local schools. Statistics in Duval County suggest parents are having no problem taking advantage of the current exemptions in state law. More than 9,300 students are unvaccinated countywide, and more than half of those students are exempt on religious grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local Pediatrician Dr. Randolph Thornton told Action News Jax that since COVID, hes noticed a significant increase in parents raising questions about vaccines. Parents have become more questioning of the vaccines and looking for more exemptions. There is so much misinformation on the vaccines, said Thornton. RELATED: Local public health experts voice opposition to Floridas plan to end vaccination requirements Combing through vaccine stats for 185 Duval Schools with enrollment data readily available, Action News Jax found 42 schools in the county have vaccination rates below 90 percent, accounting for 22 percent of all the schools we analyzed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the parents are okay with not getting their kids vaccinated, welcome back to the mask, said Brandy, a parent of two children in Duval schools. Despite her concerns, she said shes not surprised to see such low rates. Because a lot of parents, you know, theyre scared, said Brandy. Some schools fared far worse. Oak Hill Academy had the lowest vaccination rate, with 38.2 percent of students claiming an exemption. Arlington Heights Elementary, Cornerstone Classical Academy, Woodland Acres Elementary and Spring Park Elementary also topped the list with vaccination rates below 80 percent. Cornerstone stood out in particular, with 217 unvaccinated students claiming religious exemptions, which is by far the highest number in the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We reached out to DCPS and asked if it was aware of how low the vaccination rates at some of its schools are, and what the district does to try to get those rates up. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Our role is to ensure parents have accurate information, reinforce the guidance provided by the Florida Department of Health, and comply with the law. Ultimately, the decision regarding opting out of vaccines rests with the parent or guardian, as permitted under Florida statute, a district spokesperson told Action News Jax in an emailed statement. Now, with the state doing away with the need to claim any exemption at all, Dr. Thornton said he fears we could start to see the return of diseases that have become virtually nonexistent if the vaccination rates continue to trend down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact that more and more people are opting out puts everybody at risk, and that to me is the biggest public health nightmare, said Thornton. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Here are the current required vaccines for children, per the Florida Department of Health: Childcare and/or Family Daycare Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) Varicella (chickenpox) Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV15/20) Hepatitis B (Hep B) Preschool Entry DTaP IPV MMR Varicella Hib Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV15/20) Hepatitis B (Hep B) Kindergarten through 12th Grade Four or five doses of DTaP Four or five doses of IPV Two doses of MMR Three doses of Hep B One Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) Two doses of Varicella (kindergarten effective with 20082009 school year, then an additional grade is added each year thereafter). Varicella vaccine is not required if there is a history of varicella disease documented by the health care provider. Additional Requirements: 7th Grade In addition to compliance with all other immunization requirements, children entering, attending, or transferring to the 7th grade in Florida schools must complete the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. While some of them have been repatriated over the last six years, many of them remain. Several camps in Eastern Syria continue to hold tens of thousands of members of ISIS. These are primarily families of ISIS fighters who surrendered in 2019 in Syria. They were moved to two camps al-Hol and Roj. While some have been repatriated over the last six years, many remain. Media sources in Eastern Syria reported on Wednesday that the head of US Central Command, Brad Cooper, visited al-Hol camp to discuss the security arrangements with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. The SDF is primarily a Kurdish-led force established in 2015 to fight ISIS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cooper visited al-Hol camp in Hasakah with a senior delegation to discuss security, aid, and management with camp authorities, the North Press Agency in Eastern Syria reported. This comes amid reports that the US is trying to revive talks between the Eastern Syria authorities known as the AANES and Damascus. The SDF leader, Mazloum Abdi, met with Syrias transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in March. However, since then, the road map to integration has stalled. A report at North Press also said that Australia is debating taking back some of its ISIS citizens and their descendants from al-Hol and other camps in Syria. A political dispute has erupted in Australia over reports that another group of wives and children of Islamic State (ISIS) militants may soon be repatriated from detention camps in northeast Syria, local media revealed on Wednesday. The media said that more than a dozen women, children, and young men are expected to be evacuated from Roj and brought to Australias New South Wales and Victoria before Christmas in a secret operation, the report read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many women from Western countries joined ISIS in 2014 and 2015. Some of them participated in crimes against humanity, such as enslaving members of the Yazidi minority and enabling their husbands to rape and murder Yazidi women and children. Continued threats from ISIS in Syria One couple from Germany was convicted of murdering a five-year-old Yazidi girl who ISIS had kidnapped. They were accused of tying the girl outside and leaving her to die. Many Western countries have sought to prevent their citizens from returning, expecting the cash-strapped SDF to deal with the problem instead. However, now that the SDF may integrate with Damascus, Western countries will not be able to use the excuse that the AANES and the SDF are not governments as a reason to keep their citizens in Eastern Syria. As Eastern Syria inches closer to becoming part of Damascus rule, these Western governments know that they cannot expect Syria to deal with their problem. Many of these countries knew that their citizens were becoming radicalized, then leaving to join ISIS. When those citizens or their families resurfaced in 2019, detained by the SDF, many countries moved to prevent their return and to stop the prosecution of ISIS members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ISIS members in al-Hol continue to be a threat. Al Akhbar media in Lebanon reported on Wednesday that 60 ISIS members had tried to escape. Their escape was thwarted. Al-Hol camp currently houses approximately 27,000 people, including around 15,000 Syrians and 6,300 foreign women and children from 42 nationalities, in addition to roughly 5,000 Iraqis, camp official Jihan Hanan told the AFP in late August, Al Akhbar noted. Meanwhile, ANHA, a Kurdish news agency, said that during the visit, the co-chair of al-Hol administration, Hanan, told Ronahi TV that Adm. Coopers visit focused on evaluating the camps situation and reinforcing collaborative efforts to safeguard the camp.[Hanan] emphasized the critical importance of international coordination to ensure the safety of residents and to mitigate potential threats within the camp. The Iraqi government is seeking to discuss the issue of al-Hol with the wider international community during the upcoming UN meeting in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Rudaw media in northern Iraqs Kurdistan Region said this week that the Iraqis did not invite the SDF to the meeting. According to it, The Iraqi government has not invited the Kurdish administration in northeast Syria (Rojava) for a key conference in New York regarding the fate of thousands of individuals held by Rojava authorities for their ties with the Islamic State (ISIS). Iraq plans to hold the conference on September 26 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The event aims to accelerate the repatriation of ISIS-linked individuals from the notorious al-Hol. Sheikhmous Ahmed, who oversees all internally displaced persons (IDP) and refugee camps in Rojava, told Rudaw English on Wednesday that he welcomes the move by Iraq but expressed his disappointment with Baghdads failure to invite the Kurdish administration in Syria to the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahmed added that officials from the AANES should have been invited as they are related to this issue. Unfortunately, we have not received any official invitation from the Iraqi government or the UN, he said. This is yet another example of how the international community expects the SDF to control the ISIS members, but does not even invite it to meetings. A car drove into a group of children in Berlin on Thursday, leaving several people injured, police said. A spokesman for the emergency services said three children were lightly hurt, while an adult accompanying them was severely injured. First responders treated a total of 19 people after the incident in the northern Wedding neighbourhood. The 20-year-old driver was detained on suspicion of being under the influence of "intoxicating substances," police spokesman Florian Nath said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man reportedly ran a red light. More than 40 emergency services were on the scene. According to initial findings by the police, the car left the road, drove onto the pavement and hit a crowd of people. A police spokesman was unable to provide further information on a motive. According to the Bild tabloid, the accident happened at around 1:10 pm (1110 GMT). The car is said to have driven into a group of children aged 7 to 8 years old when turning. The children were taken to a nearby hospital, the newspaper said. Three kids known to Arizonas child services were murdered this year and officials are now scrutinizing the agency that was meant to protect them. Emily Pike, a 14-year-old member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, was found in February dismembered in a remote desert area weeks after she left the Mesa group home where she lived, according to local NBC affiliate 12 News. Her killer has yet to be found. Rebekah Baptiste, 10, was taken to the hospital after being found unresponsive near a wash, a shallow channel of water, in July, according to a report from the Arizona Department of Child Safety. She was found to have multiple injuries from which she ultimately died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baptistes father, Ricahrd Baptiste, and his partner, Anicia Woods, were charged with attempted first-degree murder, among other charges. Her school said it filed at least 12 reports about possible abuse, 12 News reported. Three children, (from left) Rebekah Baptiste, 10, Emily Pike, 14, and Zariah Dodd, 16, known to Arizonas child services, were murdered this year, and officials are now scrutinizing the agency that was meant to protect them (12 News) Zariah Dodd, 16, and her unborn child were fatally shot in July. The father of the unborn child, Jurrell Davis, 36, and Jechri James-Gillett, 18, were arrested in connection with the shooting, 12 News previously reported. Loved ones said Dodd had been through roughly 20 group homes, per Fox 10 Phoenix. On Wednesday, lawmakers, DCS officials, police, tribal nation representatives, family members of those impacted and advocates came together at the Arizona State Capitol to figure out how to prevent more children from the fate of these three kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Senator Carine Werner, the Chair of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on DCS, highlighted an important step made during the meeting to bridge a gap between DCS and Arizona tribal nations. Gov. Katie Hobbs said changes are needed after three children known to Arizonas child services were murdered this year (Getty Images) One of the good things that came out of todays meeting was communication and collaboration between the tribes, DCS, and law enforcement, Werner said, per 12 News. We left this meeting with an agreement that the tribes that were there would share information about a tribal child within DCS. DCS acknowledged its partnership with state officials in a statement to The Independent. The Department is working collaboratively with Senator Werner and the Governors Office to identify and implement changes to benefit Arizonas children and families and has already taken steps to make the changes identified, DCS said. We look forward to working in partnership with the Legislature, community organizations, and all stakeholders to strengthen the child welfare system. Governor Katie Hobbs said earlier this week she wants to ensure were focused on protecting the most vulnerable Arizonans, suggesting changes are made, whether it is administratively or if we need to go to the legislature with changes, AZ Family reported. Sep. 4Three Lodi-area residents with deep roots in the wine industry will receive one of the county's top honors next month. The San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame announced its 2025 inductees this week, and Kimberly Ledbetter-Bronson will be honored along with Rodney and Gayla Schatz at the 40th annual banquet and gala. Ledbetter-Bronson is a fourth-generation California farmer and executive vice president of Vino Farms Inc., located at 1377 East Lodi Ave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, she was the first of her family's third generation to join the decades-old family business. Before joining Vino Farms, Ledbetter-Bronson gained experience within the industry by completing her senior project for the Lodi Woodbridge Winegrape Commission and a marketing project for Meridian Winery. After graduating from college, she worked as a lab technician for Sebastiani in Lodi before returning to San Luis Obispo and joining Byron Winery. Ledbetter-Bronson eventually returned to Lodi and now works with almost every aspect of her family's business. In addition, she is an active member in more than 10 organizations at the local, state and national levels. She was the first woman to be elected chair of California Association of Winegrape Growers, and has served on the Lodi Chamber of Commerce's Agribusiness Committee, as well as the Lodi Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodney Schatz has been in the farming and grape-growing industry his entire life. He grew up in Victor, where his family still produces grapes for several area wineries. After finishing college at Cal Poly, starting his own vineyards and winery was a natural transition. He and his daughter Gayla started building Peltier Station on Kennefick and Peltier roads in Acampo in 2001, and a year later they celebrated their first crush. As owner of Mokelumne Rim Vineyards, he introduced Le Cask in 2003, a premium Zinfandel packaged in an eight-sided, three-liter cardboard "cask." He was named the chamber's Agribusiness Person of the Year in 2009, and Peltier Station won "Best of Class" at the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for its Terodego varietal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The San Joaquin County Ag Hall of Fame celebrates individuals who have significantly shaped the region's agricultural heritage. Also being honored at this year's ceremony are Robert Panella Sr., of Panella Trucking and Art Perry, of George Perry and Sons, Inc. Frank Raffel will receive a posthumous for his work with the Port Stockton Nursery. The Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at the Robert J. Cabral Ag Center, 2101 E. Earhart Ave. in Stockton. Tickets are $80 each and must be purchased in advance. For tickets and additional information visit stocktonchamber.org/ag-hall-of-fame or call 209-547-2770. Three south shore municipalities recently passed resolutions opposing the freeway removal option of the Wisconsin Department of Transportations I-794 Lake Interchange Study. Cudahy, South Milwaukee and St. Francis passed similar resolutions in August all expressing concerns about the potential removal of I-794 as part of a study being undertaken by WisDOT. One option for repairing the elevated freeway includes removing a portion of it between the Marquette Interchange and the Hoan Bridge, according to the resolutions, and instead building surface streets. WisDOT revealed this option along with two others focused on rebuilding/consolidating ramps, at a May 29 open house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Shore communities are worried such a massive change could adversely affect their communities. Communities of the south shore of Lake Michigan including the City of Cudahy, City of St. Francis and City of South Milwaukee rely on the efficiencies of I-794 in the delivery of goods and services to promote economic development and growth, the Cudahy resolution, passed Aug. 19, reads. Cudahy City Administrator JJ Larson confirmed a collaboration on the resolution language involved Cudahy and St. Francis. Larson said he hadnt seen South Milwaukees resolution. However, a comparison shows identical wording in numerous places. All three resolutions mention the importance of I-794 to the economic vitality of the city and the region, calling it a vital transportation link to the Marquette interchange and points to the west. I think we should support studies and then take action While Cudahys resolution passed unanimously, that wasnt the case for all three municipalities. South Milwaukees passed 4-2 but the council had two excused absences, according to City Administrator Patrick Brever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Francis, however, had one vote against the resolution on Aug. 5 from Ald. Matt Damon who said the city was opposing a study of which the results are unknown. I dont think theres anything wrong with the study and I think we should support studies and then take action once we knew about what the best path forward is based on testimony and data from experts, he said. Ald. Shawn Feirer countered, saying the resolution shows the city is in opposition unless something can be shown to change that position. This is simply, in my opinion, saying were not in favor, tell us why its better, Feirer said. But simply because it benefits the City of Milwaukee, that to me doesnt benefit this community. Not the first time these communities opposed freeway removal WisDOT originally offered nine concepts for the future of I-794 in 2023. South Milwaukee, Cudahy and St. Francis all opposed this option at that time as well with similar resolutions citing such a massive change could cause traffic congestion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was noted at the time that some of the goals of the project are to address deteriorating freeway infrastructure constructed in the 1970s. The project also wants to increase pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to downtown, the Third Ward and lakefront. Work on the final design could begin in 2028 with construction on the $300 million project potentially starting in 2030, pending funding. Tom Daykin contributed to this report. More: I-794 removal supporters, opponents agree: Lincoln Memorial/Clybourn is a mess. WisDOT has a fix Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page, The Redheadliner, and follow him on X @Redheadliner. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Three South Shore communities oppose potential I-794 removal On Wednesday, more than 1,000 Health and Human Services employees demanded, in a letter, that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. resign. They criticized him for firing Susan Monarez, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; severely curtailing access to Covid-19 vaccines; and replacing top public health officials with political ideologues who pose as scientific experts. On Thursday, Kennedy faced senators questions about whether he misled them during his confirmation, when he pledged not to do anything that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking vaccines. As some Republicans start to question Kennedys fitness for office, theres also discord brewing among the MAHA stalwarts who have been his greatest boosters, not least for Kennedys many full-throated promises to reduce environmental toxins. Since RFK Jr. has been in office, hes done little of substance to satisfy them. A draft of HHSs report on children, leaked to the press in mid-August, declined to propose restrictions on ultra-processed foods or pesticides (to the great relief of agricultural interests). As Republicans try to rally MAHA to support them in the midterms, they face the tricky job of balancing that bases wide-ranging concerns with those of the polluting corporations that have historically poured money into GOP campaigns. Perhaps no issue highlights the gulf between those two factions more than microplastics, the tiny particles showing up at alarming rates in our bodies. The evidence about the dangers of microplastics has been growing steadily. A study published this week finds that significant amounts present in the brain could affect cognition. When exposed to high doses of microplastics through their drinking water for just three weeks, mice that had been genetically modified to be predisposed to Alzheimers disease developed symptoms consistent with that condition. Given other recent studies suggesting that the average human brain may now contain a spoonful of microplastics, this is obvious cause for concern, especially when considered in concert with the noxious chemicals leached by plastics production and disposal into nearby communities that face elevated risks of asthma, birth defects, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. While Kennedy deserves some credit for sounding an early warning about microplastics, as Liza Featherstone has written in these pages, hes done next to nothing to address mounting worries. Instead, hes stood faithfully by Trump as his administration opens the floodgates for polluters to inject ever more of them into our bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedys failure to act is particularly striking in light of his previous statements on the issue. While running for president in 2023, he laid out an extensive agenda to stem the flow of plastic waste into the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe and even our blood, chastising the Biden administration for failing to take on the big manufacturers that rack up huge profits recklessly churning out larger amounts of plastic every year. His 10-point plan included support for limiting the construction of plastic production facilities, curbing fossil fuel subsidies, and even banning fracking; 99 percent of plastics are derived from fossil fuels, and oil and gas companiesreliable Republican donorshave invested heavily in plastics production in recent years as a means to juice demand for their core products. Communities across America, often in socio-economically disadvantaged areas, have been fighting to protect themselves from plastic facilities, Kennedy wrote back in 2023. At a time when it is obvious that we need to reduce plastic, especially single-use items, the oil and petrochemical companies are trying to expand production. Speaking to a conference convened by the Ocean Plastics Leadership Network in Aprilseemingly his first time addressing the topic at any length since joining the White HouseKennedy struck a more conciliatory tone. I dont want to drag along industry kicking and screaming, he said. After citing disturbing studies about the effect of microplastics on human health, Kennedy was careful not to place too much blame for the problem on the petroleum industry or the food industry or the packaging industry, as he has in the past. You all have reasons why you cant make changes, he told a crowd that included representatives from each those industries, and those reasons are mainly valid if we take the current playing field for granted. Well, were going to change the playing field. That hasnt happened. Supporting an ambitious international plastics treaty at the United Nations was the first item in Kennedys 10-point plan to address the scourge of microplastics. Criticizing the Biden administrations efforts to reduce its ambition and scope, Kennedy pledged that, as president, he would lead the way in forging an effective treaty, instead of watering it down at the behest of lobbyists for the oil and petrochemical industries. While the U.S. did indeed push to water down that treaty under Biden, the Trump administration sided with fellow oil-producing countriesmost notably Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russiain rejecting any text that would limit upstream plastic pollution. Ahead of what was slated to be the final round of Global Plastics Treaty negotiations last month, the U.S. sent a letter to several countries urging them to reject limits on plastic production and plastic chemical additives supported by more than 100 other countries delegations. The talks collapsed. Trumps Environmental Protection Agency was more than happy to grant a request from two leading trade associations for microplastics producersthe American Chemistry Council and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturersfor sweeping relief from a Biden-era regulation meant to protect communities near industrial facilities from harmful carcinogens used in plastics production. In June, the Trump administration allowed 25 chemical manufacturersincluding Shell, Dow Chemical, and DuPontto ignore those rules for two years in order to promote American chemical manufacturing security. The White House has further proposed defunding the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, an independent and federal agency tasked with investigating accidents at fossil fuel refineries and petrochemical production facilities, which can pose serious concerns to public health. One such eventa 2012 fire at a Chevron oil refinery in Richmond, Californiasent 15,000 people to the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers looking into microplastics contamination have had federal research funds cut, as well. At the Ocean Plastics Leadership Network in April, Kennedy referenced a study showing that microplastics were present in 99 percent of seafood sampled by researchers at the University of Oregon and Portland State University. As NPR reported in June, one of the co-authors of that study, Susanne Brander, had been notified just an hour earlier that the EPA had terminated a federal grant shed relied on for years in researching pesticides and testing chemicals. An email from the EPA explained that the grant no longer effectuates agency priorities, Brander told NPR. The administrations most meaningful actions to fight plastic pollution have seemingly been unintentional. Trumps tariffs on South Korean imports have prompted a reset in that countrys booming petrochemicals industry, which saw revenues from exports to the U.S. fall by more than a fifth between the first half of 2024 and the same period this year. China, toothe worlds largest plastics producermay be looking to curb its world-historic investments in the sector amid dramatically plunging profit margins. A global glut of ethylene is threatening to wipe out nearly a quarter of global production capacity. Back home, the Trump administration continues making the U.S. a more toxic and dangerous place in order to prosecute right-wing culture wars and pad the bottom lines of its corporate allies. The HHS employees want Kennedy gone. Maybe its time the MAHA moms got on the bandwagon. Sep. 3A Tipp City couple is facing federal charges in an alleged international drug conspiracy involving Chinese companies and individuals. Eric M. Payne, 39, is accused in a federal indictment announced Wednesday of being a main supplier of illegal drug cutting agents to fentanyl traffickers in southern Ohio. His partner, Auriyon T. Rayford, 24, and Ciandrea B. Davis, 39, of Atlanta, reportedly helped Payne set up payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rayford is also accused of allowing illegal substances to be stored at her residence, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio. The alleged conspiracy involved four Chinese companies Guangzhou Tengyue Chemical Company, Guangzhou Wanjiang Biotechnology Co., Hebei Hongjun New Material Technology Co. and Hebei Feilaimi Technology Co. and 22 Chinese individuals, according to U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio records. The companies claimed to operate as an online pharmacy selling legitimate drugs and chemical compounds, but they were exporting controlled substances to the U.S., according to court documents. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the indictments in Cincinnati Wednesday along with local officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We didn't just arrest a couple of people," Patel said. "We charged an enterprise-wide system in mainland China to include dozens of individuals in banks and companies that are responsible for making these lethal precursors and shipping them here." As part of Operation Box Cutter, investigators apprehended around 139 kilograms of fentanyl powder enough lethal doses for 70 million Americans, he said. Investigators also seized 525 grams of powder that can be used to make fentanyl pills. Starting around January 2022 and continuing through April 2025, the defendants conspired to possess and distribute mixtures containing fentanyl, protonitazene or metonitazene, according to the indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protonitazene and metonitazene were reportedly used as cutting agents to increase the yield and potency of fentanyl. Protonitazene and metonitazene are respectively 100 times and 200 times more powerful than morphine, according to court records. The companies also allegedly sent medetomidine and xylazine, commonly used as animal tranquilizers, to the U.S. Chinese nationals helped solicit customers for the companies and secured payment, according to court documents. They reportedly used public websites to advertise the cutting agents and listed phone numbers for people to call to purchase them. Payne called one of those numbers and arranged to purchase a cutting agent and set up payment, according to the indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese nationals reportedly mostly directed customers to pay using cryptocurrency. Payne, with help from Rayford and Davis, sent the equivalent of $70,000 in cryptocurrency to various crypto wallets as payment, according to the indictment. "The FBI is using an aggressive investigative strategy to target businesses in China which are sending lethal drugs to the streets of our cities," said FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. "The FBI will continue to relentlessly pursue these companies and drug distributors as we work to crush violent crime and keep people safe from the dangers of illicit narcotics." Public and charter school students as young as 5 years old will have state-mandated annual gun safety training for the first time, as Tennessee is the first state to have a law requiring such training. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade will be required to learn to identify the trigger, barrel and muzzle of a gun through videos and online content, as required by a law passed in 2024. Children of all ages will learn definitions for the terms "firearm," "safety" and "responsible," and to "demonstrate a mature attitude regarding firearms," according to guidance sent to school districts by the Tennessee Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Training will not involve live ammunition, live fire or live firearms, though state law does not prohibit non-functioning model weapons. Teaching is required to be "viewpoint neutral" on political topics like gun rights, gun violence and the Second Amendment. State guidance outlines four firearm safety rules that will be the center of the training. Students will be taught to: Stop if you find or see a gun, stop what you're doing Don't Touch! never to pick up, touch or disturb a gun you find or see Leave the Area never to try to take a gun away from someone or try to stop someone from using a gun. Leaving the area removes temptation to touch the firearm and reduces danger of negligent injury from another person. Tell an Adult immediately tell an adult about any gun they find, including if other children are playing with a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kindergarteners through fifth graders will be taught to identify differences between toy guns, air guns, BB guns and real firearms. Students in grades 6 through 12 will also be taught concepts of safe storage of guns and ammunition in the home something the state didn't require in state-approved handgun safety courses until 2023. Lawmakers who sponsored the bill who are both members of the National Rifle Association likened the new gun safety training to existing efforts like intruder drills and stop, drop and roll fire safety concepts. Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, listens in the House chamber during the third day of special session at the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. "This first-in-the-nation law ensures children have a basic understanding of gun safety to protect themselves if they encounter a firearm," bill sponsor Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, said. "Providing valuable instruction on parental notification, safe storage and proper precautions will be vital in preventing avoidable injuries." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Paul Bailey, R-Sparta, said the curriculum is aimed at accident prevention. "This law provides age-appropriate training to help keep kids safe and prevent firearm injuries," Bailey said. "It reinforces what many responsible gun-owning parents already teach at home and ensures every child has the tools and knowledge to prevent accidents and protect themselves." New state guidance encourages schools to invite community partners such as police officers or health department personnel to assist with the gun safety instruction. However, nothing in the new law or state guidance prohibits a nongovernmental charity or educational organization claiming to be politically neutral such as youth training offered through the NRA Foundation from assisting with state-required gun safety training in public schools. Many districts are still making plans for how and when to handle the new training requirement. Metro Nashville Public Schools is planning to begin next semester, according to spokesperson Sean Braisted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are exploring the best way to implement this law in our schools that is age-appropriate and works in the daily school environment, Braisted said. We are planning to have a structure and guidance in place for the second semester. Memphis-Shelby County Schools, the largest school district in the state, said in a statement that they would be complying with the newly enacted law. The curriculum, developed using state guidance, is tailored to meet the needs of students across all grade levels. By prioritizing age-appropriate instruction, MSCS is ensuring students are equipped with critical knowledge to make safe and responsible choices, MSCS said in the statement. The district plans to host two community forums on Sept. 18-19 for families, students, educators and community stakeholders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gun violence impacts too many of our families, interim superintendent Roderick Richmond said in a statement. By working together, we can help our young people feel safer, more informed and better supported. While Memphis has seen overall crime drop in the last year, Tennessee Bureau of Investigations crime data saw a rise in weapons violations. TBI reported a 769.1 rate of weapons violations, which marked a 50.5% increase from the previous year. April 2025, according to reporting from MLK50, a nonprofit newsroom in Memphis, was the deadliest month on record for Memphis children. Fourteen children were shot during the month, the report stated. Parents are not required to be notified of when training will occur or what it will include; Republicans voted down a measure that would have required that notification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State guidance encourages schools to maintain open communication with parents, hold parent meetings to discuss the training and be transparent about what will be taught. Brooke Muckerman contributed. Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com or on X @Vivian_E_Jones. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee students to learn mandatory gun safety training HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) The Land Trust of North Alabama celebrated the start of construction on the Tollgate Greenway Project today with a groundbreaking ceremony at the Bankhead Trailhead. The 1.2-mile paved multi-use trail will provide a safe and scenic route for walkers, runners, and cyclists, while also improving access to nature for individuals with limited mobility. Community members, donors, and local leaders joined LTNA to mark this milestone. Mayor Tommy Battle, Council Member David Little, and other representatives shared remarks on the projects impact on outdoor recreation and connectivity in Huntsville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today marks an exciting step for Huntsville, said Mayor Battle. The Tollgate Greenway will be the first paved trail up Monte Sano designed for both pedestrians and cyclists. Thanks to a half-million-dollar investment from the Land Trust and its donors, and the Citys commitment to bring the vision to life, we are building a project about connection to nature, to one another, and to Huntsvilles future. The trail will begin at LTNAs Bankhead Trailhead and link with the closed portion of Bankhead Parkway, creating an accessible path along Monte Sanos western slope. Marie Bostick, LTNAs Executive Director, emphasized the long-term effort behind the project. This has been years in the making, and it is truly rewarding to see construction begin, she said. The Tollgate Greenway was made possible by the generosity of our donors, the leadership of the City of Huntsville, and the support of Monte Sano State Park. Once complete, it will open up new opportunities for our community to enjoy the beauty and benefits of the outdoors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bankhead Trailhead parking area at Monte Sano Nature Preserve will close to the public in September 2025 and remain closed until the project is finished. Construction is expected to be complete by Spring 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Thai lawmakers to vote for a new prime minister as candidates promise an early election BANGKOK (AP) Thai lawmakers are gathering Friday to select a new prime minister as major parties made competing promises to soon dissolve Parliament and call an election as a way to resolve the country's political crisis. Only five candidates, nominated during the last general election in 2023, are eligible under Thailand s constitutional rules. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, seemed the most likely candidate to secure the job. The Constitutional Court last week dismissed Pheu Thais Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister for breaching ethics laws in a phone call with Cambodias Senate President Hun Sen about tensions over competing claims along their border. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Louisianas Legislative Black Caucus will host a town hall meeting on Thursday evening. Six members of the caucus from various parts of the state will be present for the meeting, which will be held at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, 3015 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Louisiana Black Caucus town hall poster (Source: Rep. Tammy Phelps) Advertised to appear at the event are local representatives Tammy Phelps (District 3), Steven Jackson (District 2), Joy Walters (District 4), and Senator Sam Jenkins. Representative Edmond Jordan (District 29), who represents portions of East and West Baton Rouge Parishes, and Representative Ed Larvadian III (District 26), who represents portions of Rapides Parish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State lawmakers will be on hand to speak with constituents about the outcomes of the spring legislative process. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A tractor-trailer jack-knifed and hit the center wall Thursday morning at Interstate 55 near Third Street. The crash was reported just after 9 a.m. All northbound lanes were blocked, but motorists were getting around the wreck on the shoulder of the interstate. No injuries were reported. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) On Friday, Sept. 5, and Saturday, Sept. 6, Clinton Square will host the annual Syracuse Irish Festival. To help with setup, presentation, and breakdown of the festival, the following street closures will take place according to the schedule below, with NO PARKING permitted. Erie Boulevard West, between S. Clinton and S. Franklin Streets: From 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, through early morning on Sunday, Sept. 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement S. Clinton Street, from W. Genesee to W. Washington Streets: From 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, through early morning on Sunday, Sept. 7. The following streets will be converted to a temporary two-way street for the duration of the event. 200 Block of West Water Street, between S. Clinton and S. Franklin Streets: From 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, through early morning on Sunday, Sept. 7. No parking will be permitted on the north curb line, along the Amos Building. For more information, you can visit the Syracuse Irish Festival website. Washington Street garage parking information: Parking is available for those attending the Syracuse Irish Festival at the Washington Street Garage, located at 340 W. Washington Street. The garage is available for parking 24 hours a day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For information on the location of various parking garages and lots in Downtown Syracuse, please visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. A transgender man in Canada has been arrested for the violent sexual assault of a female toddler. Daniel Senecal, 25, has a concerning history, including being released six months early, in March, after being convicted of a previous sexual assault on a young boy. Senecal, who identifies as Dani and uses she/her pronouns, allegedly broke into a Canadian familys home on August 31 and sexually assaulted their little girl, who is under the age of 5. As of a September 1 report, the child is still being cared for at a hospital and is in stable condition, according to the Niagara Regional Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While inside the residence, unbeknownst to the parents, their child was sexually assaulted, per a press release. Senecal had an initial bail hearing on September 1, but his next bail phase hearing is set for September 10 at a courthouse in St. Catharines, according to court records obtained by The Dallas Express. Canadas online record system withheld further information. Canadian police claim Senecal was a stranger, but The National Post reported he was known to the victims family and had previous contact with the young female victim. The Dallas Express has obtained Senecals disturbing social media posts, showing he reposted crude sexual innuendos, joked about the 9/11 attacks, and posted about knocking kids unconscious with ether. Elon Musk took to social media to call out growing trans violence on X. Something is seriously wrong. Trans sex hormone drugs are driving extreme violence and should be banned. https://t.co/JfS96f9L3b Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2025 A Disturbing Past This was not Senecals first child sex assault. Another mother said Senecal had attacked her little boy in 2021, per the National Post. After two years of court hearings, Senecal was sentenced to 18 months in jail, but was reportedly released after only six months, in early March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That assault largely mirrored the recent overnight abuse, though Senecal did not break into the home as he was a guest at a relatives house. Senecals social media account is disturbing and includes the reposting of an image mocking the 9/11 attacks. Senecal also used social media to amplify numerous crude, sexual innuendos. The Dallas Express could not determine if Senecal is a registered sex offender, since Canadas registry protects offenders from public scrutiny. A Growing Pattern This recent attack follows another trans terror shooting in Minneapolis, where a transgender assailant killed two Catholic students during a back-to-school Mass and injured 17 others, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. The shooter posted materials online suggesting anti-Christian motives. At the time of the Minneapolis shooting, Musk called out the clear pattern between transgenderism and violence. As The Dallas Express reported, pastors are urging Christians to stand firm against trans violence. The following is a lightly edited transcript of the September 4 episode of Right Now With Perry Bacon. You can watch this interview here. Perry Bacon: Good morning, everybody. Im Perry Bacon. Im the host of The New Republics Right Now show, and Im honored to be joined today by Garlin Gilchrist. Hes the lieutenant governor of the great state of Michigan. Hes also a candidate to be governor of Michigan. So Im excited to hear about whats going on in Trump 2.0 from a swing state, from a purple state, from Michigan. Garlin, welcome. Garlin Gilchrist: Perry, thank you for having me. Congratulations on the show. Im glad to be here with you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bacon: Thank you. Well, first of all, I live in Louisville myself, but I mostly talk to people who are in Washington experiencing Trump through the Beltway in a certain way. So talk about, as a Michigander, how people in your state, your community, are seeing this administration. Gilchrist: So to ground you, I live in the city of Detroitand, yes, you are right that how the damage, and I would call devastation of this Trump regimes policies, lands in Michigan is different than how it lands in other parts of the country. For example, there are no rural communities in Washington, D.C., but there are rural communities all over the state of Michigan that have safety-net hospitals that service people. And they might be the only maternity ward for a hundred miles. They exist there so women [can] go there to get care and to deliver babies safely and things like that. What this Trump administration has donethis what I call the MAGA murder budgetis it frankly puts those womens lives at risk. It puts childrens lives at risk. It puts people with disabilities lives at risk. It puts seniors lives at risk. Theyre going to die faster as a result of it. And people from Michigan really feel a sense of urgency about that. And as I go across my stateIve been to every county in Michigan, all 83 of them, at least three times, and Ive been to a lot of em here since January this year. And what theyre telling me is that they are worried about their services going away and therefore theyre not having lifelines in their community. Theyre also worried about the economic uncertainty. Michigan is the state that is more susceptible and vulnerable to tariffs than any other state in the country because of our significantly large and strong manufacturing sector. We get hit harder than anybody else. So weve seen companies close. There was a 100-year-old furniture company called Howard Miller in Grand Rapids. It existed for a hundred years. That means that they survived the Depression. They survived World War II, but they had to close up shop after a hundred years and lay off 102 people because of the Trump administrations disastrous trade policies that are not about reshoring anything but are about finding ways to put money in his peoples pockets. So I think people are fed up and frustrated. I think people want to see the state really standing tall and saying, This is what we believe, what needs to be true. Were in the midst of a state budget negotiation process right now where our Republicans in our statehouse are trying to imitate Trumpwhere Trump cuts food assistance, theyre cutting breakfast and lunch programs for children. Im taking it right to them. I went to serve lunch at elementary school in Lansing yesterday and talked about why this program is so importantbecause I like kids to eat. I dont want hungry kids in Michigan, but Republicans do. I did a town hall in Congressman John Jamess congressional district talking about the Medicaid cuts because you know what? I want seniors who need that long-term care to be able to have that care. But instead, he voted to cut that care for up tothere are 182,000 people in that congressional district who get their health care through Medicaid. So look, I care about positioning people for success in Michigan for a dream of health and wealth that they have a right to pursue. But people are seeing that this Trump administration is not the one thats going to get it done. He made promises to people, but hes a liarand they havent bought it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have seen people mobilizing in the streets. I led a rally with 7,000 people on the steps of the state Capitol in Lansing. I led a demonstration in Macomb County just last week with union workers saying, This administration is hurting and failing people in the state. Broken promises again and again, and they want leadership to fix it. And thats what Im looking to show from Michigan, from the Midwest, from a swing state that matters: that we can stand tall and fight back. Bacon: Let me ask about two different groups. You mentioned the diversity of the state. So what are you hearing from people in Detroit, who I assume mostly voted for Kamala Harris? And then what are you hearing when you go to rural areas? Any regret from the peoples vote? Any rethinking about voting for Trump? Cause I assume in most rural areas, Trump did win. Gilchrist: Yeah. In the city of Detroit, people want resultsand frankly, thats true across the board. If we go back to 2024, what I saw is a group of people, called the voters, who were really frustrated with the status quo and wanted Democrats to be as pissed off as they were about the status quo, or the lack of progress, or the lack of pace of progress. That remains true. I think what people are seeing, now that this Trump regime is beginning to calcify, is that this guys not getting us to progress. Hes putting money in his own pocket, whether its through a crypto scamand Im not necessarily anti-crypto, but hes putting money in his pocket and putting the money in his family members pocketwhether it is him saying, You know what? I want to give tax cuts to people who are as rich as I am but actually take money out of the pockets of working people, and I want to give tax cuts to gun silencers rather than making communities safer. Thats what theyre seeing. And so I think people across the boardin urban and rural communitiesare saying that. In Detroit specifically, look, people want better outcomes. People want better education outcomes. And they see that cutting the Department of Education aint going to get you better outcomes. Its the wrong answer to the right question, as I think columnist David Brooks said, which I think is right. In the rural communities, people have urgent needs for housing and health care. When Im talking to people, they say, You know what? We need more affordable housing because without it, our communitys not going to survive. I went and toured a high school in Northern Michigan. Im walking through with the principal, and he was telling me about how theyve been looking for a chemistry teacher for three years at this schoolthree years with no chemistry teacher. They had two people who would accept the job offers to become the chemistry teacher. But when they came to the community, they brought their families, and they looked around, they said, OK, let me see if I can find a home that can house me and my husband and my two children that I can afford on this salary. They couldnt find it. And they gave them back the job offer. So what does that mean? That means another family did not move to the community. That means that another school year went by where kids didnt have a certified chemistry teacher to be able to graduate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look, I want kids to become chemical engineers from Northern Michigan. I want kids to be able to become scientists and doctors and medical professionals and nurses. And they cant do that if they dont get chemistry in high school. So these are the urgent problems they want solved. And what they see is an administration that, even if they voted for them, is not solving their problems. So what people are calling out for, therefore, are people who will not only stand on our values but who will get things done, who will make this system work for people and change what needs to be changed. Fix what needs to be fixed. Build what needs to be built. Throw out what needs to be thrown out. And so I am standing here as an engineer, as a person [whose] jobthats what I do; thats what I learned to do in college; thats what I do as a public servantis [to] make systems work for people and fix the things that are broken and build the things that we need. Thats the leadership that they want. And we can demonstrate that and give that at the state level. And that stands in stark contrast with what theyre getting from the federal government. Bacon: Let me broaden out to the national a little bit. Youve had the first Black woman on the Federal Reserve; Trumps trying to remove her. Hes stripping away Kamala Harriss Secret Service protection. The National Guard may be going to Baltimore. Theyre in D.C. Youre one of the highest-ranking Black officials in the country. Do you view this administration as really warring on Black America, particularly? Gilchrist: The facts speak for themselves. Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook is a Black woman in Michigan whom he attacked directly. The first Black vice president having her security detail stripped is a direct assault on her. The fact [is] the states with the highest murder rates in the country are states like Alabama and Mississippi and Tennessee. Yet we have not seen the deployment go there. Instead, theyre targeting these cities that are led by Black people and chock-full of Black people and Black voters. So this is not a matter of opinion. Its a matter of fact, that is what hes doing and who hes targeting uniquely. And I think it is incredibly problematic and racist to do so. Bacon: Talk aboutGovernor Whitmer of Michigan went to the White House, went to meet with the president. I know youre close to her. You worked with her for a long time. Theres this picture that became infamous of her trying to stop the picture being taken of her in the Oval Office. Talk about what you all are trying to do in the government. I dont want you necessarily to defend herbut talk about why its important to challenge the president but also work with him when necessary for your community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gilchrist: Well, lets look. What is the job of any public servant, let alone the governor, the lead executive of the state of Michigan? As lieutenant governor, my job is to protect and promote the interests of the people of Michiganperiod. And I need to go wherever I need to gowhether thats in Michigan, somewhere else in the country, somewhere else in the worldto advance those interests. I need to talk to whoever I need to talk to. We need to have a conversation or a confrontation, but Ive got to do what I need to do. And so look, when this president attacks people and institutions in Michigan, like Board Governor Lisa Cook, like attacking my alma mater the University of Michigan and Grand Valley State University because they have the audacity to have programming to support the success of Black students and students of color on the universityto call them out specifically, we need to have a confrontation about that. When we have an opportunity to get something done for our guard and military personnel in Michigan like we did with Selfridge Air Force Baseyeah, weve got to talk about that and get that done too. So look, the job is to make sure that the people of Michigan understand that when I go anywhere, I am taking their interests. And if we need to have a confrontation, well have that. If we need to have a conversation, well have that too. Bacon: To finish here, youre running in a primary. The secretary of state is somebody whos done some good work and who I think is a good personshes running against you. Its a primary field here. Personally, I know a lot of my friends are focused on how to stop Trump. Democratic primaries are maybe a second priority as long as its not Andrew Cuomo, I would say. But in general, talk about why you think youre the best person to be governor of Michigan compared to the other Democrats running. Gilchrist: Look, we are in a really tumultuous and unprecedented time. We have deep frustration and anxiety from people about their current situation of not being able to afford gas and groceries and medicine. They have deep anxiety about the future. What is my place in the future of the economy? What are my kids job prospects going to be? There was just a story in The Wall Street Journal published today that said that for the first time, you had only 25 percent of people said that they thought that their economic outlook was going to get better and it would be better for their children. People are worried about running in place. Ive been working this same job and I havent got a raise, and I finally got one for the first time in five years and my rent went up exactly the same amount as my raise. Theres frustration there. And what people want are Democrats who are going tothey know that they see the problem and can name the problem, but also can name where the problem came from. Prices are set by corporations who are deciding how much to charge you, how much profit to extract. And you know what? Yeah, part of it is off-kilter because Trump did this tariff policy that made everything more expensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just bought school supplies. You just bought school supplies that are 30 percent more expensive than they were last year. I want people to do something about that. So what I am offering to the people of Michigan is a Democrat who can both get things done and stand on our values. I am running as a person who wants to make sure this is a place where people can stay and succeed and afford to pursue their dreams of health and wealth. My granddaddy came up here from the South. He came up here cause there was so much opportunity in Detroit that all he had to do was get to Michigan. He didnt have a job guaranteed, but he had a promise. It broke his heart that two generations later, his oldest grandson had to leave Michigan to pursue opportunity. Im going to make it so Michigans a place where you can stay and succeed, where people can afford to buy a home, can afford to rent an apartment, can afford to pay for childcare. I opened up 1,400 new daycares in 13 months, built 40,000 affordable homes in three years in the state of Michiganfaster than anybody else ever has. Im the only candidate in this race whos delivered for people in that way. And Im also the only one whos showing up in this moment uniquely, standing up to this administration, calling out the Republican members of Congress in Michigan whove been complicit to the danger, damage, and destruction being offered by this White House, and offering a vision that says that this state of Michigan is one that has always made and done the things that matter here in this country. The arsenal of democracy, the arsenal of war, put the world on wheelsweve done the things that matter. And frankly, its time to hold the people accountable whove been holding us back. The fact that theyre to pay for tax cuts for rich people and big corporations. Thats how they did this MAGA murder budget thats hurt people. Republicans in Michigan who were running the state, [who were] in the legislature for 40 yearsthey passed these tax cuts to rich people and big corporations. That has not worked. Its frankly left us with not enough money to be able to withstand this danger coming. We need to tax them. We need to make them pay their fair share. They need to come correct in terms of actually paying what they owe to the people of Michigan who create the value and the values in the state. Im the candidate whos going to help deliver that. And so Im asking people in Michigan to support me, but Im asking people in America to support that kind of leadership in a Democratic primary where we get to pick the candidates with the values and the fight that we need in this moment. It is time out for the same old, same old stuff. We cant offer the people who look the same, sound the same, or act the same. This is a different moment. Weve never seen what were seeing right now in 2025 and 2026, and this unique moment provides a unique opportunity for different leadership. And Im stepping up and standing tall as a part of that. Bacon: And with that, I think that was a great ending. Garlin, thanks for joining me. I appreciate it. Gilchrist: Thank you, Perry. NEED TO KNOW After landing at LAX, a California man located his stolen suitcase at an abandoned building a half-mile form the airport When police arrived, the traveler recognized his clothes being worn by a complete stranger The man says he never would have been able to retrieve his belongings without his Apple AirTag A recent traveler never would have imagined where his belongings would end up after landing at LAX. Daniel Scott, a California resident, flew into Los Angeles from Salt Lake City during the late hours of Tuesday, Aug. 26, according to local outlet NBC 4 Los Angeles. After his flight, he tried to grab his suitcase from baggage claim and head home. But his luggage was nowhere to be found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luckily, Scott had put an Apple AirTag inside. But after looking at its location, he realized it was moving and leaving the airport. I immediately started sprinting to the Uber lot. Once I got there, I saw that it was continuing to move, and it had reached across the street, Scott said. At that point, Im like someone stole my bag for sure. Scott said the suitcase ended up a half mile away from LAX at a fenced-in, boarded-up abandoned building. Scotts partner immediately called LAX police, who responded minutes later. When they pulled up, they asked where it was, Scott said. Then they shined a light within the building and we saw some movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: When the guys came to the window [officers] lined them up in the window I saw the guy with my clothes on. He had my shoes on. He had my shirt on and my pants on. Scott shared video footage of LAX police detaining several people outside the video in an Aug. 30 TikTok. After clearing the building, Scott said officers let him search for his belongings and suitcase. But his things were everywhere. This is a pretty big building and my clothes [were] scattered throughout in multiple different rooms, he said. But at the end of it I got about 90% of my items back, which I was super happy about. But Scott's belongings weren't the only items inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There were multiple suitcases and clothing items scattered everywhere from other passengers," Scott said in an email statement to PEOPLE. "This clearly showed me that the theft wasnt an isolated incident and that these individuals have likely been stealing luggage on an ongoing basis, impacting many other travelers as well." According to an Aug. 27 Instagram post from the LAX Police Department, "five individuals were detained for further investigation." One suspect was arreted and booked for grand theft while the other four were cited for trespassing and released pending further review. According to police, Scott told authorities his bag contained $15,000 worth of high-end clothing. 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 incident "highlights a much bigger issues with baggage claims overall," according to Scott. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told PEOPLE, "This wasn't another traveler mistakenly taking a bag, it was someone who simply walked in off the street and stole it. That raises serios concerns about security at baggage claim areas and shows how easy it is for non-travelers to gain access and take people's belongings. Getty An Apple AirTag An Apple AirTag Scott says there wouldnt have been any way to locate his things without the Airtag. But, he is encouraged by the amount of people who said they would now purchase a tracking device. "I'm glad if my experience can help others protect themselves in the future," he said." Read the original article on People LAGRANGE The LaGrange County Library offers several opportunities for the community to travel with fellow book lovers this month. The first is a trip to Pizza Venturi, 123 E. Lincoln Ave., Goshen, for Culinary Adventure: Neapolitan Pizza. Attendees should meet at Venturi at noon Sept. 11. Register at the LaGrange library or by calling 260-463-2841, ext. 1030. People ages 12 and older are permitted. Venturi was Indianas first certified Neapolitan pizzeria, voted one of Esquires top 15 most life-changing pizzas in the U.S. All food purchases will be at your own expense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patchwork Trails combines exercise, education, friendship and fun for an activity at Mike Metz Fen, Pine Knob Park, 2825 E. Ind. 120, Howe. No fees or registration are required, just meet at the designated starting point. People of all ages are welcome. Septembers Patchwork Trails activity will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 16. A riding tour to Three Rivers, Michigan will take place Sept. 25. The tour, Archi-Trek, leaves from LaGrange County Public Library at 8:30 a.m. with an expected return at 5 p.m. The junction of the St. Joseph, Rocky, and Portage Rivers, Three Rivers, was an ideal hub hundreds of years ago, and still is today. Culture and commerce overlap via water, rail or road. Pioneer structures, industrial and lumbering sites, and gilded age painted ladies all meet in this historic location. The cost is $10 per person. Registration is required as space is limited. Register by cash or check at the library, or online at Eventbrite.com, or by mailing a check to Green Bus Tours. Ages 12 and up are permitted. NEED TO KNOW Authorities are continuing their search for Travis Decker, the father of three accused of killing his young daughters The bodies of the young girls were found at a campsite on June 2 after he failed to bring them back to their mother following a scheduled visit Decker is considered to be armed and dangerous; if seen, authorities advise not to engage The search for Travis Decker continues as authorities have revealed that bones found near a Washington campsite that were believed to be his are not human remains. A press release shared by the FBIs Seattle Division on Wednesday, Sept. 3, states that remains found within the vicinity of the Rock Island Campground near Leavenworth on Aug. 25 and Aug. 26 are not those of the missing father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has been missing since late May, when he picked up his three young daughters Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5 from their mother Wendy Deckers house. Gofundme Olivia, Paityn, and Evelyn Decker Olivia, Paityn, and Evelyn Decker Days later on June 2, the girls were found dead at the campsite after being reported missing during a planned visitation with Decker. He has since been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of kidnapping. In Wednesdays press release, W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, said, Central Washington University has reviewed the bones and assessed that they are not human. While we do not anticipate further updates related to this specific search, the investigation continues, his statement added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Herrington, the extensive search has been underway for approximately three months. Throughout this time, officials have been working to discover signs of his whereabouts and try to find any other evidence of the murder of his three daughters." In two days, the search team cleared almost 250 acres by carefully covering rough terrain on foot, and further efforts can build on the knowledge we gained through the electronic mapping of the area, Herrington continued. I think it just further shows that weve done a thorough search of the area, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said, the Seattle Times reported Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff added, Well continue to expand out and search additional areas when we have resources available. Wenatchee Police Department Travis Decker. Travis Decker. He stated that the current teams would be receiving help this month, but did not name the agency that will soon step in to assist. I dont know if they want to make themselves public yet, Morrison said, per the outlet. Well have some additional state resources coming out here next week to do an assessment of some of their specialists. 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 girls were found dead with plastic bags over their heads and at least one was restrained with zip ties, per an affidavit previously obtained by PEOPLE. A medical examiner later determined they died of asphyxiation, PEOPLE previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said in an Aug. 19 press release that the former military man is the "only suspect involved in committing these homicides." Additionally, the United States Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading directly to Deckers arrest. He is still named as a suspect and considered armed and dangerous. Read the original article on People LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) A trial date has been set for the man with a so-called torture chamber on his property. Scottie Shelton, 53, faces multiple charges on the state and federal levels, from drug trafficking to the illegal taking of wildlife. RELATED: He had reportedly served as an informant for the Drug Enforcement Administration due to his alleged ties to the eastern Kentucky drug trade. When agents paid him a visit on Aug. 12, they made a gut-churning discovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an affidavit obtained by FOX 56, Special Agent David Wilson recalled smelling a strong and pungent odor, similar to that of a decaying corpse, emanating from a white sheet metal building. Inside, detectives found a cell-like room that appeared to be a torture chamber complete with handcuffs, rope, and several guns. Downstairs, deputies found a deer carcass in another room with a lot of disturbed earth. Court documents show detectives recovered: A bobcat skull 2 mounted bobcats A hawks head and feet 20 deer skulls and caps A turkey beard under seven inches A turkey beard under 10 inches A turkey beard attached to the feet and spurs under an inch A turkey beard attached to the feet and spurs over an inch 83 guns Four homemade silencers Two ballistic vests 6,000 pills believed to be oxycodone Around 1,200 grams of methamphetamine Possible human bone LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court on Sept. 2, Shelton pleaded not guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of an unregistered destructive device, and firearm possession in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to court documents, a jury trial will commence at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 10. Its expected to last only two days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. The Republican Partys assault on higher education in Indiana has not stopped at state-supported schools. Its latest targets, thanks to Attorney General Todd Rokita, are two of the states most renowned and reputable institutions the University of Notre Dame in South Bend and Butler University in Indianapolis. With Hoosiers facing real challenges on a number of economic and social issues, its astounding that a statewide elected official would choose to harass institutions that are beacons of excellence and treasures to their communities and state. Rokitas most recent tantrum came as he escalated two investigations into alleged discrimination at Notre Dame and Butler. His office, according to reporting by the Indiana Capital Chronicle, issued civil investigative demands to the two institutions as it probes practices or initiatives involving diversity, equity and inclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rokitas office first turned attention to Notre Dame and Butler in the spring when it sent letters of inquiry concerning DEI initiatives to their administration officials. The attorney general didnt like what he got in return, so he stepped up the pressure on the institutions, and sent out a press release to media outlets making sure everyone was aware of his efforts. DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion, and initiatives built on those principles are considered offensive by far-right conservatives because they believe they are divisive and discriminatory, claiming in large part that they reward minorities based on factors other than merit. It conjures up the old trope of reverse discrimination against white people. DEI grew out of our nations troubled history with racism and other forms of discriminatory practices against minority groups and women. DEI measures attempt to blunt the effects of systemic racism and discrimination by dismantling barriers to success and opportunity for individuals as well as groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The backlash against DEI in both public and private sectors is led by conservative politicians such as Rokita and has resulted in a number of new laws and policies banning such practices. In addition to claiming reverse discrimination, they claim DEI programs infringe on individual First Amendment protections related to free speech and association. Small private universities such as Notre Dame and Butler have used DEI-inspired initiatives to make their institutions more diverse and inclusive, ideals their leaders view as improving their educational climates and fostering more healthy academic environments. It is shameful that public officials such as Rokita are trying to prevent places such as Notre Dame and Butler from pursuing such noble goals. But thats the era were in because of the statewide dominance of Trumpian ideologies. The universities, according to the Capital Chronicle, responded to Rokitas initial assault by telling his office that they do not discriminate against anyone based on race or ethnicity. Whats more, they emphasized their institutions commitments to the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both responses represented good-faith efforts to meet their legal obligations. That should have satisfied Rokita. His decision to increase pressure reeks of nothing more than harassment and political grand-standing. We trust that Notre Dame, Butler and other institutions of higher learning in Indiana are doing their best to navigate the choppy waters of cultural politics. Rokitas crusade does nothing to serve Hoosiers in any beneficial way. He should move on to more constructive pursuits and leave Notre Dame and Butler alone. President Donald Trump said that something is wrong with Gavin Newsoms hands on Tuesday, as speculation swirls about the bruises and makeup frequently seen on his own hands. During an Oval Office meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, Trump received a question about whether the California governor should be investigated for his handling of wildfires. I watched him with the hands, Im saying, Whats going on with the hands? Trump said. Theres something wrong with him. You watch him, theres something wrong with this guy. Trump's bruised right hand was on full display on the Oval Office. / Brian Snyder/Reuters Online commenters were quick to point out the irony of Trumps statement, with one user on X calling it a perfect example of projection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has been observed with bruising on his hands and heavy makeup to cover up the bruising, including during his Oval Office press conference on Tuesdaywhich was his first public appearance in a week. Hes the last person that should be talking about hands, wrote another user who included a picture of the presidents bruising. Trump's right hand was much more visibly bruised during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in the Oval Office last month. / Brian Snyder / REUTERS The White House has claimed that the bruising, seen on both hands, is due to frequent handshaking and the use of daily aspirin, despite the fact that the president shakes hands with his right hand. Observers have also been quick to notice Trumps swollen ankles, which are likely a result of chronic venous insufficiency, the circulation issue he was diagnosed with in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A memo from the White House doctor stated that Trump was in excellent health. Since then, however, he has struggled to walk in a straight line multiple times and appeared dishevelled in pictures taken over the Labor Day weekend. Donald Trump leaving the White House to play golf on Monday. Photographs of him going to and from his golf course over the weekend disspelled online speculation that he had died, which started on Friday. / Andrew Cabello-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images Apart from criticizing Newsoms hand movements, the president also repeated debunked claims about the military bailing out California with water during wildfires earlier this year. Newsom didnt allow the water to come from the Pacific Northwest, Trump said. If that were open during the fire, you wouldnt have had the fire because all the sprinklers would have worked in the houses. I had to send the military to have the water opened after the fires. Gavin Newsom (L) and President Trump (R) in January during the Los Angeles wildfires. Newsom has adopted Trump-like social media tactics over the past few months, antagoning the president. / MANDEL NGAN / AFP via Getty Images Newsom responded by posting a video compilation showing several of the presidents physical gaffes, such as him tripping on his way up the stairs of Air Force One. He captioned the video, We talking hands? He also re-posted a video of the presidents comments about Californias water and hammered the presidents cognitive fitness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He responded to a clip of Trumps claims about Californias water with a screenshot of an AI chatbots response to the question, Do people with dementia repeat the same falsehoods and crazy conspiracies over and over again? People with dementia often repeat the same statements, questions, and sometimes false or mistaken beliefs, the screenshot read in part. Newsoms office also called Trump a bumbling idiot in a separate post denying Trumps claims. Unfortunately, the President of the United States is a bumbling idiot. THERE WAS PLENTY OF WATER IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (IN FACT, STATE RESERVOIRS WERE AT HISTORIC HIGHS!) https://t.co/eaBb3hRckn https://t.co/nQhdEI7YBM Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) September 3, 2025 The feud between the two politicians followed a similar progression last week, when Trump said that he sent hundreds of millions of gallons of water per day to the Pacific Ocean and Newsom responded with a Grok question-and-answer similar to the one he posted on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps hand commentary against Newsom was also a repeat hit, as he said last week that the California governor is a nice guy, good-looking who has some hand action going on. Newsom responded to that first attack by writing, You really want to have the conversation about hands? You really want to have the conversation about hands? https://t.co/Vjtdjy78J0 Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 26, 2025 In 2016, his then-rival Marco Rubio attacked Trump at a campaign debate by asking the audience, Have you seen his hands? And you know what they say about men with small hands. You cant trust them. The Daily Beast has contacted the White House and Newsoms office for comment. (The Center Square) President Donald Trump is again being accused of meddling in the New York City mayor's race with reports suggesting he is trying to clear the field for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo to defeat Democratic socialist frontrunner Zohran Mamdani. A report by the New York Times said intermediaries on behalf of Trump have approached incumbent Democratic Mayor Eric Adams' campaign with an offer for an administration position in exchange for him dropping his independent run for re-election. The newspaper also reported that Trump allies have extended a similar offer to Republican mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa for dropping out of the race. The political calculus appears to be that Adams and Sliwa's exit from the race would allow former Gov. Andrew Cuomo to pick up their votes and defeat Mamdani, the frontrunner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo, who is running on the independent ticket, lost the Democratic primary to Mamdani and trails behind him by 20 points in the latest polls. When reporters asked him on Wednesday if he plans to drop out of the race, Adams downplayed the claims but didn't outright dismiss them. "If they did or didn't, my rule was the same from the first day I was elected," Adams said during a briefing. "I don't talk about private conversations. And so, you know that, many of you have private conversations with me that you never heard again. I am not going into private conversations. And no matter what happens right now, I'm the mayor of the City of New York." Sliwa denied that he had been offered any Trump administration job in exchange for dropping out, saying he's "the only candidate on a major party line who can defeat Mamdani" and remains "committed to carrying this fight through to Election Day." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The people of New York City deserve a Mayor who will finally make the city work for the hard working people who power it," Sliwa posted on social media. "This is a distraction from the issues forcing New Yorkers to flee everyday." Cuomo has denied previous claims that he was communicating with the White House and his campaign didn't comment on the New York Times report about Trump's election meddling. He has attacked Mamdani for lacking political experience and pushing left-wing policies that would hurt the Democratic Party. But Mamdani seized on the news, issuing a statement saying his campaign is not only running against other candidates on the ballot, but the "notion that New York City is for sale." "Today we have learned what New Yorkers long suspected, Andrew Cuomo is Donald Trump's choice to be the next mayor of this city," Mamdani said. "This news is an affront to our democracy, an affront to what makes so many of us proud to be Americans that we choose our own leaders." "We know that this city will decide its own future, and we know that it is New Yorkers that we will turn to to make that decision in November," he added. "Not the White House in Washington, D.C." The Trump administration has been accused of launching an attack on immigrants after banning voter recruitment drives at naturalization events. Once an immigrant becomes a naturalized citizen they become eligible to register to vote. In the past, nongovernmental groups have been able to set up voter registration services at naturalization ceremonies, helping these new citizens take the first step in participating in Americas electoral process. But now, the Homeland Security Department has prohibited nongovernmental entities from conducting voter recruitment drives at naturalization ceremonies, emphasizing the non-partisan nature of these services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a policy alert published last Friday, Citizenship and Immigration Services said, only state and local election officials will be permitted to offer voter registration services at the end of administrative naturalization ceremonies. The Trump administration has been accused of launching an 'attack' on immigrants after banning voter recruitment drives at naturalization events (David Ryder/Getty Images) Citizenship and Immigration Services said the use of nongovernmental organizations at these drives had been sporadic and varied based upon the location. Given USCIS does not primarily rely on nongovernment organizations for voter registration services, and the administrative burden on USCIS to ensure that those nongovernmental organizations who provide voter registration services are nonpartisan, the agency decided to ban them from naturalization events. The League of Women, a women-led grassroots organization that empowers all Americans to vote, blasted the Trump administrations decision to ban them and other nongovernmental organizations from naturalization ceremonies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, the League of Women Voters has been a trusted partner of both USCIS and federal courts to register new voters at naturalization ceremonies. This work has resulted in hundreds of thousands of new citizens registering to vote with League volunteers across the country, the non-profit wrote in a statement. The policy shakeup comes amid the Trump administrations crackdown on immigration, which has included Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids across the country (Mario Tama/Getty Images) The League accused Citizenship and Immigration Services of attempting to keep new citizens from accessing their full rights. In contrast to the agencys assertion that nongovernmental organizations were not needed at these events, the League said its volunteers step in where election officials often lack capacity, making sure critical voter registration services reach those who need them most. The policy shakeup comes amid the Trump administrations crackdown on immigration, which has included Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids across the country, mass deportations and pressure for immigrants living in the country illegally to self-deport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By shutting out the League and other civic partners, USCIS is making it harder for new citizens to register to vote, which is yet another intimidation tactic and attack on the immigrant community, the non-profit said, urging the Trump administration to reverse its new policy. The Independent has reached out to USCIS for comment. The Trump administrations freeze of more than $2 billion in grant funds for Harvard University over allegations of antisemitism on campus was ruled illegal by a federal judge on Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs decision moves to restore the crucial research funding and sided with Harvards arguments that the administration had violated First Amendment protections under the Constitution. We must fight against antisemitism, but we equally need to protect our rights, including our right to free speech, and neither goal should nor needs to be sacrificed on the altar of the other, Burroughs wrote in the 84-page ruling. Harvard is currently, even if belatedly, taking steps it needs to take to combat antisemitism and seems willing to do even more if need be. Burroughs continued, Now it is the job of the courts to similarly step up, to act to safeguard academic freedom and freedom of speech as required by the Constitution, and to ensure that important research is not improperly subjected to arbitrary and procedurally infirm grant terminations, even if doing so risks the wrath of a government. Advertisement Advertisement Harvard President Alan Garber shared a statement following the decision. The ruling affirms Harvards First Amendment and procedural rights, and validates our arguments in defense of the Universitys academic freedom, critical scientific research, and the core principles of American higher education, said Garber, adding the university will continue to assess the implications of the opinion, monitor further legal developments, and be mindful of the changing landscape in which we seek to fulfill our mission. In a statement to Rolling Stone on Wednesday, White House spokesperson Liz Huston said that to any fair-minded observer, it is clear that Harvard University failed to protect their students from harassment and allowed discrimination to plague their campus for years, adding, Harvard does not have a constitutional right to taxpayer dollars and remains ineligible for grants in the future. Huston said that the administration will move to appeal the judges decision. Under the pretense of combating antisemitism amid the ongoing war in Gaza, the Trump administration has attempted to force Harvard and other top American universities to surrender their academic independence and capitulate to government oversight of their curriculums, staffing decisions, and student body. So far, Columbia University and Brown University have reached deals with the federal government to restore funding. Although Harvard previously agreed to the definition of antisemitism promoted largely by the right, it pushed back against the administrations attempts to seize greater control by demanding the university allow the government to audit who it hires, fires, and admits into the school or risk a freeze of more than $2 billion in grants. Advertisement Advertisement In April, Harvard filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration and accused it of violating the First Amendment. No government regardless of which party is in power should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue, Garber said in a statement at the time. Burroughs ruling in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts sided with Harvards argument that the funding cuts amounted to illegal retaliation to the universitys rejection of the governments demands and prohibited the Trump administration from enforcing similar freezes on Harvards funding. In the ruling, Burroughs cautioned, As pertains to this case, it is important to recognize and remember that if speech can be curtailed in the name of the Jewish people today, then just as easily the speech of the Jews (and anyone else) can be curtailed when the political winds change direction. This article was updated on Sept. 4, 2025, at 12:22 a.m. ET to include a statement from Harvard President Alan Garber. 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. NEED TO KNOW On Aug. 27, 23-year-old Robin Westman, who was transgender, opened fire at Annunciation Catholic Church, killing two children and injuring another 21 people Though transgender people account for only a small fraction of mass shooters in America, reports have now surfaced that the Trump administration is considering excluding the trans community from the Second Amendment right to possess firearms The latest Justice Department proposal suggests that transgender people be labeled as mentally ill in order to bar them from owning guns President Donald Trump's Justice Department is reportedly weighing a new policy that would target the transgender community following the Wednesday, Aug. 27, mass shooting at a Catholic school and church in Minneapolis. CNN and ABC News report that senior DOJ officials are considering limiting the right to possess firearms for transgender people. The alleged conversations, which are still in their early stages, come nearly one week after 23-year-old transgender woman Robin Westman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic Church, killing two children and injuring another 21 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If enacted, the policy would be the latest in a string of attacks on the transgender community since Trump entered office for his second term. Since signing an executive order on Inauguration Day declaring that there are only two genders, the president has had the Pentagon identify and remove transgender service members from the military, as well as ordered federal prisons to relocate transgender inmates to facilities that accommodate the gender they were assigned at birth. Additionally, in June, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi launched an effort to target gender-affirming care, sending more than 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics that provide transgender medical procedures to minors. Bryan Dozier / Middle East Images / Middle East Images/AFP/Getty People attend the 'Trans Day of Visibility Rally' hosted by the Christopher Street Project on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on March 31, 2025. People attend the 'Trans Day of Visibility Rally' hosted by the Christopher Street Project on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on March 31, 2025. Despite the reports, it remains unclear if the Justice Department would be able to execute a gun ban for all transgender people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One senior Justice Department official told CNN that the proposal would likely face legal roadblocks, noting that millions of Americans have mental health issues, but as long as they dont pose a threat to society, their Second Amendment rights cannot be taken away. Instead of actual solutions, the administration is again choosing to scapegoat and target a small and vulnerable population, a spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ advocacy group GLAAD said, per CNN. Everyone deserves to be themselves, be safe, and be free from violence and discrimination. Transgender people account for less than 2% of the U.S. population, and are more commonly victims of violent crime than aggressors. A 2021 study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law which did not account for the impact of anti-trans attacks in recent years concluded that trans people are four times more likely than cisgender people to be victims of violent crime. Research has shown that experiences of victimization are related to low well-being, including suicide thoughts and attempts, Ilan H. Meyer, senior scholar of public policy at the Williams Institute, said when the study was published. The results underscore the urgent need for effective policies and interventions that consider high rates of victimization experienced by transgender 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. Newsweek, citing data compiled by the Gun Violence Archive, calculated that prior to the Minneapolis shooting, transgender people only accounted for 0.07% of the mass shootings recorded since 2018. With Westman factored in, Newsweek notes, the rate of transgender mass shooters still sits around 0.1%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Violence Project which has a stricter definition of "mass shooting" than the Gun Violence Archive, looking only for shootings where four or more people were killed in public records just one transgender mass shooter in all of its data dating back to 1966. As the investigation into [the Aug. 27] shooting unfolds, we ask the public and the media to remember that one persons actions must never be used to target or stigmatize entire communities, Ash Lazarus Orr, a spokesperson for Advocates for Trans Equality, said after the attack, per USA Today. Trans and nonbinary people, in particular, are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. After Trump took office, The Washington Post shared stories of transgender people across the country who bought firearms for protection out of fear that they would be targeted. Trans people have every reason to be afraid because we are being attacked, May Alejandra Rodriguez told the outlet in February. Every single day, another right is lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats happening today among trans people is in the tradition of people demanding their rights and saying that theyre willing to defend those rights with force if necessary, David Yamane, a sociology professor at Wake Forest University, told the Post. Additionally, experts told USA Today that there is not an epidemic of transgender people causing mass shootings. Michael Jensen, research director at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, said theres no evidence to support the claim that transgender people are disproportionately responsible for mass violence events in the U.S., including shootings in schools. Read the original article on People The Trump administration took the fight over tariffs to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, asking the justices to rule quickly that the president has the power to impose sweeping trade penalties under federal law. The government called on the court to reverse an appeals court ruling that most of President Donald Trumps tariffs were illegal under an emergency powers law. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit left the tariffs in place for now, but the administration nevertheless called on the high court to intervene quickly in a petition filed late Wednesday and provided to The Associated Press. It was expected to be formally docketed on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 7-4 ruling by the appeals court came after states and small businesses sued, saying the tariffs were causing serious economic hardship. The court largely upheld a lower court ruling striking down the tariffs. That decision casts a pall of uncertainty upon ongoing foreign negotiations that the President has been pursuing through tariffs over the past five months, jeopardizing both already negotiated framework deals and ongoing negotiations, the Trump administration argued in its appeal. The stakes in this case could not be higher. An attorney for the small businesses rocked by the tariffs, Jeffrey Schwab with the Liberty Justice Center, said the stakes are also high for his clients. These unlawful tariffs are inflicting serious harm on small businesses and jeopardizing their survival. We hope for a prompt resolution of this case for our clients, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tariffs and their erratic rollout have shaken global markets, alienated U.S. trading partners and allies and raised fears of higher prices and slower economic growth. But Trump has also used the levies to pressure the European Union, Japan and other countries into accepting new trade deals. Revenue from tariffs totaled $159 billion by late August, more than double what it was at the same point the year before. Most judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, did not let Trump usurp congressional power to set tariffs. The dissenters said it did allow the president to regulate importation without explicit limitations during emergencies. The ruling involves two sets of import taxes, both of which Trump justified by declaring a national emergency: the tariffs first announced in April and the ones from February on imports from Canada, China and Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Constitution gives Congress the power to impose taxes, including tariffs. But over the decades, lawmakers have ceded authority to the president, and Trump has made the most of the power vacuum. Some Trump tariffs, including levies on foreign steel, aluminum and autos, werent covered by the appeals court ruling. It also does not include tariffs Trump imposed on China in his first term that were kept by Democratic President Joe Biden. Trump can impose tariffs under other laws, but those have more limitations on the speed and severity with which he could act. The government has argued that if the tariffs are struck down, it might have to refund some of the import taxes that its collected, delivering a financial blow to the U.S. Treasury. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department is considering proposals to prevent transgender people from buying guns, U.S. media reported on Thursday. CNN, citing unnamed sources, described talks on the matter as "preliminary in nature" and said they stemmed from last week's shooting at a Catholic church in Minnesota, which left two children dead and 17 others injured. The suspect in the shooting was transgender, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The New York Post, also citing unnamed sources, also reported that talks were under way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The DOJ is actively evaluating options to prevent the pattern of violence we have seen from individuals with specific mental health challenges and substance abuse disorders. No specific criminal justice proposals have been advanced at this time," a Justice Department spokesperson said when asked about the media reports. The talks within President Donald Trump's administration would pit the Republican Party's long-held support of gun rights against the administration's moves to limit the rights of transgender Americans. Trump previously signed executive orders banning transgender people from the military and mandating that identification documents issued by the government be based on "an individuals immutable biological classification as either male or female." The Gun Owners of America rights group in a social media post responding to CNN's report said: "GOA opposes any & all gun bans. Full stop." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the right for U.S. citizens to bear arms, there are several exceptions, including convicts and anyone declared as mentally "defective," according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and Jasper Ward; Editing by Nia Williams) DENVER (KDVR) A class action lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Denver challenging a new Department of Homeland Security policy that exempts many immigrants from being eligible for bond hearings. The American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit on behalf of Nestor Mendoza Gutierrez, a longtime Colorado resident and small business owner, who is now in federal immigration custody after living in the U.S. for over 26 years. SEC oversight sought for ICEs no-bid contracts with for-profit prison corporations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ACLU said Mendoza Gutierrez has a DUI charge that he pleaded guilty to over 20 years ago, but otherwise does not have a criminal record. The lawsuit says that the business owner and hundreds of those similarly situated are now classified as seeking admission to the U.S., despite years and sometimes decades spent living in the U.S. The suit says that on July 8, ICE issued a new policy declaring that all people alleged to have entered the country without documentation would be denied bond eligibility during their entire removal proceedings. The lawsuit is seeking a class certification for anyone detained by immigration enforcement officials and denied bond, and also argues that the new ICE policy is unlawful and is a profound and far-reaching departure from longstanding immigration law. This illegal policy threatens to imprison millions of hardworking immigrants with no criminal records and deep ties to their communities, with no recourse, said Tim Macdonald, ACLU of Colorado legal director, in a release. Having secured billions of dollars to build more ICE detention in Colorado and across the country, this administration now wants to fill up its immigration detention centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This unlawful new policy is a cruel twist on the adage if you build it, they will come. Nestor, however, has decided to bravely fight back against this sweeping expansion of ICEs detention and deportation machine, Macdonald added. ACLU says immigrants are subject to misclassification The complaint says Mendoza Gutierrez entered the U.S. without inspection, and cites a U.S. law that immigration judges have now classified individuals like Mendoza Gutierrez under. The ACLU argues that the law is only applicable to people apprehended upon arrival in the U.S, and that Mendoza Gutierrez, as a long-standing resident, should not be classified as such. 6 locations noted as possible ICE detention facilities in Colorado: Report Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under current U.S. law, detention without bond eligibility is allowed under limited circumstances. The lawsuit argues that Mendoza Gutierrez and others in similar situations do not meet the statutory criteria for limited bond eligibility. The brutality of this Trump administration policy is eclipsed only by its intellectual dishonesty and departure from decades of agency practice, said Hans Meyer, Owner of the Meyer Law Office. This is a fatuous attempt to weaponize immigration detention to illegitimately bolster deportation numbers and intimidate immigrant communities. But ICE is wrong on the law, and we will hold the agency to account for its lawlessness. A similar lawsuit was filed in California in July, challenging ICEs new bond policy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) The Trump administration is facing a growing number of lawsuits over its aggressive attacks on the offshore wind industry, as New England leaders and wind companies attempt to revive the abruptly halted Revolution Wind project. The legal action includes a lawsuit filed this week by both Revolution Winda joint venture between rsted and Skyborn Renewablesalong with a separate suit announced Thursday by the attorneys general of Rhode Island and Connecticut. The action comes after the Trump administration last month issued a stop-work order on the massive offshore wind project just south of Marthas Vineyard, which company officials said was 80% complete. Once finished, its slated to power more than 300,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the stop-work order has now cast uncertainty over whether the project will be completed. At a news conference Thursday, R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha argued that the Trump administration action is unlawful. We have begun and built an industry here in Rhode Island that can continue to grow and provide jobs to Rhode Islanders and build our economy, Neronha said. Were on the cusp of building that economy and the president stopped it unlawfully, he added. MORE: Trump administration halts Revolution Wind project off RI coast Connecticut Attorney General William Tong also criticized the Trump administration, calling Revolution Wind American-made, clean, affordable energy. Both Neronha and Tong are Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, with zero justification, Trump wants to mothball the project, send workers home, and saddle Connecticut families with millions of dollars in higher energy costs, Tong said in a statement. This kind of erratic and reckless governing is blatantly illegal, and were suing to stop it. Meanwhile, Revolution Wind filed a separate federal lawsuit and preliminary injunction to block the stop-work order, arguing the project is facing substantial harm and litigation is a necessary step. The project secured all of its required federal and state permits in 2023, following what they described as a nine-year review, which included vetting from the U.S. Department of Defense, Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, National Marine Fisheries Services and other agencies. Revolution Wind has spent and committed billions of dollars in reliance upon this fulsome review process, rsted spokesperson Meaghan Wims wrote in a news release. Revolution Wind, which is now 80% complete, supports job creation and is expected to enhance reliability as a critical part of the Northeast energy supply, which is crucial to meeting strong expected growth in energy demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee has requested a one-on-one meeting with President Donald Trump, telling 12 News on Wednesday that the stop-work order will hurt the states economy, which has invested millions of taxpayer dollars into the offshore wind industry. McKee sent a letter to the administration requesting the meeting after a phone call with U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, during which he expressed concerns over the project coming to a halt. I certainly let him know that this is costing us jobs, McKee said on 12 News at 4. Its costing those people, going to get hurt in the pocketbooks, because the energy that theyre shutting down, $0.10 a kilowatt, is better than what we have coming up this winter. RELATED: McKee seeks meeting with Trump to lobby him on paused Revolution Wind project Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration, however, is showing no signs of backing down, citing security concerns among the reasons for stopping Revolution Wind. A court hearing is also scheduled for Thursday in Boston in a third suit against the Trump administration over wind, filed months ago to challenge the presidents Jan. 20 executive order against the industry. In a court filing on Wednesday, the Trump administration also indicated plans to vacate and reconsider the approval of other offshore wind projects, including Anangrids New England 1 project off Cape Cod, which is expected to power 400,000 homes. Trump administration officials have said they want to expand the countrys domestic energy production to include more oil, gas and nuclear power all competing energy sources to offshore wind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In just a few months, President Trump has ended Joe Bidens war on American energy and restored American energy dominance, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told 12 News in a statement on Wednesday. This means prioritizing the most effective and reliable tools to power our country, which includes following through on his promise to Drill, Baby, Drill and unleash domestic oil, gas, and nuclear power supporting thousands of good-paying energy jobs across the country, she said. The news that the Trump administration is adding New England Wind 1 to the list of wind projects being targeted spurred criticism from Massachusetts U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey. The New England Wind 1 project got a green light from the federal government, but the Trump administration only wants to throw up stop signs and speed bumps to prevent the construction of affordable, American-made energy, the two Democrats said in a statement Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the Trump administration continues its effort to cancel New England Wind 1, it will be killing union jobs, raising energy costs, hurting grid reliability, and undermining American competitiveness, they added. Trump and his cabinet need to end their war on American energy and jobs. 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 Watch Now: Livestreaming Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sept. 3 that he initially thought ending Russia's war against Ukraine would be straightforward, but acknowledged it has proven more difficult than he expected. The president's comments come as his peace efforts enter their eighth month without results. "Frankly, the Russia one, I thought, would have been on the easier side of the ones I've stopped, but it seems to be something that's a little bit more difficult than some of the others," Trump told CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since taking office on Jan. 20, Trump has positioned himself as a global peacemaker, claiming he ended seven conflicts, though he did not provide evidence or specify which wars he was referring to. His approach, he said, is to bring leaders together in one room and push them toward an agreement, though he conceded that negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow require patience. Following his Aug. 15 summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump said he was preparing a direct meeting between Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Kremlin has denied that any such deal was reached. The Ukrainian president has repeatedly expressed willingness to meet with Putin directly, urging the U.S. to impose tougher measures if Russia continues to avoid such talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin told reporters on Sept.3 that he has never ruled out meeting with Zelensky and suggested it could happen if properly prepared. He said if Zelensky is ready, he could come to Moscow. Trump has yet to impose sanctions on Russia for refusing to end the war, despite earlier threats of "severe" secondary tariffs. His administration has paused military aid to Ukraine multiple times and so far imposed only a 25% tariff on India over oil purchases from Moscow. An Aug. 8 deadline Trump set for Russia to agree to a ceasefire passed without consequences. Zelensky, who traveled to Paris on Sept. 3 for a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing," said he would soon speak with Trump about increasing sanctions pressure on Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Behind Ukraines manpower crisis lies a bleak new battlefield reality for infantry Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Following Donald Trump's statements calling for the release of remaining hostages, Hamas responds that they are ready for arrangements. Major Arabic-language outlets reported on Wednesday that Hamas said it is ready for a comprehensive deal that would end the war in Gaza and release all Israeli hostages in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners. Many framed their headlines around US President Donald Trumps public appeal to free all 20 remaining living hostages. Asharq News led with Hamas: We are ready for a comprehensive deal to end the war and release all captives, placing Trumps call prominently beside the claim. Its write-up echoed Hamass long-stated conditions, including a full Israel Defense Forces withdrawal from Gaza, reopening the crossings, and reconstruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sky News Arabia used similar framing, publishing, After Trumps message, Hamas is ready for a comprehensive agreement to end the war, while summarizing the package as a one-shot arrangement tied to ending hostilities rather than a phased exchange. Al-Araby al-Jadeed provided additional detail on process, reporting that Hamas says it is still awaiting Israels response to a mediators paper presented on August 18. The outlet listed Hamass pillars for any agreement complete withdrawal, open crossings, reconstruction, and a technocratic national administration to run Gaza and reiterated that the movement frames its readiness within a war-ending package. Al Jazeera Arabic updated late Wednesday with language that Hamas is prepared to go to a comprehensive deal that frees all captives, again linking that readiness to an agreement that ends the war and begins rebuilding. The report repeated the demand for a complete withdrawal and said Hamas is waiting for Israels formal reply. Scene of the strike in northern Gazs City, where Hamas military spokesman Abu Obeida was reportedly present on August 30, 2025. (credit: TPS-IL) English-language headlines mirrored Arabic statements English-language summaries from regional networks tracked the same line. Al Arabiya noted Hamass comprehensive Gaza deal formula and paired it with Trumps same-day statements pressing for the release of all hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps appeal itself was amplified widely across Arab social feeds used by major broadcasters, reinforcing the timing connection that appeared in headlines. The Jerusalem Post earlier reported Hamass assertion that it is ready for a deal to free all Israeli hostages within a broader agreement. Live updates also captured Trumps call for the immediate release of all 20 hostages. President Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to allow him to fire a Biden-apppointed Federal Trade Commission member despite a century-old law aimed at blocking the president from dismissing such officials for political reasons. In an emergency appeal filed Thursday, the Trump administration asked the justices to let Trumps firing of Rebecca Slaughter proceed while litigation over the legality of the move continues. The dispute centers on the vitality of a 1935 Supreme Court ruling, known as Humphreys Executor, that upheld the constitutionality of Congress attempt to limit dismissal of FTC members to cases of inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legal conservatives have long been critical of the ruling because it intrudes on the presidents ability to direct policy in the executive branch. In recent years, the Supreme Court has repeatedly cut back the sweep of the decision, by declaring unconstitutional similar attempts to protect other officials from politically motivated dismissals. However, the justices have stopped short of overturning the decision or stating explicitly that all so-called for-cause firing protections for leaders of executive branch agencies are unconstitutional. The new appeal submitted by Solicitor General John Sauer contends that the justices do not need to overrule Humphreys to uphold Trumps power to fire Slaughter for no specific reason beyond a vague statement about advancing his administrations priorities. Instead, Sauer argues that the powers and activities of what he calls the modern FTC have broadened so far beyond what the agency did a century ago that the old ruling no longer applies. The modern FTC exercises far more substantial powers than the 1935 FTC, Sauer wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sauer does say in a footnote to the 30-page brief that if the justices conclude those changes arent enough to justify ignoring Humphreys, the court should overrule it. The administration took the issue to the Supreme Court two days after a federal appeals court panel ruled, 2-1, that Slaughter should be reinstated. The majority on the D.C. Circuit panel said lower courts lacked the authority to disregard Humphreys, particularly in a dispute involving the same agency the high court grappled with in that 90-year-old case. A dissenting judge adopted the Justice Departments view that the FTC is now so different that the long-standing precedent isnt applicable. Washington President Trump's administration asked the Supreme Court late Wednesday to review a federal appeals court decision that found many of his tariffs are illegal, warning that the ruling threatens to "unilaterally disarm the United States and allow other nations to hold America's economy hostage to their retaliatory trade policies." The appeal from the Justice Department was expected. Mr. Trump said this week that his administration would turn to the high court and ask it to speed up consideration of the case. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said in a 7-4 decision last Friday that Mr. Trump did not have the authority to impose sweeping tariffs under a federal emergency powers law, derailing a major component of Mr. Trump's economic agenda. But the appeals court said its ruling will not take effect until at least Oct. 14 to allow the Justice Department time to seek the Supreme Court's review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could be weeks before the high court decides whether to weigh in on the legality of Mr. Trump's tariffs and, if it decides to do so, months before a decision is handed down. The president has warned that "our country is going to suffer greatly" if the Supreme Court upholds the lower court's decision on the tariffs. "The stakes in this case could not be higher. The President and his Cabinet officials have determined that the tariffs are promoting peace and unprecedented economic prosperity, and that the denial of tariff authority would expose our nation to trade retaliation without effective defenses and thrust America back to the brink of economic catastrophe," the administration said in a filing. "To the President and his most senior advisors, these tariffs thus present a stark choice: With tariffs, we are a rich nation; without tariffs, we are a poor nation." Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote the Federal Circuit's ruling jeopardizes framework agreements that the Trump administration has negotiated with a handful of trading partners and puts ongoing talks at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffrey Schwab, senior counsel of the Liberty Justice Center, which is representing a group of small businesses that challenged the tariffs, said he is confident they will prevail before the Supreme Court. "These unlawful tariffs are inflicting serious harm on small businesses and jeopardizing their survival," he said in a statement Wednesday. "We hope for a prompt resolution of this case for our clients." The tariffs at issue in the case include those imposed by Mr. Trump through executive action taken in April that set a 10% baseline rate on nearly every country and higher "reciprocal" tariffs on dozens of trading partners. It also involves a set of duties imposed on imports from Canada, Mexico and China in response to what Mr. Trump said is their failure to address the trafficking of fentanyl into the U.S. The Federal Circuit upheld a May ruling from the U.S. Court of International Trade that found Mr. Trump exceeded his authority when he issued his tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the levies are still in effect despite the Federal Circuit's decision, since it tossed out a permanent injunction issued by the trade court that universally blocked enforcement of the tariffs. In its unsigned decision, the Federal Circuit said that the right to impose tariffs are a "core congressional power." The majority said in other statutes delegating tariff power to the president, Congress has set "specific substantive limitations and procedural guidelines" to be followed when leaving those duties. "It seems unlikely that Congress intended, in enacting IEEPA, to depart from its past practice and grant the President unlimited authority to impose tariffs," the court wrote. "The statute neither mentions tariffs (or any of its synonyms) nor has procedural safeguards that contain clear limits on the President's power to impose tariffs." Mr. Trump has used tariffs and the threat of higher rates as leverage to force trading partners into negotiations, and said the duties are crucial to returning manufacturing jobs to the U.S. He has announced frameworks of trade deals with countries like the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday's court filing argued that IEEPA gives the president "broad discretion" to regulate trade, including by imposing tariffs. "There is nothing new or suspect about IEEPA's broad delegation of tariff authority to address national emergencies," Sauer wrote. "Congress has long supplemented the President's Article II foreign-affairs powers by delegating capacious authority to impose tariffs that, in the President's judgment, will advance national security, foster economic prosperity, or facilitate negotiations with foreign counterparts." Read the Trump administration's request to the Supreme Court on tariffs Trump v. VOS Petition-final by CBSNews.com Trump v VOS - Motion to Expedite FILE by CBSNews.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Khanna, Massie and Greene hold news conference on Jeffrey Epstein files Undocumented migrants charged with violent crimes to be held in Angola prison, DHS says By John Kruzel WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Donald Trump's administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday to let him temporarily remove a Democratic member of the Federal Trade Commission as the legal fight over the Republican president's dismissal of her plays out. The Justice Department made the request after Washington-based U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan blocked Trump's firing of Rebecca Slaughter from the consumer protection agency that enforces antitrust law prior to her term expiring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AliKhan ruled in July that Trump's attempt to remove Slaughter did not comply with removal protections in federal law. Congress put such tenure protections in place to give certain regulatory agencies a degree of independence from presidential control. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Tuesday in a 2-1 decision upheld the judge's ruling, prompting the administration's request to the Supreme Court. The lower courts ruled that the statutory protections shielding FTC members from being removed without cause conform with the U.S. Constitution in light of a 1935 Supreme Court precedent in a case called Humphrey's Executor v. United States. In that case, the court ruled that a president lacks unfettered power to remove FTC commissioners, faulting then-President Franklin Roosevelt's firing of an FTC commissioner for policy differences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration in its Supreme Court filing on Thursday argued that "the modern FTC exercises far more substantial powers than the 1935 FTC," and thus its members can be fired at will by the president. In May, the Supreme Court in a similar case allowed Trump to remove two Democratic members of the National Labor Relations Board and Merit Systems Protection Board - despite job protections for these posts - while litigation challenging those removals proceeded. The court in that ruling said the Constitution gives the president wide latitude to fire government officials who wield executive power on his behalf and that the administration "is likely to show that both the NLRB and MSPB exercise considerable executive power." In July, the court let Trump remove three Democratic members of the government's top consumer product safety watchdog while a legal challenge to their removal proceeds, despite tenure protections for these posts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has repeatedly sought the Supreme Court's intervention to allow implementation of Trump policies impeded by lower courts. The Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, has sided with the administration in almost every case that it has been called upon to review since Trump returned to the presidency in January. (Reporting by John Kruzel; Editing by Will Dunham) President Donald Trumps administration asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to allow him to fire a member of the Federal Trade Commission in an emergency appeal that could further erode the autonomy of independent federal agencies. At the center of the latest legal battle over Trumps ability to control those agencies is Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, who has served on the Federal Trade Commission since 2018. Trump fired Slaughter in March, despite a federal law that permits the dismissal of FTC commissioners only for cause. A divided federal appeals court earlier this week ordered Slaughter to be reinstated while the litigation over her firing plays out. Trump has repeatedly won similar cases at the Supreme Court in recent months a point the Department of Justice was quick to note on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lower courts have once again ordered the reinstatement of a high-level officer wielding substantial executive authority whom the president has determined should not exercise any executive power, let alone significant rulemaking and enforcement powers, US Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the Supreme Court. In addition to asking the court to keep Slaughter off the payroll in the short term, the Trump administration also asked the justices to take up the case on the merits. If the court agrees to do so, the case could spell trouble for a 1935 precedent that has shielded the leadership of independent agencies from the political whims of the White House. In a series of recent emergency orders, the court has allowed Trump ever eager to remove dissenting voices from power to fire leaders of independent agencies who were appointed by former President Joe Biden. The courts liberal wing has complained that, following those decisions, the 1935 decision is already effectively dead. Trump fired Slaughter and another Democratic FTC commissioner in March. A federal district court ordered her reinstatement in July. On Tuesday, an appeals court declined to allow Trump to remove Slaughter for now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government has no likelihood of success on appeal given controlling and directly on point Supreme Court precedent, the court order read, citing the 1935 case, Humphreys Executor v. US. CNN has reached out to Slaughter, the FTC and the White House for comment. CNNs Ramishah Maruf contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Donald Trump on Wednesday asked the Supreme Court to quickly overturn a federal court decision striking down his administrations wide-ranging global tariffs. Attorneys with the Justice Department urged the justices to decide the case on a highly accelerated timeline, arguing that the legal challenges against the tariffs are creating uncertainty as the administration seeks to use them to resolve a variety of foreign policy issues, including to force India to stop purchasing Russian oil. Solicitor General D. John Sauer asked the high court to accept the case by next week, hear arguments in early November and expedite its ultimate ruling to the maximum extent feasible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stakes in this case could not be higher, Sauer wrote. The President and his Cabinet officials have determined that the tariffs are promoting peace and unprecedented economic prosperity, and that the denial of tariff authority would expose our nation to trade retaliation without effective defenses and thrust America back to the brink of economic catastrophe. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit declared the tariffs illegal in a 7-4 decision last Friday, but that court put its ruling on hold to give the Supreme Court a chance to weigh in. If the Federal Circuits ruling stands, it could undermine ongoing trade negotiations and possibly force the government to pay back billions in collected duties. The Supreme Court is not obligated to hear the Trump administrations appeal, but most observers expect it to do so. The case challenges the legality of a large swath of Trumps tariffs, including double-digit duties on leading trading partners Canada, Mexico, the European Union and China. The president has used those duties to negotiate a preliminary trade agreement with the EU, among other trading partners and continues to negotiate with China. Along with its petition asking the high court to take the case, the administration filed a motion to expedite the case, citing a need for an urgent resolution. The businesses challenging the tariffs have agreed to the proposed rapid schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Federal Circuits erroneous decision has disrupted highly impactful, sensitive, ongoing diplomatic trade negotiations, and cast a pall of legal uncertainty over the Presidents efforts to protect our country by preventing an unprecedented economic and foreign-policy crisis, the Justice Departments motion says. The expedited treatment the administration is seeking from the high court is unusual but not unprecedented. The justices are not currently scheduled to meet in person until Sept. 29, for their so-called long conference that precedes the opening of a new term. Oral arguments for October and November have already been set, although the justices are free to add new cases to those calendars or to impose a more extended schedule than the one Sauer proposed. But Jeffery Schwab, the senior counsel and litigation director for the Liberty Justice Center, which is representing the five businesses that brought the case, indicated they, too, wanted the case resolved quickly. We are confident that our legal arguments against the so-called Liberation Day tariffs will ultimately prevail, Schwab said in an e-mailed statement. "These unlawful tariffs are inflicting serious harm on small businesses and jeopardizing their survival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has spent several days criticizing the Federal Circuits ruling, which upheld a May decision by the U.S. Court of International Trade that Trump had overstepped his executive power when imposing reciprocal tariffs on nearly every country in the world. Trump argued the court was partisan and said it would be a disaster for the country if the tariffs were struck down. If we dont win that case, our country is going to suffer so greatly, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday, adding that the White House would likely have to unwind" the preliminary trade deals it struck this summer with the EU, Japan South Korea, and several other trading partners. I cant imagine it happening, the president said in the Oval Office on Tuesday. On a legal basis, they have no legal basis whatsoever, but on a commonsense basis, it would destroy America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At issue is the presidents authority under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, a 1977 law Trump used to impose a baseline tariff between 10 and 50 percent on goods from nearly every country in the world. He is the first president to use that law to impose tariffs. The administration claims that a large and persistent federal trade deficit is a national emergency that justifies the tariffs. It has also declared fentanyl abuse a national emergency, providing the administrations justification for imposing tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico in February. Any ruling by the Supreme Court would not affect the existing 25 percent tariff on automobiles and auto parts and the 50 percent tariff on steel and aluminum both of which have provoked consternation at home and abroad and concerns about rising costs. Despite the urgency of the administrations request, the Supreme Court is facing no particular deadline to act. By its terms, the appeals court ruling last week will not kick in until the high court rules on the merits of the case or turns down the petition the administration filed Wednesday. President Donald Trump bills his deployment of the National Guard as an attack on rampant crime in lawless Democrat-run cities. But the White Houses decision to push the legal limits of the presidents power also has a lot to do with immigration. The effort to blur the lines between policing, the military and immigration enforcement in cities from Los Angeles to Washington serves dual purposes for the administration, according to former and current administration officials, people close to the White House and legal experts. The additional law enforcement serves as a force multiplier for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and allows Trump and Republicans to reiterate talking points around crime and illegal immigration issues the president has long conflated and plans to carry through the midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not doing this willy-nilly. It was kind of a test pilot in both LA and D.C. And now theyre going to take it national, said a person close to the White House, granted anonymity to discuss internal thinking. Theres no doubt in my mind, its a winning issue for folks. In Los Angeles, it was widespread immigration raids that spurred unrest and protests, leading to Trumps deployment of the National Guard to a Democratic-led city. The National Guards presence in Washington in recent weeks which presaged the presidents nationwide crime messaging blitz has come with increased cooperation between DC police and federal immigration authorities, with ICE agents joining police patrols. And as Trump has floated new cities for his crime clampdown from Chicago to New Orleans the administration is planning to flood those so-called sanctuary cities with immigration agents. Border czar Tom Homan told reporters at the White House Wednesday that Trumps focus on New Orleans crime was also about immigration enforcement. The president said weeks ago, I said weeks ago, that with sanctuary cities, how are we going to address it? Homan said. Were going to flood the zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law-and-order crackdown comes as the White House continues to press for higher arrest and deportation numbers, with ICE falling short of its 3,000 daily arrests quota. Even with the billions of dollars from the GOPs policy and tax legislation to boost immigration enforcement, the administration faces a number of challenges in ramping up its deportation efforts and quickly deploying the funds to increase detention capacity and hire more ICE agents. Theyve figured out how to get both of their theater acts at the same time, said a former ICE official who worked during the Biden administration. The law and order, where the president has always been strong in his polling. And then also theyre answering the mail on immigration enforcement. Its all being blended together. You have this two-part act where both of these things are ongoing at the same time, augmenting each other. A White House official said the presidents immigration agenda and his crime crackdown are separate priorities. The presidents strategy in Washington is focused on addressing violent crime and broader beautification, with the official adding that part of this is ensuring compliance with federal immigration law, which fits in with the presidents law and order agenda. The official said undocumented immigrants arrested in Washington were detained while committing other crimes, and that ongoing immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities and elsewhere should not be conflated with the presidents efforts to address violent crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While addressing violent crime means rooting out the dangerous criminal illegal aliens in sanctuary cities it also means arresting all violent criminals regardless of if theyre an illegal alien or an American citizen or somewhere in between, the official said. The potential enforcement surges in major cities across the U.S. could bolster ICE ranks by a yet-to-be-determined amount in areas with large populations of undocumented immigrants, while providing the visuals the White House can tout to excite the base, the former Biden administration official said. As Trump talks about targeting Chicago for crime, his administration has planned to ramp up immigration enforcement in the city. Theyre also planning crackdowns in other cities, including Boston and New Orleans. Everything is still: flood the zone. Show of force. Piss people off, get them to riot and then send in the National Guard, said an administration official, granted anonymity to speak candidly about the strategy. Thats the playbook the Trump administration used in Los Angeles. And if immigration enforcement in other blue cities spurs clashes with local officials and residents, the president could then deploy the National Guard to protect ICE officers or federal property though its expected that any move to do so would be met with legal challenges similar to Californias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration enforcement seems like the tip of the spear that can pull on a much larger military presence on American streets, said Michael Kagan, director of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Immigration Clinic. And immigration is like the Trojan horse that lets that in a city. That becomes the hook they can say, Oh, theyre just protecting an ICE operation. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has already decried plans for increased ICE raids, warning that White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller is planning to target Chicago this month because of celebrations around Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16. He said such efforts are about terror and cruelty, not the safety of Chicagoans. The governor also said the president is looking for states where the governor is willing to call out the National Guard so it can look like hes getting something done. Trump suggested Wednesday that he may deploy the National Guard to New Orleans before Chicago. The city is also on the Justice Departments sanctuary city list, which Trump officials in recent weeks have threatened to target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are 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 has become quite quite tough, quite bad. Trump said in the Oval Office on Wednesday. You have New Orleans, which has a crime problem. Well straighten that out in two weeks, easier than D.C. Shia Kapos contributed to this report. Donald Trump appears to have chickened out after Louisiana tried to name a brutal prison camp in his honor. The camp was forced to shut down due to its appalling conditions but is now reopening to host people rounded up by ICE. The area of Angola State Penitentiary in Louisiana was already painted with a sign that read Camp 47, in a nod to Trump, who is the 47th U.S. president, according to photos of the unit captured last week by a local news station WAFB. Now you see it..... / WAFB However, the administration appears to have had second thoughts, and the unit was unveiled on Wednesday by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as Camp 57apparently in homage to Jeff Landry, Louisianas 57th governor. Now you dont! / Matthew Hinton/AFP via Getty Images The rebrand comes as details emerge about the units horrific past, which the White House may have deemed too bleak to be associated with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The four-block disciplinary complexlong known as Camp Jwas shut down in May 2018 after a cascade of security failures, suicides, and staff fleeing. Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and Noem visited Alligator Alcatraz togetherwhich, despite its fun name, was notably not that fun for anyone held there. It is now shuttering already. / Evelyn Hockstein / Reuters According to Prison Legal News, Angolas warden warned of malfunctioning locks that sometimes opened on their own and rampant weapons use, while 85 officers assigned to Camp J resigned, retired, or were terminated in a single year because the unit was deemed to be so miserable. Mercedes Montagnes of the Promise of Justice Initiative called the unit more akin to a dungeon. Two men hanged themselves there on the same day in April 2016, amid concerns over the mental health of inmates. The Department of Homeland Security is using its own brandingLouisiana Lockup, which is yet another alliterative title that follows the already set-to-close Aligator Alcatraz in Florida, Indianas Speedway Slammer, and Nebraskas Cornhusker Clink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a press conference, Noem, Landry, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and ICE deputy director Madison Sheahan confirmed ICE had already begun transferring detainees into the Angola unit. On its opening day, 51 people were already in custody. DHS says the site will add up to 416 beds and is intended for some of the worst of the worst criminal migrants. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem tours Camp 57. / Gerald Herbert/Pool/AFP via Getty Images Noem said the notorious prisonbuilt on a former slave plantation and still infamous for farm labor and abuse allegationswas chosen to encourage self-deportation, while DHS said it was part of a multi-state expansion of hard-line detention sites. Officials say the unit has been repaired and segregated from the rest of the prison after emergency orders to fast-track fixes this summer, according to the Louisiana Illuminator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Landry leaned into Angolas fearsome reputation during a guided look inside the facility, saying: With 18,000 acres bordered by the Mississippi River, swamps filled with alligators, and forests filled with bears, nobody really wants to leave the place. Bondi hailed a historic agreement with the state of Louisiana. The Daily Beast has contacted the White House and DHS for comment. Aerial shot of a solar plant near Gila Bend, Arizona. The power plant is a parabolic trough plant, with molten salt thermal energy storage. Photo via Getty Images Proposed solar energy projects on federal lands in Arizona could be in danger due to a new Trump administration policy that could lead to the state losing billions of dollars in investments and thousands of jobs. In July, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued a memo stating that he must personally approve all solar and wind energy projects on federal land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That news came after President Donald Trump signed into law a spending bill that eliminated a number of clean energy tax credits, leaving Arizonans and businesses a short window of time to utilize before they are gone. An analysis by research firm Atlas Public Policy shows that three solar projects proposed on federal land in the state could be in jeopardy given the new directive from the Department of Interior. The total cost of the investments on those projects is estimated to be $1.6 billion. Only Nevada has more projects that could be scrapped by the Trump administrations new rule. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps $3.4 trillion deficit-boosting tax cut and spending package fulfills a number of his administrations domestic policy priorities, including a major reversal on clean energy initiatives. The possibility of losing these projects also comes amid a backdrop of surging energy use by data centers across the country and in Arizona. The state is home to 151 data centers and counting the Grand Canyon State is No. 7 in the number of data centers nationally which used more than 1.5 gigawatts of electricity in 2024. Utility rates in the state have also continued to skyrocket, as customers with Arizona Public Service are anticipated to see a double-digit increase in their rates starting next year, with concerns that Arizonas booming data center economy could make matters worse for consumers. The three projects on federal land that could be impacted by the changes are estimated to generate more than 1.1 gigawatts enough to power almost 260,000 homes and permanently employ 213 people. Another 3,600 people would be employed during construction, according to Atlas data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does definitely leave a space open for state leadership, and the burden is now sort of shifting to the states if they want to continue to make rapid progress to take their own sort of policy actions, Rachel Reolfi, senior policy analyst at Atlas Public Policy, told the Mirror. There is still going to be demand for those types of projects but maybe not at the rate that we were expecting before all these policy changes so if states want to keep up the rapid progress they might need to take up their own policy changes. Even before the new directive, the solar industry was already facing an uphill battle in the state, with a number of solar installation companies and solar manufacturers going bankrupt in the past six months. Additionally, a number of clean energy projects have stalled or been canceled due to the uncertainty around the Trump administration: More projects are likely to be affected down the road unless lawmakers can find a way to promote clean energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a meeting about climate, U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari called the Trump administration the most anti-climate, anti-environment administration in the history of the United States. Speaking at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, the Phoenix Democrat said she has been working with Gov. Katie Hobbs, also a Democrat, to find a fix for the elimination of the Solar for All funds. Earlier this month, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it would be terminating the $7 billion program that aims to bring solar power to lower income communities. My priority will be to continue to push back relentlessly against these cuts, Ansari said, calling it a dystopian time for the countrys climate. Hobbs did not respond to a request for comment. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Trump administration is reportedly considering an effort to ban transgender people from owning guns despite the Second Amendment protection of the right to bear arms. After the recent Minneapolis Catholic school shooting that was blamed on a trans woman, Department of Justice officials are considering legal options to declare transgender people as mentally ill and therefore unfit to carry firearms, CNN reported on Thursday. The report, which called the discussions preliminary, said one option would be to use President Donald Trumps order barring trans people from serving in the military as a template for gun restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal would be to ensure that mentally ill individuals suffering from gender dysphoria are unable to obtain firearms while they are unstable and unwell, a Justice Department official told CNN, using a favored right-wing term for trans people. Even Trump officials admit that any such proposal would face serious legal hurdles, presumably not least from right-wing proponents of the Second Amendments who traditionally fiercely oppose even narrow efforts to restrict gun ownership. Current law says gun rights can only be revoked from a person who is declared mentally defective, a very high legal bar that could not support a blanket ban applied to any large group of Americans. Many Republican lawmakers and most gun rights groups have long opposed policies known as red flag laws and other measures aimed at keeping guns away from people suffering from mental health issues, citing fears they could eventually be broadened or improperly applied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has dramatically rolled back trans rights during his second term including the military ban and an order instructing federal prisons to move transgender inmates to facilities corresponding to the gender they were assigned at birth. Red states have pushed for new laws to ban gender-affirming care for minors. The GOP-led Congress has taken steps to bar transgender women from using womens bathrooms at the Capitol after the 2024 election of Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Delaware, as the first openly transgender lawmaker in history. Although trans people comprise a tiny minority of mass shooters, right-wing figures have recently claimed that they are responsible for a disproportionate number of the attacks, including the Minneapolis bloodshed in which two children were killed and many others wounded, along with an attack at a Christian school in Nashville last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump Jr. posted an unconfirmed list of shootings that he blamed on transgender shooters to push back on statistics showing that the majority of American mass shootings are carried out by disaffected young white men. _____ The controversial deployment of federal law enforcement in Washington, D.C. by President Donald Trump is reportedly putting the FBIs fleet of unmarked vehicles at risk, and potentially jeopardizing its most sensitive national security and surveillance operations, Reuters reports. Nine current and former bureau employees have issued a stark warning, voicing concerns that the policing surge could obstruct efforts to fight violent criminal gangs, foreign intelligence agencies, and drug traffickers. The White Houses stated goal of the strategy is to tackle violent crime, though many arrests in the District of Columbia have been for minor offences, and National Guard troops have been seen picking up trash. President Trump has declared the operation a success, claiming that Washington is now crime-free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deployment of up to 1,000 unmarked FBI cars and SUVs into highly public areas of the capital comes at a time when cartels, gangs, and hostile nations are actively trying to identify agents and their vehicles, according to current and former FBI employees. Every time you see us getting out of covert cars wearing our FBI vests, that car is burned, one of eight current FBI employees told Reuters. FBI, Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigators, and Washington Metropolitan Police Department officers patrolling Washington, D.C. on August 18, 2025 (Getty Images) A second employee added: We cant use these cars to go undercover, we cant use them to surveil narcotraffickers and fentanyl suppliers or Russian or Chinese spies or use them to go after violent criminal gangs or terrorists. John Cohen, a former Department of Homeland Security counterterrorism coordinator, highlighted the risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They're putting federal agents in a more highly visible situation where they're driving their undercover cars and they're engaging in highly visible public enforcement action or patrol actions, he said. They may be unwittingly compromising the ability of those same personnel to go back and engage in sensitive investigations. As President Trump publicly mulls expanding the federal crackdown to cities like Chicago and Baltimore, the FBI employees are urging leadership to stop exposing more vehicles. The Independent has asked the FBI and the White House for comment. FBI spokesman, Ben Williamson, assistant director of the FBI's public affairs office, denied the employees claims. In an email to Reuters, he stated: The claims in this story represents a basic misunderstanding of how FBI security protocol works the Bureau takes multiple safeguards to protect agents in the field against threats so they can continue doing their great work protecting the American people. D.C. residents have protested the use of troops on the streets of the nations capital (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) He continued: FBI leadership hasnt received any of the concerns alleged here, and anyone who did have a good faith concern would approach leaders at headquarters or our Washington Field Office rather than laundering bizarre claims through the press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI employees said they voiced concerns to Reuters because of the potential risks to national security and public safety. Several urged an immediate end to the use of undercover cars. This is crazy, dangerous, and bad for the bureau, said Dan Brunner, a former FBI agent who retired in September 2023 after a two-decade career including work on MS-13 street gang cases. Brunner noted that D.C. is the most saturated city with foreign nation spies, foreign actors, so of course they're going to be down there. So those guys, you know, their vehicles, their license plates are getting recorded. While Reuters could not confirm that foreign actors were tracking vehicles, Brunner, Cohen, and the anonymous FBI employees emphasized that investigative targets continually try to identify law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a major threat facing U.S. law enforcement, said Cohen, now executive director for the Center for Internet Securitys program for countering hybrid threats. He and several FBI sources cited a recent Justice Department report from its internal watchdog detailing how such information can be exploited. In addition to federal agencies such as ICE and the FBI, National Guard troops have been deployed across the District of Columbia (Getty Images) In 2018, a hacker working for the Sinaloa Cartel accessed an FBI employees phone records in Mexico City and tapped into city cameras to help the cartel identify, track, and kill FBI witnesses and sources. This isnt a hypothetical issue, just look at what happened in Mexico City, a third current FBI employee warned. Brunner proposed that, at a minimum, all cars' license plates used should be replaced. He and others suggested that the bureau consider using rented or borrowed vehicles from other government agencies for future deployments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cohen acknowledged that highly visible law enforcement presence in high-crime areas can serve as a deterrent for crime. But he added that at the same time, the value that comes from the federal government in fighting violent crime is through their investigations, which very often are conducted in a way in which the identity and the resources and the vehicles of the investigators are kept, you know, secret. Trump invoked Section 740 of the Home Rule Act last month in order to take emergency control of D.C.s policing and send in members of the National Guard, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other government agencies to assist the Metropolitan Police Department in tackling urban crime. The District of Columbia sued Thursday to stop Trumps deployment of National Guard troops during his law enforcement action in Washington. The citys attorney general, Brian Schwalb, said the surge of troops essentially amounts to an involuntary military occupation. He argued in the federal lawsuit that the deployment, which coincides with an executive order from August 11 and now involves more than 1,000 service members, constitutes an illegal use of the military for domestic law enforcement. In the wake of the Minneapolis Catholic church shooting, senior Justice Department officials are weighing proposals to limit transgender peoples right to possess firearms, according to two officials familiar with the internal discussions. The talks, described as preliminary in nature, appear to build on an idea that has gained some currency in conservative media since the Minneapolis shooting that killed two children and injured 21, most of them children, at Annunciation Catholic Church, an attack that police say was carried out by a 23-year-old transgender woman. Such a move would represent a dramatic escalation of the Trump administrations fight against the rights of transgender Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump has issued a series of executive orders on the topic, including one barring transgender people from serving in the military and another ordering federal prisons to move transgender inmates to facilities corresponding to their gender assigned at birth. In addition, the idea of restricting gun rights has long been a red line for conservatives, with many Republican lawmakers and gun rights groups opposing red flag laws and or other policies aimed at keeping guns away from people suffering from mental health issues. But Justice Department leadership is seriously considering whether it can use its rulemaking authority to follow on to Trumps determination to bar military service by transgender people and declare that people who are transgender are mentally ill and can lose their Second Amendment rights to possess firearms, according to one Justice official. Another senior Justice Department official cautioned that any such proposal, should it gain steam, would likely run into legal complications. Millions of Americans have mental health issues and many take medications, but are not a danger to society and therefore cannot have their rights infringed upon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal law requires that a judge declare a person to be mentally defective before being stripped of their right to own firearms. Alejandra Caraballo, a clinical instructor at Harvard Law School, says she takes seriously this latest effort to target transgender people in the US. The administration, she argues, could try to have government agencies declare people with gender dysphoria as subject to a gun ban and then use other levers of the government, such as Medicare and Social Security Administration, to compile a list of transgender people to be targeted. But she also warns that the same methods could be used against others. This precedent being used against trans people could be used against veterans with PTSD, Caraballo said. Its a slippery slope to make anyone lose their 2nd amendment rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the advocacy group GLAAD said the DOJ is using the transgender community as a scapegoat. Instead of actual solutions, the administration is again choosing to scapegoat and target a small and vulnerable population, the GLAAD spokesperson said, noting that transgender people are less than 2% of the US population but four times as likely to be victims of crime. Everyone deserves to be themselves, be safe, and be free from violence and discrimination. The vast majority of mass attacks in the US have no connection to transgender people. From January 2013 to the present, of the more than 5,700 mass shootings in America (defined as four or more victims shot and killed), five shooters were confirmed as transgender, said Mark Bryant, founding executive director of the Gun Violence Archive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, after the deadly shooting last week, some conservative allies of the president quickly claimed that gender dysphoria the psychological distress and discomfort some people feel when theres a difference between their sex assigned at birth and their gender identity is a mental illness that should bar citizens from purchasing a firearm. The goal of the potential ban, according to the Justice official, is to ensure that mentally ill individuals suffering from gender dysphoria are unable to obtain firearms while they are unstable and unwell. Because gender dysphoria is included in the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, also called the DSM, it is diagnosed as a mental disorder. (The DSM is the handbook used by health care professionals as the authoritative guide in diagnosing mental disorders.) But the gender incongruence having a gender identity thats not the one assigned at birth isnt what makes gender dysphoria a mental disorder. Having clinically significant dysphoria around the incongruence is what makes it a disorder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the Justice Department said it is actively evaluating options to prevent the pattern of violence we have seen from individuals with specific mental health challenges and substance abuse disorders. No specific criminal justice proposals have been advanced at this time. The Justice Department under Attorney General Pam Bondi has launched a broad effort to target gender-affirming care across the country, including sending more than 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics who have provided transgender medical procedures to minors earlier this summer. One of those subpoenas, made public through court proceedings, demanded that the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia turn over swaths of sensitive information about its treatments, including patient data like birthdays, social security numbers and addresses. Bondi has previously advocated for some gun restricting laws. As Florida attorney general, she defended a state law that raised the age requirements for gun purchases in the wake of the Parkland school shooting in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also worked on the policy to ban the use of bump stocks which allow a shooter to convert a semi-automatic rifle into a weapon that can fire at a rate of hundreds of rounds a minute during the first Trump administration. The US Supreme Court has since overturned the bump stock ban and Florida lawmakers are pushing to lower the age restriction on gun purchases. CNNs Isa Mudannayake contributed to this report. This story has been updated with additional responses. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Donald Trump is expanding his military intimidation campaigns against his enemies, foreign and domestic. Trumps decision to destroy a purported drug boat from Venezuela, in international waters, is the latest escalation from a president who spent years conning his followers into believing he hates neocons and values peace, and is now enthusiastically bombing countries and threatening invasions. This week also offered yet another glimpse into Trump and the Republican Partys willingness to wage war on American soil, as the president and his government plot to deploy armed troops and other assets to one of the nations largest cities. Team Trump is keen on making Chicago after Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. just the latest Democratic-led city to suffer the consequences for opposing Trump. Advertisement Advertisement In this sense, Chicago and Venezuela have at least one thing in common: Trump has wanted to attack and destabilize both since his first term in the White House. Trump said Tuesday he would send the National Guard to Chicago, something he has already done in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. and could end in a court battle. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he expects the National Guard to begin operations Saturday. On Wednesday, Trumps campaign emailed his supporters: Were going into Chicago! Trump asked for $15 donations, adding, I WANT TO LIBERATE CHICAGO! Administration officials have been planning for months to bring their brand of militarized crackdown on immigration, on protests against Trumps immigration raids, and on Trumps political enemies broadly to the streets of Chicago, one of the Democratic Partys bastions of power and influence. A confrontation between the second Trump administration and this major American city was all but inevitable; matters were already so tense in the earliest days of the new Trump era that, according to two sources familiar with the matter, Mayor Brandon Johnson privately discussed updated travel and security protocols with his senior staff, in the event that Trump would have him arrested the moment he stepped off an airplane at in the Washington, D.C., area. Advertisement Advertisement Chicago is next, if they go too far, one senior administration official told Rolling Stone in June, following Trumps deployment of Marines and National Guard troops to L.A. The second they do, the president is prepared to prove that nobody is above the law. The Chicago mayor later responded to this reporting by stating at a press conference that he and the city would go as far as necessary to defend residents constitutional rights. As The Daily Beast reported in July 2020, when massive racial-justice protests swept the United States and the coronavirus pandemic was ravaging the world, then-President Trump told administration officials that he wanted to launch an all-out federal offensive in Chicago. At the time, there were senior officials around him who bargained him down to a much smaller show of force. Today, Trump is surrounded by lieutenants who believe as the president does that one of the biggest mistakes of his first four years in office was to sometimes listen to and employ voices of comparable moderation. There was rarely a time I spoke to him about violent crime when two things didnt come up: Number One, that its all happening in Democrat-run cities, with Chicago being shorthand for that kind of [blight], a former senior Trump administration official told The Daily Beast that summer. And Number Two, if it were up to him, we would return to the old days where it was eye-for-an-eye, tooth-for-a-tooth or we would forget about proportionality altogether. He would talk about lining up drug dealers and gang members in front of a firing squad If it were solely up to him, that is how the country would solve crime in Democrat-run cities [such as Chicago and Detroit]. The Windy City is hardly the only part of North or South America that is currently reckoning with Trumps aggression and cartoonishly oafish imperialism. Trump has also floated the idea of federal intervention in Baltimore and New Orleans. And when hes not threatening Canada with annexation and senseless economic warfare, or ordering his senior advisers to draw up classified plans and options for attacking, bombing, and invading Mexico, the president has been busy attempting to destabilize the regime in Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Trump announced that he bombed a drug-carrying boat that departed from Venezuela. The administration claimed it killed 11 members of Tren de Aragua, a gang Trump designated as a terrorist organization, in the attack, which likely violated international law. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged the Trump administration will conduct more attacks like the one on this boat. It will happen again, he said. Trump also accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of controlling Tren de Aragua, as the administration seeks his arrest. According to Trump administration officials familiar with the planning, Trump has been briefed on a wide array of potential military options as it relates to Venezuela. Some of these officials familiar with Trumps thinking on the topic say that for now, the president is not committed to conducting airstrikes on Venezuelan soil, much less an invasion with even a small number of troops or special forces. Advertisement Advertisement However, the sources say, Trump definitely wants the Maduro government and other players in Venezuela to think those are possibilities. There are some top officials in the new Trump administration who are more stridently committed than the president is to the idea of regime change in Caracas, and are hoping that a vast pressure campaign, or even some forms of military action, could lead to other Venezuelan political actors taking care of Maduro for us, one senior official says. In 2017, Trump told reporters: We have many options for Venezuela, and by the way, Im not going to rule out a military option. Trump also noted that the U.S. has troops all over the world in places that are very, very far away. Venezuela is not very far away. And the people are suffering and theyre dying. We have many options for Venezuela, including a possible military option, if necessary. Trumps Department of Defense at the time would later be forced to clarify that it was not going to invade Venezuela. 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. President Donald Trump is expected to nominate Lt. Gen. William Hartman, the acting leader of both the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command, to formally lead both agencies, two people with knowledge of the situation told POLITICO on Thursday. Hartman has the support of top officials at the White House, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Defense Department, according to one of the people. Both individuals were granted anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. As part of the process, Hartmans paperwork will be sent to the National Security Council before hitting the presidents desk. The dual role is a Senate-confirmed position, given that it is a promotion to four-star general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hartman has led both agencies in an acting capacity since April, when Trump abruptly fired Gen. Timothy Haugh from the role. Hartman had served as the deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command, and previously served as commander of the Cyber National Mission Force. Before that, he served in various infantry, intelligence and cyber operations military roles in the U.S., Germany, South Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations. Spokespersons for the White House, the Department of Defense, the NSA and Cyber Command did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the planned nomination. Hartman is unlikely to face much pushback to his nomination in the Senate. He testified before the Senate Armed Services Committees cyber subcommittee in April, days after Haughs dismissal, and garnered praise from both sides of the aisle. Lt. Gen. Richard Angle was previously put forward by the Pentagon for the role, but was nixed by the White House earlier this year. While Hartman has largely remained politically neutral and rarely speaks publicly, the New York Times reported last month that Hartman asked Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to refrain from firing one of the NSAs top scientists, but was rebuffed. His nomination will come on the heels of Joe Francescon being picked to serve as deputy director of the NSA. Its unclear who the next deputy commander of Cyber Command will be. Has Donald Trump found the limit of his grip on MAGA world? Congress is back in Washington and the attention around the Jeffrey Epstein investigation is more intense than ever. After lawmakers went home for the August recess some Republican leaders were hopeful that the headlines which have given the president and his allies the most trouble of any issue in years were finally on their way out of the news cycle. Instead, members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform spent the summer month doggedly pursuing the issue and returned on Tuesday to publish what they said was the first batch of documents retrieved via subpoena from the Department of Justice. On Tuesday, the committee released more than 33,000 pages received from the DOJ, though only a small fraction contained new information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday led to more problems for the president as a split-screen played out in close to real time across Washington. At the White House, seated next to the president of Poland, Trump declared that the Epstein issue was a Democrat hoax and likened it to conspiracies surrounding the John F. Kennedy assassination. Across town, lawmakers on Capitol Hill including some of his close Republican allies rallied with Epsteins victims just a few feet from the steps of the Capitol. Their message was clear: the issue is no hoax, nor is it going away any time soon. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene spoke to reporters after meeting with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell on Wednesday (Getty Images) Wednesdays event near the Capitol steps drew hundreds of protesters, media, spectators and supporters and made it obvious that the furor around the administrations handling of the investigation is not dissipating. After releasing a joint memo with the FBI regarding the investigation in July, the Justice Department stated that it would break a commitment to release evidence from the investigation and insisted that it had no evidence linking Epsteins crimes to the numerous powerful men and institutions with whom he pursued friendships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agencys declarations stunned and angered many younger Trump supporters who latched on to the issue through social media and other online content; Democrats were less shocked, but quickly jumped on the opportunity to call out the president for his administrations reversal. Since then, the Justice Department has pursued a less direct strategy. The agency filed a long-shot request to make grand jury transcripts related to Epsteins prosecution public; it was denied, with a judge calling the move a distraction. It complied with a Oversight panel subpoena, while dispatching Trumps own former attorney to speak personally with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins imprisoned accomplice. Trump has since declined to reject the possibility of pardoning Maxwell, despite being repeatedly pressed on it. The problem for Trump: theres very little momentum in the news cycle working to push Jeffrey Epstein out of the headlines and a lot more keeping the spotlight squarely on it. The salience of the issue among his MAGA base is now threatening to spiral out of control for the president. The first batch of the Oversight committees Epstein document dump, which contained documents that were largely previously-released, managed to slow but not halt the momentum among Republican House members. Alarm bells were clearly going off in the White House on Wednesday, when an unnamed White House spokesperson issued a statement outright threatening retribution against Republicans who break ranks and join a discharge petition that would force the Justice Department to release all of its files on the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, the spokesperson said. That tactic worked for Trump in July, when the White House bullied Republican holdouts into line and shepherded passage of the big, beautiful bill through the House. The presidents iron grip on the GOP is legendary at this point. And it makes the response Wednesday from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of his allies, all the more significant. This isnt a hostile act towards the administration. The hostile act has been against these women for so many years now, and the hostile act is covering up for Jeffrey Epstein and everyone else thats been involved in this; and thats the real hostile act, she said. I look forward to talking with President Trump about these women that Ive met. I also encouraged him already this morning that he should have these women in the Oval Office. They deserve to be there. While the discharge petitions main Republican cosponsor Rep. Thomas Massie is no ally of Trumps, the statement from Greene is just the tip of the iceberg as it pertains to the GOPs hesitance to dismiss the Epstein issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just two more Republicans would be needed to sign on to Massies discharge petition for it to succeed; two others currently supporting the legislation include MAGA Reps. Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace. Their defiance is a sign of the issues potency, especially with younger voters. Mace, also a survivor of sexual violence, left a hearing in tears on Tuesday as Epstein survivors recounted their experiences to lawmakers on the Oversight panel. She later said the testimony triggered a panic attack. 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, wrote the congresswoman. Massie was fiery in his response, calling the White House statement disgusting. He, Greene, and the Epstein survivors who gathered this week on Capitol Hill have all signaled theyre ready to ratchet up the pressure on the White House and Speaker Mike Johnson until the petition gets the requisite votes. Victims, meanwhile, told reporters that they are considering making their own list of the convicted sex offenders alleged accomplices. Epstein accuser Jennifer Araoz speaks during a press conference to encourage the release of the remaining files related to the investigations into Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell (Reuters) That combined pressure and momentum could end up having as much or more political strength than Trump, who is now facing record-low approval ratings as Americans worries about the economy keep climbing higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rhetoric in the House, predictably, is reaching a fever pitch. Regarding Johnson, the Kentucky congressman issued a vicious statement on Tuesday: "He's allegedly a social conservative...and it seems to be very out of character for him to cover up for a sex trafficking ring." Greene vowed Wednesday to use House privilege to name Epsteins alleged accomplices on the House floor if it came to that. Doing so would immunize Greene from criminal or civil penalties for defamation. "If [the survivors] want to give me a list, I will walk in that Capitol on the House floor and I'll say every damn name that abused these women," said Greene on Wednesday. "I can do that for them and I'd be proud to do it." "It's a scary thing to name names. But I will tell you, I'm not afraid to name names." By Jody Godoy (Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Trade Commission barred the largest pet cremation business in the U.S. from enforcing its noncompete agreements with 1,800 workers on Thursday, saying they unfairly diminish workers' leverage with their employer. FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson said in a statement on Thursday that the action shows how the agency can use enforcement actions against targeted instances of unfair noncompete agreements, even without the rule passed by his predecessor, Lina Khan, that would ban such agreements nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday's action "makes clear that the Trump-Vance Commission will act as a cop on the beat, enforcing the antitrust laws against unlawful noncompete agreements to protect American workers, rather than trying to legislate them away," Ferguson said. A judge in Texas struck down the noncompete ban last year after the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sued the agency. Ferguson, a Republican, dissented from the agency's Democratic majority rule when it was passed, saying it went beyond the FTC's authority and relied on weak evidence regarding the benefits and drawbacks of a blanket ban. On Thursday, the FTC said pet cremation company Gateway Services has agreed to cease enforcing its noncompete agreements, which bar employees at its 100 locations from working elsewhere in the industry for a year after leaving the company. The agency also called for public comment on noncompete agreements, saying it may use the information to bring future cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effort illustrates one side of the Trump administration's approach to U.S. workers, where Ferguson has said the FTC aims to crack down on deceptive practices by employers to deliver on President Donald Trump's promise to address the economic concerns of the working class. On the other hand, labor groups have criticized the administration and unions have sued it for stripping hundreds of thousands of federal workers' collective bargaining rights and reversing some pro-worker policies put in place under former President Joe Biden. Kelse Moen, who co-leads the labor task force that Ferguson launched in February, said in a statement that "today's action will not be the last." The action is the first by the FTC under the Trump administration against the practice. The agency settled with a security company and glass container manufacturers during Biden's term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency's three Republicans voted in favor of the settlement with Gateway Services, while Rebecca Slaughter, a Democratic commissioner who was reinstated by a court this week after being fired earlier this year by Trump, voted against it. Slaughter said in a statement that the action does nothing to address Gateway's consolidation of the cremation businesses under its private-equity owner, Imperial Capital, and said the FTC should defend the noncompete ban. "One-off enforcement is no substitute for the FTCs meaningful, marketwide noncompete rule that will protect workers across the country," she said. The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday to again allow it to remove Slaughter while the case over her firing plays out. (Reporting by Jody Godoy and Daniel Wiessner in New YorkEditing by Chris Sanders, Matthew Lewis and Nick Zieminski) Donald Trumps contempt for journalists boiled over again on Wednesday when the president told a foreign reporter to get yourself a new job. (Watch the video below.) Polish radio correspondent Marek Walkuski noted that Trump has expressed disappointment and frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin but theres no action. The provocative comment rattled the president. How do you know theres no action? Who are you with? Trump asked, using one of his favorite strategies to call out a journalist. Would you say that putting secondary sanctions on India the largest purchaser outside of China, theyre almost equal would you say there was no action? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump claimed the United States recent tariff increase on India from 25% to 50% a tax designed to punish India for buying oil from Russia is costing Russia billions of dollars. Related: Pro-Trump New York Post Shreds RFK Jr. In Brutal Editorial: Paranoid Kook But when you say theres no action, I think you ought to get yourself a new job, Trump sniped. Because if you remember, two weeks ago, I said if India buys, Indias got big problems, and thats what happened. So dont tell me about that. Walkuski, part of the White House press corps since 2018, told The Hill that he actually appreciated Trumps clapback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I got a newsworthy answer to my question from the president of the United States, and thats my job as a journalist, he said. A career change for Walkuski apparently wasnt forthcoming but lm grateful for his advice, the reporter said. Trump Snaps at Reporter Over Putin Question! When asked why he hasnt acted against Putin despite expressing frustration, Trump hit back: How do you know theres no action? I think you oughta get yourself a new job.#Trump#Putin#USPolitics#RashtraVaanipic.twitter.com/a1KTM3peJT RashtraVaani (@RashtraVaani25) September 4, 2025 Trump has routinely confronted journalists asking questions not to his liking. He recently deflected a CNN reporters query about a split in the MAGA ranks over support for Israel. Do you ever ask a positive question at CNN? Trump replied. My supporters are more in love with me today, and Im in love with them, more than they were even at election time. The Washington Post has also been at the receiving end of Trumps media intimidation, as has HuffPost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know even what youre talking about, Trump said to HuffPosts S.V. Date on Air Force One in February. Neither do you. Who are you with? Related: 'Let's Cut Out The Middleman': Zohran Mamdani Hits Trump With A Direct Challenge HuffPost, sir, Date said. Oh, no wonder, Trump said. I thought they, I thought they died. Are they still around? I havent read them in years. I thought they died. On another front, Trump has escalated his dislike for mainstream media by suing outlets and having some success. Related... Read the original on HuffPost The deadly U.S. military strike in the Caribbean this week on a boat allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela is the latest measure President Trump has taken to combat the threat he sees from the Tren de Aragua gang. The White House has offered few details on Tuesday's attack and insists the 11 people aboard were members of the gang. The criminal organization, which traces its roots to a Venezuelan prison, is not known for having a big role in global drug trafficking but for its involvement in contract killings, extortions and human smuggling. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned Wednesday that the United States will keep assets positioned in the Caribbean and strike anyone "trafficking in those waters who we know is a designated narco terrorist." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. officials have yet to explain how the military determined that those aboard the vessel were Tren de Aragua members. The strike represents a paradigm shift in how the U.S. is willing to combat drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere and appears to send a combative message to governments in the region as well as drug traffickers. Tren de Aragua operations spread beyond Venezuela Tren de Aragua originated more than a decade ago at an infamously lawless prison with hardened criminals in Venezuela's central state of Aragua. The gang has expanded in recent years, recruiting from among the more than 7.7 million Venezuelans who have fled economic turmoil in their homeland and migrated to other Latin American countries or the U.S. Mr. Trump and administration officials have consistently blamed the gang for being at the root of the violence and illicit drug dealing that plague some U.S. cities. Mr. Trump has repeated his claim contradicted by a declassified U.S. intelligence assessment that Tren de Aragua is operating under Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his 2024 presidential campaign, Mr. Trump described Aurora, Colorado, as a "war zone" overrun with members of the gang. Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain rejected that characterization, explaining the gang was tied to organized violent crime concentrated in three apartment complexes in the city. Chamberlain said earlier this year his department had counted a total of nine confirmed Tren de Aragua members who passed through Aurora in the last two years. The size of the gang is unclear. Countries with large populations of Venezuelan migrants, including Peru and Colombia, have accused the group of being behind a spree of violence in the region. Authorities in Chile first identified the gang's operations in 2022. Prosecutors and investigators have said the group initially engaged primarily in human trafficking, organizing unauthorized border crossings and sexual exploitation, but over time, members have expanded their activities to more violent crimes, such as kidnapping, torture, extortion and became more involved in drug trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Tren de Argua has dominated ketamine trafficking in Chile, unlike other criminal organizations from Colombia, Central America and Brazil, it has no large-scale involvement in smuggling cocaine across international borders, according to InSight Crime, a think tank that last month published a 64-page report on the gang based on two years of research. "We've found no direct participation of TdA in the transnational drug trade, although there are cases of them acting as subcontractors for other drug trafficking organizations," said Jeremy McDermott, a Colombia-based co-founder of InSight Crime. McDermott added that with affiliated cells spread across Latin America, it would not be a huge leap for the gang to one day delve into the drug trade. Landlocked Bolivia and Colombia, with access to the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea and a border with Venezuela, are the world's top cocaine producers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump designated Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization On his first day in office, Mr. Trump took steps to designate the gang a foreign terrorist organization alongside several Mexican drug cartels. The Biden administration had sanctioned the gang and offered $12 million in rewards for the arrest of three of its leaders. Mr. Trump's executive order accused the gang of working closely with top Maduro officials most notably the former vice president and one-time governor of Aragua state, Tareck El Aissami to infiltrate migration flows, flood the U.S. with cocaine and plot against the country. A U.S. intelligence assessment released earlier this year found minimal contact between the gang and low-level officials in the Venezuelan government but said there was no direct coordination between the gang and the government. In March, Mr. Trump also declared the group an invading force, invoking an 18th century wartime law that allows the U.S. to deport noncitizens without any legal recourse. Under the Alien Enemies Act, the administration sent more than 250 Venezuelan men to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, where they remained incommunicado and without access to an attorney until their July deportation to Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A U.S. appeals court panel this week ruled that Mr. Trump cannot use that law to speed deportations of people his administration accuses of being Tren de Aragua members. A final ruling on the matter, however, will be made by the Supreme Court. The Trump administration alleged the men deported to the prison were members of the Tren de Aragua gang, but provided little evidence. One justification officials used was that the men had certain kinds of tattoos allegedly signifying gang membership, including crowns, clocks and other symbols. But experts have said tattoos are not reliable markers of affiliation to the gang. Trump cites the gang in justifying the military strike The U.S. has not released the names and nationalities of the 11 people killed Tuesday. It also has not offered an estimate of the amount of drugs it says the boat was carrying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday told reporters the U.S. military will continue lethal strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels, but he dodged questions on details of the strike, including if the people in the boat were warned before the attack. But, he said, Mr. Trump "has a right, under exigent circumstances, to eliminate imminent threats to the United States." "If you're on a boat full of cocaine or fentanyl or whatever, headed to the United States, you're an immediate threat to the United States," he told reporters in Mexico City during a visit to Latin America. Venezuela's government, which has long minimized the presence of Tren de Aragua in the South American country, limited its reaction to the strike to questioning the veracity of a video showing the attack. Communications Minister Freddy Nanez suggested it was created using artificial intelligence and described it as an "almost cartoonish animation, rather than a realistic depiction of an explosion." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth responded that the strike "was definitely not artificial intelligence," adding he watched live footage from Washington as the strike was carried out. The strike shows that the U.S. government is "quite literally deadly serious" in its targeting of drug traffickers, said Ryan Berg, director of the Americas program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank. But he questioned whether the link to Tren de Aragua has more to do with the "familiarity" that Americans now have with the gang. "I certainly hope that the U.S. government has the intelligence and we are not shooting first and asking questions later," Berg said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump administration scraps proposal for flight disruption compensation Massive ICE raid at Hyundai site leaves 475 detained in Georgia U.S. deploying 10 fighter jets to Puerto Rico in drug cartel crackdown The Department of Justice is reportedly considering a proposal to restrict transgender Americans from possessing firearms, marking a dramatic reversal of the Trump administrations pledges to preserve Second Amendment rights while escalating the presidents attacks against trans Americans. The proposal, according to CNN, comes in the wake of a mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic church allegedly committed by a 23-year-old trans woman, which has fueled conspiracy theories and right-wing outrage baselessly alleging trans people are predisposed to commit violence. Since taking office, Donald Trump has issued a series of directives targeting trans Americans, including an executive order that erases federal recognition of trans people and other measures that restrict gender-affirming healthcare and ban trans athletes from competing in womens sports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Defense has also forced out thousands of trans service members from all branches of the military. Trans people are not linked to higher rates of violence, and the overwhelming majority of mass attacks are committed by cisgender men. Trans people are also more than four times likely to be victims of violent crimes, including rape and sexual assault. The Justice Department is considering restrictions that would prevent transgender people from possessing firearms in a dramatic escalation of Republican threats to trans people and Second Amendment rights in the wake of the Minnesota mass shooting. (AFP via Getty Images) Yet Trumps allies and right-wing media figures who have spent years seeking to remove trans people from public life have pounced on the Minnesota tragedy to build on political momentum targeting LGBT+ Americans. Restricting trans people from firearms is designed to ensure that mentally ill individuals suffering from gender dysphoria are unable to obtain firearms while they are unstable and unwell, a Justice Department official told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJ is actively evaluating options to prevent the pattern of violence we have seen from individuals with specific mental health challenges and substance abuse disorders, a spokesperson told The Independent. No specific criminal justice proposals have been advanced at this time. Under federal law, a judge must determine whether a person is mentally defective or committed to a mental institution before they can be stripped of their right to own firearms. Gender dysphoria is included in the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, though having a gender identity inconsistent with ones sex assigned at birth is not in itself a disorder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administrations efforts to remove trans people from the military have similarly argued that gender dysphoria is incompatible with service. Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance outside the church where a shooter fired on kids in the pews. The shooter was identified as a woman, and the attack sparked a slew of right-wing outrage, baselessly alleging that trans people are predisposed to commit violence. (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) The Pentagon has targeted service members who have a current diagnosis or history of or are exhibiting symptoms of gender dysphoria. Commanders who are aware of service members with gender dysphoria, a history of gender dysphoria or symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria must perform individualized medical record reviews, according to a Pentagon memo. The presidents January directive claims the adoption of a gender identity inconsistent with an individuals sex conflicts with a soldiers commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in ones personal life. Subsequent Defense Department guidance claimed that the medical, surgical and mental health constraints on individuals who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria are incompatible with the high mental and physical standards necessary for military service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the president has repeatedly hailed himself as a great protector of the Second Amendment and even ordered the Justice Department to audit anything on the books that would hinder the right to bear arms. For too long, the Second Amendment, which establishes the fundamental individual right of Americans to keep and bear arms, has been treated as a second-class right. No more, Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote to all Justice Department employees earlier this year. It is the policy of this Department of Justice to use its full might to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, she said. The Independent has requested comment from the White House. Donald Trump is considering sending the National Guard into New Orleans, escalating his threats to deploy federalized troops against cities with Democratic leadership and large Black populations. But unlike his warnings to Chicago, Los Angeles and Baltimore, New Orleans is a Democratic city in a Republican-controlled state, with a GOP-dominated state legislature and a governor who is staunchly aligned with the president and his agenda. Democratic officials in New Orleans have condemned the presidents remarks and rejected offers from the White House to put troops on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the states Republican leaders and members of Congress most of whom represent constituents far from the Crescent City are calling on Trump to send in the troops. Were making a determination now, Trump said from the White House on Wednesday. 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 thats become, you know, quite tough, quite bad. Louisianas Republican Governor Jeff Landry sent National Guard into New Orleans for the Super Bowl. Hes eager for another show of force after Trump floated the idea of sending more troops into the Democratically run city. (AFP via Getty Images) Homicide rates in the city, once considered the nations murder capital, have plummeted by more than 21 percent compared to last year, mirroring national downward trends alongside increased investments in violence prevention and government services. The city is on pace for a 50-year low in murders. So were going to be going to maybe Louisiana, and you have New Orleans, which has a crime problem well straighten that out in about two weeks, said Trump, echoing his ongoing claim that his administration can seemingly solve any crisis within 14 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Itll take us two weeks easier than D.C, he said. But we could straighten out Chicago. All they have to do is ask us. Landry, a former Republican congressman and state attorney general whom Trump endorsed for governor, quickly welcomed Trumps offer. Well take President Trumps help from New Orleans to Shreveport, Landry said in a statement. But "militarizing the streets of New Orleans is not a solution. Period, said Democratic Rep. Troy Carter, whose district includes New Orleans. If the president wants to provide federal resources to the city, I will work with him to provide funding to recruit and better train police officers, better fund our district attorney, fix the infrastructure at Orleans Parish Prison and fund the very programs he has cut that get at the root cause of crime: systemic poverty, he said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Orleans needs resources, not a political stunt, he added. New Orleans City Council member at-large Helena Moreno, a frontrunner in the citys mayoral race, called Trumps remarks an attack on cities that have rejected the presidents agenda. There are many cities with mayors aligned with this president whose crime issues are severe, but they're not targeted, she said in a statement. That clearly shows that this is about scare tactics and politicizing public safety. Ultimately leading to the misuse of public funds and resources to attempt to score political points. New Orleans City Council member at-large JP Morrell called Trumps remarks ridiculous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guardsmen are not trained law enforcement, he said. They cant solve crimes, they cant interview witnesses and they arent trained to constitutionally police. In a joint statement, the office of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell who is under federal indictment and the New Orleans Police Department didnt mention Trumps threats but noted that the citys collaborative approach with the federal government and state law enforcement has been instrumental in combatting crime suggesting that city leadership does not want another spectacle of National Guard service members patrolling the citys streets. Landry and other Louisiana Republicans are eager for a showdown with Democrats over troop deployment to New Orleans, once again at the center of a decades-long battle for control of the state (AP) Landry had sent the National Guard to New Orleans during the Super Bowl earlier this year, and he deployed dozens of service members from the state to Washington, D.C., to support Trumps federal takeover last month. The states Republican officials are once again eager for a show of force in the city, heightening the decades-long tension between the GOP and a majority Black, tourist-dense destination city that draws roughly $10 billion a year from visitors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states Republican attorney general Liz Murrill said people continue to die in New Orleans because leaders refuse to accept the resources that are available to them. If your gut reaction is to reject the presidents offer for assistance without condition, perhaps youre the problem not him, she said. House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise among the two most powerful House members, both representing Louisiana are also urging Trump to send in the guard. The citizens of New Orleans, and the millions of tourists who come here, deserve that same level of security, Scalise said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Guard in Washington, D.C. demonstrated that more uniforms on the street, whatever the color of the uniform is, makes our community safer, said Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy. It is not a long-term solution, but this gives us a chance to demonstrate that it is just as true in Louisiana as it is in Washington, D.C. Any troop deployment into New Orleans is likely to face a legal challenge from city officials and a federal judge has already ruled that Trump illegally went over the heads of state officials when he sent troops to California. After the states Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom sued the president, a federal judge determined that the president illegally deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to protests against his anti-immigration agenda. The presidents troop deployment violated the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which prohibits the use of the U.S. military for domestic law enforcement, according to the decision from District Judge Charles Breyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Washingtons attorney general has filed a similar lawsuit alleging Trump violated the same law with his deployment of U.S. troops into the capital citys streets. Deploying the National Guard to engage in law enforcement is not only unnecessary and unwanted, but it is also dangerous and harmful to the District and its residents, D.C.s Attorney General Schwalb said Thursday. No American city should have the U.S. military particularly out-of-state military who are not accountable to the residents and untrained in local law enforcement policing its streets Its D.C. today but could be any other city tomorrow. Sept. 4 (UPI) -- The Trump administration is moving to end deportation protections for Venezuelans, threatening the legal status for hundreds of thousands of people in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security announced it was ending Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela. The designation was set to expire Sept. 10, but will now be terminated in 60 days. "Given Venezuela's substantial role in driving irregular migration and the clear magnet effect created by Temporary Protected Status, maintaining or expanding TPS for Venezuelan nationals directly undermines the Trump administration's efforts to secure our southern border and manage migration effectively," U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesman Matthew Tragesser said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration designated Venezuela for TPS in March 2021, permitting Venezuelans in the United States protection from deportation and work eligibility, due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in their home country. In September that same year, the Biden administration expanded eligibility to some 600,000 Venezuelans already in the country. Former President Joe Biden has twice attempted to extend the designation, including during his final days in office, but the Trump administration was quick to block that final extension in February. President Donald Trump -- who campaigned on mass deportations, often employing incendiary rhetoric and misinformation -- has been attempting to end TPS for many of the previously designated countries, as part of his immigration crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's Department of Homeland Security argues that conditions in those nations no longer warrant continued TPS protections. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem "determined that conditions in Venezuela no longer meet the TPS statutory requirements," the department said. Meanwhile, some Democrats are accusing the Trump administration of turning a blind eye to the conditions in the Caribbean nation in order to deport more people. "The Trump admin. is stripping TPS for Venezuelans in the U.S. and is claiming that conditions in Venezuela are not that bad," Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, D-Fla., said on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Meanwhile, Venezuelans are going hungry and without food and medicine under the Maduro regime. But apparently that's good enough for Donald Trump." Venezuela has been a focus of Trump's immigration policies. Trump has stated that the United States is under an "invasion" of drug cartels from the Caribbean nation in order to rapidly deport alleged gang members. On Tuesday, the U.S. military conducted a controversial strike on a boat allegedly transporting drugs from Venezuela to the United States, killing 11 accused members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Since returning to office in January, Trump has moved to terminate TPS for seven nations, including Afghanistan, Haiti, Honduras and Nicaragua, resulting in legal challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a Congressional Research report from December, more than 1 million people in the United States had TPS protections, including 256,600 Venezuelan nationals. "Immigrants with Temporary Protected Status are our co-workers, union siblings and friends," the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization trade union said in a statement in protest of the Trump administration's move. "Terminating TPS for 250,000 people from Venezuela won't help workers. The Trump admin's actions will tear families apart, put working people in harm's way and disrupt our workplaces." Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that the U.S. will continue to blow up suspected drug vessels instead of just intercepting them, citing orders from President Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters in Mexico City, Rubio said Trump made the call for the military to blow up a boat that American officials suspected was carrying illegal drugs from Venezuela to the U.S., foregoing the option to simply stop the boat. Instead of interdicting it, on the presidents orders, we blew it up and itll happen again. Maybe its happening right now, Rubio told reporters Wednesday in Mexico City a day after Trump disclosed the strike, which marks a major escalation in his administrations crusade against drug trafficking. Related: Republicans Launch Yet Another Jan. 6 Committee Stopping boats and capturing smugglers is ineffective, Rubio continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States has long, for many, many years, established intelligence that allow us to interdict and stop drug boats, he said. We did that, and it doesnt work. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a press conference in Mexico City on Wednesday. CARL DE SOUZA via Getty Images What will stop them is when you blow them up, when you get rid of them, he continued. When asked if the military gave the boat a warning, Rubio replied: The president has a right to eliminate immediate threats to the United States. This president is not a talker, hes a doer. The strike killed 11 people. Trump made similar remarks earlier Wednesday when asked why he didnt simply have the boats intercepted. There was massive amounts of drugs coming into our country to kill a lot of people, and everybody fully understands that, Trump said at the White House. Obviously, they wont be doing it again. And I think a lot of other people wont be doing it again. When they watch that tape, theyre going to say, Lets not do this. Related: Trumps Claim Of Massive Amounts Of Fentanyl From Canada Is True Only In His Mind Vice President JD Vance also told reporters Wednesday that the people on the boat were literal terrorists attempting to bring in deadly drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, experts told The New York Times that Venezuela plays little to no role in the fentanyl trade. That drug is almost exclusively produced in Mexico using chemicals imported from China. The strike came amid the U.S. building up a major Navy presence in the waters near Venezuela. The countrys autocratic leader, Nicolas Maduro, who has denied U.S. accusations of drug trafficking, said Monday it constituted the greatest threat our continent has seen in the last 100 years. CORRECTION: This article was amended to correct an editing error and reflect that the allegations that Maduro is personally involved in drug trafficking have not yet been proven. More on Politics Ted Cruz's Fat Joke About Illinois Governor Just Leads To More Humiliation Marco Rubio Reveals Just How Serious Donald Trump Is About Buying Greenland Trump Fires First Shots In Trade War With Tariffs on Mexico, Canada Read the original on HuffPost US President Donald Trump plans to revoke contracts to build two large wind farms owned by Spain's Iberdrola off the coast of the northern state of Massachusetts, according to court documents filed on Wednesday. The US Justice Department plans to revoke the federal licence granted by the Biden administration in 2024 to Avangrid, Iberdrola's US subsidiary, to build and operate the Avangrid New England 1 and 2 plants. The plan calls for the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to revoke the licence by 10 October, in what would be a new step by the Trump Administration in its crusade against renewable energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just four years ago, Iberdrola announced a major capital increase in its subsidiary Avangrid, which involved the issuance of a total of $4 billion (3.429bn) in ordinary shares, with the aim of financing the growth of its US subsidiary. Related Trump and his commitment to non-renewable energy For years, Trump has maintained that the United States should focus on non-renewable energy due to the country's large oil reserves. And in recent times, he has begun to contemplate the possibility of building new nuclear power plants to supply technology companies in their race to develop artificial intelligence models. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, the president has always criticised the development of clean energy, especially wind energy, accusing the industry of killing thousands of birds due to the enormous blades of wind turbines. However, this is an argument that is rejected by environmental associations, which see these projects as a much more environmentally friendly alternative to other energy sources, such as coal and oil. President Trump has declared that he wants to send the National Guard into Chicago, a move that would set himself up for a bigger legal challenge and riskier political move compared to his crackdown in Washington, D.C. Trumps decision to send the National Guard into the nations capital, which the White House has touted as a major success, is protected under the Home Rule Act that gives the president the authority to take control of the Districts police department for up to 30 days. But the president doesnt have that authority in sovereign states. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) has warned the president against deploying the National Guard to Chicago, demonstrating a power struggle thats sure to spotlight how Democrats will handle Trump on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump in early August announced he was taking federal control of the D.C. police department and deploying the National Guard. By September, more than 3,300 federal law enforcement from 22 agencies patrol the streets nightly, more than 1,700 arrests have been made and more than 190 firearms have been seized, according to the White House. The presidents tone when it comes to Chicago has also shifted. He suggested Tuesday he could go all in, but then also insisted he wanted governors to ask him to help activate the National Guard in their states, appearing to acknowledge some limits to his overarching authority he can exercise in D.C. but not elsewhere. The analogous governor of D.C. is the president, said Rachel VanLandingham, a former Air Force judge advocate and law professor at Southwestern Law School. But in Chicago, the situation is very different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of what Trump has done in D.C. is not repeatable anywhere else, said Joseph Nunn, counsel in the Brennan Center for Justices Liberty and National Security Program. Whatever Trump says, the federal government has no power to go into Chicago and take over local policing and local law enforcement there. Legal fight imminent Any effort to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago would likely face a legal fight, like the one that has played out in Los Angeles since Trump federalized part of Californias National Guard after immigration protests turned violent in June. Trump cited Title 10, a federal law that lets the president call National Guard troops into federal service in specific circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) quickly sued, calling the deployment unlawful, but the Trump administration argued the move was legally sound because troops were protecting federal officers, not enforcing laws. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, an appointee of former President Clinton, ruled Tuesday that the troops violated the law when Trump sent them there specifically running afoul of the Posse Comitatus Act, an 1878 statute that generally bars federal troops from participating in civilian law enforcement. The decision expressed worry that other cities, including Chicago, could be next, though the judge emphasized his ruling applies only to Trumps use of the National Guard in California not nationally. The Trump administration quickly appealed Breyers decision, the second major ruling the judge has made on Trumps National Guard deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has cast Chicago as the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far, pointing to a spike in shootings over Labor Day weekend as proof. But state and city leaders say crime is significantly down. If he doesnt federalize Illinoiss National Guard, the president could attempt to call other states National Guards to Chicago under Title 32, meaning they are under local authority but federally funded and not subject to the Posse Comitatus Act, because they are technically under a governors command, despite receiving their mission from the White House. The National Guard in D.C. were deployed in a Title 32 status, and governors from several Republican-led states sent troops to assist with Trumps mission to crack down on local street crime. Pritzker has suggested the Trump administration is preparing the Texas National Guard for deployment to Chicago. But that wouldnt be as easy in Chicago as D.C., VanLandingham said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump could try to send Texas National Guard members to Chicago on a federal mission to crush crime, but the U.S. Constitution leaves responsibility for local policing to the states. If Pritzker doesnt authorize those troops to engage in law enforcement, they cant, she said. The law clearly says that the Texas governor has no jurisdiction in another state to engage in law enforcement, VanLandingham said, noting Illinois could file a lawsuit claiming its sovereignty is being stepped on. Nunn said its unlikely the administration would take that approach, which would certainly face an uphill battle in the courts. The president could federalize Texass National Guard, or another states, but then those troops must comply with the Posse Comitatus Act, he said. Or, Trump could invoke the Insurrection Act a power used sparingly throughout U.S. history that allows for the use of the military to quell rebellion, a move Trump has long flirted with but steered clear from. VanLandingham noted a definite hesitancy from the administration to go there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to The Hill, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul (D) said the state has been reviewing all legal tools available, even without yet knowing what form the federal operation will take. The requirements for such deployment do not exist in Chicago, and I will not hesitate to take action to protect our residents if this administration breaks the law or violates our Constitution, Raoul said. Trump, Pritzker face off Trump has flirted for weeks with the idea of sending federal troops next into Chicago, while also bashing Pritzker and lobbing personal insults at him. Trump wants Pritzker to call him and ask for help combating crime in Chicago; Pritzker said its insulting that any governor should have to beg the president of any political party for resources owed their people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor is expected to have White House aspirations, so the back-and-forth between him and Trump has been closely watched. The same has gone for Trump and Newsom. Democrats argue Pritzker taking a stand against Trump is worth it to project strength, even if it comes with risks. Good politicians dont approach high-stakes politics by calculating safe passage they step up and take a stand. Pritzker has been blunt, consistent, and carries an energy that feels bigger than the job, said Ivan Zapien, a former Democratic National Committee official. Yes, it could backfire, but hes been clear about the why. That conviction also happens to be the smart political move, aligned with what Democrats are looking for right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weeks into his crackdown in the nations capital, Trump said Democratic D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowsers response should be used as a template for other local leaders. Bowser, who has been largely amendable to the takeover of the citys police force, signed an order Tuesday authorizing coordination between local police and federal forces extending beyond Trumps declared emergency. But, while other Democrats may not be as friendly and Trump doesnt have Home Rule elsewhere to justify moves the president now appears to be considering acting in red states. He floated that the next city for the federal crime crackdown could be New Orleans; the Big Easy has a Democratic mayor, but Louisiana has a Republican governor. Were 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 thats become quite tough, quite bad, Trump 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 The Hill. Investing.com -- President Donald Trump will sign an executive order Friday to reintroduce the historic name Department of War as a secondary title for the U.S. Department of Defense, according to Fox News, citing information confirmed by White House officials. The decision underscores the administrations push to revive martial symbolism as part of its broader warrior ethos campaign across the defense establishment. The order directs current Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to adopt the additional title Secretary of War and instructs him to pursue both legislative and executive measures to formalize the change. Updates across Pentagon signage and communications are set to begin immediately, including renaming the public affairs briefing room the Pentagon War Annex. "Everybody likes that we had an unbelievable history of victory when it was Department of War," President Trump told reporters on August 25. "Then we changed it to Department of Defense." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps move follows public comments by both him and Hegseth in recent weeks expressing dissatisfaction with the modern nomenclature, which they argue represents a more bureaucratic and less combative posture. A White House fact sheet said the shift is designed to restore historical clarity and reinforce a combat-first identity for the armed forces. The Department of War designation was last used officially in 1947, when the Pentagon underwent a sweeping post-World War II reorganization that created the Department of Defense under the National Security Act. Trump has characterized that shift as symbolic of a broader retreat from Americas postwar military assertiveness. While the executive order does not immediately change statutory language, officials said it is part of a longer-term campaign to institutionalize the rebranding. Other implementation projects, including digital presence and internal protocol changes, are expected to roll out over the coming months. Related articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump to reinstate Department of War name in symbolic rebranding - Fox News Silver: Global Markets Show Signs of a Gold-Like Bullish Run With $44 in Sight EUR/USD Could Rebound as Bond-Driven US Dollar Strength Looks Overdone By Nandita Bose and Idrees Ali WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order on Friday to rename the Department of Defense the "Department of War," a White House official said on Thursday, a move that would put Trump's stamp on the government's biggest organization. The order would authorize Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Defense Department and subordinate officials to use secondary titles such as "Secretary of War," "Department of War," and "Deputy Secretary of War" in official correspondence and public communications, according to a White House fact sheet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move would instruct Hegseth to recommend legislative and executive actions required to make the renaming permanent. Since taking office in January, Trump has set out to rename a range of places and institutions, including the Gulf of Mexico, and to restore the original names of military bases that were changed after racial justice protests. Department name changes are rare and require congressional approval, but Trump's fellow Republicans hold slim majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives, and the party's congressional leaders have shown little appetite for opposing any of Trump's initiatives. The U.S. Department of Defense was called the War Department until 1949, when Congress consolidated the Army, Navy and Air Force in the wake of World War Two. The name was chosen in part to signal that in the nuclear age, the U.S. was focused on preventing wars, according to historians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Changing the name again will be costly and require updating signs and letterheads used not only by officials at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., but also military installations around the world. An effort by former President Joe Biden to rename nine bases that honored the Confederacy and Confederate leaders was set to cost the Army $39 million. That effort was reversed by Hegseth earlier this year. The Trump administration's government downsizing team, known as the Department of Government Efficiency, has sought to carry out cuts at the Pentagon in a bid to save money. "Why not put this money toward supporting military families or toward employing diplomats that help prevent conflicts from starting in the first place?" said Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, a military veteran and member of the Senate's Armed Services Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Because Trump would rather use our military to score political points than to strengthen our national security and support our brave servicemembers and their families - that's why," she told Reuters. LONG TIME IN THE MAKING Critics have said the planned name change is not only costly, but an unnecessary distraction for the Pentagon. Hegseth has said that changing the name is "not just about words it's about the warrior ethos." This year, one of Trump's closest congressional allies, Republican U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, introduced a bill that would make it easier for a president to reorganize and rename agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're just going to do it. I'm sure Congress will go along if we need that ... Defense is too defensive. We want to be defensive, but we want to be offensive too if we have to be," Trump said last month. Trump also mentioned the possibility of a name change in June, when he suggested that the name was originally changed to be "politically correct." But for some in the Trump administration, the effort goes back much further. During Trump's first term, current FBI Director Kash Patel, who was briefly at the Pentagon, had a sign-off on his emails that read: "Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense & the War Department." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I view it as a tribute to the history and heritage of the Department of Defense," Patel told Reuters in 2021. (Reporting by Nandita Bose and Idrees Ali and additional reporting by Patricia Zengerle and Ismail Shakil; Writing by Idrees Ali; Editing by Don Durfee, Alistair Bell, Scott Malone and Jamie Freed) Victims who said they endured years of sexual abuse as children at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell stood on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 3, calling on members of the House to finally provide transparency about those crimes. Instead, they got pathetic political theater from House Speaker Mike Johnson, the Louisiana Republican doing everything in his power to protect President Donald Trump from whatever it is that frightens him in what has become known as the Epstein files. U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, beseeched their colleagues from those steps to sign a bipartisan discharge petition that would force Johnson to hold a vote on a resolution that would require the Department of Justice to release the Epstein files. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, talks with Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-California, at their news conference along with victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, DC, on Sept. 3, 2025. That petition needs 218 votes to force Johnson's hand. Massie, standing with the accusers against Epstein and Maxwell, noted that three of his Republican colleagues have already signed on. If just two more Republicans join in, and every Democrat in the House endorses the idea, that gets them to 218. Epstein's victims need more Republicans to care Johnson, who so fears a vote for Epstein files transparency that he adjourned the House early in July for summer recess to stifle momentum in that movement, borrowed a tactic from the Trump administration shortly after the victims' news conference concluded. The speaker offered the imitation of transparency, passing with only Republican votes a resolution calling on a House committee to keep investigating Epstein's crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That came a day after that committee released more than 33,000 Epstein-related documents, which no surprise here consisted of mostly files that had already been made public. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) speaks during a news conference with alleged victims of disgraced financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein outside the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. Anouska De Georgiou, a Jeffrey Epstein survivor, speaks during a press conference along with House members and other victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, DC, on Sept. 3, 2025. Marina Lacerda, a Jeffrey Epstein accuser, speaks during a press conference along with House members and other victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, DC, on Sept. 3, 2025. Anouska De Georgiou, left, embraces Chauntae Davies during a news conference about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein outside the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington, DC. Protestors gather outside the U.S. Capitol as House members hold a press conference along with victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, D.C., on September 3, 2025. Survivors Danielle Bensky, left, and Anouska De Georgiou, hug one another during a press conference along with House members and other victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, D.C., on September 3, 2025. Lisa Phillips speaks during a news conference with fellow alleged victims of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington, DC. Haley Robson, a Jeffery Epstein survivor, wipes tears from her eyes during a press conference along with House members and other victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, D.C., on September 3, 2025. People demostrate during the Stand with Survivors Rally in support of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's victims, in Washington, DC on September 3, 2025. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) speaks as House members hold a press conference along with victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, D.C., on September 3, 2025. The bipartisan group is calling for the release of the Justice Department files surrounding the case. Protestors gather outside the U.S. Capitol as House members hold a press conference along with victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, D.C., on September 3, 2025. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) speaks as House members hold a press conference along with victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, D.C., on September 3, 2025. The bipartisan group is calling for the release of the Justice Department files surrounding the case. Demonstrators carry a sign in support of the victims of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell near a press conference held by US representatives outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC on September 3, 2025. People attend a press conference and rally in support of the victims of sex offender Jeffrey Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC on September 3, 2025. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, talks with Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-California, at their news conference along with victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, DC, on Sept. 3, 2025. Attorney Gloria Allred speaks during a rally in support of the victims of disgraced financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein outside the U.S. Capitol on September 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. Alleged victims of Epstein and other victims of sexual abuse are holding the rally amid a bipartisan Congressional effort to force the federal government to release all unclassified records from the cases of Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Attendees listen to speakers during a rally to support victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, D.C., on September 3, 2025. Survivor Liz Stein speaks during a rally to support victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, D.C., on September 3, 2025. Attorney Sigrid McCawley speaks during a rally to support victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, D.C., on September 3, 2025. People attend a rally to support victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, D.C., on September 3, 2025. Demonstrators rally during a news conference with alleged victims of disgraced financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein outside the U.S. Capitol on September 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. Demonstrators rally during a news conference with alleged victims of disgraced financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein outside the U.S. Capitol on September 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. Victims of Jeffrey Epstein rally at Capitol Hill to demand release of files 1 of 22 Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) speaks during a news conference with alleged victims of disgraced financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein outside the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. If that sounds familiar, that's because Attorney General Pam Bondi tried and failed with the same sleight of hand in February, calling Trump allies to the White House to give them binders of Epstein documents that they could have just found on the internet. Bondi's botched binders bombed in Trump World and then exploded again when she issued a nothing-more-to-see-here memo about Epstein documents in July. Opinion: Brave Epstein survivors plead with Trump, who despicably demeans them as a 'hoax' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A reminder: Trump ran for reelection in 2024 promising to release the Epstein files. And he loaded his second administration with conspiracy mongers who spent 2021 to 2024 pushing for the release of those files. So you have to wonder why Trump officials have been calling House members this week, saying that signing on to the Massie-Khanna discharge petition would be seen as a "hostile act." Trump and Johnson want to appear transparent with the Epstein files while keeping them secret. Lisa Phillips speaks during a news conference with fellow alleged victims of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington, DC. Massie, speaking after the news conference with the victims, called that "the oldest trick in the swamp," adding, "When you want to kill the momentum, when you want to kill initiative, you introduce a placebo, a different bill that does nothing, and then try to pull the wool over the eyes of the American people." You can tell Trump is scared. We have to wonder why Trump wants this 'hoax' gone A protester holds up a photo of the future President Donald Trump with financier Jeffrey Epstein at a rally in Augusta, Georgia, on Aug. 2, 2025. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting a federal sex trafficking trial. Speaking in the Oval Office, he called the push for transparency "a Democrat hoax" to "talk about something that's totally irrelevant" just minutes after the accusers against Epstein and Maxwell stood outside the Capitol, insisting that they are not a hoax and that this is not political. Nobody smears crime victims like that unless they have something to fear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Johnson might have most of the Republicans in the House running scared. But that's not working for the victims of Epstein and Maxwell. Opinion: Epstein accomplice Maxwell angles for a Trump pardon. Would she lie to help him? Jena-Lisa Jones said she was 14 when a friend brought her to Epstein's mansion in West Palm Beach in 2003. It took her 16 years in 2019, the year Epstein killed himself in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges to go public about what happened to her there. "Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, this does not matter," Jones said on the Capitol steps. "This is not about sides." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anouska De Georgiou said she was a teenage model from London in the 1990s when she was recruited into Epstein's orbit, groomed and then repeatedly raped. "The only motive for opposing this bill would be to conceal wrongdoing," De Georgiou said while calling on Congress to support the discharge petition. "You have a choice: Stand with the truth, or with the lies that have protected predators for decades." Anouska De Georgiou, left, embraces Chauntae Davies during a news conference about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein outside the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington, DC. Annie Farmer said she was 16 when she was flown to New Mexico to spend a weekend with Epstein and Maxwell. Thirty years later, she stood on the Capitol steps and spoke of the "perception that there are two Americas, one for those with power and privilege, and one for everyone else." "Passing this Epstein transparency bill is one important step that can be taken to prove to Americans that the government does not side with sexual perpetrators," Farmer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Do the Republican members of the House helping Johnson and Trump hide the Epstein files from the American people side with sexual predators? Massie thinks you should ask them. "Light up their phones," Massie said. "Burn down the phone lines here in Washington, DC. Ask them the questions that these survivors wanted you to ask them." That's a good idea. If you don't know who represents you in Congress, you can call the House main switchboard at 202-224-3121, and a helpful operator will ask for your ZIP code and then connect you with your representative. I tried it not long after Massie spoke. It worked, quick and easy. You can also use the "find your representative" function at House.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Give your representative a call, and a piece of your mind about being transparent with the Epstein files. Follow USA TODAY columnist Chris Brennan on X, formerly known as Twitter: @ByChrisBrennan 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 says Epstein victims are part of a 'hoax.' He's afraid | Opinion President Trump told CBS News on Wednesday that he remains committed to pursuing a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, despite mounting uncertainty over the prospect of face-to-face talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Mr. Trump characterized his position as both realistic and optimistic, and said he is closely monitoring how both leaders are handling this crossroads in the negotiations. "I've been watching it, I've been seeing it, and I've been talking about it with President Putin and President Zelenskyy," Mr. Trump said in a phone interview. "Something is going to happen, but they are not ready yet. But something is going to happen. We are going to get it done." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president's comments come as Russia continues to strike Ukraine. Late last month, Russia carried out a massive drone and missile attack against Ukraine's capital, killing at least 15 people, including four children, according to a city official. Mr. Trump said he is unhappy with the carnage but will keep pushing for a peace agreement. "I think we're going to get it all straightened out," he said. "Frankly, the Russia one, I thought, would have been on the easier side of the ones I've stopped, but it seems to be something that's a little bit more difficult than some of the others," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier Wednesday, Mr. Trump told reporters that he was watching as Putin joined the leaders of China and North Korea for a grand military parade in Beijing. "I understand the reason they were doing it, and they were hoping I was watching, and I was watching," Mr. Trump said. "My relationship with all of them is very good. We're going to find out how good it is over the next week or two." Mr. Trump also told CBS News on Wednesday that his approach to many diplomatic negotiations, be it with Russia and Ukraine or with other warring nations, is to bring together key leaders into a room and have them broker an agreement in real time, often with his guidance on the transaction and to not write off any possibility before that happens. That approach, he said, demands patience, even when a quick resolution is sought, but he believes it has paid off in other peace agreements this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked whether he sometimes must "wait things out," Mr. Trump replied, "Well, you have to do that." "We've had some very good days, fortunately, and once I get them in a room together, or get them at least speaking together, they seem to work out. We've saved millions of lives." Last month, ahead of his closely watched meeting with Putin in Alaska, Mr. Trump told reporters, "All I want to do is set the table for the next meeting, which should happen shortly." Beyond the Russia-Ukraine war, Mr. Trump has claimed in recent weeks that he should be credited for ending six or seven wars during this term and that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. White House officials have pointed to 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some foreign policy analysts have criticized Mr. Trump's claim, saying that many of those conflicts remain unresolved or were not full-scale wars. Or they contended that Mr. Trump was not a central force in the discussions. Several Trump allies have told CBS News that Mr. Trump maintains that the work done by him and his administration has been crucial in furthering those negotiations. "A lot of times, they're fighting each other for so long," Mr. Trump told CBS News. "They're fighting each other so long, they don't even think in terms of peace. It just becomes a way of life. And when I get them together, I get the people in the room, I'm able to convince them. 'Let's go. Let's make peace. It's enough, already. You've lost enough lives.'" Mr. Trump told CBS News that he is not seeking the Nobel Peace Prize. The recipient of the 2025 prize is expected to be announced next month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have nothing to say about it," Mr. Trump said. "All I can do is put out wars." He added, "I don't seek attention. I just want to save lives." Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Khanna, Massie and Greene hold news conference on Jeffrey Epstein files Grounded in Purpose: How Paychex Empowers Businesses and Builds Stronger Communities Elon Musk has clashed with President Donald Trump and the GOP over their tax and spending bill. However, Trump said he hoped Musk would return to the Republican Party. "He's got 80% super genius, and then 20% he's got some problems," Trump said of Musk. President Donald Trump is back to talking about his former backer, Elon Musk, on air. Trump was asked about Musk during an interview on "The Scott Jennings Show" that aired on Wednesday. The interview, which took place over the phone, was recorded on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He's got 80% super genius, and then 20% he's got some problems. And when he works out the 20%, he'll be great," Trump said of Musk. "I always liked him. I like him now. But he went off the reservation and he wished he didn't do it," Trump added. Trump told Jennings that Musk was "a man of common sense" and a "good man." He added that he was hopeful that Musk would not proceed with his plans to start a new political party and instead return to the GOP. "I don't think he has a choice," Trump said. "What's he gonna do? He's gonna go with the radical left lunatics? They're lunatics." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk and the White House did not respond to requests for comment from Business Insider. Trump and Musk initially enjoyed a close relationship after Musk threw his support behind Trump's presidential campaign in 2024. Musk spent at least $277 million supporting Trump and other GOP candidates. He later joined the administration and was the de facto head of the White House DOGE office until his departure in May. However, in June, Musk's relationship with Trump imploded in public view after the two posted heated messages directed at each other on X and Truth Social, respectively. Musk criticized Trump over the president's signature tax bill, also known as the "Big Beautiful Bill," which passed earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that the law "will result in a net increase in the unified budget deficit totaling $3.4 trillion over the 2025-2034 period, relative to CBO's January 2025 baseline updated to reflect enacted legislation." Musk called Trump and the GOP's tax plan a "MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK" and even took credit for Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential elections. "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House, and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate," Musk wrote in an X post on June 5. "Such ingratitude," he added in a subsequent post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump initially threatened to cancel the government contracts Musk's businesses had received, though he eventually struck a more conciliatory tone with Musk. "Look, I wish him well. You understand? We had a good relationship, and I just wish him well," Trump told reporters in June. In July, Musk said on X that he'd form a new political party, the America Party. Business Insider reported in August that Musk had yet to begin the formal process of starting the America Party, a month after he had made the declaration on social media. Musk continued to be a major GOP donor. Prominent MAGA figures, including Vice President JD Vance, have expressed hopes that Musk would return to the GOP. They argue that the billionaire was key to Trump's 2024 electoral victory and that having access to the world's richest man would be helpful in future elections. Read the original article on Business Insider The Trump administration has scrutinized and attacked higher education for lacking viewpoint diversity, describing it as too liberal or woke. Addressing this issue was central to the federal governments demands at Harvard University, as it threatened billions of dollars of federal funding. The demands included an overhaul of its leadership structure, admissions and hiring. Eitan Hersh, a political science professor at Tufts University, said he had already been working and thinking about the issue of viewpoint diversity for years and has been grateful to the federal government for its increased attention to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not endorsing the tactics that the Trump administration is using, but I think their engagement with this issue might have some really positive changes if schools can recover that spirit of open inquiry, Hersh said in an interview with MassLive. On Wednesday, Tufts University launched the Tufts Center for Expanding Viewpoints in Higher Education, which will be led by Hersh, to help the university and higher education reduce viewpoint homogeneity. The center is based in the Office of the President at Tufts, reporting directly to Tufts University President Sunil Kumar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It isnt in response to any government demand, Hersh made clear. It is the universitys own innovation. Hersh, who describes himself as a moderate conservative in the mold of former Massachusetts governors Charlie Baker and Mitt Romney, wants the center to be a place where students can engage openly across perspectives. Like many campuses like Tufts it is somewhat of a lopsidedly progressive secular bubble. Part of the goal here is exposing students to different viewpoints on the more conservative or religious side, Hersh said. But, its also about just ... training our intellectual muscles to take in information from all sides and process it effectively and be able to have a conversation with people with wildly different worldviews, he said. What will the center do? When Hersh attended Tufts as an undergraduate, he saw the campus as having a vibrant mix of political diversity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since becoming a professor at his alma mater eight years ago, he sensed a shift. He attributes it to more of a prevalence of people being targeted for taking up a policy position. He also thinks that the kind of conservatives that were once on college campuses are the kinds of people who have perhaps moved to the left because of the partys support of President Donald Trump. In order to address the idea that certain viewpoints are not being represented in higher education, he wants to create a culture at the center where all sides of arguments can be expressed, and the campus is one of empathetic and open debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This kind of spirit of open inquiry is meant to not just help students become competent citizens and workers, but also help scholars be better at their jobs, too, Hersh said. We want just a very positive, open environment where people are always debating and discussing ideas and not afraid to discuss those ideas for fear of being canceled, he continued. The center will focus on three main areas. The first focus area is that it will be a think tank for curriculum, helping faculty teaching on politically sensitive material to incorporate a variety of perspectives and learn how to teach the material effectively. It will be for college professors and hopefully expand to high school teachers as well. It is an opt-in model; no faculty will be forced to engage with the center, Hersh said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not trying to coerce professors to change their syllabi. Professors are rightfully protective of their intellectual freedom to teach the way that they want to teach. What I imagine us doing is providing resources and support to faculty that really want to prioritize viewpoint diversity in their teaching, he said. The second area of focus will be creating cultural experiences, such as reading groups and speaker series, to have a wide spectrum of viewpoints represented on campus. The third will be aimed at recovering science by discussing and evaluating research topics that might not be of a dominant viewpoint and have disciplinary biases that may be discounted, Hersh said. It could be on anything from climate change to vaccines, he said. We want to make sure that were not leaving really good research questions on the table because of whatever the biases of disciplines, we also want disciplines to do a really good job dealing with dissent in their fields, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university established an advisory committee made up of 11 faculty members from different parts of the institution to help provide leaders with their perspectives on how the center is doing. The university also hired a full-time associate director and is hiring another position that will be more focused on student fellowships and programs. The center will also aim to announce a postdoctoral program to start next year. What inspired the center? The idea for the center was born out of how many Tufts students, who were majority left-leaning, hadnt been exposed to conservative viewpoints in high school and in college. In response, Hersh created a class in 2022 called American Conservatism, a public policy course that focused on debates among conservatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Topics range from capitalism to affirmative action to LGBTQ+ rights to religion in public life, he said. The course was unique, in Hershs mind, because it was contemporary and focused on public policy and ultimately wasnt an outsiders look into a conservative movement, oftentimes in a very disparaging or negative way. It was a major hit at the university, growing from 40 students in his first year to around 100 most recently. The idea was ... to get a sense of, if you are an American conservative, whats your value system? What would lead you to this or that position? What are the sorts of fights about what conservatism means? he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hersh wanted students to leave a classroom discussion and understand what conservatives might think about a topic, something he felt students werent getting exposure to in other classes. After the success of the course, Hersh started pitching to the university in 2024 to build a center that focused on exposing students to a variety of perspectives. In a tense environment that has played out across higher education campuses in response to the war in Gaza leading to protests and encampments Hersh said it is important to learn amid differences of opinions. He has spent the summer meeting with faculty at Tufts to help them understand the centers mission, aiming to be very attentive to building trust and respect among the faculty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, thats what the center is in some ways about, is recovering that spirit that we have lots of different people with lots of different values at this school and we dont want them to just clash in competing protest movements. We want them to be reading exciting material together, debating together, learning together. And thats what makes universities great, Hersh said. More Higher Ed Read the original article on MassLive. US President Donald Trump has said he still wants to help Kyiv and Moscow reach a peace deal and has once again announced that "something is going to happen", despite uncertainty over the prospects of direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Source: European Pravda, citing Trump in an interview with CBS News Quote: "Frankly, the Russia one, I thought, would have been on the easier side of the ones I've stopped, but it seems to be something that's a little bit more difficult than some of the others." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Trump added that he is closely following how Zelenskyy and Putin are behaving at the moment. "I've been watching it, I've been seeing it, and I've been talking about it with President Putin and President Zelenskyy. Something is going to happen, but they are not ready yet. But something is going to happen. We are going to get it done," he said. [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president ed.] The US president stated that he will continue to push for a peace agreement despite the bloody fighting and Russian strikes on the civilian population. Trump explained that his approach to many diplomatic talks is to bring leaders together in one room and force them to strike a deal in real time, often under his guidance, without dismissing any possibility until it happens. He stressed that such an approach requires patience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked whether he sometimes has to "wait things out", Trump replied: "Well, you have to do that." "We've had some very good days, fortunately, and once I get them in a room together, or get them at least speaking together, they seem to work out. We've saved millions of lives," he believes. Background: Earlier, Trump said he is disappointed with Putin and announced that he plans to take certain actions. He also said he is closely monitoring the actions of Ukraine and Russia and repeated that he wants the killing to stop. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Trumps policies, particularly tariffs, are annoying voters in left-leaning Detroit but also more conservative, rural areas of Michigan, says Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. In the latest edition of Right Now With Perry Bacon, Gilchrist discussed his travels across the state, both for his current role and his campaign to become Michigans governor. He argued that voters are frustrated with Trump but not sure Democrats are solving their day-to-day problems, either. Gilchrist, one of the few African Americans in a statewide political office, also condemned Trumps deployment of the National Guard to majority-Black cities and targeting of Black officials, such as Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. You can watch this discussion here. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order Friday to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War, his latest effort to project an image of toughness for America's military. The Republican president can't formally change the name without legislation, which his administration would request from Congress. In the meantime, Trump will authorize the Pentagon to use secondary titles" so the department can go by its original name. The plans were disclosed by a White House official, who requested anonymity ahead of the public announcement, and detailed in a White House fact sheet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of War was created in 1789, the same year that the U.S. Constitution took effect. It was renamed by law in 1947, two years after the end of World War II. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth posted DEPARTMENT OF WAR on social media after the executive order was initially reported by Fox News. Trump and Hegseth have long talked about changing the name, and Hegseth even created a social media poll on the topic in March. Since then, he has hinted that his title as defense secretary may not be permanent at multiple public events, including a speech at Fort Benning, Georgia, on Thursday. He told an auditorium full of soldiers that it may be a slightly different title tomorrow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, Trump told reporters that everybody likes that we had an unbelievable history of victory when it was Department of War. Then we changed it to Department of Defense. When confronted with the possibility that making the name change would require an act of Congress, Trump told reporters that were just going to do it. Im sure Congress will go along if we need that, he added. The move is just the latest in a long line of cultural changes Hegseth has made to the Pentagon since taking office at the beginning of the year. Early in his tenure, Hegseth pushed hard to eliminate what he saw as the impacts of woke culture on the military by not only ridding the department of diversity programs but scrubbing libraries and websites of material deemed to be divisive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result was the removal and review of hundreds of books in the military academies, which ended up including titles on the Holocaust and a Maya Angelou memoir. It also resulted in the removal off thousands of websites honoring contributions by women and minority groups. I think the president and the secretary have been very clear on this that anybody that says in the Department of Defense that diversity is our strength is, is frankly, incorrect, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told reporters in March. Hegseth has also presided over the removal of all transgender troops from the military following an executive order from Trump through a process that some have described as dehumanizing or open cruelty. Rosie ODonnell fired right back after President Donald Trump renewed his threats to strip his longtime nemesis of her U.S. citizenship. After feuding with Trump for almost two decades, ODonnell moved to Ireland in January with her youngest child, Clay, in response to his return to the White House. On Wednesday night, Trump went on a posting spree on his social media platform Truth Social amid the bipartisan clamor for the release of the Epstein files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He began by sharing a distorted photo of ODonnell in which her face had been stretched digitally. As previously mentioned, we are giving serious thought to taking away Rosie ODonnells Citizenship. She is not a Great American and is, in my opinion, incapable of being so! Trump wrote. Donald Trump shared a distorted photo of Rosie ODonnell on Truth Social (Truth Social) Banishing me again? Logan Roy would be proud, ODonnell responded on Instagram Thursday in a reference to Brian Coxs media mogul in Succession. EPSTEIN SURVIVORS are the reckoning and your gold lame throne is melting, the actor added. Trump repeated his claim Wednesday that the Epstein case is a Democrat hoax that never ends, which has infuriated survivors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president made similar comments about ODonnells citizenship on Truth Social in July. Because of the fact that Rosie ODonnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship, he wrote. She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA! It didnt take long for ODonnell to respond. Rosie O'Donnell and Donald Trump have been enemies since 2006 (Getty) She posted a photo of Trump with the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein to Instagram, and wrote: Hey Donald youre rattled again? 18 years later and I still live rent-free in that collapsing brain of yours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She continued: You want to revoke my citizenship? Go ahead and try, King Joffrey with a tangerine spray tan. The president has no power to strip anyone of citizenship, but since returning to the White House, Trump has sought to end birthright citizenship, guaranteed to Americans under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. The 14th Amendment states: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. The comedians long-running feud with Trump stretches back to 2006 when she was a host on The View. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Touching briefly on her relationship with the current president back in March, she said: I knew that it would really tax me emotionally to have to do that [live in Trumps America]. So I'm very happy that we made the decision that we made. ODonnell said that it is heartbreaking to see what's happening politically in the United States but thanked the people of Ireland for welcoming her. It's been pretty wonderful, I have to say. The people are so loving and so kind, so welcoming. And I'm very grateful. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) President Donald Trump says New Orleans could soon see federal intervention to address crime, including the possible deployment of National Guard troops. Trump made the comments during an Oval Office news conference on Wednesday, pointing to Washington, D.C. as an example. He claimed that with National Guard support, the nations capital recently transformed into what he called a safe zone. Were 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, Trump said. A very nice section of this country thats become quite tough, quite bad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Jeff Landry says new Angola facility will house worst of the worst ICE detainees Trump added that he believes crime in New Orleans could be addressed quickly. Were going to be going to maybe Louisiana and you have New Orleans, which has a crime problem, Trump said. Well straighten that out in about two weeks. Itll take us two weeks, easier than D.C. Gov. Jeff Landry quickly voiced support on social media. We will take President Donald Trumps help from New Orleans to Shreveport! Landry said. Rafael Goyeneche, President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, called the idea a political stunt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Guard, as I pointed out, do not make arrests. They can detain people, and they are a visual deterrent to crime. But it will also force the violence to migrate to other areas. It doesnt resolve the underlying fact that the people that commit those crimes of violence are still on the streets, Goyeneche said. The Mayors Office and New Orleans Police Department issued a joint statement that did not mention Trump or the National Guard. Instead, it highlighted existing partnerships with federal agencies through the SEAR 1 program. We have consistently worked with our federal partners, including collaborations with the Louisiana State Police. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in our ongoing success in reducing crime. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy also weighed in, siding with Trumps proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More uniforms on the street, whatever the color the uniform is, makes our community safer, Cassidy said. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. Administration officials are reportedly making preparations to offer large parcels of as-yet unused land belonging to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Southern California with the aim of funding the Golden Dome missile defense effort promoted by President Donald Trump. According to NBC News, Navy Secretary John Phelan visited the 125,000-acre facility last week and surveyed possible areas that could be offered up for lease by commercial entities. Officials told the network that the Pentagons plans would involve areas that the Marine Corps rarely uses. The sprawling base, located around 40 miles from San Diego, is headquarters for the 1 Marine Expeditionary Unit among other elements of the Marine Corps, with around 70,000 Marines and civilians using the facility on a daily basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Marine Corps own website states that the facility has been the largest employer in North San Diego County for more than 60 years and houses over 38,000 families. It also includes what the Corps describes as the largest undeveloped portion of coastline in Southern California including beaches, bluffs, mesas, canyons, mountains and Southern California's only free-flowing river with more than 1,000 species of plants, fish and animals on base. The Pentagon is floating an idea to offer parcels of unused land at Camp Pendleton for lease to pay for a missile defense system. (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Williams, a Navy public affairs officer representing Phelan, said in a statement that the Navy Secretarys visit to Camp Pendleton included initial conversations about possible commercial leasing opportunities by the Department of Defense. These opportunities are being evaluated to maximize value and taxpayer dollars while maintaining mission readiness and security. No decisions have been made and further discussions are needed, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leasing plans under discussion would reportedly fund what Trump and his administration have dubbed the Golden Dome for America missile defense shield. The president announced the plan for a space-based missile defense system in May, more than four decades after President Ronald Reagans widely derided Star Wars ballistic missile barrier was rolled out amidst tensions with the Soviet Union. Trump is reviving the Pentagons efforts to protect the continental United States from foreign projectiles with a massive shield he has compared to Israels Iron Dome system, though what the president proposes would be far more expensive and complex. The leasing plans under discussion would reportedly fund what Trump and his administration have dubbed the Golden Dome for America (Getty Images) Speaking in the Oval Office alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump said the U.S. now has the technology to construct a system to combat not just the intercontinental ballistic missiles that were the subject of the Reagan-era Strategic Defense Initiative nicknamed Star Wars but also against space-based and hypersonic missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the campaign, I promised the American people that I would build a cutting edge missile defense shield to protect our homeland from the threat of foreign missile attack, and that's what we're doing today, said Trump, who added that he was pleased to announce that the U.S. has settled on an architecture for a state of the art system he promised would deploy next-generation technologies across the land, sea and space, including space-based sensors and interceptors. The president said the proposed system would integrate with our existing defense capabilities and would be fully operational by the end of his term in January 2029. He also said it would provide an umbrella of protection for the U.S. and Canada for all manner of modern threats. Trumps Big Beautiful Bill spending legislation included nearly $25 billion for the proposed system, but experts say it will cost far more than that, including outpacing the $175 billion estimated by the White House. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the plan to use space-based interceptors to bring down ballistic and hypersonic missiles targeted at the United States could have a price tag as high as $542 billion. New York City Mayor Eric Adams is brushing off reports that he might abandon his reelection campaign after reports emerged that President Donald Trumps administration has explored offering him a post in federal government. Politico reported on Wednesday that Adams met with members of Trumps team during a trip to Florida this week and that Adams had been offered a role at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The New York Times first reported the maneuver, including the idea of also appointing Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa to an administration job. The move has been floated as a way to clear the field for former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as Republicans, moderate and corporate Democrats, and business leaders look for ways to stop Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. Polls suggest Mamdani remains the frontrunner in the general election, though Cuomo, now running as an independent, could be more competitive in a one-on-one race. Mamdani easily won the Junes Democratic primary over Cuomo and a number of other candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams campaign has denied that hes considering a federal job. Mayor Adams has not met with Donald Trump dont believe the noise. He is not dropping out of the race, the mayors campaign spokesperson, Todd Shapiro, said in a statement. But his other public comments have been cautious. If theres any changes in this race, I will announce that, he told Fox 5 New York on Wednesday. Pressed about whether he met with Trump officials in Florida, Adams said only that he had spoken with several political figures. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Mamdani quickly seized on the reports. Todays news confirms it: Cuomo is Trumps choice for mayor, he posted on X, while later telling reporters the overtures were an affront to democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know that this city will decide its own future. And we know that it is New Yorkers that we will turn to to make that decision in November, not the White House in Washington, D.C., he said during a Wednesday press conference. Sliwa has said he is not interested in an administration job. My focus is right here in New York, he said in a statement, according to the Times. Cuomos campaign declined to comment to Politico, though the outlet has previously reported that the former governor has privately welcomed signs of Trumps involvement. The post Trump team offered Eric Adams job to help Andrew Cuomo stop Zohran Mamdani: report appeared first on Salon.com. President Donald Trumps administration appears to be changing its story to help justify an unprecedented military strike on a boat officials claim was carrying drugs. The New York Times reported Thursday that some officials at the Department of Defense had privately expressed concerns that the government had changed details of its story about the deadly strike earlier this week, which killed 11 people. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Tuesday that the ship was traveling to Trinidad, Tobago, or some other country in the Caribbean. But after President Donald Trump claimed the ship was on course for the United States, Rubio changed his tune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement International drug traffickers pose an immediate threat to the United States, period, Rubio said Wednesday at a joint press conference in Mexico City. If youre on a boat full of cocaine or fentanyl or whatever headed to the United States, youre an immediate threat to the United States. Shifting the narrative to center the United States is particularly concerning, considering the fact that the Trump administration has yet to produce a legal authority for the use of military force against cartels. Trump claimed Tuesday that the 11 crew members were narco terrorists who belonged to the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, which the executive branch has labeled a terrorist organization. But such a designation does not serve as any legal basis for a combat strike. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Wednesday that administration officials knew exactly who was in that boat and exactly what they were doing. But the government has offered no evidence to support its claim that the individuals on the boat were in fact drug traffickers. Despite Trump posting a video of the incident to Truth Social, the actual details still remain murky beneath the Trump administrations shifting narratives, and the government has been anything but transparent about the military strike, which may prove to have been illegal. For more than a quarter of a century, a succession of U.S. presidents have worked assiduously to persuade India, a rising power with a preference for non-alignment, to strengthen its ties to Washington. The efforts had proven fruitful. But now, in a matter of a few months, President Donald Trump has unraveled the work of multiple presidenciesincluding his own first term in officeand sent the bilateral relationship into a nosedive. Washingtons post-Cold War interest in cultivating ties with New Delhi began during the presidency of Bill Clinton, who called the U.S. and India natural alliestwo nations conceived in liberty. Those efforts continued under George W. Bush and gathered pace over the course of the past decade, after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi first took office in 2014. As part of his administrations pivot to Asia, Barack Obama took pains to court Modi. During his first term, Trump met with him in the U.S. on multiple occasions, and fortified bilateral tiesas well as the two mens so-called bromancewith a presidential visit to India in 2020. And former President Joe Biden honored Modi with a lavish state dinner at the White House. Over the years, the U.S. overtures to India have responded to multiple concerns. But the paramount motivation is the need to counter the rise of China, as Beijing began to not only dominate global manufacturing but also expand its international political influence and use its fast-growing military to aggressively challenge its neighbors. Crises in the Middle East and Europe repeatedly drew Washingtons attention away, but every U.S. president since Clinton continued to treat New Delhi as a pivotal partner in Washingtons strategic competition with Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India, which now is the worlds most populous country with an economy that is making impressive gains, looked like the ideal counterweight. As the worlds oldest and biggest democracies, respectively, the U.S. and India together could prevent China from dominating Asiaor so the argument went. Indias economy, with vast numbers of skilled workers, could help erode Chinas manufacturing monopoly. And its strong voice in the Global South, where Modis charisma resonates, could help undercut Beijings promotion of its authoritarian model and ease the impact of Chinas economic, political and diplomatic inroads. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. It seemed reasonable to expect Trump to pick up where he left off at the end of his first term and continue to foster ties with India. After all, even though the matter of Chinas human rights abuses has never flickered on his radar, Trump was, in fact, the president who most directly confronted Beijing over its trade practices. Chinas economic rise is connected to the collapse of the U.S. manufacturing base, a stated concern of Trumps. As China became the worlds factory floor, the U.S. shuttered many of its industries, unable to compete with Chinas cheaper exports, although automation also played a big role in the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why it has been perplexing to watch Trump suddenly launch what looks like a sabotage mission against U.S. relations with India. It seemed reasonable to expect Trump to pick up where he left off at the end of his first term and continue to foster ties with India. Thats why it has been perplexing to watch him suddenly launch what looks like a sabotage mission. When he first launched his global trade war, there was no reason to believe Trump would make India one of his biggest targets. For a time, it looked like he had settled on a 25 percent tariff on Indian imports, a hefty figure but far from the highest he imposed. But then, something changed. In August, just a few days before he revealed he was going to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump announced plans to double tariffs on India, raising them to a crippling 50 percent, ostensibly as punishment for New Delhis purchases of Russian oil. India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, they are then for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits, he posted on social media. They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a startling decision, not least because Trump was claiming the move was motivated by concern for Indias support of Russia, even as he himself was controversially inviting Putin, an indicted war criminal, to U.S. soil. Perhaps Trump thought the tariffs on India, which indirectly targeted Russia, would help ease the public relations fallout from his summit with Putin. But Trump was also angry at Modi for rejecting Trumps assertion that he ended the brief war between India and Pakistan in May. Prickly about any perceived encroachment on Indias sovereignty and strategic autonomy, Modi reportedly told Trump to stop making the claim. But Trump has ignored him, repeating the boast dozens of times. Making matters worse, Trump is not only distancing the U.S. from India, he is also drawing closer to New Delhis visceral foe, Pakistan. For its part, Islamabad not only backs up Trumps assertion that he prevented a nuclear war between the South Asian neighbors, but has in fact nominated the U.S. president for the Nobel Peace Prize that he covets. Rubbing salt in Indias wound, Trump hosted Pakistans military chief and de facto ruler, Field Marshall Asim Munir, in the White House soon after the four-day conflict. But the turn toward Pakistan and away from India makes no sense diplomatically, militarily or economically. It is a shift that only benefits Russia, China and anyone who wants to see U.S. global influence diminished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As if that werent enough, after leaving the post of U.S. ambassador to India vacant for eight months, Trump named a man with a murky past, Sergio Gor, to fill it. Further enraging New Delhi, Gors job will not be solely focused on relations with India. He will also serve as Trumps special envoy for South and Central Asia, making India only a fraction of his area of responsibility. Combined, the developments have created major domestic headaches for Modi and a level of popular anger against the U.S. that will not soon be repaired. Indias political opposition is mocking Modi. As Mallikarjun Kharge, head of the opposition Indian National Congress, put it in a social media post, Your superficial foreign policy engagements, smiles, hugs and selfies have hurt our interests. You failed in securing a Trade Deal. Now you are failing to protect the country. The 50 percent tariffshigher even than those targeting China for nowwent into effect on Aug. 27. If they stay in place, they could have a devastating impact on Indias economy and will almost certainly drive India to boost relations with China and Russia. This past week, Modi visited China for the first time in seven years, after a period of heightened tensions between the two neighbors over a border dispute that turned deadly in 2020. Though the visit was previously scheduled around the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the visible displays of bonhomie between Modi, Xi Jinping and Putin sent a message to Washington that India has options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps torpedoing of the painstakingly built U.S. relationship with India amounts to a costly and self-defeating move for Washington. And a valuable gift to Americas rivals and foes. Frida Ghitis is WPRs senior columnist and a contributor to CNN and The Washington Post. Her WPR column appears every Thursday. You can follow her on Twitter and Threads at @fridaghitis. The post Trump Is Undoing Decades of U.S. Engagement With India appeared first on World Politics Review. US President Donald Trump told European leaders on Thursday 4 September that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil, which, he said, helps Moscow finance its war against Ukraine. Source: Reuters, citing a White House official after a Coalition of the Willing meeting, as reported by European Pravda Details: Trump joined a phone call of the Coalition of the Willing, chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Macron and European leaders called President Trump into their Coalition of the Willing meeting. President Trump emphasised that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war as Russia received 1.1 billion in fuel sales from the EU in one year," the official said. Trump also emphasised that "European leaders must place economic pressure on China for funding Russias war efforts," the official added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed this during a press conference with Macron. "President Trump is very unhappy that Russian oil is being purchased by Europe," he said, mentioning Slovakia and Hungary in this context. Background: The Coalition of the Willing meeting concluded in Paris. Representatives from 33 countries from Europe and beyond took part in the meeting. Six European leaders, the EU leadership and the president of Ukraine attended in person, while the others joined via video link. Ahead of the meeting, Macron stated that allies had finalised security guarantees for Ukraine, which are now ready for political approval. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Qabil Ashirov Azerbaijan and Peru have held their first round of political consultations between the two countries foreign ministries in Lima, Azernews reports, citing Perus Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The talks took place within the framework of a visit by an Azerbaijani delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov. The Peruvian side was represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Felix Denegri, who headed his countrys delegation at the consultations. Investing.com -- U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to meet, suggesting there could be consequences if they fail to do so. "Well see what happens over week or two, at that point Ill step in," Trump said on Monday, indicating he might be present for such a meeting between the two leaders, though he added that he "may not" attend. In a separate development, Trump told European leaders during a call on Thursday that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil, according to a White House official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the same call, Trump emphasized that European leaders must place economic pressure on China "for funding Russias war efforts," the official said. Related articles Trump urges Putin-Zelenskiy meeting, tells Europe to stop buying Russian oil EUR/USD Could Rebound as Bond-Driven US Dollar Strength Looks Overdone Apollo economist warns: AI bubble now bigger than 1990s tech mania President Trump has asked the Supreme Court for a fast-track ruling that he has broad power acting on his own to impose tariffs on products coming from countries around the world. Despite losing in the lower courts, Trump and his lawyers have reason to believe they can win in the Supreme Court. The six conservative justices believe in strong presidential power, particularly in the area of foreign policy and national security. In a three-page appeal filed Wednesday evening, they proposed that the court decide by next Wednesday to grant review and to hear arguments in early November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said the lower court setbacks, unless quickly reversed, "gravely undermine the President's ability to conduct real-world diplomacy and his ability to protect the national security and economy of the United States." Read more: Appeals court finds Trump's tariffs illegally used emergency power, but leaves them in place for now They cited Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's warning about the potential for economic disruption if the court does not act soon. "Delaying a ruling until June 26 could result in a scenario in which $750 billion-$1 trillion have already been collected and unwinding them could cause significant disruption," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and his tariffs ran into three strong arguments in the lower courts. First, the Constitution says Congress, not the president, has the power "to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises," and a tariff is an import tax. Second, the 1977 emergency powers law that Trump relies on does not mention tariffs, taxes or duties, and no previous president has used it to impose tariffs. And third, the Supreme Court has frowned on recent presidents who relied on old laws to justify bold, new, costly regulations. So far, however, the so-called "major questions" doctrine has been used to restrict Democratic presidents, not Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three years ago, the court's conservative majority struck down a major climate change regulation proposed by Presidents Obama and Biden that could have transformed the electric power industry on the grounds it was not clearly based on the Clean Air Act of the 1970s. Read more: Job cuts hit hard in California as uncertainty and AI rise Two years ago, the court in the same 6-3 vote struck down Biden's plan to forgive hundreds of millions of dollars in student loans. Congress had said the Education Department may "waive or modify" monthly loan payments during a national emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but it did not say the loans may be forgiven, the court said. Its opinion noted the "staggering" cost could be more than $500 billion. The effect of Trump's tariffs figures to be at least five times greater, a federal appeals court said last week in ruling them illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 7-4 vote, the federal circuit court cited all three arguments in ruling that Trump had exceeded his legal authority. "We conclude Congress, in enacting the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, did not give the president wide-ranging authority to impose tariffs," they said. But the outcome was not a total loss for Trump. The appellate judges put their decision on hold until the Supreme Court rules. That means Trump's tariffs probably will remain in effect for many months. Trump's lawyers were heartened by the dissent written by Judge Richard Taranto and joined by three others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He argued that presidents are understood to have extra power when confronted with foreign threats to the nation's security. Taranto called the 1977 law "an eyes-open congressional grant of broad emergency authority in this foreign-affairs realm" that said the president may "regulate" the "importation" of dangerous products including drugs coming into this country. Citing other laws from that era, he said Congress understood that tariffs and duties are a "common tool of import regulation." 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. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump said the U.S. military blew up a vessel in the Caribbean, killing 11 people. The administration said the boat had departed from Venezuela and described the operation as a narco-trafficking bust against Tren de Aragua gang members. To anyone who knows the tragic history of U.S. interventionism in Latin America, it was an act of war. This isnt the first time a mysterious explosion at sea has been used to shape American public opinion and drum up pro-war sentiments. In 1898, the battleship USS Maine blew up in Havana Harbor, killing more than 260 sailors. The cause was never proven, but American newspapers exploited the ambiguity to blame Spain, stoking outrage that fueled the Spanish-American War. Within months, the United States had radically recast power in the Caribbean, a grip it has maintained ever since, even when such power was challenged during the Cold War. The strike on what U.S. officials insist was a drug boat carries the same kind of ambiguity. The Trump administration quickly produced a blurry video of the explosion, but the images dont prove who was aboard, what they were doing or whether drugs were even present. The White House has offered no hard evidence that the dead were members of a gang. Pentagon officials were still working Wednesday on what legal authority they would tell the public was used to back up the extraordinary strike in international waters, The New York Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for a president who has promised to pursue our manifest destiny, this is part of a larger script already in motion. In the Trump era, a new manifest destiny is here, accelerating protectionism and expansionism at the cost of the powerless, I wrote at the start of Trumps second term. This worldview, shaped by a 19th-century ideology that also fueled the war against Spain 127 years ago, treats the Western Hemisphere as territory still to be controlled. Under Trump, as in recent decades, the so-called war on drugs provides the cover. Never mind that America remains an incredibly lucrative drug market fighting trafficking has been good for American interventionism. Plan Colombia poured billions into militarization that fueled displacement and bloodshed. The Merida Initiative coincided with record homicides and human rights abuses in Mexico. In the Caribbean, counternarcotics has long served as the rationale for an expanded U.S. naval presence, including the current deployment of warships off the coast of Venezuela. The timing of the attack, which experts are calling a violation of international law, is no coincidence. Trump has built his return to power on projecting American strength abroad, and Venezuela offers a ready stage. The United States has deployed more than 4,500 sailors and Marines, along with seven warships, in the Caribbean. Casting the South American country as a narco-state justifies force, rallies his base and signals to the region that Washington still wants to dictate the rules to Latin America. And the messenger matters. Fully supporting Trump is Marco Rubio, the countrys first secretary of state of Latino descent. Defending the decision to reporters in Mexico City on Wednesday, Rubio said that instead of interdicting it, on the presidents orders, we blew it up and itll happen again. He argued that ordinary seizures dont deter traffickers, adding, What will stop them is if you blow them up. The president is going to wage war on narco-terrorist organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubios words were less a policy blueprint than a posture. They reflected Cuban exile politics that have long pushed Washington toward confrontation in the region and that Rubio, as a longtime senator from Florida, is deeply familiar with. And that posture does have an audience, particularly among U.S. Latinos. Social media analysis from the Digital Democracy Institute of the Americas (DDIA) notes that online discourse among U.S. Latino communities this week continues to be dominated by escalating U.S.-Venezuela tensions, with prominent social media accounts driving narratives of imminent military action and growing calls for [Venezuelan President Nicolas] Maduros Venezuela to be designated a narco-terrorist state. In fact, Venezuela doesnt really produce that much cocaine, although The New York Times reports that U.S. indictments and leaked Colombian records describe Venezuelan security forces as overseeing drug shipments worth billions of dollars. As expected, Venezuela has made sure to paint Trump and the United States as Yankee imperialist warmongers. Maduro isnt popular, but the left-wing authoritarian knows history and how to use it. He said the U.S. buildup threatens the entire region, and warned he would declare a republic in arms if American troops crossed into Venezuelan territory. As far-fetched as that may seem, the Trump administration is ramping up the tension, instead of toning it down. History shows how quickly moments like this can escalate. The Maine in 1898, U.S. troops in the Dominican Republic in 1965, Grenada in 1983, Panama in 1989 each framed as defensive, each ending in military intervention. This weeks strike carries the same risk, wrapped in similar justifications. The question isnt whether a corrupt, authoritarian figure leads Venezuela. Its whether the United States is again using a familiar script to justify actions that will destabilize a hemisphere, with Latino communities in the U.S. now serving as both amplifiers and targets of the narrative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This weeks strike was an act of war. To pretend otherwise is to ignore history and to blind ourselves to what the United States has done time and again in Latin America and the Caribbean. If we are serious about learning from the past, we should call it what it is. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Vice President J.D. Vance was almost incredulous when a reporter asked him what "legal authority" the Trump administration used to blow up an alleged drug boat off the coast of Venezuela with a drone on Tuesday. "There are people who are bringingliteral terroristswho are bringing deadly drugs into our country," Vance said. Why are they "literal terrorists"? Because the administration said so. President Donald Trump declared just after taking office that he would be designating drug cartels as terrorist organizations. One of them was Tren de Aragua, the organization accused of sending out the drug boat. (The administration tends to play fast and loose with labeling things Tren de Aragua; for all its criminal activities, the gang is not known to smuggle cocaine.) After the drone strike, multiple cabinet officials made sure to use the phrase "narco-terrorist organization." What is a terrorist? According to U.S. law, it's any "subnational groups" or "clandestine agents" who use "premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets." Of course, that can describe almost any rebel group, including ones that the U.S. backs, or almost any intelligence agency, including ones in the U.S. government. In practice, that means that a "terrorist" is whoever the executive branch decides to label one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need the power to kill the terrorists. Who are the terrorists? The people we need the power to kill. This circular logic is the basis for forever war. It can justify almost anything the government wants to do to anyone, far beyond the threats that first justified the counterterrorist measures. Legal authorities that were born out of the Oklahoma City bombing and matured during the long war against Al Qaeda are now being used to blow up suspicious boats in the Caribbean. "[A] terrorist act is violence carried out by a terrorist. Conversely, if someone is killed, it is because they are a terrorist, because to be a terrorist means to be killable. This circularity of the definition allows the designation to justify violence against entire populations both ex-ante and ex-post," wrote journalist Jake Romm in an essay aptly titled, "Your Death Will Serve as Its Own Justification." These authorities took many presidents to build. The term "narco-terrorism" was popularized during Plan Colombia, a U.S.-backed campaign against Colombian communist rebels during the Clinton and Bush administrations. The Bush administration, of course, also declared a "global war on terror" after the attacks by Al Qaeda on September 11, 2001, arguing that more or less anything goes in an emergency. The Obama administration turned the extraordinary into the ordinary, running a drone assassination campaign that was out of sight, out of mind for the public. The administration chose the targetsincluding a teenage American citizenthrough a completely secret process. Bilal Abdul Kareem, an American journalist who survived five airstrikes in Syria, found out in 2019 that it was legally impossible to challenge the "kill list" or even find out if he was on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to Abdul Kareem's lawsuit, the government's lawyers kept insisting to an increasingly frustrated Judge Rosemary Collyer that they could not "confirm or deny" whether their client was trying to kill Abdul Kareem. "If the government says we can't confirm or deny the underlying facts to prove his standing, well then all we're left with is the complaint," Collyer sighed. In the end, she allowed the state secrets privilege to triumph. "The government explains that disclosure of whether an individual is being targeted for lethal action would permit that individual to alter his behavior to evade attack or capture and could risk intelligence sources and methods if an individual learns he is under surveillance," Collyer wrote. In other words, even trying not to be killed is an action that could harm the war on terror. You're not allowed to know whether the government is trying to kill you, so you can't prove that the government is trying to kill you, so you have no way to oppose the government trying to kill you. A "terrorist" is guilty until proven innocent, which is impossible by design. Trump pushed the boundaries of what can be labeled terrorism. In 2019, the first Trump administration designated a branch of the Iranian military a "foreign terrorist organization," the first time that law was ever used against a foreign government body. "Iran's actions are fundamentally different from those of other governments," the White House declared. Our terrorism is covert activity; their covert activity is terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both the Trump and Biden administrations used that designation to seize Iranian oil tankers, because that oil was now terrorist oil. And declaring part of the Iranian government terrorists helped justify war with Iran politically, without going to Congress. The terrorist designation for Tren de Aragua seems to be another attempt to do that. Despite statements to the contrary from his own intelligence officers, Trump declared that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro runs Tren de Aragua from behind the scenes. Amidst the military buildup in the Caribbean Sea, the administration has issued a $50 million bounty for Maduro's capture. Should the White House decide to wage a regime change war, all the pieces are already in place, without any need for public debate. Overthrowing the Venezuelan government (and more importantly, imposing a new one) would be a natural extension of this new campaign against "narco-terrorism." A terrorist can be anyone the White House declares: an American journalist, a suspected drug smuggler, or another government. The only requirement seems to be that the terrorist is located outside of U.S. soil. President Barack Obama insisted that the government should never "deploy armed drones over U.S. soil," while he justified killing American citizens without trial, in secret, as a necessary battlefield tactic. Yet why couldn't the battlefield be America itself, if the situation called for it? Who would be able to question the President's judgment? Deploying uniformed troops against street crime, flying (unarmed) Predator drones over protesters, blowing up suspected smugglers instead of arresting themthese images are breaking down the political distinction between the "battlefield" and the "homefront." Last week, U.S. Border Patrol agents were photographed training with mortars during live-fire exercises in Alaska. Since when do American police need artillery? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These measures alone would have been dismissed as paranoid fantasies twenty or thirty years ago. State power is built piece by piece. It starts with measures against unpopular enemies. (Al Qaeda and organized crime gangs are a genuine menace to society, after all.) People trust that it will only be used carefully. But when you outsource your judgment to an absolute ruler, you no longer get to choose how far he goes. The post Trump's Drug Boat Drone Strike Shows How 'Terrorism' Makes Everyone Killable appeared first on Reason.com. Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trumps Special Envoy for the Middle East, has left the Elysee Palace, where a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing is being held. Source: a European Pravda correspondent from the scene Details: Witkoff joined the Coalition of the Willing meeting and left the Elysee Palace about 45 minutes after it began. An official at the Elysee Palace told the European Pravda correspondent that this course of events had been planned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mr Witkoff took part in part of the work of the Coalition of the Willing and addressed the assembled heads of state and government. He was scheduled to leave the summit for another meeting," the official said. "Mr Witkoff will return for the phone call with Donald Trump, President of the United States," the source added. Sources told European Pravda that he has a meeting scheduled in Paris with the Ukrainian delegation, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Background: European leaders taking part in the Coalition of the Willing meeting will hold a call with US President Donald Trump once their discussions conclude. Representatives from 33 countries from Europe and beyond are taking part in the meeting. Six European leaders, the EU leadership and the president of Ukraine are attending in person, while the others are joining via video link. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that allies have finalised security guarantees for Ukraine, which are now ready for political approval. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The current efforts are focused on finding an efficient mechanism for talks and solutions to bridge the gaps between the sides. US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is working behind the scenes to renew negotiations for a hostage deal, two sources familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday. After Hamass statement outlining its demands for a comprehensive deal, weve reached a point where both Israels and Hamass demands regarding a deal for the release of all hostages are clear, one of the sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The efforts are focused on finding an efficient mechanism for talks and solutions to bridge the gaps between the sides. Some sources believe that if negotiations for a full deal begin, the mediators will try to ensure the talks proceed at a faster pace than before. As part of the talks, Witkoff met with Qatari officials in Paris, a source told the Jerusalem Post. Hamas issued a statement on Wednesday night, saying that the terror group is willing to agree to a comprehensive deal in which all Israeli hostages would be released, in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners, an end to the war in the Gaza Strip, a full withdrawal of IDF troops from the region, and the opening of crossings to allow for the entry of all necessary supplies and the beginning of reconstruction. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office responded: Unfortunately, this is just another spin from Hamas with nothing new to offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said that the war could end immediately under the conditions set by the cabinet, which include the release of all hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, the demilitarization of Gaza, Israeli security control over the region, and the establishment of a non-threatening civilian government. Only these conditions will prevent Hamas from rearming and repeating the October 7 massacre, as they have promised, the statement said. A misleading tactic by Hamas Defense Minister Israel Katz also said Hamass statement is a misleading tactic. Israeli officials argue that the organizations goal has always been and remains to maintain control over Gaza in a Hezbollah-like model. In other words, even if Hamas is willing to relinquish governance of the territory, it still wants to remain present as an armed group, like Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hamass statement was simply a reaction to a tweet by [US President Donald] Trump on Wednesday, in which he made it clear that it was time to stop the partial hostage release deals, the sources said. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday that President Trump's decision to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles amounted to costly political theater, saddling taxpayers with a nearly $120-million bill. Newsom's office said the newly revealed price tag was tallied from estimates provided by the California National Guard about costs incurred since June, when Trump sent more than 4,200 National Guard members and 700 Marines to Los Angeles. That included $71 million for food and other basic necessities, $37 million in payroll, $4 million in logistic supplies, $3.5 million in travel and $1.5 million in demobilization costs, Newsom's office said. Most of the soldiers were sent home in August, although 300 remain in Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Trump deployment of military troops to Los Angeles was illegal, judge rules in blistering opinion On Tuesday, a federal judge in San Francisco barred troops from aiding in immigration arrests in a scathing opinion that amounted to a major win for California and other states critical of the Trump administration's deployments. Newsom filed a preliminary injunction after the ruling asking that the court block an order from the U.S. Secretary of Defense that extended the deployment of 300 National Guard members in Los Angeles until after the election in November. Let us not forget what this political theater is costing us all millions of taxpayer dollars down the drain and an atrophy to the readiness of guardsmembers across the nation and unnecessary hardships to the families supporting those troops," Newsom said in a statement. "Talk about waste, fraud, and abuse. We ask other states to do the math themselves. Newsom filed a public records request to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in August asking for total expenses connected to the deployment of troops in Los Angeles. In that request, which is still pending, Newsom said most troops were "passing the days sitting idly without a clear mission, direction, or a timeline for returning to their communities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The totals released on Thursday were produced from a separate request to the California National Guard. After troops arrived in Los Angeles, a massive tent city was erected at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, while others remained at the Westwood federal building, which was outfitted with sleeping and eating areas. Calls poured into the GI Rights Hotline counseling service from distressed service members and their families, as some agonized over being sent to help with federal immigration raids that could result in loved ones being deported. Others told The Times that "there's not much to do." In Washington, D.C., where Trump has deployed the National Guard to the nation's capital, district leaders filed a lawsuit on Thursday. That lawsuit said more than 2,200 National Guard troops have been deployed since Aug. 11 to Washington D.C., where they are seen dressed in military fatigues and carrying rifles. Trump said in an executive order authorizing the deployment that the capital was "under siege" and that rising violence was endangering residents and tourists and disrupting the federal government from properly functioning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, has called Trump's takeover an "authoritarian push," and pointed to a steep decline in violent crimes. Soldiers deployed there are seen picking up trash, laying down mulch and chatting aimlessly as they patrol next to national monuments. Trump has warned that he intends to expand his use of military forces in other cities, including in Chicago and Baltimore, despite staunch opposition in those Democrat-led cities. 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. President Donald Trump is moving forward with attempts to change election rules, despite court rulings determining he lacks the authority to do so. On Aug. 30, Trump announced plans to sign an executive order requiring voters to present identification in all elections. A previous executive order signed in March, which mandated government-issued proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections, has been blocked by the courts, USA TODAY reported. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: Voter I.D. Must Be Part of Every Single Vote. NO EXCEPTIONS! I Will Be Doing An Executive Order To That End!!! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did not specify what kind of identification would be required, when the order would be signed or the legal basis for enforcing it. The Constitution does not grant the president any specific powers over elections, U.S. District Judge Denise Casper of Massachusetts wrote in June. A federal judge in Washington, D.C., reached the same conclusion in April. Here's what to know in Tennessee. Why does Trump want to enforce stricter voting laws? Trump has long questioned the U.S. electoral system and continues to falsely claim that his 2020 loss to Democratic President Joe Biden was the result of widespread fraud. Trump and his Republican allies have also made baseless claims about widespread voting by noncitizens, which is illegal and rarely occurs, USA TODAY reported. What are Tennessee's voter laws? A voter hands their identification to a poll worker at Pleasant Ridge Elementary School during primary Election Day for Knoxville City Council at on August 26, 2025. Thirty-six states have laws requesting or requiring voters to show some form of identification at the polls, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The remaining 14 states and Washington, D.C., use other methods to verify the identity of voters, for example: non-photo forms of identification such as a bank statement with name and address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee is considered to have "strict" photo ID laws. All voters must present a federal or Tennessee state ID containing the voters name and photograph when voting at the polls, whether voting early or on Election Day, according to the Secretary of State. If a voter cannot present a photo ID, the voter votes on a provisional ballot and must return within two days to show an acceptable form of ID. What voter identification is required in Tennessee? First-time voter Alexander Pack hands his identification card to a poll worker at Woodland Elementary School on Election Day in Oak Ridge, Tenn., on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Tennessee accepts the following ID's, even if expired: Tennessee driver license with your photo United States Passport Photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government United States Military photo ID Tennessee handgun carry permit with your photo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First time voters who register by mail or using Online Voter Registration must also present one of the following if the ID is expired: Copy of a current utility bill Bank statement Government check Paycheck or other government document that shows the voters name and address Trump's voter ID push aligns with 2026 Tennessee governor race Former President Donald Trump gives a kiss to U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee before they embark on a townhall Sept. 27, 2024 at Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan. Trump's push for stricter voting laws coincides with the 2026 gubernatorial elections, during which 36 states, including Tennessee, will elect new governors. In Tennessee, two prominent Republicans have entered the race U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, a staunch Trump ally, and U.S. Representative John Rose. According to reports from the White House, Trump has struggled to decide which candidate to endorse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'll probably be forced to do it. I wish I didn't have to do it. But you know, I'll probably be forced to do it," Trump is quoted as saying in an X post by USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison. The president also called both candidates "fantastic." President Trump says he hasn't decided who he will endorse between @MarshaBlackburn and @JohnRoseforTN in the TN governor's race. Trump says both are "fantastic." "I'll probably be forced to do it. I wish I didn't have to do it. But you know, I'll probably be forced to do it." Joey Garrison (@joeygarrison) August 21, 2025 Rose first announced his bid for the Republican primary ticket in March, while Blackburn didn't announce her candidacy until August. The two candidates are the only Republicans who have thrown their hats into the ring so far ahead of the 2026 election, but there are a number of Democrats vying for the position as well, the Tennessean previously reported. Who is running for Tennessee governor? Marsha Blackburn and John Rose are not the only ones. What to know What are the arguments for and against voter IDs? Proponents argue that stricter identification requirements can help prevent in-person voter fraud and boost public trust in the election process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, critics contend that such fraud is rare, and that these measures place undue burdens on voters, potentially infringing on their right to vote. Furthermore, critics argue that the laws impose unnecessary costs and administrative challenges on elections officials. Regardless of the verification rules in place, all voters are subject to perjury charges if they cast a ballot under false pretenses, added the National Conference. What does the Constitution say? The Constitutions so-called elections clause says that the Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof. The clause also says Congress can make or alter such Regulations. Contributing: USA TODAY, Joyce Orlando Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: President Trump seeks stricter elections: What to know in Tennessee A House task force focused on government transparency announced it will hold a hearing next week concerning unidentified aerial phenomena, (UAPs) another name for unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, who chairs the House Oversight and Government Reform's Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, said in a statement on Wednesday that the panel will push for "maximum transparency" from the government. The American people deserve maximum transparency from the federal government on sightings, acquisitions, and examinations of UAPs and whether they pose a potential threat to Americans safety, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She went on to say that "whistleblowers who provide details on spending information and policies and procedures regarding the classification and declassification of UAPs should be able to do so without retribution." The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday in Washington, D.C. and will be streamed online. A still image of an unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) from a video recorded by Navy fighter jets in 2015. A House Oversight subcommittee will hold a hearing concerning UAPs next week (Department of Defense) The witnesses expected to testify at the hearing include Air Force veterans Jeffrey Nuccetelli and Dyland Borland as well as Navy veteran Alexandro Wiggins, who has previously discussed witnessed UAPs. Journalist George Knapp, a prominent figure in the UFO disclosure community and frequent guest on the alien and paranormal-focused overnight radio show Coast to Coast AM, is also scheduled to speak. The hearing is expected to focus on disclosures from the Pentagon concerning UAPs and the Department of Defense's All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office, which was established to investigate unknown aerial objects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last fall, a separate House Oversight subcommittee held a hearing concerning UAPs. Witnesses during that hearing testified that the government was holding back information about documented UFO cases stretching back decades. In the past, unknown flying objects were often the fodder for stories about aliens, but in the age of drones it's unclear what if anything pilots and others are seeing when they witness objects streaking across the sky. Some New Jersey residents including local officials were left baffled and frightened by a series of strange UAP sightings that stretched for weeks last year. Flight restrictions were imposed above 22 pieces of critical New Jersey infrastructure, including power plants, amid a panic over numerous potential drones being spotted across the Northeast last year (Brian Glenn/TMX via AP, File) One lawmaker, State Senator Jon Bramnick, even called for a "limited state of emergency" during the series of alleged sightings, according to UPI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, three military veterans were called to testify before a House Oversight subcommittee concerning UAPs. Most of the focus of that hearing was about establishing a means for military and commercial pilots to report sightings without the stigma associated with seeing a UFO. One of the witnesses, retired Major David Grusch, was formerly a part of the Pentagon's UAP Task Force and later became a whistleblower. He gave the most shocking testimony, alleging that the U.S. government had reverse engineered non-human built technology from crash sites and that he had spoken to people who allegedly told him the government had the bodies of "non-human" biological matter from the pilots of those craft. He insisted that he could not provide details to the panel members outside of a SCIF, which is a small chamber meant for highly secured and protected direct discussions. UFO whistleblower David Grusch alleged the U.S. government had reverse engineered non-human built technology from crash sites (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) There has been more of a push in recent years by whistleblowers and some Congressional leaders for the government to reveal what if anything it knows about UAPs and UFOs. But some notable UFO videos, like those released by the Pentagon, were taken as early as 2004. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 2004 video, U.S. Navy Commander David Fravor who would later go on to testify alongside Grusch witnessed a white oval shape approximately 40 feet long hovering above the ocean off the coast of Southern California. He claims that as he descended to get a closer look at the object, it ascended, matching the Navy fighter's trajectory, and then disappeared. The video has gone on to be called the "Tic Tac" video, referencing the oval shape and white color. A still shot of the Tic Tac unidentified aerial object recorded by US Navy pilots in 2004 (screengrab/PBS News Hour) While any discussion of UAP's stirs up discussions of aliens, unmanned aerial vehicles, like drones, are becoming more common and easier to obtain and operate. They can also carry cameras and other data collecting equipment, which could pose a threat to U.S. national security. In February 2023, Air Force jets shot down a Chinese "high altitude surveillance balloon" that was, according to then-Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, "being used by the PRC in an attempt to surveil strategic sites in the continental United States." U.S. officials had reportedly been tracking the balloon for 10 days before it was shot down. Tucker Carlson believes Russian President Vladimir Putin has been the most effective leader of his lifetime. The former Fox News anchor-turned-podcast host told Michael Knowles on The Tucker Carlson Show Wednesday that he cannot compute how people think the Russian president is more evil than former President Joe Biden. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why is he more evil than Biden? I cant even conceptualize that, he said. If you think Joe Biden was a better leader or a better man than Vladimir Putin, I dont even know what to say to you because thats insane. He doubled down, adding that Putins constituents are happier and at least they like him, which made his guest audibly chuckle. By no measure did Joe Bidens country the people he solemnly swore to help and defend did they thrive? No, they withered, he said. Putin, whos been there for 25 years, his countrys improved. The people are happier. They like him actually. The wars been a little tough on Putin, Michael Knowles replied. Id be curious about public opinion today this far into the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Actually its measured a lot, Carlson said. Look it up. Following Russias invasion into Ukraine, Putin has been accused of war crimes for the unlawful deportation and transfer of children. The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Putin perhaps the most serious war criminal of our time for his ongoing attacks on Ukraine in an interview Tuesday. Carlson interviewed Putin in 2024 on the Tucker Carlson Network and Twitter. He was the first Western journalist to be granted the interview after Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Carlson has promoted pro-Russian conspiracy theories and disinformation before and since the interview. Im not moving to Russia, but Putin has been the most effective leader in my lifetime, Carlson added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knowles did not blatantly disagree with the comment but clarified that he remains on the side of the United States whether Biden or anyone else is in charge of the country. Both Knowles and Carlson agreed that their values of patriotism outweigh their disdain for the person, specifically Democrat, that is running the country. Watch the exchange here: The post Tucker Carlson Praises Putin as the Most Effective Leader in My Lifetime and Less Evil Than Biden: Look It Up | Video appeared first on TheWrap. LOS ANGELES (AP) Gregory Bovino's distinguished Border Patrol career was in a downward spiral. In August 2023, he was relieved of command of the agency's El Centro, California, sector, where he rose to be one of 20 regional chiefs across the country. Bovino blamed several perceived transgressions, details of which have not been previously reported: an online profile picture of him posing with an M4 assault rifle; social media posts that were considered inappropriate; and sworn congressional testimony that he and other sector chiefs gave on the state of the border during a record surge of migrants. Thirty minutes after his second congressional hearing, Bovino said, he was removed from his position and asked, "Are you going to retire now? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did not retire, the profile photo with the assault rifle is back online and, at 55, he is leading immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, which the federal government has called ground zero for the effects of the border crisis. Bovino's fall and rise illustrates how fundamentally immigration policy, tactics and messaging have changed under President Donald Trump. While Trump's aggressive deportation plans accelerate, Bovino carefully hones his image, both his own and the one projected to the country that shows well-armed officers moving swiftly into place to make arrests. On a recent August morning, several unmarked SUVs with tinted windows sped to the curb outside a Home Depot in the Van Nuys area of Los Angeles. A Guatemalan tamale vendor was handcuffed while men with M4 rifles and military-style gear watched over and day laborers fled. Protesters sounded sirens and whistles. One briefly blocked a Border Patrol vehicle, but agents left in a little more than four minutes. The same team, dressed as civilians with faces masked and badges on their waists, stormed a car wash in the suburb of Montebello around 11:30 a.m. They made four arrests, including a Guatemalan worker who fled down an alley and a Mexican employee who was tackled after running into the office. It was over in seven minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These were just the kind of fast-paced, blunt maneuvers that Bovino relishes. With a knack for made-for-TV moments, Bovinos operation has riven parts of Los Angeles and given Trump allies fodder for boasts. In a city famous for second acts, Bovino is certainly having one. The North Carolina native with ample biceps and hair spiked with gel is an avatar of the Trump era, once scorned for his tactics, now praised because of them. With the change from President Joe Biden to Trump, Bovino has gone from nearly being forced to retire to a MAGA-world hero who sends holiday cards to colleagues that show agents with heavy weapons. Undeterred by court orders over racial profiling, Bovino also revels in breaking norms. Agents have smashed car windows, blown open a door to a house and patrolled the fabled MacArthur Park on horseback. Bovino often appears in tactical gear, as he did outside Gov. Gavin Newsom's news conference on congressional redistricting on Aug. 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also knows the power of a good slogan, calling the pacing of his operation turn and burn. We're not going to hit one location, we're going to hit as many as we can, Bovino said in an interview in a seventh-floor conference room of the federal building in West Los Angeles, where an unused office wing serves as a sparsely furnished temporary base. All over all over As Chicago braces for a similar crackdown, the Los Angeles effort topped 5,000 arrests last week. A campaign in Washington, D.C., has resulted in many immigration arrests but is cast as a broader strike against crime and has a more central role for the National Guard. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Tuesday that Bovino called the head of the state police to say immigration officials were coming to Chicago, without elaborating. The border is everywhere Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has led interior immigration enforcement since it was created in 2003, but the Border Patrol has been around much longer. Bovino's sense of mission never strayed from the Border Patrol's roots. When assigned to lead a station in Blythe, California, he pitched his boss, Paul Beeson, on raiding the airport and bus stations in Las Vegas. The 2010 operation was supposed to last three days but got called off after the first hour yielded dozens of arrests and unleashed a furious reaction from then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat. He's not afraid to push the envelope, very articulate, leads from the front, said Beeson, who, as a sector chief, selected Bovino to lead stations in Blythe and in Imperial Beach, California. In the first week of January, Bovino sent 60 agents hundreds of miles to Bakersfield, California, to make 78 arrests at farms and businesses. His staff acknowledged congratulatory comments on social media and posted photos of an encounter with someone whose car window was shattered after refusing to open it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Los Angeles raids, which began with a blitz of Home Depots, car washes and an apparel factory, are an extension of what Bovino considers the Border Patrol's proper role. What happens at the border, even 100 years ago, didn't stay at the border, and it still doesn't. That's why we're here in Los Angeles, he said. Allegations of heavy-handed tactics, racial profiling The Associated Press joined a Border Patrol-led team July 23 during a lull in high-profile raids for what resembled a typically inconspicuous ICE operation. ICE has historically made arrests in the streets after investigation of individual targets, including surveillance that an official once likened to watching paint dry. Officials rarely have judicial warrants to enter a home, causing them to wait outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After this light were going to light him up. ... Here we go, a Border Patrol agent said on the radio while trailing a Chinese man in Rancho Cucamonga. Moments later she reported, Suspect is in custody. The same team saw a Russian man enter his home in Irvine but backed off after three hours parked outside. They waited even longer for a Mexican man with a misdemeanor conviction for child molestation who never emerged from his house in El Monte, though they caught up with him two days later at a convenience store. It's not all turn and burn. It's also not a pace that will lead Trump to fulfill his promises of mass deportation. Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, remembers thinking to herself, What in the world is happening here? when immigration authorities hit multiple locations in Los Angeles on June 6, as they have on many days since. Masked officers tackled people with lightning-quick force. It was at another level, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salas' group sued and won a temporary order prohibiting arrests based on any mix of four factors: race and ethnicity; language; location; and occupation. The administration has appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that any of those factors can help justify reasonable suspicion that someone is in the country illegally and that officers can make arrests based on the totality of the circumstances. A court filing by those who sued Bovino and the government says masked federal agents brandishing weapons cannot command people going about their daily lives to stop and prove their lawful presence solely because of their skin color, accent, where they happen to be, and the type of work they do. Where critics see heavy-handed racial profiling, Bovino sees legitimate use of force. Smashing a car window when a driver refuses to open and is subject to arrest is a safer tactic than letting someone drive away and then getting in a high-speed pursuit, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blasting the door off a home in Huntington Park to search for a man accused of ramming a Border Patrol vehicle days earlier was a very, very prudent, thoughtful application of tactics, said Bovino, who joined that early-morning raid. I don't want to surround a house for hours and hours and hours and then create another riot. He dismissed allegations of profiling, saying he identifies targets based on intelligence, and he defended the optional use of masks for agents who fear that being identified may jeopardize their personal safety. Protesters strike back But protesters trying to counter Bovino's raids have tactics of their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a balmy Saturday morning, about 150 volunteers filed into an auditorium at the headquarters of the Los Angeles teachers union to hear a leader of the Community Self-Defense Coalition speak for two hours about how to fight back, capped by a 15-minute session of role-playing as monitors and ICE officers. The speaker rattled off a list of most commonly used SUVs and telling signs that they are in the area, such as being double-parked, in red zones or clustered together. People were told to knock on the window to try to press officials for information and record license plates to determine if they have been spotted at other raids. When a raid unfolds, instructions are to get personal information of those arrested and record the action. When agents raided the Home Depot and car wash on Aug. 15, they were constantly watching for drivers who might be trailing them. The team met briefly in an office park but split up after workers started peering at their SUVs with tinted windows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bovino uses the term time on the X to describe how long agents stay at the scene of a raid; they must leave quickly to avoid protesters. On this morning, the plan was no more than 10 minutes. The tamale vendor arrested outside the Home Depot had been under surveillance because she was previously removed from the country, though she had no criminal history. There were two targets at the car wash who were priorities because they had been previously deported, but they were apparently not there. Of the four arrested, one had previously been deported; none had criminal histories. Bovino relies on Border Patrol SWAT-style teams to avoid the chaos that erupted during an hourslong standoff at a Home Depot in Paramount on June 7. The Trump administration called in the National Guard and Marines to counter the protests. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that use of the Guard was illegal. Agents are developing new tactics to strike quickly, Bovino said, and to avoid protesters, as when they hid in a rented Penske truck to surprise laborers at a Home Depot last month. He said he plans to heavily promote an ICE tip line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He's going to push the limits' In some important respects, Bovino has been consistent. The world around him has changed. He joined the Border Patrol in 1996 and is nearing the agencys mandatory retirement age of 57. He eventually plans to return home to North Carolina to harvest apples. For now, he remains Border Patrol chief in El Centro, long a relatively quiet part of the border that has become even quieter as illegal crossings have plummeted to their lowest levels in six decades. Roughly 1,000 agents there averaged less than three arrests a day in July. His media savvy is on display each summer when Border Patrol sector chiefs hold news conferences to warn against illegal crossings. In 2021, Bovino led journalists in swimming across the All-American Canal, whose deceptively swift current and smooth concrete lining result in migrant deaths every year. In 2023, he locked reporters in a vehicle trunk, saying he wanted them to appreciate the dangers firsthand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While administration officials like to say they are deporting the worst of the worst, Bovino embraces arrests of hard-working people with deep roots in the country. He said they skip the line ahead of people waiting to enter the country legally. The folks undercutting American businesses, is that right? he said. Absolutely not. That's why we have immigration laws in the first place, and that's why I'm here. Some colleagues think Bovino may rise higher, even as some ICE leaders have quietly chafed at the attention he is getting. He has been under consideration to lead a Los Angeles-style operation in Chicago. The Homeland Security Department, asked for comment, says, "Bovinos success in getting the worst of the worst out of the Los Angeles region speaks for itself. He sees what the right and left lanes are on this, and he's going to get out there and he's going to push the limits, Beeson said. FAIRFIELD, Iowa Two people were arrested and charged with animal neglect after 61 animals were removed from their Fairfield home. The Fairfield Police Department says they were notified August 27, 2025, of possible animal neglect occurring at a home in the 200 block of Cardinal Drive. The report stated that a large number of animals were being kept in poor and potentially dangerous living conditions. Authorities opened an investigation to determine the validity of the allegations and were able to find enough evidence to secure a search warrant of the premises. The Fairfield PD, with assistance from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and the Fairfield Veterinary Clinic, executed that search warrant on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrest made in West Des Moines overnight shooting that injured 1 Officers and animal welfare professionals entered the home and discovered conditions described as neglectful, unsanitary, and hazardous to both the animals and anyone residing in the home. Authorities found animals confined to overcrowded kennels, with several sharing enclosures. The animals were covered in feces and lacked adequate food and water, police say. Thirty-eight dogs, 10 cats and 13 various small animals were removed from the residence. The animals have been placed into the care of various animal welfare organizations for treatment and rehabilitation. The Fairfield Police Department says 44-year-old Ellen Marie Telleen and 26-year-old Krysta Marie Telleen were both arrested on 48 counts of Animal Neglect. Ellen and Krysta were transported to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility, but have since posted bond and been released. Iowa 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. Two drones entered Polish airspace overnight on Sept. 3 but were not shot down as they posed no danger, Polish Armed Forces Operational Commander Maciej Klisz said on Sept. 4, Reuters reported. The violation comes weeks after a Russian drone crashed in eastern Poland, which officials described as a deliberate provocation. "We had two airspace violations," Klisz said at a news conference. "These two violations were under the full control of national forces and units assigned to the state defense system." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drones left Polish territory without causing damage, Poland's General Staff Chief Wieslaw Kukula confirmed. The incident occurred as Russia launched a large-scale wave of drone and missile strikes on western and central Ukraine, likely causing the drones to cross into Poland. Warsaw placed its air defenses on full alert during the attack. Dutch F-35 jets also assisted in patrolling Polish airspace, the Armed Forces Operational Command said. Poland, a NATO member on the alliance's eastern flank, has repeatedly accused Moscow of testing its defenses through drone flights. Poland has been among Ukraine's staunchest supporters since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, supplying tanks, heavy equipment, and ammunition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its front-line location places it at the heart of NATO's deterrence efforts, as Western leaders warn of the risk of a wider war with Russia in the coming years. Read also: Behind Ukraines manpower crisis lies a bleak new battlefield reality for infantry Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. STEPHENS COUNTY, GA (WSPA) The Stephens County Sheriffs Office reported two people were found dead in their home. On Wednesday September 3, patrol deputies responded to a welfare check at a house on Rose Lane. Upon arrival, deputies said two people, a man and a woman, were found dead inside. The sheriffs office will not be releasing the names of the individuals. Both were transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) for autopsy. Authorities believe there is no threat to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation remains ongoing by the Stephens County Sheriffs 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. 'The Secret of Forms' runs from September to November 2025 at the municipal galleries The New Gallery-Artists Studios Teddy and Hutzot Hayotzer, with free admission. Jerusalem celebrates 55 years of creativity by pioneering sculptor Israel Hadany with a major exhibition and citywide tours exploring his public art. Curated by Noa Karavan-Cohen and Smadar Teimour, The Secret of Forms runs from September to November 2025 at the municipal galleries The New Gallery-Artists Studios Teddy and Hutzot Hayotzer, with free admission. Opening: September 5 at Teddy Gallery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than half a century, Hadany has worked in the space between the personal and the collective, the sacred and the everyday, and the material and the spiritual, earning recognition as one of Israels most significant artists. His works are embedded across Jerusalem, Israel, and the world, eluding easy categorization or stylistic label. Hadanys creations range from miniature, jewelry-like sculptures to monumental public installations, from intimate-scale works to expansive environmental pieces. Influenced by ancient traditions and distant cultures yet deeply rooted in the fabric of Jerusalem its tensions, memories, and evolving artistic interpretations Hadanys art emerges through attentive engagement with place, material, and time. Almost no material has escaped his experimentation: stone and marble, wood and metal, concrete, glass, paper, water, and earth. Each is chosen not only for aesthetic qualities but also for its potential to convey an idea, spark an experience, or provoke conversation. In Hadanys words, I select a material for its capacity to best serve the sculptural idea or to create the stimulus for that idea to take shape. Thorough presentation of Hadany's works The new exhibition, initiated by Jerusalems Department of Culture and Arts, is the most comprehensive presentation of Hadanys work to date. Developed through in-depth research and close collaboration with the artist, it incorporates texts written by Hadany and focuses on his public-space works, particularly site-specific pieces created for the environments where they are installed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drawings, models, specially commissioned works, photographs, projections, and documentary footage invite visitors to follow Hadanys path and reconsider the spaces we inhabit. The exhibition spans two municipal galleries: Hutzot Hayotzer dedicates its space to Hadanys Jerusalem-focused works, while the new Teddy Gallery presents his non-Jerusalem and international projects. The final section at Teddy highlights unrealized works, plans, proposals, drawings, and projects straddling fantasy and metaphysics, demonstrating that Hadanys practice is not only aesthetic or formal but a continuous process of imagination, passion, and labor aiming to leave traces of presence even where the work is not visible. Alongside the exhibitions, artist talks and special public tours through the urban space connecting the two galleries will take place during Sukkot, inviting audiences to experience Hadanys art in context. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion commented, Jerusalem is a vibrant cultural anchor, where artists like Israel Hadany shape the urban landscape and add layers of meaning. The Secret of Forms expresses the municipalitys commitment to advancing art in general and public art in particular, honoring artists who live and work in our city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are proud to present this comprehensive exhibition, which allows the public to encounter up close the works that have shaped Israels public space and to continue fostering the connection between art, community, and place. Karavan-Cohen and Teimour added, Alongside the challenge of presenting monumental, site-specific art within gallery spaces, selecting the works for this exhibition was itself a challenge, as each of Hadanys pieces embodies a unique dialogue with material and place. Our curatorial approach emphasizes Hadanys creative process and the visitor experience, rather than chronological order. A Norfolk maritime facility tied to the regions nascent offshore wind industry plans to shift part of its operational plans after President Donald Trumps administration killed a $39 million grant. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced last week his agency was withdrawing from or terminating $679 million in funding for 12 projects related to offshore wind energy. The canceled funding includes a $39 million grant for Fairwinds Landing, a more-than $500 million maritime facility in Norfolks Lamberts Point connected to shipbuilding, ship repair and offshore wind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fairwinds Landing leaders are now asking the Department of Transportations U.S. Maritime Administration, or MARAD, to reconsider the cuts , said Mike Hopkins, the projects managing director. Our revised project, which we recently submitted to MARAD in response to their request, will help restore Americas maritime dominance and focuses on rebuilding Americas shipbuilding and maritime industrial base in line with MARADs current priorities, Hopkins said in an emailed statement. Hopkins did not elaborate on how the project had changed and did not respond to an email asking for details. The list also included a termination of $20 million in upgrades to the Portsmouth Marine Terminal to convert the space into a deep water terminal currently being used as a staging area for Dominion Energys Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project. However, Port of Virginia spokesperson Joe Harris said the money from the grant has already been spent on the upgrades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal governments Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant was integral to the success of this project because funds from that program helped offset some of the improvement costs, Harris said in a statement. Harris said the port had received no response from the Department of Transportation yet about already spending the funding. Its unclear if the DOT will expect the money to be returned or if the cancellation was made in error. A DOT representative did not immediately return a request for comment. Fairwinds Landing is expected to create 750 jobs, project leaders said in September 2023. The Miller Group, led by longtime Hampton Roads businessman Jerry Miller, is leading a business partnership to develop the site. The site includes an offshore wind monitoring and coordination center for Dominion Energys Virginia Beach wind farm and storage space for ship parts from Newport News Shipbuilding, among other features. A representative for Huntington Ingalls Industries, whose Newport News Shipbuilding facility uses Fairwinds to store ship parts and plans to use the facility more in the future, did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Transportation announcement drew sharp criticism from Virginia Democrats, including Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and Rep. Bobby Scott, who said the project is one that would help the Trump administration accomplish its goal of reestablishing American maritime dominance. Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Virginia Beach, who previously expressed support for offshore wind, did not respond to a request for comment. Kiggans is a member of the House Conservative Climate Caucus, which aims to educate GOP members on the fiscally conservative benefits of clean energy. She also met with Dominion Energy leaders and voiced support for the wind farm earlier this year. This week, Democratic candidate for governor Abigail Spanberger released a statement also criticizing the withdrawal of funding. The Trump administrations sledgehammer approach to governing is hurting Virginia from firing thousands of federal workers to slashing federal funds for critical projects across our Commonwealth, Spanberger said. Spanbergers opponent in the race, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, did not respond to a request for comment. Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345, trevor.metcalfe@pilotonline.com A 14-year-old and a 17-year-old were taken into custody in connection with a pursuit that began in Groton on Wednesday and led to multiple crashes before the car was abandoned on Interstate 95 in East Lyme. The pursuit began shortly after the City of Groton Police Department issued a be on the lookout alert just after 7:30 p.m. for a black 2002 Mercedes S500 that had just allegedly been used to flee a traffic stop, according to Paul Gately, deputy chief of the Town of Groton Police Department. Seconds later, Gately said, a concerned citizen reported seeing the vehicle parked in a business lot on High Rock Road. Groton town officers located the Mercedes in the lot where the driver allegedly fled and rammed a cruiser, according to Gately. The passenger side of the cruiser sustained minor damage. No officers were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the Mercedes then engaged officers in a pursuit that began on Poquonnock Road and continued onto Long Hill Road where the driver allegedly continued operating recklessly into oncoming traffic, disregarding multiple speed and traffic signs, Gately said. Officers set up stop sticks in the area of Long Hill Road and Kings Highway, but the Mercedes driver was able to veer away from them, striking a pickup truck that was traveling north on Long Hill Road and turning onto Kings Highway, according to Gately. The angled crash disabled the pickup, which was occupied by an adult and two juveniles. No injuries were apparent, but one of the juveniles was taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for an evaluation, according to Gately. The Mercedes driver continued fleeing to Kings Highway and Bridge Street and into the city of Groton, Gately said. The driver led police onto I-95 South where Connecticut State Police troopers took the lead on the pursuit when it reached Waterford, according to Gately. The driver stopped in the shoulder as the vehicle approached a construction zone near Exit 74 in East Lyme where three people got out of the car and allegedly headed into a wooded area. Gately said Groton town officers were able to quickly take a female into custody before identifying her as a 14-year-old. A state police K-9 Unit conducted a track and took a male into custody who was also found to be a juvenile, Gately said. Police believe the third occupant of the vehicle, who could not immediately be found, was the driver, according to Gately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 14-year-old girl and the other juvenile, 17, were charged with interfering with an officer and released on a juvenile summons. Officers from the East Lyme Police Department, Waterford Police Department, City of Groton Police Department as well as Troopers from the Connecticut State Police assisted in the investigation, Gately said in a statement. The incident led to the northbound side of Long Hill Road being shut down at Kings Highway. Both sides of I-95 were also shut down in the area of Exit 74. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Town of Groton Police Department at 860-441-6712. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Two local men are in custody after they allegedly re-entered the country after being previously deported. 32-year-old Kevin Noel Ochoa-Venegas will go on trial Sept. 22. U.S. attorneys say hes entered the U.S. illegally three times. He was deported back to Honduras in 2016 and 2021. He was arrested here in Bay County in April. A federal grand jury indicted 27-year-old Hector Chaves-Morales today for allegedly reentering the U.S. from his home in Guatemala. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was previously deported in 2016. Local and federal officers arrested him in Walton County in May. Chavez-Morales faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a 250-thousand-dollar fine. Ochoa-Venegas could get 20 years in prison because of prior convictions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WEST PALM BEACH Days before the start of their criminal trial, two people accused of shooting a man to death outside a Royal Palm Beach restaurant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Circuit Judge Sarah Willis sentenced Brandon Gracey, 26, and Benson Charles, 31, to 20 years in prison on Sept. 2. Theirs are the second and third convictions in the death of 34-year-old Frederick Stockton, a work-release prison inmate who was ambushed by masked gunmen behind Hilary's Diner on July 7, 2018. Witnesses said Stockton and his coworker were taking garbage to a dumpster outside the restaurant when two people emerged from a gray Honda Accord and began shooting. Stockton, shot in the chest, legs, arms, hips and head, collapsed. The gunmen returned to the Honda and fled. Onlookers are overcome by grief after one man was killed and another man was taken to the hospital in a shooting in Royal Palm Beach in July 2018. (ALLEN EYESTONE/PALM BEACH POST) Lynn Elliott, Stockton's girlfriend of 10 years, told Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies there were numerous attempts on Stockton's life. Hours before his murder, Stockton called his girlfriend to say a black Audi was following him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elliott said Stockton "had been on edge for some time." He was adamant that a man named Delson Marc wanted him dead. Man suspected of orchestrating murder was already under investigation Marc was already on authorities' radar. Deemed by federal prosecutors "one of, if not the biggest" heroin dealers in Palm Beach County, he was under investigation by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration months before Stockton's murder. Agents had staged controlled buys and gathered evidence of large-scale drug trafficking but never took him into custody. Later, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rinku Tribuiani told a federal judge Marc had evaded justice so many times that her office stopped prioritizing his arrest. "When the agents would bring up Delson Marc's name, I literally said to them: Move on. You're never going to get this guy. He's too smart," she said, according to a 2019 hearing transcript. Onlookers are overcome by grief after one man was killed and another man was taken to the hospital in a shooting in Royal Palm Beach in July 2018. (ALLEN EYESTONE/PALM BEACH POST) The day after Stockton's murder, deputies watched from afar as Marc drove a Cadillac Escalade into an apartment complex parking lot, followed by a flatbed tow truck. The truck stopped in front of a gray Honda Accord, believed to be the same one used in the murder one day earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A passenger of Marc's car stepped out and handed the tow truck driver the key to the Honda, which was loaded onto the flatbed and driven away. When deputies stopped the tow truck, Marc doubled back, spotted the marked patrol units and sped away. He and his passengers abandoned the Escalade and fled on foot, leaving behind a Crown Royal bag stuffed with heroin capsules packaged for sale. Two codefendants maintain innocence in Stockton murder Inside the Honda, detectives found .40-caliber Smith & Wesson ammunition beneath the drivers seat the same caliber as shell casings scattered around Stocktons body outside the restaurant, along Southern Boulevard west of State Road 7. According to federal court records, investigators believe Marc ordered Stockton's execution as payback for a 2015 shooting carried out at Marc's recording studio either by Stockton or his associates. Deputies arrested Marc on July 18, 2018, paving the way for drug and murder charges in state and federal court for both him and his suspected accomplice, Balmy Joseph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afterward, state prosecutors pursued additional murder charges against Gracey, Charles and Williamson Fleury, a prison inmate housed at the same facility as Stockton. Detectives said Fleury told Charles and Joseph when Stockton left the facility to begin his work-release shift. Fleury was the first of the five codefendants to negotiate a deal. He pleaded guilty in January to second-degree murder in exchange for a 12-year prison sentence, with credit for the nearly five years he spent in jail following his arrest. Charles and Gracey followed suit. Had they maintained their innocence and lost at trial, they risked mandatory life sentences for first-degree murder. Joseph, who prosecutors suspect was one of the two gunmen, lost his federal drug trial and was sentenced to 22 years in prison. He is scheduled to appear in state court for his own plea negotiations in the murder case on Oct. 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marc pleaded guilty to his federal drug charges, in exchange for a 20-year prison sentence. His jury trial on the state murder charge is scheduled to begin Sept. 5. Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Pair pleads guilty to retaliatory murder of Frederick Stockton in 2018 HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) Two universities from the Tri-State have been named in the top five of the 2026 Best Nursing Schools in Indiana list. The University of Evansville ranked second, and the University of Southern Indiana ranked fifth. Officials state UEs Bachelor of Science in Nursing program stood out with a 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2024. The program also integrates rigorous scientific coursework with extensive clinical experiences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To get into the program, admission must have a composite ACT score of 22 or SAT scores of 1100, and the program emphasizes hands-on learning, study abroad opportunities and holistic professional development for aspiring nurses. Officials state USIs Bachelor of Science in Nursing program stood out with NCLEX pass rates consistently hovering around 96 to 97% from 2022 to 2024. Officials also say the hybrid program offers a dynamic educational experience blending online coursework with hands-on clinical training. The program emphasizes critical thinking and communication skills, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare environments. With an additional focus on practical experience, students receive a well-rounded education designed to meet contemporary healthcare industry demands. For a full list of results, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Sept. 4 (UPI) -- The Trump administration announced Wednesday that an unprecedented law enforcement operation has busted a Chinese-based fentanyl drug and money laundering conspiracy, resulting in charges against 22 Chinese nationals, four Chinese pharmaceutical companies and three U.S. citizens. FBI Director Kash Patel described Operation Box Cutter as a "first-of-its-kind" law enforcement action targeting the threat posed to the American public by China-manufactured precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl. "We're done playing whack-a-mole," he said during a press conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We didn't arrest a couple of people. We charged an enterprise-wide system in mainland China to include dozens of individuals and banks and companies that are responsible for making these lethal precursors and shipping them here." The Dayton, Ohio, grand jury five-count indictment unsealed Wednesday focuses on a Tipp City, Ohio, resident, 39-year-old Eric Michael Payne. According to the document, Payne is accused of buying cutting agents from several Chinese companies and supplying them to fentanyl traffickers operating in southern Ohio since at least 2022. Cutting agents are used to increase the yield of the drugs. Those Payne is accused of buying include animal tranquilizers that maintain the potency of drugs they are cut with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department said in a statement that "it is believed" Payne purchased at least 10 kilograms, or 22 pounds, of cutting agents from these Chinese companies purporting to be online pharmacies and chemical producers. Federal prosecutors allege that these Chinese companies use Chinese nationals located overseas to conduct the business of selling cutting agents to U.S. customers who pay for the illicit products with cryptocurrency. The indictment alleges that 24-year-old Auriyon Tresan Rayford, also of Tipp City, whom prosecutors described as Payne's significant other, as well as 39-year-old Atlanta resident Ciandrea Bryne Davis assisted Payne in transferring more than $60,000 in cryptocurrency to the Chinese companies through the Chinese nationals indicted. Patel said law enforcement seized 139 kilos of fentanyl powder in the operation, which he said was enough to kill 70 million Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those named in the indictment have been charged with conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl mixture and conspiring to launder money internationally, while Payne has also been charged with possessing with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl mixture and evidence tampering. Rayford has also been charged with a count of maintaining a drug-involved premises. It was unclear if any of the Chinese nationals had been arrested. Coinciding with the indictment, the U.S. Treasury on Wednesday sanctioned two of the charged Chinese nationals and one of the Chinese companies. Patel on Wednesday described the law enforcement action as one that was striking at the source of the United States' fentanyl crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Unless you unwind that web and unless you track down every single person and business and entity and flow of money involved in it, you will never break the wheel," he said. "We were here today to break the wheel of fentanyl trafficking in the United States of America." The United States has been experiencing a significant drop in overdose deaths. Last year, overdose deaths dropped almost 27% from the year before, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicting that overdose deaths will "reach their lowest level since 2019." Synthetic opioids accounted for 48,422 overdose deaths last year, a significant drop from the 76,282 deaths a year prior, according to the CDC. BOSTON A Mexican national unlawfully residing in New Bedford was sentenced Sept. 3 in federal court for illegally reentering the United States after deportation, according to a U.S. Dept. of Justice press release. Bernardo Lorenzo-Guatemala, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to four months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025, Lorenzo-Guatemala pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. He was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in May 2025. A Mexican national unlawfully residing in New Bedford was sentenced Sept. 3 in federal court for illegally reentering the United States after deportation, according to a U.S. Dept. of Justice press release. Lorenzo-Guatemala was deported from the United States on June 4, 2019. Sometime after his removal, Lorenzo-Guatemala unlawfully reentered the United States, according to the release. Was arrested for driving with a suspended license Immigration officials became aware of Lorenzo-Guatemalas unlawful presence in the United States following his arrest on July 2, 2024 for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Lynn Police Dept. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Mexican national living illegally in New Bedford sentenced to 4 months U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that the United States is designating two Ecuadorian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations in the Trump administration's latest move against cartels. The announcement came as Rubio traveled to Ecuador to meet with its leaders in a trip to Latin America this week that has been overshadowed by a U.S. military strike against a similarly designated gang, Tren de Aragua. The strike has raised concerns in the region about whether the Trump administration will step up military activity to combat drug trafficking and illegal migration. The two new designees, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, are Ecuadorian gangs blamed for much of the violence that began since the COVID-19 pandemic. The designation, Rubio said, brings "all sorts of options" for the U.S. government to work in conjunction with the government of Ecuador to crack down on these groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes the ability to kill them as well as take action against the properties and banking accounts in the U.S. for the group's members and people with ties to the criminal organizations, Rubio said, adding it would also help with intelligence sharing. Rubio called them "vicious animals, these terrorists." Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a joint news conference with Ecuador's Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld at the Palacio de Carondelet, in Quito, Ecuador, Sept. 4, 2025. / Credit: Jacquelyn Martin/AP Criminal gang violence continues unabated following the recapture in June of the country's biggest drug lord, Adolfo Macias, who leads Los Choneros, after his escape from a maximum-security prison in 2024. In July, the Ecuadoran government extradited Macias to the United States, where he faces multiple drug trafficking and firearms charges. Last year, the U.S. classified Los Choneros as one of the most violent gangs and affirmed its connection to powerful Mexican drug cartels who threaten Ecuador and the surrounding region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, a leader of Los Lobos was arrested at his home in the coastal city of Portoviejo. Carlos D, widely known by his alias El Chino, was the second-in-command of Los Lobos and "considered a high-value target," the armed forces said in a statement. The U.S. last year declared Los Lobos to be the largest drug trafficking organization in Ecuador. "Interdiction doesn't work" Rubio's meetings in Quito on Thursday follow talks a day earlier with Mexican leaders that were overshadowed by the U.S. military strike on suspected Tren de Aragua drug runners in the southern Caribbean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration asserts that it targeted a Venezuelan drug-running ship crewed by members of Tren de Aragua. U.S. officials say the vessel's cargo was intended for the United States and that the strike killed 11 people. Rubio defended the action and offered no justification other than to say the boat posed an "immediate threat" to the U.S. and that Trump opted to "blow it up" rather than follow what had been standard procedure to stop and board, arrest the crew and seize any contraband on board. "Interdiction doesn't work," Rubio said Wednesday. "Instead of interdicting it, on the president's orders, we blew it up. And it'll happen again. Maybe it's happening right now, I don't know, but the point is the president of the United States is going to wage war on narco-terrorist organizations." Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday that U.S. military assets will remain in the region, and that more strikes may be forthcoming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a deadly, serious mission for us and it won't stop with just this strike," Hegseth told Fox News. "Anyone else trafficking in those waters who we know is a designated narco-terrorist will face the same fate." The strike got a mixed reaction from leaders around Latin America, where the U.S. history of military intervention and gunboat diplomacy is still fresh. Many, like officials in Mexico, were careful not to outright condemn the attack but stressed the importance of protecting national sovereignty and warning that expanded U.S. military involvement might actually backfire. Mexico Foreign Affairs Secretary Ramon de la Fuente, speaking to reporters alongside Rubio, emphasized his country's preference for "nonintervention, peaceful solution of conflicts." Ecuador has its own issues with narcotics trafficking and also has been looked to by the Trump administration as a possible destination to deport non-Ecuadorian migrants from the United States. U.S. officials have said they would like to secure an agreement with Ecuador that would have it accept such deportees, but the status of negotiations with Quito was not clear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ecuador's president, Daniel Noboa, on Thursday thanked Rubio for the U.S. efforts to "actually eliminate any terrorist threat." Before their meeting, Rubio had said on social media that the U.S. and Ecuador are "aligned as key partners on ending illegal immigration and combatting transnational crime and terrorism." Surging violence since COVID-19 pandemic The latest U.N. World Drug Report says various countries in South America, including Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, reported larger cocaine seizures in 2022 than in 2021, but it does not give 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," the report says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violence has skyrocketed in Ecuador since the COVID-19 pandemic, as drug traffickers expanded operations in the country and took advantage of the nation's banana industry. The South American country is the world's largest exporter of bananas, shipping about 7.2 million tons a year by sea. Traffickers find containers filled with bananas the perfect vehicle to smuggle their product. In addition, cartels from Mexico, Colombia and the Balkans have settled in Ecuador because it uses the U.S. dollar and has weak laws and institutions, along with a network of long-established, ruthless gangs that are eager for work. Ecuador also gained prominence in the global cocaine trade after political changes in Colombia last decade. Coca bush fields in Colombia have been moving closer to the border with Ecuador due to the breakup of criminal groups after the 2016 demobilization of the rebel group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, better known by its Spanish acronym FARC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio is also visiting the Andean country to argue against its close ties and reliance on China. Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Khanna, Massie and Greene hold news conference on Jeffrey Epstein files Justice Amy Coney Barrett on same-sex marriage and abortion Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Thursday with European leaders in Paris, along with President Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, to discuss ongoing efforts to broker an end to Russia's war against his country that includes security guarantees for the war-torn nation. Mr. Trump has been pushing for Russia and Ukraine to strike a deal to end the war sparked by Russia's full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, and the French news agency AFP said the European leaders gathered in Paris held a video conference with the U.S. president right after their meeting on Thursday. A White House official confirmed that call to CBS News, adding that Mr. Trump had, "emphasized that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war as Russia received 1.1 billion euros in fuel sales from the EU in one year." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Trump also urged the European leaders to "place economic pressure on China for funding Russia's war efforts." Putin joins China's Xi and Kim Jong Un in display of anti-U.S. unity European nations have reduced their purchases of Russian fossil fuels since the Ukraine war began, but they have not ended. EU nations are working to replace Russian gas and oil in with fuel from other sources, but the continent had become reliant on cheap energy from Moscow over many years, and it will take years for most nations to achieve energy independence from Russia. European nations led by Britain and France, meanwhile, have been working to secure assurances from the White House that any troops they send to ensure long-term military support for Ukraine once a ceasefire comes into effect will have American backing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The French presidency shared a video of the meeting on social media that showed Witkoff at the table, and shaking hands and greeting Zelenskyy with a hug. Ukrainian presidential press secretary Serhii Nikiforov Zelenskyy told the AFP that Zelenskyy and Witkoff also held a closed-door meeting. White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff shakes hands with France's President Emmanuel Macron, upon their arrival to chair a meeting with international leaders during the Coalition of the Willing Summit, at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris, France, Sept. 4, 2025. / Credit: Ludovic Marin/Pool/REUTERS Witkoff was invited to participate in the so-called "coalition of the willing" meeting to discuss aid for Ukraine, including sketching out plans for military support in the event of a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, to deter future Russian aggression, officials told AFP. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who lead the group, have insisted that any European "reassurance" force in Ukraine needs the backing of the United States. European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said earlier this week that "precise plans" for post-war international military deployments in Ukraine were being drawn up, adding in an interview with the Financial Times that there was a "clear road map" and that President Trump had agreed to an unspecified "American presence" as a "backstop" to any European ground force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starmer's office said after the meeting in Paris on Thursday that the British prime minister had "emphasized that the group had an unbreakable pledge to Ukraine, with President Trump's backing, and it was clear they now needed to go even further to apply pressure on (Russian president Vladimir) Putin to secure a cessation of hostilities." From left, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Finland's President Alexander Stubb, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's President Emmanuel Macron speak during the Coalition of the Willing Summit at Elysee presidential palace in Paris, France, Sept. 4, 2025. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff also attended the meeting. / Credit: Ludovic Marin/Pool/REUTERS While Ukraine has agreed to a proposal by the Trump administration for an immediate ceasefire, Putin has yet to even agree to meet with Zelenskyy on neutral ground, instead suggesting he come to Moscow. Despite Mr. Trump's mounting criticism, Putin has continued pressing his gains in Ukraine, and continued attacking not only military targets, but civilian infrastructure, with devastating effects. Starmer's office also mentioned a decision by the European coalition to supply long-range missiles to Ukraine "to further bolster the country's supplies." Macron said ahead of Thursday's meeting that preparatory work on the security guarantees had been done and should now be approved at political level. Like von der Leyen several days ago, however, he did not provide any details. "We Europeans are ready to provide security guarantees to Ukraine and the Ukrainians on the day peace is signed," Macron said. It is unclear what members of the coalition are willing to contribute, including troops on the ground. Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian president's chief of staff, said Thursday after meeting Witkoff and other national security advisers that the security guarantees "must be strong and effective in the air, at sea, on land and in cyberspace." President Trump has made it clear that he will not deploy American troops to Ukraine as part of any ceasefire arrangement, and members of his administration have previously suggested a U.S. role could be to provide coordination, rather than boots on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with the Daily Caller published over the weekend, Mr. Trump did not rule out using American warplanes to assist European peacekeeping efforts on the ground. Zelenskyy's government is hoping for continued U.S. intelligence sharing and air support. Putin has balked at the idea of any Western forces deploying to Ukraine as part of a peace deal. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte dismissed that opposition on Thursday, insisting that Ukraine is "a sovereign country," and thus it is "not for them to decide" in Moscow what security guarantees are put in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But until there is a ceasefire, which Putin would have to agree to, post-war security guarantees will remain purely theoretical, and Ukraine will be forced to continue defending itself to the best of its ability from Russia's relentless attacks. Rutte, who attended the Paris meeting virtually, said a broad coalition of nations was needed to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression, but also to strengthen Europe to deter further military action by Moscow. Citing European military and intelligence officials who have warned of Russian plans to strike within the decade other European countries, most of them in the U.S.-led military alliance that Rutte currently helms, he said: "we have to make sure that our deterrence is such that they will never try, knowing that our reaction will be devastating." Rutte also called for the world to "not be naive about Russia." "We know what Putin tries to do and the evidence is there in Ukraine as we speak," he said. Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Khanna, Massie and Greene hold news conference on Jeffrey Epstein files HHS Secretary RFK Jr. wraps heated Senate testimony The United States government announced Thursday that it is suing Southern California Edison (SCE), one of the largest electric utility companies in the nation, for tens of millions of dollars for its alleged negligence in the Eaton and Fairview wildfires. The deadly fires burned tens of thousands of acres of National Forest System lands, killed a total of 21 people and destroyed thousands of buildings, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) stated in its news release. The lawsuits filed today allege a troubling pattern of negligence resulting in death, destruction, and tens of millions of federal taxpayer dollars spent to clean up one utility companys mistakes, said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit is seeking more than $40 million in damages caused by the Jan. 7, 2025, Eaton Fire, which it claims was ignited from faulty power infrastructure owned, maintained, and operated by SCE. While the cause of the fire is still officially under investigation, the DOJ pointed to a July 31 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in which SCE reported that it was not aware of evidence pointing to another possible source of ignition. In this photo provided by Pasadena, Calif., resident Matt Logelin, flames burn beneath transmission towers owned by Southern California Edison in Eaton Canyon in the early evening of Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (Matt Logelin via AP) One of two Southern California Edison transmission towers was dismantled and removed from a steep hillside in Eaton Canyon on May 7, 2025, as part of an investigation into whether the towers played a role in the deadly Eaton fire in Altadena. (KTLA) One of two Southern California Edison transmission towers was dismantled and removed from a steep hillside in Eaton Canyon on May 7, 2025, as part of an investigation into whether the towers played a role in the deadly Eaton fire in Altadena. (KTLA) FILE Megan Mantia, left, and her boyfriend Thomas, only first game given, return to Mantias fire-damaged home after the Eaton Fire swept through the area, Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File) FILE Firefighters protect a structure as the Eaton Fire advances, Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File) FILE A firefighter tries to extinguish flames at a burning apartment building during the Eaton Fire, Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) The Fairview Fire burns on a hillside near an orange grove Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, near Hemet, Calif. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) A structure burns in the Fairview Fire burning near Hemet. (OnScene.TV) Damage caused by the Fairview Fire in Hemet on Sept. 6, 2022 is seen in an aerial image. (KTLA) The Eaton Fire burned more than 10,000 structures, leaving at least 19 people dead while also destroying or damaging U.S. Forest Service roads, trails, campgrounds and other facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SCE negligently failed to properly maintain its power and transmission lines and infrastructure in the area where the Eaton Fire ignited, the DOJ stated. The Fairview Fire ignited in Hemet on Sept. 5, 2022, when a sagging power line owned came into contact with a Frontier Communications messenger cable, creating sparks that ignited vegetation below, according to the news release. In addition to the damage caused to the national forest, the fire burned 44 structures, claimed two lives, and injured three people including two firefighters, the DOJ said. The U.S. is seeking to recover about $37 million in damages incurred by the Forest Service, including $20 million in fire suppression costs it says were incurred by the Fairview Fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a morning news conference on Thursday, Essayli said that he does not want SCE to offset damages by raising the rates of customers, ensuring there are terms in the lawsuit to prevent such actions. KTLA has reached out to SCE in regards to the lawsuit and is awaiting 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 KTLA. Rep. Nancy Mace is calling for the criminal prosecution of Prince Andrew in the wake of ongoing protests from Jeffrey Epstein's victims. The disgraced royal was a known acquaintance of the late sex offender and was forced to settle a civil case brought against him by one of Epstein's victims. Nancy Mace stated on social media that Prince Andrew deserves a "cold dark cell," adding that his prosecution would send the "right message." The Politician Believes Prosecuting Prince Andrew Would Send The 'Right Message' Mattie Neretin - CNP / MEGA South Carolina politician Nancy Mace is calling for renewed scrutiny of Prince Andrew's ties to Jeffrey Epstein amid ongoing protests demanding the full release of the late sex offender's files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia Roberts Giuffre accused Andrew of sexually abusing her at age 17 after being introduced to him by Epstein. While the disgraced prince has continued to insist on his innocence, he ultimately settled the case out of court for an undisclosed sum, leaving questions about his guilt unresolved. "Now seems like a good time to discuss prosecuting Prince Andrew for any and all potential crimes on US soil," Mace penned on her X page. "A cold, dark cell. Prince Andrew in handcuffs. Sends the right message." In a follow-up tweet, Mace hinted at why she was calling for his criminal prosecution, saying it would help victims of Epstein heal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Seems like the right next step (after we release the files)," Mace said about Andrew. "Perhaps we can focus on prosecuting predators next. Let victims, survivors, and the country heal." Netizens Call For The Prosecution Of All Perpetrators Linked To Epstein MEGA In response to Mace's post, netizens expressed that they don't want selective accountability but rather the prosecution of everyone connected to Epstein. "Out them ALL, not just pick and choose. They should ALL be held accountable," one wrote, another commented, "All of the predators, not just a select few. ALL OF THEM." "Why prosecute just one of them? They all involved in this despicable act need to be prosecuted," a third netizen commented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Someone else said, "Prince Andrew has been cut off from the royal family. No punishment has been meted out to any others. Why this double standard ?" One more person remarked, "Why don't you start in America? We still haven't seen a single person prosecuted here. It's all nothing but empty words!" The Lawmaker Tearfully Walked Out Of A Meeting With Epstein Survivors After Suffering A 'Panic Attack' Nancy Mace leaving in tears during Epstein victim testimony is rich given the statement she put out hailing Trump as the hero in all this. She should be forced to listen to every damn word no matter how much trauma it dredges up. pic.twitter.com/EQYeGfvOzQ Geoff (@GeoffBrown82) September 3, 2025 Mace's comments came just days after she walked out of an oversight committee meeting with Epstein's victims. Photos showed her tearfully leaving the room and refusing to answer questions from reporters in the hallway. Later that day, she addressed the incident on X, explaining that the victims' stories were difficult to hear because she, too, is a survivor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Since it's 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 can't breathe," Mace further remarked about the incident. "I feel the immense pain of how hard all victims are fighting for themselves because we know absolutely no one will fight for us." Nancy Mace Has Called For The Release Of The Full Jeffrey Epstein Files Ron Sachs - CNP / MEGA Mace is also among the many politicians demanding the full release of the Epstein files, even though authorities have already closed their investigation into the case. In the push for transparency, she joined several other lawmakers in signing a discharge petition aimed at compelling Congress to hold a vote on releasing the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether that vote will take place remains uncertain as pressure continued to mount on the Trump administration. Epstein Victims Plan To Compile Their Own List Of Names DCJS/MEGA As reported by The Blast, Epstein survivors leading the protests have vowed to compile their own list of perpetrators if no action is taken. "We know the names," said Lisa Phillips, who met Epstein in the early 2000s. "Many of us were abused by them." She added, "Now, together, as survivors, we will confidentially compile the names we all know who were regularly in the Epstein world. And it will be done by survivors and for survivors no one else is involved." COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) In a news conference Thursday, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff addressed media members and demanded U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s resignation. Kennedy faced pointed bipartisan questioning during a three-hour Senate committee hearing on Thursday and defended his reasoning on pulling back COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Ossoff held an in-person press conference with Congressional colleagues, addressing RFK Jr. and Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The destruction of the CDC in Georgia, the systematic dismantling of American public health is putting children and families across the country at risk every single day, Ossoff said. This is chaos. It is out of control. And every day this continues, more and more Americans are put at risk by Mr. Kennedys radical and incoherent ideology. U.S. Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), who was among the Senate committee hearing on Thursday, also demanded the resignation of Kennedy and called for President Trump to fire him. You are a hazard to the health of the American people. I think that you ought to resign. And if you do not resign, the President of the United States, who put forward Operation Warp Speed, which worked, should fire you, Warnock said to Kennedy in the hearing. U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock called for the resignation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after a Senate committee hearing that addressed the current state of public health and the CDC. It all comes after Susan Monarez was fired from her role as CDC director. RELATED: U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff, Rev. Raphael Warnock provide $900K to combat opioid crisis in Georgia Kennedy said the fired CDC director was untrustworthy and stood by his past anti-vaccine rhetoric, while disputing reports of people, who are saying that they have had difficulty getting COVID-19 shots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I defend the CDC not just because those who work there are my constituents, but because it is the most important disease-fighting agency not just in the country but in the world, with unmatched capabilities and responsibility. And the CDC has been systematically demolished since Mr. Kennedy was sworn in, Ossoff said. He added, agency morale is at rock bottom. A quarter of the workforce has been pushed out. It is an agency known for its tenacity and precision and capacity that is now totally in chaos by design. And every day this continues, the damage is compounded. It is time for Mr. Kennedy to resign. During a line of questioning in the hearing, Warnock pressed Kennedy on his beliefs that he believes are dismantling the nations public infrastructure. Despite your lack of credentials and expertise, clearly, you have an agenda. It is a threat to the public health of the American people. Its clear that you are carrying out your extremist beliefs, Warnock said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats continue to express hostility toward Kennedy as he continues to push back on the ongoing concerns. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Jan Wolfe and Andrew Chung WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump has pushed the boundaries of executive power to impose sweeping tariffs, crack down on immigration and attempt to fire a Federal Reserve governor, and these actions could dominate the U.S. Supreme Court's upcoming docket. "It's about to be, 'Does the president have the power to do that?' season at the Supreme Court," said Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson. "While each case brings up slightly different issues, when and if the Supreme Court tackles deportations, tariffs and the firing of members of executive agencies, the big question will be whether or not President Trump had the authority to take those actions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's administration appealed on Wednesday a lower court's ruling last week that many of his tariffs pursued under a 1977 law meant for emergencies are illegal, urging the justices to fast track their review of the case. The case, and others making their way to the Supreme Court, will test just how amenable the justices are to the Republican president's expansive view of his authority, and his administrations ability to find novel ways to justify and carry out his agenda. The court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, has already handed major wins to the Republican president in his second term, granting emergency requests to implement his policies while challenges play out in lower courts. The justices return in September from their summer recess and typically choose 60-70 appeals to hear. In the upcoming October to June term, they could rule on administration actions stemming from Trump's sweeping claims of executive power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The scope of executive power has been - and will continue to be - the recurring legal issue of Trumps second term," said Robert Luther III, a George Mason University law professor. And why wouldn't President Trump want it to be? The Supreme Court has consistently backed his muscular assertions of presidential power." TARIFFS The 7-4 decision on August 29 from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit addressed what Trump calls "reciprocal" tariffs announced in April as well as other tariffs imposed in February against China, Canada and Mexico. At issue is whether Trump overstepped his authority in invoking the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose the tariffs, the first time the law was used for that purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has made tariffs a pillar of U.S. foreign policy, employing them to exert political pressure and renegotiate trade deals with exporting countries. IMMIGRATION Trump's immigration policy has given rise to similar challenges. A New Orleans-based federal appeals court ruled on Tuesday that Trump's reliance on a 1798 law to deport Venezuelan migrants accused of being gang members was likely unlawful. Historically, the law has been used only in wartime. The Alien Enemies Act expansively empowers the government to detain and deport citizens of hostile nations in times of war or during an "invasion or predatory incursion. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the law, rejecting the administrations view that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua had made a "predatory incursion" on U.S. soil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has been one of the few areas where the Supreme Court has pushed back on the administration so far. In May, the justices faulted his administration for seeking to remove Venezuelan migrants at a Texas detention center without adequate legal process. FED GOVERNOR COOK The limits of Trump's authority lie at the center of another case over his announcement last week he was removing Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, which sets U.S. monetary policy. Cook quickly filed a lawsuit seeking to block the move, setting up a legal battle that could upend long-established norms for the Fed's independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has accused Cook, the first Black woman on the Fed board, of committing mortgage fraud, which she has denied. Cook also contends that, even if she made misstatements on mortgage applications, they do not give the president legal cause to remove her because she disclosed all the relevant information during her 2022 vetting. The case has major implications for the Federal Reserves long-standing independence from political influence. OTHER CASES Trump's moves to eliminate diversity initiatives, withhold grants and other congressionally appropriated funds and target transgender individuals, among other contentious issues, have drawn hundreds of lawsuits - many of which are rapidly advancing through the appeals process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court has heard some of them on an emergency basis, as the administration fought attempts to stymie its policies while legal challenges continued. The court has sided with Trump in almost every case so far. In May, the Supreme Court let the administration end Biden-era temporary deportation protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans as it put on hold a judge's ruling against the government. A San Francisco-based U.S. appeals court on August 29 upheld the judge's ruling, setting up a further appeal. In June the court allowed the administration to deport migrants to countries other than their own - including politically unstable South Sudan - without a chance to show the harms they could face. The court also backed Trump's firing of Democratic members of federal labor boards and the top consumer product safety watchdog, boosting his power over federal agencies that Congress established as independent from presidential control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court also permitted implementation of his ban on transgender people in the military in May. (Reporting by Jan Wolfe in Washington and Andrew Chung in New York; Editing by Amy Stevens and Cynthia Osterman) WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump affirmed that the United States will keep a robust military presence in Poland as he had a warm meeting Wednesday with the countrys new president, Karol Nawrocki. Trump had taken the unusual step of endorsing Nawrocki in the Polish elections earlier this year, and as the leaders sat side by side in the White House, Trump said the U.S.-Polish relationship has always been strong but now its better than ever. When asked by a reporter whether the U.S. planned to continue placing troops in Poland, Trump said the U.S. would and well put more there if they want. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well be staying in Poland. Were very much aligned with Poland, Trump said. The visit to Washington is Nawrockis first overseas trip since taking office last month. The former amateur boxer and historian, who was backed by the conservative Law and Justice party, was hoping to deepen his relationship with Trump at a fraught moment for Warsaw. Nawrocki thanked Trump for his support and, in a nod to the bonds between their countries, gave a shout out to the millions of Polish Americans in the U.S. Those relations for me, for Poland, for Poles, are very important, Nawrocki said. He added that those bonds are based on shared values of independence and democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a news conference after his meeting, Nawrocki said he and Trump discussed expanding the U.S. military presence in Poland. There were specific discussions regarding this project, he said. He also said he considered it a major success that Trump provided a guarantee of Polands security. At the White House, Trump said he was proud to have endorsed Nawrocki and lauded him for winning his election. It was a pretty tough race, pretty nasty race, and he beat them all. And he beat them all very easily, and now hes become even more popular as they got to know him and know him better, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is increasingly frustrated by his inability to get Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to sit down for direct talks aimed at ending the war between Polands neighbors. Trump last month met with Putin in Alaska and then with Zelenskyy and several European leaders at the White House. The Republican president emerged from those engagements confident that he would be able to quickly arrange direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy and perhaps three-way talks in which he would participate. But his optimism in hatching an agreement to end the war has dimmed as Putin has yet to signal an interest in sitting down with Zelenskyy. Maybe they have to fight a little longer, Trump said in an interview with the conservative Daily Caller published over the weekend. You know, just keep fighting stupidly, keep fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Zelenskyy are scheduled to speak Thursday, according to a White House official. The official requested anonymity to discuss the yet to be formally announced call. The call comes as Zelenskyy is in Paris to meet with European allies on Thursday to discuss postwar security guarantees they might be able to provide with the United States. There is also heightened anxiety in Poland, and across Europe, about Trumps long-term commitment to a strong U.S. force posture on the continent an essential deterrent to Russia. Some key advisers in his administration have advocated for shifting U.S. troops and military from Europe to the Indo-Pacific with Chinas lock as the United States most significant strategic and economic competitor. Currently, there are about 8,200 American troops stationed in Poland, but the force level regularly fluctuates, according to the Pentagon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Nawrocki arrived at the White House, Trump gave him a hearty slap on the shoulder and stood with him as they watched U.S. military jets soaring over the South Lawn. A group of F-16s flew in a missing man formation as a tribute to a Polish Air Force F-16 pilot, Maj. Maciej Slab Krakowian, who died in a crash in Poland on Aug. 28. Thank you for this gesture, Nawrocki later told Trump. Trump made clear before Polands election this spring he wanted Nawrocki to win, dangling the prospect of closer military ties if the Poles elected Nawrocki. Trump even hosted him at the White House before the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also traveled to Poland shortly before its May election to tell Poles if they elected Nawrocki and other conservatives they would have a strong ally in Trump, who would ensure that you will be able to fight off enemies that do not share your values. Ultimately, Polish voters went with Nawrocki in a tight election over liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafa Trzaskowski. Most of the power in Polands parliamentary system rests with an elected parliament and a government chosen by the parliament. The president can veto legislation and represents the country abroad. Nawrocki has tense relations with the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, an ally of Trzaskowski. Nawrocki has echoed some of Trumps language on Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He promises to continue Polands support for Ukraine but has been critical of Zelenskyy, accusing him of taking advantage of allies. Nawrocki has accused Ukrainian refugees of taking advantage of Polish generosity and vowed to prioritize Poles for social services such as health care and schooling. At the same time, Nawrocki aimed to stress to Trump that Russian aggression in Ukraine underscores that Putin cant be trusted and that a strong U.S. presence in Poland remains an essential deterrent. Russia and its ally Belarus are set to hold joint military exercises this month in Belarus, unnerving Poland as well as fellow NATO members Latvia and Lithuania. Associated Press writers Geir Moulson in Berlin and Konstantin Toropin contributed to this report. HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WHNT) NASA and the presence of Marshall Space Flight Center play a key role in making Huntsville the Rocket City. Additionally, their Office of STEM Engagement has long been a big part of creating opportunities and offering higher education for students as well. Although with the presidents current budget for fiscal year 2026, that offices budget, known as OSTEM, is set to be eliminated. Where it belongs: AG Steve Marshall responds to Colorado AG over Space Command move Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Landon Bruski and his family currently live in Huntsville. He attends the University of Alabama and just finished an internship with NASA at Marshall Space Flight Center. I wanted to gain some experience, especially being in Huntsville with aerospace to maybe look into it in the future but to also get a hands on perspective to working for the government, Bruski said. He said the ten-week program was funded through the Office of STEM Engagement. I wasnt the one to sit in the background or watch other people do the work, he said. I was the one contributing. I, as an intern, helped and contributed to the mission, and I believe that us interns were trusted with real responsibility and my input was taken seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said his time with NASA was extremely valuable, but now hes concerned about what the internship program will look like in the future due to the presidents proposed 2026 budget. Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App In years past, OSTEM was allotted 143 million dollars, and in 2026, that number is set to be zero. You can find that information on NASAs Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Technical Supplement on page 361. The funding was crucial and one of the big ways that they were able to focus on the mission, focus on working at NASA, and not focusing on these other externalities, Bruski said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the internship is filled with more than 150 students from across the world, and the budget cut diminishes access for these students. Without financial assistance, a lot of these students wouldnt have been able to have the opportunity to be a full-time intern and to spend the ten weeks in Huntsville, he said. He described OSTEM as the bridge that connects students to future jobs in space exploration and defense work. He hopes Congress will consider increasing the budget to help continue to grow the workforce for space and defense jobs in the Huntsville area. Alabama leaders react to Space Command HQ coming to Redstone Arsenal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA provided News 19 with this statement regarding the future of OSTEM: President Trumps budget for fiscal year 2026 focuses NASAs resources on its core mission of space exploration. NASA will continue to inspire the next generation of explorers through exciting, ambitious space missions that demonstrate American leadership in space. As the budget has not yet been enacted, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further about mission specifics at this time. If youre interested in learning more about specifics of the presidents budget request for NASA for FY2026, please see the technical supplement online at: https://www.nasa.gov/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 WHNT.com. The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock (Photo courtesy of UAMS) The National Institutes of Health awarded the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences a $5.8 million grant to continue its research into the side effects of cancer treatment, the health system announced Wednesday. The five-year grant will fund the third phase of the UAMS Center for Studies of Host Response to Cancer Therapy, according to a UAMS news release. The research initiative, under the federal Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence, is the nations first to solely focus on the side effects of cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy, the release states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Research leader and UAMS professor Marjan Boerma said the funding will allow the initiative to expand its studies into immunotherapy, which can cause significant, but poorly understood, side effects, according to the release. Most cancer patients experience side effects from their treatment, sometimes mild, sometimes severe, said Boerma, associate director of basic science at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. If we can predict who will develop those side effects, or develop strategies to reduce them, we can make therapies safer, increase patients quality of life and even allow doctors to safely deliver higher doses when needed. The Center for Studies of Host Response to Cancer Therapy has supported 12 research project leaders and 14 pilot studies in its first two phases, according to the news release. The Radiation Biology Shared Resource within the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute began as part of this initiative. The funding for the third phase brings the total federal investment in the project above $27 million in the past decade, the release states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UAMS has spent years working toward National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, which would bring in more federal funding for research and create hundreds of new UAMS jobs, the health system has stated. The Rockefeller Cancer Institute plans to submit its NCI application to the National Institutes of Health in January, Arkansas Business reported in August. If successful, UAMS would be home to the first NCI-designated in Arkansas, Mississippi or Louisiana. President Donald Trumps administration has proposed a 40% National Institutes of Health budget cut, and the potential impact on the NCI application and designation process is unclear, Arkansas Business reported. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The University of California's top leader has raised the "distinct possibility" that financial losses due to the Trump administration's funding cuts could amount to billions of dollars and extend beyond UCLA to the entire 10-campus system, telling state legislators Wednesday that "the stakes are high and the risks are very real." In a letter to dozens of lawmakers obtained by The Times, UC President James B. Milliken said the university is facing "one of the gravest threats in UCs 157-year history" after the Trump administration cut off more than $500 million in grants to UCLA before demanding a $1.2-billion fine over allegations of campus antisemitism. Milliken outlined the potential losses at the nation's preeminent public university system under Trump's higher education agenda in his strongest and most detailed public words since starting the job Aug. 1, days after funding troubles hit UCLA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UC "receives over $17 billion per year from the federal government $9.9 billion in Medicare and Medicaid funding, $5.7 billion in research funding, and $1.9 billion in student financial aid per year," Milliken wrote in the letter addressed to Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), chair of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. If such funds were lost, Milliken wrote, "we would need at least $4-5 billion per year to minimize the damage." Read more: 'Uncharted territory': Newsom and UC go to battle against Trump's UCLA sanctions "A substantial loss of federal funding would devastate our university and cause enormous harm to our students, our patients, and all Californians. Classes and student services would be reduced, patients would be turned away, tens of thousands of jobs would be lost, and we would see UCs world-renowned researchers leaving our state for other more seemingly stable opportunities in the US or abroad." Milliken, who met with lawmakers in Sacramento last month, penned his message in response to an Aug. 31 letter from Wiener and 33 other legislators, who urged UC leaders to "not to back down in the face of this political shakedown" from President Trump, whose actions the lawmakers said were "an extortion attempt and a page out of the authoritarian playbook." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement about the letter, a UC spokesperson said the university "is committed to working with leaders in Sacramento and across the country to ensure we have the resources we need to continue generating jobs, life-changing discoveries, and economic opportunity in the face of historic challenges." In addition to grant cuts and the $1.2-billion fine demand from UCLA, the Trump administration has also proposed sweeping changes at the Westwood campus. They include the release of detailed admissions data the government accuses UCLA of illegally considering race when awarding seats restrictions on protests, and an end to race-related scholarships and diversity hiring programs. The Department of Justice has also called for a ban on gender-affirming care for minors at UCLA healthcare systems. The Trump administration accuses UCLA of violating civil rights law by not taking antisemitism seriously. Although there have been complaints of antisemitism on campus since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and Israel's ensuing war in Gaza, a number of influential faculty members, staff and students, including many in the Jewish campus community, have said UCLA has made progress on addressing the campus climate. "Free speech, academic freedom, scientific research, and democracy are values that have led to Jewish flourishing. These attacks on California, on our immigrant communities, on science, and on LGBTQ people stand in stark contrast to Jewish values," Wiener wrote in the letter whose signatories included members of California Legislative Jewish Caucus, of which Wiener is co-chair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Trump seeks $1-billion fine against UCLA. Newsom says 'we'll sue,' calling it extortion Wiener's letter urged UC leaders to fight the government's demands as the university negotiates with the DOJ. "Acceding to these reprehensible demands won't stabilize the UC system; it will betray our values of protecting and celebrating our most vulnerable communities. Giving in will only encourage further unconstitutional behavior by this administration," said the letter, addressed to Milliken, the UC Board of Regents and UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk. "Concessions by UCLA would establish a damaging precedent for extorting public schools in states with leadership that does not bow down to this President," Wiener and others wrote, who described federal demands as "extortion," echoing statements by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We must resist Trumps extortion to protect public higher education, the economy, our students and California's values," the lawmakers wrote. Although the university has engaged with the Trump administration to restore UCLA funding, no settlement has been reached and there is a wide gulf between the two sides on what terms would be acceptable. Newsom has called the government's proposed fine "ransom," saying he wants UC to sue the administration and not "bend the knee" to Trump. But the decision over a lawsuit rests with the independent UC Board of Regents. The governor has appointed many but not all of the regents and sits as a voting member on the 24-person board. Newsom can exercise political sway over its moves but, aside from his vote, has no formal power over the body's decisions. 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. UCare is looking to suspend its Medicare Advantage offerings, the insurer announced Thursday. UCare, a Minneapolis-based health insurance nonprofit, made a request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to mutually terminate its Medicare Advantage product offerings for 2026, according to a news release from the insurer. This decision was not made lightly, said Hilary Marden-Resnik, UCare president and CEO, in the release. UCare remains deeply committed to the health of Minnesotans and to supporting members through upcoming transitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UCare currently has 158,000 Medicare Advantage members and is the second-largest Medicare Advantage carrier in the market with 26% market share, according to the release. The nonprofit cites the cost of health care and increasing challenges of the overall market in its decision. To maintain financial stability and continue providing quality, affordable coverage, UCare is aiming to focus its resources on programs where it can have the most impact, the release states. Pending approval of the request, impacted members would need to select new coverage during the upcoming annual enrollment period. Medical Assistance (Medicaid), MinnesotaCare, Special Needs Plans, individual and family plans and Medicare Supplement will still be offered. The change will affect 9% of UCares workforce, per the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursdays announcement comes just two months after the insurer announced its plans to withdraw from non-senior Medicaid coverage in Ramsey County and 11 others, affecting 88,000 members. Founded in 1984 by physicians from the University of Minnesota, today UCare serves more than 600,000 members throughout Minnesota and parts of western Wisconsin. Related Articles DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A local researcher is receiving funding to improve work zones throughout the state of Ohio. According to the University of Dayton, Hui Jack Wang, an associate professor, will receive the grant. Wang hopes to establish a network of cameras and sound sensors on equipment and workers. A system like this bridges the gap; if you cant see it, you can hear it, Wang said. Combining audio and visual inputs gives the project manager another powerful situational awareness tool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Centerville issues warning against Box Tree Moths Wang cites traffic fatalities recorded between 2018 and 2022 as key factors in his research. According to the professor, 106 traffic fatalities of workers and occupants of vehicles occurred during this period along Ohio highway work zones. For the development of the audiovisual system, Wang will work with other professors from UD and from across Ohio, as well as industry partners. Miami County to see new emergency alert system The hope is that the system will feature a live map of hazards for site managers to consult and plan with. The grant is courtesy of the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more on this story, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) The University of Evansville volleyball team dropped a 3-1 match to Michigan State Wednesday night in Meeks Family Fieldhouse. The Purple Aces fought hard in the first set, coming up just short to the Spartans 26-24. However, the second set is where the team struggled losing 25-16. In the third set, the Aces regained their composure. They beat MSU 25-23 to force a fourth set. Unfortunately it was the final one of the night as the Spartans closed out the match with the same score as the second set, 25-16. Sophomore middle blocker, Sabrina Ripple led the way for Evansville with six kills and four blocks. While freshmen Brooke Herdes and Hinsley Everett added six kills each. Junior libero Ainoah Cruz recorded three aces in the match. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Purples will travel to Atlanta, Georgia next to compete in the GSU Invitational. Starting with Florida A&M on Friday, September 5th at 10 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). The base pay for the University of Floridas interim president has gone up. A contract proposed to the states Board of Governors would pay Dr. Donald Landry, the University of Floridas interim president, a $2 million base salary for a one-year interim term. The search for a full-time leader is slated to begin again in 2026. If Landry is not picked for the permanent job by the end of his term, the contract will award him an additional $2 million in severance. He also stands to earn up to $500,000 in performance incentive pay after the first year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university will also assist with Landrys move, and grant him the Dasburg Presidential House as a place of residence. The contract lists 17 key duties and responsibilities for Landry, including appointing a permanent provost and filling dean positions with people who are firmly aligned with and support the principals guiding Floridas approach to higher education and committing to working with Florida and federal Department of Government Efficiency offices to eliminate waste fraud and abuse. It also includes prohibiting the use of private or public funds from being spent on (diversity, equity and inclusion) or political or social activism and accelerating awareness of UFs Board of Trustees invitation to Jewish students from other universities who feel threatened or harassed to enroll at UF. The contract lists six reasons that Landry could be terminated with reason, including any conduct constituting moral turpitude that would bring public disrespect, contempt or ridicule upon UF a term also listed in interim president Kent Fuchs contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed contract follows a series of tumultuous events at UF after former President Ben Sasse who earned a base salary of $1 million and will continue to until 2028 resigned in 2024. Former president Fuchs stepped in as interim, earning a base salary of $1 million. This spring, UFs board unanimously selected former University of Michigan president Santa Ono as its preferred candidate, with a proposed base salary of $1.5 million and total contract value of around $3 million. Ono was rejected by the Board of Governors after some members raised concerns over his previous positions about diversity, equity and inclusion measures. Landry, who was an endowed professor of medicine at Columbia University, former chairperson of its department of medicine and former physician-in-chief at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, told the UF Board of Trustees last month that he believed diversity initiatives had gone too far and was appreciative of government intervention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Landry also defended free speech and institutional neutrality. He was praised on social media by the likes of Gov. Ron DeSantis, conservative activist and New College of Florida trustee Chris Rufo and Board of Governors member Alan Levine. The Board of Governors is set to vote on his contract next week. Landry began this week. In a message to the university campus on Tuesday, Landry said he was committed to doing his utmost to support students, faculty and staff. UF is a distinguished university, with schools and colleges spanning nearly all of human knowledge and justifiably boasting a vast and profound impact on this state, the nation and the world, he wrote. I am in awe of the UF community and inspired by this opportunity to join with you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the months ahead, I plan to spend much of my time listening to you, and to alumni, donors, lawmakers and other partners to learn more about the ethos, culture and many endeavors of this most admirable university. Divya Kumar is a reporter covering education as a member of the Tampa Bay Times Education Hub. You can contribute to the hub through our journalism fund byclicking here. Lammy and Cooper said that their government was also bringing Gazan children in need of medical care to receive treatment from UK National Health Service specialists. The United Kingdom will be accepting student asylum seekers as well as extracting wounded and ill children from Gaza, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated in a Monday House of Commons session. As part of the Labor government's proposal for asylum policy reforms amid controversy about unchecked immigration and criminality at asylum hotels, Cooper explained that the UK would be giving Gazan student asylum seekers "fully-funded scholarships and places at UK universities so they can start their studies in autumn this year." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cooper said the Gazan students would receive expedited visas with biometrics checks prior to their arrival. A similar framework would be established for other refugee students i the future. "We will set out plans to establish a permanent framework for refugee students to come study in the UK so that we can help more talented young people fleeing war and persecution find a better future, alongside capped and managed ways for refugees to work here in the UK," said Cooper. Lammy and Cooper said that their government was also bringing Gazan children in need of medical care to receive treatment from UK National Health Service specialists. The children and their families are also expected to be given biometric checks before arrival. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrives for a meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Nicosia, Cyprus July 4, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou) "We're also taking immediate action to rescue children who have been seriously injured in the horrendous onslaught on civilians in Gaza, so they can get the health treatment they need," said Cooper. First Gazans will arrive in coming weeks Lammy expected that the first patients would arrive in the coming weeks, but noted that extracting people from a war zone is complex and dependent on Israeli permission. The foreign secretary assured that he was pressing his Israeli counterparts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides evacuating select children, Lammy said that London would also commit 15 million pounds for medical care in Gaza and the region. He reminded that the UK had already given around 250 million pounds in development assistance since the October 7 War began. Lammy called for a massive humanitarian aid effort to address a "famine" and "Unimaginably bleak" situation in the Strip. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick on August 9 criticized reports that the Labor government would bring ill children from Gaza, writing in the Telegraph that the UK should help Gazan children but not settle them in the British isles. Jenrick had rejected such proposals in 2023 because of the radicalism rampant in Gazan society that had rendered neighboring Arab states close their doors to Palestinian refugees. The Conservative politician advocated instead to ensure more aid and medical supplies reached the needy in Gaza. Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe wrote on X/Twitter on Monday that the country "must not accept a single 'asylum seeker' from Gaza" because "it is simply not safe." The United Kingdom has provided over 1 billion (nearly US$1.36 billion) in weapons and military aid to Ukraine, financed using proceeds derived from frozen Russian assets. Source: Interfax-Ukraine, citing a press release following a visit to Kyiv by UK Defence Secretary John Healey Details: London has used these funds to supply Kyiv with artillery ammunition, air defence missiles, drones, spare parts and other equipment necessary for maintaining and repairing Ukrainian military hardware. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The UK is stepping up our military support to help Ukraine defend itself in todays fight against Putins illegal invasion, while working hard to secure peace tomorrow through the Coalition of the Willing," the press release said. Over the past 50 days, the UK has supplied Ukraine with: 4.7 million rounds of small arms ammunition; 60,000 artillery shells, rockets and missiles; more than 2,500 drones; over 200 electronic warfare systems; 100 light weapons; 30 vehicles; additional equipment for countering drones and strengthening air defence. This year, the United Kingdom will provide 4.5 billion in military support to Ukraine, including 2.26 billion as a loan through the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration fund, which is being repaid using proceeds from frozen Russian assets. Background: On 20 August, the UK imposed sanctions on financial networks used by Russia to evade existing Western sanctions, including Kyrgyz crypto networks. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) -An Ethiopian asylum seeker, whose arrest in July sparked angry protests outside the hotel near London where he and other migrants were being housed, was found guilty on Thursday of sexually assaulting a teenage girl and another woman. The protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, about 20 miles (30 km) north of the British capital, became a touchpaper for a string of country-wide demonstrations amid rising tensions over immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was convicted at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman, attempting to sexually assault the girl, inciting her to engage in sexual activity and one count of harassment. "This was an incident which became a cause of deep concern for the local community," said Rebecca Mundy, a prosecutor in the case. Immigration has become the dominant political issue in Britain, eclipsing concerns over a faltering economy, as the country faces both a record number of asylum claims and arrivals by migrants in small boats across the Channel. Prosecutors said that on July 7 the girl had offered him pizza because he looked hungry and he had then tried to kiss her, put his hand on her thigh and said he wanted a baby with her and her friend, before inviting them back to the hotel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following day, he saw the girl, then in her school uniform, and attempted to kiss her again. District Judge Christopher Williams said the girl was consistent throughout her evidence and he was not convinced that she or other witnesses fabricated their accounts. Kebatu, who had only moved to the Bell Hotel about a week before the incident, denied all the accusations, saying he was "not a wild animal". The asylum seeker, who said he was a teacher in Ethiopia, told the court the woman had given him her phone number and had kept asking him to her house. Kebatu's arrest kicked off sometimes violent protests outside the hotel, and led the local council to win a temporary injunction to stop asylum seekers being housed there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, that was overturned last week after a government appeal. Opposition politicians accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of caring more about the rights of migrants than local people. Just over 32,000 migrants are housed in hotels across the country, according to figures up to the end of June. The government plans to stop the practice by the next election, due in 2029. (Reporting by Michael Holden and Sachin Ravikumar; Editing by William James and Ros Russell) The Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley has responded to criticism of his force's arrest of Father Ted writer and The IT Crowd creator Graham Linehan over anti-trans posts by stating that officers should not be policing toxic culture war debates. "I don't believe we should be policing toxic culture wars debates and officers are currently in an impossible position." He has recognised "concern caused by such incidents given differing perspectives on the balance between free speech and the risks of inciting violence in the real world" and has offered to provide suggestions to the Home Office about clarifying the law and policy within weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Greater clarity and common sense would enable us to limit the resources we dedicate to tackling online statements to those cases creating real threats in the real world," he said. "We will be putting in place a more stringent triaging process to make sure only the most serious cases are taken forward in future - where there is a clear risk of harm or disorder." His comments come after Linehan, who also co-created the beloved comedy show Black Books and is a vocal critic of the trans-rights movement, said that he was arrested at Heathrow Airport in relation to posts about trans people on X. In one of his posts, 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." Graham Linehan's post - X The 57-year-old Irish comedy writer was arrested under the Public Order Act on suspicion of inciting violence, was detained by five armed officers and questioned over his posts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the force said: "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. Linehans arrest has drawn criticism, prompted backlash over police resources and sparked heated debate in the UK over free speech. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said that "sending five officers to arrest a man for a tweet isn't policing, it's politics". Britain used to be known for its sense of humour," said Conservative MP Claire Coutinho. Now the police are arresting people for making jokes. She added: You live in a society? Occasionally youre going to be offended. Thats how it works. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservative MP Sir James Cleverly stated that the arrest looked like a real overreaction to what was self-evidently a joke, while shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said the incident was a complete waste of police time. Controversial Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who regularly shares her views on women's rights in relation to transgender rights on social media, also shared her stance, posting on X: "What the f*ck has the UK become? This is totalitarianism. Utterly deplorable." Responding to the accusation that the UK was now a "totalitarian" state, Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesperson said: "No. The arrest has also split opinions online: Linehan has been bailed under investigation and has not been charged with an offence. He also faces a charge of harassment related to a separate incident in which he is accused of harassing a transgender woman and damaging her phone. He has denied the charge and is due to appear in court today. LONDON (Reuters) -British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was expecting the results of an investigation which could decide the political future of his deputy Angela Rayner to come "pretty quickly". Rayner, who is also housing minister, is fighting for her job after she acknowledged on Wednesday she had underpaid property tax owed when she bought an apartment in the southern English seaside resort of Hove. When asked what he might do if the report finds she has broken the government's code of conduct, Starmer said he was waiting to see its outcome first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am expecting a result pretty quickly," Starmer said in an interview with the BBC. "Then, of course, I will act on whatever the report is that's put in front of me." Starmer's spokesperson had earlier commented on vandalism at Rayner's property in Hove, with photographs showing the words 'tax evader' sprayed on an outside wall. "The Prime Minister condemns this vandalism in the strongest possible terms. Whatever scrutiny our parliamentarians may face, it is appalling that their private homes should be targeted in this way," his spokesperson said earlier on Thursday. (Reporting by Sarah Young and Alistair Smout; Editing by Sachin Ravikumar) A newly announced Ukrainian unit in the 3rd Assault Brigade aims to fight Russia with ground drones. Called NC13, it showed off several UGVs mounted with machine guns and a grenade launcher. It's a further sign of how combat UGVs are becoming mainstream in Ukraine's war. A Ukrainian army corps has officially founded a company that focuses on fighting with combat uncrewed ground vehicles, further codifying Ukraine's growing use of such drones in the war. The 3rd Army Corps announced on its social media channels on Wednesday that it had launched NC13, which it called a "separate unit for eliminating the enemy with ground robots." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new unit is part of the corps' 3rd Assault Brigade, which has recently been fighting in the Kharkiv region. A video in the announcement showed demonstrations of several uncrewed ground vehicles, or UGVs, mounted with small arms. One appears to be a tracked system with a heavy machine gun that resembles the 12.7 mm NSV Utyos. Another two are four-wheeled systems. The first appears to be fitted with a 7.62 mm PKT or similar machine gun that can elevate its barrel, while the second looks like it features an AGS-30 grenade launcher. A small four-wheel drone was also filmed dropping off anti-tank mines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 3rd Assault Brigade has already reported deploying UGVs in missions for several months, including for assaults, mine-laying, and evacuating the wounded. In July, the brigade became known as the first Ukrainian force to compel Russian infantry to surrender to a UGV. As part of its wider drone school program, Killhouse, the brigade also runs courses for piloting UGVs. NC13's creation now means the brigade is committing further to combat UGVs. "Robots evacuate, deliver ammunition, and now we're bringing them onto the battlefield," the corps' statement said. It's rare to see a Ukrainian company focusing primarily on UGV assaults. Another Ukrainian formation, the 20th Separate K-2 Unmanned Systems Regiment, formed its own UGV battalion in August, but its announcement said that the unit would also run evacuation missions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Ukrainian units often have UGVs dispersed in their operations, using them to transport munitions or clear mines. Ground drones are particularly useful for assaults because they can carry heavier explosive payloads than many of the uncrewed aerial systems flooding Ukraine's battlefield. Kyiv has been fast-tracking UGV adoption in its military over the last year, with its defense ministry touting them as "iron soldiers" that allow Ukraine to hold and attack positions without endangering its strained supply of human troops. In its statement on Wednesday, the 3rd Army Corps used NC13's debut to call for recruits. "This is the new reality of war, where we set the rules," it wrote. "Robots fight, and you are the one in command." Read the original article on Business Insider Evidence has emerged that Ukraine has topped up its hard-worked fleet of MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters from a somewhat surprising source: Azerbaijan. While the number of aircraft involved is not considerable, any addition to the MiG-29 fleet will be welcome for the Ukrainian Air Force, which has also received Fulcrums donated by Poland and Slovakia and which has suffered steady attrition since Russias full-scale invasion began. MiG-29 fighter jet in Azerbaijani camo, now in service of the Ukrainian Air Force. As of February 24, 2022, three MiG-29s operated by the Azerbaijani Air Force have been undergoing repairs and modernization at the Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant in western Ukraine. Their pic.twitter.com/lY2Xyahg2U Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) September 3, 2025 A photo that began to circulate recently on social media shows a single-seat Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29 wearing the distinctive camouflage scheme used by Azerbaijan, which combines blue, gray, and violet-gray. The date and location of the photo are unknown, but the jet appears to be on a combat mission, with a full armament of medium-range R-27 (AA-10 Alamo) and short-range R-73 (AA-11 Archer) air-to-air missiles. While it remains possible that the photo has been manipulated, there is presently nothing to indicate that its not genuine. An Azerbaijani Air Force MiG-29 takes part in Exercise Turaz Falcon at Konya, Turkey, in March 2015. Photo by Orhan Akkanat/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images Anadolu While there had been previous reports that at least some Azerbaijani MiG-29s had been donated to Ukraine, or otherwise found their way into Ukrainian service, none are known to have been seen until now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in the summer of 2022, the @Caucasuswar account on Twitter published a photo showing three Azerbaijani MiG-29s undergoing repair at the state-owned Lviv State Aviation Repair Plant in Ukraine. The aircraft were left stranded in Ukraine after the full-scale invasion, after which they appear to have passed over to Ukrainian control. It seems the aircraft (or at least one of them) survived the March 2022 Russian attack on the Lviv State Aviation Repair Plant, which we reported on at the time. Satellite imagery obtained by TWZ confirmed the destruction of a large hangar there and other damage. Smoke rises from an aircraft repair facility Friday morning in Lviv, Ukraine, after officials say it was hit by a missile strike. pic.twitter.com/xEBUWov32n CBS News (@CBSNews) March 18, 2022 The Lviv plant was a priority target for Russia since it was the only one in the country capable of performing major maintenance on MiG-29s. As well as servicing Ukrainian Air Force Fulcrums, the plant worked, in the past, for foreign customers, including Azerbaijan. An image taken just hours after the attack on the repair plant at Lviv, showing the demolished hangar and building to the west, as well as the crater on the ramp to the east. PHOTO 2022 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION Its not clear whether the Azerbaijani MiG-29s were donated to Kyiv, sold, or simply impounded and then impressed into service. Its also unclear if any of the other examples were repainted in Ukrainian camouflage, which would have concealed their former identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has, however, been speculation that Azerbaijan might have unofficially provided other support to Ukraine, in the form of precision-guided bombs, 82mm mortars, and fuel. Interestingly, Azerbaijans fleet of MiG-29s originated in Ukraine. The former Soviet state, located on the Caspian Sea, adjacent to Georgia and Armenia, did not inherit MiG-29s from Soviet stocks. Instead, it acquired around 15 examples secondhand from Ukraine. These were overhauled in Lviv, with reports of some modest modernization work, and deliveries began in 2007. Between 2015 and 2017, Azerbaijani MiG-29s took part in joint exercises with the Turkish Air Force, representing one of its closest military allies, and, starting in 2017, Fulcrum overhauls were conducted in Lviv. Evidence of a former Azerbaijani MiG-29 in Ukrainian service comes at a time when tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia are heightened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As reported by the U.S.-based think tank, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP), the arrest of several dozen ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia earlier this summer, their subsequent beatings, and the death of at least two men, led to notable pushback from Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has accused the Kremlins security forces of deliberately killing its nationals and stepped up its security measures regarding Russia. I hadn't seen the ex-Azerbaijani MiG-29s in Ukrainian service before. I wonder if the transfer of these aircraft to the Ukrainian Air Force or the public reveal of their transfer was partly motivated by the recent tension between Baku and Moscow? https://t.co/xl0nVwnAxR Jimmy Rushton (@JimmySecUK) September 3, 2025 While Azerbaijan has been an important logistics partner for Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the recent developments are unusual, with suggestions that Azerbaijan may be seeking a way of distancing itself from Moscow and building ties elsewhere. Russian peacekeeping forces didnt intervene in the 2020 war between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh. In 2023, Azerbaijan took control of the disputed region, with no Russian interference. The accidental shooting down of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane by the Russian military in 2024 also served to drive a wedge between the two countries. Azerbaijan Plane Crash: Videos taken onboard the plane while it was still in the air reveal shrapnel holes in the fuselage, consistent with damage from a Russian surface-to-air missile. The footage also shows a woman bleeding from her leg, wounded by shrapnels. pic.twitter.com/SPs3JzoG6J The Azeri Times (@AzeriTimes) December 26, 2024 Meanwhile, Azerbaijan has been increasingly vocal about its support for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the Ukrainian Air Force, the Azerbaijani jets are in no way the first additional MiG-29s it has received since the full-scale invasion. These foreign transfers are in addition to dozens of combat aircraft (also including Su-24s and Su-27s) that have been refurbished and returned to service. At least some of these were returned to action after long periods standing dormant or in storage. In terms of support from NATO allies, Poland transferred to Ukraine 14 of its MiG-29s, from what was a fleet of around 28. Fully armed MiG-29 Ukrainian Air Force, former Polish Air force pic.twitter.com/qrPx2b3Ri7 Destroyer Escort (@Destroye83) July 18, 2025 Slovakia followed Polands lead, with the transfer of 13 MiG-29s to Ukraine. Of these 13, there have been different accounts about how many were provided in an airworthy status and how many will be used solely as a source of spare parts. Some reports suggest that 10 moderately modernized jets will be introduced to Ukrainian service, while three non-upgraded examples will be used for spares. Four of the Slovakian MiGs were flown to Ukraine in March 2023, becoming the first tactical jets to be officially supplied to Kyiv since the full-scale invasion began. A screencap from an official Slovakian Ministry of Defense video shows one of the first four MiG-29s departing for Ukraine in March 2023. Slovakian Ministry of Defense screencap Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29AS landing back at its airbase after dropping a salvo of US-supplied GBU-39 SDBs on a Russian target. Slovakian MiG, donated to Ukraine, upgraded to launch NATO precision guided munitions. pic.twitter.com/MkRsd0k4k7 OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) September 3, 2025 You can read more about the Polish and Slovakian MiG-29s, their complex histories, and their various (modest) upgrade programs in this previous article. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the arrival of more modern and capable F-16s and Mirage 2000s, the MiG-29 remains prized by the Ukrainian Air Force. This is a fact reflected in its continued adaptation to carry new weaponry, both Western-supplied and locally developed. With significant stocks of spares and well-trained maintenance crews, the MiG-29 is regarded as easy to maintain and adapt. Ukraine started the war with around 50 MiG-29s in operational service, assigned to two regiments. According to the Oryx open-source tracking group, since the start of the current conflict, 31 Ukrainian MiG-29s have been confirmed destroyed, and more damaged. The actual figure is almost certainly higher. With that in mind, any efforts that bolster the Fulcrum fleet are of considerable value as the Ukrainian Air Force continues its campaign against the Russian aggressor. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com After a long hiatus, the Bayraktar TB-2 twin-tail boom medium altitude, medium endurance (MAME) drone is once again carrying out strike missions against Russian forces. The most recent example came on Wednesday, in an attack on a Russian boat and troops on the Black Sea coast. Though limited in numbers, these strikes mark a resurgence of sorts for a weapon so effective in the early days of the all-out war against Russian land convoys and vessels that a song was written about it. While still used to surveil less contested areas, the propeller-driven drones had receded from the front lines as a strike weapon due to their vulnerability to Russian air defense and electronic warfare. The Navy destroyed another high-speed boat of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which was trying to deliver an airborne troops unit to the Tendrivska Spit. 7 occupiers were destroyed, 4 wounded, the Ukrainian Navy said on Telegram. While the Navy did not say how the strike took place, a video on the post shows the surveillance and attack from the view through the Bayraktars distinctive video feed symbology. Ukrainian Navy Bayraktar TB2 UCAVs destroyed a Russian Black Sea Fleet speedboat near Tendra Spit, Kherson region. pic.twitter.com/QjAOS56OlI Clash Report (@clashreport) September 3, 2025 Several weeks earlier, the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) released a video of a TB-2 strike on another small Russian boat, this time near Zaliznyi Port in the Kherson region, about 30 miles southeast of the Spit. TB-2s drop small guided weapons, allowing them to strike multiple objects on a single sortie. In June, the Ukrainian Navy showed a video of a TB-2 attack on a Russian landing craft on Khersons west coast. Video from the Ukrainian Navy of a TB2 UCAV strike on a Russian landing craft on the west coast of Kherson oblast.https://t.co/iRuVldEFXA pic.twitter.com/Ux3MKcKNX7 Rob Lee (@RALee85) June 24, 2025 Before that, however, there was a long pause in the use of the TB-2 to carry out attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine began using these drones, made by the Turkish Baykar company, even before the onset of the full-on war. The first reported strike came in October 2021 when it was used to destroy a 122mm D-30 howitzer belonging to Russian-backed separatist forces in the countrys eastern Donbas region that Ukrainian authorities said was responsible for killing one of its soldiers and wounding another. The TB-2 would go on to play a big role for Ukraine in the early part of the full-on war as an unmanned platform able to conduct both strike and reconnaissance missions. Bayraktar attacks were pivotal to stopping the long Russian mechanized columns heading toward Kyiv. The TB-2s also helped Ukraine recapture Snake Island in the Western Black Sea by attacking targets on the rocky outcropping and ships trying to access it. This success gave Ukraine a rare glimmer of hope during a time when its future as an independent nation was on the line. In February 2022, Ukrainian artist Taras Borovok released a catchy song about the Bayraktar drones that went viral online. By March 2022, at least 26 TB-2s had been destroyed, according to the Oryx open-source tracking group. The actual figures could be significantly higher because Oryx only tabulates losses for which there is visual evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia began adapting to the TB2 threat, the Ukrainian United24 media outlet noted in June. Improved electronic warfare and layered air defense systems made it increasingly difficult for large, slow drones to operate safely. Ukrainian officials acknowledged that TB2s had become highly vulnerable to Russian systems like Pantsir-S1, Buk, and Tor. By 2023, the Ukrainian military had largely withdrawn the Bayraktars from attack roles, instead focusing on reconnaissance, target designation, and rare strikes in lightly defended areas, United24 pointed out. You can see one example of a TB-2 destroyed by Russian air defenses in the following video. Turkish made Bayraktar TB-2 drone destroyed by Russian Tor missilespic.twitter.com/c9QXsaAHmK WLVN (@TheLegateIN) February 28, 2022 The recent return of the Bayraktars as strike weapons has been made possible by constant Ukrainian attacks on Russian air defenses in Crimea and Kherson, both Ukrainian and Russian sources note. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yesterdays Bayraktar attack is particularly significant given that Ukraines Defense Forces appear to have systematically worked to make such missions possible by suppressing Russian air defense systems interestingly, also through the use of unmanned technologies, the Ukrainian Defense Express news outlet noted on Thursday. Previously, the Bayraktars had already operated in the Spit area, but were used exclusively in reconnaissance mode from a distance, not risking getting close to strike, as they would inevitably become victims of air defense, the Russian Military Informer Telegram channel posited on Wednesday. Now, apparently due to regular strikes by Ukrainian drones [launched from boats] with Starlink on air defense and radar on the coast of Kherson region and Crimea, Ukrainian Bayraktar TB2s have received a corridor for freer operation. The following video shows one example of Ukraines attacks on Russian air defenses and radar systems. Ukraine's Special Services has released a video from the past few days of dismantling Russia's anti-aircraft and radar networks in Crimea. Radar stations hit: 486-1 "Flight" (2) 1L125 Niobium-SV (2) 396 "Kasta 2E2" (3) 9S19 Ginger Sky-SV S-300VM pic.twitter.com/UiaEfseYYr SPRAVDI Stratcom Centre (@StratcomCentre) March 19, 2025 Ukraine has also been executing an ongoing suppression/destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD) campaign for years now, including using fighter-launched AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARMs) and guided glide bombs to reach across the front lines and takeout anti-air systems. This is backed by persistent intelligence gathering, especially across the radio-frequency spectrum. TB-2s operating near the far western reaches of Russian-held territory would make sense as this is an area where these anti-air defense tactical jet operations would have occurred regularly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines long-range campaign against highly-prized Russian air defenses in Crimea is also topic that The War Zone has also frequently addressed. As we noted in a previous story: Taking out these systems potentially opens holes in Russias air defense overlay of the peninsula and the northwestern Black Sea. This could go a long way to ensuring the survivability of standoff strike weapons, like Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG, and other attacks, such as those by long-range kamikaze drones. The loss of these systems could also help via a reduction in situational awareness over the skies of southern Ukraine. Openings for use of the TB-2 may have also increased because of fighting for the Tendrivska Spit. This is a narrow stretch of land in Russian-occupied Kherson Oblast on the shore of the northern Black Sea. It is also the furthest west Russian troops have reached so far. The littoral nature of this area and its terrain may also limit the deployment of Russian short-range air defense systems. Ukraine has been repeatedly attacking the Tendrivska spit because Russians are reportedly using it to place relay stations to extend the range of their drones. Beyond land-based air defenses, interceptor drones are increasingly used by both sides to attack enemy drones. Russian military forces use the Tendra Spit as a stronghold for observation and conducting operations in the northern part of the Black Sea, the Ukrainian Militarnyi media outlet noted on Wednesday. In particular, the invaders deploy relay stations there to extend the flight range of reconnaissance and strike drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the TB-2s use for strike missions in this area points to a safer block of airspace to operate in, it is surely not without major-risk. The advantage of the TB-2 is that if it is shot down no crew is lost. No combat search and rescue effort is needed. And a precious manned tactical aircraft is not stricken from the Ukrainian Air Forces roster. In other words, the TB-2s can be risked where manned platforms cannot. This is especially important as the TB-2s, like manned tactical aircraft, can dynamically attack moving targets of opportunity, something most standoff weapons cannot. Another factor for the use of TB-2s for a wide variety of missions, including risky ones, is that they are now being produced in Ukraine. Of note is that Russia recently attacked the facility near Kyiv where these are being made. This was the fourth strike in six months at a factory where tens of millions of dollars had been invested. NEW: Last night, Bayraktar factory in Kyiv was hit with two Russian strikes; causing serious damage. Despite the war and previous attacks, the company had invested tens of millions, trained staff, and nearly completed production facilities. This marks the fourth strike on the pic.twitter.com/XVfKvlG8H6 Clash Report (@clashreport) August 28, 2025 A few uses of the Bayraktar as a strike weapon dont mean that these drones are now going to be a regular feature of Ukraines aerial strike force. However, these attacks show Ukraines ability to quickly adapt to battlefield conditions and take advantage of seams and openings created in Russian air defenses. It also puts into question the exact state of Russias vaunted air defense overlay that extends into Ukrainian-help territory. After years of being battered, significant cracks could be showing. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com Key developments on Sept. 4: 26 countries pledge support for Ukraines post-war security, US role to be decided in coming weeks, Macron says More Ukrainian territory, Europe could be attacked next if Kyiv cedes land to Russia, Zelensky says Ukrainian firm behind 'Flamingo' unveils new FP-7, FP-9 ballistic missiles, air defense systems Russian economy hits 'technical stagnation,' biggest bank chief warns of 'close to zero' growth Putin admits Russia faces gas shortage amid Ukraine's strikes on energy infrastructure U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders on Sept. 4, hours after the "Coalition of the Willing" summit in Paris, where officials discussed security guarantees for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at the press conference held after the call, French President Emmanuel Macron said that 26 countries are ready to send troops or contribute other support to Ukraine as part of security guarantees. "Germany, Italy, and Poland are definitely among Ukraine's security guarantors. We won't go into details yet, but we already have an understanding (of cooperation)," Zelensky added. The U.S. involvement in the framework, aimed to shield Ukraine from future Russian aggression in the event of a truce or peace deal, will be determined in the coming weeks, Macron said. He added that the U.S. and Europe will impose additional sanctions on Russia if it continues to refuse to participate in the peace process. He mentioned the previously discussed idea of a bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as broader talks involving the U.S. and Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Analysis: Despite a grand announcement, Europe takes zero steps towards peace in Ukraine Ukrainian firm behind Flamingo unveils new FP-7, FP-9 ballistic missiles, air defense systems Ukrainian defense company Fire Point announced on Sept. 4 that it has developed two new ballistic missiles, along with air defense systems, Ukrainian military news site Militarnyi reported. Fire Point is best known for its Flamingo cruise missile, which President Volodymyr Zelensky recently called Ukraine's "most successful" long-range weapon. The FP-7 missile isreportedly designed for medium-range strikes, with a claimed range of 200 kilometers (124 miles), a top speed of 1,500 meters per second (3,355 mph), and a 150-kilogram payload. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The missile can fly for up to 250 seconds and is launched from ground-based platforms. The FP-9 missile is claimed to be capable of hitting targets far deeper inside Russian territory, reportedly with a range of 855 kilometers (531 miles), a speed of 2,200 meters per second (4,920 mph), and can carry an 800-kilogram warhead to altitudes of 70 kilometers (43 miles). Fire Point claims it has an accuracy of about 20 meters (66 feet). Read also: Exclusive: Maker of Ukraines new Flamingo cruise missile facing corruption probe More Ukrainian territory, Europe could be attacked next if Kyiv cedes land to Russia, Zelensky says Russia would use Donbas to further invade Ukraine in a renewed assault and could attack Europe next, President Volodymyr Zelensky told French outlet Le Point in an interview published on Sept. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If, tomorrow, we somehow left Donbas, which will not happen, we would open up an unprotected space for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, near a city of one and a half million inhabitants: Kharkiv. He would also seize the industrial center of Dnipro," Zelensky said. "One thing is certain, we have not lost. We must look at the situation clearly: the second-largest army in the world has come to annihilate us, our history, and our identity. And this is not their first attempt. Several times in history, the Russian Empire has struck blows at the independence of our people," he said. Russia has repeatedly insisted that Ukraine withdraw from Donbas, which consists of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Moscow first occupied the far-eastern region in 2014. Russian strike on Danish demining group in Chernihiv Oblast kills 2, injures 8 A Russian missile struck a Danish humanitarian demining group in Chernihiv Oblast on Sept. 4, killing two and injuring eight people, the Danish Refugee Council reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is with profound sadness that the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) confirms that one of our humanitarian demining sites in Ukraine was struck by a missile earlier today. The attack claimed the lives of two Ukrainian colleagues and left eight others injured," the Danish Refugee Council wrote on Facebook. The nonprofit called the strike a serious violation of the international humanitarian law. "At the time of the incident, DRC teams were conducting purely civilian humanitarian activitiesworking to clear landmines and explosive remnants of war in order to protect communities and enable safe access to essential infrastructure, farmland, and homes," the organization wrote. Ukraine's northern Chernihiv Oblast borders both Russia and Belarus. Part of the region was occupied by Russian forces at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Since its liberation in April 2022, Chernihiv Oblast has faced frequent attacks due to its proximity to Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strike took place in the Kyselivska community, according to Viacheslav Chaus, the governor of Chernihiv Oblast. "First, Russians mined (Chernihiv) Oblast with explosives and mines. Now, they are killing people, civilians, who are risking their lives to clean up our land from the consequences of the Russian invasion," Chaus wrote on Telegram. Russian economy hits 'technical stagnation,' biggest bank chief warns of 'close to zero' growth Russia's economy slowed sharply from April-June of 2025 and has entered a phase of "technical stagnation," German Gref, the head of Russia's biggest bank, Sberbank, said on Sept. 3. "The slowdown continues, as we can see from gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates. The second quarter can practically be considered technical stagnation," Gref said at an economic forum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "July and August show pretty clear signs that we're getting close to zero (economic growth)." The downturn underscores the limits of Russia's war-fueled expansion, driven by record defense spending but hampered by weak private consumption and shrinking civilian investment. Russia's GDP expanded 1.8% in the second quarter, up slightly from 1.4% in the first but far below the 2024 pace. The Central Bank expects growth to slow in the third quarter and approach zero in late 2025. The economy's slowdown follows repeated warnings from high-level officials. Read also: Behind Ukraines manpower crisis lies a bleak new battlefield reality for infantry Putin admits Russia faces gas shortage amid Ukraine's strikes on energy infrastructure Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is facing a gas shortage, The Moscow Times reported on Sept. 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement comes after a months-long Ukrainian campaign targeting Russia's energy infrastructure in an attempt to put economic pressure on Russia and undermine its ability to finance its war against Ukraine. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Sept. 4, Putin said that signs of gas shortages are already visible in the Russian Far East. He said that supplying new enterprises can be challenging, and demand for gas is expected to rise significantly in the Far Eastern Federal District in the coming years. He didn't mention the reasons behind a potential shortage. Putin suggested switching to coal reserves, which "will last for almost a thousand years," Putin said, as quoted by The Moscow Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Russian Ministry of Energy, the Kremlin has 63.4 trillion cubic meters of gas reserves, enough for 100 years of production. In 2020, the Accounts Chamber of Russia estimated that the country's reserves made up 20% of the world's total but warned that they would only last 50 years. 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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky once again accused Moscow of delaying a meeting between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin while on a visit to Paris on Thursday. Russia was doing everything possible to delay a meeting, Zelensky told a press conference in Paris. The remarks followed discussions with the Coalition of the Willing, an alliance of around 35 countries supporting Kiev against Russia's full-scale invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Putin said during a press conference in China that Zelensky could come to Moscow if there was a prospect of a favourable outcome. Zelensky has repeatedly called for a face-to-face meeting with Putin for talks on a ceasefire to end the war that began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Moscow has insisted that any meeting needs to be well prepared to ensure success. Ukrainian defense company Fire Point announced on Sept. 4 that it has developed two new ballistic missiles, along with air defense systems, Ukrainian military news site Militarnyi reported. Fire Point is best known for its Flamingo cruise missile, which President Volodymyr Zelensky recently called Ukraine's "most successful" long-range weapon. The FP-7 is reportedly designed for medium-range strikes, with a claimed range of 200 kilometers (124 miles), a top speed of 1,500 meters per second (3,355 mph), and a 150-kilogram payload. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The missile can fly for up to 250 seconds and is launched from ground-based platforms. The FP-9, is claimed to be capable of hitting targets far deeper inside Russian territory, reportedly with a range of 855 kilometers (531 miles), a speed of 2,200 meters per second (4,920 mph), and can carry an 800-kilogram warhead to altitudes of 70 kilometers (43 miles). Fire Point claims it has an accuracy of about 20 meters (66 feet). Unlike cruise missiles which are jet engine powered and fly in a relatively flat trajectory, ballistic missiles are rocket-powered and launched high into the atmosphere before arcing back down onto their target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They're only guided during the initial stages of launch, so they can be less accurate than cruise missiles, but have the advantage of reaching incredibly high speeds sometimes more than 3,200 kilometers per hour as they approach their targets. As such, they are more difficult to intercept and only the most advanced air defense systems are capable of shooting them down. Kyiv has prioritized the development of long-range missiles and drones to disrupt Russian supply lines and strike command centers, refineries, and depots deep in Russian territory. Zelensky said on Aug. 24 that Ukraine does not coordinate the use of domestically produced long-range weapons with the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Donald Trump said on Aug. 21 that Ukraine had "no chance of winning" without striking Russia directly, though he criticized the previous administration's approval of Ukrainian long-range strikes with U.S. systems. Fire Point, seen as a leader in Ukraine's deep-strike capabilities, has come under scrutiny from the country's anti-corruption agency, which is investigating whether the company misled the government on pricing and delivery schedules, five sources earlier told the Kyiv Independent. Read also: Exclusive: Maker of Ukraines new Flamingo cruise missile facing corruption probe Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Defence Intelligence of Ukraine is working on countering Russian naval drones, one of which struck a Ukrainian vessel in the Danube Delta in August. Source: Defence Intelligence representative Andrii Yusov; Ukrinform news agency Details: Ukrinform cited the commander of the DIU special unit Group13 who goes by the alias Thirteenth during the handover of Magura naval drone models to the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Indeed, the enemy is borrowing our experience; we see this and are monitoring it. In this case, the enemy has had some success, and we are already working on the future design and implementation of countermeasures," Thirteenth said. He added that, according to intelligence, Russia is facing difficulties in developing naval drones. "They have significant problems, which I will not voice. We will work to ensure that [the targeting of Ukrainian vessels ed.] does not happen again," he noted. For his part, Yusov said that the Russians are borrowing Ukraines experience in the production and use of naval drones, making progress in their deployment, which poses an additional challenge to Ukrainian civilian and port infrastructure. Background: On 28 August, it was reported that Russian forces had struck a Ukrainian Navy vessel. One crew member was reported killed and several others were injured. Russian social media channels claimed that the target was the Simferopol, a Ukrainian Navy reconnaissance vessel. On 29 August, Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said that the death toll following a Russian strike on a Ukrainian Navy ship had risen to two. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A strong Ukrainian military is the main security guarantee for Europe as Russia shows no sign of ending its war, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said at a press conference on Sept. 3. Her remarks came as European leaders intensify talks on security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a truce or peace deal. President Volodymyr Zelensky has pushed for binding assurances from allies to prevent Moscow from launching another invasion. A European-led "coalition of the willing" has proposed sending a multinational reassurance force to Ukraine alongside commitments of weapons, logistics, and training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is clear that Russia shows no real wish to end this war," Kallas said. "For Europe, this can only mean one thing: more military, diplomatic, and economic support for Ukraine. In the event of a truce, a strong Ukrainian military is the strongest security guarantee there is." "That is why we are also supporting them with training, funding, and equipment." Moscow has previously signaled it wants a peace deal to include sharp reductions in Ukraine's armed forces, claiming they threaten Russia. Zelensky said earlier this year that Russian President Vladimir Putin would press the issue if Western allies failed to deliver firm security guarantees for Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine currently fields 880,000 troops against roughly 600,000 Russian soldiers deployed in concentrated areas, according to Zelensky. "While Western leaders gather in diplomacy, an autocratic alliance is seeking a fast track to a new world order," Kallas added, referring to Beijing's military parade. "These are not just anti-Western optics; this is a direct challenge to the international system built on rules." "These are realities that Europe needs to confront." European officials have grown increasingly alarmed at Russia's broader ambitions. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned in July that Moscow could be ready for a confrontation with Europe within two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Behind Ukraines manpower crisis lies a bleak new battlefield reality for infantry Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Ukrainian citizen was among those killed in a funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry confirmed to Hromadske. The ministry did not release the victim's identity but said he was born in 1971. The Gloria funicular derailed in Lisbon the evening of Sept. 3, killing at least 16 people and injuring 23 others. Victims included citizens of Portugal, South Korea, Canada, the United States, Germany, and Switzerland, in addition to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portugal declared a day of mourning on Sept. 4 to honor the victims of the accident. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his condolences on social media, writing that he was "deeply saddened by the tragic accident with Gloria elevator in Lisbon." "On behalf of the Ukrainian people, I extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims... and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured," he added. "In this time of grief, we remain in prayer and solidarity with Portuguese people mourning the loss." Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also commented on the tragedy, saying he was "saddened by the tragic accident with Gloria elevator in Lisbon, which took numerous lives and left many injured." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our hearts go out to the victims families and we wish a swift recovery to the injured," he wrote. "Ukraine shares Portugals grief at this difficult time." Read also: Europe is struggling to show US its ready to provide security guarantees alone Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A new report from Pew Research Center shows where the population of unauthorized immigrants, or migrants without visas, has grown most in the United States, and it isnt Oregon. Unauthorized immigrant populations grew in 32 states from 2021 to 2023, with Florida, Texas, California and New York topping the list. According to the report, Oregon is the only state with a population of more than 100,000 unauthorized immigrants that did not see this group increase between 2021 and 2023. Flood the zone: Trumps border czar warns of collateral arrests amid threat of feds heading to Portland, Seattle Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida saw its number of unauthorized immigrants grow by 700,000 people between 2021 and 2023, according to the report. For the same period, Texas saw its population grow by 450,000, and Californias increased by 425,000. In New York, it increased by 230,000. In Washington, the unauthorized immigrant population has also grown. As first reported by The Olympian, Washingtons number of unauthorized immigrants increased 25% from 2021 to 2023. Unlike Oregon, Washingtons increase reflects the national trend. The number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. reached an all-time high of 14 million in 2023, according to the Pew Research Center. They made up 5.6% of the U.S. workforce, which is also a record high. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the report, industries with the highest share of unauthorized immigrant workers are construction, agriculture and hospitality. Preliminary assessments of data show that the population continued to grow in early 2024, though data from the second half of 2024 and for 2025 arent yet available. Despite the lack of unauthorized immigrants coming to the state, a July report from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission found that federal immigration enforcement efforts are up more than 200% across the state. In August, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan pledged to ramp up enforcement efforts even further after Labor Day. He included Portland in his list of places to expect more arrests, and lauded Texas and Florida for their support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states with the largest unauthorized immigrant populations are California, Texas and Florida. Texas and Florida saw the most recent growth, according to the 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 KOIN.com. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The University of New Mexico Hospital is asking for the publics help to identify a man in the hospitals care. Paramedics brought the man to UNM Hospital on June 30 after he was found unresponsive near the intersection of Zuni and Louisiana in southeast Albuquerque. UNM Hospital said he suffered a cardiac arrest, and his care team believes a significant amount of time had passed before anyone reported his condition. He now remains unconscious with brain injuries in the hospital. Demolition begins for abandoned building on Central to help revitalize area Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man is described as being African American, weighing 210 pounds, 5 feet 10 inches in height, and is approximately in his 50s or early 60s. The man has multiple tattoos on his arms. On both right and left arms is an M in a shield. On his left arm is the name Raquel in a rose, and on his right is Sharrone in hearts. Anyone with information is asked to contact UNM Health Director of Communications Chris Ramirez via email at CRamirez@salud.unm.edu or phone at 505-313-3429. John Doe flyer. (Credit: UNM Health) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sep. 3Paramedics reportedly found the man unconscious near Zuni and Louisiana SE in Albuquerque on June 30. Since then, he has remained unconscious with brain injuries at University of New Mexico Hospital. "He suffered a cardiac arrest, and his care team believes a significant amount of time had passed before anyone reported his condition," according to a news release sent out by UNMH on Wednesday. The hospital is asking the public's help to find those who knew the man, who is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and estimated to be in his 50s or early 60s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Albuquerque Police Department fingerprinted the man, but no matches were found in law enforcement databases, according to the release. UNMH social workers also spoke to people in the area where he was found, "but no credible information has emerged." The hospital released photos of the man and several of his tattoos, saying UNMH got him a legal guardian to make decisions on his behalf and provide consent to release the photos and information. On Sept. 2, 2025, U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, moved to force a House of Representatives floor vote that would compel the Department of Justice to release additional files in the case of deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Massie filed what's called a "discharge petition," a procedural tool that allows lawmakers to bypass the usual process for bringing a measure to a vote if at least half the House signs on in support. In response, rumors spread online that the White House said signing the petition would be viewed as a "hostile act." The claim spread on X, Facebook and Instagram. Massie also responded on X to the White House's alleged comments. "They're threatening anyone who helps bring true transparency and justice to the survivors," Massie said in a Sept. 3 post. White House says helping me secure a vote to release all the Epstein files is a Hostile Act. Theyre threatening anyone who helps bring true transparency and justice for the survivors. This is a tacit admission the Oversight Committee data release is woefully incomplete. pic.twitter.com/EOPLBDjXdA Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) September 3, 2025 This alleged White House statement appeared to originate with reporting from reputable news outlets. NBC News, for example, said an unidentified White House official called supporting Massie's petition a "hostile act" in an email to the media organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House did not respond to an email from Snopes to verify that the quote legitimately came from one of its officials; we await a response. Snopes also reached out to several reporters who have shared the purported statement from the White House for verification help and did not immediately hear back. Thus, as of this writing, we have not rated this claim. Here's the full statement provided to various news outlets and journalists, starting on Sept. 2: 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. NBC News, CNN and the conservative Washington Examiner separately reported that the White House gave them the exact statement above. On social media, congressional reporters Cami Mondeaux at Utah paper Deseret News and Daniella Diaz at digital nonprofit news outlet NOTUS also wrote in Sept. 2 posts on X that an unidentified White House official gave the same statement to them. (It is common for official government communicators to provide the same statement to multiple journalists on an issue that has made the news.) The statement referenced the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee's investigation into the handling of the Epstein case. The Oversight Committee released more than 30,000 pages of Epstein-related records provided by the DOJ on Sept. 2, 2025, but Democrats on the committee said that after "careful review," they determined 97% of those documents already were public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massie said during a Sept. 3 news conference with alleged Epstein survivors that he expects every Democrat to sign onto his petition and was calling on Republicans to do the same. Only three Republicans, aside from Massie, have signed on so far: Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Lauren Boebert of Colorado. As of this writing, should two more Republicans sign onto the petition, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson would be required to bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act, an effort backed by Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California, to a vote. The measure would mandate the release of flight logs, plea bargains, internal communications about the Epstein case and various other documents. Sources: @cami_mondeaux. " White House Official Giving a Warning Shot to Any Republican Who Signs Massie's Discharge Petition, Telling Me It Would 'Be Viewed as a Very Hostile Act to the Administration.' ..." X (Formerly Twitter), 2 Sept. 2025, x.com/cami_mondeaux/status/1963019438854418755. Accessed 3 Sept. 2025. @DaniellaMicaela. "A White House Official Says on Massie's Discharge Petition: '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.'" X (Formerly Twitter), 2 Sept. 2025, x.com/DaniellaMicaela/status/1963052817968468396. Accessed 3 Sept. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Chairman Comer Presses for Transparency, Accountability on Epstein's Crimes before Rules Committee - United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability." United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, 3 Sept. 2025, oversight.house.gov/release/chairman-comer-presses-for-transparency-accountability-on-epsteins-crimes-before-rules-committee/. Accessed 3 Sept. 2025. Deng, Rae. "Watch Epstein Survivors Call for Full Release of Files at News Conference." Snopes, Snopes.com, 3 Sept. 2025, www.snopes.com/fact-check/epstein-survivors-news-conference/. Accessed 3 Sept. 2025. Green, Lauren. "House GOP Leadership Fights Back against Discharge Petitions." Washington Examiner, 3 Sept. 2025, www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/3790673/house-gop-leadership-discharge-petition-epstein-files/. Accessed 3 Sept. 2025. Main, Alison, et al. "House Panel Releases Tranche of Epstein Files as Controversy Looms Large over Congress' Return to Washington." CNN, 2 Sept. 2025, edition.cnn.com/2025/09/02/politics/epstein-files-congress-massie-white-house?cid=ios_app. Accessed 3 Sept. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massie, Thomas. "Text - H.Res.581 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 185) to Advance Responsible Policies." Congress.gov, www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/581/text. "Ranking Member Robert Garcia Slams House GOP for Releasing Already Public Epstein Records from DOJ, Demands Full Transparency." The Committee on Oversight and Accountability Democrats, 2 Sept. 2025, oversightdemocrats.house.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-robert-garcia-slams-house-gop-releasing-already-public-epstein. Accessed 3 Sept. 2025. Wong, Scott, et al. "GOP Rep. Thomas Massie Takes First Step to Force a Vote on Releasing the Epstein Files." NBC News, 2 Sept. 2025, www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/thomas-massie-step-force-vote-release-epstein-files-congress-rcna228544. A man charged in connection with a murder in Uptown Charlotte has pleaded not guilty. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspect in Uptown killing had lengthy criminal history, records show According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Joseph Crawford killed Ryan Elliot near Truist Field in May of 2023. Crawford was later found in Gastonia, where officers said he shot at them while trying to get away. On Thursday, Crawford rejected a deal that would have sent him to prison for at least 30 years. VIDEO: Suspect in Uptown killing had lengthy criminal history, records show By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Federal Aviation Administration plans to propose changes to speed certification of new commercial airplanes, the Trump administration said in a notice on Thursday. The FAA said it plans to propose by December changes "to modernize certain certification standards for transport category airplanes and propulsion systems." It said the effort will be deregulatory by reducing the number of "exemptions, special conditions, and equivalent level of safety findings required during the certification process." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The previous head of the FAA, Mike Whitaker, told Reuters in December the agency wanted to streamline aircraft certification and is working to use "better technology" to help streamline the process. The FAA said it expects the proposal will "reduce certification costs and time to certify new and changed products for both industry and FAA while maintaining or increasing the level of safety." The FAA also plans to harmonize its regulations with international standards. At one point, Boeing had hoped to get the 737 MAX 7 certified in 2022 but has faced a series of issues. Boeing in January withdrew its request for a safety exemption to address an engine de-icing issue. Boeing said in July it now does not expect to get MAX 7 certified until next year and Southwest Airlines said they expect the plane to be approved in the first half of next year, which would put entry into service for Southwest at earliest late in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MAX 7 must be certified before the FAA can certify the larger MAX 10. United Airlines told Reuters earlier it may not get the MAX 10 until 2027 or 2028 because of uncertainty about when the plane will be approved for use. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie Adler and Diane Craft) SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) U.S. immigration authorities on Thursday raided the sprawling site where Hyundai manufactures electric vehicles in southeast Georgia, conducting a search that shut down construction on an adjacent factory being built to produce EV batteries. The operation targeted one of Georgias largest and most high-profile manufacturing sites, touted by the governor and other officials as the largest economic development project in the states history. Hyundai Motor Group began manufacturing EVs a year ago at the $7.6 billion plant, which employs about 1,200 people. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Lindsay Williams confirmed that federal authorities were conducting an enforcement operation at the 3,000-acre (1,214-hectare) site west of Savannah. He said agents were focused on the construction site for the battery plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that agents executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes. It did not say whether anyone was detained or arrested. Georgia State Patrol troopers blocked roads to the Hyundai site. The Georgia Department of Public Safety confirmed they were dispatched to assist federal authorities. Video posted to social media Thursday showed workers in yellow safety vests lined up as a man wearing a face mask and a tactical vest with the letters HSI, which stands for Homeland Security Investigations, tells them: Were Homeland Security. We have a search warrant for the whole site. We need construction to cease immediately, the man says. We need all work to end on the site right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump's administration has undertaken sweeping ICE operations as part of a mass deportation agenda. immigration officers have raided farms, construction sites, restaurants and auto repair shops. The Pew Research Center, citing preliminary Census Bureau data, says the U.S. labor force lost more than 1.2 million immigrants from January through July. That includes people who are in the country illegally as well as legal residents. In addition to making electric vehicles at the site facing Interstate 16 in Bryan County, Hyundai has also partnered with LG Energy Solution to build the battery plant. It's slated to open sometime next year. The joint venture, HL-GA Battery Company, is cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities, the company said in a statement. To assist their work, we have paused construction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Operations at Hyundai's EV manufacturing plant weren't interrupted, said plant spokesperson Bianca Johnson. This did not impact people getting to work, Johnson said in an email. Production and normal office hours had already begun for the day when authorities shut down access. A power transmission line on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, planned for northern Maryland, continues to generate court challenges. (File photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters) A federal district judge in Maryland ruled Tuesday that power company PSEG does not need U.S. marshals to provide protection for surveyors working on a controversial Piedmont power line project at least not for now. Since PSEG filed its petition last month seeking backup from the marshals, most of the landowners who were named as having blocked or threatened surveyors have pledged to cooperate with the survey, wrote U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the limited resources of the U.S. Marshals Service, the Court concludes that the circumstances at least at present do not warrant sending U.S. Marshals to accompany PSEG and its agents, Abelson wrote in his order Tuesday. Abelson did admonish two landowners who have not fully complied, giving them until Sept. 10 to explain to the court why they should not face monetary sanctions or civil contempt of court. And he handed PSEG a victory Tuesday, granting the company access to survey about 150 more properties with defiant owners. It was a repeat of Abelsons earlier ruling in the case, during which he approved PSEGs request to access about 100 properties for wetland, forest delineation and archeological surveys. It was some of that first group of landowners whose antagonism toward surveyors sparked the request for protection from federal marshals. They are the latest turns in a dizzying legal saga surrounding the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, a 67-mile transmission line proposed to cut through rural parts of Baltimore, Carroll and Frederick counties. The project was commissioned by regional electric grid operator PJM, which has warned of power shortages in the years ahead unless additional transmission infrastructure is brought online to keep pace with rising demands for power from data centers, among other demands. A passionate opposition has developed, led by landowners in the power lines path, who argue that the massive towers will disrupt rural lands, including forests, wetlands, streams and farm fields. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The line still must receive a critical approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities. To assess the power lines route, officials ordered a number of surveys, but many landowners proved uncooperative. Thats when PSEG sued for a court order that would let the surveys move forward. Abelson sided with PSEG, ruling in June that its surveyors could enter private land to conduct surveys for the line. Opponents of the line appealed that ruling to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has yet to hear the case. Last month, meanwhile, the New Jersey-based transmission company asked Abelson to dispatch marshals to protect the process, citing six instances when combative landowners or in some cases, their neighbors or other third parties threatened its land surveyors. In one incident, a landowners father nearly struck surveyors with an all-terrain vehicle, amid a verbal altercation that included racist insults, the company said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his order Tuesday, Abelson said that that landowner, Brandon Hill, had expressed his sincerest apologies for the incident with his father on the ATV, in a letter written by his attorney. But Hills attorney never formally responded to the court, despite an order to do so, Abelson wrote. Another owner pledged to cooperate before telling the Frederick News-Post in an interview that he would do everything in my ability to keep them off our property, adding: We will do it peacefully. Abelson ordered those two landowners to file responses by Sept. 10, explaining why they should not face monetary sanctions or civil contempt of court. Abelsons separate order Tuesday, granting PSEG access to survey a second batch of properties, means that the company can survey those properties simply by placing a notice on the front door 24 hours in advance. PSEG is expected to file another lawsuit seeking a court order to access the properties of a third round of property owners who have refused surveys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an August status report, PSEG indicated that it had completed about 150 surveys of varying types on the original list of properties, but it still had more than 200 surveys left to go. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The U.S. and Mexico late Wednesday agreed to increase cooperation in the fight against illegal drugs, including working together to dismantle cartels and address illegal immigration on both sides of the border. The aim is to work together to dismantle transnational organized crime through enhanced cooperation between our respective national security and law enforcement institutions, and judicial authorities, the two governments said in a Wednesday evening joint statement following Secretary of State Marco Rubios visit to Mexico. Additionally, we are working to address the illegal movement of people across the border. In the agreement, the governments said both nations would implement teams to meet regularly and follow up on commitments made within their respective borders, including measures to counter the cartels, strengthen border security and eliminate clandestine border tunnels, address illicit financial flows, enhance collaboration to prevent fuel theft, increase inspections, investigations and prosecutions to stop the flow of drugs and arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement came after Rubio, who is also serving as President Trumps national security advisor, met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico City. The secretary thanked Sheinbaum for collaborating to manage our shared water resources more effectively and expressed optimism for further progress, according to the State Department. During the meeting the Secretary emphasized the importance of resolving trade and non-trade barriers to further the prosperity of both of our nations, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said on Wednesday. Rubios trip to Mexico and meeting with the countrys top officials came a day after President Trump revealed that the U.S. military took out 11 terrorists, who he said were members of Tren de Aragua, a transnational gang from Venezuela, with a kinetic strike in international waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president said the vessel that departed from Venezuela was en route to the United States. Rubio defended the strike on the boat on Wednesday while in Mexico. No U.S. service members were injured during the operation, according to Trump. Mexico Foreign Affairs Secretary Ramon de la Fuente said that Mexico City would prefer nonintervention, peaceful solution of conflicts. Our close coordination has allowed us to secure the border, reduce fentanyl trafficking, and advance intelligence sharing, all within our respective legal frameworks, the U.S. and Mexico said in the statement. The two governments further intend to strengthen collaboration in public health and coordinate campaigns to prevent the abuse of illicit substances and opioids. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's administration said on Thursday it would drop a plan by his predecessor to require airlines to pay passengers cash compensation when U.S. flight disruptions are caused by carriers, in a setback for aviation consumer advocates. In December, the U.S. Department of Transportation under then-President Joe Biden sought public comment on the rulemaking process about whether airlines should be required to pay $200 to $300 for domestic delays of at least three hours and up to $775 for longer delays. U.S. airlines sharply criticized the proposal first made by Biden in May 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House said in a document posted on Thursday that the Transportation Department plans to withdraw the notice "consistent with department and administration priorities." Airlines in the U.S. must refund passengers for canceled flights, but are not required to compensate customers for delays. The European Union, Canada, Brazil and Britain all have airline delay compensation rules. Airlines for America, a trade group representing American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and others, praised the actions and said Biden's cash compensation plan would have raised ticket prices. "We are encouraged by this Department of Transportation reviewing unnecessary and burdensome regulations that exceed its authority and don't solve issues important to our customers," the group said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But former Biden economic adviser Bharat Ramamurti said the rule "would not only have put real cash back in your hands for badly delayed or canceled flights, but would have resulted in far fewer delayed and canceled flights in the first place." Major U.S. carriers in 2022 committed to paying for meals, hotel stays, and other expenses when they cause significant flight disruptions. The Transportation Department also disclosed on Thursday that it is considering rescinding regulations issued under Biden in April 2024 that required airlines and ticket agents to disclose service fees alongside airfares to help consumers avoid unnecessary or unexpected fees. The requirement was put on hold by the court pending an industry legal challenge. The department is also planning to reduce regulatory burdens on airlines and ticket agents by writing new rules detailing the definition of a flight cancellation that entitles consumers to ticket refunds, as well as revisiting rules on ticket pricing and advertising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the department "will faithfully implement all aviation consumer protection requirements mandated by Congress" but added that some rules proposed or adopted under Biden "went beyond what Congress has required by statute, and we intend to reconsider those extra-statutory requirements." The Trump administration has taken other steps to reverse Biden's airline consumer efforts. In May, the Justice Department dropped a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines filed by the Biden administration in its final days that accused the carrier of illegally operating chronically delayed flights. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by David Gregorio and Jamie Freed) UNITED NATIONS (AP) The United States and Panama are urging the U.N. Security Council to authorize a 5,550-member force with the power to detain gang members in Haiti to help stop the escalating violence. The two countries outlined their proposal to transform the Kenya-led multinational force now deployed in the Caribbean nation into a much larger force in a draft resolution to the U.N. Security Council obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press. The first Kenyans arrived in Haiti in June 2024 and the force was supposed to have 2,500 troops, but it has been plagued by a lack of funding and its current strength is below 1,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gangs have grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. They now control 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have expanded their activities, including looting, kidnapping, sexual assaults and rape, into the countryside. Haiti has not had a president since the assassination. The six-page draft resolution expresses appreciation to Kenya for leading the multinational force but reaffirms Secretary-General Antonio Guterres finding in February that it hasnt been able to keep pace with the dramatic expansion of the gangs and needed to be scaled up. Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea had announced on Aug. 28 that the U.S. was seeking U.N. authorization for a new Gang Suppression Force. The draft resolution would authorize U.N. member nations to transition the mission into such a force in cooperation with Haitis government for an initial period of 12 months. The force would be able to detain and arrest Haitians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It states that the force would consist of 5,500 uniformed personnel and 50 civilians who would be paid from voluntary contributions. But it does not specify whether Kenya or any other country would contribute troops or police. The resolution would authorize participants in the new force to conduct independent, intelligence-led targeted counter-gang operations to neutralize, isolate, and deter gangs that continue to threaten the civilian population, abuse human rights and undermine Haitian institutions. The new force would also provide security for critical infrastructure, including the airport and ports, schools and hospitals, along with the Haitian police and armed forces. And it would support Haitian efforts to combat illicit trafficking and diversion of arms and related materiel. The Security Council mandate for the Kenya-led multinational force ends Oct. 2 and council members are expected to vote at the end of the month on the U.S. and Panama draft resolution. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. State Department announced a plan on Thursday to bring Gilead Sciences Inc's drug lenacapavir to market "at cost" in high-burden HIV countries in an effort to reach two million people over three years. The company will offer the long-acting HIV prevention drug to the Global Fund and the U.S. government's PEPFAR program without profit, government and company officials said at a news briefing. Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria said in July they had finalized plans to supply the drug to low-income countries, despite the absence of funding from the U.S. Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, an initiative aimed at addressing the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeremy Lewin, senior State Department official for foreign assistance, humanitarian affairs and religious freedom, would not say how much the U.S. government was providing. "Gilead is very generously offering us a product at no cost, so we're not going to give away exactly what their cost per dose is, but we're grateful to them for offering it at a price that makes this possible. The U.S. commitment is significant," he said. The medication, which is given in a twice-yearly injection, has significant advantages for breastfeeding women and pregnant mothers, he said. The State Department has agreements with 12 countries that will receive doses of the drugs but is not identifying them at this time, Lewin said. (Reporting by Gram Slattery and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Leslie Adler and Diane Craft) Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect additional comments by U.S. President Donald Trump. U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders on Sept. 4, just hours after the "Coalition of the Willing" summit in Paris, where officials discussed security guarantees for Ukraine. Afterward, Zelensky shared details about the "long and very detailed conversation with President Trump" on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "First and foremost, we talked about how to push the situation toward real peace. We discussed different options, and the most important is pressure, using strong measures, particularly economic ones, to force an end to the war," Zelensky wrote. "The key to peace is depriving Russias war machine of money, depriving it of resources." The call also touched on "maximum protection for Ukraines skies." Zelensky stressed that "until peace comes, Ukrainians must not be at the mercy of constant Russian attacks. Russian missiles and drones must not take lives." He added that Ukraine has "proposed a format for protecting our skies for the U.S. to consider." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later in the day on Sept. 4, Trump told reporters following the call that he will be speaking with Russian President Vladimir in the near future. "We're having a very good dialogue," he added. Speaking at the press conference held after the call, French President Emmanuel Macron said that 26 countries are ready to send troops or contribute other support to Ukraine as part of security guarantees. "Germany, Italy, and Poland are definitely among Ukraine's security guarantors. We won't go into details yet, but we already have an understanding (of cooperation)," Zelensky added. Italy, Poland, and Romania later announced that they will not send troops to Ukraine, but will support Ukraine's security in other ways. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that her country is willing to support monitoring and training initiatives outside of Ukraine, and Romanian President Nicusor Dan said that Bucharest is prepared to support peacekeeping and stabilization missions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to journalists after the Paris summit, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Warsaw will provide logistical support for Ukraine's security framework. U.S. involvement in the framework aimed to shield Ukraine from future Russian aggression in the event of a truce or peace deal will be determined in the coming weeks, Macron said. He added that the U.S. and Europe will impose additional sanctions on Russia if it continues to refuse to participate in the peace process. He mentioned the previously discussed idea of a bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Putin, as well as broader talks involving the U.S. and Europe. "We are sending a clear message that now all signals must be turned into reality. We have always been on the side of the law and defended a just peace. There can be no reward for aggression, because it is a prelude to further wars," Macron said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Paris summit comes as European capitals push to finalize security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky has demanded binding commitments, warning that without them, Moscow could regroup and attack again. Ukraine's accession to the European Union is one of the key issues discussed and "a mandatory economic, political, and geopolitical security guarantee." "Therefore, in our approach to security guarantees, this is an important point, which is set out in a separate section," Zelensky said. In Paris, Zelensky stressed the importance of protecting civilians, as Russia keeps carrying out deadly air strikes on Ukrainian cities even amid the ongoing peace efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have discussed a maximum protection of Ukrainian airspace this is about saving lives. Until there is no peace, our people should not have to deal with constant Russian attacks. Russian missiles and Iranian drones should not take the lives of Ukrainians. Ukrainians should not suffer," Zelensky said. Zelensky also commented on Putin's recent invitation to meet in Moscow, which a Russian state news outlet reported on Sept. 3. Zelensky said that if Putin is serious about the meeting, he shouldn't invite him to the Kremlin. "Russia has started talking about the meeting, which is already good, but so far, we don't see their desire to end the war. Mature leaders should come out of a high-level meeting with some results, preferably the end of the war," Zelensky added. Following the announcements at the press conference in Paris, Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko, a member of Zelensky's party, told the Kyiv Independent that it's reasonable for Ukraine and its allies to think now about security guarantees, but emphasized that those decisions will only be relevant in the event of a ceasefire, which nobody is discussing anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "First, we need an unconditional ceasefire, which was Trumps idea from the very beginning," Merezhko said, adding that "at present, however, there is no ceasefire on the horizon." While the exact vision for security guarantees remains unclear, Merezhko questioned whether the discussed framework would actually deter Putin from further aggression. "To me, the best and most reliable security guarantee remains NATO membership for Ukraine," he said. Ukraine has urged NATO to accept it as a member since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, but the alliance has been reluctant to consider accession for a country at war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said in August that Ukraine would not be permitted to join NATO as part of any peace deal with Moscow, which opposes Kyiv's potential accession. According to European Pravda, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff also attended the Paris talks, leaving the Elysee Palace about 45 minutes after the conference started. Macron said in August that guarantees would not involve NATO membership but instead rely on a strong Ukrainian army backed by commitments from a "coalition of the willing," which includes over 30 countries. The meeting followed White House talks on Aug. 18, during which European leaders pressed Trump to join security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump later said Washington could provide air support as part of the commitments, but ruled out deploying U.S. ground troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Trump warned of "severe" secondary tariffs if Moscow refused a ceasefire, his administration has so far only imposed a 25% tariff on India over Russian oil purchases. Despite presenting himself as a peacemaker, military aid to Ukraine has been paused several times under the Trump administration, while peace efforts have dragged on for their eighth month without any results. Trump told CBS News on Sept. 3 that he had initially thought ending Russia's war against Ukraine would be straightforward, but admitted it was more difficult than he expected. The European Union has continued to impose new sanctions on Russia after Trump's return to office, despite the U.S. reluctance to apply economic presssure on Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EU diplomat Kaja Kallas announced on Aug. 19 that the European Union's 19th package of sanctions against Russia is expected to be ready in September. The EU approved its previous sanctions package on July 18, describing it as "one of its strongest" to date. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The United States has added three prominent Palestinian rights groups, Al-Haq, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) and Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights to its sanctions list. The groups were added to the Department of the Treasurys Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List on Thursday. In a subsequent statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the rights groups were targeted for having directly engaged in efforts by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute Israeli nationals, without Israels consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration had previously sanctioned the ICC in response to its investigation and subsequent arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes committed in Gaza. All three groups had provided evidence on Israeli abuses in the case. The United States will continue to respond with significant and tangible consequences to protect our troops, our sovereignty, and our allies from the ICCs disregard for sovereignty, and to punish entities that are complicit in its overreach, Rubio said. We condemn in the strongest terms the draconian sanctions imposed by The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on our organisations: @alhaq_org , @AlMezanCenter & @pchrgaza/1 Al-Haq (@alhaq_org) September 4, 2025 The Ramallah-based Al-Haq has been a leading organisation both in the occupied Palestinian territory and internationally seeking accountability for Israeli abuses, while leading litigation in several countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gaza City-based Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and the Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights have been leading independent organisation that have documented Israels ongoing war in Gaza. In a statement shared by all three organisations, they condemned in the strongest terms the draconian sanctions imposed by the Trump administration. These measures in times of live genocide against our People, is a coward[ly], immoral, illegal and undemocratic act, the statement said. Only states with complete disregard to international law and our shared humanity can take such heinous measures against human rights orgs working to end a genocide, the statement said. The U.S. just sanctioned three of the most prominent Palestinian human rights groups: @alhaq_org, @pchrgaza, and @AlMezanCenter. Shameful but not surprising. This administration bends over backwards to put Israel First every time. pic.twitter.com/ocXBYJllki Mohsen Farshneshani (@mFarshneshani) September 4, 2025 In a post on the social media platform X, Mohsen Farshneshani, a sanctions lawyer and advisor at Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), described the organisations as three of the most prominent Palestinian human rights groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shameful but not surprising, Farshneshani wrote. This administration bends over backwards to put Israel First every time. The US previously sanctioned the Ramallah-based Addameer, a human rights organisation focused on Palestinian prisoners and detainees, in June. At the time, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which both work closely with the group, said the sanctions would make day-to-day operations harder and harder, including for their employees, assisted communities and service suppliers. This will also negatively affect their engagement with their partner organizations, locally and internationally, including US-based groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US is using its sanctions regime to do the bidding of the Israeli government, which has long systematically sought to muzzle human rights reporting and advocacy, it added. An Israeli human rights group, BTselem, also condemned the US move, calling it an assault on Palestinian rights. This is yet another move aimed at erasing fundamental norms of protecting human beings, designed to enable Israel to continue harming Palestinians without restraint, Yair Dvir, a spokesperson for BTselem, wrote in a statement. In July, the Trump administration also sanctioned the Palestinian Authority (PA), which administers the occupied West Bank, and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which represents Palestinians internationally. At the same time, the Trump administration has revoked sanctions imposed under former US President Joe Biden on Israelis from illegal settlements and organisations accused of violence. By Ahmed Aboulenein WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Democrats and Republicans pushed U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on his recent vaccine policies and their stark contrast to President Donald Trump's successful first-term pandemic initiative to speed vaccine development during a combative Senate hearing on Thursday. Half a dozen heated exchanges focused on the details of Kennedy's decision to fire Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez, who had started the job with Kennedy's support only a month earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, speaking at the White House after the hearing, expressed support for Kennedy, saying he has some "different ideas." Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician who played a critical role in Kennedy's confirmation, grilled him about the cancellation of $500 million in COVID vaccine contracts, while citing examples of doctors and cancer patients who have been unable to obtain the protection against the potentially deadly disease. "I would say, effectively, we're denying people vaccines," concluded Cassidy. "Well, you're wrong," Kennedy responded. Cassidy, of Louisiana, praised Trump for having accelerated the development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His line of questioning - mirrored by two other members of his and Trump's party - underscored the tightrope Republicans critical of Kennedy needed to walk in order to push back against his vaccine policies without criticizing the president. Cassidy asked Kennedy during the Senate Finance Committee hearing if he agreed with him that Trump deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for the COVID vaccine initiative, known as Operation Warp Speed. Kennedy said he did. Why then had Kennedy said the vaccines killed more people than COVID? Cassidy asked. Kennedy denied making the statement, would not agree that the vaccines saved lives, and in a later exchange acknowledged the shots prevented deaths but not how many. COVID vaccines in the first year of their use saved some 14.4 million lives globally, according to a study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy has also canceled $500 million in funding for research on the mRNA technology that yielded the most widely used COVID vaccines under Trump, which Cassidy characterized as denying people vaccines. Trump told reporters during a White House event with business leaders that Kennedy "means very well, and he's got some little different ideas." "I guarantee a lot of people at this table like RFK Jr. And I do, but he's got a different take, and we want to listen to all those takes," Trump said when asked if he has confidence in what Kennedy is doing. Republicans Thom Tillis of North Carolina and John Barrasso of Wyoming, who like Cassidy is a physician, adopted Cassidy's tactic, as did Senate Democrats Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Raphael Warnock of Georgia, where the CDC is headquartered, and Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Secretary Kennedy, in your confirmation hearings you promised to uphold the highest standards for vaccines. Since then, I've grown deeply concerned," said Barrasso. "The public has seen measles outbreaks, leadership in the National Institutes of Health questioning the use of mRNA vaccines, the recently confirmed Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fired," the senator added. Under fiery questioning from most Democrats and some Republicans, Kennedy defended the ousting of Monarez, adding that he might need to fire even more people. Trump fired Monarez after she resisted changes to vaccine policy advanced by Kennedy that she believed contradicted scientific evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal on Thursday, Monarez said she had been directed to preapprove vaccine recommendations and fire career CDC officials, describing her ouster as part of a broader push to weaken U.S. vaccine standards. Kennedy said she lied and that he had never told Monarez she needed to preapprove decisions, but that he did order her to fire officials, which she refused to do. "Secretary Kennedy's claims are false, and at times, patently ridiculous. Dr. Monarez stands by what she said in her Wall Street Journal op-ed," her lawyers said in a statement. CALLS FOR KENNEDY RESIGNATION Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy said the CDC during the COVID-19 pandemic had lied to Americans about mask wearing, social distancing, school closures and the ability of the vaccine to stop transmission. "I need to fire some of those people and make sure this doesn't happen again," Kennedy said. The CDC's pandemic recommendations were based on past experience with virus transmission and what was known about the novel coronavirus at the time. By late 2021, with more real-world data, the CDC acknowledged the shots could not stop COVID infection and transmission, but were highly effective in preventing severe cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since taking the job, Kennedy has made a series of controversial changes to U.S. vaccine policy, including narrowing who is eligible for COVID shots and firing all 17 expert members of a CDC vaccine advisory panel, choosing some fellow anti-vaccine activists to replace them. Vaccination rates in the U.S. have been on the decline. Florida on Wednesday said it plans to end all state vaccine mandates, including for students to attend schools. Criticism of Kennedy has intensified since Monarez's firing, which triggered resignations of four CDC agency officials who cited anti-vaccine policies and misinformation pushed by him and his team. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, the committee's top-ranking Democrat, called for Kennedy's resignation, as have Warnock, Sanders, and over 1,000 current and former health employees. (Reporting by Ahmed Aboulenein; Additional reporting by Nolan McCaskill and Susan Heavey; Editing by Caroline Humer, Bill Berkrot, Chizu Nomiyama, Diane Craft and Lincoln Feast.) By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A U.S. State Department employee was sentenced to four years in prison on Thursday for conspiring to collect and transmit national defense information to individuals he believed to be working for China's government, the Justice Department said. Michael Schena, 42, of Alexandria, Virginia, worked at State Department headquarters in Washington. He held a top secret security clearance and had access to information up to the secret level, the Justice Department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning in April 2022, Schena communicated with people he met online through various platforms and provided them sensitive U.S. government information in exchange for money, the Justice Department said in a statement. Two of these individuals represented themselves as employees of international consulting companies, the Justice Department said. Believing that they were working on behalf of China's government, Schena continued his relationship with them, the Justice Department said. In August 2024, Schena met an individual at a hotel in Peru who provided Schena $10,000 and a cellphone that was intended to be used for Schena to receive tasks and transmit information, prosecutors said. In October 2024, while at work, Schena used the cellphone he received in Peru to photograph and transmit at least four classified documents that contained national defense information and which were classified as secret,according to prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance video captured Schena again using the cellphone to photograph seven documents marked as "secret" that contained national defense information in February this year, the Justice Department said, adding FBI agents seized the phone before he could transmit those documents and arrested him. A representative of Schena could not immediately be contacted. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. and Taiwanese defense officials held talks in Alaska last week, a U.S. official said on Thursday, a move likely to anger China. The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties. China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control, regularly describes Taiwan as the most important and sensitive topic in its relations with the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jed Royal, the top Indo-Pacific official at the U.S. Department of Defense, met a senior Taiwanese national security official, in Anchorage, the official said. 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. (Reporting by Idrees Ali. Additional reporting Jasper Ward; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama ) (Refiles September 4 story to fix spelling of last name to Clifford-Carlos, including hyphen) By Charlotte Van Campenhout and Bart Biesemans HEERLEN, Netherlands (Reuters) -Veronica Clifford-Carlos, a 28-year-old artist from San Francisco hoping to win political asylum in the Netherlands, says she had always planned to build her life in the U.S. but changed her mind after getting death threats for being trans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June Clifford-Carlos - the first trans American to launch a legal challenge in the Netherlands against the rejection of an application for political asylum, left loved ones, including her dog Lilith, and flew to the Netherlands with her father. Veronica said life had worsened for trans people during U.S. President Donald Trump's second term. "I have people screaming f*ggot at me in the street... I have people threatening my life, threatening to assault me, threatening to follow me home and kill my family." Since taking office in January, Trump has issued executive orders limiting transgender rights and rescinding anti-discrimination policies for LGBTQ+ people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, the Netherlands - known for its strong protections of LGBT rights - updated its U.S. travel advisory urging LGBTQ+ travelers to be mindful of recent U.S. laws. But the United States is still considered safe and Veronica's asylum request was denied. For the court to grant Veronica political asylum, she would need to demonstrate that she was denied protection in the U.S., which could be challenging, said Marlou Schrover, a professor at Leiden University, who specializes in migration. She added that ruling in Veronica's favour might also sour relations between the U.S. and the Netherlands. "If you grant refugee status to somebody from a country, it's also implied criticism on this country. You're saying it's a non-functioning juridical system", Schrover said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Sandro Kortekaas from Dutch advocacy group LGBT Asylum Support said the U.S. is being considered safe based on information predating Trump's second term and that the stark differences in trans rights policy should be acknowledged. Veronica is not the only trans person fleeing the U.S., Kortekaas said. Dutch advocacy group LGBT Asylum Support, which backs the artist's lawsuit, says it is assisting around 20 U.S. trans individuals with pending asylum claims. Official data show 29 Americans applied for asylum in the first half of this year, without giving the cited grounds. Veronica said she had expected to be the only one. "It's a bittersweet experience. On one hand, it's very validating to see I'm not going crazy here. I'm not the only person who thinks something's wrong. But on the other hand ... it really has gotten this bad," she said. A ruling is expected later this year. (Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Bart Biesemans, additional reporting by Tierney Kugel; editing by Philippa Fletcher) The government agency responsible for issuing visas and green cards will soon be deploying its own armed law enforcement officers to investigate and arrest immigrants and their lawyers. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has created a new class of special agents tasked with making arrests, carrying firearms, executing search and arrest warrants, and other powers standard for federal law enforcement, according to the agency. Thursdays announcement marks a significant escalation in President Donald Trump administrations anti-immigration agenda, which is now tasking an agency that largely involves administering immigrant benefits including handling applications for citizenship, asylum and other lawful status with law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USCIS has always been an enforcement agency, director Joseph Edlow said in a statement Thursday. By upholding the integrity of our immigration system, we enforce the laws of this nation. The agencys historic moment will better address immigration crimes, hold those that perpetrate immigration fraud accountable, and act as a force multiplier for Homeland Security and other law enforcement agencies, Edlow said. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is developing a police force with authority to investigate and arrest immigrants and their lawyers suspected of fraud, escalating the Trump administrations mass deportation operations. (Getty Images North America) The agency will train several hundred agents to search for fraud in immigration applications, with the power to arrest both the applicants and lawyers who helped prepare their petitions actions that are typically under the purview of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The change will allow ICE and other Homeland Security agents to focus on disrupting transnational crime and capturing and deporting illegal aliens while allowing immigration services to more efficiently clear its backlogs of aliens who seek to exploit our immigration system through fraud, prosecute them, and remove them from the country, the agency announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is unlawful, said Allen Orr Jr., former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. USCIS mandate is to adjudicate applications, not run raids. Trumps expansion beyond traditional enforcement shatters the laws clear limits. Under Edlows direction, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has radically overhauled how the agency approaches immigration, moving the agency from a largely administrative role into a key law enforcement tool supporting the presidents mass deportation efforts. Federal agents have also made arrests at agency offices and other immigration facilities as people arrive for court-ordered check-ins with ICE or for citizenship interviews and other hearings, with immigration judges and officials ordered to swiftly dismiss cases, making immigrants easy targets for arrest. You really dont have an immigration system if the agency that issues immigration benefits is now a third enforcement agency, said Andrea R. Flores, an immigration policy adviser during the Biden and Obama administrations. Why would anyone come forward when the admin keeps penalizing people using the legal immigration system? she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration services is also vetting for evidence of alleged anti-American activity on social media, sending officers to perform neighborhood checks on citizenship applicants and heightening scrutiny into prospective citizens good moral character. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is typically an administrative agency, but under current director Joseph Edlow, the agency has taken a far more active role supporting Trumps anti-immigration agenda, including reviewing immigrants social media accounts and heightening scrutiny into prospective citizens good moral character (Getty Images North America) In May, immigration services announced the agency was immediately reviewing immigrants social media accounts for what it considers antisemitic activity that could be used as evidence to deny them legal status in the United States. The new screening measures follow similar guidance from other agencies as the Trump administration targets dissent against Israels war in Gaza, which officials have broadly characterized as antisemitic. Voting rights and good government groups that help newly minted citizens register to vote are also now barred from naturalization ceremonies under immigration services policy announced this week. The agency is also prioritizing denaturalization cases alongside the Department of Justice, which announced plans in June to maximally pursue stripping benefits from foreign-born citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edlow also wants to overhaul how citizenship applicants are tested. Hes considering a standardized test format that would require test takers to write an essay answering what does it mean to me to be an American, Edlow said at an event organized by the Center for Immigration Studies, moments after Thursdays announcement. What this comes down to is I am declaring war on fraud, he said. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) The annual University of South Dakota update tour made a stop in Sioux City on Wednesday night. President Sheila Gestring went to the Warrior Hotel to tell alumni and constituents about whats been happening in the last year, and what their new priorities are. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gestring said that in the last five years, the university has grown by 1,100 students in population. President Gestring said that some of the discussion includes the importance of higher education. At the University of South Dakota, we are a very high value, we are low cost with high quality, we have high outcomes, and you can get an education here and you can go far from here, President Gestring said. President Gestring said the universitys future is bright. The USD update tour will visit Sioux Falls on Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. The USDA is warning consumers about pepperoni pizza sold at Trader Joe's. Certain items were not presented for reinspection at the border. Heres how to tell if you have one of these products. Attention, Trader Joes shopper! You might want to double check any pizzas currently in your freezer after a recent notice from the USDA. The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is warning consumers that certain frozen pepperoni pizzas shipped to California and sold at the popular grocery franchise accidentally skipped over import re-inspection. This means that FSIS was unable to confirm that the products met U.S. standards upon being imported from Italy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FSIS was notified of the situation by Trader Joes Company and subsequently put out a notice on August 29. What products are affected? The only product you have to watch out for in this instance is Trader Joes Uncured Pepperoni Pizza Product of Italy. The affected pizzas will either say "MFG LOT: 06/16/26 BEST BUY: 08/16/26" or "MFG LOT: 06/21/25 BEST BY 08/21/26" on the bottom. These items were reportedly sold in California and also have a mark on the front of the package that reads "IT 1558 L UE." According to FSIS, none of the pizzas are still available in stores, and the only outstanding concern is that they may still be lingering in customers freezers after purchase. Why import reinspection matters When meat, poultry, or egg products are imported into the U.S., FSIS requires an additional inspection at an approved facility. This import re-inspection step verifies that foreign products meet the same safety and labeling standards as those produced domestically, as well as confirming that the country of origin has properly certified the items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skipping this step doesnt automatically mean the food is unsafe, but it does mean FSIS cant guarantee the product went through the same safeguards, hence the alert. What to do if you have this pizza If you find one of these pizzas in your freezer, FSIS recommends throwing it away or returning it to the place of purchase. As of now, there have been no reports of adverse effects from this pizza, but anyone with questions about food safety can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854. You Might Also Like The Utah Board of Higher Education welcomed a trio of new members to their body Thursday while a fourth member was reappointed. Jeremy Hafen, Jodi Hart and student representative Garrett Largent were sworn in at the beginning of the boards September meeting. Joining them for the oaths of office was current board member Danny Ipson, who was reappointed. Each member was selected by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Utah Senate confirmed the appointments of Hafen, Hart and Ipson in August. As the student representative, Largent did not require Senate confirmation. These appointments bring a remarkable combination of expertise and perspective to our board, said Amanda Covington, chair of the Utah Board of Higher Education, in a UBHE release. Each member brings valuable experience from industry, public policy and higher education. Their collective knowledge and commitment will be invaluable as we work to improve student success and expand valuable higher education opportunities for students and families. Jeremy Hafen was sworn in as a member of the Utah Board of Higher Education on Sept. 4, 2025. | Utah Board of Higher Education Hafen is president and CEO of Clyde Companies, Inc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He brings decades of experience in the construction materials sector and has held multiple leadership roles within Clyde Companies since 2004, according to the release. Hafen currently serves as the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce board of directors chair and previously served as the chair of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, chair of the board of trustees for Mountainland Technical College and on the board of trustees for Utah Valley University. Jodi Hart was sworn in as a member of the Utah Board of Higher Education on Sept. 4, 2025. | Tiffany Burke Hart is a government relations professional representing national Fortune 100 firms, local businesses, municipalities and associations. She is president and founder of Advantage Arts Academy Charter School and serves as president of the Capitol Hill Association, among other community roles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hart is a frequent political affairs guest lecturer at schools, colleges and universities throughout the state, according to the board. Garrett Largent was sworn in as the student representative to the Utah Board of Higher Education on Sept. 4, 2025. | Utah Board of Higher Education Student representative Largent is a nontraditional student at Weber State University pursuing a bachelors degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on business administration, leadership and international studies. He has served as vice president of the Presidential Leadership Fellows in the Office of the President at Weber State, worked as a research analyst fellow in the Governors Office of Planning and Budget and as an intern at Goldman Sachs in Global Banking and Markets, according to the education board. Danny Ipson was reappointed to the Utah Board of Higher Education on Sept. 4, 2025. | Utah Board of Higher Education Ipson was first appointed to the board in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is a business owner and entrepreneur, currently operating an eight-location chain of convenience stores and truck stops under Ernies Stores, Inc. and HF Sinclair. He previously oversaw the sale of DATS Trucking Inc. and Overland Petroleum LLC, and has served on multiple boards, including the Utah Tech University board of trustees, and as co-chair of the Utah Tech University Presidential Search Committee, according to UBHE. Historic disruptions to Utahs higher education institutions The new board members join the state board at a moment of historic disruption across Utahs eight degree-granting colleges and universities. Earlier this year the board was charged with approving the Legislative-mandated strategic reinvestment plans at each institution, totalling more than $60 million in state budget funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reinvestment plans are being executed by the schools over the next three years. Meanwhile, the Utah Board of Higher Education and Commissioner of Higher Education Geoffrey Landward are charged with charting the future of higher education in the state when enrollment numbers are expected to decline in the coming years. Thats happening even while research reveals a growing number of Americans are questioning the value of a four-year college degree, despite data reaffirming the broad benefits of higher education. Utahns, however, appear to be a bit more bullish on higher education. A recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute poll suggests almost two-thirds of Utahns approve of the job Utah colleges and universities are doing. The board is also in the process of selecting the next president of Utah State University following the resignation of former president Elizabeth Cantwell earlier this year. A Utah judge on Tuesday denied a request from state lawmakers to stay her earlier ruling tossing the states congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The initial ruling issued last month by 3rd District Judge Dianna Gibson declared that the current maps cant be used in any future elections and proposed a timeline to redraw the political boundaries to comply with a voter-led initiative creating an independent redistricting commission. Lawmakers had asked Gibson to stay that ruling to give the Legislature more time to redraw the maps. Gibson declined in a ruling Tuesday, but lawmakers will get additional days to work with after attorneys for Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson said in a separate court filing that new maps should be submitted by Nov. 10 of this year, after arguing for an earlier deadline of Nov. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people of Utah are entitled to proceed in the 2026 election with a lawful congressional plan designed in compliance with Proposition 4s traditional redistricting standards and its prohibition on partisan gerrymandering, Gibson wrote Tuesday. By granting a stay and proceeding with the 2026 election under the current 2021 Congressional Plan, this court would be sanctioning the Legislatures violation of the peoples constitutional right to reform their government through redistricting legislation. Gibsons ruling notes that redistricting efforts have taken place on shorter timelines than currently proposed and cited recent efforts by Texas Republicans to redraw their maps to favor Republicans in the midterms at the behest of President Donald Trump. And, as widely publicized, Texas recently redistricted in rather short order, and other states, including California, are contemplating redistricting between now and the 2026 elections, suggesting to this court that there is time to redistrict and comply with Proposition 4," Gibson wrote. The case in question has been ongoing since 2022, when plaintiffs alleged lawmakers violated citizens rights to determine the makeup of their government when they altered the ballot proposition that created an independent commission to draw the maps. Lawmakers changed the commissions role to an advisory one and ultimately adopted its own set of maps in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because the Utah Constitution gives the people of the state of Utah equal lawmaking power to the state Legislature, the plaintiffs said, the Legislature acted unconstitutionally when it changed the proposition. The Utah Supreme Court ruled last summer that lawmakers overreached by changing the initiative, with Justice Paige Petersen writing that constitutional provisions limit the Legislatures authority to amend or repeal an initiative that reforms the government. The denial of the request to stay the ruling will allow lawmakers to appeal to the Utah Supreme Court, though its unclear if the five justices will view the lawmakers arguments sympathetically after unanimously siding against the Legislature last year. The 3rd District judge overseeing Utahs redistricting lawsuit confirmed a new deadline for the submission of the new, required congressional maps. Both parties agreed on this revised deadline, as stated in court filings reviewed by the Deseret News on Thursday. In her initial ruling, Judge Diana Gibson said state lawmakers must pass a new congressional map that meets the voter-approved standards of the citizen initiative, Proposition 4, by Sept. 24, after she sided with citizen-led initiative groups that filed a lawsuit against the state Legislature, accusing them of submitting gerrymandered maps in 2021. Last week, House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, told the Deseret News that Gibsons original timeline was not fair to the citizens of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You dont get the best maps by trying to rush them, he said. What theyre trying to do is to gerrymander to get one Democrat in Salt Lake County. The judge also ruled that the maps made in 2021 diluted the political power of Salt Lake County residents by splitting them into four districts. Both the plaintiffs and the defendants agreed to the following schedule moving forward: Sept. 25: Legislature to publish proposed map Sept. 26Oct. 5: Public comment period Oct. 6: Legislatures final vote on map and submission of map to the court; plaintiffs deadline to submit any proposed map to the court Oct. 17: Parties file briefs, expert reports, and other materials in support of respective map submissions and in opposition to any map submissions, if necessary Oct. 23-24: Evidentiary hearing, if necessary Oct. 28: Parties file proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law with the court, if necessary The if necessary clause in the final three deadlines accommodates the potential that Plaintiffs will not have any objection to a legislatively enacted map. Should that be the case, Plaintiffs will timely communicate as much to the parties and Court, per the order. Researchers at Utah State University are accused of exposing guinea pigs and hamsters to radiation beyond the approved bounds of an experiment and also allegedly withheld pain medication after performing surgeries on the animals, according to a new report. The report, which was filed by the university, said that 75 of the rodents used in the experiment were irradiated and that some died, though it did not make clear how many. Stop Animal Exploitation NOW!, an animal rights group and watchdog organization, is calling for the researchers to be fired, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When research misconduct occurs publicly funded universities are required to produce documentation about the incident. SAEN obtained USU's misconduct report through an open records request and has since shared it publicly. The group's executive director, Michael Budkie, called the findings in the report "simply horrific" and has filed a formal complaint with the federal government. Utah State University has come under fire after an animal rights group publicized a misconduct report involving a researcher who irradiated 22 guinea pigs and 53 hamsters beyond approved limits and who withheld pain medications on animals that had undergone surgeries (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The violations connected to this project are very serious and demonstrate that the PI [principal investigator] associated with this project believes that they are essentially above the law and can perform whatever procedures they like, Budkie wrote in a letter to USU. In his complaint to the federal government, Budkie calls for the Department of Agriculture which uses inspectors to oversee university research involving animals to launch a full investigation and to levy the maximum penalty against the university and the researchers for allegedly violating the federal Animal Welfare Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Act establishes rules for caring for laboratory animals and researchers who work with animals are required to go through training to minimize pain and distress caused by animal testing. Any schools that receive federal funding must comply with the law and report any misconduct or violations. While the specific research project was not funded with federal dollars, the care and maintenance of the animals did use federal funds. The penalties for violating the law can add up quickly. For each violation, a fine of up to $13,000 can be applied, and that amount can be multiplied for each animal harmed as a result of the violation. USU noted in its misconduct report that 22 guinea pigs and 53 hamsters were irradiated beyond the approved levels. If the maximum fine is applied, it could soar to nearly $1 million. Utah State University noted in its misconduct report that 22 guinea pigs and 53 hamsters were irradiated beyond the approved levels (Google Maps) Ultimately it will be up to federal agencies under the rule of President Donald Trump to determine how the alleged violations at the university are punished. Trump's administration has already made significant cuts to federal research dollars and has terminated numerous projects, including those involving animal testing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Environmental Protection Agency staff in North Carolina put their animals up for adoption after their research projects were terminated by the Trump administration. The Independent has requested comment from Utah State University and the Department of Agriculture. The university told the Salt Lake Tribune that it followed its protocols for reporting the misconduct when it became aware of the issue. USU spokesperson Amanda DeRito told the paper that animal care staff at the school alerted the staff veterinarian and then notified federal authorities once the misconduct was discovered. All universities conducting animal research using federal funds are required to have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee in place to oversee lab animals. USU's IACUC was called in to investigate the misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to DeRito, the committee quickly put a stop to the research activities at issue while they reviewed the situation and took steps to prevent it from reoccurring. Research animals are integral to advances in biomedical research and nearly every major medical advancement in the last century, she told the paper. Utah State is strongly committed to the humane treatment of research animals in its care. According to the university's investigation, the researcher who irradiated the animals whose name was not included in the misconduct report acknowledged that they did not obtain approval for their test but said it was "unintentional." The Salt Lake Tribune obtained a copy of a response sent to USU from the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, which operates under the National Institutes of Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OLAW said that USU took "appropriate measures to correct and prevent recurrences of these problems" and noted that the school is now considered compliant with federal regulations regarding animal testing. We appreciate being informed of these matters and find no cause for further action by this office, the letter says. USU said it has already responded to the incident by disconnecting equipment to prevent further use of the X-ray machines. It has also suspended its guinea pig breeding and surgeries on animals. The principal researcher at the center of the incident has reportedly been limited to only noninvasive procedures and is required to submit monthly reports on their work and attend additional ethics training. The university has previously received criticism from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, which objected to its use of rats in undergraduate psychology courses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In those courses, rats were reportedly locked in metal boxes and subjected to random bursts of light to see how they react. PETA called on the university to switch to "superior" methods of teaching that did not involve animals. DeRito dismissed PETA's complaint. PETA grossly misrepresents animal studies in this upper-division psychology class," she told the paper, adding that the lab is only used for positive reinforcement studies and that the experience cannot be replicated using computers. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The professional violinist who was taken into custody by ICE in Colorado last month has posted bond. Local Denver musicians met him outside the detention facility. John Shin, 37, was detained by ICE while on a work trip in Colorado on August 20, 2025. Since then, he has been held at the Aurora, CO, ICE detention center. According to his attorney, Adam Crayk, Shin posted bond and was released today. Shin reunites with his family after being released from ICE custody. (Courtesy: Efren de gala) Shin reunites with his family after being released from ICE custody. (Courtesy: Efren de gala) Because his release was fairly sudden, Shins family was unable to meet him outside of the detention facility. Instead, fellow musician Shana Kirk met him outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first wave of relief, I didnt expect, and I dont even know John, Kirk said, Johns family is hundreds of miles away and he has no one on the ground here so we agreed to be the intermediary to communicating how things work at the facility. Kirk is based in Denver and had never met Shin prior to his release. But she felt compelled to help when she heard about his detainment. She said, The music world is small. Once word started getting around that a violinist got reprehended by ICE, that sounded like an unusual story. We wanted to be out there, so he doesnt just release on the street, Kirk said, with local musicians gathered outside the Aurora detention facility. She was overwhelmed by the amount of support from the music community, [Im] unbelievably proud but Im not surprised. It is an incredibly beautiful community. While Shin is expected to return to Utah and to his family today or tomorrow, his release does not mean the end of legal proceedings in this case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video Courtesy: Efren de gala Reportedly, ICE arrested Shin because he has a previous impaired driving charge. In 2019, he was charged with DUI, but resolved it with an impaired driving charge in 2020. Crayk says Shin has since completed probation, treatment classes, and all other requirements of his charge. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Professional Utah violinist arrested by ICE on his wifes birthday The problem that you have, though, is as someone who is coming to the United States and who doesnt currently have proper documentation because when you get a DUI, DACA gets taken immigration will not let you have DACA with a DUI, Crayk said, when Shin was first detained by ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He becomes a priority, especially under the current administration so, he was taken into ICE custody because he accepted and did an agreement in Tooele County for an impaired driver, which caused ICE to take him into custody, Crayk added. The next step for Shin is to get him a green card, according to Crayk. He said, Johns not leaving this county. We are going to win. He is going to get a green card and, ultimately, going to become a citizen because this is not the type of case we should have wasted our resources on, not even close. John Shin has lived in Utah through his elementary school, high school, and college education, graduating from Utah State University. He has worked with the Utah Symphony and Ballet West. 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. Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins participates in the extradition from California of Harjinder Singh, accused of causing an accident that killed three people in Florida. (Via Collins' X account) Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued subpoenas Thursday to the trucking company that employed an allegedly undocumented immigrant accused of killing three Floridians in a traffic accident. According to the criminal subpoena, White Hawk Carriers Inc., a California company, is compelled to produce documents detailing the citizenship status of all of its licensed drivers as well as all files related to Harjinder Singh. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier (via Department of Legal Affairs) We are going to be issuing both criminal and civil subpoenas against White Hawk Carriers, Uthmeier announced during a Thursday morning press conference in Tampa. Not only was [Singh] illegally here in the country, but he also did not have the competence, the skill set. Theres no way he went through the proper training in order to get this license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Singh, a 28-year-old Indian national, was issued commercial drivers licenses in Washington state and California despite failing an English proficiency test, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. On Aug. 12, he allegedly made an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike in St. Lucie County in an eighteen-wheeler, killing three in a vehicle that slammed into his rig. Although the civil subpoena has yet to be issued, Uthmeiers criminal summons demands White Hawk respond within 20 days. The subpoena enumerates 27 requests of the Ceres, California, company. These include details of White Hawks affiliates, identities of their Florida-licensed drivers, how they process and affirm commercial drivers licence applicants, and records related to Singhs incident. The accident has had national ramifications, prompting Secretary of State Marco Rubio to temporarily freeze visas for foreign-born truck drivers and federal authorities to threaten slashed funding for states that dont enforce English-proficiency standards for commercial truck drivers. In August, DOT launched a federal investigation into White Hawk Carriers, finding that Singh had failed the mandatory English Language Proficiency assessment required for commercial truckers. Singh provided correct responses to just 2 of 12 verbal questions and only accurately identified 1 of 4 highway traffic signs, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White Hawk has had 25 truck-safety violations in its last 24 inspections, and may have lost its ability to do business outside of California, the Miami Herald reported. Florida on the national stage Florida has pushed itself center-stage in the Singh-immigration discussion. Singh, who authorities said fled to California following the accident, was publicly extradited to the Sunshine State by Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, recently elevated to the position ahead of a contentious GOP gubernatorial primary. Gov. Ron DeSantis has said that law officers let him go because at the time they lacked probable cause to detain him. Uthmeier, meanwhile, has called upon the federal government to consider permanently banning California and Washington from issuing CDLs. Floridas interstate subpoenas are not the first example of Uthmeier taking his hardline, anti-undocumented immigration agenda onto the national stage. In June, he brainstormed Alligator Alcatraz a brand-new, massive migrant detention center in the Everglades with the Department of Homeland Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump visited the facility, the first of its kind, on its opening day. This inspired DHS to take to states like Indiana and Nebraska to support similarly alliterative replicas, like the Speedway Slammer and Cornhusker Clink. DeSantis has since floated Deportation Depot in Northeast Florida and the Panhandle Pokey in West Florida. A federal judge last month blocked the Everglades facility from accepting more detainees, demanding the center deconstruct by Septembers end. Criminal subpoena: Executed Subpoena-CF25-0470 White Hawk Veterans hospitals short on police guards have turned to a purported artificial intelligence-based weapons scanner with advertised features that offered an artificial sense of security compared to the actual capabilities of conventional metal detectors that cost about 25 times less, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The Department of Veterans Affairs continues to pay a subscription now valued at $372,000 for the Evolv Express system in Buffalo, New York, and has plans to roll out more machines. Last week, the department signed a contract worth up to $1 million for the installation of a different AI weapon-detection tool with similar advertising, federal databases and contracting papers show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The VAs inventory of AI uses acknowledges that the department operates and maintains the system. The departments interest in Express, meanwhile, has alarmed some law enforcement specialists and independent security testers. It is particularly problematic, given this is a federal agency, buying a federally-sanctioned product, and this is supposed to be put in hospitals, specifically to guard against active shooters and vets who might want to hurt themselves in the hospital, said Jim Bueermann, a retired police chief who leads the Future Policing Institute, a nonprofit that helps law enforcement agencies use AI responsibly. We use scientific methods to test security devices, not the marketing material from the company that intends to make money off the sale of that system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the VA contracted for detectors at the Buffalo VA Medical Center in August 2023, the Express webpage explained the device uses proven artificial intelligence to ensure more accurate threat detection than metal detectors and a line-free experience without slowing down. Also at that time, the homepage of Evolv Technologies, the machines maker, touted that Express screens in a touchless manner, which drastically reduces human errors by security guards. Additionally, Evolvs Virtual Demo webpage declared that Express will reduce labor costs by up to 70%. The Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit in 2024, describing each of those performance claims as false, misleading or unsubstantiated. Nearly one year later, the company has not released independent, third-party tests to validate its claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VA police reforms slowed by confusing bureaucracy In addition to the FTC case, three shareholder lawsuits accuse Evolv of marketing a system that fails to detect certain knives, guns and bombs, and raises alarms over harmless items as an AI alternative to traditional metal detectors. Express actually employs common electromagnetic sensing, and not AI, to detect objects and only metallic ones, the FTC complaint states. Before the FTC took action, Evolv claimed that its AI can classify an object as either bad or benign by comparing the metallic composition, shape, fragmentation, and other traits that the sensing detects with the known traits, or signatures, of all weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VA hospitals are not the only federally-funded buildings that display the $1 billion firms sleek, white archways. The U.S. government has agreed to pay roughly $4 million for various Express installations at schools and museums, including the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Currently, security system vendors CEIA and Garrett Electronics lead the metal-detector market in the federal sector, with comparable walk-through machines for entrances costing less than $15,000. Last week, a Chicago VA hospital inked a four-year deal worth up to $1.3 million to launch a newer AI-powered weapon detection system, called Xtract One SmartGateway, with advertised touchless and non-invasive performance features that, some independent testers say, have not been validated. In response to questions about the concerns regarding these systems, VA Press Secretary Pete Kasperowicz said in an emailed statement, VA employs a wide range of robust security measures to keep veterans, employees, and our facilities safe. To prevent circumvention of security measures, VA does not disclose protective techniques. The Evolv Express weapons detection system flags a weapon during a system demonstration, May 2022. (Mary Altaffer/AP) Evolv Technologies did not provide a comment in response to concerns about the VAs or other federal agencies specific purchases or uses of Express. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an emailed statement, Evolv Chief Marketing Officer Alexandra Smith Ozerkis said, We stand behind our technology. Across all industries, roughly half of contracts that are up for renewal this year have already been renewed. These are customers that have deployed our technology, seen it work in real-world environments, and are choosing to renew and/or expand their investment, Ozerkis said. Evolv shares external testing results with prospective customers, Ozerkis added by email, declining to provide a copy. VAs touchless weapons scanner needs more than two hands The number of objects that Express can detect depends on the sensitivity level a user sets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security researchers explained that the higher levels require more staff supervision to triage false alarms involving laptops, canes or other harmless items, while the lower levels allow in more entrants and some guns or umbrellas they are packing, unless staff manually check bags. For both of these approaches, youll still have to have human guards, said Nikita Ermolaev, a senior research engineer at IPVM, an independent firm that tests and rates physical security tools. Security staff are in increasingly short supply at the VA. Under former President Joe Bidens administration last August, the VA inspector general identified police officer shortages as among the top five reported staffing gaps across VA hospitals. That count emerged before current President Donald Trumps administration announced plans to further slash 30,000 department employees by the end of September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a hospital that is low on staff, Express can be set to the lower sensitivity setting, which will have the hospital dealing with fewer false alarms, but they will also be missing more weapons. And that could create a false sense of security, Ermolaev warned. While a proposed settlement with the FTC that admits no wrongdoing will ban Evolv from making unsupported claims about the technologys ability to use AI for weapons detection, product descriptions in the VAs purchasing plans still cite some of those assertions. For example, VA Capitol Health Care Network procurement papers explain that Expresss use of AI to detect threats will ensure that entrants are not required to divest any of their personal items or stop and pose in any manner. The documents also state, Without this software and equipment, the potential exists for an insider threat/active shooter-based attack within the Baltimore, West Virginia and Washington, D.C., medical centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Juliana Gruenwald Henderson, a deputy director at the FTC Office of Public Affairs, said in an email that the agency cannot comment on whether a company is complying with an FTC order. The VAs attraction to Expresss advertised AI capabilities may be part of a larger federal contracting problem, in which agencies refrain from questioning the inner workings of devices claiming to be high-tech, said Matthew Guariglia, a senior policy analyst at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit digital rights group. VA hospitals are clamoring for some way of preventing any gun violence, which is a very real concern, and to decide to just throw technology at it is a shame, Guariglia said. Federal purchasing decisions are so often rarely about actual science and so much more about the relationship between the buyer and the marketing person or a specific company, he added. People enter the Washington D.C. VA Medical Center in June 2014. (Jose Luis Magana/AP) Meanwhile, this spring, Chicagos Jesse Brown VA Medical Center the site of a recent active shooter and a self-inflicted fatal shooting issued a solicitation for a concealed weapons detection system with product requirements that resemble Expresss advertised features. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chicago solicitation and the Capitol Health Care Networks purchase plans for Express both specify the need for AI and advanced algorithms to differentiate between threats (guns, Improvised Explosives Devices etc.) and nonthreat items such as phones, keys, belt buckles etc.), such that individuals are not required to divest everyday items. Xtract One, a smaller vendor that similarly claims to detect weapons while avoiding false alarms on harmless objects, ultimately won the work. On Aug. 26, the VA initiated a four-year contract worth up to $1.3 million for the deployment of Xtract Ones machinery at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. IPVMs Ermolaev said that, similar to Express, real-life performance remains to be seen with Xtract One, as independent testing results remain unavailable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this summer, Xtract One said in an emailed statement that nondisclosure agreements cover tests that other organizations conducted, and therefore, we cannot provide those results. We believe that we have a strong solution to address the VAs requirements, the company added. However, Ermolaev cautioned, If youre looking to find a lot of concealed weapons, whether its small, subcompact guns or knives, and youre low on people, its a very difficult task to achieve with current state-of-the-art weapons detectors and that goes beyond Express to their competitors because the same fundamental trade-off applies, meaning the trade-off between spotting the most weapons and hands-free screening. False alarms at DOJ-funded schools, Marine Corps Museum Advertisements aimed at schools that portrayed Express as an answer to the trade-off between security and convenience caught the FTCs attention, according to the agencys complaint, particularly after a New York school districts scanners failed to detect a gun and knives, including a seven-inch one, that a student allegedly used to stab a peer in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint explains that, the next year, Evolv offered a higher-sensitivity level and an acknowledgment: Schools may need more staff to run Express, as the machine may still miss some knives, trigger more false alarms and require the installation of a conveyor belt to divert harmless items. By October 2023, the FTC had launched its investigation. Not every school district or federal funding authority got word of the controversy. Officials at Colton Joint Unified School District in San Bernardino County, California, and Bristol City School District in Bristol, Tennessee, said via email that they were unaware of product-performance concerns when they applied for 2023 Department of Justice grants totaling $950,000 to purchase Express. A federal spending databases summaries of the Express grants emphasize features such as AI-based touchless security screening and allow[ing] for many students to pass through while still detecting potential weapons in their possession that Express does not offer, according to the FTC and the schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, in Bristol City, three-ring binders triggered alarms, which initially prompted staff to inspect backpacks manually, school officials said. Now, students must place them, along with cellphone chargers and laptops, on a table before entering. In response to questions and concerns, Justice Department spokesperson Sheryl Thomas said in an emailed statement that DOJs Community Oriented Policing Services Office, which awards billions of dollars to state and local agencies, decided that funding the purchases of Express and other grantees projects may improve security at schools and on school grounds as part of evidence-based school safety programs. Bristol City School District Superintendent David Scott, who was not in office at the time of the award, said by email, I guess their marketing strategies had us convinced that the Evolv Express was the top tier. Bristol City schools intentionally dial the sensitivity pretty high, Scott noted. We have added very expensive technology and still need to assign monitoring duties to two staff members per archway, one to watch the screen and one to be ready to accost someone who enters with a questionable object. Still, Scott pointed to real benefits, albeit ones also common to traditional metal detectors, such as displaying a commitment to security, keeping lines orderly and deterring students from smuggling in vape cartridges and other contraband. Colton Joint Unified Communications Director Katie Orloff said by email that the school system has not finished ordering the machines and is aware of the ability to adjust the sensitivity level. In addition to federally-funded hospitals and schools, several federal museums, among them the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia, continue paying a premium for Express amid false alarms. Marines enter the National Museum of the Marine Corps, just outside Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, in 2014. (DVIDS) Staff at the Marine Corps museum said in an email that they were not aware of the FTC lawsuit until a reporter contacted the museum. The museum sets its $350,390 Express system to maximum sensitivity to screen upwards of 150 people who attend the facilitys roughly 500 events each year yielding frequent false positives, with the main culprits being umbrellas, phones or eyeglass cases, museum staff said. Such false alarms can become a security threat themselves, according to researchers at the security and surveillance industry research group IPVM and the advocacy group Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.). Earlier this year, when the alarm rate hit 50% at one of New York Citys top museums, where concealed umbrellas on a rainy day made Express cry wolf, guards did not respond to two-thirds of alerts, an IPVM-S.T.O.P. field study found. Marine Corps museum officials, after witnessing a high false-alarm rate during installation, trained security staff to examine the location of any alert manually, museum staff said. Security protocols still include visual bag checks, staff added. No cost savings have been identified. The Marine Corps museum sees other advantages including the aesthetics that Express contributes to the facility. Previously, the museum assigned a guard to the minute-long task of wanding attendees with handheld metal detectors. Now, Expresss visual display of the location of flagged threats handles the process in seconds, museum staff said. Unlike earlier screening methods that resembled TSA checkpoints, Evolv makes visitor entry smoother and more pleasant, they added, referring to Transportation Security Administration stations at airports. Some law enforcement consultants remain wary, noting that TSA, unlike Evolv, does not claim its imaging systems will find improvised explosive devices. Most assuredly, commercial airports have a complete X-ray system in place, and they still swab for explosives, said Phillip Lukens, a recently retired police chief recognized for incorporating AI into operations. Im not sure that I understand how this system is so innovative that its able to detect an explosive, based on sensors or algorithms, if it cant detect chemical composition It gives me pause. Aliya Sternstein is an investigative journalist who covers technology, cognition and national security. She is also a research analyst at Georgetown Law. Her writing on the intersection of public health and constitutional rights has appeared in the Stanford Law Review, Arizona Law Review, and other law and health academic journals. (KRON) A Vacaville man is facing up to three decades in prison for sexually exploiting an underage girl who ran away from home. Michael Keith Rubino, 37, of Vacaville, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor on August 21, federal prosecutors said. An investigation into Rubino began in November 2024, when the victim went to a hospital. The Vacaville Police Department said the runaway girl was homeless for two weeks before Rubino approached her and offered to let her live in his house on Overland Place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once at his house, Mr. Rubino reportedly threatened the girl with violence if she attempted to leave and began forcing her to engage in sexual acts with him. He also facilitated her engaging sexual acts with his friends and received payment for doing so, VPD wrote. The girl lived in Rubinos home for six weeks in late 2024, according to prosecutors. During that time, he used his iPhone to record videos of himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct with the girl, prosecutors said. Michael Keith Rubino is seen in a 2024 mugshot released by the Vacaville Police Department. He also allegedly planned to post the videos online to make money, VPD said. Rubino was convicted last month in federal court of sexual exploitation of a minor, the U.S. Attorneys Office Eastern District of California said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley will sentence Rubino on Nov. 11. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. The Vacaville Police Department wrote Wednesday, Human trafficking and the production of child pornography, or Child Sexual Assault Material (CSAM), are appalling crimes that are unfortunately, far more commonplace than many believe. Resources and support can be accessed by calling Solano County Human Trafficking Crisis Line at 530-796-1889. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. On the same day that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced they would be ending the state's vaccine mandates, including school immunization requirements, three Democrat-led states announced the formation of the West Coast Health Alliance to provide recommendations on immunizations and ensure the public gets credible information on vaccine safety and efficacy. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, and Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Sept. 3 that the alliance was a reaction to the Trump administration's drastic changes to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). President Trumps mass firing of CDC doctors and scientists and his blatant politicization of the agency is a direct assault on the health and safety of the American people," the governors said in a release. "The CDC has become a political tool that increasingly peddles ideology instead of science, ideology that will lead to severe health consequences. California, Oregon, and Washington will not allow the people of our states to be put at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states will coordinate health guidelines by "aligning immunization recommendations informed by respected national medical organizations," the release said, to deliver science-based recommendations "regardless of shifting federal actions." Florida forming state MAHA commission Meanwhile, Ladapo compared Florida's vaccine mandates to "slavery" and vowed to remove all within his power, with DeSantis and the Florida Legislature working to repeal the ones required by state law. DeSantis also announced the formation of a Florida "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) Commission, to be headed by first lady Casey DeSantis, which will integrate the federal MAHA principles from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr at a state level. "We have worked to empower Floridians to make the best decisions for their families health, and the Florida MAHA Commission will continue advancing this mission," DeSantis said in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis has waged war against COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates since the early days of the pandemic, forcing schools and businesses to drop mandates and calling for the state to come back out of lockdown. That may have boosted Florida's economy well before the rest of the country, but cases in Florida doubled in 2021 over the numbers from the first year of the pandemic and they were higher still in 2022. To date, the FDOH reports nearly 8.5 million cases of COVID-19 infection in the state since 2020, a number that is almost certainly undercounted since the state may not have numbers for people who used at-home tests. More than 100,000 people have died of COVID-19 in Florida, which was at one point 10th in the nation for deaths per capita. Last year, the number of whooping cough cases in Florida soared as the vaccination rate dropped. A measles outbreak in Miami-Dade resulted in nine infections in 2024. with four cases in the state so far this year. Florida also was quick to ban fluoride in drinking water this year, something Kennedy has advocated, despite warnings from scientists and dental health organizations. RFK under fire for CDC changes Both announcements came as a group of more than 1,000 current and former Department of Health and Human Services employees released a letter demanding that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. resign, saying he "continues to endanger the nation's health." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy, 71, a long-time vaccine skeptic, founder of the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense and proponent of several other discredited medical theories, has worked to overhaul the country's health agencies to reflect his agenda. He has cut half a billion dollars in vaccine development and canceled grants for life-saving medical research. His Food and Drug Administration restricted updated COVID-19 shots for fall to only those people over 65 or with existing health problems. On June 9, Kennedy fired all 17 members of the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and later appointed eight members, including some with a history of anti-vaccine advocacy. Most recently, Kennedy fired Susan Monarez as CDC director, reportedly after she refused to fire senior CDC leaders and rubber-stamp recommendations from Kennedy's hand-picked vaccine advisory panel. Two other top CDC directors and the CDC's chief medical officer announced their resignations the same day Monarez was out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy is scheduled to appear before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, Sept. 4. Have Florida's vaccine requirements changed? According to Florida law, immunizations are required for polio, diphtheria, rubeola, rubella, pertussis, mumps, tetanus and other communicable diseases as determined under rules promulgated by the Department of Health. As of Sept. 4, no changes have been made to the state's immunization requirements. Ladapo said during the press conference that the DOH has the authority to stop about a half-dozen vaccine mandates, although he didn't name them. "Those are gone," he said. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Vaccine alliance by California, Oregon and Washington to defy RFK (NewsNation) As Florida moves to become the first in the United States to drop all childhood vaccine requirements, critics have warned of the plans potentially deadly public health consequences. The move would scrap all required vaccine mandates for children, including those required for school attendance, such as polio, diphtheria, rubeola, rubella, pertussis, mumps and tetanus. The states Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, a longtime vaccine skeptic, on Wednesday compared school vaccine mandates to slavery, calling them immoral intrusions on parents rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RFK Jr. to face questions amid CDC turmoil, vaccine changes Who am I to tell you what your child should put in their body? I dont have that right. Your body is a gift from God, he said. Ladapo said his department will repeal the mandates under his control, and the state Legislature will be behind scrapping the rest. It was not yet clear when the ban would go into effect. Floridas vaccine shift would undermine decades of progress: AMA Critics of Floridas plan to end all vaccine mandates include the American Medical Association, which warned repealing the mandate would lead to sickness and death. This unprecedented rollback would undermine decades of public health progress and place children and communities at increased risk for diseases such as measles, mumps, polio and chickenpox, resulting in serious illness, disability, and even death, the AMA said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OpenAI announces new safety features amid mental health lawsuit The American Academy of Pediatrics told NewsNation the change would put children in Florida public schools at higher risk for getting sick, and have ripple effects across their community. Dr. Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, said Florida is pandering to the anti-vaccine movement. Democratic-led Oregon, Washington and California form vaccine alliance Amid Floridas latest move, the Democratic governors of Washington state, California and Oregon have created an alliance aimed at preserving vaccine access. Vaccines are among the most powerful tools in modern medicine; they have indisputably saved millions of lives, Oregon Health Authority director Sejal Hathi said. But when guidance about their use becomes inconsistent or politicized, it undermines public trust at precisely the moment we need it most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chagas disease spreading in parts of US: What to know The alliance said its decision to establish vaccine recommendations comes as the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control has become a political tool that increasingly peddles ideology instead of science under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy has restructured and downsized the CDC during his tenure, including the dismissal of all 17 members of the agencys vaccine advisory panel. 1,000+ HHS staff call for RFK Jr. to resign More than 1,000 current and former employees of the Department of Health and Human Services have demanded that Kennedy resign following his ousting of the director of the CDC and other actions they say are compromising the health of the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Common nasal spray may help prevent COVID infections: Study Should he decline to resign, we call upon the President and U.S. Congress to appoint a new Secretary of Health and Human Services, one whose qualifications and experience ensure that health policy is informed by independent and unbiased peer-reviewed science, reads a letter signed by the staff. The letter builds on an effort from last month, when HHS staff called on Kennedy to do more to protect public health professionals following the Aug. 8 shooting at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta. NewsNations Anna Kutz and partner The Hill contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A Van Buren woman has been sentenced to two decades in prison after being accused of robbing a man at gunpoint in Fort Smith earlier this year, according to court documents. Moriah Burrows, 25 (Courtesy: Fort Smith Police Department) Moriah Burrows, 25, pleaded guilty to robbery in court on Sept. 2 after previous being charged with aggravated robbery. Burrows was sentenced to 20 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections with 20 years suspended. She was arrested on June 9, one day after a man told police she pulled a gun on him near North 29th and North 6th streets, according to a news release. She allegedly demanded money and later fled with his wallet and cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenwood woman accused of running over husband Burrows was driving a silver Ford Flex that matched the victims description, according to a police affidavit. Officers later found the alleged victims wallet, $784 in cash, suspected drugs and a cellphone in the vehicle. Burrows denied the robbery, claiming the meeting was a consensual arrangement in exchange for sex and that no firearm was involved. The alleged victim later admitted to the arrangement but maintained Burrows robbed him at gunpoint. Court records say that as part of her sentence, Burrows was ordered to pay $400 in restitution. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. Historical, cultural, social, and political factors contribute to the disparities in reproductive health, making it a multifaceted and deeply rooted issue in the fabric of the United States. Historically, the legacy of slavery and the American eugenics movements established race-based medicine, systems, and stereotypes that continue to influence provider bias and patient mistrust, contributing to the ongoing inequities in reproductive health. Culturally, persistent stereotypes, particularly toward Black women, have led to differential treatment for pain symptoms, poorer maternal outcomes, and lower rates of patient-centered care. State-level policies and systemic racism have created barriers to care, including abortion access, insurance coverage restrictions, and inconsistent implementation of reproductive health services. These challenges have caused disproportionate care for people of color, low-income families, and rural residents. The historical mistreatment of Black birthing bodies in the United States has left an enduring legacy of trauma, mistrust, and systemic inequity. During slavery, Black women were denied bodily autonomy and viewed primarily as reproductive laborers essential to sustaining chattel slavery, especially after the transatlantic slave trade was outlawed. Their worth was measured not by their humanity but by their capacity to produce more enslaved people. Medical institutions exploited this system. In the antebellum South, physicians and medical schools often collaborated with slaveholders to conduct reproductive experiments without consent. Gynecological procedures such as cesarean sections and the removal of infected ovaries were developed and refined through repeated surgeries on enslaved Black women without anesthesia. These atrocities were justified by the false belief that Black people do not feel pain like White people. This myth, rooted in slavery, continues to influence medical practice today. Studies have shown that some health care providers still hold false beliefs about biological differences between Black and White patients. These biases contribute to inadequate pain management, the dismissal of symptoms, and delayed interventions in obstetrics. After emancipation, reproductive control over Black people continued through government-funded sterilization programs and welfare policies. In the 1930s, federally supported birth control clinics were used to suppress Black reproduction. In the 1980s and 1990s, some physicians and public assistance officials coerced low-income Black women into sterilization by threatening to withhold welfare benefits. Today, Black birthing people remain three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. Structural competency is a framework within health care that focuses on addressing and understanding the political, economic, and social factors that affect an individuals health. When this concept is applied to reproductive health, we are able to see the vast health disparities, particularly for minorities and low-income individuals, that arise due to the current political and socioeconomic changes. Some factors that address this concept are the recent cuts to Medicaid, causing more than 17 million Americans to lose access to health care, including reproductive care. The U.S. Supreme Courts ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022 led many states to adjust their laws regarding abortion, forcing people to carry unwanted pregnancies or travel hundreds or thousands of miles away to receive abortion care. In February 2025, Adriana Smith, a 31-year-old Georgia woman, was declared brain dead after multiple blood clots were found in her brain. She was 9 weeks pregnant at the time, and due to Georgias strict abortion laws making it illegal to perform an abortion after 6 weeks, Adriana Smith was kept on life support against her familys decision. In June 2025, she was taken off life support only after the baby was born prematurely, causing deep distress for her family. This is just one instance where we can see in real time the effects of our current political and socioeconomic climate, and how they can cause true harm. Physicians and health care providers now face more ethical conundrums when trying to care for their patients and uphold the four pillars of medical ethics: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. It is essential that health care providers stay informed about their states reproductive health care laws and actively advocate for the protection and expansion of access to these vital services. This call to action is especially relevant after the June 2025 Supreme Court decision on Medina v. Planned Parenthood, which upheld South Carolinas power to prevent Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid reimbursement for health care services. A ruling that was even more impacted by the passage of H.R. 1 a week later. H.R. 1 is a federal law that blocks Medicaid payments to organizations receiving over $800,000 in federal reimbursements if they provide abortion care. As Planned Parenthood serves low-income and rural populations, this ruling creates a major loss in access to essential reproductive health services such as birth control, Pap smears, HPV testing, and STI screening. Not only is access to reproductive health care at stake, but information on these services and their importance. Due to Executive Order 14168, thousands of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpages on reproductive health care were removed. In response, organizations like the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) have stepped up to help fill the gap. Through its Abortion Care and Reproductive Health Project, AMSA offers a plethora of resources, including educational articles, clinical training, and advocacy workshops that equip future physicians with the tools to support reproductive health access. As access to services and reliable information continues to decline, health care providers can take active steps in advocacy by contacting their legislators and engaging with professional organizations. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) supports this work through its Advocacy Ambassadors Program, which helps ease the burden of communicating with policymakers. Through this program, physicians and medical students receive timely updates on proposed legislation and access to resources and shareable links to mobilize their networks. Similarly, the American Medical Womens Association (AMWA) offers an advocacy platform and regularly features calls to action on its website, encouraging members to engage with pressing health care policy issues. Kaitlynn Esemaya, Alexis Thompson, Annique McLune, and Anamaria Ancheta are medical students. The United States this week struck a boat in the Caribbean that President Donald Trump claimed belonged to Tren de Aragua, a notorious organised crime gang. Washington alleged the boat was smuggling drugs to the US. The Trump administration has long claimed that cocaine shipments from Venezuela are prompting a drug overdose problem that plagues the US. Here is what is happening between the US and Venezuela, and what facts on the ground tell us: What action is the US taking against Venezuelan drug cartels? The US attack on the Venezuelan boat on Tuesday came just a few days after news reports circulated about US warships advancing into Venezuelan waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, The New York Times reported that Trump had signed a secret directive instructing the Pentagon to use military force against certain Latin American drug cartels designated by the US as foreign terrorist organisations. Earlier in August, multiple news agencies reported that three US Aegis-class guided missile destroyer ships had headed to the Caribbean alongside other warships to counter narcotics trafficking. The Reuters news agency, quoting two anonymous individuals who had been briefed on the deployment, reported that USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, and USS Fort Lauderdale were headed towards the Venezuelan coast, carrying 4,500 US service members, including 2,200 Marines. The US Fleet Forces Command published a news release on August 14, saying sailors and Marines assigned to the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group had departed from Norfolk, Virginia and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The release did not explicitly state details of the mission or specify where the group is being deployed. INTERACTIVE - US ships in the Caribbean sea -SEPTEMBER 3, 2025-1756897378 What happened in the US attack, and was it legal? In his Truth Social post on Tuesday, Trump said 11 people, whom he deemed terrorists, had been killed in the strike. Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America, Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US did not provide further details on those killed. Experts have cast doubt on the legality of the US attack on a foreign boat in international waters. Salvador Santino Regilme, an associate professor at Leiden University in the Netherlands, told Al Jazeera that lethal force in maritime interdiction must comply with the right to life and to law enforcement necessity-and-proportionality standards. UNCLOS and the 1988 UN Drug Trafficking Convention emphasise cooperation, boarding and consent mechanisms at sea, not summary destruction. Any strike that kills suspected traffickers should trigger a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation, Regilme said, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strike probably also flouted the US Constitution, constitutional law expert Bruce Fein told Al Jazeera. Any use of the military [except] in self-defence to an actual attack requires express congressional statutory authorisation. The military attack on the alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers was unconstitutional, Fein said. The War Powers Resolution is a federal law that stipulates the US president may not engage in war without the approval of Congress. Under the law, the president must inform Congress within 48 hours of taking military action. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the press after a meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday that strikes on drug-carrying boats like the one on Tuesday would continue. He added that the US has tried to intercept such boats, but that approach has not deterred them. What will stop them is when you blow them up, Rubio said. How has Venezuela responded? In response to the US deployment of warships, President Nicolas Maduro urged his supporters to join militias to protect the country, saying, No empire will touch the sacred soil of Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One such armed group is the Bolivarian Militia, which is named after Simon Bolivar, who was a Caracas-born independence leader who liberated the modern-day Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia from the Spanish Empire. On Thursday, the Pentagon released a statement claiming that two Venezuelan military planes had flown near US ships in international waters, describing the act as a provocation and warning against a repeat. What does the US accuse Venezuela of? The Trump administration claims Venezuelas left-wing president is directly working with drug cartels and is involved in cocaine trafficking. It has accused Tren de Aragua of serving as a front for the Maduro government. Trump designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organisation on his first day in the Oval Office on January 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, during Trumps first term, Maduro was indicted by a US federal court on drug charges, including narcoterrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. On August 7, the US Department of Justice and the State Department doubled a reward for information leading to Maduros arrest to $50m, accusing him of being one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world. Officially, Washington frames the action as a counter-narcotics strike against Tren de Aragua and other narco-terrorist networks, Regilme said. The move also extends a years-long coercive strategy towards the Maduro government that dates to US narcoterrorism charges in 2020, and it serves a domestic messaging goal linking a hard-edged foreign policy to drug control at home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maduro returned to power after last years disputed election, which resulted in widespread accusations of fraud from within and outside Venezuela. In July 2024, independent observer, the Carter Center released a statement saying it could not verify the election results declared by Venezuelas National Electoral Council (CNE). The statement added the election did not meet international standards of electoral integrity and cannot be considered democratic. A panel of United Nations experts also echoed this. Nine Latin American countries demanded a review of the election results in the presence of independent observers. The US has not had a formal diplomatic relationship with Venezuela since 2019 and does not recognise Maduros presidency as legitimate. The US has accused Maduro and his minister of interior, justice and peace, Diosdado Cabello, of collaborating with the Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns), which Washington has also designated as a terrorist group. Like Maduro, Cabello is a member of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). In March, Trump invoked the 1798 wartime Alien Enemies Act, allowing him to detain and deport people from a hostile nation or government. On the same day, the Trump administration deported more than 230 Venezuelan men to a maximum-security El Salvador prison, the Center for Terrorism Confinement (CECOT). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, a US federal appeals court ruled that Trump could not use the 1798 Act to deport suspected gang members. Are the Trump administrations allegations against Venezuela true? The Trump administration has not provided any evidence linking Maduro to Tren de Aragua or any other drug cartel, and the Venezuelan leader has denied the allegations. The US intelligence community has also contradicted the Trump administrations claims that there are links between the Venezuelan government and Tren de Aragua. A classified assessment by the National Intelligence Council released in April repeatedly stated that there was no evidence of coordination between Tren de Aragua and any senior leaders in the Maduro administration, although it did state that the permissive environment in Venezuela allowed drug gangs to flourish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report drew input from all 18 agencies that comprise the US intelligence community. All agencies, except the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), agreed with the findings. How much cocaine comes from Venezuela? According to the World Drug Report, published by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) this year, the global production of cocaine reached a record high in 2023, exceeding an estimated 3,708 tonnes an increase of nearly one-third compared with the previous year. The UNODC report shows that a majority of the coca bush, from which cocaine is derived, was cultivated in Colombia, followed by Peru and Bolivia. The report also shows that most of the main routes of cocaine trafficking in 2023 and 2024 into the US passed through Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, rather than Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela is used as a transit corridor for some Colombian cocaine moving into the eastern Caribbean, Regilme said. But the dominant maritime pathway for US-bound cocaine remains the Eastern Pacific into Mexico and Central America, where the largest interdictions occur. Recent seizures underscore that pattern. The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released an annual cocaine report in 2024, which identified Colombia as the primary source of cocaine seized by the US. About 84 percent of the cocaine seized in the US was found to be originating from Colombian coca. The report does not mention Venezuela. A Senior U.S. District Judge has sentenced 24-year-old Alvis Alexander Briceno-Yajures to eight years and nine months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States. Briceno-Yajures, a Venezuelan national, pleaded guilty on May 8, 2025. The charges stem from a series of violent incidents that occurred on July 30, 2024, in Daytona Beach and Holly Hill, Florida. According to court documents, Briceno-Yajures robbed a victim at gunpoint in a Daytona Beach motel room, taking her personal possessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then forcibly dragged the victim by her hair down a flight of stairs and attempted to force her into a vehicle with two accomplices. A bystander intervened during the robbery, helping to pull the victim away as Briceno-Yajures discharged the firearm. Shortly after this incident, Briceno-Yajures and his accomplices went to an apartment complex in Holly Hill, where they pointed firearms at another victim and her friend, stealing the victims car. Briceno-Yajures was arrested by officers from the Daytona Beach Police Department, who found a loaded firearm concealed in his underwear. The investigation into these incidents involved multiple agencies from across the state. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Update Sept. 4, 2025: The Vernal Police Department says that the missing teen has been located and is back with his family. VERNAL, Utah (ABC4) Police are asking the public for help locating a 14-year-old boy who went missing out of Vernal today. In a Facebook post from the Vernal Police Department, they say that the juvenile is [name removed], who was last seen around 5 p.m. Wednesday. He was wearing a black hoodie, a white t-shirt, dark gray pants, and black shoes. He was not wearing his glasses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boy is 14 years old and approximately 5 3 tall, police say. He has a slim build, black hair, and brown eyes. Police shared the following photos to help people look for him. Police are asking anyone who sees him or has information about his whereabouts to contact Central Dispatch at 435-789-4222. They note that callers should refer to case number W25-1740 or ask for Detective Hunting. What should you do if someone goes missing? The first thing to do is call local law enforcement and report the case. Utah officials say there is no required waiting period to report a missing person. In an emergency, call 911. When working with local law enforcement, it is recommended one shares as much information as possible about the missing person, including but not limited to: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Full name or nicknames. Recent photos. Date of birth and age at the time they disappeared. Gender/sex. Detailed physical description (including unique scars or tattoos). Date of disappearance. Medical conditions. Last known location. Social media accounts. Utah officials also suggest taking notes on interactions with law enforcement to keep track of details such as officer names, dates and times of interactions, the case number and what the officers say. 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. Cabarrus County Schools are celebrating their highest graduation rate ever, with 91.7% of students graduating in the 2024-25 school year. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction recently released proficiency and accountability results, highlighting Cabarrus County Schools achievement. Were very proud of them, and we want to keep making sure that were meeting their needs and pushing forward, said Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very comforting and very exciting just to know that were well prepared for graduation, said Seriah Embry, a senior at Jay M. Robinson High School. ALSO READ >> NC schools test scores still below pre-pandemic levels Cabarrus County Schools not only achieved their highest graduation rate but also saw an 8% increase in college and career readiness. Students and teachers say its because of strong connections in and out of the classroom. The reality is that our students learn better when they feel like their teacher really cares about them, said Erin Milam, Principal of Jay M. Robinson High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district improved in grade level proficiency, moving from 15th to 8th place in the state, showcasing significant academic progress across all grade levels. Kopicki emphasized the districts commitment to preparing students for life beyond high school. Were allowing our kids to achieve at high levels and graduate, leaving Cabarrus County schools prepared to walk out into the world, Kopicki said. Im happy to be here. I have a reason to be here, and I have people that actually care about me, Embry said. You can see graduation rates and school peformance across the state at this link. (VIDEO: SC trooper honored with medal of valor) BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time to focus on the struggles many face in silence. For members of the military community, those struggles can often linger long after service ends. Matthew Whiz Buckley, a Navy veteran, remembers the day that changed his life forever. I saw the initial airplane hit. Saw the second plane hit. I knew we were under attack, Buckley said, recalling September 11, 2001, his first scheduled flight as a commercial pilot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After years of military service, Buckley said the transition wasnt easy. Laid off from the airline industry and later working on Wall Street, he says the mental toll was overwhelming. They resort to drugs, they resort to alcohol, or sadly, anywhere from [ages] 22 to maybe as high as 44 veterans check out every day by their own hand, Buckley said. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 6,000 veterans die by suicide each year. Behind every number is a story. Denise Singleton, President of the Louisiana Chapter 1 Blue Star Mothers of America, said families see those battles firsthand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is it the stigma of being able to say I need help because youre concerned that it may go against your military record? Is it the intake process whenever were enlisting these young men and women? Singleton asked. She said suicide prevention is not just about helping young service members but also those who have served for decades and struggle to adjust once they return home. Its not just the twenty-year-olds. Its the guys that are serving 30 years, and theyre retiring and they dont know how to transition into civilian life, Singleton explained. While the VA is designed to provide mental health support, Buckley believes many veterans are still falling through the cracks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they transition, we should care about these people. Our government, the VA, their fellow Americans, promised them, Hey, come serve your country, and we promised them to take care of you when youre done with that service, and that usually lands a little hollow to a lot of Americans, he said. Buckley has since founded No Fallen Heroes, an organization dedicated to ending veteran and first responder suicide through psychedelic therapy, advocacy, and support networks. Advocates say awareness during Suicide Awareness Month is critical to ensuring those who serve the nation receive the support they need when they come home. If you or someone you know is dealing with these thoughts, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. 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 a press conference outside the state Capitol Wednesday, Sens. Jamie Wall, Jeff Smith and Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein urged Republicans to schedule a hearing for their bill expeditiously. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner) Less than a month before the planned closure of two Wisconsin veterans housing sites, a handful of Democratic and Republican lawmakers are seeking a way to save the sites. But bipartisan work on a solution appears out of reach as lawmakers bicker over who is to blame for the lack of funding and over whether to take up Democratic- or Republican-authored bills. Gov. Tony Evers administration announced, shortly after the state budget was completed in July, that two Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP) sites, one in Chippewa Falls and one in Green Bay, would be closing on Sept. 30 due to a lack of funding in the state budget. One facility in Union Grove will remain open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program, which is run under the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, serves veterans who are on the verge of or are already experiencing homelessness, including those who have been incarcerated, unemployed or have physical and mental health problems. Participants get access to transitional housing, referrals to service providers, financial assistance, assistance with seeking vocational opportunities and access to a room at a reduced rent for working veterans. Participants can stay for a maximum of 24 months, but the average length is six to 10 months. The program has been funded with a combination of an appropriation from the Veterans Trust Fund, payments made by program participants and per diem payments, which are made to the agency by the federal government at a current rate of about $71 per resident per day. However, growing staffing and maintenance costs at the facilities led to the need for additional state support. Evers had included a funding proposal in his budget but that was removed by Republican lawmakers. Following the news of the closures, Sens. Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) and Jaime Wall (D-Green Bay) introduced a bill that would dedicate $1.9 million to the sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a press conference outside the state Capitol Wednesday, the bill authors and Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) urged Republicans to schedule a hearing for their bill expeditiously. Citing the upcoming closure date, Hesselbein said the Senate and Assembly must meet. She said committees could meet this week or next to hear the legislation and pass it out of committee this month and have the bill on the floor in October. Its a cool day out here today. The weather is going to get worse. We need to take care of our veterans, Hesselbein said. According to the Associated Press, the state Senate is not planning to meet for a floor session this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its way past time to take action to keep these facilities open so they can continue to provide vital services to our veterans, Hesselbein said, adding that when Democrats have the power of majority which we believe is coming in just a few years, we will always have your backs. Democrats are seeking to flip control of the state Senate in the 2026 election cycle. Smith called Republicans lack of action on the issue callous, noting that Democrats tried months ago to include the funding in the budget. When Democrats proposed an amendment to fund the veterans housing sites in the state budget, every Republican voted against it except for Sen. Andre Jacque (R-New Franken). It is unlikely that the Republican-led Legislature will allow Democrats bill to advance. [Republicans] have ignored our pleas. As far as we know, were not going to see these bills on the floor this month, and this is the final chapter. This is when it ends. No hope for the veterans that they like to pretend that they care about, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacque, meanwhile, began circulating his own bill last month to provide the needed funding for the facilities. The Republican bill, coauthored by Jacque and Rep. Benjamin Franklin (R-De Pere), includes $1.9 million for the VHRP program as well as two other policy changes related to veterans. One would require the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin system to provide funding to the UW Missing-in-Action Recovery and Identification Project to support missions to recover and identify Wisconsin veterans who are missing. The other would lower the eligibility threshold for veterans and surviving spouses to claim the veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit. Jacque said the two policies were also left out of the budget and are critical to helping veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every budget has missed opportunities, and I am hopeful that the rest of the session will provide openings to address those challenges in a number of areas, particularly providing for our veterans who have done so much in service to our country and communities, Jacque told the Wisconsin Examiner in an email. Jacque said he has found a lot of support from his Republican colleagues and is hopeful that the bill will be referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Veterans and Military Affairs, which he chairs. In response to a question about Jacques bill and whether Democrats are working with any Republicans to advance funding for the facilities, Hesselbein brushed off the GOP bill saying it simply pulled from Democrats ideas. What Sen. Jacque did is he took three Democratic bills and pushed them all into one omnibus. Well be interested if he gets a hearing. Im not sure, Hesselbein said. I like to have clean legislation when we try to have committee hearings so you can hear exactly whats going on with those bills, so we are supporting the bill that Sen. Wall and Sen. Smith put forth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith said Democrats separated the VHRP funding from other policies purposefully. Wall added that their bill is a smaller, cleaner ask than a bill with multiple items. Jacque told the Wisconsin Examiner in an email that he is extremely disappointed by Sen. Hesselbeins comments and her unwillingness to put partisanship aside for the sake of working to support veterans as I did when I voted for the omnibus veterans motion her caucus introduced during the budget. I am rather surprised at her comments due to her longstanding penchant for putting forward omnibus bills and amendments. Jacque noted that he has supported and authored legislation to expand the property tax credit for veterans and surviving spouses in previous years going all the way back to my service in the State Assembly, and has also supported previous UW MIA legislation. I supported VHRP within the budget and it was not introduced as standalone legislation by any legislator previously to that, at least to my knowledge, Jacque added. I didnt think Sen. Hesselbein was that unaware of the history of these initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not every Republican lawmaker has appeared open to providing additional funding that would be used to keep the two VHRP programs open. Following the initial news of the planned closures, Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) co-chairs of the Joint Finance Committee, blamed Evers for not negotiating for the money in the budget. According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, Sen. Eric Wimberger (R-Oconto) claimed last week that Evers had a slush fund referring to federal pandemic aid and should be able to find the money to keep the facilities afloat. He pointed to the Wisconsin DVAs Veterans Trust Fund, a state fund that supports most grant and benefit programs for Wisconsin veterans, and said the agency has regularly returned around $1 million in unspent funds each year and in 2025, the agency sent back about $600,000. WDVA Assistant Deputy Secretary Joey Hoey has disputed the comments, saying that the agency is only allowed to spend the money they tell us to spend. He has also said the trust fund cannot be used for the staffing costs and that there isnt enough in it. Wall objected to Wimbergers slush fund comments as well on Wednesday, saying that federal American Rescue Plan Act money has been spent. ARPA funds were used to help support costs for the program in 2023-24. States had to expend the one-time ARPA funds by the end of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Evers] took some ARPA interest funds and used it to help prop up the program. Those funds dont exist anymore. The ARPA funds all had to be allocated by the end of last year, Wall said. The ARPA interest money was all spent in the last budget, so that get out of jail free card doesnt exist. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX It's no secret that excessive alcohol consumption damages the liver, but a new study reveals a previously unknown vicious cycle that makes that damage worse. Chronic alcohol use makes it easier for bacteria to leak out of the gut and migrate to the liver, causing further harm. The new study, led by scientists at the University of California San Diego, examined human liver biopsies as well as mouse models of alcohol-associated liver disease. The team found that chronic alcohol use impaired the production of a cellular signaling protein called mAChR4 in the small intestine. Lower levels of this protein were found to interfere with the formation of what are called goblet cell-associated antigen passages (GAPs). These specialized structures play a key role in teaching the immune system to respond to microbes, particularly those that escape the gut into other parts of the body, where they don't belong. Related: Expert Reveals What Happens to Your Liver When You Quit Alcohol Without this layer of protection, gut bacteria could escape and infiltrate organs such as the liver, where they risk exacerbating the damage associated with alcohol. A mouse liver organoid , used in the new experiments. (UC San Diego Health Sciences) Thankfully, though, it's a two-way street. The researchers found that if they restored the function of mAChR4, GAPs would form again, which in turn repaired the immune system's response to wayward gut bacteria, reducing liver damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This could be done either by using drugs to directly activate mAChR4 or by targeting related pathways that end up having the same effect. While the most direct health benefits would of course come from reducing alcohol intake, that's not always as simple as it sounds. The team says that targeting mAChR4 could help minimize liver damage in other cases. This protein could also play a bigger role in alcohol disorders. While it plays an important role in parts of the brain that regulate habits and addiction, mACHR4 is known to exist in lower levels in the brains of patients with alcohol use disorder. Drugs that boost its levels in the brain are already being tested in clinical trials for schizophrenia, and could eventually be explored as a treatment for alcohol disorders too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The research was published in the journal Nature. Related News HONOLULU (KHON2) The family says the victim in Tuesday nights shooting at Iroquois Point is recovering and is now in stable condition. The man accused of shooting her is dead. Police investigating attempted murder on Iroquois Avenue Neighbors say theyre shocked this happened in their community, and to a woman many of them know. Residents in the Kapilina Beach Homes in Ewa Beach say Tuesday nights gunshots sounded like fireworks at first. But they eventually realized what was happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For me at least, Ive never experienced something like this before that has happened, said Kyler Ibana, Kapilina Beach Homes resident. And you know just hearing it go off was kind of crazy as it is. Family members and residents identified the victim as 24-year-old Francesca Minotta Kelso, who worked as a pool attendant at Kapilina. She just finished her shift when police say a 31-year-old man apparently got into an argument with her and shot her multiple times in the torso and legs. The fact that anyone would even do this to her just blows my mind because shes just the sweetest, kindest person, said Michelle Poppler, Kapilina Beach Homes resident. Check out more news from around Hawaii Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honestly, I feel like its very tragic, said Ibana. And I hope, like I pray for their family, and I pray for her, that she makes it out better. And I just hope everything goes well. Whenever anything goes down at the pool, shes the first one running to the danger, said Poppler. If theres a kid like drowning, shell like get them right away. If theres any like, kerfuffle happening, shes like right on it. So Kauai girls are tough man. Minotta-Kelso was initially taken to the hospital in critical condition. Relatives say the man was her former roommate. Police say the man went back to his truck and apparently shot himself. And died at the scene. The shooting has shocked the usually quiet and close-knit community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This community is very peaceful, said Ibana. Like I dont mind it. Everyone here is nice, everyone here is respectful towards one another, and its just very hard to hear about that. Family members describe Francesca as a beloved sister, daughter, auntie and girlfriend. Theyve started a GoFundMe to help raise money to cover her medical costs, as well as to give her some time off to recover. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Were just gonna share it out there on social media and hope we can raise the funds for her to you know, recover and hopefully have a full recovery, said Poppler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The Restroom Privacy Act, House Bill 4024, passed the Michigan House on Thursday in a 58-46 vote, with six members not voting. The bill will require Michigan students to use bathrooms that match their biological sex. It was introduced Jan. 28 by Rep. Joseph Fox, R-Fremont. A House committee took testimony Aug. 27, and the bill advanced to a second reading Sept. 4. Student Restroom Privacy Act advances in Michigan House Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its basically just a safety provision for all students in our educational institutions, Fox said. It basically says biological boys should use biological boy spaces and biological girls should use biological girl spaces for privacy and safety. Fox urged a yes vote, saying it would protect children from violence in private spaces such as restrooms. No individual, especially a young person, should live in fear, said Fox. Especially for using a private space like a restroom, a changing area or a shower. The bill includes limited exceptions for people who must enter a restroom that does not match their biological sex for custodial work, maintenance, medical aid or to accompany a student who needs assistance such as a caregiver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters call the bill common sense. Opponents argue it would harm transgender and nonbinary students and invade privacy. That bill is unenforceable, its cruel, it violates our civil rights laws here in the state of Michigan, said Rep. Lauria Pohutsky, D-Livonia. Frankly, its just a distraction from the fact that the House Republicans have not been able to pass a budget. The legislation now heads to the Demoractic-led Michigan Senate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WILLIAMSVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) The Viper Mine coal plant locations near Elkhart and Williamsville are permanently closed, and one local official said they werent aware of the initial announcement. On Thursday, Village President of Williamsville Mark Esker said that the coal plant was being torn down and officially closed on Sept. 4. At this time, there is not an estimated completion date on the demolition of the Viper Mine. Gibson City suing Copper Creek Contractors over alleged poor roof job, nearly $600K in damages Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mine had been providing coal to the Springfield area over the course of the last 40 years. According to CWLP, the closure of the Viper Mine locations was first made public in November 2024 after the Springfield City Council approved a new coal supply contract with Foresight Coal Sales LLC to serve Dallman 4. However, Esker said he only found out about the closure a few months back when some of the workers laid off at the plants let him know they would be receiving severance. Coal supplier Knight Hawk Coal owns the Viper Mine located in Elkhart. WCIA called both phone lines for the Viper Mine coal plant for more information, but both were disconnected. WCIA also reached out to Vice President of Engineering & Development at Knight Hawk Coal, Thomas J Hasenstab II, but did receive an immediate response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Since September 3, by the decision of the Government of Azerbaijan, the International Committee of the Red Cross has closed its representative office in the country. The day before, the ICRC mission issued a statement stating that the International Committee of the Red Cross "will continue to cooperate with the Azerbaijani authorities to provide support to persons protected by international humanitarian law, in accordance with its mandate and the country's obligations under the Geneva Conventions." The Armenian revanchist propaganda took this news as an excellent reason to start a conversation about separatists, terrorists, saboteurs and other war criminals who are imprisoned or on trial in Azerbaijan. The propaganda stubbornly continues to call these people "prisoners of war", although there is not a single person among them who was detained during the fighting. Lawyers and self-described human rights activists in Armenia should know the difference between prisoners of war and saboteurs detained after the end of the war, or the heads of the occupation regime guilty of many crimes against the Azerbaijani people. There is no doubt that lawyer Siranush Sahakyan, who represents the interests of these individuals in the ECHR, is well aware of this difference. But it is convenient for her to call the saboteurs prisoners of war, as this allows her to appeal to international humanitarian organizations and accuse Azerbaijan of violating the Geneva Conventions. This version has always been actively supported by the Red Cross. The decision of the Azerbaijani government was not just a whim, it had serious claims to the ICRC's activities in the country both during the years of the Armenian occupation and after the 2020 war. Shortly before the September 2023 anti-terrorist operation, President Ilham Aliyev, in an interview with Euronews TV channel, stated that it was unacceptable that the office of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Karabakh was still subordinate not to the Baku, but to the Yerevan office of the committee. It was really weird. It looked strange during all the years of the Armenian occupation. Yes, the Karabakh Red Cross did not appear due to the active diplomacy of the Azerbaijani side and the Red Crescent, but the ICRC acted in the occupied territories without the consent of Baku, coordinating with Yerevan. Even after the Second Karabakh War, logistics in Khankendi continued to be carried out along the Lachin road from the territory of Armenia, and not along the Agdam road, as demanded by the Azerbaijani side. A lot of things have been done wrong over the years, and the ICRC should not be offended by Baku's decision to say goodbye. Unfortunately, this global humanitarian organization, which should have remained neutral, chose a side in the conflict from the very beginning. By and large, the humanitarian mission was not only humanitarian. Azerbaijani human rights activists have repeatedly drawn attention to the ICRC's indifference to the fate of Azerbaijani prisoners and hostages held in the occupied territories and in Armenia. The Committee did not show much zeal in finding people based on the information provided by Azerbaijan. The situation was completely different in the search for Armenians, and from somewhere there was perseverance, enthusiasm, and determination in an effort to achieve results. After the Second Karabakh War, other unpleasant nuances became clear. For example, it became known that Geneva did not always control what the Yerevan office was doing, and often was not even aware of the actions of the ICRC office there. These "discoveries" only strengthened the Azerbaijani side in its decision to abandon the services of the Committee of the Red Cross. With the end of the conflict, there was no need for the ICRC to remain in the country. Azerbaijan stopped needing the ICRC's humanitarian support long before the war, but there was no way to solve the problem of the organization's unauthorized and opaque activities in Khankendi. After regaining control of all its territories, Azerbaijan has not forgotten about this problem. And solved it. During the campaign on the Lachin road, the ICRC tried to dictate to Baku which route to send aid to the separatists. We understand that the influence of the Armenian factor and Armenia's allies on the organization could not but do its job. But that's not an excuse. Rather, on the contrary, this powerful and influential global organization has shown that its neutrality and impartiality can depend on circumstances. As for persons of Armenian nationality convicted or on trial accused of war crimes, genocide, ethnic cleansing, terror and aggressive separatism, these persons are not prisoners of war and do not fall under the relevant conventions. They fall under the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan and are or will be held accountable in accordance with its articles and the severity of the crimes they have committed against the Azerbaijani people and the Azerbaijani State. The Armenian defender of separatists and terrorists should not strain his efforts and knock on the doors of international organizations. No one can deprive Azerbaijan of its sovereign rights and interfere in the affairs of its judicial system. Once again, persons detained after the end of hostilities are not prisoners and are not subject to automatic release in accordance with any conventions. The issue of "prisoners" is closed. It was not reflected in the peace treaty, which was initialed on August 8 in Washington. Moreover, the Armenian government has not been pedaling this topic for a long time. Only organizations and individuals close to separatist circles and revanchists continue to ring about this. Taking care of the condition of the defendants and prisoners is an internal matter for the Azerbaijani side, but no one will obstruct the ICRC representatives if they wish to come and visit Vardanyan or anyone else. There won't be any problems with that, and Mrs. Siranush shouldn't worry so much. Known as the data center capital of the world, Virginia offers a crucial test case for electric utilities: Can they meet power demand from the explosion of AI while keeping bills affordable and slashing carbon emissions? Many experts fear that Dominion Energy, Virginias largest utility, is failing that test. In July, the company won approval from state regulators for its plan to construct a raft of new fossil-fueled plants over the next 15 years despite a Virginia law that discourages such plants and requires them to phase out completely by 2045. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Dominion is asking the same regulators for permission to build the first of those facilities: a 944-megawatt peaker complex that would operate only when demand is at its highest. The utility says the four-unit reliability center in Chesterfield County, just outside Richmond, is the best way to meet a surge in electricity needs and warrants an exception to the states decarbonization law. But in a flurry of paper filings over the last month, clean energy advocates and industry groups disagreed acknowledging a growing demand for power but maintaining that Dominion ignored a range of alternatives in order to justify the new gas complex. Even the nonpartisan expert staff for the regulatory body, the State Corporation Commission, criticized Dominions rationale for the permit. No one is denying that there is some load growth, and we will need new resources, Peter Anderson, energy policy director for advocacy group Appalachian Voices, said in a statement. But there is no justification for backtracking on clean energy progress and saddling communities with new polluting plants. Unacceptable threats to reliability? Virginia has fast become ground zero for data centers immense buildings that house computers and related hardware that power AI chatbots and other software thats now part of everyday life. The state is already home to hundreds of these facilities, especially outside of Washington, D.C., and along Interstate 95. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just last week, Google announced plans for another data center in Virginia, and many more are on the way, Dominion says, helping to spur a 5% annual rise in peak electricity use over the next 15 years. And while some critics question the specifics, they accept the overall trajectory of growth. But the demand surge is testing the limits of the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act. The law forces Dominion to convert to carbon-free power in the next two decades and prevents the company from building new fossil-fuel plants until it meets official energy-efficiency targets. The company must also prove that fossil-fuel generation is more cost-effective than nonpolluting means of meeting demand. Dominion nodded to the law in its March application for the reliability center but also noted that the statute does not require that the Commission take any action which, in its determination, threatens the reliability or security of electric service to the utilitys customers. The new gas complex is the only cost-effective solution, according to the utility. Without it, the company said in its filing, unacceptable threats to reliability will ensue. They biased the entire process But in written testimony filed with regulators in recent weeks, multiple experts rejected Dominions conclusions on both reliability and cost-effectiveness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many said a cold snap analysis, which Dominion relied on to show that the gas complex would be crucial during extreme cold weather, was unpersuasive. Dominion could easily avoid power shortages by using fully charged batteries and suspending exports to Duke Energy customers in North Carolina, consultants for Appalachian Voices and other nonprofits testified. By correcting these and other assumptions, all identified energy violations are resolvable without constructing Chesterfield, Ryan Deyoe, a power markets specialist at analytics firm Telos Energy, wrote on behalf of the groups. Critics also took aim at a study by The Brattle Group, which modeled a reliability scenario with and without Dominions proposed gas project. The finding that the system is less reliable when a resource is removed and not replaced with anything is not helpful or meaningful, Devi Glick, a senior principal at Synapse Energy Economics, testified on behalf of the Sierra Club. To address reliability, Dominion should try to comply with a mandate of reducing electricity sales 5% by 2028 compared to 2019 levels, Glick wrote. Instead, the company plans to reduce sales by less than 3%. By omitting incremental energy efficiency from its modeling, she said, Dominion is ignoring the reliability impacts of increased investment in energy efficiency. A consultant for industry group Advanced Energy United, Maria Roumpani, testified that the company also ignored other clean solutions in its application, including battery storage, grid-enhancing technologies, and virtual power plants. Plus, she pointed to the potential for load flexibility for large customers, a still-nascent but promising approach whereby behemoths like Google agree to use less electricity during the handful of hours a year when the grid is under the greatest stress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detractors poked holes in Dominions economic analysis, arguing it unnecessarily restricted these alternatives. For the Sierra Club, Glick developed a carbon-free portfolio that would cost about the same as the gas complex, without the downsides of pollution and the volatile price of fossil fuels that would be borne by customers. Shawn Kelly, Virginia-based regulatory director for Advanced Energy United, says the flaws in Dominions application stem from the utilitys desire to build the Chesterfield complex no matter what. The company, he said in his testimony, had a predetermined outcome to build a gas plant and then to support their decision, they biased the entire process so that they could select their proposal. A difficult position The State Corporation Commissions expert staff, which recently filed its own testimony in the case, also took a dim view of Dominions methodologies. The staff whose opinion is highly valued by commissioners questioned the cold snap analysis, as well as the Brattle study. Neither of the analyses presented by the Company show that [the Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center] is unquestionably the best choice of generation unit needed to meet a projected resource deficiency, staff analyst Steven Smith said in his testimony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The companys economic study was also underwhelming, he wrote. It is clear the construction of new natural gas resources is not a dramatically positive impact to jobs or the economy within the Commonwealth specifically based on the Companys economic impact analysis. Staff lamented Dominion's failure to develop other, potentially cleaner energy resources in the years leading up to its permit application for the Chesterfield complex. The limited options available to the Company for alternative dispatchable resources, the long timeline required to build them, and the Companys timing and decisions have placed the Commission in a difficult position relative to adjudicating this [permit] application, Smith testified. And yet, despite all those misgivings, staff did not oppose approval of the Chesterfield project, suggesting Dominion had left regulators little choice in the face of rising electricity demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delaying construction of the plant or considering new alternatives, Smith argued, has the potential to leave the Company substantially resource deficient and reliant on the currently volatile spot market, in which the utility can buy power from elsewhere in the region. Still, the staffs opinion is not the final word. Dominions written responses to critics were due this week. Public comments are being accepted until Sept. 16, and an in-person expert witness hearing in the quasi-judicial proceeding is scheduled for late September. Theres no timeline for regulators to rule. The decision is in the commission's hands after they hear the rest of the evidence, Kelly told Canary Media. But it is really important to home in on what the staff pointed out as flaws, including: They're not convinced that this Chesterfield solution is the best solution. That's scary when you're talking about spending billions of dollars of ratepayer money. Aung San Suu Kyi is sick. Reliable sources report that Myanmars former state counsellor, 80, has a heart condition that is worsening. She has asked to see a cardiologist, a request that has so far been denied. The junta that rules Myanmar has done all it can to bury her alive, to shut her up permanently. She is held in solitary confinement in a jungle jail near the capital, Naypyidaw. During the several show trials she has faced, in which she has been convicted of obscure crimes including illegally importing walkie-talkies and breaking the Official Secrets Act, she has only appeared via video link. Her 80th birthday in July this year came and went with no concessions to her advancing age. In February, on the fourth anniversary of the coup that brought an end to Myanmars five-year taste of partial democracy, UK foreign secretary David Lammy told the junta, Release Aung San Suu Kyi. Release all those arbitrarily detained. Give Myanmars people the peace and democracy they deserve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Mr Lammy implied, the barbarity and flagrant injustice of Suu Kyis imprisonment on trumped-up charges have been obvious all along. The United States, in a move typical of President Trumps bungling folly, has mutated into the Myanmar armys best buddy, abolishing USAID and closing down Voice of America and Radio Free Asia. Just as Europe is rising to the challenge of replacing the US as the only bulwark against Putins aggression, it needs to do the same for desperately beleaguered nations like Myanmar, where more than four million have been forced from their homes and half the population is living in poverty amid endless fighting. Aung San Suu Kyi pictured in 2012 (AP) Because what the West says and does makes a crucial difference. It was President Obamas pivot to Asia more than 15 years ago that persuaded the military to open its doors to the beginnings of democracy, allowing Suu Kyi in from the cold after two decades of persecution and imprisonment. And lo and behold, the opposite was also true. What tempted Army chief Min Aung Hlaing to overthrow Suu Kyis government, which had just been re-elected in a landslide? Diplomats believe it was the fact that, since her stunning appearance at the International Court of Justice in The Hague in 2019 defending the Myanmar army against charges of genocide, her official and popular support in the West had collapsed: the leader once described by Myanmar generals as the poster girl of Burmas democracy movement had been cancelled. Now senior general Min Aung Hlaing knew that, whatever internal enemies the army might face, there would be no meaningful resistance no return of the former sanctions regime, for example from the West. And so it has transpired. The rejection of Suu Kyi turned out to be merely the first act in a comprehensive washing of the Wests hands of whatever complications countries like Myanmar might present. The fact that it had produced a champion of democracy who has retained her principles and her popularity since emerging in 1988 that unique record cuts no ice with us anymore. But now the eventuality looms that she might die where she lies, unseen, unvisited, incommunicado. So the need for the West to make up its mind about Myanmars democratically elected leader, as Mr Lammy has done, has never been more urgent. If Suu Kyi dies in prison, she will haunt Myanmar as her father continues to do, like all historys great martyrs from Joan of Arc to Martin Luther King and Steve Biko. But while she lives and breathes, sick as she is, Europe must demand her release, and reinforce the demand with action. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has spoken with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about ways India can contribute to ending the war in Ukraine. Source: von der Leyen on X (Twitter), reported by European Pravda Details: Von der Leyen said on Thursday 4 September that she had spoken with Modi. "We warmly welcome Indias continued engagement with President Zelenskyy. India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace," the European Commission president tweeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the Russo-Ukrainian war "carries global security consequences and undermines economic stability". Quote from von der Leyen: "Looking ahead, we plan to agree on a joint strategic agenda at the next EU-India summit, as early as possible in 2026. We also remain fully committed to concluding the Free Trade Agreement negotiations by the end of the year." Background: On 27 August, US President Donald Trump hit India with tariffs. The new US tariffs the highest in Asia apply to more than 55% of goods entering the US, which is India's largest market. Trump has criticised India for buying Russian oil, saying it is financing Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine. New Delhi defends its ties with Moscow and calls the US actions "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Following weeks of mocking the Trump administration on social media, Californias governor went after Vice President JD Vances looks while he attacked his former never Trump beliefs. On Tuesday, Newsom shared a video on X from the account Republicans against Trump. It featured a montage of clips of a beardless Vance before he ran for Senate in Ohio, back when he was more critical of Trump. At one point in the montage, on Charlie Roses show in 2016, Vance said he was a never-Trump guy who never liked him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grew a beard and lost his spine, Newsom captioned the post. But at least he kept the eyeliner." Another clip from 2016 showed Vance agreeing with podcaster Matt Jones after the host said he thought Trump was a fraud. I do too, Vance told Jones. The montage also showed Vance on PBS Newshour, when he said that there is definitely part of Donald Trumps support that has its basis in racism or xenophobia. Vances criticisms of Trump faded in the years leading up to the Ohio Republican being chosen as Trumps 2024 running mate. By then, Vance became one of Trumps potential political heirs and was floated as a potential 2028 presidential candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance and Newsom have sparred since Trump returned to the White House. Vance recently clapped back at Newsom for his posts mimicking Trumps style on Truth Social and called it inauthentic. When I see Gavin Newsom trying to act like Donald Trump, thats the opposite of authenticity. Hes not trying to be Gavin Newsom whoever that is, Vance told Fox News host Will Cain on Aug. 28. Hes trying to be a fake carbon copy of Donald Trump. And it just doesnt work. The lesson of President Trump in American politics is youve got to be authentic to yourself. That same day, Newsoms press office X account clapped back at JUST DANCE Vance, WHO NOBODY LIKED UNTIL TRUMP PICKED HIM OUT OF THE BARGAIN BIN IN THE WALMART CLEARANCE SECTION... THE DANCING QUEEN CANT STOP! I LIVE RENT-FREE IN HIS HEAD (VERY TINY SPACE, ALMOST NO ROOM WITH THE COUCH), the post from Newsoms office reads. HE IS VERY WEAK... THE GUY CANT RUN, TAKES MORE VACATIONS THAN ANY VICE PRESIDENT IN HISTORY (AND WEVE HAD SOME LAZY ONES!), GOT CAUGHT TAKING PHOTOS IN THE BATHROOM (VERY SICK!) AFTER APPLYING HIS EYELINER AND WEARS A COMMUNIST RED SHIRT." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it is unclear if Vance wears eyeliner, online conspiracies accuse the vice president of wearing dark makeup around his eyes. Former New York U.S. Rep. George Santos wrote on X in October 2024 that Vance does NOT use eyeliner. Ive met him in person before he was a senator and I can confirm he has long eyelashes and they cast a shadow on his waterline, Santos noted. More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. Sep. 4Vultures are like that friend you dine with that asks "Are you going to finish that?" You can learn more about these misunderstand birds this weekend at the ABQ BioPark Zoo. Or swoop into one of these other events. Got an event we should know about? Reach out to features@abqjournal.com. Feeling festive The Blossoms and Bones Music Festival is coming to Ghost Ranch on Thursday, Sept. 11, Friday, Sept. 12, and Saturday, Sept. 12. Enjoy the music of Ani DiFranco, Lucy Dacus, Santigold, Blind Pilot and more. Tickets start at $166.94, plus fees, at ghostranchmusicfest.com; children 14 and under free. Ghost Ranch is located at 280 Private Drive 1708 in Abiquiu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furry fliers The inaugural Run the Runway & Mutt Strut 5K is coming to the Double Eagle II Airport at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. The fundraising event supports the city of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department and the Experimental Aviation Association's Young Eagles. Eventgoers can race solo, bring their pooch or "borrow" a dog from Animal Welfare. Registration is $35 in advance and $40 day of, at abqsunport.com/runtherunway. Double Eagle II Airport is located at 4100 Aerospace Parkway NW. Scavenger hunt The ABQ BioPark Zoo is honoring some special scavengers during International Vulture Awareness Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. The event will feature discovery stations to learn about condors and vultures, vote for their favorite vulture, make crafts and more. Admission to the zoo is $1-$19.50 at artsandculture.cabq.gov, and free for qualified individuals. The zoo is located at 903 10th St. SW. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feeling crafty Open Space Visitor Center is hosting an arts and crafts fair from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. Vendors will be on hand with handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings and more. The event is free to attend. The Open Space Visitor Center is located at 6500 Coors Blvd. NW. Reaching the summit The Devon Allman Blues Summit is bringing The Devon Allman Project, along with special guests Jimmy Hall, Larry McCray and Sierra Green, to The Lensic Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9. Tickets are $35-$55, plus fees, at ampconcerts.org. The Lensic is located at 211 W. San Francisco St. in Santa Fe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Got the blues Guitarist Tab Benoit is bringing his blues sound to New Mexico in two events this week with GA-20. First, Benoit will play at the National Hispanic Cultural Center's Albuquerque Journal Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, find Benoit at The Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe. Tickets are $35-$54 for the Albuquerque concert, and $37-$55 for the Santa Fe concert, at ampconcerts.org. Top brass The Magnolia Brass Quintet is coming to the University of New Mexico's Keller Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9. The all-women group features Julia Bell and Brynn Marchiando (trumpets), Katey Jahnke (horn), Megan Boutin (trombone), and Genevieve Clarkson (tuba). Tickets are $11.50-$16.50 at unmtickets.evenue.net. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson hosts a press conference on the impacts of President Donald Trump's tariffs at Northwest Harvest on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard) Washingtons grocery prices could grow more than 16% if President Donald Trumps proposed tariffs are allowed to continue, predicts a new state report released Thursday. So if a family now pays $6,000 per year on groceries, their spending could increase to about $7,000 in 2027 if the presidents signature import taxes remain in effect, according to the analysis prepared by the states Office of Financial Management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Bob Ferguson shared the findings in a press conference Thursday at hunger relief organization Northwest Harvests south Seattle community market. There is no scenario in which these tariffs are good for Washingtonians, and dont be fooled by the administration, Washingtons working families and businesses and the state will bear the cost of these tariffs, Ferguson said. The 65-page report which Ferguson called nonpartisan despite being prepared by the Democratic governors budget office determined the presidents so-called Liberation Day tariffs could hurt Washington in a number of ways. Nearly 32,000 jobs could be at risk. Agriculture and aerospace industries could be hit hardest in a border state whose economy is heavily reliant on international trade. . Washington could lose $2.2 billion in general fund revenue by 2029 if the tariffs remain in place for the next four years. And economic growth in the state over that same period could decline 1.2% to 1.8% per quarter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumers could feel the impacts far beyond the grocery store, the report states. Clothing and shoe prices could rise 7% within a year. Used car prices are projected to jump by around 23%, while new cars could cost 6% to 8% more. Electricity and natural gas costs will also increase. But these projections are far from certain as Trump is embroiled in a court fight to maintain the tariffs that are the centerpiece of his economic agenda. A federal appeals court last week ruled he didnt have the authority to impose most of them. On Wednesday, the administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn that ruling. Washington Democratic U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell has led the charge to reassert the role of Congress in setting trade policy in light of Trumps tariff plans, to no avail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said tariffs are necessary to address steep trade deficits that threaten the countrys national security. For months, markets have been wracked by on-again-off-again levies that have repeatedly been announced, pulled back and revised. The chair of Washingtons Republican Party turned the blame for economic turmoil onto the governor, who signed off on major tax increases this year to address a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall. The budget crisis will be Bob Fergusons fault. Not Donald Trumps, said state Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen. Ferguson is trying to shift blame. Dont let him. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Ferguson left the door open to Washington potentially withholding federal income tax collections in response to the Trump administration. California Gov. Gavin Newsom suggested in June that his state could take that step. I dont want to get too specific at this time, but what Ill say is that there are lots of conversations about different options the state of Washington can take to deal with the chaos from the Trump administration, Ferguson said. Ferguson is scheduled to meet Friday with the Northwest Seaport Alliance, where the impact of tariffs will likely be on the agenda. The alliance, which oversees the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, has been dealing with a whipsaw of imports and exports in recent months. That uncertainty is not good for business, Port of Seattle Commissioner Ryan Calkins said Thursday. Its not good for our ports, its not good for our state, our workers or our people. The states next revenue forecast is due out later this month. It could indicate if Trumps policies are having immediate impacts on Washingtons economy and color how lawmakers approach the 2026 session beginning in January. Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove speaks during a press conference at the High Peak Trailhead on Tiger Peak Mountain on Tuesday, Aug. 26. (Photo by Emily Fitzgerald/Washington State Standard) Washington loggers, school leaders and conservation activists on Wednesday decried the state lands commissioners proposal to set aside 77,000 acres of older forests while opening 29,000 acres back up for logging. Some said the plan, announced by Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove last week, didnt do enough to protect the states older forests, while others said it would lead to layoffs, business closures and delay of critical school construction projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only will this set-aside acreage jeopardize manufacturing jobs in our state, it also threatens beneficiaries with staggering losses in revenue, said Austin Serrano, a forester who gave public comment during the Board of Natural Resources monthly meeting on Wednesday Criticism of the plan dominated the meetings hourlong public comment period. Under Upthegroves plan, 29,000 acres of older forests will remain available for harvest. Most of the roughly two-dozen timber sales that were paused in January will proceed. Members of the timber industry told the board that Upthegroves decision to set aside older forest land would hurt their businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The representatives of logging companies and mills said the bulk of their timber supply comes from Department of Natural Resources lands. Older trees are necessary to make certain specialty wood products like power poles, they said. Pausing timber sales has already put the state behind schedule for the sustainable harvest level for the year, and the decision to set aside 77,000 acres of highly-profitable older forests creates further uncertainty within the industry, one lumber company representative said. A representative of another company said their business is looking at laying off the bulk of its 35-member crew until the paused sales move forward and additional timber sales are approved. Eatonville School District is waiting on its share of revenues from a paused timber sale to help fund a stadium improvement project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district is relying on those dollars to cover the interest on a capital levy passed by voters in 2024. State law doesnt allow districts to use tax revenue to pay the interest, according to Eatonville School Board President Ronda Litzenberger. Our community believed in this project because we believed that the trust would be honored. Were doing everything we can to uphold our end of the promise, and were asking for your partnership in upholding the states, Litzenberger said during public comment on Wednesday. Counties and schools have received logging revenue from the federal government since 1906. A federal program to offset timber revenue lapsed at the end of 2023, making more school districts dependent on those funds to operate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a good program now thats providing good, solid, revenue, predictable revenue, Mt. Baker School Board President Russ Pfeiffer-Hoyt said after Wednesdays meeting. He said the commissioners plan doesnt make sense because it will jeopardize that revenue by setting aside older forest land and count on less reliable ways to generate money from forests, like carbon markets. Chris Reykdal, the state superintendent of public instruction and member of the Board of Natural Resources, supports Upthegroves proposal. Reykdals longterm goal is to fully fund Washingtons schools with state dollars and to not have to rely on timber revenue, which he said has been dwindling for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its inevitable that theyre going to have to change, Reykdal said of school funding models after the meeting. The Washington State Association of Counties, which represents the states 39 counties, is evaluating the proposal. Weve had significant concerns about the process that led to the commissioners decision, association spokesperson Court Stanley said during public comment, adding that last weeks press conference was a surprise to the organization and its members. Counties are the primary beneficiaries of these working trust lands and to be excluded from such a significant decision is eroding our ability to maintain trust, Stanley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the American Forest Resource Council said the regional trade organization was also concerned Upthegrove acted without completing a public process or going through the Board of Natural Resources. The Department of Natural Resources says it doesnt need approval from the board or the Legislature to set aside the forestland. The board sets policies to guide how the Department of Natural Resources manages the states nearly 6 million acres of state public land, including about 3 million acres of trust lands that produce revenue mostly from logging for schools, counties and other parts of government. The board also approves logging sales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 29,000 acres of older forests not set aside for conservation will be enough to honor all of the states trust agreements for the next decade, according to the agency. Upthegrove has said that gives the department time to find alternative methods, like the sale of credits on the carbon market, to make up for any lost revenue. Meanwhile, conservation activists expressed dismay Wednesday that many of the proposed timber sales for the next five years were going forward. They said the plan failed to protect what they saw as the most ecologically valuable areas of older forest. The order was celebrated as a bold action, but when it comes to legacy forests, its sort of like a rebranding of the status quo as new conservation, said Sarah Gardam of Whatcom County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was one of several who criticized the maps of the older forests created by Department of Natural Resources staff, saying the acres set aside for conservation are primarily strips of trees that are not part of continuous forests. Those who voiced support of Upthegroves proposal also acknowledged that the maps need work, but said it is a promising concept. The maps are still being developed and have not yet been finalized, the Department of Natural Resources said. It is standard practice for board members to not respond to public comment during the meeting. Upthegrove, likewise, did not respond to public testimony during the meeting. Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly had Court Stanleys first name as Hart. Greg Lane, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Washington, holds a petition for Initiative 2066 that voters passed in November. A legal fight ensued and has now reached the state Supreme Court. Anthony Anton, president of the Washington Hospitality Association, and Ryann Blake, owner of Chimney Techniques in Aberdeen, are pictured with Lane for the start of signature gathering on May 15, 2024 in Olympia, Wash. (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard) The fate of a voter-approved measure to slow Washingtons shift from natural gas toward technology like electric heat pumps will be decided by the state Supreme Court. Chief Justice Debra Stephens signed an order Wednesday to have Washingtons high court directly review a lower court ruling invalidating Initiative 2066 that passed last November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative targets changes to the state energy code that offer builders incentives in the permitting process for choosing electric heat pumps which provide both heating and cooling in the same unit instead of natural gas furnaces. And it seeks to repeal provisions in a year-old state law intended to accelerate Puget Sound Energys transition away from natural gas. It prevents approval of utility rate plans that end or restrict access to natural gas, or make it too costly. In March, King County Superior Court Judge Sandra Widlan struck down the measure. She ruled that it is unconstitutional because it runs afoul of a provision limiting citizen initiatives to no more than one subject and requiring them to contain the full text of the portion of state laws they would alter. Widlan said the purpose of the single subject requirement is to prevent logrolling or pushing through undesirable legislation by attaching it to desirable legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initiative sponsors maintain it complies with all constitutional constraints and sought direct review by the state Supreme Court. Every single section of 2066 addresses protecting the choice to access and use natural gas, said Greg Lane, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Washington, in a statement. The initiative was clear and voters clearly understood they were voting for energy choice. Attorney General Nick Brown disagrees with the policy but believes voters passed an initiative that is constitutional. My job as Attorney General is to enforce and defend the laws of Washington and I will continue to vigorously do so in this case, he said in May after petitioning the state high court to take the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 52% of voters backed the measure in November. Weeks later a coalition of groups and elected leaders filed a lawsuit challenging its legality. Foes of the measure didnt oppose the state high court taking the case. A spokesman for one of the litigants said they are confident the justices will rule against the initiative. We are committed to ensuring that initiative 2066 is overturned, and that Washington remains a leader in the transition to clean and affordable electricity, Dylan Plummer, campaign advisor for the Sierra Clubs Building Electrification Campaign, said in an email. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE HONOLULU (KHON2) The first-ever Ewa Carnival took place on Aug. 30 and Aug. 31 at the Wai Kai events lawn, with organizers saying tens of thousands of attendees were able to enjoy the festivities. The goal of the carnival was to fill a gap left by the lack of a 50th State Fair. Ewa Carnival coming Labor Day weekend to help fill the void from 50th State Fair With the absence of the 50th State Fair due to the Aloha Stadium renovations, I felt itd be a good time to bring back something nostalgic like the Ewa Carnival back to our community, Raymond Ho Jr. of TMR Events said to KHON2 when the carnival was announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inaugural carnival was set to bring rides, games, live music, food and more to families across the island, but some were left a bit more than underwhelmed. I was looking forward to the rides and being able to take my kids to a carnival theyd truly enjoy, said Taylor Fuga, who attended the event. TMR Events always hosts great events, so I expected it to be more fun for the ohana and a better overall experience. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You For Fuga, the experience wasnt soured by a lack of activities or vendors it was an abundance of people and traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My expectations were not met. I dont believe it was due to the vendors, but moreso the amount of people and lack of crowd control, she said. If the event was spread out over four to six weeks, it would have given everyone a chance to breathe and enjoy. Wai Kai, the host and an organizer of the event, acknowledged challenges faced by the carnival, but painted the challenges as a learning experience. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news With any first-time event of this scale, some challenges are to be expected. Working with HPD, TMR Events and professional security teams, we made adjustments along the way even between Saturday and Sunday, which ran much smoother despite larger crowds, said Jerry Pupillo, vice president and general manager of Wai Kai. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pupillo continued to express satisfaction in the event, while looking forward to future projects. Overall, tens of thousands of people enjoyed a safe, clean and wholesome environment. The Ewa Carnival was created as a community-driven gathering with more than 40 local vendors and performances from community-based musicians, he said. We look forward to building on this first year with TMR Events to make future carnivals an even better experience for everyone. Despite any perceived challenges from the first Ewa Carnival, Fuga isnt writing off returning to any future events, as long as appropriate changes are made. I would attend again if the venue is bigger and the crowd is more controlled, Fuga said. It was too chaotic and incredibly hard to navigate, especially with young children. I do wish for the future more rides for everyone to enjoy, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) On the month of its seventh anniversary, a restaurant in Wall has only days to raise enough money to avoid being shut down after complications with a processing company spiraled into a temporary closure that threatens to become permanent, according to the businesss owner. Rogue Kitchen, a restaurant located at 8022 Loop 570 in Wall, had a GoFundMe fundraiser created by its owner, Brandie Bomer, on Aug. 29. In the fundraisers description, Bomer stated that her business has been temporarily closed due to having fallen behind on our state sales taxes while also citing struggles with economic pressures in recent years. This is a difficult admission to make, but weve always believed in being honest with youour family, the fundraisers description reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with Concho Valley Homepage, Bomer further explained what caused the temporary closure and why it may escalate to a complete shutdown if her family cant gather enough money before a deadline. Bomer stated that the situation, as it stands, was sparked by a series of events that occurred in 2024. She said that, in early 2024, the restaurant stopped using a processing companys payment service after she noticed suspicious transactions. New cheeseburger chain in Cans heading to San Angelo I have no idea where they were coming from, pulling transactions out, Bomer said. I disputed with the bank over and over and over again, disputed with the company over and over again. Nobody has proof; its been a mess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the company also handled Rogue Kitchens state sales tax through a program, something she believed it would continue to do. However, she said the company did not. The only thing I can imagine is that, once we stopped dealing with them, then the whole program itself stopped, which I wasnt aware of if that was the case because they were still, up to a certain point, pulling money out, taking care of it, Bomer said. The Bomer family wouldnt learn of this until approximately mid-2024, when it was brought to their attention by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts that they had missed two months of payments and now owed hundreds of dollars in back taxes. Since then, its been an uphill battle to pay it off. Ive been speaking with them, Ive been making as much payments as I could, but for a small business, $1,000, $2,000 in back taxes on top with having to keep up with every month ends up being into another little spiral, Bomer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restaurant had also been beset by financial troubles brought about by changes in the economy, with the price tag for maintaining a functioning restaurant continuing to rise for her family. This was exacerbated by the economic challenges inherent to operating a business in a small town, such as a lack of consistent traffic found in larger cities and downturns in activity during vacation-heavy seasons. Unfortunately, us being out in Wall, the summertime is by far the hardest for us because everybodys gone, Bomer said. I dont have the normal traffic flow that San Angelo has. You have to think about us to want to come to us. City adopts 2025-2026 budget, increased tax rate All of these factors prevented the Bomer family from catching up on their state sales taxes. Rogue Kitchen would be forced to temporarily close on Aug. 28 due to mounting back taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just a spiraling effect, unfortunately, Bomer said. The closure also initiated a countdown. Bomer said that, from the day of the closure, her business was given 20 days to pay off the back taxes. If the debt cannot be paid before the deadline, the restaurant will be permanently shut down. Bomer said she created the GoFundMe fundraiser to ask for the communitys help in keeping the restaurant afloat. She shared that the funds will be put toward paying off back taxes, reopening the business and possibly hiring a lawyer to help get fees and penalties dropped. The fundraisers description states that, should the goal not be reached, all donations will be returned. As of the time of publication, $3,110 has been raised of the fundraisers $30,000 goal. To those who have already donated, Bomer offered her thanks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you for believing, Bomer said. Bomer also thanked anyone who is considering donating for thinking of her restaurant. Thank you for taking a chance on something maybe youre not aware was even here, Bomer said. Even just one dollar would make a difference all around, if everyone felt it in their heart. Founded on Sept. 4, 2018, Rogue Kitchen has served Wall for seven years. However, whether it will continue to exist within the community for the years to come may rest in the hands of its patrons. To visit the GoFundMe fundraiser, 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma State Board of Education met Wednesday without Superintendent Ryan Walters, marking the first board meeting since members said nude images appeared on his office TV and raising new debate among lawmakers about accountability and possible impeachment. Board members scheduled the meeting after Walters abruptly canceled their regularly scheduled August meeting last week, preventing them from taking important votes. But when the meeting began at 10 a.m. On Wednesday, Walters did not show up. It was the first time in decades that a superintendent had missed their own board meeting. I dont know if this is just part of his normal shtick to keep things in flux, board member Chris Van Dehende said. As a taxpayer, I would have wanted my state superintendent to show up in a meeting like that, State Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, said. Lawmakers say no impeachment talks surrounding Supt. Walters Enough board members were present to carry the meeting forward. They voted to hire a new board attorney, a legal requirement before the board is allowed to make decisions. The board also announced a search for a board secretary. After ten minutes, the meeting was finished. It ended with a bipartisan crowd of citizens and lawmakers applauding board members for being able to do their job. Wednesdays meeting was the first since July, when several board members said Walters office TV played a video of nude women during an executive session. Walters later called those board members liars, claiming without evidence that they were colluding with Governor Kevin Stitt to smear his character. These board members decided to construct a lie to destroy my character, Walters said at a July press conference. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert later said an investigation revealed a 1985 Jackie Chan movie with nude, sexually suggestive scenes was likely playing on Walters TV, backing up board members like Becky Carson. I think anybody in this position would appreciate an apology, Carson said. Carson said Wednesday she has confidence in Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behennas office as they review evidence the Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office and OSBI gathered for possible criminal charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PragerU test for new Oklahoma teachers impossible to fail Its been sent through the chain. And I think there was a thorough investigation with the sheriffs office and OSBI, Carson said. I want to have faith in our justice system, so hopefully the right outcome comes to that. And even if no criminal charges come, Carson said that still would not excuse what happened. It doesnt make it right, Carson said. Some lawmakers said the allegations, combined with other scandals surrounding Walters, amount to dereliction of duty and even an impeachable offense. Ive given over piles of documents and facts that this individual is basically incompetent to run the office, former Republican state representative Mark McBride said. His incompetence is an impeachable offense, in my opinion. I think there are plenty of instances that we could bring up that warrant a discussion of impeachment, State Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, said. Theres plenty of evidence we should have gone through, and we can still go through the impeachment process, Pogemiller said. But House Education Chair Dick Lowe said that while he is not happy with Walters, he is not ready to call for his removal. I was taught at a young age you dont call people liars, Lowe said. If things impeachable were broken, then that is our responsibility at that point. But I dont see that I dont like to speculate. And I will stay right to the facts. Well stay with the facts to do what they lead us to do. In response to the meeting, a spokesperson for Walters said: Superintendent Walters is focused on tackling the big issues facing Oklahoma schools and is pleased to welcome Ryan Leonard to the team. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The city of Wapakoneta is speaking out after one of its buildings reportedly appeared as if it was on the market. According to the city, the Public Works building on Harrison Street in Wapakoneta was recently appearing as a listing on the internet on several websites. In a statement, the city confirmed the listings showing its building are not legitimate. We have become aware of several websites that are incorrectly listing this property, said the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are actively looking for available properties, you are encouraged to take caution about using unfamiliar websites. We urge you to exercise caution when visiting unofficial sites and to always verify the legitimacy of any listing before providing payment or personal information, the city 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 WDTN.com. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has designated two more Latin American cartels foreign terrorist organistations during a visit to Ecuador. The announcement on Thursday came after Rubio, the top US diplomat, met Ecuadorian President Daniel Naboa in Quito. Speaking at a news conference afterwards with Ecuadors foreign minister, Rubio described the designations as part of a war US President Donald Trump has begun to wage against Latin American cartels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frankly, its a war. Its a war on killers. Its a war on terror, Rubio said. The targets of the new US terrorism designations were two Ecuador-based gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, both of which have been involved in the illicit drug trade. But Rubio said the gangs were responsible for more than trafficking, highlighting their records of violence. These are not narco traffickers. These are narco terrorists who terrorise the countries they operate in. Rubios aggressive rhetoric underscores a pivot under President Trump, towards framing organised crime in Latin America as terrorism. Experts, however, have pointed out that Trump used that logic to justify a military attack on Tuesday against a boat travelling from Venezuela. The bombing resulted in the extrajudicial killing of 11 people, allegedly members of the Tren de Aragua gang. During his stop in Ecuador, Rubio did not respond to a question about whether the administration would seek congressional approval in future for such strikes, which many experts believe to be illegal under international law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio, however, said he did not expect that the US would conduct such strikes against groups based in cooperating countries. Theres no need, because those governments are going to help us identify alleged gang members, Rubio told the press. Theyre going to help us find these people and blow them up. If thats what it takes. He contrasted those countries with Venezuela under President Nicolas Maduro, whose government he described as a terrorist organisation, an organised crime organisation. For its part, the label of foreign terrorist organisation does not, in itself, grant expanded authority for the US president to conduct unilateral military strikes on designated groups. It does, Rubio explained, allow the US to go against the assets, properties and monies of any individual in the US or in the US banking system related to these groups. It also boosts intelligence-sharing capabilities with foreign governments, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While in Ecuador, Rubio and his counterpart, Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld, also unveiled agreements to increase security funding for the South American country, boost cooperation on migration and progress towards a free trade agreement. The new security commitments include $13m in general security funding for Ecuador and $6m for drones for the Ecuadorian Navy. Rubio said he would also consider re-establishing a military base in Ecuador, a prospect that Noboa has voiced support for. But it would require approval through a national referendum. Reporting from Santiago, Chile, Al Jazeeras Latin America editor Lucia Newman explained Rubios visit underscored that both Ecuador and the US are really on the same page when it comes to fighting drug trafficking and organised crime. So a very successful visit from the point of view of both countries, she said. UPDATED, with MPA statement: Warner Bros. Discovery is the latest legacy media company to challenge the use of its content in generative AI, filing suit against Midjourney, claiming that the company is engaged in the theft of its intellectual property. With the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Thursday, WBD is joining The Walt Disney Co. and NBCUniversal in challenging Midjourneys use of their content. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement WBDs attorneys wrote in the lawsuit, Midjourney thinks it is above the law. It sells a commercial subscription service, powered by artificial intelligence technology, that was developed using illegal copies of Warner Bros. Discoverys copyrighted works. The Service lets subscribers pick iconic Warner Bros. Discovery copyrighted characters and then reproduces, publicly displays and performs, and makes available for download (i.e., distributes) infringing images and videos, and unauthorized derivatives, with every imaginable scene featuring those characters. Without any consent or authorization by Warner Bros. Discovery, Midjourney brazenly dispenses Warner Bros. Discoverys intellectual property as if it were its own. The lawsuit claimed that Midjourney has made a calculated and profit-driven decision to offer zero protection for copyright owners even though Midjourney knows about the breathtaking scope of its piracy and copyright infringement. Read Warner Bros. Discoverys AI lawsuit. As an example, the lawsuit stated that, with Midjourneys image generation service, a user can request a picture of Superman in a particular setting or doing a particular action, and whats produced is an image of the Man of Steel character. The same is true for Batman, Wonder Woman, Tweety and Scooby-Doo. The characters also show up even in generic prompts like classic comic book superhero battle. Advertisement Advertisement A Warner Bros. Discovery spokesperson said, The heart of what we do is develop stories and characters to entertain our audiences, bringing to life the vision and passion of our creative partners. Midjourney is blatantly and purposefully infringing copyrighted works, and we filed this suit to protect our content, our partners, and our investments. A Midjourney spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment. Last month, the company responded to the Disney-NBCU lawsuit, claiming that the use of copyrighted material in training models was a fair use, given the way that AI training models work. The Midjourney platform is an instrument for user expression. It assists with the creation of images only at the direction of its users, guided by their instructions, in what is often an elaborate and time-consuming process of experimentation, iteration and discovery, the companys lawyers wrote. The company also claimed that the media companies should have pursued the notice-and-takedown procedure of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which shields platforms from liability for user generated infringing content if it is promptly removed upon notice. Advertisement Advertisement But like the Disney and NBCU lawsuit, Warner Bros. Discoverys legal team alleged that Midjourneys infringement was much more blatant that its use for AI training models, given the outputs. WBD attorneys wrote that its copyrighted characters were being used to market and promote Midjourneys service, while a recently launched Midjourney TV streaming channel is a way to substitute and compete with their copyrighted works. The Hollywood Reporter first reported on the latest lawsuit. As a group, the studios, through the Motion Picture Association, have taken the position that existing copyright law is sufficient to address the issues raised by AI. But amid fears that AI will upend the industry, there have been plenty of voices calling for more aggressive action, which is why it is notable that Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney and NBCU filed the lawsuit on their own. Following Warner Bros. Discoverys filing of the lawsuit, the MPA did release a general statement that did not touch on the details of the litigation, or even mention AI. Advertisement Advertisement The Motion Picture Association strongly supports copyright protection and our member company efforts to enforce intellectual property rights, the MPA statement said. We remain concerned that copyright infringement, left unchecked, threatens the entire American motion picture industry, which supports over 2 million jobs in all 50 states and drives countless economic, social, and cultural benefits. Members of the MPA, which include tech companies Netflix and Amazon, are said to have disagreements on how the industry should collectively approach AI and its potential threat to copyright owners. In July, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced legislation to require that AI companies get permission to use copyrighted works in their training models, taking sides in one of the hotly contested policy debates among tech and the content industry. Its a long shot that their bill will get anywhere, given the paltry amount of legislation that Congress has passed and the Trump administrations hands off approach to AI. Trump himself has come out against the idea that AI companies should have to pay copyright owners for their works when they are used in training models. Advertisement Advertisement A Disney spokesperson said, Disney is committed to protecting our creators and innovators, and were pleased to be joined by Warner Bros. Discovery in the fight against Midjourneys blatant copyright infringement. We welcome the growing momentum behind safeguarding Americas creative industry against bad actors. An NBCU spokesperson said, NBCUniversal is pleased that Warner Bros. Discovery is joining in the fight against copyright infringement and piracy, regardless of the technology used. Creative artists are the backbone of our industry, and we are committed to protecting their work and our intellectual property. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Ralph Menzies appears during his commutation hearing before the parole board at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City as he petitions to stop his execution by firing squad on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. (Pool photo by Bethany Baker/The Salt Lake Tribune) The Utah Supreme Court called off the execution of Ralph Menzies last week nearly 40 years after he murdered Maurine Hunsaker, opening the door for more court hearings and evaluations to determine the extent of the 67-year-olds dementia. Now, the Utah Attorney Generals Office is asking the court to move as quickly as possible, warning of an endless cycle of petitions pointing to Menzies mental decline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a motion filed Wednesday, the attorney generals office requested Utahs 3rd District Court expedite future proceedings related to Menzies, who will soon be evaluated by medical professionals to determine whether he still understands why the state is trying to execute him. According to Utah code, medical professionals will have at least 60 days to evaluate Menzies, but the attorney generals office is asking the court to cut that timeline to 30 days. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This is a 39-year-old case on a murder that Menzies committed nearly 40 years ago, the request reads. This Court should expedite Menzies second round of competency proceedings to prevent an endless cycle of successive competency petitions based on changes in Menzies condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The request comes on the heels of a Friday afternoon ruling from the Utah Supreme Court, which found that Menzies attorneys had submitted enough evidence to warrant a second competency evaluation. Competency evaluations are done when a death row inmate shows signs of mental decline per state and federal law, a death row inmate must understand the reason for their punishment and that their crime was particularly heinous before their execution. Menzies was already examined by several doctors and psychologists last year, and was found competent to be executed in June. Then in July, Menzies attorneys filed a request for a second evaluation, arguing that his dementia had worsened since the initial reviews. That request was denied, but Menzies ultimately won his appeal before the Utah Supreme Court, which issued its opinion just a week before his scheduled firing squad execution. The high courts ruling triggers a new set of proceedings, requiring evaluations from at least two Utah Department of Health and Human Services examiners, as well as any other independent examiners commissioned by either the state or Menzies attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once a judge issues an order, those examiners have 60 days to submit their reports once the court receives the reports, a hearing must take place within 15 days. Hypothetically, if the judge rules next week, the reports would be due sometime in early November, with the hearing likely scheduled in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. But the attorney general wants to cut that window in half. According to the court filing, the state is asking for a 30-day timeline, and a hearing set five days after the reports are received. As Menzies counsel argued to the supreme court, his condition is always changing such that it is difficult to keep up with, attorneys for the state write. That all means time is of the essence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In separate filings submitted Thursday, the attorney generals office requested two psychologists David Thompson, a forensic psychologist, and Ryan Green, a neuropsychologist to evaluate Menzies. Both men have previously examined Menzies, and found that he did show some signs of mental decline, but was competent. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Washington County is asking voters to approve an $11 million bond issue to help fill a multimillion dollar gap in its budget caused by years of mismanagement. Inaccurate recordkeeping and slow audits caused officials to repeatedly overestimate the countys reserves and underestimate how much it needed to raise taxes to cover its expenses. After using up millions from a federal COVID-19 stimulus bill and taking out millions more in short-term loans, the county is now deep in debt that it needs to refinance. Communities across Maine are already livid over rising property taxes, and Washington County is one of the most politically conservative and poorest counties in the state. The bond issue is being pitched to voters by the county commission as being the only way to dig out of the hole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wont be pretty, Commissioner Billy Howard, a Republican from Calais, said of what would happen if voters turned them down. Were gonna be in a real pickle. The alternative would likely mean steep cuts to services like the county jail and sheriffs office. The county must repay a $7.6 million short-term loan by December. If new funds are not raised by then, the county may run out of cash, rendering it unable to pay its 110 employees working in 911 dispatch, the registry of deeds, emergency management and other departments. The issue started more than five years ago. Between 2020 and 2024, county officials carried estimates of surplus cash from each year into the next years budget without verifying that the funds were actually present, said Renee Gray, Washington Countys manager. The countys 2021 audit was only completed this August. Auditors reported that the books were out of balance and that the county had done little to reconcile them. Compounding the problem, funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 were placed in the general fund, keeping cash flowing and preventing officials from noticing the dwindling balance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had it not been for the ARPA funds, the county would have recognized the cash flow shortage a lot sooner, Gray said. She said the money from the federal law was accounted for appropriately. But the struggle to complete audits has forced officials to work with estimates of county funds, rather than the actual totals of money coming and going. This is the danger of the lack of audits and auditors within the state, said former Commissioner Chris Gardner, who was serving when the error was first discovered in 2024. Its not due to lack of trying; its just lack of professionals to perform the work. Gray expressed hope that residents will understand that an error was made. With interest, the bond could ultimately cost taxpayers around $14.7 million over the next 10 years, though the terms of the loan are not yet set in stone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The errors cannot be traced back to any one person, but about 15 actually as well as members of the public that could have attended meetings, the county manager said. The commissioners held a testy hearing on the bond plan in August featuring criticism from Washington County residents, according to the Machias Valley News Observer. Baileyville Town Manager Chris Loughlin, a member of the countys budget panel, said he wished there was someone he could blame, but there were so many factors leading to the deficit. Would I like to see it different? Oh, hell yes, he said. Is there gonna be some interesting talks in this budget season? Oh, I think so. But were where we are whether we like it or not. Daniel OConnor is a Report for America corps member who covers rural politics as part of the partnership between The Maine Monitor and the Bangor Daily News, with additional support from BDN and Monitor readers. Content warning: This article contains information about alleged child sexual abuse material. Reader discretion is advised. Report CSAM to law enforcement by contacting the ICAC Tip Line at (801) 281-1211 or your local law enforcement agency. ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4) The Washington County School District bus driver accused of downloading child sexual abuse material (CSAM) has been charged, and new information is available from charging documents. The district says that no children in the community were involved in the alleged crime. Daniel Sterling Workman, 44, from St. George, has been charged with 20 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUSLY: Washington County school bus driver arrested for allegedly downloading child sexual abuse material According to documents, an officer from the St. George Police Department Investigation Divisions Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) team was forwarded a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip stated that an account had uploaded more than 100 files of suspected child sexual abuse material. Alongside the tip, police were forwarded IP addresses and a phone number associated with the account. Using this information, detectives began filing search warrants and court orders to find the owner of the account. After the warrants were returned, it was allegedly found that Daniel Workman was associated with both the IP addresses and the phone number. Sept. 3, 2025, the ICAC Task Force executed a residential search warrant on Workmans home. Police say that they recovered multiple electronic devices that will undergo analysis to find any additional evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the arrest statement, police noted that Workman is employed at the Washington County School District, and a press release from St. George Police states that he worked as a school bus driver. Steven Dunhamn, Washington County School Districts Director of Communications, told ABC4 that police informed them no children in the community were involved in the arrest and investigation. They let us know that it dealt with child pornography; they assured us that it did not deal with any of the children in our community, Dunham stated. That being said, we did not know what the exact charges would be, and so we tried to craft our message so that we could notify our parents quickly and give them all the information that we had available to us. Documents say that in his job, he was often in areas with children who were in the same age range as those depicted in CSAM found on his account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents were asking why we didnt specify which bus route. For the first seven months of his employment, this bus driver was a substitute bus driver and likely drove a bus throughout all of Washington County, Dunham said. When we found that information out, we felt it necessary to inform all of our parents out of full transparency. Dunham explained that every single employee who works for the Washington County School District has to pass a background check that checks for criminal history. Workman passed the background check before being hired, according to Dunham. These [incidents] are horrific, yet theyre very rare, but they are horrific when they happen. And we do our very best to ensure your children are in a safe place. Thats the number one building block for an education, Dunham stated. Workman also allegedly had access to a young child in his personal life who is in that age range. Due to his risk to children, Workman was arrested and booked into the Washington County Jail, where he is currently being held without bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In any situation, its good for parents to have a good talking relationship with their children, so they know the adults theyre interacting with and know if anything becomes suspicious to them, they can notify us and we can immediately take action, Dunham concluded. 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. By Jan Wolfe WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Washington, D.C., sued U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday over his deployment of National Guard troops in the capital city, a move likely to heighten tensions between the Republican president and the city's Democratic leaders. The lawsuit, filed in federal court by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, seeks a court order blocking the deployment of troops on the grounds it is unconstitutional and violates multiple federal laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The litigation could also lead to another judicial rebuke of Trump's attempt to broaden the role of the military on U.S. soil, following a ruling this week that his use of troops to fight crime in California was unlawful. "Armed soldiers should not be policing American citizens on American soil," Schwalb said in an X post. "The forced military occupation of the District of Columbia violates our local autonomy and basic freedoms. It must end." Trump last month deployed National Guard troops to Washington, saying they would "re-establish law, order, and public safety." Trump also placed the capital district's Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the president was within his lawful authority to deploy troops to protect federal assets and assist law enforcement. This lawsuit is nothing more than another attempt - at the detriment of D.C. residents and visitors - to undermine the Presidents highly successful operations to stop violent crime in D.C., Jackson said in a statement. The case is being heard by U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb, who was appointed by President Joe Biden. Cobb is also hearing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook's lawsuit challenging Trump's attempt to fire her. In June, Trump put California's National Guard under federal control and deployed them to Los Angeles over the objections of the state's governor, Gavin Newsom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A California federal judge ruled on September 2 that using troops to protect federal agents on immigration and drug operations was illegal. Trump has been threatening to expand his federal crackdown on Democratic-led cities to Chicago, casting the use of presidential power as an urgent effort to tackle crime even as city officials cite declines in homicides, gun violence and burglaries. The president's critics say his actions are a dangerous expansion of executive authority that could spark tensions between the military and ordinary citizens. Thursday's lawsuit alleged that deployment of National Guard units to police Washington's streets without Mayor Muriel Bowser's consent violates the Home Rule Act, a federal law that established local self-governance for the capital district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit also alleged that National Guard troops deployed to Washington are subject to the Posse Comitatus Act, a federal law that sharply limits the use of the military for domestic enforcement. (Reporting by Jan Wolfe, Tom Hals, Katharine Jackson, Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Nia Williams and Nick Zieminski) SEATTLE (AP/WPRI) The Democratic governors of Washington state, Oregon and California announced Wednesday that they have created an alliance to establish their own recommendations for who should receive vaccines because they believe the Trump administration is putting Americans health at risk by politicizing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The announcement came the same day that Florida said it will phase out all childhood vaccine mandates. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis plans to curb vaccine requirements and other health mandates that evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic in his state. RELATED: COVID vaccines no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The differing responses come as COVID-19 cases rise and as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has restructured and downsized the CDC and attempted to advance anti-vaccine policies that are contradicted by decades of scientific research. Concerns about staffing and budget cuts were heightened after the White House sought to oust the agencys director and some top CDC leaders resigned in protest. The CDC has become a political tool that increasingly peddles ideology instead of science, ideology that will lead to severe health consequences, the governors said in a joint statement. The dismantling of public health and dismissal of experienced and respected health leaders and advisers, along with the lack of using science, data, and evidence to improve our nations health are placing lives at risk, California State Health Officer Erica Pan said in the news release. Washington state Health Secretary Dennis Worsham said public health is about preventing illness, preventing the spread of disease, and preventing early, avoidable deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vaccines are among the most powerful tools in modern medicine; they have indisputably saved millions of lives, Oregon Health Director Sejal Hathi said. But when guidance about their use becomes inconsistent or politicized, it undermines public trust at precisely the moment we need it most. Partnership seeks expert medical advice The three states plan to coordinate their vaccine recommendations and immunization plans based on science-based evidence from respected national medical organizations, according to a joint statement from Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Andrew G. Nixon shot back in a statement Wednesday that Democrat-run states that pushed unscientific school lockdowns, toddler mask mandates, and draconian vaccine passports during the COVID era completely eroded the American peoples trust in public health agencies. He said the administrations Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices remains the scientific body guiding immunization recommendations in this country, and HHS will ensure policy is based on rigorous evidence and Gold Standard Science, not the failed politics of the pandemic. Public health agencies across nation start vaccine efforts Meanwhile, public health agencies across the country have started taking steps to ensure their states have access to vaccines after U.S. regulators came out with new policies that limited access to COVID-19 shots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois Gov. JB Pritzkers health department said last week it is seeking advice from medical experts and its own committee on COVID-19 vaccines and other immunizations for the fall respiratory season. The health department plans to provide residents with specific guidance by the end of September to help Illinois health care providers and residents make informed decisions about vaccination and protecting themselves and their loved ones, Health Director Sameer Vohra said in a statement. New Mexico said it was updating its protocols to allow the states pharmacists to consider recommendations from the states health department when administering vaccines rather than just the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This order will remove obstacles to vaccination access when it goes into effect by the end of next month, Health Secretary Gina DeBlassie said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SEE ALSO: CDC nixes $30M in federal funding for RI Health Department On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said at his request, the State Board of Pharmacy voted to protect access to COVID-19 vaccines for those most in need and make it available at CVS pharmacies across the state. Health care decisions should be up to individuals not the federal government and certainly not RFK Jr. Shapiro said in a statement. My administration will continue to protect health care access for all Pennsylvanians. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has directed health officials to ensure access to updated COVID-19 vaccines. The states Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ned Calonge issued an order to allow pharmacists to provide COVID-19 vaccines without individual prescriptions. The order takes effect on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, public officials from eight Northeast states met in Rhode Island to discuss coordinating vaccine recommendations. The group included all the New England states except for New Hampshire, as well as New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat who has been critical of federal cuts to public health funding and restrictions on vaccines, said her state was leading the bipartisan coalition. Were going to make sure that people get the vaccines they need no matter what the Trump administration does, she said in a statement. Gov. Dan McKee told 12 News the state will continue to follow the guidelines put forth by doctors and professionals at the Rhode Island Department of Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, McKee said the Health Department has already clarified that anyone over the age of 5 years old should get vaccinated, especially for COVID-19. I dont see any reason to reverse that at all, McKee said. Were going to follow the lead of the doctors and professionals. A spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Public Health said Wednesday that cross-border meetings are nothing new. Public health challenges extend beyond state lines, making collaboration essential for effective response and prevention efforts, the agency said in a statement. Last months meetings allowed the states to share numerous public health best strategies to meet the needs of our states at a time of federal health restructuring and cuts. States have come together before The West Coast Alliance isnt the first time Democratic-led states have banded together to coordinate policies related to public health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the first months of the coronavirus pandemic, states formed regional alliances to gain buying power for respirators, gloves and other personal protective equipment for frontline workers and to coordinate reopening their largely shuttered economies. Governors in the Northeast and West Coast all but one of them Democrats announced separate regional groups in 2020 hours after Trump said on social media that it would be his decision when to open up the states. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. The US intensified pressure on Latin America to crack down on cartels, pledging to help some countries and threatening military force against others. Mexico agreed to expand cooperation with Washington, and Ecuador hopes to finalize new security accords during US Secretary of State Marco Rubios tour of the region. But Mexico which has been threatened with steep US tariffs and even unilateral military intervention has kept details of its deal under wraps, hoping to avoid nationalistic backlash, an expert told Bloomberg. Meanwhile US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said military action against Latin Americas cartels would continue, a decision that came a day after the US Navy killed 11 alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers in a strike. Sep. 3The Washington Supreme Court likely will decide the fate of a voter-approved initiative that bars state and local laws that restrict or discourage the usage of natural gas. The court announced Wednesday it would accept a direct review of a lawsuit after a King County Superior Court judge found earlier this year that Initiative 2066, which voters passed during the 2024 election, was unconstitutional and violated the state's single-subject rule. The initiative prohibits state and local governments from restricting access to natural gas and prohibits the state building code council from discouraging or penalizing its usage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure repealed recent updates to the state building code that disincentivized the use of natural gas appliances in favor of electrical ones. It also repealed portions of a bill signed in 2024 that sought to expedite the transition from natural gas for large combination utilities like Puget Sound Energy. The voter-approved initiative received 51.7% of the vote statewide and found broader support in Spokane County, with 59.9% of voters backing it. Shortly after the election, the City of Seattle, King County and a collection of environmental groups challenged the voter-approved initiative. In March, Superior Court Judge Sandra Widlan found that the initiative was "so broad, it requires a thorough examination of statutes" to determine its impact, according to a press release from Climate Solutions. In her ruling, Widlan said the intent of the single-subject rule was to prevent "logrolling," a practice where an unpopular policy is attached to a more popular policy that is passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and the Building Industry Association of Washington announced it would appeal the decision to the state's highest court. Greg Lane, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Washington, one of the prime sponsors of the initiative, said in a statement Wednesday that the initiative ensured that "Washington residents and businesses can access natural gas if they want it." "The initiative was clear and voters clearly understood they were voting for energy choice," Lane said. Lane added that the association was "confident the Washington State Supreme Court will reject this latest challenge as the frivolous claim it is." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Faulk, a spokesperson for Brown, said in a statement Wednesday that "We appreciate the court granting our request." "The office will continue to defend the constitutionality of the initiative," Faulk said. While the case has not yet been set on the court's calendar, it could be scheduled for the upcoming fall or winter. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A new mens prison that she advocated for may be a reason why Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko is leaving South Dakota. Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Tuesday that Wasko would resign. Her resignation is effective Oct. 20, according a copy of her Sept. 1 resignation letter provided by Rhoden. The letter does not cite specific reasons for the resignation, but said, I have been discussing this decision with my family over the course of the last few months and made the decision to seek other opportunities. Tea man argues self defense in 2024 murder case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wasko was appointed DOC Secretary in February of 2022 by then-Gov. Kristi Noem She officially started in March. Wasko told a state incarceration construction study committee in July of 2022 her first facilities priority matched the DLR Group a new 1,372-bed male facility in Sioux Falls that could be expanded to 1,500. Less than a year later, Wasko stressed the shortcomings the mens prison in Sioux Falls. Its unsafe and its inefficient to staff, Wasko said on Feb. 22, 2023 about the mens prison in Sioux Falls. Its got the highest vacancy rate and the highest overtime and double-time expenses as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a possible project that once seemed to have broad support in the legislature led to a special session for this month and criticism of Wasko and the DOC. Signs of possible dissent toward a new mens prison started on Feb. 27, 2023, when Republican Rep. Marty Overweg and Republican Rep. Liz May opposed bills that would help fund a new womens prison and new mens prison. Overweg said then he didnt oppose a new mens prison but was worried about what he called an open checkbook. Organized opposition to a new mens prison started not long after the state selected a site in Lincoln County between Harrisburg and Canton in October of 2023. That opposition grew as the price for a mens prison increased from an estimated $600 million total DOC facilities project released in 2021 to the $825 million guaranteed maximum price rejected earlier this year. Wasko and the DOC were the subject of criticism and questions most often from October of 2023 through a Sept. 1 letter signed by 20 members of the House that called for a clean up of the DOC. Most of those who signed the letter had supported funding for what was then an $850 million prison project earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sept. 1 letter questioned how the DOC could reduce an $850 million prison project to $650 million. The $650 million prison project cap was agreed upon by the Rhodens Prison Project Reset task force. The states consultant recently said a 1,500 bed prison could be designed with that $650 million cap. 2 farmers to pay $4 million in crop insurance fraud South Dakota Corrections Commission member and Republican Rep. John Hughes from Sioux Falls said in a Wednesday interview that he agrees that Wasko should resign. Generally, when a leader starts to lose the support and trust, it is time to leave, Hughes said. But, Hughes said, hes not sure why the 20 Sept. 1 letter signers didnt ask the money and other questions of Wasko and the DOC during the recent legislative session. Why didnt they raise those questions with Wasko before? Hughes said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hughes has his own concerns about prison plan with a $650 million cap that lawmakers are expected to vote on during a Sept. 26 special session. Hes not confident the cap can be enforced without a guaranteed maximum price. Prison needs have been kicked down the road since the days after (former Gov. George) Mickelson, Hughes said. The state needs to address prison needs, including rehabilitation and recidivism, he said. In addition to making a new mens prison a priority, Wasko said not long after she started in March of 2022 that she wanted to increase pay and provide more professional training for DOC staff. She also said rehabilitation and related programs in the DOC system needed to improve but overcrowding and improving safety were also priorities. I think we still have some work cut out for us to try and lay a better path for recruitment, Wasko said in a March 31, 2022, KELOLAND News story. We really need to make corrections look like an environment where they can grow. Improve our training programs, improve the tools that we provide for them to manage the population and provide that ongoing training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem announced on Aug. 18, 2022, that starting salaries for DOC officers would increase to $23.50 an hour. Existing employees would get raises of up to $28 an hour. There is still much work left to do, including newer and safer facilities, and we are committed to getting that accomplished, Wasko said in statement released on Aug. 18, 2022. Staff turnover had been the subject of lawmaker discussions before Wasko started. Vacancy rates reached 20% in 2020 about 27% in 2020 and 2021. Although vacancies had declined at some DOC facilities, Wasko said in a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting on Jan. 12, 2023, that improvements for DOC staff were still needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not a recruitment problem. Its a retention problem, Wasko told the committee. She said changes were needed there. It was breaking a pattern that had been for thirty years, she said. Lawmakers question decision to send S.D. National Guard to Washington DC Wasko stressed the need to improve safety at the mens prison, and had said the prison condition has safety issues. There were several violent episodes during her time. Two correctional officers at the South Dakota State Penitentiary were attacked by two inmates in August of 2023. This year, there were multiple assaults in a May incident at the prison. There have been violent incidents at the prison before Waskos turn as DOC Secretary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During public discussions in the legislative sessions, task force and other meetings, the issue of recidivism was frequently mentioned as part of the new prison discussion. Some prison opponents, or those with concerns, said the state needed to reduce recidivism, and that should be a priority with a mens prison. That should be priority for the DOC now, Hughes said. He believes the DOC has not made recidivism a priority, including as part of any new mens prison discussion. According to state data, the recidivism rate for prisoners in 2019 was about 41% before rising to 43% in 2020. Recidivism includes inmates on parole who re-offend and then, return to prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wasko said during a budget hearing with the legislative joint committee on appropriations in January of 2023 that there was no continuation of rehabilitation for inmates paroled in South Dakota, which combined with the drug problems facing South Dakota, was likely to result in people relapsing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MAGA Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has issued a stark warning to President Donald Trump amid their high-profile divorce. The Georgia Republican told CBS News that she is starting to feel very sorry for the 79-year-old, saying that his attacks on her reflect poorly on him. The great schism began when Greene, 50, broke with him on the cost-of-living crisis, which Trump insists is a hoax, and the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) Surveillance footage obtained by 12 News shows the moments a North Kingstown police officer was seriously hurt last month during an undercover sting operation. The video from Rhode Island State Police shows what happened when Detective J. Dylan Navakauskas confronted Alec Perry, a suspect in a sexual exploitation case. BACKGROUND: North Kingstown officer struck by car in undercover sting arrest Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perry, 30, of Pawtucket, was at a park-and-ride in North Kingstown, allegedly thinking he was going to be meeting a 13-year-old girl, according to police. The surveillance footage shows officers in two unmarked vehicles attempting to block in Perrys car. When the officers got out to apprehend Perry, police said he accelerated and ran over Navakauskas, who was standing in front of the vehicle. The officers opened fire on the car, but police have not said whether Perry or his vehicle were struck. Perry was later arrested after he crashed and tried to run away. Perry now faces several charges including felony assault, assault of a police officer, and indecent solicitation of a child. At the time of his arrest, he was on probation for previous charges including assault and first-degree robbery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navakauskas was treated at Rhode Island Hospital and released. 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 Center Square) Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he will go to court if President Donald Trump sends the National Guard to Chicago. The governor visited a public school in Berwyn Thursday and was asked what he would do if the president deployed the Guard to help prevent crime. Were going to immediately go to court if National Guard or other military troops are sent, deployed to the city of Chicago, Pritzker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Wednesday, Trump expressed frustration with Pritzkers lack of cooperation with his administration. The president said crime is the number one issue for Republicans against Democrats. They are against preventing crime. They are fighting us. I want to go into Chicago and have that incompetent governor, that doesnt want us, Trump said. The president said the people of Chicago support him, and he said his administration could straighten the city out. Pritzker suggested Thursday that the Trump administration had a nefarious plan to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement to cause mayhem and then claim the need for military troops to protect ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to do everything we can again to alleviate the challenge on the people of Chicago if in fact the president is trying to bring troops into Chicago, military troops, Pritzker said. State Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills, questioned why some media use the term threat to refer to the National Guard. Its a threat coming from Washington, a threat. Im trying to understand why an American in uniform, standing on a street corner trying to protect other Americans, is a threat to anyone, McLaughlin said. McLaughlin said the real threat is to those who have a failed record when it comes to public safety. (The Center Square) The Washington Supreme Court announced Wednesday that it will take up a case involving the constitutionality of Initiative 2066, which would require utilities to provide natural gas service to any eligible customer who requests it and would repeal regulations that restricted natural gas use. I-2066 passed by a narrow margin in November 2024, with about 52% of voters in favor. In March, King County Superior Court Judge Sandra Widlan ruled I-2066 unconstitutional, claiming it violated the state's single-subject rule for initiatives. Widlan found that the initiative was too broad and improperly combined multiple unrelated subjects, which could confuse voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Justice Debra Stephens wrote that Washingtons highest court will hear the case instead of transferring it to the Court of Appeals. Just ahead of Widlan's ruling, former Gov. Jay Inslee, who championed policies concerning climate change during his 12 years in office, told The Center Square he was confident the measure would be found unconstitutional. My view is the initiative threw a curveball to voters, Inslee explained, because it included so many things that were extraneous to the original proposal. Some were voting on one issue, and some were voting on a different issue. Shortly after Widlans decision, state Attorney General Nick Brown and the Building Industry Association of Washington asked the state Supreme Court to review the case directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While I personally disagreed with I-2066, it was passed by Washington voters and is the law of the state, Brown said in a late May news release. My job as Attorney General is to enforce and defend the laws of Washington, and I will continue to vigorously do so in this case. BIAW Vice President Greg Lane spoke with The Center Square shortly after the announcement by the state Supreme Court. We were anticipating at some point we would get word, so I'm not surprised, but I'm certainly very pleased, Lane said. There was always the chance that they wouldn't take it up, but given the important constitutional issue at hand here, typically the Supreme Court takes these types of cases on direct review. Lane noted voters supported I-2066. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were able to collect 546,000 signatures, which was the second most ever in that period of time, he said, referring to the tight schedule initiative supporters had for gathering enough signatures to qualify it for the fall 2024 ballot. It's just really the public responded to protecting natural gas, and protecting their choice, and not having it dictated to them. He called it ludicrous to suggest that voters were confused by I-2066. Voters knew what they were voting for, said Lane. They passed this initiative, and they deserve to have this resolved. With the ultimate fate of I-2066 still to be decided, the Washington Building Code Council has held off on making any changes to building codes regarding natural gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the crisis that we're in in terms of affordable housing in our entire state right now, with the new energy code added, depending on the size of your house, [it adds] anywhere between $12,000 to $20,000 onto the new price of a home, Lane explained. This really is a direct hit to consumers, both in higher utility rates, having to make that cost of conversion from natural gas to electricity, and then also adding the price of housing overall. Consumers should have the choice of the energy source that they utilize in their home, and they can make wise choices. Some will choose to go electric, and some will choose to stick with natural gas because it's more reliable and it's less expensive, and they should have the right to do that. There was no indication from the state Supreme Court when it will hear arguments in the case, but its likely the court will take it up later this year. And then after we have the hearing, we'll have to wait some period of time for the decision to come out, Lane said. Hopefully, they expedite that decision and get it out there but it'll be in 2026 before we ultimately have a decision from the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legal options remain, he said, even if the state Supreme Court strikes down the initiative. Congress also is considering a bill that would prevent state and local governments from banning natural gas across the country, Lane said. So, we're working on supporting that bill and trying to get that passed through Congress. The Trump administration is also, through the Department of Justice, examining states that are putting undue burdens on to ratepayers and people regarding energy choices. So, you know, there are a lot of things happening at the federal level, but the most effective change would be to have Initiative 2066 upheld. Thats what the people decided in the state of Washington. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Four people are hospitalized after an explosion in Moody County Wednesday night. Officials say the incident happened about two miles west of Trent near 475th Avenue around 6 p.m. One person was airlifted to a nearby hospital. The other three were taken by ambulance. According to the Moody County Sheriffs Office, crews working on a water line project were trying to release air pressure from one of the lines when it exploded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 farmers to pay $4 million in crop insurance fraud KELOLAND News spoke with a couple people at various worksites in the area. None of them could confirm the exact location of where the explosion happened at. This is a developing story. Stay with KELOALND News on-air and online for more details as they come. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Waxhaw police search for bank robbery suspect Waxhaw Police said there was a robbery call at about 3:15 p.m. Thursday at the State Employees Credit Union on South Providence Road. ALSO READ: Police warn Waxhaw residents about jury duty scam Officers are searching for a male who is about 5-feet, 7-inches tall wearing a white shirt with black writing. Call 911 if you see him and dont approach him. At 5:40 p.m., police said they believed the suspect left the area and there is no danger to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No additional details have been made available. This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates. VIDEO: Saved the day: 6-year-old boys warning prevents train derailment in Waxhaw Rob Cartwright - CBS Boston Rob Cartwright has been named vice president of news for CBS Boston (WBZ-TV). Cartwright joins WBZ from CBS affiliate KEYE-TV in Austin, and Telemundo Austin, where he served as news director since 2014. Cartwright has nearly 30 years of experience in broadcast journalism. "Rob is a proven newsroom leader with a passion for local journalism and a track record of excellence," said Johnny Green, president and general manager of CBS Boston. "His experience, integrity and dedication to community-focused reporting make him the ideal person to lead our news team into the future." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am deeply honored to join the incredible team at WBZ," said Cartwright. "This station's dedication to serving the Greater Boston community with trusted, impactful journalism has long been a benchmark in local news. I look forward to collaborating with our talented newsroom to elevate storytelling across broadcast, streaming and digital platforms, continuing the station's legacy while meeting the evolving needs of our viewers." Before he worked in Austin, Cartwright was news director at WSYR-TV in Syracuse, N.Y., and held news management positions in Washington, D.C., and Dallas, Texas. He started his career as a news producer in San Antonio after graduating from Texas State University in 1996. Cartwright is a Carol Kneeland Project for Responsible Journalism fellow, a member of the Radio Television Digital News Association and a recipient of numerous industry honors, including the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast. WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) A father and son were arrested in connection to an alleged child abuse incident in Washington County, Tennessee on Tuesday. Deputies from the Washington County, Tennessee Sheriffs Office (WCSO) responded to a call around 10:30 p.m. from a woman reporting that her estranged husband was chasing her on Bob Crookshanks Road. The victim identified her husband as 35-year-old Gary Wayne Necessary III, according to a news release from the WCSO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Crime Watch When deputies met with the victim, she explained that she went to Necessarys residence to drop off one of her three children with Necessary, who is their father, the WCSO stated in the release. Two of the children were spending the night there, but when she arrived at the residence, Necessary appeared intoxicated. She then left the residence with all three children in her vehicle. Necessary pursued them in his vehicle, tailgating her and eventually side-swiping her vehicle. Necessary was arrested around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday alongside his father, Gary Wayne Necessary Jr., who allegedly helped his son evade police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gary Wayne Necessary III has been charged with three counts of aggravated child abuse, one count of aggravated domestic assault and vandalism. As of Thursday, hes being held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center. Gary Wayne Necessary Jr. was charged with accessory after the fact. He reportedly made his $10,000 bond. Both are set to appear in court Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW Violet Yacobi was found dead in her Beverly Hills home on Oct. 10, 2017 On Feb. 12, 2018, Daniel Yacobi was arrested and later charged with murdering his mother He said he hated his mother and he hated his father, a witness testified at Daniel's murder trial It was unusual for Violet Yacobi to be out of touch with her family. The 67-year-olda recently widowed mother of two grown children and grandmother of onewas nearing the end of a year-long period of mourning for her husband Solomon, a physician who died in 2016, and was preparing to resume her active social life and making plans to visit family in Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A day rarely passed without Violet, who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1980s after living in the Soviet Union and Israel, calling one of her kidsdaughter Dina, 56, and son Daniel, 43or her mother and brothers, who also lived in the area. So on Oct. 10, 2017, when she didnt respond to a call from her brother about driving her to the mechanic for her car, the family grew concerned. Alerted by their uncle, Dina and Daniel met at the familys $8 million home in Beverly Hills just after 7 p.m. that evening, to check on their mother and made a horrifying discovery: Violet was dead, lying on the marble floor near the foot of the grand staircase. Police found no sign of forced entry and initially didnt suspect foul play, suggesting that she had died from an accident or suicide. On what would have been Violets 68th birthday, Jan. 8, 2018, Daniel wrote on Facebook: I know you and Dad are up there smiling down on us. Paul Giamou Photography Ltd/Getty Violet Yacobi's $8 million home in Beverly Hills Violet Yacobi's $8 million home in Beverly Hills The sudden death of the quiet widow saddened friends and neighbors, but what followedafter a coroner determined she had died by asphyxiationsent the family into a state of shock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 12, 2018, Daniel was arrested and later charged with murdering his mother. His motivation? Greed. According to prosecutors, Danielwho pleaded not guiltystood to inherit half of Violets $12 million estate. He choked the life out of her, said L.A. County Deputy District Attorney Shane Michael at Yacobis trial which began on July 21, 2025, after years of delay. [He] left her there in her homethe home he lived in as a young person going to high school and when he graduated from college. Daniel Yacobi in court in 2018 On the surface, the Yacobis appeared to be just another family enjoying a comfortable life in a posh L.A. neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violet had spent earlier years raising her children, teaching piano and shopping with friends, while her husband Solomon was a general practitioner. She was the matron of the family, says real estate consultant Galina Blackman, who occasionally ran into Violet at high-end retailers. She was always taking care of her husband, her kids, her siblings. Thats who she was. Her son Daniel had graduated from Boston Universitys dental school in 2007. He opened a practice in Simi Valley, Calif., and worked in offices around the Los Angeles area. But by 2015, business stalled. When he found out I did PR, he tried to get advice, says patient Trish Brown. He was struggling to keep the doors open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more about the murder of Violet Yacobi, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick up this week's issue, on newsstands Friday. Daniel Yacobi Only a few people apparently knew that pressure was brewing within the family. Dean Summers, the brother of one of Daniels neighbors, testified at his trial that, prior to Violets death, Daniel was deeply depressed. He told me [his parents] pushed him into dentistry, and that he hated being in dentistry, and that his mother was very controlling, Summers said. He said he hated his mother and he hated his father. And family friend Joseph Mamalinger told law enforcement about a troubling question that Daniel asked him weeks before his mother died. We were having a conversation about dental practices and in the middle of that [he says], Hey, what do you know about inheritance tax? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamalinger told police he replied, I think your mom is healthy. Why are you asking me that? Mamalinger said Danielwho authorities claim had searched online does the choke hold create a bruise?became flushed and left. 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. Prosecutors presented geo-location data tracking Daniels white Jaguar to Beverly Hills, where surveillance footage showed the car in the alley behind his mothers house around 4 p.m. on Oct. 9, 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within the next four hours, they argued, Daniel entered the house and strangled Violet. Yacobis defense attorney, however, countered with the findings of a forensic pathologist who said Violet died from blunt force trauma consistent with a fall from a second-story balcony. It took jurors one day to find Daniel guilty of first-degree murder and true the special allegation that the killing was committed for financial gainand to deliver justice for Violet nearly eight years after her tragic death. Daniel, who faces the possibility of life in prison without parole, will be sentenced on Oct. 3. It's tragic in every way for everyone, says a friend of Daniels. His daughter lost a father. The family is torn apart. So, there's no positive outcome. Read the original article on People (WBRE/WYOU) After days without rain for most of northeastern and central Pennsylvania, things will change on Thursday. A cold front is moving into western Pennsylvania on Thursday morning, progressing to the east. By the afternoon and evening, showers and storms will push from central PA into eastern PA. A few storms may become strong to severe with damaging winds and a few downpours as the main concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given how dry its been, the flood threat is very low. Crash on I-80 had shut down all lanes of traffic It will be noticeably more humid Thursday into Saturday until a secondary cold front sweeps through Saturday afternoon. Much cooler and less humid weather returns by early next week. You can track the storms in real time with the Future Alert Interactive Radar, and always, if you see weather happening in your area, send your pictures and videos to Report It. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. By Charlie Devereux MADRID (Reuters) -The hot, dry and windy conditions this summer that fueled the worst wildfires in Spain for at least three decades are 40 times more likely to recur due to human-caused climate change, according to an analysis by World Weather Attribution. World Weather Attribution is an international collaboration that has conducted over 110 studies on the possible influence of climate change on extreme weather events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weather data analysed by a group of 13 scientists found that the extreme conditions that drove last month's fires in the northwest of the Iberian peninsula, including Portugal, were likely to recur every 15 years due to today's climate. The climate is 1.3 degrees Celsius (34.3 Fahrenheit) warmer compared to pre-industrial levels when such events would be expected to occur every 500 years. Forest fires ravaged more than 1 million hectares of land in the European Union this summer, with Spain and Portugal accounting for about two-thirds of that total. The fires killed at least eight people, forced the evacuation of thousands and shut railway and motorway traffic in several areas. They coincided with a 16-day heatwave that was the most intense since records began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Extreme weather is becoming more frequent, but deaths and damages are preventable," said Theodore Keeping, a researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy Imperial College London. "For wildfires, there's an urgent need to control vegetation in rural areas, particularly land that has been abandoned by farmers and shepherds," he added. "Ultimately, though, the world needs to stop burning oil, gas and coal." Heatwaves of similar intensity will occur every 13 years compared to every 2,500 years if there was no man-made climate change, the study found. The scientists analysed the 'Daily Severity Rating' (DSR), a metric that considers temperature, humidity, wind speed and rain to estimate the potential intensity of a wildfire and how difficult it will be to extinguish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study focused on the 10 most intense days of the DSR each year and the 10 hottest days each summer in northwestern Spain and northern Portugal. (Reporting by Charlie Devereux, editing by Andrei Khalip and Gareth Jones) (WHTM) A new website was launched to make it easier for Pennsylvania SNAP recipients to report requirements they have to meet from a recently passed Republican budget bill by Congress. The website has details about who is impacted due to the bill being passed, how to meet work and reporting requirements. No one can work, learn, support their families, or participate in their communities if they are hungry and do not have enough to eat every day. Programs like SNAP exist to help people meet the basic need of putting food on their tables so that they can live and thrive, DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said. These new requirements put in place by Republicans in Washington, D.C., jeopardize this critical resource by creating burdensome red tape for people needing food. The Shapiro Administration is committed to helping Pennsylvanians through this change and, where possible, minimizing the dangerous impacts of Congressional Republicans limiting access to food assistance for Pennsylvanians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter SNAP recipients have to report at least 20 hours of work, education, training or volunteering per week if they are: between 18 and 54 years old, do not have a dependent child under 18 and they are physically and mentally able to work. If recipients dont meet those requirements, then they can get three months of SNAP benefits within a three-year period. The DHS is also sending out a voluntary survey to those who might be impacted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This five-part investigation was conducted by Conexion Migrante and Factchequeado with support from the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) Disarming Disinformation program. Puedes leer esta nota en espanol haciendo clic aqui. After exploring several options to legalize her stay in Mexico, Alicia, whose real name we are withholding for security reasons, received a call on her cell phone that seemed to bring her hope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had already managed to reach the city of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, in northern Mexico, just south of Texas, and had secured an appointment with immigration officials in the United States through the CBP One app, implemented by the Biden administration to try to manage the growing number of migrants arriving in the country in search of asylum. But after Donald Trump took office last January, her plans changed. The person who called her in March 2025 told her that they knew of her interest in working in North America, claimed to be calling from the organization Asylum Access, and that they had a work visa for her in Canada. If she was willing to change her destination, they could help her. She just had to go to their offices, located in a shopping mall. Alicia accepted immediately and took note of the papers she had to bring. Most importantly, they gave her a reference number, which they said was required to enter the offices. They even offered her a discount on the visa fee for being among the first to agree to go to Canada. But she looked up the address they had given her online and found that it was a little far from downtown Monterrey. It was a commercial space in the municipality of Santa Catarina, in the suburbs, so she searched for the Asylum Access website and called the number listed to confirm the location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's when she realized that they had tried to deceive and scam her, because Asylum Access does not make such offers and its offices were located in downtown Monterrey, not on the outskirts. Facade of the business that used the name of the organization Asylum Access to commit fraud. / Photo: Teresa Gonzalez Asylum Access decided to warn on its social media accounts on March 12, 2025, that someone was spreading false job offers under its name in exchange for payment. In this investigation, we went to the municipality of Santa Catarina, Nuevo Leon, to visit the place where Alicia was summoned, an open-air shopping plaza with a gym, a pharmacy, and several local services surrounding an outdoor parking lot. When we asked about the people in charge of the office, people working in the plaza reported that the business had closed in mid-March and that at least a dozen people had gone to ask about them. Agents from the Nuevo Leon Attorney General's Office also went to investigate the premises, which offered not only work visas for North America, but also retirement and pension services with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS, for its acronym in Spanish) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staff at the plaza reported that the premises had not been formally handed over, so they considered it to be still in operation and that those responsible had to answer to the administration. Advertisement for legal services related to immigration near the immigration station in Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon. / Photo: Teresa Gonzalez Arturo Gomez, Program Coordinator at Asylum Access, explained that since Trump's immigration policies were tightened, they began recording cases of identity theft and attempts to commit fraud by impersonating the organizations staff. With the logo or claiming to be part of Asylum Access, or even with emails from people who do work with us, but which are not sent by the team, he said. In his opinion, these are attempts at fraud by people linked to work with migrants who have access to their personal data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have people's data, which can probably also be obtained from the same platforms that provide access to records, for example, from COMAR, all those records are electronic, he said. *Fourth of a 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. 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 Officials in California, Oregon and Washington have formed a vaccine and health alliance as Florida becomes the first state to end all vaccine mandates in schools. The West Coast Health Alliance, announced Wednesday, is a unified regional response to the Trump Administrations destruction of the U.S. CDCs credibility and scientific integrity, according to a statement from the states governors. The alliance is designed to provide residents with evidence-based unified recommendations for immunizations. The states Democratic governors cited President Donald Trumps mass firing of CDC doctors and scientists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC has become a political tool that increasingly peddles ideology instead of science, ideology that will lead to severe health consequences, the governors said. California, Oregon, and Washington will not allow the people of our states to be put at risk. In response to the newly formed alliance, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon accused Democratic-led states of having completely eroded the American peoples trust in public health agencies during the Covid-19 pandemic. California, Oregon and Washington have formed the West Coast Health Alliance in response to 'the Trump Administrations destruction of the U.S. CDCs credibility and scientific integrity' (Getty Images) [The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices] remains the scientific body guiding immunization recommendations in this country, and HHS will ensure policy is based on rigorous evidence and Gold Standard Science, not the failed politics of the pandemic, Nixon said in a statement. Few specifics have been offered as to how the new alliance could influence which vaccines are available in their states, according to OPB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One option is a bulk vaccine purchasing, according to the outlet. Dr Sejal Hathi, head of the Oregon Health Authority, said the alliance is exploring all possible avenues for expanding access and coverage of vaccines, including coordinated purchasing and access programs. She added the goal is to ensure continued access to vaccines with no out-of-pocket costs. These three states arent the only ones considering their own vaccine guidance in response to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic who has promoted conspiracy theories, including false claims about Covid-19. Health officials from several northeastern states including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont met two weeks ago to discuss formulating their own vaccine recommendations for residents, NBC Boston reports. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo also announced Wednesday that the state will move to no longer require students to receive certain routine and safe vaccines to attend K-12 school, marking the end of a decades-old public health practice thats still used in every other U.S. state and Washington, D.C. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo speaks alongside Governor Ron DeSantis as the pair announce the end of vaccine requirements for children attending school (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Many Democrats slammed the move, and some Republicans even joined in. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican and a physician, called the move a terrible thing for public health, according to The New York Times. Cassidy supported Kennedys nomination earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to start having vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks at school, youre going to have children who come to school with measles and infect other people who either have not been vaccinated or have some sort of disease, like cancer, Cassidy said. States are scrambling to issue their own vaccine guidelines as federal health officials decry changes to the CDC under Kennedy. Last week, Kennedy ousted CDC Director Susan Monarez and replaced her with his deputy, Jim O'Neill. A flurry of resignations hit the agency soon after, with four top agency leaders departing last Wednesday. The ex-leaders all slammed the administrations changes to the CDC, and warned that public health could suffer as a result. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who left his post leading the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, condemned Kennedy in his resignation letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am not sure who the Secretary is listening to, but it is quite certainly not to us, Daskalakis wrote. Unvetted and conflicted outside organizations seem to be the sources HHS use over the gold standard science of CDC and other reputable sources. The intentional eroding of trust in low-risk vaccines favoring natural infection and unproven remedies will bring us to a pre-vaccine era where only the strong will survive and many if not all will suffer, he added. Former CDC official Demetre Daskalakis warned that the intentional eroding of trust in low-risk vaccines could have drastic public health consequences (Getty) Nine former CDC directors then published a guest essay Monday in The New York Times, accusing Kennedy of endangering every Americans health. What the health and human services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has done to the C.D.C. and to our nations public health system over the past several months culminating in his decision to fire Susan Monarez as C.D.C. director days ago is unlike anything we had ever seen at the agency and unlike anything our country had ever experienced, the ex-directors wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy, in an apparent response to this wave of criticism, published an op-ed Tuesday in The Wall Street Journal claiming the CDC must restore public trustand that restoration has begun. Kennedy said he plans to restore the CDCs focus on infectious disease, invest in innovation, and rebuild trust through integrity and transparency. More than 1,000 Health and Human Services employees also signed an open letter published Wednesday morning demanding Kennedys resignation. Should he decline to resign, we call upon the president and U.S. Congress to appoint a new secretary of health and human services, one whose qualifications and experience ensure that health policy is informed by independent and unbiased peer-reviewed science, the letter reads. We expect those in leadership to act when the health of Americans is at stake. WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) West Hartford residents voiced their frustrations over close calls with speeding drivers at a meeting Wednesday night in which town leaders showcased their plans to add speed cameras. A drunk driver went through a red light at a high rate of speed and hit my father in a pedestrian zone, Stephen Blanchfield said. Police identify pedestrian struck and killed in West Hartford Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some town residents said they were tired of close calls with speeders, while others said they did not want anyone else to become a victim. I am legally blind, Todd Hansen said. I have never had the privilege of a drivers license, I lost my eyesight at eight years old when I got hit by a car riding a bicycle. West Hartford officials are narrowing down potential locations for speed cameras down to 15 after analyzing data from test sites throughout the town. Some roads have drivers who go 10-20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Town manager Rick Ledwith listed Simsbury Road, Mountain Road, New Britain Avenue, N. Main Street, S. Main Street and Fern Street as some of the roadways that feature speeding drivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday was the second meeting about the issue. News 8 was at both meetings, and more people are now in favor of the plan, but want to hear more details about the plan, where the cameras will be, and how it is all going to work. $50 across the board for your first offense your second violation will be $75, Ledwith said. The town received a Safe Streets for All grant for 15 cameras, and once in place, there will be a 30-day window where they will only give out warnings. You have to be traveling 10 mph over the speed limit to get a ticket. We are really trying to change the culture in West Hartford, Ledwith said. We want people to know when youre here we want you to be safe and we are going to do what we can to make you safe, whether its engineering on our streets, (or) if thats enforcement and education as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town plans to submit their plan to the Connecticut Department of Transportation by the end of September, and have approval sometime in October. On that timeline cameras could be up and running as early as mid-2026, followed by red light cameras. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Ten months ago, Rhys Kharmai-Freed was fighting to grow stronger. This weekend, hell be one of 500 people featured on a giant screen in Times Square during the National Down Syndrome Societys Buddy Walk video presentation. His moms, Nadira Kharmai and Laura Freed, say the moment will cap a year of fear, faith and firsts. I had him in my arms. I jumped up, and I ran over to her, and I was like, He got in, Kharmai said of the moment she found out Rhys would be on the Times Square video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was awesome, Freed added. The photo of Rhys Kharmai-Freed that will appear in Times Square. (Courtesy Jodi Hays Photography via Nadira Kharmai) The celebration lands after a long stretch of uncertainty. Its just been a hard road, right? Of his pregnancy and then birth, and then some of his medical challenges. So it was just kind of a great spot in our journey, Freed said. She and Kharmai learned early in the pregnancy that Rhys might have Down syndrome. I was about 14 weeks I remember that day so vividly. It was like the world just came crashing down on me, Kharmai said. I was just really, really scared of what the future could look like. Rhys first months were intense. We definitely hit our deductible in, like, February, Kharmai said. Hes had a couple stays at the hospital. Hes had RSV. He had a procedure to close a hole in his heart, and, at three days old, he had surgery to correct something called duodenal atresia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The neonatal intensive care unit became their second home. When he arrived, he was whisked away. I visited him in the NICU twice a day, Kharmai explained about recovering from childbirth while supporting Rhys. It felt like crawling up to that bridge. It took me 30 minutes. It should have taken five, but I did that every day for a month. Rhys Kharmai-Freeds first months were intense. (Courtesy Nadira Kharmai) Rhys Kharmai-Freeds first months were intense. (Courtesy Nadira Kharmai) Rhys Kharmai-Freeds first months were intense. (Courtesy Nadira Kharmai) FINDING STRENGTH Being an interracial, same-sex couple in West Michigan already made Kharmai and Freed feel visible. Adding a child with special needs seemed intimidating at first. We cant protect our kids from the hate that exists in the world, but we can lead by example, be a part of a community and be good neighbors, Freed said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community support carried them through. Neighbors, church members and other parents stepped in when the family needed them most. I cant tell you how many people came over with meals, Kharmai explained. People from an old church, friends from university, neighbors that maybe we dont even really know that well. They also found a new community, in other parents who have childen with Down syndrome. They offered baskets of comfort, mentorship and reassurance. Perfect strangers holding your hand, saying, Its gonna be OK,' Freed said. Kids find friendship at first sight at Mary Free Bed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the family is headed to New York City to see Rhys on the big screen. I think its just such a message of inclusion, of hope, of joy, celebrating differences, Kharmai said. Its such a wonderful testament that we all belong. We can create unity, if we can just accept each other. Freed cant help but smile about Rhys big personality. He might be (the youngest face on the billboard). He definitely has the most hair, she joked. Their hope is simple: that the world sees what theyve learned at home. People with Down syndrome are capable, Kharmai said. They can live a meaningful and fulfilling life, and theyre even capable of shining in the bright lights of New York City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Utah County Health Department staff member collects samples. The department is monitoring for West Nile virus. (Photo courtesy of Utah County Health Department) Human West Nile virus cases are increasing along the Wasatch Front, two health agencies reported this week. The spread resulted in one death in Davis County. As of Wednesday there were three cases of the virus in Davis County, said Trevor Warner, communications manager at the Davis County Health Department. Two of them were neuroinvasive, a severe form of the infection that affects the central nervous system, leading the patients to be hospitalized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An individual over 60 years old died at the hospital last week, Warner said. Its the first death related to the virus in the state since 2023. (The neuroinvasive form of the virus) can result in some long-term complications or even death, Warner added. So, the more severe infections, those will include a high fever, neck stiffness, the person will be disoriented, and in some cases, have tremors or muscle weakness. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The neuroinvasive virus may also lead to other serious conditions, including meningitis, encephalitis or paralysis, the Utah County Health Department said in a news release Wednesday. However, most people infected with the virus dont develop symptoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Utah County Health Department reported five probable human cases of the West Nile virus. Four of them are neuroinvasive. The virus has been confirmed in mosquito pools and human cases across different counties in the state, so local agencies are urging residents to avoid mosquito bites. Health officials advised wearing insect repellent when outdoors, especially at dawn or dusk, as well as wearing long sleeves, pants and socks at those times, which is when mosquitoes are the most active. Utahns are also advised to eliminate standing water around homes, even small containers, ensure that doors and windows are screened, and take extra precaution if they are older or immunocompromised to avoid severe illness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Davis County, Warner said, residents can call the mosquito abatement district to request an inspection to identify potential issues with standing water or any other sources of mosquitoes. When needed, the district can spray those areas to avoid mosquitoes. Its not uncommon to have West Nile positive pools and have human cases of West Nile. But what is a little uncommon is the amount of neuroinvasive cases, and then the fact that we did have a death, Warner said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) Deputies arrested a man after a two-vehicle crash involving a school bus in Loudoun County. The Loudoun County Sheriffs Office (LCSO) said the crash between an SUV and a Loudoun County Public Schools bus happened on Wednesday at around 3:30 p.m. in the 34000 block of Leesburg Pike. Candle blamed for starting Sterling house fire, leaving family displaced A man was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, and two juveniles were treated at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, the sheriffs office said the SUV driver, Thomas Allen Broomall, 49, of Charles Town, W.Va., was arrested because he was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the crash. He was taken to the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center and held without bond. Broomall was charged with driving under the influence. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call (703) 777-1021. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PIPESTEM A tram system built back the early 70s has been replaced by a modern system featuring larger cars able to carry passengers, their bicycles and their kayaks up and down one of West Virginias scenic gorges. West Virginia State Parks officials announced Wednesday that Pipestem Resort State Parks new aerial tram is officially opening today. A ribbon-cutting ceremony getting underway at 11 a.m. After remarks from state and local leaders, the ribbon cutting will be followed by a ceremonial first tram ride into the Bluestone Gorge. Guests will then be invited to experience the Mountain Creek Lodge, enjoy samples from its new restaurant and visit the lodges gift shop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opening of this new tram is a major milestone for Pipestem Resort and a crowning achievement for West Virginias world-class state parks system, said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. For decades, Pipestems tram served as a gateway to one of our states most breathtaking landscapes. Now, with the first gondola in the world to feature Doppelmayrs Next Generation control system, Pipestem is leading the way in innovation and accessibility. Thanks to the support from our partners, this upgrade ensures visitors of all abilities can enjoy this world-class experience for decades to come. The new tram system is the capstone of more than $15 million in facility and infrastructure upgrades at Pipestem Resort, state parks officials said. Its new gondolas include technology featuring a touchscreen monitor that controls operations, records system data and directly interfaces with the manufacturer to support troubleshooting and ensure the gondolas perform optimally. Unlike the old tram system, which could not operate in winds over 24 mph, the new gondolas can safely operate in winds up to 54 mph. They are also ADA-accessible, can accommodate six passengers and the system features a dedicated freight car for bicycles, kayaks and sporting gear. Work on replacing the tram, which had been in service for over 60 years, started in December 2023. It was completed by Doppelmayr USA, which operates its eastern headquarters in Tucker County, state parks officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think people have missed it, said Jamie Null, executive director of the Mercer County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Its not like its new, but people have missed it. I think people will be glad its finally finished and they will be able to go down to the bottom of the gorge, and this time they will be able to take recreational equipment with them. Its not only back, but its better. Getting the new tram underway this time of year is a bonus, too. Were thrilled that its opening in time for the fall colors, Null said. The opening coincides with Pipestem Resort State Parks 55th anniversary. To celebrate, the park is offering $55 per-night stays at Mountain Creek Lodge on Sept. 4 to 6 and Sept. 11 to 13. Visitors can book this deal by using code TRAM at WVstateparks.com. On those same dates, tram tickets will be available for $5.55 and guests can get 55-cent ice cream scoops at The Canyon Rim Coffee and Creamery Company. Prices do not include tax. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com US and European leaders reacted with veneration, concern and stiffened resolve on Wednesday to China's epic military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Over 25 foreign leaders - including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un - joined Chinese President Xi Jinping at the showcase event marked by intimidating weaponry and choreographed troop manoeuvres. "I thought it was very, very impressive, but I understood the reason they were doing it," US President Donald Trump said in the Oval Office as he met with Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Wednesday, suggesting it was because he was watching. "And I was watching," he added. 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. Trump appeared particularly concerned that Washington was not getting enough credit. "I don't believe that America, that the United States, was acknowledged for helping China to get, to gain, its freedom," he added. "President Xi is a friend of mine, but I thought that the United States should have been mentioned last night during that speech because we helped China, very, very much." Trump said his relationship with "all of them" was very good. "We're going to find out how good it is over the next week or two," he added without further explanation. Chinese President Xi Jinping during a grand gathering commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II on Wednesday in Beijing. Photo: Xinhua alt=Chinese President Xi Jinping during a grand gathering commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II on Wednesday in Beijing. Photo: Xinhua> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This came a few hours after Trump offered his congratulations to China even as he appeared to accuse Xi, Putin and Kim of colluding. "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 wrote on Truth Social. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday on Fox News that the televised images of the parade highlighted how China and Russia were more closely aligned, signalling the importance of rebuilding the US military in "historic ways to restore the warrior ethos and re-establish deterrence". Washington does not seek conflict with "China, Russia, others", he said, even as it needs to remain vigilant. "Demonstrations of parades are fine, but they don't, hopefully, manifest [actual] military conflict," Hegseth said. "We also know how strong we are in the military advantages we have. They know that also our job's to maintain those military advantages in space, in the skies, in the sea." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth blamed closer Beijing-Moscow relations on the former presidential administration of Joe Biden. Biden adopted a strategy of strengthening US alliances, while Trump has unsettled some long-time US partners by raising tariffs and demanding higher military burden sharing. Across the Atlantic, top European Union diplomat Kaja Kallas said the autocrats gathered in Beijing were "seeking a fast track to a new world order". "This is a direct challenge to the international system built on rules," the Estonian official added at a press conference in Brussels, citing Chinese support for Russia's war with Ukraine. "It's not just symbolic." Kallas, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said Europe's geopolitical clout needs to match its economic strength in order to push back on this nascent new world order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We make all these points, but the Chinese know we're not acting on them," she said of China's unwillingness to give ground at July's summit with EU leaders in Beijing. Kallas stopped short of directly criticising the United States, citing a recent improvement in transatlantic relations. But she urged Washington to cooperate with Europe on joint policies towards China. "We should really stick together with like-minded partners," she said. "The transatlantic alliance is super important." Some social media posts on Wednesday contrasted China's imposing parade with one that Trump staged on June 14 for the 250th anniversary of the US Army - and his 79th birthday - marked by support from his base but also rainy weather, nationwide protests and criticism over its estimated US$35 million price tag. "China kinda makes our military parade look like amateur hour," said one posting on X. "I hope Trump is watching China's military parade and takes notes. This is how you do it!" said another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the cost of the Beijing event, the Chinese Embassy in Washington said it was "not familiar with the details". Analysts said Beijing had several objectives with the parade. In addition to highlighting national pride, it allowed China to showcase its military equipment to potential arms buyers Russia, North Korea and Iran, said Larry Wortzel, a fellow with the American Foreign Policy Council. "It's a long-term plan to create an alternative to the Western democratic world order that has foreign policy, defence, information and finance-economic components," said Wortzel, a former military attache with the US Embassy in Beijing. Questions related to the sophisticated weapons systems that Beijing displayed this week include whether China's military, with its recent leadership purges, has the organisational and alliance structure to deploy them effectively and whether the US has the supply chain and strategy to counter them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Assembling world leaders isn't the same as assembling a warfighting coalition," said Craig Singleton, senior China fellow at the non-partisan Foundation for Defense of Democracies. And despite this week's muscular show of force and goose-stepping soldiers, Beijing is still engaged in a geopolitical balancing act. "Beijing's triumphalist rhetoric should not be taken at face value," said Alicja Bachulska, a European Council on Foreign Relations fellow. "China is far from being able, or willing to, replace the US as a global public goods provider. Nevertheless, it is willing to exploit the current situation to build its image as a responsible and reliable partner, unlike the US under Donald Trump, and to capitalise on it." 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. (The Center Square) The states of California, Washington, Oregon and Hawaii are launching the West Coast Health Alliance to provide immunization recommendations to their residents amid concerns of federal politicization of science. The partnership will launch health guidelines informed by trusted scientists, clinicians, and other public health leaders, according to a press release. In a joint statement, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek claim Trumps mass firings within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and blatant politicization of the agency are direct assaults on Americans health and safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC has become a political tool that increasingly peddles ideology instead of science, ideology that will lead to severe health consequences, the three governors wrote in a statement. California, Oregon and Washington will not allow the people of our states to be put at risk. Hawaii joined the alliance roughly 24 hours after the launch on Wednesday. The announcement comes as a result of multiple actions taken by the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services since Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was appointed by President Donald Trump this year. Most recently, the White House appointed Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim ONeill as interim director at the CDC. ONeil who is not a physician replaces former CDC Director Susan Monarez. Her lawyers claim she had been fired for refusing to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three West Coast states previously condemned Kennedy and the Department of Health and Human Services in June when Kennedy removed all 17 members of the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The Department of Health and Human Services remains steadfast that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is the scientific body guiding immunization recommendations in the U.S. Democrat-run states that pushed unscientific school lockdowns, toddler mask mandates, and draconian vaccine passports during the COVID era completely eroded the American peoples trust in public health agencies, said Health and Human Services Press Secretary Emily Hilliard in an email to The Center Square. [Health and Human Services] will ensure policy is based on rigorous evidence and Gold Standard Science, not the failed politics of the pandemic. State Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, chair of the Washington State Republican Party, noted the alliance announcement does not challenge the CDCs numbers or state that the CDC is wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walsh added that Washington, Oregon and California previously created a pact in April 2020 that closely coordinated the rollout of COVID-19 policies. That Pact proved to be ineffectual more press release than action. Five years later, Ferguson seems to be simply following [former Washington Gov. Jay Inslees] ineffectual footsteps, Walsh told The Center Square. I suspect this latest Alliance will be the same. It's not a serious law or policy. It's just an excuse to snipe at Donald Trump and Robert Kennedy Jr. The West Coast Health Alliance states are expected to finalize shared principles to strengthen public confidence in vaccines and in public health. SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4) Westside neighbors packed the Salt Lake County Library Riverside Branch Wednesday for a quicky organized public meeting about the new homeless campus proposal slated for their neighborhood. Utahs first homeless services campus coming to Salt Lake City Despite the push to get leaders in the room the day this agreement was announced, neighbors feel like they were left in the dark. Patty Jensen, resident in the 2200 W neighborhood, expressed, Too late. They should have looked into the security issues, the concerns, before they announced the site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Safety was a top concern for most in attendance. People voiced concerns about using the waterways for farming, checking animals and barns late at night, and safety for children working their farms. But another prevailing question: Why is it always the Westside? Neighbors and leaders both expressed frustration that projects like these seem to always target their neighborhoods, using the movement of the state correctional facility as an example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Sandra Hollins, D-Salt Lake County, detailed, The West Side is not a not in my backyard community, but they are not only in my backyard community. They dont mind shouldering/ taking on this burden to do their part but theyre asking the question, who else is going to take on the burden?' Another neighbor, Dennis Bangerter, added, We just wonder why this area, one little 17 acre area out of the hundreds of acres that are there for a shelter in the middle of a business park basically. And a few homeowners. Salt Lake City Councilmember Victoria Petro could be seen getting emotional hearing her constituents concerns throughout the night. She expressed, Feeling voiceless is a really, really highly emotional thing for me, and knowing that my neighbors and constituents feel even more voiceless, thats terrifying to me. As for safety concerns Petro added, The truest objection is that there is no way to guarantee that either the people who will live inside the campus or the people who live outside the campus or the businesses surrounding the campus have any reasonable metric of safety, protection or success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its no secret that the state and Salt Lake City have gone back and forth with each other over the issue of homelessness and public safety. That discourse has led to concerns in the crowd over whether this project and all of its proposed services will get the support and funding it needs to succeed. We are not yet satisfied: SLC Mayor Erin Mendenhall shares positive report on public safety Resident David Galvan said, The state representatives all go, Well Salt Lake City.. slap, slap, slap. Get your act together or I will take over. I mean its come up this year! Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla also emphasized the need for a project like this to get proper funding by adding, From the legislature I look at my colleagues and say, How are we going to fund this? Because a program at this level that doesnt get funded correctly will be really unfortunate. It will not be productive. And its actually, you know, basically failing if we dont get the adequate funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, House Speaker Mike Schultz highlighted the need for accountability in this project. His full statement reads: Were grateful to State Homeless Coordinator Wayne Niederhauser for his exhaustive efforts to secure land in Salt Lake City for a centralized campus that will serve as a hub for homeless services. To succeed, this new campus must offer more than just shelter; it must deliver real accountability through treatment, recovery, and long-term stability, or it will fail like every half-measure before it. If done correctly, this transformative campus has the opportunity to improve public safety, clean up our cities, and change lives. We will work with the Utah Homeless Services Board to take full advantage of President Trumps recent executive order which squarely aligns federal agencies with Utahs focus on public safety, support, and accountability including exploring opportunities to reprioritize existing resources to improve public safety and achieve lasting outcomes. Homeless services said input is not done for this project and expects multiple meetings ahead for community feedback. They set up a website to keep people up to date. Councilmember Petro vowed her input would continue as well. Her plan as described by her, To annoy a lot of people and probably burn a lot of political capital. 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. Florida officials announced this week that the state will work to phase out all childhood vaccine mandates, becoming the first in the U.S. to do so. Health experts say such a move raises the risk of deadly disease outbreaks. Students have long been required to receive vaccinations for once-common childhood illnesses like polio and measles. A large majority of Americans believe the government should make vaccines more available and should encourage vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella, a CBS News poll found. In the past few years, the United States has seen rising numbers of families getting vaccine exemptions for non-medical reasons, and vaccination rates have declined. Some states have made it easier to seek such exemptions. Florida's plan to roll back requirements would be the most sweeping change to vaccine regulations by far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why do schools have vaccine mandates? Communities need to maintain high rates of vaccination to prevent outbreaks of disease and achieve what's called herd immunity, public health experts say. Herd immunity helps protect vulnerable members of the population who can't get vaccinated, like those who are too young or immunocompromised. For a disease like measles, the CDC says a herd immunity threshold of 95% is necessary to avoid outbreaks. School vaccine mandates are an "important tool" to maintain herd immunity, said Liz Williams, a senior policy manager with KFF's Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured. "It's so important to get those vaccination levels up so it protects everyone," Dr. Philip Huang, director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department, told CBS News. "When you make it a requirement, that's where you get the rates up to where we need to protect everyone." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Routine childhood vaccinations also keep "children, families and their communities healthy and thriving," Dr. Susan J. Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said in August. School vaccination rules vary by state. Most states require students receive vaccinations for polio, chicken pox, diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some states also require vaccination for meningitis and hepatitis B. "When everyone in a school is vaccinated, it is harder for diseases to spread and easier for everyone to continue learning and having fun," Dr. Rana Alissa, chair of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said in an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday. "When children are sick and miss school, caregivers also miss work, which not only impacts those families but also the local economy." .vax-tabs .tablist{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px;margin:0 0 12px} .vax-tabs .tab{ background:#56a9ed;color:#fff;border:2px solid transparent;border-radius:6px; padding:10px 16px;cursor:pointer;font-size:16px;transition:.2s all;user-select:none } .vax-tabs .tab:hover{filter:brightness(.95)} .vax-tabs .tab.is-active{background:#2b7fc7;border-color:#1d5b90;font-weight:700;box-shadow:inset 0 -3px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.2)} /* Panels: stack in same slot; keep rendered; only active is interactable */ .vax-tabs .panels{display:grid} .vax-tabs .panel{ grid-area:1/1;opacity:0;visibility:hidden;pointer-events:none;transition:opacity .18s ease;z-index:0 } .vax-tabs .panel.is-active{opacity:1;visibility:visible;pointer-events:auto;z-index:1} /* Reserve height similar to DW embeds */ .vax-tabs .dw-embed{min-height:563px} @media (max-width:640px){.vax-tabs .tab{width:100%}} MMR DTP, DTaP, or DT Chickenpox (Varicella) Polio Hepatitis B MMR map DTP, DTaP, or DT map Chickenpox (Varicella) map Polio map Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hepatitis B map (function(){ var root = document.getElementById('vax-tabs'); if (!root) return; var tabs = Array.prototype.slice.call(root.querySelectorAll('[role="tab"]')); var panels = Array.prototype.slice.call(root.querySelectorAll('[role="tabpanel"]')); function activate(panelId){ panels.forEach(function(p){ var active = (p.id === panelId); p.classList.toggle('is-active', active); p.setAttribute('aria-hidden', active ? 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Florida is the first state to announce plans to entirely roll back vaccine mandates, but it's not clear when the changes will take effect. Some of the vaccine requirements can be struck down by the health department, while others will require legislative approval. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said a state "Make America Healthy Again" commission will help create a "medical freedom package" to be introduced in the state Legislature next session. Idaho loosened many of its rules on immunizations in a new law that took effect over the summer. The "Idaho Medical Freedom Act" prohibits schools, companies and government entities from denying admission or services to a person who has not received a "medical intervention," including vaccines. The law weakens school vaccine mandates, said Williams, but does not go as far as Florida's plan. Idaho is also one of three states along with Montana and Iowa that have debated legislation that would limit the use of mRNA vaccines, according to Axios. Louisiana officials have not commented on banning vaccine mandates, but said in February that they will stop promoting mass vaccination campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents, across political lines, are overwhelmingly supportive of schools requiring vaccines for measles and polio, according to a KFF-Washington Post poll. States allow for increased vaccine exemptions At least 10 states have made changes to state-level vaccination requirement policies in the last year, said Williams. Most of those changes will result in more students claiming exemptions from vaccine policies, she said. Areas with higher rates of vaccine exemptions tend to have lower vaccination rates and be at an increased risk for outbreaks, Williams said. There are two kinds of vaccine exemptions: medical and non-medical exemptions. Non-medical exemptions include those for personal reasons or religious beliefs. All states allow for medical exemptions. California, New York, Maine, Rhode Island and West Virginia do not allow for non-medical exemptions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country has already seen a rise in vaccine exemptions in recent years, according to CDC data, and hit a record high last year. During the 2021-2022 school year, 2.2% of students had an exemption for at least one vaccine. Of those, 1.9% were for non-medical reasons. By the 2024-2025 school year, 3.6% students had an exemption for at least one vaccine with 2.4% of those exemptions for non-medical reasons. Idaho had the highest rate of exemptions during the 2024-2025 school year, at 15.4%, according to CDC data. Nearly all, or 15.1%, of those exemptions were for non-medical reasons. The state with the next highest rate of exemptions is Alaska, at 9.4%. The rise in exemptions has led to falling vaccination rates overall. CDC data shows that about 92.1% of kindergarteners received the DTaP vaccine, while 92.5% received the MMR and polio vaccines. The numbers are all down slightly from the previous school year, the CDC said. "We've seen children's vaccination rates for routine childhood vaccination decline since the pandemic, and we've also seen exemptions to school vaccination increase," Williams said. "It's likely a lot of these state level policy changes are going to continue to contribute to these trends (of) more exemptions and lower vaccination rates." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happens if vaccine rates fall? If vaccine rates fall below the numbers needed to maintain herd immunity, experts say the U.S. could see more outbreaks of preventable disease. Earlier this year, a measles outbreak erupted in a community in West Texas with low vaccination rates, leading to the U.S. recording the most cases of the potentially deadly illness in 30 years. Infections were confirmed in at least 39 states, with more than 1,400 cases nationwide. CDC data showed 92% of the people sickened had not received a measles vaccine or were of unknown vaccination status. Before the measles vaccine became available in the 1960s, about 48,000 Americans were hospitalized for the illness each year and about 500, mostly children, would die. Line chart showing the number of measles cases in the U.S. from 1939 to 2024 Lower vaccination rates have also enabled a number of cases of polio, which had officially been considered eliminated in the U.S. years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People forget the successes that we've seen with these vaccines. Before we had the polio vaccine, there were almost 60,000 cases in the U.S. each year, and almost 14,000 cases of paralytic polio," Huang, of the Dallas County health department, told CBS News. "Parents waited fearfully every summer to see if it would strike." Line chart showing the number of polio cases in the U.S. from 1939 to 2024 Worldwide, vaccines have saved 154 million lives, mostly infants, in the past 50 years, according to the World Health Organization. The CDC says that childhood vaccinations prevent about 4 million deaths worldwide each year. Chicago-area Navy base to be used for immigration operations Justice Amy Coney Barrett discusses "spirited" exchange with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Trump administration's immigration crackdown targets Chicago (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Ohio politicians are grappling with how to better protect children after the recent mass shooting at a Minneapolis school, but members of each major political party have a different way of solving the issue. On Aug. 29, a Parma police officer was stationed outside St. Columbkille, a Catholic elementary and middle school in the Cleveland suburbs. School administrators called them out of an abundance of caution to provide security after the Minnesota tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two children died and 17 others were injured after a shooter opened fire on praying kids, reigniting the long-standing debate on how to fix the countrys problem of mass shootings. Its a nightmare situation, one that former teacher of 30 years Sean Brennan couldnt talk about without tears. This was not something that I thought about when I was going through my teacher preparation, Brennan said. When we became teachers, we didnt sign up to think that we were gonna have to potentially save our children from a shooter, for Petes sake. Brennan, now a Democratic state lawmaker representing Parma, said the answer includes background checks and red flag laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres got to be some type of common-sense restrictions on owning guns, he said. The city of Daytons deadly mass shooting in 2019 prompted Gov. Mike DeWine to push for new safety regulations, but the Republican-dominated legislature never took them up. On Thursday, WEWS asked the governor what could be done now. We put together, a few years ago, in our public safety office, really a separate unit about school safety and so we can go out to any school, give them an assessment, the governor said. We also have some money that we can help schools (with). It doesnt guarantee that well never have a shooting there, but what it does do is make sure that the school is prepared for anything. Ohio can do better, he said, but knows he faces an uphill battle with his own party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look, Ive tried some different things, DeWine said. And weve not gotten them through. What has gotten through includes safety protocols that state Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, said dont infringe on the Second Amendment, like providing funding for more security at religious buildings and allowing educators to be armed in class. Were going to have to provide more security, Cirino said. Were going to have to utilize people that are available: retired policemen, retired military people who are properly trained and vetted. Blaming firearms doesnt get to the core problem, Cirino said. The guns are the method used by people that are psychologically impaired, okay? Cirino said. We need to address the core issue, which is the psychological impairment in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While other GOP leaders push the constitutional argument, Cirino is more focused on families being cognizant of their relatives, including the parental responsibility for flagging potential problems earlier and monitoring their children better, and alerting law enforcement when there seems to be something that has a high probability of becoming very violent. The Republican said he would like to see some tighter restrictions in terms of people getting guns, possibly waiting longer. Brennan said that both his and Cirinos solutions should go together. Its got to be an all arrows and the quiver type of approach, Brennan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Democrats and advocates are now pushing for a constitutional amendment to put gun safety regulations into law. DeWine said he doesnt know what regulations he would call for at this time, with Brennan expressing disappointment that despite the governors repeated interest in gun safety, he has signed each bill loosening gun restrictions sent to his desk. Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on X and Facebook. This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) For decades, Portlanders have enjoyed the spectacle of tiny wings circling a chimney at Chapman Elementary School during the Vauxs Swifts annual fall migration. This event typically kicks off at the start of September when temperatures begin to fall. But in 2024, the chimney in Northwest Portland was notably empty. The swifts also have yet to be spotted at the school this year. So where are all the Vauxs Swifts? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spirit Airlines to ghost 11 airports, including PDX, after second bankruptcy filing According to the Bird Alliance of Oregon, the answer is unclear. Conservation Director Joe Liebezeit told KOIN 6 News these birds can be fickle, and it is still possible that they could make their way back to Chapman this year. Birds change what they do. It can be hard for people to get used to that, Liebezeit said. They go where they want to go. They could show up at Chapman tonight, who knows? Chimneys like the one at Chapman serve as an urban substitute for the hollowed-out trees these birds seek out in old growth forests. But the act of entering that shelter the dramatic air show that attracts spectators every year is when swifts are their most vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They need large chimneys during fall migration to roost in large numbers. We know that they like to sometimes roost in larger numbers because that provides some thermal benefit to them, Liebezeit said. They also want to keep away from predators. At Chapman, there have been instances of predators, such as hawks, loitering around the chimney waiting to pick off a swift for dinner, Liebezeit said. Other threats include climate change, wildfire smoke, and even man-made drones. We do know that recreational drones can cause a disturbance to swifts, and actually to lots of different kinds of wildlife, Liebezeit said. A couple times over the past few years, with people using drones at Chapman, we were able to advise them not to do that and move away. Liebezeit said there are several possibilities, but none have been confirmed as a direct cause. In this Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2016 photo, migratory Vauxs Swifts are a blur as they race to roost for the night inside a large, brick chimney at Chapman Elementary School in Portland, Ore. Numbers of Vauxs Swifts are in decline, in part scientists say because of the destruction of the brick chimneys that they use to roost during their annual fall migration. (AP Photo/Don Ryan) Swifts flying around Chapman Elementary School. (KOIN) In the meantime, the birds have found other places to roost within city limits. The Bird Alliance encourages Portlanders to pay attention to their neighborhoods, where they may find the swifts visiting another chimney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liebezeit also added that spectators should avoid overwhelming their neighbors in large crowds. When the birds were showing up at Chapman, we had worked really closely with the community there for many years on best places for people to park and worked with Portland Public Schools to allow access for the public on that huge lawn they have, he said. A lot of these other sites where the birds are showing up at, we dont have that luxury. Flood the zone: Trumps border czar warns of collateral arrests amid threat of feds heading to Portland, Seattle If you happen to live in a home where swifts have chosen to occupy your chimney, Liebezeit said you should avoid disturbing them, as they do not pose any danger and will soon be on their way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vauxs Swift season is short and sweet, lasting only a month from early September to early October. But the Bird Alliance said there is still time to enjoy the swifts in your area. Think of it as another way to explore Portland, to find the swifts where they are and enjoy them and also respect people and their property, Liebezeit said. Maybe meet some new neighbors and new friends. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Trump administration is expected to lay out its rationale to Congress on Thursday for striking a drug-carrying boat off the coast of Venezuela, a legally murky act on which lawmakers have remained unusually silent. Trump said a U.S. military strike killed 11 suspected members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang in international waters, but neither he nor the Pentagon have offered additional details. The presidents war powers under the Constitution are usually limited to cases where groups have done violent harm to Americans. The White House faces a legal deadline Thursday to send a report to Speaker Mike Johnson that details its reasons for the strike. The administration has hinted it will justify the move under the presidents authority to defend the U.S. This is the rationale officials used to authorize airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear sites in June and the Pentagons periodic bombing campaign this year on Yemens Houthi group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strike in the Caribbean was conducted against the operations of a designated terrorist organization and was taken in defense of vital U.S. national interests, said White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly, adding it was fully consistent with the law of armed conflict. Trumps action marks an escalation in the use of force against cartels, which are usually rounded up by the Coast Guard, not fired upon by U.S. aircraft. But Democrats in Congress, who were quick to condemn Trumps strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, have struggled to find a unified message that won't make them look soft on drug cartels. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who has pushed to ensure Congress authorizes military actions, told reporters hes still digging into the legality of the strike and didnt elaborate on his concerns. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who are usually quick to note overuse of presidential power, did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legal experts are worried that the targeting of drug traffickers, in a situation where its not clear they were armed or had plans to physically attack U.S. citizens, could dramatically expand the scope of those powers. Its a muddy legal picture, said Scott Anderson, senior editor of Lawfare, an online legal publication. It could be the first step down a very slippery legal slope. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has expressed frustration with some of the Pentagons legal limits on the use of force and fired the agencys top military lawyers in his first weeks in office. He suggested the military efforts would continue. This is a deadly, serious mission for us and it won't stop with just this strike, Hegseth said Wednesday on Fox News. Anyone else trafficking in the waters who we know is a designated narco-terrorist will face the same fate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several Democrats questioned the presidents legal authority, although havent indicated how they might address the issue. We have far more questions than we have answers about this strike, said House Intelligence Committee ranking member Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), who co-sponsored a resolution to check Trumps war powers after the Iran strikes in June. Under what legal authority can the president order a lethal strike on a vessel that posed no threat to the United States? The U.S. has significantly ramped up its military presence in the southern Caribbean in recent months. The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and roughly 2,200 Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are operating near Puerto Rico in the northern Caribbean Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Marines are aboard the amphibious ships Iwo Jima, Fort Lauderdale and San Antonio. Theyre joined by two guided-missile destroyers and a cruiser which are also operating in the Caribbean. The cruiser, the Lake Erie, completed a transit through the Panama Canal on Friday, leaving the Pacific to join the growing number of warships in the region. "We still have to have no sympathy for any of the drug cartels or anything of that nature, said Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. But there are laws, and we have to abide by what those laws are. Some Republicans voiced hunger for more action. Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-Ariz.), a former Army intel officer, said on X that the cartel fight should supersede action abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is perhaps no greater use of our United States military than aggressive action against the Mexican cartels, Hamadeh said. Our troops should be defending our homeland from a clear and present danger, not some distant, vague, potential threat. Joe Gould, Paul McLeary and Connor O'Brien contributed to this report. By Olivia Le Poidevin, Andrea Shalal and Emma Farge GENEVA/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The White House has quietly dropped the World Trade Organization from a list of $4.9 billion in foreign aid cuts announced last Friday after the move sparked concern among lawmakers, trade groups and the head of the global trade body. Democratic lawmakers said the administration's unilateral cuts were illegal because the funding had been authorized by Congress, and trade groups argued cutting funding for the WTO would cede territory to China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday that she had been working with the U.S. Trade Representative's office - headed by Jamieson Greer - and others in the Trump administration to resolve the issue. Friday's announcement noted $29 million in WTO funding as an example of U.S. contributions to international programs that violated President Donald Trump's America First priorities. The administration described the WTO as "toothless." By Wednesday, the WTO reference was gone from the White House website. A trade source familiar with the matter said the WTO funding was no longer being cut, but gave no further details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House, USTR and WTO declined to comment. The cuts announced on Friday are part of a broader push by Trump and his "Make America Great Again" political movement to reduce U.S. spending abroad and focus on domestic priorities. They come after a government-wide review of U.S. participation in international organizations was completed in August, though details have not been released. Democratic and Republican administrations have been critical of the WTO for years, citing its failure to adjudicate trade conflicts or make progress on standards for global trade. Trump has upended global trade with high tariffs imposed against nearly every trading partner, and separate bilateral trade deals that trade experts say undermine efforts to set binding multilateral rules for trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior U.S. official said the WTO reference was removed from the White House website to avoid confusion. The list referred to programs funded in the past, the source said, not line items facing fresh cuts. The initial announcement of cancelled funding spurred questions from Congress and statements of concern from trade groups such as the National Foreign Trade Council. The NFTC warned that withdrawing U.S. funding from the WTO would leave a vacuum that other countries would be happy to fill, a nod to China's push for more power on such bodies. A second source familiar with the matter said the initial reference to WTO came without prior consultation with other agencies, and the fate of the funding remained unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barring specific instructions, U.S. funding for the WTO could roll over after September 30, given it comes from an account that carries over automatically at the end of the fiscal year, two of the sources said. The administration also still owes the WTO money for 2024, Reuters reported in March. The Geneva-based trade watchdog had an annual budget of 205 million Swiss francs ($232 million) in 2024, of which Washington was due to contribute about 11%. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin in Geneva and Andrea Shalal in Washington, additional reporting by Emma Farge in Geneva and Patricia ZengerleEditing by Colleen Jenkins and Lincoln Feast.) The White House has a messaging hurdle with President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill and theyre looking for Congress to help clear it. Senior administration officials, including Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, met Wednesday with lawmakers to make the case that they should be selling their constituents on the more popular elements of the bill and their impact on working families, including tax cuts. There's a lot of really good, popular stuff in there when you break down the bill individually, said a person familiar with the thinking of senior White House officials granted anonymity to speak about strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans can only lose a handful of seats to retain control of the House and prevent Democrats from thwarting the presidents agenda in his final two years in office which makes selling the megalaw a major priority for the White House. Democrats were able to attack the blob of the bill, the person said, referring to the unpopular nature of the overall law. But, now you're going to have the individual parts. White House aides, including press secretary Karoline Leavitt and deputy chief of staff James Blair, urged Republicans to underscore the laws tax cuts such as those on tipped wages and an increase in the child tax credit. The pair also warned them against shying away from Democrats attacks on Medicaid, according to a senior White House official granted anonymity to discuss private conversations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We encourage them to remain firm on messaging the fact that Medicaid spending is actually going to increase, the same official said. We did not cut Medicaid, as the Democrats are lying and saying we did. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that nearly 8 million fewer Americans will have access to Medicaid by 2034 because of the new law, including a work requirement that the GOP has long supported. Leavitt and Blair also equipped lawmakers with a tangible midterm playbook closely following Trumps 2024 strategy, according to the White House official. The key components: target low propensity voters and blitz the local media market. Wednesdays meeting, widely attended by House Republicans fresh off the August recess, included a polling presentation from Tony Fabrizio, Republican pollster and strategist, who guided members toward the economic components of the megalaw that White House aides believe polls better with constituents, according to the same White House official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two senior White House officials say Trump will hit the campaign trail to galvanize some of those atypical, unmotivated midterm voters but is unlikely to do so until 2026. Republicans have their work cut out for them. A Pew poll conducted last month found that 46 percent of Americans disapprove of the law, while 32 percent approve. Another 23 percent said theyre unsure, perhaps providing an opening for Republicans or Democrats who are trying to brand the effort. After months of pushing the legislation through Congress under Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill label, the rebranding effort isnt rolling off the tongue on Capitol Hill. Remember all the machinations getting to the conclusion of the what are we calling it now? Working Families Tax Act something?, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) mused to reporters Thursday morning. Its the Big, Beautiful Working Families Tax Act, Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) jumped in. Correct, Roy laughed. Exactly. Mia McCarthy contributed to this report. President Donald Trump claimed Tuesday's attack on a vessel he says carrying suspected Tren de Aragua drug smugglers in the Caribbean Sea was full of "massive" amounts of drugs and that the U.S. had "tapes" of the alleged smugglers speaking, though he and his administration have offered up few other details about how the strike was carried out, citing security concerns. "You had massive amounts of drugs. We have tapes of them speaking. It was massive amounts of drugs coming into our country to kill a lot of people You see it, you see the bags of drugs all over the boat, and they were hit. Obviously, they won't be doing it again. And I think a lot of other people won't be doing it again," Trump said during remarks in the Oval Office on Wednesday. Earlier Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the identities of the boat passengers was an absolute -- suggesting the Pentagon knew "exactly" who was in the boat and what the passengers were planning to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: US military strikes alleged drug boat, Trump says, '11 terrorists killed' "We knew exactly who was in that boat. We knew exactly what they were doing, and we knew exactly who they represented. And that was Tren de Aragua narcoterrorist organization designated by the United States as trying to poison our country with illicit drugs," Hegseth said during an interview with Fox News. @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social - PHOTO: PHOTO: President Trump announced on his social media platform that he ordered U.S. military forces to conduct "a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility." Hegseth declined to say what type of weapons were used in the strike, saying those details were classified. The Pentagon on Wednesday declined to provide other details, including who was on the boat and whether Congress had been notified of the attack. "Anyone else trafficking in those waters who we know is a deadly terrorist will face the same fate," Hegseth said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a news conference in Mexico City during an official visit to the region, Secretary of State Marco Rubio deferred to the Department of Defense for further operational details. "Interdiction doesn't work," Rubio said Wednesday. "What will stop them is when you blow them up, when you get rid of them." Rubio said the vessel was operating in international waters and said the administration relied on intelligence mechanisms used in similar previous operations to determine that the vessel would eventually head towards the United States. MORE: The Coast Guard seized a record 76,000 pounds of drugs this summer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So, the same information and the same intelligence mechanisms with maybe a higher focus was used to determine that a drug boat was headed towards, eventually, the United States, and instead of interdicting it, on the president's orders, we blew it up," Rubio said. "We're not going to sit back anymore and watch these people sail up and down the Caribbean like a cruise ship. It's not going to happen." Despite these statements, the White House and Pentagon and State Department officials have not explained how the military determined that those aboard the vessel were Tren de Aragua members. Nor has the administration explained the legal authority used to justify the strike or whether U.S. forces attempted to communicate or even warn the passengers on the boat. The strike killed 11 people, all of whom were "bad" actors, Trump said. The president also posted a short video clip of a small vessel appearing to explode in flames. The rare U.S. military operation is a dramatic escalation in the Trump administration's effort to stop the illegal flow of narcotics into the U.S. from Latin America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. officials have long claimed that Venezuelan cocaine shipments contribute to overdose deaths in the U.S. -- and they accuse the country's leader, Nicolas Maduro, of facilitating drug trafficking, which he denies. The Trump administration has placed a $50 million bounty on his head for his arrest. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump looks on as Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, August 26, 2025. Murky legal authorities In February, the Trump administration designated Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, MS-13 and other drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) following an executive order signed by Trump in January. In August, Trump directed the Pentagon to prepare options for the possible use of U.S. military force against drug cartels that have been designated as FTOs. Members of the Trump administration have claimed that designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations gives the executive branch the ability to go after criminal enterprises with the power of the U.S. military. "It gives us legal authorities to target them in ways you can't do if they're just a bunch of criminals. It's no longer a law enforcement issue. It becomes a national security issue," Rubio said in an interview last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some experts suggest the designation is legally murky. The FTO designation does not typically constitute an authorization to use deadly force and is primarily a tool to restrict financial and material support to terrorist groups. The use of deadly force is governed by broader legal frameworks -- such as the Authorization for Use of Military Force, which is approved by Congress and used to justify deadly force against terrorist organizations. The use of an AUMF to conduct a deadly strike would also require a notification to Congress, typically within 48 hours, though it's unclear at this time if lawmakers on the relevant intelligence committees on Capitol Hill were given a heads up. ABC News has reached out to lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Critics have often said the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and leading up to the invasion of Iraq grant the president powers to unilaterally wage "perpetual worldwide wars." Some lawmakers have been keen to repeal them but those efforts have all been unsuccessful. Pedro Rances Mattey/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro gestures as he delivers a speech during a rally in Caracas, on Aug. 28, 2024. Heightened tensions with Venezuela In recent days, The U.S. deployed eight Navy warships to the Caribbean and Pacific to enhance counter-narcotics operations near Central and South American countries. The move, intended to counter drug cartels, has heightened tensions with Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Venezuelan envoy to the United Nations, Ambassador Samuel Moncada, immediately denounced the U.S. deployment, saying the movement was a threat to regional stability and sovereignty, and emphasized that the U.S. actions violate international law and the U.N. Charter. "It's really, really, it's an escalation, just announcing eight warships with capacity to bomb Venezuela in any part of Venezuela, and now they are saying that they are sending a nuclear submarine," Moncada said during remarks at the U.N. last week. He accused the U.S. of using drug trafficking as a pretext for intervention and claimed Venezuela has a minimal role in the movement of drugs. "We don't believe at all that they are there to fight drug trafficking," Moncada said. "This is a narrative which is being fabricated just for the purpose of producing and justify an intervention against a legitimate president of a Latin American country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a news conference Monday, Maduro denounced the U.S. military's heightened presence in the Caribbean and called the deployment of the warships "an extravagant, unjustified, immoral and absolutely criminal" threat against Venezuela. ABC News' Anne Flaherty and Shannon Kingston contributed to this report President Donald Trump will sign an executive order Friday to change the Department of Defenses name to the Department of War, part of a broader effort to present a more aggressive, victorious military to the world. A senior administration official confirmed the change, which would likely require an act of Congress. But the White House is looking for other alternatives that would avoid a vote, according to another person familiar with the deliberations. The people were granted anonymity to discuss internal conversations. A War Department existed after U.S. independence until 1947, when the Truman administration split the Army and Air Force into separate military branches and joined them with the then-independent Navy to form a new agency. An act of Congress two years later coined it the Department of Defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has embraced warfighters as part of the Pentagons identity, simply posted Thursday night on X, Department of War. It would likely cost billions of dollars to change the names of hundreds of Pentagon agencies, their stationary, emblems, plaques and other signage at the Defense Department, along with bases around the world. The expense could put a serious dent into the administrations efforts to slash Pentagon spending and waste. But Trumps effort to rename the department fits in with the administrations wider reshaping of the federal government, from firing tens of thousands of federal employees to deploying the National Guard in Los Angeles and Washington. The move keeps with the Trump administrations rapid-fire transformation of much of the post-World War II national security architecture set up by former President Harry Truman. The Trump administration has dramatically slashed the National Security Council that was created in the late 1940s and cut numerous Defense Department agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has brought up the change several times since taking office, including with allies during his press conference at the June NATO summit in The Hague. His push to change the agencys name has only intensified. As Department of War, we won everything. We won everything, Trump said last month, referencing the two world wars. Were going to have to go back to that. Hegseth, in a Wednesday interview on Fox News, echoed Trumps line. We won World War I, and we won World War II, not with the Department of Defense, but with a War Department, with the Department of War," he said. "As the president has said, we're not just defense, we're offense." Trump has said he thinks Congress would go along with him. "Defense is too defensive, he said last month. And we want to be defensive, but we want to be offensive too if we have to be. So, it just sounded to me like a better name." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats quickly skewered the move. Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.) and several others flicked at the irony of such an aggressive action from a president who reportedly craves the worlds most notable award for peace. Trump is begging for the Nobel Peace Prize, Soto said on X . This should cinch it for him right? But the decision will likely land well with some of Trumps close allies on Capitol Hill. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) is pushing to make the name change official in defense legislation that will likely come to the House floor next week. And Florida GOP Sen. Rick Scott a sponsor of legislation to rename the Defense Department with Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Steube urged lawmakers to vote to codify it. Trader Joe's is urging customers in California to check their freezers. The grocery store chain issued a health alert for its popular Uncured Pepperoni Pizza on August 29th, 2025. But if you've accidentally eaten one of the impacted pizzas, there's no need to panic. They aren't contaminated with radiation, like certain brands of frozen shrimp. The pizzas, which were imported from Italy, simply skipped an inspection on their trip to the United States. Trader Joe's issued the alert after being notified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which released a statement about the action on the 29th. "(FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for a frozen not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) uncured pepperoni pizza product imported from Italy that did not receive the benefit of import reinspection," wrote the agency. According to a Trader Joe's press release, the slip-up was due to a paperwork error. Technically, this isn't a recall. When a product is recalled for one of many common reasons, that means it's being pulled from store shelves, thought the FSIS statement noted that the product is no longer available for purchase. So while employees won't be rushing to strip the pizzas from store shelves, the health alert means that customers should keep an eye out for frozen pizzas that they might've purchased in the past. After all, frozen pizzas can cause serious health problems if safety standards aren't up to par. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 14 Canned Foods People Stopped Eating What Should You Do If You Bought Trader Joe's Uncured Pepperoni Pizza? A product image of Trader Joe's Uncured Pepperoni Pizza featuring pizza slices and the product box - Trader Joe's The pizzas already passed one set of inspections, and there have been no confirmed reports of illness. Still, FSIS and Trader Joe's told customers to ditch any pizzas affected by the alert. The pizzas in question were sold at over 60 stores in Southern California; customers should check boxes of the not-ready-to-eat frozen pizzas for the SKU number 79898 and best-by dates of 8/16/26 and 8/21/26. If you purchased any of the pizzas affected by the alert, FSIS recommends discarding them or returning them to the store for a full refund. On the off-chance that you do need to report an illness, contact FSIS. Trader Joe's urges concerned customers to contact customer relations at (626) 599-3817, which is available Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, or via email. "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience," added the brand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. As some politicians continue to emphasize personal choice when it comes to vaccinations, doctors and infectious disease specialists point out that getting vaccinated not only protects the individual, but also the community. While currently available vaccines have been FDA-approved as safe and effective, no vaccine offers 100% protection. Because of this, individual protection from a particular disease is based not just on whether you are vaccinated against it, but also on whether those around you are vaccinated. Thats because vaccinations reduce the opportunity for a disease to spread. If you are less likely to be exposed, experts say, you are less likely to be infected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think one of the things that anti-vaccine activists say that I find most worrisome is when they say, What do you care what I do? You're vaccinated, Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center and professor of pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, told ABC News. Brent Lewis/The Denver Post via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this Feb. 7, 2015, file photo, the annual flu vaccine is shown in Aurora, Colo. MORE: Florida surgeon general says state is moving to 'end all vaccine mandates' "But that assumes that vaccines are 100% effective, which is true of no vaccine," Offit explained. "And if you're surrounded by a lot of people who aren't vaccinated, you're at risk, and much greater risk, because they have a much greater chance of spreading the virus to you." Offit also cited a study about an early 2000s measles outbreak in the Netherlands, which found that you were actually better off being unvaccinated, living in a highly vaccinated community, in terms of getting measles, than being vaccinated and living in a highly unvaccinated community because ... if you're more likely to be exposed, then you're more likely to get sick." UIG via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this Aug. 29, 2021, file photo, a sign for free flu shots is shown at a Publix Supermarket in Palm Beach, Fla. This concept is known as herd immunity, which occurs when enough of the population is vaccinated against a disease that most other members are protected from infection because there is little opportunity for the disease to spread. This is how measles was declared eliminated in 2000, when high community vaccination rates in the U.S. prevented the continuous spread of the virus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But over the past few years, vaccination rates in the U.S. have been dropping. For the fifth school year in a row, according to CDC data from this summer, vaccination rates among kindergarteners have been below 95%, which is the target threshold that public health experts say is ideal for herd immunity. Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this Dec. 17, 2022, file photo, a child receives a COVID-19 vaccine shot in Los Angeles. MORE: More than 1,000 current, former HHS employees sign letter calling on RFK Jr. to resign Exemptions for vaccines also hit a record high, increasing to 3.6% compared to 3.3% in the previous school year, according to the CDC. The number of kindergarteners exempt from one or more vaccines during the 2024-2025 school year was "about 138,000," CDC data shows, with an estimated 286,000 kindergarteners during that same period attending school without documentation of receiving their measles vaccination. School entry vaccination mandates are determined by state officials. All states allow medical vaccine exemptions and most states already have exemption policies in place for people with strong religious objections, in an effort to balance the need for public health with the ideal of individual freedom of choice. "It's too bad that we do need mandates, but I think we do need mandates because there's so much misinformation out there about vaccines that it's causing people to put their children in harm's way unnecessarily, Offit said. With so much unrest and constant stress shaping the world around us, finding a sense of peace can feel almost impossible. Every day were flooded with devastating headlines, mounting responsibilities, and pressures that pull us in different directions, leaving little room to slow down and simply breathe. Yet, its in moments like these that peace becomes not just a luxury but a necessity. Seeking out calmwhether through nature, connection with others, or quiet reflectionreminds us that even in a chaotic world, balance is still within reach. When life feels overwhelming and the world refuses to slow down, the idea of escaping to a peaceful vacation spot becomes more than just wishful thinkingit becomes a necessity. Imagine trading constant noise for the sound of waves on a quiet beach, or swapping endless to-do lists for mornings spent in the stillness of the mountains. The right destination doesnt just offer scenery; it offers a chance to reset, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. In those moments of calm, you realize that peace isnt something lostits simply waiting to be found in the right place. Related: Surfers in Iceland keep fighting to save Thorli, country's last wave Iceland marks 17th year atop Global Peace Index in 2025 Luckily, a destination that embodies true peace and tranquility does existIceland. According to the Global Peace Index, it holds the title of the most peaceful country in the world for 2025, and the World Happiness Report ranks it third among the happiest nations. With its breathtaking landscapes, welcoming culture, and serene atmosphere, Iceland has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most sought-after vacation destinations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your next trip starts hereget curated travel stories when you sign up for our newsletter. Step into Iceland and leave the world behindnature has never felt so calming.Shutterstock Icelands reign atop the Global Peace Index in 2025 isnt a fleeting honorits the result of deeply rooted stability. For the 17th year in a row, Iceland remains the worlds most peaceful country, boasting unmatched scores in safety, societal security, minimal militarization, and lack of conflict. Imagine a place where local police dont typically carry firearms, babies nap in strollers outside cafes while parents enjoy a coffee inside, and doors stay unlocked because trust is woven into the very social fabric of the country. This everyday tranquilityrather than grand gesturesdefines Icelands peacefulness. At the heart of Icelands serene reputation lies more than just low crimeits a testament to well-functioning institutions and a strong sense of civic cohesion. The nations security stems from transparent governance, equitable access to resources, and a judicial system that enforces laws fairly and efficiently. Additionally, Iceland has no standing army; instead, defense duties fall to the coast guard and NATO air policing missions, keeping militarization minimal and peacefulness intact. Related: Delta gearing up for next summer with new flights to Europe The calm in Iceland isnt just internalit extends globally too. In the 2025 Global Peace Index, Iceland achieved a perfect score in the Ongoing Conflict domain, signaling zero involvement in domestic or international conflicts. That freedom from violence and aggression, combined with its safety-first culture and institutional resilience, makes Iceland more than just peacefulits a living example of how trust, cooperation, and social harmony can define a nation. Finding serenity: the most peaceful spots to visit in Iceland When most people picture Iceland, they think of striking landscapestowering waterfalls, volcanic black-sand beaches, and wide stretches of emerald moss. Yet what truly sets this island apart is the serenity woven into every corner of its terrain. In the remote Westfjords, for example, time seems to move at half speed. Fishing villages nestle quietly against glassy fjords, and roads curve through untouched wilderness where the only sounds are seabirds circling above and the ocean lapping against the shore. Its a rare kind of stillness that invites travelers to linger rather than rush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Equally soul-soothing are Icelands interior Highlands, a seasonal paradise that feels otherworldly. Rhyolite mountains glow with color under the midnight sun, steaming hot springs punctuate wide-open valleys, and hiking trails unfurl into vast silence, often without another hiker in sight. Many visitors say that stepping into Icelands geothermal poolswhether the world-famous Blue Lagoon or one of the countrys many hidden hot springsfeels like surrendering stress to the earth itself. The contrast between the warm, mineral-rich waters and crisp, Arctic air creates a tranquility that lingers long after the journey ends. Subscribe to our newsletter and get awesome stories like this delivered straight to your inbox! Experts suggest this sense of peace results from more than just scenic beauty. As travel writer Sarah Holt explains, Theres a calmness in Iceland that doesnt just come from the sceneryit comes from the way the land shapes the people, and the way the people care for the land. That harmony between humanity and nature is Icelands quiet gift to visitors, and its what transforms every cornerfrom Reykjaviks walkable streets to the windswept Snfellsnes Peninsulainto a sanctuary for the spirit. This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Sep 3, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was questioned by senators on Capitol Hill today and challenged on how he is reshaping the CDC and public health policy. New York Times Reporter Jeremy Peters, Executive Editor for The Nation John Nichols, Punchbowl News Co-Founder Jake Sherman, and The Bulwark Writer-at-Large Tim Miller join Katy Tur to discuss the landscape of public health in the U.S. and how social media can have a great influence on peoples perception of vaccines and health. As kids across the country hop on the bus and return to school, students in 18 states and the District of Columbia will walk into buildings with bell-to-bell cellphone bans and in 8 more theyll face class time restrictions. Yet more states have compelled local jurisdictions to craft their own policy. Amid this nationwide legislative trend, Wisconsin is one of only 8 states to pass no cellphone restriction bill, and such inaction is a mark against us. Of course, everyone else is doing it is a poor justification for anything. Education is a sector known for fads and initiatives based on dubious evidence of their efficacy. But in this case, the evidence is incontrovertible. Social media usage in particular is linked to countless negative outcomes social, emotional, academic, cognitive, and physical. The Surgeon General has even issued an advisory about how social media has a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. When it comes to the classroom, in one revealing study, students were randomly assigned to have their phones either in their desks, their pocket, or another room during an academic task. Notably, none of these conditions involved the student actively using their phone. Nonetheless, even having the device nearby tanked performance. If students are busy wondering when their crush will text them back or if their latest post is wracking up likes, theyre not thinking about factoring polynomials, the Napoleonic codes, or the "Great Gatsby." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Propaganda in place of PBS. PragerU is not a university or even accurate. Research shows school cell phone bans have positive impact Importantly, as prohibitions gain popularity, new research is rolling in that the policies themselves cause significant improvements. Such evidence is significant. After all, history is littered with prohibitions that backfire. That something is bad doesnt mean restriction is justifiable or effective. But several academic studies have confirmed that schools that ban devices see decreases in the number of psychiatric consultations for students, fewer incidents of bullying, significant increases in performance as measured on both standardized and school-level exams, and even increases in play during elementary school recesses. But keeping this discussion in the realm of research and statistics misses the impact that this policy would have in real brick and mortar schools and the day-to-day lives of individual students. I have worked in schools with both permissive and restrictive policies. Its like a building in black and white versus a full, technicolor, HD display. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the permissive school, students stared at their phones during lunch, scrolled through Instagram feeds in the hallway, and flicked their thumbs in the minutes before classes began. There was so little eye contact and an almost eerie passivity. Social interactions amounted to little more than showing each other the occasional meme or video clip with every student cloistered to their own individual experience with their screen. At the restrictive school, in the minutes before class began, students played board games, pulled out decks of cards, shared the latest tricks of origami that they had learned, taught each other to juggle, occasionally got themselves into trouble, or simply talked. The lunchroom was a raucous affair once again (in the best way). And students smiled at and said good morning to teachers as they walked down the hallway. We can't dismiss the addictive power of algorithms Perhaps the concern over cell phone and social media usage is another false social crisis. Much anxiety over TV and video games seemed overblown. Adults have been complaining about kids these days since the Mesopotamians invented writing. But even if we grant that contention though I would argue that the addictive power of algorithms makes them distinct from TV and video games it would be patently absurd to allow either individual TVs or video game devices into the classroom, and so it is with phones. In the previous 50 years, there have been several nationwide campaigns that achieved real improvements in the lives of children through smart policymaking and adept public messaging. Anti-smoking initiatives, campaigns against teen pregnancy, and the movement for phonics based literacyeach of these and others were societal-wide wins for the academic and social lives of our children. The movement for phone-free schools will join this history of wins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its reticence to act, Wisconsin is not avoiding some moral panic or ineffective fad. Its falling behind an urgent trend for the good of students. Earlier this year, legislators introduced a bill compelling local districts to craft their own policy, but it seemingly stalled out. Moreover, it was as forceful as a pool noodle, leaving it up to schools to write their own rules, however permissive or restrictive. Its imperative that legislators take this bill back up, strengthen it with a compelled bell-to-bell ban, and pass it as soon as possible. To do anything less is educational malpractice. So long as students are connected to their phones, theyre disconnected from their studies. Daniel Buck is a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, the director of the Conservative Education Reform Network, and a former teacher and assistant principal who resides in Wisconsin. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Are cell phones banned in WI schools? They should be | Opinion Wildland firefighters wait for a helicopter shuttle while battling the Bear Gulch fire in Washington state. (Photo by Bear Gulch Fire 2025 via Facebook) Wildland fire veterans are seething at a claim made by federal officials that two crews raided by immigration agents at the scene of a wildfire in Washington state were NOT firefighters. Many political figures and media outlets have repeated the claim, even though public documents show the crews have firefighting classifications and were assigned to key frontline roles battling the blaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody in the profession sees through it, but the public doesnt and thats concerning, said Riva Duncan, a former wildland fire chief who served more than 30 years with the U.S. Forest Service. Its a lie. Everybody Ive talked to is very upset about it. It does not just those two crews a disservice, but it does all firefighters a disservice. Duncan also serves as vice president of Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, a nonprofit that advocates on behalf of wildfire professionals. Last week, federal immigration officials staged a raid at the site of the Bear Gulch fire in Washington, the largest active wildfire in the state. Agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection questioned two crews, totaling 44 members, and arrested two firefighters who they said were in the country illegally. News of the operation rocked the wildland fire community. Veterans in the profession say the raid broke with longstanding protocol that immigration agents dont disrupt responders on the scene of emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 29, two days after the raid, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security posted a message on social media platform X, attacking the mainstream media for spreading fake news. The two illegal aliens apprehended were NOT firefighters, the post read. The two contracted work crews questioned on the day of their arrests were not even assigned to actively fight the fire; they were there in a support role, cutting logs into firewood. The firefighting response remained uninterrupted the entire time. Many news outlets ran stories that the agency had clarified the role of the crews or denied reports that firefighters had been arrested. In subsequent coverage, some news outlets have characterized the crews as playing a supporting role, while avoiding the term firefighters. Political figures have also repeated the claim from DHS. State Rep. Jim Walsh, chair of the Washington State Republican Party, shared another users post on Facebook blasting the media for failing to report the truth. The crews, Walsh wrote in his own comments, were NOT firefighters. The post has been shared hundreds of times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Facts matter, Walsh wrote. But the Left doesnt let facts get in the way of its ignorant sanctimony and virtue signaling. But the facts clearly show that the crews were firefighters. In planning documents drafted by the management team overseeing the fire and posted to a public federal database, the crew from contracting company ASI Arden Solutions, Inc., is listed as a CR2I crew. Thats shorthand for a Type II Initial Attack wildland firefighting crew. Theyre just one level below a hotshot crew, Duncan said. [Saying theyre not firefighters] is incredibly insulting to them. The other crew, from contracting company Table Rock Forestry, Inc., is listed as a CRW2, short for a Type II wildland firefighting hand crew. That means both crews were certified under National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards as firefighters who met rigorous qualifications and held red cards verifying their status to fight fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the documents show that both crews were assigned to active firefighting roles in the days leading up to the raid. The crews were tasked with securing the fire edge, protecting structures, constructing fire lines and addressing hazards caused by the initial suppression work. Many wildfire veterans who have served in similar roles privately expressed anger that the crews status was called into question because they had been assigned to cut firewood on the day of the raid. That frustration is heightened by the widespread belief, shared by many fire professionals, that the crews were given that assignment under false pretenses to lead them into contact with federal immigration agents. They were doing suppression work, and it was only when they were reassigned that day [that they were raided], Duncan said. To paint this picture that they would never do that to actual firefighters, its total spin. Even if the firewood cutting assignment had been legitimate, Duncan said, many firefighters perform critical support roles that dont involve actively battling the blaze. To deny their status as firefighters based on their assignment that day, she said, would be like discrediting a local fire department because they were working out in the fire station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many wildfire veterans, including Duncan, said they are demoralized by how quickly the claim has spread. The fact that some are picking this up without doing due diligence, its lazy and insulting to the firefighters, she said. Its really affecting the morale of the workforce to hear those things being echoed in media outlets. Stateline reporter Alex Brown can be reached at abrown@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NEED TO KNOW The Natural History Museum in London has shared a glimpse into the submissions for their annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition While submissions for the contest are now closed, fans can view some of the most breathtaking images entered into the competition so far A winner will be announced in March 2026 The Natural History Museum in London is back with its 61st Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. And the submissions are photos taken on Earth, but they look out of this world. After starting in 1965 as a way to recognize the best imagery nature has to offer, the contest has returned for 2025 and is off to a great start. Now that submissions are closed for the competition, which is open to photographers of all experience levels, Wildlife Photographer of the Year is sharing a stunning smattering of images that represent a handful of the entries received this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Natural History Museum, images will undergo an authenticity check during the final round, and submissions will be judged based on originality, narrative, and adherence to ethical practices. The winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition's numerous awards will be announced in March. The top prize includes the title of Wildlife Photographer of the Year and 10,000 (roughly $13,427 USD). All winners will attend the Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards ceremony and be featured in a touring exhibition, starting with a show at the Natural History Museum in London. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Read one to see some of the awe-inducing shots up for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year prize. "Special Delivery" by Bidyut Kalita Bidyut Kalita/Wildlife Photographer of the Year "Special Delivery" by Bidyut Kalita "Special Delivery" by Bidyut Kalita The photographer captured this Potter wasp bringing home a caterpillar to feed larvae in Goalpara, India. "Rutting Call" by Jamie Smart Jamie Smart/Wildlife Photographer of the Year "Rutting Call" by Jamie Smart "Rutting Call" by Jamie Smart Jamie Smart's shot "Rutting Call" shows a red deer stag in Bradgate Park, U.K., gathering to compete for a female mate. "Toxic Tip" by Lakshitha Karunarathna Lakshitha Karunarathna/Wildlife Photographer of the Year "Toxic Tip" by Lakshitha Karunarathna "Toxic Tip" by Lakshitha Karunarathna Karunarathna's gut-wrenching image shows a lone wild elephant walking through a waste disposal site in Sri Lanka "Wake-up Call" by Gabriella Comi Gabriella Comi/Wildlife Photographer of the Year "Wake-up Call" by Gabriella Comi "Wake-up Call" by Gabriella Comi Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lion faces off with a cobra in this tense shot taken at the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. "No Place Like Home" by Emmanuel Tardy Emmanuel Tardy/Wildlife Photographer of the Year "No Place Like Home" by Emmanuel Tardy "No Place Like Home" by Emmanuel Tardy This photo from Costa Rica offers an intimate view of how deforestation is affecting the nation's sloths. "Ice Edge Journey" by Bertie Gregory Bertie Gregory/Wildlife Photographer of the Year "Ice Edge Journey" by Bertie Gregory "Ice Edge Journey" by Bertie Gregory Gregory captured the moment fledgling penguins prepared for their first plunge into the Antarctic Ocean in this photo. "Pink Pose" by Leana Kuster Leana Kuster/Wildlife Photographer of the Year "Pink Pose" by Leana Kuster "Pink Pose" by Leana Kuster This flamingo was snapped in the wetlands of Camargue, France. "Deadly Lesson" by Marina Cano Marina Cano/Wildlife Photographer of the Year "Deadly Lesson" by Marina Cano "Deadly Lesson" by Marina Cano Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three young cheetahs learning to hunt share a dik-dik antelope caught in Kenya's Samburu National Reserve in Cano's black-and-white shot. "Nature Reclaims Its Space" by Sitaram Raul Sitaram Raul/Wildlife Photographer of the Year "Nature Reclaims Its Space" by Sitaram Raul "Nature Reclaims Its Space" by Sitaram Raul Raul captured a pack of fruit bats making their home in the ruins of a historical monument in Banda, India. "A Tale of Two Coyotes" by Parham Pourahmad Parham Pourahmad/Wildlife Photographer of the Year "A Tale of Two Coyotes" by Parham Pourahmad "A Tale of Two Coyotes" by Parham Pourahmad Two coyotes appear in Pourahmad's photo from Bernal Heights Park, San Francisco. The photographer managed to snap a photo when one coyote's tail was framing the face of another coyote. "Jelly Smack Summer" by Ralph Pace Ralph Pace/Wildlife Photographer of the Year "Jelly Smack Summer" by Ralph Pace "Jelly Smack Summer" by Ralph Pace Pace slathered himself in petroleum jelly to get this shot of a swarm (or smack) of sea nettles without getting hurt. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. To learn more about the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, visit the Natural History Museum's contest website. Read the original article on People WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TEXAS (KXAN) The Williamson County Commissioners Court has approved a tax increase for residents as part of the 20252026 budget. There are three major parts within the budget: General Fund Budget: covers core functions of the county, like administration and public safety Road & Bridge Fund: supports transportation infrastructure Debt Service Fund: helps pay off county loans and bonds for past projects like building and infrastructure Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissioners on Wednesday voted to approve a total $702,428,992 budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Heres a breakdown of how funds were allocated across different areas of the budget: General Fund Budget: $401,202,232 Road & Bridge Fund: $78,523,221 Debt Service Fund: $222,704,539 To help fund the 20252026 budget, the Commissioners Court approved a tax rate of $0.413776 per $100 of property valuation matching the voter-approval rate. This rate represents the highest amount the court can adopt without triggering a public election. The approved rate for the 20252026 fiscal year represents a 3.44426% increase over the current rate of $0.399999 per $100 of assessed property value. According to Williamson County, this rate will increase annual property taxes on the average homestead residence by approximately $122. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within the budget, many of the priorities were related to infrastructure and transportation, public safety, capital projects, all in the context of the rapid population growth in Williamson County. During public hearing in commissioners court on Wednesday, some residents living in Williamson County voiced their concerns over the increased rate. Many of us are making tough choices to stay afloat rising taxes right now feel like the community asking the community to shoulder more than we can actually bear or handle, said Janine Chapa, who serves as Precinct Chair for Precinct 371 in Williamson County. Our straining, our infrastructure, water, electricwe can barely keep up with that, were paying in a lot of ways, said another resident during public comment in commissioner court. We should at least get a break on our taxes on a per capita basis [and] were not getting that either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissioners did understand such frustrations, but emphasized that it was necessary to raise the rate to keep up with the fast growth in Williamson County. The only reason Im supporting this is because Im a true believer of pay as you go, said Valerie Covey, Williamson County Commissioner for Precinct Three. We hear from every department that they need more, and were trying to be as restrained as possible in not adding too much but how do you do that. We should all be frustrated, said Williamson County Judge Steven Snell. No one likes their taxes increase. We know that we wouldnt do it unless we felt it was critical to the needs of the county. And going forward into next years budget, [well] look for any way possible to save money so were not over. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) The Winchester man that court documents tie to the suspicious overdose deaths of three women appeared before a Powell County Judge on Wednesday. Brian Epperson, 44, was indicted on Monday, Aug. 25, on charges including murder, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and tampering with physical evidence. The charges stem from the suspicious death of 32-year-old Kristen Morris in May. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators received a toxicology report over 20 days after her death. According to court documents, it showed that Morris had overdosed on methamphetamine, but her levels were unusually high. He wouldnt be charged in connection with Morris death until July, when police would find the body of a missing woman, later identified as Reacheal Dawson, in a Winchester motel room booked under Eppersons name. There, police would discover the same style capsules in Eppersons truck that they recovered from the Airbnb where Morris died. He was initially charged with murder and first-degree possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, in Powell County. The only additional charge at this time is tampering with physical evidence. Epperson pleaded not guilty on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news Kaylieb Thompson was one of the many who attended Eppersons arraignment. He was Dawsons boyfriend and soon-to-be fiance before her life was cut short, and her body was found at the Red Roof Inn. He said its unimaginable. I havent seen her in 68 days. Havent talked to her, seen her smile. Nothing. But hes still alive. Hes still breathing and in jail and in protective custody and all that. Its horrible. I wouldnt wish it on anyone, to be honest. I really wouldnt, Thompson told FOX 56. Epperson heads back to court on Oct. 22 for a pretrial conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sept. 4 (UPI) -- A Danish wind power company filed suit against the President Donald Trump administration Thursday seeking to reverse a stop-work order on its nearly completed Revolution Wind project off the coast of New England. Orsted and its joint venture partner Skyborn Renewables filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Thursday, asking it to vacate the order from the U.S. Department of the Interior, saying the administration had no authority to make it. Orsted was ordered on Aug. 22 to stop construction on Revolution Wind to "address concerns related to the protection of national security interest of the United States." On Aug. 29, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced it was cutting about $679 million in funding to 12 wind farms, calling the projects "wasteful." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Project has spent billions of dollars in reliance on these valid approvals," the filing said. "The Stop Work Order is invalid and must be set aside because it was issued without statutory authority, in violation of agency regulations and procedures and the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause, and is arbitrary and capricious." The filing noted that the Department of Defense had already OKed the project. The offshore wind farm is 80% complete and was expected to begin operations next year. It has 65 turbines, would have a production capacity of 704 megawatts and would give off enough power for more than 350,000 homes across Rhode Island and Connecticut. The filing said that if the company were forced to follow the stop-work order, it would "inflict devastating and irreparable harm" on Revolution Wind. The company has already spent or committed about $5 billion on the project and will incur more than $1 billion in costs if the project closes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said the wind farm would interfere with the use of U.S. territorial waters. But Orsted called it a pretext, citing Trump's history of hating wind power. "The president has apparent hostility towards offshore wind, including based on statements made on the campaign trail," Orsted's attorney told the court. GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Health Services announced on Thursday a consumption advisory for ducks harvested on Green Bay due to contaminants. The Wisconsin DNR and DHS have issued new consumption advice for mallards and wood ducks harvested on Green Bay. Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR In a release from the DNR, the new consumption advisory applies to mallards and wood ducks because of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 89-year-old Brillion woman killed in Calumet County crash, officials believe failure to yield a factor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PFAS testing in the area has rendered the following advisories for a couple of parts of the bay. The lower portion of Green Bay, from Longtail Point to Point au Sable and south to the mouth of the Fox River, is under a full Do Not Eat advisory for mallards. There is another advisory for the bay from the city of Marinette across to Sturgeon Bay and south to Longtail Point for the following: Mallards: One meal per month Wood ducks: One meal per week The advisory is effective immediately, and hunters are urged to be wary of this for the hunting season. According to the release, waterfowl were first collected from the bay in 2022 to evaluate an existing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) consumption advisory in the lower portion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An additional assessment of PFAS in breast muscle tissue was included, and in 2023 and 2024, additional samples were collected with tests in July and August. 9 Sheboygan Fire Department units respond to house fire, two displaced with roughly $75k in estimated damages The tests indicated elevated perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) levels in the breast muscle, and that the lower portion of the bays duck population has higher concentrations than the northern region. Click here for more updated 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Under the cover of anonymity, 12 federal judges voiced their frustrations with the U.S. Supreme Court and its handling of the second Trump administration thus far. The judges, apparently appointed by both Republican and Democratic presidents, told NBC News that their primary concern is the growing lack of trust in the judiciary nationwide. They say that part of the blame lies with the U.S. Supreme Court, which has overturned lower court rulings and sided with the Trump administration. It is inexcusable, one judge said of the Supreme Court justices to the news outlet. They dont have our backs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a ruling is handed down that the Trump administration does not find favorable, the judges said their safety is put at risk. As of June 2025, there were more than 400 investigations regarding threats against judges, compared to 457 in fiscal year 2023, per NBC News. One judge, who said the Supreme Court justices are behaving inexcusably, also said that they are fearful to open the front door when someone knocks and have received violent threats. If the issues are not addressed, somebody is going to die, the judge claimed. As of Sept. 2, out of the 23 emergency applications requested by the Trump administration, the Supreme Court has issued 20 emergency orders in response, according to Ballotpedia. One emergency application is still pending, and two have been withdrawn. The judges other primary concern with the higher court is that in their emergency rulings, they are not providing federal judges with enough explanation to assist them in making decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judges in the trenches need, and deserve, well-reasoned, bright-line guidance, a judge said. Too often today, sweeping rulings arrive with breathtaking speed but minimal explanation, stripped of the rigor that full briefing and argument provide. Utah lawmaker defends Supreme Court Utah Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, said its a fair criticism, but defended the Supreme Court. When theres an emergency ruling, I do expect a shorter notation that says yes or no, and then a full explanation can come out later. I understand that for federal judges, that leaves them in a query, and theyre guessing, Weiler told the Deseret News. Still, he added that its understandable when the Supreme Court is in recess from around June or July to October and theyre not fully staffed. Another judge told NBC News that the Supreme Courts rulings effectively affirm comments such as those by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who described the federal courts as participating in a judicial coup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Weiler doesnt see it that way. I think since Trump retook office, you have a lot of political activists who are running around to district courts like Maryland that traditionally have Democratic president-appointed judges and they have a propensity to tell Trump that hes wrong and that he cant use his presidential powers, he said. And so I think, I think the Supreme Court is not driving this agenda. I think theyre reacting to other peoples agendas. Activists, Weiler said, are trying to get their cases to judges that they think will be inclined to tell Trump he cant exercise the powers that the Constitution has given to all presidents, but also, there are certain federal judges who are more inclined, I think, to issue a ruling against Trump that they wouldnt have done against Biden or Obama or Bush. He added, So, I dont blame the Supreme Court here. I think theyre playing Whack-a-Mole. I think that the problem is, A) the activist plaintiffs, and, B) some of the judges who are more than willing to play along when an activist plaintiff asks for an injunction. Immigrant children recalled getting awakened in the middle of the night and frantically informed of a possible deportation in a court filing contesting the Trump administrations attempts to remove them this past weekend. I woke up very scared, and I felt like I lost my breath for a second because they had never woken us up in the middle of the night before, one child said in the Wednesday filing. Related: Epstein Victim Who Put Her Hope In Trump Scorches Him For Calling Scandal A Hoax The child said they hadnt had the chance to brush their teeth or wash their face before they were put on a bus to the airport. Another child vomited out of fear, according to the filing. A third child was crying and distraught about the possibility of returning to Guatemala, from which she had previously immigrated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filing features harrowing accounts of children being abruptly jostled awake between the hours of 2 to 4 a.m. and yanked from their beds, as well as testimony which suggests that they and their families arent trying to reunite in Guatemala as the Trump administration has previously alleged. A DHS spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The filing comes as the administration attempted to deport dozens of unaccompanied minors to Guatemala in the early hours of Sunday morning, a move thats been blocked by a district court judge for at least two weeks. During that attempted deportation, one flight had left for Guatemala but was turned back. Related: Amy Coney Barrett Downplays Fears Of A Constitutional Crisis The National Immigration Law Center (NILC), which is representing some of the children, has argued that the attempted deportation was a violation of the legal protections they have, as their cases are still being processed. None of the children many of whom are seeking asylum have a final order for removal, NILC President Kica Matos told PBS on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The children had previously entered the U.S. without a guardian and without authorization. They were placed in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for providing shelter. HHS currently oversees about 2,000 unaccompanied minors who have entered the U.S. in this way. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of 10 minors identified by their initials in the filings. The Trump administration, meanwhile, has said that its trying to repatriate children to Guatemala so they can be reunited with their families. The Guatemalan government has also said it would welcome these children back to the country and that it wanted to prevent kids from having to deal with the abysmal conditions in ICE detention once they turn 18. Related: Federal Agency That Handles Citizenship, Green Cards Will Now Have Armed Agents Children and parents accounts in the filing, however, dispute this notion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple children expressed fear about potentially returning to Guatemala, citing abuse and neglect they had endured as well as threats from gang members. If I am sent back, I will not be able to live safely. My mother did not request my return to Guatemala, she fears for my safety there, one remarked. Similarly, parents spoke out about how they were not pursuing family reunification and supported their childrens efforts to stay in the U.S. Related: Appeals Court Blocks Order To Wind Down Operations At 'Alligator Alcatraz' The person asked us in Spanish whether we would be able to receive [my daughter] back. We told the person that [my daughter] was going to school in the United States and that she has an attorney there, one father of a plaintiff said. We were very surprised to receive this call. I was alarmed and extremely worried about my daughter after receiving this call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administrations attempts to deport these children come as it continues to crack down on immigrants including rolling back legal protections and targeting undocumented people. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Woman accused of dismembering roommate and stealing her ID faces judge Angel Marie Thompson, accused of murdering and dismembering her roommate Nicole Alston nearly 18 years ago, appeared in a Fulton County courtroom Thursday. Channel 2s Karyn Greer was the only reporter in the courtroom as the suspects attorney fought to get murder charges against her dismissed. Thompson is charged with murdering Nicole Alston and stealing her identity to buy cars and collect Social Security benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case, which has drawn national attention, was brought before a judge to determine if there is probable cause to proceed with the charges. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Sandy Springs Detective John Nanoff testified about the arrest warrants served on Thompson, stating that Alstons remains were found dismembered in Troup County. The remains of Nicole Alston were found on the side of the road in Troup County, he said. She was missing her head, hands, and feet, and she was dismembered into 13 pieces. Thompson, shackled and wearing a blue prison jumpsuit, was escorted into the courtroom. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Investigators allege that after Alstons murder, Thompson used her identity to steal her Social Security benefits for a decade, approximately $140,000 in benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defendant bought and purchased and took out loans for at least four different vehicles that she purchased in the victims name, Nanoff said. Judge Jennifer Neal Jones found probable cause to charge Thompson with the murder, moving the case to arraignment where Thompson will enter her plea. Alstons adopted mother in New York expressed her desire for justice, stating that her daughter did not deserve to suffer as she did. The case will proceed to arraignment, where Thompson will face charges of murder and theft. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] CHAMPLAIN, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44) New York State Police said Thursday that a man was medically evaluated after a woman used a stun gun on his arm. State troopers arrived early Tuesday morning after a complaint of an assault in the Town of Champlain. Police said that Danielle A. Guay-Dupras, 40, of Mooers Forks, had shown a stun gun to a man and then used it on his forearm. The alleged victim reportedly felt unwell and called emergency services, who evaluated him, and he did not require transportation to a hospital. Democrat Dylan Hewitt starts bid for North Country seat Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guay-Dupras was found, arrested and processed, and released. She is facing four charges, including second-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon. Stun guns are in a legal gray area in New York, according to TASER, one of the most popular manufacturers. In 2019, a federal judge ruled that a state ban was unconstitutional. According to New York State Police, Guay-Dupras was charged because a previous conviction restricts her from possessing certain weapons. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. [See violent crime statistics in the player above.] AKRON, Ohio (WJW) A 39-year-old womans sudden and unexpected death was caused by injuries she suffered in an assault at a West Dalton Street home, police said. Her domestic partner was deemed a person of interest, then later arrested and charged with her murder, according to a news release from Akron police. Police responded to a sudden death call at about 1 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31, to the 600 block of Talbot Avenue, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Streetsboro school employee allegedly tried to meet teen for sex: Police The 39-year-old woman who has not been identified was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead, according to the release. The woman was found to have suffered multiple injuries. Her cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma. Major Crimes Unit investigators learned the woman may have been assaulted at a home along West Dalton Street, according to the release. Woman accused of killing child in Giant Eagle parking lot appeared in court Agents with the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force later arrested the womans partner, Rasheed D. Lagway, 43, whos now charged with murder, felonious assault and domestic violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who can offer information on the investigation is urged to call Akron detectives at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2TIP (330-375-2847). Anonymous tips can also be provided by: Downloading the Akron Police Department app and texting Tips411 or visiting the police departments website Calling Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS (330-434-2677) Texting TIPSCO with your tip to 274637 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A 34-year-old woman was charged in Wyandotte County after being accused of leaving her child alone in a locked car last month. The Wyandotte County District Attorney charged Yeraldin Barcenas-Bolivar with one count of aggravated endangering a child. View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4 The Wyandotte County Sheriffs Office responded to a call just after 7 p.m. on Aug. 20 for a child locked in a car in the Target parking lot near Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A deputy was sent to the scene with a lock-out kit. The deputy used the kit to break the car window and get the child out. The child was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation and was placed under police protective custody, according to the sheriffs office. Authorities said someone noticed the child in the car, and that person did what kids and car safety experts say is the right thing to do: they contacted the police. The childs mother, Barcenas-Bolivar, later came out of the store and was arrested. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV The sheriffs office was assisted by the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department and the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department. The incident is being investigated by the Wyandotte County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barcenas-Bolivar made her first court appearance on the morning of Aug. 25. She is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. for a preliminary 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WTVO) Machesney Park Police arrested Yvonne Strafford, 57, for allegedly calling Ralston Elementary School multiple times and leaving hateful messages on the schools answering machine. On February 25, around 9:37 a.m., officers received reports from the schools assistant principal stating that one of their employees was receiving vulgar and racist messages from an unknown person. The victim told authorities the suspect called multiple times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the messages said, white people smell like dogs, among multiple profanities, officials reported. After further investigation, deputies determined the phone number associated with the calls was Straffords. Officers tracked down Strafford at her home in the 300 block of North Dearborn Avenue in Kankakee, Illinois. Strafford was eventually taken into custody and booked into the Winnebago County Jail on September 4. She is charged with a hate crime and was granted pretrial release on Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KILLEN, Ala. (WHNT) A woman is suing a former Killen police officer, the departments police chief and the town of Killen for violating her rights, among several other allegations. The woman, referred to as Jane Doe in the suit, is requesting a jury trial in this case. She said that Jarrod Webster, while acting in his capacity as a Killen police officer, pulled her over for a traffic stop in November 2023 and ordered her to exit the vehicle. Once she was out the vehicle, the lawsuit claims Webster took her to his police vehicle, placed her in handcuffs and falsely imprisoned her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit then said Webster threatened her with criminal charges and further detainment unless she engaged in sexual acts with him violating multiple of her rights, invading her privacy and sexually assaulting her. The lawsuit claims that prior to this incident involving Jane Doe, Webster consistently engaged in similar predatory and abusive schemes while working as a Killen police officer. The woman is also alleging that Police Chief Bryan Hammond and the Town of Killen failed to train Webster with regard to sexual abuse and inappropriate sexual conduct and that they were also aware of his regular and methodical abuse of his role to falsely imprison and sexually abuse women. Webster was arrested and charged with first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy in November 2023 after an investigation by the Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office (LCSO). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pleaded guilty to sexual assault, as well as sexually exploiting a child, in March 2025 and was sentenced a couple of months later by a federal judge to 180 months, or 15 years, in prison. On Nov. 12, 2023, the Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office received a call from Crestwood Medical Center stating that a female patient disclosed that a Killen police officer had sexually assaulted her during a traffic stop early that morning. Due to the allegations, including a police officer being involved in a sexual assault while on duty, Lauderdale County investigators began a joint investigation with the FBI. Chief Hammond also confirmed to News 19 at that time he was placed on leave, then later resigned. The child sexual exploitation charge he pleaded guilty to stems from Webster admitting that between June 2016 and October 2018, he was in contact with a child on a phone via the social media app called Snapchat. The DOJ said Webster asked the child to produce and send him sexually explicit images of herself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJ said the victim sent multiple photos to Webster, at least one of which was categorized as child sexual abuse material. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. NEED TO KNOW Two people are dead, including the suspect, and several others were injured after a mass stabbing on a First Nation reserve in Manitoba on Thursday, Sept. 4 The attacks occurred in the Hollow Water First Nation community, located about 120 miles northeast of Winnipeg The Royal Canadian Mounted Police described the mass stabbing as a senseless act of violence An 18-year-old woman was killed and the suspect, identified by police as her brother, is dead after multiple people were stabbed on a First Nation reserve in Manitoba on Thursday, Sept. 4. The early morning attacks occurred in the Hollow Water First Nation community, located about 120 miles northeast of Winnipeg, CBC News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), per the outlet, seven other people between the ages of 18 and 60 years old were hurt and taken to the hospital. An officer responding to the attacks was also seriously injured after she was in a car crash with the suspect, who had reportedly fled the scene in a stolen car. The suspect, identified by police as 26-year-old Tyrone Simard from Hollow Water, died in the crash, Toronto Star reported. Officials confirmed the woman who was killed was Simard's sister. They said the officer involved in the crash was taken to the hospital with critical injuries but is expected to recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RCMP described the mass stabbing as a senseless act of violence, ABC News reported. Our officers are gathering information to determine what exactly occurred this morning," RCMP said, adding that they will continue to provide detailed updates, per CTV News. Michael Raven was identified as one of those injured in the stabbings, said his son Jordan Hamilton and daughter Christy Williams. The pair told CBC News that their father was sleeping at his home when the attacker broke in and stabbed him multiple times. He was also hit in the head with a bottle, but is "conscious, awake and talking," Williams said, per the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The community is all shaken up from it. It is not something that happens in Hollow Water," Williams said, per CBC. "This is scary for everybody ... This incident doesn't sum up Hollow Water." Hollow Water First Nation, also known as Waanibiigaaw or Wanipigow in Ojibwe, is a "proud" Anishinaabe community located on the east shore of Lake Winnipeg, according to its website. Read the original article on People A swimmer went missing after going for a swim at the Jersey Shore early Thursday morning, prompting Cape May City authorities to launch a multi-agency search-and-rescue operation in the area of Madison and Beach avenues, officials said. The swimmer, described as a woman with dark hair between the ages of 30 and 40, entered the water shortly after 7 a.m., the citys office of emergency management said in a statement shared on Facebook late Thursday morning. We will remain on location with our resources, which include the New Jersey State Police Marine Boats, United States Coast Guard Small Boat Station and the United States Coast Guard Fire Department, city officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate social media post, officials announced that the Cape May Beach Patrol would be flying double red flags in the area until further notice indicating that swimmers are not allowed to enter the water due to high surf and dangerous rip currents. No additional information was available as of 1 p.m. Thursday. Earlier this week, a swimmer drowned at another Jersey Shore beach, officials said. The 39-year-old was pulled from the ocean at a Lavallette beach Tuesday afternoon and taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Sep. 3One of two women charged in the 2023 death of a disabled woman in their care pleaded guilty this week to three felonies and agreed to testify against her co-defendant. The plea agreement calls for Patricia Hurtado, 44, to serve five years in prison in the abuse death of 38-year-old Mary Melero, who was found severely injured in a van destined for Mexico. Melero later died in an El Paso hospital. Prosecutors with the New Mexico Department of Justice allege Hurtado and Angelita Chacon, 54, inflicted "horrific" injuries on Melero and were attempting to transport the disabled woman out of the United States to conceal their crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurtado pleaded guilty Tuesday to kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping and Medicaid fraud and agreed to provide "truthful statements and testimony" at Chacon's trial. Judge Christopher Perez in June ordered both women remanded to custody following an hourlong hearing in 13th Judicial District Court. Chacon is scheduled for a pretrial hearing in January. "Our priority has always been justice for Mary, and this admission of guilt and promise of cooperation brings us one step closer to achieving it," Attorney General Raul Torrez said in a statement. "Hurtado's admission of guilt affords a measure of justice to the victim's family and an accounting of the losses to Medicaid caused by Hurtado's fraud and abuse, while also advancing the prosecution against the main culprit, Chacon," Torrez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurtado's attorney, Susan Burgess-Farrell, declined to comment about the case Wednesday. Chacon's attorney, Camille Cordova, did not immediately return phone messages seeking comment. Hurtado and Chacon both remain in custody pending resolution of their cases. Hurtado's plea agreement also requires her to pay restitution of $861,649 to the state and $2.5 million to Melero's estate. Hurtado and Chacon were attempting to drive the van across the border to Mexico when Border Patrol agents found the disabled woman lying on the floor with "horrific" injuries, Torrez said in a 2023 news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Torrez used the word "torture" to describe the treatment Melero received at the hands of her caregivers, who were paid under the state's Developmental Disabilities Waiver program. Melero's injuries included bedsores that went to the bone, open wounds that were septic and bruises from being restrained, according to court records. Melero was taken to an El Paso hospital, where she had a heart attack and died after being taken off life support on April 7, 2023. Melero's death while in the care of the state's Developmental Disabilities Waiver program led to an investigation into the treatment of disabled New Mexicans in the care of a state program intended as an alternative to institutionalization. GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) Authorities arrested a Pawleys Island woman after they said she attempted to enter a high school with a handgun. The Georgetown County Sheriffs Office said 39-year-old Tanesha Anissa Addison Bennett was taken into custody by a school resource officer at Waccamaw High School after setting off a security alarm. Officials said the woman was stopped in a secure vestibule by the school safety monitor before getting access to the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Glock handgun was found in the womans fanny pack. She reportedly told deputies that she forgot the gun was there. Bennett has been charged with possession of a weapon on school property. This is a clear example of the process working as it should. The security system, school staff, and our deputies did their part to ensure a safe environment, said Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver. The school is operating normally. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW HARTFORD, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) The pastor of the Word of Life Church where two brothers were beaten one to death received parole on Tuesday. First reported by the Daily Sentinel on Wednesday, September 3, Tiffanie Irwin was released on parole on Tuesday, September 2. Irwin was serving 12 years at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility near New York City after being convicted of manslaughter and assault. She served almost nine years of that sentence, arriving at the maximum-security prison in 2016. Irwin was one of nine people convicted in the 2015 beating, in which two brothers Lucas and Christopher Leonard were whipped by their half-sister at the church. They were then kept without medical assistance for nearly 12 hours. One of the brothers died from their injuries, while another was hospitalized for approximately a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assault stemmed from what they called a counseling session, allegedly brought about because as the New York Times alleged in 2015 Lucas wanted to leave Word of Life. Sarah Ferguson the half-sister who allegedly whipped the two boys is the only one of the nine who remains in prison, at the same prison Irwin was just released from. She is serving a sentence of 25 years in prison after being convicted of manslaughter, gang assault and assault. She will be eligible for parole in 2037. With Irwins release, the entire Irwin family has now finished their time in prison. Both her brother Daniel and mother Traci were released after spending two years in Oneida County Jail after both pled guilty to charges of unlawful imprisonment. Irwins brother Joseph was released in September 2022 after serving seven years in prison on charges of gang assault and felonious assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deborah and Bruce Leonard the victims parents were both charged with felonious assault. Deborah was released in 2020 after serving nearly three years in prison, while Bruce was released in May of 2024 after serving eight years. Both Linda Morey and her son David members of the church who were allegedly associated with the assault pled guilty to assault charges in the case and were sentenced to five years each. Both were released in February of 2020. According to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Irwin now moves to post-release supervision, which she will be subject to until 2030. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday joined several world leaders in offering condolences after a funicular derailment in central Lisbon killed at least 17 people and injured more than 20 others. "The French people join the Portuguese in mourning after the tragic cable car accident in Lisbon," said Macron on social media. "Our condolences go out to the bereaved families and we stand in solidarity with Portugal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spain's Prime Minster Pedro Sanchez said he was appalled by the terrible accident. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sadi she learned of the tragedy with sadness and sent her condolences to the families of the victims. The opening stages of an inquiry were underway on Thursday as Portugal began a day of national mourning. Images on social media showed the wrecked funicular against a wall and in a cloud of smoke after it failed to negotiate a bend at the bottom of a street in central Lisbon. The lift, which can carry around 40 passengers, is a popular means of transport for the millions of tourists who visit the Portuguese capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is a tragedy that has never happened in our city," said Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas. Dozens of firefighters, police and medics worked throughout Wednesday evening to cut survivors from the wreckage and take them to hospitals. Investigation into French tram crash as number of injuries rises to 68 'Lengthy queue' Antonio Javier, a 44-year-old Spanish tourist, told the French news agency AFP that he had been in the queue with his wife and two children to take the funicular but had given up due to the length of the wait. "We are a little relieved," he added. A witness to the accident told SIC television that she saw the funicular descend at full speed down the steep slope where it runs daily, before hitting a building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It crashed into a building with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box, it had no brakes," the woman said. The public prosecutor's office told the Lusa news agency: "As required by law in such situations, the public prosecutor's office will open an investigation into the circumstances of the accident." Carris, the company that manages transport in Lisbon, said that all maintenance protocols had been carried out, including general maintenance. "Monthly, weekly and daily inspection maintenance programmes have been scrupulously followed," the company added. (with newswires) The August 29 decision by the Trump administration to deny visas to Palestinian leaders and staff invited to attend the U.N. General Assembly is ill-advised and reflects a brazen attempt to silence Palestinian political voices. Marco Rubio, the current secretary of state and one of the biggest beneficiaries of the pro-Israel lobby while running for office (receiving over $1 million as of March 2024 from AIPAC), abused Americas obligations to the United Nations by denying visas to a moderate Palestinian leader, President Mahmoud Abbas, and 80 other Palestinian officials. The denial is based on a flimsy rationale, as articulated by the secretary. The official statement noted that Palestinians must repudiate terrorism, including the October 7 attacks, before being considered partners for peace. Yet under Abbas, the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority leadership has consistently condemned terrorism and adopted nonviolence, and, as recently as July 29, it went further by supporting the French-Saudi initiative calling for Hamass disarmament and its exclusion from Palestinian governance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denying a visa to a U.N. invitee whose country (Palestine) has been recognized by the U.N. General Assembly as a non-member state exposes an unholy collusion between the United States and Israel. The U.S. is making a terrible mistake by siding without reservation with a far-right-wing Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, both of whom face arrest warrants sought by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for war crimes. The visa ban came at the same time that a further ban on all Palestinian passport holders wishing to come to the U.S. for medical or educational purposes was imposed by the same secretary of state. Frances President Emanuel Macron and other Western leaders have called on President Trump to reverse the decision and allow Palestinian leaders to make their case for Palestinian statehood as the best way to bring peace to the Middle East. What is very worrying is that such an unusual act is aimed squarely at suppressing Palestinian nationalism. For more than three decades, bipartisan U.S. policy upheld the two-state solution as the key to peace. Now the Trump administration is actively working with Israel to extinguish Palestinian aspirations for statehood. Former U.S. diplomat in the Middle East Ed Abington called the decision punitive and argued that it aims to liquidate the Palestinian cause. Posting on his Facebook page, Abington said, I have worked on the Israeli Palestinian issue on and off since 1970, and Ive never seen such a punitive policy towards Palestinians in the last 55 years. I can only conclude that the Trump and Netanyahu regimes have developed a plan to try to liquidate the Palestinian cause following the catastrophic Hamas October 7 attack and Israels genocidal military campaign against Palestinians in Gaza. This is not the first time that Palestinian leaders have been denied a visa to the U.N. in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1988, President Ronald Reagan blocked Yasser Arafat from addressing the body in New York, a decision that forced the UNGA to move its session to the U.N.s Geneva site. What is different, however, is that Trump is banning a Palestinian leader whose organization, the Palestinian Authority, and the umbrella Palestine Liberation Organization, are recognized internationally, have direct ties with Washington, and cooperate with Americans and Israelis on political security and even on intelligence. The irony is that the American decision to silence Palestinian leaders comes at a time when Israel has been physically eliminating Palestinian journalists. Israel has killed more than 200 journalists in the past two years, including five in a hospital bombing just last weekall on the eve of a breakthrough among Western countries to recognize Palestine. Already, 146 countries have recognized Palestine, and by the end of September, four-fifths of U.N. member states and most permanent members of the Security Council are expected to do so, including, this year, Australia, Canada, and the U.K. The U.S. and Israel are furious that the world is finally delivering on its long-stated commitment to a two-state solution, while Washington clings to leaders accused of genocide and man-made famine in Gaza. Hanan Ashrawi, legislator and veteran of the Oslo peace talks, condemned the move: Instead of expelling Israel as a rogue state from the U.N. and all its agencies, the U.S. is denying Palestinian representatives access to the U.N. for daring to seek accountability, protection, and justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matt Duss, vice president of the Center for International Policy, called the U.S. position a perfect expression of decades of U.S. policy toward the Palestinians: Well punish you for violence, but well also punish you for nonviolence. The Trump administration and the Netanyahu government appear to share an identical policy: denying Palestinians a voice, whether through the killing of journalists or the denial of visas to nonviolent leaders advocating for a peaceful Palestinian state living side by side with Israel. The real danger is that by its policy, the United States appears to be supporting the Israeli occupiers efforts to remove Palestinians from their homeland and erase Palestinian nationalism. But none of this will quash the national aspirations of Palestinians for freedom and statehood. As goes the common saying in Spain, a country that has already recognized Palestine, attempts to deny these rights are like trying to tapar el sol con un dedo, or to cover the sun with a finger. ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) The family of James Cushman, a man shot and killed by Orchard Park Police, is now suing the department and the town. The lawsuit claims officers used excessive force during a mental health call which led to Cushmans death. The 57-page court filing obtained by WIVB News 4 outlines what allegedly happened the night of Aug. 30, 2024, when Cushman was shot and killed. The civil lawsuit also sheds light on Cushmans long history of mental health issues and raises questions on how the situation was handled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Cushmans poor mental health history dates back to May 2015 when Orchard Park Police brought him to ECMC for making suicidal statements to his sister about wanting to harm himself and others. Then, in October 2023, an ambulance brought Cushman to Mercy Hospital for a series of medical complaints. Cushmans mother, Suzann Tighe, contacted hospital staff to relay her concerns that her son was having a mental breakdown, in that he though people were following him and trying to poison him. A month later, he was brought to ECMC again for suicidal thoughts. The court document also alleges that just days before the shooting Orchard Park Police were at Cushmans home twice in response to his mental health issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 30, 2024, Cushman called 911 himself. According to police, he told dispatch his mother was outside of his home with a gun and that he was outside armed with a knife. When officers arrived, Cushmans mother was helping to calm him down and even got him to set the knife on a mailbox and walk away. The lawsuit states thats when things should have stayed calm, but instead, officers demanded his mother go back inside which reignited the crisis. Cushman allegedly ran for the knife again, and then seconds later, he was shot seven times including four in his back. In a press conference held by Orchard Park Police following the incident, there was no mention of any crisis intervention team on scene the night of the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in 2021, Orchard Parks Police Reform Plan recommended more training in de-escalation and crisis intervention. The court document states this implies the departments response to people with mental illness was still lacking. Suzann Tighe is seeking damages hoping to hold the department accountable for what she calls a preventable death. The New York State Attorney Generals Office told WIVB News 4 on Thursday that it is still investigating the shooting and it does not have a timeline for when it will be complete. Latest Local News Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) The Federal Reserve of Richmond hosted a panel at WVU to discuss unlocking rural potential. Discussions on rural economic issues, economic development, and discussions centered around rural communities took place. Before the panel, attendees in person and online were invited to answer polls and respond to what they believe are issues facing rural economic development. Hosting the discussion was Andy Bauer, Vice President and regional executive at the federal reserve bank of Richmond. He believes that learning from community leaders is crucial to the future of economic development in West Virginia. We have a focus on small towns in rural areas. We want to understand the challenges they face, as well as how they are overcoming these challenges. said Bauer A lot of the ways that we come about learning is actually talking with community leaders so todays event really kind of brings together a lot of what we think we have learned about some of the challenges but also some solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bauer also highlighted the importance of the local communities and partnerships in West Virginia. I think one of the nice things about spending a lot of time in West Virginia is that we have a lot of really good partnerships with institutions and organizations in West Virginia. said Bauer The event, which was hosted at WVUs Erickson Alumni Center, featured representatives from WVU expressing their excitement to host the Federal Reserve for the panel. We are so excited to partner with the Richmond Fed on the district dialog event this is the first time its taken place in West Virginia and I love that its happening on campus there are so many incredible things that are happening at the University that are supporting economic development so this is a great way to showcase those initiatives. said Liz Vitullo Assistant Vice President for Economic Innovation at WVU Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin discussed longevity at a Beijing military parade. Longevity research is booming, with investments and studies on life extension increasing. Experts say human life expectancy gains are plateauing, despite advances in longevity science. Leaders of the world's two biggest authoritarian powers want to live longer. On a hot mic, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin were caught discussing whether they could live forever during a military parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. The parade marked the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II. Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, was also present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hot mic moment came while Xi and Putin were making their way up a slope toward Tiananmen Gate. A translator can be heard saying in Mandarin to Xi that "in a few years, with the development of biotechnology, human organs can be constantly transplanted so that you can become younger the longer you live, and even become immortal." Xi can then be heard responding in Mandarin that "the prediction is that in this century humans may live to 150 years old." In 2018, Xi abolished China's 10-year term limit for top leadership positions, which means he could keep his position for life. Putin, who has served as Russia's president or prime minister over a period of three decades, pushed through a referendum in 2020 that allows him to stay in power until 2036. Here is what longevity researchers and scientists have said about the ability to live to 150 or beyond. Longevity research is in a boom period The science of life extension is drawing billions in investment and becoming mainstream. Social media influencers who are attempting to reverse their biological age are selling lifestyle plans and food products to people who dream of doing the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists have been engaging in antiaging research long before this trend boomed, studying ways to protect our cells from degradation. However, it's slow work, and no credible scientist has found a way to fight mortality. In 2023, David Sinclair, a professor of genetics at the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School, reported mouse experiments that suggested aging could be reversed by "reprogramming" certain cells. He extrapolated that the same may be true for humans, and that one day aging could be driven "forwards and backwards at will." Most aging researchers agree that cellular reprogramming technology has some promise, but there's no evidence that it would work in humans. Even in mice, the researchers were not able to reverse their entire organism "at will." A group of Danish scientists published research suggesting that people whose gut bacteria can make new, protective compounds tend to live longer. That prompted speculation that perhaps, in the future, scientists could engineer everyone's guts to produce more pathogen-resistant molecules. However, these findings were based on correlation no causal link was found and other researchers caution that the relationship between gut bacteria and human longevity is nowhere near settled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for organ transplants to extend the life of someone who is not having an immediate medical emergency, it may be far-fetched. Immune suppression limits repeated organ transplantation, and experimental research on lab-grown organs to transplant mostly exists as an attempt to fill the donor shortage. As an example of how difficult organ transplants are, it is considered a huge success when the patient who received a genetically modified pig kidney created by eGenesis hasn't died after half a year. The patient has a rare blood type that would have made the wait for an organ donor extremely long. Some experts think we've reached a longevity plateau Some researchers think we may be reaching the ceiling on how long humans can live. A 2024 study published in Nature found that the dramatic life expectancy gains of the last century are flattening out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the research, from 1900 to 2000, US life expectancy jumped from 47 to 77 years, thanks to breakthroughs like vaccines, antibiotics, sanitation, and better nutrition. But that rapid progress appears to be slowing, especially in wealthy countries where most people now survive well into old age. "If somebody tells you that they know how to get you to 100, don't listen to them because they don't know what they're talking about," lead study author S. Jay Olshansky, a biostatistician at the University of Illinois, Chicago, previously told Business Insider's health correspondent, Hilary Brueck. His team estimated that in the best-case scenario, just 15% of women and 5% of men alive today will reach age 100. The finding is based on 30 years of demographic data from some of the world's richest nations with the most long-lived populations. So, while that may dampen Xi and Putin's musings, Olshansky does offer a ray of hope, even if the triple digits remain elusive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've got a lot of people making it out to 85 or 90," he said. "One-hundred isn't going to happen for most people." Barring some unforeseen breakthrough, a guaranteed solution to a longer life is not going to happen soon, but that doesn't keep the wealthy and powerful from throwing money at the problem. In 2015, Google started its health moonshot called Verily, but the company is now experiencing layoffs. More recently, Jeff Bezos' Altos Labs and Sam Altman's Retro Biosciences both aim to tackle the same mystery of longevity. Read the original article on Business Insider By Liz Lee BEIJING (Reuters) -China's President Xi Jinping called on Thursday for closer coordination with North Korea in global and regional affairs, state media reported, as the leaders of the two nuclear-armed neighbours held their first meeting in six years. Xi met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a day after Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a military parade in Beijing. Both were seen walking and talking with Xi during the massive event which China used as a portrayal of force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the first time the three leaders have appeared together, and marked the reclusive North Korean leader's first attendance at a major multilateral event. Kim, in video clips released by CCTV, congratulated Xi on the "successful and grand" parade which "strongly demonstrated today's great international status of China". "China's celebration is our celebration," he said. Xi called the two countries "good neighbours, good friends and good comrades that share a common destiny," CCTV said. "China and North Korea should strengthen strategic coordination in international and regional affairs to safeguard their common interests," Xi was quoted as saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "China is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication with North Korea ... enhance mutual understanding and friendship, step up interactions at all levels, and carry out practical cooperation across fields." On the Korean Peninsula issue, Xi said that China was ready to continue strengthening coordination with North Korea to maintain peace and stability in the region. Kim arrived in Beijing on his signature green armoured train on Tuesday, along with his teenage daughter who made her first public outing on foreign soil. Video footage posted by CCTV earlier on Thursday showed Kim leaving the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing, where his meeting with Xi took place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those accompanying him included his sister Kim Yo Jong, a ruling Workers' Party official who has been a fixture in leader Kim's inner circle and often speaks for him on external affairs. His train was seen leaving the Chinese capital late Thursday night after the talks, according to Reuters witnesses. China, a formal treaty ally of North Korea, is overwhelmingly the isolated nation's largest trading partner. The two countries share a history going back to Beijing's support of Pyongyang during the 1950-1953 Korean War that resulted in the formation of North and South Korea. But as Kim deepened ties with Putin in recent years, especially on military cooperation, Beijing has kept a distance and reacted guardedly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Kim vowed "full support" for Russia's army as a "fraternal duty" in a meeting with Putin. During his meeting with Kim, Xi said that China's position in developing ties with North Korea would not change "no matter how the international situation evolves." (Additional reporting by Beijing and Shanghai newsrooms, and Jack Kim in Seoul; Editing by Bernadette Baum, Aidan Lewis and Ros Russell) China's President Xi Jinping and his visiting Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed life-prolonging organ transplants and immortality as they chatted before a massive military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, in comments picked up by state media microphones. Historic images showed Xi shaking hands and speaking with Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as they walked down a red carpet by Tiananmen Square, in scenes viewed as a challenge to President Trump and the U.S.-led global order that has prevailed for more than a century. "These days ... 70 years old," Xi mused in Mandarin as he walked beside Putin and Kim, according to video aired by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. Xi's translator conveyed the remarks to Putin, who is then heard in Russian quoting a line from a Tang dynasty poem: "In the past, it used to be rare for someone to be older than 70 and these days they say that at 70 one's still a child." Elderly residents gather at a local civil affairs service center to watch the live broadcast of China's Victory Day military parade from Beijing, Sept. 3, 2025, in Chongqing, China. / Credit: Cheng Xin/Getty Putin then turned toward Xi, speaking while gesturing with his hands, though his words are inaudible on the CCTV feed. The same Chinese translator then relays Putin's remarks to Xi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With the ... development of biotechnology, human organs can be continuously transplanted, people could get younger as they grow older, and may even become immortal," Putin said, according to the translator. Xi then spoke again in Mandarin as the camera cut away: "Predictions are, in this century, it may be ... possible to live to 150 years old." Putin confirmed the exchange during a news conference later Wednesday. "Ah, I think it was when we were going to the parade that the chairman spoke about this," he told reporters, referring to Xi. "Modern means both health improvement and medical means, and then even all kinds of surgical ones related to organ replacement allow humanity to hope that active life will continue not as it does today," Putin added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China and Russia's "no limits partnership" Xi and Putin, along with Kim and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have been dubbed an "Axis of Upheaval" by some Western analysts, and Xi's decision to bring together the leaders of some of the most heavily sanctioned nations in the world this week was clearly calculated. The parade was the first time Kim had ever appeared together with both Xi and Putin providing him a first multilateral diplomatic event. Xi and Putin have made their ambition to shake up the global status quo clear for several years. "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. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping shake hands during a welcoming ceremony before their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on May 8, 2025. / Credit: EVGENIA NOVOZHENINA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images China and Russia have declared a "no limits partnership," and neither Xi nor Putin, who are both 72, has ever expressed any intention of stepping down from their respective roles at the helm of their nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Xi's predecessors Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao relinquished power after 10 years in office, he abolished term limits in 2018 and, in 2023, was handed a third term as Chinese president. Putin was elected to a record fifth six-year term just last year in Russia. Critics dismissed the vote as a patently undemocratic farse, as virtually all of Putin's serious political opponents were barred from running, and many of them were jailed. Putin has twice used his leverage as Russia's autocratic leader to amend the constitution so that he can theoretically stay in power until he's in his mid-80s. He already is the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin. China, meanwhile, has historically had one of the lowest rates of organ donation in the world, with a severe shortage of organ donors and a long-standing black-market organ trade. In 2016, about four years into Xi's tenure as leader, surgeons from the World Health Organization gathered in Beijing to try to allay skepticism about whether Chinese hospitals had, as claimed, stopped performing transplants with the organs of executed prisoners. Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Khanna, Massie and Greene hold news conference on Jeffrey Epstein files HHS Secretary RFK Jr. wraps heated Senate testimony Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the possibility of humans drastically extending their lifespans ahead of a military parade in Beijing, Chinese state television footage showed on Wednesday. In the conversation, carried out through interpreters, 72-year-old Putin noted that advances in biotechnology could allow organ transplants to make people feel younger and even achieve "immortality." Putinreferred to Xi's earlier remark that people were once considered old at 70, but now might be seen as almost youthful at that age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xi, also 72, struck a more cautious tone, but said he was optimistic that it might soon be possible to extend human life to 150 years. The broadcast cut off shortly afterwards. Media reports suggest that the two leaders didn't know they were being recorded as they spoke. Both leaders have overseen constitutional changes to extend their rule. Xi has been in power since 2013 and Putin for 25 years. Putin later confirmed the exchange during a press conference wrapping up his four-day visit to China. While saying that a significant rise of life expectancy is realistic, Putin stressed that some life-extending advances might not be widely available. He also cautioned about the social, political and economic consequences if the number of elderly were to exceed the number of young people. BEIJING (AP) Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russia President Vladimir Putin chatted about how advances in science could prolong the human life span in a rare hot mic moment in the Chinese capital. The brief exchange was captured on a live news video feed of Xi and Putin as they walked on a red carpet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the head of a large cluster of high-level guests. The group was going toward the viewing platform for a major Chinese military parade on Wednesday. Xi spoke first, and although only parts of his words can be made out, a translator followed in Russian: Before its said to be very rare to live up to 70, and now its said that you are still a child at 70. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin, turning toward Xi, gesticulated with pointed fingers as he responded. Kim, on the other side of Xi, turned in to listen to both, breaking into an occasional smile. The Russian president's words are inaudible, but after he spoke, an interpreter can be heard translating what he said into Chinese. In a few decades, as biotechnology continues to develop, human organs will continue to be transplanted and people will become younger and perhaps even achieve immortality, the interpreter said. Xi appeared to break into a slight smile as the interpreter spoke, turning his head once to look at Putin briefly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The live feed then switched to an overhead view of the viewing platform on historic Tiananmen Gate, but the audio from the walking leaders continued. A voice that sounded like Xi said, Some predict that within this century, it may be possible ... . Then the audio paused briefly. When it came back, someone can be heard saying at much lower volume, ... may be able to live up to 150 years old. The second phrase follows naturally from the first one in Chinese, but its not clear whether the second one is also Xi or someone else. A translator than said in Russian, There are forecasts that in this world a person will live up to 100. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The feed was provided by the parade media center to international news agencies including The Associated Press. Xi presided over a parade that marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The fighter jets, missiles and other military hardware were a display of strength intended in part to show the progress the country has made under Communist Party rule. Later in the day, Putin said at a news conference that Xi had brought up life expectancy while they were walking to the parade. The chairman mentioned this, he said, referring to the Chinese leader. He added that former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi had actively promoted the topic in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Modern health and medical technologies, surgical procedures connected with organ replacements and so on give humanity reason to hope that an active life can continue differently than now, Putin said. "The average age varies across countries, of course, but life expectancy is significantly increasing. ___ Associated Press videojournalist Kostya Manenkov in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed to this report. BEIJING (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday praised Slovakia for "adherence" to its friendship with China, telling its prime minister that he hoped Bratislava would continue to aid Beijing in building its relations with the broader European Union. The international community needs unity and cooperation more than ever, Xi told Prime Minister Robert Fico, who attended a massive military parade in Beijing on Wednesday that showed off China's military might and diplomatic clout. China is counting on some EU states such as Slovakia to speak up for Beijing within the European Union, which had imposed steep tariffs on China-made electric vehicles on allegations of unfair competition. Slovakia was one of five EU states that opposed the duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xi said he hoped Slovakia would continue to play a "positive" role in promoting China-EU relations, the official Xinhua news agency reported. Fico, who last met with Xi in Moscow in May, has been eager to push his country's relations with China into a "fast lane". Along with Hungary, another EU member, populist-led Slovakia is seeking to attract job-creating industrial investment from Chinese firms selling into Europe. But, unlike Budapest, Bratislava has been slow in reaping gains from the world's second-biggest economy, only managing to elevate relations to a strategic partnership just last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, who had represented Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the Beijing military parade, told China's top diplomat Wang Yi on Wednesday that around 31% of Chinese investments in Europe came to Hungary in 2024. Like Hungary, Slovakia maintains close ties with Russia, which supplies the majority of Slovakia's oil needs. Fico will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, after telling Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday that he wants to normalise relations with the Kremlin, even as the EU is seeking to wean itself off Russian energy imports to punish Moscow over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. (Reporting by Ryan Woo and Joe Cash; Editing by Kim Coghill and Lincoln Feast.) Houthi officials called for raids on United Nations premises, accusing UN personnel of espionage and bias. Yemen's Houthi-run Foreign Ministry said United Nations officials' legal immunities should not shield espionage activities, days after at least 18 UN personnel were detained in the capital Sanaa. The UN said on Sunday that Houthi rebels raided its premises in Sanaa and detained UN staff, following an Israeli strike that killed the prime minister of the Houthi-run government and several other ministers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the weekend raids the Houthis were already holding 23 UN personnel, some since 2021. Another UN staff member died while in Houthi custody in February. "So far, the UNICEF and WFP (World Food Programme) offices remain under the Houthi control," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday, again calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained. He said the Houthis had also broken into the UN Development Programme complex. People stand outside a fuel station one day after it was hit by Israeli airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, August 25, 2025. (credit: Stringer/Reuters) Multiple UN complexes have been infiltrated "We reiterate that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthi-run Foreign Ministry also accused the UN of bias, saying it had condemned "legal measures taken by the government against spy cells involved in crimes," but failed to denounce the Israeli attack, the Houthi-run news agency Saba reported on Wednesday. Yemen has been split between a Houthi administration in Sanaa and a Saudi-backed government in Aden since the Iran-aligned Houthis seized Sanaa in late 2014, triggering a decade-long conflict. The ministry added that Yemen respected "the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations ... while emphasizing that these immunities do not protect espionage activities or those who engage in them, nor provide them with legal cover," it added. New York Attorney General Letitia James sent formal notice Thursday that her office will appeal a decision last month that threw out the half billion-dollar civil fraud penalty imposed on President Donald Trump in his civil fraud case. The attorney general's office filed a notice of appeal, signaling it will ask the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals, to reinstate the penalty and the finding that Trump, his eldest sons and his business were liable for a decade's worth of business fraud. MORE: Appeals court throws out Trump's $454 million civil fraud judgment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The single-page notice contained no argument and did not say on what grounds the state would base its appeal of the decision by the intermediate appellate court. Last month's decision was expected to end up before the Court of Appeals since the five judges of the Appellate Division's First Department were split over whether Trump was properly found liable, whether James had the authority to bring the case, and whether it should be retried. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: NY Attorney General Letitia James speaks during a press conference at the offices of the Attorney General on Jan. 8, 2025 in New York City. After a three-month civil trial last year, New York Judge Arthur Engoron found Trump liable for committing a decade of business fraud by inflating his net worth to secure better business deals. In his written decision, Engoron said that Trump and his co-defendants engaged in frauds that "leap off the page and shock the conscience" including wrongly claiming that Trump's penthouse was three times its actual size and valuing his Mar-a-Lago estate as a personal residence, rather than a social club. FORT MILL, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) York Countys boil water advisory for Fort Mill and parts of Tega Cay was lifted Wednesday, days after putting out the notice. RELATED: Boil water advisory lifted for Fort Mill-Tega Cay residents; no E. coli found But some business owners say they werent told about the advisory until yesterday. County officials expected to lift Sundays advisory on Thursday, but they received results showing no dangerous E. coli bacteria in the water late Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One local business owner is happy to be back to normal. Were making custard as you can see, said Fort Mill Whits Frozen Custard owner David Berlin. He was excited to finally take the countys boil water advisory notice off his front door Wednesday afternoon. It happened after York County officials reported the water was drinkable again. On Sunday, leaders issued the advisory after an old pipe ruptured due to natural causes. Water samples from five Fort Mill neighborhoods came back absent from E.coli. Now, Berlin is working hard to prepare custard for customers. I know there were a lot of people hoping to get their almond joy today. Ive had a couple of people call me about it, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every day, the shop makes four flavors: vanilla, chocolate, a flavor of the week, and a flavor of the day. Saturday night, before closing, managers noticed there was no water, but it returned shortly. Despite the Sunday advisory, Berlin wasnt aware of any potential water contamination until a health department inspector informed the shop on Tuesday. Whits Frozen Custard franchise owner David Berlin take down the sign warning customers of the advisory. Yesterday afternoon, he informed us and just told us to start using boiled water for washing our hands, cleaning our equipment and stuff like that, which at that point we realized we were kind of stuck with the custard we had had made. And we werent going to be able to make any more at that point, Berlin explained. The custard shop doesnt own a stove, so Berlin says it wouldve been hard to heat up a large amount of water. Employees adjusted to the advisory by selling prepackaged items and using bottled water to clean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berlin serves about 300 customers each weekend, but he says thankfully, there was no dip in foot traffic the last couple of days. Now, hes making a batch of almond joy custard, a customer favorite. I will make that as soon as I finish making the chocolate, and then well make the caramel apple pie right after the vanilla, Berlin said. He tells Queen City News he wishes the county had communicated the possible contamination with businesses more efficiently. We were basically in the dark about what we were supposed to do. I mean, we always go on the portion of we dont want to get anybody sick. And if they tell us that the water can get somebody sick, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, hes happy to get back to making custard for those with a sweet tooth. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. We want to share an important update regarding power at York International School. After further inspection, Xcel Energy discovered that the damage caused by the downed power lines is more extensive than originally thought. Unfortunately, this means crews will not be able to restore power in time for school tomorrow. As a result, York International will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 4, and all classes are canceled. Crews will continue working near the school throughout the day, with the goal of restoring power so that classes can resume on Friday. We know this closure is unexpected, and we truly appreciate your patience and support as we work through this situation. Please watch for additional updates as we stay in close contact with Xcel Energy. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming students back as soon as possible. No other Mapleton Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 4. York International School has classes for kindergarten through 12th grade. Hasan Piker, the far-left streamer who frequently stirs controversy for using antisemitic rhetoric in his commentary on Israel and Jewish issues, will join a roundtable discussion next month hosted by The New Yorker Festival, the publication announced on Wednesday in a full lineup of events. The conversation on Oct. 26, which will focus on how the internet has reshaped political life and its implications for the future of democracy, will also feature Saagar Enjeti, a right-wing populist pundit who co-hosts the Breaking Points podcast. It will be moderated by Andrew Marantz, a staff writer for The New Yorker, who published a feature story last March about Pikers popularity among an audience of young, male voters who have recently gravitated to the right. Piker, whose videos on Twitch and YouTube reach millions of viewers, has faced criticism for justifying Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks, while forcefully denying some of the terror groups atrocities such as widespread reports of sexual violence that he has dismissed as rape fantasies and hallucinations. In one stream last year, Piker, 34, argued that it doesnt matter if rapes f***ing happened on Oct. 7 like that doesnt change the dynamic for me even this much, adding that the Palestinian resistance is not perfect. He has also described Orthodox Jews as inbred, called a Jewish man a bloodthirsty, violent pig dog and compared Zionists to Nazis, among other slurs seen as antisemitic. His festival appearance drew criticism from the Anti-Defamation League, which denounced The New Yorkers decision to platform Piker as the latest example of mainstream media normalizing his brand of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. The streamers toxic and extreme rhetoric opposing Zionism and the Jewish state normalizes antisemitism, reinforces bigotry and launders terror and it has no place at a conference devoted to prominent influencers, an ADL spokesperson told Jewish Insider on Wednesday, arguing that Pikers extreme statements on a range of topics should permanently disqualify him from appearing at any major media festival. His appearing at a festival alongside such notables as Salman Rushdie, who lived for decades under threat of death from the Iranian regime, is deeply ironic, considering that Iran supports Hezbollah and the Houthis, two groups that Piker has openly admired and celebrated, the spokesperson added, referring to the British-Indian writer who is among several prominent guests now scheduled to join the event next month. A spokesperson for The New Yorker declined to comment when reached by JI on Wednesday. In his extensive online monologues, Piker has notably defended the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah, compared the Houthis in Yemen to the hero of an anime show and characterized the Oct. 7 attacks as an inevitable response to violent means of maintaining an apartheid, among other extreme comments. Piker, a fierce opponent of Israels right to exist, has more recently equated liberal Zionism with Nazism, according to a video of his remarks posted to social media last month. Zionism is an exterminationist ideology built around ethno-religious supremacist values, he said in a conversation with Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) at the Democratic Socialists of Americas convention earlier this month. So when people say, like, Oh, well, Im a liberal Zionist, I want there to be a Jewish ethno-state, Im like, OK, what do you mean? Its like saying youre like a liberal Nazi. Like, you want an Aryan majority ethno-state? Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) has accused Piker of engaging in textbook antisemitism and called on Twitch, which is owned by Amazon, to cut ties with the streamer, describing his comments as a leading contributor to an explosion of Jew-hatred on social media in the wake of Hamas Oct. 7 attacks. Piker has rejected allegations of antisemitism, while insisting his views have been misconstrued as opposition to Jewish people rather than the Israeli government, a claim his critics have interpreted as disingenuous. The streamer has otherwise mocked widespread concerns about rising global antisemitism calling the issue a distraction from Israels military conduct in Gaza. But even as he has faced backlash for promoting antisemitic rhetoric, Piker has continued to draw friendly profiles in mainstream outlets such as The New York Times and GQ magazine, which is owned by The New Yorkers parent company, Conde Nast. He has also hosted several high-profile lawmakers on his streaming platform, including Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Ed Markey (D-MA) and Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA). Piker did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday about his planned comments for the roundtable next month. The New Yorker Festival, an annual multiday event in New York City featuring well-known figures in arts, media and politics, previously faced backlash in 2018 for inviting Steve Bannon, a former White House chief strategist to President Donald Trump who now hosts a popular MAGA-world podcast, to headline a conversation with the magazines editor, David Remnick. Following major dropouts from participants who protested Bannons appearance at the festival as well as internal objections raised by the magazines employees Remnick announced he had decided to pull the invitation, saying that he did not want well-meaning readers and staff members to think that he had ignored their concerns regarding the controversial Trump ally. Maria Zakharova: "The release of Russian citizens will be an important step towards normalizing relations between Moscow and Baku." An even more important step towards normalizing relations would be an apology for the downing of the AZAL aircraft and, for example, an admission of responsibility for what happened. It seems that this would greatly accelerate that normalization, no? U.S. President Donald Trump on Sept. 3 signaled he will take action if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not make progress toward ending Moscow's war against Ukraine. "He'll make a decision one way or the other. Whatever his decision is, we'll either be happy about it or unhappy. And if we're unhappy about it, you'll see things happen," Trump said in the Oval Office alongside Polish President Karol Nawrocki as the two leaders met. Earlier in the day, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced he will "soon" speak to Trump about increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. Zelensky expressed hope that tighter sanctions would force Putin to shift toward diplomacy, including potential leader-level talks, which the Kremlin has repeatedly avoided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if the U.S. leader has a message for Putin, Trump replied, saying he does not and that the Russian leader "knows where I stand." Trump and Putin met in Alaska on Aug. 15 as the White House intensifies efforts to broker a peace deal to end Russia's war against Ukraine. When a reporter asked why the U.S. has taken no action against Russia, Trump said Washington has imposed tariffs on India due to its continued purchase of Russian oil. "You call that no action? And I haven't done phase two yet. Or phase three," Trump said. The U.S. leader has threatened to impose secondary sanctions in the form of tariffs against Russia's trading partners if Moscow does not work towards a peace deal to end its war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump previously issued a deadline of Aug. 8 for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine or face additional sanctions. Even as Russia refused to cease hostilities by the deadline, no additional measures were imposed by the White House. Meanwhile, Zelensky arrived in Paris on Sept. 3 ahead of a high-level meeting of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing." Participating nations are expected to discuss what security guarantees can be provided to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or peace deal. Read also: Trump-Zelensky minerals deal holds first board meeting as reconstruction fund moves forward Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)- A Youngstown man is headed to federal prison for more than two decades. Read next: Jury finds Warren man guilty of kidnapping, felonious assault Rayshawn Hall, 24, was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to dealing fentanyl, meth, and cocaine Investigators say he sold drugs in multiple controlled buys back in 2023. Agents later seized $56,000 in cash, plus more than 20 pounds of meth and nearly two pounds of fentanyl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After prison, Hall will also serve three years of supervised release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Finding fresh produce in the inner City of Youngstown has been a developing issue over the years, but now, people are running into the same problem with picking up their prescriptions. In mid-August, the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies released its State of Poverty in Ohio Report for 2025. According to the report, Mahoning County has a high presence of both food and pharmacy deserts. That means there is limited access to both pharmacies and grocery stores with fresh produce options. Its the inconvenience, its the inaccessibility of things, and its just an additional hardship, said Shelia Triplett, CEO of the Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership. Youngstowns been a food desert for some time now, and I know in the community there have been a lot of your activities toward trying to remedy that. And to this day, we havent been able to find the perfect solution or a good solution for what we would do to make those kinds of things easier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Triplett says although theyve dealt with the surrounding food deserts for years, the shrinking number of pharmacies is a new, growing issue. A lot of the CVSs and the Rite Aids were in neighborhoods where you could either get on the bus or even, in some instances especially in the inner city they were walkable. But now, thats not the case, Triplett said. Now Triplett says people who live in the inner city are often forced to pick up their prescriptions and groceries from surrounding neighborhoods, which is an issue for those with limited access to transportation. Its the accessibility of it. Its not that theyre not there and that theyre not available. Its just not easy to get to, and theres a cost involved in that. So, now youve got to pay for someone to take you to the grocery store, Triplett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After MYCAP saw the State of Poverty Report, they started looking for solutions within the community. It inspired us to want to look at our programs and services that can help address that. Weve already had some experience with trying to help with the food issues, providing assistance for individuals who have a problem obtaining food. So, those are some of the things that we want to expand on going forward, said Kimberly Omoregie, MYCAPs director of Planning and Development. Omoregie says MYCAP is helping bridge the gap in accessibility. It provides individuals with gas cards, public transit resources and information on potential mail services. Triplett says theyre trying to reach as many people in the area as they can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This doesnt just impact low-income. When there is a lack of accessibility or availability of pharmacies and major grocery stores, I mean, people dont want to move into a community that doesnt have those kinds of necessities. So, it really impacts the entire community and how people view living in Youngstown, Triplett said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of the Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris on Sep. 4, 2025 Credit - Ludovic MarinGetty Images Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the efforts of his fellow world leaders after a Coalition of the Willing meeting held in Paris saw over 30 countries participate in-person or online to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine. Steve Witkoff, who President Donald Trump has assigned to serve as an envoy in the peace talks, was in attendance. After the meeting co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who dialled-in virtually, Zelensky said over 30 countries, all united by the same goal had united to make a contribution to ensuring security on land, at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace. The collective effort is forging ahead in hopes of securing a reliable and lasting peace for Ukraine amid the war with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Donald Trump dialled into the meeting, and later received a special thanks from Zelensky. I would like to give special thanks to President Trump for all his efforts to end this war and for Americas readiness to provide support to Ukraine on its part, said Zelensky in an update shared online. Trump emphasized to the Coalition that the E.U. should stop purchasing Russian oil, citing concern it is funding the war, according to a White House official. The President also emphasized that European leaders must place economic pressure on China for funding Russias war efforts. This comes after Trump said on Wednesday that he remains committed to pursuing a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. "Something is going to happen, but they are not ready yet. But something is going to happen. We are going to get it done," he's quoted as telling CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Putin Got Three Major Wins From Trump in Anchorage, But the Talks Arent Over When addressing local media after the meeting, both Zelensky and Macron accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of delaying the negotiation process. Macron also confirmed that Trump supports the planned security measures discussed, and suggested the U.S. would join the coalition in taking action against Russia, should it not facilitate a one-on-one meeting between Zelensky and Putin. If Moscow doesnt want to respect these conditions, we will have to take further steps with the U.S., warned Macron. The key argument here is that there are no limitations for the defence of Ukraine. Meanwhile, 26 leaders have committed to deploying troops in Ukraine to serve as a reassurance force once the conflict with Russia ends, Macron announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement shared with TIME after the meeting, a Downing Street spokesperson said Starmer had emphasised that the group had an unbreakable pledge to Ukraine, with President Trump's backing, and it was clear they now needed to go even further to apply pressure on Putin to secure a cessation of hostilities. "The Prime Minister also welcomed announcements from Coalition of the Willing partners to supply long range missiles to Ukraine to further bolster the country's supplies." Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheal Martin said the security measures were needed to underpin any cease-fire or peace agreement. He said the guarantees will take a number of forms, from an assurance force that some other countries are ready to join, to further training for the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Leaders also reflected today on the importance of U.S. engagement in the search for peace in Ukraine, added Martin, arguing that sanctions on Russia are needed to increase pressure on Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has been pushing for a possible meeting between Putin and Zelensky, but Moscow has consistently rejected the idea, insisting that discussions between the two leaders can be carried out via delegated officials. Putin did agree to meet with Trump for a high-stakes summit in Alaska in August, their first in-person meeting since 2019. The summit was intended to foster discussions about a path toward a potential cease-fire, but it ended earlier than expected and without any deal being reached. Critics argued that Moscow left the meeting with more wins than the U.S. President. Trump hosted Zelensky and key European leaders at the White House for a debrief shortly after. Trump later offered assurances that the U.S. would not send American troops to Ukraine as part of any peace agreement with Russia, but may instead provide assistance from the air, because theres nobody that has the kind of stuff we have. Since the summit in Alaska, Russia has continued its bombardment of Ukraine, launching barrages of missile and drone strikes across the country. One of the most significant attacks was overnight on Kyiv on Aug. 28, in which at least 19 people were killed and the offices of the European Commission mission and the British Council were significantly damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: NATO Says Its Working to Counter Russian GPS Jamming After Interference With European Commission Presidents Plane Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, joined a chorus of world leaders in condemning the attacks. Russia must stop its indiscriminatory attacks on civilian infrastructure immediately and join negotiations for a just and lasting peace, she said. Days later, von der Leyen's plane fell victim to suspected Russian GPS jamming while attempting to land in Bulgaria. The flight landed safely, with a source close to the matter telling TIME that pilots resorted to using paper maps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO chief Mark Rutte on Tuesday said that the alleged Russian interference is being taken very seriously and NATO is working day and night to counter this, to prevent it. But Russia's Foreign Ministry has since strongly denied the allegations. In a statement on Thursday, spokeswoman Maria Zakharova referred to the reports as "yet another Russophobic lie" and said any suggestion of Russian GPS jamming on the European Commission president's plane was "outright fake." Contact us at letters@time.com. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reacted sceptically to remarks made by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin that he is waiting for Zelenskyy in Moscow for bilateral talks. Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference in France after the summit of the Coalition of the Willing military allies supporting Ukraine Quote: "A meeting is necessary. It's not about desire, it's about necessity. We've supported both a trilateral and a bilateral meeting in any format. I believe that Russia is doing everything it can to delay it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our American partners have informed us that Putin has invited me to Moscow. I believe that if you want to prevent the meeting from taking place, you should invite me to Moscow." Details: Zelenskyy said the very fact that Putin has started talking about such a meeting is a positive sign, but so far, there is no indication that Russia wants to end the war. Quote: "Grown-ups should come out of a meeting of this level with some kind of result, preferably with an end to the war." Background: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described Putin's proposal to meet with Zelenskyy in Moscow as "unacceptable". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Participants of the Coalition of the Willing meeting, held in Paris in a hybrid format, discussed each countrys readiness to contribute to ensuring Ukraines security on land, at sea, in the air and in cyberspace. Source: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X (Twitter) Details: Zelenskyy emphasised that all coalition participants are united by a shared desire to end the war with a reliable peace and long-term security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We discussed in detail each countrys readiness to make a contribution to ensuring security on land, at sea, in the air and in cyberspace. We coordinated positions and reviewed elements of security guarantees. I am grateful to everyone for understanding that the main security guarantee is a strong Ukrainian army," Zelenskyy said. He noted that all meeting participants agree that Russia is doing everything possible to prolong negotiations and continue the war. "Support for Ukraine must be increased and pressure on Russia must be intensified," Zelenskyy added. Background: The Coalition of the Willing meeting concluded in Paris, and President Zelenskyy left the Elysee Palace. Representatives of over 30 countries from Europe and other parts of the world participated. Six EU country leaders, EU leadership and the Ukrainian president were present in person, while the rest joined via video link. French President Emmanuel Macron stated before the meeting that allies had completed work on security guarantees for Ukraine, which are now ready for political approval. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Nigel Farage wants to create a US-style Cabinet of all the talents, with outsiders running government departments, if he wins the next general election. As many of half of the Cabinet ministers in a Reform UK government could be members of the House of Lords rather than elected MPs, as is traditional. The approach would allow Reform to appoint figures from a much wider experience pool, but also provokes questions about parliamentary accountability and democratic norms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details of the thinking are revealed in an interview with The Telegraph by Zia Yusuf, who has emerged as one of Reforms most influential figures. Mr Yusuf, a party official, said the search for potential Cabinet ministers was already under way, and suggested people with galactic-level talent were interested. He refused to give specifics. He also threw his name in the ring to be Reforms chancellor if the party wins the next election, arguing that his business background made him well placed to run the economy. Reforms annual conference in Birmingham takes place on Friday and Saturday and is built around the theme of the next step. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is more media and business interest in the conference than ever, with the party leading significantly in the opinion polls. About one in three voters say they would vote for Reform now. But Mr Farage and his senior colleagues have the challenge of convincing the electorate that they have a plan for government and an effective policy platform for changing the country. Currently, Reform has no full shadow cabinet unlike Labour and the Tories in opposition creating uncertainty about who would lead departments if the party took office. Mr Yusuf said the plan was to unveil a prospective Cabinet much closer to the election, meaning voters may have to wait until 2029 to learn the proposed team of Reform ministers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reform had only five MPs elected into the House of Commons last summer, picking up a sixth in a by-election. Two now no longer sit as Reform MPs. Explaining the approach to creating a Cabinet-in-waiting, Mr Yusuf said: The number of people who are coming forward saying that they want to help Reform, either in the background or potentially front line, is growing all of the time. Some of these people are household names. Im not going to give you them, because Im not going to betray confidences. But these are incredible this is galactic-level talent that wed be very proud to have serving our country. As Nigel has said, one of our diagnoses for why talent density is so poor is because inevitably you have a situation where our health secretary is also, for example, an MP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont think it makes sense necessarily for the minister of defence to also be doing constituency surgeries about the chlorine level in the local swimming pool. Now, thats an important issue, but I dont think one person is necessarily best suited to do both of those things. So a lot of our Cabinet ministers, a lot of the people Nigel puts in his Cabinet not all of them, but a lot of them will not be MPs. Asked whether they would therefore be Lords, Mr Yusuf said: That is the most likely scenario, yes. Best candidates dont want constituency work He said there should be no limit on how many Cabinet members were from the Lords, adding: These are decisions for Nigel. I wouldnt be prepared to put any upper limit on that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think weve got to optimise for the best possible people, and maybe the best possible people dont want to do all of the stuff that is involved in being an MP. Asked again whether as many as half of Reforms proposed Cabinet could be peers, he said: Again, its Nigels decision, but I think so. The approach is a radical departure from how political parties in power have approached constructing their Cabinets for generations. It is not uncommon for a small number of peers to be in the Cabinet. There is always a leader of the House of Lords and occasionally another Cabinet minister position. Lord Cameron, the former Conservative leader, was brought back into frontline politics in 2023 by Rishi Sunak and made foreign secretary, meaning one of the four great offices of state was run by a peer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is also not uncommon for prime ministers to appoint outside figures to ministerial posts. Sir Keir Starmer made Lord Timpson, the probation expert, the prisons minister, and Lord Vallance, the former government chief scientific adviser, as science minister. Proposal is radical change to British politics The scale of government departments run by unelected peers that Reform has outlined, however, is unlike anything seen in modern British political history. The approach will raise questions about parliamentary accountability since, under the usual rules, MPs cannot grill peers in the House of Commons as they do usual Cabinet ministers. Also, giving more than a dozen people who have not been elected the power to run whole departments of government, such as the countrys NHS services or justice system, would trigger questions about whether democratic norms are being upended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The approach has echoes of the American system, where the US president, once elected and in post, is free to appoint whomever they want to head departments in the executive branch, providing the US Senate approves the choices. In Donald Trumps two terms, he has appointed military generals, TV hosts, former congressmen, one-time political rivals and prominent supporters to cabinet positions. Sir Keir Starmer is under growing pressure to name peers for Reform when the next Lords appointments are recommended. The Guardian has reported that plans are being made for a new set of Labour peers to be unveiled imminently. Reform, despite its polling position, has no members in the Lords. Former chair wants to become chancellor Elsewhere in the interview, Mr Yusuf, who heads Reforms UK department of government efficiency, named after the tech billionaire Elon Musks US Doge efforts, discussed his own political ambitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He intends to run to be an MP at the next election and, asked whether he would like the position of Chancellor were Reform to win a majority, made his interest clear. Mr Yusuf said: Its going to be down to Nigel, and Im confident he will choose whoever that person might be. Its something Im definitely interested in, sure. I built the business. I love Britain. I feel like I have a good understanding of what it takes to create value in the economy. Im also, Id say, a reasonably good example of social mobility. I didnt come from money, and I want that same opportunity for every young person in this country. But in the end, it is a question for Nigel. And, you know look, I cannot stress enough these are not questions or issues that we think about right now. We are a long, long way from when Nigel has to make those decisions. We will win election ahead of Lib Dems Mr Yusuf resigned as Reform chairman back in June, weeks after the partys success at the local elections in May, when it took control of a dozen councils. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Explaining his decision, Mr Yusuf who is still less than two years into his political career, having joined Reform to help it raise money explained he was exhausted and burned out. But he said a string of supportive messages had convinced him to return. Mr Yusufs departure was triggered by a Reform MPs suggestion that the burqa should be banned. He added that he now wanted to ban the burqa and other face coverings. He has said it was the lack of party discipline the position was not official policy and not the idea itself that had caused the row. He also predicted that Reform would come first at the next general election and the Liberal Democrats second, with Labour collapsing in the way the Tories have done, and argued that the two-party system that has dominated British politics for a century was effectively over. 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 recent months, Californias Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has been acting a lot like a presidential candidate-in-waiting. Hes set up fundraising committees. Hes visited key battleground states. Hes hosted national political players on his podcast. Hes mocked President Trump on social media. And hes convinced the California Legislature to fight fire with fire by matching Texass partisan redistricting push. Its not about whether we play hardball anymore, the governor recently told his fellow Democratic officials. Its about how we play hardball. And now Newsoms new brand of hardball has coincided with a rise in poll support and a boost to his own political brand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the latest Yahoo/YouGov poll, Newsom has surged to the front of the Democratic Partys 2028 presidential primary pack, with 21% of registered Democratic voters and registered voters who lean Democratic now picking him as their preferred nominee. That puts Newsom slightly ahead of former Vice President Kamala Harris (19%), the partys 2024 nominee and perhaps the most familiar name on the list and well ahead of New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (12%), former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (10%), Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (7%), Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (4%), Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (4%) and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (2%). The survey of 1,690 U.S. adults, which was conducted from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2, also finds that if the 2028 general election were held today, 49% of registered voters say they would cast their ballots for Newsom while only 41% say they would choose Trump. Trump, of course, is constitutionally prohibited from running for a third term. But Newsom (49%) leads Vice President JD Vance (41%) by 8 points as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caveats apply here. For one thing, the 2028 contest wont start in earnest for another 16 months; hypothetical matchups this far out are not and never have been predictive. For another, the Yahoo/YouGov poll didnt pair President Trump or Vance with other potential Democratic challengers, so its impossible to say whether Newsom is performing better or worse than the alternatives. Its clear, however, that Newsoms recent turn in the national spotlight has changed how Democrats see him. While this is the first time the Yahoo/YouGov poll has asked the partys voters who they would prefer as their 2028 nominee, an Economist/YouGov poll posed a similar question in April, asking which candidate would be your ideal choice? In that survey conducted before the California redistricting push Newsom registered at 8%, on par with Buttigieg (9%), Ocasio-Cortez (7%) and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders (6%). In contrast, 29% of Democrats opted for Harris. A clash over redistricting According to the new Yahoo/YouGov poll, overall perceptions of Newsom as a politician are not that different from overall views of Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As befitting the Californians lower national profile, more Americans say theyre not sure what to think of him but the usual partisan polarization is very much in effect among those who do know what they think. Newsoms overall favorable rating is 31% favorable to 41% unfavorable, with Democrats mostly positive (62% favorable, 14% unfavorable), Republicans even more negative (7% favorable, 66% unfavorable) and independents net negative (32% favorable, 43% unfavorable). Trumps overall favorable rating is 42% favorable to 56% unfavorable, with Republicans mostly positive (89% favorable, 10% unfavorable), Democrats even more negative (4% favorable, 94% unfavorable) and independents net negative (34% favorable, 65% unfavorable). Likewise, 32% of Americans say Newsom is focused on California and Americas most important problems, while 41% say he is focused on less important issues (and 27% are unsure). For Trump, 39% say he is focused on Americas most important problems, while 50% say he is focused on less important issues (and 10% are unsure). Yet for the moment, at least, Americans seem to view Newsoms redistricting countermeasures more favorably than the presidents own moves in that area. U.S. House redistricting efforts the process of redrawing the boundaries of each district typically take place every 10 years, after each new census reveals changes in population distribution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But last month, Trump encouraged Republican legislators in Texas to pass new congressional district boundaries five years earlier than normal to help Republicans win five additional U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterm elections. In response, Newsom similarly backed an effort by Democratic legislators in California to create new congressional district boundaries five years earlier than normal to help Democrats win five additional U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterm elections. To be sure, redistricting itself defined for poll respondents as the practice by which politicians redraw congressional districts to help their own party win has few fans. Just 11% of Americans say they favor it; 58% are opposed. Democrats in particular are anti-redistricting (5% favor, 73% oppose, 23% not sure); Republicans are more divided (23% favor, 36% oppose, 41% not sure). Yet while just 25% of Americans approve (and 49% disapprove) of Trumps recent redistricting push in Texas, the numbers for Newsoms response in California are significantly closer: 33% approve to 39% disapprove. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, only 22% of Americans say they approve of Trumps overall approach to redistricting described for respondents as him prais[ing] Texas over its redistricting while saying he will sue California over redistricting there. A majority (54%) disapproves. In contrast, more Americans approve (39%) than disapprove (37%) of Newsoms approach: saying Democrats need to play hardball in California and elsewhere in response to the Trump administrations efforts to advance Republicans power. Why the difference? The poll shows that Democratic disapproval of Trumps Texas redistricting push (80%) is significantly higher than Republican opposition to Newsoms California response (56%) and Republican support for what Trump is doing in Texas (56%) is modestly lower than Democratic support for what Newsom is doing in California (62%). This partisan asymmetry skews overall approval in favor of Newsoms efforts. Warning signs for Newsom Despite his improving numbers, the new Yahoo/YouGov survey highlights three possible risks for Newsom going forward. First, more Americans see Trump as a stronger leader (44%) than Newsom (32%) largely because the number of Republicans who view the president that way (91%) is much higher than the number of Democrats who say the same about his California counterpart (66%). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, younger Democrats and Democratic leaners adults under 45 prefer both Harris (27%) and Ocasio-Cortez (22%) to Newsom (13%) as a potential 2028 presidential nominee. Newsoms strength is largely concentrated among Democrats over 45, among whom he leads Harris 26% to 13%. Finally, Newsoms recent shift in social media strategy is not especially popular. When told in the poll that Newsom and his team have started to satirize Donald Trumps social media presence, imitating his aggressive, all-caps style, mocking his looks and his masculinity and accusing him of cheating to win, just 33% of respondents said they approve; 43% said they disapprove. One bright spot here for the governor? Trumps own use of social media is even less popular, with just 29% of Americans saying they approve and a majority 52% saying they disapprove. __________________ The Yahoo survey was conducted by YouGov using a nationally representative sample of 1,690 U.S. adults interviewed online from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2, 2025. The sample was weighted according to gender, age, race, education, 2024 election turnout and presidential vote, party identification and current voter registration status. Demographic weighting targets come from the 2019 American Community Survey. Party identification is weighted to the estimated distribution at the time of the election (31% Democratic, 32% Republican). Respondents were selected from YouGovs opt-in panel to be representative of all U.S. adults. The margin of error is approximately 3.1%. A deadly, little-known parasitic infection known as Chagas disease, once considered to only be a threat abroad, may be endemic in the United States, researchers argue in a new study. Chagas disease is often called a silent killer because it can go unnoticed for years, even decades, before causing life-threatening complications. It's caused by a parasite carried by a group of blood-sucking insects commonly known as kissing bugs, because of their tendency to bite people around their mouths. The disease typically unfolds in two phases, an immediate acute phase and a chronic phase that often occurs much later. During the acute phase, infected people often wont have any symptoms. If they do, theyre usually mild and nonspecific, like headache, fever and muscle pain. During the chronic phase, which typically happens 10-30 years after the initial infection, the parasites can begin to do serious damage to the heart and digestive tract. About a third of patients develop significant cardiac disorders as a result. Another 10% deal with digestive or neurological problems, according to the World Health Organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 7 million people worldwide are estimated to be infected with Chagas and the disease causes 10,000 deaths every year, the WHO says. Most cases are found in Central and South America, where kissing bugs are common. In 2016, researchers estimated that there were roughly 300,000 people in the U.S. dealing with chronic Chagas cases, but nearly all got the disease in another country before coming here. In a paper released this month, a group of experts makes the case that we should consider the disease a serious health threat even to those who never leave the country. They identify eight states (California, Arizona, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi and Arkansas) with confirmed Chagas cases in humans caused by local transmission. This is ample reason to consider the disease to be endemic meaning always present in the U.S., they argue. Acknowledging the endemicity of Chagas disease in the United States is crucial for achieving global health goals, the authors write in the study. Most states do not keep track of Chagas cases, so the actual number of infections in the country isnt known, but the researchers say there are clues to suggest that the disease is much more prevalent than previously believed. The Texas state health department cataloged 51 locally transmitted cases of Chagas between 2013 and 2023. The state also tracked more than 400 cases in dogs during the same span. Infected dogs have been found in 22 other states and Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gabriel Hamer, an entomologist at Texas A&M, told the Los Angeles Times that the known cases of Chagas likely represent just the tip of the iceberg of the diseases actual spread. Species of kissing bugs known to spread Chagas have been located in 32 states, including every state in the southern half of the U.S. What you need to know Fortunately, Chagas can be cured with antiparasitic medication if its caught early. However, treatments become less effective the longer someone has been infected. If we screened for it and caught it early, most patients could be cured, Dr. Salvador Hernandez, a cardiologist, told NewsNation. The problem is, we dont, and people end up dying or requiring terrifically expensive care, including organ transplants and surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once Chagas becomes chronic, it cannot be cured with medication, but the drugs can help slow down the onset of the most serious complications, according to the Mayo Clinic. In some cases, infected people may need a pacemaker, heart surgery or even a heart replacement. Trypanosoma cruzi, the cause of Chagas disease, which is transmitted by triatomid bugs. (Ed Reschke/Getty Images) Identifying Chagas in its early stages is critical. Most of the symptoms that occur in the acute phase, if they show up at all, are common and easy to attribute to typical viruses like the flu or cold. They include fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, diarrhea and vomiting. There is one telltale symptom, however, known as Romana's sign a swelling of the eyelid that sometimes occurs when the parasite enters the body through the eye. Signs of chronic Chagas include heart problems and digestive issues. Dogs are also often asymptomatic in the acute phase, though they will sometimes present swollen lymph nodes, pale gums and stomach issues. During the chronic phase, dogs can exhibit heart problems, lethargy and a swollen belly. In their study, the researchers make the case that categorizing Chagas as endemic will greatly improve our ability to tackle this neglected disease that, as has been demonstrated, has never been exclusively tropical. Emmanuel Haros parents have pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the disappearance of their 7-month-old son. Jake and Rebecca Haro appeared in court for their arraignment on Thursday at the Riverside Hall of Justice in Southern California. The search for Emmanuels remains continued on Thursday, marking three weeks since Rebecca Haro reported that her infant was kidnapped. investigators later determined that a kidnapping never took place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jake Haro, 32, and Rebecca Haro, 41, were arrested at their home in Cabazon last month on suspicion of murder following the disappearance of their son. According to court documents , Riverside County prosecutors believe Emmanuel may have died up to nine days before his mother reported that he was kidnapped. Prosecutors list Emmanuel's potential date of death anywhere between Aug. 5 and Aug. 14, the latter being the day Rebecca said her child was abducted outside of a retail store. "The filing in this case reflects our belief that baby Emmanuel was a victim of child abuse, over time, and that eventually, because of that abuse, he succumbed to those injuries, Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin said during an Aug. 27 press conference. Hestrin said authorities have a strong indication of where Emmanuels remains may be, but they have not been recovered. Heres a timeline of what has happened so far in the case. Aug. 14 Rebecca Haro reported that her infant son, Emmanuel Haro, was kidnapped in the parking lot of a Big 5 retail store in Yucaipa, Calif., the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebecca said she was changing Emmanuels diaper outside her vehicle when a man assaulted her and knocked her unconscious. When she regained consciousness, she reported her son missing after she couldnt find him. Deputies and K9 units from San Bernardino and Riverside counties responded at 7:47 p.m. local time, but despite an extensive search, Emmanuel was not found, authorities said. An Amber Alert wasnt issued after the alleged kidnapping because there was no suspect or vehicle description. Aug. 15 Jake and Rebecca Haro spoke to local media outlets and pleaded for the return of their son. If you know anything, please come forward or take him to the cops, Rebecca told KTLA . Please come and bring my son back. Im begging you. Aug. 16 Authorities began to consider foul play in the babys disappearance. The San Bernardino Sheriffs Department said Rebecca was confronted with inconsistencies in her initial statement and declined to continue with the interview." She and Emmanuels father, Jake Haro, were interviewed by law enforcement as part of the investigation. Aug. 17 Detectives visited the Haro family home as part of the ongoing investigation. A 2-year-old sibling of Emmanuels was taken into protective custody by Riverside County Child Protective Services, according to the sheriffs department . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jakes past criminal history was brought to light by law enforcement. In 2018, Jake Haro and his former partner, Vanessa Avina, were charged with felony child cruelty, alleging the pair endangered a child under conditions likely to cause great bodily harm or death, according to Riverside County court records. Haro pleaded guilty to the charge in 2023. He was placed on four years of felony probation and was ordered to serve 180 days in jail on a work-release program. Aug. 20 Jake Haros car was seized by law enforcement as part of the investigation, but authorities did not provide further details as to why its being processed for evidence. Aug. 22 (Left) Jake Haro and (Right) Rebecca Haro, the parents of missing infant Emmanuel Haro, were arrested on Aug. 22 on suspicion of murder. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: San Bernardino Sheriff's Department.) Jake and Rebecca Haro were arrested at their home in Cabazon, the sheriffs department said in a statement . During the investigation thus far, numerous interviews have been conducted, search warrants have been served, digital and electronic evidence has been collected and closely analyzed. Based on the evidence, investigators determined a kidnapping in Yucaipa did not occur. It is believed Emmanuel is deceased, and the search to recover his remains is ongoing." Aug. 24 Jake Haro joined investigators in a jumpsuit and handcuffs as they searched for the infant in a remote field off the SR 60 freeway in California's Moreno Valley, authorities said . Aug. 26 Jake and Rebecca Haro were charged with murder and making a false report to law enforcement. Their arraignment was originally scheduled for this day, but was pushed back to Sept. 4 since the public defender for the couple said there was limited information, having only received the criminal complaint and not the full police report. Aug. 27 In a press conference, county officials alleged Emmanuel was a victim of abuse and succumbed to those injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials also described Jake Haro as an "experienced child abuser" who "should have gone to prison" due to a 2018 child abuse prosecution involving a baby girl. Court documents showed that doctors reported rib and skull fractures and a brain hemorrhage. Jake told investigators he accidentally dropped the baby on a sink as he bathed her. The judge ended up giving him probation. Hestrin called the ruling an "outrageous error in judgment" and said Emmanuel would be alive today if Jake Haro were in prison at the time of this crime. This was preventable in numerous ways, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco added. Sept. 4 Jake and Rebecca Haro pleaded not guilty at their arraignment on murder and other charges. Deputy Public Defenders Allison Lowe and Paulette Garthwaite were assigned by the Riverside County Public Defender's Office to represent Jake. Rebecca is being represented by court-appointed private attorney Jeff Moore. Whats next? Jail records indicate that Rebecca Haro is being held at the Robert Presley Detention Center, and Jake Haro is being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A trial readiness conference is scheduled for Sept. 16, while a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17. The sheriffs department has said: Anyone with information related to this case is urged to call the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com." Bilateral cooperation between Hungary and China is in a "record period" and both sides are ready to enhance further their ties, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said during an official visit to Beijing. In a statement issued by his ministry, Szijjarto said he had congratulated his counterpart, Wang Yi, on China's 5.5pc GDP growth in the first half, adding that that scale of economic growth paved the way to strengthen cooperation further. Szijjarto said Chinese companies formed the biggest group of foreign investors in Hungary in the first half of 2025, as in 2023 and 2024. He added that the upgrade of the Budapest-Belgrade rail line would be finished by year-end. He said the number of Chinese tourists arriving in Hungary had climbed 44pc and now exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Chinese students are the second-largest group of foreigners enrolling at Hungarian universities, he added. Szijjarto acknowledged China's efforts on the international stage to advocate for peace and said both countries belonged to the peace camp. Szijjarto said he had met with executives of a number of Chinese companies, including ones from Xiaomi, Chervon Auto and Wanhua. "Based on my talks and negotiations today with executives of big Chinese companies, it is clear that Chinese businesses continue to see Hungary as an attractive investment target," he said. "Most of those Chinese companies plan capacity expansions and increases in headcount in Hungary," he added. He said Wanhua now employed over 4,000 people in northeast Hungary, while Chervon had established its only manufacturing base outside of China in the Hungarian city of Miskolc. "Their investments are in the hundreds of millions of euros," he added. Xiaomi, whose products are gaining in popularity in Hungary, started local sales through its webshop in August, he said, adding that the sides had discussed opportunities to cooperate in future. Szijjarto noted that around 31pc of all Chinese FDI in Europe had been in Hungary in 2024. Four of the five biggest Chinese investments in Europe are underway in Hungary, he added. "Chinese investors continue to provide the stable foundation for Hungarian-Chinese cooperation," Szijjarto said. Szijjarto represented Hungary at the Victory Day Parade on Wednesday, marking the anniversary of the Japanese surrender in 1945 and the end of WWII. 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. A three-year campaign to promote lamb meat organised by agricultural associations in Hungary and Spain, and funded by the European Union, kicked off at an event in Budapest. Tamas Tarpataki, a deputy state secretary at the Agriculture Ministry, said Hungarian lamb meat was well known abroad, with exports going to Italy, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Locally produced lamb is of a quality that is competitive with that from New Zealand and the United Kingdom, he added. The campaign aims to increase the consumption of sheep and lamb meat, reposition the products and appeal to younger generations - all along the values of sustainability, quality and traditions. Hungarian live lamb exports showed significant growth last year: in the first four months of 2024, they increased by 21 percent and their value by 33 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. According to the Deputy Secretary of State, lamb is beneficial in terms of its physiological effects, as it is an excellent source of low-cholesterol protein. He added that the campaign aims not only to encourage consumption, but also to demonstrate that the sheep and goat sector preserves sustainable, valuable traditions, contributes to the protection of biodiversity and the rural ecosystem, and to the economy of sparsely populated areas. 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. With Pakistans experience showcasing the J-10Cs combat prowess, Venezuela may soon deploy these jets near American territory, escalating strategic stakes. SCO Summit 2025: President Xi Jinping, standing alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, sent a striking visual message of shifting global alliances. Their joint appearance, the first of its kind, symbolised a growing axis of powers united in their opposition to Western dominance. Kim Jong tearful appeals women to have more babies We show you an emotional video of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. In this video, dictator Kim Jong Un is seen crying. This video of his is also going viral on social media, but the question is, why are there tears in the eyes of the dictator who often scares the world. What is the reason that he is crying bitterly? North Korean dictator Kim Jong is a very strict person. In such a situation, the video of her crying is shocking for the world. This is a video which is difficult to believe. Kim Jong looks very emotional in this video. Kim's eyes are moist, and he is wiping his tears. Next time you feel lazy in the morning, skip the snooze buttonunroll your mat, stretch, and charge your day with yoga. UAE Golden Visa Benefits: The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency programme that allows eligible individuals to live, work, and invest in the UAE without needing a traditional job offer or sponsor. Offered by the UAE government, this special visa provides long-term security and freedom to professionals, investors, and skilled individuals. The processing time typically ranges from a few weeks to a month. By Qabil Ashirov Azerbaijans Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, held a meeting in ?zmir with Turkiyes Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, to discuss bilateral and regional cooperation in the fields of hydrocarbons and renewable energy. The Azerbaijani minister shared details of the meeting on the social platform X, noting that the talks focused on advancing joint projects of strategic importance. We held a productive meeting with Minister Alparslan Bayraktar and his delegation, addressing the development of cooperation in hydrocarbons and renewable energy, as well as regional projects of mutual significance. We also discussed the creation of infrastructure to enable electricity exports to Turkiye through various routes, Shahbazov wrote. The meeting coincided with the Fourth AzerbaijanTurkiye Energy Forum, also hosted in ?zmir. As part of the forum, working groups presented reports on hydrocarbons and petrochemicals, the electricity market, distribution and transmission of electricity, regulation, energy efficiency, and mining. The discussions helped chart the next steps for deepening cooperation in these areas. The forum reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkiye in the energy sector, underlining their shared vision of energy security, diversification, and regional leadership. Yesterday, to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World War II, the government and community groups watched a live broadcast of the ceremony from Tiananmen Square in Beijing. During the event, Secretary for Administration and Justice Andre Cheong urged local youth to study diligently and connect their personal growth to national development. Among the various organizations that arranged for members of the public to watch the live broadcast of Chinas Victory Day military parade, local tertiary education institutions and non-higher education schools coordinated nearly 60,000 students to view the commemorative ceremony on their respective campuses. Alongside a live viewing event organized by the local government, these efforts collectively commemorated the history of the War of Resistance and promoted the indomitable national spirit and the great legacy of that struggle. Kong Chi Meng, director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), described the event as the first lesson for students in the new academic year, serving as a vivid practice of patriotic education. He emphasized that Macaus history is deeply integrated into the local curriculum, noting, Throughout every moment of the War of Resistance, we never stood idly by, consistently leveraging Macaus unique position and role. He added that this event serves as an excellent, living example of patriotic education for students. Kong said that students can gain important historical perspectives through these activities. To enhance patriotic education by integrating the history of the War of Resistance, the history curriculum has included content related to the 80th anniversary of the war, emphasizing Macaus role to make historical education more relevant to students. He also mentioned the recent establishment of the first Patriotic Education Base for Hong Kong and Macau Youth at the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression Memorial Hall in Beijing. The official indicated that a series of follow-up activities will be organized around this base, including an award ceremony for an essay contest themed on the War of Resistance and collaborations with other educational resources in Beijing. According to him, efforts will also be made to advance the development of revolutionary education routes. Funding programs will guide schools in organizing related activities, including 10 War of Resistance-themed routes to various provinces and cities that were previously launched. In the new academic year, new routes will be introduced in collaboration with the Museum of the War of Chinese Peoples Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, with the first group expected to be organized in December, featuring activities at the museum alongside Hong Kong students. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in Chinas War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World War II, a large-scale memorial event was held at Tiananmen Square in Beijing yesterday. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Peoples Republic of China, attendees included foreign leaders, high-level representatives from various countries, heads of international organizations, former political figures, ambassadors, military attaches, and representatives of international organizations in China, as well as those who contributed to Chinas victory in the War of Resistance and their surviving family members. Key Chinese officials present included members of the Political Bureau and Secretariat of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, leaders from the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, the Central Military Commission, and the Chief Executives of the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions. In response to President Xi Jinpings attendance and important speech at the commemorative ceremony, Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai stated that all Macau residents will remember history, honor the martyrs, and cherish the hard-won stability of the present. In the face of unprecedented global changes changes not seen in a century Macau compatriots must draw guidance from the spirit of the War of Resistance, steadfastly uphold patriotism and love for Macau, and strive forward on the new path that has been laid out, he urged. He further called on the entire community to contribute Macaus strength to national development, civilizational exchange, and world peace, in an effort to write new chapters in Macaus practice of the One country, two systems principle. Like this: Like Loading... China held a massive military parade in central Beijing yesterday to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II, pledging the countrys commitment to peaceful development in a world still fraught with turbulence and uncertainties. Towering structures shaped like the Great Wall stood in Tiananmen Square, symbolizing the Chinese nations courage and solidarity in resisting foreign aggression. President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, oversaw the parade and reviewed the troops. Standing beside Xi on Tiananmen Rostrum were Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, the top leader of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, along with more than 20 other foreign leaders. Representatives of people who had supported Chinas WWII fight, or their family members from countries such as Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada were invited to the event. This was the second time since 2015 that China has held a military parade to commemorate the hard-won victory in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Helicopters flew over Tiananmen Square carrying banners that read Justice Prevails, Peace Prevails, and The People Prevail. The troops marched in tight, powerful formations, their faces lit with confidence and pride. Columns of new tanks, artillery and other military equipment rumbled through the square. Xi delivered a speech before the parade. Highlighting the significance of the victory 80 years ago, Xi said it marks Chinas first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern times. Xi noted that the Chinese people made a major contribution to the salvation of human civilization and the defense of world peace with immense sacrifice in the war. He called on nations to eliminate the root cause of war and prevent historical tragedies from recurring. Japan officially surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945, by signing the Instrument of Surrender. China designated Sept. 3 as Victory Day. An 80-banner formation honoring heroic military units from the war marched past Tiananmen Square, highlighting Chinas position as the first country to rise against fascist aggression with the longest-lasting resistance that began in 1931. The country tied down and struck over half of Japans overseas forces, at the cost of 35 million military and civilian casualties accounting for around one-third of all WWII casualties worldwide. More than 10,000 military personnel, along with over 100 aircraft and hundreds of ground armaments, were arranged into formations according to a wartime command system. The Peoples Liberation Armys (PLA) new system of services and arms the result of military reforms under Xis leadership was put on display for the first time. The advanced armaments put on display included unmanned intelligence and counter-unmanned equipment, hypersonic missiles, directed-energy weapons, electronic jamming systems, and strategic weaponry capable of global strikes. In his speech, Xi demanded that the PLA provide strategic support for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He reiterated Chinas commitment to peaceful development. Humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games, he said. Chinese soldiers who have participated in UN peacekeeping operations marched past Tiananmen Square, marking their first appearance in a V-Day parade. We have the capability to defend the peace forged with the blood of our forefathers, said Shao Xiaoguang, a member of the reviewed troops who previously served on a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This was also the first military parade since Xi led China to embark on a new journey to pursue Chinese modernization on all fronts. The country has laid out a roadmap to basically achieve modernization by 2035. Eighty years ago, we were revived. Eighty years later, we are thriving with even greater vitality, said Lyu Shouye, a spectator at the event and a graduate student studying AI. Now our country has reached a stage where we need to undertake greater responsibilities, he said. Text and photos by Xinhua Like this: Like Loading... The Taipa and Coloane Community Service Consultative Council has proposed that the redemption period for the newly launched consumption vouchers begin on Friday evenings to encourage more spending and enhance the campaigns effectiveness. The council recently held a regular meeting where committee member Leong Chi Hang proposed suggestions to optimize the new phase of the consumption campaign. Among his recommendations was a high-spend, high-reward incentive strategy, in which higher purchase amounts would yield larger face values for drawn vouchers. He cited residents feedback indicating that in the past, whether spending MOP100 or MOP1,000, they received vouchers of the same value, which discouraged higher spending. Leong believes that introducing this higher spending, higher rewards incentive would attract larger expenditures, benefiting merchants and encouraging active participation from residents. He further recommended allowing vouchers to be used starting at 6 p.m. every Friday, rather than limiting usage to weekends. This change would incentivize Macau residents living in other cities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area to return to Macau for spending on Friday evenings, as well as encourage those who were originally planning to leave Macau on Friday nights to stay and spend locally. Extending the spending window would further boost market vitality and enhance the effectiveness of the consumption promotion policy. Meanwhile, regarding the optimizations for the new round of the consumption campaign, such as raising the senior incentive to MOP500 and distributing Care Cards with MOP500 concessions to holders of disability certificates, Lei Cheok Kuan, chairman of the Industry and Commerce Federation of the Macau Central and Southern District, described these initiatives as a good start in a recent interview with Exmoo. He emphasized that addressing the needs of seniors and vulnerable groups demonstrates the local governments responsiveness to public opinion and its grounded approach. Lei pointed out that September marks Macaus tourism off-season, adding that the consumption campaign will effectively support local businesses during the market lull following summer. However, he noted that while the timely launch of the campaign and government incentives have boosted consumer interest in the small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) market, actual business success ultimately depends on the operators themselves. He expressed hope that the government will take further action for SMEs, such as assisting them with online promotion, expanding sourcing channels, and reducing operating costs. Like this: Like Loading... The Macau United Citizens Association (ACUM), also known as List 1 in the upcoming Legislative Assembly (AL) elections, and List 2, New Hope, have had the most heated moments of the electoral campaign so far. During a debate broadcast by the public broadcaster TDM, the two lists exchanged accusations regarding some of the legislative work and laws recently approved. On the line were, among other matters, the approval of Law No. 9/2025, which establishes, among other aspects, a regime of additional duties for government officials, namely heads of departments and directors. In the debate, the groups clashed over the fact that none of them seemed to agree with this regime. They called for higher accountability and a regime of sanctions or harsher penalties for high-ranking officials who are found not to respect the laws or their duties. Representing List 1, Nick Lei remarked that Jose Pereira Coutinho (the first candidate of List 2) had the chance to vote against the approval of the current law but did not, having, in fact, voted in favor of the bill. The Times analysis of the records of the debate and voting that led to the bills approval shows that it was approved unanimously, with 32 lawmakers voting in favor, except for Article 23, Numbers 2, 3, and 4, which relate to the specific responsibilities of directors and chiefs. At the time, lawmakers Nick Lei and Ron Lam requested to vote on these numbers separately for not agreeing with the content of the provisions, which state, among other things, that: 2. The supervisory body may issue a written warning to directors and chief personnel when it considers that they are failing to implement government policies, stating the reasons for doing so, as well as 3. The warning referred to in the previous paragraph shall be attached to the assessment report and performance appraisal form of the directors and chief personnel for the period of work to which it relates. In all the remaining aspects of the bill, Pereira Coutinho, Lei, Song Pek Kei (List 1), and Che Sai Wang (List 2) voted in favor. In the press conference held by List 2 on September 1 to present their political platform, Pereira Coutinho justified his vote, claiming that, in reality, the regime only targets lower-ranked officials, stating that those occupying bureau director posts or above are not likely to be targeted by these provisions, as they are untouchable. Instead, he claimed that the law only creates problems for frontline civil servants, who are always seen as the weakest link. The matter of lawmakers claiming they are against a bill but voting in favor is not new and has had several episodes in the past. The most notable were by former lawmaker Agnes Lam (20172021), who, on several occasions, after voting in favor of a bill, issued vote declarations immediately afterward stating she did not agree with it, a fact that potentially led to her loss of credibility among the public. Another argument that sparked the debate at TDM was related to the lawmakers statute amendments, which were finally approved in plenary in July this year. This bill, sent to the AL to be discussed as a matter of urgency, included not only the expected provisions of the new oath of office, following the amendments to the National Security Law, but also several other provisions that aim to enforce restrictions on the behavior of AL members. The law also restricts the display of materials considered offensive or provocative and enforces restrictions on lawmakers behavior in public and on social media, among other settings. According to the provisions, lawmakers who are found to be violating these rules can face a seven- to thirty-day suspension penalty. In the war of words at the TDM debate, the focus was mostly on the section related to the rule that clarifies the lawmakers impediment to revealing or publicly discussing matters debated during closed-door meetings, namely at the AL Standing Committees. Pereira Coutinho accused the candidates of List 1 of defending secrecy instead of transparency in AL activities. In this case, the bill was passed with 30 votes in favor and two votes against, precisely by Pereira Coutinho and lawmaker Lam. Election FAQ Question: How many votes are needed for a group to elect candidates? Answer: One of the most complex matters regarding the Legislative Assembly (AL) election concerns the election criteria. Understanding how the number of votes cast in favor of each running group translates into a lawmaker seat requires extensive calculations and, most importantly, information on the number of votes cast for each group. According to Article 17 of the AL Election Law, votes shall be converted into seats according to the following rules: The number of votes obtained by each candidate shall be calculated separately; The number of votes obtained by each candidate shall be divided successively by 1, 2, 4, 8, and other powers of 2, up to the number of seats to be distributed, with the quotients being ranked in descending order of magnitude in a series of as many terms as there are seats; The seats belong to the candidates corresponding to the terms of the series established by the previous rule, with each candidate receiving as many seats as their series terms; If there is one mandate to be distributed and the following terms of the series are equal and belong to different candidates, the mandate shall go to the candidate who has not yet obtained any mandate or, if this is not the case, to the candidate who has received the highest number of votes; If the number of votes obtained by two or more candidates is tied, the mandate shall be distributed by public lottery. In short, to know how many votes are necessary to elect the candidates, we first need to know the total that each group gathered, which is why it is impossible to predict with acceptable accuracy the number of votes needed. Still, for reference from previous elections: in 2017, Sulu Sou was elected with 9,212 votes, while in 2021, Ron Lam was elected with 8,764. Also, in 2021, the group headed by Jose Pereira Coutinho (New Hope) elected two lawmakers with a voting total of 18,232. In the previous election, the group that gathered the most votes (Macau United Citizens Association) elected three candidates after collecting 26,599 votes. Historically, and as a reference, each group has needed between 8,500 and 9,000 votes to elect each candidate. Renato Marques Like this: Like Loading... Sands China Ltd. has welcomed more than 1.1 billion visitors to its properties in Macau, marking a milestone in two decades of development in the city. The company celebrated the achievement last week at The Venetian Macao, which also marked its 18th anniversary. Executives including Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman, and Grant Chum, chief executive officer, presented a welcome ceremony for the 1.1 billionth guest. Sands China opened its first property, Sands Macao, in 2004 and later expanded to the Cotai Strip with The Venetian Macao in 2007. Subsequent developments include The Plaza Macao, The Parisian Macao, and The Londoner Macao, forming a network of integrated resorts that have reshaped Cotais skyline. Surpassing 1.1 billion arrivals is not only a significant milestone for the company, but also a testament to the popularity of Macaus tourism offerings and the vitality and sustainability of its economic development, said Wong. Moving forward, we will continue to work alongside Macau and invest in non-gaming projects to polish further its golden business card as an international metropolis, showcasing its unique charm to both residents and visitors from around the world, he added. According to the gaming operator, Sands Chinas cumulative investment in Macau has exceeded MOP134.5 billion. The companys integrated resorts offer over 10,000 hotel rooms, 150 dining options, and 760 retail outlets. Times reporter Like this: Like Loading... By Qabil Ashirov A delegation of US representatives from various districts is expected to visit Armenia next week to discuss the Trump Route (TRIPP, Zangazur Corridor) project, Azernews reports, citing local media outlets. The report states that the American officials will not only examine the technical aspects of the corridor but also its political implications. Discussions will reportedly cover the scale of potential investments, key priorities, and the timeline for launching construction works. So far, official sources have not disclosed details of the visit or the agenda. However, the newspaper notes that the talks will be held behind closed doors, and any decisions taken will be directly linked to shaping a new logistical reality in the region. 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 Rubios 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. 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 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. 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 Meanwhile, Trump has demanded, and so far won, some concessions from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaums 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 drugs 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. 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. Mexicos president touts keeping close US ties 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 (today, Macau time) 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 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. MATTHEW LEE & MEGAN, JANETSKY, MEXICO CITY, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... * Show of might China holds massive parade to mark 80th anniversary of WWII victory * Aviation | AirAsia reopens Cebu hub with new Macau route * Tourism | Asia Tourism projects record mainland visitor arrivals to Macau in H2 * Island community suggests that the redemption period for newly launched electronic vouchers begin on Friday evenings * AL election campaign gears up: lists trade accusations over legislative work * Sands China welcomed more than 1.1 billion visitors to its properties in Macau, marking a milestone in two decades of development in the city DOWNLOAD PDF Thursday, September 4, 2025 edition no. 4795 Like this: Like Loading... The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) and Bloomberg on Thursday launched a new partnership to increase global investor awareness of the countrys capital markets. The collaboration will include a series of joint investor outreach activities in the Philippines and abroad. These will feature virtual roadshows, C-suite roundtables and events targeting international investors. - Advertisement - Bloomberg and the PSE also plan to explore enhanced training programs for investor relations professionals in the Philippines as part of efforts to strengthen market transparency and communication. The campaign will also focus on educating investors and listed companies, in line with the PSEs goal of increasing visibility of the local market and sparking discussion on potential innovations and development opportunities. PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon said the initiative is a significant step in the ongoing development of the Philippine capital markets. Our capital markets are home to some of Asias most exciting companies, Monzon said. We want to amplify their growth and expansion initiatives, and sustainability endeavors. We trust that upcoming discussions with market participants will spur more global interest in these listed firms and our markets, he said. Bing Li, head of Asia-Pacific at Bloomberg, said the partnership signals a growing openness in the Philippine market that will appeal to global investors. As global investors seek greater exposure to Southeast Asian assets, they will inevitably be drawn to those markets that show an appetite to grow and evolve in ways comparable to other financial centers around the world, Li said. This initiative can start an important dialogue with local market participants about how they can better tell their story to global investors through transparency and data. Were proud to work with the PSE and Philippine-based companies as they showcase their value to institutional investors everywhere, said Li. The PSE and Bloomberg said the joint campaign would support the long-term goal of making the Philippine market more competitive and accessible to a broader range of investors. The Philippines Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA) will team up with the Southeast Asia Corporate Decarbonization Exchange (CDx) to host a national conference aimed at helping companies move from climate pledges to concrete, measurable strategies. The Philippine Net Zero Conference 2025 will be held on Sept. 18 at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City, bringing together business leaders, policymakers and sustainability experts. - Advertisement - While the Philippines has set ambitious goalsincluding a 75-percdent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and stricter global reporting standardsmany companies lack the tools, technology and financing to meet these commitments. Whether theyre small and medium enterprises tracking emissions for the first time, or large corporations working to reduce supply chain emissions, the challenge is clear: ambition must translate into action, said Allan Barcena, NZCA executive director. Building on its 2024 debut, the 2025 conference will feature a solutions-focused agenda, with a deeper dive into sector-specific challenges, innovation pathways, and financing mechanisms. Highlights include keynotes from government and business leaders, plenary discussions, and breakout sessions addressing real-world decarbonization barriers. Confirmed speakers include Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Raphael Lotilla, who will deliver the keynote address, and Jerome Cainglet, president and chief operating officer of First Gen-owned Energy Development Corp. (EDC), who will open the event. Panelists will include Bukidnon First District Rep. Jose Manuel Alba, Philippines and Greater Asia Sustainability Lead at Unilever Rondell Torres and First Philippine Holdings (FPH) chief sustainability officer Agnes de Jesus. Mark Lister, chief executive of CDx, will close the program. Through continuous and practical dialogue with different leaders, we can help drive both corporate and national progress toward a low-carbon economy, Barcena said. Insights from the conference will inform NZCAs collective action priorities for 2026 and beyond. The event aims to provide participants with actionable knowledge, case studies and networking opportunities to help shape a shared action agenda. Established in 2021, the NZCA is a private-sector net-zero coalition of nearly 30 companies from various industries. CDx, the NZCAs official Knowledge and Network Partner, will lead the design and facilitation of the events core learning and peer exchange formats. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. asserted that China has no right to dictate how the Philippines interprets the One China policy, stressing that Beijing is using Manilas policy to reinforce its claims over Taiwan. That is the propaganda of China. That is what theyre using, so we dont have to stand up together with our allies against what theyre doing in the West Philippine Sea and how they are encroaching through the nine-dash line. Its a form of gaslighting against us, he said mostly in Filipino. - Advertisement - We have committed to the One China Policy. We dont recognize the Republic of China as the Republic of China, although that is how we recognized it before. Now, Beijing should not dictate to us what the One China Policy is when something is happening within our territory. Do we tell them what to do with their country? We do not, Teodoro added. Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reaffirmed the Philippines commitment to upholding the One China Policy during a Senate hearing. DFA Secretary Tess Lazaro said the country stands by the 1975 Joint Communique between China and the Philippines, which recognized the sole and legal government of Beijing as the Peoples Republic of China. There were also previous tensions following Beijings protest against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s statement, stating that there is no way that the Philippines can stay out if a war breaks out in the Taiwan Strait. The Philippines currently holds no diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which separated from mainland China in 1949 after the Chinese Civil War. By Qabil Ashirov Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed condolences to Portugal following a tragic funicular accident in Lisbon. In a message shared on the ministrys official account on X, it reads: We are deeply saddened by the tragic funicular derailment in Lisbon's Gloria line. We express heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who perished, and wish a speady recovery to the injured. The statement underscores Azerbaijans solidarity with Portugal during this difficult time. Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday underscored the need to build a stronger and more capable Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), warning that peace and security cannot be taken for granted in an increasingly volatile global environment. Speaking at the Victory Day Commemoration at Camp John Hay, Teodoro said that while the country has avoided a large-scale war since World War II, the Philippines must not rest on its laurels. - Advertisement - He stressed that the AFP serves as the backbone of any country worth being called a country, ensuring sovereignty and backing up diplomacy with credible deterrence. There is no such thing as parity dealings with other countries, particularly if there is a controversy, if you do not have a strong armed force to back up diplomacy, Teodoro said. The defense chief noted that the Department of National Defense, together with the AFP leadership under General Romeo Brawner Jr., is addressing long-standing gaps in defense capability. These reforms, he added, are being accelerated under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s administration. Teodoro also pointed to geopolitical shifts, criticizing Chinas calls for a fairer international order as a front for advancing its own interests. Fair for these countries is a euphemism for advancing their agenda and interests, which are contrary to our stated interests, he said, highlighting the importance of alliances with the United States, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and other like-minded nations. He warned against complacency, urging unity, discipline, and long-term planning to ensure that future generations inherit not unresolved problems, but a stronger and more resilient Philippines. Fresh from their wedding earlier this month, Shaira Diaz and EA Guzman are soaking up the romance in Switzerland. The couple, who tied the knot on Aug. 14 in Cavite, have been sharing glimpses of their European getaway on Instagram. Their trip kicked off with a sweet selfie on board a flight bound for Zurich. - Advertisement - In Zurich, the newlyweds explored the citys sights before heading to Luzern, where Shaira charmed fans with a playful caption: Lucerne got me cheesin. Enjoy your honeymoon love birds Switzerland is a very romantic place to visit, one fan wrote. The trip marks a new chapter for the longtime couple, who first met on a reality show in 2012 and became a couple in 2013. They got engaged in December 2021 before finally walking down the aisle last month. Against the Stream is back for another season of weekly Marxist analysis! This week, Hamid Alizadeh and Jorge Martin catch up on all the convulsive developments over the summer: the further decline of western imperialism and the rise of China, the crisis of the regime in France, and the revolutionary explosion in Indonesia. Against the Stream, the current affairs podcast of the Revolutionary Communist International, airs weekly on YouTube on Thursdays at 6pm London time. Recommended reading US and China: Chinas Military Is Now Leading, in Foreign Policy World Perspectives 2025: the world turned upside down, Revolutionary Communist International France: Bayrou declares war on the working class, by Parti Communiste Revolutionnaire Lets block everything! For a workers government!, by Parti Communiste Revolutionnaire Indonesia: Protests getting larger after ride-share driver killed, by Bima Wicaksana The wheel of revolution has turned, by Bima Wicaksana Holy sh*t, thats the RCI! These were some of the first words with which passersby greeted the arrival of The Communist, the brand-new newspaper of the Revolutionary Communist International in Australia. The RCI has arrived in Australia with a bang, and the appetite for a new revolutionary newspaper is palpable. Over the last two weeks, comrades have been out selling the paper nationwide, across Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle. So far, over 70 copies of issue one of The Communist have been sold since it went to print, with over 20 new readers expressing interest in joining the rapidly developing Australian group of the RCI. In the words of one reader, who got in touch about joining: I ran into your supporters at a defence of Gaza demo in Sydney today and bought the first issue of your Australian newspaper. Excellent discussion. Thanks comrades, glad you have made it to Australia. As the crisis of capitalism batters workers and youth, Australia is caught in the middle of the global imperialist rivalry between the US and China. The stage is set for a profound crisis, and the need for an organisation that can explain and prepare for these events is greater than ever. This paper provides the scaffolding for the further development of a revolutionary party in Australia, with the aim of nothing less than socialist revolution. Issue one of The Communist includes articles covering: Australias position in the global imperialist conflict between the US and China; the 2025 federal election; the housing crisis; the struggle against oppression; Israels war on Gaza; and much, much more. If you are a communist in Australia, The Communist is your paper. But dont just read, get organised! Join the RCI in the fight for communism in Australia and around the world. Without western weapons, Israel would have been unable to carry out its genocide against the Palestinians or to carry on its provocations against Iran. Foremost among those arming the Israeli state is, of course, the United States. But the second largest supplier of weapons is Germany. [Originally published at derkommunist.de] Among other things, Germany supplies Israel with nuclear-capable submarines, tank engines and ammunition. Since 7 October 2023, the Federal Republic has increased these deliveries tenfold. German politicians, bourgeois journalists and other representatives of the German ruling class justify Germanys support for the Zionist regime with reference to Germanys historic guilt and responsibility for the mass murder of six million Jews during the Holocaust in the 1940s. Anyone who dares to criticise or protest against Germanys support for the atrocities of Israeli imperialism is quickly branded an antisemite who hasnt learned the lessons of history. With this justification, heavy state repression against pro-Palestine activists has been meted out since day one. Protests and meetings have been broken up using severe police brutality. Artists, journalists and academics criticising Israel are under threat of being fired or losing funding, and freedom of speech is under attack through intimidatory lawsuits. Already in 2022, former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) explained: The mass murder of the Jews originated in Germany. It was planned and carried out by Germans. This gives every German government the perpetual responsibility for the security of the State of Israel and the protection of Jewish life. We will never forget the suffering and victims of millions. And former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) left no doubts as to what is meant by Israeli security: When Hamas terrorists barricade themselves behind people, behind schools, we find ourselves in very difficult situations. But we wont shy away from it. Thats why I made it clear at the United Nations: civilian areas could then also lose their protected status because terrorists abuse it. Germany stands by this; for us, this means Israel's security. Dissent against this policy is portrayed as antisemitism. Using the history of the Holocaust and the lessons we learned from it, last year a resolution against antisemitism was passed in the German parliament on the anniversary of Kristallnacht under the title, Never again is now. It called for heavy repression against supporters of Palestinian liberation, including the proscription of the BDS movement, and recognition of Israels right to exist as a Jewish state as a prerequisite for public funding. In the context of the resolution, German government officials have said that claiming Israel is an apartheid state constitutes antisemitism. Most recently, a woman in Berlin was ordered to pay a 1,500 penalty by a German court. Her crime: protesting Germanys support for the genocide being committed by Israel, by standing in front of parliament with a sign saying: Have we learned nothing from the Holocaust? The judges found her guilty of belittling the atrocities of the Holocaust by drawing a comparison between it and the Israeli genocide in Gaza nevermind the fact that Israeli and German politicians constantly compare or insinuate a parallel between the Holocaust and the events of 7 October 2023! The notion of the singular and unique character of the Holocaust is only treated as sacred when it suits the interests of western imperialism. Even some in the Palestine movement seem to have bought into this narrative. They assert that Germanys support for Israel stems from a mistaken understanding of German responsibility and feelings of guilt. They have therefore put forward the very confused slogan: Free Palestine from German guilt. But, of course, all this is wrong! This whole narrative is a huge ideological smoke screen employed by the German ruling class that has nothing to do with reality! German support for Israel is not about historical responsibility, but about tangible imperialist interests. This becomes particularly clear when one looks at the origins of this support. West Germany and the USA German capitalism started and lost the Second World War. In the aftermath, German imperialism was laid low. The terrible crimes of the Holocaust, through which German corporations amassed great wealth, came to the attention of the world. But in the wake of the war, rather than weakening its competitor to the fullest extent possible, US imperialism rebuilt West Germany economically and politically as a frontline state in the Cold War against the Soviet Union. Only on this basis was Germany able to become a relevant industrial nation again. Much of its debt was written off, it received cheap loans in the Marshall Plan, Germany was allowed to become a sovereign state again, and old Nazis were even allowed to escape disgrace and to remain in office because they were good anti-communists. In return, the Americans expected Germany to be at their disposal as an imperialist henchman. Oil and anti-communism During the Second World War, the USA had replaced Great Britain as the strongest world power. It began to enforce its own interests everywhere, including in the Middle East. US imperialism had three main strategic goals in the region: first, to gain control of the vast oil reserves in the Middle East; second, to prevent the Middle East from slipping into the Soviet sphere of influence; third, to oust the weakened European colonial powers from the region in order to snatch the territories in their sphere of influence for themselves. The founding of the state of Israel helped the USA to assert its influence at the expense of the old European colonial powers / Image: public domain The Middle East has the largest oil reserves in the world. After the Second World War, oil began to replace coal as the most important source of energy for industry. In addition, synthetic rubber, which was obtained from oil, became increasingly important as a material in industry. The US was less concerned with simply meeting its own oil needs and more concerned with using its control over oil production in the Middle East to expand its strategic control over the entire world economy. In Europe, the Soviet Red Army had defeated fascism. After the war, revolutionary and pre-revolutionary situations arose in many countries, for example in Italy and Greece. The revolutionary wave also shook the colonies, because the old European colonial powers Great Britain and France had emerged weakened from the war, and their power over their colonies was slipping through their fingers. In 1945, France-occupied Algeria was rocked by mass protests. In 1947, the British colony of India gained independence. In 1949, the Chinese Revolution triumphed, thereby depriving imperialism of the ability to exploit one-fifth of the world's population. The masses, striving for independence and colonial liberation, looked to the Soviet Union. The former colonial countries were in danger of drifting into the Soviet Union's sphere of influence, including in the Middle East. The USA wanted to prevent this. It was doggedly trying to contain the influence of the USSR. The founding of the state of Israel helped the USA to assert its influence at the expense of the old European colonial powers. After the First World War, Great Britain had taken control of historic Palestine and, in line with the typically imperialist modus operandi of divide and rule, promised the land to both the Palestinians and the Zionists. Their plan was predicated on neither side prevailing. But in the Nakba that is exactly what happened, when 700,000 Palestinians were forcibly expelled in 1948 in the course of the founding of the state of Israel. The US sought to support Israel in order to weaken the position of British imperialism and at the same time get a foot in the door in the Middle East. The USA wanted to develop Israel into a permanent strategic and military base from which it could control the entire region. To do this, Israel needed weapons, money and economic aid. But the US had to tread carefully in its support for Israel. It was increasingly drawing the reactionary Arab monarchies in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Jordan into its own sphere of influence as Britain declined. But these regimes were under massive pressure from their own masses to oppose Zionism, and overt US support for Israel could jeopardise these efforts. The USA found West Germany to be a pliant middleman in its support for Israel. Reparations Under massive US pressure, West Germany signed a DM 3.5 billion reparation agreement with Israel in 1952. The western Allies made the agreement a condition for West Germany's state sovereignty and lobbied Chancellor Adenauer to accept the agreement. The Federal Republic of Germany (FRG, West Germany) tried to keep the extent of its support for Israel a secret throughout the Cold War / Image: public domain The West German politicians grumbled and complained about the size of the sum, but had to swallow it whether they liked it or not. Their main problem was not the amount of money, but concern that the agreement would worsen German relations with the Arab states, many of which were even threatening to recognise and support the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany) if West Germany continued to support Israel. Hence, the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG, West Germany) tried to keep the extent of its support for Israel a secret throughout the Cold War. However, the particular interests of the German bourgeoisie were of little importance to the USA. It was better for the FRG to embarrass itself in the region than for the USA to have to do so. Despite the name, this agreement was not really about compensating victims of the Holocaust. Non-Jewish victims of the Holocaust received nothing at all, and even the Jewish victims themselves saw little or none of this money. Instead, it subsidised the development of Israeli industry and the Israeli state. This aid was crucial for the country's continued existence. Incidentally, it also provided a small economic boost for German industry, as two-thirds of the reparations were paid to Israel in the form of German industrial goods. In his 1953 Bundestag speech, former concentration camp inmate and KPD Member of Parliament Kurt Muller from Frankfurt summed up the situation: The death and murder of six million Jews is a single indictment of a terrible system of inhumanity and barbarism. Many heartfelt words have been spoken about this here. But we object to people appearing here who, at the time when it was necessary to prevent these crimes, either stood aside or supported them. Ladies and gentlemen, I also say today with the same clarity that this agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and the State of Israel does not serve to make reparation for the boundless and bestial crimes of Hitlerite barbarism against the persecuted Jews. [...] So, in the name of reparation, Israel's industrialists receive from West Germany everything they need to develop their basic industries. The facts prove that this agreement has nothing to do with reparation. [...] In plain German, this means that the individual persecutees in Israel will not receive a single penny of the three billion DM, while the industrialists, on the other hand, are doing a roaring trade. [...] For it is they who are behind the agreement and who have brought it about, not for reasons of humanity and philanthropy. There are very real reasons for this policy. It is the American imperialists who are creating a strong strategic and military base in the Middle East, on the one hand against the British, but on the other hand also against the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa. With the help of industrial equipment from West Germany, the Americans also want to expand the State of Israel, which is in their hands, into an operational and military base for their aggressive policy. [...] Ladies and gentlemen, the winners from this agreement are not only the industrial masters in Israel and the Americans, but also the industrial masters in West Germany, for whom it ensures sales and huge profits for several years to come. Is it not an outright, disgusting mockery of those persecuted on racial grounds that those who are jointly responsible for the mass murder, who made huge profits under Hitler and from his massacres of the Jews, today, under the disguise of such reparations are once again seeking to make huge profits, while the victims of racial persecution, like everyone else in the federal territory, have to wait years for adequate reparations and pensions? Is it not a bloody mockery that here in the Bundestag people are advocating such reparations who, like Mr Pferdmenges, for example, once helped to finance the SS, to whose special account the murder of millions of Jews, or a military economy leader, Dr Frowein, about whom the following is written in a document dated 31 May 1940: Mr Frowein has learned that Jewish women can be provided to us in any desired number. They would have to be guaranteed work on the night shift or, if possible, housed in barracks or in the worst possible housing. Mr Frowein suggests 500 Jewish women. We Communists reject [the agreement]. We demand that the means be finally provided here in the federal territory so that the claims to which all those persecuted by the Nazi regime are entitled as reparation are satisfied. The German capitalist class supported the agreement mainly because they had to bow to US imperialism. While they did so, they naturally tried to rake in as much profit as possible. And the fact that they now had a project to launder their bad reputation without having to give up the wealth they had accumulated during the Holocaust was, of course, also a nice additional upshot. Meanwhile, the Americans achieved their goal of raising Israel to the status of a regional power without having to take public responsibility for it. The Six-Day War But economic aid urgently needed to be followed by military aid. Between 1957 and 1967, West Germany was by far Israel's largest supplier of weapons. In the 1960s, the FRG secretly supplied American tanks and other heavy equipment. And it did so even when German politicians would have preferred to avoid it in order not to jeopardise diplomatic relations with the Arab states. But, as with the 1952 reparations agreement, they had to comply. And by doing so they abetted US imperialism further in allowing them to focus solely on the incipient Vietnam War. In the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel carved its new position of dominance in stone by inflicting a crushing defeat on the Arab states / Image: Government Press Office Israel, Wikimedia Commons This allowed Israel, over time, to grow into the strongest regional imperialist power in the Middle East. In the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel carved its new position of dominance in stone by inflicting a crushing defeat on the Arab states thanks in part to German tanks. Now, the US could finally support Israel directly and openly without having to fear any real resistance from the Arab states. It was only in the wake of that defeat of the Arab states that the US came into the open as Israel's most important arms supplier. When Israel cemented its position as an imperialist regional power in the Six-Day War of 1967, both the liberal and right-wing German media celebrated the Israeli victory, by positively comparing the Israeli offensive to that of the Wehrmacht under Rommel in North Africa! VICTORY! Dayan Israel's Rommel, thundered Bild. Israeli soldiers rolled like Rommel, exclaimed Der Spiegel. These were the same unreconstructed antisemites that had infested the German ruling class for many years! Never has any supposed remorse led Germany to forge closer ties with Israel. German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer (CDU) made that clear in 1965 when he whispered into German television cameras that Germany had to get closer to Israel because the power of the Jews, even today, especially in America, should not be underestimated. In fact, the first German ambassador to Israel was a former Wehrmacht officer on the Eastern Front and holder of the Knight's Cross, who rambled on about world Jewry and that the Jews would unleash the dogs from Jerusalem to London to New York if Germany did not support Israel. If proof were needed that the German ruling class support for Israel never had anything to do with sympathy for the plight of the Jews, these admissions demonstrate that quite clearly. The fact is that it was neither antisemitic delusions of geriatric CDU politicians nor moral guilt that caused Germany to give its support to the Zionist state. Rather as already shown all along it was the tangible material interests of American and German imperialism that were at the root of the question. Raison d'etre Since the end of the Six-Days War, German support for Israel has increased. Over the decades, German-Israeli cooperation at the intelligence and military level has become ever closer. With the fall of the Soviet Union (and the GDR), Germany was finally able to openly and proudly profess its support for Israel. In the course of German reunification, the agreement between German and American imperialism was reaffirmed: the USA gave the FRG its consent to incorporate the GDR, and Germany strengthened its supremacy in Europe much to the displeasure of France and Great Britain, who ultimately had to bow to the decision of the USA. The newly united Germany was brought into NATO. Only 20 percent of the population of the whole of Germany favoured NATO membership, but where the fundamental interests of imperialism are at stake, democracy does not apply. The German ruling class gained by this arrangement, as it meant the German and other European ruling classes could spend less on their own militaries, being militarily underwritten by US imperialism. But it came with the condition that the now united Germany would continue to support the interests of US imperialism, including in the Middle East. After the Americans' second Iraq War in the early 2000s ruined that country, Iran was the only regional power left that was a thorn in the side of US imperialism / Image: public domain After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the USA rose to become the undisputed world power. They now finally intended to bring the Middle East under their complete control, asserting themselves in those countries in the region that had been in the Soviet sphere of influence. Germany provided a great deal of assistance in this. Although Germany did not take part in the American Gulf War against Iraq in 1991, it provided large financial subsidies to Israel, which was indirectly involved in the war. But, again, the policy of Germany in the Middle East had and still has nothing to do with morality, reparations or the fight against antisemitism, but only with the imperialist interests of the West. Indeed, until the late 1980s, the regime in Iraq, itself overtly hostile to Israel, had been a western ally against Iran and had therefore had been supplied with heavy weapons, including by Germany, weapons that it would also use in its murderous crimes against the Kurds. After the Americans' second Iraq War in the early 2000s ruined that country, Iran was the only regional power left that was a thorn in the side of US imperialism. From the beginning of the 1990s until today, Germany delivered seven nuclear-capable submarines to Israel, which enable the Zionist state to maintain a nuclear second-strike capability against Iran. Incidentally, it is highly likely that the original Israeli nuclear weapons programme of the 1960s was co-financed by Germany. Yet, at the same time as Germany was delivering nuclear-capable submarines to Israel, it was also stepping in to financially prop up the Palestinian Authority (PA) after the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993 under the guise of supporting Palestinian self-determination the EU with Germany at its core being its biggest financial backer. In fact, from the beginning, the PA has been a corrupt parody of self-determination, and has acted as little more than a deputy sheriff, a prison guard, of the Israeli regime itself. As one academic, Daniel Marwecki, explains: this results in the paradoxical circumstance that Germany is helping to finance Israel's occupation. In fact, there is nothing paradoxical about this whatsoever, it is wholly in line with the German ruling class policy over decades. In a 2008 speech, Chancellor Angela Merkel notoriously told the Israeli parliament, that Germanys support for Israel's security is part of our national ethos, our raison d'etre. What the whole postwar history of Germany shows is that Israeli security means the enforcement of the interests of the western imperialism in the Middle East. And that very much is, indeed, part of capitalist Germanys raison d'etre. Antisemitism and historical guilt But it has really been since the 1980s and 90s that German support for Israel has been wrapped up and justified under a moralistic guise, using the notion of German guilt for the Holocaust. In 1999, Green Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer declared that Germany had to support NATO's intervention in former Yugoslavia, which was in violation of international law, not despite, but because of Auschwitz. German imperialism was once again trying to extend itself eastward: in the 1940s, it did so with open genocidal intent; in the 1990s, it did so abusing the memory of that past horror, using the hypocritical lie that it was bombing Serbia in order to prevent a genocide. The German liberal journalists and intellectuals went along with this new justification for the aims of German imperialism when it suited them. When it didnt suit them, they dropped it entirely. While German liberals otherwise repeatedly assert the uniqueness (i.e. singularity) of the crimes of the Holocaust in order to derive from it a special German guilt and responsibility, this sacred moral principle no longer applies when it comes to justifying the interests of US imperialism by comparing others to Hitler. The propaganda of those in power is having less and less effect on the population / Image: IDF Spokespersons Unit, Wikimedia Commons Thus, the left-wing liberal German writer Hans-Magnus Enzensberger, for example, compared Saddam Hussein with Hitler in DER SPIEGEL in 1991 and explained that the thesis of the singularity of the Holocaust did not apply here. And, of course, nowadays you are portrayed as an antisemite if you in any way compare Israels atrocities in Gaza to those of the Nazis. And yet, at the same time, Israeli and western politicians constantly compare Hamas to the Nazis. German authorities absurdly claim, for example, that the slogan, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free! is a call for the mass murder of Jewish Israelis and is therefore antisemitic. And in order to supposedly prevent such a thing, arms exports to Israel are ramped up, and so too is repression against pro-Palestine activists. Fight German imperialism It is obvious that the capitalists, politicians and their journalists in Germany and the USA, in their culture of remembrance, are unconcerned about the memory of the victims of the Holocaust, who to this day have still been insufficiently compensated. Rather, they are trying to exploit the honest feelings of the masses compassion, a sense of justice and outrage at the bestial crimes of German fascism to justify shameful imperialist interventions in which millions of innocent civilians have died miserably. The latest of these victims are the tens of thousands of dead in Gaza and Lebanon. We will not accept lessons in morality from these ladies and gentlemen. The German working class is not to blame for the crimes of the Hitler regime. But these apologists for western imperialism are to blame for the victims of these interventions and for the desecration of the memory of the Nazi victims. But the propaganda of those in power is having less and less effect on the population. In a survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation, only 27 percent of Germans believe that their country has a special obligation to Israel. In another study in November 2023, just a few weeks after the Hamas attack, only 35 percent of Germans considered it to be Israel's right to invade the Gaza Strip militarily and take harsh action against Hamas (during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 2006, it was only 21 percent). And only 8 percent were in favour of arms deliveries in the same survey! In 2018, Green Party politician Katrin Goring-Eckardt said in the Bundestag: Israel's existence is directly linked to the existence of our country as a free democracy and therefore our responsibility [...] Israel's right to exist is our own. In doing so, she unwittingly expressed a fundamental truth, albeit one that was turned on its head: German imperialism can only exist if it serves the USA as an imperialist assistant. Within this framework, the German bourgeoisie naturally tries to get the best possible deals for itself. One of its first acts in this servile relationship was to support Israel in the 1950s and 60s, and this balance of power continues to determine the relationship between Germany, the USA and Israel to this day. This is not about remorse for the Holocaust. German support enables Israeli imperialism to oppress the Palestinians. If German imperialism is intimately linked with Israeli imperialism, as Goring-Eckardt admits, then the inverse is true: the fight for Palestinian freedom is also the fight against German imperialism. On Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025, the United Nations has warned that deep funding cuts by the United States could severely undermine peacekeeping missions in conflict zones such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Washington, which contributes 27% of the UNs $5.6 billion peacekeeping budget, recently cancelled $4.9 billion in foreign aid, including about $800 million earmarked for peacekeeping in 2024 and 2025. The White House budget office has further proposed eliminating peacekeeping funding entirely in 2026, citing failures in operations in Mali, Lebanon, and the DRC. A UN spokesperson on Tuesday said ongoing liquidity shortages already leave 11 active missions under severe financial pressure. The Trump administration defended the cuts, alleging corruption, waste, and abuse in UN operations, and describing peacekeeping accounts as mismanaged slush funds. It rescinded hundreds of millions of dollars previously appropriated for peacekeeping activities, arguing reforms are long overdue. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is exploring cost-cutting measures as the organisation marks its 80th anniversary amid a growing cash crisis. The UN has urged all member states to pay contributions on time, warning that without adequate resources, its missions may be unable to protect civilians in some of the worlds most fragile contexts. Constant Mutamba, the Democratic Republic of Congos former Justice minister and once a vocal anti-corruption crusader, has been sentenced on Tuesday, September 2, to three years of forced labour for embezzling public funds, including reparations earmarked for war victims. The 37-year-old politician was also barred from holding high office for five years after being found guilty of irregularly awarding a $40 million contract to build a prison near Kisangani. The court ruled that Mutamba unlawfully transferred nearly $20 million to Zion Construction SARL without government approval, funds prosecutors said had been set aside for victims of the Second Congo War. Mutamba, who resigned in June after the allegations surfaced, claimed the case was a political plot against him. Heavy police and army presence surrounded the Kinshasa courthouse during his trial to deter unrest from his supporters. Judge Jacques Kabasele ordered him to return the missing funds, declaring he acted to fraudulently enrich Zion Construction at the expense of the state. Mutambas conviction underscores the endemic problem of embezzlement in the DRC, which Transparency International ranks among the worlds most corrupt nations. 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 Survivors of sexual assault in largely rural and remote northwestern Ontario face systemic barriers when seeking forensic care, according to a new study led by McGill University researchers. The work is published in the journal Violence Against Women. Sexual assault evidence kits (SAEKs) are used to collect DNA and document injuries following sexual assault. Outside of large urban centers where specialized facilities exist, SAEKs are usually administered in hospital emergency departments. The study found that in rural hospitals, health care providers' decisions about whether to administer SAEKs were often shaped by stereotypes and credibility judgments, rather than consistent standards. "From the interviews that we did, it seems that the person most likely to be viewed as credible and blameless, and to therefore receive a kit, is a white woman who was sober when assaulted, who doesn't know the perpetrator, and who calls police for help," said Kathleen Rice, associate professor and research director in McGill's Department of Family Medicine and Canada Research Chair in the Medical Anthropology of Primary Care. "Those who fall outside that 'ideal victim' stereotype risk facing disbelief or discriminatory care," she said. The study is among the first in Canada to examine how evidence kits are provided, filling a research gap. Most prior work has come from advocacy groups, she added. Biases shaping care Sydney Timmermans, a McGill graduate student supervised jointly by McGill and Lakehead University, surveyed hospitals to see which had kits available and staff trained to use them, then conducted in-depth interviews with emergency department staff. From these interviews, three themes emerged: Substance use: Patients who were intoxicated were often dismissed as unreliable. Police involvement: If a patient arrived with police support, staff were more likely to see a claim as credible. Those in police custody were often thought to be exaggerating or faking. Race: Indigenous women were frequently subjected to racist assumptions and skepticism. "These findings are troubling but not surprising," said Rice. "What shocked us was how blatant some of these biases still are in 2025." Because emergency rooms are often the only place to obtain the kits in rural Canada, the findings point to challenges well beyond Ontario, she added. Call to change how care is delivered Reliable access to evidence kits is essential, as they can help document injuries, gather DNA samples, screen for infections, and if survivors choose, support legal proceedings, Rice noted. The researchers call for clearer hospital guidelines and more training to address discrimination in the health system. "Even those who held discriminatory views wanted more training," said Rice. "That's encouraging, because it shows a desire to do better." A potential follow-up study in Quebec hospitals is now being explored. More information Sydney Timmermans et al, "Not Without Judgment": Sociocultural Barriers to Accessing Sexual Assault Evidence Kits in Rural and Remote Northwestern Ontario, Violence Against Women (2025). DOI: 10.1177/10778012251362217 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Graphical abstract. Credit: Cryobiology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105295 A transformative new method for freezing human red blood cells has been developed by researchers from the Universities of Manchester and Leeds. The technique, created with industry partners CryoLogyx, has the potential to revolutionize how blood is stored and delivered in emergencies, remote locations, and military operations. Led by Dr. Fraser Macrae from Leeds and Professor Matthew Gibson from Manchester, the research is published in the Cryobiology journal. Rather than using traditional cryoprotective agentssubstances which protect cells by preventing ice, the team developed a cocktail which includes a new class of macromolecule which protects cells by preventing damaging ice from forming inside them, known as polyampholytes. Beating the clock: Delivering on-demand blood Red blood cell transfusions are critical for treating trauma, anemia, and complications from chemotherapy or surgery. However, refrigerated red blood cells have a shelf life of just 42 days, creating logistical challenges for maintaining a reliable blood supplyespecially in crisis situations or remote regions. To allow blood to be banked for future use, cryopreservation (freezing) is an essential technology. Currently, glycerol is used as a cryoprotectanta substance which protects the blood from cold stress by preventing ice from forming within the cells. However, it comes with a major drawback: a laborious and time-consuming thawing and washing process that can take over an hour per unit of blood. This delay can be life-threatening in emergencies and complicates its use in, for example, crisis or military situations. The new method reported today, addresses this washing speed problem. By combining three cryoprotectantspolyampholytes (a type of polymer), DMSO (a cryoprotectant typically used for stem cells), and trehalose (a sugar)the researchers have developed a formulation (PaDT) that not only preserves red blood cells effectively but also reduces the post-thaw washout time by over 50 minutes compared to glycerol. "Our goal was to create a system that allows blood to be frozen and then used almost on demand, with PaDT, we've achieved that. It's faster, simpler, and results in better recovery of healthy, functional red blood cells," says Dr. Fraser Macrae, University of Leeds. How it works The PaDT formulation leverages the unique properties of its three components: Polyampholytes: unique polymeric cryoprotectants which have many beneficial properties including preventing ice forming inside cells. DMSO: a permeating cryoprotectant that enters cells quickly replacing water molecules, stopping ice from forming Trehalose: a sugar found in extremophiles like tardigrades; trehalose protects cells from dehydration and stabilizes proteins and membranes. Together, these agents work to protect RBCs during freezing and allow for a simplified, low toxicity thawing process. This breakthrough has the potential to transform emergency medicine. With this new method, frozen blood could be stockpiled and rapidly deployed in disaster zones, on the battlefield, or in rural hospitalswithout the need for constant donations or complex equipment. "Imagine a future where blood can be 'on tap', ready to transfuse asap to those who need it most. This technology brings us one step closer to that reality," says Professor Matthew Gibson, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester. The research team is now exploring how this method can be integrated into automated systems for large-scale blood processing. They are also investigating its potential for preserving other cell types, including stem cells and platelets. More information Thomas L.C. Palmer-Dench et al, Towards blood on demand: Rapid post-thaw isolation of red blood cells from multicomponent cryoprotectants, Cryobiology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105295 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 recent ouster of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez and the resignations of top officials mark not just an institutional crisis but the latest chapter in a political war on evidence-based public health. This purge is not reform. It is the culmination of a right-wing assault that began in President Donald Trump's first term, when science was mocked, expertise sidelined and conspiracy theories elevated above epidemiology. From Trump's withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization to his nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic and conspiracy theorist, as secretary of health and human services, to his current dismantling of the CDC, the pattern is clear: Public health is being redefined not as a shared good but as an ideological battleground. The CDC, long regarded as the world's gold standard of epidemiology, is under siege. Programs targeting infant mortality, youth violence, smoking, maternal and child health, mental health, obesity, lead poisoning and infectious disease tracking have been slashed. Surveillance reports and early warning systems have been curtailed, while health promotion and advocacy for communities disproportionately affected by inequity are being censored. Scientists are leaving in droves and being replaced by political loyalists. This is not just an attack on a federal agency. It is an assault on the fragile compact that links science, population health, democracy and the common good. During the pandemic, the world saw the catastrophic consequences of politicizing medicine and public health. That same destructive logic now drives the hollowing out of the CDC. The pandemic exposed what anthropologist and physician Paul Farmer called the pathologies of power: the way structural violence normalizes the suffering of the poor and decides who lives and who dies. COVID-19 did not invent inequality; it revealed the neoliberal hollowing out of public institutions, as scholar Henry Giroux argues. In America, death and disease fell hardest along familiar lines: inadequate health coverage, insecure work without sick leave and neighborhoods poisoned by neglect. As medical ethicist Harriet Washington shows in "Medical Apartheid," Black and brown bodies have long borne the brunt of exploitation. That legacy persists today in America's racial mortality gaps. The numbers confirm it. In 2022, life expectancy at birth for Black Americans was 72.8 years, compared with 77.5 years for white Americans, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. There was a modest rebound in 2023when Black life expectancy rose to 74.0 years and white life expectancy to 78.4 yearsbut what looks like progress on the surface only conceals entrenched inequities and suboptimal health that continue to cost Black lives. What dismantling public health does is protect economic and racial privilege. It advances politicians who thrive on anti-government rhetoric and preserves racial hierarchies that allow some Americans to look away while others die. Farmer's warning remains urgent: When governments dismantle public health, they inscribe suffering into the very structure of society. Many infectious diseases are lethal only for the poor; they are layered atop comorbidities and chronic conditions produced by social and commercial determinants of health. The global consequences are just as devastating. For decades, the CDC has been the backbone of global health partnerships, supporting Africa in the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria, Ebola and now COVID-19. Its collapse dismantles those lifelines. America's retreat from WHO deepens the damage by weakening global systems for monitoring outbreaks, reviewing evidence and maintaining databases such as the Global Burden of Disease. Without U.S. financial support, WHO faces program cuts, slower outbreak response and job losses. For Africa and the Global South, where WHO often provides the first and only line of defense, this translates directly into more deaths, more suffering and wider inequity. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was right: "Of all the forms of inequity, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhuman." America may weather another partisan cycle, but a broken CDC means preventable deaths will mount, avoidable suffering will multiply and the most vulnerable will once again be sacrificed on the altar of ideology. Every cut to the CDC, every withdrawal from WHO, every concession to anti-science populism shortens livesnot only in Chicago, Harlem and Houston but also in Lagos, Caracas, Mumbai, Gaza and Nairobi. WHO's landmark "World Health Report 2000: Health SystemsImproving Performance" warned that the true measure of any health system is not only how much health it produces, but also how fairly it distributes financial burdens and how effectively it addresses the wider determinants of health. By those standards, the United States ranks poorly: Despite spending more than any nation, it placed 37th in overall health system performance. Our contractual, contribution-based system favors those with steady jobs and wealth while leaving millions to navigate premiums, co-pays and gaps in coverage that fall hardest on the poor. WHO underscored that health systems must pool risks broadly, protect against catastrophic costs, and extend beyond hospitals to encompass housing, education, nutrition, clean air and safe workplaces. Yet America's system is transactional, rewarding affluence while neglecting the very conditions that produce disease. Stewardship, the "very essence of good government," as WHO called it, requires vision, risk pooling and protection of the vulnerable. But as the CDC is gutted by political interference, the country is stripping away even its most basic public health stewardship. The predictable result is a system in which the poor pay more, suffer more and die youngernot because the United States lacks resources, but because it has abandoned fairness and optimal health for all as a common good. 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: DermaRite Industries has expanded a voluntary recall of several over-the-counter creams, soaps and sanitizers that may be contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia complex, a type of bacteria that can cause serious infections. The recall, first announced July 16, now includes additional products and lot numbers sold nationwide and in Puerto Rico, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Health officials warn that people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk. In rare cases, the bacteria can cause severe infections that may lead to life-threatening sepsis. For healthy people, using the products may only cause minor skin infections, but health officials urge caution. The expanded recall covers a range of products, including: 4-N-1 no-rinse wash cream DermaCerin moisturizing cream DermaFungal anti-fungal cream DermaKleen antiseptic lotion soap DermaMed skin protectant for poison ivy and other rashes DermaSarra anti-itch cream Gel Rite instant hand sanitizer Hand E Foam foaming hand sanitizer KleenFoam antimicrobial foam soap Lantiseptic skin protectant for cuts and scrapes PeriGiene antiseptic cleanser PeriGuard skin protectant for incontinence-related rashes Renew creams for diaper rash and skin repair UltraSure antiperspirant and deodorant DermaRite has contacted distributors and customers and instructed them to destroy all affected products, the FDA said. Consumers with questions can call DermaRite directly at 888-943-5190 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET) or email dermarite5186@sedgwick.com. Anyone who develops symptoms after using these products should contact their health care provider right away. More information A full list of affected products and lots is available on DermaRite.com. Copyright 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have declared a new outbreak of the Ebola virus, which has killed 15 people since the end of August, the health minister said Thursday. The new outbreak is in central Kasai Province, Samuel Roger Kamba told reporters in the capital Kinshasa. The last outbreak of Ebola in the vast central African nation was three years ago and killed six people. Twenty-eight suspected cases have been recorded in Kasai Province, according to provisional figures, with the first case reported on August 20 in a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted to hospital. "It's the 16th outbreak recorded in our country," Kamba said. Case numbers are likely to increase, according to the World Health Organization, which has dispatched experts alongside a Congolese response team to Kasai Province. The DRC has a stockpile of treatments for this viral hemorrhagic fever as well as 2,000 doses of vaccines that will be moved to Kasai from the capital Kinshasa. "We're acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities," said WHO Regional Director for Africa Mohamed Janabi. First identified in 1976 and thought to have crossed over from bats, Ebola is a deadly viral disease spread through direct contact with bodily fluids, causing severe bleeding and organ failure. The deadliest outbreak in the DRCwhose population numbers more than 100 millionkilled nearly 2,300 people between 2018 and 2020. Six strains of Ebola exist. Health authorities say the Zaire strainfor which there is a vaccineis the cause of the new outbreak. "Fortunately we have a vaccine for this Zaire strain but to deploy it we need to ensure the logistics," Health Minister Kamba said. Four times the size of France, the DRC has poor infrastructure, with often limited and poorly maintained lines of communication. Key medical concepts Zaire Ebola Virus Vaccines 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: Mental/cardiovascular health, disease interaction, and future directions. CV, cardiovascular. ACTIVE, Acknowledge, Check, (use validated) Tools, Implement, Venture, Evaluate. Credit: European Heart Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf191 A new ESC Clinical Consensus Statement is calling for greater awareness of the multidirectional relationship between mental health conditions and cardiovascular disease to improve patient health. The first ever ESC Clinical Consensus Statement to be developed on this topic was published today at ESC Congress 2025 and in the European Heart Journal. The Consensus Statement recommends that mental health symptoms are systematically screened for during cardiovascular care, and cardiovascular risk is routinely assessed for those being treated for mental health conditions. While poor mental health can be a contributory factor to cardiovascular disease, people living with cardiovascular disease are also at greater risk of poor mental health. Patients experiencing both cardiovascular disease and a mental health condition have worse health outcomes. The Consensus Statement has been produced by an international panel of experts that includes co-Chairpersons Professor Hector Bueno, from the National Cardiovascular Research Center (CNIC) and the Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain, and Professor Christi Deaton, Emerita Professor of Nursing at the University of Cambridge, UK. "We want to raise awareness of the multidirectional relationship between mental health and cardiovascular disease. Each increases the risk of the other, and individuals with both conditions have worse outcomes and the highest negative health burdens. In this consensus document we summarize what we know about how to prevent or minimize negative outcomes but also highlight significant gaps in our knowledge which need to be addressed urgently," explained Professor Christi Deaton. The new Consensus Statement also recommends that mental health and psychosocial risk factors become part of cardiovascular risk assessments for healthy individuals. Significant changes to clinical cardiovascular care are advised by the Consensus Statement. This includes the establishment of Psycho-Cardio Teams, multidisciplinary teams to treat patients that include mental health professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, working alongside cardiovascular care professionals. These teams should be integrated into standard care and tailored to local need. The Consensus Statement proposes a cultural shift to treat the deadly combination of mental health conditions and cardiovascular disease. This will involve improvements in patient care, such as professionals acknowledging the complex relationship between mental health and cardiovascular disease, working together to integrate both areas of care, therefore advocating for change to implement a better integrated person-centered care that is tailored to individual circumstances. This would present a significant change as most current models of cardiovascular care do not currently consider mental health to be a main goal. "Clinical cardiovascular practice often overlooks the impact of mental health and the importance of its inclusion in care. We need to see cardiovascular health professionals developing collaborations with mental health professionals in Psycho-Cardio Teams to help identify early mental health conditions in our patients and improve care and support for patients and their caregivers," said Professor Hector Bueno. "We are advising that mental health is actively considered in clinical appointments and that screening for mental health conditions becomes part of the assessment of patients at regular intervals. We are also advocating psychological support for caregivers," Professor Bueno concluded. The Consensus Statement outlines problems including: Lack of awareness by health care professionals of the prevalence of mental health conditions in the population, and the impact of this on the increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Limited appreciation among health care professionals of the incidence and prevalence of mental health conditions in people with cardiovascular disease and the impact of this on quality of life, therapeutic adherence, and health outcomes. The Consensus Statement also outlines substantial gaps in knowledge about the interplay between mental health, cardiovascular health and disease. This includes a lack of evidence-based protocols to: Support mental health in the general population to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease Screen people with mental health conditions for cardiovascular disease Treat mental health conditions in people with cardiovascular disease The lack of evidence about how best to support people living with severe mental health conditions is particularly significant, including how best to prevent cardiovascular disease in people living with severe mental illness, and how best to care for people who have both severe mental health conditions and cardiovascular disease. There is also a need to recalibrate cardiovascular risk scores for those living with severe mental illness. People with severe mental illness are at increased risk of developing supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, which may eventually lead to sudden cardiac death. Increased arrhythmia risk is caused by multiple factors, including distress resulting from their mental health condition, high prevalence of risk factors, unhealthy lifestyle and potentially some medications. "We hope the Consensus Statement will spark a change that empowers patients to feel able to discuss their mental health with cardiovascular professionals, and that they will have a better chance of this being taken seriously. This means accessing timely assessment, management, and the support they need to improve their mental health," concluded Professor Deaton. The "2025 ESC Clinical Consensus Statement on Mental Health and Cardiovascular Disease" was developed by the task force on mental health and cardiovascular disease of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). The Statement has been endorsed by the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations, the European Psychiatric Association, and the International Society of Behavioral Medicine. More information Hector Bueno et al, 2025 ESC Clinical Consensus Statement on mental health and cardiovascular disease: developed under the auspices of the ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee, European Heart Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf191 Journal information: European Heart Journal 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: Hannah Barata from Pexels A top health official in Florida vowed Wednesday to end all vaccine mandates in the state, including school requirements, likening the measure to prevent childhood diseases to "slavery." The announcement thrust the conservative-leaning state into the heart of an intensifying national fight, as vaccine-skeptic federal Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushes to steer the country away from the life-saving practice. More than 1,000 current and former workers from the federal health department signed a scathing letter to Congress Wednesday accusing Kennedy of putting the health of Americans at risk and demanding that he resign. On the West Coast, the Democratic-led states of California, Washington and Oregon said they were creating a new body to issue their own immunization guidelines, arguing it was needed to counter "politicization" at the federal levelunderscoring just how divisive the issue has become. "The Florida Department of Health, in partnership with the governor, is going to be working to end all vaccine mandates in Floridaall of them, every last one of them," Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo told a cheering audience at the Grace Christian School in Valrico. "Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery," added Nigerian-born Ladapo, a Harvard-trained physician who has served as the state's top health official since 2021. He was previously known for his opposition to mRNA COVID vaccines, which he has falsely claimed contaminate a person's genome. "Who am I as a man standing here now to tell you what you should put in your body? Who am I to tell you what your child should put in (their) body? I don't have that right. Your body is a gift from God." Speaking at the same event, Governor Ron DeSantis said Republicans would soon introduce a "big medical package" to put the changes into law. "It is a dangerous time to be a child in the United States of America," renowned pediatrician and vaccine expert Paul Offit told AFP. "Goodness, it's going to be really hard to rebuild these things back up again." Disease comeback If fully enacted, Florida would become the first US state to abandon school vaccine requirements, long credited with wiping out once-common childhood scourges such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio and hepatitis B. But resistance to vaccines has swelled in recent years, stoked by false claims linking them to autisma debunked notion Kennedy himself promoted for years before taking office as health secretary. The issue has become deeply polarized along partisan lines, with conservatives more likely to seek exemptions on religious grounds. As a result, the United States in 2025 saw its worst measles outbreak in more than three decades, with 1,431 cases centered on a Mennonite community in Texas. Kennedy has used his office to curb access to COVID shots and weave anti-vaccine conspiracy theories into federal policyand last week ousted Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Sue Monarez over immunization guidelines, plunging the agency into turmoil. That move helped spur California, Washington and Oregon, together home to more than 50 million people, to announce the formation of a "West Coast Health Alliance" that will work with scientists and medical associations to craft its own recommendations. "President (Donald) Trump's mass firing of CDC doctors and scientistsand his blatant politicization of the agencyis a direct assault on the health and safety of the American people," California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a joint statement with officials from the other two states. In their letter, the current and former federal health department workers wrote they had sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution and urged Trump and Congress to appoint a new health secretary if Kennedy does not resign. Key medical concepts Measles Mumps Poliomyelitis Rubella 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: Hair samples were collected from ALS-positive cases and ALS-negative controls at a regional ALS center and supplemented with a nationwide collection of ALS-positive cases in the US. Credit: Mount Sinai Health System Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have shown for the first time that a single strand of hair can reveal unique elemental patterns that distinguish people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from healthy individuals. The findings, published in eBioMedicine, suggest that a simple, noninvasive hair-based test could one day speed up ALS diagnosis and improve patient care. ALS is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease, typically taking 10 to 16 months from symptom onset to diagnosis in the United States. Earlier detection is critical since it improves the patient's quality of life and therefore potentially prolongs survival, but current fluid- and imaging-based biomarkers are often invasive, expensive, and difficult to integrate into routine clinical care. According to the ALS Association, the average survival time is three years, though about 20% of people with ALS live five years, 10% survive 10 years, and 5% live 20 years or longer. Using advanced laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, a technique that analyzes the elemental and isotopic composition of solid samples by using a laser to vaporize tiny particles, the research team analyzed single hair strands from 391 people (295 ALS-positive cases and 96 controls). Each hair strand provided up to 800 time points of data, representing elemental fluctuations at approximately two to four-hour intervals. The investigators measured 17 elementsincluding copper, zinc, magnesium, and leadand used sophisticated information-theory tools to assess how elemental patterns shifted over time. The study adds to evidence that copper plays a central role in ALS. Patients with ALS showed significantly lower synchrony (less coordinated, less similar, and less aligned in time) in copper-based elemental networks compared with controls, suggesting systemic dysregulation in copper metabolism. Male patients demonstrated weaker copper-zinc dynamics, while female patients showed disruptions in chromium-nickel patterns. "Our study demonstrates that hair can serve as a window into the body's elemental balance," said Manish Arora, BDS, MPH, Ph.D., the Edith J. Baerwald Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Environmental Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and senior author of the study. "By analyzing the biodynamics of elements such as copper over time, we can detect disruptions associated with ALS in a simple, noninvasive way. This approach has the potential to transform how we diagnose ALS, making it faster, easier, and more accessible for patients." "This is the first-ever study to use hair strands to identify elemental dysregulation in ALS," said Vishal Midya, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Environmental Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine and senior author of the study. "We found that patients with ALS had measurable differences in copper biodynamics that were not present in controls. These findings provide proof-of-concept that hair could serve as a simple and scalable diagnostic tool." While the study does not yet provide a diagnostic test, it shows that hair could be a promising new biomarker for ALS. A simple hair-based test might help shorten the time to diagnosis, allowing patients to start treatment and support sooner. Earlier care, including medications, nutrition plans, assistive devices, therapy, and counseling, can improve quality of life and may even extend survival. More information Vishal Midya et al, Dysregulation of hair-strand-based elemental biodynamics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, eBioMedicine (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105907 Journal information: EBioMedicine 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 Cognitive reserve (CR) is the brain's ability to maintain cognitive function despite age-related brain changes, damage or disease. It reflects an individual's capacity to cope with these changes by utilizing pre-existing cognitive strategies or developing compensatory mechanisms. The CR hypothesis presumes higher tolerance of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related pathology without functional decline for those with high education yet more rapid decline after AD onset. However, evidence supporting the second part of the hypothesis has been largely confined to U.S.-based studies. A new study by researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine has found that people with more years of education lost their memory and thinking abilities faster after being diagnosed with AD, compared to those with less education. These findings, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, provide evidence for the CR theory using real-life data from older adults from England, Germany and France. "Our study suggests that people with more education might be diagnosed with Alzheimer's laterpossibly because their brains hide the symptoms for longerbut then decline more quickly afterward. This means doctors and families need to be extra alert to early, subtle changes in memory, speech, thinking, judgment and mood in well-educated adults, so that treatment and support can start as early as possible," explains corresponding author Jinying Chen, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine. The researchers analyzed data from more than 1,300 older adults diagnosed with AD in memory clinics across England, Germany and France, (as part of the GERAS European study). Participants were followed for 18 months to three years, having their cognitive performance measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)a brief test commonly used to screen for cognitive impairment and track decline over time. They then used a statistical method to see how quickly people's MMSE scores went down after being diagnosed with AD, comparing those with more education (12 years or more) to those with less. They also took into account other things that could affect cognitive decline, such as age, sex, other health conditions, treatments for AD, the country they lived in and how long it had been since they were diagnosed. Their findings suggest that common cognitive tests like the MMSE may miss early signs of Alzheimer's in highly educated individuals. While more detailed neuropsychological tests are more sensitive, they can take hours to complete, are expensive, and require trained professionals to administer and interpret. The researchers believe that in the future, self-administered digital testsespecially those using mobile devices or wearables with automated scoringcould offer a faster, more affordable, and scalable way to detect early changes in thinking and memory. "We hope our findings will lead to better ways of detecting Alzheimer's disease earlyespecially in people who may not show obvious symptoms at first. Earlier detection means families can plan sooner, and doctors can start treatments that may help slow the disease." More information Zachary T Popp et al, Association between education and rate of cognitive decline among individuals with Alzheimer's disease: A multi-national European observational study, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (2025). DOI: 10.1177/13872877251352216 Journal information: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 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: France's Jeanne Calment, who died at the age of 122 in 1997, still holds the record for oldest confirmed age. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have been recorded on a hot mic discussing how organ transplants and other medical advances could let humans live past 150 yearsor even become immortal. But are these comments by the Russian and Chinese leaders, which were picked up during a Beijing summit on Wednesday, backed by scientific evidence? Experts in human aging told AFP that some of these ideas remain far-fetched, but serious research is also increasingly revealing more about why we ageand how we could try to stop it. Is there a human lifespan limit? The conversation suggested that fending off the ravages of age was on the minds of Putin and Xi, who are both 72 and have not expressed any desire to step down. Thanks to the "development of biotechnology, human organs can be continuously transplanted, people could get younger as they grow older, and may even become immortal," Putin told Xi. The Chinese leader responded by saying there were predictions humans could "live to 150 years old" within this century. There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that a human could live forever. Scientists have not even reached a consensus on whether there is a biological limit on human lifespan. "The debate is not settled," Ilaria Bellantuono, a researcher on the biology of aging at the University of Sheffield, told AFP. Indeed, despite massive progress in most areas of health in the last few decades, human longevity records have stopped being broken. France's Jeanne Calment, who died at the age of 122 in 1997, still holds the record for oldest confirmed age. A genetically altered pig bred for harvesting organs to be transplanted into humans. This does not necessarily mean we have reached the limits of longevity. According to 2018 research in the journal Science, mortality rates eventually level off, meaning a 115-year-old is no more at risk of dying than someone aged 105. Other researchers have warned that data about extreme longevity could be misleading, citing numerous cases of people forging birth certificates to commit pension fraud. What about replacing organs? Putin's comments went beyond simply fending off death, suggesting that by regularly replacing misfiring organs people could actually become younger. "It's pure madness," said Eric Boulanger, a professor of biology and aging at France's Lille University. Boulanger listed a broad range of medical barriers and ethical concerns, including the constant need for fresh organs and the traumatic effect that repeated transplant surgeries would have on the body. And our bodies are made up of more than just organs, he emphasized. They also have fatty tissue, bones and more, all impacted by aging in a complex and interconnected way that makes the concept of changing out organs like car parts unrealistic. Money in long life? Huge amounts of money have recently been invested in longevity efforts, which have also been the subject of a booming lifestyle and wellness industry. Putin himself has shown interest, with Russia launching a 38-billion-ruble ($460-million) project last year focused on regenerative medicine and longevity. Tech investor Bryan Johnson, pictured in 2017, has since become emblematic of the longevity movement. The subject is also a preoccupation of the Silicon Valley-led transhumanist movement, including billionaire Peter Thiel, a supporter of US President Donald Trump who has invested millions in longevity projects. Fellow tech figure Bryan Johnson has become somewhat emblematic of the issue by setting himself the goal of eternal lifeand testing many of the latest anti-aging theories, techniques and trends on himself. However, mainstream scientists have been critical of such efforts, warning they lack scientific rigor and could even be dangerous. Realistic research? Some recent scientific advances have raised hopes we could one day fight back against aging. The researchers interviewed by AFP in particular highlighted a field called epigenetics. Changes to DNA have long been thought to be an important factor in why humans age. However, epigeneticswhich studies how genes can toggle on or off without altering DNAhas recently gained attention. Over time, this toggling seems to wear down in a process thought to be central to aging. Research published in the journal Aging Cell in June found that the drug rapamycinwhich appears to affect epigenetic aginghas helped extend the lifespan of several animals, including mice. But there is no guarantee the drug will work in humans. For now, the researchers suggested people worry less about hypothetical ways to increase how long they are alive and instead make sure the time they have left is lived well. "The focus should be on extending the number of years in good health," Bellantuono said. 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 Compassionate release, or medical parole, describes a legal pathway for people who are incarcerated to be released because of severe illness. Almost every state has policies overseeing the release of individuals who are medically vulnerable, which includes a terminal diagnosis of less than six to 18 months. While these laws are offered as a form of compassion as well as to lessen the burden on the prison system, are they actually working? In an opinion piece in the Viewpoint section of JAMA Internal Medicine, a researcher from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine believes these compassionate release policies are not working. "As a physician who spends considerable time reviewing applications for compassionate release, I can attest that very few are approved," says corresponding author Nicole Mushero, MD, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine at the school. According to Mushero, the data backs this up. A Massachusetts study showed that in the first five years of medical parole, only 11% of applications were granted. "This results in thousands of individuals eligible for medical parole dying in prisons each year, particularly Black people, whoin addition to being more likely to be arrested, convicted and sentenced to life without paroleare less likely to receive compassionate release," says Mushero, who also is a geriatrician at Boston Medical Center. While not all individuals with terminal illness are older, older people make up the majority of those with advanced illness, and this population is growing. Medical costs of incarcerated patients who are older than 50 years are more than twice as high as their younger counterparts because of increased health conditions. While some cite public safety, Mushero points out that studies have shown people age out of crime, with those older than 65 approaching a near zero rate of recidivism. "The goal of public safety is not well served by continuing to incarcerate those eligible for medical parole," she observes. Mushero proposes that compassionate release evaluations be done by an external medical review board instead of those working within the criminal legal system, which would allow decisions to be made explicitly on medical criteria and in an expedited fashion. "This board would be comprised of health care professionals, including those with expertise in palliative care, geriatrics, psychiatry and general medicine," she adds. Mushero believes by choosing compassion for those nearing the end of their lives, society can better define justice by reorienting the punitive lens toward one of care and repair. "As physicians, we remain steadfast in the belief that everyone should be afforded the opportunity to die with dignity and recognize any death in prison as a policy failure. We canand mustimagine a more just future for all our patients." More information Nicole Mushero et al, Compassionate Release ReformMoving Medical Parole to Medical Professionals, JAMA Internal Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.4329 Journal information: JAMA Internal Medicine Beijing seeks deeper ties with Jakarta 08:36, September 04, 2025 By Zhang Yunbi ( China Daily President Xi Jinping meets with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday. Prabowo was in China to attend the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. [Photo/Xinhua] China and Indonesia should deepen all-around strategic collaboration and the synergy of development strategies, and drive ties to serve as a role model in regional and global settings, President Xi Jinping told visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday. Prabowo arrived in Beijing early on Wednesday morning to attend commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Indonesian president said he is glad to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the war of resistance together with the Chinese people, and emphasized that the two countries are good and true friends. He thanked China for its longstanding, precious support for Indonesia's economic and social development, and stated that relations with China are top priority of Indonesia's foreign policy. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the 80th anniversary of Indonesia's independence and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. Xi noted that both nations have consistently upheld the spirit of independence and self-reliance. China is willing to work with Indonesia to promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, and to advance the building of a China-Indonesia community with a shared future at a high level, he said. Regarding future bilateral interactions, Xi emphasized that the two sides should stay on the right direction and ensure the steady and long-term growth of bilateral ties. Xi called for effective use of the "2+2" dialogue mechanism that engages foreign ministers and defense ministers from both sides, as well as enhancing bilateral security and defense cooperation. He emphasized high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, greater mutual opening-up, and broader collaboration in critical minerals, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, agriculture and fisheries. During the talks, Xi noted that both China and Indonesia are major countries in the Global South, and they should join forces to oppose unilateral bullying practices and safeguard regional peace and stability as well as international fairness and justice. Prabowo said the relationship between the two countries are at their best in history, and Indonesia looks to strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as trade, investment, finance and infrastructure. Prior to Prabowo's trip to China, Indonesia witnessed large-scale demonstrations in Jakarta and other parts of the country, prompting the Indonesian leader to cancel his visit to Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025. Xi noted that Prabowo's overcoming of difficulties to attend events in Beijing "reflects the importance he attaches to China-Indonesia relations and the sincere friendship between the Indonesian and Chinese peoples". China supports Prabowo's governance, Indonesia's restoration of order and stability as soon as possible, and the development and growth of Indonesia, Xi said. Prabowo briefed Xi on Indonesia's domestic situation, noting that the situation is becoming stable. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Taylor Fresh Foods has issued a voluntary recall of its Honey Balsamic Salad Kit after discovering the dressing packets contained undeclared sesame and soy. The company said the salad dressing supplied by Latitude 36 Foods was incorrect. Instead of the normal Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette, the kits contained Asian Sesame Ginger dressing, which includes sesame and soytwo common allergens, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). No illnesses have been reported, but the company warns that people with allergies or sensitivities to sesame or soy could have a serious or life-threatening reaction if they consume the product. The recalled Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kit (6/8.3 oz) was sold at Kroger and Walmart locations in 25 states. Those states are Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia. Affected products have package codes starting with "TFRS" and "Best If Used By" dates up to Sept. 4, 2025. The product code is printed in the upper right-hand corner of the packaging, the FDA said. Folks who purchased the recalled salad kits should not eat them. The company advises throwing out the product or returning it to the store for a full refund. For questions, customers can call Taylor Fresh Foods' customer care line at 855-455-0098, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. More information Check the recall notice for updates. Key medical concepts Anaphylaxis Copyright 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Microconstriction primes melanoma cells to compromise endothelial barrier function. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63374-6 Nine of the 10 most common cancer deaths in Australia are caused by solid tumors, but in most cases it's the cancer's spread to other parts of the bodyknown as metastasisthat proves fatal. Now, UNSW Sydney researchers have uncovered a potential trigger for metastasis: the squeezing of cancer cells by the tiniest of veins that transforms them into a different type of cell now able to form new tumors. In a study published in Nature Communications, the scientists described how they constructed a biomedical device that simulated blood flow through our narrowest blood veins. They showed that when human melanoma cancer cells are forced through channels narrower than 10 micrometersabout a fifth the width of a human hairthey begin to behave more like stem cells, gaining traits that could help them survive, spread, and form new tumors. The finding supports a theory long held by medical researchers that the mechanical pressure of narrow blood vessels might make cancer cells more aggressive. While the recent results were observed in bioengineered devices in the lab and in mice, they offer a new perspective that could inform further research and future strategies to prevent cancer from spreading. "For a long time we've not fully understood how cancer spreads to distant organs," says co-author Professor Kris Kilian, with UNSW School of Materials Science and Engineering and School of Chemistry. "Most tumor cells circulating in blood are ill equipped to survive and spread to other organs, but we still see high rates of metastasis in some patients. "Our finding paints a new picture, where cancer cells are triggered into becoming more tumorigenic meaning they can form new tumorsafter squeezing through the narrowest of spaces, suggesting this process may precede events like bone and brain metastasis." Blood vessel simulation The researchers made a device smaller than a postage stamp that mimicked the way blood travels around the human body through progressively narrower channels simulating the tiny capillaries that are present in many tissues. Study lead author Dr. Giulia Silvani created the "microfluidic" device on campus at the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF), a nanotechnology joint venture between UNSW, University of Sydney and UTS. She made the channels out of PDMSa type of biocompatible, rubbery plasticwhich ranged from 30 micrometers in width, down to just 5. Next, Dr. Silvani pumped a nutrient-rich solution akin to blood plasmaand containing human melanoma cellsthrough the device at the same flow rate of blood flowing in capillaries. "Within 15 minutes of being squeezed through the smallest channels, we observed how the melanoma cells became physically deformed," Dr. Silvani says. "When we analyzed the cells, we detected proteins linked to cancer spread and stem cell-like behaviorsuggesting that the mechanical stress had reprogrammed them to adopt this new state." To test whether these squeezed cancer cells were more likely to spread in the body, the researchers injected them into mice lacking a functioning immune systemallowing the human melanoma cells to survive and grow. After 30 days, they found that mice given the squeezed cells developed significantly more tumors in the lungs, bone and brain, compared to those given "unsqueezed" melanoma cells. The researchers say this implies the squeezing makes the cancer cells more aggressive and tumorigenic. "One of the most exciting aspects of this project was the chance to study metastatic cancer cells in a way that hasn't been possible before," Dr. Silvani says. "Their journey through the body is so hidden, leaving little trace and making them incredibly difficult to capture in action. But we were able to recreate that journey in the lab, giving us a rare glimpse into the moment when these cells switch into their most aggressive state. "Being able to uncover even a small part of that mystery feels like an important step towards understanding, and ultimately stopping, the spread of cancer." Future treatment paths Prof. Kilian says the findings raise new ideas about potential treatment options aimed at preventing cancer spreading from tumors. "These results open up new possibilities for prognosis and treatment, by targeting the mechanical forces that lead to metastasis," he says. "We could then look at the cancer cells found in a patient's blood stream to study their susceptibility to this sort of transformation which could help us assess the risk of metastasis for that individual. "Or we could use MRI or other imaging techniques to identify regions with high densities of micro vessels to monitor for metastasis, possibly even intervening to make it much harder for the cells to get to these small capillaries. "The point is, it used to be thought that it was just this extremely rare type of cell that found its way from a primary tumor to a spot where they could invade. But no, in some cases it's actually the squeezing that changes the cell into this rare type, and it could put cancer researchers in a much stronger position to devise new treatment strategies." Next steps Prof. Kilian says about 90% of the work for this project was on melanoma cancer cells, and he is hopeful the same conclusions will be drawn when researchers look at the squeezing effect on free-floating cells from other cancer tumors. "I believe we'll find evidence that many solid tumors metastasize this wayfor instance, we're already seeing compelling evidence when we repeat these experiments with breast cancerand I'm looking forward to testing a range of cancer cell types in the lab," he says. "But I'm glad we began our study with melanoma cells, since skin cancer has such high mortality rates in Australia when it spreads to other organs. It's vitally important that we gain a better understanding of melanoma metastasis, to better treat those suffering from this deadly disease." For her part, Dr. Silvani is keen to do more work in microfluidics to emulate how cancer spreads through the body. "Watching this idea grow from a spark of intuition into a real discovery has been deeply inspiring," she says. "It's a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when engineering and biology come together. Cells are intricate machines, and unraveling their mysteries requires precise design and innovative tools, guided by the insights biology provides." More information Giulia Silvani et al, Capillary constrictions prime cancer cell tumorigenicity through PIEZO1, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63374-6 Journal information: Nature Communications Key medical concepts Neoplasm Metastasis Melanoma By downloading Emory news media, you agree to the following terms of use: Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License By exercising the Licensed Rights (defined below), You accept and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License ("Public License"). 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Except for the limited purpose of indicating that material is shared under a Creative Commons public license or as otherwise permitted by the Creative Commons policies published at creativecommons.org/policies, Creative Commons does not authorize the use of the trademark Creative Commons or any other trademark or logo of Creative Commons without its prior written consent including, without limitation, in connection with any unauthorized modifications to any of its public licenses or any other arrangements, understandings, or agreements concerning use of licensed material. For the avoidance of doubt, this paragraph does not form part of the public licenses. Several industry associations have welcomed the Centre's move to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent. Director General of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Chandrajit Banerjee called the GST reforms a "phenomenal milestone". Issuing a statement, Chandrajit Banerjee said, "This move on GST reforms is a phenomenal milestone. CII not just welcomes the GST Council's forward-looking decisions, moving to two rates of 5 per cent and 18 per cent from September 22, simplifying refunds and MSME procedures, and exempting individual life and health insurance from GST, but also sees this as path-breaking." "This clarity will ease compliance, reduce litigation, and give businesses and consumers the predictability they need," the statement added. He added that the tax cut on essential goods will provide relief to families. "By lowering rates on everyday items and critical inputs, the reforms provide immediate relief to families and strengthen the foundation for growth. CII strongly holds the view that the Industry would swiftly pass benefits to the consumers and partner with the Government to ensure a smooth, timely rollout that lifts demand and supports jobs," the statement by CII Director General said. Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) Chairman Rakesh Mehra lauded the GST Council's decision to correct the inverted duty structure for the manmade textile sector and said that the move will ease liquidity pressures. In a statement, Rakesh Mehra said, "We thank and welcome the rectification of the GST inversion in the Man-Made Fibre (MMF) value chain by aligning MMF fibre and yarn at 5 per cent from 18 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively. It addresses the long-standing blockage of working capital for thousands of spinners and weavers. With over 70-80 per cent of textile and apparel units in India being MSMEs, this reform will directly benefit a large segment of the industry by easing liquidity pressures, enhancing competitiveness." The GST Council had announced a correction of the long-pending inverted duty structure for the man-made textile sector by reducing the GST rate on man-made fibre from 18 per cent to 5 per cent and man-made yarn from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. Hemant Jain, President of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), said that the GST rate rationalisation will ease household budgets and stimulate demand in the economy. "The roll-out of GST rate rationalisation from September 22, 2025, is a landmark reform that addresses both consumer welfare and revenue efficiency. By reducing rates on daily essentials such as toiletries, packaged foods, and utensils from 18-12 per cent to 5 per cent, the reform will ease household budgets and stimulate demand," Hemant Jain said in a statement. He called the decision to levy zero GST on health insurance, medical oxygen, and diagnostic kits a "socially progressive step". He said, "In agriculture, lowering GST on tractors, tyres, irrigation systems, and farm machinery to 5 per cent will cut input costs and directly benefit farmers. Affordable access to healthcare, through Nil GST on insurance, medical oxygen, and diagnostic kits, marks a socially progressive step, while reduced levies on education items will strengthen human capital. Equally, bringing down GST on automobiles, appliances, and electronics will boost industry volumes and create multiplier effects in manufacturing and jobs." "PHDCCI strongly welcomes these measures, as they simplify compliance, spur consumption, and ensure states gain from an expanded tax base, setting India firmly on the path of growth and inclusivity," Hemant Jain said in the statement. This comes as the GST council decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. (ANI) The industry leaders at Semicon India 2025 highlighted the crucial role of government support and collaboration in shaping India's semiconductor ambitions. In an exclusive conversation with ANI, they welcomed the progress made in manufacturing and packaging. They also emphasised the need to establish a comprehensive ecosystem that would enable India to become a leading global player in the chip industry. Naveen Yanduru, Chief Executive of Axiro Semiconductor, said the momentum for the "Made in India" semiconductor drive had just begun; however, it needed careful nurturing. "I am excited to be here. The excitement is palpable... There are a lot of people, a lot of things are happening, and the momentum has just started for 'Made in India' push when it comes to the semiconductor industry. The whole ecosystem has to be built. We have started very well with the OSATs and some of the manufacturing, where it comes to foundry, but the whole ecosystem has to be put together," he noted. Echoing similar views, Sumeet Chadda, Director of Bluesen Enco Pvt, emphasised that no semiconductor industry could flourish without strong government backing. "I think with the Prime Minister's vision, I am sure things will happen because without government support, things cannot happen. The semiconductor laboratory was established a long time ago, but it could not do much because government support was not available. Now, since PM Modi is behind this and the government is behind this... The semiconductor industry only flourished when there was support. That is a significant challenge to be overcome, and it can only be met if the government puts its full weight behind this effort. We are all hoping that the government stays behind this. If it stays behind, I'm sure we have enough talent in the country and we will be able to do it," he said. Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Ankur Yadav, Vice President, Sales and Strategy at Addverb, said their participation at Semicon had opened up new avenues of partnerships. "This is the first time we are putting up a stall at the Semicon, and the response has been great. Several key clients have visited to discuss their requirements. We are working with many excellent partners and vendors with whom we can collaborate. We also get to know what is going on in this industry and the government support which is coming in. This has been a really great show for us," he said. He added that initial discussions with clients were promising, with many confirming that Addverb's products could address their challenges. "The next step would be to develop a detailed solution. Meetings have been lined up in the coming weeks, and we hope that we will close some deals," Yadav said. The voices from Semicon India 2025 underscore a shared conviction that India's semiconductor future will depend not only on talent and innovation but also on sustained government support and robust industry partnerships. (ANI) Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday said that India's semiconductor journey is moving ahead with "speed and scale", as he highlighted 13 major announcements made at Semicon India 2025. The Minister said that the new collaborations and product launches mark a strong step toward building a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem in the country. One of the key announcements was the MoU between Tata Electronics and Merck, under which Merck will support Tata's Fab at Dholera, Gujarat, with materials, infrastructure, and supply chain solutions. The focus of this partnership will be on safety, talent development, standards, and self-reliance. Tata Electronics also signed an MoU with C-DAC to strengthen India's design and IP ecosystem, with support for startups, MSMEs, and academia under ChipIN, DLI Scheme, and the Chips-to-Startup initiative. Kaynes Semicon entered into multiple collaborations. With SPARSH-IQ Solutions, 3rdiTech, Focally, and SenseSemi Technologies, it announced the development of India's first fully indigenous automotive and industrial AI vision solution. The project will design, build, and validate camera modules entirely in India, reducing import dependence and creating more domestic intellectual property. Kaynes also tied up with Infineon to launch India's first "Made in India" Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Microphone for wireless earbuds and wearables. The company will also package Infineon's power wafers in India, supporting renewable energy, industrial, and consumer electronics sectors. L&T Semicon signed MoUs with leading institutes. With IIT Gandhinagar and C-DAC, it will work on the development of a Make-in-India Secure Chip with a Smart Operating System for applications like e-passports, national IDs, and cryptographic products. Another MoU with IISc Bangalore will establish India's first National Innovation Hub for semiconductors and quantum technology, combining advanced research, fabrication, and industrial expertise. Other announcements included Indiesemic, a Gujarat-based startup co-led by women, which launched an IoT Evolution Board powered by C-DAC's indigenous VEGA processor. Its applications will span smart cities, industrial automation, health-tech, defence, and drones. On the skilling front, NIELIT signed an MoU with the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) to strengthen industry-academia linkages through joint lectures, hackathons, trainer programs, and innovation challenges. Similarly, ISM partnered with the New Age Makers Institute of Technology (NAMTECH) to design and deliver specialized programs in semiconductor manufacturing, automation, and AI with industry placements. ISM also signed another MoU with Arizona State University for joint research, innovation, and workforce development. C-DAC was also in focus with its collaboration with Synopsys and IIT-M Pravartak to give startups and MSMEs access to Synopsys IPs via the ChipIN Centre, enabling faster design and quicker time-to-market. Under the DLI Scheme, C-DAC will provide design infrastructure support, including access to global IP cores, EDA tools, and post-silicon validation services. A key financial development was the launch of the India Deep-Tech Investment Alliance (IDTA) with a commitment of USD 1 billion. The alliance aims to mobilize private capital and expertise for deep-tech companies and startups. Vaishnaw said these 13 announcements reflect India's determination to emerge as a strong player in the global semiconductor ecosystem. (ANI) PRNewswire Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], September 4: Ajay Piramal, President, Anant National University , inaugurated Anant's newest building, Faculty and Graduate Housing, on 1st September, 2025 in the presence of key members of the university leadership. The event marks a significant milestone in the university's commitment to providing a vibrant living experience for the members of the Anant community. Latest addition to Anant's World-class Infrastructure for Transformative Learning Ecosystem. The newly built facility, designed by acclaimed Rushabh Parekh Design Studio (RPDS), has a built-up area of 26,475 sq. m. and comprises 172 apartments, including studio apartments and 1, 2 and 3 BHK homes. A true home-away-from-home crafted with care and attention to detail, the housing also features thoughtfully designed common spaces, a gymnasium, yoga room, cafe and a visitor's lounge. Ensuring safety, the residence is equipped with CCTV surveillance across all common areas and is secured round the clock by Anant's dedicated security team. During the visit, Mr. Piramal also interacted with the faculty and students, encouraging them to follow their passion and use their creativity to design solutions for global impact, something that Anant National University prepares them for. He said, "India is a young country, and you are the future. You can make a difference with your design thinking and develop solutions that are unique to India and globally relevant. Anant offers that opportunity and scope for you to create impactful solutions." Anant is currently undergoing a massive infrastructural transformation, expanding over 1.5 lakh sq. m. to create a world-class learning environment. The state-of-the-art academic centres, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will ensure that students have access to the latest innovations in design and technology. What makes this expansion unique is the involvement of some of the world's most renowned architects, including BV Doshi/Rajeev Kathpalia, Bimal Patel, Rahul Mehrotra, Sasaki, Hafeez Contractor, Aniket Bhagwat and Vijay Arya. With this expansion, Anant National University reaffirms its commitment to providing world-class infrastructure to facilitate world-class learning, while also contributing to the mission of Viksit Bharat through design-driven innovation and excellence. Media contact:Santosh Zokarkarsantosh.zokarkar@anu.edu.in About Anant National University: Anant National University, India's premier design university, is dedicated to training students to devise solutions for global problems. Anant follows the DesignX pedagogy, where 'X' is the symbol drawn from mathematics, representing enhancement. This new learning approach multiplies traditional design pedagogy with liberal arts disciplines, emerging technologies and knowledge drawn from hands-on community experiences to help understand our world better and to devise impactful solutions. Our multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts harness knowledge from various disciplines and traditional practices to integrate it with cutting-edge technology to address diverse challenges. We train our designers to become solutionaries -- revolutionary thinkers with a solution-oriented mindset. Anant National University has been recognised as the Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, highlighting our efforts to provide our students with world-class education, innovative pedagogy, high employability and enhanced entrepreneurial and research opportunities. Anant has also received the prestigious '5-Star Rating' in the category of Architecture and a '4-Star Rating' in the University category in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24. These recognitions reinforce our commitment to creating a world-class institution of great eminence and excellence. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2763583/ANANT_Inauguration.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) NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 4: Mahanagar Gas Ltd. (MGL), one of India's leading natural gas distribution companies, has unveiled its first-ever brand campaign 'Mumbai chalta hai MGL par!'. The campaign highlights MGL's indispensable role in the city's daily life, backed by powerful statistics that capture its scale and impact. For over three decades, MGL has been at the heart of Mumbai's energy ecosystem. Today, the brand directly powers more than 28 lakh households with Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and fuels over 11 lakh vehicles with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), while also serving industries and commercial establishments across the city. Watch it on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB9KPmLbxj8 Neera Phate, Head Corporate Communications, MGL "Every single day, millions of Mumbaikars depend on MGL, often without realising it. From fuelling kitchens in more than 28 lakh homes to powering over 11 lakh vehicles on our roads, MGL is truly a lifeline of the city. Mumbai chalta hai MGL par! is not just a campaign line; it is a reality we are proud to enable, and this campaign is a celebration of our inseparable bond with Mumbai." The thought behind the campaign Conceptualised by MX Advertising, the campaign marks a major milestone for MGL as it shifts from being seen purely as a utility provider to asserting its role as an enabler of Mumbai's unstoppable pace. Ajit Nair, Director, MX Advertising "The challenge was to craft a campaign that could capture the sheer scale of MGL's presence in Mumbai, while also building an emotional bridge with the city. Numbers became our storytelling tool -- because they don't just talk about reach, they highlight the magnitude of MGL's impact on everyday life. Mumbai chalta hai MGL par! is a simple line, but it captures the trust of millions and the impressive numbers that MGL has achieved in the last three decades." A creative approach rooted in scale and pride The campaign brings alive real Mumbai moments but anchors them in numbers that matter. Creatives showcase statistics like 'Kitchens in 28 lakh+ homes run on MGL PNG' or '11 lakh+ vehicles run on MGL CNG' -- everyday facts that reinforce how MGL fuels the city's rhythm. Atif Shaikh, Creative Director, MX Advertising "Instead of abstract promises, we chose to highlight hard facts. When we say that 28 lakh homes cook on MGL CNG and 11 lakh vehicles run on MGL PNG, it immediately builds credibility and pride. The creative idea was to combine numbers with human stories, so people see not just statistics, but their own lives reflected in the brand. That's how we arrived at a line as universal and true as Mumbai chalta hai MGL par!" Taking the message to the streets, this multimedia campaign runs across print, outdoor, radio and digital platforms. The print-cum-outdoor campaign is also MX's first AI-generated campaign. With this campaign driven by MX Advertising, MGL has made a decisive entry into brand-led communication, establishing itself not just as a utility, but as the very energy that keeps Mumbai moving. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 4: In an era where data is the new currency and AI is reshaping how businesses operate, KAN Infocom has firmly established itself as a catalyst for digital transformation. As the Presenting Partner of the 2nd Edition Data Analytics & AI Show 2025, KAN Infocom did more than sponsor the event -- it amplified critical conversations around AI and analytics, enabling enterprises to explore how data can drive measurable growth, operational efficiency, and customer-centric solutions at scale. Rooted in client-first thinking, agile execution, and innovation, KAN Infocom's presence reinforced its mission: empowering organizations to translate analytics into strategic advantage through actionable intelligence, scalable solutions, and real-world use cases. As Presenting Partner, KAN Infocom led meaningful conversations around the power of Qlik solutions in enabling real-time data visualization, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation. These discussions helped enterprises see how advanced analytics platforms can drive operational efficiency, customer-centricity, and measurable growth. A Glimpse into the 2nd Edition Data Analytics & AI Show 2025: A Transformative Gathering The 2nd Edition Data Analytics & AI Show 2025 was a convergence of minds, with 60+ organizations and 25+ industry speakers engaging in high-impact conversations on Generative AI, real-time analytics, ethical AI adoption, and data infrastructure. Under KAN Infocom's leadership as Presenting Partner, the event delivered actionable insights on these critical topics, focusing on translating advanced technologies into real business outcomes. The audience represented a wide spectrum of industries, from BFSI and healthcare to retail and digital platforms, creating fertile ground for cross-sector learning and collaboration. Key Sessions & Highlights from the Day Panel 1: The AI Wind - Where Does It Start? This session explored how organizations can move from AI experimentation to creating enterprise-wide impact. Panelists from HDFC Bank, Tata AIG, Square Yards, and others shared approaches to building AI-ready data infrastructure, securing executive sponsorship, and aligning AI initiatives with business goals. Corporate Presentation by KAN Infocom Imran Khan, Business Head - Sales & Marketing, KAN Infocom, delivered an inspiring session on how KAN Infocom's AI and analytics solutions -- powered by Qlik -- enable real-time data visualization, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation. The presentation demonstrated KAN Infocom's role as a trusted partner helping enterprises transform data into strategic advantage. Panel 2: Beyond the Proof of Concept: Best Enterprise Practices in Analytics Adoption A standout session where Imran Khan (KAN Infocom) joined leaders from RBL Bank, L&T Finance, and Suryoday Small Finance Bank to discuss how organizations can scale analytics beyond pilots to achieve enterprise-wide execution. The discussion emphasized embedding analytics into core operations -- a principle KAN Infocom helps its clients achieve daily. Panel 3: Bridging the Gap - Fostering Collaboration & Empowerment in the Data & AI Era Leaders from Dream11, L'Oreal, Vodafone Idea, and others shared strategies to build a data-first culture, empower teams, and drive ethical AI adoption -- themes that aligned with KAN Infocom's commitment to enabling collaborative, data-driven innovation. Following each panel discussion, prestigious awards were presented to domain experts and companies for their exceptional long-term contributions to AI and data analytics excellence. The KAN Infocom Impact KAN Infocom's involvement as Presenting Partner was central to the event's success -- their thought leadership helped bridge the gap between advanced technologies and real business outcomes. The company's commitment to actionable insights, innovation, and industry-aligned solutions left a lasting impression on attendees and set the tone for future collaborations. The Road Ahead KAN Infocom continues to lead as a trusted innovation partner, helping enterprises across industries harness the full potential of AI and analytics. With KAN Infocom driving the future of digital transformation, the journey promises to be innovative, insightful, and inspiring. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) VMPL New Delhi [India], September 4: The exhibition & conference is packed for three days of innovation, action, and conversations shaping India's drone future. In a world that's moving faster than ever, one technology is quietly taking over the skies--and the future. From farms and factories to cities and borders, drones are transforming the way we live, work, and solve challenges. This September, Mumbai will witness this revolution up close as the Drone Expo & Conference returns to the Bombay Exhibition Centre (Hall 6), Goregaon (East), from 25th to 27th September 2025. This three-day event promises to be more than just a showcase of flying machines. It's a stage for progress--a space where technology meets purpose, and ideas take off. Where Ideas Grow and Innovation Lives The Drone Expo & Conference brings together everything that defines the future: breakthrough technologies, powerful conversations, live demonstrations, and new-age solutions. It's a gathering where creators, professionals, industries, and tech enthusiasts come together to explore how drone technology is shaping a smarter tomorrow. What makes it exciting? * Live drone flying zones and real-time demonstrations of high-performance UAVs* A dedicated Innovation Zone highlighting fresh inventions and advanced capabilities* Start-up showcases introducing the next big disruptors in aerial tech* Robotics and automation display that blur the line between science and science fiction Whether you're looking to discover, connect, collaborate, or just experience something amazing, this platform brings it all under one roof. Conversations That Are Making an Impact Running alongside the expo is a powerful Drone Conference, which will focus on this year's theme -- "Drone India: Navigating the Future - Engineering to Execution, Defense to Development, Education to Excellence, and Protection to Progress." The discussions aim to explore how drones are becoming an essential part of building a stronger, smarter, and safer India. This conference will bring together leading experts, industry professionals, researchers, and key decision-makers, who will share their insights on the present and future of drone technology. These sessions will offer practical knowledge, success stories, and forward-looking ideas. Key areas of discussion include: * Turning engineering ideas into real-life applications* The growing role of drones in defence, infrastructure, and national development* Using drone tech in education, training, and research to build future talent* How drones are supporting safety, security, and progress across industries The conference is a valuable platform to understand the changing landscape of UAV technology in India and the many ways it is supporting industries, communities, and the country's digital growth journey. Proudly sponsored by HP Inc., the Drone Conference 2025 is set to empower innovation and knowledge-sharing, further strengthening India's drone ecosystem. More Than a Tech Show--It's a Mission What sets this event apart is its mission. It's not just about showcasing gadgets or machinery--it's about understanding the possibilities drones bring to our daily lives and industries. From startups with bold ideas to established players unveiling advanced technologies, from students and researchers to solution seekers--everyone will find something here that inspires them. Visitors can expect hands-on experiences, insightful talks, and a close look at how India is becoming a global leader in drone innovation. For technology providers and thinkers, it's a unique chance to position their ideas in front of people and partners who matter. As the world looks up, Mumbai becomes the meeting point for everything that's flying us forward. The Drone Expo & Conference is your chance to witness the power of aerial innovation--live, up close, and in action. Mark your calendar & don't miss the chance to be part of South Asia's premier drone tech movement. Enquire Now- https://www.droneexpo.in/conference Email: info@droneexpo.in Contact: 011 45055579 (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) PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 4: Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, successfully hosted the third edition of the ESG Leadership Summit 2025 on June 27, 2025, under the theme 'Setting a Sustainable Course for Growth'. The on-the-ground summit brought together ESG experts, business leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to explore and advance India's growing focus on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into corporate strategy. One of the highlights of the summit was the launch of D&B's exclusive report, 'Rethinking the Future of the Sustainability Sector', which offers valuable insights and a curated list of 1,200 top-performing companies. The Summit also featured the 'ESG Champions of India 2025' awards, recognizing organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in areas such as environmental stewardship, human capital development, community engagement, and corporate governance. Avinash Gupta, Managing Director & CEO - India, Dun & Bradstreet, emphasized India's pioneering role in driving sustainable business transformation, stating, "The ESG Leadership Summit 2025 reaffirmed our belief that sustainability is not just a responsibility -- it's a strategic advantage. Through meaningful dialogue, industry recognition, and actionable insights, we aim to empower businesses of all sizes to embed ESG at the core of their operations. At Dun & Bradstreet India, we are committed to helping organizations navigate this journey with data-driven intelligence and purpose-led growth." The summit was held in collaboration with Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. About Dun & Bradstreet: Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet's Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. Dun & Bradstreet India is also proud to be Great Place to Work Certified (2025-26), a recognition of its commitment to fostering a high-trust, high-performance workplace culture. For more information on Dun & Bradstreet, please visit www.dnb.com. Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Private Limited is headquartered in Mumbai and provides clients with data-driven products and technology-driven platforms to help them take faster and more accurate decisions across finance, risk, compliance, information technology and marketing. Working towards Government of India's vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by supporting the Make in India initiative, Dun & Bradstreet India has a special focus on helping entrepreneurs enhance their visibility, increase their credibility, expand access to global markets, and identify potential customers & suppliers, while managing risk and opportunity. Visit www.dnb.co.in for more information. Click here for all Dun & Bradstreet India press releases. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2314099/5170280/DB_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) Co-founder and Chairman cum Managing Director of Indian online travel platform EaseMyTrip.com, Rikant Pitti, discussed tourism potential in Singapore with the visiting Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is on a three-day official visit to India. Taking to X, Pitti cited the number of Indians who go to Singapore annually, making India one of Singapore's largest source markets, alongside Singaporeans discovering India. "This shows incredible room for mutual growth on both sides, and we can increase tourism in both countries," he wrote on X. He further stated that, although there are currently approximately 240 flights linking 17 Indian cities with Singapore, tier-2 and tier-3 cities remain underserved. At EaseMyTrip, he said they have witnessed demand from these emerging markets. "People are looking to travel but need better access. The opportunities are massive, cruise circuits linking Singapore-Andamans-India (~150,000 Indians already cruise from Singapore annually), MICE packages combining both destinations, and joint investment in wellness tourism, and many more," he said, making a case for more collaboration. Indian tourism, according to Pitti, contributes 6.6% to the country's GDP, with 3 billion domestic trips annually, and is expected to grow from USD 250 billion today to USD 500 billion by 2034, creating a massive number of jobs. Against that backdrop, Pitti suggested that with Singapore's strong fund and investment expertise, a Joint Tourism Investment Fund can be established to develop eco-friendly resorts, heritage hotels, smart tourism infrastructure, and Buddhism and wellness circuits across India. "Together, we are looking at a potential USD 15-20 billion bilateral tourism economy by 2030. If you are an entrepreneur building in the same space and looking for mentorship and guidance, let us connect, explore synergies and scale this untapped opportunity," he concluded his X post. At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his counterpart Lawrence Wong is on an official visit to India from 02-04 September 2025. This is Prime Minister Wong's first visit to India in his capacity as Singapore's Prime Minister. He is accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Lawrence Wong, and a high-level delegation including Cabinet Ministers and Senior Officials. Singapore is an important partner for India, including under the 'Act East' Policy. During the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Singapore in September 2024, bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This current visit of Prime Minister Wong coincides with the 60th anniversary of India-Singapore diplomatic relations. (ANI) NewsVoir New Delhi [India], September 4: Wella Professionals, a global leader in professional haircare innovation, proudly announces the launch of its latest breakthrough in India: Ultimate Smooth, a hair-care range designed to deliver instant and long-lasting transformation for dry, dull, and frizzy hair. To celebrate this exciting debut, Wella Professionals hosted an exclusive launch event at the Hyatt Regency, New Delhi. The immersive experience welcomed top hair professionals, beauty media, influencers, and industry insiders for a first-hand introduction to the range. Beyond live product demonstrations and deep dives into the science behind the technology, guests explored dedicated experience zones such as the Ultimate Smooth Styling Bar and Glow Lounge, which offered hands-on interaction through live styling and self-styling stations. Interactive sessions with renowned hair experts further elevated the evening, giving attendees both surface-level insights into the ingredient story and in-depth exposure to the range's advanced frizz-control technology. Adding to the grandeur of the event was the presence of former Miss World, Bollywood actress, and Wella Professionals brand ambassador, Manushi Chhillar, alongside Artist, jewellery designer, yoga and wellness enthusiast, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni. The successful launch of the Ultimate Smooth Range marked a pivotal moment in India's hair care industry, setting a new benchmark for premium products delivering revolutionary results. The launch marks Wella's strategic entry into one of India's fastest-growing haircare segments, Smoothness & Anti-Frizz, addressing a key concern for a large number of Indian women dealing with dry and frizzy hair. Formulated with cutting-edge patented technology and enriched with Squalane and Omega-9, this range offers an instant and long-lasting transformation. The hero product in this range, the Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil Serum, delivers visible transformation in just 30 seconds and promises 96 hours of frizz control*. The Ultimate Smooth Range line-up includes Purifying Shampoo, a Smoothing Conditioner, an Intense Nourishing Mask, and a Miracle Oil Serum. The Ultimate routine includes * The Ultimate Smooth shampoo removes metals and buildup, creating the perfect base for deep care. * With hair thoroughly cleansed and primed, the Ultimate Smooth conditioner follows by infusing hydrating, smoothing ingredients that instantly soften strands and reduce frizz from within. * To elevate the results, the Ultimate Smooth intense mask delivers deep nourishment, leaving hair visibly shinier, healthier, and stronger. * Lastly, the miracle oil serum is a feather-light elixir that offers UV and heat protection, 96-hour frizz control*, and a silky, radiant finish. This expertly crafted range delivers 2X less frizz and long-lasting smoothness for hair that looks polished and feels luxuriously soft, instantly Talking about the launch, Pravesh Saha, General Manager, South Asia, Wella Company, said, "With the launch of the Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Range, we're not just entering a new category, we're redefining it. This move reflects our commitment to lead with innovation, bringing forward solutions that anticipate consumer needs in one of India's fastest-growing haircare segments. By combining our expertise in patented formulations with a deep understanding of the modern, fast-paced lifestyle, we are delivering products that represent true progress. The Ultimate Smooth Range marks a pivotal step in setting new standards for the industry and strengthening our position as a pioneer in haircare." Divyapreet Singh, Marketing Leader, South Asia, Wella Company added, "Through the Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Range, we are addressing one of the most persistent challenges in haircare, frizz. The range is powered by patented formulations with Squalane and Omega-9, delivering deep nourishment, silky shine. At the heart of the range is the Miracle Oil Serum, offering 96 hours frizz control*, visible transformation in just 30 seconds, and advanced heat and UV protection. Every product reflects our focus on breakthrough technology and professional excellence, marking a significant step forward in professional smoothness and anti-frizz innovation." Wella Company Wella Company is one of the world's leading beauty companies, comprised of a family of iconic brands such as the No. 1 Salon Color Brand in the World, Wella Professionals, and additional brands such as Sebastian Professional, System Professional, weDo Professional, Clairol, OPI, Nioxin, and ghd. With 6,000 employees globally and a presence in over 100 countries, Wella Company and its brands enable consumers to look, feel, and be their true selves. As innovators in the hair and nail industry, Wella Company empowers its people to delight consumers, inspire beauty professionals, engage communities, and deliver sustainable growth to its stakeholders. *Wella Company is a member of the International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN New Delhi [India], September 4: The Kingdom of Bahrain is set to become the epicenter of global tourism networking as it proudly hosts the Asian Travel Expo 2025 on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of December at Exhibition World Bahrain. Organized by the Asian Arab Trade Chamber of Commerce (AATCOC) and managed by Show Buddy Global W.L.L, this landmark event is poised to bring together some of the most influential stakeholders from the travel and tourism sector. With participation expected from 20+ countries, the Expo will feature 200+ exhibitors and welcome over 10,000 trade visitors and buyers from across the globe. From travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, hotels, and tourism boards to technology providers and investors, the Asian Travel Expo 2025 will serve as a powerful platform to connect, collaborate, and create opportunities in the ever-evolving travel industry. About Asian Travel Expo The Asian Travel Expo is one of Asia's leading B2B travel and tourism exhibitions, providing a dynamic platform for networking, business opportunities, and knowledge exchange in the global tourism ecosystem. Over the years, the Expo has successfully brought together international stakeholders from aviation, hospitality, tour operations, travel technology, and investment sectors, making it a recognized name in the global travel calendar. Each edition of the Expo showcases innovation, culture, and business opportunities while creating impactful partnerships across borders. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Abdul Musaddiq, Managing Director of the Asian Arab Trade Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are honored to bring the Asian Travel Expo 2025 to the Kingdom of Bahrain, a nation that is rapidly emerging as a global tourism hub. After the success of the Asian Travel Expo 2024 at Delhi NCR, we have moved to Bahrain for the 2025 Edition. This event is not only a platform for business networking but also a celebration of cultural exchange, innovation, and sustainable growth in the travel sector. The event will also feature the Asian Travel Awards 2025 on 10th December, recognizing excellence in the industry, followed by panel discussions across all three days with participation from industry leaders, ministry officials, and leading travel media personalities." Adding to this, Mr. Sameer Khan, Director of Show Buddy Global W.L.L, stated: "Our vision for the Asian Travel Expo 2025 is to create a world-class experience where exhibitors and buyers from diverse countries can engage meaningfully, establish partnerships, and explore new opportunities. With Bahrain's exceptional hospitality and infrastructure, this edition promises to be one of the most successful gatherings in the history of the Expo." The Asian Travel Expo 2025 is set to be a milestone event, further strengthening Bahrain's position as a bridge between Asia and the world in the tourism and trade ecosystem. For more information, visit: www.asiantravelexpo.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire Surat (Gujarat) [India], September 4: Cosmic PV Power Pvt. Ltd., one of India's emerging names in the renewable energy sector, celebrated its 5th Foundation Day with great pride and enthusiasm at Sumeru Banquet, Park Inn by Radisson, Surat. The evening commenced with the ceremonial lamp lighting by the company's Directors, Mr. Shravan Gupta and Mr. Jenish Ghael, marking the beginning of an inspiring journey of growth, innovation, and commitment to sustainability. The gathering then stood in unison for the National Anthem, setting a patriotic tone for the celebration. Mr. Harish Valecha welcomed the guests and highlighted the purpose of the event--celebrating the remarkable five-year journey of Cosmic PV Power in shaping a sustainable energy future. Director Mr. Shravan Gupta, in his address, reflected on the company's humble beginnings and its strides towards becoming a strong player in the solar energy sector. He emphasized the values of innovation, teamwork, and dedication that have been instrumental in the company's progress. Adding to the inspiration, Director Mr. Jenish Ghael shared his vision for the company's growth roadmap and made special announcements about its ambitious future plans. Cosmic PV Power will be: * Preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the near future. * Launching a state-of-the-art 2 GW Solar Cell Factory to strengthen India's solar manufacturing ecosystem. * Expanding its Solar Module production line from 3GW to 5GW. * Cosmic also announces its strategic expansion into the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) sector. The company will be setting up a 2 GW state-of-the-art BESS manufacturing facility in 2026 and further expanding it to 4 GW by 2027, further strengthening its commitment to accelerating India's clean energy transition. These announcements mark a significant leap forward in the company's mission to contribute to India's renewable energy independence and global leadership in green power. The celebration also featured a felicitation ceremony, honouring distinguished contributors and team members for their dedication and outstanding performance--reaffirming the company's belief that people are its greatest strength. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Director Mrs. Surabhi Sahu and Director Maitry Ghael, followed by dinner, leaving everyone inspired and united by a shared vision of sustainable growth. About Cosmic PV Power Pvt. Ltd. Founded in 2020, Cosmic PV Power Pvt. Ltd. is a rapidly growing solar energy solutions provider committed to delivering innovative, sustainable, and high-quality renewable energy products. With a strong focus on green technology and scalable solutions, the company continues to contribute to India's renewable energy mission. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764659/Directors_Cosmic_PV_Power.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764658/Cosmic_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) VMPL New Delhi [India], September 4: India's fashion scene is crowded--new brands launch every week, each claiming to be "the next big thing." But then comes Gadbadi, a startup that doesn't just sell clothes, it sells chaos, humor, and GenZ energy. And guess what? Youth are already hooked. What's in a Name? Most brands chase international-sounding names. Gadbadi does the opposite. It's desi, catchy, and instantly relatable. We all know what Gadbadi means--it's chaos, fun, mischief. And that's exactly what the brand stands for. Their tagline? "Normal is boring. Be the Gadbadi." Not just a line, but a mood. Made for GenZ GenZ doesn't want safe fashion--they want outfits that shout personality. Gadbadi's streetwear-inspired designs are bold, quirky, and built to stand out. Every piece is a conversation starter, not just a t-shirt or hoodie. Why Wear Gadbadi? It's desi cool - An Indian name with global ambition. It's relatable - Represents the chaos every young person feels. It's accessible - Free pan-India shipping means style reaches everyone. It's community-driven - Buying Gadbadi makes you part of the #GadbadiGang. The Buzz on Social Media Before launch, Gadbadi was already trending on Instagram. Creators made reels just on the name. Comments like "I don't care about the designs, the name is enough!" prove the hype is real. This organic buzz shows the brand speaks the same language as youth--memes, humor, and unapologetic energy. Beyond Clothes What makes Gadbadi unique is its focus on community. Customers get fun packaging, witty thank-you cards, and chances to join giveaways or contests like "Be the Next Global Face of Gadbadi." It's not just shopping--it's an experience. Humor as Fashion While most brands take themselves too seriously, Gadbadi embraces chaos with memes, jokes, and campaigns designed to make you smile. Because fashion isn't just about looking good--it's about feeling good. The Future The brand dreams big: to be India's most talked-about youth fashion label, expand globally, and never lose its quirky desi identity. And every collection carries one message: "You don't need to be perfect--just be Gadbadi." Conclusion In a sea of copy-paste fashion, Gadbadi stands out. It's bold, fun, and perfectly tuned to GenZ. Wearing Gadbadi isn't just a style choice--it's joining a movement that celebrates chaos, confidence, and creativity. So, why wear Gadbadi? Simple: Because normal is boring, and you're the Gadbadi. Shop the chaos now at www.gadbadi.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal today said that the latest reforms in the Goods and Services Taxes (GST) in the Pharma sector are huge demand boosters and will benefit both the industry and the end consumers. "The latest "transformative reforms" were announced in the GST in the Pharma sector which will not only act as "huge demand booster" but will also result in huge savings," the minister said while addressing the Bharat Nutraverse Expo 2025. On Wednesday, GST on drugs and medicines was reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. The GST on various medical apparatus and devices used for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes, or for physical and chemical analysis, has also been reduced from 18 per cent to 5 per cent. "It will give tremendous boost to consumption. You don't imagine the greater degree of sales that you can aspire for. You will get better business opportunities," the minister said. "People of India are becoming more conscious about their health and we will make them available high quality products," the minister added. Piyush Goyal also asked the industry to pass on the benefits of the GST reforms to the end consumers. "I request to all (the Pharma industry) that every single rupees saved due to GST reduction is passed on the consumers," he said. He emphasized that when such products reach every corner of the nation, they embody not only economic value but also national pride and self-reliance. "Bharat ki mitti me banaya hua, Bharat k khoon pasine se bana hua jab duniya k kone kone me jayega to iski baat hi kuch aur hogi (There is a need to support products made with the sweat and toil of hardworking Indians, products nurtured in the soil of India," he said . The minister also joined the CEOs Roundtable at the 11th Edition of iPHEX at Bharat Mandapam, where he thanked the PM for ushering in GST reforms. "Our pharma industry has stood tall, weathering global challenges & helping India emerge as the 'Pharmacy of the World'," Goyal tweeted on his social media handle X. "The applause says it all. The pharma industry thanked PM Narendra Modi ji for his visionary next-gen GST reforms that are set to make healthcare more affordable," Goyal said in a separate social media post. (ANI) The new GST reforms introduced by the government represent a significant step towards a people-friendly and common man-oriented tax structure, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) said, as it welcomed the next-generation reforms. Asserting that the indirect tax regime was heavily reliant on taxing the day-to-day needs of the citizens, BMS, in a statement, said this trend has now been reversed through the next-gen reforms, which introduce a primarily two-rate GST system aimed at reducing the tax burden on the people, while imposing higher taxes on luxury goods consumed by the high-income group. The RSS affiliate Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has welcomed the reduction of taxes on Labour-intensive industries, Essential daily-use consumer goods, Cement, Food items, Healthcare products including insurance policies, Educational materials, Agricultural machinery and other inputs, Automobiles, Electronic appliances, Other items commonly used by the middle class, the statement said. "We also hope that insurance companies and others will promptly pass on these benefits to the common man by lowering the prices of essential daily-use products," said Ravindra Himte, General Secretary, BMS, in the statement. The GST Council, on Wednesday, after a threadbare discussion, approved significant rate cuts across multiple sectors, which the government has described as a Diwali gift for the nation. On the essential items front, items of daily household use will now cost less. The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. Similarly, Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) also wholeheartedly welcomes the historic GST 2.0 reforms "The rationalized rate slabs of 5% and 18%, effective from 22nd September 2025, mark a transformative shift in India's indirect taxation system," it said in a statement. "We commend the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the prudent guidance of Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in ushering in this long-awaited reform. The decision to streamline tax rates, while ensuring that the Ministry of Finance absorbs the short-term revenue loss, demonstrates a strong commitment to economic growth, consumer welfare, and nation interest," Laghu Udyog Bharati said. "This reform is truly path-breaking. It goes beyond mere rate rationalization and signals a major stride towards ease of doing business, particularly for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) Lower working capital requirements, more affordable raw materials, and access to a wider market will provide a significant boost to small industries," it said. Laghu Udyog Bharati pledges its full support to the Government of India in ensuring the smooth and timely implementation of this reform. (ANI) By Syed Fazl-e-Haider During Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs visit to China in April 2025, he and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Azerbaijan. For China, Azerbaijan represents a partner of considerable geostrategic importance, capable of functioning as a viable transit hub linking China, Central Asia, and Europe. Azerbaijan offers China access to the sole overland route to Europe that circumvents Russia. Furthermore, Chinas pathway to the South Caucasus necessarily passes through Azerbaijan, positioning Baku as a pivotal actor in Chinas Eurasian economic strategy. Conversely, Chinese investments have the potential to place Azerbaijans non-oil economy on a trajectory of diversification. A strategic partnership with Baku is thus poised to expand Beijings influence in the South Caucasus. Credit: NAM BACKGROUND: Historically, relations between China and Azerbaijan trace back to the ancient Silk Road, along which trade and cultural exchanges took place over 2,500 years ago. In December 1991, China recognized Azerbaijans independence, and diplomatic relations were formally established with the Caucasian state in April 1992. China inaugurated its embassy in Baku in 1992, while Azerbaijan opened its embassy in Beijing in 1993. Azerbaijan was among the first states to accede to Chinas multi-trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013. Designed to enhance global connectivity through investments in infrastructure, energy, and transportation, the BRI extends across more than 160 countries. In 2015, China and Azerbaijan concluded a memorandum of understanding on the joint development of the Silk Road Economic Belt. In 2019, President Ilham Aliyev traveled to Beijing to attend the Belt and Road International Forum, during which the two states signed ten agreements to strengthen cooperation in industry, investment, trade, and other economic sectors. The BRI has functioned as a catalyst for the rapid expansion of ChinaAzerbaijan relations, which have evolved over the years from commercial, economic, transit, and logistics collaboration to cooperation in science, technology, and cultural exchange. In 2024, the two nations, during a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, reached another milestone in bilateral relations by adopting the Joint Declaration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Peoples Republic of China on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership. In April 2025, ChinaAzerbaijan relations were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership, inaugurating a new chapter in bilateral ties. During talks with the visiting President Aliyev on April 23 in Beijing, President Xi emphasized that the two states should continuously enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and strengthen international collaboration to open a new chapter of all-round cooperation. The timing and context of Azerbaijans decision to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership with China were of considerable significance. In April, scarcely two weeks prior to the agreement with Beijing, President Aliyev warned that Azerbaijan might redirect its gas exports elsewhere should the EU fail to advance the expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor, a transit route currently functioning at near-capacity. Azerbaijan supplies gas to the EU via this corridor, and Baku wants the EU to support its enlargement, as exports fell to 2.84 bcm in the first quarter of 2025, compared with 3.2 bcm during the same period the previous year. While EU investment could enhance pipeline capacity to achieve the 20 bcm target by 2027, skepticism persists within the EU regarding Azerbaijans ability to sustain sufficient gas supplies. IMPLICATIONS: Geographically, the South Caucasus is of interest to China as it offers a potential land route linking China with Europe. For this reason, Beijing last year formally joined the Middle Corridor, a trade route connecting Europe and China that bypasses Russia and serves as an alternative to the Northern Corridor through Russia and to traditional maritime routes. Participation in the Middle Corridor is part of Chinas broader strategy to diversify its trade routes. For China, the present moment is opportune for expanding its presence in Central Asia and the South Caucasus, where Russia has been rapidly losing influence due to its war in Ukraine since February 2022. The ongoing transformation of the Eurasian geopolitical landscape has brought renewed attention to Azerbaijans role as a transit state between Europe and Asia. Within the rapidly evolving regional dynamics shaped by Russias war against Ukraine, Azerbaijan has gained centrality in Chinas Eurasian economic strategy. Situated at the intersection of Chinas EastWest and NorthSouth transportation routes, Azerbaijan has figured prominently on Beijings agenda for advancing its economic and strategic objectives in the region. China regards Azerbaijan as a pivotal partner for extending its influence across Central Asia and the South Caucasus. As a key actor in the South Caucasus for the EU, Russia, and China alike, Azerbaijan plays an important role in the BRI by facilitating strategic connectivity projects. The BakuTbilisiKars railway (BTKR), for instance, links the Trans-European and Trans-Asian railway systems. This project not only grants the five Central Asian republics and Afghanistan access to the EU but also expedites the movement of Chinese goods into European markets. Likewise, Azerbaijan provides China access to the Baku International Sea Trade Port within the BRI framework. Located on the historic Silk Road, the Port of Baku functions as a major transport and logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia, and constitutes a vital component of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, or Middle Corridor. Azerbaijans strategic connectivity initiatives possess the capacity to transform the Caucasian state into a major transport and logistics hub of the region. For this reason, China envisions a pivotal role for Azerbaijan in advancing the prospects of the BRI and ensuring the success of its Eurasian economic strategy. At present, transport and logistics constitute the principal domains of ChinaAzerbaijan cooperation, though this partnership may expand to include military collaboration. Azerbaijan has already procured Pakistans JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter aircraft, a joint venture between the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra and Chinas Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation. Beijing could further augment Azerbaijans military capabilities as it consolidates its strategic presence in the South Caucasus in the capacity of Bakus strategic partner. The EU constitutes Azerbaijans principal export market and thus its leading trading partner. Bakus intensifying relations with Beijing illustrate its efforts to lessen dependence on traditional routes and markets while diversifying foreign policy options. As this partnership deepens, Azerbaijan may permit Chinese state-owned enterprises to assume greater control over ports, railways, and other strategic infrastructure in the region, a development likely to raise concern in European capitals. Moreover, the competing interests of various geopolitical actors in the region could erode the degree of autonomy that Baku presently enjoys in shaping regional policies. Regional powers such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran may perceive a challenge to their strategic interests in the region arising from a deepening ChinaAzerbaijan strategic partnership. CONCLUSIONS: By virtue of its position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan possesses significant potential to serve as a viable transit hub linking China, Central Asia, and Europe, particularly at a time when Beijing, engaged in a trade war with Washington, is actively seeking alternative routes for its exports. Azerbaijans strategic partnership with China is, however, likely to generate new foreign policy challenges for the Caucasian state. A further deepening of this partnership may constrain Azerbaijans capacity to sustain strategic balance in its foreign policy. The countrys integration with European energy markets and its relations with Western states could, at some point, come into conflict with Chinas interests in the region. At present, China is not in a position to shape the geopolitics of the South Caucasus given the presence of other key actors such as the EU, Russia, Turkey, Iran, and the U.S. Beijing has, however, placed its bet on Azerbaijan, which it regards as a pivotal node in strategic connectivity initiatives such as the Middle Corridor. China further views a strengthened strategic partnership with Azerbaijan as essential to consolidating its position in the South Caucasus. AUTHORS BIO: Syed Fazl-e-Haider is a Karachi-based analyst at the Wikistrat. He is a freelance columnist and the author of several books. He has contributed articles and analysis to a range of publications. He is a regular contributor to Eurasia Daily Monitor of Jamestown Foundation Email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday appealed for public cooperation, acknowledging that changing human behaviour represents the most formidable obstacle in India's battle against road fatalities, as he announced Rs 1.5 lakh insurance coverage for accident victims requiring hospitalisation up to seven days. Speaking at the 7th Edition of FICCI Road Safety Awards & Symposium, Gadkari admitted that despite comprehensive policy reforms and infrastructure improvements, government efforts to reduce India's staggering road death toll have fallen short of expectations. The country suffers nearly five lakh road accidents annually, claiming 1.8 lakh lives and costing the economy 3 per cent of GDP. "We have succeeded in improving automobile engineering and civil engineering, and made road safety laws stricter. But the most important thing is that we have not succeeded in changing human behaviour," Gadkari told industry leaders and policymakers at the event. "This remains our greatest challenge." Gadkari called for coordinated action among the government, industry, NGOs, educational institutions, and civil society, emphasising that technological solutions alone cannot address the crisis. "Until human behaviour changes, we will not achieve success in this mission," he said, urging every Indian citizen to become sensitive, disciplined and committed to following traffic laws under the "Vision Zero" initiative aimed at eliminating preventable road deaths. The Union Minister also announced comprehensive financial support for accident victims, with the new insurance coverage applying across national highways, state roads, municipal roads and village roads. Gadkari emphasised the critical role of citizen response in emergency situations, announcing a 25,000 reward scheme for good samaritans who assist accident victims. "If every citizen responds immediately to road accidents and transports victims to the hospital without delay, we can save 50,000 lives each year," he said. The minister revealed that, despite implementing extensive safety measures--including mandatory six airbags across vehicle categories, compulsory twin helmet provision with two-wheeler purchases, drowsiness detection devices for commercial trucks, and over 40,000 CCTV cameras with speed detection--fatality rates continue to rise, a release said. FICCI President Harsha Vardhan Agarwal said India recorded 4.8 lakh road accidents in 2023, representing a 4.2 per cent increase in total incidents and a 2.6 per cent rise in deaths compared to 2022. "Road safety is no longer a regulatory matter--it has become an essential economic, social and developmental priority," Agarwal said, noting that India's road network carries over 90 per cent of passengers and nearly 65 per cent of goods. During the awards ceremony, the minister recognised four organisations across engineering, education, enforcement and emergency care categories. Maruti Suzuki India Limited received dual awards for driver training and emergency response programmes under the enforcement and emergency care category. Savitar Services Private Limited won recognition for integrated automotive solutions. Ashok Leyland Limited was honoured for driver training and awareness activities under the education category, the release said. Sanjay Bandopadhayay, member of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety and jury chair, said award criteria focused on measurable impact and replicability. From 120 initial entries, winners were selected based on demonstrated effectiveness and potential for national scaling, among others. (ANI) 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' premiered at the Venice Film Festival 2025, and turned out to be a huge emotional event after it received an over 20-minute standing ovation by the attendees after screening, reported Variety. The movie is directed by Tunisian director Kouther Ben Hania. It tells the story of a 5-year-old Palestinian girl, Hind Rajab, who was killed in the early stages of the war in Gaza. According to Variety, the standing ovation was the longest of the festival so far. The film is expected to be a frontrunner for the Golden Lion at the festival. According to Variety, the film recounts the tale of Rajab while she was fleeing with her family from Gaza City in January 2024. The car Rajab was travelling in was shelled, killing her uncle, aunt, and three cousins. She was left stranded for hours in the vehicle while on the phone with the Palestinian Red Cross Society as paramedics attempted to rescue her. When she was eventually reached, both Rajab and the paramedics were found dead, with media investigations concluding that an Israeli tank had likely fired 335 rounds into the car. The phone recording of Rajab's voice is used in the film, according to Variety. Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara, who are executive producers of the film, were in attendance and held a photo of Rajab on the red carpet with the filmmaking team. As the Venice Film Festival started, 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' was boarded by the likes of Brad Pitt, Phoenix and Mara as producers. Phoenix and Mara were present at the press conference to show their support. The 82nd edition of the Venice Film Festival is currently taking place at the barrier island called Lido till September 6, 2025. Recently, Dwayne Johnson's 'The Smashing Machine' was also screened at the Venice Film Festival 2025. (ANI) Taking to his Instagram handle, the 'Tanvi The Great' actor shared a throwback video with Rishi Kapoor, which featured them walking on a street in America. While sharing the video, the actor wrote, "Happy Birthday #RishiKapoor! Miss you! And your infectious smile!" https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOLCpoNApw4/? Veteran actor Neetu Kapoor has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, Rishi Kapoor, on his birth anniversary. On Thursday, Neetu posted on her Instagram handle and shared an old video of Rishi Kapoor from his popular stage show, 'Khullam Khulla with Rishi Kapoor. "You will always remain in our hearts, happy birthday," Neetu wrote in her caption. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOKhECFCIWS/? The video features numerous memorable moments, capturing the late actor's witty stage presence. It also includes the reactions from the star-studded guests, including the likes of Ranbir Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, and Subhash Ghai. Heaping praise on his father, the 'Animal' star said, "You know, a man who's been in the industry for 40 years now and all the anecdotes and all his experiences and to share it with such a large audience, I think it's a wonderful idea." Neetu Kapoor could also be seen seated in the audience, laughing her heart out as Rishi Kapoor took centre-stage. Reacting to the post, fans as well as celebrities were seen remembering the late actor on his birth anniversary. Sanjay Kapoor wrote, "Happy birthday, Chintu. You will always be missed. So fortunate to work with you in luck by chance." The star couple's daughter, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, also took to her Instagram stories and paid a tribute to her father. "We celebrate you every day, Papa. You are loved, missed, and remembered-always. Happy Birthday. Love you..," wrote Riddhima Kapoor Sahni. Rishi Kapoor is known for movies like 'Bobby', 'Amar Akbar Anthony', 'Karz', 'Chandni', 'Agneepath' and others. The actor passed away on April 30, 2020, at the age of 67, after a two-year battle with leukaemia. (ANI) After writing an open letter to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, producer and actor Pallavi Joshi shared that when she was left with no option, she "requested her to intervene in this matter" for the uninterrupted release of the film, 'The Bengal Files'. Set to release in theatres on September 5, Vivek Agnihotri's 'The Bengal Files' explores the communal violence that took place in undivided Bengal during the 1940s, including the events of the Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots of 1946. Pallavi spoke to ANI about the reason behind writing the letter, saying, "Our film is not releasing in Bengal. And obviously, when the name of the film is 'The Bengal Files', a film is being made on Maa Bharati, so it is very important for it to be released in Bengal. And when all the doors were closed for us, this was the only way, so I wrote a letter to the President as a woman. I have requested her to intervene in this matter, so that our film can be released in Bengal in a peaceful manner." In an open letter, Joshi alleges that the film faces an "unofficial ban" in West Bengal, with the theatre owners refusing to screen the movie due to alleged "intimidation" and "threat" by the state's ruling party workers. Pallavi added that she doesn't want to talk about the threat as they are focusing on the release of the film, however, she shared, "The theatre owners in Bengal are telling us, that they have been informed by the police, that if the film is released in their theatres, there will be consequences." Joshi stated that Vivek "had recorded a message in the name of Mamata ji (Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal), which I think he had released two days ago. And when nothing happened, finally, I had to write a letter to the President. " Vivek Agnihotri's much-anticipated film 'The Bengal Files'has been surrounded by controversies. A ruckus erupted during the release of the film's trailer in Kolkata on August 16. Pallavi shared, "Everyone knew that our function was there. The police were there since morning. When trial runs and test runs were taking place, no one said anything. That's why they stopped us in the morning. After the media came, why did they create a ruckus in front of everyone? It was their planned action, to do it in front of the press. They deliberately tried to humiliate us. CBFC, a certified film, can run in India and everywhere. If a state bans it, it means they are afraid of something... Why are they opposing our film so much?.. This is a very sad situation. We have worked so hard to make this film...I am 100% sure, when she sees it herself, as a Bengali, she is going to be extremely proud of this piece of art. Mamata ji, please see our film." On Thursday, Pallavi Joshi wrote an open letter to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, seeking intervention for the protection and support regarding the film's release in West Bengal. In the letter addressing the President, she wrote, "Respected Madam President. With a heavy heart, I reach out to you, not for favours, but for protection. The Bengal Files, the final part of the Files Trilogy, releases on 5th September. It tells the long-suppressed truth of the Hindu genocide of Direct Action Day, the horrors of Noakhali, and the trauma of Partition. But in West Bengal, truth is under siege. Years before completion, the Chief Minister mocked the film." Pointing towards the aftermath of the film's announcement, Pallavi Joshi claimed, "Since then, baseless FIRs have been filed, police blocked our trailer, and even newspapers avoid carrying ads. My family is threatened every day by political party workers. Now theatre owners have told us they are being intimidated, threatened and are refusing to screen it, fearing violence by ruling party workers. There is no official ban, yet an unofficial ban silences the film before people can see it." The producer-actress also highlighted the support of Padma Bhushan actor Victor Banerjee and various Bengali organisations while calling them the "allies" of truth, allegedly showcased in her upcoming film 'The Bengal Files'."Legendary actor, Padma Bhushan Victor Banerjee, along with many Bengali organisations in India and abroad, has already petitioned you. Their support proves that truth still has allies," wrote Pallivi Joshi. The letter described 'The Bengal Files' as a "cinema of truth' and a story of "survival and hope," appealing to the President's understanding as a woman who rose to the highest constitutional office."The Bengal Files is the cry of Maa Bharati, scarred yet unbroken, a story of survival and hope. As a woman who rose from the margins to the highest constitutional office, only you can truly understand what it means to endure such pain and turn it into purpose," wrote Joshi. She continued, "This is cinema of truth. But truth also needs protection. Madam President, I seek not a favour for a film but space for art, for truth, for Maa Bharati's soul to speak without fear. You are my final hope. Please protect our constitutional right and let The Bengal Files be shown in West Bengal peacefully." Director and producer of 'The Bengal Files', Vivek Agnihotri, expressed his sorrow on the alleged halt of his film's release in Bengal due to "political pressure." He appealed for a peaceful release of his film in Bengal. Taking to his X, Vivek Agnihotri wrote earlier, "As Producer of The Bengal Files, I am pained that multiplex chains in Bengal have refused the film's release under political pressure and threats by the ruling party. I plead for your intervention to uphold my constitutional rights and ensure its release in Bengal." 'The Bengal Files' is directed by Vivek Agnihotri, who came to fame with his directorial 'The Kashmir Files' in 2022.The upcoming film stars Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar and Pallavi Joshi in the lead roles. (ANI) As actor-producer Pallavi Joshi wrote a letter to President Droupadi Murmu seeking help for the peaceful release of 'The Bengal Files' in West Bengal, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri emphasises the need to write the letter addressing the alleged "unofficial ban" on the film's release in the state. Set to release in theatres on September 5, Vivek Agnihotri's 'The Bengal Files' explores the communal violence that took place in undivided Bengal during the 1940s, including the events of the Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots of 1946. Speaking to ANI, the ace director shared, "It is unfortunate that the film, which is made on the history of Bengal, on the pain and glory of Bengal, on the women of Bengal, and the same film is not being released there. Mere distributors ne bataya ki police direct phone karke bol rahi hai jo multiplex network hai unko ki agar film release ki to unhe direct consequences bhugatne padenge(My distributors told me that the police are directly calling the multiplex networks and telling them that if the film is released then they will have to face direct consequences)...dusre vo inko bol rahi hai ki agar gunde vunde aakar tod phod kar diye to vo zimmedar nahi honge..mai Mamata ji (Banerjee) se kayi baar appeal kar chuka hu..vo khud bhukt bhogi part unki majburi ye hai ki vo certain vote bank ko appeal karna chahti hai pay mai unse vaada karta hu ki agar vo is film ko relaese karengi unko bahut pundya milega." He further spoke about the issue behind the release of the film, saying, "The Police directly have told me that this film is not releasing only because it talks about the untold story of Hindu genocide. When films on Muslim history can be made in this country, then can't films on Hindu history be made? It is the history of India, and has nothing to do with Hindus and Muslims. I had thought of arranging a private screening, but I have been told that even that would be disrupted. It means the state itself is getting this done...isliye Pallavi ji ne bahut majbur hoke ye letter likha hai.." On Thursday, Pallavi Joshi wrote an open letter to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, seeking intervention for the protection and support regarding the film's release in West Bengal. In an open letter, Joshi alleges that the film faces an "unofficial ban" in West Bengal, with the theatre owners refusing to screen the movie due to alleged "intimidation" and "threat" by the state's ruling party workers. After writing an open letter to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, producer and actor Pallavi Joshi shared that when she was left with no option, she "requested her to intervene in this matter" for the uninterrupted release of the film, 'The Bengal Files'. In the letter addressing the President, she wrote, "Respected Madam President. With a heavy heart, I reach out to you, not for favours, but for protection. The Bengal Files, the final part of the Files Trilogy, releases on 5th September. It tells the long-suppressed truth of the Hindu genocide of Direct Action Day, the horrors of Noakhali, and the trauma of Partition. But in West Bengal, truth is under siege. Years before completion, the Chief Minister mocked the film." Pointing towards the aftermath of the film's announcement, Pallavi Joshi claimed, "Since then, baseless FIRs have been filed, police blocked our trailer, and even newspapers avoid carrying ads. My family is threatened every day by political party workers. Now theatre owners have told us they are being intimidated, threatened and are refusing to screen it, fearing violence by ruling party workers. There is no official ban, yet an unofficial ban silences the film before people can see it." The producer-actress also highlighted the support of Padma Bhushan actor Victor Banerjee and various Bengali organisations while calling them the "allies" of truth, allegedly showcased in her upcoming film 'The Bengal Files'. "Legendary actor, Padma Bhushan Victor Banerjee, along with many Bengali organisations in India and abroad, has already petitioned you. Their support proves that truth still has allies," wrote Pallivi Joshi. The letter described 'The Bengal Files' as a "cinema of truth' and a story of "survival and hope," appealing to the President's understanding as a woman who rose to the highest constitutional office."The Bengal Files is the cry of Maa Bharati, scarred yet unbroken, a story of survival and hope. As a woman who rose from the margins to the highest constitutional office, only you can truly understand what it means to endure such pain and turn it into purpose," wrote Joshi. She continued, "This is cinema of truth. But truth also needs protection. Madam President, I seek not a favour for a film but space for art, for truth, for Maa Bharati's soul to speak without fear. You are my final hope. Please protect our constitutional right and let The Bengal Files be shown in West Bengal peacefully." Pallavi spoke about the reason behind writing the letter, saying, "Our film is not releasing in Bengal. And obviously, when the name of the film is 'The Bengal Files', a film is being made on Maa Bharati, so it is very important for it to be released in Bengal. And when all the doors were closed for us, this was the only way, so I wrote a letter to the President as a woman. I have requested her to intervene in this matter, so that our film can be released in Bengal in a peaceful manner." The actor added that she doesn't want to talk about the threat as they are focusing on the release of the film, however, she shared, "The theatre owners in Bengal are telling us, that they have been informed by the police, that if the film is released in their theatres, there will be consequences." Joshi stated that Vivek "had recorded a message in the name of Mamata ji (Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal), which I think he had released two days ago. And when nothing happened, finally, I had to write a letter to the President. " Director and producer of 'The Bengal Files', Vivek Agnihotri, expressed his sorrow on the alleged halt of his film's release in Bengal due to "political pressure."He appealed for a peaceful release of his film in Bengal. Taking to his X, Vivek Agnihotri wrote earlier, "As Producer of The Bengal Files, I am pained that multiplex chains in Bengal have refused the film's release under political pressure and threats by the ruling party. I plead for your intervention to uphold my constitutional rights and ensure its release in Bengal." 'The Bengal Files' is directed by Vivek Agnihotri, who came to fame with his directorial 'The Kashmir Files' in 2022.The upcoming film stars Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar and Pallavi Joshi in the lead roles. (ANI) Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon on Thursday visited Pune's historic Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati mandal to offer prayers and perform 'Mahaarti'. She shared her experience and also prayed for the safety of people in flood-affected regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. During the aarti, the actress was also seen playing the manjira and swaying to the devotional tunes, much to the delight of devotees gathered there. After the darshan, she spoke to the media and shared her experience, saying, "I have prayed to Lord Ganesha that all the people of our country, and I am not only talking about humans, but all living beings, remain safe," she said. She added, "People are welcoming Lord Ganesha with great love. When I came here for darshan and also visited the museum of this mandal, I learned that this tradition has been ongoing for nearly 134 years. I also saw the history here. In fact, these days, history is hardly taught to us, but after coming here, my eyes were opened. I learned about the origins of Ganesh Utsav. It is very important to tell our future generations about history. I consider myself fortunate to have come here, to have had darshan of Lord Ganesha, and to learn about His history." Expressing concern over recent incidents of floods and cloudbursts, the actress said, "I have prayed for everyone's safety, especially considering what is happening in other states like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. I also appeal to all pandals that, as much as possible, each of them should extend help to people in other states who are in distress." "We must remember that no matter how successful we become, we should never forget our roots and traditions, " she said. The Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal, recognised as the first public Ganesh Mandal in India, continues to draw devotees every year with its rich history and deep-seated devotion. (ANI) A special screening of the film 'The Bengal Files' was organised on Thursday in Mumbai. From Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty to Darshan Kumar, many came together for the screening of Vivek Agnihotri's directorial 'The Bengal Files'. The film, directed by Vivek Agnihotri and produced by Pallavi Joshi and Abhishek Agarwal, is set to release on Friday. However, it is facing problems with the release in West Bengal. Prior to the screening, the makers held a press conference, claiming that theatre owners in Bengal were being "threatened by the police". Earlier in the day, Pallavi Joshi penned a letter to President Droupadi Murmu and "requested her to intervene in this matter" for the uninterrupted release of the film, 'The Bengal Files'. Pallavi spoke to ANI about the reason behind writing the letter, saying, "Our film is not releasing in Bengal. And obviously, when the name of the film is 'The Bengal Files', a film is being made on Maa Bharati, so it is very important for it to be released in Bengal. And when all the doors were closed for us, this was the only way, so I wrote a letter to the President as a woman. I have requested her to intervene in this matter, so that our film can be released in Bengal in a peaceful manner." In an open letter, Joshi alleges that the film faces an "unofficial ban" in West Bengal, with the theatre owners refusing to screen the movie due to alleged "intimidation" and "threat" by the state's ruling party workers. Pallavi added that she doesn't want to talk about the threat as they are focusing on the release of the film, however, she shared, "The theatre owners in Bengal are telling us, that they have been informed by the police, that if the film is released in their theatres, there will be consequences." (ANI) AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal will visit flood-ravaged Punjab on Thursday to review the devastation and relief efforts in the state. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will accompany him during the tour of flood-hit areas, where both leaders will assess relief operations and meet affected families. According to a release by AAP, MP Sanjay Singh will also be in Punjab on the same day to interact with flood victims, even as another truck laden with relief material is being dispatched by the party for those in need. Earlier, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal shared on X, "From all the workers of the Aam Aadmi Party to the Chief Minister, Ministers, and MLAs, everyone has stood with the people of Punjab in this horrific tragedy. I salute the spirit of everyone. Together with the people of Punjab, we will overcome this tragedy of the flood, and Punjab will once again be prosperous. The people of Punjab are very courageous. My appeal to all the people of the country is to come forward and help Punjab in every possible way." Meanwhile, senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia visited several flood-affected areas on September 3. Sharing his observations on X, he wrote, "Due to waterlogging in the rivers of Punjab, they are carving their path through the fields. During this, fertile land has been eroded, hundreds of acres of fields have been swept away by the river, and the hard work and earnings of several generations of farmers have vanished into the water in an instant. In one such village in Tarn Taran district, I went with Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar ji and ETO Harbhajan Singh ji to meet the people." As per the press release, from Marar village, he added, "On one hand, there is the danger of floodwater entering villages, threatening the lives of humans and animals in homes, and submerging fields. Yet, there is still a possibility that the water will recede, and life can start anew. But an even bigger problem is that the rivers have so much water that they are sweeping away lush fields to carve their own paths. In every region, in every village, rivers have washed away 40-50 acres of crop fields. The issue here is that while the water may eventually subside, the fields cannot be restored." On the other hand, as per the instructions of Arvind Kejriwal and AAP Delhi Unit Chief Saurabh Bharadwaj, reached Punjab with the first consignment of relief material from Delhi. Posting on X, he said, "Punjab is reeling from the brunt of floods today. Fields and farmlands are submerged, homes and hearths are devastated. In such times, service is the greatest religion. Let us all come together to help the people of Punjab." He further added, "In Punjab, fields and farmlands are submerged due to floods, homes are devastated, and people are distressed. We have arrived in Punjab from Delhi with relief materials as per the instructions of Arvind Kejriwal ji." In addition to the relief operations, AAP has also committed major financial assistance. Rajya Sabha MP ND Gupta has announced a relief of Rs 25 lakhs, while MP Sandeep Pathak has contributed Rs 5 crore and Ashok Mittal Rs 20 lakh from their respective MPLADS funds to support rehabilitation initiatives, the release said. The party also announced that all AAP MPs and MLAs from Delhi, Gujarat, Kashmir, Goa, and across the country will donate their one month's salary to the Punjab CM Relief Fund. In this unprecedented crisis, CM Bhagwant Mann's government and the entire AAP organisation stand as a rock with the people. AAP ministers, MLAs, and party workers are on the ground, engaged in relief work day and night. They are going from village to village, riding boats into floodwaters, reaching trapped people, saving lives, and providing aid. From dry rations, drinking water, and medicines to fodder for animals, every essential supply is being delivered without interruption to the affected areas. With AAP leaders spearheading relief operations and the entire organisation working shoulder to shoulder with Punjab's people, the party has reiterated that "today, the entire nation is with Punjab." (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) will only monitor the work done by corporations in the state. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Shivakumar said, "GBA will only monitor. The major works will be done by the corporation." He said that resolving the problems faced by people in Bengaluru would take time and asked citizens to cooperate and pay taxes regularly. "We have to deliver, make sure every citizen is helped. All the problems of Bangalore city cannot be solved in one day. I know it takes time. Our citizens should also cooperate. They should declare their assets. They should not hide anything. They should pay taxes regularly, and they will get good governance," he said. This comes after Shivakumar's announcement that the five city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority have come into effect to enhance urban administration and implement citizen-friendly services. Addressing a press conference at Vidhana Soudha on Tuesday, Shivakumar said, "September 2 is a special day for Bengaluru. The five city corporations- Bengaluru Central Corporation, Bengaluru North Corporation, Bengaluru South Corporation, Bengaluru East Corporation, Bengaluru West Corporation have come into effect today. The Greater Bengaluru Authority, with 75 members, has been formed under the leadership of the Chief Minister on August 26." Meanwhile, he told reporters that he met with farmers, legislators and councillors of the Krishna Water Basin area to discuss land acquisition for the Upper Krishna Project. "Today, we meet the farmers, legislators and councillors of the Krishna Water Basin area regarding taking up the project. We are concentrating on land acquisition for this project. The State Government is committed to completing this project as soon as possible. We aim to obtain the consent of farmers and complete the land acquisition process," DK Shivakumar said. (ANI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel praised the Centre's move to reduce GST rates on various goods and services, calling it a "historic step". The chief minister also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the reform. In a post on X on Wednesday, Bhupendra Patel wrote, "A historic step in Bharat's economic journey. Heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodiji and FM Smt. @nsitharamanji for drastically reducing GST rates on a wide range of goods and services. This reform fulfils the promise made by Hon'ble PM in his Independence Day address, to bring #NextGenGST that eases the lives of citizens and strengthens the economy." https://x.com/Bhupendrapbjp/status/1963299228823785495 Patel said the recent GST rate cuts on daily essentials, farm equipment, insurance, and household appliances will bring relief to middle-class families, farmers, and small businesses, calling the reform a big boost to the country's growth. "GST on individual health insurance and life insurance, books, maps, stationery and breads have been exempted. Appliances like ACs, TVs and dishwashers now reduced from 28% to 18%. Tractors, tyres and irrigation equipment brought down to just 5%. GST on soaps, shampoos, hair oils, utensils, sewing machines and other daily essentials has been reduced from 18%/12% to 5%," the post reads. "This landmark reform will benefit crores of middle-class families, farmers, small traders and entrepreneurs, while giving fresh momentum to Bharat's growth journey," the post further reads. A day earlier, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a sweeping reduction in GST rates on a wide range of essential items, automobiles, agriculture inputs, and electronic appliances. The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. On the essential items front, items of daily household use will now cost less. Products such as hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet soap bars, toothbrushes, and shaving cream, which earlier attracted 18 per cent GST, will now fall under the 5 per cent bracket. Sitharaman announced a complete removal of GST on individual health and life insurance. Farmers and the agriculture sector stand to gain significantly from these reforms as tractor tyres and parts, earlier under 18 per cent GST, will now be taxed at just 5 per cent, while tractors themselves will also see their rate reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. (ANI) After nearly two decades at the helm of the Southwest Virginia Ballet, artistic director Pedro Szalay is stepping down, and stepping away from the country he once called a dream come true. Read more: Isaac Hernandez Dazzles New York in Swan Lake Debut with American Ballet Theatre Szalay, a native of Uruguay and longtime figure in the Roanoke arts community, announced earlier this summer that he would leave his post at the end of the 2024 to 2025 season and move to Scotland with his husband. While the news was met with support and gratitude from students and parents alike, Szalay's reasons go beyond a career milestone or personal change. In an emotional interview with The Roanoke Rambler, Szalay said he no longer recognizes the United States he fell in love with decades ago. "It doesn't feel like the welcoming country I embraced," he said. "I'm not leaving because of the company or the community, I'm leaving because of the political atmosphere." Szalay's decision reflects a growing concern among artists and educators across the U.S. who have spoken out about rising political tensions, book bans, restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, and a general erosion of artistic freedom. Though Szalay has always avoided overt politics in his work, he said he felt increasingly unsafe as both an immigrant and a gay man. "I've always believed in ballet as a language that connects people beyond politics," Szalay told WDBJ7. "But I can't ignore the changes happening around me. When you start feeling afraid to express yourself, not in dance, but in life, it's time to re-evaluate." Under Szalay's direction since 2006, Southwest Virginia Ballet evolved into one of the region's most respected youth companies. Known for its ambitious productions of The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and original works like Ties, the nonprofit ballet company has sent dozens of students to professional companies, conservatories, and university dance programs. His departure marks the end of an era, but not the end of his connection to Roanoke. Szalay said he hopes to return as a guest choreographer and mentor in the future. His successor, Laurence Blake, a former SVB dancer and alumnus of Radford University, is expected to take over in July. "Pedro has changed so many lives," said parent Laura Whitmore, whose daughter trained with SVB for six years. "He taught them discipline, yes, but also empathy, creativity, and courage." As Szalay prepares to trade the Blue Ridge Mountains for the Highlands of Scotland, the ballet world watches with admiration and concern. His exit is both a personal journey and a quiet political statement, underscoring how even the most graceful art form is not immune to the forces of the world beyond the stage. For Szalay, the final curtain call in Roanoke is bittersweet. "I will always love this community," he said. "But I have to choose peace. And for now, that means leaving." Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers on Thursday led protests in Bihar's Gaya and Danapur as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) observes a five-hour Bihar Bandh over the derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late mother at a Mahagathbandhan event in Bihar. Meanwhile, BJP's Bihar state president, Dilip Jaiswal, said the five-hour bandh will be observed from 7 am to 12 noon. However, essential services, including emergency facilities and rail operations, will remain unaffected during the shutdown. Also, the BJP Mahila Morcha will be leading the protest. The state-wide bandh is in protest against objectionable comments made by Congress workers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother last week in Darbhanga during the Voter Adhikar Yatra. Following the announcement, Janata Dal (United) leader Umesh Kushwaha said, "During the opposition's rally in Darbhanga, abusive words were used against Prime Minister Modi and his mother. This is wrong, both morally and politically." "Using such language is highly inappropriate, and so far, the Mahagathbandhan leaders have not apologised. This shows how arrogant they are. They have insulted our mothers and sisters, and now we will retaliate. Therefore, the NDA has called for a Bihar bandh, and the women's wing will hold protests across Bihar," he said. Earlier RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav in a post on X said that a Mother is a Mother but took a jibe at the Prime Minister alleging that he had used similar words for others. "A mother is a mother. The word "mother" brings so much peace the moment it comes to the tongue. Even for the speechless, a mother exists. No one should ever use abusive words against anyone's mother, sister, or daughter. Every human being, living creature, animal, and bird in this world is born of a mother. If Prime Minister Modi campaigns for and appeals to elect Prajwal Revanna, who rapes women and girls, then that is Modi's masterstroke. If Modi calls someone's mother a 50-crore girlfriend, then wow Modi ji, wow! If Modi refers to the wife of a brave former Prime Minister who sacrificed for the country and the mother of the Leader of the Opposition as a widow and a Jersey cow, then shameless people will say that Modi gave a brilliant speech," he said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condemned the abusive remarks directed at his late mother, saying they were an insult to all mothers, sisters, and daughters in India. "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," he said. He added that his mother had separated him from her so he could serve the country's women. "My mother, 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," PM Modi said. (ANI) Udhampur Deputy Commissioner, Saloni Rai, conducted an extensive inspection of relief camps established across the district on Wednesday, assessing facilities and interacting with residents displaced by severe rainfall. The visit comes in the wake of continuous heavy downpours that have lashed the region since the evening of August 25. DC Rai outlined the administration's response to the natural calamity, which has caused rivers and streams to swell significantly and triggered multiple landslides at various locations. She confirmed that several areas have been completely cut off due to the widespread damage. DC Rai said to ANI, "Our primary focus has been to prevent any loss of life. With this objective, a total of 38 relief camps have been activated in safer locations of Udhampur district, currently sheltering over 2,000 people." "The district administration is ensuring all essential supplies, including food and water, are provided to the affected individuals. Every camp is staffed to address the needs of the inhabitants, with all official teams working on the ground round-the-clock," Rai added. Rai provided a preliminary assessment of the extensive damage to road connectivity. She said, "Approximately 380 roads have been damaged across the district. Restoration efforts are underway, with 190 of these roads already repaired and reopened." "While connectivity has been restored to most areas, the remote regions of Dudu-Basantgarh and some parts of Moungri remain cut off. The administration is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the supply of essential commodities to these isolated areas," Rai added. Network connectivity has also been largely restored, except in the Dudu-Basantgarh belt. The DC assured that full-scale road restoration work would resume with additional machinery as soon as the weather conditions improved. Meanwhile, continuous heavy rainfall has been witnessed in several parts of Jammu & Kashmir, with rivers swelling and flash flood-like conditions reported across multiple districts. In Rajouri, incessant downpours have led to flood-like conditions, forcing authorities to remain on high alert. Meanwhile, in Doda's Bhalesa and Bhaderwah areas, torrential rains continued for the second consecutive day, triggering flood-like conditions. Amid incessant rains, the Tawi River is in full spate, while in Srinagar, the Jhelum River's water level rose significantly. Similarly, the Chenab River is in full spate due to continuous showers in the upper regions. Torrential monsoon rains and severe floods have wreaked havoc across northern India, severely impacting regions in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. Over the past few weeks, relentless downpour has triggered landslides, flash floods, and widespread waterlogging, claiming numerous lives, displacing thousands, and causing extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods. (ANI) All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, has collaborated with the Disaster Management Cell, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, to train 350 master trainers in medical oxygen management across all states & UTs. This training program aims to enhance the management of medical oxygen in healthcare facilities across the nation. The program focuses on creating a resilient healthcare system capable of responding to crises, incorporating lessons learned from India's management of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released national guidelines on medical oxygen management, providing a comprehensive framework for efficient procurement, storage, and administration of medical oxygen. On the occasion, a training guidance document was also released by Prof M Srinivas, Director AIIMS, along with Dr Pradeep Khasnobis, DDG, Disaster Management Cell, MOHFW; Prof Nirupam Madaan, Medical Superintendent and Project Lead; and Dr Vijaydeep Siddharth, Addl Prof Hospital Administration. Speaking on the occasion, Prof M Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, stressed the importance of using medical oxygen as a therapeutic agent and implementing oxygen stewardship at the healthcare facility level. He also emphasised the importance of collaboration and sharing learning experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Pradeep Khasnobis, DDG, Disaster Management Cell, highlighted that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with all States/UTs, invested significantly in the development of medical oxygen infrastructure in the country. He also highlighted that the Ministry continues to conduct regular mock drills to ensure that this infrastructure remains functional and supports a response to any exigencies. While appreciating the leadership role assumed by AIIMS in conducting this nationwide regional workshop, he urged all States/UTs to make full use of the master trainers developed through these workshops, to ensure that such capacity building reaches down to the peripheral/ field levels. Dr Nirupam Madaan, MS, AIIMS, highlighted and stressed the importance of PSA plants in ensuring medical oxygen availability in public health delivery at the district level, supported by the maintenance mechanism. "Five training of trainers have been conducted at AIIMS Bhuvaneshwar, AIIMS Mangalagiri, PGIMER Chandigarh, AFMC Pune and AIIMS New Delhi, which is preceded by a national workshop on standardising training curriculum for medical oxygen management for medical and nursing officers," informed the project lead, Dr Vijaydeep Siddharth, Addl Prof, Hosp Admin. The training program comprises five training sessions held at various institutions, including AIIMS Bhubaneswar, AIIMS Mangalagiri, PGIMER Chandigarh, AFMC Pune, and AIIMS New Delhi. Regular mock drills will be conducted to ensure that the medical oxygen infrastructure remains functional and supports emergency responses. The trained master trainers will educate hospital administrators and medical officers on proper handling and utilization of medical oxygen, reducing wastage and improving clinical outcomes. (ANI) The five-hour Bihar Bandh protest organised by the BJP in reply to derogatory remarks passed about PM Modi and his mother during a Voter Adhikar Yatra event in Darbhanga earlier this month is in full swing across the state. Cadres of the BJP are staging protests at various points of the state. Bihar Minister Krishna Kumar Mantoo sought legal action against the Opposition leaders who allegedly abused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother during Voter Adhikar Yatra. Speaking to reporters, Mantoo said that the Prime Minister is not an ordinary person, but rather the Prime Minister of the entire state of Bihar. "Whoever speaks wrongly about him or his mother should face strict legal action," he added. "Bihar Bandh has been imposed for the people of other mindsets who are troubling all these people; the people of the opposition are promoting whatever is right or wrong; the people of Bihar will answer them," Mantoo further added. On Tejaswi Yadav's refuting abuse allegations yesterday, Mantoo said, "Whoever speaks wrongly like this, action should be taken against him...Abusing the Prime Minister and his mother is highly condemnable." Yadav further added that the protest will be implemented peacefully. Moreover, Krishna Kumar Singh, a BJP Bihar state working committee member, while attending the protest in Bihar, said to ANI, "During the voter rights yatra, Rahul Gandhi abused PM Modi and his mother very badly, which is completely inappropriate. The mother of the Prime Minister of India should be respected by the nation. Because it is the same mother who gave birth to this son, who has made India's name famous all over the world." Singh further sought forgiveness from the Opposition leaders and added, "Otherwise the country will never forgive them." Meanwhile, earlier today, BJP MLC Sanjay Mayukh, while participating in the protest, slammed Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, stating that the people of Bihar will give them a befitting reply. "The mothers and sisters of Bihar are participating in the Bandh called by NDA over the derogatory remarks against PM Modi's late mother at a Mahagathbandhan event in Bihar. You cannot run away after abusing. The public of Bihar will give a befitting reply to Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav," Mayukh told ANI. Earlier, BJP workers protested in Bihar's Gaya and Danapur as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) observed a five-hour Bihar Bandh over the derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late mother at a Mahagathbandhan event in Bihar. Following the announcement, Janata Dal (United) leader Umesh Kushwaha said, "During the opposition's rally in Darbhanga, abusive words were used against Prime Minister Modi and his mother. This is wrong, both morally and politically." "Using such language is highly inappropriate, and so far, the Mahagathbandhan leaders have not apologised. This shows how arrogant they are. They have insulted our mothers and sisters, and now we will retaliate. Therefore, the NDA has called for a Bihar bandh, and the women's wing will hold protests across Bihar," he said. Earlier RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav in a post on X said that a Mother is a Mother but took a jibe at the Prime Minister alleging that he had used similar words for others. "A mother is a mother. The word "mother" brings so much peace the moment it comes to the tongue. Even for the speechless, a mother exists. No one should ever use abusive words against anyone's mother, sister, or daughter. Every human being, living creature, animal, and bird in this world is born of a mother. If Prime Minister Modi campaigns for and appeals to elect Prajwal Revanna, who rapes women and girls, then that is Modi's masterstroke. If Modi calls someone's mother a 50-crore girlfriend, then wow Modi ji, wow! If Modi refers to the wife of a brave former Prime Minister who sacrificed for the country and the mother of the Leader of the Opposition as a widow and a Jersey cow, then shameless people will say that Modi gave a brilliant speech," he said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condemned the abusive remarks directed at his late mother, saying they were an insult to all mothers, sisters, and daughters in India. "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," he said. He added that his mother had separated him from her so he could serve the country's women. "My mother, 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," PM Modi said. (ANI) The committee will be briefed by representatives from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, and the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation on various issues. The key issues are: review of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) projects on its implementation, operation and maintenance at the National Level & in particular Aspirational Districts and Reports submitted by Central Nodal Officers (CNOs); and (ii) Ensuring sustainable steps to ensure potable drinking water at the National level in view of receding groundwater across the country. The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019, with the ambitious goal of providing tap water supply to every rural household by 2024. At the time of its inception, only 3.23 crore (17%) of rural households had tap water connections. The mission aims to bridge this gap by providing nearly 16 crore additional households with tap water by 2024, ensuring the functionality of existing water supply systems, and directly benefiting over 19 crore rural families. This initiative is intended to reduce the rural-urban divide and enhance public health. The broad objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission are to provide Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household. The mission also aims to prioritise FHTC provision in areas affected by quality issues, drought-prone regions, desert areas, and Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) villages. Ensuring functional tap connections in schools, Anganwadi centres, gram panchayat buildings, health and wellness centres, and community buildings, as well as monitoring the functionality of these connections, are among the other objectives of the meeting. Promoting voluntary ownership among the local community through contributions in cash, kind, or labour (shramdaan). Ensuring the sustainability of water supply systems, including water sources, infrastructure, and funding for regular operations and maintenance. (ANI) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will visit the flood-affected districts in Punjab on Thursday. During this visit, Minister Chouhan will meet the Punjab Governor, Gulab Chand Kataria, and the Agriculture Minister of Punjab, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, at Amritsar Airport and then leave for the flood-affected areas of the state. The Union Minister will visit the flood-affected areas of Amritsar, Kapurthala, and Gurdaspur districts, and then return late in the evening to hold a meeting with officials in Amritsar. The senior BJP leader told reporters on Wednesday, "I am going to the flood-affected areas of Punjab tomorrow (September 4). I want to tell my farmer brothers and sisters, people, that the central government is keeping an eye on the situation. Along with the state government, it will take every possible measure for the people. I will personally visit Punjab and see the situation there. I will discuss with the people and the farmers". Highlighting the extent of damage, Chouhan said, "There is a flood situation in the border districts. Life is disrupted. The public is in trouble. The farmers are in distress. As per the information received so far, crops are submerged in more than 1.5 lakh hectares of area. In this hour of crisis, the central government, our Prime Minister, is standing with the people". Several parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh witnessed heavy rainfall on Wednesday, with the Meteorological Department issuing fresh warnings for thunderstorms and lightning across multiple districts. While Punjab is expected to see a slight weakening of monsoon activity in the coming days, a red alert was issued for both North and South Haryana and Chandigarh as well. According to the Chandigarh Meteorological Centre, heavy rain is very likely to lash parts of Rajpura, Dera Bassi, Mohali, Chandigarh, and Kharar in Punjab. (ANI) Amidst Punjab witnessing heavy rainfall, around 37 lives has been lost due to severe flood, announced state government on Thursday. According to government of Punjab, around 1,655 villages have been affected, with Gurdaspur most affected area of the lot, as 324 villages are impacted by flooding, followed by Ferozepur (111), Amritsar (190), Hoshiarpur (121), Kapurthala (123) and Sangrur (107), whose villages were significantly impacted by floods. Further, Punjab government said that around 1,75,216 hectares of total land have been affected. In Gurdaspur was most affected, as 40,169 hectares of crop land were impacted due to heavy rain. Additionally, crop land in Mansa (24967), Sangrur (6560) Fazilika (17786) and Kapurthala (3000) were also affected. However, villages of SAS Nagar (13), SBS Nagar (44), Moga (29), Roopnagar (05) and Patiala (53) were least affected by floods. While in Malerkotla (32), the less hectares of crop lands were affected due to floods. Moreover, throwing light on evacuation of the people, 19,474 people overall have been evacuated, with Amritsar (2734) and Gurdaspur (5581) witnessing most number of evacuations. As per Punjab government, 167 relief camps are under operation, with around 29 relief camps being operated in Barnala. However, to deal with the floods, the government has stepped up rescue and relief operations across the state. Punjab Police had deployed drones to deliver relief to flood hit villages in Amritsar. Aditya S Warrier, SP of Amritsar rural police said that since the last five days, along with SSP Amritsar, Punjab and Haryana police, they have managed to reach various affected areas like Ajnala. In other parts of the state, evacuation drives have begun in villages along the Sutlej, where residents have been urged to shift to relief camps established by the government. Additionally, the villages in Nangal and Sri Anandpur Sahib, including Harsa Bela, Bela Ramgarh, Singhpura, Taraf Majara, Burj, Chandpur Bela and Lodhipur, have been placed on high alert. Meanwhile, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will visit the flood-affected districts in the northern state today. During this visit, Chouhan is set to meet the Punjab Governor, Gulab Chand Kataria and the Agriculture Minister of Punjab, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, at Amritsar Airport. Ahead of the visit, Chouhan emphasised that the central government is keeping an eye on the situation. "I am going to the flood-affected areas of Punjab tomorrow (September 4). I want to tell my farmer brothers and sisters, people, that the central government is keeping an eye on the situation. Along with the state government, it will take every possible measure for the people. I will personally visit Punjab and see the situation there. I will discuss with the people and the farmers," Chouhan told reporters on Wednesday. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday praised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government over GST reforms, saying it would benefit the poor and the middle-class people the most. Speaking to ANI, CM Yadav said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the way India created its identity at the global stage is amazing, and the PM takes care of all the areas equally. In times of uncertainty, PM Modi ensures the interests of countrymen, industrialists, common man and health facilities." The Chief Minister also emphasised that on Independence Day last month, the Prime Minister said that good facilities would be available in the days to come. Within less than a month, a meeting with the finance minister was held to discuss GST reforms, and their benefits were expected to be available from September 22. "After GST reforms, the poor and middle class will benefit the most. GST on some food products and items, which are also exported, will now come under 0 % slab (down from 5 %). Similarly, study materials and belongings such as charts, globe, pencil, sharpener, copy, notebook, etc, which are necessary for students, are now brought to 0 % slab from 12 %. Additionally, agricultural equipment and materials such as tractor tyres and parts, biopesticides, micronutrients, drip irrigation systems, sprinklers and machines used in fields, etc, now fall under 5% (down from 18%)," the CM said. He added, "This shows that PM Modi is concerned about protecting the interests of farmers...Health and life insurance premiums, earlier taxed at 18%, are now exempt and some medicines of serious diseases are also exempted...This is a big gift for the common man." The CM further stated that it was a historic decision taken with consideration for all sections of society, adding that the state government would work promptly in all areas to benefit the public. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a sweeping reduction in GST, aimed at providing relief to households, farmers, businesses and the healthcare sector. The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. On the essential items front, items of daily household use will now cost less. Products such as hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet soap bars, toothbrushes, and shaving cream, which earlier attracted 18 per cent GST, will now fall under the 5 per cent bracket. Sitharaman announced a complete removal of GST on individual health and life insurance. Farmers and the agriculture sector stand to gain significantly from these reforms as tractor tyres and parts, earlier under 18 per cent GST, will now be taxed at just 5 per cent, while tractors themselves will also see their rate reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. (ANI) Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KeSCPCR) has filed a complaint against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil for stalking and criminal intimidation. It has now become one of the new complainant along with nine separate complaints submitted by politicians and social activists, the Kerala Crime Branch confirmed on Wednesday. The Kerala Crime Branch had registered a case against Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil on charges of stalking and criminal intimidation on August 28. An FIR has been lodged and submitted in court under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 78(2), pertaining to stalking, and Section 351, which deals with criminal intimidation. Additionally, a case has been filed under Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act. The FIR says that the victims are in the age group of 18-60, and the accused used social media to stalk them, send messages and chats threatening forced abortions. The Crime Branch had 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. Palakkad MLA, Rahul Mamkootathil, is currently facing allegations of obscene conduct filed by writer Honey Bhaskaran and model Rini Ann George. Consequently, he has resigned from his position as the State President of the Youth Congress. The Congress party has also suspended the Palakkad MLA from the party's primary membership. However, he will continue to serve as a legislator. 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. (ANI) Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Thursday announced that due to the escalating water levels of the Yamuna River, the approach road leading to the Yamuna Bank Metro Station was currently inaccessible. DMRC advised the passengers to plan their journeys accordingly and consider alternate routes. DMRC further stated that the metro station was operational, and an interchange facility was available. In a post on X, DMRC wrote, "Due to the escalating water levels of the Yamuna River, the approach road leading to Yamuna Bank Metro Station is currently inaccessible. Kindly plan your journey accordingly and consider alternate routes. However, the station is operational and interchange facility is available". Meanwhile, the Yamuna River is continuously flowing above the danger level mark of 205.33m following incessant rainfall. Yamuna's water level at Old Railway Bridge was recorded at 207.47 meters at 10 a.m. on Thursday. The level remained steady for two hours with the same reading recorded at 8 and 9 a.m. today. The warning mark of the Yamuna for the city is 204.5 metres, while the danger mark is 205.33 metres. Evacuation of people starts at 206 metres. Earlier today, the water level of the Yamuna River stood at 207.48 m between 6 and 7 am. However, despite a slight decline in the river's water level in the capital, the Yamuna River continues to flow above the danger level. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast for Delhi, a "thunderstorm with rain" has been predicted for today (September 4), followed by "generally cloudy sky with moderate rain" on September 5. IMD has also predicted a "thunderstorm with rain" for September 6, followed by a "generally cloudy sky" on September 7 and 8. Meanwhile, Delhi continues to grapple with waterlogging and signs of possible flooding. Today, early morning visuals from Loha Pul and nearby areas showed the expanded Yamuna River that continues to wreak havoc following heavy and continuous rainfall. Severe waterlogging was witnessed as the water from the overflowing Yamuna River entered parts of the national capital. Visuals show the waterlogged roads of Delhi's Monastery Market area. In Delhi's Civil Lines area, vehicles were submerged, and buildings were flooded on Bela Road as water from the overflowing Yamuna River entered the area. As a preventive measure, people residing in the low-lying areas near the Yamuna River were shifted to safer locations, anticipating a flood emergency. Some of the relief camps set up near Mayur Vihar-Phase 1 were also flooded as the Yamuna River continues to swell due to continuous rainfall. On Wednesday afternoon, heavy rain lashed parts of Delhi and the NCR, causing traffic congestion and waterlogging in low-lying areas, and leading to the Yamuna once again flowing above the danger mark. Due to heavy rain, the Yamuna water level recorded an all-time high of 208.66 metres on Wednesday. (ANI) Britt Robertson is pregnant. Britt Robertson is expecting her first child The 35-year-old actress and her husband Paul Floyd have announced via social media that they're expecting their first child together. Alongside photos from their wedding day and a recent ultrasound scan, Britt wrote on Instagram: "Best day of my life 3 years ago. The only thing that can top marrying @likefloyd23 is watching him become a daddy. [heart emoji] (sic)" Brit has already been inundated with congratulatory messages from some of her showbiz pals, including Chad Michael Murray. The 44-year-old actor replied: "CONGRATS!!! Greatest blessing in the world! Youre gonna be a rad mama (sic)" Brittany Snow also offered her congratulations to the happy couple. The 39-year-old actress wrote on Instagram: "Congrats congrats!!! [tears and hearts emojis] (sic)" Britt and Paul tied the knot in 2023, after announcing their engagement via social media in 2022. Paul proposed to the actress on a rooftop and he shared the magical moment with his followers. Paul asked the I Still Believe star if she would marry him, and Britt replied: "So much so. "We are getting married?! I love you so much!" The happy couple then embraced in a passionate kiss. He also wrote on Instagram: "Introducing Brittany Leanna Robertson-Floyd. My wife to be x (sic)" The Tomorrowland: A World Beyond star commented: "Love you bbb (sic)" Britt - who was previously romantically linked to her fellow A Dog's Purpose star KJ Apa - took to her Instagram Stories to show off her engagement ring. In reference to her tattoo, she wrote: "Did I Mention that Im fun? (sic)" And she added: "And engaged." Several of their famous pals took to Instagram to congratulate the pair on their engagement. Project X actress Kirby Bliss Blanton wrote: "Ahhhhhhhh ahhhhh I'm gunna cry. I'm so happy for you too. Love is reallll!!! (sic)" Model Sydney Lima wrote: "OH MY GOD WE HAVE LIFT OFF!!! (sic)" Teen Wolf star Shelley Hennig posted: "Im a little partial to slide 2 THE FUN FLOYDS!! "Wedding at universal? (sic)" Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for bringing new Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms and said that through this, a booster dose has been given to India's 'Swadeshi' campaign. While speaking to ANI, Bihar Deputy CM said, "I thank the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister that under their guidance, the entire GST Council has passed it. The concerns of farmers, the common man, and the entire Indian economy have been addressed. The medical sector has been completely exempted from this, whether it is insurance or medicines for serious illnesses... Through this, a booster dose has been given to India's 'Swadeshi' campaign." The Swadeshi Campaign promotes the use of Indian-made goods and a boycott of foreign products to foster economic self-reliance and nationalism. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced a sweeping reduction in GST, aimed at providing relief to households, farmers, businesses and the healthcare sector. The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. 5% slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agricultural equipment like drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, bio-pesticides, micronutrients, soil preparation machines, harvesting tools, tractors, and tractor tires; handicrafts and small industries like sewing machines and their parts and health and wellness like medical equipment and diagnostic kits. While the 18% slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts. Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters. Moreover, some essential services and educational items are fully exempted from GST, including individual health, family floater and life insurance, no GST on health and life insurance premiums and education and healthcare, like certain services related to education and healthcare are GST-exempt. (ANI) Speaking to ANI, Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, "I thank the Prime Minister and the GST reforms are historical. Health and life insurance premiums, earlier taxed at 18%, are now exempt." Sirsa said this reform will provide a significant boost to the nation's economy. "This is historic. This is a big gift of PM Modi to the common man before Diwali. This will provide a significant boost to the nation's economy...The opposition has no vision. Lakhs of industrialists of Delhi will benefit from it," Sirsa said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced a sweeping reduction in GST, aimed at providing relief to households, farmers, businesses and the healthcare sector. The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. 5% slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agricultural equipment like drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, bio-pesticides, micronutrients, soil preparation machines, harvesting tools, tractors, and tractor tires; handicrafts and small industries like sewing machines and their parts and health and wellness like medical equipment and diagnostic kits. While the 18% slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts. Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters. Moreover, some essential services and educational items are fully exempted from GST, including individual health, family floater and life insurance, no GST on health and life insurance premiums and education and healthcare, like certain services related to education and healthcare are GST-exempt. (ANI) Union Minister of Electronics & Information Technology Aswhini Vaishnaw, on Thursday, hailed the inauguration of Amperex Technology Limited (Atl)'s advanced Lithium-Ion cell manufacturing facility in Haryana's Gurugram as a landmark moment in India's journey toward self-reliance in electronics manufacturing. The facility will produce Indian-manufactured Lithium-Ion batteries used in mobile phones, hearables, and wearables, such as watches, earbuds, AirPods, and laptops. Calling it a step toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Vaishnaw said to the reporters, "This is indeed a very important milestone for us. We are fulfilling PM's dream of having 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in electronics manufacturing step-by-step. We are starting the production of every component that goes into electronics manufacturing." The Minister highlighted the recent first Made in India chip presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We have seen recently that the first Made in India chip was presented to the PM. Similarly, today, Lithium-Ion batteries used in mobile phones, hearables and wearables like watches, earbuds, airpods and laptops will be now manufactured in India in this very advanced Plant of TDK, it's called ATL. It's a very advanced Plant and this Plant will be manufacturing about 200 million battery packs every year," Vaishnaw said. India's annual demand for mobile phone batteries is estimated at around 50 crore cellpacks. According to Vaishnaw, this single plant will cater to nearly 40% of that demand. "Our requirement for the country in the mobile phone sector is about 50 crore cellpacks, which are required every year. So that means about 40% of the capacity will be met by this factory. This factory has a huge expansion scope," he added. The Minister also credited the state government for enabling the project's success. "I would like to thank the Government of Haryana for giving so much support to this factory, and this is part of our electronics manufacturing cluster scheme (EMC scheme) of the Government of India," Vaishnaw said. "As you are aware, step-by-step, practically every component is now going to be manufactured in our country, whether it is a camera module, PCB assembly, semiconductors and batteries, every component will be manufactured in our country over the next few years," the Minister added. The ATL Plant is also expected to create large-scale employment opportunities. Vaishnaw said, "This Plant is going to give direct employment to about 5000 people. The training has been done meticulously at the ATL Plant. This kind of advanced technology coming to India is a major milestone for us." (ANI) Terming GST reforms "historic", Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Thursday said the move to rationalise slabs covering maximum items will help reduce the tax burden on the common consumers. In a post on X, Rajasthan CM also hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership over the sweeping reforms that have been announced. "In line with the announcement of next-generation reforms in GST in the Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji's Independence Day speech, the decision to abolish the 12% and 28% GST slabs in the GST Council meeting held under his guidance is historic," CM wrote on X. He asserted that the decision will not only make the tax system more straightforward but also transparent. "This unprecedented decision will not only make the tax system even simpler and more transparent, but will also provide significant relief to the common people, farmers, MSME industries, middle-class families, women, and youth. This will reduce the tax burden on common consumers, provide encouragement to small industries, and give a new direction to investment and trade," Bhajanlal Sharma said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced a sweeping reduction in GST, aimed at providing relief to households, farmers, businesses and the healthcare sector. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Minister Jogaram Patel expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the GST reforms, stating that the decision is a gift for the common people. "The Prime Minister had said on Independence Day that this time Diwali will come very well. In the GST Council meeting under FM Nirmala Sitharaman, changes to the GST slabs have been made as a gift to the people," Patel told ANI. The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. 5% slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agricultural equipment like drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, bio-pesticides, micronutrients, soil preparation machines, harvesting tools, tractors, and tractor tires; handicrafts and small industries like sewing machines and their parts and health and wellness like medical equipment and diagnostic kits. While the 18% slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts. Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters. Moreover, some essential services and educational items are fully exempted from GST, including individual health, family floater and life insurance, no GST on health and life insurance premiums and education and healthcare, like certain services related to education and healthcare are GST-exempt. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur has hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to abolish the 12% and 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) slabs, calling it a "historic step" that will bring relief to key sectors, including agriculture and healthcare. Speaking to ANI in Shimla on Thursday, Thakur said, "First of all, I congratulate and welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this decision. As the Prime Minister mentioned in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, the government was seriously considering GST reforms to provide relief. This step is historic. The most important aspect is that the 12% and 18% GST slabs have been completely removed. This is, in itself, a huge relief." Thakur noted that two sectors that would benefit the most are agriculture and health. He said, "In the agriculture sector, almost all tractor tools and equipment that previously had a 12% GST tariff have been reduced to 5%. This is a significant reduction and will be a major relief for farmers. In the health sector, especially generic medicines, almost all have been brought under the 0% tax category. Health insurance has also been brought down to 0%. Serious illnesses such as cancer and thalassemia have been excluded from special tax categories, providing significant relief," he said. The BJP leader further added that daily-use items had also been brought under lower GST brackets. "Bread is now at 0%, edible oils at 5%. Middle-class essentials like shampoo, hair oil, toothpaste, and bread have all seen reductions. The Prime Minister's efforts are also aimed at promoting the expansion of indigenous products within India. Through GST, this is strengthening the 'Make in India' initiative and is a key step towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat. I welcome this decision and congratulate the Prime Minister," Thakur said, adding that even GST critics would find it difficult to oppose such reforms now. "People across the country are welcoming this decision. For states like Himachal Pradesh, where 80% of the population is dependent on farming and horticulture, this will be a big contribution. It will also provide significant relief in the health sector," he said. Meanwhile, amid the ongoing devastation caused due to monsoons in the state, Thakur said that the entire state had been declared disaster-hit. "The monsoon session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly has concluded, and a resolution was passed to declare Himachal a national disaster state. We welcomed that resolution. Initially, the disaster impact was concentrated in Mandi district and my Seraj constituency, but gradually it has spread to all districts and almost every assembly constituency," he said. Thakur pointed to the severe loss of life and property during the Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district. "Communication systems are still not fully restored there. International tourist destinations like Kullu-Manali are cut off. I checked today and the roads are still closed. My own constituency has suffered major damage, and Mandi district has also been badly affected. It will take time to recover from this, but the government must take immediate steps for relief, especially repairing damaged circuits during apple season. If the crop cannot reach the fruit markets, orchardists will suffer huge losses," he warned. Thakur stressed the urgent need to deliver essential supplies to remote and cut-off areas. "Many areas still cannot be reached by road, even for ration supplies. From my constituency to Chamba, there are messages that ration is running out because the roads are broken. Wherever possible, helicopters should be used for relief operations," he said. He described his own attempts to travel to affected regions. "From here to Mandi, the road is fine. But beyond that, towards Tachi and Bali Chowki, the routes are blocked. In Kullu, especially in Akhara Bazaar, many people have been affected, some trapped, and there is even a report of one death. Yesterday, in Sundernagar's Nachan constituency, six people died. Incidents like this are deeply concerning," the BJP leader stated. (ANI) Speaking to the reporters, Bansuri Swaraj said, "I thank Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Prime Minister has fulfilled what he announced from the ramparts of the Red Fort. He is proclaiming an economic revolution in our country. Congratulations to the Modi government." While Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma said that the markets have reacted positively and there is a good response across the country. A day earlier, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a sweeping reduction in GST, aimed at providing relief to households, farmers, businesses and the healthcare sector. The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. 5% slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agricultural equipment like drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, bio-pesticides, micronutrients, soil preparation machines, harvesting tools, tractors, and tractor tires; handicrafts and small industries like sewing machines and their parts and health and wellness like medical equipment and diagnostic kits. While the 18% slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts. Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters. Moreover, some essential services and educational items are fully exempted from GST, including individual health, family floater and life insurance, no GST on health and life insurance premiums and education and healthcare, like certain services related to education and healthcare are GST-exempt. (ANI) Union Minister Giriraj Singh has alleged that Mamata Banerjee's government in West Bengal is working to "turn Bengal into Bangladesh" and to remain in power by "appeasing" Muslims. Speaking to reporters in Kolkata, Singh said, "Bengal is no longer for the common people. All their (TMC and Mamata Banerjee) work is ongoing to turn Bengal into Bangladesh and remain in power on the strength of Muslims." Earlier in August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government and Congress for the "appeasement" politics and said they are "encouraging infiltration only for the greed of power." Addressing a public gathering in Kolkata, PM Modi urged people to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the assembly polls next year to get rid of infiltrators. He said the BJP will not allow infiltrators to take away the jobs and torture women. Meanwhile, Giriraj Singh welcomed the recent GST reforms and hailed Prime Minister Modi for giving relief to the middle-class people in every sector. Singh said, "Finance ministers of Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee had opposed GST. But for the middle-class people, PM Modi has given relief in every sector for the common people of the country." The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. 5% slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agricultural equipment like drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, bio-pesticides, micronutrients, soil preparation machines, harvesting tools, tractors, and tractor tires; handicrafts and small industries like sewing machines and their parts and health and wellness like medical equipment and diagnostic kits. While the 18% slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts. Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters. Moreover, some essential services and educational items are fully exempted from GST, including individual health, family floater and life insurance, no GST on health and life insurance premiums and education and healthcare, like certain services related to education and healthcare are GST-exempt. (ANI) A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta also issued notice to the NIA and sought its response in two weeks. Shah has approached the top court, filing an appeal against the Delhi High Court's June 12 order, which denied him bail in an alleged case of terror funding. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for Shah, sought interim bail, saying that he was very sick. However, the bench refused to grant him interim bail and posted the matter for hearing after two weeks. Observing the possibility of Shah carrying out similar unlawful activities and influencing witnesses couldn't be ruled out, the High Court refused to grant him bail in the case. Shah was arrested by the NIA on June 4, 2019. In 2017, the NIA registered a case against 12 persons on allegations of conspiracy for raising and collecting funds for causing disruption by way of pelting stones, damaging public property and conspiring to wage war against the government of India. (ANI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday praised the GST council's decision to cut Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, and said it will help all small and large businesses to operate with great stability. She also said that the Prime Minister has given a gift to the common citizens of the country. Speaking to the reporters, Rekha Gupta said, "I want to thank the Prime Minister; he has given a great gift to the common citizens of the country. Such significant relief will not only benefit the common man but also the healthcare sector, insurance, household goods, electronics, education, and many other sectors, for which the public thanks Prime Minister Modi." "Understanding the sentiments of the people, he has reconsidered every issue one by one... This will enable all our small and large businesses to operate with great stability. I believe this will prove to be a major milestone. Thanks to Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman," CM Gupta added. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced a sweeping reduction in GST, aimed at providing relief to households, farmers, businesses and the healthcare sector. The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. 5% slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agricultural equipment like drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, bio-pesticides, micronutrients, soil preparation machines, harvesting tools, tractors, and tractor tires; handicrafts and small industries like sewing machines and their parts and health and wellness like medical equipment and diagnostic kits. While the 18% slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts. Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters. Moreover, some essential services and educational items are fully exempted from GST, including individual health, family floater and life insurance, no GST on health and life insurance premiums and education and healthcare, like certain services related to education and healthcare are GST-exempt. (ANI) BJP President of Telangana state, N Ramchander Rao, said on Thursday that Union Minister Amit Shah will visit Hyderabad on September 6 to address a huge gathering of Ganesh immersion. Speaking to ANI, the BJP Telangana state president said, "Amit Shah is visiting Hyderabad on September 6 in the afternoon. At 4 o'clock, he will be addressing a huge gathering of the Ganesh immersion, which is a historical event in Hyderabad...Every year, lakhs of people participate in this procession at Hussain Sagar. People will be gathering at Mozamjahi Market, and the Shobha Yatra will start from there. Rao added that Ganesh Utsav Samiti has invited Amit Shah as the chief guest in the most famous Ganesh festival of the world. "Amit Shah will watch the Shobha Yatra and will address the gathering," Rao added. Moreover, Rao praised the new GST reforms by saying, "The decision to reduce the GST from 28 to 18, from 12 to 5 and 5 to 0 on many products is a relief to the many of the middle class families, beneficiary to the the farmers, students, citizens, families and many people of the country will take advantage of this...the thought of Made in India or Make in India will also get a boost." He added that in this regard, a Milk Abhishek will be performed for PM Modi in the entire state of Telangana. The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. 5% slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agricultural equipment like drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, bio-pesticides, micronutrients, soil preparation machines, harvesting tools, tractors, and tractor tires; handicrafts and small industries like sewing machines and their parts and health and wellness like medical equipment and diagnostic kits. While the 18% slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts. Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters. Moreover, on K Kavitha suspension from BRS party, for her "anti-party" activities, N Ramchander Rao said, "The fact that there has been corruption in Kaleshwaram has been revealed by Kavitha herself...There was corruption in the BRS rule. I don't think people will believe BRS anymore. On September 1, BRS MLC K 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. Kavitha was suspended from the party after her remarks against Harish Rao and Santosh Rao. (ANI) Charlie Sheen has urged Jon Cryer to send him his "new number". Charlie Sheen has opened up on his rift with Jon Cryer The Two And A Half Men actor admitted his former co-star is yet to respond to his text thanking him for taking part in Netflix's new documentary aka Charlie Sheen. He told PEOPLE magazine: "I'm thinking I wrote to the wrong number. "It's not like Jon did not respond. He's super responsible like that. So if you're reading this, Jon, DM me your new number!" The 60-year-old star admitted Jon was the one person he didn't contact directly to ask them to be involved in the documentary. He explained: "The only person I didn't call personally to participate in the doc was Jon. "And the only reason I didn't call him was because I didn't have the right number for him, so the director reached out to him. Charlie still tried to contact Jon after seeing his candid comments in the film. He said: When I saw everything that Jon spoke about, so honestly and very compassionately, I wrote to him and I said, 'Hey, thank you for your contributions, and I'm sorry we didn't connect personally. " Despite not hearing back from Jon directly yet, the former Anger Management star acknowledged how much it meant to hear his side of things. He added: "It was really cool to hear from his perspective. "He was in the line of fire with all that stupid s*** going on, and it was affecting him and his family and his career and all that. I can't debate anything that he said." Charlie was fired from Two And A Half Men in 2011 after his personal problems caused issues with people including the sitcom's creator Chuck Lorre. He said: "I regret that specifically still. I think if I hadn't done what I had, I could be living a different life right now. "All my problems wouldn't be what they are. But you just don't know that." West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday, while speaking in the state assembly, launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that it is against the Bangla-speaking people. She further stated that the BJP will face a time when they will have no MLA from their party in West Bengal. She said that no party that wages linguistic terror against Bengalis can ever win Bengal. "I condemn BJP for their persecution of Bengalis. A time will soon come when not a single BJP MLA will remain in Bengal. The people themselves will ensure it. BJP will face inevitable defeat, for no party that wages linguistic terror against Bengalis can ever win Bengal," Mamata Banerjee said. Mamata Banerjee further called the BJP a party of "vote chor", stating that it is corrupt to its core. "BJP is a party of vote-chors, corrupt to the core, persecutors of Bengalis, and masters of deception. BJP is a national disgrace, and I condemn them in the strongest terms," she said. The Trinamool Congress moved a motion under rule 169 condemning the alleged incidents against the Bengali-speaking people across the country. While Mamata Banerjee was speaking, she also faced a lot of protest from the opposition due to which BJP leaders Suvendu Adhikari and Agnimitra Paul were suspended. Trinamool Congress on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of abusing power to dismantle its "Bhasha Andolan protest site" despite prior permission and security deposits and said "what happened at Mayo Road is not the Army's doing". West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also slammed the BJP, saying "it is unethical, unconstitutional, undemocratic and misuse of power" by the party and that "they want to use the Army for their own purpose". "It is unethical, unconstitutional, undemocratic and misuse of power by the BJP. They want to use the Army for their own purpose. This is the message of the day. They don't care about internal security and border security. They should not do this...We had permission for the event, we had also paid the fee," the Chief Minister said. Trinamool Congress has held protests alleging atrocities against Bengali-speaking migrant workers in BJP-ruled states. West Bengal will go to the polls next year. (ANI) Following the Centre's announcement of new GST rate cuts during the 56th meeting of the GST Council in New Delhi, housewives and students thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the reduction of taxes on food items, which has been lowered from 18 pc to 5 pc on Thursday. Speaking to ANI, Swati Gupta, a housewife in Aligarh, expressed her happiness over the prime minister's decision to reduce GST during Navratri, as these new rates will be levied from September 22 this year. "I am very happy with Modi's decision to reduce the GST on Navratri. He has also reduced the GST on food. He has reduced it from 18 pc to 5 pc," Gupta told ANI. She further expressed her happiness over the reduction of GST rates on health insurance, as earlier they used to pay GST of Rs 3,600, which was accompanied by a payment of health insurance that cost Rs 20,000. "He has also reduced the GST on health insurance. He has reduced it to zero. When we used to get health insurance for Rs. 20,000, we had to pay Rs. 3600 for GST. Now we don't have to pay anything. It is a great benefit for women like us that we don't have to pay GST. We will be saved," added Gupta. Notably, some essential services and educational items are fully exempt from GST, including individual health, family floater, and life insurance. Additionally, GST is not applicable to health and life insurance premiums, as well as education and healthcare services, such as certain services related to education and healthcare, which are also GST-exempt. While expressing her happiness over the reduction in GST rates on kitchen utensils, another housewife said that due to this tax reduction, she will be able to save money as a result of this decision. " We will benefit a lot from him reducing the GST on kitchen slender, kitchen utensils and utensils for Navratri. We will be saved by 13 pc. We will be able to save money from this. The government has reduced the GST on items such as namkeen biscuits, pencils, and rubber. With this, we will be able to save our homes," another housewife told ANI. It is not just housewives who have expressed their happiness over this new decision. Students are also happy with this decision. Govind Gupta, a school student, told ANI that with this decision, the cost will now come down from Rs 118 to Rs 105. "This will benefit us a lot. We used to eat bread, butter, and biscuits for breakfast. Now the GST has been reduced. We have been given a school fee. Before, it cost Rs 118. Now, it will cost Rs. 105. This will benefit us a lot. We will be able to save money on pencils, erasers, etc. The government has reduced the GST on all of these; this is a good thing for children like us," Govind told ANI. Another student told ANI that they will now be able to save 13 per cent due to the new rates announced by the government. "We will save 13 pc. The government has reduced the GST on namkeen biscuits, pencil, rubber, etc," said another student. Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary emphasised that the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) slabs will provide relief to the common man, small traders and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). "The purpose behind making two slabs was that earlier there used to be four slabs, 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent, 28 per cent and a lot of confusion was created in it. This has been done to remove that and to make the work of making GST easier. This will provide relief to the common man, small traders, and MSMEs," Chaudhary told ANI. The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. 5% slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agricultural equipment like drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, bio-pesticides, micronutrients, soil preparation machines, harvesting tools, tractors, and tractor tires; handicrafts and small industries like sewing machines and their parts and health and wellness like medical equipment and diagnostic kits. While the 18% slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts. Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters. (ANI) RJD chief Lalu Yadav on Thursday lashed out at the BJP over its statewide bandh in Bihar, accusing the party's workers of "abusing and mistreating" women of the state. Taking to a social media post on X, Lalau Yadav questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "ordered BJP members to abuse the mothers, sisters and daughters of Bihar and Biharis." "Has Prime Minister Modi ordered the BJP members to abuse the mothers, sisters, and daughters of Bihar and Biharis today? Gujaratis shouldn't underestimate Biharis. This is Bihar. BJP goons and ruffians are abusing respected teachers, women walking on the streets, students, pregnant women, the elderly, and journalists, engaging in physical altercations and mistreating them? Is this appropriate? Shameful!" the social media post reads. https://x.com/laluprasadrjd/status/1963498671431192754 Meanwhile, RJD leader and Bihar Leader of Opposition (LoP) Tejashwi Yadav criticised Prime Minister Modi, accusing him of making "false promises" to the people of Bihar. He also took a dig at the Prime Minister and questioned his intentions, suggesting that the BJP wants to exploit Bihar's votes for electoral gains while they set up factories in Gujarat. The social media post reads, "Modi Ji! Bihar will not fall for your false promises. This time's issue is poverty, unemployment, crime, migration, better health and education system! You want victory from Bihar and will set up factories in Gujarat! The people of Bihar are not made for labor work." https://x.com/yadavtejashwi/status/1963511741892944054 The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is observing Bihar Bandh over the derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late mother at a Mahagathbandhan event in Bihar. The controversy comes ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, expected to be held in October or November. The elections are likely to be a crucial test for both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan alliance, with each side vying for power and seeking to win over voters. Earlier today, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad strongly condemned the derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late mother during the Voter Adhikar Yatra event in Darbhanga. Speaking to ANI, the BJP MP condemned the act and called it very "shameful". "It is very shameful that PM Modi's late mother was abused and they have not apologised till now. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav that if someone from our party had used this kind of language, we would have taken strict action against him," Prasad said. (ANI) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar on Thursday said that around 320 workers will attend the organisation's all-India coordination meeting in Jodhpur, which is going to be held from September 5 to 7. He also added that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale will also attend the meeting. Speaking at the press conference, Sunil Ambekar said, "320 workers are expected to be here at the meeting. We will receive the guidance of Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale here. All Sah-Sarkaryavah of Sangh will be here at the meeting." This year, the Akhil Bharatiya Samnvay Baithak will be held on September 5, 6 and 7, 2025 (Vikram Samvat 2082, Bhadrapad Shukla Trayodashi, Chaturdashi and Purnima) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The three-day annual coordination meeting of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) takes place every year. Last year, the meeting was held in Palakkad, Kerala, in September 2024. In this national coordination meeting, selected office-bearers of 32 organisations inspired by the RSS will participate. These organisations work positively in different spheres of social life in line with the ideas of the Sangh. They remain committed to bringing about social transformation and improving systems through democratic means in public life. During the meeting, representatives of all organisations will present assessments of current circumstances based on their field experiences. Wide-ranging discussions will be held on subjects of national unity, security, and social perspectives. Collective analytical reviews of recent important developments will also take place. Necessary steps for better coordination among the organisations will be initiated. Workers from various organisations will also present updates on their activities, achievements, and upcoming plans. Deliberations are also expected on the participation of all organisations in the forthcoming RSS centenary programs. The meeting will be attended by all six Sah-Sarkaryavahs and other senior office-bearers. National presidents, organising secretaries, and key leaders of 32 Sangh-inspired organisations, including Rashtra Sevika Samiti, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Bharatiya Janata Party, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Vidya Bharati, and Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, will also participate. (ANI) Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership on the GST reforms, saying that the government's focus has been on inclusive growth and uniting all sections of society. Speaking to reporters here, the Union Minister further emphasised that the government's aim is to ensure that the benefits of growth reach every segment of the population. Dubey said, "Prime Minister Modi has pledged that his government wants to take everyone along in this development journey, wants to work by uniting all sections of society. Other governments work on the basis of caste, but Prime Minister Modi has worked for every section of the society, including youth, women and farmers. In this way, he has tried to unite all sections equally and has worked for the benefit of all." Earlier today, lauding the recent GST reforms, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal termed it as a significant step in the direction of ensuring an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. Goyal emphasised that the collective resolve of 140 crore Indians will drive the country towards becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. Speaking at the IPHEX 2025 International Exhibition on Pharma and Healthcare, the Union Minister said, "Yesterday's GST reforms are a step in the direction of ensuring an Atmanirbhar Bharat, an India which is self-sufficient, self-reliant, an India whose supply chains are self-reliant, an India that cares for every Indian. 140 crore Indians coming together with the collective resolve to make India, Viksit Bharat by 2047, a developed and prosperous nation where everybody gets opportunity, where everybody becomes a participant of India's inclusive and sustainable growth story." The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. 5% slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agricultural equipment like drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, bio-pesticides, micronutrients, soil preparation machines, harvesting tools, tractors, and tractor tires; handicrafts and small industries like sewing machines and their parts and health and wellness like medical equipment and diagnostic kits. While the 18% slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts. Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters. Moreover, some essential services and educational items are fully exempted from GST, including individual health, family floater and life insurance, no GST on health and life insurance premiums and education and healthcare, like certain services related to education and healthcare are GST-exempt. (ANI) The Red Shield Gunners inaugurated 'Ex Samanvay Shakti - Military Civil Fusion Exercise' at Agartala, bringing together multiple stakeholders, including civil administration, police, paramilitary forces, national disaster response force, academia and other government agencies. The 10-day capsule, scheduled from September 2 to 11, is designed to strengthen synergy and cooperation between the Armed Forces and civil stakeholders. The exercise aims to enhance preparedness and coordination in various domains, including internal security, disaster management, infrastructure development, environmental preservation, and technological innovation. This initiative reflects the commitment of the Armed Forces towards the 'Whole of Nation Approach' in addressing present and emerging security challenges. By fostering closer collaboration and mutual understanding, the exercise will significantly contribute to building resilience and ensuring national security while promoting sustainable development. The inauguration witnessed enthusiastic participation and reaffirmed the importance of integrated efforts between the military and civil organisations to address the complex challenges of the 21st century. On Saturday, a special programme was organised in Tripura with the primary focus of creating awareness of cybercrime among members of the media fraternity. Officials highlighted that if the media become well-informed about the growing menace of cybercrime, they can play a vital role in spreading awareness among the general public, thereby acting as strong allies in combating such crimes. The speakers pointed out that cybercrime is on the rise across the country and remains a borderless threat, where perpetrators can target victims from within India or abroad. "The only effective safeguard against such crimes is awareness. With proper knowledge, people can protect themselves both financially and emotionally from falling victim to cybercriminals," they stated. In Tripura, cases of cybercrime had been on the rise until 2024. However, due to sustained awareness drives and preventive measures, the trend has started to decline, something officials described as a "matter of satisfaction". The authorities outlined several initiatives undertaken in the state to curb the menace, including the establishment of a dedicated Cyber Police Station, specialised training for officers, and frequent awareness programmes for the public. The event was part of that ongoing effort to strengthen cyber safety. (ANI) A criminal complaint has been filed in the Rouse Avenue Court against former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, alleging that she forged documents to obtain Indian voter status before acquiring citizenship. The complaint, moved by advocate Vikas Tripathi, seeks an inquiry into how Gandhi was able to cast her vote even before she became a citizen of India in April 1983. The matter came up before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vaibhav Chaurasia, who heard detailed submissions from the complainant's side. The court noted that arguments from the petitioner's side were complete and has listed the matter for further hearing on September 10. Senior Advocates Anil Soni and Pawan Narang appeared for the complainant. Advocate Narang argued that the issue at hand is not political but legal, emphasising that the alleged acts constitute a "cognizable offence" that warrants a police investigation. According to the complaint, Sonia Gandhi, originally an Italian citizen, became an Indian national on April 30, 1983, under Section 5 of the Citizenship Act. However, her name appeared in the New Delhi parliamentary constituency voters' list as early as 1981-82, raising questions about the documents submitted to the Election Commission at the time. Advocate Narang pointed out that Gandhi's name, along with that of her late brother-in-law Sanjay Gandhi, was later deleted from the rolls in 1982. He argued that such a deletion indicates that her earlier entry in the electoral rolls was irregular, as only Indian citizens are eligible to be enrolled as voters. Citing documents, Narang submitted that forged or falsified documents may have been used to secure her inclusion in the voters' list before her citizenship was granted. "A public authority has been misled, and a fraud appears to have been committed," he told the court. He further argued that despite approaching the Delhi Police and senior officers with a complaint, no action was taken, leaving the petitioner with no option but to approach the court. The plea, therefore, seeks a direction for registration of an FIR and investigation into the alleged offences. The complaint also relies on a 1985 Allahabad High Court judgment in Rakesh Singh vs Sonia Gandhi, which had examined the issue of her citizenship in the context of an election petition. While the court had then held that she became an Indian citizen on April 30, 1983, by registration, the present plea argues that any voter enrollment prior to that date was illegal. The petitioner has urged the court to direct the police to investigate, requisition records, and examine the documents submitted to the Election Commission during that period. The court will take up the matter again on September 10, 2025. (ANI) Following heavy downpour, the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is actively engaged in carrying out rescue operations in the flood-affected areas of Budgam district. Speaking to ANI, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) SDRF Masroor Ahmad Mir informed that nearly 600 to 650 civilians have been shifted to safe locations from the flooded areas in south Kashmir. "The rescue operation is underway, given the flood situation. We have rescued many people in South Kashmir and relocated them to safer areas. 600-650 people have been shifted to safer locations," SSP Mir said. Meanwhile, the evacuations and rescue operations are being carried out by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in Anantnag. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) district president Rouf Ahmad Sheikh criticised the Omar Abdullah government, labelling it as "incapable of doing anything." "We want to work as much as possible on the situation here and help people who have problems and have been affected by the flood. I don't think the present government here is capable of doing anything. We don't see anyone from the government," Sheikh said. Following the rise in the water level of the Jhelum in Jammu & Kashmir, Union territory Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that residents affected by the river's breach had been safely evacuated from their affected area on Thursday. In a post on X, Omar Abdullah said that due to the occurrence of a breach in the Jhelum bund near village Zoonipora, Budgam, there has been inundation in nearby areas. Thus, due to the breach, residents of the affected villages, specifically Shalina, Rakh Shalina, and Baghi Shakirshah, have been evacuated. These areas, due to the breach of the Jhelum, had come under water. "In the early hours, a breach occurred in the River Jhelum bund near village Zoonipora, Budgam, resulting in inundation of nearby areas. Consequently, the villages Shalina, Rakh Shalina, and Baghi Shakirshah have come under water. Residents of these villages were safely evacuated during the night to designated rescue centres and safer locations," said Abdullah. However, as per Abdullah, there is an apprehension of inundation in the villages of Seerbagh and Summerbugh. Currently, the rescue team is working to relocate people from these areas to safety. In response to the ongoing flood-like situation and heavy waterlogging in various parts of the city, Srinagar Police, in close coordination with SDRF and River Police, has activated a comprehensive evacuation and relocation plan to safeguard the lives and well-being of affected citizens. According to an official release, police teams from concerned Police Stations, along with River Police and SDRF units, have been deployed under the supervision of territorial officers across multiple vulnerable locations in the district. These teams have successfully evacuated and relocated nearly 200 families and individuals from the most severely impacted areas. Pertinently, 24 families and houseboat dwellers have been rescued and relocated from Peerzo Island and Basantbagh. 39 families evacuated and relocated from vulnerable areas, including Bonyarbal, SR Gunj, Malik Sahib, Safakdal, Pamposh Colony, Noorbagh, Guzarbal, and Madanyar Fateh Kadal. 20 families and individuals evacuated and relocated from Dedi Kadal, Habba Kadal, Zaindar Mohalla, Tankipora, Karan Nagar, Kursoo, Iqbal Colony, and Aramwari. 20 families rescued and relocated from Tailbal and the vulnerable areas of Hazratbal. 63 individuals rescued and relocated from Panzinara-Mujgund, Bund Side, Maloora Bund, Khawajabagh Bund, Parimpora Bund, Bilal Colony Bund, Qamarwari, Rampora Chattabal Bund, Zenpora, and Tengan. In addition to evacuation efforts, Srinagar Police has proactively identified and plugged potential breaches in embankments, preventing further escalation of the flood-like situation. Moreover, Srinagar Police has established 24x7 dedicated helplines to assist citizens in any crises-like situation, in addition to publishing official phone numbers of all officers of the District for any and every assistance in these times. Continuous heavy rainfall has been witnessed in several parts of Jammu & Kashmir, with rivers swelling and flash flood-like conditions reported across multiple districts. In Rajouri, incessant downpours have led to flood-like conditions, forcing authorities to remain on high alert. Meanwhile, in Doda's Bhalesa and Bhaderwah areas, torrential rains continued for the second consecutive day, triggering flood-like conditions. Amid incessant rains, the Tawi River is in full spate, while in Srinagar, the Jhelum River's water level rose significantly. Similarly, the Chenab River is in full spate due to continuous showers in the upper regions. Torrential monsoon rains and severe floods have wreaked havoc across northern India, severely impacting regions in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. Over the past few weeks, relentless downpour has triggered landslides, flash floods, and widespread waterlogging, claiming numerous lives, displacing thousands, and causing extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods. (ANI) The Apparel Export Promotion Council and the Tirupur Knitwear Garment Industry expressed their sincere appreciation for the substantial reform measures recently announced by the GST Council. According to the release, the significant move aimed to strengthen the country's GDP growth trajectory but also reinforce our industry's commitment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Government in its reform initiatives. The decision to fast-track export refunds within 7 days, extend provisional refunds under the inverted duty structure, and allow GST refunds below 1000 will bring timely relief to exporters, ease liquidity constraints, and further streamline supply chains. The release further stated, "As rightly emphasised by the Prime Minister of India in his Independence Day address, these reforms will definitely make a way in improving the living standards of all Indian citizens. We convey our special gratitude to the Prime Minister for translating his words from the Red Fort into action for the benefit of every Indian." Industry leaders have expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister and his cabinet, particularly recognising the efforts of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goel, and Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh. "We also extend our deep appreciation to the visionary leadership of the Government of India - in particular, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon'ble Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goel Ji and Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh ji - for their continued support to India's exporters and the textile-apparel sector," they stated in the release. They emphasised that these progressive reforms are set to empower Indian exporters and significantly advance the national vision of Make in India, paving the way for the textile and apparel sector to realise its full potential. The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. 5% slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agricultural equipment like drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, bio-pesticides, micronutrients, soil preparation machines, harvesting tools, tractors, and tractor tires; handicrafts and small industries like sewing machines and their parts and health and wellness like medical equipment and diagnostic kits. While the 18% slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts. Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters. Moreover, some essential services and educational items are fully exempted from GST, including individual health, family floater and life insurance, no GST on health and life insurance premiums and education and healthcare, like certain services related to education and healthcare are GST-exempt. (ANI) Former President of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Subhrakant Panda said on Thursday that the central government moving towards a two-tiered Goods and Services Tax (GST) shows the "maturation of the whole indirect tax regime," and that the newly announced tax rates fit in with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). "With this big bang reform, there will be a boost to demand. Especially from a common man's perspective, I think, it will provide a lot of relief by bringing down the cost of many everyday items, as well as some of the aspirational items. Overall, I think that is a very significant development," the former FICCI president told ANI. Highlighting how India's growth is predicated upon a young demography and a large domestic market, he said that the GST reform will further help with "navigation challenges" which might come in the future due to "geopolitical developments." "It (GST reforms) fits in with honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, because at the end of the day our growth is predicated upon a young demography and a large domestic market. This development will further strengthen the foundation and enable us to navigate the challenges which are likely to arise out of geopolitical developments," Panda said. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party Telangana state president N Ramchander Rao also hailed the reforms, saying how despite the tariffs imposed by the United States, most goods under the GSt have seen their taxes reduced or eliminated. "There has been a change in the economic condition of our country. On the one hand, America is increasing tariffs, but despite this, in our country, the GST has been reduced from 18% to 12% and from 5% to zero. We support the Indian government's decision. Farmers, citizens, middle-class families, and many people of the country will benefit from this," Rao told ANI. The 56th GST council approved on September 3 to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. 5% slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged foods, agricultural equipment, handicrafts, medical equipment and multiple other things. The 18% slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts. Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters. Additionally, GST is not applicable to health and life insurance premiums, as well as education and healthcare services, such as certain services related to education and healthcare, which are also GST-exempt. (ANI) Hugh Bonneville has urged the "international community" to intervene in Gaza. Hugh Bonneville made a statement at the Downton Abbey premiere The 61-year-old actor was on the red carpet for Wednesday (03.09.25) night's premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in London's Leicester Square when he used his time to discuss the conflict. Speaking to British broadcaster ITV about the beloved franchise coming to an end, he instead turned to the camera and said: "Before I talk about the fluff and loveliness of our wonderful film, whats about to happen in Gaza City is indefensible and the international community must do more to bring it to an end." The reporter looked surprised, while Hugh seamlessly turned back to them to immediately discuss the original point. He added: "Downton Abbey is a lovely film and we are going to celebrate 15 years of it tonight. When the broadcast cut back to the studio, an ITV presenter said: "Of course it's not about the politics, it's about the film." Earlier this week, it was reported by the BBC that the International Association of Genocide Scholars has said Israel's actions in Gaza meet the UN Convention's legal definition of genocide. This week, there have been further protests and people using their platform to raise awareness about famine-struck Gaza. During Venice Film Festival on the same day as Hugh's red carpet interview, there was a screening for The Voice of Hind Rajab, a documentary about a five-year-old girl who was killed in Gaza. The film received a record breaking 23-minute standing ovation, while Motaz Malhees - one of the stars of the film - help up a Palestinian flag in the cinema. Over the weekend, there was a large protest on the Lido in support of Palestine, while stars like Pedro Pascal have made their voices heard. He has previously been seen championing causes such as the Free Gaza Movement by wearing Protect The Dolls T-shirts in public and posting about food blockages into Gaza on social media. Speaking live with Sky News about the worries of having his statements being taken out of context, he said: I think it's very easy to get scared no matter what you sort of talk about. There's so many different ways that things can get kind of fractured and have a life of itself really. He added: It's sort of a business part of the way media can work really. There's one thing that you can say and no matter what your intention behind it, it is absolutely lost in all of these different headlines, I suppose, but I'll never shut up. The Uttarakhand government's disaster management department has requested the centre to provide special assistance of Rs 5,702.15 crore to compensate for the damage caused during this year's monsoon and to prevent possible damage to infrastructure structures in future. In this regard, Secretary Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman has sent a detailed memorandum to the Additional Secretary, Disaster Management Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Suman informed that due to the natural disaster this year, the Public Works Department (PWD) and public roads have suffered direct damage of approximately Rs 1,163.84 crore. The damages to the Irrigation Department's assets are approximately Rs 266.65 crore, followed by Rs 123.17 crore of damage to the assets of the Energy Department, Rs 4.57 crore of damage to the Health Department, and Rs 68.28 crore of damage to the assets of the School Education Department. Moreover, damages of Rs 9.04 crore have occurred to the Higher Education Department's assets, followed by Rs 2.55 crore damage to the Fisheries Department's assets, the Rural Development Department Rs 65.50 crore, the Urban Development Department Rs 4 crore, the Animal Husbandry Department Rs 23.06 crore and other departmental assets Rs 213.46 crore. All government departments have suffered direct damage of approximately Rs 1,944.15 crore. Along with the above-mentioned amount of Rs 1,944.15 crore for the reconstruction and recovery of these assets, the centre has been requested to assist with Rs 3,758.00 crore for saving the assets and stabilising roads, populated areas, and other infrastructure structures, which are on the verge of being damaged due to the disaster. Thus, a total amount of Rs 5,702.15 crore has been demanded by Uttarakhand for the damage caused by the disaster in 2025 for carrying out repairs and reconstruction, as well as to protect infrastructure structures, including public assets such as roads, that were damaged due to the disaster. The Secretary Disaster Management and Rehabilitation informed that a total of 79 people have died, 115 people have been injured, and 90 people are missing due to a natural disaster in the year 2025 between April 1 and August 31. A total of 3,953 small and big animals have died. A total of 238 concrete buildings have been destroyed, two kuccha buildings have been destroyed, 2,835 concrete buildings have been severely damaged, and 402 kuccha buildings have been severely damaged. Apart from this, a large number of commercial buildings, including shops, hotels, homestays, restaurants, and other structures, have been damaged. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday hailed the newly announced Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, saying that such a step is a "decisive and important step towards making India a leading economy in the global market with a high growth rate." "India's economy is entering a new era under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is not just a tax reform but a decisive and important step towards making India a leading economy in the global market with a high growth rate. Hearty congratulations to PM Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for this far-reaching historic decision," the Uttar Pradesh CM told ANI here. Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the "far-reaching historic decision", he said that the new reforms will make it easier for compliance and will generate new employment opportunities. "Compliance with GST will now be simpler, Ease of doing business will reach new heights, lakhs of new employment opportunities will be generated," he added. Highlighting how 'swadeshi' products will also be promoted with the reforms, he mentioned, "This will also promote the spirit of self-reliance through 'Swadeshi'. This structure will be a solution to the inverted duty structure, settlement of international disputes, and a transparent tax system will strengthen stability and trust among businesses." The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. The 5 per cent slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agriculture equipment; handicrafts and small industries; also medical equipment and diagnostic kits. The 18 per cent slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts. Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters. Moreover, some essential services and educational items are fully exempted from GST, including individual health, family floater and life insurance; also, certain services related to education and healthcare are GST-exempt. (ANI) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday asserted that the relief package worth Rs 209 crore released by the Centre after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent visit to inspect the rain, flood, and landslide-affected areas of Jammu division was 'not enough.' Shah was in Jammu from September 1 to 2 to take stock of the situation amid heavy downpour and incidents of cloud bursts and landslides. He also met the flood-affected people in Mangu Chak village, Jammu. He inspected the Tawi Bridge at Bikram Chowk, the Shiv Temple, and homes damaged by floods in Jammu. The Centre has released funds worth Rs 209 crore for the SDRF. "We need thousands of crores rupees, given the kind of damage I witnessed while taking stock of the situation. There have been damages to people's homes, farms and other belongings," Mufti said while addressing a press conference, urging the UT government to provide land to displaced persons for rehabilitation. This comes after Mufti visited several places in Jammu that have been affected by the flooding following the cloud burst and landslide incidents. She visited RS Pura today to take stock of the situation. Speaking on the deaths of over 30 people due to a massive landslide at Vaishno Devi in Katra, Mufti argued that the responsibility must be fixed, given that more people are missing than those who have died. "There are more missing people than those who have died. These people (the central government) are good at hiding. Nobody knows how many deaths occurred during the Kumbh Mela stampede. Nobody knows how many have died here as well. Nobody tells us. Shrine Board should answer," Mufti said. "We have to fix some responsibility regarding the damage to bridges. Why are they being damaged like this?" the former J&K Chief Minister added. Claiming that disregarding nature for infrastructural development, Mufti argued that temples and religious spots in the mountains have been reduced to picnic spots. "Government has handed over land, forest, and rivers to contractors on menial rates and left it up to them how they want to use it. The Amritsar-Katra six-lane highway is being built. Do these people not understand why our Gods used high mountains and forests as their abode? They have reduced temples and religious places to picnic spots," she said. The PDP chief encouraged people to "wake up" and stop the government from "cutting trees" and further exploiting nature in the mountains in the name of construction. "So much development was done around and to reach Uttarakhand's Char Dham, that two dhams remain closed today. Contractors have exploited nature for construction. Katra ropeway will also demand many trees to be cut, and more destruction is on the way," Mufti said. "Until we wake up and stop our governments, they will not stop. The Supreme Court and the (National Green) Tribunal have also not been able to stop them. Miners are exploiting our rivers as well," she added. Following a heavy downpour on Thursday, the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) remains engaged in carrying out rescue operations in the flood-affected areas of Budgam district. Continuous heavy rainfall has been witnessed in several parts of Jammu & Kashmir, with rivers swelling and flash flood-like conditions reported across multiple districts. In Rajouri, incessant downpours had led to flood-like conditions, forcing authorities to remain on high alert. Amid incessant rains, the Tawi River is in full spate, while in Srinagar, the Jhelum River's water level rose significantly. Similarly, the Chenab River is in full spate due to continuous showers in the upper regions. Torrential monsoon rains and severe floods have wreaked havoc across northern India, severely impacting regions in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. Over the past few weeks, relentless downpour has triggered landslides, flash floods, and widespread waterlogging, claiming numerous lives, displacing thousands, and causing extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods. (ANI) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday visited Amritsar and Gurdaspur in the flood-hit Punjab and stated that two central teams are evaluating damage in the state, calling the current situation serious. Chouhan further assured that the central government is standing firmly with the farmers and the public of the state. "The situation is serious. Due to floods, the crops are destroyed. 1400 villages are badly affected. The Centre has sent two Central teams to assess the damage. The state government will also conduct an assessment. I have come here at the direction of the Prime Minister. In this difficult time, we stand firmly with the farmers and the public of Punjab," Chouhan told ANI. The Minister visited flood-affected areas in Amritsar district today and, during the inspection, met the affected people in the area and heard their grievances. Minister Chouhan also inspected the crops damaged by waterlogging due to continuous heavy rains and talked to farmers. Due to severe flooding, around 37 lives have been lost due to severe flood in the state, announced the state government on Thursday. According to the government of Punjab, around 1,655 villages have been affected, with Gurdaspur the most affected area, as 324 villages were impacted by flooding, followed by Ferozepur (111), Amritsar (190), Hoshiarpur (121), Kapurthala (123) and Sangrur (107). As per the government, around 1,75,216 hectares of total cropland have been affected. But in order to deal with severe floods, the government has stepped up rescue and relief operations across the state. Punjab Police is using drones to deliver relief to flood-hit villages in Amritsar, trying to reach various affected areas like Ajnala. In other parts of the state, evacuation drives were conducted in villages along the Sutlej, where residents were asked to shift to relief camps established by the government. Meanwhile, authorities today conducted a surprise visit to Derabassi in Mohali to review the emergency preparedness of the local administration. During the inspection, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Anmol Singh Dhaliwal visited several flood-prone localities, including Gulmohar Extension, ATS Meadows, Krishna Enclave, and Gulmohar Society. He interacted with residents and officials to take a firsthand stock of the situation and assess the readiness of the Municipal Council, Derabassi, to respond effectively to any eventuality. The ADC directed officials to keep all necessary machinery, manpower, and resources on standby for emergency water drainage and rescue operations. "Timely action can prevent both loss of life and large-scale damage. The administration, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, is committed to ensuring that every possible step is taken to protect the residents of Derabassi," he assured. He also emphasised the importance of preventive measures, instructing Executive Officer (EO) Ravneet Singh to maintain and clean all major roads, sewer lines, and drainage channels to ensure the smooth flow of rainwater. "Clogged drains and poor maintenance often worsen the flooding situation. Proper upkeep is crucial in safeguarding low-lying areas," Dhaliwal remarked. Briefing the ADC, Ravneet Singh said that the Municipal Council had already mapped flood-prone areas and formed dedicated response teams. He added that dewatering pumps and other machinery had been arranged in advance to deal with emergencies. The surprise visit was aimed not only at reviewing preparedness but also at instilling confidence among local residents that the administration was alert and ready to act at short notice. (ANI) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday ordered the officials to expedite the process to seek flood relief fund from the Union Government. Reviewing the flood relief operations at the Integrated District Office Complex in Kamareddy, the Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the officials for responding immediately and preventing excessive flood damage in the recent heavy rains. "The authorities should also take immediate steps to get flood relief fund as per the norms from the centre," the CM said. CM Revanth Reddy inquired about the relief provided to the flood victims and instructed the officials to prepare plans to address the flood problems permanently in the future, said the release. Since the government established various departments for administrative convenience, the Chief Minister has emphasised the need for strong coordination between all departments in crisis management. The District Collectors should also hold coordination meetings with all departments during the crisis. The CM emphasised that everyone should adopt a humane approach, transcending politics, during the crisis. Instructing the officials to implement all the decisions made in the review meeting, the CM stated that he would hold another review within the next 15 days. State Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Seethakka will hold a special review of the floods in the old Nizamabad district. The Chief Minister appealed to the people's representatives to bring the issues of their constituencies to the attention of Minister Seethakka in the meeting. On August 28, BRS Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) has sharply criticised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accusing him of negligence in handling the severe flood situation in Telangana. KTR, who toured flood-affected areas in the Kamareddy and Sircilla districts, demanded that the state government provide immediate relief to those who have lost everything. "While the state is in turmoil due to floods, the Chief Minister is holding review meetings on the Musi beautification project and Olympics," KTR said, calling it a matter of shame. "Revanth Reddy is acting like Emperor Nero, who played the fiddle while Rome burned." KTR stated that the state government failed to issue a timely alert to the public despite the Manair River receiving over one lakh cusecs of floodwater. He condemned this as a reckless disregard for people's lives. He also alleged that the delay in rescue operations was caused by state-owned helicopters being used for Congress's election campaign in Bihar. He contrasted this with the previous BRS government, under which former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao promptly deployed helicopters to rescue flood-affected people in Mancherial and Bhupalapally districts. (ANI) The North East Region (NER) Ministers' Conference on Civil Aviation 2025, along with the 3rd North East Aviation Summit, was held on Thursday in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The event was organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. In the inaugural, Pema Khandu, Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh, emphasised that transportation connectivity is the most critical sector for the development of the NER. In the last 10 years, aviation infrastructure and connectivity status of NER has seen unprecedented growth, said Ministry of Civil Aviation. Having airports in Arunachal Pradesh was a long cherished dream of the people which got realised because of the active support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the visionary leadership of the PM. Progress in creation of aviation infrastructure and path breaking schemes like UDAN have been instrumental in transforming the socio economic aspirations of the NE region. Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, emphasized the need for deepening Centre-State-Industry collaboration for the accelerated growth of the Civil Aviation sector in the North East Region. He emphasized that enhanced air connectivity is vital for improving accessibility to remote and border areas, promoting tourism, facilitating cargo and logistics, and driving industrial as well as socio-economic growth in Arunachal Pradesh and the North East Region. To realise its strong tourism potential, North East Region should solve its connectivity challenges in fast pace. Also there is need for accelerating skilling initiatives for fast tracking employment generation among the youths of the region. An industry driven aviation ecosystem would be able to cater to both these needs. The Minister expressed pride in informing that the number of operational airports in the region has grown from nine in 2014 to 16 at present. Aircraft movements have nearly doubled, while domestic passenger traffic has increased more than threefold since 2014. Encouraging the states to harness on the region's tourism potential, the Minister stated: "You have not seen India until you have seen North East India. The natural beauty, vibrant culture, warm hospitality and the strong essence of Indianness found here are unmatched." He urged the states to focus on developing tourism infrastructure and hospitality services to complement expanding aviation connectivity. Highlighting future support for infrastructure creation, the Minister shared that for the North Eastern group of states, we have decided to offer four pre-feasibility studies for Greenfield Airport development every financial year, free of consultancy or other charges. This will encourage states to plan and build new airports and take full advantage of the growth momentum. He assured continued support from the Central Government and emphasized that aviation is no longer a luxury--but a critical enabler of Viksit Bharat @2047. Highlighting India's transformation into the third-largest domestic aviation market, he pointed to initiatives like UDAN, expansion of airports, growth of regional carriers, focus on Aviation skilling and efforts to incentivise MRO sector as key pillars of progress. As part of Session on Opportunities for states, officials from Ministry of Civil Aviation and AAI presented various airport development models and opportunities like HEMS and skilling of youth to the states. It was followed by One on One interaction with the state delegations. Parallel interactions of the states with Industry partners were also organised. During the interaction with the Ministry, Lalduhoma, Chief Minister, Mizoram, highlighted that the development and betterment of aviation in the North East is not only a matter of improving air travel but a vital step toward unlocking the region's true potential. Enhanced aviation connectivity will bridge geographical barriers, link remote areas with the rest of India, and foster stronger integration with national and international markets. He emphasized that better air infrastructure--such as new airports, heliports, and regional connectivity through smaller aircraft and helicopters--will directly benefit tourism, trade, healthcare access, and emergency services. Improved aviation services will also empower local communities by creating new avenues for employment, boosting entrepreneurship, and attracting private investment into the region. Balo Raja, Minister of Land Management, Civil Aviation during his speech on States's perspective emphasized that strengthening regional connectivity is pivotal to unlocking the immense economic potential of North East India. The Minister highlighted that aviation development in the North Eastern region will play a transformative role in establishing robust air links between remote towns and metropolitan cities will reduce travel time, improve mobility, and integrate the region more closely with the rest of the country, Improved air cargo facilities will provide new avenues for the export of horticultural produce, handicrafts, and other local products, thereby boosting regional trade and commerce. Tshering Bhutia, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation & Industries, Govt of Sikkim emphasized the importance of policy-driven initiatives that will create a more conducive environment for investment, ease of doing business, and expansion of air services in the North Eastern region. He advocated for the full scale operationalisation of Pakyong Airport by expediting resolution of challenges. He reaffirmed the State's commitment to work in close partnership with the Centre to build a robust aviation ecosystem in Sikkim.(ANI) In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, Gauhati University has secured 9th rank among state universities, 33rd among all varsities and 52nd among all institutions, said a press release. Gauhati University Vice Chancellor Prof Nani Gopal Mahanta on Thursday applauded the herculean contribution of the University's academic community, staff, and students for ensuring a four-rank jump in the University's National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 ranking in the State Public Universities category, from thirteenth last year to ninth this year. He asserted that this boosts the institution's confidence in contributing to the building of a vibrant knowledge society, a future-ready economy, and the broader vision of Viksit Assam and Viksit Bharat by 2047, the release said. The 2025 NIRF Rankings were unveiled on Thursday by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi, and Gauhati University ranks 33rd among all Universities and 52nd among all institutions. This recognition comes shortly after Gauhati University was ranked among the 351-400 category globally and 48th in India, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia Ranking. Assam Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu extended his congratulations to Gauhati University on its impressive leap in the NIRF rankings. Prof Mahanta also highlighted the collective effort behind the success, noting, "This accomplishment is the result of coordinated effort across every level of the University, from faculty and students to administrative staff. Each individual's contribution, no matter how big or small, has been integral in strengthening our academic standards and ensuring that Guwahati University not only meets but exceeds national and global expectations." Prof Utpal Sarma, Registrar, extended his appreciation, saying, "I would like to sincerely congratulate our teachers and students, whose relentless dedication, commitment, and pursuit of excellence have made this remarkable achievement possible. Their hard work, innovative thinking, and collaborative spirit have truly set a benchmark for what we can achieve as a university community." This year marks the 10th edition of the NIRF India Rankings, covering 17 categories and subject domains, including a new category that assesses institutions' performance on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on environmentally sustainable practices. (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia visited the flood-affected areas of Punjab on Thursday, going to the Dina Nagar assembly constituency in the Gurdaspur district as the party workers and state government officials distributed food, rations and essential items to the affected people. Sisodia visited the area with AAP's Punjab chief Sherry Kalsi and Halqa incharge Shamsher Singh, along with other volunteers. According to the AAP leader, the local elders have compared the disaster to the 1988 devastating floods in the region. The locals have said that while the water from the 1988 floods, which displaced thousands, receded within 2 days, currently it has been 12 days and the water seems to be rising again. "In such a situation, the Aam Aadmi Party government, the Aam Aadmi Party team, and every single worker are delivering food, rations, and all essential items. The real challenge will be the rehabilitation of these people," Sisodia said. Sharing about his visit in a post on X, he showed how people's houses are getting flooded. Earlier, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited Amritsar and Gurdaspur in the flood-hit Punjab and stated that two central teams are evaluating damage in the state, calling the current situation serious. Chouhan further assured that the central government is standing firmly with the farmers and the public of the state. "The situation is serious. Due to floods, the crops are destroyed. 1400 villages are badly affected. The Centre has sent two Central teams to assess the damage. The state government will also conduct an assessment. I have come here at the direction of the Prime Minister. In this difficult time, we stand firmly with the farmers and the public of Punjab," Chouhan told ANI. The Minister visited flood-affected areas in Amritsar district today and, during the inspection, met the affected people in the area and heard their grievances. (ANI) The Coordination Committee of the All Delhi Bar Associations declared a complete abstention from work from Monday onwards. This decision has been taken after the issuance of a circular by the Delhi Police for deposition of formal police witnesses from police stations. Lawyers are saying that the circular is not in line with the final outcome of the meeting and the assurance given by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 2. Advocate Nagendra Kumar, Convener of the Coordination Committee, said that there is a deviation from what was assured to the lawyers. We have decided to go on strike. Advocate Tarun Rana, Secretary, New Delhi Bar Association, said that it has been decided that there will be a complete abstention from work from Monday onwards, and we will intensify the agitation in view of the decision of the coordination committee. Delhi Police on Thursday issued a circular stating that only formal police witnesses may be permitted to be examined through video conferencing from a designated place for deposition. "The examination of material police witnesses may continue to be conducted in physical mode, pending further consultations among various stakeholders," Delhi Police said. This would ensure that while the objective of expediting proceedings and reducing delays is met, the sanctity and efficacy of the examination of crucial witnesses is also maintained. Further, in the event of any request from the defence counsel for examination of a police witness, in physical mode, the same may be considered by the learned Presiding Judge on merits. On the other hand, the coordination committee, after a meeting said that a delegation of representatives of Coordination Committee and Bar Council of Delhi had meeting with the Union Home Minister on September 2 and apprised him about the resentment among the lawyers about the Notification issued by the LG on August 13, 2025 for deposition of police officials through video conferencing from the police station. The committee has said that after deliberation and discussion, it was assured by the Union Home Minister that an official communication/circular shall be issued to clarify that the examination of the police station shall not take place from the police station. On August 28, the District Court Lawyers had suspended their strike against the Lieutenant Governor's (LG) notification after a meeting of lawyers with the representative of the Government. The strike was suspended in view of a statement issued from the office of the Commissioner of police saying that the operation of the LG's notification would only be carried out after hearing all stakeholders. Delhi police earlier had said in a statement that concerns have been raised by members of the Bar in Delhi regarding the said notification. The co-ordination committee of All District Courts Bar Association of Delhi, through their letter dated 18th August 2025 to the Chief Minister of Delhi and vide letter of 20th August 2025 to the Hon'ble LG of Delhi, has submitted their representation on this matter. "In view of the above, to address and resolve the concerns, it has been decided that the Union Home Minister would meet the representatives of the Bar to discuss the issue with an open mind," the statement reads. Lawyers have been on strike since August 22, against the LG's notification for deposition of police personnel through video conferencing from the police stations. (ANI) Speaking at the 19th Governing Council Meeting of CBPACS in Najafgarh, Singh highlighted the institute's achievements and outlined plans to expand its visibility, research, and public outreach in traditional healthcare. As per the release, Kumar said, "CBPACS stands as a preeminent institution, and I am pleased with its impressive functioning. Our vision is to establish it as a benchmark Ayurvedic institute in India, fostering innovative healthcare and research for all citizens." Singh also stressed the importance of making Panchakarma therapies widely available and announced the creation of an International Wellness Center to address stress and mental health issues using traditional wellness techniques. In addition, a mobile unit will be deployed for public outreach to popularise Ayurveda. Singh assured faculty and staff of full government support and encouraged collaborative efforts to raise CBPACS to international standards. He further announced plans to expand research activities through partnerships with national and international institutions. The meeting was attended by CBPACS Director-Principal Manu Bhai Gaur, Director General of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences Rabi Narayan Acharya, Joint Advisor of the Ministry of AYUSH Debashish Panda, and other senior officials from the Health and Finance Departments. Aligned with the National AYUSH Mission, the Delhi Government has also approved the creation of the Delhi State AYUSH Society (DSAS), which will oversee program delivery, fund utilisation, promotional activities, and the Mental Wellness Programme in collaboration with CBPACS and other AYUSH institutions. (ANI) Multiple international guests hail V-Day parade as media outlets note message sent via event 08:45, September 04, 2025 By Zhao Yusha,Cao Siqi and Xing Xiaojing ( Global Times A massive military parade is held in Beijing on September 3, 2025 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 armament formation is being reviewed at the event. Photo: Xinhua The world's attention has been focused on Beijing as China held a massive military parade in central Beijing on Wednesday 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, pledging the country's commitment to peaceful development in a world still fraught with turbulence and uncertainties. Some foreign leaders who participated in the commemorations at Tian'anmen Square on Wednesday shared their feelings, while multiple international media outlets have shown interest not only in advanced weapons displayed during the parade, but also noted the message of peace and development China delivered. The events marking the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War "were held brilliantly, simply very well, at a high level," Russian President Vladimir Putin said during talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing on Wednesday, according to Russian news agency TASS. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar lbrahim said the commemorative V-Day parade held by the Chinese government to mark 80 years since the end of World War II "served as a timely reminder that a nation's sovereignty must always be defended and safeguarded," reported Bernama.com. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed his gratitude to the Chinese President and the Chinese people for their "sincere friendship" toward Serbia, in a post on his Facebook page in Serbian language on Wednesday following the conclusion of China's grand V-Day parade, adding that "China has always stood by Serbia, especially in difficult times. Serbia and the Serbian people will never forget this!" Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's press-service wrote on the X on Wednesday that attending the military parade "reaffirmed Uzbekistan's foreign policy commitment to fostering friendship and constructive dialogue for peace, sustainable development and prosperity." Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli hailed the event as "a truly historic gathering of global friendship and remembrance," as he posted on X following the conclusion of the military parade. Miguel Diaz-Canel, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and Cuban president, who attended the event, wrote on his X account on Wednesday in Chinese that "admiring China's glorious history and its progress today, [I] sincerely thank the Communist Party of China, the government, and the people for their steadfast unity and vital support in countering the blockade." Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, who participated in the commemorations, told the Global Times on Wednesday that "We know that this day is very important for the Chinese people. With my presence on behalf of the Hungarian government, we wanted to show respect to the Chinese people, and we wanted to show how important it is for us to have a foundation of this relationship based on mutual respect." Yesenia Peredo Mendoza, a reporter from Bolivia, told the Global Times at the viewing stand on Tian'anmen Square that the parade is not only important for China, but also "important for the world to remember how we can think more in the future. I have high expectations about China, the culture, the people, the history, too I will show the parade to my country; show that to the world." China today is not like China before; it is strong and well developed, Ayoub Bechouri from China Arab TV, who also participated in the parade, told the Global Times. "So that's why I'm so excited to attend this event. And also I'm curious to see the new technology, and the new development of the army equipment." The military parade has also garnered significant attention from multiple Western media outlets. News outlets including the AP, Bloomberg and BBC have paid attention to the development of weapons and equipment of Chinese military. "Some of the weapons and military units in China's major parade were being displayed for the first time," The AP noted. "Autonomous weapons were showcased as well including a doglike robot riding on the back of a vehicle demonstrating China's progress in developing uncrewed systems in the air, on the ground and even underwater," Bloomberg reported. BBC said that from massive, underwater torpedoes to state-of-the-art laser weapons that shoot down drones, China's latest military parade will now be analyzed by Pentagon experts and defence officials around the world. In an opinion piece published by CNN, it said that "The huge volume of military hardware exhibited shows that China has the industrial might to back up its wordsIt's the kind of industrial capacity the US put together to win World War II, the end of which Wednesday's parade was said to commemorate. But while US industry spelled the end of the Axis powers 80 years ago, America now doesn't have the capacity to turn out weaponry in the numbers that China can." The New York Times said the massive parade "signals that China won't be bullied again" and issues a defiant warning to rivals not to challenge the country's sovereignty. The leaders of many Southeast Asian and Central Asian nations attended the parade, showing China's success in strengthening regional partnerships, said the NYT report. Ishida Ryuji, a Japanese national and associate researcher at the School of Humanities at Shanghai Jiaotong University, attended the commemorative gathering on site. Ishida said he kept asking himself: "With what frame of mind should I take part in this event? In the process, I deeply felt the joy and pride of the Chinese people in achieving victory in war and in regaining national independence and self-identity. As a Japanese national, this has once again strengthened my resolve to follow the path of peace." What the Chinese people expect is for Japan to confront history with sincerity and reflect on the war, rather than constantly evading or obscuring the focus and sinking deeper into the quagmire of glorifying history. Only peace built on the foundation of truth and justice can bring genuinely stable and friendly development to China-Japan relations, Ishida noted. CEO of Kazakh-Asian Association for Trade and Cultural Development and president of the Kazakhstan-China Trade Promotion Association, Kanat Beisek, who watched the parade on site in Beijing, told the Global Times that for Asia, many countries suffered fascist aggression during World War II, and the commemoration reinforces their shared historical memory, laying a foundation for regional reconciliation and cooperation. In today's complex and volatile international environment, the commemorations highlight China's responsibility as a major country, setting an example for the international community to draw lessons from history and look toward the future, said Beisek. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Sydney Sweeney's controversial American Eagle ad has been hailed a "success". Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle campaign was a 'success' The company's recent add campaign featuring the Euphoria actress sparked backlash with critics claiming it referenced eugenics by joking that the 27-year-old star had "great jeans". Howver, American Eagle Outfitters' executive chairman and CEO Jay Schottenstein has brushed off the controversy and praised the impact of the ad. In a statement alongside the company's second quarter financial results, he said: The fall season is off to a positive start. Fueled by stronger product offerings and the success of recent marketing campaigns with Sydney Sweeney and Travis Kelce, we have seen an uptick in customer awareness, engagement and comparable sales. "We look forward to building on our progress and the continued strength of our iconic brands to drive higher profitability, long-term growth and shareholder value. As detailed by WWD, the brand saw denim sellouts, as well as traffic frowth in the double digits, plus boosts in new customers and engagement. In the campaign video, the actress - who has blonde hair and blue eyes - says: "Genes that are passed from parent to offspring often determine traits such as hair colour, personality and even eye colour." Sydney concluded the segment by looking into the camera and saying: "My jeans are blue." American Eagle later issued a statement defending its campaign. The company read: "Well continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone." Meanwhile, this week Sydney launched a new collaboration with Jimmy Choo, which was shot before the American Eagle campaign. Creative director Sandra Choi told WWD how important footwear is to an outfit. She said: "I always think that the shoes finish an outfit, reveal personality and adjust the mood. "For autumn the low loafer, Tylor, is important smart, functional and fun when she is adorned with a drizzle of crystal fringes just how Jimmy Choo does a loafer." Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Thursday welcomed the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, calling it a "big and historic step." "On August 15, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi had announced this, and it was fulfilled within 18 days. The GST Council has prepared a new slab... GST has been reduced on many products. GST on health insurance and life insurance has been made zero... This is a big and historic step towards making India self-reliant. We should not import, but export, and all the needs of our country should be met by products manufactured in our country. I welcome this decision and thank the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister," Maurya told ANI. He further mocked Congress, stating that they were 'desperate' and 'disappointed,' and opposed things that should be welcomed. "The Congress is desperate, disappointed, and in a state of exile, so they oppose even those things that should be welcomed..." he further added. The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the decision on September 3, after she chaired the GST council meeting. This has reduced the previous GST slabs from 5 per cent, which consisted of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen items, agricultural equipment, handicrafts and small industries, and also medical equipment and diagnostic kits. While the 18 per cent slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services. Additionally, there is a 40 per cent slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products such as cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages, as well as luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters. Notably, some essential services and educational items are fully exempt from GST, including individual health, family floater, and life insurance. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday interacted with this year's National Awardee teachers at his residence, hailing their role in shaping the nation's future and urging them to instil the spirit of self-reliance among students. Highlighting the importance of reducing dependence on foreign goods, the Prime Minister said, "Sometimes we don't even know how foreign products have entered our house... Children should sit and make a list of all the foreign things they use in a day... You can motivate a whole new generation. We have the good fortune to complete the work that Mahatma Gandhi has left for us." Congratulating the awardees ahead of Teachers' Day, he noted that their recognition is the result of dedication and consistent effort. "Your selection for this award is, in a way, a testament to your hard work and your continuous dedication; only then does all this become possible. A teacher is not just for the present, but also shapes the future generations of the country; he polishes the future," Modi said. He further underlined the deep-rooted significance of India's guru-disciple tradition, equating teachers with national servants. "I understand that this too, in every way, is no less than anyone else's service to the nation in the category of national service. Our country has always been a devotee of the guru-disciple tradition. The guru is considered the guide of life." Recalling the central role of educators in nation-building, Modi remarked, "A mother gives birth, and a guru gives life. Today, as we move forward with the goal of building a developed India, this guru-disciple tradition is also one of our greatest strengths. Teachers are the foundation of a strong nation and an empowered society." Every year, Teachers' Day is celebrated on 5 September. It's a day dedicated to teachers and the role they play in shaping their students' lives. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of scholar and Bharat Ratna recipient Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on this day in 1888. He was the first Vice President of independent India (1952-1962). He was also the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. (ANI) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (local time) advocated for the end of a "unipolar world", emphasising a multipolar global order where all nations are equal without any "hegemons" dominating politics or security. During a press briefing following his four-day visit to China, Putin highlighted the need for equitable international relations, positioning organisations like BRICS and SCO as platforms for this vision. "A unipolar world is unfair. It's obvious. And we are developing our relations not based on the opinion of the majority... We are developing our relations and our cooperation based on the idea. And the idea is that the world must be multipolar, which means that all the actors of international communication and international relations must be equal, and there must be no one more equal than the others. And a unipolar world must cease to exist," Putin stated. "As for whether the multipolar world has been established or not, well, its outlines are there, by and large. But I wouldn't really speak about any demeaning pulse. It doesn't mean that this new multipolar world should have any hegemons, because no one is speaking about this, not in BRICS, not in the SCO," he added. Citing economic giants like India and China, Putin acknowledged the shifting global balance but cautioned that economic strength should not translate into political or security dominance. He further elaborated on the emerging multipolar framework. "Everyone has equal rights in this multipolar world. And from an international law point of view, everyone must have equal rights and must be in a similar position. Yes, there are economic giants like India or China. And actually, our country is among the top four biggest economies if we speak of purchasing power parity. These are the current realities. That's not something that we would like to have. That's what international organisations calculate. But it doesn't mean that anyone should dominate over politics or over global security. So we do not believe that there should be some domination. Everyone must be equal," the Russian President stated. This remark was a subtle take on the sanctions imposed by the West on Moscow due to the Ukraine conflict, as well as on the global economic concerns due to the tariff policies introduced by US President Donald Trump, which have caused frictions with certain countries on the international stage, particularly the tariff he has imposed on India and China. New Delhi is facing global uncertainties due to heightened economic tensions following the US imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, including an additional 25 per cent due to its purchase of Russian crude oil. Reflecting on the outcomes of his visit, Putin described them as "very positive", noting, "The documents that were adopted by all of the participants are very forward-looking." Putin also spoke about the conversation that he had with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their bonhomie car ride from the SCO conference venue to the bilateral meeting hotel. He stated that he had briefed PM Modi on the recent talk he had with Trump in Alaska. "Well, it's not a secret. To him (PM Modi), I told about the negotiations in Alaska," Putin added. (ANI) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (local time) described the Ukraine conflict as a mere "pretext" by Western powers to take broader punitive measures against countries maintaining strong economic ties with Russia. During a media interaction following his four-day visit to China, the Russian President dismissed the relevance of the Ukraine situation to recent trade actions, noting that the narrative was being deliberately exploited to justify trade restrictions and tariffs that, in reality, serve unrelated political or economic agendas. In response to a question about Europe's impending sanctions targeting not only Russia but also its trading partners, Putin stated, "Well, surprisingly enough, we almost didn't mention this in our conversations because it's not really something that concerns us. Because the Ukraine situation is only a pretext to take various steps against countries that have economic ties with us." He also pointed out the imposition of additional tariffs on Brazil earlier in August as an example of sanctions that had no direct connection to the Ukraine conflict. The Russian leader argued that the true reason behind many of these sanctions lies in growing economic imbalances between the West, particularly the United States, and other major economies like India, China, and Brazil. "There is a trade disproportion between the United States and India or with China, but there is no situation between Brazil and the United States, for example. And, by the way, Brazil faced additional tariffs on the 6th of August, even though the deadline was the 8th of August. So what does Ukraine have to do with this? Nothing. It's only about domestic politics... Ukraine doesn't have anything to do with that. So, of course, there is some imbalance in trade, but I believe that those should be addressed through negotiations," the Russian President added. This remark was a response to global economic concerns stemming from the tariff policies introduced by US President Donald Trump, which have caused friction with certain countries on the international stage, particularly the tariffs he has imposed on India and China. New Delhi is facing global uncertainties due to heightened economic tensions following the US imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, including an additional 25 per cent due to its purchase of Russian crude oil, which, according to Washington, fuels Moscow's efforts in its conflict with Ukraine. (ANI) Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay on Wednesday stressed that the "Nalanda spirit," rooted in the ancient centre of learning in Bihar, must continue to thrive, while affirming that Bhutan will contribute to spreading and nurturing it. Speaking at an event that was streamed live on Nalanda University's YouTube channel, Tobgay said, "I would like to thank the government of India for continuing the tradition of Nalanda Mahavira and continuing to spread the Nalanda spirit. And, in that spirit, for giving Bhutan the opportunity to build a temple in Rajgir." He further expressed his appreciation, adding, "Thank you for giving us the opportunity to visit this historic city, Rajgir." Highlighting the role of the institution, the Bhutanese Prime Minister stated, "Today, you have the Nalanda University continuing to carry on the Nalanda spirit.... Learn and grow in oneness with Nalanda. The Nalanda spirit must grow and we in Bhutan will do our part to propagate, to nurture this spirit." When asked about Bhutan's ties with Nalanda during an interaction with the audience, Tobgay responded, "A lot is happening between Bhutan and Nalanda, especially when we have a temple now." Reflecting further on the connection, he added, "Nalanda is not just a university of the past -- it is a timeless beacon of peace, unity and spirituality that continues to inspire the world. As only Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom, Bhutan deeply cherishes Nalanda's role in shaping our spiritual and cultural traditions. Our future collaborations with Nalanda will be an extension of this historic bond." Continuing his engagements in India, Prime Minister Tobgay is scheduled to visit Ayodhya on September 5 and offer prayers at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, District Magistrate Nikhil Tikaram Funde said on Wednesday. Providing details of the visit, Funde said the Bhutanese leader will be accorded a red carpet welcome and attend a special banquet before departing the city the same afternoon. Speaking to ANI, the Ayodhya DM said, "On September 5, 2025, the Prime Minister of Bhutan will arrive in Ayodhya at around 9:30 AM. He will be given a red carpet welcome, as per protocol. After that, he will visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple to offer prayers and observe the temple. A special banquet will be held in his honour, and he is scheduled to leave around 1:30 PM." According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, along with his spouse Aum Tashi Doma, will be on an official visit to India from September 3 to 6. This visit comes after Tobgay's earlier trip to India from February 20 to 21, during which he participated in the inaugural Leadership Conclave of the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL), inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The MEA noted that the back-to-back visits underscore the continued close cooperation and deepening ties between India and Bhutan. As per the MEA statement, during his earlier visit, PM Tobgay held talks with Prime Minister Modi. He was also called on by 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. (ANI) The European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) has commenced operations in Srinagar, with its Director Junaid Qureshi outlining the think tank's focus on terrorism, Indo-Pak relations, and Jammu and Kashmir. He further stressed the importance of building a national narrative, stating, "India is the legal owner of J&K and needs to build its own narrative." Speaking on the institute's work, Qureshi said, "Our think tank has been working on terrorism for the last 12 years, especially Indo-Pak relations and J&K...Since Kashmir has been a victim of terrorism, I wanted to do research on it." He added that there needs to be "foundational evidence and data-based research" and emphasised the importance of bringing the youth on board. Addressing the challenges faced by young people, Qureshi remarked, "The youth today are confused. It needs to know certain things." His comments came against the backdrop of his consistent interventions on terrorism and regional security. In this context, Qureshi had also strongly criticised the alleged nuclear threat made by Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir during a visit to the United States, calling it "foolish" and "irresponsible." In an exclusive interview with ANI, he said that if the reported statements--suggesting Pakistan could "wipe out half of the world"--were true, they reflected a dangerous level of recklessness in the country's military leadership. "I consider it a very irresponsible remark," Qureshi stated. "By threatening half of the world, he is doing a great disservice to Pakistan." He emphasised that such declarations also exceeded the constitutional authority of Pakistan's military leaders, pointing out that, at least theoretically, the power to authorise the use of nuclear weapons rests with the civilian government. "The general will not determine when to deploy nuclear weapons; that is a decision for the civilian administration," he elaborated. Turning to Pakistan's relationship with the United States, Qureshi argued that recent diplomatic goodwill towards Islamabad was more about US strategic interests than about India-Pakistan relations, particularly in the context of Iran and China. "Historically, Pakistan has functioned as a proxy for the US within this area," he claimed, adding that Washington may be seeking to use Pakistan to counterbalance Iran while weakening its close ties with China. He also accused Pakistan of fostering extremism, stating, "Pakistan has been involved in supporting terrorism internationally. There is no question about that." Qureshi cited acknowledgements from Pakistani officials, including Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, about Islamabad's role since the Afghan struggle--first on behalf of the West and later as part of its "strategic depth" policy against India and Afghanistan. According to him, Islamabad has long played a "double game," taking US aid while simultaneously funding terrorist groups for its strategic aims and fighting them when they turned against the state. "The West has been aware of this situation for a long time," he noted, "but it has maintained a close relationship with Pakistan because it aligns with their regional interests." Warning of the consequences of this renewed engagement, Qureshi cautioned that Pakistan might feel emboldened to escalate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He linked potential unrest to broader geopolitical strategies, suggesting that China benefits by keeping India distracted militarily and politically in Kashmir while tensions persist on the eastern front. As evidence, he cited the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam--the first such major incident in years--which he said was linked to Pakistan and intended to undermine Kashmir's peace and economy. "Tourism is declining, terrorism is on the rise, and the Kashmiris ultimately bear the consequences," Qureshi expressed regretfully. He underlined that ordinary Kashmiris should not be blamed for this violence, which he described as "imported from elsewhere" and orchestrated by Pakistan. "Mr Modi's initiative of boosting tourism while reducing terrorism has been jeopardised by these attacks," he remarked, pointing to the increase in targeted killings and assaults on non-Muslims in the region. On the broader Kashmir issue, Qureshi reiterated that Pakistan would continue to push for third-party mediation, particularly from the US. However, he argued that such efforts are unlikely to succeed without India's consent. While predicting intensified lobbying and advocacy on Kashmir in Western circles, he maintained that enforceable mediation remains improbable due to India's longstanding opposition. (ANI) Nepal has raised the issue of Russia recruiting Nepali nationals as foreign mercenaries in the Russian Army during the meeting between PM Oli and Putin but failed to make significant progress on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in China. Responding to the question by ANI about repatriation of dead bodies and those wanting to return from the prolonged war area, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai confirmed the issue being discussed in the meeting between the two state heads. But no concrete agreement has been reached during the meeting, as per the response of Rai. "The Right Honorable Prime Minister had raised the issue. There was no detailed discussion over the issue, further discussions on it would be held through diplomatic channels and an understanding has been reached and agreed on," Rai said in response to the question of ANI. Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had held bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tianjin, China on the sidelines of the SCO and SCO Plus Summit on September 1, 2025. Oli had held a one-to-one meeting with the Russian President for more than 30 minutes. In the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Nepali mercenaries have been at the forefront of the line of defense for the Russian Army. Hundreds of Nepali youths are believed to have slipped into Russia via various illegal routes and ways with the promise of lucrative facilities and earnings. The Government of Nepal doesn't have a record of Nepali citizens working as mercenaries for Russia on the frontline of the ongoing war in Ukraine. It was in September 2024 that the Himalayan nation confirmed the death of its 43 nationals while fighting as mercenaries in Russia. Since then, the figure hasn't been updated. The Foreign Ministry of Nepal has remained silent over the issue after a warning not to get recruited as mercenaries. A huge number of casualties resulting in thousands have been recorded in the ongoing invasion by Russia of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. Small nations like Nepal have been a lucrative territory for Russia to recruit people for its forces who are specially deployed on the frontline. Nepal finally, on January 5, 2024, banned its citizens from travelling to Russia or Ukraine and also asked Russia to repatriate all Nepalis who were recruited for the conflict. But no response has been made from the other side. Citing "various news sources and returnees from Russia," former foreign minister Dr. Bimala Rai Paudyal on multiple occasions had stated that as many as 15,000 Nepalis have enlisted with the Russian military. On the other hand, relatives of more than 200 Nepali mercenaries fighting with the Russian army have filed requests appealing to the consular department after losing contact with their loved ones. With the escalating unlawful engagement of Nepali youths within the Russian Army as a result of decreasing job opportunities and the desire to earn more through ways like mercenary work, Nepal made it mandatory for travelers to Russia to obtain a No Objection Letter (NOL) from the Consular Service Department. Additionally, Nepali nationals residing abroad and planning visits to Russia must secure an NOL from the respective embassies located in their countries. Nepal only allows its citizens to get recruited into British and Indian forces under the bilateral agreements signed with these countries. US President Donald Trump has been at the forefront of negotiations to end the prolonged war, but hasn't been receiving prompt responses from the Russian counterpart. On Wednesday, the American President issued a strong warning saying he was "very disappointed" in Putin over his actions in Ukraine. Trump hinted at further action against Moscow. He told reporters, "He'll make a decision one way or the other. Whatever his decision is, we'll either be happy about it or unhappy. And if we're unhappy about it, you'll see things happen." Trump also said he planned to speak with Putin "very shortly," adding that he believes "we're going to have a good solution" to the war. (ANI) Finnish President Alexander Stubb said that Europe and the West will have to adopt a "dignified" and "cooperative" approach in its foreign policy, or risk losing global influence. Stubb, while addressing a joint press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Tuesday, said that the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit was a reminder to the West of the might of the Global South. "My message is not only to my European colleagues but especially to the United States that if we don't drive a more cooperative, more dignified foreign policy, especially with the global south, the likes of India, we're going to lose this game. So I think this meeting in China on Sunday and Monday is a good reminder to all of us in the global west what is at stake. We're trying to preserve the remnants of the old order," he said. Stubb appeared to take a dig at US President Donald Trump's policies, especially the high tariffs imposed on India. The policies have drawn him criticism even domestically. Meanwhile, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton on Thursday (local time) lambasted US President Donald Trump for pushing Prime Minister Narendra Modi closer to Russia and China in the backdrop of 50% tariffs imposed on India, ruining decades of hard work by the previous US administration. In a post on X, Bolton stated, "The White House has set US-India relations back decades, pushing Modi closer to Russia and China. Beijing has cast itself as an alternative to the US and Donald Trump." https://x.com/AmbJohnBolton/status/1963377738460303713 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. The comments also 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. PM Modi and Xi Jinping, during their bilateral meeting, recognised the role of India and China's economies in stabilising global trade, according to a Ministry of External Affairs statement on Sunday. Meanwhile, during his engagement with Putin, PM Modi emphasised the strong relationship between India and Russia, stating that both nations have always stood shoulder to shoulder, even in the most challenging situations. The Prime Minister affirmed that cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow is vital for global peace, stability and prosperity. Putin also noted that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the India-Russia 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership'. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, during his ongoing TN Rising Europe investment drive, met Catherine West, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Indo-Pacific) at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to discuss opportunities for enhanced collaboration between Tamil Nadu and the United Kingdom. The meeting focused on exploring deeper cooperation across a range of strategic areas, as part of efforts to strengthen ties and promote mutual growth between the Indian state and the UK. During his London visit, CM Stalin also signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including with Wilson Power (Rs 300 crore investment) and Britannia RFID (Rs 520 crore investment). On Wednesday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister signed four more agreements with the University of Exeter, French design school Ecole Intuit Lab, Lloyd's List, and Rolls-Royce. Sharing updates on X, Stalin called them "six strategic wins" for Tamil Nadu. He wrote, "Six strategic wins for Tamil Nadu in London today, powering growth, innovation and future readiness. Our agreements with Wilson Power and Britannia RFID will boost our renewable energy industry and improve the competitiveness of exporters from Western Tamil Nadu." He added that partnerships with the University of Exeter and the French design school Ecole Intuit Lab will empower the youth, while Lloyd's List will boost the state's presence in the shipping and maritime sector. "We also facilitated partnerships with the University of Exeter and Ecole Intuit Lab that will empower our youth with niche capabilities. And, Lloyd's List Intelligence will undoubtedly boost our initiatives in the shipping and maritime sector," he wrote on X. "The icing on the cake was the engagement with Rolls-Royce. We hope to complement its pioneering presence in the aerospace and defence sectors with our heft in manufacturing," the X post read. According to a statement by Tamil Nadu government's nodal agency 'Guidance', Rolls-Royce has confirmed expansion plans for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO), research and development (R&D), and expansion of International Aerospace Manufacturing Pvt Ltd (IAMPL) in Hosur. Lloyd's List will expand its Global Capability Centre in Chennai, creating 200 new jobs, and reinforcing Tamil Nadu's critical role in maritime analytics and the Blue Economy. Wilson Power will invest Rs 300 crore in a transformer unit for renewables, creating 543 jobs, while Britannia RFID will invest Rs 520 crore in Tiruppur and Namakkal for RFID manufacturing, enabling supply chain traceability and 550 jobs, the statement said. Ecole Intuit Lab and Sakthi Excellence Academy will establish a design institution in Coimbatore, and the University of Exeter will foster research, faculty exchange, and knowledge partnerships. Earlier on Tuesday, MK Stalin, during his visit to Germany, described Tamil Nadu and North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany's economic powerhouse, as two regions united by a shared vision for the future. Stalin 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. (ANI) Russian President Vladimir Putin has sharply criticised Europe's plans for sanctions targeting Moscow's economic partners, particularly India and China, arguing that such punitive measures reflect an outdated colonial mindset and warning of the political repercussions for leaders in nations with historical sensitivities. During a media interaction following his four-day visit to China on Wednesday (local time), the Russian President, while responding to a question about Europe's latest sanctions initiative due to the conflict in Ukraine, took a firm stand against the West, asserting that such terms should not be used, as they could possibly destabilise the political standing of leaders in their countries. "You have countries like India, with almost 1.5 billion people, China, with powerful economies, but they also have their own domestic political mechanisms and laws. So when somebody tells you that they're going to punish you, you have to think how can the leadership of those countries, of those big countries, which had difficult periods in their history too, that had to do with colonialism, with attacks on their sovereignty during prolonged periods of time, you have to understand that if one of them shows weakness, his political career will be over, so that influences his behavior. Just as the colonial era is now over, they have to realise that they cannot use this term in speaking with their partners," Putin stated. Despite the tension, Putin expressed optimism about a diplomatic resolution, saying, "But ultimately, things will be sorted out, everything will take its place, and we will see a normal political dialogue again." Putin further described the Ukraine conflict as a mere "pretext" by Western powers to take these broader punitive measures against countries maintaining strong economic ties with Russia. He dismissed the relevance of the Ukraine situation to recent trade actions, noting that the narrative was being deliberately exploited to justify trade restrictions and tariffs that, in reality, serve unrelated political or economic agendas. "Well, surprisingly enough, we almost didn't mention this in our conversations because it's not really something that concerns us. Because the Ukraine situation is only a pretext to take various steps against countries that have economic ties with us," he stated. He also pointed out the imposition of additional tariffs on Brazil earlier in August as an example of sanctions that had no direct connection to the Ukraine conflict. The Russian leader argued that the true reason behind many of these sanctions lies in growing economic imbalances between the West, particularly the United States, and other major economies like India, China, and Brazil. "There is a trade disproportion between the United States and India or with China, but there is no situation between Brazil and the United States, for example. And, by the way, Brazil faced additional tariffs on the 6th of August, even though the deadline was the 8th of August. So what does Ukraine have to do with this? Nothing. It's only about domestic politics... Ukraine doesn't have anything to do with that. So, of course, there is some imbalance in trade, but I believe that those should be addressed through negotiations," the Russian President added. This remark was a response to global economic concerns stemming from the tariff policies introduced by US President Donald Trump, which have caused friction with certain countries on the international stage, particularly the tariffs he has imposed on India and China. New Delhi is facing global uncertainties due to heightened economic tensions following the US imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, including an additional 25 per cent due to its purchase of Russian crude oil, which, according to Washington, fuels Moscow's efforts in its conflict with Ukraine. (ANI) Peter Andre will get a massive profile boost as his crime drama goes stateside. Peter Andre stars in The Sunshine Murders In The Sunshine Murders - which airs on UPtv at 8pm on Thursday (04.09.25) - the 52-year-old media personality plays Greek pathologist Dr. George Constantinos. Speaking about the show - which will be broadcast on Channel 5 on September 8, and will later be on the box in Australia - going international, Peter told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "From studying acting as a child, to now finally starring in a 10-part international TV drama series alongside some phenomenal actors is a great feeling." The Sunshine Murders was primarily filmed in Peter's parents' home country, Cyprus, with additional scenes shot in Athens, Greece, and New Zealand. The crime drama sees New Zealand farmer Shirley Rangi (Emily Corcoran) travel to Athens to meet her half-sister and detective, Helen Moustakas (Dora Chrysikou), as she hunts for her missing dad. Shirley helps Helen solve crimes whilst they continue their mission to find their absent parent. As well as Peter - who has Greek-Cypriot heritage - Emily and Dora, The Sunshine Murders also stars Dynasty legend Stephanie Beacham, 78, as Lady Gloria Whitten-Soames, and former EastEnders actress Nina Wadia, 56, as Barbara Boxhall. Peter decided to use his native Greek accent when he auditioned for his initial one-off appearance as Dr. George Constantinos in The Sunshine Murders - which was created by Emily Corcoran. He said: "I got a message from Emily and her mum [Merryn Corcoran]. "They said, 'We're so impressed with the Greek accent that we want to put you in the whole series.' "Getting to do it in my native Greek accent makes it even more enjoyable." When The Sunshine Murders airs on UPtv, it will be the first time American viewers hear how the Mysterious Girl hitmaker talks. And Peter believes they may think he always speaks with a strong Greek accent. Writing in his latest New! magazine column, the star said: "I've just been told The Sunshine Murders, which comes out in the UK on Monday, is also going to be shown on prime-time TV in America every week. It's very exciting. "It'll be the first time US audiences have heard my speaking voice, so they'll probably think I always speak with a strong Greek accent." Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday said he had a "productive start" to his visit to New Delhi. In a post on X, Wong stated, "Had a productive start to my visit in New Delhi. Last evening, I joined overseas Singaporeans and friends of Singapore for a special SG60 reception. Many had travelled from different parts of India -- Chennai, Mumbai, and beyond -- to be part of this occasion." https://x.com/LawrenceWongST/status/1963412966516379976 During his official visit to India, Wong also met Union Health Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda on Wednesday in New Delhi, further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. The Singaporean PM arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for a three-day official visit, during which he is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Yesterday, Wong, accompanied by his wife Loo Tze Lui, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at Rajghat. In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "PM Lawrence Wong of Singapore paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at Raj Ghat. Bapu's universal ideals of truth and non-violence continue to inspire us." On Tuesday, Wong held discussions with Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman, focusing on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. In a post on X, the Ministry of Finance stated that the discussion centred on enhancing cooperation in critical areas, including trade and investment, fintech, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, and connectivity. Both sides also expressed a firm commitment to deepen collaboration, marking a pivotal moment as India and Singapore celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations. The meeting was attended by Singapore's acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance, Jeffrey Siow, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry, Gan Siow Huang. The Singapore Prime Minister stated that discussions took place on the outcomes of the recently concluded third round of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable held last month. "Glad to reconnect with India Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. We discussed the outcomes of the recently held 3rd India-SG Ministerial Roundtable, and our interest to collaborate on cross-border data flows and capital markets," Wong stated in the post on X. This is PM Wong's first visit to India as Singapore's Prime Minister. He is accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation, including Cabinet Ministers and senior officials. (ANI) Rathish, an Indian Foreign Service officer of the 2006 batch, will take the assignment shortly, MEA said. India's bilateral engagement with Seychelles is characterised by our historical contacts and continuous support to Seychelles for its security. Today, India-Seychelles relations embody close friendship, understanding and cooperation. It was in the year 1770 that a small group of five Indians landed in Seychelles as plantation workers along with seven African slaves and 15 French colonists, and were recorded as the first inhabitants of the Islands. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit (10-11 March 2015) to Seychelles was the first Prime Ministerial-level visit from India in 34 years. It was a highly successful visit with substantive outcomes: signing of four Agreements/MoUs, inauguration of the Coastal Surveillance Radar System (CRS) Project, announcements of gifting of a second Dornier aircraft to Seychelles and a 3-month gratis visa for Seychelles nationals for travel to India. Meanwhile, earlier this week, the Ministry of External Affairs 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. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called on Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and discussed the strengthening of India-Singapore ties. Jaishankar expressed hope that Wong's talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chart a roadmap for the nations' ties. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Pleased to call on PM Lawrence Wong of Singapore this morning in Delhi. Appreciate his constant encouragement for the strengthening of India-Singapore ties. Confident that his talks later today with PM Narendra Modi will chart a roadmap for our contemporary ties." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1963468764667658401 Following his meeting with EAM Jaishankar, Singapore PM Wong said that the discussion between the two leaders revolved around global and regional developments among other issues. "With India External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar-- We discussed regional & global developments, and the good progress in India-SG cooperation," Wong said. https://x.com/LawrenceWongST/status/1963472926348316759 Singapore PM said that he had a "productive start" to his visit to New Delhi. In a post on X, Wong stated, "Had a productive start to my visit in New Delhi. Last evening, I joined overseas Singaporeans and friends of Singapore for a special SG60 reception. Many had travelled from different parts of India -- Chennai, Mumbai, and beyond -- to be part of this occasion." https://x.com/LawrenceWongST/status/1963412966516379976 During his official visit to India, Wong also met Union Health Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda on Wednesday in New Delhi, further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. The Singaporean PM arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for a three-day official visit, during which he is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Yesterday, Wong, accompanied by his wife Loo Tze Lui, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at Rajghat. In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "PM Lawrence Wong of Singapore paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at Raj Ghat. Bapu's universal ideals of truth and non-violence continue to inspire us." On Tuesday, Wong held discussions with Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman, focusing on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. In a post on X, the Ministry of Finance stated that the discussion centred on enhancing cooperation in critical areas, including trade and investment, fintech, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, and connectivity. (ANI) In a troubling incident, four Baloch students were allegedly forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces from the hostel of Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam, Hyderabad, on Wednesday, as reported by The Balochistan Post.. The group was taken to an undisclosed location, and their whereabouts remain unknown. According to The Balochistan Post, the men entered the hostel premises and detained the students, who had recently arrived in Tando Jam for academic purposes in the Agriculture Department. The sudden abduction has sparked deep concern among the student community. The missing youths have been identified as Imran, son of Saifullah; Aftab, son of Ghulam Mustafa; and Mehrullah, son of Muhammad Qasim, all hailing from Wadh in Khuzdar district, as well as Shoaib, son of Abdul Hayee, a resident of Surab. Families of the students have reportedly received no official information regarding their detention or location, as reported by The Balochistan Post. Human rights organisations and Baloch groups have repeatedly raised alarm over what they describe as a surge in enforced disappearances targeting young Baloch. Paank, the right wing of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), recently revealed that 785 individuals have gone missing in Balochistan since the beginning of 2025, most of them students and youth. On the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, Amnesty International highlighted the plight of Baloch students, urging Islamabad to disclose the whereabouts of those who have disappeared. The organisation condemned enforced disappearances as a "heinous practice that must end," a sentiment echoed by several rights groups. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), in a fact-finding mission, warned that enforced disappearances in Balochistan persist without accountability and continue to deepen mistrust between citizens and the state. As families and rights defenders demand answers, the silence of authorities over the fate of the four missing students reflects a wider climate of impunity in cases of enforced disappearance, as highlighted by The Balochistan Post. (ANI) A Peruvian court has sentenced former President Alejandro Toledo to 13 years and four months in prison for money laundering, his second conviction linked to widespread corruption, Al Jazeera reported. Toledo, who served as president from 2001 to 2006, was found guilty of using bribe money from the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht, now known as Novonor, to acquire high-value real estate. According to prosecutors, Toledo and his wife used $5.1 million to buy a house and an office in an upscale Lima neighbourhood and to pay off mortgages on two other properties. The funds were funnelled through an offshore company in Costa Rica that Toledo created to launder the illicit cash, Al Jazeera reported. Toledo's conviction on Wednesday follows a 20-year and six-month sentence handed down in October 2024, when he was found guilty of accepting up to $35 million in bribes from Odebrecht in exchange for awarding the company lucrative public works contracts, Al Jazeera noted. During his year-long trial, Toledo consistently denied charges of money laundering and collusion levelled against him by prosecutors. His two sentences will be served concurrently. The 79-year-old economist, who holds degrees from Stanford University and the University of San Francisco, is serving his sentence at a prison on a Lima police base. Two other former presidents, Ollanta Humala and Pedro Castillo, are also held at the special facility built for former leaders of the country. Former President Martin Vizcarra, who was jailed last month ahead of his trial for allegedly taking bribes while governor of the Moquegua region 11 years ago, was released by a top Peruvian court on Wednesday while he awaits trial, Al Jazeera reported. Vizcarra, whose prosecution is seeking a 15-year sentence, has denied the charges, calling them political persecution. He had planned to run for president again in 2026. The Odebrecht corruption cases, part of the wider "Car Wash" scandal, have implicated governments across Latin America and nearly all of Peru's presidents this century. Another former leader, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, 86, is currently on trial for his alleged role in the scheme, with prosecutors seeking a 35-year prison sentence. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a bilateral meeting with his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong. Prime Minister Modi met PM Wong at the Hyderabad House in the national capital. Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also called on PM Wong and discussed strengthening India-Singapore ties. Jaishankar expressed hope that Wong's talks with Prime Minister Modi would chart a roadmap for the nations' ties. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Pleased to call on PM Lawrence Wong of Singapore this morning in Delhi. Appreciate his constant encouragement for the strengthening of India-Singapore ties. Confident that his talks later today with PM Narendra Modi will chart a roadmap for our contemporary ties." Following his meeting with EAM Jaishankar, Singapore PM Wong said that the discussion between the two leaders revolved around global and regional developments among other issues. "With India External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar-- We discussed regional & global developments, and the good progress in India-SG cooperation," Wong said. Commenting on his visit, Wong said he had a "productive start" to his trip to New Delhi. In a post on X, he stated, "Had a productive start to my visit in New Delhi. Last evening, I joined overseas Singaporeans and friends of Singapore for a special SG60 reception. Many had travelled from different parts of India -- Chennai, Mumbai, and beyond -- to be part of this occasion." During his official visit to India, Wong also met Union Health Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda on Wednesday in New Delhi, further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. The Singaporean PM arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for a three-day official visit, during which he is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi. Yesterday, Wong, accompanied by his wife Loo Tze Lui, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at Rajghat. In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "PM Lawrence Wong of Singapore paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at Raj Ghat. Bapu's universal ideals of truth and non-violence continue to inspire us." On Tuesday, Wong held discussions with Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman, focusing on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. Ministry of Finance stated that the discussion centred on enhancing cooperation in critical areas, including trade and investment, fintech, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, and connectivity. (ANI) Provincial authorities in Punjab on Wednesday braced for "super flood" as the convergence of the swollen Ravi and Chenab rivers near Khanewal threatened the districts of Multan and Muzaffargarh, Dawn reported. Officials warned of a "dual threat" despite several controlled breaches over the past week. The water level at Muhammadwala and Sher Shah was recorded at 412 feet, only five feet below the critical level. Authorities termed the next 12 hours as critical, with pressure at the breaching points increasing after the convergence of the Ravi and Chenab rivers near Khanewal, Dawn added. To protect urban centres along the eastern rivers, the Punjab government has been conducting controlled breaches to relieve pressure on barrages and main embankments, safeguarding densely populated cities. A decision on whether to conduct breaches at Head Muhammadwala, Sher Shah Flood Bund, and Rangpur is expected within hours, with 17 points identified to save Multan and Muzaffargarh. The situation is compounded by an enormous surge of approximately 550,000 cusecs that crossed the Marala and Khanki Headworks, recorded passing through Qadirabad Headworks at 530,000 cusecs. Officials projected the surge would reach Trimmu Headworks on Thursday and Multan by Friday, Dawn reported. "The next 12 hours are extremely critical. We are facing a dual threat: the existing high water from the confluence of the rivers and a new, massive wave heading directly for us. All resources are being mobilised," a Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) official said. Railway traffic to Karachi and vice versa was suspended from Faisalabad after a bridge on the Chenab River in Abdul Hakim came under water. In a press conference on Wednesday evening, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said the flood crisis was set to intensify as all three major Indian dams were expected to reach maximum capacity within 72 hours, worsening an already catastrophic situation in the Punjab river system. "The next 72 hours are critical," he warned, Dawn reported. He confirmed that while the Chenab River's water level was currently stable, previously affected districts were likely to face renewed flooding. The Sutlej River has remained in flood-like conditions for two months, while the Ravi River showed rising levels at the Jassar monitoring point. "Thein Dam is already full and will continue to release water into the Ravi for the next two to three weeks. While the situation in Ravi will not be as severe as before, water levels will definitely increase," DG Kathia said. In an alarming development, the DG explained that instead of merging with the Chenab as expected, the Ravi's waters are flowing backwards, preventing a decrease in water levels. "Until water levels decrease at Ahmadpur Sial, we will not see any reduction at Sidhnai," he clarified. The press conference followed a personal assessment of the critical Head Muhammadwala site by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz. DG Kathia said only four to five feet of capacity remained before reaching critical levels. "At Sher Shah Bridge in Multan, there's significant water pressure with only a two-foot margin remaining. Important decisions regarding a controlled breaching in Multan have already been made to prevent uncontrolled overflow," he said, Dawn reported. Over 3,900 villages and a population exceeding 3.7 million have been affected across Punjab. The death toll has risen to 46, while over 1.4 million residents and one million animals have been relocated to safer locations, Dawn added. Relief efforts include 409 flood camps providing essential facilities to around 25,000 displaced persons. In Khanewal and Toba Tek Singh, 136 and 75 villages, respectively, have already been affected, with numbers expected to rise due to renewed surges. CM Maryam Nawaz visited flood relief camps in Multan, directing district administrations to assess the damage, ensure clean drinking water, and conduct fumigation and dry germicidal sprays in flood relief camps and tent cities. As of 11 pm on Wednesday, Marala Headworks on the Chenab reported a flow of 444,754 cusecs, falling, while Khanki and Qadirabad Headworks held steady with flows of 558,683 and 557,440 cusecs, respectively. Other key monitoring points, including Chiniot Bridge, Head Muhammadwala, Rivaz Bridge, and Trimmu Headworks, showed varying rising or steady trends. For the Ravi River, upstream at Jassar, water flow was receding at 82,140 cusecs, while downstream points such as Ravi Syphon and Shahdara showed rising levels. The Sutlej River system remained stable across all monitoring stations, including GS Wala, Sulemanki, Islam, Panjnad Headworks, and Malsi Syphon. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held delegation-level talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong in New Delhi. The two leaders jointly inaugurated the JN Port PSA Mumbai Terminal (BMCT) Phase-II in the presence of officials from both countries. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed between India and Singapore during the event, with both Prime Minister Modi and Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong in attendance. Prime Minister Modi met Wong at the Hyderabad House in the national capital for a bilateral meeting. Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also called on PM Wong and discussed strengthening India-Singapore ties. Jaishankar expressed hope that Wong's talks with Prime Minister Modi would chart a roadmap for the nations' ties. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Pleased to call on PM Lawrence Wong of Singapore this morning in Delhi. Appreciate his constant encouragement for the strengthening of India-Singapore ties. Confident that his talks later today with PM Narendra Modi will chart a roadmap for our contemporary ties." Following his meeting with EAM Jaishankar, Singapore PM Wong said that the discussion between the two leaders revolved around global and regional developments among other issues. "With India External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar-- We discussed regional & global developments, and the good progress in India-SG cooperation," Wong said. Commenting on his visit, Wong said he had a "productive start" to his trip to New Delhi. In a post on X, he stated, "Had a productive start to my visit in New Delhi. Last evening, I joined overseas Singaporeans and friends of Singapore for a special SG60 reception. Many had travelled from different parts of India -- Chennai, Mumbai, and beyond -- to be part of this occasion." During his official visit to India, Wong also met Union Health Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda on Wednesday in New Delhi, further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. Yesterday, Wong, accompanied by his wife Loo Tze Lui, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at Rajghat. In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "PM Lawrence Wong of Singapore paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at Raj Ghat. Bapu's universal ideals of truth and non-violence continue to inspire us." On Tuesday, Wong held discussions with Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman, focusing on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The Ministry of Finance stated that the discussion centred on enhancing cooperation in critical areas, including trade and investment, fintech, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, and connectivity. (ANI) Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation during his official visit to India. "Thank you, Prime Minister Modi, for the warm and gracious hospitality extended to me and my delegation...I am glad to be back on my first official visit as Prime Minister and to celebrate 60 years of close and enduring friendship between our two countries. Over this past decade, India has made remarkable advances under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. India is now the fourth-largest economy in the world, with a dynamism and influence felt far beyond its borders," Wong said while adressing a joint press conference at the Hyderabad House. Highlighting the strong economic ties between the two countries, Wong said, "Singapore is the largest foreign investor in India, accounting for around a quarter of India's foreign direct investment inflows and our cooperation now spans a wide and diverse range of fields. Last year, PM Modi and I agreed to elevate relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This morning, we had fruitful discussions on how we can take this comprehensive strategic partnership forward." He further outlined plans to expand cooperation in emerging sectors, adding, "We will expand cooperation in frontier areas like space. To date, more than 20 Singapore-made satellites have been launched by India. Through the MoU on promoting collaboration in the space sector, we will broaden this partnership and push the boundaries of what we can achieve together. Finally, Prime Minister Modi and I reaffirmed that people-to-people ties remain the bedrock of our relationship. We agreed to enhance exchanges, including through closer civil service cooperation." On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong in New Delhi, following which the Singaporean leader outlined plans to expand cooperation in emerging sectors. The two leaders also jointly inaugurated the JN Port PSA Mumbai Terminal (BMCT) Phase-II in the presence of officials from both countries. During the event, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between India and Singapore, with both leaders in attendance. Earlier in the day, PM Modi met Wong at Hyderabad House in the national capital for a bilateral meeting. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also called on PM Wong and discussed strengthening India-Singapore ties, expressing hope that the talks with Prime Minister Modi would chart a roadmap for the nations' ties. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Pleased to call on PM Lawrence Wong of Singapore this morning in Delhi. Appreciate his constant encouragement for the strengthening of India-Singapore ties. Confident that his talks later today with PM Narendra Modi will chart a roadmap for our contemporary ties." Following his meeting with EAM Jaishankar, Wong said the discussion between the two leaders revolved around global and regional developments among other issues. "With India External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar-- We discussed regional & global developments, and the good progress in India-SG cooperation," he tweeted. Commenting on his visit, Wong described it as a "productive start" to his trip to New Delhi. In a post on X, he added, "Had a productive start to my visit in New Delhi. Last evening, I joined overseas Singaporeans and friends of Singapore for a special SG60 reception. Many had travelled from different parts of India -- Chennai, Mumbai, and beyond -- to be part of this occasion." The Singaporean PM arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for a three-day official visit. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday thanked Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong for their sympathy towards the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. PM Modi in a joint Press Conference with Singaporean Prime Minister Wong said that both the nations share similar concerns regarding terrorism, and fighting terrorism is the duty of all humanitarian countries. "We share common concerns regarding terrorism. We believe that fighting against terrorism with unity is the duty of all humanitarian countries. In the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Wong and the Government of Singapore for their sympathy towards the people of India and for their support in our fight against terrorism," he said. PM Modi said that the India-Singapore relations go beyond diplomacy and revolve around peace around the whole region. "Our relations go far beyond diplomacy. This is a partnership with purpose, rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interests and driven by a common vision for peace, progress and prosperity," he said. After the Operation Sindoor, an All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Member of Parliament, Sanjay Kumar Jha visited Singapore on May 27. Their visit to Singapore was as part of India's outreach with countries in the region to convey the significance of Operation Sindoor and the new normal in India's strategy against terrorism. During the interactions with Singaporean interlocutors, the delegation conveyed India's stance on the events since the terror attack in Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor and new normal in India's strategy against terrorism. They briefed about the new benchmark in India's fight against terrorism; India will give a fitting reply if there is a terrorist attack on India, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail and India will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism. The delegation requested for continued support from Singapore in the fight against terrorism. (ANI) US President Donald Trump's deadly strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat from Venezuela marks a significant escalation from law enforcement to military action against cartels that his administration has branded as terror groups. Video footage posted by Trump on social media Tuesday showed a multi-engine speedboat with several people aboard bouncing across the waves -- but rather than being stopped and boarded, the vessel is suddenly engulfed in an inferno. The US president said 11 members of the Tren de Aragua gang were killed in the strike, which should "serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America." Ryan Berg, director of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the strike "demonstrates a change in the rules of engagement." "There is no longer US Coast Guard boarding of vessels; there is an approach far more similar to how the United States deals with pirates in the Gulf region, or terrorists in the Sahel," he said. The United States -- which has a long history of carrying out strikes against suspected militants without due process -- designated Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel and several other drug trafficking organizations as terror groups earlier this year. The strike on the boat comes at a time of soaring tensions between the United States and Venezuela over the deployment of American warships in the region that the Washington says are to combat trafficking but which Caracas views as a threat. The United States alleges that leftist Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro heads a cocaine trafficking cartel and recently doubled its bounty to $50 million in exchange for his capture to face drug charges. Maduro has meanwhile accused Trump of attempting to effect regime change and launched a drive to sign up thousands of militia members. Asked about the potential for escalation with Venezuela as a result of the strike, Berg said that "Maduro is unlikely to say much, given that doing so would essentially confirm the administration's assertion that he is a narcotrafficker and the head of a cartel." Gustavo Flores-Macias, dean of the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, noted that the United States has a history of military interventions in Latin America, but said this one was the first under Trump's policy of designating cartels as terror groups. "With the turn toward military strikes instead of traditional law enforcement in addressing drug trafficking in the region, the White House is looking to send a strong message," Flores-Macias said. That message is aimed "not only to deter drug traffickers but also as a show of force to put the government of Nicolas Maduro on notice that the US is considering military action in Venezuela," he said. It remains to be seen how effective Trump's policy will be at curbing trafficking in the Caribbean, but Berg said the US Navy's multi-ship deployment "could disrupt Southern Caribbean trafficking routes for some time, with its generational scale and size." "In the short term, (the strike) is likely to have a highly dissuasive effect," he said. "Few will risk being in a 'go fast' boat anytime soon." The MEA said that their talks focused on expanding cooperation in various gamuts. In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "Stronger India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership! PM Narendra Modi and PM Lawrence Wong held wide ranging and fruitful talks at Hyderabad House today. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, advanced manufacturing, connectivity, digitalization, healthcare and medicine, skilling, sustainability, defence and security as also people-to-people and cultural connections. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The two PM's adopted a Roadmap for India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, providing a strategic direction to the bilateral partnership." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1963527884183933125 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held delegation-level talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong in New Delhi. The two leaders jointly inaugurated the JN Port PSA Mumbai Terminal (BMCT) Phase-II in the presence of officials from both countries. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed between India and Singapore during the event, with both Prime Minister Modi and Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong in attendance. Prime Minister Modi met Wong at the Hyderabad House in the national capital for a bilateral meeting. Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also called on PM Wong and discussed strengthening India-Singapore ties. Wong said Singapore will continue to support India's skill development initiatives and collaborate on advanced manufacturing projects while addressing a joint press conference at Hyderabad House in the national capital. The press conference followed delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong in New Delhi on Thursday, which set the stage for outlining expanded cooperation across multiple sectors. (ANI) Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday highlighted the significance of the India-Singapore partnership in the current global context while addressing a joint press conference at Hyderabad House in the national capital. "In a world marked by great uncertainty and turbulence, the partnership between India and Singapore becomes even more important because this is a partnership rooted in shared values, mutual respect and a deep reservoir of trust," Wong said. He emphasized the strength of the bilateral relationship, adding, "We can draw strength from our shared history and the friendship and trust between our peoples and together we can strengthen resilience, seize new opportunities and contribute to stability and growth in our region and beyond." Wong expressed optimism about future cooperation, stating, "I look forward to working hand in hand with Prime Minister Modi to bring the Singapore-India partnership to even greater heights in the years ahead." The Singaporean Prime Minister also reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to supporting India's skill development initiatives and collaborating on advanced manufacturing projects. Notably, this includes establishing a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Chennai, with Singaporean institutions providing consultancy services and undertaking turn-key projects. "Singapore will continue to support India's skill development journey. We are honoured to accept India's invitation to be a global partner for the National Centre of Excellence in Chennai, which will focus on advanced manufacturing. We will also collaborate with India to set up state-level skill centres to meet industry needs in sectors like aviation, maintenance, repair and overhaul, and semiconductors," Wong said. He further highlighted GIFT City in Gujarat as a significant hub for financial services, bridging India's stock markets with global investors. The NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) in GIFT City now hosts the GIFT Nifty, a futures contract based on the Nifty 50 index, previously known as the SGX Nifty and traded on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). This development enables increased accessibility through extended trading hours and tax benefits. The partnership between India and Singapore also focuses on advanced manufacturing, with the Chennai centre aimed at developing skills in areas like semiconductor manufacturing to enhance India's competitiveness in the global market. "GIFT City in Gujarat has become another new bridge to connect our stock markets. The Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership Agreement, signed last year, has also given a new direction to research and development. The active participation of Singapore companies in the Semicon India Conference was a big thing in itself. Singapore will help in setting up a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Chennai. This centre will prepare skilled manpower in the field of advanced manufacturing," said Wong. He highlighted plans to further expand cooperation in manufacturing and industrial development, building on broader bilateral engagement discussed during the talks. "We will expand cooperation in manufacturing and industrial development. Singapore companies are keen to develop sustainable industrial parks in India to support India's manufacturing ambitions. At the same time, we will deepen collaboration in semiconductors, not just in skills training but also in R&D, supply chains and logistics and these efforts will generate new growth opportunities for both our countries," Wong added. Wong also spoke about enhancing connectivity across multiple domains as part of the growing partnership. "We will strengthen connectivity across the air, sea and digital domains. This morning, we exchanged an MoU on cooperation in training, research and development in civil aviation. This will support the growth of our aviation sectors, facilitate trade and tourism and create more commercial opportunities," he said. On maritime cooperation, Wong highlighted infrastructure development, linking it to India's trade and logistics ambitions. "On the maritime side, we just launched phase two of PSA's Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal in Navi Mumbai, which will become India's largest standalone container terminal," he said. The two leaders also jointly inaugurated the JN Port PSA Mumbai Terminal (BMCT) Phase-II in the presence of officials from both countries. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed between India and Singapore during the event, with both Prime Minister Modi and Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong in attendance, reflecting the broad range of bilateral collaboration. The Singaporean PM arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for a three-day official visit. (ANI) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday reaffirmed a robust US military presence in Poland during a meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki at the White House, amid rising concerns over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Euro News reported. Trump, who had endorsed Nawrocki during Poland's presidential election earlier this year, said, "We'll be staying in Poland. We're very much aligned with Poland," adding, "We'll put more there if they want." During the meeting, Nawrocki thanked Trump for his support and highlighted the strong bonds between Poland and the United States. He said, "Those relations for me, for Poland, for Poles, are very important," adding that these ties are based on shared values of independence and democracy, Euro News reported. Trump lauded Nawrocki's electoral victory, noting, "It was a pretty tough race, pretty nasty race, and he beat them all. And he beat them all very easily, and now he's become even more popular as they got to know him and know him better." The visit comes as Trump continues to express frustration over his inability to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the negotiating table to end the war. "Maybe they have to fight a little longer," Trump told the conservative Daily Caller. "You know, just keep fighting -- stupidly, keep fighting," Euro News reported. Last month, Trump met with both Putin in Alaska and Zelenskyy alongside several European leaders at the White House. While Putin expressed willingness to meet Zelenskyy in Moscow, Kyiv swiftly rejected the proposal, Euro News added. The White House engagement also included a display of US military strength, with F-16 jets flying in a missing man formation over the South Lawn as a tribute to Polish Air Force pilot Major Maciej "Slab" Krakowian, who died in a crash in Poland on August 28. Nawrocki expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying, "Thank you for this gesture." Trump previously emphasized closer military ties with Poland, hosting Nawrocki at the White House before the election and promising support to ensure Poland could "fight off enemies that do not share your values," Euro News reported. Currently, approximately 8,200 US troops are stationed in Poland, though Pentagon officials note that troop levels fluctuate. While some advisers favor shifting US forces to the Indo-Pacific, Trump reaffirmed continued commitment to Europe, describing the US-Polish relationship as "better than ever." Nawrocki, backed by the conservative Law and Justice party, has tense relations with Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government but promises to maintain support for Ukraine. He has criticized Zelenskyy and expressed concerns over Ukrainian refugees taking advantage of Poland's social services, prioritizing Polish citizens for healthcare and schooling. (ANI) At least 15 people were killed and over 30 injured in a suicide bombing outside a Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP) gathering in Quetta, an attack later claimed by the Islamic State (IS). According to The Balochistan Post, the explosion occurred near Shahwani Stadium on Monday evening, shortly after the rally ended. The health officials confirmed that five of the wounded later succumbed to their injuries, while nearly 30 remain under treatment, as per The Balochistan Post. Some of the critically hurt may be transferred to Karachi for advanced care. Islamic State, through its media channels, identified the bomber as "Ali al-Muhajir" and declared BNP's nationalist and democratic politics as the reason for the attack. This was not the first such attempt against BNP leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal. A suicide bomber tried to target him in March during a sit-in protest in Mastung. Following Monday's blast, Mengal accused the state of negligence, claiming his security had been withdrawn despite repeated threats. He also alleged that the rally faced deliberate bureaucratic hurdles, as reported by The Balochistan Post. BNP has announced three days of mourning, with shops in Mengal's hometown, Wadh, remaining closed. Lawyers' groups across Makran, including the High Court Bar Association, boycotted court proceedings in solidarity. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and the Baloch National Movement (BNM) denounced the attack as part of what they described as a systematic effort to stifle Baloch political expression. BNM leader Naseem Baloch said the bombing sent a chilling message to all Baloch factions, even those participating in parliamentary politics. Government officials, however, defended their actions. Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hamza Shafqaat stated that authorities had warned BNP to end the rally early due to security threats and confirmed that 120 police personnel had been deployed. He added that stricter regulations, including a ban on political events after evening prayers, would now be enforced. Yet BNP leaders rejected the official stance, accusing the government of deliberate negligence. Many in Balochistan see the tragedy as evidence of the shrinking space for democratic politics in the province. Civil society groups have demanded an independent investigation into the Quetta blast and previous attacks on political rallies, according to The Balochistan Post. (ANI) The Government of Nepal on Thursday decided to block 26 social media platforms for operating without registration. The meeting held on Thursday, attended by Communication and Information Technology Minister Prithivi Subba Gurung, ministry officials, representatives from the Nepal Telecommunication Authority, telecom operators and internet service providers, made the decision. According to ministry officials, all unregistered platforms will be restricted with immediate effect. The Ministry has already begun issuing letters to the concerned companies. The government had set a seven-day deadline for mandatory registration, which expired on Wednesday past midnight. However, major social media platforms such as Meta (Facebook, Alphabet, X, Reddit, and LinkedIn have not yet contacted the Ministry regarding the process. Officials had earlier warned that platforms failing to comply would face a gradual suspension of their services in Nepal. Currently, platforms such as Viber, TikTok, Wetalk and Nimbuzz are registered, while Telegram and Global Diary are in the process. Widely used platforms like Facebook, Twitter (X), and WhatsApp have yet to initiate registration. This move follows a Supreme Court order and a recent ministerial meeting led by Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology clarified that the restriction will apply nationwide and that any unregistered platforms found operating in Nepal will also face the same ban. The government has emphasised that platforms may resume operation once they complete registration, ensuring compliance with national regulations. "The Honourable Supreme Court, in a contempt of court case (Case No. 080-8-0012), has issued a directive order in the name of the Government of Nepal to mandatorily list domestic or foreign-origin online and social media platforms with the relevant authorities before operation and to evaluate and monitor unwanted content. In accordance with the decision of the Government of Nepal (Council of Ministers) dated 2082.05.09, for the implementation of the said order, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has published a public notice on 2082.05.12, giving a deadline of seven (7) days to list social media platforms as per the 'Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080'. All stakeholders are hereby informed that the Nepal Telecommunication Authority has been directed to deactivate social media platforms within Nepal that have not contacted the Ministry for listing within the specified time limit and to reactivate them from the same moment if they are listed," a notice issued by the ministry reads. All other major social media and communication platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Rumble, Mi Video, Mi Vike, Line, Imo, Jalo, Sol, and Hamro Patro, will be blocked until they complete the registration process. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court issued a mandamus order nearly five years after writ petitions were filed seeking restrictions on advertisements and content broadcast through unlicensed social media platforms, OTT apps, and internet browsers. A joint bench of Justices Tek Prasad Dhungana and Shanti Singh Thapa on Wednesday heard three related writ petitions together and ruled in favour of the petitioners. In December 2020, advocates B.P. Gautam and Anita Bajgain filed writs demanding a ban on unrestricted broadcasts, including foreign advertisements, through social media platforms. Similarly, Manoj Gurung, General Secretary of the Nepal Cable Television Federation, had filed a writ of the same nature. The court consolidated the cases before issuing the mandamus, effectively directing that unlicensed platforms must stop broadcasting advertisements and content without legal permission. Last Thursday, the government issued a notice requiring all social media platforms--including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google, and Gmail--that had not yet registered in Nepal to complete the registration process. The seven-day ultimatum ended on Wednesday, but no platform operators have submitted applications to register in the country. The government has repeatedly issued notices asking social media platforms operating in Nepal, whether from within the country or abroad, to register. Government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, addressing the National Assembly on August 19, said that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, was repeatedly urged to register in Nepal, but it responded that it was not ready to comply with Nepal's laws and constitution. According to the ministry's notice, operational platforms are required to register with the ministry, designate contact points in Nepal, appoint officials to receive local complaints, and assign compliance monitoring officers. (ANI) India and Singapore are working on strengthening their defence cooperation, with both countries exploring possibilities for co-developing technologies together, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) P Kumaran said on Thursday. While adressing the special briefing on the official visit of Singapore PM Lawrence Wong to India, he said, "Defence cooperation is still a work in progress. As part of defence industry cooperation, we do talk about possibilities for co-development, co-production, developing technologies together, and possibly sharing the outputs of any such collaboration, but nothing specific yet." Futher, the MEA secretary noted that there was also an "agreement to explore cooperation in the defence technology space." During Singapore's PM Wong and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting in Delhi, the two leaders acknowledged defence cooperation as an important area of bilateral partnership. P Kumaran stated, "Defence cooperation was also acknowledged as an important area of bilateral partnership. It was agreed to further the momentum of exchanges and training cooperation as well as engagement between the two sides, including all three services. There was also agreement to explore cooperation in the defence technology space." "It was agreed to further strengthen our cultural and people-to-people ties. The two prime ministers also discussed India's relations with ASEAN, and Singapore has always been an important partner in India's Act-East policy," he added. In addition to defence cooperation, both countries are also working on reviewing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). P Kumaran said, "Singapore has agreed to help explain our position to the rest of the ASEAN partners in terms of the need to arrive at a reviewed arrangement that can result in a win-win situation for both sides." India has expressed concerns over the growing trade deficit with ASEAN countries since the AITIGA was signed. P Kumaran added, "The broad grievance on our side is that the trade deficit has increased since the time the AITIGA was signed, and that we should try to tweak the arrangements in such a way that we come to a more balanced trade situation. There are a few suggestions made by the Department of Commerce..." The Ministry also highlighted that this is a "significant visit as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indian and Singapore," adding that "the visit was also special as it marked a year of PM Modi's successful visit to Singapore in 2024." Both leaders "appreciated the sustained expansion in bilateral trade, which has grown from about USD 6.7 billion in 2004-05 to nearly USD 35 billion in 2024-25," the MEA secretary said. "They agreed that the two sides should work on the next review of the India-Singapore CECA and the ASEAN-India Trade and Goods Agreement. The Prime Ministers also appreciated the growing investment flows between India and Singapore and noted the potential to increase these further." Upon his arrival in Delhi, PM Wong visited Rajghat and paid his respects to Mahatama Gandhi. At the invitation of PM Modi, his counterpart Lawrence Wong is on an official visit to India from September 2-4. This is Prime Minister Wong's first visit to India in his capacity as Singapore's Prime Minister. He is accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Lawrence Wong, and a high-level delegation including Cabinet Ministers and Senior Officials. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint telephone call with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Thursday. "As the world's largest democratic forces, India and the EU share a strong and close relationship built on trust, shared values, and a common vision for the future," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. "The leaders underlined the role of the India-EU Strategic Partnership in jointly addressing global issues, fostering stability, and promoting a rules-based order for mutual prosperity," the statement added. Further, the statement highlighted that the "leaders also welcomed progress in bilateral relations in key sectors such as trade, technology, investment, innovation, sustainability, defence, security and supply chain resilience, and reaffirmed the shared commitment to an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations and implementation of the IMEEC corridor." Building on the historic visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February, the leaders discussed organising the next India-EU Summit in India at an early date of mutual convenience. PM Modi invited the two leaders to India for the same, according to the Prime Minister's office. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India's consistent support for the peaceful resolution of the conflict and the early restoration of peace and stability. The leaders agreed to remain in touch, the release said. https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/1963579062531616790 In response, Ursula von der Leyen shared a post on X, saying, "We had the pleasure of speaking with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We warmly welcome India's continued engagement with President Zelenskyy. India has an important role to play in bringing an end to Russia's war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace." "This war carries global security consequences and undermines economic stability. So it is a risk to the entire world. Looking ahead, we plan to agree on a joint strategic agenda at the next EU-India summit, as early as possible in 2026. We also remain fully committed to concluding the Free Trade Agreement negotiations by the end of the year. To achieve this, progress is needed now," she added. (ANI) Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is on a three-day visit to India, met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Thursday. Wong's visit to India marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Earlier in the day, Singapore's PM met with National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval. Wong also held wide-ranging and fruitful talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House on Thursday. The two leaders jointly inaugurated the JN Port PSA Mumbai Terminal (BMCT) Phase-II in the presence of officials from both countries. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed between India and Singapore during the event, with both Prime Minister Modi and Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong in attendance. He also had numerous interactions, including with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Health Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda, Finance Minister Sitharaman, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. https://x.com/dpradhanbjp/status/1963565449272332636/photo/1 After meeting with Singapore PM Wong, Dharmendra Pradhan wrote on X, "A pleasure to call upon the PM of Singapore, HE Mr. @LawrenceWongST, this afternoon. His visit to India is special, as this year marks the sixtieth year of diplomatic relations between our two great countries." He further highlighted that both the leaders held meaningful conversations for "expanding our bilateral engagements in school education, higher education, vocational education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship." "We also agreed to work together for building the capacity of teachers, boosting research prowess and capacity, strengthening the skilling ecosystem and facilitating more student exchanges across HEIs of both our countries with a view to providing global perspectives and an enriching environment to students. Appreciate his consistent push to take India-Singapore collaborations to greater heights, particularly in education, skill development, start-ups and frontier research," the post read. https://x.com/LawrenceWongST/status/1963585339991159285?t=q_l_Q-9O3N8nCbgTdpyDSw&s=08 Wong shared a video showcasing today's key achievements on the social media platform X. "Met with PM @narendramodi today. Together, we launched an ambitious Roadmap for the SG-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, charting cooperation in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, sustainability, and emerging areas such as digitalisation, AI and space," Wong wrote on X. At the invitation of PM Modi, his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong is on an official visit to India from September 2-4. It is Wong's first visit to India in his capacity as Singapore's Prime Minister. He is accompanied by his spouse, Lawrence Wong, and a high-level delegation including Cabinet Ministers and Senior Officials. (ANI) According to Hong Kong Free Press, the man, identified as Che Yuyi, is a Mainland Chinese who was charged in October 2023 for allegedly making a false declaration to the Immigration Department. Prosecutors allege Che fabricated details about his educational qualifications, claiming he had earned a bachelor's degree in commerce from Monash University in Australia in July 2017. Authorities say this false statement was made to strengthen his application under the scheme, which was created to attract professionals and graduates from world-renowned institutions. Che was released on bail but failed to attend two consecutive hearings at the Shatin Magistrates' Courts. In response, Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong issued a warrant for his arrest on Wednesday. The magistrate also ordered the forfeiture of Che's HK$200,000 cash bail, as well as a HK$100,000 surety provided by a guarantor, as Hong Kong Free Press reported. The Top Talent Pass Scheme, launched in late 2022, was designed to bring in highly skilled workers and graduates in order to address Hong Kong's labour shortages. This case has prompted concerns about the adequacy of background checks and the risk of individuals exploiting the system through fraudulent claims. Che's current location remains unknown, and law enforcement authorities have been instructed to enforce the arrest order. Immigration officials may also tighten monitoring to ensure similar abuses do not occur. The case underscores the delicate balance Hong Kong must strike between attracting global talent and safeguarding the credibility of its immigration framework. If found guilty of making false declarations, Che could face imprisonment along with a permanent ban from entering Hong Kong, as highlighted by Hong Kong Free Press. (ANI) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held a conversation with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Thursday and highlighted that India supports an early end to the conflict. He also discussed the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Ukraine FM Sybiha said that they rely on India's "authoritative voice" and active support in broader international peace efforts. Sharing the details in a post on X, EAM said, "Spoke to FM @andrii_sybiha of Ukraine this evening. Discussed our bilateral cooperation as well the Ukraine conflict. India supports an early end to this conflict and the establishment of an enduring peace." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1963623756271608210 Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that the talks also mentioned strengthening the Ukraine-India partnership and the further implementation of agreements reached by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "I informed my Indian colleague about the current battlefield situation and Ukraine's efforts to achieve a just peace. We rely on India's authoritative voice and active role in supporting the full cessation of hostilities and broader international peace efforts. We agreed to meet during the UNGA high-level week in New York and continue the tangible development of our bilateral relations, including in political dialogue, upcoming high-evel contacts, economic cooperation, technology, and other areas," Sybiha posted on X. https://x.com/andrii_sybiha/status/1963626412910452759 The series of engagements comes shortly after PM Modi had spoken to Russian President Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and prior to his visit to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. With President Putin, the leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi wrote on X, "Had an excellent meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. Discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all sectors, including trade, fertilisers, space, security and culture. We exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. Our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership remains a vital pillar of regional and global stability." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1962418638025310659 On August 30, PM Modi had a telephone conversation with President Zelenskyy ahead of the SCO summit, where they discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and expressed India's full support for efforts to restore peace and stability. Earlier on Wednesday, EAM Jaishankar had also exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and West Asia with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in the national capital. (ANI) US President Donald Trump offered Friday to send more troops to Poland as he welcomed the country's new nationalist president Karol Nawrocki to the White House with a military flyover. Trump also hinted at taking stronger action against Russia if it fails to end its war with Ukraine, which has put NATO ally Poland on edge since Moscow's invasion in 2022. Nawrocki, a conservative historian and fervent Trump supporter, visited the White House during Poland's election campaign and is now making his first foreign trip as president. Trump gave him a warm welcome -- including an offer to boost the US military footprint in Poland, where around 8,000 US troops are currently reinforcing NATO's eastern flank, according to US media. "We'll put more there if they want," Trump, 79, said after shaking hands with Nawrocki, 42, in the Oval Office. "We're with Poland all the way and we'll help Poland protect itself." Trump added that the flyover by F-16 and F-35 jets during Nawrocki's arrival was "very much in honor" of a Polish F-16 jet pilot killed last week while preparing for an air show. "He was a legend in Poland," Trump said of the pilot, Major Maciej "Slab" Krakowian, 37. Nawrocki then praised the US troop presence and said it was "the first time in history" that Poland had been happy to host foreign troops. He also stressed that Warsaw aims to keep increasing its own military spending within the NATO alliance to meet Trump's demands -- despite already being the top spender based on the proportion of GDP. Trump meanwhile prided himself on having backed political novice Nawrocki in Polish elections, the latest in a series of right-wing leaders in Europe supported by Trump. Trump welcomed Nawrocki to the Oval Office in June before the Polish election, with the White House posting a picture of the pair grinning and giving the thumbs-up sign. "I don't endorse too many people, but I endorsed him, and I was very proud of the job he's done," Trump said on Wednesday. The eastern European nation is deeply polarized, with the nationalist Nawrocki clashing with the pro-EU government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a former European Council chief. During the election campaign, Nawrocki highlighted the importance of ties with the United States and his close relationship with Trump. His "Poland First, Poles First" echoed Trump's "America First" slogan. The talks were set to be dominated by the war in Poland's neighbor Ukraine. While Trump and Nawrocki see eye-to-eye politically, Poland is closely watching the US leader's peace efforts in Ukraine, which Warsaw has largely been frozen out of. Poland has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion and is a vital transit country for military and humanitarian supplies. Trump said that "you'll see things happen" if he's dissatisfied with President Vladimir Putin's response, hinting at fresh sanctions or tariffs against Moscow. "I have no message to President Putin, he knows where I stand, and he'll make a decision one way or the other," Trump told reporters. Trump will speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, a White House official told AFP. He is also set to speak to European leaders, the French presidency said. Ukraine is proving divisive in Poland too. Nawrocki recently blocked a law extending Ukrainian refugees' rights proposed by Tusk's government. Nawrocki has also, like Trump, opposed Ukraine's desire for NATO membership. Nepal is experiencing outrage on Facebook and Instagram while attempting to log in from a browser, as the government's enforcement of a ban on unregistered social media comes into effect. Many of the social media users have been complaining about an outage in the service, with the prompt reading "hmm... something went wrong", "This site can't be reached", "Safari can't connect to the server" whenever users attempt to log in using a web browser. "I tried logging in to Facebook via Safari and Google Chrome, but it's not working anymore. For the time being, the app on mobile is working, but I am confident that it will also go dark; it's just a matter of time," Monika Malla, a University graduate, told ANI. Social media users have been scrambling through various other platforms to be updated about the outage. As of 10:45 PM (NPT) WhatsApp, Twitter and YouTube has remained operational. The Government of Nepal on Thursday decided to block 26 social media platforms for operating without registration. A meeting led by Communication and Information Technology Minister Prithivi Subba Gurung, along with ministry officials, representatives from the Nepal Telecommunication Authority, telecom operators and internet service providers, made the decision. According to ministry officials, all unregistered platforms will be restricted with immediate effect. The government had set a seven-day deadline for mandatory registration, which expired on Wednesday past midnight. However, major social media platforms such as Meta (Facebook, Alphabet, X, Reddit, and LinkedIn) have not yet contacted the Ministry regarding the process. Officials had earlier warned that platforms failing to comply would face a gradual suspension of their services in Nepal. Currently, platforms such as Viber, TikTok, Wetalk and Nimbuzz are registered, while Telegram and Global Diary are in the process. Widely used platforms like Facebook, Twitter (X), and WhatsApp have yet to initiate registration. This move follows a Supreme Court order and a recent ministerial meeting led by Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung. "How do Nepalis living abroad talk to their family and home starting today?" a social media user questioned in X following the enforcement. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology clarified that the restriction will apply nationwide and that any unregistered platforms found operating in Nepal will also face the same ban. The government has emphasised that platforms may resume operation once they complete registration, ensuring compliance with national regulations. All other major social media and communication platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Rumble, Mi Video, Mi Vike, Line, Imo, Jalo, Sol, and Hamro Patro, will be blocked until they complete the registration process. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court issued a mandamus order nearly five years after writ petitions were filed seeking restrictions on advertisements and content broadcast through unlicensed social media platforms, OTT apps, and internet browsers. A joint bench of Justices Tek Prasad Dhungana and Shanti Singh Thapa on Wednesday heard three related writ petitions together and ruled in favor of the petitioners. In December 2020, advocates B.P. Gautam and Anita Bajgain had filed writs demanding a ban on unrestricted broadcasts, including foreign advertisements, through social media platforms. Similarly, Manoj Gurung, General Secretary of the Nepal Cable Television Federation, had filed a writ of the same nature. The court consolidated the cases before issuing the mandamus, effectively directing that unlicensed platforms must stop broadcasting advertisements and content without legal permission. Last Thursday, the government issued a notice requiring all social media platforms--including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google, and Gmail--that had not yet registered in Nepal to complete the registration process. The seven-day ultimatum ended on Wednesday, but no platform operators have submitted applications to register in the country. The government has repeatedly issued notices asking social media platforms operating in Nepal, whether from within the country or abroad, to register. Government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, addressing the National Assembly on August 19, said that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, was repeatedly urged to register in Nepal, but it responded that it was not ready to comply with Nepal's laws and constitution. According to the ministry's notice, operational platforms are required to register with the ministry, designate contact points in Nepal, appoint officials to receive local complaints, and assign compliance monitoring officers. (ANI) UAE's Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali, hosted an exclusive session with 40 students from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi's Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at the UAE Embassy in New Delhi, an official statement noted. As per the statement, the dialogue is a key component of the UAE Embassy's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in education, knowledge, innovation, and talent development. The session aimed to position the UAE as a leading partner for India's next generation of student entrepreneurs and researchers, highlighting the UAE's focus on tech-driven growth and cutting-edge academic collaboration. During the candid discussion, the Ambassador and students explored educational pathways, with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as a broader conversation on the future of the UAE-India partnership. Dr. Nikhil Agarwal, the Managing Director of FITT, participated in the occasion as the Guest of Honour and moderator of the session. "Today's dialogue with these outstanding student innovators from IIT Delhi highlights the role of education as the true bridge between our nations," said Ambassador Alshaali. "By fostering creativity, research, and knowledge exchange, we are laying the foundation for a future where technology and learning drive prosperity. The UAE is committed to supporting young Indian talent, providing pathways, and building lasting educational partnerships that will benefit both countries," he said. "This interactive session offered FITT's innovators and incubatees a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the UAE Ambassador. The exposure to the UAE's dynamic innovation and education ecosystem serves as a strong motivator and underscores the importance of the UAE-India partnership in fostering global opportunities," said Dr. Agarwal. The statement underscored how the dialogue highlighted the deepening educational partnership between IIT Delhi and the UAE, marked by the recent establishment of IIT Delhi's Abu Dhabi campus, the institute's first overseas branch. This milestone reflects a shared commitment to expanding academic and research cooperation, with a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. Within this framework, IIT Delhi's FITT serves as a vital bridge, nurturing student-led ventures and connecting them to opportunities in the UAE's growing start-up and knowledge economy. Together, these initiatives create a powerful platform to link education, research, and enterprise between the two nations, the statement noted. (ANI) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India and Singapore held discussions on the need to diversify trade and investment relationships to build stronger and more resilient supply chains. The remarks by P Kumaran, Secretary (East), on Thursday came during the special briefing on the visit of Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to India, where media queries were raised on whether the Trump tariffs are a concern for India and Singapore. P Kumaran said that while discussions did not take place on the 'Trump tariffs', the two countries, however, discovered the need to diversify trade and investment relationships, along with exploring free trade agreements. "On Trump tariffs, there was no discussion, except for the broad global uncertainty and the need for all of us to try and diversify our trade relationships, our investment relationships, and to explore as many Preferential Trade Agreements or Free Trade Agreements as possible, to try and diversify our supply chains and make them more resilient. So broadly, that was the kind of discussion that was held on this issue", Kumaran told the media. President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned that the United States has not yet rolled out "Phase-2" and "Phase-3" tariffs against countries continuing trade ties with Russia. He called secondary sanctions on India a direct action against Russia, as "that costs hundreds of billions of dollars to Russia". The US president recalled his earlier warning that India would face "big problems" if it continued Russian oil purchases. He also repeated his belief that tariffs were essential in rebalancing trade. "China kills us with tariffs, India kills us with tariffs, Brazil kills us with tariffs. I've understood tariffs better than any human beings in the world," he said. During the special briefing, on the front of cooperation between India and Singapore, the MEA informed that India and Singapore have agreed to form teams and take the discussion on civil nuclear cooperation forward. Earlier during the joint press statement with Singapore's PM Wong, PM Modi said on Thursday that India and Singapore have charted a detailed roadmap for the future of the partnership. He emphasised that this would not remain confined to traditional areas but would cater to the needs of changing times. At the invitation of PM Modi, his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong was on an official visit to India from September 2-4. It is Wong's first visit to India in his capacity as Singapore's Prime Minister. Wong's visit to India marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Wong also held wide-ranging and fruitful talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House on Thursday. He was accompanied by his spouse, Lawrence Wong, and a high-level delegation including Cabinet Ministers and Senior Officials. (ANI) As Cameroon approaches its presidential election due to be held on 12 October, fears are mounting over growing political repression, widespread insecurity, and a fractured opposition all of which threaten the credibility of the vote. The 92-year-old President Paul Biya, Africas longest-ruling leader, is seeking an unprecedented eighth term in office. Despite mounting calls from across civil society and even within his own ruling party to step down, Biya has declared his intention to remain in power until at least age 99. The opposition, while united in its desire for change, remains fragmented. Failed negotiations to present a single opposition candidate have weakened hopes of effectively challenging Biya. Key contender Maurice Kamto has been barred from running due to internal party disputes, further splintering opposition momentum. Meanwhile, the United Nations has raised alarm over a shrinking civic space. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk criticized the Cameroonian government for restricting political activity, silencing dissent, and intimidating opposition supporters. A safe and enabling human rights environment is essential for peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections, Turk said. It regrettably appears that this is not the case in Cameroon. In one incident, 53 opposition members were arrested outside the Constitutional Council but later released. Security threats in Anglophone and northern regions, including separatist violence and jihadist attacks, further complicate election logistics. The International Crisis Group (ICG) has called for an electoral ceasefire to protect civilians. With deep political divisions and civic restrictions in place, Cameroons election risks being more symbolic than democratic marking a pivotal moment for its future. West Africa faces a deepening humanitarian crisis as the fallout from armed conflict in the Central Sahel region continues to spill into neighboring Gulf of Guinea countries, according to a new UNICEF report. In the first half of 2025, escalating violence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger has displaced more than 515,000 people into coastal countries like Mauritania, Ghana, Benin, Togo, and Cote dIvoire. Mauritania alone now hosts over 309,000 Malian refugees, while northern Benin and Togo have seen major population displacements due to frequent attacks by non-state armed groups. This mass displacement is overwhelming fragile public services and worsening access to essentials such as healthcare, education, clean water, and nutrition. UNICEF reports treating 16,500 children for severe wasting and vaccinating over 68,000 against measles, but funding shortfalls only 17% of its $76.8 million appeal met limit the response. Public health crises are also spreading. Cholera, measles, and mpox outbreaks have emerged in Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Togo, and Mauritania, while climate shocks, including floods and droughts, are worsening food insecurity and triggering conflict over water access. With 404 security incidents recorded across coastal West Africa in 2024, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), a World Food Program (WFP) report published in July stressed the urgent need for a triple nexus approach integrating humanitarian, development, and peace outcomes to stem the crisis and bolster community resilience across the region. Former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila has broken his silence over the explosive treason trial against him, dismissing the proceedings as a politically motivated attempt to silence opposition voices and distract from President Felix Tshisekedis governance failures. Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019, is being tried in absentia before the High Military Court on charges including treason, crimes against humanity, rape, torture, and collusion with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. Prosecutors allege Kabila masterminded the rebellion in eastern DRC and led its political wing, the Congo River Alliance. The military auditor general has requested the death penalty. This trial has nothing to do with justice, Kabila said in a statement, accusing Tshisekedi of weaponizing the legal system to deflect from corruption and instability, particularly in the mineral-rich Katanga province. Kabilas supporters have fiercely criticized the trial, calling it a threat to the rule of law. Manipulating the identity of a former head of state, the son of a national hero, whose biological mother and siblings are alive, purely for political ends, is a crime of state, said Nehemie Mwilanya, his former chief of staff. The former president, who returned briefly to Goma in May 2024, called for inclusive national dialogue, insisting that reconciliation will come neither from partial agreements nor from selective trials. A verdict from the High Military Court is expected within days. Algeria often portrays itself as a close ally of both China and Russia. Yet its absence from Chinas Victory Day parade in Beijing tells a different story, one of diplomatic marginalization and limited strategic relevance. Algeria already made headlines when Russian president Putin ignored to invite Tebboune during the Victory Day parade in Moscow, signaling Algerias diplomatic demise among the BRICS group of rapidly growing economies. The Chinese parade, held to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, was a grand display of Chinas military might and geopolitical alliances. Twenty-six foreign leaders attended, many representing countries seeking alternatives to Western influence. Algeria was conspicuously absent. President Abdelmadjid Tebbounes non-attendance speaks volumes. Despite his 2023 state visit to Beijing and Algerias bid to join the BRICS bloc, the country remains on the sidelines. While Egypt and Ethiopia were admitted into BRICS, Algeria was left out, largely due to its underdeveloped industrial base and an economy heavily reliant on hydrocarbons as well as its diplomatic inconsistencies. Tebboune had promised a surge in Chinese investment, but little has materialized. Algerias trade balance remains heavily tilted in Chinas favor, with minimal reciprocal investment. Algerias restrictive business climate and diplomatic ambiguity continue to deter deeper engagement. In diplomacy, absence can be more telling than presence. Algerias exclusion from Beijings showcase event underscores its limited influence and the perception- among its supposed allies- that it is more a client than a partner. Mauritanias Sidi Ould Tah has assumed leadership of the African Development Bank with a comprehensive ten-year strategy focusing on financial architecture reform, demographic dividend transformation, and natural resource industrialization, reports LEconomiste. These strategic pillars address Africas critical challenges including declining development aid, mounting sovereign debt, and intensifying climate impacts. Revisiting our investment plan and changing paradigms is urgent, emphasized the president, stressing the importance of multiplying partnerships with national and international financial institutions. The AfDB already collaborates extensively with multilateral institutions including the World Bank Group, Islamic Development Bank, European Investment Bank, and Africa50 Fund for infrastructure financing. Under Ould Tahs leadership, the bank has launched Mission 300 with the World Bank, targeting electricity access for 300 million Africans by 2030, requiring $90 billion in total financing. By early 2025, over $50 billion had been committed during a joint African Union summit. The Alliance for Digital Economy Access (MADE) initiative aims to expand continental digital connectivity, crucial for economic inclusion and regional competitiveness. Partnership with the French Development Agency yields approximately 500 million annual co-financing, supporting large-scale development projects. Ould Tahs vision extends beyond existing collaborations, seeking new partnerships in Asia and America to construct more robust, diversified African financial architecture. Strategic priorities include institutional restructuring to establish AfDB as Africas premier financial actor capable of mobilizing substantial resources and coordinating regional projects. Youth employment creation remains central, focusing on small and medium enterprise development as inclusive growth engines. Infrastructure development accelerates through road construction, energy networks, and transportation systems, strengthening regional integration and facilitating intra-African trade. These initiatives position the AfDB to catalyze Africas economic transformation through enhanced financial mobilization and strategic partnerships. During the past colonial period, France unfairly ceded to Algeria several Moroccan territories including Eastern Sahara. But Moroccos historical and legitimate rights are inalienable and the truth always prevails and rights never die. French ambassador to Morocco Christophe Lecourtier has posted lately a video showing the diplomat pointing to Moroccos map displaying the Kingdom territory including Western and Eastern Sahara. The move sends a strong message to the Algerian rulers who are seeking to preserve colonial borders. According to some analysts, the French ambassador could not have shared the video without receiving green light from the Elysee or Quai dOrsay. The French diplomat move, which has irked the Algerian regime, comes amid reports saying that Paris has provided Rabat a large number of historical manuscripts, official letters and diplomatic correspondences strengthening the Kingdoms position and legitimate rights to retrieve legally its Eastern Sahara territory. Furthermore, a declassified CIA document recognizes the Moroccan sovereignty over the Eastern Sahara stretching from Hassi Beida (Bechar province) down to Tinjoub town (southern Mhamid Ghizlane) and holds France responsible for the territorial dispute between Morocco and Algeria. During Frances administration of Morocco and Algeria, successive redefinitions of the administrative line separating the French Moroccan from the French Algerian jurisdiction tended to favor Algeria, which legally was a part of France, while Morocco was only a protectorate, says the U.S Central Agency memo. In 1958, when the Algerian rebels were operating in the Saharan area, France and Morocco informally agreed on respective operational zones so as to avoid clashes between their forces. Under this informal agreement, the French extended their occupation north and west of earlier lines, but the new line was not accorded any legal status, underlines the CIA document. This line, however, is adopted by the Algerians. The Moroccans insist that the true boundary is an earlier line, which places the posts of Hassi Beida and Tinjoub in Morocco. These posts are important because they are on the main caravan trail linking Colomb-Bechar and Tindouf, says the CIA document. An agreement was reached in 1961 between late King Hassan II and Ferhat Abbas, then Prime minister of the provisional Algerian government to retrieve the eastern Moroccan Sahara but the Algerian leaders broke their promise. They betrayed Moroccans who supported them during their independence war. They refused to return Moroccan Saharan territories, preferring to stick to inherited colonial borders. Now, France turns against Algerian traitors and backs Morocco, tending to honor its past historical & political commitments. DP World, a multinational logistics company based in Dubai, has announced a new shipping service called Atlas, connecting Morocco (Agadir and Casablanca) to the UK (London Gateway port) and Northern Europe (Antwerp Gateway port). This service, to start operation in November 2025, will reduce export times for Moroccan fresh produce like fruits and vegetables by up to two days, cutting carbon emissions by 70% compared to traditional trucking. It will transport up to 150,000 tons of produce annually, using two dedicated vessels and a fleet of 1,250 modern refrigerated containers (reefers) along with 1,750 dry containers. The service enables exporters to avoid road transport issues like congestion and border delays, ensuring fresher produce and lower costs. Delicate items such as tomatoes and blueberries benefit from smoother handling, while emissions drop by up to 250kg CO per ton-kilometer. Morocco exports over 6.5 million metric tons of fruit and vegetables annually to Western Europe, with volumes growing more than 20% year-on-year. Trade agreements and supportive policies have made sea freight a timely option for the expanding market. Markus Rodatz, Chief Operating Officer, Freight Europe, at DP World, said, We are committed to building smarter, more sustainable and more resilient supply chains. The new service gives growers and retailers the confidence that their produce will arrive fresher, faster and in peak condition, while cutting emissions by 70%. Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita received on Tuesday in Rabat new U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Benjamin Ziff who arrived in Morocco over the weekend and assumed the role of Charge dAffaires to the U.S. Mission in the North African Kingdom A U.S. embassy press release said talks focused on opportunities to build on the deep historical ties between the United States and Morocco toward a more secure and prosperous future for both countries. This is the first meeting between Bourita and Ben Ziff. It comes ahead of U.S. Senate confirmation of Trumps nominee Ambassador to Morocco Richard Duke Buchan III. Morocco is U.S. major ally and partner in the region. The two countries consult closely on security, political, and economic issues, and on sustainable development. Morocco is the only country in Africa having a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States. It is also the first country to recognize the independence of the United States of America in 1777. Egypt and Sudan have reiterated their opposition to unilateral actions on Ethiopias Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), declaring their water security one and indivisible. The position was made clear in Cairo during a 2+2 consultation meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, that brought together the foreign and irrigation ministers from both countries. In a joint statement, the ministers stressed the importance of safeguarding their rights as downstream nations under international law and the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement, while pledging closer consultation and coordination. The two countries also underscored that the GERD dispute should remain confined to Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, rejecting efforts to involve other Nile Basin states. Urging Ethiopia to revise its stance, Cairo and Khartoum called for the restoration of cooperation within the Nile Basin Initiative to ensure inclusive benefits for all member states. Beyond water security, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and pledged to support Sudans unity and stability amid ongoing internal challenges. OSHA Cites Florida Tree Service After Fatal Wood Chipper Incident A Port Saint Lucie contractor faces $16,550 in penalties after an employee was fatally injured at a Boynton Beach worksite, with investigators citing crushed-by hazards linked to wood chipper operations. The U.S. Department of Labor has cited a Port Saint Lucie tree service contractor for allegedly exposing workers to crushed-by hazards after an employee suffered fatal injuries while operating a wood chipper at a Boynton Beach worksite in January 2025. Investigators with the departments Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Carltons Tree Service Inc. with a serious violation. To address the violation, the employer will pay $16,550 in penalties and take actions to amend the hazard. Learn more about OSHA, including safe work practices when operating a chipper machine. Employers may contact the agency for information about OSHAs compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards. Before completing a four-day trip to China on September 3, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Shen Yanfeng, the chair of Chinas National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), an indication that Tashkent may be trying to hedge its bets in case a preliminary deal with Russia to build nuclear power plants in the Central Asian state falls through. A statement released September 2 by Mirziyoyevs office indicated that the presidents discussions with Shen focused on the topics of geological surveying assistance and technology transfers for uranium mining and refining. It also stated that the two sides explored expanding cooperation in the sphere of peaceful atomic energy. Meanwhile, Uzbek Minister of Mining and Geology Bobir Islamov announced that Uzbekistan and China had signed 13 new mining-related deals, including for uranium, with a reported value of $5 billion. The agreements will strengthen [Uzbekistans] export potential, Islamov said in a state television interview. Uzbek authorities signed an agreement in June with Russias state-controlled nuclear energy entity Rosatom to conduct a feasibility study to build up to four VVER-1000 reactors in the country. Earlier, Rosatam was enlisted by Tashkent to build as many as six smaller RITM-200N units, capable of generating 55 Megawatts of power each per year. Rosatom also has a deal in place to build Kazakhstans first nuclear power plant. A groundbreaking ceremony for that facility, to be situated on the shores of Lake Balkhash, took place in August. But the project has been clouded by uncertainty over financing, which appeared to be a factor in Astanas awarding the construction contract for the countrys second nuclear plant to CNNC. Aware of Rosatoms present financial difficulties, linked in part to the international sanctions imposed on Russia over its unprovoked attack on Ukraine, Mirziyoyev in China may well have explored lining up CNNC as a backup plan to build Uzbekistans reactors. By Eurasianet More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Key indicators such as OECD and US crude oil inventories, and even Chinese oil product exports, suggest healthier demand and a less oversupplied market than often portrayed. Despite widespread assumptions among oil traders and analysts, physical oil market data, particularly OECD crude oil inventories, does not currently support the narrative of an imminent massive oil glut. The oil market is oversupplied while demand growth is slowing downthis has become the dominant assumption among oil traders over the past two years, repeatedly reinforced by analyst outlets. Assumptions, however, are often wrong, especially when not based on physical data. The International Energy Agencys latest monthly report, for instance, said that the world is facing a record overhang of crude oil, set to unfold in the final quarter of this year and extend into the first months of 2026. The expected glut was attributed to lower-than-expected oil consumption in several large developing world markets, combined with rising production in both OPEC+ and elsewhere, notably in the United States, Canada, Guyana, and Brazil. The investment banks also see a glut, as they tend to do unless there is a war breaking out somewhere. Goldman Sachs recently forecast Brent crude would drop below $55 per barrel next year, citing a supply overhang of 1.8 million barrels daily at the end of this year, very much in tune with the IEA. Morgan Stanley is more guarded in its forecasts but still assumes abundant supply, as does ING in most of its regular commodity market notes. But there are some exceptions. One of these has recently been Standard Chartered, which has bucked the trend of doomsaying among oil price forecasters, noting bullish factors that other forecasters either ignore or overlook. The other is Oxford Energy, which this week released a report taking a close look at the physical oil market. Surprisingly, for many, the physical market does not show evidence of a glut forming anytime soon. Crude oil inventories are always a good place to start, and that is exactly where Oxford Energy starts, noting that inventories in the OECD have only gained a rather modest 4 million barrels over the first six months of the year. This modest increase means OECD oil stocks are still substantially below the five-year average, the research outlet noted, adding that the gap with that average was 122 million barrels. The inventory situation is similar in the United States as well, even though the benchmarks slide every Wednesday when the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports a crude inventory draw. Over a longer period, however, inventories have trended down, suggesting demand is pretty healthy and the threat of a massive glut may well be a bit exaggerated. So, what about inventories outside of the OECD and outside of the United States? China, notably, has been building up its oil in storage, taking advantage of discounted sanctioned Russian crude. Earlier this year, media reports said Chinese crude oil inventories had hit a three-year high, suggesting demand growth was lagging behind refinery processing rates. There have also been repeated warnings about slowing oil demand in the worlds largest oil importereven when imports increase and so do processing rates at Chinese refineries. Oxford Energy notes, however, that since China does not report inventory information, it is difficult to get an accurate number on oil stocks and estimates produced by data trackers vary too widely to offer reliable information. Another factor to take into account when studying oil price prospects is floating storage, according to the analysts. This boomed in 2020 when lockdowns decimated demand and supply turned excessive. After the end of the pandemic, oil in floating storage declined before rising again amid Western sanctions on Russia. Still, Oxford Energy notes, the level of oil in floating storage remains below the levels reached in 2022. Then there is the matter of oil products. If there is too much supply around, some of it would go into storageincluding expensive floating storagebut the rest would be turned into fuels and other products. Once again, all eyes are on China, where another surprise is waiting. Per Kpler data cited by Oxford Energy, oil product exports from China have not gone higher. They have actually gone down by 10% and remain weak. One reason for this is, of course, government quota-setting. Another, however, may well be healthy demand for fuels at home. As the oil market awaits OPECs next meeting to start exiting its positions in anticipation of that glut, it may be wise to keep the physical market in mind, along with the fact that the IEA has repeatedly had to revise its own forecasts as physical world data comes in and refutes them. More interesting, however, is this quote from a recent note from ING analysts: The scale of the surplus through next year means its unlikely the group [OPEC+] will bring additional supply onto the market. The bigger risk is OPEC+ deciding to reinstate supply cuts, given concerns about a surplus. If there is a massive surplus on the way, any new cuts from OPEC+ should have a limited effect on prices, just as they did over the past two years. But maybe that massive surplus is not so certain, after all. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Authored by Jill McLaughlin via The Epoch Times, California regulators fearing a dramatic drop in gasoline supply placed a five-year pause on Gov. Gavin Newsoms penalty on oil industry profits Aug. 29. The decision is a blow to Newsoms legislation aimed at penalizing the oil industry for allegedly driving up the states gas prices in 2022. California Energy Commission Vice Chair Siva Gunda said the state must shield motorists from price spikes at the pump even as it tries to transition to clean-energy fuel sources for transportation. The commission says the pause on its penalty program was needed to further study the industry. We believe this additional time will increase industry confidence enough to secure investments in refinery maintenance and is therefore a prudent way to ensure employee safety and maintain a safe, reliable, affordable supply of fuel during this critical point in the transition to a carbon-free transportation system, a spokesperson told The Epoch Times in an email Sept. 2. California drivers continue to pay the nations highest prices at the pump, with the cost exceeding the national average by more than a dollar per gallon, according to the federal Energy Information Administration. Related: Jellyfish Force another French Nuclear Reactor to Shut Down Fuel demand in the state has slowly dwindled since 2019 as more Californians switch to electric vehicles, but the decrease in demand is not fast enough to keep up with even sharper drops in the states fuel supply as refineries continue to leave. The state would need to increase overseas crude imports, possibly creating serious delays in fuel for consumers, which is what prompted staff to propose the regulatory pause, reported Drew Bohan, the energy commissions executive director. The agency also hasnt been able to prove Newsoms claim that the oil industry was gouging. The data at this point is just not sufficient to indicate that theres ongoing market manipulation, or a structural failure, that would justify immediate regulatory intervention, Bohan said. The decision sparked criticism from Consumer Watchdog, a California-based nonprofit that supported Newsoms price-gouging law in 2023. Gov. Newsom and the Energy Commission have abdicated their responsibility to protect consumers from price gouging, the groups president, Jamie Court, said in a statement. By taking away the hammer of a penalty, the administration will leave consumers vulnerable to the same price spikes and profit spikes that struck in 2022. Gov. Newsom will be as much to blame as the oil refiners for the next price spikes because he left this job unfinished. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks in the rotunda of the Capitol in Sacramento on March 28, 2023. Courtesy of the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom The group also believes Newsoms administration is tying the hands of the next governor by imposing the five-year freeze. Western States Petroleum Association, a trade group advocating for the oil industry, said the commissions five-year pause was a step in the right direction, but it fell short of the groups recommendations. While todays action by the CEC stopped short of a full statutory repeal or a 20-year pause, it represents a needed step to provide some certainty for Californias fuels market, association President Catherine Reheis-Boyd said in a statement provided to The Epoch Times. According to Reheis-Boyd, the decision showed the energy commission understood how the policy would have impacted future investment in the states refineries. Vehicles pass a gas station in Rosemead, Calif., on Sept. 23, 2024. Frederic J. Brown/AFP Newsom and Democratic state legislators suspended regular operating rules to rush through the regulations in less than a week in 2023. Those regulations put in place extensive oversight and new reporting regulations for oil companies, and gave the energy commission the authority to issue fines and penalties for excessive profits. Upon signing the law, Newsom said they proved they could beat big oil. The commission has not approved penalties since the regulations passed. The commissions move last week followed months of handwringing by California lawmakers after a second major oil refineryTexas-based Valero Energy Corp.announced in April its departure from the state. Houston-based oil giant Phillips 66 announced last October that it plans to close one of the companys two Southern California refineries at the end of 2025. A tank at the Valero Wilmington Oil Refinery adjacent to the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles in the Wilmington neighborhood of Los Angeles on April 10, 2025. Patrick T. Fallon / AFP The closures mean a loss of 17 percent of Californias refining capacitya huge loss for a state that is mostly cut off from the rest of the nations fuel supplies and must import oil from overseas. The refinery closures will leave more than 20 million gas-fueled vehicles in California with only seven refineries to produce specialized blends required by state regulations. Beyond the penalty pause, Newsoms administration is also proposing to temporarily streamline approvals of new wells in existing oil fields in an effort to maintain a stable fuel supply. via Zerohedge.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Learn how cutting-edge technologies are empowering environmental sustainability. JUPITER, Fla., Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Discoveries Today will focus on innovations in sustainable technologies for the workplace. The segment will highlight how Island Pure is helping businesses succeed, while also giving back to the community and protecting the environment. Audiences will hear how its high-quality water, ice, and coffee systems eliminate the need for bottled water and are designed to minimize the impact on the environment. Discoveries Today "We look forward to sharing how sustainable solutions are elevating the workplace," said Dustin Schwarz, programming director for Discoveries Today. About Island Pure: Through a commitment to exceptional customer service and high-quality products, Island Pure has helped businesses throughout Florida make a positive impact on the environment and the health of their teams. Today, the company is known for its exceptional, VIP level of service, high-quality products, and commitment to sustainability. About Discoveries Today: Discoveries Today is an information-based educational television series dedicated to highlighting recent advances taking place across several industries and economies. Featuring an array of cutting-edge improvements, state-of-the-art technologies, and groundbreaking environmental and sustainable solutions, the program shines a light on several important issues and topics. Backed by an award-winning team of writers, directors, and producers, the series remains dedicated to producing commercial-free, educational programming for viewers and networks. For more information, please visit www.DiscoveriesToday.com or call 866-992-0665. SOURCE Discoveries Today U.S. President Donald Trump knew back in his first term in office that there was a high probability that Iran could not be reasoned out of its nuclear ambitions nor sanctioned out of them either. It was clear to him, according to senior legal and security sources exclusively spoken to at the time by OilPrice.com, that direct action would have to be taken at some point to remove the most immediately threatening facilities related to its nuclear activities. And it was also apparent that Israel which faced literal extinction from such a threat was increasingly prepared to act alone to neutralise Irans burgeoning nuclear capabilities. It was also understood [by Trump and his key advisers] that any sustained direct attacks by Israel on Iran could spark a broader conflict across the entire Middle East, which could eventually draw China and Russia in direct opposition to the U.S., a senior Washington-based legal source reiterated to OilPrice.com last week. This was where the idea of leveraging the U.A.E.-India relationship came in, he added. Recent weeks have seen further major developments in this context, with last week seeing a major new landmark announcement between Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. The announcement specifically relates to energy but, as is frequently the case in this sector, has much broader geopolitical implications. The deal announced was a 15-year Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) for the supply of 1 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) sourced mainly from ADNOCs Ruwais LNG project. The terms of the SPA allow for ADNOCs LNG cargoes to be delivered to any port across India, as directed by IOC, Indias largest integrated and diversified energy company. With further expansion of business between the two firms, IOC is set to become ADNOCs largest LNG customer by 2029, according to comments from both sides. It will have a total offtake of 2.2 mtpa comprising 1.2 mtpa from ADNOCs Das Island operations and 1 mtpa from the Ruwais LNG project by that time. This latest SPA is part of the broader Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed between the U.A.E. and India in 2022, which aims for bigger and deeper bilateral trade and energy cooperation. As highlighted by ADNOC senior vice president, Rashid Khalfan Al Mazrouei: This long-term agreement with Indian Oil underscores the robust energy relations between the UAE and India. Through our world-class Ruwais LNG Project, ADNOC will continue to provide more lower-carbon gas to meet growing global demand, fuel industries and power homes. Related: US Oil Drilling Activity Continues to Slow This is precisely what the U.S. wanted back in Trumps first presidential term. Those around him knew that China especially, but also Russia, had been dramatically expanding their influence across the Middle East since the U.S.s unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, or colloquially the nuclear deal) with Iran in May 2018. Although Trumps reasoning for the exit had been sound that Iran was using sanctions relief to bolster its finances to expedite its nuclear ambitions the practical result had left Tehran effectively unsupervised. This turbocharged its ability to spread its influence across the region, bolstered by its position as leader of the Shia Crescent of Power and by strong support from Beijing and Moscow, as analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order. Washingtons antidote to this loss of U.S. influence in the Middle East and to prevent potentially disastrous attacks on Iran directly by Israel was the U.A.E.-India plan. There were and still are two main elements to this strategy. The first was to establish India as a true counterbalance to Chinas ever-growing power across the Asia-Pacific region. A boon to this notion had come after 15 June 2020 when Indian and Chinese troops fought running battles in the Galwan Valley the first deadly military confrontation between the two countries since 1975. Washington believed this and similar skirmishes breaking out across the disputed territory might mark a new push back strategy from India against Chinas policy of seeking to increase its economic and military alliances through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The U.S. believed that this military assertiveness might also be echoed in Indias economic desire to finally make substantive progress on its Neighbourhood First policy as an alternative to the BRI programme. Crucially in this context and additionally highly propitious for Washington -- was that Indias rapid economic development was expected to drive a huge expansion in its demand for oil and gas. Indeed, at the time, the International Energy Agency predicted that India would make up the biggest share of energy demand growth at 25% over the next two decades. Washington also knew that, peculiarly to many perhaps, the U.A.E. had a uniquely close relationship with India in the field of energy, as also detailed in my latest book. The U.A.E was the second main element to the U.S. strategy. Occupying a key geographical position next to Saudi Arabia and Oman with coastlines in both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman it makes an ideal energy hub between the West and the East. This is further supported further by its plethora of ports and storage facilities spread across the seven constituent emirates of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. This was also why China had made the U.A.E. a focus of the Middle Eastern section of its multi-generational power-grab project, the BRI, when it was launched in 2013 by President Xi Jinping. The U.A.E.s positioning also neatly augmented the enormous influence Beijing was able to exert over what happens in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz through its Iran-China 25-Year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, first revealed anywhere in the world in my 3 September 2019 article and also analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order. Through other similar deals in the region, China also has a hold over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, through which crude oil is shipped upwards through the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal before moving into the Mediterranean and then westwards. For its part, the U.A.E. was extremely keen to boost its oil and gas revenues after the damage done to its economy alongside those of all other Middle Eastern energy exporters by the Saudi Arabia-led Oil Price War from 2014 to 2016. Moreover, there was also the existing strong energy relationship between India and the U.A.E. to use as a basis for this expansion. Following the awarding of the U.A.E.s Onshore Block 1 to Indias Bharat Petroleum Corporation in May 2019, the chief executive officer of ADNOC, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, highlighted that he looked forward to exploring partnerships between Indian firms and the U.A.E. He added that he wanted this to include expanding the commercial scale and scope of Indias vitally-important Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) partnership. This was in line with ADNOC already being the only overseas company allowed to store crude oil in the SPR. India has also allowed ADNOC to export such oil to allow it greater operational flexibility. The slew of deals being planned at that time with Indian companies in the U.A.E. was underlined by al-Jabber at the end of 2020 when he said: Today, Indian companies represent some of Abu Dhabis key concession and exploration partners [and] As we continue to work together, I see significant new opportunities for enhanced partnerships, particularly across our downstream portfolio. He added: We have launched an ambitious plan to expand our chemicals, petrochemicals, derivatives and industrial base in Abu Dhabi and I look forward to exploring partnerships with even more Indian companies across our hydrocarbon value chain. Washingtons U.A.E.-India plan became clearer when it was announced on 13 August 2020 that the emirate had signed a deal to normalise relations with Israel in a deal that had been brokered by the US. This coincided with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus announcement that he was suspending plans to annex more areas of the West Bank that Israel had seized during the 1967 Six-Day War. It marked the first of the Middle Easts Abraham Accords programme that emerged in Trumps first presidency, that were an attempt for the U.S. to re-project its power across the Middle East. Trump made it clear during his campaign for his second term that he favoured a resumption of the Abraham Accords, including one between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Despite several reports to the contrary, the U.A.E. never cancelled its own such deal with Israel despite the fallout from the Israel-Hamas War. Consequently, the more the benefits of a renewed relationship between the U.S. and the UAE is seen to work, the more likely Abu Dhabi is to support such a landmark deal between Riyadh and Jerusalem, in Washingtons view. The latest big long-term LNG deal between the UAE and India fits perfectly in this U.S. design. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The United States exported more liquefied natural gas in August than in any other previous month, preliminary data from financial firm LSEG showed. August exports reached 9.33 million tonnes, beating the previous monthly record set in April of 9.25Mt. The higher volumes were due to the cessation of maintenance programs, and as Venture Globals Plaquemines facility continued to increase output, Reuters stated. While still under construction, Plaquemines is the second-largest LNG plant in the US with a capacity of 27.2 million tons per annum. It has increased output every month since starting last December, helping the country to remain the worlds largest LNG exporter. Venture Global plans to produce from all of Plaquemines 18 plants in September. The LSEG data showed Europe continues to be the number one destination for US LNG exports, at 6.16 million tons or two-thirds of the total. This is an increase of 0.91Mt compared to July. Exports to Asia declined slightly during August to 1.47Mt, versus 1.8Mt in July. The LSEG data indicated LNG prices were lower in August in both Europe and Asia. European LNG prices slumped to $11.13 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) at the Dutch Title Transfer Facility, against $11.56 in July. The benchmark Japan Korea Market fell to $11.63 per MMBtu in August compared to $12.13 per MMBtu in July. The Reuters article noted that Egypt, which has been facing falling natural gas production, in June announced it would ramp up LNG imports to meet power demand. The country in August bought nine LNG cargoes totaling 0.57 million tons, or 6% of total US LNG exports. US LNG export terminals are primarily situated along the Gulf Coast. Chenieres Sabine Pass facility is in Louisiana, and its Corpus Christi terminal is in Texas, along with Freeport LNG. There is also the Cove Point facility in Maryland and the Kenai LNG plant in Alaska, and several under construction, including Plaquemines (Louisiana), Golden Pass (Texas) and Rio Grande (Texas). US LNG exports are expected to grow by 10% a year through 2030, states an Aug. 22 Reuters piece, as energy firms double their LNG production capacity, according to analysts, providing a shot in the arm to the countrys maturing shale industry which has seen growth slow and costs rise. Indeed, the countrys liquefied gas exports are a bright spot in an increasingly cloudy picture, with oil production expected to plateau or fall in the coming months. A recent U.S. Energy Information Outlook found that US LNG exports are set to soar from a record 11.9 billion cubic feet per day in 2024 to 21.5 bcfd in 2030. The demand for LNG is increasing as energy consumption rises globally and as several countries phase out coal-fired power plants. According to Reuters: That is providing robust growth prospects for the nations gas production regions. Morgan Stanley projects gas output in the Haynesville shale in Louisiana will soar by 41%, and in the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico by 21% from 2024 to 2027. The Marcellus and Utica shales, which span parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, will grow by 9%, according to the Morgan Stanley estimates. U.S. gas producers and investment firms are gearing up for more activity in Haynesville, positioning themselves for the boom in LNG exports boosted by new approvals from U.S. President Donald Trump. However, there is a risk of the LNG market being flooded with supply, depressing prices. According to Bloombergs Global LNG Market Outlook 2030: Focus on Supply Risks, while the global balance is expected to be tight over the next two years, from 2027 onwards, there will be more supply than demand. As new liquefaction plants are commissioned, the base case scenario is for supply to be 63 million tons higher than demand in 2030, states a Bloomberg New Energy Finance analysis. The new supply will come from a long list of projects from Qatar, the US, and Mexico, as well as floating LNG facilities, according to the Bloomberg report. By Andrew Topf for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com While the memorandum is a significant step, key details such as pricing and financing for the multi-billion-dollar project still need to be finalized, and the timeline for its completion remains uncertain. The agreement on Power of Siberia 2 was announced by Gazproms CEO, Alexey Miller, and signals a strategic pivot for Russias energy exports towards the East. Russia and China have signed a legally binding memorandum for the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, aiming to strengthen their energy ties and provide Russia with a new market after losing European demand. Russia and China used a Eurasian summit this week to manifest closer ties in defiance of the U.S., pledging increased cooperation and signing about two dozen agreements, including in the energy sector. During the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for bilateral talks and multi-lateral discussions agreements with the leaders of about 20 non-Western nations, including India. The Chinese signaled to the West a new world order in which Eurasian strongmen will not be bullied by the United States, and threats and tariffs will only push closer ties within the anti-West axis. The summit was also a stage on which countries announced stronger cooperation in many fields, including military, industry, and energy. Russia and China, in particular, signed a legally binding memorandum to move forward with a second major pipeline to carry natural gas from Russias huge Siberian gas fields to China via Mongolia. The agreement was announced on Tuesday by Alexey Miller, the chief executive of Russias gas giant Gazprom, who signed the deal with Chinas state energy firm CNPC for the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline. Russia is betting 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 has lost most of the European market, reported an annual loss for the first time in more than two decades, and is threatened by the EU pledge to end dependency on Russian energy, including a halt to all imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027. So it is only natural that Gazprom believes that its future revenues and sales will come from the East. Russia has tried for years to get China to commit to the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, without success. Now a legally binding memorandum has been signed, but key sticking points remain including the price China will (be willing to) pay for the supply. Its not clear who and how will finance the huge multi-billion-dollar project, either. 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. Power of Siberia 2 is designed to ship gas from Russias Western Siberia Altai region to northeast China via Mongolia. The memorandum on Power of Siberia 2 signed on Tuesday doesnt include details and issues such as prices or capacity commitments, so the key sticking points remain. Russia touted the project as the biggest ever in the global gas industry, while China has yet to confirm the deal. Gazproms Miller himself acknowledged that Russia and China have yet to discuss issues related to financing and the price of supply. A potential start-up of a second gas pipeline from Russia to China is years, or decades, away, if it happens at all, analysts say. Whether Power of Siberia 2 will come to fruition remains to be seen. Regardless, theres no denying that the Sino-Russian partnership enhances the threat each country poses to U.S. interests, said John Hardie, Russia Program Deputy Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). Max Meizlish, Senior Research Analyst at FDD, commented, Policymakers should recognize that the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline announcement comes on the heels of deepening China-Russia cooperation and, critically, just after the first delivery from Russias sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project to China. Russias Arctic LNG 2 project, sanctioned by the U.S., the EU, and the UK, 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 have emergedall in China. Beijings willingness to further lean into Moscows energy sector shows it no longer fears the consequence of U.S. sanctions. Washington must change that calculation, FDDs Meizlish said. Amid many uncertainties about the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project, one thing is certain: Russia and China are strengthening their strategic cooperation, including in energy. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com US President Donald Trump told his Polish counterpart the United States was ready to increase its military presence in the Central European nation, one of the countries on NATOs so-called eastern flank warily watching Russia's actions. Trump welcomed conservative President Karol Nawrocki to Washington in an event highlighted by a flyover of US F-16 fighter jets honoring a Polish military pilot who had died last month in a crash. Asked if he planned to keep US forces deployed to Poland, Trump replied in the affirmative. "We'll put more there if they want," he added, while citing the United States "tremendous relationship" with Poland, one of the more important military and political allies of Ukraine during its war with Russia. "We never even thought in terms of removing soldiers from Poland." "We're with Poland all the way, and we'll help Poland protect itself," Trump added. Warsaw has long sought an increased US military presence in Poland. The United States has based troops in Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and other European nations since the end of World War II, initially to serve as a deterrence to Soviet aggression on the Continent. The first permanently stationed US troops arrived in Poland in March 2023. There are an estimated 8,000 US troops now garrisoned in Poland, some on a rotational basis. Nawrocki added that it is "the first time in history" that Poland has been happy to host foreign troops. Nawrocki, a vocal admirer of the US leader, said after the talks with Trump that the two presidents had discussed bolstering troop levels, adding that Trump had strongly guaranteed Poland's security. "The success of his [Nawrocki's] special relationship with the MAGA movement and with President Trump would be if the United States increased its presence in Poland," Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski told reporters a day earlier -- a reference to Trump's "Make America Great Again" movement. Nawrocki was elected in a narrow contest following a campaign echoing many of Trump's slogans and had promised a "Poland first" policy, worrying some in Europe over the country's support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. The election result dealt a major setback to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a pro-Europe, centrist leader and vocal supporter of Ukraine who had backed Nawrocki's liberal opponent. Nawrocki, too, has voiced support for Ukraine in its war against invading Russian forces. But he has said he opposes NATO membership for Ukraine, a view more and more Poles appear to share. Although largely supportive of Kyiv's fight against Russia, many Poles have grown impatient with the influx of some 1.5 million Ukrainian war refugees and the related costs in the country. Despite some tensions within the Polish leadership, the European Union, and the United States, Nawrocki said there is unity and clarity about the Russian threat. Regardless of the differences that exist within the European Union, regardless of the differences that exist in Poland between me and the Polish government, I guarantee that on security matters, including at this closed meeting, I spoke unequivocally about how I perceive [Russian President] Vladimir Putin and the threat he poses to the free world, Nawrocki said. Trump said that "you'll see things happen" if Putin does not move toward peace in his war on Ukraine, building on his long-standing threats of sanctions or tariffs on Moscow. "I have no message to President Putin. He knows where I stand, and he'll make a decision one way or the other," Trump told reporters. A White House official told AFP that Trump plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 4, along with other European leaders. Zelenskyy and Kyiv's European allies in the "Coalition of the Willing" are scheduled to meet on September 4 in Paris to discuss the situation in Ukraine and potential security guarantees for the country following any peace deal with Russia. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com China has launched in earnest the drive to curb excess capacity in the solar manufacturing sector, which has doomed many companies to price wars and deepening losses. The combined losses of six of Chinas biggest solar panel and cell manufacturers doubled in the first half of 2025, to $2.8 billion (20.2 billion Chinese yuan), from the same period last year, the Financial Times reports, citing data from local financial information provider Wind. All top Chinese solar equipment producers had already booked losses for the first quarter of 2025, blaming the continued losses on low product prices and the trade and tariff turbulence under U.S. President Donald Trump. The Chinese solar wafers, panels, switchers, and other equipment producers have been struggling on the domestic market amid overcapacity that Chinas authorities moved to address only in late 2024. Earlier in 2024, the China Photovoltaic Industry Association said that China urgently needs consolidation in the solar manufacturing industry as overcapacity and price wars are leading local companies to a race to the bottom. This summer, Chinas authorities are stepping up efforts to address the overcapacity in Chinas clean technology industries, which undermines the profitability of solar equipment manufacturers. Chinese authorities have realized that cutthroat competition, overcapacity, and low-quality manufacturing are hurting enterprises. Following months of introducing several measures to try to curb excess cleantech manufacturing capacity, China has now vowed to become more serious in addressing the problem. Chinese authorities and media have intensified in recent weeks the message that the disorderly price competition and overcapacity need to be addressed. In July, executives from 14 leading Chinese solar firms were summoned by Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), where Industry Minister Li Lecheng called on the manufacturers to end price wars, phase out outdated and severely underutilized capacity, and shift toward innovation and value-based competition. The minister stressed that the next phase will prioritize product quality, stronger regulations, and sustainable development with ongoing government support, solar panel manufacturer Huasun said, commenting on the meeting. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Exxon is considering the sale of chemical production facilities in Europe, after the European Union sealed a controversial tariff deal with President Trump that will increase the burden on businesses operating in Europe. Intense competition from China is another reason for the move, the Financial Times reported, citing sources in the know. The sources said the facilities considered for sale are located in Belgium and the UK. The publication noted that other chemical producers have also started to pull out of Europe amid the worsening business environment. Said environment features often excessively high energy prices and a growing burden of environmental regulation aimed at stimulating businesses to adopt emission-reduction measures in their operations. These measures, however, add to costs. According to the sources who spoke to the Financial Times, Exxon was also considering simply shutting the chemical plants down. Exxon has been increasingly vocal in its criticism of European Union energy policies. In its latest Global Outlook, the supermajor dedicated a special section to Europe, calling it Lessons from Europe and detailing the EUs path from a competitive business region to a place notorious for its red tape and energy prices, plus a disgruntled population. Earlier this year, Exxon decried the EUs latest in the area, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which chief executive Darren Woods described as bone-crushing penalties. Indeed, the CSDDD places a heavy burden of responsibility on large corporations operating in the EU to make sure that nowhere in their operations are there abuses of human rights, adverse impacts on the environment, and anything else that goes counter to the EUs sustainability goals, which it wants to become the goals of all large companies with EU operations. It is going to tangle them up in more bureaucratic red tape in Europe... and subject [companies] to bone-crushing penalties, so thats a big issue that is yet to be addressed, and hopefully will as part of these [trade] negotiations, Woods said in August. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Guyanas ruling Peoples Progressive Party has won the elections that took place this week in the South American nation, getting one more term to develop the countrys oil and gas reserves. Per early reports in Guyanese media, the Peoples Progressive Party won in eight of ten electoral districts, which provides it with a comfortable majority. The results are all out there, as published by the Guyana elections commission. The numbers are clear. The people have spoken in an overwhelming way. We have won these elections with a remarkable margin, Guyanas president, Irfaan Ali, told The Guardian. We have delivered everything we set out to do over the last five years and that is why they trust us with our vision and agenda for the next five years, he also said. The Guyanese government has used the windfall from oil sales to build infrastructure, schools, and hospitals but many in Guyana still live in poverty. As oil production grows, however, so should income to invest in more public services and reducing poverty levels. Crude oil exports from Guyana averaged about 582,000 barrels per day last year, as ExxonMobil and its partners Hess Corp and CNOOC of China continued to boost production from the offshore Stabroek Block, where more than 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels have been discovered to date. Since the end of 2019, when Guyana exported its first crude oil cargo, the country has become the fifth biggest exporter in Latin America, after Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia. Production has been growing fast and steady, with Exxon starting up the fourth floating production unit in the Stabroek Block in August, bringing up Guyanas total oil production capacity to 900,000 barrels daily. Plans are to boost this to as much as 1.7 million barrels daily by 2030, with eight floating production, storage, and offloading vessels on the site. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russias top oil producer, state-controlled Rosneft, has signed a deal to supply additional pipeline volumes of crude to China via Kazakhstan during Vladimir Putins visit to Beijing earlier this week, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev said on Thursday. Rosneft also signed an agreement with Chinese partners on an additional supply of 2.5 million tonnes of oil via Kazakhstan, Russian news agency Interfax quoted Tsivilev as saying in an interview with the Rossiya 24 TV channel. Last year, the crude flows from Russia to China via Kazakhstan stood at 10.2 million tons, equal to about 204,000 barrels per day (bpd). At the end of 2024, Putin said during a state visit to Astana that Russia and Kazakhstan were discussing increasing Russian oil and gas flows to China via Kazakhstan. We have discussed the possibility of creating new routes for pumping our products petroleum and gas alike to third countries, primarily the Peoples Republic of China, through the territory of Kazakhstan among other optional routes, Putin said at the time, as carried in the English translation of the Kremlins transcript of the briefing. These are very lucrative, exciting, and promising routes and projects. Without a doubt, they will help stabilise the global economy, primarily, in the Asia-Pacific region, and we will thus gain an extra opportunity to engage in market operations, Putin was quoted as saying. This week, during Putins visit to China for a summit of Eurasian leaders, Russias gas giant Gazprom signed an agreement with Chinas state energy firm CNPC to build a second huge natural gas pipeline from Russia to China, the Power of Siberia 2. Despite the lack of details on timelines, financing, and the price of supply of the new massive project, Russia and China used this weeks summit to manifest closer ties in defiance of the U.S., pledging increased cooperation and signing about two dozen agreements, including in the energy sector. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com A potential return of U.S. supermajor ExxonMobil to Russian operations would be beneficial for the region of Sakhalin in Russias Far East and help Russias energy sector, Sakhalins governor Valery Limarenko has told Reuters. Ahead of the Trump-Putin meeting in mid-August, Russia and the United States had reportedly discussed Exxon returning to the Sakhalin-1 oil and gas development project. Senior U.S. and Russian officials discussed bilateral energy deals on the sidelines of the talks on reaching a peace agreement in Ukraine in August. The potential energy agreements between the U.S. and Russia were proposed as an incentive for Putin to agree to a peace in Ukraine and a path forward for the United States to ease sanctions on Moscow. In the weeks following the Trump-Putin summit, no breakthrough has been achieved toward peace and President Trump has again expressed frustration with Putin. Exxon quit the Sakhalin-1project after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which triggered an exodus of foreign oil firms and service providers. To coincide with the Trump-Putin meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin amended his decree from 2022 giving full Russian ownership to Sakhlain-1, and opened the door to a return of foreign companies to the oil and gas project. Back in 2022, Putin signed a decree to seize the Sakhalin-1 project, in which Exxon held a 30% stake. A potential Exxon return would help Russias oil and gas extraction, Limarenko told Reuters. Look, it's important that they want to return, the governor added. We need to develop further and in this sense, it would be more efficient to develop further jointly, Limarenko told Reuters. Senior executives from Exxon discussed a potential return to the Sakhalin-1 project in secret talks with Russias oil giant Rosneft earlier this year, The Wall Street Journal reported last week, quoting sources with knowledge of the talks. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com HONG KONG, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) ("Cango" or the "Company") today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. Second Quarter 2025 Financial and Operational Highlights As of June 30, 2025 , the company's total mining capacity reached 50 EH/s, primarily driven by the acquisition of 18 EH/s in June 2025 . Furthermore, in May, Cango successfully completed the divestiture of its China -based assets for US$352 million , generating substantial cash proceeds and providing ample liquidity to support ongoing strategic initiatives. , the company's total mining capacity reached 50 EH/s, primarily driven by the acquisition of 18 EH/s in . Furthermore, in May, Cango successfully completed the divestiture of its -based assets for , generating substantial cash proceeds and providing ample liquidity to support ongoing strategic initiatives. Total revenues were RMB1.0 billion ( US$139.8 million ) in the second quarter of 2025, with the Bitcoin mining business generating revenue of RMB 989.4 million ( US$138.1 million ). ( ) in the second quarter of 2025, with the Bitcoin mining business generating revenue of ( ). Adjusted EBITDA was RMB710.1 million ( US$99.1 million ) in the second quarter of 2025. ( ) in the second quarter of 2025. A total of 1,404.4 Bitcoins were mined during the second quarter of 2025. Average cost to mine, excluding depreciation of mining machines, was US$83,091 per Bitcoin, with all-in costs of US$98,636 per Bitcoin. As of the end of June 2025 , the Company had mined 3,879.2 Bitcoins since entering the Bitcoin mining industry. per Bitcoin. As of the end of , the Company had mined 3,879.2 Bitcoins since entering the Bitcoin mining industry. The net loss for the period was mainly attributable to the one-off loss on discontinued operations and the non-cash impairment loss from mining equipment contracted last November and settled via equity in June of this yeartriggered by the significant appreciation in Cango's share price between signing and delivery. These charges are both tied to the Company's strategic steps rather than operational underperformance. Excluding the impairment and the one-off loss from discontinued operations, adjusted EBITDA stood at RMB710.1 million ( US$99.1 million ) in the second quarter of 2025, demonstrating the underlying strength and profitability of our core Bitcoin mining business. Mr. Paul Yu, Chief Executive Officer of Cango, said, "The second quarter of 2025 marks a significant milestone as we report our first full quarter following our strategic transformation. In just nine months, we have successfully established ourselves as one of the largest Bitcoin miners in the world with a strong foundation to scale our operations going forward. This rapid growth is being fueled by our asset-light strategy, which enables us to acquire plug-and-play mining rigs with minimal upfront capital, allowing us to scale more quickly and cost-effectively than vertically integrated competitors. While this approach incurs relatively higher cash costs per Bitcoin, our substantially lower depreciation expenses keep all-in costs competitive, ensuring strong capital efficiency, resilience through market cycles, and a geographically diversified footprint that mitigates risks and sustains an industry-leading performance." "Our recent acquisition of 18 EH/s increased our total mining capacity to 50 EH/s by quarter-end, contributing to a 44% increase in Bitcoin production in July to 650.5 Bitcoins compared to June. This growth highlights the significant impact of our expanded operations and provides a strong foundation for further scaling through both organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions, while safeguarding and growing our Bitcoin treasury. Complementing this, our early August acquisition of a 50 MW mining facility in the U.S. state of Georgia represents a pivotal step as we begin building out a robust portfolio of Bitcoin mining and energy infrastructure. This move enhances our energy security, significantly lowers power costs, and will provide us with the operational expertise needed for future high-performance computing (HPC) and energy infrastructure initiatives." Mr. Michael Zhang, Chief Financial Officer of Cango, stated, "We generated total revenue of RMB1.0 billion this quarter, demonstrating the strong underlying performance of our core Bitcoin mining business. Excluding non-cash-impairment item and the one-off loss from discontinued operations, adjusted EBITDA reached RMB710.1 million, compared to RMB5.4 million in the same period last year. This remarkable improvement underscores the robust progress of our business transformation and the tangible positive impact on our operations. Supported by this robust foundation, we are well-positioned to expand our Bitcoin mining business and drive the development of our energy and HPC capabilities going forward." Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results from Continuing Operations REVENUES Total revenues were RMB1.0 billion (US$139.8 million) in the second quarter 2025. Revenue from the Bitcoin mining business was RMB 989.4 million (US$138.1 million), with a total of 1,404.4 Bitcoins mined in the second quarter of 2025. Revenue from Automobile trading income was RMB12.4 million (US$1.7 million) in the second quarter of 2025. OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES Total operating costs and expenses in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB2.3 billion (US$320.3 million). These costs were primarily associated with our Bitcoin mining business. Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below) in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB836.9 million ( US$116.8 million ). ( ). Cost of revenue (depreciation and amortization) in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB156.4 million ( US$21.8 million ). ( ). General and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB21.7 million ( US$3.0 million ), compared with RMB13.0 million in the same period of 2024. ( ), compared with in the same period of 2024. Impairment loss from mining machines in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB1.8 billion ( US$256.9million ). This non-cash impairment loss primarily resulted from the pricing of the 18 EH/s of mining machines acquired through a share-settled transaction entered in November 2024 . By the time the mining machines were delivered in June 2025 , the Company's share price had nearly doubled, which triggered a non-cash accounting adjustment in accordance with applicable accounting standards. ( ). This non-cash impairment loss primarily resulted from the pricing of the 18 EH/s of mining machines acquired through a share-settled transaction entered in . By the time the mining machines were delivered in , the Company's share price had nearly doubled, which triggered a non-cash accounting adjustment in accordance with applicable accounting standards. The loss from discontinued operations in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB591.6 million ( US$82.6 million ) and there were income tax expenses of RMB233.9 million ( US$32.6 million ) being recognized due to the PRC withholding tax on the indirect transfer of the Company's PRC assets. These loss and expenses resulted from the divestiture of the Company's China -based business. LOSS FROM OPERATIONS Loss from operations in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB1.3 billion (US$180.4 million) compared with RMB13.0 million in the same period of 2024. NET LOSS Net loss in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB2.1 billion (US$295.4 million) compared with net income of RMB86.0 million in the same period of 2024. ADJUSTED EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB710.1 million (US$99.1 million) compared with RMB5.4 million in the same period of 2024. BALANCE SHEET As of June 30, 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of RMB843.8 million (US$117.8 million) compared with RMB660.1 million as of December 31, 2024. Roadmap Forward Over the long-term, Cango is laying a clear and purposeful roadmap to develop a dynamic platform that intelligently integrates Bitcoin mining and HPC applications with dedicated energy infrastructure to create lasting value for shareholders and drive further growth. The Company's approach will follow a three-phase roadmap: Near term: Optimize its 50 EH/s mining capacity by implementing efficiency upgrades and replicating the low-cost operational model of its Georgia mining facility in other favorable power markets. mining facility in other favorable power markets. Medium term: Develop energy and HPC expertise by piloting renewable energy storage projects aimed at achieving near-zero-cost mining while simultaneously retrofitting select facilities for HPC applications. Long term: Build a dynamic computing platform that intelligently allocates energy capacity between Bitcoin mining and AI workloads, integrating Bitcoin mining, HPC services, and green-energy trading into a synergistic revenue model. Reporting Currency The Company intends to change the reporting currency of its consolidated financial statements from Renminbi to U.S. dollars, reflecting the profile of its revenue and profit after the divestiture of its China assets in May 2025. The change is expected to be effective from the Company's results for the third quarter 2025, which will be reported in U.S. dollars. All comparative numbers will be recast in U.S. dollars. Conference Call Information The Company's management will hold a conference call on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 9:00 PM Eastern Time or Friday, September 5, 2025, at 9:00 A.M Hong Kong Time to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers: International: +1-412-902-4272 United States Toll Free: +1-888-346-8982 Mainland China Toll Free: 4001-201-203 Hong Kong, China Toll Free: 800-905-945 Conference ID: Cango Inc. The replay will be accessible through September 11, 2025, by dialing the following numbers: International: +1-412-317-0088 United States Toll Free: +1-877-344-7529 Access Code: 5441205 A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.cangoonline.com. About Cango Inc. Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) is primarily engaged in the Bitcoin mining business, with operations strategically deployed across North America, the Middle East, South America, and East Africa. The Company entered the crypto asset space in November 2024, driven by advancements in blockchain technology, the growing adoption of digital assets, and its commitment to diversifying its business portfolio. In parallel, Cango continues to operate an online international used car export business through AutoCango.com, making it easier for global customers to access high-quality vehicle inventory from China. For more information, please visit: www.cangoonline.com. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure As part of our review of business performance, we present adjusted EBITDA as Non-GAAP financial measure to help assess our core operating results. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income or loss before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, impairment, results from discontinued operations and further excludes share-based compensation expenses and other non-operating income and expenses. We believe Adjusted EBITDA can be an important financial measure because it allows management, investors, and our board of directors to evaluate and compare our operating results, including our return on capital and operating efficiency from period-to-period by making such adjustments. While adjusted EBITDA is not a measure defined under U.S. GAAP, management uses it to evaluate performance, make strategic decisions, and set operating plans. Management believes it also helps investors gain a clearer understanding of our underlying performance by excluding certain costs and expenses that management believes are not indicative of its core operating results. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results or guidance prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the Non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company's performance. The Company encourages you to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. Reconciliations of Cango's Non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure are included at the end of this press release. Exchange Rate Information This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars ("US$") at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB7.1636 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on June 30, 2025, in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the "Roadmap Forward" section and quotations from management in this announcement, contain forward-looking statements. Cango may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Cango's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Cango's goal and strategies; Cango's expansion plans; Cango's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Cango's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its solutions and services; Cango's expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with dealers, financial institutions, car buyers and other platform participants; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Cango's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Cango does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Investor Relations Contact Juliet Ye, Head of Communications Cango Inc. Email: [email protected] Christensen Advisory Tel: +852 2117 0861 Email: [email protected] CANGO INC. UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Amounts in Renminbi ("RMB") and US dollar ("US$"), except for number of shares and per share data) As of December 31, 2024 As of June 30, 2025 RMB RMB US$ ASSETS: Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 660,085,857 843,819,740 117,792,694 Short-term investments, net 292,347,551 - - Accounts receivable, net 12,060,219 15,711,379 2,193,224 Prepayments and other current assets, net 196,889,566 1,620,209,764 226,172,562 Receivable for bitcoin collateral, net 617,057,765 2,985,308,650 416,733,018 Current assets of discontinued operations 1,679,666,755 - - Total current assets 3,458,107,713 5,465,049,533 762,891,498 Non-current assets: Mining machines, net 1,772,319,041 2,563,914,216 357,908,624 Property and equipment, net 477,815 - - Deferred tax assets - 16,255,457 2,269,174 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 1,345,851 - - Other non-current assets, net 325,704,996 - - Non-current assets of discontinued operations 411,368,143 - - Total non-current assets 2,511,215,846 2,580,169,673 360,177,798 TOTAL ASSETS 5,969,323,559 8,045,219,206 1,123,069,296 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term debts 124,584,293 1,613,271,396 225,204,003 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 1,248,130,533 1,173,156,960 163,766,397 Income tax payable 311,113,135 552,982,663 77,193,403 Short-term lease liabilities 1,315,594 - - Current liabilities of discontinued operations 149,762,415 - - Total current liabilities 1,834,905,970 3,339,411,019 466,163,803 Non-current liabilities: Deferred tax liability 7 7 1 Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations 47,787,710 - - Total non-current liabilities 47,787,717 7 1 Total liabilities 1,882,693,687 3,339,411,026 466,163,804 Shareholders' equity Ordinary shares 199,087 304,281 42,476 Treasury shares (756,517,941) (749,276,642) (104,594,986) Additional paid-in capital 4,725,877,432 7,696,097,026 1,074,333,719 Accumulated other comprehensive income 152,882,024 117,861,429 16,452,821 Accumulated deficit (35,810,730) (2,359,177,914) (329,328,538) Total Cango Inc.'s equity 4,086,629,872 4,705,808,180 656,905,492 Total shareholders' equity 4,086,629,872 4,705,808,180 656,905,492 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 5,969,323,559 8,045,219,206 1,123,069,296 CANGO INC. UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Amounts in Renminbi ("RMB") and US dollar ("US$"), except for number of shares and per share data) Three months ended June 30 Six months ended June 30 2024 2025 2024 2025 RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Revenues - 1,001,766,873 139,841,263 - 2,048,104,666 285,904,387 Bitcoin mining income - 989,399,199 138,114,802 - 2,035,666,196 284,168,043 Automobile trading income - 12,367,674 1,726,461 - 12,438,470 1,736,344 Operating cost and expenses: Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below) - 836,897,438 116,826,378 - 1,627,653,840 227,211,715 Cost of revenue (depreciation and amortization) - 156,393,116 21,831,637 - 311,337,321 43,461,014 General and administrative 13,040,649 21,674,695 3,025,671 23,244,716 94,320,210 13,166,594 Provision for credit losses - 6,565,218 916,469 - 8,664,078 1,209,459 Impairment loss from mining machines - 1,840,017,728 256,856,570 - 1,840,017,728 256,856,570 Gain from changes in fair value of receivable for bitcoin collateral - (567,233,297) (79,182,715) - (372,275,298) (51,967,628) Total operation cost and expense 13,040,649 2,294,314,898 320,274,010 23,244,716 3,509,717,879 489,937,724 Loss from operations (13,040,649) (1,292,548,025) (180,432,747) (23,244,716) (1,461,613,213) (204,033,337) Interest Income 15,017,695 4,999,962 697,968 30,956,541 7,152,431 998,441 Interest expense - (14,713,673) (2,053,950) - (24,231,454) (3,382,581) Foreign exchange (loss) gain, net - 141,228 19,715 - (59,316) (8,280) Other income 603,331 822,943 114,878 1,202,398 1,642,357 229,264 Other expenses - (567,798) (79,262) - (567,798) (79,262) Net (loss) income before income taxes 2,580,377 (1,301,865,363) (181,733,398) 8,914,223 (1,477,676,993) (206,275,755) Income tax benefit 11,326,299 1,581,090 - 8,197,331 1,144,303 Net (loss) income from continuing operations 2,580,377 (1,290,539,064) (180,152,308) 8,914,223 (1,469,479,662) (205,131,452) Discontinued operations: Income/(Loss) from discontinued operations 75,791,431 (591,602,705) (82,584,553) 171,525,971 (620,017,630) (86,551,124) Income tax benefit (expense) 7,651,029 (233,869,892) (32,646,978) (4,390,571) (233,869,892) (32,646,978) Net income/(Loss) from discontinued operations 83,442,460 (825,472,597) (115,231,531) 167,135,400 (853,887,522) (119,198,102) Net (loss) income attributable to Cango Inc.'s shareholders 86,022,837 (2,116,011,661) (295,383,839) 176,049,623 (2,323,367,184) (324,329,554) (Losses) earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders: Basic Discontinued operations 0.81 (7.71) (1.08) 1.59 (8.10) (1.13) Continuing operations 0.02 (12.06) (1.68) 0.09 (13.94) (1.95) Basic 0.83 (19.77) (2.76) 1.68 (22.04) (3.08) Diluted Discontinued operations 0.74 (7.71) (1.08) 1.48 (8.10) (1.13) Continuing operations 0.02 (12.06) (1.68) 0.08 (13.94) (1.95) Diluted 0.76 (19.77) (2.76) 1.56 (22.04) (3.08) Weighted average ADS used to compute earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders: Basic 104,041,560 107,044,846 107,044,846 104,781,289 105,422,976 105,422,976 Diluted 113,656,131 107,044,846 107,044,846 112,790,662 105,422,976 105,422,976 Other comprehensive income, net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustment 7,832,817 3,289,342 459,174 28,727,745 (35,020,595) (4,888,687) Total comprehensive (loss) income 93,855,654 (2,112,722,319) (294,924,665) 204,777,368 (2,358,387,779) (329,218,241) Total comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Cango Inc.'s shareholders 93,855,654 (2,112,722,319) (294,924,665) 204,777,368 (2,358,387,779) (329,218,241) CANGO INC. RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (Amounts in Renminbi ("RMB") and US dollar ("US$"), except for number of shares and per share data Three months ended June 30 Six months ended June 30 2024 2025 2024 2025 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Net (loss) income 86,022,837 (2,116,011,661) (295,383,839) 176,049,623 (2,323,367,184) (324,329,554) Less: Discontinued operations: Income/(Loss) from discontinued operations 75,791,431 (591,602,705) (82,584,553) 171,525,971 (620,017,630) (86,551,124) Income tax benefit (expense) 7,651,029 (233,869,892) (32,646,978) (4,390,571) (233,869,892) (32,646,978) Net income/(Loss) from discontinued operations 83,442,460 (825,472,597) (115,231,531) 167,135,400 (853,887,522) (119,198,102) Net (loss) income from continuing operations 2,580,377 (1,290,539,064) (180,152,308) 8,914,223 (1,469,479,662) (205,131,452) Add: Interest expense - 14,713,673 2,053,950 - 24,231,454 3,382,581 Add: Income tax benefit - (11,326,299) (1,581,090) - (8,197,331) (1,144,303) Add: Depreciation and amortization 2,419 156,405,608 21,833,381 4,521 311,387,238 43,467,982 Cost of revenue - 156,393,116 21,831,637 - 311,337,321 43,461,014 General and administrative 2,419 12,492 1,744 4,521 49,917 6,968 Add: Impairment loss from mining machines - 1,840,017,728 256,856,570 - 1,840,017,728 256,856,570 Add: Other expenses - 567,798 79,262 - 567,798 79,262 Less: Other income 603,331 822,943 114,878 1,202,398 1,642,357 229,264 Add: Share-based compensation expenses 3,382,804 1,084,118 151,337 7,799,176 26,867,560 3,750,567 General and administrative 3,382,804 1,084,118 151,337 7,799,176 26,867,560 3,750,567 Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA 5,362,269 710,100,619 99,126,224 15,515,522 723,752,428 101,031,943 Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA attributable to Cango Inc.'s shareholders 5,362,269 710,100,619 99,126,224 15,515,522 723,752,428 101,031,943 SOURCE Cango Inc. GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS), one of the nation's largest homebuilders, today announced the pricing of its private offering (the "Offering") of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 6.625% Senior Notes due 2033 (the "Notes"). The Notes will bear interest at 6.625% and will be guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by certain of the Company's current and future subsidiaries, including substantially all of its domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Notes will be sold to investors at a price of 100% of the principal amount thereof. The Offering is expected to close on September 17, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. The Company expects the aggregate net proceeds of the Offering to be approximately $494 million after payment by the Company of the initial purchasers' discounts and other estimated fees and expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering, plus cash on hand, to finance the aggregate redemption price to be paid in connection with the Company's previously announced redemption (the ''Redemption'') of all $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.750% Senior Notes due 2027 outstanding (the "2027 Senior Notes"). The offer and sale of the Notes and the related guarantees have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration under, or an applicable exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Notes will be sold only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to certain non-U.S. persons in transactions outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, the Notes or any other security, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which, or to any persons to whom, such offering, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Any offers of the Notes will be made only by means of a private offering memorandum. About Century Communities Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS) is one of the nation's largest homebuilders and a recognized industry leader in online home sales. Newsweek has named the Company one of America's Most Trustworthy Companies for three consecutive years, and one of the World's Most Trustworthy Companies (2025). Century Communities has also been designated as one of U.S. News & World Report's Best Companies to Work For (20252026). Through its Century Communities and Century Complete brands, Century's mission is to build attractive, high-quality homes at affordable prices to provide its valued customers with A HOME FOR EVERY DREAM. Century is engaged in all aspects of homebuilding including the acquisition, entitlement and development of land, along with the construction, innovative marketing and sale of quality homes designed to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. The Company operates in 16 states and over 45 markets across the United States, and also offers mortgage, title, insurance brokerage, and escrow services in select markets through its Inspire Home Loans, Parkway Title, IHL Home Insurance Agency, and IHL Escrow subsidiaries. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, and such statements should not be interpreted to be guarantees of future performance or results. Forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs or expectations with respect to future events, and are subject to assumptions and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from the beliefs or expectations expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements relating to, among other things, statements about the intended use of proceeds or other aspects of the Offering of the Notes and the Redemption of the 2027 Senior Notes. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements: adverse changes in general economic conditions, including increased interest rates and inflation, the potential impact of tariffs and increased costs, availability and cost of financing, and the other factors included in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect future events, developments or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. SOURCE Century Communities, Inc. Siam Food Services Hosts Culinary & Product Showcase Event in Phuket Under the Theme The New Experience & Beyond Phuket September 2, 2025 Siam Food Services Limited, a leading importer and distributor of premium food ingredients from around the world, hosted a special showcase event at Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Ghao Fah to build on the success of its 35th anniversary celebration in Phuket 2019. This year marks the companys 40th anniversary and reaffirms its commitment to delivering high-quality products and integrated services tailored to the diverse needs of the food service industry. The event featured an extensive showcase of curated products, organized into five key categories to give attendees a full view of the companys offering: Meat: Premium beef imported from internationally certified farms, as well as high-quality lamb and turkey Seafood: A diverse selection of seafood products, highlighting products certified for sustainable sourcing such as ASC and MSC Dairy & Pastry: Including premium cream, butter, ready-to-bake frozen pastries, and bakery flour. Cheese & Fine Food: Specialty cheeses from renowned origins, cured meat from Spain, French Fries, and fine ingredients Dry Food: Italian pasta, Australian sea salt, and antipasti ideal for professional kitchens A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of new product lines from the companys state-of-the-art Production Facility, which became fully operational earlier this year. Designed to support innovation and quality at scale, the facility focuses on four core areas: Cheese Processing (Dairy Delights): Precision block cutting, shredding, and grating services with automated production lines and food-safe packaging Butchery & Portion Control (GourMeat & Carne Meats Raw): Custom meat cuts including sliced, minced, steak, and patty formats; Halal certification in progress Charcuterie (Carne Meats): Clean-label cold cutslow sodium and nitrite-freedeveloped by German preservation expert Mr. Walter Schiele, and recently awarded at IFFA 2025 by the German Butchery Association Bakery Production (Masterpiece): Frozen croissants, cakes, cookies, breads, and sandwiches crafted efficiency, consistency, and high-quality performance The event welcomed a strong turnout of foodservice operators from Phuket and surrounding areas, who enjoyed over 20 tasting menus created using Siam Food Services ingredients. Live cooking demonstrations were led by the companys Corporate Savory and Pastry Chefs, alongside special guest Chef Xavier Charest, Regional Director of Culinary at Banyan Tree Phuket, who presented curated dishes crafted especially for the occasion. Beyond product presentations, the event served as a platform to foster strong partnerships and enable one-on-one consultations with Siam Food Services experts. Attendeesfrom hotels and restaurants to cafes and food entrepreneursgained hands-on knowledge and confidence in selecting ingredient solutions aligned with their operational needs. About Siam Food Services Limited Siam Food Services provides end-to-end FOODSERVICE solutions to a broad spectrum of clientsranging from hotels, restaurants, and caterers to airlines, food manufacturers, wholesalers, and modern trade. The company upholds global standards in food safety, warehousing, and logistics. As part of the FOODSERVICE Asia Pacific Middle East networkwith 20 branches across 7 countriesSiam Food Services operates six strategic branches across Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Surat Thani, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the evolving needs of the foodservice industry across the region. 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 JetBlue Airways will become the first airline to use Amazon's Project Kuiper satellite network to power its in-flight WiFi service, the companies announced Wednesday, as the online retail giant tries to challenge the dominance of Elon Musk's Starlink. The partnership will see JetBlue implement Project Kuiper's low orbit satellite technology on select aircraft beginning in 2027, enhancing the US airline's existing service with faster speeds and lower latency than traditional satellite systems. Amazon has launched more than 100 Kuiper satellites via four rocket launches in recent months and plans to begin delivering service to initial customers later this year before expanding coverage. The company recently signed a separate agreement with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus to integrate Project Kuiper connectivity into its aircraft catalog. Project Kuiper is playing catchup with Starlink's sprawling network of internet satellites that has reshaped the sector and handed Musk significant geopolitical clout. SpaceX launched the first batch of Starlink satellites in 2019 and in February said it had more than 6,750 operational units, serving over five million customers worldwidemaking it by far the sector's dominant force, even as other companies are entering the field. Starlink has also provided crucial internet access in disaster and war zones, including Morocco after its devastating 2023 earthquake and on the frontlines in Ukraine's war against Russia. 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: A man stands as he battles a wildfire in Veiga das Meas, northwestern Spain, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Lalo R. Villar, File The extremely hot, dry and windy conditions, which fueled one of the Iberian Peninsula's most destructive wildfire seasons in recorded history, were 40 times more likely due to climate change, according to a study released Thursday. The analysis by World Weather Attribution, or WWA, said the weather conditions were about 30% more intense compared to the preindustrial era, when heavy reliance on fossil fuels began. Summer wildfires Hundreds of wildfires in the Iberian Peninsula broke out in July and August. They spread rapidly thanks to temperatures that pushed above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and strong winds. The fires in Spain and Portugal killed eight people, forced more than 35,000 evacuations and scorched more than 640,000 hectares (1.58 million acres) or roughly two-thirds of Europe's total burned area this year. Most blazes are now under control, officials say, as temperatures have dropped considerably. "Hotter, drier and more flammable conditions are becoming more severe with climate change, and are giving rise to fires of unprecedented intensity," said Clair Barnes, a researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College, London. Europe has been warming twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service. Firefighters battle a wildfire in Veiga das Meas, northwestern Spain, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Lalo R. Villar, File The role of climate change WWA, a group of researchers that examines whether and to what extent extreme weather events are linked to climate change, focused on the conditions that allowed the Iberian wildfires to spread that fast, including during Spain's hottest ten-day period on record in August, according to the country's weather agency AEMET. Without climate change, similar ten-day spells of hot, dry and windy conditions would be rare, expected once every 500 years, they found. "This quick study is one more line of evidence showing how human-caused climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme heat and combined hot and dry fire weather conditions," said Valerie Masson-Delmotte, a climate scientist at the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, who was not involved in the study. WWA's analysis wasn't a full attribution study. Those seek to determine the influence of climate change, driven primarily by the burning of fossil fuels, on a specific extreme weather event. This time, the researchers looked at weather observations without using climate models. But the results were consistent with existing research on wildfires in the region, the researchers said, and another study WWA recently published on this year's fires in Turkey, Greece and Cyprus, which found that climate change made fire-prone weather conditions there 10 times more likely. "While fires are a characteristic of the Mediterranean climate, human-caused climate change increases the recurrence and severity of conditions favorable for intense fires, making fire control efforts much more challenging," Masson-Delmotte said. A firefighting plane drops water over a wildfire in Veiga das Meas, northwestern Spain, on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Lalo R. Villar, File 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. Neglecting rural areas The researchers mentioned other factors that have contributed to the severity of the wildfires, including large population shifts that have taken place over decades in Spain and Portugal from the countryside to cities. The study said this has resulted in large areas of neglected overgrown farms and forests, which further fuel the fires. Removing vegetation using machinery, encouraging grazing by sheep, horses and goats and using other methods, such as controlled burns, would reduce the risk during wildfire seasons, researchers said. "From a human perspective, most of these rural areas have suffered massive abandonment since the 1970s, which has allowed fine fuels to accumulate to dangerous levels, a problem worsened by inadequate forestry management," said Ricardo Trigo, a professor at the University of Lisbon's geophysics, geographical engineering and energy department. On Monday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez proposed a 10-point plan to better prepare the country for natural disasters made worse by climate change. It included coordinating with neighboring Portugal and France. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Location of QSO1 on the M BH M plane. Credit: arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2508.21748 Scientists have discovered a giant black hole that they believe may have been formed in the first few microseconds after the Big Bang. The black hole is so huge that it may change our understanding of how these cosmic giants form. If the findings are confirmed, this will be the first evidence of primordial black holes, which were predicted to exist by Stephen Hawking in the 1970s. The discovery comes from observations made by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the largest telescope in space. JWST spotted a group of small, red, faint objects called "Little Red Dots" (LRDs), which are thought to be baby galaxies that are home to young, growing black holes. A paper by an international team of scientists led by astrophysicist Ignas Juodzbalis of the University of Cambridge in the UK has directly measured the mass of one of the LRDs. Their results indicate that a mysterious glow from the red dot named QSO1 is a black hole with a mass equivalent to 50 million suns. This large astronomical object is in the early stages of a process called accretion, where its gravity is pulling in surrounding gas and dust. The study is published on the arXiv preprint server. A naked black hole The black hole is nearly naked, which means it has only a small halo of material around it, something that is puzzling scientists and could turn our understanding of how black holes form on its head. According to conventional theory, galaxies are formed first, and then supermassive black holes at their centers grow by feeding on gas and stars within those galaxies. However, the galaxy surrounding QSO1's black hole is significantly smaller than scientists had expected for such a massive object. This finding suggests that these cosmic giants might have been born first and grew incredibly quickly before their galaxies were fully formed. In other words, the black hole might have helped build its host galaxy and not the other way around. "This demonstrates the possibility of black-hole primacy, i.e., black holes forming and growing earlier and/or much faster than their host galaxy," the researchers commented in their paper. Before scientists can start rewriting cosmology books, more research and analysis will be needed. By measuring the mass of other LRDs and distant, supermassive black holes, researchers can gain a clearer picture of how the very first black holes formed. This will help confirm whether the new theory is correct and how it fits into our overall understanding of the universe. Written for you by our author Paul Arnold, edited by Gaby Clark, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you. More information: Ignas Juodzbalis et al, A direct black hole mass measurement in a Little Red Dot at the Epoch of Reionization, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2508.21748 Journal information: arXiv 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Northern Blot. Credit: Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09577-9 When scientists discovered how bacteria protect themselves against viral invaders, called phages, in the early 2000s, little did they know they'd stumbled upon a revolutionary tool researchers could use to edit the DNA of living cells. The system, called CRISPR, is built into bacteria's genome, and with it, bacteria can "remember" past viral attacks by storing genetic fragments of the invader, called spacers. In the system's most well-known version, CRISPR-Cas9, these stored memories are later copied into tiny RNA guides that arm the Cas9 protein to act like a weapon to slice up the invader next time the bacteria encounter a matching phage. To launch its attack, Cas9 also relies on a short DNA tag called a PAM, as a sign for "can cut here." Scientists have modified CRISPR-Cas9 to edit animal and human cells and even develop gene therapies. But a critical piece of the puzzle about how the CRISPR-Cas9 system works has been less clear: How do bacteria form new immune memories? Setting out to study this mystery, researchers from the lab of Yan Zhang, Ph.D., of the Departments of Biological Chemistry and Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan, have overturned a common assumption about Cas9: that unbound from its usual RNA partners, the "empty" or apo form of Cas9 is functionless. Their study is published in the journal Nature. Capturing new memory Until recently, only a handful of genetic studies had shed light on how CRISPR-Cas9 forms immune memoriesand these were mostly limited to the Type II-A systems used by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes (better known as Group A strep) and Streptococcus thermophilus (often found in yogurt). In those II-A systems, Cas9 must work together with one of its RNA partners, tracrRNA, to help choose the right spot next to a PAM to capture a new memory. However, in the Type II-C brand that makes up over 40% of the Cas9 family, the memory acquisition process was less understood. Zhang's team, including postdoctoral fellow Xufei Zhou, Ph.D., and Ph.D. student Xin Li, developed a novel model system for studying memory acquisition, using the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis (which can cause meningitis), and infecting it with a phage to see whether memories could be formed in a laboratory setting and then tweaking parts of the immune machinery to see what happened. "When we started the project, Cas9 was already known as the PAM selector for memory acquisition. What was less clear were the roles of the two RNAs, though we assumed they must be also be somehow important for Cas9 to help bacteria acquire new memories," said Zhang. New spacers Following phage infection, the team used deep sequencing and informatic support provided by colleagues Lydia Freddolino, Ph.D., and Rucheng Diao, Ph.D., of the Departments of Biological Chemistry and Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, to examine the "growing" leader end of the CRISPR array. There, they saw new spacers derived from the viral genome being added. Next, they deleted the tracrRNA gene and were shocked to find that the acquisition of spacers was greatly stimulated. Putting tracrRNA back dampened the enhanced acquisition back to normal levels. A similar pattern emerged with their study of crRNA: without crRNA, Cas9 ramped up acquisition; with crRNA restored, acquisition dropped back down. "Without the RNAs, we saw that memory formation is highly stimulated to a very robust level," said Zhang. "This is really surprising for us and, I would say, for the entire field as wellbecause Cas9 has always been known to need the RNA partners, whether as an immune effector or as a gene editor. This is the first report of a biological function for non-RNA-loaded 'empty' apoCas9." Based on these findings, they proposed that Cas9 acts as a monitor for RNA levels: when CRISPR RNA abundance is low, signaling that the bacterial cell carries short CRISPR and fewer immune memories, apoCas9 forms and can dynamically boost spacer acquisition to protect vulnerable bacteria from infection by quickly building up the memory bank. 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. Short immune memories The team further demonstrated three natural conditions when bacteria may experience CRISPR arrays that are too short. One is at the earliest evolutionary stage, when an array has just been born and holds littleif anyspacer content. At this stage, Cas9 would be without its CRISPR RNA partner and mostly exist in the apo form. The second and third scenarios both involve the sudden collapsing of a longer CRISPR array into a shorter one, either as a way for bacteria to dump unwanted harmful or autoimmunity memories to acquire new beneficial traits, or as a result of homologous recombination, an event where two similar DNA sequences (a.k.a. CRISPR repeats) swap pieces, erasing intervening CRISPR memories in the process. This study expands the known functions of Cas9 and fills in a critical missing piece of how CRISPR-Cas9 maintains memory homeostasis. This dynamic feedback loop offers a new way of thinking about how bacteria safeguard the depth of their immune memory. It may also inspire new ways to design CRISPR-based molecular recording or DNA barcoding tools for research and medicine. More information: Xufei Zhou et al, Cas9 senses CRISPR RNA abundance to regulate CRISPR spacer acquisition, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09577-9 Journal information: Nature 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 Home-based working in the UK has been declining since the peak of the COVID pandemicfrom 49% of the working population at its height to around 14% now. While hybrid working is still increasing in popularity, attitudes persist among some employers that remote working reduces productivity, visibility and creativity. As a result, many workplaces are requiring a return to fully on-site working. This approach, however, is not supported by research into hybrid working (a mix of working at home and on-site) which suggests productivity is not damaged and that it can also improve job satisfaction. For many people who are disabled, neurodivergent or both, home-based working provides a real opportunity to gainand retaina job in a productive and supportive environment. Around 24% of the working-age population are disabled, with the employment rate among disabled people around 54%. While disabled staff can request remote working as a reasonable adjustment, it can attract stigma. This is one reason why people may not always feel able to make this request, or say how much they would prefer to work from home. Some workers may fear repercussions like being overlooked for promotion or even losing their job. I have studied the experiences of disabled and neurodivergent people who work from home, so I know how life-changing having a flexible job can be. One interviewee in my research told me: "I can sustain my productivity and, from my point of view, that means I can work better." Another said, "I don't have to mask [attempt to hide autistic traits] at home. So there's just a huge drop in general anxiety and tension." Several large employers who took part in my study indicated that, while remote working was positive for many of their employees, there were downsides that needed to be managed. These include ensuring staff maintain their professional networks and social contacts, and discouraging working while unwell (presenteeism). Home working can intensify pressure to work while sick, and it may be harder to spot in a remote setting. A toolkit for managers Perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the key findings was that a supportive line manager was crucial for disabled and neurodivergent workers to make a success of remote working. Many managers, however, didn't have enough knowledge or understanding of how to best to support each employee's specific needs, so they couldn't always offer appropriate guidance and advice. With this in mind, I developed a toolkit for line managers to enable them to better support this community of workers. When good conversations happen between line managers and employees, solutions can be tailored to the person's needs. The toolkit offers guidance to line managers on how to enable those conversations. I make the case for remote working by setting out the benefits (including a more flexible workforce and more inclusive recruitment) for the organization. The toolkit is designed to help managers recognize the ways in which home-based working can be positive for these workers, offering advice on how to reap the benefits while managing the downsides. It also shares technical knowledge about disability and neurodivergence, such as how the UK Equality Act relates to this workforce, and how to approach the "reasonable adjustments" process (changes that an employer is legally obliged to make to ensure disabled staff are not at a disadvantage). 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. Managers these days often lead mixed teams of remote and on-site workers. To encourage effective remote working and productivity, my research has found that regular meetings and check-ins between line managers and home-working staff are important. But sometimes it's not enough for managers simply to level the playing field. People who are disabled, neurodivergent or both will benefit from tailored support in order to flourish in the workplace. They need to feel safe to disclose their conditions and needs, and to be themselves at work. Remote working offers an opportunity to employ people who might not be able to work in a traditional office-based, "nine-to-five" environment. My research found that when key resources were in place, such as a conducive working environment, appropriate technology and a supportive line manager, this helped to build their self-confidence and autonomy. It also helped them to manage their energy levels and self-care, which in turn supported better productivity, fewer absences and the ability to stay in work over the long term. Employers should understand that the needs of this group of workers can unlock key strengths for their organizationincluding diversity, staff retention and increased productivity. Remote working can present challenges for managersbut when managed well, it can also help them create a more flexible, inclusive and agile workplace. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. SINGAPORE, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ChainUp, a global provider of digital asset solutions, has been named a finalist in two categories at the Asian Legal Business (ALB) Pan-Asian Regulatory Awards 2025. This recognition, presented by Thomson Reuters, underscores the company's role in a rapidly maturing industry where robust technology is a core requirement for regulatory compliance. ChainUp's nominations are for Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Compliance Team of the Year and Transaction Monitoring Solution Provider of the Year. The nominations reflect the company's commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that addresses the most pressing compliance challenges facing the digital asset ecosystem. "The digital asset space is at a pivotal inflection point, and being a finalist for a Thomson Reuters-backed award validates our strategic focus on institutional-grade security and compliance," said Sailor Zhong, Founder & CEO of ChainUp. "Our solutions are engineered to empower businesses with the tools needed to navigate evolving mandates, from sanctions screening to combating financial crime, enabling them to operate with clarity and integrity. This recognition belongs to our team and their dedication to building the foundational technology that supports the industry's next phase of growth." The ALB Pan-Asian Regulatory Awards are judged by an independent panel of senior legal industry leaders. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on September 18, 2025, in Singapore. About ChainUp ChainUp, a leading global provider of digital asset solutions, empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of this evolving ecosystem. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, ChainUp serves a diverse clientele, from Web3 companies to established financial institutions. ChainUp's comprehensive suite of solutions includes crypto exchange solutions, liquidity as-a-service, custody services, MPC wallet-as-a-service, KYT crypto tracing analytics tool, asset tokenization, crypto asset management, and Web3 infrastructure such as mining, staking, and blockchain APIs. For more information, visit: https://www.chainup.com/ . SOURCE ChainUp 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: Eotvos Lorand University The ability to detect vocal sounds, and the more specialized skill of recognizing calls from one's own species, is supported by evolutionarily ancient brain mechanisms, according to a new study from the ELTE Department of Ethology, Hungary. In the first-ever direct comparison of companion dogs, companion pigs, and humans, researchers from the university's Neuroethology of Communication Lab have examined the neural correlates of voice processing across these three distantly related mammals. The findings are published in the journal NeuroImage. For social species, distinguishing vocalizations from other sounds (e.g., machine sounds or water dropping) and recognizing when a voice belongs to a member of the same species can be crucial for survival and reproduction. "Although vocal sounds carry important information for many animals, it was previously unclear how these abilities are reflected in the brain across evolutionarily distant mammal species," says Boglarka Morvai, postdoctoral researcher at the Neuroethology of Communication Lab and first author of the study. Credit: Family Dog Project Research Group, Eotvos Lorand University Human participants, family dogs, and family pigs all took part in the same auditory experiment, listening to a variety of sounds including human, dog, and pig vocalizations (e.g., human sighs or coughs, dog barking, pig grunts), as well as non-vocal environmental noises. EEG electrodes, placed gently on the head, recorded the brain's rapid electrical responses. The animals, relaxed and at ease with their human companions, participated without training or sedation. "The results revealed a two-step pattern in the brain's response. In humans and pigs, vocalizations of any kind triggered distinct brain activity almost immediately, within 200 ms after stimulus presentation, suggesting that such sounds stand out as especially salient. Recognition of a voice belonging to one's own species appeared later, only after 300 ms in all three species, reflecting a more complex process of categorizing the vocalization," adds Morvai. "Remarkably, these patterns were very similar despite the large evolutionary distance between the three species, pointing to shared neural mechanisms that likely predate the divergence of their lineages some 90 million years ago." The ability to detect vocal sounds, and the more specialized skill of recognizing calls from one's own species, is supported by evolutionarily ancient brain mechanisms, according to a new study from the ELTE Department of Ethology, Hungary. In the first-ever direct comparison of companion dogs, companion pigs, and humans, researchers from the university's Neuroethology of Communication Lab examined the neural correlates of voice processing across these three distantly related mammals. Credit: Elodie Ferrando / Eotvos Lorand University "Surprisingly, even though the tested dogs and pigs live closely alongside people, their brains didn't show a special sensitivity for human voices," notes Lilla Magyari, an earlier member of the lab, now associate professor at University of Stavanger, Norway, who co-supervised the study. "This supports the idea that these abilities were not affected by recent domestication, but are part of an ancient mammalian heritage." The ability to detect vocal sounds, and the more specialized skill of recognizing calls from one's own species, is supported by evolutionarily ancient brain mechanisms, according to a new study from the ELTE Department of Ethology, Hungary. In the first-ever direct comparison of companion dogs, companion pigs, and humans, researchers from the university's Neuroethology of Communication Lab examined the neural correlates of voice processing across these three distantly related mammals. Credit: Elodie Ferrando / Eotvos Lorand University The findings not only shed light on the deep evolutionary roots of voice perception, but also highlight the value of studying companion animals to better understand the human brain. As Attila Andics, the PI of the lab explains, "Our results show that by working with animals who trust us enough to take part in these experiments, we can uncover fundamental biological mechanisms that have shaped communication for millions of years." More information: Boglarka Morvai et al, Comparative EEG reveals general and conspecific vocalization sensitivities in evolutionarily distant mammal species, NeuroImage (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2025.121355 Journal information: NeuroImage 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 weighted KDE of analysis of the data from the POIs in Pekanbaru (blue), indicating urban functional delineation, overlaid over a Sentinel-2 map of the city. The five deeper blue areas are the hotspots of urban activity, which correspond to urbanized areas. The borders of the delineation do not correspond to the borders of the urbanized area on the map, which indicates a difference between how urban functional delineation and traditional urban delineation define urbanization. Credit: Zahra Witsqa Maghfira, Ridwan Sutriadi, Ahmad Baikuni Perdana. Computational Urban Science. July 7, 2025 Tracking human behavioral patterns in cities can be used to determine urban delineations and urban land use, which has the potential to improve urban planning. Urban areas are human settlements, typically cities, characterized by high population densities and built infrastructure. Urban areas need to be carefully planned, to ensure they are safe and sanitary. They are not self-sustaining but are dependent on an influx of essential resources. Delineating urban areas is of great importance for planning and governance. Historically, this has been determined by establishing administrative boundaries and by surveying land use types. However, as urban areas have high populations, these approaches do not address how people interact with urban areas. A newer approach to delineating urban areas, termed urban functional delineation, is now a focus of intense research. This approach is based entirely on analyzing how the population interacts with urban areas, independent of administrative boundaries or land use. First and corresponding author Zahra Witsqa Maghfira, a graduate student in Hiroshima University's Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering Program, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, and co-authors at the Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia, applied a social sensing approach to study urban functional delineation in Pekanbaru, Indonesia. Their research was published in the journal Computational Urban Science on July 7, 2025. "We define an urban functional area as the spatial extent of concentrated urban functions," Maghfira explained. "We used Points of Interest (POI) data as a form of social sensing to capture behavioral patterns through locations that people frequently visit throughout the day. We analyzed this data using Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) and enhanced it with spatial autocorrelation, developing an urban delineation that reflects how urban spaces are used. This approach is especially valuable in cities like Pekanbaru, where conventional delineations may obscure the true dynamics of urban life." "Our method identified urban spaces based on human activity instead of relying solely on built structures or satellite imagery," Maghfira elaborates. "The strong thematic and positional alignment with Sentinel-2 satellite data shows that our method detects urban presence reliably, but the distinct boundary patterns reveal something deeper: urban functionality is shaped by where people go and what they do, not just by what has been constructed. We argue that planning should embrace this behavioral perspective to better support dynamic, responsive urban development." Using this approach, the researchers were able to identify five hotspots of urban activity in Pekanbaru. Comparison with land cover-, street network- and Sentinel-2 maps of the city revealed that the most-urbanized areas of the city determined by traditional methods and urban functional delineation were largely the same; however, the boundaries of the urban area differed sharply. "Such disparity reveals a fascinating insight: activity-based models like ours do not replicate physical form but instead trace the rhythm and pulse of urban life," Maghfira says. "It listens to where a city is most alive. This difference is more than technical: it challenges how we interpret urban spaces and invites planners to recognize that where people go often matters more than what is physically there." Future research will turn to applications of this method. Specifically, Maghfira is interested in using this approach to advise policymakers who make decisions concerning urban zoning and development. "We are developing a model that mimics the spatial logic used in formal zoning frameworks, aiming not only to replicate current patterns but to assess where in the spatial planning process such a behavior-based model can be most effectively applied. Ultimately, our goal is to create a decision-support tool that bridges real-world human activity and formal planning instruments, making zoning more responsive, adaptable, and reflective of actual urban dynamics," she concludes. More information: Zahra Witsqa Maghfira et al, Assessing Urban functional area delineation: POI data and kde analysis in pekanbaru, Computational Urban Science (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s43762-025-00194-w 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: Wild figs. Credit: Carlos Machado, University of Maryland= If you've ever bitten into a fresh fig, you've tasted the delicious result of one of nature's most extraordinary and longstanding partnerships. But the figs in your local grocery store only tell a small part of the tale. Wild figs, the ancestors of the domesticated and non-pollinating fruits commonly consumed today, harbor a secret world invisible to the naked eye. Hidden within the fig is an entire ecosystem built around a partnership so ancient and intricate that it's been shaping life on Earth for over 70 million yearsa relationship that Carlos Machado, a professor of biology at the University of Maryland, has spent years traveling around the world to study. "Figs are central to the maintenance of diversity in tropical forests because they produce fruit year-round," Machado said. "Their constant ability to provide food and support for animals makes them vital for the survival and reproduction of many species. In return, animals that consume figs disperse the fruit seeds, which helps to establish and maintain new fig populations and contribute to overall forest diversity." A core component of this complex ecosystem is the fig wasp, an insect tinier than a sesame seed. Despite its diminutive size, the wasp and its mating habits play a large role in supporting entire ecological systems. "A fig 'fruit' is actually an enclosed flower cluster containing hundreds of tiny flowers hidden inside. The flowers can't be pollinated by wind or other insects; they're completely dependent on host specific wasp partners," Machado explained. "And wasps are equally dependent on figs for a place to reproduce." Partners through life and death Adult female fig wasps live only one to two days, and during that time, they must find a fig tree in a specific stage of development. Guided by chemical signals the fig releases, these tiny insectsoften carried by wind currentsmay travel long distances, sometimes over 100 miles, to find the right target. After a female wasp locates a receptive fig, she forces her way inside through a nearly sealed opening in the fruit, sometimes losing her wings and antennae in the process. Once inside, the female fig wasp pollinates the fig flowers while laying her eggs in some of them. Over the next few weeks, the eggs develop into larvae and the offspring mate with each other inside the fig. Wingless male fig wasps use their powerful mandibles to chew a hole through the fig wall before dying inside the fruit, allowing the winged females to escape and carry pollen to other figs to start the cycle over again. To accomplish these extreme feats, fig wasps evolved extremely specialized structures on their bodies, according to Machado. For example, the insects evolved 'pollen pockets' in their abdomens and unique combs on their legs for collecting and storing fig pollen. Some fig wasp species even developed flattened heads to better squeeze through tight fig openings. "The figwasp relationship represents one of nature's best examples of mutual dependence. They have changed themselves to adapt to each other, giving and taking from each other," Machado said. "This partnership has been evolving for millions of years." Fig wasp. Credit: Carlos Machado, University of Maryland 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. When partners become 'cheaters' But this seemingly perfect partnership isn't always flawless. Some wasps have gradually evolved to become "cheaters,"entering figs and laying eggs without providing pollination in return. In most cases, fig trees evolved to punish these freeloaders by dropping unpollinated figs onto the ground, ensuring that cheating wasps don't survive to reproduce and that they don't invest resources in them. However, Machado's research team, in collaboration with Chinese colleagues, has been studying the remarkable case of two wasp species that evolved to become full-time cheaters, losing their pollen-carrying structures entirely. "These wasps never carry pollen, and they don't have pollen pockets," Machado noted. "They have become exclusively non-pollinating." This discovery has provided Machado and his research team with a unique natural experiment for understanding how evolutionary partnerships change over time and what prevents them from breaking down. "Our findings suggest that when natural selection pressure is relaxed, species can rapidly lose complex physical structures and even behaviors they previously evolved," Machado explained. "Without punishments from the figs, the cheating wasps can survive. This not only changes the dynamics of the figwasp relationship, but also its impact on the ecosystem they're a part of." Using cutting-edge genomic tools, Machado's team has also uncovered other surprising patterns in how figs and wasps evolved worldwide. For example, fig species do not strictly co-evolve with a specific wasp partner. Instead, genetic data revealed frequent "host-switching"wasps occasionally jumping to a new fig species, sometimes displacing the original fig wasp completely. Although host-switching can sometimes disrupt coevolved partnerships, it can also lead to the generation of increased genetic diversity in the host figs. More recently, Machado's group has also found that nearly half of the genetic material of a fig wasp from Central America is organized in unusual regions dense with "jumping genes," genetic elements that can move around the genome and play a major role in evolution. According to Machado, this unusual arrangement of genetic material could cause different evolutionary patterns within the same organism's genome, leading to insights into how genomic composition affects evolution. Ancient partnerships facing modern challenges Machado believes that the historical relationship between the fig and fig wasp will transform yet again as weather patterns become more extreme and habitat fragmentation increases. With new pressures threatening the delicate balance between the two partners, their longtime cooperation may be disruptedimpacting the biodiversity and survival of ecosystems around the world. "It's a growing concern," Machado said. "While the wasps' ability to travel might be able to help them maintain genetic diversity across fragmented landscapes, the expansion of invasive fig species northward can also disrupt native ecosystems. Some introduced fig species in Florida are already considered pests, with 'strangler fig' growth patterns potentially overwhelming native trees. "Studying the figwasp relationship reminds us that some of the most important things in nature occur on scales almost too small to see, but their effects ripple through entire ecosystemskeeping tropical forests alive and thriving for millions of species, including our own." 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: Caught male Spotted Ratfish (Hydrolagus colliei) showing the [extended/erect] frontal clasper (tenaculum) on the front of the head. Credit: Gareth J. Fraser, University of Florida Male "ghost sharks"eerie deep-sea fish known as chimaeras that are related to sharks and rayshave a strange rod jutting from their foreheads, studded with sharp, retractable teeth. New research appearing in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals these are not merely lookalikes, but real rows of teeth that grow outside the mouth. What's more, the toothy appendage is likely used for mating. Found only in males, the forehead rodcalled a tenaculumis the ghost sharks' only source of distinct teeth, and it seems to be used to grasp females in much the same way sharks use their toothy mouths in mating. "If these strange chimaeras are sticking teeth on the front of their head, it makes you think about the dynamism of tooth development more generally," said Gareth Fraser, Ph.D., a professor of biology at the University of Florida and senior author of the study. "If chimaeras can make a set of teeth outside the mouth, where else might we find teeth?" The team, including scientists from the University of Washington and the University of Chicago, studied both fossils and living specimens to solve the mystery. A 315-million-year-old fossil showed the tenaculum attached to the upper jaw, bearing teeth incredibly similar to those in the mouth. Modern chimaeras collected from Puget Sound revealed the same tooth-growing process on the head, seen in modern-day shark jaws. Genetic testing confirmed they expressed the same tooth-specific genes as oral teeth. CT (computed tomography) scan of the adult male Spotted Ratfish frontal clasper (Tenaculum) covered in rows of teeth (rainbow colors). Credit: Specimen scanned by Karly Cohen; rendering and image by Ella Nicklin "What we found is that the teeth on this strange appendage look very much like rows of shark teeth. The ability to make teeth transferred onto that appendage, likely from the mouth," Fraser said. "Over time, the tenaculum shortened but retained the ability to make oral teeth on this forehead appendage." Fraser collaborated with Washington's Karly Cohen, Ph.D., and Michael Coates, Ph.D., from Chicago on the study. As experts in shark evolution and anatomy, the scientists were intrigued by these tooth-filled rods sprouting from the ghost shark foreheads. The central mystery: Is the tenaculum covered in true teeth related to oral teeth, or more similar to the tooth-like scales plastering the skin of sharks and some ghost sharks? CT scans of the fossils and modern chimaeras gave the scientists unprecedented, detailed insights into the development of the tenaculum teeth, which looked remarkably similar to the teeth of today's sharks. The nail in the coffin came from genetic evidence. The tenaculum teeth express genes found only in true teeth, never in shark skin denticles. Juvenile Spotted Ratfish (Hydrolagus colliei) sits in the palm of the hand. Credit: Gareth J. Fraser, University of Florida "What I think is very neat about this project is that it provides a beautiful example of evolutionary tinkering or 'bricolage,'" said Coates, a professor of biology at the University of Chicago. "We have a combination of experimental data with paleontological evidence to show how these fishes co-opted a preexisting program for manufacturing teeth to make a new device that is essential for reproduction." Cohen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington's Friday Harbor Labs and first author of the paper, said scientists had never spotted teeth outside the mouth in this way before. "The tenaculum is a developmental relic, not a bizarre one-off, and the first clear example of a toothed structure outside the jaw," she said. The bizarre path from a mouth full of teeth to forehead teeth used for mating demonstrates the impressive flexibility of evolution, the researchers say, always ready to repurpose structures for strange and unexpected new uses. "There are still plenty of surprises down in the ocean depths that we have yet to uncover," Fraser said. More information: Karly E. Cohen et al, Teeth outside the jaw: Evolution and development of the toothed head clasper in chimaeras, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2508054122 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: EIRSAT-1 team of student and faculty researchers at University College Dublin with a model of the CubeSat. Credit: University College Dublin Ireland's first satellite, EIRSAT-1, has completed its mission orbiting Earth. The CubeSat, which was built and launched by students and faculty of University College Dublin (UCD), will de-orbit in a day or two. EIRSAT-1 was launched into space in 2023. It carried three onboard payloads for its low-Earth orbit mission which conducted three experiments, managed by students and staff at mission control in UCD. Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail within the Irish Government, Alan Dillon, TD, said, "I want to offer my congratulations to the UCD team involved in EIRSAT-1 for their talent, leadership and dedication to achieving what has been a pioneering mission. "I was very pleased to learn of the success of each of EIRSAT-1's scientific payloadsGMOD, which was developed with components from onsemi in Cork, and EMOD, which was developed with ENBIO based in Dublinand that the mission was also supported by provision of in-kind support by other companies. This demonstrates the potential and ambition which can be achieved when industry and academia collaborate. "I am very proud that the mission was supported by my Department, through our membership of the European Space Agency. EIRSAT-1 demonstrates the value of membership of the European Space Agency for a small country, such as Ireland, giving our researchers and companies access to a unique platform to develop novel technologies and strengthen our national capabilities in space research and technology." Dr. Padraig Doolan, Irish Delegation to ESA at Enterprise Ireland, said, "The successful conclusion of EIRSAT-1 marks a milestone for Ireland's space sector. It shows how Ireland not only participates, but also leads, complex space missions from design through to operations. The mission is also a strong example of academia and industry working hand-in-hand, and Irish companies providing critical technologies and expertise. "The knowledge, skills and innovations developed are already feeding into new initiatives and opportunities. Enterprise Ireland is proud to have supported this trailblazing mission, and we are excited to work with our partners to build on its success, accelerating Ireland's growth as a space-faring nation." Director of the EIRSAT-1 project and UCD C-Space, the Center for Space Research, Professor Lorraine Hanlon said, "Although it's a sad day for the team, we're proud that EIRSAT-1 has reached the end of its mission, having achieved all of its goals. We're keen to apply what we have learned, building new missions, and collaborating to grow Ireland's space sector. I want to acknowledge the achievements of everyone who played a role on the team, and worked incredibly hard to make it such a success." UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact, Professor Kate Robson Brown said, "Ireland became a space faring nation with the launch of our first ever satellite, EIRSAT-1, and I congratulate all the staff and students at UCD whose dedication and expertise over many years has driven the success of this mission. "UCD has deep expertise in space science and engineering and is in prime position to take Ireland forward into a new and ambitious era of growth for the space sector which will deliver both scientific discovery and societal impact. Our researchers are working at the frontiers of next-generation in-orbit technologies and they, and our graduates, are already bringing that expertise to industry." During the mission, the Gamma-Ray Module (GMOD) detected 10 cosmological gamma-ray bursts and two solar flares, contributing to scientific knowledge and understanding about the universe. The Wave Based Control (WBC) module tested and validated a novel control system for advanced satellite pointing in space. The ENBIO module (EMOD) was a materials testing platform to test the performance of thermal management coatings in low-Earth orbit for the first time. Over the course of the project, the EIRSAT-1 team published 24 academic journal and conference papers sharing the results of the research and technological developments. 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: George Milton from Pexels As another school year returns, large language models (LLMs) present difficult questions around learning, thinking, plagiarism and authorship for educators. New approaches to assignments and assessment are required. Student papers that use LLM technology require additional labor on many fronts. Professors have expressed frustration, worry and anxiety. As an assistant professor of English whose research has focused on the histories of writing and how it's taught, I have been involved in many discussions at institutions of higher learning about this topic. The immediate issue of LLMs in the classroom points to a larger reality. For too long, instructors and universities have been treating students' writing difficulties as a deficiency in the mindinstead of confronting the truth that writing, as a technology for thinking, is cognitively demanding. Writing is a technology that helps us understand our own ideas better. Where people are involved in thinking and inventionincluding at universitiesit needs to be taught in that spirit. Why consider AI output 'writing?' Given what LLM technology actually does and does not do, why do we even consider it writingas in, "they used an LLM to write their assignment?" LLM technology createsat besta facsimile of a textual object, meaning that based on its training on existing texts, it can create output that resembles a "text." When generated for the purpose of a university assignment, it resembles the standard academic English that has ruled the academy (historical and present-day institutions of higher learning including colleges, technical schools and universities) and has been endowed with a special relationship to truth. I've seen anger and frustration expressed towards the student who uses LLM output in their writing process or submitted work. The reason seems to be that it undermines that special relationship to truth that academic writing has long held. The artificial output reveals that academic writing is not an "absolute." Rather, the LLM shows us how academic writing is a social construction. But academia at large has long resisted acknowledging this. 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. Historical and social concerns Using standard academic writing is a choice. It is a style of writing that has been invisible within academia, thought to be the default and "correct." Many of the problems and questions that arise with LLM technology in relation to writing are really historical and social concerns that get to the very heart of what we understand writing to be. As I continue to discover in my research, writing in the context of the English-speaking academy since the 19th century has been taught within two distinct streams: literary and technical communication. Both of these streams flourished within the larger context of the British Empire because both are adept strategies for maintaining the status quo. The combination of the veneration of canonical British literature and the instruction of a utilitarian language that acts as a "neutral" communication tool (one that is not at all neutral), and a standard one, serves to create an understanding of writing that over-prioritizes the finished text. Writing and context Still today, what is technically "correct" is seen as "good" writing, while "good" writing has come to be represented as the product of a strong mind. This, of course, implies "bad writing" is the product of a mind not as able, or even suited for post-secondary study. Scholars in writing studies have pointed to academia's focus on correctness and how ways of teaching academic writing can perpetuate inequities, including those related to colonialism and racism. "Correctness" in writing is, as writing scholars have long discussed, subjective and contextual. For example, "ill c u l8r" would work as a perfectly fine text message in 2008. In another settingincluding texting today with QWERTY-keyboard equipped phonesit would seem "off" or even incomprehensible. When a student's ability to write academically is taken to represent their intelligence, we should not be surprised when some use LLMs. Revisiting the final product Because LLM technology can mimic standard academic writing, it becomes the perfect context through which to address how we think about the final product of writing. The truth is, if university instructors are only interested in a "correct" piece of writing, it sort of makes sense for a computer to do it. However, if we are interested in a way of teaching that supports students' inquiry and thought as they interrogate the often oppressive systems they find themselves in, we need to broaden our understanding of writing beyond the confines of a "correct" standard academic English. It is important that educators begin to see our students' writing as part of a social situation which requires clarity on their end, yes, but also our listening. Without reconsidering how western institutions have positioned writing, instructors risk educating a generation of students who are alienated from their own ability to think and create new knowledge, perspectives and understandings because of an over-reliance on LLMs. Western institutions will create students alienated from themselves and the potentialities of their ideas. Re-think what writing is Part of re-thinking what writing is means allowing students to submit work in process, providing for feedback from instructors on ungraded drafts of assignments and developing scaffolding assignments that reveal the process behind writing. It also means teaching students a new approach to writing that draws attention to the power structures implicated in the instruction of writing and embraces inventiona rhetorical concept under-utilized within the western academy. "Invention" implies many considerations, including around audience, relationships and circumstances. Writing experts need to be brought into AI-policy creation and the implications of this field's research must be considered by a wider audience. If LLMs are implemented in universities without careful consultation with writing experts, I fear we will soon find that all that can be written is the status quo of received ideas. It's time for us to reconsider writing in universities or risk our students losing access to their own writing. The study of writing is uniquely situated to help our institutions navigate these urgent questions. 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: Bore domes in Iceland, where captured CO is mixed with water before being injected deep underground. Credit: Carbfix, Gunnar Freyr Drawing on nature, researchers have developed a method to pump CO 2 captured from industrial processes into volcanic rocks for safe and permanent underground storage. For the first time, Europe will bury its carbon not beneath the sea, but under its own soil, heralding a new chapter in the continent's fight against climate change. On 30 April 2025, the EU issued its first permit for onshore geological storage of CO 2 . Until now, all EU permits under the 2009 Directive for geological CO 2 storage were offshore. The permit was awarded to Carbfix, an Icelandic company based in Reykjavik, for its injection site at the Hellisheii geothermal power plant. The company has grown alongside a research initiative of the same name, which received worldwide recognition for developing a novel, safe and efficient carbon storage method. The process turns injected CO 2 into stable carbonate rock within just two years. From carbonated water to carbonated rock While most carbon projects focus on offshore storage, CarbFix2's terrestrial approach marks a vital shift: it speeds up natural mineralization processes within basalt, a volcanic rock formed from cooling lava. At Hellisheii, CO 2 is captured from the geothermal plant and two direct air capture units. The CO 2 gas is dissolved in watermuch like making a fizzy drinkand pumped deep into porous layers of basalt, where minerals in the rock react with the CO 2 and turn it into solid carbonate rock. "This is a major milestone and an important step toward having a real, positive impact on climate change," said Carbfix CEO Edda Sif Pind Aradottir, who coordinated CarbFix2the second leg of the research. Aradottir said the new permit puts the Hellisheii plant, run by Carbfix's sister company ON Power, "at the forefront of the global geothermal sector" and gives Iceland a leading role in building an industry that supports both EU and global climate goals. To date, Carbfix has stored more than 100,000 metric tons of CO 2 . Thanks to the new permit, it can now store the same volume annually, with a long-term goal of locking away up to 3.2 million metric tons over 30 yearsfully offsetting the plant's emissions and capturing carbon from other projects operating at the site. From research to reality CarbFix began in 2007 as a partnership between industry and academia, focused on CO 2 mineralization. It became a research initiative from 2011 to 2014. Field trials began at Hellisheii in 2012, and by 2014, researchers had confirmed that CO 2 was being successfully mineralized and had started storing the plant's emissions. A second phase of the research, CarbFix2 (2017 to 2021), further advanced the technology with the help of research partners in France, Spain and Switzerland. Bergur Sigfusson, CarbFix's chief of systems and a founding team member, outlined the three main research objectives: optimize the technology for capturing CO 2 from industrial processes, integrate this with a means of storage, and explore the use of seawater in the storage process. "Our overall concept is to use the same method nature uses to regulate long-term CO 2 concentrations in the atmosphere," he said. Mimicking nature In the natural cycle, atmospheric CO 2 dissolves in rainwater, which then seeps into the ground. The CO 2 makes the water acidic, allowing it to dissolve rocks. In basalt formations, this releases minerals that react with the CO 2 to form calcium carbonatelocking the carbon away. Carbfix mimics this process by injecting CO 2 -enriched water into basalt layers located around 300 to 1,000 meters below ground. "We speed the process up," said Sigfusson. "By loading more CO 2 into the water, we make it more acidic so it dissolves the rocks faster." The water can contain several times more CO 2 than a standard soft drink. 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. Secure and scalable solution Unlike conventional methods that involve pumping CO 2 gas into deep rock formations, like depleted oil wells, Carbfix's approach dissolves the CO 2 first, reducing the risk of leaks and locking it into solid rock permanently. Although underground storage may be more common, Carbfix offers an important alternative. Geological conditions vary worldwide, points out Sigfusson, so multiple storage options are needed to meet global climate goals. Reducing emissions is clearly the priority, but Sigfusson is pragmatic. "There are some emissions from heavy industries that we cannot reduce," he acknowledged. That is why Carbfix has expanded its reach beyond geothermal plants to include hard-to-abate industries like cement manufacturing, steel production and chemical plants. It currently operates five injection sites around the world and also collaborates with the Swiss company Climeworks, a world leader in direct air capture. Together, they became the first team to store CO 2 from direct air capture underground. Big potential According to Sigfusson, who describes himself as a geologist by training, basalt is abundant, covering nearly all of the ocean floor and about up to 5% of land areas. "It's not everywhere," he said, "but it's widespread enough for our technology to have a global impact." Iceland alone could, in theory, store all of the world's annual CO 2 emissions, while Japan's extensive volcanic rock formations could absorb 40 to 400 gigametric tonsenough to cover decades of its own output. Of course, practical and economic constraints mean that only a fraction of this capacity could ever be used. In 2022, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Yasutoshi Nishimura, visited Carbfix's facilities in Iceland, and while no joint projects have yet been announced, both sides recognize the huge potential. Carbfix will feature at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, in September, where its technology takes center stage at the Nordic Pavilion, highlighting Iceland's leading role in climate action. Seawater injections Currently, Carbfix stores around 90,000 metric tons of CO 2 underground every year, but they are working on scaling up and exploiting some of Iceland's vast capacity. Their next major project is the development of a hub in southwest Iceland known as the Coda Terminal, which will store CO 2 captured and shipped from industrial sites in Northern Europe. Starting in 2029, the terminal aims to store 700,000 metric tons of CO 2 per year, ramping up to 3 million metric tons annually by 2032. The Carbfix team's latest research is focused on using seawaterinstead of freshwaterto inject CO 2 into rocks below the seabed, a technique first tested during CarbFix2. "There's an obvious appeal," said Sigfusson. "There's a ridiculous amount of seawater near all this basalt." But the salts and minerals in seawater pose technical challenges that still need solving. As this Icelandic experiment gains momentum, it could offer a global blueprintturning CO 2 into stone beneath our feetand helping the world tackle climate change on a truly global scale. 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 group of geologists that includes co-authors Justin Strauss and Tiffani Fraser examines Silurian strata of the Tetlit Formation exposed on the Peel River, Yukon Territory, in 2015. Credit: Erik Sperling The explosion of animal life in Earth's oceans half a billion years ago during and after the Cambrian Period is commonly attributed to a substantial and sustained rise of free oxygen (O 2 ) in seawater. Some researchers even argue for near-modern levels of ocean oxygenation at this time. But O 2 levels in Earth's deepest marine environments fluctuated wildly long after the Cambrian, according to new research by a University of Utah geologist with colleagues from other institutions. Using stable isotope ratios of thallium (Tl) preserved in ancient marine mudrocks, the researchers reconstructed O 2 levels between about 485 and 380 million years ago. This timeframe immediately follows the Cambrian rise of animals and even intersects the later rise of land plants. The study, titled "Dynamic deep marine oxygenation during the early and middle Paleozoic" and published this week in Science Advances, challenges some conventional views of ocean oxygenation, according to lead author Chadlin Ostrander, an assistant professor in Utah's Department of Geology & Geophysics. "It wasn't like someone flipped a switch and the deep ocean became forever oxygenated," Ostrander said. "Just a decade ago, it was thought that a deep ocean oxygenation switch was flipped around 540 million years ago. Our new dataset pushes that forward in time by at least ~160 million years." To reach these findings, Ostrander and his collaborators analyzed the stable isotopes of thalliuma heavy metallic element that occurs in trace amounts in Earth's crustcontained in ancient marine sediments they recovered from Yukon, Canada. Very few processes can strongly fractionate Tl isotopes, that is, partition them in ways that result in different ratios. The strongest fractionations today occur in deep marine ferromanganese deposits. O 2 must accumulate in deep marine waters to stabilize these deposits, according to Ostrander. Thallium isotope ratios in the new study were rarely strongly fractionated, meaning these O 2 -dependent deepwater deposits were also rare. "We do find some evidence of O 2 building up in the deep ocean, but only for very brief periods of time," Ostrander said. "Even at the youngest end of our dataset, the ocean seems to plunge back into an episode of widespread anoxia." The team found that ocean oxygenation wasn't a smooth or permanent shift. Instead, O 2 levels were dynamic and rose and fell over time. One particularly stable oxygenated period was identified between ~405 and 386 million years ago. But even this seems to have been short-lived, ending in the team's youngest mudrock samples. "The more we actually look at this, the more complex it is. It's really unstable. Even where our data set ends, we don't find stability. We never found evidence of a sustained rise to near-modern levels of ocean oxygenation. This must happen sometime after 380 million years ago," Ostrander said. "That's the one disappointment of our findings: that we still don't know when the deep oceans became forever oxygenated." Key collaborators Erik Sperling of Stanford and Justin Strauss from Dartmouth led expeditions to Canada's Yukon Territory to recover the ancient seafloor deposits, now exposed in river cuts in mountainous areas, used in the study. "This is a truly special sample set," Ostrander said. "It's very hard to find continuous seafloor deposits spanning so much geologic time." 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 a 2021 study, Sperling and Strauss described this area and its potential for shedding light on Earth's history following evolutionary bursts known as the Cambrian Explosion and the Ordovician Biodiversification. This was when oceans teemed with strange creatures, like trilobites, tentacled graptolites and tiny tooth-like conodonts. Earth's surface ocean has been oxygenated for about the past 2.3 billion years, ever since the first rise of atmospheric O 2 after the Great Oxidation Event. This is because O 2 from the atmosphere can diffuse into the surface ocean. "Getting O 2 into the deep ocean is more difficult," Ostrander said. "This requires the sinking of cold and dense O 2 -rich surface waters in polar regions, and also low rates of respiration in the water column. Many factors are implicated in these processes. We should perhaps not be surprised, then, to find that oxygenating Earth's deep oceans was a long and complicated process." If deep oceans remained partly or episodically anoxic during key biological milestones, then the rise of animals may have happened under less O 2 -rich conditions than previously assumedchallenging conventional wisdom about the relationship between oxygen and evolution. "From a biological angle, this is well after the Cambrian 'explosion.' This is when marine life is already quite large and performing energy-expensive tasks," Ostrander said. "You have some phenomenal changes in evolutionary biology happening during this time. And none of it seems to require substantial and sustained deep ocean oxygenation." More information: Chadlin M. Ostrander et al, Dynamic deep marine oxygenation during the Early and Middle Paleozoic, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adw5878 Journal information: Science Advances 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 Switzerland has set itself the goal of reducing its CO emissions to net-zero by 2050. The final report of the POLIZERO research projectled by the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI and the University of Piraeusshows which policy measures are best suited to this goal. The conclusion: The net-zero target is achievableif decisive action is taken now. Subsidies, market incentives, CO taxes, banswhat works best if Switzerland wants to achieve its goal of climate neutrality by 2050? In the POLIZERO project, which ran from 2020 to 2024, researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI and the University of Piraeus in Greece took a systematic look beyond the country's bordersinto the European Union. The EU and its member states have already implemented numerous policy measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissionswith varying degrees of success. The goal of POLIZERO was to place Switzerland's path to decarbonizing its energy system within the European context and derive appropriate measures for Switzerland from this. "We compiled and tested 12 policy packages, including subsidies, taxes, EU-wide measures, and binding targetsbased on more than 2,000 EU initiatives," says Evangelos Panos, head of the Energy Economics group in the Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis, affiliated with both the PSI Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences and the Center for Nuclear Engineering and Sciences. This involved energy system modelingthat is, computational simulations of future energy demand and supply scenariosan adaptive path analysis that compares different development paths under uncertainty, and a stakeholder dialog with representatives from science, business, and politics. The project partners have now published their results in a comprehensive final report. Key findings from POLIZERO: The next ten years could be crucial. Model analyses indicate that fossil technologies must be replaced as quickly as possible with clean alternativesfor example, through the expansion of district heating, a tripling of solar capacity, and the transition to electric mobility. "The course is now being setthe decisions of this decade will determine how realistically net zero can be achieved by 2050," according to Panos. Model analyses indicate that fossil technologies must be replaced as quickly as possible with clean alternativesfor example, through the expansion of district heating, a tripling of solar capacity, and the transition to electric mobility. "The course is now being setthe decisions of this decade will determine how realistically net zero can be achieved by 2050," according to Panos. From 2035 onwards, scaling becomes the focus of the scenarios. The model analyses indicate that around 12 terawatt hours of wind and bioenergy could be needed to reduce dependence on energy imports in winterespecially in conjunction with a nuclear phase-out. In addition, the scenarios indicate a need for approximately 25 terawatt hours of synthetic fuels, produced either biogenically from biomass or as so-called e-fuels from renewable electricity. The annual capture of six to ten million tons of CO from waste and industry is also emerging in many pathways as an important contribution to achieving the net-zero target. The model analyses indicate that around 12 terawatt hours of wind and bioenergy could be needed to reduce dependence on energy imports in winterespecially in conjunction with a nuclear phase-out. In addition, the scenarios indicate a need for approximately 25 terawatt hours of synthetic fuels, produced either biogenically from biomass or as so-called e-fuels from renewable electricity. The annual capture of six to ten million tons of CO from waste and industry is also emerging in many pathways as an important contribution to achieving the net-zero target. Emissions trading and regulatory requirements gain in importance. In early phases, support measures provide important impetus. However, the models suggest that additional instruments would be necessary after 2035: including stronger emissions trading with broader sector coverage, regulatory requirements such as the replacement of old heating systems, and targeted rules for CO export and use. In early phases, support measures provide important impetus. However, the models suggest that additional instruments would be necessary after 2035: including stronger emissions trading with broader sector coverage, regulatory requirements such as the replacement of old heating systems, and targeted rules for CO export and use. Balance rather than extreme positions. "Our analysis suggests that Switzerland's transition depends on strong national measures and coordination with Europe, as different levels of EU harmonization can influence the course of the path to the net-zero target," says Meixi Zhang, a doctoral researcher in the Energy Economics group at PSI. Switzerland must therefore strike a balance between independent, credible measures and purposeful cooperation with the EU. Increasing integration into the European energy market could bring benefits, for example, in terms of security of supply. "Harmonization with measures of the EU Green Dealthe EU's package of measures to achieve climate neutrality by 2050has proven particularly robust in our simulationsespecially in geopolitically uncertain times," adds Serafeim Michas, an analyst for technology economics at the University of Piraeus. Clear goal, flexible implementation In their analysis, the researchers defined three robust policy paths that have a high probability of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050: All begin with subsidies and moderate EU alignment by 2035, followed by stronger EU integration and regulatory measures, while subsidies are gradually reduced. "It is crucial for achieving the net-zero target that Switzerland defines its long-term strategy now," emphasizes Evangelos Panos. At the same time, he makes it clear: "Achieving the net-zero target does not require a perfect plan, but rather the ability to adapt and scaleespecially if the future turns out differently than expected." More information: Swiss Policy towards Zero CO 2 Emissions compatible with European Decarbonisation Pathways. www.aramis.admin.ch/Default?Do ntID=73434&Load=true This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Overview of the GV37 TCR-HLA-C*12:02-KF9 structure. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63288-3 A protein particle hidden within the SARS-CoV-2 virus could lead to longer-lasting, more protective vaccines for COVID-19. Scientists from La Trobe University and Kumamoto University in Japan have discovered that the body's immune system strongly reacts to an internal protein from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, which mutates less frequently than the surface-spike protein currently targeted by vaccines. New research published in Nature Communications shows that these protein particles, known as peptides, appear on the surface of infected cells via an immune molecule called HLA-C, which killer T cells then use to identify and eliminate infection. La Trobe University lead researcher Distinguished Professor Stephanie Gras, Deputy Director of the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), said the discovery could open the way for the development of new vaccines and treatments that offer protection across multiple strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. "Currently, vaccines target the spike proteins that decorate the surface of the virusbut they mutate frequently as they are constantly under pressure by our immune cells, which means we might need a new vaccine for each new variant," Professor Gras said. "We found that the killer T cells, which also fight infection, can be activated by a protein that forms a part of the shell that protects the virus's genetic material, like the yolk of an egg. "Because this protein is inside the virus, it mutates much less frequentlyknowledge which could guide the development of vaccines and therapeutics that are still effective as the virus evolves." Professor Gras said the development of a longer-lasting vaccine could mean that people would need fewer booster vaccines to fight COVID, and help protect against the development of long COVID. "The more people get vaccinated, the more we're protecting the population, which helps to reduce the virus's death toll and the impact of the infection itself," Professor Gras said. "But there is more than just COVIDwe now know that about 10% of the population is impacted by long COVID and the more you catch the virus, the more likely you can develop long COVID." Professor Gras, Dr. Demetra Chatzileontiadou, Dr. Janesha Maddumage, and Ph.D. candidate You Min Ahn led the research team at LIMS and La Trobe University's School of Biomedicine, Agriculture and Environment (SABE). The research was done in collaboration with Associate Professor Chihiro Motozono and Yoshihiko Goto from the Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection at Kumamoto University in Japan, with data collection by the Australian Synchrotron. More information: Yoshihiko Goto et al, Molecular basis of potent antiviral HLA-C-restricted CD8+ T cell response to an immunodominant SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid epitope, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63288-3 Journal information: Nature Communications BEIJING, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the Global Times, in collaboration with eight memorial halls for the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, publishes these special reports. In these reports, eight heads of memorial halls selected an artifact that best represents the memorial hall and embodies the great spirit of the war of resistance, telling the epic history of the Chinese people's tenacious resistance, and reflecting the great contribution of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, as the main eastern battlefield, to the victory in the World Anti-fascist War. Narrator: Sun Zhijun, director of the memorial hall of Maoshan New Fourth Army This teacup is one of the most important exhibits here. It witnessed the historic moment when Commander Chen Yi paid three visits to Ji Zhengang, the manager of the Maolu Tea Factory. At that time, Ji used this teacup to make local Maoshan tea produced in his own factory and hosted Commander Chen. The people in southern Jiangsu were deeply anxious about whether China could defeat the Japanese aggressors, and this emotion also affected many industrialists. This conversation with Chen motivated Ji's patriotic zeal as a national entrepreneur. He realized that at such a critical time, he had to fully support the New Fourth Army, led by the Communist Party of China (CPC). Ji's experience, and this teacup, underscore a larger truth: the War of Resistance was not only a CPC-led military struggle or a fight behind enemy lines, but a nationwide, broad-based social effort. Victory required uniting the strength of the whole society. The New Fourth Army was not only an army capable of winning battles but also a team good at self-strengthening and resolutely safeguarding the interests of the people. Through the story behind this small teacup, people can understand how the New Fourth Army contributed to the global anti-fascist war. Narrator: Fan Lihong, director of the 9.18 Historical Museum One artifact is the school flag of the Northeast Jingcun Middle School, which was founded in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province in 1936 by renowned patriotic educator Che Xiangchen. The flag not only flew proudly at the school but also accompanied Che and his patriotic students to the front lines of wartime publicity, becoming a spiritual banner of resistance. This flag embodied the indomitable spirit of the Chinese people in the face of Japanese aggression, which was their refusal to submit and their determination to rise up and fight. It also conveyed the firm resolve of people in the Northeast during that time to strive for survival and persist in the war until the end. "Fight back to reclaim our homeland" was their most steadfast vow. From its establishment in 1936, the school operated for nearly a decade, educating over 3,000 students. More than 300 graduates made their way to Yan'an, the revolutionary base in Northwest China, many of whom became key figures in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Che's establishment of the school was influenced and inspired by the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s call for resistance and national salvation. He actively responded to the CPC's principles, closely integrating education with the cause of national liberation. By nurturing a new generation of youth with patriotic spirit and fighting consciousness, he effectively implemented the CPC's strategic deployments during the war. Narrator: Liu Qiangmin, former director of the Northeast China Revolutionary Martyrs' Memorial Hall Among its most significant artifacts is a pistol used by General Zhao Shangzhi, one of the founders and leaders of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, before he was martyred. The pistol was not only Zhao's last weapon but also a key relic of the later anti-Japanese struggle, reflecting the joint fight of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army and the Soviet Union against Japanese invaders. Around 1940, the resistance endured its hardest times, with the main force withdrawing to the Soviet Union. In 1942, the teaching brigade was formed there, trained, and later returned with the Soviet Red Army during its 1945 counteroffensive against the Japanese aggressors in Northeast China. Throughout, some fighters remained in China, conducting reconnaissance, sabotage, and supporting local forces, playing a vital role in the Soviet advance. Fourteen years of struggle was possible thanks to strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the exemplary role of its members. The resistance destroyed hundreds of thousands of enemy troops and strategically contained the Japanese aggressors, giving hope to the people of Northeast China that the land remained Chinese territory. The spirit of the resistance is: unwavering faith in the CPC, national duty in times of peril, and heroic resolve to fight to the end. Zhao's sacrifice is the clearest example. These heroes had families and dreams, but gave up all for the nation. Today, this spirit translates into responsibility not just slogans, but real contribution. Narrator: Ma Youjiong, director of Shanghai Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial The two sets of Sihang Warehouse-themed photos, taken by American photographer Hyland Lyon, not only bear witness to the creation of the memorial, but also form a vital part of its exhibition. To this day, they remain the museum's most treasured artifacts. The first set, titled "Sihang Warehouse in the Flames of War," records scenes of the warehouse battlefield during and after fierce fighting. The second set, titled "The Lone Army Withdrawing from Sihang Warehouse," mainly depicts the process of the defenders retreating and recovering, with the wounded among them. The stories of the Sihang Warehouse's "800 Heroes" and their experiences reflect the great spirit of national resistance. Though the defenders' struggle may seem like a small episode, it powerfully demonstrated patriotism, heroism, and the moral integrity of the Chinese nation. While the battle appeared to be fought by an isolated force, they were in fact backed and supported by people from all walks of life in Shanghai. This fully embodies the concept of a national resistance. The War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a struggle of the whole nation, across all regions and times a true reflection of China's wartime history. Narrator: Tian Yuehui, deputy director of the Taihang Memorial Museum of the Eighth Route Army A weathered, rust-streaked English typewriter stands as a powerful testament to the internationalist warrior and journalist George Hogg's time in China during the Chinese people's war of resistance. The owner of this English typewriter, Hogg, was a graduate of the University of Oxford. In 1937, he arrived in China and witnessed firsthand the profound suffering inflicted upon the Chinese people by the Japanese aggressors. He saw countless refugees living, giving birth, and even dying on the streets amid displacement. Deeply shocked by these harrowing scenes, Hogg decided to stay in China and share the truth of the Chinese people's war of resistance with the world. The typewriter serves as a vivid symbol of the unity between the Chinese people and their international allies in the battle against fascist aggression. Narrator: Li Zhuoran, deputy director of the Shenyang WWII Allied Prisoners Camp Site Museum Among the collections is a prisoner of war (POW) number tag 1051, which was worn by American POW Wallace R. Phillips during his imprisonment at the camp. This tag stands as tangible evidence of the Japanese aggressors' violation of international conventions through the enslavement and mistreatment of POWs. It also serves as a testament to the shared struggle of Allied POWs and Chinese workers who fought side by side against Japanese fascism in the labor factories. The story behind this tag carries a transnational memory, serving as a vital link between China and the world. It vividly illustrates the history of the camp, the suffering and resistance of Allied POWs, and the fascist atrocities committed by the Japanese military in violation of international conventions. Narrator: Luo Cunkang, director of the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression In the thematic exhibition titled "For National Liberation and World Peace," held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the English and Japanese versions of On Protracted War are displayed, with the Japanese version being exhibited for the first time. Even today, On Protracted War remains a rare and invaluable military document in world war history, studied earnestly by many renowned international military researchers and scholars. On Protracted War provided a comprehensive introduction to China's war of resistance and the CPC's stance on the war. It helped the international community understand that the Chinese people were confident in defeating the Japanese aggressors. The pivotal role of the CPC was the key to victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Even when faced with the threat of national subjugation, the Chinese people grew more resilient and dauntless in the face of brutality, ultimately achieving victory in the war and liberation for the nation. Narrator: Yang Suhong, director of Tengchong Museum The Chinese Expeditionary Force (CEF)'s war of resistance in Yunnan was an important part of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The Forbidden Bell of Sicheng, housed in the Tengchong Museum, serves as a "witness" to the War of Resistance in western Yunnan. The CEF was a crucial component of the global anti-fascist effort, with its core mission being to protect the Burma Road, the "lifeline" for supplies. Beginning in 1942, the CEF fought in Burma, not only thwarting Japanese attempts to sever China's supply routes with allied nations but also tying down large enemy forces in Southeast Asia, alleviating pressure on Allied forces in the Pacific Theater. This made the CEF a key pillar of the eastern front in the global anti-fascist war. At the cost of more than 100,000 soldiers' lives, the CEF reopened strategic routes, effectively supporting the global anti-fascist effort and underscoring the shared destiny of all nations. SOURCE Global Times This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: In the autumn of 2022, a round heavy metal object from the village of Sardal along the west coast of Sweden was uncovered. Credit: Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105312 A complete plano-convex ingot has been found in Sweden for the first time. The results of the isotopic and chemical analyses carried out by archaeologists at the University of Gothenburg are published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. Plano-convex ingots are often made of copper, but can also be made of bronze or copper-based alloys. These ingots are a common find, especially in the Mediterranean, but also in continental Europe and along the Atlantic coast. They were used to transport metal throughout the Bronze and Iron Ages. Initially, the archaeologists at the University of Gothenburg believed the Sardal ingot to date back to the Bronze Age. However, as it was found alone and could not be dated by its archaeological context, they decided to run isotopic and chemical analyses to determine its composition and suggest a possible chronology. "Due, in particular, to its shape and size, it seemed to us a Bronze Age artifact, but the ingot turned out to be made of a copper-zinc-tin-lead alloy, typical of the Iron Age and later periods," says Serena Sabatini. "Thanks to the collaborative climate of the archaeometallurgy research world, we teamed up with a group of Polish scholars, who were working with some Iron Age finds that have the almost exact composition of our ingot." The results show that unique, isolated finds, which are traditionally considered very difficult to interpret, can be given historical context and contribute to our understanding of the past when carefully analyzed through an interdisciplinary approach that includes both archaeological and natural science methods. "Networking and international collaboration are also important to unveil patterns and data that would remain unknown when one looks exclusively at the local context. This work clearly shows the importance of teamwork and data sharing. Without the successful collaboration with our Polish colleagues, we would never have achieved such remarkable results," says Sabatini. The study uses well-established analytical methods in archaeometallurgy (which is the branch of archaeology specialized in the study of ancient metals), such as lead isotope and trace element analyses of metal finds. Such methods have been used since the 1980s to investigate the composition and the origin of the metal (in the sense that they enable identification of the mineral region from which the metal was extracted). "What is new in this study is that we went a step further, and by combining the obtained data with known historical and archaeological information, we managed to propose a historical context, for both the unique Sardal plano-convex ingot and the rod ingots from the Iawa Lakeland area in northeastern Poland. "Given the astonishing similarity of the metal composition in all those artifacts, we also managed to strengthen earlier hypotheses about contacts and networking in the Baltic area during the Nordic pre-Roman Iron Age," says Sabatini. More information: Serena Sabatini et al, Iron age metal trade between the Atlantic and the Baltic Sea: new insights from the first complete plano-convex ingot found in Sweden and ingot rods from the Iawa Lakeland in northeastern Poland, Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105312 Journal information: Journal of Archaeological Science This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Since 1945, three-quarters of all global economic growth has been driven by technological advances. Since 1990, 90% of that advance has been rooted in fundamental science, according to Michael M. Crow, president of Arizona State University. Corporate leaders in the United States understood this decades ago when they urged Congress to back "patient capital" for researchbecause this type of investment creates openings for breakthrough applications. Think of the building blocks of our modern economywifi, smartphones, advanced cancer therapies, drought-tolerant crops and satellite navigation. These began as basic research, often with no obvious immediate application. Then they became the platforms for whole new industries. But in Australia, we still treat research funding as a discretionary extra, subject to the ebb and flow of political expediency and annual budgets. Despite decades of speeches, reviews and strategic papers, our investment in knowledge creation and its application has nose-dived. Today, the Australian Academy of Science released a landmark report that systematically measures our science capability against future needs for the first time. The findings are blunt. We have gapsin workforce, infrastructure and coordinationthat will cripple our ability to secure a bright future for the next generation, unless we act now. What did the report find? The new report maps Australia's scientific capability and shortfalls across three major areas. Over the next decade, Australia is facing a demographic change with an aging population, a decreasing fertility rate, and increasing growth in urban and regional cities. The second national challenge is technological transformation. In most areas of life, we're experiencing rapid technological changes. This includes advances in artificial intelligence (AI) that are already changing the shape of the workforce. The third challenge is climate change, decarbonization and environment. It's imperative for Australia to transition to a net-zero economy and become resilient against the impacts of climate change. What do we need to have in place for Australia to meet these challenges by 2035? Two key factors are science literacy and education, and national resilience. In a world of fractured geopolitics and technological competition, the countries that will thrive are those that can generate and apply knowledge for their own needs, in their own context. The report has found eight key science areas that will be most in demand by 2035: agricultural science, AI, biotechnology, climate science, data science, epidemiology, geoscience and materials science. For each of these, the report contains a full dashboard that shows gaps in capabilitiesfrom education to workforce needs, research and development spending, publications and more. 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. Still not innovative enough Since 2008, Australia's spending on research and development as a proportion of gross domestic product has fallen so far behind the OECD average, it would take an extra A$28 billion a year just to reach parity. In his election speech in 1990, then Prime Minister Bob Hawke issued a warning: being the lucky country was not enough, we had to become a clever country, too. Today, 35 years on, Hawke's vision of the clever country remains just thata vision. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull tried to rekindle the impetus in 2015 with "the innovation nation." However, this year Treasurer Jim Chalmers conceded our economy is still "not dynamic or innovative enough." The vast majority of global climate and Earth system models have been developed in the Northern Hemisphere, and we need more work to understand Australian conditions as well as the Southern Ocean. Our AI capacity is hostage to developments offshore. We import more than we invent in biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and clean energy. These are not merely academic concernsthey are constraints on our sovereignty, resilience and competitiveness. We need a 'reservoir of talent' But scientific capability is not something you can simply conjure up on a whim. You need a "reservoir of talent," infrastructure and knowledge that takes decades to build. Developing a climate scientist, a quantum physicist, or a vaccine researcher takes long-term investment in education, facilities and research programs. Abandoning or under-funding these pipelines for even a few years creates gaps. Knowledge can't just flow when the tap is turned on if the reservoir is dry. Today's report shows the current pipeline and study choices of students don't match the needs of Australia's future workforce. For example, in 2023 only 25.2% of students with a Year 12 qualification studied mathematics to at least intermediate level. Yet it's a fundamental science discipline for AI. Credit: The Conversation Similarly, our economy relies heavily on resources and critical minerals, yet Australia isn't training enough geoscientists. It's time for a whole-of-government science strategy, embedded in economic, education, defense and industry policy. The government should use the evidence in this report to address capability gaps and direct resources strategically to better position Australia for the next ten years and beyond. Thirty-five years after Hawke's challenge, it's never been clearer: if we don't act now, our luck will run out. 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 thumbnail and hand of a kangaroo rat, an example of a rodent with thumbnails that uses its hands to manipulate its food. Credit: Missagia et al Picture a squirrel eating an acorn. It's holding the nut in its front paws. More specifically, squirrels handle their food with their thumbs. And instead of the thin, curved claws on the rest of the squirrel's fingers, their thumbs have smooth, flat nails. For hundreds of years, scientists have noticed that some rodents, including squirrels, have thumbnails instead of claws. But no one went through the whole rodent family tree and documented which ones have nails and which ones have claws. In a paper published in Science, researchers examined hundreds of rodents in museum collections to see where thumbnails crop up. This study could help explain how rodents evolved into so many different species that thrive all over the world. "When I talk with people about this research, I always start by asking, 'Did you know rodents have thumbnails?' Most people don't. I didn't. I had studied rodents for years, and I didn't know anything about their nails until I started working on this project at the Field Museum," says Field Museum's research associate, Rafaela Missagia, an assistant professor at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil and an author of the study. The Field Museum in Chicago is home to one of the world's largest collections of mammals, and as rodents make up about 40% of all known mammal species, there are lots and lots of rodent specimens at the Field. Gordon Shepherd, a professor of neuroscience at Northwestern University, heard about how some rodents have thumbnails and some have claws, and he decided to use the Field Museum's collections to find a bigger pattern. An Eastern gray squirrel eating acorns and using its hands to hold its food. Credit: Wikimedia Commons user dkwikiedt commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eastern_Grey_Squirrel_with_Acorns.jpg "Before we did the research, we knew that some had nails, some had claws, and some had no thumbs at all. "There were hints that the rodents that have thumbnails also use their thumbs to hold their food," says Shepherd, one of the paper's authors. The research team set about examining the preserved skins of rodents in the Field's collections, looking at the animals' thumbs (or lack thereof). "There are more than 530 different genera of rodents, containing over 2,500 species. We looked at 433 of those genus groups from all across the rodent family tree," says Anderson Feijo, the Field Museum's curator of mammals and an author of the study. The team found that of the genera they surveyed, 86% of them included species with thumbnails. They compared this information with data about the different rodents' feeding habits. "We used the app iNaturalist to look at photos of different kinds of rodents eating, as well as textbooks and journal articles," says Shepherd. "Using that information, we reconstructed the rodent family tree in terms of rodents that handle food with their hands versus ones that only use their mouths," says Shepherd. The researchers found that rodents like guinea pigs that don't have thumbs, let alone thumbnails, generally don't handle food with their hands. The family tree that the researchers assembled also indicated that rodents with thumbnails go way back. The data suggest that all modern rodents descend from a common ancestor that had thumbnails too. This early rodent ancestor's thumbnails may help explain how rodents took over the world. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The researchers hypothesize that slim, flat thumbnails allow for more manual dexterity than long, sharp claws thumbnails make it easier to handle and eat a nut. Researchers (left to right) Gordon Shepherd, Anderson Feijo, Lauren Johnson, and Rafaela Missagia, working in the Field Museum's mammal collections. Credit: Field Museum. Rafaela Missagia examining a rodent's nails under a microscope at the Field Museum. Credit: Field Museum "Rodents make up almost half of the mammal species on Earth, and they're found on every continent except Antarctica. Their thumbnails might help explain why rodents became so successful," says Anderson Feijo. "Nuts are a very high-energy resource, but opening and eating them requires good manual dexterity that a lot of other animals don't have maybe rodents' thumbnails allowed them to exploit this unique resource and then diversify broadly, because they were not competing with other animals for this food." Animals' nails or claws tell us about more than just how they handle their food, notes Missagia. "When I got involved with this project looking at rodents' nails or claws, I immediately thought about their life modeswhere they live, how they use their hands in ways beyond just eating," says Missagia. "I knew that primates, which mostly have nails, are usually arboreal, they live in trees. We tested that correlation as well, and we found that rodents with nails were also likelier to live aboveground or in trees, while fossorial rodents, the ones that dig, were more likely to have claws and not nails on their thumbs." Aside from rodents, primates like humans are the only mammals that have evolved nails on their thumbs as opposed to claws. However, the two lineages appear to have evolved this feature on their own, in a process called convergent evolution. This study, in addition to helping explain the evolution of rodents into the thousands of species that exist today, also underscores the value of museum collections. "Museum collections are an endless source of discoveries," says Anderson Feijo. "For all of the rodents that were used in this study, I bet none of the collectors would have imagined that someone someday would be studying those rodents' thumbnails." More information: Evolution of thumbnails across Rodentia, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.ads7926 Journal information: Science This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Seagrasses in the Chesapeake Bay provide foundational structure impacting biodiversity, food webs and ecosystem processes. Credit: Frederick Corey Holbert Beneath the surface of the Chesapeake Bay, a subtle but dramatic shift is taking place as eelgrass gives way to its warmer-water relative, widgeon grass. A new study from researchers at William & Mary's Batten School & VIMS shows that this seagrass swap could have ecological impacts across the Bay's food webs, fisheries and ecosystem functions. Published in Marine Ecology Progress Series, the study reveals that while both seagrass species offer valuable habitat, they support marine life in very different ways. The researchers estimate that the continued shift from eelgrass to widgeon grass could lead to a 63% reduction in the total quantity of invertebrate biomass living in seagrass meadows in the bay by 2060. "Several factors including water quality, rising temperatures and human development are threatening eelgrass in the Chesapeake Bay. In its place, particularly in the middle Bay, widgeon grass has expanded due to its ability to tolerate warmer, more variable conditions," said Associate Professor Chris Patrick, who is also director of the Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) Monitoring & Restoration Program at the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS. "However, the two grasses provide structurally distinct habitats that shape the animals living within." All grasses are not created equal While working with Patrick and earning her master's degree at the Batten School & VIMS, lead author Lauren Alvaro engaged in extensive fieldwork studying seagrass meadows in Mobjack Bay. Her team surveyed and compared habitats consisting of eelgrass, widgeon grass as well as mixed beds. They documented everything from burrowing clams and snails to crabs and fishes to get an idea of life living within the sediment and among the grasses. The findings showed that while widgeon grass supports more individual invertebrates per gram of plant material, eelgrass meadows are home to larger animals and have more plant biomass per square meter. As a result, eelgrass supports a greater total animal biomass per square meter. "Our findings suggest that we're likely to see a fundamental shift in the structure of the food web that favors smaller creatures as eelgrass is replaced by widgeon grass," said Alvaro. "The eelgrass meadows produced fewer animals, but they're bigger and more valuable to predators like fish and blue crabs." Much of the difference is due to the physical characteristics of the two types of seagrasses. Widgeon grass beds have a greater surface-to-biomass ratio due to their narrower leaf structure, which provides more area for small invertebrates to cling to. However, eelgrass's broader leaves provide a type of canopy favored by animals like pipefish, blue crabs, and larger isopods, which are small shrimp-like crustaceans. The bigger picture The researchers extrapolated their findings and estimated that current seagrass habitats in the Chesapeake Bay support approximately 66,139 tons of invertebrate biomass living in the sediment and among the grass beds and produce 35,274 tons of new animal biomass each growing season. Termed "secondary production," this is the biomass the habitat makes available to higher levels of the food chain. If seagrasses continue to shift as expected, by 2060 secondary production could be reduced by more than 60% under a scenario where no further nutrient reductions occur. Nutrient runoff into the Bay is the largest threat to submerged aquatic vegetation. Even in a best-case nutrient management scenario, the Bay could still lose approximately 15% of secondary production biomass. "Within the limits of our study, it wasn't possible to determine whether it was the meadow's physical structure, the meadow area, or available food sources that contributed to greater numbers of fish in the eelgrass meadows," said Alvaro. "This makes it difficult to accurately estimate fishery-level impacts of changes in meadow composition, but several lines of reasoning support an expectation of reduction in numerous commercial and recreational species." The study adds to a growing body of research documenting the effects of changes in foundational species influenced by a warming planet. The authors cite similar research involving Florida's mangroves and a worldwide shift from coral to algae-dominated ecosystems. As states within the Bay's extensive watershed work to maintain and improve the health of the estuary, the team hopes their findings will help inform management decisions and restoration strategies. Protecting and restoring the remaining eelgrass and better understanding the role of widgeon grass may help preserve ecological resources for future generations and provide a buffer against future shocks. More information: Lauren Elizabeth Alvaro et al, Changing foundation species in Chesapeake Bay: implications for faunal communities of two dominant seagrass species, Marine Ecology Progress Series (2025). DOI: 10.3354/meps14901 Journal information: Marine Ecology Progress Series 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: Juvenile barramundi were used in the experiments with herbal extracts. Credit: Flinders University Farmed fish are increasingly replacing wild fish to meet consumer demand in China, as well as Australiaand barramundi is a popular choice. Aquaculture research led by Flinders University and experts in China continues to examine the benefitsand possible side effectsof improving fishmeal for farmed fish, with a new study investigating the potential of herbal additives to improve fish immunity in more sustainable future production systems. The study, "Evaluation of plant extracts as aquaculture feed additives: Ecotoxicological and physiological responses in marine species," has been published in Ecological Indicators The increasing global demand for sustainable and antibiotic-free aquaculture has prompted the exploration of natural plant extracts as alternatives to traditional chemical additives, particularly antibiotics, in improving fish immunity, says Flinders University Professor of Aquaculture Jian Qin. "Some of the herbal additives in this study benefited the biochemical and immune responses in juvenile barramundi, at a stage when they are more susceptible to disease or infections," says Professor Qin, from the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University. Collaborator Professor Zhenhua Ma, director of the Tropical Fisheries Research and Development Center at the South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, adds, "While these results indicate that some plant extracts tested could be beneficial additives in aquaculture feed, their potential risk to other environmental organisms should be further investigated before their extensive application in aquaculture." Diagram shows the natural substances used in the aquaculture lab trials. Credit: Zhengyi Fu et al Testing led by Flinders Ph.D. candidate Ms Zhengyi Fu, who is based at the Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute in Hainan Province and the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences in Guangzhou, sought to assess the environmental toxicity of the plant extracts in various marine environments. The ecotoxicity and physiological impacts of four plant extractsgallnuts (Rhus chinensis), green chiretta (Andrographis paniculata), white mustard (Sinapis alba), and betel nut (Areca catechu)were tested on juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer) as well as three other marine species including brine shrimps (Artemia salina). While plant-based additives are generally safe, some bioactive compounds within these extracts have demonstrated potential toxicity, raising concerns about their environmental and ecological impacts. Along with the potent antibacterial and antiparasitic properties of the four herbs tested, there was a focus on bioactive compounds within them, such as phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids and organosulfides, which may affect aquatic ecosystems, according to the article. More information: Zhengyi Fu et al, Evaluation of plant extracts as aquaculture feed additives: Ecotoxicological and physiological responses in marine species, Ecological Indicators (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.113964 Journal information: Ecological Indicators 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 rat trained in search and rescue operations exits simulated earthquake rubble at APOPO's facility in Morogoro, Tanzania, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Jack Denton A man lies unmoving, slumped in the rubble of a simulated earthquake, as an unlikely rescuer approaches: a rat with a backpack. Whiskers waving, the rat breezes past garbage, toppled furniture and scattered clothes to find him and pull a trigger on its pack, alerting searchers above. Then a resounding click. A survivor has been found. The search in Morogoro in Tanzania's Uluguru Mountains is over and the rat scurries out of the abandoned building to be rewarded with a banana. A successful mission is complete for this African giant pouched rat being trained for search and rescue operations. "Their sense of smell is incredible," said Fabrizio Dell'Anna, an animal behaviorist at APOPO, a Tanzania-based nongovernmental organization that trains the rats for lifesaving applications. "These rats are able to detect explosives, tuberculosiseven tiny amounts of the bacteriaand in this project, they are able to correctly identify and indicate humans." In a field nearby, more rats walk on leashes held between handlers, pacing a grid filled with land mines as part of an initiative by APOPO, which works alongside Sokoine University of Agriculture. When they pause, it indicates that explosives are beneath. These rats are readying for their next deployment, perhaps Angola or Cambodia, where APOPO has helped clear more than 50,000 land mines since 2014. From detecting land mines to sniffing out tuberculosis, these "hero rats" have become unlikely, and sometimes unrecognized, front-line responders in Tanzania and beyond. Trained 'hero rats' with sensitive noses For decades APOPO has trained these "hero rats," which have one of the most sensitive noses in the animal kingdom. Since 2003, the rats have been finding land mines and, more recently, have been turned on to trafficked wildlife and earthquake survivors. Felista Staneslouas, Head of Department at Morogoro Hospital, plays with one of the rats in Morogoro, Tanzania, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Jack Denton The rats begin training shortly after birth for specific missions and, with a longer-than-average rodent life span of almost a decade, can spend years carrying out their work. The cost of training each rat runs around 6,000 euros ($6,990). It is all done with classical conditioning and positive reinforcement, explained Dell'Anna, who oversees the search and rescue program. The first cohort of this group of specialized rats are already in Turkey with a partner search and rescue organization. Helping the global fight against TB While the rats focused on explosives or survivors buried in rubble get all the glory, it is a group of rats inside a lab that are arguably the most impactful lifesavers. These are not typical lab rats, but rather, as their proponents would argue, one of the world's most effective detectors of tuberculosis. "Every day as many people die from TB as from land mines in a whole year," said Christophe Cox, the CEO of APOPO. "It's more spectacular to be on the minefield but for TB in terms of social impact, it's tremendous." Tuberculosis is an ancient respiratory disease that continues to run rampant despite centuries of research and treatment. The World Health Organization said last October in its most recent TB report that the disease had resurged as the top infectious disease killer, with 1.25 million deaths and a record 8.2 million infections in 2023. In sub-Saharan Africa, only about half of TB patients receive a diagnosis, according to a study by researchers in the UK and Gambia published in the National Library of Medicine, and this leaves them liable to spread the disease. Tanzania struggles with one of the highest global TB burdens, according to the WHO. A landmine-detection rat scurries across a training grid under the watchful eye of a handler at the APOPO humanitarian demining organization facility in Morogoro, Tanzania, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Jack Denton APOPO expanded into TB detection in 2007 and its rats have been deployed in Tanzania, Ethiopia and Mozambique. The group works with 80 hospitals in Tanzania, collecting samples daily and bringing them to the lab rats. With their sensitive noses, the rats sniff out samples of sputum from patients, looking for positive TB cases that had been marked as negative. Research suggests the rats are picking up on six unique volatile organic compounds in positive TB samples, said Cox. False negatives remain a persistent issue in TB detection and suppression because each infected person can spread the disease to 10 to 15 more people each year. "The benefits of using rats are significant," said Felista Stanesloaus, a doctor at a TB clinic in Morogoro. "They help us detect cases that might otherwise be missed, which prevents people from unknowingly spreading infections." 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. Making TB detection accessible TB detection has made significant advances in recent years, including using artificial intelligence tools in conjunction with lung scans. However, many areas that are burdened most by TB, such as rural villages or low-income urban communities, do not have access to these tools. While the use of molecular detection devices, such as one called GeneXpert, have become more widespread, a clinic may only have one of these devices and it can take two hours to process a sample. Overburdened clinics turn to the centuries-old technique of microscopy, or investigation of sputum under a microscope, which is both fallible and time-consuming. An African giant pouched rat being trained to detect tuberculosis licks a treat off glass in APOPO's laboratory in Morogoro, Tanzania, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Jack Denton "Human error may result in a person being told they are disease-free when they are not," said Stanesloaus. "Using rats is a very effective initiative." APOPO's rats can scan 100 samples in 20 minutes, and since the program's inception, the rats have been able to identify more than 30,000 patients who had been sent home with a clean bill of health but were actually carrying TB, said Cox. The NGO is able to do with one lab what 55 hospitals do in a day, he adds. Yet using live animals in the place of medical devices poses challenges, especially when it comes to scale. Samples have to be brought directly to a lab with enough trained rats to conduct the detection, with some samples brought to Morogoro by motorbike each day. Operations are most effective in dense urban centers, like Dar es Salaam, Cox said. Meeting WHO standards The more existential challenge for these "hero rats" comes from regulators and a wider health community who doubt this unconventional method of disease detection. APOPO's rats are not classified as primary diagnostic tools by the WHO. Instead, they are a second line of defense. Any positive samples detected by the rats must be confirmed with human microscopy in APOPO's labs before treatment can be administered. "It's a big challenge," said Cox. "Not being recognized by the WHO means that the mainstream funding for TB never reaches us." A rat is rewarded after a successful search and rescue training mission in simulated earthquake rubble at APOPO's facility in Morogoro, Tanzania, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Jack Denton Cox has given up on the prospect of getting approval from the WHO, though APOPO has faced pressure from donors to go through this process, which would be extensive and rigorous with no guarantee of success. Regulators may also challenge APOPO's method of focusing on finding every single positive case possible at the cost of more potential false positives. APOPO relies on the indication of just one rat to proceed with further investigation into a possible positive case, while higher specificity standards may need multiple rats to flag a sample. Cox defends this approach. "Our choice was to go for that last patient out thereto go for the social impact," said Cox. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain There are a record number of conflicts raging around the worldfrom Ukraine and Gaza to Sudan and Myanmar. Alongside their devastating human toll, these conflicts are all wreaking havoc on the environment. One of the key ways war leads to environmental harm is by leaving behind unexploded weaponry. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has become the most landmine-contaminated country in the world. By January 2024, roughly 25,000 sq km of agricultural land there was estimated to have been contaminated with landmines and other so-called explosive remnants of war. The contamination of Ukrainian farmlandalongside the physical damage from exploded mineshas contributed to a sharp decrease in agricultural activity, with wheat production in Ukraine falling by 41% between 2021 and the end of 2024. Ukraine has historically been one of the world's largest agricultural exporters. The damage wars are causing to land is also occurring at a time when climate change is driving land degradation. Rising temperatures, increased aridity and the intensification of extreme weather events are leading to reduced soil fertility and desertification. This often compounds the impact of unexploded mines and bombs on the land. The human toll from explosive remnants of war is quite visible, as the number of deaths resulting from unexploded mines and bombs can be traced. In April 2024, for example, the Ukrainian government reported that landmines and other unexploded ordnance had accounted for more than 1,000 civilian casualties since the start of Russia's invasion. But the impact of explosive remnants on the land is less immediately apparent. Research in Cambodia, which was bombed extensively by the US military during the Vietnam war (19551975), suggests that unexploded ordnance continues to harm agricultural productivity there today. Many of the bombs that landed on soft and highly fertile land failed to detonate. They continue to render the land hazardous. Due to the danger of unexploded bombs, many Cambodian farmers avoid using tractors and other agricultural techniques that could increase agricultural production. Studies also show that explosive remnants of war affect soil quality. Unexploded bombs and landmines can leak heavy metals and toxic waste into the soil, polluting land and water. In rare cases, contaminants from a landmine have been detected up to 6km away from the initial explosion site. The methods for clearing unexploded ordnance can contribute to land degradation, too. Heavy demining equipment can damage fertile topsoil and contribute to erosion. Some methods of disposal, such as controlled detonations, can also release contaminants into the soil. Research on soil quality in the Halgurd-Sakran National Park in north-eastern Iraq, a region that has seen decades of armed conflict, show evidence of the release of hazardous metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic into the soil following demining activities. These contaminants pose significant risks both to local ecosystems and human health through direct contact and the contamination of water sources and food chains. There are also risks of contamination through inhaling or ingesting dust. 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. Climate change complications Climate hazards such as droughts, floods and wildfires can exacerbate the impact of explosive remnants of war. Floods and heavy rainfall can unearth landmines and other unexploded ordnance, sometimes displacing them into areas previously considered safe. High temperatures from heat waves can also cause abandoned munitions to explode. Six different munition sites exploded across Iraq during scorching hot summers in 2018 and 2019, when temperatures regularly topped 45C. Heat waves were blamed for a similar arms dump explosion in Jordan in 2020. At the same time, the presence of explosive remnants in the environment can hamper responses to climate events. In eastern Ukraine, for example, the heavy contamination of forests with landmines and tripwires prevented fire crews from responding effectively to wildfires in 2020. The fires damaged houses and killed seven people. Similarly, unexploded bombs from the second World War have been detonated recently by wildfires in the North York Moors, UK. This increases the unpredictability of the fires, inevitably endangering the lives of fire crews. In Libya, Storm Daniel destroyed two dams in 2023 and subsequently caused flooding in large parts of the eastern city of Derna. The displacement of unexploded ordnance and ammunition stores caused by the flooding complicated recovery efforts. Explosives experts also had to be deployed during the destructive floods in South Sudan in 2024 to assess whether land was safe for the relocation of displaced people. Climate disasters and environmental change can also prevent communities from benefiting from land that has been cleared of explosive remnants after the end of war. In Angola, where there was a civil war between 1975 and 2002, drought has prevented farmers from planting crops in recently cleared fields. Increasing soil salinization in Sri Lanka due to rising sea-levels has also affected the ability of farmers to plant rice in areas cleared of unexploded munitions. Explosive remnants of war have a lasting impact, not only on human life but also on the environment. Climate change is only making the threat more unpredictable and challenging to address. It's more important than ever that measures to restore land, tackle climate change and manage the impact of armed conflictincluding explosive remnants of warare addressed together rather than in isolation. 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 settlement of Chinese Camp dates back to the mid-19th century as a huge gold rush brought tens of thousands of prospectors to California. A historic California Gold Rush-era town lay in ruins Wednesday after lightning storms sparked almost two dozen wildfires. The storied settlement of Chinese Camp was badly hit when flames roared through on Tuesday, with photographs showing the smoldering shells of 19th century buildings. Other structures appear to have been reduced to ashes. Around 12,000 acres (5,000 hectares) have been charred by 22 separate blazes raging around 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of San Francisco, officials said. The series of firesdubbed the TCU September Lightning Complexerupted after a storm passed through the area, with lightning strikes igniting the dry vegetation. Hundreds of firefighters were tackling the blazes, some of which were in remote and inaccessible areas and involved crews hiking deep into isolated countryside, said Cal Fire, the state's firefighting agency. "A number of structures have been damaged or destroyed, and a Damage Inspection Team is on order," a Cal Fire statement said. "Weather conditions continue to be a challenge to crews as gusty winds remain in the area from nearby thunderstorm cells. "Multiple communities continue to be at risk, including ancestral tribal lands, and evacuation orders and warnings remain in place." The historic settlement of Chinese Camp has been badly charred by lightning-sparked wildfires. Starting in 1849, a gold rush brought tens of thousands of prospectors to California to seek their fortune, including from China. Chinese Camp is described by county tourism managers as an "abandoned ghost town" but remains home to dozens of people, according to census data. It is also the site of a number of historic buildings, including a post office built 170 years ago and one of the oldest Catholic churches in that part of California. Wildfires are a natural part of the life cycle of the countryside in the Western United States. But human activityspecifically the unchecked use of fossil fuelsis changing the climate, often making blazes more likely and more destructive. 2025 AFP Commemorating victory against fascism, strengthening faith in peaceful development Global Times) 08:54, September 04, 2025 Illustration: Liu Rui/GT What did we see in the robust Chinese military presented during the V-Day military parade on Wednesday? Eighty years ago, the hard-fought victory not only ended Japanese militarist aggression but also established a fundamental belief: Only by building a strong and independent country can we ensure the well-being of our people and maintain world peace. China seeks peaceful development, and the world needs peaceful development. President Xi Jinping's Global Governance Initiative, presented at the "SCO plus" meeting on Monday, demonstrates the continuation and elevation of this historical mission in the new era. The Jiefang Daily in Yan'an published an editorial on September 5, 1945, outlining postwar national reconstruction, a moment worth revisiting. All Chinese people under the banner of peace, democracy and unity must march forward with one heart, remove all obstacles, and build China into an independent, free and prosperous new democratic state, the editorial said. For generations of Chinese, this was not mere rhetoric but a national goal forged through 14 years of resistance. Today, China commemorates V-Day with a military parade to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to its original aspirations and to Chinese modernization. At its core is peaceful development. Over the course of 80 years, this once-poor, war-torn nation has become the world's second-largest economy. All of this was achieved through self-reliance and arduous struggle. The principle of "people first" is manifested in targeted poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. Peace commitments extend beyond rhetoric to overseas infrastructure and development cooperation, strengthening South-South collaboration in a multipolar world. Only an independent and strong nation can ensure citizens sleep peacefully, families enjoy stability and happiness, and possess sufficient strength to resist aggression and maintain world peace. For world peace and the reunification of the motherland, China needs to have a strong military force. The 2015 V-Day parade has showcased China's military modernization efforts, and 10 years later, equipment has become even more advanced encompassing stealth aircraft, unmanned systems and strategic missiles. While capabilities have evolved, the declared purpose remains unchanged: China aims to prevent, not provoke war; to counter external interference and achieve reunification; and to contribute more significantly to global peace. Military strength reflects broader national power. Over the past decade, China's "hardware" capabilities have strengthened in tandem with its "software" rules, standards and governance at a remarkable speed. These transformations reflect a consistent approach: aligning development with the needs of the people while creating peaceful stability as essential external support. The past decade has witnessed global turbulence, marked by trade friction, regional conflicts, pandemics, supply chain disruptions and climate pressures, characterizing a world in flux. The hegemonic power pursues decoupling, confrontation, blockades and sanctions, all with the aim of maintaining global dominance. Although these actions put a strain on China-US relations, external turbulence cannot deter China from following its chosen path. China's door is opening wider. China cooperates through development and security initiative frameworks while advancing Belt and Road projects, deepening win-win cooperation concepts. Faced with regional conflicts, China actively promotes peace rather than remaining an indifferent bystander, demonstrating its role as a crucial stabilizing force for global peace. China has contributed over 49,000 peacekeepers to UN operations, surpassing the contributions of other permanent members of the Security Council. The parade's signals remain consistent: a defensive national defense policy, a no-first-use nuclear stance, and integrated security-development planning. The underlying logic can be traced back to wartime: Only with reliable capabilities can nations defend peace, prevent war and create space for growth and exchange. We hope this parade serves as a window to observe how China has chosen its path and how the Communist Party of China and the people have achieved successive development goals through determined struggle. Commemorating V-Day concerns not only the past but also the continuity of purpose. This continuity connects today's China with its history, revealing the Party's and the people's unchanging original aspirations as it continues steadfastly along the path chosen 80 years ago. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Divesture advances portfolio focus, unlocks value and increases financial flexibility STOCKHOLM, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hexagon AB today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Design & Engineering business ("D&E"), which includes the business formerly known as MSC Software, to Cadence Design Systems, Inc. The transaction is consistent with Hexagon's ongoing portfolio strategy to create focused market leading positions and sharpen future investment behind core business areas. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Cadence will pay approximately 2.7bn EUR for the business, with 30% of the consideration to be paid through the issuance of Cadence common stock to Hexagon AB and the remainder to be paid in cash. "Today's announcement is a step in our plan to streamline Hexagon's portfolio and focus on the capture, measurement, and use of real-world data, while also strengthening our financial flexibility," said Ola Rollen, Chairman of the Board for Hexagon. "Our D&E business is a leading provider of mission critical CAE software solutions and has delivered strong results since we acquired MSC in 2017, over which time we have been successfully transitioning the business to a subscription model. However, the engineering simulation market is evolving rapidly, with electronic design automation suppliers increasingly taking a leading role, a trend which is harder for Hexagon to follow. By transitioning D&E to Cadence, a global leader in this field, and establishing a long-term collaboration between our companies, we are creating a stronger future for our customers, employees, and shareholders." "D&E's comprehensive portfolio of solutions is well positioned to support Cadence's Multiphysics System Analysis business, with compelling opportunities for synergistic growth ahead," said Anders Svensson, President and CEO, Hexagon. "As we simplify and focus our portfolio, we can accelerate innovation and capital deployment in areas that bring greater synergies across our businesses and augment our market leading positions, both across our sensor portfolio and remaining, core software businesses." The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Proceeds from the transaction will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include de-leveraging and funding future acquisitions aligned with the strategies for long term profitable growth at both Hexagon and Octave, which if approved is still on track to be separated during the first half of 202. Financial Impact: In terms of financial impact, the D&E business contributed approximately 265 MEUR to the revenues of the Manufacturing division in 2024, at a profitability level above Hexagon group averages. The transaction will generate a gain, details of which will be disclosed in the third quarter 2025 interim report. Following the disposal of D&E, and the potential separation of Octave, Hexagon will continue to have a strong footprint in and commitment to software & services, particularly in areas where there is a strong synergy with the portfolio of sensors and robotic solutions. Excluding both D&E and Octave, on a proforma basis software & services and recurring revenues would have accounted for above 40% and 25% of revenues respectively. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Tom Hull, Head of Investor Relations, Hexagon AB, +44 7442 678 437, [email protected] Anton Heikenstrom, Investor Relations Manager, Hexagon, +46 73 826 63 90, [email protected] This information is information that Hexagon AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 22:35 CET on 4 September 2025. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/hexagon/r/hexagon-agrees-sale-of-design---engineering-business-to-cadence-for-2-7bn-eur,c4226135 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/387/4226135/3650363.pdf Hexagon agrees sale of Design & Engineering business to Cadence for 2.7bn EUR SOURCE Hexagon Funds help communities assess underused rail-served properties for redevelopment and job creation. RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) awarded its first Brownfields Site Grant to Jackson County and a second to the Town of Spencer. The program provides local governments with private funding to address environmental barriers, preparing rail-served properties for new industrial uses that attract investment and create lasting jobs. "Not every job-creating site begins as a blank slate," said Carl Warren, NCRR president and CEO. "We help communities overcome early redevelopment hurdles, unlocking the potential of rail-served properties." NCRR's Brownfields Site Grant will help fund an environmental assessment for this former sawmill site in Sylva, North Carolina. Brownfields are sites hindered by environmental concerns that can complicate redevelopment. NCRR's program helps communities take critical, initial steps toward entry into the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Brownfields Program, positioning sites for remediation, industrial investment and job creation. "NCRR is helping communities turn yesterday's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities by preparing rail-served sites for new industry and lasting jobs," said Trish Haver, NCRR's chief commercial officer. Jackson County received $92,000 to assess a 42-acre former sawmill site at 3636 Skyland Drive in Sylva which closed in early 2024. The county will provide a 20% match toward the $115,000 project, which will fund environmental assessment and remediation planning. The goal is to repurpose the property for future industrial use. "This project allows Jackson County to transform a recently closed sawmill into new opportunities for our people and our future," said Kevin King, Jackson County manager. "With NCRR's support, we are preparing the site for industry, rail access, and workforce training. These investments will create good jobs and long-term prosperity for families across Western North Carolina." In Rowan County, the Town of Spencer plans to facilitate transformation of a property at 2555 North U.S. Highway 29, once a textile dyeing and finishing facility, into a rail-accessible industrial site, attracting investment and expanding job opportunities. NCRR awarded the municipality $99,800 in grant funding, with a 20% match, or nearly $20,000, provided by Samet Corporation. "This funding helps us partner with property owners and redevelopment professionals to ready a site that has remained inactive and largely untouched for roughly 25 years," said Peter Franzese, Spencer town manager. "By preparing this property for industrial use, we hope to identify new possibilities for investment and quality jobs in our community, while addressing a site that has long stood as a reminder of one of North Carolina's most significant economic challenges." To ensure long-term impact, the railroad company requires that supported sites: Enter the NCDEQ Brownfields Program as part of redevelopment planning. Use grant funds within two years of the award for on-site remediation. Secure a company that will move at least 40 rail cars annually for five years; if not, partial repayment may be required. NCRR's Brownfields Program complements the Build Ready Sites initiative with the goal to expand the pipeline of rail-served properties and remain a catalyst for economic growth across North Carolina. For more information, visit https://ncrr.com/services/economic-development-programs/brownfields/. SOURCE North Carolina Railroad Company New dual-action serum exclusively debuts at Walmart, a breakthrough in accessible luxury skincare NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- L'Oreal Paris proudly unveils its latest innovation in age-defying skincare: Age Perfect Serum Le Duo, available exclusively at Walmart in September. As the newest addition to the brand's celebrated Age Perfect franchise, this 2-in-1 serum blends cutting-edge science with luxury-grade ingredients and innovative packaging. L'Oreal Paris Serum Le Duo Meticulously crafted with sleek, gold finishes, Serum Le Duo offers an experience of pure indulgence and raises the bar for luxury serums, without the luxury price tag. This new powerhouse is dermatologist-tested and proven to fight 10 signs of aging - acting on fine lines, firmness, radiance, cell renewal, tightness, tone evenness, plumpness, hydration, and more. Featuring a powerful formulation of ingredients including Collagen Peptide* to improve firmness and target wrinkles, and Vitamins B3 and C** to re-ignite radiance and skin tone evenness, this serum is as efficacious as it is luxurious. Serum Le Duo delivers visible results*** including: Immediately, skin feels smoother and nourished with moisture. In 2 weeks, skin looks visibly younger. In 8 weeks, wrinkles look reduced and skin looks healthy. Early consumer feedback reflects its impact, with 91% of users agreeing that Age Perfect Serum Le Duo will become their new go-to, citing their skin looks and feels noticeably softer, firmer, and more luminous. "We are incredibly excited to introduce Serum Le Duo, a true innovation in skincare that offers consumers an unparalleled experience," says Laura Branik, President, L'Oreal Paris USA. "Its groundbreaking packaging, ingeniously combining two potent serums in one, is designed to deliver comprehensive anti-aging benefits, targeting 10 signs of aging in just one application. Serum Le Duo is the new standard of luxury for serums. We are thrilled to work with Walmart once again for an early launch of a L'Oreal Paris product, as their reach and commitment to making cutting-edge products accessible to consumers make them the perfect partner." Age Perfect Serum Le Duo is available now at Walmart stores nationwide and on Walmart.com. For media inquiries or product information, please contact: [email protected] About L'Oreal Paris USA The L'Oreal Paris division of L'Oreal USA, Inc. is a total beauty care brand dedicated to empowering women by offering luxurious and innovative products and services available in the mass market. The brand's signature tagline, "Because I'm Worth It," was born in the United States in 1973 to celebrate the beauty and intrinsic self-worth of women, and for more than 100 years, L'Oreal Paris has been providing women around the world with products in four major beauty categories: hair color, haircare, skincare and cosmetics. With L'Oreal's invention of hair color in 1909, the brand continues to serve as a leading innovator of hair products across color, care, and styling with brands such as Superior Preference, Feria, Colorista, Elvive, the Ever Collection, and Elnett Satin Hairspray. L'Oreal Paris provides scientifically-advanced skincare products that are tested to address individual skin concerns through its renowned brands Revitalift, Pure-Sugar, Pure-Clay, Age Perfect, and Sublime Bronze. L'Oreal Paris' iconic cosmetics include best-seller Voluminous Lash Paradise, as well as the Infallible, True Match, Colour Riche, Voluminous, and Visible Lift collections. For more information about L'Oreal Paris and to receive personalized advice, expert tips, and exclusive content, please www.LOrealParisUSA.com or follow on Instagram (@LOrealParis), X (@LOrealParisUSA), Facebook (@LOrealParisUSA) TikTok (@LOrealParisUSA) and Pinterest (@LOrealParisUSA). Based on skin cell exfoliation. *Biosynthetic peptide complex. **Stabilized form. ***Based on consumer results. SOURCE L'Oreal Paris USA Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Ask any Catholic-school kidcurrent or formerand theyll tell you: Wednesday Mass sucks. Once a week, the school steals an hour from lunch or recess and forces you to sit in a hard wooden pew designed by sadists and kneel on kneelers that give you the back pain of a 50-year-old before you hit puberty. To pass the time, you count the stained glass windows or stare at the light fixture dangling from the ceiling, wondering which unlucky kid itd flatten if it came loose. Easily, though, the hardest part is pretending to solemnly worship as a childall the while surrounded by all of your best friends, who are also children. Jesus may have fed the 5,000, but I imagine even hed struggle to keep a second-grade class quiet. From kindergarten until I left for college, I attended four different Catholic schools in Sioux City, Iowa. Each one compelled me and my fellow students to attend Wednesday school Mass every week. We trudged through snow. We crossed busy streets. We adhered to an unspoken creed that felt older than Rome: Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor the deepest Midwestern gloom keeps these students from their Wednesday Massand Iowa had plenty of all four. Last week, a shooter opened fire through a stained glass window during Wednesday school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Two children were killed: 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Twenty-one others were injured, including 18 children and three elderly parishioners. As I write this, two students have required surgery, including 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, who had part of her skull removed in an emergency procedure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fletchers death hit one family particularly hard. His best friends mother, Kacie Sharpe, told reporters how her child lost a person theyd grown up with. Someone they probably whispered to and joked with at Wednesday Mass. I cant stop thinking about thatbecause Wednesday Mass was where I was surrounded by my own best friends, too. Its what made the boredom bearable, even enjoyable. The thought of one of them not making it through school Mass, of an empty space next to me in the pew, of me walking back to class alone, guts me completely. Thats what these kids are living now. Ask any Catholic-school kidcurrent or formerand theyll tell you: Last week was a nightmare. It felt surrealfar too close to home to be real, yet completely undeniable. A reminder that no matter how numb you think you are to the harshest buzzsaw of modern-day Americaviolence, mass shootings, warsomething will always be there to pull you right back into its teeth. Advertisement The fallout was depressingly predictable. Rumors and disinformation raced across X, with conspiracy theories developing that were focused on the shooters identity and motives. FBI Director Kash Patel vowed to investigate the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics. Right-wing figures like Matt Walsh, Charlie Kirk, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Laura Loomer latched onto the suspects transgender identity, framing the tragedy as trans terrorism. President Donald Trump ordered flags across the nation to be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims, and added in a Truth social post: Please join me in praying for everyone involved! Advertisement By this point, thoughts and prayers has become a meme. Like The Onions No Way to Prevent This, Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens headline, its a well-worn chestnut, to be dusted off and deployed in case of any horrific tragedy: In case of a school shooting, break glass. While there was once a time when it would have been unconscionable to criticize this, then there was a time where only very online liberals would do so, now there have been enough school shootings that major Democratic media figures and politicians have pushed back on it. Advertisement Advertisement Prayer is not freaking enough, MSNBC host and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki wrote on X. She added, Enough with the thoughts and prayers. These children were literally praying as they got shot, California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on X. Dont just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said at a press conference. These kids were literally praying. Vice President J.D. Vancewho is a Catholic convert and visited Annunciation on Wednesday, with his wife Ushapushed back on this. Of all the weird left wing culture wars in the last few years, this is by far the most bizarre, Vance posted on X. How dare you pray for innocent people in the midst of tragedy?! What are you even talking about? Advertisement Advertisement He later appeared on Fox News to continue to defend prayer in response to the gun violence that prayers have regularly failed to prevent. When I see far-left politicians say, How dare you offer thoughts and prayers? You need action. I dont care about your prayers. I care about what you are going to do to prevent this from happening. Why does it have to be one or the other? he said. It reminds me of the time he called school shootings the reality we live in at a campaign rally in Phoenix, Arizona, nearly one year ago to the day. Advertisement Id like to confess something: Im still a Catholic. More specifically, Im what more hard-line, traditional Catholics (aka the annoying ones) call a cafeteria Catholic, one who picks and chooses which teachings of the church to believe while pretty much ignoring the rest. Call me a CINO: Catholic in name only. I eschew the churchs stance on things like abortion, gay marriage, gender equality, premarital sex, birth control, and masturbation. I bear false witness. I havent remembered to keep holy the Lords day in years. And, if you ask them, I do not honor my mother and father enough. Advertisement Advertisement But Im still a Catholicand the lessons imparted to me in the church and schools are still with me to this day. I learned how to add and subtract in the basement of St. Boniface. I got into my first fight in the line to Wednesday Mass at St. Josephs. I fell in love for the first time at Blessed Sacrament. And I learned that I wanted to be a writer at Bishop Heelan Catholic High School. I made my best friends and learned my biggest lessons before and after crossing myself walking into Wednesday Mass. Advertisement It was where I became aware of how potent prayer could be. When I was in high school, a doctor discovered a precancerous tumor on my dads pancreas. The growth caused his blood sugar to crash dangerously low at random timesoften while he drove his car. I remember going to Wednesday school Mass for an entire year where the only thing I ever prayed about was for the tumor to disappear. For him to feel better. For me to get my dad back. Eventually, he went to a hospital in Iowa City to get it removed and, thankfully, it hasnt been an issue since. While I know the work of a team of doctors and nurses helped my father, a small, childish part of me holds on to the idea that it was a miraclethat my prayers had been answered. Advertisement Advertisement Try as I might over the yearsand, trust me, I really did tryI could never quit it. To this day, when Im anxious or nervous, Ill pray. I always say three Hail Marys and one Lords Prayer because Father Kevin told me to after my first confession. I still believe the Pope is the infallible voice of God the almighty Father, and believe that when the priest consecrates the bread and wine, it transubstantiates and becomes the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, amen. Advertisement Advertisement I believe in miracles, like when 10-year-old Weston Halsne survived last Wednesdays shooting, only for doctors to discover later that a bullet fragment had lodged near his carotid arterya hairs breadth away from killing him. Or like when God heard me cry out on the carpet of my childhood bedroom and in the pews of the Cathedral of the Epiphany for him to please heal my dad and please, please, please, dont take him, dont let him die. I dont like cynicism when it comes to prayer. I dont like the way conservatives use it as an insincere, empty response to the uniquely and unquestionably American issue of gun violencehollowing out something sacred into a mask to be worn to avoid the blood and grief and dead schoolchildren in front of them. I dont like how I know that despite the fact that the parents of the victims of the Annunciation shooting are begging him to do something about gun safety, Vance is going to go back to Washington and do the opposite. Advertisement Advertisement I dont like that the liberal response is nothing but performative outrage. They attack the hypocrisy of thoughts and prayers, using their offense as mealymouthed, ineffectual cover, without (Sen. Chris Murphy, President Joe Biden, and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act aside) doing a single goddamn thing to change it themselves. They act as if the very act of prayer were the problem itself, as if grieving parents and scared kids have to defend their faith before burying their sons, their daughters, their friends. In the end, they leave us the same thing as the right: no safer schools, no fewer funerals, and no reason to believe next week will be any different. More than anything, though, I hate that everyone makes me feel like an asshole when I pray, like I have to choose: faith or outrage, grief or change, silence or rage. I want space to pray and grieve, without my prayer and grief being drafted into someone elses culture war. Advertisement Advertisement Prayer without action is just shouting into the void. Static on a busy frequency. But the inverse is just also hollow. Action without prayer is motion without meaninga body moving with no soul guiding it. What is the point of doing anythinganythingwithout soul, or purpose, or hope? Advertisement Advertisement Church is a lot of things. For me, its a space to hopea place to imagine a better future. You go to church to pray for good health, for more money, for a happy family. You pray for the Bears to beat the Packers, for your lottery ticket to hit, for the lump that showed up in your dads X-ray to be nothing after all. You pray for your kids to be safe. But God doesnt answer all prayers. And so church is also a space to grieve, as it was for the families of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. As it will be for so many of us. Advertisement I havent been back to Mass on my own volition in years. But, this Sunday, Im going to wake up, brush my teeth, put on some nice clothes, and walk a few blocks to the Catholic church in my neighborhood. When I get there, Im going to dip my fingers in holy water and cross myself before making my way halfway up the aisle to sit down in a hard pew. I might let my mind wandercount the stained glass windows, or imagine whod get hit if a light fixture fell. But first, Im going to kneel down and pray. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. At the start of his eagerly anticipated testimony before the Senate Finance Committee, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. went around the hearing room to greet the committee members. Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy appeared enthused to see him. Hey, Bobby! he said with a handshake. How are you, man? Cassidy was the senator to watch in Thursday mornings hearing, Congress first chance to question Kennedy since last weeks bloodbath at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over pending vaccine recommendations. Cassidy, a doctor and chair of the Senates health committee, was visibly torn during Kennedys confirmation process at the beginning of the year. He ultimately cast the pivotal committee vote to advance Kennedys nomination after receiving various assurances on vaccine policy that Kennedy has proceeded to ignore. A reasonable person might conclude that Kennedy has spent half a year making Cassidy look like a fool. A senator keen on preserving his dignity might want to push back on this, and a doctor might be keen to push back on the dismantling of a public health marvel. But Cassidys desire to reclaim prestige conflicts with his reelection reality. The senator, up for reelection in 2026, has been on shaky ground with President Donald Trump and MAGA primary voters after voting to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial. He has MAGA primary challengers already, with more serious ones still considering entering. Coming out directly against Trumps HHS secretaryhimself the leader of a key movement within the MAGA coalitionmight be what Cassidy wants to do. It might have been what he wanted to do at the beginning of the year. But it could make it insurmountably difficult to win another six years in the Senate. To resolve the conflict, Cassidy has settled on a strategy of cutesiness. He previewed this approach on Wednesday when he posted that President Trump deserved a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed, the streamlined process in 2020 to develop mRNA COVID vaccines. It was a direct appeal to the ego of a president who has been openly campaigning for a Nobel Prizeas well as a means of cloaking himself under the Trump flag before laying into Kennedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you agree with me that President Trump deserves a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed? Cassidy asked Kennedy at the beginning of his questioning on Thursday. Absolutely, Senator, Kennedy responded. But you just told Sen. Bennet that the COVID vaccine killed more people than COVID, Cassidy, turning on a dime, said. (Kennedy denied this.) You were also, as lead attorney for the Childrens Health Defense, you engaged in multiple lawsuits attempting to restrict access to the COVID vaccine, Cassidy continued. Again, it surprises me that you think so highly of Operation Warp Speed when, as an attorney, you attempted to restrict access. Throughout his five minutes, Cassidy repeatedly put Kennedy on the defensive as someone whos deconstructed Trumps achievement in Operation Warp Speed, including through his cancellation of $500 million in mRNA vaccine development funding. And so, despite their warm greeting at the outset of the proceedings, the exchange did not end in a friendly manner. I would say, effectively, were denying people vaccine, Cassidy concluded. Advertisement Related From Slate Call Me Crazy, but I for One Still Want to Know if the President Committed Depraved Sex Crimes Read More Youre wrong, Kennedy said. This wasnt the only thrill of the loud hearing. Just about every Democrat got into a shouting match with Kennedy, and Kennedy accused just about all of them of being bought-and-paid-for shills for Big Pharma. (Wed recommend viewing a red-in-the-face, arms-flying Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders sarcastically shouting, Eeeeeverybody is corrupt but you? Theres something about this guy when he gets Bobby Kennedy Jr. in a room.) And Cassidy wasnt the only Republican to push Kennedy around. Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the No. 2 Senate Republican who has rarely if ever strayed an inch from the party line, said hed grown deeply concerned with Kennedys moves on vaccines. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, whos retiring and thus has permission to speak plainly, spoke plainly about diminishing the credibility of the CDC. And Senate Majority Leader John Thune has made clear he doesnt appreciate spending valuable floor time confirming CDC directors whom Kennedy is going to fire a month later. Advertisement Advertisement All Senate Republicans, except for Kentuckys Mitch McConnell, voted to confirm Kennedy to his position, and all are responsible for the consequences to public health. Its a little unfair, then, that Cassidy publicly shoulders almost all of the blame for everything that Kennedy does, when most other Republican senators with misgivings wouldnt even entertain the principled path. Cassidy could have spared himself a lot of trouble if hed just gone along for the ride, like everyone else, when Kennedy was nominated. Instead, he has tried to balance his conscience as a physician with his tenuous electoral situation. But the obviousness of what hes doingits actually Kennedy who disrespects Mr. Trump by questioning vaccinesisnt going to fool MAGA voters who already dont trust Cassidy. And the need for oversight wont disappear anytime soon, as HHS prepares to make more vaccine recommendations and to release its findings on the relationship between vaccines and autism (and we know what Kennedy intends to find). Try as he may to thread the needle, Cassidys choice between his career and the truth is one he has faced since Kennedys nomination was announced, and one hell keep facing so long as Kennedy remains in his jobor Cassidy is removed from his. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Theres a notable irony hanging over one of the biggest stories in politics right now: As the women victimized by sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein gathered on Capitol Hill this week to demand the release of the files related to the case and full transparency from the various law enforcement officials who have prosecuted it, the political debates over the matter are still mostly being driven by men. Some of those men are using the case as leverage to demonstrate their opponents hypocrisy. Others are trying to avoid it, in an effort to protect other, more powerful men. A few are breaking party ranks, apparently just as scared of their lunatic base as their lunatic leader. But its all a telling spectacle: dogged women determined to tell the world the truth about a serial predator, surrounded by exploitative men using those womens stories for their own political purposes. More depressing still is that the men at the forefront of the push to release the Epstein files are, in this context, the good guys. Theyre up against a group of even more politically ambitious, exploitative, and craven men, who are hypocrites to boot: Those who trumpeted on about the Epstein files when it helped their campaigns, and are now trying to bury the story because Donald Trump doesnt want it told. To their enormous credit, many of the women who say Epstein abused them are refusing to be intimidated into silence. Nearly a dozen of them took to the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, insisting on telling their stories and demanding that the Epstein documentswhich the Trump administration long promised to disclosebe released in full. As the women gathered, Trump gave remarks of his own from the White House. The whole Epstein matter, he said, was a Democratic hoax, a way of distracting from how amazing his time in office has been. What theyre trying to do with the Epstein hoax is get people to talk about that, he said. Were having the most successful eight months of any president ever, and thats what I want to talk about. The women outside werent buying it. I cordially invite you to the Capitol to meet me in person so you can understand this is not a hoax, one, Haley Robson, said in response. We are real human beings. This is real trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky have put forward a bill to release the files, and theyve filed a discharge petition that would force a vote on the bill if it gets 218 signatures.* Given that the release of the Epstein files was such an enormous rallying cry among Trump supporters during his election, one would imagine that Republicans and the president alike would be on board. The president, though, doesnt want the files released. And in todays GOPwhich more closely resembles a fascist cult of personality than a party in a democracywhatever the president wants, rank-and-file Republicans get for him. Mostly, anyway. A tiny number of Republicans are breaking ranks, including Massie. Just three others have co-sponsored the Epstein bill, and they are among the most famous and least reputable members of the GOPalthough they are, notably, all female: reality-eschewing conspiracymonger Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, gun-toting controversymonger Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, and pathologically narcissistic attentionmonger Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida has indicated she would be happy to sign onto the discharge petition if it comes to that, but seems convinced against all evidence that Trump will release the Epstein files sometime soon. The Republicans stonewallingTrump, Speaker of the House Mike Johnsonare the partys most prominent men. And they seem poised to win this particular showdown. Advertisement Advertisement The three right-wing women who demand the release of the documents are doing the bare minimum, which is at least something compared to their cowardly male compatriots, who were happy to use the pain of sexually abused women in order to win office, but now use their power to protect a man whos been found liable of sexual abuse. And even the women are not aggressively taking on the men standing in the way of the truthparticularly the man at the top. Instead, they seem to have convinced even themselves that the president is on their side, and simply doesnt fully understand their cause. I look forward to talking with President Trump about these women that Ive met, Greene told CNN. I also encouraged him, already this morning, that he should have these women in the Oval Office. They deserve to be there. Advertisement Trump did not meet with the women. Instead, a White House official said that any Republican signing the discharge petition was committing a very hostile act against his administration. Advertisement Greene still insisted she could have it both ways, being a Trump loyalist and an Epstein truther. Everyone knows Ive fought harder for President Trump for years now, and that person has their job because I fought so hard to help him get elected. And this isnt a hostile act towards the administration, Greene said. The hostile act has been against these women for so many years now. Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Call Me Crazy, but I for One Still Want to Know if the President Committed Depraved Sex Crimes Read More Democrats are behaving differently. Every single one of them is expected to support the Epstein bill. Greene, at least, seems to be a true believer in the cause, and she seems to genuinely want the Epstein files released. Democrats are more transparently using the case as a cudgeland honestly, good for them. Suspicion about Epstein and what does look an awful lot like a cover-up has been a hugely animating issue for the pedophilia-obsessed MAGA right. Having failed to unearth pedophiles in pizza-parlor basements or sex trafficking victims in Wayfair armoires, conservative conspiracy theorists finally found a real child sexual abuser in Epsteinand he wound up dead, as did several of his victims. Why Epstein got such a sweetheart deal when he was charged with very serious crimes in Florida, how he died despite being on suicide watch, why some footage of his cell was initially missing, and why there has been such intense resistance to releasing the full investigative filesall of it makes for prime conspiracy theorizing, including for many of us who are very far from QAnon followers but find something just a little too convenient about this whole story. Advertisement Democrats should agitate for the release of the files, both because its what the victims are demanding and because it highlights the rank hypocrisy on the right. But the fact that the two people leading the charge are a Republican man and a Democratic man makes for something of an uncomfortable spectacle. That the people telling them no are ever more Republican men only makes it worse: Womens stories, again, are being used as pawns in a series of male power plays. Advertisement Maybe there really are such powerful men named in the case that the entire Republican establishment has rallied around them. Maybe Epstein had intelligence ties and this is a national security issue. Whatever the reason, the Trump administration has somehow managed to actually insult their own voters intelligence (tough to do) by repeatedly releasing already-released files and claiming that they contain new information. One would hope that this ruse would backfire. Instead, Epstein fatigue is setting in. Momentum is slowing. The full Epstein files seem unlikely to be released. The cult of Donald Trump seems stronger, even, than MAGAs most captivating (and credible) conspiracy theory. The movement to disclose the full universe of information on Epstein, a powerful man who used his network of powerful friends to behave with impunity for decades, is failing because powerful men seem to have decided that shining some sunlight into this particular dark corner is not in their interests. Why? Epstein accuser Anouska De Georgiou offered one theory: The only motive for opposing this bill would be to conceal wrongdoing, she said, even though accountability is what makes a society civilized. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. In a little-covered but striking speech last week, the president of Portugalthe centrist leader of a NATO allyreferred to President Donald Trump as a Russian asset. Is the charge worth taking seriously? Yes, if its also taken literally. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the European leader who made the remark at a conclave of Portugals Social Democratic party, was clear and nuanced about what he meant. He emphasized that he was not calling Trump a Russian agent, as some conspiracy theorists have speculated. Rather, he said, the supreme leader of the worlds largest superpower is objectively a Soviet or Russian asset, in the sense that he has strategically benefited the Russian Federation and thus operates as a Russian asset. Scholars and denizens of espionage make the same distinction. An agent is a paid and witting spy; he formally, sometimes covertly, works for a foreign government. By contrast, an asset might serve a foreign government without even knowing that hes doing so. This type of asset is sometimes called a dupe or a useful idiot. De Sousa made his remarks not long after Trumps summit last month with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where Putin opposed a ceasefire in Ukraine, and Trumpwho had threatened consequences unless the meeting produced a ceasefiredid nothing but shrug, smile, and treat the Kremlin dictator with the honor of an eminent world leader. Many European officials, including senior politicians, were dismayed by Trumps obsequiousness. They have long been alarmed by Trumps unseemly admiration for Putin, his refusal to impose sanctions or other penalties on Russia for its war crimes in Ukraine (even after repeatedly threatening to do so), and his brusque attitude toward alliances, especially those, such as NATO, designed to deter and contain Russian aggression. They had hoped Trumps behavior at a meeting just before the Alaska summithis tough words about Putin and friendly demeanor toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskymight signal a change in policy. But no, Trump remained Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his speech, delivered Aug. 27, de Sousa proclaimed what many fellow European leaders seem to think, and perhaps whisper in private, but cant say out loud. As long as Ukraine depends on U.S. support for arms and intelligence, and as long as all of Europe depends on U.S. leadership in NATO, they have to keep Trump happy enough to stay in the alliance and not to abandon Ukraine altogetherand that requires publicly thanking him and praising him, and so far, the stratagem has sort of worked. Other European leaders, notably French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have publicly said at times that they can no longer rely on Americas security guarantees and thus must provide for the continents defense on their own. Still, they havent gone so far as to say that Trump has joined the other sidenot in public anyway. Advertisement Related From Slate Trump Is Creating a Situation Where Putin Has No Reason to Care What He Says Read More It is worth noting that, like many European presidents, de Sousa is not the head of the countrys executive branch (that would be the prime minister, Luis Montenegro), but nor does he hold a purely ceremonial post. Among other roles, he is commander in chief of his countrys armed forces. He is also a member of the same Social Democratic party as Montenegro and is a prominent public figure in his own right, having won his elections for two five-year terms by hefty margins. Meanwhile, how are Trumps hopes of courting Putin working out? If you need proof that sometimes one picture really is worth 1,000 words, check out this weeks photo of Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Indian President Narendra Modi smiling and holding hands at a summit in China, joined later by an equally jolly Kim Jong-un, the dictator of North Korea. (Modi attended with gusto, after Trump imposed a 50 percent tariff on all goods from India, mainly to punish Modi for disputing Trumps claim of credit for ending an India-Pakistan war.) Advertisement Advertisement The summit was the largest meeting ever of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which China founded to counter U.S. influence in Asia. Another reason for this meeting, which was attended by more than 20 countries (mainly authoritarian in nature), was to hold a massive military parade celebrating the victory in World War II, for which Xi and Putin claimed joint credit, attempting to write the United States and the rest of the West out of history. Trump was not pleased. In a long post on social media, he particularly protested (with good reason) Xis failure to mention the massive amount of support and blood that the United States of America gave to China in order to help it secure its FREEDOM in that war. Trump then added: Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Its a bizarre bit of sarcasm. Was Trump pissed that he wasnt invited to the party? Or does the post signal the stirring of a revelation? Xi, Putin, Kimthese are Trumps friends, or so he has long believed. Might he be awakening from a dream that he and the other aspiring strongmen can rule the world together, splitting it up into spheres of influence, like some latter-day Concert of Viennathat he or the United States (he instinctively regards the two as synonymous) has more in common with them than with the democratic leaders, whom he so often derides with contempt? One can hope, but its probably not a safe bet. Trump will emerge from this embarrassment as the same old Trump, as he has before. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. A young man shows up to register to vote at his county clerk 30 days before the presidential election. Its the last day to register. Hes just moved to a new town for a job and has been working doubles at the factory for weeks on end. When he arrives at the clerks office, hes informed hell need papers to prove hes a citizen. But hes lost his birth certificate in the move, hes never had a passport, and they tell him his drivers license doesnt do the trick. When I first became involved with voter protection for the Democrats, we always assumed that this vote, or any other being suppressed, was likely one of ours. Higher turnout benefited Democrats, and voters who would be hampered by burdensome paperwork were on our side. But in 2024, when I was head of voter protection for the Democratic National Committee, fighting for the voting rights of all Americans, I began to see many instances where Republican vote-suppression tactics became self-inflicted wounds. Prior to 2016, when Republicans made voting tougher, it redounded to their benefit. While these measures often have the intent and effect of making it harder for racial minorities to vote, in the modern era, they end up harming everyone who has fewer resources. For pre-2016 Republicans, this was a twofer: Making voting harder disproportionately hurt racial minorities and working-class whites, who also voted for Democrats. However, since then, the electorate has shifted, and the Republicans have absorbed massive numbers of working-class white voters. These voters are still heavily impacted by Republican vote-suppression tactics, but the parties shifting coalitions mean these attacks now significantly impact Republicans own voters. Now, Republicans are in the middle of a new push to make it harder to vote. In March, President Trump issued an executive order that is intended to force people to submit documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote via the federal voter registration form. Trumps order, as well as being of (at best) dubious legality, is something of a side show, as the vast majority of people use state forms while trying to register. (The national form is most commonly used by major national organizations in voter registration drives.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Republicans are looking to go much, much further. In April, the GOP-controlled House passed the SAVE Act, which is now before the Senate. That bill would force states to only accept registrations with documentary proof of citizenship, which does not include a drivers license in all but five states. Though, until recently, it had stalled in the Senate, in August conservative activists launched a nationwide push to get it over the finish line. In the end, all of this would mean more time rummaging through sock drawers to find your passport, more agitation trying to find a copier, and more hassle filling out paperwork in order to exercise your constitutional right to vote. Unlike previous iterations of vote-suppression measures, this extra hassle will disproportionately hurt Republicans. Polling bears out that liberals are significantly more likely than conservatives to hold a passport. The measure also impacts married women because name changes complicate proving citizenship. Exit polling shows the majority of married women supported Trump in this last election, and married women who changed their names are probably more conservative than those who did not. Advertisement This self-sabotage by Republicans goes beyond the fight over proof of citizenship. Advertisement Because Democrats shifted toward mail voting during the pandemic, Republicans began attacking mail voting. These attacks sometimes lead to new policies restricting mail voting, but they also lead to Republican voters turning away from mail voting in droves. By 2024, Republicans perceived this as such a threat to their prospects that they were left in the awkward position of attacking mail voting as engendering widespread fraudwhile also telling their voters to get out and vote by mail. Similarly, lies about rigged voting machines have metastasized into Republicans pushing for hand-counts in their local jurisdictions. This has led to expensive, error-ridden processes in deep-red counties. Every vote lost or flipped due to error in an overwhelmingly Republican jurisdiction is overwhelmingly likely to be a Republican vote. Advertisement So, why are Republicans intent on pushing restrictions on votingeven as they hurt their own voters? Advertisement Related From Slate How the Supreme Courts Presidential Immunity Decision Twisted a Great Legacy Read More Each of these policies are intended to bolster Trumps lies about why he lost the election in 2020 or why he lost the popular vote in 2016. Republicans push the false claim that millions of illegals voted in 2016 and that voting machines and mail balloting were rigged in 2020. This serves three purposes. First, theyre a pitch to the base, who now demand that something be done about these massive flaws in our system. Second, they are a play to Trump himself; by enacting these policies, Republicans are assuring Trump that they believe him and that he did win. Finally, they lay the groundwork for overturning the results of the next election. So, rather than seeking to suppress votes, the real goal seems to be engineering the argument for a Republican (or maybe Trump himself) to take the presidency in 2029 irrespective of vote totals in 2028. Theres a silver lining here. Right now, Republicans are too firmly in Trumps thrall to give up on voter restrictions, even as they damage their own prospects. But Trump will, someday, exit the scene. And when he does, and if the fever breaks, the reality that voter suppression is no longer to Republicans benefit could give rise to a new, better dynamic: One in which neither party is actively trying to make it harder for people to exercise their right to vote. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Over the past few weeks, something extraordinary has unfolded in the District of Columbia: Grand juries have refused to indict at least five individuals facing prosecution by the Trump administration. It is difficult to overstate the rarity of such defiance. Federal grand juries return indictments in the overwhelming majority of cases, about 99.9 percent, according to the best estimates. The prosecution controls every aspect of the proceedings, while the defendant has no opportunity to object or present their case; theres a reason lawyers joke that a grand jury would indict a ham sandwich. It is historic, and quite possibly unprecedented, for federal prosecutors to face so many rebukes in such a short span of time. What we are witnessing is not just a repudiation of D.C.s U.S. Attorney, Jeanine Pirro. It is a humiliation. Grand jury proceedings are secret, so it is impossible to know exactly why jurors declined to indict in these five cases. But its not hard to guess. Each failed prosecution was transparently motivated by partisan anger toward opponents of Donald Trump and his agenda. Each weaponized the criminal code against a dissident who opposed the regimes agenda, inflating a minor act of disobedience into a felony offense. And in every instance, a group of D.C. residents saw through the charade, refusing to legitimize political retribution dressed up as law enforcement. For nearly a month, the president has staged a hostile takeover of the District, flooding the streets with federal police, masked immigration agents, and National Guard members. Because they lack the protections of statehood, Washingtonians have few concrete means of fighting back. Grand juries are one of them. And they have begun to wield that power to frustrate Trumps attempt to criminalize dissent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most important thing to understand about this spate of non-indictments is how unusual it is. Grand juries are almost universally seen as a constitutional formality that pose no real threat to the governments pursuit of a criminal charge. The Fifth Amendment requires federal prosecutors to obtain the indictment of a grand jury for almost any felony offense, but the deck is stacked against the defendant in every conceivable way. Prosecutors present an entirely one-sided version of the case, which the defendant cannot address or rebut. There is no judge present, and all kinds of material forbidden at trialincluding hearsay and illegally obtained evidencemay be presented. Grand juries range in size from 16 to 23 members, but unlike a trial jury, unanimity is not required: Just 12 members must concur to return an indictment. The grand jury is such a feeble safeguard that it remains one of few protections in the Bill of Rights that the Supreme Court has never applied to the states, finding that it is not essential to due process. (Today, half the states dont require one.) Advertisement Given these limitations, it is no surprise that grand juries almost always find probable cause to indict, a standard much lower than beyond a reasonable doubt required to convict at trial. Prosecutors fail to secure an indictment in about 0.1 percent of cases or fewer, according to most recent reporting from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. And they can try again if they fail. The Framers intended the grand jury to serve as a bulwark against unjustified or exaggerated criminal charges, empowering citizens to veto prosecutorial overreach. For most of American history, though, it has served as a rubber stamp for the government. Advertisement Yet in D.C. today, it appears that grand jurors are flexing their constitutional authority to swat down politicized charges. Take the grand jury who refused to indict Sean Dunn, who threw a Subway sandwich at a federal officer in protest of the paramilitary occupation. (Fuck you! You fucking fascists! Why are you here? I dont want you in my city! Dunn screamed.) Pirro, the U.S. Attorney, charged him with felony assault on law enforcement. In theory, the facts fit the crime; as Dunn himself admitted to the police: I did it. I threw the sandwich. The grand jury, however, declined to find probable cause for the offense. Its decision forced prosecutors to downgrade the charge to a mere misdemeanor, which is not subject to a grand jury veto but carries far lighter penalties. Advertisement Advertisement A similar story played out in the case of Sidney Lori Reid. According to police, Reid placed herself between immigration agents and an individual whom they were attempting to arrest. During the incident, Reid forcefully pushed one agents arm, prompting prosecutors to charge her with felony assault on law enforcement. But a grand jury declined to find probable cause for the indictmentnot once, not twice, but three separate times. The U.S. attorney can try to concoct crimes to quiet the people, her lawyer declared, but in our criminal justice system, the citizens have the last word. Pirros office has downgraded the charges to a misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement Then there is the case of Alvin Summers, whom federal officers pulled over near the National Mall. The officers claimed that Summers tried to speed-walk away from them; prosecutors then charged him with the felony offense of resisting or impeding federal law enforcement. A grand jury rejected the charges. Pirros office also targeted Nathalie Rose Jones after she traveled to D.C. to protest Trump at the White House. Jones consented to a search, had no weapons, and attested that she sought to demonstrate peacefully. Yet prosecutors charged her with the felony offense of threatening the president, whom she called a terrorist. A D.C. grand jury found no probable cause to indict her. Similarly, Pirros office charged Edward Alexander Dana with making a death threat against Trump while in police custody. The grand jury refused to indict him, too. Advertisement In some of these cases, the accusations may have been so frivolous that grand jurors genuinely found the evidence insufficient for an indictment. That alone would be remarkable, since prosecutors get to present the facts in a way thats maximally damning to the defendant and insist that factual disputes be sorted out at trial. But in other cases, like Dunns, it appears that the grand jury simply engaged in nullificationfinding the charges so unjust that they refused to indict despite the existence of probable cause. Grand juries may decline to indict for any reason, including a desire to send a message of disapproval to the government about its prosecutorial priorities. We may never know for certain if thats what happened here since grand jurors are sworn to secrecy. It is difficult, though, to draw any other conclusion in light of the emerging pattern. Advertisement If that is indeed whats happening in D.C., it has few if any parallels. Trial juries engage in nullification much more frequently, acquitting a defendant because they believe the prosecution to be unjust. But grand jury nullification, while permitted, is almost unheard of. The closest precedent may be the situation playing out in Los Angeles, where U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli evidently failed to secure indictments against individuals protesting ICE this summer. That apparent repudiation of the Trump administration is also strikingbut those failed charges all stemmed from the same demonstrations, suggesting that grand juries are expressing dissatisfaction with a specific crackdown on free speech. In D.C., grand juries seem to be nullifying charges that stem from a variety of unrelated incidents, pointing toward a broader resistance to Trumps attacks on home rule. Advertisement Pirro is understandably frustrated by this trend. The system here is broken on many levels, she griped in a statement. Instead of the outrage that should be engendered by a specific threat to kill the president, the grand jury in D.C. refuses to even let the judicial process begin. Justice should not depend on politics. But it is Pirros own politicization of justicekey to Trumps broader persecution of the Districtthat has spurred well-justified pushback from grand juries. Washingtonians who decline to rubber-stamp Pirros dubious charges have not broken the system. Theyre making it work exactly as the Constitution envisions. NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rising demand for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies, coupled with expanding applications in regenerative medicine, immunotherapy, and tissue engineering, is fueling strong growth in the MSC-specific culture medium market. The Global MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market is set to play a crucial role in advancing stem cell-based research and clinical applications, enabling scalable expansion, improved viability, and reproducibility of MSCs. According to Vantage Market Research's latest report, "MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Product, Application, End User, and Region Historic Data (20212023), Base Year (2024) & Forecast Period (20252035)," the market is projected to grow from USD 1.23 billion in 2024 to USD 4.1 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 11.6% during 20252035. MSC culture media provide the essential nutrients, growth factors, and optimized formulations required to expand MSCs while maintaining their multipotency and therapeutic potential. Their application is growing rapidly across drug discovery, cancer research, regenerative medicine, and cell therapy. Get a Sample Report of MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market Forecast @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/mscspecific-cell-culture-medium-market-3278/request-sample (Sample reports are a great way to test our in-depth reports or study before you make a purchase) The newly updated, 245+ 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: By Product: Serum-free and xeno-free MSC-specific media dominated in 2024, ensuring higher safety and compliance for therapeutic use. By Application: Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies accounted for the largest share Regional Leadership: North America led in 2024 with market share of 39.8%, driven by a strong biopharma ecosystem, regulatory support, and a growing number of MSC-based clinical studies. Competitive Landscape: Top Companies in the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market: Vantage Market Research has identified the following companies as the top market players: Thermo Fisher Scientific Lonza Group Merck KGaA Sartorius AG Corning Incorporated PromoCell GmbH STEMCELL Technologies Bio-Techne Corporation FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific HiMedia Laboratories To Know an Additional List of Key Players, Request Here to Download a Free Report PDF Brochure: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/mscspecific-cell-culture-medium-market-3278/request-sample These leading players are focusing on serum-free, GMP-grade media formulations and strategic collaborations with biotech and research institutions to advance MSC-based therapies globally. "MSC-specific culture media are becoming the cornerstone of regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy," said Nneha Rathod Godbole, Founder and CEO at Vantage Market Research. "They provide the essential environment for safe, scalable, and reproducible MSC expansion, enabling researchers and biopharma companies to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments in oncology, neurology, and immunology." Market Overview & Potential The global MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market is valued at USD 1.23 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.10 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 11.6% between 2025 and 2035. The market is expanding rapidly due to increasing adoption of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in regenerative medicine, oncology, immunotherapy, and tissue engineering. Rising clinical trials, demand for GMP-compliant and serum-free media, and advancements in scalable cell expansion platforms are driving the market's growth trajectory. Key drivers include: Rising prevalence of chronic and degenerative diseases, fueling demand for MSC-based therapies. Expanding investments in regenerative medicine, stem cell banking, and cell therapy manufacturing. Shift toward serum-free, xeno-free, and chemically defined media to enhance safety and regulatory compliance. Increasing translational research in MSC applications for oncology, cardiovascular, and immunological disorders. What Factors Are Accelerating the Demand and Growth of the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market? Growing MSC-Based Clinical Trials: Driving demand for high-quality, reproducible culture media. Driving demand for high-quality, reproducible culture media. Regenerative Medicine & Tissue Engineering: MSCs play a central role in bone, cartilage, and wound healing applications, requiring optimized media formulations. MSCs play a central role in bone, cartilage, and wound healing applications, requiring optimized media formulations. Biopharmaceutical R&D: Ensures standardization, scalability, and compliance in stem cell expansion and differentiation studies. Ensures standardization, scalability, and compliance in stem cell expansion and differentiation studies. Adoption of GMP-Compliant Media: Supports regulatory approval, sterility, and therapeutic safety. Supports regulatory approval, sterility, and therapeutic safety. Automation & Scalable Bioprocessing: Reduces contamination risks, improves efficiency, and enables large-scale production of MSCs. Collectively, these factors are positioning MSC-specific cell culture media as a cornerstone of regenerative medicine and advanced cell therapy development. What Are Emerging Trends Shaping the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market? Growing MSC-Based Clinical Trials: Driving demand for high-quality, reproducible culture media. Driving demand for high-quality, reproducible culture media. Regenerative Medicine & Tissue Engineering: MSCs play a central role in bone, cartilage, and wound healing applications, requiring optimized media formulations. MSCs play a central role in bone, cartilage, and wound healing applications, requiring optimized media formulations. Biopharmaceutical R&D: Ensures standardization, scalability, and compliance in stem cell expansion and differentiation studies. Ensures standardization, scalability, and compliance in stem cell expansion and differentiation studies. Adoption of GMP-Compliant Media: Supports regulatory approval, sterility, and therapeutic safety. Supports regulatory approval, sterility, and therapeutic safety. Automation & Scalable Bioprocessing: Reduces contamination risks, improves efficiency, and enables large-scale production of MSCs. Collectively, these factors are positioning MSC-specific cell culture media as a cornerstone of regenerative medicine and advanced cell therapy development. What Are Major Challenges Hindering MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market Growth? Growing MSC-Based Clinical Trials: Driving demand for high-quality, reproducible culture media. Regenerative Medicine & Tissue Engineering: MSCs play a central role in bone, cartilage, and wound healing applications, requiring optimized media formulations. Biopharmaceutical R&D: Ensures standardization, scalability, and compliance in stem cell expansion and differentiation studies. Adoption of GMP-Compliant Media: Supports regulatory approval, sterility, and therapeutic safety. Automation & Scalable Bioprocessing: Reduces contamination risks, improves efficiency, and enables large-scale production of MSCs. Collectively, these factors are positioning MSC-specific cell culture media as a cornerstone of regenerative medicine and advanced cell therapy development. Recent Developments Feb 2025 Thermo Fisher launched a next-generation xeno-free MSC culture medium for clinical-grade stem cell manufacturing. launched a next-generation xeno-free MSC culture medium for clinical-grade stem cell manufacturing. April 2025 STEMCELL Technologies expanded its GMP media portfolio for MSCs to support regenerative medicine applications. STEMCELL Technologies expanded its GMP media portfolio for MSCs to support regenerative medicine applications. June 2025 FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Europe dedicated to advanced cell culture media production. Purchase Single User PDF of MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market Report (20% Discount) | Immediate Delivery @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/mscspecific-cell-culture-medium-market-3278/checkout Benefits of Purchasing MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium 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 Cell Therapy Manufacturing and Supply Chains? The MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market is becoming central to the success of regenerative medicine, stem cell banking, and advanced therapy manufacturing. Chemically defined, serum-free, and GMP-compliant media ensure reproducible expansion, multipotency retention, and regulatory compliance in MSC-based therapies. Optimized formulations reduce variability, lower contamination risk, and enable large-scale, clinical-grade manufacturing. As MSC applications in immunology, oncology, and tissue repair expand, secure access to high-quality, validated media formulations becomes mission-critical. Any disruption in raw material availability, logistics, or cold-chain handling can delay therapy timelines, increase costs, and impact patient outcomes. Impact: Expect stronger long-term supply contracts with specialized media providers, regional diversification of production facilities (APAC/NA/EU), and deeper collaborations with CDMOs for standardized formulations. Leaders will prioritize xeno-free, serum-free solutions, co-develop tailored media for disease-specific applications, and invest in inventory resilience to safeguard clinical and commercial pipelines. What Risks Should Investors Track? Raw Material Dependency: Limited suppliers for specialized serum-free and xeno-free components can create bottlenecks and cost volatility. Regulatory & Quality Compliance: Tightening GMP requirements and sterility validation extend timelines and raise QA costs. Performance Substitution: Academic labs and CDMOs may develop in-house formulations, pressuring commercial adoption and margins. Intellectual Property: Proprietary formulations and licensing disputes could influence competitive positioning. Cold Chain & Logistics: Many media products require temperature-controlled storage; transport delays or excursions can compromise product integrity. What Opportunities Exist for Sustainability and Growth Leaders? Next-Generation Serum-Free Media: Safer, reproducible, and regulatory-friendly formulations drive adoption in clinical-grade MSC manufacturing. Customized Formulations: Tailored media designed for oncology, neurology, and wound-healing MSC applications create niche growth avenues. Automation & Closed-System Platforms: Integration with bioreactors and automated expansion systems enhances scalability and reduces human error. Collaborations with CDMOs & Biopharma: Strategic alliances ensure supply security, faster clinical translation, and shared innovation pipelines. Advanced Monitoring & Analytics: Real-time sensors and digital quality control improve consistency, compliance, and batch-to-batch reproducibility. For decision-makers in regenerative medicine and biopharma, this market marks a strategic inflection point: early investment in GMP-grade, scalable, and serum-free MSC media solutions can safeguard supply chains, accelerate therapy approvals, and strengthen long-term investor confidence. Browse market data Tables and Figures spread through 245 Pages and in-depth TOC on MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market Forecast Report (2025-2035). Regional Insights Why Does North America Lead the Global MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market? In 2024, North America captured 39.8% of the global revenue share, making it the leading region in the MSC-specific culture medium market. Growth is fueled by strong adoption of regenerative medicine, stem cell therapies, and clinical trials involving MSCs for oncology, neurology, and immunology. The U.S. and Canada serve as innovation hubs, supported by robust funding, advanced biopharma ecosystems, and leading players such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Lonza, and Corning. High investments in GMP-compliant, serum-free media, automated bioreactors, and translational research programs are reinforcing North America's leadership in clinical-grade MSC expansion and commercialization. How Is Asia Pacific Emerging as a Key Growth Hub for MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium? Asia Pacific accounted for a significant revenue share in 2024, supported by rapid expansion of stem cell research, clinical trials, and regenerative medicine adoption. China, Japan, South Korea, and India are investing heavily in stem cell banking, GMP-certified production facilities, and xeno-free media solutions. Regional governments are funding cell therapy R&D and encouraging publicprivate partnerships, accelerating demand for advanced MSC culture solutions. Companies like Sartorius, Thermo Fisher, and local biotech firms are expanding manufacturing capacities and R&D collaborations across the region, positioning Asia Pacific as a critical growth hub in the coming decade. How Is Europe Driving Sustainable Growth in the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market? Europe contributed about 20% of the global revenue in 2024, driven by regulatory support for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) and rising demand for standardized stem cell therapies. Strong adoption of chemically defined and serum-free MSC media is evident in Germany, France, and the UK, where R&D clusters and university hospitals are leading translational research. EU incentives, government-backed programs, and a strong emphasis on clinical safety, reproducibility, and quality standards are expected to accelerate uptake of GMP-compliant MSC media across both clinical and commercial applications. How Is Latin America Unlocking New Growth Opportunities in the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market? Latin America accounted for around 67% of the global market in 2024, with Brazil leading growth due to expanding biotech infrastructure, stem cell research initiatives, and hospital-based therapy programs. Argentina is also showing increasing adoption of MSC-based regenerative medicine. Rising government investments in medical research, academic-industry collaborations, and the expansion of clinical trials are strengthening the demand for xeno-free and serum-free MSC media across the region. What Role Does the Middle East & Africa Play in the Expansion of the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market? The Middle East & Africa (MEA) is poised for steady growth, supported by healthcare modernization programs and growing interest in regenerative medicine. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's focus on biotech innovation are driving demand for GMP-certified MSC media in clinical research and stem cell therapy facilities. South Africa is emerging as a key hub for clinical trials, with increasing interest in automation, closed-system processing, and serum-free formulations to improve therapy outcomes. Expanding biopharma infrastructure and international collaborations are expected to unlock further opportunities across the MEA region. Segmental Insights By Type Which Type Dominated the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market in 2024? Serum-Free/Defined Media dominated the MSC-specific cell culture medium market in 2024, capturing the largest share of revenue. The dominance of this segment is driven by the industry-wide shift toward xeno-free, chemically defined, and GMP-compliant formulations, which offer superior reproducibility, reduced risk of contamination, and regulatory alignment for clinical applications. Serum-free media are increasingly preferred by pharmaceutical companies, biopharma start-ups, and CROs for large-scale MSC expansion, exosome production, and regenerative medicine programs. By Application Which Application Segment Drove the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market in 2024? Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies led the market in 2024, contributing the highest revenue share due to their focus on developing MSC-based therapies for oncology, neurology, and regenerative medicine. Strong investment in GMP-compliant, scalable culture media has reinforced this dominance. By Form Which Form of MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium is Most Preferred? Liquid Media dominated the market in 2024, accounting for the majority of revenue, owing to their ease of use, direct applicability in cell expansion, and widespread availability across research and clinical labs. Powdered Media are expected to see steady growth over the forecast period, particularly in large-scale biopharma production, where long shelf-life, lower shipping costs, and flexible reconstitution offer strategic advantages. Buy this Premium Research Report with Discount | Immediate Delivery @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/mscspecific-cell-culture-medium-market-3278/checkout Segments Covered in The Report By Type With Serum Without Serum (Serum-Free/Defined Medium) By Application Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies Academic & Research Institutions Exosome Production Supernatant/Conditioned Media Applications Regenerative Medicine & Cell Therapy Development Toxicity Testing & Drug Screening By Form Liquid Medium Powdered Medium By End-User Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) Hospitals & Translational Research Centers Biopharma Start-ups & SMEs 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 Key Questions Answered in The Report: Which region is projected to achieve the fastest and highest growth in the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium market over the next decade? Who are the leading five players in the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium market, and what are their strengths and weaknesses in terms of product portfolio, innovation, and global footprint? What breakthrough innovations, chemically defined formulations, and automation-enabled culture platforms are expected to shape the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium market in the next six years? Which applicationssuch as regenerative medicine, exosome production, and cell therapy developmentare likely to dominate market share, and what factors are accelerating their adoption? What are the primary growth drivers, potential barriers, and critical challenges influencing the MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium industry? What is the anticipated market size and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium during the forecast period? How will regulatory frameworks, GMP compliance, and the transition to serum-free and xeno-free media impact market dynamics and clinical adoption? 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. Buy Full Research Report on MSC-Specific Cell Culture Medium Market 2025-2035 @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/mscspecific-cell-culture-medium-market-3278 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: 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: [email protected] | [email protected] Website: Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2758208/Vantage_Logo.jpg SOURCE Vantage Market Research ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month gets underway, ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO ), the nation's leading prostate cancer organization, is proud to launch its 2025 Run/Walk Series, a coast-to-coast movement uniting communities in the fight to end prostate cancer. This year's series kicks off on September 6 in Houston, Texas; New York; and St. Louis, Missouri, before spanning cities across 25 US cities and concluding on November 8 in South Florida. At every stop, patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and supporters will gather to celebrate lives saved, honor those we've lost; and strengthen the call for greater awareness, equity and access to care. The ZERO Run/Walk Series is more than just an event, it's a lifeline for many. With every step, participants help drive critical funding for ZERO's patient-centered programs from free PSA Testing and financial assistance to MENtorship, caregiver support, and education. These gatherings also serve as safe, empowering spaces where all those affected by prostate cancer can connect with others who understand their journey, building community and resilience. "Prostate cancer remains one of the most urgent men's health crises of our time, and far too many lives are lost too soon," said Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer. "OurRun/Walk Series is proof of what's possible when communities come together, when survivors are celebrated, caregivers are supported, and awareness is amplified in neighborhoods across the nation. Together with the extraordinary commitment of our national sponsors AbbVie and Bayer, we are saving lives and moving closer to a future where no man dies from prostate cancer." Each Run/Walk features: A run/walk course accessible to all abilities A powerful Celebration Ceremony honoring survivors and remembering loved ones lost Educational resources and health information designed to empower men and families with life-saving knowledge Sponsor Villages highlighting the contributions of national and local partners AbbVie and Bayer share our commitment to ensuring no one faces prostate cancer alone. Their support ensures our Run/Walk Series is impactful. To sign or learn more about ZERO's 2025 Run/Walk Series visit zerocancer.run . About ZERO Prostate Cancer ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) is on a mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, awareness, education, and support. Formerly known as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, ZERO was founded in 1996 to stand up for people impacted by prostate cancer. Today, ZERO serves as the nation's leading prostate cancer organization, advancing a future where prostate cancer detection is early, support is unwavering, and care is accessible to all. For nearly 30 years, ZERO has led the way in prostate cancer advocacy, screenings, and partnerships, successfully unlocking funding toward breakthrough discoveries, treatments, and lifesaving access to care. As the nation's #1 provider of prostate cancer resources, programs, and services, ZERO has supported millions of people at-risk or diagnosed, and their families. As the voice of the prostate cancer community, ZERO's urgent focus on breaking barriers to survivalby closing gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and carebrings critical attention to those most likely to be impacted by this disease. Learn more at ZEROcancer.org About Bayer Bayer is dedicated to providing treatment options for patients living with rare, serious and life-threatening disease. Bayer has been a committed partner to this community delivering therapeutic options, educational and support programs and continuing research designed to help meet the needs of patients throughout their journey. MEDIA CONTACT Steph Johnson, Vice President Communications [email protected] SOURCE ZERO Prostate Cancer Alisher Ochilov Vs Commissioner of Customs (Delhi High Court) In a recent judgment, the Delhi High Court has ruled in favor of Alisher Ochilov, an Uzbekistan national, ordering the release of two gold chains weighing 199 grams that had been detained by the Customs Department since March 2023. The courts decision was based on two primary legal principles: the definition of personal effects and the Customs Departments failure to adhere to statutory timelines. The case arose after the Customs Department detained the gold chains from Mr. Ochilov. The Please become a Premium member. If you are already a Premium member, login here to access the full content. 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 General Motors Co. worker Annie Ignaczak spent years walking in circles on concrete factory floors, assembling the same parts and counting down hundreds of pieces she and her coworkers needed to finish before lunch. "You're doing the same movement hundreds, if not thousands, of times every day for the week," Ignaczak said. "It wears your body down." Work at GM's Parma metal plant near Cleveland, Ohio, was monotonous, she said, and the risks of knee and shoulder replacements caused by the stress of repeated movements were well known. Over time, Ignaczak watched the facility become more automated, adding new robots to complete the same tasks that she once performed. She didn't immediately see another option for herself until co-workers urged her to join a GM apprenticeship program at the carmaker's Technical Learning Center in Warren. "I used to do a job that a robot does now," she said. "But now, my new job being in the trades, I service the robot. So when the robot breaks, that's what I work on." Automakers, including GM, Ford Motor Co. and Stellantis NV, often point out how robots are used to increase safety, ergonomics and product quality. But experts say another benefit of robots for automakers is keeping labor costs down, meaning fewer jobs for humans. "You're going to see lots more automation because assembly labor is expensive," said Dan Hearsch, global co-leader of automotive and industrial practice at the consulting firm AlixPartners. That's especially true for companies setting up new manufacturing sites in the United States, he said, where labor can cost five to seven times the amount in other countries. Still, Ignaczak's story is one template for human success in a time of rising automation. With upskilling through GM's apprenticeship program, she will take on the role of fixing and managing the increasing number of robots picking, hauling and assembling parts. "A lot more people are seeing that it's the only way really to have job security and know they can stay with the company," she said. Ford's new automated plant The auto industry first adopted robots in the factory back in 1961 with a machine called Unimate that was installed in a New Jersey GM plant. Now, all types of robots can be found in auto plants, shaping sheet metal and parts, welding together bodies and painting. And there are signs that higher levels of automation are comingeven in the car's final assembly process, which has been notoriously tough to automate due to its complexity and moving lines. Take Ford, which last month announced a $2 billion investment in its Louisville Assembly Plant to build a new $30,000 electric pickup truck. The factorywhich Ford says will be its most automated in the worldwill include three streamlined sub-assembly lines that incorporate robots and artificial intelligence features. The new system will limit the number of difficult maneuvers that employees must perform to install parts. The plant is expected to require about 40% fewer workstations and 600 fewer workers to keep running than are currently needed to build gas-powered SUVs, though the carmaker said those extra employees will be able to find work at another facility. "What this does is, in the final (assembly) where typically you're in the low single-digit percentages in automation, we're substantially higher than that," said Bryce Currie, Ford's vice president of manufacturing for the Americas, of the revamped plant. Another example is Hyundai Motor Co. The Korean automaker recently opened a Georgia factory to build EVs; it says the facility uses more than 1,000 robots and automated guided vehicles that will, when fully staffed, eventually work alongside more than 8,000 humans. Among them: robotic dogs named Spot that conduct quality control tasks. The company said last week it will set up a new robotics innovation facility in the United States to develop and produce additional robots for its factories. GM says beyond adding robots to handle repetitive or heavy tasks, it is integrating automation features in the product development phase, and as it checks for defects. Ed Duby, who heads propulsion systems for the Detroit automaker, said the company now uses imaging tools often found in health care to analyze issues in batteries or engine parts, rather than workers needing to carefully take them apart. Those images can then be paired with machine learning to more quickly identify defects on other components. The near future of auto manufacturingincluding Ford's revamped Louisville plantwill include more shared spaces where robots and humans work in close contact, said Winston Leung, senior strategic alliances manager at QNX, a software company involved in the automotive and robotics industries. They will be "more flexible and collaborative," he said, and thanks to sophisticated sensor systems, they will be capable of "operating in a much more unstructured environment." "In this environment, I think where we've seen robotics and what we defined as automation in the past is going to be really different than what we'll see in the future," Leung said. Tariff effect Robot installations by automakers in the United States were up 11% last year, according to the International Federation of Robotics. In North America, automakers and suppliers bought almost 9,000 robots in the first half of this yearan increase from last year and accounting for about half of the robots purchased across all industries, according to data from the Ann Arbor-based Association for Advancing Automation. Still, analysts and executives said the robot market's growth is being temporarily held back by uncertainty around President Donald Trump's tariffs as well as a pullback in EV investments. In theory, higher tariffs mean auto companies will need to shift more of their manufacturing to the United States, and that will mean building more automated factories to save money on the higher cost of labor. But Hearsch said companies are still holding off on these big decisions, as they continue to wait and see how Trump's tariffs play out and which levies will remain in place long-term. Any companies looking to make a quick move stateside to avoid tariffs aren't likely to be buying up lots of new robotics and other equipment, he said, but rather shifting their existing production line from another country to a building in the United States. In the longer run, though, robot companies that serve the auto industry expect to capitalize on Trump's reshoring pusheven as some of their own imports are hit by higher tariffs that include 50% levies on steel and aluminum. "The high cost of labor is on everybody's mind," said Ed Marchese, head of automotive at ABB Robotics, which has its U.S. factory in Auburn Hills. "So as companies look to reshore, the question is, how am I going to be competitive? At the end of the day, take the tariffs away, take all the other political stuff away, anybody producing in this country still has to be globally competitive." He expects automakers and suppliers to have more clarity by the end of the year, and that will mean a rise in robot sales. "Robots are comingwe have faith in the market," Marchese said during a tour of the company's Michigan factory earlier this summer. Jeff Burnstein, the president of the Association for Advancing Automation, said the auto plant assembly line remains "the last frontier" for automation in the industry. But there are robotic solutions that are set to take over certain tasks even in that complex part of the production process. They include smaller and safer collaborative robot arms, or cobots, which don't require fencing or other guarding to operate near humans. There are also humanoids, or robots that resemble a human body and often can carry out several types of tasks. Burnstein said a few automakers are starting to experiment with how to use humanoids in the factory. One recent survey from the firm QNX found that global auto executives anticipate automation can replace 23% of their workforce on average over the next decade. Respondents also showed more comfort and trust in using robots than in any other industry. But a fully automated car plant? Burnstein said it's hard to foresee. "There's too many tasks that people are required for," he said. "And I think also, people have to oversee these machines. People have to determine what to do with the data that they're getting. (Automakers have) definitely increased the amount of automation, especially in some of their newer (plants). But when I talk to them, they still talk about all these jobs still there for people to do." Ignaczak, the GM worker, said she's looking forward to her new career path after transitioning from the production line routines that used to fill her days. Now, "every day, I come in, and I'm working on something different," she said. "It's an exciting time to actually see more of our floor people transition to the trades, so that way they can have that job security," she said. "There's a ton more robots coming in, but they all need servicing, and there's always something that's wearing out and does need the maintenance. So it's a great time to get into the trade." 2025 detroitnews.com. 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: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Since the dawn of the new millennium, there have been at most several thousand startup tech companies across the U.S. that have achieved unicorn statuscrossing the $1 billion valuation. Eric Lefkofsky, 55, the Chicago-based serial entrepreneur best known for co-founding online daily deals site Groupon, has given rise to six of them, evolving from discount coupons for pedicures to potentially lifesaving cancer treatments using artificial intelligence. For most Chicagoans, however, the soft-spoken Lefkofsky remains something less than a household name, a billionaire entrepreneur whose brand is not emblazoned on a skyscraper, despite helping to put the city on the tech world map. "He's been a huge force in Chicago," said Howard Tullman, a Chicago venture capitalist and the former CEO of 1871, the city's influential tech hub. "This is not a guy who spent a lot of time chasing recognition, and he's been a little bit below the radar. And I think that's really particularly admirable." While unicorns are far more plentiful now than when venture capitalist Aileen Lee coined the mythical appellation in 2013, Lefkofsky remains a rarity in Chicago tech circles and beyond, launching and nurturing a diverse portfolio of big ideas brought to life. For much of Lefkofsky's remarkable run, the startups have been developed at 600 W. Chicago Ave., the century-old former Montgomery Ward Catalog building, which became known colloquially as the Groupon building with the stratospheric rise of the e-commerce website. At one point, Lefkofsky's various ventures occupied more than three-fourths of the massive 1.65 million-square-foot building in the Goose Island neighborhood along the Chicago River. Founded in 2008, Groupon, which once spurned a $6 billion takeover offer from Google on its way to a $25 billion valuation, has fallen in recent years to a fraction of its previous worth amid sharp revenue declines. In January 2024, a downsizing Groupon moved to smaller digs downtown, leaving a 300,000-square-foot hole in the onetime nexus of the Chicago tech scene. Once its largest shareholder with a 40% stake, Lefkofsky stepped down from an active leadership role at Groupon in 2015 and has since pared his holdings to just under 10%. But Lefkofsky is still hard at work inside the building where the online daily deals site was born, fully invested in developing the next big thing. Besides Groupon, the list of billion-dollar startups founded by Lefkofsky includes InnerWorkings, Echo, Mediaocean and Pathos AI. In recent years, most of his time, money and energy have been focused on Tempus, an AI-powered health care technology company he founded in 2015 to treat cancer and other diseases. Lefkofsky serves as CEO of Tempus, a publicly traded company with 4,000 employees, offices and labs across the country and a market cap of more than $13 billion. More than any other company in his portfolio, the mission is personal to Lefkofsky, who started Tempus after his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. "In the process of her treatment, I ended up deciding that I really wanted to focus on this space, and spend the rest of my career thinking about cancer, how to bring technology to cancer care," Lefkofsky said during a recent visit to Tempus headquarters, a bustling office and laboratory space that occupies 217,000 square feet of the former Montgomery Ward/Groupon building. More than 1,000 employees circumnavigate the bustling fifth floor Tempus office around an atrium that Lefkofsky said was a spiral parking ramp before the buildinga National Historic Landmark that once housed the country's oldest mail-order firmwas converted to tech space 25 years ago. The Tempus workforce is a melange of techies, scientists, oncologists and pathologists, all blended together with the same goal: using AI to better treat cancer. "What's unique about Chicago is that we have a little bit of everything," Lefkofsky said, navigating seamlessly between the worlds of technology and science on a tour of his sprawling office. There are two main areas of focus for Tempus. In the life sciences realm, the company is analyzing molecular and clinical data with the help of artificial intelligence to facilitate drug research and development. Tempus is also pioneering new technology such as biological modeling, where "mini-tumors" are regrown from lab samples to test the efficacy of drugs. The other half of the business for Tempus is clinical genomic sequencing, where tissue from cancer patients is shipped into the lab from all over the U.S. and analyzed using artificial intelligence to personalize treatment based on molecular biomarkers. Half of the nation's 14,000 or so oncologists regularly order sequencing tests from Tempus, Lefkofsky said. Tempus is one of the largest genomic sequencing companies in the country, helping doctors identify mutations to inform cancer treatment decisions, he said. "When we started Tempus 10 years ago, maybe 10% of the patients were sequenced," he said. "Today it's over 50% in the United States, and soon it will be 100%. It's just standard care." Lefkofsky has poured $100 million into Tempus, which has yet to turn a profit. He is confident that is about to change. Tempus reported nearly 90% year-over-year revenue growth during its second quarter earnings report Aug. 8, raising its full-year 2025 revenue guidance to $1.26 billion. The company, whose stock price has more than doubled this year, is projecting a positive adjusted EBITDA of $5 million for 2025. Beyond seed money, growing Tempus from a startup to a $13 billion company has also required a lot of sweat equity from Lefkofsky. "It was not a small amount of money that I ended up putting into a series of rounds," he said. "But more than the capital, it's been kind of all-consuming for the last 10 years of my life." He was pretty busy before Tempus as well. In addition to the six unicorns, Lefkofsky co-founded venture capital firm Lightbank. His startup success has made him the 643rd richest person in the world with a net worth of $5.9 billion, according to the Forbes real-time billionaires list. A Detroit native, Lefkofsky earned a bachelor's and a law degree at the University of Michigan before making his mark on the Chicago tech scene. In the wake of the dot.com bubble burst, Lefkofsky launched a string of startups, beginning with InnerWorkings, a printing technology company he founded in 2001. Two years later, Lefkofsky moved InnerWorkings into 600 W. Chicago, the hulking former warehouse that had been recently redeveloped as a tech center. "When I came to the building, it was about 90% vacantand most of these floors were concrete for parking," Lefkofsky said. "There were maybe one or two built floors and they were maybe half built, and we took some space with InnerWorkings." With plenty of room to grow, Lefkofsky and his portfolio soon did. In 2005, he co-founded Echo Global Logistics with longtime business partner Brad Keywell, using technology to drive freight transportation. The company went public in 2009, growing into a multibillion-dollar logistics giant. Next up, Lefkofsky and Keywell founded MediaBank in 2006, an advertising technology startup that evolved into Mediaocean through a 2012 merger with a New York-based rival. Then came Groupon, an e-commerce launch that has become almost mythic in its arc. In 2007, Andrew Mason, then a recent Northwestern University music grad, started a website called The Point with $1 million in seed money from Lefkofsky. The initial concept was to bring together people with a common cause to take action, but the mission soon pivoted to a daily deals retailing site, and Groupon was born. Groupon created its own e-commerce niche with heavily discounted daily deals on everything from manicures to meals, blasted out to subscribers via email. It exploded in popularity and employment grew from a handful to more than 10,000 worldwide as the company's valuation blossomed into the billions. Google tried to purchase Groupon for nearly $6 billion in 2010, but Mason and his investors said no deal. By 2011, Groupon was valued at $25 billion, and the company went public, raising $700 million in the largest tech initial public offering since Google. From an investor standpoint, it has been mostly downhill from there. Operating losses, management misstepsincluding a disastrous 2011 Super Bowl ad and a rapid post-IPO decline in valuation led to the 2013 ouster of Mason as CEO. In August 2013, Lefkofsky was named CEO of Groupon. But one year into his new role, Lefkofsky's life changed when his wife, Liz, was diagnosed with breast cancer. By 2015, he stepped down as CEO at Groupon and started Tempus. Ten years later, Lefkofsky said his wife is "doing well" and Tempus is thriving at the intersection of technology and medicine. In this case, necessity was both the mother of inventionand their three children. "The work we did to try to figure out how to treat her was actually personalized using data, and so it ended up producing a good outcome," Lefkofsky said. "So in many ways, she was Patient One of Tempus." From the outset, Tempus employed artificial intelligence to analyze medical datalong before the term, and the technology, came into widespread use. As the ability to use AI in health care at scale gains momentum, the opportunity for Tempus to become a standard diagnostic tool and an integral part of mainstream medicine continues to ramp up, Lefkofsky said. "We're helping tens of thousands of patients around the country manage their cancer care, and we've expanded it to other disease areas such as cardiology and neurology," Lefkofsky said. "It's just good to see a lot of the roots we planted take hold." Living up to his company's nametempus means time in LatinLefkofsky somehow manages to find enough time for a number of the city's civic and cultural organizations. Longtime Glencoe residents, Lefkofsky and his wife are actively engaged in philanthropic pursuits, establishing an eponymous family foundation in 2006. He has also served on a number of boards, including Steppenwolf Theater Company, Lurie Children's Hospital and World Business Chicago. "I think he's been a tremendous entrepreneurial influence, and I think that he's also been maybe even more impressive, frankly, on the philanthropic side," Tullman said. In November, the Art Institute named Lefkofsky as its new board chairman, putting the tech billionaire in charge of overseeing the museum, the school and an ambitious plan to usher in an era of new development at the historic South Michigan Avenue campus. His new role came with some unexpected drama when the museum's director, James Rondeau, returned from a voluntary leave in June following a board investigation into an incident where he removed his clothes and disrupted a United Airlines flight to Germany. "As a board, we were thrilled to have him back and thrilled just to be moving forward," Lefkofsky said. Meanwhile, his day job may be entering a new phase as fledgling companies leave the nest and head off on their ownfaster than new ones launch. InnerWorkings, Echo and Mediaocean have all been acquired by private equity firms. Czech investor Dusan Senkypl, now the largest stakeholder in Groupon, took the helm of the struggling daily deals site and last year moved the company to a smaller space in the Leo Burnett Building on Wacker Drive as part of a larger cost-cutting initiative. Pathos AI, a Chicago-based biotech startup Lefkofsky co-founded with Tempus COO Ryan Fukushima in 2020, gained unicorn status in March with a $365 million round of funding that brought its valuation to $1.6 billion. Its day-to-day management is vested in other hands. Pathos, Echo and Tempus still call 600 W. Chicago Ave. home. Lefkofsky continues to focus on building Tempus, which in late August announced the acquisition of Paige, an AI company specializing in digital pathology. The $81 million deal is mostly being paid with Tempus common stock. With six unicorns under his belt, Lefkofsky is not ready to give up the CEO's role at Tempus anytime soon. "I think my focus over the next several years is just running Tempus and making sure that it delivers on its mission," Lefkofsky said. As to the prospects of starting unicorn No. 7 down the road, Lefkofsky didn't rule it out. "I don't have any plans to start another company," he said. "But every once in a while, you know, things come up and you get excited." 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: Nazarbayev University Nearly six decades after its invention, the design of the computer mouse has remained largely unchangedwith serious consequences for users. A new study led by Jose Berengueres, Associate Professor at the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences of Nazarbayev University (NU), Kazakhstan, together with Tony Yu from the University of Melbourne, emphasizes the urgent need for ergonomic redesigns that better fit the human hand and prevent long-term injury. The research is published in the journal Interactions. Repetitive strain injuries are a growing concern worldwide, especially for young people who spend long hours at computers or gaming. Healthier device design could improve well-being, reduce medical costs, and boost productivity across industries. Nearly 20% of users suffer from chronic disorders related to mouse use, and tests with students at KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden) revealed high levels of discomfort, especially among gamers under 30. Professor Berengueres tested two prototypes: Fleximousea squeezable mesh-body device that encouraged a natural palmar grasp. A-frame hinge mousedeveloped with Tony Yu, University of Melbourne, offering vertical orientation, fewer moving parts, and lower production cost. A critical insight emerged: fit matters. Even a 1 cm difference in hand size strongly affected comfort and usability. With 3D printing, flexible electronics, and advanced materials, researchers see an opportunity to create customizable mice that adapt to hand size and movement. "The mouse is long overdue for reinvention," says Prof. Berengueres. "Done right, it could make computing healthier and more comfortable for millions." The research is published in the journal Interactions. More information: Jose Berengueres et al, Flexible Ergonomics: Can a Flexible Mouse Fix That Wrist Pain?, Interactions (2025). DOI: 10.1145/3759241 Provided by Nazarbayev University 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: GDDR6 DRAM Organization. Credit: https://gururaj-s.github.io/assets/pdf/SEC25_GPUHammer.pdf A team of computer scientists at the University of Toronto recently discovered that a certain type of hardware attack is effective against graphics processing units (GPUs), the core computing engines that power today's artificial intelligence models and cloud-based machine learning services. The researchers found that a Rowhammer attack, previously known to affect the memory in central processing units (CPUs), is also effective against GPUs equipped with graphics double data rate (GDDR) memory. GDDR is designed for high-speed data transfer and is commonly found in graphics cards. A successful attack on GPUs running AI models could result in "catastrophic brain damage" with model accuracy plummeting from 80% to just 0.1%, says Gururaj Saileshwar, an assistant professor in the department of computer science in the Faculty of Arts & Science. Such degradation could have serious consequences for AI applications that depend on those modelsfrom medical imaging analysis in hospitals to fraud detection systems in banks. In a Rowhammer attack, memory cells are manipulated into flipping bitstiny pieces of databy rapidly accessing adjacent rows of cells over and over. This causes electrical interference that leads to errors in memory regions the attacker hasn't directly accessed, potentially allowing them to bypass security or take control of a system. "Traditionally, security has been thought of at the software layer, but we're increasingly seeing physical effects at the hardware layer that can be leveraged as vulnerabilities," says Saileshwar, who is cross-appointed to the Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. Working with second-year computer science Ph.D. student Chris (Shaopeng) Lin and fourth-year computer science undergraduate student Joyce Qu, Saileshwar developed a proof-of-concept GPUHammer attack targeting the GDDR6 memory in an NVIDIA RTX A6000, a GPU widely used for high-performance computing. They discovered that a single bit flip to alter the exponent of an AI model's weight could cause a massive reduction in the model's accuracy. "This introduces a new way AI models can fail at the hardware level," said Saileshwar, who co-authored a paper with Lin and Qu that was accepted to USENIX Security Symposium 2025, held August 1315 in Seattle. The GPU users most at risk are those managing cloud computing environmentsnot individual home or office users. In cloud settings, multiple users may access the same GPU simultaneously, allowing an attacker to tamper with another user's data processing. Saileshwar notes that the researchers had to account for key differences between CPU and GPU memory. GPUs are more difficult to target due to their faster memory refresh rates, slower memory latency and other architectural differences. Ultimately, the researchers leveraged GPU parallelismits ability to run multiple operations simultaneouslyto optimize their hammering patterns. This adjustment led to the bit flips that demonstrated a successful attack. It wasn't easy. "Hammering on GPUs is like hammering blind," Saileshwar says, noting that the team nearly gave up after repeated failures to trigger any bit flips. On CPUs, researchers can use tools to inspect the memory interface and understand how memory accesses behave and how instructions are sent from the CPU to memory. But because GPU memory chips are soldered directly onto the GPU board, there's no easy way to perform similar inspections, Saileshwar says. The only signal the team observed was the eventual bit flips. Earlier this year, the researchers privately disclosed their findings to GPU giant NVIDIAnow the most valuable company in the world. In July, the U.S. company issued a security notice to its customers. NVIDIA's suggested remedy is to enable a feature called error correction code (ECC), which can repel a GPUHammer attack. However, the researchers found that the remedy slows down machine learning tasks by up to 10%. They also warned that future attacks involving more bit flips might be able to overwhelm even the ECC protections. The findings underscore the need for increased attention to GPU securityan area where Saileshwar says work is "just beginning." "More investigation will probably reveal more issues. And that's important, because we're running incredibly valuable workloads on GPUs. AI models are being used in real-world settings like health care, finance and cybersecurity. If there are vulnerabilities that allow attackers to tamper with those models at the hardware level, we need to find them before they're exploited." More information: GPUHammer: Rowhammer Attacks on GPU Memories are Practical. gururaj-s.github.io/assets/pdf/SEC25_GPUHammer.pdf 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 Next time a Starbucks barista tells you that your favorite latte flavor is out of stock, blame artificial intelligence. The Seattle-based coffee giant said Wednesday that it is embracing AI technology to keep track of inventory in its coffeehouses. Over the past few months, Starbucks rolled out "AI-powered automated counting" to assess inventory across thousands of its coffeehouses in North America, the company said. The technology replaces the practice of manually tallying inventory. The change will take effect at all Starbucks stores by the month's end. "With a quick scan using a handheld tablet, partners can instantly see what's in stockensuring cold foam, oat milk or caramel drizzle are always available," chief technology officer Deb Hall Lefevre wrote in a news release. "Customers can enjoy beverages their way, every timeand partners spend less time in the backroom and more time crafting and connecting." Starbucks calls its employees partners. The technology, which was developed in collaboration with Redmond-based software company NomadGo, relies on "computer vision, 3D spatial intelligence and augmented reality," Starbucks said. It counts inventory in minutes and delivers information on product availability. NomadGo said in a news release that the technology was deployed at over 11,000 Starbucks locations in North America. It described the method, which is used through tablets and smartphones, as 99% accurate. "Manual inventory counting has long been one of the most disliked and error-prone tasks in food service and retail," the company wrote Wednesday. Starbucks said that, soon, the technology "will even automate restock orders." The coffee chain estimates that, as a result of the new technology, inventory is counted eight times more frequently. The data also helps speed up deliveries and curb stock-outs. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said in an investor call in July that he is focused on creating "the coffeehouse of the future," a redesigned coffee shop that costs less to construct. Niccol revived the coffeehouse tradition of writing on cups with Sharpie markers. The chain plans to incorporate healthier products, such as sugar-free beverages and drinks featuring coconut water, to appeal to conscientious clientele. Starbucks is also capitalizing on the growing interest in protein consumption. Recently, it confirmed the release of its protein lattes and protein cold foam, which is scheduled for Sept. 29 in the U.S. and Canada. But still, it is not abandoning its calorie-packed offerings. Late last month, it welcomed back the cult favorite pumpkin spice latte and other seasonal products, which resulted in "a record-breaking sales week" in the U.S., Bloomberg reported Monday. "At Starbucks, innovations are grounded in a simple goal: to elevate the craft of coffee and deepen human connection," Hall Lefevre wrote. 2025 The Seattle Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Blog Archive: Dec 2025 (46) Nov 2025 (141) Oct 2025 (153) Sep 2025 (149) Aug 2025 (154) Jul 2025 (155) Jun 2025 (150) May 2025 (155) Apr 2025 (9) Mar 2025 (149) Feb 2025 (139) Jan 2025 (155) Dec 2024 (144) Nov 2024 (143) Oct 2024 (155) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (155) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) Vietnam's Politburo requests early implementation of Ninh Thuan nuclear power project By Bach Quang Thu, September 4, 2025 | 3:23 pm GMT+7 The Politburo, Vietnam's highest decision-making body, has requested early implementation of the Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 nuclear power projects and putting them into operation in the 2030-2035 period. Under the newly-released Resolution 70, dated August 20, on ensuring national energy security until 2030, with a vision to 2045, the Politburo orders early execution of the projects with suitable partners, ensuring the highest interests of Vietnam while taking into account previous agreements. Ninh Thuan 1 will be located in Phuoc Dinh commune, Thuan Nam district, and Ninh Thuan 2 in Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district, both in the former province of Ninh Thuan. State giants EVN and Petrovietnam have been named as the respective investors. Ninh Thuan and Khanh Hoa, home to the beach town of Nha Trang, were recently merged to form the new Khanh Hoa. A notice released by the Government Office in June 2025 said developing power sources, including nuclear energy, is vital to ensuring national energy security. Photo courtesy of Trungnam Group. The Government has planned to deploy a special mechanism for investing in the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has been assigned to work with relevant parties to negotiate and sign international treaties with partners on investment cooperation to develop the two plants. This will be completed in September for Ninh Thuan 1 and in December for Ninh Thuan 2. The Ministry of Finance has been tasked with completing negotiations and signing credit agreements for Ninh Thuan 1 in September and for Ninh Thuan 2 within next March. EVN and PVN must submit documents asking for approval of investment policy adjustments by competent authorities. This is expected to be completed during the National Assembly session in October-November 2025 for Ninh Thuan 1 and by May 2026 at the latest for Ninh Thuan 2. Afterward, the State Appraisal Council, chaired by the Ministry of Finance, will appraise and submit to the Prime Minister for approval of the investment project and location in 2026. In addition to the two nuclear power plants in Khanh Hoa province, the Politburo requests compilation of a program to develop nuclear power on flexible scales and small modular nuclear power plants. Operators need to increase investment in research and development of atomic energy technology, gradually master nuclear power technology including nuclear reactor technology, and select advanced technology. This must be suitable to Vietnam's conditions, ensuring absolute security and safety and optimizing overall socio-economic efficiency, while encouraging state-owned and private enterprises to participate in the development of small modular nuclear power, according to the resolution. In 2005, the Party Central Committee greenlighted a plan to build two nuclear power plants in Ninh Thuan. Four years later, the parliament approved the plan with an initial investment of VND200 trillion ($7.59 billion). In November 2016, the parliament decided to halt the 4,000 MW project, citing safety, funding and technology reasons. However, in November 2024, the legislative body agreed to resume the project after an eight-year suspension. A notice released by the Government Office in June said developing power sources, including nuclear energy, is vital to ensuring energy security and sustaining Vietnams projected double-digit economic growth. The countrys 2050 net-zero commitment also demands an accelerated shift toward clean, green, and renewable energy. Report Explores Link Between Student Engagement and Learning Over 90% of teachers, principals, and superintendents agree that student engagement is a critical metric for understanding overall achievement, according to a new survey report from Discovery Education. Yet engagement is hard to define, the researchers found, and educators disagree on its top indicators. For its "Education Insights 2025-2026: Fueling Learning Though Engagement" report, Discovery Education polled 1,398 superintendents, teachers, parents, and students from across the United States about what engagement looks like, how best to measure it, and how to sustain it. Survey data was collected in May 2025 by Hanover Research. Across educator responses, there was broad agreement on the top two indicators of an engaged student: asking thoughtful questions and contributing to classroom discussion. Beyond those measures, however, responses by educator persona tended to differ. For example, while 54% of superintendents identified performing well on assessments as a top engagement indicator, only 29% of teachers said the same. And while just over half of superintendents and principals considered spending extra time on studies a top indicator of engagement, only 22% of teachers agreed. School leaders and teachers also disagreed on whether their schools have systems in place for measuring student engagement. While the vast majority of superintendents (99%) and principals (88%) said their district has an intentional approach for measuring student engagement, only 60% of teachers said the same. And about one in three teachers said the absence of a clear, shared definition of student engagement is a key obstacle to effective measurement. "One of the most important findings of this report is that engagement is seen as essential to learning, but is inconsistently defined, observed, and supported in K-12 classrooms," commented Brian Shaw, CEO of Discovery Education, in a statement. "I believe this highlights the need for a more standardized approach to measuring student engagement and connecting it to academic achievement. Discovery Education has embarked on an effort to address those challenges, and we look forward to sharing more as our work progresses." The survey also asked about respondents' perception of AI in teaching and learning. Key findings there include: 66% of students believe AI could help them learn faster. 57% of teachers said they use AI to complete tasks at school. 98% of superintendents and 87% of principals agree with the statement "I frequently learn about positive ways students are using AI," compared to 57% of teachers. 94% of superintendents and 83% of principals said they are excited about the potential for AI to support teaching and learning, compared to 53% of teachers. 100% of superintendents agree that AI must be implemented carefully to avoid negative consequences. The full report is available on the Discovery Education site here (registration required). In addition, the company is hosting a webinar on Oct. 8 at 2:00 PM ET, in which a panel of education leaders will break down the report findings and share their own insights. Find additional details and event registration here. Former president of the Fyzabad Chamber of Commerce, Angie Jairam, has been appointed as the We are hearing a lot about the 10% to be paid to public servants, but nothing is said about PHOENIX Two top Republican lawmakers have a message for Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes: Change your proposed rules for how elections are run, or well see you in court. Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Steve Montenegro contend that some of what Fontes plans to put in a new Elections Procedures Manual goes beyond what is in state law. They say that means he is trying to create law on his own, something he cannot do. The questioned provisions range from changes to the voter registration process to whether party representatives can challenge early ballots over questions of whether the voter has provided proof of citizenship. If the secretary of state wants rules changed, he should propose legislation like everyone else, said Petersen in prepared comments. Arizona law is clear: The Legislature writes the rules for elections, said Montenegro. The secretary of state does not get to invent new ones. If Fontes refuses to correct these unlawful provisions, the courts will. Aaron Thacker, spokesman for Fontes, called the threats of litigation premature, saying the process for adopting a new manual is still underway. He declined to address any of the allegations raised by the GOP lawmakers. Lets allow that process to unfold before jumping to conclusions or engaging in political theater, Thacker told Capitol Media Services. Once the ink is dry, well be better positioned to have a substantive conversation. This isnt the first time the secretarys actions have been questioned, and judges previously declared some of what he has done to be illegal. State laws provide specifics of how everything from voter registration to elections are to be conducted. But the law also requires the Secretary of State, on a biennial basis, to craft a manual that gets into more specific details as guidance for election officials. Some provisions spell out logistical issues, such as posting the notice at polling places of write-in candidates and those who have withdrawn from the race. But it also spells out, in greater details than in statute, procedures and rules for polling places. The Elections Procedures Manual has the force of law, and violators are subject to criminal prosecution. But whats in the manual cannot directly conflict with or overrule whats in the Election Code. Petersen and Montenegro contend thats whats happening here. For example, they cite a provision in the draft manual that says when a database check provides affirmative evidence someone is not a citizen, election officials should give that person until 7 p.m. on Election Day to cure the defect. The Republicans contend that applies only when mandated information is incomplete or illegible. But they say that once an election official has actual indication the person is not a citizen, the application has to be rejected, a letter sent to the applicant, and the case referred to state and local prosecutors. Also being questioned is a provision that if an applicant does not furnish documentary proof of citizenship required under a 2004 voter-approved law that the county recorder must attempt to acquire that proof on the applicants behalf using other records, such as from the Motor Vehicle Division. And they challenge another provision that says a mistake or inconsistency in the required registration of someone to circulate initiative petitions for pay can be excused. The GOP lawmakers say that runs contrary to state law and Supreme Court rulings which require that all laws dealing with initiative petitions be strictly construed. Thacker said the comments by Petersen and Montenegro will be considered, along with any others submitted by last Saturdays deadline for feedback, with the possibility there can be changes before the manual has to be submitted to Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes. Hobbs and Mayes, in turn, can also ask for changes. This entire process is designed to be deliberative and transparent, and is scheduled to conclude by the statutory deadline of Dec. 31, Fontes spokesman said. There was more time for comment this year after the state Court of Appeals ruled earlier this year that Fontes had broken the law last time by allowing just 15 days for public comment. The judges said Arizona law requires at least 30 days for comments on any proposed regulations, elections or otherwise. In another court loss for Fontes, a federal judge last year blocked him from enforcing a provision in his 2023 version of the manual that would have allowed him to refuse to include a countys vote in the statewide totals if the local supervisors failed to certify the results. U.S. District Court Judge Michael Liburdi acknowledged the 2022 effort by the Cochise County Board of Supervisors to delay certification. That action threatened to hold up the formal canvass of all the votes through the entire state, and even to change the outcome of some races. But Liburdi said the solution Fontes incorporated in the Elections Procedures Manual allowing him to skip over those uncertified votes simply to finalize the state results would unfairly and illegally disenfranchise voters who had cast ballots. Liburdi also barred Fontes from enforcing another provision which would have prohibited any activity by a person with the intent or effect of threatening, harassing, intimidating, or coercing voters ... inside or outside the 75-foot limit at a voting location. The judge said theres no problem in general with barring intentional threats, intimidation or coercion. The issue, he said, is that it also would outlaw actions that have the effect of doing so, regardless of the intent of the person. Royal Bhutan Monastery of Rajgir is a bridge of friendship and heritage says Tobgay Rajgir, Sep 4 (UNI) Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay today said that the newly constructed Royal Bhutan Monastery at the internationally renowned Buddhist pilgrimage city of Rajgir is a bridge of friendship and heritage, and is a symbol of the deep cultural and spiritual bond between India and Bhutan. Tobgay, Bhutan Chief Abbot and spiritual leader Je Khenpo and union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju jointly inaugurated the newly constructed Royal Bhutan Monastery at the internationally renowned Buddhist pilgrimage city of Rajgir in Nalanda district. The ceremony began with traditional Buddhist rituals, prayers and a circumambulation of the monastery, performed by Prime Minister Tobgay, union Minister Rijiju, Bihar Education Minister Sunil Kumar Singh, Je Khenpo, Indias Ambassador to Bhutan Sudhakar Dalela, and several senior monks. The chanting of Buddhist hymns by monks created an aura of peace and spirituality throughout the atmosphere. Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Tobgay said the monastery was a symbol of the deep cultural and spiritual bond between India and Bhutan. He called it a bridge of friendship and heritage, expressing confidence that it would not only become a sacred site for Buddhist devotees but also attract tourists from across the world in the years to come. Leaders of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Timor-Leste, the Republic of Korea, the US, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and France, and the ASEAN Secretary-General have extended their greetings to the top Vietnamese leaders on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sent congratulations to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, while Malaysias Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar extended greetings to State President Luong Cuong. In their congratulatory letters, the Malaysian leaders welcomed the 2024 upgrade of VietnamMalaysia ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024, a historic milestone fostering deeper cooperation across traditional and emerging sectors. They also appreciated Vietnams support for Malaysias ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 and expressed their commitment to work closely with high-ranking Vietnamese leaders for more substantive results, benefiting the two countries people and for peace, cooperation, and development in the region. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam sent congratulations to President Luong Cuong and PM Pham Minh Chinh, affirming that Brunei attaches importance to its comprehensive partnership with Vietnam, praising the tangible results of the 20232027 Action Plan in contributing to the development and prosperity of both countries. The King expressed his desire to further strengthen friendship and cooperation during his upcoming state visit to Vietnam. In his letter sent to the Vietnamese State and Government leaders, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto affirmed that the two countries have built a strong and enduring relationship over seven decades. He stressed that the two countries have upgraded their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and will continue to cooperate closely, not only for their mutual benefit but also to contribute significantly to peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sent congratulatory letters to Party General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong and PM Pham Minh Chinh. Meanwhile Senate President Francis Escudero and Speaker of the House of Representatives Martin Romualdez sent letters to National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. The Philippine leaders expressed admiration for the solidarity and resilience of the Vietnamese people, describing it as an inspiration for many countries, including the Philippines. They also lauded Vietnams international integration and rapid economic development, reaffirming the long-standing ties between the two peoples, expressing the desire to strengthen bilateral relations and expand strategic partnership between the two nations. In their congratulatory messages to President Luong Cuong and PM Pham Minh Chinh respectively, King Maha Vajiralongkorn and acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai of Thailand praised the resilience and solidarity of the Vietnamese people in national development, and welcomed the recent upgrade of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. They affirmed their wish to further strengthen cooperation, especially in trade, investment, infrastructure, education, and culture, for the benefit of both nations and the development of the ASEAN Community. Secretary-General of the People's Action Party (PAP) and Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong sent congratulatory letters to Party General Secretary To Lam and PM Pham Minh Chinh. Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam extended greetings to President Luong Cuong. Meanwhile, Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore Seah Kian Peng sent a congratulatory message to NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man. The Singaporean leaders praised the friendship, political trust, and multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, noting that the newly established VietnamSingapore comprehensive strategic partnership provides a solid foundation for stronger and more substantive cooperation, particularly in emerging areas such as food security, renewable energy, carbon credits, digital cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. They also expressed a desire to further strengthen interactions and delegation exchanges at all levels and channels; promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. In his congratulatory letter to President Luong Cuong, President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta highlighted the historical significance of the August Revolution, saying that it inspired nations worldwide in defending freedom and national sovereignty. He also spoke highly of the strong friendship between the two countries, affirming a desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation as Timor-Leste actively prepares to join ASEAN. President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung sent a congratulatory message to State President Luong Cuong, expressing confidence that the Vietnam RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to develop more strongly and reach a new height in the coming time, based on solid trust and deep affection between the people of both countries. On behalf of the US Government, Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended his heartfelt greetings to the Government and people of Vietnam. In the message, he praised Vietnam's impressive development and affirmed the country is an important regional partner, playing a leading role in addressing common global challenges. With 2025 marking the 30th anniversary of Vietnam US diplomatic relations, the diplomat expressed his pride in the progress achieved within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, while reaffirming the commitment to strengthening the ties to promote peace, prosperity, and security for both nations and the region. From Japan, President of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru sent congratulations to Party General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, while Emperor Naruhito extended greetings to State President Luong Cuong. Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan Nukaga Fukushiro and President of the House of Councillors Sekiguchi Masakazu also conveyed messages to National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. The Japanese leaders hailed Vietnams reform efforts and the countrys achievements, and celebrated the positive development of the Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across multiple fields, noting how the two countries have become irreplaceable partners. They expressed their hope for enhanced partnership across such domains as economy, security defence, parliamentary cooperation, and people-to-people exchange. On the occasion, the the Central Committee of the Japanese Communist Party also sent congratulations to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). Meanwhile, messages of congratulations were sent from Governor-General of New Zealand Cindy Kiro to State President Luong Cuong, from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Party General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, from Speaker of the House of Representatives Gerry Brownlee to National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. The New Zealand leaders laid stress on the significance of the September 2 celebrations, describing it as a vivid demonstration for Vietnams impressive development journey. The countrys standout socio-economic achievements continue to inspire the international community, they stated, expressing their confidence that the Vietnam New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to develop on the back of the solid friendship, mutual respect, and shared commitment to strengthening the bilateral cooperation. In her message sent to State President Luong Cuong on the occasion, Australian Governor-General Samantha Mostyn emphasised this as a milestone marking eight decades of nation-building and socio-economic development, with outstanding innovation and resilience of the Vietnamese people. She affirmed that Australia and Vietnam are sustainable partners, with bilateral relations built on a foundation of strategic trust. Both sides continue to concretise their vision and commitments within the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework, where people-to-people connections serve as a particularly important foundation for the bilateral relations. She expressed her desire to visit Vietnam soon to witness the country's recent development. The Communist Party of Australia also sent congratulations to the Communist Party of Vietnam. French President Emmanuel Macron sent congratulatory letters to Party General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong, while Prime Minister Francois Bayrou congratulated Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. They highlighted the momentum generated through the October 2024 visit to France by Party chief and then State President To Lam, during which the two countries upgraded their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. French leaders affirmed their commitment to building an ambitious partnership with Vietnam and as well as the one between the EU and ASEAN. The French leaders reiterated both countries' shared commitment to respecting international law, peaceful resolution of disputes, and multilateralism, reaffirming their commitment to continue promoting close relations with Vietnam while working to build an independent alliance between Europe and Asia with the EU and ASEAN at its centre. National Secretary of French Communist Party Fabien Roussel also sent congratulations to Party General Secretary To Lam. ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn congratulated Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, underscoring Vietnams crucial contributions during three decades of ASEAN membership. He highlighted Vietnams role in reinforcing ASEAN unity and centrality, spearheading sub-regional initiatives and reducing development gaps. The Secretary-General underscored that under the Prime Minister's leadership, Vietnam has consistently maintained its commitment and played a key role in promoting ASEAN cooperation across all three Community pillars. Besides, he highlighted Vietnams ASEAN chairmanship role in 2020 as well as the success and significance of the ASEAN Future Forum with efforts to shape ASEAN's strategy, affirming continued support for Vietnam and other member countries in implementing the Kuala Lumpur Declaration ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future./. VNA HA NOI The stock market was stable after the holiday break, with the VN-Index hovering around the 1,680 point level. Most securities firms had anticipated the market would remain flat and oscillate within the range of 1,650 to 1,690 points, reflecting investor caution following the extended holiday period. This prediction aligned closely with the actual market behaviour, as the VN-Index frequently shifted between positive and negative territory, ultimately closing with a minor decrease of less than one point compared to its reference level. On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the VN-Index was little changed on Wednesday, down slightly 0.91 points to 1,681.3 points. Although this slight adjustment interrupted a four-session upward streak, it did not alter the short-term bullish trend. Despite the VN-Index closing in the negative zone, the number of gainers outpaced decliners by 212 to 110. The bourse's liquidity rose slightly by 8.4 per cent from the last trading session of August to VN37.3 trillion (US$1.4 billion). Profit-taking pressure from large-cap stocks was a primary factor contributing to the index's decline. The VN30-Index, which tracks the 30 largest stocks on HoSE, fell 5.79 points, or 0.31 per cent, to 1,859.59 points. In the VN30 basket, 12 stocks increased, while 15 decreased and three ended flat. Key market players such as Vietcombank (VCB), Vingroup (VIC), Mobile World Investment Corporation (MWG) and SSI Securities Corporation (SSI) all saw decreases of over 2 per cent from their reference prices. Sector-wise, the securities group faced the most significant selling pressure. Besides SSI, leading stocks like HCM City Securities Corporation (HCM), Vietcap (VCI) and VIX Securities (VIX) also corrected by around 1 per cent. Agribank Securities Corporation (AGR), however, bucked the trend, logging the maximum daily gain of 7 per cent. Many other sectors, including realty and gas and oil, displayed positive performance. In the real estate sector, only VIC, Vinhomes (VHM) and Vincom Retail (VRE) closed below their reference prices, while the remaining stocks experienced strong gains. Smaller-cap stocks such as Phat Dat Real Estate Development (PDR), HCM City Infrastructure Investment (CII), DIC Group (DIG) and Dat Xanh Real Estate Services (DXS) even reached the ceiling prices. The oil and gas sector exhibited similar trends, with all stocks rising except for PV Gas (GAS), which maintained its reference price. Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (BSR) saw a 4 per cent increase, contributing positively to the overall index. On the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX traded higher at 282.7 points, up 2.72 points, or 0.97 per cent. Foreign investors extended their selling streak to four consecutive sessions, recording a net selling of nearly VN2.9 trillion on HoSE and VN51.1 billion on HNX. BIZHUB/VNS HA NOI For Viet Nam, the journey to establish a national brand in the digital space requires a sharp strategic vision, bold innovation, and a tightly connected ecosystem involving the State, enterprises, and the community, experts have said. Viet Nam is now entering an era in which the boundaries of time and space are increasingly blurred by technologies. While the first two decades of the 21st century witnessed a race among traditional brands, where physical products were recognised through logos, packaging, or promotional campaigns, today marks the era of digital brands, where core values are built and spread through technologies, data, and digital experiences. According to experts, in an age of intense globalisation, a national brand is no longer merely a cultural or economic image. It also represents a commitment to the quality and values a country offers the world. Viet Nams digital economic picture this year is laying a solid foundation for affirming its national brand on the international stage. With a population of over 101 million and a mobile connection rate exceeding 126 per cent, equivalent to 127 million subscriptions, Viet Nam demonstrates the strength of a dynamic digital society, where technological infrastructure serves as a bridge linking all aspects of the economy, culture, and daily life. Vu ang Vinh, CEO of Vietnam Report JSC, noted that 79.8 million Vietnamese people are using the internet, accounting for 78.8 per cent of the population, and there are 76.2 million social media accounts, equivalent to 75.2 per cent of the population, an increase of 3.5 million accounts in just one year. These figures reflect not only an impressive pace of digitalisation, but also the rise of social media as a key channel of interaction, where brand stories are formed, shared, and spread at unprecedented speed. Notably, each internet user in Viet Nam spends an average of six hours online per day, including more than three hours on mobile devices and over two hours on social media platforms. This presents favourable conditions for the national brand to make its mark, connect with the world, and affirm its identity. Alongside the growth in digital connectivity, e-commerce has emerged as a key pillar in positioning the Vietnamese brand in the eyes of international consumers. Viet Nams national brand, propelled by digital transformation, is no longer simply a label indicating product origin. It has become a strategic asset that reflects the trust, sustainability, and creativity of the entire nation. The harmonious integration of cultural identity, product quality, and technological strength is forming a solid foundation that allows Viet Nam not only to participate in, but also to shape the playing field of the connected economy, where commerce, services, production, and communications are all deeply intertwined through data and digital platforms. The mergence of provinces and cities is not only an administrative reform but also a strategic restructuring of the countrys development space. From this, key economic regions are expanding not only in scale but also in identity, where potential in terms of infrastructure, resources, and culture is being interconnected to create stronger momentum for sustainable growth. This redrawing of the administrative map opens up interregional development opportunities, helping to optimise resources, reduce overlapping governance, and create favourable conditions for economic activities, investment, and services, Vinh stressed. Within this context, digital brands play a central role in enabling each locality to assert its unique identity while contributing to the overall national brand. This transition requires localities to go beyond physical infrastructure and policies, and to tell their stories creatively, leveraging the power of data, digital platforms, and modern communications technologies. Local administrations are urged to take the initiative in formulating data digitalisation policies, developing digital infrastructure, and attracting technological investment. Meanwhile, businesses must become the drivers of innovation, capitalising on the integrated space to expand value chains and bring their products and services to global markets via digital channels. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-founder and Co-chair of the Boston Global Forum, observed that building a global digital brand is key to the sustainable development of Vietnamese enterprises in the era of artificial intelligence. He pointed to two essential elements that every business must prepare in the digital age: first, the rational allocation of financial resources to digital brands and AI projects to avoid fragmented investment; and second, the cultivation of a creative workforce capable of connecting with international talent networks, paving the way for the development of digital brands as a sustainable foundation for every enterprise. VNS HA NOI Over the past 80 years of national construction and development, Viet Nams export journey has vividly reflected historic milestones, the countrys dynamic economic transformation, and its rising position on the international stage. From the difficult years of wartime, when exports were limited to a handful of basic goods, Viet Nam has grown into a major trading nation in the region and one of the worlds leading export-driven economies, with total trade turnover approaching US$800 billion. The country has consistently posted trade surpluses in recent years, making significant contributions to GDP growth as well as the cause of industrialisation and modernisation. Driving force for growth Experts noted that in the early years of the oi moi (Renewal) period, despite limited resources and economic hardships, exports of agricultural products, minerals and light industrial goods played a vital role in generating foreign exchange and opening gateways to international markets. From the first shipments of rice and coffee to the world, to textiles and footwear exported to the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and later expanding to the US, Japan and the EU, Viet Nam steadily laid the foundation for an export-oriented economy. As Viet Nam normalised ties with many countries, joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and later acceded to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007, the country's exports recorded breakthrough growth. According to experts, export successes have stemmed not only from production efforts but also from a strategy of deep international integration. Viet Nam has signed a series of new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs), including high-standard and comprehensive deals such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the EUVietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said many activities have been organised to connect Vietnamese producers with foreign buyers through trade promotion channels and the overseas trade office network. At the same time, efforts have been made to support enterprises with tailored market information, remove trade barriers, and help them maintain traditional markets while expanding into new ones. In the past seven years, Viet Nam has consistently ranked among the worlds top 20 economies in terms of trade scale, while also standing among the 15 most attractive destinations globally and regionally for foreign direct investment (FDI). Overcoming challenges However, experts also pointed out that Viet Nams exports face new challenges. While export turnover has grown rapidly, reliance on the foreign-invested sector remains high, especially in electronics, phones and computers. Most domestic enterprises still participate in lower value-added segments and a strong domestic supply chain has yet to be established. In addition, strict sustainability requirements, carbon emission reduction commitments, and environmental and labour standards from markets such as the EU, US and Japan are placing increasing pressure on exporters. Without timely adaptation, businesses risk losing competitiveness or even facing new trade barriers. Nguyen Anh Son, Director of the Ministry of Industry and Trades Agency of Foreign Trade, forecast that the 202530 period will witness intensified global competition for resources, markets, technologies and high-quality human resources. Sustainable development, green growth and circular economy will become inevitable global trends. Therefore, Viet Nam must proactively and flexibly adapt, seize opportunities from supply chain shifts, and shield domestic enterprises from geopolitical risks and protectionism. Three key factors have been identified: diversifying markets, strengthening internal capacity, and accelerating technological transformation. VNS HA NOI Intellectual property (IP) protection is increasingly being recognised as a vital safeguard for Vietnamese enterprises striving to maintain competitiveness and promote innovation in a rapidly evolving global market, experts have said. Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vo Tan Thanh said that despite Viet Nam having over 700,000 registered trademarks, IP violations remain widespread. Critical gaps in IP protection framework During a recent forum in HCM City, Thanh said although the country has historically benefitted from abundant resources and low-cost labour, these are no longer viable long-term advantages. Viet Nam must shift to a growth model driven by innovation. Both Resolution 57-NQ/TW and Resolution 68-NQ/TW stress that innovation is the new engine of growth, and the legal foundation for IP protection must be prioritised for improvement, he said. Over the past decade, Viet Nam has taken notable steps to enhance its legal framework for IP rights. Participation in the World Trade Organization and a series of next-generation free trade agreements, including the CPTPP, EVFTA and RCEP, has compelled the country to align with higher international standards. Despite progress, the country's IP legal framework still contains many significant loopholes, according to Thanh. He cited statistics from the Intellectual Property Office of Viet Nam showing that in 2024, there were more than 2,000 cases of IP infringement, with the value of counterfeit or pirated goods reaching into the hundreds of billions of ong. In the first half of 2025, authorities uncovered more than 3,270 cases of IP infringement, resulting in damages worth thousands of billions of ong and causing significant harm to brand reputations. In Viet Nam, both small businesses and major brands are being blatantly counterfeited, Thanh noted. According to international studies, the rate of IP violations in Viet Nam remains high compared to many countries in the region. He warned that this causes economic damage and seriously impacts the nation's reputation, investment climate and integration into the global economy. Lawyer Mai Thi Thao, deputy director of TAT Law Firm, said many companies believe that once a trademark is registered, it is automatically protected by law. But in reality, case after case shows that having protection does not necessarily mean being protected. Thao said at the conference that her firm is currently handling numerous infringement cases that demonstrate the limitations of the current system. Without a flexible appraisal mechanism and a robust, specialised IP court, she warned, even major national brands can suffer significant damage in their own domestic market. "Brand protection is vital protection, Thao said. You cannot just promote a brand, you must have a legal strategy running in parallel. Firms fighting against counterfeit goods During the event, Le Thi ong Phuong, deputy director of Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Soft Drink JSC's HCM City branch, raised concerns about the widespread sale of fake versions of the company's products. According to Phuong, counterfeit Salanganes Nest goods are often sold at drastically low prices, distorting the value of authentic products and infiltrating even rural markets, where consumers may lack access to accurate information or product verification tools. In response, the company has taken a range of anti-counterfeiting measures, including the use of QR codes for product traceability, anti-counterfeit stamps and exclusive packaging for online sales. It is also working closely with local authorities to crack down on illegal producers. Despite these efforts, Phuong noted that many customer complaints about fake products remain unresolved. These counterfeit items are not just damaging the company's reputation, they also pose a real threat to consumer health, she said. The deputy director emphasised the urgent need for stronger measures to combat IP violations and counterfeit goods. Protecting the intellectual property of enterprises is also protecting the strength and competitiveness of the country, while preserving the spirit of creativity and innovation of the Vietnamese people, she said. Phuong called on authorities to enhance the legal framework with clearer regulations and stricter penalties for violations. She also urged greater oversight, particularly in the fast-growing digital marketplace. Among the key recommendations are the development of technologies to identify sellers on e-commerce platforms, verification of legal and tax information, and the application of artificial intelligence to detect and warn against counterfeit and fake goods. Additionally, she suggested reviewing and issuing national product standards to better protect consumers and legitimate businesses. Bong Hoa Viet from Binh Minh Plastics JSC outlined the lack of a clear legal framework as a major obstacle in the fight against counterfeit goods. If a long established company like ours still finds it difficult to deal with counterfeiting, the situation is even more precarious for small and medium-sized enterprises or start-ups," Viet said. He called for the swift completion and activation of a dedicated Intellectual Property Court system, staffed by a team of highly qualified and specialised judges. In addition, he stressed the importance of issuing clear standards for calculating non-material damages in IP violations, particularly damage to brand reputation, which he argued can be more devastating than financial losses. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam is cashing in on its green credentials, transferring another million tonnes of verified carbon credits to the World Bank. Under a newly issued resolution, the Government has approved the transfer of one million tonnes of carbon emissions reductions from forests planted in the North Central region to the World Banks International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). The volume is part of the 5.9 million tonnes of surplus carbon emissions reductions after Viet Nam transferred Phase 1 credits, earning US$51.5 million. According to the agreement, about 95 per cent of this transfer will be returned to Viet Nam by the partner to implement the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The NDC is each countrys commitment to reduce greenhouse gases under the Paris Agreement, submitted to the United Nations every two years. The transfer price follows the payment agreement signed five years ago between the two sides. At an average of $5 per tonne, Viet Nam can earn about $5 million for this transfer of 1 million credits. The proceeds will be paid to forest owners, commune-level Peoples Committees and organisations assigned to manage natural forests in five localities under the project: Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri and Hue. Part of the money will also go to groups working to reduce deforestation and forest degradation, raise incomes and improve livelihoods for people in the sector. In 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the IBRD signed an agreement to pay for greenhouse gas reductions in the North Central region, with Phase 1 set at 10.3 million tonnes of carbon emissions reductions. The 20182019 results exceeded that level, leaving a surplus of 5.9 million tonnes. The IBRD later proposed to buy an additional 1 million tonnes. Last year, the ministry proposed to the Prime Minister a plan to transfer an additional 1 million tonnes to generate more funds for forest protection and development activities. The remaining 4.9 million tonnes are being kept to implement Viet Nams own emission reduction commitments, as it is difficult to find transfer partners and the credits lose value over time. BIZHUB/VNS HA NOI China has overtaken the US to become Viet Nam's largest cashew export market, driven by the neighbouring country's recovering demand, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Statistics show that Viet Nam exported 96,000 tonnes of cashews worth US$608 million to China in the first seven months of 2025, up 29 per cent in volume and 47 per cent in value from a year earlier. The surge helped lift Viet Nams cashew export revenue to $2.8 billion in the seven-month period, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 18 per cent despite a decrease of 2.6 per cent in export volume to 413,000 tonnes. Meanwhile, cashew exports to the US fell nearly 28 per cent in volume to 83,000 tonnes and dropped 12 per cent in value to $561 million, as higher tariffs weighed on demand, according to the ministrys ImportExport Department. Cashew exports to China, however, were driven by an economic rebound, a stronger appetite for healthy snacks and better adaptation by Vietnamese exporters and manufacturers to Chinas requirements. Vice President of the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS) Bach Khanh Nhut said exports to China have surged in recent months as traders increase purchases ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival. He added that China will remain the key market for Vietnamese cashews in the remaining months of this year, with projected increases in demand. For more than a decade, the US has been Viet Nams top cashew buyer, often accounting for over 20 per cent of shipments. The 20 per cent retaliatory tariff is weighing heavily on exports, especially as Vietnamese cashew prices are already higher than last year. At the same time, the US market is showing stronger demand for processed cashew products, with imports reaching nearly 28,000 tonnes worth $214 million in the first half of this year, up 33 per cent in volume and 53 per cent in value, according to VINACAS. Vietnamese cashews are now present in more than 90 countries and territories. More than 300,000ha of cashew growing areas are spread across more than 20 provinces and cities in Viet Nam. Binh Phuoc Province is home to a majority of these areas, with 150,000ha. VNS HA NOI Italian enterprises are urged to take a more active role in supporting Viet Nams sustainable development goals in a move to strengthen bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation during a business conference in Ha Noi on Thursday. In his speech at the event, Deputy Minister of Finance Ho Sy Hung highlighted the strategic importance of Italys experience, technological expertise and financial capacity in helping Viet Nam tap into new and shifting global investment trends. Viet Nam looks forward to stronger engagement from Italian companies in advancing sustainable development, especially through high-tech investment and financial solutions aligned with global green trends, he said. Hung emphasised the need for deeper collaboration in areas such as science, technology and innovation, underscoring their role as key drivers for future economic growth. At this forum, we will have the opportunity to connect and share cooperation experiences in four potential areas including mechanical machinery and agricultural technology; energy transition and circular economy; infrastructure and transport; and high technology and innovation, Deputy Minister Hung said. He also called on Italy to advocate for the swift ratification of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) by remaining EU member countries while urging Italian investors to support Vietnamese enterprises in expanding their participation in global supply chains and to explore new areas of cooperation such as the digital economy, green economy, circular economy, energy transition, financial centres and free trade zones. In light of Viet Nams commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, Hung also expressed strong interest in learning from Italys experience in developing renewable energy and fostering a green economy. The Ministry of Finance attaches great importance to the voice of the business community. We are ready to listen and engage in dialogue to promptly address challenges, improve the legal framework and create a more favourable, equitable and attractive investment environment. Our goal is to promote a win-win spirit that contributes to the friendship, prosperity and sustainable development of both countries, he said. A key outcome of the forum was the signing of more than 10 memorandums of understanding (MoUs), covering crucial sectors such as Industry 4.0, energy and infrastructure, finance and insurance, trade promotion and tourism. These agreements mark a significant step forward in shaping concrete projects and expanding bilateral business ties. Italy is now Viet Nams third-largest trading partner in the EU. In the first seven months of 2025, two-way trade reached over US$4.3 billion, marking a 5.1 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Viet Nam's exports to Italy totalled $3.1 billion, up 4.5 per cent year-on-year, while imports from Italy reached $2 billion, a yearly rise of 6.7 per cent. These figures highlight the growing dynamism and complementarity in the trade relationship. On the investment front, Italy currently has 162 valid projects in Viet Nam with a total registered capital of over $624 million, placing it 32nd out of 151 countries and territories investing in the country. In contrast, Viet Nam has one investment project in Italy with a total capital of nearly $700,000, indicating room for further outbound investment. BIZHUB/VNS HCM CITY Vietnam International Sourcing and the Export Forum 2025 opened in HCM City on September 4, attracting 450 procurement delegations from 60 countries and territories. Their opening ceremony was attended by senior Party and State leaders, government officials and others. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang highlighted that Viet Nams trade was worth US$786 billion last year, with exports growing by 14.3 per cent to $405 billion. The 12 per cent growth target for trade for 2025 is well within reach after it rose to $515 billion in the first seven months of the year, a 16.3 per cent year-on-year increase. According to Thang, the VIS 2025 and Export Forum focus on connecting Vietnamese enterprises with global supply chains. Now in its third year, VIS has grown by 50 per cent, attracting 450 procurement delegations from 60 countries and territories, including from key markets such as the US, EU, Japan, and South Korea and emerging ones like the Middle East, Latin America and Eastern Europe. Over 400 Vietnamese enterprises are showcasing 12,000 products ranging from agricultural produce, beverages, and processed foods to textiles, footwear, furniture, packaging, and supporting industry goods. Other localities are also involved in the events and are hosting international delegations. For example, Tay Ninh will welcome 150 business groups and distributors from 24 countries on September 6. The events also feature thematic conferences and seminars, providing Vietnamese businesses with insights into consumer trends, market regulations and global demand, while enabling foreign buyers to better understand Viet Nams production capabilities and cultural strengths, Thang added. Nguyen Van Dung, vice chairman of the HCM City Peoples Committee, underlined the citys expanded role following the merger of Ba Ria Vung Tau and Binh Duong provinces with it. With a population of nearly 14 million and accounting for 22.3 per cent of national GDP, the city was determined to be a hub for international cooperation, he said. Dung said organising these two events simultaneously with the International Travel Expo HCM City was a symbol of harmony in strategy and vision. It reflects the citys commitment to creating the most favourable conditions for both domestic and international enterprises to grow, spread positive values and build a green, sustainable, and innovative economictourismtrade ecosystem. At VIS 2025, Central Retail showcased products from 14 Vietnamese enterprises with strong export potential grouped into four categories: coffee, chocolate, health-focused products such as Can Gio birds nest, Ngoc Linh ginseng and Phu Ninh mineral water, and eco-friendly packaging. Central Retail also introduced its private labels GO! and Viet Gems featuring regional specialities certified under the OCOP programme, and invited procurement representatives from Thailand to connect with Vietnamese firms. Paul Le, vice president of Central Retail Vietnam, said: Enterprises joining us at Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 will also be promoted at the Vietnamese Product Week in Paris this October, organised in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Trade. This is a valuable opportunity to diversify markets, reduce reliance on the US market and increase access to Europe. The events run until September 6 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre. VNS